“Mr. Minamino, you have a Mrs. Yakato on line three.” Shuuichi Minamino pressed two fingers to the middle of his forehead in slight agitation, his green eyes closing for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he willed everything to disappear, to allow the real world to drop away to give him just a moments peace. Work was always stressful and a Monday morning in corporate Japan was never easy. Already this morning he’d had three meetings and six phone calls that spanned across this country and over seas to the Western portion of the United States. His mother was always telling him that he was too young to be so involved with work, but Shuuichi didn’t think so. At only 27, he had a massive chain floral shops that spanned across Japan, even the United States and China. Petals of Love was the biggest floral company the world had yet to see, and Shuuichi had his hard work and dedication to thank for that. The mother building was his pride and joy, a 20 story high tri-tower, with each tower representing something different. The first tower was dedicated to developing the most intricate flowers, with labs dedicated to finding as many different color combinations as was possible. The second tower was dedicated to marketing and labeling, to promoting his business. And the third tower, the one that housed his main office, was dedicated to housing all the hard working employees, giving them their own office space.
Being so important and involved with work did come with a price, however. Shuuichi was single, and had been single for months now. It wasn’t as though he was unattractive, he was far from it. Called the business worlds “hottest fox”, Shuuichi Minamino was considered quite a catch. With long red hair and emerald eyes, Shuuichi was tall with a slightly muscular build due to his dedication to the gym, going regularly three times a week. Despite his ruthlessness when it came to business and how it needed to be done, outside of work Shuuichi was kind and compassionate, almost Old World with his manners and his ability to be civil in the most taxing of situations. Those who have had the privilege of interviewing him have said that he has one of the most enchanting voices they’d ever heard. No, it wasn’t as though Shuuichi was lacking any in the physical or emotional department. It was more that he’d had bad situations in the past with gold diggers trying to get their own slice of the market he’d built for himself. If there was one thing he wasn’t in the mood for, it was someone trying to rob him blind.
“Sir?” Blinking rapidly, Shuuichi forced himself back to the present, shaking his head to clear it of the fog. He should have known better than to allow himself to drift off during the day, he was busy and honestly couldn’t afford it. Looking down at the phone, he pressed the flashing light of his secretary’s direct line.
“Thank you, Yume. Did she mention what it was she needed?” Shuuichi asked, releasing the button as soon as he was finished. He heard rustling papers on the other end of the line and could just imagine the older woman adjusting her glasses as she read over some notes. He took the time to adjust his tie, regretting for the tenth time that day that he hadn’t chosen to wear his other suit. This one was just so stuffy and he honestly preferred to not wear a tie. Looking up, Shuuichi surveyed his office with a critical eye. He’d chosen earthy tones, jade greens and browns, to suit his tastes. Because he was president he had a large office complete with large windows on the sides and back walls, floor to ceiling to offer him a bird’s eye view of the city. Expensive paintings and pictures decorated the bookshelves, awards and magazines with him on the cover littered the table to the right of his desk. A fresh bouquet of roses was placed on that table everyday by Yume, and today’s ensemble was red and white. They all had meaning, and if Shuuichi was not mistaken, when grouped together, they signified unity. It made him smile; he’d always had a natural love for roses.
“I’m sorry Mr. Minamino but I can’t find any record of her saying what she needed.” Yume replied after the stagnant pause. Shuuichi couldn’t help the small smile that graced his lips. The older woman had been with him for years, since he started this business four years ago, but she still insisted on calling him by his last name.
“Thank you for looking Yume. She owns a funeral home, yes?”
“Yes sir.”
“All right. Thank you. I’ll take her call now.” Shuuichi replied, picking up the phone. “Hello Mrs. Yakato. Thank you for holding.”
“Hello, Shuuichi. I’m sorry to call you such short notice but you told me to contact you in case I needed anything and-”
“Mrs. Yakato.” Shuuichi interjected, his voice calm and collected as always. Leaning back in his office chair, he crossed one leg over the other. “It’s quite all right. What is it I can do for you?”
“Sorry, sorry,” The woman was obviously frazzled, and he could hear the rustle of papers over the phone. “It’s just that I ordered two dozen yellow tipped pink roses and they haven’t come. The funeral service is in three hours.”
“That is most unacceptable.” At this news, Shuuichi sat up. Mrs. Yakato was a friend of his mothers, which is the only reason she had access to his direct line. He really didn’t know the woman personally but it was completely unacceptable that her order had been lost in the shuffle. “Which store did you order it from?”
“Oh, Shuuichi, I don’t want to get anyone in any trouble.”
“The store, ma’am.” Shuuichi reiterated, his tone firm yet still soft. When Shuuichi wanted something, it was given to him.
“It was the store just down the street. One of the first you opened, right on Main. It’s a very busy store, it’s reasonable that they misplaced the order or-”
“It is not acceptable nor is it a reasonable mistake. I apologize and I will phone down and have the roses delivered to you free of charge.” Shuuichi replied, but Mrs. Yakato stammered an objection right away.
“N-No, that’s not necessary! I’ll be happy to pay for them.”
“You will not. I will have the roses delivered to your funeral parlor within the hour. I’ll transfer you to my secretary, if there is anything else you need, she will be able to help you. I apologize, and I can assure you that it will not happen again.” Shuuichi didn’t wait for her reply, simply transferred the call. That’s how it was handled in the business world, short sweet and to the point. As Yume picked up the call, Shuuichi picked up again, this time dialing the manager of the store’s cell phone, needing to get to the bottom of this immediately.
“Yes?”
“Masami, I have a question for you.” Shuuichi’s voice was so calm and quiet, but it wasn’t as though he ever shouted or raised his voice. He didn’t have to.
“Yes sir?”
“Did you have an order today for two dozen yellow tipped pink roses for a funeral at Yakato Funeral Home?” Shuuichi asked, and heard the woman’s slight sigh. “I’m sorry, am I disturbing you on your lunch break by chance?”
“No sir.” Was the reply, and Shuuichi smirked. He really could not stand this woman, but kept her around because she had a good head for business on her shoulders. For all that good sense, however, she had a terrible attitude and Shuuichi had been firm with her. Either she refrained from dealing with the customers or she would no longer have a job. “Yes, we did.”
“Did that get delivered?”
“…No.”
“Can I ask why that is?” Shuuichi asked, and prepared himself for some lengthy excuse. Looking up as the door opened slightly, he nodded at Yume to enter.
“Well, it has been really busy around here sir, we’ve had six or seven walk-ins already and that isn’t counting the deliveries we’ve had called in overnight.”
“I can appreciate that but Masami we cannot have orders that get misplaced or simply forgotten about. I’m sure you can understand how frustrating that would be to not have something done for you.” Shuuichi said, giving his secretary a slight smile as she came to sit in front of his desk. “I am surely not going to lecture you; you are not a child. Please try and limit these types of mistakes.”
“Yes sir.”
“The roses need to be pushed to the front of the line. Get the order filled and sent to her funeral parlor. I assured they would be there within the hour free of charge. Next time this happens Masami, if it happens again, it will come out of your paycheck.” Hanging up the phone, Shuuichi sighed and settled back in his chair, giving his secretary a real smile. Yume returned it, her age showing in the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. Her dark hair was short and hung softly around her chin; her black eyes shimmered with a kindness that was no longer found in most. Despite her age she had a youthful smile and laugh, and still retained a decent figure from her youth. Today she wore a black pantsuit with flats, classy and comfortable.
“Long day already, sir?” Yume asked, giving her boss one of her brilliant smiles. Shuuichi was like a grandchild to her, and seeing his young face so stressed out was not easy for her. He sighed, pressing two fingers to the bridge of his nose in obvious agitation.
“Yes, long day. I just do not understand how Mondays get so overloaded…I knew I should have come in and worked some yesterday.”
“Sir that is ridiculous. It was Sunday and you always eat dinner with your family on Sunday.” Yume replied, crossing one leg over the other. She had a pad of paper in her hand with a pen, which was customary. It was Monday morning, their morning for going over the numbers and figures from last week, as well as brainstorming ideas for this week
“True, true. I suppose I should not be so surprised.” He replied, shoving his bangs back from his face. Yume noticed with a slight smile that he’d already pulled his hair back into a ponytail, something he normally didn’t do till three or four in the afternoon. “So, shall we get started?”
“Well…Actually sir, there’s something that I need to talk to you about.” Yume said, tapping the pen gently on the paper. Shuuichi frowned, noting that she appeared nervous. He was very good at reading people, and having known the woman for years, he knew her moods and expressions well enough to be able to tell. Sitting up straight, he leaned his elbows against the desk, giving her his full and complete attention.
“Of course Yume, go right ahead.”
“First off, I want you to know how much of an honor it has been working for you. I know that at first you didn’t fully believe your business would become as popular as it has, but I had every faith in you right from the start, which is why I stayed long after the others left.” Yume began, referring to the other workers that left in the beginning when times had been rough. Shuuichi had promised that it all would work out, and Yume had been the only one that trusted him. And it paid off, in more ways than one.
“I appreciate your having stayed. You have been the best secretary I could have hoped or asked for.” Shuuichi replied, not liking the direction she was taking this conversation. Still, it wasn’t his way to interrupt and he would let her get her thoughts out.
“Thank you sir. I appreciate hearing that. You have been a most wonderful boss and have been most kind to me.” Yume said, pausing for a moment before finishing. “It’s just that…It’s my son. He’s fallen quite ill and I’m afraid that I have to resign.”
“Oh my…I am very sorry to hear of Yuki’s illness.” Shuuichi replied immediately, but the blow delivered with Yume’s impending resignation was weighing heavily on his mind. Already he was going through the procedures that would be needed to insure that she was properly taken care of, as well as finding a replacement. Yume handled a lot of tasks; there was no vice-president, she handled those duties as well. She really was seemingly irreplaceable and Shuuichi was going to be hard pressed to find one that could fulfill the duties she did so skillfully.
“Thank you. I understand that this comes at a very bad time for you; it’s the start of the fiscal year and one of the busiest times as a result. If I could stay, I would.” She said, and Shuuichi waved his hand in the air as if to dispel her statement.
“Stop. I completely understand. You need to be with your son, I surely am not going to argue the point with you. Of course you are completely covered for retirement by the company plan; even if you weren’t, I’d make sure you were.” Shuuichi started, scooting back in his chair slightly to reach into his drawer, pulling out a few forms. “Your son, he isn’t on the company policy, is he?”
“Oh, no sir. He owns his own restaurant so he has his own insurance.” Yume replied, her eyes widening as she realized what the forms were. Shuuichi was signing his name with a flourish at the bottom of each, not even looking at her.
“Well, these forms are to transfer him to his own plan with the company. The insurance is better and will provide him with better care.” Shuuichi finished signing and then handed her the papers. She glanced them over before shaking her head, trying to hand them back.
“Sir, I can’t accept this.”
“You’ll accept it.” He replied, not even leaning forward to attempt to take them back. “Is there anything else I can do for you, Yume? You have been there for me through the hard times and the good times. If there is anything, I would ask that you tell me.”
“No, I don’t need anything. The retirement plan you set up for me was most generous, and now with this insurance I’ll be well taken care of. But now it is my turn to offer my assistance.” Yume said, and Shuuichi arched a brow.
“Oh? And how is this?”
“You’re going to need a new secretary, and a good one at that. I’ll stay long enough for you to find a suitable replacement. I’ll help you interview them and everything.” Yume said, her smile widening at the look on his face. He looked less than amused.
“Yume, honestly, I do not want to sit through six hundred applicants. If I open this position even locally, I will get about that many.” Shuuichi replied, and Yume laughed, knowing it was true.
“Yes, I know. This is why I was thinking only open the position within the company. That way you’ll have someone who knows the innermost workings and won’t have as much work to do.” Yume explained.
“Ah…Now that’s a good idea.” Shuuichi said, turning his chair slightly to look out the window to the city below. “And you promise to help me?”
“Yes sir.” Yume answered with a laugh. Shuuichi sighed, smiling slightly.
“Well then I suppose I cannot completely be opposed to the idea.” He said, and she shook her head at him, smiling.
“I promise to find you a secretary that’s young, hot and wears those little skirts that are all the rage now.”
“Not if you want me to get any work done around here.” Shuuichi replied dryly, but it was an ongoing joke between the two of them that Shuuichi never paid any attention to any of the females that worked here. Yume thought it was unhealthy and at one point thought he was gay, but that would imply that he went on dates at all. No, Shuuichi was just a workaholic, but Yume had a good feeling that once he found the right girl, all that would change.
“Well sir, the only thing I can promise you is that I will find you someone who can do my job well enough to satisfy you.”
“Yume, you know I am impossibly hard to please. This is why I am currently single.” Shuuichi said instead, rising from his desk to stand at the window. He was getting stiff legs and he was also getting restless for some unknown reason. Probably the extra cup of coffee he’d had this morning.
“Oh stop it. You’ll see. There’s a woman out there who is going to prove that they aren’t all the same.” Shuuichi openly laughed at that, leaning his hip against the window before looking over at his old friend.
“Why don’t you just marry me, Yume? I trust you.”
“I’m sorry sir, but you’re much too poor and ugly for the likes of me.” Yume said, and the two shared a laugh. “I’m serious, though. You’ll see.”
“The only way I am ever going to change my mind is if there’s a girl out there who can deal with a perfectionist, workaholic husband.”
“I’m sure that once you find a girl who loves you for who you are, you’ll stop being a slave to this place.” Yume replied gently, watching him give an easygoing shrug.
“Perhaps. But she’d have to be something special.” Shuuichi turned and looked out the window, wondering if maybe Yume was right. Maybe he just wasn’t looking in the right place. “Really special. Someone with a pretty smile, an enchanting laugh, and a heart strong enough to fix what’s left of mine…”
“And another thing! You better have a gentle disposition. The customer is the most important part of the job and has to be put first always!” Blinking slowly, you stared up at your boss, wondering what it was she was rambling on about now. You’d been sitting in her office for the last hour, listening to her go on and on about protocol and procedures that meant more or less nothing to you. You weren’t an idiot; you knew how to deal with customers. You’d been working at this Petals of Love store for the last two years, since you were 23. Now you’d been appointed assistant manager of the whole store and you were also in charge of doing all the secretarial work. The promotion led to a bigger paycheck but more responsibilities as a result. Not that you minded. What you did mind was Amie Tang standing over you like a den mother, squawking in your ear at the ungodly hour of eight in the morning.
“I understand, Amie, but why are we going over this again? Didn’t you give me this speech when I got hired?” You honestly weren’t trying to sound insubordinate, you were grateful for the position and you were eager to get started. You enjoyed your work, you made good money and it was helping put you through your last course in Business College. You wanted to run your own business someday, though you weren’t quite sure what it was you wanted to do.
“Yes, I did, but now that you’re assistant manager it is even more important that you pay very close attention to what I’m telling you. There’s a lot resting on your shoulders now, especially since I won’t be in the office nearly as much to help you.” Amie, your boss, was probably attractive at one point. Now in her mid-40’s, the woman had the disposition of sour milk only not as sweet, but just as chunky. Her mid-section resembled that of a pear, round and lumpy, but she insisted upon wearing clothes a size too small, more that likely an inner longing for the figure she once had. Amie’s hair was long and stringy, and it looked greasy to the touch. Her eyes were too close together but a pretty blue that set off her light complexion. Used to be pretty was a good way to describe her.
“Why won’t you be in here anymore?” You asked, sitting up before straightening your new dress. Your uncle had taken you out to buy you some new work clothes once he’d heard about your promotion. You didn’t have a relationship with your parents; when you were a child they decided they would be better off without you and your Uncle Ray adopted you without a second thought. As a child it bothered you that they just sort of up and left but Ray loved and provided for you, so you just chalked it up to their loss. You lived on your own now, but close enough to walk to your uncle’s house if you missed his cooking or his dog, Nero.
“It’s some new thing from back over in Japan, where corporate is. Managers are in charge of sales and driving sales, so I’ll be out of the office promoting our business. It’ll be up to you to handle any in store complaints and to answer the phones, as well as all your old tasks.” Amie said, her eyes narrowing as she eyed you. Jealousy barbed through her at the sight of your figure, something she had always been envious of. You were built seemingly perfect and you carried yourself so well that it made it even worse. Half the customers that came in were males and they only did so to see you. It wasn’t that you flaunted it or wore really provocative clothing. Today you wore a knee-length black halter dress with a red belt and black pump heels, very simple and fitting for the job. Amie was pretty sure that was why she was bothered so much by you. It wasn’t just that you had a pretty figure; your face was shaped like a heart, your eyes a little too wide for your face and all the more adorable for it. You kept your hair styled loose and flowing, a compliment to your sunny disposition. Amie knew that she owed pretty much all the business to your beautiful face and compassionate attitude.
“Oh. Well, I think I can do it just fine.” You replied, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear. Crossing your legs at the knees, you sat back in the chair, wondering why it was Amie was looking at you that way.
“Let’s hope so.” There was a pause, and then Amie reached into her desk drawer, pulling out a piece of paper. “Here, all assistants and managers are to see this.”
“What is this?” You asked, taking the paper from her outstretched hand. Looking down, your eyes skimmed the paper as Amie started talking again.
“It’s a fax I got from corporate over in Japan. Apparently the president’s secretary is resigning and he is opening the position to those within the company. Each store can recommend one person for the job. You know Japanese, don’t you?”
“Er, yeah.” You replied absently, reading the paper in greater detail. “My uncle felt it was necessary for me to learn, because I guess we’ve got some diluted Japanese heritage or something like that.”
“Well, I’m gonna recommend you for the position.” Amie said, watching with a small smile as your head jerked up, your eyes wide.
“You…You’re what?” Shock was radiating through your body. Your boss was actually recommending you instead of herself? Truthfully, it could be because Amie knew no Japanese and would be at a complete loss in Japan. Honestly, you didn’t really care what reason it was, it would be a change of scenery. A big change in scenery.
“Let’s face it, (Y.N.). You’re very good at your job, the customers love you. You sell more flowers than everyone here combined, and you’re able to perform multiple tasks at once. You’re be a shoe-in for this job.” Amie hated to admit it, but it was the truth. She was more than sure that you would get the job, and besides, it wasn’t like she wanted to just up and move herself. No, you were young and had no attachments other than your uncle. It would be easy for you and besides, judging by the look on your face, you wanted to go.
“Wow…Thank you so much!” You exclaimed, finally finding your voice. Japan? That would be so exciting, to be leaving the country and going somewhere far away. Starting over, not that you had much to start to begin with. The excitement that was trilling low in your abdomen was making it hard to sit still, and your fingers played with the paper in your hands as you made a mental list of what all you needed to do to prepare yourself.
“Slow down there kid, I still have to submit your resume and my recommendation. As you can see on the paper, if Mr. Minamino likes your resume, he will pay for you to fly out to Japan for an interview. I’m going to fax your information over to corporate tonight before we close up. I’d give it three days to a week for a response.” Amie was rambling on about all this information that you were only half paying attention to. The prospect of going to Japan was outweighing the fact that you may not be able to go. “Are you listening to me?”
“What? Yes.” You answered absently, looking up at her agitated face. She arched a brow, her lips pursed.
“What did I just say?” She asked, but luckily you were saved by an agitated voice from outside in the main shop. You rose immediately, setting the paper down on her desk before opening the door.
“Sorry Amie! I’ll have to finish this conversation with you some other time. Duty calls!” Amie only shook her head as you pulled the door shut after you. Leaning back in her chair, Amie picked up your resume from a stack on her desk, looking over your work with a critical eye. She knew, without a doubt, that if the president called you over to Japan, you would get the job. You were just a likeable person, no matter how much someone wanted to hate you, it was more or less impossible to do so. Amie was jealous of you, yes, but she couldn’t force herself to be rude to you. No matter how hard she tried, you disarmed her with a smile. Sighing, the older woman set your resume back down before leaning over, turning the fax machine on. Why not get a jump on things and start it now? After all, it was obvious you were excited, and the sooner you were gone, the sooner Amie could get an ugly temp to replace you. Nothing like sticking a cactus where a rose once bloomed.
“Ray?” Looking up, Ray Rockwell couldn’t hide the grin on his face at the sound of his niece’s voice. Hearing the front door close, he rose from his place at the kitchen table, stepping out of the way of his dog, who was tearing ass to greet you.
“I’m in here sweetheart.” Grinning as you came around the corner; Ray opened his arms and scooped you up, hugging you tightly to his broad chest. Ray was a big man, clearing six foot five easily with a stocky frame due to his working construction. Ray owned a large contracting company but he did a lot of the work himself, taking pride in getting his hands dirty. Despite his intimidating appearance, his eyes were a gentle hazel which tinted green when he was in a good mood. He kept his hair shorter than you would like; but despite that it was soft and wavy, a deep rich brown that was only starting to turn grey. Ray was a good-looking man but he didn’t date, spent all his time working and looking after you, even after all these years.
“Hey Ray!” You exclaimed, laughing as he spun you around once, reminiscing of the days when you were a child. As your feet touched the ground, he let you go and allowed Nero to greet you. The Irish wolfhound towered over you on his hind legs but you appreciated the affection, rubbing his ears lovingly. After he’d thoroughly covered your face with his breed of kisses, he dropped back to the floor and just stared up at you, his tail wagging fiercely. Ray clapped a hand gently on your back, leading you into the kitchen.
“What brings you here today? I don’t normally cook my chili till tomorrow.” Ray said, and you looked up at him, grinning as he led you to sit in a chair. You plopped down, sliding your heels off with an audible sigh.
“I know, but I have news! Really good news!” You were trying not to bounce in your chair, and you giggled as Nero shuffled over, laying his massive head in your lap. Stroking his fur absently, you watched your uncle move around the kitchen.
“News? Did Amie finally quit?”
“Ray, that is not nice.” You scolded, but couldn’t hide the laugh. He brought you over a can of pop before returning to his beer and contracting papers.
“I know, but neither is that woman.”
“She’s nice to you.”
“She only wants me for my body.” Ray said, quoting a child’s movie. You arched a brow, popping open the top on your can.
“Way to go watching children’s movies, Uncle.”
“If I seem to recall, little missy, you were the one who demanded we go see the movie with the talking cars.” Ray replied, pointing his blue pen at you. You pretended to be really interested in Nero’s grey fur.
“We’re getting off topic; stop distracting me.” You said, and he shook his head, chuckling.
“Sorry ma’am. Please, continue.”
“Thank you.” You replied haughtily, but you couldn’t stop the smile. “I was meeting with Amie today to get started on my new position, and she told me about this exciting promotion she’s recommending me for.”
“Really? Aw, sunshine that is wonderful!” Ray said, looking up at you. You couldn’t help but grin at the open affection in his voice. Nero’s yellow eyes were half closed, and he let out an almost human sigh as your fingers teased behind his ears.
“Yeah. I’d be secretary to the president of the whole company! I mean, think about it. Total pay benefits, I bet the health insurance is bitchin’-”
“(Y.N.).” Ray tried to be firm with you, but couldn’t because of the tone of your voice.
“Oh stop being so stuffy Ray. It’s not like you don’t curse.”
“When I do it, there’s a perfectly good reason for it. Like a lack of alcohol in the fridge, Nero has mauled the neighbors cat again, something like that.” He said as if that explained everything. You looked up, arching a brow at him before taking a drink of your pop.
“Sure, sure. I love how your reasons are seemingly better than mine when they really aren’t.” You replied dryly, before blurting out the most important piece of information. “It would require me to move to Japan.”
“What?!” Ray exclaimed, dropping his pen. His eyes tried to lock with yours but you were busy making gushy faces at the dog. “(Y.N.), for God’s sake, look at me.”
“Aw, come on Ray. Don’t freak out on me.” You pleaded, leaning back in your chair. Nero was asleep, his head still cradled in your lap.
“I ain’t gonna freak out but Japan?!”
“That’s freaking out, dear.”
“Girl, you are pushing it.” Ray replied, shaking his head. “You tell me you’re going to leave this old man here by himself?”
“You’re not old, Uncle, you’re like 47. I thought you always referred to it as ‘seasoned’? Besides, it’s not for definite. Amie is faxing over my resume tonight, and the only way I’ll be going over there is if he likes what he sees.” Trying to reassure him, you turned and gave him a smile, watching him relax slightly.
“Oh…Well, I just want you to make sure you think this over long and hard before you do anything rash.”
“When have you ever known me to do anything rash?”
“(Y.N.), if I have to sit here and list all the impulsive things you have done over the years, you won’t be leaving this room for the next six months, much less going to Japan.”
“God you’re funny. When did you get to be such a comedian?” You asked sarcastically, and he chuckled.
“I’ve always been this funny. You just never appreciated it till now.”
“I’m serious…It’s something I want you to think about. If he offers me a chance to go to Japan…I’m going to take it.” Noting the serious tone in your voice, Ray sobered up, setting down his supplies before sitting back. Running a hand through his hair, he heaved a sigh.
“You’re more than old enough to go and obviously I can’t stop you. I want you to do what’s best for you and if this is what you want, then I’m not going to be the one to stand in your way. I just…I’m going to miss you.” Ray was being completely honest; you were the closest to his heart. He didn’t have wife, didn’t have many friends. His company came from you and Nero, and what goes was Nero half the time?
“I know Ray but I’d call you every day.” Shooing Nero off your lap, you stood and went over, leaning down to hug your uncle. “You have done so much for me, and I want to be able to take care of you once your god-like strength fails you.”
“It never will, but I appreciate that. But you don’t need to travel across the world to do that, and I surely don’t expect you to.” Ray said, hugging you back tightly. You smelled just the same from your childhood and it was enough to drive the man to tears.
“I’m not going just for that.” You told him, pulling back to look in his eyes. “I’m doing this for me too, Ray.”
“What’s there that you’re looking for?”
“I don’t know…I think it’s just the prospect of new things, of seeing new people and whatnot. I mean, it’s not like I’d be completely helpless; you taught me Japanese since I was old enough to speak.” You pointed out, and he shook his head, chuckling.
“Stop making so much sense all the time. I thought kids your age were supposed to be reckless?” He asked, and you laughed, hopping up on the table, swinging your legs.
“I am reckless. I totally have a tattoo of two naked women doing the tango on my ass.”
“First off all, missy, one more curse word out of you and you’re grounded. Secondly, there better not be a tattoo of anything on your ass. Thirdly, stop mentioning your ass.” Ray ticked off his points by tapping his finger against the table. “Get off my papers, child.”
“Nah. Sketches of houses always make the best cushions.” You replied, shifting your weight on the papers. Pinching the skin on the bridge of his nose, Ray shook his head, looking over a Nero, who was staring up at you like the sun rose and set with you.
“What the hell you done to my dog to make him such a wuss around you?”
“Nero has always loved me, sir, and besides, he isn’t a wuss. He scares the hell out of anyone that comes around. And before you say it,” You said, holding up a hand. “Hell is not a cuss word. It’s a place.”
“Where you’ll be residing if you don’t get that silk covered ass off my papers!”
“Cursing, Uncle? How unbecoming.” You said with a smirk, but hopped off the table anyway. “What’s for dinner?”
“I have no idea. I wasn’t going to cook; I was going to order a pizza.”
“I’ll do it.”
“No you will not. Since you’re here, I’ll take you out, to celebrate your new promotion and to welcome new beginnings.” Ray said, watching you stick your head in the fridge.
“This has nothing to do with the fact that you’re out of beer, right?”
“Of course not woman and I’d be damn appreciative if you would stay out of my business.”
“Right. I’d be damn appreciative if you’d stop cursing at me.” You said, unaware that he’d come up behind you. Before you knew it, he’d swatted your ass hard, open calloused palm and everything.
“Stop cursing, woman. I will not hesitate to put you over my knee and I mean that.” Ray was halfway out of the kitchen before you’d straightened fully upright, rubbing a hand over your stinging flesh.
“Corporal punishment is so 1940’s!”
“Can it, (Y.N.).”
“Jerk.” You muttered, shutting the refrigerator with your hip. Nero was sitting there, wagging his tail against the floor. “You love me and my smart mouth, don’t you boy?”
“Come on woman!”
“You will wait just a gosh darn second old man! I am saying good bye to my husband.” You replied, leaning over to kiss Nero’s nose. “Good bye darling! Be sure to get on the table and shred all of Ray’s things, okay?”
“I’ll beat that dog’s ass.”
“You will not touch his ass.”
“(Y.N.)! Curse one more time and so help me God I will impair your ability to speak.” Laughing at his exasperated yelling, you straightened up and started out for the living room. You couldn’t have asked for a better man to play surrogate father, and you owed him so much. Yes, it would be hard to leave him behind but sometimes things just had to be done. While you hadn’t sat down to actually think about what moving would be like and if you really wanted it, you knew you were welcome to the idea of change. Japan would hold so many newfound things for you, and you would love the new scenery. As you stepped outside into the waning sunlight, you found yourself grinning. Sure, it would be scary but you’d always felt a part of yourself missing. While you’d chalked it up to your absentee parents, now you were starting to wonder. Maybe this move, if it even happened, would find that missing piece? It surely never hurt to try. Smiling up at your uncle, you looked over his shoulder at the roses you’d planted yourself. Blowing gently in the wind, the petals whispered against the wood terrace, and for the first time, you actually felt yourself listening.