Chapter Text
Friday morning, March 21st – Oriol Harbor House in Barcelona
Beatriu Villaplana had been a maid in the Oriol family for many years. It was shortly after the accident that had put Carmella in a coma, when the family matriarch herself contacted Beatriu about becoming a maidservant to watch over her daughter’s comatose body. At first, she had wanted to refuse, but it was clear that she had lost her position in the world of volleyball and that future was no longer possible. So, Beatriu accepted the job offer and lowered her sights on her hopes and dreams.
Considering that she was the maidservant for the very person that had so ruthlessly crushed her chances at a better life, one would have thought that the job would have been a living hell. But, for a maid – she was paid well, the work wasn’t too difficult, and there were a few happy moments. Not enough that she didn’t hate the person that had ruined her life, but it wasn’t an all-consuming hate either. It was just enough to keep her from ever trusting Carmella… or forgiving her.
It had been a week since the wedding, and Carmella's condition was much improved. Well, at least her physical condition was improved.
The previous evening, she had seen Carmella off as she left with her one suitcase. It was the largest suitcase in the house and Beatriu had not doubt that the kitchen staff would soon discover that all the fine silverware had been stolen.
She recalled the moment of Carmella’s departure vividly...
“To think that I allowed a pathetic person like you to be my maid for all these years, and you don’t care one bit that I’m being abandoned by my own family. You ungrateful bitch!” Carmella had spat at her as they waited at the curb for the taxi that would take Carmella and her mammoth suitcase away.
Carmella had seemed nervous and kept looking over her shoulder at the house and then peering down the road for the expected taxi.
“I am not pathetic and you haven’t been abandoned. Even after disowning you, your mother still had the grace to get you an apartment. Of course you’ll have to get a job of some kind to buy food. And, you’ll have to learn how to clean up after yourself… and cook for yourself. I’m sure it will be a challenge for you, but it will be a good growth experience.” Beatriu said evenly.
“Fuck you. I won’t be in such a hurry as you might think!” Carmella spat. Then she seemed delighted as the taxi finally pulled up. She rushed the driver to get her trunk loaded and seemed to be in a hurry to get away. Beatriu waited until Carmella was in the cab before talking to her again.
“Listen, Carmella…” Beatriu was instantly cut off.
“It’s Mistress to you, maid!” Carmella hissed.
“If you’re worried about someone in the house discovering that all the nice silverware is gone, don’t worry. I took care of it already.” Beatriu told her former mistress with a terse smile. She and Carmella both knew that the complete set of silverware in the villa would fetch over a hundred thousand euros at an auction. The expensive set was kept in dozens of protective felt bags that were stored in a special wooden cabinet. The cabinet was special because of the properties of the wood that it was made of. But there was no lock on it. That was why Beatriu was certain that Carmella would go after the silverware.
“What? How did you do that?” Carmella was stunned that her plan had been figured out and also that Beatriu had done something about it.
“Two nights ago, I replaced all the nice silverware with common flatware. The weight is about the same but you would know the difference if you bothered to open up the protective felt bags.” Beatriu told the stunned woman, “You are not miss or mistress any more. You aren’t as smart as you think. You are extremely predictable. But most of all, Carmella… you need to learn to know your place.”
“You… you…” Carmella stuttered in her complete shock.
“Drive on!” Beatriu said as she smacked the roof of the cab. She turned to walk back into the house as the taxi drove off and smiled as she heard Carmella’s parting scream.
“YOU BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITCH!” Carmella’s scream trailed off as the taxi sped away.
But now it was the morning of the next day, and it was Beatriu’s turn to be sent away. She was employed to be Carmella’s maidservant and that was a position that was no longer required. Beatriu had already packed up most of her things and was ready for the matriarch to give her the dismissal letter. So, it was not unexpected when she was called into Sophia’s office.
What was unexpected was that señor Kaga was there. After seeing him also in the room, she thought that she must have arrived at the wrong time. Ever the graceful servant, she quietly bowed and began to back out of the room.
“Ah good, Beatriu is here.” Sophia said to Kaga-san. Then, turning to the tall dark haired girl she asked, “You have your license to drive a motor vehicle, don’t you?”
“Yes, my lady.” Beatriu answered. Expecting to hear that her services would no longer be required, she was a little bewildered at the lady’s question… or that the lady wasn’t asking any questions about her departed daughter.
“I’m sure you know how to get to the family vineyards. But, do you know how to ride a horse?” Sophia asked.
“Yes, my lady. I learned to ride so that I could escort the mis… Carmella.” she replied.
“I see. Well, let’s put all that training to use. I had intended to escort señor Kaga and his party on a tour of the vineyards and a ride through the countryside today, but it seems that other demands are taking me away from doing the things that I enjoy. Would you be so kind to escort them in my stead?”
“Yes, my lady.” the tall girl appreciated the trust that was placed in her, but she had been worried about this day for a while now, and she had to know. “If I may ask, will this be my final duty?”
“Your final duty? What is the meaning of this?” Sophia sounded confused and señor Kaga looked up from his laptop in surprise as well.
“Well… I was hired on as…”
“Oh yes! I had quite forgotten. So, now that my daughter is gone, can it be that you do not wish to work here any more?” Sophia asked.
“No! Not at all! I mean yes! My lady, I do wish to continue to work here. I just thought that… you would have no use for me now.” Beatriu quickly corrected the misunderstanding.
“Well, I have no intention to let you go – if that was what you were wondering. I need you here now, more than ever.” Sophia told the stunned girl.
“You… you do?” Beatriu asked,
“Of course I do! You already know the operation of the main house and this one. You are familiar with the vineyards and the property on Menorca. Aside from your duties in the house, you can drive, ride horse, and sail. Do you think I will be able to find someone like that every day? Besides, I already have three employees retiring over the next two years. I cannot afford to lose someone with your experience now.” Sophia rattled off the reasons to keep Beatriu as if it was something that she had already given great thought to. Then her tone changed to curiosity and she asked the girl, “But… having worked for my daughter for all these years, do you think you can work for me now?”
“Yes! Yes, my lady! I would gladly work for you.” Beatriu gushed.
“Excellent! Then, change into something appropriate for horseback and check with the kitchen for some picnic baskets. You can take whichever vehicle you think is appropriate.”
“Yes, my lady!” Beatriu bowed and quickly left the room with a lighter step than she had felt since High School.
“Well?” Sophia asked as she turned to Kaga-san.
“Nicely done. You are amazing, as ever.” he congratulated her on her employee handling skills.
“If only I had been as amazing at raising my daughter.” the Oriol matriarch turned and looked out the big picture window that had a view the rows of sailboats in the harbor. She could hide her face that way, but Kaga-san could see her shoulders shake as the sudden feeling of loss and failure overwhelmed even a regal woman like her. The positive emotions she had just been feeling were lost in the morass of her misery.
Kaga wanted to say something to help her, but nothing felt right. He stood and, moving behind her, he put his hands on her shaking shoulders and pulled her back into his chest. “Perhaps… in time…”
“Yes, perhaps. Thank you Kaga-san.” the elder Oriol woman laid her delicate fingers across his hand and let the falling tears wash away some of her frustration.
Friday late morning, March 21st – Oriol Vineyard in the Hills of Barcelona
Banri's attempts to ride… or even to mount a horse were, shall we say, comical. And that was being very kind. It seemed as if the physics of friction ceased to exist between his body and the saddle, and he would slip and fall from the horse at the slightest provocation.
Beatriu was starting to wonder if he was doing it on purpose. She had never seen anyone fail so spectacularly before, but after having dealt with someone like Carmella for years she was nowhere near the end of her patience. That couldn't be said for the others though, and it was his own bride that chastised him first.
“Banri!” Koko sounded as if she was both scared that he would eventually hurt himself and exasperated at his clumsiness. “How can you not be able to ride a horse? You even come from a farm!”
“Koko, I come from a farm in Shizuoka, not Hokkaido. We haven't had horses on our farms since… before I was born. I don't think my parents know how to ride a horse either.” Banri defended himself… and his prefecture.
Beatriu laughed after she heard Kaga-san's translation of their conversation. Then she admitted, “He has a valid point. The horses here are only kept for traditional roles. Everything here at the vineyard is done by machines or human hands. However, if the rest of you are willing, we do have a horse drawn cart that everyone can ride in.”
“Yes!” Youko surprised everyone by quickly embracing that option. When she saw the rest of them looking at her, she blushed a little and admitted, “I can get up on a horse and ride it… if it follows the horse in front of me. But I really don't know what I'm doing and I don't feel particularly comfortable on one.”
“Wagon it is!” Kaga-san didn't bother with any more vote taking. Although he did enjoy a good horseback ride, he would rather sit with his wife. So the vote would carry for the wagon even if Koko wanted to choose horseback.
Beatriu watched Koko's reaction. Knowing that she was the flesh and blood daughter of… that woman, gave her a new perspective on Koko. And it wasn't a particularly favorable perspective. Then again, the other half of her came from señor Kaga, and he had always been a most respectable man. So, in the maid's mind, the jury was still out on whether Koko might be human or… another monster.
“Can I sit next to Banri in the wagon?” Koko asked.
“Yes, miss. It is a working wagon, so I will drive the horses from the front. The rest of you will be sitting on hay bales.” Beatriu told them.
“Oh, how romantic!” Youko cheered.
Koko thought so too and Beatriu was glad that they did. Asking the guests to sit on hay bales could be considered insulting. And she did not want her first duty, working directly for Lady Sophia to go down in flames because she had insulted the lady’s guests.
Beatriu managed the horses and the cart while the party slowly made their way past well tended vineyards growing in the valleys and up the sides of the surrounding foothills. She couldn't tell what they were talking about with her limited knowledge of Japanese, but from their tone, they sounded like they were having a good time. Every so often, she would hear a peal of Koko's laughter and she marveled at the difference between this girl and her former mistress. Carmella's laughter had always seemed sinister to her, but Koko could laugh like someone truly in love… or like someone who could open up their heart and enjoy life. The others were also cordially jovial but it was Koko that Beatriu was the most concerned about. She was the one descended from a monster. Hers was the blood genetically tainted by…
A chill ran through Beatriu in the midst of her thoughts. I'm being just like her… like Carmella. I have unfairly judged someone because of their lineage. If I had considered it but a little more, I never would have thought such terrible things. It is true that Koko is descended from ‘that woman’. But at the same time, ‘that woman’ is descended from Lady Sophia. And she… Lady Sophia is the most noble and kind person I have ever known. My apologies Koko… no, Lady Koko. I have wronged you if only in my mind, but I will endeavor to do better. After all, you have won the endorsement of Lady Sophia. And, for that reason alone, I should have given you my trust and good will as well.
Saturday morning, March 22nd – Barcelona Airport
During some parts of their vacation, Banri felt like time was dragging on and they would never get back to Japan. But now that it was time to board the airplane that would take all four of them home, it seemed that their time in Europe had passed by in the blink of an eye.
They had seen nothing of Carmella since the night that Youko had arrived. She had been recovering in the Oriol family's Harbor House for the week that followed the wedding, but Banri and Koko hadn't been there. The newlyweds had accepted an invitation from Armando and Esteban to go sailing around the Spanish islands in the Mediterranean, following the wedding. It had been an impromptu honeymoon gift that they had both enjoyed immensely.
Kaga-san had also gone traveling with his wife. He showed her all of his favorite places and introduced her to a few long time friends. But all of their travels had come to an end at the airport near Barcelona where a few friends were seeing them off. Armando and Esteban had brought Banri and Koko from their villa in the hills. Sophia and her tall maid, Beatriu brought Kaga-san and Youko from the coastal villa. Now, at the departures gate at the airport, it was time for all their farewells.
“Mi Amigo, Banri Tada!” Armando clasped Banri around the shoulders and kissed him on both cheeks again. And, once again, Banri blushed and sputtered. Esteban gave him a handshake and an understanding smile while the energetic Armando worked his way down the line to Koko next. Sophia also held Banri gently and kissed his cheeks, but it felt more like the love of a grandmother coming from her. And so… it was far less embarrassing.
“Will we see you again in four months?” Sophia asked.
“Four months?” Banri blurted out, before remembering that the Kaga-san and Koko had a habit of making a trip to Barcelona every summer.
“Perhaps… you should come visit us this summer?” Kaga-san asked Sophia.
“Daddy!” Koko said indignantly.
“Hah… my mistake. Koko has already told me of her plans to come back and see Paris and the Mediterranean with Banri, this summer. But, you should consider visiting us next March. The Sakura will be in bloom and there are some wonderful onsens nearby.” Kaga-san offered.
“I will consider it. But I do look forward to seeing my beautiful granddaughter and my wonderful grandson again!” Then she put her delicate hands on their youthful faces and told them, “Seeing the two of you so happily married assures me that I will soon see many wonderful great-grandchildren!”
The smiles on the faces of Banri and Koko suddenly turned to shock on the last words of her praise.
“No pressure…” Kaga-san said with a smile as he took his wife’s arm and headed for the gates.
Banri and Koko numbly followed her parents while the words of her grandmother and father circled around in their heads.
“Great-grand… children.” Koko said under her breath so that only Banri should be able to hear.
“Many?” Banri paled. “Maybe she was teasing?”
“They are Spaniards,” Kaga reminded them, “they do not joke about big families.”
“My Lady, I don’t think they understood what you said.” Beatriu said after their guests were safely away.
“What do you mean? Did I say something confusing?” Sophia asked.
“I don’t know. My Japanese isn’t good enough to keep up with your conversations. But, it appeared that you said something that quite shocked them. Since you said it with a smile, I assumed it was supposed to some kind of wish for good fortune or safe travel. So their reaction seemed out of place.” the maid replied.
“I told them that I was expecting lots of great-grandchildren.” Sophia told her maid.
“Really?” Beatriu was surprised, “I don’t see why that would cause them alarm. Surely that is the wish of every mother or grandmother, isn’t it?”
“If they were from anywhere else in the world, it probably would be. But Japan is different. Their population is in decline. Many of their young people do not marry. Of those that do, many do not have any children. And of the ones that do make a family, few of them have more than one child.” Sophia explained.
“Inconceivable.” Beatriu uttered. And, although she did believe what her Lady told her, she couldn’t imagine what kind of a hell a place would have to be like for married people to not want to bring their children into it.
“Beatriu, do you speak English?” Sophia asked.
“A bit. I had good marks in High School and made it to the conversational level, but I haven’t done much with it since then.” she answered honestly.
“Excellent. I want you to concentrate on learning Japanese and getting your English skills back up.” Sophia decided.
“My Lady?” Beatriu asked.
“I foresee a particular need. As both of them are in a law school, they may both become professionals and claim that they don’t have the time to raise children. I need to render that excuse useless, and sending them a set of eyes and ears that are loyal to me has its value too.”
“Pardon?” Beatriu wasn’t keeping up with her Lady’s thoughts and was worried that her mistress might think she was an idiot if she couldn’t contribute something more useful than ‘huh’ and ‘what’ responses.
“I want Banri to be able to ride a horse and speak Spanish on his own. I want my great-grandchildren to be able to do those things too, and they should be raised to know that there is another family and another culture that they can also call home. I know that I told you that I will need you at the estate, but you may have a much more important duty to fulfill in a year or two.” Sophia was starting to get excited as she considered the possibilities if she put this plan into action.
“Yes, my Lady?” Beatriu was still lost but she was certain that her mistress was counting on her for something important.
“How good are you with children?” Sophia asked her trusted maid.
“Eh?” Beatriu’s eyes opened wide when she finally realized what all of this was about. She wants me to go to Japan to help raise her great-grandchildren! She was thrilled that her mistress would place that much trust in her and it was true that she had often wanted to work with children, but… she did worry about her previous concerns of what Japan must be like.
...what kind of a hell a place would have to be like for married people to not want to bring their children into it.
Tuesday morning, April 1st – Tokyo
Since none of the family or friends of Banri and Koko had been able to attend their Spanish wedding, they hadn’t mentioned it to anyone yet. Well, at least not to their friends. Kaga-san, Youko, and Koko went with Banri to visit his parents in Shizuoka and tell them about it. There, they decided that they would have a small local wedding with a reception for all their friends during Golden Week. Youko had already contacted an apartment finder to locate a place big enough for the two of them and close to the university, but for the time being, Banri would remain in his current apartment.
And on this first day of the new semester, that is where Banri started his morning. The spring break was over and, although he had truly enjoyed every day of it, he was glad to be going back to school. The loneliness was an uncomfortable feeling though. He had been living at home with his parents for the past several months, and had been with Koko during most of spring break. And Koko wasn’t the kind of person that cared much for ‘personal space’. If she could have glued herself to Banri’s side, she probably would have. Sometimes that had been a little unnerving for Banri, but now that he was back in his small dark apartment by himself, he did miss it after all. As he got ready for his first day back to the college life, he caught himself almost calling out to Koko before remembering that she wasn’t there. He smiled at himself while tying his shoes and hoped that Kaga Youko’s search for a new place for them would be swift. As he left his small apartment, he saw that Nana was still his next door neighbor. She was carrying a small box into her own apartment as he was leaving.
“Good morning Nana-senpai. It took a while, but I’m back.” Banri said victoriously.
“Oh? You were gone?” she said as she disappeared into her apartment and closed the door on any further conversation.
Banri was only briefly stunned by Nana’s comment. Shocking as it was, it wasn’t terribly unlike her to say something like that. Besides, he didn’t have a lot of time to waste on being shocked or catching up with his aloof neighbor. He knew Koko would be waiting for him somewhere on his way to the campus. As he rode the elevator down, he wondered where she might choose to pop out. He knew there was a good place close to the campus, but he didn’t think Koko had the patience to wait that far away. Taking the last few steps down into the street, he knew he was right.
“Good morning, my husb… I mean, my boyfriend!” Koko cheerfully greeted him in a lovely pink dress.
“Good morning Koko!” Banri replied and laughed a little at her enthusiasm. He knew she was too excited to keep their Spain marriage a secret for long.
“Were you lonely last night without me?” Koko asked as they turned and walked toward the school.
“Yeah… I guess I got used to having you next to me when I sleep. I’d have you move in with me now if that place wasn’t so small.” Banri turned and gestured back at his apartment complex when he mentioned his current dwelling. When he did, he noticed Nana-senpai following them in her typical black garb with her guitar case on her back. I suppose Nana-senpai is a senior now. This time next year she will be graduating. Huh… I wonder what a punk-rock lawyer will be like?
Banri and Koko walked into the student center together and found almost all of their friends already there at their familiar table. Oka-chan looked completely recovered from her illness and Mitsuo still had his blond hair. There was only one person missing.
“Where is Linda?” Banri asked.
“She is a senior member of her club now, remember?” Mitsuo pointed out.
“Oh yeah, we’ll have to be heading over there soon to get ready for the recruiting drive.” Banri said.
“It’s not like she’s really missing. Mitsuo won’t leave her alone for more than a minute at a time.” Sato smirked as he looked over at the cell phone in Mitsuo’s hand.
“Hey, leave me alone! You can’t talk when you guys get to have your girlfriends here with you!” Mitsuo rebutted.
“I won’t pick on you, but if she doesn’t get her things done because she gets interrupted too much, you’re the one she’ll be getting mad at.” Koko warned.
“You’re… probably right about that.” Mitsuo wanted to object, but Koko really wasn’t being mean and her point was valid.
Bling!
“Well, it looks like Linda wants to text him too.” Oka-chan pointed out when Mitsuo’s head snapped down to read the message.
“Ah! She just told me to go ahead and tell you guys. We will be getting married during Golden Week and we want all of you to come to the reception!” Mitsuo announced.
“That’s great!” Banri cheered.
“Congratulations, Mitsuo!” Oka-chan added.
“I’m really happy for you.” Koko said sincerely.
“I’m really happy for you too. But, just so you know…” Sato said with a smug look, “You didn’t win the race this time. Oka-chan and I are getting married in two weeks in Fukuoka. I know it’s a long way from Tokyo, but we would like you guys to come if you can.”
“We’ll be there.” Koko said as she clasped Banri’s hand.
“I’ll talk to Linda about it, but it shouldn’t be a problem.” Mitsuo said.
“Are you sure? It takes a whole day just to get there, you know.” Oka-chan was apologetic that everyone was having to go so far out of their way on her account… or at least, on her family’s account.
“Hmm…” Koko whipped out her smart-phone from her purse and did a quick search. Then she asked, “You said, two weeks from now. So, the weekend of the twelfth or the nineteenth?”
“The Nineteenth.” Sato confirmed.
“It’s under four hours from Haneda…” Koko said aloud as her fingers continued to select things on her phone.
“You’re going to fly?” Oka-chan sounded dumbfounded. Her family had always driven the long route. Of course, they had been traveling with a car full of belongings too.
“Done. I have reservations for two round trip tickets, a hotel room, and a rental car.” Then she looked across the table at Mitsuo and said, “I can get a pretty good discount right now since we have a bunch of airline points from our trip to France and Spain. Do you want me to get two more tickets and another hotel room?”
“Er…” Mitsuo thought about calling Linda or texting her with an urgent message, but there were some things he should be able to do on his own. Besides, she would have eighteen days to make arrangements so, “Yes, please! And let me know how much our part is.”
“I can’t believe you guys!” Sato was stunned that it had already happened so quickly. It had taken him months to set up this wedding but Koko had made all the travel arrangements in under five minutes.
“Thank you, Koko. Thanks to all of you for doing this. It really means a lot to me.” Oka-chan said.
“So… what about you guys?” Mitsuo asked, “Sato and Oka-chan have their wedding in a few weeks and we have ours during Golden Week. Are you going to try and get a weekend after that or are you going to wait until the summer break?”
“Can I tell them?” Koko asked Banri. The poor girl looked like she would explode if she had to keep her big secret any longer.
“All right, Koko.” Banri gave in to her excitement. He had wished they could have waited until Linda was also present, but they would see her in the club room soon. And Koko really didn’t look like she could hold it in much longer.
“Ha ha ha!” Koko’s laugh was almost sinister as she stared down Sato while she put her ring on, under the table. She had brought it along just in case they got a chance to tell their friends. And it wasn’t the little daily-wear ring either. She might wear that one later, but for full dramatic effect, she would need the Oriol heirloom ring. Everyone was looking at her as she stood up and presented her hand with the ring of gold metal, red gemstones, and the great rock in the center. “You don’t get to win this race either, Sato-kun! Banri and I were married in Barcelona over two weeks ago!”
Sato was too stunned at the incredible ring to be upset about not being the first of the couples to get married. There was a flurry of questions about the trip and the wedding, but they would have to wait. Everyone’s cell phone went off at that moment and it was time to go meet with their clubs to get ready for the big recruiting event.
Linda was already in her costume when Banri, Koko, and the other members arrived at the club’s meeting room. She was directing some things to be moved and other things to be carried out to the courtyard. But she stopped and rushed over when she saw Banri and Koko enter the room.
“What’s going on? Mitsuo sent me a message to see you two as soon as you got here. You’re not quitting the club, are you?” Linda sounded worried.
“Nothing like that.” Banri smiled.
“I think he wanted you to see this.” Koko had lost the bravado she had shown only a few minutes before in the Student Center. Now it was Banri’s childhood friend and former love interest, Linda that she was showing off to. Linda was still someone important in Banri’s life and Koko was a little more reserved as she timidly raised her hand to show off the ring.
“Wha… Oooh… OOOOOOOH!” Linda’s eyes were open as wide as saucers as she stared at the ornate ring that decorated Koko’s finger. The finger reserved for a… a… “Wedding ring? Wait… Does that mean… Are you…”
“We were married in Spain.” Banri told his dear friend in the suddenly quiet room.
“Banri and RoboGirl are married?” someone asked.
“Banri and Koko got married in Spain during spring break!” Linda announced to the room. Still stunned herself, she felt better when she could float her own feelings on the tide of well wishing from everyone else in the room.
“That’s great! We are all very happy for you, and we will definitely have to have a club celebration for Banri’s glorious return and for their marriage!” the club president announced in a booming voice. Once he saw that he had everyone’s attention, he then told them, “But right now, we need to get in costume and get out to the courtyard. We need to get a bunch of freshmen this year or we won’t have enough people to do a parade!”
Wearing their predominately blue and white festival garb and either shouting to get attention or handing out fliers, the members of the Festival Club were out recruiting in force. Having pretty girls in traditional costumes was always a crowd pleaser, so they were all used to seeing someone raising a cell phone, a camera, or even a video recorder to capture their energy, their spirit, and their beauty. But there was one person that got Linda’s attention.
As a member of the photography club, it wasn’t unusual to see Mitsuo capturing the events around the school on his camera. But for now, his camera was aimed only at Linda. She saw him holding a camera aimed at her and of course, it brought back memories of their little photo shoot in the onsen in Shizuoka.
Linda blushed just thinking about that trip. Her blush deepened when she thought of all the sexy and lewd things he made her wear. And it deepened again when she thought about the fact that she was wearing some of the sexy lingere under her festival garment even now. But the embarrassment didn’t bring her down at all.
Banri and Koko could see Linda’s lipstick red smile under her blushing cheeks. It made them smile and laugh too. They were both glad for their childhood friend’s and former love interest’s happiness.
It had been a long day and it was now late in the evening. Koko had gone back to Banri’s apartment after the recruiting drive and the small congratulatory party that the club had thrown for them.
“I’m exhausted.” Banri said as he sat down hard on the bed. He glanced over at the the Eiffel Tower sculpture and his clock. It wasn’t even ten o’clock yet, but he could feel his bed and sleep calling to him.
“Me too. But at least it looks like we got a lot of new members today.” Koko said as she too sat down on his bed.
“Listen, Koko…” Banri was too tired to walk her home and besides, he now slept better with her next to him anyway, so…
“Banri,” Koko asked softly as she moved a little closer to him on the mattress and leaned her head on his shoulder, “I know it’s a small bed, but do you think I can stay here with you tonight?”
“We’re even starting to think alike.” Banri said as he turned to meet Koko’s lips. They kissed a brief but sweet kiss and looked down at their meshed hands. Banri’s bigger fingers were meshed with Koko’s more slender and delicate fingers. One of which was wearing the simple ring Banri had given her long ago. It may not qualify as a museum piece, but it was the ring that Banri had given her with all his heart and that made it even more special… at least to Tada Koko.
There was one place where they were not thinking alike. At least, not now. As they lay next to each other on Banri’s small bed, Koko actually felt a little energy returning to her. She propped herself up on one elbow to look at the clock but her eyes fell on the Eiffel Tower sculpture instead. It really was an awful sculpture, but its meaning… Koko’s blush couldn’t be seen in the darkness, but she could feel the heat on her face as she remembered why she had made that sculpture and… what she wanted to do with Banri right now.
“Banri… are you asleep yet?” Koko asked while she tried to signal her need by throwing a leg over him and drawing little circles on his chest with her fingertip.
“Hmm? Almost. Wassup? You need to go to the bathroom?” Banri’s voice slurred since his brain was half asleep.
“No… not that.” Koko used a bit more of her fingernails in Banri’s chest but he still didn’t seem to be getting the clue.
“Okay. Is it something we can do in the morning?” Banri was ready to slide off to deep sleep and there were very few stimulus that would get him to willingly come back from the edge of sleep.
“I guess so.” Koko said with disappointment. Then she remembered something from their time in Paris and wondered if it still worked. Leaning close to his ear, she said. “I just wanted to tell you one little thing. Are you listening?”
“Mmmhmm.” Banri didn’t even open his mouth to reply.
“Je veux un petit panier de petits pains et deux cafés avec de la crème et du sucre. Avec le pain, assurez-vous d'apporter beaucoup de confiture et de beurre fouetté. S'il vous plaît.” Koko said quietly.
Banri’s pulse was racing. His eyes were open wide and seemed to be… glowing. He took a deep breath and let out a long growl. Koko felt something formidably hard now poking against the leg she had thrown over him. But it was only there for a moment.
“Ah!” Koko cried out as she felt an abrupt movement and suddenly found herself on her back underneath a lust crazed Banri. She was scared for only a moment. But this was just what she had wanted, so her lustful passion dismissed her fear and, as Banri crashed into her, she cried out a hearty, “YES!”
The End