[Fanfic] We'll Always Have Paris - Chapter Thirty - Five: A Few Steps Closer to Happy Ending
I'm being rather lazy and unproductive lately. I'm trying to boost myself to finish this FF quickly so I can start the Nino fic already. Gambatte to me! *shakes fist*
As always, this is unbeta-ed so tell me if there are any errors and mistakes. Comments, suggestions, reactions and criticisms are gladly welcomed. Happy reading! :)
Disclaimer: I am no way related to Arashi, Johnny's Entertainment or the Japanese Imperial Family. All names and events pertaining to any member of the Imperial family are purely fictional.
Words: 2,567
Chapter Thirty - Five: A Few Steps Closer to Happy Ending
There’s no slightest touch of surprise seen in Johnny Kitagawa’s face as he look at the younger man before him with a blank expression, as if he’s already expecting to get this piece of news from him. The older man nod his head at once, leaning over his wide table and rest one elbow on the edge, preparing for what he’s about say.
“I knew you would come up with that decision.” Johnny-san utter knowingly, still giving him the empty look.
Sakurai Sho’s eyebrow creases in suspicion. “So you knew all along? You knew about the plans to amend the law?” He asked almost irritably.
The old man remained calm as he shakes his head. “When I told you of my meeting with the Emperor, I still don’t know then. I did a little research after we had a talk because I am curious on why his Imperial Majesty is so particular on Princess Sayumi, she’s just a female member of the family, the future of the Royal bloodline doesn’t rely on her, that’s why I feel that he’s holding back on the things he can and can’t say when we met.” He paused and a small smirked etched on his lips. “Turns out it’s a well-kept secret inside the IHA and the National Diet.”
As expected of the Johnny Kitagawa, he’s got sources even inside politics. He’s very sensitive on this kind of things and what he wants, he usually gets.
“Princess Sayumi is the eldest unmarried female member of the family and most importantly her father is next in line, meaning, if the law is passed, she’ll be her father’s next in line.” Johnny-san told him, as if he still doesn’t know that. “That explains why the Emperor is so protective of her, they’re preparing her for her future as Empress.”
“A future she doesn’t know about until yesterday and a future she most definitely doesn’t want to have.” Sho can’t help but chips in heatedly.
Compare to Johnny-san’s cool and collected composure, Sho, on the other hand, is infuriated and short-tempered. His face changes with every word he hears and if only he’s allowed to slam his fist on the table or flip the chairs in the air, he would just to get out his anger.
“Did you already inform her father of your plans?” Johnny-san inquired. “Does the Emperor know?”
Sho’s furious eyes shifted from the floor to Johnny-san as he shakes his head softly. “We’re going to tell her father tonight.” He paused indifferently. “As for the Emperor, I don’t think we need to ask for his permission. We’re getting married prior to the new amended law. It’s not his call to prevent her from doing what she wants.”
Johnny-san nods his head up and down, still very much poker face even with the mention of the unspoken forbidden word in the Jumusho, marriage.
“What about your parents? What do they have to say about this?” Johnny-san asked much to the surprise written on Sho’s face. He thought that the young Princess can further boost the reputation of Sho’s father in the world of the politics. She can help him and his climb to government just by merely being married to his son. The Princess is an instant PR.
“The truth is, I don’t care what they think.” Sho answered rather unenthusiastically, eyes cold and lips twitching in suppressed rage. “It’s not like I need to hear what they have to say or neither do I have to ask for their approval. I’m marrying Sayumi because we love each other, that’s the only thing that matters now.”
Johnny-san slightly raised an eyebrow, sensing that maybe Sho had a previous exchange of blows with his parents, seeing how furious he is talking about them.
The old man folded fingers together on the table, clearing his throat rather loudly before speaking again. “The Crown Prince still doesn’t know as well as the Emperor. Your parents, on the other hand, seems like you’re not in good terms with them recently…”
“I’m almost always not in good terms with them.” Sho corrected and Johnny-san smiled softly.
“Seeing that all these important people in your lives are still in informed of your plans, what makes you think that I will approve of this marriage?”
Sho shoots a disappointed look on the older man. “I thought you will support us as long as we inform you beforehand?” He cried almost mercifully. He hopes in that speech Johnny-san made a few days back, expecting him to be the first person to support them in this decision. But now, all his hopes came crushing down as they face another adversity.
“I did say that.” Johhny-san admits, still as calm as earlier. “But before I give you my approval, you have to get the approval of the more important people.” He said meaningfully and somehow, the panic died down in Sho’s system.
“I told you, Johnny-san, they don’t matter-”
“They do.” The older man interrupted even before he finishes. “Believe me, Sakurai, they do.”
Sho sighed as he buried his forehead in his palms. Lumps are forming inside his chest and it’s getting harder to breath with every minute gone by.
“Say, you did get married, you push through with what you want even without the blessing of your own parents. Do you think married life would be easier that way?” Johnny-san asked him but he remained motionless as he tilted his body forward on his seat.
“Isn’t it better if you start your new life with her with past issued being resolved? Her issues with her family and your issues with your own… isn’t it so much better when you live harmoniously with everyone? Creating your own family and raising your own children knowing their own grandparents? Especially with you, Sakurai, don’t you want your future children to see you in a better relationship with your parents instead of estranging them of their grandparents just because their father hated them?”
Sho slowly lifted his face up his palms, in awe at everything he just heard coming out from Johnny Kitawaga’s mouth. He can’t hide his amusement, the first time he heard the renowned cold and impassive man speak of such heartfelt words.
Sho managed to let out a short chuckle as he gazes into the blank face of Johnny-san. “I should have recorded that on my phone and let everyone in this Jimusho hear what you just said.” He suddenly felt disrespectful for speaking so informally to his boss.
The old man laughed in his usual loud laughter. “If you do that, I have to punish you.” He pointed his index finger jokingly.
“Why are you being so nice all of a sudden?” Sho can’t help but ask as Johnny-san leaned back on his chair comfortably.
A brief silence fills the room as Sho awaits his answer. “I guess it goes with age.” Johnny-san answered calmly before he took his time to stand up from his chair. He collected his folders and carefully puts them inside his briefcase bag.
“I don’t have much time to live, Sakurai, I better use my remaining time making right decisions and being mindful of other’s feeling rather than solely benefiting from you guys.” He answered meaningfully before he walks towards the door.
Once he turns the knob and the door opens, he looked back at Sho who stood up from his seat to bow. “You know when to come back to me, Sakurai.” Johnny-san puts in as Sho nodded understandingly, the lump crowding his chest felt so much clearer now.
----------
After being picked up by Kiyomizu from Sho’s apartment, Sayumi was brought back home at Togu Palace. She skipped the wonderfully prepared breakfast and went straight to her room to take a shower. She planned on going to the hospital first as Sho will not be available until tonight due to his schedule.
Sayumi decided to talk to her father alone, to say sorry for the things she said yesterday and for the scenes she created because of her impulsiveness. She thought that she’s already used to the harshness of the media. Being in their prying eyes since she was young, she assumed that there’s nothing worse than what they had speculated in the past but she got it all wrong. Turns out that she’s still a newbie in this world and she regrets letting her anger take over yesterday.
The turmoil in the morning newspapers and news TV shows has gone out of control. Pictures and videos of her getting out of the hospital, surging through the lion’s den of reporters, hailing a taxi and entering the NTV building are overwhelming the headline page and television. Speculating that she had a big argument with her father and running to Sho for comfort, some even say that she might run away with him to some faraway country. There are just too many fabricated stories that she felt sick in the stomach reading or hearing them.
When she got to the hospital, her father is already awake, sitting comfortably on his bed while reading the newspapers. She tried to snatch the paper from him but he gently told her that he’s not affected by the lies they created for he knows the truth. He gave her his brightest smile and just by that she knew that he already forgiven her for what she did even without asking for his forgiveness.
She still says sorry, though, along with a big bear hug as she throws herself towards him.
The rest of the day continues normally. They never talked about what happened yesterday nor do they once brought up the topic of her possible claim to the throne. They just talked about light and positive topics like her acceptance to Tokyo University’s Faculty of Law, which she received earlier when she got home and her father’s rather fast recovery. His doctors say that if he continues showing positive signs of recovery in the coming days, he might already be allowed to go home in a week.
“Is it okay if Sho comes over tonight?” Sayumi asked almost quietly as she helps him back on his bed after they had their afternoon tea.
“Of course.” He answered enthusiastically, turning on the television as he tuned in to an American news channel tackling about business stocks and economy.
“Will they allow him to enter?” Sayumi refers to the security outside his door.
He shifted his gaze to Sayumi. “Are they not allowing him near you?” He asked unknowingly.
“Yesterday, they were ordered to keep him away from the Palace or inside this hospital.” She told her father who obviously is hearing this for the first time. “They only backed down last night when Nee-chan allowed me to spend the night at his house, under your orders to allow me to go where I want to go.”
Her father’s forehead wrinkled as he shakes his head. “And this morning? How did you manage to go home?”
“I called Kiyomizu to pick me up. I asked him to come alone.” She sat on the chair beside the bed and clicks her tongue quietly. “Every time I see them, I feel like I’m looking at Grandfather’s puppets. It annoys me. I know they’re just doing their job and I don’t have the right to get angry at them but still…”
“I will talk to your grandfather, Yumi.” Her father reassured her. “I will do everything in my power to convince him that Sakurai-san is as eligible, if not, even better than those marriage partners we approved for you.”
Sayumi tried to force a smile as she warily looked at her father. Surely, he will be disappointment with their news. She understands that he wanted her to have better future by supporting the amending of the law but it’s just not the future she wanted. She hopes that he will understand why she and Sho have come up with their decision to get married.
“Father…” She started, taking his hand as she stood up from her chair to sit beside him on the bed. “Sho will come later because we have an urgent matter to tell you…”
The sudden change in her father’s face was easy for Sayumi to recognize. It shifted from a poised and calm to apprehension and worry.
“What is it?” He asked suspiciously. His eyes get rounder and worrier as he awaits her answer.
Sayumi is thinking twice on whether she will tell him now or wait until tonight and tell with Sho. But seeing how her father anxiously waiting for her reply, she feels that he cannot wait for Sho anymore.
“You know how I only wanted to live a simple life.” She started and she saw the expression on her father’s face that he’s quite getting where this is heading. “I never dreamt to ascend to the throne.”
“But… Yumi…” Her father staggered.
“It’s unfair for those who wanted it.” Sayumi continued. “I know that my younger cousins would want it more than me. After all, they’ve been raised attending royal gatherings and they were thoroughly taught how to act and speak royal.” Her cousins, the daughters of her father’s brother, are raised differently from her and Satsuki.
When they were kids, in the midst of the struggle for a male heir, her cousins would attend different lessons and they were professionally thought proper manners and conduct. It was instilled in their minds at a very young age that one day, they might ascend as Empress of the country.
“But you’re the rightful heir, Yumi. They are next in line after you.” Her father reminded her.
“Not when I produce my own heir.” Yumi puts in carefully. “My future children will be next in line after me once they are born.”
“Again, you and your future children are the rightful heir. Why do you care so much about your cousins?”
She was never close any of them. Even when they were kids and they are younger than her, her cousins are aggressive and competitive, they have the urge to compete with her for everything. Being the shy little girl that she is, Sayumi never wins over them.
She doesn’t know how they were now that they’re older. The only times she saw them was during her mother’s funeral and that one visit they made when her father is still in coma.
“I don’t think I can hold power over a country when my heart is not in it. I might end up doing poorly as an Empress. I’m just going to disappoint. Whereas for them… you know how they wanted it badly.”
Silence. Her father is thinking of convincing words to make her consider, even though he sees that she’s one hundred percent decided that she’s not going to be his next in line.
“I made my decision, along with Sho…” Sayumi breaks the silence, her father is still lost in finding the right words to say. “There’s only one way for me not to ascend to the throne…”
Finally, her father seems to be back to his senses as he turns his gaze on her. She realized that their hands are still together as he squeezes her hand tightly.
“You are going to get married.” He finishes the sentence she’s been holding back to say.
As always, this is unbeta-ed so tell me if there are any errors and mistakes. Comments, suggestions, reactions and criticisms are gladly welcomed. Happy reading! :)
Disclaimer: I am no way related to Arashi, Johnny's Entertainment or the Japanese Imperial Family. All names and events pertaining to any member of the Imperial family are purely fictional.
Words: 2,567
Chapter Thirty - Five: A Few Steps Closer to Happy Ending
There’s no slightest touch of surprise seen in Johnny Kitagawa’s face as he look at the younger man before him with a blank expression, as if he’s already expecting to get this piece of news from him. The older man nod his head at once, leaning over his wide table and rest one elbow on the edge, preparing for what he’s about say.
“I knew you would come up with that decision.” Johnny-san utter knowingly, still giving him the empty look.
Sakurai Sho’s eyebrow creases in suspicion. “So you knew all along? You knew about the plans to amend the law?” He asked almost irritably.
The old man remained calm as he shakes his head. “When I told you of my meeting with the Emperor, I still don’t know then. I did a little research after we had a talk because I am curious on why his Imperial Majesty is so particular on Princess Sayumi, she’s just a female member of the family, the future of the Royal bloodline doesn’t rely on her, that’s why I feel that he’s holding back on the things he can and can’t say when we met.” He paused and a small smirked etched on his lips. “Turns out it’s a well-kept secret inside the IHA and the National Diet.”
As expected of the Johnny Kitagawa, he’s got sources even inside politics. He’s very sensitive on this kind of things and what he wants, he usually gets.
“Princess Sayumi is the eldest unmarried female member of the family and most importantly her father is next in line, meaning, if the law is passed, she’ll be her father’s next in line.” Johnny-san told him, as if he still doesn’t know that. “That explains why the Emperor is so protective of her, they’re preparing her for her future as Empress.”
“A future she doesn’t know about until yesterday and a future she most definitely doesn’t want to have.” Sho can’t help but chips in heatedly.
Compare to Johnny-san’s cool and collected composure, Sho, on the other hand, is infuriated and short-tempered. His face changes with every word he hears and if only he’s allowed to slam his fist on the table or flip the chairs in the air, he would just to get out his anger.
“Did you already inform her father of your plans?” Johnny-san inquired. “Does the Emperor know?”
Sho’s furious eyes shifted from the floor to Johnny-san as he shakes his head softly. “We’re going to tell her father tonight.” He paused indifferently. “As for the Emperor, I don’t think we need to ask for his permission. We’re getting married prior to the new amended law. It’s not his call to prevent her from doing what she wants.”
Johnny-san nods his head up and down, still very much poker face even with the mention of the unspoken forbidden word in the Jumusho, marriage.
“What about your parents? What do they have to say about this?” Johnny-san asked much to the surprise written on Sho’s face. He thought that the young Princess can further boost the reputation of Sho’s father in the world of the politics. She can help him and his climb to government just by merely being married to his son. The Princess is an instant PR.
“The truth is, I don’t care what they think.” Sho answered rather unenthusiastically, eyes cold and lips twitching in suppressed rage. “It’s not like I need to hear what they have to say or neither do I have to ask for their approval. I’m marrying Sayumi because we love each other, that’s the only thing that matters now.”
Johnny-san slightly raised an eyebrow, sensing that maybe Sho had a previous exchange of blows with his parents, seeing how furious he is talking about them.
The old man folded fingers together on the table, clearing his throat rather loudly before speaking again. “The Crown Prince still doesn’t know as well as the Emperor. Your parents, on the other hand, seems like you’re not in good terms with them recently…”
“I’m almost always not in good terms with them.” Sho corrected and Johnny-san smiled softly.
“Seeing that all these important people in your lives are still in informed of your plans, what makes you think that I will approve of this marriage?”
Sho shoots a disappointed look on the older man. “I thought you will support us as long as we inform you beforehand?” He cried almost mercifully. He hopes in that speech Johnny-san made a few days back, expecting him to be the first person to support them in this decision. But now, all his hopes came crushing down as they face another adversity.
“I did say that.” Johhny-san admits, still as calm as earlier. “But before I give you my approval, you have to get the approval of the more important people.” He said meaningfully and somehow, the panic died down in Sho’s system.
“I told you, Johnny-san, they don’t matter-”
“They do.” The older man interrupted even before he finishes. “Believe me, Sakurai, they do.”
Sho sighed as he buried his forehead in his palms. Lumps are forming inside his chest and it’s getting harder to breath with every minute gone by.
“Say, you did get married, you push through with what you want even without the blessing of your own parents. Do you think married life would be easier that way?” Johnny-san asked him but he remained motionless as he tilted his body forward on his seat.
“Isn’t it better if you start your new life with her with past issued being resolved? Her issues with her family and your issues with your own… isn’t it so much better when you live harmoniously with everyone? Creating your own family and raising your own children knowing their own grandparents? Especially with you, Sakurai, don’t you want your future children to see you in a better relationship with your parents instead of estranging them of their grandparents just because their father hated them?”
Sho slowly lifted his face up his palms, in awe at everything he just heard coming out from Johnny Kitawaga’s mouth. He can’t hide his amusement, the first time he heard the renowned cold and impassive man speak of such heartfelt words.
Sho managed to let out a short chuckle as he gazes into the blank face of Johnny-san. “I should have recorded that on my phone and let everyone in this Jimusho hear what you just said.” He suddenly felt disrespectful for speaking so informally to his boss.
The old man laughed in his usual loud laughter. “If you do that, I have to punish you.” He pointed his index finger jokingly.
“Why are you being so nice all of a sudden?” Sho can’t help but ask as Johnny-san leaned back on his chair comfortably.
A brief silence fills the room as Sho awaits his answer. “I guess it goes with age.” Johnny-san answered calmly before he took his time to stand up from his chair. He collected his folders and carefully puts them inside his briefcase bag.
“I don’t have much time to live, Sakurai, I better use my remaining time making right decisions and being mindful of other’s feeling rather than solely benefiting from you guys.” He answered meaningfully before he walks towards the door.
Once he turns the knob and the door opens, he looked back at Sho who stood up from his seat to bow. “You know when to come back to me, Sakurai.” Johnny-san puts in as Sho nodded understandingly, the lump crowding his chest felt so much clearer now.
----------
After being picked up by Kiyomizu from Sho’s apartment, Sayumi was brought back home at Togu Palace. She skipped the wonderfully prepared breakfast and went straight to her room to take a shower. She planned on going to the hospital first as Sho will not be available until tonight due to his schedule.
Sayumi decided to talk to her father alone, to say sorry for the things she said yesterday and for the scenes she created because of her impulsiveness. She thought that she’s already used to the harshness of the media. Being in their prying eyes since she was young, she assumed that there’s nothing worse than what they had speculated in the past but she got it all wrong. Turns out that she’s still a newbie in this world and she regrets letting her anger take over yesterday.
The turmoil in the morning newspapers and news TV shows has gone out of control. Pictures and videos of her getting out of the hospital, surging through the lion’s den of reporters, hailing a taxi and entering the NTV building are overwhelming the headline page and television. Speculating that she had a big argument with her father and running to Sho for comfort, some even say that she might run away with him to some faraway country. There are just too many fabricated stories that she felt sick in the stomach reading or hearing them.
When she got to the hospital, her father is already awake, sitting comfortably on his bed while reading the newspapers. She tried to snatch the paper from him but he gently told her that he’s not affected by the lies they created for he knows the truth. He gave her his brightest smile and just by that she knew that he already forgiven her for what she did even without asking for his forgiveness.
She still says sorry, though, along with a big bear hug as she throws herself towards him.
The rest of the day continues normally. They never talked about what happened yesterday nor do they once brought up the topic of her possible claim to the throne. They just talked about light and positive topics like her acceptance to Tokyo University’s Faculty of Law, which she received earlier when she got home and her father’s rather fast recovery. His doctors say that if he continues showing positive signs of recovery in the coming days, he might already be allowed to go home in a week.
“Is it okay if Sho comes over tonight?” Sayumi asked almost quietly as she helps him back on his bed after they had their afternoon tea.
“Of course.” He answered enthusiastically, turning on the television as he tuned in to an American news channel tackling about business stocks and economy.
“Will they allow him to enter?” Sayumi refers to the security outside his door.
He shifted his gaze to Sayumi. “Are they not allowing him near you?” He asked unknowingly.
“Yesterday, they were ordered to keep him away from the Palace or inside this hospital.” She told her father who obviously is hearing this for the first time. “They only backed down last night when Nee-chan allowed me to spend the night at his house, under your orders to allow me to go where I want to go.”
Her father’s forehead wrinkled as he shakes his head. “And this morning? How did you manage to go home?”
“I called Kiyomizu to pick me up. I asked him to come alone.” She sat on the chair beside the bed and clicks her tongue quietly. “Every time I see them, I feel like I’m looking at Grandfather’s puppets. It annoys me. I know they’re just doing their job and I don’t have the right to get angry at them but still…”
“I will talk to your grandfather, Yumi.” Her father reassured her. “I will do everything in my power to convince him that Sakurai-san is as eligible, if not, even better than those marriage partners we approved for you.”
Sayumi tried to force a smile as she warily looked at her father. Surely, he will be disappointment with their news. She understands that he wanted her to have better future by supporting the amending of the law but it’s just not the future she wanted. She hopes that he will understand why she and Sho have come up with their decision to get married.
“Father…” She started, taking his hand as she stood up from her chair to sit beside him on the bed. “Sho will come later because we have an urgent matter to tell you…”
The sudden change in her father’s face was easy for Sayumi to recognize. It shifted from a poised and calm to apprehension and worry.
“What is it?” He asked suspiciously. His eyes get rounder and worrier as he awaits her answer.
Sayumi is thinking twice on whether she will tell him now or wait until tonight and tell with Sho. But seeing how her father anxiously waiting for her reply, she feels that he cannot wait for Sho anymore.
“You know how I only wanted to live a simple life.” She started and she saw the expression on her father’s face that he’s quite getting where this is heading. “I never dreamt to ascend to the throne.”
“But… Yumi…” Her father staggered.
“It’s unfair for those who wanted it.” Sayumi continued. “I know that my younger cousins would want it more than me. After all, they’ve been raised attending royal gatherings and they were thoroughly taught how to act and speak royal.” Her cousins, the daughters of her father’s brother, are raised differently from her and Satsuki.
When they were kids, in the midst of the struggle for a male heir, her cousins would attend different lessons and they were professionally thought proper manners and conduct. It was instilled in their minds at a very young age that one day, they might ascend as Empress of the country.
“But you’re the rightful heir, Yumi. They are next in line after you.” Her father reminded her.
“Not when I produce my own heir.” Yumi puts in carefully. “My future children will be next in line after me once they are born.”
“Again, you and your future children are the rightful heir. Why do you care so much about your cousins?”
She was never close any of them. Even when they were kids and they are younger than her, her cousins are aggressive and competitive, they have the urge to compete with her for everything. Being the shy little girl that she is, Sayumi never wins over them.
She doesn’t know how they were now that they’re older. The only times she saw them was during her mother’s funeral and that one visit they made when her father is still in coma.
“I don’t think I can hold power over a country when my heart is not in it. I might end up doing poorly as an Empress. I’m just going to disappoint. Whereas for them… you know how they wanted it badly.”
Silence. Her father is thinking of convincing words to make her consider, even though he sees that she’s one hundred percent decided that she’s not going to be his next in line.
“I made my decision, along with Sho…” Sayumi breaks the silence, her father is still lost in finding the right words to say. “There’s only one way for me not to ascend to the throne…”
Finally, her father seems to be back to his senses as he turns his gaze on her. She realized that their hands are still together as he squeezes her hand tightly.
“You are going to get married.” He finishes the sentence she’s been holding back to say.