Chapter Text
Even the soft way he tucks my hair behind my ear doesn't make this easier. “But I feel like you just got back!” I know that I sound petulant at the moment with the whine that escaped in my reaction to his news that he was going overseas yet again. It's just heartbreaking to be so lonely with him gone all the time, and not having nearly the support structure in Dubai that I had back in Tokyo. He'd been back less than a week before giving me this news.
He pulls me into an embrace, rubbing my back in an effort to soothe me. “It's only going to be for two weeks, baby, and then it'll be at least a month before I have to travel again.” He kisses me on the top of my head and pulls back a little to look at me.
It's too much. My lip starts trembling and my eyes water with the threat of tears as I struggle not to cry. I knew what I was getting into, falling for the man who stole my heart so many times over. He lifts my chin up, and I see the sadness in his eyes deepening into concern as he sees me struggle. “Baba, it's so lonely here. I try to have friends, but it's never the same, and I keep wondering when we're going to pick up and head to the next casino that Eisuke's developing and…. I… I just miss you so much.”
It's selfish of me; I never speak like this. But I thought we would have more time together after Kaido was arrested, and it keeps just being one more thing.
He wipes away a tear that leaked through with his thumb as he searches my face for an answer. He gently suggests, “Why don't you take a vacation back to Tokyo. See your Mom, see your friends, relax a little and meet me back here?”
“Because that doesn't get me over the missing you so badly portion of things. At least here I have things that remind me of you.” I cast my eyes back downward, unable to look at him so intently anymore. I know I have to let him go. He promised me this was only going to be for a few more years before he retired. “And I try really hard to support you because I know how important this all is to you, it just has been so very much lately, I barely see you 1 week out of every 4. I'm sorry.”
“I'm the one that's sorry, beautiful. Damn Eisuke for asking me to do this.” His hand grasps slightly in the midst of his plea before resuming stroking my hair. “You know I wouldn't leave you so soon if it wouldn't bring in a personal favor from him, right?”
That startles me. Eisuke almost never asks for something from the other auction sponsors that would put him in someone's debt. My tears stop, and I look back at him quizzically. “Did he say why?”
He chuckles briefly. “No, but it probably has something to do with his plans within plans. I try not to get too involved there. Plausible deniability is always a good thing.”
Which gives me an idea. If I can't keep him here just a little longer... I think he catches the glint in my eye as I open my mouth. His finger points upward trying to warn me off.
“Oh no. Noooo no no nonono.”
“Baba, why don't…”
“I know that look. This one is way too dangerous.”
“That will only leave me worrying if I'm back in Tokyo and everyone will freak out that there's something I can't talk to them about it.”
He is clearly looking for any excuse to keep me from asking what I want to ask. “I will not be able to concentrate knowing that you are in harm's way there. This is not a game.”
“You were already saying that you were going with Ota to get an immediate appraisal before trying to get it out of New York.” I plead with him. “It's good to have an alibi, even with the amazing disguises you have right? Plus I know you will save me whatever happens!”
I can see his resolve wavering. I give him the biggest puppy dog eyes I can. “And Ota has friends in New York so we can get some alone time too. He can disguise as you, you can disguise as someone else, you have an alibi and I'm not left alone.”
His face looks grim. “Ota will think we're inviting him for a threesome on this. Or might try to take advantage of the time alone.” His eyes are looking slightly past me and he's fidgeting with my hair now. I can tell he's already accepted defeat, but he's trying not to.
I smile brightly. “I think after two years, I can manage to handle Ota at this point. And I know he's ultimately scared of you.”… “Pleeeease? I've never seen New York, and it gives me a chance to practice my English with native speakers before we move to London.”
His grim face relaxes as he pulls me into a tighter embrace. “I am so tightly wound right around your tiny pinkie finger, princess, what ever am I going to do with you?”
I can't help but grin into his comforting chest. “Kiss me 'til I'm dizzy and shower me with love.” Next thing I know I'm scooped up and he is moving towards the bedroom with me in his arms.
“As m'lady requests, then.” There are no more words that night.