Unselfish Wish

Chapter 9- Talking to the Parents

Back downstairs, there was a knock at the door. Surprised, Aiko went to answer it. It was Kiyoshi. Aiko knew immediately that this was the boy... err, god, in question. Fumio had followed her, and was not exactly pleased to see the offender in question. You've stolen my daughter you damn thief, he thought, and opened his mouth to tell him off, but Aiko stopped him with a glare.

"Hello, how may we help you?" She said graciously. Kiyoshi glanced at Fumio, sensing his anger, but decided to respond politely to Aiko first.

"Hello, pleased to meet you. My name is Moriyama Kiyoshi. I am a classmate of your daughter's. I actually have a request to make, if I may?" He bowed low, waiting for a response. Aiko decided this was her opportunity to get involved once and for all. She also knew this boy was in fact,Tsukiyomi.

"Of course, come in and make yourself at home." Though, I'm sure you already know your way around if you followed Fumiko here. She smiled slyly. She was no fool, and knew the safest place for her daughter was with this god. They walked to the living room and sat down. "So, Moriyama-kun, what is it you would like to ask us?" She was amused by how uncomfortable both this boy and her husband looked.

"Well, I am actually known by another name, and as fantastical as it might seem..." He began, only to be cut off by her giggle.

"Oh, you are already revealing yourself, Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto?" She said, enjoying his shock. "Don't be so surprised, Fumio tells me everything. If he didn't, his life would be in danger. Right, dear?" Fumio nodded, a bit ashamed that she clearly had the final say. "Even if he didn't, it's not as if I wasn't aware you were around on my own power. You both seem to forget my own divine parentage. So, now that we have that out of the way, what is your request?" Fumio looked chagrined. He had never intended to make his wonderful wife feel anything less than his equal.

"I would like your permission to formally court your daughter. Like humans do, of course. But my intention is to marry her, which means I would be taking her to the palace of the gods." He looked at them directly. They both understood that this was not said lightly. They were silent for a moment. Aiko knew this was what her daughter would want. After all, she had never been especially attached to many people, despite her benevolent nature. Kiyo and the shrine had meant more to her than anything. Fumio also knew this was the best option, since a normal human could never manage the potential threats that his daughter faced. They sighed in unison, which caused all three to laugh. Aiko spoke first, gently.

"Do you love her, Tsukiyomi?" She placed her hand on his arm. He looked her directly in the eye.

"I do. More than anything." He was very earnest. Fumio's shoulders slumped a little.

"Alright,fine, you may have our blessing." Said Aiko. Tsukiyomi's face lit up. "However, you must woo her and win her over. It must be her decision to go with you. Now, tell us more. How often will we see her if you take her?"

"Well, to be honest, I spend more time here than in the heavens, so you should still be able to see her fairly often. My sister has consented to making her immortal, but it must be done before her eighteenth birthday..." Aiko’s jaw dropped. Amaterasu was a strong and fair ruler, not likely to bend the rules for anyone, even her beloved siblings.

"Amaterasu did?" It was not a blessing given often.

"Yes. We were married for a while long ago, but it was never really anything more than obligation. I made her angry enough to banish me for a thousand years, but she has graciously forgiven me and given her blessing. If nothing else, we are family, after all."

"Oh my. Well, if the ruler of the Heavens gives her blessing, I suppose we can't really argue. But it will be up to you to win her over and convince her. We can't help you with that part." Aiko reiterated.

"I understand. Well, I felt it was important to speak with both of you before proceeding. I can indeed see where Fumiko's generous and kind nature comes from." He smiled at Aiko. She felt her heart pound a little. She didn’t think her daughter stood a chance at resisting him.

"Thank you." They spoke together, causing more laughter. He left, glad to have another obstacle tackled. Fumiko slept fitfully through the visit, dreaming of chasing after Kiyoshi, only to catch up to him holding hands with Hinata and laughing. She sat up suddenly, feeling an intense need to visit the shrine. She slipped outside and fell to her knees in front of it.

"Please, Tsukiyomi. Help me. I've never asked for anything for myself. Please grant me luck in love." She begged desperately as tears flowed.

He could hear her as he ran to catch up with Hinata, to shop for Fumiko's birthday. He stopped. He felt as though his heart dropped out of his chest. Fumiko was asking for his help in love? He ran a hand through his hair. Who was it for? What should he do? For a moment he stood frozen. Then, determined, he walked to meet Hinata. If it wasn't him yet, he would change it. He simply had to.

Hinata greeted him cheerfully, talking nonstop about Fumiko. They wandered through the markets and shops. He saw many things he wanted to buy for her, but ultimately settled on a beatiful kanzashi hair ornament in tones of green and blue. Hinata was shocked at the price and the fact that he paid it so easily. But she took it as a sign of his devotion.

"So, Moriyama-san, you like her don't you?" He stopped, staring at her.

"You could tell?" He asked, blushing.

"Please, it's so obvious. You look at her like a dog eyeing a piece of meat after being starved for a month." He looked surprised. In his mind, he’d been cool as a cucumber, but more than one human had picked up on his feelings.

"I do?"

"Yes, and only her. I'm not the only one that's noticed. Listen, I can tell you are sincere, so I'll help you, but only if she is happy. If you make her cry, I'll be the first to punish you, okay?"

"Understood, ma'am." He grinned.

They continued shopping, perfectly in accord. She decided on a yukata that matched the ornament that Kiyoshi had purchased. He helped her pay for it, despite her protests, stating that it was too perfect for her not to buy it. They went home, happy that they found something so suited to their goddess. Tomorrow was the fated day.

Fumiko woke up early, and was not pleased with her face in the mirror- it was obvious she had not slept well. Oh well, she thought, I will simply have to cheer up. After all, we're celebrating my birthday today. She carefully styled her hair and dressed tidily. They were going out after school to celebrate her birthday. She knew that she couldn't have such a sad face, especially around Hinata and Kiyoshi, since they knew her better than anyone. She also knew that if they liked each other and thought it would hurt her, they'd never date. She didn't want anyone to be unhappy for her sake.

She slapped her cheeks lightly, practicing what she hoped was a convincing smile, and hurried off to school. Kiyoshi was waiting for her at the gate, and she suddenly felt very shy where before being with him had felt totally natural. He noticed that she looked different, and was immediately worried. This face, combined with her prayer the day before, had him very concerned.

"Fumi-chan? Are you alright?" She startled, unsure of how she should respond. Normal, normal, she thought. She smiled blindingly.

"Of course I'm all right. I'm very excited for my birthday today." You can't fool me with that fake smile, he thought. Something isn't right, but she clearly isn't comfortable talking about it.

"Good, it should be fun, right?" As she nodded, they turned and walked to class together. Hinata joined them, bubbling about the gathering later, clearly very happy to celebrate her friend. Fumiko observed them carefully, looking for signs of love. They seemed normal, after all, so she decided to let go of her worries for now. Class proceeded normally, other than an announcement that tests were coming up, advising students to study carefully.