Sins

Sins

Chapter 2

The night of the birthday gala elaborately dressed friends and family gathered in the grand ballroom for the party. Missing from the event were the birthday celebrant and his wife, but their arrival was expected later. After all, what's a surprise party if it's not a surprise for the recipient being honored? Guests mingled amongst the lavishly dressed tables as servers passed around silver trays filled with delectable delights such as caviar filled puffed-pastries and crab-stuffed mushroom caps. Standing near the entry way into the room stood the co-host of the evening's festivities, dressed in a dark blue tuxedo, pale blue ruffled shirt and polished black patent leather shoes. The young man tugged at the bow-tie that felt too small for his neck, or maybe it's the suspense of the evening that was getting to him. Half-listening to what his band mates and producer said, Suguru looked out the door into the foyer and watched for the arrival of the guest of honor. Well, not really the guest of honor but the person that would be accompanying him.

The night culminated six weeks of preparations may trigger the end of the clandestine affair with his cousin's wife and that had Suguru on edge. What started out as lust and passion had transformed into something far more complex, at least for this partner. Sexual gratification evolved into a deep love and the thought of losing that tore at his heart.

Looking at his watch for the umpteenth time in the last ten minutes caught the attention of the guitarist. "Su-chan, what's wrong? You haven't heard anything I've said. You check the time as if there's a bomb that’s expected to explode."

“They’re late!” was the emphatic rely to the question as he posted his vigilant eyes on the front door.

Hiroshi Nagano stared at his friend and then checked his own watch. “Suguru, it’s only 9:02, they’ll be here soon. Stop worrying so much.” Not being certain that he was heard, he tapped the slightly turned shoulder. “Why are you so irritated? Mika-san said she would get here as soon as she could pry Seguchi-san away from the office. You know how he is. All the Ts must be crossed and Is dotted before being satisfied that his work for the day is done. He doesn’t care that it’s his birthday.” The younger man was not interested in possible reasons for the delay. He wanted to see his lover and the fact that it was his older cousin’s birthday gathering was just another excuse for them to be together.

Finally, the front doors of the countryside establishment opened and in walked the last arrivals to the party, Tohma Seguchi and his wife, Mika. Suguru marveled at the exquisitely dressed female as she glided into the foyer. A floor-length green sequined gown hugged the curvaceous body of the stiletto-heeled woman. Draped on her arm was the tuxedoed man of the hour. It never occurred to Suguru that his cousin would be dressed in formal attire. Somehow, he expected to see the man in the same suit he wore to work that day. This explained the delay, he had to go home and change clothes.

A smile graced Suguru’s face as he moved quickly into the hallway and greeted them. “Happy Birthday, Tohma!” He extended his hand and accepted Tohma’s glove-covered hand in his own. Still held in his cousin’s hand, he turned his attention to the woman he loved and although the look in his eyes said, “take me now”, he managed a casual, “Hello Mika. You’re late.”

Some kind of tension between Mika and Suguru was apparent, but Tohma brushed it off. He released the hold on his hand and looked ahead into the ballroom. He noticed many business associates and friends standing there gawking at him. Inquisitive eyes pierced through Mika like blades on katanas “What’s all this?”

“Surprise Tohma!” was the exuberant reply from the beauty on his arm. “It’s your thirty-fifth birthday and we wanted to celebrate it in style.”

A somewhat softened expression relaxed Tohma’s furrowed brow. “When did you plan all of this?”

Suguru didn’t like the look that his less-than-thrilled cousin was giving to his wife. He wanted to slap that look right off the unenthused face. Using a curt but low voice Suguru responded to the question. “We’ve been planning this for weeks. The time I took off to tend my sickly mother was a ruse to help with all the preparations. It was Hell keeping this secret from you. K-san and Sakano-san were instrumental in helping me keep up the farce long enough to get this all accomplished.”

At just that moment, Fujisaki’s healthy mother stepped into the foreground with a gigantic grin on her face. “See, Tohma-chan, I am quite well. I hope you didn’t worry about me too much.” It’s a good thing that Suguru clued his mother in on the excuse he used in order to plan the event, and to be with Mika. Well, she didn’t know the second part but that was okay.

Seeing the frown on Tohma’s face caused his subordinate producer to faint. Fortunately, K-san was able to capture the limp man in his muscular arms and keep him off the ballroom floor as he turned his attention towards his unhappy boss. “Seguchi-san, please don’t look so stern. It was all done with good intentions.”

Mika tugged on the tuxedoed sleeve wrapped around her graceful arm. She gave a smile that warned everyone not to mess with her right now. Using a subdued voice, but one filled with ire, she spoke to her husband. “Don’t embarrass me! This is a party and you will act cordially or, by the gods, you will pay dearly when we get home.”

Raising an eyebrow at the veiled threat, Tohma relinquished his hold on the slender arm. Just like when he had a difficult situation with a business associate, he held in his anger and put on a false smile. It disarmed most around him but family knew it was all a pretense. He looked to his cousin and merely said, “Thank you for doing this for me. Shall we go in and enjoy the rest of the evening?”

If looks could kill, Tohma would be dead on the spot. It was a good thing that Suguru had his back to the rest of the assembled group because he was throwing death glares at his less than appreciative cousin. Having learned from the master though, he was able to control his temper and gave his own ingratiating smile. Stepping to the side and holding out his hand, he motioned towards to ballroom. “Please, after you.”

Everyone casually walked towards the room full of people wearing their party faces. Tohma greeted all who came to wish him a happy birthday as though he really was glad to see them and expressed his appreciation for their attendance at his party. The last person that approached the celebrant was his best friend and band’s lead singer, Ryuichi Sakuma. Genuine happiness exuded like sparkles from exploding fireworks. As two green tuxedoed arms wrapped around Tohma’s neck and a kiss was planted on his cheek Ryuichi exclaimed, ”Happy Birthday, To-chan!”

For the first time since walking in the front door to this extravaganza, Tohma gave his most genuine smile. The sparkling personality and vibrancy in his friend’s voice was contagious. Returning the hug, he whispered in Ryuichi’s ear, “You’re the best part of the party.” He pulled back from the hug and the look given to his friend told more than anyone could have imagined. This wasn’t just the look of friend greeting friend but something far more intimate.

The exchange between the two band mates was not lost on Mika. It was no secret that her husband and Ryuichi were more than just friends. Lovers they had been before the marriage and lovers they remained after the marriage was consummated. That was something she accepted readily. Her husband had made it quite clear that although they were married, he would not give up being with the other man. This was just one more reason that her affair was so sweet. She could have the love she craved from Suguru and not worry that her husband would be jealous. As long as she was discreet, he wouldn’t care if she screwed half the men in Tokyo. What she also knew was Tohma would never allow her to have that kind of relationship with his young protégé. He watched over that young man from the time he was old enough to reach the keys on the piano until the time he became the only rival for keyboard supremacy in Japan.

Having the title of Mrs. Tohma Seguchi and all the perks that went with it- money, power, influence - were worth being in a loveless marriage. Only Tohma’s desire to have an heir kept him in her bed and even then, he was a less than great lover. Once their son was born, Tohma almost never slept in the same room as his wife, preferring to stay in his private quarters on the other side of the house. He claimed that the baby’s constant crying and need for Mika’s attention in the middle of the night was the reason he chose to stay away. After all, he was a busy music executive and required his sleep. He provided for the basic things for the household and loved his son very much.

Mika’s train of thought was interrupted when a gentle hand touched her back. She turned to find the object of her true affections giving her a look that said both “he’s a jerk and I love you.” Closing her eyes briefly and then returning to her lover’s attention, she smiled. “It’s alright. I’m fine.”

At just that moment, a wave of nausea struck that almost paralyzed the woman. Opening her eyes wide, she placed both hands over her mouth and Mika ran from the room and out the front door of the reception hall. Once outside, she bent over and started retching, emptying the remains of her lunch behind a nearby bush.

Suguru was shocked at the suddenness of the departure, excused himself from those around him and followed behind the fleeing woman. He got outside just as the retching had stopped and Mika was standing up. Rushing to her side, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close to him. Obvious concern flashed in his ebony eyes as he turned her around. “What’s wrong with you? This is the third time you’ve done this in the last couple of days.”

Tears were streaking the gorgeous face that stared back at Suguru. This couldn’t be what she thought it was, no she had been so careful. They used protection every time, every time except the afternoon they went to the inn down the road. The pair had gotten so caught up in the heat of the moment that neither thought of using a condom until after they made love the first time. After the initial lovemaking session, Mika insisted that Suguru get the condoms out of her purse, but there was that one time. She mentally counted back the days since that encounter. Knowing today’s date and remembering the date on the papers she signed to finalize the deal for the hall rental, caused her to shriek. “Oh My God, It can’t be!” She looked at Suguru with horror filled eyes and then collapsed inside the arms that were holding her.

Opened eyes stared at the concerned look on Suguru’s face. Gathering as much grace as possible, she nudged her savior and rose from her position on the ground. Sighing as she did so, she apologized for her outburst. “I don’t know what came over me. I must be coming down with something.”

“No, you said ‘it can’t be’. It can’t be what? Mika tell me what’s wrong.” Confusion and fear emanated from the young man who maintained a firm hand on the woman he loved.

“It’s nothing. I don’t know why I said that.” Conviction was in her voice, but the look in her eyes showed she was withholding something.

“You’re seeing a doctor tomorrow. This has happened too often and I am worried.” There was no room for discussion as the concerned young man pulled the trembling woman into his embrace. “I want to know what’s going on and you’re going to find out. I’ll make the call for you if you don’t.”

Pushing away from Suguru, momentary shock covered her face and then a stoic front was erected to protect her thoughts. “I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.” With that she stepped away from the man she loved and walked with dignity back into the building.

Suguru stood like a statue as the graceful being left his side. He knew something was wrong and he would be damned if he was going to let it go. Tonight would end soon enough and tomorrow he would pressure Mika to seek medical attention.

Upon re-entering the party room, his lovely lady was spotted talking nonchalantly with some business acquaintances of Tohma’s. The events of the last several minutes never seemed to happen as she talked and laughed at some of the jokes that were told. Attempting to divert his mind from his troubled love, Suguru made his way over to talk to his close-knit group.

The rest of the evening went without any further distractions. Everyone ate and drank as much as they wanted. When all the presents were opened, the cake eaten and everyone was sated from all the festivities, the night came to a peaceful close. Being the last one to leave, Suguru glanced around the room and sighed. Tomorrow he would get some answers.

All the way home, Mika and Tohma were silent partners riding in the same vehicle. Tohma remembered the good time he actually had, much to the thanks of his best friend and lover being there. Mika remembered the confrontation with Suguru outside the building when she fled with her nausea. Tohma had a wicked little smile on his face thinking about the rendezvous he planned for later that night. Mika had a blank face as she looked out the window, not paying attention as they passed trees along the dark country road. She prayed. “Kami-sama, please, let it be the flu, anything, but not that.”


TBC