What is this life?

What is this life?

I dedicate this to Eiri-Chick, who has inspired me.

Chapter 4

Shuichi and Hiro huddle together. "I don't want to go with Sakuma-sama, Hiro. I want to stay with you. Can't you figure something out?"

Hiro just holds his friend close. "There isn't much I can do. If the Master has it in his mind to give you to Sakuma-sama, he is going to do it. You know I have tried on several occasions to get out of here. Even with the doors unlocked, there is just no way out. The last time I got as far as the main floor before K-san caught me. I didn't think he was ever going to stop whipping me that time. He made it perfectly clear that even if I get out of the mansion, I will never get past the guard dogs or the security fencing. He said if the dogs find you, you are theirs for the picking. No one has ever made it out. I hate to admit this, but I think this may be our last day together."

Tears start falling from the young man's eyes. "I just don't know what I can do, but you have to do whatever it takes to survive. If Sakuma-sama likes you as much as K-san says, then he will be good to you. Please, don't do anything to upset him. According to K-san, Seguchi-sama has some kind of plan for me, but he won't say what that plan is. I asked if I was going to be given away also, but he is closed mouth. The look on his face told me that you may be the luckier of us. The truth be told, I am scared. I have never been so helpless. There's no way I can fight my way out of this one. Just promise me that you will take care of yourself. Don't do anything foolish. "

Moments later the door swings open, two armed guards come in followed by the overseer. "Hiro, come with us!" The guards walk over to Hiro, grab him by the upper arms and pull him away from Shuichi. "It's time for you to go!" K says before a kicking and bucking Hiro is dragged out the door.

"HIRO! NO!! Please K-san, bring him back!" cries Shuichi as he runs after his friend, tackling K in the process. Shuichi holds onto his friend's legs in an attempt to thwart the guards’ actions, Suddenly, Shuichi is hit on the head and his world turns black. Shuichi crumbles to the floor with a thud.

Hiro looks down at his unconscious companion and attempts to break free from his captors. The attempts are futile as strong arms grip firmer and Hiro comes face to face with K's daggar. "One more move or sound and Seguchi-san won't have his precious cargo to send to Istanbul. Do you understand me? Now go with the guards. I will take care of Shuichi." With fear and loathing in his eyes, Hiro reluctantly turns from his lifelong friend. "Goodbye, Shuichi" is all he can say.

K picks up the pink-haired mass from the floor and carries him back into the harem room. After placing him on his mat, K finds the cold water basin and dumps it on Shuichi's head, awakening the younger man. Reality sinks in as Shuichi opens his eyes seeing the large blond standing over him scowling.
"Get over it, Shuich!. Seguchi-san is sending your friend away and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. You better start thinking of yourself and how you are going to live from here on out. Now, get up! You have to be readied for the party. After tonight, you will be staying with Sakuma-sama. For some unknown reason, he took an instant liking to you. You will be presented to him as a gift tonight. Now, let's go. The groomers are waiting for you. You will be cleaned up and made presentable for your new master."

A dejected Shuichi slowly rises from his bedding, assisted by a yanking at his elbow by K. I guess there's nothing for me now. I have lost my only friend and I am about to be given to another master. A sigh escapes his lips as Shuichi silently follows K from the room. His destiny awaits him.

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In the brightly lit room, the man of the hour stands chatting nonstop to his friends, as waiters pass hors d’oeuvres silently among the hundred or so persons present. “Tohma has promised me something really special this year. I can’t wait to open my gift. He is being so secretive about it. I wonder what it will be.”
Noriko can’t wait to see the reaction on Ryuichi Sakuma’s face when he gets his surprise, but can’t let him know she is wise to the plans. “Ryuichi, what could you possibly want or need, that you don’t have? Tohma has given you everything you have ever wanted, and with all your money, you don’t need anything. I can’t imagine what new delight he has for you.” “I know Nori-chan, but he promised me something really special and I can hardly wait to see what it is. The anticipation is making me crazy.”

Making him crazy? is what Eiri thinks as he purveys the surroundings. “Well, if I know anything about Seguchi, he knows what you want. You don’t have to wait much longer, it looks like things are
about to get started.” With that, Eiri nods his head in the direction of the main entryway where Tohma
Seguchi stands, dressed in his most elaborate finery, like a proud peacock. The room comes to a hush, as he makes his grand entrance, stoically walking in, like a king to his court. He makes his way over to Ryuichi and stops. “Happy Birthday, I hope you enjoy tonight’s festivities.”

A waiter offers a tray to Seguchi and he takes a canape. After savoring it for moment, he swallows. It’s getting late and he wants to be sure that his time table for events follows his plan.” Now, if you will please follow me, we can get this party started.” With that, the master of the house makes his way to the elaborately decorated table at the front of the room. Everyone takes their cue from him, adjourning to their seats at the surrounding tables. Each table is has eight pre-assigned seats. Friends and most influential business associates are seated closest to the main table.

Each table is set the same. A centerpiece containing pink roses and baby’s breath nestled between two hurricane lanterns fitted with jasmine scented tea candles is set on white lace table covers. In front of each guest is a set of platinum rimmed plates with a single pale blue rose adorning the center, neatly stacked atop one another. Lace trim adorns the edges of the white linen napkins that sit under ornately embellished silverware. The crystal goblets for water and wine are delicately etches with a flower, matching the one on each plate. A platinum rim encircles each glass.

Overhead, there are five matching chandeliers. Each had eight arms that dip down like graceful swan necks. Handing from each arm are multiple strands of crystals which defuse the light, casting sparkling rainbows on the ceiling.

After several minutes, all persons are seating and a simple nod from Seguchi beckons waiters. Each waiter starts parading in, carrying trays of delicacies of all kinds. Silver platters piled high with foods from around the globe: caviar from Russia, cheeses from Switzerland and Italy and seafood from the waters of the seven oceans. Sighs and Ahs can be heard as waiters place identical portions at all the tables, except for the main table. There a set of gold platters, overflowing with Ryuichi’s favorites is placed. Wine is brought in the finest crystal decanters, stands with chilled Champagne set at each table. There will be no lack of good eating and drinking tonight.

Ryuichi practically bounces in his seat. He is so excited and the joy in his face gives his host great satisfaction. “Ryu, please, calm yourself. We are just getting started and at this rate, you won’t last an
hour before you collapse.”

“But Tohma, this is so exciting! You have never given me a party like this before. Everything is so grand.”

“Well my friend, I did promise you a birthday you would never forget. How often does one celebrate his thirty fifth birthday? I want you to thoroughly enjoy yourself tonight.”

With glee and sparkle in his blue eyes, Ryuichi chimes “What about my present, Tohma, You promised me something really spectacular this year. When will I get my present?”

“Patience, my friend. Let us enjoy the food and wine. Presents can wait a little longer. Besides, you don’t want to rush the surprise I have for you.”

Ryuichi realizes he isn’t going to be able to hurry Tohma. The man has a set time table for everything he ever does, and this party is no different. “Okay, Tohma, but don’t make me wait too long, please!”
A smile is his answer.

The gathered crowd is observed feasting and drinking, talking amongst themselves. “I have never seen anything like this before” and “Seguchi-san really knows how to show his love for his friend.” are just some of the things overheard. Tohma looks over the table at his brother-in-law, who is sitting there with a particularly unenthusiastic look on his face. “What’s wrong, Eiri-chan, aren’t you enjoying the spectacle? I would have thought this would impress even you.”

“Tell me, Tohma, where is my sister this evening. I can’t imagine you would want her to miss out on your shining moment.”

“I’m sorry, Eiri, Mika wasn’t feeling up to partying tonight. She decided it best not to come and bring down the happy mood of the room.”

Eiri just stared at his brother. Right, she’s not feeling well. More like she couldn’t stand to be in the same room with you for more than ten minutes. I don’t understand how she married you in the first place, much less stays with you. “Well, perhaps I should go check on her myself.” Eiri rises from his chair to leave the room.

“Wait, Eiri. She said she was going to sleep early. She doesn’t want to be disturbed. Mika will be fine in the morning, I am certain of that.” The look in Tohma’s eyes told Eiri that it would not be advisable for him to leave, much less see his sister.

A hand clasps his wrist. “Please, Eiri-chan, don’t go. I want you to see my cake, and you promised to make a toast.” That was Ryuichi’s way of persuasion. He knew that if Eiri left, there would be fireworks, and not the kind Tohma had planned for later that night. Eiri sat down.

An hour or so passes and it’s obvious that Ryuichi is getting antsy again, “Tohma, where is my cake and I want my present. You promised me a special present.” The hyperactive Ryuichi is grasping Tohma’s upper arm, tugging on it. “Please Tohma!”

Tohma knew he better not hold the activities up much longer, and with a wave of his hand, the lights go out and the doors swing open. A cart is wheeled in. On it stands a cake eight layers high, each a different pastel color –like a rainbow. There are doves and flowers adorning the sides, and circling the base layer were the words HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYUICHI. Thirty five flaming candles stand atop the cake, creating a warm glow in the room. Thunderous applause erupts as the cart made its way to the front of the room. Ryuichi’s eyes open wide, his mouth practically drooling at the sight. “Tohma, it’s magnificent!” As the host and birthday celebrant rise from their seats, the assemblage starts to sing the traditional “Happy Birthday” song.

Ryuichi walks around the table to stand before the towering confection. Tohma whispers: “Make a wish, Ryu, and blow out the candles.” Ryuichi closs his eyes for a moment, opens them and blows as hard as he can. All thirty five candles go out at once. A waiter appears with a second, smaller cart containing stacks of small plates and silver forks. A cake knife is handed to Ryuichi, who makes a single cut on the second layer. He hands the knife to the waiter so he can finish cutting pieces and have them passed to the other guests.

After the cake is distributed, but before he gets to taste his own, Ryuichi excitedly begs :“Now Tohma, can I have my present, now, please?”

“If that is what you wish, then yes.” Tohma knows where will be no eating his cake. Another wave of Tohma’s hand, as if by magic, the lights turn on. From outside the room, another cart, a bit lower to the ground, is wheeled in. On it stands a purple box, almost two meters cubed. There is a lavender colored ribbon encircling the box, top to bottom, side to side. A big bow stands in the middle of the box, facing Ryuichi. “Okay, Ryu, you may open your present.”

When Ryuichi pulls the dangling end of the ribbon, the sides of the box fell open to reveal the most wondrous thing Ryuichi Sakuma could have imagined. There, clad in only black g-string and bow tie stands Shuichi. Ryuichi’s eyes open wide, and his smile shines, not only on his mouth, but you could have sworn sparkles were emanating from his eyes. “Tohma, it’s him! He’s the one I saw here last month. You…you are giving him to me?”

A mere nod is his reply. For the first time in anyone’s memory, Tohma gives a genuine smile, not just a little turned up set of lips, but a genuine smile. Tohma has done it. He has pulled of the surprise of the decade for his dearest friend in the world. He is happy.


TBC