It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Neighbours

'Dearest Brothers,
I have arrived at my new... 'home' for the next year. It is small and cozy - I rather adore it. Of course, I would be much happier if my husband were not here... but alas - I must do what is best for our races. It's only been a week and I already wish to return home. My paints are safe at least, and the bed is... relatively comfortable. My heart misses the both of you, I cannot wait for when I next see you - a year from now. Let us do something enjoyable!
As for my husband... he is... well, a Sakamami. Far from kind, constantly cold and his tone icier than a glacier. I cannot blame him, he has been forced into this too. I do not enjoy his company, and he does not enjoy mine. Things may improve - I do hope for us to at the very least get along.
I hope this letter finds you well, please let Mother know I have arrived safely and that I miss her terribly.
From your beloved sister,
Athena Tsukinami.'
The newly named Sakamaki sighed as she dried off the tip of her fluffy quill, closing the bottle containing her rich ink. Her auburn locks had been combed neatly through and pinned to the back of her head in an elegant bun, her lips were stained a soft red, her eyelids painted a shimmering peach. She'd worn a cream blouse which had puffed out sleeves that ended below her shoulders, her tulip skirt was a dark grey, her tights thin and white and she wore a pair of black pumps. She sat at the dining table, the sunlight pooled through the window, highlighting her pale features and catching on the gems in her engagement and wedding ring. She stared at the pieces of jewellery for a moment, waiting for her letter to dry.
Her eyes darted up to glance at her husband who sat opposite her. He was dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, his gaze was aimed towards a book which he'd begun reading early hours of the morning. Athena plucked an envelope from her organised stash, reopening the ink pot and dipping her colourful quill into it. She traced the letters which spelled her brothers' names before underlining them and closing the ink pot. Again, she cleaned the tip of her quill before standing from her seat. She took the letter, folding the parchment before slipping it into the envelope. She made her way to the stove, where a saucepan stood. It'd been melting pink wax cubes, preparing for the Tsukinami to seal her letter to her brothers. She switched off the heat, stirring the wax to make sure it'd been thoroughly melted. Lifting the pot, she carried it to the letter, flipping it on its back and pouring the hot wax upon it. The scent hit her nose, causing it to wrinkle as she placed the saucepan on the table before her husband. She shoved her hand down her blouse, fishing out the cold chain which held a large ring with her family's seal upon it. She pressed the seal into the wax, the steam hit her hand, burning it as she slowly pulled away. Removing the chain from around her neck, she placed it on the table, allowing it to cool down.
"I hope you're going to clean that up." Reiji said, his tone cold as he spared a quick glare her way. The woman sighed, rolling her eyes.
"It is my mess, Darling," she proceeded to swiftly clean the 'mess' she'd made, putting her belongings back into the drawer Reiji had put them in originally. The letter was left upon the table as she closed the drawer and stretched. "What are you reading, this fine afternoon?" She was to be married to him for eternity, she may as well get to know him.
"None of your business," Reiji replied.
"Are you hungry?"
"No."
"Well alright then." She lifted the letter and sighed as she made her way out of the kitchen, her pumps clacked against the wooden surface of the floor with an attitude.
"Are you going to eat?" He'd placed his book down now, crossing one leg over the other whilst adjusting his glasses. He watched sternly as his wife turned on the spot, raising an eyebrow at his words.
"No," she replied curtly, glancing at the clock hanging on the wall, it was four o'clock - it would be dinner time soon.
"You haven't eaten since before the wedding."
"Is that a problem?"
"Starving yourself is not the answer."
"Starving myself may save me from an eternity with you, Dear." She threw a teasing wink his way before heading down the corridor and up the stairs to their shared bedroom.
The bed had been neatly made - after Reiji had cursed her existence due to the messy state she'd left the bed in. The small wardrobe containing their wedding attire had been locked, hiding the sickening clothes. Athena hummed slowly, unlatching the window and opening it wide to allow a large bat to fly into the room.
"Good afternoon," she hummed, handing the parchment over to the bat's outstretched hand, "Please give this to Carla Tsukinami." Without saying anything else, she watched as the bat flew off into the blue sky. She smiled warmly as she leaned forward, closing the window. A loud bell sounded, startling her. "What?"
"Good afternoon," Reiji said, his gaze forced to the open front door. Athena raised an eyebrow as she slowly stepped down the wooden stairs.
"Who's there?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she peeked over the railing. A well-dressed couple stood at the door. The lady was short and pale, her hand rest upon the small bump that showed beneath her light pink dress. Her arm was looped through the man's who stood beside her, his skin was tanned and his smile warm, a pair of round glasses slipped down his long nose.
"Neighbours, I presume," Reiji replied, forcing a welcoming smile, "come and greet them Darling." He held his hand out for her to take, clenching his jaw as her warm flesh came in contact with his icy hand. He helped her down the stairs, wrapping his arm around her waist whilst adjusting his glasses.
"Hello there," the man grinned, "my name's Carlos Jacobson, this is my wife, Malory Jacobson. We live just across the street there - we bought apple crumble - is this a good time?"
"Of course," Reiji said, moving and dragging Athena with him so that their guests could enter their home. Nothing was said as the pair entered the warm house, making their way to the kitchen slowly. Athena tore herself from Reiji's grip as soon as the pair had turned their backs to them and followed quickly behind their guests.
"Would you like some tea?" She asked kindly, watching as the pair sat down at the dining table.
"Oh, yes please," Malory said, glancing around, "your house is rather beautiful."
"Thank you," Athena said, putting the kettle on the stove, "my husband has a talent for organisation." This wasn't a lie, she was rather fond of the way things had been decorated. Reiji's footprints sounded, his lips smeared in a kind smile, sending chills down Athena's spine - he'd never smiled like that around her.
"I apologise for our informality," Reiji said, "my name is Reiji Sakamaki and this is my lovely wife: Athena Sakamaki." He gestured to Athena who had gently plucked four china cups from his beloved cabinet, "We were wed only a week ago."
"The most magical day of my life," Athena interrupted, sending Reiji a dazzling smile as she poured the tea into the cups.
"Ah you guys are simply adorable - have you any pictures of the wedding?" Malory asked, her green eyes shining with interest, "Carlos and I have been married for years - we're expecting our first baby in five months."
"March 17th to be exact," Carlos said, his smile was toothy as he gently held his wife's hand, "are you two planning on having any children?"
"Many years into the future, hopefully," Reiji said, picking two cups of tea up and placing them before the guests before sitting himself down at the dining table. Athena followed suit, placing their cups down and sitting herself upon the cushioned chair. She grimaced at Reiji's words - like hell would she carry his child... or any child for that matter - pregnancy seemed like a true horror. Still, she forced her smile and sipped her tea silently. "And I'm afraid we haven't yet received our wedding photographs - I'm sure we will receive them when we return home."
"Is this not your home?" Carlos asked, raising an eyebrow before sending a swift "thanks for the tea" Athena's way.
"No," Athena smiled, "we are to stay here for a year before returning home to my husband's estate - isn't that right, Dear?"
"Yes," Reiji nodded, "we are settling into married life - away from any relatives."
"Oh yes, I would deteste to be bombarded by your brothers," Athena let out a laugh, "especially Laito - he is a rambunctious one, isn't he, Dear?"
"The same could be said for your younger brother, my sweet," Reiji retorted, his voice low as he glanced at his sour wife. Athena bit down on her tongue, ignoring Reiji as she looked at the Jacobson's.
"So, how did you two meet?" She asked, changing the topic. Carlos grinned as he smiled lovingly at his wife.
"In high school, I had a huge fondness for Malory - confessed at our prom and we married soon after," he said, admiring Malory's face as his tone grew dreamy.
"That's sweet," Athena smiled kindly.
"How did you two meet?"
"It was an arr-"
"We were children," Athena quickly interrupted Reiji who sent her a disapproving glare, "I hated his guts. He hated mine. Our rivalry soon blossomed into love - and we tied the knot."
Athena let out a long, heavy groan as the door finally clicked shut. They'd been at that table for four hours, feeding their guests sweet lies before they'd finally had enough.
"I had no idea that socialising could be so exhausting," she sighed, massaging her forehead, "would you like some of that apple crumble that they left us?" She gasped as Reiji's hand came across her face, sending her to the floor. He crouched before her, grasping her chin tightly as he glared harshly at her.
"Have you any idea how rude you are?" He hissed, "Interrupting and lying to our guests - who do you think you are?" Athena's eyes were merely wide and her lips parted as she pressed her hand to her burning cheek. "You're a disgrace," Reiji snapped, shoving her aside, "the worst wife I could have ever recieved - get out of my sight." He walked off, towards the kitchen. She heard the stove being switched on and Reiji's annoyed huff as he placed the cups into the polished sink. Trembling, she pushed herself off the floor and made her way up the creaking stairs in disbelief. She wasn't new to beatings - she'd received many as punishment from her beloved father before... but to escape him and receive the same treatment from her husband... She swallowed her tears and cleared her throat as she sat herself upon the landing, her back to the banister as she attempted to regain composure. She was so over this.