Free! Oneshots

The Matchmakers-Aiichiro

You smoothed out the skirt of your dress before picking up the porcelain saucer in front of you and lifting the cup perched on it to your lips. The tea was warm and fragrant, it gave you a pleasant feeling as the liquid flowed down your throat. You took a few more sips before returning the cup to the small table before you and shifting your gaze to your parents sat opposite.

They had demanded to meet with you today, which didn't surprise you because as their heir, there was never a time when they didn't need you to look at a new business model they had drawn up or inform you that there was some party you had to attend. The impromptu summonings weren't something to be shocked by. Today however, was not for those (which somewhat relieved you because discussing sales strategy and being forced to socialise with old men at exhaustingly formal events were both things you needed a brake from).

"As you know honey, in due time you'll be taking over the family business," began your mother in the sickeningly sweet, generic voice she always used to address you. With her never growing out of her 'submissive housewife to a successful businessman' act that she had donned the day she married your father, the two of you never communicated properly and so were distant. She was always more focussed on how she presented as a wife, both to your family and others; it was like she never stopped behaving like someone was watching and judging her marriage.

"Yes, I am aware of that, mother" She glared at you slightly but gave a smile that looked too big for her face and too fake for the situation, in an attempt to hide her spite.

"Well anyway, we've arranged for you to marry a lovely young man named Aiichiro Nitori. He's the heir to our rival company so it would be to the benefit of both enterprises if we were to merge. We talked it over with his parents and they agree that marriage it's the best way to do it. You'll love him dear."

You stared at the for a second before reaching back to the saucer and taking another long sip of tea. So that's what this was for: marriage. But arranged? Was your mother really fine with coming off as so old fashioned? Though on second thought this was probably your father's idea, his marriage to your mother was arranged anyway so this probably seemed like a good way to go to him.

You didn't mind it. I mean, sure it sounded like you didn't have a say in the matter but maybe this Aiichiro would find you so incompatible that he would demand the two of you not be wed. Or you could just be one of those super distant spouses who barely sees their husband and just takes holidays and has affairs all the time. There was the off chance that you may actually like him but it was such a small possibility-who were you to rely on it?

"Haven't you a thing to say sweetheart?" You mother spoke again in the same nauseating tone. It amazed you sometimes how anyone could stand being in earshot of her.

"Yes just one thing. What brand of tea is this? I must have one of the maids bring me some later," you feigned curiosity as you asked the question, holding your mother's gaze all the while knowing that she was gritting her teeth behind her tightly pursed lips. The spite in her eyes intensified as she hissed, "Earl Grey, surely you should know by the taste."

Your little war of annoyance continued until suddenly your father cut in.

"That's not important now and don't go talking about tea when you meet this gentlemen. A lot is ridding on this marriage so if you do not take care with such delicate matter, there will be hell to pay. He will call for you in a few hours so please, go and make yourself look even the slightest bit appealing."

The small smirk on your lips from agitating your mother dropped and you stood to courtesy before turning and climbing the long and laborious, winding staircase that led to your chamber. You never quite understood what your mother saw in that man, except for money; he could take the joy out of everything. Nevertheless you still did have to get ready, even if you didn't like this situation.