Summer Wars: Aftermath Part 1

Chapter 3

The next hour Natsuki spent rushing around trying to do everything that needed doing. She was in the kitchen brewing another pot of tea when Aunt Mariko found her. The older woman sent the others out with a tip of the head.

"Natsuki, dear," Mariko said.

"Yes Auntie?" Natsuki turned and clasped her hands in a pose of attention.

"I think you should go sit with Kenji. I'm sure he misses your bright smile."

"But Auntie," Natsuki said, "you said I was to be responsible for him."

"Dear, being responsible for Kenji's care, does not mean you have to do everything yourself. Now that the last of the guests have left, except for the Prime Minister and his aides, everyone here is more than happy to do whatever they can for Kenji. We all like him very much and we are impressed by his skills. Even your cousin Shota respects his abilities." She paused for a slight chuckle.

"If decisions are to be made, they are properly yours, but others can implement them. You need to learn to delegate. This is a hard lesson for one so young, but you will one day head your own family and learning this lesson now will stand you in good stead then."

Natsuki looked stubborn and Mariko sighed.

"I daresay I can make this tea as well as you, but Kenji will be more at ease looking at your face, than mine. Now off with you."

Mariko shooed the girl out and turned to check the tea.

Mariko carried the tea tray into Kenji's room and found the two youngsters laughing at Mao, Shingo, and Kana chasing each other around the room. Kenji was propped against a wall while Natsuki smiled from the foot of his futon.

Mariko chased the children out and served the tea to Kenji and Natsuki.

"Thank you, Auntie," Natsuki said.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Kenji echoed with a bow of his head.

"Please, Kenji, all things considered, I will be happy if you would call me Aunt Mariko."

"I would be honored to do so, Aunt Mariko," he said.

"Good. I have other things to attend to. You two have a nice relaxing visit." Mariko stood up, bowed and left.

Natsuki smiled at Kenji and sipped her tea. He smiled back. She felt a rush of warmth, but it faded a little at the shadow she could see in his eyes.

She picked up the conversation and did her best to steer it toward light subjects; most especially away from Love Machine, OZ, and the battle of two days past.

After a time, there was a scratching at the door. It slid open and Aunt Naomi stepped in.

"Natsuki," she said, "Aunt Mariko would like to see you. She said I was to stay and keep Kenji company while you were busy.

"Oh," Natsuki said. "Okay. I'll return when I can, Kenji."

As Natsuki closed the door behind her, she heard Aunt Naomi speak. "So, Kenji, what do you think of our Natsuki?"

She blushed and hurried away before she could hear Kenji's answer.