Affection Between Us ||SasuIchi Oneshot Booklet||

Business

Many things could be said about the Kuran family, most of which was decently positive. However, there were noticeable complaints from those that knew them. Most of the negativity was centred around the reluctance of the second eldest daughter to marry. Though she was the also second youngest -- born third out of four siblings with one brother -- she was expected to wed in the name of business. Her big sister had done so and her big brother was being groomed to inherit the empire built by their father, Takehiko Kuran. As a father, he wanted what was best for his children. As the CEO and owner of a large company, he wanted to make more money and to ensure the stability of his cooperate legacy. It was a delicate bridge to walk, so he didn't.

This sat ill with his youngest two twins moreso than the elder two, but the youngest quickly changed her mind after meeting her suitor. Deidara Namikaze, nephew of Minato Namikaze, swept Naoki Kuran off of her feet. Natsuki Kuran, the eldest of the four siblings, had been married for three full years to Kankuro Sabaku. This left Ichiki Kuran, Naoki's fraternal twin, left to be pawned off in the name of money.

She had no eye for fortune, no love for names or fame. Instead, she quite preferred the privacy that she could so sparsely achieve and favoured reading. What she read were not the stock exchange letters or even the dreadful newspaper whose dreary headlines served simply to grab peoples' eye and pay cheque. No, she indulged in the tales of long ago. Mythology, history, fables, and fairytales were what she savoured. Chika Kuran, her mother, was to blame as she'd read such books to Ichiki as a small child.

"You're trying for the Uchihas again? I thought that you detested them," said mother clicked her tongue in irritation.

Takehiko did loathe them, but they were rich and owned half of the country. It was a financially sound plan, even it was personally scorned.

"They have money and influence. Naoki nearly had Itachi, until Minato's daughter had to prance right in and steal him..."

"You married her off to a Namikaze, though! They're close partners with the Uchiha!"

"Don't raise your voice with me. It's best for our children as well as our company if we d-"

"Our company?!?! This building is yours. Not even your own sister, the co-owner, wanted it! You forced her into starting it with you and now you're selling your own children!"

"Okaasan, your friend is here to see you."

Their heads turned to see Ichiki standing by the door, her hands clasped in front of her pelvis as she awaited her mother's reply. She'd become their messenger of sorts, as she was always to the point and did not waste time with idle chat.

"I'll be right out. Why don't you join me?"

"As you wish."

Ichiki didn't move, now awaiting her mother's departure.

The only blonde in the room sighed, sending one last glare at her husband before strolling over to her sixteen-year-old and taking her hand rather firmly.

"Perhaps we could enjoy some reading," Chika smiled at Ichiki.

"That would be nice."

Sometimes, Chika wished that Ichiki would be more talkative like her twin.

The women left the room, making sure to slam the door, before Takehiko could eject. He sighed, cupping his face as he sunk into the cushion of his chair. All that he was doing, he was doing for his family. Like his aforementioned daughter, Takehiko wasn't very good at expressing himself. Typically, he was blunt and antisocial despite not intending to be rude and simply unable to communicate properly.