Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 79: With fame comes fortune and with fortune comes trouble

Damn that's a long chapter title 😅😂

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July 1869

{After Kioshi's defeat, a lot changed for Heisuke and me. There was no longer that unspoken danger between us. We no longer had to worry about Kioshi cutting either of our lives short. We were finally free. With that freedom came opportunity. I decided to honour my parents' dying wish and focus on creating a name for myself in the art world. Heisuke wholeheartedly supported me as I made this journey into this slightly unfamiliar world. Two months later, I had done it. My dream was no longer a dream, it was a reality. My reality.}

I still can't believe it...Someone grabbing hold of my shoulders brought me out of my thoughts. It was, of course, my lover and supporter Heisuke. "You okay Chiyeko? Looked like ya had your head in the clouds there"
"Gomen about that, I'm just still in shock is all"
"You shouldn't be shocked, you should be happy. You deserve this"
"Do I? I mean, my work isn't nearly as great as other artists and I can't-!" Heisuke kissed me to silence the rest of my sentence. He then lovingly caressed my cheek and smiled.
"You, Kazama Chiyeko, are the best artist I've ever known"
"Heisuke, I'm the only artist you've ever known" I rolled my eyes with an exasperated smile.
"True, but my statement is also still true. If your art wasn't amazing, would this many people have showed up to your gallery opening?" Heisuke gestured to the large crowd of people standing outside.
"It could just be curiosity" I pointed out.
"Well, how about I just prove you wrong then?"
"And how are you going to do that?"
"I think it's about time for the grand opening, don't you?"
"I guess it's now or never" I chuckled nervously.
"You have no need to be nervous Chiyeko, you wouldn't have been given this gallery if your art wasn't up to scratch"
"But how do I know how they'll all react?"
"You don't and you'll never know if you don't go out there"
"You're right Heisuke, it's time to do this!" I took a deep breath and went to the entrance before sliding open the doors. When I did so, the crowd quietened down.
"Are you ready to do the honours?" The manager handed me a sheathed kodachi and I removed it from its sheath to discover that the blade was golden. I looked at the manager and he gestured to the cloth tied around the entrance in a nice neat bow. I nodded and raised the blade.
"I now declare this gallery..." I sliced through the cloth with the golden blade. "...open!" Cheers erupted from the crowd as they eagerly entered the building. I handed the sheathed blade back to the manager.
"Are you ready to witness me being right?" Heisuke teased as he grabbed hold of my hand.
"I hope so"
"You've seriously got to stop losing faith in yourself, look around Chiyeko. They love your art" We stepped into the gallery and my eyes widened. Some of the people were looking at my paintings in awe while others smiled tenderly at the paintings as if they believed the painting was for them. I caught a few discussions of people offering up different interpretations of what the various paintings meant. "Chiyeko, you okay? You've gone awfully quiet over there-Wait, why are you crying!?"
"You were right Heisuke...I'm so happy..."
"Oh Chiyeko, come here" Heisuke brought me into his embrace and I happily cried into his chest. "You've made your dream a reality and I couldn't be more proud of you"
"Arigato gozimasu Heisuke..." I continued to cry tears of happiness as Heisuke held me. Mother, father...I did it, I made my dream true...I continued to be comforted by Heisuke as the people around us enjoyed my art.

A few days later

I had received a letter from Ginsuki, inviting me to a social gathering. It appeared to be a party where lots of well-known individuals would be in attendance. I'm not sure if this kind of party is for me...I had been re-reading the letter throughout the day, trying to decide whether or not to go. It was currently nightfall and I was sitting on our shared futon in my sleeping kimono, once again reading over the invitation letter I had been sent. Once I reached the end, Heisuke walked into our room and sat down by my side in his sleeping kimono. "Whatcha reading?"
"Oh right, I don't think I actually told you about this yet"
"About nani?"
"Ginsuki-sama invited me to a party happening next week for famous people, but I'm not sure if I should go"
"Are you kidding? Of course you should go!"
"You really think so?"
"Chiyeko, your art is currently the most talked about thing in town. You may be up-and-coming, but you're up-and-coming fast! You'll be one of the greats before ya know it!" Heisuke...It both embarrassed and delighted me that Heisuke felt that way about my art career. "You're gonna go to that party and make sure minna knows that you are Kazama Chiyeko!"
"You're right! If I plan to make a name for myself then I can't be scared or intimidated by other famous artists and the like!"
"That's the spirit!"
"Arigato for opening my eyes Heisuke, I really appreciate it"
"You're welcome Chiyeko, remember I'm always gonna be here to support ya" He gave me a brief kiss on the cheek.
"Well, the invitation says I can bring a plus one. Would you like to come?"
"Do you really need to ask? Of course I'll go with you"
"I was nervous before, but thanks to you now I can't wait for the date of the party to arrive!" I excitedly stated as I put the letter away and got into our futon.
"Me neither, it'll be good to see you enjoying yourself around like-minded people" Heisuke smiled down at me softly as he joined me in our futon.
"You make it sound like I don't enjoy your company"
"Oh, don't worry. I know you do" Heisuke briefly kissed me on the lips before gently stroking my hair. "It's just I've never really immersed myself in the world of creativity and sometimes I feel like I'm not able to help you because of it"
"Wait, what are you talking about?" I looked up at him confused.
"Well, there've been quite a few times where you've been stuck on a painting or struggled to find motivation and all I can do is watch because I don't know how to help you artistically"
"Oh Heisuke...There are times in every artist's life where they've gotten stuck or lacked motivation. It's just something we've gotta overcome on our own" I then smiled tenderly at him. "Besides, you've already helped me plenty of times when it comes to my art career"
"Really, how've I done that?" You've gotta love his cluelessness sometimes. I giggled to myself before answering;
"By being my boyfriend. Whenever I'm stuck or lack motivation, I think of you. It helps me get back on track every time"
"Oh, wow...I'm glad I'm able to help you" He smiled with a slight blush upon his cheeks. "But still, I'd like to learn more about your world of work. That way I can support you even more"
"Well I won't stop you" I chuckled at his determination. "But don't forget to also enjoy yourself. Remember, it is a party we're going to"
"I can learn while enjoying myself, kill two birds with one stone"
"If you say so Heisuke" I snuggled into his chest as tiredness overcame me. Heisuke wrapped an arm around me in response and held me close.
"Oyasumi Chiyeko"
"Oyasumi...Heisuke..." I managed to get out between yawns. After settling myself in, it didn't take long for me to fall asleep within my lover's arms.