Midori the Queen

Eri's Trust

All in all being the future bride of a Yakuza had major perks. Once Izumi had earned the trust and respect of the members they treated her like royalty. For the most part the men were sweet and polite to her. Some feared her which was just as fine, and all referred to her as either Lady Karma, or Lady Izumi depending on the circle. They waited on her hand and foot, taught her the general customs and practices of women in her station such as making tea from scratch, and how to properly receive guests. They even taught her new games such as Shogi and Karuta.

With obstacle one completed Izumi thought it was high time that she and Eri spent some quality time together. The girl would be her responsibility from now on and she wanted to earn her trust and friendship. Just because she had to fill in as a mother figure didn't necessarily mean she needed to act like a mama. She would try befriending the girl first; get to know her, take her and Kota out for ice cream, and just go from there.

She sent Touya and Kota out for clothes and other items she’d need for the outing. After that she talked a few of the clan members to keep Chisaki busy with business so he wouldn’t interrupt their time together. Once she had everything in place she snagged the key to Eri’s room from Chisaki’s office and made her way downstairs.

"Eri?" She gently knocked on the door and peeked her head into the bedroom. The girl jolted up from her bed staring through the dark room and at Izumi's silhouette. "Its okay, it’s just me. May I come in?"

The girl whimpered a little, holding her chest as the fear made her heart skip and shake against her ribs. Still she nodded, and Izumi stepped in closing the door behind her. 

This woman, Eri thought as she gave Izumi a once over, was different from the others. Her touch and voice were so kind and polite. It wasn't forced or fake. She sat upright as Izumi approached, and peeked warily at the bag she carried. 

"Thanks, we didn’t really get the chance to talk the last time I was here.” She held up her hand, waiting for Eri’s permission before gently petting her hair. The touch was so soft and gentle that Eri’s face softened to a wondered look rather than a frightened one. “Kai said I'm supposed to be taking on the role of your mother...but I don’t want you to force yourself to think of me like that.” 

“Are you…” she spoke softly and meekly. “Are you really going to marry him?” 

“I am… but you don’t have to worry about me Eri.” She took her hands warming them up between hers. “I know you’re not happy here. I’d like to know why… but I understand if you don’t want to say anything.” 

Eri flinched and shook her head violently. 

“I don’t… I don’t like it when he’s angry.” 

“He’s a pretty scary guy when he’s angry… but I’ll work  on that.” She smiled. “I’m here to help, Eri. I’d like to start with us being friends.” She stood up and sat next to her rubbing her back. “Do you think that would be okay?” 

"Friends?" She nervously played with her hands, a habit Izumi remembered having as a kid whenever she got nervous or didn't know what to say. "What do friends do?" 

"Well they do all kinds of things. They tell each other stories, they play games, go exploring, shopping…"

" I don't know any good stories,” Eri quickly cut her off, her voice shaking and body curling up into a ball. “... and I'm not allowed to do those other things. I'm not supposed to leave my room unless he says so."

“Kai left me in charge of you, Eri.” She tucked hair out of her face. He wants you to be more comfortable here. He doesn’t know how to raise kids, doesn’t know what they want or need. It’s my job to make you happy. So if I say we should go out.” She picks up the bag and pulls out a long sleeve sundress and hat as well as a pair of boots and tights. “Then we’re going out. If anyone has a problem with it, then they’ll have to deal with me.”