Obligation ( Tendou x Reader - Mafia AU)

Part 4

You didn't even have to think about it. Of course you wanted him to be the one to show you around. Honestly, while seeing the house again would hopefully ingrain the layout in your mind, in the end this was just an excuse to spend time with him. It wasn't a stretch to say he had been the first person you'd ever really had any interest in. There were plenty of good looking people back home sure but, to you, they were more or less like family or co-workers. The idea of any of them being a romantic interest was both gross to think about and not gonna happen. Sometimes you wondered if you'd even get the chance to meet someone. Its not like you got to leave the house on your own and no one was going to approach you with a cross looking Kimura at your side. The first time you set eyes on Tendou, you felt an immediate rush of intrigue. He was eye-catching to say the least. Cherry red hair spiked up and away from his scalp, while his sleepy eyes were a darker shade of red. Put simply, Tendou was beautiful. From his smile to his laugh, it all drew you in, made you want to try and get his attention. It didn't take long for you to get it either, soon the two of you were often together, and the first time you heard him laugh sealed it for you, you had a big fat crush.

Now the two of you walked with purpose through the home, Tendou pointing out random little details while you listened with enthusiasm. Some of the facts were, odd, but you found them all the more interesting. For instance, the previous underboss had gotten super drunk one Christmas and used an antique vase from the Ming dynasty as his own barf bucket. That vase, by the way, had been a gift to the first head of the family by the Emperor at the time.

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"And finally, the garden." Tendou swung the door open, holding it ajar while you passed through the doorway. You stepped out, squinting and shielding your eyes from the sun until your eyes adjusted to the bright outdoor light. The garden was, in one word, gorgeous. There were so many varieties flowers and trees and plants crammed into it. There was so much to see you couldn't tell what was what at first glance, though a pair of wisteria trees on the far side of the garden caught your eye, nearby were rows of hydrangea growing near the gate.

Tendou fixed his eyes on you, watching as your eyes darted around the outdoor space. The garden seemed to have made you very happy and as you carefully moved around looking at the different plants and flowers, he couldn't help but notice how lovely you looked illuminated by the sun and surrounded by the lush greenery. A smile settled onto his lips as he watched you quietly, enjoying the view while you explored.

"It's breathtaking." You murmur, fingers gently gliding across the petals of some Red Spider Lilies.

"Mhm.." He hummed, but he wasn't looking at flowers, he only had eyes for you at the moment. Nothing in this garden was as pretty as you. Satori hadn't expected you to be so enthusiastic to see him again. When you'd admitted how you wanted him to be the one to show you around the house, his heart had fluttered. It was all so unexpected. He wanted to just let go of the pessimistic thoughts that plagued his mind, he wanted to enjoy the time he was spending with you but that was easier said that done. His whole life had been spent with people pretending around him, only saying what they thought he wanted to hear and when they had what they wanted, they left. Was there a chance, even a small one, that your actions and words were legitimate? A vibration in his pocket soon pulled him out of his deliberation and sighed as he laid eyes on the screen.

"Looks like our time is up for now." He mumbled tapping out a reply.

You turn, a small frown pulling at the smile on your lips. You knew he'd only had a little time to spare for you but even still the time had passed by far too fast and you were already trying to think of a way to see him again soon. With a push against your thighs you stand, having crouched before a little grouping of bellflowers to get a better look.

"Oh, ok. Well, Thanks for showing me around."

"S'all good. Maybe next time you come to my office it'll be on purpose." He teases and gives you a lop sided grin before turning to leave. You'd only spent a short time together this morning but you were already looking forward to the next time you saw him. You noted though he didn't seem as animated as he had been before. Had something happened? It had been quite awhile since you had seen each other, any number of things could have occurred, or maybe he just wasn't as comfortable around you as he had been. With that in mind you call out to him.

"Tendou! Uh...if you find yourself with some free time later on, come find me."

"Hmm, we'll see..." And with that he disappeared into the house.

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"I can't believe I'm going to marry him..." You uttered the words to yourself with a smile and turn to go explore the rest of the garden.

"So, you're the demons bride?" A sharp feminine interrupts the stillness of the garden, its owner appearing from around a nearby tree. You jolt with surprise at the voice, unaware someone else was out here. You turn to see the woman casually lean against the trunk of the tree, fixing dark appraising eyes on you. She was about your height with angular features and long dark hair. Her expression shifted looking almost sympathetic if not for sneer on her lips.

"You poor thing, must be horrified to be paired with such a monster."

Any sort of kindness you'd had in your expression dropped at her words. "What?" You turn your body towards her, arms crossing along your chest as you give her a chance to redeem herself. You knew the sorts of things people said about Tendou, and you knew they were essentially a version of him, but they weren't who he really was. Tendou had always been kind to you. He'd always been able to bring a smile to your face and it pained you to hear someone say such a cruel thing about him in front of you. When she remained silent, you spoke up instead, trying very hard to sound passive, your choice of words almost giving her the benefit of the doubt. "I think you might have the wrong idea."

"Do I?" Her head tilts to the side, as she narrows her eyes at you curiously. "Don't tell me, you actually like him?" The question is followed by a snort, her expression full of disbelief. There was just no way. She'd had her sights set on him for awhile now and arranged marriage or not, she would have him. It wasn't that she particularly liked the man, but the power and position he held were very attractive.

You grit your teeth, attempting to hold back your words. At the moment you had no idea who this person was and, while you wanted to tear a strip off of her...perhaps literally, you had to be careful for now. So with a shrug you turn away. "Ok then, I won't." And with that you leave, she stares at you as you disappear into the house, her mouth slightly agape in surprise, eyes burning into your back.