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Puppetmaster: (VampuricWerewolf)

Name: Kaoru Nishimi

Age: 18

Height: 5’ 7”

Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Honey Brown

Bio: Kaoru has just finished high school and is finishing his preparation to become a ‘Flower Bride’. He’s mastered cooking, cleaning, sewing and every other skill considered ‘necessary’ for a wife of the clan’s main family. He parents would describe him as being unambitious and, when they were particularly annoyed with him, a worthless son. His classmates would describe him as a dreamer. His teachers would agree, but for the most part his got along with everyone well. Though he suffered from some anxiety, he found peace in music and playing the piano.

Though he was a distant relative of the Shoumei family, he had been chosen to marry into the main house since he was the only non-heir that was of age when the announcement of the eldest Shoumei's firstborn son was made. He didn’t really mind, he hadn’t had any plan on going to college and to be perfectly honest, he’d found himself more attracted to the men in his class than the women. He’d never be able to confess this to his family, but this arrangement suited him fine. So long as he’d be able to continue playing piano as he wished, of course.

Appearance:

Daichi sat at his desk, leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. Frustrated, he relived the conversation he had just had with his mother. His wedding was scheduled for next week, less than five days away. He was expected to meet his bride tonight at a formal dinner at the main house. Dress nice, his mother had said. Daichi felt like punching something. He was busy! He had work to do! He didn’t have time for meet and greets and weddings and brides!

Leaning forward, Daichi placed his elbow on the table and placed his forehead in his hand, holding up his head as he tried to calm down. His long hair was pulled back in a high ponytail. He wore a tailored black suit, with a pinstriped tie and silver cuff links. Bright blue eyes hid behind thick eyelashes as he focused on his breathing. His coworkers could handle the rest of the work today… and he would need to alert them that he would have to take a day or two off work next week for a personal event… there was no way he was wasting any more time than that on this wedding. It wasn’t even going to be a real marriage! Just two guys, living in the same house. He was essentially getting a roommate.

Sighing, Daichi sat up straight, rolled his shoulders back, and opened his eyes. He looked at the papers at his desk and arranged them in order of important so he could pick up where he left off tomorrow. He rose up from his chair, grabbed his coat which had been hanging on a coat rack in the corner, and proceeded to leave his office. “Marcus, I’m leaving for the day. Make sure the Adachi account is covered before your leave today.” He said to his general manager before he started towards the elevator. If Marcus said anything, it was lost on Daichi who had already zoned out and started to think about the dinner tonight.

He took the elevator to the garage, and hoped into his black Mercedes Bens S-Class Sedan. As he drove home, he tried to remember what he knew about his bride. Male, 18 years of age, finishing high school… he had good grades, but otherwise had no excelling marks on his transcripts. His bride seemed to be rather quiet, at least based on the information Daichi had managed to look up not too long ago. If he was going to be forced to marry someone, he wanted to at least know who he was.

Daichi arrived home and ran upstairs to change. His home wasn’t mess, per se… it wasn’t perfectly clean either. He wasn’t home enough to make much of a mess, or clean what little mess he did make. He mostly only used this space to sleep. He would probably have to change that… Shaking the thought from his head, Daichi undressed and headed to the shower. First get ready, then worry about tomorrow.

Daichi parked his car around the back and headed up to his parent’s house through the back entrance. He hoped he could make it to the main meeting room before his mother could find him. But that was wishful thinking. She found him sneaking his way through the kitchen. “Daichi! There you are. It’s about time.” She said, hugging her son. She was a smaller woman, fair skin, black hair, and like Daichi, blue eyes. She smiled up at be son, but then frowned. “Smile! You look so handsome when you smile.” She said. Daichi forced a smile and she frowned again. “Grumpy pants… give me your jacket, and your shoes!” she said, practically tearing the jacket and shoes off of him before he could protest. He was left in his black suit vest, white collared shirt and dress slacks, all of which were tailored for his broad shoulders and slim waist.

“The Nishimi family is already here. They are waiting in the main meeting room.” She said as she handed her jacket off to one of the maids. Daichi pulled at the cuffs of his shirt and sighed. “Already…” he groaned softly. His hair was pulled back in another high neat ponytail. His mother smiled at him. “Your bride is cute. I bet if you let yourself, you’d like him.” She said, smirking a bit at her son’s frown. Stubborn as always. “Now come, let’s go introduce you two.” She said, grabbing his hand before he could bolt out the door. Daichi stifled another groan as they left the kitchen. He gently pulled his hand out of his mother’s grasp and stood his full height, which was almost a foot higher than his mother.

Bright blue eyes scanned his old childhood home. He nodded acknowledgements to the servants as he passed. But soon enough they were at the main meeting room. He sighed again, looking down at his mother before she opened the doors. Everyone in the room turned to look, which was something the young VP was used to. His bright blue eyes scanned the room in that moment of silence. There were a few people he didn’t know, the Nishimi’s most likely. Then blue eyes met honey brown and paused. Kaoru was by far the youngest in the room, and easily spotted. 'Cute.' Daichi mentally cursed at himself. Cute? What was he thinking? The quiet moment broke and their eyes broke contact.

Daichi shook hands and hugged family members with a polite smile. His mother pulled him from the crowds and walked him over to Kaoru’s parents. “And this is Mr. and Mrs. Nishimi, and their son Kaoru. This is my son Daichi.” She said with a smile. Daichi bowed deeply to them both. “It’s very nice to meet you.” He said, politely. He rose to his full height, the weight of his eyes landing on Kaoru before his mother clapped, gathering the attention of the room. “Let’s sit, the food is ready!” she said. Everyone nodded and muttered in agreement. The table was set around a low table. Pillows were laid out as seats for everyone to kneel on.

Daichi’s mother ushered the Nishimi’s to the head of the table. Daichi was gestured where to sit, practically thrown to his pillow seat, the spot to his left was for Kaoru. Daichi’s family sat to his left and Kaoru’s family sat to Kaoru’s left. The other members of the family filled in the remainder of the seats. Once every one was seated, servants started to file in bringing family sized portions of food and drink and set them in the middle of the tables for everyone to share. Daichi’s mother grabbed the first bowl, which promted everyone else to dig in. Daichi grabbed a nearby bowl and his chop sticks and shoveled some onto his plate, obviously accustom to this eating arrangement. “Would you like some?” he asked Kaoru, gesturing to the bowl in his hand and the plate in front of his bride.

Daichi handed the bowl to Kaoru, and their fingers brushed ever so slightly. Why was he hyper aware of this male? A) he is a stranger, and B) he’s your bride! Daichi mentally groaned. Damn it all! He just wanted to go home. He didn’t want to think about how Kaoru was shorter than him, or how slim the male was, or how those honey brown eyes shimmed when their eyes met. Such beautiful brown eyes. Damn it! No, no, no, no! He was not attracted to a high school student. No! Daichi’s internal turmoil was interrupted when Kaoru whispered an apology.

Blue eyes followed Kaoru’s hands and noticed he was trembling. Of course… he was scared. He was barely 18, and thrown into a marriage with a man he didn’t even know. Daichi could at least do his research… he doubted Kaoru was granted the same liberty. Daichi reached for the bowl Kaoru was reaching for. “Let me.” His voice was soft, calming. He skillfully dished some of the rice onto Kaoru’s plate, then his own. Long fingers passed the bowl to his mother and in turn exchanged another bowl holding a noodle dish, similar to chow mien. Driving on autopilot, Daichi dished out some on his plate, and then some on Kauro’s. He managed to do this with multiple dishes before he realized what he was doing. “Sorry, I didn’t ask if you wanted any of that.” He frowned at his unconscious actions. “Eat what you can. It’s fine if you don’t eat it all.” He said softly. Luckily conversation had sparked around the table so their conversation was easily overlooked.

Daichi reached over and grabbed the tea pot, pouring both himself and Kaoru a drink. His mother was currently engaging everyone in conversation, but purposely ignored Daichi and Kauro. Daichi recognized the look his mother was sending his way and he sighed softly. “Seems my mother has everyone distracted so we can chat.” He said softly as he lifted his cup to his lips to take a slip of his tea. He looked at Kaoru as he set his cup down. “Tell me about yourself. When’s your graduation?” he asked softly, trying to keep their conversation to themselves. At least they would be able to learn more about each other before their wedding. Which was… five days away… Daichi internally groaned again. Why so soon? The lab was barely 18… just graduating… They couldn’t wait? Another soft sigh came from Daichi as he tried to focus on Kaoru and the dinner. “Is there anything specific about me you would like to know… before…?” he let his question trail off because he didn’t want to utter the words out loud. Before their wedding… gods… this was so stupid!

Daichi bit his tongue when Kaoru spoke, calling himself a boring bride. ‘You’re not boring, you’re young. You’re still developing… I shouldn’t have asked such a generic question… and don’t call yourself a bride.’ Daichi wanted to frown, wanted to yell that this was all so stupid! But he didn’t. His mother would literally kill him if he messed this up. He would just have to live with it. Maybe he could convince Kaoru to bend their marriage vows… He internally sighed again. He had been looking for a way out for years, to no avail… he hated feeling trapped.

The question about school got Kaoru talking however, he even smiled. Though Daichi couldn’t tell if it was a genuine smile or a forced one. He knew a thing or two about forced smiles and pleasantries. Daichi’s lips curled in a small smile. “That does not sound very efficient.” He commented, eating a bit from his plate as he listened to Kaoru continue on about school. Last day of school was Monday… yesterday… Wait today was Tuesday? Daichi did a short calculation in his head. Their wedding was on a Saturday. This Saturday? Crap! He had miscalculated the remainder of his freedom. He frowned softly at the thought but forced his attention to Kaoru.

In response to his next question, Kaoru’s demeanor shifted. It was subtle, but Daichi’s watchful eyes noticed. Kaoru almost looked scared. What specifically about Daichi made Kaoru feel fear? Daichi paused for a moment, then wanted to smack himself. Kaoru probably feared he was going to be locked away, forced to cook and clean Daichi’s house, maybe even beaten… Do I really look that scary? The thought crossed his mind before he heard Kaoru start to stutter. But his question made Daichi go still. Follow tradition? He noticed the blush on Kaoru’s face and immediately understood what he was talking about. Did he plan on consummating the marriage on their wedding night? Did he plan on forcing a boy into his bed for his own enjoyment? He felt his fingers tighten around his chopsticks, threatening to break them.

Kaoru tried to take his question back, saying it was only natural that they would… “No.” his voice was quiet, but stern. He set his shop sticks down, softly even though he wanted to slam them down. “We live in the 21t century. The fact this barbaric tradition is still enforced baffles me. But I have no plans on treating you like a bride, like my property.” His hands fisted again in anger. The fact that ‘brides’ were still told they would be forced to… pleasure their stranger husbands made his blood boil. He took a breath and opened his hand, forcing it to rest on his leg, trying to control his temper. “We are just two people who, in a few days, will be forced to live together.” He said softly, his eyes purposely avoiding Kaoru’s. Daichi had suddenly lost his appetite. He reached for his cup and took a sip. There was a moment of awkward silence between them before Kaoru moved on to less embarrassing topics. Daichi was able to look at him again. “You don’t need to worry about cooking for me. I work odd hours and often don’t return home until late.” He said as he set his cup down. Daichi didn’t mean to sound distance, but he really didn’t want a bride. He didn’t want a maid or a cook. If anything, he wanted Kaoru to do the things he wanted to do with his life… not wait for a man who would just fall asleep after returning home late.

The next question made Daichi pause. But he shook his head. “I’m afraid I don’t. My older brother is the pianist in the family.” He said, and saw the disappointment in Kaoru’s eyes. A piano… that would make a perfect wedding present… Daichi decided right then that tomorrow he would buy Kaoru a piano for their home. He wanted the male to be happy… and if a piano would make Kaoru happy it was a small price to pay. “How long have you been playing?” he asked. Maybe later Daichi could hire a piano teacher to teach Kaoru, depending on his skill level. It would give Kaoru something to do during the day…

His mother’s single clap drew the attention of the room. Everyone’s conversations died down. She smiled brightly. “I’m so glad everyone was able to make it tonight. We are here to discuss the union of Daichi and his bride Kaoru.” She said with a strong voice. For a small woman, she could project. “The wedding is scheduled for this weekend. I’m sure we are all excited. But there are some small matters we need to discuss.” She looked over at her son, whose face had gone neutral. “We already have picked a perfect little apartment for the happy couple. It’s in the city, close to Daichi’s work. Movers will come by on Friday. I understand that is Kaoru’s graduation day, so please make sure everything is ready to go the night before.” She said, looking at both Kaoru and his parents. “You both will be sleeping here, at the main house on Friday. In separate rooms, of course. That will make wedding preparations the next day easier since the ceremony is being held here in the gardens.” She looked at her son, knowing exactly how he felt about all this. She paid it no mind however. Tradition would be followed, no matter how much he protested. “Are there any questions?” she asked, almost daring Daichi to speak up. But he knew better than to fall for that. He just remained quiet, sitting up straight, head held high.

Soft blue eyes turned to Kaoru and just stared at him for a moment. Seriously? The shrug and down casted gaze said it all. Kaoru was speaking the truth… his parents really saw no other purpose for Kaoru than to be a bride. The thought made Daichi’s blood boil. Why was this still a thing!? He had researched Kaoru… he was a good student, never got in trouble. He had nearly won a few competitions a few years back; he came in second place which is still amazing. He didn’t know what to say… so he said nothing, letting the conversation shift to Kaoru’s piano talent.

“I would like to hear you play one day.” He said softly, honestly. Daichi liked music. It was calming. He played the violin myself, never in public however. The violin was just for him, or maybe a few choice family members. Maybe one day they could play a piece together… the thought was interrupted by his mother. Daichi switched to autopilot, listening to what his mother had to say. He figured his mother would want him to move. It was part of ‘starting a family’… leaving the past behind to create something new. He hated the idea, and prayed the new place at least had multiple rooms. Probably not… his mother wanted him to follow tradition. He suppressed a groan. But all eyes turned to his soon-to-be wife.

Daichi just blinked at the male as he spoke. It was rare for anyone to speak up while his mother spoke. And what Kaoru was asking for was also surprising. The weight of those blue eyes lingered on Kaoru. However, a heavier gaze was staring at Kaoru. Daichi’s mother. Her gaze was unwavering, her eyes blue like her son’s, just a bit duller. She remained quiet for a moment after Kaoru finished, taking in his request, analyzing it, trying to find its weaknesses. Her eyes flickered to her son, then back to Kaoru and she smiled. Daichi held his breath. “That may help with the transition… Daichi’s current place isn’t very spacious… you two would have to live in close quarters. Would you be alright with that?” She asked Kaoru, and Daichi couldn’t help but feel like it was a test. His mother’s gaze never wavered from Kaoru, like a predator stacking its prey.

She waited for his answer, analyzed it for a moment before she smiled again. Again, Daichi held her breath. “If that is what you want dear, we can do it your way.” She said happily. “Daichi, I’ll have some cleaners sent to your place Friday to make sure the place is acceptable.” She said quickly, hardly glancing at her son. Daichi simply bowed his head in understanding. He was impressed. Kaoru stood up to his mother, presented a reasonable argument, and won her over. A feat not easily obtained. Once his mother’s gaze was off the two of them, Daichi shared a small smile with is soon-to-be bride. It was a genuine smile, small but genuine. Kaoru didn’t seem like a bad guy. If he could put up with his mother…

“Dessert will be served outside in the gardens.” She said, gesturing to the large glass doors that were located along the far wall. “There I would like to talk with Mr. and Mrs. Nishimi. It’ll also give the couple a chance to talk more.” She said, ending her statement with a playful tone, which received a few chuckles from around the table. Daichi just rolled his eyes. His mother moved first. She stood and walked over to the doors, opening them fully before she gestured for everyone to follow. Daichi rose from his seat, stretching his legs as he did so. He then held his hand out to Kaoru to help him up.

Ice cream was being served outside. Soft night lamps light the path of the garden, laminating the night flowers and plants throughout the garden. Daichi walked quietly over with the crowd to the ice cream, unconsciously keeping Kaoru at his side, matching the male’s steps. Once everyone grabbed their bowl of ice cream, they were directed to the gardens. Once they were mostly out of earshot, Daichi spoke. “That was pretty impressive… mother never compromises…” he said softly, taking a small bite of his vanilla ice cream.

A soft smile lightened his features when Kaoru spoke. “Oh, it was definitely forward, which is why it was even considered… mother doesn’t take kindly to meek requests. You presented your case, held your ground…” he paused, taking a small bite of his ice cream. “I should thank you… you made that request with me in mind, my comfort…” He shook his head a bit. “You don’t need to do that… in the future…” he filled his mouth with a bite of ice cream. How was he supposed to tell Kaoru to think about himself first? Worry about his own comfort… he sighed a bit. Convincing Kaoru of that might take a while. It seemed like Kaoru’s family had been grooming him for his position as bride for a long while. Dogma ingrained was hard to break.

Daichi chuckled softly when Kaoru called mothers scary. “I’m sure your mother will have a few words to say. But it should end there.” His tone sounded like he had more to say. But he bit his tongue. He wasn’t about to relay threats through Kaoru to his mother. But Daichi would not tolerate violence… especially against someone he would be caring for soon. Daichi had half a mind to check Kaoru on their wedding night for bruises… but he wouldn’t do that… not unless Kaoru was visibly hurt or uncomfortable. Then, and only then, would he bring the issue up to the head family. Though he really wished it wouldn’t come to that.

Daichi’s eyes caught the soft lights, causing them to shimmer sunlight on a still lake. He enjoyed the gardens, and had spent a lot of time in them growing up. He used to have a green thumb. But when he moved away from home, he stopped gardening. He wasn’t home enough to keep a plant alive it seemed. Daichi had his spoon in his mouth when Kaoru called him ‘honorable husband’. He externally groaned at that. “Please… don’t call me that.” He emphasized the word don’t. “My name is Daichi, you could just call me that…” most people called him Mr. Shoumei. But that wouldn’t work with Kaoru taking his last name. Then they both would be Mr. Shoumei. He groaned again… this was stupid. “And I’ll address you as Kaoru, unless you would prefer something more formal.” He said softly. But he felt he already knew the answer.

He glanced over at his mother, who was still engaged with Kaoru’s parents. “What do you do for fun? So far, you’ve said you like cooking, and you play piano… what else?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation going between the two of them. He did wonder if Kaoru had questions of his own...maybe he was just shy?