“You’ve had too much, sweet.”
Isshin watched with a hint of amusement as Chihiro took a sip of her fifth Pinna colada, waving her hand at him. “I haven’t, okay, but this is so good.” For a moment she stopped looking at her drink, her gaze sliding to her husband. “Isshin.”
He could hear the edge in her voice. “Yes, sweet?”
“Take off your clothes.”
Honestly, he had expected her to say something of that nature, but his eyebrows rose nonetheless. “Chihiro, we’re in…public.”
“So what? Nobody’s watching…” She muttered, suddenly forceful and seductive. “If you don’t, I’ll do it for you…”
“Chihiro…”
“The countdown is starting, and then there’ll be fireworks. Didn’t you want to spend it together?”
His eyebrows rose. “How did you..?”
“I’m your wife, silly man.” She huffed, wrapping her arms around. “Now let’s go.”
“…only a silly woman could love a silly man…” He muttered in retort, shaking his head as he smiled, leading them to a more…private location.
“The ball is going to drop.” The blonde glanced down at his dancing partner, who watched him critically. “They’re going to start the countdown. Don’t you have someone you want to be with?”
“Darlin’, would I have someone to be with if I’m dancing with you?” She asked coyly. “Actually, this isn’t bad at all. I couldn’t have asked for a better dance partner. I happen to love blondes, you know.”
His cheeks began to burn. “I…” And just like that, he lost his wits. “I’m not a natural blonde.”
She started laughing. “You’re adorable.”
“Five…”
Soshi wasn’t paying attention. His wife had already caught him by the face. “Four…”
Isshin and Chihiro paused for the countdown. “Three…”
“Two…” Shogo murmured. “One.”
The woman pressed her lips to his. For a few moments his eyes were wide with surprise; elation began to consume him before long and the fireworks being set off in the background seemed to highlight the moment. He’d gone weak in the knees, he realized as they pulled apart, his heart rapidly beating in his chest, and the moment he looked away from her to conceal his blush (for she had stolen his first kiss), he realized that there was no longer a woman in his arms.
Shocked and a bit heartbroken, he searched the room, overlooking the happy couples and overflowing glasses of wine and brandy in hopes of catching a glimpse of her. He didn’t. Swallowing a bit, he carefully touched his fingers to his lips, closing his eyes. It had been real, alright, but who was she? He hadn’t even gotten a name.
“Happy New Year!”
Not even a slipper. He ran his fingers through his blonde hair, sighing a bit, though he cracked a tiny smile. “…the old man was right, though. I’m…glad I came.”
