Moving right along. Lot's of ideas, and if I suppose to keep them short and sweet, then I've got to jot them down now and not let them all build up in my head.

*~*~*~*~*~
Kuragehime - Drifting on the Waves of Dreams
*~*~*~*~*~

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. The silence was also defining. No one made a movement.

Kuranosuke dared not move; nor say a word. In fact, this was probably the one time in his life he wished the gorgeous outfit he wore was less flashy, less fabulous and less outstanding. If the wind blew in from the open window and caused his skirt to flutter; it could spell disaster.

Tsukimi was probably the most petrified she'd ever been. While the company she was in wasn't necessarily the cause of this; it was more the subject matter that was fueling the rooms current state of a silent war being waged. She was barely aware of Mrs. Koibuchi standing just off to her side; also still. Yet her expression betrayed her. She seemed relieved; and Tsukimi could not understand for the life of her why.

Mr. Koibuchi sat at his desk; his intense stare aimed forward; not wavering.

Shuu Koibuchi returned the stare with the same intensity; if not more so.

Five minutes had passed since the older Koibuchi son had addressed his father with an elegantly worded request; that was more like a demand from a spoiled child.

"So it's like this is it?" Keiichirou finally spoke, but his stance still remained solid.

Silent and still. No outward response; none anyone could see, save for the man whom ultimately desided the fate of this endevour.

Another minute ticked by, until finally, Keiichirou let out an agitated sigh and leaned back in his seat.

"I'll remind you that this all falls on your head, and should it fail, it'll be your neck on the line."

"It will not fail."

The reply was automatic, on cue and curt. Keiichirou had to admire his eldest son for at least having the integrity to stand against him. Foolish as it was. However, if it did succeed, it could only be a plus to the standings. With an unnecessary sigh, the older man uncupped his hands and opened up the top drawer to his desk.

"Very well then. I'll give you the necessary means and funds. Due to how much your asking of me, though, this will be all you'll be getting from me. Anything else you wish to acquire or do, you're on your own. And don't think to bother your uncle, either."

"I-We, are grateful enough for this." Shuu spoke; his voice a slight waiver as he bowed to his father.

Kuranosuke let his breath go, as did Tsukimi. The two didn't move from their positions, however, until Shuu had retrieved the item from his father, and the three of the left in haste.

x-x-x-x

"So...then...we...?" Kuranosuke began.

"This is really... it's really happening?" Tsukimi looked from one Koibuchi to the other.

"Yes. I just- or you- just need to sign the papers when they get here. I'll handle everything else." Shuu replied; though he was just as shaky as the two others.

"We... we own Amamizukan." Tsukimi whispered.

"We... own Amamizukan." Kuranosuke repeated, but slightly louder.

"We own Amamizukan!" The two younger suddenly shouted in unison and broke out into a small, silly little dance.

Another impossible dream had just come to pass. They owned the Amamizukan! It wouldn't be torn down! Tsukimi and the rest of the Amars wouldn't lose their home!

Tsukimi suddenly stopped her dance with Kuranosuke; something occurring to her. She turned towards the elder brother.

"But... what did your dad mean? About not getting anything else?"

"Yeah, bro? We walked in on the last half of the conversation. So what, did you find some dirt on him, or is this some kind of political scandal." Kuranosuke grinned.

"No, nothing of the sort!" Shuu waved his hand to dismiss Kuranosuke's claim, but then turned back towards Tsukimi.

"I... I simply asked father to... to..."

"To..?"

"You're still that shy? That's sad bro."

"I asked Father for the funds necessary to purchase the Amamizukan, as well as enough to cover it's renovations and to add on an addition work space, like a studio room. . .as a wedding present to you, Tsukimi."

Tsukimi felt her face flush scarlet. Kuranosuke gave a low whistle.

"Ballsy. No wonder it looked like the old man wanted to toss you out. So okay, then what's the big deal? Why did he think you'd be asking him for anything else? All we ever wanted was to save the Amamizukan."

Shuu looked away.

"You had something else in mind, didn't you? There was something else you wanted, wasn't there? Spill it. What did dear old dad just make you give up?"

"I was. . .having a house built."

Kuranosuke stared at his older brother. Tsukimi as well. Both seemed a bit lost for words.

"It can still be finished... it'll just. . .take a lot more time. Based on my current salary, I think... it'll take about three years."

Kuranosuke shook his head and shrugged.

"Far be it from me to question the hobbies of Politicians. I'm heading back to the sisters with the good news. Come back as soon as you can, okay, Tsukimi?"

"Ah- yeah, right!" Tsukimi nodded and watched her partner in fashion walk out the door.

She turned towards Shuu, walking up to him.

"Why... were you building a house? You already live here."

The eldest son felt his face flush with heat.

"It was meant to be a surprise."

The young woman tilted her head.

"I was building it...for it to be...our home."

Tsukimi felt her face burn and she tensed just a bit. All of a sudden, it hit her like a wave hitting the shore.

This man was her husband. She was his wife. They'd been married for one week. It had been so dream like; still felt so surreal, that she would quite literally forget it was indeed very real. Plus her work right now kept her so busy, they hadn't had much time to spend together; even having to postpone the hon- honey- that vacation newlyweds took.

His voice broke her out of her thoughts and she gave him an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry; what was that?"

"I asked if... if you'd be okay with... movinginherewithme?"

She didn't think her face could burn so hot.

It's normal for couples to live together. It's normal for couples to live together. It's normal for couples to live together. It's normal for couples-

"-to... live... together...?"

"Yes; if you want-it's okay if you don't-it's sudden; I am sorry, I was hasty; forget I said-"

"N-no-No, it's- it's norm-normal for, for couples to live in the same building and, and occupy the same living quarters. . ha-ah. ."

Tsukimi turned slightly, heading for the door.

"So, uh, I'll be going now. . I've got a lot of work to do. I-I don't have much to pack, so, yeah- I'll be back later, with Kuranosuke...when we're done. See-See you tonight."

"R-right. See you..."

The door close slowly and with a quite click. Shuu's gaze on the door was only broken when his mother came up from behind him with a cup of tea.

"Well, then, things are certainly going to be more interesting around here."

"Hmm?"

"Shouldn't you get started on re-arranging your room?"

Shuu paled and turned; taking off up the steps in leaps and bounds.

The older woman smiled and gave a light chuckle.

"Interesting indeed."

This is why I can't write short things! Bah! I just, go on and on; I have these ideas for stories and they need to be told... but the details are so many! Anywho; I think my next chapter will be short; like a bunch of short cute sentences, all with various ideas and thoughts; we'll see how that turns out.