The week progressed much the same way as the first few days but without quite so much embarrassment on Akihito's part. Nariko didn't bring up the things she discovered in the first few days and Asami seemed to be keeping his hands to himself for the most part. What had interested Nariko the most was Asami's behaviour when they were at home and his behaviour when they were out. They went out for dinner to a nice restaurant one night and the business man's façade slipped back into place. At the penthouse the mask seemed to slip off and he more openly showed emotion, in particular, affection towards Akihito. While the kitchen incident was the only time that she caught them out in such a compromising position, Asami seemed to show affection in a physical way. He was always touching Akihito, often just small touches here and there, an arm around his waist, a hand on his back. She had caught him palming her sons ass more than a few times as well. And when he wasn't touching, all his focus seemed to be on Akihito, such a heavy gaze would effect most people but of course Akihito seemed oblivious to everything.

What Nariko really wanted to see was Akihito returning the gestures. It was obvious he cared for Asami by the way he cooked each meal and cleaned the penthouse with such methodical care even when she was sure that he didn't need to. Their constant light-hearted banter indicated their closeness as well but Nariko was hoping for more concrete evidence.

She got her wish when they were spending a quiet night in near the end of her stay. Akihito and Asami were sitting together of the couch and Nariko was sitting opposite them in an arm chair. The businessman seemed to be struggling to stay awake to watch the movie and after a little Akihito reached out and carefully maneuvered him so that Asami was stretched out along the couch with his head resting in her sons lap. Asami woke up when Akihito started to move him but let himself be shifted and as soon as his head was resting in his lap, Akihito started to run his hand through his hair and Asami's golden eyes slipped shut. After a few minutes of absently stroking his lovers hair, Akihito seemed to realise he was being watched and looked over at Nariko with big eyes and a blush across his cheeks. She didn't say anything, just gave him a warm smile and focused back on the movie.

She glanced over a few minutes later to find her son still gently stroke Asami's hair. It was a very cute scene and exactly what she was after. Akihito had been surprisingly shy about showing his affection. Asami seemed to not act any different around the penthouse with Nariko being there but Akihito had proven very easily embarrassed. She smiled and settled in to watch the movie.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVF

It had been a lovely quiet evening with the three of them and now it was quite late. Nariko had gone to bed but woken up feeling very thirsty. She stepped out of her room and made her way towards the kitchen but noticed there was still light on in the lounge. The door was not quite closed and she carefully approached and peeked through. She could see Asami sitting in one of the chairs now, side on to Nariko's position. Akihito was sitting in his lap, up on his knees so that he was slightly higher than his lover, arms caging his head. Their faces were so close that they were nearly touching and Akihito was speaking, too low for Nariko to hear what he was saying but the intent was clear. Asami was just sitting back, hands resting on Akihito's hips and eyes hooded as he let his little lover have control of the situation. She watched as they exchange more quiet yet apparently heated words before Akihito leaned in to initiate a passionate kiss.

Nariko quietly slipped away into the kitchen, giving the two some privacy. She was pleased. This was the final proof that she was after that her son was not being coerced into the relationship in any way. He was not one to initiate something if he didn't want to. The fact that Asami was quite happy to sit back and let her son do as he wished also said volumes. Pleased and relieved, Nariko got her glass of water and vanished back into her room for a pleasant night's sleep.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVF

It was the last morning of her stay and both Asami and Akihito were up and in the kitchen, getting a quick breakfast before they would see her off. Her son had pulled down a new unopened box of some sugary cereal and was in the process of opening it. Asami was sipping a coffee and gave her a small nod in greeting. Akihito, who had turned towards the bench, suddenly spun around and proffered up a gaudy pink princess ring to his lover with a cheeky grin. It was presumably the toy from the finally opened box.

"Marry me?"

Whatever Akihito expected it was clearly not the very serious "Of course." And offered left hand he got in reply. He flushed and looked uncertainly at Asami.

"Don't I get my ring kitten?" He wiggled his fingers at Akihito and she could hear the slight mocking tone in his voice. Akihito blushed more and then glared at his lover before stepping forward, grabbing the hand and slipping the plastic ring onto his finger.

"I don't see why you look so smug about it."

"It's good practise isn't it kitten?"

"Wha-" Akihito was cut off when Asami leaned forward for a kiss. Nariko laughed at the exchange. Akihito had reverted to the bright red like the first day she visited and Asami was looking very satisfied.

She wondered if Akihito had any idea about why Asami reacted the way he did. She knew he enjoyed teasing Akihito but suspected that in this case there was a little more to it. Although it was done in a joke, the fact that the idea of marriage crossed Akihito's mind shows that he is open to the suggestion. Whatever her son might say, actions speak feelings loud and clear. And she was very pleased to know for sure that they were both in far too deep.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVF

Bonus Omake

Akihito was straddling Asami's lap, hands against the back of the chair, caging his head. Their faces so close that they were sharing the same breath. They had been exchanging light banter back and forth and both were starting to get a little hot under the collar, even more so after that kiss. Akihito had pulled away and opened his mouth to say something when a noise from the kitchen caused him to jerk backwards in surprise. He nearly fell off Asami's lap but his lovers hand shot out and grabbed with hips to steady him.

"Careful kitten."

He could clearly hear the tap running in the kitchen, his mother must have gotten up for a drink. He groaned and buried his face in Asami's shoulder.

"Okaasan had to walk past here to get to the kitchen, she would have peeked in. Argh, she's so nosy!" Asami just chuckled.

"And what's so wrong with that kitten?"

"She would have seen us like this." He could feel his cheeks heating up in embarrassment.

"I'll repeat, what's so wrong with that?"

Akihito groaned. "I'm sitting on your lap."

"And?"

"It's embarrassing, bastard!"

"She knows about far worse."

Akihito leaned back so that he could look at his lover. He was still blushing and pouted at Asami's smirk.

"Yeah, the stupid underwear."

"Actually I was referring to the secret room."

"WHAT?! Since when does she know about that?"

"She asked if there was another bedroom in the penthouse. I mentioned that there was a hidden room that was set up as a bedroom. It turns out she had seen you washing some sheets while I was still in bed asleep and was confused as to where they came from. She thought the idea of a sound proofed room for while she was visiting was rather novel."

Akihito groaned again and slumped back into Asami's chest.

"She cornered me in the kitchen one day and kept going on about how a physical relationship is a part of any healthy relationship. The fact that she knows about the secret room is even worse."

"Somehow I don't think we need to worry about our physical relationship do we kitten?"

Asami just chuckled when Akihito gave him a playful punch to the shoulder.

"Oh shut up and get on with it."

Asami was more than happy to comply and picked Akihito up and carried him off to the hidden room.