| Fan Fiction |
by ferine
Maki walked over and attempted to take the kimono, "I can help myself, thank you."
"It is my job to help you get dressed, young mistress, or I will get a scolding from the housekeeper." Maki withdrew her hands and allowed the maid to help her get dressed.
"What's your name?" Maki asked.
"Yui."
"Yui... do you know who's that person who occupy the room at the end of the corridor?"
Yui remained silent.
"Yui?"
Yui struggled with the sash a little. She seemed a little nervous, then in a soft whisper, she answered, "That's second young master. But we're not supposed to talk about him here. It's a big taboo."
"And why is that so?"
"Madam hates him because his the illegitimate son of Master and another woman. Madam allowed second young master to live in this house after his mother died, but did not allow anyone to talk about him at all. The servants are not allowed to come into contact with him too. Even though he's a family member fo this family, it's almost as if he's not."
Maki went of into a trance... So he was her brother-in-law. But no one in this house treats him as family and his biological mother is dead. Maki wondered if he had any friends. If he did, why would he come home injured last night?
After she was dressed, Maki was brought to the dining room by Yui. Tetsu and a woman who looked as intimidating was already at the dining table. Maki guessed that was her mother-in-law.
"Where's Kame?" Maki's mother-in-law asked another woman dressed in a business suit.
"Young Master has not returned since last night."
"Mariko, Kame is old enough to take care of himself." Tetsu turned to tell the woman next to him.
"Still..." then as if she venting her anger on Maki, she turned to her "You're late, breakfast starts at eight. As a daughter-in-law, you should prepare the breakfast for your in-laws. Since you are new, you are forgiven today. But if this happens again, you will learn of the consequences. Am I understood."
"Yes, Madam." Maki replied
Mariko frowned again, "I believe you are my daughter-in-law and not a servant. Call me mother from now on."
Maki remained silent.
"Am I not fit to be your mother-in-law? Why don't you answer?"
Just then, the front door swung open and Kame entered. "I'm home," he called.
"So you finally want to come home?" Mariko voice sounded a little gentler now, but still stern nonetheless.
Kame smiled and walked over to Mariko to give her a hug. "Of course, I have such a beautiful mother waiting at home, how can I not want to come home."
Mariko's mouth started curling up in a smile, but she continued to berate Kame in a loving tone now, "This is not way to act in front of outsiders."
Kame let go and sat down opposite Mariko. Mariko then turned to Maki, "What are you standing there for.Take a sit."
Maki walked over and sat down beside Kame. Tetsu first tucked into the food, followed by Mariko and finally Kame. The family looked complete, but Maki knew there was one less person at the table. "Aren't we waiting for Yamapi?" Maki asked.
Mariko's face suddenly stiffened. "Have you not told her about our family rules?" Mariko asked the woman in business suit beside her.
"It is a mistake on my part, Madam, I will teach her later."
Mariko then turned to Maki, "No one else will be here for breakfast. And no talking during meals." Then Mariko wiped her mouth with a napkin and left the table.
Tetsu and Kame continued with their meal.
"What a weird house," Maki thought.
----
After breakfast, Maki asked Yui to bring some food to her room on the pretext of not eating well at the table. After ensuring the corridor towards Yamapi's room was clear, she sent the food to his room.
Maki knocked on the door, but there was no answer. "Is he still sleeping?" Maki thought.
She opened the door and walked in to put the food on the table. Then she heard the door close behind her and she turned on reflex. There was Yamapi standing at the door. He twisted his head a little to look at the food Maki was holding. "Is that for me?"
Maki nodded and passed the tray over to Yamapi, "I hope your injury is better now, I'll be going."
Yamapi held her by the arm and scanned her from top to bottom. "Why are you dressed like that?" indicating her kimono.
"I just had breakfast with the family," Maki answered.
"Family?" Yamapi asked.
"Yes, I just married your brother yesterday."
Yamapi released his grip slowly, "Thank you for the breakfast." With that, he threw the tray on the table and jumped back into bed.
Maki left the room quietly. "Everyone in this house is weird," she thought.