Dancing In Your Heart

Chapter 4: Mrs Ito

Clara McArthur

By the time Ryuu came back appropriately dressed I had managed to calm my erratic heart and salvage the cake. Now be nice to the guy he hasn't done anything wrong just a bit of harmless flirting, I chided myself. I smiled at Ryuu as he came towards the kitchen bar.
"Again, I am sorry for my behaviour. I'm afraid we don't have anything for dinner as I was too busy with the cake. Do you mind if we order in?," I questioned sheepishly.
"Not a problem. Let me get it, it's the least I could do after spoiling your quiet Sunday," he returned with a gentle smile.
I couldn't help smile back as he took out his phone.
The rest of the night went smoothly, there was no denying the underlying tension as we were both tired and hungry so we ignored the elephant in the room. We ate, small talked and laughed at the ridiculous dramas we watched. It scared me how comfortable I got with a complete stranger so quickly. Not wanting to sink more I cleaned up and said goodnight. As I walked to the guesthouse, a part of me couldn't help but be disappointed that nothing more happened.

Ryuu Ito

Dinner was a more relaxed affair, despite my growing desire. It didn't take a genius to realize that although Miss McArthur was attracted, she didn't want to ruin her job by following those feelings she suppressed. Wanting to be the gentleman my Obaasan raised I didn't press.
Not that we were needing any pressure to be together. Miss McArthur and I seemed to slip into a friendly, familiar state. Creating small talk, laughing and joking around within hours of meeting each other. I loved the way this place felt like home again so quick. Maybe it was Miss McArthur's doing. Either way, I felt all the stress melt off my shoulders and I knew I wanted this feeling to continue. Unfortunately, my goddess left too soon, stating she was tired and wanted an early start the next day. I breathed a heavy sigh as a watched her curvaceous figure walk away. Without company, I decided to turn in too, not that I get much sleep nowadays but it was better than watching TV alone.
Waking up to the bright sun and singing birds was bliss compared to my usual wake up calls. I didn't even notice the time as I dragged myself to the kitchen. Sizzling sounds greeted me then a rougher than usual voice caught me attention.
"Good morning sleepy head. I expected you up hours ago but I guess you really needed that sleep!," Miss McArthur grinned as she served up some bacon. "I didn't know what kind of breakfast you like so I just made the same as mine. Sorry if it's not to your taste."
"This is perfect, thank you. Yeah I must be falling into holiday mode already. I have to say that this house does help me relax," or your presence I thought.
Miss McArthur had a gentle but guarded smile as she sat down to enjoy her meal. I couldn't help but notice her eyes were bloodshot and tired as if she was up all night crying. Not wanting to offend or pry I concentrated on the delicious breakfast my goddess had made.
"I'll do the dishes. It's only fair since you cooked for me," I grabbed her plate before she could protest.
"Fair is fair, although I have to admit I am not used to a man taking initiative and doing housework. I have been busy this morning anyway making this..."
I turn to find her pulling out a small banner with "Welcome Home, Obasan" handwritten on it.
"I'm afraid it's taking me a bit longer to grasp how to write in Japanese so I resorted to English instead. I'm sure Mrs Ito won't mind though. Since you two haven't seen each other for a while shall we surprise her?" Miss McArthur tilted her head adorably at me.

Clara McArthur

Just as I placed the last dish on the table the doorbell rang out and I knew our guest of honour had returned home. Opening the door revealed an elegant, slim lady whom could pass for sixty, weren't it for her walking frame. She smiled broadly as she walked in.
"Ah Clara! It's so good to see your beautiful face. Nothing beats a warm smile when one returns home!", she enveloped me in a fierce hug. I returned the gesture but gently, although Mrs Ito would hate to admit it she is frail and I would hate to give her any more bruises than she has!
"Welcome home Mrs Ito, I hope you enjoyed your weekend sleepover. Thought you might stay there with your friends," I teased.
"Humph! Like I would stay in that rotten place. I do love the company but staring at wrinkly, sad faces for too long does make one feel depressed," Mrs Ito started to make her way to the kitchen as she remarked, "and enough with the formalities! I have told you plenty of times that Mrs Yumi is a suitable way of addressing me."
I stifled a laugh as I guided her to her seat at the dining table. Her attention darted to the homemade sign and the numerous dishes waiting to be eaten.
Mrs Yumi's puzzled eyes look to mine," You have gone too far this time. I don't need all this fuss whenever I return!".
"How about when your favourite grandchild comes home?", Ryuu stepped with a cheeky smile in his face.
"Oh my! Oh my sweet grandson! Why didn't you warn me you were coming?!", I watched as Grandmother and Grandson embraced, grinning and laughing at each other. My eyes stung as I held back my happy tears. In the small time that I had known Mrs Yumi, I had known how lonely she was and how sorely she had missed Ryuu. I was glad I could see her smiling so brightly. Once everyone had calmed, we dug into our feast. Thankfully Ryuu turned out to be a fantastic cook so I didn't make a mess of things again.
"Now, if everyone is finished how about you two make your way to the sitting room? I'll tidy up in here", before Ryuu could object I grabbed his dish, "It's my turn. The food you made was delicious and I would like to show my appreciation by giving both of you some private time.", I smiled sweetly.
Mrs Yumi broke out in laughter as she stood up, "Well you heard the boss, time to catch up on all the gossip. Although, I can't guarantee I won't doze off with this full stomach."
I observed my employer and grandson as they walked carefully away to enjoy much needed family bonding.