Adam Leroux's Story

Is it so hard, to purchase a single red rose? How many times must I tell you...I want a red rose on it's own...no prickly thorns, and certainly not in a hunch. Only one Comprende?", Adam ordered angrily. What was so hard to fetch a single rose for goodness sake. There was no point getting a bunch since it would just be taking money out of his wallet, and what if the girl didn't like roses, wouldn't a whole bunch of something she doesn't like make her sneeze and have to stay away. Thinking about it, it was quite an idea, but doing so would unimpress his father, and if she did like them, then his money was wasted for a first meeting. Something he did not appreciate doing at all. He had seen it himself in his fathers' and his future employees where the female counterparts are causing a hole to form in their wallets. Hopefully the girl that had been chosen for him would not be like those, and instead be someone that would respect him. Things could a long way and alot better if he himself was pleased.

Charles, the butler who tended to him, which was difficult work, was someone that wasn't pleased. He had served Adam since he was growing up and he wasn't the easiest person to get along with, but sure was great once anyone became an acquainted with him. If the arranged marriage went well and Adam liked the girl, then his master would of succeeded and the kinder and gentler side of Adam will start to reveal itself. Charles didn't make it a habit of correcting his young master, but he had his orders and had to put him right, "Young sir, would it not be more prudent to buy a bunch? Afterall, she is to be your wife, and wouldn't this make a better impression...apart from your obvious charming looks o'course", just escaping his head being biten off. He wasn't sure who he feared more, his master or the young master before him.

Adam blankly looked at him, raising his eyebrows and remaining silent, as he took in his response and worked on his own response mentally before replying, "Do I tell you how to do you job? No. You do yours, and I will do mine. Now, fetch me a single bloody rose now! or I'll be telling father that your slacking in your duties". It was clear that Adam made sure that he was on the top of his game, and that he was the master, effectively putting Charles in his place. It is no wonder why they wished to soften him up and getting him married, not only to continue the family line. His blank face switched to an evil grin, before watching Charles turn away and leave, as he too returned to his business.

He couldn't believe that it was fathers' will for him to play Romeo when there was work to be done. Sometimes Adam was a workaholic, taking pride in his work and showing his father how capable he was, and now he was off to take a wife. That was all he needed, with sarcasm intended. There was no time for it, but if it was what he wanted and he'd be the heir of his estate, then guess a little sidetrack wouldn't be so bad. After putting his affairs in order, Adam, with the rose Charles brought him, aswell as telling him where he was to meet his soon-to-be bride, he then made his way to the park. There was no need for him to rush, as he'd make the girl wait. Afterall, it was practice for when she lived with him, males were the breadwinners afterall. Probably a sexist thought but he didn't care. He wanted to get back to him barking orders not being all soft. It wasn't like him at all, which is why he took his time, strolling casually after being dropped off towards the park.

All he knew was the name of his to-be bride, Akiko, but that was all. No doubt wishing to hide how she looked so he didn't judge her quickly, which he tended to do. Alas, the time for the two to meet was closing in, as Adam roamed in the park with his hands in his pockets while his white suit flew behind him. In his shirt pocket was the rose so he didn't have to hold it while making sure he looked fantastic, so if Akiko didn't like roses, then he'd have it. Wasting hard earned cash wasn't something he enjoyed very much. Seeing a female in the distance, he saw a young girl, no, a young lady, sitting on the park bench with a paper in her hand. A smirk appeared on Adam's face as he decided to approach her. He didn't know if this was the one, but he could always have a little bit of fun before he was trapped in this arranged relationship forged by his father. It annoyed him that he couldn't chose his own, but then again, once he had his business, there was always the miracle of a divorce and be free again. Then again, there was also the chance that this Akiko could be someone who he could potentially like. It was just a case of finding her.

"I thought a park is supposed to be a happy place, but you look ever so glum", Adam commented before taking a seat beside her and making himself comfortable by using the arm rest and the top of the chair so both his arms had something to lean on. If this whole idea was to make him reveal his soft side, then guess he could turn down the heat a little bit, or he'd lose control of other things in his life. He'd not been out much, and not to this particular park, so he'd at least embrace the surroundings since he had to be out here, "I know I'm a complete stranger and all, but maybe I could help you. I dunno, and if you wish to be alone, then fine. Tell me, and I'll leave you to the duckies over there", seeing that females tended to like animals and they were the closest animals in sight, hearing them quack over towards the pond.

"I thought a park is supposed to be a happy place, but you look ever so glum" the man commented as she looked up, startled. A guy sat by her as she looked at him. "I know I'm a complete stranger and all, but maybe I could help you. I dunno, and if you wish to be alone, then fine. Tell me, and I'll leave you to the duckies over there"

"Oh! I'm sorry!" She said as she flashed him a smile. "I just..." She started before looking back down at her letter. "I can't find someone... They were supposed to be here by now..." She said quietly as she let out a slight sigh.

Shaking her head and perking up, she extended her hand.
"I'm Akiko by the way. Akiko Suzuki." She said with another smile. She may not find this guy, but at least she's be able to find a friend.

It was quite a nice day. The sun was shining. Birds were singing. Ducks were playing. All was all goodie-goodie, and who Adam expects to see in such a heavenly place is a young female with an innocent, almost angel-like look about her, despite the glum look on her face which he had asked her about, but the park was no paradise. Paradise to him was being able to be free, to do as he please, to do things how he saw fit and not having to deal with all this. He was no puppet! but soon, he'd be the puppet-master....

Adam couldn't help himself thinking the way he does, but when things get in the way of what he wants, when he is stopped doing what he wishes to be doing, when anything he does is interfered in anyway, then he wants things to be put right. He was used to getting up and getting work done, and sorting the staff out, helping increase sales for the business, yet here he was looking for a girl, which was the least of his worries. Besides, one he was rich and famous, he could get a swimming pool, an outdoor one, and fill it with many beautiful young women that have to scrap it out to take his hand. Not in their beach clothes as that would be too much. It was hilarious just by itself.

He could imagine the scene right now as he looked to the pond as he spoke of the ducks, but instead of seeing the ducks and the pond, he saw the pond and seeing the girls pull each others hair. Adam sure had some imagination, since the females that were under him, tended to keep their distance and if they kept their distance from him, and so did others, how many more women will turn away from him when he is rich and powerful. Perhaps this was a move that could be for the better. He didn't quite know.

"Oh! I'm sorry!...I just...I can't find someone...They were supposed to be here by now...", the distressed girl replied. Though her words weren't constructed very well, it was understandable when they were lost and confused, though she was able to reply to him, a mere stranger and one that probably looked intimidated, she was brave. He'd give her that, though he begun to wonder who she was trying to find, before she held her hand out.

Since it appeared that it was needed for him to play a good guy for a lil while, he decided to oblige and took her head, merely to be polite, until he heard her name. "I'm Akiko by the way. Akiko Suzuki". It was her. The girl that was to be her bride. They partnered him of all people, a little devil, with an angel. Oh this was getting interesting, as Adam smiled, "Pleased to meet you", as he begun to work out in his head how he should approach this.

Afterall, it wasn't like he was a ladies man, or even a ladies man at all. Here he was sent to play a Romeo to a lost Juliet, in which case, he must put on quite a performance for it to play out alright. With him working under his fathers' shadow, Adam tended to join him in meetings, get a feel for the business but ever since, been doing his own work and improving upon it. In every meeting, there was always the handshake that had to be done, which he did. A nice quick, and simple handshake. However, in this case, he couldn't thrust his hand in hers and then shake once and pull out like any other women he had shook heads with, women that were fortunate to not be related to him in anyway, yet Akiko here was about to have that privilege, whether it was good and bad was for the little angel to decide, as he softly shook her head. Couldn't hurt his bride-to-be now could he.

"So, how long you been waiting? and why don't you tell me a little about yourself Akiko. I'm sure whoever your expecting will come, but there's no need to look so down when you have such a wonderful smile", giving a smile of his own back. It was necessary, he continued to tell himself, while he was still in his lounging-about position, though he wouldn't be able to keep himself concealed for long.....

The stranger shook her hand and smiled back.
"So, how long you been waiting? and why don't you tell me a little about yourself Akiko. I'm sure whoever your expecting will come, but there's no need to look so down when you have such a wonderful smile"

"A-about ten or so minutes..." She said quietly and then looked up at him.
"U-uh, well... I'm 15... I live with my parents- uh... well.... I'm not sure how much longer that'll last...." She said as she looked down at her feet.
"I-I'm actually gonna get married.... The guy who I'm looking for is my husband to be.... My parents arranged the marriage with his... This is the first time I'm meeting him... And I'm really nervous..." She said as she tried her best to keep smiling but her mind was stuck on the guy.

"I-I'm actually quite nervous.... B-but..." She paused as she looked up and smiled again. "My parents told me to do this so I will... I don't really like to go against them..." She said as she shrugged. "Those rebellious teen years skipped over me." She finished with a slight nod and then looked back at him.

"So, what about you? I don't think I caught your name yet." She questioned with another smile.

"Henrietta..." Benjamin chastised. "Why don't we wait until after the wedding to do that, when nobody will be watching?"

Huffing, Henrietta leaned back to rest her palms on Benjamin's knees as if he were merely a chair. "Please, no one's watching," she said. "We could announce the presence of a suicide terrorist - naked - and no one would give us a glance. They're all too caught up with themselves." Henrietta's red lips smiled mischievously. "Watch."

"LISTEN UP, YOU SAPPY, ANNOYING COUPLES!" Henrietta shouted a little too cheerfully, climbing off of Benjamin to leap into the air. The young woman smacked her hand on the top of the fountain, causing the water to stop flowing. Doing a double flip in the air, the long apricot-haired girl stood upright on the tip of the tall structure, chuckling lightly as she wobbled. Well, she very nearly fell but since she didn't, what she did clearly wasn't dangerous.

"You're all much too old to be acorns in a watermelon. You hear that?" Henrietta paused, flipping her soft hip-length hair over her pale shoulder for dramatic effect. "That's the sound of your youth flying far, far away. Live in the moment. DAMN it's gone!" The petite girl snatched at air and tipped forward so she nearly fell - for theatrics - before quickly throwing herself back into balance. "Get a ring, stick it on her finger. Make out and go home. Have cute, puking babies together and die miserable," she announced, rolling her large blue eyes.

"By the way," she smiled, smirking and causing her left dimple to sink in. "The number's 555-321-6699."

Henrietta looked down at Benjamin, then down to the ground, up to the surrounding people and back down to the ground. "So, uh... I'm afraid I didn't think this far, love," she mumbled. Laughing somewhat manically - though her laughter was a lilting, sweet sounding thing - Henrietta asked,

"How do I get down?"

Benjamin face reddened even more in embarrassment. "Uh, fellas..." He said to the surrounding people as he helped Henrietta down. "I know your night has just been interrupted, and on her behalf, I apologize." He then looked at Henrietta while still helping her down. "Darling, don't you think we should use this time to find some common ground, you know, talk about our likes and dislikes and stuff like that to see if there is any chemistry? By the way, I heard you enjoy music, but I'm not sure what kind."

Adam, when not under pressure to do what he did not want to do, found it easy to speak his mind, but unfortunately this was not the case this time. With him playing the role of a concerned passer-by, who just happened to be a youth and someone who didn't like to see someone upset, which was the total opposite of his true self, he hoped to see how much he could find about about this girl before the window of opportunity of being someone mysterious closed. Even that charm was something he hadn't done before, but seemed to ease the tension to allow her to speak freely.

As she did speak freely, he begun to regret asking her, "U-uh, well...I'm 15". What on earth was his parents thinking of hooking him up with such a young....girl. He was 19, a grown man, a young adult, ready to take on the world, and now he had someone to cling onto his cloak and as for what she fancied. Now this was just silly. This was baby-sitting, not dating. His old man really was getting ill then, for he was really losing his marbles to not know how this will affect his social status to marry a girl 4 years younger than him, and didn't a girl under 18 need parental consent for almost about everything.

He done his best to listen regardless, as she explained how her parents arranged the marriage with his own and how nervous she was. He could tell by the way she moved and how she had said she was nervous twice already, and how she didn't want to go against her parents will, much like he didn't want to. Did he really have to do this? His future on the line, and he was with someone that was old enough to be his younger sister, but his wife?!

"Those rebellious teen years skipped over me......So, what about you? I don't think I caught your name yet", bringing his silence and obscurity to an end. If he didn't do what his father asked, then there was the possibility that his estate would go to his younger and more friendly brother. Damn him! Damn them both! Why did he have to be in this position. It was so unfair. Though what gave him a little bit of encouragement was the fact that like him, she too was innocent in this whole affair, that like him, she didn't want to disobey, and she was also smart, wishing to know the man she was speaking to then allow a stranger to be so near to her and know not his name. Perhaps mentally, she was older than she looks. She could always use her angel innocence, to make him look more pleasing than his brother. Maybe he did need to soften up. In their dreams.....

"So, you've missed out on being young and forced to be an adult already. I pity you, as I know exactly how it feels. I've always aimed high to be in my fathers' good books, yet no matter what I do, everything I try and do ends up not being good enough and having to do something else all the time, that I just gave up on being the yes-man and instead, grew up. Some things are simply beyond our control, until the time comes", he replied in a casual manner, to give her a little bit of background and create some sort of correlation between them.

As he said that, he then heard some noise from towards the fountain, seeing a young female on the fountain with a young male standing by, "LISTEN UP, YOU SAPPY, ANNOYING COUPLES!". Well, that counted him out for sure, for he sure wasn't being sappy now, as he turned back to Akiko, still not used to the idea, but if he complained, then he'd only get asked why didn't he give it a shot, why he didn't give her a chance. Giving in, he then turned to her and smiled, a warm smile at that, "My name's Adam, Adam Leroux.....Your knight in shining armor, or rather, shining suit", as his left hand moved to his suit where he rubbed it with the top half of his fingers, being all professional like. With his right hand, he then took the rose from his shirt pocket and passed it to her, "For you", not saying anymore. If she didn't like it, then he could easily have it back. The red rose looked pretty nifty with his red shirt and red hair.

"WHOA!" Henrietta fell into warm arms - well, isn't this comfy.

Setting her down, Benjamin blushed - isn't he a lady's man, she thought sarcastically. "Okay, I'm not the smartest guy in town, my choice of words while you were up there probably proves that. Anyway, you did ask for my age. Eighteen. Graduated last year and been working for a landscape company since then."

Tipping her head to the side, Henrietta observed Benjamin rarely. He's really patient. "You seem quite smart," she said. Henrietta pulled her soft apricot hair back before setting it down and letting it fall over the small of her back - resting on the silky white material of her wedding gown. "Landscape company, eh? I either want to be a waitress or the president. That is, if my singer-violinist career fails."

A sudden gust of wind blew and picked up her bright, long hair, making her rose and pearl covered gown swoosh around her. On her back were tattoos of small black birds flying up from the top of her dress over her shoulder.

Reaching out, Henrietta curled a lock of Benjamin's light hair before running her fingers down his face and neck. She found it adorable, how much he blushed. "You know, love, we're getting married. I'm quite sure you'll be doing a lot more than catching me, no?"

Henrietta looked over Benjamin's shoulder to spot a red haired man with a small girl that looked about - 12. She raised a delicately arched eyebrow at him, her red lips tilting into a playful smile. "Bringing your sister along to your wedding, pumpkin?" she asked.

A part of her wondered if that was his fiancee - they looked somewhat awkwardly intimate. Well, then, Henrietta. You've just insulted two more people. What's that - 912 hit lists you'll be on now? Well done!

"Apologies, strangely attractive man and his very pretty fiancee," she said - surprisingly genuinely. Henrietta curtsied, rather sarcastically but a lovely curtsy nonetheless. Her strawberry blonde hair cascaded in soft waves past her bare and tattooed shoulders before she rose. "Never miss a good chance to shut the hell up is what my pimp always says. But on the other hand, you have fingers," she mused, wiggling her fingers up in the sky like she'd never seen them before.

Oh, Henrietta. You are hilarious.

He silently listened to her as she talked. When she was over, there was a small pause before he talked.

"So, you've missed out on being young and forced to be an adult already. I pity you, as I know exactly how it feels. I've always aimed high to be in my fathers' good books, yet no matter what I do, everything I try and do ends up not being good enough and having to do something else all the time, that I just gave up on being the yes-man and instead, grew up. Some things are simply beyond our control, until the time comes" He finished as her eyes widened. She never met someone who was like her. Let alone to find him in this park with her. He gave her a warm smile before continuing.

"My name's Adam, Adam Leroux.....Your knight in shining armor, or rather, shining suit"[/b] Immediately, she felt the blush grow on her face. She didn't expect to be talking to her husband. Her blush grew as he gave her a single rose.

"For you" He stated as she gave him a smile and took it.

"Thank you. Red roses are my favorite." She said happily. She was happy that he actually showed up. Plus, he seemed really nice. Maybe this wasn't so bad.

"Bringing your sister along to your wedding, pumpkin?" A girl yelled over as she blushed even more. She wasn't quite aware of the difference of age until she had pointed it out. Looking up at him, she noticed that he probably already reached. Even though she felt saddened by the age difference, she didn't let it show. No, she was taught better than that.

"...I'm sorry for being so young... I bet you weren't expecting someone as young as me.... But I'll try my hardest to be the best bride I can be and follow your orders to the letter." She stated as she met his eyes and giving a slight smile.

"Apologies, strangely attractive man and his very pretty fiancee," That one girl yelled again as Akiko looked back down at her wedding dress. "Never miss a good chance to shut the hell up is what my pimp always says. But on the other hand, you have fingers," Akiko just smiled back and nodded slightly. It was a strange woman but she wasn't one to hold grudges unless they were necessary. After that, she returned her gaze back to Adam and smiled.

Adam Leroux

He was not making it up when he spoke about his own childhood, if he could call it childhood. Everytime he did one thing, he was always competing with his brother, so the only way he could avoid that was to do things that he was old enough to do, things that he was too young to do, and as a result, Adam grew up faster than him, and remained an asset to his father, despite his attitude problems. At the moment, he was doing his best to keep a calm and friendly posture in order not to mess the meeting up. It was as if he was a completely different person, but it didn't matter...if anyone called him bad again, he could always put on this face again and let her have some bites of the big cake that would soon be his.

Since Adam was working on the business, his brother attended college, and as a result was furthering his education whereas Adam was not, though in his opinion he didn't need it, since he was born quite smarter than others, so why bother. It only meant that his brother was making sure he had more weapons to arm himself with, but he'd lose if he didn't carry out fathers' wishes, even the outrageous ones like this. It is what he meant by "until the time comes", though the deeper meaning of those words was referring to the time he did take charge, no longer under his fathers' shadow, leaving how he liked. The only downside would be no father, but the good news was that his annoying brother would be under his mercy. If father partnered him up with someone 4 years younger, maybe give him 6, that would be hilarious, though not like some in the news of those with a double figure gap. Now that was mad.

After announcing who he was, he noticed her cheeks growing rosey red, and then with the rose, she was definitely turning into a red picture. Red was such a wonderful colour, and was glad she liked the rose, "Red roses are my favorite", which meant that she wouldn't complain when he took over the decor and allow red to dominate. Though not too much mind, or he would be too much. Just as he was about to respond to her comment about red roses, the girl who had yelled previously, had then looked towards them.

With his attention taken away to the other girl, his blue crystal eyes looked up to the other girl, [i]"Bringing your sister along to your wedding, pumpkin?". He could not be angry at her for stating the obvious as they were his thoughts when Akiko had told him her age, and as for "pumpkin", well she must be talking to him, but she sure was colour-blind if she couldn't tell what a perfect red was in his hair. Even with the age difference, she seemed to be a little like him, in the sense they had to act older than they were in order to go up in the world, and the fact they were both from wealthy business families, the Leroux's and the Suzuki's. Hey, that would be quite a handsome sum of money that the pair would have since she too must be the heir of the Suzuki estate.

Adam sometimes couldn't help thinking about making profit, but maybe that's why his parents had spoken to hers in order to secure a future for both their Houses and as a result, they offered both of their heirs. If he backed out, then his brother would only jump in to annoy him, and he was alot more closer to her age, but then he heard her apologise for something that wasn't her fault, and he could hardly let her go, as strange as it seemed. "...I'm sorry for being so young... I bet you weren't expecting someone as young as me.... But I'll try my hardest to be the best bride I can be and follow your orders to the letter.".

He noticed that she had blushed again, but this time she gave a smile after being all apologetic, in which he smiled back to make her feel better, before the girl before called out again, "Apologies, strangely attractive man and his very pretty fiancee,", which only made his smile widen. Adam might be quite a hard man to get along with, his workers could tell anyone that, but compliments surely go a long way, but then all the compliments wouldn't save you from Adam's wrath if you annoyed him too much. Thankfully it was not the case yet, as he passed anything that annoyed him by.

But with compliments to him, he always liked to return them with one of his own, "Why thank you. Your not so bad yourself. You both, look, stunning", including the young man she was with, as they were no doubt together and when he caught her falling and him catching, it seemed like one of those fantasy stories, but life wasn't a fantasy, sometimes things happen what you least expect, and in the end, they have a chance of actually coming out well. With his own experience, he saw that when people's spirits were lifted, it made them more happier, so in reverse, if you wanted them to fear you, then you do the opposite, which is what he tended to do at work when they annoyed him as well as reminding them whose boss.

Turning back to Akiko, he smiled, then took her hand and looked into her eyes which were blue like his, the only clear part of him, "One thing you should know about me, is that I'm not afraid to speak my mind. You have a mouth, use it", winking, before continuing, "Now, what you said about those red roses Angel...what you think of red heads?". He kept his face straight as he awaited a response, while he tilted his head left and right to try and picture her with red hair. She was young, so she dressed young, despite her acting older than her age, so she could probably make some changes to her wardrobe as he did, or he'd be wearing a thin top and denim jeans. He had fished for a compliment after giving her a compliment, so it was the case if his bait would be bitten.

Thing was, you couldn't change nature. You couldn't say when you could be born, only wait to come out into the world, so they'd get through it. They had to, and she had already given her consent that she'd follow his orders, though it was not what imagined for a wife, but you never know. What would happen between them depending on both parties.

"One thing you should know about me, is that I'm not afraid to speak my mind. You have a mouth, use it" he said, winking before continuing, "Now, what you said about those red roses Angel...what you think of red heads?" He finished as she smiled back to him.

"Red heads are striking... but charming. The color red itself is a beautiful and vivid color. It is rare to find a red head like yourself, but when you do, it makes the moment even more momentous." She finished while looking into his clear blue eyes, hers being innocent and pure.

"Also... I'm not used to speaking my mind... My parents liked it better when I was silent.... but if you want me too.... I'll try to speak my mind too.... If you want me to of course." She ended as she continued to look into her eyes. His eyes looked amazing. She was always fond of blue eyes, hers being the same color.

"By the way... Your eyes.... They're so... Blue... and splendid." She said while staring into them. It wasn't like her to get lost so easily in someones eyes, but here she was looking into those amazing eyes and unable to break eye contact.

Adam Leroux

When he spoke with his mind, he said how he felt without fearing repercussions. Afterall, he knew how to handle himself, and fend for himself, and make sure he had the upper hand before he played his cards. He had said before, how he was also in the same position as her, how he aimed high, but ended up not being good enough, that there was more for him to do, so instead he took things in his own hands, went his own way, and no longer was the yes-man he was. Since then, his father recognised him taking independence, regarded him more highly and shown he could take initiative, giving him power in his company, enabling Adam to show him that he could handle the business. His position being more solid as a result, but now after all his building up, his solid ground was now shaky in regards to his future if this did not work well. Looking into her pearl-blue eyes, which looked ever so innocent, reflected in her character, for she was exactly that, innocent. Like him, she had been brought up in a wealthy family, having to do what her parents asked, tended to say yes and be submissive as he used to be. Now, here she was, a young bright innocent angel about to marry a devious cunning red demon. Well, he was probably over-exaggerating himself since he wasn't so bad, only to those that tended to annoy him, and so far, Akiko had not.

Seeing that she too travelled a similar road as he had when he was younger, then the least he could do was put her on the right track, and since she was to be his wife, then he'd help her grow up as he had. The first bit of advice that he had given her, was to speak her mind. Everything had a purpose. There was a reason behind everything. Just like there was a reason behind this arranged marriage, there was a reason, a purpose, of each of the senses they had which they should use. There was a clear use, but then there was sometimes a covert reasoning, a reason that remains hidden, that may or may not be revealed. Adam was a smart young man since growing up, and the way he saw things was, you use what you have, push forwards and make sure you had the upper hand. Compared to how he acts in work and how he was acting now, clearly shown a difference in Adam, which maybe was a hidden reason for bringing the two of them together. Maybe the two of them could help each other out, he would help Akiko be more stronger and bolder, whereas she would help him to relax a little, chill a little and soften him up.

Letting his mind rest and let his superstitions settle, he decided to focus on her for now while he was here. He had warned her that he spoke his mind, just so any words he says, she wouldn't be offended, since he spoke his mind more when he spoke with the workers when they just mucked him about, and slowed not only the work, but also his schedule he had planned, and now he wasn't there working. It was nice to be complimented for a change than being wound up like at work, as Akiko responded to how she felt about red heads, "Red heads are striking...but charming", which he completely agreed with. Not only did it describe red heads in general, but also his personality, since he can be charming as he was now, and being "striking" described him when his startling side comes out, which from time to time results in him striking people down. He prized himself on his looks, and he adored his red hair. Others dyed it and changed to blonde or brown or even wild blue as if they were merfolk, but getting rid of it was something he could never do.

Then a response that he was expecting by how she said she would follow his orders was then heard, "Also... I'm not used to speaking my mind... My parents liked it better when I was silent.... but if you want me too.... I'll try to speak my mind too.... If you want me to of course.". Since he was still holding her hand with one of his hand, his free hand stretched his palm out before half of his hand went into a clockwise rotation in order to tell her to carry on, as a smile remained on his face as she was now opening up, before speaking about his eyes, which made him smirk, "and your voice is ever so sweet, yet your parents prefer you silent? They must be out of their mind, but what I shall tell you, is that sometimes your parents may act in a certain way, waiting for you to take the next step first. I used to do everything my father told me, but then I used my initiative and done things my own way, and they worked out".

He smirked again, "Not exactly rebellious against authority, more to stepping up to show you have authority. Can't have you saying yes all the time. You wouldn't jump into the fire if I told you, would you?", applying simple logic, "So....do you have any siblings at all?", wondering if she was an heir, or if she had a pain in the rear younger sibling as he had.

"Oh, I'm sure," Benjamin said with - was that a smirk? Henrietta raised a brow, at least he was loosening up. Must be because I'm so damn awesome.

"Second," she said with a smile as she eavesdropped on the red haired boy and his little sis- Fiancee. It appeared he was quite annoyed with her first comment about the girl being his sister - Wonderful. That's my goal in life! Though he appeared to be happy with his compliment - Cocky, she thought with her eyebrow raised. They would've gotten along so perfectly if her father had decided to give her to him. Ah well, Benjamin's more fun to mess with. Cherry-head over there would just try to mess with her.

Not that he'd win.

"Why thank you. Your not so bad yourself. You both, look, stunning." Not that bad? Please, Henrietta was too perfect for her own good - clearly.

"One thing you should know about me, is that I'm not afraid to speak my mind. You have a mouth, use it," Cherry said. He must be my twin brother, she though with an accessing not-so-subtle stare at the red haired man. Mouths, mouths. They're incredibly useful for many things. Talking, kissing, other things... Turning back to Benjamin, she decided, "We should make out really loudly with very few articles of clothing right now," she tossed the surrounding couples a glance before her sapphire eyes returned to Ben, "They'd feel awkward and most importantly - you would."

"Oh no, baby! Of course we can't make a baby right nowin a park surrounded by people. It's not like I have no shame or anything! HAHAHA," she said much too loudly.

Then, gripping her flat stomach before dramatically melting into the ground with one hand raised, she panted, "I'M PREGNANT!" Henrietta gripped Benjamin's arm tightly. "I think it's Mike's. Maybe Carl's," she said with exaggerated panic before gasping, "Don't tell me it's Damien's! It was a one time thing! We were intoxicated and-"

Jumping into a stand, she yelled loudly, "I GOT SOMEONE PREGNANT! Oh my god... I'm not pregnant - my 6th girlfriend, whom I have a homosexual relationship with is. Oh forgive me, woman-who's-name-I-do-not-remember."

Running her hands down her skirt - that was still surprisingly clean and white - and tucking her smooth, long hair behind one ear, Henrietta beamed, "Okay, now I'm good. Wait. Nope."

"Of course I didn't attend the funeral," she shouted at her imaginary friend next to her with a roll of her eyes, "But I sent a letter saying I approved of it."

"and your voice is ever so sweet, yet your parents prefer you silent? They must be out of their mind, but what I shall tell you, is that sometimes your parents may act in a certain way, waiting for you to take the next step first. I used to do everything my father told me, but then I used my initiative and done things my own way, and they worked out".

He smirked again, "Not exactly rebellious against authority, more to stepping up to show you have authority. Can't have you saying yes all the time. You wouldn't jump into the fire if I told you, would you? So....do you have any siblings at all?" He questioned as she found it easier to break eye contact now and stare at the rose.

"I don't know... They think children should be obedient and only talk when spoken to... I-... I've actually tried speaking out before... I was grounded for 2 months...." She said as she tried to smile but just found herself feeling sad again.

Quickly shaking off the feeling again, she looked up at him and shook her head no to the fire question and sibling question.
"I'm the only one..." She stated as she started to remember how lonely she was when she was younger.
"Actually... I usually only spoke to my maid, Tsuki... She would always listen to me and taught me what my parents didn't..." She said without thinking and then her head shot up quickly.
"N-Not that my parents didn't teach me all I needed to know!" She quickly forced out as she felt she was being disrespectful of them. It was true that they didn't teach her some things, but her maid tried to fill in those gaps in her life that her parents abandoned.

Adam Leroux

Adam was simply giving a little bit of encouragement. She already felt down by the age difference, and since she was to be his wife, then the least he could do was make her be a happy one that didn't look down at herself all the time. She needed to be stronger, and he would help her with that, while just simply being round her softened him a bit, though that was partly due to the scenery, since he is less likely to bump into those he knows in the park. Giving her his experience, he hoped that it would help her out, before it seemed she done it before, "I don't know...They think children should be obedient and only talk when spoken to...I...I've actually tried speaking out before...I was grounded for 2 months...". It seemed that despite the similarities in trying to do what their parents want, even if Adam had some selfish reasoning to keep going, it seemed that if they had swapped places, then he would have a hard time, unless it was due to the fact she was female, since parents were more protective of them.

Observing her as she spoke while looking at the rose now, he noticed he touched quite a topic, but unless he got to know about her, her parents, her family, then he would be clueless when they all meet at the ceremony. Her parents think "children should be obedient"? Yes she was 15, but they can't exactly treat her as a child as she was going into adulthood and becoming his wife of all people. It still felt a little strange thinking about it, but she did act older than she was and she had promised to be a good wife, so least they hadn't partnered him with someone that would annoy him constantly like those at work, so wasn't too bad, and since she was to be with him, she'd learn to look the age she was acting as, as he was. At first, it felt a little strange, but he got used to it, and now strolled about his business like a boss, as he was.

Akiko then told him that she was "the only one", meaning she wouldn't of had an annoying brother as he had, so he didn't have to worry about anything like that from her side, meaning it was just his brother he had to put with, and he had no allies which was good. He never had a sister, and now he found himself in the position of having a wife. Quite the step up, and though she was the only one, she was not alone now. In a sense, he too was alone since his brother was always the tease and then competing with him all the time to annoy him, so they had each other now.

"Actually...I usually only spoke to my maid, Tsuki...She would always listen to me and taught me what my parents didn't...N-Not that my parents didn't teach me all I needed to know!". Adam couldn't resist smirking then, "Well, you have me now, and I am all you need to worry about. Not that I am worth worrying about. Speak to anyone back home and they'd all tell you that I tend to do things myself, whether it's the hard way or the easy way. Sometimes we just need to stick our head out the sand, and if we make mistakes, we learn from them", before he heard the blonde girl from before yelling about a baby, "How about we take a stroll?", he asked, getting away from Little Miss Drama Queen, and before she starts yelling again. Maybe the guy with her should invest for some earmuffs when she starts yelling about things important. Afterall, it was the males that wore the trousers. As he stood, he offered his hand as he begun to walk about the park, before he asked, [b]"Am I anything like what you imagined? I admit when I came, I didn't know who to expect. I've met quite a few females in my time, not in a relationship at all but just know, and some I just can't stand, but you, well you're quite the angel aren't you? and sure we will get along fine"[/b[, giving a warm smile, before giving her the window to reply, and ask anything on her mind. Adam sometimes spoke too much, and always liked to keep moving about, something she may already tell by the fact he had wished to move away from the bench.

"Well, you have me now, and I am all you need to worry about. Not that I am worth worrying about. Speak to anyone back home and they'd all tell you that I tend to do things myself, whether it's the hard way or the easy way. Sometimes we just need to stick our head out the sand, and if we make mistakes, we learn from the. How about we take a stroll?" She nodded and took his hand as he helped her up and she walked with him away from the noisy girl.

"Am I anything like what you imagined? I admit when I came, I didn't know who to expect. I've met quite a few females in my time, not in a relationship at all but just know, and some I just can't stand, but you, well you're quite the angel aren't you? and sure we will get along fine." He asked as she smiled slightly.

"You're better than I imagined. Truthfully, I thought I was gonna get stuck with someone obnoxious or some jerk... but.... I have to say, I'm quite lucky. I'm happy to be with someone like you. You're strong, you know what you want and your nicer than any man I've ever met. All my father's friends are annoying politicians who just stab each other in the back when they get the chance... You're... Amazing... You're nice... and considerate of my feelings..." She smiled as she answered.

"If I may ask... What do you like to do? Any hobbies? Brothers or sisters?" She questioned, hoping she was going out of bounds.

Adam Leroux

He wasn't lying at all when he told her how he done things himself, even if he went the hard approach which he had. Some view him as a control freak which may only be partly correct since he did take pride in his work and wished to make sure it was right, so he was sort of a perfectionist and if it weren't good enough, then he'd have a go. Afterall, if they failed, the business failed, he failed, then father wouldn't be happy, he'd get the blame. Growing up as fast as he had, had led him to the way he acts which quite a few dislike. However, the way he operated was simply to reward what was given, so if a bad job then rewarded with grief, if a good job then a more kind reward would be given. Adam wasn't an easy man to please, unless of course he was coerced in having to do something, or actually did something good, both categories which Akiko fell into.

Adam didn't really care what people thought of him, as long as something was achieved at the end of the day. Infact, he never really saw himself with a girl, yet Akiko seemed patient enough, willing enough, though perhaps her tune would change when he put his managers' hat on, metaphorically speaking. The question was if her angel wings can take away his demon horns, though he's had no need to use them so far, which he would of if the girl he had was one of the rebellious type. The only downside was her age compared to him, but with a few adjustments, she'd look perfect. The blonde girl had noticed it, so others will also unless he changed that, either by changing her or installing fear and respect. Whichever way came out he supposed.

It was then after walking a little and after asking about what she was expected, that she then revealed her thoughts, "You're better than I imagined. Truthfully, I thought I was gonna get stuck with someone obnoxious or some jerk...". Well, he has been referred to as a jerk before, though again, it all depends on how they acted, and how they acted towards him, if they wanted to annoy him, then he will be just as annoying back. "I'm happy to be with someone like you. You're strong, you know what you want and your nicer than any man I've ever met". Well, if he was the nicest man she has met and she was one of the nicest gals he's met, then the world truly lacked truely nice people. Ah well, no one was perfect, were they? as she described how amazing and nice he was, seeing that he was in his friendly mood.

There is the saying that love conquers all, that love is all anyone needs. He wondered for some time what all that meant, why it was needed, and now it was beginning to fall into place, before her sweet voice was heard again, "If I may ask...What do you like to do? Any hobbies? Brothers or sisters?". Adam smiled, "I have no sisters, except for a pain in the neck brother, Brent, and as for what I like to do...", not wishing to dwell too much on talking about his brother. Brent was alot more of a charmer than him for one, and constantly competing with him, and it's due to this that Adam must keep on working on order to keep him away from his prize. Afterall, he was the eldest, but the way he's always round father and then bragging out being a success once he comes out of college, he need to show that ht was work material and that was why he was harsh sometimes, as he hated losing.

"....not alot really, I must confess. When I can, I enjoy going out when I can, and love playing games, though tends to bore me sometimes when I'm too good. Was thinking about playing sports, but then again, I have my part in my fathers' business to continue...though I'm quite open to trying out new things....", before he then asked, "What do you like doing?". Maybe father saw how much of an outcast he was being by just constantly working, and now he had an excuse to get out more. Afterall, he was going to be a husband soon...

"I have no sisters, except for a pain in the neck brother, Brent, and as for what I like to do..." He said as she nodded back. She thought he was lucky to have a sibling, but maybe she was wrong.

"....not a lot really, I must confess. When I can, I enjoy going out when I can, and love playing games, though tends to bore me sometimes when I'm too good. Was thinking about playing sports, but then again, I have my part in my fathers' business to continue...though I'm quite open to trying out new things....", he answered to her question.

"O-oh, I see." She said with a smile back.

"What do you like doing?". He questioned as she looked up at the sky, thinking.

"W-well... I like cooking and drawing." She said with a smile. They were fun. "I also like to play the piano."

Adam Leroux

He never really spoke to anyone that actually listened to him and acknowledged him before. Most the time, they show signs that they are listening, though they looked bored more than anything which annoyed him, even if he was trying to help them out, help the business out, and most importantly, help his father out. Despite it all, it seemed he wasn't getting no-where, since there was still more things to do, like this whole marriage arrangement.

Though he couldn't really complain, since the one he had was quiet, sensible, does her told, also has to follow what her parents say, rich, sweet, kind, though he wasn't sure if she'd always be that way if she was ever found out by those he works with or his brother to stir up stuff, and how strong she would be. She had quite a smile, and understood what he was saying, even if he sounded boring, doing the odd sport or game while rest of time he was working, yet perhaps he could do more.

After asking what she liked, to see if he could do any of those things, she then responded with a smile and said, "W-well...I like cooking and drawing...I also like to play the piano". All of which required patience, but then again, so did playing chess, though that required alot of brainwork and he was good at it. Cooking was the maids' job so he didn't bother with that. Drawing, well he always saw that as a child's thing, except the work you see in frames, so maybe she was aiming for that perhaps, and as for piano, maybe something he could try, though the thing was, he wanted to try and go out more.

Look at today for example, as the sun was shining, and here they were having a nice walk in the park. Something he would never do, but it was doing something, he was moving about, and he was away from those that could anger or mock him. "Piano sounds good. Is it easy? I've always enjoyed watching the mad pianist with his fingers pressing hard on the keys as if there was a monster behind you, though he looked more like a monster with his teeth clenched and then his mad scientist look with his hair!", he exclaimed, as he laughed recalling an image.

Thinking of images, he then retained his smile, and turned to Akiko, wondering what she would like if she too became a redhead, though then again, redheads were pretty rare as she had said. Striking, yet charming, and wonderful to see since it was a rarity. Well, seemed he was a.....endangered species. The thought made him smile, before asking, "Is there anything you've fancied doing, but you couldn't do it before?", he asked. Maybe he could make her dreams come true, since he was in his good mood, and was her knight in a shining suit.

"Piano sounds good. Is it easy? I've always enjoyed watching the mad pianist with his fingers pressing hard on the keys as if there was a monster behind you, though he looked more like a monster with his teeth clenched and then his mad scientist look with his hair!" He exclaimed and then they both laughed together.

"It was hard in the beginning, but once you learn it, it's a lot easier to do and a lot more fun." She said with a smile.

"Is there anything you've fancied doing, but you couldn't do it before?"

Akiko blushed but quickly shook her head no. It was childish, but a thing she really wanted was a marriage of love and a kiss from that love but there was no way of that coming out of her so she kept it hidden inside.