Oxytocin (Medicinal Love Book One) FIRST DRAFT ONLY

Chapter 26

September 20, 2011

Hikaru sat up from his prone position on his yoga mat, sighing out some of his current stress in an exhale. Everything that was happening with Aija had him taking on some of her burdens. That in return was putting a bit more on his own than usual and he could feel the difference within him physically and mentally. A yoga session was just what he needed and a hot shower. After that knew he would be as good as new. Ten minutes later proved that fact and he was drying his hair with a towel when his cell phone rang. The number let him know instantly that somebody was calling from Japan.

"Moshi Moshi?" He greeted, still rubbing his hair.

"Konnichiwa, Hikaru!" A bright and cheery voice called out, bringing a big smile to Hikaru's face. There was no mistaking the owner of that voice. "Aoi! It's been ages since I've heard your voice. How are you? How are things?" Takumi's wife, Briseis giggled at the fast questions given and answered, "I'm good! Great actually! Things are good with the store and my objects are selling."

"Great to hear! Are you just calling to check on me because usually, it's your husband who does that."

Briseis sighed and chuckled. "Nothing gets past you, Karu-kun. I called actually to tell you that Takumi and I are coming back to the states to visit with my parents in Texas. Then we were hoping to come up to visit you also before we head back home.

Hikaru's mood brightened as he dropped his towel in his hamper. "I'd love that! You know I miss you both a lot." He snapped as an idea came to him. "I know! You two can stay at my condo."

There was a pause. "Won't it be a bit crowded, Hikaru?"

Hikaru smiled knowingly. Briseis was very intuitive. He knew that the curly-haired woman was clutching the phone, trying to figure out what was going on with him. What was different. He made sure she didn't have to wait long.

"Asami went back home for school so no worries, Briseis. I will just stay with my girlfriend at her house across the hall."

His voice was unaffected but the resulting squeal of delight made Hikaru feel temporarily deaf in his right ear. "What is it with you and my sister insisting on making me deaf?"

"I'm sorry, Darlin! I'm just so happy that you said that you have a girlfriend. You're not exactly known for having one."

This was true. Hikaru had known Briseis for several years. She had seen enough of his playboy ways that it was futile to even be able to deny that fact in front of her.

"Hai. She's changed me...for the better I suppose."

"Mottooshiete. Tell me more." Briseis urged.

Hikaru shook his head in amusement but obliged his nosy friend. He shared his tale of finding the receptionist who turned into his current love and he could tell by the dreamy sighs she gave that she loved every bit of it. Then after the story, he could hear her squeal again. "So amazing, Hikaru-kun. I hope I'll get to meet her when we visit."

"I'll make sure of it, Aoi. Call me a week before you come down so I can plan to be at home from work."

"Will do. Talk to you later, Darlin!"

Hikaru smiled to himself. Aija would love the happy-go-lucky personality of the youthful Briseis. She actually reminded him a bit of Shae, but the difference between them was that Shae was a lot more naïve than the wiser Texas native. Hikaru was also excited about the thought of Takumi coming to Seattle. It had been a while since he had seen his best friend and he couldn't wait to bring Takumi up to speed on his life and to hear about his friend's as well.