the extra shot of courage she needed, but she fully expected Tono’s father would ask her to leave Japan.
Tono quietly shut the door and led Brie to the dying man, who was covered in tubes, wires and plastic hoses.
“ Otosama,” Tono said softly.
The old man’s eyes fluttered open. He glanced in Brie’s direction, although it did not seem as if he could actually see her, then he mumbled something she couldn’t understand.
Tono told her, “He would like you to come closer, Brie.”
She bent down and smiled at him.
“S umimasen ” he whispered, before he began coughing violently.
Brie was absolutely stunned that his father had just apologized to her.
She stood back and watched as Tono comforted him through the coughing episode, her heart racing as she realized how very close Master Nosaka was to death. Brie had never been around someone dying before and it frightened her, especially knowing what a strong person he’d been only a few weeks ago.
Tono seemed uneasy when he explained, “My father wanted to apologize for upsetting you the night of graduation.”
Brie smiled at the old man again and said respectfully said thank you, grateful for her exposure to Japanese anime when she was younger. “ Domo a rigatou gozaimasu, Nosaka- sama.”
For the first time, she saw the old man’s eyes soften. It was very slight, but brought her great joy.
Although Tono was smiling as well, his eyes did not reflect it. Brie assumed he was too consumed with grief and instinctively gave him a hug. Tono stiffened in her embrace, shaking his head.
Brie realized she must have broken some unspoken social protocol and quickly broke away, apologizing to Tono under her breath.
Master Nosaka called out his son’s name and Tono quickly returned to his father’s side. The old man whispered something that caused Tono’s eyes to water. It broke Brie’s heart to see him in pain and she glanced away, but when she heard his chuckle, she braved a peek.
“ Hai ,” Tono answered his father with a definite blush on his cheeks.
What had the old man asked him?
Master Nosaka lifted his hand slightly and Tono grasped it, bowing until his forehead touched his father’s hand. Brie admired the respect Tono had for him; it was deeply moving to witness firsthand.
Tono bowed formally one more time before escorting Brie out of the room. She bowed as well, then waved goodbye as she walked out the door—a chill running through her as she realized this might be the last time she’d ever see his father alive.
Tono led her to Sir and announced, “My father would like me to show you a favorite pastime of ours.”
“Besides Kinbaku?” Brie asked, surprised.
That mysterious blush showed up again, coloring Tono’s cheeks when he answered. “Yes.”
“Well, now you have me intrigued, Nosaka,” Sir replied. “When and where?”
Tono looked towards his father’s room. “It would be best if we did it as soon as possible. I hate to leave my father in this condition, but he insists. Are you free tonight? I can pick you up at the hotel around eight.”
Brie was equally curious, and hoped her question would shed some light on the night’s festivities. “Formal or causal dress?”
Tono smiled when he answered her. “Casual.” Then he turned to Sir, adding, “A few favorite toys would be advisable as well.”
What the heck does Tono have planned tonight? she wondered with delight.
Whatever it was had the experienced Dom’s cheeks turning a light shade of pink, so Brie knew it had to be something exceedingly wicked.
They left the hospital soon after to give Tono time with his father. In the car, Brie began to cry.
“Did Mr. Nosaka say something unkind, Brie?” Sir asked gently.
“No, Sir. He apologized to me.”
Sir raised his eyebrow. “Now that is unexpected. He’s not a man to take back an opinion once it’s voiced.”
“I’m in shock as well, Sir.”
“So why are you crying, babygirl?”
“Being in that room,