The emotions in her kiss were unexpected, but Hongki took that in stride, letting nothing but assurance and strength flow through his person. "I don't need thanks for speaking the truth." He pressed his lips to hers, holding her as close as he could, branding her as his, trusting that any man with an ounce of sense would sense his mark on Uzume. It was a primal, instictive thing, and soothed his own nerves. After adding a touch of passion -just a drop in an ocean of what he felt- Hongki pulled away, keeping his breath level despite his pounding heart.

"Now I feel I am ready to meet your parents."

Family estate. It just sounded so casual coming from her lips. Nodding Hongki smiled to Uzume, forcing down the feelings that bubbled to the surface when he thought of his poverty-stricken childhood. He'd risen above that long ago. No more need to think about it. He let instead his love filter into his gaze, softening his features as he slipped into the car. "That's not so bad."

Uzume's request drew a grin, and he nodded, complying as he reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a squeeze. "I have a dog back home at my loft in Seoul. His name is Chimpo, like the character from Mulan. He's a pomeranian, and very sweet. Unfortunately I can't take him everywhere I go, so I don't get to see him as much as I'd like. I think he misses me a lot when I'm gone on tour."

  A warm blush tinted Uzume's cheeks at the tought of being introdued to his band. For her part, she was not close to any of the musicians she played with. She had yet to find a group she really clicked with. Though she had only been touring for a year or so, so it was not very suprising.

  "Maybe they won't bother you too badly," she laughed. Linking arms with him, she moved up the stairs, pausing to gather her courage for a moment before rapping smartly at the door. An elderly butler soon answered. The short man's face was wreathed in smiles as soon as he saw the girl he had helped to raise. Uzume's face brightened in an answering smile. "Atsushi! Oh!" She swept the Japanese man into a firm hug. "It is wonderful to see you!"

  "You as well, Uze!" Stepping back, he gave her a quick once over. "You're not eating again," he said, clucking his toung disprovingly. "You know that Chiaki will try to fatten you up before you leave." His eyes were warm at the mention of his wife. "Come in, my child, come in! And introduce us to your young man!" he said, indicating Hongki with a nod of his head. Atsushi led them into a warm little parlor, with rich wood paneling and a red persian carpet on the floor. He gestured for them to take seats on the love seat and wandered off into the house calling, "Chiaki! Chiaki! Come here, wife! I have a suprise for you!" Uzume looked at Hongki, blushing. "Atsushi and Chiaki were the ones who truly raised me. My parents love me, but those two were always at everything. And taught me everything."

((I need ideas for her parents' names. I can only find one Korean name on babynames!))

  Uzume laughed and laid her head on his shoulder, letting herself relax. "Atsushi and Chiaki are absolutly wonderful. They are the sweetest people in the world." Soon, Atsushi returned, leading a tiny little woman with long silver hair bound onto her head with a pair of chopsticks, similarly to Uzume's, and wearing a pale silvery blue kimono. Atsushi had his hand over Chiaki's eyes and wore a grin that threatened to split his face in two.

  "Here we are, wife," the old man said happily, removing his hand from Chiaka's eyes. The elderly woman's face brightened enough to shame the sun the moment she saw Uzume.

  "Uze-chan!" she cried, using her native Japanese honorific. Uzume leapt to her feet and grabbed Chiaki as she rushed at her, both women cryring and laughing. 

  "Chiaki, oh, Chiaki, I've missed you!" Uzume was repeating over and over, hugging the woman who had been like her mother with all she had. Atsushi stood back from the joyful reunion, his eyes shining with unshed tears. After a few moments, he moved over to Hongki and spoke. 

  "Chiaki and Uzume have not seen each other for almost a year. It is good to see them together again. We wanted to go with her when she left, but she wanted us to stay where we had a home. She was afraid that we would not be happy with her when she had no real place to stay, only different hotel rooms." The crying women now reached out and pulled Atsushi into the fold. He went happily, casting a look over his shoulder at Hongki, hoping the young man had gotten his message. After a few more moments, Uzume recalled herself enough to take her place on the loveseat next to Hongki, still smiling.

  "Chiaki, Atsushi, this is Hongki. We are to be married!" she said, taking his hand in hers. The older couple laughed, looking at each other with love. 

  "Wonderful! Oh, I must go cook your favorites!" Chiaki cried before busteling off to do just that. Atsushi gave the younger couple a sly smile.

  "Good job, Uze, at outsmarting that old goat of a father! He seems like a respectable young man. I am happy for you! Now," Atsushi turned a penetrating stare on Hongki, "Young man, what are you gaining from this?"