Shiki - Tutoring hubby

The time had come for me to meet Shiki's family. We'd been together long enough to live together and for her to meet my family so it was time for me to meet the other special people in her life. There was a problem: they were on the other side of the world and there was a language barrier. Since it was such a lengthy journey to meet them we saved up for a longer stay that also involved some sight-seeing.

 

Shiki had hundreds of photographs of herself with her foster-sisters and her high-school friends. She had so many stories to tell I felt like I'd known them all for a lifetime. I'd even seen her talk to them over video chat and watched her gab for hours on end. Of course I didn't know anything they were saying since I didn't speak Japanese and that was the big problem with this trip.

 

If I were to go over there I'd be reliant on Shiki for everything and I would be isolated from everyone else due to the language. That's why Shiki suggested we spend the months before our trip to teach me the basics. I might not be fluent by then but if I could at least express myself it would help. Shiki just wanted me to be able to enjoy myself.

 

She had become such a big part of my life that I wanted to do it for her. I knew it would make her proud and she'd worked so hard so that we could be together. I agreed to learn the language for her and I saw the biggest smile on her face. She rushed to pull together resources and books for me and watched over my progress closely.

 

Each day I browsed websites, watched recorded TV shows, flicked through text books and read children's books. All of them in Japanese. The house was plastered with notes and I kept a notebook around that I had to fill up with new words and phrases. Shiki hovered over me to make sure I did my work. She was eager to help me at every step and gave me little pop-quizzes to track my progress.

 

I sat at the dining table with Shiki across from me. It was time for today's little quiz. Any textbooks were closed and set aside not that I would ruin this chance to do something for her. Tonight's quiz would be about one of Shiki's favourite things: shopping.

 

'How do you ask for something?'

 

'Kore o onegai shimasu'

 

'What about when you see something you like?'

 

'Are ga ii desu.'

 

'How do you say dress?'

 

'wanpîsu'

 

'And when you want to pay for all the things I'm buying?' Shiki winked.

 

'Kurejitto kâdo de haratte mo ii desu ka.' (Can I pay by credit card?)

 

I'd be prouder of my comedic timing if Shiki hadn't taught me that response.

 

Shiki kept me waiting for a verdict.

 

'Good enough for now' She gave me a thumbs up 'Keep practising. You're getting there.'

 

I must have worn a sour face because Shiki looked concerned for me. She leaned in and teased the zip on the hooded sweatshirt she stole from my wardrobe 'How about this: I'll ask you more questions and each time you get a correct answer I'll remove a piece of clothing. That'll help motivate you.'

 

I perked up 'Are you for real?'

 

Shiki winked and stuck her tongue out 'Nante ne!'

 

At least I knew what that phrase meant.

 

My shoulders slumped'I guess I never knew how nerve-racking it can be to learn a new language. I'm always worried I'll end up sounding like an idiot and reading children's books is a little embarrassing.'

 

'Hey I had to do the same thing, y'know?' Shiki reached over the table. She linked our fingers together. 'We wouldn't be together if I was worried about silly things like saying something weird.'

 

I reciprocated by holding her hand in mine. I gently brushed her fingers to let her know I was okay. 'You're right. I guess I just need to remember why I'm doing this.'

 

Shiki smiled.

 

It was time for the last part of today's quiz

 

'So did you look up a new phrase for me?' Shiki asked.

 

I would have to recite a phrase I had looked up myself and translate it for her.

 

I had done some research and I thought I finally had something that would catch Shiki off guard. I cleared my throat and mustered my courage 'ore, omae ga suki da (I really like you)' I muttered.

 

Shiki's eyes lit up 'Huh?'

 

I thought I'd made a mistake so I went with another option 'Anata ni muchū desu (I'm crazy about you)'

 

Shiki's cheeks turned rosy.

 

I kept going and blurted out 'Aishite imasu. (I love you)'

 

'You're so silly' Shiki chortled. She cupped a hand over her mouth to contain her laughter 'Are you trying to write a love song?'

 

We both sat and stared at each other with bright pink cheeks and bashful smiles.

 

'Love you too, sweetie' Shiki giggled like a schoolgirl. She took my hand to lead me from the table 'That'll be enough for tonight. Let's snuggle on the couch and watch a movie.'

 

I agreed and chased Shiki to the the living room. I caught up to her in the hallway and tickled her sides. She pulled me to the couch and sat me down so she could take the spot that would let her rest her head in my shoulder. As revenge for my sappy lines Shiki made me watch a chick-flick with her. I brushed her hair and held her against me. Shiki turned back quickly and gave me a little reminder: 'Just don't go taking it easy because the teacher has the hots for you. Keep practising.' Shiki planted a kiss and I felt reinvigorated. I would work hard for her.