A declaration of love

You stand up from the couch and walk around to Akiko. She stands motionless with her head hung low. She is not bowing in subservience, but rather appears sad as you see her arms dangling listless by her side. You take her into your arms and lean her head against your chest. She offers no resistance as you do so. You take your hand and gently caressing her head as you feel her silent tears running down your shirt. You move your hand and gently caressing her soft face. Akiko turns slightly to bury her face into your chest, the tears increasing.

"Akiko." You start. "I've never been good at this sort of thing, but I want you to know that it's ok." You run your thumb over her cheek. "I love the having you serve me in the way you wanted, the way you've been raised. But I want you to do it because not only because of those reasons. I want you to do it because you love me." You sigh. "That's why I'm going to date you, Akiko. There's not a lot of women in this world left who believe so fully in serving their husband. It's an ancient tradition in your culture." Akiko trembles a bit in your arms. You give her a reassuring squeeze.

"One that's not passed on as much as it should be anymore. I'm so fortunate to find you in the Whittmen and hope you can have the love for me as I will for you." Akiko looks up, at you. The tears streak down her face and have left her eyes puffy and red. She still hasn't found herself able to speak but gives you a simple nod before returning to rest there in your arms.