Was once married, but since then... (Pink Trigger)

I told Jessica and Natsuhi a tragic story ripped straight from an old movie I'd seen. Not a dirty one, either. I told them a winding story that began back when my future wife and I were still high school sweethearts, but destined for different paths on the road of life. She had always wanted to move to the big city, while I favored the rustic countryside.

"I see. That must have been hard," Natsuhi sympathized with me, politely. Jessica continued to watch me. She looked at her mom for a second, probably wondering if she was expected to be sympathizing as well, but seeing she wasn't, she simply continued to listen.

I told the two about how my paths crossed once again with my old lover. The times had been hard for me, but I'd always done my best to make an honest living. That lover and I rekindled our old flame immediately in our first sit-down together, one sunny day in a cafe in Paris.

"Oh, so you're a traveler," Natsuhi asked, her hands in her lap. Jessica was watching as politely as possible, but I could feel her foot tapping under the table.

Yes, I'd been all over the world, but as a sort of vagrant. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I could never tie down fair work. My chance meeting with my old love was my first luck in a long time. So, of course, I was devastated to find out she was now married.

"Oh! Oh my, you poor thing," Natsuhi pitied me, clutching her hand to the brooch at her neck.

"Uh, Mom... I'm gonna get Kanon to fetch us some tea, okay...?" Jessica got up and started heading for the door. "Mr. Player, uh... don't pause this story for me. Just go right on ahead."

"Thank you, Jessica. Go on, Mr. Player."

... Oh. Jessica was leaving. That's... ahem. Where was I? Oh right, so I said it was still luck because at the time she'd become wealthy and capable of offering me a job...

I sat drinking tea with Natsuhi in her daughter's room, explaining to the patient Natsuhi that since my friend's marriage had fallen apart, I was in position to become a rebound. I didn't see it as a marriage of opportunity, however: the two of us had clearly been meant for each other, and fate had designs for us to be together.

"Oh...!" Natsuhi exclaimed, lowering her teacup from her lips and smiling. "Young love like that certainly is beautiful... it must have been a magical time, having no ties to hold you down, living day to day with the woman you loved."

It certainly was, Natsuhi. As a country boy, I had a difficult time adjusting to life in urban Japan, but this was also a valuable time for me in honing my profession. I got to know the families of all sorts of well-to-do lineages, and became a skilled matchmaker for their daughters. However, in my own circumstances, our love was growing tense...

... And that was the end. The love of my life I'd broken up with had stepped into my life again, only to be cruelly taken from me in a plane crash. As such, I was roaming again... now a jack of all trades in terms of education, but a master of none in terms of personal love.

Natsuhi had taken a tissue out of her pocket about an hour ago, and had constantly begged my forgiveness as she wept for my tragic backstory. "Mr. Player... I've never heard such a tragic tale. I honestly thought... please, forgive me for saying so, I know this is terribly cruel... but in spite of all the terrible things that happened, you've lived a free life, full of adventure, haven't you? But to look at you now... I only wish... there was some way our family could help you." She choked back a few more tears, then placed her palm over the top of my hand.

It had gotten dark, and I'd sat here regaling Natsuhi for my entire day on the island. The conference had probably even started. Jessica must have told her father that her mother was having a tough conversation with Mr. Player and not to bother them until it was over. I'd definitely gotten carried away here.

"Isn't there anything we can do for you?" Natsuhi asked me earnestly, leaning towards me with twinkles of tears still in her eyes.

... This wasn't so bad a situation, was it? I was alone with Natsuhi. I had her ear. I had stirred her heart. I could smell her perfume. I cleared my throat, put my own hand over Natsuhi's, then did my best to look like a dashing protagonist from a romance novel. Yes, Natsuhi. There is one thing a woman such as yourself can do to help a poor wretch like me. You see, in the short time we've known each other-

"Yes!" Natsuhi suddenly shouted, rising from her seat while still holding my hand. "I will!"

... Great! That was excellent. I stood up and began messing with my tie. My Pink Trigger had clearly done me a favor, but I didn't have much time now. I'd need to-

"I will recommend you as a tutor for Jessica right away. Naturally, we'll pay your regular wages. Oh, and if you need a place to stay, I'll have Krauss arrange for you to stay in our guesthouse for the short time we can retain you."

... Great. That means so much to me, Natsuhi. I'm looking forward to a productive, fruitful stay, and helping your daughter Jessica become the proper young woman I know she can be. Now, there's actually one more way you can help me, quickly, before the night is over. You're so positively ravishing-

"I understand. You're famished, aren't you?" Natsuhi said with a smile, guiding me into the hall. "I'm so sorry to have kept you for so very long. Let's go meet Gohda."

Reluctantly, I joined Natsuhi, but I wasn't feeling hungry. Golden butterflies could be seen in the hall. Just as Natsuhi was probably about to comment on them...

I saw a stake flying at her. Would the Golden Witch really pierce that poor woman's generous, romantic heart?! Despite knowing I was only kicking the can of Natsuhi's arrival in the Golden Land down the road, I valiantly jumped in front of the stake. Wherever that skillful sister wanted to gouge, I was sure she'd managed.

How would I rearrange this story to get to my conclusion with Natsuhi earlier? No... it was probably better if I just left that script to Hollywood. This had been surprisingly fun, but not even remotely erotic. Even if I decide to target Natsuhi, this kind, understanding, motherly version who is stirred by talks of young love is probably best left behind.