#*akio

12 Months Later

The O'Shaughnessy's, Brindleton Bay

[ELIZABETH] *on video call with Akio* I'm going to stay in town for a couple more weeks. Isla's been really struggling with post-partum depression.

Her family are in Tartosa so she doesn't have a lot of support out here.

[AKIO] *on video call* Liz, you said that you'd be home last week. How long have you been in Brindleton Bay? A month?

[ELIZABETH] No, babe, I've been in Brindleton for 3 weeks.

[AKIO] *on video call* Right, but we have a life together here. I feel like you're making excuses to not come home.

[ELIZABETH] I'm not, Akio. It's just one more week, I'm buying my ticket-

[AKIO] *on video call, frustrated and sad* Liz, I think we should go our separate ways.

[AKIO] *on video call* I can't be with someone who can't keep their word.

[ELIZABETH] I'm sorry, what the fuck Akio?

[AKIO] *on video call* If you were serious about us Liz, you'd be home. I can't do this.

[ELIZABETH] *crying* So you're breaking up with me for staying an extra week to take care of my family? So you only like it when partners are family oriented when it has to do with or only benefits you?

[AKIO] *on video call* I'm sorry Liz.

[ELIZABETH] *crying* No, I don't think you are sorry. You're throwing away something I thought was going to last forever over this? Fine. Have it your way, Akio. 

Friday Night

Caroline and Ben's

Birthday Party

" Owen, Nate and Ben's House, Windenburg

[ELIZABETH] *sneaks up behind Caroline* Surprise sissy!!

[CAROLINE] Lizzy! Oh, I am so happy you're here! What are you doing here??

[ELIZABETH] How could I miss my beautiful sister's 25th birthday? My beautiful sister who

deserves the entire world! Akio and I are taking a couple weeks of vacation to meet my people and see Brindleton Bay.

[CAROLINE] I love you sis! My only question is how did Dad not spill the beans the entire week I was in Brindleton Bay?

[ELIZABETH] Oh, he wasn't a problem, it was Kath who had a tough time keeping it a surprise!

[CAROLINE] I think she found a way to be subtle by talking about our bridesmaid's dresses.

You have no idea how much it means to me that you're here.

I don't know what it is about this year, but there are no other people I want to be with other than you, Owen, Kath, Dad and my friends.

[CAROLINE] I don't know if it's the break-up, it being almost 10 years since Mom died, or my brain being fully developed that has me really... Er, thinking about things differently.

[ELIZABETH]I can imagine all of the above. I know changes in relationships can impact things.

Life experiences force us to grow and be ready for whatever is next, if we allow it.

[CAROLINE] Shit Lizzy! You have a point, you insightful young lady. You've always been a deep thinker, but I've noticed it more lately.

[ELIZABETH] Ah, well Akio for sure brings that side out in me..

[CAROLINE] So are you going to introduce me to him, now in-person?

[ELIZABETH] Whoa whoa, hold on sissy!

[ELIZABETH] He’s currently being interrogated by Owen, so he may need a break after that!

[ELIZABETH] True, let's go check on my poor boyfriend being interrogated by our darling brother!

[CAROLINE] Oh good! *clasps hands together*

[ELIZABETH] Now Caroline…

[CAROLINE] Oh, Lizzy *gives Elizabeth a quick hug* I've missed you so much.

2 Months Ago

Akio's Apartment, Mt. Komorebi

[AKIO] *thinking* Damn, how did I get so lucky with a woman like Lizzy? And how the hell am I going to navigate introducing her to my family?

[AKIO] Isao and Suzume will adore her, hopefully they can meet her without dad. 

Shockingly, not worried about Juri -

[ELIZABETH] Akio? Are you outside?

[AKIO] Be right in, just finishing up my smoke.

[ELIZABETH] Morning, babe.

[AKIO] Hey, beautiful. Did you sleep okay?

[ELIZABETH] Mhmmm, all things considered...

[AKIO] "All things considered" being exploring each other? Well, I thoroughly enjoyed it...

[AKIO] *gently pushes her back into the front of the fridge* And I could tell you enjoyed it too, huh princess?

[ELIZABETH] *chuckles* So am I princess to you?

[AKIO] Are you going to answer my question?

[ELIZABETH] Are you going to answer MY question?

[AKIO] *tsk* Elizabeth Grace, the woman you are. Do I need to remind you of last night?

[ELIZABETH] Your princess may need one!

[AKIO] Anything for you, love.

*Juri walks through front door*

[JURI] Akio? I'm home early. Eiko woke up with food poisoning. Can't say I recommend that pizza place, so let's not get that for movie night.

[JURI] Are you -

[JURI] Akio? Is that...

[JURI] Miss Elizabeth??

[AKIO] O-oh Juri, you're early.

[ELIZABETH] *nervously* H-hi Juri, good to see you!

[AKIO] Is everything okay, Juri?

[JURI] I'm home early because Eiko got food poisoning, but I'm good - just surprised to see you with my ballet teacher.. But surprised in a good way! I had a feeling about you two after the ski trip...

[ELIZABETH] *sighs, deeply relieved*

[AKIO] ...That obvious?

[JURI] Bro, when you like someone, it's so obvious. You're a romantic softie who yearns! Anyway, you two have fun with whatever that was... See you on Thursday, Miss Elizabeth!

[ELIZABETH] See you Thursday, Juri!

*Juri runs upstairs*

[ELIZABETH] I thought I was going to DIE! My heart sank to my stomach. I don't think she expected to see her brother and ballet teacher making out.

[ELIZABETH] You handled that well, babe.

[AKIO] Sadly, I do have to work tonight. Let's shower and get you home.

[ELIZABETH] I understand, babe. I'm glad I get to know the romantic softie side of you.

2 Months Ago

📍 Chisaka's, Mt. Komorebi

[AKIO] Yeah, so this restaurant is run by my older half-brother. This is essentially his inheritance from his grandfather on mother's side, so technically this is a family thing, just not my family, I guess?

[AKIO] *deep sigh* Fuck, family is complicated, huh? I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but some of the dynamics I would. A part of the tension going on with my family is my dad threatening to cut Isao off for taking over this restaurant. I don’t know if it’s one of his messed up ways of dealing with the grief of that failed marriage, but it’s really torn things apart.

[ELIZABETH] Oh, that must be so hard for your brother. I can tell he's just trying to honour his family's legacy in a meaningful way. After my mom died, one of my aunts felt like she was owed something because my mom was the "prettier" sister and she"suffered" because of her. It's really messed up how legitimate feelings of grief can be dealt with in such unhealthy ways. It makes me nervous for Kath's wedding.

[AKIO] I can imagine! That's really fucked up with your aunt though, I hope your sister is able to have her dream wedding.Now that I think about it, it’s the entitlement that gets in the way. Like you said, its not healing wounds in a healthy way. Anyway, I want to know more about your mom and your family. If you're comfortable sharing.

Family matters, and you matter to me.

[ELIZABETH] My mom was amazing! Totally warm, welcoming and made you feel like you mattered. She knew how to stand her ground and be bold, yet she was also shy. She passed away from heart failure when the twins were 17, Caroline was 15 and I was 13, she was so young. You know how it feels to be punched in the gut and have the wind taken out of you? I felt like that every day for almost a year. Being more on the quiet side, I for sure slipped through the cracks. My dad did his best, but it's hard to come to the realization that your parents aren't perfect.

[ELIZABETH] I think that’s why I went to school so far away. I wanted to get away from the place and the dynamics, not my dad or my siblings. To be completely honest with you, Akio, and I’ve only said this to Lily. I finally felt like I grieved my mom fully when Owen took my sorry ass out of Del Sol Valley. I had a good cry in his car and I got everything off my chest.

[ELIZABETH] It was really special because Owen and I don't always get a long, but during that road trip to Windenburg, we really bonded and opened up to each other. Family dynamics are rough, but when I learned to see my older siblings as people beyond just being my siblings, I love them more! I don't feel like I've been punched in the chest when I think about mom. She'll always be a part of me.And, I can carry that into other areas of my life, especially in my relationships. I still can't believe it's been almost 10 years.

[AKIO] Thank you for allowing me to know something so deep and special.

I learn so much about everything from you, Liz. Maybe I need to see my family as people beyond just as my family.

Maybe it would take out some of the emotion? You and your beautiful mind have given me something to chew on.

[ELIZABETH] We're all works in progress, Akio. We tend to figure things out as we go along.

[AKIO] Well, I'm lucky to have you in my life as I figure shit out. *winks*

[ELIZABETH] Wait, were you hitting on me? *winks* I'm grateful for you, babe. I've never felt safer with someone, I'm grateful for your emotional intelligence, and it's pretty sexy if I'm honest.

[AKIO] *blushes* Well, babe I'm so absolutely serious about, us. I've never felt cared for by anyone like you.

I see how passionate you are and how you care for others. I want you to know that I only do serious and committed, and I want that with you.

[ELIZABETH] *sighs deeply, relieved* I only want something serious with you, Akio.

[AKIO] Good, glad to hear that, beautiful. I adore you, so much and I can't wait to explore what life has to offer with you by my side. 

[ELIZABETH] *to herself* Ohhh, hmmm!

[ELIZABETH] *lowers voice* Explore, you say? I've been thinking about 'exploring' too…

[ELIZABETH] *gently caresses Akio's ankle with her foot - a little flirty game of footsie*

[ELIZABETH] I wonder if we're thinking about the same type of exploring, hmm? The each other kind?

[AKIO] *gulps, eyes widen *

2 Months Ago

📍 Ski Hill Cabins, Yakimatsu, Mt. Komorebi

*ding*

Text from Akio Hayashi:

Hey, hope you've had a good week. Juri told me your team placed 2nd overall in competition.

Congrats to you and the girls! Miss you and hope to see you soon.

[ELIZABETH] *whispers to herself* Oh, Akio! I-I miss him too... Wow, me missing a man? He's just being a good friend.

Why would he want me as much as I want him?

[ELIZABETH] *whispers to herself as she texts* "Hey you"... No, that sounds too desperate! Uh, just "Hey"

*knock knock*

[ELIZABETH] Shit, I hope the girls are okay in their cabins.

[???] Hello?

[AKIO] I have a delivery for uh, an Elizabeth O'Shaughnessy!

[ELIZABETH] *from behind the door*...Akio? Is that you? 

[AKIO] Hey, Lizzy. *pulls Elizabeth in for a hug*

[ELIZABETH] Akio! *shivers in Akio's arms* Let's get inside.

[AKIO] Why is it so cold in your cabin? Juri said she had heating in her cabin [ELIZABETH] It does exist, it just doesn't work so I got this tiny space heater...

[AKIO| Pfff, that's shit. *Wraps arm around Elizabeth* Maybe this will help.

[ELIZABETH] *Scoots closer to Akio, gets cozy*

[AKIO] Better?

[ELIZABETH] Much!

[AKIO] Good! So champ, how are you feeling about competition this past week?

[ELIZABETH] For my first competition as a teacher, really great! 2nd overall is a huge accomplishment.

The girls are the real champs though, and I'm proud of them. Eiko placing first for solos was so well-deserved!

[AKIO] That's amazing! They do have an exceptional teacher.

[ELIZABETH] *blushes, burries head in neck* Akiiiiooo!

[AKIO] *mocks her playfully* Liiiiiizzzzy!

[ELIZABETH] Yeah, I did. But over the past 2 months you've shown me otherwise!

[AKIO] Oh? What changed?

[ELIZABETH] You're one of the kindest and most giving people I know. You care for people is by being assertive and being there for them. Some may not understand that.

[AKIO] *softly* Do you really believe that?

[ELIZABETH] Mhm.

[ELIZABETH] *fidgets with Akio’s hoodie string* I really do.

[AKIO] *blushes, grins* 

[AKIO] Lizzy, I-

[AKIO] *kisses Elizabeth*

[ELIZABETH] *smiles into the kiss, places hand on Akio's cheek*

[AKIO] *gently pushes Elizabeth to lie on the couch*

[ELIZABETH] *breaks the kiss* Akio wait... 'm really tired, cold and not in the mood for anything past this. Can we just go to bed and cuddle? I don't want you to leave.

[AKIO] *gently strokes Elizabeth's hand on his cheek* Absolutely.

[ELIZABETH] *gives Akio a quick kiss* Thank you for understanding.

[AKIO] | got you, always.

[AKIO] You've had a long week. Let's get snuggly, yeah? *picks Elizabeth up, grins at her*

[AKIO] Hey, Elizabeth right?

[ELIZABETH] Ah, hi there Mr. Hayashi! You can sit if you would like, I won't bite you.

[AKIO] Please, call me Akio. Shit, I don't even think I properly introduced myself.

[ELIZABETH] *chuckles, sips drink* You were probably focused on how you were going to rake me over the coals yesterday!

[AKIO] Yeah, about that. I'm really sorry that I came in so hot. It wasn't right and you didn't do anything to deserve my frustration being taken out on you.

[ELIZABETH] Thank you Akio, I appreciate your apology. Juri told me there's a lot going on with your family and I know that a lot of the pressure is placed on and felt by the older siblings - so I understand.

[ELIZABETH] I also have an older brother who can be intense when my sisters and I go through things or have been hurt. He's gotten better as we've gotten older, but he was my rock when I needed someone a few months ago.

So I appreciate the love of an older brother.

[AKIO] Oh so you do kind of understand, even if it doesn't make sense when we're a little intense.

Not to justify shitty behaviour, of course. Are your sisters younger or older?

[ELIZABETH] I'm the youngest! Owen and Kathleen are twins and the oldest, then my sister Caroline, then me!

So I have 3 older siblings who I kept on their toes! *chuckles* Is it just you and Juri?

[AKIO] No, I'm the middle child. I have an older brother Isao and sister Suzume from my dad's first marriage.

My younger brother Touma, Juri and I are full siblings. I gotta know, why Mt. Komorebi? You'd think Del Sol Valley would be the ideal spot for professional dancers. 

[ELIZABETH] Yeah, you'd think! I did my Bachelor's degree there, full scholarship. Top of my classes, won competitions, was asked to dance for major productions before I completed my second year there.

[ELIZABETH] But it was awful I learned the hard way I don't do well in hyper-competitive environments.

Mt. Komorebi's dance community is just as dedicated, but without the Del Sol lifestyle that began to do more harm than good.I needed a change that was more grounded and meaningful.

[ELIZABETH] My students ask about Del Sol Valley, and I don't encourage them to go unless that's what they want and where they would thrive. I'm happy where I am and I'm grateful for Lily!

[AKIO] Shit, yeah. I can see how the Del Sol lifestyle could really mess with you. Environments like those don't deserve kind people like you.

[ELIZABETH] You really think so?

[AKIO] I think I may know so! You could have bit my head off last night, I could tell you wanted to, but you care more about Juri's well-being than allowing me to be an asshole.

[ELIZABETH] *smirks* You didn't make it easy to be cool-headed, but I somehow sensed there was more than what meets the eye. I adore Juri and she really defended your honour after class.

[AKIO] Juri adores you! Trust me when I say that I appreciate your kindness for multiple reasons. *blushes* Elizabeth, I'm really glad I actually got to meet you and chat.