By : angelofvenus_l3
AN : I don't own GW or SM. The Senshi will play a minor role in this fic so there won't be any other couple besides Mina and Trowa.
CHAPTER ONE
"Congratulations, Miss Aino, you're pregnant," Doctor Suzuki announced as she glanced at the test result in her hand, expecting the young girl to rejoice over the news like so many others would have. However, Minako just sat there in silence, too numbed to respond as she stared at the brunette doctor. A look of total shock and bewilderment graced her features.
"A-are you sure?" Minako inquired weakly. "I'm pregnant?"
Her mind began to race at the prospect of carrying a child. His child. Not that it was such a bad thing but she didn't expect situation as such could ever happen to her. She had dreaded meeting him since that faithful night but after several days of awkward conversations and glances, they had finally surpassed that stage and regained back their normal friendship. Now with child, she wasn't sure if it would be as easy to maintain whatever was left.
The doctor nodded affirmatively, slowly taking her seat across the expecting mother. "Four weeks, to be exact," Doctor Suzuki said, giving her a brief smile before she continued solemnly, noting Minako's slightly worried features, "But if this is an unplanned pregnancy, then I have several brochures that might help you with your options on what to do with it…"
By then Minako had already tuned out, too absorbed in her own thoughts. She was scared, no doubt about the outcome but also couldn't help feeling excited at the news. Unconsciously, her hand went to her stomach and was surprise to find a delight knowing there was a life growing inside of her. The feeling was overwhelming and she wondered briefly if it was her maternal instinct kicking in.
Suddenly realizing that the doctor was still explaining to her the procedures of aborting a child, Minako quickly snapped out of her dazed mind. However the thought of giving up the baby appalled her, although she was too stunned from the news to interrupt. It might be an unplanned pregnancy but it was definitely not worth taking its life when truthfully, she and her 'partner' were responsible here.
After leaving the hospital, along with several brochures that the doctor advised, or to be more specific, insisted that she took, she wandered aimlessly along the sidewalk. After she managed to overcome the shock, she felt the utmost delight at the news. She was only twenty but she was already determined to raise the child. Their child. The sudden remembrance that another party was involved in making the baby send a slight discomfort to her.
Her mind drifted back to that night, a month ago when Quatre had one of his parties. That night where she had gotten so drunk and ended up spending the night with Quatre's best friend, Trowa in his apartment. The next morning would have been awful if Trowa hadn't acted so calm and control of the whole situation. He even borrowed her his shirt that morning since the dress that she wore the previous night was found torn due to his 'aggressiveness' and had politely accompanied her back to her apartment.
He had apologized for whatever that had happened between them and Minako couldn't doubt his sincerity. The first few days for them had been a little awkward after that but eventually they talked about it and things went back to normal. Trowa didn't appear at all worried about the consequence of their actions the previous night. He did, however, advised her to get a morning pill and even offered to take her to the doctor but she declined, feeling so self conscious around him all of a sudden. She had delayed that visit, of course due to her busy schedules. Until she started to have dizzy spells and morning sickness.
They had never discussed the possibility of her pregnancy and the outcome of it. Trowa's possible reactions kept reeling in her mind, worrying her even more because she was quite certain he couldn't accept it. He was twenty four and his life, from what Quatre had told her, only consisted of missions given by the Preventers. She couldn't imagine the thought of that quiet and distant man settling down or being tied down to a kid, if not to marriage.
Sighing wearily, she decided to head back home. She would have to deal with her parents first, since her constant morning sickness and dizzy spells had aroused their suspicions. She might not have Trowa's support in this but her parents would be there for her. At least she hoped they would.
"Hey," Duo said cheerfully, peering his head in between the door.
"Hey," Trowa greeted back, looking up just briefly before his gaze returned to the opened file and scribbled something on it. "And by the way, your presence will be much appreciated if you have the decency to knock first before you enter."
"You starting to sound like Wufei," Duo exclaimed as he closed the door behind him and then headed towards his friend. "Although he's a little less…polite."
"I try," was Trowa's only reply. He paused to grab a file from the nearest shelve and flipped it through before placing it on his desk to write something on it. Duo just stared at his friend for awhile, silently watching Trowa in his usual haste to complete his work papers. After awhile of silence, Trowa looked up, as though finally realized of Duo's presence and raised an eyebrow in aloof inquiry.
"Can I help you?"
Duo chuckled. "You know, I've never seen you this busy in the war."
"That's what I'm paid for. Is there anything in particular you like to discuss?"
"Thought you never ask," Duo exclaimed, taking a seat across the former Gundam pilot and held out a rather fancy invitation card to Trowa. At one glance Trowa already knew what it was. He flipped the card opened and hid a small smile.
"Finally, about time," he stated, glancing back at Duo who was also grinning from ear to ear.
"I know," Duo exclaimed excitedly. "Finally! Although it was overdue like, five years ago but at least Heero had mustered the courage to actually propose. Now I can finally hold the best bachelor party in the millennium!"
"Not when it involve you and alcohol. You know how Heero feels about that kind of party."
Duo easily waved off Trowa's statement and at that point, Trowa noticed that mischievous glint in his friend's eyes. "He'll change his mind once the strippers arrive."
"And you'd think he will agree to that?"
"What he won't know won't hurt him."
"I'm quite certain it would, literally," Trowa muttered and imagined the outcome of the party. He shuddered slightly at that thought.
After the incident a month ago, he was very careful when consuming any form of alcohol, even though he wasn't a heavy drinker. He rarely go to bars or drink at parties but somehow he was dragged into the consequence that only Duo could have gotten himself in. He had thought back silently what had happened that night and mentally scolded himself for such recklessness, swearing never again to repeat the same mistake.
However, since that night, Minako was frequently at the back of his mind. He couldn't understand why he was thinking about her so much lately. Years ago, he and the rest of the pilots were obligated to help the Senshi in order to maintain peace. He didn't expect that they would get along quite well considering most of them, especially the pilots weren't that friendly or even that excited at that prospect of working together.
As he half listened to Duo's constant babbling about his plans for the upcoming bachelor party and scanning a report at the same time, his mind drifted into its own train of thoughts about the particular blonde girl. He hadn't seen Minako for two weeks now due to his mission at the Lunar Base nor even contact her or the others. The only calls he got to make was to the HQ and his schedules were almost as tight as Quatre's considering he was the supervisor there.
"Don't you think it's time we get back home?" Duo suddenly asked after a moment to peer out the window at the darken sky.
"There's still a few more corrections I have to make. This paperwork is due tomorrow for the staff meeting."
"But you've been cooped up in here for almost twelve hours straight," Duo exclaimed, a twinkle of half amusement, half stunned reflected in his eyes. "You barely have any lunch or dinner and what's worst, you're putting Quatre to shame! His filling up real nicely for a busy politician. Come on, I'll treat you to supper at this great café Hilde told me. It's right across that Macy's and it's way cheaper than that restaurant you always go to…"
Trowa wanted to decline but seeing that his friend wouldn't leave him in peace until he agreed, he finally gave in. Besides, he was already lacked of substance to provide him enough energy to complete the rest of his tasks for tonight.
"What?!!!"
Minako flinched as her father's voice echoed in the living room, while her mother gaped at her, unable to form a single word to describe the impact of the news. Her father's voice was so loud, she couldn't doubt the servants would be able to hear their conversations from their own quarters. But that was the least of her problems now.
Clenching her fists tightly on her lap, Minako fixed her trembling gaze on the floor, not daring to meet theirs. She had expected them to react this way but she was surprised to find herself having difficulties in facing this, after she had gone through her plans numerous times in her head. She shifted uncomfortably in the sofa as she waited for them to break the silence, which reigned over them for almost five minutes now.
"Minako…" Mrs. Aino managed to utter, disappointment clearly evident in her tone and she had to bite her bottom lip, as though in fear of screaming uncontrollably at her precious daughter. Minako could see her mother's eyes moist with tears, adding more to the discomfort feelings she had gotten earlier.
"How did you get yourself into this mess, young lady?!" Mr. Aino demanded angrily, rising to his feet from the armchair. "I told you your wild behavior will cost you one day and look what happen! Look at what you've brought yourself into! What's going to happen now?! You…you've destroy your own future! What about your studies?! Your career?! How…" His father trailed softly as he let out a sigh, bringing his palm to rest on his forehead in a manner to calm himself. "How…did this happen?"
Minako bit her bottom
lip hard, fighting back
the tears that
threatened to spill
at each remark
he threw at
her. "I already told
you…"
"How could
Quatre let this
happen?!" Mrs. Aino
suddenly yelled tearfully. "I already told him
not to get you involved
in one of his banquets
with those pilot
friends of his! And
to think I
actually trusted him
when he insisted
there won't be
any alcohol there.…"
Minako wanted to comment on that, seeing as Quatre don't drink. The poor boy didn't know that Duo, the obvious culprit in this case, had secretly brought five crates of wine and serving them as punch. It took her a few sips to realize what the substance actually was but the alcohol was already seeping into her system and she could care less, enjoying the pleasurable feelings of being an adult.
Not receiving any comeback from the girl, Mrs. Aino glanced desperately at her husband. Mr. Aino tried to maintain his calm and asked, although the tremble in his tone signified his dread, "Who's the father?"
Minako hesitated. The possible reactions from her parents suddenly frightened her terribly. If her parents weren't supportive enough of her going to a party involving the Gundam pilots, what kind of reaction should she expect after she slept with one of them? Her parents had never encouraged her to mix with his circle of friends, despite the fact that Quatre was a distant relative.
"Minako, I asked you a question!" Mr. Aino demanded, his voice rising by the minute.
"Trowa…" she reluctantly answered, daring to meet his gaze. Her eyes were filled with tears all of a sudden, reminding her she had one more important person to share the news with and bearing the reaction towards it. "Trowa Barton."
Her parents were too stunned to reply. They exchanged glances with one another desperately and Mr. Aino fell to his chair.
"Trowa…" Mrs. Aino murmured, her voice caught in her throat. "He's one of those pilots, isn't he? Does…does he know about…this?"
Minako shook her head solemnly in answer.
"Are you planning on telling him?
Minako hesitated but eventually nodded.
"He doesn't have to know…" Mr. Aino suddenly muttered, scowling in disapproval. "Both of you didn't want this baby so he doesn't have to get involved…"
Minako frowned at him. "What do you mean, he doesn't have to get involved? He's the father."
"We're talking about one of Quatre's abnormal friends here, Minako Aino!" her father snapped. "What makes you think he wants to be involved in something he did not voluntarily created?! I can't imagine that cold man fathering my grandchild or any other child he might bear, for that matter! He cares nothing but those missions of his, so don't bother telling him because THIS has never happen!"
Minako sunk back in her chair at the sudden remark. She was stunned, not particularly at the statement but at the meaning hidden within. "You want me to….abort it…"
Mr. Aino stared at her, his eyes pinning her firmly and his silence in confirmation. Minako gasped and she glanced at her mother for support but Mrs. Aino refused to meet her teary gaze, indicating her agreement with her husband.
Minako felt her world crashing upon her at the gesture. She had never been so hurt and betrayed. Rising to her feet angrily, she cried, "No! I'm not going to do that!"
"Minako…" her mother tried to reason with her but was abruptly cut off.
"No!" Minako shrieked, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No, that's not an option, mother! I'm not giving my baby up!"
"Oh, lord," Mrs. Aino murmured softly, glancing worriedly at her husband. "This is so much worst than your obsessions with idols."
"Then what do you propose to do?" Mr. Aino yelled back at Minako, equally angry. "You're only twenty, not to mention still studying, working part-time and living on your own miles away from us, how do you expect to raise the child with that amount of money? And time! How much time from your busy schedules can you afford to spend with your baby? What about our reputation? What will the others think? I refuse to allow my flesh and blood be the topic of the latest newsletter among my friends and colleagues!"
"I don't care," Minako insisted weakly. "I-I have to take responsibility for my actions. I'm not going to take its life because of my recklessness. Ev-even if Trowa refuse to take responsibility, I'll find a way to work this out."
"Then you can take it elsewhere!" Mr. Aino bellowed. "Do what you want now, you've always been like that since you were little! I don't care and don't you dare come running back to us if you're not capable of controlling your life like you are right now!!"
Minako was taken aback by that but she managed to remain on her ground and looked back at him painfully. "You don't….want to be a part of this, do you?" she accused softly.
When her parents remained silence, Minako knew she was all alone. Tearing her gaze from theirs, she grabbed her handbag and run from the room, tears trickling past her cheeks. She almost knocked over a surprise servant who was bringing a tray of tea but she just kept running and left the mansion, not turning back nor even bothered by the fact that it was pouring outside.
She was immediately soaked, the cold wrapped around her thicker than her garments but she could barely feel anything else other than her mixed emotions. She didn't expect them to be so negative about the news. If her parents had reacted this way, what about Trowa? What would he say? How will he react? Those questions swarmed her mind endlessly, bringing out her fear and pain. She didn't want to do this alone, she suddenly realized. Worse of all, she wasn't sure if she could. Her close friends were currently studying abroad, all scattered in different continents of the world and even if they lived nearby, she could not possibly burden them with her problems.
She slowed her pace, dragging her feet towards an unknown destination that her body seemed to know. Her hair hung limply at her sides, while her tears mixed with rain water that trickled on her face. The street was empty, since it was already past midnight and combined with the heavy rain, no one in their right mind would want to spend outside in this sort of weather.
As she wandered aimlessly in the rain, her mind deep in thought when suddenly, a warm voice greeted her from behind.
"Minako?"
Turning around, she let out a startle gasp at the familiar figure. He had obviously came back from work, seeing as he was still wearing his uniform and holding an umbrella. She wondered briefly why he was there until she finally took in where they actually were. Right in front of his apartment building. Strangely enough.
Trowa was startled to find her there, her slender form soaking wet and with clothes barely enough to protect her from the rain. What ached him the most was how miserable she looked in that state. She appeared to be in dazed, lost in her thoughts as though she didn't have enough sense to stay in bed at this hour and kind of weather.
He went over to her and made sure she was under his umbrella, gesturing her briefly towards his building and when she nodded, he pulled her gently to him. He ignored the dampness seeping through his clothes as he wordlessly brought her back to his apartment. Her skin felt so cold and he had the urge to envelope his arms around her until she was warm. He wasn't sure why she was there but all he cared about now was getting her a shelter and out of those wet clothes. Trowa silently noted her red rimmed eyes that were still wet with tears, telling him that she had been crying for awhile and he wondered what prompted her to such state.
Once they were in his living room, Minako stood awkwardly at the doorway as she watched him disappeared to one of the rooms before emerging moments later with a large towel. He casually wrapped it around her body, pushing locks of her damp hair behind her ears and brushing them from her face. Minako felt tingles of electricity from his brief touches and their faces were so closed, she could feel his warm breath and smelled his cologne.
"Why don't you sit down, I'll get you something warm to drink," he said gently, leading her slowly towards the couch. When his hand wrapped loosely around her waist, her body tensed up at the sudden closeness between them but Trowa misunderstood this and chuckled a little.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to take advantage of you this time," he joked half-heartedly, the small tug at the corner of his lips easing the tension between them. Minako managed a weak smile and sat on the sofa. Suddenly being in his apartment brought out some flutters in her stomach. As he went over to the kitchen to make her something to drink, her gaze lingered around the living room. She didn't actually get a chance to inspect his apartment before on that night since both of them were too occupied with one another.
Trowa was well-organized when it came to sorting out documents, accomplishing missions and completing his tasks and that particular nature of his wasn't confined only to his office. His apartment was spotless, very spacious for someone who lived alone and well-decorated for a guy. He had plastic green plants hung at certain corners of the living room while several pictures of the other pilots and his surrogate sister, Catherine decorated the walls. The furniture was well arranged and reading materials from various fields were stacked neatly on the bookcases.
She shifted her gaze towards the other four rooms, which were seal from prying eyes by large, oak doors. She knew very well which one was his bedroom, having spent the night there. It was closed, as usual since Trowa was very private when it came to his personal life and items. She blushed as she recalled back what it looked like inside, which prompted her into another rush of blurry memories but intense feelings that trailed with them.
"Here," he offered her a mug filled with brownish liquid. She caught a whiff of chocolate from it and gratefully took the mug, warming her hands.
"Arigato," she hesitantly mumbled. "I…I'm sorry to just…I didn't meant to drop by…I don't know, I was just walking around and…before I knew I found myself here…I didn't mean to bother you…It's getting rather late…gomen.." She paused and repeated solemnly this time in a tone barely audibly to herself, "Gomen."
Trowa blinked. He knew something was amiss and her worrying tone confirmed his suspicions.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, more towards curiosity than concern. She seemed reluctant to answer so Trowa decided to try a different approach. "Where were you from?"
"My parents'," she managed to reply, placing the mug on the coffee table without drinking it.
"Family dinner?"
"Kind of," she murmured. "We have that sort of arrangement every weekend nights since I moved out." Her gaze saddened when she continued, "I doubt we'll have that anymore."
Trowa had several guesses as to what had happened there but one he was most certain had happened was an argument that broke out in the middle of the meal. About what, he couldn't tell but it seemed quite serious. Seeing that Minako still didn't feel comfortable talking about it as she remained silence, he decided not to press on it.
"Whatever it is, I think it's better than you changed into something warm and dry," Trowa said, rising to his feet. Minako looked up at him in surprise at his abrupt movement. "I think I have something that you can wear."
Minako hesitated. Her tongue was so eager to get the news over with and let him know but her mind was fighting back for control, wanting to wait for the right time. The impact from her parents' reaction was still fresh and she didn't think she could take another attack from the one person who was partly responsible for her situation. And the only one she could count on for now.
"Trowa, wait," she called gently before he could go any further and when he glanced at her, she felt her courage faltered at those probing eyes. "I…I think I better go…Sorry to bother you…"
"It's pouring outside," Trowa stated flatly. "You can't make it halfway to your apartment without being blown by the wind. Besides, it's dangerous to go out alone at this time of night." He paused as another thought occurred to him. He seemed a little reluctant to mention it at first but eventually continued, "You can stay here for tonight in the guestroom."
Seeing her startle expression quickly prompted him to blush a little, remembering the last time she spent the night here. Despite all those, he meant well and truly hoped that Minako didn't harbor any suspicions towards his intention. It was difficult enough for him to ease the awkwardness between them the day after, he didn't want that sort of atmosphere to linger around every time when they met.
Minako's mind raced at the thought of spending the night here. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't mind doing so for Trowa had earned her trust over the past few months. She used to have a crush on him when they first met but Trowa had never initiated it which wasn't a surprise. She had even gone to the extent of flirting and even asking him out, knowing well enough he wouldn't respond, taking it lightly than she had hoped for. He had never gave her any indication that he was interested. Not even after they had spent their night together.
And now, he had offered his place for shelter for tonight yet she wasn't certain if it was wise for her to accept.
"Would it be too weird for you?" Trowa asked, noticing she was taking too long to respond.
"No," Minako exclaimed, a little too quickly than she intended. "No, it's just that…I don't think it'll…" While she let her sentence trailed, she noticed Trowa had his attention elsewhere. He frowned at the brochure on the sofa which had fell from her handbag and picked it up. Minako's heart quicken its pace as she watched Trowa scanned the brochure. His eyes widen a little once his mind managed to feed on what his eyes saw and looked at Minako questioningly at first, before the realization registered in his racing mind. All of a sudden, Minako felt her voice caught in her throat, unable her to explain properly without trembling.
"Are you…pregnant?"
His voice was inaudible but clear enough for her to hear. Whether he was angry, upset or enthusiastic at the idea, she wasn't certain. All she could manage was a nod at him. He stared at her in stunned silence.
"Am I…"
"Yes."
She didn't even hear herself answer him but from the astonishment displayed in his handsome features, she had to look away. It was almost too much for her to bear. A tear trickled down her cheek and another made its path.
Before she could react, she felt his warm palms caressed her cheeks and brushed the tears away. She looked at him forlornly, searching for his feelings that displayed in his eyes but they were concealed. His features remained impassive now, as though he had fully taken in the whole news and gained controlled of his emotions once again.
All of a sudden, much to her shock, he gave her a comforting smile and pulled her close until her body was pressed against his. Instinctively, her hands went up to wrap loosely around his waist and her forehead rested on his shoulder. His arm went over to her waist while the other stroke her hair.
"It's okay," he murmured soothingly to her, easing her pain all at once. "We're going to have a baby. It can't be that bad…"
Although she was surprised to receive this kind of reaction, especially from him, she felt so warm in his arms like this, so secured. And his words were so comforting. Unable to stop her tears from wetting her cheeks, she buried her face on his shoulder and let the rest flowed, crying softly.
Trowa let her sobbed on his shoulder, holding her so close to him he couldn't doubt she could hear his heart pounding. His arms wrapped around her almost tightly as though he was able to absorb her pain, trying his best to warm her. Her skin was so cold and combined with her tears, it was enough to hurt him. Yet he was still a little confused. Was she upset because this pregnancy would destroy her future or because of her parents' resentment towards the possible idea of she going through it?
Even so, he never thought anything like this could ever happen but now that it had, he wouldn't let it go easily. Heck, he could not let this go. He was surprised to find himself actually delighted and thrilled upon the news and not at all concerned of the consequences. His mind was already making probable figures and plans for the future. No matter, he was determined to get Minako involved in this and even if she refused, he would work something out for the three of them to spend some time together. As family.
After a while, Minako finally had stopped crying and only light sniffles were heard from her. She was grasping his front shirt while her forehead was now pressed against his chest, her mere action portraying her vulnerability. He felt the familiar urge to protect her and unconsciously, he pulled her closer towards him.
"What's going to happen now?" she suddenly inquired. Her voice was so soft but Trowa could detect the slight tremble in it.
"You're going to change into something warm," Trowa said, deliberately misunderstanding her. "And then, you're going to sleep over here tonight."
Minako looked up at him, her eyes still held doubts in them. "Trowa, I meant, about the baby…"
"I know but you're not in the condition to discuss about this. We'll settle this tomorrow." He paused, instantly remembering the brochures. "You're not planning to abort our baby, are you?"
Minako's eyes widen a little. Not at the accusation he made but at the phrase he used. Our baby. "No, of course not," she murmured, still in daze. "That's…that's partly the reason why my parents and I fought."
Trowa wasn't the least surprise, having met Minako's strict parents several times before. At first glance, he could easily tell they weren't exactly fond of him and the other pilots. But he was relieved that Minako had refused to abort their baby, despite the fact that she would loose all ties with her relatives. Which made him even more determined to protect her now that she had no one else to support her. Her family was miles away and so were her friends, which was an advantage for Trowa if he was to take actions to help her.
"I'm sorry about that," he said softly. "But right now let's just get you into something warm and dry."
Minako was too weary to protest so she allowed Trowa to lead her to the guestroom. After she took a quick shower and slipped into an oversized sweater and a sweatpants which obviously belonged to the Heavyarms pilot, Trowa brought her another warm mug of hot chocolate into the room.
The color finally returned to her face once she took a sip of the drink. Trowa studied her quietly as she took another sip. Her features were as radiant as he could remember, her eyes still sparked with life despite her ordeal. He had given her his smallest sweats he could find and seeing her in his clothes triggered something inside him, though it wasn't the first time she had done that.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Minako asked upon realizing his scrutiny.
Surprisingly, he blushed a little and Minako took a small delight in seeing his cheeks redder than usual, making him looked so much like a school boy in contrast to his cold demeanor.
Straightening himself from the door he was leaning against, he replied back with a shrug, "Nothing. I was just wondering how you would look like after seven months. I doubt I'll have any sweats big enough to fit you then."
Minako let out a small giggle. "I don't think my own clothes would be able to fit me. But thanks for this. Which reminds me, I still haven't return back the shirt that you…" Minako paused as a blush crept through her cheeks and she quickly finished, "..borrowed me."
Trowa took a delight in seeing her face all red and flush like this but he kept his features straight. "You can keep it. It's the least I can offer for the damages I've done to your dress. Do you often have morning sickness? Cravings?"
Minako looked thoughtful. "No, not really. I mean, occasionally I have the urge for some pistachio ice-creams on bread with walnuts at the side but that's it. And I don't have morning sickness that much. At least not every morning."
"Mood swings?"
"No, I don't think so…Why are you suddenly asking me all these questions?" she exclaimed, half-jokingly.
Trowa shrugged. "It's my right as the father to the baby you're carrying."
Minako was taken aback by his directness. Yet she was moved, seeing that he cared for her well-being more than her parents ever had. Or so it seemed.
"Gomen, it's just that I didn't think…you would want to get involve in this. I mean, you're only twenty four, you still have so much to gain in your work. And I cannot imagine you being tied down to a kid. That could seriously put a dent in your social life. Not that you ever have any but still…"
Trowa's eyes twinkled upon her statement. "I intend to take full responsibility for my actions. And to be honest, this is so much better than my what's left of my social life anyway." He took a quick glimpse at his wristwatch and casually continued, "You better get some sleep. It's already past two in the morning."
Minako took her time to digest his speech and wondered if he truly meant what he had said. His speech intrigued her, she instantly realized how much pleasure she found just to hear those rare comforting words from him. It wasn't everyday nor every month she received his devoted attention.
Trowa started to leave until she called him, "Trowa…"
Trowa turned and looked at her expectantly. Minako smiled appreciatively at his concern and replied softer than she intended, "Thank you."
That night, Trowa was unable to sleep. He had tossed and turned for almost two hours and still, sleep had not claimed him. He was not certain if it was due to the fact that Minako was sleeping in the next room or the fact the he was about to become a parent but what he was quite certain was the rush of exhilaration that still flowed in him. Perhaps it was a mixture of both that prompted him to such state yet the last thing he would worry about was his lack of sleep.
Sitting up on his bed, he stared blankly across at the wall that separated him and Minako. He could imagine her soft hair in slight disarray, her small fist curled loosely underneath her chin and her chest rising and falling in a gentle manner of breathing. Just like she did the last time they spent their night together. He had woken up way early than she had that night and after he had recovered from the shock of finding her next to him, he remembered studying her, transfixed by the beauty that laid beside him. She had looked so serene, so peaceful…He remembered the frightening urge to embrace her right there and then and never let go, trailing gentle kisses all over her until she would succumb to him.
A deep sigh tore his lips as he stared at the wall, so intense as though his vision could penetrate the solid concrete and captured the beautiful image of an angel that laid just within his reach. That's right, he though silently to himself. She laid just within his reach. Yet it still felt so far away.
Before he realized what he was doing and about to do, Trowa found himself heading towards the oak door that laid in between him and her. Another obstacle. His hand gently grasped the knob but he hesitated. What if she was awake? his mind cautioned. What if she found him in her room, how would she react?
Yet he thrust those annoying thoughts away as he was too overwhelmed with emotions to worry about the consequences. Turning the knob, he slowly entered the room. The large floor-to-ceiling window provided the only source of light that bestowed upon her a ghostly facade. The rain had long stopped but the sky was still dark and the stars still sparkled against the midsummer night, twinkling brightly in its patterns.
It was such a beautiful night. Yet his eyes failed to take note of its beauty as they had immediately rested at the sleeping angel across the room. Her body was wrapped loosely with a white comforter, outlining her figure almost as nicely as he could remember. Long, blonde tresses laid in disarray on the pillow, several locks fell to her cheek while the rest seemed to flow gracefully at her side. Her tiny fists curled loosely under her chin, a strand of her hair fell across her face.
She's so beautiful, he thought, his gaze softening at the angelic sight. He had the familiar urge to pull her into his arms and waked her up with butterfly kisses all over her delicate face until she succumbed to the pleasure that she aroused in him. The sight of her curled in his arms that night was clearly etched in his mind, awakening his desires to ravish her over and over again. He had carefully concealed those urges and longing, keeping them secured in the back of his mind yet they refused to be ignored and he would find himself thinking of that night every now and then, hoping in some way to relive it once again. With her…
Unable to shift his gaze, much less walked away, he decided to stay with her just for tonight. At least for awhile. She stirred a little and her features hardened just slightly as she sniffled. Noticing this, Trowa slowly eased onto the bed and sat gently next to her, pulling the comforter to her chin.
His slight movement, however, caused her eyes to flutter open and her sleepy gaze immediately fixed at him. Trowa's heart was hammering so hard at that point but surprisingly, she didn't seem at all angry or shock at his presence, nor did she gave any indication that she suspected what his intentions were. Her half-lidded eyes focused on his, warm blue ones probing his emerald green seemingly in a pleading manner.
"Trowa…"
It was barely audible, so soft that it could almost easily came from the wind. Slowly Minako sat up on the bed and still, Trowa did not moved. He was frozen on the spot and his mind was fighting for control, failing miserably at it though.
"Is something wrong?" she inquired, pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"No," Trowa quickly replied, still managed to remain impassive while his heart threatened to burst from his chest. "I just came to check up on you. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up."
"Daijobu," she said, smiling wearily at him, still muffled from sleep. Before Trowa could react, Minako gently laid her head on his shoulder and sighed, her eyes closed.
"Minako…" Trowa murmured in uncertainty, shocked at her boldness yet he was tempted to submit as well.
Minako didn't reply. Instead, she snuggled deeper to him and Trowa had to hold her in order to balance himself from falling off the edge of the bed. Her arms wrapped around his waist tenderly as she murmured, half muffled by his sweater, "Please stay, just for tonight.."
Trowa wasn't quite certain to what extent of his 'staying for tonight' but he was not about to refuse. So gently, he pulled her towards him as he laid down on the bed while she shifted comfortably in his arms for a better position, not realizing her movements were causing his systems to run wild.
Shortly later, she fell into a deep slumber. Trowa was contented just having her in his arms like this. He spent the next few minutes studying her serene features as she slept, memorizing her and committing the image into memory. His hand that was securely wrapped around her waist rested on her stomach and he gently caressed that area. Hiding a small smile, he tried to search for a tiny bump or any indication of her state but he noted the fact that she was merely a month pregnant so any evidence wouldn't be apparent until a couple more months. Still, he was eager to watch her belly grow and much, much anticipating the moment when his child was borne.
Sighing blissfully, he closed his eyes and slowly drifted off while vision of a young woman with a pair of sparkling cerulean eyes accompanying him for the rest of the night.