YAY! HERE IT IS! I'M BACK! After much struggling, I pulled through and am here to present you with the first chapter of; Bliss sequel to I think, No, I know.
Thank you to all who were eager for a second part to that story. I hope I have done it justice! So without further ado, I present: Chapter One
Chapter One
Ruka slowly shuffled across her room to the bathroom. Her back screamed in agony with every step. If only Akatsuki was there. He could always find the exact spot of pain and massage it away. No, tonight he was working. He was working late hours to ensure he would have time off for when the babies arrived. Ruka had never felt as unattractive as she did in the last few weeks. She felt huge and cranky. It hadn't been until her eighth month that she had been forced to stop organizing their new home.
A sigh escaped her lips as she let her body slide into the tub of hot water. As she stared up at the ceiling, she smiled, remembering when she had been forced into leaving the Kuran mansion. At the time, she had not thought it would lead her to where she truly belonged. Her mind which had been full of all the things she had planned to do that day began to melt away the longer she lay soaking. The water eased her aching body and she didn't feel like moving or anything else for that matter. It wasn't until she heard a distinct ringing that she moved. Her eyebrows knitted together and a groan erupted from her mouth. Forcing her body out as quickly as she could, Ruka grabbed her towel and then the phone so conveniently placed on the wall. Picking it up in delicate hands she answered.
"Hello?" Once she heard the tone of her voice, she cringed. She hadn't meant to sound so bitter.
"Wow Ruka, no need to leap for joy." Rima's sarcastic comment made Ruka breathe a sigh of relief.
"Sorry Rima, I'm just… a little out of sorts today."
"Mhmm. Akatsuki's at work isn't he?" Ruka huffed frustrated. Rima let out a small giggle.
"Well I hope you aren't in such a bad mood that you won't permit me to come visit you."
"Of course not, I need some company!" Ruka's voice held a note of hope. It had been too long since she had seen her young friend. Rima hung up after saying good-bye. Ruka looked up in the mirror and smiled. Yes, she would have fun today.
Ruka was just finishing tying her long hair in a loose knot, when she heard a car rolling up in the driveway. Standing up with a small groan, she made her way to the main hall. Ruka and Akatsuki's new home was much like Rikiya and Chiyo's, but smaller. Chiyo had designed it herself, hoping that her son would eventually live in it. Coming down the stairs to the front hall, she heard a familiar voice.
"-No, I'll be back after dinner. Take care of your self Senri." Ruka saw Rima closer her phone and drop it in her small blue bag. She was dressed simply in a black school-girl skirt and dark blue blouse.
"Rima!" she exclaimed. The small vampire smiled softly and came to her friend, embracing her around Ruka's large stomach.
"Sorry, I'd give you a proper hug if I could." Ruka said blushing. Rima took a small step back and observed Ruka. The taller girl stood still as the model inspected her clothing. It was a simple white blouse, the square-cut neckline bordered with delicate lace and comfortable black capris. All in all, the image was very soft and lovely. Rima nodded her approval but raised an eyebrow at Ruka's feet, clad in pink fuzzy socks.
"Don't you start" Ruka warned pouting. Rima merely shrugged and took Ruka's arm. Together they made their way to the back of the mansion. Rima took in all of the little details that Ruka had added since she had been there last. A few paintings that Ruka had done herself hung on the walls, beside family portraits of her own family and Akatsuki's. Vases of roses were placed here and there. Finally, they arrived in the sitting room. Its large window and a double glass door stood facing the back gardens. Moonlight poured in, lighting the warm yellow walls. Something about the room was different Rima noted. Ruka sat on the couch while her friend explored. Coming to the ledge above the fireplace, Rima saw it. Beautifully framed, was a large photograph in black and white. Akatsuki held Ruka so her face was slightly higher than his own, her long hair flowing loosely from a French braid, intertwined with delicate white flowers. She was staring into Akatsuki's eyes, a lovely smiled on her face. The only definition for their look was; love. Rima turned and looked at Ruka who was blushing deeply.
"When was this taken?" Rima challenged. Ruka looked down at her hands and replied,
"Our official wedding ceremony, just before I found out I was pregnant." Rima smiled remembering the ceremony. It had been small but meaningful and lovely nonetheless.
"It's a beautiful photo Ruka." Rima said sincerely looking again to the picture. Ruka murmured a 'thank you' and stood.
"Would you like some tea?" Rima murmured a yes and followed Ruka to the kitchen.
Once they were both sitting down, Rima poured herself a cup of tea. The liquorice scent rose up and enwrapped both girls. Ruka watched the teapot being lifted and for a split second, she spotted something glittering. Had she really saw it? No, that couldn't be.
"Rima, may I ask you something?" Rima set down the teapot and nodded to her friend, completely indifferent as was her way.
"Are you and Senri engaged?" Rima's hand paused as she was bringing her cup to her lips. To Ruka's surprise a blush started to creep across Rima's youthful face. Ruka gasped and leaned over the table as much as her belly permitted.
"You have to tell me what happened! I haven't had any fun around here for days! Let me see the ring! Please!" Rima sighed and looked down at her cup of cooling tea, her hand outstretched. It was lovely, a small diamond and on either side, an even smaller sapphire, Rima's favourite stone. Ruka nodded her approval.
"It's not all that spectacular…" Rima insisted. She sighed and let her shoulders untense when she saw Ruka's face. Ruka looked at her with eyes full of longing.
"Fine, but it's rather boring."
"I don't care! Just tell me!" Rima sat back and fiddled with her ring as she spoke.
"You know I've been staying with Senri and his mother since the fiasco at the Academy. His mother seems to have taken a liking to me." Ruka was hanging onto every word.
"Just this past Monday, Senri and I had a photo shoot but it was cancelled so we ended up staying at the house. We were making his mother cookies… for a lack of better things to do." Ruka didn't comment on the thought of the two models doing something so mundane.
"And he just slipped it on my finger while I was washing my hands." Rima looked up then, finished with her story. She glanced at Ruka and found her staring, puzzled.
"I told you it wasn't anything amazing." Rima stated finally taking a sip of her now cool tea. Ruka pursed her lips and crossed her arms.
"How incredibly unromantic of Senri, he didn't say anything?" Her tone was incredulous. Rima shrugged delicately. Not wanting to dwell too much on the subject that obviously was making Rima feel uncomfortable, Ruka bit her tongue and sipped her tea. The liquid travelled down and warmed her body. Strange, not long ago she had felt too warm instead of cold. Hormones, she accused.
"How has the organizing been going?" Rima enquired, making genuine conversation quicker than Ruka had expected.
"I was getting to a really good start, but Akatsuki made me stop. He said he didn't want me organizing the baby room anymore and that he would finish it. He gets so worried if I do any sort of work." Her voice was wistful. Rima smiled. How like Akatsuki she thought, so protective of what he loved most.
"So what are you allowed to do now?" Ruka brightened a little.
"I've been permitted to design some changes to the mansion, and lately I've been sorting through our old photographs."
"Oh? He's not afraid of you cutting your delicate fingers on the paper?" Rima teased. Ruka blushed and rested her hands on her belly.
"Oh hush." The small red haired vampire smirked and stood, taking the tea pot to the stove to refill it with fresh water.
"I know, he loves you very much and wants what is best for you. You know, I would actually like to see these sorted pictures." Ruka looked up and smiled.
"I'll get the albums, you finish making more tea." That said, she stood and was off in search of said photo albums.
Akatsuki cut the engine of the car. After giving back the Kuran's car last year, he and Ruka had together bought their own car. Nothing too outgoing that would attract attention, but still good quality and family friendly. He let out a deep sigh. These past few weeks had been strenuous on him, but he would never let Ruka know. She was in too delicate condition and he couldn't stand the thought of her getting stressed even the littlest bit. It was relieving to know that Hanabusa would be taking more than his share of responsibilities at work for the first month and a half after the babies are born. Together the two cousins had started working together. Akatsuki had been urged by his parents and his wife to invest himself with the music industry and Hanabusa was right there along with him. Wanting to keep his image a secret for a while from the human population, his music was only in the process of becoming widely known. That suited him just fine. He could wait to let people know who the face was to the voice.
Locking the doors behind him, he made his way to the front door. He was surprised when he came through the door to see someone's tiny shoes, much too small for Ruka. Hanging his coat on the coat rack, he made his way to the kitchen, running a hand through his wind tousled hair. Coming into the room he saw his beautiful Ruka and… Rima. He smirked, he should have guessed. He moved as quietly as he could so as not to disturb their conversation. He had just made it to the large walkway into the kitchen when Rima spotted him. She nudged Ruka and the other girl smiled.
"I say sir, are you trying to be invisible?" Akatsuki froze where he was and spoke smoothly.
"Of course not, I'm only thinking of you and your company's conversation. I didn't want to intrude on a private discussion." Rima rolled her eyes and bit her lip in an attempt to keep from smiling.
"Come over here Akatsuki." Ruka ordered while laughing. He obliged and took hold of the hand she offered. Bracing herself with her other hand, Ruka allowed Akatsuki to pull her up. Rima grinned when her friend wobbled into the tall male's chest.
"Are you here for dinner Rima?" Akatsuki asked after he had Ruka secure in his arms.
"Only if you can bear the sight of me for that long, then yes." Rima joked. Ruka scowled and put her hands on her hips. Akatsuki shook his head and kissed Ruka's forehead before heading into the kitchen to prepare food.
Rima left after dinner with a promise to visit again soon. Ruka stood on the front porch and waved until her friend's car was out of sight. She sighed and tipped her head to the side wincing as the muscles in her neck screamed in protest. She suddenly felt stiff and grouchy. Coming in, she leaned against the closed door; eyes shut and held her belly with a grimace. Nine months was truly too long she thought. Warm hands trailed up her bare arms sending shivers up and down her spine. She bit her lip in a smile and opened her eyes to peer into the pair of sienna eyes she had come to love so dearly.
Akatsuki was looking at her with concern. His arms flexed, as though he thought she would break into a million pieces and his hold was the only thing that could keep her together. She let out a small breath and reached up a delicate pale hand to his face. He leaned his cheek to meet the palm of her hand before taking it into his own hand. Ruka was always fascinated with how easily her hand disappeared in his.
"Tired?" He asked softly, his lips suddenly against her cheek. She took in a sharp intake of breath and could only nod. Akatsuki's breath was warm on her skin and she shivered once again before yawning. She blushed deeply and ducked her head when Akatsuki chuckled. Lacing his fingers with hers, he led her away from the door.
"Go on up to bed, I'll be there in a minute." Ruka's eyes fluttered and she gratefully obliged, making her way up the stairs.
Akatsuki quickly cleaned the dishes from their meal before making his way to their room. The rising sun set the yellow painted room afire and he paused to admire it. Squinting to the light as it rapidly brightened, he admitted defeat and turned to finally leave. He stopped mid-step though when an open book caught his eye.
Ruka had just slipped in under the covers when she heard the door open and close. Akatsuki's quiet footfalls calmed her racing heart. She lay back and waited patiently as he got himself ready for bed, which wasn't necessarily a long process. She felt her body start to roll towards the middle of the bed as Akatsuki let his weight fall on the mattress. Both laughing when she bumped into his side, he took her into his arms and kissed her nose. Ruka scowled when she felt something hard and flat intruding their embrace, a different intrusion than her obviously large belly. Akatsuki chuckled at her puzzled face and grabbed the object.
"Ah, I see. You wanted to see what I've been doing when you are absent from home?" She asked when she saw the large photo album.
"Actually my dear, I was hurt that you would show Rima and not me first, as I am your husband. Naturally I am quite hurt." He taunted lightly. Ruka shook her head and sat up against the pillows, still nestled quite comfortably in the crook of his arm.
"Well then, I suppose you ought to see it now then?" Akatsuki nodded and opened the album. Ruka absent-mindedly grabbed his hand and let it rest on her stomach, her hand not leaving his. It was a habit they had gotten into the very night they were first able to feel their babies' tiny fluttering.
Together in the rising sun, they laughed at and admired the many photos from childhood up till the present. They hadn't gotten halfway through the photo album when the midday sun trying so ardently to peak through the dark curtains, found them asleep. Akatsuki's arms were wrapped protectively around Ruka's body.
Well there you have it, a new story, a new chapter in Akatsuki and Ruka's life. I hope you enjoyed the first part of this story. Please let me know what you think! I'm so sorry it took so long for me to get started on this new story, my only excuse is writer's block. It seems to love me -.- BUT, I will try my hardest to get new chapters up. So long as I'm happy with what I write, I don't want to put up crappy writing.
OH, and yes, I am aware that I said 'babies' not 'baby'. I thought it would be interesting to have them have twins. :)
HAPPY READING! REMEMBER TO REVIEW! I LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK OF MY WRITING!
(note, this story will not be as long as I think, No I know. Just a warning.)
~BloodyRose
