Misaki sat in bed, hands folded over her abdomen. She could only see the slightest curve to her belly, but she couldn't help but cradle it protectively.
Four years. It had been four years since Takumi had left to live in England.
The last time they had seen each other was three months ago, when Takumi had come to Japan to celebrate her graduation from university and her acceptance to law school in England, which explained why she was currently three months pregnant, and more terrified than ever before.
Takumi was still blissfully unaware of the situation. Misaki wanted to wait to tell him until she was in England.
It wasn't exactly the type of news to tell a person over the phone.
Misaki wasn't sure what to expect from him. There was a constant worry that he would ask her to get rid of the child, or tell her they weren't ready for it or that it wasn't a good time. Her rational side knew he wouldn't treat her like that, but she couldn't help but listen to the voice in the back of her head telling her otherwise.
Misaki released a sigh, finally making her way out of bed and stretching before heading to the bathroom. As per usual, her cell phone beeped at exactly 7am, signaling her morning text from Takumi.
How are you today, my lovely Misa. – U
Misaki rolled her eyes at his use of her nickname from Maid Latte.
I'm alright, just been feeling ill lately. – M
She figured she might as well be honest. It wouldn't be long until he knew the truth.
If I were there, I would nurse you back to health ;) – U
You're a pervert, but I love you. – M
Takumi didn't respond, probably heading to bed himself. The time difference between Japan and UK didn't exactly help in their attempts to stay in touch.
Misaki stretched before moving to change her clothes She was going to Maid Latte today. Misaki was no longer working there, but Satsuki insisted she come in today. Her decision to quit had been difficult, but ultimately what was best for her.
She softly stroked her hand over her abdomen, feeling both excited and fearful as she thought of the child inside of her womb.
Despite the circumstances, Minako had been incredibly supportive of her daughter. It was unexpected, to say the least, but she knew Misaki was capable of anything and she had support from so many people.
Misaki was leaving for England later today, and the Maid Latte crew refused to let her leave without celebrating with her. Aoi had even been the one to plan it and convince Misaki to come.
If it were up to her, Misaki would spend the whole day sleeping. Being pregnant took a lot out of her, despite her normally active and energetic nature.
She left the house, catching the train to walk to Maid Latte. Misaki couldn't help but think about the times when Takumi would ride the train and come to Maid Latte just to watch her.
Takumi was clueless to her plan to meet him in England. She didn't want him to know until she was actually there. Everyone at Maid Latte had surprised her with a plane ticket to England a week ago, knowing Misaki would wait to do it herself.
As Misaki entered Maid Latte, the staff yelled her name, trampling her with hugs before she was even fully inside. She laughed, hugging them back with equal fervor. The pulled her inside, making their way to the back, which was extensively decorated for the occasion.
Satsuki wasted no time pushing Misaki down onto a chair before putting a plate of food in front of her. Misaki snorted, raising an eyebrow as she stared at Satsuki.
"You should eat." Satsuki glared right back at her, knowing Misa too well. She was entirely aware of the fact that Misaki had barely eaten before making her way to the café. Misaki sighed in resignation, methodically putting a spoonful of food in her mouth to appease Satsuki. All of the girls were staring at her as she ate.
"Did you really just drag me here to watch me eat?" Misaki commented, continuing to eat as the others continued to stare.
"Just relax, we have a surprise for you." Satsuki grinned as Misaki's eyes widened, knowing how much she hated surprises. Erika covered Misaki's eyes before she could object. After a few minutes of arguing between Aoi and Satsuki, Erika uncovered Misaki's eyes and she caught sight of Aoi, Satsuki and Honoka holding up adorable sets of baby clothing.
"I made them," Aoi explained, grinning widely at Misaki. Misaki couldn't hide her sudden rush of emotions, the tears already streaming down her cheeks. Aoi's grin dropped into a look of concern, not expecting Misaki to pull him into a tight hug.
"Thank you," Misaki mumbled, wiping her tears as she kissed his cheek. Aoi blushed profusely, causing Misaki to laugh. Simply knowing there were so many people who loved her and this child helped ease Misaki's fears. After a long and tearful goodbye, Misaki made her way back home, quickly getting her stuff ready. When Suzuna came home she immediately walked over and touched her sister's stomach.
"Hello, I'm your aunt." Suzuna declared before getting up and walking out of the room. She had been greeting the baby the same way every single time she saw Misaki. Seeing as she had time before her taxi arrived, Misaki relaxed on the sofa.
She had nearly fallen asleep when Minako entered the house, attacking her daughter with affection. Promising her that she would be careful, Misaki hugged her mother one last time before finally leaving for the airport.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Misaki was once again exhausted by the time she boarded the plane. She was ready to spend the entire flight sleeping.
It was almost ironic that Misaki was seated next to another pregnant woman, obviously much further along than herself. Her hand was immediately drawn to her flat stomach, wondering how she would look with a large bump. She could barely even fathom the thought.
The woman next to her noticed her hand, flashing her a knowing smile. Misaki returned the gesture, feeling oddly comfortable in the woman's presence.
"Are you expecting?" She asked, attempting to straighten up in her seat.
"Yes," Misaki smiled as she spoke, though she could feel her nerves building with every second. She hadn't expected to feel so nervous to see Takumi again.
"Why are you travelling to England?" The woman asked kindly,
"I'm going there to see the baby's father." Misaki admitted, relaxing into her seat as the plane began to move.
"Forgive me if this is too forward, but why isn't he with you?" The woman asked, though her curiosity seemed more from worry than judgment.
"It's a long story." Misaki sighed. There had never been a time when Takumi and Misaki's relationship wasn't stressful.
"I'd love to hear it, we have quite a long flight to fill." The woman gave her a reassuring smile, patting Misaki's hand. "I'm Amu, by the way."
"I'm Misaki," She introduced herself, reaching out to shake the woman's hand, wasting no time getting into the story of her whirlwind romance with Takumi.
In England
As soon as Misaki arrived in London, she couldn't hide her exhaustion and annoyance. Her nerves had been growing since leaving Japan, and she just wanted to see Takumi as soon as possible.
She was already checked into her hotel and was currently laying on the bed, half asleep. Misaki's phone buzzed loudly, causing her to groan in annoyance before she realized it was Takumi.
Satsuki called me…you're in England? – U
Misaki wanted to throttle Satsuki, though she was surprised her eccentric manager had even managed to keep the secret this long.
It was a surprise. We need to talk. – M
His reply came almost immediately.
Where are you staying? – U
In a hotel, I can see your family's estate from here. – M
Can you get to the estate on your own? – U
Misaki figured it wouldn't be too difficult to find her way there. Her English was near fluent, so she could always ask someone.
Yes, I'll see you then. – M
See you then, my Misa-chan ;) – U
Misaki rolled her eyes, getting up to change. Her bump was still small enough that she could easily hide it, so she wore a simple top and jeans. Taking a few deep breaths, she finally mustered the courage to leave the hotel and head to the estate.
It took barely twenty minutes to walk there, though Misaki unconsciously slowed down her pace, her nerves returning in full force as she approached the building. She quickly caught sight of Takumi, who was waiting against the gates, though she resisted her urge to run into his arms.
"Takumi," his name fell from my lips breathlessly as she got closer. He wasted no time pulling Misaki to him, wrapping his arms around her in a hug. Misaki sighed contently, burying her face into his neck, marveling at the fact that she was with him in England. It felt so nice to be in his arms again.
The moment was shorter than Misaki would've liked, and her nerves quickly began to rush back.
"Ayuzawa, if you wanted to see me, I could have come back to Japan." Takumi spoke gently, lifting a hand to cradle Misaki's face.
"I'll be coming here for law school, so I figured I should visit…though I also needed to tell you something," Misaki's words rushed out. She knew if she didn't tell him now, her nerves would consume her entirely.
"And you couldn't tell me this something over the phone?" Takumi asked playfully. He couldn't help but tease her, though Misaki barely reacted to it.
"I didn't want to tell it to you over the phone," Misaki's voice was reduced to a whisper, her breath catching in her throat as she tried to continue.
"What is it?" Takumi's tone was suddenly serious, and his green eyes bore into her own.
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before blurting it out.
"I'm pregnant." The words were followed by a tense silence. Takumi was frozen, staring down at Misaki as he digested the information. His eyes glanced down at her covered abdomen more than once, though he said nothing. He didn't look upset, just entirely unprepared for the news. They stood in silence for a few minutes.
"How far along?" Takumi asked, his tone quite casual considering his previous reaction.
"Just under twelve weeks." Misaki's tone was clear, her nerves mostly gone. Takumi was silent once more.
The lack of reaction was killing her, though it was soon interrupted as Takumi pulled her back into his arms, gently stroking her hair as he continued to digest the news. Misaki didn't know whether to be happy he was holding her, or concerned that he still wasn't able to say anything.
"Takumi…are you okay?" Her voice was hesitant. Takumi's reaction had been confusing to say the least. She was even more confused as Takumi pulled away, a grin plastered on his face.
"You're having my child." Takumi announced, wasting no time pulling Misaki into a kiss. Her arms made their way around his neck as they stood there kissing. It could have been seconds or hours later that they pulled away from one another.
"So, I take it you're happy about this?" Misaki joked, laughing as Takumi leaned down to kiss her once more. Her doubts were gone now, replaced with excitement for their future.
"I should have expected this." A familiar voice interrupted their moment.
"Crap." The expletive left Misaki's mouth as she finally caught a sight of Gerard's face.
Well, so much for a peaceful, happy reunion.
10/3/18 – Hey guys! I know I haven't updated this story in forever, but I decided that I was going to re-write this. I've definitely grown as a writer since first publishing this story, and I hope you enjoy the changes. For clarity: Misaki has completed university and is 22 years old and Takumi is 23 years old.
