Kaidou in Triplicate
By Washumomo
Note: It's like, midnight now, and I was up until 3 am this morning, finishing this. I've tried to edit it to the best of my sleep deprived ability and hope I've gotten it right. I know it's been like 10 years since I've updated this story, but I recently had a few people favorite it and got a little inspired. Be warned, it is a bit long; my longest yet I believe, but I got a lot in, I think. And for those hoping for a few fireworks between Kaoru and Lin, read on and keep a wipe handy. Enjoy!
Oh and if I did own POT, we'd have new eps by now.
Chapter 7: Make You Happy
"I've decided to participate in Atobe-san's charity exhibition tournament. Tezuka-boucho and Echizen will both be participating as well", said Kaidou. He and Lin sat on a blanket in the park, watching the boys play in a sandbox with toy trucks bought by Fuji. "He's expecting a large turn-out and the contributions should be substantial given it's an Atobe event." He looked again, for the hundredth time, at the sparkler he had placed on her right ring finger two nights before. He smiled to himself, happy she had agreed to accept it.
"It's going to be a day into evening event, isn't it?" Lin asked, not taking her eyes off their boys.
"Mm. Atobe-san is hosting a meet-and-greet breakfast, then an autograph signing session afterwards. The exhibition matches are to be held in the afternoon, with a party later that evening." He paused to hiss at the thought of all the people he would have to deal with. His frown deepened as he imagined how his day would be. Kaidou snapped to attention when he heard Lin snicker. She tried to cover by clearing her throat, but lost it when she saw the disbelieving look on Kaoru's face.
"What?!" she laughed, "you looked so funny sitting there fuming over something that hasn't even happened yet." He turned away and hissed again. "I hope you won't think that way of our wedding day. I realize we're just going to the registrar's office but once your friends find out, I'm sure there will be another dinner of some sort. It would be rude if we declined just to avoid a lot of people."
He took the bait. Kaoru turned with an apologetic look, stammering about how that would never happen. Lin put a finger to his lips, stopping his stream of denials and kissed him on the cheek. He blushed, and glanced around to see if anyone had notice; they didn't. She smiled at him and he smiled back, thinking how happy he was that she had finally agreed to marry him. She faced forward and watched the boys as she spoke again.
"I'm actually surprised you're playing so soon after the J-Open last week. Don't you usually take longer to rest between tournaments?" Lin slid closer and stroked his bandanna-ed head, then played with a lock of his hair. "Tezuka-san and Echizen I can understand, since they only watched last week. Don't you need to take a break?"
"I'm fine", he said, leaning into her, "it's only for show; it won't be as serious as a real tournament."
She pushed him away as she rose to her knees and faced him. "I've watched you in several tournaments and matches since we've been here and don't believe you have ever not been serious." Small smirk, into very low hiss. "Do you remember the boys you played when you first took me to the street courts? The ones I asked you to go easy on?" He remembered; he'd destroyed them. "That wasn't serious either, remember?" Slightly annoyed pout. "I don't think you can pull off "not serious" when it come to tennis, Mamushi." She snatched his bandana and ran toward the sandbox, and he gave chase.
It had been four months since Inui's Sunday gathering and the invasion of his kinda-sorta ex, Hatsumi Aiko. It had taken three months to get Hatsumi to back off and for the first time, in what felt like a long time, he didn't feel the need to constantly look over his shoulder. Things were great in Kaidou Kaoru's world and that actually included him having a real personal life and a real relationship. On the advice of his friends and family, he made a few changes in his life to show Lin that he was serious about wanting her to stay.
First, he acted on Eiji's earlier suggestion and purchased a larger vehicle to accommodate his instant family. Lin had urged Kaoru to reconsider his choices after they had visited several luxury dealerships. The vehicles sold there just weren't practical, she argued, and besides, she still hadn't decided if she was going to stay in Japan. While breaking for tea, Kaoru called Hazue for suggestions. Hazu advised he visit more mainstream dealerships like Nissan, Mitsubishi and Toyota. After visiting these three, Kaoru decided on the Toyota Land Cruiser. It was spacious, with plenty of room for the triplets' car seats and supplies, as well as a few other passengers. It didn't necessarily look like a family vehicle to him, but it would definitely fill their need. He purchased two, one for himself and one for Lin, who rejected his offer, reminding him again that she wasn't sure if they were staying. Kaoru insisted she have it, pointing out the expense of the driver and rental she had hired. He also pointed out the opportunity it would give her to learn her way around, just in case she did decide to stay. He reassured her that he would make sure someone rode with her whenever she decided to go out so that she wouldn't get lost. He also promised he would help her learn the local driving regulations in order to obtain a Japanese driver's license. He was being so sweet, she couldn't say no, and let him have the vehicle delivered to the hotel's parking garage.
Next, they took his new ride out for a test-outing, fully loaded. Oishi had suggested showing Lin some of their areas best children's programs and pre-schools, including their beloved Seigaku. An and Oishi had gathered quite a collection of brochures and pamphlets as research for their own child's future, and Oishi was happy to share his info with his kouhai. All of the director's and teachers they met were honored to have the Seigaku graduate, turned pro tennis player, visit their establishments. They were all surprised to learn that he was a father and that his children's mother was a foreigner, but each were very happy that he was considering enrolling his three boys. Kaidou ultimately decided on Seigaku for the boys pre-school, and took applications for their pre-registration. "Just in case", he told Lin.
"You know it will be another year or so before they're ready for pre-school, right? Even if we stay, you won't need those for a while", she replied as they loaded the children back into the vehicle.
"Once you decide to stay, we'll turn these in to the director, and the boys will be guaranteed spots. We won't have to worry about there being room for them." He fastened Keiichi's seat belt, removed the boy's hat and gave him his Sippy cup before closing the door and entering the front with Lin. "Oishi-senpai says it's important to do these things early to avoid having to settle for inferior programs. He and An-chan are set to pre-register their child as soon as it is born to guarantee a spot. We have to do this as early as possible because we have three to consider and I think Seigaku is the best choice."
Lin didn't respond, but just knowing the man she loved was thinking so much about their children's future was swaying her decision in a major way. Her family and friends were in America, but she was making new friends here, and her children had family here that adored them. She was learning her way around Kaoru's circle by constantly visiting places he and his family and friends frequented, as well as stops in between. She never knew the names of the clerks in the stores at home, but here, the clerks greeted her and the triplets by name when they entered their establishments.
The boys played easily with the other children in the park across from the hotel. They were invited for play-dates with the children of their father's teammates at least once a week. Even going to visit their grandparents was an adventure for the toddlers. Hozumi would either entertain her neighbors while the boys visited or take them out to visit in the neighborhood. Shibuki did his share of showing them off as well. He occasionally took the boys on outings when he joined his friends for fishing or just to the neighborhood playground to kick a ball around. There seemed to always be plenty for them to do here in Japan.
The last three weeks or so had formed sort of a routine for them doing things as a true family would. At least three times a week, Kaidou would change his jogging route so it ended at Lin's hotel after his morning workout. He did his cool down in the hotel's gym, which had raised the gym's morning attendance considerably. He then made his way to Lin's suite to shower in time to join her in feeding the boys their breakfast. After cleaning up and dressing the triplets, Kaidou would spend the rest of the morning playing with them until they fell asleep. While the boys slept, he and Lin would usually have a quick lunch, then talk about their possible future or steal an intimate moment.
Intimacy was something the both craved, but Lin was hesitant due the situation with Hatsumi, so Kaoru held back to reassure her. She said she wanted to be sure Hatsumi was really out of the picture. Besides, their make-out sessions were usually cut short by one to three little people who seemed to be napping less and less as the days went on. After feeding the children, and cleaning up again, Kaoru would then help Lin pack up for the rest of the day when she had planned to go out. Lin and the boys would sometimes travel to the tennis school with Kaoru to watch his afternoon practice. After a few hours of watching tennis, chasing tennis balls and being teased and tickled by Eiji, the boys were taken to visit their grandparents. They usually fell asleep soon after arriving, which allowed Lin and Kaoru the chance to slip away without a fuss.
Kaoru took these opportunities to show Lin around. His senpai-tensai had imparted upon him what he thought would be guaranteed to convince Lin of Kaidou's sincerity in wanting her to stay. He had smiled his Fuji-smile and handed Kaidou a portion of the newspaper; it was the real estate section. While the others were giving their advice, Fuji had been busy circling potential home ads with a red Sharpie. "I've numbered them in the order of price and vicinity to your current area with 1 being the cheapest and furthest from your family and friends, so I suggest you start somewhere in the middle", the tensai said as he gave his kouhai a reassuring pat on the shoulder. He helped Kaidou more by arranging a meeting with a realtor and accompanied him on the initial walkthrough of several of the more promising homes, taking several photos to help them narrow their choices later. After consulting with the others, they finally settled on three sizable Western-style houses that Fuji though would be more to Lin's America taste and could accommodate three growing boys.
Fuji joined Kaidou again for a second walkthrough. Kaidou was partial to a single story home that reminded him of a Japanese home but had many Western touches. This was the second of the three they had revisited and they were now looking at it third time. Fuji thought Kaidou had found his new home.
"You like this one, don't you?" Fuji asked as they stood looking out of the living area's sliding glass doors. The realtor was busy speaking with someone on his cell phone and was well out of ear-shot.
"Mm." Kaidou slid open the door and stepped out onto the covered patio. The patio's polished stone floor spanned the entire length of the house and was covered at three separate points creating different areas for entertaining, lounging or just for conversation. The rear yard was fenced in but the fencing was some sort of see-through material at the edge of the yard. The homes location was at a relatively high point, and the see-through fencing granted a grand view of the town's skyline. There were several mature trees providing shade to the yard and a number of bushes, some flowering, keeping the landscaping simple but appealing. There was plenty of room for the boys to run around, freely and without worry to their mother.
"I think this one would be perfect." Kaidou said as they approached the see-through fence. "Lin has old magazines, from America, with home floor plans. She looks through them quite often. There is one that seems to be her favorite because there are several pages earmarked and have little sticky notes on them. This reminds me of one of the plans in that magazine. The front of this house looks a lot like the one with the most notes stuck to it. It's a single-level home as well and Lin will like having everything on one level. I think it would be easier on her as well; she would worry less about the boy's safety and so would I."
Fuji smiled at his kouhai's thoughtfulness towards his lady-love, causing Kaidou to blush (which lead to uneasy hissing). This would be the ultimate surprise for Lin and hopefully it would convince her stay and become his wife. He turned to Fuji, his face suddenly very serious.
"I want to do this, now, Fuji-senpai."
"You're certain?"
"Hai!"
Fuji smiled, put his arm around Kaidou's shoulders and walked back toward the house. "Saa, Kaidou-san. Let's go buy a house."
Fuji had agreed to keep the house a secret from everyone until the deal was finalized and Kaidou had spoken to Lin, but advised that Atobe-san could be helpful in this matter. He assured Kaidou that Atobe loved knowing something no one else did and would be able to push the deal through in no time. And he was right. With seemingly a snap of his fingers, Atobe had pushed through the inspection, closing and had even arranged to have the entire property groomed right down to the last polished door handle. He had offered to furnish the home, elegantly of course, but Kaidou insisted the décor would be Lin's choice. The only thing left to do was to bring Lin home.
Kaidou and Lin ignored the stares of the passers-by as they packed the boys into the truck. Kaidou was used to people staring and they did it more now whenever he was spotted with the boys. They climbed in and Kaidou headed in the opposite direction of his parent's home. Lin assumed he had simply changed their plans to check in at the tennis school, but they were heading into unfamiliar territory. After a while the homes in the area were getting further apart and were larger. There were more trees in this area than there were in town, making the homes appear more secluded, private.
"Kaoru, where are we going? "
"Hmm. Right up around here" he answered, without really answering. He turned a corner and drove a little further before stopping. He let Lin take in the view before approaching the gate.
Kaidou's property was done in a modern contemporary Craftsman style. The property was the furthest from his parents of the chosen three, but not too far. The front was surrounded by a tall, stone privacy wall with beautifully crafted wooden and iron-worked gates. They pulled up to the gate and Kaidou pressed a few buttons on a keypad. Lin watched as the gates slowly opened. She questioned him again as he maneuvered the SUV up the drive and into large courtyard.
"Who are we visiting? This property is pretty impressive", she admired the beautiful lawn stretching before the expansive single story house and the polished stone flooring the courtyard. "Is this one of Atobe-san's homes?"
"This place is too small for Atobe-san to consider as a home. He would probably think it would suffice as a kennel for his dogs", Kaoru said with a small smile. He got out and strode around to Lin's door as she was getting out, then moved to started removing the boys from their car seats. Lin was caught up in the beauty of the house.
"Who lives here, Kaoru? It's awfully quiet. Were they aware that we were coming?" She didn't want to be rude but she wanted to see the inside of this beautiful home, so she stepped closer towards the front doors. Kaoru stepped past her and put a key in the first lock. Lin, shocked, grabbed his arm.
"What are you doing," she whispered, "and why do you have a key? Who lives here?" She had gone from surprised, to nervous, to slightly angry in less than 15 seconds. Kaidou hissed through a smile and opened the door before answering her. The lights were dimmed in the foyer but the sunlight poured in through the windows and sliding glass door of the adjacent living area, where he and Fuji had stood a few days earlier.
"We do." He held the door open but kept his eyes on her face, watching for her reaction. The 18-month old boys toddled past them and took in their surroundings in the empty foyer.
"You're planning to buy this house!? Mamushi!" He stopped her with a kiss.
"I wanted to prove to you how serious I am about us and spending my life with you and our boys. And to answer your question, I've already bought this home for us." With his hand at her back, he pushed her into the foyer and closed the door behind him. Followed by the boys, he guided her down into the living area, through the sliding glass doors and out into the backyard. Another gift from Atobe was here. He had installed a playset that rivaled any park's or school's play ground equipment and the three mini-Kaorus headed straight for it.
"I don't believe you did this, I mean…I…" Lin was too stunned to continue. Kaidou just stood watching her with a small smile on his face. He turned to were the boys were navigating the playset. Atobe's construction crew had gone with a traditional ground type for play ground equipment, using blonde sand with a low, rail-beam border surround. Keiichi and Kentaro had managed to cross over into the giant sand box and were crawling and stumbling around. Kyosuke was sitting on the edge, playing with the sand. There were two park-style benches positioned near the play structure and Kaidou was leading Lin to one.
"You actually bought this house? For us?" Lin questioned him as they sat down. She took in her surroundings; the beauty of the landscape, the view, the house itself. Her boys were playing happily with each other in the sand. It felt completely natural for them to be here like this.
"Mm. It's just another step toward you and me, and our sons, becoming a real family. I wanted to show you how serious I am about us and how happy we could be together. Fuji-senpai helped me find it, but when I saw it, I knew this was the ONE."
"It's familiar, like I've been here before or at least seen it somewhere."
"Your house magazines." He said as he turned toward the boys.
"Eh?"
"In one of your magazines, there's a picture that looks like this house. You have sticky notes all over it. When we the realtor brought us to this house, I remembered the picture. I told Fuji-san this would be the one for our family."
Lin leaned back against the bench and starred at Kaidou's profile. She was engaged to this incredible man but she felt she had so much more to learn about him. She knew he was a hard worker, dedicated to his profession, his family and friends. He was amazing when he was on the court, in the spotlight, but didn't like the attention once he stepped off. Since he first knew of their children's existence, he had, surprisingly, proved to everyone, that he would be a great father. Every spare moment he had was spent with her and the boys. But that he would go so far as to surprise her with a real home, to set down roots for them, here in Japan, with his family nearby, was by far the most incredible thing he could have down to prove his love.
She stood and faced him, dropping to her knees in front of him. The surprise on Kaidou's face melted into a wide smile as Lin leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him as she did. He hugged her back, keeping her close. She pulled away and starred into his face, smiling brightly. Kaidou glanced again at the boys, and then forced on her a taste of his restrained passion, in a slow kiss. They were allowed this intimacy only for a moment before being interrupted by his cell phone. It was Hazue inviting them out for drinks later. Kaidou declined but at Lin's insistence invited him over to see the house.
"Aniki, you bought a house?! Really?!" Kaidou answered in the affirmative. "Do mom and dad know?"
"No, I haven't told them yet. I wanted to surprise Lin first, and she's very happy about it. If you don't mind, you should bring them along. Lin wants them to see it." Lin was listening to Kaidou's half of the conversation and nodded her agreement.
"Okay," responded Hazue, "I'm headed there now anyway. So, does this mean Lin and the boys will be staying in Japan?" Hazu's tone was hopeful. His older brother had been very happy since discovering Lin and the triplets had come looking for him and he wanted him to stay happy.
"Mm. Actually, little brother, Lin has finally agreed to marry me, but don't tell mom and dad," Kaidou warned, "I want to tell them myself. We're going to the registrar's office next week, and then maybe we'll have a small Western ceremony a little later. Lin doesn't want to make too much of a fuss and neither do I." On the other end, Hazue was sobbing his congratulations. It touched him that things were going so well in his brother's personal life. Until Kaidou mentioned the American woman he'd met, Hazue thought his older brother would never even want a serious relationship. Now, because of that same American woman, his brother was a father to three sons and would soon be a husband. Of course, it traditionally would happen the other way around but Kaidou's family and friends didn't care as long as he was happy. Kaidou listened to his brother's blubbering for while and hissed lowly into the receiver. Lin raised an eyebrow and he let her listen for a moment. She took the phone from him.
"Hazue-kun? It's Lin. Why are you crying?" He sniffled loudly in her ear before answering.
"I'm so happy for Aniki, and for you, oneesan. The two of you are going to be together now *sniff* and I'm just so happy." He sniffled noisily again.
"Thank you, Hazu-kun," Lin used the same tone of voice with Hazue that she used when one of her babies were crying, "I promise to take good care of your brother and you too, okay?" Hazue's sniffles had quieted now.
"Domo, oneesan. Domo arigatou gozimasu.*small sniffle* We will see you soon." He ended the call and Lin gave Kaidou back his phone. There were tears in her eyes but she assured Kaidou everything was fine. They gather the boys, dusted them off and headed inside for a tour of the house.
The single story home could be considered a mansion compared to most Japanese homes, considering its large footprint. On one end of the home were all the bedrooms, five in total. The master suite was off the main hallway along with a smaller bedroom with private bath, that Kaidou suggested they use as a guest room. Lin agreed. Past the guest room, leading toward the front of the house was what the realtor had called the children's quarters. There was a laundry room and across from it, two large linen closets, right before a large central room. On two walls of this room there were three doors, each opening to a spacious bedroom. One bedroom had a private bath, while the other two shared a tub and shower area. Each bedroom had sizable closet space and big windows that let in plenty of sunshine.
"Kaoru," Lin had inspected each room carefully, "this is the perfect children's suite. The boys can each have their own room and a private play area. It will be so great for them to have a space that is all their own." She walked to the triple-wide, floor to ceiling window that looked out onto the front courtyard. "I didn't know they built homes like this Japan. I've always read Japan was so limited on residential space." Kaidou joined her at the window. The triplets were wandering in and out of the bedrooms conducting their own "inspection".
"Large homes aren't common but they do exist here. But this is nothing compared to Atobe's family home. As I said before, this wouldn't be considered as a "home" to him, not even for his servants, I believe. We should continue the tour. Hazue should have mom and dad going out of their minds with excitement by now and they won't want to waste time getting here." Lin nodded her agreement and they called to the boys to follow them.
Back at the main hallway, Kaidou showed her another bath, which also serviced the rear patio, and next to it a room they could use as a study or office. They walked back past the foyer and adjacent living area, to the formal dining area. It was a large enough to accommodate a table for eight to ten people and was serviced by a butler's pantry leading to the kitchen. They took this route to the kitchen, with Kaidou showing her the storage pantry located in this area as well. The islanded kitchen, with its light maple cabinetry and dark bronze quartz counter tops was lit by the floor to ceiling, sliding glass doors of the breakfast area. Separated only by two flagstone columns was a large gathering area with and smaller room attached, which had another set of sliding glass doors, opening to the east end of the rear patio. Lin noticed the main rooms of the home either had sliding glass doors or stationary windows, all floor to ceiling. Only the bedroom and bath windows were half-sized and able to open. The sliding doors in the breakfast area and smaller family area were layered, pocket doors, Kaidou showed her, and when stored in their wall pocket, made the rooms and the outdoors appear seamless. There were ceiling fans in all of the main rooms and in the covered patio areas. These, combined with the pocket doors, would be a welcomed treat for entertaining on breezy days.
Kaidou showed her the garage, three car capacity, which was accessed by a mud room that housed a half-bath. The last room on the tour was separated from the main house by the covered east-end patio, off the smaller family area. The space, a little larger than the boys' bedrooms, also had floor to ceiling windows on two of its walls. A third wall, next to the door, had a tinted glass, garage style door that opened the room to the rear yard, allowing it ease of accessibility. Lin had an idea.
"Kaoru, you always do your strength training at the tennis school, don't you?"
"Mm. The apartment I share with Inui-senpai is too small for anything more than a few dumbbells and there's no gym closer than the tennis school, and he staring starts to bother me after a while." Lin nodded and walked around, sizing up the space. She turned to him suddenly.
"This will be you gym." She decided. He stared at her blankly. She walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzling against him, as she did. Being Japanese, and being Kaidou Kaoru, physical contact and especially displays of affection, would normally be very uncomfortable for him, but he would never deny her. She respected his culture and never did anything this "dramatic" in public and he had decided a long time ago that he loved being close to her, even if she were touching him all the time. She released him, and led him out to the patio to explain her idea. Keiichi and Kyosuke were following Kentaro back to their giant sand box-slash-playset. They both chuckled as they watched the three stumble into the sand.
"You have to go to the tennis school whenever you want to work out, even if it's without Inui-san's coaching. If we turn this room into a gym, you won't have to go all the way to the school when you want a quick workout. And…," she stopped to smile at him.
"And?"
"And, we could even workout together sometimes. You could… help me get into shape." She struck a string of "how do I look" poses for him, turning this way and that. Kaidou could feel his tension rising as he stared at her. It had been a long time but he remembered how she looked undressed, and as far as he was concerned, there was nothing on her body that needed working out. He mumbled this to her as he pulled her into his arms. He glanced around, to sight the boys, and then lock her eyes with his. The passion and desire she saw there was unmistakable and she wanted him just as much.
The kiss started off slowly, and then deepened. His arms tightened around her as tried to get closer. She reached up and pulled his bandana from his head, dropping it to the stone floor and ran her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp and neck. His kisses burned a trail down her neck, to her collar bone and back up again. She gasped as he suddenly lifted her slightly, turned and pressed her against the wall. One hand caressed her face while the other moved slowly up her torso, under her shirt, to cup a breast. He worked the nipple erect through the fabric of her bra and burned her neck with another series of kisses. She was gasping for air and writhing against him. The burning between her thighs was past unbearable now and the only thoughts she could muster were of how much she wanted him… needed him… right now. Kaidou cursed the shorts she was wearing as he lifted her leg to his side, grinding his hips against her. The October heat was nothing compared to heat they were creating. He mumbled against her lips.
"Let's go back…back to your room…now." She answered with another deep kiss but pulled away suddenly. He stared, his eyes begging her, but hers were filled with regret. She stroked his face, grazing his lips with her thumb, while lowering her leg and pushing him gently away. She paced for a moment, trying to compose herself.
"Your parents will be here any minute, remember?" Kaidou allowed his head to fall back and took in a deep breath. He exhaled slowly in a low hiss. He paced a circle for a full minute before looking at her again. She had watched him the entire time.
"Hai," he finally spoke, "I remember." He turned to watch his sons play for a moment before speaking again. "But, Lin-chan….tonight…definitely, yes?" She walked over and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. He responded in kind and she sighed heavily.
"Tonight….definitely."
Twenty minutes later, Kaidou's phone rang, announcing his family's arrival. Lin stayed at the sand box to gather the boys. They met the Kaidous in the house's living area. Kaidou's parents and brother were wide-eyed at the size of the house when they approached, but stunned to silence as they looked around at the interior.
"Kaoru-chan," his mother spoke first, "this is incredible. You really bought this house?"
"I had to, kaasan," Kaoru answered, "Inui-senpai wouldn't be able to work with the boys running under foot, after Lin and are married next week." His mother nodded and looked around again. Realization struck her and she spun around, only to find him smiling at her, Lin by his side, displaying her ringed finger. His mother was ecstatic, his father congratulated them both, and his brother did a celebratory dance which the toddlers copied. They all laughed at this.
Kaoru led the tour through each room of the house, explaining the ideas they had for each. They gathered in the back yard where triplets, again, made a beeline for the playset. The group followed, sitting on the nearby benches, where Lin and Hozumi immediately began discussing the house. Kaoru took the opportunity to discuss a few things with his father. Hazue had joined his nephews on the playset. They stayed in the backyard until the sun dipped low in the sky, and then prepared to leave. Hazue helped Lin dust off the triplets and lead them back through the house, and into the front courtyard. Here, Kaoru and Lin said 'goodnight' to his parents and brother and Lin began packing the boys in the truck, while he locked up the house. She finished strapping in Kyo just as Kaidou was locking the front door. They stood together at the passenger door, staring at the house.
"Thank you, Kaoru."
"For what?"
"For being so persistent." She stroked his face again and smiled as he took her hand and kissed it. He helped her into the vehicle, closed the door and climbed behind the wheel. They discussed décor ideas during the drive back to the hotel. Kaidou took a few calls from Inui and Momoshiro and Lin looked back occasionally to see the boys falling asleep in turns. The sun had completely set now and the sky was a sea of pinks and purples. After navigating traffic, they pulled in the hotel just as twilight was descending. Lin placed a toddler in each of Kaidou's arms and carried Kyo and their diaper bag, herself. As the children had gotten older, she had a little less to pack for their daily outings. The bag was still big but was much more manageable for her when alone.
Once upstairs, Kaidou helped wake the children and get them undressed for their bath. He then went to prepare three of the shelf-safe meals Lin kept in the suite for the toddlers and filled their Sippy cups . Thirty minutes later the meals were cooled enough to eat and Lin emerged from the bedroom followed by the triplets. They sat around the coffee table for their meal, while their parents enjoyed the quiet on the sofa. Lin decided to take this chance to have a hot shower. Kaidou contemplated joining her but knew he had to watch the boys. By the time Lin had finished, he was cleaning up the remainder of their meal. The three had climbed up on the sofa vacated by their parents and Kyo and Kentaro leaning against each other, were fighting sleep. Keiichi had lost the fight, draped over the sofa arm. Lin grabbed her camera and snapped a few shots before taking the tired toddler to his bed. Kaidou ran off for his turn in the shower. She came back last for Taro and was walking past her bedroom as Kaidou emerged from the bathroom. The sight of him wearing only a towel caused her to stop and stare. He joined her to tuck them in, and then followed her back to her bedroom.
They were on each other in an instant. Hands, mouths, tongues…touching, tasting. They fell on the bed and her legs wrapped around his waist. He repositioned himself and removed her gown in one smooth movement. After her shower, she hadn't bothered with panties, and was now completely naked beneath him. Kaidou leaned back on his knees and gazed at the beauty lying before him. Lin sat up and took Kaidou's phone from the bedside table, setting it for complete silence, no interruptions. He took it and tossed it back, then slowly removed his towel.
His body was long and lean, with just the right amount of muscle. His skin was tanned from his training and playing under the sun. He reminded her of a marble statue of some Greek God from Mythology, except he was 100% real. Kaidou was back on her in an instant and she accepted him willingly.
She kissed him first. He allowed his full weight to fall on her for a moment as the kiss deepened, then rolled over onto his back, bring her with him. In her new position, she had more freedom to roam. She blazed a trail with her tongue down his neck to his chest, alternating kisses with tongue-teasing. She heard the deep hiss escape his lips as she moved lower on his torso, still planting kisses as she went. She teased his navel with her tongue, discovering the area just below seemed to be extremely sensitive, proven by the small gasps coming from up above.
She glanced up to see him watching her through heavy eyelids. Lin could feel the heat from his erection only inches from her face. She smiled seductively at him before turning her attention to the throbbing organ lying against his pelvis. Kaidou closed his eyes and braced himself for what was to come, and then he felt it. The wet heat smoothing over the head of his erection and down its shaft caused his eyes to fly open, and then roll back into his head. He could feel the texture of her tongue stroking him and a deep moan escaped his lips. Her rhythm increased slightly and he began to sweat, teeth clenched. His fingers tangled themselves in her hair and kneaded her scalp of their own accord as his tension increased. Kaidou let out another moan as he felt that final, sucking kiss as she released him.
Lin removed his hands from her hair and rose up to straddle his stomach. She leaned over him, stroking his face with the back of her hand. With eyelids still heavy, he starred at her as he pulled her down into another deep kiss. His free hand cupped a breast, worrying the nipple into erection as he had down earlier at their new home. The stimulation sent a shock through her, causing a series of small spasms deep with her. She broke the kiss, sat up and gasped for air. She raised her self and move back slightly to settled on his erection which now lay rigid against his lower stomach. Her lower lips were perfectly parted along his length and she locked eyes with him as she rocked her hips slowly back and forth. The moisture she was releasing only increased the friction this movement was producing between the two of them and Kaidou knew if it continued, they would both be brought to climax in matter of minutes.
Lin's eyes were closed now and he knew she was close. He quickly took control, turning her onto her back, thrusting his near bursting erection into her and silencing her cry with a kiss, all at once. He was first to break the kiss as his breathing became labored. His first strokes were slow, measured. He drew himself out, almost to the tip, and then thrust deeply into her again, each time eliciting a passionate cry from her panting lips. As his tension neared its peak, he was thrusting faster and harder. Her hips had matched his rhythm but now her body tense and the wet heat he labored through increased. She was coming hard. Her moisture surrounded his throbbing erection as her hips bucked against his. Her hands flew over her head, pulling the sheets from the bed as she bucked again, and then trembled beneath him, her muscles involuntarily milking his seed from him. He couldn't resist that feeling and surrendered to it, releasing the tribute her body demanded of him. He growled in her ear as his body jerked against her and pressed deeply into her to brace himself. Lin moaned again, but wrapped herself around him, keeping him close.
They lay that way for what seemed like forever before she allowed him to roll away from her. He pulled her into his arms, cradling her, stroking her damp skin. She caressed his back and pressed her body to his, attempting to stay as close as possible. They lay like this for a while and then she kissed him. Kaidou feel onto her to deepen the kiss and began moving inside of her again. She moaned her approval and wrapped her legs high around his waist. With the initial edge sated, he would be able to take his time with her now. Their night was just beginning.
For the next few days, everyone he came in contact with noticed Kaidou Kaoru appeared very relaxed and was seemingly in a very good mood. Small mistakes made by staff at the tennis school didn't bother him. When a new Swedish exchange student asked for his autograph, Fuji and Inui rushed over to intercept the threatening hiss they expected, but there was none. They watched, slack-jawed as Kaidou simply stared at the boy for a moment, signed the offered book, patted his head and walked away. Oishi was spending more time at home helping An get into a routine with their new son and Kaidou shocked them all when he volunteered to take over some of his classes.
"Something good must have happened with Lin-chan," Fuji offered, "maybe she accepted the house or maybe they….."
"What house?" Inui questioned. Fuji chuckled and called Kaidou over. Eiji and Momoshiro walked over with him.
"Inui wants to know about the house, Kai-chan." Eiji and Momo both exclaimed, much to Kaidou's annoyance.
"Ah, hai," he began, rolling his eyes at Momo. "Fuji-senpai helped me purchase a home in hopes that it would convince Lin to stay in Japan. She's accepted the idea and my marriage proposal. We're to be married next Friday before Atobe-san's exhibition tournament but it may take a little longer to get the house ready to live in. There are a lot of things to buy, especially for the boys." Inui, Eiji and Momo starred, mouths open as Kaidou spoke. Even Fuji was a little surprised about the proposal. He thought they would have had to hold his hand through that. Fuji recomposed and was the first to congratulate him; the others followed, joking and teasing.
"I never thought I'd see the day when a woman would actually want to marry our Mamushi," Momo said as he poked Eiji, "are we sure she's not slow or something, Eiji-senpai?" Fuji, Inui and Eiji held Kaidou back, keeping him from murdering his laughing former rival. Momo calmed himself, apologized and pulled the hissing Mamushi aside.
"Mamu-, eh, Kaidou-chan," his expression was kind, "I really am happy for you." Kaidou gave him a curious look. "Really, I am. Being alone, it can be tiring sometimes. It's nice to have someone be there for you, to care about you. I'm glad you found someone who makes you happy. It's easy to see how Lin-chan has made a difference in your life. You're more easy going now, more relaxed. It is strange though, to see you smiling all of the time; THAT, I don't know if I can get used to." He started to walk back to where the others were standing, but turned suddenly toward Kaidou. "That smile of yours is really kinda creepy, ya know?" Momo made a goofy face and ran when Kaidou hissed again and gave chase.
Tezuka Kunimitsu and Echizen Ryoma were just joining the others. Ryoma nodded toward his two senpai who were startling the students, as Kaidou chased Momo around the court, brandishing a tennis racket he had somehow acquired. Fuji, smiling, relayed Kaidou's news to them and Momoshiro's comments.
"Hnh," Ryoma smiled toward the cat and mouse pair, "Kaidou-senpai is marrying the African-American woman from Kawamura-senpai's restaurant. Good for him. Now, Momo-senpai needs to settle down."
"That would require Momoshiro to grow up first, don't you think, O-Chibi?!" Eiji glommed onto Ryoma's back. Ryoma straightened himself and tried escape, unsuccessfully.
"You first, Eiji-senpai. Now, get off…please." Eiji detached himself as Momo rejoined the group, rubbing his collar bone. He greeted Tezuka and Ryoma; the latter snickered at him. "So he caught you eh, Momo-senpai?"
"Damn it, that guy can't take a joke. He's going to make a horrible husband! Lin-chan should reconsider marrying Kaidou Kaoru!!" This last part he yelled in Kaidou's direction. Kaidou was on the phone and completely ignored him, but everyone within range had heard him loud and clear. Seigaku's notorious loner was getting married. Five minutes later, the entire tennis school was buzzing over the news, but Kaidou was absolutely clueless as to why students and staff were congratulating him as he walked back toward the group.
"Does anyone know what all that was about?" Kaidou asked as two passing students addressed the group and congratulated him. Inui spoke first.
"It would appear that the news of your impending marriage has spread through the school."
"I only just told you….how could the students know?" Kaidou was confused and his face relayed that. Everyone looked to Momo. He had been standing off-side, fuming to Echizen about the minuscule injury Kaidou had inflicted on his shoulder. Ryoma stepped behind Tezuka, out Kaidou's line of sight. Momo looked up to see everyone starring in his direction. He quickly looked behind, thinking they were looking past him. When he realized no one was there, he turned back and pointed at himself. Tezuka shook his head slightly and Eiji sighed.
"Eh! Nani?!" Fuji explained what he had done, but spoke to Kaidou. Afterwards, Kaidou could only look at Momo and sigh heavily.
"I suppose it really doesn't matter. It's not as if I'm trying to keep Lin a secret. I don't think she will mind if people know of our plans."
"Speaking of your plans," Inui began, "I hope Lin-chan won't be needing your input much for the next few days. I've worked out schedules for the five of you that will be quite taxing on your time." Ryoma posed a question before Kaidou could answer.
"You said 'the five of you', Inui-senpai. Who else of us is participating?"
"The Golden Pair will be playing as well, O-Chibi." Eiji glommed onto him again. "Atobe-kun decided to include a couple of doubles matches in the exhibition, so Oishi thought we should participate." Ryoma nodded his understanding while trying to free himself from Eiji's clutches; he failed again.
"I'll speak with her tonight, Inui-senpai, but I don't foresee a problem. My mother will be helping her, I believe."
"If you don't mind, Kai-kun, I think I'll accompany them on their shopping trips," Fuji offered, "just to give a man's opinion." Kaidou nodded in agreement.
"Good, now that that's settled, we should head inside and discuss the matches. I also have the new formula I'd like to test." Eiji and Momo moaned loudly and whined as everyone followed the Data Man inside to go over their individual training schedules for the event.
The next week was filled with days of none-stop preparations for Kaoru and Lin. The majority of his time was spent training for the exhibition matches. The five former Seigaku regulars spent at least six hours a day together while training for their matches. Inui was careful to balance their workouts with sufficient rest periods throughout each day. Tezuka, Kaidou and Echizen each also had their individual training menus they adhered to, bringing their total daily training closer to ten hours a day.
Since Fuji had volunteered his services in preparing his kouhai's new family home, Hozumi had decided it would be best if she watched the triplets while he and Lin shopped. Lin and Fuji had visited several stores and gone through plenty of catalogs and they had a pretty good idea of how she wanted to style the house. Kaidou hadn't offered much of an opinion; he just wanted Lin to be happy with her choices. Fuji had spoken again with Atobe Keigo, who had arranged for Lin's deliveries to be made in one day instead of a series of weeks. Two days before Kaoru and Lin were to be married, all of their major purchases had been delivered and set up in their new home.
The house was like Shibuya Intersection with the number of people running in and out. Appliances were being installed, electronics were set-up, beds were assembled, sofas and tables were placed and Kaidou's gym was completed. Atobe's cleaning crew had been brought in as well, to clean behind the delivery people and assure there was little for Lin to do after they all left.
There were shopping bags and delivered boxes piled high in the garage, containing everything from dishes to bath towels to picture frames. Lin spent the next day accessorizing and putting essentials in their places. By Thursday night, there were still things to find places for but the major rooms were finished for the most part. Once all of their services were connected and working, Lin decided she would declare their house, a home.
Her declaration was made the following morning after Kaoru announced their utilities were connected at the house and everything should be up and running. Lin checked out of her hotel shortly after. With all their papers in order, she and Kaoru went to the registrar's office to be officially married. There were no witnesses and no celebration, but the two did exchange rings. Kaoru apologized for having to rush when Lin drove him back to the tennis school, but she understood. This was how they had agreed they would do this and she was just happy to be his wife. He promised he'd come straight home after practice and she promised to be waiting for him.
Before picking up the boys that afternoon from their grandparents' home, she visited Kawamura Sushi to give their new address to Taka-san, tell him of their marriage and have something delivered later that evening. Taka-san insisted on throwing them a wedding party on Sunday and said he and his wife would see her at Atobe's event.
Shibuki and Hozumi followed her home to see how the house had come together. After the tour, they declined staying for dinner, but offered to help Lin get the boys bathed and tucked into their new beds. The toddlers had been playing with the neighborhood children while with their grandparents and were completely tuckered out. Lin turned on each baby monitor before leaving the children's suite. She explained to Hozumi the receivers were in the kitchen now because she was still working, but would be at her bedside when she and Kaoru retired for the night.
She saw them off in the courtyard and then returned to the kitchen to call her groom before treating herself to a hot soak in the bath. He arrived shortly after she had finished and greeted her passionately. He had been looking forward to this all day. He declined the meal she had delivered but promised to help her store it for the morning. They went together to check on the boys and then retired to their master suite. This time was just for the two of them and it would be their first night as husband and wife in their new home.
Both the breakfast and autograph session had gone smoothly and the first doubles match was one point away from ending. Oishi and Eiji were leading 6 – 4 against a German/American pair and it was Oishi's Moon Volley that closed the deal. A number of former Seigaku tennis club members had shown up for the exhibition and were going wild at seeing their former teammates dominate the match. The entire crowd was cheering for The Golden Pair as Eiji performed a celebratory dance. The other former Seigaku Regulars were watching from the sideline, but none noticed the young woman who now stood starring at Kaidou. Lin looked down from the reserved box she shared with the other wives and Ryuzaki-sensei, wondering who the woman was. The woman turned and locked eyes with Lin. It was Hatsumi Aiko, but there was something different about her. Lin stood but changed her mind and sat down again. An and Sakuno had noticed and questioned her about the woman.
"It's Hatsumi Aiko, and she's here to cause trouble, I'd wager."
"Aren't you going down there?" Sakuno asked.
"No," Lin replied, "I don't want to embarrass Kaoru. He'll deal with her."
Hatsumi had turned her attention back to Kaidou who still hadn't noticed she was there. Echizen, who was standing next to him, now saw her and nudged his senpai. Kaidou's eyes went wide when he recognized her. She rushed to his side and hugged his arm, smiling brightly at him. Kaidou tried to free himself, looking up to were Lin sat watching him. Hatsumi refused to let go.
"What are you doing here, Hatsumi-chan," he demanded of her. "You agreed to stay away from us. What do you want?" He was desperate to get away from her and it was beginning to draw attention. Fuji and the others were aware now and he and Inui ushered the two toward the locker rooms before the scene could create an unfavorable situation. Fuji nodded to Lin who descended from the box followed by An and Sakuno. Once behind closed doors, Kaidou asked her again.
"Why, Hatsumi? I told you I love someone else and you and I would never be together. That hasn't changed. She and I…"
"But everything has changed now, Kai-kun," she turned and grabbed his hand, "we can be a family now, just you and me a…" Fuji interrupted her as Lin and the others entered the room.
"Lin-chan. You're okay?" Lin assured him she was fine as went to Kaoru's side.
"Kaoru?" The question in her voice said it all to him. Hatsumi's expression was a horrified mask as she watched Kaidou bring Lin's hand to his lips. He was mumbling something to her in English but she couldn't understand it. The sight of them together was making her blood boil. She screamed for Kaidou to stop and tried to push Lin away from him. Kaidou angrily pushed her back into Inui's waiting grasp and went to comfort Lin.
Hatsumi struggled against Inui, but he held her firmly. Fuji attempted to calm her down but she wasn't having it.
"No!" She yelled, tears streaming down her face. "You're supposed to be with me Kaoru! You're supposed to be with us!" Half the room gaped at her as she collapsed, crying, against Inui, still mumbling. "You're supposed to be with us."
"What are you talking about?!" Kaidou yelled at her. "Why would you think that, Aiko?!" He was getting angrier by the second and stormed towards her. Fuji kept him at arm's length where he continued to yell. Aiko crossed her arms over her stomach as if she were protecting it.
"But Kaoru…" She sobbed.
"It will NEVER happen and nothing you say or do will change that, do you understand me?!"
Aiko held herself tighter as Inui helped her to stand on her own again. Fuji and the others watched her curiously, but Lin was the only one to realize what she was trying to say. 'No, not this…not now.'
"But Kai-kun," she was crying softly now and looked first to Lin then back at Kaidou.
"I don't want to hear it Aiko, I'm do…"
"But I'm carrying your child, Kaoru!"
Kaidou froze, Lin's head dropped and the rest of the room just…starred. Hatsumi Aiko took a step towards Kaidou, smiling through her tears.
"Aren't you happy, baby?"
I know, I know, it's long but I hope you enjoyed it, and please, review, thanks.