Chapter 10: Yuki

Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon

"Ko-sama…"

Koji's eyes fluttered open as Popuri sat beside him on the bed, pressing her lips to the back of his neck. He mumbled but turned his head a little more to give her better access. She giggled softly and dropped hot kisses up and down his neck. Moaning softly, he closed his eyes again, "Mm, and to what do I owe this pleasant wakeup call?"

"We have to get ready soon" she purred between kisses, "You know I'd let you sleep as long as you want but…"

She squealed as he turned her over underneath him and gave a cocky grin, dipping forward and kissing her passionately, "I know…but I can think of something else I'd rather do…"

"Silly" she pouted cutely as he moved his perusal to her neck, pressing her palms against his shoulders, "I woke you to get ready for Kaede's graduation."

He lifted his head and smiled fondly, "She's all right, isn't she?"

Popuri smiled, "Yea she is. She's our baby, isn't she?"

The time after the whole incident had been hell for the entire family. Koji hadn't wanted to be a hindrance to his family but all that stress practically came down on top of him, crushing whatever strength he had. He somehow got pneumonia and other respiratory ailments which were always the near kiss of death for him. It…was sort of like when he came to Mineral Town as a child and got sick. Almost.

Popuri was horrified and had cried almost the entire time during the two month ordeal. She had had no idea that it had been like this for him, saying that she'd been absolutely selfish child back when they first met if he was dealing with this illness during that time. Koji didn't think so though…

'Popuri…you were the first one to treat me like I was okay. I liked it when I was okay…'

And then, there was, of course, Kaede. His…his poor princess. He took a deep breath and smiled. Yea, their baby. She was okay.

Steiner sighed. What a time.

Kaede had stayed in the hospital for nearly two months, longer than what she really needed but what her grandfather demanded. She had to have reconstructive surgery of her jaw but other than that…

She was understandably numb after everything. For the longest time, Steiner was scared senseless that she might kill herself thus he ended up quitting his job. He bought out of the rental contract for their house and moved in with her parents. There were things that her parents could give her that he wasn't able to. He…he wondered what that felt like…

Kaede went back to school before he was ready for her to. He couldn't watch her there without seeming like he was trespassing…but Koji surprised him with something.

Steiner was stunned as the still slightly bedridden man gave him a slip of paper reading that he had some part-time courses in culinary and business classes. Steiner shook his head after a moment.

"I…don't understand. I've never attended a year of school."

"Really?" the man said, rather surprised, "Well, you'll just have to work a bit harder, I suppose."

Steiner swallowed, his eyes stinging. He always felt really dumb not having any background with education, but alas…

"Culinary and business" he said after a moment, "Is that a sign?"

Koji just chuckled.

Steiner felt like a dork when he found himself enjoying school. What freak enjoyed school?, he told his little sister jokingly as she pouted at him. Sharron had forgiven him after she learned what happened with Kaede and told him that as long as he didn't do it again, she would be happy.

He loved on the first day when he wandered into the campus cafeteria where Kaede was sitting with her friends. He slammed down beside her casually and she glanced to him before having her first freak out in a very long time.

"Steiner, why are you here?! You're trespassing!"

"I am not" he'd pouted, "Can't you tell by the uniform I'm a student too?"

She glanced at his outfit which he had to say was the only thing that bothered him about all this. He looked…well, weird in the blazer and dress shirt. But she sniffed.

"And HOW are you a student suddenly?"

"Your daddy" he sighed, picking a piece of sushi off her tray.

Her eyes widened, "What…?"

"He somehow got me in here" he shrugged, "I think he wants me to open a restaurant."

It was cute when she was ecstatic about the idea. He was so proud of her…

She had some therapy sessions but her therapists were a bit bewildered, saying that she almost seemed to be rather accepting of what happened with her and the baby. Steiner had cautiously asked her about it and she just smiled sadly.

"It was my fault, Steiner. I wasn't being smart and my baby had to suffer for it. I'll never get over it but I can't let it overtake my life. Or…should I?" she asked, looking up at him seriously.

He pulled her against him, kissing her forehead, "No, baby…just continue to wake up for tomorrow."

He knew it upset her. He knew that when they were in bed at night she'd occasionally cry herself to sleep. But that she was able to keep going…he was proud that she was his angel.

So they spent the proceeding two years in school and Steiner had the time of his life. Kaede often had smirked at him when he'd attempt to make out with her at random intervals in the day. "Steiner…we're not at home. Behave yourself."

"I can't even make out with you at home though" he had pouted, "Your parents are always there and if they aren't, your little siblings are…"

She had rolled her eyes, pushing him away slightly, "That's what you get for thinking I'd ever be suicidal and giving away our stupid house."

He'd sighed. When he told her why he'd bought out, she flipped out on him and refused to talk to him for about three days. She grudgingly forgave him but still grew irritated with him over it. Slipping his hand into hers, he led her toward her class.

"I know…but I have a better house in mind anyway. Only the best for my angel."

She had blushed some as people glanced at them, "Yea…uh, you do know that PDA isn't, um, kosher in Japan, right?"

"Psh" he'd snorted, "I'm not completely Japanese, Kaede, I can't follow such edicts."

She smirked, rolling her eyes, "Fine, whatever…"

"Besides, that Miu chick is always pushing up on me shamelessly anyway."

Kaede had shot him a glare and he'd grinned at her, fluttering his eyelashes. Miu had been apparently extremely jealous of Kaede and had tried to steal him away at every turn. He just made a hobby out of stringing her along before bringing her down. Either that or Kaede would come and rip into her. He had to laugh…Kaede jealous and possessive was cute too.

"Why don't you two get a room?"

Kaede scowled at her older brother who purposefully cut between them. Steiner smirked, "We do have a room; we just can't do anything in it."

Kaede hit him and Keiji sent a mock-glower at him, "Well, thank God for that."

Steiner stuck out his tongue. Another weird thing that developed was, well…

Him and Keiji were friends…?

It started off slowly when Kaede came home from the hospital but they generally chatted. Before long he'd invited him to go with Jyun and Kyo to play pool or a bar or random…guy things. Steiner never had male friends, really, besides Juke. Only Juke, he thought bitterly. However…he kind of liked it.

He got a diploma faster than Kaede and used the time she was in school to start his business. It had been overwhelming for a little while because the customers that loved his food at the other restaurant instantly moved to his. But as soon as he had the perfect chefs, the perfect setup, 'Tenshiya', 'angel valley', took off.

Sharron and Michiko moved to Mineral Town after his grandfather passed away. On the man's death bed, he beckoned Steiner closer. Steiner wasn't sure how to feel about him after that little declaration that he believed Steiner killed his mother…but the old man tenderly whispered to him.

"I'm sorry."

Steiner was touched. He just wished the man had come to terms a lot earlier so he could have gotten to know him. But…

Steiner cradled the phone against his ear as he took reservations, a job he probably would have to fill soon. He was meant to cook, not answer phones. He saw in his peripheral vision someone walk up but beckoned them to wait one moment. Sighing once the reservation was made, he looked up and was about to greet but faltered before laughing softly, "Juke! I haven't seen you in ages."

The man was MIA for a while after Friedrick was arrested, saying that he was his only friend…and that his only friend had been a monster. Steiner insisted though that no matter what, he'd be his friend as well. The older man chuckled, glancing around the bustling business.

"Amazing what you can do in a month, Steiner. You always had a talent for making things happen…"

Steiner snorted but led him toward a secluded table, "Have a seat. I have to be taking off soon so they don't need me."

"Hmm? Where you going?"

"Kaede's graduating…I have to be there" he chuckled.

"How are you two holding up?"

Steiner groaned, "We're living in her parent's house. She won't even let me kiss her there, it's crazy."

Juke rolled his eyes but smiled, "I'm sure she's smart enough to know with you that kissing would instantly turn into something else."

Steiner pouted and Juke chuckled, "But alas, I came to tell you good bye…at least, for a while."

"What?" Steiner's eyes widened, "Where are you going?"

"Mm, New Zealand to see my daughter" he smiled, twiddling his fingers.

"…Your what?"

"Felicyta" he chuckled again, "She should be around ten now."

"You have kids!? What are you doing out here?" demanded Steiner.

"When her mother found out what I do…or did, she swore up and down that she never wanted to see me again, that I was to come nowhere near our daughter. That's why…I never wanted to bring you into that lifestyle, Steiner, you could lose so much…" he sighed before smiling again, "But…you have a good woman, Steiner…take good care of her."

Steiner gaped softly for a moment before smiling himself, "I know…and I definitely will."

Just one more step…

"Absolutely not."

Steiner rolled his eyes, shaking his head, "Are you sure you and Kaede aren't related somehow?"

Sharron snorted delicately before walking past more cases, "All these rings are too plain. You need something breathtaking."

Steiner was in the difficult process of choosing a ring. Kaede was graduating…meaning it was time for them to get married.

He smiled, glancing down in the case. It didn't have to be right away but he wanted the process in the works. He had promised her after all. He'd been wary, especially after the whole Friedrick ordeal…but thinking about it seriously and looking where they'd come? He had graduated from school, he had a great restaurant, Kaede was graduating and doing well, Koji was back in great health, Keiji and him finally got along…

The sun did rise again and he'd fight hard to keep his beloved angel happy. No more demons in the closet, he told himself. It was time to move forward.

"Kaede has been acting strangely, don't you think?" Sharron said suddenly.

Sharron took her sweet time adjusting to Kaede and even now didn't seem to be able to keep a conversation up with her for long. Steiner was glad to know that Sharron did indeed like her, they just didn't have much in common.

"Has she? Well, she's been a bit preoccupied with final exams…"

Sharron opened her mouth but paused when she stared into the case, blinking, "That one's pretty."

Steiner blinked as well, walking behind her and gazing in. He inhaled softly. The ring was cut like a rose, the band silver and shaped in an almost feathery way. Sharron looked at him, "Well?"

"…Perfect."

"Ugh…"

Kaede leaned over, clutching her stomach as she threw up for the ninth time that day. 'This was ridiculous', she thought miserably. If this was going to happen…

Lifting herself up and rinsing her mouth, she wandered out of her room and smiled at the sounds of everyone downstairs. Right now was absolutely perfect.

Graduation had been exciting and most likely she'd had the most relatives there. She laughed to herself, remembering what she'd told Steiner about a small wedding.

"I can't have a small anything" she chuckled in her head as she walked down the steps, staring at her whole family who was assembled, much like Christmas.

She looked into the crowd and smiled brightly. Steiner, Keiji, and Jyun were standing around, drinking glasses of wine and laughing about something. Kaede had been worried that they would shun him after that whole thing but they'd just accepted him more. She was glad.

Wandering toward him, she slipped under his arm and Steiner blinked at her, "What are you doing, lady? We're having a male conversation here."

"What? Oh please" she snorted.

"Kaede is still pretty manly…" pondered Jyun, stroking his chin.

She kicked him and Steiner laughed, kissing her temple, "Careful now, she can kick any one of our asses."

Jyun laughed, shaking his head, "I can believe it."

Kaede pouted and Keiji chuckled before looking over his shoulder. Rod was glaring at them rather heatedly and Keiji sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Grandfather needs to get a grip."

"Am I related to him?" mused Jyun suddenly.

Kaede cocked a brow, "Unless your mother and mine are somehow related, I doubt it."

"Wow, what would we be then if our parents were related?" blinked Jyun.

"Like…more cousins?" Keiji blinked.

Kaede smirked, "You guys make things too complicated."

"Eh em."

They all looked up and found Rod standing directly behind them with his arms crossed, not looking all that pleased.

"A word, Kaede."

Kaede glanced to Steiner who simply looked away, apparently a little irritated himself. She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.

"I'll be right back."

He glanced at her and smiled, nodding, releasing her waist.

Ugh…Almost perfect. What was this about now?

Jyun sighed, watching after Kaede,"I dunno, man, I wouldn't let my woman go with my psychopath grandfather-if-my-mommy-and-Aunt Popuri were related."

Steiner and Keiji smirked at him but Steiner frowned after a moment, "Maybe I should go after her?"

Keiji looked back toward the trail the two had taken and sighed, "If that man is capable of saying the things he said to me over the years then yes, you should."

"Grandpa…I love him."

"You love a man that used to steal for a living? That has lied to your family for nearly three years? Got you-"

"No" she said coldly, "You will not talk about that."

He sighed, "Then what do you expect from him, Kaede? A man that has previously put forth no initiative to do right by you?"

"Steiner has done a lot of things" she protested, "You can't talk about him like you know him. Steiner is one of the best things that's ever happened to me-"

"How can you say that?!" Rod snapped, "Look what happened to you! How is he the best thing that's ever happened?!"

She went quiet for a moment before murmuring, "Because he's my prince charming. I couldn't imagine life without him. The road was rough…but..."

"This prince charming nonsense again" he snarled, forgoing the rest of what she said, "It's all garbage! Think towards your future! I won't let you make the same mistake-"

"Why the hell do you consider the decisions mama made a mistake?!" yelled Kaede, furious, "She's happy, why can't you see that?! A mistake would have been not following what she wanted! Mistake…? Am I mistake, grandpa? You call Keiji one all the time so I must be one too. Miru, Rosa…we're all mistakes, aren't we?"

The man scowled, shaking his head, "I never said that. You know what I mean."

"No…I don't" she mumbled bitterly, walking away, "I need to get back to the party."

Not waiting for a response, she started to walk back to the house, heavy-hearted. None of anything he said was true and she wouldn't believe a word of it. But…

Steiner…did he still want to get married? After her foolish mistakes, after her disregard for the life they had created? He was still here but did he want to be there…

Or did he feel like he just should be there?

"Hey."

She jumped a little and glanced to the voice. Steiner…

He stood against a willow tree blooming with the Spring, his arms crossed and staring at her solemnly. "Am I your future, Kaede?"

Her heart leaped at his random question and she swallowed, "What…?"

"Am I your future…? If not, then…then I understand. I've put you through too much to be worth it-" he shook his head sadly.

"Of course you are!" she protested, weeping, "But…am I yours?"

He gaped a little before looking at her, his eyes a little wide, "What…? Was there ever any question?"

She bowed her head and whimpered, "I lost our baby because I was dumb. Why would you want a woman who let her own feelings overtake the needs of her child?"

"God, Kaede, that's enough" he trembled, walking towards her, "We need to stop this damn guilt thing. We can't go back in time, we can't change what happened, and these 'what ifs' will just eat us alive. I…I see the future, and you're in it."

"And you're in mine" she whispered.

He smiled, his cheeks pinking a little before he cleared his throat, "Then, in that case…I think you graduated today."

She laughed despite herself, "I hope so."

"Graduation means you're out of school, right?"

"Yea…? Why…? Wait, Steiner" she shook her head, "I have something to tell you."

"I have something to tell you first."

"Fine" she rolled her eyes but smiled.

Kaede jumped a little when he fell to his knee randomly. What…? Her heart began to race when he took her hand and sighed.

"Then…Kaede Yagami…will you marry me?"

Her free hand moved to her lips and she wasn't sure how this was happening. This was any chick flicks dream ending, how was it happening to her? Wordless for a moment, she fell softly to her knees, surprising him, before wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Yes…" she cried and laughed, "I'll marry you, Steiner."

He embraced her tightly and chuckled, pushing her away momentarily and taking her hand again, pushing the ring on her finger. She stared at it, awed.

"It's beautiful, Steiner…"

"Only the best" he smiled warmly, "Now…what was it that you had to tell me?"

She blinked at him, confused for a moment, before flustering, "Oh, it can wait."

"No, it can't" he grunted, "We're getting married. We're not allowed to keep secrets anymore."

She blushed deeper before pushing s tray strand of hair behind her ear, smiling sheepishly, "Okay. Well, you know…how I've been feeling a bit nauseous lately…and been really hungry?"

"Yea…" he said slowly, "Is…something wrong?"

She bit her lip, laughing nervously, "Well I'm…pregnant again. How about that, huh?"

He stared at her in near disbelief before asking softly, "You mean…we're going to be…parents?"

"I promise this time I won't do anything foolish and keep our baby safe and sound and take good care of myself-" she rambled, worried.

But Steiner crushed his lips against hers before picking her up, hugging her tightly, "Kaede…none of that. We'll take care of each other…"

She nodded softly before he chuckled, "I…am one lucky bastard."

"Oh I can't believe my grandbaby is getting married!" gushed Dana Yagami, "I want to design the dress!"

Koji smirked before smiling at his daughter, "It is Kaede's wedding, mama…"

"Of course I want grandma to design it" blushed Kaede happily.

"Oh, wonderful! I can't wait!" Dana said happily.

The family had taken the whole thing very well, excluding Rod who just yelled how foolish Kaede was being. Koji seemed to have a few choice words to say but Popuri came in, hugging her daughter's shoulders and smiling.

"It'll be a lovely ceremony…your daddy will be there and everything to give you away…as it should be. Right, daddy?"

Going extremely silent, the man quickly left and Popuri sighed, shaking her head. Kaede looked to her thankfully before giggling, hugging her dad's neck from behind, "You will give me away, won't you, daddy?"

"The hell I will" he snorted, drinking a glass of merlot.

Kaede was hurt, "Why not?"

"I'll 'walk you down the aisle' but I'll be damned if I give you away" he grunted, seeming almost irritated.

"Oh, daddy" cooed Kaede, touched.

"Yea, yea" Keiji waved his hand, "Just make sure you take care of my sister, Steiner."

"Of course I will" Steiner sighed, swirling his glass of wine, "Everything's too perfect to mess up. Married, restaurant, baby on the way…"

This comment was met by an almost unsettling silence and Keiji crushing his wine glass in his hand. Looking from face to face that was staring at him, Steiner blinked.

"…Oh…Kaede…didn't tell you yet."

Looking to his wife-to-be helplessly, she just groaned.