Chapter XI: Doting Father.
Ririchiyo sat upon her bed, her feet crossed at the end of the duvet and her back propped against the pillows, watching as Soushi busily moved throughout the apartment, completing daily chores. She thought it admirable to see Soushi take such pride in housework almost as if he were playing the role of a housekeeper.
"Is there anything I may fetch for you, Ririchiyo-sama?"
"Um, no, I'm fine, but….you don't have to wait on me hand and foot, Miketsukami-kun."
"Nonsense! You were asked to remain on bed rest for a few days so I shall do all in my power to assist you in your daily schedule."
"But, I'm fine on my own, Miketsukami-kun-."
He took her hands as he kneeled at Ririchiyo's side, his mismatched eyes gleaming. Ririchiyo cringed at his puppy-dog eyes, praying he was not about to do what she thought he was going to do.
"Are you throwing me away, Ririchiyo-sama?"
"No, I just-."
"If I cannot wait on the mother of my child so that she is very comfortable on her few days of bed rest then I shall truly be a lowly, worthless dog…"
"Miketsukami-kun, that's enough-."
"I am not worthy to be this child's father if I cannot shower his mother in an endless supply of love and affection."
"Very well! Just please promise me you'll return to your room when I go to bed and if I should need you for anything urgent, then I will call you, Miketsukami-kun."
"Thank you, Ririchiyo-sama, I shall do what is asked of you."
She sighed and pulled her hand from his. Ririchiyo had to admit, Soushi's doting over her was comforting, but she unfortunately was not accustomed with such sincere devotion, feeling more sheltered than she had realized. She looked down at her ever-growing stomach, wondering as to how much bigger she was going to get. So far, she felt the same as most pregnant, the unusual craving, specifically ones for pickled plum rice balls and strawberry Mochi, the constant urination, and the swelling of her feet. But the one common pregnancy trait that she found most irritating was the sensitive eruption of her emotions. Ririchiyo never knew when she was going to cry, get angry or sad…it was frustrating. But, despite her mood swings, Ririchiyo tried her best to control her emotions when she was with Soushi, being careful not to insult or upset him. Also…her physical health weighed on her conscious. In order to maintain a healthy energy, Ririchiyo had been ordered to remain on bed rest if she wanted to avoid a spinal injury.
"Would you like something to eat before I clean, Ririchiyo-sama?"
"No…I'm fine. please, continue."
Her thoughts began to drift, guiding back to the matter of their home, leaving Ririchiyo wondering as to how he obtained it. Maybe now would be a goof time to bring it up, hoping his answers to her questions will be reasonable and understanding.
"Um, Miketsukami-kun…there's something I'd like to discuss if you don't mind…"
Soushi smiled and placed the clean dishes onto the drying rack, drying his hands on a dry cloth.
"Yes, what's troubling you, Ririchiyo-sama?"
Ririchiyo took a slow and even breath, trying to calm the erratic thumping heart, her nervous beginning to overwhelm her. There was no need in worrying She was sure Soushi would listen to what she had to say and valued her opinions.
"I wanted to discuss the matter of the house…"
"Hmm? Are you unsatisfied with it? Is the interior not to your liking?"
"No, no! There's nothing wrong with the interior design! I was more concerned about….t-the f-financial matter of the house…"
Soushi walked over to the bed, taking a seat beside her, clutching his hands in both of hers.
"I must confess, Ririchiyo-sama," he said, his tone growing serious, "I was very hesitant about keeping this matter from you, but…knowing all the hardships and burdens that were placed upon you in your youth, I decided it was time for us to have a life of our own."
"But, I would have been open for discussion, Miketsukami-kun. Its true that I love the house will all my heart, but I wish you mentioned something to me about this…"
She felt awful for being such an ungrateful brat but her loneliness seemed to be much stronger than she had thought. Ririchiyo loved Soushi dearly, but something within her was bothering her. This man had bought her a house…what did this mean?
"I understand your concern, Ririchiyo-sama and I apologize for leaving you out of this decision," Soushi said, taking her hand in his, "I only want to give you everything you desire.."
Ririchiyo smiled, gently squeezing his fingers. Is this what it meant to have true happiness? To have someone love you with all their heart? To give her what she needed? Maybe it was time for her to break out of her small, isolated shell and become someone who truly expressed her love. It was time for change.
"M-Miketsukami-kun…" she said as a blush spread over her face, "M-May I ask you something?"
"Yes?"
"F-From now on…M-May I call you…S-Soushi-kun?"
Soushi's eyes widened, filling with overwhelming joy, the flood of tears threatening to escape. Never in the 4 years of devotion for his Mistress, has he ever heard her call him by his given name. In his mind, that was the greatest honor that could be bestowed upon him. He flung his arms around her, pressing her body against his chest, his nose nuzzling into the nape of neck. Ririchiyo clenched her small hands in his shirt, breathing in the sweet vanilla musk that resonated from him.
"Yes! Yes, Ririchiyo-sama…please…call me Soushi.."
This is what he had been waiting for, the moment his Mistress loved him enough to call him something familiar, something loving.
"Then…f-from now on, you will not call me Ririchiyo-sama…only be Ririchiyo."
"Yes…Yes…Ririchiyo."
No longer did Ririchiyo want to treat Soushi with such unfamiliarity or formality, but wanted to establish a bond that would mend their love as one.
"So, when are you and Miketsukami moving into the house?" Sorinozuka asked as he greedily ate his ramen.
"We plan to move in one month. We both decided it was best to make this move before our child is born." Ririchiyo answered as she daintily sipped her tea.
"Ah, that makes sense."
"By the way, Sorinozuka, where is Nobara-san?"
"Oh? Hmm, I'm not sure. She wasn't in her room this morning."
"I see. It seem a bit strange to have her absent."
"Oh?"
The front doors suddenly burst open, an attack of colorful streamers and confetti flooding into the lounge. Ririchiyo groaned as the onslaught of decoration cleared.
"I have returned, my Human toilets!"
"Hey~ Welcome back, Shoukin." Sorinozuka said.
"What on earth are you doing here?" she said as she slowly stood from her seat, careful not to lose her balance.
Kagerou looked to her, the usual idiotic grin plastered over his face.
"What's this, What's this? It seems the rumors are true! You have been exposed to Soushi's sadistic games!"
"Stop categorizing people into you sick world! What are you doing here, Kagerou?"
"I come bearing gifts from Hong Kong!"
" Humph, so you went somewhere farther away than Tokyo?" Ririchiyo said as she turned to walk to the elevator.
"Wait, Ex-fiancée of mine! I have a token for you!"
"I have no interest in your dirty gifts." Ririchiyo said as she pressed the third floor button.
Kagerou chuckled and pulled something glass from his bag.
"Here you are!"
Ririchiyo sneered over her shoulder, sure it was just another sick gift from the S&M fanatic. But this was different. In his hand was a round dome snow globe, a small, hand-carved Sakura tree build in the center.
"Kagerou, what is this-."
"A token for the child's room! Do not thank me!"
Ririchiyo gently took the trinket in her hands, watching at the snow fell upon the Sakura tree. It was very unusual for Kagerou to buy such a plain and valuable piece, but it may have been one the rarest moments of care he had ever shown.
"Thank you…"
"I cannot say I am jealous to have you bear Soushi's child, but let this be one thing I was able to do for you and Soushi. Think nothing of it!"
She wasn't sure what to say…this was too generous, even for Kagerou.
"Now then, I must go off once more! Farewell, my Ex-Fiancée!"
With the turn of the heel and swift flick of his cape, Kagerou left, his conceited laughter resonating in the lounge.
"Well, that was unexpected, wasn't it?" Sorinozuka said as he made his way over to Ririchiyo, "That's weird for him to give someone such a simple gift."
"That was my sentiment exactly." Ririchiyo answered as she glided her hand over the glass of the snow globe.
"What a beautiful snow globe, Ririchiyo," Soushi said as he placed the silver tray of tea in front of her, "Where did come from?"
"Um, K-Kagerou brought this from Hong Kong…"
Soushi poured the Earl gray into his Mistress's cup, handing it to her carefully.
"Yes, I thought it strange as well."
"Although, it is very much in Kagerou-sama's nature to be so generous."
Ririchiyo took the cup in her hands, daintily sipping the warm sweetness. Her eyes rested on the snow globe, watching the snow fall upon the wooden figure. Thoughts of the silver-haired child flashed in her mind's eye, that same smile Soushi gives her. But she wondered if their child really will inherit Soushi's physical feature or hers…
"I see…It must be rare for him to show that side…"
"The tea is to you liking?"
"Yes," Ririchiyo said as she gazed into the tea's reflection, "Its very soothing, Soushi.."
"Is there anything more I can get for you?"
"No, I am fine," She answered as she struggled to rise up from the sofa.
Soushi reached out, taking Ririchiyo's hand in his, helping her rise to her feet. How she hated to feel so helpless and weak, but she was grateful for Soushi's doting nature.
"Thank you. I think I will go and partake in the Kan's bath now."
"Would like for me to go with you?"
"No. You're not permitted to enter the Women's bath.."
"But-."
"Please. I will fair well on my own, Soushi. If I am to need assistance, I will ask Roromiya-san or Nobara-san if they could oblige."
"Very well, but please, if you would humor me," Soushi said as he placed her cell phone in Ririchiyo's hand, "Contact me if something were to happen."
Ririchiyo's face flushed as she quickly placed her phone into her pocket.
"Yes."
She gathered a change of clothing in her arms and slowly walked to the door, making her way to the Ayakashi Kan bath.
"Oh, Ririchiyo-chan!" Nobara gushed as she entered the bath.
"Chiyo-chan, Good evening." Karuta said as she licked the remaining chocolate Pocky from her fingertips.
"Good evening, Nobara-san, Roromiya-san."
"How are you feeling, Ririchiyo-chan? I heard you were on bed rest! My poor Ririchiyo-chan~!"
"I'm fine. It was only to prevent a spinal injury. It was nothing too critical."
"I'm so glad to hear that! When I think of your changing body, I still have the urge to strangle Miketsukami-kun for doing this to my Ririchiyo-chan."
"That's not funny!" Ririchiyo shouted.
Nobara stepped into the bath, pulling back her long blonde hair and wrapping a fresh towel around her curves. Karuta followed suit, taking a seat beside Ririchiyo.
"So, so? Have you been feeling the baby kick lately, Ririchiyo-chan?"
"Yes, he's been livelier than usual lately."
"May I feel?" Nobara asked as a mischievous gleam crossed her expression.
"Somehow with that look in your eyes, I can't trust you."
"Aw, please? I promise not to harm you, Ririchiyo-chan!"
"Fine, fine. Just please stop whining."
Nobara giggled and reached over, caressing Ririchiyo's stomach with her fingertips.
"Ah! He's kicking! So cute~!"
"Baby…" Karuta said as she placed her palm on Ririchiyo's stomach.
"Are you two quite done?"
"Sorry, Ririchiyo-chan. I suppose we are only excited for you.."
"Yes, it seems that word is being used frequently lately."
"Hmm? What's the matter, Ririchiyo-chan?"
Ririchiyo shook her head and carefully stood up, stepping up onto the edge of the tub.
"Ririchiyo-chan? Where are you going?"
"Bathroom."
"Do you need assistance?"
"No, please enjoy your bath."
She wrapped a towel around her, making way for the bathroom. She cursed under breath as Ririchiyo rushed for an open stall. She hate the constant weight on her bladder for the incessant urination would happen at the most inappropriate times. Ririchiyo leaned her head against the mirror in the women's restroom, her eyes gazing into her pale reflection. She knew her complexion had always been pale but this time…her skin seemed to gleam like moonlight. This must be what it meant to have a motherly glow. She sighed and lifted her head from the glass, slowly making her way back to the bath.
"Ririchiyo-chan, may I wash your back?" Nobara said, the mischievous glint appearing in her eyes once more.
"No. I can do that myself."
Nobara smiled, her eyes scanning Ririchiyo's body.
"What are you staring at, Nobara-san?"
"My, My! Ririchiyo-chan's breasts have enlarged!" she said, drool dripping down the corners of her lips.
Ririchiyo blushed and covered her breasts, turning her chest away from Nobara's view.
"Would you please not gawk at my chest! It's too perverted!"
"Sorry, Sorry! I just couldn't help but notice! It seems Ririchiyo-chan will be breast-feeding for a long time by the looks of your breasts!"
"I told you to stop gawking!"
"Milk…" Karuta said.
"The both of you stop this perverted dribble!"
Nobara laughed and leaned back against the bath, looking up at the stained-glass ceiling.
"Now, now. All joking aside…May I ask something, Ririchiyo-chan?"
"Go on."
"I've been wondering lately…how is Miketsukami coping with your pregnancy?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Does he seem a bit nervous?"
"No…he seems more elated than anything else. He has been doting on me more than usual, but I suppose that comes with the excitement of becoming a father."
"I see."
"Why do you ask, Nobara-san?"
"No particular reason.."
"Somehow it feels like you know more than you're letting on, Nobara-san…"
"Tell me, Ririchiyo-chan…have you thought of what your family may do if they discover your pregnancy?"
Ririchiyo's heart skipped a beat. Wait, now that she thought about it…She hadn't thought of her family…then again, they may not want to know.
"No, I haven't."
"You must be a bit hesitant…I can't say I blame you, Ririchiyo-chan…"
"Where are you leading this to, Nobara-san?"
"I suppose what I'm saying is…do you think it wise not to tell your family?"
Ririchiyo rolled her shoulders and stared up at the ceiling. Maybe it would be wise to inform her family, but then again…was it really worth all that frustration and rejection. She certainly did not think that kind of situation would be good for her…or Soushi.
"Nobara-san, I don't think it would be good for any of us to inform my family…It would not be healthy for me or our child…beside, I do not think they would pay much attention to it.."
"Ah, I see…then I suppose it would be best to keep this within our little family here…"
"Yes…"
She hated hiding this type of news from her family, but Ririchiyo knew that the Shirakiin household would care less about the outcome of her life with Soushi…or would they? But she did not want to risk anything to find out.