A/N: Author says "The story is finished guys! Yo, the epilogue is coming, Mr. White!"
Author experiences a writer's block; author sees the mess that is Matsuri Hino's writing come back to life in yet another installment of the demise that is Vampire Knight. Author loses inspiration and hope and… binge-watches a lot of dramas.
The author (me) is very sorry for this. But! This is it. This is where it alllll ends. How many authors can whip up a 11K epilogue!? Not many! I dedicate this to all of you – to those of you who have continuously reviewed and followed the story; to those of you who have been silently reading, favoriting and following… Thank y'all. I had so much fun writing this story, and though my interest in the VK series is waning, I still have a lot of passion for this couple and this story. Besides, the latest VK chapter kinda gave me some yume hope?
I hope you'll like this conclusion. Thank you for reading!
Quiet-Intensity, OUT!
"Also, about the merger, I'm thinking we sho–"
The doors opened all of a sudden, revealing a tiny brown-haired girl. Her doe eyes widened upon recognizing the man speaking. Wasting no time, she charged through the doors and ran awkwardly towards the desk, tiny brown curls bouncing on her shoulders as she did so.
"Papaaaaaa!"
Kaname was out of his chair in a second, crouching down and opening his arms wide to receive the little girl that was running towards him.
"Aiiiii!" He cooed, hugging her tightly after she crashed into his chest.
"Lift me up, papa! Lift me up!" She demanded, her tiny hands clutching his shirt.
Kaname chuckled and obliged, holding her against his side as he reclaimed his height. "As my little princess wishes," he nuzzled her nose affectionately, feeling his heart swell with love as she nuzzled him back cutely. "Where's mommy?"
"Ai!"
Kaname looked up to see his wife lingering by the entrance of the office, panting as some of her hair stuck to her forehead. "When did you get so fast? How many times have I told you not to barge into your father's office like that?"
Ai grinned cutely in response, hiding her face in the crook of Kaname's neck. "Ai just wanted to see papa!"
"And papa isn't complaining," Kaname chuckled, kissing the top of his daughter's head. "Actually, he finds it pretty cute. It reminds him of another important girl in his life…"
"Who, papa? Who?" Ai demanded, her eyes wide.
"Mommy," Kaname grinned, winking at Yuuki as she walked over. She blushed, caught off-guard.
"Hey now, I was working here and besides–"
"Mama is just as bad as Ai!" Their daughter laughed.
Yuuki clenched her fists as she tried to hide her grin from emerging. "You two are always ganging up on me…"
"Nuh uh!" Ai said, waving her arms. "Right, Papa?"
"Nuh uh," he echoed, his eyes softening as Yuuki came closer.
"Come here, Mama, come here!" Ai yelled. "Papa and Ai loves Mama very much! We really do!"
Yuuki pursed her lips, her eyes narrowing as she halted. She pounced on them, tickling Ai. "You better, you little monkey! Always stirring up so much trouble…" Laughter bubbled out of Ai's throat as she trashed in Kaname's arms.
"Mamaaa! Ssstop!" She laughed heartily.
Yuuki obliged, retracting her hands and smiling softly at her little family. Her eyes met Kaname's; without exchanging words, she reached up on her tip-toes and kissed him.
"Mama and Papa are kissing! Kiiiissing!" Ai sang. "Grandma Juuri says that the only thing Mama and Papa do is kiiissing!"
Yuuki snorted. "Grandma Juuri sure likes to tell stories, ne? What, you don't like it when Mama and Papa kiss? Shall we stop?"
"Ai doesn't mind!" Ai proclaimed. "But Papa will be very sad if Mama stops kissing Papa! Grandma Juuri said Papa is like a puppy in love!"
"It seems like Grandma Juuri likes to talk a lot, huh?" Kaname said, furrowing his brows. "Well, she's right. Papa loves Mama's kisses, but you know what else he loves?"
"What's that?" Ai questioned eagerly.
"Ai's kisses," he said, nuzzling her cheek. "Will you give me one now, please?"
"Haai!" She said, kissing his cheek cutely.
Yuuki smiled and rolled her eyes. "My, my… you two are hopeless, ne?"
Ai shrugged. "Dunno!"
Yuuki giggled and pinched her daughter's cheek lightly before turning towards Kaname. "How are you?" She spoke softly.
"Good now that my favorite girls are here," Kaname replied, shifting Ai as she giggled in his arms. "How did it go?"
"Good," Yuuki shot a look towards the other occupant in the room. "Sorry, Ichijou, I almost didn't notice you there…"
Ichijou waved a tired hand. "Oh, it's fine. You two have been doing it ever since you started working for him and up until now. I'm used to it!"
"I see you, Uncle Ichijou!" Ai yelled, startling Kaname. "Put me down, papa! I wanna go to Uncle Ichijou, too!"
Kaname obliged hesitantly, not really willing to let her go. Ai sprinted from him to Ichijou, waiting for him to pick her up. Unable to resist her charm – beguiling eyes that she'd inherited from Kaname, and her dimples and smile from Yuuki – he picked her up.
"My, my, you're getting so big, Ai! How old are you now? 10?"
"Noo!" Ai said, her cheeks getting flushed. She held up three fingers. "Three! Almost four!"
"Oh goodness, already? You're an old lady now!"
"Am not! Grandma Juuri is an old lady!"
"Ah, yes... that's true," Ichijou chuckled and yawned.
"You look awfully tired, Ichijou," Yuuki remarked from the other side of the room, noticing the dark circles beneath his eyes and his greyish complexion. "Should you even be here?"
"Ah, you know," Ichijou chuckled lightly, rubbing his eyes, "triplets and all… Triple the screaming and triple the wake-up calls in the middle of the night, heh."
"Should I be worried?" Yuuki wondered. "Is my selfish husband keeping you away from home and sleep?" She narrowed her eyes at Kaname as she poked him in the chest.
"Not at all!" Ichijou laughed. "I'm glad I can go here… I mean, Sara is great with the kids and I love them so much… but there's only so much screaming a man can take before he goes mad. The silence of the office is rather… comforting."
"Ah, I see," Yuuki smiled. "We didn't have that problem with Ai. She barely screamed at all, haha! My little brave princess!"
Ai giggled and blushed, delighted by her mother's affection. She tugged at Ichijou's shirt impatiently. "Uncle, uncle! Can we go draw?"
"Sure," Ichijou said, nodding towards Yuuki and Kaname as he left for the conference room with Ai in his arms. Said conference room was used to host several important business meetings that affected the future of the Japanese economy – and the atelier of renown crayon artist Ai Kuran, and her various comrades whenever her father was busy with meetings.
Yuuki sighed, watching the two disappear out the doors. "I wish I had her energy levels…"
Kaname pulled her into his arms, stroking her back gently as he rested his chin on top of her head. "Tired?"
"Mhm," Yuuki hummed, closing her eyes as she relaxed into her husband's chest. "A lot lately…"
"Must be the stress of the paper…" Kaname mused. "You never got around to finish what you were saying, by the way. How did it go?"
"Oh, yeah, really good," she said, pulling slightly back from his embrace. "They were very positive about the expansion and taking it overseas. Which is… rather mind-blowing, considering the fact that we started up only 5 years ago!"
Five years ago, not long after she and Kaname got married, Yuuki and Yori started up their own news service. Due to Yuuki's experience with the Shizuka incident and the revelation of how modern journalism had degraded into click-baits and sensationalism, Yuuki found in her a desire to free herself of the old traditions at the paper she'd been interning at. With encouragement from Kaname, she approached Yori with her business idea, and was relieved to find that Yori had the same feelings on the subject.
Together, they started an independent web-based news service in Japan. Having attended many galas and important meetings with Kaname, Yuuki knew what kind of people she needed to contact in order to get the start-up going. It started on the web-platform, and as it grew bigger, more investors joined in on the project. Yori used her contacts from her limited time as a journalist, and soon the web-page was garnering massive amounts of hits everyday.
Their news service soon turned into a big hit and became a sensation, most notably because two women ran it. Both Yuuki and Yori were awarded with numerous accolades for their hard work and for paving the way for women in Japan. Finally, Yuuki found a way to break free from the trophy-wife stigma many had assigned to her since she was married to one of the most powerful men in Japan, and made a name for herself.
The online paper took a lot of her time away, but with the help of Yori and their other faithful co-workers, Yuuki found a way to balance her professional life with her private life. As expected, Kaname was busy like always with travelling and meetings, but together they found ways to catch up, prioritizing each other over less immediate matters.
It took a lot of hard work and dedication – but then again, that's how they got to the point they were at in the first place. The love that once was considered forbidden between the two was now widely accepted and acknowledged. When they first announced their relationship to the press, it was difficult and trying, but they made it through and soon enough, the press settled down and left them alone.
"My lovely wife is as intelligent and hard-working as she is charming and beautiful," Kaname gushed, grinning when her signature rosy blush bloomed on her cheeks. "My very own blushing editor-in-chief."
"You're never going to get tired of teasing me, aren't you?" Yuuki huffed, feeling her cheeks heat up.
"Correct," Kaname quipped.
"And just when I thought you'd ran out of things to tease me about…" Yuuki pouted, her brows furrowing as she scowled at him. He found the action to be unbearably cute – like he did with any expression of hers.
"I have a storage of subjects I want to tease you about," he announced proudly, "and I keep adding to it everyday. I'll never run out of things, which is pretty great since I'm going to be with you for the rest of my life. Speaking off…" He tipped her chin up and leaned down, his eyes softening and brimming with warmth as he looked at her.
"Happy anniversary, wifey," he whispered, sealing her lips with his own.
Yuuki smiled into the kiss, grasping the fabric of his shirt. "Mmh, happy anniversary to you too, my wicked husband."
Kaname grinned in response and kissed her again. "Hope you won't be tired for tonight…"
She pursed her lips. "Hmm… I'll see if I can muster up some energy. What are you planning?"
"Well, you know all those years ago when I promised you an airplane?"
Yuuki gasped. "No! I don't remember that, and I don't want one!"
"Five years of marriage, and you turn into a spoiled wife… you're rejecting that offer because you're still pining for that spaceship, aren't you?"
Yuuki laughed heartily. "No! And besides, if you think I'm spoiled, it's because you spoil me all the time."
"Me? Never," he balked.
"Yeah? Then why'd I find a dress and some really, really, ridiculously expensive-looking jewelry on the bed today?" Yuuki narrowed her eyes, jabbing a finger in his chest.
"Because it's our anniversary and I wanted to give you a gift," he quipped.
"Gifts," Yuuki corrected, trying to fight her smile.
"All right, gifts," Kaname shrugged."Ah, whatever will I do?" He gasped. "I'm such a horrible husband; buying you gifts in hopes you will use them tonight for when I take you out on a date… I'm the worst."
"Stop it!" Yuuki said, slapping his chest. "It's not that I don't appreciate your gifts and tokens of affection, but… you know I don't need all that. I just need you by my side, supporting me and loving me. Besides…" She trailed off, shyly tucking a hair behind her ear. "I feel like I can't give you something equally amazing in return. I mean… you don't wear dresses and jewelry…"
"It would be strange if I did," Kaname quipped, smiling when she laughed. "But Yuuki… you know I can't resist. It's just who I am. And besides, I don't want or need any material things from you… just waking up next to you everyday is all I'll ever need. Having you as my wife and my partner is the ultimate gift. No, our daughter is the best gift you've ever given me, and I don't need anything else," he said softly, tipping her chin up and gazing into her eyes. "So stop saying silly things and wear the damn dress, you stubborn goldfish."
Yuuki giggled at the old nickname. As a result to their constant reference to the word, Ai had demanded they get her an actual goldfish for her 3rd birthday. Yuuki and Kaname, being the strict and proper parents they were… indulged immediately. It was always hard for them to resist the adorable eyes of their child, and even when they tried to act strict with her, she always found a way to soften them up.
They were both helpless to the whims of little Ai Kuran.
And they wouldn't have it any other way.
Luckily though, Ai had yet to fully investigate the origins of the goldfish story. Telling their 3 year old daughter that mama had come home drunk from a college party one day, babbling about crazy ex-girlfriends and exploding goldfishes, wasn't exactly… appropriate.
"Fine, fine," she said, sliding her hands down his chest lovingly. "You know… I actually have a gift for you. You've been wanting it for maaany years, now…." She teased, her eyes sparkling.
He narrowed his eyes at her. "Knowing you… it could be anything…" His smile widened as his eyes twinkled spectacularly. "By chance… are you going to surprise me in the office in another lingerie set?"
"Shush!" Yuuki said, slapping a hand on his mouth, looking around the office. "Don't say that out loud! It never happened!"
He grabbed her hand and released himself. "What never happened? The first, second or third time?"
"Shh!" Yuuki hissed. "I don't know what you're talking about!"
"No?" Kaname's voice dropped an octave, his eyes smoldering. "I have some time off now, and our lovely daughter is not within ear-shot…" He tapped the desk next to him, pushing away some papers. "Allow me to refresh your memory."
Yuuki blushed furiously, still not able to cope with his overwhelming allure and charm, even after having known him for almost 10 years. She blinked, eyeing her husband and the handsome features of his face. Though he was well into his thirties, he looked nothing like it. Sure, there were a few miniscule frown-lines and signs of age, but if she had to be perfectly honest with herself, it was sexy. Actually, the older he got, the more attractive Kaname became.
His eyes, which would sometimes sparkle with mischief like they did now, or gaze at her with the uttermost adoration, were the same as they'd always been. When she'd noticed that Ai had inherited his signature shade of garnet, she'd been overwhelmed with joy.
She bit her lower lip, thinking of the gift she was carrying with her and how he would react. Her eyes softened automatically as she smiled and kissed him, catching him off-guard.
She playfully tugged at his tie, smiling up at him after they broke away from their kiss. "Maybe one day we'll do a repeat of this… indecent suggestion of yours so you can refresh my memory. But tonight's gift… is a little more special than that."
He nuzzled her nose, his eyes brimming with warmth. "I can't wait to see what it is. And though I'm certain I'll love whatever you have in store for me, I'd like to request that you promise me one thing for tonight."
"What's that?" She wondered, her eyes widening as he leaned in close.
He licked his lips. "That I get to see you naked."
Yuuki snorted. "You see me naked all the time!"
"All the time isn't enough," he whispered, his expression turning serious as his eyebrows furrowed.
Yuuki laughed, slapping his chest. "Pervert!"
"You love it," he shot back.
"That's debatable."
"Really?" His eyebrows rose on his forehead. "You think I'm the only perverted one in this relationship?"
"I know so," Yuuki grinned.
Kaname chuckled. "Don't think I don't notice how you like to peep at me in the shower, when I'm all vulnerable and naked. That's just sick."
"I…" Yuuki blushed as she fought to contain her laughter, walking backwards slowly. "… don't know what you're talking about and… I need to go and drop off our daughter at Haruka and Juuri's place!" With that, she turned quickly, trying to escape his charms.
Kaname slapped her behind slightly, wiggling his eyebrows when she turned and gave him a half-scowl and a half-grin. "You'll pay for that tonight."
"I'm sure it'll be an anniversary worthy of remembrance," he teased.
She paused by the doorframe and turned, leaning against it.
"Hey Kaname…" Her brows furrowed in thought. "Which wedding anniversary?"
"You tell me," he grinned.
Five years ago….
"Kaname…"
"Mmh?"
"Listen, I love you, but…"
"But what?"
"I… I can't take this anymore!" Yuuki yelled, breaking free from his tight embrace. Her wide-eyed fiancé watched as her chest rose with rapid movements as she panted, a trickle of sweat slithering down between her breasts.
Stunned, he stared at her for a minute, taking in the broken expression on her face.
"Wha… Yuuki, what… what are you saying?" He stuttered.
"I can't take the heat!" Yuuki exclaimed, flailing her arms around.
He blinked.
"Don't take it the wrong way," she pleaded as she laid down next to him, reaching out with her hand to stroke his face. "I looooove cuddling with you, but it's… it's too hot! How aren't you dying from a heat stroke?"
"Ohhh," Kaname breathed, relieved she wasn't suddenly declaring the end of their relationship, but that it was actually the stifling heat that she couldn't take anymore. Actually, now that he thought about it, he was sweating; his white linen shirt stuck uncomfortably to his frame, especially on his back. How hadn't he noticed this?
As Yuuki blabbered on about the heat and the consequences of not being hydrated in warmer climates, the ring on her finger caught the light, capturing his attention.
Oh, that's right.
He was in bed with the woman of his dreams. His former secretary and current fiancé.
Of course he didn't notice trivial things like him dying of a heat stroke.
He silenced her moving mouth with a kiss, smiling as she gasped in surprise.
"You really are cute," he hummed as he pulled back, stroking her cheek with his index finger.
"C-cute? I'm sweaty and icky!" His fiancé complained. "Look! You're already getting delirious and saying weird things! This heat isn't good for you!"
He placed his head on her chest, snuggling into her covered breasts as he sighed happily, listening to her babble on. Kaname could die right now for all he cared; he would still be the most blissful man in the world.
"You know, there's only one solution to this…" He trailed off.
Yuuki's delicate hand, which had been busy petting his hair softly, halted when he spoke. "And what's that?" She spoke softly.
"Jacuzzi," he growled, getting up from the bed and picking her up. Yuuki squealed in surprise and giggled, holding onto him as he carried her out to their terrace.
The view of the ocean greeted them; deep azure blue hues crashed against the white sand of the Maldives, creating a wonderfully picturesque sight. The sun dwindled down in the distance, casting off rays of red, pink, orange and yellows, coloring the sky one last time.
They shed their clothes quickly and entered the Jacuzzi, Yuuki squealing in delight as the temperature of the water clashed with the temperature outside. Kaname was quick to pour them some champagne, caging her in against the edge of the Jacuzzi.
He handed her a flute and raised his own, preparing for a toast.
"To my hot fiancé," he purred, "literally."
Yuuki's face, which was already red from the heat, became even rosier as she giggled shyly. "To the most perfect vacation ever," she said, clanking her glass against his.
They sipped their champagne in silence, watching the sunset together as bubbles erupted around them.
Yuuki rested her head on Kaname's shoulder as her eyes took in the sunset, a soft smile adorning her mouth. "Why does this feel like a honeymoon?" She muttered.
"I don't know," Kaname replied, "we're not married yet, so the real honeymoon isn't happening just yet. But how about this; this can be our pre-honeymoon honeymoon. Doesn't that sound good? It's like a test trip for us to… practice for the real thing."
Yuuki turned in his embrace, grinning at him. "If it is as wonderful as this, then I can't wait for the real deal."
"I'm happy you feel that way," Kaname murmured. "My main goal for this trip was for you to relax and forget everything about Shizuka and the outside world. I just want you to be happy."
"I am, Kaname," Yuuki smiled, nuzzling his nose, "I'm always happy when I'm with you."
The trip, as planned, had started in Singapore, where the two of them stayed at the same hotel they had stayed at all those years ago. It'd been bittersweet coming back to the place that tore them apart, memories crashing into Yuuki and overwhelming her with guilt.
"Why… why did you pick this place?" Yuuki whispered.
Kaname gazed at the sunset as he contemplated his answer. "I wanted to fix the past. No, actually… the past is the past, there's nothing we can do about it. But… I wanted to come back to the place where our relationship broke. And I wanted to reclaim it. For us to be able to be here and realize how far we've come; how much we've grown together. From now on, I want to remember this with fondness and happiness. Not pain. I want to make it ours."
"I hate myself." Yuuki breathed. "I hate myself for what I did to you. For ignoring your feelings, and then rejecting you the way I did when you confessed to me. Even if we're past that point, I still…"
"Don't," he said softly, turning towards her. "You have no reason to hate yourself. I did terrible things to you too; at that point in time, neither of us were mature enough to fully face our feelings. I hid mine in drinking and it backfired on me when I confessed to you. And your heart had been closed off for years before that, and even if I managed to prod it open slightly, it took your own efforts in therapy to fully open it. Yuuki, you are the love of my life, and the road we've walked to get to this point is something I cherish deeply," he grasped her hand and kissed the top of it, glancing at her ring. "So please, let go of all the pain of the past, and embrace the future with me."
"Kaname…" She breathed, silent tears running down her cheeks. She hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest. "Thank you. Thank you for being so calm and patient; so understanding and wise… everything I need. Without you, I'd be so lost. Let's make the best of our future together, ne?"
"Yes, Yuuki," he breathed, kissing the top of her head gently. "Let's do exactly that."
Later that night, she tucked him into bed like she did all those years ago. But this time, instead of running away and turning ice cold, she told him she loved him and kept him warm, pressing her body into his. And all was right in the world.
After overcoming their little confrontation with the past, things got easier. Though they'd mended that wound a long time ago, Yuuki still carried around some guilt over what happened. Coming face to face with the place where everything happened, and dealing with those memories with Kaname next to her, released the burden from her shoulders and she found forgiveness – for herself. From then on, she decided she would not spend her days dwelling over the past, and instead she would focus on the future – and him, her one and only love.
Their time flew by, and soon they found themselves in their second location in the Maldives. They spent their days alternating between lazing around and exploring the islands; relaxing in the Jacuzzi and making passionate love at night. Yuuki had been on a constant high ever since she'd stepped foot on the soil, and she owed it all to her fiancé.
My fiancé… soon to be husband. Kaname… my former boss.
Walking hand in hand, she couldn't help but sneak glimpses of his profile. He looked so carefree and beautiful; the sun had granted him a slight tan, which made his usual pale complexion come to life with color. The tips of his unruly hair were as soft as ever, however she could detect some grains of salt and minerals remaining from their snorkeling adventure in the ocean earlier that day. He wore white and khaki; and though she preferred him in usual darkened attire, she couldn't deny the fact that he looked devilishly handsome in such innocent colors. It suited him – but then again, everything suited him. He could show up in a hot pink kimono, and she'd still fancy him more than anyone.
Kaname was everything at once – and when she thought he couldn't possibly impress her any more or make her fall deeper in love, he turned around and surprised her. He was an endless series of surprises and revelations – and she loved every side of him he revealed to her.
"What are you thinking about?" Kaname wondered out loud, glancing down at her.
They were walking along the beach, enjoying the view. The sun was dipping down in the horizon, casting light upon the silent ocean. A light breeze fluttered their clothing, though it was a welcome breeze in the sweltering heat of the Maldives.
"I wish I could marry you right now," she confessed suddenly.
His ears perked at her words as he halted, gazing at her in surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah," she nodded. "I don't really care for a lavish ceremony with lots of people and expensive stuff being thrown at us… I just… I just want you, right now, as my husband. I'm… being weird, right?"
"Absolutely not," he murmured, stroking her cheek lovingly as he gazed at her. "I want to ge–"
"Ah, once again the universe has brought the three of us together. Such joy!"
Their eyes widened at the voice as they turned towards it, watching as the blonde man came walking towards them, his golden hair billowing around his head like a halo.
"I-Isaya?" Yuuki stuttered, shocked to see him of all people.
"Indeed it is I," he hummed, halting in front of them. "Wonderful, no? It seems our destinies are further intertwined than I previously believed. There is so much beauty in coincidences, no?"
"Uhh… yeah." Yuuki said, still speechless.
"What brings you here?" Kaname said, concealing his shock with a neutral smile.
"The universe," Isaya answered mysteriously, his white shirt fluttering in the wind.
"Okay…" Kaname responded uncertainly, for once in his life at a loss of words.
"Well isn't it obvious?" Isaya smiled. "You two want to get married. And I'm ordained. Isn't it clear that fate brought us here so I can bring you two together in holy matrimony?"
"Wha…" Yuuki shook her head. "How…? You really are ordained?"
"Yup," he quipped. "Wonderful isn't it?"
"Yeah! I mean…" She glanced at Kaname as if to say 'this can't be happening right now'. He shrugged in response.
"Uh…" She continued as the wind played with her hair. "Wonderful indeed. But Kaname and I wouldn't want to troub–"
"Nonsense!" Isaya said, throwing his hands to the side. "I would be overjoyed to marry the two of you. I've had my eye on you two for quite some time; I knew your zodiac signs were compatible, and when I first encountered you, I could feel the strings of fate knitting together. The vibe you two gave off, even when you were both oblivious to each other's feelings, was… otherworldly. A love like that is rare, my dear friends. So celebrating it is the least we can do."
"All right…" Yuuki said, still struggling to grasp his words.
"How so?" Kaname spoke up, startling Yuuki.
"How I knew?" Isaya questioned. When the brunette nodded in response, he smiled warmly, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly as his grey eyes focused on them. "Sometimes you just know. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you can't fight fate. You two were meant to be."
"Ooh, that's… well, that sounds like we're the protagonists of some epic novel," Yuuki chuckled awkwardly, tucking a hair shyly behind her ear. Truthfully, she felt the same way. That somehow she and Kaname were so deeply connected that their romance was inevitable. Perhaps they'd met in another life? Perhaps they'd lived and loved together before fate separated them?
Such silly thoughts, she shook her head. When did I become such a romantic?
"Well, Yuuki?" Kaname said next to her, his voice low and gentle. "What do you say? Shall we get married here?"
She glanced back and forth between Isaya and Kaname, trying to grasp the situation. On one hand she'd been pretty focused on the fact that marrying a Kuran would mean a big andlavish wedding, and while she'd dreaded it somewhat, she'd accepted it because she'd do anything for him – and his family – as long as she could call him her husband.
But now, she was on a faraway beach with her lover, the sun setting wonderfully in the horizon as a warm breeze kissed her heated body; she'd spent every waking minute with Kaname in his arms, laughing and kissing and exploring the world together – and still she couldn't get enough of him.
That had to be a sign, right?
"Yeah…" She said slowly, a shy smile tugging at her lips. Her smile widened as she gazed at him, watching his own smile radiate back at her. "Yes. My answer is yes," she nodded her head.
Kaname grinned at her, and faintly she thought he resembled an eager little boy in a candy store. "Wond–"
"Weell! It's gonna be late now, so I'm thinking tomorrow evening, yeah?" Isaya clapped his hands together. "Kaname, as the groom, you are not allowed to see your future wife until the ceremony. Luckily for you, I have a spare bed in my suite, so you will sleep there for tonight. I will make the necessary arrangements with the hotel, and by tomorrow, the two of you will be married. Ah!" He yelled, pounding his fist on his heart. "I love Love! I love life! Love! Life!"
"But I–" Kaname began to protest, unwilling to leave Yuuki's side for one night.
"Shush!" Isaya said. "You must do what I say, or else you'll taint your fate! Yuuki, get a good night's sleep tonight, all right? As Mercury moves into Venus, you two will have one steamy and amorous night on your first night as husband and wife!"
Yuuki's blush intensified against her own will as she gasped.
"The planets do not lie, my dear!" Isaya yelled, steering Kaname away from her.
She watched as the elder man led her fiancé away from her, shock reverberating through her body. Kaname turned over his shoulder and looked at her worriedly.
She shrugged and grinned, fighting the urge to giggle hysterically at the turn of events.
He grinned in response and winked, mouthing: "I love you".
"I love you too, Kaname…" She whispered as Isaya forced him to turn away, her heart filling with warmth and excitement over knowing that in a few hours he'd be her husband.
Isaya worked efficiently, and by the next day, the beach was littered with flowers and candles, which were placed upon wooden decorations. A small carpet was laid down on the beach for Yuuki to walk on, ending where the wedding arch was placed towards the sea.
The wedding arch was decorated with greenery and exotic flowers, pink and purples contrasting wonderfully against the pale sand that ruminated the landscape.
With the help of the locals, Yuuki walked down the carpet towards her future husband dressed in a simple white sundress. In her hands she grasped onto her bouquet, which the hotel workers had helped her put together just outside the hotels. The flowers matched those of the wedding arch, as did the rest of the hotel crew who watched silently on the side, each of them holding a smaller version of her bouquet.
It was all so wonderful and beautiful, yet she couldn't bring herself to care.
All she could care about was him, standing by the wedding arch, waiting for her like he'd done for so many years. His eyes on her, like they'd been for so many years, always looking out for her and adoring her secretly when she couldn't see herself properly. His smile – the one he reserved for her and only her – the smile that could calm her anxiety and make her knees go weak.
His tall frame, his strong arms that held her at night; his beautiful locks of mahogany that fluttered lightly in the breeze, making her long for the sensation of running her fingers through them; his voice, his charm – the endless list of perfection that was Kaname Kuran was standing right there, waiting for her to join him.
She couldn't be happier in this moment even if she tried.
With his heart beating erratically in his chest, Kaname watched as Yuuki Kurosu walked towards him with slow but determined steps. An asteroid could crash into the earth at this very moment, and yet he wouldn't be able to take his eyes off of her.
She was so beautiful in this moment; just like she was beautiful the day she walked into his office and the day she agreed to become his wife – to him she represented heaven and paradise incarnated in one person. To think, for so many years he'd pined secretly for her – almost giving up hope in their darkest times – and now she was marrying him under the sun, swearing to stay by his side through sickness and health, till death do them apart.
He swallowed the lump in his throat, finding the image of her walking towards him with love in her eyes unbearably touching. She'd tucked a rose over her ear; it matched her bouquet and contrasted wonderfully against her long locks of auburn that he adored.
She reached him and halted in front of him. Overwhelmed with emotion, all he could do was stare at her in a daze as she smiled at him. He just wanted to kiss her so badly–
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Kaname Kuran and Yuuki Kurosu," Isaya began, standing between them as he held each of their hands in his. "Through obstacles and heavy challenges, your souls have persisted in their journey toward their union, and a rare and unique love has blossomed between them. Today, you will join hands as husband and wife; together you will embark on the journey of life together; by each other's side, you will be forever connected; through sickness and health, through the good and the bad; till death do you part. You may say your vows."
"I take you as you are," Kaname began, his voice steady as he gazed upon his bride. "Now and forever; I will love you all the same through the good and the bad. I promise you from this day and onwards, I will strive to make you happy; to make you smile and laugh, and not to worry. I will celebrate and mourn with you; I will support you and accept your support. Together, we will build a life together that is far better than any of us could imagine. I chose you as my wife and partner, much like I chose you as my secretary all those years ago. You are the love of my life, and my heart will beat solely for you and our future children until the day I die. I love you unconditionally and eternally."
A lone tear slid down Yuuki's cheek as she sniffled.
"You were always so eloquent," she breathed. "And I stumbled along the way, unable to find the right words whenever it came to my feelings towards you. But you were patient and so kind; you waited for me to find my own strength and come to you. For that, I thank you, because without you I'd be eternally lost. You complete me; where I falter, you stand tall and hold my hand. The same applies to you; where you are flawed, I do my best to help you, and together we create miracles. I vow today to be your wife and your partner; through the good and the bad; through sickness and health; forever and ever till death do us part. You are my bestfriend; my lover; and as we build our life together, I will share my hopes and dreams with you; I will support you and guide you and in turn receive your support and guidance. I love you. Infinitely and eternally and…" She paused, catching her breath.
"I love you," she repeated, shrugging her shoulders as she smiled.
Isaya said a few more words, yet none of them registered in their ears as they lost themselves in each other's eyes. The sun shone brilliantly in the background, showering light and love upon the two as they took the final steps towards becoming one.
"Oh goodness!" Isaya gasped, realizing that his words fell upon deaf ears. "You are now husband and wife. Kiss the bride already!"
Kaname wasted no time, grabbed her around the waist and bending his head down, capturing her lips with his own. Yuuki responded eagerly, clutching onto his shirt as she clung to him. Vaguely she registered the hotel staff cheering and clapping in the background as they drizzled flowers over them, but all she could think about was his lips on hers.
This kiss was so different than any other they'd shared before; it felt like the beginning of everything; a way of sealing the past and readying themselves for their future together. It was their first kiss as husband and wife and she couldn't get enough.
As they reluctantly parted from each other due to the necessity of oxygen, they stared into each other eyes lovingly, a million emotions conveyed through their gaze as they basked in their moment.
"Finally," Kaname breathed, like he'd been holding onto the word for so long and waiting to release it at the perfect moment.
"Finally," Yuuki echoed, stroking his cheek as he rested his forehead on hers. "Finally we are where we belong."
"You got married!?"
"Y-es…"
"You're married!?"
"Yes…"
"As in married? As in husband and wife, till death do us part? Married? M-A-R-R-I-E-D?"
"Yes…"
"WITHOUT ME PRESENT!?"
"I'm sorry, mother in law!" Yuuki said, getting down on her knees and bowing her head. "We got caught up in the moment! I know you wanted to celebrate with us, but… It just happened! We're sorry!"
Yuuki tugged at Kaname's pants, urging him to join her in showing their regret. He sighed, sinking down into the same position as Yuuki. "I apologize, Mother, for not being able to include you in our wedding ceremony. Truthfully, neither of us planned this; like Yuuki said, it… just happened. Please forgive us."
"Ha! I can't… I can't… I…" Juuri fanned herself with her fan, trying to calm herself down. "I… You… I've been waiting for this ever since I gave birth to you, Kaname, and you're telling me you just got married… just like that! Without me!? Your mother!? Your birthgiver? I can't… I can't believe–"
"Well I think it's wonderful," Haruka chirped, putting a hand on Juuri's shoulder as he smiled at the newlyweds. "I'm happy for you."
Yuuki glanced up and grinned. "Really? I'm gla–" At the sight of Juuri's murderous look, Yuuki sealed her lips shut and resumed bowing her head.
"Well I'm not! This is an outrage!" Juuri yelled. She pointed a finger at Kaname. "You! Didn't I raise you better than this!?"
"Mother…" Kaname breathed, looking up at her. "Like I said, it was a spur of the moment decision. But you know we were going to get married eventually, and when the opportunity presented itself… we grabbed it," he said softly, reaching for Yuuki's hand. He grasped it tightly in his, his eyes glowing with warmth.
Yuuki straightened as well and glanced at him, a shy smile tugging at her lips.
"You!" Juuri bellowed as she pointed at Yuuki.
Startled, Yuuki looked back at Juuri. "Y-yes?"
"Are you pregnant!?"
"Not that I know of!" Yuuki replied automatically, like a soldier responding to their authority.
Juuri rolled her eyes and sighed. "You come home from vacation and tell me you got married without me present, and then you have no baby for me!? What's this!? Did you play chess on your wedding night or something!?"
"We played something all right… " Kaname snickered next to Yuuki, earning a slap on his arm from her.
"A-again, we're sorry! We won't do it again! I mean… obviously we won't, but if, hypothetically, we're offered the same opportunity again, we wouldn't do it. I swear!"
"Of course you'll do it again!" Juuri said. "Right, Haruka?"
"Yup," he quipped, smiling gently at Yuuki and Kaname.
"W-what?" Yuuki gulped.
"It's tradition," Haruka said. "In our family – which you are now officially a part of, horray! – when we get married, we host a large celebration and we invite all of our family. And yes, there are a lot of Kurans out there who expect an invitation to a lavish ceremony celebrating the union between a Kuran and their intended spouse. Then, there is a big press conference in which the newlywed couple announces their status and cements their relationship for the media to see. We're a business family, you know. Image is everything to us – the only difference is that our image is real."
"A… all that? I…" Yuuki shot an accusing glare at Kaname. "You never told me that!"
"I… was working my way up to it," he shyly admitted. "But I know you hate these lavish celebrations and such, so I decided to spare you. And besides, we're married now so it's no use."
"NONSENSE!" Juuri bellowed. "As a member of the Kuran family, it is your duty to go through with a proper wedding. You can't evade it! It's happening! You're getting married again, and that's final!"
"But… but…" Yuuki's eyes widened in panic. "What if I was pregnant?! Do we have to have the wedding then?"
"Well, are you?" Juuri said, crossing her arms as she narrowed her eyes at Yuuki.
"No, but I can get pregnant. Right now!" Yuuki said determinedly, tugging at Kaname's sleeve. "Let's go!"
"I'm not some breeding stallion…" Kaname murmured, hiding his face so his blush wouldn't show. All this talk about baby-making, adding to the fact that his alluring wife was adorning a beautiful traditional kimono, was making him feel rather embarrassed… and…
He glanced down at his lap.
Eager.
"Tsch!" Juuri spit. "I'll get my baby in due time. For now, the two of you are getting married. We'll scale it down so you're comfortable, Yuuki. But… please know that this isn't for the public. This isn't so the high class society can have something fancy to attend and gossip about. This is about family. For family. For us to have a chance to celebrate the two of you," she gestured at Haruka who remained rooted at her side, an arm wrapped around her waist. "Please… give this old young-looking lady the joy of watching her one and only son unite with his beloved. It would mean the world to me."
"Oh…" Yuuki sniffled. "When you say it like that, I guess… I kind of want to do it, too. I want my father to be there and my friends and my family and…. Well, only if you want to," she said, glancing over at Kaname.
"Of course," he replied gently, smiling at her as he tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "I'd marry you everyday if I could."
"Awh! You two! Come here!" Juuri cried, ushering them up from the floor. She hugged them tightly in her arms as she sobbed. "Haruka, come here! Group hug! Our son is getting married! Again!"
Haruka joined in immediately, crying with his wife as they held onto their son and daughter-in-law.
In between limbs and strays of dark brown hair, Yuuki and Kaname exchanged amused looks, sharing a silent promise that they would go through with the second wedding – if not for themselves, but for their beloved parents.
Get married they did, and the public celebrated them accordingly. All of Japan wanted to know about the mysterious brunette that had snared the heart of Kaname Kuran. They held a short press-conference announcing their marriage and answering questions from the press, all the while Yuuki grit her teeth together in embarrassment and annoyance. However, it was all worth it in the end.
They married – again, though only their closest friends and family knew of their official status as husband and wife – on a summer day, Kaname's eyes watering at the sight of his legally wedded wife sauntering down the hallway clad in her deceased mother's wedding dress. Kaien Kurosu led his daughter down the hallway with tears in his eyes, sobbing loudly as he let go of her hand, much to Yuuki's embarrassment. The rest of their friends and families were present, while the room was decorated in roses, lilies and peonies – arranged by Juuri Kuran herself, who, of course, had appointed herself as the wedding planner.
When Yuuki threw her bouquet into the crowd, women found themselves pushed aside as a determined being bulldozed through them, catching the bouquet expertly.
Yori's eyes widened as Hanabusa turned and got down on one knee and offered her the bouquet.
"Sayori Wakaba!" He yelled; his cheeks flushed scarlet as his lips quivered. "Will you marry me!?"
"A-Aidou, I…" Yori stuttered, clearly in shock.
"I know its sudden!" Hanabusa continued as if he hadn't heard her. "But when I saw our bestfriends getting married today, I couldn't help but selfishly want what they have for myself. Yori, you sexy, intelligent and wicked girl – you made me stumble into the deepest pits of love the second I met you – yes, I fell in love with you so deeply that I couldn't even speak properly. I want to pick the stars with you! I want to share my life with you! And I want to grow old with you, and wake up next to you every day – after a night of rigorous love-making–"
"Yes…"
"–and I know I don't have a ring, but hey, remember the first time I took you home, you weren't wearing panties so I guess we're even in that sense–"
"Aidou, you dummy!" Yori blushed, slapping a hand on top of his blabbering mouth. "I said yes already! Don't make me take it back!"
Ice blue eyes widened comically. "Y-you did? I mean… you do? You'll marry me?"
"Baka!" Yori yelled in his face, wiping her eyes. "Of course I will. I love you!"
"Hey! Who are you calling ba– oh, never mind! Kiss me!" Hanabusa yelled, grabbing her and planting her lips on hers.
The rest of the guests joined Yuuki and Kaname as they clapped and cheered for the new couple, flowers drizzling from the roof over them.
Nobles and the rest of the elite class were invited, and in-between formal conversations and introductions, surprise engagements and the traditional tasting of the wedding cake, Mr. and Mrs. Kuran managed to find some time to slow dance together, for the first time as husband and wife – well, officially.
"We're such a strange couple," she murmured against her husband's chest as they swayed to the music.
"Why?"
"We started out quite non-traditionally, and we got married in a very untraditional way. And then we got married again. I'm not complaining though. Actually, it's what makes life with you so exciting. I never know what to expect, but I'm always left with happiness and joy."
Kaname hummed lightly, the sound rumbling in his chest as Yuuki relaxed into him. "Indeed. Nothing about us is normal, but that's what makes everything so special, no?"
"Yeah," Yuuki nodded and glanced up from his chest. "Thank you for today. It was just as amazing as that time I married you on the beach."
"I'm glad," he whispered, nuzzling her nose as he halted. "As long as you're happy, I'm happy. Hopefully, you'll be happy for the rest of our life together."
"Of course I will, silly! With you by my side, there's nothing that can bring me down. Cheesy, I know, but at this point I feel like I can say such things. After all, we've come a long way from where we started…"
"I knew from the minute I met you that I wanted you. That hasn't changed, and it never will. So you can be as cheesy as you like; you can even come home drunk and mumble about goldfishes or get angry with me whenever I'm being 'perverted' as you so fondly say – I'll still worship the ground you walk on."
Overwhelmed with emotion, she hugged him tightly, willing herself not to cry as she clenched her eyes shut.
"Crying again, aren't you?" He whispered, amused by her affection.
"N-no," she sniffled, turning her face away.
"How many times do I need to tell you? Please don't turn away from me when you cry."
She turned back to him and frowned. "It's… it's annoying! And my make-up is smeared and I look ugly when I cry! I don't want you to see that!"
"Hey, goldfish," he said, brushing away her tears gently. "You're the most beautiful woman in the room. Crying, smiling, laughing or yelling – you're beautiful either way. So stop that nonsense."
She smiled sheepishly. "You're just saying that because you're my husband."
"And I love being your husband," he chuckled, "but I'm being an honest husband when I say you look beautiful."
"Hah! You're just hoping to score tonight on our second wedding night."
"You know me too well," he winked, sliding his hands down her sides slowly, feeling the curves of her body and wishing the wedding dress wasn't in the way.
Her eyes softened. "I do. I'm so happy over having you in my life. I feel like I've found my soulmate or something cheesy like that. Just…. Thank you for being you."
He kissed her forehead. "Your words move me. You should know by now that I feel the same, always have, always will. I don't need anything as long as I have you next to me." He pulled her hand up and rubbed the ring on her finger lightly. "You're mine now, goldfish."
Yuuki reached up on her tip toes and kissed her husband.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Yuuki clenched her teeth together as the pain bloomed in her lower body. Beads of sweat rippled down her forehead and temples as she threw her head back. Through the pain, she could register something cool being pressed on her forehead. It soothed her senses and made it easier for her to concentrate on something other than the pain.
"You're doing amazing," Kaname whispered in her ear, holding her hand with his right one as he used his left to dab a cool wipe on her forehead. "Just breathe, my love, just breathe…"
Yuuki panted, riding through the contraction. It'd been 32 hours since she'd been admitted into the hospital, and still she was stuck in bed with her swollen belly.
"I… can't believe… you got this… this… what even is it!? A suite!? For me?" She grit through her teeth as the pain eased.
Kaname glanced around the spacious and luxuriously decorated hospital room. On one side was a giant coach and TV, equipped with DVD's and a playstation. In the centre of the room was a beautiful chandelier emitting a soft glow, complimenting the champagne color scheme for the room.
"Only the best for my wife…?" He quipped uncertainly, afraid of her moodswings.
"Yes! But… I could've easily given birth in one of those normal rooms for normal people. I'd be fine! All this… expensive stuff makes me feel uncomfortable!"
"Well, do you want to move?" Kaname asked worriedly, looking around. "I can find a nurse and–"
"Who said anything about moving!?" Yuuki bellowed, startling him. "Does it look like I can move!?"
"No, no... Of course not, no, no…" Kaname whispered.
Yuuki drew in quick breaths of air, trying to calm herself. "Sorry… I'm just a little bit scared, that's all."
"I understand," Kaname said softly, brushing away the hair sticking to her face with his hand. "But I'm right here with you, Yuuki. I'm not going anywhere, I promise you. What you're about to do… I'm in awe, and I'm so grateful. You made me so happy just by marrying me, and now you're going to give birth to our daughter… I love you." He kissed her forehead and brushed her cheek tenderly.
"I love you too," she whispered, before glancing down at her stomach. "And I love you too, but if you don't come out soon, mommy is going to be very angry!"
Kaname chuckled at the interaction and rubbed her stomach. "Papa can't wait to meet you, little Ai," he whispered.
His wife's sniffles caught him off guard. He glanced back at her, finding her crying hysterically. "Aw, now look what you've done! You're making me cry again! You're always making me cry over happy things! Stop that!"
Kaname chuckled and kissed her tears away. "Sorry, Yuuki… But I'm always here to wipe them for you. And I'll wipe Ai's tears whenever she cries, too."
Yuuki sniffled and smiled through her tears. "Today is the first day of a new journey for us, Kaname," she said softly. "I'm glad I'm sharing it with you."
She wasn't so glad about sharing the journey with him a few hours later when she finally gave birth. As she clenched his hand with enormous pressure, she yelled out curse words and swore that she would never allow him to lay a finger on her again, already making plans about moving out of their shared bedroom and into her own separate room. He endured her light-hearted verbal abuse and the physical abuse of her hand on his as she pushed, whispering soothing words in her ear and wiping away her sweat.
And then, he heard his daughter cry for the first time, and the world stopped. Next to him, his wife quieted also. He watched as Yuuki held Ai for the first time, mesmerized by the love washing over him for the little bundle in Yuuki's arms.
And when he finally got to hold their daughter, he cried for the first time in many years, elated and overwhelmed and brimming with happiness.
"What are you smiling about?"
Kaname looked up from his food, finding his wife at the other side of the table shooting him a distrustful look. "Lewd thoughts again? You're incorrigible."
He shook his head and laughed. "For once, no. I was actually thinking of the day you gave birth to Ai. It's been three years already…"
Yuuki's expression softened as she gave him a tender look. "It's strange how time flies by, huh? A handful of years ago you brought me out on a disguised date while I was still your secretary, and here we are again, celebrating our actual anniversary." Her hand gestured to the familiar interior of The Knight restaurant, which they'd frequented ever since the time she was working for him.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Kaname replied, gazing at her tenderly. Perhaps he was biased this evening, but his wife looked extremely beautiful tonight, more so than usual. It was like there was a glow emitting from her, which was only being accentuated by the soft hues of the candles on their table. Her beautiful hair shone in the soft light, showcasing its auburn hues as it flowed in light curls down her back and shoulders. Her make-up was light and minimal, and like always she wore one of his favorite red dresses that made him weak with desire.
There was also something about her eyes. In them he found a mysterious allure that drew him in.
"Did you do something different tonight?" He wondered out loud.
"What do you mean?" Yuuki's eyes widened.
"You're the most gorgeous creature on this planet, but tonight you've done the impossible and outdone yourself. You look beautiful."
Yuuki blushed and smiled shyly. "Thank you… You look quite handsome yourself, Mr. Kuran."
"I'm glad to hear that. It's important that I match my beautiful wife," he winked and sampled his wine.
Yuuki giggled and glanced at her own drink.
"Is something wrong with the wine?" Kaname said worriedly, ready to call over the waiter and have another wine brought out.
"No, no," Yuuki waved her hand. "I just don't feel like it tonight. I… I'm just so full from the delicious food."
Kaname narrowed his eyes at his wife, unsure if she was speaking the truth or hiding something. He knew her well enough to decode her body language, but he decided not to delve too deep into it. If she was feeling unwell, maybe it was time to leave.
"Maybe we should go–"
"Why were you thinking about Ai's birth earlier?" Yuuki spoke at the same time, her voice low and soft.
"Huh?" Kaname wondered, confused by her sudden question. "Oh, well I… I was just reminiscing of how much time has passed and… well, that moment popped up because it meant so much to me. It was the greatest day of my life; next to the day I married you. And the other day I married you again."
Yuuki laughed. "We need to stop getting married all the time."
"Why? I like marrying you," he quipped, earning another laugh from her.
Yuuki sobered, her eyes glittering as she shot him a vulnerable look. "So… does that mean you'd be ready for another one?"
He cocked his head to the side. "Well, of course. I mean… that's what we've been trying to do for a while now, right?"
She nodded, looking to the side. "Mmh…"
"But you know…" Kaname reached over and covered her hand with his reassuringly. "There's no pressure and no rush from my side. I know it's taken a toll on you, but as long as we keep trying, we'll be able to give Ai a baby brother or sister in due time."
Yuuki bit her lower lip and smiled, nodding her head as she clenched his hand.
"Besides…" Kaname trailed off, bringing her hand up and kissing the top of it. "I like the trying part. It's important that we test out every option and opportunity. As many times as possible, you know. Practice makes perfect."
"Aaaand my pervert husband is back," Yuuki rolled her eyes.
"He's always here for you," Kaname winked before sobering. "Really though, Yuuki, I hope you understand what I mean. Please don't worry too much about it. And if we only end up with Ai, I'll still be the happiest man in the world."
"I love you." Yuuki replied, grasping his hand.
"And I love you," he answered, moving to get up. "Tell you what, let's just get out of here. You still want to see the fireworks right?"
She nodded absentmindedly, her eyes zoning in on the table in front of her. Kaname touched her shoulder lightly. "I'm gonna go and call the chauffeur. You just wait here, okay?" He moved away, walking through the silent restaurant, which he'd emptied for this occasion. Being co-owner had it perks – especially when you wanted to surprise your wife on your anniversary.
Kaname pulled out his phone and tapped the number. "Hi, Hiroto? Yes, we finished now and–"
"I'm pregnant!"
Kaname turned around and froze, finding his wife up on her feet, her hands clenched at her sides. Her doe eyes were wide and her mouth was open, like she was startled over her own announcement.
"What was the address again, Mr. Kuran?"
"It's, it's… uh…" Kaname blabbered, watching his wife with incredulous eyes.
"Mr. Kuran? The address?"
"Uh… I'm gonna have to call you back," Kaname quickly mumbled, ending the call.
"I'm sorry!" Yuuki yelled, slapping a hand over her mouth. "I was gonna wait until we were under the fireworks to tell you, and then I kind of had this big revelation over our life together and how much you've wanted another baby, a-and then I kept thinking that maybe the fireworks would be so noisy you wouldn't be able to hear me and that would just make things so awkward, and then I thought I could tell you in the car but that would be kinda–"
"Yuuki."
"- kinda lame too, cause that's not exactly how you want to hear that kind of news–"
"Yuuki," Kaname said, this time with more force in his voice. Yuuki's mouth snapped shut as she watched him stand frozen on the spot, his phone on the floor.
He stared at her intensely, and for a second she had the urge to cower and hide, but then his eyes glowed with warmth as a beautiful smile adorned his mouth, and she felt warmth spread throughout her body.
Then he ran towards her and picked her up, lifting her as he kissed her and spun her around. She giggled at his affection and held onto him, unable to fight her own grin.
"I don't even know what to say…" He breathed, looking into her eyes. "Really? You're pregnant? Really?"
"Yes," she nodded excitedly. "I'm pretty sure the 20 positive pregnancy tests I left on the bathroom floor should attest to that."
"This is amazing," he said, eyes filled with wonder. "Everyday you fill my heart with happiness, and just when I thought you couldn't make me any happier, you turn around and do just that. I love you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you." He rained kisses on her face, overwhelmed by the rush of happiness.
"You make me happy too, Kaname," Yuuki whispered against his lips as he put her down. She clung to him still, resting her hands on his sturdy chest as she gazed into his eyes. "You don't need to thank me. I need to thank you for always being there for me, and for being such a good father to Ai. You've turned my life into a dream, and I have to pinch myself everyday to see if it's all real. I love growing together with you; I love raising Ai with you and I love sharing my life with you – and now, we will share another journey together…" She said, brushing her stomach absentmindedly.
"You had me scared there for a minute, goldfish," he whispered. "We kept trying and trying with no results. I didn't know how to console you… How long…?"
"I found out two weeks ago," she admitted sheepishly. "I wanted to tell you right away, but I figured surprising you on our anniversary would be better. I planned to do it under the fireworks, but…" She laughed lightly, a fresh blush staining her cheeks.
"It doesn't matter to me," Kaname whispered, kissing her lips. "Just hearing that you're pregnant again makes my heart swell with happiness."
"I'm glad," Yuuki replied, smiling gently. "I've booked a doctor's appointment which I hope you can join me on. And I guess we'll have to tell your mother soon enough…"
Kaname snorted. "She'll be so ecstatic she'll fall of her chair."
Yuuki giggled. "It wouldn't be Juuri Kuran if she didn't run around the place with joy upon news of another grandchild…"
Kaname nodded his head in acknowledgement. "True. Now," he brushed her chin with his finger gently, "how about some fireworks to end this amazing evening?"
"I'd love that," she replied, grasping his hand as he led her out of the restaurant, resting her head on his shoulder. They watched the fireworks in awe, marveling at the beautiful colours that blossomed in the dark sky over Tokyo, looking like the universe itself was exploding in front of them.
And then, Kaname thought about that fateful day she walked into his office. He glanced at her, as she looked up at the sky, unable to fight his smile. His lover, his wife – the mother of his child, currently carrying their second child – she was everything to him. His sun in the morning, his love and his life.
He sealed her lips with his own, conveying his love and gratitude in the simple action. Under the fireworks they kissed, celebrating the start of yet another journey together and the many years they had to come.
"Ai nee-san?"
The office was eerily silent as the young brunette entered the office. He'd expected to find his older sister behind her CEO desk, diligently working away like she always did. Except this time, the desk was empty and his sister was nowhere to be seen.
"Over here," came her whisper. Curiously he followed the sound, stepping around the office desk and finding her lying down on the floor, her auburn tresses spread out on the floor like a halo around her.
"Nee-san!" He hissed. "What's wrong? What are you doing on the floor?"
Ai groaned uncharacteristically, slapping a hand on her face.
"Why, is the CEO job too much for you?" He teased her. "Did father pick the wrong kid to inherit the company?"
"Of course not! I can handle it!" Ai snapped, clearly agitated by something. Like her father, she was calm and level-headed – the perfect candidate to take over for him once he decided to retire from the job and focus on his other passions – which of course meant their mother and their charities. From him, she'd learned from an early age the basic instincts needed for a businesswoman, and through observation and intense studying, she'd managed to win the approval of her father who already adored her beyond limits.
But like her mother, she was a victim of her own stubbornness and emotional confliction. "A tough cookie, that one," Grandmother Juuri had whispered once, her eyes shifting between Yuuki and Ai.
"What is it then?" Her younger brother wondered out loud.
"I'm in love," she breathed out, her garnet eyes wide as she stared at the ceiling in wonder.
"Ah, cool!" He grinned. "With who?"
"My secretary."
"Ehh!?" He gasped. "Seiren!? But she's like… just as old as dad!"
"No, not her!" Ai hissed, waving her hands around.
"Actually… he's supposed to be my personal assistant, but the official title is secretary. Well, co-secretary since Seiren is only stepping down 50%."
"Oh, when'd you hire him then? I've never seen him around…"
"Today."
"Today, huh… wait, today!? As in today!?"
"Yes!"
"And… and you're in love with him already?"
"Yes!"
"Nee-san," he scratched his head, "I think I was right earlier when I said this job was too much for you. You're already doing crazy things. I have to tell mom!"
"No!" Ai protested. "She'll flip and insist that I'm just as hopeless as my father. After all, he too hired someone he was in love with. And it was her!"
Yumeto sighed, and for a moment he looked eerily like their father whenever he was worrying over their mother. "Well, if you think about it, that was a success. I mean, they're still happily married and they have us. Hey, this could be the start of something wonderful!"
"R-really?" Ai whispered, her eyes widening. Like her mother and father, she was a beauty in her own right, though most compared her to her father more than her mother. She had the same stoic face of Kaname Kuran, and the gentle nature of her mother, Yuuki Kuran. Being the heir of the Kuran empire was a huge burden, especially considering the fact that she was a woman, however her father's unfaltering belief in her had made her take on the job. It also helped to have her mother by her side, who in her own right, had become one of the leading women of the finance world in Japan.
"I mean…" She spluttered. "Baka! Don't say stupid things like that. This is a disaster and… and… I don't know what to do!"
Yumeto smiled gently; wavy auburn hair framed his face as maroon eyes softened. "You know why they named you Ai? Because despite everything they went through, their love was strong enough to keep them together. Love bound them together and you were a result of it. To you, who shield your heart like no other, love should come naturally due to your origins, but you keep running from it."
Ai smiled, sitting up and ruffling his hair affectionately. "When did my little brother become so perceptive, huh? I thought you were only good for music and art."
"Because I'm a dreamer, ne? Mother always said that Father made her feel like their life together was a dream. And from that dream I came to be. I guess… despite being younger than you, I can always guide you in the right direction when you're feeling lost. Like… Right now. Nee-san, you're laying on the floor after all."
"Tch," Ai snorted, running a hand through her wavy dark hair. "I got it from my father."
"So what are you going to do?"
Ai pursed her lips. "Ask the originals? Hah, no. Mother and Father can't know. I need to figure it out for myself."
"I'll help you," Yumeto smiled, petting her head. "My big sister likes to act tough, but deep down she's a softie. And maybe a little bit emotionally slow…?"
"Hey! Who are you calling slow!?" Ai barked. "I graduated with top scores. But when it comes to love… it's so difficult!"
"I understand," Yumeto said, stroking her hair gently. "I've had my fair share of heartbreaks too, but… in the end, it's always worth it. The most important thing is that you don't let your fear take over. Open your heart, nee-san, and the world will become such a better place."
Ai hugged her brother tightly, overwhelmed with emotion from his reassuring words. They'd always been close when they grew up, and when their parents welcomed their younger sister, they'd grown even closer. She was so grateful for her family; they were her strength and anchor, the support system she relied on whenever things got tough at work or in her life. Her parents and her siblings, her grandparents and even her crazy grandfather Kaien - she loved them all.
"And who knows?" Yumeto continued, tapping her nose. "It might be the start of an adventure, or it might be a disaster in the making. Whatever it is, only time can tell."
THE END.