Chapter Twenty-one: Date
Naru Pov
"Ten,"
"Good,"
"Really?"
"Yes,"
"I did it?"
"Yes, you have," I watch her eyes brightens up, as she claps, extending her arms out to touch Aimi's crib.
"I managed it, after the tenth try." she claps. I move to her side and sigh.
"Yes, you did, now you know the distance from our room to Aimi's, is not far is it?" I asked her. Mai lifts her gaze and shakes her head.
"No, is not, but is strange to hear our room, but it fits, doesn't it?" she asks. I shrug at her.
"After five years, it becomes a normal thing," I assure her. She thins out her lips, then sighs.
"Can you please tell me, what is your plan?" She asks while she extended her arm, trying to find my arm.
"I told you, Aimi is our key, but don't worry, no harm will come to her," I assure her one more time. She frowns at me, but nods. Finally, she gets my arm.
'It's been a few days since she broke down.' I thought sadly.
"Can you tell me at least some of our memories together?" she suddenly asks me.
"You want to know?" I asked her. She nods, while we turn, holding onto my arm. I start to guide her towards our room.
"Yes, of course, can…." she seems to hesitate on what she wants to say. Reaching our room, I opened it, to spot Aimi sleeping on top of our bed, right in the middle, with pillows as boarders around, so she won't fall.
"Can what?" I pushed, while I moved her towards our bed.
"When was our first date?" she asked me. I went still, and frowned.
"Don't remember," I admitted. She lifted her gaze up with a strange emotion.
"You don't? From my dream, you asked me to go out, now that I remember it more clearly. How can you forget our first date? I get why I did, but you?" she asks a bit hurt. I shrug at her and helped her sit down on the edge of her bed.
"I'm a guy, we tend to not notice this stuff, but I remember where we had our first date," I told her. Her brown eyes spark up at my sudden words.
"Really?" she asks hopefully. I nodded, as I smiled at her, watching her hand run against the bed, to reach me. I move my hand, so she can grab it.
"Yes, really," I assure her. Even if I can't really remember the date, I remember where we went, since it was my first date as well. I was nervous. Her hand reaches my hand, and her fingers brush against my knuckles.
"Then… Can um," I moved closer to her, she gasps, as I became very close to her. She moves her free hand, to catch my face. Her fingers gently brush against my cheek. An ache filled me, knowing how much she wants to know. So I made up my mind.
"Let's go on a date tomorrow," I told her. Her eyes widen.
"You're asking me out?" she couldn't' believe it. I nodded.
"No, I'm just bored," I said rolling my eyes. Mai suddenly pushes my shoulders and giggles.
"Jerk, but really?" she asks to make sure. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and nodded.
"Sure, what not, there's nothing else to do, unless you want to go and work?" I suggested, her body goes still, but pushed me playfully, lowering her head.
"No, I mean, okay, let's go on a date," she shyly smiled, looking down causing me to chuckle.
…
Mai
I felt so nervous, this is my first date, well not exactly, but until I regain my memories, then it will be.
"Relax," Madoka said, as I felt her brush my hair. I am biting on my nail, darkly staring for what Madoka told me, the mirror, while my daughter plays next to me.
"What am I wearing?" I asked, trying to distract myself. Madoka places her hands on my shoulders.
"A light blue dress, with dark stockings, since it's cold. Light makeup, your hair is wavy. You look very beautiful," she said. I swallowed hard. Then I felt Madoka moved away.
"I'm very nervous, this is my first date, I mean. Without my memories," I told her. Madoka seems to huff out,
"I know, don't, just have fun, I'll take full care of Aimi," she stated. I stretch out my arms.
"Can I hold her?" I asked her.
"Why are you asking, she's your daughter," Madoka giggled, handing me my daughter. Is still feels so weird. I place her on my chest, and she giggles. I kiss her on the head.
"Be good to Madoka-chan. She'll take good care of you with Lin. Okay."
"Mama," My daughter said, making my heart swell. I smiled softly and rub her small back. I didn't desire to separate from her at all.
"We'll be back soon, no later than ten. I can't bear to leave her for so long," I told Madoka. Madoka giggles.
"Heck, I won't mind watching her until tomorrow, just in case, this date becomes intimate, if you know what I mean," I can actually feel her wink at me. I flushed at her sudden words.
"Oi, don't' say that. I'm not ready for that stage yet, plus I just got to learn I have a husband and a child, is overbearing already," I stated, attempting to deflect the conversation. I stood up, feeling Madoka arm under mine.
"Right, I forgot about that, for a minute there. Well, um, it's almost time for your date, is three thirty," she stated. I nodded at her, while she guided me towards the door.
"I promise to be back," I said to Aimi, as she began to fuss in my arms. I bounce her, and I hear the doorway open.
"It's Lin," I heard Madoka say. I nodded and bow.
"Thank you for babysitting once again," I told him.
"No trouble. We like babysitting her, she's a good baby," Lin said. I nodded and kiss once again Aimi. Madoka takes Aimi out of my arms, and an ache hits me.
"Really, I can cancel the engagement. Aimi lost so much time, and.." but Madoka clears her throat.
"You'll be out for a few hours, not days. Don't worry. If you want, call within an hour or so, to hear her voice, if that makes you feel better, go. Have some fun. Be an adult, try to find some of your memories while you add it." Madoka pushes on. I let out a heavy sigh and nodded.
"Fine," I sigh in defeat, while Lin starts to lead me out.
"Just have fun and have a romantic engagement with your hubby. God knows you two need it," she stated. I sigh and rub my hands.
"Don't worry, Noll is nervous as well. He's making a hole on the floor as we speak," Lin assures me, as I lower my head and that made me smile.
"Thank you," I whispered, while my heart beat hard.
'So, he too is nervous.'
…..
Naru
I don't know why, but I'm a nervous wreck. This isn't even our first date at all. I wear black jeans, a pair of black sneakers, and a tight black shirt, that matches with my pants.
And so I heard Lin speak to Mai, as they go into the living room. I turned, and my breath is taken away from me, once again. How beautiful Mai looks. Lin just smirks at me and stated something to Mai. With that, he turns around and leaves. I proceed up to Mai. She looked up at me. She laughs nervously.
"I don't know why I'm so anxious. This isn't our first date, right?" she asked.
"No, I forgot how many we went," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. Mai nods then clear her throat.
"You know, Aimi will miss us, and I just found out I'm her mother. So…" she was trying to find an excuse to not go. I frowned, feeling disappointed by this.
"If you don't want to go, is okay. I understand." I told her. She shakes her head.
"Is that I don't want to, I'm just worried for Aimi and."
"I understand, me too." I acknowledged, but then Mai takes a grasp of my hand and sways her head.
"Okay, I'm using Aimi as an excuse, I'm too nervous. I don't remember our first date. So, for me, this is our first date. I simply got my first kiss not long ago. I mean it wasn't our first kiss, but it was to me. I mean. I don't know. I'm freaking out." She gasps out, looking defeated. I frowned, I moved closer and grasp her chin. I made her look up. She stares at me blankly, but her cheeks are a lovely red. I lower myself down and kiss her forehead.
"I know what you mean. I won't force you to do what is not comfortable." I told her at ease. She had to think about it.
"We don't have to go. We can pass the remainder of the day with Aimi, watching a movie or something," I suggested her. Try to make her feel at ease. Mai lets out a breath and then throws me a gentle grin.
"I'll go,"
…..
Mai
"Where are we?" as I felt the car being pulled up. I heard Naru cut off the engine, and he sighs.
"Where we had our first date." He said. I frowned, undoing my seatbelt.
"Okay? Where?" I asked him. He went quiet for a long second before he answers me.
"A parking lot," he said. Those words don't register in my head, for a brief second. I knitted my brows together, trying to progress it.
"A parking lot?"
"Yes, a parking lot," he repeated, as I heard him undo his seatbelt. I tilted my head, trying to figure this one out.
"Is not romantic, why would we go to a parking lot?" I question it. I suddenly felt Naru face very close to mine, and I swore he is smirking at me. My heart starts to race at this closeness.
"Naru?" I hiccupped, as he takes a hold of my hand, but don't move it.
"What do you think we did?" he asks. I tilted my head to the side, but then remember the movies I watch. I cover my mouth and gasp.
"Don't tell me, we kissed here? Our first kiss was here in a parking lot?" I asked.
"Oh, we did more than kissing. I can assure you that," he seems to be amused by this. My eyes shot right open in pure horror.
"Did we do it here?" I gasp out.
"No, no, no, that's too fast, and not what I wanted. I." Suddenly Naru burst out laughing, flicking my forehead playfully.
"Your head is in the gutter. You wanted me to teach you how to drive, what else we would be in a parking lot on our first date." He said as he kept on laughing. I started to breathe out, feeling a weight lifted out of my shoulders.
"Really? Wait, why would I want to learn how to drive on the first date?" I asked confused.
"Don't know, you just wanted to." He said. I thin out my lips, while I look darkly at my lap.
'Revenge, for making me feel horrible for a whole year,'
'So you want to waste your first date on that?' Ayako asked, rolling her eyes at me. I blushed and shook my head.
'No, but I'm too nervous to do anything. This is my first date, and I don't know what Naru likes, besides Tea and work,'
That conversation popped into my head. I turn my body and clap.
"Oi, I remember now, well somewhat. I wanted to get revenge on you because you left me last time. Also, I was very nervous as well. Like I am right now." I said, but then something dawns on me.
"Did you just laugh?" Naru clears his throat and runs his hand through his throat.
"No," he mumbles. I stretch my arm out and run my hand up to his arm.
"Yes, you did. That's the first time I heard you laugh." I told him. Amazed by this. Naru went quiet, as I reach his side of his neck, feeling his soft hair.
"Do it again,"
"No," he mumbles. I can feel that his cheeks are turning red. I licked my lips.
"Please, I…. I liked it. It sounds strange but very nice to hear from you." I admitted, shying my head away.
"Maybe another time," he said. I sigh and groan.
"What? Do I need to schedule an appoint to hear my husband laugh?" I spat, seriously. Naru turns his gaze towards me, while I lifted my gaze up.
"Yes," he said. I blinked, and then a laughter passes my lips, lowering my hand down.
"Seriously? Then I have to schedule everything. Even to kiss you," I laughed harder, wrapping my arms around my stomach.
"Is not that funny," he stated coldly, but I shook my hand and kept laughing.
"It is because it's not funny, is funny. You haven't changed a bit Naru. I'll tell our daughter in the future to schedule an appoint when she wants to hug you or something." I felt a tear almost falling down from my eye, from laughing so hard. This man is too much. Naru groans as he scratches the upper part of his brow in annoyance.
"Enough Mai. It wasn't that funny," he sounds so irritated. I breathed out and try to control myself. I smiled and turned to face him.
"Okay, okay. Jokes aside, I really like your laugh,"
….
Naru
"Now where are we?" Mai asks as I help her get out of the car. I grasp her hand, and slowly help her go down the street.
"Our second part of our date," I told her. She looks up at me.
"Really? The other side of the parking lot?" she asks. I chuckled and shook my head.
"Nope,"
"Oh, then where?"
"At the supermarket," I told her. Mai arched a brow up. As the automatic doors open, and we enter, Mai holds me tighter.
"Shopping? We shopped?" she asks me.
"Yes, you said you wanted to buy some things, and I don't remember exactly what since you crawl yourself away from me," I told her. Up to this day, I still don't know what she bought. She just placed the bag inside of my car, and that's all.
"That's strange, I wonder what I bought?" she murmurs. I grab the cart that is next to the doors, and Mai took a hold of my shirt. I start to go down the aisle, looking around for supplies, that we were running out.
'Maybe, this will help her jog her memory even more,' I thought, being a bit hopeful.
"Oh, while we are here, we need some baby formula, and shampoo as well. Aimi is running out," she told me. I nodded.
"Anything else?" I asked, looking up the shelf to grab tea's, then crackers, Mai favorite.
"Oh, I think you're running out of tea, and oh, do they sell your favorite snacks around?" She said. I arched a brow, but then smiled gently.
"Yes, they do, anything else?"
"Ramen, and milk. Also eggs. and.." she started to give me a whole list. I lower my hand, to stare at her. She is counting her fingers, as she names each item. I forgot about this detail. I missed this so much.
"You got that Naru?" she asks.
"Yes, I did," I lied since I zoned out. Mai tilted her head and frowns.
"No you didn't, liar," she said. I sigh.
"Then tell me while I tell you which isle we are. Is a long list." I told her. She nods, only to step forward, and almost fell against the shelf. I move rapidly and wrap my arm around her small waist, to hold her still. She takes a hold of my arm for support and looks up at me. Her face flushes red, and she held my arm tighter.
"Thank you, this is bothersome, sorry too." but I grasp her waist, to make her gasp surprised.
"Do you trust me?" I asked her. She gives me a curious look, but shook her head.
"Of course, I will always trust you." She said. I move back and place Mai in front of me. Then I grab her hands and place it on the rims of the cart. I place my hands on top of hers. She looks behind me.
"What are you doing?"
"Just walk slowly," I told her, as she is at front of the cart, and I'm behind her, trapping her in the middle. I couldn't help but feel happy, to feel her small body press against me, while I guide her every step. Every time we made a turn, anyone that we pass, turn to stare at us. Some girls would even blush, or say it's so cute.
"Are they staring at us?" Mai asked. I leaned forward and whisper into her ear, feeling her shiver.
"Of course, we are the odd couple out," I told her. She was about to say something, when a young woman with an older man came by, wearing normal clothes.
"Oh, so cute, is she your girlfriend?" she asks as her blue eyes spark up. I shook my head.
"No, she's not," I told her. Not noticing Mai hurt expression. The girl frowned and looks at our display.
"Then why are you two doing that?" she asked with curiosity. Mai blushed madly, as I was about to open my mouth, but Mai said something before I.
"I'm blind, and um, I left my stick back home, so my husband is helping me shop for our daughter and some things we need at home. He didn't want me to get hurt. I feel embarrassed, though, but he's too shy to say it," she tells her. My eyes widen, as the girl smiles broadly.
"Why are you embarrassed? Is so cute to have your husband do that for you. I feel jealous. I hope one day to have a loving husband like yours, plus he's so handsome and hot. I wish you happiness." She said to us. I nodded, feeling uncomfortable with that line. Even though I use my looks to get what I want, doesn't mean, I feel comfortable with it. Mai smiled and blushed even more.
"Thank you," she said to the girl. The man that is next to her bows down and both turn around. I look down at my wife, and she covers her face with her wavy hair.
"Are we that close?" she asked. I nodded at her and tighten my grip on her hand.
"Yes, everyone can't take their eyes off of us," I whispered to her ear. She groans, but smiled at me tenderly.
"Suddenly this date is turning out good. Isn't it?" I nodded at her, as she leans her head on my shoulder.
"Good," she closed her eyes and relaxes. I cleared my throat, as now everyone kept looking. Now feeling awkward, I place my hand on her shoulder.
"We should call Madoka, to check on Aimi," I told her. Mai nods and straightens up.
"Yes, Aimi. I forgot about that." She admits. I chuckled, while we start to walk down.
"After we finish shopping, we'll go and call," I told her. She nods, and moves her hand to be on top of mine. She wiggles her fingers into mine.
"Naru, this feels like a dream. Are you sure, are you sure that we are married, and Aimi is ours?" she asked. I smiled and stop walking, placing my forehead on the back of her head. Luckily, there was no one in the isle.
"Yes, this isn't a dream Mai. We are married, and Aimi is ours. In every sense of the word."
…
Mai
"What are we eating?" I asked as I grab a hold of my chopsticks, I can smell the food rolling in my nostrils.
"A little bit of everything," Naru said, hearing him sly his chair next to me. I still haven't gotten used to eating without sight. At least last time, I could see with my good eye.
"Where are we?" I asked him.
"A small restaurant near home. After this, we will go home." He said. I smiled broadly.
"Is it almost ten?" I asked, not believing it.
"Is only eight thirty, but you look hesitant after you hung up on Aimi," he said. I licked my lips.
"Oh, well, we have some time, before then," I said, shyly, looking away, wishing I can see my surroundings. I felt Naru move closer to me, and I heard him grab his chopsticks.
"Then after we eat, what do you want to do?" he asked me. I shrug, moving my hand, to see if I can find my rice bowl. Suddenly I felt Naru hand on mine and guides me to it.
"Thank you, and I don't know, did we do this next after the shopping?" I asked, wishing I could remember why I did that. Naru went quiet for a brief second before answering me.
"Naru?" I asked.
"We ate lunch, and then went back to work, that's all we did," I frowned, not liking that.
"Wait, it was a daytime date?" I asked.
"Yes," he admits. I huff.
"Oh, I thought you took me home after dinner, and I don't know, I kiss your cheek shyly or something, are you sure, we didn't kiss?" I squinted my eyes.
"I'm sure, our first kiss was when…": but he cut off when we heard a clear of a throat. I lifted my gaze.
"Yes?" Naru asks, I imagining is the waiter.
"Do you desire anything else?" the waiter's voice is gentle.
"No, this is all, thank you," Naru said.
"So?" I asked as I heard a clink,
"Open your mouth," he suddenly said, changing the subject. I did, not sure why then I felt food in my mouth.
"Oi, what are you doing?" I chewed and asked at the same time. Feeling fish and rice mix together.
"Don't talk, and chew," he said, as I heard him take a bite of something. Then he turns back to me. I frowned, not liking this.
"I can feed myself," I said after I swallowed. He takes my hand and place a spoon on it.
"I know," he said, as he helps me raise my bowl of rice. I did miss the longing look in his eyes, as I start to eat my food. Yet, my heart starts to race, as everything came to me, and my face started to heat up, and I couldn't help but smile.
'I wouldn't change today for anything. What did I do to get him?' I thought as I felt Naru helping me eat my food, and this time around, I didn't mind at all.
…
Naru
"That was so yumy," Mai chirps with happiness, when we return home, an hour later after our dinner. Nothing much happened since then. I helped her take off her coat, and place it on the coat hanger.
"Where's Aimi?" she asks anxiously to see our daughter, while she waits for me.
"Is not ten yet, is only nine-thirty," I told her. Mai frowns, but nods at me.
"Oh, ok. Then what are we going to do now? Our first date was weird, but." she claps her hands together and looks away.
"I thought it was okay," I told her. She raises her gaze up, surprised by my speech.
"Really?" she asks.
"Yes, I was expecting you to act all that romantic stuff that normally woman likes, but I was surprised by the whole, teaching how to drive, and going shopping. It was strange, but at least it wasn't over romantic, or anything," I announce.
"Oh, and what about today?" she takes me.
'It was one of the best days, in a long time since the last time I spent the whole day with you,' I thought, moving closer to her.
"What do you think?" I asked her. She turns around, and stretches her arm out, to touch the wall. I moved behind her, watching her reach the steps.
After a few minutes, we ended up in our room. I arched a brow, as she found our bed, and sat down.
"For my first date, which I can remember now, it was nice, I loved it. I love the fact, that I spent a few hours alone with you, even though I was a nervous wreck. Heck, we even got the shopping done." She giggles. I stood up to her, and she senses me. I bend on my knees, looking at her hand.
"So you enjoyed it," I asked her. She nods at me, moving her hand, to grasp my shoulder.
"Yes, very much, you have no idea, and you? Did you enjoy it again? Or was I boring?" she asks, doubting herself.
'Since when being with you is a boring day?' I thought, watching her deeply.
"Trust me, it wasn't boring," I told her, when I move my hand, to grab something out of my pockets.
"Really?"
"Yes, really," I told her, as I move to touch her hand.
She goes still, as I took her ring finger and slid our wedding ring in.
"Naru? What's that?" she asks, as tears started to gather in her eyes.
"Your wedding ring. Is a simple silver ring. You told me, it was perfect for you, since been very simple and means a lot." I told her. She gasps, covering her mouth, tears running already down her eyes.
"My wedding ring?" she gasps out, I nodded. She moves to cup my cheeks.
"Do you have yours?" she asks. I took mine out.
"Yes," I told her.
"Can I. Can I place it on?" she asks timidly, with hesitation. I nodded, placing my ring on top of her small palm. She took it, with nervous hands, she grabs my hand and slides the ring on. I hoisted myself up just a slight and move to cup her cheek. She slowly closed her eyes and leans into my touch.
"Thank you," she whispers, moving her hand to hold mine. Her expression is soft, with such tender and passionate expression. Feeling my heart pound harder, I move to kiss her, but instead, I kiss her forehead.
"That' is the proof, that you are mine,"
…..
Mai
I couldn't stop smiling.
'I'm his,' I giggled, like a school girl. Loving the fact that our date even if it wasn't romantic, it was beautiful, and I still shivered and my body warms up, remembering Naru guiding me, and feeling his broad back press against me, while we shopped. Even though I was very embarrassed.
Aimi sleeps peacefully next to me. I am rubbing her small back, as Naru sleeps next to Aimi. I wish I can see right now. I felt Naru move, as though he's getting up.
"Naru?" I asked.
"Yes?" he whispers. I move to grab his hand, but he wasn't there. I turned around, and sat up, when I stood up, I lost my footing, by twisting my leg.
"Watch out," I heard, as I felt an arm on mine, and I landed on the bed, and I felt someone on top of me. I gasp, looking up.
"Did, did I hurt Aimi?" I asked, getting panicky of hurting my daughter, but I felt Naru shake his head.
"No, she's okay, luckily I moved her away from you before you sat up," Naru said. I sigh out in relief. Then I moved, only to have Naru blocking my way.
"Naru?" I asked, concerned. I felt his hand brush against the side of my head.
"We forgot something in our date," he said. I tilted my head, as I felt my heart race, my breath starting to hitch, as the memories of when we made love in the limbo place played in my head. I suddenly hiccupped.
"Aimi is here, it will be awkward, and I'm not ready," I told him. He went still, but then chuckles, as he presses is forehead against my neck.
"Your mind sure likes being in the gutter." He teased, making me gasp, as his warm lips brush against my skin.
"No is not, you keep placing things that are not," I defended myself.
"I just edit my words, Mai. You assume the rest, even though, most are right," he played around.
"Jerk, okay, then what did we forget our date?" I asked him. I swear I can feel him smile at me, while he kept pressing his forehead against my neck.
"This," he moves his head and presses his lips on mine, a simple kiss. My eyes widen before he could do more, or I could close my eyes, and enjoy it, he moves to the side, and scoops me over, so I can lay on his chest.
"Why did you do that for?" I asked him, feeling his leg draped over mine, and he inhaled.
"Making up for our first date. Now, sleep, I'm tired, and don't worry about Aimi, she's safe, I made sure," he tells me. I yawned, wrapping my arm around him, snuggling into his warmth.
"Good, good night," I told him. He yawns as well, and slowly drifted to sleep. All I could do is lie between the man I love with all my heart, and our precious daughter, that I love with my being. Even if my memories aren't there, my heart, my heart is feeling every bit of emotion.
"I hope to see soon. I really miss their faces," I prayed.
'Then, if you want to see, you shall, but everything comes with a price.'
Thank you for the reviews, and sorry for the awaited Update. I hope this chap was fluffy enough.
Disclaimer: I DON'T own anything.