Disclaimer: We do not own any anime/manga portrayed in this piece of literature.
Three Years Later, Graduation Day
Sitting among her classmates, she was nervous. She played with the tassel on her graduation cap as a nervous habit. Today was graduation day for Reika. After three years of high school-thank god it was over-she still couldn't get over her small nervous habits. She peered over at the spectators, and saw her loved ones sitting in the audience.
Reoko was crying and most likely saying something like: "Oh Tero, she grew up so fast!" Tero was sitting next to her, handing her a tissue every now then, chuckling and shaking his head. Night caught her eye, and he winked at her, smiling that dazzling smile that always seemed to knock the breath out of her. Natsumi and Hiroki were sitting together, holding hands; Shiori and Kyo were doing likewise.
Finally, at the age of eighteen, Reika felt like she was grown up. No longer did she have a fifteen year old body, but she had the body of a woman. She hadn't really shot up in height much, but her figure had bloomed. No longer did she have to sneak out to drive, she had her own license and her own car. Finally, she felt...well, free.
"Reika Miiko!" Reika was startled out of her thoughts by the booming mega phone voice from the stage. She stood, heading up the steps to get her diploma with a smile on her face. This was what she'd been waiting for. She took the diploma and firmly shook the principal's hand before heading off the stage, remembering the past three years.
At first, Night had spoiled her with a cell phone, a lap top and even a car...though Natsumi had made sure it was locked up till she had a license. Finally she'd had to calm him down for fear of him wasting all of his money and have none for the future...
School had been alright. She'd learned a lot, and Night did have to give a few 'talks' -he never told her what he 'talked' about, but she was sure she knew- to a few men who couldn't take 'no' for an answer, but after a while everyone knew that she was taken by some guy in college. During her senior year, she even had Reoko for a teacher! She never had Shiori, but frankly she wouldn't have wanted to be in that class...she liked not having to run fifty laps...
It wasn't long before suddenly the principal said something she didn't quite catch and everyone around her shouted for joy and threw their hats in the air. Reika threw hers up just in time.
It wasn't long before she had her family surrounding her. "Reika, sweetie, don't forget about your graduation party at the castle tomorrow afternoon!" Natsumi reminded her.
"Will Takiko and Rimundo be able to make it?" Reika questioned, though it was mostly directed at Shiori.
"Yes, and they'll be bringing their new addition to the family!" Shiori squealed, obviously happy that she was a grandma...again. The night before Takiko had given birth to her first child, so everyone had been asking for updates. "I actually have to head back to the hospital to make sure they're fine...Rimundo has never taken care of a baby before...its very stressful, actually."
"SAVE THE BABY SHIORI!" Reoko cried, tears in her eyes but not just because of her new great nephew (it was a boy) but mostly because her incarnation had graduated and was old enough to live on her own.
Shiori rolled her eyes and left, disappearing into the crowd with Kyo. Natsumi shook her head. "I've got to get home too...we do need to relieve the babysitter, don't we honey?" She smiled up at Hiroki who grinned back. Almost immediately after they'd gotten married, Natsumi ended up being pregnant and gave birth to Reika's beautiful niece Isabell -Natsumi liked the name, even though it wasn't Japanese.
Reika suddenly felt someone hug her from behind, and chuckle. "Congratulations, Reika. I'm proud of you." She heard Night say. Reika turned around to face her boyfriend, and smiled.
"Night!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. "I'm so glad that it's over, but I'm sad too..." She rested her head on his chest, holding him close. She felt Night's laughter rumble in his chest.
"That's how I felt at my graduation too, Kitty." He replied, putting his arms around her.
Night was now rock star status. He'd landed a record deal and a couple of hit songs that you could hear blaring out of almost every car in Tokyo. It was...hard for Reika. Having to deal with the fan girls, that is. Currently, Reika was trying to convince Night to let her be in one of his music videos, but he'd said no. He didn't want Reika to have to deal with fans either. At least that was his excuse.
"I'm stealing you for dinner, if that's alright?" He glanced at Reoko who nodded cheerfully.
"Have fun, Reika!"
Reika smiled a confused smile. She always had fun whenever she went out with Night. Why would Reoko remind her to have fun?
It wasn't long before Night had weaved her through the crowd, through the parking lot and into his car. He seemed to be thinking about something the whole way to the restaurant...
After about fifteen minutes of silence, he pulled the car to a stop. As was custom, Night was the first one out of the car and holding the door open with a hand extended to help her out of the car. Reika took his hand, and -now that she was taller, she could reach his lips easier- kissed him. "Why are you so quiet?" she asked, smiling.
"Oh, I was just thinking." Night said, trying to brush her curiosity off.
"About what?"
"About your graduation and what it means."
"What does it mean?"
"That you're a free woman." Night grinned down at her. "No more waiting for you to come home."
"Well there's still college..."
"Yeah..." Night frowned, looking up at the restaurant. "Notice anything?"
Reika looked up to see where they were at and gasped. It was the restaurant they'd had their first date in.
"Our first date..." She whispered.
"I even got the same seats too." Night laughed. "Shall we?" He extended his arm towards her, waiting for her to link hers with his.
Reika smiled. "We shall," with that, she linked her arm with his, and they walked into the restaurant.
A few minutes later, they were sitting in the spot they'd been sitting in three years ago. Reika looked out over the city, taking in the view. It was so breathtaking, just like she remembered it.
"It's still beautiful...I don't know why I expected it to change." She stated, staring out at the city. "Really, we're the only ones that changed. You're a rock star and I'm a graduate from High School. Three years ago, you were still playing in night clubs, and I was still in Reoko's body..." She looked over at Night smiling.
Night smiled back before sighing and leaning forward onto his elbows. "Reika, I've been thinking." Reika's heart stopped for a moment before it exploded into furious beating. Some girl had told her once that eventually he would meet a new girl with a lot of fame or something and then break up with her. She'd said to watch out for the "I've been thinking" phrase. She waited for him to go on, making up defensive arguments to keep him with her.
"See, I've been saving up the money I've been getting from this whole rock star thing." Well. That wasn't what Reika had pictured him saying if he ever broke up with her. Or 'when', apparently. "And I've got a very good amount of money saved up. I have enough for a home," So he was moving out of Shiori's house, apparently. Maybe he wouldn't tell her where he lived...pain washed into her chest. She didn't want to not be friends at least...
"...I have enough to live off of with one other person." This was it. He was going to tell her about his new girlfriend...
Suddenly Night was getting out of his chair. Was he going to walk out on her before she had the chance? Reika tensed, ready to block his way if necessary.
But he surprised her by getting down on the ground on one knee, looking into her eyes very intently. "Reika," he reached into his jacket pocket and took out a small, black velvet box, opening it up to reveal a ring with a gold band and large diamonds fashioned into a flowered shape. "Will you marry me?"
Reika blinked, staring at him. Well, she certainly hadn't anticipated this. No, she'd expected a break up, but this...this was so much better. Tears welled up into her eyes, and so many emotions overwhelmed her. Happiness. Excitement. Disbelief. And relief.
"Ohh Night!" She exclaimed, her hands cupping up over her mouth in surprise. Tears spilled over her finely made up eyelashes. Thank god Reoko had thought to put water proof mascara on her. "Yes! Oh Night, yes!" She replied, the tears spilling even faster. There were so many thoughts rushing through her head, and it caused her to start sobbing. All of the emotions that had been stacking up on her from graduation were spilling out into the mess, overflowing her tear ducts.
Night visibly relaxed, laughing breathlessly as he did. "Great! Would you like to try the ring on?"
Reika gasped excitedly. "YES! YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!" This only made Night laugh harder as he took Reika's left hand and slid the ring onto her ring finger.
It looked -and felt- so good there...like it was meant to be there on her finger. Like it was made for her and her alone. She squealed, throwing her weight onto Night who caught her and stood, swinging her around before putting her back down. "You know it's not as easy for me to do that, you know."
"Who cares?" Reika smiled, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately.
As they broke for air, she asked "So when do we tell everyone?"
"You mean confirm it?"
"Everyone knew you were going to ask?" she gasped, realizing the meaning of Reoko's words before she left.
"Yes. Reoko almost ruined it." Night pouted. "I think we should do it at the graduation party tomorrow. Everyone will be there. And Takiko didn't know about it...I think Rimundo would like to know too."
An hour later, Reika was walking up the steps to Reoko's house. She invited herself in, and yelled out. "I'm home!" Reika had a huge grin on her face. She was positively radiant.
Reoko busted out of her bedroom, a huge smile on her face. "Reika!" She ran down the stairs with her demon speed, and hugged her incarnation. "Okay, show me the diamonds." She demanded as she pulled away, almost seizing Reika's left hand.
Holding up her hand, Reika showed off her ring. Reoko squealed, literally taking Reika's finger and holding it up in front of her face. "Oh Reika! It's absolutely beautiful!" She exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes. "Oh, you've grown up so fast." She took Reika up into a huge hug.
Reika laughed, hugging her back. "I know Reoko. I know."
"Well, you have a big day tomorrow...what with showing off that ring of yours to everyone at the party. Go get some sleep. Or try to, either way."
Reika smiled, feeling a little tired but still excited from the nights events. "Goodnight Reoko."
"Good night Reika!"
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
Reika pulled up in her car, turning it off before staring up at the castle. It was going to be a long day, one that she would have to brave.
Reoko and Tero had gone before her, and from the cars parked around the giant driveway, she had a feeling she was the last one to come.
She got out of the car, locked it and headed up the steps, noting her Fiancée's car a little ways behind her car.
She came to the door and opened it -technically it was her place too, since she'd been living here on weekends since the first weekend of her freedom- and was immediately bombarded with "CONGRATULATIONS!" From various people. Her gaze shot to the couch where Rimundo and Takiko sat, holding their new-born son. "AWWWWW!" Reika cried -she loved babies- "He's so adorable! What's his name?" She walked over to the couch and sat next to Takiko.
Takiko giggled, holding the baby close to her and looking at him lovingly. "Daisuke. Looks just like his daddy."
"Hopefully he doesn't have his attitude." Shiori said, surprising Reika by coming in suddenly from the sitting room. "Congratulations Reika. Show me how the ring looks." Takiko and Rimundo shot Reika a shocked look.
"Ring?" Rimundo asked.
"Yes, Night and I got engaged last night." Reika giggled, holding out her hand to Shiori.
"He got you a good one." Shiori muttered, "Looks really good...like it was made for you."
"Thanks." Reika let Takiko grab her hand and look at it with Rimundo.
"That is a nice ring." Rimundo commented.
"Yes, it is nice." Takiko smiled, giving Reika her hand back. "I should warn you that Izzy..."
Suddenly someone squealed, "AUNTIE KITTIE!" Suddenly a small black haired child resembling a three-year-old version of Reika's elder sister suddenly leapt onto the couch next to Reika, hugging her around the neck. "AUNTIE KITTIE!" She cried over and over again.
"Hello Izzy," Reika laughed, hugging her niece and pulling her into her lap. "My, what a nice outfit you have there."
She was wearing her gymnastics outfit. "We got back from practice." (she'd said practice as "pwactice") "Mommy said I could show you my outfit... but then I have to change cause she says I don't wanna ruin it."
Reika smiled at her niece. "Well, then you better listen to mommy then, and go change that outfit young missy!" She mock scolded.
Izzy giggled, and jumped off of her Aunt's lap. "Okay, Auntie Kittie. I'm going to change." Izzy then turned, and ran off.
Reika leaned back into the chair, sighing. She felt tired already just by looking at all of her relatives...and soon to be relatives as well. It was going to be a joy having Night's mom as an in-law.
"Reika-chan!" She heard two very familiar voices call out. Looking around for the source of the outburst, she saw the twins, Kazuki and Hotaka.
"Oh, hey!" Reika greeted, standing up and giving them both hugs. Kazuki and Hotaka had been close to her since she'd been freed. They always drove her places, and gave her free clothes from the chain clothing store they owned.
"Oh, Reika-chan! You've grown up!" Kazuki exclaimed, sighing as he clasped his hands together.
"That she has, Kazuki." Hotaka agreed.
"I can't tell you how many times I've heard that." Reika grinned widely at the two of them.
"I see you're wearing those flower earrings we gave you." Hotaka noted, reaching over and examining them.
"Do they match a certain something that a certain someone gave you?" Kazuki asked, a twinkle in his eyes.
"You'll find out later." Reika replied, winking.
"Oh! You're no fun!" Kazuki pouted.
"You know Koko-chan spread the news around as soon as she saw the ring right?" Hotaka laughed, shaking his head at his mother's eccentric action.
"Yeah. I know." Reika nodded.
"You know...since you're so grown up Reika-chan...how about you come model for our clothing company? Oh, you're just perfect for the job! I can see you up on billboards!" Kazuki suddenly flicked a card out of his pocket, and into Reika's hand. "You're so pretty Reika, and you'd get to keep all the clothes and accessories!"
"Agreeable. You'd be famous instantly." Hotaka nodded in agreement, holding a finger up to his chin as he examined Reika.
"Famous?" Reika questioned. You could see what was going through her head at that instant. Famous+Night=not having to deal with crazy fan girls as much.
"Excuse me, boys." Reika heard Night's annoyed voice say. She looked over at him, and saw him literally almost pushing the twins out of the way. "I need to congratulate Reika on her graduation."
"Alright alright! No need to be so pushy!" Kazuki exclaimed, moving out of the way before Night knocked him down. He directed his attention over at Reika and winked. "Call me if you're interested in the job darling."
"Or me." Hotaka added, before they both walked away.
Reika swiftly placed the card in her pocket before looking up at Night. He had an annoyed look plastered on his face. "Hi." She stated plainly.
Night sighed, his annoyance melting. "You're never going to let go of the fan girl thing, are you?"
"No."
"I don't care about them. I'm marrying you. I'm announcing it tomorrow."
"Good. I'm still going for the modeling thing."
Night sighed, leaning down to kiss her.
Reika kissed him back, then pulled away unexpectedly. "You know, I might have a fan base too." She grinned. "Would you be able to deal with that?" She seemed almost smug with the idea of it.
Night wrapped his arms around her fiercely at the suggestion. "I don't know. I think I'll deal with it just as you deal with mine. With difficulty." He whispered into her ear.
Reika kissed him again. "When would you like to announce our engagement? Officially, that is."
"To the family? Probably when we all get together for food." Night answered.
"Of course to the family, who else?" Reika teased lightly. "All right, I'm ready when you are."
Suddenly Natsumi rounded the corner, untying an apron from around her waist. "Hey you two!" She smiled, stopping in front of them.
"Hey sis...what have you been cooking?" Reika asked warily; Natsumi's food didn't always end in success.
"Well, I was thinking about catering for the party, but then last week as I was making sure that the kitchen was clean and that Izzy couldn't get into the cabinets, I found Crin's cookbook for sweets. I tried some recipes out, and its like she made it for anyone to follow! It's amazing. So, we're having some Crin originals for desert tonight. Hiroki made dinner." Reika sighed in relief. Hiroki was good with making food.
"Well is it cool if we make an announcement when dinner is ready?" Night asked, his grip on Reika's waist tightening.
Natsumi smiled knowingly. "You're more than welcome to. Hiroki will be finished any moment now."
Suddenly a familiar child's voice squealed, "NIGHT-KUN!" Night immediately unlocked his arms from around Reika's waist and held them out, bracing himself for the impact of Izzy's body crashing into his. When she flew into his arms, Night only took a step backwards. "NIGHT-KUN, YOU CAME!" She was now dressed in a matching skirt and t-shirt with socks on her small feet. "I WUV NIGHT-KUN!" she cried, burying her nose into his chest.
"I love you too Izzy," Night cooed. Night and Izzy had become close friends and often he'd help Reika babysit her.
"I'm so sorry Night...I'm going to try to keep her away from the sweets tonight..." Natsumi sighed, pushing her hair back out of her face.
"Its cool," Night assured her.
A few minutes later, dinner was ready, and Reika's heart was beating furiously as everyone was gathering around to eat. She looked up at Night, who smiled at her in a reassuring way.
"Hey, everyone?" Reika spoke up as loud as she could in a calm tone.
Everyone still chattered away.
"Everyone?" Reika exclaimed.
Nothing.
She sighed. She would have to resort to Reoko's form of getting attention which involved yelling or throwing something at someone. She chose the first option. "SHUT UP, WILL YA? I GOT SOMETHING TO SAY!" She screamed.
That shut everyone up. Reika was never one to yell. They all looked her way, and she quickly put on a pleasant smile. She was too nervous to go on with everyone staring at her, so Night took the liberty of taking it from there.
"We have an announcement to make." He stated, smiling. Reika squeezed his hand. "Reika and I, well...we're engaged."
Everyone erupted into applause and whistles. Shiori shot Natsumi a look that suggested that they were going to be planning and using their 'resources' for the wedding planning.
Kyo clapped Night on the back and congratulated him…in a way that reminded Reika of what happened between husband and wife.
Reika scowled at Kyo, but he only grinned back. She then realized she wasn't going to hear the end of "honeymoon" jokes the rest of the night.
Out of the corner of her eye, Reika saw Reoko talking in an excited manner to Shiori.
"Shiori, I know you want to help plan the wedding and all that but you must simply let me design Reika's dress!" Reoko exclaimed.
Shiori's eyes widened. "Of course; you know Reika enough to know what she'd like to wear. I just want control of other things." Shiori glanced at Night and Reika and winked, "Of course, I'll approve it with the two lovers."
"Jeez," Reika threw her hands up in the air as she heard Shiori's words, and stomped over to the two, dragging Night along with her. "We aren't lovers!"
"Yet," Night added, grinning.
"What?" Reika spun her head to look at him.
"We aren't lovers yet," He corrected.
Reika turned red. She'd never fully gotten over the whole sex thing. It wasn't that she wasn't used to hearing about it, it was just imagining her and Night…doing that.
Her whole face was magenta.
Night laughed, "If you're not comfortable, I'll hold my mom and your sister back till you are…though that could pose a challenge…" they glanced back at Shiori's eager expression.
Reika shook her head. "N-no, i-its okay! I'm fine, really." She paled back to her original color and smiled nervously.
"Oh, Reika! You're so grown up!" Reoko clasped her hands together in delight.
Reika sighed. "Thank you, Reoko." Reika grasped Night's hand. "Can we be alone now?" She whispered.
Night nodded. "We can go to the back deck." She smiled and let him lead as they slipped away. When they'd slipped out the back door, Night pulled Reika into his arms. "I love you," He whispered, kissing her forehead tenderly.
"I love you too," Reika placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"You aren't really going for that modeling thing, are you?" Night frowned.
"Oh, who cares? I have my entire life to decide on that!" Reika exclaimed.
Night smiled, and then chuckled. "You're right, it's only the beginning."
"The beginning of forever." Reika sighed happily, leaning into Night's chest.
He kissed the top of her forehead. "Yes, the beginning of forever."
And that's when it started, Reika realized. The beginning was marked by this point in time, forever etched into her memory.
Forever started now.