What's in a Name
Everyone gazed at the blackboard with their names and definitions written. Shigeru and Saurako planned this "baby naming" party. Tsukasa felt extremely annoyed, in particular at these two meddling girls. Tsukushi simply told him to be nice as everyone is so excited for them. Only for her, he tolerated this nonsense.
Finally, only two baby girl's names vied for contender. Sakurako said, "Ok everyone, quiet please. Who votes for the elegant, beautiful name for a lady of noble birth, ''Hime?" Four hands went up, Sakurako, Tsukasa, Sojiro, and Akira. She smiled at the three guys, saying "Gentlemen we have made an excellent choice." Shigeru, leaping up, not to be outdone, excitedly clapped her hands, saying "Who votes for the dreamy, romantic name meaning love of stars, Seia." Tsukasa mumbled, "Stupid monkey. What's she so excited about…" Again, four hands rose, Shigeru smiling, acknowledged her comrades, Tsukushi, Yuki, and Rui. Shigeru gave a little cheer. Glaring at Rui, Tsukasa said "How dare you vote against me. Siding with my wife. What's up Rui?" Frowning, clearly a spark of jealousy in his eyes. Shrugging, Rui said, "I like it better." Rui smiled at Tsukasa.
Everyone looked at Tsukasa and Tsukushi, prepared for verbal banter. They only looked at their friends, more confused. Picking a name for their daughter is a huge step in their journey ahead. But neither had the strength to argue. Little did the others know, the pair had spent hours over the last few nights. Arguing. Neither willing to budge. Finally, the heated argument ended when Tsukushi stormed out. For the past week, she slept in the guest room. Tsukasa reverted to his snarling, cruel, arrogant ways. Tsukushi drew into herself, crying and saddened. Tsukushi stayed in her room, with maids bringing her meals. Tsukasa stayed at the office, never coming home. Tsukushi worried, but was too angry and hurt to find out.
Standing in the corner, Tsukasa joked with his friends. Through soft lowered eye lashes, he peeked at her. She looked beautiful, but pale, with swollen eyes. How much had she been crying because of him, he wondered? He noticed she looked thinner, which worries him more. He aches to wrap his arms around her tightly. He misses her terribly. His heart leapt, when he caught her smiling, frowned upon realizing her smile is for Rui. That guy! He stills worries, she would run to Rui, even though she chose him long ago.
Standing in an opposite corner, Tsukushi stood next to Rui, happy to see him home for a while. Fondly gazing at her, Rui noted her swollen eyes, a faint sadness touching her brown eyes. Gently taking her arm, inquired, Tsukushi, are you ok?" Merely nodding, she offered no other explanation. Feeling eyes upon her, glanced up seeing Tsukasa's glare. Quickly looking away, avoiding his eyes. Gently removing Rui's hand, not wishing to antagonize her husband, slowly gazing around the room, her eyes landed on him again. How could this man grow so handsome each year? Smiling, tenderly, thinking of their younger years. He looks wonderful. Fixated on his hands, missing his touch on her face, body.
Sighing, she feels dizzy and queasy. She hardly ate breakfast. Wobbling, Rui grabbed her arm, guiding her to a chair. He left to get her some food. Closing her eyes, she waited for the spinning to stop. Feeling feather like movements on her face, gentle fingers stroked under her eyes, tucking her hair back. His cologne. His touch. Slowly opening her eyes, she gazed into Tsukasa's dark brown eyes. Gently cupping her face, he softly told her, "Stupid woman! Quit causing me worry." Beginning to rise, he gently pushed her back. He handed her a glass and a plate. Nodding at the sandwich, he commanded "Eat, you look pale." Taking a few bites and sips, she felt noticeably better. Helping her up, he pulled her into a hug, pressing her head to his chest, he stroked her hair. Looking down, his deep, husky voice whispered, "I am sorry." Feeling her trembling, she broke into sobs, gripping his shirt. She cried into his chest, mumbling agreement. Kissing the top of her head, realized how much he missed her smell, touch, her small body pressed against him. Wrapping his arms tightly around her, smiled, as her arms encircled his waist.
Across the room, their friends gathered, discussing and arguing over the two baby names. Only Rui noticed, that the couple stood alone in each other's arms. Shaking his head, he knows that they had a fight. Tsukushi need not worry, as Tsukasa spent the past week at his place. Somehow, he knew that Tsukasa seeing him administer to his wife would drive him crazy. Smiling at his best friend, he is truly happy Tsukasa ended up with their girl. Before Tsukushi knew it, she was already deeply in love with that guy. Really no one else stood a chance.
Yuki excitedly waving her hands to draw attention and quiet the others. She cried out, "I have the perfect name." Everyone turned looking at the bubbly young lady. She simply said, "Akai." No one responded. Just puzzled looks. She said, "Akai." Still just puzzlement, "Red, that's the meaning." Yuki looked at the group, "Akai for red. Red slip!" Smiles broke out. Wrapped in each other's arms, Tsukasa pulled away from Tsukushi. Upon hearing "red slip", smiling they whispered, in agreement. Neither needed to say anything, it was written in their eyes. A perfect name to symbolize their love story. Tsukushi placed her hands on his stubbled cheeks, pulling him into a kiss.