"Come here Miyoko. Usagi you better have the video on. Miyoko!" My excitement was running high. Usagi sat on the couch, his face mixed with curiosity and boredom. Miyoko was on all fours, body rocking. Usagi had his phone in his hand. "Come on."

"Misaki, are you sure it wasn't a trick of your mind?"

"Shut up Usagi I know what I saw. She was going to crawl!"

I saw him shake his head but the camera stayed up. I know what I saw. "Miyoko." She rocked back and forth; I hope she did not fall. I know what I saw! I turned to see the small Suzuki with a pink ribbon with "Miyoko" written on it. Her "first" Suzuki. "Miyoko, come get Suzuki."

And then it happened. She smiled wide and slowly moved across the floor. Her moves were clumsy, slow, but she was indeed crawling. Usagi moved, the camera moving closer. I was only a few inches away, Miyoko making it to me in seconds. I picked her up and handed her Suzuki. "You did it!" She laughed as we jumped in celebration. "Usagi, she crawled!"

"I saw." He stood up and brought us into a hug. "She is very smart."

"She is. She did it at six months. Nii-chan said I didn't crawl until I was at least 8 months old. How old were you when you crawled?"

"Tanaka said I crawled at five months."

"Five months?! That is so early."

He shrugged, "I don't know how this works."

"Well she is doing just fine." I kissed her head. My beautiful daughter, already six months old. How time is flying by with her. It still wasa challenge settling into a routine with both of us but Usagi has been so much more helpful than that first month. He has done more with her when it comes to bathing and feeding. He even made a small area in his study for her to be while he works. It has made me fall for him more.

Miyoko yawned, enough excitement for now. "Time for a nap." I placed her in the second bassinet Usagi placed next to the couch. He wanted her to hit a bed the moment she yawned. Spoiled child. As soon as I put her down Usagi wrapped his arms around me. "Usa.." I covered my mouth so the moan did not wake her up.

"We may have twenty minutes."

Usagi and I finally had sex when Miyoko was two months old. It was quick, Miyoko woke up before we finished. It was then we realized having sex was hard! We had quick ones here and there when Miyoko took a nap. One day we got lucky when nii-chan wanted to take her on a walk when she was five months. Usagi made sure I did not leave bed the whole two hours.

"Usagi..she is right there." He ignored me as he pushed me against the kitchen island. I squealed when he grabbed my butt. He keeps grabbing it whenever he can. I know it got bigger from Miyoko but he did not need to remind me. Keeps saying it is his favorite part of childbirth.

"I'll be quick." He unbuttoned my top button.

"Akihiko! Are you home!?" Usagi and I both froze. We whipped our heads to see a girl standing there. She looked so much like Usagi, minus the sandy brown hair and light brown eyes. Her business skirt made her seem older but she looked only a few inches taller than me. She smiled brightly, unfazed by the scene. I then heard Usagi growl. "Hello!"

"What are you doing here?"

And Miyoko was up. I snaked my way out of Usagi's grip to pick her up.

"I had some vacation time and thought I would come to see you. It's been so long!" She turned to me. "You must be Takahashi Misaki. I heard about you from uncle Fuyuhiko. I am Akihiko's cousin, Shiiba Mizuki. And that must be Akihiko's daughter!"

Sweet. Not an Usami. "It's nice to meet you. This is Miyoko" Usagi walked to the balcony. Mizuki walked closer to me. The minute Usagi disappeared the smile followed him. Mizuki leaned down closer to my face. Her face was scary. "You? I expected someone quite amazing and all I get is you?"

"P..pardon."

"I knew it. I am definitely better." Better? BETTER?!

"Wha…" "Oh Akihiko, I wanted to ask if I could crash here for the night."

"Absolutely not!" Did she...could she….

"Come on Akihiko! It was such a long flight from America and I am too tired to go home now. I won't wake the baby." Does she...

"I do not know why you came in the first place."

She sat on the couch. "To see you of course!" Bingo! She likes Usagi! Usagi came back in, a fresh smoke smell, and sat on the couch opposite of her. "Don't worry, I even got my payment."

"I don't need anything."

That's right, Usagi hates people, even his own family. Even if she likes him Usagi would never…What the fuck? "Wow, as usual you find quite impressive books." Usagi smiled, staring down at a large book. "I cannot believe you found it."

"It was tough but I knew you wanted to so I just had to find it."

Damn, leave it to Usagi to fawn over a book. It's okay, it's okay. "I can make some tea." I walked over to the kitchen. Their cousins, even if she likes him isn't that wrong? But Usagi actually looks like he is having a fun conversation. No...no we have Miyoko. I hate this nervousness. "Oops." I scooped some of the leaves I spilled and dumped them in the kitchen.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah." I glanced at Mizuki to see her smirking. Come on!

Usagi wouldn't start liking her...would he?

NEXT DAY

"Aaaand that's a wrap." Hidori stood up.

"Oh no. Stop her Todo!" She growled as Shinnosuke grabbed her by the waist before she could storm off. Sumi-senpai laughed next to me.

"Damn man strength." Hidori struggled for a few seconds before slumping in defeat. He was strong! Then again he was trained in judo. "What's the problem? This woman is obviously trying to break you up."

"I don't want to cause problems. Maybe I am just overthinking things."

"Overthinking things? She told you to your face she was better than you. How could anyone be better than my Misaki?"

Sheesh she was embarrassing. "I think you should trust Usami-sensei." Sumi suggested. "It is obvious he loves you so this woman should be nothing."

"Even if she tries to take advantage, I don't think Usami-san will just start liking her. You guys have a family."

"I know...I just get so nervous. She is older and they seem to have more in common and…" "Misaki enough. I guess I have to agree with the boys. Usagi loves you, he won't be swayed by some slut in his family. And in his family? EW!"

They did have a point. I guess I had to trust Usagi. Still did not feel good. My phone went off. "He's here. Do you need a ride?"

Hidori shook her head. "We have work."

"And Hidori promised to serve me her favorite cake." Sumi smiled. Oh, seems she is spending a lot of time with him. I heard they went to the store last week.

"Don't give me that look Misaki! It's not what you think."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Let's go." Shinnosuke helped her up and I did not miss the daggers pointed at Sumi. He just laughed and waved as he followed the two.

"How was school?" Usagi greeted me when I got in. I sat in the back with Miyoko.

"Fine. I think Hidori got involved in a love triangle." I noticed him taking a different road. "Are we going somewhere?"

"No, just picking Mizuki up."

Her again? "Where from?"

"She wanted to go to a used bookstore I showed her earlier." So instead of working or looking after Miyoko, he took her out?

"Hello hello." Mizuki got in the front seat and I did not miss her leaning closer to him. "Thank you for the recommendation. That store is such a treasure!"

"It is one of my favorites."

She looked in the back. "Oh Takahashi, I did not notice you back there." She is definitely doing it on purpose. "Your daughter is so adorable, looks so much like Akihiko."

"Yeah, he has strong genes."

"That is good, he is good-looking."

"Don't touch me." She just laughed as she moved her hand from his shoulder. She did that on purpose! When we got home she made her way upstairs. "Um, Usagi?"

He sighed, "I guess she could not go home so she is staying here for a few days."

"And you said yes?"

He shrugged, narrowing his eyes. "She was persuasive."

So that was why I saw those extra bears in Miyoko's room. "Gee, you could have at least told me." I thought I would not have to see her so quickly.

"I was excited to get to know Takakashi." Mizuki said though her eyes said something else. I get she is Usagi's relative and that would make her Miyoko's relative but did she have to be so...snarky? Did she hear bad stuff about me from Usagi-chichi? He hasn't been trying to contact us since Kaoruko sent the letter. "Misaki, make stir fry tonight but leave out peas, I hate peas."

"Uh, okay." She was bossy.

"Leave her alone Mizuki."

"Oh Akihiko, Takahashi doesn't mind, we are practically family." She turned to Miyoko. "Can I hold her? I want to see the cutie."

I wanted to say no. But I held it down; last I need is to seem tense. "Sure." I could smell her perfume as she reached over to grab Mizuki from me. "Make sure to hold her head."

Oh god. She was holding her so flawlessly. Miyoko did not cry like she usually does with new people but she was looking around. "I used to help take care of children at a hospital. The newborn babies were my favorite. It makes me excited to have a child one day, one just as cute as Miyoko."

What did she say? "I can take her back."

"Oh no, aren't you about to cook, must be a struggle to juggle a kid, school, and taking care of this big house. And how old are you?"

"19."

"So young. I am 25, I could not imagine having a child that young. All the things you are going to miss out on." Ok ouch.

"Mizuki, leave Misaki alone."

She turned to smile in all her innocence. "Yes, yes, Takahashi still has to cook." She walked away with Miyoko without a glance at me. She sat down right next to Usagi, a little close for comfort. I walked to the kitchen to start cooking but it was hard. Usagi looked away from his paper to play with Miyoko, still in Mizuki's arm. They looked like a perfect fami...NO MISAKI. That is your family! Not hers! She is a relative, she will go away soon, and then Usagi can...look at me again.

After dinner I was able to get Miyoko back to give her a bath. "Miyoko, your mommy is in trouble." I sighed as I massaged her head.

No mommy, everything is fine. Yes, my daughter talks to me...in my mind.

"This cousin is making me feel bad feelings."

But daddy loves you. Everyone on daddy's side seems weird. You can do it.

"I love you." I love you too mommy.

"Talking to the baby again?" Water splashed when Usagi's voice popped out of nowhere. "Does she reply back to you?" Amusement in his voice.

"Yes she does and she complains that daddy never gets any work done and we are going to be living on the streets." He chuckled.

"Where's Shiiba?"

The smile was gone. "Finally asleep. I don't want to deal with her this week."

"You said she could stay here." He growled. I held my hand out for him to give me Miyoko's towel. Better ask now. "Um, Usagi, she's not...into you..is she?"

His eyes widened. "She is my father's cousin, she has stayed in the states working for the Usami corporation. We just always shared a mutual interest in literature." So Usagi can actually talk to someone who shares his interests. He can have more fun conversations. "Speaking of, she asked me to show her more used bookstores so I might be home late."

"Oh?"

"I know you have the study group after school so I can bring Miyoko with us."

"NO!" Miyoko jumped in my arms. "Uh, I mean no. I would rather Miyoko stay here. Can't you just tell her where to go?"

"I haven't gone out recently so it would be nice looking for new books."

"But you have a deadline coming up and Aikawa just called to make sure you are staying on it." By now we made it to Miyoko's room. He was holding her as I searched for her nightgown.

"It's just one day. Why are you making a big deal?"

"You are the one who never gets your work in on time."

"I'll be fine. I don't mind Miyoko coming with us. It would be nice to give her fresh air."

"No, she is too young to leave the house."

"We leave to pick you up."

"But that is different."

"Misaki? What is the problem? Do you want us on house arrest?"

"That's not it!"

"Then why..." "I JUST WANT YOU FOCUSING ONLY ON US INSTEAD!"

...Shit. Did that really come on out my mouth? Usagi stared at me, eyes coming out of his head. Shit, shit, shit! How could I say something so lame!? Why did I have to seem so…"Misaki? Are you perhaps, jealous?" And then he smiled, smirked.

I felt my entire body on fire. I could not move even as he came closer. Moving Miyoko to one arm, he leaned down to kiss my forehead. "So Misaki, do you want to keep me all to yourself, just like I do?"

I found my voice. "NO!"

He chuckled, turning Miyoko to me. "Seems like mommy has a jealousy streak."

"Shut up Usagi! Don't show Miyoko!" Like being caught with my hand in the cookie jar. Miyoko, with any knowledge of what was happening, coughed up a laugh. "It is bedtime."

Usagi said nothing as we laid Miyoko down. She was quick to fall asleep. I was not able to escape as Usagi grabbed my hand to drag me to our room. He threw me on the bed and got on top before I could move. "You make me so happy Misaki."

Oh no, I do not know how to act. "I…" He leaned down to kiss me.

"Usag..."

"Be more jealous." He moved down to my neck.

"What? No…"

"Think more about me." Two hands made it to my waist.

"Hey…"

"Make me yours alone." My shirt came off. Not doing it as often as before, every touch sent fire to my core.

"Usag...gi...wait...I don't want..Shiiba..to hear…"

"Then let her hear." A hand slipped into my underwear. "What else do you want from me?"

"Wait..not now…" I could not think, those fingers were slipping in.

He pulled down his pants. "Misaki, when have I ever not paid attention to you? All I think about is you." I cried out when he entered. "My mind is filled with you and Miyoko, there is no room for anyone else." I could not reply as he kept thrusting in me. "I love you."

When it was over Usagi laid beside me with a look of pure bliss. It was infuriating. "Stop being so happy."

"How else am I supposed to be when my girlfriend feels possessive of me?"

"Don't remind me." I snuggled more into the blanket when I felt Usagi's weight above me. I turned but he kissed my cheek. "Um, Usagi, I am sorry for earlier. I do not have a right to keep Miyoko from going with you somewhere. I am sure the fresh air will be fine."

Another kiss. "Thank you. I don't mind the outburst, just shows your feelings."

"Shut up." I may have said but I was the one he quickly shut up.

Few days later

"Is she still there?"

"Yes Hidori." She rolled her eyes and threw her arms in the air. Quite a dramatic person. "Calm down, she's Usagi's cousin."

"I don't care if she was the royal princess of Japan. She should be leaving. Take away the fact that she seems to have eyes on your boyfriend, she is rude! She orders you around and constantly throws snide remarks at you."

"I know but I am handling it better. I just want to prove to her that I am good for Usagi." I hated her just as much; I was tired of hearing her remarks of me being a young mom, no future, my favorite was when she mentioned I scored big by trapping such a wealthy man. But it did help to see Usagi glaring every time she came around. The only time he seemed happy with their presence is when they are talking about a book.

She was about to say something but Hiromi saved me. "Calm down nee-san. Misaki does not seem worried." I did not want Hidori to keep going on like this, or make a scene at the house. I'm okay.

"I still like the idea of us going to meet her." Shinobu added. That was definitely not happening. "I don't see why not. Someone has to mark the territory."

"Leave it alone Hidori." Usagi made me feel better after our talk so I do feel I can trust him.

"Fine, but you have me on speed dial so I can fuck a bitch up."

"HIDORI!" "NEE-SAN!" All three of us shouted. What the hell was she watching to be this vulgar? Thank goodness this was not around Miyoko or else Usagi would definitely ban her from the house. My watch went off. "I got to get home. I'll talk to you guys later."

"Bye!" I was glad to see them, even with Hidori's new vulgar language. Usagi offered to watch Miyoko just as long as I was home in two hours.

"I'm home."

"Welcome home." Usagi called back. Strange, I did not hear Miyoko's small cough at my voice. I walked into the living room. My jaw almost hit the floor.

Miyoko was being held by Mizuki, laughing at the face she was making. Mizuki was touching arms with Usagi as they both looked down at Miyoko. Family magazines would envy this scene. Neither acknowledged my appearance. I'm okay. I'm okay.

"Usagi?"

He finally looked up, a strange look of relaxation in his eyes. "You should have seen it Misaki, Miyoko had this beautiful face. I should have taken a picture. ."

"Oh." I'm okay. I'm okay.

"That's okay nii-chan. I am sure Takahashi will see it next time, when she is not busy with her friends." The glee in her eyes did not go unnoticed. I'm okay. "Oh Misaki, everyone is hungry. If you are too tired, I can make something." I'm..

"No. Just give me a moment." I walked upstairs, turning back to see them back in their "perfect family" pose. With my child. And my boyfriend. What did Hidori say?

I'm about to fuck this bitch up.


Finally up!

Next chapter:

Kaoruko returns, Shino asks Misaki for a favor


When Miyoko was four months old

"Finally! The little princess makes her debut!" Isaka's laugh echoed off the walls. Usagi growled, shielding me and Miyoko.

"I did not bring them so you could parade them around for money."

"Now now, what is one little photo of the happy family?"

"Good afternoon Isaka."

"Hello to you little miss, my childbirth has enhanced your natural beauty. I almost feel regretful not snatching you away." Why did he have to say that? And now we are leaving. "Akihiko!"

"I will not have you flirting with her while she is holding our child."

"Usagi." I had to watch my step so I did not trip. Miyoko's baby bag bouncing against my back.

"Sensei you can't leave! You have work." Aikawa blocked our escape. Usagi grumbled under her breath. Miyoko seems to be enjoying the show.

"No I don't. He guilt-tripped Misaki into bringing Miyoko and I came because you would hold them hostage." That seems harsh. They are not that bad. It's not so much that Isaka guilt-tripped me but he did go on about how he has never seen Miyoko and as a family friend he wanted to see since he considers Usagi as family and even started to cry…

"I said no!"

"The media has been constantly contacting us since we announced the baby was born. They are losing their patience. We cannot hold them off forever."

"So?"

"So nothing. We have done a great job keeping them away from your home and little miss's school these past few months. How long do you think we can do that? How long before they start harassing her at school? Or camp outside your home? Or find more drastic means to catch just one picture?" I did shiver at the thought of someone breaking in.

"It does make sense."

"Misaki?"

I turned to Usagi. "You are popular, of course people are going to want to know about Miyoko. In a situation like this then I think we should go on the offense."

"But Misaki…" "And I would be scared for Miyoko...if someone was desperate enough to go that far." We looked at each other for a moment before he sighed.

"Fine...One story. One picture." Usagi could not finish as Isaka dragged him down the hall. Aikawa came to drag me but not as forceful. "Perfect. We have someone from the magazine here. We can do a quick 30 minute interview and a mini photoshoot and you can go home."

"Wait, now? I don't want a picture taken while like this!" I was in my lounging pants and a yellow shirt with a stain! And my hair was only up in a bun.

"Don't worry Misaki, we have clothes already prepared. You can pick whatever you want."

"You set this up." Usagi growled.

"Now, now."

"Isaka-sama, everything is ready and the reporter has arrived." Asahina stepped out of one of the rooms.

"Perfect, you take little miss to get changed."

"Understood."

Asahina led us into the room she was standing in front of. A rack of dresses on one side. Aikawa took Miyoko as Asahina looked through the racks but not before taking my shirt and pants off. I could do nothing but stand in embarrassment. "I could have chosen my own."

"We are in a hurry." Asahina grabbed a grey dress with black belt. She put it on me quickly and went to my hair.

"You look good Misaki." Aikawa cheered.

"I guess." I hoped I did since I could not see. Miyoko looked to Aikawa and back at me. Her small arms reached out.

"You are good." Asahina gave me the approval to take her up. They led me to another room. It was a much larger conference room. Usagi was sitting. There was also Isaka, a woman sitting, and a man with a camera. "Excuse us." Asahina led me to sit next to Usagi. He gave me a quick up and down before squeezing my thigh.

"Shall we begin the interview. I am afraid we are on the little miss's schedule." This time Isaka referred to Miyoko.

"Yes of course!" Her voice was kind. "You must be Takahashi, it is so great to meet you! My name is Higurashi Aiko from Tokyo Magazine." Even I knew that was a big magazine.

"It is nice to meet you."

"I am so honored to interview. It has been so exciting to hear Usami-sensei was going to be a father, and with such a beautiful mother, I can see why the baby came out so gorgeous."

"I owe it all to her mother." Usagi smiled, that charming smile he fools everyone around.

"How long have you two known each other?"

"About a year and a half."

"Was it love at first sight?"

"Not at all." He chuckled. "We actually hated each other in the beginning."

She giggled, "most perfect relationships start that way. Were you a fan of sensei's books Takakashi?"

Oh crap that was directed at me. "Um, no, I never read any of his work before I met him."

"She never even knew I was famous." Usagi added.

"Amazing. Were you surprised to find out how famous he was?"

"You could say that." If I recall, I was too busy trying to get into my brother's pants to even care. "Definitely something hard to get used to." Another thigh squeeze. I hoped it meant I was doing well.

"So I know people have been talking about your ages. If I am correct you are 19 now yes?"

"Yes."

"That would make a ten year difference." No shit. "Has the age difference been an issue in the relationship?"

I looked at Usagi. Was that for me to answer? "...I don't think so…" A thigh squeeze. What do I say? "My family has been supportive with our relationship."

"Wonderful, and has your family been involved? Being born into the Usami clan must be a big celebration."

"I am afraid not. I have not gotten along with my family before Misaki and I so they have not been part of our child's life."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"I'm not. I have no time to worry about them." He turned to me. A rare, loving smile on his face. "This is my family. As long as these two are perfect, then nothing else matters."

AAAAAHHHHH SO EMBARRASSING! I thought I was doing good! My cheeks were not heating up this entire time. Even the reporter's face was bright red. The cameraman was bright red!

"So beautiful! It is wonderful to see such love. I cannot wait to hear more about how this will impact your novels." And with that they dived into Usagi's work. He talked about a new book coming shortly and when they asked about any children's books, Isaka answered that it was still in the works. No doubt Usagi was going to yell at him later. She did ask me a few questions about my life, school, raising Miyoko, easy questions I could answer without much thought. She did ask if we were going to get married to which I allowed Usagi to reply that we were waiting until I was done with school.

Isaka cleared a space against the cream-colored walls for a photo to be taken. Usagi wrapped his arm around my waist as the cameraman was instructing how he wanted me to hold Miyoko. He asked if we were taking separate photos but Isaka refused, saying the family look is much better. Miyoko is so much like her father. All this flashing and she kept the same smile. She even laughed for one picture with both of us looking down.

As soon as the pictures were done she started crying. I think she is ready to go home. "And it seems our time is up." Isaka laughed.

"Yes of course." Higurashi and the camera guy bowed. "Thank you for taking the time to do an interview."

"No, thank you. I hope I did well."

"Of course! This really is not that new of a story. Older men choose younger girls all the time. Even a few older women celebrities have been known to date younger boys. This is exciting since sensei has been one of the top bachelors for a few years and now he is settling!" She bowed again and they left.

"See that wasn't so bad!"

"Yeah, it really wa…." "It was horrible!" All smiles were gone. The dark aura came back. Usagi slumped in his seat. "I don't want anymore interviews forever. To hell with new stories."

"It is part of your job." Asahina came back with Miyoko's diaper bag. When did she leave? I reached in to grab her small Suzuki. The whimpering stopped as she played with her favorite toy.

"I don't care. Can we go home?"

"You could stay a little longer, talk about that children's book." "Misaki, let's go." Usagi took Miyoko from me and grabbed my hand.

"What about the dress?"

"They'll get it back later."

"You can even keep it." I heard Isaka shout but Usagi turned down another part of the hallway. We made it down to the car. I got into the front seat as he buckled Miyoko in. "You think I did fine?"

He stopped at a red light. "You were perfect."

"You sure...I spoke okay? The dress looked fine? I didn't sound boring? I…" He silenced me with a kiss. Thank goodness this was a long red light.

"You did great. All you need to do is be yourself."

"Ha, you are never yourself during those interviews."

"I was not lying when I spoke about my love for you and Miyoko. Anything else is just my happiness to make enough money to raise my family."

He was too good with words. "How do you feel? Now you are going to be in the limelight. Knowing Isaka he will guilt-trip you into more projects."

"Isaka doesn't guilt trip me." Ok I did convince either of us then. "It probably is going to suck but I do like being part of your life. Makes me feel closer to you."

He smiled, kissing me again when we got home.

One week later

"MIIISAAAKKKII!" Hidori ran up to hug me. "YOU HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING!"

"What?" She shoved a magazine in my face. It was the Tokyo magazine and...wait...I'm on the front page?! Well, Usagi, Miyoko and I were on the front page. "A true princess movie, the bachelor turned family man making a debut with his family."

"Damn Misaki, you guys look goood." There had to be editing in these pictures. I actually looked great.

"Morning." Usagi came walking downstairs.

"Usagi, the magazine came out." He did not glance at it as he took his coffee and sat next to Miyoko. Before he could say anything the door opened. "Akihiko! Congratulations on the perfect interview! New job requests have already came in!"

"GET OUT!"