Chapter 10-
A/N: OVER? No way! They haven't had a single fluffy moment yet! It's not over! I'll let you know when it's over!
Anyway- had a good weekend- so I'm back and here's your chapter! On with the show!
-
Night came and Tai excused himself and retired for the night. He was just about asleep in the bed provided when the door quietly opened and Sora tip toed inside. She was dressed in her night attire and her hair was still a bit damp from her bath when she silently pulled back the covers and laid down next to Tai. Thinking he was asleep she placed a kiss on his cheek and settled in.
Tai didn't know what to say or do. If he wasn't shocked before he was when Sora snuggled up to his back. Slipping her arms around his back, she rested her head on the back of his neck.
"Goodnight Taichi." He heard her murmur before she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
The next morning Tai awoke slowly to a hand stroking his unruly locks. On top of him laid the sleeping form of his wife. She was playing with his hair in her sleep.
Tai just smiled. This was the closest to her he had ever been. And she had come to sleep next to him by her own choice. His large smile light up his face as he wrapped his arms around her and enjoyed the closeness.
Not much later Sora was greeted by his smile as she awoke.
"Good morning love." He said looking deeply into her eyes. Goodness how he loved to see them sparkle.
"Morning." She replied in a sleepy tone after she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Should we get up?" Her voice asked as she yawned.
"Not yet, I rather like this… waking up with a beautiful goddess near me." Again she blushed at his words. Hiding her blushing face in his nightshirt, she snuggled against him. This caused Tai to blush as well. They just laid there in silence for a time until Sora's stomach began to grumble.
"Hungry are we?" Tai laughed as she got up and smiled embarrassedly. "Let's get you some breakfast." He said kissing her forehead and he followed her out of the room.
Over the next few days Tai and Sora spent time just relaxing at Sora's home. The people of Takenou seemed to be happy to see Sora back. And they seemed to be more receptive to him on this visit. The town was already on its way to being rebuilt. The only presence of the Kamiya take over were the guards and observers sent by Tai's father.
Tai was actually enjoying this break from the capital. And the way Sora was slowly warming up to him gave him hope that this marriage might actually work out.
As Tai said and talked with Sora's father and several Takenou officials, he watched the way Sora's face beamed when she played with the small children. He wanted to see her like this all the time. But he knew what giving her a child all entailed and she wouldn't be willing to go that far… yet. How Tai wished she would feel more at ease with him getting close to her- but Matt had ruined that. So Tai decided to just wait, even if his body wanted her. It would be her decision, and not his.
Around noon the next day, Tai and Sora were eating lunch outside the town walls. The sun was out in full view, and a gentle breeze blew through the picturesque scene. They made small conversation and just sat enjoying each other's company. The day was going perfect, until a messenger suddenly came galloping up on horseback.
"Your highnesses." he called as she stopped his horse in front of them. "You highness, I bring urgent word from the palace."
"What is it?" Tai asked standing up and taking the parchment from the man and read it. Not believing the contents, re read it a second time. Dropping to his knees, he felt weak. Sora went to his side immediately.
"Taichi… what is it?" She asked taking his face in her hands, Sora tried to get him to look at her.
"He's dead…" Tai replied in a whisper.
Sora's heart as she saw him tear up. Drawing him into her arms she tried to comfort him the best she could.
"He… he's gone… no. Why father?" He asked as he cried onto Sora's shoulder.
"Hush now… it'll be alright. We'll go home Taichi. Everything is going to be all right. You'll see."
Gathering their things, Sora said her goodbyes to her father once more before she got into the carriage with her husband. Tai had been in a horrible state the entire day after receiving the message about his father's passing.
His head rested in her lap as he just laid there the entire way back to the palace. Sora stoked his hair and soothingly traced his nose with her slender finger while talking to him with her gentle voice.
Joe was waiting for them as they arrived at the palace gates.
"I'm glad you're back safely. I just wished it would have been on happier terms…" The blue haired man said as he helped her get Tai out of the carriage.
Walking over to the king's bedroom they all stopped before the large wooden doors. Inside was where his father's body laid in waiting for the funeral services to commence. "Tai you don't have to go in there, it's ok to not want to say…"
"No, I… have to see him. One last time." Tai said as he stood and entered the room alone
"Joe, where is Mimi?" Sora asked to end the awkward silence.
"She is in bed. Her child is due any day now and I've prescribed bed rest for her."
"Is she ok?" Sora questioned concerned.
"She fought like a bear to get out of bed, but I told her it could hurt the baby if she moved too much during the final weeks." He commented as he cleaned his glasses with a handkerchief.
"Oh Joe, is everything going to be ok with the delivery?"
"I wouldn't worry about Mimi, I'll take care of her, right now… Taichi is the one who needs you." He said. "His majesty had a hard time dealing with the passing of his mother, this will be probably worse on him."
"Thank you Joe. I'll go and check on him now." She said as she entered the room where Tai had been in for nearly an hour.
"Taichi?" She called to him. The room was dark and silent as she entered. Walking towards the large bed in the center of the dull room she spotted Tai with his head resting on his father's hand.
Kneeling down behind him she leaned her body against his back, while wrapping her arms around him.
"Taichi…"
"I hated him… I wanted to fool myself into thinking I hated him… but I couldn't." Tai said in a weak tone. "For everything- pushing me to be the man he wanted me to be… for hurting you and forcing you here… but it hurts that he's gone."
"Tai, it'll be Albright. And I… I don't mind it here anymore… with you." She sighed as he took hold of her hand. "Come let's get you cleaned up… a warm bath will make you feel better."
After a few minutes, Tai finally allowed Sora to lead him out of the room and to their bedroom. She drew him a bath with the help of several servants.
After he had slipped into the bubble-covered water Sora reentered the room and just sat by his side. Rubbing his back with a sponge she got him to relax.
But he still wasn't the same- he was quiet and sad.
Kissing his forehead, Sora left the room so he could get out whenever he wanted. In the other room she decided to change into her nightdress and got ready for bed. The sun was already drifting behind the horizon as she pulled the covers down and crawled into bed.
Tai came walking into the room with only a pair of loose fitting cloth pants on. Sora blushed as she saw his bare chest for the first time. He was very attractive, she had to admit.
Sora opened the sheets of the bed to him and patted the bed space next to her.
"You just need rest." She smiled as he lay down with a sigh.
Not wanting to leave him feeling alone and unloved, she wrapped her arms around him drawing him close.
Stroking his hair, she soon heard the cute little sighs and mumbled words he uttered in his sleep.
The next day they laid the former king into his final resting place. Beside Tai's mother, who had long since passed, everyone close said their goodbyes.
"Sora, I'm so glad you're here." The brown haired young woman smiled up at Sora. It was Tai's little sister Kari. "You've changed him a great deal. He's more open and seems to care a lot more." She added with a hug.
"Thank you Kari… he means a lot to me."
"He'd be glad to hear you tell him that."
"I only wish you could stay longer." Sora said as Tai's younger sister and husband left a few days after the funeral.
"I'm sorry, but there's an economic crisis back home and we're both needed." The blonde told them. "But I'm glad to see you're doing better." He smiled kissing her hand. Sora recognized him to be one of the people that came with Tai to save her.
"Thank you… and I hope to see you both soon." Sora waved after them. Walking back into the castle she went to check on Taichi. He was sleeping peacefully. After changing out of her formal dresses, Sora went to check on Mimi's condition. Joe had been kind enough to keep an eye on Mimi. For that, Sora was glad.
"Hey Mimi, how are you doing?' Sora asked as she brought some food to her tired friend.
"Sora! Oh I'm so glad to see you!" Mimi smiled. "Your medicine is a God send. I hardly feel the pain. Joe was very impressed."
"I'm glad it helps." Sora said as she placed a hand on Mimi's belly.
Mimi saw the expression on Sora's face.
"You can have your own, you know… there's no need to be sad." Mimi said rubbing Sora's hand. "I mean I'm surprised you're not already pregnant. It's been a month or two since you were
married. Are you sure you aren't yet?"
"I'm sure." Sora said.
"Sora?" Mimi started out concerned at the look on Sora's face. It looked like the red head was about to cry. "What's wrong?'
"Am I a bad wife?" Sora asked quietly. She was fighting back the tears.
"What are you talking about?"
"It's Taichi… some times he doesn't sleep…in our bed."
"What do you mean?"
"We've never really slept together…"
"Sora- you've slept together for the past month since your wedding." Mimi said confused. Sora gave a sigh.
"We've never consummated the marriage… and now he… he'll wait till I'm asleep and get out of bed. At first I didn't want to go any further because… of what happened and all, but now there's something else wrong…"
"Oh, Sora. There's nothing wrong. Oh, come here you poor dear." Mimi's motherly side came into full effect. She squeezed Sora as close as she cold, considering her large stomach. They just sat there for a moment. Sora was lying on the bed's soft covers as Mimi stroked her hair.
"I'm sure he just doesn't want to pressure you into anything… I'm so sorry this is so confusing for you… this is all my fault." Mimi said tearing up at the last statement.
"Your fault? How is any of this your fault?" Sora asked. It was her turn to be confused.
"Matt was my husband… I should have done something instead of…"
"No, Mimi. You're a good friend and you couldn't have done anything and besides it was me who decided to run off."
"Sora."
The two sat there in silence for a time.
"Talk to him." Mimi said hugging Sora. "You've got yourself a good man Sora."
"And I see that a certain doctor has been taking extra good care of you." Sora smiled back. "I'm glad you and Joe can be together and happy." this caused Mimi to blush.
"Well, nothing is set in stone, but he has made a few comments and gestures… AH!" She was cut off by a scream of pain.
"Mimi… what's wrong?" Sora asked as she saw Mimi cringe in pain.
"Sora!!" Mimi screamed out again holding her stomach.
"Just breathe! Mimi, I'll get Joe and some medicine." Sora told her as she quickly got up and ran to get Joe.
A/N: OVER? No way! They haven't had a single fluffy moment yet! It's not over! I'll let you know when it's over!
Anyway- had a good weekend- so I'm back and here's your chapter! On with the show!
-
Night came and Tai excused himself and retired for the night. He was just about asleep in the bed provided when the door quietly opened and Sora tip toed inside. She was dressed in her night attire and her hair was still a bit damp from her bath when she silently pulled back the covers and laid down next to Tai. Thinking he was asleep she placed a kiss on his cheek and settled in.
Tai didn't know what to say or do. If he wasn't shocked before he was when Sora snuggled up to his back. Slipping her arms around his back, she rested her head on the back of his neck.
"Goodnight Taichi." He heard her murmur before she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
The next morning Tai awoke slowly to a hand stroking his unruly locks. On top of him laid the sleeping form of his wife. She was playing with his hair in her sleep.
Tai just smiled. This was the closest to her he had ever been. And she had come to sleep next to him by her own choice. His large smile light up his face as he wrapped his arms around her and enjoyed the closeness.
Not much later Sora was greeted by his smile as she awoke.
"Good morning love." He said looking deeply into her eyes. Goodness how he loved to see them sparkle.
"Morning." She replied in a sleepy tone after she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Should we get up?" Her voice asked as she yawned.
"Not yet, I rather like this… waking up with a beautiful goddess near me." Again she blushed at his words. Hiding her blushing face in his nightshirt, she snuggled against him. This caused Tai to blush as well. They just laid there in silence for a time until Sora's stomach began to grumble.
"Hungry are we?" Tai laughed as she got up and smiled embarrassedly. "Let's get you some breakfast." He said kissing her forehead and he followed her out of the room.
Over the next few days Tai and Sora spent time just relaxing at Sora's home. The people of Takenou seemed to be happy to see Sora back. And they seemed to be more receptive to him on this visit. The town was already on its way to being rebuilt. The only presence of the Kamiya take over were the guards and observers sent by Tai's father.
Tai was actually enjoying this break from the capital. And the way Sora was slowly warming up to him gave him hope that this marriage might actually work out.
As Tai said and talked with Sora's father and several Takenou officials, he watched the way Sora's face beamed when she played with the small children. He wanted to see her like this all the time. But he knew what giving her a child all entailed and she wouldn't be willing to go that far… yet. How Tai wished she would feel more at ease with him getting close to her- but Matt had ruined that. So Tai decided to just wait, even if his body wanted her. It would be her decision, and not his.
Around noon the next day, Tai and Sora were eating lunch outside the town walls. The sun was out in full view, and a gentle breeze blew through the picturesque scene. They made small conversation and just sat enjoying each other's company. The day was going perfect, until a messenger suddenly came galloping up on horseback.
"Your highnesses." he called as she stopped his horse in front of them. "You highness, I bring urgent word from the palace."
"What is it?" Tai asked standing up and taking the parchment from the man and read it. Not believing the contents, re read it a second time. Dropping to his knees, he felt weak. Sora went to his side immediately.
"Taichi… what is it?" She asked taking his face in her hands, Sora tried to get him to look at her.
"He's dead…" Tai replied in a whisper.
Sora's heart as she saw him tear up. Drawing him into her arms she tried to comfort him the best she could.
"He… he's gone… no. Why father?" He asked as he cried onto Sora's shoulder.
"Hush now… it'll be alright. We'll go home Taichi. Everything is going to be all right. You'll see."
Gathering their things, Sora said her goodbyes to her father once more before she got into the carriage with her husband. Tai had been in a horrible state the entire day after receiving the message about his father's passing.
His head rested in her lap as he just laid there the entire way back to the palace. Sora stoked his hair and soothingly traced his nose with her slender finger while talking to him with her gentle voice.
Joe was waiting for them as they arrived at the palace gates.
"I'm glad you're back safely. I just wished it would have been on happier terms…" The blue haired man said as he helped her get Tai out of the carriage.
Walking over to the king's bedroom they all stopped before the large wooden doors. Inside was where his father's body laid in waiting for the funeral services to commence. "Tai you don't have to go in there, it's ok to not want to say…"
"No, I… have to see him. One last time." Tai said as he stood and entered the room alone
"Joe, where is Mimi?" Sora asked to end the awkward silence.
"She is in bed. Her child is due any day now and I've prescribed bed rest for her."
"Is she ok?" Sora questioned concerned.
"She fought like a bear to get out of bed, but I told her it could hurt the baby if she moved too much during the final weeks." He commented as he cleaned his glasses with a handkerchief.
"Oh Joe, is everything going to be ok with the delivery?"
"I wouldn't worry about Mimi, I'll take care of her, right now… Taichi is the one who needs you." He said. "His majesty had a hard time dealing with the passing of his mother, this will be probably worse on him."
"Thank you Joe. I'll go and check on him now." She said as she entered the room where Tai had been in for nearly an hour.
"Taichi?" She called to him. The room was dark and silent as she entered. Walking towards the large bed in the center of the dull room she spotted Tai with his head resting on his father's hand.
Kneeling down behind him she leaned her body against his back, while wrapping her arms around him.
"Taichi…"
"I hated him… I wanted to fool myself into thinking I hated him… but I couldn't." Tai said in a weak tone. "For everything- pushing me to be the man he wanted me to be… for hurting you and forcing you here… but it hurts that he's gone."
"Tai, it'll be Albright. And I… I don't mind it here anymore… with you." She sighed as he took hold of her hand. "Come let's get you cleaned up… a warm bath will make you feel better."
After a few minutes, Tai finally allowed Sora to lead him out of the room and to their bedroom. She drew him a bath with the help of several servants.
After he had slipped into the bubble-covered water Sora reentered the room and just sat by his side. Rubbing his back with a sponge she got him to relax.
But he still wasn't the same- he was quiet and sad.
Kissing his forehead, Sora left the room so he could get out whenever he wanted. In the other room she decided to change into her nightdress and got ready for bed. The sun was already drifting behind the horizon as she pulled the covers down and crawled into bed.
Tai came walking into the room with only a pair of loose fitting cloth pants on. Sora blushed as she saw his bare chest for the first time. He was very attractive, she had to admit.
Sora opened the sheets of the bed to him and patted the bed space next to her.
"You just need rest." She smiled as he lay down with a sigh.
Not wanting to leave him feeling alone and unloved, she wrapped her arms around him drawing him close.
Stroking his hair, she soon heard the cute little sighs and mumbled words he uttered in his sleep.
The next day they laid the former king into his final resting place. Beside Tai's mother, who had long since passed, everyone close said their goodbyes.
"Sora, I'm so glad you're here." The brown haired young woman smiled up at Sora. It was Tai's little sister Kari. "You've changed him a great deal. He's more open and seems to care a lot more." She added with a hug.
"Thank you Kari… he means a lot to me."
"He'd be glad to hear you tell him that."
"I only wish you could stay longer." Sora said as Tai's younger sister and husband left a few days after the funeral.
"I'm sorry, but there's an economic crisis back home and we're both needed." The blonde told them. "But I'm glad to see you're doing better." He smiled kissing her hand. Sora recognized him to be one of the people that came with Tai to save her.
"Thank you… and I hope to see you both soon." Sora waved after them. Walking back into the castle she went to check on Taichi. He was sleeping peacefully. After changing out of her formal dresses, Sora went to check on Mimi's condition. Joe had been kind enough to keep an eye on Mimi. For that, Sora was glad.
"Hey Mimi, how are you doing?' Sora asked as she brought some food to her tired friend.
"Sora! Oh I'm so glad to see you!" Mimi smiled. "Your medicine is a God send. I hardly feel the pain. Joe was very impressed."
"I'm glad it helps." Sora said as she placed a hand on Mimi's belly.
Mimi saw the expression on Sora's face.
"You can have your own, you know… there's no need to be sad." Mimi said rubbing Sora's hand. "I mean I'm surprised you're not already pregnant. It's been a month or two since you were
married. Are you sure you aren't yet?"
"I'm sure." Sora said.
"Sora?" Mimi started out concerned at the look on Sora's face. It looked like the red head was about to cry. "What's wrong?'
"Am I a bad wife?" Sora asked quietly. She was fighting back the tears.
"What are you talking about?"
"It's Taichi… some times he doesn't sleep…in our bed."
"What do you mean?"
"We've never really slept together…"
"Sora- you've slept together for the past month since your wedding." Mimi said confused. Sora gave a sigh.
"We've never consummated the marriage… and now he… he'll wait till I'm asleep and get out of bed. At first I didn't want to go any further because… of what happened and all, but now there's something else wrong…"
"Oh, Sora. There's nothing wrong. Oh, come here you poor dear." Mimi's motherly side came into full effect. She squeezed Sora as close as she cold, considering her large stomach. They just sat there for a moment. Sora was lying on the bed's soft covers as Mimi stroked her hair.
"I'm sure he just doesn't want to pressure you into anything… I'm so sorry this is so confusing for you… this is all my fault." Mimi said tearing up at the last statement.
"Your fault? How is any of this your fault?" Sora asked. It was her turn to be confused.
"Matt was my husband… I should have done something instead of…"
"No, Mimi. You're a good friend and you couldn't have done anything and besides it was me who decided to run off."
"Sora."
The two sat there in silence for a time.
"Talk to him." Mimi said hugging Sora. "You've got yourself a good man Sora."
"And I see that a certain doctor has been taking extra good care of you." Sora smiled back. "I'm glad you and Joe can be together and happy." this caused Mimi to blush.
"Well, nothing is set in stone, but he has made a few comments and gestures… AH!" She was cut off by a scream of pain.
"Mimi… what's wrong?" Sora asked as she saw Mimi cringe in pain.
"Sora!!" Mimi screamed out again holding her stomach.
"Just breathe! Mimi, I'll get Joe and some medicine." Sora told her as she quickly got up and ran to get Joe.
