** Cont. Chapter 4
Hope you all enjoy!
"Ayeka wants to go dress shopping tomorrow; you are coming right?" Washu asked leaning back against the couch looking to Ryoko as she set the laptop down. Turning her head arching an eyebrow.
"You're joking right?"
"No, why?" Washu asked reaching for her cup of tea sitting cross legged.
"No" Ryoko spoke.
"Why not?"
"I'm not in the wedding, so why would I want to go?" she asked.
"Cause the others and I want you to go. Ayeka wants everyone as a bride's maid."
"You, be a bride's maid…" Ryoko asked arching an eyebrow.
"Well, not exactly everybody…"
"She never asked me, and beside I don't think she wants a pregnant woman, by her husband to be in her wedding."
"Well, she asked me to ask you since I was coming over here, and the girls want to come see you too."
"This weekend?" Ryoko asked glancing to the TV at some show beginning than to her mother.
"Yea… you're acting like you have other plans…. Is it that new guy?" Washu asked smirking as Ryoko eyed her.
"Yea I got plans tomorrow night…" Ryoko spoke grabbing her coffee cup.
"Hmm ok, what Ya doing huh?" Washu asked nudging Ryoko in the arm.
"Mom stop, that's really irritating… if the girls want to come tonight, they can, but I'm not going tomorrow" Ryoko spoke sipping her cup. Nodding her head Washu sipping her tea leaning up a little setting her cup down.
"They'd enjoy that, and that's fine. What time you want them over?" she asked.
"I don't care, theirs the spare guest room they can crash in or the couch bed" Ryoko spoke sipping her coffee again.
"Ayeka too?" Washu asked. Shrugging Ryoko brought her cup down.
"I don't care" Ryoko spoke. Nodding her head Washu stood reaching for her tea finishing it off.
"Alright, well let me go so I can let the girls know….so is it a date tomorrow night?" Washu asked as Ryoko looked up to her.
"No, just dinner…. Now go before I change my mind" Ryoko spoke swatting at her mother with her hand as Washu smirked disappearing.
"Really, we can?" Mihoshi about squealed clasping her hands together as Washu sat beside her with Kiyone on the other end of the couch. Sasami leaned up from sitting on the floor with Ryo-Ohki.
"We better go get packed than Mihoshi, come on!" Sasami spoke standing reaching for her hand as they both ran upstairs.
"She doesn't mind?" Kiyone asked. Shaking her head Washu looked to Ayeka sitting in the chair off to the right side of the two of them.
"Are you coming Ayeka, she doesn't care" Washu spoke. Lowering her head looking to her hands for a moment thinking.
"Maybe you can talk her into being in your wedding… but… to forewarn you she doesn't want to go tomorrow dress shopping, nor does she want to be in your wedding…" Washu spoke. Lifting her gaze look to Washu as she talked, Kiyone bit her bottom lip looking between the two of them.
"I don't blame her…. I would feel just as awkward, she doesn't have to be if she doesn't want too. I guess I'll come, maybe for a little while just to see how she is doing…" Ayeka spoke. Washu smirked as Kiyone seemed to breath, standing up.
"Alrighty, I'll meet everyone down here in 10 than we can go" Washu spoke as Kiyone nodded her head making her way upstairs.
"I think it'll mean a lot to her if you come…" Washu spoke standing up. Nodding her head Ayeka reached for her cup in front of her.
"Me too" she spoke.
Running her hand through her hair standing at the stove opening the oven checking the pizza, figuring pizza would be the easiest to make for everyone rather than tearing up her kitchen cooking some big meal. Sighing deeply knowing this was going to be a long weekend. Thinking about tomorrow with the girls going dress shopping, wondering if it was best for her to go after yesterday getting sick at the mall. Placing a hand on her stomach gently, wondering if it was a boy or girl, maybe Washu could tell this early. Running a hand over her stomach she could feel a faint baby bump, it was almost unnoticeable. Making her way to the freezer grabbing the other three pizzas setting them out on the counter. Turning her head her cell phone beeped as she reached for it looking to Higes text. Pausing she looked through the kitchen as the doorbell rang. Teleporting to the door opening it, arching an eyebrow looking to Hige as he stood their smiling. Seeing him again, reminding her of how good looking he was. His dark green hair laid around his ears, wearing a white half sleeved button up shirt with khaki pants with black boots. One hand he waved with the other behind his back.
"Hey… you just texted me…" Ryoko spoke.
"I know…I'm on my way to meet my sister I figured I'd stop by real quick, was that ok?" he asked.
"No… I mean you're fine" Ryoko spoke taking a step back as he took a few steps in looking around the place for a moment as she closed the door. Wondering if wearing her blue and gold kimono made her look… thrumpy?, especially now pregnant.
"I wasn't expecting you to show up, I'm not really…" Ryoko spoke running a hand through her hair. Snickering Hige looked to her as his dark hazel eyes looked over her.
"What… you're fine. I wouldn't expect you to look any different… you look great actually" he spoke turning lifting his other arm from behind him holding bouquet of white lilies tied with a silver ribbon. Arching an eyebrow Ryoko looked to them, then to Hige.
"What's with the flowers?" Ryoko asked.
"They're for you… you don't seem much into frilly pink or red roses, which is for people in love so, I figured lilies was perfect..." he spoke.
"Uh… thank you. There very pretty" Ryoko spoke reaching for them, not getting used to the fact of having anyone, buy her flowers.
"You've never been bought flowers before, have you?" he asked arching an eyebrow.
"No…" Ryoko spoke looking to him.
"Really… that's a shame… I'll have to make up for it than huh?" he asked winking to her. Ryoko starred at him, blushing faintly.
"Uhh… sister huh?" Ryoko asked taking a step to the side making her way to the kitchen.
"Yup… she's making lasagna. She makes a big dinner once a week or so and my mother, stepdad and I go over" he spoke watching her taking a couple steps following her looking around.
"O ok" Ryoko spoke glancing back to him setting the flowers on the island counter wondering where her vace was, if she even had one.
"I smell pizza… pizzas…" Hige spoke looking to the three other pizzas on the counter.
"That hungry huh?" he asked. Eyeing him for a moment Ryoko paused, turning walking to the counters on the other side of the fridge looking.
"I'm joking…" he spoke.
"My mom and a couple of the girls back home are coming over" Ryoko spoke grabbing what looked like a vace, shrugging faintly making her way to the sink.
"Oh ok, sounds fun." Ryoko turned making her way to the oven checking the pizzas. Hearing a phone beep turning looking to Hige grabbing his from his back pocket.
"Hm… that's her. Well, I need to head out… I'll see you tomorrow?" he asked holding his phone. Nodding her head wrapping her arms about herself.
"Great" he spoke waving, taking a couple steps back making his way out the door. Watching him as he walked out the door, realizing she needed to move the flowers before the girls showed up, knowing how Washu was. Filling up the vace turning setting the flowers into the vace teleporting to her bedroom setting them on the nightstand beside her bed.
Opening the door looking to the 5 eagerly waiting for Ryoko to open the door, Mihoshi lurched forwards hugging Ryoko immediately.
"Ryoko I missed you!" she sobbed falling to her knees hugging her legs. Sasami leaned down reaching for her arm.
"Mihoshi get up…" she spoke. Sighing deeply Ryoko inched her way out of the doorway to let the others in.
"It's been weird without you…You holding up ok?" Kiyone spoke walking inside the house behind Washu turning helping Sasami drag Mihoshi up.
"Yea… never better" Ryoko spoke looking to her than to Ayeka as she was the last one to walk in, she turned to the door closing it.
"Your house is lovely Ryoko" Sasami spoke holding her bag to the side of her as Ryo-Ohki hopped off her head running around.
"Thanks" Ryoko spoke wrapping her arms about herself.
"The spare room is down the hallway on the right with the bathroom on the left. Put ya'lls bags anywhere… I made pizza for everyone" Ryoko spoke looking to everyone.
"Sounds yummy" Mihoshi spoke turning heading down the hallway.
"Thank you for having us over, I couldn't wait" Sasami spoke plopping down on one of the couches.
"Hmm… it is offly quiet around here without everyone" Ryoko spoke smirking turning glancing to Ayeka, winking to let her know it was alright.
Stacking all the plates in the sink turning wiping the countertop.
"You shouldn't be taking care of this, at least let us help" Ayeka spoke coming through the kitchen up to her.
"Ain't no difference" Ryoko spoke looking to her as she came up to the sink reaching for the hot water.
"So, dress shopping tomorrow huh?" Ryoko asked making her way to the other end of the counter beside the fridge deciding to make a fresh pot of coffee.
"Hmm…Your welcome to be a part of it… if not I don't blame you. Washu doesn't either" Ayeka spoke turning the water off reaching for the washcloth. Glancing to her Ryoko turned leaning her back against the counter wrapping her arms about herself.
"It's nothing against you Ayeka, honestly you know how I am. I'd rather elope than go thru all of that mess. I'll think about, not sure if you'd even want to have…" Ryoko paused lowering her head for a moment looking down to her bare feet. Pausing for a moment Ayeka looked to her, she turned slightly letting her hands rest on the counter.
"I could careless weather you were pregnant or not, what of it? It is what it is, we're family…" Ayeka spoke.
"Thanks… "Ryoko spoke turning reaching for a coffee cup in the upper cabinet. Watching her for a moment Ayeka turned looking back to the dishes.
"So, you want a big wedding?" Ryoko asked.
"No, just us on the land…nothing special."
"What about your family?" Ryoko asked holding her coffee cup with both hands turning leaning her back against the counter. Shrugging Ayeka set a plate in the drain board.
"They'll find out sooner or later." Sipping her coffee Ryoko sighed softly taking another sip.
"You holding up, ok?" Ayeka asked finishing up the last of the dishes drying her hands.
"Hmmm" Ryoko spoke leaning up off the counter sipping her coffee making her way out of the kitchen as Ayeka followed her.
Settling down after a while of watching Tv, making popcorn and tea it was beginning to get late. Glancing to Mihoshi and Sasami as the two of them started yawning leaning up a little Ryoko leaning her knees up against herself wrapping her arms about herself sitting sideways on the couch.
"Well girls I think it's about time for bed… "Washu spoke up standing up from the end of the couch glancing go Ryoko stretching her arms above her head.
"Where are we all sleeping?" Sasami asked looking to her, then to Ryoko sitting beside Mihoshi sitting on the floor.
"This couch folds out to a couch bed, and theirs the spare guest room" Ryoko spoke looking to her.
"Can we all sleep in here, we can sleep on the floor" Mihoshi spoke.
"Yea, that'd be fun" Sasami spoke. Ryoko shrugged looking to Kiyone and Ayeka on the other couch beside the one she sat on.
"There's plenty of blankets and pillows in the spare guest room closet" Washu spoke up.
"That's up to ya'll" Ryoko spoke turning setting her feet on the floor. Sasami stood grabbing Mihoshi's arm.
"Come on Mihoshi" she spoke as the both of them headed down the hallway.
"I call the couch" Washu spoke.
"I call my bed" Ryoko spoke standing slowly turning making her way into the kitchen. Sasami and Mihoshi returned as they made the blankets on the floor. You alright? Washu asked telepathically as she grabbed a couple pillows setting them on the couch. Ryoko came up to the fridge reaching in for a bottled water. Yea… Ryoko replied. I know you better than you think…how bad is the nausea Washu asked. Setting the water bottle down she turned setting the coffee pot for in the morning, I'm fine Ryoko replied finishing up turning making her way out of the room. Washu turned her head looking to Ryoko for a moment as she eyed her. Settling down getting comfy on the floor Kiyone, Sasami and Mihoshi sprawled out on the floor as Washu and Ayeka slept on the two couches. Closing her door behind her Ryoko sighed deeply leaning her back against the door leaning her head back closing her eyes. Resting her arms around her stomach she could hear the others talking from the living room. Lifting herself from the door teleporting to her bed pulling the sheets back she crawled in bed. Not realizing how tired she was, cuddling beneath the blankets sighing heavily closing her eyes. Pausing for a moment as her phone beeped from her nightstand opening her eyes reaching a handout for her phone. Reading the couple of text wishing her a good night. Replying back to him setting her phone back on the nightstand. Cuddling back beneath the sheets closing her eyes.
Rolling over to her back Ryoko brought a hand up to her head rubbing her face turning to her side looking to her alarm clock. It only being 7:56 sighing deeply cuddling beneath the sheets closing her eyes for a moment. Not hearing anyone in the living room guessing everyone was still asleep. Slowly crawling out of bed stretching a little reaching for her phone putting it in her pocket to her kimono glancing to the lilies for a moment making her way across the room. Closing her door behind her coming up to the girls, they all still remained asleep, except for Washu. She was always up, wondering how much sleep she ever got. Glancing around the living room than to the French glass doors across the room off from the side of the kitchen. Sighing softly rubbing the back of her neck making her way into the kitchen.
Slipping the black short sleeve V-neck t-shirt over her head Ryoko turned reaching for her dark charcoal colored Capri leggings slipping them on. Gulping trying to swallow the nausea that seemed to be pulsating throughout her stomach. Pausing as her phone rang, turning her way out of the bathroom coming up to the edge of her bed sitting answering her phone.
"Ello" she spoke.
"Morning, I didn't wake you, did I?" Hige asked.
"No, I've been up" Ryoko replied.
"Ahh ok…. Having a good time?"
"Yea I guess."
"Why you say it that way for?" he asked snickering.
"One of the girls… she's getting married in about a month and wants to go dress shopping today…" she spoke leaning back sitting cross legged.
"Uh oh… sounds horrible."
"Yea…"
"Are you in the wedding?"
"Nope."
"Then why go if you're not in it?"
"Cause their pretty much family…" Ryoko spoke shrugging placing a hand over her stomach.
"I see… well I'm sure you'll have fun. Did you still want to do dinner, we can reschedule if you'd like" he spoke.
"It's fine" she spoke, slowly standing up feeling on the verge of throwing up.
"Alright, well if you need more time let me know…" he started.
"Hold on a sec…" Ryoko interrupted setting the phone down on the bed teleporting to her bathroom getting sick. Leaning back on her knees her arms wrapped around her stomach Ryoko sighed deeply bringing a hand up to her forehead. Teleporting back to her bedroom sitting on her bed grabbing the phone.
"…. Stop that, I'm gonna tell your mom!" Hige spoke.
"Sorry bout…. Do what?" Ryoko asked arching an eyebrow. She could hear little voices in the background laughing. Kids… really?
"Sorry, my two nieces and nephew spent the night last night… their being little heathens right now… that's what I get for giving them sugar for breakfast. My sister pawned them off on me last night" Hige spoke laughing.
"Oh… sounds like you got your hands full than" Ryoko spoke.
"Yea, ain't nothing I can't handle. You alright?" he asked. Gulping Ryoko sighed deeply scooting back on the bed wrapping her other arm around herself.
"Yea…."
"Ginger ale sometimes works…. Or green tea" he spoke.
"Already tried that… "Ryoko replied.
"You gonna be ok?"
"I'll manage…how did you know?"
"My sister lived with me when she was pregnant with the twins."
"Ah..."
"Yup… well let me go, are you sure your gonna be alright…?"
"Yea, we won't be gone long anyways…. I'll ditch them if I need to."
"Ha, sounds like a plan… I'll talk to you later, ok?"
"Alright" Ryoko spoke bringing the phone down hanging up taking a deep breath setting the phone down beside her. Scooting to the edge of the bed, suddenly teleporting to the bathroom once more.
Plopping down in one of the chairs off to the side crossing her legs leaning an elbow on one knee cupping her chin with the palm of her hand sighing deeply Ryoko watched Sasami and Mihoshi look through all the racks of dresses like kids in a candy shop. Kiyone had been off helping Ayeka sort thru the different styles the consultant had picked out. Who knew where Washu was, she was off somewhere. Glancing around the room Ryoko reached for her cell phone texting Hige. Wishing the girls would hurry up, hunger was starting to set in.
"You look so enthused" Washu spoke coming up beside her sitting in the chair off to the side.
"Woo Hoo" Ryoko spoke glancing to her mother.
"The girls already have their dresses; I think she's trying the last 1 now" Washu spoke leaning back in the chair a little more.
"Did you need a dress to wear for the wedding?" Washu asked. Arching an eyebrow Ryoko turned her head looking to her mother.
"No."
"Figured why we are he…" Washu started.
"No" Ryoko interrupted.
"Ok ok…." Washu spoke shaking her head glancing around. Eyeing her for a moment Ryoko looked back to her phone sighing deeply.
"You feeling ok?" Washu asked crossing her arms across her chest.
"Hmm" Ryoko spoke. Looking to Sasami and Mihoshi coming up to Ayeka seemingly as if she had found the right dress.
"Looks like she found the right dress" Washu spoke. Glancing to her, then to Ayeka and the girls Ryoko looked back to her phone.
"You could at least act like you're here for a reason Ryoko" Washu spoke looking to her.
"What do you want me to do Washu, put the dress on her myself…" Ryoko spoke arching an eyebrow.
"Instead of pouting, you could be a part of this."
"Me not being here is enough for you, or her?" Ryoko asked.
"What do you think?" Washu asked eyeing her leaning back a little in the chair.
"You know I'm not into this type of stuff."
"Neither am I, look at it from her perspective Ryoko, we're all she's got" Washu spoke. Sighing deeply bringing a hand up to her forehead growling underneath her breath.
"You're a pain you know that" Ryoko spoke eyeing her mother.
"Aren't that what mothers are for?"
Coming up to the dress pausing for a moment looking to it hanging along the wall as Ayeka changed in the other room. Opening the door Ayeka paused for a moment as Ryoko looked to her.
"Good look for you" Ryoko spoke wrapping her arms around herself as Ayeka smiled a little.
"Thank you…you know the offer still stands if you'd like to…" Ayeka started.
"No offense, but once again no thank you" Ryoko spoke up. Nodding her head Ayeka sighed softly.
"Come on, the girls are waiting on you to go get lunch" Ryoko spoke turning as Ayeka reached for the dress following her out the dressing room.
Closing the door behind her slipping her flip flops off holding a couple bags in her hands making her way to the bedroom glancing to her phone. She still had a little time to relax before meeting with Hige. Setting her bags down at the edge of the bed crawling on her bed plopping down cuddling against her pillows. Wrapping her arms about herself bending her knees sighing deeply. Glancing to the time once again it was just 3:46. Sighing deeply still feeling nauseated from this morning not able to shake it off. Letting her eyes rest slowly trying to gulp down the sickness. The air felt cool with all the blinds closed, being able to take a deep breath relaxing her muscles soon falling asleep.
Placing his phone in his back pocket walking up the walkway coming to a slow stop to the door. Knocking Hige looked to the door pausing for a moment placing his hands in his front pockets. Glancing off to the side for moment than to Ryoko's car still in the driveway front of his car. Looking to the door once more he looked to the doorbell pressing the button.
Sitting up suddenly Ryoko looked towards the hallway hearing a knock, turning her head looking to the time. Shit… she thought at the clocked turned 5:57. Rushing out the bed teleporting to the door suddenly opening it looking to Hige as he turned his head.
"Hey there" he spoke.
"Hey… sorry give me just a minute" Ryoko spoke taking a step back leaving the door open.
"You're fine… I tried calling you to let you know I was on my way over" he spoke following her into the house closing the door behind him.
"Sorry I kinda dozed off… "Ryoko spoke turning walking into her bedroom.
"I didn't wake you did I…. we could've waited…" he spoke walking into the living room glancing around a little. Coming up to her dresser Ryoko rummaged through the drawers looking for something, nicer than just a t shirt.
"No, it's fine…the girls took toolong-playing dress up, I was hoping I'd be home sooner" Ryoko hollered from the bedroom glancing behind her making sure Hige wasn't in view as she changed her shirt into a loose-fitting black v neck top slipping into a pair of blue jeans making her way out of the bedroom.
"Ok…." Ryoko spoke walking to the door slipping her flip flops on looking to Hige. He smiled at her placing his hands in his pockets to his blue jeans with his black boots, wearing a black wife beater with a khaki shirt over top.
"What?" she asked reaching up to the key holder hanging up on the wall beside the door for her keys.
"Nothing…. Think you're the first woman I've seen to get changed that fast…. You look great by the way" he spoke. Ryoko rolled her eyes shaking her head slightly opening the door.
"Come on sparky" she spoke as he followed suit snickering, she locked the door.
Closing the door behind him Hige glanced to Ryoko turning the key as the car started.
"So where are we going?" Ryoko asked glancing back to him as he backed the car up putting it in drive.
"Was thinking of like the lill fast food place on the corner, their pretty decent" Hige spoke leaning his arm on the arm rest between the two of them as he came to a stop sign. Arching her eyebrow looking to him as their eyes met.
"Hmmm… just kidding…if looks could kill, damn…" he spoke laughing pressing the gas as he turned left.
"But there's a quaint restaurant in town that just opened a couple months ago, it's like an Italian place, sound good?" he asked glancing to her. Ryoko nodded her head wrapping her arms around herself glancing out the window.
"Good…I haven't been their yet so it's a first for me too" he spoke turning his head. Ryoko glanced to him for a moment. Wondering still what his interest was in her. His green hair still styled all about his face. The suns setting light made his skin look even tanner than it naturally was. Lifting a hand Hige grabbed his sunglasses from the small compartment in the middle of the roof glancing to her winking.
Sliding the chair behind her Ryoko sat as Hige made his way around the table sitting across from her. Ryoko reached to her back pocket for her phone as it vibrated, hitting the silence button setting it back down seeing it was Washu texting her.
"Someone will be with you shortly to be your server" the hostess spoke bowing her head for a moment setting two small menus down in front of the two of them, turning as she scurried off to the front. Letting her amber eyes look over the place realizing it was small, but not to incredibly small but small enough. The atmosphere was pleasant, a radio could be heard over the speakers guessing it was Italian music. The smells of pasta, and bread filled her senses as she leaned back against the chair folding her arms across her stomach looking across the small two-seater round table as Hige leaned his elbows on the table looking to her in return.
"Seems nice so far huh, this place has gotten really good reviews from quite a few people" he spoke glancing around for a moment.
"Yea, it's not bad so far." Just than a young woman wearing a dark burgundy ¾ sleeve button up shirt with black slacks and sandals came up to the table smiling with her bright green eyes, her dark blue hair held up in a bun with a few loose strands about her face.
"Hello there, Welcome to Jīn's Itailiana, my name is Tanya, could I start you two off with a drink?" she asked folding her hands in front of her.
"Coke, or Pepsi" Hige spoke.
"And the misses?" Tanya asked.
"The same" Ryoko spoke.
"Will do, I'll give y'all a few moments too look over the menus. We have a chef special of pastas, salad, and of our garlic knots. Take your time" she spoke smiling as she nodded taking a step back turning making her way to another table. Hige looked to the menu opening it than glancing to Ryoko as she glanced around the place.
"You alright?" Letting her eyes look to him for a split second before turning her head she nodded reaching for her menu.
"So why this place, why dinner all of a sudden?" Ryoko asked looking over her menu.
"Do you need to have a reason for everything… what I can't take a beauti…" he started, stopping immediately as Ryoko held a hand up.
"Don't" she spoke eyeing him.
"A Beautiful young woman out to dinner just for the sake of getting out of my house, having no one else to go see but my sister and her kids? To enjoy another person's company... I don't care I'll tell you your beautiful every day till you actually believe me, and to take it as a compliment instead of taking it a different way." Leaning back in her chair as he talked wondering if he was actually being legit.
"I just… don't know what to think. After this whole dumbass ordeal… I was the one who went after him instead of it being the other way around. I'm not used to this and I'm not gonna get into that situation again if I can help it" Ryoko spoke.
"Ain't nothing wrong in feeling that way and in which I don't blame you. I'm not saying I want a relationship…. That wasn't what I was implying… if it happens, it happens… "Hige spoke. Arching an eyebrow Ryoko starring at him.
"Ok it's my turn to say what…" Hige asked grinning.
"Nothing…" Ryoko spoke pausing for a moment realizing her nausea was almost completely gone. Tanya came back setting both cups down asking if the two of them were ready to places their orders. Deciding to just go with it Ryoko ordered the chefs special as well as Hige with garlic knots. Sipping her drink Ryoko set her glass down leaning back a little farther into the cushioned chair glancing around the room once more.
"So… what does Ryoko like to do in her spare time?" Hige asked leaning back resting an arm on the back of his chair looking to her. Shrugging Ryoko looked to him reaching for her drink again.
"Well, Ryoko likes to sleep, do nothing, and drink… well used to drink. The occasional Raunda Vue here and there. Work for my mom and the usual housework" she spoke. Snickering Hige nodded his head looking to his drink for a moment.
"Sounds normal."
"What about Hige?" she asked.
"Work… sleep, the occasional eat in between. Watch my nieces and nephew for a while to give my sister a break from the warped hole of having kids. I can watch your kid if you'd like sometime too" he spoke winking at her as he spoke. Snickering Ryoko nodded her head rubbing the back of her neck glancing to him for a moment.
"Sounds like fun" she spoke.
"Yup, you're jealous, aren't you?" he asked winking an eye at her.
"Yep, the life I always wanted" she spoke snickering reaching for her drink,
"You could have it, especially now with a child on the way…" he spoke.
"Doubt it…" Ryoko trailed off.
"Why's that?"
"Because that's the normal, and I'm far from…" she paused.
"Normal…. isn't everyone?" he asked shrugging as he reached from his drink.
"I have demons you may not want to hear or know about…" Ryoko trialed off looking to her drink.
"Doesn't everyone…. I know I'm no way near to hell as perfect. No one is." Ryoko paused starring at her drink for a moment gulping. Hige looked to her, sighing softly reaching a handout gently letting his fingers graze atop of hers.
"Hey…. it's a part of life right… we live and learn...I could care less of what had happened. All I care about is now, the two… three of us…" he spoke. Ryoko starred at him for a moment not noticing Tanya setting their plates down walking off.
"I just don't get it… why me of all people?" she asked, once again.
"Because your different from the average woman, your beautiful even with child…. I saw past that and am willingly to accept that…there's something about you, it intrigues me…"Hige spoke looking to his pasta. Pausing for a moment Ryoko starred at him.
"Sorry if that came off a bit…"
"No, that means a lot thank you…" she spoke. Hige looked to her meeting her gaze smiling.
Plopping down in the seat closing the car door behind her Ryoko glanced to Hige as he sat turning the key in the ignition fixing the AC closing the door leaning back a little looking to Ryoko.
"So, now where to?" he asked. Shrugging Ryoko leaned an arm on the arm rest looking to him letting her other arm drape along her stomach.
"Well, it's still early and not sure if you wanted to go home?"
"Doesn't matter, all you offered was Dinner… I don't do much remember" Ryoko spoke turning her head glancing to the window. The sun was almost completely gone by now, the warm night air filling its void. Snickering Hige resituated in his seat putting the car in reverse backing back driving out of the parking lot.
"Hmm" he spoke.
"What?" she asked.
"We'll have to fix that" he spoke leaning an arm beside hers on the arm rest glancing to her.
"Seems like there's a lot about me that needs fixing, am I that broken?" Ryoko asked looking to him.
"No, never said you were broken. Even I'm a little cracked along the edges" he spoke glancing back to her winking.
"That's the first…"
"What, you've been called broken before?"
"In more ways than 1.…" Ryoko spoke looking to the window sighing softly.
"Well, my dear Ryoko, you don't seem broken to me" he spoke. Ryoko's jaw clinched as she gulped resituating herself leaning back settling both arms around herself. Hearing that particular phrase one to many times pinched a nerve. Arching an eyebrow Hige looking to her for a moment.
"Did what I just said bother you?"
"A little… sorry long story."
"No, I'm sorry that I upset you…" Hige spoke watching her for a moment than back in front of him to the road before them as he merged to the left lane turning on his signal coming up to a stop light.
"Where are we going?" she asked looking around for a moment trying to change the subject.
"Figured it's a nice night out and it's never that busy at all at night. Theirs a couple shops along the way" he spoke as the stop light turned green as he excelled on the gas turning coming into a parking lot off to the side of the road coming to a slow stop. Turning the key Hige looked to her opening his door as she watched him for a moment turning opening her door standing pausing for a moment. The fresh salty air filled her senses as she took a deep breath, sighing softly closing the car door as Hige came up beside her putting his keys in his pocket.
"The beach" she spoke folding her arms glancing around the parking lot looking to the couple of cars.
"Yup… that ok with you?" he asked. Shrugging Ryoko nodded her head.
"Whatever fluffs your muffin" she spoke as the two turned making their way across the parking lot. Snickering Hige shook his head looking to her for a long moment before she noticed looking back to him.
Looking across the way the beach was quiet as a couple people laid scattered along with way. The streetlights along the sidewalk laid outstretched for miles for as long as the eye could see. The air was warm, a cool misty breeze sweeping off the fresh ocean seemed to stretch on for miles. Leaning down Ryoko slid her flip flops off letting the warm sand between her toes as she glanced to Hige as they continued walking thru the sand.
"Good idea… "he spoke coming to a slow stop leaning down slipping his boots off. Letting her amber eyes drift off to the ocean. The vast sea seemed to go on forever. The stars reflected upon the water's surface.
"Ahh… much better" he spoke pausing for a moment looking to Ryoko. Taking a couple steps Ryoko turned looking to him as he paused waiting as two of them continued walking.
Stretching her legs out in front of her setting her flip flops off to the side rolling her pants legs up halfway taking a deep breath looking to Hige for a moment sitting close beside her leaning his arms back holding himself up looking back to her.
"You ok?" he asked.
"Hmm… you don't need to ask me that all the time, if I wasn't I'd tell you" Ryoko spoke.
"Can't help it… I have a sister remember. I know how most woman don't tell men how they feel most of the time anyways" he spoke. Snickering Ryoko shook her head looking to the water a few feet in front of them.
"So where are you from again?" he asked. Turning her head to him once more, wondering if telling him about her true self was a good idea.
"Jurai" she spoke. Arching an eyebrow Hige looked back to her for a moment.
"Wait, where?" he asked.
"Jurai…." she spoke pausing.
"Off the celestial plains, right? "he asked.
"Wh… you know where that's at?"
"Wow… go figure. Yea I know what that's at, been thru there a couple times before we moved here with my mom….We're actually from off the west of Everwood" he spoke. Ryoko arched an eyebrow starring at him for a moment.
"Whe… and you're now just telling me this? you said you were born here?" she asked elbowing him. Chuckling Hige sat up a little more looking to her.
"True… didn't want you to think I was some alien from another planet…and so are you…but I will say 1 thing, you do look kinda familiar for some reason…" he spoke. Sighing softly Ryoko bent her knees wrapping her arms around herself leaning her chin on her knee looking to him.
"We've probably crossed paths or something… I uh…did work as a space…pirate for a little while" she spoke rubbing the back of her neck.
"Hmmph… me and you both… wait… Ryoko… that's where I know that name Ryoko the best space pirate, that's what people used to call you especially the galaxy police and bounty hunters" he spoke looking to her.
"You were a space pirate" she asked arching an eyebrow.
"My mom was" he spoke.
"Well shit than…" Ryoko spoke running a hand through her hair.
"Yea... Small world… how the hell did you end of up this end of the galaxy?" he asked snickering.
"Long Long…story… if it wasn't for my mother back home, I would have been gone a long time ago…" she spoke.
"Yea, same with my sister and mom."
"Hige… there's more to me than just what I appear to be… I do, like you and I don't want…" Ryoko paused.
"Whatever it is you don't want me to think less of you or you scare me off?" Ryoko just stared at him for a moment letting her hand wrap around her legs resting the other on her neck.
"Nothing's going to make me think or feel any different, why would you think that?" he asked resituating himself turning slightly sitting a little closer to her.
"I'm over a thousand years old…" she spoke.
"I'll be 1056 next year… February 4th."
"I have powers… my earrings and the gems on my wrist help me" she spoke.
"I can teleport" Hige spoke. Gulping, Ryoko took a deep breath as Hige snickered lifting a hand letting his hand gently graze up and down her back.
"You were just saying that weren't you…" she spoke.
"No, dead serious. My mom was one of the last rare breeds off our planet. Everwood got attacked from Ceria years ago… we hadn't been back since cause there was nothing left. We could've stayed and had nothing or moved so… "he spoke crossing his legs lifting his other hand palm up wiggling his fingers as a faint green light appeared a couple inches above his palm, than slowly dissipated.
"I didn't say anything to you for the same reason." Letting her amber eyes look over him for a moment as he turned his head looking to her. Gently his fingers played along her back softly.
"Thank you…" Ryoko spoke.
"Don't need to thank me… thank you for opening up to me." Smiling to him Hige winked back leaning to her kissing her forehead gently.
Sipping her tea leaning back against the couch sitting Indian style holding her cup as Hige sat close to her letting an arm rest over her shoulders watching the TV for a moment than looked to his phone as it beeped sitting on the coffee table reaching for.
"Hmm… my mom" he spoke as he texted her back setting his phone down beside him on the couch glancing to Ryoko for a moment.
"I should get going… I didn't realize it was as late as it Is" he spoke.
"Me neither" Ryoko spoke glancing to the time from the clock above the TV, it was well after 11.
"I hope you had a good time" he spoke leaning up a little resting his elbows on his knees. Nodding her Ryoko sipped her tea once more hoping it would ease the nausea as it started up once again on the way home from the beach over an hour ago.
"Thank you, for everything…" she spoke looking to him reach for his boots from beneath the coffee table.
"You don't have to thank me for anything… thank you for coming I really enjoyed tonight… I hope we can do it again" he spoke smiling looking to her as he slipped his boots on. Smiling softly taking another sip of her tea almost finishing it leaning forwards setting her cup down. Reaching for his cell phone Hige looked to Ryoko for a moment pausing.
"You alright?" he asked. Nodding her head wrapping her arms around herself Ryoko leaned back against the couch. Arching an eyebrow Hige starred at her for a moment resting his elbows on his knees.
"Really… I'm fine" Ryoko spoke.
"Alright… you'll let me know if you need anything?" he asked standing as Ryoko nodded standing up close beside him.
"Ok sweetie" he spoke looking to her for a moment, gently kissing her forehead placing his hands on her shoulders. Leaning back a little looking over her for a moment, Hige lifted a hand gently placing a couple loose strands of her cyan colored hair behind her ear.
"Let me know when you get home" Ryoko spoke looking to him as he nodded his head leaning to her kissing her forehead gently once again.
"Will do love" he spoke taking a couple steps back making his way to the door. Closing the door behind him Ryoko sighed deeply suddenly teleporting into the bathroom.
** End of Chapter ! More to come! ****