Rock the Cradle
Chapter 5
It was another sleepless night for Akabane as he lay there in bed awake. Looking over at Sayaka, who was sound asleep, on her side of the bed, he couldn't help but smile softly as he watched her sleep. He also couldn't help but gently wrap his arms around her and press her body with kisses. Inside, he feared losing her, especially now as he hoped that he'll do what he can to protect her.
It was later in the morning, and Sayaka was being checked out at the nearby infirmary at the Black Ice headquarters. She recalled this place very well back when she was very young. She never knew her parents her whole life, she grew up in this famously well known yakuza. While she was in the infirmary being checked out, Akabane was in the hallway, pacing back and forth, hoping it all goes well with her and the baby. One of the henchmen nearby offered him a cigarette. Akabane took up the offer as he took the cigarette from him.
"You seem a little off, sir." The henchmen commented as he offered to light it.
"You can say that." Akabane answered coldly as he took a couple of puffs after it was lit and then blew out the smoke.
Despite trying to cut back on smoking for the sake of the baby, there have been moments where Akabane had taken smoke breaks when he was under a lot of stress, especially after having those nightmares about Sayaka. However, he tried not to think about it as he took another puff of the cigarette before putting it out once his phone beeped. He checked it and saw that Sayaka had texted him stating that she was done with the check up and coming out in a moment. He looked over at the henchman.
"You best scurry along if your life wants to be spared." Akabane commented as he was not in the best mood at the moment.
The henchman bowed, "Yes sir." He hurried off to give Akabane some alone time.
Sayaka then came out of the infirmary and approached Akabane as her hand was on her stomach. He smiled as he saw her and leaned in for her to get a kiss.
"How did it go?" Akabane asked as he placed his hand over her hand that was on her stomach.
"Well… they said everything so far is looking good. I even got to listen in on the baby's heartbeat. However, you were spot on about me not eating enough as I was informed that I do need to nourish the baby more and gain some weight." Sayaka informed him.
"Yes, especially because the baby will end up being born very small or worse, prematurely if you don't get enough nutrients in your body, Sayaka-Chan." Akabane explained before he smiled, "Besides, you gotta keep your strength up. A baby takes a lot out of you."
"I suppose."
Sayaka giggled for a moment, yet wondering how Akabane knew so much info about babies. She was curious and wondering. Could Akabane have been an actual doctor once upon a time? She didn't think of it until going back to when he didn't want her to get an abortion. She began to wonder as she had a serious look on her face as she looked at Akabane,
"Akabane-kun… tell me… how do you know so much?" Sayaka asked as she began to put the pieces together.
Akabane frowned as he realized that she had figured him out, he took her hand and escorted her over to a bench nearby where they both sat. Akabane was hesitant about telling her about the fact that he used to be an actual doctor, but he had no other choice now as he took her hands.
"The truth is… yes… I know a bit about medical stuff." Akabane commented as he was trying to keep composed, "Because well, once upon a time… I was indeed a doctor."
Sayaka let go of his hands and looked away from him, she was indeed disappointed, "Why didn't you just tell me? I could have just gone to you about the baby's health status. Don't you trust me?"
"Sayaka-Chan, I do trust you. It's just what happened during those days… the fact I ended up a failure, especially failing to save a boy's life… since then.. I could no longer have that title."
Sayaka shook her head and shoved Akabane a little bit, "No, that's a lie! You're not a failure! You're just human like me, Himiko, Magaruma, everyone else. A human that's bound to make mistakes in life. Just because you couldn't save a little boy's life doesn't mean to give all that up. It's just a process that'll make you much stronger."
Akabane paused, soaking all of Sayaka's words in. For once in his lifetime, he had never had someone who truly cared despite his intense past. He then resumed, "… Sayaka-Chan…"
"I have faith in you, Akabane-kun, what happened in the past may have caused you a lot of pain inside, but there are times that you gotta face it and not run away. I believe in you and know you will become that great doctor that you were before. Maybe a little screwed up in the head, but still awesome always."
Sayaka got up from the bench and started walking off, but turned back to Akabane, "I know in the end… the choice is yours." She smiled softly, before facing forward, "Anyways, I'm getting hungry. I'm gonna go look for a bite to eat."
Akabane got up to follow Sayaka out towards the entrance to where Jasper was waiting in the limo.
End of Chapter 5
