Hi guys, yeah, I am not yet done with my multichapter fanfic. But with the news about Chihayafuru ending in volume 49 and seeing how people think there could be a time skip to wrap everything up this thought came into my mind. So I hope you guys like this one and leave a review, I will be happy to read it, and if there are questions, I can answer back. On with the show.
"Beyond The Tatami"
"Please, no one breathe." The statement changed Ayase Chihaya's life forever. Fast forward ten years, she finds herself still playing karuta on the tatami.
Today is a regular school day. She has concluded teaching her Japanese Literature classes and karuta club activities. All the kids have gone home to enjoy the weekend. And as she was about to close the room, an unexpected visitor came in.
"Chihaya, can we have a practice match? The Shiranami Society is closed today due to some tatami replacements." The brunette man with glasses inquired. The woman in question smiled and nodded. She has always welcomed a good game every now and then.
Soon they found themselves settled on the tatami. Then reading recording played and the two karuta masters played with vigor like they were still ten years younger. As they were about to conclude one round, a knock on the door.
"Ayase Sensei, Wataya Sensei it's time to close the school, sorry you have to leave." The security personnel uttered apologetically.
"Looks like we have to conclude with a draw, we both have three cards each." The male commented and the female agreed as she fondly looked at her final remaining cards "Chiha", "Se" and "Tare."
The male took the task of gathering the cards and the lady gently stood up. At the corner of the Misuzawa trophies, her hands reached out to a very old photo. It was the first time Misuzawa won the Nationals. The one who led them to victory was her and him. She eyed the photo fondly. So many fond memories, if only she can go back and relive everything all over again.
Arata touching her shoulder brought her out of her reverie. "Let's go it's getting late. It won't be good for the baby." Chihaya nodded and walked out of the room and walked side by side with the eternal Meijin.
He took her shoes out of the locker and placed them at her feet. "You should avoid bending, it might make you dizzy."
The lady chuckled, "Why are you worried about that when you just challenged me to a match earlier?"
"I have my reasons." The latter answered.
The wind blew and it felt chilly. The two chatted and laugh, and as they are to reach the gate a familiar figure stood by the gate. He was tall, sturdy, and smiling at them. The sight made Chihaya's mouth quiver, her eyes became teary, and started in haste walking towards the man. Arata stayed in place watching intently the lady approaching the newcomer. Soon the karuta club adviser began to sprint towards the visitor.
The visitor's huge eyes widened in shock at the approaching woman in tears. He began to gently jog towards to meet her halfway. As her fingertips reached his elbows, the teacher lunged into his broad and sturdy chest. In return, the surprise male securely held her by the waist.
His familiar warmth and olive scent calmed the crying lady. The male's right hand patted her head while his left hand traveled to her back. "Taichi missed you so much." Chihaya tightened her grip on his neck. "Why did you not tell me you were coming?"
" Well, I wanted to surprise you. So I asked for some help to stall here at school." The amber-eyed doctor revealed. "If I have surprised you at home it won't be this dramatic right?" He playfully chuckled as he placed a kiss on her temple.
Chihaya's eyes widened. The motion made Taichi nervous. "Is there something wrong? Did I excite you too much?"
The lady swayed her head. "No, I felt the baby leap." She smiled at the man fondly. "I know it is too early for that scientifically, but maybe the baby is excited to see Daddy after being away for a month."
The way the words rolled off her tongue made Taichi's heart leap. Before he was only pining for her affection. He almost gave up but his feelings never faded. Fate kept them together until Chihaya was the one to take the step forward. She asked him if his feelings have not faded yet. He could not lie and resigned in defeat. To his surprise, the girl kissed him and the rest is history.
"Ahem," the glass-eyed man muttered to break the trance the couple was in. "My part is done, so you two enjoy yourselves." He walked towards the two and patted the doctor's shoulder. "Be sure the two of you have a good rest. No strenuous activities."
The couple still in an embrace were stunned and a blush crept their cheeks. "Thanks for the favor, Arata." The doctor acknowledged. "I will return the favor when the time comes."
The Meijin glanced back at his two friends and smirked. "Make sure you don't have any more medical missions until next year." The speaker reminded. "And when the little one comes out, I will be the godfather okay? From there we are even."
Taichi nodded as he held Chihaya close. The woman's lips moved and thanked Arata for his assistance. After acknowledging it the Fukui native continued to walk out the gate.
Chihaya turned her attention once more to her husband. His eyelashes are still so ridiculously long. And his lips look enticing, tiptoeing upward her hand directed his face towards her and she leaned in for a kiss. The action made Taichi gasp, she was never the type to be bold. Is her pregnancy affecting her actions? But he missed her too and could not push her away. So he indulged in the kiss and soon enough they were lost in each other.
After a few moments, they parted for air. "I think we should go home," Taichi spoke first and Chihaya agreed.
"Can we continue it later?" The lady asked with an embarrassed flush on her face. "I mean it will not harm the baby if we are gentle right?" The question made the doctor blush and was too dumbfounded to answer. "It's been a month Taichi, didn't you miss me?"
The male with a blushing face smiled and answered. "Of course I did." He pulled away but changed their position so they can walk out of the gate shoulder to shoulder and his hands by her waist. "Let's go home."
The words are one of the best things Chihaya's impeccable hearing likes to process. And just like their numerous moments together, she sometimes forgets to breathe when her eyes lay on her wonderful husband. The passionate red leaves of the Tatsuta River.