Chapter 1

Nobu's POV

I could smell the citrus scent wafting into the dining room from the bath Nana was making.

No matter how angry I was in the past. I couldn't deny how much I still loved her.

Her daughter was sweet as well, just like her mother.

Getting up, I loved towards the bath, seeing Nana, watching as she swayed her hand back and forth in the hot water. I could see her gazing into the green water.

The citrus smell got stronger the closer I got to her.

"Nana?" I sighed, seeing her look back towards me. "What are you doing?" I asked, walking closer. What was wrong?

Masking her emotions, she picked up a jar, full of green crystals. "Bath salts, can you smell the citrus?"

Furrowing my brow, I looked at the jar.

Yes, In the past I had felt hurt and betrayed by her, but a couple of years ago Nana had finally opened up about what all really happened.

"Listen Nobu, I want you to know the truth. I miss you."

I looked at her, confused. The truth? Was this why she asked me to meet her at Jolie Mamma?"

"Okay Nana." I sighed, sitting down comfortably now, ordering a coffee. "The truth about what?" I asked.

"Remember when..." She paused, taking a deep breath. "When you came to talk to me... after Takumi called you? Telling you I was pregnant?"

I went tense, my expression saddening. "Of course I remember!"

Nana nodded. "Well to answer your question, yes. I had broken up with him. The reason he was there was I guess he didn't want to accept the breakup as it was. I guess he wanted to talk about it."

My eyes widened. "How did he find out? That you were pregnant?"

She sighed. "Well, my morning sickness was pretty bad. So, he managed to piece it together himself."

I sighed, looking down into my cup of coffee, stirring it slowly. "So, you didn't tell him to call me?"

Nana shook her head. "No, of course not... If I can be honest? Before I saw the sonogram I was just going to get an abortion... but once I saw it, I couldn't help but want to protect it with everything I had."

My eyes widened. How would I feel had it been me?

"I know... that I had hurt you and I'm very sorry. I never wanted to do so. I just wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing for my child." A tear fell. "I had thought that I was doing that by making sure that the father be the one I stay with... for the benefit of the baby."

Takumi had filed for divorce after Nana had had enough of his sexual escapades. When Nana had fully agreed to it, he took off immediately on her.

"I'm sorry about what happened. If it means anything." Nana stated, wiping away her tears. "Satsuki is still so young and keeps asking where her Daddy is, even though I know he'll never come back. That american girl he sleeps around with had become more important than his daughter, apparently."

"I'm sorry. I do feel bad for Satsuki. You too."

Nana shook her head. "In the end, this is probably better right?"

"How do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, I'd rather she not learn any of his traits. I don't want her to be a player or think that cheating would be a good thing. In the end, I suppose it is better. I'll just have to work harder."

"I agree. It is probably best that she won't be raised around him. I do forgive you Nana. I forgave you a long time ago, but I'm glad that you are now finally able to tell me the truth. I'll be honest, I don't know is much different would have came from learning it. I was hurt because to be honest, I had the initial reaction that you may have lied and been sleeping with both he and I. But I'm glad to know that I was wrong."

"I'd like to be friends again. If you'd like that of course."

Nodding, I smiled gently. "I would."

"You don't need to worry about me. I'm fine now." She dried her hand off on her apron while also dabbing her face. "It's hot." She stated before getting up. "I put out a towel for you too, Little Man."

I quickly grabbed her hand, seeing the ring that she still wore... despite Takumi taking off on her four years ago. "Nana? Why do you still wear this?"

She blushed. "I... In a way it is hard for me. I just... I." Nana began to break down in tears, her face red as her emotions poured out. "I don't love him anymore. I suppose that it was a way for me to hold myself together."

"Mommy?"

Nana and I turned around, seeing Satsuki in the doorway, her eyes watery. "Mommy? Are you okay?"

Nana moved over to her, "Honey, I'm alright. Please, for now please play with Shein?"

"Okay Mommy." Satsuki agreed, running back over, grabbing her Umeko doll.

Once Nana and Nobu were sure they were alone, Nana turned back towards him. "I don't want to lose my emotions in front of her. I'm afraid of that."

"Does she know he is not coming back?"

Nana sighed. "No... not quite. She knows he's away on business, but I just couldn't find it within myself to tell her. At least not alone."

I watched her, she was the same girl I fell in love with so long ago. I would be lying to myself if I said I wasn't still. Though could a relationship between us really work? I wanted it to of course, but what about Satsuki?Maybe I could offer my help?

"Well, if you'd like maybe we could offer some help."

She paused, looking at me as the sunlight from the window made the tear stains shine. "Help? For what?"

I chewed on the inside of my cheek. "With telling Satsuki the truth. Perhaps if she knew more people were there for her, maybe she wouldn't take it so hard. I mean, we all love her so much."

Nana's eyes widened as she sighed in relief, moving towards me quickly as she swept me into a tight hug as she cried into my chest.

Instinctually, I ran my fingers through her hair, holding her tightly to me. "It will all be okay Nana. Let's tell her together."

Pulling away from me, she moved closer, placing a warm kiss on my cheek. "Thank you so much Nobu. But please, take your bath first? You don't want to waste the hot water."

Looking at the table, the hot green water. She was right, it would be a shame to waste it.

Nodding, I bowed to her very slightly. "Alright. I'll help after my bath."

"Enjoy." Nana stated, moving and closing the door.

Stepping into the tub, I sighed at the amazing feeling of the hot bath. I knew I was already completely ready for her again. I wanted to be with her. But was that really a good idea?

Looking out the window, I watched as birds and clouds flowed by, the chirping putting me at ease. Closing my eyes, I breathed in the soothing scent of citrus.

Opening them again, I looked up at the ceiling. "Just how will Satsuki react to this?" My only hope, that Satsuki wouldn't hate us... most of all her mother.

To Be Continued...

*Hi everyone! I hope you guys enjoyed this first chapter. If it pleases the readers and I can get some good reviews, I'd love to continue it. I hope you all are well!*

Lots of Love!

Twi-Chick34