Yo, for regular readers of mine, sorry for the bump in the road in uploads. Those should be coming soon. For new readers, hope you enjoy. This is the product of a submission for a discord server challenge/event. Hope you enjoy.
A young lady in her mid twenties awoke to a familiar sound, a baby's crying. "Oh my, Kumi-chan is crying again."
A young man's yawn could be heard next to her. "Do you need any help?"
The lady shook her head, laughing lightly as she said, "As the wife of this house, I should handle this much. I'm an Itsuka now, you know. I'll allow you to have more rest before you go into work."
"Thank you very much, dear," Shido said as he drifted off into sleep even over the cries of his baby girl.
Kurumi grinned, tired as she is from being woken up in the middle of the night and stared down at the cute sleeping face of her husband. "Work hard for us, Shido," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
With those words, Kurumi got up from her side of the bed and went over to the nursery room. Kumi Itsuka, the new addition to their family, was only about a year old, so she needed a lot of attention and she didn't really care about what time it was to get it.
'She's so lively,' Kurumi thought, not really annoyed at being woken up as she has already accepted her duties as a parent. "What is it this time, my dear Kumi-chan?"
She didn't appear to be hungry. From the room smelling normal, it can be assumed it wasn't time to change her diapers either, so what is it? Kurumi held young Kumi in her arms, holding her close so that she could feel safe. With this, the cries got smaller and smaller until she was asleep.
"I see, you felt a little lonely." Kurumi sat holding Kumi for a while before putting her back, making sure she was secure and comfortable. Finally wrapping up this episode of midnight adventures, Kurumi Itsuka went back to her bed with her husband and went back to sleep.
(-)
Just a few hours later, Kurumi woke up again only this time, Shido was awake and from the pleasant smell permeating through the house, he was cooking.
With practiced expertise, Kurumi got dressed and tended to Kumi, who was thankfully still asleep. "Look who got lured awake by my cooking? Someone must be hungry from dealing with a loud noise in the middle of the night," Shido playfully teased.
"My, my, I never knew you would label your own daughter in such unloved terms. As for the cooking, I thought it was agreed that I'd be in charge of it?" Kurumi said, grinning a scary smile.
Shido laughed it off, "C'mon, allow me to treat my wife once in a while. These past few months you haven't gotten a lot of sleep thanks to Kumi."
Kurumi looked away, knowing that Shido was right. A newborn is a lot of work and is the reason why new parents are always exhausted, but Kurumi took pride in being able to be the perfect housewife. Although at one point in her life she was rich and able to take things for granted, now, Kurumi has adapted to her more humble life.
"Fine then, do as you wish," Kurumi pouted before taking a look at the clock, "It's about time for you to take off for work."
Shido looked at his wristwatch. "Oh, you're right." Shido sighed before getting up towards the door. He had already prepared all of his belongings. Kurumi followed him to the door. "Well, I'm off!"
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Kurumi asked with a devious smile.
Shido's mind went blank before a smile made its way to his face. "Ah, my mistake." He leaned down to her height and then gave her a quick kiss.
Kurumi's face got red in a blush before she coughed, "Come back soon, dear." And with that, Shido was off.
This meant that Kurumi had to wait an entire day to spend some more time with him. Kurumi, however, has resolved herself to be the perfect homemaker. 'I'll work hard today as well,' she thought as she slapped both of her cheeks to snap her back to reality.
With this, Kurumi began her daily chores.
Cleaning up around the house, taking care of all of Kumi's needs, buying groceries, taking into consideration the neighbors. All of these things took up Kurumi's days every day. Some days, Kurumi was caught up in the daily gossip or the worries of how Shido is performing at his job, but other days Kurumi was caught up in nostalgia.
Kurumi's life up to now hasn't been easy. In fact, it could be said that Kurumi's life was almost bound to be a fate described to be as tragic, but Shido changed that.
Shido opened up Kurumi's life as an alternative, something that she wouldn't have considered. Her twisted sense of justice was only chaining her from considering other solutions to space quakes and the spirits.
Her being a spirit made it very complicated indeed when her goal was to eradicate all of them.
Of course, her story was a tad different from Kurumi's, that is, the original's. Kurumi was only a clone, but through various situations and difficulties was able to come back into a world with the one she loved.
It was hard, really hard, but Kurumi clawed her way into a world with Shido.
But the story didn't end there, no, not by a long shot.
The Kurumi that had become its own separate existence was intertwined with the original's existence. It became a scary truth that she would have to return to the original's shadow… and be swallowed up by the darkness.
Thankfully, upon meeting Shido, there was help and to be able to see the man that she had been fighting for, it was a big emotional pillar for Kurumi. However, something that had still scared her at that point was the original Kurumi. Although she was a clone, she was still killed by herself. They share a lot of traits and know each other better than everyone else, and yet they're different.
The Kurumi that died became someone who let go of the past and wants to live for the future while the one that still lived held on to the quest to kill the First Spirit.
But, that comparison became inaccurate. Both Kurumi's met and like magic were able to remember all that the other had experienced. Both had gone through a lot and it had become beyond apparent that the Original too held on to some hope and most definitely held some affection for Shido.
What happened after was incredibly confusing for even the person involved herself, but one day, it just became true that both existences became one. The clones that appear usually sink back into Kurumi, time chaining each one to a specific point in existence, but this was something else.
This fusion brought both feelings and both goals to one reconciliation which made things only more confusing when other people didn't understand.
"Ma, ma," Kumi called out, clapping her hands in amusement.
"Yes, yes, mama is here," Kurumi smiled, dressing up the cute little one that she could call her own. It appeared that she would have her own eyes while taking her father's blue hair.
Kumi was a reminder to Kurumi that she had done it, beaten her fate and was able to live with the man that she loved. Although that goal would make one think one's life has peaked, Kurumi grew happier as she lived and grew her family with Shido.
Kurumi checked the clock, "Oh, I see, time for day care." While Kurumi would love to be able to stay and take care of Kumi all day everyday, there were certain things that Shido wished Kumi would be made to participate in, and that was daycare.
The reason? To build Kumi's social skills. It was a strange request for a one year old, but Kurumi saw through the reason. Shido wished for his daughter to grow up surrounded by the love of friends and family.
So naturally, Kurumi didn't have any trouble keeping to Shido's wishes.
"Welcome. I'll be the host today," a beautiful white haired lady said, her smile brightening when she saw Kumi. "Oh, Kumi really is adorable. Not as adorable as my Ayumu though or my Fusako," she said, gesturing to her baby son who was crawling on the floor and her newborn daughter, who was in her arms.
For some reason, this statement really annoyed Kurumi, but she kept her face calm and instead laughed it off and said, "I guess next time it's my turn to host? I'll be sure to welcome each other and show what a beautiful home Kumi has grown up in." In Kurumi's mind, Kumi couldn't be one-upped by her half siblings' houses.
"I see. It is my opinion that Ayumu and Fusako has grown up in a brighter home," the lady rebutted.
Yes, Kurumi and this lady weren't friends by any stretch of imagination, but they did share a certain bond that set them apart. Kurumi looked over at Ayumu and nodded. "With a face like that, I think your son will be a lady killer when he grows up. And your daughter," Kurumi peered at the newborn's face, "she'll be a beauty just like her father.
"And her mother," the white haired young mother deadpanned before thinking about her other comment. "That is actually a likely scenario. I'll have to make sure to educate Ayumu thoroughly to make sure he doesn't have the same problem as his father."
Kurumi laughed. "I pray for your success then. I'll be sure to be on time," Kurumi said, leaving her daughter with a smile before leaving the daycare. Passing a long purple-haired mother with her set of twin babies, Kurumi went back to her home to attend to her duties.
It was inaccurate to just call it a daycare as some might have surmised because what it really is is a collection of mothers taking care of a group of babies for the afternoon. This both allowed the other mothers a break and made the children interact with each other.
The daycare of the day is set up in a schedule, so tomorrow it would be her turn to take care of all the young ones. Kurumi had grown attached to all of them over time and so she held some excitement at the thought of tomorrow, even if it meant a lot of work in store for her.
Of course, Kurumi didn't like to think about all the details. Financially, there was no trouble, but if any child got into a fit about something, that would mean every child would stir a fuss.
'That just means I'll have to work hard to keep them happy,' Kurumi thought as she got her sleeves rolled up for cleaning. Hard, but simple work was unknown territory for Kurumi but as she lived and moved past the spirit situation, there was more and more charm to simple joys. 'Then again,' she thought, 'there's an easier way to do this.'
Kurumi's eyes surged with power as she brought her hands together in a shooting position as she awaited her twin guns to appear only to be met with… nothing.
Kumi giggled out a "Ba- guh," copying her mother while holding out her little hands in a finger gun position.
Kurumi laughed at her daughter's imitation, humming, "I guess I'll do it manually then."
Kurumi got to work, scrubbing away the dirt and dust in the house. Unfortunately in a large house, there tended to be a lot of areas that get dirty just from being unused. For an extended amount of time, Kurumi went to work in the house with her daughter cheering her on.
Something interrupted her suddenly with the sound of something hitting the window. "Nyaaa," a stray cat mewed from the window, seemingly attracted to the room it peeked into, pawing at the window.
"Well aren't you cute," Kurumi commented, opening up the window to let it in. It seemed to be that a new cat would come up regularly around the house and although Kurumi didn't want one to clean up after, being able to spend time with some strays was nice.
"Why don't you stay here then," Kurumi said, lifting the stray up and putting it down onto one of the comfy chairs in the room. She grabbed a small blanket and allowed the cat to nap on it.
Kurumi spent no time getting started with tidying up the room, making it easy to set up as a playroom for tomorrow. Although the house was modest compared to her previous home, it really was a large job to take on daily. Thankfully, there were some joys in life that Kurumi partook in in between the work.
Like calling her husband.
"How are you doing, darling? Enjoying the lunch I packed you?"
"Of course! Sometimes I wonder who's the real cook around here!"
"I've picked up a lot from you, so I can't claim all the credit. Also, I can't claim to be the best…"
"I don't think you should worry about that, dear. It isn't a competition. Some people are just more suited to eating."
"Woah, you are bringing up some scandalous claims, Shido."
"Hey now, I wasn't talking about you and you know it. You make a fine meal. I bet Kumi's taste for food is going to be as refined as yours when she grows up."
"I would hope so. Regardless, she'll be ours all the same. When will you be back, darling?"
"I think a little earlier than usual. Today has been fast moving and I've been working hard to the bone. She should let me off if I ask nicely.
"You can let me call her to request for time off if Miss Little Red is giving you a hard time."
"Haha, you know she just tries to push me to do my best. I'll see you later. If she catches me calling you on the phone, she might stack on some more work for me."
"If that happens, I will really will call her," Kurumi warned, "Bye Darling. Be home for dinner!"
Having restored some energy from talking to Shido, Kurumi worked on every room, making them clean, presentable, and warm.
Kurumi wiped the sweat from her brow from all the work she did, satisfied with her seemingly perfect completion. "I guess that just about does it. Alright then, Mr or Mrs Cat, I think it's time for you to leave," Kurumi said to the yawning little black cat, having woken up to Kurumi's voice.
"Nya?" the cat mewed.
"Yep, time to leave! Come back later," Kurumi said, taking it outside, freeing it to the outside world.
'It's about time to pick Kumi up,' Kurumi thought, getting out of her cleaning outfit into clothes better suited to her. 'I hope she's had a fun time today.'
With that thought, Kurumi took off to the white haired mother's house which wasn't far from her own. While Kurumi got along with the other mothers that are a part of the day care system, there were a few that were more troublesome than the others.
Unfortunately it seems Kurumi has run into one of those troublesome ones.
"Ara? Is that Kurumi-chan? It's been so long! Why don't you ever visit Yuki and I?" The long purple-haired mother said, being one of the most enthusiastic people in the group.
"My apologies, but I simply have a lot of duties to attend to. I'm sure you understand. How's the entertainment industry now that you're a retired idol?" Kurumi asked, non confrontational in the entire situation.
"Oh my, it's really annoying. Even after getting married and having Yuki, it appears my followers still want to keep listening to my songs. I can't handle both the job of an idol and a mother, so I'm glad my label is being so understanding. Although," she said with a glint in her eye, "Maybe we could make a song together. It would also be a good chance for Yuki and Kumi to bond."
Kurumi's nonplussed face almost broke. "That would be… a little difficult for me. I don't know if I'd be able to match up to a trained singer like you."
"You have all the charm power though! I bet with you, the song could get to number one on the charts!"
Kurumi couldn't hold it in any more and let out a light laugh, "Number one? With two housewives? Are you crazy, ha!"
The other housewife in question laughed as well, "I'm serious you know!"
"What are you two doing laughing outside someone's house like that?" The white haired mother said, deadpanning. "Come on in. It's a shame, but both children are waiting for you."
As the children were too young to talk too much or even walk, that statement merely meant she was ready to let go of them.
With some small talk, Kurumi recovered Kumi and escaped from the troublesome one, but although she's quite difficult to deal with, Kurumi can't bring herself to dislike her or any of the other wives.
"Let's wait for daddy now, Kumi!" Kurumi said with a smile.
(-)
Shido came around sooner than usual and with a tired look on his face, he almost collapsed over onto Kurumi. "Oh my. Did little miss red work you that hard? I think I need to scold her if you're this tired."
Shido shook his head. "It's not that, I'm just really happy to see you." Shido's weak smile brought an unknown charm to Kurumi's heart that she didn't know existed.
"Oho, someone has a smooth tongue," she replied with a light blush showing her embarrassment, "For someone who kissed a lot of girls in his past, I guess this much is expected."
Shido laughed as he regained his footing. "You know my circumstances back then. Why, you even welcomed the challenge. You knew what you were getting into." His knowing grin ticked Kurumi off for some reason. Shido has gotten bolder and more confident with age.
"Yes, I will admit my negligence and naivete. My pure maiden heart was crushed and repaired by the loose player who goes around kissing all the girls around him," Kurumi cried with crocodile tears. "Anyway, I think I need some compensation," Kurumi said, stealing a kiss from Shido, bringing a smile to his face. "Hmm, I think you're still in debt."
Shido grinned, "I'll make sure to pay it in full later, but for now," Shido said, sniffing the air, "I think little Kumi needs a diaper change."
Kurumi cheered on her husband, "Go Papa, go!" Shido routinely grabbed a new diaper, removing the old one and disposing of it, and putting it back onto Kumi.
"There, all done. Does seeing Daddy at work make you happy and bring a smile to our little Kumi?" Shido asked, seeing Kumi babble out happily at his enthusiastic attitude.
"Kumi is impressed by your amazing diaper changing technique. Even mommy can't match up to it," Kurumi sighed, holding up her hand to her face.
"We each have our own strengths. I have a lot of practice with diapers so it only makes sense I have that up over you."
Kurumi carried Kumi over to the couch and said, "Not only is it the diaper changing, your cooking, cleaning, and homemaking is just a step above the rest. I feel as if I need some comforting. Either that or maybe you should be a househusband." Kurumi was clearly saying all of this to tease Shido as it was a running joke that he was better suited in the home than as a career man, but it was decided that Shido would have to have a career.
Shido went to the couch, taking Kumi away from Kurumi and laying his head on her lap, stacking Kumi right on top of him. "I think you do a good job. Having to not have to do either really puts a load off my back. Also, I think you love Kumi too much to give up staying at home with her."
Kurumi grabbed one of Shido's cheeks playfully, pulling on it while her other arm played with Kumi.
"Dabs naut vewy nice, mamwa," Shido said.
"Perhaps, but I feel like you've been getting more and more cheekier, so I need to do something to keep you in line." Kurumi's eyes went a tad bit sadistic as she messed with his cheek some more, bullying Shido.
Suddenly a loud growl came out of nowhere. The source of said growl was Shido's stomach to the shock of both of them. Giving a laugh at that, Kurumi said, "How forgetful of me. I guess my own appetite was quenched when Papa came home."
Shido blushed at that comment and got up to go to the table. "Have you already cooked dinner?"
Kurumi giggled and said, "It was just waiting for you, darling. Eat it quickly. It might've gotten cold thanks to your meandering."
Shido huffed. "Well worth the trade in my opinion," Shido said before grabbing some food.
While Shido couldn't help but eat more after the first bite, Kurumi took her time and methodically ate her food while watching Shido's reaction. Of course, there was a baby that needed to be fed and Kurumi was ready to do that as well, but there was something about the first bite after a long day of work that Kurumi wanted to witness. It made her feel as if all the work that she had done throughout the day was worth the trouble. Family, togetherness, and love all rolled into one emotion.
It made her think of when they really became a couple. Their first date was something thrown together by the whims of a soul that knew they were on borrowed time. Beyond that was a streak of events bound to the whims of the spirits.
There was something special about their first real date after being a couple and not just because of the awkward love between the two that clearly showed in their actions and words. No, the real joy of that time was the great relief in all the spirit stuff fading away. No more worries. No more vengeance. No more pain.
Kurumi had learned a lot of things throughout those times, but not all of it were happy memories. Even thinking back to their first meeting, it was a twisted facade created to lure him in. 'And yet, I was lured in,' Kurumi thought with a wide smile.
'It was an odd existence to love someone in those circumstances. Shido offered the me at the time a companionship that I was craving, having been alone after the whole fiasco with Mio. I would've accepted if pushed a little more, but I got scared, so I hardened my heart and killed the me that had those thoughts.'
Shido is just more than what Kurumi could've ever hoped for in someone. He always believed in Kurumi's goodness even if he was initially wary of her. He never gave up on her and his mission called for some feelings to be laid out in the process. He was simply cute to Kurumi. Someone giving their all for something so pure, it was adorable to Kurumi even if she tried to hide it. His empathy was always reaching out to her.
"I love you, darling," Kurumi said, watching Shido finish her meal.
This gave a rise out of Shido, his face getting hotter and redder at those words. 'Although cheekier, he is still cute,' Kurumi thought.
"I love you too, Kurumi," Shido said, his resolve allowing him to take those words straight on and dish them right back. One might think that marriage would make these things easy, but everything Kurumi sees is in her rose tinted glasses of the world. Kurumi would be the first to tell you that her perspective of everything is warped by two existences conflicting from within, amplifying perspectives and compounded preestablished views into what is considered truth.
However, despite all this, Kurumi knows that things have been difficult. Merely the process has been a strain emotionally and spiritually. Kurumi wouldn't give away any of that difficulty for the world though. It brought an overflowing amount of love and joy with it.
The afternoon wrapped up for the couple, with preparations for sleep soon coming after. Putting Kumi was a job for the both of them before they tended to themselves.
It became apparent though that Kurumi didn't want to go to sleep though. There was something she wanted to talk about. "Hey, do you remember when you proposed to me?"
Shido laughed, "What's with this sort of talk at bedtime? Not that I mind of course." He laid down into the bed, offering an arm to Kurumi to lay on.
"I don't really know. None of this really feels real to me, I guess. It feels like an elaborate dream that I'll one day wake up from. I feel a little insecure, I think."
"That's surprising. From what an ordeal Kumi's birth was, I don't think I'd ever imagine reality as merely a dream," Shido said, smirking.
"Ah, yes. Your dream constantly becomes a reality I see. Your wet dre-," Kurumi got interrupted by Shido's embarrassed coughing. Kurumi moved past that portion, laying up next to Shido in bed and said, "I think if a certain someone doesn't answer the question, there will be a severe lack of what he is hoping for."
"I see," Shido smiled, "I hope that person isn't me because I do intend to answer your question. It hasn't even been that long since our engagement, huh? Something like 3 years ago at this point?"
"Sounds right," Kurumi said, wracking her memory.
"What about then? When I popped the question to you? What both of us had going on. How everyone else was doing after the spirits faded?" Shido asked, recalling how chaotic of a time it was.
"Reintegration really was something part time was fun at the time, but it was a shame. I only got to see you for part of the time since you went off to university," Kurumi smiled, "You were oh so very charming when you took me out to dinner after my shifts."
"I'd like to think I'm still charming, but something tells me you wouldn't like that," Shido said, chuckling.
Kurumi put a finger to her chin. "Hmm, I don't know about that. You're still as much of a lady killer as you always were. Hopefully, I've been more than enough to satisfy you."
Shido's face was a weird mix of embarrassment and shame.
"I know, I know," Kurumi said, whispering into Shido's ear. "I like to pretend sometimes, but I have already accepted the truth. About your proposal, there is something I want to ask about that time."
"How scared I was or maybe how much I was sweating buying the ring?" Shido offered.
Kurumi laughed, "None of that. I just wanted to know your intentions at the time. Was it a calculated play or was I able to charm you enough to make you only think about marrying me?" Kurumi teased.
Shido thought about it before replying. "I think my emotions were a mess then as it had been a few years of dating at that point. I don't think I'll quite be over the honeymoon phase," he laughed. "I'm a very lucky man and I think it just hit me that I need to take the initiative when it comes to advancing the relationship. I was led around by the nose for too long by you, Miss Kurumi."
Kurumi laughed, being scooped up by Shido while in bed, making it so Kurumi laid on top of him. "Hmm, I try my best, I suppose?" Kurumi asked coyly, feeling the warm body of Shido.
"That you do," Shido agreed as he held her close, "I think you need some punishment."
"Oho? What kind of punishment do you have in mind?" Kurumi grinned wide. Her face got closer to Shido's as they enveloped each other into a deep kiss.
The answer went unknown as they continued into the night.
(-)
Waking up the next day, the two again took care of Kumi who yet again woke up in the middle of the night needing attention. This time however, Shido took on the job. He had the day off from work today so Kurumi requested for Shido to spend the day with her on a date.
A home date that is. The daycare wasn't in play today, so Kumi would be involved.
What did this mean for the couple? A home movie staged on the couch.
"Really? You want to watch Zombiez, not My Romantic Date 3?" Shido asked.
Kurumi shrugged. "Romantic Date 1 and 2 weren't any good. I wanna watch zombies get their just deserts," Kurumi said with a peaceful smile, devoid of ill intent.
Shido had a chill up his spine at the prospect of watching a gory bloody movie. Kurumi had no such apprehensions. Kumi was thankfully in her own room, away from the sight.
"Just think of this as your own punishment," Kurumi said, snuggling up against a terrified Shido as she ate her popcorn.
The movie quickly became background noise as Kurumi had other plans from watching the movie. Every so often, she would shift the position of their lounging, making it more and more advantageous to Shido.
What started as a side by side reclined position quickly shifted to a spooning, to a lap pillow, and then face to face hug. Shido didn't care what was happening on the tv now.
Kurumi enjoyed just being able to spend time with him as every little detail she discovers about him is something she's going to use later whether it be to Shido's benefit or his embarrassment.
The movie ended well before their alone time did, but the cries of Kumi wanting food did well to bring them out of the stupor.
As they got up and attended to Kumi, Shido couldn't help but say, "You really are unsatisfiable. I can't seem to ever get ahead of you."
"That's my strong point," Kurumi grinned, "You'll have no choice but to be strung along by me if I don't let you have the chance to notice my real intentions." Kurumi held the baby spoon full of food, holding it around in the air to get Kumi's attention before shoving it into her mouth.
"Utilizing your skills on Kumi already. I bet she'll grow up to be as unpredictable as you and then you'll know my pain!" Shido cried out.
Kurumi's mischievous face went for an even wider grin and she laughed, "Oh, I'd love it if Kumi took after me, but I think she's going to adopt some of your traits. Look how cute she's chewing the baby food." Kurumi sighed as her hand came up to her cheek. "Even if she did take after me, something tells me we'd understand each other."
Shido scratched his head, "You do have a weird intuition when it comes to Kumi. Her first word was even Ma. I'm a little jealous."
Kurumi's face was mixed. "I'm around her longer. Maybe if Daddy was home more often, Kumi would say your name more." Kurumi's face was puffed up into a pout.
Shido sweatdropped. "You're very possessive and you know I love you for it."
"Good that you know," Kurumi said before her eyes looked away, "Also, I did teach Kumi another word besides mama…" Kurumi gave a look to Kumi and then held her up to Shido.
"Pam-pa" she slowly said, exploding into giggles afterwards. Shido's grin grew at her words before he took her into her arms, lifting her up into the air.
"You liked it that much?" Kurumi said, knowing his excitement. Shido had been a tad down when he hadn't gotten a word out of Kumi over the past few months. Kurumi had taken the initiative to correct this.
"Of course!" Shido said, laughing at Kumi's contagious laughter. As he put her down, he looked to Kurumi and said, "I love you so much."
Kurumi shrugged smugly. "I'd be very concerned if you didn't. I didn't fight through another dimension and save you so many times only for you to forget about me. If you did, I'd have to take drastic measures to take you back." Kurumi's eyes shined at those words.
Shido felt a shiver go down his back. "I'm curious about what measure you're talking about, but something tells me I shouldn't ask."
Kurumi's smug face pressured Shido's unsure self. Kumi only looked on, wide eyed at the scene. "I'd be happy to tell you. It'd teach you to be more decisive in your actions. Some of your uncertainty when we first met was, while cute, a hindrance to you. You would've had a better time had you been more sure of yourself."
Shido thought about her words before shaking his head. "Nah, I'm happy about how these shaked out. It took me to where I am today."
Kurumi's face lightly went red. "Again with the smooth talk. And I thought I was sap here."
Shido put his hands up. "I only speak the truth," he chuckled. "What do you wanna do between now and dinner? We could have Kumi stay over at a friend's house if we wanted some alone time."
Kurumi shook her head, "I think we need something less hands on. How about we visit a place I've been itching to try out?"
"And what's that?" Shido asked.
"Fufu," Kurumi put her finger to her lips, "That is my secret to hold until it's revealed."
With Kumi in her arms, Kurumi led Shidou along throughout the city until they came to the front of a colorful shop with a particular gimmick behind it.
"A Cat cafe, huh. We'll have to make sure the cats are safe around Kumi, but I'm interested. I've never been before."
"Neither have I. I'm sure it'll be an experience I won't forget." With those words, Kurumi went into the shop, to find the inside to be a kitty heaven.
A large amount of the space inside was designed with cat toys and towers stationed around the area. The receptionist was bright and cheerful, taking care of the monetary affairs. With that out of the way, the three were good to go, and so they embraced the overflow of fluff that was waiting for them.
Well, Kurumi did. It seemed as if cats were all over her and Kumi. Kumi was held at a safe distance away from the cats so as to not disturb her, but still the cats wrapped around Kurumi, rubbing up against her.
Shido, on the other hand, was only able to attract one older cat who sat next to him, away from all the other younger cat's energies.
"I guess you're the popular one, huh," Shido asked. He wasn't too upset about his lack of cat popularity. He had enough of being the popular guy, so this was a nice change of pace for him. Also, the scene of Kurumi and Kumi giggling as the cats climbed all over them made for a picturesque scene he would not soon forget.
Kurumi's eyes twinkled at Shido. "I'm more jealous of where that old fellow gets to be."
Shido held his composure as he countered, "It's a nice spot. You can take it if you so please?"
Kurumi denied him, shaking her head, "I can't do that to him! Taking his spot would be criminal!"
Shido laughed, "I guess you're right." He took one of the various cat toys around him and started twirling it around. It caught the eyes of some of the cats near Kurumi and then a game was at play.
"That's foul play. I'm holding Kumi. The best I can do is pet them and give them some nice scratches," Kurumi muttered, making some cats very satisfied.
Kumi had nothing to say as she watched on, curious about all the big fluffy creatures running around.
And so the three of them spent a fun time getting showered by love at the cat cafe.
(-)
"That was a nicer experience than the few strays that invade our home," Shido commented upon leaving the cafe.
"Less of a mess to clean up as well. Well, did you have a good time as well, little Kumi?" She asked, getting a tired "Gao!" out of her.
"Looks like she's winding down early tonight. I guess that just leaves dinner. How about we eat out tonight? We're already out and about," Shido suggested.
"That'll be nice. Any suggestions?" Kurumi responded, intrigued at what Shido might suggest.
Shido looked around, not having anything in mind before coming across a ramen stand. "How about here? It'll be like reliving some older experiences!" It became a habit when they were engaged to get ramen for dinner when the days were running late.
"Hm, I'm interested. I'm glad I packed baby food for Kumi then, even if she's almost asleep."
"If she wakes up, you'll be prepared. Now let's get some Miso Ramen!" Shido cheered.
"My, my. Someone's excited," Kurumi commented. She was too, but she kept her composure.
"Two Miso's ramen, Boss!" Shido cried out.
The owner grunted, signaling his affirmation of their order.
The two sat in a comfortable silence as they waited for their food. As the two of them grew older, it was understood to enjoy the quiet parts between them. Many times, being able to enjoy each other's presence. The fast life that happened in their youth seemed like it was just yesterday for them.
"Hrgh," The ramen stand chef grunted, handing them their food.
"Looks delicious," Shido whispered before grabbing a bite.
Kurumi was slower but more neat with her eating, getting a deep satisfaction from the food. It was definitely worth the money.
It was the little things that kept the pair of them happy. What used to be a life of vengeance, pain, and strife was now peaceful.
The two thanked the chef profusely and left towards home, hand in hand with Kumi held in Shido's other arm.
Upon arriving home, Kumi was put to sleep and the two began wrapping up their day. Shido, however, had to leave for now as he had to be called elsewhere.
Although this was expected, it was sad for Kurumi to witness regardless. In spite of the sadness though, Kurumi couldn't help but be overcome by the emotion known as love. Every time Shido was able to spend time with her was a good time and even without him, Kumi was there to comfort her.
This was not a case of loneliness, but a lovesickness that yearned for the other. Shido was and will always be her savior from the darkness. Even if she had to be separated from him for a little while, she would always welcome him back with open arms.
"I'll be back," Shido said with a sad smile on his face. He knew his fate was a complicated one, but his life had never been simple after getting involved with the spirits. He never regretted getting involved. Meeting each and every one of them was the best thing to happen to him and this was especially true for Kurumi.
Despite the initial animosity and questions surrounding her, she quickly proved that she wasn't simply evil. There was a twisted sense of goodness deep inside her that Shido twisted right back to goodness.
"I'll be waiting for you. Kiss Kumi goodnight before you leave. She'll miss you," Kurumi said.
Shido nodded and tiptoed into the nursery, taking the time to take in the image of his daughter before coming back to Kurumi.
"The twins are really going to enjoy their father. At daycare, they're always waddling around. They're quite cute if you ask me," Kurumi said.
"They're all good children," Shido said, wistfully. All of them were a bountiful pureness that brought joy to anyone involved in their life. Shido just happened to be greatly involved.
"Hey, promise me you'll be back soon, ok. You're there for others more than you're here for some. I know the others need you… because I need you," Kurumi said, wrapping her arms around Shido. They stayed like that for a time before separating, only their hands binding them.
Shido's brown eyes looked warmly at Kurumi's red ones. Shido let go of her hands to be able to grab her hair, taking in her beauty.
Kurumi's face melted into a frown as she took a hold of the back of Shido's head, pulling him into a deep kiss. The two stayed like that for a while before separating, taking a breath.
"I won't soon forget a kiss like that," Shido said, chuckling at how fired up Kurumi was.
"That's the point," Kurumi said, her face now entirely masked. She coyly sneaked another kiss on the cheek before adding, "Be back soon for some more fun next time."
With those words, Shido was gone, going back to whoever so needed him in this moment. Kurumi in some ways was satisfied, but in others wished she had done more with him. But, deep down, she knew that she loved spending her days just as she did, benign and unassuming. It beat anything else she's experienced before.
Not only is she able to take control of an impressive house and laze around all day, she's able to spend her days in comfort and love.
Love that is so vast and powerful that it not only helped her come back to him, but also brought him to her.
The two Kurumi's that reunited complemented each other in this moment. This resolution of feelings that would've been weaker had their will not been stronger was the thing keeping her from wistfully taking him away only for herself forever, but that was not to be his fate.
Kurumi drifted towards the nursery, looking over her child with warm eyes.
'Hmm, maybe I should have another child,' Kurumi thought. Kurumi had a lot of love to give and with marriage came a set of responsibilities that allowed her to utilize said love.
She never regretted anything.