A Promise Kept
Chapter 2 – Hotaru's Encouragement
When we get home, Hotaru and Setsuna are still up watching television. Hearing the sound of our footsteps, the little raven-haired girl jumps off the couch and flings herself toward us in a warm embrace.
"You're back!" Hotaru exclaims in her excitement. "I waited for you. Haruka, you promised to read me a story before I go t bed!" She put her hands on her hips and tries to look angry at me. I have to chuckle. She's so sassy for her age. Under Michiru's tender loving care, she will surely grow up to be a lovely woman.
"I did, didn't I?" I say questioningly, scratching my head, which get her even more riled up.
"Now, now, Hotaru," you chide gently. "That is not the proper way to behave." Hotaru takes on a look of injury at the remark and put on her puppy dog face. I can't help but laugh aloud.
"Oh, c'mon Michiru, she's still young," I say, giving in to the girl's cuteness. I'm a sucker for that face. You just shake your head lightly with a slight smile on your lips.
"C'mon Hotaru, let's get you under covers. It's getting late," I tell the young child as she clings to my arm. Behind me, I could hear you ad Setsuna getting into a hushed discussion.
When we get to the confines of her room, Hotaru swiftly shuts the door as quietly as a mouse.
"Did you ask Michiru to marry you yet?" Hotaru poses eagerly, her eyes full of curiosity as she glances up at my towering figure. It was our little secret. I kneel down before her.
"Do you think this is the right time to ask?" I ask the little girl in front of me, suddenly insecure.
"Haruka!" She cries. "You didn't ask her yet!" At times, her level of understanding truly astonishes me.
"I- well, I won't burden you with adult problems," I joke, laughing it off as I ruffle her hair. She hates it when I do that and tries to brush my hand away. In one quick swoop, I gather her up in my arms and place her on top of her bed.
"Alright, off to bed with you," I tell her animatedly. "It's past your bedtime."
"What about my story?" She enquires with a crossed look, folding her arms over her chest.
"Ah, ha," I rub my hand over the back of my head. "You'll have to take a rain check."
"Fine, tomorrow night then, okay?"
"It's a date," I say and wink at her.
"You promise?" She presses keenly.
"When have I broken one of our promises?" I reply thoughtfully.
"You mean other than just now?" She grins at me with a playful smirk. I laugh nervously and tousle her hair once more before tucking her into bed.
"Haruka, promise me one more thing okay?" She requests as I reach out to turn off the bedside lamp.
"Anything, kiddo" I answer earnestly.
"Remember to ask Michiru. I know she'll say yes," she says to me with her eyes already closed.
"That's a promise," I assure her and kiss her on the forehead before switching off the light. Wonderful, I get a pep talk from a nine-year-old. Heh. With a last backward glance, I close the door and walk into the hallway, where you are already waiting for me.
"Ask me what?" you question suspiciously. I look at her, embarrassed and run my fingers through my hair. I do that a lot when I am nervous.
"It was nothing," I lie, avoiding direct contact with her eyes. "So, did Setsuna go to bed?"
"Yes" is your answer. We proceed silently to our own bedroom. For the first time since we've been together, I feel awkward being beside you. Once I am in bed, I am still not able to set myself straight. Then you slip in peacefully beside me and huddle close.
"You spoil her too much," you warn, resting your pretty head on my shoulder.
"I can't help it sometimes," I admit shyly. I pause a moment, getting a hint. "Are you jealous?" I accuse teasingly. I hear you giggle into your hands.
"Should I be?" you fire back mischievously, angling your head towards me, your eyes taking on a defiant gleam.
"You know you're the only one for me, now and forever," I confess seriously as I look deeply into your eyes, bright even in the darkness. You just stare lovingly back. "Michiru, about earlier-" I start to say, but you hush me softly with your fingertip. Without another word, you reach up and press your soft lips tenderly into mine.
To be continued...