Back with another chapter. Sorry it's been awhile, been trying to fix a broken heart. Sorry if the chapter's not that great. I will try and post chapters as much as I can.
Please forgive any grammar mistakes and please R&R.
-Danzai13
Chapter XI
"Ugh...I've gotten fat."
I look at myself in the mirror of our bathroom. In nothing but my underwear, I did a full body scale view of my now older body. Okay I'm not that fat, but still...I could lose a pound or two...or three. Shizuru was right, sooner or later my metabolism was gonna run out.
I guess they call it muffin top. That's what I have. I pinch my sides and squish my fat a few times. Well...I haven't done so bad for my age, 43 and all. Some people get even bigger as the years go by. Especially with little monsters running around. Can't help eating some of the junk food they leave around. Though it doesn't help with this scar from my appendix surgery. Or how some things on my body stretched and changed after I had Shizuka. Damn, how did my body get so worn out? I wonder how Shizuru can even still make love to this body. It's not as beautiful or flexible as it was 20 years ago. Wait, 20 years? Damn it's really been that long? Heh, almost 20 years and I'm still married to the one woman who matters to me. Still with this body...
"Natsuki, you've been standing there for a good five minutes." I feel arms wrap around my waist.
I kind of jump but continue to look myself in the mirror as I feel a small kiss on my neck.
"Just looking myself in the mirror. I'm getting fat." I pat my stomach.
"Ara, my Natsuki shouldn't think such things," Shizuru began to put on her dress skirt, "She hasn't gain any weight."
"Come on, we're not spring chickens anymore," I sigh as I put on my dress pants, "I've got a little more of me here and there...did I just say spring chicken? Damn I am getting old."
"If you're so insistent that you've gain weight," Shizuru traps me in a corner, "Then I'll just insist that there's more of you for me to love."
"Nobody likes extra weight on them." I say as she begins to kiss my neck.
"Unless it in this area." She cups my breast with her hands.
"Ah, Shizuru no." I moan as she begins to massage me.
"Why not?" She ask as turns me around to face her.
"The kids might hear us." I argue as pushes me against the bathroom wall.
"As long as we're quiet." She smiles as she snakes her hand under my dress pants.
"I don't-" My words got caught off by her lips and tongue.
Of course I'm not gonna deny her sex, but I always have this constant fear that one of the kids will hear us, open the door, see us and scar them for life. Kind of can't wait when the kids move out. Then we can go back to being loud again. And doing it in the kitchen. And the living room.
As I feel her fingers enter my core I wrap my arms around her and lowly moan in her neck. She moves in a slow steady pace of an in and out motion that kills me and the tortures the rising peak. I move my hips to the motion of her fingers to make a faster pace for us. I grip my nails into her shoulders to prevent any loud groaning or moaning on my part. I hear her chuckle as she moves her hand faster, and faster, almost matching up with my breaths and hips. I hold on on for dear life as I reach my peak. I let my breath finally escape me and I topple over in her arms. My grip on her loosens as my breathing calms down. She smiles at me and places a kiss on my sweaty forehead.
"I love you."
"Love you too," I cuddle myself in her arms.
She holds me and fixes my hair with her clean hand. I feel her move away and kind of raise an eyebrow.
"What about you?"
"Later my dear," She put on her dress shirt, "You can pay me back tonight. I'm going to make breakfast."
With years of practice, I grab her, turn her to me, pull down her skirt along with underwear, and smile at her.
"You're not getting away that easy, my Zuru." I purr as I watch a blush appear on her face.
XXXX
"Wow Mom, only one bowl tamagoyaki[1]?" Haru asks as I put small bowls of miso soup on the table.
"Not that hungry today." Natsuki answers as she finishes her breakfast.
"Ara, she did have a meal before hand." I smile as I sit down at the table.
"Hmm?" Shizuka directs my attention to me as she chews on some rice.
"Nothing," Natsuki blushes and slightly glares at me, "Okay, I got to run. See you later, don't get in trouble and Shizuka; I want you back at the house as soon as school lets out."
"Seriously? I have a date with Yoichi after school." Shizuka complains.
"Well then he can come pick you up here and bring you back."
"That's not fair. Mother?" Shizuka turns to me for help.
"Listen to you're Mom," I smile and leave the blame to Natsuki, "Where's Hana? Please tell me she's not still asleep."
"No, she already left. She's meeting up with Gracia for breakfast." Haru reported.
"Ara, I should of known." I sigh as I sit down at the table.
"We both know she's a nice girl Shizuru, don't worry about Hana." Natsuki walks to me and places a kiss on my head.
"I think I can hear my Grandfather turning in his grave," I smile, "Have a good day dear."
"I'll try." Natsuki winks as she leaves the home.
"Why is Great-Gandfather turning in his grave?" Haru ask.
"Oh, you know about the old ways. You're Great-Grandfather was hoping our bloodline would stay, and I quote, untainted."
"Untainted?" Shizuka raises an eyebrow.
"Nothing but good, honest, Japanese blood." I answer.
"Hmm...no offense Mother, but I think you might of broke the bloodline." Haru comments.
"How so?"
"Well you did end up woman. Wouldn't that have blown it for the holy sacred bloodline?" Shizuka ask as she rolls her eyes.
"Mmm...maybe. But I think he would of preferred Natsuki than a man from the West." I sip my tea.
"Or a woman from the West, in Hana's case." Shizuka finishes her water.
"Wow, Great-Grandfather really hated the West, huh?" Haru fixes his jacket.
"Well your Great-Grandfather did grow up in the 1940's."
"I'm gonna go before this turns into a history lecture," Shizuka quickly grabs her bag, "See you later Mother."
"Hey wait up." Haru grabs his backpack and follows his sister.
"Ara, Shizuka don't forget about what your Mom said," I remind her, "And Haru don't stay out too late with Takara."
"Fine Mother" Shizuka sighs.
"I'll try not to. Bye Mother." Haru waves before leaving the house.
I sigh at the emptiness of the house but try to keep a smile on my face. We'll all be back in a few hours.
XXXX
"Ugh..."
"What's wrong with you?"
I look up at my lab partner, Kodoma Taiki, for a moment before turing back to my coffee. Recently I've really started to hate work. Not the work itself, just a certain someone who won't leave me alone...
"Nothing, just waiting for the interns to return the lab reports."
"Ah, right. Not that it has anything to do with Higure Ayame." He sits at the corner of my desk and grins.
"Idiot can't take a hint." I roll my eyes and take a sip of my coffee.
"Careful now, don't forget who he is."
"Yeah, yeah," I get up form my chair, "I'm gonna go before he starts making his daily route around me."
"Good luck."
I sigh as I grab some random papers to make it look like I'm busy. This co-worker of mine, Higure, for the past month he's been following me around trying to get my attention. Unfortunately I can't tell himself to go fuck himself because it's against company policies. Well that wouldn't even stop me, but the other thing does. He happens to be the president's son. And if I want to keep this job, I have to bite my tongue. Though I have been thinking of leaving...but I do want the kids to go to college...could also buy a part for Duran...its also nice to have some extra cash just in case. That and I wouldn't know what to do with myself besides doing 'wife like chores' around the home. Damn it, guess I better stay put.
"Good morning Mrs. Kuga."
Well, shit.
XXXX
"This is the best breakfast ever, again. Thanks babe."
"You know, sometimes I think you only like me cause I bring you food."
Hana swallows her food and grins at Gracia who was slightly pouting.
"Oh come on, you know I like the food you make. I mean not as much as you of course. But you got to give me a break, we simple Japanese folk don't have this kind of food like you do in your country. That and I really like food."
"I guess so." Gracia sighs.
With a smile and a quick kiss on the cheek, Hana giggles when a small blush appears on Gracia's face.
"Ara, You're so cute when you blush."
XXXX
"...Morning Higure." I step to the side but he blocks my way again.
"Lovely morning isn't it?" He continues to grin at me.
"Too bad I'm stuck in here." I move to the other side and manage to push past him.
"So Kuga, I have two tickets to an orchestra and I was wondering if you'd like to go."
Oh great, not this again. The last time it was a concert, the other time a dinner date, and now this? Guy can't take a hint can he?
"Higure I've told you no before, why don't you give it a rest. Beside's I'm married. I'm not suppose to go on dates with other people, and I don't want to."
"But it'll be just a fun occasion to go to. Come on, say yes and I'll never bother you again."
"Yeah I know that trick, no." I pick up the pace in my strides.
"Okay, how about an after work drink date?"
"No."
"Okay, how about a quick lunch break date."
"No."
"A water break date?"
"Leave me alone."
"What's it gonna take for just one quick date?"
This is getting ridiculous, I turn around and give him the rare level 5 glare.
"Look Higure, for the past month you've been harassing me and the only reason I've tolerated you're shit is because of you're father. I'm not going on any friendly date with you, one because I don't like you and two, I'm married to the love of my life. So no, goodbye and leave me the hell alone"
"Married? To a woman? That's not even a real marriage."
With a dead pause I stop in my tracks but try not to turn around. I bite my tongue to prevent saying anything stupid.
"You could do so much better. Come on, just go out with me and I'll show you what its like to be in a real relationship."
I taste iron in my mouth but I grip my hand into a fist to keep my mouth shut.
"Even better yet, I can get a date for you're 'wife' too if she's wants a real relationship."
XXXX
"Hey Shizuru, you have a call on line one."
"Thank you Kagura," I smile at my long time friend before picking up the phone, "Hello Kuga speaking."
"So how is my favorite sister-in-law."
I smile as I recognize the voice. Natsuki's going to be so happy.
"Ara, as I recall, I'm you're only sister-in-law."
"That's why you're the best Shizuru."
"I'm assuming you're back from the states Alyssa?"
"Yup, and I'm gonna drop by for a few days, if that's okay."
"Of course, Natsuki and the kids will be so excited. Have you called you're sister yet."
"Well her phone is busy, but I'll try again soon."
"Strange, she's usually good about answering her phone."
"Yeah but you are her wife, bad luck comes to those who don't answer they're phone when the wife calls."
"Ara, that may be true." I hold back a chuckle.
"Okay, I'll call before I get to you're place. Gotta visit your mother-in-law first."
"Be good to your mother and tell her hello for me."
"Will do."
She hangs up and so do I. After I shuffle a few papers into they're correct files, I begin to think about Natsuki. She usually pick up her phone no matter what. Maybe she was in the lab...but still...
"Shizuru, the victims are here." Kagura interrupts my thoughts with a grin.
"Be nice to the interns." I sigh and smile.
I'm sure Natsuki's fine.
XXXX
She kept pacing back and forth across the carpet as she waited for the time to stopping ticking. She had recounted and recounted the days over and over again so many times that the numbers began to blur into one another. But they're was no avoiding the math.
She was two weeks late.
"Got them."
Shizuka lets the breath she was holding on to out as Yoichi hands her the few boxes he had just bought. She nervously rips the boxes apart to get the single long item that contained them. They both looked at each other, both fearing for what kind of results they would bring on they're future.
"I'm...I'm sure we'll be fine." Yoichi nervously says.
"Y-Yeah..." Shizuka takes the cover over the pregnancy test and lets out another breath, "I'll...I'll...you know..."
Yoichi nods his head and lets out a deep breath as Shizuka turns away from him.
"Um...what...what if...its positive?" Shizuka ask before stepping into the bathroom.
"Then...I'll still be here. I promise."
Shizuka gives him a small smile before gathering her courage and stepping into the bathroom with several pregnancy test in her hand.
XXXX
"You what?"
"I quit." No turning back now.
"But what about the project? You've been working on that for that past five years." Kodoma reminds me as I grab my valuables from my desk.
"Well looks like its your baby now. Make me proud Kodoma." I grab my cardboard box of valuables, close it and put it under my arm as I take me leave.
"Wait, come on think about what you're doing."
"I've already thought about it Kodoma. This is how its gotta be," I sigh, "Take care huh? Let me know if the project doesn't explode."
He looks sad as I leave the building; then again we we're lab partners since we we're interns at this place. Kind of a bittersweet leaving, but at least I feel a bit at peace.
I sigh but smile despite the nagging that was going on in my brain. Damn, it's like Shizuru's my head...
Oh no...
XXXX
"You're sister's coming down?"
"Yeah, she and my brother-in-law are coming too. Along with my niece and nephew. It's gonna be awesome, I'm gonna get free food."
Haru rolls his eyes but smiles as Takara grabs his hand and smiles at him.
"Sorry we won't get to go on that date since they're visiting."
"No problem, we'll just go another time."
"Or...you can come meet them with me."
Haru's ear's picked up to this invitation and had the mixed emotions of happiness and fear.
"Uh..."
"Please."
"...Okay."
"Yay! Thank you," Takara wraps Haru in a hug, "I promise you they won't kill you."
"Wait what?"
"Just kidding...I think."
"Eh?"
Takara just smiles as Haru begins to nervously giggle.
XXXX
"Okay...here we go..." the Natsuki in the mirror takes a deep breath as she looks at real self, "Shizuru...no...well...Zuru? Um...Shizuru...I lost my...I lost my...Shizuru I lost my job...Shizuzu, my love, I lost my job. Okay Natsuki just say it with confidence. Shizuru, I lost my job. See? Nothing to it...Kami she's going to kill me. Well if I explain to her what happen-"
"What happened?"
I almost jump out of my skin at the familiar voice I hear behind me. I turn around and see Shizuru looking at me confused at why I was talking to the mirror. I somewhat chuckle as she places her things away.
"You're home early. Did you bring paperwork home again?"
"Um...kind of...Shizuru..."
"Yes?"
"Um...how was you're day."
"It was good, Alyssa called."
"Oh really? I didn't get a call. What's she up to?"
"She just came back. She's visiting you're Mother but she should be coming here soon."
"Great, we can catch up on her stories."
"So work was okay?"
"Um...about that...um...Shizuru."
"Yes?"
"Uh...I left the place."
"You quit?" She ask, all attention on me.
"Yeah...there was this guy who was harassing me. I just couldn't take it anymore, so I left."
"Why didn't you file a harassment complaint."
"The guy is the president's son. There's no way I could pin a harassment complaint on that guy. Besides they're always looking for a way to get rid of me. So I quit while I had a chance.."
"Natsuki."
"I'm sorry. I just couldn't take it anymore." I sit down on our sofa and rub the nail indents in my palm.
I feel her sit next to me and gently grab my hand. I look up at her, into her deep crimson eyes and see comfort in them.
"Well...I guess now might be the time to tell you..." Shizuru sighs.
"Tell me what?"
"I'm pregnant."
"What?" I feel my heart drop.
"Just kidding," She kisses my forehead, "See? Now everything doesn't seem so bad."
"How could you?" I sigh with a half relived, half depressed feeling.
"We'll be okay, I promise. In a way, it kind of works out for me."
"Eh? How?"
"Now I can come home to sexy housewife." She grins.
"No way, I don't want to be a housewife. I'm gonna look for work tomorrow." I move myself so my head rested on her legs.
"Okay, but I'm still going to enjoy you being my housewife." She move some hair from my face and kisses my forehead, "You know, I'd really like it if you wore a maid outfit when I come home."
"Ha, ha, how about no. But yeah go figure, I swear I thought you were going to be the housewife before me."
"Likewise." She winks at me
"...Shizuru, you think our marriage is real. Right?"
"Ara, I'm guessing you're stalker upset you?"
"Yeah...its not recognized by other people...it was a little ceremony just for us, our family and friends..."
"It's real if I get to have you." Shizuru brushes her thumb across my cheek.
I feel a blush come to my face at her words. Seriously, I don't know how she does it. Being able to make me feel better, even after all this time. I cough when I feel a heavy weight jump on my stomach. I look down and see Luna stretching herself on my stomach. I sigh as Shizuru giggles and moves herself to get up from the sofa.
"Where are you going?" I ask.
"To start dinner, any request?"
"Mmm...not really, we still have mayo?" I smile.
"Ara, its a shame but I threw it out while I had the chance."
"Damn, no one loves me Luna." I scratch behind Luna's ear.
She just yawns and continues to use my stomach as her personal bed.
"Damn you've gotten heavy Luna. What Shizuka been feeding you?" I as as I try to push her off of me.
XXXX
"Shizuka...?"
"They're all negative."
Yoichi lets out a deep breath and collapses on the nearby small couch. Shizuka sits down on the floor next to the couch and attempts to bring color back to her face,
"Looks like we dodged a bullet."
"Yeah you could say that." Shizuka sighs and lays her head on the couch.
"So...want to go somewhere?"
"Not really..."
Yoichi moves himself to sit down next to Shizuka who doesn't seem amused as his arm wraps around her shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
"Well...we're together and since you don't want to go out..." He somewhat blushes.
"...?...! Are you fucking kidding me," Shizuka stands up and gives Yoichi a glare familiar to her Mother's glare, "I just got out of a pregnancy scare and you want to fucking do it? Are you shitting me?"
"Look I'm sorry, I know you were scared. I was scared too. But we hardly see each other these days."
"Oh I'm sorry my tests and you're kendo practices have been taking up so much of you're sexy time." Shizuka rolls her eyes.
"Oh so I'm the bad guy here?"
"Yes."
"How am I the bad guy?"
"Because I said so."
"How fucking typical, blaming me just cause I have a dick."
"You know what, we're on a break. I'm going home." Shizuka grabs her things and heads for the door.
"Yeah...well...that's just fine by me."
"Fine." Shizuka slams the door on her way out.
XXXX
"Our cat's getting fat." Natsuki complains as she enters the kitchen.
"Natsuki do you think everything in this house is getting fat?" I ask, looking away from the chopping board.
"Just a few things; the cat, me..." Natsuki begins to count on her fingers.
"And me?"
"What? No, of course not."
"Ara, Natsuki thinks I'm fat. Even though I told her long ago that I would still love her even if she got wrinkles, became more forgetful, and grew so fat she couldn't fit though the front door of our home." I try to fake cry but I couldn't help but laugh at what I had just said.
"Really? You'd still love me even if I couldn't fit through the front door." Natsuki chuckles and turns me away from the cutting board into her arms.
"Yes, though I would have to put on an extreme diet for the rest of your life." I wrap my arms around her waist.
"What kind of diet?" She leans closer to me.
"Mmm...lots of vegetables...and fruits...and lots and lots of exercise." I smile as I feel her forehead press against mine.
"Oooh, what kind of exercise?" She smiles and presses her body up against mine.
"The fun kind...with lots of positions...lots of heat...and lots and lots of sweat." I see a blush appear on her cheeks before diving into a kiss.
I feel her lips press against mine and I hold her body closer to mine. Her lips move down to my neck and I can't help but let a small moan out as one of her hands move to my breast and massage me.
"Ara, I can't remember the last time we did it in the kitchen." I smile as she kisses my cheek and removes my apron.
"I think the last time was when Shizuka was a first year." Natsuki smiles as I unbutton her dress shirt.
"Mmm...its been a long time then, hasn't it." I begin to kiss her neck and further down, closer to her breast as my hands reach around her to free them from they're prison.
"At least somewhere away from the bedroom area," Natsuki gasp as I place my lips on her nipple, "Ah...hey what was you're favorite place?"
"My favorite place where we've done it?" I ask switching to her other breast.
"Mmm...yeah. My favorite has to be when we stargazing with the gang."
"Ara, I remember that," I smile bringing my head back up to level with hers, "We snuck away, found a nice place to watch the stars, you wrapped your arms around me, I leaned towards you."
"Mmm? Like right now?" Natsuki smiles as I lean in close to her.
"Just like this." I let our lips touch.
A door opens and out of habit, we immediately let each other go and fix our clothes to where we look presentable.
"Damn it, we need a vacation. Just the two of us." Natsuki pouts.
"Don't worry, we'll try again later." I kiss her forehead before turning back to the cutting board.
XXXX
"I'm home." A familiar, yet depressing voice rings out.
"Hey, Speedy. So glad you're back." You know, for some reason I'm really really happy to see her.
"Yeah, I'm back. What's for dinner?" Shizuka ask as she takes off her shoes.
"Not sure, you'll have to ask your Mother...hey come here."
"Hmm? What for?" She raises an eyebrow at me.
"Just obey me."
"Why?"
"Because I basically own your soul."
"No you don't."
"Since I'm the Mom that gave birth to you, yes I do."
"That doesn't make any sense."
"Shut up and get over here."
Shizuka rolls her eyes as she walks over to me. As soon as she's within arms reach I wrap her tightly in a hug and rest my head on her shoulder. She kind of squirms in my hold but I hold on to her even more.
"Uh...Mom are you sick?"
"...Kind of...just humor me Shizuka. It's hasn't been a good day for me."
"...Kanin na..."
She hugs me back and I smile to myself. If anything can cheer me up, it a hug from either one of my kids. Which ever one I can reach first.
XXXX
"And that's why I'm going to be around the house for awhile." Natsuki sighs as she finishes her speech at the dinner table.
"Mom you should of punched that guy." Hana complains.
"I got a wife and three kids to worry about. Punching the lights out of that guy would of ruined more than my pride."
"So what are you going to do now. Beside's being a housewife?" Haru ask.
"I...I got some ideas...maybe see if I can do anything with engines and oil..." I see Natsuki looking my way.
"As long as you're not riding anything, I grant you permission to work as a mechanic." I nod my head before sipping my tea.
"Why do you need permission from Mother to be a mechanic?" Shizuka ask.
"Cause and effect. Your Mother is more worried about me getting back on a motorcycle." Natsuki answers, "Almost got into a wreck when Haru and Hana were about to turn one."
"What? Really?"
"Yeah, after that scare your Mother made me swear never to get on a motorcycle so long as you three are around."
"So why do you keep Duran in the garage?" Hana ask.
"For the great memories. And as soon as all three of you are out of this house, I'm taking a long joy ride on her."
"On the other hand, this gives you great thinking time for your anniversary." Shizuka tells Natsuki.
Natsuki coughs to which I try not to roll my eyes. She usually needs a reminder about these kinds of things.
"Good point Shizuka, but that's 3 months away. Beside's I already know what I'm getting for my wife. I'm just wondering if she has anything special planned for that day." Natsuki glances her sights on me.
"Of course, and I already have a few gifts in mind." I smile at her.
"Really? Care to give me a hint?"
"A broom and some cleaner." I chuckle.
XXXX
"You sure you'll be okay by yourself?" Shizuru ask me.
"I'll be fine. I'll clean up around the house and find something to keep me from going insane." I assure her, "And Alyssa is coming by again, so don't worry about me."
"There's still that maid outfit I got you."
"Yeah, not going to happen. See you later." I give her a quick kiss before she step out the door.
"Ara, I'm so sad." She sighs but kisses me as she walks away.
It's been an interesting couple of weeks. Not really all that used to staying at home all day. I wave until she's out of my sight and take out my cell phone and dial a certain number.
"Onee-chan, I got everything you asked for and you're totally gonna owe me for all of this."
"Yeah, yeah I know. Well let's do this."
"I bought extra band-aids. Have a feeling you're gonna need them."
"Don't be a smart-ass to your onee-chan." I hang up and look at my fingers.
"I hope this won't be a mistake." I feel my soul cry.
XXXX
"Natsuki what's going on?"
"Um...nothing."
"Natsuki."
"No."
"Natsuki!"
"Nope, nope, nope, nope." She tries to run away from me.
I grab her before she can retreat to the bathroom and grab her wrist so I can examine them. Each finger on both of her hands was covered with band-aids. For the past week I've been noticing a change in Natsuki's behavior, unusual high amounts of sneakiness. Our anniversary isn't for another month, so what is she up to. Usually I'm good at trying not to ruin Natsuki's surprises, but I'm growing concerned about what Natsuki's up to that's involving all of these band-aids.
"What are you doing to yourself?"
"Nothing...uh...I'm practicing the art of sewing."
"Ara, I know how to sow and I don't recall having this many band-aids when I was learning."
"Well...I really suck at it," Natsuki rolls her eyes, "Look, just trust me on this. Everything will make since in a few days. I promise."
"...Until then, please try to be more careful."
A few days left...
XXXX
"Okay, I got this. You three, at Alyssa's place, you be good, you do as she says, but at the same time give her some hell."
"Hey." Alyssa somewhat glares at me.
"Okay my lady." Hana winks.
"Sure thing." Shizuka nods her head.
"Here, for good luck." Haru gives me a good luck charm.
"Thanks, okay now get out."
"Sheesh, she acts like she doesn't love us." Shizuka sighs.
XXXX
"Kanin na Natsuki. I had to-"
My world pauses as I see a beautifully lit table, and my wife standing right next to it in a beautiful dress. I take a couple of blinks and notice she's standing right before.
"Welcome home. I made dinner."
"Oh, you...ah...ordered something?" I shake my head and focus on her.
"Nope, I made it." She smiles.
"Wait, you made dinner."
"Mm-hmm, just sit down and wait." She winks.
I sit and smile as Natsuki brings a couple of plates over to the table. I almost feel my jaw drop at what was on the plates.
"Wow...how did..." It was a Western dish.
"Well Alyssa is from the West, and after a lot of begging and pleaded, I made her teach me the art of cooking."
"So all those band-aids...?"
"You were right, I couldn't boil water to save my life." She holds up her hands, this time with only a few band-aids on each hand.
"This looks so delicious...so romantic." I smile as I eat a small part of the dish.
"Is it okay? I think I might of timed it badly." Natsuki looks nervous.
"Natsuki its delicious," It really was, "So what made you go through all this trouble?"
"For you, no trouble." She smiles.
"...I love you." I couldn't help saying.
"I love you too," She smiles and I notice her rub her thumb and index finger together, a nervous habit of hers, "Um, well I made this dinner because I want to ask you something."
"Ara, what is it?"
"Well...I've been thinking a lot, about how our relationship isn't really viewed as a real marriage," She gets up from her seat and walks to me, "And I know you said you don't care so long as we're together. But I...I want to make it real again."
I almost gasp as she gets on one knee and takes my hands in hers as she looks up at me.
"Shizuru...for our anniversary, will you marry me again?"
I drop to my knees and wrap my arms around her. I feel a giant smile grow on my face and a few tears run down my face.
"Yes, yes, yes; I want to marry you again."