Chapter 14 - Execution

They arrived to the new Ootori Onsen via driver. As much as Takashi wanted to drive, it was a long drive and Izumi wanted to spend it with him. Mostly to use him as a pillow in case she fell asleep.

"So after about a week here, we'll spend New Years with your family and then the Haninozuka's at the main house?"

"Yes, that's the plan." We can start the new year as fiances. It'll be the perfect time to make the announcement.

They pulled up to the onsen. It was pretty much nestled amongst mountains, like it's own castle. it was completely removed, completely private. The ultimate escape from Tokyo. Even the arrival times were staggered so that each guest would not run into one another. There was a good 2-3 hours between each arrival.

They opened their doors and service staff was waiting. Live kotos and shamisens were playing. The sound was wafting through the air, although neither of them could tell where it was coming from. It was beautiful.

"Morinozuka-dono, Morinozuka-sama..." Izumi twitched a little... "Follow us please."

Takashi took hold of her hand and squeezed it.

"I love you" she mouthed to him and he smiled back.

As they were lead into the main "house," Izumi turned to see that their car and their luggage vanished. Umm... where's our stuff?

They were escorted around and shown various amenities. There was, of course, public places in case the residents felt like being social. Tatami mats and paper doors were used. Delicate bamboo screens were hanging from the ceiling. It was like the illustrations of Genji Monogatari Takashi one showed her.

They were finally brought to their suite. Takashi exchanged the closing pleasantries, but Izumi was caught in a daze. The door to the garden was slightly open. It showed enough of the water feature to still her breath. It was like she had been transported in time. She had never seen anything so beautiful.

Takashi walked up to her, leaned in and whispered, "Do you like it my love?"

"It's perfect."

He kissed her softly on the cheek. "What would you like to do now?"

She ran around the suite, arms spread just like a child. "Annnyyything!"

"Izumi?"

"Mm?" she said rolling over into is arms.

"Tonight there will be a full moon... do you..." he pressed his face into her hair and breathed deeply. "Do you want to take a bath tonight?"

Izumi rubbed her face into Takashi's bare muscled chest. She licked it. Takashi ran his hands into her hair and pulled it back.

"nnn..."

"Well?" he brushed his lips against hers.

"Hrmm?" she left her mouth slightly parted.

"Tonight?" he licked her lower lip.

"The bath?" he nipped her upper lip.

"okay." she half begged.

"Great." Takashi smirked and rolled out of bed.

"Takashi!"

Takashi stretched and check himself, naked, in front of the mirror. Heh, why am I doing this? She's seen me naked already... He turned and got a look at his butt, and flexed. He leaned into the mirror and checked his hair. heh... I feel like Tamaki. Maybe I should have told someone I was going to do this? Maybe I'd feel less nervous?

He wrapped his towel around his waist and grabbed the towel for his head... and another towel.

He paced his breathing, deep at first, to slow and steady as he pulled back the door. He saw Izumi's slippers and towel on the edge. He looked up to see her hair pulled up in a loose bun, exposing her beautiful neck. She was staring at the sky. They were so far removed from the city that the sky was full of stars. No light or noise pollution.

Takashi stepped quietly. Putting his towels aside and sliding into the water.

He made his way too her, watching her chest rise and fall as she breathed.

This is it...

"Izumi..." he whispered as his hand reached for her.

"Aahh!" His hand flew to her mouth.

"It's me!"

She settled into his arms and he released her.

"STOP" she slapped his chest. "Sneaking Up On Me!"

Takashi laughed.

"I almost shit myself."

"Ew."

"Well it's your fault!"

"I can't help it."

"It's your ninja training." she eyed him cooly.

"It's samurai." he quipped. He opened his arms as he settled against a smoothed out rock, made especially for leaning. Izumi turned and nestled into his arms.

They spent a while just sitting in silence. Enjoying each other's company. Each second that passed, Takashi reminded himself, "This is right. This is it."

"Takashi, what did you order for dinner tonight?"

"Ha. Are you hungry?"

"No, not yet. But I will be."

"Traditional Japanese."

"Ooh really? Usually you save that for something special."

Takashi gently pushed Izumi forward so he could sit up. "Well..."

She turned sideways to face him.

"Izumi?" His heartbeat sped up.

"Yes?" She tilted her head to the side.

"I love you."

She laughed softly, "Takashi, I love you too." She kissed him lightly on the lips. "I love you always and forever."

Takashi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Takashi?" Izumi cupped his face into her hands. "Baby what's wrong?"

"Izumi..." He placed a hand on top of hers and looked her dead in the eye and inhaled deeply.

"Izumi Saitou."

"Oh shit." she breathed.

"I love you."

"Oh shit."

"I, I want to spend the rest of my life with you-"

"Oh shit."

"I can't imagine my life without you-"

Izumi breathed in and stopped breathing.

"Izumi Saitou, will you marry me?" Takashi finally breathed again.

Now that he finally got it out, he finally saw Izumi's face. His heart broke in two. The look on her face was pure terror.

"Izumi?"

She slid off of his lap and scoot further away from him. Her breathing became rapid.

"Izumi?"

"I...Takashi...I..." They stared at each other and she kept stammering.

This is not how I expected this to go. "Izumi? Please," he begged, "say something..." She looks like a frightened deer. Like if I get close to her I'll lose her forever. But why, what happened?

It was only seconds of silence that passed, but it was, of course, an eternity. Izumi's breathing had calmed but tears started swelling in Izumi's eyes... "Takashi...I...I'm not...I can't...I...time..."

beeeeeeeep beeeeeeeeeeeeep beeeep

They looked over at the entrance way.

beep beeep bbbbeeeppp bleeep bleeep blllleeeeep beep beeeeeppppp

Both of their phones were going off. They looked back at each other and then recognition dawned.

"Why now?" Izumi cried as she half swam back to the suite. Takashi go there first and helped Izumi out.

"Get packed, I'll get the car."

"But, Taka-"

He paused, half way out the door, half dressed in a yukata. "Go." He said sternly and disappeared out the door.

Izumi looked back at the phone and texted "We'll be there. Leaving now. Tell Haruhi to breathe."