Well the results are in! It was a good race, the chosen name won by one vote :) If you can't resist you can go and see the results on my profile. Though the name is going to show up in a few sentences so you might as well begin reading. To those who voted, thanks
I made this chapter longer than I expected, I like the baby moments :D
Anyway enjoy!
New Life
W-...where am I?
I felt heavy and really tired for some reason. I looked around and saw I was in a hospital bed, in a hospital room. I glared at the white colored room.
We meet again you bastard.
A nurse came in and smiled at me.
"Good morning, have a good night's rest?"
"I guess...oh crap! Where's Shizuru? Oh crap! I gave birth didn't I? Where's my baby? Where's my wife?"
"All in good time Mrs. Kuga," the nurse smiled, "Your wife is checking up on your daughter. She's a beautiful 5 pound baby, she almost looks just like your wife. Congratulations."
I smiled at hearing about our new baby. I looked up at the ceiling and felt relaxed with the pillows on my back.
Maybe the hospital isn't such a bad place.
"Well speaking of your wife." I heard the nurse say.
I raised my head and saw Shizuru walking in and smiling as she held a small bundle of pink blankets. The nurse smiled at the both of us as she slowly made her way out the door. I stared at the blankets, I saw a small nose and a bundle of soft black wild hair.
"Natsuki you gave us a beautiful baby girl." Shizuru gave me a small kiss on the forehead.
"Shizuru...is this..." I lost all speech when I saw her.
"Yes." Shizuru carefully put our baby in my arms.
I...can't really describe it. I've just meet her and I love her so much. I would do anything to protect her, be her armor, her sword, her shield, whatever she needs. I felt something fall on my cheek. Shizuru's hand came over and wiped it away.
"Shizuru...she's perfect." I gently rubbed a finger across that red cheek.
Shizuru wrapped an arm around me and the other around our new family member. I gently placed a small kiss on our baby's forehead.
"We love you Shizuka"
XXXX
I won't lie, its hard raising a baby. So many sleepless night, so much worrying, so many diapers, so many tears from both Shizuka and her parents...but there's so much love too.
It's been about 4 months and Shizuka is still so beautiful. With Shizuru being the main bread winner, I stayed home most of the time and took care of Shizuka. Though sometimes we switch it around, I go to work and Shizuru stays and tends to Shizuka. A nice little mix.
Shizuka is beautiful. No matter how many times I say that, I still can't help but repeat it for the world to hear. She almost looks like me, with the black hair and the jade eyes. Although I think she has her mother's face, that's better than having mine. Either way she so beautiful. I'm holding her and she's looking up at me with jade colored eyes like mine. She yawns at me showing me her gum smile. I smile, thinking its the cutest thing I've ever seen. Shizuka began to squirm and grew fussy.
"Okay hold on." I knew what she wanted.
I lifted my shirt up and began to breast feed her. When I first breast fed her I as a bit nervous about it. Though now its something treasured, I don't really know how to explain it. Its a bond between me and Shizuka that no one else could understand. Not even Shizuru.
I heard the door knob turn and someone entered the home. I recognized the footsteps and smiled.
"Back so soon?" I smiled.
Shizuru smiled at me and Shizuka. She sat down behind me and wrapped her arms around me.
"I can't stand to be away from you and Shizuka. for so long So I came home early today."
"Well welcome back." I smiled at her.
Shizuka stopped eating and I lifted her up to burp her. Shizuru extended her hands to Shizuka.
"You had her all day, my turn."
I pretended to growl at her like a dog and held Shizuka closer.
"Grrr, my baby, mine!"
Shizuru chuckled at my actions, but I was being half serious. Reluctantly I gave Shizuka over to Shizuru. As Shizuru began to pat Shizuka's back, I smiled at the loving daughter-mother scene. It was beautiful.
XXXX
"She's just adorable! Natsuki-chan you gave me a beautiful granddaughter."
It was Shizuru idea, not mine. Though Shizuka should see her grandparents now and then. I just wish her grandmother wouldn't hog my baby all the time.
My mother-in-law, Asuka Fujino is all over my little girl giving her hugs and kisses...I want my baby back already.
"Natsuki behave, you'll have Shizuka back in your arms soon." Shizuru tapped me back to reality.
"Is Natsuki getting jealous because Shizuka likes her grandmother more than her mother?" Asuka smiled.
"I am not! Here watch." I stretched my hands out for Shizuka.
"Come here Shizuka. Come on! Come to mama!" I smiled as Shizuka looked at me.
Shizuka looked at me with blank eyes as I moved my fingers and waited for her to outstretch her arms to me. I think she was a bit confused as she began to play with Asuka's long chestnut hair.
"Shizuka come to mama please."
Shizuka looked at me for a moment, but then she turned back to Asuka. I gasped as she began to cuddle up with Asuka.
"Natsuki dear, don't pout please." Shizuru chuckled.
"I'm not pouting." I huffed as I crossed my arms at my chest.
"Ara, don't be like your mama Shizuka." Asuka smiled and held Shizuka closer to her.
"Too late, she already has my hair and eyes." I noted.
"Ara, but she has my face." Shizuru noted.
"But...let have my baby back." I opened my arms to Asuka and Shizuka.
"I don't think she wants to." Asuka smiled as Shizuka began to wiggle in her arms.
"Please I gave birth to her, of course she wants me back," I grabbed Shizuka, "Come on Shizuka let's go for a walk."
"Shizuka can't walk yet." Asuka noted.
"A...We'll be out in the garden." I walked to the back of the house.
I heard chuckling behind me as I walked to the garden. It was nice and quiet for a change. Shizuka seemed to like it too. As we walked close to a tree Shizuka noticed a flower and stared at it for the longest time. I chuckled as I picked it and let Shizuka get a closer look.
"It matches your eyes." I put it behind her ear.
She looked beautiful, despite that she was trying to take the flower out from behind her ear. I placed a small kiss on her forehead and she made a cooing sound. She smiled at me with her bright jade eyes and some drool out of her mouth.
"Beautiful no?" I felt someone behind me.
I turned my head and saw Shizuru smiling at me and our baby. Shizuka cooed and outstretched her hands to Shizuru. I smiled when I saw Shizuru slightly surprised at Shizuka's actions.
"Go on, your daughter wants you to hold her." I held out Shizuka for Shizuru to take her.
Shizuru slowly grabbed Shizuka and held her close. Shizuka made a high pitch squeal when Shizuru took her. I chuckled when Shizuru blushed when Shizuka's soft head rubbed against her cheek.
"Natsuki...Shizuka...I..." I saw small tears about to come out of her eyes.
"Yeah I know...I love her that much too." I hugged them both and placed a small kiss on Shizuru's forehead.
Shizuru smiled and kissed me back.
"Hey don't make out in my backyard." Asuka yelled out from the house.
I felt myself blush as I instantly let go of Shizuru and Shizuka.
"We're not making out!"
"Ara Natsuki doesn't want to make out with me? Ikezu." Shizuru smiled.
"But not here, wait no that's not what I said Mrs. Fujino! Argh!" I was frustrated.
Asuka and Shizuru began to chuckle at the blush that came to my face. Shizuka seemed to smile and share my sympathy.
Dealing with one Fujino was enough, now dealing with the mother-daughter Fujino duo is like facing a 10 foot wall. Luckily the old man wasn't around. Otherwise it be just suicide. And he would hog Shizuka all day.
"Where's my granddaughter?"
...Too late.
Asuka turned to a man who suddenly showed up in a business suit. He looked happy knowing his granddaughter was around the house. That's my father-in-law, Shin Fujino, he has black hair with a touch of gray and though Shizuru takes more after Asuka, she does have his crimson eyes.
Asuka smiled at him when he laid eyes on Shizuka.
"Welcome home dear."
"Hello father." Shizuru smiled.
"Hi, don't hog my baby." I said.
He laughed as he walked to Shizuru.
"But she's cute, my special little Shizuka," Shin took Shizuka from Shizuru's arms.
"Old man." I reached to get Shizuka but Shizuru stopped me.
"Let Shizuka be with her grandfather."
"B-But..." I began to protest.
"Come on Shizuka, I'm gonna treat you to fugu." Shin smiled.
"NO!" Both Shizuru and I reached for Shizuka.
XXXX
Now Shizuka is about 7 months old, still cute as ever. Again it as my turn to stay home and watch her, not that I minded I love staying home and taking care of her. Now that's she's learned to crawl, she's like a speed demon all over the house. Crawls from one room to the next with no pause. I swear I have trouble keeping up with her sometimes.
Today I tried working on some research papers. Yeah I hate doing work at home but somethings just got to be done. I keep a close eye on Shizuka as she's playing with the toys we bought her. I was typing on my laptop when I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I looked down at Shizuka and noticed she was chewing on something. I knelt down and put my hand to her mouth. She turned her head away.
"Shizuka what do you have in your mouth?" I said like I was expecting a response.
She turned around and began to crawl away.
"Oi! Get back here!" I chased after her.
I picked her up and put a hand to her mouth again.
"Naughty little monkey, don't run away from your mother like that." I tried to open Shizuka's mouth.
She turned her head away as I tried to pry open her mouth.
"Shizuka open your mouth." I finally got a hold of her mouth.
I was in a state of shock when I grabbed what was in my daughter's mouth. Shizuru would kill me.
"Why the hell did you put this in your mouth?"
Shizuka began to cry as I threw away her chewing toy.
"Your mother's gonna kill me if she ever finds out I let you put a bug in your mouth."
XXXX
Work is boring. I miss my Natsuki and Shizuka. I'm going home early today.
I was walking down the street when my phone began to ring. I took it out and smiled at the person who was calling me.
"Yes my Natsuki?"
"Shizuru...are you coming home now by any chance?"
"Yes. How did you know?"
"I know you too well. Um...I didn't do it."
"Do what?" I raised an eyebrow.
"You'll see, just don't get mad at me." Natsuki ended the conversation.
I wonder what hap-...Shizuka!
I quickened my pace as I began to worry about what happened to Shizuka. When I was block away from my home I sprinted to the front door.
"Natsuki what's wrong with Shizuka?" I said in a panicked voice.
Natsuki turned to me with only her head showing. She looked guilty for some reason.
"Shizuka is fine," I felt relieved, "But...look just don't freak out on me okay?"
"Why? What's wrong? Why are you hiding behind the sofa?"
Natsuki took a deep breath before coming to me with Shizuka in her arms. I raised an eyebrow when I saw a small beanie on Shizuka's head.
"Natsuki, why is Shizuka wearing a small beanie?"
"Um...I thought it would look cute on her." Natsuki smiled.
"She does, but your not a good liar." I smiled at her.
She sighed in defeat and took another deep breath. Slowly Natsuki took the small beanie off Shizuka's head. I gasped with what I saw.
"What did you do to her hair? It's gone!"
"Like I said, I didn't to it."
"But she's bald now." I slightly rubbed Shizuka soft bald head.
"Her hair fell out."
"But why?"
"I don't know."
I sighed but then Shizuka made a cooing noise which made me smile. I took Shizuka from Natsuki's arms and held her close to me.
"Oh well, I'm sure your hair will come back." I kissed her head.
"Well anyway." I felt Natsuki's arms wrap around my waist.
I smiled as she placed a kiss on my cheek.
"Welcome home." She smiled at me.
"Thank you." I gave her a kiss.
XXXX
"Is the cake ready?" I asked Asuka.
"Not yet, though its not like she can eat it yet." Asuka smiled as she began to clean the kitchen.
"She has teeth you know." I walked over to the living room.
"I noticed." Asuka pointed to Shizuka who was biting on plastic toy.
Shizuka was adorable in her new pink dress her grandmother had bought her. Her hair did come back but instead of black like it originally was, it was now a chestnut color. Not exactly like Shizuru's chestnut hair but more of a darker shade. She especially looked cute when she had a little pony tail on her head.
Today we're celebrating Shizuka's first birthday. I thought it would be a good idea to get a camera to take pictures of Shizuka's special day. I'm almost regretting it now that its in Shizuru's hands.
Shizuru smiled as she began to take a picture of Shizuka. The camera flashed and Shizuka suddenly noticed that her mom was taking pictures of her. She started to make a face that I had to laugh at.
"Aw baby its okay. Mommy is just taking pictures of you." I explained as if I knew she could understand me.
Shizuru chuckled as she took another picture of Shizuka. Our little girl continued to make that face as if she was on the edge of crying.
"Zuru, don't tease my granddaughter like that." Asuka said.
"Ara, if I remember right you used to to this to me." Shizuru took another picture.
"I never...did your father tell you that?"
"Yes." Another picture.
"Shizuru knock it off, it's Shizuka birthday." I took the camera away from Shizuru.
"That's why I'm taking so many pictures. That way we'll be able to cherish this moment forever." Shizuru smiled.
"Actually it was your father who wouldn't stop with the photos." Asuka said.
"Now that you mention him, is father back yet?"
"No...that's strange. He should have been here by now."
"The old man is probably buying a lot of presents for Shizuka." I said.
"Ara, he spoils her so." Shizuru sighed.
"Well she is our first grand-baby," Asuka sat down near Shizuka and hugged her, "Though I do I expect more grandchildren later."
"I'll work on it." Shizuru wrapped her arms around me and began to rub my stomach.
"Oi! Knock it off!" I blushed.
"So cute." Shizuru kissed my cheek.
"Shizuru..." I tried to pry her arms off me.
"I'm back!"
"About time." Asuka said.
We saw Shin come back with, as I suspected, presents along with the food we asked for.
"Father, how many present did you get Shizuka." Shizuru raised an eyebrow.
"Uh...about 10."
"10? Take them back." I asked.
"Two of them are for you." Shin smiled as he handed me two small wrapped gifts.
"Really? Um...thanks." I took the presents.
"Natsuki don't be tricked by the gifts." Shizuru responded.
"Cake time!" Asuka rose up from the floor and walked to the kitchen.
"Birthday time Shizuka!" Shin picked up Shizuka.
"Hey wait a min-"
"Picture time!" Shizuru chuckled as she took the camera from my hands.
"Shizuru!"
I just sighed as Shizuru began to take more pictures. I looked up and saw the Fujino family surround Shizuka. What a lucky kid, she has a whole family who loves her so much.
Happy birthday Shizuka.
XXXX
"Is Shizuka asleep?" I asked Natsuki as she began to climb in bed with me.
"Asleep like a baby." She smiled as she got under the covers.
I chuckled as I wrapped my arms around her and touched the tip of her nose with mine. I felt her arms wrap around my neck and she put her lips on mine. I began to kiss her soft lips that mimicked mine until I felt her tongue lick my bottom lip. I gave in and let myself go. She let go and began to kiss my neck. I moaned as I felt her tongue tasting my chest.
"S-Suki..."
"Shhh...relax." She lightly pressed a finger on my lips as she smiled at me with her eyes half closed.
I smiled and wrapped my arms around her.
"I love you."
"I love you too." She began to kiss my neck again.
It was morning, well at least for me. It was time for me to go to work. I looked over at my Natsuki and saw her still asleep. So cute. I placed a quick kiss on her cheek before I left the bed to go take a shower. As I was about to get of the bed, a hand stopped me.
"Where are you going?" I heard Natsuki say, her eyes still closed.
I noticed her eyes looked frustrated and in pain. What is she dreaming about?
"Don't worry, I'll be back."
I loosed her grip around my wrist but she held on tighter.
"No...please don't leave. Don't leave me."
"I'll come back, I promise."
"No! No you won't! Please don't go!" Natsuki grip began to tighten.
"Natsuki, wake up!" I began to shake her.
Natsuki woke up gasping and in a cold sweat. I was scared, was it that dream again? She sat up in bed and ran her fingers through her hair. She had her face in her hand when I put my arms around her.
"You want a drink of water?" I asked.
"No...no I'm fine." She responded.
"...was it that dream again?"
"...yeah."
When Natsuki gets anxious or scared, she has a dream of the day her mother abandon her. Sometimes it just like the day, other times it was as she is now and being left behind again. I gripped her tighter to me and began to rub her back.
"It's okay, I'm here."
"This dream...was different this time."
"What happened?"
"Shizuru...I saw my mom walking away, I was 9 again and chasing after her. She disappeared and suddenly I'm all grown up. I saw her appear again and I began to case her again, but I heard someone scream from behind me. I turned around and I saw Shizuka. She was 9 for some reason, she was crying and screaming for me not to go. I began to run to her but these chains came out of nowhere and they began to pull me back. I tried to get to Shizuka but as hard as I tried I couldn't...I don't remember what happen after that."
I continued to hold her as I felt her shake. She then looked up at me and grabbed my hands.
"Shizuru I love you."
"I love you too."
She jumped off the bed quickly and ran out the room. I follow her out of the room and see that she entered Shizuka's room. I wait at the doorway and watched as she held Shizuka close to her. She began to rock our sleeping baby in her arms.
"Don't worry Shizuka. I'm never going to abandon you. I'll always be there for you."
I'll probably be late for work today, but who gives a damn.
XXXX
She's growing up so fast. I swear it seems like yesterday she just came into this world. My little Shizuka is now a little over a year old and grows more beautiful each day. Recently she just learned how to walk, Natsuki and I were so excited to watch her go. Its sad and sweet at the same time. Though I can't wait for her to say mama for the first time.
It's Sunday and I love it when it comes around. It means I get to spend the entire day with my wife and child. As I began to dress Shizuka in her cute green dress, I heard Natsuki come into Shizuka's room.
"We ready?"
"In a moment, Shizuka's not quiet ready to go out yet." I tickled Shizuka's stomach.
Shizuka giggled and showed off her teeth to me and Natsuki. My heart melts ever time I hear her high pitched giggle. As soon as I finished putting Shizuka's dress on, Natsuki swept her up and gently lifted her in the air. Shizuka continued to make that high pitched laughing scream. Bring her to her chest, Natsuki grinned at Shizuka after she placed a small kiss on her forehead.
"Your just full of giggles today, aren't you Speedy?"
Speedy was Shizuka's nickname as what happened when she first began to stand on her own two feet. Instead of walking like most kids do, she ran all over the house. It was cute but catching her afterwords was the tricky part. Thus that's when Shizuka's nickname was born.
"Okay, now say mama." Natsuki told Shizuka.
Shizuka gave Natsuki a blank stare. I smiled as Natsuki repeated the word mama.
"Okay, how about mommy? Can you say mommy?"
The blank stare continued to occupy Shizuka's face. Natsuki sighed as I took Shizuka from her arms.
"Don't worry, she'll say mama or mommy soon." I assured her.
"The question is, which one of us is going to be mommy and mama?"
"I think we're both Shizuka's mama." I smiled.
"You know what I mean Shizuru." Natsuki rolled her eyes.
I chuckled as I headed out the door. Since Shizuka usually liked to walk, we placed her between us and each took her hand. Of course she would try to run ahead us off but we kept a firm hand on her.
"Boy, she just likes to take off doesn't she," Natsuki smiled, "Just like that bug incident."
"The what?"
"Nothing." Natsuki quickly said.
We arrived at the park, I chuckled when I saw Shizuka's eyes grow big when she saw the playground in so many different colors.
"Looks like someone wants to go play." Natsuki noted as Shizuka tried to pull harder away.
"Lets see what happens." I let Shizuka's hand go.
Since she was still a little new to balancing on her two feet, she wobbled as she ran to the playground. Natsuki and I chuckled as Shizuka wobbled over to the sand area. We walked over to her and played with her. It was so much fun, I wished everyday as like this. Just me, Natsuki and Shizuka, together and happy. After a while it became lunchtime and we sat down on a blanket we had laid down. Natsuki picked Shizuka up and brought her over to the blanket. As soon as she was placed on the blanket, she began to crawl away towards the playground.
"Oh no you don't," Natsuki grabbed Shizuka before she could get on her two feet, "Stay here with me and mommy."
Shizuka looked up at me and gave me a toothy grin. I grabbed her from Natsuki and hugged her.
"So cute, just like Natsuki."
"I beg to differ, she looks more like her mommy." Natsuki responded as I put Shizuka down on the blanket.
Shizuka looked at something that came onto the blanket. She laughed as her hand's began to reach for it. Natsuki quickly flicked the thing off the thing off the blanket.
" Shizuka what is it with you and bugs?" Natsuki asked.
"Bugs?" I raised an eyebrow at Natsuki.
"Uh, n-nothing. I was just trying to say our daughter has this thing with bugs."
"I didn't know this. What about our daughter and bugs?"
Natsuki gave the look of 'oh no, I'm dead meat' look. It was cute but I was more concerned about this thing my daughter has about bugs.
"Well she likes bugs."
"Why does she like bugs?"
"Uh, I don't know."
"Natsuki, you a terrible liar." I slightly glared at her, just to make her nervous.
I saw her slightly grow pale and nervous. I wanted to smile at her reaction, but I knew better. She seemed to break down when she took a deep breath.
"Well, she almost ate a bug one time."
"You let her eat a bug?"
"No I said she almost ate a bug."
"When did this happen?"
"Uh, about a couple a months ago."
"Natsuki, why did you that?"
"She didn't eat the bug."
"It doesn't matter, you let a bug get in our child's mouth."
"Hey it wasn't like I offered the bug to her."
"But still a bug?"
Natsuki was about to fight back when a little giggle sounded out. We looked at Shizuka who was playing with a flower she had picked up. She lifted it up and seemed to want us to take the flower. I smiled and slowly reached for the flower.
"Okini my Shizuka."
She looked at us with a confused look. I couldn't help myself as I started to laugh.
"What?" Natsuki looked at me.
I saw the same confused expression Shizuka had.
"She's definitely your daughter Natsuki."
"Mmm..."
We turned to Shizuka who's lips were pressed together as if she was trying to say something.
"OH! Okay Shizuka, come on you can do it. Say mommy or mama." Natsuki was excited as she encouraged Shizuka to speak.
"Her first word..." I clasped my hands together as Shizuka opened her mouth.
"BUG!" Shizuka smiled.
"Eh?"
XXXX
"Who am I?" Natsuki pointed to herself.
"M-Mama!" Shizuka responded.
"Good! Now who's that?" Natsuki pointed to me.
"Mommy!" Shizuka clapped her hands.
"Good girl! Now say I love mommy. Come on, you can do it." Natsuki smiled as she waited for Shizuka to respond.
Shizuka though was much more interested in getting up and walking around. Natsuki sighed as Shizuka began to walk towards me.
"Okay, we'll practice later."
"Ara Natsuki, don't expect Shizuka to recite a poem for you." I smiled down at Shizuka as she tried to get up on my lap.
"I know, I just can't wait for her to start talking. It's gonna be so cute." Natsuki sat at the table in a chair next to me.
"Indeed." I picked up Shizuka and placed her on my lap.
"I think someone needs a haircut." Natsuki smiled as she moved some hair out of Shizuka's face.
"Maybe, but I think she would look nice with long hair. What do you think Shizuka?" I asked Shizuka who smiled up at me
"Mommy!"
"I'll take that as a yes." I kissed her head.
"Are you sure?" Natsuki asked.
"Whatever she wants later when she gets bigger."
"I suppose, hey wanna go for a walk?" Natsuki asked me.
"Sure, I'll go get Shizuka ready."
"Naw, I'll take her." Natsuki took Shizuka.
"Okay, I'm going to grab a few things to take with us."
"Okay."
I smiled as I walked to the kitchen. Shizuka might get hungry, or Natsuki might too. They both have the same appetite. I just hope she doesn't have the same addiction to mayonnaise. That would be terrible.
Suddenly I heard the doorbell ring. I wonder who that is? Surely my parents would of called before coming over.
"Baby could you get that?"
"Getting there." I walked to the door.
I looked inside the peephole. I think my heart skipped a beat when I saw who was at the door. Black hair and green eyes...
"Shizuru who is it?"
I remained silent as I slowly opened the door. A woman who looked about my mother's age was standing there. She took a deep breath as she looked up at me.
"Are...are you Shizuru Fujino?"
"I am...well really Kuga now."
"..."
I heard footsteps come from behind me.
"Babe who is i-" Natsuki came to the entrance of the door and was struck silent.
I took a slight step back as the almost two identical women stared at each other.
Oh my...
Fugu- Pufferfish (or blowfish) meat that's a delicacy in Asian countries. Though if the meat is cut wrong, the meat is infected and the consumer will die. Which is why Natsuki and Shizuru panicked when Shin was going to treat Shizuka to fugu.
R&R please :D