Chapter 15 – Love
Here we go everyone! The long awaited finale of this story! Can't believe it's taken me so long to finish it all...I'm such a slacker.
Nikki: At least you finished it.
Well look at you being all optimistic! 8D
Nikki: (groans) Shut up...by the way...what did you do to poor Jenny?
Jenny: (in fetal position in the corner rocking back and forth) I'll never be late again...I'll never be late again...I'll never be late again...
(laughs evilly) D Let's just say she's learnt her lesson...SO THE REST OF YOU BETTER TAKE SOMETHING FROM THIS!
Nikki: ...
Speaking of which! Let's make sure everyone is present for the final viewing! Ok Nikki i know you're here...
Nikki: I CAN'T be late! I'm stuck in your friggin brain!
(ignores) KAI!
Kai: I'm your creation too ya know, i'll never be late either
True true...ECHO!
Echo: (puts hand up from her place on armchair) Here
Okay that's a check...JASON!
Jason: (sprints into the room) I'm...(gasp) here!
(glares) cutting it close aren't you? Look at the state your girlfriend is in!
Jason: (sees Jenny) Omgawsh JENNY! (runs to her) What did you do to her ya psycho?
(ignores) Speaking of I should check Jenny off too...well thats everyone! 8D Now we can start the chapter! ENJOY! AND YOU ALL BETTER STILL BE HERE AT THE END!
Nikki:...just kill me now
Jenny woke up and blinked sleepily. She stretched her arms up, feeling a few joints crack. She smiled when she remembered what day it was. It was Nikki's wedding day! Quietly slipping off the large couch she was sleeping on, she stood up and tiptoed around the three other girls sleeping on the floor. She walked up the stairs and made her way to her best friends room. Approaching the door she lifted her hand and knocked.
"Nikki!"
When there was no answer she turned the knob and walked in. A brunette was fast asleep and sprawled over a double bed with her head buried under a large pillow. Jenny smiled at the sight before making her way over to the unconscious girl.
"Yoohoo! Rise and shine!"
Nikki groaned. "Uhhnn…wha?"
"Wakey wakey!"
Her eyes fluttered open and she stared at the redhead smiling brightly at her. "Urgh…Jenny what are you doing?"
"Waking you up!"
Nikki glared at her. "And that would be because…"
Jenny laughed. "Oh you silly goose! You're getting married today!"
Nikki's eyes shot open and she stared wide at her friend. "What time is it?"
Jenny looked at her watch. "Almost nine."
Nikki sprang out of bed and shot straight to the bathroom. "Holy crap! How could I have slept in so late?"
Jenny laughed at her friends' franticness. "Well now that the bride's up its time to wake the brides maids."
She left Nikki's room and made her way back downstairs. She clapped her hands loudly when she walked into the lounge room. "Alright ladies! Up and at em!"
Several protesting groans were heard from three mattresses. A head of pink hair peaked out from underneath one of the thick quilts and the sleepy face of Lacus appeared. She smiled sweetly at Jenny. "Morning Jen."
Jenny beamed. "Good morning!
Echo and Cagalli sat up in their beds as well. "Morning." They both said.
Lacus unravelled herself from her beddings and rose to her feet with an excited grin on her face. "I can't believe Nikki's getting married today!"
Echo smirked from her spot on the floor. "I know… it's come up so fast."
Jenny clamped her hands together. "Well we have lots to do! Our bride is in the bathroom preparing her self and we ourselves have loads to do! So chop chop, ladies!"
Within minutes the beds were packed away and the girls were dressed. Not a moment later Nikki, now fully awake, descended the stairs dressed in fresh clothes. She stopped at the bottom and looked around. Her friends were rushing around the house in several directions. Lacus stood at the kitchen bench beating something in a large mixing bowl.
She made her way over, staring bemusedly at her sister. "Hey there sis."
Lacus turned and smiled at her. "Good morning Nikki!"
Nikki grinned. "You're more excited than usual and you're not the one getting married."
At the word 'married', Lacus squealed loudly. "Well because my own sister is about to be wed! How wonderful I'm so happy!"
Nikki chuckled. "Glad to hear it." She then sighed. "Well I have to make my way over, I need to be there early, ya know since I'm the bride and all."
Lacus giggled. "Of course! We'll make our way over once we're done here!"
Nikki smiled and nodded before walking back out of the kitchen and towards the stairs. She had a few things to grab before leaving, and then she was to go meet a person who would help her get ready. She had somewhat trouble sleeping the night before having spent it apart from her fiancé. But she smiled at the thought of spending time with him on their first night as husband and wife. Images of what they would be doing flashed in her mind and she felt herself blush madly. Shaking her head, she grabbed her bag and dashed back downstairs. Waving a goodbye to her sister and two best friends, she dashed out the door. As she strode across her lawn towards the gate, she couldn't help the content smile that crossed her face. Only in a few hours she would be standing next to the love of her life, in the park that held so many memories for them and finally be bonded to him for all of life of eternity.
Almost three hours later Nikki found herself in a dressing room tent they had set up on the grounds, surrounded by her three brides maids and feeling completely ridiculous. She grimaced as she stared at her reflection. The girls around her obviously thought otherwise, as they beamed openly at her. It had taken many exhausting, dragging days to find a wedding dress that Nikki felt comfortable in. And even now having found one, she still squirmed in the gorgeous gown. Nikki hated dresses with a passion. She would avoid them more than people run from the plague, which definitely said something within itself. But she had made this day a rare exception and put aside her selfishness, all for the sake of the man waiting for her at the end of the aisle. She gave herself one more look over. The gown was pure velvety white. A smooth layer wrapped snugly around her waist, showing off her curves. Underneath, the long hem flowed outwards all the way to ankles. The front formed a perfect V shape with long sleeves stopping just after her elbow. Her hair was half up and half down. Her back half flowed down her back, ending a little after her tailbone. The other half fell past her usual side parts. It fell down her sides while framing her body and ending in a stylish curl near her waist. The back half of her hair was pulled back with a silver butterfly clip that Jenny was kind enough to lend her, complete with a matching silver butterfly necklace that was clasped around her neck. She wore no make up since the girls agreed Nikki didn't need any. Her attire was overall simple and basic, but to those around her she held the beauty of a goddess.
Jason, who had volunteered to walk her down the aisle in the place of her father, walked in and whistled when his eyes rested on Nikki. "Wow, I barely recognise the ass kicking tomboy."
Nikki glared playfully at him. "Just because I look any different doesn't take away any chances of me slugging you."
He laughed. "Glad to know you're attitude hasn't changed." He the grinned and offered his arm. "Well the groom awaits fair maiden."
She rolled her eyes and locked her arm with his. "Why thank you my good man."
The music began playing as the brides maids made their way down the aisle, with Echo trailing as her maid of honour. A little girl from the orphanage Kira and Lacus were living volunteered to be the flower girl as she happily flung red rose petals around her. When it was Nikki's turn, the music changed and she smiled when she heard their song. As it played, she appeared with Jason and everyone rose from the seats at the sight of the bride. But Nikki was oblivious to everything around as her gaze was locked with the handsome man standing at the alter. When they reached the front, Reverend Malchio, who had agreed to perform the ceremony, spoke.
"Who gives this woman to this man?"
Jason held Nikki's hand and offered it to Kai. "I do."
Kai gently grasped Nikki's hands. She squeezed back and they turned to face the priest.
"Ladies and gentlemen. We are gathered today on this glorious afternoon to celebrate the union of Kai Rodgericks and Nikki Clyne as they are brought together for this joyous occasion through their strong and everlasting love. "
Nikki smiled brightly. This was it…they were finally getting married. She could vaguely see from the corner of her eye that several of her friends had lost it. Lacus was quietly dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief that Kira had given her. Jenny was restraining from crying too much, but failing miserably as tears slid down her cheeks. Echo was tear free, but the happiness she felt for her friend was apparent on her face. However most of the girls attending were openly sobbing.
Nikki barely refrained from rolling her eyes and did her best to block them out as the priest continued. "The vows you are about to exchange, will serve as a verbal representation of the non-verbal emotions that are as real as anything that can be seen, heard or touched. For it is not the words that you speak today that will bond you together as one…but the strength of the love and commitment found deep within your souls."
"And now, Kai, if you would kindly speak your vow."
Kai averted his gaze from the reverend to once again gaze at his bride. "Nikki, there is no definition in the world that can explain the depth of my love for you. From the moment we met, there hasn't been a single doubt in my mind that we were meant to be. You're everything I've asked for and more. For the rest of our lives, even if we must go through hardships, I will stay by your side. I love you more than I can say Nikki, and I praise the days I will be able to wake up with you beside me."
When Kai finished his vow, there was barely a dry face to be seen. Even some of the men were seen wiping tears from their eyes. A few tears had leaked from Nikki's face as well but she wiped them away and cleared her voice, as it was now her turn to speak.
"Kai…I can barely remember a time when you haven't been there. From the first time you appeared in my life, you have been a constant friend and love to me. When we met, I used my tragic past as an excuse to pull myself away and not to become close with you. I was scared of falling in love again. But despite my fears, you accepted my flaws and offered your undying support to me. Your affection and compassion reopened my heart, and I found myself falling for you and letting you in as each day went by. My beloved Kai, words cannot express just how in love with you I am. And as I stand here with you today, I promise I will remain faithful and true to you for all eternity."
Kai smiled widely, his love for her shining clearly from his eyes. Nikki's expression mirrored his, her blue orbs sparkling. Jason, who was also the best man, walked forward and held out their wedding bands. Kai took one from him and picking up Nikki's left hand, slid the ring onto her finger. Nikki repeated his actions, taking Kai's hand and putting the ring on his finger also. When they were finished, they clasped hands once again while Reverend Malchio spoke.
"Kai, do you take Nikki to be your wife, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish her friendship and love her today, tomorrow and forever? Will you trust and honour her, laugh with her and cry with her? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live through time and all eternity?"
Kai spoke firmly. "I will."
"Nikki, do you take Kai to be your husband, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish his friendship and love him today, tomorrow and forever? Will you trust and honour him, laugh with him and cry with him? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live, through time and all eternity?"
Nikki smiled. "I will"
"And now by the power and authority vested in me, and with great joy, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kai, you may now kiss your bride."
Kai pulled Nikki to him and they shared their first kiss as a married couple. Several girls sighed contently at the sight. When they separated, the Reverend announced.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I give to you Mr and Mrs Rodgericks."
Everyone rose to their feet, cheering and clapping as the newly wedded couple walked back down the aisle together. They laughed as their friends threw confetti over them as they passed. As they went past the crowd, Nikki threw her bouquet backwards into the unsuspecting hands of Jenny. Nikki winked knowingly at her and continued down the long aisle, leaving the redhead standing there staring rather stunned at the flowers in her hand. They walked across the grass and towards an awaiting white Mercedes limo. Kai opened the door for his new wife, tucking her dress in after her. Giving one last farewell smile to everyone he ducked into the car next to Nikki. The limo then drove off and waving goodbye to all their friends, Nikki and Kai left to continue their new journey to spend the rest of their lives together forever.
Back at the parkWhen the limo disappeared from view, the guests for the wedding began departing as well until the only remaining people were the bride and groom's closest friends. Eventually, in pairs, they went their way. Echo was the last to leave. She had known Nikki the longest out of everyone, including Kai. And now that her best friend was married she was at somewhat of a loss. She had only been reunited with Nikki barely a few months prior to the wedding after being apart from her for almost 4 years. And now only a few months later, Nikki and Kai are married and going off to live their lives and raise the family they've always wanted. Echo sighed. 'As happy as she was for them, she couldn't help but feel a tad lonely.
A hand touched her shoulder. "Hey come on Echo, let's go back."
Barely recognising that it was Jenny's voice, Echo nodded and turned around to leave with the redhead and her boyfriend. She turned her head curiously towards Jenny.
"Hey…when are you two going to get married?"
Jenny faltered in her step slightly at her question before turning to Echo with wide eyes. "W…what do you mean?"
Echo shrugged. "Well Nikki and Kai got hitched didn't they? Plus you were the one that caught the bouquet, don't think I didn't see you catch it."
Jenny laughed nervously. "Yeah I know…well about that uh…um…excuse me." She quickened her pace and hurried ahead of Echo and Jason, the former snickering quietly. The latter turned to the shorter blonde and raised an eyebrow.
"What are you laughing at?"
She threw him a cheeky grin. "Oh it's nothing, just girl stuff."
Jason screwed up his face and turned away. "Never mind then, I'll never understand."
This just made Echo laugh harder and Jason looked back at her confusingly. "What in the hell is your problem?"
She didn't answer and continued to cackle loudly, an utterly lost Jason and an embarrassed Jenny in her wake. Guess some things never change.
Meanwhile, Nikki and Kai had reached their hotel. They planned only to spend the one night together for their honeymoon since Nikki was rather anxious to go back home and start her new life. She was, without a doubt, excited about spending some time with Kai in a hotel room. But she was scared she would miss her friends and family too much, so agreed that for one night she would enjoy the afternoon and night alone with her new husband.
As soon as the limo pulled over, Kai jumped out then turned to help his wife out of the car. The moment she got out, he picked her up bridal style making her squeal in surprise.
"Hey! A bit of warning next time."
He grinned. "Sorry, I'm just really happy."
She smiled at him and looped her arms around his neck. "I know…me too."
He smiled back as he carried her inside. When he headed straight for the stairs Nikki looked back in confusion. "Aren't we supposed to check in first?"
Kai looked at her with a knowing smirk on his face. "Your good friend Echo went ahead and booked us a room."
She smiled at the mention of her best friend. "Oh Echo…always doing favours for me."
Their arrival at their hotel room stopped Kai from replying. As Echo promised them, their door was waiting for them, two men standing guard outside. Paying no attention to them, Kai stepped over the threshold. As soon as they were inside, Nikki didn't waste any time. She wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled his head down to kiss him. With her free hand, she pushed the door and closed it behind them.
A few hours laterNikki sighed contently as she laid her head on her Kai's bare chest. He lay on his back with an arm around her and his other hand clasped around hers. Their breathing was in sync as they basked in the glow of their lovemaking. Nikki smiled, she had no regrets. They were married, it was the first time for the both of them and she loved him more than anything. She was more than ready to give herself to him.
Nikki looked up to the sleeping face of her husband. She pulled her hand out of his grasp to reach up and gently run her fingers down his jaw line. He had been incredibly gentle with her. Even though it was her first time, there had barely been any pain. Kai was too scared that he would hurt her. But he had been a perfect gentleman and she looked forward to the days they would start having children. Suddenly she let out a yawn as the previous activities finally caught up to her. Tucking her head back under Kai's chin and resting her hand on his, she closed her eyes and fell into a peaceful, dream-filled sleep.
The next day
Nikki woke up in the morning to find herself alone in their hotel bed. Slowly she sat up and rubbed her eyes, the sheets slightly slipping down her body. The door then opened and a fully dressed Kai walked in carrying a breakfast tray. He smiled when he saw a sleepy Nikki staring sleepily at him. He was fully aware his wife was naked under the covers, but even now when married he still kept his gaze on her face.
Making his way around the bed, he placed the tray down on the bedside table before bending down to kiss her. "Morning love."
She smiled. "Morning." She turned and curiously eyed the tray he had just bought in. "What's all this?"
He chuckled at her hungry look. "Your breakfast."
Nikki looked back at him. "What about you? Aren't you going to eat?"
Kai picked up the tray and placed it on her lap. "I've already eaten. I woke up a little while ago."
She pouted at him. "Why didn't you wake me?"
Kai playfully flicked her lower lip with his thumb. "Well you looked like an angel so I didn't have the heart to wake you."
Nikki blushed. "Always the smooth talker, aren't you?"
He grinned in response to which she rolled her eyes. A growl from Nikki's stomach interrupted their playful banter. Kai chuckled at her as she turned her attention back to her food.
A few minutes later she had polished her plate. While Kai took it away back to the kitchens, she decided to get dressed. Since she was with her husband, she didn't bother to cover herself so she walked around the room in the nude, looking for something to wear. When the door opened again, she didn't bother looking behind her, not realizing that is wasn't her husband that had walked in.
Meanwhile, Kai was only down the corridor, when he heard enraged shouting coming from their suite. Recognising Nikki's scream, he broke out into a run. When he was near their room, the door sprung open and a man known as one of the hotel helpers flew out and collided with the wall.
Random objects (such as knives, forks and such) were thrown from the room and Kai could hear Nikki's voice yelling. "WHAT THE HELL YOU FREAKIN PERVERT? DIDN'T YOU EVER LEARN HOW TO KNOCK? NOW PISS OFF BEFORE I SLICE YOU INTO LITTLE PIECES!"
The trembling butler was barely able to dodge the sharp items as he fled from the scene and dashed around a corner. Kai stared at him before carefully peeking into the room. He brought his head back just in time for a knife to zoom past him and stick into the wall behind him. He decided to talk from outside, considering how angry Nikki obviously was.
"Nikki, calm down it's only me now."
There was silence for a moment before a shaky voice spoke. "Oh…sorry…come in."
He walked around the door, making sure to close it behind him as he entered. There was Nikki, sitting in the middle of the bed and clutching the covers up to her chest. She was shaking slightly, her nostrils flaring with large blazing eyes transfixed on the door behind him.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "What in the hell happened?"
Nikki growled. "I didn't bother wrapping a sheet around me because I know you're the only one that would walk back in here. But that idiot of a butler…waiter…whatever the hell he is! Decides to waltz in here without bothering to knock! I turned around expecting to see you there! But all I see is this gawking moron!"
Kai chuckled. "So you decided to throw sharp things at him?"
Nikki let out a 'hmph'. "Anything to get his arse out!"
He shook his head and smiled. "Well if it helps, our clothes are under the bed. They were brought up before we arrived."
Nikki let go of the sheets and jumped off the bed, giving Kai a full view of her body. He silently watched as she reached under and pulled out a small black suitcase. She unzipped it and dug through for a few seconds before pulling out one her tops and a pair of jeans. She flopped them beside her and dove back in, this time pulling out underwear and a bra. After she was dressed, they took a few more minutes to tidy up before going back home. Glancing around the room one more time, they grabbed their belongings and walked out of the room holding hands.
Nikki and Kai walked through the front door of their new home, only to be surprised by a warm welcome by all their friends. Lacus bawled her eyes out as she clung to her older sister. Nikki laughed and awkwardly patted her back to try and calm her down. Jenny nearly suffocated her to death and Echo practically bowled her over. After receiving three different and rather overwhelming hugs, Nikki sat down and filled everyone in about her night away from Kai, of course leaving out personal details. The so-called party lasted several hours. By the time it was over, the newly weds were exhausted. As soon as everyone had left they decided to retire to their new master bedroom.
When they walked in, Nikki froze and stared at the bed. Kai gazed concernedly at her. "Hey…you alright?"
She didn't reply. Instead she walked over and climbed onto the mattress, sitting in the middle. Worried about her sudden mood change, Kai joined her and sat behind her, wrapping his arms around her.
She leant back into him and silently whispered. "I never told you did I?"
He hugged her tighter. "Told me what?"
Nikki turned slightly to snuggle properly into his chest. "The reason I wanted to live in this specific house."
He looked down at her. "Does it hold some sort of significance?"
She nodded. "My mother raised me here…this is where I grew up." She gestured to the bed. "I used to have a lot of nightmares when I was little. So I would always come in here and stay with my mum. This room has a lot of memories for me."
Kai pushed her away to arms length so he could look at her. "We don't have to live here in then. Isn't it painful to be somewhere that holds so many reminders and memories of your mother?"
Nikki smiled warmly at him. "Quite the contrary. Living here I can feel her presence, and it brings me comfort to know that she could be watching over me. Besides she did leave the place for me anyway…who am I to go against her will?"
Kai smiled. "You're amazing you know that?"
She responded to his compliment by tugging on his head and pulling him to lie down next to her. He obliged to her gesture, hugging her close to him once they lay down. Nikki instantly felt tired and her eyes began drooping. As she succumbed to her sleep, she heard Kai whisper to her. "We'll make your mum proud Nikki…we'll make her proud…by making memories of our own." His soothing words flowed into her mind, her thoughts filling with images of her family both in the past and in the future as she finally fell asleep with her love and mother watching over her.
(Not quite the end yet!)(A couple of weeks later)Nikki sat at the kitchen table in shock. Her hands were holding the telephone, having just been informed of a latest development. Two words continuously repeated in her mind.
'I'm pregnant.'
'I'm pregnant
'I'm pregnant'
That same morning, she had woken up with a start with the horrible quench in her stomach. She had rushed to the bathroom and threw up for what felt like hours, leaving her completely drained. At first she concluded that it might have simply been a bug going around. But that theory flew straight out the window when she continued to be sick for the rest of the morning. Kai had chosen that day to spend some guy time with Jason and the rest of the boys. When he begged her last night if he could go, she had told him he was silly and that she wasn't going to stop him from being with his friends. Now she was really regretting that. Not wanting to worry anyone else, she drove herself to a small hospital just a few minutes drive away. After a few tests, the doctor told her he would call her later when he had the results. Now here she was, the doctor having just informed her minutes ago that she was carrying a child, and had been for the last couple of weeks.
Nikki's eyes widened when she realized exactly when that was.
'Holy Crap! That was our wedding night!'
She turned her gaze downwards to her abdominal area. Suddenly, a new emotion overtook her and her eyes softened. She smiled down and placed a hand on her flat stomach as a lone tear escaped her eye and rolled down her cheek. An overwhelming sense of happiness swelled inside her. 'I'm going to be a mother.'
Nikki started to weep silently. She was so absorbed with her crying that she didn't hear the front door open, nor the sound of her husband calling out her name. Kai walked into the kitchen and was horrified to find his wife in tears. He dashed across the room and pulled her onto her feet and into a hug.
"Nikki? Hun, what's wrong?"
Nikki pushed away from him and lifted her head. Kai's concerned expression turned to one of surprise when he saw a bright smile on her face. He stared quizzically at her. "Are you ok?"
He was startled when she laughed. "Oh Kai…I'm the happiest girl in the world."
Kai frowned in confusion. "Then why are you crying?"
Nikki giggled at him. "Silly man, they're happy tears."
He continued to stare at her. "Why are you crying happy tears then?"
She sighed happily. "Well where do I start? This morning I woke up feeling ill…and spent the next five to six hours throwing up in the toilet."
Kai's eyes widened at this declaration but she ignored it and kept talking. "So knowing that this wasn't a normal sickness, I went to see a doctor. They put me through a few tests and examined me for a little while. Then the doctor said he'd call me later with the results."
Kai's face remained blank. "So you're happy because you were sick?"
Nikki shook her head, laughing at how clueless her husband was. "No, I'm happy because they rang me about ten minutes ago and told me why I was sick."
He raised his eyebrows. "What did they say?"
She stared at him, but was unable to find the right words to tell him. So she grabbed one of his hands and gently placed it on her abdomen. She looked back up at him to find him gazing with interest at her stomach.
She placed a hand on top of his and whispered. "I'm pregnant, Kai. You're going to be a father."
Realization and shock appeared on Kai's face at once. He seemed to be frozen in place with his hand resting on her stomach. He finally showed life when he looked back up at Nikki. She smiled at him, silently asking him if he was ok. A large grin broke out on Kai's face. "You're not kidding right? We're really going to be parents?"
Nikki nodded, tears once again threatening to fall. "We're going to have a baby."
Kai let out a loud whoop as he picked her up and spun her around. Nikki held onto his neck and laughed as they celebrated the coming of the new member of their family. Their happy moment was briefly interrupted by the arrival of Nikki's sister and her boyfriend. The younger couple were informed straight away about the latest news which Lacus hugged Nikki to death and squealed excitedly about becoming an aunt. And thanks to her sisters' enthusiasm, it was only minutes until all their friends knew about Nikki's pregnancy. But the future mother to be was too happy to care. She was married to the love of her life and she was expecting their first child. She had everything she had ever wanted.
Five months laterJason quickly backed out of the lounge room with his hands up in surrender. He stared wide-eyed at the rare angry face of his best friend. "Dude! I didn't know she was going to cry! She usually beats the crap out of me!"
Kai glared at him. "She's pregnant you idiot! Her emotions are all over the place so she's more sensitive to what people say! You have to be careful!"
The blonde scratched his head. "Sorry man, guess I'm just used to the Nikki I've known for years."
Kai's anger melted away and he sighed. "It's ok Jas…you're not the only one that's made her cry…"
Jason's eyes bulged. "You made her cry? Of all people!"
Kai nodded. "Like I said, she's extremely sensitive. It wasn't even that big of a deal."
Jason tilted his head. "What was it?"
Kai cringed as he remembered that morning. "She was upset because we didn't have any peanut butter…she has this weird craving for the stuff."
Jason laughed. "Are you serious? She hates peanut butter!"
Kai glared at him. "And she's also pregnant! When women go through this crap they develop tastes for really weird things!" He suddenly found that Jason wasn't paying any attention to him but appearing rather frightened as he looked at something behind him. Kai whipped around to find his wife staring at him and on the verge of tears. 'Oh crap…'
Nikki's bottom lip quivered. "Kai…do you find me annoying?"
Kai rubbed his forehead and sighed. Even after five months he still wasn't used to her behaving this way. Normally she'd either not care at all or beat the living daylights out of one of them for talking about her behind her back.
He gulped, doing his best to appear cheerful "Of course not honey!
His attempted smile had made her mood worse as she rushed past the two boys with fresh tears pouring down her face. Jason watched as Kai chased after her blurting out repeated apologies. 'Poor guy.' He thought as he walked the opposite direction with a highly amused grin on his face.
And another 4 months laterNikki sat up in bed as pain jolted through her body. Lifting up the covers, she looked over her overgrown stomach to find a small pool of water in between her legs. She swore as a contraction hit her. 'Damn it! Why now?' She reached over and shook her oblivious husband.
"Kai! Kai wake up!"
Kai's eyes peeked open. "Nikki? What's wrong?"
She glared at him, her patience practically non-existent. "The baby's coming, you idiot! Arrrgghh!" She screamed as another contraction hit her hard.
Now wide-awake, Kai practically flew out of bed and ran around the bed to her side. He gently picked her up, cringing when she screamed in pain again. Holding her firmly, but carefully, he ran out of their bedroom and out of their house towards their car. He placed her in the passenger seat and hurriedly put her seat belt on before dashing to the drivers' side. The moment he closed the door, he turned on the ignition and sped off towards the hospital. With one hand on the wheel, he grabbed his phone and rang a familiar number.
'Click'…."Jason? Yeah hey mate sorry to bother you, listen Nikki's in labour…yes now!… All right I'll see you guys there. Bye."
He hung up and also rang Lacus and Echo. He found it hard listening to Nikki's cries and knowing he wasn't able to help her. But he was hoping he'd at least be allowed to be with her for support. Screeching into the car park, he parked the car and jumped out. He ran back around to Nikki's side and opened the door before carefully picking her up again. Kai ran as fast as he could without hurting his pregnant wife. His heart stung when he heard her scream again, he knew that this birth was going to be very painful for her. He ran around the corner and towards the emergency entrance when he spotted a doctor walking into the hospital.
Kai desperately yelled out. "Doctor! Help!"
The doctor froze and turned to the distressed voice. His eyes widened when he saw the shaking girl in Kai's arms. "Sir? What's happening with you wife?"
"She's in labour! She's in a lot of pain! Please you have to help her!"
The doctor gestured to the door. "Quickly then bring her this way."
Kai followed him through the doors and into the main waiting area. It was very quiet, save for Nikki's screams. They rushed into a spacious room that was nearest as the doctor told Kai to place her on the bed. The moment Kai laid her down; the doctor started pushing him out.
"I'm sorry sir, but you need to wait outside."
But Kai refused to be parted from his wife. "No! Damn it! Let me stay! She needs me!"
"I understand sir, but it is a protocol procedure that I can't ignore. Please you need to wait outside."
Next thing Kai knew, the door was slammed in his face and he was forced to stand there and listen to his wife's agonising pain. He stumbled backwards before he hit a chair then sank into it and burying his face into his hands. He couldn't just sit here. Nikki was in there going through who knows what…and they expect him to wait outside? He was her husband for crying out loud! The father of her child! He growled in frustration. This was bloody unfair.
"Kai!"
Kai lifted his head to see Jason, Jenny and Echo heading towards him. He gave them a weak smile. "Hey guys."
Echo looked around. "Where's Nikki? Is she ok?"
Another scream pierced the air causing the three newcomers to whip around and stare and the door behind them. Kai grimaced at the sound. "She's in there."
Jenny looked back at him. "Well what are you doing out here? You should be in there with her!"
Kai clenched his jaw. "They won't let me in."
They gawked at him. "What?"
He rose to his feet and started pacing. "Stupid bloody protocols! Who do they think they are kicking me out! Screw their rules and regulations! She's my wife and that's my child in there! What right do they have to kick me out?"
His three friends watched and listen to him in wonder. When they heard Nikki scream out again, this time she yelled out desperately. "KAI! TO HELL WITH YOU ALL! I WANT MY HUSBAND IN HERE RIGHT NOW!"
Kira, Lacus, Athrun and Cagalli had arrived just in time to hear Nikki's angry and desperate yell. All friends stared at the door and then back at Kai who gazed at the door. Another doctor, who had heard the ruckus and was much older than the first one, approached the large group. "What seems to be the problem here?"
His question was answered when the door opened and a rather annoyed and flustered, younger doctor emerged from the room. "Oh, chief…am I glad to see you."
The older man raised an eyebrow. "You look like you've just run a marathon. What patient do you have in there?"
"A woman in labour, she keeps swearing and throwing things at me. She won't let me do anything to her unless we allow her husband to go in."
The chief leered at him. "And why wasn't he allowed in to begin with?"
The younger doctor felt himself starting to sweat. "Well…I was just…following standard…procedures."
The chief sighed. "With a situation like this, sometimes rules are meant to be ignored…now let the poor man in, can't you see how tortured he is?"
Everyone turned to see Kai sitting back down and gazing at the floor, his body flinching every time he would hear his wife scream. The doctor slumped his shoulders in defeat. "Yes chief." He walked over to Kai. "Sir?" When Kai glanced up at him, he allowed a small smile. "You may go in."
Before his sentence was even finished, Kai had zoomed past everyone and into the delivery room, making the chief laugh. "Ah young love." He then turned to face this rest of the group. "I shall have you updated regularly of the birth process. I know her screams don't sound pretty, but I've had situations like this before. I assure you that both she and the baby will be ok." And with that he gave them one last reassuring smile before closing the door.
When Kai rushed in, he was met with the painful sight of Nikki sitting up on the bed with her eyes clenched shut in agony. She was sweating profusely; taking quick ragged breathes and was a deadly white pale. He went over to her and took her hand, to which her eyes snapped open. When she saw who it was, her whole body seemed to visibly relax. She smiled gratefully. "I'm really…glad…you're…here."
Kai quietly shushed her. "Don't talk…just focus on your breathing."
She kept her gaze on him as she continued to breathe heavily. "Can you…sit behind me? I need…your arms…around me."
He nodded before shifting her forward slightly so he could slip his body in behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered soothingly into her ear, repeatedly letting her know that he was there.
This was how it was for the rest of the birth. Nikki was in pain through the whole thing, but she was able to pull through with the help of Kai who held her supportively the whole time. The doctor had patiently helped her with the delivery as he let her know when to either push or breathe. Her friends waited anxiously outside, the nurse periodically coming out to inform them of how everything to proceeding. Eventually, to everyone's delight, a baby's cry was heard as Nikki made the final push. The doctor wrapped the newborn in a blanket before turning to the new parents with a smile.
"Congratulations. You have a little girl."
He carried her over to Nikki and handed the bundle over to the exhausted mother. Nikki cradled her new daughter and gazed fondly down at the little girls face. Letting out a sigh of relief, she leaned back fully into her husband. She turned to look at him with tears in her eyes. "Look at her Kai, we have a daughter. This is our little girl."
Kai felt a lump in his throat, unable to speak with this overwhelming feeling. He smiled at Nikki then looked at the tiny baby in her arms. He gazed down at her with pride in his eyes, now understanding the proud looks his father gave him. Still lost for words, he reached down and placed a hand on his daughters' tiny head. Nikki showed her affection as well by gently stroking the little girl's face. The baby's eyes then suddenly opened and Nikki found herself staring into her own blue eyes.
Without averting her eyes away, she asked Kai. "What should we name her?"
Kai turned and kissed the side of her head. "Why don't I let you decide?"
Nikki smiled and without hesitation spoke. "Abigail."
Kai nodded. "I like it. How about…Abigail Nicole?" When Nikki glanced at him he explained. "I wanted at least one of our daughters to have their mothers' name in theirs. What better to give her as a middle name for our very first born?"
Nikki leant up and kissed him. "Well when you put it like that." She turned back to her daughter. "So do you like your new name? Abigail Nicole Rodgericks." Little Abigail reached up and grabbed one of her fingers as her mother gazed lovingly down at her. Kai watched this scene in awe as mother and daughter bonded. It was a sight that would stay inside his mind until the day he died.
After a little while, their friends were eventually allowed in to have a look at Abigail Rodgericks. Echo was named the little girls godmother, to which Jenny did not mind at all as long as she could at least be called "Aunt Jenny." Lacus cried again, being overly happy at finally becoming an aunty. Their visit was cut short when the doctor said that the mother needed her rest. With the exception of her husband, everyone filed out the door, bidding farewells and congratulations to the parents.
With exhaustion quickly taking over, Nikki motioned for Kai to take Abigail from her. Kai lifted the little girl into his arms and rocked her gently. Abigail protested from being separated from her mother, but quickly calmed down when she saw her fathers face. He smiled gently at her, watching over both her and his sleeping wife. Being careful not to wake Abigail, he sat on the bed next Nikki, who instinctively shuffled over to lean her head against him. Using one arm to hold Abigail, he placed the other one around his wife, feeling completely and utterly happy. If anyone had walked in at that moment, they would've found a proud father watching over his new and precious family. It was definitely… a perfect picture of love.
The End
(sniffs) Such a beautiful ending! Daaaww look at you guys with your cute little Abigail! She's so adorable!
Nikki: But that birth was damn painful...can't believe I had two more after her.
Kai: You were amazing and you know it.
Nikki: I thought I was gonna die!
Jenny: Hey what about their wedding? Wasn't it amazing?
YUSH! I so so so so so so so soooooooooooo enjoyed writing the wedding scene! And i have of course just completed a full A2 scale drawing of the love birds on their special day (winks)
Echo: Such a nice drawing too! Sakura blossoms are a nice touch.
Jason: You going to write about mine and Jenny's wedding too?
(grins) Didn't i tell you she was gonna be your missus?
Jason: Yeah yeah yeah...well, are you?
I might get around to doing a special little fic focusing on you too, Nikki and Kai have had their fun in the spotlight.
Jenny: Yay! I can't wait to be the blushing bride!
Nikki: Yeah they can have the attention for a change...I'm busy with children now.
(sighs) Well guys it's time to wrap this up! Now lets say our farewells to each of these lovely characters! Jenny! Why don't we start with you?
Jenny: (smiles at audience and curtsies) It's been such a pleasure! Thank you everyone!
(claps) Lovely speech! And Jason!
Jason: WOOHOO! This has been awesome! Hope to do it again!
(laughs) That's the spirit! Yeehaaww! Okay who's next...Kai!
Kai: (bows politely and smiles) It has been an honour to be a part of this amazing journey.
Ddaawww never stop being the gentleman that you are! (mumbles) even though i did make you that way...OKAY! And now...Echo!
Echo: Don't be too sad without me and my amazing talent! Ill return i promise! BBYYYYEEEEE!
Wow now thats what i call enthusiasm...and maybe a little touch of vanity. And moving onto the final character and heroine of my story! My most treasured and favourite OC...NIKKI!
Nikki: (grins and waves) Thank you everyone, it sure was fun being here with all my closest friends! But as the characters of this fic, we have one last thing to say.
Jenny: We would like to thank our amazing author for putting this story together!
Jason: For letting us be a part of it
Echo: For giving up so much of your time to write about us
Kai: And putting in so much effort to each and everyone one of us characters.
Nikki: So as part of your story and your entire fandom life, all of us would like to say to you...our author.
All Characters : (bows) Thank you for everything!
(blushes) Daawww! Thank you so much guys! Buhahaha you guys definitely rehearsed that!
And thank you all that have put aside your time for reading my first ever completed fanfiction! I will be back as soon as I can with another written creation for you all to enjoy!
Until then...
SAYONARA!