The honeymoon had been phenomenal. Each day was such a blast: snorkeling, sight-seeing, and walking along the beach hand in hand as the sun set in the horizon. The nights were even better as they were filled with passion. She giggled as he nibbled on her bra strap. "Its 3am Kisa…we've got to sleep eventually."

"I'm afraid that if I go to sleep I'll wake up to find this all to be just a dream."

She softened at that as she took his face in her hands. She pulled him in for a soft, lingering kiss. "I'm not going anywhere Kisame. I'm…your wife now," she blushed modestly at that. She giggled shyly. "I'm your wife!"She said more enthusiastically.

He grinned as he kissed her harder. "Of course you are…I love you Suko." He groaned as he lowered himself onto her soft body.

"I love you Kisa," she whispered as she curved into him.

After a week they flew back to New York City, to home. It felt a little weird as they walked up the stairs to his apartment. She marveled at this new feeling…before she didn't think that marriage would add anything to their relationship, but it did. She felt more secure in his love…more at peace with her feelings, and relaxed. Especially when his arms wrapped affectionately around her waist as she started to unlock the door. He nuzzled her neck affectionately. "Welcome home," he murmured against her skin. It made her smile with pride and she turned to give him a tender kiss.

When it threatened to become something more, she pulled away. She was still sensible of where they were. "Why don't you bring the things in and I'll get the mail?

He smirked. "Killjoy."

"Practical," she corrected as she tweaked his nose. "You'll just have to wait until later."

She walked away, whistling to herself as she went downstairs to the mailbox. It was predictably full since in their hurry to marry they'd forgotten to get the mail held back. She wasn't really paying much attention as she sorted the mail in order of size…but was startled by a large, heavy official looking envelope from UC Berkeley.

Her heart suddenly pounded in her chest as she felt a sense of dread come over her. Why…would they send him this? She slowly walked back and found him unpacking in the bedroom. He looked at her curiously. "Anything good in the mail?" He asked causally.

She narrowed her eyes slightly as she silently held up the large envelope. He blinked in confusion for a moment and then brightened as he took it from her. He eagerly opened it, read the cover letter, and then whooped for job. "Yes! I got in! Boo-yah!" Her heart dropped into her stomach as she just stood there in disbelief. He turned towards her with a large smile. "Isn't this great?"

"H-How long have you known?" She forced out.

He considered her for a moment. Then his smile faded as he started to understand. He sat down on the bed, took her hand and gently pulled her onto his lap. "Ritsuko, you know that I'm graduating with my bachelors degree next month." She nodded slowly but her heart still pounded nervously. "I plan to further my education by getting my Masters at UC Berkeley. Its been the plan for some time now."

She frowned at him. "Then why didn't you tell me?"

He shrugged. "With everything that's been going on…I guess it just slipped my mind."

"Slipped your mind?!" She snapped. "And just WHEN were you planning on telling me? The day you're supposed to fly out?" She shoved him back against the bed. Before she could storm away he pulled her down beside him. "Let go of me!" She growled as she swung her fist at him.

He easily dodged it. They struggled on the bed, her trying to break free and him trying to restrain her without hurting her. "Look, I'm sorry!" he hissed as he tried to reign in his own temper. She felt his muscles tremble as he restrained himself. Her eyes widened as she marveled at his strength and remained still beneath him. He gazed down at her, taking in her beautiful features, and it helped him to calm down. "You're right," he admitted. "I should have told you long before now. I'm a jerk for not doing so before but its too late now."

She looked at him uncertainly. "When do you leave?" She whispered.

"We leave in a month." He said but she slowly shook her head and he frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?" He growled.

She bit her bottom lip as she struggled to find the right words. A flare of desire filled his chest to see blood rush to her full lip. So soft…so desirable…

"I don't want to move," she confessed and his eyes snapped up to hers. "It's too far away! I wish that you'd consulted me on this."

"I sent my application in long before I met you." His eyes pleaded with hers to understand. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I worked hard for it…and I'm going for it." His expression softened as he stroked her cheek. "I want you…" he whispered as his hand ran along her front. He relished her soft gasp and the swell of her chest beneath his fingertips as they drifted down to rest on her stomach. "And the baby to be there supporting me. Will you?"

She lowered her gaze as she thought about it. Her only tie to NYC was Shizako. How could she possibly leave behind her only best friend ever? But soon she was going to marry Itachi. He might take her far away too. Even if Ritsuko decided to stay…there was no guarantee that Shizako would. Kisame brought her left hand up and gently kissed her palm. Her gaze rested on her wedding ring. So bright and sparkling…and she recalled her vows, especially of her commitment to be with him always. And now that promise was being tested…how could she fail now? She giggled softly. "Alright, I'll go," she conceded.

He chuckled as he kissed her sweet mouth. "Good. Now that that's settled its time for some make-up sex."

That made her laugh and he took advantage of the opening to deepen the kiss. She groaned with pleasure as she kissed him back. Her back arched as he slid his hand up the front of her shirt. Pregnancy made her body even more sensitive to his expert touch, drawing soft moans and gasps from her. He relished this newfound power he had over her as he overwhelmed her with his passion. Afterward he lay on top of her, embedding his fingers in her soft amythst curls, still savoring her sweet mouth. "I love you Suko," he murmured against her full lips.

"I love you Kisa," she groaned softly. Then she turned her head to look out the window. The high now over her thoughts returned to the move and what that would entail.

He understood. "I know that you don't want to leave Shizako behind. But you can always text, email, Skype, or call her. And you won't be alone either, I'll be there by your side," he tried to reassure her.

"And in my bed," she giggled deviously which made him smirk.

"Heck yeah," he kissed her hard. "I love you so much."

Ritsuko took her best friend out to lunch the next day to break the news, hoping that the public setting would contain her reaction to the news. That backfired big time as Shizako completely freaked and let out a string of profanity. "I'm not gonna let him drag you across the country! I'll kill him first! I'll-"

It made Ritsuko laugh and she pulled her friend in for a tight hug. "I love you Shiza," she said softly, and gratefully. She was so very lucky to have a best friend like her.

Shizako softened as well and hugged her back tightly. "I don't want to lose you."

"Yeah but odds are we'd separate one day. After all maybe you'll decide to go to college or Itachi might transfer too."

Shizako nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, you're right." Then she grabbed hold of her shoulders and gently shook her. "But you'd better keep in touch or else I'll come after you."

Ritsuko smiled as she hugged her again. "I promise."

"So uh…when do you have to leave?"

"In a month."

Shizako choked on her soda. "Really? That soon?"

"I know right? I nearly killed him myself."

"But instead?" Shizako prompted.

"Mind your own business!" Ritsuko snapped as her face when completely red which made her friend laughed.

When it came time to move Kisame hired professional movers to pack up their apartment. "But why?" She asked curiously.

"I don't want you packing things in your condition," he said seriously.

She looked exasperated. "Oh c'mon! I'm not even showing!" She patted her flat stomach for emphasis.

"But you're still three months along with six more to go," he reminded her as he pulled her into his arms. He kissed her tenderly to slowly wear down her resistance. "Lets let them do their jobs and we'll go out for dinner. Then we'll spend the night in one of those hotels with a themed room," he grinned deviously as his hand slid down the length of her back. She reddened but he just laughed and kissed her once more before leading her out the door.

They flew first class to California and spent the first week getting their place together before he went to new student orientation. He loved his new classes but nothing compared to going to home to find Ritsuko waiting for him. It was an incredible feeling and one of great comfort. After about two weeks, he was shocked one morning to see her change into a uniform. He frowned. "What…are you wearing?"

She looked down at it. "Why? What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing's wrong WITH it, I'm just at a loss for why you're wearing it."

"I got a job yesterday." She said casually as she started spiking her hair with gel to make it flare out.

"WHAT?!" He exploded. "In your condition?!"

She frowned. "I'm not on bed rest, you know," she growled. "I'm free to come and go as I please."

"But you should be taking it easy!" He insisted.

"But I'm bored!" She burst out. "I hate waiting around here with nothing to do but cook and clean! I'm NOT some 1950s housewife!"

He took a moment to compose himself; after all he wasn't really angry but worried. He then pulled her into his arms. "I'm not suggesting that. I just want you to be careful. That's my baby you're carrying."

That made her snicker. "And here I thought you were worried about me," she teased.

He grinned. "I know his spitfire mama can take care of herself." He bent down to give her a soft kiss. "Just be careful." While he still worried about her, he saw in time like she liked being productive. She was happy which made him happy too.

Ritsuko remained in touch with Shizako, always emailing, texting, and calling her. Sometimes it felt like they'd never really parted. She was still very much a part of Ritsuko's life, to the extent that they skyped the ultrasound session at the doctor's office. Shizako watched on through the ipad screen to see that they were going to have a girl. Kisame was super excited at the idea of having a little princess but Ritsuko hadn't really cared either way. It just made her happy to see Kisame so thrilled. After all she knew how lucky she was that he'd decided to stick around in the end. Most boyfriends wouldn't have done that…she knew that Kankuro wouldn't have.

When she was five months along, they flew back to New York for Itachi and Shizako's wedding. Ritsuko's slightly bump showed through her bridesmaid dress but she proudly supported her friend. Kisame was predictably the Best Man. The wedding was a spectacular event, held outside with the skyline view for an impressive backdrop to the ceremony. It was elegant, sophisticated and crowded with their large families there to celebrate. Itachi's parents had used to occasion to promote themselves and their wealth but the happy couple didn't let it bother them. They were lost to themselves and their love.

Going back to California made Ritsuko a little sad. Kisame was a little worried. "Do you…regret it?"

She smirked to herself; her gaze was still out the window. "I regret a lot of things," she whispered.

He flinched. "Do you regret our small wedding?"

"Huh? What? No," she said turning towards him, obviously she was distracted. But she shook her head. "No, I don't regret that. We didn't need all that hype and flash." She reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Her smile was soft and beautiful. "All I needed was you."

That made him feel much better.

As the pregnancy progressed, it became more obvious. Kisame cuddled her as much as she allowed him to. "I'm starting to feel like a pet," she complained as he stroked her swollen stomach. "Its just so incredible to imagine what's inside."

Just then a foot kicked against the palm of his hand. His face lit up with delight but she grimaced in pain. "It would be if she wasn't so rough on me."

"Ah so we've got a little spitfire, she must take after you," he teased.

"What? You liar!" She laughed. "You're a bigger troublemaker than me."

He grinned deviously as he nibbled on her neck. "I'm more of a lover than a fighter."

Her giggle was soft as she leaned into him. "I agree," she whispered into the corner of his mouth.

They shared a passionate kiss and then he grunted as the baby kicked him hard. "Hey, don't interrupt Daddy," he said, poking her stomach.

He was answered with another solid kick. Ritsuko winced but laughed. "Yeah, you tell her champ."

"She listens to me about as well as you do," he teased again.

"What?" She protested. "You're so full of it!" She laughed.

Things continued to go well for them. Kisame was doing well with his studies and Ritsuko kept busy at her little part-time job. Life was good. Then one day his cell phone went off in the middle of British Literature. Kings Cross Hospital showed up on the caller ID. He answered it with a sinking feeling in his stomach. "Hello?" He asked nervously.

"Mr. Hoshigaki? This is Doctor LeGaston. I'm calling regarding your wife, Ritsuko. I'm afraid there's been an accident-"

Kisame hung up on him and ran out of class. He flew across campus to where his car was parked. His heart raced as he panicked. Ritsuko was barely seven months along. Was she ok? Was the baby? Maybe he should have stayed on the phone a little longer to get more details but he didn't have the time. He had to see her! He jumped into the car and peeled out of the parking lot. He sped all the way to the hospital. I'm coming Suko! I'm coming! Please be ok… he thought to himself.