Chapter 8: One Year

"Hey ya, Misaki," Julian said when Misaki came in.

"Hi Julian," Misaki greeted. She dropped her gym bag on the ground and walked over.

"So, I have a great workout for you today." Julian said. "Great cardio and will help tone up those muscles. Treadmill for ten minutes," Julian said, patting the machine.

Misaki stepped up and set it as Julian instructed.

"You seemed to have been busy lately," Julian said.

"Yeah," Misaki said. "My sister and her husband visited recently and you know there was parties and events I had to go to..."

"You don't seem like someone who enjoys that stuff," Julian observed.

"I'm not,"

"Why do you still go to them?"

"Well..." Misaki said. "Some are neighborhood parties, or my friends' parties. Sometimes there's work events I go to with my husband,"

"Playing a role?"

"Yeah, kind of," Misaki said.

"It must be hard being Mrs. Walker," Julian said.

"Not really, I'm use to it- ten minutes is up," Misaki said, pressing stop.

Julian led her over to some weight machines. "Slowly," he coaxed as Misaki lifted the bar over her head. "And down..." he said. "Okay lift...exhale on the way down," Julian instructed.

Afterwards, Misaki was doing box jumps. "So Julian," she said, breathing hard. "You got a girlfriend yet?"

"Naw," Julian said. "Don't have time for that."

"You're getting to that age aren't you?" Misaki asked. "Do you ever want to settle down?"

"Someday," Julian told her. "I'm still just waiting for the right girl to come around. Okay, five more and you're done."

Misaki finished jumping and let out a breath of relief.

"Here," Julian said, tossing Misaki her water bottle.

Misaki took a sip and handed it back to him.

"Hold onto the handles," Julian explained, handing Misaki a short rubbery rope. "Now, pull till your arms make a T with your body."

The rope was stretched but it took some hard pulling to make it stretch.

"Feel the burn?"

"Oh yeah..." Misaki said, gritting her teeth as she stretched the rope again.

"Five reps of five," Julian said. "Two minute resting time."

Then Misaki did some ab workouts and more cardio. "This is hard..." Misaki panted, dropping onto the mat.

"You're almost done," Julian coaxed, pulling her to her feet. "Just some easy...bench pressing."

"You suck..." Misaki said, laying down on the bench.

"Don't worry, I'll spot you," Julian promised.

Misaki did a few reps. The weight wasn't very heavy but enough to make her sweat.

"Ouch cramp!" Misaki exclaimed, almost dropping the bar.

Julian caught it before it could hit her. Misaki sat up. "Sorry, cramp in my hand," she said rubbing it.

"Let me see," Julian said. "It's a cramp from tension," he said, massaging it out. "Don't grip the bar so tight. Do you want ice?" he asked.

Misaki shook her head. "I'm fine,"

Julian patted her on the back. "Alright, you're done for today, trooper."

"Thanks," Misaki said, picking up her water bottle.

"See you tomorrow...?"

"Yeah," Misaki said, waving to him. Misaki went and showered. She changed into a light summer dress and flip flops. When she went down to the lobby she saw a familiar tall blonde haired man.

"Takumi!" Misaki exclaimed.

Takumi hugged her and swung her around.

"What are you doing here?" Misaki asked when Takumi set her back on her feet. "What happened to work?"

"Eh, I didn't feel like working today," Takumi said, shrugging.

"Is that okay?" Misaki asked. "It sounds kind of irresponsible," she added.

Takumi laughed. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "I did all my duties before I left."

"Well, what do you want to do?" Misaki asked.

Takumi intertwined his hand with her's. "Some 'us' time. With your sister visiting and all these parties, we haven't had personal time."

Misaki smiled. "Alright," she said. "Want to go have lunch?" she suggested. "No fancy restaurants but something simple."

"Your wish is my command," Takumi said, holding the door.

They drove out to the park and decided to walk around.

"Its such a beautiful day!" Misaki exclaimed. "Oh, lets get ice cream!" she said, spotting a small ice cream shop.

"Welcome," a man said. "What can I get you?"

Misaki scanned the menu. There was a ton of different flavors and kinds of ice creams.

"One hot fudge sundae with two spoons," Takumi ordered, pulling out his wallet. "How's that, my love?"

Misaki blushed. "Sure," she said.

"What would you like on it?" the man asked, scooping ice cream into a large bowl.

Misaki scanned the little trays of sweets. "What do you like?" she asked Takumi.

"Anything is fine with me,"

Misaki turned back to the counter. "Chocolate chips, sprinkles, cherries, whipped cream, crushed oreos and...bananas," she decided.

Takumi paid and Misaki took their giant bowl to a picnic table.

"Wow..." Takumi said sitting across from Misaki. "This is huge..."

"Better start eating then," Misaki said, taking a bite. "Mmmm, its good!"

"Ice cream for lunch," Takumi said, taking Misaki's hand. "How romantic."

Misaki smiled and took another bite.

"Let's be a normal couple for today," Takumi suggested. "Just like how we were in high school."

"Let's walk everywhere," Misaki added. "Its too bad we didn't bring a camera..." she sighed.

A light flashed. "One step ahead of you," Takumi said, winking.

"Hey, I wasn't ready!" Misaki exclaimed.

Takumi took another picture.

"Gimme that!" Misaki ordered.

"Can't reach it!" Takumi teased, holding it over his head. "Fine, ready?" he asked, holding the camera in front of them. He leaned his head against hers and smiled for a picture.

"Want to go canoeing?" Takumi asked, pointing to a sign after every drop of ice cream was eaten.

Misaki nodded and they rented a canoe to row out onto the lake. Takumi tossed Misaki a life jacket and they drifted out from the docks.

"Wow, this is fun," Misaki laughed. She had never rowed in a canoe before. Usually it was speed boats or cruise boats.

"Smile!" Takumi said, taking another picture.

"You're not even rowing!" Misaki complained.

Takumi put away the camera and started rowing super fast. "Too slow, Misaki," he teased.

"You're the slow one!" Misaki yelled over her shoulder, rowing with all her might.

They cruised around the lake several times within an hour. Other couples stared as they sped past them at lightning speed.

Misaki broke out laughing when they finally stopped. Takumi laughed with her and they slowly drifted back to the dock. They returned the oars and life jackets and moved on.

Misaki and Takumi wandered around the streets, looking at all the window displays. Since it was such a beautiful day, a lot of stores set up stands outside.

"Hey, you beautiful couple!" a man called. "Want to buy a customized set of couple's jackets?"

Misaki and Takumi walked over. "Couple's jackets?" Misaki asked.

The man nodded. "Pick a color for a jacket and I will embroider and print whatever you want on it,"

"This looks cool," Takumi said.

"Here's the color choices," the man said, showing them a bunch of fabric squares.

"Isn't this a little much...?" Misaki asked.

Takumi squeezed her hand. "Come on. Just this once?" he asked with puppy dog eyes.

Misaki sighed and nodded. "Fine," she said, giving in.

"Yay!" Takumi said. "How about neon yellow?"

"No!" Misaki exclaimed. "A more mellow color..."

"Melon green?" Takumi suggested, holding up a square.

"Yeah, I like that color," Misaki said.

The man went and got two plain jackets in melon green. "I can embroider girlfriend and boyfriend on front-"

"We're married," Takumi said, beaming.

"Even better," the man said threading some white thread into a sewing machine and starting a printing machine. "Names?"

"Misaki and Takumi"

He printed "Takumi" on the back of Misaki's jacket with a heart underneath. He printed Misaki's name on Takumi's jacket with a heart. "What do you want on the front?" he asked.

"Today's date without the year," Takumi told him.

"Why not the year?" Misaki asked.

"You'll see," Takumi said with a glint in his eye.

On the left chest for Misaki's jacket it said Mrs with the date on it. On Takumi's it said Mr with the date on it.

Takumi paid for the jackets and they put them on. Misaki looked in the mirror and burst out laughing.

"This is so dorky..." she laughed.

Takumi wrapped an arm around her. "Dorky is cute though."

They took a few pictures and walked along the sidewalk again. Takumi bought matching hats and cotton candy.

"This feels like a date," Misaki said, holding Takumi's hand.

"It is a date," Takumi said, hitting the visor of her hat. "Oh, balloons!" he said pulling her to another stand.

"I feel so ridiculous," Misaki said. She was wearing a couple's jacket with a cap, cheap sunglasses and a balloon tied to her wrist.

"Did I ever tell you that you look beautiful?" Takumi asked.

Misaki blushed. "No..." she said, quietly.

"Well, you're beautiful,"

"You look good in $2 sunglasses too..." Misaki teased.

Takumi smirked and adjusted his plastic sunglasses.

"Do you want to head back?" Misaki asked.

"Nope," Takumi said. "Let's to the amusement park!" he said.

Misaki laughed and followed Takumi. They bought two tickets and got in line for rides. They choose the biggest roller coasters and screamed to their hearts' content.

"I haven't done that since high school," Takumi said, buying some fried dough.

Misaki took a piece and popped it into her mouth. "Want to go on that one?" she asked, pointing to a tall ride that spun.

"Whoever throws up first, loses," Takumi called, running off.

"That is so gross, Takumi!" Misaki exclaimed, running after him.

After they rode the rides, they played games. Misaki and Takumi shot hoops, threw darts, fired water guns and tossed rings until they had too many prizes to carry.

"The sun's setting," Misaki noted as Takumi filled a garbage bag with prizes.

"We should probably head back," Takumi said, checking his watch.

Misaki nodded. "I had fun today," she said.

"Same here. I think I'll wear my jacket to work tomorrow-"

"Don't you dare!" Misaki exclaimed.

Takumi patted Misaki's head and kissed her cheek. Misaki blushed and wrapped her arms around Takumi's waist. Takumi kept an arm around her shoulders and they walked back to their car with the sunset behind their backs.

Takumi carried in their things and Misaki unlocked their door.

"Why's it pitch black?" Misaki asked. "I can't even find the light-"

"SURPRISE!" people yelled. The lights all came on at once. Sakura, Ruri, Tora and Kuuga all threw confetti in the air and clapped.

There was a huge banner hung from the ceiling. "HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO MISAKI AND TAKUMI WALKER!"

Misaki was at a loss for words. "Uh...um..." she stammered.

"Happy one year, sweetheart," Takumi said, hugging her.

"I completely forgot..." Misaki admitted.

"So typical..." Sakura said. "Oh my gosh! Couples jackets?!" she squealed.

"Wow Takumi..." Tora noted. "Those are some snazzy sunglasses."

"Only the cool can pull them off," Takumi retorted.

"You two look adorable!" Ruri exclaimed, taking a million pictures with her phone. "Tora, can we get couples jackets?" she begged.

"Anything, darling," Tora promised. "See I told you. Takumi is the sappy romantic."

"What did Takumi do to keep you away the whole day?" Ruri asked.

"Wait, this was planned?!" Misaki asked. "And no one told me?"

"Its a surprise!" Ruri reminded her. "I love the balloon," she added.

Misaki looked up. "Oh..." Misaki almost forgot about that. She tried to get it off but of course Takumi double knotted it.

"Should we go change?" Misaki asked.

"No!" Ruri and Sakura both yelled. "That jacket is adorable! You have Takumi's name on the back! So romantic..."

Misaki blushed and went to go sit on the couch that was overly decorated. Sakura replaced Misaki's cap with a tiara.

"Thanks..." Takumi said, putting on his crown.

"This feels like a birthday party..." Misaki laughed when Sakura got the giant cake with candles. There was a giant candle in the center.

"Make a wish," Takumi said, taking Misaki's hand.

Misaki smiled and closed her eyes. Takumi and her both blew out the candle.

"Cut the cake and feed each other!" Ruri ordered, taking more pictures.

So just like on their wedding, Takumi placed his hand over Misaki's and they cut the cake. Takumi was obnoxious and shoved a giant piece in Misaki's mouth. Misaki wiped frosting on his face.

"Now, you have to lick it off," Takumi said turning his cheek to her.

"No!"

"Do it!" their friends chanted.

"No!" Misaki yelled, blushing. "That's weird!"

"Well, you did smear it on," Takumi said.

Misaki flushed and timidly licked a little bit off. Everyone laughed and Misaki buried her face in Takumi's shirt. "You guys suck," she muttered.

"Oh, this is just the beginning," Sakura said with an evil laugh. She pulled out a box of cards. She slammed it on the table.

"Newlyweds card game..." Misaki read. "Oh no..."

"Oh yes!" Ruri said. "And Misaki gets to pick first and ask Takumi"

Misaki cautiously drew a card and read it outloud. "Who was interested in marriage first?" she read.

"Takumi..." everyone said at once.

"Hey it was my question..." Takumi muttered. "Me," he answered.

Takumi picked a card. "If you could get rid of one habit of mine, what would it be?" he asked.

"Oh, there's a list..." Misaki shaking her head. "I really wish you'd stop appearing out of nowhere."

"Like in your show-"

Misaki clapped a hand over his mouth. "Exactly..." she said with a forced smile.

Sakura picked up a card. "How old was I when I got my first kiss?" she asked.

"16," Kuuga said. "I was your first kiss."

Sakura blushed and nodded. Kuuga drew a card. "When we argue, what do I do?"

"Write a song about it...?" Sakura suggested.

That got everyone laughing.

"No...I actually think about what I do wrong..." Kuuga said flatly. "Its usually my fault," he added.

"Oh boy..." Tora said, drawing a card. "Ruri, what is my most irritating habit?"

Ruri laughed. "He falls asleep on me all the time. I'll be talking to him while we're getting ready for bed and he'll just pass out."

"Do you do that after you make love?" Kuuga asked.

"Yes," Ruri said.

"Not always!" Tora said in defense of himself. "I'm just tired..."

"Misaki does that sometimes," Takumi offered.

"I do not!" Misaki argued.

"You did Saturday,"

"No, you definitely fell asleep first," Misaki said.

"No, I'm pretty sure you did."

"I was pretending to be asleep then," Misaki said, crossing her arms.

"Why would you do that?" Ruri asked.

"Because...he'll like...try to talk to me..." Misaki said, blushing.

Everyone laughed. Takumi held his hands out. "Sorry...?" he offered.

Ruri picked up a card. "What can't you stand me wearing out of the house?" she asked Tora.

Tora thought about it. "Those super sexy dresses," he decided.

"I thought you liked those,"

"Only when I'm with you. When I think about other men looking at you...I just want to punch them,"

Ruri smirked. "I didn't know that..." she said.

It was back to Misaki. She drew a card. "Who's the bed covers hogger?" she said.

"Misaki," Takumi said.

"What? Really?"

Takumi raised an eyebrow. "You always steal the covers. Sometimes I'll just use you as a blanket."

Misaki blushed and elbowed him. "You never told me," she said.

Takumi winked at her and drew a card. "Misaki, if you could change one thing about my body what would it be?" he asked. "I'd like to know this one..."

Misaki shrugged. "I don't know..." she said.

"Be honest," Sakura said.

"Nothing, he's perfect...physically at least," Misaki said, blushing.

Tora whistled. "Wow..." he said.

"Next game!" Sakura said, passing small marker boards to everyone. "I'll ask a question and everyone has to write what they think is the answer and then we'll show each others. First question: what color was your wife's nightgown on your wedding night,"

Everyone wrote down an answer and then turned it over.

Takumi: light blue with pretty lace

Misaki: blue

Tora: black

Ruri: black

Kuuga: pink?

Sakura: baby pink

"So specific..." Misaki said, looking at Takumi's.

"My husband is a natural born blank," Sakura read.

Takumi: Alien

Misaki: Perverted alien stalker who reads minds

Tora: partier

Ruri: flirt

Kuuga: driver

Sakura: Musician

"I'm pretty sure your music stands out more..." Sakura sighed. "What color is your wife's underwear tonight. Bra and panties."

Takumi tried to pull up Misaki's skirt but Misaki smacked him over the head with her board.

Takumi: white with blue polka dots

Misaki: White bra, blue panty

Tora: black

Ruri: nude (the color)

Kuuga: leopard print

Sakura: maroon set

"Wow...no one got it right..." Kuuga noted.

"Let's do presents!" Sakura announced, snatching everyone's boards.

"Thats a lot..." Misaki said as four bags were handed to her.

"Well, we all got each of you a present," Ruri beamed.

"Open mine first!" Sakura giggled.

Misaki took a deep breath and looked into the bag. "A nightgown...?" Misaki asked.

"Yes!" Sakura said.

The nightgown was white with flowers covering the entire skirt. There was also a matching headband.

Misaki got wedge heels from Ruri, gift card from Kuuga and an expensive bottle of wine from Tora.

When Takumi got his bags Kuuga and Tora all cracked up. Takumi picked up a wrapped present and studied it. "Should I be scared to open it?" he asked.

"Just open it," Tora said, smirking.

Takumi opened it. "Lovely..." he said, looking at the book.

Misaki curiously tried to glance over Takumi's shoulder.

"You can't look," Takumi said, closing the book. "You'll make me throw it out."

Misaki felt confused.

"What I always wanted..." Takumi said opening the next present. "Want to play?" he asked Misaki.

"Bedroom Massage Game- NO!" Misaki exclaimed. "Are all you're gifts like that?!" Misaki demanded.

"We'll let you two find out," Tora said, grabbing Ruri's hand. "Have fun," he chuckled.

Sakura and Ruri both giggled and waved bye to a very confused Misaki.

"What just happened?" Misaki asked, when everyone left.

"Which shall we play first?" Takumi asked, smirking.

Misaki looked at the table of weird games. "None!" she said, trying to grab it from him. Takumi was reading through that mysterious book. "I want to see!" Misaki complained.

"If I let you see, you have to do the first thing you see,"

"What are you talking about?"

"Agree?"

"Fine..."

Takumi handed her the book. Misaki looked at the page and blushed. "W-wait!" Misaki said, standing up. The page had outlines of a man and a woman...

"You can choose a different position if you'd like," Takumi said, taking a step toward her.

Misaki's face felt warm. "T-takumi..." she stammered.

"You promised," Takumi said, pulling his shirt off and tossing it onto the couch.

Misaki backed up against the wall. Takumi placed his arm on the wall beside her head. Misaki felt her heart speeding up as Takumi tilted her chin up. The clammy feeling in her hands quickly disappeared as soon as his lips touched hers.

"It'll be fun..." Takumi promised.