Chapter 27: Third Wheel

"I'm going out with my friends," Misaki said, packing her purse.

"All day?" Takumi asked.

Misaki shrugged. "We're going shopping so who knows."

"Where?"

"Tree Designs," Misaki told him. "They want to go check out baby stuff," she explained.

"You're going shopping for the baby?" Takumi asked.

"I guess,"

"Oh..."

"Yeah, I'll probably take Mom and Suzana out to lunch at Rose latte or something after we shop," Misaki said, checking her phone.

"Did you decide on a nursery theme yet?" Takumi asked.

"No," Misaki said. "But I might get some more ideas," she said, holding up a sketch book. "Everything has to be perfect."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Takumi asked.

"No, it's okay," Misaki said. "Kuuga and Tora aren't going either. Sakura needs new clothes and I kind of do too," Misaki sighed, looking at her yoga pants and long sleeved shirt.

"Okay, be safe," Takumi said.

"Oneechan!" Suzana called, coming down the stairs. "You ready to go?"

Misaki held out the car keys to Takumi's car.

"Ready," she said.

Speaking of cars, as much as Misaki hated to admit it, they needed another car. Sports cars were not family friendly cars. Misaki would never ever ever ever be able to have a car seat in her Lamborghini. It was just the blatant truth.

Misaki drove to the large department store where she was met by the sales assistant.

"Mrs. Walker!" the sales assistant greeted. "I heard the good news! Congrats!"

Misaki smiled. "Thank you... Hillary," she read off the name tag.

"So Mrs. Sakurai and Mrs. Igarashi are in the nursery furniture section," Hillary said, showing them the way.

"Misaki!" Sakura called, waving.

Misaki waved back and then her and her family went to join them.

"There's many designs," Ruri observed. "I need to establish a theme very soon."

Misaki laughed. "You have eight months," Misaki reminded her.

Ruri laughed too. "I'm just way to excited."

Minako and Suzana went to look for curtains while the other three girls sat around a counter, playing with color swatches. Misaki laid together a blue square, a pink one and a pale orange one.

"That's like the sunset," Ruri pointed out.

Misaki nodded. "I wish I knew the gender of the baby," she sighed.

She laid a sky blue, white and gray next to each other. Picking a theme was hard when the baby could be a boy or a girl. Misaki glued in the swatches of color she liked into her sketchbook and they went clothes shopping.

Trying on clothes as a pregnant lady was even more tiring. Misaki choose three pairs of maternity jeans and a skirt with a drawstring waist line.

"Oh dresses," Sakura sighed, flipping through the racks of chiffon dresses. "I can't wait until I get to wear them all the time," she sighed.

Misaki picked up a hanger with a bra on it. She did actually need new ones…

"Misaki Walker!" Ruri said, making Misaki drop it.

"What?" Misaki asked.

"That is the most boring bra I've ever seen in my life!" Ruri exclaimed.

"I like simple things..." Misaki tried to say but she was cut off when Ruri started tossing undergarments into her arms.

"No," Misaki said, trying to put some back. "I don't like the fancy ones..."

"But it looks so sexy," Sakura cooed, showing Misaki a set of leopard print lingerie with black lace on the edges.

"No!" Misaki said. "I would never wear that!"

"Fine, I'll buy it for you then," Ruri said, tossing them into her own basket.

"I don't need that..." Misaki said, watching Ruri get her another nightgown.

Misaki had a whole rack in her closet of nightwear. She really didn't need another one considering the fact she preferred to sleep in a t shirt and shorts.

"Fine, I'll keep it then," Ruri said. "I need something new anyways."

Misaki signed in relief and picked out a loose flowy shirt made of stretchy material and then had a gauzy layer over it.

"Misaki is the only one showing," Sakura sighed, examining a lemon yellow dress.

"Yeah, except at this stage, you just look fat," Misaki muttered.

"Does Misaki have body issues too?" Ruri asked. "I'm surprised."

Misaki blushed. "It's just hard to accept some changes..." she said, slowly.

"Yeah, like your super toned body-"

"Ruri!" Sakura said, elbowing her. "Ruri means to say that even if you don't look like an athlete, you will still look beautiful," Sakura corrected.

Misaki smiled. "You're really sweet, Sakura," she said, smiling.

"So gentle," Ruri teased, linking arms with Misaki. "Let's go to lunch! This pregnant lady is starving!"

Misaki ordered a Caesar salad and tomato soup at Rose Latte which sounded appealing at first but after tasting it, wasn't that great.

"What's wrong, honey?" Minako asked. "You not hungry?"

Misaki shook her head. "Not really," she said, poking at a lettuce leaf.

"Eat for the baby then," Minako said, gently.

Misaki nodded and ate a few more bites.

Ruri went with a chicken salad and a turkey sandwich on wheat bread. Many pregnant women just started eating everything in sight when they're pregnant but Ruri didn't want to do that. Despite being pregnant, she wanted to maintain a reasonable weight. She'd allow herself as much fruit and vegetables as her body wanted but she was praying that her cravings wouldn't include chocolate or fast food.

"Misaki what do you crave usually?" Ruri asked.

"Um... Fresh fruit or something weird like breaded chicken and peanut butter."

"Fresh fruit sounds good," Sakura said. "I always want to each pasta which Kuuga loves because he gets to eat it a lot more now."

"Who cooks?" Misaki asked.

"Me," Sakura replied. "Except Kuuga has been helping more- mostly because I'll puke at the smell of most foods but still. You?"

"Takumi still cooks," Misaki said, guilty. "I made him dinner once except I threw it out after tasting it," she sighed.

Suzana laughed. "Cooking isn't that bad," she said. "I have to cook a whole table of food for Hinata usually."

Misaki sighed. "But you're really good at it," she said. "You whip up a whole meal before I figure out which pot to use."

"Oh, it's not that bad," Ruri said. "It's nice to see a man do the cooking once in a while. I always thought that if Takumi retired one day, he should open up his own restaurant. He could call it 'Misaki' or something."

Everyone laughed.

"Don't give him ideas," Misaki warned. "He might actually..."

"Misaki," Minako said. "I don't mean to nag...but your salad is barely touched."

Misaki looked down. Almost all her food was still there.

"Sorry," Misaki sighed. "I'm just not hungry for salad..." she said, pushing the bowl away.

The waitress walked over.

"How are your meals?" she asked.

"Could you get Misaki something else?" Minako said. "She's changed her mind about the salad."

"Of course," the waitress said. "What can I get you, Mrs. Walker?"

Misaki shrugged. "I have no idea..."

The waitress tapped her chin. "I know!" she said. "I can show everyone a tour of the kitchen and Mrs. Walker can look around and smell something she'd want."

"I'd hate to be a bother-"

"Oh no," the waitress said. "Not a bother at all! It's our priority that you get the best experience here."

"Um... Alright," Misaki said, following the waitress.

Misaki met several cooks and managers. They all warmly shook hands.

"It's nice to know who's been cooking the food the whole time," Sakura laughed.

Misaki nodded as she watched the dishes being put into the window and then carried out, however, Misaki never really saw anything she liked.

"It's just an off day," Misaki said after they left Rose Latte. "I'll eat something when we go back."

"Maybe we stayed up too late last night," Suzuna suggested. "When your tired, your appetite isn't that great."

"I'll go take a power nap," Misaki promised.

Misaki went home and straight to bed. Takumi came home to a quiet house.

"Hello?" he called. "Anyone home?"

"Gikei," Suzana greeted quietly. "Misaki's sleeping," she told him.

"Ah," Takumi said, nodding.

Speaking of his wife... He hadn't been seeing very much of Misaki these past few days. She always seemed to be with her friends or just out.

"Oh, welcome back, Takumi," Minako greeted when they walked into the living room. "How was work?"

"It was good," Takumi said, loosening his tie. "Was shopping successful?" he asked.

Minako nodded. "Misaki wants to hold off on actually buying anything until the baby gender is known," she told him.

"Sounds reasonable," Takumi said, rolling up his sleeves. "What would everyone like for dinner tonight?" he asked.

"Make something Misaki will eat," Minako said, sighing. "She doesn't have a good appetite today."

"Really...?" Takumi asked, surprised.

Misaki usually had a great appetite... He hoped she wasn't getting sick. Takumi frowned. He really hadn't been around Misaki that much this weekend. She always went to sleep later than him and then Takumi had to get up early for work. He decided to go check on his wife real quick. He quietly pushed open the door and studied the sleeping figure.

"Takumi..." Misaki mumbled.

"Yes honey?"

No reply.

Takumi walked over and kneeled by the edge of the bed.

"Whats wrong, baby?" he asked.

Misaki was obviously more asleep than awake.

"Back hurts..." she moaned.

Takumi noticed how tense her body was.

"Roll on your stomach, sweetie," Takumi coaxed.

He sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed Misaki between the shoulder blades. His hands massaged the knots in her shoulders and then gave her a long back rub.

"Relax," he soothed.

Misaki's shoulders eventually relaxed as she drifted off to sleep. Takumi tucked the blanket around her and left.

"She's asleep," Takumi said. "Her back was hurting," he added.

Minako nodded. "She'll be wanting a lot of back rubs," she said. "Make sure she eats something when she wakes up."

"Yes ma'am," Takumi said, smiling.

Misaki woke up feeling a hundred times better. She felt refreshed and full of energy. She glanced down at the clock. It was early in the morning...

"Oh wow," Misaki thought to herself.

She'd slept until the next day. Takumi had just left for work judging by the time so Misaki washed up and wandered downstairs.

"Good morning," Minako greeted.

"Good morning," Misaki said, sitting at the kitchen counter. "I'm starving," she added.

Minako beamed. "Oh good," she said, opening the fridge. "Takumi made you a whole bunch of food. He said to start with this," she said, pulling out a huge fruit smoothie.

Misaki read the note. There was almond milk, banana, cinnamon, Greek yogurt, and kale in it. Misaki stirred the straw and took a sip. It was pretty good and the whole glass was drained in no time.

Minako warmed up an omelette and a plate rice and curry- extra spicy.

"Mmm..." Misaki sighed, inhaling the scent of the food.

"You probably just missed home cooking," Minako observed. "Takumi is such a good cook. You're very lucky to have him," Minako said, proudly. "You need to eat-"

"Mom," Misaki complained, starting on her second glass of smoothie. "You worry too much," she said.

Minako nodded. "So are we staying home today?"

Misaki's phone buzzed.

"I guess not..." Misaki said, shaking her head but smiling at the same time.

Pretty much the entire weekend was spent with Misaki's friends. It was surprisingly fun to swap stories and just shop for her baby. Misaki felt sad, knowing the weekend was coming to an end.

Takumi was coming home late tonight so Misaki found herself getting ready for bed by herself.

"Weird…" she thought to herself.

She had barely even seen her husband this weekend. Misaki knew he was busy but was it him who wasn't around or was it her? Misaki picked a pretty nightgown to wear. It was a pastel lavender color and accentuated Misaki's new curves. Sitting down at her vanity table, Misaki brushed her hair.

The door opened.

"Hey," Misaki greeted Takumi.

"Hey, sorry about working late," Takumi said, unbuttoning his shirt.

"It's okay," Misaki said, setting down her brush.

"I'm going to go shower," Takumi told her.

Misaki nodded. As Takumi was showering, Misaki ran through her checklist of things to buy soon.

"I'm still so excited," Misaki said, sitting down on the bed. "I can't wait to go shopping for once," Misaki laughed.

"I see," Takumi said, not looking up from his book having just finished his shower.

Misaki frowned. "What's wrong?" she asked, sensing Takumi's unenthusiastic mood.

"Nothing,"

"Why are you making that face then?"

"I'm not making a face," Takumi said, flipping the page.

Misaki leaned against the headboard of their bed.

"Are you mad at me?"

"No,"

"Takumi, put the book down!" Misaki ordered. "Your wife is talking to you!"

Takumi set the book down. "Yes, honey?"

"Why are you in a bad mood?" Misaki asked.

"I'm not,"

"Yes you are," Misaki said. "You've been acting kind of funny. Are you okay?"

Takumi laid down. "I'm fine," he said, closing his eyes.

Misaki scooted next to him so she had her elbow propped up on his chest.

"I've been neglecting you, haven't I?" she finally said.

Takumi opened his eyes. "A little..." he said.

"You could have just told me," Misaki said. "I didn't mean to make you feel left out. I just got all excited about the baby and everything-"

Takumi put a finger to her lips. "I know," he said, giving her a small smile. "It makes me happy to see you so happy."

"Then why the bad mood?" Misaki asked, pushing his hair back.

"Because," Takumi said, sitting up. "I feel like Misa Chan had forgotten about me with all her friends," he pouted. "I feel like the third wheel…"

Misaki blushed. "Well... It is kind of hard to forget you since... You did... Kind of... You know..."

"Get you pregnant?"

Misaki blushed harder and nodded. "Yeah by doing that stuff..." Misaki said, picking at a piece of thread on her lacy lavender nightgown.

"I love how innocently your refer to it," Takumi chuckled. "Speaking of 'that stuff,' why are you do nicely dressed for bed tonight?" he asked, looking Misaki over.

Her nightgown was form fitted on top showing off her cleavage but loose on the skirt portion. Misaki tried to tug the top up a little.

"Am I?" she asked, embarrassed. She had just wanted to wear something new…

"Yeah. What for?" Takumi teased.

"N-nothing," Misaki stammered. "I just thought... Since you were feeling down-"

"You'd try and seduce me?"

"Takumi!" Misaki exclaimed. "You're horrible," she said, lying down.

"I'd feel better if you did," Takumi offered.

"I don't know how to seduce anyone!" Misaki said into her pillow.

"Liar," Takumi said, wrapping his arm around her waist.

Misaki turned to him but avoided his gaze. Maybe it was the hormones talking again but Misaki inhaled deeply at Takumi's fresh scent and it smelled so good. She traced his jaw and ran her thumb over his mouth.

"Control yourself," Misaki mentally ordered herself. "Uhh... Good night?" Misaki suggested, reaching out to turn off the light.

"Uh uh," Takumi said, grabbing her hand. "You have to learn to finish what you start."

"What are you saying...?" Misaki asked, blushing.

"Don't play dumb, sweetheart," Takumi teased. "We've been married long enough. You know exactly what I mean."

Takumi captured Misaki's mouth with his and kissed her passionately. Misaki felt her body responding before her mind had time to think.

"No no, we can't," Misaki gasped, breaking the kiss.

"Why not?" Takumi asked. "The doctor said it was okay."

"But but-"

Takumi kissed her again. His lips left a hot trail of kisses down to her neck.

"Suzana...is...right next door," Misaki breathed, her fingers entangling in Takumi's hair and pulling him closer.

"Misa... Your body and words are saying two different things right now," Takumi said in a low voice.

"No... We can't," Misaki said again though she was feeling her resolve crumbling. "W-we'll wake them up," Misaki told him. "I don't want to have to explain-"

"They all married," Takumi said, pulling off his shirt and tossing it behind him. "They'll understand."

"Takumi," Misaki moaned as he kissed her neck again.

Her hands ran along his back and she tried to pull him closer to her.

"It'll be worth it," Takumi promised. "I'll make it worth it."

Takumi's fingers rested on the zipper of her dress.

"What do you say, Misaki?" he asked. "We'll do this as quietly as humanly possible."

Misaki nodded, giving in. Takumi smiled and pulled the zipper down.

Misaki didn't want to get up the next morning. First of all because she felt so comfy in Takumi's arms. Second reason was she didn't know how to face her family. Last night, they were NOT quiet. Except in the heat of the moment, Misaki didn't care. Now, she was really worried.

"Why are you so tense this morning," Takumi asked, rubbing her shoulder.

Misaki pulled the blanket tighter around herself.

"I'm so embarrassed..." she muttered. "They'd have to be deaf not to have heard last night."

"So?"

"So!" Misaki exclaimed, burying her face into her pillow. "It's humiliating."

Takumi smirked. "I thought it was worth it," he said. "You said it was too."

"That was before I came to my senses," Misaki reminded him. "You kept asking at b-bad times!" she stammered.

"Mmm..." Takumi said, hugging her. "I enjoyed last night," he said, smugly. "Afterwards, I got to listen to you say all sorts of things in your sleep..."

"What?" Misaki asked, sitting up.

She kept the blanket around her even as she was sitting on the bed now.

"I haven't heard you sleep talking in a long time," Takumi noted. "But it's nice to know how Misaki actually feels."

Misaki blinked a couple times and swallowed.

"What did I say...?"

"Not telling," Takumi said, smiling. "It made me really happy though."

Misaki didn't want to know what came out of her mouth especially when hormones did most of the talking.

"Was it bad?" she asked.

"It was great,"

Misaki stiffened. She hoped nothing too vulgar came out when she was sleeping. She did have some pretty weird dreams about Takumi last night... It was pretty much a continuation of what they did before going to sleep...

"Did you have a good dream?"

Oh no...

"No," Misaki lied. "I didn't have any dreams. I was too tired."

"Sure..." Takumi said, winking. "I can help reenact your dream for you," he teased.

"No no no..." Misaki said, nervous. "That's okay!"

"So, you do remember your dream," Takumi observed.

Dang it...

"Okay, so what?" Misaki said, crossing her arms. "It's not like I wanted to have that kind of dream."

Takumi just chuckled and slid out of bed. He went around the room and picked up articles of clothing and tossed them on the bed.

Misaki wrapped her silk robe around herself and wrung her hands.

"Let's just act like nothing happened," she finally decided.

"Okay," Takumi said. "Hey, want to shower together?"

"NO!"

Misaki dressed in conservative drawstring lavender pants with a silver and white graphic shirt. She made Takumi go downstairs with her. She walked into the kitchen where everyone was eating breakfast.

"Good morning, Misaki and Takumi," Minako said, getting up. "I made breakfast! Help yourselves!"

Misaki gave a nervous smile and sat down. She picked at her pancakes and avoided eye contact with everyone.

"So how did you sleep last night?" Minako asked Misaki.

Misaki cringed at the words.

"Good..." she squeaked.

"Did you even sleep, Oneechan?" Suzana asked with a glint in her eye.

Misaki kicked her sister under the table. "Of course, Suzana," she said with a forced smile.

"Why wouldn't she sleep?" Minako asked, confused.

"Because she was sleeping with Gikei San," Suzana said as if that personal information could freely be shared!

Misaki spit out her orange juice. "I was not!" she exclaimed.

Minako hid a smile behind her cup and Hinata looked just plain embarrassed as if he was trying to forget what had happened. Takumi was pretty relaxed too as if his sister in law wasn't about to announce to her whole family what had happened.

Suzana rested her chin on her hands and smiled.

"Did too. Oneechan is a screamer..." Suzana said, smirking.