Chapter 31: Second Trimester

Misaki finally regained her strength once the first trimester of her pregnancy had passed. She hadn't felt this good in a long time. No more morning sickness, no more constant napping, no more aching everywhere, life was good.

"I'm starving," Misaki announced, sitting down at the kitchen table.

Takumi beamed. "Good," he said. "I made a whole table full of food for dinner," he announced as he scooped rice in their bowls.

"Mmmm..." Misaki said, gulping down a bowl of soup and then tasting the dishes.

There were lots of stir fried veggies, scrambled eggs and tomato, stuffed eggplant and juicy pork chops.

"It's about time you're appetite picked up," Takumi noted. "I always feel like you're too thin."

Misaki snorted. "Don't worry. I'll be huge in no time...then you'll miss my size now."

"Don't say that," Takumi gently scolded. "You know I don't care about that."

Misaki smiled to herself and helped herself to another stuff eggplant.

"You seem more like yourself these days," Takumi added. "It's nice."

"Yeah," Misaki said, sipping her glass of milk. "I actually feel refreshed when I wake up and not groggy."

After dinner, Misaki helped Takumi dry dishes as he washed them. Misaki could tell he was in a really good mood. He kept smiling at her and whistling.

"Why are you in such a good mood?" Misaki teased, putting the last plate away.

"Because seeing you makes me so happy,"

"You're weird..."

"How is adoring my cute wife weird?"

Misaki blushed. "Whatever..."

Misaki tossed and turned in her sleep. Her stomach would not stop rumbling and it made getting some rest impossible plus, Misaki really wanted watermelon at the moment. The hot bedroom made Misaki feel uncomfortable and her mouth watered for the cold taste of summer watermelon.

Misaki threw back the covers and got out of bed. She quietly opened a window to get some fresh air. Her stomach growled again.

"It's not watermelon season..." Misaki whispered to her baby.

"Misaki...?" asked a sleepy voice.

"Sorry... Did I wake you?" Misaki asked.

Takumi got up and rubbed his eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," Misaki said. "Just need some fresh air."

"The night air's cold," Takumi said, rubbing her shoulders.

"I'll only stand here for another minute," Misaki promised.

"Okay..." Takumi said, resting his head on the back of her shoulder.

It was all quiet until Misaki's stomach moaned and Misaki winced at the cramp. That got Takumi's attention.

"What's wrong?!" he said, looking her over.

"Nothing..."

"Don't lie to me," Takumi said. "You just cramped up or something. What hurts?"

"I'm just hungry..." Misaki admitted.

"Like cravings or just hungry?" Takumi asked.

"I don't know..." Misaki said, glancing at the clock. It was 2 am...

"Want to go downstairs and look around?" Takumi suggested, pulling on his robe and glasses.

They wandered to the kitchen where Misaki poked around the fridge. This was definitely cravings. Misaki really wanted picnic food and soon Takumi made her a peanut butter, jelly, banana, apple slice sandwich with a large side of pasta salad.

"Mmm..." Misaki sighed. "Can you put some chili sauce into the salad?" she asked.

Takumi without a word added it.

"More," Misaki said, after taking a bite.

"Yum..." Takumi teased.

Misaki blushed. "I can't help it..." she sighed.

Despite already having a plate full of food, Misaki still wanted that watermelon. Cold, icy, sweet…

"Is there anything else you want?" Takumi asked.

Watermelon...

"No," Misaki said, scraping the last of the pasta salad into her mouth.

"You look like you want something more," Takumi observed. "If we don't have it, I'll go get it for you."

"Don't tempt me," Misaki teased, leaning on him. "I haven't had any super needy cravings-"

"Yet..." Takumi corrected her. "You will though and I shall happily run to the store no matter what hour it is."

Misaki laughed and went back upstairs to brush her teeth. The large snack allowed Misaki to sleep a few hours before the craving became unbearable. It even woke her up.

"Takumi..." she whispered, shaking him.

"Hmm...?"

"I... I..." Misaki didn't know why she kept blushing.

"Hmm?"

"I- I..." Misaki's voice cracked a little.

Misaki quickly rubbed her eyes. Why was she crying?! This was ridiculous. Misaki mentally scolded herself which made her sniffle even more.

"What's wrong?!" Takumi asked, turning on the lamp. "Why are you crying?" he asked, cupping her cheek.

"I- I don't know... I just feel horrible..." Misaki said, looking away.

"Why's that?"

"I'm having a really bad craving," Misaki admitted. "I didn't want to wake you but it's killing me. I need watermelon right now!"

"I knew it," Takumi said, yawning. "Watermelon huh?"

Misaki nodded. "I need it right now. I think I'm going to go insane."

"Anything for you," Takumi said, giving her a peck on the nose before getting out of bed.

He shrugged on a jacket and grabbed his wallet and car keys.

"I'll be back," he said, blowing her a kiss.

Misaki gave a sheepish smile and laid back down in the dimly lit room. The bed didn't feel comfortable anymore so Misaki ended up getting out of bed. She pulled on a soft sweatshirt over her t shirt and wandered downstairs into the kitchen. Misaki surfed the Internet on her tablet until Takumi came back.

"Watermelon season has definitely passed," Takumi said, carrying a small box of two watermelons. "But I found some- don't know how good they will be though."

"Sorry-"

"Shh," Takumi said, kissing her lips. "I felt so proud when the cashier asked if I was expecting a child and I told her yes."

Misaki's brow furrowed. "How did she know...?"

Takumi chuckled. "No man goes to a store at 4 am to buy watermelon unless his pregnant wife told him to."

Misaki blushed. "Can you hurry up and cut it..?"

"Yes, my lady," Takumi said, setting a cutting board on the counter.

Misaki sat across from him as he took a large knife and whacked into the watermelon. Takumi jerked down and cracked it open. Misaki was eating the slices as he cut them. It wasn't as sweet as summer watermelon but Misaki felt blissful. Her body relished the sugary juice of the pink watermelon.

"I'll put the second one in the fridge," Takumi told her.

Misaki nodded and nibbled on her last slice. Every last bite was savored.

"That good, huh?" Takumi asked, hugging her behind and wrapping his arms around her stomach.

"Want a bite?" Misaki asked.

"That's okay, baby," he said, kissing her shoulder. "I'm not hungry. You eat."

Misaki couldn't argue with that one. Finishing the last bite was the ultimate satisfaction.

"Thank you," Misaki said, kissing Takumi on the lips.

Takumi could taste the sweetness of the watermelon on her lips and kissed her back.

Misaki held up a black night gown to herself and then a olive green one.

Being in the second trimester meant a bigger appetite...except it wasn't just in food. Misaki bit her lower lip and studied herself in the mirror. She'd been dropping really subtle hints to Takumi but for once he wasn't being his perverted self...out of all the times to not be like himself.

Why wasn't Takumi noticing her?! Misaki was putting all this effort into looking nice and all her husband would say is "you look nice" and then just turn off the lights and go to sleep.

Misaki hung both dresses up back on the rack and grabbed a light blue one that was completely sheer.

"He'll like this one," Misaki decided, changing into it.

Misaki walked in front of their bed where Takumi was reading. Misaki cleared her throat. Takumi looked up.

"Hey," he said. "There's room," he said, patting the spot next to him when Misaki didn't move..

Misaki slowly sat down on the bed and placed her hand on his knee.

"How do I look?" she asked.

"Beautiful as always,"

That wasn't exactly the answer Misaki wanted.

"And?"

"And what?"

"Ugh, never mind," Misaki said, pulling the blanket over herself. "Good night."

Takumi wrapped an arm around Misaki as they slept which resulted in Misaki not being able to sleep. She gently rolled to face him and touched his face. Her fingers touched his lips and then trailed to his jaw.

Takumi was always considerate- which wasn't very helpful at the moment. They didn't have intimacy a lot at night because he was worried she'd be too tired the next day. Misaki didn't care if she was tired though!

"This must be how Takumi felt when I invoked abstinence on him," Misaki thought to herself.

Oh how the tables have turned. Now, Misaki was the one who really wanted it and Takumi not as much.

"What are you do frustrated about?" Sakura asked as Misaki banged her head on the couch.

Sakura invited them for a get together at her house but Misaki wasn't feeling very social.

"What's not attractive about me?!" Misaki wondered out loud.

"Everything's attractive," Sakura said. "Why?"

"He doesn't think so..."

"Who? Takumi?" Ruri asked, looking up from her magazine.

"Yes!"

"What happened?!" Sakura demanded. "Did you guys fight?" she asked.

"No..."

"Then what?"

"I just...never mind," Misaki sighed.

"Come on," Ruri said. "We'll help if we can."

Misaki blushed. "How do you let your husband know that you want... Uh..."

"A hot love making session?" Ruri offered.

"...Sure..."

"Why don't you just tell him?" Sakura suggested, a little confused.

"I can't do that! It's too embarrassing."

"Does he tell you?"

"Well, yes," Misaki admitted.

"Then what's wrong of you ask him?" Ruri asked. "I initiate with Tora all the time."

"It's just... He'll tease me!"

"Takumi would do no such thing," Sakura soothed.

Misaki laid on the couch, hugging a pillow. "Its just such a weird feeling…"

"Well, it is your second trimester," Ruri said. "Haven't you read your expecting mother's book?"

"I didn't actually think it was true…" Misaki said, sheepishly.

Ruri and Sakura both burst out laughing.

"Why?" Sakura asked, wiping her eyes. "You thought the book was just pulling your leg..?"

"B-but!" Misaki blushed. "It's just so unlike me!"

"Oh dear…" Ruri said, sitting down next to Misaki. "Do you have emotional meltdowns?"

"Y-yes…"

"Is that like you?"

"I guess not," Misaki said, frowning. "But this is different! It's just so...ugh…"

"You'd think," Sakura said, tossing her magazine on the table. "With such a good looking husband and such a strong marriage, your bedroom business should come naturally. Why are you so embarassed?!"

"I don't know!" Misaki said, covering her face. "It's just that I'm married to...Takumi… He's always been that perverted alien stalker who I wished would leave me alone and stop sexually harassing me and now he's like… my husband."

"Uh huh…" Ruri said. "Okay, I'll help you this once! But you're on your own next time."

"Help?" Misaki asked, confused.

"Yup," Ruri said. "Don't worry Misa Chan, Ruri's got you covered. I'll give Takumi a piece of my mind."

"No!" Misaki begged. "Please no!"

"I'm just kidding," Ruri said, sighing. "But I'll subtly help. Trust me."

Misaki felt really nervous all of a sudden. Ruri had her lips pursed and then she smiled to herself.

"Oh no…" was Misaki's only thought.

"So…" Tora said, sipping his drink.

Takumi just gave him a weird look. "Yes?"

"Don't act like you don't like me," Tora said. "Am I not welcome here?"

Takumi poured him a glass. "No...it's just that...you're kind of just sitting in my house...without...letting me know beforehand."

Tora snorted. "Our wives have copies of each other's house keys. I just happened to drop by."

"Uh huh…" Takumi said, wiping the counter. "So what's up?"

"I just wanted to see how my friend was doing."

"That is a fat lie, Tora. Now spill it," Takumi said, smirking.

"Okay okay," Tora said, pouring himself another drink. "When the wife says jump, I ask how high. She wanted me to come over here and talk to you and now she's going to be pissed that I blew my cover but seriously...way too many pretenses right now. Why can't we all talk straight forward?"

"You can. I won't tell anyone," Takumi said, sitting down. "We can share secrets," he joked.

"Great…" Tora muttered. "So long story short… Your wife needs more of your attention at night except she is too embarrassed to tell you so she told Ruri who told me who is now telling you."

Takumi felt his eye twitch. "Um…"

"Why your wife feels the need to go around in a big loop is beyond me. I'm just the humble messenger," Tora said.

"Why didn't she just tell me?" Takumi wondered.

Tora laughed. "You tell me, man," he said. "Do you like it like that?" he asked. "The shy girl-"

"Thanks Tora," Takumi cut in. "I'll be sure to take care of my wife. See you tomorrow."

"So ungrateful," Tora tsked. "Have fun," he called as he left.

Takumi just chuckled to himself after he left. So thats why the tiny night gowns have resurfaced.

Misaki came home and dropped her bag on a chair. "Takumi?" she called.

"I'm in my study!" came the reply.

Misaki headed upstairs.

"Hey," Takumi said, setting his book down.

"Hi," Misaki said, walking over. "What are you doing?"

"Reading my baby guide," Takumi said, holding it up.

"I see..."

"I can't believe it already the second trimester," Takumi said, placing his hand on her stomach. "Fourth month..."

"Yes," Misaki said, swallowing.

His hands gently caressing her stomach felt so good.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Takumi asked, looking up.

"No..."

"No changes this month?" Takumi prodded. "New desires?"

"No..."

"Hmm... Interesting," Takumi said, picking up his book. "According to the book, I'd think you'd want to go lie down in bed right now."

"Why?" Misaki asked. "I'm not tired."

"I'm glad," Takumi said, taking her hand and leading her to the bedroom.

"Sorry, I didn't get the hints right away," Takumi said, pulling her close to him.

"W-what are you talking about?" Misaki stammered.

"This," Takumi replied, kissing her.

Misaki's body responded before her mind even have time to process. Her hands tangled themselves in Takumi's hair as she crushed herself into the kiss. Takumi gently led them back toward their bed.

"We don't have to go this fast," Takumi reminded her as he helped Misaki pull his shirt off and then her's.

"I just can't even think straight right now," Misaki said through her teeth and kicked off her jeans.

"Shh... Baby," Takumi said. "It's better to go slow."

"I can't," Misaki panted. "I need you. Right. Now."

Takumi kissed her again. Misaki parted her lips and undid his belt buckle.

"Anything you want," Takumi promised. "Self control. Self control," he kept thinking to himself.

Misaki wasn't ever this aggressive but it was really hot. Takumi kept reminding himself to slow down and most importantly to be careful with delicately pregnant his wife.

"Stop holding back," Misaki said, breathing heavy.

"Tell me to stop if anything hurts," Takumi murmured against her neck.

"Nothing hurts," Misaki reassured him. "Please...don't stop. You...you won't hurt the baby," she promised.

"Shh," Takumi soothed. "Relax," he coaxed. "You'll like it better when you're not so tense..."

Misaki did her best to relax. "I love you," she cried out.

Takumi smiled. "Love you too, Misaki."