Chapter 32: Princess or Prince

"I never got around to asking," Takumi said, stroking Misaki's hair. "Why couldn't you have directly asked for what you wanted?"

"I don't know..." Misaki muttered, hugging him tighter. "It's embarrassing..."

"You don't ever have to be embarrassed in front of me," Takumi reminded her.

"But I always am..."

Takumi smirked and tilted Misaki's chin up. He studied her face but Misaki looked away after a few moments.

"What?" she asked, rolling so her back was to him.

"I'm trying to decide if I like innocent shy Misa Chan better or aggressive tigress Misa Chan..."

Misaki groaned. "Go away..."

Takumi chuckled and pressed his lips by her ear. "I think I like the second one better..." he whispered.

Misaki tried to squirm out of his hold. "Stop being so weird!"

"You're so gorgeous," Takumi sighed, snuggling up against her.

"We can't be late to my appointment today," Misaki reminded him.

"No ma'am, we can not," Takumi agreed, getting up.

Misaki hugged her pillow, wanting to soak up the last of the coziness.

"If you're not going to get up, I get to pick what you wear," Takumi said, opening the door to her walk in closet. "It looks like a store in here," he laughed, looking around.

"I told you to stop buying me clothes!" Misaki called back.

"Well," Takumi said, walking back out with some hangers. "You'd look adorable in this," Takumi said, holding up a knee length ivory dress with a English rose print. "I decided to pair it up with some chocolate brown leggings and these stylish brown boots," Takumi said, pretending to sound professional.

Misaki laughed. "I've never even seen that dress before."

Takumi laughed too. "It still has the price tag," he agreed. "$122..." he noted.

"What?!"

"Calm down, sweetheart," Takumi said, winking. "It's good quality. Here have some underwear," he said, tossing it at her.

Misaki grabbed it out of the air and blushed. "Quit throwing my things around!"

Takumi cheerfully laid out her clothes and got changed into a simple long sleeve shirt and khakis. Misaki washed up and quickly put on her clothes.

"We're going to a hospital!" Misaki exclaimed as Takumi wrapped a cropped jacket with synthetic fur trim around her shoulders.

"No one says you can't look nice at the hospital," Takumi replied.

Misaki rolled her eyes and headed downstairs. Takumi made himself a coffee while Misaki layered sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese on her bagel.

"Ready?"

"Yup," Misaki said, grabbing her purse.

Takumi held the car door open for her and then closed it when she got in. They drove to the hospital, both enjoying their breakfast.

Misaki felt way too over dressed as they sat down together in the waiting section. The other mothers had on slack dresses or loose t-shirts over sweat pants.

Misaki picked up her phone and sent her husband a text.

Misaki: No one's wearing a fancy dress!

Takumi felt his phone buzz and looked at the screen.

Takumi: Why are you texting me? I'm right next to you.

Misaki: I don't want other people to know what I'm saying.

Takumi: How secretive...

Misaki elbowed her husband. Takumi swiftly kissed her on the cheek as if that made it all better.

"Misaki?" a nurse called.

"That's me," Misaki said, standing up.

"Right this way," she said, ushering the couple through the halls.

Misaki had her height and weight taken first and then after being shown to the room, was subject to the typical blood pressure test, urine test, blood test and etc.

"The doctor will be in shortly," the nurse chirped and departed. "Don't forget to change into the gown," she added, nodding to the folded scrap of fabric on the chair.

"Thank you," Misaki said.

The nurse left and Misaki changed into the hospital gown.

"We get to find out the baby's gender today," Misaki said, nervously.

Takumi squeezed her hand. "I know," he said, gently.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous," Misaki said. "I don't care if it's a boy or a girl."

Takumi just smiled. "Relax," he said, winking.

It wasn't long before there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Misaki called.

"How are you today, Mrs. Walker," the Doctor said, warmly shaking her hand.

"Good, and yourself?"

"Good," the Doctor said and then shook Takumi's hand.

The appointment was like any other monthly checkup. Misaki told her Doctor about her current symptoms, asked questions, then the Doctor checked the baby.

"Good heartbeat," she concluded. "Weight is looking good, not too much, not too little. There's a little swelling in your feet but that's normal," she reassured them. "Any more questions?"

Misaki shook her head and they moved onto the ultrasound.

"Do you want to know the baby's gender?" the Doctor asked, casually.

Misaki squeezed Takumi's hand. "Yes..." she whispered.

"Okay," the Doctor said, tapping the screen. "It's going to be daddy's princess," she announced.

Misaki gasped and looked up at Takumi. He looked so happy. He was just standing there, grinning like a fool.

"I knew it," Takumi said.

"How?" the Doctor asked, curiously.

Takumi shrugged. "I had a feeling. I always pictured a sweet little Misaki running around the house."

"Takumi..." Misaki complained, blushing.

"I think it's very sweet," the Doctor said, finishing up. "Congrats to you both then."

"Thank you so much, Doctor," Takumi said, shaking her hand.

"It's my pleasure," she replied. "I'll see you in a month. Call me if anything doesn't feel right."

Misaki nodded.

The appointment was longer than usual. It was noon when they left the hospital.

"We need to celebrate," Takumi declared. "Let's go on a date."

Misaki laughed. "A date...?"

"Yup," Takumi said. "Where do you want to go eat?"

"Let's go get Chinese takeout at the food court," Misaki decided.

"Really?" Takumi asked, amused. "No 5 star restaurant? The food court?"

Misaki crossed her arms. "I thought I got to pick."

"Yes yes," Takumi said, opening the car door for you. "We'll go anywhere you want."

Misaki happily ate her carton of fried rice as they walked around the mall.

"Well, we can finally decide on a nursery theme," Misaki noted.

"I can't wait," Takumi said, still dazed. "I hope she looks just like you."

Misaki rolled her eyes. "She'll obviously look like both of us," she reminded him.

"My daughter will have the best of everything," Takumi added.

"You're going to spoil her."

"Spoiled she will be then," Takumi said, winking.

"Takumi!"

Takumi just chuckled to himself as he threw out his empty carton. "That was most unappetizing…" he decided.

Misaki tossed her empty carton out too. "Certainly, your's is better but different is good too sometimes."

"Why thank you, honey," Takumi said, taking her hand.

They walked past a rack of coats.

"Hey, do you need a coat?" Takumi asked, looking at one.

"No," Misaki replied, immediately. "I already have one."

"But do you have a fall one?" Takumi asked.

"Yes yes," Misaki said. "I literally have everything."

"Don't your clothes go out of season though?" Takumi asked. "I heard new styles come in."

Misaki gave Takumi a blank look. "They all look the same to me…"

"Excuse me!" Takumi called to a sales assistant. "Can I get one of these coats, please?"

"Takumi!" Misaki exclaimed. "I don't need one!"

"So what are you going to wear when you start showing?" Takumi countered. "Those well tailored coats of your's will never fit over that stomach."

"But shouldn't we wait until I'm really showing then? You can barely see the bump right now."

"Oh," the sales assistant piped in. "We can get these coats custom tailored. We actually have a specific adjustment for maternity. If you're interested…"

"Show us," Takumi said.

There were actually specific pads you could tie onto your stomach to see how the clothes would fit. Misaki tied one on and tugged the coat on.

"So would you like a custom tailor?" the woman asked, taking out a measuring tape.

"Yes please," Takumi said. "Is it possible for it to be made bigger as the months pass?"

"We can have tucks that you can take out," she explained.

"That would be great."

"The lady took Misaki's measurements and jotted it down.

"May I have your address?" she asked.

"Walker residence."

She dropped her clipboard. "W-walker residence?" she asked, picking up the clipboard.

"Yes," Takumi said.

"I will get the order in, Mr. Walker," the sales assistant said, bowing. "If you'll excuse me…" She briskly walked over, throwing a couple backward glances.

"Oh Takumi…" Misaki said, elbowing him. "Why are you so scary?"

"I didn't even say anything…" Takumi said, in defense of himself.

"You couldn't have given them the actual address?"

"That's too long to remember…"

"3788 FuGuo Boulevard," Misaki told him.

"So brilliantly right you are, darling. Let's go shopping for the baby now," Takumi suggested.

Misaki leaned against Takumi and hugged his arm.

"I kind of want to get everything at Tree designs," she told Takumi.

"Want to go there now?" Takumi asked. " But if you're tired, we can go home."

"No no," Misaki said. "Let's go now."

They drove to the store and Misaki showed Takumi her ideas.

"I don't want bright pinks or anything," she told him. "I was thinking a cucumber green, white and brown."

"It is a cozy combo," Takumi agreed. "So let's start picking things out," he said, holding up his arm.

Misaki took it and they went to the paint section first.

"So many..." Takumi observed. "Baby, you tell me which one and I'll get it."

Misaki examined her color swatches. "Cucumber green," she said, pointing to a stack of buckets.

Takumi picked up two cans. "We'll probably need a cart or something..."

Takumi grabbed a platform cart and place the two cans of paint on it.

"Now we need a white," Misaki said. "Pick the melon white,"

"What?"

"Melon white," Misaki said again, pointing.

"What's the difference between the whites?" Takumi asked, adding it with the others.

"I think it's the way the sun reflects off it," Misaki suggested.

Takumi pulled their platform on wheels as they looked around.

"We're going to need a crib," Takumi said, patting a display.

"I want a white one," Misaki replied.

"What about this one?" Takumi asked, pulling a large box off the shelf.

"I wanted one with the adjustable rails," Misaki said. "Oh, this one is adorable!" she exclaimed, picking one up.

The headboard had a star pattern as well as the adjustable rails Misaki had wanted.

"Hey, don't pick it up," Takumi said, taking it from her.

Misaki sighed. "You're so paranoid," she teased, poking him on the cheek.

"Yes yes...Oh, baby sling," Takumi said. "I need one of those."

Misaki laughed. Takumi with a baby sling on gave her a funny image in her head.

"I want the whole world to know she's my little girl," Takumi said, proudly.

"Fine," Misaki said. "Let's get it."

Misaki decided that since they were already here at the store, they might as well buy enough to get the room remodeling started. They bought a few book shelves and random decorations. Takumi bought a bunch of wooden square pieces.

"What's that for?" Misaki asked, watching him load it onto the platform cart.

"I want to personalize her room."

"You're going to make something...?" Misaki asked.

"I'm good with my hands," Takumi said, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"I'll look forward to it then," Misaki challenged.

"Toraaa..." Ruri sang, rolling onto the bed.

Tora opened one eye and looked over at his wife. "What...?" he asked, closing his eye.

"Don't be a bum," Ruri said, shaking him. "Let's go shopping and then have lunch together!"

Tora nodded. "Anything you want, babe..." he mumbled.

"RIGHT NOW!"

Tora immediately jerked up. "Do you have to yell?" he asked, still dazed.

Ruri giggled. "It gets you up," she said with a shrug.

"I'm tired," Tora said. "You pull me up at the crack of dawn on a good Saturday morning."

"It's already 8:00!"

"8:00-10:00 is meant for staying in bed even if you're awake," Tora informed her.

"There's nothing to do."

"I thought you liked cuddling," Tora said, pretending to be hurt.

Ruri laughed. "I promise we'll have a very laid back evening. We'll do all the cuddling you want," she said, smoothing his unruly hair.

Tora took her hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Good," Ruri said. "I had plain toast and water. I'm ready to go."

Tora just shook his head. "We got to find something else for you to stomach," he said. "Bread and water is what they use to feed prisoners."

"But I'll throw up everything else," Ruri pouted.

Tora had a worried look on his face that Ruri was in love with.

"Have you tried fruit?" Tora asked, getting out of bed.

"We've tried everything," Ruri sighed. "Comes right back up."

Tora went into the bathroom and came out a few minute later.

"I'll text Takumi again, see if he has anymore ideas."

"I liked the peeled cucumbers," Ruri reminded him.

"Cucumbers aren't real food."

"Yes, they are!" Ruri said, defending her favorite snack.

"They're like slices of water," Tora said, pulling off his t shirt.

"It's low calorie- Tora!" Ruri exclaimed as he hugged her tightly. "What are you doing?!"

"Hugging you," Tora said into her hair.

"Why?"

"Because..." Tora said. "I want you to always be with me."

"Why the depressing tone all of a sudden?" Ruri asked, touching his cheek.

"I'm just worried about you and the baby," Tora sighed. "This expecting father stuff is so stressful. If something happen-"

Ruri placed a finger on his lips. "Nothing will happen," she reassured him.

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed Tora. His lips moved against her's and Ruri could feel the coolness of the mint from his toothpaste.

"Any more worries...?" Ruri asked, breathless.

"Please don't have a girl," Tora added. "I'm afraid of teenage girls."

Ruri laughed and smacked him in the arm. "I was once a teenage girl."

"Except I met you when you were in your twenties," Tora reminded her.

"Come on, honey," Ruri said, making him sit down on the bed as she massaged his shoulders. "I think you would like a daughter. You don't like the idea of Daddy's princess?"

"Except she won't always be my princess..."

"Oh Tora," Ruri said. "I get it now. You're just worried she'll grow up and leave and then you'll be all sad."

"Pretty much..."

"You know people always said you were a jerk."

"Thanks..."

"But!" Ruri added. "If they got to know you, they'll realize you're so sentimental and caring. You just hide it so well."

Tora smirked and kissed Ruri's hand. "And only you could see the good. Heck, you even make me want to be good. You bring out the good in me, babe."

Ruri hugged Tora tightly from behind. "I just love you so much..." she sniffled.

"Are you crying again...?"

"SO WHAT IF I AM?! PREGNANT WOMEN CRY! I just get emotional sometimes!" Ruri yelled.

"Yes, my dear wife," Tora said, holding out the box of tissues.

Ruri wiped her eyes and blew her nose. "Can we eat?" she asked. "I'm hungry..."

"Your needs are in my care," Tora said, holding out his arm. "This way, Mrs. Igarashi."

Ruri smiled and took his arm.

"Are you going to put on a shirt?" Ruri asked as they walked downstairs.

"I'm here to be your sexy arm candy."

"What ever, Tora… You're still kind of full of yourself."