Merry Christmas!

Chapter 35: Beach Days

Misaki woke to the sound of the shower running. She rolled onto Takumi's side of the bed and studied her surroundings. It was a little past 10 pm. They had missed the sunrise by several hours. The white curtains swayed slightly, letting streaks of sunlight into the warm room. Misaki parted the sheer curtains of the bed and tied them to the bedpost.

"Oh good. You're awake," Takumi said, appearing at the doorway. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah," Misaki said, shrugging on her robe. "We missed the sunrise."

"We have all week," Takumi said, pulling on a pair of pants. "Are you going to shower?"

Misaki shook her head. "I want go to the beach after we eat,"

"Maybe we should wait until the sun isn't so hot," Takumi suggested.

"We brought stuff," Misaki said. "It's fine," she reassured him.

Misaki wore her purple bikini with a stretchy sundress over it. It was a white halter top dress with green palm trees and gold beads on it. For sun protection, Misaki had on a floppy sunhat, sunglasses and a lot of sunscreen.

Takumi packed a small bag and they headed down to the boardwalk cafe for brunch. Misaki had a huge fruit salad and a cinnamon muffin. Takumi had an eggs benedict and a yogurt.

"Where do you think Ruri and Sakura are?" Misaki asked, chewing on a pineapple chunk.

"I think Tora and Ruri went on a walk and Sakura and Kuuga aren't up yet," Takumi said.

"How could you tell?"

"The footprints in the sand."

"Oh…"

"So what now, my love?" Takumi asked, tossing his napkin on his empty plate.

"Let's go check out the beach," Misaki said, getting up.

They walked hand in hand down down the beach. Misaki pulled Takumi closer to the water. She kicked off her shoes and ran into the water. The water was warm where it was shallow but got cooler as they waded deeper into the waves.

"I'm going to go toss my sundress with our bag," Misaki said, wading out of the water.

She kicked off her shoes and took off her sundress. In her new swim suit, she felt the warmth of the sun reach every fiber of her. Takumi did the same with his shirt and shoes.

"Smile," he said, taking a picture.

"Hey! I wasn't ready!" Misaki complained.

"But I love your candid shots," Takumi pouted.

He purposely zoomed up in the picture to where her baby bump was.

"Baby..." he sang.

"Stop it!" Misaki scolded. "I was going to wear my tankini to go swimming but Ruri switched them all for bikinis!"

"What's wrong with that?" Takumi asked, taking another picture much to Misaki's fuming.

"I don't have a bikini body at the moment!" Misaki hissed. "Look at me!"

"I don't see anything wrong..."

"You never see anything wrong..." Misaki muttered.

"I think it's beautiful," Takumi said, grinning. "Hold your stomach for a picture. Pose with our daughter."

Misaki sighed and placed her hands under the swell. Takumi took a picture.

"Sexy," he said, nodding approvingly.

"Stop it," Misaki grumbled. "Can I take pictures of you?"

"Sure," he said, handing her the camera.

The camera slipped from Misaki's fingertips and plunked into the water. Misaki shrieked and fished it out of the water.

"Oh shoot, oh shoot," she exclaimed. "It must be broken now! Oh no..."

She pressed the button and it turned on normally.

"Huh..?"

"Oh, I must have forgot to tell you. I got a underwater camera," Takumi explained. "It's water proof."

"What?!"

"Amazing isn't it?"

Misaki took a few pictures of her husband. Why was he so photogenic?! She scanned through the pictures. Takumi could have well been a swimsuit model and not a tourist.

"Hey," Takumi said, placing a hand on her head. "If you're feeling faint from the sun, we go head back."

Misaki shook her head. "This is perfect."

She threw her arms around Takumi in a surprise hug. Takumi beamed and hugged her back.

"I love it when you're so adorable," he whispered in her ear.

Misaki blushed. "I love you."

"I love you too."

They waded around the water looking for seashells and sea glass- Misaki's newest discovery. Long ago on ships, people tossed glass bottles into the ocean. The waves eroded and tossed the bit of glass around until they formed smooth pebble like stones. Misaki found another blue one and dropped it into Takumi's palm. After a while, they waded back to their original starting point and decided to head for lunch.

"Where's my sundress?" Misaki asked, flipping through their stuff.

"Where did you leave it?" Takumi asked, collecting their things.

"On the shore," Misaki said, looking around.

Takumi checked their stuff. "We have everything," he said. "The current probably carried it off."

Misaki looked toward the ocean and sighed. She turned back to Takumi and gave him the sweetest smile she could muster. Takumi raised an eyebrow.

"I guess you can wear my shirt," he said, handing it over.

Misaki smugly pulled it over her head and they headed back. There weren't a lot of people on the island but a group of girls walked by and gaped at Takumi. Either he didn't notice or Takumi was pretending not to notice, either way it was making Misaki edgy. Her husband was a head turner. Misaki unconsciously held onto him a little tighter.

"You don't have to shoot daggers at anyone who looks our way," Takumi teased.

So he did notice.

"Why would I do that?" Misaki asked, playing dumb.

"Because someone's being a little possessive today," Takumi said, very amused. "You just want to mark me as yours, don't you, baby?"

"No," Misaki said, blushing a little. "I just want to walk right next to you."

"I like this place," Takumi mused. "You've never been jealous before. Is it the hormones or something? Because its hot."

"I'm not jealous," Misaki sniffed. "I'm just looking out for you."

"And pray tell what kind of danger I'm in?" Takumi asked.

"Danger of sleeping on the sofa," Misaki said, trying to sound serious.

Takumi laughed. "I think you'd miss me," he said, playing along. "Besides I completely had my way with you last night."

Misaki ignored the flush on her cheeks. "If I remember correctly, Mr. Walker," she said slowly. "I had MY way with you last night."

"I like challenges," Takumi countered.

He stopped walked for a moment and swept Misaki off her feet.

"I'm going to make you fall heads over heels for me," he announced.

Misaki just rolled her eyes. "I'd like to see you try!"

Takumi carried her back to the pavilion and set her down.

"Oh la la," Sakura teased. "What have you two been doing all morning?"

Everyone laughed.

"We just explored the beach," Misaki explained. "I am starving. What can we eat?"

Her and Takumi sat down at the round table and got drinks served to them.

"I thought we'd all try a hearty plate of grilled chicken, veggies and fries," Tora said. "A change from eating so fancy all the time."

"Oh good," Misaki said, chugging her water. "I can't wait."

"So what did you do this morning?" Takumi asked Kuuga. "We saw that you didn't leave the house."

"Sakura and I woke up to watch the sunrise from our balcony and basically went back to sleep," Kuuga explained. "We were both pretty worn out. What about you guys, Tora?"

"We scoped out the beach and then looked into other non nature stuff," Tora told them.

"Oh yeah," Ruri said. "Sakura, Misaki, after lunch I booked us a spa treatment."

"Yay!" Sakura cheered. "I heard the spa was very unique here."

"I guess we'll have to wait and see," Ruri laughed.

"So," Tora said. "I was think us three could go on a hike up the mountain. There's going to be a guide and supplies given to us. Since none of the girls can go in their condition I thought it would be a good time to go."

"I'm up for it," Kuuga said.

Takumi nodded. "Okay. We'll all meet up for dinner?"

Everyone agreed.

The waiter brought out a huge dish of food for everyone. Misaki was craving something salty and the fries were perfect. She even snagged a few off Takumi's plate. Dessert was ice cold sorbet (no alcohol) and fresh fruit, two things Misaki never had enough of.

They finished their meal and parted ways. Ruri took Sakura and Misaki into a secluded area. There were fake boulders in the pool and the water was warm with a sweet scent of flowers petals. The girls settled near the jets of bubbles and relaxed.

"This really is paradise," Ruri sighed.

"We really owe it to Sakura," Misaki added. "Thanks for such a great trip."

"Oh, it's nothing," Sakura giggled. "I'm just glad we can get a luxurious vacation in before we all start giving birth."

"Oh, that's such a weird thought, Misaki said, leaning against a rock. "I don't want to think about giving birth."

"You'll be the first of us," Sakura pointed out.

Misaki nodded.

"I hope Tora doesn't pass out," Ruri said, amused. "I recently learned that man can not take anything stressful."

Misaki laughed. "Takumi isn't any better. He's always worried about everything. He won't let me carry anything that even a little heavy."

"Same," Sakura added. "Kuuga added grips to our tub too and has already started baby proofing out house."

"What can I say? We all married sweethearts," Ruri declared.

They finished soaking and got out. Wrapped in comfy robes, they were shown to the next part. Since they all waxed before coming, they skipped that part.

Misaki got a manicure and pedicure as well as a full body massage. She had to admit a professional masseuse did a better job than Takumi though it was really close.

While most spas gave facials, this one gave whole body treatments. The three girls chose something called a "clay bath." Basically they rubbed clay all over you and let it dry. You felt like a rock when it was dry but once it washed off, your skin felt so smooth.

Muscles relaxed, nails polished and buffed, the last part of the spa treatment was hair conditioning. The girls laid down on cushioned chairs as someone would wash their hair for them.

The conditioning did wonders. Misaki touched the glossy tresses that fell past her shoulders.

"I say we grab a snack and then have a nap," Sakura said, yawning. "Being pregnant is still tiring."

Misaki agreed, feeling the drowsiness too.

They each had a frozen yogurt and went back to each of their villas.

Misaki slid off her robe and changed into a pink and black night gown. It was loose and kept her cool as she pulled the satin sheets around her. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep.

She woke up to someone stroking her hair. She rolled onto her back, eyes still closed.

"Did you have a good nap?" Takumi asked.

Misaki nodded, yawning. Her eyes fluttered open. The sun was starting to set outside. Its glow illuminated Takumi as he was sitting on the edge of the bed. He had showered and changed into a casual t-shirt and shorts.

"Did you have a good hike?" she asked, a little groggy.

"Yes. I took a lot of pictures," Takumi said, softly. "Do you want to get up? Dinner is going to start soon."

Misaki nodded. Takumi bent down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Misaki ran her fingers through his damp hair. When his lips moved over hers, she pressed herself into the kiss. Takumi wrapped his arm around her waist and rolled onto his back.

"We're going to be late to dinner," he said, touching her cheek.

Misaki groaned and rolled onto her back.

"Keep that thought though," Takumi said, sliding out of the bed.

Misaki just sighed and got changed.

"Late," Ruri said as soon as they sat down.

Misaki just gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry…"

The pavilion was lit up by torches on the beach but had dim lights in the actual building. Eating dinner by the sunset was the best experience yet. Misaki would take a bite of her rice and beans and then take pictures of the colorful sky.

"I am starving," Misaki declared. "Can I have seconds?"

Takumi just smiled and handed her empty plate to a waiter. "It's the salt in the air," he said. "And the baby. I'm surprised that you're not always eating."

Misaki laughed. "We already had a snack after our spa treatment but I'm hungry again."

Ruri nodded. "Same," she said, handing the waiter her empty plate. "Seconds please," she said.

"Me too," Sakura said, handing over her plate too.

"Let's just all get seconds," Tora announced. "That hike burned up a lot of energy."

For dessert, they were literally given a coconut with a straw and spoon and told to enjoy. Misaki sipped the milk as they all sat on the boardwalk near their villa.

"At least we're all getting our vitamins," Tora noted, feeding Ruri a piece of coconut. "I've had more fruit these last days than I would in a month."

"That's because you eat so unhealthy," Ruri scolded. "I locked up the bar in our house," she told everyone.

"How harsh," Kuuga teased. "Why is Tora having too much?"

"No," Tora snorted. "Usually just half a glass with dinner."

"But those glasses add up," Ruri said. "Besides you can get the same stuff out of grape juice."

"Yes babe," he said, holding her hand. "You're right."

They sat on the boardwalk until the sun started to disappear under the horizon. The stars started appearing one by one in the clear sky.

"Maybe, we should turn in early," Takumi suggested. "We missed the sunrise this morning."

Misaki nodded. "See you guys for breakfast," she said, getting up with her empty coconut shell.

"Did you shower today?" Takumi asked when they went back to their villa.

"I spent the entire day in water," Misaki informed him. "I had a clay bath. It's really good for your skin," Misaki said, holding out her arm.

"Very smooth," Takumi said, trailing his hand up her arm. "You ready for bed?"

"Pretty much," Misaki said, brushing her hair. "Did you brush your teeth?" she asked.

"Yeah, while you were changing. Why? Afraid I'd have bad breath?"

"You're so immature," Misaki stated, letting down the bed curtains. "You coming?" she asked, holding it up.

"Yes," Takumi said, rolling onto the bed.

Misaki smoothed out the curtains and kicked back the sheets.

"I set an alarm on my phone," she said, setting her phone on the nightstand. "You have to wake me up even if I tell you to go away," she informed him.

"You want me to force you out into the balcony to watch the sunrise…?" Takumi asked, amused.

"Basically."

"I'm no morning person."

"You are going to be tomorrow," Misaki said, patting him on the shoulder.

"How bossy," he teased. "Does that mean you want to go to sleep right now?" he asked.

"I never said that," Misaki said, smirking. "It's still early," she said, looking at the clock. "It's only 9:00."

"So that thought from before…" Takumi said, winking. "You still up?"

Misaki pretended to think about it. "I don't really know…" she said.

"Okay, let's just go to bed then," Takumi said, pulling the covers over his head.

"Hey!" Misaki exclaimed. "That's not fair!"

She yanked at the covers but Takumi was being childish.

"Can't get to me!"

"You just wait and see, Takumi Walker," she said. "You'll see if I can get to you or not."

Takumi grabbed Misaki's arm and threw the covers over them like a tent.

"Since you wanted to be in my little hideout so much," he said. "I guess you can join me. The air's not very good though," he added.

"You're not very good."

"Oh, I'm very good…" Takumi challenged. "Try me, honey."