Chapter 40: Final Touches
"Welcome welcome," Kim said, ushering Misaki and Takumi into the brightly lit studio.
Kim was a friend of Sakura's who was a photographer. Takumi wanted pictures done before the baby was born so that's why they were here today.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Walker," she said, shaking their hands.
"You can call me Misaki," Misaki said, smiling.
"You are very sweet," Kim replied, showing them to the couch.
The studio had bright white walls but had props laying around everywhere as well as camera equipment.
"I got the sizes for both of you," Kim said, wheeling over a rack. "And I think you'll like my selection of clothing. I made sure there was a variety with props to match, however, the first set of photos I think would be great is without props." Kim flipped through the hangers. "Misaki is going to wear..." Kim announced as she unzipped a white garment back.
"Oh..." Misaki said as Kim pulled out the long silky dress. The colors were in a watercolor like blend of dark blues, purples, greens with splatters of metallic gold on the skirt.
"Mr. Walker has a white button down and black dress pants."
"How exciting," Takumi said, kissing Misaki on the top on the head.
They both got changed and stepped onto the wide platform.
"Okay, Misaki, support your belly but make sure to keep the dress smoothed out. Mr. Walker, place your hands over her's and rest the side of your head on the back on her's. Good, now look towards me now!" Kim exclaimed, taking a picture. "Misaki, look down and Takumi try and catch her gaze. Good. Good," Kim encouraged taking more photos. "Now, Misaki keep one hand under your belly and hold Mr. Walker's hand with the other one. Look at each other and smile," Kim directed.
With just one outfit and scene, they took lots of different pictures. Some Misaki and Takumi were both looking at Misaki's stomach and others were of Misaki by herself, mostly because Takumi insisted.
"Okay, these look good," Kim said. "Next outfit is a dressy casual one."
Misaki wore a yellow sundress with a floppy hat and some vintage pearls. Takumi had on a white v neck t-shirt and khakis. As they were changing, Kim set up a little cafe table with tea cups and pastries in the center.
"Misaki, angle your knees a little toward me," Kim said, adjusting the focus on her camera.
Misaki quickly adjusted her legs so she was slightly turned away from the table.
"Perfect!" Kim declared, snapping a few more pictures. "Now both of you get up and stand by the table. Here, take the umbrella," she said, handing one to Misaki.
They were inside but the abundant pots of plants and bright lights made it look like they were outdoors. Misaki rested the handle of the umbrella against her shoulder and placed one hand on Takumi's shoulder.
"Misaki, can you pop one foot up please?" Kim asked.
Misaki swallowed and shot Takumi a quick glare for getting her into this. Takumi kept a firm arm around her waist as Misaki gingerly lifted one foot up, balancing in her one white pump. Misaki liked the casual shots better when they moved onto the next set of stills. Misaki and Takumi were both dressed into grey v necks and jeans though Misaki's version was slightly more feminine.
"We're going to do a close up," Kim announced. "Misaki, lift up your shirt and Mr. Walker, get down so you're at level with the baby."
Misaki blushed and pushed her shirt up enough to expose her belly. Takumi kneeled on the ground and gently caressed her stomach.
"Kiss the baby," Kim said, kneeling down too.
Takumi closed his eyes and gently pressed his lips onto Misaki's skin.
"Stunning," Kim cooed. "Let's do a sitting down shot."
Kim pulled over a wicker love seat with cute pillows.
"Mr. Walker, sit here," Kim said, pointing to one end. "Misaki, sit in the middle but lay your head on the armrest so it's like you're lying over Mr. Walker."
Misaki slowly eased herself into sitting and then laid down.
"Extend your legs, Misaki."
After a few shots of that, Kim did a close up of their faces. Takumi gently touched the side of her face and they smiled.
"The next look is sophisticated casual," Kim informed them.
Misaki got changed into a turquoise blouse and white pant suit while Takumi wore a white button down shirt with a turquoise vest and grey dress pants.
Takumi sat on a stool while Misaki leaned against him with her arms crossed. She hooked her foot on the bottom rim of the stool for a few pictures.
"Let's do a kissing picture," Kim said, removing the stool. "Just make sure I can still get shots of the baby."
Misaki felt awkward being that school girl who stood up on her toes to kiss her boyfriend. Takumi on the other hand didn't mind at all. He kissed her back as if no one else was in the room.
"I like that one," Kim noted as Takumi gave Misaki a simple kiss on the cheek.
The last outfit was a shocker. Misaki stepped out in a short, form fitted red dress with black strappy heels. Takumi had on a black tie suit.
"You two are certainly the couple," Kim observed as they stood side by side.
Misaki did not like the dress. She hadn't worn anything form fitting in more than a month. This dress wasn't hiding anything. Of course, Takumi immediately announced that he liked the dress.
"It's embarrassing," Misaki said, tugging on the hem.
"Why so," Takumi asked, tilting her chin up to look at her face.
Kim faded into the background, silently taking pictures as they interacted.
"It's just weird," Misaki said. "I don't like the form fitting dressed in general, and especially now that I'm pregnant."
"I think its very sexy," Takumi said, pressing his cheek onto her temple. "Smile toward the camera," he whispered.
Misaki glanced over but Kim snapped the picture before she got a chance to smile.
"This belongs in a magazine," Kim said, looking at the picture. "Misaki's hair is blowing from the fan and both of you have serious model like faces. It perfect."
Takumi had his hands on her waist as she leaned against him.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured by her ear.
"Stop…" Misaki quietly scolded. "You're embarrassing me!"
"How so?"
"Just because!"
"What if I did this-"
"Takumi, I will beat the crap out of you, you pervert. Now take these pictures properly!" Misaki hissed as Kim went to adjust the light.
"Hai hai…"
Misaki was exhausted by the time they finished. She sat on the couch, no shoes, as Takumi rubbed her swollen feet. Pregnancy problems…
"So," Kim said, walking over with a large tablet. She sat down on a little stool by the couch. "These are all the pictures from today. Just tap on the circle in the corner if you want it to be printed out. Did you two want loose photos, a photo album or DVD?"
"All three," Takumi said. "And I want all the photos."
"We don't need all the photos," Misaki exclaimed. "There's over a hundred."
"Fine," Takumi said. "We'll make a book but get the rest in loose."
They looked through the photos. They were all surprisingly pretty good. Takumi practically choose everyone of them. Misaki would have to list at least 10 things wrong with it in order for him not to unselect it.
"I like all of them," Takumi declared.
"Well, you can't have all of them," Misaki argued.
"Of course, I can," Takumi said, smugly. "I can afford all these pretty pictures of Misa Chan!"
"Takumi…give me the tablet."
"No!" he said, childishly. "We'll take all of these," he said, handing it to Kim.
They got into the car and Misaki stretched out.
"I'm sleepy," Misaki said, yawning.
"Go to sleep," Takumi said, sliding on his sunglasses. "I'll can carry you inside."
Misaki nodded and closed her eyes. She must have quickly fallen asleep because she woke up on the couch with a comfy pillow and blanket.
"Hey sleepy head," Takumi said, walking over to her. He set a dish with a muffin and a cup of hot chocolate on the coffee table. "Did you have a good nap?"
Misaki nodded, stretching her arms out. "Is that for me?" she asked, eyeing the muffin.
"Banana nut," he replied, handing her the dish.
"Mmm…" Misaki said, taking a bite. "Thanks."
"You're welcome, Takumi said, sitting down on the edge on the couch. Misaki tucked her legs up and Takumi pulled them on his lap. "So, any name ideas for the baby yet?" he asked, gently smoothing the blanket.
"Names?"
Takumi nodded. Misaki thought about it and took out her tablet.
"Do you see one you like?" Misaki asked, handing it to him.
Takumi carefully studied the names. "How about this one?" he asked, circling one with his finger.
Misaki looked at the name and smiled. "It's perfect."
"Okay, all the paint fumes are gone," Takumi said, leading Misaki down the hall.
"Why am I wearing a blindfold again?" Misaki asked, slowly shuffling down the hallway.
"Because surprises are fun!" Takumi said, gently directing her toward the door.
He turned the knob and led her inside.
"Can I look now?"
"Not yet," Takumi said.
Misaki heard some things shuffle.
"You can take off your blind fold now," Takumi murmured.
Misaki untied the cloth and her eyes widened at the new room.
"It looks professional," she said, walking up the to mellow green walls and touching them.
There was the white crib Misaki had liked by the wall along with perfect cubbies and shelves that Takumi made to fit into the corners of the room.
"I love it..." Misaki said, softly, touching the lacy white curtains on the window.
"I set up everything we bought so far," Takumi said, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Yeah, I can tell," Misaki said, studying the cute lamp on the night stand.
Takumi helped her carefully sit down into the rocking chair by the window.
"This is so nice," Misaki sighed, squeezing Takumi's hand. "Thank you."
"Why so formal?" Takumi asked. "Anything for our daughter."
Misaki stood up and gave Takumi a hug. Takumi lightly squeezed her shoulders.
"I know it's early," Takumi said, caressing her stomach. "But I want to make her a toy chest and fill these shelves with books."
"Don't rush it," Misaki said, placing a finger over his lips. "Her infant days will pass much too fast already."
"I love you," Takumi said. "I don't even have words to tell you how much. I can't wait for this baby."
Misaki blushed. "Talking like a fool again," she muttered, resting her head against his chest.
"Our storage closet is already filled with diapers, bottles, clothes and blankets," Takumi told her. "We're all just waiting for the baby to come."
"That's going to be nerve wrecking," Misaki said, biting her lower lip.
"I'll be with you," Takumi said, grinning. "You can use me as a punching bag if it hurts too much."
"Whatever..."
"Will you cry?"
"How would I know?! I've never given birth before!"
"Who do you want in the delivery room?" Takumi asked.
"No one."
"But me?"
"Maybe not you either..."
"Why not…?" Takumi whined.
"I don't know," Misaki said, blushing. "I just don't want you to see me like that."
"Like what?" Takumi asked.
"Like weak and stuff..." Misaki muttered.
Takumi sighed. "We've been together how long?" he asked. "You're still worried about keeping up appearances with me?"
"Well, I've never seen you like that," Misaki countered.
"I'm always weak for you."
"You're a weirdo," Misaki said, poking him in the stomach.
"I'm YOUR weirdo," Takumi corrected, smirking.
"You're my everything," Misaki teased back. "My little alien, my stalker, my annoying husband-"
"Your good looking able bodied man," Takumi said, adjusting his collar.
Misaki laughed. "Good looking is already on the iffy side," she teased him. "Able bodied...?" she asked, shaking her head.
Takumi had a glint in his eye. He easily picked her up.
"I'll show you how able bodied I am," he said, walking out of the room and kicking open their bedroom door.
"Are you going to impress me?" Misaki asked as he gently set her down on the bed.
"I always impress you,"
"Hmm..."
"You're a tease today," Takumi chuckled, running his fingers through her hair. "Why?"
Misaki blushed. "No, I'm not!"
"Oh, yes you are."
"Maybe it's revenge for buying too many pictures at Kim's."
"Uh huh..." Takumi said, studying her with his emerald green eyes. "So how-"
Misaki cut him off with a kiss. "Can we talk later?" she asked.
Takumi smiled. "Do you have something in mind?"
Misaki smirked. Two could play that game.
"Impress me," she challenged.