"You're My Family"

Chapter 3: Entwine

"Ow!" Rima whipped behind her seeing her loving husband with his dark hair slicked back. "Nagi, stop it!" He raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong?"

Her light eyes narrowed at him, "You keep stepping on the back of my foot!" He raised his hands in defense smiling innocently.

Rima huffed at him, "Well stop, bigfoot!"

Nagihiko chuckled cutely, "I'll walk beside you, just to prove it." He put a hand on her back but she still narrowed her crystal eyes at him, "Bigfoot." She muttered under her breath. They continued down the cracked sidewalk passing various family owned shops. "Guess what?" Nagihiko leaned down and whispered in her ear.

"What?"

"I love you." Rima gave a goofy smile and wrapped her petite arms around Nagihiko's bicep. "Wow!" She squeezed his muscles tightly. "When did this happen?"

"Overnight." He smirked. Rima rolled her eyes, "I like it," and gave another soft squeeze.

Then, that sharp pain struck her ankle again. She groaned and did a total 360, "Nagi-"

A chocolate-brown ball of fur caught her attention. It was fluffy and the hair was a bit matted and tangled. The fur grew over the eyes. All that was seen was the little pink tongue panting. It was tiny like a baby's plush toy. The tail was tiny and was like a bee buzzing around hysterically.

"Hey cutie." Nagihiko crouched down to its level as it jumped all over him licking his clean face and nibbling at the tips of his fingers.
"Oh goodness!" Rima managed to say and crouched beside Nagihiko petting the puppy behind the cat-like ears that were triangular. The poor puppy needed a bath was probably thirsty from all the panting.

"It's so small like you." Nagihiko teased. "It's probably high maintenance like you too." He jeered and winked.

Rima fumed up, "Hey not true!"

She pursed her lips together, "It stinks like you and gives too many kisses like you!" Right on cue the puppy jumped up and licked Rima right smack in the face. She frowned and glared at her husband.

"Good dog." He patted the cutie on the head.

"What should we do?" Rima stood up brushing dirt off her long length skirt.

"We can take it home for now and fix it up, then hopefully find the owner."

Rima had a big grin on her face, "And keep it if we can't find the owner?"

"We'll see." Nagihiko slightly smiled and the ball of fur hopped into his arms and they headed back to the apartment.

"It's getting soap all over the floor!" Rima screeched as the puppy shook in the bathtub making suds sprinkle everywhere. The puppy splashed back in forth in the tub soaking the girl's t-shirt. "Ha! At least I'm wearing yours."

Nagihiko smiled shaking his head. "Watch out!" The dog leaped out the tub skidding across the tiled bathroom across the wooden floors in the hallway. He quickly got up and lunged at the dog wrapping it up in the warm towel. "Caught you!" He began drying it similar to buffing a car at the wash. The blonde came by his side switching on the blow dryer. They laughed as the poor puppy began taking big nibs at the blasting hot air. Nagihiko took a whiff at the clean dog, "It smells like you." Rima grinned and placed her hands at each side of her hip, "That's because I used my oatmeal lavender scented shampoo."

Once the puppy was all dry Rima took a pair of orange scissors and began turning the mop into a masterpiece. After an hour of constant moving Rima was finished and carried out the puppy to her husband who was standing in the kitchen. "Ta da!" She took hold of the small paws and made it look like the dog was talking, "How do I look?" The big black eyes were now seen. The dog looked healthy as the fur was a now a shiny dark brown. It looked like it had a little trimmed beard.

The ears were so tiny compared to the rest of the body. "Congratulations it's a girl!" Rima handed the dog to Nagihiko. The puppy cuddled against his chest, "How about a temporary name?"

Rima clapped her hands together, "Temari!"

"Temari?" Nagihiko had a puzzled expression.

"Yes! She looks like a toy! And she's cute like those old crafted toy hand balls that are called Temari, remember?"

Nagihiko was on a thought bubble as it finally popped, "That's right. They symbolize friendship and what not?" Rima quickly nodded with the biggest smile on her face. Her husband couldn't help but smile at her reaction, "It's perfect."

Rima beamed jumping up and down her voice eager, "So are we keeping her?"

Nagihiko gave Rima a serious look, "You know this apartment doesn't allow pets."

She insisted, "They don't have to know!"

"Rima, it's an expensive fine and we could get thrown out." The blonde puffed up her pink cheeks. He added, "Plus it's a lot of work." The blonde over exaggeratedly sighed and pouted her small lips. Nagihiko eyebrow's frowned, "I don't think you'll enjoy your stuffed animals being chewed up or having pee spots all over your clothes."

Rima whined like a spoiled little girl and snatched Temari from his grasps. "I hate when you have to be right about everything."

"So annoying." She mumbled under her breath, pressing her cheek against Temari's face.

"You're the annoying one." Nagihiko kissed her cheek and the girl could feel his lips form into a smile. "It's ours temporarily."

"Booooo!" She pursed her lips disappointed. At this rate Temari would only be with them a few days.

A hard knock pounded against the front door along with the doorbell being buzzed a few time as both drew their attention to the sound. Nagihiko strode over peering his eye through the peep-hole recognizing the spiked up hair style and the usual sports attire.

"Who is it?" He called out.

"You know damn well who it is!" The friendly voice joked. Nagihiko unlocked the door greeting Kukai who had his arms folded behind his neck. Kukai is a close friend to the couple. He's goofy and is the guy that will lighten up a street with no lamp posts. He's a great walkthrough and gives out the best advice even if he may chew you out at the beginning. He currently attends college to be a professional soccer coach.

He walked right inside, "Hey you two!" Kukai pointed at Rima starting his conversation,

"Utau wanted me to ask-" He was caught off guard seeing the dark fluff ball, "What is that?"

Nagihiko responded bluntly, "A canis familiaris."

"Again, what?" His expression remained confused. Rima shook her head at her husband "He's being a smart ass. It's a dog, Kukai."

Kukai gave Rima an obvious expression and offered his arms to the dog, "Let me take you away from these idiots."

"Ha..." Rima turned the puppy away from his grasps, "You would probably just feed it whatever you're eating!"

Kukai laughed flashing his teeth, "Exactly!" He began counting off his fingers listing the reasons, "It's good food, it's delicious, it's cheap, wallet friendly, and it's tasty."

"Technically, you only gave two reasons!" Rima fought. Kukai swatted his hands back and forth denying her comment, "Did you guys buy it?"

Rima glanced at Nagihiko to answer, "No it's a stray."

"Wow, it looks pretty healthy." Kukai examined the puppy and it barked rattling his ear drums.
"What are you going to do with it?"

Rima stared at Nagihiko as he answered simply, "Find a home for it or find its owner."

Kukai nodded, "I'll ask Utau if she wants a dog."

"She won't!" Rima answered too quickly. Nagihiko gave her a stern look. She shouted, "It's true!" She clutched Temari closer to her chest.

"So why are you here again?" Rima changed the subject. Kukai scratched the back of his head, "I'm actually about to head out but you should call Utau because one of her friends that own a show needs a writer to write some 5 minute comedy skits."

Nagihiko smiled putting an encouraging arm around Rima. She grinned, "Okay."

"I should head out. Well I'll see you guys later."

"Thanks for stopping by." Nagihiko said bye to his close friend and shut the door behind him.

"Wow! All those applications and interviews finally paid off! It's great to know a celebrity!" Rima blushed from excitement. Her husband was just as happy for her, "I told you someone would notice your talent."

Rima jumped into his arms squishing Temari who was caught between them. "I can't wait to call Utau about it later!"

Rima knocked hard feeling her knuckles grow tender. It has been awhile since she last seen her best friend. They grew up together, but lost contact as they reached middle school and high school. Thankfully they ran into each other about a year ago. She goes to him for everything and anything. He's her shelter during a hurricane.

The door unlocked and opened wide. Tadase stood between the door frame. His blonde hair swooped to the side making his appearance clean and professional. He wore grey slacks and had a slim jacket on. He still had that baby face that made Rima want to pinch his cheeks.
"Rima, you look beautiful."
She smiled and gave him a one arm hug with Temari grasped in the other arm.

"I missed you!" She pulled away from the hug and stepped inside the house. Tadase laughed, "Don't you always?" He shut the door and was startled,

"Isn't it cute?" Rima shoved the puppy into his face. It took a big slobbery kiss at the tip of his nose. He chuckled softly and wiped the kiss off with the back of his sleeve. "Very." He gestured for Rima to sit as he pulled out a seat for her at the dining room table.

"Did you find the owner?"

"No…besides even if we can't Nagihiko said we can't keep her."

Tadase raised one thin eyebrow for her to continue, "Our apartment doesn't allow pets."

He pulled a seat across from Rima, and joined her at the table. He leaned forward scratching the puppy behind the ears. Temari squirmed out of Rima's arms and wobbled across the glass table. It slipped forward into Tadase's hands.

"Temari likes you."

Tadase smiled at the name as the pink tongue invaded his handsome face. "Temari, huh?"

Rima couldn't help but smile at the scene. Tadase's eyes caught her staring and Rima looked back down.

"So…can you do me a favor?" She clapped her hands together giving a slight bow of her head.

"Fujisaki Rima asking for a favor…" He sat Temari on his lap lightly petting her on the head.

"Oh, please?" Rima peeked an eye open anticipating for the answer. Tadase leaned back in his chair pondering. He was purposely making the anxious girl wait. Rima's innocent eyes finally switched to dark yellow. A big frown appeared on her face. Tadase knew he was making her wait too long. He laughed and responded, "Of course, what's up?"

"There's a hot springs about an hour and a half away from here. Utau owes me for having me be in her music video, so I was hoping I could go there tomorrow…" Rima stopped halfway through her explanation. The thought of going to a hot springs for the first time was thrilling. There was the scorching hot water steaming your cool face. And the relaxing misty atmosphere tingling your cheeks, with the soothing sound of water running continuously. The best part was having a huge hotel room to yourself.

The daydreamer felt two pairs of eyes on her as she woke from her fantasy. Tadase and Temari had absent expressions on their faces. Rima adjusted herself from her seat, "Can you watch our apartment for us?" Temari began barking and Rima quickly added, "And have Temari stay with you… Nagihiko and I will gladly pay you!"

Tadase nodded, "No problem."

"Thank you!" Rima plunged herself across the table and hugged her best friend tightly.

"Can we stay here forever?" Rima hugged Nagihiko's arm close to her. The design was endearing. The layout was like the ancient Japanese temples with the long triangular tops. Sliding doors covered the perimeter of the place. Beautiful bamboo blinds draped vertically from the entrance. Steam could be seen escaping from the back of the house. Paper lanterns hung around two large poles that kept the roof of the entrance balanced. Dark wood steps lead to the front the doors.

The couple walked up the steps where an elder woman greeted them both with a smiling face, "Good evening young children."
Rima's expression dropped low as she murmured to Nagihiko, "I'm not a child."
Nagihiko grazed her back as the woman led them in, "I know you're my princess."
The blonde's expression was priceless as a goofy grin shone brightly.

The room was terrifying bright as young women scattered about carrying loads of towels from one side to another.
Rima could feel the rapid steps echo through the tatami mats.
"We booked a private room and bath for tonight." Nagihiko informed the lady as the smile didn't leave from her face.

"Ah, Fujisaki's. We've been waiting for your arrival. Please follow me."

She bowed slightly as she led them both down a few halls and stopped at the last door at the hall. She opened the door with a key and welcomed them in. The lights flickered on and the room was amazing. Rima waltzed inside dazed at the beauty.
The lady noticed and spoke directly to Nagihiko, "Please wash up before entering the bath. It's located behind the sliding doors at the back of your room."

"Thank you so much." Nagihiko excused the lady to exit as he shut the door behind her.

Rima was wandering around the room that had several windows and a huge queen bed decorated with large amounts of pillows and extra folded up sheets. The bathroom was small for it only had a toilet, sink, and shower. There were several unlit candles around the room. A quiet sound of running water awakened Rima's ears as she followed the sound to the back of the room and slid open the doors.

Outside was a large wooden patio and to the right a flight of stairs taking them to their private hot springs. It was enormous! Huge stones outlined the bath keeping the water closed. There were flat stone paths around the bath. Lanterns were sticking up from the ground gently keeping the area enlightened. The view was indescribable. The mountains were in clear eyesight where they could spot green land in patches throughout the hills. The sun was going to sleep for the night. The sky was a soft baby blue that smeared into a dark violet. Stars were bleeding their way through the dark mass.

"It's a beautiful edited photo! Thank you Utau!" Rima leaned against the railing on the edge of the patio. She couldn't wait to jump into what was below her. Nagihiko rested his chin on the top of Rima's head. "It's photo shopped."

"Let's go!" Rima shook Nagihiko off of her and snatched his arm dragging him across the wooden patio. "You're going to give me splinters." He teased.
Rima gave up and dashed down the stairs. Nagihiko's voice stopped her, "We have to wash up first!"

Rima trotted back up the steps, "I'm first because I want to go first!" She ran past him into the bathroom. Nagihiko gave a smug look, "Why don't we take one together?"
He could see clothes being tossed out the bathroom door. She shouted at him, "It's already small as it is!"
He leaned against the railing, "We'll get done faster."

Rima peeked her head out from the frame of the door, "That's not the real reason."

Nagihiko smirked widely making his way to the bathroom, "So what is the real reason?"

Rima smiled at him pursing her lips. He leaned one arm against the frame leaning in.

"SLAM!" The door shut loudly in poor Nagihiko's face. He sighed from disappointment hearing a giggle from the other side of the door. He couldn't help but give that half-smile and chuckle to himself.

Soon after, Rima placed her towel on one of the stones surrounding the springs. She dipped her toe which stung her senses at the heat. She combed her fingers through her curled hair and tied it up into a bun. She held her breath and decided to throw herself in. The hot water was boiling against her flesh but at the same time it felt so heavenly. She laid her back against one of the big stones in the middle of the bath. She closed her eyes and let the steam massage her face. The sound of crickets was soothing and so relaxing.
Suddenly a big splash made Rima widen her eyes. Nagihiko popped his head from the water. His hair darkened from violet to black. He swam over to Rima. She glared at him, "This isn't a swimming pool."
He pecked her on the cheek and sat beside her. They both remained silent for a while letting their bodies be soothed from the rich salts.

"The water is so shallow here I can see your whole body through the clear water." Nagihiko's smirk was flirtatious.

"Stop!" Rima hurriedly inched away from Nagihiko. She hid herself behind a huge rock. She anxiously covered her bare chest with her thin arms.
She sank deeper into the water till the water level reached her neck.
Nagihiko chased her and grabbed her hand pulling her into him. She tried to squirm away from him. He locked his lips with hers. She gasped loudly when he pulled away.
He tackled her dipping them both under the water. He wrapped one long arm around her bare waist and they shared a kiss. Nagihiko brought them back to the surface. "That hurt!" Rima whined, her cute eyes becoming filled with tears, "I got water up my nose!" She violently rubbed her nose with back of her hand.

Nagihiko made a frown face and kissed the tip of her nose, "That's for closing the door on me!" He stuck his tongue out and splashed water over her. She darkly glared using him as a punching bag. He sunk beneath the water disappearing before her eyes. "Hey!" She desperately swam around her. Then a few feet away from her she saw the top of his head sneaking around toward her. She gave a horror movie scream, "It's a shark!" Suddenly he leaped on her bobbing them up and down from the water. They both began fits of laughter. She leaned her head on his shoulder, "It's perfect just like this."

She took a deep breath, "Just us."

Nagihiko agreed, but couldn't help but still have something on his mind. He didn't want to ruin the moment so decided to stay silent and let Rima continue relaxing.

The two decided to call it a day and exited the bath wrapping themselves with fluffy towels.
They changed into cooler clothes and ate a delicious dinner. Nagihiko wanted a breath of cool air and stepped out onto the patio. Rima closely followed him outside feeling the chill air.

They stood gazing at the infinity amount of stars. The bright stars were scattered in kingdoms along the dark black sky. The pale yellow stained crescent moon was the spotlight. Nagihiko ran his slick fingers into her tangled wet hair. Rima kept her eyes locked into his golden eyes. She watched as his alluring eyes moved from her long hair to her hands. He grabbed onto her small hand and placed it on his cool cheek. Rima inched upon her tiptoes shying her eyes open until their lips joined. Nagihiko deepened the kiss feeling Rima fall against him. She let her arms fall loosely as he took hold of both her hands guiding them around his neck. Nagihiko broke the kiss too soon as Rima gasped for air. He didn't give her a chance to regain herself as he captured their lips in another moist kiss.

Rima dizzily broke the kiss and took a step backward, just in time Nagihiko wrapped his strong arms around her thin frame reeling her into his chest. He lifted her right off her feet and lightly carried her back into the room playfully tossing her onto the bed. Rima screamed at the unexpected throw, "I'm going to punch you!" She hopped back up on her knees as Nagihiko pounced onto the mattress to join her. He sprawled out on his back shutting his eyes. "Good night!"

Rima gave a fun loving punch and spat distastefully, "That's it?"
Nagihiko began loudly fake snoring making Rima give a scornful look towards him.

She crawled over him sitting on his hard stomach with her knees straddling his sides.
"I guess I'll just let you sleep..."
She gave a lingering kiss on his collarbone. Her fingers danced around his chest finding its way onto the buttons on his plaid shirt. She slowly began unfastening the clasps keeping her glance on his beautiful face-still having his eyes shut.

Once the shirt was loose Rima kissed his bare chest feeling Nagihiko budge slightly. She bit her bottom lip trying not to smile from satisfaction. She leaned forward beside his right ear and whispered angelically, "I love you."

Nagihiko's snoring grew louder making Rima want to try harder. She nuzzled her lips across his. Her long hair tickled Nagihiko's bare skin. She kissed him gradually and gently began running a finger down his stomach and stopped at his belt buckle. She grew impatient and began trying to unhook it. Suddenly firm hands stopped her. She glanced back up seeing his seductive precious eyes staring into hers. He briskly got up and flipped her over until she was underneath him. He hovered over her; his face was centimeters away from hers. He blinked rapidly letting his long black lashes tickle her hot cheeks. She giggled at the butterfly kisses.

"No one loves you as much as I do." He spoke in a desirable tone making her heart remain silent. Her breathing was caught short as she felt frozen hands feel its way under her dress snaking around her bare skin. "Ah-"

Her dress lifted up even more making the chill air welcome her skin. She shivered and Nagihiko had an enticing smile, "What do you think you're doing disturbing someone's slumber?"
Rima blushed deeply making her gasp, "It doesn't count..." His hands invaded her body making her shake. She rustled around a bit making the bed creak. "You weren't really sleeping."

Nagihiko's voice lured her in,
"Is this what you wanted?"
She reached under her dress snatching Nagihiko's hands forcing him to stop, "Go back to sleep!"

Nagihiko removed his hands and gave Rima a tender kiss on her forehead. They gazed into one another's eyes feeling the heat radiate off each other.
His voice was inviting, "Are you sure you want me to go back to sleep?"
The restless blonde couldn't draw her eyes away and shook her head.

They both sank deeper into the pillows. The cold air felt amazing on their hot flesh as they spend the rest of the night with no space between them. They were enclosed and soon let words be replaced by love. The clouds began tumbling in covering the glowing crescent moon. The night sky was dim giving off the perfect atmosphere for the married couple. This would be another night to remember.

A/N- Dear sweet readers, I had so much fun writing this chapter! I hope you love the story so far! What has been your favorite scene so far? Much drama will arrive soon! Please review! I would greatly appreciate it! And it will help me know whether I should continue or not! Thank you! :)