...
"If you had my child. It would make my life complete, just to have your eyes on little me, that'd be mine forever!"
"Next to You," ~ C. Breezy
Please tell me this is a dream. Please tell me this is just one of my creepy, lovesick fantasies. Because if this is real, my dad is going to kill me.
That was the first thing that came to Natsuki's mind. She gaped and spluttered and coughed and choked on her saliva and invisible particles in the air. If the situation weren't so dire, Shizuru might've laughed at the display of astonishment.
"Are you sure?" She whispered. What she really wanted to ask was if Shizuru was sure the baby was hers, but she didn't know how to properly phrase it without it sounding offensive.
Shizuru dipped her head. Her eyes were now obscured by her fringe. Natsuki couldn't help but reach out and brush the offending hairs away.
Damn, the condom must've broke or something.
Suddenly, realization hit her like a freight train. She slapped her hand against her forehead in a manner that would've been more appropriate if she were remembering that she left her homework or an important essay on the kitchen counter and it was due that very same day.
In order for a condom to break you must first in fact use a condom. That was it, that was the single most important detail she'd forgotten in her drunken stupor that night. And now, Shizuru was pregnant because of her irresponsibility.
Pregnant with her baby. It was her sperm fertilizing Shizuru's eggs. And in a few short trimesters, Shizuru would be giving birth to her baby. Assuming she was planning on keeping it, of course.
"Are you going to keep her?" Natsuki asked softly, her heart in her throat.
"Her?" Shizuru echoed.
Natsuki rubbed the back of her neck nervously and gave a meek nod. "Yeah, I can't really produce boys. I don't have the correct genetic code or something like that. I don't know, I never really took the time to figure out why or whatever. The closest thing you'll have to a son, is well, a daughter like me."
She awkwardly gestured to her groin with a furious blush igniting her entire visage.
A daughter, Shizuru thought, suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. She would have a daughter. They would have a daughter. A beautiful little girl.
"I want to keep her, Natsuki." Shizuru whispered softly, her eyes glistening. "I would understand if you didn't want anything to do with me anymore, but you deserved to know. She's your daughter too."
My daughter, Natsuki laughed breathlessly. "Is it weird that I've already imagined us being in this situation? Only we were much older."
Natsuki reached out tenderly and grabbed the back of her hand, kissing her knuckles affectionately, her eyes twinkling with determination. "I won't let you raise her alone, you know. I know we're young or whatever, and some teenagers have the urge to run when shit gets serious, but I'm not, I won't let you do this by yourself."
She closed her eyes and flashed the older girl a dazzling smile. "I don't know if I'll be a good father or not, but I'll sure as hell try. I mean, my dad's not perfect, but she's amazing and I wouldn't trade her for anything, contrary to belief."
Shizuru threw her arms around Natsuki's neck, burying her face into the place where Natsuki's neck met her shoulder, staining it with fresh, salty tears. "Oh, Natsuki."
You will make an excellent father. She will absolutely adore you. Just like I do, Shizuru thought as Natsuki rubbed her back.
After a few tender moments, Shizuru composed herself and pulled back. Natsuki brushed her tears away with the gentle, calloused pads of her thumbs, much like Reito had done the night before. His hands were much softer, but she preferred Natsuki's touch.
"Do your parents know? Have you told them, I mean?" Natsuki asked.
Shizuru looked away as memories of the night before surged through her fragile mind. Honestly, she felt that she had gotten off rather well considering the kind of man her father was. She was expecting a beating or some type of serious physical punishment at least.
"Shizuru?" Natsuki frowned as her fingers came away stained with some sort of thick substance. Some of Shizuru's makeup had been washed away with her tears mixing with the heat of Natsuki's body, revealing the abrasions beneath.
"Did your parents do this?" Natsuki whispered, tracing the contours of the brunette's perfect jawline marred by the deep purple bruises along her cheekbone and below her eye.
"My father did not take well to the news."
Natsuki clenched her fist, an action that did not go unnoticed by Shizuru. "And your mother?"
"She died shortly after I was born."
Her features softened. "I'm sorry."
Shizuru shook her head and leaned further into her touch. "It's okay. It was a long time ago. I hadn't really known her."
"I lost my mom too," Natsuki said softly. "Well, she's not dead. But she might as well be."
Refusing to get caught up in the moment, Natsuki shook her head and said, "Did he…?"
"Yes," Shizuru admitted, already knowing what the question entailed, "I've been staying in a hotel."
Natsuki shook her head furiously, her hair whipping around like a strawberry scented black typhoon. "Stay with me."
"Natsuki, I-" Shizuru began, but Natsuki would have none of it.
"I'm serious, Shizuru. Come and stay with me, us. My dad won't mind. She adores you." Natsuki said fiercely.
"And what of Zhang-san?"
Natsuki snorted. "She doesn't even live there! She has no opinion on the matter. Shizuru, you're carrying my kid, how could I possibly sleep at night knowing you're staying in some creepy hotel by yourself?"
Shizuru really didn't want to impose. It wasn't in her nature. She was an independent young woman who, although is often thrust into the spotlight, didn't particularly like being in it. But she could see in Natsuki's brilliant green eyes that the girl wasn't taking no for an answer.
She dipped her head graciously. "Very well, Natsuki. Thank you." She added tearfully.
"Hey, you know you're part of the family now, right?" Natsuki smiled.
She had been exiled from her family the night before, and offered a new one the next day. For the first time since her exile, she felt… free. She felt free without the weight of the Viola name on her shoulders.
There would be no more formal dinners. No more boring balls. No more creepy, infatuated suitors. No more fake friends lining up to kiss her toes in an effort to win her affection (money). She was just Shizuru now.
She could be whoever she wanted. She could wear ripped jeans and shorts and sweatpants, and wear her hair in messy buns or ponytails. She could stay out after hours with Natsuki and her friends, laughing, joking, play-fighting, and playing cards until the sun came up.
She could be a teenager. (Reasonably, because she is still pregnant).
"Ara, where is Natsuki taking me?" Shizuru asked as the dark-haired girl latched onto her hand and practically dragged her through the hallway.
Natsuki smiled as she detected the familiar Kyoto-ben dialect. "To lunch. I'm starving. You can sit with us, if you want to I mean. I would say let's go get your stuff and head home, but I promised dad that I would stay at school until the final bell rang."
"Ara, I would love to sit with Natsuki and her friends."
Ignoring the gawking stares of shock, jealously, disbelief, and overall shock of witnessing the school's Kaichou with Natsuki Fucking Kruger, she replied, "Our friends. You were accepted the moment you owned Chie with your clever reply to her sexual questions, and you actually knew what Mai was talking about when she was saying something about shoes or something."
"Heels," Shizuru corrected, "Shoes and heels are two completely different things."
"They both go on your feet, why does it matter?" Natsuki chuckled, completely missing the dark glare Shizuru sent her way.
Lunch was about an hour give or take, and they were only gone for about thirty minutes, leaving another good half-hour to spare. The cafeteria was still crowded and musty and smelled like the mystery meat they were serving.
Chie was sitting in between Mai and a dark-haired girl Shizuru didn't recognize. Tate was seated on the end, stuffing himself with chips and soda. Nao was on the opposite end tending to her nails and scoffing at people she didn't like as they passed by.
Another unfamiliar girl was sitting next to the red-head, studiously reading a book. She shared a striking resemblance with Natsuki. They had the same luscious dark locks, delicate, doll-like features, and even the small, adorable curved noses.
But her eyes were a very light brown instead of Natsuki's green.
"Yo, Natsuki," Chie cried, and her lips curved upwards dramatically when she spotted the brunette gracefully lumbering behind her, "Oh, and you've brought me a treat! How thoughtful."
"In your dreams, Hallard," Natsuki growled as she forcefully moved Tate over with the heel of her Nike sandals. "Where's Japanese Bieber?"
Shizuru's smile faltered slightly when she noticed Reito's absence. She'd called him last night after the entire ordeal and he had snuck out to come and see her at the hotel. He ended up leaving around the time the sun had come up.
He was probably exhausted and decided to stay home to catch up on some well-deserved rest.
"Ara, he wasn't feeling well."
"Aw, does that make you sad, Tate?" Nao said, glancing in the dejected boy's direction.
"Yes," He whined, "He's the only one understands me."
The girl beside Nao looked up at Shizuru curiously. Her dark eyes were intense and shimmering with intelligence. She looked like the type of person who took rules and regulations seriously.
"Oh Shizuru, this is my cousin, Nina," Natsuki said, gesturing to her doppleganger, "Nina, this is Shizuru."
"Second cousin. It is an honor, Kaichou-sama," Nina replied respectfully, her beautiful features genuine and filled with silent admiration.
"Ara, the pleasure is all mine." The Kyoto beauty replied. "And please, call me Shizuru."
"Also Nao's boo-thang." Chie added with a wink. "Ain't they just the cutest? They've been together for four years. How many girls can say that?"
"Nobody asked for their relationship summary," Natsuki said, rolling her eyes.
"Y'all hear that?" Nao cupped a hand over her ear. "That sounds like a hater."
Nina's eye-roll was very similar to Natsuki's. Minus their eye colors, they could've been twins. "Nao, you promised that you would start being nice to my dear cousin."
"Second cousin," Natsuki said.
"That's what I said!" Mai said, affectionately rubbing the very feline-like dark-haired girl beside her. She looked like a freshman. Her hair was wild in most places, but was styled into two very long dark braids. Her eyes, however, were very familiar, but she just couldn't figure out why.
"Bad Natsuki. Bad Nao." She chirped and looked up at the carrot-top red-head. "Right, Mai?"
Mai nodded. "That's right, Mikoto."
"Why is the famed Kaichou sitting with a bunch off…" Nina paused, searching for the appropriate term.
"Peasants? Dykes? Norms? Idiots? Commoners?" Nao supplied unhelpfully, nudging her girlfriend's shoulder.
"Because she likes us!" Tate exclaimed. "Right, Shiz?"
Shiz? Shiz.
A nickname. Added or substituted for the proper name of a familiar person. Very popular amongst groups of friends. She truly felt included, watching as all of their expectant stares landed on her, Natsuki's included.
She grinned. "Ara, he's right."
He fist-pumped. "See? told you!"
"Me the best, though right?" Chie waggled her eyebrows.
Shizuru dipped her head apologetically. "Ara, I'm afraid I cannot answer that." She flashed a knowing smile in Natsuki's direction.
"BURN!" Tate instigated loud enough that everyone paused their conversations to look over their shoulders at him.
Nao flipped all the gawkers the bird, and they all returned the gesture. "So, you two official or what? I'm tired of fuckers asking me that shit. Like I fucking care."
"Language, Nao." Nina chided.
"Japanese!" Mikoto chirped. Mai sighed affectionately.
Natsuki tossed a ball of rice in her direction while doing her best to hide her blush. "Get out of my ass, damn." And secretly added, "I'm working on it."
"Personally, I think the Kaichou would be better of with yours truly." Chie said.
"Here we go…" Tate groaned and rolled his eyes.
"She's into bitches," Nao said, "Ain't that right, Pres?"
Shizuru giggled, not at all perturbed by the girl's language anymore. She understood it was the way they communicated. "Natsuki is nothing of the sort."
"Ugh, what does Natsuki have that I don't?" Chie demanded.
"A Penis!" Mikoto yelled boisterously, once again gathering the attention of the entire cafeteria. She looked up at Mai, who was trying her hardest not to laugh. "Right, Mai?"
Natsuki face-palmed.
Nao face-palmed.
Nina face-palmed.
Tate burped.
Shizuru laughed behind her hand.
Mikoto smiled.
"Oi, BUBUZUKE!" Haruka's voice boomed through the cafeteria as she entered through the west wing. Some kids got up and ran in the opposite direction. Others ducked under tables, Natsuki included. She hadn't served her detention for 'disturbing the peace.'
"Don't do anything gay down there," Nao said.
Haruka stomped over with Yukino in tow. "What are you doing shitting with these delinquents…"
Nina cleared her throat pointedly.
"Sitting, Haruka..."
"... And Nina Wang?"
Shizuru smiled. "Ara, isn't it obvious? I'm having lunch with my friends."
Haruka blinked. "Friends?! Since when?!"
"Since she discovered the presence of Chie Ha-" Chie broke off as she was struck in the knee by the only individual under the table. Natsuki snickered to herself.
"You should be eating with people of your status!" Haruka insisted. "Not these hoodlums!"
"Hoodlums?" They echoed.
"Ara, Haruka-san shouldn't be so judgmental. I rather like 'these' people." Shizuru's voice was soft but her eyes were hard.
Haruka's frown deepened. Her brows lowered and her jaw was set. She shook her head in such a way it reminded Shizuru of her father. "Fine, do as you please."
And with that, the boisterous blonde stalked off. Yukino smiled apologetically on her friend's behalf and scurried after her. Natsuki popped up.
"And good riddance!" She barked as she returned to her seat. "What the hell crawled up her ass and died?"
"Believe it or not, she wasn't always like that." Shizuru said softly, her eyes growing distant as she remembered the countless times she and Haruka had played in the sand when they were tiny little girls with no care in the world.
Haruka hadn't been so judgmental then.
Natsuki's hand grasped hers underneath the table. Her tattooed fingers folded over her barren ones, nearly encasing it completely. She squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"People change." Tate said.
"Humans are such fickle creatures." Nina added before she went back to her book.
"People suck." said Mikoto. "Right, Mai?"
"Some -a lot- the majority, yes. But some are different." Mai replied softly, stroking the girl's head.
As the group of friends resumed their playful banter, Shizuru thought deeply about Mai's words. Her crimson orbs fell upon Natsuki. The dark-haired young woman was leaning back against the wall, her eyes soft yet intense as she was once again caught up in another argument with Nao.
Her thumb stroked the back of Shizuru's hand. Her beauty never ceased to amaze the brunette. She couldn't help but think about their baby. Natsuki was different. Physically, most certainly. Mentally, she could be unpredictable. But as a person, the girl had a lot of guts.
She could've easily bolted and never looked back. But instead, she made the mother of her unborn child a promise; a promise to stay. A promise to love the tiny being that would be in her arms in a few short trimesters.
Shizuru brought her unoccupied hand to her lips and pressed a gentle kiss to her fingers before brushing them on the back of Natsuki's hand. The girl paused and glanced her way with those beautiful, intense green eyes of hers.
And she smiled a smile that would be engraved in Shizuru's memory for the rest of eternity.
...
Hours after school had let out, Shizuru and Natsuki were lounging on the girl's bed, simply basking in the comfortable silence that had taken hold of them. Natsuki's head was in the brunette's lap, and Shizuru's fingers were absentmindedly moving through the dark strands.
Her bags were in Natsuki's closet. They had stopped by the hotel after school to retrieve Shizuru's things. Natsuki had been silent throughout the whole ordeal, but Shizuru had witnessed the clenching and unclenching of her fists and jaw as she lugged her bags through the door.
She was furious with Shizuru's father. She wanted to find him and beat the bastard into a bloody pulp then stomp him out until he was nothing but grime on the bottom of her shoe. But she knew that wouldn't be the wisest thing to do.
They decided to keep Shizuru's pregnancy a secret.
Even though the girl technically didn't have anything more to lose, she was still a well-respected, highly sought-after individual and the idol of the school, not to mention the famed Kaichou. Their friends, as well as Natsuki's father, would be informed when Shizuru was later in the pregnancy stage.
Shizuru didn't want Regan to be angry at Natsuki if she found out her daughter had gotten her pregnant. She knew Regan wouldn't do anything too drastic, but she didn't want to burden the woman with the news just yet.
She was still unsure about staying at the Kruger house-hold. Although Natsuki had reassured her that it would be fine, Shizure still couldn't shake the feeling of imposement.
"Watcha thinkin' about?" Natsuki asked.
"Everything," Shizuru replied, "Baby names."
It was only meant as a tease, but Natsuki couldn't help entertain the jest. "Hm, what have you got so far?"
"I've always liked 'Kaya.'" Shizuru admitted.
"Kaya," Natsuki tasted the name on her lips a few times and found that she liked it. "'Kaya' or 'Kaiya?'"
"Ara, what's the difference?"
"K-A-Y-A and K-A-I-Y-A."
"Hm," Shizuru said, "K-A-I-Y-A. Forgiveness."
"Or Keira?" Natsuki offered.
"Ara, Killer, most certainly not," Shizuru chided as she swatted Natsuki's nose.
Natsuki laughed. "Not a fan of Death Note then I guess. But not K-I-R-A, K-E-I-R-A. Light; sun."
"Namiko." Shizuru said. "Child of Nami; Wave."
"That's my Obaa-san's name." Natsuki informed her. "Hey, speaking of Obaa-san, you've gotta meet her one day. She'll love you. Ren? Water Lily?"
"Suki; Beloved."
"Hana; Flower."
"Michiko; Beautiful, Wise Child."
"This is harder than I thought." Natsuki blew out a breath and buried her face into Shizuru's belly. "I really like Keira, though."
"Ara, and I really like Kaiya." Shizuru whispered.
"How about this, when the kid is born, we flip on it. Tails for Keira. Heads for Kaiya? Deal?" Natsuki said.
Shizuru smiled softly and gave a brief nod. Natsuki inhaled Shizuru's lovely scent and pressed her forehead against the clothed skin of her lower belly.
I really can't wait to meet you, Natsuki thought, I never even thought about kids until today, but… Is it possible for me to love you more than anything even though I haven't met you yet? Plus, you're still only the size of Tate's brain…
I hope you look like your mommy because, believe me when I say that she is literally the most beautiful thing to ever walk this planet.
But then again, I hope not because I already don't like the idea of boys (OR GIRLS!) fawning all over you.
One final thought crossed Natsuki's mind as she nodded off to the wonderful feeling of hands running through her hair and her forehead pressed against the pregnant young woman's belly.
Daddy loves you… Keira/Kaiya.
...
Chapter Preview:
"Dad, it's cool if Shizuru stays with us for a while, right?"
Regan paused in her ministrations of tampering with her motorcycle to glance at her daughter. "Sure, but is there a reason why she doesn't want to be at home?"
"Her dad's a jackass." Was Natsuki's evasive yet informal reply.
Regan pursed her lips. "Fair enough, but if her old man comes looking for her, you're dealing with him. I'm not being held responsible for a 'kidnapping.'"
"Thanks, dad," Natsuki said, grinning like a fool.
"No need to thank me, kid. She's a wonderful girl and I like her a lot. If her dad can't appreciate that then he's an idiot. Besides, it'll be nice to have a woman around the house, don't you think?"
More Shiznat/Adorable Daddy!Natsuki fluff on the way. Next few chapters will be a fluff-fest with some pregnancy hormone induced smut before things get dark.
For those of you wondering where Senoh Aoi is, she'll make her appearance sooner or later, and in a fashion that will have you scratching your head and going,"eh?"
Sorry for the lateness, Summer School + Arkham Knight + Granddaddy OG/Durban Poison/Skywalker Kush is quite a distraction! R&R, tell me how you like it, have a good one!