The Second Society
"Congratulations! You're pregnant." that is the last thing I wanted to hear. But the "Fuck you" I blurted out was my cue to bolt from that uncomfortable doctor's office.
Yes, I was wrong. No, I wouldn't go and apologise. I decided not to embarrass myself any further as this was the third doctor - in a week!
They all conclude the same thing.
Pregnant.
Repeatedly, the tests were all positive and my mind is still in denial. This was not possible, not even a reality for someone like me.
All those at-home tests, and the blood results are all positive.
I tried to avoid doctors all my life, mostly because I rather not hear their clinical empathy or see their "This can happen to anyone" look on their face.
The worst time of my life was spending time at the doctors, it was the beginning of the end for my fantasy of a happy life. Always getting bad news.
We all have those thoughts, wondering and lingering in our mind once we find the right person. Whatever "right" really means at the time of our lives when we meet them, learn to live by their side and can't imagine our life without them.
But, for me, that ended two years ago.
My feet feel heavy, but I still stride towards the office, all I can do is repeat my new and favourite way to cope with my current denial.
Work until I drop.
However, I know as I type away on my computer, sweating and stressing, those curious eyes are on me. Again. I love my job, and I love getting enough pay to live comfortably and safe enough for my independence, aside from needing the job to continue this charade.
Ever since I began sporting these black pumps and the lovely work appropriate clothing I have learned to use on my favour as part of a management team, and getting people to finally take me seriously, I am a new person.
Don't get me wrong, I still have those washed down and well-worn overalls and mountain boots I keep for those days I want to feel in touch with the old me. Sadly, those moments keep feeling like miles away and I am moving so fast that I might crash at any moment.
I can't go back; I can't knock at my parents door after I had exploded on them a year ago and much less drag my ass to his front porch – that I know has lilies planted on cute, coloured pots lining the entry – and yell at him for all those painful years I had worked so hard to forget.
Also – therapy is expensive.
I hated his house; it was still the same as it always has. Every now and then I hope it becomes vacant or a new owner would take over – destroy the previous essence of the house and build a new one.
But that was just wishful thinking. If I wanted to forget and get over the past – I had to push those thoughts and face the facts.
The reality.
I became my own person, turned my career around and put a fire under my ass to push forward into the corporate world to gain the job I needed.
Me, Sakura Haruno, the loser from Little Konoha and laughingstock of my hometown, has now ruined her life again by choosing to get drunk and shoot my shot with a man I knew I would never see again.
Me, pregnant…
A pregnant woman who told the third doctor in a row to go fuck themselves and ran out of the hospital like a coward.
I wish this was just another sick nightmare and I would just close my eyes as tightly as possible until my head hurt… but when I peak them open, slowly with fat tears gathering at the corners of my eyes, all I see is my screen.
A blurry screen with numbers, names and more that I had to organize, file and store away before my boss would notice my stalling.
I took a deep breath, long and shaky. Glancing around, I could see the rows of offices and workers passing by. Everyone busy with their own troubles and turbulations. All working, chatting, clicking away. I could hear the printer a few doors down go on and on – I think Ino got to the printer before Misses Ann would come back from her break and complain about the buzzing noise it caused, claiming it "disturbing her energy".
Whatever, I don't mind the buzzing of machines, we all have glass doors we can just shut and even blinds to keep away from lingering eyes and noise from our cubicles.
Maybe I should have closed everything up and stay hidden, but I soon found myself realising that I developed some form of claustrophobia and can't stand the lack of air flow coming from the vents. I had one small vent, but it no longer felt enough.
Being a manager's assistant for the Associates Management Department was just a fancy name for the group in charge of corporate events and gatherings hosted by the many shareholders from various companies that fall under the same umbrella – plus other connections made with possible acquaintances.
We organise the place, the people and they take get to drink and dine like royals.
Cheers to being rich… I guess.
My place in the company wasn't particularly high but the pay was well enough to deal with the bulge of the jobs thrown at me from higher ups. You know – when the bosses boss wants to leave early and can't be bothered with meaningless tasks.
Or anyone who is lazy and has plenty of minions at their disposal to lessen their workload.
The glass and drywall felt like they were closing in inch by inch every time I entered the small office. On my first day, it felt huge and comfortable enough to meet all my needs and even hide during lunch time as I was too embarrassed to go out and eat alone.
Not to mention I was still hiding from my previous bad decisions in life as I tried to make better choices.
That ball dropped quickly on my stomach once again, my head was pounding with my stomach in knots, my mind was a mess. The soft clicking of heels on a carpet caught my attention, I didn't have to glance up to know who it was. "I need you to take the day off."
What?
I couldn't help but glance up harshly and lock eyes with my boss. Miss Izumi was not happy, clearly as her hands met her hips and he looked down on me from her nose. "Sorry, I-" she cut me off with her hand.
"I won't repeat myself; you need to take an aspirin or something and come back tomorrow with a better attitude and stop dragging yourself in my company." she had a habit of calling the Konoha Corporation her own company, but I have heard the office chatter.
This company was owned by many members, plus the many branches had other families taking over them with shares and assets spread like butter on a toaster – it was nearly impossible to know every single family, but the main ones did matter – to her at least.
She shared the same last name belonging to a prominent family in town, a very quiet and secret group with less social activity than most.
According to Miss Chiyo, they go by other names to avoid scrutiny and prefer to keep their name off the press.
She did not own anything – not yet anyway – you never know who owns what unless you are in the loop… as in… belonging to the families involved.
Unless her direct family owns slice of the cake, another possibility.
For all I know, she has been the only member who boasts openly in front of employees about her "blood line". That was enough to run a shiver down my spine. A very uncomfortable one.
I won't judge, she will eventually become an important member as her work was praised on every company event I had been to so far – Events she managed and hosted as the head of the department I work in. She even won a couple of awards by the city and the University for her achievements in the academy and the many Charity events organized on her name.
I guess inviting important people to spend money was a big thing here.
Izumi Uchiha had a better future than me - a single and pregnant woman who can't handle harsh truths or even one round of morning sickness.
Said morning sickness is a lie, it happens at all hours of the day!
Every few days I lose more weight, my ex would have been happy. But I might disappear in the next few months if this keeps going, unlike the tall and model-like woman in front of me.
My mind wondered to her person. If she was in my position, she probably would already be married and praised for carrying her first child. The entire office would organize her baby shower, hell… she might even get a second baby shower with her wealthy family members and given amazing bonuses, pay and time off until she returns to the work force – if she wanted to.
For all I knew, she might be set for life being born with her last name. even those who marry into a good family can just retire early and enjoy their life.
Unless you marry an awful controlling and psychotic family.
I didn't get those vibes from her. Honestly, she was the kind of person who would rather return to her high achieving position while being praised constantly than staying home and caring for anyone.
Maybe she would move to a nice big home with a lovely and envious front yard, have a spacious and picturesque backyard. Her home would be on a cover of a magazine, she would appear on TV with many headlines over her fashion sense, her new life, perfect husband, and a child on the way that marks the beginning of a perfect family.
I wanted that… minus the attention. I could live my life never being plastered on any screen, magazine, or blog. Just happily ever after in the perfect situation to bring up a child.
At least a stable one.
As of instinct, my hand reached for my barely-there baby bump - It's probably just gas, but I could already imagine how much bigger the little bean is going to get. I wanted it to have everything it would ever need and more.
It's too soon to find out anything other than I'm at least two months pregnant and have nothing to offer than homemade dishes my mum taught me years ago. I had to work this out, it won't be done in one night though.
With little enthusiasm, I pick my bag and gather up my thoughts before heading out of the skyscraper of a building I work at. Avoiding the elevator or I would paint the walls and ruin my day even more. The stairs would give me time to gather my thoughts as I reached the entrance.
The fresh air of the mid-afternoon hits me like a warm hug, it's not bad for July as the rain had washed away the heatwave that caused me to go to the hospital in the first place when this all started.
I thought it was just a flu or a bug caused by the intense heat and temperature change, but no. it's a little bean growing withing me as I try and hold my food down every second of the day.
The prenatal vitamins and dieticians recommendations arrived on my doorstep a few days ago. I had that awkward call about my medical history and current diet to figure out how we could treat and stop the intense symptoms to have a normal pregnancy.
God, I craved normalcy.
My main doctor is lovely, she seems to know more than most doctors I've ever met and really lets me know what I need to hear every time, no matter how harsh that may be. Dr Tsunade is amazing, and I can't be happier to have found her… she's going to kill me once she gets a call from Dr Adam about my outburst this morning…
Great.
She knows what I am going through - at least she takes some pity on me. I am not the only woman she treats, but I am one of those from a small selection of unplanned pregnancies with a lack of connections with the father.
And no support system…
Dam, another issue I had to work out.
An unplanned pregnancy and with no father to name on the birth certificate stirred my mind to a future I was afraid of… not to mention the bad history over my uterus refusing to be normal until I decided to swing a shot of God-knows-what and get into bed with a total stranger… that remains a total stranger to this day.
Well… not that big of a stranger.
I was too embarrassed to see his face in the morning with a hangover and bad breath that I just tiptoed my bare ass out of the room and ran to my apartment in a stolen navy button up shirt I had to use as a dress, thin heels and vanishing underwear and dress.
The walk of total shame.
At least the guard was nice about it and didn't even bat an eye while I sneaked out with smeared makeup and stumbled my way into the streets with only my purse to hold my ground.
My doctor, however, found it hilarious until we got the results, and my life turned upside down. She knew full well how I felt about children and how hard it was for me to find peace with my failed past relationships.
I entered my apartment with defeat written all over me, a wave of exhaustion working its way up. At least my doctor would assure me that everything will be ok. Since I don't have anyone to tell me, she took it upon herself to do it. We haven't even known each other that long.
After waking up in the hospital, afraid and struggling to sit up from the nausea, she was right there on top of everything. Like an angel dropped from heaven to save this poor fool from their bad decisions. The woman is the pillar I needed to cope with the news.
But I found out quite quickly that she won't hold back on her thoughts and put me in my place every time I fall into that dark hole I had lived in for many years.
It's only been a few weeks since the many tests she requested came back all to the same conclusion…
I don't need therapy when I have Tsunade…
And a baby…
Right now, said baby needs to be healthy and strong to survive my unwilling body. I b-line to the kitchen to find some snacks my nutritionist recommended, water and began to undress. Lately I can't stand most of my clothes, my skin feels sensitive and feverish with anything that isn't as soft and cool as possible.
I must meet my daily calories and nutrients; the next visit is this weekend over my body's recovery. Last month I was so malnourished from the nausea that the doctor threatened to place an IV on my arm 24/7.
I hate needles.
Guilt gripped my heart and throat once I got the positive blood test, I had put myself and an innocent and vulnerable baby in danger from my own bad habits and aversion from medical care. The doctors have my medical history, they know exactly why I stay away from them.
Turning my TV on a reality show about dating, I found myself back to my old ways… eating and being a couch potato until the end of the day.
Only this time, I can't cry until I fall asleep or eat ice creams – since I will end up hugging the toilet – or avoid showering until I need to go out for more supplies.
It doesn't help knowing I was in the same position after my one-night stand and found myself in a pity party by myself realising I would never find anyone right and end up alone.
Now… I will never be alone. I think as my hand reaches for my little one. I whisper a soft "sorry" before I start munching and drinking water.
Baby steps.
There is no going back, and I am not making the same mistakes again. Ever.
I finally caved in, the next day I asked Ino to sit with me at my desk during lunch hour to talk. It was our girl time whenever we closed the blinds and gushed over anything and everything at work. When we could not hold information until we clock out – she would always have plans after work and recently I don't feel up for it. Her excitement hit the roof thinking I had some new gossip she would sink her teeth into.
But it slowly dimmed into worry when she sat down peering into my teary eyes. "Oh, are you still sick?" she wondered "How bad is it?" her hand reached for mine on the desk, our lunch ignored.
Her worry pinched at my heart; I did fill her in on most of my life since we clicked back when we were just starting our adult lives. She is the reason I got this job opportunity and the one who dragged me to the Emergency room when I collapsed.
She held my hands throughout my heartbreaks and emotional outburst, sent me baskets of food, painkillers and kept calling to check on me while I got the worst side effects of my period. It was an embarrassing time, but I have managed to subdue them with medications and Dr Tsunade was on top of those issues.
"Remember the charity event almost two months ago?" the blond nodded slowly. Her blue eyes studied me with uncertainty if she should guess or wait for my staling to end.
The knot in my throat was suffocating me, she knew I had a crush on the men who frequented those work events and parties I was rarely invited to join. The blond and I both shared and gushed over how well they smelled, we always tried to avoid looking like teenagers in love or make a fool of ourselves. We knew it was nothing we could ever achieve, but it was fun to keep the delusion open.
Due to some family issues, she was unable to attend to the last event I was invited to – Ino is always on the guest list – I am not. Her family owned a few company shares and I was just another employee compared to her. Even if we both worked on the same floor.
I gulped down my shame and decided where to start "Do you know who Grumpy is?" Yes, we gave them code names. We couldn't really use their names even if we knew them, it would be too obvious. Since we both liked fairy tales, we decided to give these men nicknames from those characters that made it fun and easy to recognise – like Grumpy from Snow White.
I knew she had more knowledge about them, mostly their names. But I rather not indulge too much into them if I had to focus on my life rather than doting on someone who will never even glance my way.
Her eyes narrowed "Why do you need to know that?" she whispered, already knowing it was a topic to avoid. The nicknames helped us avoiding trouble in the company as it seemed to be a rule to keep the certain names out of gossip, especially those who ranked higher than us. She tried to brighten the mood "You had a one-night stand. Are you going on stalking the man now?" her humour died quickly as my mood soured.
I could feel the tug from my displeasure not going through to her, my frown more evident as hers turned into worry "Did he threaten you?" Ino squeezed my hands reassuringly and waited for my answer. She let out a breath after I quickly shook my head in denial.
I don't like how hard it is to speak, as if my body rejected this – I didn't want to worry her. I could feel the bile creeping up and I needed to know his name. It has been years since I was intimate with anyone, let alone have a one-night stand – that was a first.
Running away to hug the always clean and pristine work toilet was not in my plans, that would cause more alarms. This place had a reputation for being clean and respectful. Having a sickly employee going around would raise flags and I did not want that.
I sucked in the smell from the steamy tea – a recommended blend from the doctor – and held on to the warm cup while she folded her hands back, anticipating more from me "I left my earrings at his place." I concluded with a lie "They were expensive and my favourite."
The blond let out a groan and almost laughed as her shoulders rolled back to adjust herself "Just ask for another round, I am sure he won't mind if you play your cards right." she winked at me. But I noticed her pose was still tense, she did have a crush on him – just like me – and hers has been going on for years before I was in her life.
Now I felt bad. We did agree to encourage each other to pursue a change with any of them if they even glanced at us. It just does not feel right anymore. At first it was just a delusional thought and bonding experience, now that I took a bite out of the cake – I found myself drowning in icing.
The stupid luck of mine.
"The next event will be hosted in one of their properties. The Senju family are hosting a charity event and the Uchiha chose to lend them one of their towns houses up North. Isn't that exciting! It's secluded and surrounded by mountain range." her excitement was met with my nerves. "I will be there, don't worry." she smiled encouragingly. But I knew better, it would ruin our friendship if she knew I was expecting a baby from one of those powerful men who frequented those events. I hated that truth.
Money is power.
The only reason I had the guts to approach Grumpy was because Ino was not there, and I decided to drink anything they served at the bar. It was a bad idea, I know – I just… - Ino began to gush over her new dress, it was going to outshine every girl a mile away until my mind finally catches up to her previous words. "When did you say this event is being held?" I did not hear about this before, usually Izumi gives us a brief announcement and hand picks those who she will want present at the events organized by her. There were mostly small and short gatherings of shareholders to keep them busy.
Dinners, birthdays, special news, important dates. Not a place to bring extra eyes. Those bigger events with even the media involved were held every month to every few months. I wasn't pictured but mainly helped things run smoothly from the inside.
Fix a table over there, help a guest to the entrance over there. Help the bar tender prepare the toasts and more. You name it, we would cover as much ground as we could to avoid any issues or unhappy rich families having a bad opinion over the main organizer – Izumi.
She only wants us to be her assistants or help her look good, basically her little minions. If she goes to the event alone, she will have no one to boss around and keep certain people entertained. My gut twisted as I remembered the older man she had me keep away from her during most of the times I am invited. He is nice, just a little… too nice? He is a writer, a very popular one, for men. His books are sensationally open to anyone who can read them without dying from a nosebleed.
Amongst other very important studies and reports that have received awards – but he never speaks of those.
I recently searched for one of those books he likes to speak of and will never admit that to anyone. Ever.
The old man would be pleasant and even melt your heart with the sweet talk about his old age and how much he loved to tell pretty women how they shined at these events. Then, he would drink until he was a slobbering mess and would laugh loud enough to scare the guests away – and wondering hands. It all seemed like the best tactic to leave when he found himself done with all the clean ties and tight dresses. When he was ready to move the party elsewhere.
More than a few times he tried to persuade me to join him, wherever he goes to, and every time I just tell him to go catch some sleep. He wouldn't push though, and that is what made the old man different than the rest of those annoying pigs that got an invite to spend stupid amounts of money in hopes of convincing one of the pretty girls to join them for drinks… and whatever they plan in the dark.
I always had my pepper spray.
Sometimes I wondered if they invited some of the much nicer looking women to these events to – you know – make the event look less like a bunch of rich old men and bring over the youth's most popular faces like models, singers, popular celebrities. I remember seeing some A-list actors I recalled from the movies Ino and I would watch on our skin care nights at my place.
I really did not want to lose my chance to find Grumpy, I will have to avoid Mr Jiraiya. I'll apologise later "Um. Maybe next month. I'll find the invite later. Why don't you ask Izumi? She gave them out yesterday, you weren't here- Oh! How are you doing?" she suddenly changed the topic, her blue eyes scanning every detail she could of my form.
I smiled and shook my head, hiding my shaking hands "Nothing to worry about, just a stomach bug. I went to the doctors and got all I needed; Mis Izumi was kind enough to give me another day to recover." Her eyes told me she barely believed my bluff.
"Come on, she wasn't being nice. All she wanted was to avoid having you on the toilet again, there's been some complaints." she leaned forward and whispered, "Some even said you might be pregnant." my blood ran cold "But that is impossible!" She huffed, shaking her head dismissing the rumours, she knew I had issues with the topic and our chat changed back to the normal girl talk.
My thoughts kept running wild, if she thinks I am pregnant, I am done. Next time I'll lock the bathroom door or find another place to barf – or just avoid food until I get home?
Nothing was going in my favour. How am I going to last another month until I get to speak to him? My nerves have been frying since I found out I was pregnant, and it just keeps getting worse and worse!
At the end of the workday, I waited until everyone left. I knew Izumi had stayed a little longer and approached her office.
I knocked "Come in." her sharp tone was not encouraging at all, but I continued, holding on to my purse a little tighter than I wanted to in front of my stomach, my mind convincing me to cover when there wasn't much showing at all "Oh. How are you feeling Mis Haruno?" she asked after a brief glance and returned her attention to her computer.
Her office was a dream compared to what I had, but it meant she was on a higher level. Completely out of the pages of a high-end furniture magazine. In the centre, cream-coloured armchairs with light wooden coffee tables on top of a matching rug for visitors in front of her desk. Her desk was sleek glass held on steel supports that made it look so stylish and effortless near all her filing cabinets that blended into her white walls that matched the blinds.
The light shined brightly every day in here from floor length windows to her left as she faced the entrance of her spacious office. Her figure would always overpower her office with her long dark brown hair she always styled in layered waves. Stylish work attire with high heels accentuating her long legs the desk would show off.
That's why her office always looked simple but luxurious, she wanted to be the centre of attention rather than a nice rug. A stark contrast from the shameful situation I was in. I stopped in front of her desk trying to make myself smaller.
I smiled, biting my tongue to keep myself from nauseating thoughts "I am doing much better, thank you for giving me a day to recover." I bowed deeply and almost saw white as my body protested. Lunch was forgotten, and in the bin, or I would be spotted rushing to the bathroom again. Slowly I straightened myself and her eyes where now on me "I came to see if I was needed for the Senju Charity event. I –"
"You will not be need, thank you Mis Haruno. You can go now." she interrupted, abruptly. Before I could protest, she continued "Actually, you will not be needed in any other event from now on." her computer was forgotten as she stood and stared me down, she was taller than me and I had to look up "I have been receiving complaints about you, plenty of them." her arms folded over her luxurious blue top, her manicured nails tapping on her skin with irritation "Last time you were invited to the Welcoming party celebrations for the new investors. Where you not?" her tone was sharp at the end.
I nodded, shaking more than I wanted "Yes or no Mis Haruno!?" she demanded.
"Y-Yes." I hated how my body flinched. My blood ran cold, the nausea forgotten and now replaced with the need to run and hide.
Her eyes followed my every movement "Mis Sano saw you stumbling drunk onto one of our most esteemed clients and basically throw yourself at him like a cat in heat. Did you not!?" Shame washed over me. I was tipsy - but I don't remember acting like that.
I shook my head "That is not how-"
"Did you not leave the event with him!?" her tone was sharp, cutting me of. I could feel my eyes burn with tears; this was my personal business.
"I did, but-"
"But nothing! I want to know what this is." she briefly turned to her desk and pulled a white envelope with the name of the clinic I recently visited. My eyes widened as I spotted my name on it "Were you planning to find him at the event and present these papers? Use this to extort him? You want money, connections?" her questions where absurd and untrue, but she insisted on dragging me by the arm.
"Hey- No! That hurts!" I tried to pull back, my body feeling the rush of adrenaline as her nails dig into my arm. But her grip was stronger, and I found myself smashing against the elevator's carpeted floor, my knees burning.
"Let's go meet him." she stated as she entered the elevator and pressed a button "He would like to hear it from you directly, the sooner the better." she smiled, smugly.
This is not how I wanted this to go, the place was almost empty as I noticed no one entered the elevator. I held on to the bars as I had taken the stairs to avoid the horrible nausea. I held on tight as the silence grew stronger. Finally, the doors opened, and I could breathe again. Her grip caught me once more as I tried to make a leave the enclosed and suffocating space "He is this way." She dragged me once more across the floor. I noticed the rows of offices and desks were all empty and it was getting dark.
We stopped in front of large double doors, pristine dark wood and a golden plaque engraved with "Chief Executive Officer". My eyes widened.
This is the wrong person.
I do admit crushing over the CEO of the company I worked in. He was always so tall and imposing when he spoke about the many projects he managed withing the company. He was always smart and well educated in a way that was intimidating. His attitude was so perfect around everyone and Ino even said he was a little too perfect. That made me very confident that he would never even give me a glimpse of attention, but I still wondered how he looked like with a real smile.
Not to mention his position was the highest, there was no reason to even grace the air he breathes.
He had been appointed as the head of the company overlooking every and any enhancement made withing the umbrella of companies. A new housing development? He was on top of it. Placing a new ward on the Senju Hospital? He had his team making sure it went smoothly.
He was the one to look over and approve any projects made within under the other companies, effectively managing the process into its completion.
Don't ask how the cluster of money is pushed around the shareholders… that is his business – not mine.
He even made sure we had a decent workplace, and resting areas filled with nature and sunlight. Compared to the other places I had worked at; this one was heaven.
I feel bad thinking about the time I ruined one of his gardens when I fell on the beautiful lilies. It was hot outside and all I wanted was to smell the flowers, but I couldn't get up as a dizzy spell hit me after crunching down trying to get closer and I crushed them with my dumb butt.
That was when I ended up waking up in the hospital and meeting Tsunade.
"What are we doing here?" I turned to Izumi. Her eyes were sharp as she waited for an answer on the other side. I could hear a short "Come in" before she rushed me inside and I found myself even more confused.
The smell was intoxicating and calming, my nausea was gone the second I engulfed myself with the musky and slightly sweet sent that lingered in the room. But I had no chance to enjoy myself as the hand on my arm gripped me harder and dragged me to sit on a chair.
Right in front of the man who could kill you with his stare. I only knew him by title – and a nickname- , never being presented to him or been to enough events to get to know him at all.
This company only called people by their title… another weird requirement to maintain strict work environment and names away from mouths.
Everyone knew where he came from and how smart he was – rich family and connections. That is all you need to know about him – many families moved mountains to maintain their names out of people's lips unless they were worthy enough. It can get confusing when people address you only by a work name. They always used titles. I wanted to glance away, but I couldn't break eye contact, this was my first time being this close to the man.
Ino and I call him Sleeping Beauty, by the way. After he fell asleep on a party – pictures were taken, and the exact moment where Prince Charming slapping him on the head to wake him up was captured by my phone camera – he doesn't know that.
The name stuck after we found out he would take his naps and even spend the night at work just to complete his projects early… he needs an assistant.
Our staring contest broke as Izumi slammed the papers in her hand on the desk "You got another one, Itachi." she spoke his name with such closeness that it made my stomach turn. His eyes lingered slightly on us before he took my clinic summary and opened it slowly. His gaze finally turning away from me "How do you plan to deal with this one?" she smirked and took a seat next to me, getting herself comfortable and staring at him with a gleam on her eyes.
I wanted to run.
Swiftly, he placed the paperwork in front of me, with less force than Izumi had. He looked like he was just handing them back to someone after they dropped them. I snatched them back with shaky hands. These have my private medical details from that visit. No one should have the right to read them, my face burned with anger.
"Mis Haruno?" he questioned, even though I liked how he spoke, there was not a drop of emotion on his tone "Congratulations on your pregnancy." his tone changed at the end, a colder note than ran chills down my back.
Izumi scoffed and tried to contain her laughter "Oh please. Those can be forged easily. I spoke with the clinic." my eyes widened, and I turned to her, why would she do that? "The nurse said you paid in cash and left in a hurry. " Her eyes were filled with humour "What kind of joke is this? Next time go to a more prestigious clinic rather than a small rundown place from a sketchy neighbourhood. You are not the only idiot who has tried this before."
I wanted to protest, to shout at her for diving into my confidential medical information but that would make me sound even more suspicious. When had she even taken them? I turned to Itachi. His gaze stared us down disapprovingly for a brief second before he went back to his stone exterior. He did not know me, why would he believe me?
I felt defeated as Izumi's laughter echoed in the room "Mis Haruno." I couldn't stare at him, not anymore. My hands wrinkled the papers – feeling exposed over such violation of privacy. – "How much do you want?" he asked coldly.
Confused, I glance back and forth between Izumi and Itachi "This is what you wanted, is it not?" she explained. At the corner of my eye, I could see him get something from his desk drawer and began to write.
The pen hitting paper alerted me to the check book on the desk "This is what we can offer to a woman who tries to claim one of us for a pregnancy scandal." he explained, not a single emotion on his tone. Detached as if I wasn't a person to them "We will promise this amount if you agree to stay silent and never coming back." the word "never" was dragged like a warning as he slid the check in front of me. Then, he placed a larger document and a pen "Just sign, and you can leave with enough money to start somewhere else."
I was in shock, my throat felt dry, and the knot tightened my vocal cords. I shook my head, unable to speak. My legs shook as I tried to ground my feet on the carpeted floor. My heels digging themselves into the ground as I wanted the ground to eat me.
A sickening thought made my stomach drop. He had those papers ready and who knows what they would do if I accepted anything to keep me quiet. They could take my baby away from me. And I did not want to think about the measures they would take if they believed me or not.
I was open to the idea of having a DNA test if they wanted, after all, it was a consensual one-night stand with a stranger. Hell, I would ask for one in their position. I was planning to follow that route if they asked.
Even consider letting him sign away his parental rights, legally.
Not this.
These people do not care about anyone or anything as long as their image stays untainted in the eyes of the public. I felt stupid as I realised how well they kept appearances even as this hasn't been the first time a woman ended up like me. Like Izumi said – weather they were saying the truth or not.
Just like me, there's more and will be more.
I felt sick.
A heard Izumi fuming next to me with irritation "Just sign the documents and leave." she snapped.
I almost protested out of anger. This was too much. What did they mean by this? Was I just another conquest who ended up knocked-up by a rich man with powerful connections who would silence and buy themselves out of responsibilities?
I had to leave, run away from these people. I knew this was not the man I had a one-night stand with, and I am glad I didn't "Do you not remember her, Itachi? She thinks you are the father of her baby." the woman mocked. Her hands ran through her long dark hair as she spoke to him. She was flirting with him while mocking me "Poor little girl, why don't you just tell her you don't want to see her ever again?"
Itachi just stared at me, dark gaze that matched his midnight hair. Even for a man with long hair tied loosely to his back, his appearance was more welcoming than his intense gaze. Not a single lose strand on his head or a crease in his dark blue suit "We have never spoken before." he explained "Whoever you believe fathers the child will never claim you." and with that, he concluded his explanation and waited for me to sign the papers.
Claim?
No, I will never do such a thing. This is not the man who stared at me with want and desire on that night, even though I had fantasies about him as well. He wasn't even there. I would have noticed.
With one hand gripping my purse and the other holding on to the chair, I stood carefully. Fixing my skirt and taping my heels to make sure I wasn't a mess before I spoke "Go fuck yourself." I hissed. Ignoring how his eyes widened, I turned on my heel and marched my way out of his office.
"Hey! You're fired!" I heard Izumi shout before I closed the door behind me. I wanted to cry. Exhaustion gripped at my bones as I walked slowly down the stairs.
One step at a time, I had to get home.
By the time I was near home, it was getting cloudy. My apartment complex is not too big, but the neighbourhood was nice. Parking was easy – considering I pay for it. Another thing to write off my list of expenses, I couldn't afford to maintain my small comforts.
The city lights illuminated my way to the building entrance, nice double doors with tinted glass that kept you from seeing inside and a code to enter. I tipped in the code and pushed my way in. Confused, I noticed a small gathering of people. Wanting to avoid more distractions, I ducked my head – all I wanted was to sleep and worry about things tomorrow "Mis Haruno, hold up." I heard my landlord speak up.
Her small stature pushed through the small crowd as she approached "May I help you?" I remember paying my rent on time, eventually I would need to inform her about my inability to continue paying for the next few months, but I still had the entire month to worry about that "Yes, I am sorry dear." her brows furrowed with pity, making my gut twist "There was a flood on your floor, I did get my son to pick up what he could that wasn't damaged and place them in a storage room. Come, follow me."
I had no words for her as I followed. Feeling numb while she trailed off about a pipe bursting and damaging the walls to fix it. The workers would need to have access to the entire floor to find how bad the damage is "Good thing the building is ensured!" she sang as her worries were washed away with good planning on her side.
I did not plan on anything like this.
Dam it.
Where was I going to stay?
Her good humour and demeanour did not match mine "Don't worry dear, by the end of the month we will have the entire floor as good as new. I will send the tenant paperwork to your email once I get it so you can get the payout. I am sorry about this." she smiled. I only nodded and stared at the couple of boxes with my stuff inside "You can keep some stuff here. I don't think you need to take all your pots and pans with you. Maybe just your bedroom and bathroom essentials? There wasn't much in your fridge."
That's right, I was supposed to do some grocery shopping today. My entire schedule changed, and I was barely catching up to all this crap "Thank you." I spent a few minutes to collect two boxes with my favourite fluffy blanket and a few clothes. My car was close enough to do it all in one trip, but the landlord's son was kind enough to offer his help "There's no need to bring anything more." I insisted.
He gave me a sympathetic smile before wishing me well and returning. He was a neighbour from another floor – lucky man. Defeated, I made sure my stuff was well seated in the car and trunk before the rain could catch me.
Thunder roared as I exited the parking lot.
I sent a few quick texts to Ino, hoping she would see them after trying to call a few times. I remembered she mentioned having plans, but I wasn't paying much attention. I worry she left town again. I might not be able to contact her until morning.
Dam it.
I had to find a place to stay and another job – while pregnant.
Fortunately, my former employer paid enough for me to have savings for a rainy day. Not really thinking I would need them so soon. This was such a mess. I kept on driving until I left the busy areas of town and closer to where Ino lived. She had a small apartment in the city where she would rent it out or lent for friends to crash in, specially on weekends.
I saw it a few times, it was listed on a rental website for luxury visits to town. A lucky way to earn extra on the side when she could just stay at home, with her parents. Homemade food every day and company sounded better than lonely nights.
Mentally keeping my balance in check, my expenses had to hold for some time if I wanted to make this work. The lease in the apartment would end in a few months, enough to find cheaper housing and start thinking about what I was going to get for the upcoming months. I reached for my baby, I knew the little bean was in there - feeling everything I felt – and growing with the little nutrients left in my body "I am sorry." I whispered.
Things had to change.
Turning to the wide and well taken care of roads of the rich neighbourhood, I kept my hopes up while struggling to see past the heavy rain and thunder. I couldn't remember her address and I was feeling helpless as my phone stayed silent.
I noticed a few tall buildings next to what looked like a small parking lot with shades to protect the cars from the weather. That should work for now. I parked further away from the few vehicles I noticed must have belonged to those renting the apartments from the luxurious looking building.
It must have been a house at one point until someone decided to make good use of the space and make some cash. Konoha was known to have beautiful views surrounded by mountains.
This part of town was located higher on those said mountains that overlooked the city lights. Must be a lot quieter here than where I lived. Opening the window was like letting the streets into your home.
My mind wondered on how they lived. Fresh air and quiet streets that made it worth it to wake up as the sun rose to enjoy the view "Just you wait little one." I rubbed my belly as I spoke under the heavy rain hitting the car "We will have a nice place where you can play and sleep"
Being a mother was a huge plan and goal of mine years ago, something I was hoping would happen soon and enjoy it with everyone close to me as I imagined the happy little family I would build with my partner.
Now, it felt like a dream stuck in a nightmare. I was scared, terrified even. Worries over my body not being strong enough. Tsunade said it was going to be a high-risk pregnancy if I did not find the father or anyone to help me and support me.
"Being alone was not an option" she stressed on our last visit.
I did not want to force anyone to care for me, but I also knew it wasn't going well at all and I just started. I had to accept help. I tried to find him, even if all he wanted was to stay away and have no responsibilities, he had to know.
But I failed. I could feel my tears gather and blur my view of the darkness inside my car. I had to be strong for this baby, no more excuses.
Removing my seatbelt, I reached for the glove compartment. Inside was filled with all those pamphlets for aid and assistance during difficult times. I scanned them, taking note of the government assistance plus the shelters I had been at before.
All of this was familiar, until I reached the maternity pamphlets about programs that aided pregnant women. I felt guilt over needing resources other women also needed. I knew there were not limitless and as much as I felt grateful to those donating on the few Charity events I saw, it always felt useless since people still had troubles that money couldn't help them through.
My bad decisions shouldn't be the reason I ask for pity. But if my baby needs it, I'll do anything. Once again I held my phone, the low battery warning me I had to make it quick. I dialled the number and waited "The number you have dialled" again, I tried until my phone flashed with a warning and shut off "Dam it!"
My hand gripped the steering wheel in frustration, until my knuckles turned white. It was the weekend. The town was packed due to some big sports event going on, the hotels were fully booked.
I could try my luck at the further ends of town with smaller hotels and motels, but I knew they were not safe.
I had to take even more care of myself.
To save gas, I turned the engine off, the heater would run the gas until I was also stuck with no way to move the car. I pushed myself up to reach the back of the car, tucked into one of my boxes I found my fluffy blanket "This should do" I told myself as I pushed the seat and reclined it enough to get comfortable. I had nowhere to go in the middle of this rain and it would be too dangerous to drive when I couldn't see anything.
With a sigh of defeat, I let my eyes drift off into a much-needed nap. Hopefully this rain would die soon enough to find someplace to stay.
I stopped at the door before knocking, I knew he was on a bad mood since he asked for me to take him back home before the rush of fans would trample along the corridors and his manager would drag him to do some meet and greets after the game.
I sighed. His mood wasn't that far from my own. Not that I would show it most of the time. Being an actor had its perks. Playing a part was the thing I was best at. Smiles and cheers here and there to get people on their good side long enough to slide away and lock the door behind me.
The director had given me a few days to rest since he also noticed how tense I had become. Even if I tried to hide it. Most people didn't notice unless you wanted a movie to look just like you imagined.
Not easy when your lead actor can't seem to get into the role of a love-stricken fool. Romance wasn't my thing, but this new action film had an element of romance that was light enough to endure when the production was quite enticing to let it go.
I wanted this role and would push myself next time.
Next time.
I pushed the door after knocking with the signature tune we agreed on. Simple little code to be welcomed with a less annoyed man on the other side of the door. This man was still very much annoyed "You will wrinkle soon if you keep frowning like that" I pointed out as he grabbed his cap and covered his short dark hair. A wet gym towel draped on his neck to cool him after a long game. He had changed from his basketball uniform to regular grey joggers, sneakers and a matching t-shirt.
"Just take me home" he grumbled and reached for his backpack. His manager would probably send his uniform to the cleaners so there was no use in taking it home. I followed the usual route to the back entrance while he stomped like a grumpy child to the car.
"Are you hungry?" I asked once inside. He only huffed in agreement "This is going to be a quiet ride" I stated, trying to tick him enough to answer. His gaze stayed on his phone, not much was happening tonight in the group chat. With nothing more than a glance, he hopped on the car in silence.
Guess I'll be driving the sulking child back home.
"Itachi is going to pick Sasuke up" he finally spoke on the way back. The rain had stopped before we left the city's centre. It was still packed at this time of night. I caught a glimpse of the many clubs filled with people and a few girls giggling to themselves as they waited for the bouncer to let them in.
Apparently, the rain won't stop the party goers.
"Something happened" he kept on talking, but I had music playing on the car to fill the silence he insisted on keeping "Hey, are you listening" suddenly the music stopped, and I turned to him with a raised brow.
"Well, well. Now who is trying to make conversation" I let the sarcasm lace my words with humour. He deserved that – and he knew it.
His scowl deepened and he shoved my phone from its holder on to my hands. I turned to the road, some cars were honking, and the rest were stuck in traffic along with us. Plenty of time to check what bothered him. I opened the group chat.
- Old one: Just pick him up and luck him in, throw the key away.
- Nice one: Don't, he's just frustrated. We ALL are.
- Smart one: I need you all back home. Bad news.
- Sportsy one: Just spill it. What's the news about?
- Old one: I'll be there if you tell me what happened. I have better things to do.
- Smart one: It's about the dress.
That last message had them all agreeing to meet back home as soon as they could. Suddenly I was invigorated with the need to also get home.
Now.
I turned to another street and manoeuvred through the less used streets to get on the road quickly. It was the longer route unless you speed a little.
Driving just at the speed limit to avoid any police stopping us. I wasn't going to become reckless enough to get stopped but I really wanted to press the pedal a little bit more. Obito was also anxious but kept his eyes on the road. An extra watchful eye in case anyone decided to cross.
The loud engine was warning enough as people stayed put while we sped away from town and up the sleek mountain roads of our neighbourhood.
We didn't need any more convincing after the day that idiot brought a dress that smelled like fucking sin.
The problem was not the small dress, of course not. It was safely kept in a safe where the smell could be preserved, for now. We all had a problem about the lack of a person that should have been filling that dress.
The idiot had no name other than the memory of her embedded in his mind. Her scent had affected him to a point he now spent every night going to any events in hopes he could find her lurking around in another small and tight dress.
He said she had pink hair. Not many believed him, to be honest. It could just have been a wig for all we knew. It was a costume themed event with an open dress code. But we kept our eyes open.
And almost every weekend, he would end up drunk and dragged home by one of us. Before he could make us look bad. I can't imagine she would be happy to see one of un in the news as a drunken mess.
If the smart one had found something about her, it was about dam time. Two months… it had been two months of running ourselves crazy with the lack of her. I wanted to see her, meet her, hear her speak and just watch her.
I sounded like a creep.
Frustratingly, we all had terrible moods since that day. I don't blame them. Her scent had almost pushed me into a rut. Her dress became dangerous to live around the house when it was snatched by each one of us. It was going to be torn into scraps.
"I don't recognise that car" Obito spoke just as we turned to our street. I slowed down. The few cars in the parking lot in front of our home belonged to the tenants and visitors from the apartment complex next to it. Sometimes our guests would use it – not that we had many visitors.
I skimmed through until I saw a small white sedan, an older model that seemed to be parked facing the building as the drivers side faced us. A small pink flower sticker on the gas lid. I could just turn the garage door on and park our car.
Or.
I drove us into the parking lot, and left the headlights beam the brightest. I had to make sure the car was empty. It was unheard of to see any car that wasn't a recent model in this neighbourhood let alone an older model that held no collectors value. It was very suspicious, leaving it like that would only increase Obito's paranoia.
We stopped the car in front of the white sedan and watched as a light pink fluffy blanket covered the drivers seat. Something stirred beneath it and a small hand came up to cover the blast of light "There's a person sleeping in there?" Obito voiced my thoughts.
It had to be either a child or a woman. Feeling concerned, I opened my door and got out "We might need to call someone to come and get them" I warned Obito. Either they were a runaway or some fan that found our address. Even with the guards at the door, if you had a name and been here before – you are allowed to enter.
Maybe we should move somewhere more secluded.
We never bring over any conquest here or visitors we don't want to add on the list. The guards keep it in case of emergencies for house owners who might need outsiders to assist them, house sitting and other needs. If you don't want the person to come back, just make sure to call and inform the security about it.
My mind rushed to the possibility of the apartment complexion. My steps were cautious as I glanced at the taller building before reaching the drivers side. Was she invited by one of the tenants? Couldn't she just knock on their door?
Those questions haltered as a head came out of the blanket. Pink.
I smiled - This was going to be interesting. I glanced at Obito. He was staring with a sharpness I only saw on the stadium. He also noticed her peculiar hair colour. I lightly knocked at her window, amused by the muffled yelp coming from inside.
"Can I help you?" she spoke from inside, only allowing the window to open just a smidge. Smart to keep her guard up in a parking lot with strange men surrounding her.
If this was on another neighbourhood.
We should be the ones to be warry of her presence "That is what I'd like to ask you" I gave her a wink from the small crack. Her hair was even brighter without the window shading her shade of dusty rose. Her eyes were a bright green that almost pushed me to open the god dam car door separating us.
"It's not illegal to sleep in your car!" she countered. I nodded to her statement. So, she was sleeping in the car. I wanted to ask who she was waiting for until I noticed how tired she looked. Her hands gripped the blanket with either fear or cold. The shiver than ran through her body told me enough.
I didn't want that.
"You'll freeze out here. If you need a place to stay" I offered a nod towards our house, the tall walls wouldn't allow much to be seen but the garage doors and entrance was brightly lit and visible from here "We have a spare room you can crash in"
I never hoped this much for a stranger to accept my invite. My skin itched with the need to drag her out and take her home. A small whiff of her scent finally reached me and all I knew was.
I finally found her.
The last thing I wanted was to scare her. She wasn't going to unlock her door. Obito ran out of patience and honked the car horn, making her jump and bang her head with the roof.
I turned to the man, who now was in total shock as to what he had done. His body positioned half-way to the driver's side. His bad attempt to turn the headlights off had caused his larger body to hit the horn and I saw regret plastered all over his face.
A small curse came from her as she shifted and covered her head. The lights turned off and all I could see now was her silhouette "No thank you!" she shot back, and the window was completely closed.
This wasn't working. We couldn't have her disliking us right away "I'll let you think about it" I offered, hoping the cold would push her to our front door. I turned my heel and didn't speak a word to Obito as I parked the car. Hoping she would see the warm interior of the garage and notice we were not hiding any scary stuff that would make her run rather than approach us.
"I'll keep an eye on the security camera" he offered. That would help for now. But the second I see the weather worsen, I'll drag her in.
Letting those thoughts take over, I took my phone.
- The Smily one: Does anyone know how to break into a car?
I wrote in the group chat and sat in the living room with the TV on as we waited and watched for her on the security cameras.
- The nice one: Madara knows more about cars.
I didn't even bother to change from my navy shirt and dark trousers. I didn't want to miss her trying to leave "I wrote down her license plate" Obito commented and began to skim through his phone. Maybe looking for a contact to do a quick search on her.
At lest I am not the only one acting like a creep.
"Just don't tell her right away, we don't want to scare her even more" I muttered. The mood was just getting worse by the second.
Finaly, after some time, I noticed her door open. Her figure came out like a kitten watching out for the bogyman. I wanted to go and tell her she will be fine, but all I could do was smack my hand on Obito's shoulder as he almost jumped out of here "Not now, wait" he growled just a little.
I couldn't care to give him a glance as I watch her. She was shivering in that tight pencil skirt and thin white blouse that gave her no warmth. She hugged her body and looked around before closing the door and tiptoeing her way to our door. Those pumps making her small size a little taller.
At that moment I stood and ushed Obito to prepare warm blankets and to heat up whatever we had in the fridge.
The doorbell rang and I took a few seconds to gather my thoughts "Hey you" I tried to sound as casual as I could on the doorbell panel. The small security screen showed those big bright eyes as she studied the outside panel.
This was a new addition that even I had issues getting used to at the beginning. Can't blame her for hesitating before she tried pressing the keys "I don't want to bother…" she trailed off. She seemed unsure and it bothered me how hard it seemed for her to ask for help.
"Don't worry, you're too cute to stay out there in the cold. I'll be right there" I chirped back at her, loving the way her shoulders relaxed and her smile began to show. Quickly, I pressed the garage door and met her on the sidewalk. She was short and made herself even smaller as she hugged her frame. "Got you a sweater" we always keep coats and sweater at the garage in case we are in a rush. She gleefully accepted and took in a deep breath from the sweater before letting out a deep sigh.
"Thank you" her voice was a little raspy, that worried me.
"Come, I'll drive your car" all I could think was to bring her inside, I took her hand and guided us back to her car. The cent that cornered me once inside was mind-numbing. She smelled divine.
I kept my cool as to avoid scaring her while I parked her car and rushed to open the door for her. She glanced at the back before I noticed she had some boxes there. I couldn't ask until she felt comfortable.
Smiling, I took her inside as Obito busied around in the kitchen. I could tell he was affected by her scent when he caught it the moment I guided her in. His back tensed and he just stared at her from the stove, causing her to look up at him with a shy nod "Nice to meet you…"
"Obito" he quickly provided. Her smile was small buy shy as she repeated his name. God, I forgot to tell her my name. I wanted to be as delighted as he seemed by her just pronouncing it "We were just about to have dinner, if you'd like to sit"
"Really?" she approached him, her apprehension leaving the room the second she caught the smell of the tomato soup heating up on the stove "That smells amazing" for a moment I hoped she also thought we smelled as amazing as she did. I wanted her to love our scents.
"Let's get you comfortable" I offered as I guided her to sit on the counter chairs rather than the dining room. Those chairs would allow us to scootch closer to her while we ate. I wasn't hungry – but she was.
The moment the bowl landed in front of her, her stomach growled with vigour. A pretty blush rushing to her neck. It pleased me to see her colour come back to her after looking pale and frail out there.
Her scent had been dulled worryingly from the cold and rain, slowly, the kitchen warmth began to warm her up and her contentment showed on the sweet scent she was emanating. My hands gripped the counter table just to avoid snatching her to a bed and tucking her in.
Her shivers had died down, even has her hands shook lightly taking the fist spool full of soup. "God, this is delicious." She moaned. Obito was shifting on his seat from his contentment. Ignoring how she just made his day by just existing, my hand reached for her cup, and I nudged it closer, she continued to take measured and slow mouthfuls while answering with a nod or a shake her head to our questions.
"Got stuck in the rain?" she nodded.
"Took a nap while the rain settled?" another nod.
"Were you meeting someone?" she shook her head.
"Do you live nearby? Maybe got locked out of your place?" another shake.
I could tell Obito was itching for more questions, but how could they stop her from filling those rosy cheeks of hers? Would you?
Don't answer that.
Her eyes began to glass over as her lids threatened to stay close every time she blinked. "Why don't we let you rest first? The guest room is this way" Obito stayed close behind her as she followed me, her small feet barely lifting from the ground. Her exhaustion was evident on every inch of her form. "Here" I nudged her into the room closest to the kitchen, she might wake up for some water in the middle of the night, that soup was a little too salty…
With just a few steps, she approached the large bed, her body sagging on the mattress when she tested it. "Thank you." Her voice was slightly slurred with sleepiness "I just need to get some stuff from my car"
"No need" I stopped her from leaving the room "Wait here".
Rushing to my room, I snatched the first shirt and pair of sweats I could find before returning in record time. She was still on the same spot at the edge of the bed, staring between the joined bathroom door and the entrance. Obito emerged from the bathroom with a ghost of a smile "There's extra toothbrushes, cleaning products and slippers in the cabinets"
We left her to clean up when we almost stumbled out of the room from the wave of content scents she was engulfing herself in. clearly, we had made a great job in giving her what she needed, if the sweetness was any more evident escaping from under the now close door "Should we try and cover the edges of the door? Maybe lit some candles?" I wondered out loud.
The others would get slapped with her scent the moment they walked in, keeping them from barging in her room would be another issue to tackle once it came…
"This is going to be a long night" Obito grumbled.
"I couldn't agree more" I sighed.
The hot water felt almost as divine as the tomato soup, I couldn't remember the last time I was able to feel this relaxed in a very long time.
All the worried would wait for tomorrow, I was not going to ruin this little moment of heaven for anything in the world.
However, my blush was becoming more and more permanent as I dried my hair with the fluffiest towel in the world, my hands dig into the fabric with a need to bury myself in more soft materials and stay there until all my problems are resolved.
They were so nice, extremely nice. I never thought I would ever get this close to Prince Charming and The Huntsman.
Remember the code names.
There were times when Ino and her would stay up at night to watch the red-carpet awards and gush over Prince Charming and his – you know – charming personality on the screen. It always felt like he knew his audience needed his smiles and jokes to make their day whenever they tuned in to see him on TV.
The many interviews and game shows he participated in would only draw you more to the tall and effortlessly handsome man with dazzling curls.
We all reek with good-natured jealousy over his long and curled lashes.
That shouldn't be allowed. It shouldn't be allowed to be as tall and imposing while also being adorable like The Huntsman did while heating up a pot of soup clad in a frilly dark apron.
It felt like a fever dream.
I had to do a double take just to convince myself the man who played in the best basketball team in the capital – and probably the state, but I was not that good catching up on those matters – while being called the hunter on the court, was gently stirring a pot he barely even ate.
Almost drooling over the men or the soup was fun to hold back.
Not.
Maybe it took me a little longer to realise they didn't even touch their bowls, since I had devoured the entire portion, and I was feeling proud at myself for not losing my stomach content at all.
That would have been hard to explain.
Or deal with.
"Hey, sorry for almost painting the walls… the pregnancy hasn't been sunshine and rainbows so far"
Nope, no thank you.
Now that I thought about it. With my towel now forgotten, dressed in the large dark blue t-shirt, I felt amazing.
As in – really good.
It finally struck me, the image in the foggy mirror was me. Pink hair, slightly damp. Bright skin, finally with some colour to it. Dark circles less pronounced without makeup. My chipped lips had even hydrated over the last few minutes.
The last image I had of myself on the drivers side mirror was drastically different.
My cheeks had lost some of the roundness to them, losing weight was catching up on me… and the baby. My hair had turned a dull pink rather than the rosy and shiny tone I found to love.
I even felt steady on my feet.
This wasn't going to last, at least I knew that, but – for now – this was what I needed.
My hand reached for the little bean I had mistreated while not even knowing it, the first few weeks it had been growing inside me were harsh and I wasn't taking care of myself.
Not that I had bad habits. Most women start taking prenatal straight away and go to their appointments regularly… unless you were unaware and stayed late at work, didn't drink enough fluids and pushed yourself even though you felt sick and tired all the time.
"Everything is going to be all right" I whispered for both of us. A little fire was set in my soul, ready to burn through all those doubts and troubles plaguing my mind. "Is that you, little bean?" I do wonder if babies can understand when your environment changes.
Finishing up, I cleared my head with the thought of a good nights sleep, once I made sure the door was locked – even as my fantasies had involved them before…
I removed the lock, what's the worst than can happen, I get pregnant?
Ha.
A sudden bang followed by a crash woke me up. Groaning, I checked my phone. Midnight… and here I thought they slept early on the weekends.
Curling up and trying to ignore the ruckus was not working, a few shouts crept into the room. Protesting to myself the entire time like an old lady with a grudge, my feet dragged me towards the door. After waiting for a few seconds, not understanding the muffled voices, my hand reached for the handle – only to be knocked by the door slamming open.
"Ah!" a shot of pain and dizziness hit me first before I noticed the ceiling above me. "Ugh…" incoherent words escaped my mouth before I could muster a thought.
"Shit!"
"What did you do!?"
Turning my head to the side, I finally noticed I was now laying on the cold ground. My butt hurt. My head hurt. Everything hurt.
Warm hands held my chin and turned me to face a lovely face. "You're pretty." I mumbled… out loud.
A snicker was heard, followed by a smack and a curse. "It's not funny" the angry voice whispered.
No matter how much I tried, my eyes couldn't focus on the face long enough to recognise its owner, a pale marble complexion with dark features.
How many people look like a blurry white spot with blurry dark spots?
"Turn the lights on, she might not see." Another voice ordered.
I think I spoke out loud…
"You did, princess." The sudden light felt like hot pain on my eyes, so unexpected it caused me to flinch before I was able to cover. "Sorry!" the voice worried.
Why won't the room stop spinning?
"Good job idiot, you gave her a concussion" another voice scolded.
Too many voices.
The hands never left my face, warm and welcoming, they kept me grounded as I tried to peer back at that face…
…
Oh no.
What is he doing here!?
When the drunk idiot barged into the living room, his eyes blazing and nose flaring, I just knew he was about to start another scene.
Her scent was concentrated in the kitchen and towards the spare bedroom, I worried his antics would wake her up. Clearly, she needed rest.
On instinct, I placed myself in front of the hallway leading to said room, whatever he wanted to do, he could hold off until morning – when he cleaned up and calmed down.
"What is that scent!?" he barked, a slight slur on his voice. His feet were not steady enough. Itachi had brought him back, trying to hold him steady until they both caught on to the change in the air. The stunned man at the entrance was as still as a statue, while his younger brother stumbled around the couch and hit his knee with one of the tables.
A small glass cup – that I forgot to clean after bunking on the couch watching the security feed on screen – fell to the ground, shattering.
The idiot muttered some cursed words to the table and then to the glass. The objects silence caused him to scowl even more.
He was pissed drunk.
Turning his flaming gaze toward me, I stilled. My muscles flexing on instinct. On the court, I was the best at spying on the enemy team and handling the prize with precise movements. Here, the woman behind the door was the prize I had to protect from the enemy team – this drunk idiot trying to get to the main source that caused that delightful vanilla scent lingering in the room. With a note of coconut as refreshing as a warm day at the start of spring with undertones of flowers after a light rain.
Since when was I a connoisseur of fragrance?
Not important.
"Where is she?" he slurred, tripping over the rug and smashing on the cough with an "humph". Should I check for his breathing?
Maybe.
His face has smacked the cushions hard enough for the furniture to skid back a few centimetres. Silently, I waited for the snores to start, like they do every time he ends up knocked out cold.
Last time it was a wall.
The time before that one, the front door.
Before that time, the table.
You get it.
I couldn't believe his nose was intact after meeting that many flat surfaces. His hair was poking at all directions, the dark button up shirt crinkled with a few loosened-up buttons, shoes had been kicked off at some point, and his dark trousers had a few stains on them.
I do not want to know from what.
My nose twitched with the alcoholic wave emanating from the idiot now hanging from the couch, he did not have to act like this, but at least I could understand him.
Just a little.
"He reeks" I sneered. The woman was in dire need of rest. Waking up to a couch stained with alcohol and a dirty man laying was not what he wanted for her. She might end up having the wrong idea of the rest of the pack.
That will not happen.
Not on my watch.
A blur almost escaped my watch, Itachi had made his move. "What are you doing?" my grip landed on his shoulder, stopping him from the last few steps before rounding the corner to the room.
"We have guests?" he questioned, eyes never meeting mine as his attention was glued to that corridor. At least he didn't reek. His hair was slightly a mess with a few strands loosened from his signature style. The first buttons of his shirt had been undone and there was a small scratch on his neck. Both fists were tight and almost white like marble.
Something red caught my eye. "Is that lipstick on your hand?" that did the trick, his gaze snapped at me with annoyance. Clearly, he was hopping to slid pass my watch unnoticed like he used to do whenever he wanted to steal my snacks.
Most of the time, I would allow it.
Not today.
Remembering those dark circles and shivers running down her petite frame. It angered me to allow anyone to disturb her. Just when we finally brought back colour to her skin, brought down her tensed shoulders and made her comfortable enough – with a little help from our comforting waves of scents – her sleeping form was engraved on my memory.
Had I not stressed enough how much she needed to rest?
Ignore the fact I creeped in a few times. I was just making sure she was still breathing.
Don't question my logic.
He shook my hand off with a tilt of his chin meeting my gaze, urging me to answer "We do, and I am not letting you two-"
I was cut off by the sudden gust of wind hitting us both. Our eyes widened in realization before out bodies reacted.
"Sasuke! Get your ass back here!" I shouted right before I heard the door smack against something… and a small shout echoed in the hallway.
"Shit!" the idiot shouted.
"What did you do!?" I bolted.
Where the hell was Shisui? Had he not heard the commotion? Could he not hold the idiot down before he smashed the pinkette's face with the god-dam door!?
The scene in front of me only caused the worry to creep behind my neck. The small whimpers from her stabbing my chest like ice. Our youngest – idiot – had stumbled on the ground and held the door open with his stumbling body.
The woman, small and fragile, complained on the ground. Arms flailing slowly and worryingly trying to hold on to something, her legs stretched out as they could not break her fall. Thank-fucking-god this room was carpeted.
Her head could have hit the floor with enough force to knock her out – if the door didn't already.
Those green eyes struggled to focus on the roof, a small lamp on the bedside was illuminating her pink locks around her face. Quickly, I bent down to reach for her hand.
I'm not a doctor, but I do know not to move someone too quickly after a fall, much less after their head was just smacked.
And by the sound of it, it was smacked hard.
I tried to search for any blood, nothing. At some point, Itachi had also barged in with worry in his eyes, his brows pinched as he knelled down on her other side and gently held her head from moving.
A hint of recognition was there.
Never mind, I'll ask after I'm sure she is fine.
"You're pretty" she mumbled after a string of incoherent words tried to leave her mouth. Those plush lips of hers trying to form more words.
Sasuke snickered behind me, he had crawled to my side and stared at her with glazed eyes.
I smacked the glaze out of his eyes. "It's not funny" I scolded. This was not the time for jokes.
"Turn the lights on, she might not see." Itachi ordered. After she mumbled something about blurry spots.
That worries me.
"I think I spoke out loud… " she whispered.
"You did, princess." My voice was rasp, the worry gripped my throat like a choke hold, she was small and the door was made of hard wood. Not to mention the idiot was bulky and could not measure his strength while under the influence. Suddenly, the lights blasted the room in light, causing her to flinch and moan some more "Sorry!" I tried to sooth her.
Who the hell turned the main light on?
Turning to the culprit, I stilled.
Dam it.
Three sets of eyes watched us with different emotions. A set filled with unblinking surprise. Another with silent disapproval and the last.
Shisui looked like a child about to be scolded, pout and all.
That's where he was… keeping the big bad wolf from reaching the door before we could explain ourselves.
You see… we have an agreement.
No visitors.
Mainly, no female visitors – specially without prior notice and agreement of every pack member.
And we both broke that agreement – for good reasons – we just hadn't warned them on time before Shisui sent a text explaining we had "The owner of the dress" sleeping soundly on the bed – along with a quick snap picture he took of her… with flash – the pinkette had been completely out cold and didn't even react to our stumbling.
Her cheeks were puffed up on the pillow and her breathing was even. Contentment had leaked itself into my bones at her peaceful form, under the covers.
The nice one in our pack stared at me, glaring at my hand holding hers. Turned his gaze to the drunk member now laying on the ground with his chin on his hand and elbow supporting his stupid face – did he not know what's going on?
"Good job idiot, you gave her a concussion" my displeasure laced my words, he better wake the fuck up.
I counted the seconds as panic and realization began to set in. Was he turning green?
He better not puke here!
Regrettably, my hand slipped from her grasp to latch on to Sasuke's shirt and drag him to the bathroom.
"Stop!" I heard Izuna shout before a wave of vanilla and coconut stopped me on my tracks. Almost getting whiplash, I turned and found Itachi holding a small patch that reminded me of those scent blocking patches they give children who start to present strong scents early. Schools would have straight rules, and those patches allowed us to attend as the scent wouldn't bother the other classmates and staff.
Cute little bunnies adorned the patch as it looped sideways from Itachi's hand.
And then it finally hit me.
The woman was wearing it. He took it off from her. He peeled the scent patch off her scent gland! Without her permission!
"Omega" the room echoed with growls.
Fucking hell.