Post by neonquincy1217 on Sept 24, 2017 18:34:49 GMT
What Makes a Woman Woman?
Prompt: Pick a couple: one want children, the other person doesn't.
Summary: Shuukichi and Yumi’s first major fight had Yumi looking for advice from her good friend, Miwako. Only… Their argument isn’t Miwako’s forte. She hates the subject, even…
Note: I shall edit this again... Sorry if I'm a bit slow with this. I'm a little rusty. Also, work is eating up basically my entire life. It's unhealthy. Also to be fair, it's my first time writing Yumi. Please bear with me. I do hope the prompter likes this.
Takagi Miwako stared blankly at her best friend across the table, mouth slightly agape, her half-eaten cheesecake completely forgotten. Teary-eyed Yumi continued her narrative, a tone of vexation evident in the hoarseness of her voice. While she did, the police officer repeatedly drove her spoon down her fourth bowl of parfait. When she finished talking, she took a big spoonful of the sweet treat and gobbled it all down in a matter of seconds.
Yumi always thought married life, especially if it's with a guy wealthy enough to take her to England for honeymoon, will be a breeze. Apparently, she thought wrong. About one week after their first big fight, Shuukichi still hasn’t returned. In Miwako’s opinion, it was all too shallow, really, for them to be fighting about something like that.
“So… let me get this straight,” said she, her voice soft in an effort to tone down Yumi’s babbles. “Nothing ever happened to the two of you right after the honeymoon? NOTHING at all?!”
“NADA!” Yumi practically screamed. Miwako had to reach out in an effort to get a hold of the spoon that her best friend raised as form of protest.
“And this leads you to think that, two months into marriage, he’s already cheating…?” asked the police detective once the silverware was back in its place on the table.
“It’s certainly possible, isn’t it? I mean, what else can it be?” Yumi pouted, a single teardrop threatening to escape her eye. Besides, once people find out who her husband is, they’d definitely cling to him like leeches.
This, however, was not enough to convince her best friend that her hunch was right all along.
“I don’t know, Yumi,” Miwako shook her head, a hand firmly placed on her chin. “Maybe he’s just busy, or he’s got a lot on his mind. He’s Taiko-meijin, after all.”
The short-haired girl earned an eye roll upon her speculations. Yumi proceeded to pick her spoon up and stuffed herself with the fruits—the strawberries, in particular, met their wrath with much destruction.
“Keh, he’s got time to spend with his little sister but no time to spend with me…”
Skeptic lilac eyes narrowed as a small chuckle escaped Miwako’s lips. “Hey, you’re not jealous are you? Masumi-chan’s technically your sister now.”
“No. We’re cool. We understand each other.”
Without a warning, the long-haired girl banged her hands against the table and growled. “But does it cost too much to spend the nights with me? Chuukichi and I are married, for goodness’ sake!” And as evidence, she raised her right hand in front of her, her ring finger decorated with a rose gold ring.
Still unconvinced of Taiko-meijin’s possible infidelity, Miwako inquired even further, “Have you talked to him about this? Maybe he’s just feeling shy or… he’s still not used to having someone sleep beside him.”
“That’s not it!” Yumi muttered, sinking back to her seat. “The other night, I was trying to be all lovey-dovey with him, he just told me I’m so cute, pinched me on the cheek like I’m his little sister or something. Then he said,” here, Yumi mockingly imitated her husband, “‘There’s nothing more I need to know about you’ and dozed off. What the hell’s that about? What does that even mean? What exactly is he trying to prove here?”
Deep down Miwako wanted to laugh. Just how thick-headed can Shuukichi be when all Yumi wanted was a ‘sweet’ time with him? But seeing as her best friend is treating this as a matter of utmost importance, she kept a straight face and commented, “While it’s true that he’s got a sharp memory, that does sounds a bit off.”
The duo sat in pensive silence for a few minutes. That is, until a small sniff escaped Yumi. She then vigorously shook her head, one hand automatically shooting up to cover a roguish teardrop. “Look, Miwako, I don’t care anymore if he’s with someone else, romantically or otherwise.”
Miwako was about to interject with “You don’t care if he’s unfaithful?” but Yumi pressed on.
“But what about me? What about my needs? I need to feel loved, to live a complete life of a woman. And do you know what makes a woman woman, Miwa-chan?”
With this, Yumi, with eyes narrowed and lips pursed tight, leaned closer from across the table—too close, in fact, that the other woman had to lean back.
“Uh…”
Without bothering to wait for an answer, Yumi bellowed, “IT’S MOTHERHOOD!”
“…”
“Huh?”
“Haven’t you thought about it with Takagi-kun? ‘Cause to tell you the truth, I have.”
Finally recovering from the sudden outbreak, Miwako tilted her head to the side, held that pose for a few more seconds and said in a higher tone than normal, “Really Yumi? You want to have children?”
Upon sensing the doubt in Miwako, the police officer queried, “What’s wrong with that?”
“Uhm. Nothing. You don’t strike me as the type who wants children, that’s all.”
“Not just any children, Miwako. I want Chuukichi’s.”
Miwako opened her mouth to speak. She wanted to suspend her disbelief for just a while longer. Of all the people she knew, Yumi’s the last person on her list to actually want to become a mother. Motherhood is stressful! It’s a puzzle to her how some would like—heck, even love—the idea of labor pains and sleepless nights and extreme cravings and nausea and constantly wanting to throw up and eating and gaining weight. Surely, Miyamoto Yumi—or, rather, Haneda Yumi—is the least likely person to want all those. Even before she could react, however, Yumi once again went into an outburst, causing some of the other customers to look their way.
“BUT THAT WRETCHED MOUSE DOESN’T UNDERSTAND ME AT ALL!”
Okay, so… maybe she was wrong. Maybe Yumi really is serious about this.
“M-maybe he’s not ready to be a father yet,” commented the older girl right after returning every single glance back at those staring at them.
The girl resumed stuffing herself with parfait (rather violently, even) as Miwako continued, “You know how it is. He’s always busy… or maybe he doesn’t want children to begin with. You know, there’ll be more mouths to feed, there’ll be chaos everywhere, and, mind you, as metropolitan police, we’ve had enough of that already.”
“Are we still talking about me or about you and Takagi? You always said you don’t want to be a mother.”
Knowing very well that the other girl has read through her, the dot-eyed detective let out a nervous laughter and answered in denial. “Heh, no…?”
Perhaps it was because she was too full of her own misery that Yumi didn’t notice Miwako’s eyes twitching in discomfort. She let out a heavy sign and said, mainly to herself than to her companion, “I only thought he cares enough to notice… if not for me, then I’ll do it for him. I want him to have heirs… to have beautiful children with wild, messed up black hair he’d cherish forever.”
Those statements made Takagi Miwako stop. For the first time since this conversation started, she paid close attention to her movements, to her unspoken emotions. The way Yumi was talking about having heirs, about having her own children, about little figures with eternal bed head and motherhood… Her eyes were sparkling in excitement, yet, it brings with it a sparkle that was both beautiful… but lonely. At that moment, all her doubts in this conversation vanished.
Because she cares enough about her long-time friend to notice…
“This… really means a lot to you, doesn’t it?”
Yumi nodded in melancholy.
“Miwako, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I won’t be young and pretty forever… But, if I can give someone that gift, if I could have someone young and pretty in my place, I’d be complete…”
“Oh…”
Now that she understands, Miwako feels bad for them both. And, perhaps to make it up to Yumi for how she was thinking, Division 1’s most loved detective decided she had to do something for her best friend.
“Hey, Yumi, can I borrow your phone for a sec? I need to make an urgent phone call but my phone’s battery is dead.”
Yumi blinked, a bit confused, before she reached for her phone and handed it over to her. “O-okay…”
“But who are you calling?” she asked quickly, seeing as the other girl started scrolling through her contacts, to which, she only got “Wataru.”
Through the receiver both girls listened to the sound of ringing, Yumi leaning just enough to be able to hear. What exactly is this ‘urgent’ matter that suddenly needed Miwako’s attention?
“Hello? Yumi-tan?”
Once the person on the other line answered, Yumi paled. That didn’t sound like Takagi-kun at all. She proved her speculations were right when Miwako spoke in annoyance.
“Listen here, Chuukichi…”
Faster than lightning, Yumi scrambled to take her phone back even as Shuukichi spoke, “Sato-keiji?—I-I mean, Takagi-keiji?”
“W-wait, Miwako, what are you doing?!” she shrieked. Miwako hastily sprinted away from Yumi in an effort to keep said girl away from her own phone.
“My best friend here wants to know. If you’re truly serious about her, why don’t you two just hit it off and have kids?” the detective babbled on.
“What the hell? Miwako!”
The battle for the phone continued on even as Miwako pulled out the payment for their purchase, placed it on the table and exited the café as fast as she could. The long-haired girl’s efforts of getting her phone back were unsuccessful, only getting as close as the other woman’s sleeve.
“Miwako! Give that back!”
Shuukichi’s mumbled words from the receiver made Yumi fret even more. Whatever Taiko-meijin said made Yumi’s companion grit her teeth. “Oh, so you wanna talk to her now? After not showing up for a week?! I don’t think s—”
Finally winning the chase, Yumi brought the phone to her ear, heaved, “Hey don’t mind what Miwako said. Let’s talk about this face to face… I’ll meet you back home. You better be there or I’m filing for divorce,” and hung up.
It took a while for Yumi to catch her breath, what with the chase knocking all air out of her, coupled with the unmistakable flush on her face.
“Why, you…” she gasped. A couple steps after her, Miwako was crossing her arms and curling a victorious smile.
“See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
A series of incoherent grumbling were Yumi’s only reply.
“You’ll thank me for this later…”
Somehow, Yumi can’t remember why she enlisted her best friend’s help for this when Miwako, herself, was against the idea of becoming a parent. Usually, it was she who gives advice. It feels kind of odd that this time, she’s on the receiving end of it.
On the other hand, Miwako couldn’t shake the feeling she not only helped her friend, but she also finally came to terms with the fact that she might really become a parent someday…
Yumi’s exhaustion finally kept up with her once her head hit the dining room table. And with that came the tears she’s been holding back for too long.
Now, Yumi’s not the type of girl to cry over the simplest of things, but…
Just the thought of her husband cheating on her pained her even more than the fact that this argument started when he took her statement about wanting kids as a joke.
Divorce was not at all a good idea, but she had to say something. She wanted to see him, to talk to him again, to hear him say she loves her the most. He must come back because she doesn’t like this arrangement one bit.
She was finally about to doze off until what felt to be a jacket being draped over her shoulders blinked the sleep away. She looked up and was greeted with a bespectacled pair of indigo eyes, paired with the eternal bed head she’s undoubtedly missed. Said guy was wearing the sweater he claimed to be his favorite—the one she got him the previous Christmas, on the day he finally told her he’s not going to let “the seven” go a second time and asked her to marry him.
“You…” Yumi breathed.
Shuukichi smiled, one hand reaching out to move stray hair away from her face. “Were you here long?”
“YOU!”
Yumi shot up and grabbed the guy by the collar, the jacket falling off her and lying forgotten on the floor. Shuukichi froze, utterly terrified of the girl’s anger.
“Y-yes, Yumi-tan?” he nervously let out.
“HOW DARE YOU!”
“W-w-w-well, you-you were expecting me… Right? There’s no way I won’t show up,” Taiko-meijin stuttered. Inside, he’s hoping of all hopes his wife won’t start lashing on him… which he probably expects.
Instead, her hands trembled and more tears gushed out of her already puffy eyes.
“Not a single phone call, not even a text message. You could have at least showed yourself three days ago! I could have forgiven you as easily. I’ve already forgotten that fight the day after. Do you know how worried I was?! DO YOU?!”
“Yumi…”
A pregnant pause. Silence ensued between them for a while, broken only by the occasional blowing of the late-night autumn breeze. Finally, the lad spoke up, seemingly very careful with picking his words, “I… thought you weren’t serious when you said you wanted kids.”
“Well I thought you were playing with me when you said you don’t want them…”
The hands on Shukichi’s collar loosened slightly. A fresh batch of tears once again fell from Yumi’s features.
“I actually thought you don’t like me anymore.”
“No… No, Yumi-tan,” the lad breathed, placing both hands on the girl’s shoulder and giving her a light shake. “I knew you needed space. That’s why I went back to Mama and Masumi.”
The police officer gave him a bitter look.
“Look, we can still be happy, just the two of us but—”
“You don’t get me at all…” she interrupted.
They share another ample pause, just enough for them to truly look at each other in the eye, to try to read each other’s intentions. His thumbs went up to wipe her tears away, like how he always wanted to do for her once upon a time. Finally, he displayed a gleam, said, "Believe me, I do," and, to Yumi’s surprise (and embarrassment), he started removing his top. When he proceeded to unbutton his undershirt, the girl let out a small squeal before she hurriedly turned away, eyes behind her hands, her face as red as a fire engine.
“Shuukichi! This isn't the time and place for this,” she growled. In exchange, said guy only chuckled.
“Yumi…” he whispered, his lips dangerously close to her ears, “Yumi, look at me.”
His voice sent her goosebumps. And during that split-second almost-contact, Yumi can’t help but fall hopelessly in love with the idiot behind her over again.
“Yumi…” he called yet again, before his hands found hers. He then moved so they’re facing each other. Yumi kept her eyes shut tight, until Shuukichi guided her hands to take his undershirt off. What he revealed to her with this action made the girl wide-eyed.
“See this… and this?” said he, referring to the bruises on either of his arms. Even with only the luminescence from outside, Yumi can make out of the sore muscles, almost purple from… whatever did this to him.”
“What in the—WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?!” Hurriedly, the girl sprinted to the direction of the first aid kit. Shuuichi followed suit even before she pulled him with her.
“Masumi gave me these,” he chattered on. From under her breath, Yumi uttered, “Oh, I see,” and asked no more.
“So, yeah. Whenever I bring us up, she makes a punching bag out of my arms saying I deserved it.”
“She’s damn right, you do… Dumbass…” the lass hissed through gritted teeth. “Now shut up a minute. Let me do something about those… Man, you’re such a handful.”
For the first time in seven days, there was tranquil silence between the couple. Yumi worked on making sure the swelling disappears, keeping herself busy for as long as she can manage.
Meanwhile, Taiko-meiji was rehearsing his lines in silence. He knew that if he uttered even a single wrong word, Yumi’s going to be furious with him again. If he does so much as say anything bad about Masumi, she’d torment him to no end. If he brings up the subject of their argument again, he might stay another week away.
In the end, he settled with, “I’m an idiot for not understanding what you want. My sister and I, we might share the same opinion about parenting, but she totally gets you.”
“It sure must be nice to have a sibling,” was Yumi’s absentminded reply as she continued working.
Shuukichi took one deep, cleansing breath before started talking again.
“Yumi, I don’t want kids ‘cause it’ll hurt you.”
To this, the police officer came to a full stop, Shuukichi almost thought he’d lose his head.
“But… if it’ll make you happy, then…”
He bit his lip. There’s still no reaction on Yumi’s part. Is that a good sign?
“I could at least give you that happiness, love…”
Her features stayed the same as two minutes ago, as if she’s trying her hardest to conceal her feelings.
A full two minutes later, she finally met his gaze. Her eyes seem to sparkle in a new, brighter light, contrasting the furrow in her brows.
“That’s what you’re worried about?” she inquired, waterworks threatening to escape her again. “I seriously thought you were cheating on me.”
The shogi champ chuckled in amusement before he pulled her to a tight hug, the heat of his bare torso completely engulfing her. “Oh, you know I can never do that… Not to you, most of all...”
Yumi returned the hug with a small nudge on his chest.
“It was thanks to Masumi-chan that I haven’t killed you yet. She kept me updated. She claims she’d kill you herself. I’m surprised she hasn’t completely gotten rid of you. She could have easily thrown you off Bell Tree Tower, you know.”
To this little joke, Shuukichi pulled away.
“Oi, oi…”
“Look,” Yumi began, busying herself with buttoning her husband’s shirt again. “I know what hurts and what doesn't, 'Kichi,” and with a determined gaze, she looked up to him and said, “Even so I've decided.”
Once she was done with his shirt, Yumi placed her hands on either side of Shuukichi’s face, caressing him. He’s been away a while. She can’t deny she missed him so.
Leaning even closer, the long-haired girl breathed, “It’s tough. But if you’re with me, I can handle anything.”
“Yumi…”
She leaned even closer, their noses touching. Shuukichi closed his eyes shut. He feels giddy just being this close to his true love again. And a kiss is just what he needs to sleep soundly again tonight.
Only, his much-awaited kiss didn’t happen, as Yumi chose that moment to pinch both of his cheeks so hard, he screamed.
“OWWWWW!!!”
“Don’t ever try to run away from me again,” the lass ordered, still not letting go of Shuukichi’s sore cheeks. “You got that, Baka-Chuukichi?!”
“Ow-ow-ow-All right! Let go already! Yumi-tan!” Taiko-meijin squeaked.
And she did, but not without letting out an evil laugh. Teary-eyed Shuukichi took a quick glimpse on the girl before her, and she couldn’t have been even more beautiful in his eyes. Just as he was thinking of stealing a kiss, Yumi beat her to it, planting a light peck on the cheek.
“Shuukichi…” said she, her eyes filled with dreamy innocence most children possess.
Yumi placed her hands on his, tangling them together. “We’ll be parents someday…”
Without warning, Shuukichi sealed her lips with his… as if sealing an unspoken oath etched on stone.
“Yes,” said he, before he captured her in another kiss. The pain induced to him by his sister seems to melt with his wife’s every touch.
Under the moonlight, twin rings glisten brighter than ever. Shuukichi was more than blissful to know they’ve finally put their first fight behind them, and he looks forward to being a better life partner now more than ever.
Meanwhile, Haneda Yumi couldn’t be happier knowing that she can once again be youthful in her own way.
Extra note: I don’t even think for a second that Sato-keiji’s ever going to give up being a police detective even after marriage. She's awesome that way.
Prompt: Pick a couple: one want children, the other person doesn't.
Summary: Shuukichi and Yumi’s first major fight had Yumi looking for advice from her good friend, Miwako. Only… Their argument isn’t Miwako’s forte. She hates the subject, even…
Note: I shall edit this again... Sorry if I'm a bit slow with this. I'm a little rusty. Also, work is eating up basically my entire life. It's unhealthy. Also to be fair, it's my first time writing Yumi. Please bear with me. I do hope the prompter likes this.
Takagi Miwako stared blankly at her best friend across the table, mouth slightly agape, her half-eaten cheesecake completely forgotten. Teary-eyed Yumi continued her narrative, a tone of vexation evident in the hoarseness of her voice. While she did, the police officer repeatedly drove her spoon down her fourth bowl of parfait. When she finished talking, she took a big spoonful of the sweet treat and gobbled it all down in a matter of seconds.
Yumi always thought married life, especially if it's with a guy wealthy enough to take her to England for honeymoon, will be a breeze. Apparently, she thought wrong. About one week after their first big fight, Shuukichi still hasn’t returned. In Miwako’s opinion, it was all too shallow, really, for them to be fighting about something like that.
“So… let me get this straight,” said she, her voice soft in an effort to tone down Yumi’s babbles. “Nothing ever happened to the two of you right after the honeymoon? NOTHING at all?!”
“NADA!” Yumi practically screamed. Miwako had to reach out in an effort to get a hold of the spoon that her best friend raised as form of protest.
“And this leads you to think that, two months into marriage, he’s already cheating…?” asked the police detective once the silverware was back in its place on the table.
“It’s certainly possible, isn’t it? I mean, what else can it be?” Yumi pouted, a single teardrop threatening to escape her eye. Besides, once people find out who her husband is, they’d definitely cling to him like leeches.
This, however, was not enough to convince her best friend that her hunch was right all along.
“I don’t know, Yumi,” Miwako shook her head, a hand firmly placed on her chin. “Maybe he’s just busy, or he’s got a lot on his mind. He’s Taiko-meijin, after all.”
The short-haired girl earned an eye roll upon her speculations. Yumi proceeded to pick her spoon up and stuffed herself with the fruits—the strawberries, in particular, met their wrath with much destruction.
“Keh, he’s got time to spend with his little sister but no time to spend with me…”
Skeptic lilac eyes narrowed as a small chuckle escaped Miwako’s lips. “Hey, you’re not jealous are you? Masumi-chan’s technically your sister now.”
“No. We’re cool. We understand each other.”
Without a warning, the long-haired girl banged her hands against the table and growled. “But does it cost too much to spend the nights with me? Chuukichi and I are married, for goodness’ sake!” And as evidence, she raised her right hand in front of her, her ring finger decorated with a rose gold ring.
Still unconvinced of Taiko-meijin’s possible infidelity, Miwako inquired even further, “Have you talked to him about this? Maybe he’s just feeling shy or… he’s still not used to having someone sleep beside him.”
“That’s not it!” Yumi muttered, sinking back to her seat. “The other night, I was trying to be all lovey-dovey with him, he just told me I’m so cute, pinched me on the cheek like I’m his little sister or something. Then he said,” here, Yumi mockingly imitated her husband, “‘There’s nothing more I need to know about you’ and dozed off. What the hell’s that about? What does that even mean? What exactly is he trying to prove here?”
Deep down Miwako wanted to laugh. Just how thick-headed can Shuukichi be when all Yumi wanted was a ‘sweet’ time with him? But seeing as her best friend is treating this as a matter of utmost importance, she kept a straight face and commented, “While it’s true that he’s got a sharp memory, that does sounds a bit off.”
The duo sat in pensive silence for a few minutes. That is, until a small sniff escaped Yumi. She then vigorously shook her head, one hand automatically shooting up to cover a roguish teardrop. “Look, Miwako, I don’t care anymore if he’s with someone else, romantically or otherwise.”
Miwako was about to interject with “You don’t care if he’s unfaithful?” but Yumi pressed on.
“But what about me? What about my needs? I need to feel loved, to live a complete life of a woman. And do you know what makes a woman woman, Miwa-chan?”
With this, Yumi, with eyes narrowed and lips pursed tight, leaned closer from across the table—too close, in fact, that the other woman had to lean back.
“Uh…”
Without bothering to wait for an answer, Yumi bellowed, “IT’S MOTHERHOOD!”
“…”
“Huh?”
“Haven’t you thought about it with Takagi-kun? ‘Cause to tell you the truth, I have.”
Finally recovering from the sudden outbreak, Miwako tilted her head to the side, held that pose for a few more seconds and said in a higher tone than normal, “Really Yumi? You want to have children?”
Upon sensing the doubt in Miwako, the police officer queried, “What’s wrong with that?”
“Uhm. Nothing. You don’t strike me as the type who wants children, that’s all.”
“Not just any children, Miwako. I want Chuukichi’s.”
Miwako opened her mouth to speak. She wanted to suspend her disbelief for just a while longer. Of all the people she knew, Yumi’s the last person on her list to actually want to become a mother. Motherhood is stressful! It’s a puzzle to her how some would like—heck, even love—the idea of labor pains and sleepless nights and extreme cravings and nausea and constantly wanting to throw up and eating and gaining weight. Surely, Miyamoto Yumi—or, rather, Haneda Yumi—is the least likely person to want all those. Even before she could react, however, Yumi once again went into an outburst, causing some of the other customers to look their way.
“BUT THAT WRETCHED MOUSE DOESN’T UNDERSTAND ME AT ALL!”
Okay, so… maybe she was wrong. Maybe Yumi really is serious about this.
“M-maybe he’s not ready to be a father yet,” commented the older girl right after returning every single glance back at those staring at them.
The girl resumed stuffing herself with parfait (rather violently, even) as Miwako continued, “You know how it is. He’s always busy… or maybe he doesn’t want children to begin with. You know, there’ll be more mouths to feed, there’ll be chaos everywhere, and, mind you, as metropolitan police, we’ve had enough of that already.”
“Are we still talking about me or about you and Takagi? You always said you don’t want to be a mother.”
Knowing very well that the other girl has read through her, the dot-eyed detective let out a nervous laughter and answered in denial. “Heh, no…?”
Perhaps it was because she was too full of her own misery that Yumi didn’t notice Miwako’s eyes twitching in discomfort. She let out a heavy sign and said, mainly to herself than to her companion, “I only thought he cares enough to notice… if not for me, then I’ll do it for him. I want him to have heirs… to have beautiful children with wild, messed up black hair he’d cherish forever.”
Those statements made Takagi Miwako stop. For the first time since this conversation started, she paid close attention to her movements, to her unspoken emotions. The way Yumi was talking about having heirs, about having her own children, about little figures with eternal bed head and motherhood… Her eyes were sparkling in excitement, yet, it brings with it a sparkle that was both beautiful… but lonely. At that moment, all her doubts in this conversation vanished.
Because she cares enough about her long-time friend to notice…
“This… really means a lot to you, doesn’t it?”
Yumi nodded in melancholy.
“Miwako, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I won’t be young and pretty forever… But, if I can give someone that gift, if I could have someone young and pretty in my place, I’d be complete…”
“Oh…”
Now that she understands, Miwako feels bad for them both. And, perhaps to make it up to Yumi for how she was thinking, Division 1’s most loved detective decided she had to do something for her best friend.
“Hey, Yumi, can I borrow your phone for a sec? I need to make an urgent phone call but my phone’s battery is dead.”
Yumi blinked, a bit confused, before she reached for her phone and handed it over to her. “O-okay…”
“But who are you calling?” she asked quickly, seeing as the other girl started scrolling through her contacts, to which, she only got “Wataru.”
Through the receiver both girls listened to the sound of ringing, Yumi leaning just enough to be able to hear. What exactly is this ‘urgent’ matter that suddenly needed Miwako’s attention?
“Hello? Yumi-tan?”
Once the person on the other line answered, Yumi paled. That didn’t sound like Takagi-kun at all. She proved her speculations were right when Miwako spoke in annoyance.
“Listen here, Chuukichi…”
Faster than lightning, Yumi scrambled to take her phone back even as Shuukichi spoke, “Sato-keiji?—I-I mean, Takagi-keiji?”
“W-wait, Miwako, what are you doing?!” she shrieked. Miwako hastily sprinted away from Yumi in an effort to keep said girl away from her own phone.
“My best friend here wants to know. If you’re truly serious about her, why don’t you two just hit it off and have kids?” the detective babbled on.
“What the hell? Miwako!”
The battle for the phone continued on even as Miwako pulled out the payment for their purchase, placed it on the table and exited the café as fast as she could. The long-haired girl’s efforts of getting her phone back were unsuccessful, only getting as close as the other woman’s sleeve.
“Miwako! Give that back!”
Shuukichi’s mumbled words from the receiver made Yumi fret even more. Whatever Taiko-meijin said made Yumi’s companion grit her teeth. “Oh, so you wanna talk to her now? After not showing up for a week?! I don’t think s—”
Finally winning the chase, Yumi brought the phone to her ear, heaved, “Hey don’t mind what Miwako said. Let’s talk about this face to face… I’ll meet you back home. You better be there or I’m filing for divorce,” and hung up.
It took a while for Yumi to catch her breath, what with the chase knocking all air out of her, coupled with the unmistakable flush on her face.
“Why, you…” she gasped. A couple steps after her, Miwako was crossing her arms and curling a victorious smile.
“See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
A series of incoherent grumbling were Yumi’s only reply.
“You’ll thank me for this later…”
Somehow, Yumi can’t remember why she enlisted her best friend’s help for this when Miwako, herself, was against the idea of becoming a parent. Usually, it was she who gives advice. It feels kind of odd that this time, she’s on the receiving end of it.
On the other hand, Miwako couldn’t shake the feeling she not only helped her friend, but she also finally came to terms with the fact that she might really become a parent someday…
-*-.-*-.-*-.-*-
Yumi’s exhaustion finally kept up with her once her head hit the dining room table. And with that came the tears she’s been holding back for too long.
Now, Yumi’s not the type of girl to cry over the simplest of things, but…
Just the thought of her husband cheating on her pained her even more than the fact that this argument started when he took her statement about wanting kids as a joke.
Divorce was not at all a good idea, but she had to say something. She wanted to see him, to talk to him again, to hear him say she loves her the most. He must come back because she doesn’t like this arrangement one bit.
She was finally about to doze off until what felt to be a jacket being draped over her shoulders blinked the sleep away. She looked up and was greeted with a bespectacled pair of indigo eyes, paired with the eternal bed head she’s undoubtedly missed. Said guy was wearing the sweater he claimed to be his favorite—the one she got him the previous Christmas, on the day he finally told her he’s not going to let “the seven” go a second time and asked her to marry him.
“You…” Yumi breathed.
Shuukichi smiled, one hand reaching out to move stray hair away from her face. “Were you here long?”
“YOU!”
Yumi shot up and grabbed the guy by the collar, the jacket falling off her and lying forgotten on the floor. Shuukichi froze, utterly terrified of the girl’s anger.
“Y-yes, Yumi-tan?” he nervously let out.
“HOW DARE YOU!”
“W-w-w-well, you-you were expecting me… Right? There’s no way I won’t show up,” Taiko-meijin stuttered. Inside, he’s hoping of all hopes his wife won’t start lashing on him… which he probably expects.
Instead, her hands trembled and more tears gushed out of her already puffy eyes.
“Not a single phone call, not even a text message. You could have at least showed yourself three days ago! I could have forgiven you as easily. I’ve already forgotten that fight the day after. Do you know how worried I was?! DO YOU?!”
“Yumi…”
A pregnant pause. Silence ensued between them for a while, broken only by the occasional blowing of the late-night autumn breeze. Finally, the lad spoke up, seemingly very careful with picking his words, “I… thought you weren’t serious when you said you wanted kids.”
“Well I thought you were playing with me when you said you don’t want them…”
The hands on Shukichi’s collar loosened slightly. A fresh batch of tears once again fell from Yumi’s features.
“I actually thought you don’t like me anymore.”
“No… No, Yumi-tan,” the lad breathed, placing both hands on the girl’s shoulder and giving her a light shake. “I knew you needed space. That’s why I went back to Mama and Masumi.”
The police officer gave him a bitter look.
“Look, we can still be happy, just the two of us but—”
“You don’t get me at all…” she interrupted.
They share another ample pause, just enough for them to truly look at each other in the eye, to try to read each other’s intentions. His thumbs went up to wipe her tears away, like how he always wanted to do for her once upon a time. Finally, he displayed a gleam, said, "Believe me, I do," and, to Yumi’s surprise (and embarrassment), he started removing his top. When he proceeded to unbutton his undershirt, the girl let out a small squeal before she hurriedly turned away, eyes behind her hands, her face as red as a fire engine.
“Shuukichi! This isn't the time and place for this,” she growled. In exchange, said guy only chuckled.
“Yumi…” he whispered, his lips dangerously close to her ears, “Yumi, look at me.”
His voice sent her goosebumps. And during that split-second almost-contact, Yumi can’t help but fall hopelessly in love with the idiot behind her over again.
“Yumi…” he called yet again, before his hands found hers. He then moved so they’re facing each other. Yumi kept her eyes shut tight, until Shuukichi guided her hands to take his undershirt off. What he revealed to her with this action made the girl wide-eyed.
“See this… and this?” said he, referring to the bruises on either of his arms. Even with only the luminescence from outside, Yumi can make out of the sore muscles, almost purple from… whatever did this to him.”
“What in the—WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?!” Hurriedly, the girl sprinted to the direction of the first aid kit. Shuuichi followed suit even before she pulled him with her.
“Masumi gave me these,” he chattered on. From under her breath, Yumi uttered, “Oh, I see,” and asked no more.
“So, yeah. Whenever I bring us up, she makes a punching bag out of my arms saying I deserved it.”
“She’s damn right, you do… Dumbass…” the lass hissed through gritted teeth. “Now shut up a minute. Let me do something about those… Man, you’re such a handful.”
For the first time in seven days, there was tranquil silence between the couple. Yumi worked on making sure the swelling disappears, keeping herself busy for as long as she can manage.
Meanwhile, Taiko-meiji was rehearsing his lines in silence. He knew that if he uttered even a single wrong word, Yumi’s going to be furious with him again. If he does so much as say anything bad about Masumi, she’d torment him to no end. If he brings up the subject of their argument again, he might stay another week away.
In the end, he settled with, “I’m an idiot for not understanding what you want. My sister and I, we might share the same opinion about parenting, but she totally gets you.”
“It sure must be nice to have a sibling,” was Yumi’s absentminded reply as she continued working.
Shuukichi took one deep, cleansing breath before started talking again.
“Yumi, I don’t want kids ‘cause it’ll hurt you.”
To this, the police officer came to a full stop, Shuukichi almost thought he’d lose his head.
“But… if it’ll make you happy, then…”
He bit his lip. There’s still no reaction on Yumi’s part. Is that a good sign?
“I could at least give you that happiness, love…”
Her features stayed the same as two minutes ago, as if she’s trying her hardest to conceal her feelings.
A full two minutes later, she finally met his gaze. Her eyes seem to sparkle in a new, brighter light, contrasting the furrow in her brows.
“That’s what you’re worried about?” she inquired, waterworks threatening to escape her again. “I seriously thought you were cheating on me.”
The shogi champ chuckled in amusement before he pulled her to a tight hug, the heat of his bare torso completely engulfing her. “Oh, you know I can never do that… Not to you, most of all...”
Yumi returned the hug with a small nudge on his chest.
“It was thanks to Masumi-chan that I haven’t killed you yet. She kept me updated. She claims she’d kill you herself. I’m surprised she hasn’t completely gotten rid of you. She could have easily thrown you off Bell Tree Tower, you know.”
To this little joke, Shuukichi pulled away.
“Oi, oi…”
“Look,” Yumi began, busying herself with buttoning her husband’s shirt again. “I know what hurts and what doesn't, 'Kichi,” and with a determined gaze, she looked up to him and said, “Even so I've decided.”
Once she was done with his shirt, Yumi placed her hands on either side of Shuukichi’s face, caressing him. He’s been away a while. She can’t deny she missed him so.
Leaning even closer, the long-haired girl breathed, “It’s tough. But if you’re with me, I can handle anything.”
“Yumi…”
She leaned even closer, their noses touching. Shuukichi closed his eyes shut. He feels giddy just being this close to his true love again. And a kiss is just what he needs to sleep soundly again tonight.
Only, his much-awaited kiss didn’t happen, as Yumi chose that moment to pinch both of his cheeks so hard, he screamed.
“OWWWWW!!!”
“Don’t ever try to run away from me again,” the lass ordered, still not letting go of Shuukichi’s sore cheeks. “You got that, Baka-Chuukichi?!”
“Ow-ow-ow-All right! Let go already! Yumi-tan!” Taiko-meijin squeaked.
And she did, but not without letting out an evil laugh. Teary-eyed Shuukichi took a quick glimpse on the girl before her, and she couldn’t have been even more beautiful in his eyes. Just as he was thinking of stealing a kiss, Yumi beat her to it, planting a light peck on the cheek.
“Shuukichi…” said she, her eyes filled with dreamy innocence most children possess.
Yumi placed her hands on his, tangling them together. “We’ll be parents someday…”
Without warning, Shuukichi sealed her lips with his… as if sealing an unspoken oath etched on stone.
“Yes,” said he, before he captured her in another kiss. The pain induced to him by his sister seems to melt with his wife’s every touch.
Under the moonlight, twin rings glisten brighter than ever. Shuukichi was more than blissful to know they’ve finally put their first fight behind them, and he looks forward to being a better life partner now more than ever.
Meanwhile, Haneda Yumi couldn’t be happier knowing that she can once again be youthful in her own way.
Extra note: I don’t even think for a second that Sato-keiji’s ever going to give up being a police detective even after marriage. She's awesome that way.