"Aoi Aoi" Is My Name!

The house was quiet in that comfortable sort of way that only came after years of sharing the same space. Morning sunlight spilled through the curtains, warming the kitchen floor while the tea maker hummed softly in the background. Akane emerged from the bedroom, already halfway through getting ready for the day—which was going to be spent showcasing a sketch of Aoi in her wedding kimono on paper to his workplace—his shirt's buttons and tie loose. Aoi looked up from where she was packing Akane's lunch and smiled to herself, her white nightgown fluttering as she straightened up, resting her palm over her stomach. She was currently around eight months pregnant with a daughter, conceived under holy, particularly affectionate circumstances. Her swollen belly seemed to portrude like a sore thumb against her petite body, and her legs seemed to resist standing for long periods of times. Even then, she turned around, clasping her hands in front of herself. "Good morning, Akane-kun! Did you sleep well?" Akane's eyes drifted over to Aoi, who stood near the kitchen, waiting expectantly. Akane's face broke out in a subtle smile as he approached her, his feet moving almost automatically. "I did, thank you very much," He was at Aoi's side in an instant, his hands framing her face. His fierce, unbridled love had settled into something softer since Aoi became his. "You're absolutely radiant today. It was depressing seeing you unable to sleep on your side like always." "Hehe, oh, dear... You're quite handsome with your new glasses, too, Akane-kun." "I like to think they're for good luck! And to look smarter to Minamoto." "They are! At least, I think so... do you want a morning kiss? I missed you yesterday." "I have, too. Aoi... I love you." "I love you too...!" As Akane captured her lips in a kiss, and as Aoi's toes left the ground as he scooped her up, she couldn't help but giggle. Even after all these years, it still amazed her how easily one quiet greeting could dissolve his composure. "My sweet time keeper," Aoi mumbled against his lips, pulling back slightly. "The time keeper who wishes he had Kako's abilities right now so he could possibly replay every moment with you," Akane said lovingly, pulling back to clutch his sketch a bit tighter, just in case... "I'm assuming you loved me enough today to draw something in that, right?" Aoi suddenly asked. Great, akane thought he could get away before she even questioned it. "N-no... not necessarily," Akane whispered, beginning to turn around until Aoi grabbed his sleeve. "Please...! I'm only curious, honey!" "No.... oh!" Aoi managed to snatch the canvas a bit too hard, accidentally falling over, thankfully only on her bum. She didn't even seem to notice the pain as she flipped it over, her eyes widening at the paper's content. "O-oh...!" "You know I would have tried to get it back if you weren't carrying our daughter," Akane took a seat next to her, having a few minutes to spare. "And... if you weren't the love of my life, just beginning." "Just beginning?-" "I've been a little... off-limits, according to others... too far away to get to know personally," akane commented softly, feeling aoi take his hand into hers, followed by her other hand clutching the canvas tighter, her eyes traveling over the attention to detail as akane began talking. "I started out as a time keeper and school wonder who didn't trust the people he works with, who couldn't see the good in spirits. And now, they live among us in peace. To think you are my wife, Aoi... it's the greatest honor of my life. Thank you for staying with me." "Oh..." Aoi's face heated up a little bit as Akane pushed her bangs back, placing his lips on her forehead. Though, she found herself smiling softly, lifting his large hand and kissing it. As Akane backed off, his hands found their place around Aoi's waist. He leaned forward, resting the weight of his head on her generous chest. "...Akane-kun," Aoi stuttered, beginning to run her fingers through his hair. "If you rest like this, I might lactate. I'm just so milk-filled nowadays." "Shh," Akane shushed gently, lifting his gaze. "That's only natural. Aoi is all that matters to me." "I see..." "Is that foreign to you, Aoi? That i loved the version of you that cried at everything and the version of you that's going to be strong enough to bring our baby here?" "Oh! No... it's not, and... I deeply appreciate being loved like this..." "Then you and I are one in the same. Now, listen. I want to talk to you before the world asks for me." He talked of the sacredness of the moment he saw Aoi from a distance in the shrine. He talked of the day they conceived their beautiful child, and... how he'd love to meet her—Nekoyashiki, they'd decided on the name—very soon. Breakfast passed peacefully, punctuated by idle conversation about Aoi's due date, grocery lists, and whether they were running low on tea leaves again. It wasn't exciting by any stretch of the imagination. Aoi loved it. When it was finally time to leave, Akane slipped on his jacket with the confidence of someone about to step onto a stage. "I'll make today shine!" As always. As naturally as breathing, Aoi stepped closer before he could reach the front door. "One moment, love!" "Hm?" She reached up, smoothing the lapel of his jacket before straightening his tie with practiced fingers. A stubborn strand of ginger hair had escaped from where he'd tried to tame it that morning. She tucked it neatly back into place. "There. Please, try your very best today." Akane blinked, smiling a little bashfully. "Was it that messy as to grace it with your thorough taming, Ao-chan? Did you want to just touch me?" "Just a little." "I see. I've been enlightened!" He cleared his throat, suddenly finding the floor very interesting. Aoi smiled warmly. "Akane-kun is very adorable like this, too...!" "...Best compliment in the world." His ears had already turned pink. Aoi leaned back just enough to admire her work before giving him a satisfied nod. "There. Now you really look... like a man in love. Do I really make your heart race that fast, that you're revealing me to the people there, Akane-kun?" A brief light swirled through Akane's eyes. Of course. He'd loved Aoi since they were kids. He took up the role of a school wonder just to save her. Just so he could control what happens in the now. And, today... Aoi still felt like someone far too good for their apartment to him, but she was also carrying the best thing he ever felt. For a brief moment, all of Akane's usual confidence vanished. "...Thank you." The words came out much quieter than usual. Aoi's smile softened. "Have a wonderful day. I'd like to go lay down for a bit, the baby is quite active." "And you have a wonderful day as well, darling!" He took two steps toward the door before pausing, a smile crossing his face. "Make sure to use the new breast pump. Neko-chan plans on turning our entire life around very soon." "That's right!" Aoi beamed, feeling a kick that was a little too insistent. "I'll make sure to take care of myself before you're back. Again, have a wonderful day, my love." Aoi came over and pressed a kiss to his jaw, standing on the very tips of her toes. Akane rested a hand over her belly, the other coming up to cradle the back of her head. "If we persist in this good course, Heaven's blessing shall be ours," akane whispered into her ear. "I'll be off!" "I love you...!"