Determined Wild Piglet

Ah, there it is, a flavor he’s been dying for all afternoon. It’s truly one of the things he would miss while he’s gone. Between this..and the usual time they’d spend once she was done with both her school and work. The late afternoons were always so blessed, however..he’d find her pulling away from him all too soon. Yusuke definitely hasn’t had enough, evident because of how close she remained. 

“Tch..not even close.” He’d spoke with a cocky smirk and pulled her back down so he could roll over to now being the one pinning her against the mattress. “If ya want Puu yer gonna have t’ show me that ya really want him t’ stay.” Then the space between them had been severed once again with his lips pressed against her own, one of his hands reaching up to caress her cheek,  all the while sliding her laptop gently out of the way so nothing bad would befall it.

She closed her eyes with a sigh, hands travelling over Yusuke's back to run her fingers through his dark hair. The moment the kisses shifted on her neck, she nipped on her lips to withhold a moan, arms instinctively tightening around Yusuke's shoulders as she held tightly onto him, her pulse accelerating at each peck.

"Wait," she protested weakly, eyes shut tightly, "you'll leave a bruise--"

Her words ended with a yelp as Yusuke planted one last, determined hickey over her neck. She grumbled in protest, but didn't let go of him; in fact, her eyes tightened instinctively around Yusuke's neck the moment he announced he was done.

"Wait," she whispered squeezing her eyes shut, "don't go."

She then realised how she could have been misunderstood on her request. Or could she? She did mean she didn't want him to go, sure... But also that she, too, wanted to make the most of their time together before he'd leave.

So, she timidly pressed her lips on Yusuke's cheek, small kisses travelling over it until they found his mouth again.

“I prefer it this way…I’m stronger than the average person. So with this power of mine I’m gonna help people weaker than I am. Not t’ mention the pay’s great. Pretty much I’ll have enough t’ get my own place one day.” He spoke with a smile, though Yusuke would never regard himself as a hero of any sort, he does perform the duties of a hero almost every day. Now he’s listening to her plea of at least keeping Puu during the time of his absence..and so a cheeky grin found its way on Yusuke’s face.

"Perv," she muttered, but she was already shifting towards him, leaning on an elbow as she leaned over over him, one hand pushing her hair behind her ear. She bent over Yusuke, holding her breath, and pressed her lips on his. The moment his familiar flavour slipped through them, her heart instantly accelerated, her hand running from her hair to his shirt, gripping it tightly.

"Here," she grumbled, pulling away, "can I have Puu now?"

She knew the kiss she had conceded was too brief. She already knew Yusuke was going to protest and ask for more. That was why her hand stayed over his chest, and her face only a few inches away from him, her body still leaving against his while her ankle slowly hooked around his.

His eyes widen at the agonizing pain of her little nose pulling. At this rate he might end up like that one doll people talk about in those western stories. (pinocchio) Though at the very least she wasn’t angry about it, this was simply the rhythm of the special ballad that they danced to, nothing out of the ordinary.

“H’alright, let’s go.” He gently grabs the pen and began writing his wish upon the card. Simple and straight to the point: ‘I wish me and Haruko would never drift apart.’ And of course Yusuke kept the wish hidden from curious and prying eyes all for the sake of him playing the wish out to be something huge. 

"A spot?" She turned to give Yusuke a curious look, which only turned wider as Yusuke mention she'd have to close her eyes... "But... what for??" She asked, slighty nervous.

However, she put the tanzakos in her small purse and closed her eyes.

“So grams has this friend who owns a bakery with her husband and though the yakuza’s gone because of police involvement it jus’ looks like it’s leavin’ a vacuum for gang members t’ jus’ take their place. She told me that the gang’s frontman is pretty much forcin’ ‘em t’ pay up protection money because the bakery’s on their turf.” 

That’s when Yusuke points a finger towards her ceiling. “I’m probably sposed t’ show up and pooouughh.” He makes the sound of a gun and even motions his finger to strengthen the imitation. “Well..not kill ‘em, jus’ rough ‘em up a bit. I’ve gotten families outta shakedowns before but..it gets complicated soo I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone for…soo, brings me t’ my point of bringing ya back a nice plush. It’d be my apology gift for stayin’ away too long. BUT check this, maybe once vacation rolls around…why not..i’unno book a vacation there? We can start savin’ startin’ today and pony up our money together for tickets.”

The comment comes with a note of criticism she hadn't planned. Haruko wasn't sure where it came from: she understood Yusuke had to help his family, it wasn't the first time he took on a risky job for someone's sake. No, it was something else irking her. The fact he'd be gone for so long. And despite the suggestion of a trip together stealing her cheeks a shade of red (another instance where their friendship seemed to play with rules way too flexible for their kind of relationship), her annoyance was still there. She wishes she could voice it out. But she knew she shouldn't. She had no right to.

“Tch, trivial?? Seein’ you like this more often is gonna be a matter of life n’ death.” It truly was a good look for her. Even now Yusuke couldn’t help but steal a few glances here and there. “Mom has one crazy sweet tooth, so a perfect gift for her would definitely be a snack.” Little knick knacks were only going to be things she’d eventually lose.

He’d look at the blank card and takes it into consideration. But she seemed to have beaten him to the punch by wishing for his mother’s health. Hmph…she’s nice, very much so. In a way he’s wondering what his life would have been like had he had met her first? Would Haruko have waited for him when she did not need to?

Ugh..crap..why was he only thinking about this just now?! “When yer done with that pen..I think I know what my second wish is gonna be.” He’s going to make this wish something meaning full…a wish that no matter what he’d never lose her. “Mom’s a tough ol’ biddy that’s for sure.” He gives her a smile, one that steamed confidence in his mother’s resilience.

“Besides she’d kick my ass if I stood ya up.” He’d take a deeper breath and the moment he spoked he tried mimicking his mother’s voice as best as he could. “Haruko-chan asked ya out herself. Ya don’t jus’ leave a girl hangin’ at a festival. It’s important.’ Soo here I am. Haven’t been t’ one of these in awhile and I gotta say I’m havin’ a great time with ya soo I’m happy I tagged along.”

"Alright fine," she conceded. "We'll get her some dessert then, right after the fireworks--"

Words choked her as she felt Yusuke's arm wrapping around her and pulling her close; her heart did a somersault and her mind immediately ran at the wish hidden under her belt...

... Until a sudden grope to her right butt cheek stole her a yelp of surprise.

"PERV!" She exclaimed -- so loud a couple of people turned to give them a worried look, only to laugh amused as Haruko's hand darted to pinch Yusuke's nose hard. "I should have known you were just trying something dirty!"

"It's supposed to be. But things like this makes it feel like we live in a small world." He shrugged with a chuckle, his hands in his pockets. Given the occasion, he wasn't surprised that Haruko wore a yukata. He didn't even hide how he gave the other a once-over. The outfit was different from the usual; a welcoming change at that. "That yukata looks good on you." It was the truth, but his cynical side assumed this was how most people just said these things in general.

The man took one last look at Haruko when Greed took a seat across from him as if making sure she couldn't overhear. "Hey, eyes on me if you don't wanna attract more attention than you already have, alright?" Greed muttered to get him turn his attention fully back to the biker, and though the man still appeared uneasy, the two of them kept their voices low as they sorted through the details of their business deal.

Deals like this were normally made somewhere more shadowy and out of sight, but who would suspect a blackmail case in broad daylight? The man had suspected his boss had been cheating on his wife with the company's secretary, who was also married, and he knew that he and a coworker he was competing with were next in line for promotion if his boss could align the department's financials properly, which he'd been postponing for over a year. And that was where Greed came in. Gather the proof and send a letter threatening to expose the truth if the boss didn't speed up that organization process. Greed's client was behind on his bills and needed the money from that promotion to keep up, and though Greed's business came at a hefty price, in the long run, the cost would even out.

Once everything was ready, she set the cups on the tray and headed for the table in the corner, the biker sitting with his back turned at her. She wasn't really eavesdropping when bits of their conversations reached her ears, but once they did, she couldn't keep herself from listening. Her eyes went wide, and she stopped by a table nearby to pretend she was fixing the menu on it to listen more. That sounded like... A blackmail? So was that guy really mean...?

Be calm Haruko, she imposed herself, biting her lips. It sounds like... Maybe he's helping this other man. He's behind with money. And his boss sounds like a nasty jerk, maybe he's actually doing something... Just...?

She announced herself with a little cough.

She pouted at her own belly as Yusuke hurried to open the door for her. When he did, she almost went to wrap her arms around his neck, her current cheeky mood craving for a princess style treatment and to be carried to the door in his arms, but ultimately, she took his hand and stepped down the vehicle instead. She was already growing larger. Having Yusuke fumbling with the keys and risking dropping her in the attempt to open the door was an unneeded feat, given the cricumstances.

Now it was a drive back home; there wasn’t much to talk about; however, there were concerns..namely the fact that their kid hasn’t kicked yet. Haruko was right to be worried..in fact the news both upset and worried him as well. But for the sake of them moving forward, not having to dwell upon it he’ll be the strength that she needs, that beacon of light that would guide her through the darkness.

“Yer right about that..she was surprised but wanna know what she wasn’t?? Worried. The doc’s had our back since we both found out you were pregnant so let’s try not t’ question her.” He spoke as he starts the engine and began to drive. “Don’t get me wrong..and I’m not the one carryin’ our kid so I get it’s easier for me t’ tell ya t’ try and not worry.” The drive was smooth as of now, smooth enough to take a peek at her.

"Well," she commented with a smile, turning towards him, "you came to me just at the right time. Though it would have been nicer knowing you a bit earlier," she admitted, "and spending more time together."

She stared at him with a fond look. He had grown into quite a handsome man; not that he had ever been unattractive, but it was as if his usual roughness had turned into something more solid and reassuring. After all, his presence had always been an anchor to her, even more so during those days where everything was new and scary and her own body turned her into an unexpected emotional mess...

... Speaking of that. Yusuke's embarrassing question from earlier didn't seem so out of place after all those considerations.

“Told ya, I’m all about good ideas..except on the days where he’s got nothing but bad ones. “Well her mom’s more like a superhero because she’s still standin’ even though her husband’s life has hers kinda similar t’ hell; she faces it as a warrior herself and her smiles happen t’ light up the whole room and papa’s day.” He said with a smile on his face as he took his phone and turned on the camera so he could get a little video of the two of them. “Hey there my little Sunflora, I need ya t’ look at yer mom right now..this one on the tv, not the one who’s probably next t’ ya. Mhmm..-” Yusuke pauses and presses his cheek against Haruko’s as he crouches lower to get down to her level.

"Oh-- Now you'll make me cry!" She weeped as Yusuke's sweet compliment sent her already temperamental hormons off, and before she could realise it her ears had already started tearing up. She brought both hands over her face and sobbed behind her fingers, both crying and laughing at the image of their future family, her little Himawari playing with her... Welp, that didn't help. She sobbed louder.

She was hesitating. Shit! Maybe he'd read the situation wrong. Maybe she was just trying to be friendly and hadn't been suggesting anything. It was just wishful thinking on his part. She didn't even know him and was under the impression that he was a big name that other people would recognize. Of course it would come off as something bigger than just the two of them going out for a movie. Russell's finger fidgeted with the coffee's lid as the urge to just apologize and try to backtrack to a more neutral conversation warred with the recognition that he needed to wait for her to answer before actually assuming anything.

But then she...agreed? Russell blinked twice and softly let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. She'd agreed! Even going to far as try to start planning it already! So that meant she did want to. She still seemed a bit nervous, but it would be hypocritical to think she didn't have to be when his pulse and mind were racing.

Get it together, Russell! She just agreed, so don't make her wait on an answer.

Haruko tried to remember. Wednesday she usually finished working in the late afternoon. But if she wanted to get ready easily, maybe Thursday would be better... But what if she met Momoi on her wait out, and she asked her where she was going...?

... Maybe Wednesday would be better.

"Yep."

It was his vacation, Stahl had earned it. There was nothing wrong with wanting rest and relaxation when the chance arises, and not being forced to endure countless hours stuck in a classroom. Plus, enjoying the sun was a plus in his mind.

"I see." She wasn't wrong. Cianwood was a good place for a nice vacation with the water and everything.

"Yeah, it's pretty nice!" Haruko answered with a smile. "We've had lots of ice cream, turns out this place is pretty popular for its unique flavours. I'm having mulberry with chocolate chips," she said, gesturing at her large cup. "And he had orange blossom and raspberry," she added, pointing at a small, empty paper cup and then patting her starter's head.

"Ah??" She perked up at the suggestion. "A house fire??"

She jumped on her feet and hurried to the small kitchen corner, pulling a drawer open. She rummaged in it until she found a box of matches she kept for the occasional candles. She hurried back to Alfons, holding it with both hands.

She seemed to actually...want to do it. He stared wide-eyed at the box of matches, mouth slightly open as whatever words he was about to utter were lost. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? She wanted to use those?

Wait. Creative...

She hummed, trying to come up with a solution. Eventually, a small lightbulb lit up in her mind.

"I know!"

She grabbed Alfons' wrist and pulled him along, towards the bathroom. She pointed at the shower plate excitedly, then at the hose above, nodding eagerly.

And there was still so much more to see before then! Alfons had taken a moment to watch the cheerful crowd around them when a tug on his wrist earned a little sound of surprise as he was dragged along toward another stand. Haruko really seemed to be in her element here, so much more excited than he'd seen her before, really taking the lead and literally dragging him around to see different things. It was nice really, seeing his friend in a situation she was so comfortable with.

The offer however quickly wiped the pout away as Haruko inspected the different flavours with an excited smile. She tapped a finger on her lips as she tried to decide while the seller kept glancing between the two of them with a mildly curious look, eyes focussing especially on Alfons' blonde hair.

"Yeah well," Haruko huffed, "I'll be pretty busy taking care of the baby to take care of you too. So you'll have to learn to behave, sex or not," she warned him, giving his hand a light pinch.

Right then, the doctor walked out of the room with a folder in her hands; she handed it to Haruko with a smile and a nod.

"There's an envelope inside with the gender of the baby," she added. "In case you decide to find out. Regardless, I'll see you again next month."

Haruko thanked the doctor with a little bow of the head before she walked back to her room. Then, she lowered her gaze on the folder, nipping at her lip. No need to decide now. The answer would be in there, waiting.

"Eh that's okay, I kinda knew this would've happened so I had the monks-...actually the less you know the less yer liable t' be behind bars buut I can promise you no innocent people get hurt and nothin' gets stolen." He rubs her stomach..and whispers while the doctor's away. "It's jus' not somethin' I'd need the kiddo n' you t' hear at the same time." If he's learned anything about being in the yakuza plus royalty training is that he should always have a contingency plan.

"Thanks a lot doc. If ya ever see my food truck ya should stop by, that meal's gonna be on me." After all she took good care of his fiancée, things like that deserve rewards.

On their way back home, she was mostly quiet. She kept staring at the folder on her lap, one hand nervously rubbing her belly as her fingers plucked the elastic keeping the documents closed in the thick layer of paper. She nipped at her lips before talking quietly.

“Oh..I do I do..” He tried getting himself out of this pinching position. “It’s not a will or somethin’. Think of it as a time capsule..except she doesn’t have t’ dig it up. I plan on leavin’ like a few through the years..Himawari will have photos yeah and a couple of home videos. But think of this as a lens through papa tv.”