Chapter 103: Happiest Man In The World
The next morning, before any of them could wake up, Kai left the bed. This time, he was sharing it with Samui. The morning was crisp, the chirping of the birds an ambient backdrop to the serene garden. Mikoto, a picture of elegance with her dark hair cascading down, held two steaming cups of coffee in her hands. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of dew-kissed flowers. The morning sun cast a warm glow, making Mikoto's smile all the more enchanting.
Kai, with his usually imposing stature, seemed gentler as he approached her. Not one for many words, he simply took the coffee from her, his fingers brushing against hers, and kissed the top of her head—a gesture that spoke more than a thousand words. He sat on the bench, and without needing an invitation, Mikoto settled into his lap, positioning herself sideways so she could face him.
She looked up, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Are you going to the other villages?" she asked.
Kai nodded, taking a sip from his cup, "Mei's village first."
Mikoto's eyes briefly flitted away, and she bit her lower lip before asking, "You and Mei...you had a history, didn't you?"
A distant memory flashed in Kai's eyes. Instead of avoiding the topic, he decided to address it. "It was different," he began, his voice deep and thoughtful. "Physical. She wanted me to stay in Mist."
Mikoto adjusted her position, looking deeply into his eyes, trying to read the story behind them. "Did you ever think about staying?" she asked, her tone not one of jealousy, but genuine curiosity.
Kai paused, his gaze drifting to the distance, before shaking his head, "I don't like to be tied down."
Understanding dawned on Mikoto. While others might try to use relationships as leverage or to fulfill certain motives, she knew that Kai's connection with her and the others was genuine. "It was a blessing, otherwise we would never meet," she whispered, tracing a pattern on his chest with her fingers.
He nodded, bringing the coffee cup to his lips again, a rare flicker of warmth in his eyes. "I wouldn't trade it for the worlds."
They sat in companionable silence, the world around them dissolving as they basked in the tranquility of the moment. It was these simple moments—unspoken yet filled with emotion—that bridged the gap between them.
Mikoto finally broke the silence, "Be careful out there, okay?"
Kai raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Always," he replied.
She playfully rolled her eyes, "You know what I mean."
With a brief chuckle, he replied, "I do." Gently placing the empty coffee cup on the ground, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
Despite the memories and the bonds he formed there, the village never fully felt like home. While he now resided there, and despite Tsunade being his wife and the mother of his child, the concept of permanence was alien to him. He was the Free Shinobi, Kai, and the title sat well with his spirit.
Nestling closer to Mikoto, he brushed his lips against the soft skin of her neck, absorbing the serenity of the moment. He was all too aware of the looming shadow of the Akatsuki and the tasks that awaited him, making these fleeting moments of peace all the more precious.
Without parting from their embrace, Mikoto gently spoke, her voice a soft whisper, "Kai...how long will you be away?"
He tilted his head, the warmth of her skin lingering on his lips. "Not sure," he murmured, his voice gravelly.
She shifted slightly, leaning back to gaze into his eyes, "Will you come back to me? To us?"
A nod, brief yet certain. "Always."
Pulling away slightly, Mikoto ran a hand through Kai's hair. "The girls will miss you, especially Reina. She's taken a shine to her father."
Kai's response was simple, a rare gleam in his eyes at the mention of his daughter, "She's strong, like her mother."
Throughout the entire exchange, an unnoticed detail, even to Mikoto, was Kai's gentle touch on her abdomen. The rhythm of his fingers as they danced softly on her stomach was subtle, and only when the conversation lulled did she become fully aware of it. She cast a curious glance his way, her brow furrowing in confusion. For a moment, he seemed almost hesitant, something quite uncharacteristic of him.
Drawing closer, Kai's voice was low, the warmth of his breath tickling her ear, "I wanted you to discover it on your own, but it seems I need to tell you." The vagueness of his statement made Mikoto's heart race. "You're expecting our child."
Mikoto's reaction was immediate. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, the weight of his words sinking in. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deep, emotion-filled kiss. The surprise was evident, but beneath it was a layer of raw emotion — happiness, wonder, and a touch of anxiety.
As they parted, her voice quivered, "Is it true?"
Kai simply nodded, his fingers resuming their gentle motion on her stomach, almost as if trying to feel the life burgeoning within.
"I... I don't know what to say," Mikoto murmured, her fingers brushing against his cheek, seeking the warmth of his skin.
Kai leaned into her touch, a rare gesture for him, his voice softening just a touch, "You don't need to say anything."
Mikoto's eyes searched his, as if trying to gauge the depth of his feelings on the matter. "Are you... happy?"
Kai pressed a series of tender kisses onto Mikoto's face, starting at her forehead and trailing down to her chin. The simple touch spoke volumes, replacing the words he might have otherwise used. "Happiest man in the world," he responded, his voice deep yet infused with an unmistakable sincerity.
Mikoto's arms found their way back around his neck, holding him close. For a moment, she was lost in her own thoughts, perhaps revisiting their shared journey. The love story they wove was by no means simple, fraught with hesitations and deeply rooted in Kai's past friendship with her deceased son, Itachi. It was an emotional hurdle Kai had initially been reluctant to overcome. But as time wore on and their paths kept crossing, the wall he'd built around his heart began to show cracks. The love they cultivated, now confirmed with the news of their impending child, was testament to the strength of their bond.
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