Doki Doki: Through Thick and Thin

Chapter 3: Once in a Lifetime

"..." - speaking
... - narration
'..." - emphasized speaking

We drive to the only good park I know in utter silence, mostly because Natsuki seemed to be extraordinarily nervous about this gift she had gotten me. I still didn't understand why she couldn't just give it to me at home, but she wouldn't tell me anything other than that it was to important to be given at home.

Mason: "Were almost to that park I told you about. I hope it's good enough for whatever you have planned. I bet that there won't be a lot of people there, cause, you know... it's like eleven o'clock at night. Haha..."

My attempt to lighten the mood a bit failed horribly. Guess that's what I get for never having any good jokes.

Natsuki: "That's actually a good thing. I don't want a whole bunch of people to see this."

Mason: "Nat, you have got me ridiculously confused right now. What can possibly be so important that you can't give it to me at home, and you don't want people seeing it? Can you please give me a clue Nat?

I hear her mumble something under her breath. I couldn't make out most of it, but I'm pretty sure I heard the words "Please, just say yes".

The rest of the ride goes just as quietly as it was before. When we finally get to the park, Natsuki seems really pleased with my choice of location.

Natsuki: "This place looks great Mason! Do you come here often?

Mason: "Nah, not really, but I'd be more than happy to with you around!"

Natsuki: "Oh, shut up, lover boy."

I'm glad to hear that Natsukis' nerves have seemed to die down, at least a little bit. We get out of the car, but as I'm stretching my legs, I see Natsuki take a small brow box, and put it in her pocket.

Natsuki: "Let's walk around for a while, I'll see if I can find the perfect spot!"

Natsukis' confidence and energy has definitely came back to her.

Mason: "Sounds good! What would you like to talk about? I suppose we do have a lot of catching up to do."

Natsuki: "I was actually thinking, maybe we can talk about the past later. Right now, let's just talk about the future. Our future."

These words surprise me, but in a absolutely amazing kind of way.

Mason: "Oh, sure. What part of our future?"

Natsuki: "Well, for starters, I have a couple of random question for you. Just answer me completely honestly, ok?"

Mason: "Yeah, of course Natsuki. So what's on your mind?"

Natsuki: "Ok, here goes... Do you ever want to have a family some day? Like get married, and have kids. You know, the whole shebang."

This question strikes me off guard, but I actually already have an answer for it.

Mason: "Most definitely. As a matter of fact, the women I want to start a family with is waking right beside me!"

I can definitely tell Natsuki is blushing as I say these words.

Natsuki: "I feel the same way. Obviously we need to wait until we're a bit older to even think about having kids, but... umm... Do you ever think about when you want to get married?"

Mason: "Honestly, if we could get married right now, I would definitely want to, but all of that stuff can be super stressful, you know? Plus, I don't think I even have enough money to buy you the ring you would deserve. Ahaha..."

Natsuki: "That's really comforting to hear. Let's keep talking for a little while, but I want you to close your eyes and turn around while we talk, ok?"

I'm really confused by this request, but I oblige, trying to make Natsuki happy. About a minute of silence goes by.

Mason: "Well, is there anything else on your mind? Wait, actually, are you almost ready to give me this mystery gift yet? If I keep my eyes closed much longer, I might just pass out, ahaha..."

Natsuki: "Just one second.
.....
.....
.....
"Ok, I'm ready. You can turn around and open your eyes now."

I turn around, and don't even believe what I see. All the peices start to fit together, Natsuki acting all nervous, talking about our future together, even that little brown box that she grabbed, it all makes sense now.

Natsuki is on one knee, with a ring inside of a brown box in her hands. A million thoughts rush through my head all at once, the most prominent one being, "DO NOT MESS THIS UP!"

Natsuki: "M-Mason, w-will you marry me?