Bloom Again

CHAPTER 2

"How about this mattress Bambi? Not too soft, not too hard. Perfect for night." Matsuho winks at me, and I blink.

Matsuho chuckles, "nevermind. Find one you're comfortable with okay?"

I nod, and he walks off towards the sheets and frames. I glance over at the price tag, and immediately shy clear of the mattress. I look around trying to locate one of the employees, and instantly make my way to one of them. I ask carefully after thinking through my words, where the budget friendly section is. The young man smiles at me, and leads me towards it. I stroll around the area, the soft swish from my backpacks keychains audible. I find a cheap mattress that we can easily fit into our apartment for $600. I quickly pull out my phone and send a text to Matsuho about the mattress. Within four minutes, he's standing beside me, and we're filling out all the paperwork.

"Ready?"

I grin, "Definitely."

Our new apartment is a little small, but we have each other. The small three room apartment is all in our budget, but as the family grows, our income should as well. Matsuho smiles at me from across the counter.

"Does it taste good, Bambi?"

I give a thumbs up as I spoon some more roasted pork into my mouth.

I finish swallowing, "Char Siew really is my favorite thing from you. Thank you honey."

He smirks, "do I get paid?"

I laugh, "what's the price?"

Matsuho grins devilishly. "A taste?"

I wake up to a heavy weight on my chest. I look up to see Matsuho looking down on me with a worried expression.

I'm still groggy and waking up as he begins to pepper me with questions.

"Eos, baby, are you okay?"

I blink once, twice.

"You're heavy honey," is all I can say.

He grins sheepishly as he lifts off me. Gently he picks me up bridal style so I'm situated sitting upright.

"Do you remember anything?"

"No," I answer as I massage my face to wake me up.

The worried face is back on him. He stands up and hugs me.

He looks ashamed almost, "probably should have waited till you weren't drunk before we went that far Bambi. I'm sorry."

I look at him with wide eyes.

"Too far?"

He grins that boyish grin, "try to stand and walk."

I do and in a futile attempt fall back onto the bed. Realization dawns on me and I look to Matsuho. He's looking at me with that guilty look playing across his face. I lift my hand to his cheek pulling him down gently.

"I wouldn't have had it any other way."

He smiles and stands. He begins to rattle off our schedule, what he's going to be doing, where he will be, how I can contact him. He looks at me for a minute before continuing rattling off the things that we'll do and how we'll do it. I can't help but grin as he leans over.

"And then, at night, I'll make you some fish ball soup okay? Or do you want something else? Our plan says fishball soup."

I laugh and agree to the fishball soup, but as I do, he rushes out and back in much slower.

"Hangover soup. Should help you feel better. Let me get you a Tylenol, and then we'll go to the dining room. Tylenol should help with the soreness."

I take the pill as he gives it, and slowly, I make myself look at the sheets. There's a small red stain where I was sitting, and I look alarmed at Matsuho.

"It was your first time. Don't worry."

I sigh, and continue walking. He runs after me apologizing and apologizing with that whiny voice.

"Eos~ please," he whines

I turn, "Matsuho." He gulps, and I can't help but chuckle.

"It happens. I knew that there is always a possibility, but it's okay. It happens, and you can stop worrying okay? You have to remember that it's been over 20 years. 20 years honey. And since those first years, when I was five, I have changed. I'm no longer that innocent and shy. Okay? I love that you're protective and caring, but we both know you need more than that, and I would be more than willing to do so."

He leans forward, "Eos baby. You're a genius. So now, can the lion come to play?"

I blink, "maybe I'm still innocent?"

He laughs and grabs me close. His lips brush my ears, the heat radiating through my skull.

He whispers, "I guess I'll have to teach you then."