Reaching Her

Into the Future.

This passing weekend was magical. You couldn't believe all the fun you had getting to know Kamiko. You had such a blast with her and she had so much fun too. You took her everywhere throughout Konoha. You wanted her to know everything about where you grew up. You wanted Fumiko to know more about your village too. You also did your best to make sure Fumiko didn't feel left out. Every time she would say she didn't, you'd kiss her on the cheek for reassurance. 

You felt the need to let her know that she is constantly on your mind no matter how much attention you pay to her daughter - or anyone else for that matter. But at the time, it didn't hit you that she adored how much attention you were giving to her daughter hence why she didn't mind.

You kept feeling exciting seeing how excited Kamiko was. You'd even watch her eat and see how messy she'd get. It was both hilarious and adorable. When the time came for both of them to head back home, Kamiko was in tears. 

She didn't want to go. 

Honestly, you didn't want either of them to go either.

Your heart.

Fumiko reassured you that she gets like this sometimes when she's having a good time. If you aren't stern with her then she'll never leave. You couldn't help but come out with it - to express the feelings you've been pondering with.

"I think it runs much deeper. I think we really connected. I'm not her dad and can never really be but I want to keep connecting with her. Is it okay for me to keep connecting with both you and your daughter? As more?"

She gasped a little at your question. Every word that escaped from you at the moment was serious. She walked over to you with extended arms to hug and kiss you. You were so relieved. She said of course and started to come up with ways on how you can see them on as many weekends as possible. It was going to be tough but you felt it was worth it. Especially for Kamiko.

Your stronger fears were starting to fade and your heart was telling you this was where you were meant to be - with Fumiko and Kamiko.

                                                                  **

Time had passed and it has now been a few years since you started dating Fumiko.

Before you knew it, you met her ex-husband and have had many dialogues with him all concerning his family. The last thing he wanted was for someone to come into his daughter's life and not have good intentions. You did your best to reassure him as much as you could. You knew at the time that it was going to take a long time to make him feel comfortable but you were ready for the challenge nonetheless.

You and Fumiko did you best to see each other almost every weekend. It was very difficult at first but it had started feeling like part of both of your routines. Kamiko is eight years old now and she is towards the end of elementary school. Whenever she had an art event, you were there. Even if it wasn't happening over the weekend because you wanted her to know she can depend on you for anything no matter. Sure, it was a little strange for you, her father and her mother to be there for her shows because both parents are always enough. But, you wanted to be there for Kamiko. Fumiko insisted to her ex-husband that you do have genuine intentions and want to support Kamiko and her artistic endeavors.

He eventually agreed and you were at practically every single event.

Of course, everything wasn't always filled with happiness and rainbows. You and Fumiko eventually had a fight or two when you two disagreed on something important. When that would happen, you both would ask for a little space for a little while. You two found the space to help come back to each other and work everything out in a loving and caring way.  

The distance was very trying at times though.

But, the last thing you wanted was to let something like distant get in the way of your love and compassion for Fumiko and Kamiko. When you had those days where you thought you couldn't do it anymore, you kept striving anyway. You wanted to fight for the ones you love.

                                                                **

A few more years passed and Kamiko was eleven years old now. She's in middle school and is still such a happy and talented child. By now, she has won a handful of awards for her art and everyone couldn't be prouder. You and Fumiko continued to grow stronger as a couple and found even more for each other over the years. You two were so happy with each other and it would shine through. Then, your heart spoke to you again.

 You felt it was finally time.

During one of the weekends that Fumiko was coming over, she came by herself this time meanwhile, Kamiko was with her father. You did your best to decorate your home to look as romantic as possible. You wanted her to walk in and feel as if she was in a romance novel. You left the door unlocked and wore your best clothes. You had dinner ready since she was coming later in the night. Your apartment was filled with lit and scented candles and multi-colored flower petals. Dinner was on the table with an open bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers in the middle. All the lights were off so that only the candles were shining and lighting the way.

When she knocked on the door, you told her to come in and got on one knee with the only the ring in your hand.

"Oh my gosh, (y/n). You won't believe the kind of travel I just had-"

You remembered her being in a daze. But, in a good way. She placed her bag on the side of the door and walked over to you still looking surprised while she was still looking around your apartment. She slowly began to place her hands over her mouth and her eyes began to water.

"Fumiko."

She started choking on her tears. Trying to hold them back so that she could listen to you.

"This has been such an adventure. You found me at a time where I was convinced this would not happen for me. I never thought I would fall this deeply in love with anyone. I'm thrilled that it's happening with a woman as strong and beautiful as you. I could not be luckier. I am beyond happy that you gave me the time of day."

She chuckled. Yes. You got a laugh. You wanted to see her smile more in this special moment.

"I want to keep spending my life with you as my wife. I want us to continue to get over challenges together. I want us to grow stronger together and as a family."

She slowly removed her hands away from her mouth completely. Her face was covered in tears but they were happy tears. You slowly got up and put your left arm around her waist to have her closer to you. Your right hand still held onto the ring.

"Fumiko... I love you so much and I want you to keep being happy with me. Will you marry me?..."

"YES! I WILL!" She jumped on you with excitement and you spun her around.  You held onto her waist as you both smiled and laughed. You remembered how bright her smile was after she answered. It was at this moment that you thought things couldn't be better. You had finally done it. You reached her.