A Budding Rose

Ichika's first Christmas (pt 2)

Ken held Touka's hand as they made their way back to the living room.

Ayato was sitting on the couch, with Hinami glued to his side. He didn't notice the couple enter the room as he stared into the newborns blue eyes. Ichika smiled and touched the stubble on his face.

"Ooo..goo" She cooed. (A/N IDK. BABY NOISES)

♢ "You are perfect" he said. He let go of the tension he didn't know he was baring in his shoulders. He wondered how long it's been their. Perhaps a life time-- or what might as well have been one.

Yoriko sat on the floor across from them, sipping tea and complementing Kimi on the rice she made. Kimi thanked her and leaned into Nishki as she ate.

"This coffee is delicious" Niski commented. Yomo said nothing, only staring at the newborn. His chest burned as he stared at the closest thing he would have to a granddaughter. He wanted her to give her everything-- to never know pain, or suffering. Only hugs, and kisses, and all the wonderful things every child deserves to have, but didn't.

* "I think we lost him" Hide teased, relaxing into a sip of Yomo's coffee.

Yomo still didn't move.

Ken and Touka took a spot on the floor next to Yoriko.

"She is perfect." Touka said.

Ayato's head shot up at Touka, then flushed.

♢ "I-- I mean, she's kind of cute."

♡ "Oh stop acting so tough." Hinami teased, kissing her boyfriend on the cheek.

Ayato looked down again, flushing even harder.

*"I think someone better grab Ichika before Ayato dies for too much love" Hide said.

♢ "Oh shut up." he said, yet still handed the infant to Hinami.

♡ "Hi Ichika." she said in a baby voice. "I'm your aunt Hinami" She held her pointer finger out and let the newborn grab it. "I bet you already know this but you have the best parents."

Touka leaned into Ken, resting her head on the crook of his neck, and letting her husband's hands wrap around her, warming every part of her being.

♡ "Your daddy is going to read to you always, but he will always know when to listen when you need help. Your mama will give you a break from your lame dad--"

Everyone laughed.

♡ "She'll teach you to fight, not physically, but the real way. She'll make sure that you know who who are and never apologise for it. And both of them, all of us, we'll be here for you-- even if you don't want it"

She went silent, having so much more to say-- but knowing she already said enough.

"I'm too hormonal for this" Touka rubbed the tears away from her cheeks.

Hinami got up and helped Ichika into Yomo's arms.

His arms were stiff and rigid, yet the infant still snuggled into his touch.

They all stayed silent for a moment.

♟ "I will make sure no one ever hurts you."

The baby smiled, not understanding anything-- just knowing she is warm.

Ichika reached for his face and held onto his nose.

They all laughed.

They continued to laugh into the night-- forgetting about all the presents, only hearing a baby's laugh, smelling handmade coffee, and feeling the warmth in their hearts.

(A/N super cheesy, I know.

Sorry it's been so long. I've been having problems with OCD. For the past 2 years i've been convinced that I only need to eat 300 calories, sleep for 3 hours, workout for 3 hours, and study 3 hours before every test. I was obsessed with efficiency and only did the things colleges wanted to see. I didn't do anything 'for fun'. I got good grades in school, and even got a full ride to a private college. For the past few months, I have been trying to fight those habits and obsessions. I've experimented with therapy and medication. I feel better.

A part of me wants to write on her about it (like in it's own story) it's dumb. I know we all have struggles. Which is why if I write it, I wanna know if y'all would respond and tell me your stories. Or is that just a tumblr thing?

Thanks for reading.

I WILL update soon

Love ya!)