For Better or for Worse

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Goddamn alarm. Grumbling, I open my groggy eyes, quickly shutting them yet again as the sunlight blinds me. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. It only gets louder until I eventually fling the nuisance across the room. Of course, the crash wakes Die. But only momentarily. Before I can get out a word, he’s out cold. Sighing, I bury my face in his chest. His bare chest. Our naked legs lie entangled, and I can’t help blushing, recalling what went on last night.

I love you. The words still tingle on my lips where he touched them. In fact, my entire body is still on cloud nine. I’ve never felt this…happy.

“You’re breathing on my chest…” He grumbles, “Ticklish.” I can’t hold back my evil grin, and I think he caught on seeing as how he’s across the room now, wrapped in the sheets I was using.

“Jerk.” I grumble, hastily pulling blankets from the floor. He only sticks his tongue out, plopping onto the floor and falling back asleep. Good lord he sleeps quickly. Then again, we were up most of the night…A shrill scream wakes me of my previous thoughts, and I turn my attention to the cradle in the corner. Ellie…I completely forgot about her.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” I ask rushing to her side, cautiously picking her up, expecting an answer from the one week old. She only cries harder. Holding her close, Die scares the shit out of me by being directly behind me.

“She okay?” He asks, his hoarse voice filled with concern as he watches her intently.

“…I think so? I’m pretty sure she just needs changed.” I conclude, detecting a telltale odor. “I’ll give you something nice if you change her.” I plead in a singsong voice, batting my long eyelashes at him…not that he can even see my eyes beneath all my unruly hair. I think I need a haircut. Yes…that sounds reasonable. He only rolls his eyes.

“Okay. But go shower up.” He demands taking the infant from my arms and directing me toward the bathroom.

“I know where it is dammit!” I pout.

“Such a potty mouth.” He smirks. I only roll my eyes, disappearing into the bathroom. Yet, I can’t hold back my smile.

XOXOXOX

“Hey Aie, can we head to the Laundromat? Our sheets need washed and I need clean pants.” He pouts bouncing Ellie as I exit the bathroom, wrapped in a soft towel, my hair dripping.

“What happened to your washing machine?”

“Broken.” He shrugs. “I’ve got no clue what’s wrong with it. I’ll get a new one, but I need pants!!!!” He whines. I shake my head, hiding my laughter.

“All right. Well you have to run to the store then.” I nod.

“Why?”

“Because you need some items.” I settle with.

“Items?” He looks confused.

“Yes. Items.” I blush slightly. “Do you remember what you forgot last night?” I prod, hoping he gets what I’m saying, but I’m met with a blank expression. Ugh, you can be so dense sometimes. “Condoms Die! You need to go get condoms!” I groan, hiding the red on my face.

“OOOH! Why didn’t you just say so?” I roll my eyes again. He only grins. “Well that’s good news for me at least.” He smirks, and I shake my head hunting through the closet. Eventually, we head out, me and Ellie at the Laundromat while he hunts the aisles of the drug store across the way.

“Nope. I’m pretty sure this one’s yours.” A familiar voice meets my ears, but I can’t place it. It’s rather annoying actually.

“It’s not!!!! I don’t use those!!!!” That voice I don’t know.

“Well neither do I!!” The annoying one retorts.

“Would you both just shut it, it’s Miku’s most likely!” Now, I’d know that one anywhere…suddenly I want to flee from this place.

“Miku uses man thongs?” A female’s voice chimes in, sounding rather alarmed. I hear heavy footsteps making their way toward me, and my eyes instantly dart toward the doorway. I could still make it. Who cares about the laundry?

“…Aie?” Too late. Dammit.

“…Hi.” I state, unwilling to say his name. Hesitantly, my eyes crawl to his, wide and unbelieving. A tug at my hair reminds me of the bundle in my arms, and I hold her closer.
“What are you doing here?” He whispers.

“Washing clothes?” My expression changes from that of nervousness, to one of me meeting a complete idiot.

“Oh…”

“Kanon! Get back here and sort your own damn clothes!!!” That female’s voice demands.
“Hold on! I ran into…a friend.” He nods, and she appears from behind a tall set of machines, arms crossed and foot tapping.

“You’re ridiculous. When they’re all wrinkled don’t depend on me to iron them...BABY!!!!” She beams, instantly spotting little Ellie. “How adorable!!!! How old is she?” I notice Kanon’s mouth open, then quickly shut.

“A week.” I state, smiling down at the sleeping girl.

“Omigoodness! I love new babies!!!!” She squeals, instantly plopping down by my side. Kanon continues standing there nervously.

“…D-do you want to hold her?” I offer to this stranger. The only people who’ve really held Ellie are me, Ari, Die, and the rest of the boys.

“I’d love to!” She nods, quickly extending her arms, and I offer my daughter into them. Kanon’s eyes move between the three of us, and what I hear coming from his mouth I’d never have expected.

“May I hold her?” I stare at the man, awe struck, but nod in approval. Hefting the baby into his arms, his own daughter, I’m alarmed to find that it doesn’t look right at all. It’s funny really. I hear the chime of the door opening, and turn to find Die, a worried look on his face. I only smile, waving him over.

“Hey, aren’t you Die from Dir en Grey?” The girl accompanying Kanon squeals in delight. Die nods, placing his bags by my feet and taking a seat by my side. “No way! I love you guys!!!” She grins, bouncing slightly. Kanon rolls his eyes, returning Ellie to me. “I’m so glad you’re out of the hospital and okay! I was afraid Diru would disband!” She sniffles.

“You’re such a fangirl.” Kanon shakes his head, speaking to the girl as he returns Ellie to my arms.

“Yet you still date me.” She giggles. It doesn’t even phase me…this is what it’s come to. We’re living completely separate lives, yet they’re so entwined. I don’t feel jealous one bit…I’m here with Die and our baby. Kanon and his girlfriend go on in their jabbering, and Die shakes his head, turning his attention toward me, a smile on his face. I think this is how it was meant to be…maybe Kanon and I didn’t work out…but if it wasn’t for me being with Kanon, I wouldn’t be here with Die today. I think it all worked out for the better. I’ve never been so in love.

XOXOXOX

DIE’S POV:

“Dammit Die! Come get your kid! She’s all through my papers again!” Kyo growls, quickly picking up the toddler and offering her toward me. I only roll my eyes, taking the squealing Ellie into my arms.

“It’s not the end of the world Kyo.” I sigh, throwing her over my shoulder and hauling her toward Aie. “Found her!” I grin setting her down in front of her mother.

“Were you bugging Uncle Kyo again?” She tuts, shaking a finger.

“I don’t have bugs!” Ellie eyes her concerned. “They’re gross.” She shivers before moving to hunt through Aie’s purse.

“She’s very curious.” I chuckle leaning against the wall beside her.

“Tell me about it.” Aie sighs rolling her eyes.

“Think this one will be as bad?” I grin nodding.

“Well, looking at you…I’d say he’s bound to be a thousand times worse.” She chuckles, her fingers moving to caress the round bump beneath her shirt.

“Hey mommy, where do babies come from?” Ellie interrupts, tugging at her sleeve and eyeing Aie’s stomach.

“Well that’s a good question, why don’t you ask Daddy?” She smirks evilly toward me. Why do I love you again? Ellie turns her attention toward me.

“The store.” I shrug.

“Okay.” She grins taking off again.

“I don’t think I can handle another one.” I shake my head. Aie only laughs, her lips meeting my cheek.

“I love you.” She giggles.

“Not as much as I love you.” I wink, silencing her impending argument with a kiss. I wouldn’t hear the end of it otherwise. I doubt I ever will.



Fin