Dream. - Tsundere!Japan x Reader.

Water this deep, you shouldn't have stepped into. 

Your hand clutch tighter to the red charm as you reach into your final moments. 

Trying to remember this man was a pain in the head, but it was necessary before you give yourself in to Kami.  

He was from the wealthy Honda clan as you were born in a poor house. Kiku was affluent and grew up to be successful, just as his family would like him to be. He was a bit antisocial, always locking himself in. His family wanted Kiku to find a wife; someone they know will take care of him when they were gone. 

Their first and final try came to you, their neighbor's daughter - (Name). 

Born with a talent as chef, and a socialite with good relationships - you were bound to be a good influence on Kiku. 

"Kiku, meet (Name)," Kiku look over to your properly seated self as he didn't bother to spare another glance. "Kiku! At least greet the young lass!"

"It's my pleasure to meet you, I'm Honda Kiku." He bowed and that was that. 

"You will be marrying her, Kiku. I suggest you get to know (Name)-san sooner." Marriage!? And to Honda Kiku!? You sat quietly as all details were being decided by your father and Kiku's father. You gave one last look to Kiku, who seemed uninterested. 

And it wasn't long before your marriage to Kiku did his parents move away to another house. As days grew and a year sprouted, you began to know that Kiku was reserved, though he also had an affectionate side. Everyday was quiet and it almost seemed like you were alone in this enormous house. 

This day was no different. Kiku was seated quietly on the veranda in the old traditional house, patting his dog Pochi as you were preparing dinner in the kitchen. Peeling off the shrimp skin, you watch as Kiku move from the veranda to you, grabbing some tea leaves from the shelf above your head. He then swiftly left the kitchen to the table without speaking a word, sitting on the mats placed on the floor accordingly. 

It was a rare situation that Kiku's parents visited, you remembered. When they did though, Kiku would act as if you were fragile glass. That though, was probably once in a blue moon. 

"Kiku, dinner's ready." You were now holding a plate of fried rice that you had learned from Yao. Kiku didn't reply, which was like the usual him. Your stomach growled as Kiku looked over to you. You looked up to face him with a forced smile as he pushed the plate of rice to you. 

"Eat," he demanded in a harsh tone. "You'll die without eating." 

"I'm fin-" You didn't even get to finish before he shoved rice into your mouth. With no option, you chewed and swallowed the delicious food. "Thanks... Kiku." It was the first time you called him by his name and it sounded better than you thought. 

"..."  When you had your last share, he took the plate to the kitchen to wash it as he then took his spot back at the veranda. Your feet dragged you to the veranda to the spot next to Kiku. 

"You're invading my personal space and it's rude," he glared at you with his dark eyes. "didn't your parents teach you good manners before giving you to me?!" You heard him mutter a short "unbelievable" as he stormed into the bedroom.

What was with him tonight!? Or perhaps - every night! It always looks like he has a stick up his ass!

But. 

For your parents' sake, you couldn't complain. It was the Honda family; the wealthiest residence in the whole world. 

Though you didn't like Kiku for his wealth. Underneath all his masks of scariness, there was a curtain to kindness and his smiles that he never showed. 

"Sleep outside." Kiku  interrupted your thoughts as he threw your clothes, pillow and sheets out of the room. 

Or not a bit of kindness at all. 

Sneeze. 

... Squish.

Warmth embraced you as you squeezed open your eyes slightly, enough to see Kiku's face. 

"If you didn't come near me for my family's wealth," you heard him murmur. "I wouldn't have to do this to you; I would have told you..." 

Told you... what!? 

You heard him stopped as you listened closely to his breathing. It was smoothing. You let yourself lean and fall against Kiku as he instinctively wrap his arms securely around your neck. 

It was the first time you felt something this warm. 

And it was coming from Kiku. 

The next morning, you woke up on the hard floor of the house as if last night was only a dream. 

Bang. 

Chink. 

Bang. 

A loud commotion was happening in the kitchen. You stood up on your feet, rubbing your eyes as you made your way to the area. You caught Kiku making breakfast, with the pan in view and a few eggs, along with bacons and sausages.

"Are you cooking breakfast?" You continued rubbing your eyes as you heard him growl under his breath as if he was irritated. "I'll leave the kitchen, sorry." You felt his tug at your wrist. 

"It's fine," Kiku was looking away to the floor. "Stay here." 

He spoke. 

He spoke... 

Kiku spoke and it was the first time he said this much to you directly. 

"If you insist." You finally mumbled. 

"I'll cook dinner tonight, if you lik-" His speech was interrupted by a phone call. "Excuse me." Like that, Kiku walk off to pick up his phone. 

...

"That wouldn't be a problem. Why not just use those items as an asset for the company? Don't bother me for a small thing as that, Kaito. You know better." Kiku hung up without speaking another word as he walked back to the kitchen, cracking the two eggs onto the pan. 

Studying his stern face, you became concerned. "Did something happen?" 

"People after my wealth," Kiku replied simply as he rested his head onto his palm. "Everyone is the same old."

"Well at least I don't like you for your wealth..." You mumbled as you caught Kiku's eyes on yours, dark ones locked with (e/c). Kiku then turned back to the pan as he retrieve the cooked eggs, throw in the bacon and didn't speak another word. 

Only at the table did he talk again. 

"Are you really not married to me for my wealth?" 

... 

"No." 

"When your parents wed you to m-"

"Your parents were the ones who asked me to marry you," your eyes shot down to the floor. "But even before that, I've liked you." 

"So you're really not after my money and inheritance?" 

"No, Kiku." 

You felt Kiku relaxed and the tight tension released. 

"I might finally have someone to trust..." Kiku let out a small, almost quiet sigh. 

"I'm your wife, Kiku." Your hand landed on his shoulder. "You should trust me!" Your cheesy grin found way to your lips. 

"Too much people are on my back for my money, (Name)." 

Kiku called you by your first name... 

Tears flow down your (e/c) eyes. 

"W-What is it!?" 

"You knew my name..." 

"I knew your name from the first day," Kiku looked away. "I just didn't want to call you by your name." 

A phone call then took over the silence. 

"Yes? Yes. This is Honda Kiku. What!? I'll be over right away! Please! Do anything to keep them awake!" Kiku was flustered like never before. 

Your hand landed on his shoulder, worry shooting through your whole body. "What's the matter, Kiku?" 

"My mother and father got into a car accident, they're not making it." Kiku's one simple answer and both of you rushed out into the car, hurrying to the hospital. 
 
Kiku was the one who asked about their situation at the front desk as you stood behind him, studying the hospital. You felt Kiku tug you as you followed him, down to the hall of the many hospital rooms. 

310. 

He pushed the door opened. 

There his parents were. 

A smile still plastered onto their face at the appearance of their young son. 

"We're so happy that (Name) is married to you, Kiku. Take care of her..." His father's palm patted his before he looked to his mother, tears swelling his eyes. 

"I still want grandchildren, Kiku!" His mother laughed slightly, then coughed. 

Kiku and yourself couldn't find the words to say. Instead, the two of you held hands. It was making you feel safer, and possibly Kiku too. 

Kiku looked at his father and mother once last time before shutting his eyes. This was a fair goodbye to both adults. 

"私は彼女の世話をします。私は大人になってきた。天国から私を見て," ; I will take care of her. I have become an adult. Watch me from Heaven. "ありがとう." ; Thank you. 

Kiku didn't speak much for the next few days. 

It was until you and him had proceed to the mature stage and had sexual act that he began talking to you again. He was so formal and proper. You had to reassure him several times that it was okay. Simply because you were his wife. 

He finally talked again after that though, which you were more than relieved about. 

Or you could say - until you got pregnant. 

It was his mother's last wish. Perhaps even his father's too. 

It wasn't long before the baby was born either. The joy of a new live in the household really made Kiku happy. 

"Thank you, (Name)." Kiku was holding the newborn in his arms as it slept peacefully. 

"What for, Kiku?" Your arm wrapped around his waist as you look at the newborn, smiling. 

"For showing me life. For showing me everything." Kiku reached into his pockets as he pulled out a small red charm. "I never gave you a ring before. I never thought you were different from the others. But you are." Tears streamed endlessly. "You taught me love, and how to love." Kiku slid the ring onto your left ring finger. 

"I love you, (Name)." 

"Kiku..." 

"Thank you for everything you've done for me. Until death do we part." 

Kiku leaned down to kiss you as you return it. 

"Thank you, Kiku. I love you too."

You could say Kiku and yourself had a happy ending...

You clutch onto the charm tighter. 

It was time to go. Kami was rushing. 

Kiku was waiting for you someplace happier. You knew it. 

You let out as the charm fell out of your hand. 

"I love you, Kiku. And always will."

Kiku's warm embrace then wrapped you around your body, pulling you into his grasp. 

Your eyes widen, facing the darkness. 

Had it all been a dream? 

You touched Kiku's face. "Mmm?" 

"I thought I died... and you... were there too. All our memories played like a slideshow." 

"You're too silly, (Name). We're still alive, my love." The baby's faint whine could be heard. 

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Kiku. And the baby too." 

"Even if we are dead in Heaven, I'm sure we'll see each other, right? Even if we died, death can't keep us apart." Kiku kissed your forehead lightly as you hugged his waist tighter. 

"You're right. Thank you, Kiku. I love you." 

"Now go back to sleep, my love." 

"Wait. Did you just say 'my love'?" You questioned. 

"Yes, what of it?" Kiku's brows rose in confusion. 

"Who taught you that?" 

"Mr. France did." 

"That France." Your head shook as Kiku patted your head. 

"I think it's a very sweet way to address someone you love dearly, no?" 

"Well yes..." 

"Exactly. Then, head back to sleep, (Name)." The baby started to cry loudly. "Or not." 

And the two of you rushed to the baby's side, smiling as you went.