Chapter Thirty-Eight: Christmas in the Lust Forest:

-December 25th, 2011-

8:50 a.m.

“Anna-chan, good morning!” she heard over her head. She awoke to see Tsuzuki huddled over her. He gave her a kiss.

“Merry Christmas,” the shinigami whispered.

“Merry Christmas,” Anna said. Kirika-chan started crying.

“I’ve got it,” Anna said. She started to get up but Tsuzuki pushed her back.

“No, I’ve got it,” he said. The shinigami walked over to the little crib across the room.

“Hey,” he whispered, picking up the baby. “Morning, sweetie. Need a diaper change?” Anna sat up with a smile. Christmas in New York, huh? Sounded fascinating.

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Most of the day was rather chill. Shouto and Annabelle acted lovey-dovey towards each other. She snuck up behind him and kissed him on the neck.

“Is that you, baby?” Shouto asked. Annabelle giggled. He turned and kissed her. Anna sat watching at the kitchen island. Tsuzuki said he had to stop somewhere really quick.

“And go where?” she asked. He didn’t answer. Tsuzuki gave her a quick kiss.

“Be right back,” he said. And then he was gone. Anna didn’t even get to ask.

She looked at her daughter in the highchair.

“What’s Papa up to, hm?” Anna asked. Kirika-chan just stared at her. Her mother sat back and sighed. Then she noticed Annabelle walking towards her with a pink gift bag in hand. The other woman handed the bag forward.

“Merry Christmas,” she said. Anna nervously chuckled.

“Thanks,” she said. Anna took the bag and opened it. Her eyes widened.

“What… is this?” she asked. Anna held up a jar of chocolate cream. Annabelle kind of smirked.

“Body cream,” she answered. Anna read the label.

“Edible?” she asked. Anna turned to Annabelle. Shouto walked over and put his arm around his wife’s shoulders.

“Thanks,” Anna said again. She put the jar into the bag.

“Like it?” Shouto asked. “Asato picked it out yesterday.”  She raised her eyebrow.

“Did he?” she asked.

“Yes!” Annabelle said. Anna narrowed her eyes. Hm…

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3:00 p.m.

“I’m back,” Tsuzuki said.

“Welcome back,” Annabelle said. The adults sat in the living room. Tsuzuki walked over to the couch.

“Did I miss anything?” he asked.

“No,” Shouto said.

“Lunch is ready,” Annabelle said.

“Sweet!” Tsuzuki said. Anna watched him with narrowed eyes. What are you up to?

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7:00 p.m.

Anna sat alone in the guest room. There came a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” Anna asked.

“Just me,” Tsuzuki said. His wife turned her head as the door opened. The shinigami poked his head inside.

“Yo,” he said. Anna held up the jar of chocolate body cream.

“Ah, you got my gift,” he said.

“What were you thinking?” she asked.

“You don’t like it?” he asked.

“I… I don’t know what to think,” Anna said. Tsuzuki smiled as he walked over to the bed. He turned her to face him.

“Aw, come here,” he said. The shinigami kissed her on the lips. Anna couldn’t help but kiss back. He gently pushed her down onto the bed. Anna looked up at him. Tsuzuki couldn’t help but smirk.

“Is this my present?” Anna asked.

“Yeah,” he said. “One of them but yeah.” His wife giggled.

“And don’t worry,” Tsuzuki said. “I moved Kirika-chan in the next room.” He unbuttoned his shirt and cast it aside. The shinigami reached down and slid off her black sweater. Tsuzuki whistled as he saw her black and white lace bra.

“Oh!” he said. “I can’t remember that last time I saw that one.” Anna stared up at him, waiting. She reached up and unzipped them. Tsuzuki didn’t even move. One by one, articles of clothing hit the floor. Tsuzuki kept his focus on Anna. She spread her legs underneath him.

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There was a city of rain. The rain never stopped. Red umbrellas hung upside from the sky. The buildings looked so sad. Homes, shops, and official buildings looked closed.

He was new here. Her voice lured him into this rainy city. Just like now. Singing danced in his ears. He looked up at sky.

Huh? When did it turn purple?

Stars and red leaves burst in the sky.  Streetlights burst on like fireworks. He could see every detail of this rainy city.

He could see her face.

Her face had a lovely round shape. Her light pink lips and cheeks made her skin look so pale. He found himself under the spell of her olive-green eyes. Usually, her dark purple hair swallowed up the sky.

He gulped as his heart pounded against his chest. Only one thing came to his lips.

“Come to me.”

It doesn’t take much. She floats down to the street. Her feet didn’t touch the ground. Her long white dress floated around her ankles. Her hair came down to my waist. She started to dance. The rain made her skin glow. Even the flowers bloomed in her hair. He can’t help but join in. Her handkerchief landed on the ground.

He danced over and took her by the hand. Her dress fell away, revealing a short light green kimono. The pink trim gave off a scent of faded jasmines.

They shared a kiss in the rain.

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Tsuzuki and Anna shared another kiss under the sheets.

“Merry Christmas,” he said.

“Merry Christmas,” she said back. He rested his head against her chest, dozing off.