Relaxing Ride (Tag: Alidia)

"I'm afraid I'm not one for nicknames.  I appreciate the thought though." Zen-Aku replied, crossing his arms.
"I was just thinking about how we don't have a music teacher at the school." Rahim began.

Alidia smiled. "I understand and oh my gods Rahim... That's genius!!" She embraced him. 

"How did you know I was going to suggest that he apply for the position of music teacher?" Rahim asked.  Zen-Aku did a double take.  The idea was quite a surprise to him.

Alidia smiled. "I think you're a genius... And I didn't know..." 

"You are a wonder, my love.  You always could tell what was on my mind.  I love that about you." Rahim said to her.
"Me?  Teach at the school?" Zen-Aku questioned, slightly skeptical.

Alidia blushed as she touched Rahim's cheek. "Rahim...." she cooed but then she nodded to Zen-Aku. "It'd be a honor. Cause you're an amazing person..." 

"And anyway, you are quite an impressive musician.  I think you'd be a fine teacher.  That is, if you want to teach here." Rahim stated.

Alidia smiled as she awaited his answer.

Rahim could see that Zen-Aku was thinking about this.  He could understand the wolf beast's hesitance.  Accepting a position of teaching at the school would be a dramatic change from the life he'd lived for so many years.  And there was always the chance that someone might find out about the curse hanging over him.

Alidia took his furry hand. "It's okay."

"You don't have to decide right now.  If you need time to think it over, we'll understand.  This is a big step to take after all." Rahim said to comfort his old friend.

Alidia smiled as she went to pick some flowers and then gave them to her new 'brother'.

"Are those...for me?" Zen-Aku asked curiously.  Rahim gave him an encouraging smile and nodded his head.  Understanding the encouragement, he accepted the flowers from her.  She was such a pure-hearted girl that he couldn't resist accepting her gift.

Alidia giggled as she hugged him.

Zen-Aku froze at the action.  Rahim could see it.  Thinking back, he'd never tried to give the wolf beast a hug and he'd never gotten one from him either; both had been too respectful of each other's personal space.  But he could also see how his heart was warming with the hug his wife was giving their friend.

Alidia smiled as she kissed Zen-Aku's cheek. "Thank you for everything..."

"But I did not do much.  Rahim was the real hero here." Zen-Aku said, humbly.  Rahim began to blush at having the spotlight put on him.  He gave them a sheepish smile.

Alidia just smiled as she kissed her friend's cheek once more. "You both share the credit..."

"That's right.  We both did something to save you.  I'm just surprised that Deanne just gave up on you after all that harassment he gave you." Rahim commented.

Alidia just shrugged her shoulders. "I don't... Maybe you two scared him enough to leave me alone..." Alidia giggled. 

"Hmm.  Maybe.  It would be wonderful if he really did finally stay away." Rahim stated.
"If he has been causing you trouble for as long as he has, that would be a welcome surprise." Zen-Aku agreed.

Alidia nodded as she held herself to Rahim and Zen-Aku. "I love you two... So much..." 

"I love you too, Alidia.  My beautiful wife." Rahim said into her ear.  He couldn't express how much she meant to him properly.
"I do appreciate the sentiment.  Really I do." Zen-Aku murmured to her.

Alidia smiled and blushed at Rahim's whispers of endearment. "Rahim..." She giggled. Then Zen-Aku's words came to her. She smiled at Zen-Aku also. "You're apart of our family now... So it's a natural love. And I think the little ones will love you too, Godfather Zen-Aku." Alidia placed Zen-Aku's hand on her stomach.

Rahim felt a sense of pride come over him when Alidia held Zen-Aku's hand to her stomach.  The wolf beast would be able to feel the twins move, even with the gloves he wore.  The way he suddenly froze gave it away.
Zen-Aku held his breath when he felt the children Alidia was carrying move.  Not only that, he could feel how strong they were.  Their children had responded to his touch and he knew that they would be a blessing.