Author's Notes:
Credit to Freinoir for the image! You can find her twitter freinoir !
This story was made in AO3's format but I decided to host it here too. Enjoy!

i. the news


Akira Kurusu finished his latest investigation on Ikuo Tatsuya, a high ranking government official who was rumored to be in ties with the Yakuza. He was meticulous; never used his personal phone to contact the cleaner, never personally met with anyone that was suspicious, and only documented things on his notebook. Luckily, Akira found an opening with his secretary and he was able to find incriminating evidence in Tatsuya's planner. After decoding the message in his planner, he was about to send the information over to Sae when he got a message from his wife.

Your daughter and Mona are fighting again.

Akira let out a snort. He thought back the events after the battle of Yaldabaoth and the disbandment of the phantom thieves. Even when they were apart, Makoto and Akira had stayed in touch. Soon after Makoto had gotten into her first choice university with her dream of being a police commissioner, Akira joined her university a year later to become a private investigator, eventually moving back to Tokyo. They had little classes together but their love was still as strong as it was in high school. After they graduated, he and Makoto had been married for two years before she revealed that she was pregnant.

Shouldn't she be sleeping?

He messaged back with a small grin on his face. A few seconds later, a message appeared below his.

That's why they're fighting. You sound just like Morgana.

Well now that's just an unfair comparison, Akira mused. Perhaps Morgana has affected him all this years. He faintly remembers those nights where Morgana's 'suggestions' to go to sleep was more of a command than anything. He had wondered why Morgana never aged as a cat. An immortal cat, a lifetime companion, and his daughter's plaything was at the moment Morgana's description. But even after all these years, Morgana never stopped researching on how to become human. Akira had worried if he failed Morgana but Morgana firmly believed that Akira would lead him to the answers he need and insisted he did not fail him in the slightest.

A message with a picture attached popped up before Akira could reply.

Well, she finally tired herself out. You know, she takes after you.

It was his daughter snuggling with Mona on the mat of the living room floor. A small smile appeared on his face as he stared at the picture of his little girl. Akira remembered the news; how he was in total joy, panic, and fear all at the same time. They had been trying, Akira always wanted kids even though he would never admit it to Makoto. He had bought all the books he can find in the Shibuya's bookstore about parenting and pregnancy. He had frequently visited Takemi's clinic just to ask her questions day and night, much to her annoyance. And none of it matter because on the day he held her for the first time, he had forgotten everything.

Kaori Kurusu.

Her birth thankfully was not a complicated one. The nine months leading up to her birth was considered quite orderly and planned carefully. She was starting to get into her 'terrible two' phase but Kaori proved to be a well behaved child. Well. When she wants to be, other times she can be a bit of a trickster.

I'll be home soon.

Akira replied back. After collecting the documents and pictures, he sent everything to Sae and packed up his stuff. Employed by a private entity, he and Sae have been working together to uncover corruption and misdeeds in the government. Social reform is a slow process but Akira knew it would be up to them to change the hearts of the citizens. He locked the door on the way out and head to his car. Bling.

It was another message from Makoto.

I have to talk to you.

Well that's not worrisome at all.

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When Akira got home, he saw his wife pacing around floor with her fingers to her chin and her brows scrunched up. His left eyebrow shifted upwards and it seemed Makoto didn't even notice he was home. He took a quick look at his daughter with Morgana, both asleep with their legs spread out on the floor.

"I'm home." He whispered, not wanting to wake up the two. Makoto looked up; she finally noticed.

"Akira. Welcome home," Makoto smiled at him. She came over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek and grabbed his left hand. "Come sit over here for a bit."

Akira gave her a questioning look before sitting down across Makoto. He took off his coat and glasses before settling in on what Makoto had to say. She was doing that thing with her hands when she gets nervous, wringing her hands into a frenzy. Her eyebrows were still scrunched up and Akira watched her exhale.

"Do you remember about a few weeks ago when Sae agreed to babysit Kaori so we can have a night out?" After Kaori's birth, Akira and Makoto had no time to themselves. Not only did they had to watch and take care of Kaori, Makoto was rising in the ranks to first become a sergeant and Akira had multiple investigations in the cabinet. They needed a break.

"Yeah?" They had spent a romantic evening in the old Leblanc cafe. Akira remember renting it out just for the two of them and it was something they definitely needed. Makoto held his hands before breaking the news.

"Akira... I think I'm pregnant again," Makoto said now with a stern look on her face.

Well, shit.

"Language! Akira!" Makoto chastised.

Oh, he had said that out loud. Akira shook his head at the news. He should be in total joy. He was going to have another child with Makoto and he had always imagined a younger brother or sister for Kaori but this was too soon. Kaori was barely two years old. How was he going to provide for his two children at this time?

"Didn't we have, you know, protection?" he whispered, lowering his head to stare down at their hands holding together.

"It broke, remember?" She blushed as she remembered the events of that night. She mumbled, "and it's not like we stopped after that."

Akira's throat was caught with something.

I love Makoto. I love Kaori.

Soon there is going to be someone else as important as them in his life, and it'll be another nine months until then. He let out a sigh and Makoto felt Akira's hands tighten on her hands. She held her breath as he looked up to stare at her bright eyes.

"We're going to have another baby." Akira grinned at her, her worry easing away with his contagious smile. He let go of her hands and stood up from his chair. Akira went over to pick up Kaori in his arms. Kaori whispered,

"da..." as she held him tight around his neck. Morgana barely stirred and Akira ran his remaining hand over his fur. Makoto followed his lead as they both head into the bedroom with Kaori.

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ii. the reactions


"Dude, really, another baby?" Ryuji said before popping a spoonful of rice and beef into his mouth. Akira ran a hand through his hair. It was a few days after checking in with Takemi. Makoto was definitely pregnant again and Akira is now sharing the news with his best friend over lunch. Akira shrugged.

"Congrats," Ryuji laughed as he slapped Akira's back. "If it were me, I'd want ten kids."

Akira rolled his eyes. "Ten Ryujis running around? I don't think the world can handle ten, much less the one right here." Akira pointed at Ryuji with his chopsticks before he took a bite out of his lunch.

"You'll see. Ryuji junior is going to rule this effin' world," Ryuji grinned as he talked about his imaginary son. He gulped the last bit of his food and wrapped his arm around Akira's shoulder.

"Don't worry too much about it. You're a great dad to Kaori and you will be a great dad to your next kid. That's just the type of guy you are, man," Ryuji said before standing up. Akira was taken back, his mouth barely gaping at Ryuji's statement. How did Ryuji figure that out? With a stupid grin, Ryuji held a thumbs up to him.

"Don't act so surprised. We're practically brothers and even though you were our fearless leader, I know how much this scares you. So I'm here to back you up my man." Akira returned back to his usual demeanor and returned the thumbs up with a smirk.

"Thanks."

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"Cuteeeee..." squealed Ann. She and Makoto were out shopping for baby clothes for Kaori. Ann held a little pink onesie to show off to Kaori and she only gurgled, clapping her hands at it.

"So another baby huh?" Ann said as she looked through the baby clothes in the aisle. Makoto groaned, pushing the stroller along with Ann.

"Akira looked happy about it but I can tell he's just as worried as I am." Ann grabbed a small blue tank shirt with a matching short. "Oh this looks cute. Do you like this Kaori?" Kaori giggled.

"You're so cute Kaori, I just want to eat you." With a silly grin, Ann dropped down to her level to tickle her. Kaori yelled out with glee, trying to push away Ann's hands away. Ann kept tickling her before Kaori had enough and Ann turned back to look for more clothes.

"What's there to be worried about? You already have experience with Kaori." Makoto frowned.

"We aren't ready for another baby. Not to mention, work and there's also Kaori..." Makoto said uneasily. "Don't get me wrong. I would love another child, but I'm scared this time Ann. It doesn't feel the same as it did with Kaori. We.. we aren't just prepared."

Ann stopped moving and turned around to face Makoto. Ann's face puffed up and Makoto could tell how upset she looked. Ann lifted her index finger and wagged it in front of Makoto's face before thrusting it near her chest. Makoto took a step back.

"Don't give me that. You were the student council president, top of the class at Keio University, and you. are. Queen." Ann said with an emphasis on each word towards the end. She turned around with a humph as she crossed her arms. Makoto blinked at Ann's words. She had nothing to say.

"Another child won't hold a candle to the team mom of the phantom thieves." Ann stuck a tongue out at her before grabbing a baby white hat for Kaori. Kaori grabbed Ann's finger as she giggled. Makoto shook her head at her friend.

"I suppose I can't argue with that." Makoto held a small smile when she saw Ann pick up Kaori and played with the white hat on top of her head.

"We'll be here for you Makoto. You don't have to worry about that."

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When Akira and Makoto broke the news to Futaba, she yelled with excitement.

"When do you think he will play games with me?!" Akira and Makoto looked at each other at the same time before Akira put his hands behind his neck. Does he even want a boy?

"We don't know if it's a boy yet..." Futaba stared upwards towards the ceiling with her hands on her chin as she thought.

"No, it's definitely a boy. I can feel it! He'll be the greatest little nephew and he's going to be the best little helper around, hehe. OH! And, since I'm already the fun aunt for Kaori, he's going to love alllll of my little toys. Check this out!" Futaba ran over with her drone and started piloting it with her remote control. It hovered for a bit and Futaba pressed a button for the drone to blink some lights at Akira and Makoto. It looked pretty impressive until It flew out the door and hit an unfortunate Sojiro who was standing just outside of the room.

"OW!"

"Oops. Guess I still have some bugs with it, hehe," Futaba said sheepishly. "Sorry Sojiro!"

Makoto smiled while Akira laughed when they saw Sojiro's scowl as he entered into the room. Noticing their uneasiness go away, Futaba then went to hug them both at the same time. She owe a great deal to them and she loved them very much. Being part of their family, well, it was something Futaba would never replace.

"Congratulation you guys, he's going to have the best parents." While taken back by the sudden hug, Makoto and Akira returned it back to Futaba.

"We love you Futaba." Sojiro smiled at the scene before Futaba urged him to come join in the hug.

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"Hmmmmmmm..." Yusuke stared at Kaori deeply. Kaori was sitting in her baby chair with her head tilting back and forth at Yusuke who did the same to her. Haru came in the room to see this scene and wondered what Yusuke was doing. Akira and Makoto stepped out for a bit to buy some baby formula and a new crib so both Yusuke and Haru were babysitting Kaori along with Morgana. Morgana jumped up to the table for Haru to pet Morgana. Morgana purred.

"What are you doing?" Haru said. Yusuke groaned when he couldn't figure out the baby's expression.

"What is Kaori thinking? She has this deep look in her face and it... it feels conflicted!" Kaori stared back at Yusuke and Haru. She wasn't smiling or doing anything. It felt unusual but she was well behaved.

"So what do you think of Makoto and Akira having another child?" inquired Haru. Yusuke, who was still focused on wondering what Kaori was thinking about, replied,

"Hm? I think it's great. To have another bundle of joy in their life. Children have such a free and passionate soul that Akira and Makoto should have as many as they can." Haru shook her head at that reply.

"I think it's great but-" Before she can continue, Morgana freaked out.

"AH KAORI NO." Morgana yelled. "She pooped!"

Yusuke and Haru took a bunch of steps back with their hands out, not wanting to change or deal with it. Morgana glared at the pair.

"One of you have to change it before it gets worse. I obviously can't do it cause I'm a cat," He said haughtily.

"It gets worse?" said Yusuke appalled. "Perhaps, I can just hold my nose while you change her Haru."

"ME? Why can't you do it?" Haru exclaimed while she was holding her nose. The smell was getting worse and it didn't help that Kaori was just happily laughing while clapping her hands at her work. Haru swore she did it on purpose.

"Call Akira, Yusuke. Maybe they'll be back soon," Haru said. Yusuke nodded as he dialed in Akira's number.

Brring, brring.

"Hello?" Akira's voice came through.

"Ah, Akira. It seems your daughter has some waste discharged from the body on the lower end. May I ask, how long will you be taking?" For a while, Akira didn't say a word. Haru thought she heard some combination of laughter and snickering being held back in the background before Akira answered.

"O-oh, we won't be back for a while. We, uh.. found out we need more baby blankets." Yusuke nodded even though Akira can't see him. Haru imagined Akira grinning on the other side of the phone. Kaori without a doubt take after Akira. "Thank you, Akira. I shall await your return."

He hung up and Morgana groaned with his paws over his nose.

"Change itttttt..." Yusuke and Haru turned to look at each other before turning to Kaori who seemed to have a devilishly smile on her face. One eerily similar as Joker, Haru thought.

"I was mistaken. Akira and Makoto need to stop having kids." Yusuke said glumly. Haru nodded slowly.

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After six weeks had passed, Makoto was meeting up with her sister at her house. She felt something uneasy in her stomach and she wasn't sure if it's telling her sister that she's pregnant again or if it's morning sickness. She never had morning sickness with Kaori but this pregnancy felt different for her. Unfortunately, Akira couldn't come with her because he had to tail an important suspect. Kaori gurgled in her baby seat. Sae grabbed Kaori's little hands before sitting down with her sister.

"Sis. Hey." Makoto said weakly. Sae had a worried look on her face. Sae grabbed Makoto's hands and she had noticed they felt warm and clammy.

"Are you okay Makoto? You don't seem so well."

"I'm fine. I know you have been busy and we haven't had a chance to talk but there's something I have to say." Sae waited with anticipation. Was her sickness something serious? Were her and Akira okay? Was Kaori okay?

"I am pregnant again." Makoto said slowly. Sae let go of her hands and Sae had a confused look on her face. Sae was about to open her mouth for a reply, but Makoto immediately stood up and held her hand over her mouth. She ran to the nearest bathroom and hurl her head into the toliet with a retch sound coming from her mouth.

"So this is morning sickness..." Makoto groaned. Sae went to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. She solemnly walked over to her younger sister and held the glass in front of her. She patted her sister's back and said,

"Don't worry, I'll make Akira's death swift." Makoto bobbed her head slowly with a thumbs up to her sister as if it was an okay permission for her to do so. Sae had many things to say to Makoto but she realized none of it matter. She just knew they were going to be okay because she had seen Makoto and Akira go through a lot as phantom thieves when they were young. She had seen them at their worst when they were apart at different cities. And she had seen them at their best at their wedding and the birth of Kaori.

Makoto retched again. Sae winced.

Plus, they've already been punished enough.