Mutsumi thanked his foresight in keeping the announcement of Kae's labor a secret from their friends. Well, their male friends. Nishina-san and Nakano-san behaved in an appropriate manner before they left earlier in the morning. Kae named both of them their children's godmothers. Both of them didn't argue over either child and accepted their offer.
As he watched Igarashi, Nanashima and Shinomiya argue in the waiting room over becoming either one of their children's godfather, delaying the news served them well. The three of them continued this argument throughout Kae's whole pregnancy. They tried anything to gain their favor. Kae accepted their help, but didn't assure them of the label of godfather.
Mutsumi put a stop to their antics once they began sabotaging each other. Kae stressed out at that point and which wasn't good for the babies. During that time, the doctor told them about two babies instead of one. Maybe ignorance played a role in him never seeing his friends competitive streaks because he never saw either one of them go to such extremes.
His in laws and brother-in-law stayed throughout the night. Hideo and Takurou paced the hallways while Mitsuko knitted last minute hats for the twins. Having given birth twice, Mitsuko knew the procedures and saw no need to worry. She ended up comforting him when his nervousness showed clear on his face.
After the birth, Takurou, having missed one day of work, left for his job. Mitsuko and Hideo returned home to prepare for the arrival of the babies.
His side of the family were overseas and sent their regards through webcam. His brother cried when he first looked at his kids. Hearing a jest about teasing his niece and nephew, he shut that down fast. He remembered his brother's brand of teasing. Besides, the twins had multiple uncles to defend them in his place.
Stepping away from the waiting room, he kept an ear out for the nurses return to lecture the rambunctious trio.
Returning into Kae's room, he watched her rock their son, Kazuki, in her arms. Their daughter, Kasumi, remained asleep in her own plastic crib. To their relief, Kasumi and Kazuki woke only to feed or whimper. The horror stories of continual crying played throughout the last month of pregnancy.
"Quiet down! You're in a hospital!" Mutsumi heard the nurse from beyond the slight open door. Shaking his head in amusement, he sat on the bed adjacent to Kae.
Knowing the source of the noise, Kae chuckled in amusement. "The boys are still arguing over the babies?"
"Yes." Mutsumi sighed. "The same old argument for the last few months. In the end, two out of the three of them is going to be godfather."
Kae licked her cracked lips, musing out loud. "Why not have the three of them become both their godfathers?"
"Ah…" Mutsumi shook his head. "I should have thought of telling them that before the fighting escalated this far."