Author's Talk

Aimi-This story is about you Yuki!

Yuki-Great!

Tohru- Oh Yuki-kun that's wonderful!

Aimi- But this story takes place when you are 43 years old, and 26 years old, mostly!

Yuki-Thank god I have gray hair already!

Aimi and Tohru- On with the story!

Daddy's Girl

When I was 18 I fell in love with Machi. Although I had to go off to college, so I wouldn't see her for a long time. 2 years after I graduated we got married! I became a middle school teacher and Machi decided to be a waitress. 2 years of being alone in our tiny apartment, we had our very first daughter, Masumi. I remember that day perfectly. At the middle school I teach my old High school friend Kimi Todo (who yes was on the student council with me KimiSecretary) is a secretary. The hospital called me so I ran down the hall into the office and told Kimi;

"Meet me at the hospital, bring Nao and Kakeru." I said as I flew out the door. She had started to say something, but I couldn't hear. I was already gone. I ran all the way to the hospital Dangit why didn't I bring the car?! I thought to myself as I ran. I pressed my back against the revolving door and pushed. I sprinted to the desk and shouted;

"Machi Sohma," her name like a beautiful song, "She just had a baby…I think?"

"You must be Yuki," The Secretary said, I instantly thought of Kimi, "Room 402, oh and congratulations!"

"Arigato Gozaimasu," I called already halfway down the hallway. I ran up the stairs, until I got to the 4th floor. I asked a nurse;

"Where is room 402?"

"Oh, right down at the end of the hall!" She replied. Of course the hall was really, really long. I ran once more. The second I got to the door I paused. I didn't want to scare her and I didn't want to look like I had just run a 3 miler. I caught my breath and then as calmly as I possibly could, walked inside. Machi was asleep, I looked around, no baby. Had I just imagined this? I pinched myself just to make sure. Nope. I gently shook her. She lifted her eyes a little bit and said;

"When did you get here?" Machi said and opened her eyes and looked up at me.

"Oh yeah your really nice, so where is she?" I replied kidding only a little.

"The said she had breathing problems…so they took her. They said she'd be back soon." Machi simply replied, no fear, no hesitation.

"Ok…sure…So…how…are…you?" My voice hesitated. That surprised me. I promised myself I wouldn't panic.

"Fine. Now go away so I can sleep!" She snapped. As soon as she said that the nurse walked in and placed my new daughter in Machi's arms. Then she left. Just like that. "What is wrong with you?" She asked and then her eyes sprung open, "That's… not…what… I…meant…" I laughed. A few seconds later Kakeru burst through the door.

"Oh Yun-Yun and Machi where is this beautiful baby of yours?" Kakeru asked. Kimi and Nao nodded. "Does she sparkle in the sun and moonlight just like our little Yun-Yun? Or does she have beautiful brown hair like our Machi?"

"You know Kakeru you really should shut up in trivial times like these!" Nao shouted.

"Shut up! All of you!" Machi hissed. Kimi walked over and picked our baby up. She kissed the top of her forehead and smiled warmly. It was the first time I'd seen Kimi completely at peace. Even in high school!

"She looks just like Yun-Yun. Silver hair, Pale skin, Pale purple eyes. She is beautiful!" Kimi exclaimed happily. She handed the baby off to Kakeru.

"Too true, too true!" He said as he kissed the baby's forehead. He handed her to Nao. Nao held her close to his cheek and kissed her forehead (Author's note: I would hate to be kissed on the forehead by 3 people whom aren't related to me O.o).

"When you really think about it the only thing related to Sohma-Chan is the ears." Nao explained. (Author's note: Sohma-chanMachi). The rest of them nodded, except for Machi, Machi had fallen asleep.

"I know Mach'll probably kill me for this," Yuki said, "Would you please name her? Naohito, I mean." Nao looked shocked.

"Uh, um, I really don't think I…" Nao started, but was instantly silenced by Yuki's palm and his nod. "Erm…Ok…" He looked at the little girl for a minute and said "Masumi. Because the name means 'Increasing beauty' she is Masumi!" Nao exclaimed as he held her up and smiled. Masumi opened her tiny eyes and smiled back. I seriously thought Nao was going to cry.

"Masumi! I repeated excitedly.

"Shut up! All of you!" Machi mumbled.

"Mach! Our little girl, her name is Masumi! Oh Mach isn't it a beautiful name!" I smiled.

"And, how exactly, did you come to that conclusion. Did you take advantage of my sleeping time?" Machi snapped. Kimi, Kakeru, Nao, and I nodded.

"Out! Out! All of you!" She pointed to me, "You too! And give me my baby! NOW!" She snapped holding her arms out.

"Chill Machi!" Kimi said, "Nao, Kakeru and I will leave! You and Yun-Yun can be alone!" She smiled. "I have to find a sub for Yun-Yun anyway."

"Bye!" They all said.

Machi smiled peacefully and looked down at Masumi. Masumi reached up and touched Machi's eye. I laughed. A few moments later Masumi was in my arms, looking up happily at me. I felt tears roll down my cheeks, they landed on the soft blue blanket wrapped around her. Machi reached her hand up and wiped them away. I leaned down and gave Machi a kiss on the forehead.