Ok. Chap seven is here at last. I've been really, really busy. Will try to add the last chapters before the end of January. Seems I have my New Year's goal already… :P So, wish you all a very happy and blessed New Year 2008. Take care and enjoy.

Disclaimer: Same as always, I don't own any of it. Just go on and read.

Italics- thoughts

Bonds- telepathic conversation

VII. Discovering Family

The following weeks turned out well. Between youma fights and adjusting perfectly well to their own families, they almost had forgotten about what have changed their lives. Almost, that is. They still remembered being 18, and just having fun. Their worries were school, and what to wear, or what to do, or how to manage to keep balance with their money. Now, it had changed to how to be a good mother, how to manage 2, or even, for Rei, 5 children, and how to do many things they thought they would do in years to come.

Summer went by, and Autumn was starting. It was still warm, but not as hot as it had been. The weather was really pleasant, but, at the Chiba's there was a storm.

They had a break from school, just three days, starting at Wednesday. It was a holiday, and Usagi and Mamoru thought they would enjoy it. Well, they should have thought better.

Usagi was starting to feel frustrated. Yeah, she was strong, yes, she could manage youmas, and other creepy stuff, yes, she could also manage dealing with her kids. What was driving her crazy was her lack of free time. She had barely saw her friends, she didn't had time to do most things, she was tired, and what drove her crazy the most was, her lack of private time with Mamoru. They could barely manage to kiss, and then it was either, the kids, their 'guardians' or Lunar cats, or even the phone. Her own mother was driving her crazy with all her calls and claims of wanting to be near the children.

What she enjoyed most was her work. She just loved being with all those toddlers. They were sure fun to play with.

Now, Mamoru was another story. He was calm and happy, and also going crazy. Yes, he was also frustrated for the lack of time with Usagi. He knew they had more time together even when they lived in different places. Even their telepathic link was interrupted by one of the children, or any other thing.

At work things were going out fine. He had bumped with Motoki there, it wasn't a surprise he was another doctor there, so he, Ami and Motoki had lunch together almost always, and usually, Usagi and Minako joined them.

But, at home, since he got in there, he had to act as referee, doctor, psychologist, adviser, lover, cooker, cleaner, teacher, game mate, and others. At times it was hard, others, it was just simply crazy, but sometimes it got on his nerves.

Today was one of those days. Since the night before, both him and Usagi had a hard time putting the children to bed. Since they had no school, they just wanted to find a way to stay up later. It was almost ten, when they managed to get them to sleep. Thankfully, he would also have free days.

A loud crash could be heard, followed by a howl. Mamoru and Usagi, who had wakened some minutes ago both jumped out of their room and followed the screams.

"I thought they were still asleep!!!" whined Usagi, it was only about 7, she was looking forward to keep sleeping and just have a moment to relax and just lie in bed hugging Mamoru. But, apparently, their kids had other plans.

Why doesn't this surprise me… Mamoru thought sarcastically. He was getting used to all this.

They ran to the family room, to find a very annoyed Chibi-Usa, a sniffling Toshi, and a fuming Endy. In the middle of the room another broken flowerpot, which they deduced it was the crash, and a manga ripped by half.

Once they went inside, Toshi ran to hug his mother, his anger started to surface.

"Mom! They ripped my manga!!!" he cried clutching to her waist.

"Well, what happened?" Mamoru asked while picking up the manga, it certainly was Toshi's, it had his name on the back.

"Toshi lend it to me, and HE…" Chibi-Usa started, looking directly and pointing at Endy with her finger, "wanted to take it away."

Mamoru looked back at Endy with a raised brow.

"Dad, SHE didn't asked for it. I had it first, it WAS in the table." He said matter-of-factly.

"OH NOO! Who broke my new flower pot?!" Usagi asked, while picking it before someone got cut.

"He did it!" Both Endy and Chibi-Usa said and pointed to Toshi, who flushed.

Well, at least they were together in one thing.

After setting things straight, the five moved to the kitchen to make breakfast, and try to decide what they were going to do during the day.

Luna and Artemis decided to get lost while they were there. Apparently, Luna had been 'delicate', or something like that, but for now, the cats just disappeared from time to time.

The family had been playing some table games, with puzzles, and others. It was all doing quite well, they where having fun together, it was all great. Too great, in fact.

"YOU'RE CHEATING!!" Endy roared getting up and throwing himself over Chibi-Usa trying desperately to grab the cards she was trying to hide on her back.

"GET OFF ME YOU SPORE!" she stated angry, trying to hide the deck of cards in her hand and hitting him with the other.

"Endymion! Get off your sister!!"

With that a battle began, after some effort both adults have managed to keep the three children from killing each other, literally. So now, they decided to let them and try to 'arrange' their little problem. Of course, they were both watching from a near place, and all Usagi wanted to do was run. Yes, run.

She was wondering if her friends' lives were as hard as hers. Would she like to have these fights constantly? Would she really like to live this life? She kept reminding herself she had also good, heck, great moments with the kids, but now, she just wanted to run.

After a moment all that Mamoru and Usagi could listen was 'Fungus', 'Spore', and 'Pink Freak'. At this point, Mamoru decided to break in and put a stop to all this. Everything was silenced, and for the first time in her life, she was happy to listen, nothing.

"Usa-ko, are you alright?" Mamoru asked concerned. No answer came, she seemed to be lost, in what? He had no idea, but this was a really strange reaction from her.

The three children decided to get lost from the room, and went straight to watch TV. Mamoru didn't even notice this, either Usagi.

He moved forward, calling her name. Nothing. Blank. Zero, Nada, Niente!

He moved forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, just after calling her name, softly, well, not so softly, "USAGI!"

"EEEKK!"
Yep, that was her answer. A loud scream and a high jump.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU! DO YOU WANT ME TO DIE OF A HEART ATTACK?!?" She yelled back. What did you expected, he just came unannounced and frightens her?

"What's wrong with ME?! What's wrong with YOU?! I've been calling your name and you just stare there at, at, at NOTHING!" Mamoru stated exasperated.

"Oh, don't yell at me! I'm sorry, I was just thinking…" she said in a sheepish voice, and walking towards him to hug him.

"Of…" He asked wrapping his arms around her, so she leaned against him, facing each other.

"Everything. Never mind." She said giving him those sweets smiles, which only she could provide to him and making him drool like a fool.

They leaned forward to kiss, which drove them to a passionate kiss, which, thankfully, was never interrupted, well, it was, by the lack of air.

After drawing away, Mamoru started chuckling.

"What?" Usagi asked, he usually had other reactions after a kiss like that, which usually ended with him over her, but never laughter.

"You know my beloved Usa-ko, you can't have a heart attack at this young age, even if you eat the way you do." He said with an evil grin, which earned him a poke in the ribs, and a little pout, which just made her more adorable.

They leaned together to give another kiss, unfortunately, this did was interrupted, even before it began.

"EEWW!" Cried Toshi walking in, followed by his two siblings, "Do ya have to do that in public?" the other two nodded their agreement.

And he was supposed to be the shy one?

"We're not in public." Stated Usagi laughing while turning to face the three of them.

"Yeah," Seconded Mamoru while wrapping his arms around his wife's waist and wresting his chin on her head, "we're in the safety of our family room." He stated mater-of-factly, a huge grin on his face.

"Then, why don't you move to the 'safety of the kitchen.'" Chibi-Usa said trying to imitate her father's voice, which earned her a frown from the mocked one.

"The kitchen?" Usagi asked with a raised brow. She was expecting to hear 'your room', not the kitchen.

"Yep, we're hungry." Endy stated, patting his stomach to make more emphasize.

"Why doesn't this surprise me?" Mamoru asked with a sigh and a sweat drop.

"Please, please, stop crying!" Ami asked, or should I say plead to her toddler.

Sorano had been crying since early hours of the morning.

She just seemed to enjoy crying. At first Ami thought she was sick and panicked, but Ryo soothed her by telling her she was just going through the terrible two's.

Of all the ones, she had to end up with the crying child! Well, it seemed so. Rei said Sakai was really still, she just wondered on but had hardly heard her crying since they had arrived. Rose, well, she babbled mostly, but she had never heard her cry either. And now, her baby just went on doing what she enjoyed most, crying.

Ami was over her nerves, she felt like crying herself. What else to do? She had already changed her diapers, twice, offered her food about 2 times, tried to play with her, make tickles to her, talked to her, sang to her, told her a story, done anything she had thought of, but, nothing. Nothing soothed her, nothing calmed her, and nothing worked. She was over the edge of tears now.

"Here, let me take her." Ryo offered walking over and grabbing his daughter.

Much to Ami's surprise AND delight the wailing stopped, and small giggles could be heard. What was this? Did she know this was not her 'mother'?

No, I don't think that would be the problem. But what then?

"Mommy!"

She was brought out of her thoughts as she felt her blue dress being pulled from down. She looked down to find her 5 year old son standing besides her. A huge grin was in his face. He surely was happy for the silence.

She smiled sweetly at him, a smile only she could provide. Like her, he had bluish hair, th uough it was darker and dark eyes. Most of his features were like his father's. Different from his sister, most of her sister's were like her mother's, but, unlike her mother and brother, she had dark black hair, much like her father's but blue eyes, identical to her mother's. So, you could say, they were a mix of both Ami and Ryo.

"'re ya gonna help me with my bath, momma?" Mizuki asked, innocently.

Ami could feel her face get red. If she was her mother, this would be a normal thing, but, oh yeah, but, she had never given a bath to anyone, specially a boy.

"Hon, Ami, are you ok?" Ryo asked getting closer to his wife.

"Ne, momma?" Mizuki asked looking at his mother worriedly.

"Uuuuuhhhhh" was all the answer they got, she looked back at Ryo, her face, blank. She seemed to want to say something, he wanted her to say something, ANYTHING. Last time he remembered her looking like that was when she found out she was…

uh oh! Can it be possible??

…pregnant.

"Hey, Champ, why don't you go get ready for that bath of yours?" Ryo said to the boy, who nodded and moved out of the room.

"Ami, honey, you're scaring me." Ryo said, walking closer to her.

"A, a, a, a BATH?" She asked choked.

Ryo could only do one thing. Laugh.

"Why, is Mercury suddenly afraid of water?" He asked in a sarcastic voice.

This did draw her attention. She knew he had known her secret since they had probably met. But, why would she be afraid of water? Her choked expression changed to a frown.

"No, why would I?"

"Well, cause every time we give Zuki a bath we look like if we had taken one ourselves." He said, in an all-knowing tone. She didn't like this. She remembered having to do it before. It was a strange feeling, but she didn't know it.

She walked out of the room to find her child. As predicted by Ryo, when the bath was over, she was soaked. How could a five year old do such a mess? He surely was messy.

After their lunch, he needed ANOTHER bath. He had food all over him. While Ami was trying to feed Sora, Ryo tried, in vain, to keep Zuki clean. He ended up needing a bath himself. All Ami could do was laugh. She laughed till her stomach hurt. Well, it was fair, after the child's first bath, Ryo had laughed for what seemed hours.

Although she enjoyed her day, Ami was tired. She had taken some work home, and had tried to do some, but Sora and Zuki had drawn all her attention, and Ryo had given her a long speech of how bad overworking was, and that she should know better being a doctor herself. So, by the end of the day, she was tired and happy, but, a little frustrated.

While Zuki had slept quickly, Sora kept giving a hard time. They laid her in her crib and she just wailed as hard as her little lungs could give.

"AMI! Where do you think you're going?" Ryo demanded coming to the hallway to find his wife with a hand over Sora's doorknob.

Ami let out a sigh and looked at him, hand over her hips.

"She's been crying for over 20 minutes now! You know, as her mother…" Ami began but was cut by the man.

"As her mother you should know that if you go in there she will just keep crying and will never go to sleep." He said in a soft voice, while placing his hands around her waist, causing her to blush.

"Ice, are you alright?" He asked concerned when he noticed her red face.

"Since the last weeks, every time I touch you, you just go crimson." He mentioned just to make her red color go deeper.

For her it had been a shock. She had not seen Ryo in a long time, and one day she wakes besides him, AND being mother of his children.

What was she supposed to say? All the senshi had agreed on not saying anything to anyone of what had happened, and just play along. Sure, Usagi and Mamoru had it soft, they were already engaged when this thing happened, Rei was in love- even if she didn't wanted to admit it- with Yuuichirou before all this, Minako, well, she sure was enjoying it, and Makoto, she was actually the only one that hadn't let her feelings out. At times, she was quiet, others she burst, and others she was happy.

She could only tried to smile, which she found doing it without difficulties. Her smile was returned, and there was silence. There WAS silence.

"She, she stopped crying!" Ami said, happily, she found herself relieved and doing something she would have never felt possible for HER to do. Throwing her arms around his neck for a hug, which was returned, and came along with a kiss. At first, she froze, but then, felt herself returning the kiss.

It didn't lasted long, and she felt something she had never felt before, she was nervous, but at the same time calm, she was happy, but at the same time frightened. One thing she was, was surprised, not for all this, not anymore, but for her reactions.

"Think we should take a peek now." He said moving towards the nursery, not even letting go of his wife. Ami found herself walking, or rather dragged toward the room, but her curiosity also rose.

They walked in to find her, at last, curled asleep. Ami walked toward her, and was surprise when she noticed no tears had fallen, she had just been screaming and wailing.

"Told you she was going to be fine." Ryo whispered into her ear with a huge grin. Ami nodded, moved towards her daughter and gave her a kiss on her forehead. The child stirred, but kept sleeping. If she was going to keep wailing like she did, she needed energy.

Ami had wondered during the day if she was Usagi's child. Actually, not even her wailings could be as high as Sorano's. Even if the toddler could talk, slightly, she preferred to wail. Why was this? Ami had no idea, and apparently, neither did Ryo.

They moved back to the family room, he plopped in the couch, while looking at her. Ami looked at some pictures, one caught her attention. It was her, pregnant. By the way of how it looked, she had about 7 or 8 months, she was gently stroking her belly with one hand and Zuki's hair with the other, the boy had his ear on her belly as if searching for a sound or a movement. You could tell he was curious by his features. She was sitting on a couch, the boy standing by it. She looked back at her face, it was full of happiness.

"I remember when I took that picture." A voice said behind her. She didn't needed to turn to know who it was, "Something wrong?" he asked when she remained quiet.

"Iie, I'm just tired." She replied, smiling back at him.

"You should go."

"Nani?!?"

"To the trip, it's just for one day, and you do need a rest, you've been working hard, and you never rest." He pointed out.

"Your right, I haven't had time to talk to the girls, and I really want to read that book I bought the other day." He nodded; he knew she would never let out a time to read.

"I'll go call Minako then." She moved out of the room, smiling contently. Ryo had been a great help all day. He was just what she needed, but for some strange reason, she just felt nervous being alone with him. She was nervous of what could happen if they spent too much time alone.

"BOYS!! Stop that!" Makoto yelled to the top of her lungs.

Like always, she was the first to wake that morning. She was happy, as usual, and in a good mood. She made breakfast, cleaned, watered her plants, even before the whole household waked. Shinozuki, her husband, had gone to work. Not everyone got to have a free day, especially when you owned your business. She had to stay home for the two boys, which were now getting on her nerves.

Both of her boys had gotten a trait of hers, which she was not very proud of. Fighting. They just loved to fight, it wasn't a problem when they were just 'playing', the real problem was when the 'play' became real, and they just ended up with a bump in the head, or worst, a bloody nose.

She kept reminding herself she was like that when a child, AND that they were boys, which made everything worst. Even though Enomoto was only 5, he sure was the toughest. She never believed she would actually end up with an obnoxious kid. He was always doing something to do, which ended up in trouble. But, even though he was rude, he had one of the kindest heart. He would defend his friends or family from anyone.

Enomoto was taller than any normal 5 year old, and had, as his parents, green eyes, and brunette. He almost was almost as tall as his brother. Much to Makoto's surprise, both of them where physically different. She would have preferred the differences in other things.

Both loved sports, and specially to wrestle. If they saw a new sport, they would try it, it didn't matter what kind it was, or how dangerous. One of the differences they both had was that Kazeno loved high places; he loved to climb everything, different from his small brother who preferred to stay in land.

It was for his love to high places that his father had built them a tree house, which he loved. He went up there always, especially when he was feeling down.

His height was normal for a 7 year old, had light brown eyes, it was almost a honey color, and like his entire family, brunette. Even if he could be tough, he preferred to be the 'kind' one, although the way he sometimes acted, it was hard to be called 'kind'.

If bothered, both boys would get in fire as quickly as a dry bush, and they reacted, as naturally, with their fists.

It seemed today they had wakened in a bad mood. Being like their mother, they couldn't sit still for much time, they always has to find something to do, and having nothing to do, made their tempers loose their best parts.

What was, in a way, weird for Makoto was she found herself having more patience she had ever imagined. Well, after years of dealing with Usagi, and eventually Chibi-Usa, and then, to top it all, Rei, she was patient, but not like she was with this two other kids, HER kids.

"You will stop fighting." She stated in a very, very calm but authoritative tone.

Both boys nodded, looking at each other, or staring would be more likely. Then, a tongue war followed. Well, at least it was better than a fist war. It made no harm.

"Mamma, we're bored. At least I am." Kazeno said looking up at his tall mother.

"You're not the only one. Can we do something?" Enomoto asked, looking up with a puppy dog face.

Makoto giggled, "I guess so. I just talked with your dad, he said he would be coming home early tonight, and we could go out. So, any ideas?"

"Let's play ball!"

"DUH! Zeno-chan, it's raining, we can't do that." Enomoto said matter-of-factly, Zeno frowned at his brother, "But, we could…"

"Don't even think about it. You know you can't play ball inside." Makoto said firmly. Though she would enjoy it herself.

"I KNOW!" Zeno said jumping up and down enthusiastically.

"What?"

"Hon, stop jumping, you'll break your neck, or my ornaments." Makoto said, eyeing one of them, which was near a table's edge and moving forward to place it more in the middle.

"Sorry, but, mamma, why don't we do something special for dad?" He said, a huge grin on his face and his green eyes shining excitedly.

"YEAH!" Eno said excited running towards his mother.

Makoto found herself smiling. It was just like her, always trying to do special things for the ones she loved, and she loved the idea. WOW! Hold on, rewind. Love? She had convinced herself she was just playing along until they went back to reality. A reality, where her apartment was barren, where no one waited for her at home, where she talked to her plants, where she cried herself to sleep, all for one thing. Loneliness. Would she change all this? Would she willing to live a life, like that, lonely, just she and her plants?

She found herself nodding her answer, while the kids gave ideas of what to do for their father. Suddenly, she felt moisture running down her face. A tear, a single tear which held so many emotions, she could not even name them all.

It was the wee hours of Wednesday morning, and everything was peaceful at the Furuhata's home. Everything was still, until a cry could be heard, a loud wail typical from a baby.

Minako could hear a mumble, right at her side coming from Motoki. She sleepily looked at her watch.

"It's too early for her to be awake! It's only 5:40." Minako whined, she looked back at the man besides her. Snoring, that's all she could hear. He had simply turned around and continued sleeping.

Reluctantly she got up, grabbed her robe and put it on while going to the nursery.

"Shh, it's alright baby. I'm here, Mommy's here." Minako called grabbing the one year old toddler.

Her cries started to go silent.

It was still a little bit dark, and a little cold. She looked over to the window, it was closed and the curtain was drawn over. She moved over there, baby in arms and looked out.

It was beautiful. The trees still had their green color, but their leaves started to turn gold, red, and brown, and above all, some weak rays of sun. She loved the sight.

She would have stayed there longer, if not by a smell that reached her nose.

"I wouldn't like to sleep with a dirty diaper too." She cooed to the baby, who gave a small giggle in return.

"You're happy being carried, aren't you?" She cooed even more while she started to change her diaper.

"Ok, my baby. We are all done." She said with a wide smile.

She loved this baby, but she hated those diapers.

"Next will be your Daddy's turn. Yes." She cooed, "Now lets go back to sleep." She said taking the baby to her own room. It was darker there, only lightened by a small lamp in Minako's night table.

She knew Rose usually woke about seven, then about 10 in the morning she took a nap.

She lay down, and laid the baby on top of her, while slowly patting her back. She felt a warm feeling all over her. She could feel her own breathing going together with Rose's breathing.

Her eyes closed, and she found herself asleep, some minutes later she felt Motoki move and carry Rose back to the nursery. Both mother and daughter were sound asleep now, well, more daughter was asleep, mother trying to sleep.

Minako could only smile. Surely, Motoki was a great help all the time, well, most of the time. She felt him come back to the room and lie on bed again. All went quiet once again, all peaceful.

"Mommy!" Kenzo said, shaking Minako up.

"Your father." Minako mumbled, the boy seemed to understand what she wanted to say, he immediately moved to the other part of the bed, Minako looked up to the clock. It was a little clear now, but it was only 6:15.

She groaned. I need a break!

"Daddy!" Kenzo said starting to, now, shake Motoki.

"Uh, sport, it's too early." Motoki said lifting up his head a little to watch the clock.

Somehow, with a little of difficulty, Kenzo found a way up the bed and found the perfect spot in the middle of both his parents. As in cue, Toby walked in, thankfully, he didn't tried to wake his parents as his brother did, he just found his way up, at his mother's side, and lay down and drifted off to sleep.

Almost two hours later, Minako waked up, again for the 3rd time that morning. She looked around and was surprised to see her two boys lying besides her. She remembered Kenzo coming in, but never felt Toby.

She smiled at the sight. It was simply too cute. If she could have moved, she would have gone to grab the camera and take a picture. Of course, the possibility of blowing the camera and waking everyone up stopped her from doing so. She just stayed there, looking at both the children and Motoki.

Kenzo had found a way to grab part of Motoki's pillow, and he laid his head close to his father's. Both of their mouths were slightly open, and Kenzo had his right hand over Motoki's chest. She could see how they looked alike, except for the blond hair.

She turned to her left, and smiled sweetly. Toby had dark sandy blond hair, just like his father; he actually was a photocopy of his father. Same factions, same hair, same nose, except his eyes. He had bright blue eyes, identical to his mother's, other than that, he was identical to his father.

"You're up already?" A small whisper said, withdrawing her from her thoughts.

She turned and looked at Motoki, a smile plastered on his face.

She nodded, "I woke up to find out we had visitors." She said with a smile.

Motoki was about to answer when Kenzo started moving, they were both silent as if fearing the worst. He would wake up. But, instead, he just found a comfortable position, and kept on sleeping.

"C'mon." Motoki whispered while getting up. Minako smiled and was about to turn when she noticed she had a slight trouble.

"I'm stuck." She whispered back. Motoki turned to see her and smiled. Surely, she couldn't get up without waking one of the boys. Then, his smile turned to a mischievous grin.

"I could give you a hand there." He said.

"I believe I need more than a hand." She whispered back.

"Deal!" He whispered moving where she was. In a blink, Minako was lifted up, she gave a small squeal but was silenced by a kiss.

"See, I did helped you." Motoki said breaking the kiss and a huge grin.

"Well, I was right, I needed more than a hand." Minako stated, then noticed, "You can place me down on my feet now." She said.

"What if I don't want to?"

"Then you'll have a back ache."

"Are you calling me old or are you calling yourself heavy?" He asked with a raised brow.

"I'm NOT heavy, and yes, I just called you old."

"I'm not that old." He said while placing his wife in the floor. Though, she didn't let go of his neck.

"Well, Mr. Motoki, after all, you ARE almost 30." She said mockingly.

"If I'm old, then, you'll be old, and 30 is not old. 60 or 70, that IS old." He said in a hurt joking tone.

"Well, then, my apologies to you, Mr. Oldie." Minako said with a huge grin, letting go and walking towards the nursery.

"Aw, look at that Toki-chan." Minako whispered.

"What?" He asked walking behind her.

He looked straight to the crib, where baby Rose was sitting, giving her back to the door. She was giggling and playing with what looked like an animal stuff. She bounced and giggled with delight every time it did a noise. Her hair was a mess, which made her look even cuter.

"That's my girl!" Motoki said with a huge smile, as in cue, Baby Rose turned her tiny little head and gave a squeal of delight.

He immediately left her side and went to pick up his daughter, making the baby give squeals and giggles of delight.

"Hai, she's totally a Daddy's girl!" Minako stated happily, leaning on the door frame.

The morning went like that, smoothly, the boys woke up few minutes later, they had a normal morning, well, a little frustrating for Minako. One of Rose's first words was "Gyo." She clapped happily and called him every time she saw the dog, which, didn't made Minako so happy, in sight she couldn't even say "Mommy" yet, well, at least she could say "mamma".

By mid day, Minako had a 'great' idea. She talked with Motoki about it, and he agreed with her. So, she spent the next few hours on the phone, making plans, changing diapers, fighting with a dog, and having the radio blow up.

"Seriously, Minako, you have to stop blowing things up!" Motoki stated angry, which made Minako angrier.

"Well, excuse me SIR, but I just don't walk everywhere saying, 'You, blow up!', and BANG! IT DOESN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY!"

"If you keep blowing things up, we'll end up living like the FLINSTONES!"

"Don't you DARE YELL AT ME!"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? YOU ARE YELLING!"

"No, I AM NOT."

"Yes, you are." He countered back. Minako was about to talk back, when Motoki cut her in.

"Shh!"

"Don't you SHUSH ME!"

"listen."

"What? I don't hear a thing."

"Where are the kids?"

"How am I supposed to know?!"

"They were here with you when you blasted my stereo!"

"I did NOT blast OUR stereo and I have spent the last hour fighting with you." she countered back. He didn't even talked back, he moved out of the living room and into the family room.

"You see, there was nothing to worry about." Minako stated once she was in. The three of them where silently coloring, Toby helping Rose out and trying to make her color IN the paper, instead of on the floor. Kenzo was happily coloring, not even looking at his two siblings. He was just concentrating in his work and trying to choose the best colors.

The afternoon went on, with no explosions, or missing children. After a while they went to the park, found the priestess and her family, spent some time together and had a good time.

When Minako and Motoki came back they had three sleepy and exhausted children, and they, themselves, where tired.

As she lied that night in bed, she thought of all that had happened so far. She was happy and liked this life, but, at the same time, she wished to be that teenager, she wished to go back to normal, and at the same time, she wished to stay there, just like she was now. She had had a mother and a father, but, at the same time, they were as much as strangers. They traveled a lot, even now in this timeline, they traveled everywhere. She had one thing she had had, but never been part of before, a family.

She had dreams she had always wanted to reach, goals she had traced for herself. Being a model, a singer, being in the fashion business, being the best senshi, and one day best leader she could be.

Never in her mind had a family been part of a dreams, now, it just couldn't be traced out of her list.

When a raven haired priestess was woken in the morning, she knew it was going to be a bad and long day. Being a holiday, many people visited the Shrine. This wasn't something strange for her, she was used to it. What she wasn't used to was taking care of 5 children, and trying to see everything at the Shrine was ok, and being as perfectionist as she was, everything had to be ok.

Her first difficulty, as expected, came with her children. Her struggle was trying to make them wear their Japanese outfits. Sakai, being two, didn't objected what to wear, she just didn't cared.

She was beautiful, just like her mother. Of the three girls, she was the one that resembled Rei the most, except for one thing. Patience. She seemed to be the most patient girl in the world. Nothing seemed to disturb her. Her siblings could bug her, carry her, do anything they wished to, and she didn't even cried. Being two she started to talk, but her voice was like a low whisper.

Another characteristic of hers was her shyness. She hid behind someone or something every time she saw someone new. She had a hard time with new people around her.

She had big dark brown eyes, which seemed to look straight to ones soul, if that could be possible. From the five children, she was the little angel, the calm and serene one, the one that, until now, had not caused any trouble, different from her other siblings. But, as every rule, this had an exception, if she was either, afraid or hurt, she would cry her lungs out.

The boys didn't actually care what they wear, as far as it was comfortable. As long as they could run, and climb, and get all dirty, it was fine for them.

Yuu, the eldest of the two boys, being only four, was a little cutie. He was a lot like his father, brunette, good looking, and specially, spontaneous. He would get an idea and do it as quickly as he could. As any little boy, he loved playing with other children, he would ran off, not even noticing if he was in danger, something that made his parents worried.

He was very intelligent, and loved animals. He was sweet, specially with his baby sister, but if bothered, or pestered around he would get the best of his temper. It was not easy to cool him down when mad, thankfully it wasn't so often this happened.

Edo was only three. He had raven black hair, like his mother, but his fahter's eyes. He would get scared easily, and when this happened only one person was able to calm him down, Rei.

Being totally different to his mother, he was patient, not to the extent of Sakai, but wouldn't cry or do a tantrum like his twin sisters were often caught doing. He could get mad easily, but could forget it in seconds. He was sweet with all those he saw, and just like his brother, loved animals. Though, to Rei's dismay, his favorites were reptiles. He loved dinosaurs, and specially turtles, which he called, 'tuotus'. Snakes, frogs, and lizards were his specialty, and unfortunately, was really good catching this two last ones.

The twins were another story.

Aiko and Misako, although twins, were totally different. Physically, their only difference was their height, which was not so much. Aiko was a little bit taller than Misako, but you would only notice it if they stood still, which never happened. They both had dark brown, almost black hair, their eyes where just like their father's, and their features screamed Rei all over. Being like this, one thing they enjoyed most, much to their parents and teacher's disgust, was changing places.

Aiko would 'play' being Misako and vice versa. They enjoyed it and didn't care getting in trouble, well, one of them.

Aiko had a fire temper, just like her mother. She would get mad in no time. One word, and she went ballistic. Even though she was just 6, she started to read the fire, taught by her mother. She was interested in a priestess job, but hated some of those things, as for example, the clothing they had to wear.

She would state it was uncomfortable, unnecessary, and a pain in the butt, of course, earning herself a tongue lashing from both her parents.

Unlike her sister, Misako found a priestess job boring. She was more careful of getting in trouble, but never succeeded. Having a curios nature, she could be found climbing trees, running around after a ball, or anything which had to do with running and dirt. She couldn't sit still for five minutes, not even in a car. One of the most obvious difference of her and Aiko was, she didn't get mad easily. She could get frustrated, which ended up in tears, not screams.

While Aiko was the quiet one and observer, Misako was the talkative one. While Aiko always remembered what she had to do, and was quit responsible for her age, Misako always forgot her responsibilities, and everything, which sometimes ended up in trouble for her.

A proof of her little concentration was that she seemed to almost always forget to take her book bag to school, thankfully, her sister new of this lack of concentration of her twin, and remembered her of some things, when she, herself remembered.

One of the things that united them the most was their over protectiveness of their baby sister, which made Rei beam with pride. They seemed to be linked with her, they would drop anything and stop anything if they heard their sister cry, which was unusual in that baby.

But for now, Rei wasn't beaming of pride, she was getting on her nerves already. Both twins where as stubborn as a mule, or as their mother. They wouldn't wear their suits. While Aiko was willing to help around, which Misako wasn't, they both stated they were awkward. Misako would find it hard to play in that outfit, and Aiko would find it hard to help in that.

They were both just wearing their underwear and a bath robe, arms crossed, and both shaking their heads no as stubborn and defiant a 6 year old could be. Rei was standing in front of them, one hand on her hips, the other extending two outfits towards the girls. It was clear she was running out of patience, which was poor on her.

While they were on their small discussion, the only one enjoying it was Sakai, who was sitting on one of the twin's bed and giggling at the sight of her mother and sisters.

"Mamma, we already told you we don't want to wear those baka outfits!" Aiko stated for the thousand time that morning.

"You WILL wear them." Rei stated firmly.

"Damn NO!"

"Watch your tongue, young lady!" Rei said warningly.

She was tired of all this. She had had time to be with the children now and knew them well, their likes and dislikes, their strong and weak sides, and in an odd way, she sometimes knew how they were feeling just by looking at them. But, she still had to learn how to manage them.

She had been playing mother for almost the last month. She loved each one of them, but now she would love to hang those girls from their ears.

Fifteen minutes later, after some more struggle, she finally left, leaving two very unhappy girls dressed with their Japanese outfits and sore bottoms.

While one was sulking, the other was fuming. One thought went through both their minds, I hate this thing!!

The rest of the morning went smooth. Visitors came and go, the even had a few tourists, and thankfully everything was fine.

Edo and Yuu played with Sakai, leaving time for their parents to tend the needs of the visitors, naturally they were at all time were one of their parents, or their great grandfather could see them.

Misako was forced to stay with them, since she didn't wanted to help around, not like Aiko, who had volunteered to help. She had cried in frustration at first, but that didn't worked, so now she sulked and pouted in a corner watching her three youngest siblings play happily. Fortunately, her tantrum didn't last long, for after some minutes she was enjoying the play.

It was after noon, few visitors were coming, and now five children were getting restless, they had already napped, played and done anything they were told. For now, they were just bored.

What frustrated Rei the most was Sakai.

"Oh, c'mon baby. Let go of mommy's skirt." Rei pleaded.

(AN: sorry, but don't know how is that long thing Rei uses called)

After being 'attacked' by some visitors for her cuteness, she was reluctant of letting Rei go. She had been held by her father already, but started crying when some visitors came to ask him some things. She had been passed to Grandfather Hino then, but it was worst. Instead of the visitors running after him, he ran after the visitors, especially young women. Then, she had been placed with her siblings, yet, again, it didn't work. Since her father placed her in the middle of the group her cries could be heard everywhere. No doubt. She was scared.

Since it was their last resource to quiet her down, she was taken back to Rei.

"Still giving your mommy some trouble, ne?" Grandpa Hino cooed to the little girl, who simply smiled.

"Grandpa, I'm desperate. She just wont let go!" Rei whined.

"You just sounded like Usagi-chan and Minako-chan." Yuuichirou said in a joking tone coming to Rei's side. She just returned his little 'joke' with a killing glare.

"Well, I don't see YOU helping so much." She snapped at him.

"I already carried her, played with her, and done anything I can do. She just wanted one thing, and that is YOU." he countered back.

It seemed Yuuichirou had changed after some time. After being with Rei for almost 9 years, and five children, he discovered she wasn't so dangerous. After all, dog that barks don't bites. But, this wasn't a dog, it WAS Rei.

"Why don't you go out?" Grandpa offered, not wanting to listen at the coming fight.

"Nani?" Rei asked blinking.

"Hai, go out for the afternoon. The seven of you."

"What about the shrine?" Yuuichirou asked.

"I have taken care of it even before you two were born, I think I can look after it for an afternoon."

"I'm not so…" Rei began but was cut by Yuuichirou.

"Well, it doesn't sound so bad."

"Not so bad! I would say it sounds good. After all, you don't have much time for yourselves." Grandpa Hino interfered.

"It doesn't looks that way." Rei muttered to herself looking down at the toddler who had a tight grasp on her leg.

"Well then, it's settled, we're going out." Yuuichirou stated happily.

"NANI?!? NO we are NOT going out." Rei stated firmly.

"Aww, c'mon Rei, it's just one afternoon. We can take the kids to the park."

"We can't leave our duties just like that."

"What duties? You're done with all the heavy work already." Grandpa Hino interrupted.

"Why do you want us out?" Rei asked her grandfather with a raised brow, looking at him suspiciously.

"Nani? What do you mean by that!? I want you to go out, BECAUSE I am looking at my 5 poor children, looking all down and gloomy outside, and one clutching to your leg as a life savior on the middle of the ocean who just want to do something fun for a day. So, if you don't want to go, don't go, but don't make your husband stay here and your children rote in boredom." Grandpa Hino stated firmly leaving the couple and their child alone.

Rei blushed at the last statement. She didn't know if it was for guilt or for the husband part.

She looked up at Yuuichirou, and sighed.

"Ok, lets go." She said in a gloomy voice. He just smiled triumphantly and moved out to tell the children.

An hour later, they were all in more comfortable and civil clothes enjoying of an afternoon at the park. Rei and Yuuichirou had found a perfect spot under a tree, they could see the playground perfectly, and be there in no time if something happened.

Aiko and Misako had decided for the swings and were now competing on who could go higher, Edo and Yuu were playing tag with some other children they had met, and Sakai was walking around her parents looking at her siblings play. It was too crowded of children for her, and had, once again, stuck at her mother's side. After a while, she had felt more secure and was comfortable walking around.

There was an uncomfortable silence between the couple. If not known correctly, one wouldn't think they were husband and wife, but instead first daters.

Rei looked up at Yuuichirou trying to talk about something, but finding nothing to talk about closed her mouth. They were just sitting on their place, not even hugging, not even grabbing each other's hand.

"Rei-chan, honey, is something bothering you?" Yuuichirou asked after observing her.

"Iie, why do you ask?" She asked alarmed.

"Well, you seem uncomfortable." He said, stroking softly from her face a strand of hair. For some reason, this made Rei melt. She was sure that if she was standing she would have fallen.

On the other hand, Yuuichirou looked worriedly at her. After years, and years of studying her and getting to knowing her, he could tell if something was wrong, not even words coming out of her were needed for him to know.

"Iie, nothing's wrong." She said with a hearty smile, and leaning over him in a more comfortable position, following every movement of Sakai with her gaze. For some reason, this felt the perfect thing to do.

"What's on your mind?" He asked breaking more silence that had come to the duo. He now had both of his arms around his waist, his back supported on the tree, his head had found a very comfortable place upon her head, and his gaze going around to all his children.

"How…" she started but trailed off.

"Go on." He said encouragingly.

"Don't get me wrong. But, how come we ended up with SO many children?" She said.

"I know today wasn't a good start, especially with the twins, but they're not so bad all the time." He said giving her a now more worried look, then quickly returning his gaze to their subject of conversation.

"I know. And don't get me wrong, I love each one of them. But I'm sure that when I was, lets say, 18, I wasn't looking forward to having five children." For some reason she felt she could tell anything to him, a trust she hadn't even given to the senshi so easily.

He looked at her blankly; she looked as a cornered prey about to be eaten. He smiled and then chuckled, suddenly an evil grin crept through his face.

"Well my dear, let me tell you that those two troublemakers," He said pointing to the twins on the swings, "were the result of a night of lust."

Rei went crimson, and jumped right away from her comfortable position. She looked down at him as if he had grown two heads now, making him laugh as hard as he could.

"Ne, do you want me to explain you about the bees and birds?" He asked playfully, poking her ribs in a joking way.

"I'm not talking about THAT, you baka!" Rei said, her crimson color getting even deeper.

"Well, I was just answering your question." He said in a hurt tone, though he was enjoying immensely what he had just provoked. He had never in his life seen Rei like this. It was just as if he was talking to a teenager about this, instead of his wife.

"Now if you let me continue," he said, leaning back, and searching with his gaze to one of his boys, who was running around playing tag, not even given Rei a chance to stop him, and for an odd reason, she was rather curious, "that rascal was our 'honeymoon' gift."

"Nani?!?" Rei asked alarmed. Of what she had researched she knew the twins were born after they had married.

"Hai, don't you remember? Ami offered to take care of the twins as practice for her coming baby, I had plans on taking you on that trip, to, to, oh well, don't remember how it is called. It was our second honeymoon. We returned and nine months later that boy was driving us crazy since the crib." He said with a huge grin, his eyes beaming just to remember how his first boy was born.

He stopped talking for some seconds, then looked down at his other troublemaker.

"You were the cause of that one." He said with a huge grin. Rei looked down at Edo, then back at Yuuichirou, looking forward to an answer which never came.

"And why is it supposed to be my fault?" she asked with a raised brow. Her only answer was laughter.

"I'm pretty sure you didn't remembered that night you didn't wanted more children. After Yuu was born we, or rather, you said we wouldn't have more children. Then, one night you decide to have a romantic night, and oh well, tada, the result." He said pointing to Edo, who was running after his brother now.

Well, that would explain a lot. She thought, then looked back at Sakai, who was sitting down just in front of them both looking quietly at the other children play.

"Rei, how come you ask me all this? If I know better, you were part of all this." He said looking at her. She just shrugged and leaned back in her comfortable position again.

"I, I don't know." She lied. "Maybe I just needed to be reminded." She said smiling down at all her children, her so many, but so loved children.

"You left one out." She pointed out, looking at the quiet baby sitting in front of them.

"Iie, I would never forget my little baby angel." He said looking at her.

"If I remember better, we went to a party of some friend of mine on Shitori Town (AN, I just made that name up. Don't know if that place even exists.), we both drank to much, I couldn't drive back home, so someone offered to leave us at a nearby hotel, and she was our result."

They were quiet for a moment looking at one children to the other, and all of the sudden, Sakai decided it was nap time. She stood up, walked towards her parents, sat between them and drifted up to sleep.

"I sometimes wish the twins were a little bit more like her." Rei said stroking the child's hair.

Yuuichirou chuckled, "Just wish she stays like this and doesn't turn out to be like the twins."

"Hai." Rei whispered, leaning to kiss the child's forehead, "Thinking it well, I wouldn't want to change any of them."

She didn't knew what made her say that, but it felt right, maybe just to right. Yuuichirou just nodded and continue looking at each of the children.

"Hey Rei-chan! Yuuichirou!" A friendly voice greeted from behind.

They turned to look at Minako and Motoki standing there, two boys looking eager to run off, being held by one of their parent's hand.

For some odd reason, Minako stood there, looking at her friend and grinning like a fool. Though none of the others knew why she was doing this, Rei realized why, and quickly blushed deeply.

"Yuu and Edo are over there if you want to go play with them." Yuuichirou said to the two boys, after greetings were made.

They just nodded, and ran off looking for their two friends. Toby found his way to the swings, finding them more interesting than playing with the other boys, after all, he was older than them. Kenzo was the same age as Yuu, so they both enjoyed playing together, besides they were classmates at the preschool they went to.

"So, how has it been?" Rei asked Minako once they had a time to chat by themselves. Yuuichirou and Motoki were now talking about sports, and cars, and the normal stuff men like to talk about.

"Crazy. I called you today, but nobody answered the phone." Minako said, trying to get her hair free from Rose's grip.

"Yeah, sorry. The shrine was full today. We could find some time to bring the kids here." She said looking down at the sleepy baby in her lap, "So, why did you called?"

"Aaaah! That's it!" Minako yelled frustrated upon her own daughter who was just happy playing with her mom's hair instead of the baby toy which was constantly offered, "Motoki! I need help here!!"

"Nani?" He said turning slightly to look at his almost crying wife.

Rei couldn't help but chuckle. Thankfully all her children were over that stage of hair gripping.

"Just take her. She won't leave my hair alone." She said handing the girl to her father.

"Ok, so, why did you called?" Rei asked once Minako was happily sitting down, now trying to untangle her hair.

"We need to talk. I already called the others and they were happy with the idea, you're the only one left." She stated, sticking her tongue out while trying to undo the tangle her daughter had caused.

"And that idea is..." Rei started getting annoyed.

"To go out tomorrow, out to another nearby town. We would be gone for an entire day, and return next morning." She stated, smiling happily over her triumph with the tangle.

"And the others accepted?" Rei asked not believing her friend's words.

"Well, Ami said she would confirm. But I know she will say yes."

"And you know because…"

"Oh I just know! Now, what do you say?"

"What about the kids?"

"No kids. Just us, Makoto, Ami, Usagi, You and I." she said happily.

"Ok, Makoto's are big enough, and Usagi's too, but Ami, you, and I have toddlers to tend to."

"Oh! Rei, I'm sure our husbands can handle them for a day. I mean, it's just ONE day." Minako stated, now she was the one getting annoyed.

"Ok, I think it'll be fine." She said giving up.

"Really?" Minako asked beaming with happiness.

"Just one condition."

"Nani?"

"We'll return that same night. Go during the early morning and come back at night."

"Deal!"

"AND, You will have to make sure Usagi is there ON time." she stated seriously.

"I'll see what I can do about that." Minako stated.

They continued chatting, for some time soon their husbands were sitting besides them talking happily, until a scream from one of the children stopped them. Rei could feel her heart jump with fear, she didn't even have to turn and see to know that it was one of the twins.

She was by her side before any of them got there. Yuuichirou was behind her in no time, followed by Motoki. Minako was left behind with Sakai and Rose, both fast asleep now.

"Mommy, it hurts!" Aiko cried once she saw her mother besides her.

"Where does it hurts!" Rei asked. She turned to look at Misako, who was standing there looking blankly at her twin besides Toby who had been playing with them all the time.

Motoki, being a doctor himself didn't had to be told twice before going to examine the child.

"Motoki, what's wrong?" Yuuichirou asked his friend in a worried tone. The child didn't stopped crying, and she was not one to cry.

"What happened?" Rei asked looking at Misako, who only lowered her head.

"Misako, answer your mother." Yuuichirou ordered.

She started crying immediately. Surely, she couldn't answer like that.

"Toby, please, what happened?" Rei asked to the other boy, who seemed to be calmer at all this.

"You better talk." Motoki stated not even looking up, he knew the child was looking at him.

Toby sighed, and pointed to a nearby tree, "Misako wanted to climb that tree, but she knew she would get in trouble. So, I went and climbed to that branch. It wasn't too high, so I jumped off. Then, Aiko said she could climb higher, I said she couldn't and shouldn't because she is a girl. She got mad, and said she could do anything she wanted to. She climbed to a higher branch, lost her balnace, and fell."

"It is 'balance', and you should know better." Motoki reprimanded, Toby just lowered his head, "She's fine, no broken bones, just some scratches." He said looking at both worried parents.

"But she doesn't stop crying." Rei said worriedly, she was now hugging the child.

"I'm sure, Rei-chan, that's just a reaction for the shock. She was angry, and then suddenly fell. She has no signs of broken bones, she has a few scratches and I'm sure she'll have a bruise or two for the fall. She didn't hit her face, thankfully, during the fall, so she'll be just fine. Just clean her scratches, and she'll be just fine." With that said Motoki walked towards his son and grabbed his hand.

"Thanks Motoki!" Yuuichirou thanked his friend.

"What are friends for?" Motoki smiled warmly to him.

"I'm sorry, dad." Toby whispered once his hand was grabbed and they started walking towards a worried Minako.

"Don't worry son, accidents happen. But we will have a talk when we get home." Motoki said to the child, who nodded and smiled back at him.

"We should go home now." Yuuichirou told Rei, carrying Aiko who had now stopped crying.

Rei nodded her agreement and went to call the boys who had no clue of what had happened. For some odd reason she felt guilty of what had happened. She was angry with the child, and at the same time worried, and, unusually, didn't had the heart to even scold her.

She felt the need to protect each one of them, and she felt she was failing in her duty. Being the senshi of fire, after the senshi of lightning, she was one of the toughest ones. She wouldn't stop before anything, but now, she was scared.

After the attack of Edo and Yuu, she had felt rage, but now, it wasn't a youma who had placed her child in danger and for some unknown reason, she felt it was her own fault.

She walked towards Minako, who was now holding a very active Sakai.

"You ok?" Minako asked, looking at her friend.

For some reason she was more worried for Rei than for Aiko.

"Hai." Rei lied carrying the toddler, who smiled happily.

"Ok." Minako said sadly, knowing her friend was lying, but not wanting to annoy her.

They said their goodbyes and each family parted their own way.

That night, Rei couldn't sleep. She was anxious, nervous, and restless. After what had happened she didn't wanted to leave, not even for a day, but, Yuuichirou and Grandpa Hino had talked to her and convinced her to go.

She had to admit, she needed a break from all this.

After minutes and minutes of thinking, she finally stood from her bed, and walked outside.

She moved towards the boys' room. Both were asleep, she carefully, not wanting to do any noise, picked up some toys which were scattered on the floor.

When she looked down at the two sleeping forms, felt a warm feeling invading her. She didn't know what it was, but it always impulse her towards those children.

She moved forward and kissed each of their foreheads, and went to the nursery, which was now starting to look more like a little girl's room than a nursery.

She did the same she had done with the boys, caressed her hair, kissed her forehead, and then moved to the next room.

She did the same thing she had done with the other children, except for one thing, she sat on the edge of Aiko's bed. For a reason she felt guilty, and among all her insecurities, she was only sure of one thing.

"I'm not ready for this. Not yet." She whispered to herself, few tears now falling through her face.

PLEASE!!! REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW.

Will try to update chapter 8 soon. Sorry if this chap is tooo long! Seems I can't write ANYTHING short. Oh, well. C ya all soon and again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!