Finally getting our winter weather!

Dogs Playing Poker
Sunday, January 10th

Since Christmas was spent by the families individually, and New Year's was busy, the children insisted on getting together. This time, it was hosted at Tsume's, and it was a snowball melee. Kiba and Tenten's friend Naruto and his wife Hinata joined them with their two children. Sesshomaru thought Hinata was alright, but that Naruto was far too enthusiastic. He and his younger brother instantly bonded over their love of ramen, and seemed to delight on trying to pick fights with Sesshomaru.

He was just about to retaliate with a scathing retort when Hana entered the room wielding a wooden spoon like a harbinger of death.

"And just what are you two doing inside?" she demanded. "We are trying to get a meal put together that you will no doubt want to join us in eating. Get your selves out there and keep the children occupied so we can work!"

"What about Sesshomaru," Inuyasha grunted.

"He brought Rin, who is helping," Hana waved the spoon around as she spoke. "You two are just standing here, and neither of you have a docile fourteen-year-old for a daughter. As I recall," she said archly, "both of you have sons that have been to the ER multiple times this year alone?" They looked at each other, surprised. "Good," Hana ushered them toward the door. "Glad you have something to talk about now. Get going, and make sure that we don't need to make any emergency visits!"

Before they could protest, they were outside and swarmed by children,

She turned back to Sesshomaru with a smug grin. "They will be busy for a while," she chuckled. She rested a hand on the arm of his chair, but did not touch him. "Need anything? I'm heading to the kitchen."

"I am fine, thank you," he said, less stiffly than he might have.

"Good," she smiled. "I've got the kettle on for tea. I'll bring you a cup when it is ready." With that she returned to the kitchen, and he suppressed a smirk.

When they finally did all gather around for the large meal, everyone was in good spirits, and really hungry.

The food was passed, and Sango smiled to watch her children and friends so happy.

"Did you come packed?"

Sango looked up to find Tsume standing with a dinner in one hand, and the other on the back of her chair. Her eyes glinted with mischief.

"Er, well, yes," Sango admitted. "I got us packed two weeks ago, and our things are in the car."

"Good!" Tsume said, placing the dinner in front of her. "Then you can have this!"

"What is it?" Sango asked, eyes wide. The delicious aroma washed over her, and she felt her stomach growl, and the baby wiggle.

"That, my girl," Tsume pointed to the food, "is my very own special Eggplant Parmesan."

Sango looked up in surprise.

"You didn't have to go to the trouble of making something especially for me," Sango said, embarrassed.

Tsume checked the clock. "Better eat up," she said cryptically. "You'll thank me later!"

With that she went back to the kitchen, and Sango shrugged and tucked into her dinner.

She didn't see Tsume wink at Miroku, who watched his wife carefully.

The baby was born that night, at 12:01 am, January 11th.

Right on time.

Scalini's Italian Restaurant serves a famous eggplant Parmesan. They have pictures of over 300 kids, said to have been born via labor induced by eating the famous recipe. Believe me, when you are overdue, you will try just about anything!

scalinis dot com slash main-babies dot html