Chapter 11

Following the birth of their twins, Michiru spent twenty four hours in the hospital. This was just a precaution to make sure there weren't any complications and that both Michiru and the babies were healthy. Ami was able to safely deliver both placentas shortly after the birth. Everything had gone well and the babies had great Apgar scores of nine each.

After the twenty four hours were up, Michiru was eager to get home and show off her newborns to everyone. Unfortunately, while she was in the hospital, she wasn't able to see anyone else besides the King and Queen, and of course, Setsuna, Hotaru and Haruka.

Haruka had brought Michiru some clothes to change into. The clothes Michiru wore right before giving birth were now too big. As with every pregnant woman following birth, Michiru still looked about five or six month's pregnant, but needed slightly smaller clothes to fit into. Haruka knew Michiru would get back into shape, but as Ami said, it was going to take at least a few months. Haruka never understood why so many husbands pressured their wives to lose the baby weight so fast right after giving birth. She would never stop thinking Michiru was beautiful.

Although the birth went well, Michiru was still very sore and Ami said that they would need to refrain from any vaginal penetration to prevent any infections.

Setsuna wheeled Michiru out of the hospital in a wheelchair and helped her into her car. Haruka's convertible just wasn't very practical for a family of four consisting of two newborns. Tomorrow they planned to look at commercial vehicles. Haruka did say that she wouldn't touch a minivan with a ten foot pole, no matter how many kids they had. She wouldn't be seen driving one of those. Haruka got out of the car and helped Michiru into the passenger side while Setsuna and Hotaru placed Kazeko and Michiko safely into their car seats.

A short while later they returned to Haruka and Michiru's home. Setsuna and Hotaru each held a baby in her car seat as Haruka helped Michiru from the car and walked with her to the door. Just as Haruka was about to insert her key into the lock, the door flew open and they were greeted with a loud "SURPRISE!" The duo gasped but somehow, Setsuna and Hotaru didn't look surprised.

The time guardian and soldier of Saturn smiled at one another. Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion were the ones at the front door with Setsuna's husband, Shukensha. Haruka sweat dropped, but Michiru enjoyed the attention after being kept in the hospital. Behind the trio were the rest of the senshi, who blew out party crackers and confetti. Inside the room, were more presents for the new parents. They heard many "Ooooh's'" and "Ahhh's" as Setsuna and Hotaru followed behind with the babies.

Haruka and Michiru were surprised to see all of the "Welcome Home" and "Congratulations" signs in their living room along with a few more baby gifts. "Oh my," the aqua-haired beauty giggled.

Once the twins were placed down in their car seat next to Michiru, the new mother sat down with a sigh. Haruka sat down next to her and pulled her close for a quick kiss. She was so proud of her wife for carrying and delivering their children. She couldn't imagine being the one going through the whole ordeal. Michiru was the strongest person she knew.

The King and Queen took a seat next to the new parents and a three year old Chibiusa walked up to the small duo car seats. "Babies!" the pink haired girl cried.

"Shh!" Serenity made a motion with a finger to her mouth. "They're sleeping, Chibiusa-hime," her mother whispered.

Haruka chuckled and gently patted Chibusa's head. The pink haired girl slumped to her knees and gently touched one of the babies' hands. Kazeko's eyes opened slowly to take in this knew figure. Her little fist opened slowly at Chibusa's touch. The little girl giggled and looked up at Michiru and Haruka. "What's her name?"

Michiru smiled. "That's Kazeko and her sister's name is Michiko."

Hotaru came and sat next to Chibiusa. The pink-haired girl turned her attention to the newcomer. Familiarity showed in her eyes. "Hota-chan!" she said excitedly, jumping into the older girl's arms. The violet-haired girl smiled. "It's been a while, Chibiusa-chan."

Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna smiled at their daughter. The three of them knew how much their daughter missed having her best friend around and hoped the violet-haired girl would make more friends at school.

Meanwhile, Michiru had received a few more gifts for the new arrivals. About an hour or so later, Haruka took notice of her wife's sleepiness and decided to call it a night. Michiru had been through so much in the last several hours, and Haruka wanted her to rest as much as possible. As all the visitors made their exit, they were careful not to disturb a sleeping Michiru who was seated in a chair next to her babies.

Once everyone was gone, Haruka smiled. 'Michiru is truly beautiful,' she thought, hating the thought of waking her up. Setsuna and Hotaru were the only ones who remained behind. Hotaru, who was seated near Michiru, was still staring, awestruck, at the newborns. Further movement caused Hotaru to gasp. She turned and found Haruka had moved from the kitchen and into the living room. The blond smiled. "Would you like to hold one, Hime-chan?"

Hotaru's eyes lit up. "Hai!" she almost shouted, but then became quiet as she remembered the sleeping Michiru. Hotaru blushed as Haruka laughed. "Shh, we don't want to wake up Michiru-mama."

Hotaru moved to the side as Haruka unfastened Kazeko's belt in her car seat and handed the newborn to her oldest daughter. Once Kazeko was in Hotaru's arms, their attention had fallen on little Michiko as her face began to contort in protest of taking her twin away. A small whimper escaped the aqua-haired newborn's lips. Haruka really hoped that she wouldn't have to awaken Michiru if Michiko began to cry. Although they were fraternal twins, they'd already established a close bond over the last several hours.

While her daughter held onto Kazeko, Haruka removed Michiko from the confines of her own car seat and held her to her chest. "Shh, little one, we don't want to wake your mama now, do we?" she whispered. The baby quieted instantly at her papa's touch and sound. Haruka just remembered that Michiru did pump some breast milk into a bottle in case they became hungry and she was unable to attend to them.

Ocean blue eyes stared incredulously up into violet ones. Kazeko made a small sound almost in an attempt to show her older sister that she had made a connection. Hotaru giggled. "Imooto, you are only a few hours old and you already know who I am," she gasped. Hotaru took hold of the tiny hand which tightened around her own. The four of them were in their own little world until footsteps sounded behind them.

Haruka turned at the movement to see Michiru behind them. "I hope we didn't wake you," the blond started.

Michiru wearily shook her head. "No, you didn't. It's probably going to be feeding time pretty soon, though," Michiru admitted, feeling the added weight increasing within her breasts. It was strange, but whenever one of the babies cried, she began to lactate. Thank goodness for the breast pads she could insert into her bra.

Haruka nodded and glanced at her wristwatch. "You're probably right; we should probably get ready for bed too. New mothers need their rest," Haruka winked.

Michiru grinned. If it weren't for their oldest daughter in the room, she would have made a suggestive comment back to her wife. She glanced over at the wall clock and realized it had gotten late; it was already ten o' clock. Michiru yawned. "I suppose you're right, but where's Setsuna?" she inquired.

When Haruka and Hotaru gave her a blank look, Michiru hurried upstairs to the guest room. Once she reached the door, she smiled at what she saw; Setsuna was passed out on the inflatable air mattress. 'Poor Guardian of Time," she thought. Setsuna must have been more tired than she was, if that was at all fathomable. Not wanting to disturb her, Michiru turned from the door only to see Hotaru and Haruka rushing up after her.

"Is she in there?" Haruka asked.

Michiru silenced the blond with a finger to her lips. "Hai, she must have fallen asleep."

Haruka chuckled lightly. "Well, new mothers need rest too," she chided. "Let's get to bed."

Hotaru slept in her old room and once she had gone to sleep, Haruka and Michiru were the last ones awake. Michiru sighed as she buttoned up her night gown, not eager to go to bed as she knew sleep wouldn't be coming easily to either one of them. She and Haruka would be getting up to feed the twins several times a night for several months. Now that she thought about it, she was glad Serenity had given them time off duty. Right now, the twins were their first priority.

Haruka exited the shower shortly after to find Michiru playing with the baby monitor. There was one on each side of the bed. The blond removed her towel and began patting her hair dry. Not a moment passed when Michiru turned to gaze at her nude lover. She instantly felt desire welling within her. When she remembered Ami's warning, she sighed disappointedly. She knew she could tease and have fun with her lover without vaginal penetration, but she didn't want to get too carried away. Michiru needed to rest. Her vagina had torn quite a bit during the delivery and she needed minor stitches. It was pretty common, especially with deliveries of multiples. Concerned, Haruka sat next to her and covered Michiru's hand with her own. "What's wrong, Love?"

Michiru turned and smiled as best as she could at her lover. "Nothing, it's just," she looked down at her still rounded tummy. "I wish I could make love to you right now."

Sensing Michiru's distress, Haruka smiled and tilted Michiru's chin towards her. "I know, but I can wait," she assured. Michiru smiled, thankful for her love's convincing. Their intimacy was broken when they started to hear a cry through the monitors. Michiru turned from the monitor and back to Haruka. "Hungry again? I just fed them about an hour ago," she groaned, pushing herself off the bed.

Haruka followed her down the hall and to the babies' room. Michiru opened the door and turned on the light. The cries were now in unison and Haruka took that as a cue to run down to the kitchen and fetch one of the baby bottles from the fridge. Michiru could have breastfed both children at once, but her nipples were already sore from the frequent feedings. She sat down in the rocking chair, unbuttoned her blouse and pulled one of the babies to her chest.

Michiko made sucking motions with her lips and Michiru gently guided her to a lactating nipple. Upon the arrival of food, the baby quieted almost instantly as she began to suckle. Haruka arrived at the door and paused for a moment to take in the image of Michiru and Michiko. It was a beautiful scene and if she were Michiru, she would be rushing for some paints and brushes right about now. Kazeko's crying brought her back to reality, however, and Haruka reached into the crib and gingerly picked up the other baby. She pulled up a chair next to Michiru and placed the bottle nipple into Kazeko's mouth. Once there was complete silence, Haruka sighed, using her free arm to push the door closed.

Haruka turned to Michiru who was starting lovingly at the child she breastfed. The aqua-haired beauty smoothed a hand over the baby's delicate skin and watched as she continued to suckle. Teal eyes stared back at her mother. "You're so beautiful," she whispered as she touched the few aqua wisps of hair.

Haruka smiled and turned back to Kazeko. She reminded her very much of herself, but she did have Michiru's eyes. "Thank you so much for giving me such beautiful children," Haruka whispered.

Michiru smiled. "I didn't create them alone you know."

Haruka chuckled. "Hai."

A short while later, Haruka and Michiru had checked the babies' diapers before placing them back into their duo cribs. Michiru was exhausted. It was midnight and she wanted to get some shuteye before the children woke them up again. Michiru gave a sigh of content once she was able to lie down in bed. She was incredibly sore, not only from the labor, but having to breastfeed two children. She lay on her side as Haruka spooned behind her.

Michiru sighed. "Nani?" Haruka asked. Michiru stared into the darkness as Haruka wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Do you still find me attractive?" came the distant response.

Haruka was startled. "Eh?!"

"I said, do you find me attractive?!" came the annoyed reply.

'She must be crazy,' Haruka thought. "You are the most attractive woman I have ever laid my eyes upon," Haruka assured her.

Michiru still was not satisfied. "But we cannot make love and I still look six months pregnant."

Haruka sweat dropped and pulled her love closer to her. "I told you before how erotic the sight of you pregnant with our children made me. I feel no different now." She draped her hand over the cocoon that used to carry their children.

Michiru, satisfied with that response, closed her eyes. A moment later she felt a hand creep up towards a heavy breast. "Nani?!" she gasped.

Haruka chuckled as she slipped her hands under Michiru's nightgown. She felt the weight of her breasts being lifted as Haruka held them in her hand. "Tell me you're not feeling sexy now," the blond challenged.

Michiru felt her face heat up. She was embarrassed as she felt her breasts secrete milk at the attention. "Oh," she gasped.

"New mothers need attention too," Haruka purred.

When Michiru said nothing, Haruka gasped as she felt her own breasts being squeezed. "Ah, Michiru, I thought I told you to touch me gently!"

"Tough! Having to carry and push out your children was anything but gentle!" Michiru retorted.

Haruka surrendered. "Hai."

Once the two settled down, Michiru whispered, "Oyasumi nasai."

"Hai, oyasumi nasai."

The next morning, Haruka and Michiru practically stumbled into the kitchen to find Setsuna making breakfast. Setsuna, who was making pancakes, turned to greet the new parents. "Ohayo!" she said cheerfully. The duo responded wearily before slumping into chairs at the dining room table next to Hotaru.

"Ohayo," Hotaru greeted her parents who sat down next to her.

Setsuna frowned. "Didn't sleep too well, I take it?"

They both shook their heads. Haruka was the first one to speak. "I know this isn't new to us, but I really don't recall Hotaru waking up as much during the night," Haruka managed, resting her head in her arms.

Setsuna shrugged as she placed two plates filled with pancakes as well as a few cups of tea near Haruka and Michiru. "Well, I guess all babies are different," she began to explain. "But on the bright side, you both can sleep in as much as you want since you are on hiatus." She looked at her watch. "It's only eight, so you can go back to bed after breakfast for a few hours until you both feel more rested. In fact, I insist on it," the time guardian winked.

Michiru smiled and nodded. Curling back up in their cozy warm bed sounded delightful. "Hai."

Hotaru turned to her weary parents. "How are the babies doing?" she inquired with wide curiosity-filled eyes.

Haruka chuckled and fussed with Hotaru's hair. "They are doing just fine, Hime-chan. They're sleeping right now."

Hotaru made a face. "Babies sure do sleep a lot."

Setsuna giggled as she came to sit with the trio. "Unfortunately, babies' sleeping schedules aren't always consistent with our own. You slept a lot too when you were that small, Hime-chan," she explained.

Michiru sighed upon hearing the word 'sleep.' "Yes, sleep. That was one thing Hotaru always did," she remembered fondly. Haruka nodded and wished they could say the same about their twins, but Setsuna was right. Luckily, they were able to finish eating before they heard a piercing cry fill the room.

Haruka and Michiru excused themselves from the table to attend to their squalling offspring. Setsuna turned from Haruka and Michiru to Hotaru. Once they were upstairs, Setsuna whispered, "How do you think they'll take the news?" the time guardian asked her daughter with a giggle. Hotaru smiled as she sipped her cup of tea. "I'm sure they'll be very happy, Setsuna-mama."

A short while later, Haruka and Michiru returned downstairs to the living room; dressed and holding their newborns. The twins had identical lavender baby blankets, much to Haruka's insistence. She just couldn't imagine little tomboy Kazeko in pink. Setsuna and Hotaru had already cleared the kitchen table and were seated on a large sofa watching TV. After they set the twins down in their baby caskets, the new parents plopped down on the sofa with an exasperated sigh. Michiru looked down to see her blouse was unbuttoned slightly, and quickly buttoned it back up self consciously, hoping no one would notice.

The quartet was silent for a while until Setsuna spoke. "So, what would the two of you prefer to be called? Would Oba-san work for the both of you?" She paused as she received a few blank looks, and then continued. "Well, you've got about six months to decide," she finalized with a smile.

No longer than a moment had passed as Haruka and Michiru registered what the time guardian was saying. Their eyes widened and excited smiles tugged at the corners of their mouths. "Kami-sama, congratulations!" Michiru cried, immediately embracing her best friend.

Haruka turned to Hotaru, who didn't appear too shocked. "Don't tell me that you've known about this the WHOLE TIME!"

Hotaru smiled and shrugged, only to be rewarded with a wrestling match from her Haruka-papa. "You're going to be a big sister again, Hime-chan!"

Hotaru laughed as she was tackled by her papa. "Hai!"

"I'm definitely planning you a baby shower and I'd better be the godmother of that baby!" Michiru said.

Setsuna laughed. "Oh, of course you will, but we cannot forget about Haruka. You know how jealous she gets when she's not included!" she teased.

Haruka sweat dropped and stuck out her tongue, "Not even for the life of me, Puu!"

The quartet erupted in laughter until two piercing cries once again demanded their attention. The duo sighed. "This is what you have to look forward to in six months!"

FIN

A/N: That's it everybody! This story is sadly at its end. I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I had fun writing it! Unfortunately, I am just out of ideas at this point and feel it would be an appropriate time to conclude this story. Don't be too saddened though! I am including a one chapter Epilogue for this story, so stay tuned!