Chapter Eleven – The Album

Mitsuru stared at his wife in horror before dashing into the bar, Mahiru close on his heels. She bumped into his back, bruising her nose when he skidded to a stop just inside the door. "Ow," she muttered, rubbing her aching appendage. Peeking over his shoulder, she had to force the giggles back.

Leaning over the bar, shoulders heaving with laughter, were Nozomu, Akira, and Misoka. Open in front of them was the album that Mahiru had been working so hard on. The cover was light blue, and written in adorable bubble letters were the words: Waiting for Baby.

Mahiru groaned, covering her face with her hands. Mitsuru gave her a look that sugested she tell him, immeadiately, what was in that album. "Just some pictures," she mumbled, trying her hardest not to laugh.

"Of?" he growled.

"Us…you remember that one time we gave Akira that digital camera?" When Mitsuru nodded, she continued, "Well, I've had him kinda sorta take pictures when you weren't looking."

"Damn it, Mahiru!"

"Don't you take that tone with me!" she yelled back. Surprised, Mitsuru shut up, earning the married couple stunned and approving looks from their friends. Mahiru gave one sniffle, betraying the fact that her emotions were not under her control any longer, before turning her back on the group and hurrying upstairs.

Seconds later, the men all heard the door slam, and knew they were in for a long night…

Half an hour later…

Mahiru was sprawled on top of the covers, sorting through several boxes worth of mementos and pictures. She swiped at a stray tear on her cheek, focusing on the picture currently in her hand. It was one of the few baby pictures that she had managed to talk her aunt into giving her. In it, her baby-self was facing the camera, face split in an endearing baby-grin. Mahiru tossed it back onto the bed with the rest, flipping slowly onto her back to study the ceiling.

She ran her hands gently over her stomach, glancing over at the calendar on the wall. She couldn't believe that she was only two months along; it felt like it had been months since she had found out and married Misturu. Shifting, she dug around in her bag until she found her mirror, studying her tear-stained face critically.

Mahiru quickly came to a decision, grabbing the phone off of the bedside table and dialing. "Keiko? Hey, it's Mahiru. Do you wanna go shopping?"