author's note

ahh christmas. a time for family and friends. for this christmas, though, it's more special since it's their first time as a family uwu this is going to be quite long, so enjoy!

i just wanna apologize for not keeping true to my promise of updating every five days ;;; handling two stories is tough.. and sadly, i think i'll only write until chapter 30-35 of this since the main story is ending by the time umi marries kotori (should be by chapter 30) and i'll just write little parts of umiko growing up. i'll try to write more words per chapter though, so updates will happen every two weeks now.

btw, i added a little scene in chapter 23 - where umi cuts umiko's umbilical cord~ i forgot to write about that scene! i was reading baby, maybe, then i went "wait, umiko isn't attached to the cord anymore.. i forgot to write it?"

while writing this, i would occasionally pause and watch some of those livestreams of the muse voice actresses, especially the ones where they have to act out as their character! the lines that kimino-sensei would write.. kotori is definitely an inside perv and gay, no one can change my mind- especially after watching "Emitsun Fight Theater - Cute Things that Guys Do" where Ucchi was Emitsun's guest, the scene was about Kotori talking about the time she was messing up and couldn't button her attire properly, so one of the member's hands were suddenly on her shoulders, forcing Kotori to face her so she could button up the button with her slender fingers (it was described!) and Kotori went on to say how it made her heart beat so quickly.. Honoka went "What. Who is that? I've never done that to you!" and Kotori goes "It's.. a secret~" honestly.. its either eli or umi, but the way Kotori described her (with the unknown member going "Stay still." when kotori got flustered) it's most likely umi- and there's another one where kotori said "would you like dinner, bath, or.. perhaps, you want kotori after all?" and dkgkdn even ucchi got flustered as she read the last line "ah, but you can't really eat kotori, okay..?"

so in conclusion, Miss Minami Kotori is not innocent. and 99.9% gay.

Responses for Reviews:

Hiei's Curry: honestly.. i unconsciously stare at people who wear glasses or people who have moustaches/beards too- hehe i find it interesting- i usually think "doesn't food get stuck in that beard?" maybe that's what babies think of, too! and i'm glad you enjoy business deal!

Prince Ushio: tbh I would be fine with them writing a story with a plot similar to mine, especially since NozoEli is my second OTP, but i don't really like how they just.. switched the words a bit for the first chapter.

Nitsuy: maki probably thinks she's still right- i mean umiko was conceived all of the sudden so technically she is a mistake but there are happy mistakes! and hm.. i honestly think umiko (and any child of muse) would love either honoka, hanayo, nico or nozomi and would consider them as their favorite auntie.. let's wait and watch umiko grow more, perhaps she'll choose auntie elichika, who knows~?

Heath Florenzia: babies would think boobs have milk just because theyre slightly large ugh- but hey, later in this chapter, auntie nozomi holds umiko for the first time- thank you for enjoying this story! :DD

With all that said, lez go!

Disclaimer: I don't own Love Live or any of its characters.

Chapter Twenty Four: Merry and Happy

Half an hour later..

"Kotori-chan, shall we go back downstairs now? I really want to carry that little Sonoda~!"

"Eheh, okay then! I'm done giving you the basics, so I think it's fine.. I'll start working on it as soon as I get the materials needed," Kotori stood up, stretching for a moment "Let's go down? Umiko-chan might be looking for me, too."

When they got downstairs though, Umi was wearing the same outfit she wore in Korekara no Someday, pouting while she held Umiko, who wore a soft, bunny headband.

"Why must I do this.." Umi sighed as she burped her daughter, patting her back gently "I still can't believe this fits.."

"I can't believe you kept it all this time~" Kotori giggled, approaching the two after taking a few photos "What happened here? Aw, my baby bunny.."

"Well, it started with Nico teasing me, saying the reason why we had a baby early is because.." Umi handed Umiko to Kotori, then blushed "because bunnies do.. that more often.. and I wore a bunny outfit in Korekara.. and then, Yui-nee wanted to see-! She brought this little.. headband for Umiko, and she actually went upstairs, through my closet, looking for this.. All while the rest of the girls distracted me! They teamed up against me, Kotoriii!"

"Ehm.. but isn't it true, Umi-chan? I vaguely remember you being a bit rough the night Umiko-chan was conceived.. saying things like you'll be marking me as yours-"

"Kotori..!" Umi exclaimed in embarrassment, slightly startling her daughter "A-Ah, Umiko, I'm sorry..! Eh.. t-today is her first month, should we take photos to document it?"

"Ah, right! But there should be a theme, right?" Yui interjected "I think.. Alice in Wonderland is good. Kotori as Alice, Umi as the bunny, and little Umiko as Umi's little partner in crime~!"

"Oh, no.." Umi sighed in defeat as she watched Kotori's face light up due to the idea her sister had "I-I'll go get the camera.."

"Ah, Nozomi-chan, can you hold Umiko-chan for a moment while I get changed? Her little blue onesie is okay," Kotori giggled as Umiko was handed to Nozomi "but Umi-chan and I have to change a bit."

"Change, or steal a moment alone?" Yui laughed, watching Kotori drag her sister up the stairs "It's too early for Umiko to have a sibling, by the way!"

"I-I would never do such..!"

"Mou, Umi-chaaan! Just come here already!"

The next thing they heard was a door closing, followed by a faint click! hinting that the door is locked. The rest of the girls just laughed, and soon cooed upon hearing Umiko's little babbles.

"Umiko-chan, hi! I haven't introduced myself yet, no? I'm Auntie Nozomi," Nozomi cooed to Umiko, doing things to make the little girl giggle or smile "You're so adorable, do you know that? Little precious.. Umi-chan and Kotori-chan are lucky to have you."

"I told you she wants a baby." Nico whispered to Eli, who was watching Nozomi with a smile "Come on, Eli...!"

"I..I suppose when the time is right, a baby will come. For now," Eli smiled as her heart began to feel warm upon seeing Nozomi look motherly with Umiko, imagining just how Nozomi would be with their child "I'll relish in this moment. Look how happy those two are."

"I thought she'd like Nozomi's chest, like Eli's.. but she looks annoyed," Maki snickered, noticing how little Umiko had her eyebrows furrowed as her little eyes stared at.. well, Nozomi's chest "Umiko, you're not used to it?"

"Kotori-chan and Eli-chan are quite similar in size, now that Kotori-chan's body has.. well, matured more. Maybe Umiko-chan remembers her Mama more with Eli-chan, and is confused about Nozomi-chan." Honoka mumbled, going into the kitchen "I'll look for bread!"

"It's wrong to search for food at someone else's home.. but count me in, nya!"

It took quite a while, probably half an hour, before the two went down again. Surprisingly, they didn't have any visible marks on them, but Kotori was pouting while Umi's fingers were now covered with bandages.

"Cute..!" Hanayo squealed as soon as she saw the two going down the stairs, then covered her mouth upon realizing she gathered too much attention "A-Ah, I'm sorry.."

"My costume became a bit too tight due to the pregnancy weight I gained.. So I needed to adjust it. I could've done it quicker if Umi-chan didn't try to help much, though.." Kotori couldn't hold her giggle any longer, looking at Umi's fingers "Umiko-chan's papa sure is stubborn."

"I-I only wanted to help..!" Umi defended herself, then let out a sigh "Okay, okay, I can't sew.."

"It's okay, I still love you~"

Umi only let out a mumble that wasn't so audible after that, walking down slightly faster. Soon, Umiko let out a little whine, and Umi quickly took her into her arms, tickling her little stomach to avoid having a fussy, crying Umiko. Kotori.. Kotori's face now lit up as she walked a little slower compared to Umi, and was skipping down happily while holding the camera.

"Here, here, nya! The background here looks nice!" Rin excitedly pointed to the wall where some photos of Kotori's pregnancy and Umiko were on "Eli-chan takes nice shots, nya!"

"Kotori, I think you should be the one holding Umiko." Umi handed the little bunny to Kotori, then gave the camera to Eli "J-Just one shot, okay?"

"No, I think three would do. Kiss Umiko's cheeks in one shot" Eli listed down as she got into position "look at her in one shot, and kiss each other in one shot."

"E-E-Each other..?!" Umi stuttered, shooting looks at Kotori and Eli "W-Why?"

"You don't want to..? Umiko-chan," Kotori faked crying, looking at her daughter "what do we do? Your papa doesn't love me anymore..!"

"N-No! It's not that! Definitely not! I love you..!" Umi wiped Kotori's tears, then kissed her forehead "You know I love you.."

Flash!

"Okay, now three more!" Eli gave them a thumbs-up as she checked the photo "Wow, romantic Umi~"

"You've influenced Eli well, no, Nozomi?" Nico laughed, watching Umi get flustered slightly as Eli told her to pose "She's like a Nozomi 2.0 now.."

"Elicchi is great~ Oh, Rin-chan, Honoka-chan..!" Nozomi giggled, watching the duo carefully tiptoe out of the kitchen, holding snacks, and going out to the garden "I suppose they should have their own fun.."

A few days after that, the first month photos as well as the photos of Umiko with her aunties were developed, and Kotori couldn't help but smile, writing down on the back of the photos before slipping it into Umiko's baby album.

"Sonoda Umiko's first month, and first time meeting her Aunties. Continue being healthy, Miko-chan. Mama and Papa love you dearly. - Mama."

"Kotori..! Umiko peed on me..!"

Kotori stiffled her laughter as she stood up, shutting the album for now.

"Third time in a row this week, Umi-chan.." Kotori let out a sigh, though she still had a smile on "And it's only Monday.."

One month later, December 25, 2018

Almost every day, Umiko grew more and more, and there were visible changes. The last time they brought her for her vaccines and check-up, she seemed more advanced than other babies her age despite being born earlier - which was proven right the moments she began to hold her head up during tummy time on her second month birthday, and when her occasional coos became actual babbles. Not only that, she became.. well, more chubby, which is a good sign for babies. As for her sleeping routine.. there are nights where she'd stay up and nights where she slept soundly. Her parents were thankful that Christmas night is one of those nights.

"Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock~"

Umi woke up at 8 AM due to the Christmas alarm Kotori set up days ago, letting out a yawn before turning to her side to hug the ashen-haired girl and kiss her nape gently.

"Merry Christmas, Kotori." Umi sleepily mumbled into Kotori's ear, her hug around her waist tightening "Good morning.."

"Mm.. Umi-chan?" Kotori rubbed the sleep away from her eyes, turning around to face Umi directly "Merry Christmas..! Good morning~"

"And suddenly, you're no longer sleepy.." Umi chuckled, tucking the stray hair of Kotori's behind her ear "I'm lucky I'll be seeing this every morning.."

"Umi-chan.." Kotori blushed, then scrunched up her nose "Ehh.. go brush your teeth!"

Umi furrowed her eyebrows, then let out a giggle before sitting up, stretching slightly.

"And I'm lucky I get to see this back every morning.." Kotori almost drooled, wanting to reach out and touch Umi's back, but wait.. since when did Umi begin wearing babydoll nightgowns? "Umi-chan, where did this nightgown come from?"

"Hm? Oh, right.. Yuuki," Umi yawned again, blinking to adjust as she peeked through the window "gave it to me as an early present. She wrapped up yours and Umiko's, but not this one.. so I wore it-"

"Go to my sewing room later or tomorrow, I'll take your measurements and create a better one." Kotori puffed up her cheeks, now sitting on the bed while crossing her arms "Yeah, babydoll suits your figure.. but baby pink? No, no! Navy blue suits you..! With darker lace and a sheer, seethrough fabric... A-Ah, maybe a bit shorter too.. it's only for me to see, anyway.."

"Ko-to-ri.." Umi let out another giggle, crawling towards Kotori to pinch her cheek slightly "I'm yours, okay? Okay."

"Yes..! Mine," Kotori seemed to forget the fact that Yuuki got her a nightgown, pulling Umi closer to her until their foreheads were against each other's "and mine alone."

"You need to brush your teeth too, Miss Minami."

"Mrs. Sonoda Kotori, you mean," Kotori rolled her eyes jokingly, then gazed to the little one sleeping peacefully in a co-sleeper beside them "Right, it's her first Christmas.."

"It will be memorable, for us, as well," Umi leaned closer, caressing her daughter's head "A first as a family."

"Mhm.."

They indulged in the moment, watching Umiko sleep soundly, until Kotori raised an eyebrow again.

"Mou, Umi-chan, change your clothes already..!"

"I will, I will..!" Umi laughed, leaving the room and going to the bathroom.

She paused in her tracks, staring down at her body.

"Ah, no.. this came from Nozomi, the silk pajamas came from Yuuki.." Umi scratched her nape upon realizing, then let out another yawn "Time to get this special day started.."

"Looking back, I feel like Nozomi planned this again.."

A few minutes later..

"Umi-chan, could you take care of Umiko-chan?" Kotori sat in front of her vanity as she tied her hair up with a red bow "I'll start making our dishes for this day~"

"I suppose it's best to bring this little one in her room, we already installed a baby monitor, anyways." Umi took the little bluenette, careful not to wake her up "Merry Christmas, Umiko.."

"Say, Umi-chan, what's that bulky thing you got for Umiko-chan?" Kotori approached the two, planting a soft kiss atop of Umiko's head "You and Eli-chan went out one day to go shopping while Umiko-chan and I were asleep.."

"You'll know later. Ah, right, the girls sent the gifts last night before I went to bed. Apparently, they're all busy with their families until the first week of January, especially since Tsubasa's family is finally here in Japan after staying in Europe for a while so Honoka wants to spend time with them, while Nozomi and Eli's families are planning the wedding together with them. Though, they said they want to call tomorrow so they'd get to see us at least."

"Aw.. well, at least we can videocall them.."

Timeskip, five hours later, 1 PM

Thankfully, Umiko woke up three hours after Kotori (and Umi, who helped out) began preparing dishes to bring to the Sonoda household. She made sure to make extra, since it's not just the Sonoda's, anyway - Yui's husband, and the Minami's would be present as well.

Kotori was able to do the final things alone, packed and loaded the dishes and desserts nicely into the car, making sure they're spill-proof. As for Umi, well.. she got ready, wearing a gray sweater underneath her navy blue winter coat, as well as a gray scarf and gloves. It was a struggle dressing Umiko up in her little Christmas Santa longsleeves, and it was another struggle putting her in that fluffy baby blue winter coat that Kotori just had to buy months before her birth. But when Umiko heard her mother call her without the endearment '-chan,' she suddenly stopped wriggling about and laid still as her father finished buttoning up her coat, slipping on the little boots over socks, and covering her chubby fingers with white crocheted mittens.

"Hearing Mama say that is scary, no?" Umi chuckled as she carried Umiko, putting on the last article of clothing needed - her white crocheted hat "Angry Mama is truly scary. Even I'm scared of that."

"Umi-chan, what did you say? Is Umiko-chan done dressing up?"

"N-Nothing, Kotori. And yes, she's all ready."

Now, sure, that obstacle is over.. but then, there's another obstacle waiting.

Bringing a baby out for more than a few hours.

The doctors, the relatives, the friends, even random people tell you everything about having a baby from their birth up until they're what, 18 and moving out. But they never, never tell you how much things you'd actually bring along when you're going out with a baby.

Umi stood in front of her once 'for going far and work' and now family BMW SUV as Kotori loaded Umiko in a baby carseat into the backseat. Umi looked down at the baby nappy bag in her hand, then opened the trunk of the car to make sure that the stroller was loaded in. Thankfully, her old wooden crib from years ago is still sturdy enough for Umiko to use if she ever needed to take a nap at the dojo.

Stroller and carseat, check.

Seven pieces of diapers, check.

Baby bottles full of milk in a thermal bag with cool packs, check.

Two changes of clothes, check.

Three burp cloths, check.

Presents, check.

Toys, check.

Baby carrier, check.

Baby.. wait, baby?

"Umiko is in, right?" Umi asked to make sure, and pouted when Kotori nodded while laughing "Mou, I'm just making sure..! She's the reason why we're gathering, anyway.."

"Also because Yui-nee has important news.. which she already told me, but not you," Kotori let out a giggle as she went in and closed the door, leaving Umi confused.

"..and she already treats Kotori as her favorite sister.."

Sonoda Dojo

"And into Mama's arms you go~!" Kotori excitedly giggled as she swooped Umiko into her arms, rubbing her nose against the little one's "Umiko-chan, look, it's snowing! But eheh, you're too little to play in snow.. maybe next year, love."

Kotori wasn't too keen on matching outfits, and preferred the subtle way of matching - while she wore a gray winter coat, underneath it was a navy blue Christmas sweater, and she had a navy blue scarf and mittens on. Wearing each other's image colors became a subtle way of showing off back when they were in highschool (started with Nozomi wearing blue nailpolish and Eli wearing purple during Garasu no Hanazono) and until now, it still remains that way. Umi doesn't mind this, though others often tease her (mainly Yui.)

"Ah.. I feel like we're underpacked, but it's fine.. just a few hours.." Umi mumbled to herself as she unloaded the contents, keeping the stroller inside for now "Okay, I got the baby bag, you got the baby carseat and Umiko. I got the thermal bag with her bottles, and the paperbag full of gifts.."

"Mhm, it's all complete! Mother, Father!" Kotori called out to her 'in-laws' as she knocked on the door, putting the baby carseat on the ground first "Umiko-chan is here~!"

"Open the door, quickly, Ushio!"

"Ah, it must be them."

"I can't wait to see my little niece again..!"

"Coming!" Mr. Sonoda opened the door, and smiled at the sight of his youngest and her own family "Come in, it's cold outside. We can't afford to have Umiko catch a cold, no?"

"Pardon the intrusion~"

"I'm home," Umi announced as she stepped in, removing her shoes and going straight to the living room with Kotori by her side "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Umi! Kotori, you must be tired of carrying Umiko.." Yui was sitting down on the floor as she reached her arms out to Umiko "I'll carry her for you while you and Umi remove your coats!"

"Ah, thank you, Yui-nee! Kazuma-nii," Kotori bowed slightly before putting the little one in Yui's arms "Mother, Father, Grandma, it's nice to see you guys again!"

"You look wonderful, Kotori. Post-pregnancy glow really suits you," Mrs. Sonoda smiled at her, before going near Umiko and reaching out to hold her "Umiko.. right? Hello, little one; I'm your grandmother."

"Kotori, thank you, for giving life to another Sonoda." Mr. Sonoda beamed with pride and joy as he approached his grandchild, holding her little hand "Umiko, may you grow up to spread love and happiness to those around you."

Within a matter of minutes, Umiko was transferred to Mrs. Sonoda's arms, whose eyes were filled with tears of joy the moment she held her. Mr. Sonoda was more quiet, though he had a small smile on as he caressed Umiko's head from time to time. Grandmother Sonoda cooed to her great-grandchild once she carried her, going straight to telling her stories of Umi growing up.

Kotori just leaned on Umi's shoulder, who gave her a kiss on top of her head.

"Thank you, Kotori."

Kotori just smiled back, giving Umi a quick peck while everyone was distracted with Umiko's babbles.

"Thank you for having a family with me, Umi-chan."

One hour later..

"When will we eat?" Yui nuzzled into her husband's embrace, looking at Umiko, who was drinking from a bottle "Look at that little one, already eating.."

"Yui, just be patient, we must wait for Kotori's parents as well. And besides," Grandmother Sonoda let out a sigh, giving Yui a slight glare (the Sonoda glare?) "Umiko is having milk. It'd be awkward if you drink that."

"Why? I drink milk- oh."

"Love.. that isn't the type of milk you drink.." Kazuma mumbled, then let out a laugh "Umiko, don't mind your auntie and have a nice meal, okay?"

"Ah, it would be nice to have more children running around these halls every holiday, the same way Yui, Umi and their friends would do when they were little.." Grandmother Sonoda reminisced as she leaned back on her rocking chair, closing her eyes momentarily before opening them and smiling at the same time "I hope that one day, bubbly children's laughter will be heard within the Dojo's walls once again."

"I'm sure it will, Grandma," Kotori giggled, not taking her eyes off of her daughter, who was comfortably drinking milk while in her mother's arms "I'm sure it will."

"Who knows, maybe next year?" Umi let out a little laugh, then stood up upon hearing a knock on the door "I'll go get it, it must be Mom and Dad."

Umi went to the entrance, and fixed her appearance in front of the mirror - despite being welcomed into the Minami's warmly, she still felt the need to look presentable and proper when facing them.

"Mom, Dad, welcome. Come in, it's a bit cold today."

"Pardon our intrusion.. Merry Christmas, Umi." Mr. Minami gave a pat on Umi's shoulder, then helped his wife bring the presents in "Ah, the Sonoda household is still the same as I've seen it years ago.."

"Yume, Ushio, how are you guys?"

While their parents talked to each other, Kotori passed Umiko to Umi since she had to lay out the dishes on the table with Yui's help.

"Umi, may I hold her later?"

"Of course, Kazuma-nii," Umi smiled as she stood up, burping Umiko "Practicing?"

"Yes, it's time for Yui and I to have kids after all," Kazuma smiled, watching his wife organize the dishes on the table "It would be nice to see a little Yui."

"A little Yui-nee..?" Umi shuddered, remembering how her sister was as a teenager, and the stories of Yui being that little reckless child "I hope your child gets your personality, Kazuma-nii."

Umiko's loud burp caught the attention of everyone in the room, then her drowsy eyes gazed at the Minami's as she slightly cocked her head "Mmgah. Buah..!"

"You look like Kotori with Umi's hair and facial expressions." Mr. Minami cooed to his grandchild, and sniffled when Umiko held his finger "I'm a grandfather..!"

"So am I, Kousei," Mr. Sonoda sniffled, before patting Mr. Minami's shoulder "So am I."

"I knew you'd eventually cry." Grandmother Sonoda laughed as she rocked her rocking chair "Ushio, you pretend to be tough, but when Yui and Umi were born, you cried too."

"The same with Kousei and Kotori." Mrs. Minami let out a small laughter, then looked at Umi "And you, Umi? Did you cry as well?"

"Yes, because there's just something amazing about witnessing the birth of a new life," Umi smiled, looking at Umiko's amber eyes "and because I couldn't believe that I fathered such an angelic little girl."

"Well, something tells me that little girl," Mrs. Sonoda beamed as she watched Umi, Mr. Sonoda and Mr. Minami get distracted by Umiko "has her grandfathers and her papa wrapped around her finger."

"Seems like Umiko has a long way to go with her manners.." Yui giggled to Kotori, watching her family interact "Say, Kotori, have you prepared the gifts..?"

"Ah, yes! I already brought them and put on the tags you've written. Yui-nee," Kotori held her sister-in-law's hands, giving her a brighter smile "congratulations! I'm so happy for you and Kazuma-nii!"

"Shh.. he doesn't know yet, Kotori." Yui brought a finger to her lips, then winked "I'm glad as well.. Umiko won't be so lonely growing up."

"Speaking of Umiko-chan.. she inherited something quite funny from Umi-chan," Kotori let out a little giggle, giving a mischievious look to Yui "Want to see how it works?"

"Anything to see my sister look horrified or dumb."

"Umi, Umiko," Kotori called out to the bluenettes without using her usual endearment to them.

"Huh?"

"Mmgah?"

Both of them had a horrified look to their faces, and it looked like Umi - not Umiko - was about to cry.

"Did I do something wrong? What? Ehh?" Umi's eyes were all over the place, then she looked at her daughter "Did we do anything wrong? Was it because we were too noisy last night? Umiko didn't stop babbling until I did that..that 'Umi Umi Uu'-"

The two got even more confused when both Yui and Kotori broke into laugher. Umi just held her daughter close, about to break into tears because "what the fuck did I do to get Kotori mad?" And poor little Umiko, despite being two months old only, is already horrified of angry Kotori..

"I'm not mad, I'm not mad~! I just wanted to see your reactions together!" Kotori reassured them after calming down, then blinked in confusion upon seeing Umi actually tear up while Umiko's lips trembled "Eh? Umi-chan, Umiko-chan..! Don't cry!"

A few hours later...

"Alright, alright.. Ushio, Kousei," Mrs. Sonoda glared at the two, who were drinking alcohol in the kitchen "no more drinking. It's time to open presents!"

"I'm still confused as to why this is part of our culture.. but, fine by me." Yui mumbled as she stared at the KFC drumstick she had in her hand, then took a bite of it "Don't open the gifts from me yet, Mother, Father, Kazuma."

Almost an hour passed with them unwrapping presents from their families. In the end, Umi wondered how would she even transport everything back home, especially since Umiko gained a lot more toys..

Finally, Yui passed the presents she got to her parents, her grandmother, her husband, her sister and her sister-in-law.

"And it's our turn!" Yui swooped Umiko in her arms "Well, open it, open it!"

Umi's eyes widened upon opening it. It was a onesie for one year olds, for Umiko, and a pair of Adidas running shoes - though the writing on the onesie was what shocked her.

"Best big-cousin ever"

She lifted her head up, and everyone who received a present looked surprised as well - even Kazuma.

"Oh, my.." Grandmother Sonoda stared at the ultrasound included in her present - which was a traditional tea set "Yui, Kazuma.."

"Eh?" The Sonoda's blinked, reading the paper on top of their present - which was a watch for Mr. Sonoda and a necklace for Mrs. Sonoda "'Thank you for being great grandparents already..'"

"Yui-nee..?"

"D-Dear?!" Kazuma's eyes welled up with tears, holding up two bibs that had 'was planned' on one and 'was not' on the other, as well as ultrasounds and two pregnancy tests "Twins? We're having twins?!"

"Yes, Kazuma.. I know, it's a bit taboo to announce this so early but, we've been trying and-"

"I'm gonna be a father! Umiko, you're gonna be called Umiko-nee..!"

Everyone in the room congratulated the couple, even the Minami's were filled with joy as they greeted her.

"Kotori, did you and Yui-nee plan this? These are your stitches, am I correct?" Umi asked her girlfriend after she took Umiko from Yui's arms "If so, this is.. wonderful. Umiko, you'll be called Umiko-neechan, isn't that wonderful?"

"Buah."

Kotori let out a giggle, and nodded.

"It feels wonderful that Yui-nee asked me to do so. I'm glad I was able to help out!"

Eventually, they went home after congratulating the couple more and after taking home a few dishes that the Sonoda's and Minami's made. Though Umi was visibly tired, she still turned on the Christmas tree's lights after they all changed into their house clothing and suggested that they'd unwrap their presents as well.

"This one is for you, this one is for Umiko. Everyone did the same couple-tandem present, but I suppose it is time for all of them to save up for settling down." Umi chuckled as she lined up the presents while Kotori cooed to Umiko, then she stood up to crouch in front of Kotori so she could pat Umiko's head "Are you excited, little one?"

After opening the presents from the girls (and yet again, Umiko earned more toys - and clothes. Nico and Maki got her a Burberry dress, and Kotori squealed in delight) they were finally going to open their presents for each other.

"From Papa, Umiko-chan!" Kotori smiled, showing the bulky box to Umiko, then she unwrapped it "Oh..!"

"Umiko has been showing some advanced skills, so.. I got her a jumperoo. Especially since you have to do all the preparations for Nozomi's dress," Umi explained as she took out the jumperoo from the box "but you love having Umiko around.. I suppose this will help, right?"

"Thank you, Umi-chan..! Umiko-chan, your papa spoils you a lot already~!"

Umi unwrapped Kotori's present for Umiko and smiled to herself, before taking the clothes out of the box.

"'50% Ocean, 50% Bird = 100% Seagull'" Umi laughed, showing the clothes to Umiko "And would you look at that, your mother made four so you can wear one now, one when your size is 3-6 months, one when your size is 6-9 months and another one for when you're a one year old."

"Let's slip it on, shall we~?"

After slipping it on Umiko, Kotori set her down on the rocker and turned it on to soothe her after having a long day out. This also gave her the chance to spend more time with Umi - after all, it is Umiko's first Christmas, but also their first Christmas as a couple after a long time.

"Okay, let's open each other's presents now~!" Kotori happily gave Umi a box, who, in return gave her a slightly heavier one "Umi-chan, merry Christmas! I love you~"

"Kotori, merry Christmas as well. I love you, too." Umi smiled, then carefully undid the ribbon from Kotori's present "Now, I know this is handmade, but.. what is it?"

"Open it!"

Umi grinned and her eyes glimmered bright as she opened it, revealing a kyūdo uniform that had her name stitched on. She examined it, staring at her name.

'Sonoda Umi'

"The last time you went to the Dojo to do archery, you complained how you had to wear typical clothing instead of the uniform since you outgrew it.. and since I knew your measurements, I thought, why not make one? So in return for doing Yui-nee a favor, I asked," Kotori smiled as she recalled making the uniform for Umi, after gathering all information needed "what was needed and what is the fabric used for this uniform. She happily helped me out. Do you like it, Umi-chan?"

"Of course..! I'm so happy.. look, it even has my name!"

"I'm glad you love it! Now, what did Umi-chan get me?"

Kotori unwrapped the gift, and her eyes widened upon seeing the product. She opened the box, and let out a squeal as she realized the color of the KitchenAid mixer that Umi got her - pastel green, her favorite.

"You've been into baking even more, and I get the chance to taste them.. so think of this as a way of me thanking you, as well." Umi explained, then smiled as Kotori put the mixer aside to hug her tightly "I take it that you love it?"

"Yes~! Very much so!"

"I'm glad, then."

Eventually, both of them got distracted by Umiko's cuteness, and began talking about her until the little one fell asleep. Soon, Kotori brought her to her room - where a baby monitor was installed to watch her. Umi, on the other hand, brought her presents from the family upstairs.

"Merry Christmas, Miko-chan.. I hope you had fun today."

"Kotori," Umi soon embraced Kotori from behind, resting her head on her shoulder, nuzzling close to her "merry Christmas. I love you, very much so."

"Hm.. I take it that Umi-chan wants my attention this time?" Kotori turned around, greeting her with a mischievious smile, then she suddenly dragged Umi to their room "Come on, while the little one is fast asleep~"

"K-Kotori? Your stitches-"

"It's been more than six weeks, Umi-chan! And besides," Kotori shut the door behind them, confident that Umiko, sleeping like a log, wouldn't wake up (and that the baby monitor would send an alert to her phone if she does wake up) "don't you want Kotori for yourself, too?"

(Yeah, that forming bulge in Umi's pants said yes.)

"Kotori.." Umi averted her eyes, backing up until she eventually sat on their bed, finally admitting defeat "fine, fine. Wait, where did you get that condom, even?!"

"Don't mind that," Kotori managed to tear the condom's wrapper using her teeth, spitting the wrapper aside "shall we?"

Safe to say, Yui's dice from five months ago came in handy tonight. And that Umi was completely drained by dawn - physically, in almost all ways.

It was a merry Christmas indeed, and Umiko slept through the night, sound asleep.

side-note:

umi has been captured by the birb after almost one year of not pouncing on her.

and just like that, umiko is a nee-chan to be! can't wait to write about yui's mischievious twins uwu i hope this 6k long fluffy chapter is enough as a sorry for uploading late!

the next skip scene is umi's birthday, and the next one would be nozoeli's wedding. so if i do timeskips right, and if i write longer chapters, this can be finished within 30 chapters, or 35 if i feel like it :') now the question is,

if i eventually end up writing more timeskip chapters of umiko and the rest of muse babies kazuyui twins growing up, should i actually make like.. a separate book for that? there wouldn't be an actual storyline, just muse being parents uwu

i would really love to hear your thoughts! stay safe and wash yo hands

see ya next chapter!

- zumi