author's note

guess who's gonna have start:dash! and school uniform nendoroid petite second yearz soon uwu im so happy i found one for an affordable price! should be here this july, june if covid-19 won't delay it, since it comes from japan uwu i recently got more merch and my birthday is coming up on august, so yezzir im gonna ask for figmas

i altered reality a bit here so that the same-sex marriage is legal in japan, so nozoeli, kotoumi and the rest of the ships can marry in their homecountry~ i truly hope a day comes where same-sex marriage is accepted worldwide. after all, love is love, right?

there's a big chance i'll upload a "part two" of this story, though it won't have a main plot. i plan to finish this story with the news of another couple expecting. the story will most likely be full of oneshots, twoshots of the children growing up and getting into different shenanigans, so i do hope you guys like the idea of it. let me know what you think of it! (i just can't let go of this story as well hhh but business deal will be my top priority once baby, maybe is finished)

Responses for Reviews:

Nitsuy: honestly.. due to all of that, i just can't believe kotori is straight. perhaps bi, yes, but def not straight- and that's fine by me! though the fact that she has a chibi doll of umi crying in defeat in her room.. *shudders* koto not innocent.

Hiei's Curry: yayy! glad you like the idea of a story of the girls being parents. i'll try to make it like a part two of this series, but it can also be a standalone so not every reader has to go through baby maybe first! and yes, poor umi is outnumbered..

K. Yahiro: thank you for enjoying this story and business deal! your english is wonderful, don't worry! this story/main story follows a timeline, which is why i'm thinking of publishing another story that will be filled with stories of the children growing up. of course, by the end of this series, a couple will be expecting, and it isn't just KazuYui - i plan to have nozoeli have their child before nicomaki, but it may change :D as for their appearances.. i haven't thought much about it, but nicomaki's child(ren) will definitely be stubborn like their parents. once more, thank you for enjoying this story and i'm glad it makes you happy!

With all that said, lez go!

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

Chapter 26: Ocean's Day I

March 14, 2019 - Sonoda Umiko is currently five months old

It was a nice, warm, and slightly windy morning. In the Sonoda-Minami household, every morning, Umiko gets a few minutes of sunshine. Today seemed like a normal day despite it being March 14th - a day before Umi's birthday, but it was also a month and a week before NozoEli's wedding. Kotori worked even harder, preparing finishing touches of Nozomi's wedding gown and recital dress, so she spent longer days and nights in the sewing room. Today, Umi didn't bother waking her up and decided to give Umiko a stroll down the park alone. After planting a soft kiss on Kotori's forehead and leaving a note telling her about their whereabouts, the father-daughter tandem went out to get the much-needed morning sunlight.

"Umiko, Mama has been awfully busy these days, no?" Umi sighed as she pushed the stroller, hearing Umiko babble in return "At least she gets you often and puts you in the jumperoo in her office.."

These days, Kotori spent more time in her sewing room/office than out. She'd prepare a quick meal during the mornings - often making breakfast, lunch and dinner together so Umi could just reheat it - and take Umiko to her office so they could spend time together. As for Umi.. by the time Kotori would creep into their room after finishing the day's work and planting a kiss on Umiko's head (who began sleeping in her own room just last month as recommended by her pediatrician) Umi would be fast asleep underneath the covers, oftentimes she'd cover her entire head or sleep with her face buried in her pillow, and Kotori being Kotori.. she doesn't ever want to wake Umi up from her sleep, so she just goes straight to bed as well.

"Of course, I'm glad she still spends time with you, but ah.." Umi let out a sigh, pausing in her tracks as they arrived at the park. She shook her head, dismissing any thoughts of wanting Kotori's attention badly "No, Kotori is busy.. I should respect that. Ah, Umiko, let's lay down the picnic mat so you can play around?"

An hour later...

"We're home," Umi announced her entry, taking Umiko out of the stroller and plopping her down on the soft foam mat of the living room. She pointed at the little bluenette, giving her a serious look "Now, don't move."

Despite Umiko being only five months, she knows how to roll over on her own, and is already trying to crawl; though she just.. wiggles most of the time, moving her chubby arms and legs around - this would make Umi laugh every time she sees it happen.

"Gah."

"Good, you understand me." Umi smiled proudly at her daughter "What else do you know?"

By the time Kotori came down after hearing Umi and Umiko's laughter, Umi was laying on her stomach as well, talking to Umiko - who had been drooling for a while now.

"Hey, come to think of it.. it will be one year since I knew about you," Umi mumbled, focused on Umiko and oblivious that Kotori is currently watching them (and trying so hard not to laugh) "I'm sorry about that conception party that your Aunt Honoka threw when she was here last month.."

Yes. Last February 6, Honoka came in, with a custom cake that had a frosting design of a sperm cell going towards an egg, some balloons shaped as sperm cells (Where did she get them? The world may never know.) and she somehow convinced Luna Hotel and Karaoke to give her the keychain that had the hotel room's (the one where Umi and Kotori stayed in and did... that) number. She called it conception day, that it has been a year since Umiko was conceived - therefore, she thinks it's worth celebrating.

"Hey, Umiko.. do you know how grateful I am for you? You brought happiness to our lives and, thanks to you," Umi reached out to caress Umiko's head, tucking the loose strands of her hair behind her ear "I got to be with your Mama again. You're like our little miracle."

Just then, Umiko began whining, making sucking motions with her mouth. And even though Umi is a great first-time parent, she still gets confused when Umiko does cry.

"E-Eh? Umiko, is it time to change your diaper? Do you want your toy? A-Ah, you wanna nap? Or-"

"Umiko-chan is hungry, Umi-chan~" Kotori let out a giggle, finally going towards the two. She gave Umi a chaste kiss on the lips, then picked up the little bluenette "Come with Mama for a moment, hm? I'll feed you in my sewing room, then you can play with Mama while I sew~!"

"Ah, you're awake already,"

"I woke up a few minutes after you guys left. I already prepared breakfast for you, Umi-chan, I'll try to cook lunch and dinner individually again!"

"It's alright if you can't, I understand how busy you are. I can cook my own meals, don't worry." Umi smiled warmly, watching Umiko laugh as Kotori tickled her tummy "Though, Eli did say she wants to have lunch with me somewhere, is that fine?"

"Ah, of course! It must be because she feels a bit nervous about the wedding coming up~ No worries, I can take care of Umiko-chan. She's a good girl whenever Mama is sewing anyway, isn't that right, baby?"

"Bueh!"

"She really is," Umi stood up, and gave Umiko a kiss on the head - another kiss that lingered for a moment on Kotori's forehead "Work hard, Kotori. But hey, remember to take breaks, okay? I'll try to be quick with Eli."

"Eheh, thank you, Umi-chan!"

Lunchtime w/ Eli

"Oh."

Beside her, Eli was grinning mischievously. They stood in front a maid café, but it wasn't just any other maid café.

It was the maid café where the Legendary Maid Minalinsky worked.

"Eli, no, we are not eating-"

"Come on, Umi! For old time's sake!" Eli pushed Umi in, still grinning like a fool "I heard after all these years, they still kept the Minalinsky special."

"But the real Minalinsky special is something only I can order back then.." Umi thought, ignoring the girls' sweet voice of 'welcome back, master!' "Heh.. Kotori's kiss on the cheek is the best part of that order.

Wait. No. Shameless."

"Umi, you have 'shameless' written all over you again. Just remember," Eli sighed as she took a seat, signaling one of the maids to give them a menu "you got Kotori pregnant and we all know that the stork did not drop Umiko."

"...please shut up, Eli.." Umi groaned, but soon sat still as a maid offered her a menu "Thank you."

"Perhaps, are you Minalinsky's partner?" The maid asked as she cocked her head, and grinned when Umi nodded shyly "How wonderful~! My older sister worked with her here! She's still the best maid of Akihabara, y'know?"

"I'll.. I'll be sure to tell her, thank you," Umi sheepishly smiled, and without opening the menu, she began to place her order "Is it true that the Minalinsky special is still available?"

"Ah, yes! The jiggly cheesecake and pink lemonade?"

"I'll have that, then."

"Whoa, Umi ordering sweets? Well, it is your girlfriend's specialty," Eli laughed, teasing Umi. After a few seconds of looking at the menu, she looked up to the maid "I'll have a parfait."

"Desserts for lunch?"

"I already had some earlier." The two said in unison, while the maid waitress just chuckled as she wrote down their orders.

"I'll be back with you guys in a second, masters," The maid informed them, and signaled another one to pour water in their cups "My co-worker will be here shortly to give you guys water."

"..it feels wrong to be here," Umi mumbled, then took a sip of water "Eli, why here?"

"Nostalgia, that's all. Also because I know you come here often before because of Kotori."

"And..?" Umi raised her eyebrow, knowing Eli called her out for lunch for something else as well. Her suspicions were confirmed when Eli let out a whine as she slumped her shoulders.

"I.. I'm getting married next month and it just hit me!"

"Heh. Oh, wait, I did something similar a month before Umiko was born.."

Once they finished eating and Eli paid the bill (Umi wanted to, but Eli insisted since she was the one who dragged Umi out after all) they went out and eventually landed at a cheesecake shop.

"Second servings?"

"No, for Kotori," Umi explained, then began placing her order to the cashier "And a chocolate milkshake for her. The cheesecakes are for take-out, please."

"Whoa.. what a lucky girl Kotori is, tomorrow is your birthday yet you're getting cheesecake for her. And yay, chocolate!"

"Kotori has been working hard on Nozomi's dress, handsewing the final details and the butterflies," Umi informed her as they sat down, waiting for her order. A smile formed on her lips as she thought of her two greatest treasures, remembering the sight of Kotori humming while sewing and Umiko would dance along in her jumperoo "And she still takes care of Umiko, feeding her directly and changing her diapers, putting her to sleep.. I help out, of course, but sometimes she just insists taking Umiko with her."

"You guys sound like a lovely family. Ah, milkshake!"

"Have you and Nozomi talked about family planning already?" Umi began the conversation, letting out a sigh after watching Eli drink her milkshake happily "You're already childlike enough, yet Nozomi wants one.."

"H-Hey! I just like chocolate, then you call me childlike? What about you who cries after losing to a card game?!"

"I-I am definitely not like a child!" Umi cried out, slamming the table. The moment everyone in the shop laid their eyes on her, she let out a cough and apologized, then calmed down "I-It's just that, I've been hearing Nozomi and Kotori talk through phone.. Nozomi has been wanting a child even before Umiko was born, and now Umiko is here, she fell more in love with the idea of having a baby. I want to know what's your thoughts about it."

"I.. We haven't talked about it seriously but of course I know Nozomi wants a baby, especially after she laid her eyes on adorable Umiko," Eli let out a sigh, putting down her milkshake. She does want to have a family with Nozomi, really. It's her dream to see those emerald eyes on another little girl - or boy, it doesn't matter, but when is the right time to try and conceive? A blush formed on Eli's face after realizing things in her mind "..though I won't be too surprised if.. you know, a baby happens.."

"You two have been doing it without protection?!" Umi gasped in a low voice, careful not to be heard by everyone in the café "Seriously, Eli.."

"We just get too caught up in the moment, and next thing you know I'm in-"

"I do not wish to hear about your intimate life, thank you."

"..anyways, let's talk about family-related things later. When do you plan to propose to Kotori?"

"Isn't it too soon? We haven't even marked our first year as a couple-"

"You're saying it's too soon yet you had a baby before engagement or marriage.. and besides, Umi, do you really care about timing? You're certain that Kotori is the one, right?"

"..of course. I've always known she's the one I want to..spend my life with."

"Then what are you waiting for? You got the ring, you got the girl!"

Well, what was Umi waiting for, anyway? The right time could be anytime. The perfect mood? Perfect setting? Perfect scenario?

"I just..want things to be perfect for her. I want it to be memorable, something unique. The way we started dating recently wasn't.. as romantic as I wanted it to be, so I want to try and make my proposal as magical as possible," Umi explained, looking frustrated and confused. It's hard, really. Most people expect proposals to be magical, unique, heartwarming.. and of course, Umi wants that for her Kotori "It's not as easy as it looks like, Eli."

"You do know that as long as it's you, Kotori finds anything unique? For her, you're the only 'Umi' and can't be replaced, therefore you're unique. And don't ask me how I know," Eli took a bite from the chocolate wafer included in her milkshake, then proceeded to point it at Umi "I will just answer with one word."

"Which is...?"

"Nozomi."

Umi let out another sigh - her nth one for the day and it's only 1 PM. "I'm not surprised."

And so, the two spent the entire time waiting for the cheesecake talking about 2/3 of the soldier game's woes about the future, mainly.

Poor Maki, couldn't come due to finals creeping up on her.

By the time Umi came home, it was already 6 PM. Unfortunately, Eli dragged her to other places as she talked about her future with Nozomi, and KotoUmi's future as a married or at least engaged couple. Other places included chocolate shops. Mainly chocolate shops.

Umi stood in front of her home, letting out a relieved sigh as she relaxed her shoulders before she went to unlock the door. Holding the key near the keyhole, she paused, remembering Eli's words.

"What are you waiting for?"

"I honestly have no idea anymore," Umi let out a whine, then she opened the door. After closing the door again, she removed her shoes before taking another step into her home "I'm hom-"

"I'll sell it as fully furnished, Mom. I don't think I need an apartment anymore, not when I'm here with Umi-chan. E-Eh? Engagement... Umi-chan hasn't asked, no.."

Umi decided not to talk in order to listen to Kotori talking to her mother upstairs, outside Umiko's room. Of course, she knew that eavesdropping is bad.. but she couldn't help it, not when she's frustrated about engagement and all.

"I think Umi-chan and I can take this slowly, Mom. Of course, I'd love to marry Umi-chan as soon as I could, but I like this pace of ours as well. We're happy and content with what we have at the moment, and I'm sure one day we'll take the next step together."

Umi smiled, content with Kotori's answer. She decided to stay quiet still as she placed the cheesecake on the table, and her mouth watered at the sight of the dinner Kotori prepared.

"She makes everything and anything look like it came from a five-star restaurant.."

"Yes, yes, I'll send pictures of Umiko when she's awake. Bye-bye, Mom." Kotori made her way downstairs, and quickly ran towards Umi to hug her "Umi-chan, you're home!"

"Indeed. I decided to stay quiet since.. you seem busy, talking to Mom," Umi returned the hug, stroking Kotori's back "I bought cheesecake bites for you, the same one I bought for Umiko's first ultrasound, remember? You've been working so hard after all, you deserve a treat."

"Wait, really?" Kotori pulled away from the hug with a grin, and proceeded to check out the cheesecake Umi bought for her. She let out a squeal as she opened the box, then proceeded to hug Umi once more "Umi-chan, the best! Thank you~!"

"How is Umiko? Asleep?"

"Mhm! And, we can finally have dinner together again," Kotori pulled out a chair and sat down, beckoning Umi to sit across her "Like we used to!"

"I'm glad. It certainly has been a while since we last ate together.. well, without Umiko, anyways," Umi smiled as she sat across Kotori.

"Hey, Umi-chan? I'm sorry, I haven't eaten with you in ages.. I'm almost done with the dresses, but the finishing touches can be slightly complicated. I'm really sorry, Umi-chan!"

"Hm? It's.. okay," Umi managed to mutter before taking one of the dishes, bringing it close to her mouth before she paused. She put her chopsticks down and frowned, trying to keep her voice as quiet as possible "Though I do get lonely sometimes when you work even in the late nights.."

"Hm? What was that, Umi-chan?"

"A-Ah, nothing, nothing!"

"Ehh, I swore I heard something.. well, eat up, okay? I made some of your favorite dishes."

"Umi-chan, you know I actually heard you, right?"

"Ah, my apologies.. I actually forgot to give my thanks," Umi groaned to herself. If this happened at the Sonoda Household, she would've been scolded, definitely. "Itadakimasu."

"Mhm, itadakimasu!"

And so, the two of them spent dinner together after a few weeks (two, three?) of them eating in different places. They talked about multiple other things, like the progress of Nozomi's dresses, how Umiko seems to grow even more every passing day, about Eli's woes as a future parent. Kotori wanted to ask one question, a question that had been lingering ever since her call with her mother - when can we take the next step of our relationship?

Little did she know, Umi already has the prized Sonoda heirloom engagement ring on hand, and is simply planning a perfect moment and scenario for her to pop the question. When exactly? She didn't know. Actually, neither of them knew - but it'll come one day.

11:55 PM

"That'll be all for today.. huh, Umiko-chan?" Kotori smiled, satisfied with her work as she put the needle back in the drawer of her desk. Her gaze soon traveled to little Umiko, who fell asleep while playing in the jumperoo. How adorable, she thought, that a little baby could sleep while standing up. At the same time, she felt guilty leaving her daughter there "Come to Mama now.."

She carefully took Umiko in her arms, careful not to wake the little bluenette up. Kotori made her way to Umiko's room and set the little one in the crib, playing the mobile afterward.

"Sleep well, my angel," Kotori smiled, caressing Umiko's head. She put a little blanket on Umiko, and placed her favorite plush beside her. After planting a goodnight kiss atop of her forehead and turning on her nightlight, she quietly left the room and closed the door. She looked at the wall-clock and grinned, excited.

11:59 PM, March 14, 2019

"Umi-chaan?" Kotori peeked first, checking if Umi was awake. Once again, Umi is comfy underneath the blanket, though at least her head was visible and not covered like the usual. Kotori woke her up with a gentle kiss on the forehead, as well as one that lingered for quite a while on the lips "Umi-chan, wake up, please.."

"Koto.." Umi let out a yawn, squinting "..ri. What's the matter..?"

"Happy birthday, Umi-chan," Kotori giggled, planting another kiss on Umi's cheek. She soon got under the covers as well, giving Umi a tight embrace. She smiled, feeling the bluenette return the embrace and burying her face in the ashen-haired's neck "I'm sorry.. I didn't get you a gift for this day. I was so busy, I didn't notice time passing by so quickly-"

Umi let out a cough, confusing the ashen-haired. Still, Kotori played with the dark blue locks, combing her fingers through them. She began to hum 'happy birthday,' until it was interrupted as she let out a little squeal. Did Umi just.. plant kisses on her neck?

"Umi-chan..?"

"I.. can have you as my present, right? Just for tonight," Umi's voice was slightly muffled, but Kotori noticed how it sounded deeper, and huskier. Like the voice Umi would unconsciously use when she initiates intimate moments "Can we forget about everything else.. so I can have you, just for tonight? Please?"

Umi looked up, meeting Kotori's eyes. While Umi's amber eyes were filled with longing and hope, there was a hint of lust in them.

How could Kotori say no to such request?

March 15, Morning

"Bbah! Mmgah! Bueh!"

Umiko's loud morning greetings woke MamaKoto! up through the baby monitor. Unlike most babies, who cry as soon as they wake up alone, Umiko likes to babble happily. At first, Kotori struggled to move - not just because her legs were aching ("Mou, it's like 50 Shades of Sonoda when she initiates..") but also because Umi hugged her waist rather tight.

"Umi-chan.. Miko-chan is awake, I'll go check on her.."

"Hngh.." Umi's eyebrows furrowed, then soon her grip on Kotori's waist loosened. Quickly, Kotori stood up, putting her yellow pillow in place of herself. Until now, she still finds the sight of Umi, snuggling happily into the yellow pillow, adorable "Kotori.."

"That should do the trick," Kotori let out a sigh, putting on one of Umi's baggy shirts after slipping on a new pair of underwear. As she stretched, she let out a yawn, and soon a whimper after her muscles ached. She just let out an embarrassed giggle, looking at the mess of scattered clothing on the floor "I'll clean it up later.."

"Bbuah! Mmuh!"

"Coming, my love," Kotori called out to Umiko, who seemed to quiet down after hearing her mother through the little speaker of her camera. She did seem confused though, because where did Mama's voice come from if she isn't here? "I should probably not sew today, it's Umi-chan's birthday, after all."

Kotori soon left their room to go to Umiko's (who started sleeping in her own room when she turned four months old) and chuckled, watching Umiko try to crawl yet again.

"Little wriggly girl, what are you doing this morning?" Kotori spoke softling, startling Umiko slightly. Still, after she realized her mother is here, she grinned and wiggled her arms and legs even more, letting out a giggle when her mother picked her up "It's Papa's birthday today, shall we make her a special treat? Manjuu, maybe? Honoka-chan gave me a similar recipe to the Homura Manjuu.."

And so, to the kitchen they went. Kotori wore a pastel green apron as she began preparing ingredients after making a quick breakfast, while in her little highchair was Umiko, who also wore an apron and a tiny chef's hat. Kotori gave her a pacifier with frozen milk inside, so she happily nibbled that while her mother began baking.

"Kotori?" Umi stood in front of the kitchen, now wearing a t-shirt and shorts. She rubbed the sleep off of her eyes, yawning.

"Eek!"

"Bueh!"

The two let out surprised sounds of their own, and Umi swore that their little tuffs of hair on top 'jumped.' She squinted her eyes again, then sat down beside Umiko, giving her a good morning kiss on her forehead.

"Good morning, sunshine, Kotori.." Umi smiled, cooing to Umiko. Thankfully, she didn't notice what Kotori was making, and Kotori was relieved "Kotori, what are you making?"

"Dessert, since it is Umi-chan's birthday, after all!"

"And what kind of dessert?"

"That's.. a secret~"

"Last night was.. um," Umi soon began blushing, her eyes focused on Umiko's so she could avoid Kotori's "I... Was I too rough?"

Kotori let out a giggle, refusing to answer anything more than that.

"Umi-chan, once you two are done with breakfast, can you bring Umiko-chan out for morning sun? I'll join you guys once I'm done with this."

"Hm? Okay then.."

side-note:

whoa i wasn't expecting it to get this long :0 i'll make this into a two part chapter so i can upload this now, since, if i don't i'll probably delay it further- part two should be up next weekend or next next weekend :3

once more, please give me your thoughts about having a different story full of short stories of muse being parents!

-zumi