author's note
fluff ahead! yeeeeeeeeeeee lets go team kotoumi!
since umiko is the reason why kotori found her way back to umi's arms (ayiee) i wanted umiko to be a major part of umi's proposal. the next chapter should be about umiko's first birthday, since i want this to end in a number ending w/ 5 or 0 (while technically it will end by ch 34, its seen as ch 35)
also i want to apologize for not uploading last month! i do plan to upload only baby, maybe for the month of november (supposed to be october, but i got ideas for other fics) so i can finally finish this :D
Responses for Reviews:
tzumisa9: oh i might not be able to include that scene here :( but thank you for the idea! i'll probably mention it in a short story or smth
MakandChiz: i'm here to deliver fluff uwu thank you! glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Hiei's Curry: hm.. maybe? wait and read ;)
Devil Raptor B: metamorphosis is now my greatest fear lol
IamGayandaSinner: yes! i loved writing that part the most! babies at that age love to throw things, so i was like.. i'm gonna make umiko a flower girl for real.
With all that said, let's go!
Disclaimer: I do not own Love Live.
Chapter Thirty-One: Meant To Be
September 11, 8 PM
"We're done discussing now, yeah?" Maki asked, and when the two nodded, she flagged down the waiter and asked for a strawberry frappucino to go. When the two gave her a questionable look, she just let out a sigh "For Nico-chan. Anyways.. Umi? Eli? Aren't your partners looking for you?"
"No.. why do you ask?"
"I don't know, probably because we've been here for hours now, the sun has set and it's dark outside."
"What?! Oh no, I'm screwed, I'm screwed..!" Eli took out her phone franctically and began dialing Nozomi's number, sighing out of relief when her wife answered "Nozomi-"
"It's 8 PM."
"I know, Non-tan.. I'm sorry, I lost track of time and- how are you and sleepy?"
"I'll forgive you if you pick up some yakiniku along the way back home. Sleepy and I are okay, we're just hungry."
"But I heard from Nico you ate on the way home.."
"Come home with yakiniku or don't even go near me."
"Of course, Nozo- Nozomi? Nozomi?! Are you still there?"
"Who is 'sleepy'..?" Umi cautiously asked, giving Eli a pat on the back "I know how it feels.."
One time, when Kotori was 7 months pregnant with their darling Umiko, she began craving for Homura's dangos. Normally, Umi would oblige and get a few pieces of manjuus as well, except.. it was four in the morning, and obviously, the Kousaka's were fast asleep. Still, Kotori didn't budge and told Umi to 'get those dangos or else,' and Umi being Umi.. she didn't want to know Kotori's wrath or what that 'else' meant. She eventually had to call Honoka, who, although tired, insisted it was fine for her childhood friends and her soon-to-be godchild. Safe to say, within an hour, Umi was able to retrieve dangos and Honoka kindly gave her manjuus as well. In the end, Umi fell asleep with a happy and content pregnant birb cuddling her.
"Earth to Umi? Hello?" Maki snapped her fingers in front of Umi, letting out a sigh when the bluenette finally responded with an 'e-eh?' "Getting Kotori pregnant and dealing with her mood swings really broke you."
"Honestly, Maki, a partner's pregnancy and dealing with their mood swings and cravings will really mess up people.. Anyway, Sleepy is the nickname Nozomi and I gave to our baby," Eli snickered proudly, crossing her arms "It's cute, isn't it?"
"Better than seagull." Maki chuckled.
"..I love Umiko a lot, but yes.. Sleepy is better than being named after a type of bird by your aunts.." Umi sighed in defeat.
Shortly after the trio parted ways, Umi quickly made her way home - of course after stopping by a flower store to pick up a bouquet of roses. It is Kotori's birthday by midnight, after all, and the ashen-haired had been so busy lately, she deserved a treat.
Kotori had been planning to open her fashion store for months now, delaying it monthly frustrated her - and for the past few weeks, she had been going to the store, making sure every detail was perfect, that nothing was missing. When asked what name would she register, she paused and didn't choose the original name - Beau Coeur. Instead, she chose to name her store after two perfect colors that blended well - Bleu et Gris. Blue and gray - a nod not only to her and Umi's relationship, but to their darling Umiko as well. It was halfway through, and would be expected to open by November, just in time for winter season to emerge - Nico had advertised it multiple times, so many fans of Nico and μ's looked forward to its opening - some even signing up to work as a cashier, saleslady or seamstress.
"I'm home," Umi uttered, taking off her shoes. She made her way past the kitchen - leaving the bouquet hidden in a cabinet - and towards the living room, still looking for the two.
She stifled her laughter upon seeing Kotori passed out on the sofa, with sleeping Umiko laying on her chest.
"Kotori, Umiko.."
Shrug.
"Kotori, Umiko.. come on now, let's go and sleep upstairs."
Shrug.
Umi sighed, rolling her eyes. She made her way up the stairs quietly and quickly changed into new, cleaner clothes (An unspoken rule in their household was to change clothes if you went out before holding babies) so she could carry Umiko and bring her to her room.
Once she changed into pajamas and returned to the scene of two sleepyheads, she carefully took Umiko from Kotori's arms, rocking the little bluenette to soothe her as she made her way back up the stairs.
If Umiko inherited the way Umi slept like a log, then she also inherited the way Kotori loved to sleep in cold rooms. As soon as the little one was set in her crib, Umi turned on the room's humidifier and the AC, as well as the nightlight and the little music box. Once she made sure the baby monitor faced the crib and was satisfied with everything, she crept out of the dimly lit room, careful not to make a sound.
She made her way back to Kotori, bending down to face her.
"Sometimes, I wonder how could you be so beautiful effortlessly," Umi chuckled, tucking the stray ash strands of hair behind Kotori's ear. She then softly caressed her cheek with a smile "Kotori, wake up.."
"Mm.."
"Kotori, come on - unless you want me to carry you to bed?" Umi sighed, furrowing her eyebrows.
As Umi prepared to carry Kotori off the sofa, the latter's eyes carefully fluttered open, and she weakly hit Umi's shoulder.
"Umi-chan, what're you doing..?"
"Ah, you're up - I was, um.. about to bring you to bed," Umi was quick to retreat her arms, her cheeks turning pink due to embarassment.
Kotori just let out a yawn before giggling, sitting up to wrap her arms around Umi's neck, embracing the bluenette as she took in her scent.
"I missed you. Welcome home, Umi-chan."
"It's only been a day, though?" Umi chuckled before reciprocating the hug, smiling when Kotori's breath brushed against her cheek "I missed you too, then. I'm home."
11:59 PM
It was quiet and peaceful in the Sonoda-Minami household - well, almost. Although it was as quiet as possible, you could hear the head of the family's soft footsteps, going back up and down, up and down. Half an hour ago, you would hear the oven's timer going off, followed by a bluenette's panicked voice whispering 'oh-no-oh-no' as she made her way to take the cupcakes out of the oven. Now, the bluenette stood in front of their bedroom door, holding the cupcake and lighting the candle up.
"There.. All perfect," Umi said to herself as she lit up the candle of the little cupcake she made (out of six, only one seemed, well, presentable.) She peeked her head through the door, satisfied that the birthday celebrant was fast asleep.
As soon as the clock struck twelve midnight, she turned on the lights and took the bouquet that sat on the vanity, and made her way to Kotori.
"Happy birthday to you.." Umi softly sang, smiling when Kotori began to furrow her eyebrows in her sleep. Eventually, the amber eyes she loved fluttered open, and she couldn't help but giggle "Happy birthday, Kotori."
"Umi-chan..? Eh?" Kotori rubbed her eyes, sitting up. Upon letting reality set in, she let out a grin as Umi handed her the bouquet.
"The cake is not.. as perfect as I planned it to be, and I'm sure it isn't as good as the ones you make, but.." Umi stared at the cupcake she created and frosted, then sheepishly smiled at Kotori, holding the plate a little closer to the ashen-haired "Make a wish, Kotori."
"I'm sure it still tastes amazing, you did pour your heart into making it - or at least, I like to think that way~" Kotori giggled. She closed her eyes, thinking of a wish before blowing the candles out. As soon as she opened her eyes again, Umi stared at her curiously "What is it?"
"What did you wish for?"
"Didn't they say wishes don't come true if you say it out loud?"
"Ah, true.." Umi muttered to herself, nodding thrice. She had quite the stunned expression when Kotori decided to take a bite of the cupcake, and instantly began to worry "H-Hey, I only made that so you have a candle to blow! Y-You don't have to eat it, really!"
"Hm.. I think you added a little too much vanilla, but other than that, it tastes good!"
"I-Is that so? I'm glad, then..!"
"Actually, it's a little salty as well, but I know you worked hard.." Kotori thought to herself as she continued to 'praise' Umi about how good the cupcake was.
A few minutes passed with the two of talking about anything that came to mind - what they planned for the day, about Bleu et Gris, about Umiko, the list went on until Umi went down to wash the used dishes (Kotori insisted it could wait until the next day, Umi did not.)
"Ah, Kotori - just.. a little curious, what do you want for your birthday?" Umi asked as she turned off the bedroom lights, turning back on the lampshade "I mean, I have a present in mind but-"
As soon as Umi settled back in under their blankets, Kotori tackled her into an embrace, before whispering close to her ear.
"Maybe you?"
Gulp.
"Actually, no - definitely you."
Safe to say, Umi and Kotori spent the first few moments of Kotori's 22nd with a bang.
Around an hour later..
With clothes scattered on the floor, Umi - although panting - let her hand comfortably rest on Kotori's waist, while their bare legs touched underneath their comforter.
"Okay, I'm really curious about your birthday wish," Umi admitted with a sigh, combing through her partner's hair.
"Geez.. Just know that it's really important and I want it to come true!" Kotori puffed up her cheeks, exhaling a giggle afterwards. She snuggled into Umi's chest more, enjoying the bluenette's warmth. Soon, sleep began to try and take over, but Kotori still uttered a few words "I love you.."
"I love you too, Kotori," Umi chuckled, planting a soft kiss against her forehead.
"But you know, Umi-chan, I wished for something a bit common, really.
I wished that happiness and love will always surround our little family of three."
Sometimes, the two parents could be really grateful that Umiko sleeps like a log most of the time,
because really though, intimate moments can be.. tiring at times. And can leave them a bit sore.
6 AM
Umi took a day off of work today without Kotori knowing, and quickly began preparing things for the special day with just a few hours of sleep. She was able to sneak out of the room without Kotori noticing or waking up, and went to Umiko's room, shutting the door behind her for privacy.
"Still fast asleep, huh.." Umi smiled, caressing her daughter's head before she made herself comfortable on the chair beside a small table.
She took out the shirt Umiko would wear from the paper bag she hid behind diapers ("Nico-nii worked hard on this!") and smiled as she read the text written on it.
'Will you marry my Papa?'
"Cute.." Umi giggled, then smiled fondly at the velvet box she hid along with the shirt. Nozomi was able to somehow trick Kotori into giving her her ringsize, thus, Umi adjusted the Sonoda heirloom ring to fit Kotori's perfectly.
"Kotori's parents are joining to prepare the surprise as well.."
Flashback, a week ago
"Umi-chan, are you sure you can take care of Umiko-chan? You don't want to tag along with me?"
"It's okay, and besides, you have to focus on the store, right?" Umi reassured her girlfriend, holding little Umiko in her arms. She reached out to plant a soft kiss on Kotori's forehead, chuckling when Umiko tried to do the same with Kotori's cheek "Take care, okay? I'll just take Umiko out for an afternoon walk after she eats lunch."
"Okay.. Umiko-chan," Kotori called out the attention of her daughter, giggling as the little bluenette cocked her head upon hearing her name "Be a good girl with Papa, okay? Mama will be right back."
"Mama! Mama!"
Umiko had started saying two syllable words around two months ago, much to their delight. Papa was her first word, but Mama was quick to follow - it was just a few days apart, really.
"Yes, Mama will be out to check the renovations at the store~ Papa thinks you shouldn't go cause it might be a bit too noisy.." Kotori pouted, caressing her daughter's cheek "Okay, I'll be off then. You two, be good okay?"
"Of course, Kotori."
Within a few minutes, Kotori had ridden a taxi and left. About half an hour later, all dressed up, Umi went to the family car and strapped Umiko into the car seat quickly, and placed a champagne bottle in a paper bag on the cupholder.
"We're gonna go see Grandma and Grandpa, okay? I have to ask their permission to marry your mother."
Upon hearing 'grandma and grandpa,' Umiko began babbling like crazy, and her babbles brought a smile to Umi's face - also calming down her nerves.
As much as the Minami's seemed to love Umi and accepted her, of course, the steps of their relationship was.. a bit odd. Baby, then dating, then marriage? As far as she knew, having a baby had to be the last step!
"But, here you are anyway.. and I don't think I'd want that to change at all," Umi laughed to herself, planting a soft kiss atop of Umiko's head before she shut the door and made her way to the driver's seat.
Umiko, was, of course, like any other ten (almost eleven) month old. Crawling, babbling, saying Mama and/or Papa repeatedly, crying, standing, the works.. but one odd thing about Umiko was that she never was a fan of nursery rhymes.
Sure, Old MacDonald, ABCs and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star were a few of her favorite songs, but other than that? It would be purely μ's songs, all thanks to Auntie Honoka and Auntie Nico. Umi was originally against introducing Umiko to their songs at such an early age - though Nightingale's Love Song and Blueberry Train are exempted - as nursery rhymes would be better to listen to since Umiko would learn from them, but Honoka and Nico barely followed Umi's orders in highschool, what more now that they're adults and aunts to Umi's baby?
And so, along the trip to her in-laws, Umi found herself listening to different μ's songs. She'd hum along most of the time, and would sometimes sing a lyric or two, while Umiko tried to 'sing' along.
(It was just her babbling along to START:DASH!, really.)
"Umiko, we're almost there, okay? We won't be long, we don't want your mother to figure out where we are."
"Baah!"
"And, Umiko.. on your mother's birthday, try to cooperate with me as much as possible, okay?" Umi smiled, checking her daughter from the rearview mirror "Let's hope she says yes.."
The way Umiko stared at her father made Umi burst into laughter - it was like her daughter saying something like 'Mama has no reasons not to marry you.'
"Don't look at me like that.. it reminds me of the way your mother looks at me when she wants cheesecake.."
Minutes later..
"We're here. Okay, now let me remind you again - be a good girl, okay?"
Umi pulled up to her in-laws' driveway, getting out of the car to get Umiko, her stuff and the champagne for her in-laws from the backseat.
With a cute, sparkling baby blue backpack on her back, (Kotori thinks that the Hermes bag from Maki should only be used for special occasions) a paperbag on her hand and a wriggly ten-month old in her arms, Umi let out a nervous sigh before knocking on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Umi and Umiko, Dad."
"Oh!"
Quickly, Mr. Minami opened the door to greet the two, smiling upon seeing his granddaughter.
"Umi, Umiko! What brings you two here? Come in, come in! It's perfect, Hikari had just gotten back from Otonokizaka," Mr. Minami ushered them in, happily taking Umiko from Umi's arms "Hikari! Dear! Look who is here~!"
"Who is at the door, Kous- Oh, my! Umi, Umiko? Does Kotori know you're here?" Mrs. Minami was quick to enter the scene, cooing to her granddaughter and smiling when Umi bowed at them, noticing that the bluenette shook her head no afterwards "Then, I suppose that you are here for an important reason - last time you brought champagne here, you informed us about this darling."
"Hm.. Then, let's go to the living room, shall we? And whoa, Umiko~ You're getting so big already!"
Umi just chuckled to herself as her in-laws happily led her to the living room - Umiko babbled a lot as well, and honestly, having her child around seemed to soothe Umi's nerves, similar to how Kotori could easily calm her down before their lives back then.
"Well, Hikari and I just had lunch - so I assume you and Umiko have eaten as well?" Mr. Minami started the conversation as they sat down, handing Umiko to his wife "I'll go get some champagne glasses and apple juice for Umiko. Ah, don't worry, Umi! I heard from Kotori how strict you are with Umiko's food - it's all organic and homemade here! After all, we are getting older.. health is wealth, isn't that right?"
"Umi, I suppose you have some important news to tell us? Is Kotori pregnant again?" Mrs. Minami asked curiously, laughing when the bluenette got flustered and shook her head no furiously "Well, that is quite the shame - Umiko-chan is an adorable baby."
"Kotori wants to try for another one, but.. the last time we checked with Aunt Nishikino," Umi sighed, recalling their visit to the hospital months ago "she said the chances of the next pregnancy going smoothly is slim. Of course, there is a small chance it could go smoothly, but the risks are just.."
Mrs. Minami just nodded, understanding how Umi and Kotori felt. Of course, having one child is a wonderful blessing, but having a big family is what Mrs. Minami desired - it wasn't a surprise that Kotori would want the same. But of course, there are risks that weren't worth to take.
"No need to explain it, Umi," Mrs. Minami reassured Umi, giving a pat on her back "I understand how it feels."
"What happened to her mother is quite similar as well - Kami-sama knows how much we yearned for another child," Mr. Minami returned with tray of glasses, grinning as Umiko took the little sippy cup from him happily "But we wouldn't want to risk Kotori losing her mother, so we just.. gave all our love to her."
"Indeed. The love you two want to give to your children, just pour it all out to this darling."
"That's.. what we're doing now, really. I've returned to working at the office just last month, and to be honest, I feel a bit guilty as whenever I go home, I instantly want to go to Umiko.." Umi muttered, regretting the times she 'ignored' her partner just to give time to their daughter.
(Kotori said it's fine, she understands, really. Umi, however, realized it after having a talk with Eli and deeply regrets not giving attention to both her girls.)
"Anyways, um.. Mrs. Minami, Mr. Minami-"
"Hm? You haven't called us those names since kindergarten.."
"-I've come here to ask.."
Well crap, this is harder than she expected.
"I've come here to ask for your blessing," Umi finally let it out, studying the expressions of her inlaws before continuing. She took out a velvet box with a shaky sigh, placing it on the table in front of them "as I intend to ask Kotori to marry me soon. I've said this before, but I see Kotori as the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with - I cannot imagine a life without her in it anymore."
With that, Umi stood up and knelt on the floor, bowing to the Minami's.
"I truly love your daughter with my whole being. I can and will do my best to protect and love not only her, but our family until my last breath in this lifetime."
Of course, despite waiting for Umi to come and ask for their blessings for a while now, the Minami's were still stunned and took a while to process things until Mr. Minami cleared his throat and spoke up.
"Umi, please - no need to bow. I appreciate the fact that you still came to ask for our blessing, it isn't so common anymore.." Mr. Minami started, smiling to ease the atmosphere between them "Throughout Kotori's sudden pregnancy, and until now, I've seen how much you love my daughter. You've proved yourself worthy of my daughter's hand long before you realized it. And while I would be happy to give you my blessing to marry her, I do ask for one thing in return."
"Dear, are you getting.. Oh my, Umiko-chan, your grandfather is crying," Mrs. Minami chuckled at her husband's response. She had an equally happy smile on, a sign that she approves of Kotori and Umi's next chapter in their lives.
Umiko seemed to slightly understand what was going on and kept quiet, though the sound of her rattle could be heard in the entire household..
"A-Anything, D-Dad."
"Since the day where you mustered up the courage to tell us about Umiko, I knew that you would eventually become Kotori's wife, and while I've come to accept that.. sometimes.. I still see her as that little girl, asking for rides on my back after a long day at kindergarten," Mr. Minami explained with a smile "Anyways.. There is still a part of me that is protective of my daughter - I hope you understand that - but if I were to choose someone that I know is worthy enough to be with my daughter, someone I know who can protect and love her, it is you. So please, I know I speak for both Hikari and I,
love and cherish our daughter well. That is all we really ask for."
After more 'thank yous' from Umi and some embraces, as well as 'good lucks,' Umi went home that day with a sleepy Umiko and blessings from her soon-to-be inlaws,
and Kotori was really confused as to why Umi was grinning like a fool with a sleeping Umiko in her arms.
Back to the present
"Pa..pa."
"Umiko? Up so early?" Umi quickly set the items back in the paperbag, hiding it behind the stacks of diapers once more. She then approached Umiko, cooing to her and tickling her stomach "Good morning, Umiko. It's Mama's birthday, should we prepare breakfast for her?"
Umiko grinned as soon as she heard 'Mama' and rubbed her eyes, before trying to sit down and falling on her pillow in the process of doing so.
"Whoa there, be careful. Let's try our best to be quiet, but first.. let's get you out of your pajamas and brush your hair," Umi carried Umiko, planting a soft kiss on her forehead "Good morning, my love."
"Papa!"
An hour later
"Umi..chan?" Kotori squinted her eyes, and slowly fluttered them open. She patted the side of the bed beside her, raising an eyebrow upon realizing the bluenette wasn't there "I guess she went to work? But it's so early.."
After putting clothes on, she tied her hair in a bun and stretched a bit more, groaning a bit as she rubbed the back of her thighs.
"I'm.. a little sore now, great."
"Well, Umi was great last night as well.."
As she opened the door, she was greeted by a few things.
1.) The scent of eggs and tea.
2.) The laughter from Umiko.
3.) Umi's rushing footsteps.
A smile crept up on her face as she went down the stairs, careful not to be heard or seen by the bluenettes.
"Okay.. wait, now I just have to draw a heart on the omurice.. done! Umiko, did you drop your toy? Okay, hold on, Papa will get it for you.."
"What are you two doing?"
"E-Eh?! When did you wake up?" Umi gasped as she picked up the rattle from the ground, handing it back to the baby bluenette. Kotori soon approached them, and Umi gave her a chaste kiss on the lips "Happy birthday, Kotori."
"Thank you, Umi-chan~ Oh, Umiko-chan! What is that hairstyle your Papa gave you.." Kotori laughed as she kissed Umiko's head, pinching the pouting baby's cheek lightly "It's okay, you're still cute with a messy ponytail."
"She has.. little hair, it is difficult to tie it up," Umi sighed, then she pulled a seat out for Kotori "Hold on, I'll go get Umiko's breakfast as well - mashed bananas with pear juice, right?"
"Yep~ Oh, Nozomi-chan and the others messaged - they're coming over later? And Umi-chan," Kotori took a seat, but pulled Umiko's highchair closer to her. She laughed upon seeing her daughter's messy ponytail again, but she let it stay that way "That's why I only use two pigtails for her, it's difficult to tie it in a ponytail."
"Yeah, apparently they want to celebrate today with us, too. Yui-nee and Kazuma-nii aren't able to come since the twins are, well, a bit hard to bring around.. but they will call later, I believe. And.. I thought you could tie it in a ponytail if there's enough hair for pigtails."
"Aw, that's a bit sad.. I was looking forward to seeing Yuuto-kun and Kazumi-chan," Kotori pouted, but instantly smiled upon seeing the omurice.
'Kotori' and a heart, huh?
"Today is off to a great start."
1 PM
Of course, both Umi and Kotori's parents came earlier than the rest of μ's mainly to spend time with Umiko and to prepare dishes for Kotori's birthday.
"Mom, really, just go and play with Umiko-chan, I can make-"
"No, Tori-chan, it's your birthday - you should relax and enjoy! Umi," Mrs. Minami handed Umi a variety of veggies in a basket "Rinse these and cut them into cubes - oh, but grate the garlic or else Kotori won't eat it."
"Mom.."
"Kotori, dear, please just go and relax - we've got this all under control!" Mrs. Sonoda reassured her with a smile, and Kotori was, well, kicked out of her own house's kitchen.
"Kotori! Good timing! Did Umiko try calligraphy already?"
"A-Ah, not yet, Father.. Umi says she will let her try on her first birthday next month."
"Ah! Let's make her birthday a mix of modern and traditional, yes?" Mr. Minami's eyes glimmered as he said that, making Kotori chuckle.
"That's what we have in mind as well - though we plan to throw a modern birthday party, we'll throw in a little bit of traditional stuff. Haven't got the time to plan yet, but," Kotori sat down on the floor where Umiko was, sitting down in her jumperoo. She cooed to her daughter, smiling as the little bluenette laughed "she is loving Alice in Wonderland, and has been listening to one of our songs that is themed Alice in Wonderland.. so that might be her theme."
"Oh? That's nice, that's nice! My, I can't believe how almost a year has already passed since she came to this world," Mr. Sonoda chuckled with a smile, reminiscing in the days where Umi and Kotori anxiously told them the news "it feels like yesterday that Kotori and Umi travelled all the way to Sapporo to tell us the news about Umiko."
"It does.. Sometimes, I want to stop time, but at the same time.. I love watching Umiko-chan grow into a wonderful person. By the time I'd realize it, she'll probably be off to highschool, so.." Kotori smiled as she caressed Umiko's cheek "all I can do is relish in the moments where I can still hold her close, where she still loves bedtime stories, moments where she still fits perfectly in our arms."
"Ah.. that is the wonderful perk of parenthood - though bittersweet, you see the baby you once held in your arms," Mr. Minami beamed at his daughter "grow into an amazing and wonderful person bit by bit every day."
"Papa! Papa! I want ice cream, pleaseee?"
"Kotori, didn't we have ice cream yesterday? Now, come along, let's hurry - your mother is waiting at home."
"Please, Papa? I want to choose another flavor..!"
"My.. Who can say no to those puppy eyes of yours, Kotori? Alright then, just one scoop! But we must hurry and finish it - your mother shouldn't know a thing."
"Eheh, yay~! I want strawberry this time!"
"Dad..?"
Upon hearing his daughter's voice, Mr. Minami snapped out of his thoughts, and just chuckled as he shook his head.
"Sorry, suddenly had a flashback to the times you were a mere six year old.. And to think now, you're what? Twenty-two with a family of your own.."
"Don't worry, I understand how it feels, Kousei," Mr. Sonoda laughed, patting Mr. Minami's back as the latter wiped the tears forming in his eyes "To watch your child grow before your eyes. You blink, and suddenly, they got a family of their own.. Happened to both my daughters now. Probably the best but most emotional thing you'd see other than them raising their own kids, is when they walk down the aisle.."
"Ah, yes, true! And I truly can't wait to witness your marriage with Umi, Kotori," Mr. Minami grinned, earning a nudge from the older Sonoda "What?"
Knock, knock!
"Ah, that must be Eli-chan and Nozomi-chan. Dad, Father, can you watch Umiko for now? And eheh, yep, I look forward to the day Umi-chan and I marry~ Though it may take a while.. I'm sure it's worth it!"
As Kotori rushed to go to the door, Mr. Sonoda sighed as he knelt in front of his granddaughter.
"Almost slipped there, Kousei."
"Ah! I forgot - was too caught up in the moment, apologies," Mr. Minami laughed it off, then smiled at Umiko "She's getting bigger every time we see her, no? It's a good thing you were able to come, Ushio."
"Indeed. Mother seems to be doing well at home, but I'll have to go back to Sapporo in a week. Yume will be staying to help Yui take care of the twins, though," Mr. Sonoda chuckled, recalling his other two grandchildren.
Surprisingly enough, they both inherited the Sonoda's navy blue hair - despite their mother not having it. They were born at home, it was an intimate water-birth that Kazuma, Yui and her parents witnessed through videocall. As expected from her children, both came out with a loud cry - though the eldest, born just two minutes earlier than her brother, cried the loudest.
"Kazumi and Yuuto, correct? It would be nice to see Umiko interacting with them, maybe she'll be like a protective big sister?"
"I'm not so sure.. Umi is the youngest, so she didn't grow up with a younger sibling - but she was, and still is, protective of her friends at times.." Mr. Sonoda snickered at the memory of Umi protecting Kotori and Honoka from a bee. She was shaking, but still stood tall, holding a stick she pointed at the bee while exclaiming 'don't hurt Kotori and Honoka! I won't let you! Shoo!'
"Umiko-chaan! Oh, Uncles! Hello!" Nozomi rushed into the living room, giving a short bow to the two elders before kneeling in front of Umiko, who began to babble "Hi, darling~! Uwaaa, I hope Sleepy will be as cute as you!"
"Nozomi! Wash your hands with alcohol before laying a finger on my child!" Umi exclaimed from the kitchen.
"Ushio, Kousei, could you two finally be of use and start grilling the meat outside?" Mrs. Sonoda came out of the kitchen shortly after, leaving two trays full of meat on the dining table "Oh, Nozomi, you are absolutely glowing! I have a feeling you are carrying a girl!"
"Eheh, thank you, Auntie! Yes, we're hoping for a baby girl like this one~ And yeah, yeah, I already washed with alcohol at the genkan, Umi-chan!"
Soon, Eli came in and the two uncles/dads went to the garden to grill meat. Of course, Umiko ended up in Eli's arms again, babbling continuously to the blonde.
"Papa~!"
"Ah.. No, Umiko-chan, that's Auntie Eli.." Kotori stifled her laughter, while Nozomi didn't hesitate to hold back "Your true Papa would be upset.."
"Yeah, I'm not your Papa. I'm Sleepy's Papa, and your Papa is the Sonoda Umi," Eli cooed to her 'niece' with a smile, tickling her stomach "Wouldn't want to be shot by her arrow, I know it wouldn't be the love arrow shoot cause that's for your mom, it would be some death arrow."
"Why, what happened?" Umi came out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a pastel green apron "Oh, I had to borrow your apron, Kotori. I'll just wash it when the day ends."
"It's okay! And, well.. your daughter called Eli-chan 'Papa'-"
"Believe me, your mother was in my arms the morning after you were conceived, definitely not in your Aunt Eli's," Umi flat-out said, before heading back to the kitchen after her mother called her.
"Wow, Umi-chan is more bold now.." Nozomi mumbled in awe while Kotori blushed, hiding her face in her hands. After a few seconds of silence, she spoke up again "Nico-chan and Maki-chan can't come since they're both busy -- one with medical work, one with idol stuff.."
"Oh, even Rin and Hanayo are busy, too! I think it's vet check up day for most of their animals? Regardless," Eli smiled at the birthday celebrant "I'm sure they'll give you a call soon."
"A-Ah, it's okay, really! I'm.. a bit surprised that there's a little celebration going on for me, though.."
"Ah.. we're mainly here to witness the proposal," Nozomi thought with a grin.
"..Nozomi-chan?"
"Eh?"
"Cut it, Nozomi.. You're scaring Kotori with that mischevious grin of yours.." Eli sighed, shaking her head.
They talked for what felt like hours, until Eli paused to look down on the baby on her lap, smiling upon realizing she fell asleep, all curled up and clinging onto her blonde aunt.
"Hey, this little koala is taking a nap.. Should I put her down in her room?" Eli, using one hand, caressed Umiko's little head "She's so cute..!"
"Ehh, she's asleep? Umi-chan, did Umiko-chan take a nap like this yesterday too? At this time?" Kotori called out to her partner, who came rushing out of the kitchen upon hearing Umiko's name.
"Eh? Why? Oh, is she asleep? Yeah, she's been taking naps while you were at the store.. didn't notice how she falls asleep in the stroller while you bring her along sometimes?" Umi said with a sigh, then just pointed at the stairs "You'd know her room -- just put her on the crib and turn on her music box. Oh, and the AC too, but be sure to turn on the humidifier. I left the baby monitor on, so just make sure it's pointed at her. You can shut the door since the baby monitor sends us alerts on our phone if she cries."
"Whoa.. so detailed. Okay, got it!"
"Think of it as a training, Elicchi~" Nozomi laughed as her wife carefully made her way up the stairs while gently rocking Umiko. She then looked at the ashen-haired, who seemed to be smiling at Nozomi's stomach "What is it, Kotori-chan?"
"O-Oh.. I was just thinking about the time I was, well.. crying while telling you about my pregnancy, and now, Umiko-chan is turning one soon, and you're pregnant. Time flies quickly, huh?" Kotori giggled.
"Indeed~ On the next ultrasound visit, we'll know this baby's gender," Nozomi excitedly said as she sat beside Kotori "but we'll definitely throw a gender reveal party! What do you think of its gender?"
"I feel like Sleepy is a girl, but Umi-chan insists she's a boy!"
Meanwhile, upstairs in Umiko's room..
"Sleep well, Umiko.." Eli patted Umiko's leg lightly, humming a tune shortly after to help soothe the little bluenette more.
"We're all here to see your Papa propose to your Mama, do you know?"
A few hours later, 5 PM
Honoka arrived just an hour or so ago, and brought along fresh manjuu and different yards of fabric as presents for Kotori. Of course, the orange-head girl was disappointed upon hearing (and seeing to believe) her godchild was still fast asleep, and to keep herself busy while waiting for Umi to wake up, Honoka just helped out in the kitchen, preparing traditional desserts along with Mrs. Sonoda
"Umiko is still asleep? That's odd.. Umi-chan, go check her for me, please?" Kotori called out as she helped set the table outside (for some reason, the family wanted a dinner outside.)
"Okay, got it," Umi called out, and was satisfied upon seeing Kotori distracted in the garden. She then turned to Nozomi, and sighed "Where's Eli?"
"Bringing out our present for Kotori-chan from the car. Why?"
"Nozomi.. I'll be dressing Umiko up for that now, so please, until I go down, make sure Kotori won't try to go up.."
"Ah, okay then! Take your time~" Nozomi grinned, giving the bluenette a thumbs up.
Umi took a deep breath in, before taking the stairs up towards Umiko's room. As soon as the door to her room opened, Umiko let out a loud 'papa!' with a grin.
"How long have you been awake for, princess?" Umi smiled at her daughter, picking her up to give her an eskimo kiss "Let's start getting ready, no?"
"Bueh?"
"For the big question I will ask your mother, of course."
Meanwhile..
"Oh, I think I got a notification from Mi-chan's room, I should go and check--"
"Hey, Kotori-chaaan!" Nozomi instantly called her 'kouhai,' beckoning her to come closer "I'm sure Umi-chan got it all under control! Could you give me some pregnancy tips? I got a few more months with this little thing swimming inside of me, after all!"
"Eh? Okay, then~!"
"Umi-chan, please hurry up.. I'm not so sure how long could I control this fiancée of yours."
Kotori happily sat beside Nozomi, telling her tips she picked up from books, tips she taught herself, the list went on. The two bonded over maternal stuff, and eventually, Kotori forgot about checking her daughter and even said that Umi was the reliable parent she could trust almost always for everything other than Umiko's hairstyle.
(But of course, they, including Honoka and Eli who joined the conversation after receiving a message from Umi, laughed about the time the bluenette would constantly get peed on by Umiko as she wouldn't change her diaper on time back then and it would leak.)
Back to the room..
"Okay, well to be fair, the weather forecast is right and it is windy tonight.. You got an excuse to wear a jacket," Umi commented, zipping up her daughter's jacket to hide the shirt's writing inside.
"Mama?" Umiko babbled, though it was muffled by the pacifier she was sucking.
"Yeah, we'll go see Mama now.. Right after I just brush your hair and put a little bow, I honestly don't even want to try and tie it up.." Umi sighed, taking a brush from the diaper change table's drawer and a bow from her side "Okay, now, obviously I'm not as fashionable as your mother, but I think a white bow suits your pink jacket, no?"
"Mmgah! Bwaah!"
"Yeah, you agree, don't you?"
After a few minutes, Umiko (with her hair down, but with a bow pinned on her hair) was dressed comfortably and was in Umi's arms, and Umi was about to leave the room until she remembered one thing.
"Ah, the ring."
She stared at the velvet box, which she took from the paperbag, and smiled.
"So, this is it, no?"
"Umiko, wish me luck.."
She took a few deep breaths in again, frowning as she pocketed the velvet box. She glanced at her daughter once more and couldn't help but laugh as she gave her a toothy grin, proudly showing off the very few teeth she had.
Oh, if only Umiko knew how that was enough to ease her father's nerves.
"Thank you, Umiko."
As soon as they left the room and went down the stairs, the attention was on them -- Kotori was in the middle of unwrapping things when she saw her happiness in Umi's arms, and she couldn't help but smile.
"Umiko-chan~! I see your Papa has dressed you up nicely for once!"
"It's an important ocassion, after all," Umi laughed along, rolling her eyes as she placed Umiko in Kotori's arms. Of course, the little bluenette was not only pleased to be with her mother, but she was also pleased because wow, how could paper be so..interesting?
"You're just in time, Kotori is in the middle of opening our present," Eli winked, noticing the square buldge on Umi's pocket before the bluenette tugged her shirt lower to hide it "Hey.."
"I've got a better gift, I believe," Umi whispered with a smile, before taking a seat beside Kotori.
"Seems like we're up for a nice show.. Camera ready?" Nozomi whispered to Honoka, who instantly nodded with a grin and a thumbs-up.
Thankfully, Kotori was too busy in the moment, adoring the presents and laughing at Umiko's little actions.
An hour later..
After Kotori finished unwrapping presents and receiving them (Kotori had received a fairly large sum of money from the matriach of the Sonoda family, as a way of thanking Kotori for giving the family an heir to carry on the name and to wish her good luck with her business) dinner was served outside at the picnic tables of their garden. Of course, Kotori and Umi finished quickly to tend to their daughter, but the bluenette excused themselves upon realizing that Umiko needed a diaper change.
"Hm?" Honoka's phone buzzing with notifications interrupted her conversation with Kotori and began answering, mentally thanking herself for sitting across Kotori instead of beside "Tsubasa-chan seems to be lonely~"
"Oh, take your time!"
Umi-chan/Umiko's Papa
U: Honoka, you know how Umiko can walk a bit?
U: I'll let Umiko walk out to the garden alone, she's wearing the shirt already
U: I need you to make sure she won't trip, and that Kotori would see and eventually pick her up.
U: Or better yet, you come here and I'll go out so I can wait and by the time Kotori turns around, I'll be kneeling in front of her
U: Honoka, please cooperate
U: I want this to be perfect
H: okay!! i'm on it!!
"Kotori-chan, I'll go and use the bathroom for a moment, okay?"
Without waiting for her friend's response, Honoka dashed into the house and up the stairs, smiling upon seeing her godchild wearing the shirt she and Nico designed. Umi had also finally took out another bouquet she requested Honoka to pick up from a flower store.
"H-Honoka, how do I look? Presentable? Eli has her camera, doesn't she? A-And Umiko's hair, I really did my best--"
"Relax, Umi-chan! You two look amazing! Now, if you'll excuse me," Honoka took Umiko from Umi's arms, signaling Umi to go down "Go first, we'll follow in a minute."
"..okay.. okay, everything will be okay--"
"Of course! Remember, faito dayo!"
"Of course," Umi nodded with a grin, exhaling a breath of air "faito dayo."
"That's the spirit!"
Umi made her way down the stairs first, praying to any and all gods out there to please be on her side as she held the bouquet of anemones close. When she stepped out to the garden, Kotori was the first to notice her, and as always,
greeted her with a smile that could ease any storm Umi goes through. A smile that made Umi wonder, what was she so worried and nervous about?
After all, this is Kotori they're talking about. Kotori,
"Umi-chan.."
"Happy birthday, Kotori," Umi chuckled, reaching out to hold Kotori's hand. As soon as the ashen-haired did so, Umi couldn't help but give her a chaste kiss on the forehead, and another one that lingered a little too long on the lips "I love you. So much."
the only person Umi sees herself spending the rest of her life with.
Of course, after realizing what she had done and after hearing her friends and family (oh my god, Yui was on videocall too! She'll never hear the end of this from her..) Umi had blushed deep red, matching the red anemones she got for her partner.
"I love you too, Umi-chan," Kotori giggled, tiptoeing to kiss her cheek before taking the bouquet from Umi "Thank you~"
Honoka didn't really plan on letting Umiko go just yet, but the little bluenette wriggled and wriggled until her godmother had to put her down, and off Umiko went, waddling her way to her parents.
"Oh, my.. GOD!" Yui exclaimed through the call upon reading the text on Umiko's shirt "Kazuma, come over here! Look! The twins are asleep, it's fine..!"
Upon hearing her daughter exclaim 'Mama', Kotori did a turn and smiled at her daughter at first, instinctly bending down to greet her, but after she read the text on the shirt, her eyes widened in shock.
'Will you marry my Papa?'
"Umiko-chan..? W-What.. are you wearing?" Kotori placed the bouquet on the bench first in order to pick up her daughter. She glanced at Honoka - who just gave her a grin before she went and sat beside Nozomi and Eli - then back on the shirt.
Was she seeing things? Or no?
"Umi-chan-" Kotori turned around quickly and found her partner on one knee, a velvet box on hand.
That was the moment where everyone was taking pictures, where Yui was taking screenshots of the videocall and holding in her squeals after their mother threatened to end the call if she doesn't stay quiet, where Kotori felt her heart try to burst out of her chest as she looked into the bluenette's amber eyes.
Most would think that maybe Umi had prepared a speech for this fateful day, or a poem, a song. In reality, she did not. She thought it would be.. more natural if she said what was in her mind in that moment.
Well, Sonoda Umi was kicking herself mentally for not preparing, and as little as the crowd may be.. having all eyes on her made her feel uneasy.
But of course, as cheesy as it may sound, Umi was able to compose herself when she gazed at Kotori, who smiled lovingly.
"Kotori, you know that I love you so much, right? And, really, I can't find myself loving anyone else but you -- and our Umiko, of course. And it would bring me great joy if you would let me have the honor of holding your hand for the rest of our lives," Umi smiled at her partner as she tilted her head, letting out a chuckle upon seeing Kotori actually cry tears of joy "Will you marry me, Minami Kotori?"
Their family and friends' cheers muffled Kotori's yes, and shortly after Umi -- shakily -- slipped the ring on Kotori's finger, the bluenette couldn't hold her joy in as she pulled her now fiancée into a tight embrace and a kiss,
that was of course, interrupted by their darling Umiko.
Umi pulled away first, giving Umiko a chaste kiss on her forehead, before placing her forehead against Kotori's and wiping the tears off of her face.
"I love you, Minami Kotori."
Soon after the dinner ended, the guests left -- and that included Mr. and Mrs. Minami leaving along with Umiko, as they insisted Kotori and Umi should have time alone.
"Kotori?" Umi entered their room shortly after making sure everything downstairs was okay, as well as after sending a message to her in-laws checking how their daughter was.
"Hmm~?" Kotori, who was sitting in front of the vanity, hummed dreamily as she gazed at the ring resting on her finger.
"You.. didn't say yes because of the crowd watching, no? I mean, I'd understand if you felt pressured to--"
"Silly Umi-chan! Of course not," Kotori let out an airy chuckle, making her way to their bed and beckoning Umi to come closer "I said yes cause I can't imagine myself with anyone else but you. Crowd or no crowd, my answer would always be a yes."
"Ah.. what a relief," Umi let out a sigh of relief as she went under the covers along with Kotori. She took the hand of Kotori's, smiling as she saw the ring glimmer on Kotori's finger "It suits you beautifully. Like it was meant to be."
"Don't you think we are meant to be, anyways?" Kotori giggled, leaning on Umi's shoulder "I love you, Umi-chan. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Of course," Umi shifted a bit to caress Kotori's cheek, and slowly, she inched closer to the ashen-haired "I love you more than you could imagine."
Well, what they did that night doesn't need much explanations.. quite obvious, isn't it?
Omake:
"Kotori, dear, we're here to drop off Umiko -- Oh, my.. why are you walking like that?"
side-note
delayed the release a bit as i enjoyed listening to old songs for a good few hours ("You Don't Own Me," by Lesley Gore is a bop)
i do hope y'all enjoy this chapter :') was only supposed to have 6k words, but when it comes to kotoumi..i can't help but want to write more fluff for them
see y'all next chapter! if you read my other works, then i have a lot in store for the month of october uwu
take care!! and wear a mask!!
- zumi
