author's note
umiko's first birthday party will act as a filler, and the next chapter will be one of the last two chapters :D
i hope you guys will enjoy this, i packed a lot of cuteness and fluff into this chap!
Responses for Reviews:
Fallen: thank you for enjoying the story! and err, i don't think i left a review on your story.. there was a time around august where someone was leaving guest reviews using my name in ff,net so i guess that review is one of them ;; i posted a note bout it in buried memories' second chapter. but hey, at least another reader thought your story was great!
MakAndChiz: ur welcome!!! and yeah, i love writing bout umiko too!! and by bang, i mean, they did literally (insert lenny face)
Serylette: ah, yui's reaction?? i honestly love her so much lmao i intended to create her character as the complete opposite of umi -- and thank you!! :D
Hiei's Curry: working on a doodle of umiko wearing that rn :D just gotta get the anatomy right!
Disclaimer: I do not own Love Live.
Chapter thirty-two: Wonderland and Roses
'Don't be late, don't be late! The 22nd of October 2019 is a very important date!
Come by Sonoda Umiko's amazing ONEderland where magic awaits!'
Venue: Conrad Hotel, Tokyo
Time and Date: October 22, 2019 - 2:00 PM-5:30 PM
Attire: Halloween Costume (Nothing indecent, please)
Your presence will be highly appreciated.
The Sonoda-Minami Family
"Your English has improved a lot since highschool, no, Umi-chan?" Kotori hummed, checking the printed invitations that Umi had created for next month's event. Its rhyme was in English, with a small text of Japanese translation underneath, while the rest were in Japanese.
"O-Of course! A lot of things have changed since then.." Umi defended herself, but soon sighed "A-Anyways, what will be our attire on Umiko's birthday? Will you have time to create it?"
"Though I know you were the bunny in Korekara no Someday.. Umiko-chan will be Alice instead of me, so, hm.." Kotori furrowed her eyebrows as she tapped her chin with a finger, then grinned after a few seconds "I can be The White Queen while you play as The White King!"
"Why not the Red Queen?"
"I'm not that evil, right, Umiko-chan?" Kotori turned her head to her daughter, who was happily sucking a bottle of milk "See, she said yes."
"She's drinking milk, how could she talk?" Umi laughed, shaking her head "Okay, the White Queen and King it is, then. Is the invitation okay?"
"Yep! You'll have them printed out soon?"
"Yes, so we can confirm the number of guests. By the way, should I invite Yuuki or.. you prefer not to?"
"It's fine," Kotori hummed, going towards Umiko to coo at her "It's not like she was the one who bore your child, and she isn't the one wearing this ring, either."
"Are you sure? I don't want to, um.. make Umiko's first birthday awkward--"
"Ehh, there's no reason not to invite her, though," Kotori cocked her head as she looked at Umi "She should see how happy your family -- with me -- is!"
"Ah, so that's your reason.." Umi muttered, not so surprised.
"Kidding aside, it's okay. She's been a great friend to you, and respects our relationship -- I believe she has moved on, and even if she hasn't," Kotori just smiled at Umiko, rubbing the baby's stomach gently "I don't think she is the type of person to rob a child's family. She seems very sweet, actually -- better than Cherry and Ai at least."
"Kotori, it's been months.."
"I better tell Nico-chan I intend to book them again on our wedding, they have stunning makeup styles!" Kotori grinned, then whispered shortly after "And so they'd know I'm Mrs. Sonoda, eheh~"
"..whatever you said, I'm not happy with the giggle that came afterwards.."
October 22, 2019 -- 7 AM
The Sonoda-Minami household tends to start their days as early as 5 AM, but on Papa!Umi's day offs or weekends, their days start a bit later than usual -- though it depends on when does Umiko start babbling loudly.
The little bluenette found out that, by standing up on her bed, going near the odd little camera and babbling loudly at it causes her parents -- either Papa or Mama -- come rushing in.
And of course, that's what she did on her first birthday.
"Pa! Ma! Bbah!"
"Hm..?"
"..hngh.."
Kotori's eyes slowly fluttered open, squinting her eyes as she reached out on the side-table to get her phone.
7:04 AM
Umiko-chan's First
Carefully prying away from Umi's embrace, Kotori sat up on the bed, pressing a little button on the tablet that displayed Umiko's room.
"Coming, my birthday girl~" Kotori cooed, letting out a giggle after seeing Umiko's eyes open wide in shock "Still find it adorable after all these months. Ah, right, Umi-chan.."
Turning to check her still-sleeping fiancée, she stifled a giggle after realizing the bluenette's furrowed eyebrows as she unconsciously patted the area beside her, looking for the ashen-haired girl.
"Here you go.." Kotori murmured, placing the yellow pillow in Umi's arms before giving her a peck on the cheek "Sleep in a bit more, I know you must be tired with all the preparations.."
With that done, Kotori stood up with a yawn, stretched for a bit and proceeded to put her hair up as she walked towards Umiko's room.
"Maaaaaa!"
"I'm here, I'm here~ What's with all the fuss at seven in the morning?" Kotori laughed, picking up Umiko from the bed "Good morning, my one year old! Geez, it's already been a year?"
"Hueh?"
"You're growing up so fast.. Well, shall we get the day started? We got quite a busy day ahead of us.." Kotori smiled, kissing the birthday celebrant's forehead "Let's go and get breakfast ready, I think I can let you mix some scrambled eggs for breakfast."
An hour later..
"Kotori.." Umi happily mumbled in her half-awake state, embracing the pillow tighter.
"Wait, this.. isn't Kotori.."
"Kotori?"
Umi shot up on the bed, furrowing her eyebrows before letting out a sigh that was soon followed by a yawn.
"The yellow pillow trick got me again.. Wait, what time is it?!" Umi was quick to snatch her phone off of the side table, turning it on to check the time.
8:07 AM
10/22/19
Calendar Reminder: Umiko's Birthday and Conrad Party
7:15 AM Alarm - Dismissed
"So she turned off my alarm again.." Umi let out a groan, inputting her passcode (2212, Umiko and Kotori's birthdays) "Now, to finally get the day started."
Kitchen
Kotori hummed as she set down the dishes on the table, giving Umiko a pinch on the cheek while the now-toddler patiently waited on her highchair.
Now, Kotori knew Umi wasn't so affectionate compared to others, and she's completely fine with that! Except, every once in a while, Umi would be more affectionate in the morning -- and Kotori was blessed this morning, fortunately.
"Hmm, what next-- Eek!" Kotori squealed in surprise as she felt arms wrap around her waist, soon letting out a sigh of relief upon realizing it was just Umi. The bluenette rested her head on Kotori's shoulder, taking in the latter's scent "Good morning, Umi-chan~"
"You left me alone in bed again.. and you turned off my alarm," Umi pouted, then planted a kiss on Kotori's shoulder "Meanie."
"Don't you think you deserve rest too?"
"But.. I like spending time with you on my rest days--"
"Paaa!"
Umi jumped slightly after hearing the celebrant's scream, making Kotori giggle. Sheepishly scratching her nape, Umi pulled away from Kotori and went towards her daughter, who grinned happily upon setting her eyes on her father.
"And happy birthday to you, my little princess," Umi chuckled, giving Umiko a kiss on her forehead "Did you help Mama prepare breakfast?"
"She did~ She mixed the eggs perfectly! And, well, we tried making fried chicken strips.. Got a bit messy, so we had a quick shower!" Kotori explained, then gave Umi a chaste kiss before taking a seat beside her "Now, eat up! We've got quite a day ahead of us!"
1:45 PM, Conrad Hotel
Roughly fifteen minutes before the party, the hotel staff were busy, scattered in the venue, fixing tables and stages, while Umi went from place to place, dragging along with her a white-and-gold colored cane.
Though Kotori and Umi dressed up as the White Queen and King from Alice in Wonderland, they skipped the ivory wigs and instead wore plain white -- accessories were either silver or gold colored. Umi also had a white top hat on, though she removed it as soon as they reached the place -- the little kids staying at the hotel instinctly bowed at Umi, saying she was a high level person or something..
Now, while Kotori dressed up Umiko and styled her up at the barely filled venue, Umi was busy making sure everything was set perfectly -- the tables, the food, everything.
"Umi-chaaan, how is everything?" Kotori asked, holding Umiko so the toddling celebrant would have a bit of assistance walking.
"The cake and cupcakes are currently in the kitchen, the sweets table is set up, and--" Umi was cut short after realizing Kotori staring at her oddly, and while she reached to pick up the babbling Alice-Umiko, she didn't take her eyes off of Kotori "Why're you staring at me like that?"
"You should wear white and wear red lipstick more often.." Kotori mumbled with a smile "It suits you~"
"Um.. thank you, I suppose..? Anyway, Yui-nee, my mother, Kazuma-nii and the twins will be here soon, your mother and father also said they'd be here around 2:15. Father and Grandma are deeply sorry for being unable to attend Umiko's first birthday, but they have sent gifts. As for Honoka and the rest.." Umi trailed off, then furrowed her eyebrows after seeing a familiar orange-head girl enter the venue. So that's what she meant by the best Halloween costume? "Honoka?! What are you wearing?"
"Ah, Umi-chan! See, I'm soo early! Heh, like it?" Honoka boasted, proudly showing off her bread slice costume "Oh, don't worry, it's easily removable!"
"..well, Umiko.. does, but err, you are wearing something underneath, yes?"
"Whoa, you think I got the nerve to waltz around naked? Okay, I probably do, but yeah I got a t-shirt underneath -- it's green! I'm a matcha-filled bread slice!" Honoka boasted again, taking off the bread costume "So, can I help around?"
"Oh, perfect timing, Honoka-chan! Can you play with Umiko-chan and welcome the guests while Umi-chan and I make sure everything is in perfect order?" Kotori asked with a faint smile "It will be quick!"
"Oh, sure! Then, come here, little Alice~"
An hour later
Over the past hour, the guests arrived either by solo or pair, with Honoka cheerfully greeting them while holding Umiko. Kazuma and Yui's twins dressed up as peanut butter and jelly stole Kotori's attention, while Eli and Nozomi's baker costumes (with Nozomi's having "bun in the oven" written on her swollen stomach) got a few others' attentions. Umi honestly wouldn't be surprised if they won over other couple's costumes.
Yuuki showed up, cosplayed as Kofuku from Noragami, and even Kotori could admit she did an amazing job.
After a few games hosted by Rin and Honoka, it was finally time for Umiko to (try and) blow the candle, as well as the parents' speech and announcement of the winners for the costume.
"Ahem.. Mic test, mic test, one, two. Okay, um.." Umi tapped the mic a few times, eyes widening after realizing such crowd.. staring at her. She held the mic a little far from her mouth, then turned to Kotori, who was cooing to Umiko "Kotori.. can you be.. the one?"
"Hmm? Oh, of course! Stay right here, my darling," Kotori smiled, giving Umiko a toy to play with while she sat in her highchair. She cleared her voice, then took the mic from Umi "Ah, ah. Everyone~ Ah, I'm sorry to be a bother to those eating right now! Before Umiko-chan blows out the candles, we'd like to announce the winners of the costume contest~ Prior to the games held by Umiko's aunties earlier, Umi gathered everyone's votes for the costume contest. As there are pregnant couples and young children, we have decided to have cash as prizes instead of actual items for the winners of each category. Ah, Umi-chan, where's the tally?"
"Here."
Kotori read the slip of paper at first, then giggled.
"Okay, so, before I announce the children's costume winner.. for all the kids present, Umiko-chan sort of helped out and we've prepared candy bags for you all, regardless of who wins, so I hope no one in the crowd cries.." Kotori explained with a shy chuckle "Anyways, the winner for the children's costume winner is.."
There were a few kids in the crowd, each wearing unique costumes -- majority of them were kids of Umi's colleagues, though some were kids of their batchmates in Otonokizaka or their younger relatives. But still, a certain pair of children stood out with their adorable costumes, and the guests seemed to agree.
"Eheh, the cute PB and J twins, Kazumi-chan and Yuuto-kun! It was a close call with Fukio-chan's Elsa costume as well!" Kotori hummed, tiptoeing to check where her niece and nephew was. After seeing them fast asleep in the stroller, she gave a nod to Yui "Ah, they're asleep right now.."
Kazuma approached the stage instead, happily taking the envelope from Umi's hands.
"Please make sure it goes to the kids, Kazuma-nii."
"Of course, of course! I mean, do you know the amount of money we spent on diapers alone this month? Anyways.." Kazuma bent down, facing Umiko eye-to-eye "Happy birthday, Umiko. Sonoda's first little princess."
"Well, she shares that title as princess with Kazumi now," Umi chuckled, shaking her head slightly "Umiko, say thank you to your uncle."
"Buh bah."
"You're saying bye bye? Ouch.. Uncle has been hurt by Umiko's words..!"
"Bueh? Ehhh?"
"Ah, wait-- No, not literally..! I-" Kazuma slumped his shoulders with a frown "Yeah, I should get back to the chair before you cry on your special day--"
"Oji, buh bah!" Umiko grinned, reaching out to grab Kazuma's face with glee.
"Oh? She said uncle, no?" Kotori muttered, taking the mic a few inches away from her face "Good job, darling!"
"I suppose you have a favorite uncle, then. Well, he is your only uncle.." Umi sheepishly chuckled, smiling at her daughter, then at her brother-in-law "I'll go and check the twins later once they wake up so you could have a break and get some food."
"Ehh? No need, you should spend time with the birthday girl," Kazuma, now grinning, reassured his sister-in-law, then beamed at his niece "Thank you, Umiko~ I'll be sure to use this money to buy lots of diapers for your cousins!"
"Baaah!"
"Okay, the winners' dad got the prize since they're napping.. Ah, now for the solo award! It's a close call between Yuuki-san's Kofuku cosplay from Noragami and another costume, but the winner is.." Kotori stifled her laughter, obviously struggling to keep a straight face on "..Honoka-chan's bread slice costume.."
"W-Wait, wha-- You're tellin' me Honoka won over that? A slice of bread won over that?!" Nico complained, pointing at Yuuki, who joined their table of eight.
"A-Ah, it's okay, Nico-san! Besides.." Yuuki waved her hands at first, then slumped her shoulders and murmured "I do feel like I am a bit overdressed for a children's party.."
"I understand how you feel," Maki, in a panther costume, rolled her eyes as she took a sip from the glass.
"Honoka-chan! Congratulations, nya!" Rin exclaimed as she clapped more eagerly than the other guests "That's my friend!"
"Woo-hoo! Rin-chan, ramen's on me tonight!" Honoka exclaimed, making her way towards the stage. She happily accepted the envelope from Umi, who gave her a glare, then a smile "Thank you~ And birthday girl!"
Honoka crouched down, meeting Umiko's curious eyes. Upon laying her eyes on one of her favorite aunties, Umiko laughed, babbling along.
"Happy first birthday, my adoooorable goddaughter! Let's hope your parents don't die, I don't really know how to raise a seagull, but I can give you lots of food!"
"Honoka--!"
"Well, it is one of the duties as a godmother to take care of their godchild when the parents pass, no..?" Kotori let out an awkward chuckle, then resumed to reading what was on the envelope as Honoka walked back to the chairs with a grin "Now, to the third and final category! The couple or group costume award goes to.. Nozomi-chan and Eli-chan's 'bun in the oven' costume! Congratulations~"
"Aha! Money to buy vodk--"
"Sleepy's things," Nozomi corrected her wife, giving her a sinister grin "Well, shall we?"
"Non-tan, come on, I was just kidding.."
"Nozomi and Eli won? Over Maki and I? Eli," Nico, wearing a minimalist but rather obvious bunny costume, commented in disbelief, glaring at Eli "I can't believe you two won over NicoMaki's prey and predator costume."
"I can't believe you two even got into the venue despite the invitations stating not to wear anything indecent," Eli snickered, then made her way to the stage along with Nozomi.
"What-- hey, it isn't indecent! The meaning may be, but it doesn't look indecent!"
"Thank you, Kotori-chan~ This will be of good use with the baby coming soon!"
"Wait~ I want a photo with Umiko and Nozomi, I'm almost 100% sure Sleepy and her will become best of friends," Eli chuckled, walking towards the birthday celebrant who was busy with a plush "U-mi-ko~"
"Well, once everyone has eaten, the photobooth stalls will be opened. The original plan is to have Umiko take photos with the winners, after all," Umi responded, then picked up Umiko as she fussed a little bit "What's the matter, darling?"
"Baaah," Umiko pouted, looking at the two tiered cake in the middle.
"Ah, the cake.. Almost, okay?"
"You could tell she's spending quite a lot of time with Honoka," Eli laughed, reaching out to hold Umiko's hand "She's already into food."
"Don't get me started on what happens when she sees a plate of manjuus.."
"And~ That's it! Eheh, thank you all for wearing unique costumes to Umiko-chan's first birthday! Now, if it's okay," Kotori smiled, giving a small wave as Nozomi and Eli returned to their seats "May I ask for everyone's attention as we, um, well.. give out a little message to our darling Umiko before she blows out her candles?"
The murmurs of the crowd soon shushed, and the attention shifted to the family in front. Umi made her way beside Kotori, taking a microphone from the table, taking a deep breath in before putting it near her mouth.
"Um.. I'd like to start it off by thanking everyone who came to Umiko's birthday party despite the busy schedules, and the staff who helped out with all the decorating and food preparation. But, err, all that aside.. I did prepare a letter, but it's a personal one that is kept in a baby album along with Kotori's letter to Umiko, the same way we did write and keep letters when she was born. She is to read them when she's able to, of course, and the letters will definitely pile up by then, but I don't know why I didn't prepare a letter for this specific speech," Umi let out a sigh, then a chuckle as Umiko tried to take her mic "Umiko came to Kotori and I as a.. surprise, really. Kotori's pregnancy was unexpected, and it rushed us to become mature adults in order to welcome Umiko in a loving family -- and looking back, I'm so grateful that she was born. She lit our lives up instantly, changed it for the better and completed us. With her and my fiancée, my Kotori by my side, it feels like any obstacle that comes my way can easily be taken down, and every night I find myself looking forward to the next day because I'm fortunate enough to spend it with them. I'm so thankful, especially towards Kotori, because without her... I wouldn't have the family I have now, nor will I have the happiness I have now."
Umi looked to Umiko, then smiled, signaling Kotori to take her into her arms. Now snuggled in her mother's arms, Umiko babbled a bit, gathering her papa's attention again.
"And.. to my Umiko, my dearest bubbly love, my little princess," Umi turned to face Umiko, bending down a bit to face her eye-to-eye. She caressed the celebrant's face, and with a smile, continued "Watching you become a little person with personality and a mind of her own, seeing you grow from that little baby snuggled in a hospital crib to the toddler standing up and greeting me good morning is truly fascinating in every way. There's an amazing world out there, and I'm more than willing to hold your hand and protect you as you explore the world for as long as you wish me to do so. I hope you know my love for you will never cease to exist, and every day I see those amber eyes of yours, it only grows more. Happy birthday, Umiko, and.. well, thank you, Kotori, for giving me one of the greatest gifts a year ago. I love you both more than words can describe it."
The first clap came from Yui, who was teary-eyed as she watched her sister set the mic down and give Umiko and Kotori a kiss on the forehead. The rest of the guests soon followed, with Honoka chuckling as Umiko whined, wanting to be with Umi again.
"Ah.. Umiko-chan is really a Papa's girl.." Kotori giggled, bringing the mic close to her mouth "I think.. almost everything Umi-chan said is what I wish to say, but I still want to give my mignonette a little speech, something she can look back to and watch when she's a bit bigger. Like what Umi-chan said, Umiko-chan was a complete surprise. We were both fresh graduates, just starting our lives as adults and barely knew how to tend ourselves when my pregnancy began. I'm fortunate enough to have Umi-chan by my side each step of the way as we learned how to become parents, how to create a loving home for our daughter, and how to become better people for the sake of the baby on its way. When Umiko-chan was born, it was quite the struggle -- it was a first experience for the both of us.. no, actually, for all three of us. But, of course, we simply learned alongside Umiko-chan, and though it wasn't so simple and easy -- I'm willing to go back and do it again in another lifetime if it means I will have my Umiko-chan again, if it means I'll have the same family I have right now again."
Kotori's speech was cut short by the birthday celebrant's continuous babbles, causing the parents to burst into giggles and Kotori giving Umiko a little kiss on the cheek before continuing.
"Umiko-chan, did you know that before you were born, I didn't actually believe in love at first sight? As amazing as it sounds, I couldn't believe anyone could fall in love with someone they barely knew.. until I met you, of course. I've loved you from the day I knew about you, and the time you were placed on my chest and you opened those amber eyes to look into mine made me realize it really was a thing, that you could love someone even more just by looking at them for the first time," Kotori cooed to her daughter, smiling when Umiko held her finger with a toothy grin "Whenever I see your newborn photos, I can't help but feel immense joy as I realized how big you've become.. but at the same time, is it alright if I ask you to please slow down with growing? It feels like you were just born, and when I blinked, you suddenly became one.. Umiko-chan, when you grow up, become who you want to be and know that your Papa and I will always support you. Thank you for choosing me as your mom, and in the next life, please.. choose me again, okay? I love you so much, my little dreamer, my little ocean. Happiest birthday~ Now, let's blow the candle! Ah, wait.. I'll light it up."
As soon as the candles were lit and the happy birthday instrumental played while the guests sang with her parents, Umiko looked confused in every way. She then looked at the bright flame in front of her, then at her mama, who was trying to teach her how to blow.
"Kotori, why don't we blow it on three? She doesn't seem to know yet, and she's so confused.." Umi chuckled, looking at her daughter's expression.
"Mou, okay.. Umiko-chan, one, two--!"
Blow~
"Happy birthday, Umiko!"
"Happy birthday, Umiko-chan!"
As soon as the candles were blown, Umiko clapped, and giggled as the crowd mimicked her. Of course, the birthday celebrant had little to no clue as to what was going on, but she had all's attention - it was scary at first, but hey, it's quite funny when everyone does the same thing with you.
10:00 PM
That night, it was Umi's turn to read a book to Umiko and set her to bed. She sat on the chair she brought near Umiko's crib, opening The Little Prince to the last page Kotori read to little Umiko.
(Kotori actually read the French one to Umiko, but Umi had a long day today, she didn't need to spend more time trying to pronounce this and that, so she chose the Japanese translation one.)
Umi has read this book countless of times to Umiko, along with The Little Mermaid and Alice in Wonderland. She could recite the first chapter of The Little Prince if required, even. But still, she grew to love these nights -- nights where she'd read paragraphs for the nth time as Umiko would look up to her, listening carefully as her papa's voice lulled her to sleep. Nights where Umi would plant a goodnight kiss onto her forehead as she held her small hand.
After all, it's not like these nights last forever.
""It's the time you spent on your rose that makes your rose so important." "It's the time I spent on my rose...," the little prince repeated, in order to remember.
"People have forgotten this truth," the fox said. "But you musn't forget it. You become responsible forever for what you've tamed. You're responsible for your rose..." "I'm responsible for my rose...," the little prince repeated, in order to remember." "
Umi peeled her eyes off of the book she was reading, and peeked at Umiko snuggled in the crib. The little celebrant, her toddler, was fast asleep, clutching a blanket close. She chuckled, then bent down to plant a kiss atop of her head.
"Sleep well, my little rose," Umi murmured, careful not to awaken her daughter. She placed a bookmark to mark the next line in the book, then placed it back onto the shelf. After checking for the nth time if the baby camera worked well, if the humidifier worked well and if the aircon wasn't too cold, she felt it was safe enough to let Umiko rest in her own haven.
Thinking Kotori was asleep, Umi was careful and quiet when she entered the room and went under the bed's covers. It did startle her when Kotori's hands sneaked around her waist, though.
"Kotori? You're awake?"
"Well, I heard you come in.." Kotori murmured, snuggling into Umi's chest "Is Umiko-chan asleep?"
"Yes, she chose Little Prince and fell asleep shortly after I started reading it."
"I still can't believe she's already a year old," Kotori sighed, then chuckled "Umi-chan, I'm not sure if you know this by now, but you're really a great parent to our child.. I'm sure you had your fair share of struggles the past year, and I know you let go of multiple job opportunities just so you have more time for Umiko-chan and I."
"--! How did you know that..? T-To be fair, I'm satisfied with my job for now.." Umi said, combing her fingers through Kotori's hair "But, thank you. You did so much the past year too -- if anything, you sacrificed the most for our family. Thank you for that, Kotori."
Kotori hummed as a response, then looked up to Umi with a smile.
"I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, Umi-chan."
"And so do I."
Shortly after, Kotori fell asleep again, while Umi was on the verge of falling asleep. The bluenette looked at the ceiling with drowsy eyes as she recalled the part of Little Prince she read aloud minutes ago.
"I suppose love and family is similar to roses, and a personal love and family is similar to the Prince's rose. There's a lot of them out there, but like what the fox said," Umi's gaze went to Kotori, and she smiled as she closed her eyes, submitting to sleep "it's the time spent on a rose that makes it important. There is hundreds of thousands of families and different types of love out there, but this one I have is unique in almost all ways -- since I can call it mine."
Earlier that day, 2 AM
Kotori was quite the light sleeper compared to Umi. Sensing Umi leave and return to their bed would easily wake her up, similar to how alerts from Umiko's room would wake her up. And she guessed that this is one of the nights where Umi would disappear for a while to check on Umiko, since she couldn't feel her fiancée's presence beside her at all.
"Umi-chan.." Kotori murmured, patting the space beside her with a frown. After she confirmed that Umi was indeed not there, she sat up in bed, rubbing sleep out of her eyes with one hand and turning on the lampshade with the other "Where could she be?"
Kotori reached out to grab the tablet connected to Umiko's room, and upon turning it on, she only saw Umiko fast asleep in her crib -- there was no sign of Umi in her room.
"I should discuss installing CCTVs everywhere in the house with Umi-chan.." Kotori sighed, placing the tablet back to its stand. She stretched for a bit, then stood up, heading out the door and down the stairs to look for her fiancée.
"Ah, there she is! Eh, what's she doing?"
Eventually, Kotori found her at the dining room, writing on a piece of paper with an envelope nearby.
"Umi-chan?"
"Kotori?" Umi turned her head with a gasp, then sighed "Why are you up?"
"..you know I don't like sleeping without you," Kotori pouted, making her way to hug Umi from behind "What're you writing?"
"A letter to Umiko, so she could read it when she grows up. I plan to write one for each of her birthdays," Umi explained, signing off her letter to Umiko. She took the envelope, then paused to look at Kotori "Would you like to write one too?"
With an eager grin, Kotori nodded.
A few minutes later..
"And.. done," Kotori hummed, enclosing her letter to her daughter in a pink envelope "Oh, we should just put it in her baby album, no?"
"It seems fine to me, but there's no photo to put in front of it yet to mark her first year," Umi said as she stood up, taking a baby album from the shelves. She flipped to the most recent page, opening the sleeve to insert the letters.
"Well, we'll have one by the end of the week after the party later, no?"
"That is true.."
After placing the envelopes into the slip, Umi let out a subtle yawn, which caused Kotori to yawn as well.
"Well, we've got quite the day ahead of us.. shall we get back to bed?"
"And this time, don't leave me for such a long period of time.."
"It was only for less than an hour, Kotori."
"..still!"
Soon, the couole went back to bed -- of course, after checking Umiko for the third or fourth time that night. The letters they wrote remained enclosed in the baby album, waiting for the day the birthday celebrant would read it in the far future.
Sonoda Umiko,
As I write this merely hours after the clock struck twelve midnight, four after I put you to bed.. I suddenly forget the words that are enough to convey how I feel. Where do I start? How do I start?
You are a year old -- twelve months of loving you and having you in my arms has already passed, twelve months of bliss has already passed. The past twelve months, you have brought me immense joy -- days where we go on small picnic dates, days of your important milestones, and even on days where we don't do much but read stories, I treasure them wholeheartedly. I've learnt so much from you, and I know that I'll continue learning from you as more days pass. Thank you for introducing me to a new type of joy and love I never knew.
On your special day, let me promise you a few things that I will keep til the end of eternity;
I will love you wholeheartedly and unconditionally. I will guide you by example, not just by words. I will protect you and stand by your side for as long as you want me to. I will love and respect your mother always.
And most importantly, I will do my best to become a parent you deserve to have.
You came to our lives as a surprise, and though I first doubted my abilities as your parent, when I laid my eyes on you for the first time I knew I would do whatever it takes to become a great one to you. And though I know along the way I'll make mistakes here and there, I want to apologize in advance. Although I want only what's best for you, forgive me if I hurt your feelings. Know that I never intended to.
The world we live in is cruel and harsh, but you and your mother proved me that there is beauty in almost everything, even in the most flawed objects. As we explore the world a bit more, let me hold your hand a bit tighter before you decide to explore on your own.
My Umiko, my little princess, my pride and joy, happy birthday. I look forward to more adventures with you. May you never run out of giggles and smiles, Umiko.
Love, Papa
0000000000000000
Umiko-chan,
You're already one? How come time seemed to fly so slowly when I yearned for you to be in my arms, and now it's flying by too fast?
The past twelve months flew by rather quick, quicker than how I expected it to. There were lots of story times, a few fussy times and hundreds of thousands -- if not, millions -- of fun moments with you from the past year alone, so I wonder what the rest of the years have for us? But ah, I don't want to get too ahead of myself, I still want you to stay as the little Umiko-chan toddling with a pacifier in her mouth for as long as possible.
I still remember the day you came to the world, crying loudly to let everyone in the room know you are here safe and sound, how pinkish you still looked when you were placed in my arms for the first time, how those amber eyes of yours fluttered open to look at mine for the first time. Umiko-chan, thanks to you, I was able to experience a lot of 'firsts,' and a love I never knew existed before.
When I found out I was pregnant with you, I felt mixed emotions. I worried that I wasn't going to be a mother you deserved, that I was going to be a disappointment to you, to everyone, because everything was new to me and I didn't know where to start. No baby books and parenting tips helped ease my anxiety of not being enough for you, but everything changed when you were born. I realized that, as long as I do my best, I can become a mother you deserve. I learned -- and will continue to learn along with you and your papa, one baby step at a time.
I still want to thank you for being a patient and kind baby since birth. You barely gave us a hard time since the day you were born, I could even sew and cook with you nearby. Not to forget, despite you being born earlier than my original due date, you achieved your milestones -- ahead of the expected time, even! But please don't pressure yourself too much and do things in your own pace, okay?
To be honest.. I've always wanted to become a mother. Somewhere after I established my business, when I finally settle down, I told myself I would have a family. But, I suppose that family came rather early, as I had you before I could even settle down. Still, I'm thankful I had you early because it means I will be able to witness more of your life and milestones even in the later days. I'm thankful I had you because you gave me the best inspiration I could ever have. Because you're here, I'm more determined to work hard and achieve my dreams, and I'm more than happy to achieve it with you and your papa.
I will do my best to become the mother you deserve, Umiko-chan. And while I know that someday, I'll have to let go of your hand and witness your wings fly high, let me hold you a bit closer as we flip the pages of your favorite books for the nth time. Let's play more nursery rhymes, noisy baby toys, and let's have more picnic dates when the sun chooses to play with us.
Umiko-chan, you may be a sudden surprise to us, but know you are loved and cared for. You are indeed the best thing that has happened in my life, and I promise, until you will let me, I'll stay right by your side. I'll be here, always, whenever you need me.
I love you so much, my happy pill, my darling, my sewing partner.
May you never get tired of finding joy in everything, my little love.
With lots of love, Mama
sidenote
i wasnt able to continue uploading xmas oneshots on time, and christmas season is already over.. so for the remaining christmas oneshots, i think ill switch the theme to valentines. ill hold a poll on ig again lol
still, im going to continue uploading both oneshots and story chapters :3 we're close to the final chapter of baby, maybe and i will possibly write business deal after the final chapter of bb maybe is uploaded, as i have to upload another chapter of baby maybe before february (bachelor-bachelorette of kotoumi)
i hope this chapter brought a smile to yall's faces uwu umiko interacting with the family and other characters is v fun to write
i cant wait to write about business deal as well, since now that the plot is established, its time to get into da goodz
stay safe!! ill see yall arounddd
- zumi
