May 10th, 2025

"Amamiya. Clear off the bed."

"Got it!"

Ren rushed over to the corner of their apartment living room and took off all of the blankets lying on the bed.

"Yoshizawa, lie down."

"Right…"

Sumire took deep breaths, followed Takemi's orders, and lied down, resting her head against the pillows.

"Hold on. Are we doing this here, Takemi?" Ren shot a glance at her, stress reverberating through his voice.

"I don't think we have a choice. I've got a good grasp of the process, so don't worry too much. Just stay calm and keep Yoshizawa calm."

"Oh man... "

Ren gripped his fist and closed his eyes, speaking to himself.

"Come on, Ren! You've fought crazy monsters, two Gods, and a bunch of other stuff and won every time! All you have to do now is help… birth… your… child. Oh god. Stay calm. If you don't stay calm how is Sumire going to stay calm? She's working way harder than you right now!"

"Ren… Come here…" Sumire continued to breath slowly and steadily.

Clapping his cheeks with both hands, Ren ran over to Sumire and took her hand. Morgana perched himself on Ren's shoulder.

"I'm right here. I'll be with you the entire time, okay?"

"I'm here too, Sumire!"

"Mhm… Thank you…" Sumire flinched and grit her teeth, gripping the bed sheet.

'Stay just like that, Amamiya!" Takemi clapped her hands together. "That's the best thing you can do right now. This will be some of the worst pain she ever feels, so… do what you always do. I'll be back in a second."

Ren watched Takemi enter the kitchen and looked back at Sumire, his eyes widening.

"Do what I always do… Sumire. You're doing great, you hear me? You've gotten pretty good at coping with contractions, right?"

"I think so… It's… A lot like… A gymnastics routine."

"Exactly. Just treat it like any other routine. You've mastered this!"

"You got the gold medal at the Olympics, Sumire!" Morgana cheered. "Now you're going to get something even better!"

"Even… Better... It hurts... " Sumire winced in pain as another contraction began.

"Count with me, Sumire!" Ren began to stroke her hair with his other hand. "One… Two…"

"One… Two…."

"Keep counting with her Morgana! You're doing great!"

"Right!" Morgana nodded. "15 seconds have passed! Sixteen… Seventeen…"

While Morgana counted, Ren synced his breathing with hers, continuing to stroke her hair and caress her hand and knuckles with his thumb. Takemi came back with a glass of water and helped Sumire drink it.

"I ran outside and there's way too much traffic for us to make it to a hospital in time. I've trained for this in the past, and actually helped a few women in Yongen-Jaya, so I've been prepared for this day, and I hope you're ready, Amamiya."

Swallowing his anxiety, Ren looked over at his Joker mask and slowly grinned.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." He looked back at his soon-to-be wife. "Sumire. Are you ready?"

"I… My whole body… It hurts!" Tears rolled down her eyes as she wailed in pain. "C-Can I really do this? I feel… so tired!"

"Look at me, Sumire." Ren remained calm and leaned in so her face was next to hers. "Pay attention to my voice, okay?"

"O-Okay…"

"Open your eyes and look at me."

Sumire slowly opened an eye, still wincing as she went through another contraction.

"Good. Breathe with me. Together. Just like always, right?"

"W-With you…"

Sumire and Ren continued to match their breathing, and the contraction eventually ended.

"There! It's over, just like that. We nailed it, right?" He reassuringly kissed her on the cheek.

"W-We nailed it senpai…" She barely managed a giggle.

This process continued for over two hours, with Takemi carefully helping Sumire undress and put on a gown to be more comfortable before setting up everything so they could properly deliver the baby.

Ren nodded to Takemi as she continued, and turned back to Sumire as she began another contraction. "Let's breath again, okay?"

"I feel so… tired… It… It hurts…" Sumire's eyes were washed over with despair. "Ren…"

"I'm right here. Morgana is, too. Just keep your eyes on me. I'll keep watching you, just like I always have.."

"Ren…" She winced.

"I'm here, and I'm still watching you."

"So am I! Morgana announced. "C'mon, Violet! Think of all our Metaverse training! Remember how exhausted you felt after a long trek through a palace? This is totally easier than that, right?"

"Y-Yeah…" Sumire weakly nodded. "I think… so…"

"Don't move too much. I know this must hurt like hell, Sumire." Ren lightly pressed his hand against her forehead. "You've endured so many years of brutal training for the gold, right? Do you remember all the nights you stayed late with Hanako, or Sakiya, or Coach Hiraguchi? That all must have hurt a lot, right? Your joints probably ached, your muscles were sore, but it all paid off, right!? The gold is right here."

Morgana ran over to the bookshelf, climbing the cat tower and using his advanced dexterity to get the metal from the display before bringing it to Ren, who held it up.

"Just like this gold medal, which you worked super hard to get, if you just push a little more, we'll have our baby! You'll finally be able to hold her in your arms, and poke her little cheeks!"

Ren found tears streaming down his own eyes as Sumire continued to cry, but gave him a nod.

"I… I want to see our baby. Yuki."

"You will, Sumire." He sniffled. "You will."

Another slow, grueling hour passed before Takemi parked her head up.

"I can see her head!"

"Do you hear that, Sumire? She's almost here! Dr. Takemi can see her head!" Ren gently shook Sumire's hand up and down.

"R-Really…? Please… Hurry up…"

"Just a little longer!"

After several more minutes, both Ren and Sumire heard a voice. It was a new voice. Not only was it a new voice, it was a series of wails, screams, and cries. Ren turned his head over to Takemi, who held their newborn baby in her hands.

A surge of raw emotion shot through Ren as he felt his entire chest tighten up, and tears stream uncontrollably down his cheeks. He stood up and walked over to Takemi, who remained completely calm.

"She needs skin-to skin contact. Have Yoshizawa lift the gown and place her on her chest. We need to clean up the amniotic fluid, wipe off the vermix, and get her breathing. Then, I'll get her apgar score and cut the umbilical cord."

"R-Right…" Ren felt his hands shake as he slowly took Yuki from Takemi's arms. She was small, squishy, and loud. She had a full head of hair, which was jet black, with the exception of a small streak of white at the front. He slowly walked over to Sumire, who was taking deep breaths. "Sumire… lift your gown. I have something for you."

"Mmmm…" Sumire slowly lifted her gown, and Ren placed Yuki on Sumire's chest belly down, and she slowly lifted her hands to grip her. She looked at Yuki, who had stopped crying and was gently breathing against her chest. Tears started to flow from both Ren and Sumire's eyes as he placed his hand on hers.

"Yuki…" Sumire smiled. "Yuki Amamiya."

"Yeah." Ren sniffled and nodded. "Yuki."

"We did it!" Morgana sniffled and rubbed a paw against his eyes. "This is the ultimate treasure!"

"It sure is, Morgana." Ren laughed.

The family stayed like this for a long time hand-in-hand with their newborn child. Takemi finished cleaning Yuki up after a while, cutting the umbilical cord and dressing her in a diaper. She assessed Yuki's apgar score and gave her a shot of Vitamin K.

"There's still a few more things to do, but those things can only be done at a hospital." She gently handed Yuki back to Sumire, who placed her back on her chest. "Sorry about your bedsheets, but that was the trade-off. "Great job, everyone."

Ren stood up, stepped in front of Takemi, and deeply bowed.

"Thank you so much, Takemi. "I don't know if I can ever pay you back for this."

"You already have." Takemi smirked. "This is the second time you've helped me with a little girl."

"Ha…" He leaned up. "What else do we have to do?"

"I strongly recommend you go to a hospital and get some more shots. Modern medicine has come a long way, and there are plenty of things you can give a newborn to help them. Other than that, relax and spend time with your little girl. I don't recommend inviting anyone over until both you and Yoshizawa are more accustomed to having her around, alright?"

"Right. Thank you."

"I'll stick around for another hour or so." Takemi pulled out her phone. "Now would be a good time to take pictures, tell everyone the delivery was a success, and so on."

"Gotcha. Thanks again."

"You're a lucky guy, Amamiya."

"I know."


Ren, Sumire, Morgana and Yuki spent the next several hours together, with Takemi showing Ren how to wrap Yuki a blanket and hold her properly. Sumire breastfed her for the first time, which turned into a rather long session, and then relaxed for a few more hours. She objected to taking any pictures yet, wanting to go to the hospital first and completely settle everything. Ren abided her wish, and they went the next day. Thanks to the policies passed by the government in recent years, things like parental leave for men have expanded dramatically. He had already planned out his leave, which would last until after the wedding.

The hospital staff congratulated them on the successful delivery, and when Ren brought up Takemi's name, they all had an "ah" moment and appeared to understand why it worked out so well. He smiled, knowing she had come a long way from being called "The Plague." Yuki was given a number of shots, and the family was sent on their way after another day in the hospital. Both Sumire and Yuki were declared as healthy and well-off, much to Ren's relief. A week after they returned home, Ren invited Yusuke over, and a week after that, he started with a group chat between his friends, only after Sumire felt completely like herself again.

Ren: Hey, everybody. I would have informed you all earlier, but we needed some time to recover, but… I'll let this picture explain for me.

Ren Amamiya (Dad) has sent a photo:

A digitized painting, this photo of harkened back to the Sayuri, with Sumire wearing a pink sweater, her hair tied into a side ponytail with her red ribbon at the end, holding Yuki in her arms, who was wrapped in a small, pink, flower-decorated blanket, and had a small flower pin in her hair.

Futaba: MAMA SUMI IS HERE! CONGRATULATIONS! SHE'S SO TINY!

Hanako: Awwwwwwwww! Congratulations, Ren-kun, Sumire-chan!

Yusuke: It was my pleasure to paint the "Sumire." Ren and I digitized it shortly after its completion, so it can exist in the physical and digital world. The insurmountable love between a mother and her child… That is what I wished to capture in this painting.

Sakiya: Congrats, Sumire! You really have taken the world, huh?

Ryuji:From Phantom Thieves to Phantom Parents! Parent Thieves? Wait, that sounds bad. Phantom Parents!

Makoto: How cute. You both have my congratulations. I'd love to visit. I could use a break from work.

Haru: Absolutely adorable! Congratulations, Sumi-chan, Ren-kun! Amazing work, Yusuke-kun! I can really see the motherly love in this painting! Who put the flower in her hair?

Ann: ADORABLE! I want to pinch her little cheeks! Can I?

Shiho: Congratulations. She's a cute little thing.

Sumire: Thank you, everyone. I apologize for not informing you all sooner. We wanted to have some personal time with Yuki. Your patience means everything to Ren and I. I put the flower in her hair, Haru. It's cute!

Makoto: Don't worry about it, Sumire. We all understand.

Sumire: As for your comments, thank you again, Yusuke. Ann, you can pinch her cheeks when you visit. Gently. Thank you Futaba, Hanako, Sakiya, Shiho, Ryuji. Makoto, I'd gladly let you visit soon!

Makoto: Thank you.

Ryuji: So how's parenthood treating ya, Ren, Sumire?

Ren: It's tiring. Super tiring. I don't think I've slept in three days, but… I don't regret a thing. I've never been happier in my life.

Sumire: I feel the same way. It's tiring, and Yuki is very needy, but I love her so much! I want to have a baby shower, but I think it would be better if we invited you all separately. I don't want to be too loud. I'll start inviting you all over soon!

Ryuji: Good to know… We'll see ya soon.

Futaba: Mama SumI! Mama Sumi!


May 19th, 2025

"Diapers, check. Bib, check. Mama, check!" Morgana snickered as he circled around Sumire on the bed as she sat in the apartment. "All we need is Ren to finish preparing our food!"

"Thank you for keeping a checklist, Morgana…" Sumire slowly nodded her head. "Thank you for everything… Our sleep schedules are really sporadic right now, and you've been willing to sleep while we're awake, and stay awake while we sleep for a few hours to watch Yuki… Sometimes, I get too scared to fall asleep…"

"You won't need to worry about that, Sumire. You just said it yourself." Morgana pushed his head against her arm. "If anything happens when you're asleep, I'll wake you right up. If Yuki needs to be comforted, I'll be there for her. That's my job as her uncle, the guardian!"

"You've always been so reliable, Morgana." Sumire giggled and pet him. "I feel like Yuki is already comforted by your voice and presence. She can't smile yet, but I know she's happy."

"Hehe. That's good."

"It's dinner time!" Ren pushed open the door with his behind, holding a tray with several plates of curry. "How's our little guardian doing?"

"Great!" Morgana laughed.

"From master thief to an uncle…" Ren set down the plates. "It's not so bad, right?"

"When you put it that way… Eh, I like doing this more. Watching Yuki grow is more satisfying than any heist."

"I can't really explain it, but I feel the same way. Taking care of a baby is a huge gamble. You always need to be on your toes… Looking out for danger. It's scary, but fun."

"Exactly!"

"Buckle up, you two." Sumire gently stroked Yuki's hair. "We're going to be doing this for a very long time going forward."

"You got it, Sumire!"

"We'll start inviting guests tomorrow." Ren sat down, joined by Sumire and Morgana, who moved from the bed to the table. "Sounds good?"

"Yes!"

"Sure thing."


May 20th, 2025

Sumire invited over her parents first, with Ren's parents showing up shortly after.

"Hello!" Akane nearly barged past Ren as he opened the door to the apartment kitchen. "Where is my grandchild?"

"Hello, Ren-kun." Shinichi stood behind her and next to Uzumi.

"Great job, kid!" Uzumi stepped up next to Akane, squeezing in the door. "My time is almost up, you know! I should be allowed to see my great-grandchild first!"

"Hahah… You both surely must know Sumire's still tired. Also, she's breastfeeding right now."

"Of course, of course!" Akane waved her hand. "But that's precisely why we're here! Uzumi-chan and I can show her exactly what to do!"

"Trust me, she's got the gist of it."

"How are you doing, Ren-kun? You look tired." Shinichi rested a hand on his shoulder, noticing the bags under his eyes.

"I'm doing alright. You know me." Ren weakly laughed. "I mean, I'm tired. That's a given, though. Other than the mental exhaustion, I'm doing pretty well. Yuki cries a lot, especially when she isn't in Sumire's arms. Of course, I hold her every once in a while, but separating those two is like trying to separate two things that are superglued and taped together."

"How well does breastfeeding go?" Akane giddily asked. "I know I had a rough go at it. Sumire was an incredibly hungry baby, and I also had Kasumi!"

"Ha…" Ren sighed. "I think Yuki has Sumire's appetite."

"Oh dear." Uzumi laughed.

Ren led the three further inside and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

He slowly opened the door, and sitting on their bed in the corner of the room was Sumire, who held Yuki in her arms. They all entered the room, and Shinichi practically had to hold Uzumi and Akane back as they approached Sumire.

"Hi mom, dad, grandma!" Sumire smiled. "Meet Yuki!"

Yuki quickly looked around, her beady, violet eyes filled with curiosity before immediately looking back up at Sumire, who kept direct eye contact with her.

"Hi, Yuki!" Akane giggled and bent down. "I'm Akane, your grandma!"

Yuki quizzingly looked at her before patting her fists against Sumire's chest.

"Ah… It feels just like yesterday since I was cuddling you against my chest, Sumire."

"It feels like a lifetime since I cuddled with Shinichi." Uzumi giggled. "Violet eyes and a white streak of hair… How unique."

"We don't really know why she has that white streak. Hospital staff said she might just not be producing pigment with those follicles. It's not really harmful, and it looks cute." Ren explained.

"I see." Uzumi nodded. "She's beautiful."

"She is…" Sumire lovingly stared at her. "I feel so… happy."

"If you ever need to take some time out or have any questions, we'll always be on call." Shinichi rested a hand on her shoulder. "We all understand how exciting this is, but don't think you need to do everything yourself, okay? You're still our little girl, Sumire."

"Mmmm… Thanks dad."

"It's okay for you to spoil her right now!" Akane giggled. "These first few months will mostly be you giving Yuki a lot of attention and helping her get a grasp of the world around her. She's going to want to be with one of you basically all the time, because she needs your help with everything. By being with her, you'll build trust, and eventually, that will make her feel more secure and confident!"

"That's good advice!." Uzumi rubbed her chin. "Do you have a good routine going?"

"We're getting there." Ren sat next to Sumire and held his hand up to Yuki. "Feed, play, sleep, right?"

"Mhm. If you can create a consistent, yet flexible schedule, you'll be able to respond to Yuki's needs at any time."

"Thank you, grandma. I wish I could explain how I feel, but something tells me that you and mom already know." Sumire adjusted Yuki so she was holding her with one arm, pressed against her chest, and took Ren's hand, interlocking her fingers with his. "This warm feeling in my chest, against it, and in my hand… I wouldn't trade it for the world."

"This is our world, Sumire." Ren pressed his head against hers and gently pressed his hand against Yuki.

"I've seen enough to be satisfied for a lifetime." Akane sniffled. "We'll let you two rest. Thank you for letting us visit."

"Thank you for the advice mom, dad, grandma. Every day is tough, but also a reward in itself." Sumire released Ren's hand, picked Yuki up using both arms, and kissed her on the cheek. "Isn't that right Yuki?" She ogled her and smiled.

"We'll be around if you need anything." Shinichi laughed. "Have fun."

"We best get out of here before I wake her all for myself!" Uzumi reached her hands out. "I can't resist a cute little thing like her for much longer!"

"Goodbye mom, dad, grandma!" Sumire waved as they made their way out to the kitchen, following alongside Ren.

"We'll see you around." Ren waved. "If not soon, then definitely at the wedding."

"Yup!" Akane blew a kiss to Yuki. "I can't wait to see her in a little dress!"

"Goodbye!" Shinichi gently took Akane by the arm and pushed Uzumi out. "We'll be seeing you!"

"Next time, I will hold her! Next time!"

"Your mom and grandma sure are eager to hold her." Morgana looked up at Sumire, tilting his head.

"I can understand why. Now I think it's tummy time…"

"Oh I love tummy time!" Ren laughed.

"I'll keep a close eye on her!" Morgana declared.

Sumire stepped back into the living room and set Yuki down on her stomach for a few minutes, an exercise meant to build her head, neck and upper body muscles. Once her session was over, the three spent the rest of the day together in bliss.


May 21st, 2025

"Hi mom, dad."

Ren stood at the doorway of the apartment and guided his parents inside.

"Hello, Ren." Masami hugged him as she stepped in. "Congratulations, again."

"We're proud of you, son." Daisuke ruffled Ren's hair, a gesture that brought back pleasant memories.

"Being a dad is well, it's crazy." He looked at his own father and laughed. "I wish you could have warned me."

"I gave you advice on what to do during labor and how to take care of a newborn, but you always seemed to want to handle everything yourself. Of course, I'm always willing to tell you more about how I helped raise you. I've even helped some of the neighbors with their children. It's difficult, but fun."

"You got me there… Let's head in."

As the three entered, they saw Sumire sitting on the couch with Yuki nestled against her, whose beady, violet eyes immediately shot over to the new faces.

"Hello, Masami-san, Daisuke-san."

"Hello, Sumire!" Masami practically skipped over to her. "Hi, little Yuki!"

Yuki looked around nervously and burst into tears, wailing.

"Oh no, I must have scared her…" Masami frowned and walked away. "I'm incredibly sorry."

"It's okay, Yuki. Mama's here." Sumire gently rocked her back and forth in her arms. "This is bound to happen sometimes. She's meeting so many new people in a short time span. It's not your fault, Masami-san."

"Awww! Ren, why didn't you marry her five years sooner?

"Personal reasons, mom." Ren laughed and sat down next to Sumire. "Look at papa, Yuki!" He grinned. "It's okay!"

"He's just like you." Uzumi sniffled and wrapped her arm around Daisuke. "I'm so proud of him!"

"I'm glad we raised him right." He took her hand.

Several minutes passed, and Yuki fell asleep. Sumire walked over to her crib and set her down on her back.

"I think we also should have expected this." Ren sighed. "Sorry mom, dad."

"Don't worry about it, Ren!" Masami waved her hand. "We've got plenty of more chances to see her!"

"That's right." Daisuke nodded. "Besides, we can still watch her in the crib."

"Right… Thanks." Ren rubbed the back of his head. "It's not like she's that responsive, anyhow."

"One step at a time, Ren." Masami looked into the crib. "There's a lot that goes into taking care of a little one, but day-by-day, you'll be rewarded. Eventually, she'll learn to smile, and laugh. Soon enough, she'll start wanting to make others laugh, and then she'll start talking. Before you know it, she'll be walking and talking."

While she spoke, Ren and Sumire sensed a motherly pride that only someone with her age and experience could show.

"Until that day comes, I'll keep watching over her!" Morgana meowed. "Even before then, I'll be her guardian!"

"Morgana sounds like he really cares about her." Daisuke laughed. "He really gets worked up when we talk about her."

"Morgana says that he's her guardian." Sumire smiled and pet him. "He's an important member of our family, too."

"How cute!" Masami lightly ran a finger through Yuki's hair. "I love the little white streak in her hair!"

"It fits her namesake, that's for sure." Ren laughed and took a deep breath. "I can't wait to watch her grow."

"Enjoy every second that you can with her, son."

"I will, dad.
The five of them spent some more time together surrounding Yuki's crib as she slept. Once she woke up and wanted to eat, Masami and Daisuke took their leave, stating how excited they were for the wedding. After feeding Yuki and doing their daily session of tummy time, the family relaxed for the rest of the day.


May 22nd, 2025

"Yo."

"Hello!"

"Hello Ryuji, Sakiya."

"Hey!"

Sumire stood at the door with Yuki propped up in her hand. Standing next to her was Morgana, and a few feet behind her was Ren, who was cooking a batch of curry.

"Hey Morgana! So that's Yuki, huh?" Ryuji leaned forward and caught her eye with his bleach blonde hair and well-built frame. "You're so… tiny."

"Of course she's tiny." Sakiya laughed. "She's barely two weeks old. Congrats again, Sumire."

"Thank you, Sakiya! I love what you did with your hair!"

"Hmm? Oh this?" Sakiya ran her hand through her hair, which had been cut short, barely touching her neck. Perched on her nose were green-framed reading glasses. "I figured it was about time for a little makeover."

"I'm surprised you haven't dyed your hair."

"I'm not quite Sakiya Sakamoto yet." Sakiya pressed her hand against her stomach. "Though, I guess I should consider becoming that soon."

"Sakiya, are you…" Sumire's eyes widened.

"Yup."

"Congratulations!" Sumire turned around. "Ren!"

"Hm?" Ren broke out of his curry-making trance and looked at the three.

"RenRen! Sakiya's pregnant!"

"Oh! Congrats!" Ren put his ladle down and walked up to them. "Didn't want to fall behind, you two?" He snickered.

"I just want to enjoy my life with Ryuji. Figured this would be a good way to do that."

"Ryuji… Good job!" Morgana jumped up into Ryuji's arms and laughed. "You're gonna be a papa too, huh?"

"You bet, Morgana! This is crazy!"

"Have you told anyone else?" Ren looked between the two.

"Not yet." Ryuji shook his head. "Want to make sure we know if it'll be a boy or a girl. No name, either. We'll figure it out."

"You could always visit Chihaya-san!" Sumire's eyes sparkled.

"Chihaya… Oh, right! The fortune teller! Didn't she give you a salt rock, Ren?"

"That was so long ago. And besides we're good friends with her now, you can trust her." Ren waved his hand.

"Hmmm… Maybe we'll visit her. Sound good, Sakiya?"

"Sure! I'm still not one for fate, but that sounds pretty fun."

"She'll make you believe, trust me!" Ren laughed. "Man have we grown up… Actually, we'll talk in a minute. Step inside and I'll finish the curry."

"Thank you very much!"

Ryuji and Sakiya followed Sumire into the living room, where they all sat at the table. Yuki continued to look at Ryuji, Sakiya, and then back at Sumire.

"She really likes your hair color, I think." Sumire looked between them.

"She's got something goin' on herself." Ryuji pointed. "She get that from Morgana?"

"I'm not the only one who thought that!" Morgana exclaimed.

"I'm not sure where her white streak came from. I think it's cute, though!" Sumire kissed Yuki's forehead.

"She really is adorable. It makes me excited to have my kid." Sakiya took a deep breath. "I'm glad we came here. I'm actually craving curry."

"I remember my cravings like yesterday…"

"You don't know the half of it, Sumire. Sakiya starts cussing with so many different French words I'm afraid to ask what she actually means." Ryuji sighed. "I swear I've had to run around Tokyo four times in the past week lookin' for stuff."

"I feel you there." Ren laughed as he came in with a tray carrying four plates. "It's only going to get crazier, Ryuji."

"I bet… What was the craziest moment, RenRen?"

"Labor."

"Oh god…"

"Take classes, and go to a hospital ahead of time. You'll get an estimated due date."

"Take classes on how to handle labor?" Ryuji jumped back in his chair.

"Yes. If worst comes to worst, you might be delivering the baby… yourself!"

"Oh man oh jeez…" Ryuji nervously scratched his head.

"Don't think about it too much right now!" Sakiya chuckled. "We've still got a ways before that!"

"Phew… Right…"

"In any case," Ren set down the plates, "How's physical therapy?"

"Tough, but rewarding. I've met a lotta athletes that have screwed up a muscle real bad, or broke a limb, but since I've been in the same position, I know how they feel when they come to me, all broken and dejected. I point at my own leg and tell them this: 'When I broke my leg, I thought I'd never get to run again. That was until I met the craziest dude in my life, who pulled off a bunch of insane stunts and risked his life doin' so. He showed me that the future was something you made for yourself, it wasn't given to you. He asked me why I didn't think I'd run again, and I didn't have an answer. So I went to physical therapy to fix my leg up, and here I am now. The only thing stoppin' you is your own motivation. If you want to play, the first thing you need to tell yourself is that you want to play. Then, leave the rest to me.' That's what I say to each new patient."

"Damn, Ryuji… You've grown a lot." Ren rubbed the back of neck. "I'm sure you're doing a great job."

"That's my soon-to-be hubby!" Sakiya laughed and leaned against his shoulder.

"Hubby? Are you two also engaged?" Sumire's eyes widened.

"Oh! Oops!" Sakiya covered her mouth. "We didn't want to tell you until after your wedding… Sorry."

"It's fine!" Sumire waved her free hand in the air before eating a spoonful of curry. "I'm happy for you two!"

"I already saw the ring." Ren poked a finger against his head. "I just didn't want to mention it unless you did."

"We're not that subtle, are we?" Ryuji laughed. "Oh well."

"I don't think we ever have been…" Sakiya closed her eyes. "I'm looking forward to all this."

"Hey, Ryuji!" Morgana looked up. "How's Sakiya's teaching stuff going?"

"Sakiya, Morgana wants to know how your teacher stuff is going."

"Well, I got my teaching certificate, but Ryuji makes enough money to support us, so I'm going to hold off for the kid."

"I'm doing the same thing." Sumire rocked Yuki gently. "I want to become a physical education teacher in the future, but taking care of Yuki and Ren comes first."

"How sweet." Sakiya smiled. "How'd you know I wanted curry, Ren?"

"Everyone always wants my curry." He smugly replied.

"Touché."

The four of them ate together and chatted for a little while longer until Yuki got hungry. Sakiya and Ryuji took their leave, while Ren and Sumire took care of Yuki, going about their daily routine.


May 23rd, 2025

Upon taking his first sip of coffee, Ren knew who he wanted to invite next. After a short call, he greeted Sojiro, Futaba and Hanako at the apartment door.

"Hell- Oh. Nice shirts?" Ren gave the girls a puzzled look, both of them wearing shirts labeled "MAMA SUMI" on them.

"Do you like them, Ren-kun?" Hanako giggled as she wrapped her hand around Futaba's. Ren did a double-take and saw that her hair had grown quite a bit, but she otherwise looked relatively the same. "Futaba wanted us to have multiple of them!"

"These are great!" Ren laughed. "I'm surprised you aren't wearing one, Sojiro."

"Well…" he sighed and opened up his pink vest jacket slightly, revealing that he was indeed wearing a MAMA SUMI shirt. "This goes against my sense of style, but…"

"Thank you, Sojiro."

"Alright, where's the kid!" Futaba barged in front of him, her hair tied into a tight bun. Over the years, she hadn't changed her looks much, though she did get a bit bigger, thanks to Hanako's cooking and diet.

"Sumire's still breastfeeding, so you'll have to wait."

"Bleugh." Futaba stuck out her tongue.

"Hey." Morgana jumped up onto Ren's shoulder after a minute of the four waiting. "Sumire's done."

"Morgana-chan!"

"Hanako!"

Swiftly, he jumped into Hanako's arms and purred.

"What was he saying, kid?" Sojiro pointed at Morgana.

"Sumire's done, and he yelled Hanako's name."

"Nothing about me?"

"I'll let you hold me next, Boss!" He meowed.

"He says you stink, old man!" Futaba snickered.

"W-What?" Sojiro winced and frowned.

"I didn't say that!" Morgana cried."

"Stop teasing him." Ren karate-chopped her on the head. "He wants you to pet him next, Sojiro."

"Oh thank goodness…"

Passing Morgana off to Sojiro, Hanako followed Ren and the others into the living room, where Sumire sat on the floor, watching Yuki lie on her belly.

"Hello, Boss-san, Futaba, Hanako!" She waved while only looking at them for a second.

"It's the woman, the myth, the legend herself!" Futaba pointed. "Mama Sumi!"

"Awww! She's even cuter in person!" Hanako walked up and bent down near her. "Hi, Yuki."

Yuki kept her eyes on Sumire as she slowly lifted her head.

"She's not too responsive to most people, yet." Sumire nodded at Hanako. "That's just how newborns are."

"I see!" Hanako excitedly nodded.

"Look at her… So tiny and cute." Sojiro couldn't hide his smile as he pet Morgana. "What an adorable little white streak in her hair."

"She got that from me!" Morgana laughed.

"Are you hungry?" Sojiro gave him a confused look.

"He says Yuki got the streak from him. We know that's not how it works, though." Ren pointed at Morgana's tail.

"Huh, it doesn't?" Morgana looked around, confused.

"No, Morgana!" Futaba pinched his cheeks. Yuki gets all her traits from just Ren and Sumire!"

"Oh… Aw…."

"Don't be so down about it! What she lacks in physical similarities you can make up in mental capabilities!"

"You're right, Futaba! I do need to teach her how to become a master thief…"

"Exactly!"

Sumire picked Yuki up as her tummy time session came to an end, and sat down on the couch.

"I don't want anyone else holding her until she's at least two months old… Except Ren. I'm not sure how she'll respond to being held by others she doesn't know, especially right now."

"I understand." Sojiro nodded. "Yuki-chan's got a lot to learn, and she needs her mom and dad more than anything right now."

"Yes!" Sumire nodded.

"So how is your gymnastics studio going, Hanako?" Ren sat down next to Sumire and leaned back to look at Hanako. "I thought you wanted to become a coach."

"I do, or, I am!" Hanako excitedly nodded. "Futaba and I opened the studio to teach multiple girls at once, since rhythmic gymnastics has become really popular in Japan now! I wanted to be a personal coach, but it turns out that I can help multiple girls at once! It makes me really happy!"

"I see. That's good to hear."

"I help Hanako out with the website and forums. I make it easy for girls to register, and I keep the threads troll free!" Futaba crossed arms and smirked.

"Never lets those skills of yours grow dull, Futaba." Ren laughed. "How about your research?"

"Published. I provided so much indisputable evidence that they couldn't turn it down. It's still in the peer review process, and likely will be for maybe another year, but it's out in the wild and no one can stop it now. Of course, it's spoken about in such a way that nobody could use it for evil. That was tricky."

"That's a relief. I still have Doc's research notes after all this time."

"Those were also very helpful in furthering my own research. All that's left to do now is wait and spend some time with Hanako."

"Mhm!" Hanako gripped Futaba in a hug. "I'm so proud of you!"

"T-Thanks…"

"What are you going to do after it's peer-reviewed and possibly published?" Ren stroked his stubble.

"Keep doing my Alibaba thing, work as a software, graphic designer, consultant as the leading expert in the field of cognitive psience… and…"

"Inherit Leblanc." Sojiro lightly tugged on his beard. "At least, that's what she wants to do down the line."

"I hope that's not a bad sign."

"Nah. I'm just getting old, and Futaba wants to see Hanako-chan in an apron more."

"D-DAD!" Futaba blushed intensely and shook in place.

"We can run the studio and cafe together!" Hanako picked her up, still hugging her.

"Yeah… That…" Futaba sighed, but smiled.

"I can't wait for you two to get married!" Sumire giggled. "Don't you think so too, Yuki?"

Yuki responded with a curious stare.

"M-M-M…" Futaba's burned an even deeper red.

"I can't wait either!" Hanako put Futaba down.

"E-Enough about that! Like our shirts, Sumire?" Futaba flaunted her MAMA SUMI shirt.

"Mhm! I think it's really nice!"

"Hanako put a lot into making these, you know!"

"Thank you, Hanako!"

"Of course, Sumire-chan!"

The Sakuras and Hanako spent some more time with Ren, Morgana and Sumire, doting over Yuki and making small talk. When Yuki got hungry again, they saw themselves out, all while expressing their excitement for the wedding.


May 24th, 2025

"Hello again, Ren, Sumire, Morgana."

Yusuke entered the apartment, looking as eccentric as ever. He also wore a "MAMA SUMI" shirt, but with his own flair to it, which involved a lot of painted patterns. His hair reached his lower back, and he had his own small beard growing.

"Hey, Yusuke."
'Hey!"

"Hello, Yusuke! Thank you again for the painting!"

"The pleasure is all mine, Sumire." Yusuke sniffled dramatically. "I put it on display for my next exhibit, and it is simply capturing the hearts of the people with its beauty. While I vowed to let the Sayuri rest, the Sumire shall show the world the unconditional love of a mother for her child!"

"Did you hear that, Yuki? You're in an art exhibit!" Sumrie giggled while Yuki gave her a curious look.

"Unfortunately, I don't think Yuki can understand fine art yet." Ren ran his hand through his hair. "Anyway… Let's sit down inside."

"Very well." Yusuke followed them inside, and they sat down at the dinner table.

"So how is your exhibit going, Yusuke?" Ren held Sumire's hand and rubbed her knuckle gently. "I have a general gist, but I'm still curious."

"It's going well, Ren. Since graduating from Kosei and then university, I've painted to my heart's content, and slowly drawn attention to myself. I haven't, however, let that attention drive me to greed or vanity, like Madarame. I have earned the respect of the art sphere in Japan, and I've used my status to help Kawanabe-san expand his foundation. Thanks to your advice, I save some money, and then I donate the rest to charities. I simply paint for the joy of it, and I am content with my life."

"You're so admirable, Yusuke." Sumire smiled and nodded. "You can find beauty in just about anything, I think!"

"Indeed. I feel the same way." He nodded back. "Perhaps we both have a particular bias toward motherhood, though."

"Maybe we do, but I don't mind. I don't think there's anything more beautiful than Yuki, here. Isn't that right?" Sumire kissed her on the nose.

"What about me?" Ren pointed at himself.

"Beautiful is different from handsome, Ren."

"Fair…"

"Say, Yusuke." Morgana hopped up on the free chair at the table.

"Yes, Morgana?"

"How come you haven't hooked up with somebody?"

"Hooked up? I am not a fishing rod."

"I mean gotten a girlfriend!"

"Oh. I simply feel no need to."

"Huh… You know what, that makes sense."

"There are many ways to find joy in life, Morgana. For some, it is the bonds they forge between their spouse and child. For others, it is the art they paint."

"How insightful." Morgana laughed.

"Now, Ren, Sumire." Yusuke looked back up at the two. "Could you tell me more about what you do to take care of an infant? Yuki is totally reliant on you, and I'm curious to know how you care for her. If I learn, perhaps I can better reflect it in my paintings."

"Sure thing."

"Of course!"

Over the course of the next few hours, Ren, Sumire, and Morgana explained their daily routine for taking care of Yuki, up until it came time to feed her again.

"I'm looking forward to the wedding." Yusuke stated as he stood at the door. "I will paint it, I can promise you that."

"Thank you, Yusuke." Ren laughed. "I look forward to it."

"It will be a legendary event. Until then, Ren."

"Until then."


May 26th, 2020

"Hello Ren-kun, Sumire-chan!" Chihaya stood at their doorway, wearing a purple and black summer dress with an intricate pattern.

"Hey, Chihaya."

"Hello, Chihaya-san!"

"Hey."

"Oh, hello Morgana-chan!" Chihaya reached a hand out and pet him. "How are you?"

"Good."

"Chihaya, it always baffles me that you actually seem to understand him." Ren laughed.

"Morgana is a special cat. I've felt it for a long time. I can't quite understand him, but I feel a certain familiarity with him."

"Probably has to do with the arcana…"

"Come in, Chihaya-san!" Sumire smiled at her before turning her head back to Yuki. "This is your Auntie Chihaya!"

A curious stare.

"Hi, Yuki-chan!" Chihaya giggled. "I know you won't remember me yet, but I'm your Auntie!"

Yuki continued to stare before turning her attention back to Sumire. They all made their way inside, where they sat at the dinner table.

"It's wonderful to finally see The World arcana in its entirety!" Chihaya clapped as she sat down. "I've waited for this moment for a long time!"

"Did you always know we were going to have a kid, Chihaya?" Ren crossed his arms, stroking his chin with a free hand.

"Well… Of course!"

"Hm…."

"Back when I first told you I detected there was another who shared The World, that was simply all it was. I could sense it, but I wasn't sure of who it was until last year. When the Olympics came around, it finally came to me!"

"That's incredible, Chihaya-chan!" Sumire stared in awe. "Ren always imagined we'd have a child, back from the time we told each other that we'd be the champions of our world…"

"Well, he was right!" Chihaya eagerly nodded. "He created his own fate that day!"

"Heh…"

"Yuki is the biggest blessing in my life, Chihaya-san." Sumire smiled at her daughter. "Whenever I look at her, I feel a warmth inside me, and I know everything is okay. When I see Ren with me, that feeling only gets stronger. Since I was four, I dedicated my life to rhythmic gymnastics; to winning the gold at the Olympics. Before I met Ren, I never thought about what I'd do after. He gave me a reason to keep going. I want to take care of him, just like he did through all those years, taking care of me. Yuki is just the first step toward my new goal."

"I'm delighted to hear that." Chihaya closed her eyes. "You two share an incredibly strong bond. I don't need the arcana to see that. You both have created your own fate, and now you're holding her in your arms. If you ever want me to help you, I'll be there."

"Thank you, Chihaya." Ren rested a hand on Yuki's head, extremely gently. "If you ever want to babysit, feel free to."

"That sounds fun!"

"Now now, Ren." Sumire giggled. "We have a whole line of people who want to babysit Yuki."

"And I'll always be here to watch her!" Morgana exclaimed.

"That's right, Morgana."

"Hmmm… I'll give you a discount on a Holy Stone!"

"Really?" Sumire's eyes widened.

"Don't listen to her Sumire, it's a trap!"

"Just kidding! We don't need no stinkin' holy stones! Just keep looking toward the future, like your wedding"

"Right!" The couple exclaimed together.

Ren, Sumire, Morgana and Chihaya spent some more time together, with Yuki's cries to eat signaling it was time for Chihaya to go.


June 1st, 2025

"Hi hi!" Ann waved to Ren as he opened the apartment door. She wore a red tank top and short-shorts, her hair down, and, to Ren, she looked nearly the same, if not a bit taller.

"Hello Ann, Shiho."

"Hey, Ren." Shiho had cut her hair in a similar fashion to Coach Hiraguchi, and wore a white tank top and shorts.

"Hey! Lady Ann!" Morgana ran up and jumped into Ann's arms, who gladly picked him up.

"Hey Morgana!"

"Thanks for stopping by. Sumire and Yuki are napping, so you'll have to give them a minute."

"No problem no problem!" Ann exclaimed. "How's being a dad?"

"Hmmm…" Ren tapped his foot. "Tiring."

"Legit." Shiho nodded. "Good thing Ann and I can't have kids together."

"You could always adopt."

"Eh… With our lifestyle, I'd just feel bad." Shiho shrugged.

"We do travel a lot." Ann sighed. "I wouldn't want to put a kid through what I went through…"

"Ah, right."

"Well uh, how is your modeling going, Lady Ann?"

"Great! I have my own little fan club, and I even have a website! There are a lot of girls who look up to me!"

"Did Futaba help you make it?"

"Of course! I don't remember a thing about web design, even though I swear I took a class for it… in high school."

"It's our website." Shiho pulled Ann toward her, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "Part volleyball, part modeling. We're each other's agents, basically."

"I'm glad you two have got something up and running." Ren nodded. "I'll be back in a second. Going to check up on my sleeping beauties."

"Aww, sleeping beauties!" Ann swooned. "How cute!"

Ren went back into the living room and saw Sumire stretching, standing next to their crib.

"Hey honey. Ann and Shiho are here."

"Mmmm…" Ren heard a pop. "It feels good to stretch again! They can come in."

"I'm surprised you're able to move your body like that still."

"I don't know if I'll ever be able to move it like I used to… My hips, pelvis and the muscles around them feel totally different than before. It'd take a long time to fix my coordination."

"Eh, we don't really need to worry about it." Ren walked back to the door and opened it. "Come in."

"Hello, Sumire!" Ann skipped up to her and gave her a hug. "You look great!"

"Thanks, Ann."

"Ann's right." Shiho nodded. "You look damn good for a new mother."

"I'm going to keep in shape no matter what!" Sumire pumped her fist. "Now, take a look at Yuki!" She pointed down into the crib.

"Hey, Yuki!" Ann whispered as she bent down and leaned over the crib. "You're a little cutie! Hey, Sumire, what's up with the white strand in her hair?"

"We're not sure." Sumire bent down at the far end of the crib, placing her hand in and gently stroking Yuki's hair. "It's adorable, isn't it?"

"It sure is." Shiho smirked and bent down at another end. "I always knew you were a good person, Ren. Just look at you now. When I first met you, everyone thought you were a delinquent and stuff. Now, you're a dad. Good job."

"Everyone thought I was. I'm no nasty crimeboy, though." Ren puffed his chest. "I'm the proud father of an adorable little girl! Hahahah!"

"Sumire." Ann looked at her pleadingly. "Can I poke her cheek?"

"Go ahead. Gently, please."

"Got it."

Ann leaned down in and softly poked her cheek.

"So squishy! I want to hold her!"

"I can' allow that quite yet, Ann." Sumire giggled. "That's Ren and my personal right."

"Boo…" Ann puffed her cheeks.

Yuki slowly moved her arms and opened her eyes, looking up and immediately spotting Sumire.

"Hi, Yuki. Mama's right here."

"Aw! She's got violet eyes! That's adorable!"

"I know!" Sumire picked Yuki up from the crib and cuddled her between her arms. "She's the cutest thing ever!"

"I agree!" Ann squealed.

"Ann, we need to get her measurements. We need to get dresses made for her." Shiho clapped.

"Right!"

"Measurements, but she's going to grow like crazy!" Ren laughed.

"Don't underestimate us!"

Yuki looked up and Sumire and started making sucking noises.

"Oh. I apologize, Ann, Shiho, but Yuki wants to eat."

"Don't worry about it!" Ann waved her arms and got on her feet. "We're going to start looking for dresses right now, in fact!"

"Feed the baby!" Shiho laughed as she stood up. "Thank you for letting us visit. We look forward to your wedding!"

"Oh right, the wedding!" Ann gasped. "I can't wait for that!"

"We'll see you there!" Ren smiled and nodded. "I'm looking forward to your wedding, too." He pointed at the rings on Shiho and Ann's fingers. "It seems my proposal really triggered a chain reaction."

"Maybe you did!" Ann laughed. "We've wanted to do this for a while."

"It's a mystery, but for now, goodbye."

"Mhm! Bye Ren, Sumire, Morgana!"

"Buh-bye!"

"Goodbye Ann, Shiho." Morgana snuggled up to Ann one last time before she left. "See you later."

"See you, Morgana!" Ann kissed his forehead. "Good job with being Yuki's guardian."

"Heheh… Thanks."

With another visit completed, Ren, Sumire and Morgana continued their routine with Yuki, feeding her, going through tummy time, and reading stories to her until they could all sleep again.


June 9th, 2024

"Hello, Amamiya-kun, Morgana."

"Hello, Doc."

"Doc!"

"Hi Ren-oneesan! Hi kitty!"

"Hello." Rumi waved as she patted Etsuko's head.

Ren led them inside and to the dinner table in the apartment living room, where Sumire sat with Yuki.

"Yoshizawa-san…" Maruki smiled as he saw her holding her baby, and then saw the medal on their bookshelf. "She's beautiful."

"She's so cute! Etsuko giggled as Rumi picked her up and let her sit on her lap as she sat down. "And she's tiny!"

"You were tiny too, you know." Rumi laughed. "Congrats, Yoshizawa-san. She's a little cutie."

"Thank you Dr. Maruki, Rumi-san, Etsuko-chan."

"Lil' sis'! Lil' sis!" Etsuko clapped her hands.

"That's right, Etsuko-chan." Sumire smiled. "Yuki can be your little sister."

"Yay!"

"Quiet down, though."

"Oh, okay!"

"Listen to Yoshizawa-san, Etsuko." Rumi ruffled her hair.

"I am!"

"My... " Maruki sat down. "We've all come such a long way."

"I was about to say the same thing." Ren sat next to Sumire and took her hand. "So much has changed… Yet here we are."

"I'm very proud of you both. Amamiya-kun… I hear Sakura-san published her research."

"That she did." He nodded. "Do you plan to read it?"

"I do. I know you might not think it right, but I'd like to review it and provide my own thoughts. I understand if you don't want me to, though."

"Go ahead."

"Huh?" Maruki's eyes widened.

"I trust you, Doc. Just because you messed up don't mean you can't try again. You restarted with Rumi, and look at where that's gotten you. I think you can do it with cognitive psience, too. Besides, the research is merely intended to prove the Metaverse was real, not allow its use."

"I see… In that case, I'll provide my input."

"It'll help her case a lot, I believe."

"I think you should too, Dr. Maruki." Sumire gave him a determined look. "Help Futaba so that she can prove the misgivings of the Metaverse, and make sure it can't happen again."

"Yoshizawa-san… Of course."

"Man… I've had you tell me about this and I still don't understand…" Rumi sighed and shrugged. "Oh well."

"Um….. Sumire-niichan!"

"Yes, Etsuko?" Sumire smiled and looked at her.

"Why does Yuki have a white hair?"

"Do you know what Yuki means?"

"Um… Yuki is snow!"

"Yes, and snow is white! That's why she has a white streak!"

"Oh!" Etsuko's eyes went wide. "I get it!"

"Do you want to touch her? Be very gentle, though!"

"Yes please!"

Rumi let etsuko jump down and walk around to Sumire.

"Just a gentle poke, Etsuko. Babies are very sensitive."

"Okay, mama!" Etyuko wiggled her fingers and gently poked Yuki. "Hi."

Yuki briefly turned her attention to her, curious.

"I'm your big sis Etsuko!"

Yuki looked back up at Sumire.

"She likes you, Etsuko-chan!"

"Really? That's good!"

"Mhm! Yuki still has to grow a lot, but you'll be able to play together soon!"

"I'll wait!"

Etsuko walked back over to Rumi and hopped onto her lap.

"I wish they could play right now, but the best Yuki can do is tummy time, isn't it?" Rumi chuckled.

"Yes. She really has fun with it. Every day, I think she can move a little more." Sumire nodded in response.

"Oh, you're making me nostalgic! Feels like yesterday I was doing all of that with Etsuko! Any trouble breastfeeding?"

"Not at all! Yuki is a very hungry girl!"

"Good to hear. You've probably heard this already, but if you ever need advice about being a mom, just shoot me a call."

"Of course, Rumi-san!"

"I can offer you some advice about being a father, if you want." Maruki made a small gesture with his hand toward Ren.

"You know how I am, Doc." Ren clapped his hands. "My dad gave me a lot of advice, Sumire's made me study plenty, and I'm me… so I've got a good idea of what I have to do."

"I see. Regardless, I'll be available outside of my usual hours in the office."

"Gotcha."

"Oh right! Doc did you know that I'm Yuki's guardian?" Morgana asked.

"I did not. You perfectly fit the role, though."

"Hehehe. I know!"

"Can I spend some more time with Yuki?" Etsuko pleadingly looked at Rumi, and then Sumire.

"That's up to Yoshizawa-san."

"I think we'll have to save it for another time. Yuki's getting hungry." Sumire looked down and saw her making sucking sounds, puckering her lips.

"Aww…." Etsuko frowned.

"There's always going to be more chances. We'll definitely see her again at the wedding!" Rumi patted her head.

"The wedding! Do I get to wear a dress?"

"Yes."

"Okay! I'll wait!"

"Hmmm…" Maruki smirked. "We shall see you at the wedding, then." He stood up. "It's time to go, Etsuko."

"Okay papa!"

Etsuko hopped down and took Rumi's hand, with Ren escorting them out.

"See you soon, Doc."

"Yes. Give Yoshizawa-san my regards. Goodbye Morgana, Ren-kun."

As he closed the door behind him, Ren looked down at Morgana with a satisfied smile.

"Just a few people left."


June 16th, 2024

After Maruki, Rumi and Etsuko visited, several more of Ren's confidants came to visit, congratulating the couple. Yoshida, Iwai, Shinya, Hifumi, Mishima, Ohya, and Kawakami all stopped by briefly. Due to their work, Makoto and Haru had to wait a while before making time to visit, but they arrived all the same.

"Hello, Ren-kun, Mona-chan!"

"Hello there."

Haru and Makoto stood in the apartment doorway, hand-in hand. Makoto kept her hair cut short, wearing a pair of black pants, a white shirt, and a light black jacket. Haru, on the other hand, had let her hair grow out to the point that her hair curled into the shape of drills.

"Hi, Haru!" Morgana jumped into her arms and purred. "Hey Makoto!"

"Come on inside."

Ren led them into the living room, moved the chairs from around the table, and sat down around the couch, where Sumire laid with Yuki on her chest.

"Hello, Sumi-chan! Yuki is such a cute baby!" Haru brightly smiled and giggled as she leaned in to look.

"Hello, Sumire. Congratulations again on having Yuki. I heard it was quite the event."

"It was one of the most intense days of my life." Ren sighed. "I figure you have a lot of tense days, though."

"I do, but Haru is always there to comfort me at the end of the night."

"That's good."

"Hello Makoto, Haru. Thank you for visiting." Sumire looked at the two and back at Yuki.

"It's our pleasure! Hmmm… violet eyes and a little white streak in her hair… How unique! It makes her even cuter! Can I touch her?" Haru held up her hand.

"Go ahead."

With a motherly touch, Haru gently caressed the top of Yuki's head. "Ah… She's so soft."

"Do you know what she loves more than anything?" Sumire giggled.

"Her mama!" Haru clapped in response.

"And her papa!" Ren coughed.

"And me!" Morgana proclaimed.

"Watching you three would instantly cheer anybody up." Makoto smiled. "I'm glad you two have come this far together."

"We've still got a long way to go." Ren leaned back in his chair, stretching. "I don't know what's going to happen after the wedding… I have to return to work… And man. I don't want to!"

"You'll be fine, Ren-kun!" Haru held out her hand in front of Yuki. "Sumi-chan will take care of Yuki-chan! I don't need to tell you that, though!"

"I know Sumire will be fine. I just don't want to leave her side." He leaned forward and grasped her hand. "Oh… I'm the selfish one now."

"You should be." Sumire beamed a smile at him.

"How lovely!"

"How's Okumura Foods doing, Haru?" Ren leaned back slightly, but kept his hand around Sumire's.

"Takakura-san and I have done a lot to move it into its new direction! We've finally turned every Big Bang Burger into a hybrid between a cafe and a fast food joint! Whether people want to sit down and enjoy some coffee with their families, or grab a quick bite to eat, Big Bang Burger is there to help!" Haru puffed her chest triumphantly.

"It must have been a lot of hard work." He nodded. "Great job."

"Thank you!"

"What about you, Makoto?" Sumire leaned up, keeping Yuki clutched to her chest.

"Slowly but surely, we've been working to bust some of the crime rings in Shibuya and in greater Tokyo. It's tough work, but if we can stop the leaders of the rings, everything collapses in on itself. With my own justice, I've seen to it that much."

"I see. Thank you for your service!"

"Hmmmm…. We really all have grown up." Morgana sat on the couch next to Sumire. "Everyone is moving forward, and I'm glad we can still gather like this and discuss what we're all up to. It makes me happy to know you've all come this far."

"You've grown a lot too, Mona-chan!" Haru leaned forward and pet him. "You were a guide for Ren-kun to help save the world, and now you're protecting another one!"

"Heh… Yeah, I am. Yuki is his world, after all."

"Mhm!"

Haru and Makoto spoke with the three for another two hours, discussing some of the finer details regarding their jobs and personal hobbies. On more than one occasion, Haru expressed interest in adopting a child, to which Ren fully backed her. Once Yuki wanted to eat, the two took their leave, and finally, Ren had managed to find time for everyone to visit his family. That wasn't going to be the last time, though.


July 11th, Evening

After everyone visited, Ren and Sumire spent the next couple of weeks relaxing together, learning the ins-and-outs of what Yuki wanted, and how to address her needs. They had both members of their respective families and close friends visit, letting Yuki get used to being held by different people in preparation for the wedding. Akane, Shinichi, Uzumi, Masami and Daisuke visited the most, followed by Ryuji, Sakiya, Sojiro, Hanako and Futaba. It didn't work perfectly, but they definitely made progress, and Yuki started to calm down when held in time. Ren frequently went out for groceries, but the anticipation of coming home and seeing Yuki and Sumire always made his heart want to burst.

"Welcome home, Ren!" Sumire leaned up and kissed Ren on the cheek as he closed the door behind him.

"Thanks, Sumire. How's Yuki doing?"

"Good!" Sumire looked down and lifted Yuki slightly. "I think she smiled earlier today!"

"So she's smiling, huh? I can't wait to see that for myself."

"Aaaa…." Yuki mumbled as she looked at Ren and held out her hand.

"Hi, Yuki. Papa's here." He held a pinky up, she grasped. "Good job."

"Yuki's started crying a lot more…" Sumire explained as they sat down on their bed together. "But from what I've been told, that's just a natural part of development. Before you arrived, she just finished a crying session."

"Are you tired, Sumire?"

"Of course I'm tired…" She sighed. "But I'm also happy. I knew what I was signing up for."

"Compared to rhythmic gymnastics, this is nothing, right?"

"Mhm. I trained my butt off for the gold, and I'm going to work just as hard to raise Yuki."

"See, now I'm the one falling in love with you all over again."

"I'm okay with that."

"The wedding is next Sunday. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready as I ever will be."

"Your vow?"

"Done."

"So is mine. I bet I already know what you're going to say~" Ren laughed.

"I could say the same thing." Sumire looked down at Yuki. "I wasn't sure if we'd have her before or after, but I'm happy we have her now."

"We're going to pass her around while we talk up, right?"

"Yes."

"I'm pretty sure she's used to it by now, though she likes being with you the most."

"Yuki's a good girl, I'm sure she won't mind. I'll feed her before the ceremony and make sure she's ready. Morgana will be with her too."

"You're going to make my heart melt, Sumire."

"I don't see the problem with that."

"Mmmm… In three days, I'll finally be able to call you my wife."

"And I'll be able to call you my husband."

"Wouldn't you rather call me senpai?"

"We're long past those days, Ren."

"Yeah… Yeah we are."

Yuki fell asleep in Sumire's arm as she rested her left hand on the bed. Ren lifted his hand and gently stroked Yuki's hair, all while Morgana perked his head up on Sumire's right shoulder, looking forward to the days that they'll spend together as a family.