"Thank you." I said as Manami gave me some tea. I offered to make it but she told me to sit down and rest. Usagi was back upstairs, Manami saying she wished to talk to me first. "I still cannot get used to all the space here. I should tell your brother to switch careers." She giggled, sitting down next to me.
"Nii-chan could not come up with a story if his life depended on it."
"Very true." I drank some tea, enjoying the warm feeling. "You seem so small for being four months pregnant. Are you eating properly?"
I flinched when I heard the word. It sounded different when my own family says it. "I think so, I eat normally, but I was advised to add more to my diet."
"Good. Have you been keeping up on your doctor appointments?"
"My last one was two weeks ago. My next appointment is next month, they think they will be able to determine the gender."
"Oh wonderful, if you had to choose would you want a boy or girl?"
"I have not thought about it."
"I would be careful with a girl. Usami-san seems like the dad who will spoil his child rotten."
"Everyone has says that." She chuckled into the cup. "Um, nee-chan, where's nii-chan? He said he was coming."
She set down her cup. "He will be arriving later. I left work early so I could catch you before he comes."
"Was he mad yesterday?"
"Well, he was not at his calmest. It was a shock to hear that you were pregnant. And by Usami-san. I already knew about you two but did not expect this."
"I know. We were not planning this and I found out two months ago and I was just scared tha-wait what? You know about us? When?!"
She shrugged. "I remember you defending him when you stayed with us in Osaka. The way you spoke about him was different. Your face seemed to light up, even if you were frowning. And I saw the same with Usami. I'm not as naive as your brother and I know he cherishes you both, but living in these situations, I can understand how something could develop."
"I was afraid to tell him. Usami is his best friend and I didn't want to nii-chan to hate him. I was afraid to tell him...and then this happened."
She looked down at my stomach, sighing. "Your brother is hurt but he still loves you, his adorable sister. Just remind him that you love him back." Her smile was comforting. "But, it would be a lie to say I am not concerned. The main reason I came early is to make sure you were okay. I know this is a lot for someone your age. I do not want you to feel that you have to do this alone."
It seemed to be a common question people keep asking me. I got it, but I still had the same answer. "I know. I am scared but I made my decision to keep the child. And Usagi seems excited too. You should see the nursery. A few days after he found out he had professionals come and re-do the whole room."
"I would like to see that."
"Thank you, nee-chan."
"We're family Misaki. Families should always stick together. You and Takahiro showed me that."
"Thank you."
"Usami, congratulations." I turned as she looked up at Usagi. He was walking down the stairs. When he was down he came to sit next to me. "I hear you did some shopping for the baby."
"Thank you. I would have done more if she had let me."
"You spent too much money already."
"So."
The doorbell rang again. "That must be Takahiro." I felt my body tense up. Usagi patted my leg before getting up to open the door. "It will be fine."
"Good afternoon." I heard nii-chan.
"Hello Takahiro."
Usagi walked into view first followed by nii-chan. His eyes went wide when he looked at his wife. "Manami? I thought you were at work."
"I decided to come talk to Misaki and keep you from overreacting."
"Overrea-I am simply trying to understand the situation."
"What is there to understand? Your younger sister is pregnant by your best friend. Not much to explain."
"Do you want some tea nii-chan?" I was going to get up but Manami grabbed my shoulder to keep me down. With her finger she beckoned nii-chan to sit next to her while Usagi came back to sit next to me.
"I still want to know how this started?"
Uh-oh. I looked at Usagi, wondering how much to say. I did not want to expose that Usagi used to be in love with him. Usagi looked back at me, smiling. "For me, it started while I was tutoring her. She was trying so hard to make you happy. She doubted herself many times but she still tried to push past those fears. It made me want to help her. And I saw how selfless she was. I have been around many people who only cared about my money or social status but not her. She never puts herself first or thought about taking advantage of anyone. She would be yelling at me in one moment and then cooking for me in another. She hates if I spend any money on her. I saw how much she tried to make others happy that I found myself wondering how to make her happy.
I was clueless about what I was feeling, but when you announced you two were going to get married, I realized that is what I wanted. I could not help but look at Misaki and think, 'she is the one for me.'"
I was sure my face was the color of a tomato by now. My heart was beating that I swear it was popping out of my chest. Usagi was so embarrassing. I wiped a small tear from my eye. He squeezed my hand before turning to nii-chan. I turned and almost laughed. Now their faces for sure were like a tomato. Manami had one hand over her mouth. "Takahiro, I know I messed up, and I should have spoken to you when I first caught feelings for Misaki, but I was nervous. I know how protective you are of her and I did not want you to worry that I would hurt her."
"I was nervous about ruining your relationship with Usagi. I didn't want to ruin your friendship." I added. "I did not expect anything to happen and I should have said something too. I'm sorry."
Manami turned to him. "Your call."
Nii-chan closed his mouth, clearing his throat. "I just...never expected this...I never saw anything that would hint you two were together...and I'm worried. Our family is normal. We could not ever afford a penthouse. With money comes horrible people and I am afraid Misaki could get hurt in this world. What people could say about her. Your age aside, now you are having a baby."
"I would never let anything happen to her Takahiro. I understand the difficulties I put her in, I have never regretted my position more than I have now. If I could I would have chosen another career that could not be used against her."
"No Usagi, I am proud of your work, you should not regret it. Nii-chan, I understand the negativity I might face, I even dealt with it before, but I don't want to leave Usagi because of it."
"You have dealt with it?! When?! What happened?!"
"Nii-chan…"
"I'm so worried for you."
"I know but I would not change anything. I chose to stay with Usagi and I am choosing to have this baby. I am sorry for not telling you nii-chan, just please don't hate Usagi." And don't hate me.
"Do you love him?"
Oh god, that question. I swallowed some spit, knowing now was not the time for some jokes to hide my embarrassment. "Yeah, yeah I do." I did not look at Usagi but I felt another squeeze. "I love him."
He sighed, rubbing his forehead. Manami patted his leg and the two shared a look, having some sort of secret conversation. She then smiled, "You are going to be an uncle."
Nii-chan sniffled, tears starting to run down his face. "I'm going to be an uncle."
I smiled, looking back at Usagi. I did not see my brother walk over to hug me. "I love you Misaki."
The tears started falling for me. "I love you too."
I showed him some ultrasound pictures and we spoke about the doctor appointments. It was nice, fun even. I had to deal with Usagi's father talking about this pregnancy being a mistake so it was nice to hear nii-chan happily talk about becoming an uncle and he was already planning play dates with the child. Manami had me lead her upstairs so I could show her the nursery.
"Wow, Usami-san does not play around." She opened one of the drawers that had girl clothes. The next drawer had boy clothes.
"Nope, even though I keep telling him not to spend all his money. What does he do? He bought another bassinet." I held up the blue piece. He had bought a pink one but then he saw this one online and because we do not know the gender he wanted to be "prepared."
"A spoiled child indeed." I agreed with her.
AKIHIKO
I watched the girls go upstairs to the nursery. When the door closed, I was officially left alone with Takahiro. I am a confident person but this was one of the few times that all confidence was out the window. He may have made up with Misaki but I am sure Takahiro is still upset with me.
I turned back to see him looking at the table with his arms folded. He was thinking. "Taka…" "You better take care of her." He cut me off. "You better take care of her and that child Akihiko."
"I will." I said right away.
"I'm serious. She is my only blood family. She means the world to me. Everything will be different once the baby is born and I will kill you if you decide to back out."
"I know Takahiro. I already decided the minute I found she was pregnant that I would take responsibility and stay with her and the child. I love her Takahiro. I cannot live without her."
He sighed, leaning back into the couch. He was thinking of something before he started chuckling. "That is the last time I ask you for a favor."
I was confused at first until I remembered our conversation almost a year ago when he asked me to watch after Misaki and make sure no boys were taking advantage of her. I had to laugh at that as well. "I did make sure no one else got a hold of her."
"Shut the fuck up." It was rare for him to cuss. I know I was not exactly on his good side yet but this was a good start. "Is your family causing her trouble?"
The laughter stopped. "They won't anymore."
"Are you sure?"
That question made me freeze. "What do you mean?"
He leaned over to me. "I told you I got a call about Misaki being in the hospital. The call was from your father." My father? What the fuck? "He told me his concern about Misaki in the hospital and then also told me the inheritance our family would receive for bearing the next heir to his company."
"Are you fucking serious?" That bastard. What is his plan? He said it himself this child was not going to get anything. What inheritance would he be talking about?
He nodded. "I do not know what is going on but Misaki was in the hospital once for stress. Is it because of your family?"
I sighed, I could not hide it from him. "Yes. My father does not want to accept this child is part of the family and they were pressuring Misaki to abort it."
"Akihiko."
"They won't bother her again Takahiro. The day Misaki went to the hospital I signed away my rights to the Usami Corporation. I even agreed to be legally disowned from the family."
"Disowned? What will happen to you? To Misaki?"
"Nothing. I never used any of their money before. I might have to change my last name but that is all. You already know that I am not close to my family. I never planned to accept anything from them in the first place. I care more about Misaki and my child than them."
He did not look convinced and that worried me. He talked about how this world will hurt Misaki and he was not wrong. They already have. I just hoped I could make him believe that I will do anything to make sure Misaki is not harmed.
We heard laughter from upstairs. Misaki's laughter. I could not help but smile, it was great to hear her happy after everything. "Just protect her." I turned back to Takahiro. "If you love her, protect her."
"I will."
It went silent again. "So...when are you going to get married?"
I choked on some spit. "Huh?"
"You say you will protect her but you also better make her an honest woman. You said you would take responsibility."
I shook my head. "Misaki wants to wait."
"You better not wait too long." I should not be the one hearing this lecture. His sister is the one who told me no when I first brought up I wanted to plan a wedding. Maybe she would want some romantic way instead, like Hiroki's man did.
"I won't."
"Good." He stood up. "Let's go see what they are laughing about."
I followed him up the stairs, staring at his back. It was almost comical that I had any feelings for this man. He could never compare to Misaki, those feelings could not come close to what I feel for Misaki. Misaki was the only one for me. We entered the room to find Manami and Misaki hovering over the crib we, more like Misaki, had set up. "I have heard from friends that these are a pain to assemble. It looks like you did a great job."
"No thanks to Usagi. He could not even read the directions. He just stood over me and told me where I was messing up."
"I had offered to hire someone." I replied in defense. Would have saved us the time that day.
The two looked at us. "We do not solve our problems with money."
"Worked for me so far."
"Stupid rich guy." Manami and Takahiro laughed as I went to stand by Misaki. Takahiro started to inspect the room himself. He and Manami were talking about the room and Manami told him when they have a child they wanted a nursery like this. Takahiro made a joke that they better start saving now, though I already had decided that I would do the same for them as a present.
"I just love that our family is growing." Manami went to kiss Takahiro's cheek.
Family. Misaki leaned into my arm, either on purpose or accident. There was a smile on her face and a look of relief. I know she was worried the most about what her brother would think. She had to deal with so much and it was great, comforting, to see her brother happily accepting the child. Even I felt relieved that we had him on our side. This was the family I wanted.
"I love you." I whispered in Misaki's ear.
She blushed and looked up. "Yeah." I know she was too embarrassed to voice her feelings but her actions say so much more. She is always telling me no to erotic things but end up going along with it willingly. She does not always look my way but takes her time to take care of me. She does not say that she loves me, but her love is growing in her stomach as we speak.
But the few times she overpowers her embarrassment and speaks those three words make my heart soar. "Me...too…."
"We should go out to eat to celebrate!" Manami suggested.
"Great idea, we can go to that ramen spot downtown. You liked that place right Misaki?"
Her eyes lit up as her stomach growled. "Definitely." Manami and Takahiro left the room. Before Misaki could I pulled her back. "Usagi?"
I kissed her. "I love you. I love you so much Misaki."
"Usagi." I kissed her again, I could never get tired of kissing her. My hands went around her waist; her shirt lifted up as she reached up to grab my collar. I made circles on her bare skin. She moaned into my mouth. "Wait Usagi, nii-chan and nee-chan are here."
Damn. She had a point. But I wanted her so badly. I guess it will have to wait. We pulled apart, me willing my growing hard-on to go down. "You are getting it tonight."
"Stupid." She blushed, grabbing my hand to meet up with her brother.
Thank you for waiting!
ONE MONTH LATER
I rubbed my head to try and get rid of the headache coming on. "Oh that woman was huge! She looks like she is having twins."
"That is not nice Shiima."
"I'm not wrong though Takahiro, she was the size of a basketball."
"I would have said a whale."
"Now that is not nice Shinobu."
"Girls, we are in a hospital, indoor voices."
"Oh Manami look at that baby! Nothing will compare to my niece or nephew!"
"Indoor voice honey."
"But its nose was huge!"
"Why are they here?" I scowled. The waiting room seemed unusually full. Hidori, Hiromi, and Shinobu were here. Nii-san decided to come and dragged Minami along. Usagi also had an annoyed look but I am sure he would rather hear this than Aikawa calling him about a missed deadline. I saw him turn his phone off.
"You were the one who told them about the appointment."
"That was you." He was the one who told my brother about this appointment. I did not know he wanted to come this badly. He even took the day off from work, and my brother rarely takes a day off. "I didn't think they would show up!"
"How could we miss this? We are finding out the gender!"
How time was flying. I was already 18 weeks pregnant. A bump was more prominent. A waiter at Hidori's job asked how far along. School was going to start in a few weeks, meaning I was going to get bigger. It also means I was half-way through this pregnancy. Gosh, it was hard to think in a few more months there were going to be three people living in that penthouse.
"Takashahi." All seven of us stood up. "No." I pointed to Hidori.
"WHY?!"
"Now now girls. We are in a hospital. I think Misaki will feel too overwhelmed with all of us. Let's wait out here."
"Manami…" It was funny to see nii-chan pout. I thanked Manami as Usagi and I walked back. It was nice to get away from the noise. "Misaki." I looked up at Usagi as he grabbed my hand.
"Thanks."
"Welcome back Takahashi." Dr. Watanabe looked up from the computer as I sat on the hospital bed. "You are looking much better than the last time I saw you. How are you feeling?"
"Much better. Though I am getting bored staying home." Usagi barely lets me out of the house unless it is with someone.
"And yet you have not been stressed, so I think it was a great decision."
"You would."
Dr. Watanabe laughed as she dragged the ultrasound machine over. "So? Are we ready to find out the gender?"
"Ready." She laid me down on the bed and lifted up my shirt. She rubbed the cool gel on my stomach and dragged the wand on my stomach. The screen popped up the same black and white fuzz. "The baby is getting big." Dr. Watanabe circled the white blob with her finger. "Perfectly healthy."
"Is that a dick?"
"Usagi!"
"It looks like one."
"You don't say it out loud!" He rolled his eyes.
I felt her hand move. "Well, let's see." All three of us stared at the screen. The silence was becoming uncomfortable. "The baby seems shy, laying on its side."
"It definitely is your child."
"Shut up Usagi."
"There they go." The white blob started to move. "Hm, well, if that is what I am thinking of...it seems you are having…"
HIDORI
"Is it a girl? I hope it's a girl. Oooooo I want a girl!" I could not help but clap at the thought of a small version of Misaki. Definitely an adorable girl.
"They should have a boy, be easier."
"I think a girl would be great."
"What do you think Takahiro?"
He shrugged. "Either way my niece and nephew will be adorable with Misaki's genes." Takahiro's smile seemed off, he was looking to the ground but he seemed to be thinking of something sad.
"Are you alright with this Takahiro? It must have been shocking to hear about this." I knew Misaki was most scared for him to find out but I knew he would never hate her for it.
He sighed, "Just something to get used to. I always thought it was my duty to continue our family bloodline, and now I am here to support Misaki. It's just hard to let the ones you love grow up."
Manami rubbed his shoulder. "You are going to make a great father. You proved it with Misaki. She is a fine young lady."
"They're back!" We all stood up. Misaki and Usami seemed to be talking to each other, Misaki shaking her head and Usagi laughing about something. They barely made it into the waiting room when we all bombarded them.
"What is it? Is it a girl? Boy? Please be a boy!" We all asked at once.
Usami dragged Misaki away from us and behind him. "Calm down."
Manami pulled us back so Takahiro could move closer. Misaki moved from behind to go to her brother. "So?"
Misaki looked back at Usami as the two shared a smile before turning back to him, "It's a girl."
