I remember the time I rode a bicycle by myself for the first time. Elementary school, a couple of friends and I were playing in a grass field along a sidewalk. One of my friends brought his bike and we were taking turns. One of them persuaded me to try it and not ten seconds later I hit a rock, went upside down, and landed on my arm, breaking my first bone. I remember the pain was horrible, the little 7 year old me thinking I was going to die. I never rode a bike again.

I will ride a bike everyday for the rest of my goddamn life if it means getting rid of the pain I am in now.

"How long are the contractions?" I heard the doctor ask. My eyes were closed as I tried to watch my breathing when another one hit.

"They were about 10 minutes the hour after her water broke but they seemed more frequent in the car."

"Get her out!"

I did not remember when they threw off my clothes and put the gown on me but here I am in a hospital room, naked as this baby with the gown on. A nurse was putting my legs up in the stirrups. "Let's see where she is?"

"Fuck, please tell me she is coming, pleeeee…." Damn! I would rather break my arm again!

"It's okay." Usagi's cool hand brushed my forehead. "It's okay."

"Fuck you don't tell me it's okay. I got a freaking human clawing their way out of me! Shit, I'm sorry I don't mean that!"

"If she comes head first then she can't be clawing."

"FUCK YOU!"

"Alright, you are about 5 centimeters, still got about 5 more to go." 5 more!? "Were we still doing epidural."

"Fuck yeah!"

"Of course. Usami-sensei, if possible, I would like Takahashi to walk around while we get the epidural." I hate how calm she is.

"Fuck her, I don't want to move!" I said after she left.

Usagi had the nerve to laugh as he grabbed my arms. I tried to watch my breathing as I touched the floor. "Come on, it might be better when you move."

"It will be better when this is over. Oh god, I'm never complaining about my periods again."

It was like a baby whose parents are teaching them to walk. The room was fairly big so Usagi had us walk in a circle. We had to stop when the contractions hit. "Are you okay?"

"Just fucking peachy. I can't wait to do this again."

"We would have to wait a few months but…" "SHUT UP!"

"MISAKI!" The door busted open to show nii-chan.

"NIICHAN?!" How did he find us? Thank god I was facing the door so he did not see my naked back side. Usagi moved away to let him hug me. Manami was standing by the door talking to Usagi.

"How far along?"

"They are grabbing epidural now. She is 5 centimeters dilated."

"How are you feeling Misaki?"

"Okaaaaaaa." Spoke too soon.

"Oh, my poor baby sister."

"Shut up with your sarcasm! Oh no I'm sorry niichan." God I feel like my emotions have their own on/off switch.

"Don't take it personally Takahiro. She has been cursing everyone out."

"Fuck you Usagi. Everyone is not trying to get a fucking watermelon out of their vagina! Shit I don't mean that, don't be mad."

"Hello everyone." Dr. Watanabe came back with three nurses this time. "Family?"

"I'm her brother." I was going to introduce them when I felt another contraction, worse than before. "OOOOOOHHHHHH Get this baby out of me!" Usagi helped me back in bed.

"Exciting, I am afraid I can only allow one or two people in here during labor."

"Did you want to stay, Takahiro?" Usagi asked. Ugh, why did he choose now to be all caring? I did not need nii-chan to see all this. I was still debating if I wanted him to be here. Another contraction.

Niichan kissed my forehead. "...No, it's probably best for Misaki if we weren't here. Misaki, we will be waiting for you outside." I think I gave him a thumbs up. Another contraction. When they were gone Usagi helped the nurse lift me up. I winced as I felt the needle in my back.

"Asshole." I let out, looking into his violet eyes. Sounded good to say. "Stupid asshole." He just laughed.

"Okay, let's check you again." I laid back down. The epidural slowly kicking in. "9 centimeters, almost there."

And then came the pressure. It was not painful but the pressure made it feel like someone was cutting off my airway. I tried to keep my breathing. I wanted to pee so bad. "Misaki, breathe."

"I AM!"

"I see the head. Okay Takahashi, on the count of three I need a big push." Oh god, it's happening. "One..two..three..push!"

I cried out, grabbing Usagi's hand. Oh god it felt like I was taking a big dump. Pardon the un-ladylike speaking. "Again. One...two...three...push." I'm never working out again!

"Almost there...one more time.."

As I took one more breath, I heard a cry.


AKIHIKO

"There she is." I looked at the oddly-shaped pale child, crying in the doctor's arm. The umbilical cord was still attached. The doctor held her head as she walked over to Misaki with our child. "One healthy baby girl."

I wished I had a camera. Seeing Misaki, looking at the little, slimed-up girl. She stopped crying and opened her eyes. Her beautiful, purple eyes. She looked up at Misaki. "Hi." Misaki breathed out, no doubt tired from childbirth. She is so strong; it was terrifying watching her. The epidural should have numbed the pain but who knows if it worked. I love her so much.

"Usagi?" She looked up at me. Even with the hair clinging to her face by sweat and tears and her eyes were now a dull color, she still held a radiant smile. "It's our daughter."

The girl looked at me. Her eyes were wide, no doubt going to be shaped like Misaki's, but those were my eyes looking back at me. There was not a lot of hair but the small fuzz looked to be a dark grey color. This was my daughter.

"Do you want to cut the umbilical cord?' The Doctor held the scissors to me. I glanced down as disgusting slime was still coming out of Misaki. It did not seem pleasant.

"You don't have to." Misaki assured me. I let the doctor do that. I don't think I could stomach it. They took the little girl back to clean her up and do other routine exams. I wiped the hair off her face. "Thank you."

"You are amazing."

She smiled. "Six pounds and 5 ounces, such a good baby." Six pounds?! Misaki really was amazing! She came back with our daughter now bundled in a pink blanket. "I saw some cute outfits you can put on her after her first bath." She gave her to Misaki. "For now we can try feeding her."

I watched as the doctor helped Misaki take out her left breath and hold the baby up. She opened her mouth and after a few times latched on to her nipple. "Going to be a pain sharing them now."

Misaki narrowed her eyes with a blush on her face. "That is what you think about at a time like this?"

"Of course."

"Pervert." It was comforting to see her act like her normal self. I was still worried about how she would act when she got home.

"Do you guys have a name for her?"

Misaki turned to me with a smile. I could also remember the day we decided her name.

"How about Sumiko?" Misaki sat, eating a fruit bowl she had made. Her seventh-month-stomach poking out of the tank top she wore. I had just sat down to take a break when she decided to discuss the name for our girl. Her doctor suggested it two days ago.

"No." Too close to that boy.

"Yoko?"

"I know a villain from a story I read named Yoko. She was an ugly hag."

"Okay then no. How about Momoko?"

"Why do all these names have 'ko' in them?"

She shrugged, throwing a blueberry in her mouth. "Everyone I met in your family has the 'ko' name. I figured it was some sort of tradition." Huh, I never noticed that. "But I do like it, especially if we match the kanji with something special."

"And "peach child" was something special?" I chuckled at her last suggestion.

"I like peaches."

"I don't."

"Then you come up with suggestions. Don't you think of names lots of times for your stories?"

I shrugged; I didn't want to tell her that I was also having a hard time with this as well. It was easy to find names for my stories, but that is because there is no connection to me. I use our names for my erotica because those mean something to me. And now I have to think of a name for my own child? That was a lot of pressure.

"Because I do not feel the need to stress over this."

"You should. She is coming in two months."

"And she will be beautiful and healthy, just like her mother." I was out of Misaki.

She narrowed her eyes as I slipped her into my lap. A few berries bounced out of the bowl. She moved around to get comfortable, laying her head on my chest when she did. Even with the child she did not feel so heavy. We proved it yesterday when I carried her up the stairs.

"You said you would help."

"I am helping. My job is to keep you stress-free."

"I'm not stressed but I also don't want to be in the hospital room drawing a blank because we didn't pick a name."

"Takahiro said he remembered your parents struggling to pick your names. They did not pick your name until the day before you were born."

"Your point?"

"That you are stressed."

"Am no…." I silenced her. It would be best not to trigger another fight with her. We have been having a lot of them, Misaki getting irritated with little things.

"I am sure whatever you name her will be beautiful."

She scoffed, setting her bowl down to move closer. It was nice holding her in my arms. "You are just trying to get out of this. And stop saying beautiful, all I hear from you is that."

"Can you blame me? Everything about you is beautiful."

"Even with this ball-sized stomach?"

"Even with the ball-sized stomach.'" We both shared a laugh. "I think pregnancy is a nice look for you." My eyes wandered down to her breasts, now a good two sizes bigger. Her butt also grew a nice size. She still was skinny but the extra weight she gained just added to her beauty. And it was nice to grab her bigger butt during sex. I won't say that.

"Yeah well don't get used to it. I am not doing this again until at least after I graduate college."

"So we can have another child in three years?"

"Shut up Usagi! We were supposed to be thinking about names."

"I already said what you name her will be beautiful."

"...Do you think she will be beautiful?"

I was taken back by the question. Misaki was looking at my chest, tears in her eyes. No doubt something troubling her mind. "Why do you ask that?"

"Just...you keep saying beautiful..and I know I have the kanji for beauty in my name...just…" I waited for her to continue. "I was never "beautiful" throughout school. I have been called plain many times before. Not a fun feeling."

"That's because you were around simpletons who could not see your worth."

"I have no doubt if she takes after you she will be amazing...I just am scared...she will be plain like me."

If there was one thing that irritated me to no end about Misaki would be her insecurity. No matter what I did or say, Misaki never believed she was good enough. I wanted to yell at her for caring about what children would say about her. Younger boys were said to pick on the ones they had a crush on. Pathetic. She forgets there were two men I had to deal with trying to take her away from me.

I kissed her forehead, the only thing that seemed to help her calm down. "You don't have to be the most beautiful girl in the world. You are the most beautiful in my world. And I am sure this girl will think the same about her mother."

Her face was on fire. New tears in her eyes. "You are embarrassing."

I had to laugh. "Our child will be beautiful."

"Beautiful child."

That reminded me of a name I remembered from one of my first stories written. I had chosen it specifically for the meaning. "Miyoko."

"Miyoko?"

"It was my first story that won an award. I wrote about a girl, while the most beautiful in the world, was truly beautiful by her kind heart. I named her Miyoko."

"For being beautiful inside and out huh?"

"Just like you."

"Quit it." She giggled. "But I love the name. And it is more special, being from one of your stories. I guess you were useful after all."

"I am always useful."

"Miyoko. Usami Miyoko." I was unprepared for the pride I felt as Misaki said her name out loud. Usami Miyoko. My child. "Do you want to hold her Usagi?"

Here it comes. I cannot remember the last time I held a child. What if I drop her? "Are you sure?"

Misaki sat up. "Yeah, just make sure to hold her head."

I stepped closer. My heart raced as I held my arms out. I tried to mimic Misaki's arms as she placed Miyoko in mine. I quickly grabbed her head. She wiggled a bit.I pulled her closer. I looked to Misaki for help. But she smiled, "you are doing great."

"This seems unnatural." She giggled. I looked down at Miyoko, her eyes looking up at me. I knew she would be beautiful, just like her mother. I jumped when she coughed, almost dropping her. She started to cry at the jolt. I gave her back to Misaki as fast as I could. "You will get better." She encouraged me, rocking Miyoko until her eyes closed.

I knew I was going to struggle to be a father but I was thankful to have Misaki. She would never judge, only help. "I love you."

She smiled. "You too."

They took Miyoko to wash her up. I went into the duffel bag Misaki made for the hospital. I grabbed a purple dress and purple shorts Misaki chose to be the first outfit. As Misaki did not want to move, I was able to go watch the bath. She splashed the nurse a few times and when they suggested I help, I was splashed too. She even peed in the water.

Misaki could not hold her laughter when she saw the wet spot on my suit. They had cleaned her up and she was wearing a fresh gown. An hour and a half after childbirth we let Takahiro in.

"AMAZING!" He cried before Manami elbowed him in the side. Misaki let him hold her. Manami had to watch him as tons of tears were coming down his face. "My little niece. So beautiful."

"She is." Manami gave Misaki a hug. "You did great Misaki."

"What is her name?"

"Miyoko."

"Miyoko, a beautiful name." Yes it was.

"Did you call Hidori?"

"She said she was going to visit tomorrow when you get home. We thought it would be better if less people were in the hospital."

"Probably best."

The doctor said we could leave that day but I wanted to stay the night, just to make sure Misaki and Miyoko were okay. I was able to convince them to let me stay as well. Takahiro and Manami left when visiting hours were over, promising to be back tomorrow after work. Miyoko was asleep in the hospital bed besides Misaki. "I can't believe she's here."

"Seems like those nine months flew by."

"You're right. Just imagine the next 18 years."

"I can't even imagine the next 18 hours. When we bring her home, we are on our own."

"Are you scared?"

"Terrified." She turned towards me, reaching out for my hand. I grabbed hers to kiss it. "I hope I can be a good father."

"I know you will be. No one is perfect. I often think I won't be a good mom. That I am too young, that I am going to do everything wrong. It's scary to think that a person's life is in my hands."

It was nice to hear her struggles. She opened up a little to me but I am still worried that she will hide her feelings about the child. I read the horrors women have after birth. PTSD was so serious, some moms even rejecting the family or worse. I just hoped if Misaki goes through that I can be there for her. "I love you."

She let out a loud yawn. "You too." It did not take her long to fall asleep. I still held onto her hand as I laid in the hospital bed they gave me. Misaki's was much too small for both of us. They were uncomfortable, I wanted to be back home.

I closed my eyes but before I could sleep I could hear coughing. Miyoko was awake again, wriggling around. Her eyes scrunching as she prepared to cry. Misaki did not move, already in deep sleep. I did not want her to wake up, but by the time a nurse came in Miyoko would be in full tantrum mode. So I got up and walked over.

"Miyoko, you are going to wake up your mom." She hiccuped, opening her mouth. I did not realize until she was in my arms that I picked her up. "Shit." Misaki would kill me if I dropped her but she keeps moving. I moved my arm, trying to hold her head as Misaki kept telling me. I folded my arms, holding her close to my chest. She slowly stopped crying, now a small whimper. A few moments later she was back to sleep.

"Told you." I looked at Misaki but her eyes were still closed.

I looked back down at Miyoko, not stopping the smile on my face as I watched her snuggle closer to my chest. My child.


She's here! I like putting the characters together ^_^

Next time on COH:

See how the couple do after one week of parenting.


"WELCOME HOME!" Usagi rolled his eyes as he held the door open. Miyoko jumped at the loud noise but luckily she did not start crying.

"Quiet, we have a child."

I walked into the living room, both of us surprised by how crowded it was. Nii-chan and Manami were there. Hidori, Hiromi, Shinobu, and Shinnosuke? Even Sensei and Kusama were here as well. "Why are there so many people in my house?"

"Congratulations Usami and Takahashi!" Nowaki explained.

"Why are you all here?"

"To celebrate of course." Hidori skipped over to look at Miyoko. "Aw, she has your eyes Misaki, minus the color."

"Takahiro called and invited us." I heard sensei explain as Usagi put Miyoko's carrier down on the coffee table.

"I was just so excited and Kusama said they wanted to see her and then Shiima wanted to invite all of your friends so I thought this could be a fun surprise. I hope you're not mad."

"No, we're not mad." Though I am curious about when he became friends with sensei and Kusama. I figured he knew sensei since Usagi knew her from childhood but he never spoke about her. I glanced at Usagi, scowling. I bumped his arm to get his attention. "Right Usagi?"

We stared each other down when he admitted defeat with a sigh. "No, just stay quiet. I don't want any of you scaring her."

"Already an overprotective father. A little noise is not going to kill her." Sensei rolled her eyes. Miyoko wiggled in her seat, staring at all the people with curious eyes. I unbuckled the belts to lift her up.

"They better wash their hands if they are thinking about touching her. And no one try to kiss her."

"Sheesh, and I thought I was going to have to worry about Misaki being a momma bear." Shinobu and Hiromi cooed over her but I did not miss the step they took back. Nii-chan swore up and down he washed his hands so I handed Miyoko to him.

"You look good with a child." Manami winked. We laughed as nii-chan began to blush. Kusama came closer to look at Miyoko, talking to sensei and Usagi. I took the chance to turn to Shinnosuke and Hidori. "I am surprised you are here."

He scratched the back of his head. "I hope I am not overstepping my boundaries. I love babies and when Shiima invited me I had to say yes."

Hidori's face twisted into an over-dramatic look of shock. "Who invited who? You were not included in these plans."

"And yet you gave him the address and time." Hiromi giggled from behind.

"Well...that's because he was pushy."

I sighed, why did she have to be so stubborn? "Can't you just say yes to going out with him."

Her face turned a bright red. "Shut up Misaki, we are here for Miyoko." I laughed as she tried walking over with what dignity she had left. I turned back to Shinnosuke who was sporting a huge smile. "You are going to have a lot to deal with."

He shrugged. "I have been known to be extremely patient. And I am enjoying myself."

We turned to the sound of Miyoko crying. "I told you guys you were scaring her." Usagi picked her up. He was doing much better since the little scene I witnessed at the hospital. He rocked her a few times but she did not stop. "She might be hungry."

Uh oh. I was afraid of that. My nipples still feel the pain from this morning's feed. She was a biter. I looked around at our audience. "Um."

"Everyone, time to go."

"But they just got here." I didn't want to be rude. I could probably go upstairs.

"No, its okay Misaki, we didn't plan to stay long."

"And we work in a few hours anyway." Hidori pointed to her and Shinnosuke. "We got our fill of the adorable child."

"Okay. Thank you for coming over. It means a lot."

Hidori wrapped her arms around my waist, laying her head on my shoulder. "I'll call you tomorrow. Do not hesitate to ask me for anything. You are not alone in this."

She let go of me so nii-chan could kiss my forehead. "She is right Misaki. Do not ever feel you have to go through this on your own. You either Usagi. Family helps each other out."

I started crying. Damn hormones. They all said their goodbyes and one by one left. I turned to Usagi. "I love them all." He smiled but was interrupted by a loud cry. "Yes, yes, we did not forget about you." Usagi laughed as he handed her to me.

"Sorry sweetie." I sat on the couch, trying to remember the instructions as I pulled my right boob out. Her mouth opened, searching for her milk. I winced as she bit down. "I wish she wouldn't bite."

Usagi laughed again. The doorbell rang. "Did they forget something?"

He walked over. "Delivery" I heard. Did he order something again? I heard movement down the hall along with the sound of boxes being set down. It went on for a minute before Usagi slammed the door shut. "Usagi?"

"You have got to be kidding me."

"Usagi, what was it?" I got up, careful not to disturb her feeding, and walked over. I was surprised; Usagi seemed so too. Five boxes lined up in the hallway. He had opened one, full of pink and purple stuffed bears. "Did you buy this?"

"No." He opened up another box, full of dolls. "I'm taking this all back."

"What? Wait, who sent us all of this?" He did not seem to want to answer so I looked down at the mailing information. I had to remind myself I still had Miyoko.

"Usagi-chichi?!

Why did Usagi-chichi send us these?