DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"Natsume, are you ready? We should be going soon," Ema called out to her husband in the bathroom.
"I'll be out soon," Natsume called back. He was staring intently at his pill bottle once again. He was mainly focusing on the directions.
Take at least two times a day for best results
'Two a day huh?" Natsume thought. 'Oh well, I said I would and I will. At least for the trip.'
He popped one into his mouth and washed down with some water.
He waited to see if anything started to happen.
'Hmm, nothing so far,' he thought with a shrug as he put the pill bottle into his toiletry bag.
He'd just have to wait and see what happened.
Ema looked through hers and Natsume's bags, double checking to make sure they had everything packed for their trip.
"I think that's everything," she said out loud.
"Let's hope so, wouldn't want your romantic weekend ruined," Juli said from his house.
"Thanks Juli," Ema said. She looked through her bag, particularly one item of clothing on the bottom of her bag, still in a bag.
'Here's hoping this is sporadic enough,' she thought as she finally zipped up her own bag.
"Ready?" Natsume asked as he came up behind her, tossing his toiletry bag into his suitcase.
"Yes," Ema said. She felt Natsume hug her from behind and kiss her cheek.
"I think this is going to be an amazing trip," he whispered.
"Me too," Ema agreed.
"Anyway, shouldn't you be on your way?" Juli asked loudly.
"Yes, we're on our way," Natsume said as he grabbed both bags and pulled them behind him.
"Take care Juli, you and the cats," Ema said, "And don't worry, Louis will be by to look after you."
Juli nodded, "hmm, well good luck and good bye for now Chi."
"Thanks Juli," Ema said, as she grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
"Did you remember to lock the door?" Natsume asked.
"Yes," Ema assured him, dangling the keys before dropping them into her purse.
As she did, Natsume caught a wiff of her hair.
'Mmm,' he hummed, only to feel something going through him.
'Oh' Natsume thought, hoping Ema didn't notice.
Soon the couple was well on their way to their destination.
At first they drove in silence, but peacefully.
"You don't think you'll try doing any work while we're there, will you?" Ema asked.
"No, I'll be focusing on just us, I promise," Natsume insisted, "I didn't even bring a laptop with me."
"And your phone," Ema asked as though in a taunt.
"I won't be using it for work," Natsume promised.
"Good, I know it's not selfish to say, but I want this weekend to be all about us and us alone. No work, no chores, no family, no pets, no..., babies. Just us."
"Just us," Natsume repeated for good measure glancing Ema's way.
While he did enjoy seeing her smile, he was surprised that he was being drawn to her legs.
'Has she always had such a short skirt?' he thought.
He could feel himself getting aroused as Ema casually switched their position.
He had to practically force himself to focus back on the road so as to not crash the car.
"How much longer?" Natsume asked quickly.
"Not too farther," Ema said, "why?"
"Just want to make sure we get there in time," Natsume said, forcing himself to look away from Ema's legs again.
'And that I don't kill us before we get there!' he thought.
"Here's comes the exit," Ema said after a while.
"Oh good," Natsume trying to sound normal.
'I didn't know how much longer I could last!' he thought. 'is it these damn pills?!'
He somehow managed to pull off the highway and down the ramp, driving smoothly towards the resort.
"It certainly looks as nice as the brochure," Ema mentioned as they pulled into the parking lot and found a spot.
"Yeah I guess it does," Natsume agreed.
'Though certainly not as nice as you look right now,' he thought.
He quickly got out of the car and headed to the trunk.
"Go ahead and inside so you can get us checked in. I'll follow with the bags."
"Okay," Ema said as she did such.
'He sure was acting a little weird on the way here. I hope he's okay,' she thought as she walked inside and to the front desk.
"Can I help you?" the receptionist asked as Ema approached.
"Yes, Ema Asahina checking in for my and my husband Natsume Asahina."
The receptionist checked her computer, "oh yes. you reserved the Waterfall room. One moment."
She picked up her phone, "I have the guests for the Waterfall room. Yes the special guests, the ones that Young Mistress Seiso said was coming."
She hung up the phone and smiled at Ema, "we'll have somebody here in a minute to help take you to your room."
"Thank you," Ema said as she pulled out her wallet and handed the receptionist a card.
"Okay, all processed and ready to go," the receptionist said as she handed it back.
"Um not to be rude, but you did charge us, right? My husband didn't want to take advantage of Mie like that," Ema whispered.
"Oh don't worry, it was charged," the receptionist assured her. But then she looked around before whispering, "but at serious discount."
"Thank you," Ema said with a nod of satisfaction.
"Hey," Natsume called in as he came in, with the bags.
"Asahina Party?" a bellhop called out, right at the same time as he came in to the lobby with a trolley.
"Right here," Ema called back to both.
"May I take your bags?" the bellhop asked.
Natsume handed them over to the man.
"Did you get everything taken care of?" he asked Ema.
"Yes," Ema said.
"And did they actually charge us?" Natsume whispered.
"Yes," Ema assured him as she linked arms with him and got him to follow their escort.
This seemed to arouse Natsume more.
'Can't wait to get to the room!' he thought in panic.
"And here we are," the bellhop said as he opened the door.
Inside was a nice calming atmosphere of blue and gray colored walls. in the center was a king size bed up against a unique looking wall that looked like waves of water flowing down.
"This is the waterfall wall," the bellhop explained as he walked over to the bed and wall and hit a swtich nearby.
Immediately the waves really did seem to be moving down complete with the sound of a a flowing water fall.
"It has a few settings with it, you can turn off the the lights," the bellhop hit a switch to demonstrate, "and you can also turn off the lighting." He hit another switch and the wall seemed to turn off and only the sound of a waterfall could be heard.
"Wow, amazing," Ema said.
"Yeah," Natsume agreed. Though in honestly he kind of wished the bellhop would leave so he could finally be alone with Ema.
"And over here, you'll find the special features of the room," the bellhop indicated to a door to the other side of the room.
"There's more?" Ema asked as she and Natsume followed.
'Hopefully not too much more!' Natsume thought as he watched Ema walking in front of him.
In the next room was hot tub and a booth of some kind.
"The hot tub has it's own form of waterfall," the bellhop showed as he turned a nob and water came from out of the wall down from the wall in a arch form into the hot tub. "It's kind of meant to be a sort of massager."
"May I feel?" Ema asked as she reached her hand under, "oh that feels nice. Natsume, you should feel."
Natsume did as Ema suggested and did agree it felt nice. Although it did give him more of a tingle in other places.
"Um, what about that?" he quickly asked, looking towards the booth.
"Oh, a waterfall simulator," the bellhop continued his tour of the room, "it gives the feeling that your standing under a waterfall."
"Almost like a shower?" Natsume asked.
"A little sort of," the bellhop said, "though it's more entertainment than for bathing. There's an actual bathroom back in the main room."
"Ah thank you," Natsume said.
'I'm sure we could have found that on our own, alone!' he thought.
"The simulator can make noise like you're out in nature and what not," the bellhop explained.
"Sounds interesting," Ema said.
"It is, many of the guests who stay in this room enjoy it," the bellhop said as he walked back into the main room, situating their bags on the stands.
"Thank you very much," Ema said as she followed and making sure to tip him.
"No trouble at all Madam, anything for friends of Young Miss Seiso," the bellhop said as he bowed.
"You know Mie?" Ema asked.
"You'll find a lot of hotels owned or run by her family know her. She's worked in a lot of them over the years to learn the trade better and everyone's who's met her ejoyed working with her. She's amazing," the bellhop said, "and a much better candidate for taking over as president over her brother and sisters."
"Wow," Ema said, impressed.
"She does seem to take her work seriously," Natsume said.
'Now can you please leave!' he thought as all he really cared about at that moment was to take Ema and throw her on the bed.
"Well enjoy your stay," the bellhop said as he left.
'Finally!' Natsume thought. Though now he wasn't sure how to go about it without making Ema feel scared or intimidated.
He looked back into the second room, wondering if she'd be interested in using one of the two items available.
"What are you thinking about?" Ema asked.
"Uh, just wondering about the simulator," Natsume said quickly as he hurried back into the room.
'Huh?' Ema thought. She bit her lip. She wasn't sure what was going through Natsume's mind, but was halfway anticipating that he might want to get a little romantic.
Then she remembered Juli's advice, to be sporadic.
'Well, okay, I can try,' she told herself as she followed Natsume back to the second room.
"I guess I just don't quite understand the purpose of it," Natsume started to say, trying to act normal.
"Shall we give it a try?" he heard Ema ask.
"Well, Natsume started to say as he turned around. He was immediately caught off guard by the sight of Ema slowly undressing herself.
"What are you...," Natsume started to ask.
"It didn't say we couldn't be naked while in there," Ema explained as she kept slowly pulling her clothes off, "want to?"
"Yeah, alright!" Natsume said as he quickly started to throw off his own clothes. He could see Ema's eyes widen.
"Oh, Natsume!" she said.
Natsume looked down. "Oh," he said himself a little surprised.
"What...," Ema started to ask.
"I, took one of the pills," Natsume admitted.
"Oh," Ema said. She actually smiled seductively.
"Come on," Natsume motioned for her to join him in the simulator. Ema hurried over and the two sealed themselves in.
Natsume hit a few buttons and immediately, water started to fall on them, rather soft to the touch.
"This feels nice," Ema said as she and Natsume started to wrap their arms around each other.
"Yeah it does," Natsume agreed before kissing her, over and over.
The two were soon joined together in passion, enjoying the closeness between them. It was if they were in their own little world where the only thing that mattered was each other and their love.
"Ah! Ah!" Ema cried as she came down from the sensation Natsume had given her. He had her pinned up against the all of the simulator as he too did his best to calm down from what had seemed like an eternity of love making.
Both managed to look at each other in the face with a smile of satisfaction.
"That was, great," Ema managed to sputter with delight.
"Yeah," Natsume said back, in between pants. "I underestimated this thing. It did feel nice making love to you in here."
Ema smiled as he kissed him again. Then she started to come back to her senses.
"It's getting a little warm in here don't you think?"
"Yeah, maybe a little," Natsume said, even though the water was still cold against their skin.
He quickly turned off everything off and pulled away from Ema.
Though both didn't want to admit they hated pulling apart.
Natsume opened the door and help lead Ema out.
"Thank you," Ema said as she followd her husband.
"How are you feeling?" Natsume asked as he looked around for towels.
"Fine," Ema assured him, "sore, but in a good way!"
Natsume smiled as her description as he started to wrap a towel around him.
He was about to get one for Ema when she suddenly said.
"You know what might help with the soreness? A little dip in the hot tub."
"The hot tub?" Natsume said looking at it.
"I don't know, I get in there with you, I may feel the need to take you again."
"Well what are you waiting for?" Ema asked as she headed in herself.
"Are you serious?" Natsume asked as he knelt down next to the tub, "after all that?"
Ema merely smiled. "Are you going to join me or not?" she asked.
Natsume smirked, "if you get more sore, or worn out, don't blame me!"
"I won't," Ema assured him, as she rached over and turned on the waterfall massager.
Natsume was in with seconds and immediately went after her.
"Ah!" Ema cried in pleasure as she felt her husband make his fist move.
The two were soon at it again, almost as though they had not just had an intense sensation of love making.
Ema soon found herself panting with pleasure as Natsume laid on her doing the same.
"You feeling okay?" he whispered in her ear, giving soft kisses along her neck.
"Yeah, sure," Ema insisted in between breaths.
"Mmm," Natsume moaned as he found the strength to get off Ema and give her some space.
Ema however moved over until she was cuddling next to him. Natsume put his arm around her.
"So I know I have the pills helping to make me more aroused and such. But what's gotten into you, persay?" he asked.
"Well, to be honest, Juli said I should try being a little more sporadic on the trip. Try things I or both of us might not try," Ema admitted.
"Juli suggested that?" Natsume asked.
"Weird huh?" Ema asked.
"Kind of," Natsume admitted, "but it worked, I guess. We really haven't gone at it like that for a while."
"Yeah, it was kind of refreshing," Ema agreed.
"Well, hopefully we didn't wear ourselves out for the whole weekend," Natsume said, "because I'm not done with you yet."
He tilted her head to look at him before kissing her again.
"I should hope not," Ema said as she kissed him back.
She then slowly climbed out of the tub and picked up the towel Natsume had intended to giver her and wrapped it around her.
She made sure hold out Natsume's as he climbed out too.
The two then walked out into the main room, arms around each other happy.
"Do you want to go out this evening for dinner? Or stay in?" Ema asked.
Natsume thought about it.
"Do you want to rest first, then decide?" he suggested.
"Okay," Ema agreed as they walked over to the bed and lay down. Both smiled at each other before shutting their eyes to dream.
When Ema woke up, she realized Natsume was now sitting up in the bed watching TV as quietly as he could while they were covered with a blanket.
"Hey, I didn't wake you, did I?" Natsume asked.
"No," Ema said as she sat up too, "how long have you been up?"
"Not too long," Natsume said, "I didn't want to wake you."
"Mmm," Ema said as she cuddled close. "What time is it?"
"Roughly 6 or 7," Natsume said, "are you feeling hungry?"
"Actually, yes," Ema said, "I actually wouldn't mind trying that nice restaurant they have here."
"I was thinking the same thing," Natsume agreed, "Shall we get dressed and head down?"
"Mmm, yes," Ema said as she hurried out of bed and over to the suitcases, pulling out a black dress.
Natsume watched as she dressed. It did look attractive as she did, but not in the same way as it had started in the car.
'Guess the pill's wearing off,' he thought. It was roughly time to take the next one.
"I'm going to do my hair in the bathroom real fast," Ema said as she hurried in.
Natsume quickly then climbed out of the bed and walked over to the suitcases as well. He started to pull out a nice outfit fot himself as well, along with his toiletry bag. Inside he could see the pill container.
'Seems to be working so far,' he thought as he dressed. He then went and popped in another pill, able to swallow it by the time Ema came out of the bathroom.
"Well, how do I look?" she asked, reverting back to her old shy self.
"Amazing," Natsume said as he offered her his hand.
The two headed out down to the restaurant.
"Good evening, do you have a reservation?" the host asked as they came to the opening of the restaurant.
"No, sorry," Natsume said.
"That's alright, we should be able to get you in, in no time," the host assured the couple, "May I have your name so we can inform you when a table's ready?"
"Asahina," Natsume said.
"Asahina?" the host said in surprise, "oh why didn't you say so? You do have a table saved."
"We do?" Ema asked.
"Young Mistress Seiso insisted we keep a table open for you should you choose to eat here," the host explained as he signaled a waiter.
"See that the Asahinas get a nice table by the windows."
"Right this way," the waiter instructed as he led them through the restaurant to a table by big bay windows. Outside they could see a luscious forrest with different paths leading in, illuminated by bright lights. Ema could see some couples walking along the paths.
"Is that a part of your resort?" Ema asked.
"Oh yes, it's in a gated area and the gates shut at midnight. In the meantime couples can take romantic strolls day or night," said the waiter as he placed the menus on the table.
"You will charge us for the meal, right?" Natsume asked as he pulled out Ema's seat for her.
"Oh yes sir," the waiter assured him. Though as he turned away, Ema noticed a smirk on his face.
'I bet it'll be at a discount like the room,' she thought as she started looking at the menu.
"How are you feeling?" Natsume asked from behind his menu.
"I'm fine," Ema said casually, "how about you?"
"I'm fine too," Natsume said.
Right as he said that, he started to feel a tingle again. He looked over at Ema in her black dress. He had seen her wearing it before, just now it looked so much better on her.
'Are the pills working already?' he thought as he tried keeping cool.
He did his best to stay calm and steady all through dinner. He and Ema engaged in pleasant conversation, both seemingly happy with their trip so far.
"Mmm, this was a delicious meal!" Ema declared happy once they were over.
"Yes," Natsume agreed, "I remember reading it had a 5 star rating all on its own. "
"Do you want some dessert?" Ema asked.
"Mmm, I'm not sure," Natsume said looking at the dessert menu.
"Thr chocolate pudding cake just looks so good," Ema mentioned.
"You can order one," Natsume insisted, "I'll wait."
Though he knew it would be a hard thing to do.
Ema however smiled and flagged down a waiter to order the cake.
"Are you sure you don't want anything?" Ema asked as the waiter hurried away to fill the order.
"Nah," Natsume said casually.
'The only thing I want is you!' he thought.
"Well you can shar mine if you want," Ema offered.
"Thank you," Natsume said, truly touched by Ema's kindness.
Just then the waiter return and served the cake.
"Can you make sure we can get the bill too?" Natsume requested.
"Right away sir," the waiter said as he hurried off too get it for him.
Ema meanwhile took a small bite of her cake. Natsume was feeling aroused as he watched Ema bring the bite to her lips and slowly eat it off her fork.
"Mmm," she moaned, "it's so good!"
Natsume had to gulp.
"Did you want a bite?" Ema offered again, holding out her fork to Natsume.
"Sure," Natsume said as he took the bite. It did taste good.
"We should see if we can get the recipe. I bet Ukyo would like it too," Ema suggested.
"I'm sure Mie would be more than willing to get it," Natsume insisted.
'As long as it gets things going!' he thought.
Ema started to notice Natsume's uneasiness and quickly started to finish her cake. She was sure he was starting to get affected by the pills.
She had just finished by the time the waiter return with the check.
Natsume looked it over. "I think they forgot to charge us for a few things. No doubt on Mie's orders."
Ema had to hide a smirk behind her hand as Natsume still paid the bill.
"Ready to go back to the room?" she asked.
'Hell yes!" Natsume thought.
"Sure, lets," he said calmly as they both stood up and headed out.
Ema could feel the rush in their pace as they came to the elevator and road.
She smiled at him as they road up. "So, I was thinking, maybe we can take a walk down through the forest tomorrow?"
"Yeah we can try," Natsume agreed. It had looked like nice a scenery to walk through.
He just hoped he didn't mess it up with his desires for her.
'Maybe I'll be careful about taking the pill tomorrow,' he told himself, as he gazed down at Ema with desire.
By the time they had arrived on their floor and stepped off the elevator, they were practically running to their room.
Ema could see Natsume fumbling to get his key in and the door opened.
It both disturbed and amused her to watch.
When Natsume did finally get door opened, he practically yanked Ema into the room.
"Natsu...!" Ema started to say, only to be cut off by his kiss.
"Sorry, I couldn't hold it in," Natsume explained as he held her face gently.
"It's alright," Ema replied as she tenderly stroked his hair. Natsume started to advance on her.
"No, wait, Natsume," Ema pleaded as she gently pushed him away.
"What is it?" Natsume asked, a little concerned he had been too forceful on her.
"I just, I had something I wanted to wear for tonight, something I had sort of gotten for this trip, on my attempt to be more sporadic," Ema explained.
"Oh," Natsume said, "sure."
Ema smiled as she walked over to his bag, and pulled out the item, still wrapped up.
"I'll go change in the bathroom," she said as she hurried away.
"Okay," Natsume said as he started getting to work undressing himself and getting situated on the bed. He fiddled with the different nobs for the Waterfall wall, making sure to find just the right setting for it.
Just when he found what he thought was the right one, he heard the bathroom door opening.
"Natsume," Ema said as she slowly walked out. She was now dressed in light purple lingerie ensemble with a dress and wrap.
She slowly crawled onto the bed and in front of Natsume.
"What do you think?"
"You look great in that," Natsume said as he leaned closer to her.
"And unties," Ema whispered as she gestured to the front that had a big bow, "go ahead."
Natsume nodded and did such, causing Ema's front to fall out more.
"Oh," Natsume moaned with pleasure at the sight.
"Well, are you going to go on?" Ema asked.
"Yes," Natsume said as he kissed her. Ema could feel his firm but soft hands slowly find their way around her outfit to help pull it off her body, until she felt only the cool air of the room and the soft touch of her blanket on her skin. As well as he husband's soft hands massaging her body.
Eventually he started to pull her closer to him until they were laying down, Natsume moving them around until he was on top. As soon as he was, he bagn again making love to her.
Ema noticed that for some reason, he was acting more gentle this time around then before in the simulator or hot tub.
Not that she minded. All she cared about was becoming one with him again.
This was bound to be one of the most amazing experiences the two would have, and be one to remember.
The next morning, when Ema woke up, she could hear the soft tenderness of Natsume breathing next to her. She looked over and realized he was still asleep.
Ema smiled tenderly at him.
"You're amazing Natsume," she whispered with love and pride as she kissed his forehead.
She then carefully managed to untangle herself from his grasp while attempting to not wakr him and headed to the bathroom.
She started the shower, waiting for the water to warm up before stepping in.
Ema actually moaned a little as she bathed. It reminded her too much of the way Natsume had gone and touched her all day and night yesterday.
'What fun!' she actually thought.
Suddenly she felt a second set of hands on her sides.
Ema gasped and turned around, to see Natsume behind her. He pulled her closer.
"Sorry, I heard you in here and wanted to join you," he whispered.
"Is this you or the pill talking?" Ema teased as she turned to look at him.
"Mostly me," Natsume admitted, "I think the pill's worn off again."
"Well, in either case, since you're here," Ema said as she reached up and kissed him. Natsume kept her close as he returned the kiss.
It didn't take them long to go at it again. Ema could again feel the softer touches this time.
'No matter how he does it, he's amazing,' she bragged to herself as she enjoyed the sensation.
"Are you annoyed I sort of ruined your shower?" Natsume asked once they were over.
"No, don't worry," Ema said, "this is what this trip was supposed to be about right?"
Natsume smiled, "you're an amazing woman you know that?"
"And you're one of the greatest men in the world," Ema praised back.
Natsume smiled and thanked her with another kiss.
"Did you still want to take that walk before we go?" he asked.
"Oh yes please!" Ema said excited. She managed to wash herself off and let Natsume do the same.
"How would you feel about getting breakfast first and then going?" Natsume asked, "we can even put the suitcases in the car first so we're good and ready."
"Sure," Ema said. She was a little relieved that her husband was starting to act like himself again. Not that she didn't like his flamboyant side. She just preferred the way he was, the way she had fallen for him.
The two headed out and took the bags to their car before heading to the restaurant.
"Good morning, welcome back," the new host on duty said.
"Thank you," Ema said as the host motioned for a waiter again.
The waiter once again led them to a table by the windows.
"So be honest, did you have a good time?" Natsume asked.
"Yes," Ema said, hiding her blushing face behind her menu, "you?"
"Yes," Natsume said calmly, also smiling.
"I honestly wouldn't mind coming here again in the future."
"Really? Wow!" Ema said happily, "we should try!"
"Will do," Natsume promised.
"And maybe even try a different room," Ema said.
"Sure," Natsume agreed. "And maybe see what else there is to see around here." He looked out to the forest area where at least one couple was going on what looked like a run down a path.
Once they had finished their breakfast, Ema and Natsume headed out for their walk, down one of the more peaceful looking paths, their arms linked.
Natsume could hear Ema sighing happily.
"So be honest, how disappointed will you be if you don't manage to pregnant after all of this?" Natsume asked.
"No, no, we promised, none of that," Ema scolded, "we promised this weekend was only about us."
"Okay," Natsume allowed.
"But in answer to your question, I'll be fine, I promise," Ema assured him. "This trip really put things into perspective. And that is no matter what, I know I'll love you, and I have faith you'll always love me. We don't need anything else to prove it to us or anyone else, not even a baby."
"Was that why you were so anxious to start having a baby? You weren't sure about how much we love each other as much as before?" Natsume asked.
"Maybe a little, I think I was worried things were getting stale," Ema admitted, "but even if they do get "stale" as it were, that won't change the love we have for each other. We can be happy being "stale". "
"Not very many people would be happy of the idea of being "stale"," Natsume pointed out.
"But do you understand what I'm saying?" Ema asked.
"Yes, our lives, no matter what happens, or compared to others marriages seem, we'll be happy with ours," Natsume said.
"And a baby would just be icing on the cake," Ema finished.
"Stinking icing, but yes," Natsume agreed.
They soon came to a clearing overlooking a vast valley full of trees. The two paused and looked out, taking in the beautiful scenery.
"Do you still want a baby though?" Natsume asked after a while.
"Yes," Ema said calmly, "someday. We can certainly keep trying or look at different methods."
"Like adoptions?" Natsume asked. Ema shrugged.
"Possibly, work out okay with Louis and me," she said, "but I'd want to keep trying first."
"Yeah," Natsume agreed, "we should."
The couple stood watching the scenery some more before turning around to head back.
"We'll be able to check out by the time we get back," Natsume mentioned.
Ema shifted her eyes, wondering how Natsume would react when he saw the bill, with the serious discount the receptionist had promised.
"What are you thinking about?" Natsume asked.
"Oh, well," Ema sputtered, "I was wondering if there are any names that means waterfall."
"Waterfall?" Natsume asked, "really?"
Ema shrugged, "it'd be a nice reminder of our great time here."
"Hmm," Natsume said, but still smiled.
"This can't be right," Natsume said as he looked over the bill, "I think you forgot a few things on the bill!"
"Mmm, no, this is correct," the receptionist said, looking a little smug.
"Is there a problem sir?" the manager asked as he came up behind her.
"This bill just seems a little small than it should be for our stay," Natsume explained.
"What's your last name?" The manager asked.
"Asahina," Natsume said.
"Oh, no, the bill's right," the manager said, also looking smug.
Natsume sighed, "very well, thank you for services, we had a wonderful time."
"Yes we did!" Ema agreed.
"Very good, we hope to see you again," the manager said.
"I know I said I wanted to pay our fair share for our stay here, but Mie didn't have to give us so many discounts that we were practically staying for free," Natsume said as he and Ema walked out of the hotel and headed to their car.
"It'll take her some time to find the right balance of what's nice and what's not necessary in line with family," Ema said, "give her time."
"You're right," Natsume said as ge opened the car door for her. He quickly walked over to the driver side, fiddling with his phone.
"Hayase by the way," he said as he started the car.
"Huh?" Ema asked.
"Hayase, it's a boy's name that means waterfall," Natsume explained.
"Oh," Ema said with a smile, "that's a nice name."
"Yeah, I could see calling a son that," Natsume said, "but we'll see."
"Hayase," Ema said outloud, "Hayase Asahina. It fits, doesn't it?"
"I guess," Natsume agreed. "But let's actually wait to see if you get pregnant and what you get pregnant with. We could have a girl first."
"How many do you want, anyway?" Ema asked, "if and when we do start?"
"Less than 13 that's for sure," Natsume insisted.
"I kind of wouldn't mind a big family," Ema said.
"Well, we can have more than one or two," Natsume insisted, "I just don't want that many."
"I understand," Ema agreed, "13 might be too much for me too."
"How many do you want?" Natsume asked.
"I'd say at least 2 at least, one or two extra wouldn't hurt," Ema said.
Natsume nodded, "let's at least agree to keep it in the single digits."
"Yes, I can promise you that!" Ema assured him.
"Natural, adoption or otherwise," Natsume added.
Ema smiled with pride, "or even zero, as long as we remain happy together. Because if we can't do that, we wouldn't make good parents."
"Too true," Natsume said.
He felt Ema's hand on his. It gave him a natural tingle, one that he was use to and didn't feel weird getting at all.