DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM

"Oh my God! I am so sorry!" Yuki pleaded.

"No, I think it's time we faced reality," Natsume said looking at his wife. "we've been kind of living in denial given how hard we've been trying with no success. We didn't want to give our hopes up."

"Well didn't you feel any symptoms Chi?" Louis asked.

"Some but, there was also that bug going around, so, like Natsume said, we didn't want to give our hopes up. It just seemed a little too convenient for it to be true," Ema admitted. "How did you all figure it out?"

"I just grew a hunch when I saw you after delivering the dress," Hikaru explained, "you had a look to you that said, something special was happening to you. And this was all before you didn't fit the dress."

"Oh," Ema said looking down at her middle.

"I also kind of saw what Hikaru saw, even as early as when you came back from your trip," Louis said, "I just knew it was time, and here we are."

"I just assumed you were because I saw the baby clothes in your closet," Yuki admitted, "sorry."

"Really? That's what tipped you off?" Louis teased.

"Well, she's could be right," Natsume said, holding Ema close.

"Don't put it off anymore you two," Hikaru insisted, "find out, find out for sure. Be brave, be happy. You'll never know until you've done the proper work to fully learn if you are or not."

"You're right," Natsume agreed, "we'll stop off at a drug store and get a test on our way home. In the meantime, will you three please keep quiet on the matter?"

All three made the zip-the-lip motion.

"Thank you," Ema said.

"Think you can hold it together yourself?" Natsume asked her.

.

"I'm not sure," Ema said. She squeezed Natsume's hand. "What if this is the real deal Natsume?"

"Then it's about time," Natsume replied.

Ema nodded as she started to smile.

Throughout the rest of the party, Natsume and Ema did their best to keep their cool while interacting with the other guests, especially their family.

Though they both knew how eager they both were to leave and get to the drug store for a test.

Each were also constantly pondering if this was it. Were they on their way to starting their own family? Or was it just going to be another disappointment?

"You holding up alright?" Natsume asked as it started to get late.

"I, think so," Ema said. Though Natsume could see her tugging at her dress straps.

"I think we should be able to leave here soon without too much of a fuss," he whispered.

"Well, we don't have to rush," Ema insisted.

"You sure about that?" Natsume asked.

Suddenly they heard Mrs. Seiso calling out.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please!"

Ema and Natsume look and saw her and Miwa coming to the center of the ballroom.

"Mrs. Asahina and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming to to celebrate the engagement of my daughter, Mie..."

"To my son, Subaru," Miwa came in. "We are both so proud to see the two of them so happy together."

"And we wish the two of them a lifetime of that happiness for years to come," Mrs. Seiso continued, "both with their careers and their personal lives as husband and wife."

"To Subaru and Mie!" Miwa said raising her glass.

"To Subaru and Mie!" everyone echoed in the room as several other guests also raised their glasses and then took a sip.

Subaru and Mie smiled, fighting their embarrassed smiles.

"Maybe now would be a good time to slip out," Natsume whispered.

"You think?" Ema asked.

"We won't be the first," Natsume said nodding to Masaomi and Ukyo walking up to Subaru and Mie, shaking their hands before heading back to their wives and children and heading out.

Before he or Ema could move or say anything, Yusuke and Emiko also came up to the couple, offering them congratulations and making their way to the exit.

Futo and Keitorin were right behind them, saying good-bye to Mie and Subaru and leaving as well.

"Shall we?" Natsume asked.

"Okay," Ema allowed. She seemed hesitant for some reason. None the less, she took Natsume's hand and walked with him to the happy couple.

"Well we should get going," Natsume said.

"Thank you for coming," Subaru said as he shook his hand.

"Yes, thank you!" Mie said excited, "I hope you had a nice time! Even with that unpleasant encounter with my brother."

"It's fine," Ema assured her, "it was a wonderful party."

"Yes, it was splendid," Natsume said, "congratulations and good luck. Let us know if we can help in anyway."

"Thank you, we shall!" Mie said. "Take care!"

"Take care," Ema said as Natsume led her away to the doors.

Natsume could feel the slight slow pace she was going at, almost on purpose. He decided to not push it though and let Ema go at the pace she wanted, for whatever reason.

Soon they had reached the exit of the hotel, and the valet quickly brought out their car.

"Ready?" Natsume asked as he opened the door for her.

"Yeah," Ema sputtered as she slid in.

Natsume cast her an uneasy look as he walked around to his side and drove off.

"Are you okay?" he asked as they drove.

"Uh, no," Ema confessed.

"What's wrong?" Natsume asked.

Ema hesitated answering, "what if, what if they're wrong? What if I'm not pregnant?"

"What?" Natsume said looking at her and realized she was fighting tears.

"What if this isn't it?" Ema asked, "before, it was obvious I wasn't, I hadn't. But now, now that there's a good chance this is it, I'm a little scared it won't be. We've never been this close before!"

"Ema," Natsume said as he pulled the car over, in front of a drug store, "if we're not this time, it'll be no different than before. We'll just have to try again, if you're willing."

"I'm sure I will be, but not right away, not if it turns out wrong this time," Ema said.

Natsume looked at her for a moment before surprising her with a kiss.

"We'll be okay, no matter what happens," he promised. "If you want, you can wait here while I run inside for the test."

"Okay," Ema agreed.

"I'll be back as fast as I can," Natsume said as he got out.

Ema nodded, not really looking his way. Until she suddenly rolled down her window.

"Natsume? Make sure you get me a drink as well? One that'll help me, well, pee?" she asked.

"No problem," Natsume said as he headed in.

He walked in and headed to the feminie products and found a multiple pack. He then headed to the drink section and picked out a healthy drink that Ema usually liked before hurrying to the check out.

As he was rung up, he looked out the front windows at Ema in the car waiting. He saw her slowly start to smile.

'Good girl,' he thought, smiling himself.

"Here," he said as he handed Ema the bag, getting back into the car.

Ema pulled out the drink.

"Oh thank you, I love this drink," she said.

Natsume nodded as they drove home.

Ema kept taking sips of her drink all the way.

"How are you feeling?" Natsume asked once they got home.

"A little better," Ema said as they walked in.

"Feeling the need to, you know?" Natsume asked.

"Not yet," Ema said. They made the rest of the way to their apartment in silence.

By the time they reached their door though, Natsume noticed Ema twitching a little.

"Starting to feel it a little?" he asked.

"Um," Ema admitted.

Natsume tried faster to get the door unlocked and let them in.

"Do you want to change out of your dress before?" he asked.

"Maybe," Ema said. Natsume helped unzip the dress and pull it down off her.

"What are you up to?" Juli asked.

"Not what you think," Natsume said handing Ema the pregnant test.

Ema took it and raced into the bathroom.

"Was that what I thought it was?" Juli asked.

"Yes, that was," Natsume said as he sat down.

"Oh, finally starting to admit to it?" Juli asked.

"Possibly," Natsume said, "I think Ema's scared of it not being true."

"Oh," Juli said softly, "I could see that. It has been a long trial for you two. This would be a big disappointment to her if all these signs were false alarms."

"Yeah, but hopefully she'll recover," Natsume said.

"Oh yeah, she will," Juli said, "she's got us."

Natsume nodded, "thanks."

"Will you be okay if she's not pregnant?" Juli asked.

"I think I will be," Natsume said in thought.

"And if she is?" Juli continued.

Natsume didn't respond right away. Instead he seem to ponder the notion a little until at last he smiled.

"It'll be great," he replied, "we'll finally get what we've been trying so hard to achieve!"

"Hmm," Juli said as he paced on the table.

"So, what do you hope it is, if she is? Boy or girl?"

"Oh, that's a hard question," Natsume said, "I really don't care. I'm sure I can get along well with either."

"Oh good, that'll make things easier," Juli said.

"Although, growing up with nothing but brothers, a girl might be a nice change," Natsume added.

"True," Juli said, "one less wolf in the world."

Natsume looked at him, "really?"

"I have learned to accept you, but your brothers and others in the world, well...," Juli said smug.

"I can only imagine how you'd act around our daughter," Natsume said, "hopefully not around small children. I'll hate to get complaints from parents all the time about you."

"Hmm, I can't help it if they are behaving in a manner that demands reprimanding," Juli insisted.

"And if our son is becoming a victim of vicious female attackers?" Natsume asked.

"You think that's possible? With your son?" Juli asked.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Natsume asked.

"That your son will be smart and can fend off vicious predators like that," Juli said.

"And my daughter won't?" Natsume asked, "I'd trust my daughter."

Juli thought about it, "well you have a point. Chi would teach them the gentle side of things and you'll teach them the tough side. It might just work."

"Thanks," Natsume said. He looked at the bathroom door while Juli kept pacing.

"How much longer do you think it'll be?" Juli asked after a while, as he paused his pacing and looked back to the bathroom again.

"Don't know, didn't really read the instructions when I bought it," Natsume said as he stared at the ceiling.

He absent mindedly reached for his pack of cigarettes, only to stop himself.

'Have to try harder tp cut back on these, as long as there could be a baby on the way.'

Juli noticed Natsume stopping himself from lighting a cigarette.

'Good for him, making smart choices,' he thought as he slowly returned to his pace.

"I wonder if we should check on her," Juli said after what seemed like another long wait.

"It hasn't even been an hour yet," Natsume said, looking at nearby clock, "just be patient."

"How can you be so calm during all of this?" Juli asked.

"You're doing enough worry for both of us," Natsume said.

"Oh thank you," Juli said annoyed as he tried to pace again.

It was then both were drawn to the sound of the bathroom door opening.

Ema slowly stepped out, holding the pregnancy test in her hand. She was looking at it intensely.

"Chi, is everything ok?" Juli asked.

"Do you need a minute?" Natsume asked.

Ema didn't reply, but slowly walked to her husband.

She looked up at him with determination in her eyes.

"So?" Natsume asked, taking her free hand.

Juli clenched his little fists anxiously. Even the cats were watching curiously.

Ema started to smile, slowly shaking her head.

"It's positive. I'm pregnant!"

Natsume let go a big breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"Really?" he asked looking towards the test.

Ema held it up, clearly showing two lines to indicate that she was indeed pregnant!

Natsume gasped as whole heap of emotions seemed to flood through him.

"Hooray!" Juli shouted. He looked at the cats, "did you hear! They're going to have a baby!"

"Meow," Cat Tsubaki said back as he finally went to sleep. Azusa just kept chilling in his bed.

"Well, good to see you're both excited," Juli said.

Ema smiled brightly as she grasped her husband's face to make him look at her. Then she kissed him. Natsume copied her actions, grasping her face and kissing her with a passion.

"Whoa, whoa," Juli said, "What are you two doing?"

Natsume and Ema just kept kissing long and hard. And it was obvious they weren't stopping.

"Seriously? You have one on the way now! You don't really have to go at it, do you?" Juli asked, even if he knew he was going to be ignored.

He gave a sigh. "Oh well, we'll let you guys celebrate in your own way."

He gave a whistle, getting the cats to look at him.

"Take cover boys," Juli ordered. Both cats immediately made their way to their cover bed. Juli meanwhile made a mad dash to the kitchen and managed to get himself an almond. He then hurried to his own little house.

"Here's to Chi and Natsume and their baby," he said holding the almond up in celebration, and eating it. Soon he was asleep, happy with the notion that there was good news at last for the two of them.

"What are you thinking about?" Natsume asked later, as the two laid on the ground, wrapped in a blanket and in each other's arms.

"Just how happy I am," Ema said, "we're actually going to have a baby! An actual baby! Our son or daughter!"

Natsume kissed her forehead.

"Yeah, our child. I like the sound of that," Natsume said.

"I hope if it's a boy, he's as handsome as you!" Ema said.

"Well if it's a daughter, I know she'll be beautiful as you. There's no way a daughter won't be like you!" Natsume said, striking her hair.

"I don't know, if our daughter resembled you, she'd be beautiful too," Ema said.

Natsume smiled and kissed her forehead again.

"We'll have to make an appointment with an OB as soon as possible. Make sure everything is going ok with it and what we should start doing to make sure you stay healthy between now and when the baby comes," he said.

"Leave it to you to start planning and being responsible for everything,' Ema said in happiness, "I feel so safe with you as the father of my child."

"And I feel so lucky having you be the mother of mine," said Natsume, "I know it'll have a special affect on almost everyone it'll come across, just like you."

"Hmm," Ema hummed, "it makes me even more excited about having this baby."

Natsume woke the next morning to the sound and smell of something baking. He looked around towards the kitchen and saw Ema preparing breakfast.

"Ema, shouldn't you be taking it easy?" he asked as he quickly got up.

"No I'm fine," Ema assured him, "I woke up excited, I had to do something!"

"Well, okay," Natsume said, as he went about re-dressing himself. He barely started walking to the kitchen when he felt his cats rubbing across his legs.

"Oh, good morning you two," Natsume said, "I wonder if you two heard the good news, or even care."

"They know, and they care in their own way," Juli said groggy, sticking his head out of his house.

"Juli!" Ema said looking up at him, "did you hear?"

"Yeah, I was there the whole time Chi," Juli said. He still smiled tenderly at her.

"Congrats Chi, you and Natsume are going to have an amazing baby."

"Thank you," Ema said happily. She looked over at Natsume. "When should we start telling everyone?"

"How about at least until we see a doctor and make sure everything is looking ok?" Natsume suggested.

He walked to his computer and started working through it.

"We're in luck, we can make arrangements to see an OB/GYN at Tomori's clinic. They have an opening on Tuesday. Think you can make it?"

"Yeah, if we do it in the morning,early afternoon," Ema said.

"That'll work better for me too," Natsume said as he set about booking the appointment. "We'll be seeing Dr. Kawari."

Juli joined him at the computer.

"A male doctor, really?" he asked.

"He seems real qualified," Natsume said, "I doubt Tomori would have somebody at her clinic that wasn't well suited."

"Hmm, still," Juli said.

"Well, worst case scenario, we can switch doctors," Ema said, serving the breakfast, "this is just a normal check up, to see what we'll have in store for the next nine months."

"Exactly," Natsume said, "we just have to find out how the baby is first. Then we'll worry about if we'll stay with Dr. Kawari or seek out someone else, maybe even someone Tomori might suggest. Or Tomori herself. Though I'd kind of not want to if possible, given she's family."

"Well I hope it turns out alright for the two of you," Juli said.

Tuesday morning, Ema and Natsume sat together, in the waiting room of Tomori's feternity clinic, waiting to be called.

"What do we say if Tomori sees us?" Ema asked.

"The truth," Natsume said, "she'll understand."

"I guess," Ema said, "I was just kind of hoping that we could tell everyone together at once."

"That won't be easy," Natsume said, "besides, Hikaru, Louis and Yuki already know, kind of."

"True," Ema said blushing.

"Plus who knows if Futo will be in town or if Subaru can make it. Or anyone else's schedule may be keeping them busy," Natsume pointed out.

"Well, maybe we can find another way to tell everyone so they don't learn it second hand," Ema said.

"Sure," Natsume said, "heck I hate to admit it but I'm betting Hikaru could help in that aspect if we ask him."

"Now that would be exciting to see," Ema said with a smile.

"Asahina?" a receptionist called out.

Ema and Natsume quickly stood up and headed to the back.

"You'll be in exam room 5, Dr. Kawari's already there waiting."

"Thank you," Ema said as they walked in.

"I think room 5 is this way," Natsume said pointing to the left when they came to a split.

"Ema? Natsume?"

Ema and Natsume turned around to see Ukyo coming out of a different office.

"What are you doing here?" Natsume asked.

"Having lunch with Tomori, we do that from time to time," Ukyo explained, "what are you two doing here?"

"Uh, well," Ema sputtered.

"Ukyo, what are you...," Tomori started to ask as she came out of her office, only to see Natsume and Ema as well. She gasped.

"Oh my gosh! No way! Is it true?!" she asked excited.

"What's true? What's happening?" Ukyo asked confused.

"We're here to see Dr. Kawari about Ema," Natsume said bluntly.

"Oh he's good! He'll take good care of you!" Tomori praised. "Oh this is so exciting! You finally did it!"

"Did it? Did what?" Ukyo kept asking until he seemed to notice Ema's hand on her belly.

"No way!" he said, "for real?!"

"We're going to see," Natsume said, "if we can get to our examination room."

"Oh right! Sorry! Please go! Good luck!" Ukyo said as he waved them off.

"Thank you," Ema said as Natsume led her down.

"I don't believe it," Ukyo said as they walked away. He looked at his wife, "and you knew?"

"I knew they were trying hard," Tomori said smug, "but I couldn't say anything due to doctor-patient confidentiality."

"Yeah alright," Ukyo said, even as he leaned down and gave a her a kiss on the cheek.

When Ema and Natsume walked into room 5, they found a kind looking middle age man sitting at a desk, going over a folder.

"Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Asahina, welcome," he said, "I was just going over some of your information from when you visited Dr. Asahina, your sister-in-law, correct?"

"Yes, that's right," Natsume said.

"Ah, you're lucky, she's a great person," Dr. Kawari said, "well let's go ahead and get started. I have the cover for you Mrs. Asahina, waiting on the examination table. And there's privacy sheild in the corner. Feel free to change and we'll be able to get a move on."

"Thank you," Ema said as she did as she was told.

"So, feeling good about this Mr. Asahina?" the doctor asked while Ema was changing.

"Yes," Natsume said as he sat in a chair.

Dr. Kawari nodded as he took some notes, "it's good to know the father's mental health is fine during the pregnancy as well. Even if he's not the one carrying the baby, it can have major affects in his mind and body as well."

Natsume nodded, "I guess I am a little nervous," he admitted.

"Understandable," Dr. Kawari assured him, "every father is. It's when you deny it that you may have a problem." He picked up the folder he had been looking over, "I also see here you come from a very "fruitful" family. You yourself are the product of triplets."

"I was an extra sperm, the other two were technically twins," Natsume said.

"But just the same," Dr. Kawari said, "but at least it's been a healthy set of births all through your brothers. And it seems like your wife has a healthy history herself. I like to think you'll have no trouble with the pregnancy and afterwards."

"That's good," Natsume said right as Ema came out dressed in the gown.

"Alright Mrs. Asahina, go ahead and have a seat on the table," Dr. Kawari instructed, "I'd like to run a blood test today, as well as a unrin test, and a pap smear, just to be on the safe side. And also, I think we should be able to try and hear the heartbeat today."

"Sounds good," Ema said.

"Your husband can stay during the pap smear if he wishes if course," the doctor said, as he hit a button. A nurse walked with a cart of various devices.

"Let's do the blood test first and then the unrin test before we begin the smear," Dr. Kawari told her. The woman nodded and began prepping.

"Is there anything else you'd like to mention? Anything you think maybe unusual with your pregnancy?" Dr. Kawari asked.

"Well, I think I'm starting to gain weight a little," Ema said.

"That could just be bloating, your body getting ready to house the baby as it grows," Dr. Kawari said.

Ema nodded. "Okay, other than that no then."

"Sounds good," Dr. Kawari praised, "let's get started."

Dr. Kawari and his nurse continued with their examination, being very polite and professional in the process.

Soon they had finished most of the tests and procedures.

"I think everything should be in the clear for now," Dr. Kawari said as everything drew towards an end, "we can probably go ahead and try hearing the heartbeat."

Ema smiled as she laid down and let the doctor got everything set up.

Soon he was running his wand over her belly as Ema and Natsume watched the monitor, squeezing each other's hand.

Soon they could see and hear the heartbeat thumping loud and clear.

"Oh my god Natsume, there it is! Our baby! It has a heartbeat!" Ema said happily.

"Of course it does, it has you for a mother. Who else would have such a big heart?" Natsume said with pride.

"It sound good and healthy, which is good at this stage," Dr. Kawari said pleased as he continued to move his wand over Ema's belly.

Suddenly, everyone's smile vanished when a new but familiar started to appear on the monitor.

"Is that another heartbeat?" Ema asked.

"Possibly," Dr. Kawari said as he moved his wand a little more.

"Doctor, could it be twins?" Natsume asked.

Dr. Kawari held up a finger, "hang on a second," he said as he carefully moved the wand some more.

Soon another heartbeat was heard.

"Oh my god! Another!" Ema said as she tried sitting up.

"Please try to remain still Mrs. Asahina," Dr. Kawari requested as he ran the wand around some more.

"Natsume?" Ema said looking at her husband with concern.

"Guess triplets are following to the next generation," Natsume said, shrugging his shoulders, trying to remain calm himself.

Just then he was interrupted by what sounded like one more heartbeat.

"Is that a new one, or one we've already heard?!" Natsume asked.

"I'm not 100% sure at this moment," Dr. Kawari admitted. He hit his call button again and his nurse walked back in.

"See if there's an opening for a full on ultrasound," he ordered.

"Doctor, how many could we be looking at here exactly?" Natsume asked, anxious.

"I'm not certain, that's why I want to do the ultrasound, to see for sure," Dr. Kawari explained, "go ahead and help your wife down for now."

"But how many do you suspect?" Ema asked.

"I don't want to say until it's proven for sure, mostly so as to not upset you. It wouldn't be good for you or your baby-ies as case may be," Dr. Kawari insisted.

"But there is more than one, right?" Natsume asked.

"That I think is certain," Dr. Kawari did admit.

"Wow," Ema said softly.

"Doctor, there's a room ready and prep," the nurse said running back in.

"Good, let's head there now," Dr. Kawari instructed as he led the couple to another nearby room.

Ema immediately sat down on the examination table and once she was settled, Dr. Kawari set to work with the new machine.

"Will this show for sure how many she's carrying?" Natsume asked, "even if they're really small?"

"It should," Dr. Kawari said as he ran the wand over Ema's belly again. Ema and Natsume watched, trying to follow.

"Oh deat, it's just as I feared," Dr. Kawari said. "You see these four small spots?"

"Yes," Ema and Natsume said together, nervous.

"Those are your babies," Dr. Kawarisaid as calmly as he could.

"F-four?!" Ema sputtered.

Dr. Kawari nodded.

"Yes Mrs. Asahina, you are currently carrying quadruplets," Dr. Kawari said as calmly as he could.

"Natsume?" Ema said looking at her husband nervous.

Natsume didn't respond. Instead he stared long and hard at the screen before him, as making sure there really were four babies being shown.

"I realize this is a big shock to take in," Dr. Kawari said, "it would be for anyone.

But I want to assure you that with today's modern medicine and technology, there is no reason you can't carry and birth these babies safely and have them grow safe and healthy. But with that said, you also don't have to if you don't want to. The fetuses aren't too developed yet that we can go in and terminate one or more if that's what you wish without risk to the others."

That seemed to grab the couple's attention. Both looked at each other.

"What do you think?" Ema asked. Natsume looked at her in thought. As both continued to stare, both seem to come to the same conclusion.

"No doctor, that won't be necessary," Natsume said.

"We'll do it, We'll keep all four," Ema finished.

"Very well," Dr. Kawari said as he wrote down his notes.

Ema looked back at Natsume.

"So? Four?" she said.

"Yeah, four, all at once," Natsume replied.

Both looked at the screen again. They could see the four small dots.

"Well, at least we really be getting what we've been trying for, for so long," Ema concluded.

"Yeah, yeah we did," Natsume said. When Ema turned to look at him again, he kissed her.

"I'm so proud/happy for you," he said.

"Me too," Ema said looking back at the screen, "hi babies, hi. We couldn't be happier than we are to find out about all four of you."

"Yeah, We'll only be happier once we get to hold all four of you in our arms!" Natsume added.

"Oh I can't wait for that day!" Ema declared as she and Natsume squeezed each other's hand again, looking at their four future babies with pride.