DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"Look Juli, the babies," Ema said happily showing Juli her sonogram picture.
"Wow, there really are four," Juli said. "So tiny too."
"Dr. Senyu assured they should be able to be born safe and healthy," Ema explained.
"And it sounds like he knows what he's talking about," Natsume said from his computer desk.
"Really?" Juli asked, "I suppose he can trusted. So when are you going to share this news with the family?"
"This Friday," Ema said looking back at her picture.
"So soon?" Juli asked.
"Dad said he and Mother are going away for a while and wanted one last family get together before," Ema explained.
"How convenient," Juli said, "eh, might as well get it out there."
"Hikaru promised us a show actually," Ema giggled.
Juli raised an eye.
"Can only imagine what he'll do," he said.
He went and joined Natsume at his desk.
"What are you up to?" he asked.
"Working on some things," Natsume said, "but also doing a little house hunting and car shopping."
"Mmm," Juli said as he looked at some of the houses Natsume was looking at.
"You know I can't believe I'm saying this but it might not be a bad idea to try and find a decent house not too far from Sunrise. Have you stay close to the family."
"I agree," Natsume said, "I am keeping that in mind with the search. Ema wouldn't want to go too far from the family. She'll want our babies to grow up among their uncles and aunts and cousins. This is a good chance for her to really enjoy the big family dynamic."
Juli had to agree silently. Remembering how alone Ema had been growing uo with her dad away so often.
Even having one baby would require a lot of love help and support. Four would need even and luckily she would have it with the men she had come to know as her brothers.
"How are you feeling?" Ema asked Friday night as they drove to the Sunrise residents.
"I'm okay, don't worry, I have a patch on," Natsume said.
"Okay," Ema said. She couldn't help but notice Natsume getting a little cranky over the past few days since quitting smoking.
She knew it would be a struggle for him and hated to see her husband suffer. Even if he was doing it for a good reason.
As they came to the door, Natsume stopped short of reaching for the door.
What?" Ema asked.
"I'm trying to anticipate Tsubaki slamming the door on me," Natsume said.
"Oh," Ema said, "why don't you go first?"
"Something tells me that happens, he'd still slam the door on me," Natsume said, "maybe even twice if I move to let you in after he does."
"Hmm," Ema said, only to get surprised by the door opening.
"Well, are you coming in or not?" Kaname asked.
"Hi Kaname," Ema said as she walked in.
"Hello Ema, Natsume," Kaname said, not shutting the door on his brother as he walked in.
Natsume actually breathed a sigh of relief of not having a door crush him as usual.
"Anyone else not here yet?" he asked as the three walked towards the family room.
"Louis and Yuki, Iori and Kyo, Futo and Keitorin," Kaname listed off.
"So is everyone supposed to be here?" Natsume asked.
"At least everyone supposed to make an appearance," Kaname said as they finally came to the family room, that was actually fairly lively.
Everyone seemed to be having a conversation with someone else in the room. While the children were seen goofing off with Wataru and Tsubaki.
"It's so nice to see how well everyone gets along," Ema said.
"Ema, hello!" Mie called out from the couch where she was talking with Miwa and Emiko.
"Hi," Ema said as she went to join the three.
"You're looking well," Miwa mentioned, "I'm sorry we didn't get time to talk much at the party."
"That's alright, it was a busy night," Ema said.
"You did have a good time though right?" Mie asked, "I know it was a bit unsettling for you, having to deal with my brother and all."
"Oh no, Natsume and I enjoyed ourselves," Ema assured her.
Natsume meanwhile found himself moving towards that consisted of Azusa, Sunako and Haruhi.
"Hey," Haruhi greeted as Natsume approach as leaned against a wall with a drink in hand.
"Hi Natsume," Azusa said. Sunako also smiled at him.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Natsume asked.
"Sunako's newest story she wants to write," Azusa said.
"It's a little inspired by you guys and Ema," Sunako explained, "it'll be about these group of boys, haven't decided if they should just be friends or brothers, who lose someone close. And again, haven't decided just what's her relationship to them. But they try a ritual to either replace her or bring her back and instead end up summoning a demon who's bent on seducing all of them for her own reasons."
"Sounds, interesting," Natsume said.
"Yeah, my publicist thinks so, but I'll have to finish at least one of the series I'm working on before I can even start. Not to mention I still have work out all the details," Sunako said.
"How many series are you currently working on?" Natsume asked.
"Just the two," Sunako said, "The Phantom Twins and School of Dred."
Natsume nodded, "how are the anime series of those going?"
"They want a third season of the Phantom Twins!" Haruhi said excited, "which is great because I love voicing Daniel!"
"And School of Dred is close to a wrap up, don't know what'll happen afterwards," Azusa said.
"They'd be stupid to not do a second season in my opinion!" Haruhi declared.
"Well, the publicist has been meeting with the producer, so we'll see," Sunako said.
"How's it been living here with Tsubaki and everyone?" Natsume then asked.
"Oh it's been great! Everyone's been so welcoming and treating me like family," Haruhi said, "same with her."
"Oh?" Natsume said looking at Sunako in surprise.
"I'm not living-living here," Sunako quickly said, "but they did give me a key so...,"
"We've kind of split our time up between here and her place," Azusa explained, rubbing his neck.
Natsume just nodded with a smirk, "congrats," he said.
"Yusuke's girlfriend has been around a lot more often as well," Azusa also mentioned looking towards her group with Ema and their mom.
"Things still seem kind of sour with her boss," Haruhi said, "I think her being here around some decent folks is helping a little."
"Oh," Natsume said.
'Poor girl,' he thought.
"So enough about us, how's are things going with you and Ema?" Azusa asked.
"Um not too bad," Natsume said, "I uh, decided to try and quit smoking."
"Really?" Azusa asked, "how's thst going?"
"Well, it's only been a few days so, just a little cranky right now," Natsume admitted.
"Eh, I'm sure you'll make it," Haruhi encouraged.
"Thank you," Natsume said.
"Hello everyone," Iori called out as he and Kyo walked into the family room. Behind them were Louis and Yuki.
"Oh good, nearly everyone's here!" Miwa said happily.
"When and how long is Futo supposed to show up?" Yusuke asked annoyed.
"Wow, didn't realize you were so excited to see me Yusuke," Futo asked as he suddenly showed up in the room, accompanied by Keitorin who was snapping pictures of him.
"Try it again while looking over your shoulder!" she instructed.
"Like this?" Futo said as he did such.
"Perfect! Perfect!" Keitorin said as she snapped away.
"My girl knows her stuff," Futo bragged.
"Is it just me or is that girl gotten to be an even bigger shutter bug," Miwa mentioned.
"And it's only gets worse with Futo's ego," Rika mentioned as walked past. "The two were made for each other!"
"Now, now, no need to get critical," Massimo said as he put his arm around her.
"I'm a lawyer, it's in my nature," Rika joked.
"Well if everyone's here, how about dinner?" Miwa suggested.
"We'll go get everything ready!" Ukyo said as he, Tomori and even Mie hurried off.
"Well wait, where's Hikaru?" Ema asked.
"He went off on his own soon after arriving, said he had something to prepare for after dinner," Masaomi said.
"Oh," Ema said. She cast a glance at Natsume who was looking back her way.
"Well somebody should go get him," Natsume said.
"No need, I'm coming," Hikaru suddenly said as he appeared the next floor looking down. "I'll be with you at the table in a moment. I just need to set up for my special surprised after dinner."
"It's not going to take long is it?" Futo asked, "Keitorin and I are going to want to get going."
"Trust me, it'll be worth the wait," Hikaru said. He made sure to send a wink towards Ema.
Ema merely nodded as she walked towards the table, pausing to wait for Natsume.
The two walked on with their family, only for Ema to suddenly feel a tap on her shoulder. She and Natsume turned around to see Yuki and Louis behind them.
"Was there any news, about the you-know-what?" Louis asked.
"Well yes," Ema said.
"But we'd rather wait until after dinner to explain," Natsume explained.
"Well I hope it's good news," Louis said.
"Sorry again for embarrassing you," Yuki said.
"You didn't," Ema insisted, "we probably needed the boost."
"I suppose," Natsume said.
As everyone sat down and got situated around the long table, there was a sudden snap.
Everyone looked at the head of the table to see Keitorin snapping photos of the family all together.
"Sorry, but it was too sweet seeing everyone here! I just had to snap a picture of it!" Keitorin said happily.
"Well it's not a full photo if you're not in it," Miwa said kindly.
Rintaro stood and walked over to her.
"Here want me to do one for you?" he offered.
"Oh no Sensei, as you once said it's just as important to be behind the camera as it is in front," Keitorin insisted.
"You still call me Sensei?" Rintaro asked amused.
"You taught me just as much as Ema," Keitorin explained, "you'll always be my greatest teachers!"
"Just come sit down!" Futo ordered pointing to the chair next to him.
"Coming,' Keitorin said as she dashed to his side and Rintaro returned to his seat.
All through dinner, Ema and Natsume did their best to remain calm and act normal.
They could see Ukyo, Tomori, Louis and Yuki often casting them either a nervous or an all knowing look.
Hikaru was the only one who didn't seem to be giving a special look of any kind. He didn't even say anything that might tip off what he knew. He just acted like everything was normal.
Soon the dinner was just about done.
"That was a lovely meal Ukyo, Tomori and Mei!" Miwa praised.
"Thank you, a lot of the recipes we used are used in many of the different restaurants in Mie's hotels," Ukyo explained.
"Ukyo and Tomori could work at anyone and give the other chefs a few pointers," Mie said.
"How splendid," Miwa said with pride. "Now shall we all help clear the table?"
"Just leave it for now mom, we can get to it later," Ukyo insisted.
"Yes, at least wait until after my presentation so I won't have to hold certain people up," Hikaru insisted, "and then I too will help with the clean up!"
"Thanks Hikaru," Ukyo said, a little stunned and annoyed.
"Well alright, if Ukyo and Tomori are okay with it," Miwa said as she stood from the table. Everyone followed her example and headed back to the family room.
"What are you going to do Uncle Hikaru?" Mizu asked as he and Kadia ran to keep up with him.
"Are you doing a play like Uncle Tsubaki, Uncle Azusa and Aunt Haruhi?" Kadia asked, "or tell a story like Aunt Sunako?"
"I was thinking more of showing an art project," Hikaru as he and the kids walked in there was a huge stand with paper draped over it.
"Art project?" Mizu said.
"Well if it's done by Uncle Hikaru, it'll be good?" Kadia said.
"That's the spirit my girl," Hikaru said smug. "Now please everyone sit. I will need two volunteers..., um...,"
He pretend to scan the room until he came to Natsume and Ema.
"How about you two?" he askeda as he motioned them to him.
Ema and Natsume slowly walked over to the display.
"Do we need to do anything?" Natsume asked.
"No, just stand here," Hikaru instructed.
He turned and looked at the rest if the family around the room.
"I'm going to show how a person is made."
"But Uncle Hikaru everyone knows how that happens," Mizu said, "Mommies and daddies have sex."
"Yeah they get hot and heavy," Kadia added.
"Mizu!" Masaomi snapped.
"Kadia!" Ukyo copied.
"Tsubaki?!" Tomori snapped looking his way.
"Guilty," Tsubaki confessed like it was nothing.
"Dead!" Riku declared.
"Now now, calm down," Hikaru said gently, "it is important the children know basic human anatomy. And you both are correct, that is how a baby is made, when dad must insert himself into mommy."
"Hikaru!" all four parents shouted.
"But I'm not talking about making a baby, I'm talking about a person," Hikaru continued as he walked over to his paper. He started to sketch. "Let's
"A baby is just a common based of DNA makeup given to it by its parents. A person is formed as they grow in life. How their hair stylized, natural or self inflected. How long their arms and fingers are, and what they chose to use them for. What length their legs are and where they will take them. The many different colors they will wear upon their body and why they choose those colors. What color their eyes are and how those eyes will see the wold and what they'll see in the world. The size and shape of their ears and what noises and sounds and meanings will be heard within them. Their voice and how loud or quite they'll allow it to be. That my friends is what makes a person."
By then he had furnished sketching and drawn a perfect outline of a person child size.
"And something that helps make this person some would say is their parents. Like sat Ema and Natsume."
Hikaru put their names in the corners of the paper.
"What kind of person could they help form? An athlete? A teacher? An actress? A janitor? What kind of person will they make?"
"Hopefully someone as pretty as Aunt Ema!" Mizu said quickly.
"Yeah!" Wataru shouted in agreement.
"I suppose," Hikaru agreed, "but what about a second person?"
He started to cut out the human outline and then pull on it so that there were now two outlines.
"Or a third person?" Hikaru again pull on the outline, and a third outline appeared.
"Or even a fourth?" Hikaru asked one more time and pulled once more to show four outlines all together.
"What kind of persons will they be able make? Especially if they have to make four?"
"Uh what's this all about exactly?" Yusuke asked.
"I'm merely wondering what kind of person Ema and Natsume would make, especially if they have to do it four times at once," Hikaru said smug.
"What?" Miwa asked.
"I suppose we'll find out, in due time, won't we you two?" Hikaru said as he looked at them.
Everyone else in the room slowly looked their way.
"Ema? Natsume?" Miwa said as she stood up.
Ema put her hand on her belly.
"It's true," she admitted, "I'm pregnant."
"And it's quadruplets," Natsume finished, "we're having four at once."
The room was suddenly eerily quite. Miwa walked over to the couple, her footsteps the only sound heard.
As she slowly approached, Miwa put her hand in Ema's middle as well.
"You're seriouly, expecting four?" she asked asked softly.
"Yes Mother," Ema said with a smile.
"O my god," Miwa said. Then she looked back at the big sofa were a lot of the brothers were sitting.
"What are you sons of bitches doing sitting in your lazy asses while there's a pregnant woman of four left standing!" she suddenly snapped, "Get up!"
The men quickly obayed.
"Move it!" Miwa continued to order as she led Ema back to the couch, "honestly making my poor daughter suffer from having to stand while she's carrying four precious lives! What kind of men are you!"
"Mom, we're your actual sons, remember?" Yusuke said.
"What's your point?" Miwa asked. She turned her attention back to Ema.
"Are you comfortable dear? Feeling alright?" she asked tenderly.
"Yes, Mother I'm fine," Ema tried to assure her.
"Are you sure? Do you need a pillow or something? Somebody get this woman a pillow!"
"Here!" Mie said suddenly appearing with.
"Oh thank you dear!" Miwa said as she helped position it behind Ema's back, "there, comfoy?"
"Yes mother," Ema said sheepishly. She looked up and noticed most of the women had started to gather around her while the men seem to be flocking to Natsume.
"Four huh?" Tsubaki said as he came up to his brother first, "you sly dog! Had to outdo this generation huh?"
"Why does everyone always give me all the credit for this?" Natsume asked annoyed, "Ema's a part of this too!"
"Yeah but you're the guy who had the badass swimmers that got her there," Tsubaki said as he looked over at the ladies group.
"It is, amazing Natsume," congratulations," Azusa said.
"Yeah, this is incredible," said Subaru.
"Thank you," Natsume thanked his brothers.
Then he noticed Rintaro coming up to him among the other brothers.
He stared at Natsume hard and determined.
"So," he said at last, "you seriously, got my daughter pregnant, with four babies?"
"Yes sir," Natsume said, not sure where his stepfather was going.
Rintaro looked at his daughter among her group before looking back at Natsume.
"You, think you can handle it?" he asked slightly nervous.
"I can't say for sure sir," Natsume said, "but I am going to give it my all, 100% effort."
"Then, I wish you the best of luck," Rinraro said as he stretched out his hand, "you keep doing good, taking care of my daughter."
"I will," Natsume said as he shook Rintaro's hand.
"Good man," Rintaro said before he broke away from the group and headed over to the other one.
He passed Mizu and Kadia who had remain in their places on the floor.
"So what does this mean?" Kadia asked.
"I think it means, we're not going to be important to our uncles anymore," Mizu said sounding a little discouraged.
"You mean they'll be more interested in the new babies?" Kadia said upset.
"What? No!" Wataru said as he walked over the kids, "the babies won't even be as fun as you two are for another four and five years! And even then, who could ever lose interest in such an awesome niece and nephew like you! I know I'll always love and appreciate you two no matter how many more babies come!"
Both kids jumped up and hugged him.
"I have a copy of the sonogram of them for everyone, in my purse," Ema said as she looked around for it.
"Is this it?" Kyo asked handing it off to her.
"Yes, thank you," Em said. She pulled out the pictures and handed them out to the different women around her.
"Oh my gosh!" Ema cooed, "look at them!"
"What are we supposed to be looking at?" Haruhi asked.
"Here I'll show you," Ema offerd as she helped point out each baby.
"Wow,' Haruhi said as she finally started to see, "and you're going to have to carry these for nine months? You'll be huge after that!"
"I know," Ema said, "but I'm ready to take it on. Especially with Natsume by my side."
"Oh," nearly all the ladies cooed.
"Still four at once, that is going to be a big deal!" Rika said, "I hope you can handle it! Even if we'll be there to help as best we can."
"I know you will and I know it'll be a challenge. But I'm not willing to back down that easily!" Ema said determined.
"When are you due?" Mie asked.
"The doctor we're seeing now, he's an expert on this kind of pregnancies, said I'll have to have them early, around 7 months or so," Ema explained.
Mie nodded, "that might have us push our wedding date back a little. Because, I wanted to ask Ema, to be at least a bridesmaid if not maid of honor."
"Really?" Ema asked surprised.
"Yeah, but I'd want to wait until after you have your babies, make it easier for you," Mie said.
"Are you sure you want to wait that long?" Ema asked.
"It should be no big deal, it'll be more during Subaru's time off, and give mother more time to work things out," Mie explained.
"You're seriously going to postpone your wedding until after she has her babies?" Haruhi asked.
"Well we haven't set a date yet," Mie said.
"I see," Haruhi said, "excuse me." She walked off with a smile.
"Did I say something wrong?" Mie asked right as Rintaro joined the ladies group. He knelt next to Ema.
"Hi Dad," Ema said a little sheepish.
"Hi," said Rintaro, "so, four huh?"
"Yep," Ema said as he Miwa handed him her picture.
"Wow, that's, that's amazing," Rintaro said, "my little girl really has grown up now."
"Oh dad," Ema said.
"I knew you had, but it's was a little hard to admit. But now, Wow, just wow," Rintaro kept muttering, "I hope it goes well for you and the babies."
"Thanks Dad," Ema said.
"If your real parents were here, they'd be just as proud," Rintaro also mentioned.
"Really?" Ema asked.
Rintaro nodded, "your father might be a little freaked out, but your mom would be as cool and calm as you are. You'll be just as an amazing mother as she was."
"Oh," Ema said getting a little teary eyed. She looked over at Miwa, "but I also hope I'll be as good a mother as you."
"Honey, any woman that can stand to marry into this family already has a lot of good qualities that'll make her a good mother in my book. Even if she never has any!" Miwa assured her. "And that goes for all of you!" she added looking at the other woman around her. "Two have already proven that."
Rika and Tomori smiled at each other.
"So is that the reason you're putting in the effort to quit smoking?" Azusa asked.
"Yeah, it just seemed like the right thing for the babies and Ema," Natsume said.
"And yourself," Masaomi added.
"Yes, thank you Doctor," Tsubaki joked.
"I'm sure it'll go well," Kaname said, "I'll pray for all six of you everyday."
"Thank you," Natsume said.
"Hey, can I borrow you real fast?" Haruhi suddenly asked as she appeared and took him off.
"Sure what's up?" Tsubaki asked as he walked off with her in private.
This seemed to slightly dispersed the men's group as a few went to join up with the ladies, each either looking at the sonogram picture or congratulating Ema.
The only two left with him were Masaomi and Ukyo.
"So, anything really bugging you other than the stress of quitting smoking with the whole thing?" Masaomi asked.
"To be honest? The whole financial situation we'll have to tackle with having four babies at once," Natsume admitted. "One baby is already so expensive, but four? That means four of everything practically! Clothes! Food! Toys! Diapers! Medicine! And anything else I can't think of off the top of my head. Plus there's the space problem. We're going to need a house or something bigger than what we have!"
"Yeah, that can be a problem," Ukyo agreed.
"I don't know how you feel about it, but if you need to, you can move back in here for a while. At least until you are able to find that big house," Masaomi suggested, "plus you know you'd have a lot of help with the babies once they come."
"Mmm," Natsume muttered. He wasn't sure how he'd feel about doing that. He had moved out to give himself a little space from his brothers.
At the same time Masaomi did bring up some good points towards the benefits of of moving back in, if only temporarily. Plus Ema would probably be happy with moving back in with the family to be around their growing family.
"I'll think about it and keep it in mind," he finally said to Masaomi.
"Exactly, just something to know you have as a backup if your other plans don't work,'" Masaomi replied kindly, "with that said, there is something else we can maybe help with." He looked at Ukyo who nodded.
"Follow us," the second brother said as he and Masaomi led Natsume away.
Natsume followed his oldest brothers towards the back of the house where Natsume recognize as the many storage rooms the residents had.
He watched as Masaomi unlocked a big door, and Ukyo switch on a light.
"Come on in," Masaomi encouraged as he and Ukyo wandered in themselves.
Natsume followed in and looked around at the standard looking storage items.
"What's all these?" he asked.
"Our babies things, from when Mizu and Kadia were babies," Masaomi said as he walked over to some furniture, "these are the old cribs we used that you can have."
"We also both have our old changing tables," Ukyo said walking over to some other items.
"You havr both?" Natsume asked, "because we can and will use both!"
Ukyo and Masaomi both smirked.
"No problem," Masaomi promised, "we can help get them out and cleaned up. So that way they'll be ready for when you get your house."
"House huh?" Hikaru said as he joined hiz brothers in the storage room. "Moving already Natsume?"
"Looking," Natsume said, "we'll need it for the babies!"
"Oh too true," Hikaru said, "you know, I have a few connections in the housing market. If it would help ease your burden, I could help you search. Find you just the right house for you and your family."
"You would do that?" Natsume asked a little hopeful.
"Say the word, and I'll make it a priority," Hikaru said.
"Well, I guess, I could give you a try," Natsume said.
"I'll get on it," Hikaru promised, "I promise you, I'll find you the right home for you, Ema and all your sons and daughters."
Natsume sighed. "Listen, I don't mean to be rude Hikaru, but I'm still having a hard time believing that you know what genders the babies are."
Hikaru smirked and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. "Natsume, this is my "prediction" of what genders your babies will be. I want you to hold on to it until the babies are born and then see if I'm right."
"You're kidding," Natsume said as Hikaru handed him the note all folded up.
"Keep it and find out," Hikaru encouraged.
"Fine," Natsume said as he put it in his pocket.
"Oh and if I'm right, you're going to have to admit out loud that I am," Hikaru taunted.
"And if you're wrong?" Natsume asked.
Hikaru merely shrugged as he wondered into the room himself.
"And if you're wrong, Hikaru?" Natsume asked again.
"Wrong about what?" Mizu asked as he and Kadia suddenly appeared as well.
"Uncle Hikaru's never wrong," Kadia said.
"Another point to you my dear!" Hikaru said happily as he looked around some of the baby items himself.
"What are all these?" Mizu asked as he and Kadia also walked in.
"We're helping Uncle Natsume find some things for the babies," Masaomi explained.
"Where did these come from?" Kadia asked.
"These were your things when you were babies," Ukyo told her, "and since you don't need them anymore, being big kids, we're letting Uncle Natsume and Aunt Ema have them if they want them."
"Oh," Mizu and Kadia said together.
"Uncle Natsume, are you going to need some of our toys too?" Kadia asked.
"No sweetie," Natsume assured her, "your toys are yours. We can get our own toys for the babies."
"With that said, you can probably can have these toys," Masaomi said as he pulled out a box, "I don't think you kids would want to play with these anymore."
"Like what?" Mizu asked as he ran over to his dad and looked into the box. "yeah, these are all baby toys. You can have these for sure Uncle Natsume."
"Thanks kid," Natsume said as he also looked into the box as well. "They look like they're in good shape. We could probably use some of these."
"Ah, find some more things!" Uky called out. He and Hikaru help pulled out a bassinet.
"We have at least three of these. There's the old one mom had for most of us. It's still in good shape. And Masa and I each had one of our own that you can take. Then you'd only need one more yourself."
"Which you can always mooch off another brother as a gift," Hikaru said.
"I'm not going to be that petty," Natsume said.
"Well, which brother do you think I was referring to?" Hikaru said pointing to himself.
"Thank you Hikaru, that would be very kind if you do," Natsume said.
Hikaru smirked, "you know, that even without asking, we will help with things like that too, helping to buy things you'll need for the little ones."
"Are you sure you don't want any of our toys?" Kadia asked as she offerd Natsume the doll she was holding.
"No honey, that is your doll and I know you like her. You keep her and I know that I appreciate you offering," Natsume said as patted her head.
"Thanks for showing me all that stuff," Natsume said as everyone filed out of the storage room and Masaomi closed it up.
"No problem," Masaomi, "it'll all be here when you're ready and want it."
Natsume sighed with relief. He did feel like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
'Maybe it won't be so bad,' he thought.
As everyone came back into the family room, they saw Ema still being fussed over while others were examining the sonogram pictures.
"It's in two weeks," Ema was telling Miwa.
"Oh we can make it then!" Miwa said happily, "right dear?"
"Sure, it'd be kind of exciting to see them live in person," Rintaro agreed.
"Huh?" Natsume asked as he came to his wife.
"Mother and Dad want to come to my next appointment to see the babies in person," Ema explained.
"Ah, of course," Natsume said, "think they can take you, so I don't have to miss work?
"Of course we can," Rintaro promised.
"Where did you go by the way?" Ema asked.
"Masaomi and Ukyo were showing me some of their old babies things we can have like cribs, bassinet, and changing tables! Thank goodness there's two changing tables!" Natsume said happily.
"Oh that's wonderful!" Ema agreed.
"Well, there's nothing wrong with getting some new things for the babies," Miwa said.
"Sure, if you don't have to worry about taking care of four at the same age at the same time," Natsume said.
"Ahem! I did birth 3 at the same, with four older brothers! And oh! I do believe you were one of those three Mister!" Miwa said.
"Yes mother," Natsume muttered.
"My point is, if you wanted to make sure you were able to design and have a look for the the little ones that you want. Like you want a spring day theme for them to be around, or a circus theme. Does that make sense?"
"Yes a little," Ema said, "maybe we should worry about finding where we can move into before we decide on a theme."
"Do you have an idea?" Natsume asked.
"Hmm, something to do with nature I think," Ema said thinking about it.
"Oh that'll be nice," Natsume said, "I think we can handle that."
"Excuse us!" Haruhi suddenly called out, as she and Tsubaki appeared in the middle of the room.
"Not to steal the spotlight or take away attention from anyone, but we've come to a conclusion that we'd like to share as well."
"With Mie and Subaru postponing their wedding until after Ema has her babies, which is fine," Tsubaki started to say, "Haruhi and I have decided we want to get married too."
"You what?!" Miwa said as she jumped up.
"Again we're not trying to take away attention from anyone," Haruhi insisted.
"It's just we didn't want to wait that much longer before we tie the knot," Tsubaki said, "and we don't want/need a big fancy wedding. Hell we'd do it right here right now if we could with everyone here. And just have Kaname do the service. We would just have to call over Haruhi's family. But there's things like paper work we'll have to deal with and we know you guys would want us to be nicer dressed, Haruhi in an actual white dress or kimono and what not."
"Oh, I see," Miwa said.
"But we'd still want to have it back here when everyone has an opening," Haruhi added, "quick and painless, that's how we want it." We hope you understand we didn't intend to steal your thunder Ema and Natsume. Or but into your wedding plans Subaru and Mie."
"No, don't worry about it," Subaru assured them, "even if you did want to go big, we'd be okay. We could handle it."
"We'll luckily we aren't going to be big," Tsubaki said. "if it's okay we'd still want to do it here and still have Kaname do it."
"Oh of course I can," Kaname promised.
"Still this is exciting!" Ema said, congratulations!"
"Thanks Ema, we'd knew you would be supportive of us!" Tsubaki said.
"We all are, Tsubaki," his mother said as she messed with his hair, "it was just a little shock that's all. Of course you have our blessing and support! No matter when, big or how you want to go about it. Even if you did end up competing with Subaru and Mie."
"They'd lose," Tsubaki taunted.
Subaru rolled his eyes, before walking over to Mie.
"Are we really postponing our wedding until after Ema has her babies?"
"Well, I do still want her to be a bridesmaid at least and it'd be hard for her pregnant with four," Mie explained.
"Ah, that makes sense," Subaru agreed, "and might be more during my down time with the team."
"Thank you!" Mie said kissing him.
"Just, try talking to me more about changes like that please?" Subaru asked.
"Right, sorry," Mie said embarrassed. Subaru hugged her in comfort.
"Well this was an exciting evening," Ema said when they came home.
"Yeah," Natsume agreed. "It's nice we have options for baby items!"
"Yes, you seem a lot more at ease," Ema said happily.
"What's this about baby stuff?" Juli asked from his house.
"My brothers showe me some of their old babies things we can use for ours," Natsume told me.
"Wow, cool, that'll help!" Juli said, "how did everyone take the news?"
"Great!" Ema said, "I knew these babies would have a great family support!"
Natsume smiled at her excitement.
"Oh and Tsubaki and Haruhi have decided to get married!" Ema also mentioned.
"Have they really? Even with Subaru and Mie getting ready for the same?" Juli asked.
"Yeah, Mie wants to postpone theirs so I can be in it," Ema explained, "and they didn't want to wait that much longer."
"And they don't want a big elaborate wedding," Natsume said, "they're going to just do it at Sunrise performed by Kaname."
"Ah, that, sounds like them," Juli said, "it does sound like you had an exciting evening."
Ema smiled at him and then at her husband who was helping to set the room up for bed.
'Our family makes everything exciting,' she thought, 'and I know you four will be no exception! I'm so happy you're being born into such a family right away and will grow up with them! I only came in as a teenager but even then it was wonderful! And that includes if I hadn't fallen for and married your father. Though I am glad I did since he's wonderful and he gave me all of you!'