DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
The next morning, when Ema woke up, she started going about her normal routine she would do ever morning. Which included sometimes doing the laundry.
She gathered up most of the clotehs into the basket, and checked the various pockets.
"Are you doing laundry?" Natsume asked as he too woke up.
"Well it hasn't been done in the past few days and it needs to get done," Ema said as she pulled out something from his pants. "What's this?"
"Are those my pants from last night?" Natsume asked, "because if it is, it's probably Hikaru's "prediction" on what the babies' genders are."
"Is it really?!" Ema said excited.
"Don't tell me you believe him," Natsume muttered.
"Well it is Hikaru," Ema said. "I want to at least keep it until the birth and see how close he came!" She went and put it into her purse.
"Alright," Natsume said annoyed. He didn't want to say it out loud, but he was slightly worried Hikaru was right and he'd have to admit it in some contrived way.
He got up and streched. "Let me do the laundry," he said as he did.
"What? But I always do it," Ema said.
"I know, but you got a heavy burden to carry now, we should start getting use to me doing more of the heavy lifting around here. You can still do the simple stuff such as cooking and dishes. Of course we'll have to have you cut back on that too, as time goes on," Natsume said.
"You already do most of the heavy lifting around here," Ema said.
"And I'll do more as it calls for it," Natsume insisted, "I didn't marry you to be my maid." He gave her a kiss. "I married you out of love. I can do a lot of these chores on my own."
"But I like doing my share of the work," Ema said.
"I know," Natsume said, " and right now your work is staying healthy and strong while carry such precious loads."
"And I can do that now, while still doing chores!" Ema insisted.
"Yes, but you should still take it easy," Natsume said as he attempted taking the basket away.
"It's not like I'm installing a new sink," Ema said, fighting to hold on.
"No, but you are carrying four, not just one," Natsume replied as he tried fighting her for the basket.
"Natsume!" Ema tried to argue as she pulled back. Only to start crying out in pain.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!"
"What?!" Natsume asked in alarm as he dropped the basket all together and rushing to her side.
"It's just my back," Ema said.
"Come on, let's get you back to the couch!" Natsume said as he led her there and helped her sit down with her feet up.
"Sorry, guess I overreacted," Ema said disappointed.
"We both did," Natsume admitted, "I should let you figure out what your limits are, and maybe keep an eye out for ones you might have missed."
"Thank you," Ema said, "and I will pace myself as I grow. But they're still rather small that they're not getting in the way."
"Okay, well if you want, we'll let you rest up and when your back is feeling better, I'll let you do the laundry," Natsume said reluctantly.
Ema smirked, "you're too kind," she joked.
"But in the meantime, I'll at least do breakfast," Natsume said.
"Thank you dear," Ema said.
"He is right Chi, time to maybe slow down a little," Juli said as he came to her.
"But I wasn't even feeling tired!" Ema insisted.
"You probably would after you were done!" Juli scolded. "You always push yourself too hard!"
"Juli, back off, leave her be," Natsume said from the kitchen, "we get too protective of her. But she is capable."
"Hmm," Juli muttered.
Ema shook her head as she listen to thw two of them argue.
'This is going to take some time getting use to all of this,' she thought.
"Here," Natsume said as he put a tray of food in front of Ema.
"Thank you," Ema praised.
"How's your back?" Natsume asked.
"Better," Ema assured him, "I may try doing the laundry when I'm done eating."
"Alright, if you think so," Natsume said.
"Natsume, I do appreciate you trying to help me, but you do have a lot of your own things going on that you probably shouldn't slack off of," Ema said, "I know how important your company is to you."
"I understand," Natsume said. "I'm sure we'll get it all worked out."
Ema smiled as she managed to help get herself up and even take her own tray to the kitchen.
Before she could head back to the laundry basket, her phone rang.
"Who could that be?" Ema asked as she answered, "hello?"
"Hey Big Girl," Futo said.
"Oh hello Futo," Ema said.
Natsume looked up annoyed from his computer.
"What does he want?" he asked.
"Is Natsume there with you?" Futo asked.
"Uh yeah," Ema said.
"Put your phone on speaker, I want him to hear this exciting news," Futo insisted.
"Um okay," Ema said as she did that, putting her phone in the table.
"Well I just got a nice gig with the Tesia Fukata clothing brand, doing a few commercials and advertising promotions," Futo started to explain.
"How nice for you," Natsume muttered.
"And as such, I'm granted up to six months of clothing discount with that company and, I'm not sure if you're aware, they make baby clothes," Futo said.
"Oh they do?" Ema said excited.
"Yeah, seeing as how you're carrying the start of a basketball team, if you want you're allowed to use my account on the website for the next five months or so to order up some actual stylish clothes for my nieces and nephews, or whatever they're going to be," Futo explained.
"Oh Futo, that's so generous of you!" Ema said.
"How expensive does Tesia Fukata brand go?" Natsume asked.
"Eh not too bad," Futo said like it was nothing, "but there is something else I should mention. I did tell the company president about your four time starter pack and he asked that if you're interested, he wouldn't mind seeing the kids become a mascot of sorts for their baby clothes line."
"They'd want to use our babies as representative for their baby line?" Ema asked.
"No!" Natsume declared sternly. "I'm sorry, but this is where I must put my foot down. My children will not be subjugated to being used for cheep advertising gigs! Especially as infants!"
"Sorry," Futo said.
"Sorry, but I'd rather see my kids have a nice normal life and not be thrust into the spotlight as early as coming out of the womb," Natsume said.
"Yes, I have to agree with Natsume, I'd rather not exploit the babies so early on, if at all," Ema said.
"Alright, suit yourselves," Futo said, "but do check out the website at least, and see if there's anything you want to order for the little tikes. You'll be happy to see how far my discount will stretch."
"Thank you Futo, we will," Ema said, "you and Keitorin take care."
"Thanks big girl," Futo said.
"Stop calling her that!" Natsume snapped right as Futo hung up. He moaned, "I don't care how old he is, he's still an over zealous child!"
"It was still nice if him to try helping us with getting baby clothes," Ema said.
"I suppose," Natsume said as he turned back to his computer. Ema walked over to him and watched as he came to the Teisa Fukata website. Natsume quickly scrolled to the baby clothes section.
"They don't seem too bad of a price," Ema said.
"Yeah, I guess it couldn't hurt to order some things off this place," Natsume said, "especially if we really can use this discount Futo offered. Do you see anything you like?"
"I'll take a look after I've done the laundry," Ema said as she walked towards the basket. Just then her phone went off again.
"Now who's calling?" Natsume asked as Ema answered.
"Hello?"
"Ema, good morning, I didn't wake you did I?" Masaomi said.
"No, not at all," Ema assured him.
"It's Masaomi," she whispered to Natsume. Natsume nodded and turned his attention back to his work.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Masaomi asked.
"Had a little problem with my back earlier, but it's better," Ema assured her.
"Good, take it easy on your body," Masaomi said, "try not being on your feet so often."
"I will, but I'm feeling fine," Ema kept trying to insist.
"A lot of mothers say that but soon find themselves worn out. And that's when they're usually only expecting one. Don't push yourself," Masaomi insisted.
"He's right Ema," she heard Rika call out in the background, "I wore myself out more than I should have back when I was pregnant."
"Okay, I'll try," Ema said.
"But that's not what we're only calling you about," Masaomi continued, "I found the the diaper delivery company that we and Ukyo and Tomori used that might be if a great help for the two of you. They offer discounts and package deals that are reasonable prices. It's called Stork Specialties."
"Natsume, look up Stork Specialties," Ema said.
Natsume started to immediately.
"Hmm," he said as he scanned the website. It looked fairly impressive and they had some rather good looking deals and discounts. And nearly any size diaper he could imagine.
"Tell Masa thanks for this info," Natsume said, "we can definitely use this."
"Thank you for the recommendation!" Ema said to her brother, "we'll definitely use it!"
"Wonderful, glad to be of help!" Masaomi said, "and you call me if you're feeling any kind of pain or displeasure alright?"
"I will, thank you," Ema said happily.
"Good, take care for now," Masaomi said as he hung up.
"I'll definitely get us signed up for this once. we get closer to the due date," Natsume said looking at the diaper delivery website.
"It's good to have family looking out for us and helping us," Ema said. Right as she said that, her phone rang.
"And so it begins," Natsume muttered, "wonder which one it is this time."
"Hello," Ema said as she answered.
"Ema good morning," said Ukyo.
"Good morning Ukyo," Ema said happily.
"I was calling because Tomori and I found a great website of foods and recipes for an expecting mother. You should look into it," Ukyo said, "it's called Healthy Mothers Healthy Baby."
"You should be able to compare it to the recommendations Dr. Senyu gave you," Tomori said in the background.
"Natsume, can you also look up Healthy Mothers Healthy Baby?" Ema asked.
"Sure," Natsume said as he did just that. "Oh this will be helpful." Ema came and looked at it too.
"Hmm, and they look delicious," she said.
"If you need help making some of them, I'll come over and help, no problem!" Ukyo offered, "we both can."
"Thank you Ukyo, we'll keep that in mind too!" Ema said.
"We appreciate it," Ema said.
"Are you feeling alright this morning?" Tomori asked.
"Just a little back problem earlier but I am better now," Ema said.
"Don't take things like that lightly!" Tomori warned. "You feel something like that happening, you go rest right away!"
"I will," Ema assured her. She heard a sigh of relief.
"Good, I don't want you to try toughing it out or anything," Tomori insisted.
"Thank you Tomori," Ema said kindly.
"Call us if there's anything else we can do to help," Ukyo said as he hung up.
"Hmm!" Ema hummed happily.
Natsume sighed as he watched Ema get happy over the few things he would normally find just a tad bit annoying.
'At least they're hearts are in the right place,' he thought.
Right then the doorbell rang.
"Who's that?" Ema asked as Natsume walked over to door.
"Oh, hello Iori, and Kyo," he said as he let the couple in.
"Sorry for dropping by unexpected," Iori said, "just wanted to drop these off."
He placed a vase of flowers full of different pink flowers.
"I read these are some of the best flowers to give an expecting mother," Iori said, "consider this my way of saying congratulations and good luck with the babies."
"Oh thank you Iori!" Ema said. She was so focused on the flowers she didn't seem to notice Kyo pick up the laundry basket and walk over to the where the washer and dryer area.
Natsume turned his head at the sound of the washer opening.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Helping," Kyo said like it was nothing, "when Iori and I were in Australia, with our research groups, living in the dormitory, we were usually the only two that did chores."
"Oh yes, I remember," Iori muttered.
"Well thank you, but you didn't have to do that," Natsume said, a little embarrassed by someone who was still a stranger to him, doing his laundry.
"You know you two should look into maybe getting a part time maid or something to help you out with some of this stuff," Kyo suggested, "at least while Ema's pregnant."
"A maid?" Natsume said a little skeptic of the idea.
"Yeah, what with your jobs and expecting four, a little extra help around here wouldn't hurt," Kyo said.
"Well it's not like we'll be here much longer, we're going to have to find ourselves a bigget place," Natsume said.
"Granted but an extra set of hands, could lighten the load for the two of you," Iori backed his girlfriend.
"If you need one of us to fill the position, we can," Kyo offered.
"Yeah it shouldn't be too hard to take time off from our studies at the university to help out around here." Iori agreed, "just let us know if and when."
"And that includes shopping and cooking for you," Kyo added, "wasn't it Ukyo who was talking about that health food website for pregnant women he found?"
"Yes," Iori said.
"Well thank you," Ema said happily, "We'll keep your offer in mind."
"See that you do," Kyo said as she noticed the dirty breakfast dishes. Immediately she gathered them up and began prepping them for the dishwasher.
"You certainly are putting in a dedicated audition for the job," Natsume said.
"Thanks," Kyo said.
"We should get going," Iori said.
"Take it easy," Kyo said as she headed out with Iori.
"Good luck Ema," Iori said with a smile before shutting the door behind him.
"That was a nice surprise," Ema said happily as she sniffed the flowers Iori had brought.
"Yeah," Natsume agreed. He thought about what Kyo and Iori had suggested, getting a temporary maid to help with things like chores and taking care of Ema on a daily basis. One that wasn't family. He knew nearly all of them would volunteer to fill the position, but they also had their own lives going on and didn't want to pull them away from their own responsibilities.
'Could we afford one?' he thought as he and Ema walked back to the couch and computer desk.
"Are you going to be able to look up a good car for us?" Ema asked as she got herself comfortable.
"Yeah, I'll look that up," Natsume said, "in the meantime, I'll either drive you to work or just let you jusr take it yourself while I take the train."
"But your rout is longer than mine," Ema tried to protest.
"Yes but I'm not the one pregnant," Natsume said looking back at her, "I wouldn't feel safe you riding the train on your own while pregnant in general. But having four, no, I wouldn't feel safe at all!"
"Damn right!" Juli agreed.
"Well, okay," Ema said nervous.
"Besides, once we find a house, we won't be here anymore. Maybe we can find a place that's closer to both our jobs," Natsume said.
"Are you still looking for a house too?" Ema asked.
"Yes," Natsume said. He wanted to possibly keep the information that Hikaru was looking for them a secret for now. He wanted to surprise Ema with the house once it was found.
Ema sighed happy as she reached for her laptop to do some more work.
Just then there was another knock on the door.
"Now who's here?" Natsume asked as he went to answer. "Oh hello Subaru and Mie."
Ema looked up as the couple walked in.
"Just came by to say good bye before we headed back to Kyushu," Subaru explained.
"And to wish you luck and congrats on your new babies!" Mie said excited, "oh I can't wait to see them for real!"
"Thank you," Ema said as she tried standing up.
"Don't get up on our account," Subaru insisted as he and Mie came over to her.
Subaru knelt down in front of her as smiled.
"You take good care of yourself," he advised, "and we'll be there for you all the best we can. I'm sure you and the babies will be alright."
"Thank you Subaru," Ema said as she took his hand and squeezed.
"We also got you a gift before we leave," Mie said happily holding up a beautiful wrapped present.
"Oh thank you!" Ema said as she opened it to see a package of four different color balls.
"Oh how cute!" Ema cooed looking at the toys.
"I'm sure you can have fun with any son you may have with these," Subaru said.
"Who says our daughter or daughters wouldn't want to play with these?" Natsume asked as he took the package and examined it.
"Are you hoping for some girls Natsume?" Mie asked.
"I wouldn't mind," Natsume said.
"I hope it's an even way split," Ema said happily rubbing her belly, " two boys, two girls!"
Mie squealed. "That would be amazing!"
"It would," Natsume agreed, "but we'll take whatever we're given, as long as they're born healthy and safely."
"Of course," Ema said.
"Could you imagine if it's all boys?" Mie asked.
Natsume and Subaru shared a look of disturbance.
"Well, at least we'll have an understanding, kind of," Natsume said.
"I wonder how mom.would react to them all being boys," Subaru mentioned.
"I'm pretty sure Mother would only care that they're born healthy and safely as well," Ema said.
"True," Natsume said.
"We should get going," Subaru mentioned.
"We'll be back," Mie promised, "especially after the babies come!"
"Good luck with your wedding planning," Ema said.
"Well now that we know when we want to have it, we can hopefully get a date set," Subaru said.
"Good, yes, you should," Natsume said, "that is one of the more important things when it comes to planning a wedding."
"We know, we got this," Mie said, "take care."
"Bye," Subaru said as he waved and headed out with Mie.
"I hope the babies do like playing with these," Ema said looking at the package of balls.
"I'm sure they will," Natsume said as he sat at his desk again.
"It's amazing how quickly all our brothers jumped in to help us with this even after only telling them a day ago," Ema said.
"That's family," Natsume said, "I wouldn't be surprised if during the whole pregnancy they'll pop up with ways to help."
"That'll make it go by better, I think," Ema said.
"Yeah, of course there's also telling our jobs about this come Monday," Natsume said.
"Yeah," Ema said thinking about how she'd tell her boss.
"How do you think your boss will handle it?" Natsume asked.
"Not sure, but I am certain it won't be a negative," Ema said, "what about your company?"
"Probably see my time away on maternity leave as a time to goof off," Natsume muttered.
"I'm sure it won't be that bad," Ema said.
"We'll see," Natsume said, "we'll have to spill the beans come Monday."
Soon it was Monday morning and Natsume drove himself and Ema to work.
"If I can't pick you up, I'll see if one of our brothers can or someone from my company drop off the car for you," Natsume said as they headed to Ema's building.
" Thank you," Ema said, "don't stress yourself though."
"I won't," Natsume assured her as he came to a stop.
"Good luck with your boss."
Thanks," Ema said giving him a kiss.
Natsume watched her until she was inside the publishing building before driving off himself.
Ema headed straight to the floor the main publisher, Mr. Shohan, had his office on.
As she came out of the elevator, she immediately headed to his secretary, Ms. Shoka's desk.
"Excuse me," Ema spoke up.
"Oh hello Mrs. Asahina," Ms Shoka said, "nice to have you here, Mr. Shohan was hoping to see you. Go right in."
"Mr. Shohan wants to see me?" Ema asked, "why?"
"Not sure, but go right on in," Ms. Shoka insisted as she got on her intercom, "Mr. Shohan, Mrs. Asahina's here."
"Good, send her in!" Mr. Shohan replied back.
Confused, Ema headed in as told.
Mr. Shohan sat at his desk looking over one of the many magazines.
"Ah, Ema welcome!" he greeted, "come in! Have a seat!"
"Um, alright," Ema said as she quickly sat down.
"I was just going over your latest spread for GOOD HOME AND CARING, they're amazing! A big hit!"
"Thank you," Ema said a little surprised.
"Also saw the photos you did for STREET WISE," Mr. Shohan continued, "especially those scooter shots!"
"I'm glad they turned out good," Ema said.
"Oh they were more than good!" Mr. Shohan insisted.
"They're some of the best! You've got to be one of the best photographs we've ever had! And I don't say that often. I've even decided to nominate your scooter spread for this year's Magajin Elite award for best spread!"
"Oh really? I've been nominated again!" Ema said excited.
"Yes," Mr. Shohan said proud, "and even if you don't win, I've decided to offer you promotion!"
"A promotion?" Ema asked a little nervous.
"Yes, to senior photographer," Mr. Shohan explained, "you'll have more control over which magazine you shoot for and what you do for the different pictures. And it'll include a raise!"
"Mr. Shohan, this is an amazing offer and I'm very thankful for it," Ema started to say, "but there's something you should know."
"Uh-oh, what is it?" Mr. Shohan asked, "Don't tell Dragon Drawn tried to make you an offer!"
"Oh no, nothing like that!" Ema quickly said, "it's just that, you know how I had to take some time off last week?"
"Yes," Mr. Shohan said, still a little nervous.
"It was a for some doctors visits," Ema explained further, "turns out, I'm pregnant."
"Oh you are? Well congratulations," Mr. Shohan said, "I realize this means that you'll be taking time off for the baby. Well don't worry, we'll keep your job open and help you with anything you'll need to help take care of the baby while at work."
"That's very generous of you," Ema said, "but it's not just one baby."
"Oh my, is it twins?" Mr. Shohan asked.
"There could be a set," Ema said, "I'm apparently expecting four."
This cause Mr. Shohan to lean back in his chair surprised.
"Four?" he said. Ema nodded.
"Whoa, that's big!" Mr. Shohan said, "does this mean you won't be coming back at all once they're born?"
"I, don't know," Ema admitted, "I think it'll depend on how things work out while I'm gone on my maternity leave."
Mr. Shohan nodded, "well I hope you'll be coming back. I'd hate to lose someone as talented as you!"
"I probably will, I do like working here, and my husband is supportive of me returning to work," Ema said.
"Well, I still want you to have the promotion and raise. You could probably use that," Mr. Shohan said.
"True," Ema joked.
"Good, well, go ahead and head back to your office for now. We can work on moving you to a new office tomorrow," Mr. Shohan.
"Thank you," Ema said as she headed out.
"Four?" she heard Mr. Shohan muttering as she walked to the door.
"Oh Ema, how would you and your husband feel about doing an interview before or after you have your babies for one of our family friendly, home theme magazines?"
"Uh, I don't know, I'd have to ask him," Ema said.
"Do please," Mr. Shohan said eagerly, "four is still an impressive number to have all at once!"
"Thank you, Mr. Shohan," Ema said as she left the office.
"So, good news?" Ms. Shoko asked as Ema came out.
"Yes, apparently I've been nominated again and I've been offered a promotion," Ema told her.
"I assumed as much, you've done some good work," Ms. Shoko said pleased.
"Also, I'm pregnant," Ema said.
"Are you really? That's amazing!" Ms. Shoko praised.
"With four," Ema added.
Ms. Shoko's eyes widen, "What?!"
"Yeah, so it's be a little harder to do the job for the next few months before I go on maternity leave," Ema said.
"I dare say, good luck," Ms. Shoko said as Ema got onto the elevator.
'Well now that's over, time to focus on the job,' Ema thought as she road to floor. 'I should still call Natsume and let him know about the offer and nomination."
Natsume walked casually in to his office building as he usually did, not trying to draw any extra attention to himself, more than he got.
"Oh Mr. Asahina, good you're here!" his secretary Miss Hoshii said running up to him.
"Yes good morning," Natsume said as he walked to an elevator, and the two got in.
"You have a meeting for the Pinkon Street gaming at 9. Then Snow Wars wants to show you they're latest designs at 11. Then at 2 there's those new comers want to pitch their new game. Plus at some point, Sorcerer Search wants you to review their latest level they've completed."
"Sounds good," Natsume said looking at his watch, "I want to stop off by my office and go over a few things before the first meeting."
"Yes sir," Miss Hoshii said as they both headed that way.
Natsume went and sat at his desk.
"I want you to take note, I'm going to have to leave for a while in a few months from now," Natsume said.
"Leave?" Miss Hoshii said, surprised.
"Yes, I'll have to take some maternity leave in about five months or so," Natsume explained.
"Maternity leave?" Miss Hoshii asked, "oh, so does this mean you managed to get your wife, pregnant?"
Natsume looked at her out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes, my wife is expecting and I'll be definitely taking time off to help with the babies once they come," he said.
"Boss, how many are we talking about here?" Miss Hoshii asked.
"Four," Natsume muttered. He was certain he saw Miss Hoshii nearly snap her pen.
"And, as such, while I'm gone I expect everyone to maintain the work edict and responsibilities that comes with being a member of this company. I expect no slacking or goofying off while I am away. I will be able to to check in from time to time from my home and help in small ways if I can."
"Yes sir," Miss Hoshii said as she took the notes.
"And I'll probably be adding more information about my temporary absence that I'll expect to be followed," Natsume added.
"Anything else?" Miss Hoshii asked.
"Not for now," Natsume said, "I need to go over some paperwork before the 9 o'clock meeting."
"Oh of course," Miss Hoshii said, "um, is there anything else I could...,"
"Oh excuse me, Ema's calling," Natsume said as he phone started to ring.
"Right," Miss Hoshii said as she headed out, shutting the door loud behind her.
Natsume looked up at the closed door annoyed before answering the phone, "hello Ema, everything alright? How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Ema assured him, "I wanted to call you and tell you some good news! I've been offered a promotion and a raise!"
"Oh wow, congratulations!" Natsume said, "did you tell your boss about your pregnancy though?"
"I did and he said he'd still give it to me, in the hopes of making sure I'll come back after the babies are old enough," Ema told him.
"The man knows a good thing when he has it," Natsume said.
"Also I've been nominated for a Magajin Elite award again for my work in the STREET WISE magazine. Remember the ones I did with those new scooters?" Ema asked.
"Yes, those were some good pieces," Natsume said, "I'd say they deserve a nomination. Congratulations."
"Thank you!" Ema said.
"We'll find a way to celebrate all your good news soon," Natsume promised.
Ema blushed, "you're too good to me."
"Well, comes with the title of husband," Natsume said, "we'll talk later."
"Of course, see you tonight!" Ema said as she hung, just then arriving at her office.
As she walked in, she saw her three main staff members working and for some reason one of them was at her desk.
"Um, excuse me," Ema spoke up.
All three looked up at her in shock.
"Good morning Kai, Rumi and Wazuki
"Oh, Mrs. Asahina, you're here, today," the woman at desk said as she quickly jumped up.
"Yes, sorry I was gone so much last week," Ema said as she walked to her desk, eyeing the woman.
"Yeah we weren't sure if you were coming back today," Kai said.
"Well, I will probably be taking some more time off in the future," Ema said.
"Really?" Kai said eagerly, "how soon and for how long?
"I don't know yet," Ema said, deciding not to mention just yet she was pregnant, "but I have some good news. I've been promoted to the rank of senior photographer. That means we'll have more control of our shoots and a bigger office."
"That's great boss!" Wazuki said happily.
"Yes congratulations!" Rumi also said.
"So, if you're getting promoted, does this mean your current position has an opening?" Kai asked.
"I assume so, you'll have to ask Mr. Shohan or the head of the photography department," Ema said, "oh and more good news, our scooter spread for STREET WISE magazine is being nominated for this year's Magajin Elite award."
"We've been nominated again? That's great!" Rumi, "I bet we'll win again!"
"And if you're not able to make the ceremony, you can count on me to accept it on your behalf," Kai quickly offered.
"Thank you," Ema said softly, "we'll see what happens. In the meantime, we should focus on the the job we've been tasked with for SENSUAL STAY."
"Oh yes, we able to land modle Fumiko Aiki for the shoot," Wazuki said showing her some of the info, "and she herself was able to help bring her American friend Erica Shooter for it as well."
"You are such a kiss ass," Kai muttered.
Ema turned and looked at her, "has OUTDOOR LOVER gotten back to us with what they're hoping for, for their next shoot?"
"Uh, yeah, were was those notes?" Kai sputtered as she looked around her own work space.
"They have an article they want to do with Dr. Mori about the environmental impact of Mount Fuji and want some pictures of her up there," Wazuki spoke up.
"Hmm," Ema muttered, not sure if that would work for her, "can you tell them we have to reassign that one?"
"Okay boss," Wazuki said.
"Why? I could do it no problem!" Kai insisted.
"Kai, if you want to try the assignment you're welcome to. But I can't guarantee that they'll want you, since you're not a full time photographer on staff," Ema advised.
"Thanks," Kai muttered.
Ema sighed as she rubbed her belly.
'Well, this is one of the more other problems they fail to mention you have to deal with while pregnant,' she thought. 'Jealous over comparative assistances. I bet this Natsume's not having it this hard.'
As Natsume headed to one of his meeting, he could hear some voices talking.
"Yeah, he'll be gone on maternity leave for four! That might mean he might take more time off!"
"Sweet! We might be able to slack off a little!"
"Yeah, maybe have a few skip days ourselves!"
"Well this isn't a skip day, now is it?" Natsume asked as he walked past.
"Oh, hi boss, congratulations on your new babies coming!" one of the employees said as he and his friend tried looking professional.
"Thank you," Natsume said, "can you get back to work?"
"Yes sir!" Both men said as they hurried off.
'I still have a few months before I go and they're already planning on how they're going to slack off? Oh dear lord! That is a lesson I will defiantly be teaching my children about!'