DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Ema sighed as she and Natsume dragged themselves into their apartment, both holding a bag of food.
"I would thought you'd be in a better mood than you are right now," Natsume said as he pulled out his contents, "given all the good news you got today. Are you just tired and worn out?"
"Kind of yeah," Ema said, rubbing her belly some more. "And I am excited by the good news with the promotion and the award nomination. It's just...,"
"What?" Natsume asked.
"You know one of my staff members, Kai?" Ema mentioned.
"The tiny one? Who usually wears high heels?" Natsume tried to recall.
"Yes, her, apparently she took it upon herself more or less take over my office while I was gone last week," Ema explained bitter.
"She what?" Natsume said confused.
"She was sitting at my desk as though she owned the place when I came in and seemed surprised I was back," Ema further told him. "And though I didn't tell her or the others why...," Ema looked down at herself, "when I mentioned I was probably going to take more time off, she acted like she was going to jump in and take my position."
"How could she? She's never had her own solo shoot with any of the magazines before. Why should she suddenly get your position after you worked hard to get it," Natsume pointed out.
"Well she's seems to be convinced that she can make it happen," Ema said. "heck, when I told everyone about the award, Kai was jumping in to offer to accept for me. Which...,"
"She probably would accept and make it all about her and not give the award back no matter what," Natsume finished.
"Yes, she also asked if she could take my open position now that I've been promoted to senior photographer. But when I told her it wasn't within my authority to grant it, she acted like I wouldn't do it because I didn't want to bother."
"She always did strike me as a person who looks for the easy way to get things, rather than work hard for it," Natsume muttered, "she'd fit in with many of my employees. I barely get word out that I'll be taking time off once the babies come, and I started to hear several conversations about how easy going it'll be with me gone."
"Oh Natsume, I'm sorry," Ema said.
"Eh, nothing that I can't handle," Natsume assured her, "even if they do slack off the whole time I'm gone."
"I'm sure at least they are happy for you," Ema said, trying to cheer him up.
"Mmm, some are I'm sure, some could care less, and some...," Natsume paused recalling his secretary nearly breaking her pen when she heard.
Ema looked at her husband out of the corner of her eye.
"Did Miss Hoshii take it well?" she asked casually.
"Don't worry about her," Natsume tried to comfort her.
"I know it's cruel to say, but I've never really liked her. Never felt comfortable with her around," Ema said softly, "even if you have worked her for so long."
Natsume walked up behind her and slowly snaked his arms around her, resting his hands over her womb.
"You shouldn't," he whispered into her ear, "there's never been anything between her and I. It's always been you, and you alone. You literally have been the only woman for me."
Ema moaned as Natsume kissed her neck.
She managed to turn around and wrap her arms around Natsume's neck.
"I'm sorry," she said, stroking his cheek.
"It's okay," Natsume said, "the way she acts sometimes, it would make a partner feel nervous."
Ema blushed before Natsume kissed her again.
"I've never cared for the woman, even if I've never had the "pleasure" of meeting her in person," Miwa declared as she and Rintaro waited with Ema for Dr. Senyu to appear.
"That's a little bias," Rintaro joked.
"Well, from what Natsume's always told me about her, even before he and Ema got serious and married, she seemed like a gold digger," Miwa defended her belief.
"I'm sure she's not as bad as I'm usually making her out to be," Ema tried to say.
"There there," Rintaro said, "pregnancy hormones can cloud judgement here and there."
"Even if she does have a legit reson for having those thoughts and feelings," Miwa muttered, "even Natsume agrees to that. I honestly don't know why he keeps her on staff!"
"Well despite everything she is a good and dedicated worker," Ema said.
"Dedicated for a reason," Miwa said.
"Anyway, let's talk more about your other good news," Rintaro said trying to change the subject, "I have a good hunch you're going to win again! It's very exciting you've been nominated dear."
"Thanks Dad," Ema said.
"Yeah," Miwa also said, "and we'll have to figure out a good way to celebrate your victory that won't take its tole on your body in its condition."
"Thanks for the support Mother," Ema said squeezing her hand.
Just then Dr. Senyu walked in.
"Well looks like your blood work is looking fine and your weight gain is stable," he said looking over the chart, "you ready to see your babies again?"
"Yes!" Ema said excited.
"And you, grandma and grandpa?" Dr. Senyu asked as he prepared the machine.
"Oh yes!" Miwa said.
"Thank you for allowing them to join me today," Ema said
"Of course, no problem. How did you take the news when she and her husband first tell you?" Dr. Senyu asked
"Shock," Miwa said.
"And a little uncomfortable about it," Rintaro admitted, "the idea that someone got four babies within my daughter, well...,"
"That is actually not an uncommon reaction by some parents," Dr. Senyu said. He started running the wand over Ema's belly again. "and here we go, there they are, all four still there and intact."
"Oh my goodness!" Miwa cooed as she and Rintaro watched the screen of Ema's four babies within her womb.
"Looks like they're still doing okay," Dr. Senyu said, "heartbeats all still sound normal and regular."
"Are they getting bigger at all?" Ema asked.
Dr. Senyu studied the screen himself. "They do appear to be a little bigger than last time, which is good."
"When will they start noticing a different in size among them?" Ema asked.
"Probably within two months," Dr. Senyu said, "and that'll mostly depend on where and how they're positioned and how big you've managed to become."
Ema nodded.
"How soon will she know the genders?" Miwa asked.
"Around the same time," Dr. Senyu said.
"I kind of want to be surprised," Ema said with a giggle, "mostly just to see if my brother Hikaru's prediction is right."
"What prediction?" Dr. Senyu asked.
"I think I still have it in my purse," Ema said looking for it.
Rintaro grabbed it for her and Ema was able to fish through it to find it.
"Would you like to see Doctor?" she asked.
"I kind of do," Dr. Senyu said as he took the note and looked it over. "In fact I'm going to write this down and keep it in with your other charts to see if he's right too."
"My son Hikaru's usually right about everything," Miea bragged.
"This will be very interesting to see," Dr. Senyu said.
"I am curious, what are the odds of them being an even way split? Two boys and two girls?" Ema asked.
"Eh, about the same as any other possibility," Dr. Senyu said.
"Now are they technically two sets twins or anything like that?" Miwa asked.
"They could be, we won't know for sure until they're born," Dr. Senyu said.
"It's just when I had my triplets, Natsume was from one embryo while Tsubaki and Azusa were actual identcal twins with the egg splitting," Miwa explained.
"Ah, I see," Dr. Senyu said, "well like I said, we'll probably know for sure once they're born. Then we can run blood and DNA tests on them to see what happened, if you really want to know."
"Alright," Ema said.
"Could they be actual four individual eggs?" Rintaro asked.
"Sure, anything is possible," Dr. Senyu said.
"I don't care how it happened, I just want them born safely," Ema said.
"Agreed," Rintaro said.
"And I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that happens," Dr. Senyu promised.
"Thank you Doctor," Miwa praised happily.
"Have you had any other pains or uncomfortable experiences?" Dr. Senyu asked.
"Well, my back started to hurt two weeks ago when I got into a little fight with my husband about doing laundry," Ema admitted, "I wanted to, but he tried to make me stop."
"Well his heart was in the right place," Dr. Senyu said, "I would suggest you try cutting back on some heavy lifting chores along those lines myself, both at home and at work."
"Well I did turn down a shoot at Mt. Fuji park last week because of my condition," Ema said.
"Yeah, that might not be a good idea right now, but I'm sure you can still handle still doing your job for another few weeks or so," Dr. Senyu assured her.
"Well she have to go on bed rest or anything?" Miwa asked.
"She might, we'll have to see how the pregnancy progresses," Dr. Senyu said, "but I have faith that these babies are going to come just fine."
"Well tha man sounds like he knows what he's doing," Rintaro said as the group left the office.
"I should hope so," Miwa said, "including about you and your chores around the house dear."
"If I don't do them, then it'll fall to Natsume, and he already has so much going on," Ema said.
"Well I'm sure he can find a way to cut back for your sake," Miwa said, "that's just how he is."
"Yeah," Ema said, "Back when Iori and were visiting, Kyo actually suggested we try hiring a maid. She even said she and Iori would do it if we ask."
"You know getting a part time housekeeper of sorts might not be a bad idea," Miwa said.
"I don't know," Ema said, "it would take time to go through the hiring process and having work out a payment plan. Plus I don't know about having a stranger come into our home, and I'm not sure how Natsume would feel."
"Hmm, I see," Miwa said, stroking her chin.
"Uh-oh," Rintaro said softly.
"Uh, Ema dear, are free for lunch tomorrow?" Miwa asked.
"Sure," Ema said, "I can make the time."
"Good," Miwa said, "I want to help you figure out something out for you."
"What exactly?" Ema asked.
"You'll see, if I can get another guest to join us," Miwa said.
"I'd say, trust her on this," Rintaro whispered.
Ema nodded.
When Ema got back to work and headed towards her new office, she heard somebody calling out after.
"Ema! Ema!"
"Oh hello Mr. Gijo, hi," Ema greeted him.
"Hello my butt! Why didn't you say anything to me about having four babies!" the man asked.
"Oh, is that getting out?" Ema asked.
"Well kind of, Mr. Shohan mentioned it and said he thought it'd be a good idea to maybe get an interview with you either before and or after you have them for our magazine," Mr. Gijo explained.
"Oh, yes, that," Ema said timidly, "my husband and I are still unsure about how we feel about that."
"Oh, well, I hope you consider," Mr. Gijo said as he walked off, "I'll be in touch. Oh and congrats on the nomination by the way."
"Thank you," Ema said as she kept walking.
She had just reached her office door when someone else approached her.
"Ema, can I trouble you for a moment?"
"Oh hi Ms. Erai," Ema said.
"Hi, listen, do you remember how you managed to get your brother Futo to do an article with our magazine before? Do you think he'd be interested in doing it again with his newest movie?"
"Yes, I can see about asking him, it'll depend on if he has an opening," Ema said.
"Thank you! The magazine will be a huge seller with it!" Ms. Erai said, "let me know when or if he's available."
"Will do," Ema promised as she finally walked in.
Inside she once again caught Kai acting like she was in charge, reviewing some enlarged photos of a recent shoot.
"Yeah, there might be a little toi much shadow," Kai was saying to Rumi.
"That's the point," Ema spoke up, "they're supposed ti represent midday early evening. Fa-Fanshi's editor liked it and are already going to use it in the next issue."
"You, what, when did you have time to show them the photos?" Kai sputtered.
"She asked me to send them for her," Wazuki said smug from his own desk.
"You! Little Kiss Ass!" Kai muttered mad.
"I prefer the term better worker than you," Wazuki said.
"Kai, did you make sure to organize the list of models for FREE OUTDOOR article for their new tent design?" Ema asked as she sat at her desk.
"Uh," Kai said looking towards her own small desk, "yeah..., the list should be here around here...,"
"Can I see it? I'd like to see who we should be using," Ema asked.
"Uh, sure...," Kai said as she slink over to her desk.
"Okay, get it ready while I make a phone call please," Ema said picking up her office phone.
It rang for a while until a groggy voice answered.
"Hello?"
"Keitorin?" Ema said surprised.
"Oh Sensei?" Keitorin said as it sounded like she was sitting up, "What's up? Did you need to talk to Futo?"
"Yes please," Ema asked.
"Hang on, I'll wake him," Keitorin said. Ema could hear some rustling in the background, "Futo! Futo! Wake up!"
"This better be important!" Ema heard Futo mutter.
"It's Ema."
"Oh okay," Ema waited during the short pause."Yo, how's it going? You feeling okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Ema assured him. "Um do you remember when you agreed to do the article for TEEN THRILL magazine?"
"Yeah, wasn't too bad," Futo recalled.
"Would you ever be willing to do another one for them?" Ema asked a little timid.
There was pause on the phone.
"They ask you to do this?" Futo asked.
"Yes, the editor did," Ema admitted.
"Hmm, can't go through the proper channels so they find a way to sneak past," Futo said.
"So is that a no?" Ema asked.
"Didn't say that," Futo said, "but they'd have to agree with my terms and conditions."
"Of course," Ema said.
"And don't let them bother you again, my people will contact them," Futo also insisted, "don't want anyone harassing you, especially while pregnant. You'd be too dumb to see you're being taken advantage of."
"I would not!" Ema insisted.
"Yeah, sure," Futo said. "oh and should they need photographs, the only ones I'd want doing them is either you or Keitorin, got it!"
"Yes Futo, of course," Ema assured him.
"Alright," Futo said, "seriously, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Ema assured him, "Natsume is taking good care of me."
"Good, I want to spoil and play with those kids like I do with the other two," Futo insisted.
"You do have a soft spot for them don't you?" Ema said.
"I do for all kids," Futo bragged, "just the sort of guy I am. Talk to you later Big Girl!"
"Thank you again Futo," Ema said.
"So, you'll use your connections to help yourself but not others!" Kai said as Ema hung up.
"What?" Ema asked.
"You're doing things to help yourself with getting your brother, but you wouldn't give me your old position!" Kai accused.
"It's not within my power to give you that position, I've told you that," Ema explained, "however I am allowed to ask my brother if he's available for an interview. That doesn't mean he always will or even agree in general."
"Whatever," Kai muttered as she slapped down a disorganized stack of papers in front of Ema.
Ema sighed as she looked through the messed up list.
"Wazuki?" she asked.
"Yeah boss? Need me to help sort the list?" Wazuki asked.
"No, could you see if OUTDOOR LOVER would be interested in having Kai do the shoot with Dr. Mori?" she asked.
Kai looked back over at her.
"You mean it?" she asked.
"We're just asking, no promises," Ema said.
"Sweet! My first real break!" Kai said. She seemed to take that as an excuse to leave the office.
"Where's she going?" Rumi asked.
"Proably to order hersel her own personalized name plate or something," Wazuki said as he rolled his chair over to Ema's desk.
"Boss are you sure about this? I mean you said she'd have to apply herself for that You know, work for her own place?"
"Yeah and if I don't, she'll keep blaming me for not helping," Ema explained.
Of course Ema knew that if OUTDOOR LOVER's publisher said no or the shoot didn't go well, Kai would probably blame her.
Soon Kai came back with a soda in hand and happily sat on her desk, sipping it like she was royalty or something.
"Kai, can you please double check the schedule for TIMES OF ENTERTAINMENT next shoot?" Ema asked.
"Sorry, kind of busy, trying to figure what would be the best way to do my photo shoot," Kai said.
"Um, okay...," Ema muttered annoyed by Kai's cocky attitude given they hadn't even had a chance to ask the magazine, let alone knew if they'd say yes.
"I'll do it," Wazuki offered, "I doubt we'll get anything out of her for the rest of the day."
Ema sadly had to agree.
"You didn't have to let her just lounge around all day," Natsume said that night over dinner.
"Yes, well, she can be very stubborn and any work she did would just make us do even more," Ema explained.
"What did the magazine even say?" Natsume asked.
"That they'll consider her if they can't find a different preferable photographer," Ema said, "which I'm sure Kai thinks means for sure."
"And if she doesn't it's your fault," Natsume mentioned.
Ema sighed, "yes."
"I still say you should just fire her," Natsume insisted.
"Me too!" Juli agreed.
"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind," Ema said, "oh and I'm going to have dinner with mother tomorrow."
"You too?" Natsume asked.
"Oh she asked you as well?" Ema asked.
"Yeah she called me at work," Natsume said, "said she wanted to discuss something for us and the babies."
"Oh," Ema said. "I wonder what she's up to."
"Knowing mom, it'll be a little crazy," Natsume said, "I'll pick you up."
"Thanks," Ema said, "oh um Natsume?"
Natsume looked up from his food.
"Something else on your mind?"
"The publisher of FAMILY FAITHFUL tried asking me today if we would consider doing an interview with them about the quadruplets," Ema said timidly.
"Ah geez, really?" Natsume asked.
"Yes apparently Mr. Shohan really wants this," Ema said.
Natsume sighed, "alright, I'll allow at least two. One before they come and one after they come. That's it, no following the kids as they grow or used to draw attention or anything like that. Two interviews if they want and those are it. That work?"
"I'm surprised you even agreed to that," Ema said.
"Well considering your boss wants this, it's probably best to go along with it," Natsume said.
"Thank you dear," Ema said happily.
"Alright, I'm heading to lunch, but I'll be back in an hour," Ema said the next day.
"Having lunch with anyone important?" Kai asked.
"Just my mother and husband," Ema said as she gathered her things.
"Oh," Kai said looking away off into space.
"Still thinking of how to do your shoot?" Rumu asked casually.
"Yep," Kai bragged proudly.
Ema shook her head as she left her offcie, pausing just one more moment.
"Oh and no one mess around with my desk please while I'm gone. I have some important notes there I don't want disturbed."
Wazuki and Rumi both looked at Kai who looked embarrassed and mad.
As Ema headed to the exit of the building,
she was once again approach by a magazine editor.
"Hi Mr. Take," she said.
"Hey, wanted to ask, about that girl you recommend to do the article shots for our interview with Dr. Mori, do you really think she has what it takes?" the man asked.
"Well, I honestly can't say for sure, she's never done her own photo shoot at all," Ema explained timidly, "She just seemed so eager that I thought I'd see if she could have a shot."
"Hmm," Mr. Take said nodding, stroking his chin, "well I guess we are going to give her a try. None of the other photographers we would have wanted to use aren't available, including you. Why can't you?"
"Well, some personal reasons I'd rather not discuss just yet," Ema explained.
"Hmm, alright, well, we'll let her know we can use her. Make sure she can come out Saturday. That's when Dr. Mori says she's available."
"I will, you can also call my office," Ema said.
"Alright," Mr. Take said as he waved and walked off.
"There's mom," Natsume said when he
and Ema arrived at a nice outdoor cafe. Miwa waved them over happily.
As the couple approached, they realized there were two extra seats at the table as well.
"Someone else joining us Mom?" Natsume asked, pulling out a chair for Ema.
"As a matter of fact yes," Miwa said, "and ah I see them now!"
Ema and Natsume looked up as Yusuke and Emiko approached the table. Yusuke still in his police uniform.
"Hey," Yusuke said, "surprise to see you."
"That's because I invited them and you two to discuss something important," Miwa said, "sit down."
Yusuke and Emiko quick obeyed.
"Now then," Miwa started, "I heard some interesting news last time we were together, before Hikaru dropped the ball about your quadruplets. That being that, you Miss Jochu sadly being let go from your nanny position."
Ema and Natsume looked at Emiko who looked down ashamed and embarrassed.
"Oh Emiko, I'm so sorry," Ema said.
"Thanks," Emiko replied kindly.
"Is this still about you accidentally loosing their daughter," Natsume asked.
"Pretty much yeah," Emiko admitted.
"Which is bullshit," Yusuke said annoyed, "anyone could have done that!"
"What did happen exactly?" Natsume asked, "if you don't mind me asking?"
"No it's fine," Emiko said, "I had taken Kei to an outdoor market to get her a new toy for being a good girl at school all week. I had seen this booth that sold these cute dolls I thought she'd like. I had just let go of her hand for like a few seconds to pay for the doll and when I turned around, she had wondered off and got lost."
"Oh," Ema said, "that sounds like something that could happen to anyone." She still wrapped her arms around her womb in protection.
"I can't tell you how many times I've lost one in a similar fashion," Miwa said shaking her head. She smirked over at Natsume, "you remember that time Tsubaki had tried wondering off, taking Azusa with him and you going after them? Thus getting all three of you lost?"
"Yeah, and no matter what I said or did, Tsubaki didn't take me seriously over being lost!" Natsume muttered.
"Well, anyway, back to Miss Jochu being let go," Miwa turned the conversation back around.
"It is sad you're being fired," Ema said.
"Oh, no it's more like, Mrs. Hiragana has decided that Kei doesn't need a nanny anymore so I'm no longer needed. Which she's really only doing to help me save face. I'm sure a month or so from now she'll change her mind and hire on a new one," Emiko explained, "it's just she can't seem to stand Mr. Hiragana's attitude with me even though she's told him time and time again to let it go."
"Which does work out a little in our favor," Miwa spoke up, "how do you Emiko feel about working for Natsume and Ema for a while?"
"Work for them?" Emiko said looking their way.
"Work for us?" Ema also said.
"Yes, you were saying how Iori's girlfriend Kyo suggested maybe getting a housemaid, if only temporarily, to help out around your place while Ema's expecting, and possibly after if Miss Jochu's willing."
"Well, I don't know about the payment for her," Natsume said.
"Well you wouldn't have to worry about that," Miwa assured him, "I'd help pay her salary."
"You Mother?" Ema asked.
"Sure," Miwa said, "see it as me hiring you two a housekeeper. Plus this will Miss Jochu a chance to go back to school."
"Back to school?" Natsume asked.
"Didn't you say you had hoped to be a nurse someday dear?" Miwa asked.
"I had, and was going to school for it when I took on the nanny job. It's just the job got so demanding, I eventually dropped out of school mostly because they pay was good," Emiko explained, "my parents weren't exactly able to help keep paying for my tuition."
"Hmm, that doesn't sound reasonable," Natsume muttered.
"Now Natsume, not everyone has highly successful billionaire mothers that can help cover full cost for college," Miwa scolded, "but seriously, how would you two feel about having Emiko helping you out with cleaning and whatnot while Ema's pregnant and maybe staying on afterwards if it doesn't interfere with her studies?"
"If Emiko doesn't mind," Ema said.
"I wouldn't, sounds like a good deal," Emiko said.
"Plus if you need to save on living expenses, you're welcome to stay at Sunrise," Miwa mentioned, winking at Yusuke.
"Mom!" Yusuke muttered.
"What? We have some spare rooms, and what would having an extra person staying there really do?" Miwa asked smug.
"That's very generous of you Mrs. Asahina," Emiko said, "I think if Ema and Natsume are okay with it, I'll take the job."
"Alright," Natsume said, "if it doesn't interfere with your schooling, and mom's willing to cover the bill, I suppose we can give it a try."
"I'm fine with it, we'll try to not be too dirty for you," Ema said.
"Great! It's decided!" Miwa quickly declare, "I'll work on the payment plan and methods with you after lunch. Now let's order."
"Well glad that worked out," Yusuke said.
"Do you think you'll move into Sunrise?" Ema asked Emiko.
"I'll consider it. God knows it'll cut back on expenses. I just hope your brothers and their families won't mind too much."
"Why wouldn't they?" Miwa said, "you'd be surprised how welcoming our family can be. Right Ema dear?"
Ema blushed. "I did feel more than welcomed when I first moved in. It was great being a part of a big family for once."
Emiko nodded, "I guess giving it a try wouldn't hurt."
"Splendid, we can work out that after lunch too," Miwa said with confidence.
"Mother, thank you," Ema said.
"Well what kind of mother would I be if I can't help out my daughter and her husband?" Miwa said.
"Never mindful that her husband is your actual son," Yusuke muttered.
"Quiet you!" Miwa snapped.
"Yes thank you mom," Natsume also said, but please know we can take care of ourselves."
"Yes, but your fault a mother from wanting to help out her favorite daughter," Miwa said.
"Again, actual son," Yusuke said pointing to Natsume.
"Shush!" Miwa ordered.
"It's fine," Natsume assured his brother.
'I know it's good to get help from friends and family,' he thought, 'but I know I can help take care of my family too.'
Just then, his phone buzzed.
Natsume looked down at it and saw it was a text from Hikaru.
"Excuse me real fast," Natsume said as he excused himself from the table.
Once he had some space, Natsume read it.
'Hello bro, smart Uncle Hikaru here, wanting to share some good. I may have found the perfect house for all in ever growing family! Now I'm going to be off for a while, but Ukyo said he'd help take care of some of the paperwork and whatnot. Contact him when you're feeling ready to see it.'
'What does it look like?' Natsume text back.
I'll send you a link showing off the pictures,' Hikaru replied, sending it right after.
Natsume studied the pictures and description.
A two floor, three bed room, three bathroom, full backyard, open space living room, big kitchen space, extra room for home office or fourth bed room.
'Hmm,' Natsume thought, slightly impressed, 'this doesn't look too bad.'
He decided he'd look it over it and maybe contact Ukyo for a time when they could possibly go look at it, before bringing it up to Ema.
'I think she'll like though,' Natsume said as he rejoined the group just as a waitor came to take their order.
"Everything alright?" Ema whispered.
"Yeah, don't worry," Natsume whispered back.
However he noticed Miwa looking his way, looking slightly suspicious.
'I bet if she found out that I may have found a potential house for us, she'd insist on covering the bill. Luckily she'll be gone soon,' Natsume thought. 'this is still my family and I'm going to all I can to provide as husband and father should.'