DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"I'm glad you're okay with having Emiko helping out with the chores and erins," Ema said as Natsume drove her back to work.
"Yeah, I figure we couldn't do much worse," Natsume said, "I'm just glad we have some help keeping you from over working yourself."
Ema smiled with a blush. "Like I said as long as you're okay with it."
"And now I can put more focus on house hunting and getting a new car," Natsume mentioned, "that's what I want to figure out next. Do you still want a mini van?"
"Well unless you can think of a better choice," Ema said looking around Natsume's car.
"I bet Masaomi could come up with a good idea for the right car for the babies."
"True, and Rika could probably get us a good deal on one," Natsume agreed.
"Should we ask them if they're free to maybe help us find one this weekend perhaps?"
"If they're free, than sure!" Ema said excited.
"I'm sure they'd both jump in to help," Natsume assured her, right as they came to a stop in front of Ema's building.
Both leaned in for a kiss.
"I'll let you know if one of the brothers is picking you up later," Natsume made sure to mention right as Ema climbed out.
"Well don't work late tonight if you have to," Ema insisted as she headed off.
Ema had just entered the building when she saw Kai running at her mad.
"There you are! Why didn't you leave it for me!" Kai demanded.
"Leave what?" Ema asked.
"The camera!" Kai stated.
"What camera?" Ema again asked.
"The camera you use for the shoots of course!" Kia cried, making nearly everyone around look her way.
"I'm confused," Ema said.
"What's there to be confused about?! I need the camera if I'm going to do the photo shoot! But I can't find them anywhere around the office!"
"Are we talking about my cameras?" Ema asked.
"Well duh!" Kai mocked.
"Kai, those are my cameras, my own personalized ones. And no offense but I don't want you using them," Ema said as she tried to go around her. "You'll just have to use one from the supply room."
"What? Those plies of junk?" Kai asked as she followed behind.
"They're not that bad. They work great," Ema said.
"Then why don't you ever use them?" Kai ask in a taunt.
"Because I've never had to since I have mine," Ema explained, "if I didn't have them I'd use the company ones with no problems."
"Well how did you get your own?" Kai asked right as they return to the office.
"What do you mean?" Ema asked taking a seat at her desk.
"Why did you ever get your own?" Kai asked mad, "three to be precise!"
"Wait, did you think the company gave me those?' Ema asked, "those all came from outside sources. One's an heirloom kind of, giving to me by my father that was given to him by my birth father. One was a graduation gift from my brothers. And the third I bought myself with my own money."
Kai was quite for a bried second.
"And you seriously, don't trust me with them?"
"Well I also need them for my own shoots,' Ema said, "look Kai, this is supposed to be your own thing and you have to work for it. That means you'll have to figure out things on your own, including how to get your own camera."
Kai took a deep breath before she spoke again.
"Alright fine," she said trying to sound calm, "but where do you keep your cameras here at work?"
Ema stared at her blankly. Wazuki and Rumi also stared at Kai confused.
"Ugh! Why are you always so unfair and cruel! It's like you don't want anyone to rise above you!" And with that she stormed out of the office.
"Great, now we get to do all her work again," Wazuki muttered before rolling his chair up next to Ema.
"Boss, where do you keep your cameras at work?" he whispered.
"In my locker, and and I keep the key with me. The only two spares I keep at my home and with Mr. Bumon and he knows that I wouldn't lend out my cameras so easily."
"Gotcha," Wazuki said with a wink as he rolled back to his desk.
"Mrs. Asahina, I have to ask," Rumi spoke up, "with your new position, can't you hire some new people to work on staff?
"I supposed I could," Ema said, "Wazuki? Can you maybe look into setting up some interviews for at least two openings?"
"Sure thing Boss," Wazuki said.
"Thanks, I'll take over some of yours and Kai's duties," Ema said.
"Don't worry boss I can handle it," Wazuki said in earnest, "though are you sure you don't want to put in for a third person given that I doubt Kai's going to be here much longer?"
Ema bit her lip. "Prepare a third but don't put it out just yet."
"Kay," Wazuki said as he set back to work.
"In the meantime, I'll just finish this and then head out to the shoot scheduled for today," Ema said to herself. Before she had even really started though, her office phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Ema, it's your favorite head of department, Bumon."
"Hello Mr. Bumon," Eam replied kindly, "what can I do for you?"
"Just curious, what this about denying a camera for a shoot?" Mr. Bumon asked.
"I'm sorry?" Ema asked.
"One of your staff came barging into my office, during my special time I might add! And said you wouldn't let have a camera for her shoot with OUTDOOR LOVER," Mr. Bumon explained.
"Kai?" Ema asked.
"I don't know, I don't keep track of non important staff,' Mr. Bumon said.
"Well in either case, the truth is, I wouldn't let her use any of my personal cameras, the ones I own personally. I told her she'd have to use one from the supply room," Ema explained.
"Ah yeah, that makes more sense," Mr. Bumon said, "I figured she, Kai?, wasn't telling the whole truth. Take care, I'll handle her."
"Thank you Mr. Bumon," Ema said as she hung up. She shook her head and massage her forehead.
'What am I going to do about her?' she thought.
As Natsume drove back to his office, he kept glancing out of his window anytime he passed a car dealership or if a car passed him that looked interesting.
'We probably don't want too big of a car,' he thought as he drove, 'nothing too heavy that Ema can't handle. And defiantly one that'll be safe to hold four baby seats. And hopefully some with a big trunk for strollers and other important functions.'
He shook his head.
'I over think too much, don't I?'
"Welcome back Mr. Asahina," Miss Hoshii said as Natsume walked back in.
"Thank you," Natsume said, "how long before my meeting with the KINGS OF BATTLE developers?"
"Uh 20 minutes,' Miss Hoshii said.
"Okay, I need to make a call in my office real fast,' Natsume said as he hurried away.
"Can I help you in anyway?" Miss Hoshii asked trying to follow him.
"No, I can make my own calls," Natsume said, shutting the door unintentionally in her face.
He sighed as he headed to his desk and dialed his cell phone.
"Natsume, hello? How are things? Ema feeling alright?" Masaomi answered.
"As well as a pregnant woman of four can be,' Natsume said, "listen I wanted to ask, would you say you knew anything about cars? Particularly family cars?"
"Ah, trying to expand for the up coming passengers?" Masaomi teased, "Well I might be able to find something that should satisfy you, as well as Rika helping with price. I'll call you back when we find something worth looking into."
"Thank you, Masa," Natsume said, "I figured if anyone knew what to look for in a family car, it'd be you."
"Hey if it means helping out my brother and sister with my nieces and or nephews, I'm in," Masaomi assured his brother, "take care."
"You too," Natsume said as he hung up. He did feel slight relife over getting help with another hard obstacle with his future children.
It actually wasn't too long after, that weekend in fact, that Ema and Natsume both were at a car dealership with Masaomi and Rika.
"So we have some ideas we thought could work for your specific requirements," Masaomi said as they walked around the dealership, "but we also figured you have some opinions on your own in what you want."
"And this was the best place to look?" Ema asked.
"At least first stop on the list," Rika said examing a car, "but we have some other places to try if if doesn't work."
Natsume joined her at the car, "I take it, you'll handle price negotiations all on your own?"
"Well, sometimes I work better on my own," Rika joked.
"Just don't get too forceful," Natsume pleaded.
"I'll get as forceful as see fit, given with whom I'm dealing with," Rika declared smug, "and here he comes now."
Natsume turned around and saw a salesman walking over to Masaomi and Ema looking at another car.
"Hello and what's a cute couple like you looking for?" he asked.
"Something for four," Ema said, rubbing her belly, slightly embarrassed.
"Ah, another on the way huh?" The salesman said.
"Uh, more like four at once," Masaomi mentioned.
The man's eyes widen. "Oh," he said. Then he smiled, "Ah, got to get yourselves one that'll fit all those little babies coming huh? Well, not a problem, I can help! No sweat!"
"Uh, thank you," Ema said.
"I have one that I think will be the perfect car for your big arrival," the car salesman said as he walked over to a rather huge van that could almost pass for a monster truck.
"Whoa, that looks...," Ema sputtered.
"Big, I know, but think about it," the salesman said, "Those kids are going to grow, they're going to need their space, this can provide all the space they'll need!"
"A little high to get in or out of isn't it?" Natsume asked as he and Rika joined the group.
"Oh don't worry, it has steps," The salesman said as he opened the door and showed what was basically a ladder to help get into seats.
"That still seems a little high to try and get baby seats in," Natsume said sternly.
"Well it's more up to the husband and wife now isn't it?" the salesman said smug.
"I am the husband," Natsume said.
"Oh," the salesman sputtered.
"Can we see something more closer to the ground?" Natsume asked.
"Oh no sir, trust me this is the car you'll want for the family!" the salesman insisted. "Once they've grown you'll want space!"
"This thing looks big enough to fit the whole family," Ema mentioned.
"I'm curious, how good are the valve springs in such a big thing?" Rika asked in a soft sweet voice.
"Oh," The salesman said, "they're fine, they're adjusted to fit such a big vehicle."
"We're leaving!" Rika quickly declared as she helped push Ema away, and followed by their husbands.
They headed straight to Masaomi's waiting car.
"How did you know he was no good," Natsume asked as they left.
"A valve spring is in a trumpet," Rika explained. "My band teacher onced told us to use that as a good way to indicate if a car salesman was legit. And its worked so far whenever I've gone car shopping.
"I didn't know you were in band, Rika," Ema said.
"Yep, a hard core trumpet player!" Rika said, "playing loud helped me work out some anger issues."
"Interesting," Natsume said.
"Hang tight, we'll be at the next dealership in no time," Masaomi promised.
Soon they were at a new dealership browsing.
"I'm going to stay close to you, here, less we get another con man try and sell us a mobile home," Natsume said, holding Ema's hand as they looked.
"Thank you," Ema said. "I really felt overwhelmed by that guy and that car!"
"Yeah, I felt a little intimidated by him. Rika kind of helped bail us out there."
Just then a salesman approach them.
"Hello, how can I help you?" he asked calmly.
"We're in the market for a new car for our expanding family,' Natsume said.
"Ah, first?" the salesman asked.
"Yes and no," Ema said with a blush.
"We're expecting four at once," Natsume said.
"Oh wow," the salesman said stroking his chin. "Well we do have a few good options. Were you thinking of van of something or maybe something not that big?"
"Something that easy to get four baby seats in and out of, with hopefully some trunk room," Natsume said.
"Makes sense," the salesman said, "why don't I show you some of the vans right now, see if you find something your comfortable with. And if not we have other options you can look at."
The man led them off towards some of their different vans, and were soon joined by Masaomi and Rika.
"Seeing anything you like?" Masaomi asked.
"Well, it's hard to say," Ema admitted, even though the vans seemed a little less intense than the last one they were shown.
"Honey," Rika said sounding sweet and defenseless, "wasn't there that nice car that had an extra door on each side that can open up and make storing things like babies seats more easier?"
"That sounds a little more for us," Ema said.
"Oh sure," The salesman started to say, "we may have something like that...,"
"Like that," Masaomi said as he headed to a smaller cart that did have a third door that could open up, showing two rows of seats.
"Oh this is nice," Ema said as she examined the car.
"Is it safe to put baby seats in the back row?" Natsume asked as he looked at the third row.
"Oh yes," the salesman assured him. He signaled one of his co-workers, "can you help bring over one our baby seats?"
He and the other salesman walked off quickly, leaving the four to examine the car.
"This is one of the types we research," Masaomi mentioned as he circled the car, "something not quite as bulky as a mini van."
"I kind of like it," Natsume said, "it does look a little easier to load and unload. Plus, it seems to have a decent amount trunk space, which we'll need no doubt. What do you think Ema?"
"I like, it looks a little more simpler than a mini van," Ema said, "I might feel comfortable driving it."
"Here we go," the salesman spoke up as he and his co-worker returned with some baby carries. Both helped put them into the last row to show how well they fit in.
"See, they can fit in and be well supported," the salesman showed, "no matter what stage the child will be in."
Natsume moved in to get a closer look.
"It does look like they'll fit properly," he said.
"The only problem we'd have is getting to the back row should they need us," Ema said.
"Well there is space in between the seats so might be able to squeeze past," the salesman pointed out. "Would you like to try a test drive?"
Ema looked at Natsume, who looked at Rika out of the corner of his eye. Rika nodded.
"Sure," Natsume said.
"I'll get the keys," the salesman said as he headed off again.
"You want to drive first?" Natsume asked.
"I might as well seeing as how I'll probably end up driving it most," Ema said happily.
Soon the group was out on the road testing out the car.
The salesman kept pointing out tidbits and luxuries of the car while Ema drove and Natsume, Rika and Masaomi sitting in the back seats, observing.
Every now and then Natsume would speak up, either with helping Ema try something the salesman had mentioned or ask a question on his own.
"So, over all what do you think?" the salesman asked once they return to the dealership.
"I like it, I like the way it handles," Ema said.
"Yes, it does appear to be a smooth ride," Natsume agreed, "and you're sure it's safe to put baby seats in the back row?"
"I'd feel safe doing it for my own kids," the salesman said, "have two boys of my own."
"I think it's perfect for you, personally," Masaomi insisted.
"Shall we discuss price then?" the salesman asked.
"Um, honey, can I try working out? You did say you'd let me try my luck at negotiations on things like this?" Rika quickly asked in her sweet boss.
"I supposed," Masaomi said.
"Let me try Natsume and Ema, please, I promise I'll do my best," Rika asked.
"Sure, we'll let you give it a shot," Natsume allowed. Ema nodded in agreement.
"Okay, right this way," the salesman said leading Rika to his office.
"You don't think she's going to make him cry, do you?" Natsume asked.
"It'll depend," Masaomi said, "but seriously, think this is the right car for you and the little ones?"
"As long as it's safe for all four," Natsume insisted still examining the car.
"I like it, I can see driving our children around in it," Ema insisted.
"Yeah, in all honesty, it could be the right car for us," Natsume agreed. He smiled across at Ema on the other side of the car.
"Would you agree?"
"I do," Ema said happily.
Just then the door to the salesman's office opened, and the man came stumbling out, actually wiping his forehead with a handkerchief. Rika however came out look calm and confident.
"Well? Did we get something worked out?" Masaomi asked.
"Yes," the salesman squeaked.
"This is what they're offering," Rika said handing Natsume a slip of paper.
"Wow, not bad," Natsume said looking over the price.
"Yes," said the salesman, "either your friend here lied about this being her first time price negotiation, or she's already highly skilled." He looked both terrified and amused by the whole thing.
"I may have practiced in the mirror a few times," Rika said as she strudded over to Masaomi.
"You didn't make him cry did you?" he asked amused.
"Nah, the situation didn't seem to call for it, and he seems like a legit guy," Rika said, "smart enough to know there are no valve springs in a car."
"Just have to run a few checks and have you sign a few papers and you can take this baby home," the salesman said as he led Natsume and Ema to his office.
"Looks like we did good," Rika said as she laid down across one of the back seats.
"I believe so," Masaomi laying down across the other seat. "This is a nice car, perfect for a family of six I think."
"Yeah, they're going to great with it," Rika agreed. She looked at Masaomi through the split of the seats. "You ever think about having another?"
"I thought you didn't want more than one," Masaomi said.
"Hmm, I'm a little hesitant about it, but not completely put off by the idea," Rika admitted.
"Really?" Masaomi said intrigued.
"Besides I know you've always wanted more than one," Rika mentioned.
"Possibly," Masaomi said.
"Tell you what, maybe once all the hype over the quadruplets has dyed down a little, maybe we could look into it, give it a try," Rika suggested.
"That sounds nice," Masaomi said.
"Done and done," The salesman said happily as he came back out with Ema and Natsume.
Ema held a set of keys in her hand with pride.
"It's all ours," she said happily.
"And now all we have to do is make arrangements for a second parking spot at the complex," Natsume said looking at his own set of keys.
"Thanks again Masa and Rika."
"Happy to help," Rika said.
"You should bring this by Sunrise, let everyone see it," Masaomi insisted.
"Oh yes, that'd be nice!" Ema said excited.
"Yeah alright," Natsume agreed, "I'll drive this time."
"See you there," Masaomi said as he and Rika headed out to get to their own car.
As Natsume started to drive off the lot, and along the road, he looked over at Ema who was sitting next to him looking extremely happy as she hugged her belly.
She looked back behind her at the two rows of seats.
"I can already see the baby seats back there!" she said, "and I can practically hear the little baby coos and babble!"
"Oh yes, and the crying, and the shrieking," Natsume muttered. "Four times over!"
Ema paused as she shifted her eyes around the car.
"Yeah, I can hear that too," she said, but actually sounding amused by the idea.
She sighed, "I feel so excited for this car!"
"Me too," Natsume said, "but until you have babies, why don't you drive me car since it's smaller and I'll take this one?"
"You sure?" Ema asked.
"I guess it just feels safer in my car that we're both familiar with and a little easier to handle," Natsume said.
"Well if it'll help you feel better, I'll do that," Ema said.
"Maybe I'm overreacting again," Natsume muttered.
"No a smaller car while I'm pregnant at least," Ema said, "but maybe when we're going somewhere together, I can try driving it."
"Oh yes defiantly," Natsume agreed, "and you'll probably mostly used this car once they're born."
"I hope to!" Ema said excited.
Natsume had smile at her excitement and happiness. At least one of them should focus more on the happy part of having four babies at once.
By the time the couple pulled up to Sunrise, nearly all the current residents, as well as a few who no longer lived there were waiting on the sidewalk outside.
Masaomi and Rika were there too, standing with Mizu.
Ema rolled down the window, "well, what does everyone think?"
"Nice," Tsubaki said as he walked up to the car, leaning against it casually, "you'll be the sexiest soccer mom in town with this thing."
"Really Tsubaki?" Natsume asked as he got out of the car.
"What? it was a complement," Tsubaki insisted, "you're the badass parents on wheels now, aren't ya?"
"It is a nice car," Azusa said as he opened the side passenger door and the extra door.
"That's going to help load up those baby seats," Ukyo said looking over Azusa's shoulder.
"Of course, it'd help if you did have actually baby seats to put in there," Haruhi mentioned, "oh but wait...,"
She did a dramatic hand clap, and suddenly Yusuke, Wataru, Iori and Louis each carried out a box of a new baby stroller and seat onto the sidewalk.
"Oh my," Ema said as she quick for out of the car and walked over to the boxes, "you got these for us?"
"Yep, we all help pitch in for them," Tomori said happily, "even some of the guys who aren't here."
"That's, very generous of you," Natsume said as he and Ema examined their new baby strollers. Though they were all the same design, eaxh had a different color. One was white, one tan, one gray, and the last one, teal.
"These are amazing!" Ema said happily. "Thank you so much!"
"Of course, this is what family's for," Masaomi said.
"Is this why you insisted that we come by?" Natsume asked.
"Maybe," Masaomi said.
"We also got you these Uncle Natsume," Mizu said as he and Kadia handed Natsume a small package each.
Natsume looked at them to see they were a type of attachment for strollers.
"It's so you can hook the strollers together and push them all at once," Kadia explained.
"Oh yes these will be helpful," Natsume said, "thank you."
"Should we try getting these in?" Ema asked.
"Well you probably don't have to do these right away," Masaomi said, "maybe when your due date gets closer. In the meantime you can keep them here."
"Thank you," Natsume said, "I'm almost wondering if we could ask to keep the car here, at least until we get a new parking spot for it."
"Well maybe you can," Emiko spoke up.
Everyone looked at her.
"Uh," Emiko sputtered as she back away.
"No, no please, share," Ema insisted.
"Well it's just, if I'm going to be working for you, while living here, if you trust me enough, I can drive the car to your place each morning for you. Then I can also drive it back at night when you come home. And I can just take the train or subway anywhere else in between I may need to go," Emiko suggested.
Ema and Natsume both looked at each other.
"Well, I guess that's not a bad idea," Natsume said. "Will that work for everyone else?"
"Sure we got room for it," Masaomi insisted.
"Alright, that sounds good," Ema said, "we can even get you your own set of keys for it."
"And in the meantime you can take mine," Natsume said handing Emiko his set. "But only you drive it!" He looked at Tsubaki sternly, "no joy rides or anything like that!"
"Ah darn," Tsubaki said sarcastically.
Natsume gave him one last warning look before looking back at Emiko.
"Thank you, Emiko, you're being very helpful with our current circumstances," he said.
"Yeah, thank you Emiko," Ema said happily.
"How would you like to stay for dinner in the meantime?" Ukyo offered, "it's getting a little late as is. All of you, Louis, Yuki, Iori, Kyo?"
"I supposed," Louis said.
"Yeah sure," Iori also said.
Ema looked at Natsume.
"I supposed it couldn't hurt," Natsume said, "if afterwards, Emiko help drive us home so we can show her what we'll like to have her help with and when."
"Absolutely," Emiko said.
"So how has living at Sunrise been for you so far," Ema asked Emiko as they waited for dinner to get ready.
"Well I've only been here for a few days, but it's not so bad," Emiko said.
"Are you and Yusuke sharing a room?" Kyo teased.
"Uh no, not exactly!" Emiko sputtered, "but they are next door."
"Got to keep it pure huh?" Kyo said.
"She's a very good natured woman," Haruhi said putting her arm around Emiko, "which makes her fun to tease."
Emiko blushed.
"But not too often," Haruhi also mentioned, "by the way, here."
She handed Ema an envelope.
Ema opened it and pulled out a simple wedding invitation.
"Save the date, month from now Tsubaki and I are officially going to tie the knot. Nothing big or fancy, you can come in pajamas if that's what you'll be comfortable in."
"We'll be there," Ema promised, "congratulations."
"Thanks," Haruhi said.
"What are you going to wear?" Yuki asked.
"Oh I'll still be in a white dress and Tsubaki will wear a tux. And we're even going to let the kids stand in our official maid of honor and best man. Just because we knew the kids want to be a part of it," Haruhi said.
"Surprised Azusa's not the best man," Ema said.
"He understands," Haruhi insisted.
"Understands what?" Azusa asked as he walked up to the group with Sunako.
"Why we asked Mizu to be the best man over you," Haruhi said.
"Yeah he's cutter," Azusa said with a smirk.
"Oh Ema, I wanted to give you this."
He handed Ema a children's book.
"This was Natsume's favorite book as a child. For a long time he couldn't go to sleep unless it was read to him."
Ema looked at the front cover that had a frog in armor standing among grass flowers and other woodland animals.
"Sir Frog?" Ema read out loud, "I think I remember reading one or two of these stories as a child myself."
"Yeah, Natsume had at least two other books in series he enjoyed too. But the first one was always his personal favorite. I thought maybe you and him would enjoy having it to read to the babies," Azusa said.
"Oh, thank you Azusa!" Ema said as she looked through the cute story of the little frog knight going on adventures.
"Where is Natsume anyway?" Sunako asked.
"Last I saw he was in the kitchen," Louis mentioned coming into the living room, "he seemed to be in a rather interesting conversation with Ukyo."
"Oh?" Ema said.
"Want me to fetch him for you Chi?" Louis asked.
"If he doesn't have to keep talking with Ukyo," Ema said.
Natsume had walked into the kitchen where Ukyo and Tomori were preparing the food for dinner while nearby he could see Masaomi and Rika setting the table.
He did his best to casually walk over to Ukyo and leaned against the counter.
"Do you have time to talk?" he whispered.
"Is this about the house Hikaru found for you?" Ukyo whispered back.
Natsume nodded. "It looks promising. But I do want to look at in person before saying or showing it to Ema. A part of me still wants to surprise her with it."
"I understand," Ukyo said, "if you can find a time when maybe she's busy or occupied, then let me know, I'll see what works."
"Thanks," Natsume said, "Maybe we can go on a day she has a doctor's appointment or a big photo shoot. I think she has one coming up with Futo actually."
"Well maybe you can let him in on it and see if he can help stalling her throughout the shoot," Ukyo suggested.
"Possibly," Natsume, "either that or we ask Emiko to help by going to one of Ema's appointments and stall her there too."
"Find out when that shoot with Futo is and we'll see what might work better," Ukyo said.
Natsume nodded again before looking towards the table where Rika was helping set the table.
"I wonder if we should have Rika come in to help," he asked out loud.
"Maybe," Ukyo said, "if I feel like people selling or the realtor's a bit untrustworthy, we can certainly bring her in. I actually asked her if she wanted to in general and she said she didn't think it was necessary. Said I was more than capable and it shouldn't take more than one lawyer to help you out."
"I do appreciate you helping me out with this," Natsume said.
"No problem, I know how important it is for you and Ema to have a good home to raise your family," Ukyo said.
"Natsume, Ema wants to see you," Louis called out.
"What for?" Natsume asked.
"Just come into the living room," Louis said with a smile.
Natsume eyed him but still followed.
As soon as he came to the living room, he could hear Ema giggling at something.
"Ema?" he said as he walked towards her.
"Oh Natsume, looked what Azusa found for our babies!" Ema said holding up the book.
"Sir Frog?" Natsume said in shock, "I haven't seen that book in years!" He quickly walked over and looked over the book. "Oh my god! This was my favorite bedtime story as a kid! Mom, or one of my older brothers would read this for me before bed. Azusa, where did find this?"
"In storage," Azusa said, "we were going through it to see if there was anything else we could get for you. And I managed to find this for you."
"Thank you Azusa!" Natsume said, "it's just too bad you couldn't find the other two. But at least you found my favorite."
"Well we may not have found your original copies of Sir Frog," Sunako mentioned, "but...,"
She pulled out two more books out from behind her back.
"We were able to find new copies," Azusa said.
"Oh my goodness!" Ema said excited.
"Thank you," Natsume said. He actually had a genuine smile as he looked over his old childhood memories.
"You thinking about reading that to the children?" Ema whispered.
"Actually yes," Natsume admitted, actually picturing himself somehow having all his babies in his arms as he read his story to them.
'I just hope they like it as much as I do,' he thought.
For the first time since finding out it was quadruplets, Natsume could have a happy thought in regards to having them without followed by a negative thought as well.