DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"Go ahead and pull in here," Natsume told Emiko as she drove the couple home.
Emiko carefully pulled in to an empty spot that read guest on it.
"How did you feel driving it Emiko?" Ema asked as they piled out.
"Nice, good control," Emiko said as they headed to the building.
"We'll make sure to get you a key for our apartment as well," Natsume promised as they took the elevator to their floor.
Emiko nodded calmly as they came to the actual apartment and all three walked in.
"It hopefully won't be too hard of a job," Ema said as she went and sat down.
"You'll probably have to do most standard chores," Natsume explained, "vacuuming, dusting, dishes and laundry."
"Of course," Emiko said.
"We'd also like it if you could feed the pets," Natsume continued, "we have two cats and a squirrel."
"Though I don't refer to myself as a pet personally," Juli muttered as he came and jumped on Ema's shoulder.
"So this is the little housekeeper Miwa bought for you?"
"She didn't buy her, she just suggested we use Emiko and she'd fit the bill," Ema whispered annoyed, "and even still that's a rude way of putting it Juli!"
"Oh is this the squirrel?" Emiko asked as she came over to Ema and Juli.
"Yes, this is Juli," Ema said, stroking Juli's head.
"Never known a person who had a pet squirrel," Emiko said, "is it okay to try and pet him?"
"Sure she can," Juli allowed.
"Oh he made nosie, is that a mad or warning noise?" Emiko asked as she quickly pulled her hand back.
"No, it's fine, that's actually him giving you permission to pet him," Ema explained.
"Oh, okay," Emiko said as she gently rubbed Juli's head as well, "hi Juli."
"Hello," Juli replied.
"Oh he chirped at me," Emiko said sounding excited.
"Great another one who can't understand me," Juli muttered to himself, "I guess it's only special people who can."
"You will be nice to her won't you?" Ema whispered to him.
"Sure, she seems harmless," Juli promised. "And I'll make sure the cats even stay in line as well."
"He sure is chatty for someone who only talks in chirps," Emiko said.
"Hmm," Juli muttered.
"Yes he can get a little annoying with his constant chattering," Natsume said.
"Hey!" Juli snapped.
"Anyway, this shouldn't get in the way of your schooling, should it?" Natsume asked.
"Oh no," Emiko insisted, "I should be able to do this stuff just fine."
"Good because if it does you need to tell us right away," Natsume insisted.
"Yes sir," Emiko said.
"When do you enroll?" Ema asked.
"This Monday actually," Emiko said, "I'll be heading there right after this, that day."
"I hope you won't have too much difficulties re-taking some of the courses," Natsume said.
"Oh, actually, a part of my enrollment involves a chance to take a test and see if I can remember much of my previous classes. If I get a high enough score on it, I won't have to re-take all the courses I've already gone through and just sort of take up where I left off," Emiko told them.
"Well good luck with that!" Ema said.
"Thank you," Emiko said, "I'll be back on Monday then with your car around 6:30, right?"
"Yes, that would be a good time," Natsume said, "and you can also come back in the afternoon if needbe for more cleaning and whatnot until we get home with the car to let you get home."
"Thank you," Emiko said.
"There is one more thing I'd like to ask," Natsume said, "if it's possible, I'd like it if you could help attend Ema to her doctors appointments every other Wednesday, especially if I can't join her."
"I can do that no problem," Emiko said.
"Thank you, but only if you don't have a class at the time," Natsume assured her.
"Well I'll just have to schedule my appointment when she's free," Ema said.
"It'll be good practice for me in either way for my nurse practice," Emiko said, "I should get going. See you Monday."
"See you Monday," Ema said as she waved her off.
"Thank you again, really," Natsume said kindly as he shut the door behind her.
"Well, this has been an exciting day," Ema said as Natsume came and joined her on the couch.
"Yeah, new car, new strollers and seats," Natsume listed off.
"New stories," Ema said holding up his story book.
Natsume smiled as he reached for it.
"I nearly forgot about these books," he said, "but man do the memories just come flowing back."
"Can you read a little for me?" Ema asked.
"Are you serious?" Natsume asked.
"Come on, do it for the babies," Ema said, "they should be able to hear it and they want to hear their daddy read. Don't you?"
"Oh my gosh," Natsume said but he still started up the story.
"...and Sir Frog was declared the hero of Kingdom Forest, just as he knew he'd be. The end," Natsume finished the story.
He looked over at Ema who had her eyes closed and smiling brightly.
"That was wonderful," she said.
"Eh, they seemed a little contrived if you ask me," Juli said.
"Why, you have a thing against frogs?" Natsume asked.
"Maybe," Juli muttered.
"Well I still thought it was a cute story," Ema said, "and so did the babies."
"How could you tell?" Natsume asked.
"Hmm, mother's intuition," Ema said with a shrugged.
"Hey what happened to those story books you used to like Chi?" Juli asked.
"Which ones? I had a few I liked," Ema said.
"You probably a regular book worm growing up," Natsume said.
"Well what about those princess story you liked?" Juli asked.
"Sweet Princess on the Hill?" Ema asked.
"Yeah, you even went as her Halloween once or twice," Juli reminded her.
"Oh yeah, I made it myself," Ema said.
"Did you really?" Natsume asked, "well, would you want to find a copy for the babies too?"
"Oh that would be sweet!" Ema said.
"I'll, look into it," Natsume said, "and if there's any others let me know. I'll see what I can do to find something."
"Thank you," Ema said happily, "are there any other stories you liked as a kid."
"Well it wasn't so much a story book as it was a comic," Natsume said, "Captain of the Stars! He was the son of a star god and a mortal woman and at night when the starts shown bright, he would fight for what was right!"
"Oh my god," Juli muttered. Ema however looked amused.
"I think I remember a lot of boys in my elementary classes reading those comics," she said, "didn't they revamp the series?"
"They did and it was pretty good," Natsume said, "I read a few out of curiosity and I like what they did with it. Mostly his love interest wasn't always a damsel in distress. She had a little more edge to her. In my day, it seemed that no matter what, she'd somehow get herself caught by the bad guy Captain Star was fighting. Not that they weren't still entertaining. I remember Azusa and Tsubaki loved them just as much. And on Friday nights when we were allowed to stay up late, we'd pitch our own manmade fort and read our comics together."
"That must have been fun," Ema said.
"It was, but I think I actually out grew it before they did and let them keep all my copies," Natsume admitted.
"Do you think they still have any?" Ema asked curious.
"Oh maybe," Natsume said, "but who knows, maybe none of the kids will like comic books. Maybe they'll have other interest."
"Hmm," Ema said, "think any of them will want to be athletic like you? Or design video games?"
"And or want to play them," Natsume said.
"Could you imagine if none of them take an intrest in video games at all, and instead watch us work and play them, embarrassing them or something?" Ema asked sounding amused by the idea.
"That would be our luck, wouldn't it," Natsume said, "As long as they don't grow hard core criminals and or monstrous types of people, I'll be satisfied."
"Me too," Ema said, dancing her fingers across her body over her babies.
"By the way, do you know when you're doing that photo shoot with Futo is?" Natsume asked.
"Don't know yet," Ema said, "but it'll be at the office so I at least won't have to go anywhere for it."
"Oh," Natsume muttered, "but you are going to have it still, right?"
"Yeah, Futo promised he would," Ema said.
"Mmm," Natsume nodded, "do you feel like having a bath tonight?"
"Mmm, I should," Ema said.
"I'll go draw it for you," Natsume offerd.
"Maybe I should take a shower," Ema said, "that'll make it easier to get in and out of. And I can do that myself."
"You sure?" Natsume asked as he still helped her up from the couch.
"Yes," Ema assured her, "I'm not the size of a house yet."
"Okay," Natsume said, even though he still help escort her to the bathroom. He also helped her strip out of her clothes.
Ema had to blush as Natsume took off her clothes, having a slight amount of fun it seemed as he did.
He even managed to steal a few kisses among her body, before leaving her to take her shower.
Natsume looked at the door, making sure Ema wasn't coming back out for anything.
He then called up Futo.
"Yo, this better be good," Futo said, over some loud music.
"Futo? Are you at a party or something?" Natsume asked.
"Eh, if you call enjoying a fun night with my girlfriend a party than sure," Futo said, "What do you want?"
"I was wondering when you're doing that photo shoot for Ema's magazine," Natsume said.
"Don't know yet," Futo said, "kind of trying to string them along as payback for exploiting the dummy for their own needs."
"Please don't call my a dummy," Natsume scolded.
"Whatever," Futo said casually, "what do you need with it anyway?"
"Well, can you keep a secret?" Natsume asked.
"Eh, I suppose," Futo replied not sounding interested.
"Well, I may have a good house for us, with our growing family and all. But I want to look at it by myself first before showing Ema so I can surprise her with it in a way. So I need to do it on a day she'll be busy," Natsume started to explain.
"Oh, I get it," Futo said sounding smug, "and you want my help with keeping her busy?"
"If the shoot's on a day I can go look at the house," Natsume said.
"Babe, where's my schedule book?" Futo shouted.
"I'll get it," Natsume heard Keitorin call back in the background.
After a short wait he could soon hear her again.
"Here Sweet,"
"Thanks," Futo said. Natsume could hear the sound of pages turning.
"I got a Thursday open in two weeks, that work for you?"
"Thursday in two weeks?" Natsume said as he too went to check his schedule.
"Yeah that could work, if Ukyo is free too. He's going to help with the legal side of things."
"Cool, let me know if he's not free and I can see about getting a different day," Futo said.
"Thanks for helping out with this Futo," Natsume said.
"Eh, I'm not above helping the little people," Futo bragged.
Natsume groaned at his brother's antics.
"Speaking of which, how are the little ones?" Futo asked.
"They're good, doctor says they're growing at a good steady pace," Natsume said.
"Got anything new for them yet?" Futo asked, again sounding smug, "like say a few baby seats and or strollers?"
"You were in on that huh?" Natsume asked.
"Yeah, apparently after you asked Masaomi for him and Rika's help with car shopping, he started calling around asking who wanted to help pitch in for a few for you guys. And from what I've heard, everyone pitched in. You're welcome."
"Thank you, that was very kind of you, all of you," Natsume said.
"Eh it's what I do," Futo bragged, "Did you even managed to get yourself a little family wagon?"
"Yes, we did managed to get a new car, one that'll be safe and roomy for the babies," Natsume said.
"Ugh, sounds boring even over the phone," Futo said, "but you still got to send me a picture so I can see just how boring it is."
"Yes, of course," Natsume muttered.
"Well anything else I can do you?" Futo asked.
"No, but thank you," Natsume said.
"Yeah, just make sure Ukyo's free that day too so I can book the shoot," Futo said.
"Yes, I will call him after this," Natsume said.
"Good, and do me a favor. Don't call me back unless the date won't work. I am trying to have a nice relaxed evening with my lady," Futo said.
"Yes, okay," Natsume agreed, "take care."
"And keep me updated on the the progress with the quadruplets, I do have a a soft spot for the little ones," Futo said.
"I know," Natsume said. He knew Futo did have a soft spot for children. He'd seen the way Futo would interact with kids, including their niece and nephew.
He even visited Masaomi's hospital's children's wing often, just to help entertain the kids. It was something he truly enjoyed.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to keep Chi out of your plans with looking at this so called house?" Juli asked.
"Well it's not like I'm buying it without her consent or approval," Natsume insisted, "I just want to get a look and opinion on it before I try letting her see it. That'll make it a hopefully nice surprise for her."
"What surprise?" Ema asked as she came out, wrapped in a bathrobe, and drying her hair.
"Oh," Natsume said as he turned around, "Uh...,"
"Well if he told you it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" Juli quickly spoke up.
"I guess," Ema said as she walked over to Natsume and kissed him. "You going to take a bath too?"
"I took one this morning before we headed out," Natsume said, "I'll be fine. How are you feeling? Tired?"
"Maybe a little," Ema said.
"Well, why don't I help get you situated on the bed," Natsume said as he began to do such.
"I hate you sleeping on the floor with me like this," Ema said, "it'll be nice when we get a home where we can get a big bed we both can share."
"I know," Natsume said, "we will. It's just easier to have you sleep on the couch for now instead on the floor with me."
"But I miss sleeping next to my husband," Ema said softly.
"You think I don't miss sleeping next to my wife?" Natsume said as he leaned over her and kissed her.
The kiss was warm and passionate, with Natsume stroking Ema's hair as he continued on. However, at the last minute, he pulled away.
"I keep going, I might go further than I should," he explained reluctantly.
Both looked at Ema's belly.
"Still think they're worth it?" Ema asked.
"Yes," Natsume said, kissing her belly. "even if I'm always speculating over the problems we'll have with them, I still am excited to have all four. When they're born, I'm going to hold all four in my arms as proud father and declare my undying love for all of them. I swear."
"Isn't your daddy amazing?" Ema asked. Then Natsume noticed her scrunching her face.
"Natsume, what are we going to call them? Shouldn't we start figuring out names?"
"Oh,' Natsume said, as he moved around he was sitting next to Ema, "yeah, we are going to figure out what to call each one, huh?"
"Do you have anything in particular you'd like to try?" Ema asked.
"Not yet, nothing comes to mind," Natsume admitted, "What about you?"
"Not off the top of my head," Ema also admitted, "but I want their names to be really special somehow."
"Like what?" Natsume asked.
"Don't know yet, but I'm sure we'll figure it out," Ema said.
"Well, I'll let you figure that out," Natsume said, "I may know about naming characters in video games, but actual children, that's a little more difficult to figure out."
He noticed Ema giving off a yawn.
"And we can try focusing on it another day. For now get some rest."
He helped wrapped a blanket over her and gave her one last kiss. He switched off a few of the lights, leaving one on, so he could do a little more work before going to bed himself.
As he worked, he felt Juli climb up onto his knee.
"Do you want my opinion on a name or two?" he asked.
"Sure what have you got?" Natsume asked.
"Well, there's always the name Okami," Juli said.
"You want a name that means wolf?" Ema asked, "seriously?"
"You got to admit it'd be a little iconic," Juli said.
"I supposed," Natsume said, "anything else?"
"How about Kurumi?" Juli asked.
"Kurumi? As in a walnut?" Natsume asked, "I'm not giving any of my children that kind of name."
"Well fine," Juli sneered.
Natsume shook his head as he kept with his work.
"Hey," he did ask, "what do you think about maybe naming one or two of the babies after Ema's real parents?"
"Kenji and Yuki?" Juli said, "well, they weren't the type that was all about honoring passed family with naming new generations after them. They would have only wanted you to name a baby after them if you liked the name, nothing more."
"Hmm, alright," Natsume said, "what do you supposed they would have reacted to find out that Ema was expecting quadruplets?"
"Yuki would probably be super excited, going out of her way to buy up cute things like toys and clothes for them," Juli said, "Kenji probably would be a little freaked out with the idea of his daughter impregnated with four babies at once."
"Kind of like Rintaro," Natsume mentioned.
"Well they were good friends," Juli said, "but like Rintaro, he'd be excited about being a grandfather and playing with his grandkids. Maybe wanting to come up with fun photos to do with them, just for the memories, not for exploitation."
"Of course," Natsume said.
He could still feel Ema's parents were watching their daughter and future grandchildren from heaven happy and with pride, just like his own mother and Ema's dad are. It made him feel more determined to make sure he provided well for his growing family.
"Feeling good this morning?" Natsume asked Monday morning, as he and Ema started to get ready.
"Oh yes," Ema said, "I was even able to make a small list for Emiko."
Natsume studied it. It didn't have anything too serious on it. Just a few of the standard chores they could normally do themselves.
"That should make it worth the effort of being our housekeeper," he said.
"Anything you want to add?" Ema asked.
"Nah, not at the moment. We'll see how it goes as time goes by," Natsume said. Just then the doorbell rang.
"That's probably her," Natsume said as he answered the door.
"Good morning," Emiko said bowing.
"Good morning, come in," Natsume said, gesturing.
"Good morning Emiko, welcome," Ema said happily as the young girl came inside.
"Thank you," Emiko said looking nervous.
"We left a list for you on the counter. Don't worry if you can't get it done before heading to registration," Ema pointed to kindly.
"Thank you, I'll do my best," Emiko promised, "here's your car keys."
"Thank you, we should really get going," Natsume said as he took the keys and led Ema out.
"Good luck Emiko," Ema called back one last time before fully leaving the apartment with Natsume.
"Have a good day," Natsume said in the parking lot, giving her a kiss in the process.
"You too," Ema said, "Enjoy the car."
"Yes," Natsume said looking at their new car parked off to the side.
He did admit he felt a little bit like an important person driving such a car, even if it was just being a new father.
Once Ema arrived at her building and headed to her office, she was a little surprised by a voice shouting behind her.
"Ema!"
"Ah!" Ema screamed, wrapping her arms around her womb.
"Sorry, did I scare you?" Ms. Erai asked.
"Oh, it's nothing," Ema assured her, "how can I help you?"
"We just got confirmed that Futo agreed to do the article next Thursday! Can you help with the shoot? He said he wanted you to do it!" Ms. Erai said excited.
"Yes, I should be able to," Ema said.
"Excellent!" Ms. Erai said, "this magazine is going to be a big hit, I know it!"
Ema nodded, only to suddenly move fast out of the way as the door to her office swung open and Kai strudded out, holding a camera.
"Oh and make sure to hold my calls," Kai called back, with a wave. She didn't even seem acknowledge Ema as she walked past.
"Oh hello Ms. Erai," she did greet the magazine editor.
"Um, hello, uh...," Ms Erai tried to fish around for the woman's name.
"Kai? Kai Jiga? I just did the photo shoot for OUTDOOR LOVER with Dr. Mori. I'm surprised it hasn't been heard all over the office, given how great it went."
"Oh, yes, sure," Ms. Erai said.
"If you're needing a skilled photographer such as myself for your magazine, I'm always available," Kai continued to say.
"Oh sure, of course," Ms. Erai continued to try and be polite.
"Well I do have such a natural talent. Mr. Bumon even got me the best camera available from the storage department," Kai said holding up the camera.
"Yes, yes sure," said Ms. Erai.
"Well, I better go, have to see who needs me again," Kai said as she walked off proudly, still ignoring Ema.
"I thought Bumon used that whole, "best camera in storage" line to shut up people he found annoying and stupid," Ms. Erai said.
"He does," Ema said, biting her lip, "but I guess she did good enough to earn a second photo shoot for herself."
"Oh she didn't," Wazuki said poking his head out, "she's just heading to go look at the request sheet for some of the smaller magazines that can't personally request hire up photographers like you Boss."
"Oh, those ones, they'll take almost anyone they can get," Ms Erai said, "surprised your little friend there would try those. She seems like the type that would try and get in with the big leagues the lazy way."
"Well maybe she finally realized she has to work hard to get things," Ema said.
"HA!" Wazuki said, "yeah right! I bet she's just going down there to trash talk those other magazines to some of the other lower staff photographers to make herself look important."
Ema sighed, "that sounds more realistic," she admitted, "I'll see next Thursday, Ms. Erai."
"Yes, thank you," Ms. Erai said, "you know, it's none of my business, but if that girl was on my staff acting this way, I would have probably fired her a long time ago."
"Yes, well," Ema wasn't exactly sure how to finish that sentence. Instead she headed into her office in silence.
In all honesty, she had never fired anyone since she came to work for the publishing. She had two previous staff members quit, but that was different.
'I probably should consider firing her, but do I really have enough to truly go through with it?' Ema thought.
She tried to push the thoughts out of her head and focus on her actual work.
Especially as she noticed Kai's purse and note book all over her desk.
Ema sighed annoyed as she gathered up her things and moved them to Kai's actual working space.
"So we got a shoot scheduled for your brother?" Wazuki asked.
"Yes, looks like we'll have one next Thursday," Ema said.
"How exciting!" Wazuki cheered.
Suddenly Kai came back, looking annoyed but trying to appear important.
"Well guess I'm still free for the time being," she said casually. However she started to lose her composure when she saw Ema back at her deak.
"Did you move my things?" Kai asked annoyed.
"Your things were all over my desk," Ema said.
"Well yeah, I needed the space to let my creativity and work flow," Kai said with a sneer.
"Kai, it's still my desk, so please," Ema said.
"Fine!" Kai snapped loudly, actually causing Ema to jump and screem.
"Oh come on, I wasn't that loud!" Kai muttered as shd went to her own work load.
"You do seem a little jumpy there Mrs. Asahina," Rumi mentioned, "you okay?"
"Yeah," Ema assured her.
She tried getting back to work when suddenly a newcomer burst into the office.
"Ema! Ema!"
Ema once again screamed and had to steady herself
"Oh, hello Mr. Gijo," she said, trying to calm down.
"Sorry, did I startle you?" Mr
Gijo asked.
"A little yes," Ema said.
"Well sorry for barging in like this, but you never got back to me about doing an interview about having quadruplets!" Mr. Gijo whined.
All three of Ema's staff quickly turned and looked at her in shock.
"Righg, that, sorry," Ema sputtered embarrassed, "My husband agree to two interviews. One before they're born and one after. That's it, he doesn't want to exploit the babies."
"Yes, yes of course, two along those lines will work just fine!" Mr. Gijo allowed, "let me know when he's free! I'm super excited for these interviews! Chow now!"
Ema smiled as the man left. But when he was gone, she immediately buried her face in her hands.
"Boss, is that true? Quadruplets?" Wazuki asked.
"Yes. it's true, I'm pregnant, with four," Ema admitted still hiding her face.
"Wow, that explains a lot," Rumi said, "I just thought you put on a few pounds. Eh, sorry."
"So," Kai started to say.
Ema looked up over the top of her hands.
"That's why you're taking time off. You'll kind of have to, won't you?"
Ema could see the woman's face smirking as she thought about Ema's predicament.
"Excuse me real fast," she said as she strudded out of the office again.
"I got a bad feeling of where she might be going," Wazuki said.
"Never mind her, let's focus on our tasks," Ema said as she walked over to her locker and took out one of her cameras.
"Wazuki, please come with me, Rumi will you stay here and keep doing your work?"
"Of course Mrs. Asahina," Rumi said as Ema and Wazuki headed out.
Natsume sat at his desk going over some of the character concepts for one of his new games.
Some of the notes also included going over the names for the characters.
'Why are these kinds of names easy to figure out, but I'm stumped on what to possibly name my own children?' he thought.
He noticed the time and realized he had a meeting with some of the game developers.
He gathered the notes he had been going over and neatly filed them away. Then he made sure to get the notes for his meeting before heading to the door.
However before he could open it, Ms. Hoshii came barging in.
"Oh, so you're heading out?" she asked.
"Yes. I got to get to my meeting," Natsume explained.
"Yes, exactly what I was coming in to tell you," Ms. Hoshii said.
"Thank you," Natsume said, "Did you also make sure to keep Thursday next week free and open for me?"
"You're not going to be here?" Ms. Hoshii asked, starting to look concerned and a little mad.
"Yes, I havd an appointment that day," Natsume said, trying to get around her. But Ms. Hoshii seemed to purposely block his path.
"To go see that house right?" she asked.
"Yes," Natsume confirmed, still trying to get around her.
"For you and your wife's four offspring?" Ms. Hoshii asked annoyed.
"Yes, we'll need the space," Natsume said.
You sure seem willing to sacrifice a lot for her, given she's going to burden you with four babies at once," Ms. Hoshii muttered as Natsume finally managed to get around her and tried to open the door.
However he did stop at her last sentence.
"Of course I am, she is after all my wife, and they're my babies too. That's what you do when you're in love and happy with starting a family together."
He was sure he heard Ms. Hoshii growl mad as he left. But at that point he really didn't care.
'I think I should consider reevaluating her place here within the company,' he thought bitterly to himself as he headed out.
"Okay, okay, now I want you to kneel down and pull at the rope," Ema instructed the model posing with a new tent.
The model did as he was told, doing his best to look tough and manley.
"Good, good, keep focusing on the tent as you pull," Ema kept instructing.
"Thanks for still having time for us, Asahina," the editor of FREE OUTDOOR praised as he watched Ema snap her pictures.
"Of course," Ema said as she remained focused on her shoot.
"These new tents are going to be so popular!" the editor said excited.
"I should hope so," Ema said. "Okay, I think we're done with this one. Can we start setting up the next tent and bring in Sora."
"She'll be ready in a second, just have to finish the last bit if makeup," a makeup artist callrd out.
"Thank you," Ema said, "and can I get a more fall background for this one."
"Oh, that'll look cool," the editor said.
"Mrs. Asahina, there's a phone call for you," someone else called out suddenly.
"Want me to take it boss?" Wazuki asked.
"No, I'll get it, can you help situate the campfire though?" Ema asked as she walked over to where the phone was.
"Hello?"
"Ema, you are a woman of many surprises," Mr. Bumon said.
"Is something wrong sir?" Ema asked.
"Eh, depends," Mr. Bumon said, "I heard it on good authority that you dear are expecting?"
Ema sighed, "yes sir, I am."
"And four at once apparently?"
"Yes sir, that is also true," Ema admitted.
"My god, you and your husband must have had some wild nights!" Mr. Bumon said, "not that I'd blame you over a fox like him. Well anyway, I only bring this up since there will come a time in the future where you'll have to go away and leave us!"
"Well, I'll want to have time taking care of my babies," Ema said.
"Well of course, naturally," Mr. Bumon said, "but when you're gone, we will need someone to fill in for you. And apparently we already have a volunteer...,"
'Oh, no,' Ema thought.
"Was it...," she started to ask.
"That little mouse, Kai? Yes!" Mr. Bumon said sounding annoyed over it, "she comes storming into my office, during my special time again, I might add! And she says she wants to volunteer to fill in for you when you're gone. Says it's what you would probably want!"
'Not really,' Ema thought.
"Is she going to get it then?" she asked.
"Not necessarily," Mr. Bumon said, sounding like he was trying to comfort her, "I didn't say yes or no to her request. You do have a say in who fills in for you while you're gone. In fact as a senior photographer, you can get permission to bring in outside help if you have.someone in mind."
"I can?" Ema asked.
"Sure, but that is if you have someone you can bring in. If not, and we have no one else to fill in, we may end up giving it to the mouse. Given that she's the only one that's asked so far."
"Of course, I understand," Ema said.
"Well think about it and let me know," Mr. Bumon told her. "and you know, you always have the right to fire anyone you feel isn't working out properly for you."
"Yes sir, I'll remember that. I have to get back to my shoot," Ema said.
"Oh yes, have fun with that, talk to you later."
"Bye," Ema said, hanging up the phone.
'Oh god, Kai is trying to steal my job! Why is it I can't find the courage to fire her? I bet Natsume would have already, a long time ago! Maybe he has some suggestions on how I could work out the courage to do that!'