DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
When Ema came home, she found Emiko there, reading comfortably.
"Welcome home Ema," she said when noticed her, "have a nice day?"
"Nah," Ema said.
"I would supposed it would be hard to be happy with being pregnant with four," Emiko said as shd stood up.
'It wasn't really about that,' Ema thought, deciding not to burden Emiko with her problems in regards to Kai.
"I made sure to prepare a few items to help get your dinner started," Emiko started going on, opening the fridge and pulling out some dishes of food.
"You said you wanted a stir fry right?"
"Yes, thank you," Ema said.
"I'll go ahead and get started on it for you," Emiko offered. "Ukyo and Tomori gave me a lot of tips for cooking and cleaning. I mean I did do some while I was a nanny but, that was mostly just picking up for the little mistress and preparing her snacks."
"Do you miss her at all?" Ema asked.
"Hmm, a little," Emiko admitted, "but we did part on good grounds. Her mother stuck to her story that she was a big girl who didn't need a nanny no more and helped her daughter feel proud she was a big girl who didn't need one."
"That's nice, I'm glad you could leave the job peacefully," Ema said as she sat down.
She looked over at the cats already eating their dinner and saw Juli resting in his little house.
"Did they give you any trouble?" she asked.
"Who the pets? Nah, they were nice friendly with me, even Juli," Emiko said.
"Good, if they're ever naughty you let me know," Ema insisted.
"We won't be if is she isn't," Juli said. He jumped down from his house and over to Ema. "And she's lucky I'm letting her get away with calling me a pet!"
"Are you getting along okay with her?" Ema asked.
"Sure," Juli said, "after you left, she did the dishes and laundry. Then when she came back she vacuumed and fed us. Then she just did some of her school work until you showed up. I have a good feeling about her. Yusuke would do good staying with her."
"I do agree," Ema said.
"What?" Emiko asked.
"Oh nothing," Ema said, "do you need any help?"
"No, I think I got it," Emiko said as she kept cooking.
Just then Natsume walked in.
"Oh, hello Mr. Asahina," Emiko said, focusing on her cooking.
"Natsume, please," Natsume insisted as he walked past her, looking at the food she was preparing.
"Stir fry, looks good," he complimented as he moved further over to Ema.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"I'm okay," Ema said softly.
"Bad day at work?" Natsume asked.
I'll tell you when we're alone, I don't want to burden Emiko with it," Ema said.
Natsume nodded.
"Do you need any help Emiko?" he asked.
"Oh no," Emiko said, "I'll have this done in no way and then I'll get out of your hair."
"How did your registration go?" Natsume asked.
"Just fine," Emiko said, "classes start two weeks from now. I'll be taking the quiz to see if I can pick up where I left off this Friday though."
"Good, I hope you are able to skip those classes and get right back to where you need to go," Natsume said.
"Me too," Ema added.
"Thank you," Emiko said.
She finished her cooking and served the food before taking off for the night.
"See you tomorrow," she called out as she left.
"Bye," Natsume and Ema both said.
Once they were alone, Natsume looked over at his wife.
"So, what happened?" he asked.
Ema sighed, "Kai found out about the quadruplets and tried to take over my job immediately. Even before I was gone on maternity leave."
"How she'd do that?" Natsume asked.
"She asked Mr. Bumon if she could "fill in" for me while I was away," Ema said. "And although Mr. Bumon didn't say yes right away, he did say that unless another suitable stand in can be found, he'll probably have to give it to her."
"And she won't step down once you decide to come back," Natsume finished the rest.
"Exactly," Ema muttered.
"Well, all you have to do is find someone else to fill in," Natsume said.
"I don't know who else I could ask though," Ema said, "all the other professional photographers I know are busy with their own jobs and projects. I can't think of one that would be able to take over for me while I'm gone and give me back my position when I come back.
"Oh, well, maybe Bumon can find someone," Natsume suggested.
"He sounded like he might, he understands what Kai is up to as well," Ema mentioned, "he also said something else. That I have a right to fire Kai if I see fit."
"Well, do you?" Natsume asked.
"A little, she slacks on her work all the time and leaves whenever she wants, even when we're busy. And every time something bad or doesn't go her way, she'll blame me," Ema said, "but...,"
Natsume reached over and patted her hand, "You shouldn't back out on this," he encouraged, "I know you want to please everyone and hate hurting people, but you have to stand strong. Especially if you're miserable. I know you can do this. If not for yourself, than for the babies. Let them see how strong their mother is."
Ema looked down at her belly. "You're right, I need to help show them the tough side of life and that it can be handled if need be."
"If you need to, I'll find a way to come to your office as back up. Hell, you ask any of our brothers and they'll do it too. Everyone will have your back if you need them," Natsume offerd.
"Thank you," Ema said, "However, I do want to wait. I want to see how her shoot with OUTDOOR LOVING went. It would be cruel to fire her if she did a good job."
"Okay, well you do what you have to do," Natsume encouraged some more before returning to his dinner.
"I'm thinking we do some of these shots outside at Camellia Park," Ema said to one of her new assistances, Akira.
"Okay, were you thinking more in the afternoon?" Akira asked.
"Maybe more of late morning around 11 am or so," Ema suggested.
"Hmm, no, mid-afternoon would be better," Kai said suddenly leaning over Ema's shoulder.
"Kai, please," Ema begged annoyed.
"Just trying to help Boss," Kai said.
"Do you even know what we're talking about?" Akira asked.
"Don't need to, I just have a natural instincts for it," Kai bragged.
"I'll consider the suggestion," Ema said, before turning her attention back to her notes with Akira.
"Now their main focus is going to be their new White Lilly theme dress, so we'll have to make sure its in as many shots as possible, and centered...,"
"What about some of their other dresses? I'm sure there's one or more that may stand out from the collection," Kai interrupted.
Both Ema and Akira groaned annoyed.
"Again, no idea what we're talking about, do you?" Akira asked.
"Don't need to, I'm just that brilliant," Kai insisted.
"Well, I'm sure you can use your brilliance on your own photo shoot," Ema said.
"Don't get jealous if I'm better than you chief," Kai said, "I'm just making sure your position doesn't suffer especially after you're gone."
Ema moaned, rubbing her forehead.
Suddenly the office door opened and in strudded Futo followed by Keitorin.
"So, this is your new office," Futo said, "not bad I suppose."
"Hi Futo," Ema said, actually happy to see him and Keitorin.
"Hey," Futo replied as he came up her desk, "guess you're not looking too fat, yet huh?"
"Thank you?" Ema said as she managed to stand up. "Aren't you here a little early?"
"What? We wanted to see your new office, Miss Big Shot Photographer," Futo said looking around.
"Thank you," Ema started to say.
"Yes, thank you," Kai said as she darted in front of Futo.
"Do I know you? Am I supposed to?" Futo asked.
"Eh,' Kai forced her smile, "Kai Jiga, the next greatest photographer."
"Uh-huh," Futo said not sounding impressed. He walked around Kai over to Ema.
"So we're doing this shoot?" he asked.
"Yes," Ema said as she went to her locker and took out one her cameras, and making sure it was locked afterwards.
"Akira, Kai, keep working while we're gone please," Ema instructed.
"No, I'll go with," Kai declared as she gathered her own camera.
"But I already have Wazuki, Rumi and Kotori helping me," Ema started to say.
"But they don't have my natural talent," Kai said smug.
"Well who's going to help Akira then?" Ema asked.
"I don't know, maybe you can send one of the less talented people back. I should be there in case they want my expertise with this," Kai said walking out first.
Ema sighed.
"I'll see if I can send somebody back here to help," she promised Akira before walking out with Futo and Keitorin.
"What's with her?" Futo asked annoyed.
"She seems to think that she's this great upcoming photographer ever since I started taking extra time off in regards to my pregnancy. She's only had one solo photo shoot so far and I had to arrange that for her."
"What a loser," Futo declared.
"She's even trying to fully take over of my position when I go on my maternity leave," Ema mentioned sad.
"How she going to do that?" Keitorin asked.
"She asked first and I don't know who else I can ask at the moment," Ema explained, "from within the company or outside."
"Outside?" Keitorin asked.
"Mr. Bumon said that I'm allowed to bring in someone that doesn't already work for the company with my position," Ema explained some more
"Oh," Keitorin said as she pondered the notion.
"What if I fill in for you then?" she offered.
"You?" Ema said, a little surprised, "but what about your work with Futo?"
"Well I'm sure I can manage," Keitorin assured, "it's more of part time work anyway. What do you think Futo?"
Futo thought it over, "I suppose I could spare you for a while, especially if it'll help my dummy sister."
"Yo-you sure?" Ema sputtered.
"Yeah, sure, especially if it'll help keep that annoying bitch out of your position," Futo assured her.
"Thank you," Ema said, actually a little relieved of the notion.
"She actually wants to accept my award for me, but I know she won't return it if I do win and make the acceptance speech all about her."
"Well I can do that too," Keitorin suggested, "I'll gladly accept for you and not hog the spotlight."
"Oh, Keitorin, thank you so much!" Ema said happily, "you're being so helpful!"
"Anything for you Sensei," Keitorin said, "you'd do that for me too!"
Ema could feel a little better, like some of the weigh she was carrying had just been lifted.
When the three came to the studio, they could hear yelling coming from their spot for Futo's shoot.
"What the?" Ema said as she headed towards the area. There she, Futo and Keitorin saw Kai arguing with Wazuki. Behind Wazuki, Rumi and Kotori were standing looking uncomfortable.
"I'm not changing anything unless the editor or chief says to! Not you!" Wazuki shouted.
"But I know what this needs!" Kai argued back, "now change this around!"
"No!" Wazuki shouted.
"Oh my god," Ema muttered.
"I'd help, but I have to get to makeup," Futo said as he walked to a nearby makeup table.
Ema and Keitorin looked at each otehr before approaching the fight.
"Chief!" Wazuki said as he quickly hurried to her, "do you want any of this changed around?"
"No, it looks fine, just how I wanted it," Ema said.
"Yeah, it looks great," Keitorin agreed.
"But it's all wrong! Trust me!" Kai insisted.
"What's all the shouting?" Mr. Bumon asked as he walked past.
"Mr. Bumon, they're not listening to me about the design for Futo Asahina's shoot for TEEN THRILL!" Kai complained running over to him.
"What's wrong with it?" Mr. Bumon asked looking over at it, "looks good to me."
"But I have some even better ideas!" Kai whined.
"Yeah, well this isn't your shoot, so, we're sticking with this for now," Mr. Bumon said. snapping his finger in her face.
Kai scoffed mad and slunk off.
Ema waited until she was a ways off before approaching towards Mr. Bumon herself, along with Keitorin.
"Um, sir?" she asked, "do you remember my old friend Keitorin Garasu?"
"Hmm?" Mr. Bumon said as he looked Keitorin's way, "oh yeah, you're uh, Futo Asahina's personal photographer aren't you? You've done some impressive work."
"Thank you," Keitorin said.
"Um, you know how you said if I wanted to, I could bring in someone from the outside to fill in for me while I'm on maternity leave?" Ema asked.
"Yes?" Mr. Bumon said, slowly.
"Well, how would you feel if Keitorin did?" Ema asked.
"Hmm," Bumon said stroking his chin, "wellI supposed we could give her a try. Tell you what, you have her take pictures next to you for this shoot and then we show both to Mr Shohan and see what he thinks of them. He likes what he sees, we can defiantly use her."
"Yes!" Keitorin said excited, "I won't let you down!"
"Let's hope not," Bumon said. "Where is the great Futo Asahina?"
"Getting his makeup ready," Ema said.
"Oh, yes, has to make him shine even brighter than before," Bumon said. "By the way, when is your brother Hikaru going to call me back!"
"That, I can't say," Ema said, "that's on Hikaru."
"Ugh! Men! They toy with you then they run off on you!" Bumon said as he walked off to examine another shoot set-up.
"Him and Hikaru?" Keitorin whispered.
"Hikaru does what he wants to do, that's just how he is," Ema said as they walked back to their own shoot area.
"If we're going to shoot this together, do you have any suggestions on changing anything?" Ema asked.
Keitorin scanned the area, "I'd get rid of a few of hanging stars. I think there's a little too much and they might get in the way."
"Okay, Kotori, can take a few if the hanging stars down?" Ema asked.
"Any ones in particular?" Kotori asked as she got the step ladder situated.
"Maybe two or three in the front here," Keitorin suggested, "the ones in the back aren't so bad."
Kotori nodded and proceeded to do as instructed.
"What are you doing?" Kai asked as she re-joined the group.
"Just taking down a few hanging stars, Keitorin suggested there might be a little too much," Ema explained.
"Oh so she can make suggestions but I can't!" Kai snapped.
"Your suggestion was to change everything, not just take a few things down," Wazuki muttered.
"Keitorin's going to also take photos during the shoot, so she has a little more right to suggest things," Ema explained.
"What? Why her?" Kai asked.
"I'm Futo's personal photographer, it's my duty to constantly be snapping pictures if him," Keitorin quickly said.
"Hmm, sure," Kai said with a sneer.
"Sorry, I figured she wouldn't respond well to me possibly taking over for you," Keitorin whispered.
Ema nodded in understanding.
Futo looked over at Ema and Keitorin at thr sound of Kai's shout of discouragement.
'What a bitch,' he thought, 'I hope Natsume's thankful to me for helping him out!'
Natsume studied the neighborhood as he drove to the hosue, slightly admiring the nice atmosphere he seemed to feel. Made him feel a little more comfortable looking at the hosue.
Soon he pulled up to a large and beautiful house with a tall tree outside.
"This actually looks promising," he said to himself as he got out and admired the hosue.
He suddenly heard another car pulling up behind him
"Wow, this looks nice," Rika said as she and Ukyo got out of their car.
"Yeah, nice and cozy," Ukyo said, "man, I bet you could feel so at peace cleaning this place."
"Really? That's your first thought?" Rika asked.
"Rika, you came too?" Natsume asked surprised.
"Ukyo asked me if I'd like to and I was able to move some things around to come help," Rika said as she and Ukyo came and stood next to him.
"Well hopefully it won't get too intense with the negotiations," Natsume said.
Just then another car pulled up and a man and woman got out of the car.
"Hello, I'm Mr. Ejento and this is my partner Ms. Doin. We're the realtors for this residence," the man said as he approach the group, "which one of you is Natsume Asahina?"
"Me," Natsume said as he stepped forward and shook hands with the realtors.
"Welcome, we appreciate your intrest in the house. And is this lovely lady your wife?' Mr. Ejento asked.
"Uh no, this is my sister-in-law and brother, they wanted to look at the house as well before I managed to show my wife. I'm hoping to surprise her with this."
Ah, I see," Mr. Ejento said, "shall we take a look inside?"
"Yes, lets," Natsume said as he followed the two realtors to the hosue.
The minute they walked in, they came into a huge wide open living room, with two huge windows by the door and off the side.
"So here you see is the main living room, nice and open. Plenty of space to decorate and set up as you see fit," Mr. Ejento listed off.
"And in the back of the house, you'll see the kitchen and dinging area is similarly open and free to decoret and set up as you see fit."
Natsume, Rika and Ukyo headed back and inspected the kitchen area, walking past the staircase.
The kitchen had a nice long counter and rather big stove. Also a big fridge and dishwasher. There was also a pantry.
"This is a nice kitchen!" Ukyo said impressed, "man you could do so much with it. And you'll need the space with your kids."
"Yes," Natsume said inspecting the kitchen counter, trying to picture Ema working in it, preparing meals and school lunches for her family.
'She would want to throw herself into a doting mother role,' he thought.
"There's also the home office," Ms. Doin said motioning to one of two doors near the stairs.
Natsume walked over and looked in. The room was small but seemed big enough to hold a his desk and a few other things he might need when working at home. He also bet that, although a little tight, he and Ema could share it for her work at home.
"What's in the other door?" he asked.
"Just a little storage closet," Ms. Doin said, opening the door, "or a coat closet, whatever you'd like."
Natsume looked in and saw it was a nice size.
"I bet you could maybe even make it another office if need be," Natsume mentioned.
"Oh maybe, if the person doesn't mind a tight space," Ms. Doin said.
"Wow, look at the back yard," they heard Rika say out loud.
"Oh yes, nice and big for kids to finally enjoy playing," Mr. Ejento said.
Natsume walked back to the kitchen and came to the back sliding doors to look out at the huge outdoor backyard.
"Hmm," he said, clearly impressed with what he saw.
"Kids can defiantly have fun out there," Ukyo mentioned, "I bet you could put one of those kid jungle gyms or something out there for them."
"Yes," Natsume agreed, "I'm sure Ema would want something like that for them."
"Would you like to see the upstairs?" Mr. Ejento asked.
"Yes please," Natsume said as they headed up with the man as well as the other three.
Upstairs they found four different doors, two on the left and right side and one at the end of the hallway.
"On either side you'll find the two different bedrooms. Both are about the same size," Mr. Ejento said as he opened the door to one.
Natsume looked in and saw it was big enough to house at least two people comfortably.
"Nice," he said out loud. He could easily see putting two cribs and changing tables in the room.
"And next to each room is small bathroom, with a sink, toilet and shower," Ms. Doin said opening one of the other doors.
"Oh those will be helpful to have, especially when they're get older!" Rika said.
Natsume nodded in agreement as he looked in to the bathroom.
"Not much different than the personal ones we have at Sunrise," Ukyo mentioned.
"True, the kids could handle them," Natsume said. He walked over to the last door and opened it to see what he assumed was the master bedroom. It was rather big and spacious like much of the other rooms in the house.
He could see a closet door, and one more in the corner. Natsume walked over and opened the door to see another bathroom with the usual setup as the other two bathrooms, but had a bathtub, as well as a shower and a two kitchen sink counter.
"Like it?" Mr. Ejento asked as he came up behind Natsume.
"Yes, I especially like the double sink," Natsume said.
"Yes, it's a nice a feature," Mr. Ejento said, "so what it is your over all opinion?"
"It's impressive," Natsume allowed, "I wouldn't mind showing to my wife and see what she thinks. If she's happy with it, I can certainly see making an offer."
"Splendid!" Mr. Ejento said, "when we can we schedule a second visit for your wife?"
"Is there a chance we can come by Saturday?" Natsume asked.
"I'll have Ms. Doin check out the schedule," Mr. Ejento said as he headed out.
Once he was gone, Rika and Ukyo joined him in the master bedroom.
"So?" Rika asked.
"I like it, and I think Ema will like it. We can defiantly make it work. I'm even thinking, depending on the genders, if we have three of one, like say three boys, we can stick the boys in here while Ema and I can make it work in one of the smaller rooms with the odd the baby out, like a daughter, basically have their own room."
"Look at you, already making plans," Ukyo said as he walked around the room.
"When are you going to bring her by?" Rika asked.
"I'm hoping to this Saturday," Natsume said.
"That works," Rika said, "mind if I go have a word with the realtors?"
"Don't make them cry please?" Natsume asked.
It was then he realized Ukyo was on his phone, seemingly having a losing argument of sorts.
"Yeah but, but no, but, I, okay okay, calm down, he's here, yes you can talk to him."
Ukyo looked at Natsume sympathetically.
"Sorry, it's for you," he said, handing him the phone.
"Who is it?" Natsume asked cautiously as he took the phone.
"Mom," Ukyo said weakly.
"Oh crap," Natsume muttered, "Hi mom...,"
"Oh no no no! Don't you just 'Hi mom' me!" Miwa snapped, "why didn't you tell me you were looking into buying a house!"
"How did you even find out?" Natsume asked.
"Hikaru of course, he and I have that special kind of bond," Miwa said.
'Good Old Hikaru,' Natsume thought.
"Look, Mom..." he started to say.
"How could you not tell me you were house hunting! I could have helped pay for it. I have certain savings accounts for such things for all you boys!'
"Well Mom, no offense, but I don't need that," Natsume said, "I'm perfectly capable of buying a house for my family."
"Oh I have no doubt," Miwa replied, "but you should be saving that money for more important things in regards to your babies! Let your mother help you out!"
"Look mom, I appreciate your wanting to help, but I don't need you too," Natsume insisted.
There was a pause on the other end. Then Natsume could actually hear his mother start to smile a sinister grin.
"Alright wise ass," she said, "if you're not going yet me play doting mother, I'm going to play naggy mother-in-law."
"No! Mom!" Natsume moaned.
"Hey hey hey! I've got to look out for my precious daughter!" Miwa said.
"Oh come on Mom, I'm your actually son," Natsume said.
"Yes, and my "son" is a very stubborn man! A man I thought would do well by one and only daughter! So, if you're not going let me help buy your house, I'm going to do the next best. I'm going to buy all your furniture, especially for the babies."
"I'm sorry, what Mom?" Natsume asked.
"I'm going to buy all your new furniture for your house. A new couch, new entertainment system, new dinging table, bed for you and my daughter, new cribs, new changing tables, and anything elese you and Ema can think of," Miwa said.
"Oh, mom, you don't have to do that!" Natsume said.
"Take your pick Natsume. Either let me buy you your new furniture or I keep nagging at you to let me purchase your house. And you know how stubborn I can be when it comes to getting my way with you kids!"
Natsume groaned, "alright, even though we were going to use some Masaomi and Ukyo's old things."
"Okay fine, but you'll need more given that you're having four all together and you and Ema might want/need a little more. You can even pick the stuff you want out. I'll just fit the bill is all."
Natsume sighed some more. You're not going to give up on this are you?"
"Are you kidding? I've made sure to set money aside for all you boys over the years for things like this! You honestly think I wouldn't try and look out for my children? Heck, I even have a little set aside for Ema, after she joined the family!"
"Okay mom, if you don't nag me over buying the house, I will gladly accept your help for all the new furniture," Natsume told him mom.
"Oh of course I'll help you out dear, just let me know when you find something you like," Miwa said, "and we'll have to come see this new house when we come back. We should be back in a month for Tsubaki and Haruhi's wedding after all."
"Well, I'll have to see what Ema thinks about it. I wanted to see myself before surprising her with it," Natsume explained.
"Well, you sly little man, and people always say you're too serious, including myself," Miwa said.
"Thanks Mom," Natsume said.
"Well I hope she likes it, it looks like a lovely home from the pictures," Miwa said.
"Wait, you saw..., Hikaru again?" Natsume moaned.
"Hey, your brother's just wants to help keep his mummy up to date with what's going on with your boys!" Miwa said, "let me know what Ema thinks. I'm hoping for a positive outcome."
"Me too," Natsume said, "mom, thank you for looking out for us."
"Of course, you'll understand when you're a father," Miwa said, "take care and good luck with the house."
"Thanks Mom," Natsume said.
"She tried covering the whole bill?" Ukyo asked.
"Yeah, and we compromise by having her buy all our furniture, so she'll back off about me buying the house on my own," Natsume said.
"Ah, fair enough," Ukyo said, "she did make similar offers to me and Tomori when we got married and got pregnant with Kadia. She was the one who bought our crib and changing table and other things. And she said she'd help us get our own place if we wished. Fortunately we were happy staying at Sunrise."
"That sounds like mom," Natsume said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if she offers the same to Tsubaki and Haruhi with their wedding and ing up," Ukyo said.
"Hello again," Rika said as she and Mr. Ejento came back in.
The man's appearance suggested he had cried a little, but at the same time looked proud of it.
"Your sister-in-law is a tough but fair negotiator," he said, again sounding weak but prideful too.
'Oh boy,' Natsume thought as he walked over to the man.
"What did offer," he asked as he looked over the notes Mr. Ejento had.
"Is that good for you, Mr. Asahina?" Mr. Ejento asked.
"Err, uh, yes," Natsume said.
"Good, we'll have to run it across the family selling the house," Mr. Ejento said as he walked out again.
"You made him cry, didn't you?" Natsume asked.
"Only a little, and only because I thought it make good character growth for him," Rika defended herself. "all in all, he's a good guy, he and his partner. I figured you'll get a good deal with them."
Natsume nodded as he looked around the master bedroom some more.
His eyes fell to where he assumed the bed would go.
Even now he could see it with Ema laying on it smiling.
"Ready for bed?" she'd asked seductively.
Natsume had to smile at his fantasy.
"What are you smiling about?" Rika asked.
"Just picturing my family living here, I guess," Natsume said as he walked out and looked between the two bedroom doors.
He could picture children scurrying out, at various ages and genders, happy.
"Hi daddy!"
"Hi daddy!"
"Hi dad!"
"Hi dad!"
He could hear the different voices in his head of his future children as they ran near and past him.
'I do so badly want to watch them grow up here,' Natsume thought.
"Mr. Asahina?" Ms. Doin said as she suddenly came up the stairs, cellphone in hand. "I was just talking to Mr. Katei, the man selling the house. He wants to come meet you Saturday with some of his children, to see if you're up to his standards for buying his home."
"How high are are his standards?" asked Natsume.
"Well he's already rejected two other potential buyers. And we're still not sure why. So we'll have to see," Ms. Doin explained.
"Oh, alright," Natsume said, "well, here's hoping he approves of me and my wife."
"I think you have potential," Ms. Doin said, "he actually sounded intrigued by the notion of you wanting to surprise your wife with this."
"Hmm," Natsume said.
'I hope she does like this surprise,' he thought, I've actually already grown to like this house and want to raise my children in it.'