DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
SNAP SNAP SNAP
"Good, good," Ema said as she and Keitorin snapped their pictures of Futo.
"Try, looking over your shoulder," Keitorin advised.
"Oh, yeah, I like that," Ema agreed.
Futo did as he was told, in a smooth and slik movement.
"Put your hand on your hip and raise your shoulder," Ema try suggesting.
As Futo did so, Ema was sure she saw Keitorin blush.
"That's a nice look for him," she whispered embarrassed.
Ema smiled ar Keitorin's obvious admiration.
"Why don't we have you lay down next Futo?" she said.
"Sure," Futo agreed, "you got a pilloe for me?"
"Kotori, do you have a cushion for Futo?' Ema asked.
"On it," the assistant said as she grabbed one and situated it on the ground.
Futo sat down and situated himself until he was lying comfortable.
"How's this?" he asked.
"Can you rest your face on your fist?" Ema asked.
"Like this?" Futo asked as he tried to do just that.
"Perfect," Ema said.
"Yeah I like it too," Keitorin agreed, as the two started snapping again.
"Try doing a flat hand," Keitorin said aftef a while. Futo did as he was told.
"Oh, I have another idea. Lay both hands on the ground and give us a little pouty look!" Keitorin suddenly said.
Futo smirked and did such.
"Mmm, cute look," Ema said as they both started taking more pictures.
"Every look I do is cute," Futo bragged, "thank you!"
"Of course," Ema and Keitorin said together.
"This was great!" Keitorin said when they were done.
"Yeah it was," Ema said, "I had fun doing this beside you!"
"Think I'll be good enough to fill in for you?" Keitorin whispered.
"I do believe so," Ema whispered back. She glanced at Kai who was sitting on a stool by a table, looking beyond annoyed.
"Let's get these prepared to show Ms. Erai," Ema said.
"Everybody, Let's go ahead and head back to the office real fast," she called out as she gathered up some her equipment.
"I bet your little friend's are going to be terrible," Ema heard Kai whisper, "I bet they'll all be blurry and out of focus. She has no real style at all!"
"Keitorin is actually a well trained photographer, who works hard at what she does," Ema said casually.
"Yeah, trained by who?" Kai asked.
Ema shook her head as she walked back over to Keitorin and Futo.
"Do you need anything to eat or drink, Futo?" Ema offered.
"Mm, yes, where's my mineral water and melon balls?" Futo asked looking around.
"Does anyone have Futo's refreshments handy?" Ema asked.
"On it," Wazuki said as he dashed to snack table.
"How are you feeling Futo?" Ema asked.
"Like I could do a million more," Futo said, "but don't dare ask."
"Of course," Ema said. "How about you Keitorin?"
"It was fun, I could easily do this more often!" Keitorin insisted.
"They better appreciate me giving up my personal photographer to do this for them," Futo said.
"I do," Ema insisted.
"Here you are Mr. Asahina,"
"Oh thank you," Futo said turning his attention to the whoever had brought him what he requested. Only to see it wss Kai holding the plate with the melon balls.
"Oh, you," he said as he took one.
Ema looked over at the snack table to see Wazuki rubbing his hands looking annoyed.
"You looked fabulous out there sir," Kai praised.
"Mmmhmm," Futo said like it was nothing, enjoying his fruit.
"I wonder, could I run some ideas by you for a shoot I could do for you in the future?" Kai asked.
"Whatever," was all Futo would imply.
"I thought we should dress you up as a prince, and have you doing poses on a throne!" Kai explained.
"Hmm, interesting I guess," Futo said, "though I think that's what I did last time I did an article for this magazine. Got anything original?"
"Original?" Kai said.
"Come on, you have to have something original for me, don't you?" Futo asked, "otherwise you wouldn't have dare approach me with an idea for me would you?"
"Well how original is a stary night?" Kai muttered.
"I wanted this, felt like it would go good with my current franchise," Futo said.
"Oh, right," Kai said as she seemed to slunk off.
"I know I won't have the authority to fire her, but if I do end up filling in for you, don't count on me treating her nicely," Keitorin warned.
"Yes," Ema said.
"Why don't you just fire her?" Futo asked.
"I guess, I just...," Ema sputtered.
"You are such a softy, you know that?" Futo scolded, "I thought you grew yourself a backbone."
"I do have one!" Ema insisted, "I just don't think it'd be right to fire her before I hear how her shoot with OUTDOOR LOVER went."
"And when are they going to find that out?" Futo asked.
"I actually don't know," Ema said, "I would assume it'd be soon."
"Myabe if she does good, she'll quit on her, then I won't have to deal with while filling in for you," Keitorin said.
BANG
The trio turned around and saw Kai had dropped the melon ball plate.
"What does she mean she's going to fill in for you!" Kai snapped.
"Well, we did discuss it," Ema explained, "I just wasn't sure if you're shoot for OUTDOOR LOVER would take up more of your time that wouldn't have time to fill in for my position."
"Mmmhmm," Kai murmur, "well you wouldn't be too far off."
She still cast Keitorin an angry eye.
"Of course, once I'm recognized for my exceptional work, they might prefer me over her. A no talent paparazzi!"
"Oh hey, she is more than that!" Futo snapped.
"Sorry," Kai said, "I guess I just assumed that since all she hasn't done any real photography work in a while, she's lost her edge."
"Kai! I will not tolerate you insulting my friend like that!" Ema scolded, "now go back to thr office now! And stay there for the rest of the day!"
Kai looked a little shocked but also upset by being yelled at.
"Fine, but I may need to talk to Mr. Bumon first," she threatened.
Mr Bumon suddenly joined the group sighing.
"Sounds like my personal time is being distributed, again," he muttered, "what is it this time, what's your name?"
"Kai Jiga! Mrs. Asahina just verbally abused me, and these two saw it! Right!"
"We saw you being insulting to my personal photographer and Ema here telling you to kock it off and go back to the office," Futo said.
"Of course you'd take her side!" Kai muttered.
"Look sweetheart, I'm sorry you feel traumatize by a little scolding, you can take the rest of the day off, 'kay? Take a day, re-compose yourself and see how bad you still feel in the morning," Mr. Bumon said annoyed.
"Well fine," Kai said, could probably use it. But, can we talk about who is going to fill in for Mrs. Asahina?"
"I supposed," Mr. Bumon said, not really paying attention to her anymore. He was more focused on Keitorin and Ema.
"How did it go with you two working together?"
"Good," Ema said.
"We worked really well together," Keitorin added.
"I didn't have any problems with it," Futo also said.
"Splendid," Mr. Bumon said.
"I thought it looked a little chaotic myself," Kai spoke up.
"Are you still here?" Bumon asked annoyed.
"Go back to the office now!" Ema ordered again.
"Why are you always so mean? Are you that afraid of me?" Kai asked.
Just then there seemed to be a huge commotion coming from within the room.
Everyone looked to see what was causing it and saw Mr. Shohan looking around mad. Behind him was the editor of OUTDOOR LOVER Mr. Take, looking equally mad.
"Where's this Kai Jaga!" Mr. Shohan angrily shouted.
Kai practically shoved everyone else over as she made a mad dash to the company president.
"I'm right here sir! How can I help you?!" She asked eagerly.
Mr. Shohan held up a magazine.
"You want to explain to me, what the hell this is!" Mr. Shohan said as he threw it down mad, causing it to open and saw a bunch of blurry and out of focus pictures.
Kai looked stunned by the sudden confrontation.
"What are these?! You call these professional! My five year old nephew could do a better job!" Mr. Shohan snapped, "and I'm told you didn't even run it by anyone within the OUTDOOR LOVER staff before you submitted them for publishing!"
"You completely went over my head!" Mr. Take also joined in mad. "You didn't show them to me or anyone else! Nothing! You just sent them to printing and now we have these, these terrible pictures in our magazine! We're going to have to pull all these and try and do a quick re-print without the article with Dr. Mori! Whom, I might add, is not happy about this either! She told me you were so rude and inconsiderate towards her the whole time! You didn't listen to her about what she wanted, or anything. Anytime she dare tried, you basically told her to shut up! In fact, even in these pathetic pictures, you can at least tell she's in hardly any! This article is supposed to focus on her! Why didn't you!"
Kai looked around frantically for someone to defend her, before responding.
"I just thought I'd try my hand at being a little creative to make the the article more exciting."
"This is your idea of creativity?" Mr. Shohan, "where is your professionalism! Try focusing on that first before trying "being creative", because your creativity is pathetic!"
Mr. Take looked at Ema.
"You know I only agreed to take this girl on because you recommend her! I trusted your judgment on that!"
"Sorry Mr. Take," Ema said bowing her head apologetically.
"We're just lucky Dr. Mori agreed to do another photo shoot again. I just wish we could use you," Mr. Take said.
"Well, could I make another recommendation?" Ema asked. "This is my friend Keitorin Garasu. If she's willing and available, would you accept her?"
Mr. Take and Mr. Shohan looked over at her.
"Is she available?" Mr. Take asked.
Keitorin looked at Futo.
"Yeah sure, why not," Futo allowed, "I don't mind my girlfriend filling in for my sister. Especially if she can do it full time when my nieces and nephews are born."
"Really? She'll be filling for in for you Ema?" Mr. Shohan asked.
"Well, if Ms. Erai likes the photos she did with me during Futo's photo shoot, Mr. Bumon said it was possible."
"Mmm, I hope it works out," Mr. Shohan said, "as I've seen your work as Futo's personal photographer. You do good work."
"Thank you sir," Keitorin said, "maybe if I can redo Dr. Mori's segment, it'll be good enough for you?"
"We shall see," Mr. Shohan said before he turned back to Kai.
"But as for you! I advise you try getting your craft better somehow someway, because I am sure as hell am not going to let you near another professional photo shoot until you learn! I actually am a little tempted to have you fired! But, seeing as this was your first mistake, I'll let it slide. That is unless your boss wants you gone!"
Everyone looked at Ema, who just shrugged her shoulders.
Mr. Shohan just glared at Kai before he and Mr. Take headed out.
"Let's get back to the office," Ema said softly. She and her friends quickly headed out.
They had almost reached the office when once again they were confronted by Kai.
"You did this to me on purpose, didn't you!" she accused Ema.
Ema turned around with a sigh.
"Kai," she started to say.
"You messed me up somehow! You set me up to look bad! I bet you went to Mr. Shohan and the editor about me accidentally sending in the wrong pictures. Hell you probably messed up my pictures!"
"Is she serious?" Keitorin whispered.
"You seriously going to take that?" Futo asked.
Ema took a deep breath, before looking at her belly.
"Kai, you can't keep blaming me everytime something goes wrong for you! I did nothing to yout pictures or telling Mr. Shohan or Mr. Take! Everything that happened just now was because of you and your actions. Take some personal responsibility and learn from it!"
Kai took an angry breath.
"You still think you're queen of the castle!" Shs said as she stormed past. She actually made a fake hitting gester towards her, making Ema jump.
Futo had to help support Ema as she jumped back.
"Really? You're still putting up with that?" Futo asked.
Ema looked at him and back at her belly once more.
"Kai," she said.
"What!" Kai said turning around mad.
"I'm sorry, but, you're fired," Ema declared.
"What?" Kai said, now in a sad tone.
"Clean out your things, you're gone," Ema said strong.
"But, but," Kai sputtered, "I'm sorry?"
"No, that won't do it no more. Please get your things, I want you gone by the end of the day," Ema said.
"But I am sorry! I really am!" Kai said as she approached Ema again, practically on her hands and knees, "I'll do better I promise!"
"No Kai, it's too late, no more. I wish it hadn't come to this, but I too have reached my end. Good bye," Ema said firm.
At that, Kai raced down the hallway crying.
"Oh god, I really did it, didn't I?" Ema asked as she stumbled a little. Futo had to support her again.
"I actually fired someone!"
"Well, had to be done," Futo said, "it's like you said, enough's enough."
Ema nodded, still feeling shaken. She felt greatful for Keitorin taking her hand and squeezing it.
"Should we give her a few minutes to get her things together?" Keitorin asked.
"Yeah, alright," Ema said.
"Is there another place to view how the photos turned out?" Futo asked.
"Let's go ask Ms. Erai if we can use her office. Kill two birds with one stone," Ema suggested. "I can also maybe see if Kai needs a security escort out."
Knowing that bitch, yeah," Futo said.
"...these are just the pictures for now, we'll come back when we have the spread figured out," Ema told the TEEN THRILL magazine editor.
"Well they look great regardless! I can't wait to see the spreads!" Ms. Erai said ecstatic. "It's hard to tell the difference between you and your friend! Are you sure these were taken by both of you?"
"Oh yes," Ema assured her.
"Amazing work!" Ms Erai said, "you ever interested in doing work for magazines full time, Miss Garasu?"
"Well maybe sometime," Keitorin said, "I am hoping to fill in for my good friend when she's on maternity leave."
"Oh, good choice," Ms. Erai said, "can't wait to see how that goes! In the meantime, I'll just have to wait for the spreads with these."
"We'll go back to the office now and see about working on them," Ema said.
"You sure that's wise?" Futo asked as they left the editor's office.
"Well, I'm sure Kai well either be gone or close to it," Ema said.
However, when they came back to the office, they found Kai still there crying her eyes out while Rumi hugged her awkwardly. Nearby the other three staff watched, looking annoyed and uncomfortable.
"She was so crule! Kicking me while I was down! How could she kick me out after what happened!" Kai whined.
"Kai, enough of this please. You were told to leave, so please," Ema said.
Kai looked her way, before shoving Rumi away.
"Why are you so cruel!" she complained before walking back to her work area and throwing her things in a box mad.
"I'll tell everyone the truth! What a terrible boss you were! What a glory hound you are!" she threatened.
"Yeah, good luck with that," Wazuki said smug.
"Kai, do I need to call for a security escort out?" Ema asked.
"No, no I'm going!" Kai said, still throwing her things angrily into her box.
Everyone waited and watched as Kai finished. She finally picked it up and moved to the door.
She paused for one last statement.
"You'll regret this, you'll see! And I bet your babies, are all going to be born hideous. Hell I hope they all die!"
"Get out!" Futo finally shouted as he practically chased her out.
Kai dashed out the door and was soon gone.
"Finally!" Wazuki said throwing his hands up. "She's gone!"
"I am not going to miss her!" Akira said in relief.
"We can actually get some work around here for once," Kotori added happily.
"Okay, everyone clam down," Ema said, "we still have work to do. Keitorin is going to help me figure out the spread for Futo's pictures."
"Is she really going to fill in for you Chief, while you're gone?" Wazuki asked.
"Yes, pending Mr. Bumon and Mr. Shohan's approval," Ema explained.
Wazuki looked at Keitorin, "eh, she doesn't look too bad."
"She's amazing," Kotori said looking at Futo minding his own business. "she takes all those great pictures of him!"
"Eh, she merely catches my image in the right way," Futo said.
"Futo, I can come home later on my own, if you want to head out yourself," Keitorin offered.
Futo looked at his watch. "Yeah sure," he agreed, "see you there."
The minute Futo was gone, Kotori slowly slunk to Ema's desk.
"Uh, Miss Garasu? Are you like living with Futo Asahina or something?" she asked eagerly.
"Uh," both Ema and Keitorin said looking at each other.
"I promise I won't say anything!" Kotori pleaded.
"Yes?" Keitorin said reluctantly.
"Eeek!" Kotori squealed, "omg! Can I get you anything! Water! Coffee! Bun Treat!"
"Uh, how about you work on getting those things from the photo shoot organized and returned to the prop room?" Ema asked.
"Oh it!" Kotori said as she quickly went about it.
"I don't think she'll give you any trouble," Ema assured Keitorin.
"I don't see her doing that," Keitorin agreed.
"Um, Mrs. Asahina?" Rumi asked as she also came up to the desk, "is it still possible for us to get a chance at a photo shoot?"
"Uh, I don't see why not," Ema said.
"Then could I maybe assist Miss Garasu with the re-shoot for Dr. Mori?" Rumi asked.
"I guess it couldn't hurt to have you tag along," Keitorin agreed, "you can maybe get some extra shots of the trees while I get the main pictures of Dr. Mori herself."
"Thank you, I'll try my best to be helpful," Rumi said bowing and returning to her own work station.
"Well, she's certainly going at it better than Kai ever did," Ema mentioned.
"And she seems a little more willing to work for what she gets," Keitorin mentioned, "hopefully she does better than the last one."
Ema nodded as she and her friend started. to put the spreads together.
"Ema? You home?" Natsume asked as he came into the apartment. To his surprise it was actually empty.
"Huh?" he said to himself looking around confused.
"Oh welcome home Natsume," Emiko said as she came out of the bathroom.
"Oh, hello Emiko," Natsume said, "where is Ema?"
"She called a while ago saying she maybe late getting home," Emiko explained as she pulled out a few prepared dishes from the fridge, "that's why I didn't start your dinner. I didn't know how late you might be too. But they should be easy to heat up."
"Oh, thank you," Natsume said. He checked his own phone and saw it had a text message from Ema saying thr same thing. He hadn't really been checking his phone since he went to look at the house.
'I hope she's not staying too late,' he thought.
"Well, I'll just be going," Emiko said.
"Yes, thank you," Natsume said handing her the car keys. "How are your classes going?"
"Oh very good," Emiko said as she got her things together, "plus Masaomi and Tomori have been helpful in tutoring me. Their extra help has been an extra boost with my studies!"
"Good for you, I'm glad your life is back on track the way you want it," Natsume said, "good night."
"Good night," Emiko said as she left.
Natsume looked at the food dishes Emiko had left for him to prepare. He poundered over whether or not to begin making them, in case Ema wasn't on her way home.
"Maybe I should call her, see if she's on her way home or how long it'll be before she is," he debated with himself.
Before he could reach a decision, his phone started to ring.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hey!" Futo said on the other side, "do you know if or when you wife is going to let my girlfriend come home?"
"Your girlfriend?" Natsume said, "You mean Keitorin? She's with Ema?"
"Yeah, she's volunteered to fill in for Ema when she has my nieces and nephews so she's practicing today. I just didn't realize she'd take so long!"
"Maybe they just got caught up with their work," Natsume said, "I'll call her."
"Yeah, do that!" Futo all but ordered, "by the way, did you find your dream home today?"
"It looks promising," Natsume said, "I just have to show Ema. Plus we're going to meet the original owners. All that's going to hopefully Saturday."
"Mmm, I'll be there," Futo said.
"What? Why?" Natsume asked.
"You made me use up my day so you could go see this special house. I should have the right to see it too," Futo explained.
"Of course," Natsume muttered. He now was starting to get a bad feeling that with Futo insisting on coming, nearly all his other brothers will probably end up coming too.
'Eh, it was bound to happen sooner or later I supposed,' he thought.
"I'm going to call Ema and see where she and Keitorin are, alright?"
"Yeah and warn your fat wife to not be a slave driver!" Futo said.
"Don't call my wife fat!" Natsume snapped as he hung up.
"Oh my god! Do you see how late it is!" Keitorin joked looking at the clock on the computer.
"Wow, you're right," Ema said, "we should probably get going. I guess we just got caught up in our work."
"It was fun," Keitorin said as they started to save their work, and clean up.
"Yeah it was, just like in college," Ema said.
She was distracted by her phone.
"Oh, Natsume's calling," she said.
"I wonder if Futo's tried calling me," Keitorin said, "I put my phone on silent so I wouldn't get distracted."
"Hi Natsume," Ema said.
"Hey, you coming home?" Natsume asked, "it's getting kind of late."
"Yes, sorry, Keitorin and I just got so caught up in our work putting the pictures together," Ema explained.
"Okay, I just wanted to know where you were and when you'd be home. I'm just glad you're doing well at your job," Natsume said.
"Thank you, I will be home soon," Ema promised, "oh and guess what! I did! I fired Kai!"
"Did you really?" Natsume asked, actually astonished by the notion.
"Yes, it wasn't easy though," Ema said, "She apparently sent her pictures to publishing with letting the editor see them and they were all awful. Mr. Take and Mr. Shohan were most displeased by it and her actions during the shoot itself. I guess she wasn't very cooperative with the doctor the article was supposed to be about. Fortunately Mr. Take agreed to let Keitorin redo it as a sort of audition for filling in for me. But even after that, Kai kept blaming me for her failures that I just went and finally fired her!"
"Good, she can go blame someone else for her problem!" Natsume said, "I know I'm not going to let any of our children grow up like that!"
Ema blushed, "I know we'll both do good raising them. I'll be home soon."
"Good, see you then," Natsume said as they both hung up.
Ema looked over at Keitorin who was also hanging up her phone.
"Looks like I'm going to have to play a penalty game when I get home," she said casually, as thought nothing of consequence was happening.
"I'm sorry," Ema said.
"It's all good," Keitorin said, "You get use to things like that with a man like him."
"Well okay," Ema said as the two headed out, "want me to give you a ride?"
"That would be great," Keitorin said, "the sooner I'm home, the sooner I can play my penalty game."
Ema had to give her friend a questionable look as they left the building.
"So, do you think the hosue will work?" Juli asked Natsume as the man prepared the food for dinner.
"I like it, I could see raising my family there," Natsume said. "I just hope Ema agrees."
"Why wouldn't she?" Juli asked, a little suspicious.
"I don't know, I don't think she will, but she is her own person so maybe there's something about it she won't like. It's actually not too far from Sunrise either. She'll like that," Natsume said, "you can come see it Saturday too if you want."
"I intend to!" Juli declared, "I will not let Chi move into a home not suitable for her!"
"Good for you," Natsume said.
Just then there was a knock on the door.
Who's that?" Juli asked as he jumped on Natsume's shoulder.
"Don't know," Natsume said cautiously as he went to open the door.
There stood Miss Hoshii holding a small stack of papers.
"Oh you're home," she said, "I wasn't sure if you were or not, I couldn't get a hold of you. However, I knew you'd want to look over the script for BATTLE CRUISE 13, so I thought I'd just drop these off here for you," she explained.
"Yes thank you," Natsume said as he took the papers, "I apologize, I was looking at the home I hope to buy for my family."
"Oh, yes, the love shack for you and your pregnant wife!" Miss Hoshii muttered as she turned to leave.
Natsume sighed.
"If Ema can do it than so can I,' he thought.
"Miss Hoshii, I think it best if we have a talk tomorrow about you possibly moving on to another job within the company."
"What?" Miss Hoshii said as she turned around.
"I know it's sudden and believe me I appreciate all your hard work, but I think it's best for us both if you maybe took on a new position," Natsume said.
"Wait, does this have to do with me and your wife?" Miss Hoshii asked.
Natsume sighed again, while Juli hissed.
"Hussy!" he said mad.
"I'm sorry, I guess it is a little too obvious," Miss Hoshii said, "I know I'd never have a chance with her even if she wasn't married to you, given she's not even a lesbian too."
"Wait, what?" Natsume said.
"Huh?" Juli said.
"But damn it if I can't help but feel so attractive to her, every time I see her, even in your pictures!" Miss Hoshii continued, "I guess I thought just remaining as your assistant would be good enough to be as close as I could. I was wrong though. It's time I just moved on from her and fully accept it. We can discuss my new position tomorrow for sure. Good evening sir, take good care of her."
"Yes, thank you," Natsume said as he walked back into his apartment, shutting the door.
"It was Ema?" he asked out loud, "It was Ema the whole time?"
"Wow, I never thought I'd have to protect Chi from foxes as well!" Juli said.
"That's what you refer to other women as?" Natsume asked.
"It seems to fit," Juli said.
Ema sighed happily when she finally pulled into her apartment's parking lot and headed to the front door.
"What a day," she said to herself with pride.
Her good mood was slightly damper when she saw Miss Hoshii coming out.
Miss Hoshii paused when she too noticed Ema. She actually headed over to her.
"Good evening Mrs. Asahina," she said, looking as though she was on the verge of tears.
Ema couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable with her stature.
"I hope you are able to be happy with the future of your family with your husband. Take care!"
Ema watched as the woman ran to her car and sped off.
'I wonder if she said or did anything to Natsume,' Ema thought a little concerned.
She hurried as fast as she could to her apartment.
When she got there, she found Natsume preparing the food.
"Oh, welcome home," Natsume said when he saw her. He also greeted her with a kiss.
"Thank you," Ema said. "I saw Miss Hoshii coming out when I got here."
"Oh yes, she was dropping off some paperwork for me to go over," Natsume said.
"Was that all you discussed?" Ema asked as she went and sat down on the couch.
"Actually, I told her I think it's time she moved on to another job within the company," Natsume admitted.
"Oh really?" Ema asked, "any reason why?"
"Yes, it seems as though, she has feelings, for you," Natsume said as he brought her a plate.
"What?" Ema said.
Natsume actually smirked, "it would appear that you have an affect on both sexes," he said.
"You mean, she's been...," Ema sputtered.
"Attracted to you apparently," Natsume said.
"I had no idea she was even a lesbian," Ema said still shocked.
"Nor I, it was never my buisness," Natsume said, "but hopefully it won't be a problem anymore. Just like yours. I'm proud of you. I know it probably took a lot of courage to do that."
"Thank you," Ema said.
"And it sounds like you found yourself the perfect replacement for you while you're gone," Natsume added, "I think Keitorin us a good choice."
"Thank you," Ema said, "I didn't think to ask her since she was working as Futo's personal photographer. But she and him said it should be no problem on their part."
"Good, as long as you don't have to worry much about your job while we're taking care of our newborns," Natsume said with a smile. "By the way, there's a place I want to take you to Saturday."
"Where?" Ema asked.
"Just trust me, it's a nice place," Natsume said.
"Um okay," Ema said. She figured it was best to trust her husband as is.
"You don't know where we're going do you?" Ema asked Juli as she got ready to go.
"Yes and no," Juli said. "Just trust Natsume on this. He knows what he's doing more or less."
"Okay," Ema said as she finished and went to join her husband by the door.
"This isn't something I'll have to be blindfolded for?" Ema asked as they headed to the parking lot.
"Nah, nothing that dramatic," Natsume assured her.
As they drove, no one said much. Ema just kept looking out the window, trying to figure out where Natsume was taking them.
Soon they was driving down a nice looking neighborhood, filled with happy looking homes.
"What do you think?" Natsume asked.
"Think of what?" Ema asked.
"This neighborhood?" Natsume asked.
"It's lovely, and it looks like a lot of happy people live in and around here," Ema said.
"It is kind of cute," Juli also agreed looking out the window too.
"Why do you ask?" Ema questioned.
"Just wanted your opinion," Natsume said. "I think this is a fine area to raise a family personally."
"I suppose," Ema seemed to agree. As she looked back out. She started getting a little suspicious.
"Are you hoping to maybe find a house around here or something?"
"Something," Natsume said as he turned down a road.
There they saw a huge crowd of familiar faces standing in the front yard of the house.
"Is that family?" Ema asked.
"Oh boy," Natsume said as he worst fear came to realization.
"Natsume, what is going on?" Ema asked as Natsume managed to pull up right in front of the house.
"Ema, I wanted to show you something special, a house I think would be most suitable for us and our children," Natsume said.
"This house?" Ema asked looking at the house in awe.
"Yes, Hikaru found it and I came to look at it Thursday. I wanted to surprise you with it. What do you think?" Natsume asked.
Ema slwoly got out of the car and joined her family on the lawn.
"Ema, welcome," Masaomi said as he shoved over some of the other family members to make room for her.
"What do you think?" Ukyo asked.
"It's, it looks amazing!" Ema said still a little stunned. "I'm loving it already!"
"I am good, aren't I?" Hikaru bragged.
"Yes Hikaru, thank you," Natsume said as he came up behind his wife.
"Natsume! I love it already!" Ema said excited.
"Wait till you see the insdie," Natsume said, "it's just as amazing."
"Have you already bought it?" Ema asked.
"No, I wanted to get your opinion first and we also have to meet with the original owners. But I have a good feeling," Natsume explained.
"Me too! Oh I hope the new owners agree to let us buy it!" Ema said squeezing his hand.
"You're not mad I kept this from you, are you?" Natsume asked.
"No, hardly," Ema assured him, "I actually feel loved that you did! Thank you for looking out for all of us!"
"I always will," Natsume said, as he held her close.
The two actually already felt at home as they gazed at their hopefully future house.