DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"I'd say stand alone high chairs would be better for your group. That way it'd be easier to move them to different rooms and locations within the house to feed the babies," Masaomi insisted.
"Oh you can do that with small chair ones," Rika spoke up. "I bet they even come with stands to be position on the ground or something."
Natsume and Ema looked between their brother and sister-in-law as they each expressed their opinions on the matter of their highchair dispute.
"Well we did fine with a stand alone one," Masaomi pointed out.
"Yes but we only had one, plus we had some backup with your brothers to help out. Same when Kadia came. They're going to have to deal with four all at once and they'll more or less be on their own. How much movement will they want to make with four kids all at once?" Rika also pointed out.
"Don't they have ones that can be converted into small ones?" Ukyo asked as he served everyone present with tea.
"Do they?" Ema asked.
"Or more importantly, does mom have some in her collection?" Natsume asked.
"Well let's take a look," Masaomi said as he pulled out his phone and fiddled with it.
"Tomori, you're being quiet. As a doctor, don't you have an option on the matter?" Rika asked. Tomori was sitting on the edge of the couch.
"To be honest, it just a matter of what works best for the parents individual. As long as there's good back support for the babies, it shouldn't matter," Tomori said, "but on a mother's point of view, I'd side with Ema. Ones that can be placed on chairs."
"Well, looks like Ukyo was right, they do have two part highchairs," Masaomi said suddenly. He handed his phone over to Natsume.
"How did I miss these?" Natsume asked as he scrolled through the different options.
He held it out so Ema could see as well.
"These are cute," Ema said.
"Should we consider these?" Natsume asked.
"I suppose," Ema agreed.
"Yeah that way you can fight for which one to use when," Tsubaki called down from the upper floor.
"No help from you Tsubaki," Natsume called back.
"I hope you're not letting Natsume control you over everything in regards to the baby stuff," Tsubaki said as he came downstairs.
"Hardly, it's actually the opposite," Natsume insisted.
"Yeah, right, you Mr. Always in Control," Tsubaki said.
"No, Natsume's being very responsible in letting me make most of the choices in regards to the children," Ema insisted, "including most of the name selections."
"Really? Any good ones?" Tsubaki asked eagerly.
"There was one we sort of agreed on as possible that shares a name of a character you voiced in a game," Natsume admitted.
"Ah, really?" Tsubaki said with a smirk.
"Potential option, we still have a few others we might pick before it," Natsume made sure to mention.
Tsubaki merely shrugged his shoulders. He went and knelt in front of Ema.
"You feeling ok?" he asked.
"Mmm, yeah, even if they are moving around a little more," Ema said.
"Has it been putting strain on your body?" Tomori asked.
"A little here and there," Ema admitted.
"Eh, already pains in the back huh?" Tsubaki joked.
"Is it possible to feel?" Masaomi asked.
"Sure, go ahead," Ema allowed with a smile.
"Oh, I think I felt one," Masaomi said happily.
"Don't hog it all Masa," Tsubaki said as he also put his hand on Ema's belly.
"Could you at least ask first before touching her?" Natsume muttered.
"It's fine," Ema insisted.
"Hey I felt one too, I think this one will be my favorite. Whichever one it is, especially if he's named after me," Tsubaki said.
"Oh brother," Natsume moaned.
"How do you know that isn't a girl you're feeling?" Ukyo asked.
"Oh no, that's a nephew," Tsubaki insisted, "my favorite nephew for sure!"
"What?" Mizu said suddenly appearing in the room.
"Among the quads, Mizu! Among the quads!" Tsubaki quickly explained.
"Nice save," Rika said.
"Come here Mizu, your cousins are starting to move. You can feel them," Ema encouraged the little boy.
Mizu reluctantly walked over and put his hand on her belly. His eyes widen in surprise.
"That's one of the babies?" he asked.
"Yeah, one of them," Masaomi said.
"Where are the others?" Mizu asked.
"They're in there," Masaomi said as he helped guide his son's hand around.
"How can you tell which one's a boy and which one's a girl?" Mizu asked.
"You can't really, you're uncle Tsubaki was just joking," Natsume said.
"Are any of them boys?" Mizu asked.
"Don't know yet, but the it'll soon be time to find out," Natsume said. "Maybe if we can schedule an appointment for after you and even Kadia are out of school and one of your parents or an aunt or uncle is free, you can come to one of Aunt Ema's appointments."
"Could we Daddy? Mommy?" Mizu asked.
"When's your next appointment?" Masaomi asked.
"This Wednesday actually," Ema said. "and then it'll be two weeks till the next one."
"Well, we shall have to check our schedules and see when we're free," Masaomi said.
"Eh, Azusa and I are free Wednesday, we'll take them. I wanted to see the babies anyway," Tsubaki said.
"And what makes you think none of us do?" Masaomi asked.
Rika, Tomori and Ukyo all spoke up in agreement.
"Geez, should we start selling tickets?" Natsume asked.
"You probably could," Ukyo joked.
"What time do the kids usually get out of preschool?" Ema asked calmly.
"Usually around 1:30," Ukyo said.
"Let me see if they have an opening in the afternoon either this Wednesday or I'll try again for my next appointment," Ema assured her family.
"Ah, that's nice of you Ema," Masaomi said.
"Anyone else we should know about that might want to come to one of Ema's appointments?" Natsume asked.
"Well, Wataru for sure," Masaomi said, "and Kaname, may be Hikaru if he's in town. Same with Mie if she's in town. Or even Subaru possibly."
"Sure, of course," Natsume said.
"And uh, even if it wouldn't matter personally to them, if the other four had an invite they wouldn't turn it down," Masaomi said.
"Should we just go ahead and start asking?" Natsume said. He looked back at Ema who actually looked excited about the idea.
"Of course we can start asking!" she said, "all the uncles should be allowed to see the babies!"
"Huh? See the babies?" Wataru asked as he came into the room, holding Kadia's hand, and one of her dolls in his other one. He was also wearing a tiara.
"Well, if you're wanting to come to one of my appointments so you can see the babies via the ultrasound," Ema explained.
"Oh heck yeah I want to go!" Wataru said.
"Me too! I want to see the babies!" Kadia said.
"You want to come feel them in the meantime Kadia?" Ema asked as she gestured Kadia over.
Kadia slowly walked over to her and looked at Ema's big belly.
"I won't hurt the babies will I?" she asked.
"No of course not," Ukyo assured her as he helped his daughter put her hand on. Kadia's eyes suddenly widen and back away.
"There was something moving!" she said in alarm.
"Yeah, that was one of the babies," Natsume told her.
"That's one of the babies?" Kadia asked, "which one?"
"Not sure," Ema said.
"I want to feel!" Wataru said as he ran over and put his hand.
"Again, permission first might be nice," Natsume said annoyed.
"Oh wow cool! This is so cool! Oh I remember when that was you and Mizu!" Wataru said.
"We did that too?" Kadia asked.
"Sure when you were in our bellies," Tomori said, "remember when we showed you the pictures?"
"Oh yeah," Kadia suddenly remembered.
"So anyway, when can I come to one of your appointments sis?!" Wataru asked.
"Probably once we made sure the kids had a turn," Ema said.
"Ah, right," Wataru said sounding a little jealous.
"If you want, we'll work out the schedule for everyone to see when they're free to join you at an appointment," Masaomi offered.
"Sure," Ema said.
Natsume sighed, "I'm surprised it took this long to start really inviting everyone to the appointments."
"Yeah, me too," Tsubaki joked.
"Well, I think it's nice you all want to be so involved in your nieces and nephews like this!" Ema said.
"Of course, that's what family's for," Masaomi said squeezing her hand.
"You're not too upset I've allowed all our brothers to come to one or more of our appointments are you?" Ema asked later when they were home.
"No, at least not to the point I'd try preventing it," Natsume said, "yeah I may find it annoying, but I understand how much it means to you. Plus I know how they are."
He wrapped his arms around Ema, softly massaging her shoulders.
"I know how much having a big close family means to you and it means something to me too. Even if it can get a little annoying sometimes."
"I hope these four are able to stay close. I'd be a little crestfallen if they don't end up having a nice relationship," Ema said.
"Well we can't control everything about them, but we'll certainly try keeping it from happening," Natsume assured her.
Ema nodded with a smile, rubbing her belly some more.
Just then her cell phone started ringing.
"It's Keitorin," Ema said as she answered, "hi Keitorin."
"Hey, I just wanted to let you know, the re-shoot for Dr. Mori's article went great. She kept saying how much more relaxed she was and glad we focus on her for the pictures instead of just trying to be artistic," Keitorin said.
"Good to hear," Ema said relived.
"I was going to come in to your office tomorrow if it's possible to show you and see about getting a spread put together," Keitorin said.
"Oh, good, it'll give you more of a chance to get to know the office and my assistants," Ema said, "speaking of which, how did Rumi do with you?"
"She did good, I had her do some scenery shots of trees by themselves," Keitorin said, "she did a good job. You'll see tomorrow."
"Ah, good," Ema said, "I can't wait to see."
"Things looking good for your new work life now that you have Keitorin stepping in to help out and that bitch Kai gone?" Natsume asked.
"It feels a little more peaceful," Ema said. "I'm hoping for a smooth transition between me going on maternity leave and Keitorin taking over."
Natsume nodded, "as long as you're feeling more at ease. Last thing we'll need is for more stress."
When Ema came to her office on Monday, Keitorin was already there at her desk looking at the computer with Rumi. The other three were also hard at work at their own work space.
"Good morning everyone," she said as she came in.
"Morning Ema! Come take a look! We were putting together our spread for Dr. Mori's article," Keitorin said as she jumped up and held the seat out for Ema.
Ema sat and looked at the set up she and Rumi had started.
"This is looking great," Ema praised.
"I was kinda of following the model you used for the article with Kazuya Akachan the model," Rumi admitted.
"Oh no that's fine," Ema said, "but mind if I change something?"
"Go ahead," Keitorin insisted.
Ema moved a few pictures, while also switching up the angles.
"Hmm, not bad!" Keitorin said happily, "this is why you're the master!"
"Uh, thank you," Ema said as she stood up, "I'll let you guys finish what you're doing and send it to Mr. Take. In the meantime, I've got to get to my next shoot. Wazuki, Akira, you still going to give me a hand?"
"On it chief," both men said as they got their things together.
"Kotori, are you doing okay?" Ema asked as she unlocked her safe with her cameras.
"Yep," Kotori said, focusing on her own work, "figuring out the costume choice for HARDCORE HISTORY. Their "Famous Women Flyers" edition."
"Mmm yes, thank you," Ema said as she headed out with the two men.
"Good, good," Ema said to her model as he stood looking stoic in a middle age attire. "Um, try to keep your chin a little more level."
The man did so without argument.
"Better!" Ema said as she snapped some more pictures. "And that should do it. Can somebody get this man a water please?"
"On it," Akira said as he dashed up to the man with a bottle.
"Thank you!" the model said as he chugged down the content, "they must have been some damn cold winters back in the day."
"You can take off the over coat and a few more layers for now," Ema said, "I don't know yet if we'll get to some of the group shots today or not."
"Thanks Mrs. Asahina," the model said as he and another assistant started to do such.
"Next model?" Ema called out.
Another man in similar clothing walked out into the the photo area.
"Wazuki, where's the step stool for him?" Ema asked.
"Coming Chief," Wazuki said as he ran over with a small stool and placed it before the model.
"Put your right foot up on it and look off into the distance, like you're pondering what will happen when you get to some place," Ema instructed.
"Like I'm on a boat or something?" the man asked.
"Yes that works," Ema encouraged, "picture that if it helps get the right look."
The man nodded and tried adjusting his face to make the right look.
"And try resting your sword on your raised knee, if it's not too heavy," Ema instructed.
"Kinda like this?" the man asked, still keeping his facial look.
"Perfect, perfect, doing good," Ema said as she started snapping the pictures.
After taking several photographs of the man, Ema gave him break along with a water bottle.
"I could use one too," Ema mentioned, wiping her forehead.
"Here chief," Akira said handing her one.
"Thank you," Ema said, "could you also get me my purse? I need to take some of my pills."
Akira was quick to oblige.
"You doing okay chief? Do you need me to go get Miss Garasu?" Akira asked.
"No, we shouldn't have to just yet," Ema said, even as she sat down, taking in a few deep breaths before taking her vitamins.
'These babies, are starting to get the better of me,' she thought as she rubbed her belly.
"Should we try taking a break, Mrs. Asahina?" one of the dress up assistants asked.
"Are the models needing one?" Ema asked.
"Yeah," a lot of them said.
"Okay, go ahead, take a breather, get out of those costumes for a while, get a drink or something to eat," Ema allowed.
"Thanks Mrs. Asahina," the models said as they did so.
One walked over to her, "you feeling ok Mrs. Asahina?"
"It's just the babies, getting bigger means more movement but but not much room to move in," Ema explained.
"Mmm, you're a real trooper Mrs. Asahina," the man asked, "my wife had a hard time being pregnant with just one. I heard you're expecting four."
"I am," Ema said.
"Damn, I hope you have a safe pregnancy," he said as he went and re-join his fellow models, heading out with them and few assistants.
"Can we get you anything else Chief?" Wazuki asked.
"I have a health bar in my purse I'd like," Ema requested.
"This one?" Wazuki said pulling one out
"Mmm, yes thank you," Ema said.
"Do you want to have some of the stagehand guys get some of the group shots?" Ema asked.
"No, there's still some individual shots we should get first," Ema said.
The two men nodded.
"Anything else we can do for you?" Wazuki asked.
"Hmm, can you at least set up the throne for the next model?" Ema asked as she drank some more of her water.
"Yeah," Akira said as he and Wazuki did as they were told.
Ema continued to sip her water.
"Ema, everything going ok?"
Ema looked behind her to see the editor of FAMILY FAITHFUL, Mr. Gijo walking up to her.
"Yes, it's just, the pregnancy and all," Ema said.
"Ah, yes, actually what I've come to see you about. Are you still going to do the interview for the magazine?" Mr. Gijo asked.
"Oh right, the interview," Ema said.
"Yes, that," Mr. Gijo said, "Mr. Shohan really wants this interview too, don't forget!"
"Sorry, it's just my husband's not really into doing things like that," Ema explained.
"Oh, okay," Mr. Gijo said, disappointed.
"Hang on, I'll call him right now," Ema said pulling out her phone.
"Hello? Ema? Is everything going ok?" Natsume asked.
"Well, I'm here speaking with Mr. Gijo, the editor for FAMILY FAITHFUL," Ema said.
"Oh yeah, that," Natsume muttered, "the magazine that wants to interview us about the quadruplets."
"Yeah, they would really like it if we could do that," Ema said.
Natsume sighed. "Hang on," he said as he started going through his schedule. It was a little harder to multitask without the help of a secretary or assistant of sorts.
"How about this Friday? I can get off early in the afternoon and come to your work."
"Would Friday afternoon work for you sir?" Ema asked.
"Friday works! Friday works!" Mr. Gijo said quickly. "You guys can just come to our office and we'll do the interview plus take some pictures there!"
"Friday works dear," Ema told Natsume.
"Alright, I'll be there," Natsume said. "even if I don't like doing this."
"I know, I understand," Ema said. She covered her mouth piece with her hand and whispered, "I wouldn't make you do this if Mr. Shohan didn't want this badly too."
"Yeah, that's probably the only reason I'm going through with it," Natsume said.
"Thank you dear," Ema said.
"Of course, I'll see you at home," Natsume said.
'That is the only reason I'm doing this!' Natsume thought as he got back to work. 'I don't care that there's four and they're all coming at once. I want them to have normal lives. Not some sort of attraction for other people's entertainment!'
Ema was sighing with exhaustion by the time the photo shoot was done for the day.
"Glad you were able to get the group shots done as well," the magazine editor said, "we'll be able to get the magazine out on schedule."
"Yes, I'm glad too," Ema said before looking away and taking some deep breaths.
"Doing okay there Ema?" the editor asked.
"Just, trying to work out how to do my job with my babies getting bigger," Ema said with a forced smile.
"Oh, yeah, that's got to be hard on you, huh?" the editor asked.
"It's starting to yes," Ema admitted, "but I don't want to give up just yet."
"Good for you, you're one of the best photographers on staff and friendliest. Nearly everyone loves working with you."
"Thank you," Ema said as she managed to stand up straight and compose herself. "I'll get the spreads prepared and sent to you hopefully by tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest."
"Thank you, take care of yourself," the editor said as he walked away.
Ema nodded as she started getting her things together.
"Need another water Chief?" Wazuki asked, holding up a bottle.
"No, I probably shouldn't, it probably wouldn't be good for my bladder," Ema said as she did what she could to help gather up their things.
"What I could use though? I think I should look into getting myself a personalized fan, just to help keep me cool," Ema said out loud.
Both men looked at each other and nodded.
"Wazuki, don't I have another shoot today?" Ema asked as they walked back to her office.
"Yeah, just some PR shots for some contest winners for..," Wazuki said.
"Okay," Ema said.
'I don't understand, I was doing fine at Futo's shoot. Why am I having such a hard time this time?' she thought.
She was pondering her situation as she noticed Mr. Shohan's secretary, Miss Shoka coming towards her.
"Oh, Mrs. Asahina, I was just on my way to see you," she said with a kind smile.
"Is everything okay?" Ema asked.
"Just wanted to ask you how many tickets you'd like for the Magajin Elite aware ceremony," Miss Shoka explained.
"Oh right," Ema sputtered. "Uh, I suppose...,"
Miss Shoka smiled in understanding. "If you just want to give me a rough guess that's fine, you can change it at least three weeks before the ceremony."
"Okay, just put me down for two then for the time being," Ema said.
Last time she had gone to the award ceremony, she had only taken Natsume with her.
"Very good," Miss Shoka said as she added her info to her tablet. "Now, in your case, if you can't make it to the ceremony personally due to...," She shifted her eyes down to Ema's big belly with excited eyes, "do you have anyone you'd like to instead accept the award on your behalf?"
"Mmm, yes, uh, either my husband Natsume or my good friend and fellow photographer Keitorin Garasu," Ema said.
"I can put down both. You can either figure it out among the three of you or have both accept it for you," Miss Shoka offered. "And or they can also present a video acceptance speech of you that you can pre-recorded."
"Okay, I'll work it out with them," Ema said.
"Very good," Miss Shoka said as she added to her notes. "How are you feeling, with your pregnancy and all!"
"A little worn out today," Ema admitted, "I think it might have been how long the shoot I was doing for HARDCORE HISTORY. They're doing an article about middle age warriors and clans. So they needed some shots of men dressed up as such."
"Oh, they're going to have to do a few shorter sessions for you or something," Miss Shoka said, "I'll make sure to mention that to Mr. Shohan for you,"
"Oh no!" Ema started to protest, but Miss Shoka held up her hand.
"Ema, you're one of his best photographers and well liked by nearly all the magazine editors. They'll bend over backwards to help you stay comfortable while you're pregnant. Besides, they all know you'd do the same for them no matter what their circumstances were."
Ema sighed with a smile. "Thank you," she said before moving in with her staff back to the office.
There they found Keitorin talking with Kotori while studying one of their phones.
"Hi, how's everything going here?" Ema asked as she slumped over to her desk chair and flopped down.
"Good, I was helping Kotori find some clothing ideas for HARDCORE HISTORY' s 'Famous Female Flyers' upcoming article," Keitorin explained. She walked over to Ema's desk with concern.
"You doing okay?" she asked.
"Just a little warn out," Ema said.
"Sensei, you have got to learn to pace yourself, especially for the little ones' sake," Keitorin said.
"I know, I know," Ema said. "Um speaking of which, would you like to come over for dinner tonight? I want to talk with you and Natsume about the upcoming Magajin Elite award ceremony."
"Sure, we can do dinner tonight, but would be opposed to having it at my place instead?" Keitorin asked.
"Will Futo be okay with that?" Ema asked.
"I don't see why not," Keitorin said, as she pulled out her phone to call him.
Ema did likewise to call up Natsume once more.
"Ema? You still doing okay?" Natsume answered.
"Yeah, it's just I was hoping to have Keitorin over for dinner to discuss the award ceremony that I've been nominated for. And Keitorin was actually wondering if we can do it at her place," Ema explained.
"Will Futo be there?" Natsume asked annoyed.
"Most likely," Ema admitted. She could hear Natsume moan in annoyance.
"Alright, I'll meet you there after work," he still promised, "I'll let Emiko and Yusuke know."
"Thank you dear, I love you," Ema said.
"I love you too," Natsume said back.
Ema blushed as she hung up.
"Futo says we can come over, and he'll take care of dinner for everyone," Keitorin said as she too hung up the phone.
"Very well," Ema said,. doing her best to get back to work.
Later that night, Ema found herself standing in front of Futo and Keitorin's high rise building, getting ready to head in.
"I wonder if Natsume's on his way," Ema said.
"Hey," Natsume said suddenly appearing on the sidewalk, getting out of his car being driven by Emiko.
"See you tomorrow," he said to the woman as she drove off.
"Hello," Ema said happily as Natsume approached her and Keitorin.
"Hey, was that Emiko dropping you off?" Keitorin asked.
"Yes, she took the train from her school to my work so she could pick me up and drop me off here and still take the car back to Sunrise," Natsume explained as they all walked in.
"How are you feeling?" Natsume asked Ema as they and Keitorin walked into the elevator and headed up.
"Was a little warn out today, the photo shoot was just so long," Ema admitted.
Natsume sighed, "you need to start cutting back on the long shoots you do."
"I know, but it's still my job and so many people rely on me," Ema insisted.
Natsume eyed her. "Be that as it may, you need to take better care of yourself and the babies."
"Yes," Ema said, rubbing her belly.
"Don't worry Sensei, I'll do you proud if and when they select me," Keitorin assured her.
"Thank you," Ema said as she took her old friend's hand.
Just then the elevator stopped and the three piled out into the penthouse. There they saw Futo standing by the big bay windows overlooking the city while a man ina chef's clothing preparing what looked like a delicious looking beef as well as a few other dishes.
Futo slowly turned around to look at everyone.
"Well welcome to my home, thank you for joining me for dinner," he said in a grand regale voice.
"Yes, hello Futo," Natsume muttered as he helped take off Ema's coat, as well as his own.
"Thanks for having us, though you really didn't have to go out of your way for us like this," Ema said, "I merely asked Keitorin to dinner as kind gesture. We could have done this over phone or something."
"Nonsense," Futo insisted, "I'm always open to welcoming guests into my home."
"Yeah to show off," Natsume muttered.
Futo eyed his brother before taking both Ema and Keitorin's hands and leading them to the fancy decorated dinging table.
"Please, sit, enjoy," said as he pulled out a chair for each.
"Thank you Futo," Ema said as she sat down.
"Damn you're getting big," Futo mentioned.
"Futo, please," Natsume said as he took the seat next to his wife.
Futo shrugged as he sat across from Ema.
"So, what's this great mystery you want to discuss?" he asked.
"Well it's not a mystery per day," Ema said timidly, "I just wanted to discuss with Natsume and Keitorin about going in my place to the Magajin Elite award ceremony and one or both of them accepting the award if I win."
Natsume looked across at Keitorin, who returned the look.
"I see no reason while the two of us can't go and accept the award together for you," Natsume said. "Between the two of us, we can both give a good speech about you."
"I don't see any problem with that," Keitorin agreed.
"Well, I guess we'll have to get you a nice looking dress then huh?" Futo said, eyeing his girlfriend. "Can't have you showing up at this thing embarrassing me with the wrong look."
"Right embarrassing you," Natsume said.
"Well at least you won't have to worry about your woman embarrassing you at the thing. Lord knows what she'd have to show up in given her size," Futo said.
"Honestly Futo!" Natsume snapped.
"I suppose I would have to wear something big to the award ceremony if I get to go," Ema said looking embarrassed by the idea, "I'm not even sure what I'll be able to wear to Tsubaki and Haruhi's upcoming wedding!"
"You're worrying too much," Natsume said in comfort to his wife, "besides they said it'll be a casual thing, no need to threat over what you'll be wearing."
"Doesn't mean you still won't want to look your best," Futo said.
"FUTO!" Natsume snapped, "honestly!"
"I'm surprised they're not going to get married dressed up as some of their characters from their various animes and or videogames," Keitorin said.
"Who's says they're not? We don't know what they're wearing," Natsume pointed out.
"Well, anyway," Ema said, "Thank you Keitorin and Natsume for agreeing to represent me at the ceremony."
"Of course," Keitorin said.
"Anytime," Natsume said patting her hand.
"And I suppose it'll fall to me to stay with you that night watching over and taking care of you, while they're out," Futo said.
"Huh?" Ema said, "oh no Futo, no, I...,"
"Alright, if you insist," Futo said, "I'll stay with you that night. You are so demanding!"
"Uh, thank you," Ema said.
"And, you remember that clothes line I'm currently representing? Tesia Fukata? I'm sure you can get yourself a decent looking dress that can hide your enormous gut," Futo also mentioned.
"Really?" Ema said.
"Really?" Natsume said annoyed.
"Well, I guess we can at least try it out," Ema said.
"Yes, you're welcome," Futo said, "now let's eat. I made sure to get the best I could, especially for a pregnant woman. Hopefully it won't get too fatty than before."
"I swear!" Natsume said mad. Ema put her hand on his arm.
"Let it go, after it's Futo," she said.
"Yeah, okay," Natsume agreed.
Later after dinner, Futo started to show Ema the clothing website.
"This looks good, a simple dress that can give your belly some room," Keitorin mentioned, "plus it looks like a dress you can wear at other times."
"Oh, and it's a pretty pink color, I like it," Ema said.
"Hmm, I suppose it's the best we can do with your body size, even by the time the wedding," Futo said, "you got any chance to order any baby clothes for the upcoming brood?"
"Not yet," Ema admitted, "but we should probably get going on that."
"Even if we're not finding out what the genders are to see what Hikaru's prediction is right?" Natsume asked.
"Eh, they have a 60 day return policy," Futo said.
"Oh there you go," Ema said as she added the pink dress to the cart before going to the baby clothes section.
"Are you still hoping to color code the kids as well?" Natsume asked.
"I'd like to try," Ema said as she searched. "So many cute looking outfits!"
"See anything you want right away?" Natsume asked.
"Uh, well," Ema said, more focused on her search.
"I'm only asking because we should probably head home. We do have work in the morning," Natsume pointed out.
"Oh, right," Ema said, "thanks for dinner and helping me find a dress for the wedding."
"Of course, I am a generous person after all," Futo said smug, "I mean I am letting you use my girlfriend and personal photographer as your fill in when you start popping out babies."
"Always so generous," Natsume said, "and humble. Do we even know for sure they've agreed to let Keitorin fill in for you?"
"We'll probably know for sure when the two magazines that featured her work come out and how well they sell. But most likely yes," Ema said, "Mr. Shohan likes her work with Futo."
"Who couldn't?" Futo said, "speaking of knowing stuff, do you know about your house?"
"No, not yet," Natsume said, "they may not have shown it to the other two potential buyers yet."
"Lame," Futo said, "they should have just given it to you right then and there. The old man was positively gushing over the two of you."
"Well, they have to keep it professional and all," Natsume said.
"Yeah, whatever," Futo said. "By the way, when will it be my turn to go to one of your appointments to see the babies?"
"So it begins," Natsume said, "at this rate they'll all be in the delivery room!"
"You mean we won't be?"' Futo teased.
"Not if I can help it!" Natsume insisted. "It's going to be a different birth procedure in general. They probably won't want it too crowded."
"Hmm, like I'd want to actually witness that anyway," Futo said.
"Bye Futo, thank you for dinner," Ema said, "we'll let you know when there's a good time to come to my appointment."
"Sure, it was a nice evening," Futo said as he and Keitorin watched the couple leave.
"Hey, uh are you just against seeing Ema give birth or watching a birth in general?" Keitorin asked once they were alone.
"Why do you ask?" Futo replied with a smirk.
"Well, I don't know, I guess I'm just preparing myself for if we, ever get serious enough to be where they're at someday. I always hoped the father of my child would be there with me if I gave birth," Keitorin explained sheepishly.
Futo smirk and grabbed her hand, pulling her up against him.
"You seriously think I'd miss watching the next greatest idol come into the world?" he asked.
Keitorin blushed, and tried looking away. Futo however, made her turn and look back at him.
"I am curious though, what made you dare question such a thing?"
Keitorin gasped as she felt Futo glide his hand over her mid-section.
"Are you maybe hinting at something?"
"Uh, no, not at the moment," Keitorin sputtered.
"Hmm, I see," Futo said.
"I'd like to hopefully married before I got pregnant," Keitorin explained.
"Oh is that what you're hinting at?" Futo said as he took her left hand and kissed the ring finger.
"Well, not that either, at least not now anyway," Keitorin admitted.
"Hmm, you may have a good point there," Futo said, "it wouldn't hurt to wait for Subaru to have his "big wedding" first so we'll know how to top it."
"That's not exactly what I meant," Keitorin said.
"But none the less, that's how it's going to be," Futo said.
"Are you serious then?" Keitorin asked. "About...,"
"I'll let you think about that for a while. You have some time to figure it out," Futo said, "and in the meantime, here's a hint."
Futo then pulled Keitorin into a kiss in front of the big windows overlooking the city lights.