~An American Miko~
Wardrobe Change & Food
Chapter Thirty-Nine
"Okay, first off, underclothes. I think you all would do best with boxers since you're not used to something so confining as briefs." Myst said as she wandered over to the racks of men's underclothes showing them what she meant. Then she put almost all of them into the baskets being pushed by Nuriko and Chiriko.
After about two hours of shopping and trying on clothes, all the adults were set. One by one they came out of the dressing rooms, which had been fill by just their group, Myst every once in a while popping in to help out with something or other. Hotohori came out first in casual black slacks with a dark brown belt, a casual, white, button-down shirt with the collar unbuttoned and black leather boots that went just about halfway to his knees. The sleeves of the shirt were unbuttoned and rolled halfway up his forearms.
Myst walked up to him, smiling at his look of uncertainty, and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, burying her finger in his ponytail and kissing him soundly. "Much better. You, my beautiful husband, look wonderful. How does it feel?"
Hotohori smiled then at her reassurance and praise as well as the love he felt shared between them. "Surprisingly comfortable."
Myst smiled and nodded. "Good. I'm buying much more of these types of clothes for everyone. They'll be delivered in a day or two. The stuff we'll carry out with us will be plenty enough until then. I've also bought sleeping clothes of different sorts in everyone's sizes." Then she turned back to the changing rooms. "Lets see you guys!"
Chiriko came out next in a red t-shirt, and cream-colored khakis, his hair down instead of up in the very noticeable ponytail, Black and white striped sneakers now adorned his feet.
Myst couldn't help teasing him a little. "You know Chiriko, if you didn't have an obviously male chest, one would think you a young girl with your hair down like that. But you look very good. Here. This'll help." She turned him around and pulled his hair back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck like Hotohori's.
Chiriko smiled. "Thank you Myst. Do you think we might be able to stop somewhere for some sort of reading material? I'd like to learn more about your world."
Myst smiled down at him and chuckled. "Typical Chiriko. We'll see after we get the essential shopping done. If not today, then we'll come back tomorrow."
Chiriko nodded and turned to Boushin, playing with the tiny prince while they waited for the others to emerge.
Kouji came out next. He refused to take off his headband or switch his steel boots, so Myst had worked around that. He wore black baggy pants with many straps and hooks on them that simply hug, pockets all down the sides of them, the ends tucked into his boots. He wore a mottled dark green and black mesh shirt, a black leather vest over it, and of course his headband, and some biker gloves. His charcoal, grey-black fit perfectly with the outfit.
Myst smirked. "Wow Kouji. Now all you need are some piercings in you ears, eye brow, and nipple, and you'd just scream, goth-raver."
Kouji tilted his head. "Huh?"
Myst smiled and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry about it. It's a good look on you."
Mitsukake was next, looking for all the world like a bouncer in his dark blue muscle shirt, black trench coat, dark blue almost black jeans, and black hiking boots. He'd also taken his headbands off, so his hair looked softer and didn't stand up as much, giving his face a softer look as well.
Myst smiled and nodded at him. "You could pass very well as a bouncer my friend. You look good. Not at all like a doctor, but good."
Next was Hakurou, who could have passed for Hotohori's brother, if not his twin, they were so alike. They were wearing the same exact things, only his shirt was beige and not white. The only Myst could say to that was, "Wow."
Out came Rouko, still a little timid. His clothes were simple, but still looked quite good on him. Blue jeans, a grey t-shirt with a blue over-shirt on, and grey sneakers finished the outfit. His hair was back in a loose ponytail like Hotohori's as well.
Myst hugged him to put him at ease. "Relax Rouko. You'll have the girls drooling all over you." She caressed his cheek briefly and then kissed the other side.
His brother was the next one out, knowing he looked good, his head held high, his hair back in its customary braid. He wore a red turtleneck that clung to him slightly, made of a light, cool material, tight black jeans that hugged his slim hips, a black denim vest, and laced red and white walking shoes.
Myst smiled at him and nodded. "I don't need to tell you, you look good little love. You already know you do."
Nuriko winked at her, then walked over to talk with his brother.
Chichiri immerged in khakis with a simple black and grey long sleeved, open v-neck shirt and black slip on walking shoes.
Myst walked up to him and tilted her head. "Anyone even tell you, you have very nice collar bones. I like you in shirts like this I think. Oh! Here, I got you something else." She dug around in a bag and pulled out a pair of mirrored sunglasses with wide lenses and slipped them on his face. "There. Much better than that mask I think. At least here it will be. Look in that mirror and tell me what you think."
Chichiri turned around as he was directed, and studied his reflection in the mirror. "A very thoughtful gift. Thank you no da."
Myst hugged him from behind and kissed his jaw lightly, then whispered in his ear, "Any time Houjun. Any time." And she smiled back as his reflection smiled at her. Her attention was caught again as Tasuki came out.
The bandit wore faded blue jeans with the knees pre-ripped a black t-shirt a light, black leather, waist length jacket, and steal toed boots. Myst gave him sunglasses as well, the others not really wanting theirs right then, but his were narrow and tinted a deep red that let you see his eyes through them.
Myst walked up to him and flipped a lock of his hair. "Very nice fang-kun." Then she leaned forward and whispered, "But if you dare kick anyone with those boots, I'll steal them from you and kick you where it hurts most."
He pushed her away a little and grinned. "I know, I know. I'll be good."
She smiled at him. "Thank you Tasuki."
The twins came out at the same time, wearing matching outfits of tan slacks with white turtlenecks. They had both taken their headbands off and Shunkaku wore his ryuuseisui as a belt, while Kotoku tucked his flute into his own belt.
Myst cocked an eyebrow at them, wandering if they had dressed the same intentionally, but suspecting that they had not.
They looked at her, looked at each other, then turned back to her, grinned and shrugged.
Myst grinned back at them and the looked up as the final member of their group emerged.
Tamahome wore black slacks a dark, charcoal-grey sweater, and a light, black trench coat, with heavy-duty boots that went to just under his knees and had many straps.
Myst smiled. "What took you so long Tamahome?"
He shrugged. "I was just trying to figure how much all of this would cost, but I'm not familiar with the type of money here."
My laughed. That was also typical Tamahome. Next she addressed the whole group, who were talking a little noisily amongst themselves and checking out each other's new clothes, drawing quite a bit of attention from onlookers. Myst didn't even seem to notice a few of the jealous stares directed her way from other females. "Wow! You guys look great! Now all we need are the baby things, and we're all set. Mitsukake, Mathiss has already informed me that he has found things to take care of Tama-neko, so no worries there. They'll be in your room when we get back home."
"Mrow." Tama popped his tiny head out of one of the inside pockets of Mitsukake's trench coat as if to say thank you.
Mitsukake himself bowed his head a little while scratching Tama behind the ear. "Thank you Miko-sama."
Myst smiled and nodded then looked at Howser, who had joined them. "Mathiss, do me a favor and take them all to the food court. Give them the grand tour, explain what things are, and then get them whatever they want, within reason. Hotohori and I will meet up with you all there after shopping for Boushin's things."
Everyone agreed and after Myst paid for the mounds of clothes in the many, many bags as well as the ones they were wearing, they went separate ways. Most went with Howser to the food court, and the family of three went in search of a place Myst had always wanted a reason to go to. Babies'R'Us.
*****
Hotohori blinked again until Myst finally, manually, shut his jaw and pulled him from the doorway of the "baby-super-store".
"Come on Hotohori. You've seen shops before."
The emperor kept staring around in amazement as Myst kept hold of his hand and pushed the stroller in the other. He stared around the huge store with the wander and amazement that you'd expect to find on a child's face in the circus. "Yes, but... never this big! Never just for babes."
Myst chuckled. "Well, the first thing we're getting is a baby sling." She stopped by one of the shelves and picked a sling off one of the racks. "Hold your arms out please lover."
Hotohori finally got over his shock and did so, watching as she slipped the straps of the sling over his arms, and then as she walked behind him and buckled the straps behind his back. He looked curiously at the pouch this made on his chest. "What is this for? I thought this shop was only for babies."
Myst smiled and walked back around, adjusting a few more things here and there before going to the stroller, unstrapping, and picking up the now sleeping child. "Come on my little prince. You get to ride with daddy now."
Boushin stirred a little and moaned as only a baby can, as his mother slipped him into the pouch at Hotohori's chest.
Myst made sure his little legs were through the holes before buckling the plastic straps over Boushin's shoulder, securing him in the harness. She then stepped back and smiled. "That is what it's for my love. This way, you're hands are free, you always know where you're baby is, and the baby can be lulled by your heart."
As if to prove her point, Boushin settle right back down, his cheek pressed to Hotohori's chest and his tiny hand clutching a lock of silky brown hair that had fallen over Hotohori's shoulder.
Myst smiled at the beautiful picture. "Or would you rather I carry him for now?"
Hotohori shook his head, a beautiful, peaceful smile, filled with love and joy on his face, kissed Boushin's head, and rubbed the tiny prince's back through the sling with one, long-fingered hand. "No. I like this. It is soothing for the both of us."
Myst nodded, love shinning through her features. "Just tell me if your back starts to hurt. It can after a while. Next, I think we need diapers. Cloth diapers are nice, but now, for Mr. Howser's sake, as well as the rest of ours, I'd like to introduce you to the wonders of disposables." She smiled and clapped her hands once for effect, then lead Hotohori down the isles, Hotohori pushing the cart after Myst folded the stroller and tucked it under.
They wandered up and down the store isles for a time, getting this and that; Clothes of all sorts, eating utensils, toys, bathing supplies, etc. Every once in a while mothers or mothers-to-be would look over or come over to see the absolutely adorable picture of Boushin sleeping soundly against Hotohori's chest. The family made a beautiful, loving picture and many of them sighed and wished for the same for themselves when the time came.
They talked to Myst and a few of them talked to Hotohori, and most cooed at the sleeping prince, while Myst cooed at their babies or excitedly asked how far along they were.
Hotohori smiled as he watched his wife in her element. He couldn't be happier than he was right now.
Finally, they were done shopping and went to meet the rest of the group at the food court. Hotohori still had Boushin in the harness while Myst pushed the stroller full of shopping bags.
Boushin was awake now and looked around as they walked, one hand still fisted in his father's long, dark hair, the other with his thumb planted firmly in his mouth, showing that he was starting to get hungry.
Hotohori rubbed his back with one fine-boned hand as he hand Myst talked and laughed happily, Myst pointing out and explaining things as they walked.
Boushin was now dressed in dark blue jeans, and a light blue t-shirt with a red ducky on the front. A soft, baby-sized denim cap was tucked on his head and tiny white sneakers were on his dangling feet.
When the three of them got to the food court, they found the group by sound rather than sight.
"...not, and ya can't prove a fucking thing ya asshole! I should kick yer fuckin pansy ass!"
"Yeah? Try it you read-haired, fanged, freak! I can kick your ass any day!"
"Genrou! Sit down! As your former leader that's an order!"
"Tamahome-san, perhaps it would be wiser not to provoke him anymore."
"Chiriko let me go! He would deserve it!"
"What?! Why you..."
Myst stepped up to the long row of tables and spoke in a stern voice. "Can it fang-boy! They can hear your foul mouth all the way back in Konan. Tamahome, Chill! You know how he is and I have no wish to be kicked out of the mall because you two get into a brawl in the middle of a crowded food court! I don't cane what this is about or who started it, but I'm ending it! Now both of you sit down and shut up! If you guys want to kick the crud out of each other later, there's a mini arena and dojo back at the house. Oh! And Tasuki, no cussing around my son... if you can help it."
They both grumbled but sat back and started conversations with someone else.
Myst sat Boushin at the end of the table where Mathis had placed a highchair for him. The two seats next to it and across from each other were left open for his parents. Chichiri sat next to where Hotohori would sit and Mathiss across from him, at Myst's right. The Empress touched Howser's shoulder lightly. "Howser-san, my friend, would you sit in my seat for a while and watch over my son while I take Hotohori around and get us something to eat?"
Howser smiled and nodded, moving over and placing one of his big hands on Boushin's chair. "Of course." Then he looked at Boushin who patted his hand to amuse himself. "Hello Boushin. You look good in your new clothes."
Myst smiled and turned, helping Hotohori out of the harness, then took his hand and laced their fingers. They walked around the food court looking at the different menus and food displays, Myst reading them off for her husband and explaining a little what they were.
Hotohori listened intently and tried to decide what he wanted. He leaned a little more towards the Chinese food, knowing at least what some of it was, but held off until he saw everything.
As they passed by Sarku, a Japanese cuisine restaurant stand, one of their employees offered them a sample of teriyaki chicken, and Hotohori was hooked.
Myst smiled and dragged him to stand in the line, where she ordered a teriyaki chicken on fried rice with double meat with an ice water for him, and a teriyaki shrimp on fried rice for herself. As a last minute thought, she also ordered two maki rolls with sweet and sour sauce for them to share.
Hotohori watched in half fascination as the food was grilled in front of them and then handed over the glass barrier. Then they went to sit back down with their friends, who were mostly done eating themselves. They would feed Boushin little tidbits from their own plates, not to mention that they had just bought quite a bit of baby food for a child who was just starting to teeth. Myst still breast fed Boushin every once in a while, and would continue to do so for the next year or so.
When they got back to the table, Mathiss moved over to his own seat again, watching as they set their trays down. Once seated, Myst bent to the side and dug in one of the bags for a tiny spoon and a jar of baby food with noodles and a blue bib with an orange duck on the front much like his shirt. She tied the bib around Boushin's neck and lightly tickled him, making him laugh around his thumb, which was still planted firmly in his mouth.
She spoke to her son happily. "Are you hungry? Huh? Are you hungry my little Boushin?" She cooed at him.
The baby laughed again and nodded, and Myst nodded back at him playfully. "That's what I thought little man. You're daddy and I bought something for you to try. Let's see if you like it huh?" Boushin laughed again and clapped his hands.
So Myst and Hotohori fed him and themselves alternately. Myst then handed Hotohori her coke to try. "I think you might like it, or at least find it interesting. It's called a coke. It's fizzy. Like... like it's boiling without the heat."
Hotohori nodded and put his lips around the straw, taking a small sip. Even though Myst had warned him, he was hard pressed not to choke and spit it out, his eyes going wide for a moment before he swallowed and they went wider. "Amazing. What a fascinating drink. Though I think I myself will stick to water."
Myst smirked and quirked an eyebrow, taking a drink herself. "Good idea. This stuff can stunt your grown." It was just one of those comments that you didn't respond to. She looked down the tables at the rest of her family.
Chichiri seemed to have struck up quite a conversation with Howser and even Mitsukake, and Myst could spy some fast forming friendships, though Chichiri seemed to bonding to the ex officer more.
Myst smiled and relaxed happily thinking to herself, 'This is a good thing. I just wander how long we're going to be here is all. I have a country to defend after all, and a god to summon.'
**********
A.N.: Well... *looks up at chapter * at least it wasn't 8 months again. I'll try to get the next chapter out soon... and yes! Keep kicking me! It helps to know you guys are still out there. And of course I still remember you Jamie love. I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to many of you who have reviewed, but I still have a lot going on and can only get to stuff like this in my spare time, which isn't a lot. Also, thank you all for the wonderful ideas you gave me. I've taken many of them into account and if I use them, I'll give you guys credit for the inspiration ne?! Well, must be going now, so review soon ne?! Much loves peoples!!!
~Celesta Hellewise Harman
"Okay, first off, underclothes. I think you all would do best with boxers since you're not used to something so confining as briefs." Myst said as she wandered over to the racks of men's underclothes showing them what she meant. Then she put almost all of them into the baskets being pushed by Nuriko and Chiriko.
After about two hours of shopping and trying on clothes, all the adults were set. One by one they came out of the dressing rooms, which had been fill by just their group, Myst every once in a while popping in to help out with something or other. Hotohori came out first in casual black slacks with a dark brown belt, a casual, white, button-down shirt with the collar unbuttoned and black leather boots that went just about halfway to his knees. The sleeves of the shirt were unbuttoned and rolled halfway up his forearms.
Myst walked up to him, smiling at his look of uncertainty, and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, burying her finger in his ponytail and kissing him soundly. "Much better. You, my beautiful husband, look wonderful. How does it feel?"
Hotohori smiled then at her reassurance and praise as well as the love he felt shared between them. "Surprisingly comfortable."
Myst smiled and nodded. "Good. I'm buying much more of these types of clothes for everyone. They'll be delivered in a day or two. The stuff we'll carry out with us will be plenty enough until then. I've also bought sleeping clothes of different sorts in everyone's sizes." Then she turned back to the changing rooms. "Lets see you guys!"
Chiriko came out next in a red t-shirt, and cream-colored khakis, his hair down instead of up in the very noticeable ponytail, Black and white striped sneakers now adorned his feet.
Myst couldn't help teasing him a little. "You know Chiriko, if you didn't have an obviously male chest, one would think you a young girl with your hair down like that. But you look very good. Here. This'll help." She turned him around and pulled his hair back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck like Hotohori's.
Chiriko smiled. "Thank you Myst. Do you think we might be able to stop somewhere for some sort of reading material? I'd like to learn more about your world."
Myst smiled down at him and chuckled. "Typical Chiriko. We'll see after we get the essential shopping done. If not today, then we'll come back tomorrow."
Chiriko nodded and turned to Boushin, playing with the tiny prince while they waited for the others to emerge.
Kouji came out next. He refused to take off his headband or switch his steel boots, so Myst had worked around that. He wore black baggy pants with many straps and hooks on them that simply hug, pockets all down the sides of them, the ends tucked into his boots. He wore a mottled dark green and black mesh shirt, a black leather vest over it, and of course his headband, and some biker gloves. His charcoal, grey-black fit perfectly with the outfit.
Myst smirked. "Wow Kouji. Now all you need are some piercings in you ears, eye brow, and nipple, and you'd just scream, goth-raver."
Kouji tilted his head. "Huh?"
Myst smiled and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry about it. It's a good look on you."
Mitsukake was next, looking for all the world like a bouncer in his dark blue muscle shirt, black trench coat, dark blue almost black jeans, and black hiking boots. He'd also taken his headbands off, so his hair looked softer and didn't stand up as much, giving his face a softer look as well.
Myst smiled and nodded at him. "You could pass very well as a bouncer my friend. You look good. Not at all like a doctor, but good."
Next was Hakurou, who could have passed for Hotohori's brother, if not his twin, they were so alike. They were wearing the same exact things, only his shirt was beige and not white. The only Myst could say to that was, "Wow."
Out came Rouko, still a little timid. His clothes were simple, but still looked quite good on him. Blue jeans, a grey t-shirt with a blue over-shirt on, and grey sneakers finished the outfit. His hair was back in a loose ponytail like Hotohori's as well.
Myst hugged him to put him at ease. "Relax Rouko. You'll have the girls drooling all over you." She caressed his cheek briefly and then kissed the other side.
His brother was the next one out, knowing he looked good, his head held high, his hair back in its customary braid. He wore a red turtleneck that clung to him slightly, made of a light, cool material, tight black jeans that hugged his slim hips, a black denim vest, and laced red and white walking shoes.
Myst smiled at him and nodded. "I don't need to tell you, you look good little love. You already know you do."
Nuriko winked at her, then walked over to talk with his brother.
Chichiri immerged in khakis with a simple black and grey long sleeved, open v-neck shirt and black slip on walking shoes.
Myst walked up to him and tilted her head. "Anyone even tell you, you have very nice collar bones. I like you in shirts like this I think. Oh! Here, I got you something else." She dug around in a bag and pulled out a pair of mirrored sunglasses with wide lenses and slipped them on his face. "There. Much better than that mask I think. At least here it will be. Look in that mirror and tell me what you think."
Chichiri turned around as he was directed, and studied his reflection in the mirror. "A very thoughtful gift. Thank you no da."
Myst hugged him from behind and kissed his jaw lightly, then whispered in his ear, "Any time Houjun. Any time." And she smiled back as his reflection smiled at her. Her attention was caught again as Tasuki came out.
The bandit wore faded blue jeans with the knees pre-ripped a black t-shirt a light, black leather, waist length jacket, and steal toed boots. Myst gave him sunglasses as well, the others not really wanting theirs right then, but his were narrow and tinted a deep red that let you see his eyes through them.
Myst walked up to him and flipped a lock of his hair. "Very nice fang-kun." Then she leaned forward and whispered, "But if you dare kick anyone with those boots, I'll steal them from you and kick you where it hurts most."
He pushed her away a little and grinned. "I know, I know. I'll be good."
She smiled at him. "Thank you Tasuki."
The twins came out at the same time, wearing matching outfits of tan slacks with white turtlenecks. They had both taken their headbands off and Shunkaku wore his ryuuseisui as a belt, while Kotoku tucked his flute into his own belt.
Myst cocked an eyebrow at them, wandering if they had dressed the same intentionally, but suspecting that they had not.
They looked at her, looked at each other, then turned back to her, grinned and shrugged.
Myst grinned back at them and the looked up as the final member of their group emerged.
Tamahome wore black slacks a dark, charcoal-grey sweater, and a light, black trench coat, with heavy-duty boots that went to just under his knees and had many straps.
Myst smiled. "What took you so long Tamahome?"
He shrugged. "I was just trying to figure how much all of this would cost, but I'm not familiar with the type of money here."
My laughed. That was also typical Tamahome. Next she addressed the whole group, who were talking a little noisily amongst themselves and checking out each other's new clothes, drawing quite a bit of attention from onlookers. Myst didn't even seem to notice a few of the jealous stares directed her way from other females. "Wow! You guys look great! Now all we need are the baby things, and we're all set. Mitsukake, Mathiss has already informed me that he has found things to take care of Tama-neko, so no worries there. They'll be in your room when we get back home."
"Mrow." Tama popped his tiny head out of one of the inside pockets of Mitsukake's trench coat as if to say thank you.
Mitsukake himself bowed his head a little while scratching Tama behind the ear. "Thank you Miko-sama."
Myst smiled and nodded then looked at Howser, who had joined them. "Mathiss, do me a favor and take them all to the food court. Give them the grand tour, explain what things are, and then get them whatever they want, within reason. Hotohori and I will meet up with you all there after shopping for Boushin's things."
Everyone agreed and after Myst paid for the mounds of clothes in the many, many bags as well as the ones they were wearing, they went separate ways. Most went with Howser to the food court, and the family of three went in search of a place Myst had always wanted a reason to go to. Babies'R'Us.
*****
Hotohori blinked again until Myst finally, manually, shut his jaw and pulled him from the doorway of the "baby-super-store".
"Come on Hotohori. You've seen shops before."
The emperor kept staring around in amazement as Myst kept hold of his hand and pushed the stroller in the other. He stared around the huge store with the wander and amazement that you'd expect to find on a child's face in the circus. "Yes, but... never this big! Never just for babes."
Myst chuckled. "Well, the first thing we're getting is a baby sling." She stopped by one of the shelves and picked a sling off one of the racks. "Hold your arms out please lover."
Hotohori finally got over his shock and did so, watching as she slipped the straps of the sling over his arms, and then as she walked behind him and buckled the straps behind his back. He looked curiously at the pouch this made on his chest. "What is this for? I thought this shop was only for babies."
Myst smiled and walked back around, adjusting a few more things here and there before going to the stroller, unstrapping, and picking up the now sleeping child. "Come on my little prince. You get to ride with daddy now."
Boushin stirred a little and moaned as only a baby can, as his mother slipped him into the pouch at Hotohori's chest.
Myst made sure his little legs were through the holes before buckling the plastic straps over Boushin's shoulder, securing him in the harness. She then stepped back and smiled. "That is what it's for my love. This way, you're hands are free, you always know where you're baby is, and the baby can be lulled by your heart."
As if to prove her point, Boushin settle right back down, his cheek pressed to Hotohori's chest and his tiny hand clutching a lock of silky brown hair that had fallen over Hotohori's shoulder.
Myst smiled at the beautiful picture. "Or would you rather I carry him for now?"
Hotohori shook his head, a beautiful, peaceful smile, filled with love and joy on his face, kissed Boushin's head, and rubbed the tiny prince's back through the sling with one, long-fingered hand. "No. I like this. It is soothing for the both of us."
Myst nodded, love shinning through her features. "Just tell me if your back starts to hurt. It can after a while. Next, I think we need diapers. Cloth diapers are nice, but now, for Mr. Howser's sake, as well as the rest of ours, I'd like to introduce you to the wonders of disposables." She smiled and clapped her hands once for effect, then lead Hotohori down the isles, Hotohori pushing the cart after Myst folded the stroller and tucked it under.
They wandered up and down the store isles for a time, getting this and that; Clothes of all sorts, eating utensils, toys, bathing supplies, etc. Every once in a while mothers or mothers-to-be would look over or come over to see the absolutely adorable picture of Boushin sleeping soundly against Hotohori's chest. The family made a beautiful, loving picture and many of them sighed and wished for the same for themselves when the time came.
They talked to Myst and a few of them talked to Hotohori, and most cooed at the sleeping prince, while Myst cooed at their babies or excitedly asked how far along they were.
Hotohori smiled as he watched his wife in her element. He couldn't be happier than he was right now.
Finally, they were done shopping and went to meet the rest of the group at the food court. Hotohori still had Boushin in the harness while Myst pushed the stroller full of shopping bags.
Boushin was awake now and looked around as they walked, one hand still fisted in his father's long, dark hair, the other with his thumb planted firmly in his mouth, showing that he was starting to get hungry.
Hotohori rubbed his back with one fine-boned hand as he hand Myst talked and laughed happily, Myst pointing out and explaining things as they walked.
Boushin was now dressed in dark blue jeans, and a light blue t-shirt with a red ducky on the front. A soft, baby-sized denim cap was tucked on his head and tiny white sneakers were on his dangling feet.
When the three of them got to the food court, they found the group by sound rather than sight.
"...not, and ya can't prove a fucking thing ya asshole! I should kick yer fuckin pansy ass!"
"Yeah? Try it you read-haired, fanged, freak! I can kick your ass any day!"
"Genrou! Sit down! As your former leader that's an order!"
"Tamahome-san, perhaps it would be wiser not to provoke him anymore."
"Chiriko let me go! He would deserve it!"
"What?! Why you..."
Myst stepped up to the long row of tables and spoke in a stern voice. "Can it fang-boy! They can hear your foul mouth all the way back in Konan. Tamahome, Chill! You know how he is and I have no wish to be kicked out of the mall because you two get into a brawl in the middle of a crowded food court! I don't cane what this is about or who started it, but I'm ending it! Now both of you sit down and shut up! If you guys want to kick the crud out of each other later, there's a mini arena and dojo back at the house. Oh! And Tasuki, no cussing around my son... if you can help it."
They both grumbled but sat back and started conversations with someone else.
Myst sat Boushin at the end of the table where Mathis had placed a highchair for him. The two seats next to it and across from each other were left open for his parents. Chichiri sat next to where Hotohori would sit and Mathiss across from him, at Myst's right. The Empress touched Howser's shoulder lightly. "Howser-san, my friend, would you sit in my seat for a while and watch over my son while I take Hotohori around and get us something to eat?"
Howser smiled and nodded, moving over and placing one of his big hands on Boushin's chair. "Of course." Then he looked at Boushin who patted his hand to amuse himself. "Hello Boushin. You look good in your new clothes."
Myst smiled and turned, helping Hotohori out of the harness, then took his hand and laced their fingers. They walked around the food court looking at the different menus and food displays, Myst reading them off for her husband and explaining a little what they were.
Hotohori listened intently and tried to decide what he wanted. He leaned a little more towards the Chinese food, knowing at least what some of it was, but held off until he saw everything.
As they passed by Sarku, a Japanese cuisine restaurant stand, one of their employees offered them a sample of teriyaki chicken, and Hotohori was hooked.
Myst smiled and dragged him to stand in the line, where she ordered a teriyaki chicken on fried rice with double meat with an ice water for him, and a teriyaki shrimp on fried rice for herself. As a last minute thought, she also ordered two maki rolls with sweet and sour sauce for them to share.
Hotohori watched in half fascination as the food was grilled in front of them and then handed over the glass barrier. Then they went to sit back down with their friends, who were mostly done eating themselves. They would feed Boushin little tidbits from their own plates, not to mention that they had just bought quite a bit of baby food for a child who was just starting to teeth. Myst still breast fed Boushin every once in a while, and would continue to do so for the next year or so.
When they got back to the table, Mathiss moved over to his own seat again, watching as they set their trays down. Once seated, Myst bent to the side and dug in one of the bags for a tiny spoon and a jar of baby food with noodles and a blue bib with an orange duck on the front much like his shirt. She tied the bib around Boushin's neck and lightly tickled him, making him laugh around his thumb, which was still planted firmly in his mouth.
She spoke to her son happily. "Are you hungry? Huh? Are you hungry my little Boushin?" She cooed at him.
The baby laughed again and nodded, and Myst nodded back at him playfully. "That's what I thought little man. You're daddy and I bought something for you to try. Let's see if you like it huh?" Boushin laughed again and clapped his hands.
So Myst and Hotohori fed him and themselves alternately. Myst then handed Hotohori her coke to try. "I think you might like it, or at least find it interesting. It's called a coke. It's fizzy. Like... like it's boiling without the heat."
Hotohori nodded and put his lips around the straw, taking a small sip. Even though Myst had warned him, he was hard pressed not to choke and spit it out, his eyes going wide for a moment before he swallowed and they went wider. "Amazing. What a fascinating drink. Though I think I myself will stick to water."
Myst smirked and quirked an eyebrow, taking a drink herself. "Good idea. This stuff can stunt your grown." It was just one of those comments that you didn't respond to. She looked down the tables at the rest of her family.
Chichiri seemed to have struck up quite a conversation with Howser and even Mitsukake, and Myst could spy some fast forming friendships, though Chichiri seemed to bonding to the ex officer more.
Myst smiled and relaxed happily thinking to herself, 'This is a good thing. I just wander how long we're going to be here is all. I have a country to defend after all, and a god to summon.'
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A.N.: Well... *looks up at chapter * at least it wasn't 8 months again. I'll try to get the next chapter out soon... and yes! Keep kicking me! It helps to know you guys are still out there. And of course I still remember you Jamie love. I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to many of you who have reviewed, but I still have a lot going on and can only get to stuff like this in my spare time, which isn't a lot. Also, thank you all for the wonderful ideas you gave me. I've taken many of them into account and if I use them, I'll give you guys credit for the inspiration ne?! Well, must be going now, so review soon ne?! Much loves peoples!!!
~Celesta Hellewise Harman