"Is she okay?" Yoh asked.
Faust looked at him, his face solemn. "Go ask her yourself," he said.
Yoh dashed into the room. Then Faust started to laugh.
"Yoh...Yoh...you're crushing me," Anna said. Her husband was hugging her as tightly as his arms could grasp. Grinning sheepishly, Yoh let go.
"I guess I'm just still worried," he confessed.
"I suppose I am a little, too," Anna sighed. "It's going to be a big change."
"Change?" Yoh stammered.
"Of course. There's going to be so much to do. I only have a little time."
"A little time?" he gulped. "Anna..."
"I suppose we better let your parents know," she said. "Keiko will most likely want to be here when it happens."
"What happens?" Yoh repeated. He touched Anna's cheek. "I understand. I can call them right away." He pulled Anna into his arms. "I can't believe it. You have to fight this."
"Fight what?" she repeated. "I don't think this is something I want to fight."
"Don't talk like that," Yoh said. "You have to fight. I don't want to lose you."
"Lose...oh, you stupid, stupid boy," Anna laughed. "You don't understand anything at all. I suppose Faust didn't tell you."
"He didn't say anything," Yoh said, his eyes wide. "What's wrong?"
Anna didn't answer at first. She took his left hand, still touching her cheek, and placed her right hand over it. Then she took his right hand and placed it on her flat stomach.
Then looking into his eyes, she told him her secret.
*****
"Where's Yoh and Anna?" HoroHoro groused. "Here it is, Tamao's birthday, and they're not even here yet!"
His shy little girlfriend put her hand on his arm. "Calm down, sweetie," she said. "They'll be here."
HoroHoro melted. He put his hands on Tamao's little waist. "You're so cute," he grinned. He kissed the tip of her nose.
"Oh, hand me a bucket," Ren groused.
Pilika elbowed him. "Don't say that, Ren Tao," she said.
"Why not?"
She leaned over and kissed his lips.
"Oh. That's why."
The doorbell startled everyone. "I'll get it," Ryu said, racing to the door. "Hey! It's the married couple!"
"Did you think we'd forget?" Yoh said, grinning. He kissed Tamao's cheek. "Happy birthday, little sister."
"Arigato, Yoh," Tamao smiled as she took the gift he handed her.
"Jun," Bailong whispered. "Is it just me, or does Anna seem-"
"Mm-hm," Jun nodded. "There's something different about that girl..."
Tamao's birthday party was a success- much to the relief of the blue- haired Ainu boy who planned it. His efforts were rewarded by a kiss on the lips in public by the shy girl.
"Hoo boy..." HoroHoro grinned.
"Well, I think I've opened all my gifts," Tamao said.
"Not quite," Yoh said.
"Yoh and I have one that's actually for everyone," Anna said, setting a box on the table. "Go ahead and unwrap it."
Curious, the gang gathered around the box to see what was inside. Tamao took off the pale yellow paper and lifted the lid. "What is this?" she asked. She reached inside and took out the tiniest pair of shoes they had ever seen.
"It's so cute!" Manta said.
"Those are so small. They can only fit a doll, or a baby-" Tamao gasped in shock. "Anna! Are you-"
Anna responded by laughing and laying her head on Yoh's shoulder. Yoh stroked her arms. "We're going to have a baby," he said proudly.
"Anna! Oh my gosh!" Pilika shrieked. She jumped up and flung her arms around Anna's neck. "Oh my gosh! This is too cool!"
"Congratulations!" Jun said, kissing Anna's cheek. "When are you due?"
"Sometime in autumn," Anna said. "That's as near as we can tell. Faust thinks I'm about a month along."
"Wait a minute," Ren said, counting on his fingers. "If you're going to have a baby in autumn...then...I'm guessing you had a busy honeymoon."
"Well, yes," Yoh confessed, his ears red.
HoroHoro punched his arm playfully. "Good job!" he said. "That was quick!"
"Oh, be quiet!" Anna said.
"This is going to be so much fun!" Pilika said. "You're going to have to get the nursery ready, and buy all sorts of baby things, and pick out a name...oh, this is too cool!"
*****
"Keiko, stop worrying," Mikihisa admonished. His slim dark-haired wife was standing in front of the window, staring down the road. "They're fine. Yoh said that they just wanted to visit for a while."
"I just keep thinking that something's wrong," Keiko sighed. "Yoh- chan sounded so anxious...I can't figure it out."
"For one thing, anata, he isn't your baby Yoh-chan any longer," Mikihisa said dryly. "He's sixteen and a married man. He's been living without us since he was thirteen. Yoh isn't a baby."
"But he's my baby!" Keiko said. "Maybe we shouldn't have allowed them to marry so young...maybe they should have waited longer...till they were thirty, maybe..."
"Keiko," Mikihisa warned.
His wife responded by tucking her hands into her kimono sleeves and staring even more fervently out the window. "Look! They're here, Miki!" she exclaimed. "Oh, the suspense is killing me...what is up with those two children?"
*****
"Do you think your parents will suspect anything?" Anna asked.
"My mother will, probably," Yoh said. "She's a tad paranoid...comes from me being her only child, I guess." Anna sighed and reached for his hand. "Hm? What's wrong?"
"I think I'm scared," she whispered.
"Scared of my mother?"
"No. Scared of me being a mother," she said.
Yoh squeezed her hand. He couldn't say anything to her because Mikihisa and Keiko were standing on the front porch, waiting for them. "We'll talk later, okay?" he whispered in her ear. Anna nodded.
*****
Keiko was about to burst from excitement. She couldn't even sit still when they were having lunch. "Come on, you two," she said. "Tell me. Something is up."
"Nothing's up, Kaa'san," Anna said, calmly taking a bite of rice.
"Well, nothing major," Yoh mumbled. His wife elbowed him.
"Yoh, do you enjoy baiting your mother like this?" Mikihisa asked.
"Truthfully, yes," Yoh admitted.
"Isn't it great fun?" Mikihisa grinned. His wife elbowed him.
"What's all this nonsense?" a voice barked. Kino came into the room. "I could hear you a mile away."
"Hi, Grammy," Yoh said.
"Hello. Granddaughter, when are you due?"
Four pairs of chopsticks dropped to the table. "What?" Mikihisa choked.
"How could you tell?" Anna asked, touching her stomach.
Kino was beaming. "Your eyes are glowing like firecrackers. Keiko looked the same way when she was expecting. The look suits you quite well, I might add," she said.
"Anna, a baby?" Keiko whispered. She reached across the table and took Anna's hands. "Oh, you sweet girl. Your first baby."
"Ours, Kaa'san," Yoh reminded her, tucking his arm around Anna's still-tiny waist. "I kind of had a part in it."
"Yes, and that's why Anna will be blaming you when she goes into labor," Mikihisa reminded him. "Congratulations, daughter."
Anna was at a loss for words. She could only smile, hiding her face behind her long hair.
*****
"Kaa'san?"
Keiko looked up. Her son was peeking around the door. "Come in, Yoh," she said, setting aside her book.
"Kaa'san, will I be a mama's boy if I ask you a question?" he asked, a little sheepish.
"Of course not," she reassured him. "What do you want to know?"
"What was it like when you and Tou'san became parents?" Yoh asked.
"Hm. Serious question," she said. "Come sit by me."
Yoh sat next to his mother. Keiko's eyes softened as she looked at him. Here he was, sixteen years old, married, and soon to become a father. By all rights he should still be a child. Sometimes she regretted the choice to send him away from Izumo when he was so young. "It's hard when a child is born," Keiko said finally. "Physically hard, for the girl. And when that's over, there's the emotionally hard part. Raising the child."
"You did fine with me," Yoh said.
"Ah, you have no idea," Keiko smiled. "Your father and I struggled so much. We wanted you to be a normal child, and become a shaman. We wanted you to marry a strong shaman girl, and we wanted you to fall in love. There were so many things to think about, to make sure you would have a good life." She reached up to stroke a lock of hair away from his eyes. "All you really can do for your baby is love him. Love him as much as your heart can stand without breaking."
"You know, Kaa'san, Anna told me she was worried about becoming a mother. It might be because she never had a mother of her own," Yoh said.
Keiko sighed. "That is the one thing I wonder about the most," she said. "How on earth a mother can leave her baby daughter to die." She kissed Yoh's forehead. "You'll understand, when your own child is placed in your arms."
"I hope so," Yoh said, his eyes solemn.
"And now, go take care of your wife," Keiko said. "Goodnight, Yoh."
"G'night, Kaa'san," Yoh said as he left the room. Keiko sighed and picked up her book again. But suddenly her son dashed back in, gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, and dashed back out.
*****
Anna had just finished her shower when Yoh came in. "Anna-" he started to say.
She shrieked. "Warn me next time!" she said, yanking on her yukata. "I wasn't ready for that."
"We're married. It's okay," Yoh shrugged. "You ready for me?"
"I guess," she said, sitting on the edge of the tub. Yoh stood behind her and ran the brush through her long hair.
"You want to talk now?" he asked.
"Mm-hm," she said. Anna paused, collecting her thoughts. Finally it all just burst out of her. "I'm going to be an awful mother."
"What makes you think that?" Yoh asked.
"I've never had much to do with babies," she began. "And I'm too hard on people. It's fine if it's you or one of our friends, but I can't treat a baby like that. And I- I never had a mother. I don't even know what a mother is supposed to do besides have the baby. And my baby's probably going to grow up to hate me and turn evil and it'll be all my fault and...and..."
"Calm down," Yoh soothed, tangling his fingers in her silky hair. "You're going to be a good mother."
"How do you know?" Anna wailed.
"You're already saying 'my baby.' That's a good sign," he said. "Besides, I'll be with you. We're going to raise this baby together to be a good Asakura shaman."
"Or itako," Anna sniffed.
"Or itako," Yoh said agreeably. He knelt down in front of Anna. "You are going to be a wonderful mommy, Anna. Our baby will love you." He kissed her lips. "And I do too. Remember that."
"All right," Anna said. "But only because you're so insistent." Yoh laughed as she bent to kiss him.
*****
"So how did your parents take the news?" Manta asked.
"As well as could be expected," Yoh said. "My mother was thrilled. Naturally. She and Anna spent the whole weekend talking about nothing but baby things."
"Is she still throwing up?" HoroHoro asked, wrinkling his nose.
"Yeah. Her morning sickness is pretty bad. But not nearly as bad as when she wakes me up to tell me she wants gumdrops and wants them right now," Yoh moaned. "That was last night. The night before it was pretzels, and the night before that it was tempura."
"I'm sure it's pleasant for you," Ren said.
"It'll be worth it," Yoh said. His eyes got a little dreamy. "Anna's been so happy lately...she's cute, isn't she?"
"Um...you really want us to tell you how cute we think your wife is?" Manta asked.
"Yeah. Never mind."
"Yoh?" Anna called. "Where are you?"
"Right here," he said, jumping up. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said. She leaned against the wall, her hand on her stomach. By now Anna was four months pregnant and just barely starting to show. "Lyserg and Jeanne called. They want to come visit when the baby's born."
"They can stay with me and my sister," Ren offered. "You shouldn't have to put up with guests when Anna has the baby."
"Do you know if it's a girl or a boy yet?" HoroHoro asked.
"We told Faust we'd rather be surprised," Anna said.
"Or she'd rather be surprised," Yoh groused. "I can't take the suspense any longer."
Anna slid her hand on his arm. "Five more months," she reminded him. "Then we can find out."
"Can't wait that long," Yoh said, drawing her against him.
"It's not too far away."
"Still can't wait that long."
"Ahem."
"Oh. Sorry," Yoh said. "Married-guy moment."
"You've been having those a lot recently," HoroHoro mused.
"Hey! Shoo, you three," Anna said to Manta, Ren, and HoroHoro. "I have a doctor's appointment, and I don't want the three of you still lounging around."
"Okay," they agreed reluctantly.
"I think the married couple needs a little 'alone time'," HoroHoro said.
"I'm just glad I don't have to worry about having kids," Ren said. "At least...not yet."
"Does this have anything to do with my sister?"
"It might."
"It better involve a ring first, or you'll answer to me, Tao."
*****
"I have good news and bad news," Faust said.
Yoh grabbed Anna's hand. "Bad news first," he said. Anna's fingers tightened around his.
"Anna is a very fragile, small-boned girl. Her hips are tiny. I'm afraid that when she goes into labor, the baby won't be able to push through," Faust said. "It's still possible, just painful. But I do have good news," he reminded them. "Your child is very healthy and growing perfectly. If all goes well, the baby will arrive by late August or early September."
"That's so soon," Anna said.
Yoh stroked her hand. "We'll be ready," he said.
"Are you planning to be with her in the delivery room?" Faust asked.
"Well, I-"
"Yes," Anna cut him off. "I want Yoh to be with me." Her dark eyes were vulnerable as she looked at her husband. Yoh kissed her softly, hoping to reassure her.
"I'll be there, anata. I promise," he whispered in her ear. "I'll be with you."
"I trust you," she whispered back.
Faust glanced away, smiling to himself at their innocence.
*****
"Anna!" Yoh barked. "What the heck are you doing?"
His six-months-pregnant wife turned around, a paintbrush in her hand and a dab of yellow paint on her pert nose. "Painting," she said abruptly, turning back to her work.
"On a ladder?" Yoh brushed the paint off of her nose.
"How else would I do it?" Anna asked, still painting. "Shall I buy stilts? Or perhaps a cherry-picker?"
Yoh reached up and put his arms around her waist. "Come down right now, Anna Asakura," he ordered. "Let Tamao or Pilika take care of it."
"She wouldn't let us," Pilika said. "She insisted on doing it herself."
"Anna," Yoh warned. "Bad idea." He picked her up.
"I'm surprised you can still do that," she said. "I'm so fat now."
"You're not fat," Yoh objected, laying his forehead against hers. "You're just a little on the chubby side."
"I'm not fat, but I'm chubby. Mou, that's a compliment," Anna groused. "I'm still ugly."
"I still think you're cute," he smiled. "I'll always think you're cute, even when you're nine months along and can't get through doorways."
Anna moaned and punched his back. "I hate you, do you know that?" she said.
"Are you teasing or for real?"
"I'll get back to you on that," she quipped.
"Ahem," Pilika coughed.
"Sorry. Married-girl moment," Anna apologized.
"You've been having those a lot lately," Tamao commented.
Yoh set Anna on her feet. "You need to go lie down for a while, anata. I don't want you to get too tired," he said.
"I'm not tired," she told him. "I'm perfectly- oh!" Anna put her hand to her swollen belly.
"Anata, what's wrong?" Yoh asked, panicking.
She looked up at him with bright eyes. "The baby! The baby kicked!" she exclaimed. Anna grabbed Yoh's hand and placed it on her stomach. "Do you feel him? Do you feel the baby kicking?"
He nodded. "Does it hurt?"
"No, it's just...my baby..." Anna's face was glowing. "I'm really going to have a baby."
Author's Note: Aw...aren't they just soooo pwecious?!?! Flufflyness is awesome!!! Anyways, I thought Anna might struggle with being a mother, because she never really knew hers...but honestly, I think she would be a good mom. A tough one, but still good. Plus, everyone else would be there to spoil the baby. Can you imagine growing up being babied by Pilika, Jun, Tamao, HoroHoro, Chocolove, Lyserg, Jeanne, Ryu, Ren...okay, maybe not Ren so much...
Faust looked at him, his face solemn. "Go ask her yourself," he said.
Yoh dashed into the room. Then Faust started to laugh.
"Yoh...Yoh...you're crushing me," Anna said. Her husband was hugging her as tightly as his arms could grasp. Grinning sheepishly, Yoh let go.
"I guess I'm just still worried," he confessed.
"I suppose I am a little, too," Anna sighed. "It's going to be a big change."
"Change?" Yoh stammered.
"Of course. There's going to be so much to do. I only have a little time."
"A little time?" he gulped. "Anna..."
"I suppose we better let your parents know," she said. "Keiko will most likely want to be here when it happens."
"What happens?" Yoh repeated. He touched Anna's cheek. "I understand. I can call them right away." He pulled Anna into his arms. "I can't believe it. You have to fight this."
"Fight what?" she repeated. "I don't think this is something I want to fight."
"Don't talk like that," Yoh said. "You have to fight. I don't want to lose you."
"Lose...oh, you stupid, stupid boy," Anna laughed. "You don't understand anything at all. I suppose Faust didn't tell you."
"He didn't say anything," Yoh said, his eyes wide. "What's wrong?"
Anna didn't answer at first. She took his left hand, still touching her cheek, and placed her right hand over it. Then she took his right hand and placed it on her flat stomach.
Then looking into his eyes, she told him her secret.
*****
"Where's Yoh and Anna?" HoroHoro groused. "Here it is, Tamao's birthday, and they're not even here yet!"
His shy little girlfriend put her hand on his arm. "Calm down, sweetie," she said. "They'll be here."
HoroHoro melted. He put his hands on Tamao's little waist. "You're so cute," he grinned. He kissed the tip of her nose.
"Oh, hand me a bucket," Ren groused.
Pilika elbowed him. "Don't say that, Ren Tao," she said.
"Why not?"
She leaned over and kissed his lips.
"Oh. That's why."
The doorbell startled everyone. "I'll get it," Ryu said, racing to the door. "Hey! It's the married couple!"
"Did you think we'd forget?" Yoh said, grinning. He kissed Tamao's cheek. "Happy birthday, little sister."
"Arigato, Yoh," Tamao smiled as she took the gift he handed her.
"Jun," Bailong whispered. "Is it just me, or does Anna seem-"
"Mm-hm," Jun nodded. "There's something different about that girl..."
Tamao's birthday party was a success- much to the relief of the blue- haired Ainu boy who planned it. His efforts were rewarded by a kiss on the lips in public by the shy girl.
"Hoo boy..." HoroHoro grinned.
"Well, I think I've opened all my gifts," Tamao said.
"Not quite," Yoh said.
"Yoh and I have one that's actually for everyone," Anna said, setting a box on the table. "Go ahead and unwrap it."
Curious, the gang gathered around the box to see what was inside. Tamao took off the pale yellow paper and lifted the lid. "What is this?" she asked. She reached inside and took out the tiniest pair of shoes they had ever seen.
"It's so cute!" Manta said.
"Those are so small. They can only fit a doll, or a baby-" Tamao gasped in shock. "Anna! Are you-"
Anna responded by laughing and laying her head on Yoh's shoulder. Yoh stroked her arms. "We're going to have a baby," he said proudly.
"Anna! Oh my gosh!" Pilika shrieked. She jumped up and flung her arms around Anna's neck. "Oh my gosh! This is too cool!"
"Congratulations!" Jun said, kissing Anna's cheek. "When are you due?"
"Sometime in autumn," Anna said. "That's as near as we can tell. Faust thinks I'm about a month along."
"Wait a minute," Ren said, counting on his fingers. "If you're going to have a baby in autumn...then...I'm guessing you had a busy honeymoon."
"Well, yes," Yoh confessed, his ears red.
HoroHoro punched his arm playfully. "Good job!" he said. "That was quick!"
"Oh, be quiet!" Anna said.
"This is going to be so much fun!" Pilika said. "You're going to have to get the nursery ready, and buy all sorts of baby things, and pick out a name...oh, this is too cool!"
*****
"Keiko, stop worrying," Mikihisa admonished. His slim dark-haired wife was standing in front of the window, staring down the road. "They're fine. Yoh said that they just wanted to visit for a while."
"I just keep thinking that something's wrong," Keiko sighed. "Yoh- chan sounded so anxious...I can't figure it out."
"For one thing, anata, he isn't your baby Yoh-chan any longer," Mikihisa said dryly. "He's sixteen and a married man. He's been living without us since he was thirteen. Yoh isn't a baby."
"But he's my baby!" Keiko said. "Maybe we shouldn't have allowed them to marry so young...maybe they should have waited longer...till they were thirty, maybe..."
"Keiko," Mikihisa warned.
His wife responded by tucking her hands into her kimono sleeves and staring even more fervently out the window. "Look! They're here, Miki!" she exclaimed. "Oh, the suspense is killing me...what is up with those two children?"
*****
"Do you think your parents will suspect anything?" Anna asked.
"My mother will, probably," Yoh said. "She's a tad paranoid...comes from me being her only child, I guess." Anna sighed and reached for his hand. "Hm? What's wrong?"
"I think I'm scared," she whispered.
"Scared of my mother?"
"No. Scared of me being a mother," she said.
Yoh squeezed her hand. He couldn't say anything to her because Mikihisa and Keiko were standing on the front porch, waiting for them. "We'll talk later, okay?" he whispered in her ear. Anna nodded.
*****
Keiko was about to burst from excitement. She couldn't even sit still when they were having lunch. "Come on, you two," she said. "Tell me. Something is up."
"Nothing's up, Kaa'san," Anna said, calmly taking a bite of rice.
"Well, nothing major," Yoh mumbled. His wife elbowed him.
"Yoh, do you enjoy baiting your mother like this?" Mikihisa asked.
"Truthfully, yes," Yoh admitted.
"Isn't it great fun?" Mikihisa grinned. His wife elbowed him.
"What's all this nonsense?" a voice barked. Kino came into the room. "I could hear you a mile away."
"Hi, Grammy," Yoh said.
"Hello. Granddaughter, when are you due?"
Four pairs of chopsticks dropped to the table. "What?" Mikihisa choked.
"How could you tell?" Anna asked, touching her stomach.
Kino was beaming. "Your eyes are glowing like firecrackers. Keiko looked the same way when she was expecting. The look suits you quite well, I might add," she said.
"Anna, a baby?" Keiko whispered. She reached across the table and took Anna's hands. "Oh, you sweet girl. Your first baby."
"Ours, Kaa'san," Yoh reminded her, tucking his arm around Anna's still-tiny waist. "I kind of had a part in it."
"Yes, and that's why Anna will be blaming you when she goes into labor," Mikihisa reminded him. "Congratulations, daughter."
Anna was at a loss for words. She could only smile, hiding her face behind her long hair.
*****
"Kaa'san?"
Keiko looked up. Her son was peeking around the door. "Come in, Yoh," she said, setting aside her book.
"Kaa'san, will I be a mama's boy if I ask you a question?" he asked, a little sheepish.
"Of course not," she reassured him. "What do you want to know?"
"What was it like when you and Tou'san became parents?" Yoh asked.
"Hm. Serious question," she said. "Come sit by me."
Yoh sat next to his mother. Keiko's eyes softened as she looked at him. Here he was, sixteen years old, married, and soon to become a father. By all rights he should still be a child. Sometimes she regretted the choice to send him away from Izumo when he was so young. "It's hard when a child is born," Keiko said finally. "Physically hard, for the girl. And when that's over, there's the emotionally hard part. Raising the child."
"You did fine with me," Yoh said.
"Ah, you have no idea," Keiko smiled. "Your father and I struggled so much. We wanted you to be a normal child, and become a shaman. We wanted you to marry a strong shaman girl, and we wanted you to fall in love. There were so many things to think about, to make sure you would have a good life." She reached up to stroke a lock of hair away from his eyes. "All you really can do for your baby is love him. Love him as much as your heart can stand without breaking."
"You know, Kaa'san, Anna told me she was worried about becoming a mother. It might be because she never had a mother of her own," Yoh said.
Keiko sighed. "That is the one thing I wonder about the most," she said. "How on earth a mother can leave her baby daughter to die." She kissed Yoh's forehead. "You'll understand, when your own child is placed in your arms."
"I hope so," Yoh said, his eyes solemn.
"And now, go take care of your wife," Keiko said. "Goodnight, Yoh."
"G'night, Kaa'san," Yoh said as he left the room. Keiko sighed and picked up her book again. But suddenly her son dashed back in, gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, and dashed back out.
*****
Anna had just finished her shower when Yoh came in. "Anna-" he started to say.
She shrieked. "Warn me next time!" she said, yanking on her yukata. "I wasn't ready for that."
"We're married. It's okay," Yoh shrugged. "You ready for me?"
"I guess," she said, sitting on the edge of the tub. Yoh stood behind her and ran the brush through her long hair.
"You want to talk now?" he asked.
"Mm-hm," she said. Anna paused, collecting her thoughts. Finally it all just burst out of her. "I'm going to be an awful mother."
"What makes you think that?" Yoh asked.
"I've never had much to do with babies," she began. "And I'm too hard on people. It's fine if it's you or one of our friends, but I can't treat a baby like that. And I- I never had a mother. I don't even know what a mother is supposed to do besides have the baby. And my baby's probably going to grow up to hate me and turn evil and it'll be all my fault and...and..."
"Calm down," Yoh soothed, tangling his fingers in her silky hair. "You're going to be a good mother."
"How do you know?" Anna wailed.
"You're already saying 'my baby.' That's a good sign," he said. "Besides, I'll be with you. We're going to raise this baby together to be a good Asakura shaman."
"Or itako," Anna sniffed.
"Or itako," Yoh said agreeably. He knelt down in front of Anna. "You are going to be a wonderful mommy, Anna. Our baby will love you." He kissed her lips. "And I do too. Remember that."
"All right," Anna said. "But only because you're so insistent." Yoh laughed as she bent to kiss him.
*****
"So how did your parents take the news?" Manta asked.
"As well as could be expected," Yoh said. "My mother was thrilled. Naturally. She and Anna spent the whole weekend talking about nothing but baby things."
"Is she still throwing up?" HoroHoro asked, wrinkling his nose.
"Yeah. Her morning sickness is pretty bad. But not nearly as bad as when she wakes me up to tell me she wants gumdrops and wants them right now," Yoh moaned. "That was last night. The night before it was pretzels, and the night before that it was tempura."
"I'm sure it's pleasant for you," Ren said.
"It'll be worth it," Yoh said. His eyes got a little dreamy. "Anna's been so happy lately...she's cute, isn't she?"
"Um...you really want us to tell you how cute we think your wife is?" Manta asked.
"Yeah. Never mind."
"Yoh?" Anna called. "Where are you?"
"Right here," he said, jumping up. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said. She leaned against the wall, her hand on her stomach. By now Anna was four months pregnant and just barely starting to show. "Lyserg and Jeanne called. They want to come visit when the baby's born."
"They can stay with me and my sister," Ren offered. "You shouldn't have to put up with guests when Anna has the baby."
"Do you know if it's a girl or a boy yet?" HoroHoro asked.
"We told Faust we'd rather be surprised," Anna said.
"Or she'd rather be surprised," Yoh groused. "I can't take the suspense any longer."
Anna slid her hand on his arm. "Five more months," she reminded him. "Then we can find out."
"Can't wait that long," Yoh said, drawing her against him.
"It's not too far away."
"Still can't wait that long."
"Ahem."
"Oh. Sorry," Yoh said. "Married-guy moment."
"You've been having those a lot recently," HoroHoro mused.
"Hey! Shoo, you three," Anna said to Manta, Ren, and HoroHoro. "I have a doctor's appointment, and I don't want the three of you still lounging around."
"Okay," they agreed reluctantly.
"I think the married couple needs a little 'alone time'," HoroHoro said.
"I'm just glad I don't have to worry about having kids," Ren said. "At least...not yet."
"Does this have anything to do with my sister?"
"It might."
"It better involve a ring first, or you'll answer to me, Tao."
*****
"I have good news and bad news," Faust said.
Yoh grabbed Anna's hand. "Bad news first," he said. Anna's fingers tightened around his.
"Anna is a very fragile, small-boned girl. Her hips are tiny. I'm afraid that when she goes into labor, the baby won't be able to push through," Faust said. "It's still possible, just painful. But I do have good news," he reminded them. "Your child is very healthy and growing perfectly. If all goes well, the baby will arrive by late August or early September."
"That's so soon," Anna said.
Yoh stroked her hand. "We'll be ready," he said.
"Are you planning to be with her in the delivery room?" Faust asked.
"Well, I-"
"Yes," Anna cut him off. "I want Yoh to be with me." Her dark eyes were vulnerable as she looked at her husband. Yoh kissed her softly, hoping to reassure her.
"I'll be there, anata. I promise," he whispered in her ear. "I'll be with you."
"I trust you," she whispered back.
Faust glanced away, smiling to himself at their innocence.
*****
"Anna!" Yoh barked. "What the heck are you doing?"
His six-months-pregnant wife turned around, a paintbrush in her hand and a dab of yellow paint on her pert nose. "Painting," she said abruptly, turning back to her work.
"On a ladder?" Yoh brushed the paint off of her nose.
"How else would I do it?" Anna asked, still painting. "Shall I buy stilts? Or perhaps a cherry-picker?"
Yoh reached up and put his arms around her waist. "Come down right now, Anna Asakura," he ordered. "Let Tamao or Pilika take care of it."
"She wouldn't let us," Pilika said. "She insisted on doing it herself."
"Anna," Yoh warned. "Bad idea." He picked her up.
"I'm surprised you can still do that," she said. "I'm so fat now."
"You're not fat," Yoh objected, laying his forehead against hers. "You're just a little on the chubby side."
"I'm not fat, but I'm chubby. Mou, that's a compliment," Anna groused. "I'm still ugly."
"I still think you're cute," he smiled. "I'll always think you're cute, even when you're nine months along and can't get through doorways."
Anna moaned and punched his back. "I hate you, do you know that?" she said.
"Are you teasing or for real?"
"I'll get back to you on that," she quipped.
"Ahem," Pilika coughed.
"Sorry. Married-girl moment," Anna apologized.
"You've been having those a lot lately," Tamao commented.
Yoh set Anna on her feet. "You need to go lie down for a while, anata. I don't want you to get too tired," he said.
"I'm not tired," she told him. "I'm perfectly- oh!" Anna put her hand to her swollen belly.
"Anata, what's wrong?" Yoh asked, panicking.
She looked up at him with bright eyes. "The baby! The baby kicked!" she exclaimed. Anna grabbed Yoh's hand and placed it on her stomach. "Do you feel him? Do you feel the baby kicking?"
He nodded. "Does it hurt?"
"No, it's just...my baby..." Anna's face was glowing. "I'm really going to have a baby."
Author's Note: Aw...aren't they just soooo pwecious?!?! Flufflyness is awesome!!! Anyways, I thought Anna might struggle with being a mother, because she never really knew hers...but honestly, I think she would be a good mom. A tough one, but still good. Plus, everyone else would be there to spoil the baby. Can you imagine growing up being babied by Pilika, Jun, Tamao, HoroHoro, Chocolove, Lyserg, Jeanne, Ryu, Ren...okay, maybe not Ren so much...