Later after breakfast was cleaned up and morning chores were done, Senjuro said, "Hotaru, I had an idea but we don't have to do this if it's too hard for you."
"What is it, Senjuro?"
"Every week I clean the place where… where my brother was laid to rest. I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me," Senjuro said.
"Yes, Senjuro I would love to," Hotaru said.
"It is a bit of a walk but not too far. Are you sure you'll be ok with the baby and everything?" Senjuro asked.
"Yes I'll be fine plus exercise is good for the baby," Hotaru said.
Senjuro gathered his cleaning supplies and Hotaru carried the incense and a bundle of flowers. The two traveled to the cemetery where Kyojuro's body lay.
Upon seeing the headstone bearing the Rengoku name, Hotaru felt tears spring to her eyes but did her best to hold them back as Senjuro started to work. Senjuro started to sweep the leaves and foliage from around the gravesite. Once he was finished, he asked, "Can you please hand me the scrubbing brush? After I'm done, if it's not too much for you, you can set up the incense and flowers."
Hotaru stood by and watched him lovingly and carefully scrub the headstone and the surrounding area. How difficult this must be for him, she thought. Once Senjuro was done, he moved over to give her room. He gave her his hand to hold on to as she knelt down in front of the grave. Hotaru started carefully arranging the incense and the flowers trying her best not to cry. She wanted to be strong in front of Senjuro and didn't want to break down. The pregnancy hormones didn't make it any easier. After everything was set up, the two prayed kneeling in front of the grave.
Kyojuro, my flame, there's nothing that I want more than to have you here with us. Your brother and yes your father miss you as well as I do. Even though you are gone I will keep living with my head held high for the sake of our child. I pray that somewhere somehow you can see your child Hotaru prayed.
Once they were finished praying they enjoyed light conversation and a light snack near the graveside.
Shinjuro's POV
Shinjuro sat alone in his study staring out at the garden. He wasn't sure what made him want to eat breakfast with Senjuro and Hotaru, he just had an urge to. It was getting closer and closer for Hotaru's time to give birth. Maybe that had something to do with it. Seeing her with her rounded belly and moving about the kitchen with gentle hands and a gentle voice. It made him think of the times when Ruka was pregnant with the boys (not meant to be taken in a creepy way). He let himself be comforted by the memory.
Shinjuro woke up to the smell of breakfast in the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen he saw his love preparing soup, her back to him. He went to her and wrapped his arms around her, pressing a chaste kiss to her neck. His hands rested on her rounded belly.
"Good morning my love, breakfast will be ready soon," she said nonchalantly.
"Mm, how's the little one doing?" He asked.
"Your son was active all last night. I could hardly sleep," Ruka said.
"He'll be here soon enough," Shinjuro said patiently then nipped at her collarbone.
Ruka playfully swatted him, "Oh go on and sit down. It's almost time to eat."
A few years later
The sun had already set and the stars were starting to come out. The young flame hashira returned home from a mission. After changing out of his uniform and cleaning up, Shinjuro found his wife sitting on the engawa with 4 year old Kyojuro in her arms.
"Look darling, you can see the stars coming out," Ruka said.
Shinjuro sat down next to Ruka and slipped his arm around her waist. He bent his head down and gently nuzzled her neck before pressing a kiss to her lips.
"How did the mission go?" She asked.
"Everything was taken care of," he said, not wanting to go into the gory details of how a demon's head was cut off in front of their son.
"Papa!" Kyojuro cried happily, reaching for him.
"Come here my son," Shinjuro said tenderly, reaching for his son. He hugged him and ruffled his golden hair before setting him down to play in the grassy area.
"He's getting so big but he's still small," Ruka said thoughtfully. She rested her head on his shoulder.
Shinjuro spoke up about something that was on his mind for awhile, "I was thinking it may be nice for Kyojuro to have someone to play with."
"Hmm," Ruka said thoughtfully. Her fingers intertwined with her husband's.
Their quiet moment was disturbed when Kyojuro ran up to them after playing.
"Mommy, I'm hungry," he said, reaching his arms up to be picked up. He was starting to get hungry and tired.
Ruka reached down to pick him up cradling him in her arms. He buried his face into her bosom. She adjusted her yukata so she could nurse him. Her son latched onto her exposed breast and contently suckled. Of course he could eat normal foods at his age but he still liked to nurse usually in the morning and at night. Ruka ran a gentle hand through his golden locks.
Shinjuro imagined Ruka holding another baby in her arms. He wrapped his arm closer around her and pressed a kiss against her head.
The two sat in silence for a few more minutes before Ruka said, "Look he's sleeping."
Kyojuro had fallen asleep, his small head resting near his mother's bosom. Shinjuro gently patted his son's head. Ruka readjusted her robe and stood up carrying her son.
"I'm going to put him to bed, my love," Ruka said.
"Then come join me later," Shinjuro said suggestively in a quiet voice letting his hand frame her body.
Ruka gave him a stern look but there was playfulness behind her eyes.
The two had started to try for a second baby not long after. However it did take them a bit longer than they had wanted it to. Until a few months later the two finally got the news they wanted.
"I'm with child," Ruka announced to her husband one night.
Shinjuro quickly put two and two together as to why she was feeling ill among other things. They had wanted another baby so much.
The young father embraced his wife, resting a hand on her still flat belly.
"Finally," Shinjuro lovingly said, nuzzling his wife.
End of flashback.
Shinjuro tried to imagine what life would be like once his grandchild was here. It had been so long since there was a baby in the house, the last one being Senjuro. He didn't even think he could remember how to hold an infant even though Ruka had shown him many times.
It had thrown him off when Hotaru called him Father at breakfast but it didn't make him upset. If anything it felt pleasant somehow almost as if he could start over again.