A/N: Here's my submission for Naegiri Week 2021 Day Five, taking place after "Kaito's Spring Princess!" Please read, review, and enjoy!

The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: Naegiri Week 2021

Day Five: Photo!

Makoto glanced up at his heavily pregnant sister Komaru and her husband Hajime. Kyoko stood by his side as their two therapists presented their notice of parental leave.

"So you've finally decided to take maternity leave?"

Komaru nodded, resting her hands on her belly. "Yeah, it's becoming harder and harder to be active, and it's harder to pay attention to the students' problems when you're constantly distracted by the baby kicking half the time."

Kyoko nodded understandingly at her sister-in-law, having had the experience of three pregnancies to understand what Komaru was going through. "That's understandable. Each pregnancy is different, but all of them are trying in their own way. Of course, you should take the time to prepare for the baby's arrival."

Makoto nodded in agreement before he turned to his brother-in-law. "And what about you, Hajime? Are you taking paternity leave as well?"

Hajime nodded hesitantly. "Yeah, I don't want to leave Komaru alone when she gives birth, and given how unpredictable childbirth is…"

Makoto and Kyoko nodded, recalling how Kyoko had gone into labor in the middle of a school day before Mokubo was born. If Kokichi hadn't helped out when he did, we'd have been in a lot of trouble…

Makoto smiled at his two therapists as he agreed to their notice. "Of course, by all means, take as much time as you need to care for your baby. In the meantime, we'll hire contract therapists to handle the students' needs until at least one of you is ready to return to work."

"It won't be the same without you two, but we'll make it work." Kyoko agreed.

The therapist couple sighed in relief before Komaru looked gratefully at her brother. "Thanks a lot, Makoto. We really appreciate it."

"Of course, just be sure to send us plenty of baby pictures after my nice or nephew." Makoto joked. "Especially of you three as a family. Of course, I'm sure Mom and Dad will want to see a family photo too."

At that moment, Komaru hummed in contemplation, causing her brother and sister-in-law to furrow their brows curiously. "Hey, I got an idea! Why don't we all get together for a family photo before the baby comes?"

"…That's not a bad idea." Hajime agreed. "Besides, Mahiru and Hiyoko are gonna be stopping in Tokyo in a couple weeks for one of their tours. I could ask if Mahiru would be willing to take the photo once Hiyoko's done with her dance performance in Yoyogi Park."

Makoto and Kyoko smiled, memories of their dates and wedding flowing through their minds. "That sounds like a wonderful idea." Kyoko admitted.

"I'll call Mom and Dad and pitch the idea to them." Makoto volunteered, confident that his parents would hardly need any convincing to join a family photo. "And I'm sure the kids would love to join in too."

"Alright, it's a date!" Komaru joked, causing everyone to giggle. Everyone, even the slightly more stoic Kyoko, beamed, excited for the chance to get together as a family and make a new memory together.

"A family photo?" Hana asked curiously as she spoke to her son on the phone.

"Yeah, over at Yoyogi Park. Apparently our former upperclassman Hiyoko Saionji is doing a traditional dance performance there and her wife Mahiru is taking pictures. Hajime got her to agree to take a photo of us once her show is over."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. You think we'll get to see the show, too?"

Makoto's brow furrowed in surprise before he agreed. "I don't see why not. Kyoko and I will buy tickets for everyone."

"Excellent! I'll go tell your father and we'll clear our schedules."

"Great! We can't wait to see you, Mom. I know the kids will be really excited to see you."

"We're excited to see them too. It'll be nice to have the whole family together again. Well, I'd better go tell him the good news. Goodbye, dear."

"Bye, Mom! Love you."

"Love you too, dear." Hana giggled before she hung up. "Shingi, dear, you'll never guess what we were invited to!"

"Really?!" Kiki asked excitedly. "We get to see a dance show and take a family photo with Jii-chan and Baa-chan and Aunt Komaru and Uncle Hajime?"

Kyoko giggled in amusement as she assured her children "Yes, yes, your Uncle Hajime worked things out and your father bought tickets to Saionji's dance show." Her smile dropped into a frown as she continued "There are however some ground rules that need to be obeyed. First and foremost, you all need to behave. Koto, Kiri, that means staying reasonably silent during the performance. And no insults, yelling, tussling, or hitting. Am I clear?"

"…Yes, Mom…" Koto and Kiri grumbled before Kyoko nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. Kiki, I expect that I don't need to remind you to behave yourself, and Mokubo I trust will stay quiet on his own."

Both elder siblings nodded, making Kyoko smile. "Good. Alright, let's head to the car. We're meeting your father at the biyouin so we can all get our hair cut before the family photo."

The three children immediately followed their mother out the door, not looking forward to the last-minute haircut, but eagerly awaiting the dance show and family reunion that it would lead to.

"Jii-chan! Baa-chan!" Kiki called as she ran over to hug her grandparents.

Makoto and Kyoko rolled their eyes in amusement before their other three children approached Hana and Shingi politely.

"It's good to see you all."

Hana smiled at her son and daughter-in law once she had finished hugging her grandchildren. As Shingi took turns hugging the little ones, Hana embraced Makoto and Kyoko with love and maternal warmth.

"It's good to see you too, Mom."

"Likewise. The kids were excited to see you both. They were even willing to tolerate sitting still through their haircuts without complaint."

"And you all look really cute!" Shingi complimented with a proud smile.

Kiki's hair was neatly trimmed and finely combed, while Mokubo's hair was simply cut so it wouldn't grow too thick. Hana and Shingi's eyes shifted to the twins and their hairstyles. Koto's hair was also neatly combed, trimmed so it wouldn't hang over his ears or his eyes. Kiri meanwhile twirled in her dress, showing off her elegant ponytail tied with a simple black ribbon.

"Now, where's…?"

Hana's pondering was interrupted by a honk. Everyone turned to see a car driving up into the parking lot.

"It would seem they're here." Kyoko commented as the car pulled to a stop in the parking space between her and Hana's cars.

Before long, the front doors opened. Komaru rested a hand on her belly as she struggled to get up, while Hajime circled around so he could help support his wife.

"Easy, Komaru." Hajime advised as he rested a hand behind her back and helped her to walk over to their family.

"Makoto, Kyoko, Mom, Dad, Kiki, Moku, Koto, Kiri!" She greeted with a smile as she waddled over to them.

Hana was the first to embrace her daughter as she greeted "It's good to see you, dear. All three of you." She smiled as she rested a hand on Komaru's belly. "You're absolutely glowing, dear."

"If only I felt as good as you say I look." Komaru grumbled, causing Kyoko and Hana to smile sympathetically.

"So, Hajime…" Makoto changed the subject, turning to his brother-in-law. "Did Mahiru or Hiyoko tell you where the dance show will be?"

"Oh, yes, they promised us front-row seats. Just follow me."

Makoto and Kyoko followed Hajime as the others brought up the rear. Hana supported her daughter, helping her to keep a steady pace as they looked forward to seeing the former Ultimate Photographer and Traditional Dancer again.

The family shuffled through the crowds until at last they spotted the chairs labeled Reserved For. Sighing in relief, they took their seats. Makoto turned his head and saw a woman with short red hair and freckles standing dutifully with her camera. He waved to her, causing her to briefly smile and wave back before her serious expression resumed.

Soon after, the curtains on the makeshift stage lifted to reveal a woman with elegantly stylized blonde hair. Her figure was beautifully obscured by the kimono tied around her, She withdrew two sensu fans, smiling almost teasingly at the audience. As a couple of musicians played a classical japanese tune on their ceremonial instruments, the dancer at last began to move, each step taken with extreme precision as her kimono flowed elegantly across the stage.

"Wow…she looks pretty…" Kiki breathed in awe.

Kiri meanwhile was beaming, her eyes sparkling with joy as she was seemingly entranced by the woman's performance. Makoto and Kyoko smiled at their daughter as the red-headed photographer snapped several pictures, matching the tempo of the dance with the shutter of her camera. The dancer hid her proud smile as she continued her dance, seemingly hypnotizing the audience with the skill passed down by generations of traditional dancers.

"Hiyoko, that was amazing!" The redheaded photographer praised as she ran up to Hiyoko.

After a quick peck on the lips, Hiyoko boasted "Well what did you expect, Mahiru? I've been doing this for years after all."

"Yes, but you could still stand to have a little more humility." The former Ultimate Photographer teased, causing Hiyoko to pout. Mahiru giggled before she caught Makoto and his family approaching her. "Oh, hey everyone!"

Makoto could barely wave before Kiri ran up to Hiyoko, sparkles in her eyes as she looked up at the dancer with admiration.

"That was amazing, Miss! You were so pretty when you were dancing!"

Remembering Mahiru's advice, Hiyoko smiled gently and ruffled Kiri's hair. "Thanks for saying that, kid. I'm glad your generation can still appreciate these traditional dances."

"Alright, Kiri, come on and give her some space." Kyoko gently ordered. Kiri pouted before she inevitably returned to her siblings' side.

Makoto chuckled before he introduced "You've already met Kiki, but these are our other three children: Mokubo, Koto, and Kiri."

"Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu." They chanted as they bowed respectfully.

Once they stood back up, Hajime greeted "Hey…"

"Ah, Hajime, it's good to see you too." Mahiru interjected as she turned her head to see her former classmate with his wife. "And Komaru, right?" Komaru nodded before Mahiru smiled, complimenting "Wow, you look so beautiful. Congratulations on starting a family."

The two sweatdropped as Mahiru took a quick picture. "It's good to see you again too, Mahiru, Hiyoko." Hajime greeted. "Yeah, Komaru and I just began our family leave."

"Let me know if you're having a girl." Hiyoko offered "I'll gift her a beautiful kimono for the baby shower."

"I'll…let you know…" Hajime nodded before he gestured to his in-laws behind him. "You remember Komaru's parents from Makoto and Kyoko's wedding, right? Hana and Shingi?"

"Ah!" Mahiru exclaimed. "It's been a while, but I do remember you two from your dances with the bride and groom."

Hana and Shingi smiled fondly at the memory before the matriarch greeted "It's nice to see you both again."

Shingi nodded in agreement. "So, where should we go to take the picture?"

"Well, the stage is being packed up…" Hiyoko informed them.

"Ah, how about a grassy field? The sunny weather makes it perfect for a good shot!"

"That sounds like a good idea." Makoto complimented.

"Alright, I'll see you back at the motel." Hiyoko informed her wife. "I have to finish packing up the stage and equipment here."

"Okay, I'll see you later, Hiyoko." Mahiru replied before the two lovers leaned in for a kiss.

Once Hiyoko walked over to the stage, the photographer turned towards the family and exclaimed excitedly "Okay, let's go find the perfect photo spot!"

"Oh, this looks perfect!" Mahiru exclaimed as she ran to a wide open field. "The ground is level, the grass looks absolutely pristine, and the sun's at the perfect angle. I'm sure I'll be able to get a perfect shot!"

Makoto nodded before Kyoko agreed "Alright, then let's get into position. Mahiru, we'll follow your instructions."

"Alright, let's form two rows. The adults can sit in the rear while the kids can sit in front. Makoto, Kyoko why don't you two sit at the center? Hana, Shingi, you two can sit next to Makoto. Komaru, you should sit next to Kyoko. Hajime, could you sit right behind Komaru and embrace her from behind?"

The six adults obeyed Mahiru's instructions, getting into position before the photographer smiled approvingly.

"Alright, Kiki, Mokubo you sit in front of your parents."

"Got it. Come on, Moku!" Kiki took Mokubo by the hand and led him over to their parents before they sat down facing Mahiru.

"Alright, perfect! Koto, you sit next to Moku. Kiri, sit next to Kiki, okay?"

The twins obeyed and sat next to their respective sibling.

"Okay, I'm gonna take a couple shots now. Say cheese!"

"Cheese!"

*Snap!*

A momentary flash emitted from the lens as Mahiru smiled from behind her camera. "Okay, that should be good." As the family gingerly stood up, she told them "I'll develop the film once I get back to my motel room and e-mail you the picture."

"Great, thanks again for this, Mahiru." Makoto replied with a grateful smile.

The others nodded before Mahiru told them "Alright, I'm gonna head back so I can send you the photos. See you later!"

The family watched as Mahiru ran off, disappearing into the horizon.

"Well, what do you say we head home?" Kyoko suggested.

Komaru nodded in fervent agreement. With a bittersweet smile, the family began walking back to the parking lot, not really wanting the family moment to end.

"Hey Mahiru, you almost done uploading that pic?" Hiyoko asked as she stepped out of the shower, now dressed in an elegant robe that was reminiscent of her kimono.

"Almost." Mahiru replied as she clicked the mouse. "Just gotta attach the file, and…done!" She clicked on the Image Preview option and asked "Well, what do you think, Hiyoko?"

Hiyoko walked over and peeked at the laptop. With an impressed twinkle in her eyes she told her wife "You always take the best pics, Mahiru. They should be grateful you decided to take such a great family picture for them for free."

Mahiru rolled her eyes and reminded her "This was a favor for Hajime, you know that. Besides, I don't want to profit more than a reasonable standard of living off my photos. I do it because I love photography, not to get rich."

"And that selflessness is exactly what I love about you, Mahiru." Hiyoko cooed as she draped her arms around Mahiru's neck, causing the photographer to blush.

"I love you too…Hiyoko…" She muttered before their lips touched in a passionate kiss. It was all Mahiru could do to hit the Send button before she became lost in a heat of passionate love for her beautiful traditional dancer.

"Alright, everyone's in bed…oh!" Makoto trailed off as his phone beeped. He took it out of his pocket and looked at the screen before his eyes lit up. "Kyoko, Mahiru sent us the photo."

Kyoko looked at her husband curiously as he approached the bed. Once he crawled up, he held the phone screen so she could see it. The loving couple smiled fondly as they saw the amazing photo Mahiru had taken. She took note of how they were all smiling, even Koto and Kiri, as they waited for Mahiru to take the shot.

"It's a wonderful family memory, isn't it, Makoto?"

"Yeah, it really is. Mom was right, Komaru really was glowing." Makoto stared at his pregnant sister being embraced by Hajime before he smiled at his wife. "Of course, you glowed even more."

Kyoko blushed and denied "Y…you're just trying to make me blush."

"Is it working?" Makoto asked hopefully.

"…You tell me…" Kyoko turned to her husband, smirking despite her reddened cheeks.

"Kyoko…mmph!" Makoto was silenced as Kyoko mashed her lips against his own, slipping her tongue into his mouth so the slippery appendage could dance with his own.

Makoto moaned as he fell against the mattress, dropping his phone on the floor. In the morning, they would show their children the family photo and frame it in the house. For now though, all thoughts of the new memory faded from their minds as they surrendered to passion.