A/N: Here's my submission for Day One of Momoharu Week, taking place before the events of "Blast Off! Second Ignition!" Please read, review, and enjoy!

The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: Momoharu Week 2022!

Day One: Family!

Maki blinked, staring at the device in her hand. Her knees wobbled as she did a double take, checking to make sure her eyes were working and that she wasn't hallucinating.

Two lines…there's…two lines…

Still awestruck, Maki's hand slid down her torso until it rested against her belly. She started to breathe heavily, the shock overwhelming her as it took all her self-restraint to not collapse.

Pregnant. I'm…pregnant…I…guess it makes sense. I should have realized it after that morning sickness didn't go away…

After their honeymoon, Maki and Kaito had a heavy discussion about whether or not to start a family. Though the subject had been broached in the past, the progression of the would-be astronaut's illness made them approach the subject with a greater sense of urgency.

He can barely walk around the apartment on his own, now… Maki's eyes lowered in sadness, overpowering any blush she might have developed from the memories of their passionate night. I'm surprised he even had the strength to make love that night…Kaito, you idiot. Why did I ever agree to start a family when I know you're not gonna live to see it…?

"…Hey…Maki…Roll…?"

Jumping, Maki quickly pocketed the test, stammering "W-What is it, K-Kaito…?"

"Is…Is the bathroom free…? You've been in there…for a little while…"

"Sorry, coming…" Maki hastily replied before she opened the door. He looks even worse than I did in there…

Maki frowned at the sickly pale complexion his face had taken. If her knees had been wobbling, his were practically shaking. The would-be Ultimate Astronaut was merely a shell of his former self. Instead of exuding strength, albeit naïve strength, he appeared frail and fragile.

I'm glad Kiki hasn't asked to come and see him… Maki thought. I wouldn't want her last memory of him to be little more than a zombie…not with how much she looks up to him.

Kaito's coughing shook her out of her thoughts. Panicked, she took him by the arm and gently led him into the bathroom.

"Come on, after you go, I'll help you back into bed. You're in no condition to be walking around."

Kaito reluctantly nodded as Maki sat him on the toilet. "I'll be right outside if you need me."

Suppressing her sigh, she turned and walked out of the bathroom. It was only once she had closed the door behind her that she sank to her knees. She pulled out the pregnancy test again, frowning at the positive indicator.

How can I possibly tell you you're going to be a father when we both know you're never going to meet them?


"There…" Maki cooed as she pulled the blankets over her husband. "You comfy…?"

Kaito weakly nodded, lethargically reaching his arms out in a silent invitation. Sighing, Maki crawled onto the bed next to him. She snuggled up against his sickly form as she gently wrapped her arms around him. The former assassin took comfort when she felt Kaito return the embrace, somehow finding the strength to stroke her two-tailed hair.

"…I'm the one who should be comforting you, not the other way around."

"Hey, don't…" Kaito fought through his coughs. "Don't worry about it…It's my job as your husband to be there for you…right…?"

Maki merely sighed, resting her ear against his still beating heart. As weak as he was, she didn't have the heart to call him an idiot to his face anymore.

"So…what had you all startled in the bathroom?" Kaito's brow furrowed with worry. "You're not…usually one to stammer."

Maki froze for a split second before she recollected herself. "It's nothing, I was just…surprised, that's all."

"Surprised that I had to use the bathroom?"

"…You're lucky I can't slap you for those remarks…" Maki grumbled, her cheeks red with embarrassment.

Though Kaito couldn't muster the strength to laugh, he was at least able to crack a smile. Maki took solace in those smiles, dreading the day when she could no longer look at them.

"Anyway, there's something I wanted to…to talk to you about…" Maki looked up into his eyes, curiosity dancing in her own pupils. "You know how we…talked about…having a family…right…?"

Maki nodded slowly, wondering Where is he going with this…?

"Despite your nickname for me…I'm…I'm not stupid." Kaito coughed, causing Maki to rub his chest with her soothing fingers. "I know that…I'm not gonna live to see my kid…even if we got lucky and you're pregnant right now…"

Maki couldn't help but freeze at that remark. If only you know how on the nose you are, Kaito…

Luckily for her, the sickly man was completely oblivious to her thoughts. "I know that they'd just grow up without knowing their old man…without knowing me. And…I'll admit, that…really sucks. But…I know they'll have the greatest mom in the world. No offense to Kyoko…"

Maki rolled her eyes, ignoring the deepening of her blush. "I'm sure they wouldn't be offended, even if they heard you say that."

"Yeah…anyway, my point is that even though it'll be tough, not being there for them…I know they'll be alright as long as you're there for them."

I wish I could feel as confident as you are about this. But…I don't know what I'll do…when you're no longer here…

"You know…it's not like I'm gonna be really gone, even when I'm gone…" Maki's eyes widened as Kaito continued, "Sure, I won't be physically here, but I'll still be keeping an eye on you guys from above. I promise, I'll never be gone from your lives, or my name isn't Kaito Momota, Luminary of the Stars!" Maki smiled wryly, Kaito's self-declared title never failing to lift her spirits, even if it was just a little. "You believe in me, right Maki Roll?"

"…Always…" Maki whispered.

"Then believe me, even death won't keep me away from you and any kid we might have. I'm part of this family, whether you like it or not."

Family…yes…we're…family… Maki tightened her grip, nuzzling her nose against Kaito's heart as he stroked her hair. Even when Kaito is taken from us…we'll still be a family. Nothing can change that…and…I'll make sure…they know exactly who their father was…and what kind of man they were.