With permission of the chief, after offering an invitation to Saiko's birthday party the next Friday, Saitou went home early. Before actually going to the house Saitou with Saiko in his arms went back to the kimono shop to pick up Saiko's birthday kimono. The shopkeeper had already wrapped it in a pretty yellow and green package, which saved Saitou the trouble. The rest of the birthday party plans were already in motion.
He had ordered catering from the Akabeko, Yahiko had promised to get the cake with Kenshin, and Kaoru was coming over early to decorate the back yard. Saitou was glad the Kenshin-gumi was willing to help him out; especially since he had a job he forgot to tell Sano about. It was a small undercover job on the outskirts of town, but it meant Saitou would not be home until morning of the party leaving this Friday night. Seeing as it was only a week till the party and Saitou had to leave he had to be sure everything was in place. With Sano being sick Saitou was hoping he could get Kenshin to let Sano and Saiko stay with them at the Kamiya dojo while he was gone.
Deciding to let Sanosuke sleep Saitou and Saiko grabbed a carriage and headed to the Kamiya dojo. Kaoru welcomed them happily. Instantly she started playing with little Saiko, who since the police station had been in a talkative mood. "So Saiko how are you today" Kaoru asked. "Da e work Sa-chan help Sa-chan help!" Saiko said with a happy squeal. Kaoru smiled down at the little girl, and Saitou swore for a split second he saw her touch her abdomen for a moment. 'Strange' he thought but was interrupted by a hand on his shoulder.
Kenshin with his happy smile looked down at Saitou. "Saitou-san I love your company as does Mrs. Kaoru, but I am sure you have more to do than just visit" He said taking a moment to brush Saiko's hair lightly. Saitou nodded and spoke loud enough for both adults to hear "Yes, I was wondering if Saiko and Sano could stay here until the party, I have an undercover job I need to do and I do not want them to be alone seeing as Sano is still sick from the food-poisoning." Both Kenshin and Kaoru nodded happily accepting Saitou's request.
"Um" Kenshin started with a little blush "So they really grow on you huh, little ones, not to troublesome or anything?" Saitou raised an eyebrow at Kenshin then turned back to watch Saiko, who was now running circles around Kaoru in some sort of strange version of tag. "Well" Saitou started "I always felt with Saiko that she just belonged with me so I never really felt any different. I just spend less time alone now and more time change diapers." Kenshin laughed "I still have yet to see you change Saiko Saitou-san I always thought you made Sano do all of those things." Saitou frowned "I am not such a poor father I would let my child go wanting! I had to watch her all last night while Sano was out drinking" he retorted. Kenshin rolled his eyes mouthing 'oh a whole night.' "Ahou I have watched her more than that I am just saying it is not that I have a problem with it, Sano is just with her more so of course he does more with her, though I guess I really should help out more so he doesn't get mad and leave if I am too cold."
As Saitou was thinking and staring into the distance he missed the flash of cloth running towards him. He suddenly felt little arms wrapping around his neck holding him as hard as they could. Kenshin smiled and went over to whisper something to Kaoru as Saitou enjoyed the unprovoked hug. "Da e Sa-chan tired" Saiko sighed as she snuggled his neck. "I can prepare a bed for her Saitou then you can finish your errands and bring Sano by later?" Kaoru offered. Saitou nodded keeping his position. After a few moments he got up Saitou in hand and walked into the empty room Kaoru had left for.
A bundle of blankets was piled up on a spare futon that Kaoru was still preparing. She turned around and nodded at Saitou. He gently set the sleeping toddler in the blankets. "I will watch her go get Sano" she said with a smile. When Saitou went to leave he lightly kissed Saiko on the forehead whispering a goodbye in her hair. Kaoru smiled and let her eyes drift from the tall father back to the sleeping child.
Saiko was a wonderful child Kaoru was almost jealous of Sano's luck to have such a blessing. While Kaoru was musing Kenshin walked into the room and smiled at her. His hand on her jaw woke her from her daydreaming. He smiled slyly as he lowered his mouth to hers. Kaoru wrapped her arms around him as he lowered his body next to hers. "When are you going to tell them?" he whispered into her lips. She smiled as he kissed her "At the party, do you think Sano will be excited?" she asked. "I think Saiko will be the most excited for sure" Kenshin said as he carefully lowered Kaoru down onto the futon next to the sleeping child.
A/N: Don't worry they are not going to do anything dirty in front of the baby ;0 Sorry for the horribly late updates. School is over though! I just need some inspiration to write (cough cough reviews do that) I will try to update at least weekly all summer if not more than that. This story has a lot do, though I am considering breaking it up in the later chapters for different age periods.