Well, now some other characters will come into the picture.

Thank you for your reviews and for following this story! Here is Chapter 8.

Something about Kagura's visit bothered Rin--well, other than the fact that Kagura had visited. Something Kagura had said...but she couldn't quite figure it out...

Then she remembered.

"I didn't tell Tohru-chan, just like you said."

But wait...that couldn't mean...

A few days later, Ayame sent his well wishes in the form of a very large bouquet of roses, accompanied by a very eloquent letter, to the prospective parents.

"So she told Ayame", said Haru dismissively, "I was going to tell him myself. And besides, the flowers are nice."

Later, a very confused deliveryman presented them with another gift from the snake...a very large Mogeta plushie, for the baby.

"What is this?" asked Rin. The plushie was over half her height.

"Don't let Hiro and Kisa see it."

"Um, huh?"

But Ayame wasn't done expressing his good will! He tried to call multiple times, but as soon as Rin heard his voice on the other line she slammed the phone down...then again, he kept trying to get her measurements so he could make a special outfit for her for just Haru to see...that would accomodate her current condition, of course.

Hiro and Kisa came by to see her, which Rin found annoying, but which she put up with because Haru was there. Kisa was thrilled that there was going to be another baby in the family.

"It could be a playmate for Hinata-chan!" she said cheerfully.

Hiro wasn't as openly happy--he never was--but he wished the two of them the best of luck. He tried to ask after Rin's health, but she told him flat out to mind his own business.

"Well, okay, so that's three so far..." said Haru, "It could be worse."

Momiji was completely overjoyed at the news and came to give both of them great big hugs, which Rin did not take well to. When it looked as if the horse would throttle the rabbit, Haru wisely got him out of her range.

Even Shigure came by, accompanied by Hatori.

"Ah, Rin, you poor thing, pregnant and unmarried...would you like to be my bride?"

Hatori scowled in annoyance while Shigure rubbed his cheek where Rin had slapped him.

After some persuasion from Haru, Rin agreed to let Hatori give checkups to her and the baby--but she made it clear that under no circumstances was she stepping foot in a hospital until the baby was born.

"Isuzu's not accustomed to having so many visitors, I think", said Kazuma, "How's she doing?"

"Ah, she's doing all right", Haru replied, "She's just debating what weapon to use the next time Kagura comes around."

"So I suppose Tohru-san's the only one who doesn't know yet?"

"Yeah...Rin's really determined not to let her know. But I think she'll tell Tohru eventually. Just give her time."

"...I'll take your word for it, Hatsuharu."

"But I'll have to warn Kagura that she shouldn't come around, if she knows what's good for her."

"..."

Ah, Ayame...I had to throw him in there. I just couldn't resist.