I walked up to the corner store in a daze. I took a basket from the door and began filling it with random snacks for everyone. I grabbed onigiri, bento, chips, cakes and other random prepackaged things. I walked slowly down each isle, my mind working rapidly on what I had just learned.

I had to tell Akisame, of course. But what would his reaction be? I knew he wanted children, however I was unsure if he would be upset that we were having a child out of wedlock. I also knew he had wanted to wait until we were ready. Would he think we were ready? Would he want to run out and get married?

I didn't like the idea of having a shotgun wedding. I wanted to marry Akisame because I loved him and couldn't think of a life without him, not because we had been careless when having sex.

I looked up and realized that I had wandered into the trinkets isle. I was standing next to a shelf with various cards lined up on it. One card in particular caught my eye.

It depicted an ancient style Japanese dragon, painted in black and white. The dragon was soaring through the clouds, its scales glittering in the sunlight. Written on the side in elegant kanji was the word 'Congratulations'. I picked up the card, opening it and finding it was blank on the inside. I took the card and put it in the basket, going to check out.

As the clerk rang me up, I borrowed his pen and carefully wrote in Japanese; 'You're going to be a daddy!'

I placed the card in the envelope and sealed it, then paid for the food and left.

I took my time walking back to the dojo, still thinking over what Akisame would say.

I arrived back to find the guys sitting around the table, taking a break. The furniture had been moved into the house, but they were probably waiting for me to tell them where to put it.

"I have snacks," I said, holding up the couple of bags.

"Alright!" Sakaki exclaimed, "Did you get beer?"

"Of course," I said.

"I love you!" he declared.

"Apapapapa! Snacks!" Apachai said. "Onigiri?"

"Yes, Apachai," I said.

"Apachai loves you, too!" the hulking man declared.

"Dear, are you…" Akisame asked, standing and making his way over to me.

"I'm fine," I said, with a small smile. "I have something for you." I pulled the card out of the bag and handed it to him. I quickly turned and began pulling the snacks from the bag, setting them on the table.

I heard Akisame tear open the envelope and pull the card free. I didn't turn around. I couldn't stand to see anything bad on his face.

I heard the cardboard scrap against his skin as he opened the card, then silence. I finished emptying the bag and grabbed a package of jerky. I tore it open and put a piece in my mouth, chewing carefully.

"What did she give you, Akisame?" Kensei asked. "You look rather shocked."

"Is it…bad?" Shugure asked. I stood near the table, not turning around. I heard him walking towards me, then felt his hands carefully turn me to face him. He stared at me for a long moment, then bent down and set the card carefully on the table.

"Is it true?" he asked.

"Yes," I confirmed, biting my lip. "Is…is that…alright?" He pulled me to him, kissing me passionately. I moaned and wrapped my arms around his neck, returning the kiss. He wound his arms around me, turning his head for better access to my mouth.

"Yo, we're sitting here!" Sakaki exclaimed. Akisame pulled away, pressing quick but intense kisses to my lips. He stopped suddenly and pulled away.

"What am I doing?" he asked. "You need to sit down and rest!" He quickly grabbed a thick cushion and threw it on the floor, picking me up and setting me on it.

"Do you need anything?" he asked. "Water, juice, tea? Miu can you get her some tea? Wait, tea has caffeine. Make that milk. Milk is good, right?"

Miu stared him wide-eyed, but quickly ran to do as she was asked.

"What's going on?" Kenichi asked.

"Is she dying?" Apachai wailed.

"What's all this noise?" the Elder boomed, walking into the room.

Miu came back in the room with the milk and set it in front of me on the table.

"Are you okay?" she asked. Sakaki looked over and spied the card on the table. He quickly snatched it up.

"Congratulations," he read aloud, then opened it. "You're going to be a…a daddy?! You're pregnant!?"

I smiled and nodded. Sakaki grinned and reached over, lifting me into his arms.

"That's great," he said.

"Apapapa!" Apachai snatched me from Sakaki and hugged me. "Can Apachai play with baby?"

"Ho ho! A baby!" Elder declared.

"I want to…play with the baby…too," Shugure said.

"Now, be careful!" Akisame fretted.

"Yes, she needs her rest," Kensei said.

Apachai blanched but set me back on the cushion Sakaki had plucked me from with the utmost gentleness. I looked at Akisame.

"Are you happy?" I asked. Akisame took my hands in his and kissed them.

"Thrilled, my love," he said. "I swear to be your slave."

"I don't need a slave," I said with a smile. "I just need you."