During their walk home the two discussed ideas on how to reveal the gender of their little ones but it didn't take them long to settle on a more perfect idea.
They would leave the idea to the one man who was like a father to them.
After speaking with Mikage about their idea who was overjoyed and honored to be given such a task, they got ready.
Tomoe helped dress Nanami in a red kimono covered in pink and blue butterflies and yellow lilies.
With everything adjusted and properly fitted her stomach became the center of attention.
Tomoe, who was also dressed in his red and white kimono, felt his heart skip a beat in admiration.
He no longer saw his mate and lover but instead he saw the mother of his kits.
She was so beautiful, making his chest ache and it became hard to breath.
He imagined their little ones peaking out from behind their mother's dress, their tails swaying from side to side and their pointed ears up and alert. Nanami stood at his side her eyes alight and her smile as big as tomorrow and it was his. After waiting nearly an eternity it was all his.
He had been restless his entire life looking for what would make him feel complete. It was how he had crossed paths with Akura-ou only to find that even then he wasn't happy. It wasn't until he had met his precious Nanami that he had found true happiness.
He gathered her into his arms, his thoughts needing to be brought back to reality.
"Tomoe," she squeaked, his sudden embrace catching her off guard. She smiled, burying her face in his chest.
"I love you Nanami."
"And I love you."
The Will-o-Wisp sprites entered the room, "Master Tomoe, Lady Nanami your guests are waiting."
"Thank you," Nanami said.
Tomoe checked his finger under her chin making her look up at him then hungrily kissed her.
"Shall we," he smiled.
She nodded and the two made their way to their garden where their guest's waited.
They found their closest friends chatting loudly among glowing lanterns.
A cry went up from Kei and Ami when they spotted the kitsune and goddess.
Tomoe supported Nanami down the steps to meet the girls.
"Hey Nanami, " Kei smiled.
"You look lovely," Ami replied.
Nanami blushed, "Thank you."
She kept her arms over her chest, using the sleeves of her kimono to hide her stomach.
The others followed, eager to catch up.
They all sat down to a light meal, discussing old memories and enjoying new ones.
After several hours Mikage stood, "My friends it brings me great joy to see you all here. It has been so nice catching up with all of you and seeing how much your lives have blossomed and though this is a reunion I must say that there is a great announcement that is to be made."
"Oh and that would be," Ryuuo Sukuma said, taking a sip of the sake his wife had just poured him.
The god turned to Tomoe and Nanami, "As you know my familiar and his mistress will be having their wedding at the end of the summer."
There was a loud, happy cheer erupting from the table making the lovers smile.
"Yes well, there is another discussion that needs our attention and I shall let Tomoe and Lady Nanami tell you."
Tomoe nodded, standing.
He held his hand out to his love, helping her stand. He then drew her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.
Feeling an overwhelming nervous feeling, she calmed looking to her friends. She felt Tomoe's lips kiss the top of her head, giving her more reassurance.
She took a deep breath, smiling as she spoke, "Tomoe and I would like to let you all be the first to know that we will be adding to our family."
The group sat in stunned silence.
"No way," Kei said as she began to smile.
She nodded, dropping her arms to place her hand over her rounded stomach.
Tomoe also placed his right hand over her stomach while he wrapped his left arm around her waist.
The garden erupted as their friends jumped from their seats to swarm them.
"How far along are you," Ami asked.
"Eighteen weeks."
"Oh wow," Kei said. "So you really are going to have a litter."
Nanami laughed.
"Do you know what you're having?"
She shook her head, "We are letting Lord Mikage make the announcement so we will be as surprised as everyone else."
"That is wonderful news," Himemiko smiled. "When will thy give birth?"
"My midwife says sometime around the end of fall."
While the women were chatting Nanami looked to her love to find he was receiving the same happy treatment.
Kurama slapped him on the back laughing, "You old dog."
Ryuuo laughed, "At a boy."
Mizuki ruffled his friends hair.
She saw a smile she had never seen before cross his lips. He no longer carried himself in tall dignity. He was now relaxed and cheerful.
Mikage cleared his throat, smiling, "Nanami, Tomoe you have entrusted me with an important duty and I am honored that you chose me."
Tomoe collected Nanami into his arms.
"It is with the greatest joy that I inform you that..." He waved his hand gathering pale white butterflies around them. "your little ones are a precious little boy and a beautiful little girl."
The butterflies turned purple and blue as they danced and swirled.
Nanami's knees buckled as tears formed in her eyes and a smile growing on her lips.
Tomoe hugged her tightly against him as he too smiled joyfully.
Their friends let out a cheer of congratulations.
After the excitement they showed off the ultrasound pictures.
The yokai had a hard time deciphering the images but with the help of Kei and Ami they were in awe.
"Thou hast the sweetest faces," Himemiko cooed.
There was a squeal from Ami and Kei, "Oh my god they have like Fox ears and tails."
The women gushed and the men laughed at the thought of seeing little Tomoe's running about.
The new parents snickered as Tomoe drew his ears against his head.
Mikage called out with a smile, "I'm so very glad that you have accepted these little ones but I must say, not everyone will be so happy."
The group grew serious.
Himemiko was the first to speak, "No one shall lay a finger on thine furry heads. They shall have the protection of Tatara Numa."
Ryuuo also chimed in with a forceful nudge from his wife, Lady Kamihime, "They shall also have the protection of the sea. Not even the gods shall harm them."
Kurama smiled, "She may no longer be of pure body but I'm sure I speak for Mt Kurama when I say the young ones will have a place to be safe."
Nanami smiled, "You guys."
Tears rolled down her face at her friends words.
Tomoe smiled, placing his right hand protectively over her stomach, "Thank you all."

After the celebrations came to an end Tomoe and Nanami retired to their room that had once only belonged to Nanami.
Nanami sat on the futon leaning against Tomoe, the two enjoying a bowl of strawberries.
Tomoe placed his arms around her stomach, moving his hands all round in massaging motions.
Nanami sighed, "I'm glad everyone is happy with the twins. Though I didn't want them to feel they had to take such a stand to protect them."
Tomoe smile, "They love you so they also love our children. They wouldn't have it any other way."
Suddenly they felt a soft motion move across Nanami's stomach.
Their grew wide eyes.
Nanami set the bowl aside and placed her hands over her stomach in the hopes of feeling it again.
They didn't have to wait long as the fluttering sensation ran though her stomach and the soft motion passed under their hands.
"Is that," Tomoe asked in wonder.
She smiled, "They are moving."
He moved out from behind her to lay his head on her lap, his ear pressed against her mound.
The sensation came again as he heard the swishing gurgle of his children's motions.
He kissed her stomach, smiling.
She smiled, "Perhaps it's time we name them."
Tomoe smiled, excitement crossing his eyes, "What shall we call them."
Nanami smiled shrugging, "I don't know. Perhaps we should think about it."
He smiled, "Well we do still have some time."