Anything in Italics is sign language

Neji walked into the main area of the house, and stood agasp at the art work that had been painted onto the walls. He took in the imagery of a grassy field, the sunflowers, and the small humming birds that were feeding on the nectar from the flowers. He noticed a few daffodils and daisies in the field as well with a few hawks in the sky.

His eyes met Chiaki's as a broad smile broke out across his face and he admitted, "I can't believe this."

"I was going to wait a bit longer to do it, but—you and the kids weren't here—and it was a good way to keep my mind focused on something else," she admitted.

Momo smiled as she walked by Neji, bending down a little to be eye level with Suzume as she announced, "there's some hot cocoa in the kitchen, and a choice of ebi chili or herring soba."

Tetsuya looked to Chiaki with wide eyes, his Aunt smiled as she confirmed, "it's the spicy chili you like. I made the soba for Neji."

The boy's face lit up as he ran into the kitchen with Suzume close behind him calling out, "wait Tetsu, I wanna try it!"

Neji looked to Chiaki and gently played with her hair. Brunette hair, amber eyes, thoughtful, strong, and humble, how had he managed to find such a woman?

"You're incredible," he praised her as he rested his forehead against hers. She smiled and as she cupped his cheek before her eyes went wide, and shifted his hand to her stomach. He chuckled as a broad smile broke across his face. He began rubbing her stomach while he gently soothed, "go easy on your mom, little one."

"About eight more weeks and we gain a new little person in this house," Chiaki commented.

"Give or take fourteen days," Neji reminded her.

She rolled her eyes at his insistence that the baby would not be arriving on time but either early or late. Despite her subtle annoyance, she knew he was likely correct. Babies rarely, if ever, arrived right on their due date.

She looked up to him when he said, "I was wondering if we could revisit a topic?"

"Of course we can," she agreed before admitting, "I was wanting to revisit the names we chose anyways. It isn't that I don't like Hinagiku but it unfortunately sounds a bit similar to Rangiku."

"That's what I was wanting to discuss as well, perhaps we could use Hinagiku as a middle name and use Nozomi for the girl's name?"

"I definitely like that better, or I was also thinking Yuuki could work," Chiaki suggested. Neji was about to reply but noticed a look on Chiaki's face. He turned around and saw the seventh division lieutenant, Atau Rindo standing where the others had left.

He began gesturing with his hands, and Neji stepped back observing the conversation between the two old friends.

First Rindo had signed; I heard about what happened. Are the children okay?

Chiaki replied with; yes. Neji went with Shuhei, Ikkaku and Renji to find them and track down Suzume's kidnapper. They're both warming up with some chili and hot cocoa.

Rindo responded; Thank goodness. I was worried.

Chiaki scoffed and couldn't help but roll her eyes as she signed in response; you were worried? So why weren't you off with the search party? You show up after the crisis has passed, it's so typical of you Atau. Don't even bother trying to tell me that you were on a mission. I know my father sent a replacement to relieve you of that assignment.

Rindo seemed irritated by this as he signed back; don't start with that, please. I was torn between going to him and staying with you, knowing your condition.

Chiaki slapped her palm to her forehead before angrily telling him; oh no! You do not get to play that card! You made your choice long ago and it wasn't me, and then when things got too real with her, you ran away again. You're good in a fight, but when it comes to life, you're a complete coward.

He held aggression in his movements as he shot back; you don't know what it's like living like this. You wanted things that I was afraid of and then when those things happened with someone else I ran, yes! I can't hear! How would I know if he was getting into something he shouldn't have? How could I keep him safe? I don't keep away because I don't love my son, I keep away because I love him and I want what's best for him.

Chiaki shook her head as she retaliated; what's best for him is to have a father who won't turn tail and run. Stop making excuses. You've never supported him. You never fed him when he was a baby. Never changed a diaper, you'd hold him and cuddle him but that's the extent of it. All of the love and care he's ever had he's gotten from myself, Dad and Nanao. Even when Mizuki died and the legal responsibility should've passed to you, you rejected it, so I stepped up. Someone had to! I don't regret taking him on as my dependent. He's my nephew after all, and I do love him dearly, but don't for one second try to tell me that you had to choose between myself and him and that's why you stayed away when he could've used your skills to track Suzume and come back safe quicker. After all, you chose Mizuki over me.

Neji's eyes grew wide as he glanced to Atau, who was in the middle of signing a few vulgar things. However Neji stepped between the two, facing Rindo. He brought up his hands and signed out to the Lieutenant while speaking for Chiaki to hear, "Why don't we all just sit down, have some tea, cool our tempers a bit? Once our heads are a bit more level, the three of us can talk this out. There's no need for anyone to turn nasty about this. It's been a trying day for all of us, but there's one thing that unifies the three of us. No matter how involved or uninvolved we are we all clearly care about Tetsuya's best interest. Let's work together to find something that works for all of us, but most importantly for him."

Rindo gained a slight downcast gaze, his shoulders sagging as he nodded his head in agreement. Chiaki also nodded her head and signed for Rindo to see; I think that's best. We are getting a bit heated.

He gained a small smile and nodded his head again. Neji smiled and gently squeezed Chiaki's shoulder, while he made his way into the kitchen.