DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"I wish Futo didn't always have to make fun of your weight gain with your pregnancy," Natsume said once he and Ema got home.
"I've just learned to go along with it. It's his way," Ema said, "he was no different with Rika and Tomori when they were pregnant too. And he'd be that way with any of the other wives of our brothers when they get pregnant. The only person he may take an exception for would be the mother of his own child, like Keitorin."
"Futo a father?" Natsume said out loud. He shudder at the idea. "He or she would probably be raised just as arrogant as him!"
"Well, I'm sure Futo would be a good father, in his own way," Ema insisted as she sat down.
"Hmm, maybe," Natsume halfway agreed as he joined her.
"I think all the guys would make an excellent father in some form or another," Ema continued.
"Ugh, the idea of some of them reproducing is terrifying!" Juli said as he suddenly hopped up onto the table.
"Like who?" Ema asked.
"Tsubaki for one!" Juli said, "and he's actually getting married soon!"
Natsume scoffed, "yeah, I can only imagine what a kid like his will turn out, boy or girl!"
"Oh I hope he never has a son!" Juli said in fright. "And then like you were saying, Futo as a dad! Like the world needs more snobby arrogant self-centered youths!"
"Futo has his good qualities," Ema insisted, "and so does Tsubaki."
"Granted, but that doesn't make it any less terrifying to imagine them as fathers, with actual offspring," Natsume said.
"You know another one that would be terrifying as a father? Kaname!" Juli continued.
"Ugh, yeah, he'd raise himself a little pervert like him no doubt, girl or boy," Natsume agreed, "though luckily it doesn't look like he'll be having any kids at this point."
"Well, that's not entirely true," Ema said, "he may still, if he finds the right woman."
"He'd have to serious take a step back to do that," Juli said.
"Come on, let's stop badmouthing our brothers like this. I'm too tired to listen to you two share insults about them like this," Ema spoke up.
"Sorry Ema,"
"Sorry Chi,"
"Can I get you anything?" Natsume asked.
"Mmm, can I maybe get another pillow for my back?" Ema asked.
"Coming up," Natsume said as he pulled one out of the closet. He helped adjust Ema so she could rest against it.
"Thank you, you're always so good to me," Ema said, looking half asleep.
"You think you have enough strength to change into pajamas?" Natsume asked.
"I'll think I can," Ema said, although she still looked like she was struggling to stay awake.
"Hang on," Natsume said as he quickly helped change her clothes.
"Oh wow, my clothes are really starting to get tight!" Ema complained once they were done.
"Yeah, I wonder how much of your wardrobe still fits. At least until we can you some new clothes," Natsume said.
"Some of my dress might still fit, but I doubt any of my pants will soon," Ema said.
"We'll start ordering you some more clothes from Futo's site tomorrow," Natsume promised.
"Speaking of which, what are we going to wear to the interview?" Ema asked.
"Oh," Natsume muttered, "I, uh...," he started thumbing through his clothes. "Would a suit work?"
"What about one of your nice white shirts with black pants? That way I can wear my white skirt and shirt. The one with the expanding waist?" Ema suggested.
"Something like this?" Natsume asked as he pulled out both the outfit she described and one of his own shirts.
Ema smile and nodded. "They look casual enough and nice enough. Plus we'll match."
"Well, I guess it could work," Natsume agreed, putting the clothes away. "Do you think you can fit the skirt? Because I'm sure we can order or go shopping for a new outfit before Friday."
Ema but her lip in thought. "Bring it here," she requested with a gesture. Natsume obeyed and laid if down over her. Ema held it up against her waist.
"Mmm, it will be a tight fit," she said.
"We'll find another one for you, or figure out a different outfit," Natsume as he put it away. "in the meantime, get some rest. You're tired."
Ema didn't respond.
"Ema?" Natsume called out.
"Shh, she's asleep," Juli said.
"Oh," Natsume said softly, "right." He walked over and covered her with a blanket and graced her forehead with a kiss. Natsume noticed her sleeping face form a smile.
He then headed towards his computer.
"You're not going to bed too?" Juli asked.
"Well, I figured I should find an outfit similar to what Ema wants that'll fit her," Natsume whispered as he typed around.
"Think you can, given how big she's getting?" Juli asked.
"We'll see, she's not too big yet," Natsume said as he searched.
"She is starting to get there, isn't she?" Juli asked. Natsume could tell he was getting worried about her.
"Don't worry, doctor says she's doing fine," Natsume assured him.
"Hmm," Juli hummed.
"Juli, we've come a long way in the way of medical treatment, particularly with childbirth. I'm sure she'll be fine," Natsume assured him, "it's going to be okay."
"I'm glad you can be so confident," Juli said.
"Well I guess it's just because I have faith in Dr. Senyu," Natsume said, "the man clearly knows what he's doing."
Juli seemed to relax a little at his statement. "Hmm, well if you trust him."
"Just try and relax okay? Everything's going to be okay. Ema's going to give birth safely to four healthy babies and they'll all grow up happy and safe, under your watchful eye of course," Natsume insisted.
Juli nodded, "you're probably right, those babies are going to be just fine and Chi will do well throughout the rest of her pregnancy!"
"That a boy," Natsume encouraged as he continued to research an outfit for Ema.
"Sorry about some of Futo's rude comments yesterday," Keitorin said, once again visiting Ema's office, helping with various assignments.
"Oh, I've just grown accustomed to them. They hardly bother me," Ema said, "or at the very least, as Futo would say, 'am too ignorant to tell when I'm being insulted.' "
"Yeah, that's sounds like him," Keitorin said.
"Besides, if he were to ever cross a line, I doubt Natsume or any of the other brothers would let him get away with it," Ema also mentioned, actually smiling over her husband's caring nature.
"Yeah, I'm actually a little surprised he didn't smack Futo last night at some point," Keitorin said.
"Well Natsume's not usually a violent man. Unless really pushed," Ema explained, "I could see Yusuke or maybe Azusa or Tsubaki giving him a slap. But it would have to be a really insensitive insult for Natsume to turn violent. And at least Futo knows his limits."
"Let's hope so," Keitorin said.
"Mrs. Asahina?" Mr. Gijo suddenly walked into the office. Everyone looked over at him as he came in with an professionally dressed woman who looked a little intimidating at first glance.
"Yes?" Ema asked as she looked up from her work.
"I wanted to introduce you to Mrs. Sekken who'll be doing the interview for your article in the magazine," Mr. Gijo said gesturing to the woman coming in after him.
"Oh hello," Ema said.
"I wanted to run by some of the questions I hope to ask, make sure none of them would make you or your husband uncomfortable to answer," Mrs. Sekken said as she handed Ema a sheet of paper.
"If you want to go over this together and cross out any you don't want to have asked for the article. Then bring it with you Friday."
"Thank you," Ema said, as she read it over, "I'll make sure to go over this with him."
"Also, I was wondering if you could recommend a photographer to take some pictures during the interview from among the other staff photographers?" Mrs. Sekken asked.
"Uh," Ema started to say.
"Hey," Keitorin whispered, "why not ask Rumi? It's a simple enough job and she can could use some practice in free form."
Ema looked over at the woman who was minding her own business and focusing on her assigned task.
"Would she want to?" Ema whispered back.
"I think so," Keitorin said, "she has a lot of the same determination to be a well established photographer like that bitch you fired, but she's at least willing to go at it the honest hard working way."
"Hmm, okay," Ema agreed. "Hey Rumi?"
"Yes?" the young woman said turning around.
"Do you think you could try doing the photos for my interview Friday?" Ema asked.
"Me?" Rumi asked.
"Her?" Mr. Gijo said, "are you sure that's a good idea? I heard the last time you recommended a newbie, she botched OUTDOOR LOVERS photo shoot and they had to re-do it."
"Yes, and she helped with the re-do," Ema said in Rumi's defense.
"Plus she's way more cooperative and willing to follow orders," Keitorin also mentioned.
"She's a real nice person too," Wazuki spoke up.
"Well?" Mr. Gijo said stroking his chin while also looking at Mrs. Sekken.
"It's not like it's a major photo shoot. Just some simple pictures of them while they're on they're sitting being interviewed. It'd be pretty hard to mess that up."
"Well, okay, if you feel good about it, we'll use her," Mr. Gijo allowed, "you can come with your boss on Friday."
"Thank you!" Rumi said bowing her head.
Once the pair had left, Rumi ran over to Ema's desk.
"Thank you both for suggesting me! I promise I'll do my best!" she said excited.
"Of course," Ema said with a smile.
"I'm so glad you're not put off of the idea of some of us helping with photoshoots after all that incident with Kai," Rumi also mentioned sheepishly.
"Kai made her choice of how she handed opportunities for herself. What happened to her was her own doing. And what happens to you will be your own doing," Ema assured her. Rumi nodded in understanding.
Ema smiled at her before looking at her watch.
"Oh I should get going to my next doctor's appointment, excuse me," she said as she gathered her things.
"Hope everything still well with the babies," Keitorin said, "Futo's still hoping to to come to one of the appointments himself."
"Well today hopefully Mizu and Kadia will be there. That's how this whole thing happened, I offered them a chance to come and suddenly all the brothers seem to want to come to one. And I just can't say no," Ema said.
Keitorin looked stunned.
"Your brothers must really adore you," she said.
"Well the feeling's mutual," Ema said as she headed out.
When she got to the doctor's office, Ema saw Natsume heading to the front doors himself. She honked the horn, getting his attention, and waving at him.
Natsume smiled as she drove past, and stood waiting for her to park and join him.
"Hi," Ema greeted as she came up to him.
"Hey, glad to see you made it in time," Natsume said, giving her a kiss in the process, before opening the door for her.
As the two walked in, and headed to their section of the waiting room, the saw four familiar faces already there.
"Hello," Masaomi said looking up from where his son and niece were playing. Ukyo also looked up.
"Hi, guess we got here a little early," he said.
"Have you been waiting long?" Ema asked as she sat down. Natsume went to check in.
"Nah, maybe five, ten minutes," Masaomi insisted.
"Kids still excited to see their cousins?" Ema asked.
"Are we going in?" Mizu asked looking up from his toy finally.
"Soon," Natsume said as he rejoined the group. "How was school?"
"Teacher said I made the best circle out of the entire class," Kadia bragged.
"Impressive," Natsume said.
"That's nothing!" Mizu boasted, "guess who can count all the way to 20?"
"All the way huh?" Natsume asked, "without having to use your fingers and toes?"
"Nope," Mizu said proud.
"Well good for you," Ema praised.
"Asahina?" a receptionist suddenly called out.
"That's us," Natsume said as everyone stood and followed the woman in. She led the group down to Dr. Senyu's office where he was working.
"Good afternoon Dr. Senyu," Ema said kindly.
"Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Asahina, welcome," Dr. Senyu greeted looking up from his work. He looked past them to the other four joining them.
"And Masa! Long time no see!" he said as he jumped up and shook Masaomi's hand.
"It's nice to see you again Yuka," Masaomi said with a smile.
"You know him daddy?" Mizu asked.
"Yes, we attended the same medschool for a while, we were just in different fields, like your Aunt Tomori," Masaomi explained.
"Oh," Mizu said.
"Does this mean you knew my mommy?" Kadia asked.
"Of course I know your mommy, she and I have actually worked together once or twice. Plus she usually sends paitents to see me if she thinks they'd do better here, like your aunt and uncle for example," Dr. Senyu explained, "speaking of which, you two ready to see your cousins?"
"Yeah!" Both kids shouted.
"I even drew them a picture!" Kadia said, holding it up.
"Ah that's very sweet dear, but they won't be able to see it just yet from within your aunt's belly," Dr. Senyu explained kindly.
"Told you, stupid," Mizu said.
"Mizu!" his father scolded, "don't call your cousin stupid!"
"Sorry," Mizu muttered embarrassed.
"Don't worry Kadia," Ema said in comfort, "You hang on to the picture and give it to the babies when they're born and able to see it."
"Will they?" Kadia asked.
"Sure they will," Natsume said.
"In the meantime, are we ready to see the babies?" Dr. Senyu asked.
"Yay!" both children shouted excited.
"Go ahead and lay down Mrs. Asahina, and we'll get started on the ultrasound," Dr. Senyu encouraged.
"Yes of course," Ema said as Natsume helped her up onto the table and she pulled up her shirt.
"How have you been feeling overall?" Dr. Senyu asked as he returned to his desk and collected Ema's folder.
"Getting a little tired more easily these days," Ema admitted, "I was doing this photoshoot not too long ago and go so worn out by the end of it. It was fairly long one though."
"Hmm," Dr. Senyu said as he wrote down his notes, "well that is to be expected at this point with this type of pregnancy. You may have to start cutting back on certain activities that require a lot of standing or moving for long periods of time, less you wear yourself out."
"How am I supposed to do that if I'm having to do photoshoots?" Ema asked.
"Well, all I could recommend is to maybe find a way to sit down while you do the pictures, or try taking a few more breaks during them so you can pace yourself," Dr. Senyu recommend.
"When should she consider going on maternity leave?" Natsume asked.
"It'll depend on how big they get as we get closer to the designated birth date, which we will want to start discussing," Dr. Senyu said.
"You don't have a date in mind, do you?" Natsume asked.
"I think we should consider towards the beginning of July personally. That would be the right time frame to deliver all four safely," Dr. Senyu said.
"So if Ema wasn't expecting four, would she have given birth in September?" Masaomi asked.
"Oh yes, most likely," Dr. Senyu said, "now who's ready to see the four?"
Mizu and Kadia looked like they wanted to burst.
Dr. Senyu started up the machine and moved the wand around Ema's utterus.
"And, there they are," he said as at least one of the babies came into view.
Both children tried standing on tiptoe to get a look at the screen.
"Who's that?" Mizu asked as one baby came into view.
"Uh, we don't know yet, we haven't exactly assigned names yet," Natsume said. "Plus we still don't know what genders they all are."
"They should be big enough to see now, if you wish," Dr. Senyu mentioned, "that is if you're still waiting to see if your brother's prediction is correct."
"I want to still," Ema said.
"I don't care," Natsume said, "as long as they're all born healthy and safe. And you stay safe and healthy when you they're born, Ema."
"Thank you," Ema said.
"Can we try guessing what they are?" Mizu asked.
"Absolutely," Dr. Senyu said, "we can even write them down to see how close you are when they're born. I have some blank paper and a pen on my desk."
Ukyo quickly grabbed it and stood at the ready.
"Well?" Dr. Senyu asked.
"I bet that's one's a boy! Definitely a boy!" Mizu said.
"No, I bet that's a girl!" Kadia insisted.
"Next baby, here he or she comes," Dr. Senyu said as he moved the wand.
"Oh a boy for sure!"
"No, it's got to be a girl!"
"Moving on,"
"Oh another boy! Another boy!"
"No a girl!"
"And, here's the last one,"
"Oh there's a boy!"
"No I think that's a girl!"
"So we have four boys or four girls?" Ukyo said looking at his notes with a smirk.
"We'll just have to hang on to these notes for when the babies actually come," Masaomi said, as Ukyo handed Dr. Senyu the note page.
"But overall, what do you kids think? Exciting to see your cousins like this?" Dr..Senyu asked.
"Yeah!" both kids agreed.
"I bet you all will get along just fine," Dr. Senyu said.
"In the meantime, we do have a few more examinations to do for your aunt, not quite as exciting as seeing her babies on the monitor," Dr. Senyu said.
"Yeah, we should probably give you your privacy," Masaomi said as he and Ukyo collected their children.
"But let's thank Aunt Ema and Uncle Natsume for letting us come and see the babies," Ukyo said.
"Thank you Aunt Ema and Uncle Natsume," both children said together.
"It was exciting to see the little ones," Masaomi said.
"Yes, makes it even more exciting for the birth day," Ukyo said, both brothers looking super excited over the notion.
"Thanks for coming," Ema said as everyone walked out.
"Speaking of the birth date," Dr. Senyu, "now that we're alone maybe we can discuss it more."
"You were saying we should expect a July birth?" Natsume asked.
"Yes, by my calculations, that would probably be the safest time to deliver your babies," Dr. Senyu explained, "as we get closer, we can pick an actual date."
"We'll be doing a C-section for them correct," said Natsume.
"Yes, that is probably your best bet for the sake of your wife and children."
Both Ema and Natsume nodded.
"I'm sure it'll be safe and secure," Ema said.
"How are they looking, right now, Doctor?" Natsume asked.
"Glad you asked," Dr. Senyu said as he started up his machine again, "I've started to notice one baby in particular is a little smaller than the rest. And it does worry me slightly. I'll have to keep a sharper eye on that one as we continue."
He moved the wand over to show the baby he was talking about.
"How bad is it, the small one? Not too small I hope," Natsume said.
"Not really, there's usually one that this happens to, but it looks like it's still at a fairly decent weight that by the time the birth comes around it should be born safe amon its siblings. We'll probably have to keep it longer in the NICU out of the others to help get its weight up. But that's typical among these kinds of pregnancies," Dr. Senyu explained.
"But it should be born safe, right?" Ema asked.
"Yes, yes it will," Dr. Senyu assured her, "I've seen worse cases and the baby is doing fine now adays."
"Any other concerns or problems we should be aware of?" Natsume asked.
"Not to the same level as the one I mentioned. One also seems a little smaller than its siblings, but not too bad. The other two look to be doing just fine," Dr. Senyu said.
"And Ema? She's doing okay?" Natsume asked, squeezing her hand.
"Oh yes, the diet and excersise I recommend seem to be doing good," Dr. Senyu said happily, "but you should be cutting back on some of those hard tasks like I've said. Hopefully you'll be able to take time off early for your health sake."
Ema nodded, "I'll speak to my supervisors."
Dr. Senyu nodded. "Anything else you've been noticing with your pregnancy? Any unusual pains or whatnot?"
"No, nothing above the original," Ema said.
"Good, good," Dr. Senyu said. "Let's hope that continues through to the end."
"Thank you doctor," Natsume said.
"So, which of your brothers will be joining us next week?" Dr. Senyu joked.
"Don't know yet, I assume it's whoever shows up," Natsume said.
"Thank you for letting us have our brothers join us," Ema said.
"Oh it's no big deal," Dr. Senyu assured her, "I'm just glad they also understand that I'd like to keep it two at a time. You'll have plenty of appointments for each."
"So true," Natsume said.
Just then his phone started to go off.
"Excuse me," Natsume said as he answered.
"Hello Mr. Asahina, this is Mr. Ejento," came his realtor's voice.
"Oh hello," Natsume replied.
"Just wanted to share some good news with you. We just got done showing the house to one of the two groups and Mr. Ihito totally turned them down."
"Oh, really?" Natsume said, "Did he give a reason by chance?"
"Uh, well, he said after the couple had left that he didn't feel like they totally appreciated the house the same way you and your wife did. How he decided that I don't know, but looks like you're still in the front running for the house. We still have one more schedule for showing, but if Mr. Ihito rejects them too, we should be able to get the paperwork started for you owning the house."
"That would be amazing," Natsume said, "thank you."
"We'll be in touch," Mr. Ejento promised as he hung up.
Natsume smiled a little with pride right before his phone rang again.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hello Mr. Asahina, this is Mr. Ihito's son, we met back at the house. I got your number from the realtors," said Young Mr. Ihito, "I was calling to let you know Father rejected the couple we showed the house to today. I think he really wants you and your wife to have it."
"Does he? Ah yes thank you," Natsume said.
"We'll let you know how it goes with the last batch coming up, but I think you should go ahead and get your things packed. Dad really liked you guys," Young Mr. Ihito insisted, "Of course, so did my sister and I as well. There's just something about the two of you that suggests you are the right ones for the kids."
"Thank you sir, I look forward to hearing back from you in regards to the house," Natsume said.
"What's that about the house?" Ema asked.
Natsume turned around and saw her all ready to go.
"Both Mr. Ejento and Young Mr. Ihito were calling to let me know Senior Mr. Ihito rejected the couple that came to look at the house today and that it's looking good for the two of us to hopefully get it in the end," Natsume explained.
"Really?" Ema said excited, "that's great!"
"Yeah," Natsume agreed, "I'm feeling happy about this."
"I am not feeling happy about this," Natsume muttered as he waited impatiently for the interview with him and Ema to start.
"What's that?" Ema said as she came out dressed in the outfit Natsume had ordered for her. She even did a small twirl.
"Oh nothing," Natsume said, "how does the outfit fit?"
"Great!" Ema said, "thank you for finding it!"
Natsume nodded, finally smiling a little.
"Mr. Asahina, Mrs. Asahina, I thank you so much for doing this," Mrs. Sekken said as she approached the couple. Rumi was behind her, making adjustments with her camera.
"You're welcome," Natsume said.
"Go ahead and take a seat on the couch," Mrs. Sekken instructed as she took a seat across from the couch that was set up for the pair. She looked back at Rumi with a suspicious look. "And you, photographer," she said.
"It's Rumi ma'am," Rumi said.
"Don't care," Mrs. Sekken said, "just see to it you take good pictures. I'd hate to have to do a re-shoot. As I'm sure the Asahinas would agree."
"Yes," Natsume muttered.
"I'll do my best," Rumi said as she got herself position to start taking pictures.
"Now then, let's begin," Mrs. Sekken said, "I guess we'll start with probably the most commonly asked question, how did you first feel upon hearing you were expecting quadruplets?"
"Shocked, for sure," Ema said.
"Yes, we certainly didn't expect to have so many all at once," Natsume added.
"Was there any fear as well?" Mrs. Sekken asked.
"Oh definitely, both health concerns and financial," Natsume said. "I'm sure there's some people who don't realize how much it cost to take care of one baby. But four, it can be a nightmare."
"Now when you mention health scare, who's health are you most concerned for?" Mrs. Sekken asked.
"Ema's really, particularly when it comes to the time for the birth. I worry how safe it'll be for Ema to give and how safe it'll be for the babies. I worry how she'll feel if something drastic happens to any one of them," Natsume said.
"It would be devastating if something happened to any one of our children," Ema agreed, "but it's so kind that Natsume cares like that." She looked at Natsume with a huge affection smile.
"Now did you even want a big family like this?" Mrs. Sekken asked.
"Well, kind of," Ema said, "I grew up as an only child, with my father away so often. I always wanted a big family dynamic."
"I guess I wanted some type of big family too, but just not too big. Since I grew up among 12 brothers, 2 being my triplets, I kind of hoped to keep a little small. But a family of six doesn't sound too big to handle," Natsume said.
"Even with the financial situation?" Mrs. Sekken asked.
"Even then," Natsume assured her.
"Speaking of your many brothers, how did they take the news you were expecting four!"
"Oh they're excited!" Ema said, "they're all looking forward to being an uncle four times over. I hope my children are as close as they all are. And I hope they have a good relationship with their 12 uncles."
Natsume merely nodded in agreement.
"Do you feel they'll help support the two of you when the babies come?"
"Oh yes," Natsume spoke up, "I predict at least two or more to practically move in to help out once they come. Wether we want them to or not."
"Not that we won't appreciate them doing that," Ema said, "they've already been helping out a lot. They're helping us look for a new home, let us borrow some of their own baby furniture to save cost, helping us find good places to buy baby clothes. And my maternity clothes. One of their girlfriends is even helping us a sort of housekeeper, doing chores for us in-between her studies."
"And we're very grateful to her for that," Natsume also added.
"And they've also helped us find places to buy things like formula and baby food. Something we will be needing," Ema said.
"Wow, what an amazing supportive family," Mrs. Sekken said impressed, "do you think you'd be able to handle it, having four at once, without such support from your brothers?"
"Maybe, but it would be a lot more difficult," Natsume answered. "It is good to know we have such support from all of them."
"So would you say good old family values may still exist in this world?"
"In a way yes, but at the same time, every family is different and as long as they do their best to raise their children to be a good person, they should follow whatever values they see fit," Natsume said.
"That's a nice thought," Mrs. Sekken said, "but do you think you'll try raising your kids under the guise of "family values " and whatnot?"
"We like to think we're at least going to try," Ema said.
"Having any hope or expectations on what the genders are?"
"Well I'd like it to be an even way split I'd possible," Ema admitted, "but as long as all four are born safe and healthy and are able to live long enough to hopefully make us grandparents someday, I'll be happy."
"I suppose growing up among so many brothers, it might be a nice change to maybe have some girls," Natsume said, "not that I'd be disappointed if they end up being boys. As long as they turn out the way Ema described."
"Do you have any names picked out?"
"We have some potential," Ema started to say.
"But we'd rather save that bit of information until after the babies are born," Natsume finished.
"We'll I'm sure all the readers will be eager to hear what they are," Mrs. Sekken mentioned, "speaking of the birth, are you thinking you'll want to remain a stay at home mother once the babies are born, Mrs. Asahina?"
"Uh, we'll have to wait and see how things turn out," Ema said, "I'd like to return to work. I like my job after all."
"What about you Mr. Asahina? Think you could being a stay at home father?"
"If the situation calls for it," Natsume said, "I could see staying home, taking care of my children."
"You wouldn't object to your wife being the main breadwinner?"
"I don't see why not," Natsume said, "my mother was practically. She's a very successful business woman. And I'd like to think my wife could be a good provider and set a good example to any daughters we may have."
"Do you think you'll want more children after these four?"
"Eh, no," Ema said.
"Yeah no," Natsume agreed, "this is going to be it for us."
"If maybe we had some individually to start off with, we'd consider more, but four at once is all we need," Ema explained.
"Well I hope the four of you are happy with the four little ones," Mrs. Sekken said. "and I think that's the end of the questions."
"Thank you," Natsume muttered, as he stood up and stretched a little. "you need anything?"
"A water?" Ema asked.
"Can somebody get my wife a water?" Natsume asked.
"Here," an assistant quickly appeared with a bottle.
Ema drank it with some heavy gulps.
"Hey, Boss, I hope you like how the photo turn out," Rumi said.
"Why don't you go ahead and head back to the office and see how they're looking," Ema suggested, "I'm sure they're good."
"Thanks Boss," Rumi said as she hurried off.
"I'm surprised you're letting another assistant take a chance at doing a photo shoot on their own so soon," Natsume said.
"Well Rumi's going about it a little better than Kai did," Ema said, "I don't want to be totally against giving assistants a chance to advance themselves."
"Hmm, well hopefully she doesn't squander her chance like that bitch," Natsume said as he helped himself to water bottle too.
Just then he and Ema noticed a newcomer to the group the room.
"Hello Mr. Shohan," Ema said as her boss came up to them.
"Hello, how did the interview go?" Mr. Shohan said.
"Not too bad, I suppose," Natsume muttered.
"I'm looking forward to the follow up once the babies are born," Mr. Shohan said.
"Oh that'll be fun," Natsume continued to mutter. "doing an interview with four infants."
"Well, anyway, Ema, good news, the article about your stepbrother Futo was a big hit and the new photos for the article about Dr. Mori was a great success. So Mr. Bumon and I have agreed to let you use your friend Miss Garasu be your stand in while you deal with your pregnancy and are on your maternity leave."
"Oh that's good to hear!" Ema said excited, "especially since I may have to go on maternity leave earlier than planned."
"Doctor's orders?" Mr Shohan asked. Ema nodded.
"We'll make sure to work that out for you then," he promised as he headed out.
"Good to know your boss has your back," Natsume said. "Pays to be a good employee."
"Looks like the only thing we'll have to worry about now is getting the house," Ema said.
"And hopefully we'll get some good news about that soon," Natsume said, not wanting to show he was still a little worried it may not happen.