DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"Oh wow that is so cool!" Wataru exclaimed as he looked at the monitor showing the quadruplets, "there's all my nieces and nephews! They're all so cute!"
"Eh, they look okay I guess," Futo said as he too observed, "looking kind of crowded in there though."
"Well that should be expected," Dr. Senyu said as he moved the wand around.
It had been two weeks from Ema's last appointment and this time Futo and Wataru had come for their turn to see the babies in person.
"Will they be okay coming out?" Wataru asked.
"Don't worry, C-sections have become relatively safe in the modern age. They'll be fine," Dr. Senyu assured him.
"Well, anything else you have to show us?" Futo asked looking like he was getting bored.
"Not really, just a few other things to check out with your sister," Dr. Senyu said.
"Then let's go, come on Wataru," Futo insisted.
"On sec," Wataru said. He gave Ema a fast hug. "Thanks for letting me come see! I've been dying to see the babies for real. Course now I'm even more impatient to see them born!"
"Of course you are," Natsume said, as he patted the youngest brother's head.
"Come on let's go!" Futo insisted, "I promise Masa I'd get you home! Now let's go!"
"Okay, okay I'm coming," Wataru said as he headed out.
"Can't believe I had to spend my day off babysitting," Futo muttered, "I probably won't get another day off till Tsubaki's batchelor party."
"What about the night of the award ceremony?" Ema asked.
"What about it?" Futo asked.
"Well if you're busy, you don't have to come spend the evening with me," Ema explained.
Futo scoffed, "so you and your hubby can go around telling everyone I snubbed you?"
"Hey now," Natsume started to say.
"I said I'd come spend the evening with you and I'm going to, end of story. So you better believe it," Futo insisted.
"What a burden for sure," Natsume said.
"Speaking of the award ceremony, think this dress will work for Keitorin?" Futo said showing them a picture of his phone of a white one sleeve dress.
"Wow that's pretty, she'll look amazing in that," Ema declared.
"Well of course, as long as it's not too much for your silly amateur award show," Futo said.
"It'll be fine," Natsume said.
"Hey, Futo, you coming?" Wataru asked as he poked his head back in.
"Yeah, hold your horses, small stuff," Futo said, "see you two later. You'll be coming to the batchelor party right Natsume?"
"I suppose I'll make an appearance, less Tsubaki give me all the grief he can muster," Natsume said.
"I get to come to that too, right?" Wataru asked as he and Futo finally walked out.
"You wish short stuff," Futo said.
"Hey, I'm in highschool, I can handle it," Wataru whined.
"Sure you can," Futo said.
Natsume shook his head over hearing his brothers argue.
"Will Wataru get to go to that?" Ema asked.
"Well considering Tsubaki wants to have it at that amusement park, maybe Wataru can come for a short while. I'm sure Masaomi and Mother will allow that," Natsume said.
"You have quite the interesting family Mr. Asahina," Dr. Senyu said, "I'll be curious to see who comes next."
"Do we know who will be coming next?" Ema asked.
"It's either going to be Tsubaki and Azusa, Kaname and Hikaru or Louis and Iori," Natsume said.
"Subaru probably won't be able to come till much later, and Yusuke said he'd come with him when that happens."
"I saw your brother's game last night, he was on fire. And that sweet kiss he gave his girlfriend at the end, they are a cute couple I must say," Dr. Senyu mentioned.
"Ah, that's nice of you to say," Ema said.
"Anyway, how is the little one you mentioned last time doing?" Natsume asked.
"Hmm about the same as last time, smallest of the bunch but not too serious yet," Dr. Senyu said.
"When should start worrying about the sizes of all four?" Natsume asked.
"As we get closer to the due date I would imagine," Dr. Senyu said, "if it's looking like one or more of them haven't grown enough, we'll have to take extra precautions once they're actually born."
"But so far so good?" Natsume asked.
"Yeah, you're taking good care of them," Dr. Senyu assured him.
"Well it's good to know everything is still going okay for the babies, even the little one," Ema said when they got home.
"Yeah," Natsume agreed softly. He didn't want to admit it out loud to Ema, but ever since Dr. Senyu had mentioned that one was visibly smaller than the rest, reality was starting to sink in a little more about the dangers of having a multiple birth.
What if something serious did happen to that one child due to its size? What if it was born so small it...
'No, I can't think that way! I can't assume the worst like that! Especially for Ema's sake!' he thought.
"Natsume, are you okay?" Ema suddenly asked.
"Huh? Of course, what would make you think otherwise?" Natsume quickly said.
"You just looked deep in thought is all," Juli mentioned suspicious.
"Sorry," Natsume sputtered, "I was kinda of pondering what to wear to the award ceremony myself."
"I would assume you'd just wear your good suit like last time," Juli said.
"Were you hoping for something nicer, Natsume?" Ema asked, "we can get you a new suit if you want one."
"No, I'm sure Juli's right, my current one is just fine," Natsume said as he opened the closet door and walked in. He was surprised when Juli joined him.
"Something else on your mind? Something you're keeping from Chi and me?" he whispered sternly.
"I have a good reason from keeping it from Ema," Natsume whispered back, "I'm worried about the little baby the doctor mentioned. I'll admit I'm slightly frightened what might happen to it as we continue on with the pregnancy between now and when they all come."
"Oh, I see," Juli said.
"And if I bring it up to Ema, it'll just start her worrying too," Natsume explained.
"You got that right," Juli agreed, "well at least you have me to talk to if you need it."
"Thanks," Natsume said as he grabbed his good suit.
"And I'm positive all four babies will be born safe and secure, even the small one," Juli said.
"Yeah, I'm sure I'm just overreacting to the whole thing," Natsume said. "I mean, only two weeks ago I was practically comforting you over the same thing."
"Well you can't help it if something starts to sorta take a toll on you," Juli admitted, "look, just relax for now. You got other things to worry about too. Getting that house, that rascal Tsubaki's batchelor party and wedding, and going to the award ceremony for Chi."
"You're right," Natsume said as he finally left the closet.
"Do you need to take it to the dry cleaners before the show?" Ema asked.
"No, I think it's still good," Natsume said.
"Didn't you wear the same suit the last time I was nominated?" Ema asked looking a little amused by the memory.
"I think I did," Natsume said as he hung his suit back up, "of course I wasn't the one getting the attention that night."
"You're not nervous about having to get up in front of everyone to give a speech are you?" Ema asked.
"No, I've gotten up in front of big crowds before, speaking about some of our games or accept an award myself," Natsume reminded her.
"Okay, just making sure you're doing okay, you do seem a little nervous about something," Ema explained.
"It's nothing, I guess I'm just anxious to hear about the last group that's supposed to be looking at the house and hear what Mr. Ihito senior has to say about it," Natsume explained.
"Do you know when we'll hear about that?" Ema asked.
"No, afraid not," Natsume said, "but hopefully they'll be prompt in letting us know."
"The sooner the better," Ema agreed, "have you spoken to the landlord about giving up the apartment?"
"I haven't but I should huh?" Natsume said, "I'll make a note of that."
"I am going to miss this place," Ema admitted, "we've been here together for so long. You think you'll miss it?"
"Oh probably," Natsume said, "it was nice having a place separate from my brothers at first. Getting out of my own. But I don't know, I don't think I get attached to places like that."
He was a little surprised when Ema reached over and squeezed his hand.
"Remember the first time I came here?" she asked.
"I do, the day you found out you were adopted. You started to worry you weren't worth anything to anyone and only ever caused trouble for everyone. How wrong you were," Natsume recalled happily, before he too leaned closer to her and somehow managed to kiss her.
He made sure to make the kiss last long. He started to move his hand down on her, only to feel her belly, making him groan annoyed a little.
"What?" Ema asked.
Natsume sighed, "well, if it wasn't for your rather big, belly...,"
"Oh, yeah, that," Ema said. She too sighed, "Yeah, we won't get to do that for a long time to come will we? Even after the babies come."
"Yes, well, it was because we had such a go at it that we're in this situation anyway," Natsume said, as he still walked his fingers up and over her womb.
"You remember the night after the first Magajin Elite show we attended?" Ema asked.
Natsume looked at her, "are you trying to torment me?" he asked.
"What?" Ema asked, "we got to go to the hotel afterwards and we ordered champagne to celebrate."
"Yes, and that led to us making love," Natsume muttered.
"Okay, yes," Ema admitted, "but we still enjoyed ourselves aside from making love."
"Even though that was the best part," Natsume insisted.
"Well, I suppose," Ema slightly agreed.
"You know a man can slightly feel offended by that comment," Natsume said.
"Sorry," Ema said, "I just like the idea of having a night just for us. Making love was just a nice added bonus to the night itself."
"You sure do have a way with words," Natsume said as he kissed Ema again.
When Ema came to work the next day, she was surprised to her staff all excited as they looked over a magazine in Keitorin's hands.
"Sensei! Guess what!" Keitorin said when she saw her. She hurried to her with the magazine. It was a copy of OUTDOOR LOVERS.
Keitorin immediately held up the pages with the article with Dr. Mori.
"See some of these nature shots with the trees? Rumi took these," Keitorin started to explain.
"Oh these are good," Ema agreed.
"Exactly," Keitorin continued, "and...," She grabbed a second magazine from off Ema's desk. It was a copy of FAMILY FAITHFUL. "They just brought this to show you and give us some exciting news!"
She flipped through to the article about Ema and Natsume.
"Check out the pictures Rumi got if you."
"Oh very nice," Ema praised some more.
"Yes! So, Mr. Shohan delivered these copies personally to tell Rumi that due to her good work here, he was able to get her name in at the last minute as a nominee for Best Rookie Photographer at the Magajin Elite awards!"
"Really! That's wonderful! Congratulations Rumi!" Ema said as she waddle over to where Rumi was.
"I'm so happy for you!"
"Thank you boss, I appreciate that," Rumi said.
"We should do something to celebrate! We can order something special for lunch or...,"
"Oh yes, that's a great idea!" Keitorin said, "uh, Akira, can you handle that?"
"What do you want, Miss Rookie?" Akira teased as he prepared his phone.
"Uh, pizza?" Rumi sputtered.
"Really, that's the best you can come up with?" Akira asked.
"Just do it," Keitorin ordered. She looked at Ema, "do you think it's possible to let Rumi come with Nathan and me the night of the show? Just in case she gets nervous?"
"That's fine, if that's what she wants to do," Ema assured her.
"Man it's just too bad Kai's not here and or at the ceremony. She'd be so green with envy, she'd need to go to a hospital!" Wazuki mocked.
"Well, she might actually," Rumi mentioned.
"Huh? How?" Ema asked.
"We keep in contact sometimes and she told me she's working for DRAGON DRAWN now and, well, she may be having an affair with the executive editor of the company," Rumi admitted.
The five occupants of the room stared at her in shock.
"See that's why I'd never work with any magazine under DRAGON DRAWN. Nor will Futo," Keitorin finally spoke out, "too man sick twisted people working on sick twisted magazines at that place."
"And manga and stories. You should see the kinds of filth they spew out," Kotori added.
"But you read some of them," Akira pointed out.
"Yeah, that's how I know they're filth," Kotori said.
"Anyway, Rumi, I wish you the best of luck with award," Ema said.
"Thank you," Rumi said, "I was thinking, even if I don't win, maybe taking some time off and go back to school to get some more training as well."
"We can work that out," Ema promised, "in the meantime, shall we continue with today's agenda?"
Everyone headed back to their designated areas of work.
Keitorin joined Ema at her desk.
"You're little article is actually really cute! Makes me even more excited about the quadruplets!"
"Thank you," Ema said as she took the magazine and read it. Mrs. Sekken had written a very kind and flattering article. Ema also liked a lot of the photos of her Natsume, especially one in particular with the two of them looking at her pregnant belly.
'Rumi got some good images of us,' she thought.
"Rumi, is it possible to get copies of your photos for some personal use?" Ema asked embarrassed.
"I guess, sure boss," Rumi said, "any in particular?"
"This one of my husband and I looking at my belly. It just seems so sweet for some reason," Ema said.
"Okay, sure, I'll get you a copy," Rumi promised.
"When you're able of course, we still have work to do. In fact if you want to, I'm giving you permission to go see if any of the lesser magazines need a photographer for anything and see if you can fill in. Work on your skills some more," Ema offered.
"Okay," Rumi said excited as she hurried out.
"That's nice you're helping her out like that," Keitorin said, "just like you did me."
"Think we'll have to fill her spot too?" Wazuki asked.
"No, I can fill in for Rumi at the moment, especially since Keitorin will be doing most of the shoots for the time being," Ema instructed.
"We still need to fill Kai's old spot," Akira mentioned.
"I know, and we will. But for now, I can do her usual tasks too," Ema insisted.
"Don't push yourself," Keitorin warned, "just because you're not on your feet doesn't mean you still can't over do it."
"I know, but I won't," Ema assured her friend.
Ema stared at her husband with pride as he prepared himself for the Magajin Elite award ceremony.
"Wow, he's looking sharp," Juli admitted.
"Meow," Cat Tsubaki said nonchalantly before going to sleep.
"Glad to see you approve," Natsume muttered looking at his cat. He looked at Cat Azusa resting near Ema, letting her stroke him gently.
"What do you think?"
Cat Azusa didn't respond but rather enjoyed Ema's pats.
"I bet he thinks you look great," Ema insisted.
"Thanks," Natsume said, as he looked himself over some more.
Before they knew it, there was a knock at their door.
"That must Futo and Keitorin," Natsume said as he opened.
"Hi," Futo said as he walked in without even looking Natsume's way.
"Welcome," Natsume muttered.
"Wow, you look nice," Keitorin said as she came in, wearing the dress Futo had picked out for her.
"Thanks, so do you," Natsume said.
"Uh, hello, we're right here," Futo said from the couch.
"And?" Natsume asked.
"Don't be making moves on my girlfriend in front of me!" Futo snapped.
"I wasn't doing that!" Natsume snapped back, "I'd never!"
"Right, just like you'd never make a move on Ema," Futo said.
"Whatever," Natsume muttered, "let's just go."
Ema looked out towards the hallway where she saw Rumi standing, wearing a light blue evening dress.
"Rumi, hi! You're looking great," she called out.
"Thanks Boss," Rumi said, "oh and this is for you. Or both of you." She handed a wrapped package to Natsume.
Natsume carefully ripped it open and pulled out a picture frame.
"Hmm," he said as he looked at the image in it.
"Is that what I think it is?" Ema asked eagerly.
"This?" Natsume asked as he turned around the frame to show the image Ema said she liked most from their article.
"Yes that! Isn't it a great picture!" Ema said.
"Yes, it is rather nice," Natsume said. He put it on his work desk, "it'll be good here for now. Thank you Miss Rumi."
"Yes, thank you!" Ema said.
"No problem," Rumi said.
"Well let's get going, we want to get a good parking spot," Natsume said as he ushered the two ladies out.
"Good luck Rumi," Ema called out.
"Thanks," Rumi managed to call back before Natsume closed the door.
"Alright, now what do we do?" Futo asked.
"I could go for some tea," Ema asked.
"Fine, work me why don't you," Futo said as he moved to the kitchen and filled the kettle.
"And then if you want, we can set up the link to watch the award ceremony," Ema suggested.
"Sure, wouldn't mind spying on my girlfriend, making sure Natsume doesn't make a move on her," Futo said.
"Futo," Ema muttered.
As Natsume entered the ballroom, he immediately started to feel a little intimidated by all the sights and sounds filling it. Everyone dressed up in their finest talking and moving around, often brushing past him in haste and rarely saying excuse me or sorry when doing so.
This was one of the reasons he didn't like doing things like this, too crowded and crazy for him. The only reason the last one hadn't been so bad was because he had been with Ema. Just as he had been there to support her, she had help support him during most of the evening.
That and the last time he didn't have any focus on him. It was all on Ema. Here, there was a chance he'd have to get up on stage and give a speech on Ema's behalf.
It was different than when he did it for his gaming company. He knew and understood videogames and or what he was talking about. But here, the publishing world was a little out of his reach.
"I think our table is over here, number 7," Keitorin mentioned as she tugged at Natsume's sleeve.
"Right, right, I'm coming," Natsume said as he followed her. He noticed Rumi wasn't with her.
"What happened to your apprentice?" he asked.
"She's double checking her seating arrangement," Keitorin said as he led him to the table. A few other guests were already sitting there. They looked up with caution as Natsume and Keitorin approached.
"And who are you?" one asked.
"I am Natsume Asahina and this is Keitorin Garasu, we're here in honor of Ema Asahina, my wife and her friend."
"And mentor, she taught me a lot!" Keitorin mentioned.
"Oh, so you're Mrs. Asahina's husband, nice to meet you!" one of the man said as he stood and outstretched his hand for Natsume.
"Mr. Kiken, editor of STREET WISE. Your wife's photos were the real hit of the article!"
"I should say so, my sales haven't been better," another man said as he stood to shake Natsume's hand.
"Mr. Tansha, CEO of TAN-DASH motors, our scooters were the ones featured in the article."
"Nice meet you," Natsume said politely.
"Where is Ema? I'm surprised she's not here attending," Mr. Tansha asked.
"She unfortunately has a certain condition that made it a little difficult to attend in person," Natsume explained.
"Oh dear, nothing serious I hope," Mr. Tansha expressed concern.
"Oh no, she's just pregnant," Natsume further explained.
"Oh," Mr. Tansha said intrigued.
"Not just pregnant," Mr. Kiken said, taking a sip of his drink. "Super pregnant. It's the talk of the office."
"Yes, she's expecting four," Natsume confirmed.
"Oh my," Mr. Tansha said surprised. "That's amazing! But might make my gift a little unnecessary."
"Gift?" Natsume asked.
"I was going to offer your wife a pair of any of motor vehicles, be it a scooter or even motorcycle, if she wins her category," Mr. Tansha informed him, "same with Mr. Kiken here. Her winning will do wonders for my sales!"
"Oh that is very kind of you," Natsume said, "but you would be right, it might not be a good idea for us."
"Maybe you can still accept them, you can give them to Tsubaki and Haruhi as a wedding gift," Keitorin whispered.
"Hmm," Natsume hummed, seeming to like the idea.
"What's that?" Mr. Tansha asked.
"If Ema does win, could we take those vehicles for my brother and his fiancee as a wedding present?" Natsume asked.
"Oh, wedding present? Yes, a wedding gift would be great publicity," Mr. Tansha said, "yes you can have the vehicles and give them as presents. And I'll have to work on the next angle for the promotion."
"Maybe we can get some pictures of them and send them in or something, if they're okay with it," Keitorin suggested.
"Mmm, that's a good idea," Mr. Tansha said excited.
"We'll have to consider doing an article on that," Mr. Kiken said, "it's only too bad Ema can't do the shoot for it.
"No but her temporarily replacement, Miss Garasu here, can probably fill in," Natsume said nodding in Keitorin's direction.
"You're filling in for Ema?" Mr. Kiken asked, "guess we can't do any worse."
"We'll let's see if your first article wins," Keitorin suggested, a little skeptic.
"Yeah, good idea," Natsume said.
"Hi," Rumi said as she came up to the table.
"Did you find your table okay?" Keitorin asked.
"Actually, lucky for me, one of the other occupants at this table offered to switch me since apparently a girl he likes was sitting at the one I was supposed to," Rumi said as he sat down.
"Who was that?" Natsume asked.
"Some guy called Kowaku," Rumi said pointing to another table.
"Oh yeah, he's been eyeing that model Takashi Beppin," Mr. Kiken said with a smirk.
"Even though he's way too old for her," Keitorin said.
"Oh I don't know, he can't be too much older than me, and there's a few years between me and Ema," Natsume defended. "Who knows, maybe it'll work out for them."
"I guess," Keitorin said. Suddenly her chair was bump from behind, nearly causing her to spill her drink on her.
"Hey!" Keitorin snapped mad a she turned to see who had done it. Natsume too looked to see who did it and widen his eyes in surprise when he saw.
Kai walked arm in arm with an important looking man through the ballroom, both seemingly not caring if they were bumping into people's chairs or servers as they did.
"What's she doing here?" Keitorin asked.
"Well I don't know who the girl is or how you know her, but the guy's the executive editor of DRAGON DRAWN publishing," Mr. Kiken mentioned.
"Oh," Keitorin said, looking at Rumi who looked embarrassed.
"Hmm," Natsume said looking at the program and finally noticed she was had a nomination in the same category as Rumi.
"Looks like she's up for an award too," he said out loud.
"Is she really?" Keitorin asked looking at her program too. "She must have been a last minute submission too!"
"Oh," Rumi said looking at Kai with worry.
"Don't fret if you don't win, you should still feel honored you've been nominated and keep working hard," Natsume said.
"Oh that's not what I'm worried about. I'm worried if I'll win. Kai won't let me hear the end of it!" Rumi said timidly.
"Oh," Natsume said, "well if she does, we'll protect you."
"Damn straight!" Keitorin promised.
"What's going on?" Mr. Tansha asked.
Mr. Kiken shrugged his shoulders, "none of my business."
"Mmm, thank you for dinner, Futo, it was delicious!" Ema said.
"Naturally, Ukyo and Tomori aren't the only ones who are culinary experts," said Futo as he took care of the dirty dishes.
"Is it about time for the actual award ceremony to start?" he asked.
"I think so," Ema said looking at her watch.
"Do you know when they're announcing your category?" Futo asked.
"It might say in one of the menus," Ema said.
Futo dug around. "Looks like it's towards the middle. What category is Keitorin's new apprentice in again?"
"Rookie Photographer, I think," Ema said.
"Looks like her's is one of the earlier ones," Futo said, "she better win. I won't let her make Keitorin look bad after teaching her so much!"
"Such encouragement," Ema said.
"Mmm, delicious!" Keitorin said as she finished her meal. "I could live off this stuff!"
"Futo would probably make a joke about you piggy out if he heard you say that," Natsume said.
"Let him! He's actually really funny when he teases me!" Keitorin insisted.
"Futo? Funny? With teasing?" Natsume said. From what he'd ever see of his brother, he'd never found him funny.
"Hello Everyone, Welcome!" the host suddenly said as he came to the stage and podium.
"Welcome to The Magajin Elite Award Ceremony! The Show That Honors Our Magazine Publishing. Everything From Best Fount Layout To The Best Article That Have Moved Us In Some Way or Another! Now Shall We Get Started?
Our First Set Of Categories Are Of Course Honoring The New Comers, The Rookies, The Ones That Have Just Started To Make Their Way In The World Of Publishing! And Here To Present Our First Category is...,"
"Ugh, that guy?" Futo said as he saw the first presenter walk out and begin naming off the nominees.
"You know him?" Ema asked.
"Yeah, he's a prick," Futo said. "Wonder how they got him to present. If they're that desperate they recruit him, next time I should volunteer to present."
"Would you?" Ema asked.
"Hmm, I guess if they really needed me and you or Keitorin was nominated for something," Futo said.
"Oh looks like they're coming up to the Rookie's category."
"Looks like your category is next," Natsume said looking at Rumi.
"Yeah," Rumi said, fiddling with her program.
"You'll do fine," Keitorin tried to comfort her. Suddenly her chair was hit from behind again.
"What the hell!" she shouted as she turned around to see Kai again behind her.
"Could you please stop knocking into my chair!"
"Oops, sorry," Kai said smug, "just came over to wish you good luck Rumi -Roo."
"Thank you, you too," Rumi said timidly.
"Don't feel too bad if you don't win. I mean I heard how you were a last minute submission. They might not even remember to say your name. But don't feel bad. It just means you have more room to improve, right?" Kai said.
"Right," Rumi said as Kai walked away, making sure to bump into Keitorin's chair again.
"I swear!" Keitorin threatened.
"Calm down," Natsume said, trying to calm her.
"...and the nominees are;
Tomo Musakui for BEST HOMES Good Kitchen Care article,
Shion Firu for OUT THERE Best of Hifumi Akuta article,
Arata Kaeru for INFINITY The Beauty Of Our Planets article,
Kai Jiga for SEXY AND HAPPY, Staying Sexy In The Kitchen article,"
Natsume had to raise a disturbing eyebrow at the image used for Kai's nomination.
"Kai?" Ema said when she heard the name.
"Oh yeah, the bitch was nominated too," Futo said, "interesting choice for picture. Still looking kind of blurry though."
"Yeah," Ema agreed, even if it was still clear enough to look a little disturbing.
" and finally Rumi Yatte for FAMILY FAITHFUL article on The Future Quadruplet Parents."
As the presenter said named Rumi's article, it showed the picture she had given Ema and Natsume only earlier that evening.
"Ah, nice choice," Futo mentioned as they saw the picture used for nomination.
"I hope she's not too crushed if she looses," Ema said as she actually took Futo's hand and squeezed it.
"Hey, hey, do I look like a stress ball or something?" Futo said, though he didn't pull his hand away.
"and the winner is...," the presenter opened the envelope.
"Rumi Yatte!"
Everyone at the table looked at Rumi who looked stunned by the notion herself.
Still she managed to get up and head to the stage.
Natsume applauded as well as she made her way to the stage. However he couldn't help but look towards Kai's table.
She and the executive editor did not look too pleased with Rumi's win. They weren't even applauding.
Kai then seemed to look his way and suddenly whisper something into the editor's ear. The man looked Natsume's way as well and seemed to nod his head in agreement to whatever it was Kai had whispered to him.
"Hmm," Natsume muttered, already certain that he should be cautious with whatever it was they were whispering about.
"Thank you," he suddenly heard Rumi said, "I can't begin to even truly believe this is happening to me. I certainly didn't think I'd be nominated like this. I'd like to thank my parents and my siblings for the help and support. And I'd like to thank Mr. Shohan, executive editor of SAMURAI COLOUMIST, my boss Ema Asahina who helped give me the opportunity to try out my photography skills and Keitorin Garasu for helping to teach me some of the important things of photography. I hope to grow more in this field.and hopefully one day be a nominee in another category. Thank you again!"
Everyone applauded again as she walked off the stage with her award and a big smile.
"Awe!" Ema cooed in happiness hearing Rumi thanking her in her acceptance speech.
"What's with the you?" Futo asked.
"I just thought Rumi's speech was so touching!" Ema said.
"Why? Because she mentioned you? Talk about an ego," Futo said.
Ema just smiled.
"Congratulations Rumi!" Keitorin said happily as she came back to the table, along with her award.
Everyone else at the table also offered their words of praise for her win.
"You're keeping your award then?" Mr. Kiken asked.
"Yeah, I ran into Mr. Shohan backstage and he said I could keep it for myself, put it in the company's display case or maybe in Mrs. Asahina's office like she did with her last one. I said I wanted to hang on to it for a little bit, just so I can show my family.
Then maybe I'll see about keeping it at the office."
"Whatever you feel is necessary, you should do," Natsume encouraged.
"Yeah, exactly, AH!" Keitorin moaned as her chair was bump yet again.
"Seriously bitch!" she shouted as she turned to look at Kai once again behind her.
"Sorry," Kai said bluntly. Her eyes were fixated on Rumi with what could only be considered vengeance.
"Congratulations Rumi, you must be very proud," she continued.
"Thank you," Rumi said timidly.
"Can only imagine how you got such opportunities to take such pictures and get nominated," Kai said snarky, casting her eyes towards Natsume and Keitorin.
"Maybe she didn't try and take the easy, dishonest way to get ahead," Natsume mentioned sternly, "like say trying to take over a pregnant woman's position!"
"Excuse me," Kai said, "anyway, I did want to ask you Mr. Asahina, you and your pregnant wife ever consider doing an article about your pregnancy for FAMILY FUN TIMES?"
She handed Natsume a card.
"No thanks, I'm trying to avoid using my babies for propaganda. I only agreed to the one we did since my wife's boss wanted it and I didn't want to cause trouble for her," he replied.
"Hmm, well fine! Be that way!" Kai declared as she got ready to go away. She bumped into Keitorin's chair as she did.
"Seriously!" Keitorin snapped.
"Oh and Rumi, you should consider transferring DRAGON DRAWN. Lot's more opportunities to shine rather than be held back by snobby arrogant self-centered photographers with high egos," Kai mentioned.
"You better not be referring to my wife," Natsume warned.
"If the shoe fits," Kai taunted.
Natsume had to grip the table to avoid running after the woman himself.
He tried avoiding looking back at her table throughout the rest of the evening as the different awards and honors were given out. But every now and then he'd glance over and noticed Kai or the editor looking his way. He wasn't sure if they were looking at him or looking at Rumi next to him.
Either way he didn't like it.
Back at the apartment Futo and Ema kept watching as the different awards kept getting announced.
"Wow there's so many different categories. Didn't know there was so many things to cover in world of publishing," Futo mentioned looking board. "Some of these things sound like they're just for filler."
"Maybe," Ema admitted.
"Well at least your category sounds legit," Futo said, "and it looks like it's coming up, finally!"
"It is?" Ema said, "oh my gosh!"
Even though she wasn't there in person, she was still nervous.
"...and the nominees for best picture spread in an article are,
Kazu Erabu for KLICK KLACK article on actress Mai Joyu,
Natsuo Wan Gu for OUT THERE, for the article on Kanami Tai marriage to Hajime Futari,
Ema Asahina for STREET WISE article on TAN-DASH motors new scooters Sleek and Steady,
Shion Konpe for DANGEROUS LIFE AND FUN on the article for Best Hunting Destinations in Japan,
and finally Yu Kikko DATES AND TIME Hitachiin Summer Salute Dress Line.
And the winner is...,
Ema Asahina!"
"Oh my God!" Ema said excited.
"Good job, you managed to not mess up, again," Futo said, with an actual supportive smile.
Natsume smiled, even though he sighed as he stood up, along with Keitorin and headed to the stage and podium. As he did, he was certain he hear someone yelling, "boo!" and looked at Kai's table one last time to see her looking beyond mad.
"Accepting the award for Ema Asahina are her husband Natsume Asahina and good friend Keitorin Garasu," a voice announced over the loud speaker.
"Thank you," Natsume started to say, "I know my wife wishes she could be here and unfortunately she's not in good condition to come. However, myself and Miss Garasu have prepared a small speech on her behalf. My wife Ema is a hard working woman who tries her best and will not hesitate to do her best to get just the right job done for whoever she's working for. She's dedicated and I admire everything she does for her craft."
"That's true," Keitorin continued, "Ema Asahina helped me out when I was in college. She took me under her wing and guided me in my learning experiences. I don't think I'd be where I am now thanks to her. Thank you Ema."
"And she would also like to thank her father, her mother, all of her extended family for all the support they offer everyday," Natsume finished.
"Ema's an amazing person," Keitorin added before both headed off stage.
There they ran into Mr. Shohan looking super excited.
"Another awesome job by your wife, good sir!" he said.
"Thank you," Natsume said as he held up the award for him.
"Oh no no, you keep it for now. Let it be a reminder that we expect her to come back after she has those babies!" Mr. Shohan insisted.
"Thank, I'll make sure she knows," Natsume assured him as he and Keitorin headed out back to the ballroom.
"Looks like you got Tsubaki and Haruhi's wedding gift covered," Keitorin said.
"Yeah," Natsume said, more focused on the award proudly, not wanting to wait to give it to Ema.
"I can't believe I won!" Ema said excited, "Wow this is so exciting!"
"Yeah, what do we have to celebrate?" Futo asked as he headed to the kitchen.
"I think there's some Bubble water in the fridge," Ema said, only to suddenly take a deep breath.
"What was that?" Futo asked.
"Nothing, I'm sure it's nothing," Ema insisted. Only to give off a moan of pain.
"You okay?" Futo asked as he walked back to her.
"Well, there is some pain," Ema admitted with a scrunched face.
"Oh boy, this was not the way I was hoping to end the evening!" Futo said panicked.
"Me neither!" Ema said.
'Oh Natsume, I don't want you to feel bad, but I really wish you were here right now,' she thought.