DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Natsume was actually humming to himself as he drove to his new house. He was feeling about his day, even with the late meeting.
Ever since he and Ema had officially bought their new home, he had been in a good mood. Very little seemed to shake him.
Even now as he did his best to work out his route from his office to the house, he felt good about it.
He was glad he was able to figure out how to get to and from work from the new area.
It actually wasn't that far. Plus as he saw, it wouldn't be too long of a commute for Ema.
'Course, knowing her she might still somehow someway get lost. I can picture it now. Her calling me, saying she can't figure out where she is and I'd have to drive out to find her,' he mocked her in thought.
He kept thinking about it as he turned down the street of his new neighborhood.
As he did, he noticed a lot of people standing outside their homes looking shocked and worried, and some running down the street the same way he was heading.
'What's going on?' Natsume thought, slightly concerned. 'Hope it's nothing too bad.'
It was then he started to notice more people gathering around the area his house was.
'What?' he thought, as he then suddenly saw a horrific sight.
The big tree was now laying down in the middle of the smashed house!
'What the!' Natsume thought, 'I don't suppose Ema was...,'
It was then his saw his worst fears confirmed in full as he saw Ema's car in front of the wreck!
"No!" Natsume said as he somehow managed to pull the car over. He quickly got out of the car and ran towards the house.
"No! No! No!" he kept saying as he ran.
"Ema! Ema!" he started to shout as he tried getting closer.
He was suddenly stopped by an emergency worker.
"Whoa, whoa hold it, easy there buddy!" he told Natsume as he tried to hold him back.
"Huh?" Natsume said as he looked around and finally started to realize several emergency personnel were standing around the house examining the wreckage.
"You have to stay back, it's not safe," The worker explained.
"No! No! No, you don't understand! My wife's in there!" Natsume said frantic.
"Your wife?" the worker asked.
"Yes my wife! We just bought this house, and she was showing it to my brother who was in town! Oh God! He's probably in there too!"
"Oh, you're the husband," the worker said.
"What?" Natsume asked.
"Don't worry, your wife and brother are safe, they're just trapped in the backyard," the worker assured him.
"The backyard?" Natsume asked.
"Yeah, they were able to get out of the house in time as the tree fell through and cornered them in the backyard behind the fence. We're working on getting the fence down and them out."
"Can get I get back there?" Natsume asked eagerly.
"Hang on," the worker said as he gave a whistle.
"Hey Chief! The husband's here! Can we take him to the back?"
"Yeah go ahead, I'm sure his wife will want to hear his voice, keep her calm while we get her and the brother out. One of your other brothers is back there already," the chief allowed.
"Other brother? You mean Yusuke?" Natsume asked as he was led around the other side of the house towards the back.
"I guess, I just know a cop with red hair showed up and they both recognized him as a brother and he's been back there ever since," the worker said as they reached the back.
There Natsume could see an ambulance at the ready and more workers, trying take down the fence.
Yusuke was there among them talking towards the fence.
He happened to glance over the minute he noticed Natsume approaching.
"Natsume! Thank God you're here!" he said.
"Where's Ema!" Natsume asked as he ran towards him.
"She and Subaru are still trapped in the yard," Yusuke started to explain, "this dumb tree fell through the gate, keeping them stuck in the corner here! Don't worry, they said they're okay for the most part."
"Most part?" Natsume said as he came up to the fence himself.
"Ema! Subaru?" he called in.
"Natsume?" Subaru called back.
"Subaru, are you okay?" Natsume asked.
"Yeah, and so is Ema, all things considered," Subaru replied.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Natsume asked concerned.
"My back hurts a bit," Ema called back, "I think it has to do with Subaru having to yank me out of the house before the tree fell."
"Yeah probably," Subaru concurred, "I had to grab her fast and get her out. Which wasn't really easy given her condition."
"I understand," Natsume said, "but thank you Subaru! I'm greatful you were there to help Ema. I don't know what would have happened had you not been."
He was surprised by the sound of silence.
"Subaru?" he asked.
"He's feeling guilty that he had to come see the house today rather than yesterday since he went to that lounge with your doctor," Yusuke said.
"Oh," Natsume said, "well don't! The tree could have easily fallen yesterday as well! It just something that happened and luckily you knew how to help keep Ema safe."
"Yeah sure," Subaru called back.
"Let it go, you know how it is," Yusuke said.
Natsume nodded.
"Is Mie on her way or at least been notified?"
"She should be on her way," Subaru said.
"Do the workers know she's coming?" Natsume asked.
"Let me through! Get out of my way!"
Yusuke and Natsume both looked up and saw Mie running out from the way Natsume had come and dashing towards them.
"Where's Subaru!" she demanded to know, "and Ema? Is she okay?!"
"We're back here Mie," Subaru called out.
"Subaru!" Mie said as she ran to the fence, "Subaru! Are you alright! Is Ema okay?!"
"We're both safe, okay, don't worry," Subaru assured her.
"Yes, we're both safe," Ema added.
"Oh Ema, you poor thing," Mie said.
"Ma'am, can you stand back?" A worker asked.
Natsume and Yusuke helped pull her back away.
"Okay, one more chunk should do it!"
Two more workers took a saw and cut down the fence boards.
They guided the boards to fall outward, finally revealing Subaru and Ema. Ema sitting on the ground, while holding Subaru's hand.
Natsume, Yusuke and Mie all breathed a sigh of relief at their sight.
Mie and Natsume tried to get closer to their loved ones, but were blocked as the rescuer workers hurried in, tending to them, themselves.
The paramedics rolled over their stretcher as a few workers managed to help get Ema over to and on it.
Natsume was quick to get to her side.
"Ema!" he said softly as he managed to kiss her forehead. "Thank God you're going to be okay!"
"We still got to get her to the hospital for examination," One of the paramedics said as they rolled Ema to the ambulance.
"Of course," Natsume said as he walked with them, "have you felt anything with the babies? Do you think they're okay?"
"I haven't felt anything different from them, just my back," Ema said.
"We'll make sure to examine the babies at the hospital too," the paramedic assured him.
"Okay," Natsume said softly. He suddenly pulled out his car keys.
"Can one of you take my car and meet us at the hospital? I'm riding with Ema!"
He tossed them towards his brothers and Subaru caught it.
"I'll stay here and see if I can help with anything in regards to the house and in case any of our other brothers show up," Yusuke said.
"Thanks Yusuke," Natsume said as he climbed into the ambulance.
He held Ema's hand tight and looked at her face. She smiled at him weakly and squeezed his hand back.
"I'm sure the babies are fine," she started to say, only to be interrupted by one of paramedics flashing a small flashlight in Ema's eyes, making her squint.
"Well, you're eyesight and reflexes seem to be doing okay," She said. "does anything appear to be blurry?"
"Uh, no," Ema said.
"No headaches or anything?"
"No," Ema said, "the only thing really bugging me is my back."
"Okay, we'll get that looked at once we're at the hospital."
"Is there anything you can do to examine her babies right now, just in case?" Natsume asked.
"No, but we'll make that our top priority once we arrive," the paramedic promised. "Who's your regular obstetrician?"
"Dr. Senyu," Natsume said.
"Well make sure to contact him, he'll probably want to come down and see you."
Natsume nodded, still holding Ema's hand. He held it the whole ride.
Even when they arrived it took a lot of reluctance from him to let go as they helped wheeled Ema away.
"It shouldn't take too long to get her examined," one of the paramedics tried to assure him.
"Okay, thank you," Natsume said as he found himself lost in daze.
Natsume wasn't sure how long he was stuck waiting for news about Ema when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
He jumped and turned around to see Azusa behind him.
"Natsume, it's just me," He said as he patted his brother's shoulder, "it's just me, you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine," Natsume muttered, still slightly in his daze state.
"How's Ema? Any word on her?" he heard Sunako ask. Natsume looked behind Azusa and saw her standing there.
He then started to notice several of his other brothers were among her as well. Each looking at him with concerned, intense faces.
"I haven't heard anything yet, I don't think it's been too long since we came here," Natsume said.
"Oh, that was what Masa was predicting when we got here," Wataru muttered, "he and Tomori went off by themselves the minute we got here asking about that."
"Oh did they?" Natsume asked.
"Yes, while their spouses are heading to your home right now with Mother to see what's to be done about the damage," Hikaru said.
"Can someone make sure they're not too hard on the Ihito family?" Natsume asked, "they knew about the tree and were going to help get rid of it so something like that didn't happen. It's just Mr. Ihito senior had a foundnes for it so it was hard for him to want to cut it down. I'm sure he's feels bad about it as is."
"Don't worry, I'm sure Rika and Ukyo will be fair in dealing with them about the incident," Kaname assured him.
"Come on, let's go sit down," Azusa said leading Natsume towards the waiting room, and helping him to sit.
Natsume had to take a deep breath as he sat in his chair, with Azusa and Sunako on either side, trying to comfort him. He could still see more his other brothers sitting around the lobby looking serious and worried, no doubt concerned about Ema's condition. Especially with her babies.
"You don't think something bad happened to the babies, do you?" Wataru finally asked out loud.
"No," Natsume assured his brother, "I'm sure the babies are fine."
"Yes, but what of Ema herself?" Hikaru asked, stroking his chin.
"I'm sure she's fine, all around she should be okay, Subaru did a good job protecting her," Natsume said softly.
"Thank you for thinking that," Subaru said as he and Mie walking in.
Natsume stood up quickly, "how are you feeling?" he asked.
"I'm fine, just a few scratches," Subaru assured him, "any word on Ema?"
"No, but I'm sure she's fine," Natsume said as he sat back down.
"Nice work rescuing her," Kaname praised.
"Yes, my man is that heroic!" Mie praised looking at Subaru happily. Her smile however turned to a frown.
"I do hope Ema and her children are safe though Natsume," she added.
"Thank you," Natsume said as he sat back down.
He suddenly felt another hand on his shoulder. Natsume looked up to see Rintaro standing behind him with a comforting smile.
"You're putting on a brave face as usual, you're a stronger man than I give you credit for," he said in comfort.
"When did you get here?" Natsume asked.
"Just now with Subaru and Mie," Rintaro said, "your mom's heading to the house to see about the damages."
"Oh, dear," Natsume said, not feeling too well about that bit of information.
"Natsume?" he suddenly heard Masaomi say.
Natsume jumped up as his brother came in. Masaomi motion him to follow himself out.
"Do you know if Big Sis is okay?" Wataru asked.
"Let Natsume talk to the doctors by himself for a second," Masaomi insisted.
"Thank you," Natsume said as the two walked out.
"I think everything is going to be okay though, I should let you know," Masaomi assured him as they walked out.
"Really?" Natsume said, sounding relieved.
Soon the two came upon a group of doctors talking that included Tomori and Dr. Senyu.
"Ah, hello, Mr. Asahina," Dr. Senyu said cheerfully when he saw Natsume coming.
"Hello," Natsume said, "I'm hoping you have good news on my wife's condition?"
"Yes, everything is fine for the most part," Tomori said sounding relieved herself. Then introduce the other two doctors present.
"This is Dr. Senaka and Dr. Bebi. Dr. Senaka is a physician therapist and Dr. Bebi is this hospital's on call OB."
"We've examined your wife and she's going to be fine. She is suffering slightly from strain back, but if she goes easy on it, and rests it should be fine," Dr. Senaka explained.
"That's good to know, what about the babies?" Natsume asked.
"We did do an ultra sound with her and they are looking okay," Dr. Senyu started to say, "but...,"
"But what?" Natsume asked.
"Two of the babies are a little too close to each other at the moment, and we're a little worried about them not having their space to grow," Dr. Senyu explained.
"However, again, if your wife takes it easy for a while, not do anything too strain or stressful it shouldn't hurt them too much and they may be able to drift apart naturally on their own. Worst case, we'll just have to keep a sharper eye on the two of them between now and when it's time to deliver. And make sure we're extra careful when we deliver them."
"It can happen even with twins sometimes," Dr. Bepi said, "especially if the mother is jerked around unexpectedly or falls or something."
"But it's not too serious at the moment?" Natsume asked.
"Oh yes, you're wife is strong," Dr. Senyu said with pride.
"We are keeping her overnight for observation, just in case, but she can for sure leave tomorrow," Dr. Bepi said.
"And I'm prescribing these pain killers just in case. They're safe for pregnant women," Dr. Senaka said, handing Natsume a slip of paper.
"Thank you," Natsume said, "I appreciate everything. When and where can I see my wife?"
"I'll show you," Masaomi offered, "she wants to see you too."
"Thanks," Natsume said.
"I'll go let the rest of the family know what's going on," Tomori said as she headed in the other direction.
"Thank you Tomori," Natsume said as he followed Masaomi.
Masaomi looked at Natsume who still looked distraught.
"Upset about the house?" He asked.
"Yeah," Natsume replied, "we just bought it! We don't even have insurance on it yet! Plus we promised our landlord we'd be out of the apartment in two weeks! Where are we going to go!"
"Well that should be obvious, you two move back into Sunrise," Masaomi said.
"Just move back in huh?" Natsume said.
"Well yeah, it's the family home! Everyone's welcome. And it won't be that bad, it's not like all the brothers are living there now. Just me, Rika and Mizu, Ukyo, Tomori and Kadia, Azusa and Sunako, and Yusuke and Emiko. Technically also Tsubaki and Haruhi, but they're still on their honeymoon. Plus Hikaru's still staying there, but he'll be gone for his next trip soon. Oh and Wataru."
Natsume actually managed to smile at Masaomi's list.
"But we don't know how long we'll have to be there," he tried to argue.
"That's fine, you guys can stay as long as you want. Even up through when the babies are graduated," Masaomi assured him.
Natsume sighed, "you sure that it won't be too difficult dealing with four babies all at once?"
"Are you kidding? I grew up practically a father to all 12 of you!" Masaomi insisted.
"Well, okay, still don't know what we're going to do about the house," Natsume said.
"Well, I'm sure Rika and Ukyo will help with that," Masaomi assured him, "you'll be fine, don't worry, we're all here for you."
"Thanks," Natsume said, right as Masaomi opened a door.
"Ema, look who's here."
Ema looked up from her bed.
"Natsume!" she said with excitement.
"Hi," Natsume said as he swiftly hurried to her and kissed her head.
"Did the doctor tell you about your condition?" Natsume asked.
"Yeah, I'll have to take it easy on my back for a while, and two of the babies are closer than should be, but hopefully they'll drift apart if I don't do too much crazy activities for a while. I'm going to have to speak to my boss at some point about taking time off," Ema said.
Natsume nodded, "are you okay emotionally?"
"Yeah, I guess," Ema said, "I'm still a little shaken by nearly being crushed by a tree. And sad over the damage to the house." She sighed. "What are we going to do? We have to get out of the apartment and even if we didn't have to, it's not big enough for 4!"
"Well, as Masaomi says, it should be obvious, we move back into Sunrise," Natsume said.
"Will we be okay there? We wouldn't want to get in the way," Ema said.
"Well, our brothers, they'll make it work. We're not too bad off. And we'll figure out what to do with the house, especially with Ukyo and Rika helping us. Plus the Ihito family is very kind and understanding. They won't screw us over on anything unless there is no other way. We'll get through this on top, just wait," Natsume assured her.
Ema smiled, "okay, I'll trust you and our family! I was hoping they'd stay close during this pregnancy, especially after the babies are born."
"Of course they would have, even if the house wasn't destroyed," Natsume said.
"You're right, we'll be okay, we'll figure things out, we'll make it work. And it'll be a hell of a story to tell our kids later," Ema said.
"Of course," Natsume said, as he kissed her forehead, "are you feeling tired?"
"Maybe a little," Ema admitted.
"Do you think you have it in you to see a few of our brothers?" Natsume asked, knowing full well they'd get mad if they didn't see her for themselves.
"Of course, real quick," Ema allowed with an understanding smile.
"Be right back," Natsume said.
Ema smiled as she adjusted herself to make herself a little more comfortable.
A little while later she was startled as Wataru came running into the room and hug attacked her.
"I'm so glad you're alright Big Sis! And your babies!" he said.
"Thanks Wataru," Ema said, hugging him back.
She looked back past him to see Subaru walking in.
He smiled at her.
"Good to hear there wasn't any permanent damage to you or the babies," he said.
"Thanks," Ema said, "I'm sure if it was something more serious, it would have been unavoidable. It's not like you had time to think things out."
Subaru nodded. "I hope you can get your house back in order eventually."
"We will, I'm sure of it," Ema said.
They were all soon interrupted by Azusa walking with Kaname, Azusa on the phone.
"Yes, she's right here, hang on," Azusa was saying.
He looked at Ema apologetic.
"It's Tsubaki, wanting to speak to you," he muttered.
"Oh, sure," Ema said taking the phone, "hello?
"Hey, you really okay?" Tsubaki asked.
"Yes, I'm fine, just need to rest my back a little," she assured him. "How did you find out? Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon?"
"Yeah, but Azusa thought I should be kept up to date. Glad you're okay. And the babies of course," Tsubaki said.
"Thank you," Ema said.
"Sorry about the house though, hope you two can bounce back from that," Tsubaki added.
"Natsume seems to think we'll be okay, I trust him," Ema said happily.
"Good for you guys then," Tsubaki said, "so what's going to happen to you guys in the meantime?"
"I guess we're going to move back in to Sunrise for now," Ema said.
"Oh really?" Tsubaki said, intrigued, "for how long?"
"Not sure, but there is a chance we'll be there by the time I have a give birth," Ema said.
"Ah," Tsubaki said, clearly happy with the idea.
"Well, of there's no rush on getting the house back in order then huh?" Tsubaki said.
"Tsubaki don't say that," Azusa said. He quickly took the phone away.
"No you've talked enough. Besides it's your honeymoon, focous on that. And spare me the details, please!"
"I'm sure he meant well," Kaname said as he came next to the bed.
"I know, he's probably excited with the idea of maybe having the babies near so he can see and hold them as often as he wants," Ema said.
"Oh probably," Kaname said.
"I know I'm excited about it," Wataru said.
Ema smiled at him.
"I know I wanted to see my kids have a strong bond with all their uncles, like their cousins already do," she said.
"I blame myself a little for this whole fiasco," Kaname said.
"What do you mean?" Ema asked.
"I should have blessed the house sooner, then it might not have fallen into such a predicament," Kaname said.
"Are you just working on your speech for the nurses to get lucky?" Wataru asked annoyed.
"Spunky little twerp aren't you?" Kaname replied smug.
"It's okay you didn't get a chance to bless the house, it isn't your fault regardless," Ema said patting his hand.
"Thank you, I will however keep offering up my prayers for you and your babies safety and security," Kaname said happily.
"Thank you, it's nice you're all looking out for us," Ema said.
"Of course, I'm expecting the little angels to guide the beautiful women towards me to demonstrate what a marvelous uncle I am," Kaname said.
"Will that seriously work?" Wataru asked.
"It better not!" Natsume said as he stormed into the room, "Kaname!"
"I can't help what the angles draw near to myself," Kaname said as he patted Ema's head and walked out of the room.
Natsume glared at him as he walked past.
"I doubt he'd cause any pain or suffering if he did somehow end up using the babies to draw in women," Hikaru said as he walked in as well, "he certainly didn't hurt Mizu and Kadia."
"He didn't!" Natsume said.
Hikaru shrugged, "who knows, just that when he visited, he offer to take them for walks and sometimes return home with a phone number , a smudge of lipstick on his face or a new girl entirely."
"Well he's not going to do that with ours!" Natsume declared.
"So you say," Hikaru said smug, "but he is a man of great mystery don't you think?"
He looked towards Ema, "oh so sorry about the house. In a way it's my fault, I did find it after all."
"It's no one's fault what happened. It's just one of those things," Ema insisted.
"Agreed," Natsume said as he walked back to his wife's bedside. "Not even the Ihito family. The children wanted to get rid of trees themselves but knew what it meant to their father to keep it. I don't blame them for being sentimental towards their father's thoughts and feelings."
"Very true," said Ema, "I thought it was sweet how much they wanted to make their father happy. I hope our kids can be like that."
"Oh I'm sure at least one of them will," Hikaru said, "so do you supposed I'll have to start house hunting for you again?"
"Let's wait and see what can and should be done with the house itself, see what Ukyo and Rika can work out with the Ihito family and such," Natsume said, "right now I just want to have a stable environment to take Ema home to, and possibly stay through the birth and aftermath."
"Fair enough, but I may look anyway, just in case," Hikaru.
"If you want to," Ema allowed.
"Anything to help ease your burdens right now," Hikaru assured her.
"Thank you," Ema said.
Just then Rintaro walked in alone with Miwa.
"You're looking well," Rintaro said, sounding at ease.
"Yes, so glad nothing serious happened to you or your little ones!" Miwa said.
"Thanks Mother," Ema said.
"Masa filled us in on what the doctors said. Looks like that's the best we could have hoped for," Rintaro said.
"So true," Natsume said.
"I had gone by the house myself with Ukyo and Rika. They say they'll be meeting up with the Ihito family tomorrow to go over more and to work out who should pay for what," Miwa mentioned.
"They spoke to the Ihitos?" Natsume asked.
"Yes, and don't worry, they're being fair with everything. I trust we'll be able to work everything out peacefully," Miwa assured him.
"What time tomorrow?" Natsume asked, "because we'll be able to take Ema home."
"Don't worry, well make sure you can be there," Miwa promised. Natsume looked her way and couldn't help but feel slightly suspicious of what his mom was planning in her head.
"So you guys are going to move into Sunrise for time being?" Rintaro asked.
"That is the new plan," Natsume said, "we're going to need space for those babies one way or another. Our apartment won't cover it."
"That'll work, it'll be good for you guys to be close to family after the babies are born anyway," Miwa said.
"We would have with the house anyway," Natsume insisted.
"So looks like you'll be doing that this weekend instead?" Rintaro asked.
"Most likely," Natsume concurred, "I can probably take Ema home there tomorrow when she's released."
"Oh why?" Masaomi asked as he too came in, "let her come to Sunrise tomorrow, she'll have more people there to help take care of her that way."
"You think?" Natsume asked.
"I'm okay with that," Ema said with a smile.
"Ukyo said that Emiko and the kids are actually helping to prepare a room for you right now and that he and Rika are going to help too once they get back."
"Emiko is?" Natsume asked.
"She offered to stay behind to watch the kids while everyone else came to the hospital to check on Ema," Masaomi explained, winking at Ema.
Ema blushed.
"And I'm sure the others who aren't here will either call or come check on you when they can," he added.
"Well, if they do and I'm not available, just let them know that I'm going to be okay and so are the babies," Ema said.
"Of course we will," Masaomi said, "in the meantime let's let you and your babies rest up a little. You're probably sleepy as is, aren't you?"
Ema nodded.
"Bye sweetie," Miwa said patting her head.
Ema smiled a sleepy smile as her family all filled out. Then she looked at Natsume.
"Will you be okay with going straight to Sunrise once I'm released?" she asked.
"Oh maybe," Natsume muttered, "at least if we're staying there, we can at least share a bed again."
"Even if we can't do anything together still?" Ema asked.
"I just want to be close to you while we sleep again," Natsume confessed.
"I don't know how close you can get with my condition," Ema said.
"Better than what we've been dealing with right now," Natsume said. He squeezed her hand.
"We might as well get you situated in Sunrise anyway, since you'll need to take it easy for a while."
Ema nodded in agreement before she managed to close her eyes.
Natsume managed to move himself and make himself comfortable in his chair.
'Moving back into Sunrise,' he thought in dread, rubbing his face in annoyance.
'Oh well, I should be greatful we have a place to go as is. Plus it'll mean a lot to Ema being among her family when she has the babies. And right now her happiness is matters more.'
"I understand sir, I wouldn't want to go out sooner than I was supposed to," Ema was speaking to her boss the next day, while Natsume and Tomori helped get her ready to leave the hospital.
"I can certainly do that work from home if need. I was going to be doing more of that as is, just so I can stay helpful and active within the company and among my staff. Alright, I'll contact them on Monday in a week after I've had time to recover. Thank you sir, I do appreciate it. Take care, good bye now."
"Well, what's the verdict?" Natsume asked.
"Mr. Shohan is going to set it up that I can do more work on the layouts and spreads for the magazines with the pictures Keitorin takes from home for the time being. With the promise that if I feel up to it I can return to do that work at the office before my maternity leave starts," Ema said.
Natsume nodded, "good to know. I'm sure it'll help out your staff as well."
"Yeah, I'd hate to leave them high and dry out of the blue like that," Ema said as she tried to stand up from her bed.
"Here," Tomori said as she helped guide Ema to a waiting wheelchair. "Remember, still got to take it easy on your back."
"I know," Ema said. She smiled at Natsume. "So when do you have to go back to the house or what's left of it?"
"Later this afternoon," Natsume said, "first I want to help get you to Sunrise."
"It'll be fun having you guys there," Tomori said, "oh and there's going to be some new friends for Cat Tsubaki and Azusa."
"What do you mean?" Ema asked as Tomori started to wheel her out.
"Yusuke found a box of abandoned kittens the other day and he brought them home until we can find permanent homes for them. Five in all, although it sounds like he and Emiko are planning on keeping one for themselves. Sorry we forgot to mention them, but...," Tomori explained.
"Yeah, of course," Natsume said, "I don't know how Tsubaki and Azusa will take to kittens but hopefully Juli can keep the peace."
"How did Juli take the news of me and the house?" Ema asked.
"I'm not sure," Natsume admitted, "I spent the night here and Azusa, Yusuke and Emiko went to the apartment to get some of our things, including the cats and Juli. Hopefully they'll be there when we get there."
"I hope they didn't give them a hard time when they went to get them," Ema said.
Yusuke looked around slowly as he walked into Natsume and Ema's apartment.
"Okay, let's get this over," he said cautiously as he looked around for the cats.
"While you do that, I'll get the change of clothes to hold them over until this weekend," Emiko said as she headed to the closet.
"I kinda wish Louis was here, he has a way with that squirrel," Azusa said as he pulled out the two carriers and started looking around with Yusuke for the cats.
"Here they are," Yusuke called out looking over the edge of the couch closest to the balcony door.
Azusa came and looked over as well. The two cats looked up at them curious and defensive.
"So how should we do this?" Yusuke asked, nervous.
"Let's see if we can grab them one at a time and get them into their cages," Azusa said.
"Okay, which one do we grab first?" Yusuke asked.
"Whichever one is easier to grab, I guess," Azusa said as he tried moving his hand towards the cat closest to him.
Both cats started to slink away from his grasp.
"Careful, don't let them get under the couch now!" Yusuke tried to warn as he tried to grab one himself.
"MEOW!" the cat hissed as he smacked Yusuke's hand away and both dive bombed under the couch.
"Owe!" Yusuke shouted as he held his hand.
"Damn it!" Azusa said as he looked under the couch at the cats. "Now how do we get them out?"
"What's all the noise?" Juli muttered as he came out of his house and looked down at Azusa and Yusuke looking down under the couch.
"What are those two up to?" he asked as he then noticed Emiko coming around and packing some suitcase with Nathan and Ema's clothes. She looked up at him.
"Oh, and look who's out?" She said, "are you going to give us an trouble with moving you back to Sunrise?"
"Back to Sunrise?" Juli said, "why do you have to go back to Sunrise?"
"Ema will be happy to see you. Hopefully you won't be too upset about her condition," Emiko added.
"Condition! What happened to Chi!" Juli shouted.
Emiko backed away from the house.
"He's scary sometimes," she said.
Juli took a deep breath, "sorry, I'll calm down and come along quietly. And I'll even help get the cats to go."
He jumped down and ran under the couch himself.
"Hey!" he said with a whistle, "come on now, I know you don't like going into your cages but looks like we have to. Our human friends are apparently going to Sunrise and we'll have to go with them. So let's just get this done and over with."
Both cats tilted their heads in confusion but still followed Juli out from the couch and over to the carriers waiting for them.
"What the heck?" Yusuke asked as he and Azusa watched.
"Just go with it," Azusa said as he opened the carriers up to allow on cats in.
"Good," Juli said as he went and jumped on Emiko's shoulder right as she finished packing the suitcases.
"Oh, guess you're riding with me huh?" She said, a little cautious.
"You're the one I trust most in this situation," Juli said as Emiko grabbed the suitcases and led the way out of the apartment. Yusuke made sure to lock the door behind him before they headed down to the elevator.
"What's going to happen with the big stuff like their couch or desk?" he asked out loud.
"I'm sure we can put them into storage for now," Azusa said, "Natsume was saying he'll want to keep everything, so hopefully they still can once everything is figured out for them."
"I wonder what's going to happen to them now? Do they know yet?" Emiko asked.
"They'll know, once they've spoken to the Ihitos I'm sure," Azusa said, right as the elevator stopped and they all walked out.
"What happened to the house?" Juli asked. "God it's frustrating when you guys can't understand me! I wish Louis or Yuki was here!"
Natsume looked up with slight dread as they pulled up to the Sunrise Residents. How he had wanted to get away from all the chaos that unfolded here when he was a youth.
'Doing this for Ema, this is what Ema wants,' he told himself as he got out with Tomori and then headed back to help Ema up.
"Careful, easy," he encouraged her as they walked towards the front door.
"I got it," Ema assured him as they walked onward.
"I'm here if you need the extra help," Tomori said as she walked behind her.
"I think we got it," Ema instead.
She still gripped Natsume's hand as they walked in and headed to the main living room.
There she and Natsume were surprised to see most of their family waiting for them, along with a child made banner that read "Welcome Home Aunt Ema and Uncle Natsume and Cousins!"
"Oh, how sweet!" Ema said looking at the banner with tears in her eyes.
"Uncle Wataru helped us make it!" Mizu bragged.
"We wanted you to feel really, really happy here!" Kadia added.
"Thank you," Ema said.
She suddenly felt something on her shoulder and realized Juli was there.
"So! What Happened! Tell Me Everything!" he demanded.
"We'll talk on the elevator," Natsume said as he led Ema that way, "I'm going to take Ema upstairs and to our room in the elevator. Anyone want to meet us up there and show us where it at?"
"Come on guys, let's race them!" Wataru encouraged his niece and nephew, running to the stairs. Both kids followed.
Ema and Natsume casually made their way to the elevator and started to ride it up.
"So!" Juli demand once they were alone.
"Well," Natsume said as he explained what happened to the house with the tree.
"Damn! I know they warned you about it but to think it would actually happen!" Juli said. "So we'll be staying here for a while?"
"Yes, probably up through the time for me to give birth," Ema said.
"Great," Juli muttered.
"My thoughts exactly," Natsume said, "but we should be greatful we have a place like this to go, especially when the babies come."
"True, we'll make it work right?" Juli said.
"Of course we will!" Ema said, resting her head against Natsume's arm.
"She's happy about this isn't she?" Juli asked.
"Oh yes," Natsume muttered, "and as long as she's happy, hopefully that'll make her pregnancy less stressful."
"Good point," Juli agreed.
Just then the elevator stopped and they were all once again greeted by most of their family.
"This way!" Wataru and the kids said as they eagerly walked down the hallway towards Ema's old room.
"Ta-da!" they all said as they opened the door and revealed a big bed for the two of them, complete with a guardrail for Ema.
"We weren't able to do too much with it before you left the hospital, but we can definitely improve the conditions to help you feel more at ease," Masaomi said. "Oh and this isn't the only part. Kids, Wataru?"
The trio ran over to a room across the hallway and opened to reveal a makeshift nursery with two cribs and a changing table and rocking chair all set up
"Oh!" Ema cooed, "you did this for us?!"
"Of course, we need to make sure our family is happy while they're here," Masaomi insisted.
Ema smiled with joy at the sight of the nursery.
Natsume smiled as well.
'Yeah we'll make this work for as long as we have to. We have some great brothers to help us through it '