DISCLAIMER I DO OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Ema was sitting relaxed in a comfy position with a plate of food, enjoying watching her many guests of family and friends mingling among themselves during her shower.
All seemed to be having a nice time and were getting along fine.
They would often come to her and visit her, but Ema didn't mind being left alone during her shower.
She looked towards the hallway where the she knew most of the men guests were at, mingling among themselves.
Even if the shower was co-ed, it seemed like the men preferred to stay among themselves, including Natsume.
'I hope Natsume's enjoying himself,' she thought.
"...and right as I finished, she pooped again!" one of the male guests joked with Natsume, a husband of one of Ema's work friends.
"Uh-huh," Natsume said.
"At that point I was like, I'm giving her back to my wife! She can deal with it!"
"Yes, of course," Natsume said, not feeling too thrilled with the man and his stories.
It seemed as though many of the men who had come with their wives had took it upon themselves to come and give him advice and or tell him horror stories of their experience as new fathers.
It was starting to get annoying to say the least.
"Hey, Natsume, how we doing bro?" Tsubaki suddenly said as he and Azusa suddenly led Natsume away.
"Sorry it just looked like you could use an escape," Azusa whispered.
"No, I did," Natsume insisted.
"These guys, these magazine guys, they're uh, interesting to say the least," Tsubaki said.
"I think most of them are husbands of the women working for company," Natsume said, "it's just your wife insisted the shower be co-ed."
"Yeah, real co-ed," Azusa said.
"Well anyway, she did let me pick out some games for us guys to play. Shall we get started?" Tsubaki teased.
"What do you got?" Natsume asked.
"Hey guys, who's ready for a game?" Tsubaki called out.
Masaomi and Ukyo both nodded at each other before pulling out some items.
"Hey yeah!" a lot of the men cheered.
"Great!" Tsubaki said. He looked as Ukyo rolled a cart out to the center of the room, filled with diapers.
"First game gentlemen, is guess the poop," Masaomi said with a smirk.
"Ewe," a lot of the men said.
"Don't worry chocolate," Tsubaki said out loud, "mostly."
"Really?" Azusa hissed at him.
Back out in the ladies room, Ema could see Mie's mother, Mrs. Seiso approaching her.
"Madam Asahina, you look amazing for someone expecting four at once," she said as she sat down next to Ema.
"Thank you," Ema said, "are you enjoying yourself, Mrs. Seiso?"
"Yes absolutely!" Mrs. Seiso said happily, "thank you so much for inviting me. It's so nice to attend a party with decent people, knowing that I don't have to turn around and see my other three children embarrassing me in someway."
Ema was a little surprised to hear the woman say that.
Mrs. Seiso gave off a heavy sigh.
"I don't know how it happened. Well, I may have some ideas as to how, but I still wish there was something more, someway I could make my oldest three more respectable, like Mie is. They're all such loss causes now. There's no hope of redemption. I thank God Mie managed to stay decent and dedicated and even found herself a good man from a good family."
"Mrs. Seiso, you shouldn't dismiss your other children so quickly," Ema insisted, "they might find a way to turn their lives around."
"You're a sweet woman. No wonder Mie talks so highly of you," Mrs. Seiso said kindly.
"Well, I like Mie a lot too. She's so kind and caring," Ema said.
"Thank you," Mrs. Seiso replied, "oh how I hope she can keep going the way she is, even when I retire and she becomes the new president of the business. I don't want to see her become cold and distant like I did. You know I wasn't even expected to be the president."
"Oh?" Ema asked.
"I had two older brothers that everyone including our father, expected to succeed him. But my oldest brother wanted to be a doctor which my father couldn't really argue with. While my second brother, he didn't like working in an office and instead bought himself a big farm out in the country and managed to make a happy life for himself. Something my father couldn't help but go along with either."
"Well it's nice to know your brothers made happy lives for themselves and your father understood and supported them," Ema said.
"Yes, but even after that he still didn't seem to consider me a possible successor. I had to buckle down and work hard to prove myself to him. And even then he didn't name me successor before he passed away. The board of directors voted me in. And I still worked as hard as I could to keep proving myself."
"And you did very well for yourself," Ema praised, "I heard your company expanded greatly under your control."
"Thank you my dear," Mrs. Seiso replied, "but I fear it cost me greatly. As I was saying, I made my son and twin daughters into irresponsible, spoiled, ungrateful vagrants. It's amazing Mie didn't go down the same path."
"It wasn't all your fault Mrs. Seiso. People in general are in charge of their own actions and deeds. Granted somethings made be taught to them by their home lives, but at the end of the day, they have to decide how to interpret those lessons and what they learn from them. You can't always blame yourself for their actions. Anymore than you can take credit for Mie's actions. She's a hard worker, even working some of the bottom level jobs to learn more about the business. And yet she's a very kind and caring person."
"You're right dear," Mrs. Seiso said, "I guess I needed to let off some steam. I apologize for venting to you when I should have been sharing some happy memories of my children's lives with you instead."
"I'm sure you have plenty," said Ema.
"I did, before they started getting cocky with the family name and fortune. There were some happier times," Mrs. Seiso admitted. "Maybe not all is lost."
"Mother, what are you doing?" Mie asked as she quickly approached Ema and her mom.
"Just visiting with the mother-to-be," Mrs. Seiso insisted as she managed to stand up and walk off.
Mie sighed as she sat down next to Ema.
"Tell me.she didn't vent to you about my brother and sisters," she begged.
"It was fine, really," Ema tried to comfort her.
"No it's not," Mie confessed, "I don't know if Mother told you why she asked to be invited to your shower. She said she needed to attend a social event where my siblings wouldn't be at and thus do something to embarrass her."
"She mentioned something like that yes," Ema admitted.
Mie sighed again, "it's also that, she wanted to see a real function family. My brother and one of my sisters dropped a big bombshell on my parents not too long ago.
My sister got herself pregnant, again and got an abortion, all without telling my parents. This makes the like the fourth or fifth time between her and her twin.
And then my brother's getting sued by a girl he got pregnant. This is the third one that we know of! The first one is keeping her child away from our brother as best she can while the second also got an abortion. I know my parents want to respect my brother and sisters' decisions, but at the same time, they wouldn't mind having a grandchild they can interact with."
"Oh, I'm sorry Mie," Ema said as she took Mie's hand, "I guess that's another thing only you'll be able to give them. Grandchildren they can accept and play with."
"At this point yeah," Mie agreed, "I just hope they understand that Subaru and I are going to want to wait a little before we start trying."
"I'm sure they will," Ema assured her. "Do you want children?"
"Of course I do," Mie said, turning back into her usual happy cheerful self, "I hope to have at least one of each!"
"That's what I'm hoping for, that it's still an even way split!" Ema said excited.
Mie started to look equally excited at the idea.
"Hey!" Haruhi said as she came up to Ema, "heard the guys are starting their games, so we were thinking we could start ours."
"Oh, yes of course," Ema allowed.
"Cool," Haruhi said, right as Rika and Tomori rolled in two big clear bowls filled with tiny baby figurines. There was also a bunch of clear bowls and cups.
"Okay ladies, the object of this game is to collect as many babies as possible!" Rika explained excited, " you each take a bowl, and use your cup to scoop out the babies in the bowls here and see if who can fill the most bowls with the time frame."
The guess all started to murmur happily among themselves.
"But here's one more catch," Tomori added, "Both bowls have two special babies with a number on them. Four babies in total, just like the mother-to-be is expecting."
Ema blushed and waved.
"And whoever finds one of the four babies, gets a prize as well," Haruhi concluded, "so take your pick. Try to have the most bowls filled or try and find those four special babies. Good luck and oh, we won't tell you necessarily how long you have. Get set, GO!"
The lady guests all ran to the tray and started trying to fill their bowls.
Ema could see Sunako holding Kaida's hand and helping her fill her bowl with Tomori watching with approval. She looked around the room with amusement at the different friends and family trying to either fill their bowls or go through small piles to find the special babies.
"Wishing you could play?" Haruhi asked as she sat down next to her.
"No, I'm fine just watching and relaxing here," Ema assured her.
"Good, I figured as much," Haruhi said, squeezing her hand, watching with her.
"So who came with this game?" Ema asked.
"Rika kinda did, after researching different types of games played at showers like this."
"Well looks like everyone's having fun with it," Ema said. "I wonder how much fun the guys are having."
"Mounds bar," Mizu bragged as he handed his uncle back the dirty diaper.
"You are correct again!" Tsubaki declared. "How are you guessing so easily?"
"I'm a kid, it's my job to know candy bars," Mizu said cocky.
"Who ever taught you that?" asked Tsubaki.
"You did," Mizu reminded him.
"Oh yeah," Tsubaki seemed to "suddenly" recall.
"Well looks like Mizu won this game," Masaomi declared. He handed Mizu his prize and the boy looked super excited.
"Shall we go on to the next game?"
"Already on it," Tsubaki insisted as Natsume felt something on his back.
"You're each having the name of a fictional child appropriate character taped to your back. And your job is to ask others for clues as to what character you have," Masaomi explained, as he and Ukyo joined Tsubaki with the tapping.
"When you think you have it figured out, come see us and we'll tell you if you're right."
"Why do I have the feeling Tsubaki gave me a highly humiliating character?" Natsume muttered to Azusa.
"It's actually not too bad," Azusa said as he took a look.
"Really?" Natsume said in surprise, "any clues?"
"Hmm," Azusa said as he stroke his chin, "his suit is either white or yellow."
"White or yellow? Oh wait, Captain of the Stars?" Natsume asked.
"Yeah, guess that was too obvious of a clue, huh?" Azusa said.
"Well not necessarily," Natsume insisted, "I've only recently started thinking about those comics, since Ema got pregnant. It might have been harder for me to remember all together."
"Well, okay, give me a clue about mine?" Azusa asked as he turned around.
"Hmm, well you're well known for your curiosity," Natsume said.
"Curiosity," Azusa pondered out loud, "anything else you can tell me?"
"You like the color yellow," Natsume said.
"Color yellow?" Azusa thought, "am I, Curious George or something?"
"Yep," Natsume said.
Azusa actually smiled over that, "ah, one of Mizu's favorite story books actually."
Natsume looked at the little boy who was racing to his dad and uncles.
"I'm The Space Prince!" he said quickly.
"I thought I was the space prince," Futo said as he too came to his brother. "But I guess I'll have to merely be one of the three little pigs?"
"Yes, and yes," Masaomi said looking at their backs.
"We won Uncle Futo!" Mizu cheered.
"Heck yeah we did!" Futo said, giving him a high five.
"Well, you going to give them your answer?" Azusa asked.
"It's my party, I don't have to win," Natsume said, "what about you?"
"Nah, don't want people to think I have an advantage due to my twin running the game," Azusa said.
The two stood by and watched as more men came forward with their guesses.
"And we have our winners!" Rika declared as she handed out different gifts to the woman who had gathered the most tiny babies as well as the women who had each managed to find one of the four special babies.
"And now it's time to for another game!" Haruhi called out, "everyone pair up." All the women quickly did so.
"Alright, so split up, with one partner coming to stand next to the prepared baskets with the dolls in them." The guests did as they were told.
"Now as you ladies know, there is absolutely no one more protective than a mother. Those of you that are not standing next to a basket, are going to try and get the basket with the baby doll, while the other tries to protect it. And if the mother trying to "rescue" her baby manages to do so, and there's still time, the rolls can be reversed and the original "protective" mother can try and "rescue" the baby back."
"Oh," several guests cooed at the game.
"On your marks, get set, Go!" Rika shouted.
"Who came up with this game?" Ema asked Tomori who was standing nearby.
"Rika again, she pretty much came up with all the games for us and the guys. She only came up with games for the guys in case they did what they are doing now, hanging out in their own room. But don't fret, Rika has one last one that'll include all guests together."
"Can't wait to see it," Ema said as she returned to watch the women play the "protective mother" game. As she looked back up at Tomori, she noticed she seemed hardcore focused on one of the guests.
"Something wrong?" Ema asked.
"Mmm, just a funny feeling about Yuki," Tomori admitted.
"Yuki?" Ema said as she looked towards Yuki. She seemed fine, happily playing the game Emiko. "Did she say or do something earlier?"
"Hmm, not to me, but, I just have some sort of hunch," Tomori admitted, "I may try talking to her later, when there aren't so many people around."
Ema nodded, hoping whatever it was Tomori was feeling, wasn't a bad thing. She remembered how Louis had mentioned Yuki had been sick not too long ago.
'I wonder,' Ema pondered.
She looked back up towards Tomori and noticed her focused seemed to shift towards another guest, but she couldn't figure out who exactly before a timer dinged. Tomori quickly went and rejoined Rika and Haruhi.
"Alright mothers, who's the mom that proved to be the most protective?" Haruhi asked.
All the women with the baby doll, held it up.
"Come and claim your prizes!"
The women lined up and Rika and Tomori started handing out different gifts. Haruhi meanwhile hurried out and down to the room the men were in.
"Alright, has everyone guessed their character?" Masaomi asked.
"The father-to-be hasn't," Tsubaki pointed out, "or you Azusa. What's the matter? Too hard to figure out?"
He laughed at his own joke.
Natsume and Azusa shared a look before approaching him, Masaomi and Ukyo.
"Captain of the Stars," Natsume said confidently.
Tsubaki smirked, "I picked that one out specifically for you."
Natsume smiled and snorted in amusement.
"How about you Azusa?" Tsubaki asked.
"Curious George," Azusa said.
"Bingo!" Masaomi said, "and that's everyone!"
"Hey boys, how's it going?" Haruhi suddenly asked in a sexy tone as she strud into the room.
"We just finished our second game, you girls?" Tsubaki asked.
"All done too," Haruhi said, "and now we're ready forthe last group game."
"Ah," Tsubaki said with an evil laugh. He looked at Masaomi. "Did I ever tell you your wife's an evil genius?"
Masaomi shook his head as he helped Ukyo starting to gather up some odd looking bags.
"What are we supposed to do with these?" one of guests asked.
"Simple," Tsubaki said, holding a stack of note cards, "lift up your shirts."
"Guys will be in here in a few minutes," Haruhi announced as she came back into the main living room.
"Good," Rika said, it'll give us time to get the last game done." By now she and Tomori we're tapping a note card to each baby doll and moving them around the room. Haruhi also started handing out a different card to the guests and this time she also made sure to give one to Ema.
"So this is a game I should be able to play?" Ema asked.
"More or less," Haruhi said with a wink before helping Rika and Tomori place the dolls around the room.
"Are we ready?" Tsubaki called out.
"Ready, come on in!" Haruhi called back.
Soon all the male guests came staggering into the room, now looking like they themselves were pregnant. Some looked amused, while some looked annoyed or embarrassed.
Most of the women started to laugh.
"Alright, calm down," Masaomi said as he came to the center, "now each of you should have a card. Each card has a number. What you'll want to do is find who is the matching number. That's your "spouse" for the game. Next you and your "spouse" will have to find your baby with the same number. Once you do that, you'll "give birth" and dress your baby in the clothes that should be in your gentleman's belly. First couple to complete it all wins."
"Wow this sounds like fun," Ema said as she sat up a little.
"Also who gets Ema, can lose their belly. She has plenty to spare and you'll have to find your baby on your own," Rika mentioned. Ema blushed as everyone looked at her. Several of the men suddenly looked hopefully.
Natsume however felt a small amount of protection towards Ema, and hoped he had her number.
"Alright, when I give the signal, go!" Masaomi said as he raised his arm and brought it down.
Everyone quickly opened their cards.
"Number 8?" Ema said out loud.
"That's me! That's me!" Mizu cheered suddenly as he dashed to Ema and hugged around her neck.
"I get to be with you Aunt Ema!"
"Oh exciting!" Ema said as she hugged him back.
Natsume watched the exchange between Ema and Mizu.
"That's not so bad," he told himself as he looked at his number.
"Number 14?" he said. He looked around the crowd trying to pair up.
Then he noticed a hand holding up another card that had 14 on. He did his best to get through the crowd until he found the hand's owner.
"Oh, hey," Kyo said as Natsume approached her, "you're my wife?"
"Whatever you want to do call it, yes," Natsume said.
"Alright come here, darling, let's go get our baby," Kyo joked as she led Natsume off to find which baby was theirs.
"Not too disappointed you're not with your actual wife I hope."
"Nah, she's with a good man," Natsume said glancing back at Ema and Mizu.
Mizu pulled out his bag and gave it to Ema.
"Okay, Aunt Ema, I'll go find our baby!" he said as he hurried off.
"Remember, number 8, Mizu," Ema said.
"Right!" Mizu said as he started looking around.
"Hey, I think I found number 14," Kyo said as she gently picked up the doll. Natsume was a little impressed with the way she picked up the baby, as though it was alive and cradled it in her arms.
"You had some good parenting skills," he mentioned.
"You think so?" Kyo said, "hope so."
"Hmm?" Natsume said. "Everything okay?"
"Uh," Kyo sputtered.
"Don't worry about it," Natsume assured her.
Kyo nodded as she led Natsume to a set of chairs.
"Alright, you ready to give birth?" she asked.
Natsume groaned as he pulled out his bag from his shirt.
"Oh, that looked like a difficult labor," Kyo joked as Natsume opened the bag and pulled out a red shirt and pants.
"Oh, it's a boy," Kyo said as she started to dress the baby. "Do you hope you'll have a boy?"
"It might be nice," Natsume admitted, "though I really could care less personally. Just as long as they're born safe and survive."
"Yeah, I'm sure that's a fear anyone has giving birth, even if you're just expecting one," Kyo said.
"Yes, so true," Natsume agreed.
"Aunt Ema! I found it! Hurry!" Mizu said as she dashed back to Ema with the doll.
"Okay, let's get it dressed," Ema said as she opened her bag and pulled out a pink dress. "Ah, a girl."
"Ugh! A girl!" Mizu moaned.
"Let's hurry and get her dressed," Ema said quickly.
"I bet that's what mommy and daddy are going to have," Mizu complained, "but I don't want a little sister! I want a little brother, like what daddy has with all the uncles."
"Are mommy and daddy expecting a new baby, Mizu?" Ema asked.
"I don't know, they're talking about it," Mizu admitted.
"Oh my," Ema said, "Masaomi and Rika having another baby?"
"What's that?" Rika asked as she walked past.
"We got the baby dressed Mommy!" Mizu bragged as he showed the doll in its dress.
"Oh, so you have," Rika said with pride. "Good work, better go get your prize."
Mizu dashed off.
"Um, Rika," Ema asked quickly, "you and Masa, you aren't, expecting too, are you?"
"What? Oh no! We've only been discussing it. Nothing serious yet," Rika insisted. "Why do you ask."
"Mizu was a little upset we got a girl instead of a boy. And was worried you were having a girl instead of a boy. Apparently he wants a little brother like all of his dad's."
"Does he really?" Rika said, sounding amused by the idea, "well he'll just have to settle with who we get, when they come."
"It'd be cute to see you and Masaomi with a new baby," Ema said.
Rika nodded in agreement, looking a little more interested with the idea as she walked over to her husband herself, and drew him close.
'Well I guess whoever it was that Tomori was looking towards, it wasn't Rika at least,' she thought.
"Here's our prize Aunt Ema!" Mizu said as he came back to her with a fun box of candy.
"Oh how sweet, Thank you Mizu," Ema said, "but I don't need mine. Would you like both?"
"Really?!" Mizu said happily as Ema gave him, her box.
"Sweet! That gives me cookies, candy and the rice cakes!" Mizu said excited.
"Uh, maybe on second thought I should keep my share of the prize," Ema said as she tried to take the candy back.
"Uh-uh!" Mizu declared, keeping them out of reach. "No take backs! Uncle Futo always says never give take backs!"
"Of course he did," Ema said.
"Yes but your parents can decide when and how often you get such sweets," Masaomi said as he suddenly appear behind his son and took the candy away himself.
"Ah Daddy!" Mizu whined as sulked off.
Masaomi looked towards Ema.
"Just remember, you'll have to deal with that four times over," he warned.
Ema nodded with an understanding smile.
"Candy now huh?" Kyo said as she saw the little box she Natsume won. "I don't need candy."
"Me neither," Natsume agreed. He heard Kyo give off a whistle.
"Hey, Kadia," she said motioning the little girl over. Kadia immediately came over, as well as Futo.
"Want my candy?" Kyo offered.
"Really?" Kadia said as she accepted the gift.
"Here, you can have mine too," Natsume allowed, giving her his as well, "just don't eat it all at once."
"Now where's the fun with that?" Futo asked, "so what did you guys have?"
"A boy," Kyo said holding up their doll, "What about you?"
"We had a girl!" Kadia said excited, as she held her doll in its dress.
"Congratulations," Tsubaki said as he came up to the group, "she's probably about as hollow as her father."
"Watch it!" Futo snapped. "At least mine won't be as empty headed as yours!"
Tsubaki merely laughed at his brother's insult and tap his head.
Natsume rolled his eyes and tried looking away from the commotion, only to catch a glance at Kyo rubbing her belly looking nervous.
"Anyway, we need to round up the dolls," Tsubaki explained.
"Oh can I keep mine?" Kadia asked.
"Sure you can," Tsubaki said patting her head.
"Is that an option?" Kyo asked, "could I maybe keep mine?"
The three brothers all looked surprised by her request.
"Eh, sure, most of these are going to go to either Masaomi's play area at this hospital or to Tomori clinic for the waiting rooms and whatnot," Tsubaki said, "I'm sure they'll survive without two."
"Thank you," Kyo said, still holding the doll like it was real.
"Do you like playing with dolls Auntie Kyo?" Kadia asked.
"Sure I do," Kyo said, "why wouldn't I?"
"Hmm, well, anyway, got to get the other ones," Tsubaki said as he wonder off to help collect the other dolls.
"Should we help?" Natsume asked.
"Oh no, it's supposed to be your shower, we got this," Tsubaki assured him.
"Mmm, can I have some of my candy now?" Kadia asked.
"Sure you can," Futo encouraged.
"Uh no, that might not be a good idea," Natsume protested.
"Why not?" both Futo and Kadia asked.
"You don't want to eat too much and risk getting sick," Natsume explained, eyeing Futo mad as he did.
"I won't!" Kadia tried to insist.
"Yeah, sure she won't," said Futo.
"Kadia, give me that candy, you can have some after the guests leave," Ukyo suddenly said as he come up behind her and took it all.
"But Daddy, I can handle it!" Kadia tried to protest as he walked away.
"Yeah Daddy, give her a chance," Futo said as he followed as well.
"Oh don't you dare try calling me daddy, Futo!"
Natsume sighed.
"What was Ukyo and Futo arguing about?" Louis asked as he and Yuki walked past.
"Kadia being allowed to have candy," Natsume explained.
"Ah yes, a struggle all parents have had to battle since time began," Louis said with a smirk.
"Something fun for you and Chi to deal with once the four reach that age," Yuki said as she headed towards Ema herself.
Louis watched her walk away. Natsume couldn't help but notice the expression on his face. He was smiling his usual carefree smile, but for some reason it looked a little troubling too.
"So, Louis, is Yuki feeling any better?" he asked casually.
"Uh well," Louis sputtered.
"Hi Yuki, having fun?" Ema asked as she came up to her.
"Yes, this was all fun," Yuki said, "Rika can be quite creative when she wants to be."
Ema nodded, but then bit her lip.
"So Yuki, are you feeling any better?" she reluctantly asked.
"Huh?" Yuki asked in slight surprise.
"Sorry, I don't mean to pry but, Louis mentioned you haven't been feeling well lately," Ema confessed.
"Oh, that," Yuki said, now biting her lip. "Well, I did want to get this out, but I didn't want to steal your thunder."
"No it's okay," Ema insisted as she took her hand.
Yuki looked around, seemingly to make sure there wasn't anyone else nearby at the moment.
"Well, you're going to be the first person I've told this to," she said at last, softly, "I'm pregnant."
Ema's eyes widen in shock.
"You are? For real?" she asked.
"Yeah, I guess the Pink Peony has that kinda affect on people," Yuki tried to joke.
"Well, congratulations, then," Ema said kindly, "it'll be exciting that the quads will have another cousin close to their age."
"Thank you," Yuki said, though she still looked a little disturbed.
"I don't know if I should be sharing this with you on your special day," Louis muttered.
"Is that bad?" Natsume asked.
"In a way," Louis said, "but in another way, it's also something rather wonderful." He looked over at his girlfriend. "Yuki's pregnant."
Natsume looked over at Yuki in shock. "For real?"
"Yes, another Pink Peony baby," Louis joked.
"You're kidding," Natsume said.
"Nope, that's where it had to happen," Louis insisted. "To be honest, I couldn't be happier. I love the idea of having a baby with the woman I love. But at the same time, I worry what others will say about Yuki getting pregnant out of wedlock, even though we both agreed we're not getting married."
"You're not?" Natsume asked.
"There's no need to, from our point of view. To us, marriage is just a piece of paper that binds people together. And quite frankly we don't want to be restricted by such a thing. Not that we would dare discourage others who do want such a thing," Louis explained.
"Well if that's how you want to go about it," Natsume said, "I wish you the best, especially with the baby."
"Thank you," Louis said, "it feels good to know we'll have some support in our choices. Now the only thing we'll have to face Mother and hope she'll approve of both situation and our decision in regards to it."
"Oh yeah, Mother," Natsume said, not sure how their mom would take the news.
"So you haven't told anyone in your side about the baby?" Ema asked Yuki.
"Not really, not really anyone to tell, at least not right away. Anyone that is that it'll affect. Don't have much family. I practically grew up on my own after my parents died. My dad's older half-sisters helped support me financially, especially in regards for me staying in the home I had with my parents. And they would sometimes come to check in on me. But we were never that close. They had never been that close to dad either. And we've only drifted further apart when I was no longer dependent on them to support me."
"Oh," Ema said.
"I'll tell them eventually, but I'm worried about Miwa and how she'll feel about me being pregnant while not married and no plans to get married," Yuki said.
Ema nodded remembering what Yuki had told her about her and Louis' decision in regards to not getting married, "well if I know Mother, she'll come to understand. She might even not care overall."
"Yeah?" Yuki asked. She smiled at Ema's encouragement.
"Hey, how's it going?" Kyo suddenly asked as she suddenly came upon the two.
"Oh nothing, just girl talk,"Yuki said as she got up with a smile, and tapped patted Kyo's shoulder.
"Something I said?" Kyo asked.
"Mmm, she just has a lot on her mind," Ema explained.
"Mmm, yeah I can relate," Kyo said, looking down at her baby doll again.
Ema actually found it a little adorable.
"Sorry," Kyo said. She gave off a sigh. "I guess babies have been on my mind in more ways than one. Can I tell you something? Something Iori and I haven't told anyone else in your family yet?"
"Uh, sure," Ema assured her.
Kyo took a deep breath, "I'm pregnant."
"What? You are too?!" Ema asked in shock, only to panic that she had let out Yuki's secret.
"Yep, you aren't the only one anymore," Kyo said. Ema could feel the relief from Kyo not catching on.
"Guess me and Iori got a little too down under while we were in the Land Down Under, if you catch my jiff."
"Oh my," Ema said, "and you haven't told anyone yet?"
"Well, at least not in Iori's side. We've told my parents," Kyo explained.
"How did they take it?" Ema asked timidly.
"Mmm, not too well actually," Kyo admitted, "mostly because my mother always had a dream of throwing me a big fancy wedding so she could show me off. That was always because I'm her only daughter out of three boys. But she and Dad did calm down enough to tell congratulations and that they are excited to see the baby when it comes."
"Well what are you and Iori going to do now?" Ema asked.
"Mmm, don't know," Kyo said, "the only thing we can agree on is that we are happy/excited over the idea of having a baby together and we'll stay together no matter what. We've just not sure how soon now we'll be getting married, especially if we want to help fullfil my mom's wish to throw me a big fancy wedding."
Ema nodded in understanding, "well I hope it works out for you and that you have a healthy baby soon."
"Thanks," Kyo said happily, "I guess now all I'll have to do is face Miwa with the news."
"Oh yes," Ema said. Even she knew it was one thing for one brother in impregnate a girl he wasn't married to,. but two? That was going to be a stretch.
"Well to be fair, I don't see Mom rejecting or treating your baby bad. She might with you, but she'll accept the child, no sweat," Natsume said in encouragement.
"You're probably right, and I'm sure she won't be too harsh in Yuki even. I'm just the one that'll have to worry the most," Louis agreed, but with a smile. "Thank you Natsume, I will admit, there is a part of me that's happy to share this wonderful news. I am excited to be a father."
"Good, because that what matters most in the end," Natsume said.
Louis nodded before heading off on his own.
"Natsume, is Kyo still with you?" Iori asked as he suddenly came up to his brother.
"No, looks like she's chatting with Ema," Natsume said gesturing in The women's direction.
"Oh, I see," Iori said, "did she say anything to you during the last game?"
"No, nothing too crazy," Natsume said, "although she does for some reason, wants to keep the doll for some reason."
"Does she?" Iori said, "can't say I'm too surprised. The truth is," he had to pause before he finished, "Kyo's pregnant."
"I'm sorry, what?" Natsume asked.
"It most likely happen when we were back down in Australia," Iori explained, "and I can tell you this, Kyo's family very disappointed. Especially her mother. Kyo's her only daughter among her three sons, and she's had fantasies of throwing Kyo's a big grand wedding."
"Oh, yes that would be a problem," Natsume said in understanding, "but couldn't you still have the wedding after the baby's born?"
"That, is actually what we might be considering. Wait until Kyo has the baby and let her lose some of the baby's weight, and then see about having that big wedding," Iori agreed.
"Does this mean you intend to truly marry Kyo?" Natsume asked.
"I've considered it before finding out Kyo was pregnant. I enjoy living with her, how much difference could a marriage certificate make?" Iori said, "the bigger change is going to be having a baby too."
"Well I hope it works out," Natsume said, "and congratulations."
"Thank you Natsume," Iori said kindly.
'Two brothers with children out of wedlock,' Natsume pondered, 'I guess I could have expected one of my brothers to do something like that, but two and not at once. And especially not have it be Louis or Iori."
He looked back at Iori, 'Oh well, they'll still take good care of their families.'
"Hi," Natsume said later as he finally joined Ema at the sofa. The shower was more or less over and most of the non family guests had left.
"Hi," Ema said back, "Did you have a good time?"
"I did" Natsume assured her, "surprised all we mostly got was cards with money in them."
"Well, maybe everyone wasn't sure what to bring that would work for four babies" Ema said, "at least with the money, we can just buy what we'll need. Or used them as a college fund."
"Good point," Natsume agreed, "so did you and Yuki or Kyo have an interesting conversation? Because I had quite the interesting conversation with Louis and Iori."
"I did," Ema said, "I was told by both, they're pregnant."
Natsume nodded. "That's what the guys told me. Crazy isn't it?"
"I am curious as to how Mother will take it," Ema said, "I want to think she'll accept it, but...,"
"Well maybe we'll find out," Natsume said as he nodded to the entrance where Miwa and Rintaro we're both walking in.
"Well good to see the crowd has died down. I don't care for crowds," Miwa observed as she looked around.
"Yes," Rintaro said as he juggled a few gifts. He and Miwa happily headed towards Ema and Natsume on the couch.
"Hello my dears," Miwa said hugging Ema's head and patting Natsume's.
"Where are all the other gifts?" Rintaro asked as he put his down.
"Most of what we got were money envelopes with cards," Ema said, "easier than getting four of everything."
"Funny you should say that," Rintaro said as he handed Ema her first gift.
Ema blushed as she opened it up. Inside were four silver chian necklaces, with a locket. Each one read, "You were loved and welcomed into the Family Asahina since they day you arrived."
"Oh, how lovely," Ema said.
"When they're born and we have names, we'll have them engraved," Miwa promised, "it'll be so amazing to finally have these newest members of the family."
"Speaking of which, Mother," Louis started to say.
"Mother, I need to tell you something," Iori too suddenly spoke up, only to pause when he realized he had interrupted Louis.
"Go ahead, Iori," Louis tried to insist politely.
"No, you were first," Iori tried to also encourage.
"Well somebody say something, what's going on?* Miwa asked.
"I'm going to be a father," both brothers suddenly admitted.
Miwa's eyes grew huge at this news. A vast majority of the other family members also gasped or shared looks of shock.
"Thought as much," Tomori said calmly.
Iori and Louis also looked at each other in surprise.
"You too Iori?" Louis asked.
"I guess so," Iori sputtered.
"Well, what are you going to do now then?" Miwa asked as she walked over to her sons, also looking Yuki and Kyo's way.
Both women quickly went and joined their boyfriends.
"Louis? You're the older one, you speak first," Miwa said.
"Well, we're going to just go about as we have before and try to adjust with the baby when it arrives," Louis said.
"So, no plans for marriage?" Miwa asked.
"Not at that moment," Loui admitted.
"Hmm, that does sound like you Louis," Miwa said. She still put her hand on Yuki's belly, "well as long as you two are sure of what you want and are certain you'll be happy with your choice." She lowered her face closer to the womb, "any chance you could be a girl?"
"We'll have to wait nine months to see Mom," Louis said.
Miwa nodded before turning her attention to Iori and Kyo.
"And you two? What are your plans?"
"Well we will be getting married, only it'll be sometime after baby comes," Iori explained.
"I'll need to slim down so I can fit into a decent dress for my mom," Kyo further told, "she wants to see her only girl shine in a big wedding."
"Oh, can't say I blame her, having 13 boys myself and only one daughter. I was determined to make sure she had a grand wedding herself," Miwa said.
Ema looked at Natsume and blushed while Natsume merely shook his head in annoyance.
"But is that you two want? Are you two wanting to get married, baby or no baby?" Miwa continued. "As I'm sure you just heard with Louis, I personally have no problems with you not getting married if you're not ready."
Iori looked at Kyo and squeezed her hand.
"I'll admit I do want to marry her. I was just hoping we could do it on our terms," he said. Kyo nodded in agreement.
"Well, then that's something we'll have to discuss with your mother dear," Miwa said, "but if you two are hoping to get married, please let me know when you're ready. And in the meantime," She lowered her head to Kyo's belly too, "any chance you could be a girl for Grandma too?"
"Oh gee Mom, no love for boys?" Louis asked.
"Not when you've raised 13," Miwa said. "even if my grandson is the best grandson ever."
"Too bad we can't say for him as a son," Rika joked as she confiscated some pieces of candy from Mizu.
"Anyway, let's be happy! Louis and Iori are going to be fathers!" Masaomi said.
"Yes!" Tomori shouted as most of the family started to circle around the two new pairs of parents-to-be.
"This is so unfair!" Ema and Natsume heard Haruhi muttered.
"Tell me about it! We go through all that trouble of actually getting married and those beat us to the next stage!" Tsubaki agreed.
"Oh I'm sure you two will have a baby when you're good and ready," Natsume reluctantly assured them.
"Oh yes, you two are so determined to have a child, it'll happen," Ema agreed.
"Guess we'll have to try harder," Tsubaki teased eyeing Haruhi with slight lust.
Haruhi looked away in slight embarrassment but also as a tease.
"It's amazing," they suddenly heard Mrs. Seiso speaking up, "we're having a similar situation these Asahinas are dealing with. Yet rather than have it be scandalous like us, they celebrate it."
"Mother, please," Mie pleaded.
"No, it's fine," her mother said, "if anything I'm happy you found such a family that could openly accept such a thing and take responsibility for their actions."
The woman looked towards Ema and Natsume, as well as Tsubaki and Haruhi.
"You do have an amazing family. I envy you, but am hopeful for the future with my one good child."
"Thank you Madam, I'm sure your other children don't mean to cause you trouble," Natsume said.
"Hmm," Mrs. Seiso muttered, "I think it's time I go. I'll just slip out quietly, but do extend my congratulations to your brothers on their new bundles of joy. Mie were you coming too?"
"Yeah, I'll go back with you," Mie said before hurrying over to Ema and hugging her one last time.
"Can't wait to see you again, when the babies come
That's why Subaru didn't come today. He wants to use his remaining days off for when you give birth," she explained.
"That's sweet of him," Ema said. She waved Mie and her mother as they left through the back door.
"Well good to know Mie's mom had a good time and could take her mind off her other kids'little scandals," Natsume mentioned.
"True," Ema said, before getting a yawn.
"Getting worn out?" Haruhi asked.
"This is what I was worried about," Natsume said. He started to help Ema stand up.
"Think we can sneak upstairs without anyone noticing or getting upset?"
"Nah, besides everyone's attention is on the new parents to be," Tsubaki said as he started to gather up some of Ema's gifts, including the ones that had been open.
"Haruhi, thank you for a splendid baby shower, it was fun, even if all I could do was watch," Ema said, "you Tsubaki. And same to Masaomi, Rika, Ukyo and Tomori."
"No prob, it was fun planning," Haruhi said happily.
"Isn't it great that Iori and Louis will have babies close to ours' ages!" Ema said later when Natsume got her back to the room, and on the bed. Tsubaki had help leave her gifts in a corner while the few that hadn't been open yet were on the bed.
"I suppose," Natsume said, "I still can't believe they got their girlfriends pregnant out of wedlock."
"Are you bothered by that?" Ema asked.
"Just shocked really," Natsume assured her, "It sounds like they both know what they want to do, and I think that'll mean the babies will be just find."
"I can't believe it. I thought Louis and Iori had more class than that," Juli said from his little house.
"Oh Juli, always so judgemental," Ema said, "it's just a minor set back really. Neither one wants to back out of their relationship with their girlfriends or the commitment to being a father. And that's all that matters really."
"I suppose," Juli muttered, "still expected better from the likes of them."
Just then there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Natsume encouraged.
The door open and Louis poked his head in with a smile.
"Hi, just came by to say bye for now and apologize for taking away the attention from you two during your shower."
"Yeah, real sorry about that Ema and Natsume," Iori said as he too poked his head in.
"It's okay really. We're just happy to hear about the good news," Ema assured her brothers.
"Yeah, we're happy to hear about your new babies and hope they're both born healthy," Natsume said.
"Thank you," Louis and Iori said together.
"We'll definitely be around when your due date comes," Iori mentioned.
"Maybe we should stick around afterwards to help, give us a chance to prepare for ours," Louis joked.
"If you want to, we can probably use it," Natsume said.
"Well take care in the meantime," Iori said as he started to walk out.
Louis was about to walk out when he felt something on his shoulder.
"Oh hello Juli," he said.
"I hope you're proud of yourself. I always took a gentleman!" Juli scolded.
"I am one thank you," Louis said, "Yuki and I are happy as we are and our baby will be raised with love."
"Hmm," Juli muttered eyeing him.
"I know you're disappointed in me, but I assure you, nothing's changed about me," Louis maintain.
"I suppose, and this kid is going to get itself a good dad with you. So, congratulations, I guess," Juli said.
"Thanks Juli," Louis said shaking his paw.
Juli nodded and jumped down to let Louis head out himself.
"You shouldn't judge him too harshly," Natsume defended his brother, "Ema and I had sex before marriage. We could have ended up like them too."
Juli shot him a dirty look. "Don't remind me!"
"Juli, what's happened has happened and I think we should just accept it, move on and focus on the good things in life. That of course includes that in just a few weeks, we'll have four new members of the family. And I want to raise them to love and cherish all their family, regardless of how they joined the family," Ema said.
"I agree," Natsume said, squeezing her hand. Juli sighed.
"Yeah, you're right Chi," he said, "and if you do raise those kids like that, they're going to be some of the best people in the world."
"Thank you Juli," Ema said with a blush.