DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"Do you really think Hayase is going to be okay?" Ema asked right as Natsume got her back to her room.
"Yes, for the last time," Natsume insisted, "you heard what Dr. Senzoku said, he's fine. He wasn't exposed to anything."
"Hmm," Ema mumbled as Natsume helped her back into her bed.
"How did she even find out I gave birth or where?"
"Well where wouldn't be too hard to figure out, this is the best equipt hospital to deliver a multiple pregnancy," Natsume explained, "plus, our brother works here. It'd be a good place to try and look into first. How though, I too don't know. I am curious too how she found out."
"Do you think she'll try and come back?" Ema asked timidly.
"I'll talk to security and make sure she's not allowed," Natsume promised.
Ema nodded, "I don't want her near the babies! I don't care if they all suddenly get super healthy, I don't want her ever near them!"
"I agree," Natsume said, "if I have to, I'll talk to Ukyo and Rika about a restraining order!"
"Good idea," Ema said as she laid down.
"Why not get some rest," Natsume suggested, gently stroking her hair. "And don't worry, I'll make sure our babies stay safe."
Ema nodded before closing her eyes to rest.
Natsume waited until he was certain she was asleep before heading out to the security desk.
However he did find himself stopping at the NIC-ICU and peering inside the room his children were all in. The four doctors were all still there doing their various inspections and test on the babies. And he could see Hayase resting peacefully in his incubator, looking safe and secure.
Natsume breathed a sigh of relief before continuing in his way to the security desk.
He would admit, he too had been nervous of when Kai had burst in when Hayase was out of his bed. Especially without a mask or gloves. What if she was sick in some way and she somehow managed to infect his kids? Particularly Hayase being out of his protective bed.
What if if had been one of the smaller babies? Like Roza? She was so small, lots of things could infect her!
'I would bet if we confront her on the matter, she'd try blaming Ema for it!' he thought bitterly. "I don't agree with hitting women normally but so help me! I'll punch her in the nose if I see her again!'
Ema slept so deeply, she didn't stir at all as the door
"Ah, dang it! She's asleep!" Tsubaki complained when he saw her sleeping.
"Well let's leave her be then," Azusa said as he encouraged Tsubaki, and Haruhi and Sunako out.
"Well, now what do we do?" Haruhi asked.
"Should we go and find Natsume?" Sunako suggested.
"He's probably with the babies or getting a bite to eat," Azusa said.
"Should we just leave for now and try coming back later?" Haruhi asked.
That made her husband groan.
"We came here this early because we figured it was a good chance to see the babies in person!" he whined.
"Well, we were wrong," Haruhi said, putting her arm around him in comfort, "we'll just have to try again later."
"What are you guys doing here?" Natsume suddenly asked as he came down the hallway himself, having return from his meeting with the security desk in regards to Kai.
"Came to see you, obviously," Tsubaki remarked
"Things going okay today?" Azusa asked.
"I should hope so," Natsume said with a smile as he pulled out his phone to show the pictures of Ema holding Hayase.
"Oh no way! That is so amazing!" Haruhi said happily.
"Which one is that?" Sunako asked.
"Hayase," Natsume said, "he's the biggest and healthiest among the four and the doctor said we can hold him for brief periods every few hours. Next time I'll probably be able to."
"Ah, how lucky!" Haruhi said, "how soon can we expect someone other than you or Ema to be allowed to hold him?"
"Oh probably not for a while," Natsume said.
"Probably also be a while before the other three are safe to hold?" Azusa asked.
"Most likely," Natsume said, "especially Roza."
"Do they know when Hayase will be safe to bring home?" Azusa asked.
"They were predicting maybe as late as next week, if we're lucky," Natsume said, "including if we don't get any unexpected company."
"Like what?" Sunako asked.
Natsume sighed, "you know that one girl that used to work for Ema that she had to fire?"
"Kai something?" Tsubaki said.
"She showed up early this morning, somehow got into the NIC-ICU, unprotected under the lie that we had given her permission to be there for an interview!"
"Oh God!" Haruhi gasped.
"Yeah, while Hayase was still out of his incubator!" Natsume muttered mad, "we're just lucky she didn't expose him to anything! Or any of the other three!"
"What publishing company is she working for in order to want to do an interview?" Sunako asked.
"Dragon Draw, with the Good Mother magazine," Natsume recalled.
"I heard that magazine's nothing but garbage," Haruhi mentioned.
"Ugh, I wonder if she's the one that skuz bag head editor is now dating!" Sunako said out loud mad.
Tsubaki, Haruhi and Natsume all looked at her shocked while Azusa put his arm around her in comfort.
"Not a big fan?" Haruhi asked.
"Well you know my writer friend? The one who had the baby? She got lured in by him and his smooth charms as a result got pregnant by him," Sunako admitted.
"Oh, he's that baby's father?" Tsubaki asked.
"Yeah, but by that time she found out she was done with him. Which seemed to work out in her favor given he was just as eager to dump her upon hearing she was pregnant," Sunako explained, "she wants nothing to do with him or have him anywhere near her daughter. That's why if in the worst case scenario, I get custody instead of her going to her birth father."
"Hmm, well hopefully he'll have a more miserable life with Kai," Natsume said, "and spare his daughter from such a life."
"Misery loves misery," Tsubaki joked. "Anyway let's talk about something else! Think we can get in to get a closer look at the babies today?"
"I'll go ask," Natsume promised.
The next few days mainly consisted of Ema getting some trained in exercises to help lose her baby fat and her and Natsume staying vigilant with their babies.
For most of the time, Hayase was the only one the couple were allowed to hold outside of his incubator. They were also allowed to bathe and change his diaper.
The other three were still growing and developing. However the doctors assured both they were making good progress.
Plus every day at least three or more of their brothers would pop in for a visit. So life wasn't a total drag for Ema as she recovered from her birth.
"There we go Hayase," Ema said happily as she finished changing his diaper and carrying him back to his bed.
"You're doing quite well with this Mrs. Asahina," Dr. Senzoku praised.
"Thank you, he's real easy to handle," Ema said.
"Now he is, but give it time," Natsume joked.
"I do have some good news for him, if he stays this stable for the next three to four days, you should be free to take him home," Dr. Senzoku said happily.
"For real!" Ema said excited.
"For real," Dr. Senzoku assured her.
"That'll be wonderful," said Natsume looking at his son happy.
Then both he and Ema looked at their other son and daughters.
"What can be said about them?" he asked.
"Roza is still behind a little of the others," Dr. Kumi said.
"But Amaya and Boton might not be too far behind their brother," Dr. Osango spoke up. He looked at Dr. Kawari.
"In fact, we think they both safe enough to hold ," the other doctor said with a smile.
"Really? We can hold Boton and Amaya?" Ema asked happily.
"Yes, but only one at a time," Dr. Osango insisted.
"Right of course," Natsume agreed.
"We'll let one of you hold Boton first and then one of you can hold Amaya," Dr. Osango explained.
Ema looked at Natsume, "do you have a preference?"
"No, but why don't you go first? I know you'll want to," Natsume said.
Ema blushed before settling herself in a chair to hold her baby.
Soon Dr. Kawari gently placed Boton in her arms.
"Oh look at you! You look so big and strong now!" She said happily, "just like your brother."
Boton seemed to respond by cuddling closer to his mother for warmth.
"I don't want to let you go either, my sweet baby," Ema said, rubbing his cheek. Then she sighed.
"But I'm sorry, you have to go back to your bed for now," she reluctantly admitted.
"Just a moment," Natsume said as he started to take a few pictures.
"Next time you can hold him," Ema promised as she put the baby back down into his bed.
"Yes, I'd like that," Natsume said, "not that I won't enjoy holding Amaya."
"Just a moment," Dr. Osango said as he carefully prepared her and took her out of the bed.
He carefully handed her to Natsume.
Natsume immediately held her up close to his face so he could see hers more clearly.
"I knew it, I knew you girls would be as pretty as your mommy," he praised, "oh can only imagine all the boys that will fawn over you and your sister. But at least you'll have each other for back up and support. And a daddy and uncles that'll protect you no matter what."
"They are going to be such Daddy's girls," Ema joked as she took a turn at snapping pictures of Natsume with Amaya.
Natsume smiled at her, before putting Amaya back to her bed.
"I wouldn't be surprised if a week or so after Hayase is sent home that these two will be allowed to," Dr. Kawari said.
Ema and Natsume nodded.
"I'll be so thrilled when they're all home!" Ema said. She then sighed a little sad.
"Something wrong?" Natsume asked.
"I guess I feel a little guilty over the fact that we get to take Hayase home while the other three have to stay here," Ema admitted.
"Oh," Natsume said, "well it won't be that bad. We can still watch them from home on the monitors and we'll come back every day to check on them until they're all able to come home."
Ema still looked reluctant.
"Your husband's right Mrs. Asahina, it's not like you won't get to see Boton, Amaya and Roza after you take Hayase home," Dr. Senzoku assured her.
"of course, this is typical behavior of some parents in situations like this. And it's understandable. You want all your children together."
Ema nodded, "you're right, you're both right," she agreed, "just have to be strong and brave."
"It'll be okay," Natsume continued to console her.
He did feel slightly guilty as well that they'd be leaving three of their babies for a time but knew it wouldn't last.
"Mizu, Kadia, could can we speak to you two for a second?" Masaomi called out, one faithful morning.
He could hear the sounds of running feet and soon both children had found him. They seemed a little surprised to see he wasn't alone. Masaomi was standing in front of the room that had been set up for the quadruplets, along with Ukyo, Rika and Tomori. All four had a serious look on their face.
"What's wrong Daddy?" Mizu asked, looking a little nervous.
"Do you guys know what's special about today?" Ukyo asked.
Both kids tried to think hard what was supposed to happen today.
"Aunt Ema's coming home, as well as one of the babies, Hayase," Tomori told them excited. But she quickly recomposed herself.
"A baby's coming home?" Kadia said just as excited as her mother.
"Yes, but with that said, we figured it would be best we make sure you two understand the rules when it comes to dealing with the babies," Rika said sternly.
"Rules?" Mizu moaned.
"These are some serious things Mizu," Masaomi warned, "all the babies are still small and vulnerable. So we want to make sure you two understand. Do not go into the babies' room by yourselves under any circumstances, especially without adult permission. You understand?"
"Yes, Daddy,"
"Yes Uncle Masa,"
"Also," Ukyo spoke up, "when you do go in there, make sure you've washed your hands thoroughly and wear a mask. It'll limit the chance of getting them sick."
"A mask, really?" Mizu whined.
"Yes, those are the rules and you better follow them or else!" Rika warned.
"We have to do our part to make sure the babies stay safe and healthy while they're living here," Tomori explained.
"You two promised?" Masaomi asked.
"Yes," both kids promised. Their parents all still gave them a stern look.
"You better," Rika warned, "or else!"
Both kids jumped and tried to slink away.
"These are rules we're all going to have to follow for a short while after the babies come home. These are just some of the the things you have to do with small babies," Tomori tried to explain.
Only Kadia turned around and nod before she and Mizu seemed to disappear.
"Think they're going to obey those rules?" Ukyo asked.
"Hmm, we should still keep a sharp eye on the nursery door as often as possible," Masaomi said with a smirk.
"Either that or lock the door," Rika muttered.
"Oh no-no, you don't want to do that!" Tomori started to argue.
"I was just kidding," Rika tried to explain.
Tomori still shook her head in disapproval.
All four adults were distracted by laughing and saw Wataru watching them from a corner.
"I bet you anything the minute you guys' backs are all turn, those two will be in the nursery like they own the place," he taunted.
"Well then, luckily for us we have a good and decent brother who will no doubt help make sure they don't and or pull them out if they do," Masaomi said back.
"A brother who's also going to have to follow the rules of washing hands and wearing a mask while in there," Ukyo also added.
"And preferably not be in there alone," Tomori also mentioned.
"What? Why not?" Wataru asked.
"The less exposure those babies get right now the better," Tomori insisted.
"But say they're crying or something? Shouldn't I see if I can help?" Wataru asked.
"Only if you're the only adult or one of the few adults here present," Rika said, "or if their parents ask you specifically to look after them while they're out. Though I can't imagine Natsume and Ema going out much. Except maybe going back up to the hospital to see the other three."
"Man, these babies sure can be a drag," Wataru said as he started to walk away.
"They'll get bigger and be safer to be around Wataru, we just have to be a little extra patient with them," Tomori tried to tell him in comfort.
"Right," Wataru muttered back.
"He'll get over it. They all will," Masaomi assured everyone, "in the meantime, we should make sure everything is actually ready for little Hayase's arrival!"
Ema looked around with guilt at her three remaining babies still in their incubators.
"I'm so sorry, I truly wish I could take you all home today. But we'll be back for you all, I promise!" she said with a sad sigh.
"Ema," Natsume said gently as he appeared behind her, holding Hayase. Ema gently took him and rocked him in her arms. A small smile spread across her face.
"They'll be okay. They're getting better, remember?" Natsume whispered in her ear. "But for now, let's take our son home, alright?"
"Yes," Ema agreed, "see bye bye for now to your brother and sisters, Hayase." She held him up to get a good look, even though he was sound asleep.
"Let's just go," Natsume said as he gently pushed Ema to the exit. Before he followed her, he stopped himself and looked back at the remaining babies.
"Take care, we'll be watching you from home and will be back to check on you, I promise. We love you three too," he said softly before finally walking out.
"Do you need a wheelchair?" Natsume asked Ema once he joined her.
"No, I can walk to the car," Ema insisted. She seemed more interested in focusing on her son than anything else.
Natsume sighed with a smile. He put his arm around while holding Ema's bag and Hayase's diaper bag in the other. He had to half lead Ema towards the elevator and then through the parking garage.
Ema finally looked up from Hayase once they came to their car.
"Are you sure the seat's secure in there?" she asked.
"Yes, I tested it myself," Natsume assured her, putting the bags in the back first.
"And you really think he's going to be safe in there?" Ema asked.
"Yes of course," Natsume responded as he came around to Ema. "Here let me see him, I'll put him in myself."
"Well, okay, just be gentle with him!" Ema insisted.
"I will," Natsume said. He gently laid Hayase down in his baby seat, carefully strapping him in.
He saw Hayase twitched his face and started to worry the baby was going to wake up. However all Hayase ended up doing was yawning.
"There we go, he's secured," Natsume assured Ema as he shut the door.
"Right," Ema said timidly. Natsume opened her door and slowly pushed her in.
"He'll be fine," Natsume kept repeating as he helped Ema buckle up.
"Why am I such a worry mother?" Ema asked.
"Because you are a person who naturally worries about others and we have four very small babies that are extra delicate and any parent would be worried about their well-being," Natsume answered as he climbed into the car. "I'm nervous- worried about him too. I'm worried any slightly jerk and sudden stop's going to hurt him or at least wake him."
Ema nodded in understanding.
"I'll probably try my hardest to go extra slow the whole way home," Natsume continued as he started doing just that as he back the car out.
Ema smiled at him before looking back at Hayase, still sleeping soundly.
"Do you think they'll have some sort of welcoming ceremony or something prepared at the resident for him?" she asked.
"You've been a member of the family for how long?" Natsume asked. "I actually wouldn't be surprised if nearly all our brothers are there. They'll just have to learn to not crowd him."
"You won't turn violent on them if they do, will you?" Ema asked.
"Well, if I think they're getting too close in...," Natsume started to admit.
"Nothing too serious, right?" Ema asked.
"No, probably just a hard push away, as well as some choice words," Natsume explained.
Ema nodded, looking back at Hayase.
Soon, the Sunrise residence was in view.
"I'll pull around back, and we'll enter through the courtyard," Natsume said as he pulled down the alleyway.
Once he was parked, he and Ema quickly got out and headed to both Hayase's door and the trunk.
"Looks like he made it all the way asleep," Ema said happily as she carefully pulled her son out.
"Good, I'd hate it if he woke up," Natsume said as he followed Ema towards the back door.
Before they could make it, they both paused as they saw their family waiting for them, complete with a banner that read WELCOME HOME HAYASE.
They were all focused towards the area of the front door entrance.
"Looks like they're expecting us to come in through the front," Ema said.
"Exactly," Natsume whispered as he tried leading Ema to the door with caution.
They had just barely opened the door and walked in, when they saw Tsubaki turn their way.
"Ah, trying to pull a fast one on us huh?" he joked out loud, causing everyone else in the room to also look their way.
"Can't say we blame you trying to sneak in behind us," Masaomi said.
"Sorry," Ema said timidly.
"Nothing to apologize about," Ukyo assured her.
"Aunt Ema! Aunt Ema can we see the baby? Please!" Both Mizu and Kadia asked as they ran over to her.
"Alright, but just a quick glance," Ema allowed as she knelt down to show her niece and nephew their new cousin.
"Not too close now kids," Tomori warned, as she semi held the two back, just enough so they could still get a look at Hayase.
"Awe, he is so cute!" Mizu admitted.
"He looks like a dolly almost!" Kadia said.
"But he's not one, he's far more delicate than a doll," said Natsume.
"They know, right kids?" Ukyo said sternly.
"Yes Daddy,"
"Yes Uncle Kyo,"
"Let's get him to his room," Natsume said as he guided Ema to the elevator.
"Yes, of course," Ema agreed.
"We'll be back down in a little bit," Natsume said just as the elevator door closed.
"Can we go with them?" Kadia asked.
"No, in this case they should have this time to themselves," said Masaomi, "and that goes for everyone else here."
That earn a few moans from several adults as well as the kids.
"Well, here we are Hayase," Ema said as Natsume opened the door for her. She gently carried her baby to one of the two cribs and carefully laid him down.
She and Natsume both stood next to the crib, just staring lovingly at their son.
"He looks comfy enough," Natsume said.
"Yeah, but he looks a little lonely in there all by himself," Ema mentioned softly.
Natsume had to admit she was right. There was quite a lot space left over next to Hayase as he slept. Not to mention the empty crib right next to his.
"Don't worry, it'll look fuller soon enough," he assured Ema, resting his chin above her head, and rubbing her arm.
The two were distracted by the sound of the door creaking.
"Can't get a moment alone, can we?" Natsume muttered as he turned to shoo away whichever of his brothers had tried to come in.
To his and Ema's surprised, they didn't see anyone. Ema quickly looked down.
"Juli!" she said happily when she Juli standing near her foot.
"Welcome home Chi, and Natsume," Juli said cheerfully.
Ema quickly scooped him up. "Look Juli, say hello to Hayase."
Juli jump down from Ema's hands to the crib railing to get a closer look.
"Oh my goodness!" he exclaimed, "he's so precious!"
"Thank you," Ema said.
"But not so loud!" Natsume scolded, "you'll wake him up."
"Excuse me, but I know how to be around babies!" Juli snapped, "I practically raised Chi after all!"
"Fine, just, shh!" Natsume hissed.
"I'm not that loud!" Juli insisted.
"Eh, eh, wahhhh!"
"Oh!"
"Oh no!"
"Oops,"
"Stand back!" Ema insisted as she scooped Hayase up and rocked him gently back to sleep.
"See what you did!" Natsume grumbled.
"Didn't think I was being that loud!" Juli muttered.
"It's okay," Ema assured both, "it happens."
"Everything ok in here?" Masaomi asked suddenly appearing in the doorway.
"Yeah, Juli just got excited seeing the baby is all," Ema said, still rocking her son.
"How did you know he woke up? Was he that loud?" Natsume asked.
"No we had the monitor with us downstairs just in case," Masaomi said, holding it up.
"Oh sure," Natsume said with a smirk.
Masaomi looked passed him and over at Juli still on top of the crib railing.
"So Juli woke him up?" he asked amused.
Juli groaned.
"We were both involved," Natsume admitted nodding at Juli.
"Well, I'll leave you be for now, and wait for you both downstairs," Masaomi said as he headed out.
"Wait, Masa, do you want a chance to hold your nephew?" Ema asked.
"Oh of course I wouldn't turn down an opportunity like that," Masaomi said happily as he gently held Hayase in his arms
"No offense or anything Ema, but he looks like a full fledged Asahina Man," he mentioned.
"Good," Ema said with delight, "I want my sons to be just as wonderful and as handsome as his father's family. All 13 of them."
"Sure," Natsume said, "meanwhile I'm happy our daughters turned out as pretty as their mother."
"Oh yes, that is something we'll have to watch out for," Masaomi continued to tease, "all the boys going after your sisters. You and Boton are going to have your hands full!"
"Oh me too, I'm sure I'll have some reservations over who the girls bring home one day," Natsume admitted.
"Damn right you should!" Juli insisted.
"Alright, time to go back to Momma," Masaomi said finally, handing Hayase back to Ema. "I'll let everyone know that everything's safe up here for now. You guys take it easy for a while. Enjoy your time with your son. This is supposed to be a happy day for you two."
"Thanks," Ema said. She and Natsume glanced down at their son with loving eyes.
Masaomi quickly and quietly hurried out and headed back downstairs.
"Everything ok up there?" his wife asked when she saw him.
"Oh yeah, Juli came in to see the baby and I guess somehow accidentally woke him up," Masaomi explained.
"Stupid rodent," Tsubaki muttered.
"Is there anything else we can do now Daddy?" Mizu asked.
"Well, you can go get washed up for dinner," Masaomi suggested.
"That's it? Nothing else exciting?" Mizu complained.
"What else is there?" Rika asked.
"I don't know, I just assumed there'd be something special," Mizu said, "is dinner at least special?"
"Of course it is, what do you take us for?" Ukyo called out from the kitchen. Tomori stood behind him shaking her head.
"Go get washed up, and then we enjoy the special meal," Masaomi told his son again, brushing him along.
"Should we tell Aunt Ema and Uncle Natsume's dinner's ready?" Kadia asked eagerly.
"No, we'll take their dinner up to them or reheat it for them if they come downstairs," said Masaomi, "now you go wash up too."
Kadia looked a little disappointed but still did as Masaomi said, following close behind Mizu.
Everyone could hear Tsubaki chuckling.
"Those kids, they see the babies as a new toy no matter what you guys tell them," he said.
"Yes, and like you didn't," Azusa pointed out.
"Well yeah, but I'm an adult and can get away with it a little easier," Tsubaki said smug, "and besides, I should have practice with a baby here and there for when I finally get a bun in this oven." He patted Haruhi's belly next to him.
"Knock that off!" Haruhi ordered, shoving his hand away in a playful manner.
"Come on everybody, let's go eat," Ukyo encouraged ushering his family over to the table.
Everyone present started heading over, waiting patiently for the children to come back.
Soon the table was full of people and food, ready for the evening meal.
"I think before we do eat, we should have a toast, in honor of Hayase," Masaomi said, picking up a glass.
"To Hayase," everyone said as they also raised their cups.
"Hayase!" Mizu, Kadia and Wataru cheered as well.
"Another family member has joined our lives and we should be eternally grateful for it," Kaname said happily.
"Well said," Masaomi said. He smiled towards his wife happily and squeezed her hand.
"Should we leave him be?" Ema asked looking at her son tenderly.
"Maybe, he's not going to be doing much for now and we shouldn't risks exposing him either," Natsume said.
"Okay," Ema said as gently stroked Hayase's cheek one last time. She could feel Natsume taking her hand and slowly walked with him out of the room, gently shutting the door behind her. She then bugged her husband tight.
"I'm so glad she's home!" she whispered happily.
"Me too," Natsume agreed, returning embrace. "Should we go check the other three before we go get some dinner?"
"Can we?" Ema asked eagerly.
Natsume smiled and led her to their room , pulling out his tablet for a bigger screen to see their other babies all in their incubators.
Boton and Amaya were sleeping but Roza for some reason was crying.
"What's wrong with Roza?" Ema asked concerned.
"I'm sure it's nothing, the doctor or nurse will take care of her," Natsume assured her.
"You sure?" Ema asked. She gave off a little sigh. She wished she was back at the hospital right now with her baby, even if she couldn't really hold her. At least her being next to her daughter, able to hold her hand, might have made her feel more at ease over her daughter's state.
Natsume looked at Ema with her sad and longing face.
"Hey," he said taking her hand again, "I'm sure she's fine. If it was anything truly serious, they would have contracted us by now."
"True," Ema agreed. As if on que, a nurse suddenly appeared next to Roza's incubator, tending to her and helping her to stop crying.
"See?" Natsume said. Ema's worried face turned into a relief face.
"Okay," she said softly. "Shall we go join the others for dinner?"
"Yes, let's," Natsume agreed. He quickly put the tablet away and left with Ema before they could get distracted again.
"Hey, look who's here," Tsubaki said once the couple had made it to the dining room table.
Everyone else turned and looked their way.
"How's Hayase?" Tomori asked.
"He's fine, sleeping right now," Ema said with a resurging smile as Natsume pulled a chair out for her, and the sat down next to her. "My this meal looks fancy."
"Of course, we have to celebrate the homecoming of Hayase," Ukyo said as he helped fill a plate for her and the start working on one for for Natsume.
"And are you planning on doing this each time we bring the other three home as well?" Natsume asked.
"That or something else to help celebrate it," Tsubaki said.
"Nothing too big I hope," Natsume muttered.
"No, nothing too big," Azusa answered for his twin.
"Thank you," Natsume said, knowing he could trust Azusa.
"When can we see Hayase again, Aunt Ema?" Kadia asked.
"Maybe sometime tomorrow," Ema tod her.
"For now, only we should go and see him if he needs us. Other than that, he needs to rest, like all babies his age do," Natsume added.
"Did we sleep that much when we were his age?" Kadia asked, looking towards her parents.
"Oh yes, and we were just as cautious about letting other people, even your uncles or aunts near you," Ukyo said, smiling at her.
"Course it was a little easier and little less risky to disobey the rules for you two," Tsubaki said, "which we did all the time."
That earned a little giggle from Kadia and Mizu.
"You're always so naughty, aren't you Uncle Tsubaki!" Mizu said.
"Not always, just enough to bring a little excitement around here," Tsubaki said.
"So, yeah always," Haruhi said.
"Hey!" said a few of her in-laws.
"Just joking," Haruhi quickly defend.
"It's fine Haruhi," Masaomi said.
"Aunt Ema, Uncle Natsume, when are you going to bring the other babies home?" Mizu asked.
"The doctors say it shouldn't be too much longer for the two middle babies. Roza though, they're not sure," Ema explained.
"But she will get to come soon, right?" Kadia asked.
"Yes, the doctor is working very hard to make that happen," said Natsume.
"They damn will better!" Tomori said under her breath.
"What Mommy?" Kadia asked.
"Nothing sweetheart," Tomori quickly said.
"And you're going to keep praying for her and the others , right Uncle Kaname?" Mizu asked.
"Of course, what kind of uncle or monk would I be if didn't?" Kaname said kindly. "Speaking of which, I should hurry up and get going back to the monastery." He stood up from his place, making sure to kiss the top of Mizu and Kadia's heads as he past them. "Make sure to look out for your cousins now, okay?"
"We will," the little ones promised.
Kaname then walked over and kissed Ema on the cheek.
"And you, take care of yourself as well as your son. I'd hate to see your beautiful self fall into a slump," he said.
"Have a safe trip back home Kaname," Natsume quickly said.
"And good luck to you too, Natsume," Kaname said as he did finally left.
"He's still quite the ladies man isn't he?" Natsume muttered.
"He was born that way practically," Ukyo said, "I swear I remember his baby self flirting with the nurses!"
"I wouldn't have put it past him," Masaomi said with a chuckle, "I almost think I remember that too."
"I can practically see it too," Rika said.
"And yet I like him the way he is and wouldn't want him any other way," Haruhi said.
"Too true, he still our brother," Tsubaki said.
"Yeah, and I'm happy to have him as one of my children's uncles," Ema said with a blush.
As soon as Ema and Natsume finished their dinner, they excused themselves and headed back upstairs to Hayase's room to check in on him.
"Looks like he's still sleeping okay," Ema said as she looked into his crib where he laid, not moving much with the exception of his little chest.
"Yes," Natsume said looking at his watch, "although, I suspect we should be having him wake up here soon for a feeding."
"Should we have gotten a bottle ready downstairs?" Ema asked, a little nervous. "Did we mess up already?"
"Calm down," Natsume assured her, "I wanted to come check on him first and foremost before worrying about feeding him. It's not quite that time, but yes, I will go prepare the bottle and bring it back up. You can stay here and enjoy your time with him. I'll be right back."
"Okay, but I should prepare the next one," Ema said. Once she was alone, she carefully stroked Hayase's cheek.
"My sweet precious boy," she said softly. "oh you are definitely the jewel of my life. I could never be happier than I am right now knowing you are here with me." She even went so far to lean in and kiss her son.
Hayase moaned a little and twitched his little mouth.
"I hope you're not already feeling embarrassed by getting a kiss from your mom," Ema joked to herself.
When Natsume came back to the kitchen, he found his oldest two brothers and sister-in-laws working at cleaning the dishes and putting them away. He also noticed a bottle on the stove being warmed up.
"Is that for us?" he asked cautiously.
"Oh yeah, figured your son was due for a feeding right about now," Tomori explained. She walked over to the stove, plucked the bottle up and squeezed a little onto her wrist.
"Perfect," she declared before handing it to Natsume. "should be totally safe for Hayase even if he doesn't wake up right away."
"That's my wife," Ukyo bragged with pride.
"Thank you, Tomori, you certainly are a big help when it comes to newborns," Natsume made sure to say before going back to Hayase's room.
He had barely started to walk down the hallway when he started to hear crying.
When he reached the nursery, Ema greeted him with a smile.
"Perfect timing," she said as she gently lifted Hayase up.
"Did he just wake?" Natsume asked as he waited for Ema to get comfy in the rocking chair with Hayase.
"Practically," Ema said. Natsume handed her the bottle and watched her start to feed the baby.
"There we go, there we go," Ema cooed as she fed him.
Natsume smiled, "you seem to have a knack for this already."
"You think so? I'm actually feeling a little nervous," Ema admitted.
"Nah, you're doing great," Natsume assured her.
"Do you think we'll still have this by the time the other three come home?" Ema asked.
"Maybe not at first," Natsume admitted, "but eventually I think we'll have it down. It'll just take a little time. And a lot of patients."
Ema nodded in agreement, "and for now, we can enjoy the peacefulness of just having one."
"Have you been talking to Tsubaki or Haruhi?" Natsume asked.