Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

118. Chapter 118

Chapter 118

With JJ finally home, he and Eun Mi met with Kyle as soon as she was feeling better so they could have their moon ceremony. Once completed, their ceremony was within two days of when Suerro and Natalie were to get married. So JJ and Eun Mi had their traditional wedding within the first week of January and Natalie and Suerro, after so many years of waiting, finally had their wedding just two days later. Despite his lack of enthusiasm during the ceremony, JJ was happy to see his mother happy and he did tell her that much at least. Once it was the end of the night and everyone had retreated for bed, Suerro and Natalie returned to their house and he even carried her over the threshold.

"It's good to finally be married to you," Suerro whispered in Natalie's ear when they were inside and alone. Salem and Nesia were staying with Renesmee and Jacob for the honeymoon period so Natalie and Suerro could have their time alone together.

"Have I thanked you for being so patient with me?" Natalie asked with a gentle smile.

"You wanted your son here," Suerro said. "I wouldn't dream of denying you that. Maybe one day he'll even like me."

"I hope so," Natalie said. "Eun Mi told me not to push it or I'd make things worse but-"

"No 'but'," Suerro said. "She's right. Part of the reason things got as bad as they did is because we were forcing him to accept us. I'm just as guilty of that. Hell, it's probably more so my fault than anyone else's. What matters is he's given us his blessing to get married. That's a start. He may have insulted the bracelet I gave you, but he didn't say no." Natalie smiled and looked at her bracelets. The opal and garnet bracelet Jae had made her so many years ago laid on her right wrist, the Widow's Wrist, and Suerro's bracelet rested on her left. It was leather as was traditional and it was one row.

"I think it's perfect," Natalie said. "You're a traditional man. It's only suitable you give me a traditional proposal."

"I'm relieved you think so," Suerro said and smiled at Natalie before resting his forehead against hers. "It has occurred to me that you've never met any of my friends from out east."

"That is true. I haven't," Natalie smiled. "And I'm sure they miss you."

"How about after our three days together, the two of us go to Boston and find them? That's where they prefer to stay usually."

"I would like that," Natalie smiled.

"Now," Suerro grinned and lifted Natalie into his arms so her toes were dangling just above the ground, "as to our three days together, I think we had best start on having our first child together."

"I haven't agreed to more than one, Suerro," Natalie giggled.

"For now," Suerro smiled and finally kissed her.

Natalie didn't protest the point any further as he walked them up the stairs to Natalie's – now 'their' – bedroom not to be seen or heard from for any less than three days. Shortly thereafter, JJ had to get on a plane to leave for Japan. Near the entire family went to the airport in Seattle with JJ to see him off. Eun Mi wasn't going with him right away, but he promised he'd get in touch as soon as he arrived and he'd take care of all the details for a home for him and Eun Mi. He was nearly late getting on the plane for all the time he spent saying goodbye to Eun Mi and Jae Sun. Granted the boy slept most of the exchange, but that was fine. They all watched out the window until the plane finally left the runway and when they all returned, Eun Mi felt sad to be in the empty house.

"Eun Mi," Natalie said when they'd arrived at hers and JJ's house, "JJ has the number to this house, so he'll call you first. Do you mind if I come stay here day after tomorrow so I'm here when he calls?"

"Of course," Eun Mi said. "I can't wait for JJ to retire. I'm going to miss home."

Natalie smiled at her, "We'll all miss you too." Natalie looked at Jae Sun and asked to hold him. Once Jae Sun was in her arms, she smiled down at the baby. "I'll especially miss you," she said in a slightly higher pitched voice. "Grandma's going to miss you a whole, whole lot." Jae Sun made some tiny noises but was mostly coming in and out of naps.

"Do you suppose I'll come home to another brother or sister-in-law?" Eun Mi asked.

"I wouldn't doubt it," Natalie said. "I will ensure you are sent pictures if you send us some."

"Deal," Eun Mi smiled.

As hoped for, JJ called them two days later. It was the middle of the night his time and he was 'jet lagged to shit' as he put it, but he was happy to hear from them. He let Eun Mi know he was working on their housing situation and that would be resolved shortly and once it was he would send for her. About three weeks went by of JJ calling when he could, giving Eun Mi updates, until she finally received a letter from him that contained two one way place tickets to Japan, some paperwork that contained an address, room number and a phone number as well as her name, JJ's name and their son's son. Having everything she needed, Eun Mi got all her things and Jae Sun's things packed making sure she had all the required paperwork. The family came with her to the airport just as they had all done for JJ and told her to be sure to call once she arrived. Natalie also left Eun Mi with a message to pass along to JJ: "You'll have another little brother or sister soon".

"You're sure?" Eun Mi had asked and Natalie nodded.

"Confirmed yesterday," Natalie had smiled and given Eun Mi a kiss on the cheek. "I'll write and send pictures as soon as the baby's born."

"I look forward to it," Eun Mi had smiled back.

Eun Mi eventually got on the plane for Japan and, as soon as she got on that plane, she started feeling anxious. It was sinking in that she would be going to Japan and she wasn't the least bit happy about it. To calm herself down, she took a few deep breaths and held Jae Sun close. His gentle breathing and calm was enough to help her feel better. While awaiting take off, Eun Mi noticed one of the stewardesses kept staring at her. She tried to ignore her and kept her attention instead on Jae Sun. Soon the plane finally started to move, getting faster and faster as it drove up the runway. It was mesmerizing to watch and it managed to relax her just a little to watch them be lifted off the ground and ascend into the air. Then she started to feel a strange pressure in her ears the higher they got. Jae Sun must have felt the same pressure because, suddenly, Jae Sun was whimpering and then full throat crying. It startled Eun Mi and she did her best to calm Jae Sun down, but no amount of cooing was doing to trick.

"Ma'am, I'll be right over once we're done ascending," the stewardess that had been staring at Eun Mi said once Jae Sun was crying. It was some of the longest five minutes of her life until the captain operating the plane gave confirmation they were done ascending. The stewardess got up from her seat towards the front and came right to Eun Mi. "Ma'am, would you come with me?"

"I'm sorry; he's never been on a plane before," Eun Mi said.

"It's alright, Ma'am. This isn't unusual. I just wanted to get you toward the back so we can calm him down." Eun Mi finally complied and got out of her seat following the stewardess to the back of the plane so they were out of earshot of the other guests.

"What should we do?" Eun Mi asked. "I felt this pressure in my ears when we were going up."

"That's your ears just 'popping'. It's a response to the change in pressure. It's not nearly as bad for adults, but for babies and small children it is much more uncomfortable. I've found it's better to just let the baby cry since it helps to relieve the pressure. That's why I brought you back here. The other passengers might not be so understanding."

"Thank you," Eun Mi mumbled and started rocking Jae Sun trying to sooth him. "Should I let him cry the whole time?"

"He won't cry the whole flight," the Stewardess reassured. "Once he's used to the change in pressure, he'll be alright. It'll just take a few minutes so just keep soothing him."

The Stewardess, Kelly as Eun Mi found out was her name, stayed with Eun Mi and Jae Sun in the back of the plane until Jae Sun finally stopped crying after he'd finally adjusted to the pressure. Once he'd finally stopped crying, Kelly brought Eun Mi back to her seat and the remainder of the flight was alright. Jae Sun didn't get upset or start crying when they stopped in Hawaii to refuel. When they'd gotten back into the air and Jae Sun experienced the ear popping again, Kelly was there to guide Eun Mi to the back of the plane and stayed with her once again until he finally stopped crying several minutes later. Despite the actual trip being one whole day as opposed to over a week, that plane ride was still the longest trip Eun Mi had ever taken. By the time they'd landed, she was so exhausted she nearly didn't care she was landing in Tokyo. However, once she was off the plane and saw the kanji, heard the Japanese and saw the people around her, she felt as though she might faint. She tried to ignore it and focused on finding her way to baggage claim for hers and Jae Sun's things.

She was finally able to get all their things. An employee of the airport came over to assist her, but she only asked him to direct her towards the front entrance where JJ had said he'd meet her when her plane came in. The airport employee got Eun Mi's luggage on a trolley for easy travel and led her to the main entrance of the airport to help her look for JJ. Once they were outside, there was a crowd that made it hard for her to see, but soon she saw JJ in the distance and when he saw her he ran over and hugged her. The employee that had assisted Eun Mi excused himself and left the two of them alone to reunite with Jae Sun snuggled between them. JJ and Eun Mi kissed one another and then JJ kissed Jae Sun's tiny head then kissed Eun Mi again.

"I missed you both," JJ smiled.

"We missed you too," Eun Mi smiled back.

"How are you feeling? Are you still sore? Has Jae Sun been behaving himself?"

"I'm much better," Eun Mi said. "And Jae Sun's been good. He's not sleeping through the night just yet, but he's usually easy to put back to sleep. Most of the time he just wants to cuddle."

"Glad to know he's been good," JJ smiled. "Can I?" he asked, releasing Eun Mi so he could hold out his arms. Eun Mi nodded and gave Jae Sun over to JJ. Jae Sun started opening his eyes and looked up at JJ. Then he smiled and uttered a baby's small laugh while he reached up to grab at JJ's face, making him chuckle. "I missed you too, Jae Sun," JJ said and kissed his son's cheek. "How was he on the plane?"

"Hated it," Eun Mi said. "He cried for so long when we ascended."

"I bet," JJ said. "First time I went in a plane I damn near had a heart attack when I felt my ears pop." JJ bounced Jae Sun up and down a few times to make the baby laugh and when he did, he started wiggling and kicking, so Eun Mi brought a set of ghostly hands close to Jae Sun so he wouldn't fall. "He's a squirmier."

"Like father like son the way I've been told," Eun Mi said and JJ chuckled.

"Yes, I'm sure," he said. "How about I take you and Jae Sun home?"

"You mean where we're staying?" Eun Mi asked.

"Yes," JJ chuckled a little. "It's really not so bad. It's definitely smaller, but for just the three of us it'll do for the time being. Jae Sun has his own room and it's right next to ours. It's a little bare bones as far as furnishing, but I didn't want to go too crazy."

"That's for the best," Eun Mi said. "So are we staying here in Tokyo?"

"Outside Tokyo actually," JJ said. "I'm stationed at Camp Zama so we're about an hour away from the city. We can always take the train here whenever there's a festival. I didn't get to enjoy any last time I was here, but since we'll be here at least a year, I'd like to catch a festival or two."

"We'll have to keep track of them, then," Eun Mi said. "So did you drive here?"

"I took the train," JJ said. "I've got a taxi waiting for us to take us to the station so how about we get going?"

JJ got the luggage and showed Eun Mi to the Taxi they'd be using. Once he had all the luggage in the trunk of the taxi, he got in the back seat with Eun Mi and asked the driver to take them to the train station. Then they got on the next train to Sagamihara where the base was stationed. Once they'd arrived, they took another taxi back to the base and Eun Mi was surprised how big it was. Everything was in English and there were signs directing where there were even stores that were popular in the U.S.

"I considered maybe renting a house off base, but none of them had ovens, so I opted not to," JJ said.

"Most Asian cooking doesn't require an oven, so it makes sense," Eun Mi said.

"Don't think I haven't noticed you using that perfectly good oven at the house for storage," JJ teased her.

"What else am I going to use it for?" Eun Mi shrugged.

"Baking?" JJ teased and kissed her cheek. He carried all the luggage and Eun Mi followed JJ through the base until they reached the housing reserved for families. "Oh, Eun Mi," JJ said, "Guess who our neighbors are."

"Who?"

"Jared Hadley for one," JJ said.

"Really?" Eun Mi asked.

"Yeah," JJ said. "He has another year left to serve and he didn't have any better luck than I did getting stationed in the states, so he sent for Lisa and John to come here to live with him until he retires and they can move back to Utah."

"Lisa's his wife right?"

"Yeah," JJ said. "John is…..shit," JJ had to think about it. "I think he's almost three now? He was born in November and it was while we were POWs. So 1950. So yeah, he's three now. Might be a little old to play with Jae Sun, but at least we have friends already."

"That will be nice," Eun Mi said. "I wonder if Lisa is nice."

"I got to meet her when she arrived yesterday and she was pleasant," JJ said. "A little shy and probably horribly jetlagged when I met her, so it'll be nice to get to know her when she's under normal conditions."

"I can't blame her," Eun Mi said. "If having John on a plane with her was anything like it was for me with Jae Sun, I'm shocked she tolerated any company."

JJ chuckled, "That's fair. I tried getting Jared to agree to all of us having dinner together tonight but Lisa said we'd save it for tomorrow once you'd had a chance to get settled."

"I like her already," Eun Mi said and earned another laugh from JJ.

While they made their way to their apartment block, Eun Mi noticed several woman, some with children and some without, that seemed to live there. Most of them were American, but there were a small handful of Japanese women there that wore gold bands implying that they were perhaps married to an American soldier. A few women glanced at her while she and JJ passed by and they waived politely to her and, when they noticed Jae Sun, smiled motherly smiles and waived to him in a more cutesy manner and even saying hello in a slightly higher pitched tone.

"Have you met with any other neighbors of ours?" Eun Mi asked.

"Just about all of them," JJ said. "It's a pretty small community here, so you'll know everyone by name in no time."

"Are any of them Korean?"

"I don't think so," JJ said and then thought about it. "No," he said when he was sure, "I think I'm the only one on base that's married to a Korean woman. Everyone else brought their wife with them from back home or they're married to a woman they met here. I think we have two neighbors on our floor that are an American/Japanese couple. I'll remember who when I see them."

They eventually made it to a large building that was white on the outside. Other than a few windows, it was really plain. She didn't say anything as they went to the entrance passing two people as they went that JJ said hello to. They walked up one set up stairs, made a left and then went to a unit that was one door away from the end of the hall. JJ unlocked the unit and held the door open for Eun Mi so she could walk in and once she was inside JJ started getting all the luggage in. In the meantime, Eun Mi took the place in. The inside was just as plain as the outside: white walls, a white floor, a screen door that went out to a tiny balcony that she saw JJ had put a single chair out on, and what little furnishing the place had truly was barren. Almost depressingly so.

"It's very…white," Eun Mi said.

"Yeah, I know it's not much," JJ said. "I got pots and pans that are in the kitchen. I already washed them, but I haven't used them at all. I've just been going to the mess hall most days."

"I can tell," Eun Mi said, noticing JJ had gotten skinny again. "I'll have to start feeding you again."

"It won't go unappreciated," JJ smiled and got the luggage to a bedroom in the corner. Eun Mi followed and saw the twin bed, rather surprised by how small it was.

"I admit I'd gotten used to our bed back home," Eun Mi said.

"Me too," JJ said. "If it's worth anything, if you kick me out of bed because I'm taking up too much space, I'll completely understand."

"Can I get that in writing?" Eun Mi said jokingly. She left the room and went to the door beside it, opening it to a nursery that only had a crib and a changing table. "Good thing I brought Jae Sun's toys with us."

"Yeah, I haven't really gotten much except the absolute necessities."

"I can see that," Eun Mi mumbled. Then she went to the kitchen to look at everything. There was a full stove with four burners and plenty of cabinet space that JJ had filled with pots and pans. It wasn't her kitchen back home, though. "It'll take some getting used to," she finally said.

"I know," JJ said and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck, then Jae Sun's head. "It's just a year. Two at worst. Then I'll retire and we can go back home."

"You promise?" Eun Mi asked.

"Promise," JJ smiled gently and kissed her neck again. "How about I take Jae Sun and you get some well-deserved sleep?"

"Alright," Eun Mi smiled gently and turned around to hand Jae Sun over to JJ. Jae Sun stayed sound asleep as Eun Mi handed the baby over and then left the kitchen to go to their bedroom to take a nap. In no time, Eun Mi was out cold while JJ sat at the kitchen table with Jae Sun sleeping in his arms. About an hour later, there was a knock at the front door and when JJ got up and answered it, Hadley was there to greet him.

"Hey Jared," JJ said and stepped aside so he could step inside. "Where's Lisa?"

"She's working on dinner right now," Hadley said. "I thought I'd see if you guys wanted anything."

"Eun Mi's still out cold," JJ said. "She's been asleep since we got here. I'd rather let her sleep."

"Yeah, that's what Lisa said, but I thought I'd offer," Hadley chuckled and then finally looked at Jae Sun. "So this is the little rugrat?"

"Jae Sun," JJ smiled and adjusted him in his arms so Hadley could get a better look.

"He was smaller than this when he was born I hope," Hadley chuckled.

"Barely," JJ said. "He was nine pounds when he was born."

"Jesus Christ," Hadley chuckled. "That must have been a lot of fun for Eun Mi."

"I don't think I've ever heard her swear so much," JJ chuckled along with him. "He feels heavier than he did last time I held him. Feels closer to fifteen pounds already."

"Heavier than his mom at this point," Hadley joked.

"That's not fair," JJ defended with a smile.

"She's, what? 80 lbs when wet?"

"She's 88 pounds," JJ said. "It's better than before according to my uncle. She used to weigh 80 pounds. Jae Sun apparently put some much needed weight on her."

"Still a bit skinny I'd think," Hadley said but then shrugged. "But then, she is on the shorter side, so I guess that's not too weird."

"Shit," JJ said, suddenly realizing something. "Where are my manners? Did you want something to drink? I think I have beer in the fridge. It's American beer even."

"Even better," Hadley chuckled and followed JJ to the kitchen to get their drinks. "Mind if I hold Jason while you're getting our drinks?"

"Jae Sun," JJ said.

"Oh….you gave the poor kid a weird name didn't you? Isn't being born on Christmas day bad enough?"

"Hey," JJ chuckled and handed Jae Sun over who opened his eyes but otherwise was unbothered. "Jae is for my dad and Sun is after her mother. Jae Sun."

"No one's going to spell this kid's name right. You realize that right?"

"Yes, we've been hearing that since December," JJ chuckled again and opened their beers. "As to being born on Christmas, that wasn't our fault."

"A huh," Hadley laughed. "So will his birthday and Christmas presents all be combined or something?"

"We can always have Christmas in the morning and a birthday party for him later same day," JJ said. "I have an aunt that would be tickled pink to arrange something like that."

"None of his friends will ever come to that birthday party," Hadley said. "They'll all be with their families that day."

"We've got a really big family. He'll be alright," JJ smiled.

"Just try not to have another December baby," Hadley said. "Jason will suffer enough. Oh, excuse me. Jae Sun." JJ punched Hadley's shoulder with a small laugh and sipped his beer.

"Not everyone can be born in November," JJ said.

"That's true," Hadley smiled.

"Speaking of which, how's John doing? How's he liking the apartment?"

"He seems to be adjusting just fine," Hadley said. "He has his toys, so he's not complaining."

"How's Lisa adjusting?" JJ asked.

"She asked me this morning if I'd retired yet," Hadley relayed the joke and JJ chuckled.

"I got the same response from Eun Mi as soon as we got in the taxi to the train station," JJ said. "I really hope I can be transferred back to the states for my last year in uniform. I know Eun Mi doesn't want to be here."

"All things considered I don't blame her," Hadley said. "This must be like going into the mouth of the beast for her."

"Pretty much," JJ said. "I've never seen her so uncomfortable. She stayed close to me the whole time we were on the train and in the taxis and every time someone walked past us, she got tense and held Jae Sun a little too close. At least on base there are plenty of Americans so she might be less apprehensive."

"We may want to warn her about Mrs. Holloway. What's her name again?"

"Yoshiko I think?" JJ said. Mrs. Yoshiko Holloway was, easily, the most sociable woman on base. She was a very nice woman and eager to make friends. She'd made friends with just about every woman on base since moving to Camp Zama after she married Lieutenant Holloway three years ago. Hardly anyone had a mean thing to say about her.

"I'm told she's planning a big potluck at the rec-center this Saturday," Hadley said. "As soon as she knows about Lisa and Eun Mi, she'll be eager to make an introduction. But Eun Mi should be fine. I don't think Mrs. Holloway would hurt a fly."

"We know that, but I don't know if Eun Mi would be sold on it," JJ said.

"If Lisa and I can get Mrs. Holloway's attention first, I'll be sure to warn her," Hadley said.

"Remember," JJ said, "not a word about Eun Mi's-"

"I know, I know: not a word about that scary poltergeist thing she can do," Hadley said.

"You haven't told Lisa have you?"

"Fuck no," Hadley said. "She'd never believe me even if I did. Oh," he said then looked at Jae Sun who was staring at him with a baby's stare. "Pretend you didn't hear me swear." JJ smiled and took Jae Sun back in his arms to give Hadley a break. "I wouldn't worry too much about Eun Mi. I think once she's settled and gets comfortable, she'll be alright."

"I hope so," JJ said. "I'm assuming since you have another year in uniform and that's being spent here that you and Lisa haven't gotten to house hunting yet?"

"Not yet," Hadley said. "I have enough put away that when we get back to Utah we can start shopping. We'll just stay with my parents. The cats won't be too thrilled. I wish I could have brought them with but it wouldn't have worked. Moving to a new house will be bad enough for the poor little guys. Trying to move to an entirely different country would be even worse."

"Meh," JJ shrugged.

"What meh?"

"I just don't like cats," JJ said.

"Your loss," Hadley chuckled and JJ rolled his eyes. Just then, there was another knock at the door and JJ went to answer it. Before him was John, brown hair and brown eyes and close to the ground in his little overalls.

"Mommy said dinner's ready," John said to JJ and Jared walked over to the door and picked up John giving him a big hug.

"Well, if dinner's ready, then I'd say we better get home," Jared said while John laughed a little. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Jared," JJ said and closed the door once Jared walked away with John.

Since Hadley had left, JJ went to the bedroom and saw that Eun Mi was still asleep. He got into bed as gently and quietly as possible so he wouldn't wake her and laid back in bed with Jae Sun on his chest. Jae Sun was awake and wiggling but otherwise mostly quiet save for a few little coos and noises. He ended up falling asleep shortly thereafter and didn't wake up until he smelled something nutty. When he opened his eyes, it was snowing gently outside and when he glanced at the clock, it was six in the morning, Eun Mi and Jae Sun weren't in bed with him, so he got up and walked into the living area but didn't see Eun Mi. He could hear her, though.

The kitchen was like a scene from Fantasia and green onions being chopped as if by no one while the lid of a pot was floating open and a wooden rice spoon was stirring the contents of the pot. He could hear Eun Mi mumbling in Korean in a higher pitch than normal and he could hear Jae Sun giggling, so he figured she had him on the floor and was playing with him. JJ walked around to the kitchen and just as he thought, Jae Sun was on the floor on a little blanket with Eun Mi hovering above him playing with his feet and nipping at them.

"How are you feeling?" JJ asked and Eun Mi looked up at him.

"Much better," Eun Mi said. "I didn't realize I was so tired. I didn't wake up until three in the morning when I heard this little guy crying for his breakfast." Her voice got a little higher when she started referring to Jae Sun.

"I slept through Jae Sun crying?" JJ asked.

"I got to him before he could get very loud," Eun Mi said. "I had to run to Jared's and Lisa's apartment for some green onions about twenty minutes ago. There's nothing in that fridge."

"Yeah, I know," JJ sighed a little.

"Lisa and I are going grocery shopping together today, so I'll fill up the fridge."

"In that case," JJ said and pulled out his wallet he'd never put away and pulled out ¥3000 and handed that to Eun Mi. "I think that's about the equivalent of $30 so that should cover groceries. If that's not enough, I have more in a little safe in our bedroom."

"We have a safe?"

"Yeah, it's it our closet," JJ said. "I've been keeping cash in that thing. I think I have….¥12,000 in there right now. That'll go a long way. Just be sure to let me know if that starts getting low and I'll get more cash."

"Are you paid in Yen?"

"No, I'm paid in US Dollars, but I can convert it to Yen when needed and we have a discounted rate for the exchange fee. Can you step away and I'll show you where it is?" Eun Mi stood up with Jae Sun and looked at the rice. It had a few more minutes and she'd already finished chopping, so they went to the closet of their bedroom and JJ showed her where the safe was and gave her the combination if she ever needed cash.

"032652?" Eun Mi repeated the combination.

"It's our wedding date," JJ said.

"Oh," Eun Mi said, thought about it, and then smiled. "I see. That makes it easier to remember. If it's alright, I'd like to take another ¥2000 just to be safe. That fridge and our pantry is horribly barren. I have a lot of food to buy."

"Go ahead," JJ said and then Eun Mi entered the combination and took out the additional Yen she needed. They returned to the kitchen and Eun Mi finished making the rice and put it on a plate for JJ. Then she put the pan back on the heat. JJ smiled, "What's that called again? The burnt rice stuff?"

"Nurungji," Eun Mi said. "I'll give that a few more minutes and it'll be ready." She put the green onions atop the rice with a ghostly hand while her attention stayed mostly on the remaining rice and Jae Sun. A few minutes later, Eun Mi turned off the heat and used a little water to get the rice out from the bottom of the pot, turned it into a ball of toasted rice and put it on JJ's plate. She reserved a little of the Nurungji to allow Jae Sun to suck on. "He loved Nurungji," Eun Mi said.

"Who needs a pacifier when you have toasted rice?" JJ smiled and bit into the rice ball. Eun Mi held the piece of crusty rice while Jae Sun sucked on it. "I'd better get going to headquarters after I'm done but I'll be home by six tonight."

"Okay," Eun Mi smiled. "Lisa and I will keep each other company in the meantime."

"I'm glad you two are already friendly," JJ smiled.

"I stayed over there a little longer than I should have," Eun Mi smiled. "I almost forgot I had rice on the stove. She suggested we all have dinner together tonight."

"That sounds great," JJ smiled.

He finished his rice and nurungji a few minutes later and got his dishes to the sink. He cleaned everything for Eun Mi while she kept Jae Sun occupied with his rice. Once done, JJ gave Eun Mi a quick kiss. He went to their bedroom and changed into a fresh uniform before coming back to kiss Eun Mi again, say he loved her and would see her again that night, and then left for the day. Another half hour later, Lisa came to the door with John in arm and the two of them left the apartments to go grocery shopping.

"Jared said you speak Japanese?" Lisa said as they were leaving and Eun Mi nodded. "Thank goodness. I'd heard the grocers here are very polite but can't speak English mostly. I'm told everything's on display which makes it easier."

"I will see if I can barter with them," Eun Mi said.

"Now, you're Korean aren't you?" Eun Mi nodded. "How'd you learn Japanese? Just a lot of troops to learn from when you were younger?"

"Essentially," Eun Mi said, not wanting to go into the full details. "They were all over the place when I was a girl and most of them never bothered to learn Korean so most of us had to learn Japanese. Thankfully, Japanese and Korean translate nearly word for word, so the only think I needed to learn was the words and I could use the same grammar."

"I can't imagine what that must have been like," Lisa said.

"Let's just say I was happy to see them leave," Eun Mi said. "So are you and Jared both originally from Utah?"

"Born and raised," Lisa smiled.

The two of them talked a little more until they left the base and went into town to go shopping. Since Lisa was with her, Eun Mi was slightly less uncomfortable but she was still apprehensive. She tried to avoid letting anyone look at Jae Sun but there were the inevitable awes at the cute baby especially when they reached the famers' stands and they couldn't help but comment on the children. Eun Mi kept her conversation with the vendors strictly business, bartering for better prices particularly when there was anything she was getting in bulk like radishes, rice, rice flour, red beans and so on. Lisa stood back and let Eun Mi work. By the time they were done, they had so many bags of groceries that it was hard to carry it all. She had to keep them clustered close to her visible hand, but Eun Mi used her ghostly hands to carry several of those bags after she adjusted Jae Sun's carried so she didn't have to hold it but he was still at her chest.

"For such a tiny thing, you've got strength to rival Hercules," Lisa said as she watched Eun Mi carry all her groceries.

"Who's Hercules?"

"He's a Greek demi-god that had inhuman strength," Lisa said. "Does Korea have an equivalent?"

"Not that I recall," Eun Mi said. "Grandpa never told me a story of such a character. We do have a winged horse myth. The chollima is what it's called. Greek myth has something like that, no?"

"The Pegasus," Lisa nodded. "I assume you didn't grow up Christian?"

"Mostly Buddhist," Eun Mi said. "My grandpa was a devoted Buddhist and a firm believer in the teachings of Confucius. He loved learning and loved to teach me. It's a shame he couldn't read."

"I can imagine learning to read in an Asian language is a nightmare," Lisa said, just glancing at all the Kanji and hiragana on the signs as they walked by.

"Chinese and Japanese just require memorization, but you have to figure you're memorizing well over 2000 characters. Korean used to use Chinese characters and we called in Hanja, but it was nearly impossible for the average citizen to learn. So Emperor Sejung the Great invented Hangul and it spread like wildfire because it was so simple."

"Is it?"

"It's very easy," Eun Mi said. "It has an alphabet like English or western languages and you put them together to form words just like a western language."

"Oh," Lisa said, a little surprised. "Well, that does sound vastly easier."

"I had JJ able to read before the end of the day," Eun Mi smiled.

"Impressive," Lisa smiled. "I assume little Jae Sun will be expected to be bilingual then?"

"At minimum," Eun Mi said. "He'll be required to speak Quileute. That's JJ's Native language. I would imagine he'll want to teach Jae Sun German too. There's a good family friend whose father was born in Germany. I think he was born in the United States but his father was from Germany and taught him and his sister German. We call him Uncle Hailey. He taught JJ's father to speak German and Jae taught JJ to speak German."

"Little guy could work for the Pentagon with that many language skills," Lisa joked. By now, Jae Sun was asleep and unconcerned. "I wish John slept that well. He sleeps like a rock. This little guy sleeps more like a cockroach."

"Nah uh," John said.

"A huh," Lisa said and kissed John's head. "This little guy still keeps me up all hours of the night."

"Jae Sun's a good sleeper," Eun Mi smiled and kissed Jae Sun's cheek. He squirmed but otherwise stayed asleep. "Although sometimes I'm not sure he's asleep for all the wiggling and moving he does."

Lisa giggled, "Must be cute to watch, though."

"Nothing cuter," Eun Mi smiled. "Are we having dinner at my apartment or yours?"

"Let's have it at your apartment," Lisa said. "I can give you some ideas to spruce the place up a bit. Just because you'll only be here two years doesn't mean it can't be homey."

"I don't want to be here two years," Eun Mi groaned.

"To my knowledge, if he can't get a transfer back to the United States, it might either be here or back to Korea. Based on what I've been told, I doubt JJ would want to go back any time soon and for so long."

"I know," Eun Mi sighed. "But the war's over so at least we wouldn't be bringing Jae Sun to a war zone."

"Still: might be best to stay parked here for now," Lisa said. "Maybe one day you and he can go back to Korea when things stabilize a little more. Once a Peace Treaty is signed, I think everything will be alright."

"There won't be a peace treaty," Eun Mi said solemnly.

"Well, not with that attitude," Lisa said.

"No, there won't be," Eun Mi said. "To my knowledge, the only thing that's been agreed upon is a ceasefire. North Korea won't accept any less than South Korea rejoining them under a communist flag and South Korea won't agree to that. I'm sure of it."

"So…what? They'll just be playing chicken?"

"I'd wager it," Eun Mi said. Then she looked at Lisa hesitantly. "I don't suppose Jared ever told you where in Korea I'm from?"

"Yes, he did," Lisa nodded. "I owe you a great debt of gratitude for what you did for my husband."

"JJ deserves more thanks than me," Eun Mi said. "He's the one that made me decide to release them all."

"How did he do that if you don't mind me asking," Lisa asked.

"There was just something about him," Eun Mi said.

"So you loved him from the start?" Lisa teased with a smile.

"I suppose I did," Eun Mi said. "It was his smile that really took me."

"Yes, he does have a handsome smile," Lisa said. "I can already tell you little man has his daddy's smile."

Eun Mi smiled as she looked down at Jae Sun who was still sleeping the day away. The two of them parted ways briefly when they reached the apartments so they could put their respective groceries away. Then Lisa came to Eun Mi's apartment so they could get things ready for dinner that night and just visit with one another. Jae Sun stayed in Eun Mi's arms near the entire time while John was on the floor in the living room playing with his toys. Eun Mi did most of the cooking all things considered and Lisa did a lot of the prep work. It was while they were cooking that Eun Mi realized they didn't have a kitchen table, so Lisa ran to her place to get hers and brought it to Eun Mi's apartment with some chairs. Once she had a table at her disposal, Eun Mi made sure there was food on it by 6:00 right around the time JJ came home. Hadley walked in behind him as they entered.

"Lisa, why is our dining table in JJ's apartment?"

"It was either that or eat on the floor, honey," Lisa said while she set the table. "I had to grab some of our plates too. Your home is dangerously under prepared for living, JJ."

"Well, thanks for letting us burrow it while we're entertaining you," JJ smiled apologetically. He looked around for Jae Sun and went to his room to find him asleep in his crib content to be left alone for now, so he returned to the living room and they all had dinner together.

Later during dinner, Eun Mi went to retrieve Jae Sun when he started crying, fed him and then returned with the baby in arm to continue the evening. When they'd all finished their dinner and it was really late, JJ helped Hadley get the table and chairs back to his apartment as well as any silverware and plates Lisa had brought over. He said goodnight to them and came home to Eun Mi cooing to Jae Sun in her arms while her ghostly hands were cleaning the dishes.

"I guess we should get a table before we entertain again?" JJ joked.

"I'd suggest it," Eun Mi said. "I'll see what I can get tomorrow."

"Let's save it for Saturday and I'll come with you," JJ said. "You pick it and I'll carry it."

"I can agree to that," Eun Mi said as she kept looking at Jae Sun with a smile and poking his nose to make the baby giggle. Then she remembered something. "I forgot to tell you," she continued, "you're going to have a little brother or sister soon."

"I am?" JJ asked, raising a brow and then shrugging. "That didn't take long. I'll call mom when I get a chance and check on her. We'll have to keep calls to the US to a minimum. There's only so much the government will pay for."

"What time is it in Washington? Maybe you can call her now."

"No, not now," JJ said and sat on the bar stool at their island. "Although, maybe I should. I'd assume she needs to quit working at the bar and I'm very aware Salem's been using my pay from the General Store for personal stuff."

"JJ," Eun Mi said, "no need to be mean about Salem. I'm sure Suerro can take care of things. Isn't he teaching at the school on the tribe?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't really pay anything. Not much anyway. I know grandma's family is trying to fix that, but still."

"Doesn't he have money stored away regardless?"

"He'd better," JJ groaned. "I might still call just to give Salem a firm yelling at. Pull his weight a bit."

"I'm sure Salem will be happy to help out," Eun Mi defended while she rocked Jae Sun.

"You know what," JJ said, "speaking of forgetting to mention something. Apparently there's going to be a big party this weekend at the rec-center. Apparently it's more of a potluck kind of thing, so we can bring our own food."

"That sounds nice," Eun Mi said. "I'm happy to meet a few other people here. Making friends will make being here a little easier."

"I should probably mention one thing," JJ said. "One of the Lieutenants here is married to a Japanese woman. I mean, it's not unusual. There are plenty of men here that married a Japanese woman, but Mrs. Holloway is a little different."

"Why?" Eun Mi asked hesitantly and with a hint of hostility.

"She's a bit of a social butterfly. The way I hear it she tends to be the majority organizer whenever there's an event going on and she's always eager to make friends with new people here. I've been able to talk to her and she's really nice."

"Hm," Eun Mi mumbled while playing with Jae Sun's foot.

"I promise, she really is. Her name's Yoshiko Holloway. She'll definitely want to introduce herself to you and Lisa, so I just wanted to make sure you know and aren't surprised."

"Alright," Eun Mi said.

"Really, Eun Mi, don't let yourself get too apprehensive. She really is a very nice lady. Give her a chance and I'm sure you'll like her."

"Alright, alright," Eun Mi sighed.

For the remainder of that week, Eun Mi kept mostly to herself save for her time spent with Lisa since they had gotten along well. When it was finally the weekend, Eun Mi made plenty of food that they could bring to the rec-center. By the time they arrived, the gymnasium was already pretty packed and they put the food they brought in a free spot. Eun Mi located and stuck with Lisa mostly and spoke with anyone that approached. She was starting to relax and enjoy herself when she saw a woman approaching her and Lisa. She had shiny, long black hair that was done up in an Audrey Hepburn style and she wore a dress that was fashionable in the United States as well as Japan as Eun Mi discovered. She held a tiny girl in her arms with black hair but she looked largely unlike the woman holding her.

"Good afternoon," she said as soon as she reached them with a big smile on her face and she bowed after making her greeting, keeping her hand on the baby's head while she went down. "Would you two happen to be Mrs. Hadley and Mrs. Dauer?"

"I'm Mrs. Lisa Hadley," Lisa greeted and shook the woman's hand. "Would you happen to be Lieutenant Holloway's wife, Yoshiko?"

"I am Yoshiko," she nodded. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

"Who's this little cutie?" Lisa asked, pointing at the baby girl.

"This is Helen," Yoshiko smiled. "She turned 2 in November. What about this handsome young man?"

"John," Lisa smiled. "He actually turned three this past November."

"And what about this little guy?" Yoshiko asked, looking at Jae Sun.

"This is Jae Sun," Eun Mi answered, unintentionally taking a step back when Yoshiko came just a little closer when seeing the little boy. "He was born this past December."

"Really?" Yoshiko said. "He's so big already!"

"He takes after his father," Eun Mi answered and started looking around the room for the man in question.

"Oh, yes, Corporal Dauer is a giant man," Yoshiko giggled a little. "I couldn't tell you what his face looks like. I don't think I've ever seen it. I know what his chest looks like though," she joked but Eun Mi stayed rather quiet. "You're from Korea, no?"

"Yes," Eun Mi said.

"My husband had to be in Korea near the entirety of the war," Yoshiko lamented. "You can imagine how relieved I was to find out the war was over and he was coming back safe and sound. Helen was happy to find out daddy was coming home too."

"I know what you mean," Lisa spoke up. "I was pregnant with John when Jared signed up for the Army. I had my mother-in-law to help but I hated being without Jared. I don't even mind spending a year in a foreign country under the circumstances. It's only a year of course. Are you and the Lieutenant going to America any time soon?"

"I think Danny will want to be transferred back to the United States soon, but he's promised whenever we can be in Japan he'd make sure of it. My husband is a military career man so he'll be in the army a good many more years so it'll afford being able to stay in Japan whenever possible. My family's here and I would hate to be so far away."

"I can imagine," Lisa said.

"What about you," Yoshiko asked Eun Mi. "Are all your relatives still in Korea or have you moved them to America? Danny suggested we do that, but my big brother rather adamantly refused the offer I'm afraid."

"My only family was my grandpa and mother and they both passed away years ago," Eun Mi said.

"I'm so sorry," Yoshiko answered sympathetically. "My father passed away years ago. He'd passed away overseas in fact. It's what made my big brother decide to join the army."

"Your brother's in the army?" Lisa asked.

"Used to be," Yoshiko said. "After the war, Japan's army was disbanded. Now my big brother works for a shipping company in Tokyo."

"Oh my," Lisa said. "How did you and Lieutenant Holloway meet and marry?"

"My mother and I already lived here on my big brother's pay from the army. When we had found out the war was over and we had lost, so many committed suicide rather than fall to America. I was just a girl when we lost the war. About two years after the war, I started working at a bookstore here in town since we could no longer rely on my brother for his military pay and Danny came into the bookstore a few days after being stationed here." Yoshiko smiled fondly. "That day, he bought books just as an excuse to talk to me. To this day, he can't read or speak Japanese to save his life, but he still has those books. A few days later he came over and offered to walk me home after I got off work, but my boss wouldn't let him."

"Your boss?" Lisa asked strangely.

"He and my father had been good friends. They'd fought together and when my father died, Uncle Tojima swore to look after us," Yoshiko said. "My father died overseas in Nanjing during the invasion."

"You mean the Massacre?" Eun Mi said pointedly.

"I'm sorry?" Yoshiko asked, surprised.

"Your troops raped and murdered Nanjing civilians in the hundreds of thousands," Eun Mi said.

"Eun Mi," Lisa said firmly.

"I don't know what you're referring to," Yoshiko answered timidly.

"No? I could go on for hours what you people did to my people alone, much less your war crimes in China."

"Eun Mi," Lisa said firmly again.

"Shall we bring up the Bodo League massacre? Your president murdered his own people in a paranoid rampage," Yoshiko said after finding her voice.

"Okay, okay, that's enough," Lisa stepped in, desperate to stop the conversation from escalating any further. "Eun Mi, why don't we go get something to eat? Yoshiko, it was a pleasure to meet you."

Yoshiko nodded awkwardly while Lisa practically forced Eun Mi away so they could go to the tables where all the food was located. Once they were alone, Lisa took a deep breath.

"Eun Mi," she said as calmly as she could, "I realize that, all things considered, there are hard feelings. But you shouldn't bring that out on Mrs. Holloway."

"Have I mentioned an account of a Japanese soldier shooting a pregnant woman and raping her where he shot?" Eun Mi said flippantly.

"Eun Mi," Lisa said again, "I won't try to tell you that what happened to you and your own wasn't horrible, but you still shouldn't bring that out on Yoshiko. She did nothing to warrant you being so rude." Eun Mi didn't say anything. "Eun Mi, I think you owe that woman an apology."

"I won't apologize for what these people did to my comrades," Eun Mi muttered.

"Honey, Eun Mi," Lisa said, "I'm telling you that you need to apologize for blaming her for something she had nothing to do with."

"She brought it up," Eun Mi muttered.

"And you escalated it," Lisa pointed out and then sighed when Eun Mi didn't answer. "I say give her a chance to cool down and then you find her and you apologize."

Once again, Eun Mi didn't say anything. Jae Sun started squirming and began whimpering, so Eun Mi retreated somewhere private so she could attend to him. A little while later, JJ and Hadley were talking to one another when they say Lieutenant Holloway approaching them. They knew by the look on his face there was an issue.

"Everything alright, Lieutenant?" Hadley asked.

"Dauer," Lieutenant ignored Hadley and looked right at JJ. "My wife is in a corner sobbing because your wife fucking yelled at her!"

"What?"

"Don't you 'what' me," Holloway said. "Your wife called Yoshiko a God damned rapist and murderer! I realize your wife's Korean but you tell her that she won't blame Yoshiko for shit she didn't do."

"Wait, what?" JJ asked. "Hold on: what happened exactly?"

"I just told you what happened," Lt. Holloway said. "You tell your wife that if she ever talks that way to Yoshiko again, I'll give her a God damn reason to fucking complain."

"Alright, I'm sorry. I'll talk to her," JJ was quick to say.

"You fucking do that," Lt. Holloway said. "And you tell her I want an apology by 17:00 hours tomorrow or so help me God-"

"I will, Lieutenant," JJ interrupted, "I'll talk to her now."

"Good," Lt. Holloway finally grumbled and walked away. JJ didn't relax much when he walked away though.

"God damn it," he groaned.

"You may want to just take care of this now," Hadley suggested. "At least she didn't rip the poor girl in half I guess." JJ gave Hadley a slight dirty look. "Hey," he said, "Keeping quiet about that shit doesn't make it go away."

JJ didn't say anything. Rather, he walked away to look for Eun Mi but he couldn't find her. He found Lisa and asked where Eun Mi was and found out she'd taken Jae Sun elsewhere when he'd started crying and she hadn't seen her since then. He looked around the gymnasium for her but was having a hard time finding her. He overheard a few of the women talking about how they'd seen Yoshiko crying but he was relieved they didn't seem to know what had happened. When he couldn't find her, he decided to try the apartment. He walked back to their building and went up to their unit letting himself in. Just as he'd suspected, Eun Mi was with Jae Sun in his room cooing to him and playing with his feet.

"Eun Mi?" JJ said and got her to look at him. He closed the door to the unit and walked to Jae Sun's room and sat down on the floor beside Eun Mi. "What happened?" JJ said, getting straight to the point.

"I don't want to talk about it," she said.

"I know you don't, but I really need you to," JJ said. "Lieutenant came to me yelling that you insulted Yoshiko."

"I didn't yell at her," Eun Mi said. "Evidently her father was a soldier and had died during the invasion of Nanjing. I just reminded her it was the 'Massacre' of Nanjing. Told me she didn't know what I was talking about."

"She probably doesn't," JJ groaned.

"Might do her well to learn," Eun Mi said. JJ took a deep breath and then looked down at Jae Sun on the floor. He was staring at his hands in awe. He picked him up off the floor and brought Jae Sun to his crib. After Jae Sun was secured in the crib, JJ went back to Eun Mi kneeling before her.

"Come to the kitchen with me?" JJ suggested but Eun Mi didn't comply. "I don't want to have this talk in front of Jae Sun."

When JJ said that, she finally complied and the two of them left Jae Sun's room so they could talk in the kitchen. When they were alone, Eun Mi's arms were crossed defensively. JJ leaned against the counter making a point to keep his gaze as gentle as possible.

"Can you tell me what happened?" JJ asked again. "And don't tell me you already told me. Just give me the full story. Please?"

"Lisa and Yoshiko were talking and it came up that Yoshiko's father had died during the Massacre of Nanjing. She used the word 'invasion' to describe the event and I corrected her. She said she didn't know what I was talking about, I told her I could give her several stories of Japanese war crimes and Lisa separated us when she brought up the Bodo League massacre and then Lisa separated us. When Jae Sun started crying, I returned home to take care of him."

"Okay," JJ said. "Apparently you made her cry."

"Minor by comparison," Eun Mi said bitterly.

"The point is you really hurt her feelings." The look Eun Mi gave him was all the answer he needed and he groaned. "Look, Eun Mi, I know you don't want to, but I need you to apologize to her."

"Apologize to her?"

"Yes, Eun Mi: apologize to her. Lieutenant Holloway was livid. As he worded it, he wants you to apologize by 17:00 hours tomorrow or..well..I didn't let him finish. I just told him I'd talk to you. I understand where you're coming from. I really do. But you can't blame Yoshiko for something her father and his comrades did. That's not fair to her."

"너에게서 우스꽝스런 충고가 나온다," (neoegeseo useukkwangseuleon chung-goga naonda) she muttered.

"Pardon?" JJ asked.

"Nothing," she said.

"No. What?" JJ asked again.

"I said that's ridiculous to hear you say," Eun Mi said. "I believe in English one would say 'that's rich coming from you'." JJ stood there staring at her a moment a little stunned while Eun Mi wasn't looking at him. She already felt bad for what she'd said to him but she just didn't want to apologize to Yoshiko Holloway.

"Well," JJ said, decided the best course of action was to call her bluff, "I guess you're right. I mean, I only apologized to Suerro because you made me so I guess I'm no one to talk. In fact, I shouldn't have let you make me."

"What?" Eun Mi asked.

"Better yet," JJ continued as he walked around to their phone, "I think I'll call the mother fucker right now and tell him exactly what I think of him."

"JJ, don't do that," Eun Mi said.

"Nope, Eun Mi, you're right," he said as he picked up the phone and started dialing, "I shouldn't have to be the bigger person. I'm just going to tell him he can go fuck himself."

"JJ!" Eun Mi yelled at him.

"Hello, Suerro? Good," JJ started, "I hoped you'd answer. I retract everything I said to you, you piece of shit."

"JJ!"

"You heard me. You're a mother fucker. That's right. I said it. You're a mother fucker and when I get home, I will set you on fire and push you in the ocean where you should have stayed."

"JJ!"

"Better yet, how about I get on the next plane to Washington and I'll give you a hard dose of your comeuppance?"

"Fine!" Eun Mi said. "Fine, I get your point. I'll go apologize. Now can you please tell Suerro you didn't mean any of that?" Eun Mi said and JJ grinned.

"Don't have to," JJ said and revealed his thumb was on the disconnect button. "Never actually got through to the house."

"You.." Eun Mi started with a squeak but couldn't finish as her eyes went wide. JJ put down the phone and went back to her. "You tricked me."

"So long as it made my point," JJ said. "Eun Mi, I really do see where you're coming from, but you should go apologize to her."

"I shouldn't have to," Eun Mi said.

"Well, I shouldn't have to make nice with my mom's new husband, but damn it I did it because it was the right thing to do. You made me see that. Whether I liked it or not." Eun Mi was quiet with her arms crossed and JJ took her in his arms to hug her. "I'll go with you if you want."

"No," Eun Mi said. "I'll do it. Just don't think this will mean we're friends."

"Who said anything about friends?" JJ asked. "Lt. Holloway said nothing about you two being friends. All he wants is you to apologize by 5 tomorrow afternoon."

"Fine," Eun Mi muttered. JJ smiled and leaned down to kiss her head.

"Thank you, Eun Mi," JJ said. "I love you." Instead of answering, Eun Mi kept muttering in Korean. This time, JJ just chuckled a little to himself and held Eun Mi tighter before kissing her head again. "What would I do without you, Eun Mi?"

"I haven't the vaguest idea," she said and made him laugh again.

"Oh, haven't? Aren't we getting fancy?"

"Shut up," Eun Mi muttered while JJ smiled and kissed her head a third time.

Eun Mi didn't leave right away, but JJ encouraged her to 'just get it over with' as soon as possible. Finally, Eun Mi worked up the courage to go to Lt. and Yoshiko Holloway's apartment that JJ had given Eun Mi directions to but when she arrived, she just stood in front of the door for a moment irritably. She still didn't like having to apologize to the woman. She almost turned around to return home, but she made herself stay. Then she took a deep breath and finally made herself knock on the door. A moment later, the door opened and Yoshiko was standing there with her daughter in her arms. She was surprised to see Eun Mi but she remained cordial and even bowed to her.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Dauer."

"Holloway-San," Eun Mi said with the hint of irritation she still held at the situation.

"あなたは日本語を話しますか？" (Anata wa nihongo o hanashimasu ka/You Speak Japanese?) she asked.

"あなたの軍隊は私たちが日本語を話すことを好みました," (Anata no guntai wa watashitachi ga nihongo o hanasu koto o konomimashita/Your troops preferred we speak Japanese.)

"What do you need, Mrs. Dauer?" Yoshiko said pointedly but Eun Mi already noticed the woman seem like she wanted nothing more than to back down.

"My husband has informed me that your husband started yelling at him because you were crying in a corner earlier and evidently that was my fault."

"Have a good day, Mrs. Dauer," she said and was about to slam the door in her face, but Eun Mi used a ghostly hand to force the door to stay open. Thankfully Yoshiko didn't seem to notice that part as the door didn't close.

"I came to offer an apology," Eun Mi said once Yoshiko had opened the door back up. Eun Mi stood at the door for several silent moments while Yoshiko stared back at her waiting but Eun Mi wasn't saying anything. Finally, Eun Mi just said, "Sorry," in a blunt, brief manner. It seemed to take Yoshiko by surprise how mean it sounded.

"Well," she finally said, "you have a good day, Mrs. Dauer."

"You too," Eun Mi said and turned around to leave. As she was leaving, she heard Yoshiko again.

"Dauer-San?" Eun Mi turned to look at her and saw she'd stepped out of the apartment. "I was making some Oolong tea. Would you like some?" Yoshiko asked in Japanese. Eun Mi was about to say no, but she stopped herself and shrugged before turning to return.

"Alright," she answered in English and Yoshiko stepped aside so Eun Mi could come inside. She took her shoes off at the door and put on the spare slippers at the door before coming inside with Yoshiko. Since it was what made her comfortable, she continued to speak to Eun Mi in Japanese.

"Would you like honey? I have Rice syrup too."

"Just tea is fine," Eun Mi answered in Japanese. She looked around at the many pictures all over the walls. All were in black and white and some appeared to be of Yoshiko with a big family but she was a little girl, there were wedding pictures, a family picture from when Helen was first born and several others. A few pictures, however, grabbed her attention with a vengeance. They were of two Japanese men, different ages though the younger appeared similar to the elder, in their uniforms. The sight of the pictures nearly sent her into a renewed fury, but she kept herself at bay. "I have Mochi left over from the potluck if you like."

"No thank you," Eun Mi answered and Yoshiko caught the hostility in her voice. She followed where Eun Mi's gaze had been.

"That's my father and brother," Yoshiko answered.

"Your brother was a solider too?"

"Yes," Yoshiko said. "He'd been on the mainland until we went to war with America. Then he was sent to fight. He was sent back home when he was hit with shrapnel and it blinded him in his left eye."

"Better blind in one eye than dead," Eun Mi said bitterly.

"So we've told him," Yoshiko smiled, but then she realized Eun Mi had not meant it as an endearment and she deflated a little. "I take it you don't like the Japanese very much."

"No. I don't," Eun Mi answered bluntly.

"Why did you join Corporal Dauer here?"

"Because I love my husband more than I hate you people," Eun Mi said. Yoshiko looked as though she wanted to hide in a corner. "Your troops were not so timid as you appear to be."

"My father was a good man," Yoshiko defended with all the courage she had. "So is my big brother. I won't speak for their comrades, but neither of them would do any of the things you're accusing them of."

"You don't think so?" Eun Mi said almost condescendingly. "People are capable of horrible things when they're ordered to. They're capable of far worse when they consider their prey less than human."

"Please stop," Yoshiko said. She seemed to get smaller as the seconds passed. Figuratively speaking.

"What? Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"Yes."

"Good," Eun Mi said. "You know: when we'd run away to hide in China after the Americans were starting to gain ground in North Korea, I heard some terrible stories. Do you know of Unit 731?"

"No," she said.

"It used to be a lumber mill. But the Japanese army took it over and converted it to a testing facility. They were testing chemical warfare. They performed horrible experiments on the Chinese locals and even some missionaries from the west. Used to call their victims 'logs'. They performed all manner of horrible experiments on their 'logs'."

"I said please stop," Yoshiko said and she seemed like she might start to cry again, but then something dawned on her. "Wait….you're North Korean?"

"I was born on the coasts of Northern Korea to the east when we were still one nation. Two Japanese soldiers nearly killed me for being out passed curfew when I'd been forced out of the only home I'd known. It was either kill them or let them kill me. I ran away to west of the mountain and a family took me in, but Japanese troops and their whores they called wives were always there, haunting us. When my grandpa died, my mother was forced to become a comfort girl for your toads you call men. One of them hurt my mother so you know what I did? I tore him to pieces. We were forced to run away from that whore house, but I don't regret it. Not for a moment. It's the only time I've murdered a man and felt no shame for it. When your troops left, I was in North Korea. It was the hand I was dealt and it was either join the People's Army or let my mother die of dementia. Not that it mattered. There was nothing the doctor could do for her anyway."

Eun Mi started getting watery eyed herself from the memory. Yoshiko started to approach her and, without thinking, Eun Mi used a ghostly hand to not only keep her back but force her against the wall. Eun Mi only realized her mistake when she heard Yoshiko yelp. Eun Mi and Yoshiko looked at one another in shock. Eun Mi didn't take away the hand that pushed against Yoshiko. At least not right away. She did eventually but what Yoshiko said next stunned her.

"Are you a demon?" she asked.

"I've been called that by your troops," Eun Mi said bitterly, "and by my former superiors." Yoshiko noticed the latter point seemed to make Eun Mi angrier than the former. "Only three people ever saw me as anything but a demon after knowing my power. My mother and grandpa then JJ."

"I'm so sorry," Yoshiko said.

"It's a little late for that," Eun Mi said. She hadn't noticed that Yoshiko had poured them both tea and brought Eun Mi her cup until it was right under her nose. Eun Mi took the up and after she did, Yoshiko held Helen close and then bowed low enough that her back was horizontal. "What are you doing?"

"Begging forgiveness," Yoshiko answered.

"What?"

"I'm begging your forgiveness," Yoshiko said again. "You've clearly been through so much at our hand and then more at the hands of your own countrymen. Whether the fault lies on my father or brother is irrelevant. I'm so sorry."

Her plea for forgiveness took Eun Mi completely by surprise. She stared at Yoshiko as she bowed before her. However she didn't feel gratified by the gesture. It really was too little too late and yet she found herself becoming less and less upset with her. Unsure what else to do, Eun Mi went to the table and sat down on the floor. So much of the furniture in the house was more Japanese traditional which looked strange and out of place in such an Americanized apartment. She glanced into the bedroom to see a futon instead of a mattress and bed frame with furniture that was close to the ground. Yoshiko lifted her head and then stood back up. She went to get her own tea and went to the table to sit across from Eun Mi. The two of them were quiet at the table for so long that Helen got extremely bored, gently pushed on her mother so she'd put her down and then wandered to her room with her door open so she could play with her toys. With Helen occupied and Eun Mi remaining deathly silent, Yoshiko moved to the side of her table so she could bow again.

"Just stop it," Eun Mi groaned a little and Yoshiko sat right back up. They were silent again for several more minutes and, having begun to make her all the more apprehensive, Yoshiko finally spoke.

"How did you escape?"

"Pardon?" Eun Mi asked, surprised by the question.

"North Korea: how did you escape?" she repeated her question.

It took a moment for Eun Mi to finally say, "JJ carried me into South Korea tied to his back."

"What made you decide to go with him?"

"I didn't," Eun Mi said. "I helped them escape, I was shot and lost consciousness and when I finally woke up, I was in a medical tent in South Korea."

"Why did you help them escape if you didn't want to yourself?"

"It was for JJ," Eun Mi said. "I already felt strange about him when we he was brought to that camp. I saw him in that tiger cage for the first time and in an instant I felt a longing for him that I didn't really understand at the time. I started bringing him and the others food and one night he gave me a Gardenia flower. There's only one other person that ever did such a thing for me and that had been my mother. I think I knew in that moment that I loved him, but I didn't understand the type of love it was. I'd only known my mother's and grandpa's love and that wasn't what I felt for him exactly."

"What you felt was romantic," Yoshiko offered, finally smiling.

"I don't know if it was. Not at the time anyway. My feelings for him changed a lot as time went on. I just knew I felt something for him that I never felt before and that I liked it. I know that must sound bizarre."

"No, I think I understand," Yoshiko said. "I'm impressed how proficient you are with Japanese."

"I had to pretend to care about the Japanese troops' problems, so I had to become fluent. I was fortunate that I was not forced to offer sexual comforts, but the Mistress insisted I contribute and I became a Geisha."

"You were a Geisha?" Yoshiko asked and her smile brightened. "My mother's sister became a Geisha. My grandparents couldn't afford to take care of her and so they released her to become a Geisha. About ten years later, my mother came along but by then my grandparents weren't so financially insecure and could take care of her. You can imagine they wanted her married as soon as possible, though. I think my mother was 16 when she married my father. My father was a soldier by the time he was old enough to enlist and my grandparents were eager to ensure my mother was in the hands of someone that could take care of her."

"And all she needed to do was keep his house and raise his children while he was away," Eun Mi muttered a little.

"My father wasn't always away," Yoshiko said, "but I have very few memories of my father being home. My older brother became a soldier so he could take care of us when our father died overseas."

"How did your family take you marrying an American of all things?" Eun Mi asked.

"They did not initially approve of the union," Yoshiko said and then she giggled when she thought of something. "I think they only approved because they grew tired of telling him 'no'."

"Persistence can be quite the virtue," Eun Mi said and smiled just a little.

"It certainly was for Danny," Yoshiko giggled and even blushed a little. "I told you my father's friend took partial responsibility for looking after us when my father died? Uncle Tojima we call him. He owns a bookstore that he let me work at to make some extra money and Danny walked in just days after arriving in Japan. He was a bright eyed Corporal at the time that had never been outside of Kansas so everything was new to him. I think he stared at a book for twenty minutes that he couldn't read because he'd never seen Kanji before."

"Adorable," Eun Mi said condescendingly but admittedly with a bit of humor.

"He only bought it so he could have an excuse to speak with me. Or so he told me," Yoshiko said. "It was so strange. I spent years thinking Americans were these horrible monstrous creatures with giant noses that looked like ogres, but I saw Danny and thought, 'He is so handsome'."

"Everyone in the encampment thought JJ was an ogre," Eun Mi thought reminiscently. "He was this giant man that was taller than all of us and he overpowered Officer Lee effortlessly. Even amputated the man's middle finger."

"My God," Yoshiko went wide eyed.

"Rumors spread that JJ had eaten his finger and that if you let your children near him, he'd eat them too. Ridiculous of course, but it did wonders to keep most of us away from him."

"Except you," Yoshiko smiled and Eun Mi even smiled.

"I knew I had nothing to fear," Eun Mi said. "But I interrupted you."

"Oh, yes," Yoshiko cleared her throat gently. "Anyway, I thought Danny was very handsome. I had thought he couldn't possibly be American because of it. He asked one afternoon if he could walk me home but Uncle Tojima wouldn't allow it and reminded me of what Americans are capable of and to just keep to myself."

"But he was persistent?"

"Very," Yoshiko giggled. "One afternoon on a Sunday I went to the fish market with a friend of mine and he turned up there."

"By coincidence I'm sure," Eun Mi said.

"It was indeed by coincidence I promise," Yoshiko defended with a smile. "He was there with several other troops that were taking in the sites. I tried to be quiet when he and his friends spoke with me and Yuki but Danny kept asking me questions and he was so charming. I didn't speak very good English at the time, but he was so kind and patient. He convinced me to join him on a night out with those same friends and Yuki and any other ladies that could join us. We were in a large group, but for how Danny spoke to me, we may as well have been the only people in the room." Yoshiko swooned and sighed fondly at the memory. "He told me all about his home town, how he played Football in school, he told me about his father and how he worked for a train station and his mother was a homemaker. He asked me to tell him about myself and listened intently even when I wasn't sure how to say something."

"JJ was the same way," Eun Mi said. "I didn't speak English at first but JJ was so determined to get to know me. The women at the M.A.S.H helped me learn and JJ helped too. We were married March of the following year."

"I played hard to get," Yoshiko giggled. "I knew my family wouldn't approve of Danny and I, so after that first date, I told him we shouldn't see each other anymore. I learned Daniel Holloway is not a man to take 'no' for an answer without complain. I know how that must sound, but he was still very kind. Uncle Tojima and my brother were the rude ones."

"How did you get them to approve?"

"Danny basically picked away at their resolve a little at a time. He promised he loved me and would take good care of me and make me happy. They only agreed though when I told them I loved him too. We'll be married five years come August."

"Have you met his parents?"

"I have," Yoshiko said and then giggled. "When I met Mr. Holloway, he told Danny he was surprised I didn't have buck teeth like all the posters said we have."

"Yes, I've seen those," Eun Mi giggled. "They aren't especially flattering, though I think they were mostly making fun of Tojo."

"They were," Yoshiko said. "Mr. Holloway had said he was surprised how 'cute' I was."

"JJ's little brother and sister tease me constantly over how short I am," Eun Mi said. "All of his relatives are very tall."

"Ah, yes, I remember when I first met Corporal Dauer," Yoshiko said. "I'd not known a man could get so tall."

"I've grown used to it," Eun Mi said.

"So Corporal Dauer just carried you over the border on his back?" Eun Mi nodded. "I still think what you did was very brave. You risked your life for his and those of his allies. And then he repays you by taking you to safety and freedom. It sounds like something out of a novel."

"I suppose," Eun Mi said. Then she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for how I spoke to you earlier."

"I understand," Yoshiko smiled pleasantly. "And I'm sorry about Danny. He's so protective of me and I know how he can get. He always tells me I need to learn to stand up for myself, but he can never help doing it for me." Yoshiko giggled. "I think that's what convinced my brother and Uncle to let us marry: they saw he would defend me no matter what."

"I know the feeling," Eun Mi smiled a little.

"So many years ago, people told me I was crazy for wanting to marry an American," Yoshiko said and smiled, "now they all copy Audrey Hepburn's hair and wear American dresses hoping to procure an American husband themselves."

"I suppose we aren't the only ones to fall for their charms," Eun Mi said and the two of them even giggled a little.

"Eun Mi?"

"What?"

"I was told you enjoy gardening. JJ said when you used to live in Korea that you had a little garden."

"When my mother was alive I had a garden," Eun Mi said. "She and I would maintain it together until the communist regime started and I had to work in order to get food stamps for rice."

"Did you live in Pyongyang?"

"Near it," Eun Mi said. "Our tiny house and farm was outside the city. When my mother died, I buried her there and burned the house to the ground. It was the only way I could move on."

"I'm very sorry," Yoshiko said and Eun Mi nodded absently. "You must miss her terribly."

"I do," Eun Mi said. "I got to be with her before she died. I'm grateful for that at least."

"That's good," Yoshiko said. Just then, they heard the key to the apartment door turn and in stepped Lieutenant Holloway who looked right at Eun Mi and then Yoshiko.

"Everything alright, Yoshiko?"

"Yes, everything's fine," she answered and went right to him to take his coat while he took off his shoes. "I'm so sorry I haven't started dinner. Mrs. Dauer and I were visiting and we lost all track of time."

"It's fine. I'm still full from the potluck," Lieutenant Holloway said and his vision zeroed in on Eun Mi and he was less than pleased it seemed. "You'd better be here to apologize to Yoshiko."

"Danny, stop it. Don't be so mean to her," she said. "She did apologize and we had a pleasant heart to heart. In fact, if she would like to join me, I had planned to take her to the garden we have on base."

"There's a garden here?" Eun Mi asked.

"Yes, it's a big patch the green thumbs like to use," Lieutenant Holloway said. "You're sure everything's alright?"

"Everything's fine," Yoshiko said. She went to the kitchen and grabbed a small plate of Mochi. "In fact, can you please take this to Corporal Dauer?"

"Why does he get these?"

"It's an apology for you yelling at the poor thing," she said.

"Pardon?" Lieutenant Holloway asked.

"It's alright, I'll take them with me," Eun Mi said as she stood from the table. "It's red bean?"

"Yes, of course," Yoshiko said with a cheerful smile. "Worry not, Mrs. Dauer. I know of your husband's strange eating habits."

"Eats like a damn rabbit," Lieutenant Holloway grumbled.

"Not when I feed him," Eun Mi said and got her shoes on before taking the platter.

"You can return it to me tomorrow. I'll meet you at your apartment at 11:00?"

"That sounds lovely," Eun Mi said to Yoshiko, bowed to her, and then walked out of the apartment leaving Lieutenant Holloway alone with Yoshiko.

"How the fuck do you do it?" he finally asked.

"Patience and compassion," Yoshiko smiled proudly. "And watch your language in front of the baby."

Eun Mi returned to the apartment with the platter of Mochi on hand. When she returned, JJ was on the floor in the middle of the living room playing with Jae Sun's toes making the little boy giggle and squirm. When she came in, JJ looked up at her.

"Everything go alright?"

"Yes, it did," Eun Mi said. "Though I do so begrudgingly, I admit she's very nice. She's showing me where the garden on base is so I can use it once winter's over."

"That's good to hear," JJ said. "And thank you for doing that."

Eun Mi nodded absently and then said, "And you definitely didn't actually call the house and say those things to Suerro?"

"Yes, Eun Mi. I promise I didn't actually call him."

"You had better not have," Eun Mi mumbled while JJ just laughed. "Did you call your mom at all? You still haven't called her since I told her you're getting a sibling."

"No, I haven't," JJ said and lifted Jae Sun into his arms. "I'll call her now. Tell her congratulations; tell Suerro he's a shit. The usual."

"Don't you dare!" Eun Mi yelled. JJ laughed while he went to the phone and dialed the number. He waited one ring before Suerro answered the phone.

"Dauer residence," Suerro said on the other line.

"Good to know you still refer to it as 'Dauer'," JJ said.

"Pleasure to hear from you, JJ," Suerro sighed a little. "Eun Mi tell you you're having a brother or sister?"

"Yes, this has been brought to my attention. Can I talk to her?"

"I'll get her," Suerro said. There was a moment of silence on the other line while Suerro got Natalie. She was already asleep in bed and normally Suerro wouldn't want to bother her, but given JJ was on the phone Suerro knew she'd be upset if he didn't wake her. Once Natalie was awake, she went downstairs to answer the phone.

"JJ?" Natalie said.

"Hey mom. Eun Mi told me you're pregnant with Suerro's demon spawn. How are you doing?"

"JJ, you take that back," Natalie said firmly and JJ chuckled.

"Sorry, mom. I couldn't resist. More importantly, how are you feeling?"

"Tired," Natalie said. "It's only been a week and I already feel like I'm about to explode."

"I bet," JJ said.

"Kyle and Uncle Carlisle have me drinking a lot of blood. It's the only thing that keeps me healthy right now."

"That must be one hell of a 180 for you," JJ said. "If you tell me its animal blood, I may have to laugh."

"No, it's human," Natalie said. "A bunch of people in the tribe were kind enough to donate and I've been living on that."

"Gross," JJ said but he was still smiling. "So the little monster have a name yet?"

"JJ," Natalie said again.

"Oh, come on mom. I'm this kid's big brother. I have to poke fun at the kid. So what are the names?"

"Zurra Leigh for a girl and Blu Jae for a boy."

"Wait, what was that last one?"

"Blu Jae," Natalie said. "After the bird that's been our neighbor and your father. Suerro agreed it has a nice ring to it."

"That's stupid," JJ said.

"No more 'stupid' than Jae Sun," Natalie said.

"Fine, fair enough," JJ said.

"Speaking of, how is my little boy doing?"

"He hated the plane ride here so I'm told but he's doing alright now. Wherever mommy is, he'll be happy," JJ chuckled a little. "How much longer do you think you'll be pregnant? This kind of thing takes less time doesn't it?"

"Carlisle thinks I won't be pregnant more than another week. They've been bugging me every day making sure I'm alright. I suppose if I can say one positive about this pregnancy: at least it's not going to take nearly as long."

"That's something," JJ said. "You giving him or her dad's last name too?"

"No, their last names will be Rouge," Natalie said. "Zurra Leigh Rouge or Blu Jae Rouge."

"Still stupid," JJ said. "At least that boy's name. Zurra Leigh's cute. Maybe Suerro had the good sense to give you a girl."

"Will you stop it?" Natalie sighed in exasperation. "If you treat your little brother this way when he's born I'll be extremely upset with you."

"Mom, if I don't tease the kid then I haven't done my job," JJ said. "Won't he be poisonous or something?"

"Carlisle doesn't know," Natalie said. "He's guessing if it's a boy then it's likely since male half breeds and so on tend to be venomous and girls aren't, but he says it's too small a group that he's aware of to be conclusive."

"So doctor speak for he isn't sure?"

"Basically," Natalie said.

"Good to know," JJ said sarcastically. "Well, boy or girl, tell the little squirt I said be good or else." This time, Natalie giggled.

"Thank you, honey. I'll be sure to relay the message. So how are you and Eun Mi adjusting? What's Japan like?"

"Smells like fish and salt water and everyone knows everyone on base. So just like home," JJ joked.

"What about Eun Mi? Is she liking it there?"

"She made a new friend today, so I think she's getting used to it," JJ said and winked at Eun Mi. "How are Salem and Nesia doing?"

"They're alright," Natalie said. "They're both on patrol tonight. Salem's still working at the General Store helping Uncle Hailey out."

"Well, unless Uncle Hailey retires he'd better be ready to give me back my job in two years," JJ said.

"He's chomping at the bit for it; believe me," Natalie said and then she yawned unintentionally.

"Did I wake you? What time is it there?"

"About 10," Natalie said. "Really, it's fine. I sleep most of the time these days."

"Well, get some more sleep," JJ said. "I'll let you go okay, mom? If you need me, just call okay? You got the number I sent you?"

"I have it here," Natalie said.

"Okay good," JJ said. "I'll talk to you later mom. I love you."

"I love you too, JJ," Natalie said and the two of them disconnected.

"Good to hear he's doing alright," Suerro said to Natalie after she was off the phone.

"It seems so," Natalie smiled and rubbed her belly. "You don't think Blu Jae is stupid do you?"

"I was the one that thought of it aren't I?" Suerro said. "Good thing you didn't bring that up otherwise JJ might try to convince you to change it."

"I think it's a good name," Natalie insisted.

"We'll just have to see if I had the good sense to give you a girl," Suerro answered and made Natalie smile.

"I do already have two boys," Natalie joked. "Another girl would be nice."

"I suppose we'll have to wait and see. At least we won't be waiting too long."

Suerro kissed Natalie's cheek and held her close while she smiled. Not long after, she went back to sleep and Suerro stayed in bed with her. Those were how she spent the next several days. She would stay in bed from being so tired and Carlisle and Kyle would check on her daily as well. To Carlisle's relief, she was handling the pregnancy much better than a normal human would, but that could be due to a number of factors. Their greatest concern was doing everything in their power to make sure Natalie wasn't getting too skinny, even if it meant effectively force feeding her the donated blood they had. When it came to be March, Carlisle basically lived with them so he would be present the instant something changed. While Natalie was upstairs sleeping, Suerro and Carlisle would sit together downstairs and talk. One afternoon, they welcomed Salem and Nesia home when they returned from work or a friend's house in Nesia's case. Suerro made them dinner and they all sat together while Salem and Nesia ate.

"You never married when you were human right?" Nesia asked Suerro.

"No, I wasn't married before this," Suerro said.

"Did you ever have kids?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Suerro joked. "My focus was always mostly on Zurra and I didn't really date all that much."

"Are you excited to be a dad?" Salem asked.

"I think so," Suerro said. "I never even considered it a possibility for so long, so it's strange that it's actually happening."

"For the record, I think Blu Jae is a great name," Nesia smiled reassuringly.

Suerro chuckled, "Thank you for the sentiment Nesia. I appreciate it. Are you excited to have a little brother or sister?"

"I am," Nesia said.

"Just don't make us raise it for you," Salem said.

"No promises, Salem," Suerro joked.

"You keep this up and I may up and join the army in protest," Salem chuckled.

"Do it and I'll personally beat the shit out of you," Suerro said, half joking and half being serious.

"You can't do that. You're not my dad," Salem joked.

"Try me," Suerro said and patted Salem's shoulder. Salem chuckled and returned to his dinner. There was about ten minutes of nothing before Natalie called Suerro's name and he was upstairs in an instant with Carlisle close behind. "What's going on?" he asked, already getting ready to get behind her.

"I felt a really bad contraction," Natalie said. "I think I might be starting to go into labor."

"Is this the first contraction that's felt this way?" Carlisle asked.

"Yeah," Natalie answered.

"Alright, we'll wait to see how long it is before you have another contraction. If they're less than five minutes apart, it'll be a good indicator you're getting close to your water breaking. Would you like me to stay upstairs with you?"

"It's alright," Natalie said. "I ask for you if something changes. I just wanted Suerro here."

"Alright, Natalie. I'll come back when you call," Carlisle reassured and left the room to leave Natalie and Suerro alone. They were quiet for a moment before Suerro broke the silence.

"Am I allowed to admit I'm nervous?" Suerro asked light heartedly.

"New fathers often are," Natalie smiled. "I'm nervous too. I've never had a pregnancy like this before. My other three were pretty standard."

"How long do you suppose it'll be before you'll want another child?"

"Let's have this baby before we start talking about another one," Natalie scolded.

For the better part of forty five minutes, Natalie would have contractions, but there were relatively inconsistent with when they would be. Around an hour after they'd started, the contractions were becoming consistent and she was having them within 2 minutes of each other, so Carlisle was upstairs keeping track of her progress. Eventually her water finally broke, but only when her contractions had no rest period. Somehow, delivering this time was more tiring and difficult than any of her other three pregnancies. No matter how she pushed, it seemed as though the baby just wouldn't come out, but Carlisle was eventually able to guide the baby out.

"It's a boy," Carlisle said proudly and hurried to clean the baby off before giving him over to Natalie.

Within seconds of being in her arms, the baby bit Natalie almost as if by instinct and there was a horrible sting and burning until Suerro sucked it out for her. The baby, Blu Jae, didn't nip at her again after that. Eventually he opened his eyes and they were mostly black, but there was the faintest hint of red color to his eyes.

"We certainly can't have anyone looking too closely at your eyes, Blu Jae," Natalie smiled and the baby and rubbed his nose. "He looks like you."

"A little bit," Suerro smiled. "He has your nose."

"That's true," Natalie said and then yawned. "Carlisle, can I breast feed him or will we need to give him blood?"

"He'd probably be fine either way, but I suspect he'll refuse to nurse and just want blood. That's how your mother was. But then we were feeding her goat's milk before we gave her blood. And Nathan's sons were alright with breastfeeding, so maybe that'll be the case for Blu Jae too."

"I guess we'll find out when he gets hungry," Natalie said. "Do we still have some donated blood just in case?"

"Yes, we do," Carlisle said.

Carlisle stayed a while longer until Natalie delivered the placenta. In the meantime, Suerro took Blu Jae downstairs so Salem and Nesia could see him and hold him. Suerro relayed the news that Natalie had delivered the baby and the house soon flooded with family members eager to meet the new addition to the family. Renesmee made a point to hold Blu Jae more than anyone.

"He looks a little like Suerro," Renesmee said while sitting on the couch with Jacob.

"His eyes are a little scary if you look too close," Jacob said, but he was smiling and playing with Blu Jae's toes.

"So how does it feel to be a grandpa?" Kyle asked jokingly.

"The same way it did the first 9 times," Jacob chuckled. Renesmee smiled at Jacob and then looked back at her newest grandson.

Affectionately she whispered, "Grandma's little Birdie," to Blu Jae as he looked back up at her.

Lulu, Evalynn and Jaedynn eagerly looked at the new baby and Lulu was even allowed to hold Blu Jae so long as someone was assisting her. Eventually he got hungry and it was finally the opportune time to test whether or not Blu Jae would eat milk or if they would need to resort to blood. Suerro and Carlisle brought Blu Jae upstairs to Natalie so she could try to feed the boy. Thankfully Blu Jae latched on without issue and seemed fine with milk. After his meal, Blu Jae went right to sleep content to be in Natalie's arms. She wound up falling asleep too so Suerro got off the bed ready to go downstairs. As he was leaving the room, though, he felt a strange chill in the room. He turned around and saw the bird perched at the window. Hesitantly, he approached the window and gently slid it opened slightly and the bird let himself in flying right to the nightstand. Then he heard a crow sound its loud caw outside.

After falling asleep, Natalie felt sudden warmth that made her open her eyes. She was on the front porch of the house staring out to the ocean. Blu Jae was in her arms still sleeping and the only sounds came from the movement of the water from the ocean. Then she smelled something familiar: a scent that had not graced her in years and yet brought her no less comfort than it used to. Natalie turned to look towards the scent and Jae was sitting there. He was in his normal civilian clothes and he looked as she remembered him before he'd left.

"Jae," Natalie smiled.

"Natalie," Jae's voice came. Just as she remembered it. He looked at the baby in her arms and smiled. "He looks like him." With the declaration, Natalie suddenly lost her smile and Jae noticed. "It's a good thing," he said.

"I never stopped loving you, Jae. You know that right?" Natalie asked. Even now, after everything she and Suerro had been through and even though she loved him, she still loved Jae.

"I can't make you happy anymore, Natalie," Jae said. "But he does. And that's more than I could ask for."

"He does," Natalie said and smiled ever so slightly. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss you. There are times when I will still cry because of it. But Suerro does make me happy."

"I miss you too," Jae finally said. "Even if I see you, I still miss you. I miss all of you. I wish I could have known our grandson and any others that will come later." The mention of Jae Sun brought tears to Natalie's eyes.

"His name is Jae Sun. After you and after Eun Mi's mother."

"I know," Jae smiled. "He's a cute little thing. We're both indebted to Eun Mi."

"You know of her?"

"Of course," Jae said. He looked at the baby and touched his tiny head. That seemed to wake the baby and he looked up at Jae with intrigue. "Such intimidating eyes," Jae chuckled. "They suit him I think."

"Do you think so?" Natalie asked and Jae nodded.

"What's his name?"

"Blu Jae," Natalie said.

"Really?" Jae asked.

"A lot of us have named children after you. Jae Sun, Jaedynn, Blu Jae," Natalie smiled.

"It's an honor," Jae answered sincerely.

"Mom's already started calling Blu Jae 'Birdie'. I'm afraid it's going to stick," Natalie smiled and Jae chuckled.

"I would count on it," Jae said. Natalie looked at Jae a moment without saying anything. It didn't hurt nearly as much, but she still felt that sting in her heart from his loss. She brought up a hand so she could touch his cheek. He brought his own hand to hers holding it there. "I never stopped loving you either, Natalie. I loved you my whole life and even after death I still loved you."

Natalie felt tears start to sting her eyes again. "Are you telling me this is the last I'll ever see of you?"

"No," Jae said. "You will still see me. Even if you don't realize it; I'll always be here. We have a little agreement."

"We?" Natalie asked. A crow's caw sounded in the distance and Natalie looked in its direction but couldn't see the crow that had produced the noise.

"I love you, Natalie," Jae said, making Natalie look at him again and she was dazzled by his smile even now.

"I love you too, Jae," Natalie smiled back at him. After the declaration, Jae leaned over and pressed his lips to hers.

Suerro watched Natalie sleep. He noticed Blu Jae wake and he seemed to be staring at the bird he'd let into the room. He saw the gentle smile on Natalie's face and the pricking of tears in her eyes. When one fell, he put his hand on hers. When he did, the bird flew to the window and left the room. He was gone by the time Natalie opened her eyes and looked up at Suerro.

"Are you alright?" Suerro asked.

"I'm alright," Natalie said and sat up. "I love you."

"I love you too," Suerro said back and took Natalie in his arms so he could hold her and their son. The following morning, after breastfeeding Blu Jae, she brought him outside with her so she could enjoy her tea on the porch. When she sat on the swinging chair, she heard a bird chirping and looked to see the little blue bird on the sill with a big nest. The bird looked at her and when he did, Natalie smiled back at him before sipping her tea enjoying the sunrise.