The second week of October could not arrive fast enough. Kuon and Kyoko had been spending much more time together in Ren's apartment, staring boredly at the TV, tossing around baby names in preparation for finding out the sex of their children.

"How about Hana?" Kuon offered.

Kyoko wrinkled her nose. "So she can be confused with the thousand other Hanas?"

He chuckled. "It's a nice name!"

"It's a boring name. What about Kanae!?" Kyoko's eyes were alight with excitement. Kuon put his hand over his face.

"You seriously want to name our daughter after Kotonami-san?"

Kyoko frowned. "What's wrong with that?"

Truthfully, Kuon had no objections to the name other than Kanae Kotonami scared him. Just a little. "I guess nothing…" he sighed. "It's very hard to figure all of this out when we don't even know if we're having a girl at all. For all we know, it's three boys."

Kyoko sighed and sunk into the couch. He had a point. Though, she thought, maybe three boys wouldn't be so bad. Thinking on her relationship with her own mother had left her a bit anxious about having a daughter, or daughters, as the case may be.

When the day finally arrived, they were buzzing with excitement. They took the elevator to the fourth floor, and when the doors opened, they were faced with an empty hallway… except for a small bench that was occupied by a woman. She had black hair to her mid thighs, cat eye rhinestone glasses, a long sleeved white top and a red pencil skirt. When she saw them, she got to her feet and waved them over. Kyoko tilted her head at the American gesture, but Kuon started laughing.

He closed the distance between them and looked down at her. "Black is not your color, Mom."

Julie giggled into her hand and then threw her arms around him. "It's so good to see you!" She pulled back and rubbed his belly. "Gosh, you look like you're going to pop!" She looked past him at Kyoko who was standing to the side, with a sheepish grin on her face. "Hi, Kyoko-chan!"

Kyoko gave her a nervous bow. "It's nice to see you again, Hizuri-sa–oh!"

Julie had scooped her into a hug. "If you can't say 'Mom', then I would prefer 'Julie'. You're the mother of my grandchildren. There's no need to be so formal."

Kyoko blushed. "Right. Um… Mom."

Julie pinched her cheek. "There you go!" She gestured at the door behind her. "Shall we? I want to see my grandbabies!"

Kuon laughed and opened the door. "Let's go."

They entered to find Doctor Kojima with his ultrasound machine, next to a sofa. He got to his feet and bowed. "Ah, Tsuruga-san. How are you feeling?"

Kuon took his shirt off and lay down on the sofa. "Full. I don't know how I can go another 12 weeks."

The Doctor chuckled. "You certainly look full. Let's take a look." He squirted some gel on Kuon's belly and touched his skin with the transducer. Kuon grimaced as he moved it around; he had become more ticklish as his belly grew.

Doctor Kojima tapped a few buttons on his laptop. "I've got baby A here. Looks good, somewhere around 17 centimeters long, probably about .25 kilograms. Are you looking to find out the sex of the babies today?"

Kyoko nodded. "Please."

He moved the transducer just a tiny bit and smiled. "This one's a boy."

Julie clapped her hands together excitedly. "Oh! A boy! That is so exciting!"

Aftering finding out that a 17-year-old schoolgirl was the mother of Ren's babies, Doctor Kojima did not even want to ask who this middle-aged American woman was. He simply moved the transducer to the next fetus.

"Baby B is coming in at 17 centimeters as well, also around .25 kilograms. And he is also a big healthy boy."

Kyoko let out a tiny sigh of relief. Just one more… she thought. She hoped for another boy.

The Doctor moved the transducer around. "Baby C is measuring in at 16 centimeters, also around .25 kilograms." He moved around, pressed in a little harder, and pursed his lips. "Baby C is apparently very shy and doesn't want us to know what they are."

Kuon raised an eyebrow at the Doctor. "Huh?"

The Doctor chuckled. "The baby's legs are crossed! I can't see anything, unfortunately."

Julie fell to her knees. "Oh, come on!"

Kyoko patted Julie's shoulder. "It's okay! We only have 12 more weeks until we find ou–"

Julie pulled a face. "12 weeks! Kyoko-chan, I could die of old age before then!"

Kuon chuckled. "You're only 42, Julie. I'm sure you'll live." He used her name in front of the doctor so as not to divulge that she was his mother. The man had signed an NDA, and she was heavily disguised, but Kuon was still paranoid about it. He looked over at Kyoko, who looked unsure. "Kyoko-chan, are you okay?"

She smiled. "Of course. I was just really hoping we could find out the sex of all of the babies today. But… maybe we'll find out next time." Nevermind the anxiety she had about possibly having a daughter.

Kuon got re-dressed and the Doctor printed some pictures off for them. "I'll see you again in about 6 weeks for another check-in, Tsuruga-san."

Kuon took the pictures from him and nodded. "Thank you, Doctor."

They left the room, and Kuon gave half of the pictures to Julie. She smiled down at them lovingly and then stashed them in her purse. She took her son's hand. "Thank you for letting me be here. Your father was so jealous. He's in the middle of filming and couldn't make it, but he sends his love."

Kyoko had been hoping to see Kuu, and was a bit sad that he wasn't there. "Will he be here for the birth?"

Julie smiled at her. "Yes, assuming the date stays around the New Year. He's already informed the director that he has a 'pressing personal matter' to attend to."

Kuon sighed. "I'm glad he can at least be here for that. I know how busy he is. I know how busy you both are. Thank you for coming, Mom."

Julie waved her hand at him. "You think I would miss coming to see my grandchildren? Only death could keep me from it." She set her hands on both sides of his belly. Her eyes were sparkling behind her cat eye glasses. "I can't wait to meet them, Kuon. I've never been so excited." She sighed and checked her watch. "I should probably go. Lory said he could only keep this place unscheduled for a short while, and I wouldn't want to raise any suspicion." She kissed her son on both cheeks and hugged him. "You call me if you need anything. I don't care what time it is, or how long it will take me to get here."

He returned her hug. "Of course I will."

She turned her attention to Kyoko, who gave her an awkward hug. "You take care of yourselves. I don't think I'll make the next ultrasound, but I will be here when they're born."

Kyoko nodded. "I'll take care of him, Mom. I promise."

Julie beamed at being called 'Mom'. "I'll see you both soon. I love you!"

"We love you, too."

They turned and walked away toward the elevator. When they got inside, Kuon pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed at his eyes. "I wish she didn't have to leave." He had spent the last few weeks wishing for his mother's guidance, and was sad that she had to go. He was seriously regretting the fact that he couldn't just be her son and put Ren Tsuruga to rest.

Kyoko hugged him. "She'll be back soon, Corn."

He sighed. "I know. Goddamn hormones."

The elevator hit the ground floor and they walked out into the hallway. Kyoko had to go to TBM to film an episode of Yappa Kimagure Rock, so they needed to make their way to the parking garage once more. The building was quiet for a Thursday, until…

"YOU."

Kanae Kotonami had just turned the corner at the end of the hall. She came stomping down the hallway toward Kuon, her eyes alight with murderous intent. She thrust her finger in his face. "HOW COULD YOU?"

Kuon put his hands up defensively. "I–what!? What did I do!?"

"GETTING YOURSELF KNOCKED UP! FROM A KISS? MO! WHO ACTUALLY BELIEVES THAT CRAP, TSURUGA!?"

Kyoko frowned. "Moko-sa—"

Kanae wheeled on her. "DON'T YOU 'MOKO-SAN' ME. Do you have ANY self-respect? How can you even look at this guy after what he's done!?"

Kuon was finally beginning to understand. "Whoa, Kotonami-san, hold on! I didn't cheat!"

Someone poked their head out of a nearby office to see what the commotion was. Kyoko paled.

"NO ONE GETS PREGNANT FROM A KISS, TSURUGA. THAT IS A LIE! YOU–MMF!" Kanae was about to argue the fact that she knew Kyoko was still a pure maiden when Kyoko threw her hand over her friend's mouth and dragged her bodily into the elevator. Kuon followed and pressed the close door button.

"Moko-san, they're my babies." Kyoko waited until the tension went out of her best friend's arms before letting her go. Kanae looked at her with eyes as wide as saucers.

"W-what!?"

Kyoko nodded. "The story is true. Ren did a commercial for a drug that causes male pregnancy, he didn't know he could get pregnant just from a kiss, and then…" Kyoko turned bright pink and cleared her throat, "We kissed."

Kanae blinked. "He's pregnant with YOUR—?" Kyoko nodded, and Kanae turned to bow to Kuon. "I am so, SO sorry."

Kuon chuckled into his hand. "It's quite alright, Kotonami-san. I'm surprised that Kyoko-chan didn't tell you."

Kanae's eyes narrowed and she turned to Kyoko. "That is an excellent point. Why in the HELL didn't you tell me!? MO!"

Kyoko frowned at the floor. "I didn't want to say anything to anyone until it was public knowledge, and I didn't want to break Ren's trust. I'm sorry, Moko-san."

Kuon nodded. "I can only assume that you won't tell anyone that Kyoko-chan is involved in this. We're not revealing that until after her birthday."

Kanae folded her arms. She wasn't going to say it, but she was hurt that Kyoko hadn't trusted her enough to let her in on the secret. "I know better than to say anything about this." When she looked over at Kyoko, she got a faceful of big watery eyes and a quivering lip.

"Please don't be mad at me, Moko-saaaan!" Kyoko hugged her, and Kanae rolled her eyes.

"I'm not mad, okay!? Mo! Get offa me!" She managed to dislodge Kyoko from around her body.

The doors opened once more, and they got off of the elevator. Kanae looked around to make sure the hallway was clear and then folded her arms. "So, are you two…?"

Kuon smiled brightly. "Yes."

When Kanae looked back at Kyoko, she found her sporting a lovely bright pink blush. "Y-yes, we are."

Kyoko's best friend smiled despite herself. "Good." She narrowed her eyes on Kuon, who took a step backward. "Don't fuck it up." She pulled her phone out of her pocket and checked the time. "I'm late for my shoot!" She pointed at Kyoko. "We're not done discussing this. To be continued!" She took off like a shot down the hallway, not looking back at them. Kuon let out a held breath.

"That was scary."

Kyoko giggled, relief flooding her body. "She means well. She's just protective of me."

Kuon nodded. "She's a good friend. I thought I'd be used to her threats by now, but…"

Kyoko blinked at him. "She… has she done this to you before!?"

He laughed and nodded. "After I upset you when we dropped you off for Lotus, after I saw you with Fuwa. I was trying to apologize, and you ran, and she kicked her heel up on the wall to block me. Then she laid into me."

Kyoko blushed. Though she felt sorry for Kuon, she felt an overwhelming surge of warmth and love for her friend. Moko really does love me, she thought, a fuzzy feeling spreading throughout her body.

Kuon pulled his phone out of his pocket and looked at the time. "Ah, we need to go drop you off at TBM."

They went out to the parking garage where Kuon's car was parked and got in. On their way across town, Kyoko cleared her throat. "Um… Kuon, did you want to have godparents for the babies?"

He shrugged. "Hadn't really thought about it. I'm not against it if that's something you want to do."

Growing up, Kyoko hadn't had much in the way of guidance. The Fuwas had raised her to be Sho's wife and take over their ryokan. Her own mother hadn't been there to guide her much at all; she only ever judged Kyoko as being unworthy. Kyoko wanted a solid support network for her children so that they would never feel as alone as she had felt. It was important to her to have as many people as possible around to make her children feel loved and welcome.

"I want Moko-san to be their godmother."

He chuckled, his belly rising and falling rapidly with each breath. "Of course you do."

She flashed a pair of very large puppy eyes at him. "Is that okay?"

They pulled up to a stop light and he looked over at her, smiling. "It's fine with me, but I think it's down to Kotonami-san."

Kyoko sank into her seat. "And she doesn't like kids."

Kuon took her hand in his free one as the light turned green. "Even if she doesn't want to be their godmother, it doesn't mean she can't influence them in some way, Kyoko-chan. And if you really want godparents, I'm sure Yashiro-san would be thrilled with the offer."

Kyoko, who had begun to notice the bags forming under Yashiro's eyes, and the faint smell of liquor that had begun to permeate the air around him, wasn't so sure. She would simply have to ask Kanae about it later.

They arrived at TBM, and Kyoko squeezed his hand. "Will you be okay getting home by yourself?"

Kuon, who had given Yashiro the day off, nodded. The activity had died down around his apartment, and he felt more secure about being alone at home. "I'll pick you up later, okay?"

Kyoko nodded, looked around to make sure the coast was clear, and then kissed his cheek. "Be careful going home."

He blushed. "I'll see you later."

She went into the building and to the set of Yappa Kimagure Rock. Hikaru, Shinichi, and Yuusei were enjoying some beers backstage before the show. Yuusei waved to her. "Kyoko-chan! How's it going!?"

She came to stand near them. "Hey! It's been a busy day. Are you guys ready for the show?"

Hikaru nodded. "We're waiting for our guest to get here. The producer wanted us to tell you, no funny business this time."

Kyoko tilted her head to the side. No funny business this time? What could they possibly mean?

"I KNEW IT. YOU ARE THE CHICKEN."

Kyoko grimaced and turned to face Sho, who was pointing at her in comical chagrin. Hikaru got to his feet.

"You two actually know each other?"

Kyoko let out a nervous laugh. "We grew up together. I couldn't help but pick on him the last time he was here. But, no tricks this time, I promise."

Sho crossed his arms. "Yeah, you better not. Unless you want everyone to know what I know."

Kyoko blinked at him. And then she smiled widely. "Shotarou, may I see you in my dressing room?"

"I told you not to call me that in pub– HEY!" Kyoko grabbed him by the arm and hauled him around the corner. When they reached her dressing room, she shoved him inside and shut the door behind them. She turned to glare at him.

"And what is it that you know that I don't want everyone else to know?" Her heart was hammering inside of her chest. If he knew that Kuon was pregnant with her babies, it could spell disaster.

He smiled widely, obviously proud of himself for figuring out something of major importance. "Your boyfriend cheated on you."

Kyoko raised her eyebrow. "What?"

He laughed. "Look at you trying to deny it. Tsuruga threw you out like week old trash and got pregnant on top of it!"

Kyoko tried desperately to keep her eyes from rolling into the back of her head, but was unsuccessful. She put her hands on her hips. "He's not my boyfriend, and never has been," she lied easily. "We're just friends, he can be pregnant all he wants. It doesn't matter to me."

Sho stopped and seemed to x-ray her for a moment. "You're… actually not upset about this. Why are you not upset about this?"

"Because he's just my senpai, Shotarou. It's not that deep."

Sho shook his head. He knew, HE KNEW, that Tsuruga had a thing for her, and he knew that she definitely had a thing for him, whether she wanted to admit that or not. So, why would she not be absolutely upset about this? Why was she not cursing Ren's name and vowing vengeance on him and going out of her way to ruin his life as she had done to Sho? His eyes widened as the realization dawned on him, as the tumblers fell into place in his mind, unlocking the insane truth.

"No way."

Kyoko tried to keep her emotions from bubbling to the surface. It would not be good if Sho figured out what was really going on. "'No way' what?"

He shook his head. "There is no way. You're such a cold fish! You would never!" He knew her. Sex was not in her wheelhouse… or at least it hadn't been. He looked her up and down. It still wasn't. He'd know if she were doing that… wouldn't he?

Kyoko grabbed the Bo costume. "You're not making any sense. Go on and get out so I can change."

But the news had said it was a kiss, right? Just a kiss. He knew she was at least capable of that. "He's pregnant with your babies."

Kyoko swallowed hard. "No, he's not."

Sho stared at her, their childish feud forgotten in the face of this very adult situation. He actually felt concern for her. "...Fucking hell. Kyoko, are you okay?"

Kyoko crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow at him. "Are you sure you're okay? Do you hear yourself? You think Ren Tsuruga of all people is pregnant with my babies? Are you high?" She hoped that her gaslighting would take.

Sho's mouth tightened into a straight line. He didn't know how to feel about this, and he knew that there was no way she was going to admit to it, anyway. He made his way to the door. "You're right… yeah. That would be really crazy." He met her eyes. His face was stony and serious. "I'll see you out there." He left the room, and Kyoko locked the door behind him, and then collapsed on the floor.

Shit! He knows! I know he knows! What if he says something!? But he wouldn't, right!? And it's just hearsay anyway! No one would believe him! She rolled around the floor, freaking out. She sat up. But he looked like he was upset for me? What the hell was that, Shotarou!? She let out a massive sigh and then looked at her Bo Costume, which she had discarded on the floor. The show must go on.