Notes:

Hello Vera here.

Regardless of how the manga ended and whether you liked the ending or not, you know that here is a fic that can be of comfort to you.

Well, without further ado, here's a very special chapter and you'll know why❤and more that this fic is an alternate line to the events that happened in the manga.

Enjoy the reading.


21A Cold Birthday

❄️ Winter 🎂

December 22.

39 weeks.

9 months pregnant.

Around noon.

"Maki!"

Yuta slipped into the hospital. Winter had arrived and with it what seemed to be the final arrival of that baby.

The sorcerer arrived at the reception all agitated, just as he had arrived months ago, and just as on that occasion but with that typhoon, this time Yuta was also soaked, but now because of the snow that fell against the winter clothes and left a soft wet layer. Even in his hair he had some snowflakes. That first day of winter was really bone-deep, even his face was reddened by the cold.

Yuta was on a mission when Megumi called him in a panic, telling him that Maki was apparently having contractions, and that she would be rushed to the hospital.

Really, Megumi sounded very frightened by that cellphone. Or rather that was what Okkotsu perceived.

So the sorcerer left the mission he was fulfilling in one of the most central parts of Tokyo to run to where his wife was supposed to be giving birth.

He had promised her, he would be there at the time of delivery to hold her hand and support her every step of the way and welcome their child together as they had promised a little over two weeks ago.

"Good morning!" Yuta gasped for air, his lungs burning from the cold and the almost superhuman effort to arrive on time, "I was told that my wife is giving birth here, she is a patient of Dr. Satō Azami!" he said to the receptionist.

"What is your wife's name?" she asked calmly.

"Okkotsu Maki, is she all right? My son, how is he?!" Yuta was on edge.

"Yes, she was admitted almost an hour ago. Your wife is on the fifth floor in the gynecology-obstetrics area, she is in room seven, but she is going..." was interrupted as Okkotsu was in a hurry.

"Thank you very much!" Yuta thanked and quickly vanished without the receptionist telling him what was going on.

"Hey, do not run inside the hospital!" the woman shouted in annoyance before calling the cleaning staff to dry the snow Yuta had left behind when he entered.

Yuta hurried up in the elevator, pressing the button several times to the corresponding floor because he wanted to go up as fast as possible.
His feet were moving too desperately, his hands, which were just warming up, were balled into fists at his sides.

"Will Maki be all right?, will our son be all right?, did I get there in time?!" all these questions bombarded Yuta's mind as the elevator went up, "Let's go, quickly!" he said in desperation as he watched it stop at the appropriate floor.

"MAKi!" Yuta's voice was heard loudly throughout the medical room, and he ran out of the elevator once the doors opened.

And just like months ago, Yuta approached the nurse's station at the entrance of that floor to ask for information about his wife.

"Good morning, I am looking for Okkotsu Maki, I am her husband, I was told she was here. I was told that her contractions had already started" he commented agitated, approaching some nurses who were at the reception desk on that floor.

The nurse quickly checked the computer. She found that name with ease.

"Your wife is in room seven, that room is down that corridor" explained the nurse "Doctor Satō was attending to her a moment ago and…" was also interrupted by the sorcerer.

"Thank you very much!" Yuta ran to the room at the end of the hallway. He had not let the nurse explain the situation to him either.

The poor man felt as if his heart would jump out of his throat. At that moment he blamed himself for having gone out on that mission and, by the way, for helping to prepare with his friends the surprise that they were going to reveal in the afternoon. If only he had not left the house, he would not have been so absent from that important event like the birth of his son.

Yuta knocked on the door once, but received no answer, although he could hear a woman's moan coming from inside the room, at the same time he could hear a doctor's voice.

"Push!, The baby about to be born!"

Yuta quickly grabbed the knob and opened the door without thinking. "Maki!" he rushed in.

He felt his heart stop and her soul wanted to leave his body when he noticed that there was no one in the bed in that room.
There was only an IV hanging on the side of the bed and the monitors were on but disconnected. There was even the diaper bag they had prepared for that long awaited day, as well as the suitcase with everything Maki would need for her stay in that hospital.

Yuta was quite frightened not to see anyone there. He thought the worst.

"What if she was rushed into a cesarean section?" he asked himself in such anguish that he even began to hyperventilate, "I must!" At that moment he was abruptly interrupted when he received a blow to the head from a female hand with great force.

"Yuta, don't raise your voice, you are making a fuss and you are scaring the other patients who are already giving birth!" said Maki with a big grimace as she entered the room, at that moment she was not wearing a surgical gown, but on the contrary, she was wearing a comfortable pans and a warm pink sweatshirt, "Moreover, Megumi and I could hear you from the other corridor!" she said putting her hands on her hips.

"MAKI? BUT!" Yuta looked stunned, "I THOUGHT YOU WERE RUSHED INTO A CESAREAN SECTION!" he said with a lump in his throat, "FUSHIGURO CALLED ME SAYING YOU WERE ALREADY HAVING CONTRACTIONS!"

His wife sighed and folded her hands across her chest. "Braxton's contractions"

"WHAT?" Yuta was quite confused as he watched his wife lower her shoulders in a sigh and soften her face.

"in other words "false" contractions" Maki smiled a little, bringing both hands to her belly "Let's say we gave Megumi a big scare" she looked at her relative, who had entered the room behind her.

Megumi sighed and scratched the back of his neck.
"I admit I got scared and panicked when Maki said she was having contractions, especially when I saw her complaining a lot and saying that those pains and cramps lasted longer than I thought, so I decided to bring her to the hospital" he explained with a slight grimace, he was quite embarrassed about what happened, "But it turned out to be a false alarm"

Maki took the floor.
"Yes, I admit that this time Braxton's contractions were a little more intense, but Azami San already checked me and said that everything is fine" she commented with a smile while looking at her belly.
"We really gave his cousin a big scare" she looked at those two "Well, you can tell that this baby is so anxious to bother Megumi that she even decided to scare him on his birthday"

Megumi replied in annoyance at his familiar's behavior.
"It's not funny, Maki san"

"For me it was, even so, I have a feeling that my son is going to start bothering you from now on" Maki had a big smile on her lips.

Yuta opened his eyes wide and remembered that it was Fushiguro's birthday that day. At the same time he breathed a sigh of relief that it had been a false alarm.

"Sorry my wife and son scared you on your birthday Megumi kun!" apologized Yuta with a big bow.

Megumi sighed when he saw his senpai's reaction. He still felt guilty for worrying him in that way being that it was a false alarm.
"You don't have to apologize Okkotsu senpai, this is just a day like any other. By the way, I apologize for calling you in such a worrying way"

The corners of Yuta's lips dropped at such a response from Fushiguro as he rejoined. For him, a birthday was already an important date, firstly because his son would have a birthday the following years and secondly, because those two were now family.

"Even so, we should celebrate you, especially since you have been looking after Maki for the last two weeks while I have been attending to my last missions"

"I'm just keeping my word as we agreed. There's nothing to thank you for" Megumi replied kindly. But at the same time he wanted to avoid further talk about his birthday.

"Well, since this false alarm has passed, how about we go eat" said Maki, sitting down on the edge of the bed for a moment.

"Are you sure you're okay, Maki san? From what Megumi said a moment ago, it seems that those contractions were stronger than last time" commented Yuta very worried. "Are you sure you can leave the hospital?"

"That's what I told her, but she doesn't listen" Megumi answered seriously "She wants us to go out to eat"

Maki was annoyed by those comments, she even twisted her mouth slightly and her hands crossed over her chest.
"Well, Azami San said I could leave. If not, ask her because I haven't had any contractions and I don't feel sick right now, I don't have cramps either and the only thing I feel is very hungry" she pointed to woman who was in the threshold of that room listening to that conversation in silence "Right, we can leave now, Azami san?"

In itself, the doctor had decided not to go in until it was necessary.

But being told off by Maki, she had to intervene.
"Welcome Okkotsu kun and that's right!" Azami put her hands in the pockets of her Pink medical gown "I already checked Maki san and indeed they are only Braxton contractions, I was monitoring her for more than an hour and by the way I sent her to walk a little, if the contractions continued even with the walk, that was our sign to know that indeed she had already gone into labor. But these have not appeared, besides her mucous plug is still in position and her cervix did not show any dilation, but even so that baby can be born at any time"

"I just think this kid wanted to play a joke on his cousin Megumi" Maki smiled a little while caressing her belly.

"In any case!" Yuta turned to see the doctor, "Azami san, is it safe for Maki to leave the hospital?" he asked a bit worried. He looked all nervous.

The doctor answered sincerely, she could see that the new father was really worried.
"As I said, that baby could be born at any moment, even so, the ideal thing would be for Maki to go home and rest. Staying here would only stress her out and could complicate things, so she can leave. Anyway you have my number, whatever she feels is not right or the moment her water breaks or the real contractions start, I will be ready to attend you here as we had agreed with all the services you have contracted. As I said I will receive your child, you have nothing to worry about since you are in good hands"- she smiled to reassure the father- "But for now, go home and relax and rest. I have a feeling that little one will not be born this day"

Yuta relaxed his shoulders a little. "Thank you very much Azami san"

"On the contrary, it is quite nice and comforting to know that the men closest to Maki San are very concerned about her and the baby's wellbeing" she smiled looking at the two men, "Well, I will go sign your discharge and put this in your file, Maki San, you can leave when you are ready, with their permission" said the doctor before leaving the room.

Once that doctor left, Maki smiled and looked at those two.
"See? I told you, I'm fine"

"Maki, I'll ask one more time, are you sure you want us to go home?" asked Yuta, approaching his wife and taking her hand, "How are you and the baby feeling?"

His wife stroked his cheek.
"We are fine and the answer is yes, I want to go home but before that I want us to eat some hamburgers, the baby and I are craving for some" she looked at Fushiguro, "We could celebrate your birthday"

Megumi sighed and put her hands in her pockets.
"It's not necessary, as I said, this day is just another day for me"

"Even so, we should celebrate you. And that's why I want us to go to eat" answered Maki with annoyance for the black-haired man's attitude. "So don't make the pregnant woman angry, I have told you many times Megumi" she scolded. She looked like an aunt annoyed by her nephew's answers.

Megumi narrowed his eyes at that unfair call for attention. Then he let the air out slowly. "OK, but..." he pointed to the luggage and the things they had brought to the hospital, "What will you do with the bags you brought?"

That couple looked at where Megumi was pointing. Who quickly gave a pretext for not accompanying them.
"If you like, I can take you to your apartment while you go to eat"

"Don't worry about that, I'll ask some assistant to take it home while the three of us go to lunch" Yuta explained with a big smile.

"mmm" Megumi let out that slight noise. He didn't seem convinced by that option.

"Anyway Fushiguro kun let me thank you for taking care and worrying about Maki while I was on my mission. Let us treat you to lunch for the day" commented Yuta kindly as he continued to hold his wife's hand.

Actually, for Megumi that day was a day like any other. It wasn't that he didn't like his birthday, but simply that it had not been a special date for him for several years.

Although he had to admit that since the morning he had a strange hunch.

He had a strange feeling that Itadori and Nobara must be preparing something for him, so he was also partly making time so as not to arrive early at the academy.

For a moment he thought that perhaps it might be a good idea to spend some time with Maki and Yuta, since in one way or another, they were the closest relatives he had left at that moment in that country. Besides, the arrival of the baby was also important to him in one way or another.

Deep down, though, he just wanted to spend his birthday quietly, drinking coffee in his room and reading a book he had recently bought. Then he could wait in complete peace for the congratulatory message from a certain special person that he had been waiting so long for, but which it seemed would not arrive that day.

Fushiguro was not going to be able to easily get away from either the Okkotsu couple or the pair of idiots of his friends.

He let out a sigh of defeat.
"Okay, let's go eat those burgers" he said so as not to earn a punch from Maki.

"Perfect! Let's eat!" said Maki in high spirits.

But Megumi definitely didn't like the idea.


03:50 p.m.

The snow, which was slowly beginning to fall from the sky, was already filling the city's ground with a thin layer.

Christmas themed lights and decorations already decorated the streets, as well as trees and buildings.

That foreign holiday that was beginning to take hold in that country was just around the corner.

By that time in the afternoon, the three had already left the restaurant where they had entered to eat and were now in a quiet area inside a shopping mall where they had entered to take shelter from the cold.

At that moment, Maki sat down on a bench to take a breather, since walking with a big 39-week belly was already a challenge and her pace had become very slow. So she decided to rest. Her hands went to her lower back, she closed her eyes for a moment and slightly tilted her head back, while taking a deep breath.

"Are you feeling well Maki san?" asked Yuta with concern when he saw his wife with those expressions.

"Is it another contraction?" Megumi was also concerned as he saw Maki sit down wearily and put her hands on her lower back.

Maki stroked her belly and looked at those two.
"We're fine and no, it's not another contraction. Stop worrying, I just need to rest" she grimaced.

"It's okay love, whatever you feel, don't hesitate to tell us" Yuta said, relaxing his shoulders.

At that moment, where both Maki and Megumi seemed to be distracted.

Yuta looked at the time on his cell phone, and answered a message someone had sent him.

It seemed that at that moment everything was completely calm, and that could be considered his signal to go and buy what his friends from the academy had ordered him, as well as to buy the gift he wanted to give Maki for Christmas.

"Love, I'll be right back, I'll go quickly to buy something" he said putting away his cell phone.

That seemed strange to Maki, she even raised an eyebrow.
"What are you going to buy? Do you want us to go with you?"

"I'll go buy something we need for the house" said Yuta trying not to show nervousness.

That answer seemed rather strange to his wife.
"And what is it that we need at home?"

"I want to buy something for the living room. Hehe, I'm going to go buy something that I feel we need in the modular where the TV is" Yuta snapping his fingers "If that, I'll go buy a new antenna and you don't need to accompany me, I'll go very fast, I promise" commented Yuta with a slight smile.

That still seemed rather strange to Maki. Even so, she was going to trust him "Okay, when you come back, bring me a banderilla or some onogiris or some dangos"

"Of course, my love." Then he turned to Megumi. "I swear I won't be long, as I said, I have to go get something for the house"

"Go ahead, senpai. Go carefully, I'll stay here with Maki san" he answered kindly.

"Thank you very much, I don't know what we would do without you Fushiguro kun" commented Yuta with a smile.

He approached his wife and gave her a quick kiss on the lips, "I'll be right back, I won't be long, I promise" he gave a quick caress to Maki's belly.

He had to hurry to buy both the gift he was preparing for Maki and to get the order his friends had asked for.


Once Okkotsu walked away through the crowd, both family members observed a moment of silence.

Megumi sat down next to Maki and relaxed his shoulders, really that day had been a bit stressful in his own words because firstly; because it was his birthday and secondly because of the scare that Maki had given his with the contractions.

They both looked silently towards the front. They watched as people came and went with their shopping bags.

Maki was the first to speak to break the ice, since that scene felt quite familiar.
"This feels like the time I told you I was pregnant eight months ago, don't you think?"

Megumi let out a sigh as he looked down at his own hands.
"Yes, that's how it feels"

The green-haired girl caressed her belly with a big smile. She seemed to have had a pleasant memory.
"I confess I can't forget the face you made that time" she let out a small laugh, "I remember you spitting out all your coffee the moment I revealed to you about my pregnancy"

Megumi had a serene smile. He also remembered that moment.
"Yes, how fast time has passed" he sighed, "I also don't forget everything that has happened since you told me the news. I remember you were in a big dilemma about this pregnancy thing"

"Well, you were the first to find out so feel flattered by that" replied Maki, wiggling her feet slightly.

That made Megumi curious. Actually he had been the first to receive that news but he wanted to know why. "Maki san, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead. What do you want to know?"

"I'm just curious to know why you decided that I should be the first to know that you were pregnant?" He questioned, staring at her.

Maki looked up at the ceiling, observing the lights of the mall, as well as the decorations that adorned the space with snowflakes and stars.

In that instant she remembered when she had discovered she was pregnant. All the emotions and thoughts that came to her upon learning of that discovery and how desperate she was to know what she should do. As well as why she had chosen Megumi to give her advice.

She took a breath and turned her face to look at her relative.
"Because from the moment I met you, I knew I could trust and count on you for everything. Besides, you are the sanest person I know in this crazy world and you were my best option to ask you for advice"

Her hand went over her belly, making circles on it.
"As I told you that time when I revealed to you that I was pregnant, I felt that somehow this had to do with our fucking blood. I had my doubts about whether I should go through with this pregnancy, and I knew you were the only person who would help me keep my feet on the ground with this matter. I even don't forget your words about whether I considered myself fit to bear my own fruit, leaving behind the stigma of being a Zenin to raise my own family" she smiled, "Truly, I thank you for not judging me that day and also for never making fun of me when you saw me cry"

Megumi smiled slightly, he felt that Maki was saying that from the bottom of her heart.
"There is nothing to be thankful for. I guess in the end blood calls us in one way or another to support our own" he shook his head slightly from side to side, "Although I confess that it was very strange to see you crying"

Maki let out a light chuckle at those words he said and gently punched him on the shoulder.
"I can tell you'll be a good cousin to this baby"

Her relative rubbed his shoulder for that slight punch, Megumi was pleased that Maki still retained her enthusiasm at such moments.

Maki rested her hands on the bench, it seemed that one more memory came to her mind. "Megumi…Remember the day we met 13 years ago?"

Megumi raised his eyebrows slightly. He had not expected that question. Still, he did have memories of that day.
"Are you talking about that day when Gojo sensei took me to the Zenin residence to break that deal my father had made with them about selling me?"

A big smile formed on Maki's face.
"I'm talking about that day!"

Megumi sighed, "How could I forget..." he commented with a slight smile.


13 years ago.

In the foyer of the Zenin mansion, there were two very special guests. They were waiting for the leader of that clan, Naobito Zenin, to receive them to talk about the deal Toji Fushiguro had made with him.

"Well Megumi chan, do not separate from me, this place can become very unpleasant in every way" commented a young Satoru of 17 years old. Who that day was dressed very formal for the occasion.

"And what is this place supposed to be?" asked a six-year-old Megumi, who on this special occasion was dressed in a gray hakama that matched the set of traditional blue T-shirts he was wearing.

Both were dressed for the occasion. For on that day, Satoru was going to break the deal Toji Fushiguro had made about selling his son to the Zenin clan once he turned six and his cursed technique manifested itself.

Satoru let out the air in annoyance.
"We are in the worst place in the world. The residence of the Zenin
clan"

"The Zenin clan? I think you mentioned that name before.." answered Megumi with his eyebrows slightly raised, "Then what the hell are we doing here?"

Satoru tousled Megumi's hair as he squatted down in front of him. "Glad you asked!" he smiled, "We've come to break the deal your father made about selling you to these people once you turned six" he pulled his cheeks, "Aren't you glad? Both you and your sister will finally be able to live a comfortable life"

Little Megumi just clicked his tongue. He didn't quite trust that white-haired boy yet, but he had to, and more so now that both he and Tsumiki had been taken to a better place to live, where they each had a comfortable bed, had a refrigerator full of food, had a bathtub with hot water and by the way, they would have a basic education assured. Perhaps he wasn't appreciating it at the time, but in a few years, all that his benefactor was doing for him and his sister, he would be silently grateful.

Deep down, though, that child knew that from now on, even if his basic needs were to be fully met, he knew that sooner or later he was going to have to pay for them.

"You leave it to me, I'll take care of breaking this deal so that both you and your sister never have to set foot here. So you don't have to worry, okay?" Satoru said, standing up.

"Ok…"

"Perfect! Now we just have to wait until that old drunkard wants to serve us" Satoru grunted a little, putting his hands in his pockets as his patience was running out.

Megumi sighed and unclenched his fists and relaxed his shoulders a little at Satoru's words. Being there somehow made him feel alert at all times. Perhaps it was due to the tense atmosphere he felt in there.

At that moment, as they waited in the living room, surrounded by armchairs, antique furniture and a piano, something caught little Fushiguro's attention. He noticed two small figures peeking through one of the Shoji walls, whose shadows gave them away completely.

"It's a boy..." a little girl's voice was heard to say in a barely audible tone.

"And he comes with the leader of the Gojo clan..." another girl's voice was heard.

Megumi tilted his head slightly, noticing how those two figures were once again peeking through that paper wall.

Those voices caught Satoru's attention. "Oh!" He lifted his dark glasses.
"Looks like we have some mini spies" replied the guest leader with a big smile.

Those girls immediately noticed that they were discovered, even both gave a slight jump when they noticed that those two were looking at them.

"I told you it was a bad idea to come and see!" scolded the girl with straight hair, which had a straight cut and a fringe.

"It was your fault that we were discovered! You're whispering too loudly" the other girl with shorter, wavy hair said.

"Girls, we saw you, you can come out now" commented Satoru with a smile from ear to ear as he approached the two girls.

"You go first..."

"No, you first..."

"Fearful!"

"You're the oldest! You must go first!"

These two argued.

At that time, the first to show herself was little Maki, who was wearing her red kimono. At that time this little girl did not wear her characteristic glasses.

"Stop hiding Mai, they noticed you too!" scolded Maki pulling her sister to show herself.

That younger twin only hid behind her sister.

"Two girls?" asked Megumi with surprise. Since they had arrived they had only seen adults. So he was surprised to see two girls almost his age wandering around.

"What do we have here?" commented Satoru approaching them and squatting down, "You must be the Zenin twins, aren't you? I had heard a little about you from Tsukumo" he said with a smile.

"We are!" said the girl in the red kimono, "My name is Maki and I am the older twin. And the name of this fearful one is Mai, she is my silly little sister!" she introduced both of them.

"Idiot!, don't tell our names to the guests!" the younger twin mumbled.

"Calm down, Mai! You were the one who said you wanted to see the guests" claimed Maki with a grimace.

Satoru laughed a little at that interaction.
"It's a pleasure. I suppose you are the daughters of a servant of this clan, aren't you?"

"We are actually the daughters of Ougi Zenin..." commented Mai with some sorrow, while she hid behind her sister's back again, her cheeks red from seeing that black-haired boy.

Megumi just looked at those two in silence. He did not fully understand what they were talking about.

"I see, so that makes them the direct nieces of the leader of their clan, interesting!" Satoru had a big smile on his lips at that information.

"And tell us what are you two doing here?" asked Maki with her hands on her hips, she was curious about these strangers, especially about the boy who did not speak to them and who looked quite serious.

"We came here to discuss an important matter with your leader, will it take your uncle long to see us?" asked Satoru standing up.

Maki shrugged her shoulders.
"That silly old man must be drinking If he doesn't get too drunk, I guess he'll talk to you two soon"

"Hehehe, I like you little girl!" commented Satoru adjusting his glasses and laughing out loud at those words. He felt that this little girl had potential because of the way she was.

"And who is he? Why is he so serious? Did the mice eat his tongue?" asked Maki looking at Megumi, who didn't say a word as he just stared at them.

"I'm glad you asked, Miss. He is the main reason for our visit. Come Megumi chan, it's time for you to meet these two. I know you could get along well with these girls" said Satoru, pulling Megumi to join the conversation.

The little boy approached silently while Satoru introduced them.
"Well, let's introduce them" he pointed to the twins with his right hand, while resting his other hand on the boy's shoulder. "Megumi meets the Zenin twins!" he exchanged a smile. "Girls meet Megumi Fushiguro!"

"Nice to meet you, Fushiguro Kun!" said the older twin, stretching out her hand to greet the little boy.

Megumi first looked at Satoru. He seemed to be waiting for some approval or order.
"Come on, say hello to her. She looks like she'll get along with you very well"

The boy shook Maki's hand.
"Nice to meet you..." he replied coldly, waving his little hand to respond to the greeting.

At that moment, He noticed that this girl had a lot of strength in her hand.

"Something tells me that we will get along well, and even more that you look like someone who can be trusted" said Maki with a big smile as she let go of his hand.

Then Megumi looked at Mai, who was still with her cheeks all red from seeing that boy, it seemed to have been love at first sight. An almost instantaneous platonic love.

That twin could not shake hands with her, much less say a word because of the shame she felt, so she only bowed with a red face.

"Nice to meet you," said Megumi, returning the polite greeting in the form of a bow. Those girls seemed quite strange to them.

Satoru smiled at this meeting. He felt that a good team could be formed there.

"Why do you have a girl's name?" asked Maki curiously. Raising an eyebrow at her guest.

That made Megumi narrow his eyes and reply in annoyance, "That's because of my old man.."

"Was your father a Zenin or something like that?" asked Mai a little too curiously.

"Both because of his name and the loose ends left by Megumi's father that we're here!" Satoru put both hands on the boy's shoulders, "But I must say that I'm glad that you three have already met at this point, But don't worry if you don't understand that right now, the important thing is that from now on you trust each other because most likely you two will start working as a great team in a few years, right?"

It seemed that Satoru had seen the future, as years later, Megumi would meet Maki again at the academy.

Little Maki looked at Megumi once again and addressed him happily.
"You're someone of few words and that's why I like you, I hope we'll get along well"

Megumi just shrugged his shoulders.
"I hope so..."

And who would have thought that 13 years later, they would still maintain a good friendship.


Back to the present.

"It's amazing that 13 years have already passed since that day" commented Maki with a big smile, "And then it was a surprise that we met again at the academy. Anyway, you can't deny that we had good times as friends and classmates. And now in a way we are closer as relatives because now this family will have one more member" she pointed to her belly.

From Megumi's chest came out a sigh that seemed to be of happiness –"I won't deny it. You've been a good friend Maki san, as well as a good companion and let's say you've also been a good relative to me"

Maki felt a great inner joy at that answer.

Megumi gave him a slight smile.
"How time flies…"

"I don't need to say it, but I confess that this whole year I felt time moving very slowly" Maki put her hands on her lower back again. "From spring to winter... I did go through all four seasons this pregnancy" she commented with a slight smile and looking down at her belly.

Megumi listened to all that while looking at Maki's belly. Time really passed slowly, and he still remembered how he saw her change throughout those four seasons. Going from a flat belly to now a huge one where that baby would be born at any moment, had also been quite an experience for him. It was also his turn to see her mature in many ways.

"You know, Megumi, I confess that I wish this little one had been born today" said Maki, caressing her big belly with both hands. Now her gaze was focused on him.

Megumi raised an eyebrow at that confession.
"Why? Although I guess you're just saying that to annoy me, aren't you?"

"I would have loved for him to be born today so that you would have a reason to celebrate and I would have two reasons to celebrate two of the people I care about the most, sharing a birthday on the same day" said Maki, pouting slightly, which later turned into a big smile.

Megumi raised an eyebrow at such words. "Since when did you care so much about birthdays? Because from what I remember before you didn't even like yours"

"Well," Maki sighed, dropping her shoulders.
"I confess that before I didn't like the idea of celebrating a birthday. But now that I'm about to become a mother, I want this little babysoybean's birthdays to be pleasant and unforgettable" She sigh, "I want it to have a worthy birthday and not be forgotten like they did in the clan"

"From the way you say it, I can guess that you never had a birthday celebration at home, right?"

Maki shook her head.
"No" she made a noise of discouragement as she explained.
"Within the clan, members' birthdays were never celebrated, despite knowing the date they were born" she waved her hand from side to side, "And it wasn't until we entered the academy that Mai and I celebrated our birthdays for the first time" she let out the air wistfully as she remembered her sister-"I guess if Mai were still alive, she would want this birth to be very meaningful and then celebrate this little guy every year with a nice birthday"

"I understand..." The Megumi looked at the ground, he understood that feeling.

"What about you, Megumi? Didn't the blindfolded idiot ever celebrate your birthday?"

"Actually, it was always Tsumiki who celebrated this day for me" he began to explain in a melancholic voice, "she always reminded me when it was my birthday. She always bought me a little cake and tried to make sure the day didn't go unnoticed" he sighed wistfully-"But since she moved abroad just two years ago around this time for that job opportunity, I stopped giving importance to this day"

That expression was rare for Megumi, as Tsumiki was one of the few people who managed to bring out his most human and gentle side.

"And I guess she must be very busy today... since she hasn't congratulated me or answered my messages since last night..." concluded Megumi with a certain sadness in his voice, "Maybe she even forgot about me already"

Maki could notice the sadness on Megumi's face when talking about that topic, as they both felt the absences of their sisters.

That had also been the main reason why she had not been able to go to either Maki's wedding or baby shower since Maki had moved to Italy for a unique job opportunity that she did not want to miss.

Even so, Tsumiki had sent a very special blue gift with Megumi to give to Maki once she saw that baby shower video her brother shared with her.

Tsumiki had even made a video call with Maki to congratulate her once Megumi had the authorization to reveal to everyone else that she already knew about her pregnancy. Tsumiki was really happy for the arrival of that baby, since in one way or another, she knew that he was coming to brighten up their lives and she had promised to travel to meet him once he was born.

Maki put her hand on Megumi's shoulder to comfort his.
"Maybe she's just busy" she patted her gently, "You know, living in another country always has its limitations. And I know how it feels to receive a call or a message too late. It happened to me often when Yuta was in Africa" she smiled, "But I know she must be thinking of you…"

"Yes... she's probably busy enough to forget my birthday" Megumi commented, looking at the floor.

"Give her time. She'll probably call you later" commented Maki trying to cheer him up, but Megumi didn't respond to that.


Again there was a few minutes of silence between the two of them, which was broken by Maki. There was something else she wanted to talk to him about. It was about a subject that only this one could be trusted with.

"Megumi..."

He turned to look at her.
"Are you feeling all right?" he asked worried when he saw her very serious.

Maki nodded her head yes.
"I am, it's just that I want to ask you a favor..."

"Tell me"

Maki took a long, slow breath. She was processing what she was about to say.
"I want to ask you, as a favor and with all my heart, that if something should happen to me during childbirth and I die..."

"Maki san, please don't say it..." he begged.

Her eyes never left her belly. "Megumi, this is important…" she commented seriously "If something should happen to me during the delivery, please take you care of my son and Yuta. Above all, don't leave Yuta alone, I don't want you to let him sink and even less with a newborn..." she turned her head to look at him.

Megumi looked worried, "Why are you asking me this?" he asked puzzled as he saw a glimmer of what appeared to be tears in her eyes.

Maki took a big breath. She swallowed saliva to undo the lump in her throat and blinked several times to clear the tears.
"Because childbirth is always having one foot in the grave…"

"Nothing bad is going to happen to you, nowadays everything regarding childbirth care has advanced too much and mortality has gone down and..." he was interrupted.

"But even so, the possibility of dying in childbirth or having some complication is always present" she answered seriously.

That left Fushiguro speechless.

Maki continued speaking.
"Believe me Megumi, even if today was just a scare with Braxton's contractions... I'm not going to lie to you" she stared at him. "I'm not going to lie to you" she stared at him, "I'm scared..." she confessed with concern, while her hands rested protectively on her belly.

"And even more so because I know that at any moment the real contractions will start, my water will break and the moment I have feared the most in this whole process will come... the one for which I have psyched myself up and prepared even more than in any misión"

Megumi kept silent as she continued speaking.
"And I'm asking you because, after my husband, you are the second person I trust the most. And if I am telling you this, it is because of the fear that the Zenin clan instilled in me. A birth in that residence was a terrifying event…The blood, the pain, the screams, the humiliations those women suffered while giving birth... all of that left me scarred. And not to mention the mortality, some of those women died because of the bad practices and cruel treatment they received during childbirth. And I confess that all that left a deep bad taste in my mouth... that's why I'm afraid"

Megumi quickly replied, "But Dr. Azami is a health professional, and it is clear that she knows about the subject, besides being a very compassionate woman. Even Shoko recommended her. So I don't think you'll be in bad hands during your delivery"

"I know, but it still scares me…" she commented, looking Megumi directly in the eyes. "Two weeks ago, Yuta and I talked about it and although I have chosen a natural birth, he insists that if something gets complicated, I will have an emergency cesarean, but what if the cesarean also gets complicated?" she put her hands on her knees "Even though I am afraid, I am confident that I will be able to have a natural childbirth without complications, even so, if something happens to me, I must leave my husband and my son in the care of someone I trust, and that someone is you, Megumi"

"And why should that someone be me?" he asked rather seriously.

"Because as I told you, I trust you too much" She looked at Megumi with a slight smile, "And not for nothing you were the first to find out about this pregnancy" She sighed with relief, "Besides, I consider you as one more member of this family. One that will be very important for this baby"

Megumi sighed. It reminded his of the time Maki confessed she was pregnant eight months ago. But it also reminded his of something else.

"This is the second favor you've asked of me of this kind, you know?" he commented, clasping his own hands together and looking at them.

"What? What do you mean, the second one?" questioned Maki in confusion, her eyebrows drawing together.

Megumi looked at her and waved his hands.
"More than a year ago, a little after your wedding, I remember that you asked me as a favor that if something happened to you in some mission or if you died, you asked me to take care of Yuta. Do you remember?"

Maki raised her eyebrows at such words.
"Its true!" she clapped her hands, she understood what Megumi meant.
"I remember that day when I told you that, unfortunately I lost my wedding ring" she sighed, "I cried that day because I thought it was a sign that I would die or that my marriage would end soon"

"Impossible to forget how you got for losing that ring... it was the first time I saw you so desperate for something like that" commented Megumi with a grimace- "And even more when you started asking me to take care of Yuta, as if bad luck was going to catch up with you and you would end up dead just for losing that"

Maki narrowed her eyes at that answer. Which annoyed him a little.

"But even so, Okkotsu senpai forgave you for losing that ring, didn't he?"

Maki sighed and smiled slightly "Yes, Yuta forgave me and even consoled me, he knew it was an accident and that I didn't lose the ring on purpose" -she said seriously –"But back to the main topic, please, Megumi..." her gaze focused again on her belly- "I know that if you were in my place, where your life could be in danger, you would ask me to take care of Tsumiki no matter what it takes and to see to her welfare and happiness" she looked up once more to Megumi- "So, I ask you with all my heart, that if something should happen to me and I don't survive, don't let anything happen to Yuta or to my little soybean seed... please!" she begged with a broken voice.

Megumi looked seriously at Maki. He could tell from her whole demeanor, she was afraid.

At that moment, Megumi moved his hand slightly closer to Maki's belly. He was only inches away from touching it.

"May I?" he asked seriously, it was the first time he would touch that bulging belly.

Maki nodded "Yes you can. And more that it's the first time you want to touch my belly" she had a big smile on her lips.

Fushiguro put his right hand on that belly, felt how warm it was and even managed to perceive the movement of that baby. Perhaps that little one already recognized him by his voice.

"It's okay..." He started to answer without taking off his hand and turning to look Maki in the eyes
"I promise I will take care of Okkotsu senpai and your son just in case something happens to you."

That answer calmed her down.
"Thank you very much Megumi... I know they will both be in good hands" she put her hand under her lower belly. She could really feel her baby move in her cousin's presence.

"There is nothing to be thankful for, Maki san. Even so, I know you will come out of this safe and sound"

"Let's hope so, and I want to see how you get along with my son, although something tells me that it will bother you a lot if he inherits my attitude" she commented with a big smile.

"That's exactly why I'm praying that I come out looking more like Okkotsu senpai than you"

Maki narrowed her eyes "Rude!" she pouted, feeling her baby move as he felt his cousin close, "Anyway, I know this baby likes to be with you"

"Why do you say that?"

"Because, even though this is the first time you touched my belly, I always noticed that when you were around, this little guy always kicked. Maybe he could feel your cursed energy or he already recognizes you by your voice"

"Most likely because, as you said, we are related in one way or another" he paused slightly as he looked at Maki, "And I'm glad we are" Megumi commented with a smile.

But that was not the end of their conversation. There was something else that Maki wanted to ask this man.

"Megumi, Could you do me one more favor?" Maki asked curiously.

"And what is this other favor?" said the jet as he removed his hand from her belly.

A big smile formed on Maki's lips.
"That favor I want to ask you, is that when you come to see me in the hospital after giving birth, do you think you could bring me a huge plate of Sushi?"

"Sushi?" Megumi raised an eyebrow at such a request.

"Yes, that's what I want you to bring me, a huge plate with a variety of Sushi, and don't forget the sashimi! It's just that ever since I found out I was pregnant, I've been avoiding eating Sushi because you know, I might hurt myself or the baby with that raw fish stuff"

Megumi had a slight smile on his lips as he noticed that the pregnancy had matured Maki in a way, making her more self-aware.

"All right, I'll bring you a big plate of Sushi when I come to see you at the hospital. But in exchange" he looked at Maki, "Just make sure you don't die in childbirth, okay?"

Maki gave him another gentle punch on the shoulder.
"I won't die, I promise, and more than that I already want to see you take care of your cousin. I know you'll be his favorite babysitter"

At that moment, Yuta returned with a rather large and suspicious bag.

"Sorry for the delay" he said, approaching the two, "It's just that there were a lot of people in the store"

"And what did you buy, eh Yuta?" asked Maki, observing the bag that her husband was carrying and that in one way or another it looked like he was carrying a box.

"Ah? This? Hehe I told you love, it's something for the house, more specifically for the kitchen"

Maki raised an eyebrow at that answer.
"I thought you said it was something for the living room. More specifically for the TV"

Yuta scratched the back of his neck.
"That's what I said? No, I meant it was something for the kitchen. When we get there you'll see it's my love"

"And?" Maki did not take her eyes off her husband.

"Huh?"

"Yuta, aren't you forgetting something else?" asked Maki curiously.

At that moment Yuta reacted and took some dangos out of that bag. -Right love, here's what you asked for!

Maki held that appetizer "Thank you, I thought you had already forgotten about it"

"Hehe, I know I have to fulfill all your cravings if I want our baby to be born well" at that moment he looked at his cell phone, to which another message had arrived, "Oh dear, it's getting late!"

Both Maki and Megumi became suspicious of Yuta's attitude, who now seemed to be in a hurry.

"Megumi, Maki, do you mind if we go to the academy before going home? It's just that a moment ago they called me from there to give a quick report" he said, moving his cell phone a little.

Both relatives looked at each other. It was really quite suspicious.

"I promise it will be quick! There's even an assistant already waiting for us in a car to take us there"

"Okay, let's go to the academy" said Maki with her mouth full.

Megumi didn't object either. He still had to go back there sooner or later.


Those three sorcerers arrived at the academy around five o'clock in the afternoon.

Since they arrived, Megumi had noticed that the atmosphere was rather quiet, something unusual for the hour, plus he was on the defensive as his instinct told his that something was not right.

The three of them were in one of the rooms that the academy had, one that was close to the dining room.

At that instant, Okkotsu's phone started ringing. I knew that was his signal. -
"I'll be right back, I'll go quickly to give my report" he said, still carrying that bag.

"I'll accompany you," answered Maki curiously as she stood up, since she had already sat down on one of the armchairs. She knew perfectly well when her husband was lying and this was one of those moments.

"It's not necessary, my love, I'll go quickly and come back. I won't be long" Yuta commented nervously.

She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, "Don't you want me to come with you?" she asked.

"It's not that, my love, it's just that I won't be more than five minutes " explained Yuta with a bit of desperation. Especially because again his phone started to vibrate because of the incoming call.

Maki narrowed her eyes.
"What are you hiding from us Okkotsu Yuta?" she asked staring at her husband, "Besides, isn't that box supposed to have something in it that you will use for our house?"

Yuta swallowed hard, he knew that when his wife called him by his full name it was because she was really upset.

The special grade sorcerer just took a breath. He even made puppy eyes.
"It's something important, love... please trust me, okay? I won't be long. I promise"

Maki rolled her eyes. "Ok, but don't make me wait too long, the baby and I want to go home to rest, okay?" she said, rubbing her belly.

Yuta moved in for a kiss.
"I promise. I won't be more than five minutes"

He said this before quickly walking down the hallway leading to the dining room as his cell phone began to ring frantically again.

"I'm coming..." he whispered back as he hurried.

On the other hand, Maki and Megumi were waiting in that room. Actually Yuta's attitude had seemed quite strange to them.

"What do you think Yuta is hiding?" asked Maki with a grimace.

"I don't know. Maybe some assistant called him urgently, he as a special grade has more work than we have in a day"

Maki sighed at that answer.
"Anyway, I hope it won't take long because I really want to be lying in my bed already"

Maki was struck by the fact that through the window, she could see that the raindrops of the afternoon were now turning into snow. It was falling slowly.

"It's snowing... and by the way, it's getting dark very fast..."

"That's because winter has just begun, and today is the day with the longest night of the year" explained Megumi.

Maki rubbed her belly, "I knew this baby was going to be born in the dead of winter, I guess that can be considered good luck."

Fushiguro sighed at those words.

"By the way Megumi, how are you spending your birthday?" asked Maki leaning her back on the couch.

He just shrugged his shoulders.
"Like I said, it feels more like any other day, though…" he looked around.

"Although?"

"It's quite strange not to see anyone at the academy. Since we arrived I haven't seen anyone around"

Maki was struck by those words and even looked around.
"Its True!" she said, pulling out her cell phone. Until that moment she had noticed that everything was really quite quiet for that time of the afternoon, "Have they completely forgotten about your birthday?"

Megumi shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't doubt it. Although it doesn't bother me either, as I said this is just an ordinary day. It could be that everyone is busy with winter missions"

"And did the others at least send you congratulations by message?" asked Maki, raising an eyebrow.

Megumu shook his head. That also began to seem rather strange to him. -
"But now that you mention it," he pulled out his cell phone, "No one has texted me all day…"

"Not even the blindfolded idiot?" asked Maki in surprise.

"Even Professor Gojo didn't send me anything. I guess they must be busy…"

"Really, this is quite strange... added to Yuta's attitude..." explained Maki.

At that instant, Megumi's phone began to vibrate. "It's from Okkotsu senpai"

Maki raised an eyebrow at that answer.

Megumi answered that call, putting it on speakerphone. -
"Yes, senpai? Is everything all right?"

"He is. Fushiguro kun Do you think you and Maki could come to the dining room? I need you to help me with a report"

"A report in the dining room?" asked Maki, too puzzled.

"Yes, please…" Yuta commented from the loudspeaker.

Megumi and Maki looked at each other in confusion. Still, they would go to that place.

"All right, here we go, senpai" hung up.

It really seemed strange to both of them, but they wanted to know what was going on.

Megumi helped Maki to her feet and they started walking down the hallway. But they stopped for a moment as she felt a cramp running down her hip.

"Are you all right, Maki San?"

She smiled a little "I am, it's just that I'm tired" she said, walking slowly, "Still, let's go see what Yuta wants"

"Ok"

Megumi adapted to Maki's slow walk, and so they arrived at the place where Yuta had summoned them.

At that instant, Megumi was the first to enter, but what would happen next would leave both of them surprised.

"Surprise! Happy birthday Megumi!" was heard in chorus.

At that instant, the dining room lit up and a pile of confetti fell on Megumi's head. He looked a bit confused.

There were his closest friends, they had decorated that space with some balloons that said "Happy Birthday".

-What is this?" asked Megumi in confusion. He was just taking in everything that was happening.

"Isn't it obvious? It's your birthday party!" Nobara commented with a big smile.

At that instant Itadori put a birthday hat on his friend. It was a bit crooked because of his spiky hair.
"This is a party that we all decided to prepare for you!"

"It looks like they had this well hidden" commented Maki with a big smile, entering behind Megumi. Her husband stood beside her.

"Yes, this was something that Kugisaki san and Itadori kun decided to organize at the last minute" Yuta took his wife's hand, "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you before, Maki san, especially because of the scare this morning, they were about to cancel it and even more because you were going to be hospitalized for the birth"

"You really gave us a scare, Maki san!" Nobara commented, "And then Okkotsu senpai told us that it was a false alarm and that's why we decided to go ahead with the party"

"Maybe the baby already knew that everyone would do this and he wanted to be the protagonist" commented Maki with a smile.

"Most likely" Nobara commented, caressing her best friend's belly.

"Megumi, we hope you like what we have prepared for you and especially, we hope you like your cake, which "someone" told us that this was your favorite flavor" commented Itadori very excited, showing the cake that Okkotsu had brought.

"So this is what you bought for the house?" asked Maki, looking at the cake.

Yuta scratched the back of his neck.
"Hehe yes,Ii try to make it as discreet as possible…"

His wife smiled at him and gently pulled his cheek, then looked at everyone present, "By the way, where is the blindfolded idiot?"

"I don't think he will be long in coming" commented Yuta with a big smile.

"Come Megumi!, it's time to make a wish!" Itadori held the cake in his hands in front of his companion, where several candles were already lit on the coffee-flavored cover.

"It's not necessary for them to do that…" commented Megumi, looking at that cake very close to him. He also said it so that his friends wouldn't drop it.

"Come on Megumi! We made all this for you, so at least make a wish" commented Nobara also helping to hold that cake.

Megumi looked at his friends, he noticed how they were all very cheerful and happy for his birthday, but he didn't feel comfortable to blow out the candles. He felt that he was missing someone else.

Still, he decided to take a breath, and having a slight desire in his head, he blew on those flames until they were extinguished.

"Bravo!" shouted his friends as they applauded and carried the cake to the table to start passing it out.

Even after blowing out those candles, Megumi was still lost in thought, that is, until a voice stirred her heart.

"Oh! Looks like we're just in time to eat some cake!" came a peculiar female voice.

"So it seems!" commented Satoru with great joy.

Megumi quickly turned to those who were arriving. At that moment his eyes widened enormously. His stepsister was there. But why was she there?

"Tsumiki?" came with difficulty from Megumi's throat. Who was quite surprised.

"Welcome Tsumiki chan!" commented Nobara welcoming the girl.

"Surprise! Happy birthday Megumi chan! That's why we hadn't sent you anything all day!" Satoru shouted excitedly, pointing at Tsumiki.

"I was finally able to come home" she commented with a big smile.

Both Megumi and Maki were surprised.

"surprised, right? commented Satoru with a big smile when he saw the surprised faces of those two.

Instead, Tsumiki fixed her gaze on her stepbrother and stood in front of him-"Happy Birthday Megumi. Can I give you a hug?"

"W-what? W-why are you here?" Megumi was really shocked.

"Surprised, aren't you? Well, let's just say I came to spend some time at home. Now will you let me give you your birthday hug?"

At that moment, Megumi hugged his sister tightly.

That embrace was too comforting for both of them as they even let out a few tears. But it was especially so for Megumi.

After that hug, Tsumiki looked at Maki, the newcomer's eyes widened in surprise and her smile was huge at the sight of the pregnant woman.

"Oh my God, how beautiful you look, Maki san!" she said, holding her hands.

"Thank you very much Tsumiki chan, I am glad you are here!"

"I am glad to have arrived just in time for the birth of this little one. You know you have my full support in this stage you are about to begin"she said looking at the couple, "Seriously, congratulations to both of you!"

"Thank you very much" commented Yuta with a smile.

"May I?" Tsumiki raised her hand to say if she could caress that belly.

Maki smiled.
"Of course you can and you did arrive on time, although today this little one gave Megumi a scare because we thought he was going to be born today"

Tsumiki laughed a little at that comment
"Hehe, I guess so" she said while caressing that belly, "Hi little one, I'm your aunt Miki and I hope we get along well"

Maki smiled at those words and then looked at Megumi, with whom he exchanged a smile.

Megumi could tell, that cold birthday was now quite warm.

❄To be continue...


Notes

I hope you liked this chapter🎂

And let me know what you thought? I'll be reading your comments.

As you can read, this baby scared both Megumi and her parents. Still, it will be a very short time before this baby is born. I promise ❤❄

As I said, regardless of how that manga ends, you know that in my fics you can find refuge in case this one didn't end the way you wanted it to.

Anyway, we'll keep reading❤