Persona 4 Golden: Yu and Yukiko's Full and Happy Life Part 4

Chie smiled happily at Yukiko's story. She honestly couldn't even imagine their leader begging someone for anything but apparently that's how it happened. Right now, Yukiko was admiring the beautiful ring on her finger. Seeing it out in the open in bright daylight was a refreshing experience. It made it look even more beautiful somehow. "Thanks for coming out with me Chie. I felt kind of weird eating here all by myself." While Yu swung by the Dojima's to grab anything he might need, Yukiko had felt a sudden hunger pang.

"Man that's a really pretty looking ring. Is that gold? It's so shimmery!" Yukiko looked up from her bowl and quickly slurped down the contents. "-Urp- excuse me. Yu made it out of shadows. Isn't that romantic?" Chie paled a bit. "D-don't you think that's a little weird?" But Yukiko just shook her head. "Not at all. I mean those shoes you're wearing are made out of shadows." Chie paled even more and began to carefully slip her shoes off with a deer in the head lights expression. No wonder Yu had been tight lipped about how he was getting some of this stuff. Yukiko just giggled. "You're so weird sometimes Chie. They're dead. They can't hurt you!" which just made things worse. As she set her bowl down, her friend realized that was Yukiko's third. "You know you could have gotten a large right? It's much cheaper."

"Oh I couldn't possibly eat that much," the raven haired girl uttered nonchalantly as she called over for a fourth bowl. Having only one hand to eat with kept her at a steady pace but it also helped her eat more as her other carefully rubbed up and down her curved belly. "Mmmm yummy." She said it with a tone of comfort. To think she got to eat like this every day for the next few months! "Chie. Have you ever noticed how good meat tastes? It's amazing." The athletic girl could only stare blankly. "I've been told."

Eventually, Yukiko leaned back with a little puff of air. She was stuffed. Bowls were piled up high and while Chie had eaten a bit more, she was going to burn it off in no time. "You were hungry today weren't you?" Chie made to respond before realizing her friend was talking to her stomach again. "Well I'll make sure you get everything you want. Looks like mama's going to be a meat and potatoes girl for a while. Ahahah." One hand rested on the top of the bump while the other rubbed in slow lazy rhythmic circles around her navel. She was so filled to the brim that her red sweater had risen up leaving a pale white crescent of skin visible.

"Uh Yukiko you're uh sweater." The girl gave a gasp of surprise and yanked it down. "Good catch -urp- Chie." But it quickly rode back up again. It had swollen at least another two months from just this one meal alone. Che didn't want to be rude but frankly it was a bit concerning. Yukiko had never actually finished an entire bowl in one sitting and here she'd slurped down one two three...she'd lost count. Strangely, the girl still looked impeccable. Not a single drop of sauce or grease stained her clothing. She was starting to outgrow the stool a little bit as well. Was that normal? Chie honestly didn't know the answer to that. She'd be mortified if she had enough soft squishy butt fat that it began to seep over a seat but if she told Yukiko how big her hips were getting she'd probably just say: "I know, isn't it great? It's like I was meant to have kids." Chie smiled a bit at her little impression of her friend she did in her head. She couldn't say she minded Yukiko's attitude about the whole thing. It was nice to have an eating buddy and it was better than talking about diets.

She saw her friend fidgeting a little on the seat. "This seat's getting a little small. Well I guess seats don't get smaller do they? Ahahaha" She blushed a bit as she leaned in for a whisper. "Yu told me it's like my body was destined for child birth. He said I get more motherly every day." She giggled almost conspiratorially and leaned back once again. Chie certainly had to agree especially with how tight and round her gut looked right now. She felt herself feeling a bit of second hand pleasure on Yukiko's account. To have a man tell you your body was ideal, how a woman should be, she couldn't blame her friend one bit for looking so happy.

Suddenly, Yukiko's phone buzzed and she reached languidly towards the counter. "Oh Yu just got back. I should get going. But this was nice."

"Anytime! And congratulations! If you two ever need anything, you know who to call!"

Yukiko smiled and attempted to get up. The packed orb of her gut quickly forced her back into a sitting position and she could have sworn she heard some stitching tear along her pantyhose. "Er Chie. I might need some help." The martial artist helped the growing mother to her feet. Feet hitting the ground she felt as if a boulder had been dropped into her gut. "BUUUUURP. Oh my. Excuse me." Chie would have thought she'd have been mortified and while her face had a hot blush, her hand quickly returned to cradling her swell. "Oh I'm so stuffed. You're going to be so big and strong having me eat like this." She cooed all the way out the door, slightly leaning back to let her tummy bulge out and taking a secret pleasure in the way her sweater continued riding up.

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"Aren't you supposed to be attending the hot tubs?" The way Yukina said it wasn't angry. More bemused and curious. It had been a while since they'd both retired to their bedroom so early. Fuyuhiko smirked back. "I got Yu to do it. Shouldn't you be making the evening rounds?"

"I entrusted it to Yukiko." Fuyuhiko chuckled a bit. "Those kids are getting so reliable. Pretty soon they'll take this inn right out from under us!" His wife merely nodded. With the two very capable teenagers helping, the Amagi's were starting to get more free time than they knew what to do with. "You know, I was very impressed by you today. That was incredibly mature Hiko." The man rubbed the back of his head. "Just doing what a father should. My only regret is that it took me far too long to realize what that was."

"That's alright. You came around before me at least and you didn't need some big production to do it. Besides, I was never good with big romantic speeches." She walked over and wrapped her arms around her husband. "I prefer to show my appreciation in more quiet ways." The man snorted as he turned around catching what she was getting at. "Darling, you're anything but quiet."

She playfully slapped his shoulder but didn't let go. Allowing him to remove her hair clip, her long black locks flowed down and over her shoulders. As her husband began to kiss along her neck she had to smile. If Yu made her daughter feel half as good as this, she had no doubt he'd be sticking around for a long time

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Yukiko’s time out with Chie gave Yu the chance to head over to Dojima’s house to tell him the news. With Adachi behind bars and Dojima easing off his obsession of finding the driver of the hit-and-run that took his wife, it meant that Dojima wasn’t coming home late at night and actually took time off, something his daughter appreciated greatly. Yu’s uncle let out a sigh, “Your moving so fast. It feels like you just moved over there, and you already have the parents won over?” Yu shrugged and shook his head, “I guess I’m just a people person.”

Dojima brought his hands to his face and laughed, “I guess that’s true. It’s not that surprising I suppose.” He himself had witnessed Yu’s charm first hand. His nephew had this aura about him that made you want to spill your entire life story out to him, and he always knew exactly what you needed to hear, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to. He also knew how capable he was by having him around the past year. The little garden he had started with Nanako was the best on the block, maybe even the whole town. It really was no wonder he was able to prove himself so quickly.

“Marriage huh? I thought me and Chisato married young…” Dojima’s lips trembled a bit as images of his proposal to his late wife flashed in his mind. After his short reminiscing, Dojima asked Yu for the last time, “Are you sure this is what you want? I know the Amagi’s are pushing for this to happen as soon as possible, and that you got a kid on the way, but you still have a choice. If you need a little more time you can always marry later.”

Yu answered with no hesitation, “I’ve never had a single doubt that this is what I want, not even for a second.” Yu joked, “Besides, I got to nab Yukiko up before she realizes her mistake and changes HER mind, don’t I?”

They both had a good laugh about it. Dojima didn’t say so, but from the way Yu spoke with such enthusiasm about Yukiko and their coming child ,and by the small interactions he had gotten with her, he was positive this union would last. He'd kick his ass if it didn't at this point.

Dojima gestured over to the phone on the cabinet sitting against the wall. “With the wedding so close, I would let them know as soon as possible.” Yu nodded in agreement. Grabbing the phone, he dialed his mother’s work phone, although, it seemed every phone of hers was a work phone. It was funny, he had been calling her so much recently he knew the number by heart now when he didn't before.

Mizui was working through a late lunch as usual, when her phone rang. She would have normally let it ring without a second thought, she didn’t want to sacrifice her productivity, and if it truly was important then someone would just come to her office and tell her directly, but she was able to give a quick glance at the number of who was calling. Her eyes widened when she quickly realized that it was Dojima’s number.

Mizui tapped her finger anxiously as the phone continued to ring. "I still have a mountain of paperwork to do, I should just let it go to voicemail,” she thought to herself. If it was another update on Yu’s progress, that could surely wait for later. Her tapping became faster. However, it had been a while since they had spoken. The last update she got from him was from a voicemail as well. Would ignoring this call make Yu think she was actively avoiding speaking with him? WAS she trying to avoid him? What if it wasn’t an update at all? What if something had happened to Yu, or what if her brother had another accident at work? All these thoughts wracked her brain. She made her decision on the very last ring. “Hello? This is Mizui Narukami speaking, I’m very busy at the moment. Make it fast.”

“Sorry for bothering you mother, I just need a moment of your time.” Mizui winced. It didn’t feel right for Yu to have to apologize for wanting to speak with her, and what kind of mother is she that she can hardly afford to give her child a “moment,” of her time. She kept these thoughts to herself.

“As you know, I have been living at the Inn on a trial basis, but that has seemingly ended. I’ve proven my worth and now those living arrangements are looking to be a more permeant one.” His mother couldn’t see his face, but Yu started to blush, “So…ummm…now that I have the Amagi’s blessing, me and Yukiko are planning to wed very soon. We even have a location already.”

Mizui was stunned. Though not as adamant as her husband, a part of her did end up believing his words, that Yu would come home eventually after he had gotten bored. Him being so far away meant it was easier to forget everything that was going on. It was all happening so fast too! She really didn’t have a handle on how things had progressed at all. Her son was going to be a father, he was set to be married, all these milestones in his life, and she hadn’t even seen him once since he left. How could he have changed so much? The thing that filled her with dread the most still was the thought that he hadn’t changed at all, she just never bothered to learn who the “real Yu” was. “Con- congratulations …” was all she could sputter out.

“The wedding is set for the end of June…I wanted to let you know so you could make room in your schedule…in case you wanted to attend…” Yu’s words were like another stake in her heart. “In case” she wanted to attend? Like he wasn’t even sure if his own mother would want to come to her own son’s wedding? Although, even without looking at her calendar she knew June was a very busy month. Mizui bit her lip, “I’ll see what I can do…”

Yu added, “Can you let dad know as well? Sorry for asking you to do it, but I’ll never get a hold of him.” He knew it was wrong to think like he was, but Yu wasn’t even sure if he wanted to speak to his father at the moment. His mother agreed, “He isn’t going to be happy.” Yu retorted, “Is he ever?”

Yu knew he had interrupted his mother’s work and was going to let her go, but before he could hang up his mother asked for something that surprised him. “Can you send me a picture of her?”

“What?” Yu asked.

“I just thought, if she is going to be my daughter-in-law, I should probably know what she looks like…” she said in a softer tone than her usual voice.
Yu perked up at his mother’s interest in his bride, “Of course I will! I know just the one.”

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After sending the photo from his cell phone and playing with Nanako for a while, Yu went back to the Inn just in time for dinner. In the staff room, Yu was talking with some of the kitchen crew before he fixed himself a plate when Mr. Amagi appeared. “Yu what gives? You forget what time dinner was? My princess can’t wait any longer!” Yu was at a loss for words. He wasn’t even thinking that the family would have him join them, at least not until after the wedding. They never told him he would be dining with them, was he just expected to have assumed so? Finally, Yu meekly said “Sorry, I guess I just forgot...”

Getting up from the table, the Inn staff couldn’t help but get a few jabs in at him. “Already leaving us to eat with the big boys huh,” said one of the chefs. “Are we going to have to call you boss soon? I better start sucking up to you now!” Another one chimed in. “Hey, maybe you can convince the Amagi’s to get us a better coffee maker!” Yu took their ribbing and turning to the room gave them a bow, “Thank you for letting me dine with you all these last few weeks.” The head chef patted him on the back, “We all knew your first day here it wouldn’t be long before you were able to wow the bosses. Actually, we were surprised it took you this long!”

Mr. Amagi led Yu to the where the girls were waiting. It felt weird, he had been in almost every room in the inn, but he never even caught so much as a glimpse of the Amagi family’s living quarters. Like most of the Inn, it was in traditional Japanese style, except some of the art hanging on the wall didn’t fit at all. Their classical and dramatic style clearly illustrated to Yu that they had been put up by Mr. Amagi.

“Hubby you’re here!” Yukiko haste to get up from her seat caused her hip to smack against the side of the table, making the whole thing shake. “Oh! Sorry!” She tried to hide it but Yu could tell she found a little satisfaction in how much damage her wider hips could do if she wasn't careful. Before he even had a chance to ask her if she was alright, Yukiko threw her arms around Yu and planted a big kiss on his lips. Mr. Amagi was still trying to mentally recover from hearing his daughter refer to Yu as her “hubby,” to stop this, but his wife spoke up from the table in a polite voice, “Ahem, the food’s going to get cold.”

The three took their seats, with Yukiko scooting her chair over to be closer to Yu. Surprisingly, trying to be more understanding of the two’s relationship, Mr. Amagi let this slide, but added “No funny business under the table!” When Mr. Amagi turned to look away, Yu couldn't help but reach over and give one of Yukiko’s thighs a little squeeze, causing the girl to try and hold back laughter as her father whipped his head back to see what the fuss was about.

Yukiko felt another flutter from her stomach. Her face absolutely beaming, she spoke to it in a soothing voice, “Your happy your daddy gets to eat with us, aren’t you?” Yukiko let out a tiny squeal of delight because after Yu placed his hand on her belly and greeted their child, she felt it move again, like their child knew their father was speaking to them.

Everyone was surprised when, after given the go ahead to dig in, that Yukiko immediately reached for the biggest juiciest piece of beef available. Yukiko always ate her vegetables first and didn’t particularly care for meat like beef. Yukina chocked it up to her cravings. What was even more surprising to her her and husband was when they noticed her ring as she reached over. “Yukiko! Where did you get that?”

Yukiko stared blankly at her mother as she chewed her food for a moment. After realizing her mother was talking about her ring, she quickly swallowed and gave her a huge smile. “Yu gave it to me! I thought since you two had approved of him that I could finally start wearing it.”

Yukiko was almost as proud of her ring as she was about her bulging middle. At school that day she had made sure that everyone saw, excited to show off that she was “taken,” as if the aforementioned belly wasn’t enough. Yukiko couldn’t help but stop to admire it every time it entered her vision. She wasn’t the only one, Yu noticed during class that Kashiwagi would keep glancing at it every once in a while, her eye twitching whenever she did. Yu was starting to take pity on her, she really needed a boyfriend.

Yukiko’s choice of words was not lost on her mother. “"Finally?" So, in other words, you weren’t given that ring today. You had it for a while.” Yukina slowly turned her head toward Yu. Yu couldn’t help but let out a big gulp. She stared at him with a face that was unflinching and deadly serious. It reminded him of how scary Yukiko could get sometimes. “When did he give it to you dear?” Yukina asked without breaking eye contact with Yu. Yukiko was too lost in her own thoughts to notice what was going on and answered with great enthusiasm. “Christmas eve! It was so romantic…”

Yukina tilted her head, “All the way back in December? Why, that was even before we were made aware of the baby, let alone have formally met you! A little presumptuous to think you could just ask our daughter to marry you without our permission don’t you think?” Yu sunk lower into his chair. “I assume this “hubby” business has been going on for just as long?”

Yukina thought she had heard her daughter use the phrase on accident a couple of times but had just played it off as her hearing things. Now she knew these two were considering marriage for quite a while. She didn’t say, but she had some appreciation for Yu’s willingness to take responsibility, even back then. After a few seconds, Yukina’s deadpan expression morphed into a smile. With a laugh and in a sweeter voice she exclaimed, “I guess were just lucky everything worked out huh?” Mr. Amagi was trying to hold back his own laughter as he gave Yu a nudge, “You can breathe now.”

Turning back to her daughter, Yukina waved at her. “Well come on! Let your mother get a closer look.” Yukiko was more than happy hold her hand out, her two parents leaning in to inspect the ring. Yukina’s eyes widened, “Yu is this real? How could you afford something like this!" The pearl by itself looked like it would cost a fortune, let alone the ring which was made with a gold the likes of which she had never seen before. Yu chuckled nervously, “It wasn’t easy to get. Lots of hard work…” He could still remember some of the bruises he had gotten from fighting all those shadows for material. Yukina was completely sincere, “I love it. It’s beautiful. And so unique too! Right dear?”

“Yeah. Unique…” Mr. Amagi didn’t share in his wife and daughter’s love for the ring. There was something about it that rubbed him the wrong way. And the metal, it may have just been a trick of the light, but he swore he saw its surface move. Was it haunted? Cursed? It would explain why a student could afford such an expensive looking ring. He actually started to debate on whether he should have a priest look at it.

As the meal continued, Yukina couldn't help but take notice of her daughter’s appetite, “I’m surprised Yukiko. I thought you would be a tad full after going out with Chie. That was only a few hours ago.” Yukiko looked confused, “Really? It felt like ages.” Yukiko had reached the point where she didn’t really pay attention to when she ate or how much. Unlike her old self that watched her weight, counting calories and watching fat content, she just ate when she was hungry and stopped when she wasn’t. If she was hungry, then to her that meant the baby was hungry. She wasn’t going to let something like fear of a little weight gain stop her from providing for her child. Weight gain was to be expected for someone pregnant like her, encouraged! Besides, she could tell Yu was watching her and that just spurred her on to show off her devotion to their child that much more.

After Yukina’s observation on Yukiko, Yu was watching, but not entirely for why Yukiko thought. He did love how much Yukiko wanted to provide and nurture their child. He already thought he she was beautiful, and after she got the pregnant, just knowing the fact she was going to be the mother of his child elevated her to a level of beauty that no other woman could ever get close to reaching. As “sexy” as the thought of her being the mother of his child was, he was slowly being made aware of how much he was beginning to enjoy Yukiko just being “bigger.”

The rim of pale flesh that peaked out between her red sweater and her skirt was proof of her belly’s ever continuing march across her lap. It was getting to the point where it was big enough to provide a shelf for Yukiko to rest her hand on without it sliding down the curve of her stomach.

Not only that, he noticed a very subtle bit of “give” where the edge of her sweater met her belly. Their night together and the way the sweater dug into her skin tipped Yu off to the fact that her belly was developing a nice layer of pudge

Her belly would have already swelled past her breasts, if only they hadn't grown as well. As it stood now, her breasts beat out her belly by a hair, but one or two more large meals would be sure to change that. The copious amount of tit flesh, basically composed of pure fat and continuing to fill with milk, quivered at the slightest movement. They jiggled so much Yu had to wonder if she was even wearing a bra or if it had gotten so uncomfortable that she took it off after coming home. Luckily, Kanji said the bigger pairs would be ready soon. Yu couldn’t decide which image he liked more, her completely topless under her sweater, or those bra cups overflowing, desperately trying to hold back the tide or chest meat.

Speaking of overflowing, her behind was doing that in more ways than one. Her thick thighs and expanding rear wear continued to bulge out of the sides of her chair. She was sitting so close to him, a few more bites and those soft, pantyhose stretching thighs might start to encroach into his space, something he was more than willing to accept. Like when she sat at her desk at school, she was constantly shifting her weight to try trying to find a better position. Every time she leaned back, her two globes pressed into the back of her chair so much that they bulged out the sides another good inch.

And when she leaned forward? He got a good look at her ass just beginning to bubble out the top of her overtaxed skirt. Yu thanked god that Yukiko still liked to wear her pre-pregnancy clothes to feel even more pregnant than she was. Yu found himself betting with himself, what would come first? Her ass getting big enough that it would start start to ooze out the top of her pantyhose as well as her skirt? Or would it be her ass ripping her pantyhose to shreds entirely?

Yu moved his chair closer to the table to make sure no one could see what all these observations were doing to him below the belt. He had been admiring his fiancé’s body for so long, he jumped when he realized that Yukiko was aware of his ogling. Although he knew that Yukiko would in all likelihood be ecstatic that he found himself irresistibly attracted to the curves of her “mommy body,” he knew he couldn’t say so in front of her parents. Trying to find a way out, he quickly offered her the bit of beef he had been holding in his hand as he had been eyeing her. Yukiko was more than eager to accept, opening her mouth to allow him gently place it on her tongue. Yukiko held her cheeks and mewed as the chewed, the savory flavor amplified by the fact she had been given the morsel by her hubby.

Seeing how much she enjoyed it, he offered her another. She rubbed her belly, letting out a similar moan as Yu inserted another piece between her lips. Yu was already reaching for a third before Yukiko had even swallowed before Yukina felt she needed to step in. They were beginning to enjoy it a little too much, and Mr. Amagi’s grip on his chopsticks was getting so tight they could snap at any minute. “Yukiko honestly. Your pregnant but not completely helpless! Yu has to eat as well. He can’t do that if he’s feeding you!”

Disappointment crept onto both of the young couple’s faces, but Yukina quickly changed he subject. “Your appointment is in two days Yukiko, I hope you haven’t forgotten.” Yukiko perked right back up immediately, “HOW COULD I?” She looked down at her belly and gave a loving pat. “It will be the first time I’ll get to see him or her.”

Yukina smiled. She remembered her first ultrasound. The black and white image that came back may have only given her little more than an outline of her baby, but no matter how crude the image, seeing the child that would be her Yukiko for the first time filled her with a joy that was completely indescribable. Yukiko was right to feel so giddy. Mr. Amagi asked, “So, have you decided if you want to keep the baby’s gender a surprise or not?”

The two had discussed the matter thoroughly. She had asked her parents what they did and was told that they opted to keep it a surprise. As her father put it, it was for a “dramatic reveal.” Yukiko asked Yu what his parents had done, but he never thought to ask, and he honestly thought that his parents would find such a question too silly to bother to answer. Judging by the way his parents always kept to a schedule and hated when things snuck up and surprised them, he thought they would have known beforehand.

In the end, Yukiko and Yu found Yu’s parent’s supposed decision more preferable, but not for the same reasons. “We decided that we want to know as soon as possible,” said Yu. Yukiko nodded in agreement. “Being our first child. We want to make sure it has everything it needs when it’s born. We think knowing their gender will help us prepare better."

“Makes sense, I can see you really thought long and hard about this,” her mother said.

Yukiko continued, “Besides, I hate having to refer to the baby as an “the baby,” “it,” or “they.” I want to be closer! I want to know them! Before long, maybe we can even start to refer to it by it's by name.” Yukiko quickly turned to Yu, “I’ve been going over baby names, girl and boy! I’ve narrowed it down to about a hundred each. But still, how will we ever decide? What if we can’t?” Mr. Amagi whistled to get the couples attention. Showing a bit of wisdom that surprised even his wife, Mr. Amagi said, “Honey, once they’re born, one look at their face and you’ll know.”

Her father’s words lifted a great weight off Yukiko’s shoulders. As dinner was wrapping up, Yu asked Mrs. Amagi a single question. “I know there is going to be a lot of work that needs to be done around here, but I was wondering, if I might come along to the appointment with you guys.” Yukina was completely perplexed by Yu’s stupid question. It was true the inn had had lots of yard work to do now that it was spring, but did Yu really think he had to ask? “You heard Yukiko. This will be your first glimpse at your son or daughter. What kind of mother-in-law would I be if I kept you from something as important as that?”

Yu helped the Amagi’s with the dishes, did some kitchen work on his own, and did his homework before going to bed. Despite what Yukiko’s parents thought they might do their first night being allowed to sleep together, and despite Yu getting “hot” at dinner, there was no sex. They wanted to just take in the moment. They had slept together before, but this was different. It had a sense of permanence. For the rest of their lives, they would be sharing a bed. Yukiko lifted her nightgown to allow Yu to rub her belly and they just talked. About redecorating Yukiko’s room since they would be sharing it, about the ultrasound, about the future. Soon the two fell asleep in each other’s embrace like they would every day from now on.

Both Yu and Yukiko couldn't wait for school to let out once the promised day came. The whole ride over, Yukiko bounced up and down on her fattened tush reciting some more names she had thought of to Yu. Yu tried to remain relaxed, but he found himself shaking from excitement. At the hospital, many of the nurses recognized Yu from his part time job and wondered why such a good worker had stopped coming. They knew the answer once they noticed the moderately pregnant Yukiko hanging on his arm. The Amagi’s were at a lose for words. Even the hospital staff knew Yu by name? They had to stop getting so surprised at how much Yu got around.

Yukiko felt weird being laid up on the table in front of Yu while the doctor ran his tests. Once the test came back to say she seemed healthy and everything was looking fine, she herself swooned when Yu gave her a congratulatory thumbs up for a job well done. When the doctor preformed the ultrasound, Yukiko brought her hands to her mouth and started to tear up. On the screen was their child. Her belly had already grown so much, but on that tiny screen the baby inside her looked so small and helpless. She wanted nothing more than to protect their little bundle of joy. Her grip tightened on Yu’s arm. Looking up and him, she was shocked to see that the normally composed Yu looked like he was crying as much if not more than she was. Even here parents were finding it hard to keep themselves together. After studying the image, the doctor was able to confirm the baby’s gender, an announcement the two celebrated with a kiss.

On the way home Yukiko couldn’t stop looking at the ultrasound print-out, only taking her eyes off it to look down at her middle and speak directly to her child. She expressed her wish to frame it and hang it up the minute they got back to the Inn. Yu had her lean into him so they could admire the image together and so he could caress her belly as well. After Yu was able to get Yukiko to surrender the ultrasound for a moment, he took a photo with his phone and sent it to Dojima as well as his mother. In the message he sent to his mother, he only put a single word. “Grandson.”

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In contrast to the rest of the inn, Yukiko's room was a much brighter pinkish red. It wasn't garish but in fact quite welcoming; he could feel a wave of warmth wash over him as soon as he stepped in. That was probably not because of the color though. Everything seemed pretty standard except for one particular detail. An empty bird cage hung from her open window. The door to the cage had been left open and it looked as though it hadn't been used in a long time.

"I was going to throw it out, but I think it's better as reminder you know?" When Yu looked at her curiously she just smiled and put the open door between her fingers. "A reminder of the lesson that you and the others taught me. That I'm only as trapped as I allow myself to be." Right now, she was brushing her long black hair over her shoulder as gracefully as ever. Yukiko recalled how happy Yu looked when she had said that. About as happy as he was framing the ultrasound right across from their bed actually. She had said she wanted to become a woman worthy of him and Yukiko would be lying if she didn't feel a little insecure at times, but lately those feelings had been dying down. Yu never would have fallen so deeply in love with the way she used to be and him being here by her side was just a constant reminder of how much she had matured.

He was actually humming to himself right now and a constant smile was on his face. Just the idea of starting a family with her made him this fulfilled and that thought caused tears to well in the corners of her eyes. A loud shout brought her out of her reverie as Yu shook his hand up and down. "Agh dam-" seeing Yukiko's hands clasped over her maternal middle he quickly corrected himself. "Darn. I'm terrible at this." Terrible for Yu of course meant he had made one mistake right at the end instead of doing it nearly flawlessly the first time. Despite the red throbbing swell his thumb had become, he was still smiling.

Yukiko flipped her now fully brushed hair over her shoulder. "I know you'll get it soon. There certainly won't be a shortage of pictures to practice on." She opened her eyes to see Yu staring at her. After a moment her cheeks grew hot. "S-stop it." But there was not even a hint of annoyance in her voice. Yu fully drank in her night gown clad form. Her motherly glow grew brighter by the day in tandem with the growth of her body. The nightgown that had once covered to mid thigh now seemed almost scandalous with the way her increasing fecundity demanded fabric.

In her kneeling position, the bulge of her belly was even more pronounced making the night gown flow around its presence, pressing against the fabric and her lap. Yukiko's hand was constantly running over its surface, ever vigilant for even the smallest sign of movement which drew attention to it even more. Her milky white chest was open with just a hint of cleavage visible from their ever growing size. What had once been easily contained now swelled up around the neckline. Her dark hair fell around it and ended just above her belly drawing Yu's attention to it once more. "I can't. You're just too pretty." Her face dimpled as she looked away. She would never get tired of hearing that. Never.

Suddenly Yu knelt down next to her and pressed his ear against her stomach. She let out a little "oh" of surprise but made no move to stop him. In fact, once he had his head there for several seconds, she pressed it as close as she could into her stomach. He sighed. "I had a feeling it was too early to hear anything, but I still had to try. His heartbeat I mean." Yukiko moved her legs out from under her and to the side putting Yu's head into her lap while running her fingers through his hair. "I'll let you try whenever you want. You don't even have to ask. Just tell me as soon as you hear something, okay?" This made Yu pause. That's right! Yukiko wouldn't get to hear the baby's heartbeat until it was born.

When he expressed his condolences, she shook her head. "I think you should get one special thing to yourself. Besides, I get to hear it every four weeks now. It'll be like a reward." Chuckling at her positivity, Yu looked towards his completed work. "Today was...definitely that. Yukiko, I got to see him move, I got to hear his heart beat." He laughed happily, and smiled back up at Yukiko even though he could barely see her beaming face peering down at him over her breasts and belly; that just made him even happier. "God, there's so much I want to do with him already." Suddenly he gained a mischievous smirk. "For now I can at least do this."

He flipped himself around and lifted up her nightgown. Before she could react he planted a nice big smooch right above her navel. She could hear the pop from when he released his lips, much better than the quick little pecks at school. He continued to shower her dome with kisses as she giggled. "Ahahahaha Y-yu s-s-stop it, ahahaha -snrk- ahahaha t-that tickles!" But eventually her giggling morphed into soft moans as they grew more passionate with him even planting one right in the middle of her chest that made her arch her back.

"We have to get up early tomorrow, it'll be a busy day," she reminded him. Yukiko's parents had agreed to give the first half of Sunday off in order to hold a going away party for some of their friends who were leaving the town for now, but in exchange they'd have to do extra on Saturday. In addition, it was the last day of school. Yu understood completely. "Twice is more than good enough for me, Yuki." She grinned up at him at his words. He was so temperate and responsible, willingly restricting himself to only two times tonight when she knew he wanted more. His stamina really was impressive. She walked over to the bed and sat, leaning back and curling one leg up letting the other soft leg rest gently on the bed, making the pathway of her thighs as welcoming as she could.

Even when she would inevitably be forced to replace her wardrobe with more form fitting clothing, Yukiko resolved to herself that she would never replace this nightgown even after her belly stuck out so much that it could only cover her fattened chest and the entire pregnant dome was on display. Even when her lower half was completely exposed. She believed her husband deserved easy access, to both herself and their child. Slowly, she traced her slender hand up the form of her cushioned, pillowy thigh. Yu couldn't tell what was softer, the appendage or the bed sheets. "Please, come to where you belong."

.......................................................................................................................................

Mizui was surprised at the calmness which her husband was displaying. He wasn't startled in the least about their son getting married within such a short time frame of his trial beginning. "You said the Amagi's would allow him to wed their daughter when he 'proved himself', correct? No I was always quite certain Yu would be able to impress some innkeepers. He is our son remember hmmhmm."

"This will probably up their price a bit though," he mused to himself. "They will be going for a shinto wedding correct?" Mizui nodded and remained perfectly neutral as he clapped his hands together. "Great, much cheaper than the alternative. Now the only real issue is that son of ours. You're sure he expressed no intention of coming back?"

"Yes. He's quite adamant about staying. Sorano, he really seems to be happy there. I've never heard him be this enthused about anything." But her husband shook his head. "I don't doubt that he is. It's a novelty, plus it's almost like an extended vacation from his usual workload. I have no doubt in my mind that he's enjoying his little get away. But that's all it is, a getaway. And it's my job to make him realize that before he puts himself in a situation he can't get out of." He looked pointedly around the office. Technically the work day didn't begin until 7 but Sorano "strongly encouraged" a start time of 6:30.

People complained, never to his face of course, but still they sat working like a well oiled machine and those who couldn't quite keep up with their peers were quickly replaced. And now their bottom line looked better than ever with Sorano well on his way to becoming Senior Vice President. Yes things worked out much better when people would just put aside their pride and listen to him. Mizui began to flip through her planner. "We don't return to Japan until very late on the 15th. Since we'll be travelling to Inaba, that means it will be the 16th by the time we get there. Oh it's also his 18th birthday." This made Sorano smirk. Nothing really had changed after all. He had been planning to give Yu an internship, to increase his responsibilities, the only difference now was that there would be a bit more difficulty in getting him there.

Mizui didn't share her husband's easy confidence about the whole situation. She'd never really realized it before but Yu had been going through life as if he were a machine. Doing exactly what was told of him and nothing more. No clubs, no girlfriend, no jobs, just his studies. But if his story was to be believed, almost as soon as he arrived in town, he immersed himself in everything it had to offer. "He invited us to his wedding you know."

"That's because he knows we're busy."

She pursed her lips and nodded. Her husband placed a hand on her shoulder. "Besides, the wedding isn't going to happen and deep down he knows that. I've let this little charade go on long enough." The man walked to his desk and picked up the only family photo he kept on it. A picture of Yu's middle school graduation with the three of them standing side by side. None of them were smiling but it was the most recent picture with them all together so it sufficed. "He's upset that we didn't spend more time with him. So the first thing I'll do when we get to Inaba is give him a private lesson in negotiation. An ultimatum."

.......................................................................................................................................

The warm water washed over the mostly slender form of one Yukiko Amagi. Sunday was finally here and that meant one final day off before the busy season began. She could barely contain her giddiness over the idea of truly beginning to work together with Yu. She had long fantasized about sitting side by side with him greeting guests as they came in. He'd joked about it with a loud shout more appropriate for Junes than an inn when she told him her fantasy but she knew he desired it too. Now that school was out, it would be nothing but practicing for the future. To think just one year ago she'd been dreading this!

Yu's prediction was beginning to come true. After another week of eating good and growing well, her belly stuck out in perfect tandem with her breasts. Soon the heiress would have a figure dominated by her fecundity and that thought sent a shiver down her spine. Suddenly she heard the door to the shower open. There standing in all his bare glory was her fiance. Before she even had time to react, he stepped in with her and flashed her a smile. It became slightly cramped with him in there. She had turned around to face him when he stepped in and took a step back making her plump rump squash against and around the shower handles, he took a step forward into the water, pressing his toned abs into her slightly soft maternity mound, her milk bags flattening as well their adipose easily giving way to even the slightest pressure from his body. The water ran down his chest down onto her overdeveloped bosom where it pooled between her cleavage before drifting slowly across her bump.

"W-what are you doing here?" She wasn't altogether displeased it was just a little unorthodox. "Thought I'd save a bit of time. Watching that towel almost not come all the way around you on your way in kind of put me in the mood." She opened her mouth to find some kind of objection. Sex in the shower was...it felt almost taboo.

But watching the way the droplets of water glistened off of his hard earned chest, nothing came out. "Yu...we...I mean..." she reached out almost reflexively. Was it really so bad though? It didn't always have to be in a bed. Yu smiled and placed his hands on her shoulders. "We don't have to do it if you're uncomfortable. I was just thinking 21 weeks so I should do something special. Plus we're on a time limit and all."

Yukiko peered up at him. "Time...limit?" Suddenly she felt a hand rub a curve on the side of her belly. "Well yeah. You're getting big mama, it's already a little tight in here. In another few months you'll be way too motherly for us to do this. And once you're that far along with the child you won't want to be standing for that long either. Once you're that big we could try it in the bathtub but that's a little different." He chuckled a little. Looks like Yukiko preferred it to be done properly which was fine by him. "Sorry, I got a little hasty. I'll go uh take care of this." As he moved to leave she could feel his erection slide slowly along the expanse of her stomach. That was the last straw.

"Wait!" She turned around presenting her backside to Yu. Yukiko shook her hips back and forth creating a wobbling effect that wouldn't have been there months ago. "Y-you're right. I'm going to be too fertile and lush to do this in the future, so please..." she bit her lip, "put it in me right now. Please." He put himself in an almost crouching position so that she could sit herself on his lap. He barely had time to get into position before she placed herself on to him. "Yep g-guh-getting heavy. Now was a good time." But Yukiko could only moan out in response. The sensation of her slippery squishy back rubbing against him was almost too much to bear. He made sure to clamp his hand down on her fertility to lather it up taking great pleasure in the slight bounce he felt with his hand. Still he remained pseudo squatting. "S-so strong" she huffed out

"Hah- have to be," he said pointedly as her lap filling butt cheeks wobbled from the impact of yet another thrust. Normally he'd grab her developing love handles and use them to push himself deep inside of her just how she liked it, but this time she had to get clean. Slowly his hands worked their way up from her belly to her breasts. Another four pounds had crept on to her frame and Yu was intent on enjoying all of it. Her breasts were so malleable now with their increased heft, he could smoosh and jostle them any which way he wanted as they easily filled his hand. He could even squash them together and let them drop like the bouncing sacks of milk and fat they were.

Yukiko loved every moment of it despite their increased sensitivity. In fact, the slight discomfort made her feel even better, it just meant they were still growing still filling up to feed her future child. "I-I'll *ah* I-I'll need a n-new bra soon Y-Yu," she moaned out right next to his ear. "T-third one in four months. You're so *guh* so good Yukiko. So motherly." Yu had told her so many times that he didn't mind how much she loved her body being praised but she still couldn't help but be a little self conscious at just how much it got her off. That was quickly forgotten when she was given something new to feel embarrassed about.

Yu soon dropped the pretense of soaping up her breasts entirely and brought his fingers to Yukiko's shiny pink nipples. As he began to slowly and gently tweak and rub them, Yukiko felt a familiar sensation crawling up her back in addition to the shiver of arousal. Yu placed one nub in between two fingers and gave her a nice squeeze which caused a spurt of milk to shoot out.

Yukiko tilted her head back to look at Yu. "T-that was um it doesn't...normally shoot out like that." His squeeze had started a flow as white liquid seeped over his fingers and was quickly washed away by the water. Eventually it stopped but for ten seconds or so it was a constant flow.

There was no revulsion on Yu's face, it was a look of complete astonishment. She'd told him this had been happening his fiance hadn't actually started producing in front of him yet. "There's so much," he said in a shocked tone. Yukiko was actually about to apology before she felt his hands slowly rub down her tummy. He began to kiss along her neck and shoulders as he did so. She could feel him grow harder inside of her and let out a gasp. "Y-you ahhh you like...this?"

"No," Yu moaned into her neck. Her breasts were starting to overflow his hands, her butt was starting to overflow his lap and soon her milk would overflow a bottle. "I love it. E-everything about you is m-maternal. Bountiful. God you're beautiful." He moved close to her ear so his breath tickled the inside of it. His hands wrapped around to her hips feeling their extra weight start to peek between his fingers. "Getting...you...pregnant...was...the...best...thing...I...ever...did." He made sure each word was punctuated by a deep thrust.

Yukiko could feel her eyes beginning to roll back into her head as a wave of absolute ecstasy hit her. As she went over the edge, a thought occurred to her. Yu had said he liked her praising him just as much as she loved this. As she cried out, she gained a little smirk. Yukiko turned her head towards his and continued riding him even after climaxing. "I p-pleasured myself to you."

She could hear him suck in air. He had been ready to finish himself but the fact that she still wanted to continue made him hold himself back. But then she said that. "W-wha Yuki huh?"

"T-that's right. Just thinking about you g-gripping me, whispering into my *ah* ear, brings me to nirvana." She gripped on to his bicep and purred. "This is much much better though. I feel soooo comf-comfortable like this." She leaned back as far as she could on to his chest. "In your embrace. My husband. Father of our child. Nothing makes me happier than your child inside me!"

He couldn't hang on for a single moment more. Luckily for his pride, Yukiko was always filled with utter bliss at the pleasure of being cummed inside. As soon as they were both finished, it suddenly hit Yu how sore his legs were. He slumped to the floor of the shower where Yukiko quickly joined him having a bit of difficulty squatting down on account of her condition. It was a little odd curling up together on the floor of a shower while the water soaked their bodies but honestly they didn't even notice.

"That was...wow," was all Yu could say. Yukiko had worked hard to give him probably the greatest climax he had ever felt. What had been planned as a quick little novelty turned into complete satisfaction of all their needs. "Yeah," Yukiko answered back. She reached over to turn off the water but was pinned in place by her belly falling back on her fatter butt. She felt a peck on her cheek and a pat on her back turning to see Yu smiling at her. He himself rose a bit unsteadily but he rose nevertheless. He then helped her to her feet. "I'd carry you out, but my legs are a little too sore for that hahaha."

"That's okay," she got out in a small voice. As they toweled off together she glanced over at him with a big smile. "Thanks um for what you said. About my er gushing I mean." She brought a hand down to the curve of her abdomen from her breasts marveling at the way she could bring her hand straight down from one to the other. The second hand hefted a melon while the first cupped her belly underneath gauging their respective sizes. "I feel so beautiful. A-and confident. And you make me feel that way and oh I just-" she interrupted her own rambling by smooshing herself into him and throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you," was what she eventually settled on.

She couldn't see it but Yu had a hot blush on his face, still thinking about what she said. He knew he was attractive, how could he not? But to be that pleasing to a woman, one he loved...

"I just look at you and the words come." Yukiko giggled gleefully at that. Gaining a happy blush she looked up at Yu. "Um since we're married er I mean about to be married and I'm carrying a child already, I think we can e-experiment a little. J-just every once in a while!" It would always be more fulfilling for the both of them to retire to their marriage bed and take pleasure in each other until they fell asleep in each others arms, but they could do it in a broom closet and it would still be satisfying. "We won't be able to make love for a while after you have the baby so I think it's a good idea to make the most of it now. I'll ask first next time." But a slender finger danced along his chest as she looked pensive. "Actually...I kind of like it when you're spontaneous...and I like to surprise you too so maybe w-we just...go with our feelings."

Yu kissed her bump again receiving a happy coo in return. "It's gotten us this far. Why stop now?" They made their way out of the bathroom where Yu sat down to stretch out his legs. Yukiko padded over to the dresser they now shared and began to dress herself while occasionally tossing Yu something to put on. "We should probably lay some ground rules. Like we can't let sex interfere with work or school."

Yu nodded. "Right. Absolutely. Never in public either."

"How much is average for a married couple I wonder? We shouldn't exceed that too much I think."

"Two times a week," Yu answered immediately. He had been curious as well. Yukiko nodded with determination. "Then that's what we'll do as well!" A slight hesitation crept into her voice. "Although that's brought down by people who don't love each other so the average is really more like three times."

"Right. Plus you're pregnant so for us it would probably be four times a week." She looked much happier now. "What counts as a 'time' anyway?"

"I think it means individual sessions so if we wanted to do it twice in one night that would still only be one."

Yukiko frowned as she put on her red casual dress. Her stomach was noticeable yes. A nice round bump right in the middle of the smooth red fabric but the dress hid most of it from view. Not even a single fabric crease was visible from her swell. As if reading her mind, Yu just smiled. "We'll be taking a picture since it's the last time we'll all be together for a while." She didn't quite understand what he was getting at until he made a frame with his fingers. "So then you can compare in a few months. In the same dress." The look of realization she gained made Yu laugh. "That's a great idea! Oh could we do that with all my clothes? Please please oh please, hubby!"

"Sure. But I don't think you'll be able to fit into some of them for much longer." A comment like that would probably get him slapped by any other girl he knew but Yukiko walked over to him and pecked him on the cheek. "Oh you're so sweet! Speaking of which, I kind of worked up an appetite. You think you could whip me up something while I work on the cake?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him and clasped her hands which he thought was ridiculous. Even putting aside some recently discovered proclivities that he had, he didn't need any convincing.

"Of course, but there's something I want to show you first." He gestured towards the last unpacked box that he had brought from the Dojima's. Curious, Yukiko brought it over and sat down next to him. Inside were a collection of stuffed dolls. Some of them looked very familiar as well. "Are these for the baby?" Immediately, Yukiko picked up one that looked somewhat like a scarecrow. "Well at first I got them because they were taunting me in the claw machine but after you told me you were pregnant, I thought they'd be perfect. What do you think?"

"I love them! They're all so adorable. I wish I had dolls like these." She made for a black snowman she saw. "Why'd you stop using this one? He was so cute! Look how happy he is!"

Yu shrugged. The real reason would probably make her sad and made him feel a bit like his father. "It's important to try new things." Suddenly Yukiko let out a gasp. "Do you have one of the skeleton with the wig and the trumpet? He was my favorite."

"Oh, you mean Trumpeter?"

The girl brought her hand to her mouth with a little "pft" of air. This was always how it started. "Ahahahahah -snrk- hahaha 'Trumpeter' ahahaha." Just when he thought she had settled down, she started up again even harder. "Are you pft hahaha are you going to name our son 'boy'? H-how hahaha how about 'male child' hahaha -snrk- ha"

"I'm not the one who names them!" he shouted almost defensively which made her laugh harder. She was gasping for breath and wiping tears from her eyes when Yu's phone rang. "It's my mother," he said completely perplexed. Yukiko urged him to answer and after a moment he did so. "Mother? Is something wrong?"

.......................................................................................................................................

There it was again. That pain in Mizui's heart that had been appearing whenever she talked to her son lately. It was true that phone calls should only happen if there was new information to share and she never called unless there was a reason to, but to hear him immediately assume she couldn't be calling for any other reason really...it really bothered her. She knew it was ridiculous but what if a time did come in the future where she wanted to check in on him just to see how he was doing? The fact that she knew he would be surprised by that was something she didn't know bothered her.

"N-nothing's the matter. I just wanted to update you on our plans. I spoke to your father and we have decided to discuss the arrangements of your marriage with the Amagi's." Yu put the phone on speaker since this information concerned his wife to be as well. "We'll be arriving in Inaba the 16th of April. Please inform your host family as soon as possible as the window in which we're able to be there is very short."

"Will you be staying with the Dojima's?"

There was a pause. "No, we will be staying in a hotel in Okina. I don't wish to impose on my brother more than I already have." Yu smirked but didn't make a sound. That sounded nice and clean but he knew the real reason was because they hadn't spoken in years. "I don't think he'd see it as imposing at all. In fact, I think he'd love to see you. And don't forget you promised Nanako."

"Well the hotel is already paid for so it's moot. Besides, your father believes we're going to be in and out of here in less than a day."

Yu grimaced. "He still thinks he can bribe the Amagi's huh?" making Yukiko let out a little gasp. "Yes. I've told him that it won't work out like he's expecting but he doesn't listen. He believes that you yourself will be the biggest obstacle. I take it you still haven't reconsidered?"

"How could I?" he said looking towards the photo he had framed. "Did you get her picture?" A small voice came out of the other end of the line. "Yes I did. She's very beautiful." Yu smirked at Yukiko looking even more lovely than she did when that picture was taken. Her mouth was dimpling a little bit from her embarrassed smile. "She really is, isn't she? And that's in a blue kimono. You should see her in her red one with flowers in her hair and the snow falling around her." He began playing with her black locks as he spoke while she curled up against him. "I wouldn't know anything about fashion," his mother replied, "you'll have to introduce me to her when I arrive. I'm sure she must be lovely to have you talking this way." And his mother sincerely meant that. God he sounded so happy. She had never taken her son for a romantic before. She had always thought he didn't much care to be around people, like herself. "How about I introduce you right now? Say hello Yukiko!"

Before Mizui could respond she heard a female voice come through the line. Even her voice was pretty!

"Hello. I hope to get to know you better in the coming months, Mrs. Narukami. Um thank you very much for raising Yu." A part of Yukiko wanted to call the woman "mom" but she didn't want to make things uncomfortable for the other woman. The woman's responses were awkward and clipped enough as it was. Actually there were a lot of things that Yukiko wanted to say to Mrs. Narukami that she was holding her tongue on. After all, it wasn't her place to lecture a woman whom she'd never met or even spoken to before. Besides, if she could look like an attractive daughter in law, maybe that could help smooth things over between Yu and his father.

"That's very nice of you to say dear. Yu has spoken quite highly of you." Mizui searched her mind desperately for some way to make small talk. This was the second time Yu had forced her to speak with someone who she wasn't entirely prepared to be open with. "You...resemble your mother greatly."

"Oh. Did you know my mother?"

"Yes. She was my kohai through high school. We never spoke much though. Although I always thought with her grades she would have been a great candidate for the student council but she was more interested in that drama club. Can't imagine why." Yukiko recalled her mother mentioning something like that once about how everyone was insistent to the point of discomfort about her joining their club. That had been back before the inn had been one of the only things keeping the town running, when it was just another of the many famous businesses of the area. "You were the student council president?" the heiress said in an astonished voice. Yu had never mentioned anything like that.

"Oh no. Vice president. I...don't really enjoy the spotlight." Mizui could actually feel herself relaxing as the conversation continued. This girl was incredibly polite and she could tell this 'Yukiko' was a bit awkward herself. Plus she seemed quite reserved, allowing the woman to ease into the conversation at her own pace.

It was a lot like talking to a new fresh faced secretary in the office.

"I'm not the biggest fan of the spotlight either. Especially not since Yu looks so good in it ahaha!" But of course there was the constant reminder that she was the girl her son was so sweet on. This made the nerves creep back in. Mizui didn't want to estrange herself from her son anymore than she already had, luckily it seemed they had some common ground. "I feel the same way about my husband. Are you enjoying your pregnancy." All of a sudden it was like talking to the little Nanako girl again. The once composed heiress gushed into the phone about how wonderful carrying her son's child was and how she couldn't wait to be a mother. "Yu has been the perfect husband! I feel like a princess!"

"It's true." Yu said and his mother could feel his smirk through the line. She also heard a slight *bap* as if someone lightly slapped something followed by a hushed "oh stop." It was enough to make the woman grimace a bit. Things were a bit too saccharine for her tastes. It was like she was really back in high school passing a lovey dovey couple in the hallway that broke things off not two months later. Maybe her husband was right and separation would do them some good. But that inevitable unpleasant conversation could wait. For now she'd just enjoy how she'd made a good first impression on someone so important to Yu. "Well it was nice speaking to you dear but I must be going. I'll see you again shortly. I'll call if anything changes with your father."

"Wait mother!"

"Yes? What is it?"

"I just wanted to say thank you. For making an effort I mean. I know this can't be easy for you."

She knew Yu wasn't trying to hurt her so much with his words. She knew that and yet it still stung greatly especially since he was right on the mark. Talking to her son shouldn't be this difficult, she shouldn't feel a pang of guilt every time he laughs. She was still trying to find some kind of fault.

Some kind of excuse to justify to herself that his relationship couldn't last this way. That it was just a diversion he'd grow bored of. That the way she raised him was perfectly fine and her husband was right about everything he said.

"Yu, when I get to Inaba, can we...talk? Privately. Just the two of us. I want to discuss some things." Yu was so caught off guard by this that he didn't even ask why she didn't just do it over the phone. "S-sure mother. Anytime."

"Thank you. I'll see you later...Yu," she whispered out as she slowly hung up the phone. Mizui allowed herself a small smile. It only made sense to speak to her son about this thing that had been eating at her mind. She literally would not be able to talk herself out of it. Plus she'd made a promise. She'd have no choice but to finally put this issue to bed.

"She seemed nice. Do you think she liked me?"

"She talked to you for more than five seconds. How could she not?" Yukiko happily blushed for probably the hundredth time in the past month. Even still she wasn't used to the wave of compliments constantly hitting her every day. "I hope we can be friends."

"Me too," Yu said sincerely. Suddenly they were interrupted by a grumbling from Yukiko's tummy. "Oh we need to get you fed. You must be starving."

"Yes I need to be fed. Being fed will nourish my baby, refill my milk. I can't be nice and fertile if I'm not being fed." Yukiko's thoughts distracted her momentarily before she shook her head. That was all absolutely correct but she was getting a really strong urge, like a shiver down her spine spurring her on. Her little man must be really hungry! "Could you make me something with beef? And maybe pork? Sorry for the trouble I'm just really craving it."

.......................................................................................................................................

Later that afternoon the two lovers set out for Dojima’s. Yu offered to carry the cake Yukiko had made. That way Yukiko could place her hands on top of her ever increasingly rounding belly. Yukiko always tried to make sure at least one hand was lovingly caressing her middle. In fact, if someone tried to hand her something that required her to use of her second hand, she would stare confused for a few moments. In her mind she would think, “Why are you handing this to me? Don’t you see I’ve got my hands full already?” Like her hand and stomach were attached by a rubber band, once she was able to, her hand would snap right back to “its proper place.” Yu wondered if all expectant mothers’ hands were magnetized to their belly this way.

Partway through the trip, Yu couldn’t help but notice Yukiko struggling a bit. “You holding up okay Yuki?” Yukiko tried to wave him off, “Whew! I’m fine. I just don’t remember the walk to Dojima’s being this intense. I feel like when I have to climb the stairs at school!”

“Wishing we took one of the scooters?” Yu asked. Yukiko gave Yu a playful shove, “You know why we couldn’t do that. We couldn’t risk messing up the cake! Besides…” Yukiko looked down at her swollen tummy, “…you need a helmet to ride one of those things and one of us can’t wear one yet!”

Yu thought they could have managed if they had puttered around on his scooter at decreased speed, but he knew Yukiko wouldn’t budge when it came to the potential safety of their son. Better safe than sorry. Now that he thought about it some more, with her belly sticking out more prominently now, having them both on the scooter at once would be a tad difficult, and even if he had her on the scooter and him walking next to her, steering could be an issue.

Yu got down low and gave her belly a pat, “Of course, wouldn’t want anything to happen to you little guy.”

Yukiko was elated when she felt their son move almost in response, like he knew his father was speaking to him.

Yu heard the rumbling of Yukiko’s tummy when she caught the intoxicating aroma of Souzai Daigaku. She got embarrassed when she realized Yu had heard but he just laughed and walked up to the counter. There would be plenty of food at the party, but he couldn’t resist doting on his baby mama. A small snack now wouldn’t hurt. She was surprised when Yu tried to give her both of the steak skewers he bought. “One for you and one for him,” he said while pointing to her maternal swell.

Yukiko didn’t even try to protest the fact that both would be ending up inside her anyway. Of course, she asked if he could hold one for the time being, so she could have her belly rubbing hand free. He kept it to himself, but Yu wouldn’t have minded a portion of savory skewers “sticking around” and “clinging” to Yukiko’s frame. He even found himself licking his lips at the possibility of the skewers causing Yukiko’s red dress to lift higher and exposing more of her luscious and thick, milky white thighs. Even if it was only a quarter of a fraction more. She wasn’t exactly waddling yet, but her hips did have a more exaggerated swaying arc to them that Yu could only describe with one word, enticing.

“Pew! What a workout.” Yukiko shouted while wiping her forehead. They had finally arrived and to Yukiko’s credit, they didn’t need to stop once. However, Yu knew if she continued to grow like she had been, stopping to let Yukiko take a breather would be inevitable.

The minute they walked through the door Yu went to the kitchen to fetch the still lightly panting Yukiko a glass of water. Not a second after, they both could hear the pitter-patter of small bare feet storming down the hall.

“Nanako-chan!” Yukiko said with her arms outstretched for a hug. Yet, she froze when she saw the expression on Nanako who was fast approaching her. She looked deadly serious! Without saying a word, Nanako stopped right in front of Yukiko and placed both hands on Yukiko’s stomach. “OH!” she yelped out in surprise from the sudden attack on her belly.

“Nanako-chan?” Yukiko whispered, a little worry in her voice. Nanako stood there, unmoving, her eyes staring intently. Yukiko gulped, Nanako’s small hands made the expanse of her pale dome seem even more vast. Yu was about to step in when his cousin’s face softened, and her stern scowl turned into a dejected frown. “Is still can’t feel anything…”

Yukiko felt bad for the girl. She was really wanted to feel the baby kick! Yukiko pulled Nanako as close to her as her belly would allow. Stroking her head she said in a calm voice, “There, there. I promise it will happen soon. I just have to help him build up a little more strength is all.” Yukiko continued to stroke her head and Nanako’s frown slowly morphed into smile. Gripping the front of Yukiko’s dress, Nanako nuzzled her face against Yukiko’s midsection causing her to blush. Nanako felt such contentment, felt so comfortable, for a moment it looked like she would fall asleep. Before she could, Nanako snapped out of her daze and shook free of Yukiko. With a laugh Nanako said, “Haha! You already talk and act like a mom.”

With a vigor that was almost scary, Yukiko grabbed Nanako by the shoulders and squatted down to Nanako’s level as best she could, “Do you really mean that Nanako!?!?” Nanako nodded, “Yeah! Making you feel good and safe is what a mom does right?” Nanako had been on the verge of tears moments before but now Yukiko felt like she could cry, but for different reasons. Hearing someone like Nanako say that hit her right in the heart.

Yukiko yanked Nanako toward her into an embrace, drowning her in her bosom. “You don’t know how much it means to me to hear you say that!” Yu thought he better save his cousin. From the looks of it, their son better like hugs because his mother was going to squeeze the life out of him whenever she could. He tapped Yukiko on her shoulder. “Your water.”

“Oh, thanks hubby!” She released the now disoriented Nanako and downed the glass of water in one go. That walk may have been more taxing then she let on! Yukiko handed Yu the glass, “Nanako here was just telling me how much of a good mom she thinks I’ll be.” Yu smiled back at the beaming Yukiko, “I heard, that was very sweet of her. But, what do you mean by how good a mom you’ll “be?”” Yukiko shot her hubby a confused look. “Your already taking care of and looking after our son,” he turned to Nanako, “sounds to me like she is already a mom doesn’t it?” Nanako nodded her head and agreement, “Yeah!” Yukiko clasped her hands in front of her face. To hear her husband and “Lil Sis,” two peoples who opinion she valued greatly, say that, she thought she really was going to cry this time!

One by one their friends all started to show up at the house with the last two to arrive, Rise and Kanji, arriving at the same time given the closeness of where they lived. The friends mingled for a time. They asked Nanako how school had been. She had a lot of catching up to do because of her stay in the hospital. They talked about Naoto’s next case and Rise’s coming reemergence into show business, but everyone asking these things almost felt like a courtesy. As peer usual, there was really only one thing people wanted to discuss, the guests of honor included.

“Rise. This is supposed to be a party for you and Naoto. I don’t think it’s right for me to be getting all this attention!” Yukiko said as the red head continued to rub her pregnant side.

“Nonsense! Going back to idol work is no big deal, I’ve done it before. Plus, it’s not like we will be gone long! Me and Naoto-kun will be back here for Golden Week and I made sure that my entire schedule was free from when it’ time for this little guy to be born! Isn’t that right Naoto?”

The blue hair detective gave the affirmative. “I’ll be there.” Usually Naoto wasn’t really one for girl talk and would break off to converse with the boys but lately she found herself quietly observing the girl’s constant baby craze. While Rise had a hand on Yukiko’s left side, Chie had the right. “So have you thought of a name yet? What about Tatsuo? It’s the name of this really cool kung fu master I saw videos on the internet of! Your baby will grow up strong and tough for sure!”

Yukiko tried to be as polite as possible, “We will take it into consideration…” Her and Yu did try and think of a name, but it proved to be a difficult task. They decided it was best to just trust her father. When he’s born, they’ll know.

Yukiko and the baby was the main topics of discussion for the boys as well. “Senpai, now that I know it’s a boy, I have a few stuffed animals I made that I want to run by you.” Yu had to ask, “How many did you make?”

“Oh, nothing major. Maybe around ten? I just want to know which ones you’d think he like best.” The way he said it made it sound like he had actually made around twenty. Since hearing about this baby, Kanji had the tendency to go overboard. Between these stuffed animals and helping out with Yukiko’s wardrobe his fingers were going to fall off! He really needed to have a talk with him.

Teddie wanted to steer the conversation into a direction that was more risqué. “So, I overheard you and Yukiko are sharing a room now. Got any stories to tell?” Yu’s face grew beet red when the memory of there time in the shower flashed in his mind.

“Idiot!” Yosuke shouted while giving Teddie a good smack. Whispering, Yosuke added, “Don’t talk about things like that when Nanako is around. What if she hears?” In a rare instance, because it involved Nanako, Teddie admitted his mistake, “Oh Sorry! Your right, Nana-chan is much too young to hear things like that!” Teddie leaned in towards Yu, “You’ll have to tell me later.”

Soon everyone grew hungry, so Yosuke and Yu brought out what everyone was waiting for, the hot pot. They two boys had barely set the table and they could already feel everyone gearing up for a fight for their favorite foodstuffs. When Yosuke and Yu sat down, everyone raised their chop-sticks into a battle position before Yosuke spoke up, “Hold your horses you animals!” He pointed over to Nanako seated between Teddie and Yu. Everyone else understood. A little girl like her would never survive! To make sure she got what she wanted, she was given firsts dibs and a plate to collect what she was going to eat.

Once she got settled, it was a free for all. Hands were slapped, fingers were jammed, and chop-sticks were shattered. Rise and Naoto themselves were able to avoid most of the carnage, instead going more for the less sought after vegetables, but for everyone else it was a bloodbath.

“Man Chie, you did it again! I barely got any meat!” Chie scoffed, “Don’t look at me! I got just as much as you did!” She turned to her best friend who was still chewing on a piece of tofu. Not being much of a meat eater, Yukiko would actually help Chie out and slip her some of her meat whenever they had hot pot, but not this time. “Sorry, the baby is just craving it so much.” Chie frowned, “I think I liked it better when you were on my side…” Yukiko did feel bad about hogging most of it, but her son DID come first. She wasn’t the only one to blame too! Yu grabbed just as much. It just so happened that he secretly fed most of what he got to her.

Yu tried to calm the two down, “Relax guys we still have the cake.” Yukiko’s ears perked up at the mention of her cake, “Oh, oh, I’ll get it!” Because of her eagerness Yukiko got up fast. That wouldn’t have been a problem if she didn’t currently have a baby on board and after turning quickly once she got up, she ended up wacking Yu with her heftier rear. “AH! Sorry!” she said, lurching forward. This motion caused her belly bump to brush the back of Naoto’s head, knocking off her hat and causing it to fall into some leftover sweet sauce.

Yukiko stumbled back again and threatened to come crashing back down on Yu if not for Chie and Yosuke being able to grab her before she did. “Woah Yukiko! Woah!” Yu blinked rapidly, his face coming dangerously close from a head on collision with Yukiko’s fatter behind. “Oh no! Your hat!” Yukiko lamented when she got her balance back. Naoto assured her it was fine. “It’s just a stain, I can always get a new hat. What you have is much more precious. Are you and the baby okay?”

After everyone calmed down Yukiko went and got the cake, but she still felt a little bad about wrecking Naoto’s hat. Everyone clapped when she brought her creation out except Yu. There was just something about his Yukiko, heavy with child, carry a cake she made herself that took his breath away. She looked even more like a lovely wife and mother in that instance.

Yu started to cut the cake when Rise expressed her gratitude, “Oh Senpai! Making a cake for us! You shouldn’t have.” Yu smirked, “That’s nice of you to say, but I didn’t make this.” He pulled out the first slice to reveal the spongey interior to be dyed a jet black color, squid ink. Everyone’s face turned to horror. “Dude, please tell me that’s really dark chocolate,” Yosuke said.

Yu passed everyone a slice, and then told them to dig in. The group was understandably hesitant, all except Nanako. Biting into the strange looking cake, her eyes lit up. “It’s good!” Yukiko was able to breath easier after she heard Nanako say that. She really took all the tips she learned from Yu to heart and made this cake without any input from him. She was glad it turned out okay.

Seeing Nanako enjoying it Chie took a bite as well, “Hey this is good! Great even.” Everyone else started eating and offered similar praise. “To think what you used to make was borderline inedible at times, you really improved.” Naoto said in awe. Yosuke peered across the table, “Looks like you’re now undeniably the worst cook here Chie.”

“Say that to my face, dork!” she spat back. Yu himself was enjoying his own slice which was almost as big as Yukiko’s. There was no way he was going to neglect taking part in enjoying his wife’s cooking. It meant so much to her that her cooking improved so that she could make a meal for her family once in a while. He was overjoyed that she was seeing the fruits of that labor. The two’s eyes met, and he smiled at her, but he got a reaction he did not expect.

"Pfff Ahahahaha! Your lips -snrk-, and your teeth! Ahahahahahahahahhaha!"

Yu looked around and notice that everyone’s lips were becoming stained with a faded black color from the ink. Everyone was quick to cover their mouths once they realized what was happing while Yukiko continued to go into hysterics. Nanako couldn’t help but laugh as well, and soon, everyone couldn’t help but let out at least a small chuckle.

It was starting to get late and with the party winding down everyone was starting to pack it in. “Don’t forget senpai, the train leaves tomorrow at 10 am.” Yu nodded and affirmed to Rise that they would be there to see Naoto and Rise off. Kanji was standing off to the side and he couldn’t help but notice how “fidgety,” he was acting. Yu knew why. Naoto was leaving tomorrow, and he hadn’t had talk to her once the entire party. Yu walked over to give him a little push.

“You should say something.” Yu whispered. Kanji immediately became flustered. “What!? I uh I mean what are you talking about! What's the point? She said she’ll be back…” Yu placed his hand on Kanji’s shoulder. “It might not seem like a long time, but a lot can happen in that time period. You should say something to her now, so you stay fresh in her mind while she’s gone.” Kanji tensed up, he might not have completely understood what Yu meant, but he knew Yu was trying to help. He did know best about these things, so if he said he should talk to her he probably should.”

With his typical crass attitude, Kanji marched over to blue-haired detective. “Hey Naoto! Let me see that hat of yours.” “Kanji?” Naoto stuttered out when she turned around to see him towering over her. Before she had a chance to say what for, he had snatched the hat out of her hands. After inspecting it for a moment, Kanji smirked, “Oh yeah. This is nothing. I can get this stain out for you.”

“It’s fine Kanji, It’s already late and I’m leaving tomorrow. I don’t want to cause you any trouble…” Kanji assured her it was no trouble at all, “I can sort this out in no time at all. I mean you wear this hat all the time, don’t you? I’ll give it to you tomorrow before you leave.” Naoto could tell Kanji wasn’t going to let up, “Okay, if you’re up to it…”

Before she left, spoke one more, although it was more like shouting.

“Uh Wait! Listen...I uh…If your ever need anything else patched up or anything custom made…I umm…I dunno…yo-yo-you can always swing by the shop anytime.”

Naoto wasn’t really sure what brought this on, but she expressed her gratitude nonetheless, “Umm…thank you Kanji.” She didn’t really know what to say so she did the only thing she could think of and offered him the same, “If you ever need something from me you can come by my apartment though I don’t really see why you’d need to…” His approach might have been all wrong and he still had trouble controlling his voice sometimes, but Yu thought Kanji did alright, all things considered.

When Naoto left, Rise slapped Kanji on the back, “Awww how sweet! I think you’ll make a cute couple!” “Hey! Sh-sh-shut the hell up!” “KANJI-KUN!” Yukiko snarled while pointing at her midsection. “Oh…uh…sorry… wait! Can he really hear me?”

Yu and Yukiko stuck around until Dojima got home, one part to keep Nanako company and another part to give him a heads up on Yu’s parents’ visit. Dojima wasn’t really sure what to expect from their visit. He had really spoken to his sister at all except for her recent phone call and the phone call that sent Yu here in the first place, and he never got a handle on her husband. He only met him a few times and kept to himself. Dojima remembered anytime tried to strike up a conversation with him he got the sense that he didn’t want to be there. He knew though that there would be a fight if they tried to take Yu away. He thanked the two for keeping Nanako company, and with that, the two began the trek back to the Inn. The walk back was more “uphill” than their walk earlier in the day. Yu hoped Yukiko could manage…

.......................................................................................................................................

And manage she did. Even with a bulging pregnant gut filled with hot pot and cake she was able to leisurely walk her way up the mountain, although she did have to pull out her fan part of the way up. She let out a little puff of air and began fluttering it rapidly in front of her face. "*Whew* I t-thought because I made this trip almost everyday, I wouldn't have any trouble." It would be a long time before she wouldn't be able to make the walk on her own but even then she'd still have her reliable husband by her side. The husband in question lent her his arm which she gladly took. She didn't actually need it, but she'd never give up a chance to nuzzle if she could. Especially since she knew how much he liked it. "It's because you're full. You ate quite a bit at Dojima's." He gave her a gentle peck on the cheek after he said this; it was almost like him giving her a big thumbs up in her mind.

He was correct though. She remembered carrying her overfilled stomach up the mountain path after her Aiya outing with Chie and how hot and breathy she was afterwards. She had loved it. And she was loving this now. In fact, she was feeling even better since she was filled to the brim with her and Yu's cooking. The little guy was moving around a lot more than he was a few weeks ago and even now when she felt sluggish and lazy, he was energetic and active. It was enough to give her a little boost. "You like our cooking sweetie?" Yu knew without even looking she was talking to her stomach. Her voice gained a slight tilt to it whenever she was.

She felt another little movement inside her belly which made her giggle. "Good. Because I'm going to get better and better! And you're going to be my little helper. Yes you are." Suddenly she felt a tickling sensation on the center of her tummy which made her double over in giggles. She looked up to see Yu grinning at her. "I wanted to say hello." Her pout softened and she smiled again biting her lip a bit. "He says hi back."

Yu's teasing smirk left his face completely, replaced only with a look of genuine astonishment. "Really?" It was like dealing with Nanako all over again with the sudden placement of hands on her belly. "Feel anything?"

Yukiko thought he was adorable like this. His face was scrunched up in concentration just like his little cousin's. It was enough to make her lightly titter. He had just been so giddy recently, like a kid in a candy store. "Yep. He really only moves around when you touch it though." Yu actually cracked a smile at that. "I like to imagine he's reaching out his tiny little hand but that's just my imagination." She expected some light ribbing from her hubby at her silliness but what she got instead was an honest to god gasp. "That's...that's a beautiful thought Yuki." He placed his hand right on the top of her bump, he and his wife taking joy in the fact he could do such a thing now. "I think you just made my night." His trademark easy smile returned to his face.

Suddenly, Yukiko had an idea. "Would you...like to rub lotion on my belly? I usually do it myself but I was thinking I could tell you how the baby moves when you touch it."

"I'd really like that."

The pair walked slowly together in silence, holding hands swinging back and forth and smiling. Eventually, Yu broke the silence. "You know what I like to imagine?" An affirmative little mumble was his cue to continue. "I like to imagine you standing in the kitchen, our children would come down to get ready for school and there you'd be, with packed lunches in both hands with a big smile on your face." She peered up at him with her shimmering warm chocolate eyes. "And you know what? It's not hard to imagine. It gets easier every day. My lovely wife."

She had been moving to cover his face with kisses for his comments but he had chosen to go in for a kiss also. They met somewhere in the middle. It was all thanks to him, Yukiko reflected. Such a future was within her reach because of Yu.

These feelings were compounded the next day. Rise made great sadness at having to depart from her beloved senpai and wrapped her arms around him in the third "last hug" of the morning. Yukiko wasn't the jealous type but she did take a bit of pleasure in just how different this hug was from the ones he gave her. He wore an expression of mild bemusement at Rise's theatrics and kept his hands around her upper back. He gave the idol a friendly little pat on the back as if to say "chin up" and it was over as quickly as it began.

When he would hug her, he'd pull her close until there was no space between the two lovers. One hand would wrap around her waist and the other her neck pressing her against his chest. A friendly pat would instead be a gentle caress along her back and, if they were alone, his hands would start to go lower and his face would get closer to where she could see bright joy in his normally cold grey eyes. And then, he'd smile at her. Not a smirk, a full toothed smile that reached his eyes.

"I'm sorry to ask this of you senpai but would it be possible for me to consult with you from time to time? I know you're busy but you have a unique way of thinking about things that has been very helpful to me."

"No trouble at all. Just...try to call during lunch if you can."

Naoto was never one for hugs but a firm handshake was exchanged between the two. Out of the corner of his eye, Yu caught his wife staring at him. Her usual idle position had to be adjusted a bit. Usually she'd stand with one foot propped up with her hands behind her back, pushing her chest out slightly. Her hands had moved to her front and she no longer had any need to arch her back in the slightest. The weight of her tummy did that for her. She looked at her husband with a deep sense of admiration. When he caught her starring, a blush dusted her cheeks but she didn't look away. Early on, Yukiko often wondered to herself "why her?" and not Rise or Chie or especially Naoto.

She had never actually asked him but as their relationship progressed, she realized she didn't really need to. As Nanako and Dojima said their own goodbyes to Rise and Naoto respectively, Yu walked back over to his lovely wife and wrapped his arm around her. No, she reflected, the reason wasn't important. Whatever it was, she was just...happy. As the train began to move, the remaining members of the Investigation Team plus Nanako all nodded to each other. This is what they had prepared for.

"Well I'm glad we got a whole train ride together Naoto, I have some lyrics I wanted to-"
The detective held up a hand. "Wait. Rise look." The two girls peered out the window to see their friends running after the train along the platform.

"You'll always be our friends forever," they heard Teddie shout.

"You girls better shoot for the stars you got that!? Else there'll be hell to pay when you get back!"

"I'll always treasure our time together!"

"Remember, distance doesn't matter to us! No matter how far apart we are we're still friends!"

The train was just starting to pick up real speed and Yukiko and Nanako were falling behind. Yukiko in particular was sucking in air far too heavily to get a word in and her boots certainly didn't help her slight pregnant gait break into a run. Suddenly the two girls felt a strong grip on their arms. They felt themselves pulled along with a great strength that felt like they were gliding effortlessly over the ground. Yu just looked back and smiled at the two and they beamed back at him.

"Do your best! I'll be cheering you both on!" the younger of the two girls shouted out.

"Y-you're *whew* two beautiful young ladies! Remember that all of us love you!"

"Until next time," was all their beloved senpai said with a grin.

"Goodbye!" Their friends all said in unison as the train finally pulled away from the station. Rise was openly weeping and Naoto had her hat covering her eyes. Loneliness was nothing but a distant memory.

Dojima shook his head at the whole display. Most of the kids actually weren't doubled over in exhaustion except for the Tatsumi boy, his own daughter, and Yukiko. Yu gently ran his hand down her back and whispered something into her ear that made her giggle. Nanako hadn't let go of his hand or stopped smiling the entire time from what Dojima could see. Every single one of them looked happy. So happy that it wasn't Yu on that train.

"It would be a damn shame to ruin that," the man mumbled to himself. He didn't know how much he could really help going forward, but he'd be sure to do what he could.

.......................................................................................................................................

"Oooooh mama's not made for sprinting." Yukiko leaned her head back as far as it would go and breathed deeply through her nose. Yu was currently running his thumbs down the arch of her foot and it felt amazing. "Those boots probably didn't help. I'll need to get you some flatter footwear. Everything you own is raised."

Yukiko let out a little pout. "But it's your birthday coming up." She suddenly sucked in air again when Yu put the knuckle of his index finger into the near the ball of one of her feet, slowly twisting it as he did so. "Oh Yuuuu. Where did you learn to do this?" She was fully in relaxation mode right now. Her bra had been discarded to the corner of the room and her chest rested fatly and openly on the top of her belly. No vice like grip of fabric stymied their need to bulge out as noticeably as possible. The constant arching of her back as Yu worked masterfully on her pressure points only added to their presence. She was sitting in a wooden chair but it was as Yu said. Her padded bottom proved to be quite comfortable no matter where she was sitting. In order to get permission to do this in the middle of the day, they needed to promise Yukiko had to be sitting up and they had to be back and ready to work in an hour. Yukina had rolled her eyes when Yukiko asked for a foot massage but relented under those conditions. It would be necessary after all

Yu had knelt down on the ground to get started when he saw Yukiko slowly begin to pull off her dress. When she caught him staring, she bit her lip and gave him a mischievous smile. "We need to change into our work uniforms hubby. But oh dear I'm just far too sore to walk over to the dresser. Do you think you could do something about that? Pretty please?" And now here they were. Her belly was getting to the point that her slightly raised thigh brushed up against it's bottom sending a pleasant tingling throughout it's surface and she stifled yet another moan as Yu's pressing moved lower and lower.

"I taught myself." He said it as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She couldn't even begin to imagine how he would have practiced this. "And don't worry about that, I love buying you things. Especially if it helps you relax." Even through her pleasure filled mental state, Yukiko noticed he didn't mention anything about his birthday. Now that she though about it, he hadn't mentioned it all after her initially asking him what day it was. Did he really not expect anything?

If only she could ask him what he wanted but that would be cheating! As his wife, she should know exactly what it is he wanted without having to ask. Besides, he'd probably just say "I'll love anything you get me Yuki," and then he'd smile and make her a delicious meal or give her a back massage or a myriad of other things. She already had half of his present planned out and she was pretty sure he would love it based on how proud he was of her cooking progress, but she also wanted to get him something more permanent. Something that wouldn't be gone after the birthday ended. But what did he want?

Her thoughts were interrupted again as he gently took her foot between his two hands and made gentle circles around the sides using only a tiny amount of pressure. She actually let out a gentle hum at that which made Yu smirk. "Listen to you purr. Want to make this a daily thing?"

Yukiko paused in thought but eventually shook her head. "No. Not until I get further along. I don't want to get too pampered ahahahooooo." Yu had begun to make a small back and forth motion at the top of her foot near her cute little toes which she wiggled in delight. "No such thing. But I see your point. I don't think you'll be doing too much running around anyway." The lovely girl nodded happily. "Yep. I'll try to avoid running if I can oooh. I don't think a mother mmm should be rushing around town in a panic. I want my baby to be calm and aah soothed. Mothers should be relaxed and composed don't you think so, Yu?"

"I agree. I know I'd have trouble relaxing if someone was moving about all over the place. You're absolutely right." He began to slowly whisper to her as she closed her eyes and leaned back into her chair, her generous middle comfortably cupped by a slender hand. "No running after trains. Instead you leisurely walk through the garden with our son in your belly, umbrella gracefully perched over your shoulder taking in the relaxing spring time air as the cherry blossoms fall." He had begun the finishing strokes as he whispered gently twisting his hands on the sides of her foot, quickly at first but then slowly and growing ever slower as his voice lowered to barely a murmur. "Mmmm" she mewled out.

"You'll move about the kitchen with the easy grace of a professional. Relaxed and completely in control. Our son will see the easy smile on your face and know he's in for a treat. He'll have no trouble falling asleep in your arms as he slowly whispers 'mama' into your warm chest, made all the more comforting by your calm steadied heartbeat." At Yu's uttering of the word 'mama' Yukiko could feel her breasts trying desperately to pump out more milk. The image had been so vivid in her mind that she could almost feel him in her arms. Yu at last retracted his hands from her right foot ever so gently and moved them to the other.

"I'll definitely need to practice. I still feel like an overly energetic school girl sometimes. From now on, this mama's going to take things nice and slow like a graceful woman should be." Yu chuckled to himself. "You know, I already have trouble imagining you moving much faster than a walk. You've always had a womanly grace about you. Much more suited to slow methodical steps, it's just how you're meant to be in my mind."

"Ahahaha thank you. I can't wait to live up to your expectations of me! I'll be sure to leave all the roughhousing to his father."

Yu immediately lifted his head up with a bright grin. "Oh for sure. I can't wait to take him to the basketball court. But then again, he might prefer fishing. I hope he likes fishing. We could just sit out by the river for hours and bond." He interrupted his massage to give her tummy a smooch looking at her expectantly. Yukiko held up a finger and then clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh he moved! I think he's just as excited as you are!" It struck Yukiko then. What do you get for someone like her husband? Someone who's happiness stems from the joy of others and the bonds he shares with them. She didn't quite know for sure, but she had a pretty good idea.

As he reached the halfway point of her second foot, the heiress took notice of something. "Oh my, Yu! You're um member is standing at attention! I need to take care of that right away!" To Yu's astonishment, she wrapped her bare feet around his shaft without a second's hesitation. They didn't have enough time to do it properly but that didn't mean she could neglect her duties entirely! "T-that's okay don't about it. Besides I need to finish your massaaaahh" he was cut off as she began to rub up and down. The oil from the massage only enhanced the sensation.

"Shhh it's okay. Let me please you...my husband. I want to see that I'm doing a good job. So please don't hold back when you finish!" Yu decided to let this one go.

.......................................................................................................................................

"I'm home."

Yu wasn't actually expecting a response but he was certainly hoping for one. Maybe at least one of his parents had reconsidered and decided to take one hour off of work. But only the cold silence of the apartment greeted him. Not even a member of the cleaning service was there. "I'm home" was actually not even correct because it wasn't his home. It was just a temporary apartment his parents had rented for their work in this city. They had already boarded their flight to America and had left it to Yu to close up. But he had wanted to do one last thing in this apartment he had spent a year of his life in.

Yu sighed as he sat down on the couch. Honestly he was just being selfish again. His parents were unbelievably busy and it was only his 17th birthday. He didn't need to give them something else to occupy their time. As their son, his job was to ensure they could trust everything to him so they could focus on their work. And that's exactly what he'd do in Inaba.

His parents had informed him he would be staying with his uncle and cousin for the next year of his life. He would go and perform as expected just as he always did before he inevitably had to leave again. "When I return from America, I'll be taking a more personal role in your education. So just try and get through this year without incident. Although I'll admit, I don't think I have to worry about that anymore." His father had given him a very rare smile but Yu couldn't return it merely responding with a hollow thank you. But he hadn't been able to figure out why. He'd finally proved himself to his parents, or at least he would have after one more year out in the country. So why couldn't he muster up any excitement?

The answer came to him sitting alone in that grey empty apartment with a small store bough cupcake placed on the table in front of him. A single thought broke through the usual dull malaise. "I hate this."

Suddenly it all made sense to him. Why he intentionally limited himself in his school work, why his future seemed like a never ending stretch of dull fog, and most importantly why the rails his parents had planted for him seemed so chaffing as of late. He didn't begrudge his parents, at least not for trying to plan out his future. They were just doing what they thought was best, but he knew deep in his heart that he didn't want to be like them and the way things were going that's how it would be.

Moving from place to place almost yearly forced him to keep a distance from the people around him. Why get to know people you're just going to say goodbye to after a year? That's always what he told himself and it was partially the truth. He wasn't incapable of socialization, the kids in his class had made great sadness at his departure after all but that wasn't due to any deep emotional connection with him. It was because he was the handy man, he'd do whatever it was you asked but he never talked about himself or asked any further about you than basic pleasantries. Just like his parents and just like their associates. All in all he was the prodigal son and fully expected to follow in their footsteps as an influential executive.

He blew out his candle and looked up to the ceiling and sighed again. Even if he had the ability to escape his expected destiny, how could he? He had an obligation to his parents, he couldn't just abandon it, right? He owed it to them to put himself in a life where he never had time for friends and if he somehow had a family, he'd never get to see them either. He'd go out with coworkers to a bar in the rare instances he had free time, but not on his track to an executive position. Time could be better spent cozying up to the boss, higher and higher until you were at the top of the heap. Stuck in a life he didn't want with no other options in sight. In accordance with his future, he had nothing outside of work.

"I wish I could start over somewhere. Anywhere as long as it's not here." He chuckled to himself. He had no trouble admitting that but it's not like it did much good. The only change you could count on was the change you made yourself, one of the few of his father's pearls of wisdom he wholeheartedly agreed with. And no matter where he went, he'd still be alone. It's not like moving would suddenly change his difficulties in connecting with others.

He'd see the other kids talking and laughing and just walk right by. Sometimes they'd invite him to sit down and chat but that was rare and usually only if they wanted something. What was the point, after all? More than that though, how would he even begin? Did he just talk to them? Would they think he was coming on too strong and be freaked out? He had to admit he could be a bit intimidating with his height and piercing silver eyes. He had tried to love his parents with all of his heart but they had made it clear they didn't appreciate such efforts. "Not right now, Yu" and "did you finish your lessons?" were two very common phrases throughout his childhood followed by a sigh and them turning back to their work. Or leaving the building entirely. And those were his own parents. Why would strangers be any more willing knowing he would only be with them for a year? Maybe the mature thing to do would be to get used to birthdays like this. He threw the small cake in the garbage. On further reflection he wasn't feeling all that hungry.

These thoughts played in his head his entire first day. He greeted his uncle and cousin cordially to the point where Dojima told him he didn't have to be so formal. The first chink in his armor appeared with one simple phrase. His uncle had gotten a phone call and had to head out telling Nanako to take care of things there. Everything was normal until his younger cousin spoke up in a small sad voice. "Okay..." as if she was perfectly used to it and just starting to hate that she was.

Yu wanted to reach out to this small child. To tell her that he knew and understood what she was going through but couldn't find the words. In that instance, he understood exactly how his mother must have felt trying to interact with him. He had no idea how to even begin relating to this girl, instead choosing to retire to his room early.

The very next day he was greeted by a wall of pure spunk and enthusiasm. It was honestly a little off putting at first but he tried to not let that show on his face. Gradually, he began to relax. The girl in green was just so genuinely happy to try and make a new friend like a big dumb puppy dog. He kept his own responses measured as always but she didn't give up, promising to keep tabs on him. He knew he was the new boy from the city but no one had ever been quite this enthusiastic about potentially being friends with him before. Is this how they were out in the country. He kind of...liked it.

It certainly helped that her friend in red was probably the prettiest girl he'd ever seen in his life. It was immediately evident who the more outgoing of the two was and in fact the black haired girl acted similarly to himself. Polite but distant. He hoped he wasn't staring too much but she didn't seem to notice. It was probably just him stroking his ego but he swore he saw her eyeing him up too. The short haired girl seemed to delight in making them both flustered. First asking the transfer student if he thought her friend was cute and then teasing said friend about her popularity with the boys. He had remained stoic but he couldn't say the same for the Amagi girl. Their pleasant revelry had been interrupted by the shocking sight of a murder but it had given Yu something to think about. He had someone being this friendly to him before even knowing anything about him. It came so easily to people like her but for people like him, Nanako, the Amagi girl, and his mother, it wasn't quite so easy.

But maybe...that was okay. He had a whole year to learn after all. And maybe as he learned he could teach the others that it's not as bad as they were all thinking. His mind got to work. If he thought of it as practice to help himself help others it suddenly became much easier. Yeah he might screw up but that's what learning is all about. It was this thought that caused him to help up the boy he had previously ignored yesterday. If building relationships didn't matter because they were all going to end after a year, then he had nothing to worry about. He had been given a golden opportunity and he'd be a fool to ignore it. What surprised him though was the boy he helped up immediately inviting him out to lunch with the girl from yesterday begging to come with. Her gorgeous friend was busy, but that was okay. The way the pair bantered off of each other was far too interesting for him to ignore.

That steak invitation set in motion a series of events that firmly solidified bonds that would never fade. It was convenient that in order to become more powerful and fulfill some sort of "contract" he needed to do what he was planning on doing anyway but a little extra push to get off of his self pitying ass never hurt. Awakening his Persona had been like a rush of pure energy that had broken its way through the last of the dull grey silence that had been his life up to this point. He had a purpose and the power with which to fulfill it and to top it all off it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

His calm composure in the face of extreme danger had been a comfort for his two new allies as they explored the TV World immediately appointed leader or "sensei" as the bear liked to call him. If it was a leader that they needed, then a leader he would be. If there was a killer, they would catch him and bring him to justice and Yu would make sure to do whatever needed to be done to make that happen. For the first time, he had something to fight for.

"Oh hello."

He was brought out of his positive reflection by one Yukiko Amagi, sitting by her lonesome on a bench on the floodplain. She beckoned him over much to his surprise. "Um...are you getting used to your new town and school?" They made small talk about his time spent in the town. She was quite a pleasant conversation partner, focusing on his circumstances and how he was doing. A bit awkward and hesitant but their was a kindness there too. Especially when she started talking about Chie and how much the tomboy meant to her. Yu, an almost total stranger, could feel Yukiko's deep love for her friend.

It was like the girl was trying to imitate her friend, to let the new transfer student know she was trying her very best to be friendly. He just smiled back and answered her questions, letting her know she was doing a good job of making him feel welcomed, which seemed to relax her a bit. He was honestly extremely impressed. Here was this girl who obviously wasn't the most sociable gal in the world, trying to establish at least a small connection with a friend of a friend.

"She doesn't even need to fight a giant frog to motivate her," Yu reprimanded himself in his head. Eventually, their conversation had to come to an end. "The inn can't function without me right now," she had told him.

There. That slight reluctance in her voice. He had caught it days ago when Chie had been talking about Yukiko's destiny to inherit the Amagi Inn. Not even Chie seemed to have noticed it, but Yu did. For the first time, he noticed how exhausted the girl looked, but not just physically. She looked spiritually drained. This was further solidified by the news piece later that day where she was accosted by the press. Those expressions she made when they talked about her expected future and the tone of her voice. The slightest twinge of sadness to her tone the other day when she mentioned having to go straight home instead of going out with Chie and Yosuke, Yu understood.

She too was having the life strangled out of her by the chains of obligation.

And yet still she was trying to keep her chin up. He wouldn't have even noticed if he hadn't been in the same position. He didn't know the solution to her problem but maybe he didn't need to right now. Maybe the first step was to give her someone to talk to about it. He seemed to have a knack for getting people to relax around him he didn't know he had and through that they could come to know and understand one another. They could find the answer. Together.

His plans were put on hold by Namatame but that's exactly what happened. The darkest part of herself was laid bare before them. Her codependency, her horrible lack of confidence, her bitterness, but despite all of that, Yu did what he said he would do. He let her know it was all okay and that she could change. His hand joined the hands of Yosuke and Chie as they helped their friend up.

He along with the others had helped her find her resolve, but it was him who helped her find her answer. No that was only partially true. She had found her answer with him by her side. Yu supported her efforts at first to strike off on her own, but quickly realized that wasn't what she wanted to do. He never told her what she wanted to hear, rather what she needed to hear and through that she realized she could control her life exactly as much as she desired and she desired to create a life supporting and supported by the ones she loved in this town she held a great affection for. The ones she loved coming eventually to include him.

She was quite different from Chie in showing her affection. Less like a puppy dog and more like...like a doting mother. Yes even back then Yu had gotten that impression from her. That day in August at the shrine, the sheer warmth radiating off of her as she confessed her love, it was like nothing Yu had ever felt. The memories all began to swirl together in one big whirlwind of happiness as Yu finally awoke.

He blearily rubbed his eyes. He hardly recognized those two withdrawn youths from the beginning of the year. He was finding it harder and harder to recall a Yukiko who wasn't constantly beaming or giggling or excitedly pressing his hand to her belly. The last pieces of the dream began to fade back into his subconscious, but one final thought crept into his mind.

"I think we did alright."

He turned to look at his sleeping wife but was surprised to be greeted only by her imprint. Seems she had gotten up before him or their alarm. Suddenly, the door to their room gently creaked open. Through his drowsiness, he could make out a candle stick on top of some kind of object being held by his bride to be. She wore a bright pink kimono and her round belly was more prominent than ever, at last bulging out from under her sash. No longer hidden by the cloth but accentuated by the tightness, almost like she was hiding a bunched up second kimono inside her first one. A hand resting perfectly on top of it's shelf only added to its presence. The other hand held a pastry of some kind. Seeing her husband sitting up in bed, she pursed her lips.

"Oh sorry, did I wake you? You probably wanted to sleep in on your birthday. Well I'll just put this on the dresser and you can eat it whenever you're all rested up." As she turned to place the pastry on the dresser, he caught sight of her face. She looked exhausted, wet strands of hair matted her forehead and she looked like she'd been up for hours. Seeing the dessert in her hand, he realized why. It wasn't a slice of cake but a souffle, a much more complex and difficult dish to create despite its much smaller size. Despite all that, she had a smile on her face brighter than the morning sun coming through their window, beaming ever so lovingly at him. A far cry from the despondent empty smile she had worn on that river bank so long ago.

He stared in complete stunned silence for as long as he could before she noticed him staring. "You were probably wanting a cake but I thought that might be too easy. I think it came out really well though, I can't wait for you to try it oh but no rush!" Putting the dessert on the dresser she let out a small puff of air and placed her now free hand on her hip. She'd been on her feet all morning after all.

"*Whew* This guy's getting so big. I can let him rest on the counter when mama needs a break ahahaha. Sometimes he likes to nudge the mixing bowel forward if I'm not careful." Yukiko playfully tapped her tummy with her fingers. "Shame on you," she tutted and then giggled again. Everything about her was becoming more and more present. Her hips had started to imitate a cello clearly outline in the sides of her kimono and her backside was like a soft pink pillow you could easily rest your head on acting as if to balance the heavy weight on her front although clearly losing.

Fully enraptured by her big belly, Yukiko began speak to it again after it grumbled. "Oh I bet... that you want to help me taste test daddy's breakfast!" She slowly began to shuffle out of the room. Suddenly, she felt a pair of arms slowly wrap around her and rest firmly on her stomach. Instinctively she moved her hand from the top of her bump down on to her husband's. His head rested firmly on top of her shoulder next to her face and his eyes were closed deep in contentment.

"Oh you're sweet, but you haven't seen your present yet! You should wait before thanking me." She said it with a joking tone but she couldn't help but blush.

"I love you so much Yukiko."

Before she could react, he squeezed her as tightly as he could against him. "Thank you...for everything. I love you."

Any hint of mirth was gone from her face, replaced with astonishment and then tears. She turned and buried her face in his chest. Somehow, this "I love you" felt different. Somehow it made her even happier.

The two stood together for what felt like ages until finally coming apart. "My parents wanted to speak with you over breakfast. I'm not sure what it's about." She kept subtly glancing over to her souffle which made Yu chuckle. While far too polite to rush him, she really really wanted him to try it.

"They can wait," he said which made her face dimple in delight as he slowly walked over. He broke the surface of the pastry with her supplied spoon and dug out a piece as the steam curled out from the new hole in the desert. It was like a little chocolate meatloaf, and as he bit into it, he felt as if it was a half way point between a delicious chocolate cake and a chocolate mousse. Perfectly balanced between the two. He took another bite, and then another and then another watching Yukiko's eyes follow every single one, her face becoming more and more relaxed as he continued. When he finished, he presented to the completely clean container to his wife.

"You know, I don't really like sweets very much."

For a split second, Yukiko actually looked hurt before realizing what he meant. "O-oh. You really liked it that much?" She had spent months practicing with Yu. Every lesson had been a cover for her true goal of making him this birthday surprise and it seemed to be going even better than she expected. He walked over to her again and wrapped his arms around her, her center of gravity instinctively pressing itself against him and into those arms. "Of course I did. I do have a type after all." Before she could ask him what he meant by that, he kissed her deeply. She could taste her cooking in the kiss which made her want to hold onto it even longer than usual. "You could serve this to people you know. That's how good it is."

Yukiko was happy to here that but slightly hesitant. "I'd love to add it to the menu but it requires a lot of prep work. I don't think I could make this a regular thing."

Yu's hands moved to the sides of her bump. "I was talking about someone a little more important than the customers."

.......................................................................................................................................

The chefs kept glancing over at Yu and smirking. He and Yukiko had eventually agreed to make breakfast for the other after breaking apart. "Making breakfast for people is a birthday present," Yu had said. "Eventually" because after making his comment about baking for their son, Yukiko had utterly covered his face in kisses. She really needed to stop putting on lip stick before they got to school. Of course Yu wasn't going to tell her that, just like he hadn't told her to stop kissing him.

"You should *pft* probably take care of that before meeting with the boss." It was absurd seeing the tall grey youth with little pink lip marks scattered about his face. He did so but it didn't matter. "Is that fatback? Oh it smells so good hubby! Thank you so much!" And then right on a spot he had just wiped off, she planted another kiss. As she moved to enjoy her breakfast, Yu looked at the staff and shrugged.

As he moved into the dining room, he saw Fuyuhiko glaring at him. At first he thought it was about the kiss but that was not the case. "I can't believe you made our daughter have to tell us about your birthday! You could have told us yourself you know!" His scowl morphed into his good natured smile that Yu was becoming increasingly familiar with. "Happy birthday Mr. Narukami. We won't have your present ready until tonight, but why don't you take the day off?"

As Fuyuhiko beckoned the boy to sit down next to his daughter, Yu stared at the family and in a soft voice said, "you didn't have to-"

"Yes we did. For our daughter...and for you."

Yu felt a a pair of arms wrap around his chest and for once the Amagi patriarch said nothing. Yukiko nuzzled her face into his and whispered into his ear. "Looks like you'll just have to get used to it. Because I'm never going to stop."

.......................................................................................................................................

“You know, while we were eating, I was thinking. How does pancakes sound for breakfast tomorrow?” Yu turned to Yukiko after asking and smiled. “Really?” She answered. Yu continued to speak but his voice was drowned out by everything else swirling around in Yukiko’s head. Yu had been cooking for her and the family a lot recently. On certain days, all the family’s main meals were a Yu creation. It was no secret that Yu enjoyed cooking, especially for her and their child, but Yukiko couldn’t help but feel like he was doing it for another reason also. Even if he didn’t realize it himself, something had him anxious, and he was cooking so much to help him relieve some of the stress. If she had to guess, had something to do with his parent’s visit which was fast approaching.

“I can teach you how to make them as well if you're up to it.” Yukiko focus was brought back by her fiancé’s suggestion. “OH! Uh! Sounds wonderful!” she replied with a cheery grin, trying to make it sound like she was listening the whole time. It really did sound wonderful though. Her thoughts turned away from Yu and exclusively to the pancakes he was going on about. She could just picture them now! So light and fluffy but at the same time thick and buttery. They would be topped with some powdered sugar or some whipped cream and some strawberries. Her pancakes would also be completely drenched in syrup. So much so in fact that she would have to be careful lifting the syrup-soaked bites to her mouth so that they didn’t drip all over her. Pair it with a few slices of bacon and it would make for a great start to a new day! She could already taste the multitude of flavors dancing on her tongue and sliding down her throat to her waiting belly…

Yukiko brought one hand to her face and blushed. She had just finished eating breakfast only moments ago and she was already fantasizing about eating more!

Yukiko knew she would be craving and eating more the farther along she got in the pregnancy, but she never would have guessed it be this much! Her feeling of embarrassment faded as quickly as it appeared. She had nothing to be ashamed of, she was eating for two after all. Yukiko closed her eye and lovingly rubbed her stomach, “You hear that? Daddy wants to really treat you and mama tomorrow. Doesn’t that sound nice? Lots of pancakes with syrup and bacon…” Yu chuckled. He didn’t remember saying anything about bacon and Yukiko had already imagined a whole smorgasbord of toppings all on her own. But, if that’s what Yukiko and their son was expecting, he knew nothing could stop him from delivering.

The rest of the mourning Yu really didn’t know what to do with himself. He wasn’t expecting to have the day off, so he had made no plans. He would be shooed away if he even tried to do some work. Even Yukiko forced him to take a dip in the hot springs when he tried to fold some of their own laundry. “It’s your birthday! Go relax. I’ll take care of this,” she told him as she pushed him out the door. He took his fiance's advice, chatted with some of the Inn’s customers until it was the women’s turn in the spring, and headed back to his room.

Yukiko didn’t notice him coming in. She had her back turned and was fiddling around with something in one of the drawers of a small dresser. Yu froze. Not only was he taken aback by how Yukiko’s wider hips flared out to hide as much of the tiny dresser from view as possible, but even with her bending over only slightly, he could still see her baby filled belly peek through the tiny gap of her thicker thighs. The way she subconsciously swayed her globular rear from side to side was like a signal, a lure, and he was the fish. It drew him right in. He tiptoed across the room, and without saying a word, placed his hands on his lover’s expansive hips.

If Yukiko was wearing shoes she would have jumped right out of them. In one quick motion, she slammed the drawer shut before Yu had a chance to look over her shoulder and see what she was doing. “You’re back! Did you have a nice bath?” She asked. Yu continued to drum his fingers along the side of Yukiko’s padded hips, “I did actually. I’m feeling much more refreshed.”

“That’s…good to hear…hubby” Yukiko bit her lower lip as Yu continued to tease her soft flanks. “However, I think it was missing something, or should I say someone…” Yu went from gently caressing her haunches to digging his fingers into them, a good amount of flab that wasn’t there a week or two ago flowing between his fingertips. Yukiko let out a soft moan as Yu used his tighter grip on her to pull her closer. Resting his head on her shoulder, he whispered, “Maybe it’s because I’m so relaxed now, but you're looking especially beautiful this morning. So warm and MOTHERLY.” Yu’s last utterance cause a shiver to wind its way up Yukiko spine. With his grip still strong as ever on his her increasingly widening birthing hips, he began to rock her and himself from side to side. “So, I was thinking, I already tended to your nutritional needs at breakfast, maybe I can get a head start on attending to some of your OTHER needs?”

The slow rocking and affectionate kisses Yu planted on her neck as he spoke put Yukiko in a complete daze. “Well it is his birthday…” she told herself, trying to cover the fact that she wanted it just as bad. Yukiko was just beginning to ask herself if she could wait long enough to get undressed before she jumped on him when her eyes caught the time on a nearby clock.

“OH! It’s almost time!” She shouted. With a few shakes of her hips she was able to wiggle herself free of Yu’s grasp. She was still trying to restrain her arousal when she said something very surprising. “Yu, lets go for a walk together.”

Yu stuck a finger into one of his ears to clear the passageway because he thought he heard something crazy. “Could you repeat that?” he asked. Yukiko subconsciously placed both hands on her stomach and her rubbing became very fast, a sign that she was nervous. “I uh think we should go for a walk! You know, ummm…I ate some much at breakfast so some exercise would be good! Mama can’t just lay around eating all the time can she? Haha…”

Yu noticed that last question directed at her son wasn’t in that higher pitched voice she usually used to talk to the baby so something must have been bugging her. Was she beginning to think she was growing too big? It would explain her sudden insistence to exercise. Yu did remember though, that very recently when she asked Dojima if she looked any bigger than the last time he saw her, and with Dojima not understanding what Yukiko was like, that she was a little disappointed when he tried to downplay her growth to be polite. He could still see the look of confusion Dojima displayed when it seemed that the girl was frustrated when he said her butt wasn’t bigger! So, could that really be it?

Yu snaked his hand under Yukiko's shirt and began to trace his finger around her belly button causing her to tense up and reflexively arch her back a little and push her belly out further. Even with their son taking residence in her belly, her bellybutton itself lost little if any of it’s depth. The reason why was the extra pudge that clung to her frame. If she wasn’t wearing her shirt, Yu would have been able to see just how much his finger disturbed her belly’s surface, his finger creating a small wake of flab as it made laps around her navel, like a ship slicing through water as it travels through a vast sea.

“We can do that, but what’s the rush? You know we have aaalllllll daaayyyy…” he said with emphasis.

He stopped his navel teasing, and after adding a second finger, like a mountain climber climbing a large mountain, began using the two to “walk” up the expanse of Yukiko’s tummy. Each “step” elicited a soft moan from Yukiko until the little climber stopped at the top of her stomach, the “summit.”

“Why don’t we finish up here and then we can go for a walk?” Yukiko's toes curled, he was not making this easy! After squirming around for a second, she placed her hand atop Yu’s and was able to focus enough to finally squeak out “Walk…mmmmm…first.”

Yu eyes went wide when he was turned down a second time. After a few moments of being stupefied, a smile slowly crept on his face and he chuckled. “Alright, if that’s what you think you and the baby need right now. Give me a minute to get dressed. Funny, though. If it’s exercise you want, I think staying like that would have given a better workout than any walk, judging by how hot your body was getting.” Yukiko tried to hide her red face as Yu got dressed while Yu secretly hid the fact he was checking his breath to see if maybe it was the cause of Yukiko’s behavior.

“Do you think I’m a little underdressed? I knew I should have worn the red dress with the scarf…” The perplexity Yu was feeling about the whole situation continued to mount. “Underdressed for a walk? I think your maybe a little overdressed. Your school track clothes would have been much more appropriate.” For some reason, Yukiko laughed at this, like she thought it was a ridiculous suggestion. That only confused Yu further. He was still suffering his first real case of blue balls at this point and Yukiko’s outfit was not helping. It consisted of a black shirt and white skirt, the same outfit he had seen her wear countless times before. The problem was it was almost exactly the same as before, as in, it was the same size as back then, so it looked tight on her now.

The outfit used to cling to her chest quite snuggly. Now her fatter breasts pushed hard against the fabric, leaving more than an eyeful of cleavage bare for her to tease him with. Her track uniform wouldn’t have been much better however, the pants would have surely struggled to cover the entire area of her butt.

Even at her slower walking speed, those milk-filled mammaries bounced and quivered with every one of Yukiko’s heavier footsteps. Just like her wider hips and ass earlier, Yu was getting sucked in.

Yu felt Yukiko’s grip get tighter on his arm, breaking his concentration. His nose told him why. The distinct aroma of Souzai Daigaku filled the air as they passed by once again. Without even Yukiko telling him, Yu sprung into action, “Wait here.” He told her. However, he didn’t get very far. Soon he was stopped by Yukiko who did not let go of his arm. “No! That’s alright. If we stop now we will be late!” The color drained from Yukiko’s face once she realized she let something slip that she shouldn’t have. Yu slowly turned back to Yukiko, “late for what?”

Yukiko stuttered for a few moments, buying time to think of a way out of her tiny misstep when a lightbulb went off in her head. “OH! When you were getting ready, daddy came in and asked if we could pick up some…ICE CREAM! Yeah! We are all out and the kitchen needs some right away!” Yu wasn’t sure if he could believe Yukiko’s story. It would have been much faster for Mr. Amagi to have gone himself with the family car, and even if he was too busy, sending Yukiko wouldcause its own problems. With it being such a hot day out, her slower gait would mean the ice cream had a good chance of melting before they got back. Yukiko started to sweat more than she was already, she could tell Yu didn’t believe her story one hundred percent.

Yu was still skeptical of the whole thing, but he went with Yukiko to Junes anyway.

By the time they were inside, Yukiko had taken out her small fan and was vigorously trying to cool off. “Maybe mama shouldn’t…-pant-…have worn these sandals…” Yu didn’t want Yukiko to further exert herself, especially considering they would have to hurry back, and tried to get her to relax, “Here, why don’t you go have a seat in the food court while I go and get the ice cream. What flavor did the Inn need?”

“Huh? Ice cream?” Yukiko asked. Before Yu had a chance to follow up he felt a tap on his shoulder. “Hey dude, am I glad to see you!” Yu turned around to see the Prince of Junes standing behind him. “Right on time, as promised!” Yukiko boasted. Yosuke slapped his forehead at Yukiko’s seemingly inability to stop sounding suspicious. “Hey man, listen, that good for nothing bear took a break and hasn’t come back yet. Knowing him, he probably fell asleep somewhere. You think you can help me find him?”

Yu felt bad for having to turn down Yosuke’s request, “I wish I could, but we have this errand and…”

“We’d love to, sounds fun!” Yukiko shouted. Before he could remind her about their supposedly time sensitive ice cream mission, Yosuke said “Great! We should split up! Yu! Go check the grocery section. Me and Yukiko will check the electronics.

Before Yu could get a word in, his friend and fiancé walked off and disappeared into the crowd. He actually felt a little apprehensive not being by Yukiko’s side, in case she needed something. The sooner he found Teddie, the sooner they could reunite. A quick look around the grocery didn’t turn up anything. He was about to walk over to the children’s toys when he got a text message on his phone.

“No luck here, but you know, I remember the door to the roof being unlocked. Maybe he went up there thinking it would be quieter with no people around. You think you can check?”

Yu’s suspicions that something was up rang true when he reached the top of the stairs and heard what sounded like the hushed arguing between Teddie and Yosuke happening just on the other side of the door. The two must have heard it was his birthday today and convinced Yukiko to drag him here for some sort of surprise or prank. He prepped himself to act surprised, knowing Yukiko would be disappointed if he wasn’t, and very slowly pushed the door open.

Indeed Yosuke, Teddie, and Yukiko were waiting for him on the other side like he was expecting. What he wasn’t expecting however was everyone else that was waiting for him. Kanji and Chie were there as well, along with Nanako, Kou, Daisuke, Ai, Naoki, Yumi, Ayane, even Dojima and Marie had taken the time to come and see him. Yu knew he had befriended all kinds of people during his year in Inaba but having a lot of them all in one place really gave him a sense of just how many.

If everyone had shouted “surprise!” as he stepped through the doorway. Yu didn’t hear them. He was the prime example of a deer in headlights. The thing that finally brought Yu back from his overwhelming state of shock was the simultaneous attack of Nanako grabbing on one of his legs and Yukiko grabbing his arm.

“Where you surprised?” Yukiko asked with anticipating eyes.

“I made sure to yell really loud!” Nanako added.

“Yeah…” Yu said, still astonished by the large group that had gathered just for his birthday. “Well come on then! Let’s not keep everyone waiting,” Yukiko said as he led him to where his friends were gathered. One by one they all gave Yu their birthday wishes to him and after each one his smile grew bigger and bigger. Seeing Yu beaming was a great relief to Yukiko who had painstakingly arranged for the whole party almost all by herself.

Not wanting the food that was set out to get cold, and with Yu there finally, everyone was given the go ahead and eat at their leisure.

Yukiko was quickly surrounded by all the girls and since Kanji had his hands full trying to stop Teddie from decimating the food table and Yosuke seemed to be working on a project off to the side, Yu found himself talking with Kou, Daisuke, and Naoki.

“I always wondered who the person in that Junes bear costume was. Isn’t that the kid who won that contest at the school festival?” Yu hoped Kou didn’t bring that up with Teddie or else he might think Kou was one of his fans and go change into his “Alice” costume. Nanako didn't need to see that. Since Yu was with them, Naoki took the opportunity to give Yu the gift he had brought for him, a new tackle box. “You’re not exactly old enough for anything at my family’s store, but I recalled seeing you down by the river on more than one occasion. Hope you like it,” he said.

“Me and Daisuke got something for you as well! I mean, we weren’t really sure what to get you, so it’s more for that baby on the way…” Their gift was a set of baby toys, miniature sport balls to be exact. They were soft, made of some sort of foam. Perfectly safe for a young child to roll around, throw, and even for teething on when his baby teeth started coming in. Though they may have been mundane to some, the three boys were amazed at how grateful Yu was. He didn’t say so, but he could remember the last time, if ever, he was given a birthday gift from someone he considered a friend.

After Yu expressed his gratitude, Kou leaned in and whispered, “Just make sure he plays with the basketball one the most, okay?” Daisuke heard this and soon the two got into a bickering match over soccer and basketball. Their argument quickly ceased however when they notice Kanji standing nearby. Yu couldn’t help but chuckle when the three tensed up from Kanji’s presence. It was understandable, the three still didn’t really know what Kanji was really like behind his tough exterior.

“Hey Senpai, Yosuke got it working, be quick about it though, she doesn’t have a lot of time.” He wasn’t sure what Kanji meant, but after he thanked the three boys again, he followed Kanji to where Yosuke was.

Yosuke had worked to set up a video call on his laptop. There were two screens, one was completely black but there was what sounded like shuffling around and a few groans of frustration. On the other screen was everyone’s favorite idol Risette. Judging by the background she was inside what looked like a dance studio. “Senpai! How could you? If I had known your birthday was so close I would have postponed my comeback another week! Or we could have at least done something before I left…”

Yu was about to tell her the truth, that he just thought something silly like his birthday was something he didn’t want to burden everyone with, but he stopped before he got the first word out. That sounded like something his father would think. If all these people had shown up just for him and if Rise took the time out of her busy work schedule to set up a video call, how could he call it silly? Yu grew sheepish and instead apologized, “Your right. I’m sorry. I guess it just slipped my mind…”

Rise’s pouty face turned into a smirk. “It’s alright. I know you have a lot going on! I guess I’ll just have to give you your present the next time I’m in town. But I do have something for you before then! Ready girls?” Rise took a step back and an entourageof idols quickly joined her.

“Okay! One.Two Three!” Rise and her fellow performers put on a little song and dance show to celebrate with Rise singing happy birthday. Yu couldn't help but be reminded of a group of cheerleaders. Yu wasn’t into the whole idol stuff, but he appreciated all the work Rise had done, thinking up a routine and getting her idol friends to help. Plus he could feel Yosuke’s disbelief and envy that he was getting a private show from a bunch of idols.

Yu gave the girls a round of applause when they finished but soon he heard what sounded like an older woman yelling from offscreen. “Okay girls, breaktime is over. Let’s try it again from the top.”

Rise looked disappointed that she had to go so soon but she pepped right back up when Yu told her to do her best. “Talk to you later senpai. Tell Yukiko I said hi! Bye!” The screen went dark. Yosuke walked over and checked the second screen, but it was still dark as well. “Looks like Naoto is still having trouble setting her camera up,” he said.

To pass the time he called Teddie over, so they could give the gift they bought together, the newest game console and a game. “I know you’re getting ready to be a father, but you’re still a high schooler too. Plus I guessed you would be getting a lot of "dad" stuff from everyone else, so I thought we should both pitch in and get you something fun. And hey, that game has a two-player mode. Maybe it’s something Yukiko can play too when she gets big enough that she doesn’t want to move around as much.” Yu was sure how big Yosuke thought Yukiko would get but he thanked him all the same. “That gift was beary expensive. You wouldn’t believe how many topsicles I could have bought with that money.” Teddie whined. Yosuke shook his head, “You’re not supposed to say something like that when you give someone something!”

“Hello? Can you see me?” A small, feminine voice drew Yu’s attention back to the computer where the black screen was replaced by a very frazzled looking Naoto. She must have been on her last legs trying to get her camera working. “Hey! You finally got it!” Yosuke exclaimed. The flustered Naoto breathed a sigh of relief, quickly fixed her hat and cleared her throat. Switching back to her more masculine voice, Naoto simply stated, “Happy Birthday, Narukami.” Yu laughed at Naoto’s directness, “Thank you. I’m sorry you couldn’t be here. How are things?”

“Things are a lot…quieter here to say the least,” Naoto replied. “That’s good isn’t it? Don’t you like peace and quiet?”

It was true, Naoto used to appreciate the quiet, not being disturbed while she worked on a case, keeping to herself. But now, after making friends with the other members of the investigation team and having come out of her shell a little by being around them, the quiet now made her feel a little lonely when it didn’t before. She found herself counting down the days to when she would be back in Inaba.

“Is that Naoto? Hey! How are you?” Yukiko said with a smile as she passed by. “I’m fine thank you…” Naoto couldn’t help but notice that, even though she hadn’t been gone long, that Yukiko looked noticeably bigger. It seemed almost impossible to her that one girl could grow so much in such a short amount of time. She played it off Yukiko’s apparent increase in size as a trick of the camera. They chatted a little longer with before Yu heard someone call his name. He apologized to Naoto but she understood he had other people to entertain.

“Before you leave, do you mind bringing Kanji over? I’m working on a case right now and I think his knowledge of certain fabric would actually prove most helpful,” the blue-haired detective asked. There was no describing the look on Kanji’s face when Yu told him that Naoto wanted his help.

Yukiko dragged Yu to where the girls were, and they took turns giving him gifts. Most of it was baby related almost making it more like a baby shower than his birthday but he didn’t care. True to form, Ai opted for a gift card. “How am I supposed to know what you wanted?” she said with a scowl. Yu laughed, he was actually surprised she didn’t just give him straight cash. Marie vowed to "wow" him with a special poem she made, but she was too embarrassed to read it out loud and instead asked him to read it later.

Chie’s gift was one that Yukiko really enjoyed. Not only did she get Yu a new workout jumpsuit, but she also got a much smaller, identical one for his son. When she showed his fiancé the set, Yukiko was quick to snatch it up, “Oh my goodness! It’s so cute!” She said while imagining her two men donning the suits together. She laid the tiny garment across her tummy swell, almost like she was helping her unborn son “try it on.”

“Oh! Oh! I got you a present too! Daaaaaaaad! The present!” Yu and Yukiko walked over to where Nanako ran off to, and Yu was given a box by the little girl. Inside was a plain white coffee mug but painted on it was a children’s drawing of a family standing outside a building that said “Inn” on the front. The tall grey-haired figure was obviously him and standing next to the figure was a long black-haired girl in a dress which was supposed Yukiko. Off to his other side and holding his hand was a much smaller figure, his son.

“I made it myself!” Nanako said with a sense of pride. “Do you like it?”

It may have been drawn by a child, but to him it was the greatest piece of art he had ever seen. After carefully setting the mug down, Yu got down on one knee and said, “I love it, don’t tell anyone else. But I think your gift is my favorite.” Nanako threw her arms around her "big bro" and that’s when Yu gave Yukiko a quick glance and smiled. Afterwards, he whispered something into Nanako’s ear. Yukiko tried her best to listen to what he was saying but she couldn’t make it out. She would have to pry it out of him later.

“I helped Nanako with what to get you, but she did all the decorating.” Dojima told Yu when he stood back up, “believe me, with a kid, that coffee mug is going to get a lot of mileage.” Dojima had his own gift for Yu, a baby carrier that strapped to his chest.

“I wore one of those things when Nanako was born. It really helps when you need your hands free. I suggest using it before the baby is born though. Maybe even put something in it. Lets you get a feel for how you should move with it on. You don’t want to hit your son while opening a door now do you?” Yu cringed, he couldn’t even imagine what Yukiko would say if he did that. He planned to test it out some other time, but Yukiko was insistent he try it on now. After putting it on Yukiko grew extremely giddy, gushing about how "cool" and "manly" it made him look.

They broke out the cake, with no ink this time. Yu shuddered at the thought of what Ai would do if something happened to her teeth like that, even if it was a joke. Yu had a slice but he spent the most time feeding Yukiko’s extra large slice to her, all while she rubbed her ever roundening stomach, despite the odd looks the other party goers gave the couple. “-mhfm- You sure the party was a -mfm- success?” Yukiko asked as Yu fed her another bite of cake.

“Everything was perfect,” he assured her. He still felt a little choked up whenever he thought about all the work that Yukiko went through in planning the whole thing. “You went far and beyond what I was expecting,” he added.

Yukiko pouted and gave the top of her belly a pat, “It wasn’t just me! He was with me every step of the way.” Yu shook his head and laughed, “Of course, how could I forget!” Placing his free hand on her stomach he got down low and playfully said, “Thank you for helping your mama plan all this, but you got to tell me, do you and mama have any more surprises planned?”

Yu’s and Yukiko’s jaw hit the floor. The very second after asking that, their unborn son moved, and Yu felt it. His son’s very first “kick.” At first, he didn’t know how to react, he just stared in awe of what just happened. Her hand having been resting on her belly as well, Yukiko knew that Yu could felt it.

“Yu!!!” she said excitedly, bouncing up and down in her seat and fanning her face with her hands. Looking at his fiancé, he did the only thing that seemed right. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a long and passionate kiss. The staff at the Inn would joke whenever they caught the two like this that if it wasn’t for their need to breathe, that they would probably stay in that position for hours. That assessment was never more apparent than in that moment right there.

When they parted, Yukiko almost instinctively knew what Yu was going to do next. Not even remembering where they were, she lifted up her shirt to allow Yu to plant kiss after kiss on her pale dome of a stomach. Neither were sure how many he was able to give before he heard Yosuke’s voice, “Hey! What are you two doing! There is a child present!” His lips still locked on Yukiko’s soft belly flesh, Yu’s eyes shifted over to where everyone else was mingling. Every pair of eyes was staring at the two, their faces ranging from shock, confusion, to complete horror in some cases. “I uh s-s-s-sorry everyone…” Yu stammered out after wiping his lips.

Yukiko was quick to jump to Yu’s aid, “It’s just the baby! Yu was able to feel the baby kick for the first time, and on his birthday too! We were both just overcome with emotion…” Nanako interrupted the rest of explanation, “WHAT! REALLY?” She made a beeline directly toward Yukiko, the girl pressing both hands and resting her head against the woman’s tummy once she got there.

The other party goers breathed a sigh of relief that Yu bizarre behavior had some sort of explanation, although most thought that he may have gone a tad overboard. They were mostly high schoolers however, so maybe they would understand the joy the two expectant parents were experiencing when they had children, however far off that may be. “Nanako!” Dojima called to her for what he saw as a lack of manners. Yukiko didn’t care, in fact she placed her hand on the little girl’s head and pressed her even closer. After a few moments, Nanako was able to feel what she had been hoping for anytime she saw Yukiko. “I FELT IT!” She cheered throwing her arms in the air.

With the same childlike enthusiasm, Chie rushed over to her best friend, “Hey! I want to feel too!” Yukiko felt a certain satisfaction that she had her's, Chie’s, and Nanako’s hands all on her stomach and yet there was still room for more. Yukiko was eventually able to convince the other girls to come on over and take turns feeling her son’s kicks but the rest of the boys, sans Kanji who was just as captivated by the whole thing and asked politely, were a little more reluctant. “It’s fine,” Yukiko said, “but I worry if they will ever find a girl to marry them if their so resistant to something so beautiful. Do you think something might be wrong with them?” Yu could see the boys reel back like they had been punched in the gut.

Yu insisted everyone take a group picture before everyone headed for home so he could remember this special day. With the problem of getting all his gifts home, Dojima offered to drive the two back. Yu offered Yukiko the front seat, but she refused, “The back seat is always the safest place for a child. Oh! Not to say I don’t trust your driving ability!” She told Dojima. He The whole way to the Inn, Yu could hear the two girls in the back seat, giggling to each other with every small kick his son produced.

.......................................................................................................................................

The first thing Yukiko did when she got back was inform her parents of the new milestone. They tried to play the part of composed and cool parents, but their daughter’s enthusiasm was so infectious they couldn’t help but display a little bit of glee. After everyone calmed down, Yu was sat at the family table to be given his gift from them.

At first he was a puzzled when Mr. Amagi came back holding a small stack of papers, but what those papers were became very apparent once he began to speak. “Yu, we may have gotten off to a rough start, what with you defiling my daughter, making her an teenage mother, disrupting our way of life here…” Mr. Amagi would have gone on for another ten minutes if his wife didn’t give him a small stomp on the foot. “…I Uh! And on my side of things, maybe I did try to work you to death and try to run you out of here. But! No matter what me and my wife threw at you, you persevered. Not only that, you excelled. Me and my wife think it’s time you take full responsibility for what you’ve done.” Mr. Amagi started to anxiously shake the papers in his hand. “Our daughter seemingly can’t be without you and I’ll admit; the Inn would suffer without you too…so...ummm…” Mr. Amagi placed the stack of papers on the table and slide them over to Yu. “Just sign those and you’ll officially a part of the Amagi fold.”

Before Yu could grab the papers, Mr. Amagi added, “Well, I mean, you’ll be on the very bottom of the totem pole and stuff, but an Amagi none the less…”

Yu heard Yukiko gasp when she heard her father say that. “Yu is that…” she asked with a slight waver in her voice. Sure enough, what he was given was the papers that, once they’re filed, would make his acceptance into the Amagi family and his marriage to Yukiko final. This was the moment he had worked all those long hours, did all those back breaking tasks for. He grabbed the nearby pen but stopped before it made contact with the paper. His thoughts turned to his own family. His father was still expecting him to come home eventually. If he signed this document, it would be signal that he would be coming back that even his father couldn't ignore. Not only that, but once the document was certified, he would no longer be “Yu Narukami.” He always knew in the back of his mind because of the famous Inn that he would have to become an “Amagi,” but now with that moment at hand, he didn’t know if he could do it.

Yu hated his old life, the loneliness, the neglect, but he couldn’t bring himself to hate his parents, not even a little. The name “Narukami,” was about the only thing left that connected him to his parents. He feared that once that was erased there would be nothing left to keep the three together. He was scared that his relationship with them, which wasn’t very good to begin with, would be damaged beyond repair.

“No!” he suddenly thought. If there was anything he learned during his time in Inaba, it was that bonds don’t break that easily. Whether Narukami or Amagi, he was still his parent’s son. This wasn’t meant to be a slight or jab at them. This was him taking hold of his own life and doing what he wanted to do with it. Being around Yukiko and his unborn child taught him that he had more than enough happiness and love to go around.

He didn’t have to choose between the two. If someone like his father took issue with him choosing to be happy and didn’t want to be a part of the family he was building then that was his loss. But if that was the case, he would just make sure to always leave the door open for him to come around.

“Yu, what’s the matter? You’re trembling dear.”

“Huh?” Yu looked up to see the worried expressions of Mr. and Mrs. Amagi. Turning to Yukiko he saw she was similarly worried about him. Looking to the pen in his hand, he turned back to Yukiko and smiled. “Nothing’s wrong. I was just thinking; With something so important we should sign together.”

Yukiko placed her hand on Yu and he placed his on her's as they both signed. Yukiko threw herself into his arms and buried her face into his shoulder once the final pen stroke was made. Afterwards the Amagi threw their own little celebration for Yu, during which Mr. Amagi told Yu to start practicing signing his name as “Yu Amagi,” and that it took him quiet a while to make the adjustment after marrying Yukina.

“Thanks Yuki, for everything today. This is the first time I actually felt “special” on my birthday,” Yu said once the two retired to their bedroom. Yukiko was heartbroken to hear her hubby say such a thing. He was always special to her. Running to the small dresser she was messing with that morning, she pulled out two gifts and handed them to Yu. “I wanted to give you my presents privately.” She laughed, “And I didn’t want to ruin the surprise bringing them along today."

Yu thought the party she planned was enough and wasn’t expecting a gift from her, but she said that he spoils her so much that it was her turn to spoil him. Opening the first one revealed a tool belt already outfitted with various equipment.

“I remember you saying while hanging that picture that this kind of stuff wasn’t your forte and I know how you always want to be the best at everything, so I thought with this you could hone your skills. The Inn is and old building, so it could use someone who is good with his hands around.” Yukiko patted her stomach and blushed, “Also, I want to make sure our home is filled with many more pictures…” Yu couldn’t believe Yukiko remember such an offhanded comment and kissed her forehead, telling her it was perfect.

Yu wasn’t sure what to make of his second gift at first. It just a book. It was a very nice one, leather-bound, but all the pages were blank. Yukiko explained, “My father told me a story about how when he was pursuing my mother that every month for a whole year he would write her a letter. It was almost like a diary. The letters included his thoughts, his feelings. Some of them had poetry he wrote. Then at the end of the year, he finally got the courage to give them to her. I always loved that story…”

Yu smiled, “Do you want me to do the same for you?” Yukiko shook her head, “No, not for me…” Yu immediately knew who she was talking about. “I thought since you find so much joy in giving to others, maybe, every year for his birthday, you could write him a letter and tell him your thoughts, impart him with some “fatherly wisdom,” and then when he’s 18 and ready to make his mark on the world, you could give them to him…”

Yu didn’t say anything. “You think it’s silly, don’t you?” Yukiko asked, her face slowly turning to a frown. Suddenly, Yu lifted his arm and wiped his eyes, almost like he was wiping away tears. “I love it.” he said. He never could have asked for something so sweet. “Don’t tell Nanako, but I think this present is my favorite now.”

The two kissed for what seemed like forever. Afterwards, Yukiko asked, “speaking of Nanako, what do you whisper to her today when she gave you her present?” Yu scratched his cheek and looked up at the ceiling, “Oh that? I just asked her, if in the future, well, it’s just, if we decided to have any more children, I’d need her to make some additions to the cup is all…”

Yukiko’s face grew deep red. It was just like when he suggested more children in the future during their ski trip. “Why would you get her hopes up like that! If we did decide to have more children after this one it might not be for a very long time…”

“Oh?” he said jokingly. Picking up the book she gave him he began flipping through the pages, “there is an awful lot here, even if I wrote our son a twenty-page letter each year I wouldn’t be close to filling up even half of this. Are you sure you’re not trying to tell me something?” Yukiko's belly rubbing picked up the pace. It’s just smart to think ahead is all! But she guessed that was what Yu was doing too…

Yukiko looked over at the clock and grinned. “You know hubby, it’s late but the day isn’t over yet. Getting up from the edge of the bed, she shuffled over to Yu and planted herself in his lap. Yukiko’s heft crashing on top of him and feeling her plumper bubble butt starting to flow over the sides of his lap immediately reminded him of everything that he had left bottled up since this morning. Yukiko felt an increasing “tightness” from Yu pressing against her softened rear and gave her hips a little wiggle causing Yu to grunt and exhale out his nose sharply. Grabbing Yu’s hands, she placed them on her hips and turned her head back toward him, the side view letting Yu see her face was flushed red.

“If I remember correctly, I believe this is where we left off earlier. Happy birthday hubby."