Persona 4 Golden: Yu and Yukiko's Full and Happy Life Part 5

A thick fog enveloped the room despite the fact it was indoors. It wasn't a normal fog either, it seemed unnatural with its pale yellow almost sickly color and hung over everything like a blanket. As if it was slowly draining the life out of them. Even indoors, Yu could hear the rain pattering against the walls. He needed to get out of this room, he needed to leave but for some reason he couldn't remember why. Everything was grey, and the only decoration besides the table he was sitting at was a small television in the corner. Suddenly, he felt a gun press against the back of his head.

"You know, it's people like you who naively think they can 'turn me around' that piss me off the most."

The words were familiar but the voice was different. It was much deeper and more composed than the almost psychopathic delivery they had the first time.

"What do you think will happen if I shoot you?"

Yu wanted to say the man didn't have it in him to shoot him, but the words wouldn't come out. He felt himself hit the floor as a loud bang went off and the familiar scent of acrid gun smoke entered his nostrils. He could feel his motionless body being pulled down by what looked like red appendages made of bone.

"I'll drag you back kicking and screaming if I have to."

The world around him shifted and he could almost feel the familiar sensation of rain drops on his skin. The wreckage of a car surrounded him and he realized he was on the ground. He tilted his head upwards to look down the road but all he saw was an open truck with a large black TV. Suddenly, it turned on and the image of a hospital bed entered his vision. A little girl was struggling to breathe making Yu want to cry out but once again, he couldn't. The hands were still pinning him down as well. The same fog that had been in the room earlier now surrounded the little girl and slowly a different pair of hands reached down out of them. These were red but less skeletal with alternating stripes.

Slowly, they wrapped themselves around the child's throat and began to strangle the life from her body.

Yu thrashed and screamed and kicked and did everything he could but nothing helped him escape the iron grip that held him. The images on the TV were graphic but silent. The only noise he heard was the constant pouring of rain and it grew louder as the girl grew weaker until a loud beep signaled from the heart monitor flatlining and the girl ceased her struggles. What seemed to be the "camera" of the television began to turn around the room away from the first bed. A second bed appeared on the screen and this time the inhabitant was a young boy even younger than the little brown haired girl had been. His hair shifted rapidly between black and grey along with the rest of his features, which sometimes looked to be the spitting image of Yu's and sometimes resembled the sharper more angular features of someone he knew. Someone who's name he couldn't remember through all the noise of the rain. As the arms descended and wrapped around the throat of the boy, Yu heard one last thing through the downpour. An ancient voice, old and full of contempt

"Goodbye...accept the reality of your death."

"Let go!" Yu awoke in a cold sweat gasping for breath. Completely disheveled and He looked around the room rapidly and for a moment, forgot where he was. Before he could collect himself he heard a small voice pipe up. "It's okay. You're with me in our bed and Nanako's in hers. The baby's nice and safe here in my tummy and you didn't leave the stove on." As soon as Yu heard his fiance's pretty slightly breathy voice, he calmed down enough that her slowly wrapping her arms around him and pulling him into her chest didn't even phase him. The young man let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry," he eventually managed to get out. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest and he knew Yukiko could too. He tried to will it to be still as best as he could.

Yukiko decided at that moment to go in for a kiss. Her arms were flung over his as they had been dozens upon dozens of times before but while Yu's shoulders had grown broader and more sturdy, so to had Yukiko become broader around the belly. It pressed against her hubby heavily like the big medicine ball that it was. A medicine ball that someone had placed in a bag full of pudding. The looseness of her nightgown allowed the soft curves of her belly and breasts to hang down from her body like the heavy, growing and constantly nourished motherhood they represented. And she was so warm too. He calmed down as soon as her maternal swells made contact with his bare skin.

"You don't have to apologize for having a nightmare Yu." When she said it like that, he did feel a little silly which almost made him apologize again before he cut himself off. "Tell me about it, let me know what's bothering you." Yukiko could already guess but she had heard it was better if the person told you about it. Yu tried his best to recall, but like all dreams he could only grasp onto bits and pieces.

"I...I remember it was raining and I couldn't move a-and there was something about a hospital." Yu looked into his wife's expectant eyes and sighed. "That's all I can remember." There was a period of silence where Yukiko slowly brought Yu into a resting position on top of her bump now large enough to act as a proper pillow; slowly, it was becoming a replacement for her lap. "I heard you mumbling Nanako's name in your sleep. It was raining that night too you know. When she was kidnapped I mean." Yu looked up towards her frowning face surprised at her perceptiveness. He had already figured out on his own that he got them when it was raining but ever since he had moved in with her, they had stopped. Sensing his confusion she piped up. "I used to get them too. When I'd get really hot I'd dream about my time in the castle. It's why I slept above the covers for a little while."

He'd never really thought it was a problem that affected the others. His expression made Yukiko nod. "I know Chie gets them too." It was all coming together now in his mind. With the way she immediately was on him whispering exactly what he wanted to hear almost as soon as he woke up, she must have had a lot of experience with them herself. But wait, there was something about what she said. "You don't get them anymore?" He couldn't recall her ever suffering from a nightmare in the weeks they'd slept together or even the few fleeting times before that. After he said that, he could see her blush through the pitch darkness and she did that cute little inward breath he loved whenever she was overcome with happiness. "Not since you proposed to me." Yu could feel his breath catch in his throat. Was that really all it took? Part of him suspected she was lying to make him feel better but he quickly shook that thought. That just wasn't her style.

He could almost hear the frown on her face feeling her slump a bit. It was incredibly obvious that it was the upcoming visit that was bothering him but she honestly didn't know why. He'd handle it near perfectly like always and his mother at least seemed supportive over the phone. She had thought the party yesterday would have helped at least somewhat but still her beloved was anxious.

"I'll do whatever I can to help this go smoothly. I'll be the best candidate for your wife I can possibly be. I- eep" she was interrupted by a pair of warm lips on her bump and heard Yu chuckle. Instantly he was back to his more confident self. "Are you kidding? I don't worry about you at all. Even my father will love you. It's me they'll be mad at." As he cupped her belly in his hands and pressed his face against it, she felt herself lying backwards letting her little hill bulge up towards him to its fullest extent. It was starting to block her view of her feet and took up more and more of her night gown.

Actually she liked to think of it as more than a hill. Her tummy no longer contained even a hint of flatness to it. What used to be a smooth plain that ended in a bump was replaced with a big prominent curve from her matronly bosom all the way down to her womanhood. With how large and pale and attention grabbing it was starting to become, she liked to think of it as more of a moon.

Well, maybe it wasn't quite there yet. But it would be. Maybe it was more like a big pearl with the way her husband kept it blemish free and oh so smooth. She could feel butterflies in her chest after every kiss and every compliment. "They'll meet you and say 'she's cute as a button and sharp as a tack! Our son is the luckiest man in the world! And just look at that motherly glow!'"

She giggled as softly as she could. It was still the middle of the night after all. "Hehehe Yu, no fair! I was supposed to be the one comforting you!"

Yukiko felt his hands move up to her shoulders. "But you already have my lovely little snugglebug." He punctuated it with a kiss right on her forehead. Any of the other girls would have groaned at such a nickname. But his Yuki only blushed happily, and wrapped her hands on to his firm shoulders. With his abdomen lying atop her bump ever so slightly, he was able to feel a tiny little *thump* right against where the two lovers made contact. It seems their son didn't want them getting too frisky late on a school night and Yu said as much to Yukiko which almost caused a laughing fit.

"Oh he's so responsible already. He gets that from you I bet." Although their son got them too behave, Yu still had his arm flung around her gently rubbing her belly. Occasionally, they could both feel a small movement but these seemed much gentler if that were possible. "He just loves your touch hubby. He gets that from mama," she said with a giggle. She slowly began to drift off from Yu's gentle rubbing but felt the need to say one more thing.

"We beat Izanami, we past my parents test, we can do anything as long as we're together." And with that she drifted off into a peaceful sleep completely confident in her husband's ability to protect their family. Yu was not so lucky. The possibility that things could be ripped away from him without being able to do anything about it was a thought that often kept him awake much longer than his wife. He actually found himself jealous of her ability to completely trust in him. But it wasn't the pathetic codependency of the past. It was a deep loving trust that she would help protect in any way she could. She stood by his side to prop him up, not to cower behind and leave everything to him. He chided himself for even trying to draw that comparison. He was the one being childish, cowering in fear of shadows of the past and what his parents might do.

He knew this and yet still he couldn't relax. "I just don't want to lose anything," he eventually realized. Looking to the side at the sleeping Yukiko, her cradling the precious life inside of her with a big smile on her face he instantly came to his resolution. Placing his hand around her soft hip gently yet firmly over her own right on top of the center of her belly, Yukiko did not stir from her sleep in the slightest. It was just the natural place for her husband's hand to be after all. Despite the almost torrential downpour, there were no more nightmares that night.

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Yu had taken quite a liking to his new tool belt. He confessed to Yukiko that he wanted to build the crib himself even if he could easily delegate it to one of the employees or Kanji. Like everything else, he seemed to pick it up quite easily, even managing to repair an old rattan chair with a rickety leg that had gone undone for about a week. He seemed much more joyful than he had last night but Yukiko still worried a bit about him. He was quite good at putting on a front even if he had become more open.

But for now, it was time to inspect her body for any changes. Despite the most obvious three areas, it was fun for the girl to poke and probe around her form for any less obvious things the pregnancy had brought about. She was delighted to find that she couldn't even see a hint of her ribs any longer instead finding a grabbable "wing" of flab near where they would have been. Shaking it experimentally, the girl was pleased as punch. She'd prefer to soften out any kind of sharp angle on her body if possible. Her inspection brought the heiress to her arms which definitely seemed to have definitely widened a tad. Not enough to get the dreaded bingo wings, but enough to sink a finger into. Yu had said they were perfect for a child to fall asleep in which made her lift up her book bag experimentally. The way her arms morphed around the object gave her great joy. She was on her way to becoming a proper mama.

It was a shame about the clothing though, to a certain extent. She loved the tightness but she might have to go up a size again. A flabby love handle stuck through the opening slit on the side of her skirt. It was the perfect soft curve to place a child on but it made closing the button more difficult than it needed to be. She almost had it when her fiance piped up.

"Need some help?"

Yukiko almost answered no. Her skirt was quite snug but nothing she could handle. She just needed to smoosh the slight collection of flab back in. But she hesitated. What had soothed him the most when her parents were testing him? What had he always said? Something like "making sure she was comfortable was a huge load of his mind." Smirking to herself, she gave Yu her best pouty expression.

"Oh yes please hubby, it's just sooo tight. I really need to go up a size. You think you could talk to Kanji?" Yu pressed into her stress ball of a love handle with his thumbs, shoving it in while he snapped the button closed. "Absolutely. I'll take care of everything."

"Oh and hubby, those pancakes you made were so good. The baby and I were wondering..."

Yu began to gain a smirk of his own. "Say no more! Although I hope you save room for cinnamon rolls." For a moment, Yukiko forgot herself and started to drool. "Oh yes and some of that crispy fatback bacon. Mmmm that'll do me some good." She was brought back by a deep kiss on the cheek. "Whatever you two want," he mumbled into her neck. As they traveled to the dining hall, she decided to try again.

"Actually I was wondering if you could rub my back at school today. I've been feeling a little sore lately." Instantly, she felt her hubby's hand rub along it. "Absolutely. You're carrying such precious cargo after all." The more she asked of him, the happier he seemed to get but she supposed that was just his style. He was never one who enjoyed being idle. When he placed her scrumptious looking breakfast in front of her, he gave his wife a peck on the cheek with an "enjoy" added on for good measure. The happy blush returned to her face once again although this time it had a mischievous tint to it. Just because she was doing this to help him didn't mean she couldn't take pleasure from it. "Yes," she thought to herself, "I'm going to enjoy this quite a bit."

And enjoy she did. She was probably rubbed down with enough lotion to fill their hot spring and although she had said she wanted to hold off on daily foot massages, her desire to help ease Yu's mind had put that by the wayside. And if she was being honest she had a real itch after that first one. Their friends began to grow concerned with how much Yukiko played up her need for her husband's help. She even asked him to help stand from her desk! "You're only five months! You can stand up by yourself!" While Chie shushed Yosuke, Yukiko felt a feeling of elation at the future. When she was seven, eight, even nine months, she wouldn't need a pretense or an excuse. And people would keep their comments to themselves

Such spoiling led to her sitting at the family dining room for one last quick meal before Yu's parents arrived. Of course, after a week of near unlimited access to a smorgasboard of the most delightful foods, a quick meal was now an entire beef bowl plus a little something extra. Yukina watched her daughter rapidly wolf down the bowl in front of her with an expression of complete shock. The speed at which she ate was like nothing the woman had seen since yesterday but she still hadn't really gotten used to it. At least her daughter was remembering her manners for the most part. It seemed like she wanted everyone to know how good she thought the food was with the way she would coo and mewl with nearly every bite but Yukina could at least sympathize with that. She had to fight to keep herself in check and her husband was just as loud as her daughter when it came to their son in laws cooking. No what was really bothering Yukina was something else.

"Yukiko, do wipe your mouth dear. There's grease everywhere."

There wasn't really "grease everywhere" but the thin film covering her pretty pink lips was bad enough in her mother's opinion. Yukiko looked at her mother with confusion. One hand rested atop her pink kimono clad belly, her leaning back position emphasizing its heft, while her other hand held her chopsticks to shovel more food into her maw. Her hands were clearly full.

Before Yukina could sigh in exasperation, Yu dabbed at her daughter's mouth wrapping an arm around her middle as he did so. "Better than Aiya's?"

The fact that Yukiko still had her cheeks full like a chipmunk answered the question. "Mm-hmm," she got out with an eager nod. She swallowed deeply and then polished off the rest. An entire large beef bowl finished off in less than two minutes.

"*Urp*."

Yukina almost had a heart attack. She couldn't believe what she had just heard but it was like the two love birds had forgotten she was in the room with them.

"Although," she reflected, "that's probably my own fault." She did have a tendency to let her more eccentric house mates get carried away preferring to mostly watch their antics. Yukiko at least had the decency to look embarrassed but then she actually looked down at her stomach and smiled! "I can never resist eating every single bite of your cooking, hubby. Between you and our son, I think I would eat all day if you let me."

"Does that mean you're still hungry?" Yu said with a teasing tilt to his voice, but ready to run down to the kitchen and get more if necessary. Yukiko glanced towards the next dish on the table. A massive burger large enough to fill up two hands. "I think this should be enough," she took a whiff making her salivate a bit. She'd always heard about these things but had never actually tried one. She hadn't had a particular desire to until Yu had offered one today, then suddenly it was all she could think about, her body crying out for it. Nothing else mattered except having a burger filling up her belly. With sides of course. Their little angel was so smart to already know what a burger was! "This is exactly what mama ordered," she purred out licking her lips. Yu watched her with eager anticipation.

"Yu dear. Your parents will be here any minute and you haven't even gotten dressed. I know you like to watch my daughter eat but don't you think there's more important things to worry about?" Yu couldn't have been more flustered than he was in that moment. "I...that's...I wasn't..." Yukiko cocked her head. What was he so worked up over? His parents?

"That's something we'll have to discuss at a later date. Now go." But Yu didn't budge. "One bite," he said holding up a finger. Seeing Yukina's exasperated expression, he explained himself. "I want to make sure I'm giving my family nothing but the best. Please ma'am." What caught Yukina off guard was Yukiko shooting her a pair of pleading puppy dog eyes out of Yu's sight.

Mrs. Amagi really didn't have a choice in the matter.

"*sigh* Very well. As usual, your dedication to your new position warms my icy heart." She said it with sarcasm and a smirk but immediately afterwards they both thanked her genuinely and warmly, wiping the smirk clean off. "You're very welcome," she said in a small voice.

The anticipation of the burger was enough to bring Yukiko's hand off of her belly. "If the little one wants it this much, surely it's okay," she justified it to herself albeit hesitantly. She held the meat filled meal between delicate slender fingers and ever so gently brought it to her lips. Giving Yu and her mother a cheeky grin, she took a massive bite. She wanted to give Yu a proper evaluation after all.

It was the best thing she had ever tasted. It was a cornucopia of flavor, juicy but not soggy with everything perfectly balanced. A prime marbled slab of succulent patty meat that the toppings enhanced instead of fought for attention against. The crispness of the cheese instead of the traditional melting only served to emphasize the tenderness of the beef.

"How do you like it?"

Yu received his answer from Yukiko not even stopping to answer after her first swallow and immediately digging in again. "Mmmm ooohmmm." He simply smiled and pecked her on the cheek. "See you in a bit, love you," and with that he was off.

Yukiko was the first to speak up after swallowing her current mouthful. "His parents don't get here for another hour, there's plenty of time for him to put change out of his school uniform. Why did you want him out of the room?" Yukina grinned broadly which would have freaked anyone else out except for her daughter. "Very perceptive. I'm impressed sweetie. Yes, I wanted to speak to you privately actually."

"Don't you think this is getting a tad out of hand. I know you're pregnant, but really, relying on your husband for everything is quite troubling. And don't get me started on that little...emission earlier!"

Yukiko blushed heavily. She was hoping to get through this week without having this discussion. "I...he's just been so worried about today, I wanted to help him relax, I know it might seem selfish but it's the truth. He feels the best when he's doing things for people!" All her worries melted away when her mother placed a kiss on her forehead. "Oh sweetie, I know you're not selfish. I think you've been a great wife, so attentive and sweet, and I can tell you make him as happy as he makes you. Honestly, I'm really proud of you. You're growing into the woman I've always dreamed of you becoming." Yukiko was on the verge of tears. The times when her mother was this affectionate were few and far between but that just made them all the more special.

"I just worry if you let him love you as much as he wants...well things could get out of hand." They already were but she kept that to herself. Yukiko looked at her quizzically. "Well I just mean well uh..." she trailed off. She had a whole speech planned out but she honestly felt a little bad. How was she really supposed to tell a teenage girl she was getting fat? Oh god she wished she could delegate this to Fuyuhiko but that would probably be even worse. Imagine how the girl would react if her father told her she was porking up! Especially when she was just trying to do her best for both her husband and child.

That didn't change the fact that her belly looked like she was trying to smuggle a grocery bag under her kimono. Even her daughter's face was starting to fill out! Yukina reached forward before she could stop herself and took Yukiko's softened cheeks in a bony hand. Not yet fat but they had definitely lost their edge, looking like the cheeks of a gentle indulgent woman who had never known a diet in her life. The few glimpses she'd seen of her daughter naked in the past week gave the same impression. She looked like a girl meant for the kitchens. Soft and full like she'd never known an empty tummy.

"Mwat's mwon muwer?" Yukiko asked through her smooshed cheeks. Suddenly a thought occurred to Yukina. With the way her daughter had taken to motherhood, she would rather crawl over hot coals than put her precious cargo at risk. She had another appointment coming up next week so once she saw the effects of even this minor weight gain on her health, her and Yu would instantly cut back regardless of anything else. Yukina wouldn't even have to tread over the mine field that was a teenage girl's weight, it was perfect!

"I'm just worried about how it looks is all. What would Yu's parents say if they saw him hand feeding you or god forbid let out a belch? Why, they'd think you an overindulgent layabout! If we can give them a good impression of you, this will go a lot more smoothly after all," she gave Yukiko's cheeks a little shake back and forth and let go making her daughter giggle.

"I know mother. But it really was just to help Yu! He told me a burp lets him know he's keeping me and this little guy well fed and satisfied so I had to give him one last 'thumbs up' before the meeting. I want them to see me as a good wife and mother for their son too. I'm not going to do anything to *urp* jeopardize that!" Yukina believed her daughter's explanation well enough. After that big party she planned how could she doubt Yukiko's dedication? Yukiko went right back to finishing off her burger where eventually Mrs. Amagi did notice something that shook her faith in her daughter.

"Yukiko, what did we just talk about!? You have a stain on your kimono from-" what the woman had thought was a stain from her burger binge began to spread and darken the entire chest area of Yukiko's kimono and she saw her daughter shudder a bit during the process. "Oh. Apologies dear. Let's get you changed right away." But while Yukina was embarrassed and slightly worried about such a thing happening during the meeting, Yukiko had different ideas.

"You're so helpful," she murmured into her tummy. "making mama look nice and bountiful, they'll think I was meant to be a mother for sure." She glanced up happily at her own parent. "He's really smart you know. Always steering me in the right direction, looking out for mommy. He's such a wonderful son already." Her eyes fell to the remaining half of the burger. "I think someone deserves a little treat."

Yukina was dumbstruck by that whole spectacle. She was happy her daughter was taking the changes of motherhood so well but at the same time she might need to have a talk with her and with Yu about what he'd been saying to his fiance. Yukiko continued to stuff her face with the beef patty even as her milk made small rivulets down from her chest, lines visible on the pink fabric flowing all the way down to her big belly that now ate up half her lap. Just as her belly seeped on to her lap, so to did her hips seep over her chair, Yukina could just see the lack of muscle from the way it crawled over the edge, just complete marshmallow fluff. The milk, her big stomach, those hips of hers, her continued eating, and of course the little "mmmms" and "ooos" that came out of her mouth periodically while she ate her meat brought a thought to Yukina's mind.

"Well, I guess it's true what they say. You are what you eat."

The woman began to giggle a bit before falling into a laughing fit. It was so mean and naughty to think like that, but it was oh so true and it was pretty funny. If it wasn't for her concern about her daughter's health it would be hilarious actually. Yukiko cocking her head to the side with big bulging chipmunk cheeks caused yet another fit of laughter. After Yukina calmed down, she was able to get her daughter to change but only when Yukiko seemed to suddenly remember they would be having company, perfectly content to show off her stains to her husband. Yukina had to smile at that; despite everything she truly was happy Yu made her daughter feel so comfortable and happy in her changing body. "I've never been so glad to be proven wrong time after time before," she mused to herslef.

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"Thank you once again for deferring to my judgement on this Sorano, I have quite a good feeling about this."

Mizui's husband made a noise somewhere between affirmation and annoyance. "Frankly I just don't desire to use the nuclear option if I don't have to. I still think you're underestimating our son's newfound stubborness. You can't compromise with something like this, it's an all or nothing deal."

"And I still believe you're underestimating the Amagi's stubborness. Like I explained, this way we don't have to deal with either and everyone's happy. You do want grandchildren eventually right?" He chuckled at this. That was definitely true and really, they didn't even need to get Yu's consent. They just needed to get the consent of the Amagi's. If Yu decided to be difficult after that, where would he go? Really their plan of action had already been decided but it was always helpful to go over things one last time before any big meeting; it had worked for years after all.

Mizui had only been to the inn once just to say that she had. As they had driven straight here from the hotel in Okina, there was no great nostalgic trip down memory lane. Even if they had gone through, it probably wouldn't have done much. This was just the town she had grown up in, nothing more and nothing less.

They were greeted by a bowing procession of servants into the building. The pair could just feel the history radiating off the place. Sorano had expected it to be a lot more run down than it was, every ryokan he'd been to in the past had at least some need of repair but the owners here seemed to run a tight ship. Even the gutters were completely spotless.

"Welcome to the Amagi Inn. We hope you enjoy your stay with us." Sorano almost wanted to tell them it wasn't really a "stay" since he was just planning on grabbing his son and leaving but there wasn't really a point in doing so. That would be apparent soon enough.

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"Ah, the scent of flowers wafts."

Yukina would have asked if her husband always had to be so dramatic but had learned many years ago the answer to that question was a resounding yest. It WAS a beautiful day though with the sun shining and the cherry blossoms in full bloom. It had rained the night before so the light reflected off the water droplets creating a picturesque scene which the gentle breeze only added to. The door to the meeting room was ajar to allow their guests to take in such a view, a strategy he and Yukina had often used for important meetings.

Yukiko glanced at Yu with joy in her heart. He seemed remarkably calm and carried himself with a sense of purpose. Actually he had been pretty calm ever since she'd allowed him to spoil her to the fullest. She'd like to think it was entirely due to her efforts to comfort him, but if she was being honest with herself, it seemed to be something else. It's not like she was letting him dote on her right now after all. Whatever the reason, seeing him like this gave her security as well just like it always had. "Thank you for letting me sit in on this," he said to her parents.

"Ah don't mention it, wouldn't want to miss a chance to see you getting yelled at after all. Hahaha oh they're coming." It was like Mr. Amagi became a totally different person, the warm smile gone in an instant, replaced with the cool professionalism of his wife as he prepared to greet their guests.

"Welcome," the four of them said at once.

Mizui and Sorano were met with a straight line of bows although the girl on the end couldn't bow as deeply as the rest. It took him a moment to recognize his own son dressed in the traditional garb of a ryokan owner and bowing so deeply. He could actually feel his eye twitch a bit at the sight. Was this a power play by the Amagi's? Were they trying to send him a message? Glancing over their faces, he saw nothing to arouse suspicion but he was definitely on edge now.

It was immediately obvious who Yu took after more. His father's imposing height was just one of the many things that made Yukiko a tad nervous. He shared Yu's oddly colored hair and grey eyes although his hair was more deliberately styled. The eyes were where the real differences lay. Despite the muted color, Yu's eyes held a great warmth and were just brimming with sparks. His father's gaze seemed much cooler, more dispassionate. He gave her parents a cursory glance at best before settling on her and she felt his eyes begin to analyze her. Their was nothing carnal about it like some of the guests or the boys at school but somehow it made her even more uncomfortable, like he was looking at a piece of furniture instead of a human. Yu looked straight at you, this man seemed almost to look more down at you even thought they were the same height. It might have been presumptuous or even unfair, but Yukiko disliked him already. Eventually his inspection ended with no indication whether or not what he saw met his approval.

His mother by contrast almost escaped her notice. She matched her quiet voice on the phone quite well. With her short black hair and thin glasses, Yukiko could easily imagine her standing in the corner of a room with a clipboard without saying a word while her husband took center stage. It was a little mean but the woman wasn't very attractive, looking decidedly average. Once again, it was clear where Yu had gotten his looks from.

"Son. You're looking well."

"Father, mother," he responded back simply looking at each one in turn. He spoke in a tone of cautious optimism clearly letting them know he was willing to try if they were.

"You must be Mr. and Mrs. Narukami. It's a true honor to finally meet you. Please, have a seat and we'll get right into it. I know you're a busy man."

"My name is Yukina Amagi. I run this inn together with my husband. It's been in the family for nine generations. Yukiko, our daughter, will be the tenth."

Yukiko bowed her head demurely. "It's nice to finally meet you. I look forward to getting to know the both of you better." Yu's father was looking at her again and it may have just been her imagination but she felt like she caught the slightest glimpse of approval as he appraised her.

"And of course it's nice to see you again senpai." Mizui seemed almost startled to be addressed directly like that. "Yes...of course. It's been too long. I wish we could catch up but we are in a bit of a rush." That wasn't strictly true but the more awkward small talk she could avoid the better, and she knew her husband was itching to get going.

As Yu's parents took their seats, Yukiko put a small platter of shumai in front of them. "Thank you dear, you may go," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Yukina cleared her throat. "Actually, if it's all the same to you, we wanted our daughter to sit in on the proceedings. To get a handle on how such things should be run." The man took a quick glance over at the girl seeing her face, polite yet hiding a slight eagerness that made him suppress a smile. "Very well. You may stay as well Yu."

"Thank you...father," he said with well concealed annoyance but deciding to just let it go. "You two should try the shumai. It's quite good." His mother grabbed a piece for the sole reason that it would be impolite not to. "This is...quite good."

Fuyuhiko broke the stern masked character as he turned to his daughter. "All compliments go to our daughter. She's been making such great strides in the kitchen. With a bit of help from your son actually." Sorano reached forward and grabbed a piece, after a moment of deliberation he gave a nod. "It's quite good."

"What made you want to start cooking dear?" The way Mizui asked it was almost like a news reporter asking, as if she already knew the answer, but Yukiko tried not to let that bother her.

"Well, as the future owner I'm expected to at least be familiar with the recipes." Her second hand gravitated to her belly giving Sorano a clear view of her engagement ring. "But when I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to be able to cook for my son and husband. It's just a little thing I can do to support them." Mizui gave her husband a small look down her nose as if to say, "I told you so," he merely huffed in response. Perhaps his wife had been on to something after all. This Yukiko girl was the picture of traditional beauty. Poised and elegant, but more importantly completely dedicated to the success of her husband and child if his wife's recollection of their phone conversation was to be believed. A little on the chubby side but she was clearly in her third trimester so that was excusable. And she was completely willing to inherit the destiny her parents had planned, perhaps his son could learn a thing or two.

"We'll get right to the point. Marriage is non negotiable, in fact the papers have already been signed. We wished to consult you before we did so but seeing as how you neglected to contact us, you forced our hand. We cannot have a future heir of the inn born out of wedlock and we couldn't put our daughter through such dishonor."

"Very understandable," Sorano spoke. "I was a bit tied up overseas with far more urgent matters. Frankly, I'm glad you handled such things. If you're worried I would object to the marriage, don't be. I give my consent." He said it with a flippant wave of his hand, but Yu was still shocked. He seemed much more calm about this whole thing than he had months ago. In fact, every one at the table except for Mizui seemed to be quite surprised by this turn of events.

"Do you truly mean that father?" Looking at his son out of the corner of his eye, he gave a nod. "It makes no difference to me who you choose to run your house while you're working, and you could certainly do worse."

There was something odd about the way he said that "run your house while you're working" as if he was implying they wouldn't be working together. Suddenly Yu felt his stomach drop when he realized his father's angle. Before he could speak up, Fuyuhiko clapped his hands together. "Fantastic. We've already begun plans for the wedding. The date isn't set yet but we're hoping for a June wedding."

Sorano cleared his throat. "Actually, it would be better if there was no wedding." Everyone present looked utterly shocked by this except for Yu who sat shooting daggers at his father and of course his mother who had heard this all before. "I'm sorry Mr. Narukami but I'm not quite sure I understand what you're getting at. You're fine with marriage but object to a wedding?"

He nodded. "That's correct. As it stands now, the only indication that it was my son who got your daughter pregnant are the murmurings and whispers of the people of a small town. An official wedding would spread word of that much further. You might say it's paranoia but I say it's prudence. We can't risk such information getting back to my company, it could potentially ruin Yu's chances for advancement."

"B-but sir, if I may," Fuyuhiko interjected. Sorano shot him a glare that conveyed his sheer annoyance at the situation making the Amagi patriarch hesitate. He steeled himself. This wasn't something that could be let go. "Are you suggesting we don't give these kids a wedding solely based on what might happen? How could you suggest such a thing? A wedding is one of the most wonderful days of a person's life! It's something you remember forever."

"Fuyuhiko dear, calm down you're shouting," although a flash of irritation was visible on Yukina's own usually stoic expression. He quickly apologized although unhappily with Sorano merely snorting. "They'll live," he stated simply. "I didn't need a wedding and they don't either. Coddling them too much is how we got here in the first place."

Yukina decided to let that last little comment go for now but she was certainly looking forward to this being over. "The reasons you wish to avoid the wedding are precisely the reasons it needs to happen. Even discounting giving our children a beautiful day that they'll take with them forever, a proper wedding ceremony helps legitimize the marriage. It will limit our daughter's potential dishonor and quell any rumors that the baby was born out of wedlock."

"But there is something I wished to ask you before we continued. You said it would ruin Yu's chances of advancement. What exactly did you mean by that?"

"Yes father. Please tell them what you mean," Yu said it with barely concealed anger this time. But Sorano wore a smirk. "Calm down Yu. Before getting angry with me, you should at least hear the compromise your mother came up with. It doesn't make me entirely happy but that's what being an adult is all about. I'm willing to compromise and you should be to." All eyes turned to the small mousy woman who shifted uncomfortably in response. "Mother, what does he mean? What compromise?"

Steeling her nerves, she straightened herself out and spoke for probably the second time during the entire meeting. "Yu, if what you tell me is true, you found a woman who's willing to support you and your children no matter where you go in life. And your father and I think that's excellent of course. It will let you go far in life." Yu's expression had softened a bit but he still fixed his mother with a cautious gaze.

"And that's why you should leave the running of your household to her while you work with your father."

A simultaneous incredulous "what!?" could be heard from every member on the Amagi side of the table. "Son. You have such great potential in you. I know you can rise even further than your father and I. You could be the president, you could be a diet member, but you can't do those things if you're here."

"Leave raising the children to your wife while you pursue other things. That way they'll have a mother to nurture them and a father to look up to. You'll still be able to see them of course but now you can safely your family will have balance." She looked a bit regretfully at her son. "Only one parent will work so they'll get the proper attention and care a child needs. It won't be like...well it's the most ideal childhood possible I would think."

Yu was silent for a long time. Yukina had no intention of letting him say yes, after all running an inn was a full time responsibility even for two people, but she wanted to see how he would answer. Eventually he looked towards his mother, his eyes were filled with sadness. "I'm sorry mother, but you're speaking of months at a time I'll be unable to see them. And for what? Why would I want to rise high in an industry I have no interest in?"

"To carve a name for yourself of co-" but Yu held up a hand. "I can carve out a name for myself here. With my family. I told you over the phone I had no intention of leaving and I haven't changed my mind" The small woman let out a sigh. "I'm just telling you to keep your options open. You love this girl and she loves you but once the honey moon phase is over it will simmer and here you'll be in this town and by then it'll be far too late to change your mind. You'll have fallen too far behind the curve of the industry to possibly reach as high as you can if you start now."

Yu was about to interject when Yukiko spoke up. "Mrs. Narukami, I'd prefer a husband I actually get to see. I want him to be a part of our son's life as much as possible. We've been given a golden opportunity to both provide and be there for our children." The frustration was evident in her voice. She was so sick of people saying what they had was just puppy love and she didn't even know this woman! But she kept it as even as she could for Yu's sake.

"Dear, don't you think you're being a tad selfish?"

Yukiko was left dumbstruck. "W-wha... I'm sorry? I don't understand?" Fuyuhiko held up a finger to say something but was held back by his wife, although her eyes had not even a hint of good humor in them, she was at least willing to see where her old senpai was going with this. "I understand that separation is difficult at first and seeing as you're pregnant, you'd want him to attend to you now more than ever but don't you, both of you, see how that's detrimental. If you can't handle a little time apart, frankly I'm not sure if this marriage will last."

"A little!?" Yukiko almost shouted. "Perhaps that was a poor choice of words er what I mean is that's..." Mizui hadn't expected such push back. She thought what she was suggesting was perfectly reasonable. It was a balance between what she and her husband wanted and what Yu and his wife seemed to want so what was the problem?

"Remember what you said to me dear? Over the phone? You said he made you feel like a princess. You also told me he was your first boyfriend. Don't you think that's a little selfish? You want him to stay because you are enjoying a new experience too much. He can't go and live up to his potential because you want him to raise the kids with you instead of doing it alone like millions of other housewives all across Japan do. I thought you said you were willing to support your husband? That's what a wife should be dear, you prop up your husband and children. You don't hold them back just so you can feel special." She felt bad saying such things but they were things the children needed to hear.

Yukiko began to feel the slightest bit of doubt creeping in. Was she really holding Yu back due to her desire to be a mother? He vowed to support her but that's just how he was maybe...

She shook her head. No. She just couldn't doubt Yu's dedication to her anymore and she remembered his face when she gave him the notebook.

"You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

Before Yukiko had a chance to lay into the woman, Yu had spoken up first. "It's not a mistake. It's not a delusion. This is what I want to do and Yukiko knows that. She's supported me far more than you or father ever have!"

"Here come the theatrics," Sorano thought to himself. Perhaps now his wife would understand why compromise doesn't work. "I wasn't there for you, I admit that. But Yukiko will be there for your son a-and he'll value the opportunities you give him far more than time you spend with him. It's called paying forward and he might not understand at first but he will one day that you only ever had his best interests at heart!" Ever since she first began to stumble over her words, her voice had grown increasingly frantic as if this conversation was more than just an attempt to convince her son.

"No! No he won't value that more! I can't believe you mother! I thought you finally understood! I thought you were going to support me but I see now that was a mistake." She moved back as though he struck her across the face. "It was never about supporting me. It was only about making yourself feel better. I can't believe I bought all that crap about you wanting to 'reconnect' you just want me to be your validation!"

"I...I don't understand. We can...we can reconnect. I may not have been there when you were a child but t-t-that's in the p-past. I know how h-happy Inaba has made you, but you have responsibilities. You can't just hang out in a sleepy country town and have fun all the time! You have a duty to your children to be the best you can be! Why can't you understand you're not a bad person just because you can't be there for your children all the time!?"

"Can't or won't?"

"What?"

"It's a choice mother. You made yours and I'm making mine," he said as he wrapped his arm around Yukiko making her coo on instinct.

"You're not selfish for not wanting me to follow my dreams and wanting to follow in your footsteps, but you are selfish for expecting my love for doing so. At least father is honest about what he wants. Next time you tell someone you want what's best for them, don't confuse it with what's best for yourself."

Mizui shrunk into herself, her mouth gaping open and closed at a complete loss for words. A look of sadness washed over Yu's face and for a moment he looked regretful. "Mother...I-"

"Now do you understand Mizui? This is what happens when you give ground. You get an ungrateful little brat. Here's my proposal. You don't get a wedding and you don't get to ruin your life any further than you already have. You'll come back with your mother and I and we'll correct your little disciplinary problem." Yukina was glad that Yu was the one who had gotten worked up earlier. She could barely restrain her husband, and if Yu hadn't started shouting she probably would have. These people had come into her home, implied there way of life was inferior to their own, insulted their daughter, and now they were implying they were going to take Yu back whether the Amagi's consented or not.

"Mr. Narukami, I'm afraid there's been a bit of a misunderstanding. Running an inn is not something that can be delegated to a single spouse. It's a full time effort that comes with its own share of commitments and difficulties. It just wouldn't be possible to pursue...what are you doing?"

In the middle of her speech, the man had pulled something out of his pocket and had begun to sign. "Yes, yes, I'm sure it's all very difficult but if that's your concern perhaps I should ease your burden a bit." The object he slid across the table came into view. Ten million yen. "You can expect one hundred thousand yen deposits every month from now on to help deal with those 'difficulties' you mentioned. Or you could take one hundred million yen up front and call off the marriage entirely."

"Father, is me following in your footsteps really that important to you?"

"Mother please, you can't please don't accept."

Sorano held up a hand to silence the two. "Quiet children, the adults are talking." He turned back to Yukina with an easy smile. "It's your choice. It doesn't make a difference to me which one you choose. I'll give you fifteen minut-"

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"Absolutely not." His face betrayed his incredulity. He was offering her ten million yen at minimum and she had just rejected him with nary a thought. "You honestly believed I would sully this family's good name with bribe money? And for what? Just to make our children miserable? I'm sorry Mr. Narukami, but I don't think we'll be accepting your generous offer."

He let loose a long bitter laugh that sent the back of Yukina's neck crawling. It truly conveyed how fed up he was with this. "That's the problem with you country types. Too prideful for your own good, always thinking of the present instead of the future. Well the money that could be used to help your inn could just as easily be used to undermine it."

"Is that a threat?"

"I'm just bringing the possibility to your attention Mrs. Amagi." Yukina glanced over at her husband who nodded his head. This meeting had clearly gone south and now it would probably be best to get him out. The room was surprised however when a small voice piped up. "Oh please. You think you can scare us. We've dealt with garbage like you in the past and we'll do it again. And this time my wonderful husband will be helping us." Sorano was at an utter loss for words. The subservient docile girl from before was now glaring at him far more intensely than anyone else in the room, cradling her bump protectively. "If you take any action against this inn, we'll return it tenfold. Your career will be a smear on the pavement you vile imitation of man!" It was actually enough to make him step back a bit but he quickly recovered with a smirk.

"Looks like you found yourself a little firebrand Yu. I can see why you've deteriorated so much surrounded by influences like these. If this is what the upper crust of this town acts like, I shudder to think of the state of the average citizen of this town." Yu gave off a small smile of his own. "I don't know father, I think 'vile imitation of a man' was a better insult. That's two things you've lost today. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to living my life." He gave Yukiko a peck on the cheek but they both jumped when Sorano slammed his fist on the table.

"I didn't want to have to do this but you've let me no choice. It's time I put my foot down. Either you come back before the wedding, or you don't come back ever." Any hint of humor drained from Yu's face instantly, in the back of his mind he could feel Yukiko wrap her arms around him in a comforting motion but the majority of his attention was focused on his father. "What are you saying?"

"If you don't return, you're disowned." He said it as if it was on the same level of sending his son to his room and complete shock fell over the rest of the room. "You'll have proven to me you no longer wish to be a part of this family, and you'll be stuck here in this dying utterly dull town for the rest of your life. You'll receive nothing from either you're mother or myself for the rest of your life. No property, no connections, nothing."

"This might have become a foreign concept to you but I urge you to think it over. Is your childish rebellion really worth it? Even a spoiled little brat like you should realize it isn't after another month of working at this hovel. I was too lenient with you in the past and for that I apologize. In time you'll come to thank me, and even if you don't at least you'll be making something of yourself." He turned towards the door of the room. "I'll return in June, I hope by then you've matured enough to stop this nonsense."

He gave one last look to the Amagi parents. "I'll deal with you afterwards. I hope you reconsider as well but seeing the startling lack of class, I doubt it."

Yu jumped up from Yukiko's arms eyes flashing with anger and teeth grit clearly ready to say something. His dad grinned eagerly at him. "Got something to say son? Careful you don't regret it." But a sudden chuckling diverted both of their attentions. Fuyuhiko was giving off the most attention grabbing laugh this side of Yukiko. "What's so funny?" Sorano asked, smirk never leaving his face.

"Oh nothing, I just thought that it was amusing for all your put downs, you're still just somebody's lapdog mister vice president. At least my wife and I actually own the inn we're so proud of. Oh what a cruel irony! That must be tough for you!"

"What!?" Yu's father turned around and snarled. His face was actually red. This was clearly a sore subject for him. "Tut tut tut, such a startling lack of class. Wouldn't you agree, Fuyuhiko?"

"I would my dear Yuki. Absolutely appalling. What a terrible example to set for our children!" The head of the Narukami family's boiling anger lowered to a simmer. "Any more talk is a waste of time. Come, Mizui." Yu's mother had been strangely quiet after her idea had been completely shot down. She seemed to be mumbling to herself a bit but not in a crazy way, more like in the way someone does when they're trying to solve a particularly difficult math problem.

"Mizui!"

"Oh yes. Do excuse me." She followed her husband to the door.

"Oh yes and one more thing before you leave Mr. Narukami." The man turned around to face Fuyuhiko. "Your son's ten times the man you'll ever be. And he got my daughter pregnant. Ha!" Sorano rolled his eyes, and with the slam of the sliding door, he was gone. Yukina turned to her old senpai who stood there as if deliberating heavily where to go. "Senpai, you've changed. And not in a good way. There's nothing selfish about choosing a different path."

The woman looked at her feet and then up at her son. He looked hopeful for a moment as she opened her mouth. "Yu...I-"

"Mizui!"

"I-I better go."

"Yes," Yu nodded. "You better." And then she too, was gone.

A long period of silence fell over the room until Fuyuhiko broke it. "Wow. That did not go well." He felt an elbow in his side with Yukina glancing pointedly at Yu afterwards. "Oh right sorry. You okay?" He nodded. "I appreciate you stepping in like that sir. I don't know what I would have done if you didn't" Fuyuhiko rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah don't worry about it. I would have said it anyway, I thought it was a good way to stop you from sinking to his level is all." Yu jumped a little when the man clapped a hand over his shoulder. "Hey. You're a good kid. By comparison at least, I mean."

"I know exactly what you mean sir." Despite their kind words, Yu could still feel himself trembling a bit. "I think I'd like to be alone for a little while if that's alright."

"Take as much time as you need dear." Before he left, Yu felt Yukiko fling her arms around him and hug him tightly. He pulled her into a dip and kissed her deeply. "All that crap about you being selfish. Don't...I don't want you to ever think for a moment that you're anything like that okay?" He stared at her until she nodded. This was probably the second or third time he had ever sworn in front of her. "That was nothing compared to some of the things they said to you. Oh Yu, I'm so sorry." Eventually she had to let go and allow Yu to go to some far off corner of the inn.

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

Yukiko began to grow a bit concerned when he didn't return after two hours. He hadn't left, he wasn't in the kitchen baking his cares away, and he hadn't gone to their bedroom. She knew he needed time by himself but maybe she could help at least a little bit. Where could he be? She remembered Chie and how she relieved stress when she was nettled and the answer came to Yukiko quickly. The dojo.

Her search took an extra long time on account of an uncomfortable rubbing of her thighs keeping her speed in check. Just one more reminder to take things slow and easy from her body. When she eventually arrived, she was met with quite an unexpected sight. She had been expecting to see the punching bags knocked off their chains, maybe a lot of yelling but everything was normal sans the youth doing pull ups on one of the wooden bars near the ceiling. He had changed into a traditional black gi although the upper part of it was pulled down exposing his chest for her viewing pleasure. Why did she come down here again?

Eventually, he hoped down and began to rub his arms. He leaned against a pillar and started gasping for breath. With the straightness at which he stood, he somehow managed to make even that look glamorous. As soon as he saw her eye catching pink, he gave her a big smile. "Oh *hah* t-thank god you're here *hah*. I needed a break."

"I thought you'd be in the kitchen." The two slowly moved into each others arms as they spoke. She could feel her face growing heated causing her voice to be even more breathy than normal. It was just the natural way for them to be. "You should never cook when you're angry."

"Are you angry?"

Yu gave off a laugh. "You know the funny thing is, I calmed down as soon as I got in here and threw my first punch but it would have been kind of awkward to come back. Thought I'd get a work out in. Got to stay in shape for my gorgeous baby mama." His hands lowered to her softened rump giving them a proper clap. It truly resembled a nice big soft peach in her kimono, with the way it stuck out behind under her sash, it was like a pregnant belly in its own way. He could just mush it around forever. Eventually though she put a hand to his chest. "Mmmm hubby you can *oooh* enjoy my body or have your chest exposed. But you can't have both. We'd get in so much trouble if we made love here."

Such a comment was enough to make Yu blush. Yukiko was so attractive, so womanly that sometimes it was hard to believe that he was just as arousing to her. He hadn't meant to be so forward, his blood was just up after the hour and a half long workout. Quickly he decoupled from her and put on the top part of the gi. The short break allowed the two to simmer down a bit. Yu felt a pair of arms fling themselves around his chest. This was a hug fully free of any kind of carnal desire, a tight hug that forced the air out of his lungs.

"I never doubted for a minute what you would choose, but you're still so wonderful! You didn't even hesitate. Sometimes I think you're like a superhero. No...you're the sun! You're like the sun given shape! And I don't care how cliche this might sound but my love for you burns just as bright! That's something I want you to never forget no matter what!"

"How could I?" And such a thing brought about yet another kiss that lasted until they were forced to breathe. And then another and another. "Do you remember when I had that nightmare about a week ago?" Yu eventually asked. She nodded, curious as to what he was going to say next. "That made today really easy because I realized then that no matter what happened, you'd be by my side. Do you know what that means? For you to be by my side?"

"What?"

"It means I can do anything. You say I'm like a superhero to you but that's because you MAKE me feel that way Yukiko. When I'm with you I feel like I can do anything." He twirled her around into another dip. Despite her heavier body and his aching muscles, it was just as graceful and easy as it had always been. "You say I make you feel like a princess? Well you make me feel like a prince. No, you make me feel like THE prince. And I know you'll do the same for our children; how can anyone possibly doubt themselves with you believing in them so much?"

Yukiko clasped her hands on the front of her belly with tears in her eyes. Every day she thought she heard the nicest thing Yu could ever possibly say to her and every day he'd top himself. "I realized something else that night. It's not me making a choice between this life and my old life because that was never a choice at all. It's everyone else who needs to choose. Because I decided long ago what I want to be, and what I want to be is Yu Amagi with all that entails." His happy expression darkened a bit as he turned away. "A part of me was hoping they'd see it that way too." They took a seat against a pillar with Yukiko gently stroking his back and leaning against him. "I was mostly angry with myself. I promised I wouldn't lose my composure and yet-"

"No parent should ever speak to their child like that. Even my mother lost her composure! My mother, Yu! If we were in the TV World I would have burned your father to ash!" Yu laughed heartily at that and tapped her nose with his finger. "I don't doubt that for a minute. I saw that look you gave him hahaha. I've never seen him take a step back before!" They sat in silence for a bit. "I think what got me the most was I really thought they'd had a change of heart."

"You can't save everyone Yu. It's not your fault. If it was up to me, I'd never let them hurt you again. But that's not your style is it?" she said with a little smirk. "No. I still think they have the potential to change. But I'm done being the one disappointed. If they want to be a part of our life, be around our children, they'll have to put in the effort first." She nuzzled deeply into his shoulder when he said this. "You turned me from a confused girl about to run away from home into the happiest mother in history! I wouldn't dare deny anyone your miracle work." Yukiko giggled a bit. "Sometimes I wish you weren't so put together! It makes it hard to practice my comforting technique!" she pouted.

"Please," Yu chuckled. "You're just a comforting person to be around. My big cuddly cutie." He was in the mood to hear another one of her laughter fits and began to tickle all over, his fingers sinking in to her soft sides beautifully as she giggled and gasped with glee. "Don't think I haven't noticed how soft and huggable you've been getting! Just keep being yourself Yukiko. I mean, you played up how much you needed my help just to make me feel better. That's pretty comforting." Her laughter stopped as she starred at Yu with her mouth agape. "Y-you knew!?" He gave her futon soft belly a pat that sent the first proper rippling jiggle across it although neither noticed it on account of her dress. "It was a little obvious."

"B-but then why didn't you say anything?"

A big kiss was her answer. "After that party you threw me, how could I possibly refuse? Yuki, I truly want to give you everything your little heart desires. I'll take any opportunity to spoil you. Because you deserve it...my little oven." A sudden grumble from Yukiko's tummy sent her gasping. It had scarcely been three hours since she'd last eaten a burger the size of her face. She gave Yu an embarrassed little smile. "I...think I may have gotten a little accustomed to this past week. If it's not too much trouble...could I have another one of those burgers?"

"Yuki, it's never trouble at all." She could feel her heart flutter from the sheer conviction in his voice. His hand gently rubbed her tummy and the other wrapped around her and held her tight. He really meant that, he really honestly truly meant that and that made her want to just float away in sheer happiness. I'll make this one a double. And then since I have the rest of the day off, I'll give you a nice soothing belly rub, and then...whatever mama wants," he whispered right into her ear. as his finger slowly trailed down her belly curve. She involuntarily shivered. All the tasty food and pampering was wonderful of course but at the end of the day what made it truly enjoyable was that it was her husband doing it all, and all for the sake of a comfortable and easy birth.

"I want you," was what came out in a whisper. He had his way of showing his love and she had hers. Yu seemed touched at the simple declaration which solidified Yukiko's realization. She traced her fingers along her chest with a bashful smile. She'd tell him all about how productive...how milky his cute little wife was and then she'd lay back, letting him fill her up and tend to her needs in every way imaginable. Because a good wife supported her husband.

The two went unseen by either Yukina or Fuyuhiko for the rest of the day.

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

The Amagi’s really didn’t know what to think the rest of the week. The meeting with Yu’s parents went a lot worse than either of the two thought it would. It did explain why Yu was so anxious before, he probably had an idea of how bad things could get. However, when they saw him the morning after he seemed completely fine. It was as if nothing had happened at all. The first thing he did that morning at breakfast was apologize for his family’s behavior and his father’s threat on their business.

“You have nothing to apologize for. This Inn has been in the Amagi family for generations and it will continue to be for many more,” Yukina said in a reassuring tone.

“You two helped with that…” Mr. Amagi said under his breath. Yukiko heard her fathers comment and it made her beam. She knew she was getting way ahead of herself, the Inn wasn’t even hers yet, but the sudden thought of being able to pass the Inn to her son in the future caused her heart to flutter. Did her parents feel this sense of pride whenever they talked about passing the Inn on to her? Of course, it would be his choice, and if he found that he wanted to do something else with his life she would support him. Besides, it was like Yu had been saying, if they so desired, there could always be other children lined up to take over the Inn in his stead…

“What are you thinking about darling? Your face is red.”

“Huh!?” Yukiko asked he mother after being broken out of her little daydream. “Oh! I was just thinking about my babies.” Yukiko brought her hands to her face when she caught her mistake and cleared her throat, “I mean I was thinking about my baby.” Luckily for her, Yu was in a conversation with her father and didn’t hear her little slip. Her mother furrowed her brow but after a moment of deliberation chocked up Yukiko’s little mistake as just that and chuckled. “When are you ever not thinking about that child?”

When asked about the ultimatum his father had given him, Yu quickly dismissed it with a tone that suggested he had already started to forget about it. To Yu it was something that wasn’t worth remembering. He needed no time to think it over. He already told his father he was staying and that was final. Like the Amagi’s with their Inn, he hadn’t the time to entertain his father’s threat. He had something far more important going on that day anyway.

If there was any doubt to Yu’s words they were put to rest during that week. His work was as good as it ever was, his interactions with the customers were cheery like always, and his overall appearance left nothing to suggest he had a care in the world, and as Yukiko noticed, he hadn’t had anymore nightmares.

However, there was one behavior brought about by his anxiety that did not cease once his parent’s visit was over. Yu continued to pamper Yukiko and that caused to Yukina continue to worry about the effects it was having on her daughter, not to mention her unborn grandson. Yukiko told her that cooking helped Yu relieve stress so she thought now that he was seemingly stress free that he would slow down, but that was not the case. She didn’t blame Yu entirely however, Yukiko had gotten used to being waited on hand and foot. Not only that, but her appetite had increased as well! She ate so much at dinner that Yukina swore she could see her daughter visibly getting heavier with each bite. Gaining weight was not only expected during pregnancy but encouraged! However, the weight Yukiko had gained recently looked like it was crossing the line from innocent baby fat to just plain "fat" fat.

Whether it be asking Yu to make her a special snack just for “her and the baby,” giving her back and foot rubs to help “her and the baby relax,” or bring her something she could have gotten herself, so she didn’t have to get up and “disturb the baby,” all of it stemmed back to the baby’s well-being. Even if Yukiko did end up enjoying being spoiled by her fiancé, the main reason she allowed him to was because she thought it was helping their son.

It was a little funny to Yukina. She had the complete opposite problem when she was pregnant with her daughter. Given her “delicate” condition, she had problems eating and keeping weight on during her pregnancy. She had to admit, given a choice between the two, she would have much rather have ended up a little too “porky” like Yukiko then what had happened to her, but still, too much was too much. She still had a lot of pregnancy to get through and if things continued how they were, who knows how big she’d end up when it was over. That’s why she was thankful for Yukiko’s next check-up. That girl would sleep hanging upside down like a bat if their doctor said it would help her baby’s development. The doctor would probably tell her to ease up on the eating and give her some more exercises to do, and Yukiko would be sure to follow their advice religiously.

“Yukiko! Hurry up or we’ll be late!” Yukiko and Yu were in the middle of one of their dizzyingly long kisses, while her father stood nearby tapping his foot and looking in the opposite direction. “Coming mother!” Yukiko answered after breaking off with Yu and wiping her mouth. It was a little premature for her liking, she preferred whenever they kissed for Yu to quiet literally “take her breath away,” but she could sense her mother’s growing impatience. Yu rushed over to hold the car door open for her and help her squeeze into the back seat of the family car. Yukina almost started to berate her daughter for having Yu do even more things for her, but the look of exertion on her face as she climbed in, caused her to hold her tongue. Maybe she did need his help with this one.

With a heavy “plop,” Yukiko slumped into the center of the backseat, the force causing her to bounce up and down for a second before coming to rest. “Whew! Mama remembers that being a lot easier last time,” Yukiko puffed.

“You’re bigger than last time,” her mother said while climbing into the driver’s seat. Yukiko smiled, taking it as a compliment even though her mother didn’t really mean it as one. Leaning over to the window as best she could, Yukiko blew one more kiss at Yu as the car pulled away. He and Mr. Amagi were to hold down the fort while they were gone. The Inn couldn’t afford to have them all take some time off to go today, and it was just a routine check-up. Yu expressed the utmost confidence that everything was going smoothly. How could they not be with Yukiko’s devotion?

“Please, you’ll only be gone for a few hours.” Yukina said when Yukiko rolled up the window and put on her seatbelt. Yukiko pouted, “I can’t help it. I just want to show him how loved and appreciated he is.”

Yukina joked, “Maybe we should get you a jacket with little neon lights on the back that say “I love my husband Yu,” that way everyone will know for sure!” Looking in her rearview mirror Yukina could see her daughter scratching her chin, like she was seriously wondering if she could actually find such a thing. Over and over Yukina had heard people say how the sickly sweet ways the two young lovers spoke to one another and there almost constant need to be together was all part of the “honeymoon phase,” of their relationship that would soon pass. She would admit, she was among those who thought such things. However, their relationship showed no signs of cooling down, in fact it seemed to get more intense as time passed. Yukina was beginning to consider that this was just the default setting of their relationship.

Looking at her rearview mirror again, Yukina saw nothing that suggested Yukiko was at all worried about how this appointment was going to go. She just sat their rubbing her gravid stomach as always, totally oblivious to how much her hands had started to sink in to her swelling gut or how every small bump in the road sent a wave rippling throughout the soft layer of thickening blubber that bound itself to her. Again, it was also possible she did realize just how fat she had gotten, but thought the extra padding was a benefit. By Yukina’s estimation, she must have gained ten to fifteen pounds since the last visit to the doctor, but it wouldn’t surprise her if that number was even higher. Either way, she was in for a rude awakening during their appointment.

“So dear, are you nervous at all about this checkup?” Yukiko just stared blankly at her mother like what she asked was completely preposterous. After blinking a few times, she answered, “Nooo…why would I be nervous?”

She looked down lovingly at her lap filling belly and switched to her “mommy” voice, “Dada made sure you and mama were well loved and taken care of didn’t he? You were given everything you needed to grow big and strong!”

Yukina bit her lip after noticing the makings of a small double chin when her daughter looked down, “You sure there isn’t one thing you’re a little concerned about? Something that might have happened since your last visit?” Yukiko thought real hard, not really sure about what her mother was getting at. Suddenly it came to her! “Oh! I mean I was a little worried about the meeting with Yu’s parents…”

“Huh?” Yukina uttered. That wasn’t what she thought she would hear. “I mean he had to listen to all that nasty business going on. Don’t worry though! I made Yu explain to him afterwards that everything was all right.”

“HA!” Yukina let out a small laugh for multiple reasons. First, she found it funny that that was what Yukiko honestly thought she should be worried about. Second, she always found it amusing when Yukiko would speak to the baby, almost as if she expected it to talk back. Lastly, she found the image of Yukiko demanding Yu to get on his knees and talk directly to her belly to explain to their unborn son the situation, hilarious. Even with a little prodding, she still didn’t not see her climbing weight as an issue. Oh well, that’s what the doctor is for.

Yukina noticed said doctor take a quick step back when she first saw Yukiko on the examination table. Even she looked a bit shocked about how much Yukiko had blown up in such a short time. Yukiko didn’t catch this in the slightest, “Hello doctor! How are you?” The surprised physician quickly recovered and sat down at her stool, “I’m doing good thank you.” She placed a hand on Yukiko’s tummy, “My! Someone is getting big!” Yukina smirked, that comment could describe the baby and Yukiko both. Yukiko felt the baby give another strong kick that the doctor also felt, “Big and energetic!” Yukiko’s smile grew so big her mother feared her face would become stuck like that permanently. To Yukiko, the doctors small comment was more proof that she was being the best provider and mother she could be.

After running a few basic tests and drawing some blood, the doctor told Yukiko to lift her shirt for another ultrasound. The doctor, and even Yukina sitting in the corner took note that Yukiko’s belly did not have the round, almost spherical look of a pregnant belly. Even if it did still possess those signature characteristics, it was plain to see that her belly was coated in a pinch-able layer of pudge and had a bit of “sag” to it. Despite it’s appearance, the surface of her belly was completely smooth without any sort of redness or stretchmarks to be seen.

“I must say, your skin is immaculate. Do you lotion it?” Yukiko nodded, “Yes, my hubby does it everyday before bed.” Yukiko’s face quickly became flushed and she had to turn to the side, “I mean, his father helps me put it on! You know, for those hard to reach places only!” Yukina was unconvinced. Given her daughter’s recent bout of helplessness, she knew Yu probably did all the lotioning and on every inch of her body.

Yukina couldn’t help but be taken up by Yukiko’s infectious euphoria when the image of her son flicked on screen. After searching around for a minute, the doctor declared everything looked fine, no problems or abnormalities to be found. Yukiko continued to stare at the screen, completely captivated. Like last time, tears started to well up in her eyes, “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?”

Yukina reached over and placed her hand on her daughter’s, “Yes he is.” Wiping her eyes, Yukiko looked back down to her swollen middle and smiled, “Your going to be a little Prince Charming like your daddy!” Yukiko gave her belly a pat and her expression grew a little sterner, “But remember your mommy will always love you the most no matter what!”

Before her blood work came back the doctor asked Yukiko some questions, things like if she had experienced any nausea, fever, cramps, pain, feelings of fainting, increased stress since her last visit. The last questions were about her diet. “This one always makes sure his momma is well fed. His father is such a pro in the kitchen. He can make whatever I ask him to. There was never a dish he’s made that wasn’t amazing! We can’t help but eat every last bite of whatever he serves us.”

The doctor just nodded as Yukiko went on about Yu’s culinary prowess. The reason for her recent weight gain had become much clearer. Her over-dotting fiancé’s knack for cooking helped increase her already larger appetite even further, and the girl was so enamored with him she just could not say no. She was literally “eating for two,” the portion sizes she described were a closer fit for two full grown adults rather than a pregnant mother and her unborn child.

“Okay Ms. Amagi that’s all I needed to hear.” Yukiko squirmed in delight at the doctor’s remark, not only did being referred to as “Ms. Amagi,” make her sound more mature, and in her mind motherly, but the “Ms.” Served as another reminder that she was basically a married woman at this point. “Everything seems to be an order, but there is one thing that could use some improving.”

“Wha-What!?!?” Yukiko, who had been all smiles the entire appointment, now displayed a look of concern and panic. She had been doing a good job so far. Even her hubby assured her she was doing all she could for their child. What could she have possibly done wrong? The doctor sensed Yukiko;s dismay and tried to explain, “Hey, don’t worry! It’s nothing major, after a few lifestyle changes you’ll be back on track!” As the doctor spoke, Yukiko avoided eye contact and the massaging of her belly increased in speed, nervous at the thought of having to tell Yu that she screwed up and the rubbing was also like her way of already beginning to apologize to her son for being a “bad mom.”

Yukina knew her daughter and somewhat expected her to act this way. It wasn’t her fault, it was her very first pregnancy, and at a young age, slip ups were to be expected. She knew that once the doctor told her what to do, she would follow their instructions to the letter.

Yukiko’s test results came back right on time. “You see Ms. Amagi, if you compare your results for you last visit you’ll see that…” The doctor stopped cold. Her eyes raced back and forth as she cycled through and read Yukiko’s chart. Scratching her head, she checked the dates on both charts to make sure she didn’t mix them up. She wondered if she should run the tests again, but they were so basic she didn’t see how they could have possibly come back with the wrong results. “Everything looks…good. Great even. Your results are even better than your last check-up.”

Yukina was as dumbstruck as the doctor was. Yukiko nervously twisted her shirt in her hands, her face still wracked with worry. “But I don’t understand. If my tests were good, what could I have done wrong…” The doctor stumbled to say something. Yukiko was over the recommended weight for pregnacy, but with her results coming back fantastic, what could she say? The recommended weight was more like a guideline anyway than an actual rule. She had been a doctor for years, more than enough time to learn that everyone’s body was different. If Yukiko was still healthy, then there was no reason to have her change anything at this point. If that changed in the future, then they could deal with it st that time. The doctor wrote a quick note on her chart to continue to monitor Yukiko’s weight and to run a few more thorough test next time before turning back to her patient, “I’m sorry, I misspoke. You have nothing to worry about.”

Yukiko’s face lit up instantly, “Really?” The doctor nodded and gave her one more pat on her stomach as she got up from her stool, “I’ll see you at your next visit. Keep up all the good work, mom.”

Yukiko was back to her old self when her and her mother were leaving. “I can’t say enough how happy it made your momma when she heard how well your doing,” she said, again in her higher pitched voice. Between hearing her and her baby’s clean bill of health and the doctor calling her “mom,” Yukiko felt lucky that her breasts had already expelled their milky payload earlier that day when she heard the cute and playful babbles of an infant that belonged to one of their guests, or else she would have probably done it right there on the exam table.

Yukina walked a few steps behind her daughter. She was still reeling from the doctor’s diagnosis. “Don’t get your hopes up, but I have a feeling your dada will say that you and mama deserve a treat!” Yukina shook her head and laughed silently. She was so close to being chewed out about her eating habits and here she was, mouth watering for more food.

Even with her long, flowing skirt, Yukina could still make out the outline of the overripe peach that was her daughter’s behind. Although it retained a round and pert shape, the wobbling it did after every footfall showed that it’s firm core was becoming buried under the doughy consequences of her indulgence. It amused Yukina that in a few months that her daughter’s butt had surpassed the size of her own, even though she was the older one. She may have the appetite and eat like a cow, but what further amused her was that her daughter was beginning to walk like a penguin. The way Yukiko threw her hips from side to side meant anyone walking next to her was in danger of being knocked to the floor. And yet, Yukiko still had a grace to her. Every step she took was a very meticulous one. Each well thought out step insured that she wouldn’t experience any surprise slips or falls. She also kept a vigilant watch of her surroundings, making sure she would be ready to respond to any sudden change in her environment to guarantee the safety of the priceless package she was carrying. Slow, steady, careful. That had quickly become her base, and at times, only setting.

Yukina decided to drop it, she heard what she needed to. Yu didn’t mind that his fiancé had packed on a few extra pounds, and if Yukiko was to be believed on how he has tried to initiate with her frequently while above their agreed upon limit, he might actually have a thing for watching her daughter thicken up…

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

Margaret was truly at the end of her rope. This boy had withstood everything she, one who rules over power, could throw at him. What she had thought would be a difficult yet quick battle had devolved into a brutal brawl lasting nearly a quarter of an hour, the upper hand constantly being exchanged between the two beings. The boy had even managed to withstand her ultimate attack, the Megadoloan, through sheer force of will. If only she was as mighty as her sister, who could fire them off with ease, this would have been a cinch. But she was weaker than her sister and needed a "charge up" first.

But she was finally ready to fire off another one. Her first mistake had been lobbing at him from long range. Of course her remarkable guest would withstand that. It had been risky but she had undergone a wounded gazelle gambit, purposefully allowing herself to take a bit of a beating to lure him in close. He paused in the middle of another slash as he saw the smirk on her face and the opening of her palm. Actual panic spread across his features.

"Megadoloan!

Yu barely had enough time to cross his arms over his chest before the blinding white explosion enveloped him, completely hiding him from view. Margaret allowed her shoulders to slump in relief. It was finally over. Not even he could withstand-

"Hassou Tobi!"

She felt a sharp pain across her body, followed by another and then another. Eight in total. She was so stunned by this that she was hit with a second Hassou Tobi before she could switch to a null physical Persona. Fortunately for her, she was able to stop him before he got a third one in. She was starting to undertake actual damage.

"E-enough," she spluttered out. "You, a h-human, won against me, one who rules over *hah* power." She collapsed on to her back before she could finish the rest of her speech. She could barely raise her arm to Diarahan herself. She took a slight amount of joy in Yu sprawling right down next to her.

They took a minute to catch their breaths. Eventually, Margaret raised herself into a seated position with one leg drawn towards her chest and an arm laid over it. "I must ask though, how did you withstand that last blow? I thought for sure you would have been done for. You didn't cheat did you?" she teased with a wink.

Yu raised himself up and gave a smirk of his own. "Lucky armband." He pat the circular white piece of paper wrapped around his bicep. The usually stoic woman gave off a laugh at that. Absolute power done in by a trinket from a six year old girl, how ironic. Although perhaps not; it was really just another example of the true power bonds held, after all.

"So did you find the answer you were looking for?" Yu eventually asked. Margaret nodded. "I did. You've shown me that one's potential is truly limitless. When people search for themselves, they are not 'empty' but instead open to limitless possibilities. And that's why she couldn't stay." Margaret looked a bit sad for a moment before quickly recovering. "I shall not interfere with my sister's journey any longer. How could I when she was moved just as much by someone as you've moved me today?" She gave Yu a bookmark and yet more praise was heaped upon him. "Thank you again for accepting my request today. You've truly earned my reverence."

Yu rubbed the back of his head. "I should be the one thanking you. I need to keep myself sharp in case of another incident." This made Margaret raise an eyebrow. "You would be well within your rights to step back if such a thing were to occur. Don't forget, you have so much more to lose now."

"It's because I have so much to lose that I wouldn't be able to step back," he responded. "I'm not the only one with a family and loved ones. I want to do whatever I can to secure a future for my son and everyone else I care about. It would be selfish to put my own safety and happiness above that."

"Well said," the attendant said with a genuine smile.

"That's why I accepted your challenge today you know. You're one of those people." Margaret cocked her head to the side and Yu decided to clarify. "You're my friend and I wanted to help you."

It was probably the only time he had ever seen the woman blush albeit briefly. The direct way in which he had said it made her feel truly honored in her own way. "Out of everyone I've met, you've shaken my core the most. I have no doubt you'll meet whatever trials come your way head on. Farewell for now, Fool." And with that she vanished. Yu was not insulted in the least. For Margaret, nothing could be a greater compliment.

As Yu made his own way back, he reflected that he also had a third much simpler reason for wanting to combat Margaret. He had wanted to clear his head a bit. After Yukiko returned from her appointment yesterday, giddy with excitement eagerly telling Yu and her father about her completely clean bill of health, he had thought such a wonderful wife and mother deserved an extra special treat. Fuyuhiko agreed and had taken over Yu's shift so he could provide his daughter with his best. "If you don't knock her socks off, I'll have you pull triple duty tomorrow," the man had joked, but it was completely jovial; actually he was hoping his daughter could maybe leave a little bit for him but that probably wasn't going to happen. Then again, at his age he shouldn't be eating what Yukiko was shoveling down anyway, he reflected.

And shovel down she did. Yu had prepared an entire tray of what he called "three cheese lasagna" for his sweetheart. "I think it's nice to hear how well you're doing, but I think you should get to feel it. Plus, I know he'll love it. It'll give him everything he needs." Hearing the last part, Yukiko of course dove right in but she hadn't quite understood what Yu meant by the first part. Him making love to her made her feel appreciated and happy but that wasn't quite the same. Although she wouldn't be too opposed to that being on the table.

Any confusion was immediately cleared up as she began to dig in. This dish was not only delicious but heavy. Heavy and warm. She could feel her belly rounding out with every scrumptious bite. It sat nice and firmly in her gut and she felt the pleasant sensations of fullness hit her when she was barely halfway finished. But her baby was still begging and pleading for more! She couldn't stop now! When she had finally cleaned out the tray like a good mama, then she allowed herself to lean back in contentment.

She was hanging back on her hands, but the new heft of her cheeks prevented any part of her back from ever touching the ground again in such a position. Yukiko would let out little puffs of breath along with attempted belches she managed to muffle into her fist. Even though moving one arm over her gravid stuffed body was cumbersome and sluggish, her mother was still in the room and she'd prefer to avoid a lecture when she felt divine.

Yu had been right. She ate a lot everyday but nothing like this all at once. Her stuffed tummy stuck out impressively making her look full term despite not even being in her final trimester. It made small gurgling noises that she liked to imagine was her son indicating his approval of his mommy's efforts. She could almost feel it just chugging along, working to not only feed her baby but to turn her into the best mom she could possibly be. The doctor had even said that's what was happening! With such a heavy load in her gut she could almost feel the thick creamy cheese turning into rich milk to replenish what she had spent earlier.

She could feel her eyelids drooping a bit and the lazy rubbing the girl gave herself certainly didn't hurt. Every inch of her big big belly seemed to be packed with a low gentle heat and that buzz truly gave her the sensation of a job well done. Suddenly, she felt another hand on her stomach, waking her a bit from her drowsy state.

"You know, I didn't worry about your appointment for even a second." The warm blush on Yukiko's face matched the warmth she felt throughout the rest of her body. Yu drew in close, wrapping himself into Yukiko as much as possible. Given her stuffed condition combined with her pregnancy, he didn't sink in much but that was perfectly alright with him. He began to give her belly slow pat after slow pat like the tight drum that it was still causing a slight ripple visible due to her stretched school uniform riding above her navel. "How could I? I mean, just feel your own body telling you you're the best mother to be in the world." Yukiko eagerly took him up on his offer.

"I'm not the only one though. Say thank you to your mama, little one." Yukiko gasped as she felt a kick shortly after he said that, looking down at her belly in astonishment. What Yu didn't tell her was that his belly drumming was meant to stir such a reaction, but there was nothing wrong with putting on a show now and then. With tears in her eyes she stared lovingly at her belly. "You're welcome sweetie. Already you're such a thoughtful, strong, little boy..." Her voice got a tad choked up at the end and she trailed off. She moved to cover Yu in kisses but was stopped by her own heft. Immediately, he leaned in and made sure to make up for their earlier interruption.

When they broke apart, Yukiko stared at him with her big brown doe eyes as lovingly as she looked at her tummy just now. "...just like his father. His wonderful perfect father." Eventually, Yu had to return to his shift, he had promised after all, leaving with one last kiss to her belly. She returned to a half asleep daze, slowly and lethargically soothing her fecundity.

Yu turned around for one last loving look at his wife to be, an expression of complete adoration.

"She looks so happy."

Yu almost jumped. He had forgotten Yukina was in the room and judging by Yukiko's sleepy state, and occasional moans, she had too.

"Yeah," Yu agreed after a moment. He turned once more towards the well fed heiress who had fully fallen into a food coma. She didn't snore, but her gentle breathing and closed eyes let him know she was sleeping peacefully. From his point of view, she had earned it and he could fell his chest tighten a bit just watching her.

"And fat."

"Yeah," Yu said almost automatically, his voice holding an air of admiration for the beauty of her body. Truth be told, he was thinking of maybe using some healthy less caloric alternatives in his recipes, cutting down on butter for sure. Yukiko was doing everything perfectly, so it was his job to help her with that. But if what the doctor said was true, perhaps he didn't need to do so after all. Sometime over Golden Week he should have Yukiko and the baby taste test different alternatives and see-

Wait a minute...

Yu realized what he had just agreed to and turned to see his mother-in-law's grinning face. He had fallen right into her little verbal trap. "Ahh so you have noticed? But then again, how couldn't you? I think the only person who hasn't is Fuyuhiko." It was true. Yu could hear the whispers of the staff about the once rail thin girl steadily ballooning into a sinfully soft little butterball. Not out of a desire for gossip, but a slight concern if everything was alright. With the way Yukiko had proclaimed her results from the rooftop, hopefully such gossip would die down. Yu even noticed her mother giving her a critical eye, asking if she was absolutely sure she should be having seconds or that extra slider. But not her father. The man would constantly pass his leftovers to his always grateful princess, almost as good at keeping her parked on her butt and eating as Yu was. It was probably a side effect from Yukina's pregnancy mixed with his blinding love for his daughter. Either way, he was surely responsible for at least a portion of her new heft.

She knew he liked to feed her and now she knew he did that despite the weight piling on. It was clear she knew about his...preferences to put it bluntly. "I never figured you for a chubby chaser though. Especially since our daughter has always been so slender." It was clear Yukina was enjoying this quite a bit from the way she was grinning. Until Yu looked away with a bit of a pained expression on his face. "I don't...what I mean to say is...I wasn't doing it on purpose. If she ever asked me for help losing the weight o-or-" he was silenced by a single finger on his lips.

"I know. Your actions speak far louder than your words. If you wanted to fatten her up, I'd imagine cramming fast food and microwave burritos into her mouth would be far more efficient than cooking yourself." She chuckled a bit and turned towards her daughter, beckoning Yu to follow suit. "I think it's very sweet how you build her confidence up like that. I can only imagine what you say behind closed doors! Ehehehe!" Yu blushed, but he wore a small smile. What he had thought was going to be an interrogation seemed to have turned into a bit of a counseling session. He'd never really been on the receiving end of one of these before though.

"Yukiko's your first girlfriend, correct?" Yu nodded which made Yukina smile warmly. "Fuyuhiko wasn't my first, but he was the first that I was truly, er, intimate with. I, how do I put this, I began to discover things about myself and my needs that I wasn't even aware of until then and truthfully it made me feel a little unclean at first. But my husband helped me, oh god this is embarrassing ehehehe, explore myself and I realized it was nothing to be ashamed of. Basically -um- I can relate to what you're going through." Her cheeks had a hot blush that made her look about twenty years younger. Yu reflected that her little speech must have taken a lot of nerve, but he was glad she decided to give it.

Being the prodigal perfect child for so many years without deviation was a struggle Yukina knew all too well. Her heart had always been somewhat moved towards the boy, but those feelings had only been amplified by his discussion with his parents. Yes she understood exactly how shameful and yet intoxicating exploring yourself for the first time could truly be. The sooner Yu learned there was nothing taboo or shameful about it, the less harmful it would be in the long run.

Yu's astonished expression gave away that she was right on the mark. She really did understand. "May I ask what you discovered about yourself?" Yu asked, his usual joking easy confidence returning to him. "You may not." But although the words were stern, the tone behind them was jovial and friendly.

"Ultimately, it is her body so I can't really hold you too responsible for its current state," the woman continued on. "I really should have seen it sooner. Honestly, the hand feeding, the constant belly rubs, that look you would get in your eyes, the only person I'm really annoyed with is myself for not catching on sooner! Is she aware of quite how big she's gotten by the way? The scale at the doctor's office said she was 163 pounds and she didn't even bat an eye."

Yu honestly didn't know the answer to that and he said as much. "She said she was fine with putting on as much weight as needed for the baby but that was month's ago so I don't know how she feels about it now. And anyway she'll probably want to drop most of it after the birth.I don't think she'll be too upset, she thinks the size she is now suits her and I agree."

"Oh I know! She's just so cute now!" The sudden outburst shocked Yu almost as much as her initial sneaking up on him. "I just want to pinch her chubby little cheeks! And have you seen the way she waddles around? She's like a cute penguin, no, an adorable fluffy teddy bear!" Yu took a step back, it was as though the usually composed woman had turned into Rise with the way she was gushing. "I never thought my daughter could ever become so cuddly! I just want to hug her and squeeze her and never let go!" Her excitement petered off a bit and she regained her usual sly smirk. "Just one more thing we share I suppose. Although I don't have an interest in watching her outgrow her desk." Watching the way Yu squirmed a bit at that last comment made her cackle. "Oh my goodness, you really weren't kidding."

Yu had spent enough time with the Investigation Team to know that the ribbing was all in good fun. Really it was just a sign the woman was warming up to him and trying to make him feel at ease, like Rise or Teddie or Yosuke. His thoughts were interrupted by a delicate hand placed on his shoulder. "Thank you for making our daughter so happy, even if she did get a bit fat in the process." Before she left, she turned around one more time. "She looks so peaceful sleeping like that, but someone needs to cover her shift."

"I'll do it. I think she deserves a little rest for all her hard work," Yu replied without a moment's hesitation. Yukina gave him a final smile. "I don't want this to become a habit, but I'll allow it. Consider it my apology for doubting you once again." Yukina fully understood the near selfless motive behind Yukiko allowing her husband to spoil her, but she was finally beginning to grasp that actions were how Yu showed his love best.

With her gone, Yu took one last long look at his future wife. She just looked so very happy and while she did of course look lovely, it was her radiant joy that was making Yu's heart soar right now. But he couldn't justify intentionally fattening his wife just because she happened to take joy from aspects of it, could he? This thought, and how he would explain his preference to Yukiko weighed on his mind and Margaret provided the perfect distraction. When Yukiko found out what Yu had done, she was adamant about taking over one of his shifts the following day. Yu had said it wasn't necessary but she wouldn't budge.

"I can't allow myself to slack in any of my duties. Being a good mama means nothing if I'm not ready to inherit the inn when the time comes!" Yu couldn't possibly ignore such a heartfelt desire and had allowed her to take his place. Plus, despite her comforting words, Mrs. Amagi still delighted in teasing him.

"I think you'll enjoy this next task. The pillows in the guest rooms need to be fluffed."

"Tomorrow, I will be instructing you on how to sew. You might be needing such talents in the near future."

"I'm so glad you've taken to woodwork. The timing on your sudden interest is really convenient though."

And so on. Yes a little break would do him some good. Seeing Margaret did remind him of a shared thing her and Yukina said. Margaret had once told him that a single action could shake the heart more than a thousand words. If Yukiko ever began to feel self conscious about her newfound size, perhaps he'd already done most of the leg work. In fact, as he made his way back to the entrance of the TV World, he realized something. He didn't know how she felt about being fat. Truly fat, not just a pair of soft bedroom thighs and a jiggly pot belly but a true heifer. His actions would more than make clear he would love her no matter what size she was and when the time came for diet or relaxation, he'd do his best to remain impartial. The decision to would be entirely hers. He'd keep quite about his preference for now he decided. No need to make her feel fat if it turns out she dislikes it after all. 10 days and 7 pounds later, Yukiko was none the wiser. She had rounded out to a gently puffy 170. 30 pounds away from Hanako, although Yukiko was actually the slightest bit shorter.

"My actions," he mused to himself. "What would you do if Yukiko asked to help her lose weight?" He quizzed himself and without a second's hesitation his brain answered that he would help her however he could, because he loved her. She could be a bit oblivious, but she knew what she wanted. "Maybe I'm not a chubby chaser at all, maybe I'm just happy there's more Yukiko to love." That thought calmed his doubts greatly as did the happy coo from Yukiko when he set her lunch down in front of her, blissfully murmuring to their child as she ate and ate and ate.