Work Text:
Family Wedding, a follow-up to Family Dinner
It was a bold move.
Natsuo Todoroki figured they were already gambling by being here in person.
A very pregnant new wife at his sister's wedding.
Joy.
Imani begged to go. No one in the small wedding party would blame her for sitting this event out. The round heaviness of impending life was as good as any to not make the happy nuptials.
But, beautifully stubborn Imani bemoaned boredom during her maternity leave.
I need human interaction, Natty.
Aren't I human, ‘Mani? I see you everyday.
Our human interaction also led to my current state.
…Points were made…
So Natsuo struck a balance with Imani a week before: go to the wedding and leave at the slightest bit of discomfort.
They had to be within driving distance of one of the hero-friendly hospitals that would keep her privacy at the highest priority due to his infamous surname.
Imani held his arm in a vice grip, waddling (she really did waddle) in a custom-made traditional style kimono as the wedding guests and wedding party walked up to the traditional Shinto temple.
Hawks– Keigo –and his only sister, Fuyumi, decided to have a more traditional Japanese wedding followed by a Western-style reception after that required only two outfit changes for them and the second reception party.
Keigo strutted in a black and gray kimono styled for a traditional groom as Fuyumi was decked out in a formal white kimono and white bridal headdress, her white and red hair pulled up into a sweeping updo. The couple led the way as everyone followed behind them in a sort-of slow march toward the temple.
It was a more intimate affair with no press and a mix of forty people from both hero society and the civilian world: Admission and teachers from Fuyumi’s school, pro heroes and retired pros who knew both bride and groom, the respective Todoroki siblings and their romantic partners.
Everyone fanned out behind Keigo and Fuyumi in a formation that made Natsuo think of a peacock given the wide array of colorful fabrics.
His mother beamed from her side of the walking crowd dressed richly in a custom made gray kimono dusted with blue flowers.
Their dad–Enji, wore a man's kimono of orange and charcoal gray as his little brother, Shoto, and Momo Yaoyorozu complemented each other in kimonos made up of mixtures of red and white.
Natsuo’s own kimono was a mixture of snowy white and dove gray colors that contrasted the bright oranges and greens of Imani's kimono. Her textured ebony colored hair coiled down to her shoulders, free of its usual ponytail. Unlike his spiky mess of white hair, Imani could tame her locks.
“...and explain the walk one more time…” Imani met his stare, clinging it seemed for dear life to his arm, her green designer purse on her opposite shoulder.
“You're being like Yaoyorozu,” He chuckled. Imani had pressed for details about Japanese wedding etiquette, “I figured Google wasn't enough for you.”
“I don't want to offend my new sister.”
Natsuo felt pride swell like a balloon. Imani already considered his siblings and their partners a family to her, “She'll be more offended if I don't bow to your every whim today.”
“Queens recognize other queens,” Imani remarked with an extravagant shake of her head.
Natsuo groaned and looked to the heavens, “Please don't let me be outnumbered.”
“Please don't let me be outnumbered.” His wife huffed, “Now I feel bad for Fuyumi.”
The mutual decision to delay finding out the gender of the baby when it came fresh out the oven drove the elders of Todoroki clan and elder Jackson parents crazy.
Natsuo still had his demons, less of them as he healed, but some minor ones he dealt with during the pregnancy. Fears of becoming like Enji still nipped at his heels. Surges of feral protectiveness grew stronger the closer the due date got. He noted these were things to discuss with the facility therapist.
Imani simply revealed she didn't want to participate in the nuttiness of a gender reveal. (“Won't have the Japanese government blaming me for a forest fire” she expressed, showing him articles of gender reveals gone wrong in America.)
Natsuo decided to focus on the present and teased his wife, “I feel bad for the murder you're gonna see, my love.”
“Oh,” Imani gave him a look, “Why do you say that?”
“I fear your eyes may never recover from the onslaught of bad dance moves you are about to see once we get to the second reception.”
Imani's face dissolved into laughter as she squeezed his arm, “Come on, let's make sure we have a good seat.”
…
Once inside the temple, silence blanketed the air to allow a reverent atmosphere for the couple to join in bond. While a more traditional marriage for his culture meant joining families, there wasn't much to join. The broken Todoroki household and the lack of a Takami one led to his sister and new brother-in-law coming up with their own family.
We will be each other's family, found and otherwise, Fuyumi expressed last night as they had a siblings only dinner at his new digs–the larger home he and Imani now owned.
Imani and Momo had decided to give the siblings their time alone as they decorated the baby's room with calming earth tones of greens and browns. Shoto and Natsuo had decided not to dwell on the past, instead discussing future plans with the future bride.
Eventually, Fuyumi wanted children (“I already have twenty kids in my class, so no rush.”) and Shoto decided to remain with their father's agency until he found the right time to move on…after he and Momo came back from the States following their UA graduation. Natsuo expressed his wish for both he and Imani to finish their studies soon so they could provide for the first Todoroki child born in years.
Pulling himself into the present, Natsuo gave Imani another gentle squeeze as she leaned (dozed off?) on his right side as they watched.
After Fuyumi presented their parents with a large banquet of kiku flowers and a small gift for each parent, they announced the end of the “stiffness” and time to party.
“Ready to Electric Slide with me?” Imani allowed him to pull her slowly to her feet.
“I still don't think you want the cultural embarrassment of any of our bloodline dancing.” Natsuo deadpanned as he led her to the reception hall next door, “Judging by the videos we watched of your family’s weddings, I feel like I will bring dishonor on your cow.”
Imani smirked. Disney movies were her comfort during the emotional tidal wave of pregnancy, “Lucky you, the baby here may have a pinch of rhythm.”
“From your side of the family?”
“From God, not me.” She teased, “Just give me one slide or shuffle, okay?”
Like wax, he melted under her fingers combing his hair. “Alright, don't say I didn't warn you. I don't think the priest wants to work that hard today. I heard the second reception is an open bar.”
…
An hour and one outfit change later, the members of the Takami-Todoroki wedding left the temple to the reception hall next door. The colorful ballroom teemed with life: bright paper lanterns filled the ceiling as flowers crowded the way. A fusion of J-pop, K-pop and Imani's ‘wedding standards’ of line dances blaring from the DJ, pro-hero and UA teacher Present Mic in the smoothest Western suit ever made.
Laughter filled the air as casual chatter steeped into idle conversation. No hero talk or academia talk permitted. Only selfies and videos to save for laughs and blackmail.
True to his word, Natsuo fumbled through each line dance with the ease of a shot chicken. Even at her heaviest, Imani breezed through the steps with the music of her laughter curling around him. Even her concern about her purse dissipated. (“You never leave your bag on the ground. That's why it's on our table.”)
Fuyumi and Keigo took to the dances like water while Shoto and Momo surprised them all with catching on as quickly to the steps.
“Never in my life would I witness my socially awkward little brother get through the Cupid Shuffle in an expensive suit,” Natsuo led Imani off the floor for a rest, studying her swollen feet briefly.
"I don't know, Momo is killing it with the black dress."
Retrieving two water bottles from a passing waiter, Natsuo pulled out an empty chair at their table for Imani, "Did you convince Fuyumi to go shopping with Momo? Even I know that outfit is new."
"Of course not," Faux shock filled his wife, "I merely suggested to my brother-in-law's tall girlfriend to get a tight dress that shows plenty of leg. And the modest thing didn't even have any clothes like that."
"Yeah, I'm gonna have Shoto get you back if the Macarena comes on." He scolded as he nodded to her to sit.
Though she protested for a moment, Imani plopped in her chair with gratefulness as evident in her sigh. “Just wait until the Cha Cha Slide comes on. More work than their hero training I bet.”
Natsuo handed her one of the water bottles then dropped in the chair beside her. He amused at the sight of the soon-to-be heroes ‘walking it by yourself’ on the dance floor, “I'm glad you managed to change clothes. Don't think you could go to the left, to the left in your kimono.”
Now in more Western style casual clothing, Natsuo wiped his hands on his black slacks as Imani sported a long mint green maxi dress that matched his mint green long sleeve shirt. Her purse completed her ensemble, sitting proudly on the table opposite them on the four top.
Imani placed a hand on her stomach, “Oh yeah? Don't let this belly fool you.”
“So, are you ready for the next round?”
“Obvs,” Imani smirked, “Let me push off this chair and hit the floor.”
He stood and held out an arm for Imani who took it…and immediately fell back down into her chair.
Natsuo dropped to his knees, smiling, “Didn't get a good push off? Need another minute before you attempt a wobble?”
When he met her brown eyes, something other than amusement colored them.
“Natty,” Imani used one hand to grab her belly and the other to grip his arm, “Did my water just break?”
…
Natsuo prided himself on learning medicine as a medical worker. He prided himself on remaining calm in the face of danger.
He did not feel a lick of pride as he went numb.
Did one of the other ice welders hit him?
“Huh?” The single word tumbled from his mouth.
“My-my water? But, maybe I didn't make it to the bathroom in time?”
Natsuo shook himself. Calm. Be calm. You have a plan. “Don't worry, ‘Mani. Let me grab your bag and you can change clothes. Then, we can call the OB on the way home.” The trail of water wasn't a gush like portrayed in the movies, more of a steady stream of blood-tinged yet overall clear liquid. “I'll help you get to your feet, okay. Just breathe.”
A small sense of calm washed over her face, “I-yeah, yeah, you're right. I owe somebody a chair.”
He took both of her hands and squeezed gently, “Sit still and I'll be right back–”
Imani responded in kind by gripping his hands. With Endeavor type force. “NATSUO TODOROKI, DON'T LEAVE ME!”
Just like in a cheesy movie scene, a record scratched and all other guests froze, their attention diverted to both of them in the corner.
Natsuo winched as she applied more pressure, “My love, I need you to let go–”
Her eyes wet with tears, “No. I don't wanna let you go!”
“Imani Ebony Todoroki, don't be stubborn.” His eyes must have written out his heavy feelings, “Please. Let me help you.”
Looking resigned, Imani freed his now cramped appendages causing him to rub his knuckles.
The sound of some hurrying up to him got Natsuo’s attention, “Everything okay?”
His new brother-in-law, Keigo, kneeled opposite Imani’s side in a nice smoky gray-colored suit, his brownish-blonde hair a mess from running.
Natsuo slumped to the ground on his knees. “I think we’ll be leaving earlier without cake.”
“Leaving early!” The newest Mrs. Takami appeared beside Imani, dirt and liquid blemishing the hem of a silvery A-line second reception dress. “Natsuo, Imani, how can we help you two? Should I ask for Recovery Girl to come over from her place at her table?”
Imani's only reply was a feral cry as she gripped her stomach with both hands.
“Can confirm, sis, we are definitely leaving early.” Natsuo rose to his feet then helped Keigo to his.
Keigo shared a look with his new wife, “Me and Natsuo can help Imani to her feet, go ahead and get Recovery Girl.”
Fuyumi took off toward the tables holding their guests.
Like a nomu, Imani managed to drag not one, but two grown men to the floor as she let her belly go and yanked them both back down in compliance with their forearms, “No. One. Leaves.”
Two sets of wide eyes met each other. Wasn't Hawks/Keigo the one giving nomu Hell along with the old man? Didn't he, as the middle Todoroki son, have the old man's build and strength?
As if summoned, Enji Todoroki came upon the scene stuffed in a somber black suit, "What is the problem, everyone?”
Natsuo heard only what could be described in his mind as a weary Greek hero meeting an angered monster with many arms and blazing eyes: Imani had hit the old man with a look of pain and fury, her voice growling, “Don't take them. The baby–”
Imani failed to finish the rest of her jumble of words as another cry (Howl of a creature from Hades?) interrupted her.
The sound of heels clicked toward them, a soft voice commanded the scene, “Keigo, tend to your guests please. Natsuo, just stay seated by your bride. Imani's scared and needs your support.” Rei Todoroki had floated toward this mess of a scene in her pale blue colored modest dress like the “Let It Go chick” (What? He didn’t keep up with Disney characters like Elsa and Anna between studying. Nope. Not at all). With a deft hand, Rei walked up to Imani and touched her forehead. “Imani, no one would dare make Natsuo leave you. Fuyumi already left to get Recovery Girl.”
Imani released his and Keigo’s arms, Natsuo feeling mercy shine on him as if from a deity. Keigo promptly escaped to help Fuyumi.
From his vantage point on the floor, Imani had fixed her eyes on the older woman, “The baby can't be coming, I have another two days.”
“My dear Imani, our first lesson as mothers is plans will always be diverted,” Rei motioned to his dad and him, “Gentlemen, I need you to help Imani to the floor. Someone must be in position to catch the baby.”
As if freed of spell, the two men moved to do Rei's bidding.
When he saw his dad's paws near his wife, Natsuo growled. “ Don't touch her.”
His father hesitated between offense and guilt.
“Natsuo, we need to be calm. She needs it.” Rei's rebuke was light, “Now, I am going to borrow some tablecloths from the empty tables so she isn't directly on the floor. Please be careful with Imani.”
Natsuo tore his glance from the old man to see the tears running mascara rivers down her cheeks. His heart pinched. With a final huff, he locked eyes with Enji, “ Help me.”
Taking the silent hint to cool it from Mama Rei , the Todoroki men righted themselves. Each man carefully pulled Imani to her feet then lowered her to a spot a few meters from the initial mess onto a pair of fancy white tablecloths spread on the floor by his mom. A third cloth laid across her arm like a waiter’s cleaning rag.
Sweat caused Imani's skin to shine as she locked eyes with his own. Natsuo felt a swelling in his chest. No, she would not be alone here. “‘Mani, you're doing great.”
“I'm a mess,” She sobbed harder as Enji became a temporary wall behind her.
“You're my mess,” Natsuo positioned himself in front of Imani, reaching over to tease her coiled hair pasted to her forehead then cup her face, “You got this. You got me.”
Imani smiled–and failed to reply. Another deep groan answered in its place.
Rei moved toward her son, her voice dropping low for him to hear, “Kneel in front of Imani and help her get comfortable. Her dress needs to come up and her underclothing off–”
Despite the severity of the situation, Natsuo appeared shocked. There is no way he would undress her in a crowded reception hall, “Mom, you aren't serious. ”
“As talented and educated as you are in the medical field, my dear son, you also haven't given birth. Your mind is also in a hundred other places.”
“Mom, you just asked me to take off her underwear ,” Natsuo hissed as he remained in front of Imani on the ground.
“And this is the first time?” Rei’s innocent statement caused the old man to lapse into a deep belly laugh.
Before Natsuo could blacken an eye, Rei had dropped the table cloth over Imani's lap and repeated a soft command, “Again, Imani, Natsuo’s going to pull whatever you are wearing down. Can't have the baby stuck. Can you practice any exercises from your birthing class?”
Forcing himself to zero in on the tasks at hand, he equally grimaced and relished in this task then pushed the lace aside. Imani had fixed her face into concentration as she fought to control her breathing in the way their overzealous birthing coach impressed upon them, her hands gripping the cloth over her lap. Natsuo reached over to take them into his, giving her small squeezes.
You got this. You're strong. You're loved.
New voices mixed in the air behind them, “Mom? Natsuo? Did something happen?”
“Mrs. Todoroki, can we do anything?”
Rei lifted her head to peer over his shoulder, “Momo, be a sweetheart and retrieve Imami’s green purse from the table. It has her cellphone and other things we may need so bring the entire thing to me.” Rei smoothed the cloth more then she wrapped something in a fancy cloth napkin, “Shoto, let your father go find Recovery Girl in case Fuyumi and Keigo haven’t. Come stand behind Imani so she can lean against something. I fear something else is holding Recovery Girl up. This was an open bar occasion.”
Momo sprung into action as Shoto quickly took Enji’s place. The old man seemed happy to just be out the way, his posture resuming his former hero stance–rigid and self-assured. Murmurs of ‘antics’ and ‘crowd control’ came out from the hero.
Momo came back with Imani's purse, “Mrs. Todoroki, shall I make you–”
“Save your energy unless we are in dire need and put this with her things inside.” Rei nodded her head for Momo to come closer then handed her the bundle (Natsuo figured out exactly what it was because he caught the sight of black lace). “Her cellphone may be in a side pouch, so please text her parents if needed,” Rei ordered the younger woman then her baby son, “Shoto, please sense the air around her in case Imani needs a temperature adjustment.”
Shoto nodded, his face its usual impassive mask.
“Besides, Miss Yaoyorozu, your little black dress is too pretty and I hate to see such handiwork go to waste in front of Shoto. He's been admiring it all evening.”
Pearls of laughter emerged from Imani as she threw her head back, despite possibly being in labor, “I told you, Natty! You owe me some yen!”
“ Imani ,” Natsuo scolded his wife gently, “We have a bigger issue to worry about–”
“Like the fact you laughed too?” Shoto's voice was icy as he balled up his fists.
“I can't help that Mom’s observations are spot on and funny!”
“Boys, enough. ” Rei chastened them in a tone born of softness and focus. “Natsuo, keep an eye on the time.”
Now his medical mind woke up from the stupor. Contractions! Somehow, he had loosely kept up with the timing, his brain finally committed to tracking it better.
“Shoto, do you see anyone else who could be of assistance?” Rei asked.
"No," His brother shook his head, “I heard someone had a little too much sake and there was a fight–”
“Oh dear,” Rei sighed, “And I am assuming Keigo and your father might be breaking it up.” His mother touched Imani's forehead with the back of her hand then touched Imani’s cheek, “My dear, do you want Momo to text your parents? Call them?”
Imani paused for a moment between the breathing techniques, “I want my mommy… text them the baby is on the way…the code is 1212…my parents’ contacts are obvious.”
Momo busied herself with unlocking Imani's cell and sending the message, stepping a few feet away.
Natsuo's ears perked up as he rubbed the back of her knuckles. 1212 was the location of the ramen restaurant they met at. A floaty warmth rose in his chest…right as another groan of distress left Imani.
He forced himself to perk at his smart watch, “Three minutes.”
Rei moved her hand from Imani's cheek to her back, “Imani, if you must push, push. Grip Natsuo’s hands if you need to or grab the chair, but do push.” His mother's free hand moved to the makeshift blanket. “May I see how far along you may be?”
Imani vigorously nodded her head and closed her eyes in pain.
Rei discreetly peeked under the blanket, sure to protect whatever modesty the girl had left, “I think I will need you, Momo.”
Momo's ears perked up as she turned toward them, slipping Imani’s phone back into the bag, “Yes?”
Rei traded a look with her before fixing Natsuo with a hard stare frozen in seriousness, “The baby's crowning.”
…
Natsuo remembered every comical portrayal of pregnancy and active labor from one of his elective courses as they examined falsehoods and persistent stereotypes in the OB/Gynecological field.
Seeing Imani lock eyes with him as he let her squeeze his hands and berate him, however, held a small grain of truth.
“I WILL NEVER STUDY ALONE WITH YOU ANOTHER DAY IN MY DAMN LIFE, NATTY!” Imani declared before a longer moan escaped her, pain he guessed strong enough to make her squeeze her eyes shut.
Natsuo wasn't sure how to respond to that, allowing his mind to reminisce on their first night together instead of this painful end result.
He hurt for his wife because she hurt. She dealt with her parents’ initial judgment of their relationship. She kept their unborn child and suffered through her pregnancy as her body betrayed her by going into labor at her in-law's wedding.
He felt tears dotting his skin, “I'm so sorry, Natty. I love you, I'm so-so scared .”
Natsuo let go of her hands and gathered her in his arms, pulling her face into his collarbone.
The middle Todoroki was reactive, yes, but at this moment his only reaction was to comfort her. Allow Imani to feel how she felt. Imani rarely judged his reactions so he was determined to let her ride the wave of emotions and hormones that took her on.
Because in the end, she was the one having the baby.
The baby who was coming now.
Somewhere in the next five minutes, Natsuo slid behind Imani so she was leaning against him, Shoto liberated of the task and free to meet Recovery Girl a few feet away as Momo and his mother ready themselves to catch the baby.
“I see the head, Mrs. Todoroki!”
“Push, Imani!”
A cacophony of screams, orders and chaos followed. Natsuo kept Imani in his embrace as Shoto created an ice wall in front of Imani when a rando with a cellphone tried to record them.
Keigo's and the old man's voices mingled in the air with fierce warnings to back the hell up beyond the ice wall.
Somehow, Fuyumi appeared by the women and iced her hand to touch Imani's sweaty forehead, Momo assumed a ready stance and his mom held Imani's hands urging her to continue to push the new life into the world…
The new life that pierced the air with a loud cry.
Natsuo’s eyes flew open as he felt his wife slump against his chest.
Recover Girl had somehow appeared, taking an empty chair at their table then cleared the baby's airway in what had to be seconds in his mind.
“Welcome to the world, young lady. You are noisy.” The older woman cooed at something slick and small in her arms staining her white cocktail dress.
Young lady?
Recovery Girl motioned to his mother Rei.
The elder Todoroki had taken yet another tablecloth and fashioned it into a blanket.
Another cry snatched him back to the present.
Back to looking at the aged nurse passing him the bundle. “You have a beautiful little girl.”
Natsuo couldn't speak for a moment.
Imani sucked in greedy breaths of air, the newest Todoroki had been pressed into his arms as her mother’s head rested against his chest.
“‘Mani…” He tried to finish his words, but bright green eyes met his and the crying stopped.
So did his heart.
“Natty…” Imani croaked a moment later, the weariness etched into her lovely features, “We survived it.”
“She looks like you, ‘Mani, she's perfect.” Natsuo gushed, transfixed by this little person who was the catalyst for him doing important things now—marrying Imani, helping Imani throughout the pregnancy as they finished school, finding his own house to make a home with her.
Imani opened her eyes then saw the baby.
Their baby.
“Aliyah,” Imani cooed, her entire demeanor dissolving into calm, “Aliyah Ami.”
Natsuo shifted so his daughter's cheek pressed against Imani's chest.
“Aliyah Ami Todoroki, you couldn't wait,” Imami smiled before finding his eyes, “Natty, does that name work? I know we hadn't–”
“Yes,” He simply studied his Aliyah, his Ami, his lofty beauty.
Imani nuzzled her cheek to Aliyah like a mother cat then nuzzled her face to her kitten, “Done.”
When the room found its collective breath, Natsuo suddenly remembered everyone surrounding them: his mother's eyes shined with happy tears as she patted Imani's tired hands. Momo beamed as she rested on her knees. Fuyumi sniffled as she continued to keep a cool hand on Imani's forehead.
The others—Keigo, the old man, Shoto–halted a few meters away from them.
“We kept the nosey press vultures back,” Keigo exhaled as if completing a mission.
“I fear the reception ended quite early between the birth and the surprise drunken brawl.” His dad added, yet appeared to be studying the new grandchild.
“She has silver and brown hair,” Shoto noted as he blinked his eyes, “A mix kinda like me and Fuyumi.”
“Her complexity makes me think of milky coffee.” Imani whispered, rubbing the top of daughter's head, “And she stole my mama's eyes. Maybe she’ll steal your mama’s temperament?”
Natsuo forgot words again.
Instead, he kissed Aliyah's head then pressed a soft kiss to Imani’s lips.
…
The excitement of the day finally melted as day turned to night:
The paramedics took Imani and their baby to the hospital to be checked out properly.
Keigo and Fuyumi dropped by the hospital to wave bye-bye to their new niece, their rescheduled flight to their sunny beach locale private island pushed back a few hours later.
Momo and Shoto dropped off a mix of yellow and blue roses to the new mom as well as a “survival kit"-sweet treats, a blanket for the baby, money and blank notebooks for the new mommy to keep busy. The young couple did not tarry long, hero studies awaited them in the morning.
And while Enji paced the waiting room like a caged tiger, his mother knitted quietly in one of the waiting room chairs.
Tell me when the time to meet Aliyah is right for you, Natsuo.
“Natty, I can't share her yet,” Imani nursed the baby in her hospital bed as she spoke to him, “I'm being selfish.”
Natauo ignored all others, his attention and love for Imani and Aliyah alone. He sat in a chair near the bed, watching mother and child in his dreamy state.
A table opposite them was already filled with gifts–the flowers, more snacks, money from guests who heard about the baby.
Natsuo felt a soft hand on his cheek. Snapping from his daydreams, he met his eyes’ soft brown eyes. “Need something?”
Imani leaned over and kissed his cheek then trailed her full lips down to his. The floating feeling returned to him, reminders of how the baby initially got here… “What was that for, Imani?”
“For staying. For making me your wife. For being brave enough to do this with me despite everyone's first reaction.”
“I'm terrified,” He admitted, stroking Imani’s cheek with his free hand then moving it to rub the top of Aliyah's head, noting how soft her two-toned hair was.
“Welcome to the club,” Imani shifted as Aliyah dozed off on her chest, fully belly and warm looking in her mother’s bosom.
Under the soft lights, Natsuo properly took in his daughter with her full cheeks, spiky silver and brown hair, her skin reminding him of milk chocolate in its tone. Her tiny fists balled up as if ready to fight. And her eyes were green , a color entirely her own it seemed.
“What next?”
“Do you mind if I video call my parents? I–I am feeling better about introducing them to her.”
“Your choice.” He removed his hand so Aliyah wouldn't wake up.
“Natty?”
“Hmm,” He looked down at Imani.
“Do you want them to come in–do you want him in here?”
Natsuo exhaled. The pacing tiger outside…”He gets a few minutes only. The minute he makes a comment or anyone gets upset–”
“You can text them when you are ready.” Imani met his stare, warm brown eyes heating him. “Or not. I trust your judgment.”
Natsuo closed his eyes, “Do you trust me?”
“Always.”
“I don't know how to be a good dad.”
“If you can learn the medical field, you can learn this,” Imani reached over with her free hand to tease his hair, “You got some time. She just got here.”
He dropped his head to surrender to the soft touches and closed his eyes, the energy it took to survive the day drained… “An hour.”
“For?”
“Before anything or anyone else.” Natsuo opened his eyes and smiled at his wife, “You get to be selfish. You did the hard part.”
Imani smiled, it was a tired looking one, but still a smile. “It was a group project.”
“And like any other group project, one person did most of the work.”
“Oh stop,” She tugged a tuff of his hair gently. A quiet pause filled the room before she spoke again to him.
“Natty?”
“Yeah?”
“Your mom had Momo slip my drawers into my purse, didn't she?”
His face turned hot, “Do you want me to drop in a hole and die of embarrassment?”
“I mean, they were clean and a cute pair you got me for my birthday.”
Natsuo groaned, remembering exactly why he wanted the Earth to swallow him.