Whimsey’s Story Event, “I Do, My Love!” -Keiji Epilogue

Ten years had passed since our wedding. I stood in the kitchen working on making afternoon tea for us. “You should really let me help you with that, dear.” Keiji’s mother said as she entered the kitchen.

I smiled at her. “You know you don’t have to. I’ve got it under control.” I assured her. “Though if you’re here…who is minding the boys?”

My mother-in-law smiled. “Their father and grandfather of course.”

“I should probably get the first aid kit ready then…just in case.” I said, moving the the food from the fire and dousing it.

“I am sure all is well. Boys will be boys after all.” She said with a warm smile.

“True.” I agreed. “You know, Keiji and I really glad you both agreed to come here with us. I know it means a lot to Keiji to have you guys here.”

“He’s fought a long time to get a home for us all again.” She agreed. Her kind, wise eyes looking at me. It didn’t take me long to realize she must have seen through every guise Keiji had put up for so long, but knew there was no way to stop him or change his mind.

“I also appreciate all the help you provide with the boys.” I added. “I really don’t know what I’d do without all of your help besides maybe drown.”

She laughed warmly. “I love it.” She said. “Family is the most important thing.”

We were finishing up the tea and snacks before heading out to the garden, where Keiji and his father were with our boys. It was so funny and so cute, watching Keiji wrestling with our boys; Chiharu, Benjiro, Souta, Riku, and Niko. All five of them had varying combinations of mine and Keiji’s features, but they all had his bright red hair.

Keiji’s father was sitting on the verands watching the sight, a bright happy smile on his face. Keiji had finally been granted his own land and the construction of our small castle had just completed earlier this year. As soon as we’d moved in, we had invited his parents to live with us. They had jumped at the idea of getting to spend so much time with their grandsons and had taken to being grandparents so well.

“Come on, why don’t you boys take a break!” I called out to them. “We’ve got tea and snacks.”

“Snacks? You made some mochi right?!” Niko, our youngest asked.

“Of course, I know it’s your favorite.” I answered.

“Did you make it or did Obaasan?” Souta asked.

“I did.” I answered. “But I used Obaasan’s recipe.”

“Well…it should still be good then.” Souta said.

“Come on now, you know you love your mom’s cooking.” Keiji said as he came up and grabbed a piece of mochi.

“Yeah, but your mom’s cooking is better.” Souta replied.

I narrowed me eyes at my son and then reached forward to ruffle his hair. “Next time I’m just going to not make any for you.”

“Are Uncle Sasuke and Uncle Kanetsugu still coming for dinner tonight?” Riku asked.

“Yes, they should be here soon.” I answered.

The country had finally been united and we’d made peace with the Uesugi-Takeda alliance in part because of Keiji and Kanetsugu. I was happy that we could finally be open with our friendships and they had become an irreplacable part of our family.

“Speaking of, we should probably be getting ready to welcome them once we finish our snacks.” I said. “No one got any cuts or scrapes while you guys were wrestling around?” I asked.

“Moooom, we’re fine.” Chiharu, our oldest said in that exasperated tone.

“The boys are all fine, Ava.” Keiji assured me, climbing up on the porch to stand beside me. “I’m the one that’s all banged up.” He was then giving me a grin. “Ya got any of that salve ya make?”

I smiled up at him, catching on as he held his hands out to me. “You have those invisible cuts again?” I teased.

“You know it.” He answered. “The only cure is your touch…some kisses, too.”

“Ewww!” Our boys chorused.

“Mom, Dad why do you have to be so gross?!” Benjro asked.

“Yeah, that’s supposed to be when you’re alone.” Riku said.

Keiji and I laughed and shook our heads. I was then placing my hand in his. “Come on, I’ll treat these wounds of yours.” I turned and started to head back into the castle, when a wave of dizziness washed over me and I began to stumble.

Keiji quickly caught me. “Ya alright?” He asked, concern in those golden eyes.

“I’m fine.” I answered.

His mother was coming around in front of me then. “Let me have a look.” She was then looking into my eyes. “Well, I’d say that’s it then.”

My eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking.” I said. “Especially since you’ve been right every time.”

“But I am dear.” She said, smiling knowingly at me.

Keiji was chuckling. “Maybe this time we’ll get that girl who looks just like you.” He said as he pulled me closer and turned me around so that I faced him.

I smiled up at him. “I don’t know it seems boys are all we have…besides I love these little redheaded devils.”

“Mama, Papa?” Niko asked. “Am I gonna be a big brother?”

“It seems so.” I answered.

“Yay!” Niko squealed in delight.

“Ugh.” The older boys groaned.

I looked up at Keiji. “You know this keeps up and I’m just not going to let you touch me anymore, right?”

Keiji chuckled. “I’m sure I can always get you to change your mind.” He replied, leaning in to kiss my forehead. “Besides, you look pretty cute pregnant.”

Later that night, after dinner and putting the boys to bed, Keiji and I were sitting up in our room. Keiji had me pulled into his lap, his arms wrapped snugly around me. “You know, for a cybical asshole, you look pretty happy.” I told him, my tone teasing.

“How can I not be?” He replied. “You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted and then some.”

“Five wild little boys?” I asked. “And likely a sixth one on the way.”

Keiji chuckled. “Well, them, too.” He replied. “Our home, our family, my dream, and a slew of new ones.”

I smiled as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “You deserve all of it Keiji. I love you and I love our life and our family. I wouldn’t trade any of it or change a single speck of it.”

“Dammit.” Keiji said. The next thing I knew, I was lying back on the futon and he was over me. “You just always know how to make me want you…this is why you keep getting pregnant.”

I giggled. “I don’t mind. I’m pretty sure I already said that I love our family, didn’t I?”

Keiji smirked before leaning in to capture my lips in a heated kiss. His hands had gone to my sash when there was a soft knock on our door and Niko was calling to us from the other side. “Mama, Papa, I had a bad dream, can I come sleep with you?”

Keiji groaned quietly before pulling away from me and opening the door, scooping the boy up into his arms and bringing him in. “Of course.” He said.

“You just come right here.” I agreed patting the bed beside me.

The three of us were soon snuggling up together. I smiled at Keiji as Niko soon fell asleep, nestled in between us. I really did love our life and I knew Keiji did too. It wasn’t perfect but it was pretty close.