He'd smile slightly hearing how they go"I wish I could stay and maybe take you up on that offer, the both of you it is generous but the force that pushes me down is not one of command and leadership but more of the other think I was known for being good at and sadly I haven't been even able to escape it for a day which is why I decided this spontaneous visit because now really felt like the best time to do such, besides I have a sister to look after and a friend that would need me more in the future, right now I care take the risk to idle."
He looked out the window slightly his eyes seeming to trace something in the bush line as if seeing something but he'd just smile slightly having seen a bird flutter by. "At a later date I would like to maybe introduce to you to my sister me and her are quite unique in our own little way and would like to show you two what I mean some time."He'd pause slightly again thinking "That may be true but there is such a thing as over staying your welcome and I do not wish to 'invade' on your quiet time to much, Relaxing it is."Chris would add to the end as he took a drink from the drink. "Thank you."
Through out his whole time talking to them both his eyes would have switched between his and hers, leaning on the table with elbows across as he eased up more becoming more at ease in the presence of their home
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"I would be honored to meet your sister as well, Christopher," John said in a positive tone through his old Earth southern accent. "There will be a time and a place for it, if that place may be here or wherever. Feel free to let me know."
He then put his glass down and came around the table and spoke to him with sincerety. "I do hope you feel comfortable enough around us that, well, you can be open. As we agreed earlier, good friends are hard to come buy in this day and age. People find my own origins hard to believe." He then paused a moment in thought, "....and so do I."
He then returned to assist his wife from here chair. She smiled and thanked him and together they walked back to Christopher.
"Please, let us know when you wish to get back together," he said, "if we aren't here right away, my Estate hand Grady, will accomodate you. For now, we do have an engagement to get ready for."
The weather outside had turned lovely. The air crisp but comfortable and the suns were shining as both of the Hollidays walked Christopher to the motorcycle that he had arrived on.
"Thank you, Christopher, for your visit," Doc said as he extended his hand, "As I said, you are a welcomed guest here."
Midori herself gave him a bow, as best as she could anyway in her condition and followed it with one of her smiles,
"Sayonara, Christopher san," she said, giving a curious look to the motorcycle, "drive safe."
Together they stood at the archway to the estate, arm in arm, as they watched him speed away and disappear over the horizon.
It had been a long day for the Hollidays. A long week was capped off by a nice get together at the Waverly's home, Veranda Incognito, which was but a few miles from Tombstone. At 7 months pregnant, it was a relief for her to be in her own home, laying on her own couch under the care of her husband. They took this night for themselves after a week of him being away on diplomacy. Secretly, she hated him being gone on those missions but she accepted it as she had when she married him.
Before they settled on the sofa by a warm fire and a big screen television for a movie, John came out with a bottle of sparkling water and two glasses. He had also brought out some popcorn and some foot cream. As they so often did, they toasted each other before dimming the lights for a good movie, an old Earth movie they were fond of.
She laid back with her feet on his legs, her belly more than filling the kibuki gown she was wearing. She nestled herself into the cushions and rested her hands over her chest, turned her head towards the screen and watched, enjoying the attention her feet were getting.
Doc rubbed her feet with care and couldn't help but notice her stomach. He place one hand on it, hoping to feel something move. She then turned to him and asked, "She quiet tonight."
He left his hand there, feeling her stomach. He was in awe how someone so small as Midori could carry such mass.
"How do you feel?" he asked of her, "Does it hurt?"
She smiled as she enjoyed his touch, "No hurt. It just very uncomfortable. You know, your daughter pressing down on everything. She make me have to pee more often and I cannot get comfortable."
Just as he was about to move his hand, he first felt a kick and then a shift as her stomach moved. Through it all, Midori smiled and chuckled, "She know you are there."
He was proud of himself and chuckled himself. Finally, he returned to rubbing her feet.
"We still haven't come up with a name," he said as they watched the movie.
"I thought we could mix a name of our mothers," she suggested.
He looked at her, "What? Alice? Kind of plain I think."
"Well you must have someone in family for a name," she quipped.
He shrugged, "I had no siblings, my mother died when I was young and I was largely estranged from my father. My only partial family was my cousin Karen."
"I sure we come up with something," she answered as she felt a bit guilty for pressing him on the family he never really had, "but we not have much time."
He just smiled back to her, "I know, Dahlin'."
They spent the evening watching the movie while he rubbed her feet as he did many a night.
Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday
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Location: Planet Marne, Champagne System, Gallic Space
After a long trip from Omicron Delta, John Holliday arrived at Marne with a shipment of iridium. He was greeted by the trade and commerce minister, Monsieur Melchais de'Gris.
"Bonjour, Ambassador. It is good to meet you. Welcome to Marne," came over the ship's com.
"And a bonjour to you too, Monsieur,'' replied Doc, "it is good to be back."
"I see you have brought us iridium. We will make immediate and good use of it so please, feel free to dock. I will join you as we have set up a small colony area for your people," explained de'Gris.
"A colony?" asked Doc, "all we needed was an office but thank you."
"Oui, Monsieur," continued de'Gris, "it has a large hangar and landing area for your people."
John Holliday said nothing further and landed planet side. As the ground crews began unloading his ship, the two men met.
"We have much to talk about and much for you to see, Monsieur," said de'Gris as they began a slow walk to an awaiting limousine. "It is very good to have the TAZ as friends. All of your people will be treated as VIP's when they are here."
"Really, Mr. de'Gris, all of that isn't necessary," explained Doc, "we're just working folk like much of the people here are. We come with things you need and we will leave with some of what you produce."
The two men stopped at the door of the limousine, "I don't think you realize, Monsieur, what your presence means. We have needed this for some time. It will make fighting for our freedom against the King that much easier."
They then got into the limo and headed for the complex that was set up for them. Much was discussed en route over a drink. Each man got to know the other and a few jokes were exchanged. Mutual hatred of Aurelia DeFrance was also exchanged. Eventually, they arrived at the complex where a security detail was awaiting them.
Mechais de'Gris then motioned with a hand to the area. It was a sizeable plot of land with a large office building and some smaller ones.
"Monsieur Ambassador, your complex," he said. John was in awe as he gazed about his surroundings. He never expected this nor was such an elaborate set up needed but he wasn't about to refuse it.
"You will find the buildings partially furnished," he explained, "we didn't want to leave them empty but we figured you would all want your own creative touch."
They entered the office complex. It was a new building and some workers were inside doing finishing touches on electrical fittings and such. De'Gris said little as he waited for some word of approval from his guest as did the security detail.
"If you aren't satisfied, Monsieur, we can do something else," he explained a bit nervously to the Ambassador.
John Holliday just turned and replied, "Oh no, Monsieur, this will be more than sufficient. Keep in mind, our TAZ offices are on a Skyhook in Baffin. This is a kingdom in comparison. Right now I'm just deciding which room I want my office in."
Eventually, he picked a large room with a large window array overlooking the complex with the hangar and landing pad in the distance. It was furnished with a desk, comfortable chair, a com system, a round meeting table and four chairs. A door in the back led to a large chamber which became his personal quarters. He sat in the chair and began to nod, "My home away from home." He then pulled a picture from his coat pocket and set it at the head of his desk:
Mr. de'Gris turned it slightly to look at it himself, "Mrs. Holliday I presume?"
"Oui," answered Doc with a nod.
"She is beautiful, Monsieur," added Mr. de'Gris, "I look forward to meeting her one day."
Doc smiled, "it will be some time. She is 7 months pregnant and doesn't travel right now. But, one day, Monsieur."
"Ooh, congratulations then Ambassador," he immediately answered.
The party then headed out where they would tour the city and have a state lunch. John Holliday was tired after his lengthy trip and after the lunch, he returned to his new quarters where he slept until a late dinner with Mr. de'Gris.
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Location: Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49
Mayor Pablo Perez entered the Estate after receiving a personal request from John Holliday himself. Pablo was mayor of the local Corsair population. He wasn't the most cordial person around but he knew his place and held much respect for the Ambassador.
"A drink, Sir?" asked Grady McCue as he entered.
"Please, Senor," he answered, "some Bourbon would be fine."
With that, Grady served him and escorted him to John Holliday's personal office. Grady closed the door behind him and went about his business.
Inside, John Holliday stood in his full robes of diplomacy and his floor length cape. He didn't look happy. In fact, he looked like he was doing all he could to keep from exploding.
"It is good to see you again, John," greeted Pablo, "to what do I honor today's visit?"
John had no verbal answer. He just through a file folder on the desk in front of Pablo, placed his hands behind his back and turned to his window that overlooked the distant mountains. He was furious and didn't want to say anything or at least, as little as possible.
"What is this?" asked Pablo as he put his glass down and opened the folder.
"Just read it, Senor," softly answered John, still staring out his window.
Pablo began reading reports and viewing pictures of Planet Cork. A twisted smile crossed his face as he read it but he kept himself professional as possible. A moment of silence in the room seemed eternal as the only sound was that of the sliding of papers from within the folder. Pablo just looked up as he spoke, "Mister Ambassador, this issue is really none of your concern" before he returned to reading the reports.
"Oh I beg to differ, Senor," he said, still looking out the window, "when my people start coming under fire for the resentment they hold for you because of our friendship, it is every bit my concern." He then reached down for a glass of water before him and took a sip.
Pablo looked to him again, "I see. I can have them taken care of if you like?"
John gritted his teeth as he closed his eyes in disgust before he turned to him.
"You just don't get it, do you Pablo?" he began as he pointed a finger at him, "an entire population of people just wiped out. Innocent men, women and children just gone.......and for what? They were fighting for the their own freedom against the Bretonian Crown and you...........nuked them. Why? Something tells me you weren't an enemy before that." Tasting disgust, he again turned to his window, his hands still behind his back.
Pablo put the folder back on the desk and attempted to answer, "The Mollies opened fire on Corsairs in the Dublin gold fields. They fired first. We merely preserved our people."
"Women and children?" asked Doc softly over his shoulder, trying not to lose his short temper.
There was a pause. Eventually, Doc just nodded out his window and said in almost a whisper, "Just as I thought."
He then turned and made his case, "You know, Pablo, I spent months defending your people here as people who are trying to make a new life for themselves. Men, women and children farming for a new life style, to get away from the life of old. I got rebuked for it. Many Zoners died for it and many ships destroyed." He turned back to his window, "It was I who was the fool apparently."
Again, silence loomed as the two men thought. Pablo asked of his friend, "I hope that our relationship doesn't change to drastically." John Holliday only gave him a quick look, unsure of what to make of the question. "The only change that you will see is that the only aid the Corsair nation will now receive is food and water. I'll be doing my part to keep it from happening again."
"Well, Doctor," answered Pablo with some understanding, "I guess I can understand as that is all we have ever asked. I just hope some of the Elders feel the same."
John Holliday turned, "Or what, Pablo? They'll nuke Canaria as well? Just make sure I'm on it when it happens. I'm getting a little tired of the arm twisting and force-of-will. So, please, just go for now. We will talk again later."
With that, Pablo walked out. On his way out, he handed his glass to Grady and passed stopped as he encountered the very pregnant Midori at the door.
"Senora, Holliday," he greeted.
"Konnichiwa," she answered with a smile.
Pablo scanned her, looked back at the office from where he came and looked at her again, "Mrs. Holliday, I do hope you can calm your husband a bit. I would hate to see something.......tragic....happen to someone he cared about."
With that, he left, as Midori stood confused but frightened.
The recent ion storms throughout Sirius had grounded ships everywhere and for the past several days on Gran Canaria, the rains arrived. On this day, Midori found herself, well, almost alone in her home as most of the staff was off for the day. One guard remained in a nearby office. Midori wasn't allowed to be alone at this point of her pregnancy so someone was always on staff. Her husband was at Canaria Hospital for this day.
No longer could she wear the kimono gowns that she so loved and had become famous for. Dressed in a silk robe, she brought a small service of tea to a table near a window that looked out to the distant mountains. Sitting down, she poured a cup for herself. Resting one arm over her stomach, she used the other to drink as she looked out into the dark, rainy day. As she stared, she heard a voice behind her.
"Konnichiwa, Shisuta," someone said in a soft voice. Confused, she turned to find a man dressed in a Kusari Navy uniform with his hat in his hand. He stood with a smile at the site of his sister. She set her cup down and slowly stood up with a look of confusion in her face.
"Kentaro?" she asked as she looked at him, one hand on the table and the other over her stomach. The man just smiled and nodded.
A tear fell down her face as she looked in shock, "But....but...."
He stepped to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, "In you, Shisuta, I live. I always have."
She raised the arm from her stomach and extended her hand to his face. She then touched it and when she felt skin, she began to cry.
"Kentaro, it is you," she said through her tears.
"Hai," he said.
She then placed her hands on his shoulders and as best she could, she hugged her brother.
After a brief embrace, they sat at the windowside table enjoying a cup of the tea she had prepared.
"I never thought I see you again," she said, her face still damp, "we heard you were killed in the Taus."
"Hai," he answered, "I was."
She went to answer but was silenced by her brother.
"I have been with you for some time, Shisuta. I live in your garden and I have watched over you and your husband. I will continue to do so as I watch over my niece as well."
He then smiled as he took a sip of his tea.
She weakly smiled, "A niece we have not named yet," as she took a look at the mound beneath her robe. He just looked at her with a smile, "you will."
There was a moment of silence before she sought his approval, "Is John not wonderful?"
Kentaro nodded, "Hai. He is a man of honor but he hurts. I feel his pain, his confusion. I have seen his mind and most, including himself, find what he knows and feels to be unbelievable or unattainable. He expects much of himself, too much in fact."
He sipped his tea, "Shisuta, you married well. You have changed him for the better."
She smiled, greaful for his approval, "Thank you, Kentaro. It mean much, this approval, cominf from you."
He then put the cup down and stood up, "Shisuta, I must go but I am never far." He motioned to the garden outside. "There you will find me."
He then stepped toward her and placed a finger in her chest just over her heart, "You find me there too."
As he turned to leave, she stood and stopped him, "Kentaro Sato, I miss you and I love you." He smiled at her, "And I you, Shisuta. For now, Sayonara." Walking to the door, he got about half way to it before he just faded away. She could only watch and cry. As she did, the guard came to her. Confused, he offered her a handkerchief.
"Is.....everything all right?" he asked her.
She just smiled, "Hai. Never better. I be OK."
"I will not be far if you need me," he said and returned to his office.
With that, she sat down and poured another cup of tea. She rested her arm back over her stomach and watched into the Canarian rains as she sipped.
Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday
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Location: Tombstone Estate
His smile went from ear to ear as he sat in his research laboratory, very happy with his latest aquisition. Now, to see if it would work and to fullfill an old promise. As he sat getting ready, the expected knock on his door came.
Opening the door, he found Grady escorting his two old friends, Miguel and Mijana, his cured of cardamine addiction former Outcasts. He cured the addiction but had never been successful in fixing the damage done by the drugs that once flowed through their bodies. Today was the day he had hoped that too would be changed.
They sat in chairs before his desk, hand in hand while she rested her head on his shoulder. Although they had been together for years, they had only been husband and wife for a few months, having been married by the doctor himself in his Ambassador's robes. They were happy with each other but lived with the regret that Mijana could not conceive due to her former addiction. It pained her although she did well to hide it.
"I thank you both for coming on such short notice," began the doctor, "I see you came as I asked, cleaned up and with an overnight bag each."
"Yes, of course, Senor," answered Miguel with a smile, "we are curious as to why the hurry."
"Yes, yes," replied Doc with a finger in the air, "I will explain. For months I have tried and searched for the solution to reversing the damage done by cardamine. Thanks to an acquaintance, I may have it. I can't make you try this but I wanted to ask you if you two would be willing."
"What exactly is it?" asked Mijana, looking up from his shoulder.
"Nanites," he explained, "only not the mechanical types we use in ship repair. These are of the organic variety but they work in much the same way."
"You mean, repairing what was damaged," questioned Miguel.
"Yes, in a manner of speaking," the doctor explained, "I tested it on some animals and it worked. Now, I wish to test it on you two. I can't guarantee it will work but I have faith that it will and my source has "virtually guaranteed" me that it will."
Miguel and Mijana looked at each other. So many things had failed, so much hope lost but her desire to become a mother and him a father rose above it.
"Miguel, I want to try....for us," she said somberly. Miguel only nodded his approval.
Each was then laid on a bed next to each other and given a mild sedative, each rolling up their sleeve. Doc then approached Miguel with an injector of clear liquid. Bleeding the air from the needle, he injected it into Miguel's upper arm and slowly injected the drug. Once completed, he removed it and asked him how he was.
"It stung a little but I am OK" was his answer. Then, Miguel laid still and rested as the drug began it's work.
Doc did the same with Mijana. She mustered a weak smile as he approached to which Doc returned the smile.
"Thank you for trying, Doctor," she said in just above a whisper.
"No, thank YOU for trying," he answered, "you can thank me when this works."
He prepped his needle and again injected the drug only this time into Mijana. She stirred only a little but got through it. Once she assured him that she was all right, he left them alone for a few minutes only to return and stand in-between them.
"Any ill feelings?" he asked them. Both shook their heads no.
"Pain? Discomfort?" he then asked.
"It's a bit warm," Mijana explained, "but not in a discomforting sort of way."
"Where do you feel it?" he asked her.
"My sides and abdomen the most and only a little if any in other places," she said.
John exposed her abdomen and touched a few points to which she affirmed that's where or where it didn't feel.
Miguel had a similar result only not so much in his sides. He again stood between them, "I hope this means that it's working."
After a couple of hours of them laying still and the sedative wearing off, each was helped to their feet. Both felt fine although a bit tired. Before they left, Doc gave them instructions.
"I want you to continue doing as you always have," he explained, "you know, relations and such. I want you back here in 48 hours so that I can run a scan of you both."
As they begin walking to the limo ride provided, he added, "I want you both to have the same joy of parental expectations that Midori and I are sharing."
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Location: The Home of Miguel and Mijana Torres, Gran Canaria
"So what you are saying, Doctor, is that the nanites worked," inquired Miguel as he read his test results.
"I am," nodded Doc.
"You mean, I can have children?" asked Mijana through a smile and a falling tear of joy.
"Yes, you can," re-assured Doc.
Miguel and Mijana then hugged each other as they wept. Years of abuse, much weight lifted from their shoulders and a second chance at a good life culminated into a huge feeling of relief.
"I......" Miguel began before he looked at Mijana and then motioned between the two of them, "we can't thank you enough."
Doc just smiled with satisfaction and quietly replied, "you already have." He then made a few steps to the front door of their home, "just one piece of advice," he said as he turned at the door, "when you finally do have children, don't wait to pick a name. Midori is ready to go at any time now and we can't decide."
He then smiled as he opened the door, "at least you have a good eight and a half or so months to figure it all out." With that, he left.
Curious, Miguel began reading the reports. First his and then hers.
"Beta-hcg levels: peak levels" he said aloud to himself to which Mijana just looked at him funny.
"What are they?" she asked. He only shook his head. Curious, he began looking it up.
"The pregnancy hormone," he read aloud from his computer. He then froze, realizing what he had just said.
"Wait," he said, "pregnancy hormone?"
"Eight and a half months," she repeated.
In a combination of shouting and crying, they jumped up and embraced. He eventually pulled back a bit from her and placed his hands on her sides.
Just then, the door opened slightly, enough for Doc to stick his smiling face through, "I thought you would have fun figuring that out. Congrats, you two!" He then left them to enjoy the moment on their own as he headed off to prepare for a meeting.
She was unable to sleep. The child within her was stirring and she knew it was time. Midori woke up and went to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea. As she waited for the water to boil, she felt her stomach drop and her water break. Knowing she wouldn't have time for her tea, she had presence of mind enough to turn the water off. She also knew that her husband would be home shortly but pressed the button on her pager nonetheless which sent a signal to her husband's belt pager.
"Grady," she yelled as she leaned on the counter for support, looking around for the help she yelled for. A few seconds seemed like eternity so she yelled again, "Grady!" Before she could yell again, the first contraction hit and she gripped the counter and tried to breathe.
Grady came around the corner in his pajamas and bathrobe to witness the lady of the house in obvious labor.
"Good Lord," he said in his thick Bretonian accent as he ran up to her, "have you told Master Holliday?"
She just nodded as she focused on keeping herself up.
"Come, Midori, let me help you to your room, eh, if that is where you want to be," he asked.
Again, she nodded. Taking her arm, he motioned for one of the Estate guards to assist him.
Half way to her room, they had to stop, "Uhhhhh" she moaned as another contraction hit. Unsure of what else to do, Grady and the guard looked at each other, "Bloody Hell," Grady cursed, "I hope Master Holliday gets home shortly." They finally finished getting her to the room, helping her onto her bed in a seated position. The guard left but Grady stayed with her.
"I'm sorry, Midori, but I'm not sure what else to do," he confessed, helping her stay as comfortable as possible. She just smiled back at him through the pain, "You doing fine. Thank you."
Within that hour, John Holliday returned home still in his doctor's smock and found his way to the bedroom where Grady was helping her, "How are we, Grady?"
"Suh, her contractions are about every three or four minutes apart and last I dare say about twenty to thirty seconds each."
He then turned to Grady, "I need your help. I need some towels and my doctor's bag by the entry way table."
"Aye, Sir," replied Grady as he ran to do his bidding.
Doctor Holliday then helped her lay down and checked her dialation. She was crowning and another contraction hit as he looked. There was no time for further preparation.
"Dahlin'" he said to his bride, "it is time." He then got on his knees and spread her legs to begin delivering their daughter. He then looked to his bride again, "OK, push!"
And push she did as her hands gripped the comforter that she was laying on. Within a few seconds, the baby's head appeared. Midori had to stop to collect her breath as she hyperventilated. In the thick of it, Grady returned with towels and his bag only to see what was going on.
"Grady, you are officially my medical student," John said to him, "you have two kids of your own so I know you know something. Take her hand and let her grip."
"Yes, Suh," he answered. He took a position beside Midori, who managed a weak smile at his presence and took her hand.
"Ready, Dahlin?" John asked of her to be answered by a gentle nod.
Again she pushed, just about breaking Grady's hand in the process. The baby's shoulders cleared and finally, John was able to get a hold of her and pull her the rest of the way out. As Midori lay trying to find her breath, John then cleared the baby's nose and mouth.
"Grady," he instructed, "lay some towels out on the bed." Grady did so, making a spot where the baby would soon be.
For now, the baby was silent as John finished clearing her airways and preparing to cut the cord. Once he noticed Grady finished, he called him over.
"Hold this," he instructed Grady, making him pinch off the cord. He did so without question and John freed his daughter from her mother. He then tied it off and took his daughter in his arms to look her over for any problems. None were found. Almost like clockwork, the baby began crying.....and so did her mother.
"John Henry, please, let me have her," she insisted.
"Grady," John instructed, "give me that pink blanket over there." Grady did so and John wrapped the baby in the blanket. He then laid her on Midori's chest with a smile only a new father could give. But for now, he couldn't enjoy the moment as he had to finish putting her back together.
He pulled a pan out from his bag and told her to give a small push. She did and he removed the after birth. As he cleaned her up, he had Grady bring him a scale he kept in his West room. The baby was weighed upon it's arrival.
"Seven pounds, 12 ounces, Dahlin," he informed his wife but before he could hand the baby back to her, he looked at her. He was awestruck. He was proud and he felt instant love as her eyes met his. With a smile, he handed her back to his mother.
"I must get the crib ready as I have to, well, clean up in here," he mentioned.
Yes, it was a new beginning in the Holliday household.
Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday
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It was a rainy night on Gran Canaria and John arrived home. Entering his home, he hung up his rain soaked trench coat and quietly began walking through the house. The kitchen was empty with only a small light on the back wall. He then entered the living room. There he found his wife with Emiko nursing at her breast. Seeing him arrive, Midori just smiled at him and quietly greeted him. John walked over and as she looked up at him smiling, he kissed her.
"How are my two favorite girls?" he asked her in a soft tone.
"Hungry!" Midori answered, "I eat when she finish."
While she continued feeding, John removed his boots and loosened himself up a bit after a long day. He went to check his com messages but turned away. He was spending a weekend home and he wasn't going to allow it to be ruined.
Midori finished feeding Emiko and burped her. He then took Emiko and held her while Midori put herself back together. He sat down and got comfortable with his daughter, cradling her in his left arm while his right spread a blanket over her. Midori returned to see him looking down upon his daughter. Midori could only stand and watch, her hands clasped in front of her with a smile. As she watched, Emiko fell asleep in her father's arms. He then looked up and smiled at his wife.
"Are you hungry, John Henry?" she asked.
"No," he answered quietly. He then almost immediately reversed himself, "Well, maybe a little."
"I get us something to eat. I be back." With that, Midori left for the kitchen.
When she returned, she found John asleep on the couch with Emiko nestled with him. He was comfortable and Emiko was sound asleep with him. She wanted to rouse him so as to put Emiko to her crib but she couldn't. It was a beautiful sight that she didn't want to disturb. She quietly returned to the kitchen and put away what she had made. She returned to the couch and dimmed the lights and threw an extra blanket over both of them. She kissed each one of them and quietly went to her own bed.
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