Archive of Our Own ^beta

Dear duckie, 

How lucky are we to be blessed with you? Your father wouldn’t admit it, but I was pretty sure he shed some tears when I broke the news to him. I’ll admit though that I cried more than he did. Your older brother won"t stop asking about you and when you will arrive. He even gave you your little nickname. Your family is super happy to have you, darling.

We all can"t wait to meet you, baby duckie.

Kakucho’s steady gaze landed on the five-year-old boy sitting by the coffee table. Aoki was unusually silent as if he was scared to death to make a sound as he played with the toy duck he wouldn"t let go of since the day you two brought him home from the orphanage. You had a hunch it was because of the new baby. Normally, he would be running around or asking for sweets. Yet, at the announcement of him becoming an older brother, your son barely made a sound. Your husband must’ve had the same idea since he couldn’t stand the silence, approaching the boy in earnest.

“Aoki,” Kakucho spoke in a gentle tone, his hand gesturing for the boy to come hither. Heart slightly pounding, you watched from the kitchen counter, hands frozen. Your gaze is on the scene unfolding in front of you. Ever since Aoki entered both of your lives, you never wondered what would occur if another addition was added to your little family. It was always three tables in the dining room and you thought it would be that way forever—until the trip to the clinic said otherwise. Surprising as it was, you and Kakucho were ecstatic. However, the slight doubt of Aoki accepting this sudden change was looming above your head along with the joy you felt at that moment.

Luckily, Kakucho was there to ease it away by pressing a kiss on top of the boy’s head. “Aoki, can I ask you a question?” Upon hearing his dad’s words, your son then nodded softly. You found yourself holding your breath as your husband continued. “Are you… scared that the new baby will replace you?”

S-so blunt!

You bit your lower lip, hands resuming cleaning the cabbage as you relied on your sense of hearing. Aoki was probably stunned at his father’s question, yet dared not to make a sound other than to hesitantly nod his head. Kakucho then sighed and reached up to rub his head affectionately. “Why? There’s nothing to be scared of,” he said with a small smile, never ceasing his actions to comfort his son. “There’s no way your mom and I will replace you—you’re our son, our Aoki. That will never change. The new baby is your sibling and will be a part of us, too. And we will love you and the baby the same way. We’re family, remember?”

Perhaps Kakucho’s trait of being straightforward and using a direct way of asking had helped your son in some way because Aoki was nodding eagerly now at what he had just said, and the smile returned to his adorable face. 

“Okay… Can we name the baby ‘duckie’, Papa?” The surprise on both of your faces disappeared as soon as Aoki hugged his toy and adorably grinned. “Duckies are cute, and the baby must be cute. Right?”

Kakucho chuckled and patted his head, nodding along. “Of course. You both are.” Kakucho then took the chance to tickle the boy, hoping it would make the rest of his doubts disappear. Much to your satisfaction, laughter graced the house once more and all was well.

MONTH 1: WEEK 4

Dear tiny duckie, 

Your brother is often asking about you. I can’t wait to take photos of you two together. Your papa and I also can’t keep our excitement from showing. My stomach is slightly bloating now, which reminds me that I must buy new clothes. I feel emotional sometimes whenever I think about you growing inside me. I guess this is how pregnancy can mess with hormones, but it’s alright. Please grow healthy and sound, duckie.

We love you to the moon and back, my little duckie!

“Mama, I can’t hear anything,” Aoki whispered with his ear against your stomach. “Is duckie alright?” You couldn’t help but let out a giggle at his eagerness. Your answer was about to slip past your lips until your gaze landed on the ticking clock on the wall telling you that it was late. Kakucho was still not home. Worry etched your features at the thought of him fighting or possibly doing something risky. While the figures he earned from dirtying his hands in Bonten were enough to sustain your family, there were times when you wished your husband had a different job.

Aoki followed your line of sight and then frowned. It was already ten in the evening. Typically, his father would be home at this hour or earlier to tuck him in. However, Kakucho wasn"t.

“Mama, I don’t wanna sleep yet. Wanna wait for Papa.”

At the boy’s statement, you sighed prior to pinching his cheek gently. Knowing this would happen, you shook your head. “No, Aoki. You know you have to wake up early tomorrow because you have school.” He pouted in defiance, still not wanting to yield and go to bed. Holding your ground, you stayed quiet. After a staring contest that lasted only a minute, Aoki gave up and got off the couch. Following suit, you headed to his bedroom right after turning a few lights off. Despite his protests earlier, your son was yawning as soon as his back hit the mattress.

“I know you want Papa to tuck you in, but he’s busy with work. How about I read you a bedtime story, mhm?” You sat on the edge of his bed, eyes scanning the picture books by the nightstand. “How does that sound?”

“Yes, Mama,” Aoki responded softly. His hands pulled up the blanket up to his nose, eyes sparkling as he waited for you to begin. With a fond smile, you grabbed the book entitled Kintaro’s Adventures and flipped to the first page. A few pages later, Aoki was now fast asleep. You set the book down and pressed a kiss on his forehead, about to leave when the bedroom door creaked open. In came Kakucho, his dual-colored eyes scanning the area until his sight landed on you and the sleeping boy.

“Sorry I’m late,” Kakucho mumbled after he closed the distance between you both. You shook your head dismissively, offering him a kiss on the cheek. Your husband chased after your lips which earned him a stifled giggle. “I’ll make sure to be early tomorrow and tuck him in.”

“It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re home, love.”

MONTH 2: WEEK 7

Dear baby duckie,

Mama is feeling more tired lately. I could definitely say I am pregnant now. Morning sickness is worst than ever and I could feel the changes. But I am happy to hear from the doctor that you’re doing fine. I don’t care what happens to my body as long as you’re healthy. Your papa and I are happy to hear that at this stage, your heart has formed. We can’t wait to hear it.

Continue to grow well, my baby duckie.

Manjiro’s sleepy eyes fell on your form, brow raised at your presence. You stood up and gave him a short bow in acknowledgment. He wasn’t expecting you to be here, sitting in the office lobby. Kakucho was just finishing his meeting in the other room, leaving you all by yourself. This did not sit well with Bonten’s leader, especially since he knew you were pregnant. The organization’s headquarters may be a symbol of fear to those who knew, yet within, betrayal could occur anytime. Manjiro would be caught dead rather than leave his pregnant wife all alone. What was his third-in-command thinking?

“What… are you doing here?” he asked, perplexed on whether to head for his meeting or to accompany you until Kakucho comes. Maybe Sanzu can entertain those bastards while he waits with you. “It’s not safe to be here all on your own. I was sure Kakucho knew that.” 

“Don’t worry, Mikey. Kakucho is almost done. He and I are going to pick up our son from kindergarten, you see.” Taking a seat once again, you sheepishly gestured down the hall. “I’m fine on my own, honest. I don’t want to inconvenience you…” you trailed off when Manjiro took the seat beside you. Perhaps the rumors of the great Sano Manjiro only caring for himself held no truth at all. Then again, if that were true, his wife wouldn’t be gushing about him all the time during parties.

“I can wait. As I said, it isn’t safe.”

But damn, you found it so hard to fill in the awkward silence that enveloped the lobby. To count on Mikey to lead the conversation was a hopeless cause for he did not know what else to say. Thankfully, Kakucho was now walking towards you. His stoic face morphed into one of surprise with a mixture of shame. He did not expect his leader to accompany his wife, let alone play bodyguard. The Haitani brothers will never live this down if they would find out. Quick to be by your side, Kakucho’s stonehard facade fell as he regarded his boss with a sheepish look.

“Mikey, I’m sorry—”

“No need for an apology, Kakucho.” Manjiro stood up from the couch, hands in his pockets. “Just be careful next time. Can’t have meaningless trouble.” With that said, Bonten’s leader sauntered off. The two of you stood there for a moment, unsure of what just occurred. You were the first to break the silence, giggling as you poked your husband’s side. Kakucho exhaled aloud, his hand over his heart. Then, his lips broke into a relaxed grin.

“Were you scared, love?”

“Of Mikey? Of course not. It’s just that, for a second there I thought he was gonna fuckin’ berate me,” Kakucho muttered. His hand was placed behind your back as you two headed for the elevator. “He’s been… acting weird since his wife gave birth. But maybe I deserve it. I shouldn’t have really left you in the lobby, safe or not.”

“Why? I was fine on my own,” you reasoned and leaned against him. The warmth he exudes is comforting. “Besides, I think Mikey was just looking out for us.” For emphasis, you rubbed your stomach. Your husband saw and understood what you meant, earning a small laugh from him. 

“I guess so. That"s typical of him.”

MONTH 3: WEEK 9

My baby duckie,

Your uncles are so sweet. Maybe a little too much that your papa ends up saying the strangest things. I hope you will understand once you"re grown up that him being protective is just his way of saying he loves you. The doctor said you"re about the size of a strawberry now. You"re so tiny, duckie. I wish I could hold you in my arms and make memories soon. 

Papa and Mama love you so much, our sweet duckie. 

If Kakucho were to be asked back then what he thought of Sanzu Haruchiyo, the word annoying would always be a staple term. Not only was the man cockblocking him, but Bonten’s number two had the nerve to be snoring away on the couch like it was his own home. Today was supposed to be a rest day, one where Kakucho could relax and spend time with his family—perhaps even have alone time with you, granted that Aoki was in school. However, the presence of Sanzu in the house put a halt to that wish of his. Fate just had to tease Kakucho because out of all days, you were in the mood and ready to jump him if given the chance. But of course, you couldn"t due to Sanzu"s surprising visit.

What was the man doing here again? Kakucho couldn"t remember. His attention was solely on his phone, hoping that Ran or Rindou could pick up the drunk Sanzu Haruchiyo and take him home. If Sanzu continues to let out loud snores for another minute, Kakucho fears he’s going to lose his mind. 

Thankfully, after thirty minutes of waiting, the Haitani brothers finally arrived to take Sanzu off of Kakucho"s hands. You got out of the bedroom, a silk robe around your pajama-clad form. Silently, you watched as Rindou nudged the pink-haired man awake. Ran clicked his tongue at the scene and folded his arms across his chest. Sanzu, despite snoring so much, wasn"t a heavy sleeper and woke up without a hitch. He staggered as he stood up, rubbing his eyes before glaring at the sunlight that flooded the living room.

“Mornin’ already?”

Ran couldn"t help but roll his eyes while helping Sanzu stand up. “See, this is why your wife kicked you out of your own home, Sanzu. You keep getting blackout drunk.” Rindou snickered at his brother’s remark as he aided the other. “You should stop challenging Koko in that rigged drinking contest and go straight home to your family. You’re so fucking pathetic right now. If I were your wife, I’d divorce your ass if you keep doing this.”

Sanzu managed to scoff, “No need to fear. I won’t marry your high-maintenance ass, Ran. Even if Mikey pays me to do it, I’d rather shoot myself.” Those clear blue eyes that were usually sharp and calculating landed on you, his lips breaking into a silly grin. “The lady here could probably say the same thing.”

Ignoring Ran’s irritated quips, Kakucho turned to give you an apologetic look which you dismissed with a shrug. You excused yourself and left for the bedroom, feeling a bit dizzy. Everything went smoothly up to the point where the brothers got past the front door. Apparently, Sanzu hasn’t thanked Kakucho and you for your hospitality. Well, forced hospitality was the more definite term, Kakucho thought. Yet, instead of feeling some sort of relief that the annoyance was gone, your husband returned to your side with furrowed brows. Your lips were about to form a question when he knelt and kissed the bump on your stomach, veiny hands caressing the skin there. 

“That bastard,” Kakucho grumbled to himself while stroking your tummy. If you didn’t know any better, your husband was slightly stressed out at what occurred. You stayed silent for a moment, waiting to hear what caused it. “There’s no way I’m letting that fucking happen. I’d shoot him and the Haitanis twice before I let them inside here again.”

Now alarmed, you sat up straight. “What happened?” you inquired and then winced at the scenario brewing in your mind. “Don’t tell me… Sanzu vomited all over the entrance?”

Kakucho exhaled. “Worst. Ran was on his usual tirade when Sanzu commented on how he will thank us. I told him all was fine, but he just had to say he will have his son marry our baby if it turns out to be a daughter. The brothers, of course, did not back down and did the same.” His eyes shot up in an accusatory way when you burst out laughing. “Love, it isn’t funny. Can you believe them? If my baby is indeed a girl, there’s no way I’m letting that happen! She hasn’t even gotten out of the womb and now she’s getting marriage proposals. Of all the fucking things…”

MONTH 4: WEEK 15

My duckie,

We got a new sonogram today. Can you believe it? We’re getting a baby girl? Your papa is so excited. He could barely sleep a wink these past few days. Your uncles are even buying toys and clothes for you now. Your big brother couldn’t contain his joy as well. He hopes you’ll start kicking soon. Personally, I’m a bit afraid once that happens. The doctor did assure me it wouldn’t hurt as much as I was told. But if it means that you’re healthy and active, I won’t mind. Kick all you want, darling.

To our baby girl, duckie, we love you.

The warm bathwater was lulling you to sleep, but as soon as Kakucho entered the bath, he went straight to keep you busy. His sturdy arms kept you caged in, scared you might fall backward and hit your head as you bounced on his cock. The soapy water sloshed around with each rapid movement. Holding your breasts, you relied on nothing but biting on your lips to prevent moans from slipping past them. Aoki’s bedroom was far away, yet you shouldn’t get carried away. The last thing you wanted was for the poor child to hear you or Kakucho cursing.

“Love, c-cum inside, please,” you whined softly. Reaching your hand down to caress his face, you leaned closer to kiss his scar. Kakucho was certain he could knock you up again with another child. With a low grunt, he thrust his hips up to meet you halfway. Moaning out his name, you held onto him tightly as you chased your high. Your husband sunk his teeth into your left shoulder to muffle his groans. His cock twitched inside you before it spurted a huge load of hot milky semen into your creamy pussy.

“Love you,” Kakucho whispered against your skin and pressed a chaste kiss on the area where he bit. “And thank you… for giving me another one to love. You’re so amazing.” You lifted his head by the chin and pressed your foreheads together while humming in contentment. The bathwater had turned lukewarm. It was a sign to move this to the bedroom and continue from there. 

“I love you, too. Always.”

MONTH 5: WEEK 18

My darlin’ duckie,

I, somehow, felt you move inside my tummy. It almost felt like I had butterflies in my stomach. There are times when I get too dizzy, but for you, I can handle anything. Your big brother made cute drawings of us while he was in school. I’m going to hang some of them in your room once your papa is finished with the furnishing. 

Four more months my duckie! We’ll see you soon.

“You doing okay, love?”

Kakucho looked more out of breath than you are. He did run all the way from the kitchen up to your shared bedroom when you suddenly called out his name out of fear that you couldn’t breathe properly. Shortness of breath was considered normal when you’re pregnant. Your beloved husband was quick to assist you out of bed, gently aiding you to the bathroom when you vocalized your urge to pee. Now, sitting on the toilet, you scratched your arm sheepishly at Kakucho never leaving your side. What you did gave him quite a scare.

“I’m alright, love. Honest.”

“Just tell me whenever you feel some sort of pain, ‘kay?” Kakucho let out a long exhale and leaned against the doorway. You didn’t have the heart to tell him that things of the unexpected will become frequent in the following months to come. Kakucho was a worrywart despite denying this fact. Although it was normal to worry, his way was on a whole other level. Once you did your business and washed your hands, he was quick to be on your side while you descended the stairs. His strong and ever-present arm either wrapped around your waist or shoulder.

“I said I’m fine, Kaku.” you insisted for the fourth time today. Your husband shook his head and sat down next to you on the couch. At this hour, he would be off to where Bonten needed him. It would not come off as a surprise if his phone will start blowing up due to endless calls from his colleagues, hoping to know where he is. The television was playing a commercial for powdered milk for babies, your attention elsewhere, when Kakucho laid his head down on your lap. 

“Wake me up if you ever need anything, love. Okay?”

Shooting him a glance and an assuring smile, you focused on the drama now playing on the screen. Your husband couldn’t help but snort playfully. Just as you were about to let out a disappointed remark at the drama’s sudden plot twist, you caught yourself from making a huge noise for Kakucho was indeed fast asleep on your lap. Silently, you pressed two of your fingers onto your lips and then pressed them against Kakucho’s.

MONTH 6: WEEK 23

Baby duckie,

I hope you are doing well inside my tummy as I’m writing this. There is no denying that you are indeed your father’s daughter. You’re so active, always kicking during the evening that I get surprised. I supposed that’s just your way of saying you’re here or that you don’t like the meal I just ate. Sorry dear, but we can’t be picky with our food. We can’t always eat pancakes every morning no matter how delicious your papa makes them.

I hope you learn to like vegetables, my precious girl.

A groan escaped your mouth while fixing your shirt, making sure there wasn’t any stain on sight or any incriminating evidence that your nipples were toyed and sucked on. The culprit, Kakucho, emerged from the bathroom, the corners of his lips curled up at what occurred seconds ago in the privacy of your bedroom. Your innocent son was babbling Rindou’s ear off in the living room, too focused on the children’s show playing on the television to see Ran wiggle his brows as soon as the two of you joined them. Who knew your husband could go feral upon finding out that your breasts have begun to produce milk for the baby? In fact, it should only be for the baby. Kakucho never fails to surprise you when you least expect it. You just hope he won’t get any funny ideas of doing it again once the baby is out.

The baby needs her milk too…

“Isn’t it too early to be having fun?” Ran joked. Your husband rolled his eyes at the older Haitani’s attempt. You, on the other hand, paid no mind to it. Instead, you shifted your full attention to Aoki. Ran’s second attempt to get a laugh got cut short due to the stuffed toy Rindou threw at his face. Aoki saw this and giggled. Whether he was planning on getting back at Rindou or not, Ran sat up straight as soon as he saw Kakucho shoot him a pointed stare.

“Are you guys gonna eat breakfast or not?” Kakucho inquired before grabbing an empty plate to place pancakes on. The Haitanis weren’t here to merely visit your family or to play with Aoki. Contrary to what they told your son, the brothers were here to pick up your husband for an important meeting with the entire higher-ups of their organization. And that they wanted to eat pancakes made by Kakucho, stating that they missed the taste of it.

While the brothers and your son sat at the dining table, you watched over the other pancakes still on the pan. Your mouth watering at the sight of the leftover mixture in the bowl, tempted to swipe it and finish the batter if your husband wasn’t looking. Kakucho must have sensed your craving as he immediately grabbed the bowl and poured the last of its contents into the pan. Lips in a pout, you flipped the other pancakes whereas Kakucho took out those that were cooked.

Making sure Aoki and the troublesome Haitanis were caught up on something else, Kakucho leaned forward to press a kiss against the side of your head. Caught off guard for a second, you then playfully narrowed your eyes at him. Your free hand instinctively covers your breasts from his view like he was some starved beast just waiting to bite them. With one brow raised, your husband was seconds away from asking why you were maintaining distance when Ran let out a childish cry unfit for a thirty-year-old man.

“Uwah! Mommy and Daddy, I’m hungry! Stop flirting already,” he whined in the most high-pitched tone he could reach. Rindou and Aoki wore the same expression of disbelief, yet the former had a combination of shame. If Rindou could dig a hole and bury himself, now was the perfect time after what his older brother just pulled off. Thankfully and much to Haitani Ran’s lucky stars, Aoki just laughed afterward. Judging by the unamused look on Kakucho’s handsome face, he was ready to drag Ran’s sorry butt out of the house.

He had to take the burnt months ago when Aoki got curious about how babies were made. He didn’t want that to happen again.

Above committing any form of violence in front of his son, Kakucho resulted in leaning down to whisper into Ran’s ear with a false smile on his face, “Better behave or you’re not eating anything except my fist."

MONTH 7: WEEK 26

My precious duckie,

One day, you will learn about your papa’s job. Although it is complicated, I hope you shall learn to understand it once you’re older. Days where it seems like everything will go wrong pop out of nowhere once in a while. Your papa and I promise to keep you and your big brother safe. Safe and sound, out of harm’s way. That is what we will always prioritize.

I love you so much, duckie. You and your brother mean the whole world to me.

To step into danger or defend himself against it has been Kakucho’s bread and butter. He didn’t exactly choose this life. It was just how it was for him ever since his parents died and someone admirable took him in when no one else would. No matter how many times he has fallen, Kakucho never failed to stand up again and face the hurdles the universe has in store for him—whether he liked it or not.

As a father and someone who has a family to protect, being a high-ranking member of Bonten had more cons than the perks it had to offer. There were days he mulled over the thought of quitting. But of course, that option was never there, to begin with. To quit was to kill that part of himself, one he has known all his life. Plus, multiple enemies would have his head if he didn’t choose a side. It doesn’t mean he wasn’t growing tired of the numerous endeavors of his enemies trying to have his head on a silver platter. They have grown more creative this time and decided to send a death threat by calling the telephone situated in the living room.

Kakucho thought he was going to burst a vein that night when he took the telephone from Aoki. Thank goodness the boy wasn’t able to speak into it or your husband would be out tonight, ready to find the fuckers. Still, Kakucho was not pleased with what transpired. Soon, the small closet that was filled with old newspapers and knickknacks became the hiding spot of his firearms.

“S-shouldn’t we move?” you asked him one night, unable to sleep due to your feet cramping. Kakucho’s hands may be busy with alleviating your pain, but his mind was racing with countless ideas on what he shall do to the careless idiots who dared to call through that telephone. Kokonoi does have him on speed dial. The sooner Koko and Rindou trace them, the better. He didn’t want you to be worrying like this, especially when a baby was on the way.

“No, don’t get your pretty head all worked up on this, love,” he reassured you with a squeeze to the thigh, offering you his best comforting smile. “Those bastards should’ve known better than to threaten me. They won’t know what I’m capable of until they wake up with their asses in the fuckin’ air.”

MONTH 8: WEEK 29

Sweet little duckie,

A couple more weeks to go and you’ll be here. Everyone is excited that it feels like it’s Christmas day. Your papa finished your room a few days ago. All that’s missing is a bubbly baby girl. Your papa felt you kick multiple times last night yet he couldn’t get used to it. He even said that once you grow up, he’ll have you take judo lessons alongside your big brother. The doctor told me to cut back on sugar. I’ve been craving a lot of things lately that it scares your papa sometimes. However, the doctor did say you’re very healthy so I’ll gladly stir away from sweets to keep it that way.

Looking forward to holding and kissing you, my love.

The movie was over and the credits roll on the screen. Aoki was fast asleep on the sleeping mat laid out on the floor. The bowl of popcorn is empty save for the kernels that failed to pop while in the microwave. The homey atmosphere was too lulling for you or Kakucho to get off the couch and turn the television off. His strong arms were around you, hands caressing your round stomach. Your head rested against the crook of his neck, eyes closed. Saturday nights were usually like this—the whole family in the living room to watch a film you all take turns in choosing. Tonight, it was Kakucho’s turn and of course, he picked a film that was packed with action and adventure. Aoki, despite saying he will finish the movie, ended up falling asleep before the story reached its climax. You, on the other hand, opted to sit on Kakucho’s lap for no reason.

“She’s kicked a lot, huh?” Kakucho couldn’t help but chuckle at his active daughter. Your response was a small groan. It was no joke that your feet hurt, especially now that they were red and swollen. Your baby was getting heavier, a sign that her due date was drawing nearer and nearer. The task of taking care of a baby may be daunting to some, but nothing could make your heart rest easy than the thought of delivering your daughter safely. Stretchmarks, late-night feedings, and healing stitches be damned.

“She’s your daughter alright,” you mumbled in an amused tone. Kakucho’s hand stopped stroking your belly to laugh at the statement. “I won’t be surprised if she turns out to be rowdier than Aoki.”

“Fine by me,” he replied and then gave your head a kiss. “I can take care of rowdy children. Besides, that stage of their life won’t last long. Kids grow too fast these days, you know. Too fast.” After saying that last line, Kakucho patted your tummy. “Might as well enjoy it, love.”

“Are you… being sentimental right now, Kaku?”

MONTH 9: WEEK 38

Our baby duckie,

I love you, my baby. No amount of joy could be put into words in some cases. According to the doctor, you may come out in a few days. I’m not going to lie… I’m a bit afraid. Mothers whom I’ve met at the clinic seem to express the same feeling when asked about giving birth. I promise to be strong, stronger than I’ve ever been, for you. For our family.

All the unconditional love from us, duckie.

“See? I told you, love, you’re stronger than me. She’s so beautiful, as beautiful as you.”

“She is. She has your eyes, Kaku…”

Kakucho shed a tear or two as the nurse handed him his newborn daughter whom she swaddled in pink cloth. Your daughter ceased fussing the second she was in his arms, perhaps knowing it was her papa holding her now. Your lips should be hurting after smiling so much at the precious scene unfolding in front of you, yet there was no pain present. There was only happiness. Kakucho looked so soft as he cradled his daughter, sitting himself down to pull out his phone and call Ran. While waiting for the older Haitani to pick up, you could just picture Aoki at home, bouncing in elation. The image of your son and daughter growing up together made your heart full, especially with your loving husband by your side.