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Mitsuri was in their baby’s room playing with their child. She was on her back on the floor while lifting her baby into the air. By this time, their kid was three months old and was awake throughout the day a little more. Mitsuri really enjoyed the babbling that her baby started doing recently, and she smiled more too. Mitsuri loved it. Parenthood came with new struggles the older her baby got, but so did rewards too. Soon, she and the baby started laughing together. She had started to find what worked for her and how to connect with her daughter. She didn’t want to rush the baby stage, but she couldn’t help but think of every other stage she would have to adapt to, especially the day when her daughter would start speaking. Mitsuri would have an excited nervous breakdown the day her daughter called her “Mom.”
“My two favorite girls.” Mitsuri’s attention snapped to the door of the room where her lovely wife now stood. Mitsuri’s smile grew wider. Shinobu had also gotten happier and more energetic since the beginning of the birth.
She watched as Shinobu walked over and lay on her stomach next to them. Shinobu stared happily into Mitsuri’s eyes. “You’ve been having fun with her a lot recently. I almost barely see you now.” Mitsuri blushed.
“You’re being dramatic! I spend equal time with both of you!”
Shinobu laughed at her. Mitsuri laid their baby down on her stomach instead of keeping her in the air.
“We already get to spend Christmas with our little girl. It feels like she’s growing too fast already. Didn’t I just give birth last week?” She giggled.
“It’s okay, we just have to make as many memories as possible!”
Shinobu propped herself on her elbows and rose to kiss Mitsuri’s lips. Of course, Mitsuri has to take the extra mile and desperately try to deepen it. Even when Shinobu tried to pull away, Mitsuri chased her until Shinobu placed a hand on her chest to push her back down. “You’re cute, Mits.”
“Come onnnn! Don’t I deserve more?” They both sat up now, their baby reaching out to grab Shinobu instead. She raised a finger so their child could grab onto her.
“You deserve a lot, but if it were up to you, then the chances of you stopping your inappropriate acts in front of our child frighten me.” Shinobu teased while Mitsuri pouted.
“I just wanted to kiss you!”
“Mmm, okay, how about this; for every good deed you do today, I’ll reward you with a kiss and maybe more than that. Show our daughter you can be Santa’s little helper by being on the nice list for today.”
“You’re a tease!”
“But it’s fun.” Shinobu laughed at her. Right as Mitsuri was thinking about what she could do first, their baby made a grunting noise that was dreadful to hear. “I guess she needs a diaper change. Perfect for your first task.” Shinobu stood up and walked out of the room.
Mitsuri was determined, though. She was going to show both of them just how much Christmas spirit she had. She rose to the changing station and deftly made efficient work of changing her diaper, though the smell nearly killed her. “You’re such a cute baby!” She tickled her to bask in the soft giggles. When she was done, she held her again and went to find Shinobu for her first reward.
She found Shinobu in their bed filing and shaping her fingernails. “She’s clean!”
Shinobu looked up. “First task done already?”
“Yep! Where’s my reward?”
“So eager.” Shinobu sat up as Mitsuri walked over and leaned down to kiss her. It was short and sweet but had all the fulfillment she needed for the next task.
Mitsuri squealed and quickly exited the room to find something else. She had already done her portion of morning chores. “What do you suppose I can do?” She spoke to the child in her arms. She followed her gaze to the laundry room and saw that there were clothes yet to be put in the dryer. “Good idea.” She praised her and walked to their laundry room, where she used one hand to transfer all the clothes and turn on the dryer. Then, of course, she went back to Shinobu.
“Already?”
Mitsuri excitedly nodded her head. Their lips met again but also briefly, like the first one. Before Mitsuri was about to take off again, Shinobu stopped her. “I didn’t expect you to be this eager for a game I made up in a second. Am I going to be able to spend time with you, or will I only see you when you want to kiss me?”
Mitsuri blushed from the question. “It sounds a little selfish when you say it like that!”
Shinobu giggled and patted the spot next to her. Mitsuri happily obeyed and sat down. “I’m honestly just glad you’re having fun with her. You’re starting to find what works for you in terms of connecting to her. I’m proud of you, Mitsuri.” She reached a hand out to caress Mitsuri’s face.
“I have you to thank! You really inspire me! Especially when it comes to parenting.”
“We’re in this together, okay? So don’t feel like you’re behind or a bad mom because of any mistakes. We’re learning and growing just like our child, remember?”
“How did I ever win over your heart? It’s such a blessing!”
“Shouldn’t I be asking the same thing to you?”
“No! Everyone had a crush on you in school.”
“Let’s not go there, Mits. It normally takes you a while to stop ranting about it.”
“Our daughter should hear this too.” She sat crisscrossed and handed their child to Shinobu so the baby could watch and listen too.
“When I finally discovered you, it was overwhelming how many people had a crush on you! I think even some teachers did too! And that says a lot!” Shinobu shuddered from the fact that adults were crushing on her at that time.
“I didn’t think I had a chance, and it didn’t help that you didn’t befriend anyone.”
“Wait a minute, I had friends.” Shinobu said with a shocked face.
“Maybe imaginary ones because the whole school knew you only hung out with your sisters every second you could, and if you didn’t, then you were in the science lab.” Mitsuri made hand gestures to be more entertaining for their daughter. Shinobu faintly blushed as even their child started to giggle.
“Why was that inherently bad?”
“Because!” She slammed her hands. “Your sisters are intimidating, not to mention how protective you were of them. Why do you think I waited all that time to catch you alone?”
“You had a chance at any time, Mits.” Shinobu turned and looked elsewhere as her blush deepened.
“How was I supposed to know you had a crush on me? You never made any moves!”
“I did.”
“Like what, Nobu?”
“Who do you think snuck around to put all those answer sheets in your bag to help you cheat and pass your classes? Don’t tell me you assumed one of your friends was that smart.”
Mitsuri burst out laughing and fell on her back. Shinobu looked over in confusion and even tilted her head to the side a little bit. “What’s funny?”
“You’re really dry at flirting! How was I supposed to know?”
“Did you really not figure it out till now?”
“Nope! But it’s okay! It was more obvious when we started to hang out.”
“So not all of my flirting was missed, at least.”
“Didn’t your older sister ever teach you?”
“I can manage just fine on my own.” Shinobu sighed to release the short burst of anger she laced her sentence with.
“Yea, but the day we finally made it official, you said—”
“Perhaps that’s enough of a story for now. Besides, she wants to play.” They both looked down at their daughter, who randomly grabbed anything she could to interact with.
“Nobu! Can I take her outside to play in the snow?” She folded her hands in a begging gesture and used her bright smile to her advantage.
Shinobu turned her head away again only for Mitsuri to follow to get in her view. “Fine. Dress her up properly, please.”
“Can you come with us too?”
Shinobu rolled her eyes playfully. “If that’s what you want.”
They all got up and walked to their closet. It was a fun moment. Probably more than it should’ve been. They dressed each other up. Mitsuri wrapped Shinobu’s scarf for her while Shinobu zipped and buttoned Mitsuri’s jacket, and both of them dressed their baby to match. “Make sure everything is secure for her.”
“Okay!”
After they were done, they walked downstairs and to their backyard. Their backyard was festive just as much as their front yard with Christmas lights, statues, and signs. It was mostly Mitsuri’s idea. She wanted to show off her Christmas spirit to others who drove or walked by. Some of their neighbors even stopped by to personally compliment them. Shinobu handled more of the interior decor. Due to her, it felt cozy yet still festive. Their proudest decoration was hanging up custom ornaments they made with their baby or just pictures of her in general.
Shinobu and their baby sat on the back patio, which was thankfully shaded so no snow covered the seats. They both watched as Mitsuri turned into a kid herself as she jumped into the snow and threw piles into the air.
Their baby laughed and was able to follow the movements, but Shinobu looked at her as if she was falling in love with Mitsuri again. It truly was a sight to behold. She had such a pure smile and eyes that Shinobu swore were brighter than the sun itself. She was ultimately glad their baby inherited those specific features from Mitsuri.
“Nobu!” Mitsuri yelled from a distance. She waved her hands in excitement. “Do you think I can make a snowman?”
Shinobu nodded and gave a smile of her own. Mitsuri packs some snow to roll a decent-sized snowball as the base. “You see your mom over there? Do you want to join her?” Shinobu poked her baby to gain her attention as if she knew how to understand the words that were spoken, but it was still good for her to hear it.
Shinobu securely held her and stood up to walk over to Mitsuri, who just built the second part of the body. “Hey!”
“She wanted to see her mom in action a bit closer.” She giggled. Mitsuri put her arms out to hold her instead. With one arm, she managed to hold their daughter and still make the head of the snowman.
“Nobu! Can you take off my hat and scarf to put it on the snowman?”
“Okay.” She wrapped Mitsuri’s scarf neatly around the neck and placed the hat securely on the head.
“Hey, look at the snowman! Isn’t he cute?” She raised their daughter closer, who ultimately grabbed the hat back off. “You don’t think he deserves it?” Mitsuri and Shinobu laughed. Their daughter made babbling noises as she let go and dropped the hat on the ground. “I guess not.”
“Maybe she just wants to keep you warm, Mits. Your nose is getting a little red.”
“I’m not cold! Watch this!” She handed their daughter back to Shinobu as she unzipped her jacket to expose thin layers underneath. Before Shinobu could properly protest why she shouldn’t do that, Mitsuri jumped into a pile of fluffy snow.
“How long do you plan to stay like that?”
“I can stay in the snow forever!”
“Right…well, I’m going to go put her to sleep; she’s getting sleepy already. Let me know when you’re ready to warm up. I'll give you one minute.”
“I can last an hour!”
“Mhm.” Shinobu turned and walked back into the house. Mitsuri sat upright and watched. Her muscles already felt stiff and numb. She knew Shinobu would win. Shinobu was more of a logical thinker, and Mitsuri indeed knew that lasting an hour was impossible for her. Still, she wanted to earn some type of praise if she went inside, so she wanted to stay for at least twenty minutes.
“I got this.” She said to herself. She laid back down and cuddled herself to preserve body heat. Unfortunately, even her eyelashes started to form ice on them. It actually sparked a fond memory for Mitsuri back when she and Shinobu spent their first winter together during high school.
====
Mitsuri was visiting Shinobu’s house. They had planned a sleepover for that weekend.
At some point, Mitsuri wanted to play in the snow and dragged Shinobu along with her. “This is not a warm activity, Mits.” Shinobu stood in the field of snow with her arms crossed for more warmth.
“No, but it's a heartwarming one because I’m spending time with you.” Mitsuri said as she made snow angels in front of Shinobu. Mitsuri did absolutely everything she could, even if Shinobu insisted on standing still. She threw snowballs at her, built two snowmen to represent them, drew their initials in the snow, and, of course, talked Shinobu’s ears off about how much fun she was having. “You look so pretty standing there!” Shinobu’s face was already stricken red from the cold weather, but Mitsuri could make out a difference in her blush.
After minutes of playing in the snow, Mitsuri finally exhausted herself and lay where she made the snow angel. She was breathing mildly hard, and her eyelashes had frozen over. Unexpectedly, she felt a sudden weight on her hips. Shinobu had straddled them. “I must say, doing this kind of thing in uncomfortable weather isn’t my forte, but you’re right. Anything with you makes it enjoyable.” She leaned down where their noses just barely touched. Mitsuri’s eyes widened at the sight of Shinobu being so close. Her eyelashes were frozen too, and yet it was the most beautiful snow-related thing Mitsuri had ever seen. It somehow complemented her purple eyes in every right way.
====
Mitsuri wasn’t sure why she was so fond of a memory like that, but she wasn’t complaining at all. She loved it.
Unfortunately for her, the frost was really starting to irritate her, and so, she stood up, grabbed her jacket, and stiffly made her way inside. She set her boots on the rug just outside the door and closed it to embrace the warm air. “Nobu! Can you help me warm up?” She said aloud as she sought her out. She made her way to their laundry room to set out her winter clothes so they could dry. She kept on the clothes she had underneath since they were still dry.
Intuitively, she walked straight for the living room. Sure enough, there was Shinobu sitting on the couch with that same delightful smile she reserved for Mitsuri.
“Nobuuuu! I’m still so cold.”
“You just had to prove a point, didn’t you?” Mitsuri reached her and immediately sat down next to her, only to pull Shinobu into her lap. “Mits, what are you doing? Handle me gently, please.”
“I’m always gentle with you!” Once she settled Shinobu where she wanted, she placed her cold hands underneath her shirt for the warm skin-to-skin contact and to have her fair share of massaging Shinobu’s stretch marks.
Mitsuri’s cold hands made Shinobu jolt, and a strong shudder traveled through her body. “Mitsuri!”
“You’re warm, I can’t help it!” She felt as Shinobu’s body slowly adjusted to her hands and slowly stopped tensing. “My lips are cold too! Think you can help?”
“What makes you so worthy?”
“I made a snowman for our beautiful daughter! Please!”
Shinobu debated on if she would accept it or not. After carefully debating, she shifted in Mitsuri’s lap and gave her yet another kiss, and though they didn’t hold it, they made a sweet gesture of rubbing the tips of their noses together. “I truly don’t think anyone else would’ve been better suited than you to raise a family with. I know it hasn’t been long since birthing her, but even when it was just me and you, you always made sure all my needs were taken care of. You truly are a provider for this household in general and a very important aspect in both my and our daughter’s lives. Growing older with you by my side was the most perfect decision I’ve ever made.” She wrapped her arms around Mitsuri’s neck with the craving for more physical touch.
“I’m the provider? Are you sure about that? I feel like you deserve that title!”
“That’s not very kind of you to reverse my compliment.”
“No, I’m sorry! It’s just so hard because I love you so much and want you to have all the praise!” She looked at Shinobu with puppy eyes while still gently caressing her stretch marks.
“I think that’s an invalid excuse. I love you just as much too, but after all, we both have traits that support each other to make the other stronger. That’s why I feel it’s important to acknowledge your own abilities, especially in a relationship! It’s a team effort, no?”
Mitsuri blushed from embarrassment. “Hey! I know that! But still, can’t we both be providers?”
Shinobu chuckled and began pinching Mitsuri’s cheeks, specifically where her beauty marks were. “If that’s what you want then sure, we’re both providers in our own way.”
“In that case! Can we bake cookies together?”
“I’ll take you up on that offer and say we should wear our matching Christmas pajamas too.” Mitsuri’s eyes sparkled, and she immediately positioned her hands to carry Shinobu bridal style. She stood up while carrying Shinobu and practically ran with her to their rooms.
In their bedroom she gently placed Shinobu on the bed while she retrieved the pajamas that they bought. “Can we shower together? Please!”
“Together? And leave our kid unsupervised?”
“She’s sleeping!”
“But anything can happen in the blink of an eye.”
Mitsuri dropped to her knees while holding the clothes and put on her best pleading face. “We can be quick! I promise!” There was a long pause before Shinobu sighed in defeat. That was all Mitsuri needed to hear, as she immediately tackled Shinobu on the bed and began pulling her shirt off for her.
“Eager, are we?”
“I just really want to do Christmas activities with you!”
After both of them disrobed and got inside their shower, Mitsuri couldn’t help but sing Christmas songs while they took turns bathing each other. She even used the soap suds to make a fake beard to imitate Santa and make Shinobu laugh. She loved that she was able to act silly with her and that Shinobu accepted and loved her for it.
“You’re Santa? I had no idea he had green eyes.” Shinobu joked.
They continued having honest fun, forgetting that they were supposed to be quick. Still, they were both being diligent to listen out for any potential crying. Once they got out, they of course lathered each other’s bodies in lotions and oils before finally putting on the matching pajamas. They even went as far as to pose and take pictures in the mirror.
While Shinobu did a little extra self care, Mitsuri hugged her from behind and just enjoyed the close contact. She had the biggest smile on her face. “You’re so pretty! Did I say that already today? You deserve to hear it again anyway!”
“Thank you, Mits.”
Mitsuri turned Shinobu around and began kissing her face all over. “Careful, isn’t this how you convinced me to get pregnant the first time?”
“No! It’s how I thanked you for hearing me out about my proposal for you to get pregnant!” Though Mitsuri did blush from the thought of Shinobu becoming pregnant again.
“Exactly, how could I change my mind after you had that kind of reaction?”
“Shhhh! I’m kissing you because I earned it.”
“How’s that?”
“By making sure you’re loved and cared for.” Mitsuri continued her kisses. Shinobu had a counterargument but realized that Mitsuri was indeed just finding any small reason as an excuse for a reward. Even if Shinobu had good reason to say Mitsuri was more naughty than nice today, Mitsuri was Shinobu’s weakness and would get her way one way or another.
When Mitsuri was done showering Shinobu with love, they checked on their sleeping baby and made their way back to the kitchen.
Shinobu wasn’t much of a baker herself, but she enjoyed it from time to time only if Mitsuri was there. Mitsuri grabbed all the ingredients to make sugar cookies, and she made sure to grab the Christmas cookie cutters and Christmas-themed decorations and icing. Together, their movements synchronized as they measured ingredients, poured, and mixed them. Mitsuri was tempted to eat the raw cookie dough but was ultimately stopped by Shinobu.
“Awww, no fair! I always do it when you’re not here.”
Shinobu immediately looked at her in shock. “What?”
“Nothing! I didn’t say anything!” She nervously scratched the back of her head.
“Well, the doctor side of me would continue telling you not to do such a thing. But I’m not a stickler for fun, so I won’t hound you about it. I’m sure when our daughter is older you’ll just be a bad influence and have her do the same. Just don’t say anything on the off chance you happen to get sick.”
“If it’s wrong, then I don’t want to be right! Besides, it’s almost Christmas.”
“Of course, Mits. You rarely get sick anyway. If anything, I think the lack of sweets would be the one thing to actually make you sick instead.” Shinobu laughed at her own teasing, only to be met with a dab of red icing on her nose and Mitsuri laughing instead.
“You could be Rudolph the reindeer!”
With quickness, Shinobu swiped up a green dab of icing and put it on Mitsuri’s nose.
“Looks like you can join me as another colorful-nosed reindeer too!” They shared a laugh together. They didn’t bother wiping the icing off their noses as they placed the sheets of cut-out cookie dough into their oven.
While they waited for it to bake, they multitasked to clean up the small mess they made while also setting up the counter for when the cookies were done. Whenever the cookies were done baking and they were waiting for it to cool down to decorate, Mitsuri entertained Shinobu with funny stories.
Mitsuri also couldn’t help but think of a memory when she was teaching Shinobu how to bake. She realized that Shinobu really loved mixing things and watching the contents transform. From then on, Mitsuri always picked recipes that needed to be carefully hand-mixed solely for Shinobu’s enjoyment. It was something she never told her either. She just loved her expressions too much to ruin that.
“How about I just watch you decorate the cookies?” Shinobu leaned on the counter to watch Mitsuri’s steady hands.
“If that’s what you want!” Mitsuri knew Shinobu wasn’t really a night owl, and time has definitely moved quite quickly. It was almost time for Shinobu to fall asleep, but Mitsuri also knew Shinobu would fight to stay awake as long as she could for her.
As Mitsuri finished the first sheet of cookies, their sharp hearing heard babbling and cooing from upstairs. “Sounds like she’s awake. She’s more than likely hungry too.”
“She’s just in time because the cookies are almost done! Family bonding time!” Mitsuri squealed.
“You’re cute.” Shinobu took time to finally wipe the icing off of her nose and Mitsuri’s before walking off.
Mitsuri rushed to finish the next sheet of cookies before Shinobu came back. She quickly set some cookies on two small plates and filled two glasses of milk to carry them over to their coffee table in the living room. She didn’t bother turning on a movie since Shinobu would most likely sleep through most of it. Mitsuri wanted to cherish the time with more personal stuff.
Shinobu reappeared again with their baby cuddled in her arms, and it looks like Shinobu took time out to change their baby’s clothes to match theirs too. She joined Mitsuri on the couch and sat close enough for them to touch. “You did a great job on the decorations for the cookies.”
“Thank you! Let me feed you!” Mitsuri grabbed one of the cookies and fed Shinobu, giving her princess treatment.
“They’re delicious.”
Mitsuri lit up from the compliment. “It was a team effort.”
“Well, that's true, and they are good, but they’re still not as sweet as you.”
Mitsuri looked away, suddenly too embarrassed to blush with the presence of their daughter around.
Shinobu smiled at the reaction before shifting the top piece of her clothes to free her breasts and allowing their daughter to latch and start breastfeeding.
The scenery was perfect. The lights were dim, their Christmas tree glowed and made the presents glow beneath it, and most importantly, they were all together. Mitsuri was happily eating and drinking her milk and cookies while feeding Shinobu small portions, and they both happily and peacefully watched their daughter breastfeed.
“She always looks so calm when nursing.” Mitsuri gently used the back of her hand to pet her daughter’s head.
“She does, but I’ve definitely noticed some traits in the short amount of time that she has grown.”
“Like what?”
Shinobu turned her head to look at Mitsuri and gave a bright, playful smile. “She has grown quite the appetite, and I do mean she has definitely stolen that gene from you. I’m just relieved my body is able to keep up and produce as much as she requires. At this rate she’ll be as strong as you by…well…maybe tomorrow.” She chuckled.
“I’m going to raise her to be strong just like me! If she keeps that same appetite as she grows, then maybe me and her can take on competitive eating or wrestling!”
“Those are definitely bonding activities suited for both of you.”
“I’m so excited!” She pumped her fist in the air as a celebration. “But first I’ll obviously teach her what her strength could be used for.”
“And that is?”
“Having respect and protecting the woman who carried her for nine months, of course!” Mitsuri placed a kiss on their daughter’s head and placed one on Shinobu’s cheek, who surprisingly blushed from the comment.
“With flattery like that and how cute you are, I definitely see how you were able to convince me to get pregnant.”
“I don’t have any ulterior motives now though!”
“I can never be too sure.”
“Can I get a kiss?”
“What exactly have you done now? And didn’t you kiss me just now?”
“I made you blush! Pleaseeeee, Nobu! And that was just a kiss on the cheek!”
“That’s not even a proper task, but I guess you’ve been good all day, so you technically don’t have to ask anymore.”
Mitsuri wasted no time in claiming her reward yet again.
“What do you want for your overall reward?” Shinobu became curious, and for good reason.
“Hmmmm.” Mitsuri pretended to think for a while. “Can I play with your hair tomorrow?”
“Really? That’s all you want?”
“Yes! My ultimate goal is to just spend as much time with you as possible! I’m pretty sure I said that in my vows.” Mitsuri went into thought again for a brief moment.
“Then of course you can. You’re free to do that whenever. You’re my wife, Mits.”
“It never hurts to ask! Hey, that’s another good lesson to teach to our daughter! To always ask for consent!”
“I can tell you two will grow really close.” Their daughter unlatched after having her fill, and Shinobu immediately handed her over to Mitsuri so she could burp her. It was a common habit they made for themselves. Shinobu would breastfeed their daughter, and Mitsuri would burp her. They had many things they did like that for their daughter. It wasn’t assigned, but it’s what works best for them. Every couple has their own quirk when it comes to how they provide for their children. Another common thing they liked to do was let Mitsuri bathe their daughter while Shinobu dressed her, and then they both liked to help put her to sleep. They heavily cherished the tiny bonding moments.
Shinobu fully clothed herself again and watched Mitsuri fulfill her motherly duty now. She always had faith that Mitsuri would be a wonderful parent, but she liked watching it in action. In such little time, Mitsuri has started to show her comfortability.
“She really did feed for a long time!”
“She’s becoming more like you each day, Mits.”
Silence fell over them, and soon the night winds started to howl into the night. It wasn’t long until their daughter burped, and it also wasn’t long before Mitsuri felt Shinobu cling onto her too.
Mitsuri leaned back against the couch as both of the only girls she loved started to doze off while lying on her. One arm secured their daughter, and the other embraced Shinobu. Soft snores soon emitted from both of the lovely girls, and Mitsuri couldn’t think of a more relaxing sound than that. Mitsuri still loved that their daughter slept like Shinobu.
It wouldn’t be the first time Mitsuri found herself in this scenario and had to carry both of them back upstairs and in bed. She was just happy they felt safe and comfortable enough to be able to peacefully fall asleep on her.
She gave one final kiss to both of their foreheads and watched the Christmas tree become more and more of a prominent light source the darker it became.
She wasn’t ungrateful seeing all the presents under the Christmas tree, but she swore that even if Shinobu didn’t buy her any presents, she wouldn’t complain because having Shinobu as her wife and getting to raise a kid with her was already the greatest gift she could ask for.
With that, she felt deserving of herself to quietly yet excitedly say, “Merry early Christmas to me!”