Halloween Special Chapter 2 - Elijah

“You can handle this, Justin. I told you when I made you manager that I trust you. Your store has plenty of product and isn’t going to suddenly run out,” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. Love Justin to death, he’s a good friend, but he gets in his head sometimes. Not sure how his husband Ben deals with him. 

“Alright, if you’re sure,” Justin sighed. “And I am. Now I’m going to hang up. Darius should be home soon, and I need to finish getting into my costume,” I assured. “Alright. Well, may the force be with you,” Justin laughed. 

“And with you,” I chuckled, hanging up. “Justin still freaking out?” Forrest asked where he was sitting on the floor already in his costume, minus the Darth Vader helmet. 

“Yep. Justin needs anxiety medication,” I sighed, walking over, leaning on the back of the sofa to watch the progress. Hikari was already racing around in his little Luke Skywalker costume, making swishing sounds as he swung his lightsaber. 

Ryū was in baby Yoda costume: green knitted booties, a brown knitted robe with matching diaper cover, a green long sleeve sleeper to keep him warm, and a green knitted cap to look like Yoda wears covered his dark locks.

He is so precious at only three weeks old. I can’t believe it’s already been three weeks since he came screaming into this world. And I mean screaming. Of the three deliveries, his was the most over the top. 

Hikari had taken his sweet time, and the twins were a c-section after Aiko got the cord wrapped around her neck. But Ryū came fast and hard. 

Riko was suddenly hit with pain, and before we could get her to the hospital, she was in the backseat of my SUV giving birth while a freaked-out Forrest tried to help her through it. He was born a mile from the hospital. I had to get a new car because I couldn’t get the smell out, no matter how much I deep cleaned that back seat. 

I think we were all happy he’s our last because we almost lost Riko from the hemorrhaging. We’re always thankful that we still have her and Ryū. I’m pretty sure my brothers and I would be shells only living to take care of the kids if we lost Riko. “I love you, little one,” I sighed, stroking Ryū’s soft cheek. 

“Bampás!” Saki called out, wanting my attention as she hopped up next to me. “Hello, Princess,” I greeted, scooping her up into my arms. She was dressed as Princess Leia but from New Hope, so the white dress with hood. 

Riko had managed to get her to sit to let her put her dark locks into the two side buns. “Why aren’t you dressed yet?” she pouted. 

“Because Bampás had to handle some work stuff. But I’m going to get changed now. Why don’t you help Otōsan get Aiko ready,” I smiled, putting her back down. “Okay!” Saki grinned and rushed over to sit with Forrest and Aiko. 

Aiko was also Princess Leia, but she was dressed like her from Return of the Jedi in white pants, a khaki top, and a white vest. Forrest was presently trying to get her hair in the same style used in that movie.

“I’m back!” Darius exclaimed as he walked in the front door awkwardly carrying the pod stroller. “DADDY!” All three older kids shouted. Hikari and Saki rushed him, but Aiko wasn’t allowed. 

“Stay still and let Otōsan finish your hair, baby. Then you can attack daddy,” Forrest spoke through a mouth full of bobby pins. The shit we’ve had to learn as dads of two girls. Usually, Riko would have handled it, but she’s upstairs getting into her Padme costume. 

“That looks awesome. Don does good work,” I whistled, looking at the pod. “Yeah, we owe him. Said he ever needs something we’re down,” Darius nodded, putting the stroller down to pick up Hikari and Saki. “Hey there, my little prince and princess. Where’s your sister?” He raised an eyebrow. 

“I’m over here, daddy! Otōsan says I can’t move till he finishes my hair,” Aiko pouted. “Ah well, that’s okay. I want to see the complete look,” Darius smiled, putting the kids down to go and gently kiss Ryū’s cheek. “Hi there, sweet boy,” he whispered.

“Forrest, you got them? Cause it looks like Elijah and I still need to get changed,” Darius asked as he put his stuff in the closet. 

“Yeah, go get dressed. We need to get pictures and then head out,” Forrest waved a dismissive hand. I shrugged and headed up to the third floor, where our rooms are. I poked my head into Riko’s room. 

“Hot damn!” I whistled as she sat on the bed, her costume half on while pumping breast milk. She rolled her eyes, blushing. 

“Elijah. There is nothing hot about this. I feel like a dairy cow,” she pouted. I sighed, walking over to crouch in front of her. “Cupcake,” I smiled softly, cupping her cheek.

“Everything about you is hot, including pumping breast milk for our baby. It’s awe-inspiring. I don’t say it in a deranged fetish way, but you take care of our baby. We can’t do what you do. And this is the last baby you’ll ever have to pump milk for,” I smiled, giving her a soft kiss. 

Riko sighed, briefly returning the kiss. “You boys think too highly of me,” she shook her head. I scoffed. 

“Riko, that’s not even possible. We love you. You are our Queen, our Goddess, our everything. You are the love of our lives and the mother of our children. If anything, we need to appreciate you more,” I smile, stroking my thumb across her cheek. 

“That is why next weekend we are watching all four kids, and you are going with Cassidy and Reese to a spa day and girls’ time. We will handle everything with the kids from wake up to bedtime.” 

Her eyes went wide as she gasped. “Are you serious?” she questioned. “Of course. It’s all paid for. Cassidy and Reese are already on board,” I nodded. “Oh... I love you so much,” she grinned before kissing me deeply.

 “Ahem,” Darius coughed. “Do we all get kissed like that with you topless?” he smirked from the doorway. Riko laughed, blushing. 

“Of course, you do. Elijah just told me I get to go have a spa day with the girls next weekend. Thank you so much. Since Ryū, I’ve felt… I don’t know. Not myself,” she frowned. 

“We noticed. And beyond that, we appreciate what you do for this family. We want you to always make time for yourself. You have three husbands. Use us. Abuse us. We are your servants and will do whatever you need,” Darius sighed.

“I’ll keep that in mind. You both need to get dressed, and I have to finish getting ready,” Riko shooed us. “Not till I get my kiss,” Darius grinned, crossing the room while I chuckled and moved aside. 

Riko didn’t get to protest or comment before my brother was kissing her. I ducked out of the room, letting them have their privacy, and changed into my Anakin costume.