96. A new day has come

In the last chapter, Rasmus and Izumi’s twins were finally born. At the same time, Fatima and Elijah celebrated a fairytale wedding in San Myshuno. For both couples, it can be said that it will be the start of a whole new life. A life filled with joy but also a life that may strain the patience of those around them. It is difficult to please everyone.
When loneliness strikes, it is nice to have a caring friend. Fabio has certainly found such a friend in Don. As for Don, his emotional journey continues. Not everything between heaven and earth has an explanation.

*****

Morning in Brindleton Bay

Izumi stands and looks at the twins in their cradles. Rasmus and she have just returned home after a long night in the hospital. Finally, her long pregnancy has come to an end.

The birth had been quite exhausting, but afterwards, this morning when Marcus had examined the children and said they could go home… Gosh! She had felt on top of the world.
She had squeezed these two little miracles out of her womb with her own strength.

All at once the world was bathed in a pink light of pure love for the man who had insisted that she had the strength. She’s forever grateful to him.

Her first act is to dress the babies in the onesies she knitted during her pregnancy.

“Look at you. Aren’t you a little perfect miracle,” she says tenderly.

She almost feels her daughter giving her a smile, but she knows it must be pure imagination.

She stands for a long time, taking in every detail of her face. Her eyes are a deep dark gray. It is impossible to tell what color they will end up being. Green like Rasmus or brown like her own eyes.

In the living room next door, Rasmus is sitting and talking to Don.

“I’m telling you, Don. No one could have prepared me for what childbirth is really like. Izumi fought so hard and at one point I was afraid she was going crazy. It was pretty scary that I couldn’t do anything.”

“I don’t understand why you’ve exposed yourself to this Rasmus? In the old days, childbirth was purely a woman’s affair… I mean, why change that?”

“What do you mean by why?” Rasmus asks, shocked.

“Because I love her Don. Because I want to support her no matter what she’s going through….and then in the end….I’m telling you I’ll never experience a miracle greater than this.”

“Well, yes, of course that’s a reason.” says Don.

Deep down Don thinks that this is yet another proof that he and Rasmus think very differently. Here’s an experience they’ll never get to share. Luckily, there is no danger of him ending up in that situation. That possibility is definitively closed.

Meanwhile, Izumi has gone to bed. Even in her sleep, she seems to be smiling.

“Well Don, I’m pretty exhausted so I’m going to sleep while it’s still quiet in the house. Thanks again for your help with Fabio. Please help yourself to some breakfast,” says Rasmus.

“It’s totally okay Rasmus, no problem at all. See you later,” Don replies.

Don sits on the couch and thinks about the unpredictability of life while Rasmus’s tired feet carry him into the bedroom.

He hasn’t dealt much with his own origins before, but there’s something about Fabio that triggers something in him. A kind of recognition.

Rasmus quickly gets out of his clothes and pulls on his shorts. He crawls under the blanket, to Izumi. The only thing he can think about right now is sleep.

Fabio has just woken up and is surprised that no one has woken him up like they usually do. Isn’t he going to school today?

He walks into the living room and finds only Don in the corner of the couch.

“Hey kiddo, did you sleep well?” Don says, holding him close.

“Yeah… Where’s mom? Shouldn’t I go to school?”

“Rasmus and your mom are sleeping but I’m still here. Your mom thought you might need a day off today…..You became a big brother to a brother and a sister this morning,” says Don.

“Hmm!” Fabio hums as he leans in towards Don. He just enjoys the density of the moment unable to imagine how his life has changed.

Rasmus and Izumi lie close together, catching up on some of the night’s sleep.

It doesn’t take long before they are awakened by an infant but piercing cry.

Rasmus quickly jumps out of bed and stands somewhat aimlessly looking into the cradle, unsure of what is required of him now.

Izumi seems to have grasped just what is expected of her as she puts the boy to her breast.

Rasmus quickly slips back under the blanket. He’s too tired to deal with the defeat right now.

Izumi stands for a long time, observing the boy’s face.

“We should find a name for you, but who are you?” she asks seriously.

*****

In the living room, Fabio is watching Don leave the house. It’s time for him to go to work.

“I’ll be back this afternoon,” Don says, with a stab in his heart. Right now, Fabio looks like a very lonely little boy.

“Yeah, see you later Don.” says Fabio a little distracted.

From the bedroom he hears the sound of a baby crying. Will it be okay for him to go in there?

Izumi is effectively putting an end to the crying.

No one has made breakfast so Fabio finds some leftovers in the fridge.
The leftovers are one of Rasmus’ boring vegetarian dishes and it’s cold. It tastes awful.

At this moment, Fabio feels completely abandoned.

His mother and Rasmus has forgotten all about him and his need for breakfast.

His mother is standing looking towards the cribs when he enters the bedroom.

She hasn’t even noticed him entering the room.

“Fabio, is that you?” she asks when she hears the lid of the trash can open.

Fabio quickly throws the disgusting food scraps into the bin before she turns around.

“This is your new little sister.” she says, holding the baby out to Fabio.

Fabio looks at the baby from a distance. It is impossible to understand that this little creature has grown inside his mother’s womb.

Luckily, Izumi quickly puts the baby in the crib.

“So how was your evening with Don?” Izumi asks curiously.

“That was so cool, Mom. Don showed me some tricks with a football, and when it got dark, we looked at the stars together. He’s so cool….He doesn’t have any family so I think he’s lonely. Could he be my uncle?” Fabio says excitedly.

Izumi sits down on the edge of the bed overwhelmed by the amount of information and Fabio’s excitement. She is relieved to hear that he and Don had a good night.

“If it’s okay with Don, you can call him your uncle. I’m glad you two had a good time together.”

“Don’t I have to go to school today?” Fabio asks.

“I think that since you didn’t sleep much last night, you could take today off and spend some time with your new siblings and Rasmus and I.” Izumi answers.

“Well, that’s okay, I guess.” Fabio says.

In a way, he’d rather go to school and play with Jayden, but he can tell by the expectant look on his mother’s face that she has other dreams.

“If you take a shower, we can have breakfast together afterwards.” Izumi says.

Fabio is generally a cooperative boy, so he takes a shower at his mother’s request.

After the bath he got an idea.

Since his mother and Rasmus don’t give him much attention, he can spend a lot of time playing games without any restrictions or limitations. He can even try some of the games he normally wouldn’t be allowed to try.

He will definitely get all the time he can dream of, because now his mother and Rasmus are both sleeping again.

*****

Late morning in San Myshuno

The sun is high in the sky and the day’s activities have long since begun outside Elijah and Fatima’s apartment.

Elijah wakes up after a few hours of sleep and now he lies enjoying the sight of Fatima. She still has her party makeup on and with her bright orange hair she is a sight to behold.

“Elijah, I feel you staring at me.” she murmurs sleepily.

“How can I avoid it? You are a divine sight.” he replies back.

“You’re such a tease,” she laughs, then jumps out of bed. “I’m getting up.”

*****

“I mean it. You looks amazing,” Elijah says.

“Thanks Elijah, you do too,” she smiles.

Ambrosius, who has heard voices in the room, comes in to get his morning cuddle.

He quickly realizes that there is something else on the agenda and instead finds a quiet place to sleep.

He knows his family all too well.

Elijah whispers and this could easily take a wicked turn.

He might as well make the most of the waiting time. Soon he’ll roll over onto his back and sleep soundly.

Elijah and Fatima have started their honeymoon and this day promises to be just as wonderful as the day before.

Well, Ambrosius might be onto something. Fatima whispers something in Elijah’s ear and all that whispering and giggling could indicate a wicked suggestion.

Without a doubt, the temperature in the bed is now rising several degrees.

“I think I could stay like this forever, just you and me.” Fatima murmurs casually as she snuggles up to Elijah.

“Yeah, that’s nice.” he replies.

Maybe Ambrosius is completely wrong in his naughty thinking. They just seem relaxed and tired and intent on enjoying each other’s company.

*****

Ambrosius looks directly at me with narrowed eyes.
“If anyone is wrong here, it’s definitely not the cat,” he growls with a sour hiss.

Things have definitely taken a more heated turn!

Well, this is after all a website with no restrictions for minors.

Of course, no reader should miss the cheery pink sparkles.

Later, everyone seems to have calmed down.

I simply love how Ambrosius has once again found his way back the center of his family. He really is a smart cat, but I guess that goes for all cats. 😸

*****

Morning in Brindleton Bay

There is still peace in the cradles.

Rasmus has gradually come back to life.

In the bathroom he finds some clothes and wet towels lying around, so his first task is to gather the laundry together.

He can see that Izumi is also waking up. He better get started on breakfast.

The washing machine is quickly filled and turned on.

As he stands in front of the stove with scrambled eggs on the frying pan, he feels a rush of pure joy flowing through his veins.

He lets out a cry of joy! He has just become a father to two little miracles and the feeling of victory and happiness is completely indescribable!

Rasmus loves to cook and cooking for those he loves makes his life complete.

Izumi hasn’t made it out of the bedroom yet because one of the babies needs a clean diaper.

It’s quite annoying that the diapers automatically end up on the floor instead of in the trash. Izumi has to collect them afterwards.

Futte stands on the bed, somewhat hesitant. Normally, she would lie down to sleep on the warm quilt after Rasmus and Izumi have gotten up.
(I just want to add. Keep an eye on her.)

She definitely doesn’t like all the turmoil in the bedroom so she walks out.

Fabio sets the breakfast table while Rasmus disappears into the bedroom to assist with the second baby.

He also needs a clean diaper and that’s a task that can just as well be done by Rasmus as by Izumi.

Now is the time to keep an eye on Futte, because she’s on her way up to the kitchen counter with a feather tuft in her mouth.

I’ve never seen any cat in the game contaminate food with feathers before.

That’s exactly what’s happening now.

*****

Rasmus is talking to his newborn son when Fabio seeks him out to tell him that breakfast is ruined.

Rasmus has to leave the cradles to do something about the breakfast problem. First he throws out the contaminated food.

Since he loves to cook, he just starts making another batch of breakfast.

There’s nothing that can ruin his good mood today.

Soon there will be a large portion of freshly baked pancakes on the kitchen counter.

Fabio is quickly summoned by the scent. Pancakes are his favorite breakfast.

They are probably also his favorite lunch and dinner, but he has not yet been lucky enough to get the offer.

Izumi has to postpone her own hunger because now there is a small stomach that demands food.

Breastfeeding the newborns seems to be taking up most of her waking hours.

This means that Fabio will have to eat his breakfast alone, but hey, it’s pancakes so why should he complain?

When Fabio absolutely cannot eat any more pancakes, he washes his dirty plate.

He can’t sit still any longer, he needs to move his body now and luckily he has a climbing frame right outside the door.

Izumi has fed her baby and now she stands a little dreamily, sniffing the scent of his head. New babies have a very special scent that is completely intoxicating.

Almost reluctantly, she puts the baby in the cradle. He needs to sleep.

Izumi is really hungry, and since there are no others demanding her attention, there is finally enough peace for her to think about her own needs.

*****

Fabio makes the most of his day off.

Besides breakfast, laundry and diaper changing, there are other tasks that need to be done. The herbs need water.

After watering the herbs, Rasmus calls his employer. Fortunately, he is entitled to parental leave for the first few days while they find a rhythm with their new family.

Rasmus goes into the house to check on Izumi and the newborns.

It is a beautiful day in every way.

Izumi is on her way to the bathroom but is interrupted by Rasmus, who tells the story of how the cat ruined breakfast out of jealousy.

They both find the episode quite surprising and somewhat funny.

Izumi is about to suggest they take a shower together when a baby cries from one of the cradles.

Izumi is nursing a baby, Rasmus is sleeping and this morning seems to be repeating itself in a circle.

Will she ever get to take that shower?

*****

Late morning in San Myshuno

Neither Fatima nor Elijah has been prevented from taking a shower and they are both standing fully dressed in their kitchen.

Fatima is about to start the coffee machine.

Suddenly, there is a loud bang from the coffee machine, followed by a cloud of black burnt smoke.

“Don’t touch it!” Elijah shouts in alarm as he quickly runs over to see what’s happening.

If there’s one thing that can ruin an otherwise good morning for Fatima, it’s the lack of coffee.

This is serious and Elijah quickly calls a repairman.

“You know Fatima, I have an idea. Let’s go on a trip and find a stall where they sell coffee, that way we’ll kill two birds with one stone. I have actually somewhere in mind” Elijah says eagerly.

“Killing birds sounds pretty morbid.” Fatima says grumpy.

Since she, on the other hand, has no better suggestions, she follows Elijah’s plan.

*****

Late morning Lykke Center in Windenburg

When a little later they arrive at the Lykke Center just below the Harbor Quarter Gym, Fatima spots a barista and it immediately puts her in a much better mood.

She is a bit disappointed, however, as the stall only sells iced coffee.

“Look on the bright side. It’s a really hot day, so maybe it’s worth a try,” Elijah interjects.

Easy for him to say, Fatima thinks as she heads over to a bench with iced coffee in hand.

Elijah looks at her thoughtfully. He has a little trouble understanding her craving for coffee.

Elijah has bought himself a glass of cold lemonade.

“Are you starting to feel better?” he asks her.

“It’s actually not the worst even if it’s cold. It’s a good strong coffee.” she answers thoughtfully.

They sit in silence for a while and enjoy their refreshments.

In the background you can see Bathe de Rill with the open-air swimming pool.

In front of them you can see the coast and Discotheque Pan Europa.

Elijah looks at Fatima.

“Are you feeling better now?” he asks again.

“Yes, I’m fine,” she replies.

“It’s a beautiful day. How about we go to the outdoor pool after you’ve had your coffee?” Elijah asks.

“That sounds really fun Elijah, the only problem is that I don’t have any swimsuits and I think we’ll get kicked out if I try to go nude.” she replies.

“I love that suggestion, it sounds quite fascinating, but we must rather refrain from giving it a try.” says Elijah.

“But aren’t you a lucky girl, luckily I’ve provided swimsuits for both of us.” he whispers.

“What a sneaky guy you are.” she laughs.

“Sneaky is my middle name. Maybe it’s about time you discovered that.” he laughs back.

“I discovered that a long time ago.” she says and gives him a kiss.

“Then it’s a deal, let’s get going.” he says.

There is a very short walk to the swimming pool, along the coast.

Soon the building rises in front of them.

“Let’s hurry to the locker room and take a shower. I’m looking forward to cooling off in this heat.” Elijah says.

“Yes, that sounds really nice.” she answers.

*****

Early afternoon at the Harbor Quarter Gym

Elsewhere in the Lykke Center neighborhood, a short distance from Fatima and Elijah, we find Don at the gym.

Don has met Valentino and since he can’t find any more willing trainees, Valentino has convinced him to try another yoga lesson.

Valentino praises yoga as a method for creating balance between body and mind.

Don has been feeling quite off balance lately so he agrees to give it another try.

The first part of the yoga lesson is not hard to follow.

The yoga instructor picks up the pace and Don has to concentrate to follow all the poses.

However, he can see that he is not doing worse than the others on the team.

Then the positions start to become more challenging and even though Don is a strong guy, he has difficulty reaching the outermost positions.

Handstands are not something he normally tackles and it can be seen that he is not the only one who is being challenged now.

You have to give him credit for not giving up early.

Even though Valentino is an old guy, he shows impressive strength and body control. It’s easy to see that he’s been practicing yoga for years.

Don is a beginner and falls over like a toddler.

Fortunately, he can remain in a horizontal position as the Yogi ends the session with something he calls Yoga Nidra.

Don feels like he’s floating weightlessly in empty space as the Yogi begins to guide them on a dream journey.

He asks them to imagine a landscape and slowly some contours appear before Don’s mind.

It looks like some trees and a bridge?

When the Yogi asks them to step into the landscape, everything seems a bit unclear, but he slowly senses a person on the bridge.

Is that him?

It’s a man and he looks like he’s scouting for something or someone on the other side of the bridge.

Don no longer registers the supervisor’s voice as he lets himself be led out onto the bridge. He continues slowly forward.

Now he clearly sees a person on the other side.

It’s a woman and she’s coming closer.

Everything begins to blur and he is called back from the dream when he hears the Yogi declare that the dream journey is over and they must slowly return to the present.

He feels his heart pounding hard as he is swallowed up by the dead empty space.

He stays lying down while he tries to pull himself together.

Gosh! What the hell happened here? Did he scream?

He glances around to see if anyone has noticed he’s lost his mind. No one seems to notice him.

*****

Early afternoon in Bath de Rill

Fatima and Elijah have so far swam competitively, back and forth in the pool several times.

Fatima stops and watches Elijah swimming forward with strong strokes. He is such an attractive man.

When Elijah discovers Fatima has stopped swimming, he turns around.

“Did you get tired?” he asks with concern.

She is so in love with him. and sends him a cheeky look.

He immediately feels an irresistible desire and splashes water on her head.

“Don’t give me that look, we’re in a public place,” he laughs.

She looks at him in surprise.

Then she splashes a cascade of water at him.

They both laugh out loud.

“Well, you asked for it yourself. Revenge!” he says, swimming closer.

She feels every single cell in her body screaming in arousal when he kisses her.

This is too much and she rushes out of the water.

She continues quickly up the ladder to the top of the spring in an attempt to distance herself far from the energy that has arisen between them. This is definitely not the place.

She can see him swimming forward with strong strokes down in the water.

She jumps into the deep water.

The shock of landing several meters underwater almost takes her breath away.

She should definitely practice more jumps before she will feel confident, but for now she’s cooled down.

*****

Afternoon at the Harbor Quarter Gym

Don and Valentino are sitting in the gym’s cafe eating some sandwiches after the yoga lesson.

Don looks at Valentino appraisingly, but seems to hesitate.

“You seem a little quiet Don. Has something happened?” Valentino asks.

“Well, nothing really happened except for that dream trip that sent me straight into the abyss,” says Don with a shrug.

“What do you mean by into the abyss? I’m quite experienced in dream journeys so maybe I can help you decipher what you’ve seen.” Valentino says.

“First I saw some kind of forest but it was on the other side of a bridge. I was kind of drawn to it and when I went out onto the bridge I saw a woman walking towards me…then, well, then I fell into this void and I’m afraid I screamed out loud,” says Don.

“Hm! That sounds pretty interesting, but I can reassure you no one screamed. It must have happened in your subconscious…The forest can symbolize something you want to penetrate to reveal its secrets and gain new insight… But that woman…was she old or young? What did she look like?” Valentino asks.

“I would say quite young. Slim with chocolate brown skin, black hair and a yellow dress,” says Don.

“Could she be someone you’ve met before? Someone you know?” Valentino asks eagerly.

“You know I’m a womanizer. I’ve known so many women so how should I remember?” Don says with a shrug.

Don starts eating his sandwich. Valentino chooses to remain silent.

Don seems to be in some kind of denial but Valentino has no doubt who it is that Don has seen in his vision. He is quite fascinated that she seems to have made as big an impression on Don as vice versa.

Outside the cafe, a new yoga class is doing exercises and Don should recognize at least one of them, but none of them are significant enough to appear in his dream.

“Well Don, I’m on my way home. Are you going to teach more trainees or do you want to come along?” Valentino asks.

“The boy I told you about, Fabio. I promised to visit him this afternoon. He just got two new little siblings and he seems a little lonely.”

“You know what, Don. I’ve learned over time that no matter how you perceive yourself, you’re a pretty thoughtful and caring guy and that’s something you should really embrace.” Valentino says with a warm smile.

“Thank you Valentino. That was really kind of you to say.” Don says, touched by the unexpected praise.

Normally he is always told that he is selfish and superficial. Prejudices that can no longer affect him, but the praise makes him insecure and vulnerable.

“See you later.” Valentino says before leaving.

“Yeah! See you later.” mumbles Don.

Don sits for a moment longer, thinking maybe he has overlooked something important.

*****

Afternoon in Bath de Rill

In the afternoon, Fatima and Elijah get tired of swimming. They walk up a flight of stairs to enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace.

If they had looked to their left, they might have spotted Don sitting in the gym’s cafe.

That thought is of course completely hypothetical as neither of them has any idea about each other’s whereabouts in the neighborhood.

Fatima finds a deck chair and takes a short nap while she lets the low sun warm her.

Elijah is frying some chicken skewers on a grill.

They both enjoy the awareness of each other’s presence. Who could ever ask for more from life.

When the skewers are finished cooking, Elijah takes the finished dish to a table near Fatima.

She seems to be sleeping so he just sits down. They didn’t get much sleep last night.

However, it doesn’t take long before she wakes up and is summoned by the smell of the food.

She is hungry and she immediately starts eating.

“So what do you think about the chicken skewers Fatima? I didn’t have that many ingredients on hand.”

“They’re delicious Elijah, really delicious. You seem to have planned everything in advance?”

“I had made a few preparations. I mean, it’s our honeymoon. I thought it needed a little extra attention,” he says.

“You’re amazing Elijah! This is a perfect date and a wonderful surprise!”

There is no doubt that they are perfect for each other 💕

Before they go home, they take some pictures together.

A really beautiful sunset becomes their backdrop.

Say cheese!

“It’s hard to let go of this scene but I’m getting a cold Elijah. Can we find our clothes and go home?” she asks.

“Of course, anything for you.” he says.

*****

Late afternoon in Brindleton Bay

Now we’re going to move the timeline back a bit. Shortly after Valentino leaves the gym, Don travels back to Rasmus.

He finds Fabio alone at the dining table, busy with some schoolwork.

“Didn’t you have a day off today?” he asks, surprised.

No one could convince Don to do homework on a day off when he was a kid… To be honest, he probably almost never did homework.

“I just did some extra math, but I’m done now,” Fabio explains.

“You’re a very bright boy. I think you’ll end up as a professor or something.” Don says seriously.

“I would rather be a space ranger or a sportsman like you. Would you like to teach me some more soccer tricks?” Fabio asks eagerly.

“Of course Fabio. It would be my greatest pleasure.”

*****

We take a quick look into the bedroom only to find that things haven’t changed much since this morning.

Even Rasmus has found a new household duty to take care of.

Don and Fabio are heading out into the garden.

Don watches Fabio juggle the ball. He’s not without talent.

“So how was your day Fabio?” Don says as he balances the ball on his thigh.

“Good.” Fabio answers.

“Can you catch this one?” says Don, passing the ball on with a short loop.

Fabio catches the ball and lets it dance on his foot..

“Bravo kiddo! Well done!” Don cheers encouragingly.

The late afternoon sun finds its way through the bedroom window, revealing Izumi sleeping.
She probably needs it on top of all the breastfeeding and the recent birth.

Don and Fabio continue playing when Rasmus comes out the door.

He walks over to his boxing pad.

Boxing is one of the things that keeps him mentally balanced and even though he hasn’t given birth himself, he has been through a lot of stress in the past 24 hours.

He enjoys giving the punching bag some solid punches.

Fabio practices making loops like Don while Don praises him for his perseverance.

Rasmus stops boxing and once again he feels the feeling of happiness flowing through his veins. Life seems perfect.

*****

Whether life will feel perfect for Fabio in the near future is an open question, but right now he enjoys Don’s undivided attention.

Rasmus hangs up the laundry. The amount of household tasks seems to be endless.

“I’m tired, can we look at the stars like last night?” Fabio asks.

“Fabio, there are no stars in the sky yet.” says Don.

“We can sit together on the bench for a while and watch the sunset.” Don suggests.

“Yeah, that sounds cool, Don.” Fabio replies gratefully.

On the way to the bench, Futte comes running to get a little cuddle. Fabio wants a dog, but the cats are pretty cute now too.

Don is a little puzzled about cats being animals you has to be aware of. He hasn’t yet realized that it might be more up to the cats than it is up to him.

*****

“So what’s it like to be a big brother?” Don asks.

“Boring. My mother and Rasmus don’t care about anything else but the little screamers.” replies Fabio.

“I’m so sorry to hear you’re having that experience Fabio. I’m sure they’re thinking a lot about you and trying to make it all work out,” Don says, giving him a hug.

“Hmm….” Fabio hums.

“I love you Don.” Fabio says, snuggling close to him.

“I love you too kiddo… I really do.” Don says.

Let’s just state that it is completely unheard of for Don to make those kinds of statements, but none the less the realization strikes him as a matter of course.

*****

Evening in Bath de Rill

The sun is just about to disappear below the horizon when Fatima, followed by Elijah, leaves the rooftop terrace in Bath de Rill.

Elijah stares out over the water. They might just be able to catch the whole show, but Fatima seems very keen to get home. That’s okay.

He happily follows her. There will be more dates and more sunsets. They are married now.

He picks up the pace to catch up with her.

It’s been a beautiful day and it’s not over yet.

*****

Evening in Brindleton Bay

The sun’s last rays have disappeared in front of the house and Don follows Fabio into bed.

Fabio looks for his mother and Rasmus in the living room but he doesn’t see them.

They must be behind the bedroom door with the two little newcomers.

He speeds up to catch up with Don who is already far ahead with his brisk stride.

He looks up at Don.

It’s so strange Don claims he’s not fit to have children. It’s like he doesn’t know himself at all.

Don remains standing while he puts on his nightgown and crawls under the blanket.

“Are you okay kiddo?” he asks kindly.

“Hmm!” Fabio mumbles.

“Sweet dreams.” Don says, kissing him goodnight on the cheek.

*****

Izumi is really trying to make it all, but her new twin motherhood is demanding a lot from her. There’s always a newborn to nurse or a dirty diaper to change.

Rasmus starts making dinner and here Don really shows his thoughtfulness.

No one has asked him to collect the laundry or put the washing machine on.

“I hope you’ll stay for dinner, Don.” Rasmus says while chopping some vegetables.

The little girl has been breastfed and has a clean diaper. Izumi stands for a moment, inhaling the scent of a newborn baby.

“I’m sorry you haven’t been introduced to the kids yet, but it’s all so new. I think we can catch up later,” Rasmus says apologetically.

“We’ll get there soon enough.” Don replies.

Don has absolutely no desire to look at babies, but in order not to hurt Rasmus, he agrees to look at some pictures of the newborns.

“Have you ever seen such beautiful newborns?” Rasmus asks in a soft voice.

“Never, they really are, but you know me and babies Rasmus, well I’m not an expert to say.” says Don.

“It feels different when you have children of your own,” says Rasmus.

“Yeah, I’m sure, but please don’t forget Fabio. He’s a great kid,” says Don.

“That is not going to happen, Don. I consider him my son, but thank you for your concern.” Rasmus says, giving Don a bear hug.

However, it must be said that even with the best intentions, it may be difficult for them to reach all the way around.

*****

Evening in San Myshuno

Fatima and Elijah have arrived home in the Artist District and they have chosen to eat their dinner at a food stall.

It’s a beautiful summer evening and the square has rarely looked more enchanting than this night.

They sit next to each other to enjoy the food and the view.

“Thank you for a wonderful day, Elijah.” Fatima says, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“If you still have the energy, I was thinking about taking our wedding photos.” Elijah suggests.

“Yes, let’s do it!” Fatima says with a smile.

They quickly run across the empty square.

Here they are at home in Elijah’s photo studio. Now they just need to change their clothes.

*****

Late evening in Brindleton Bay

Rasmus lies in bed with a big smile. Even in his sleep he seems completely happy.

Izumi has finally gotten a break from the infant and now she talks to Don.

“Don, we are so grateful for what you do for Fabio. You mean so much to him and it means so much to Rasmus and I that we were able to leave him safely in your care.

“He’s a great kid. He means a lot to me too,” Don replies seriously.

“Don’t you ever dream of having children yourself? You’ll make a great father.” says Izumi.

At that moment, Fabio enters the room, so Don fortunately doesn’t have to give an answer. It’s a topic he doesn’t like to discuss.

“Mom, I can’t sleep.” Fabio says.

“I’ll be back Don. I just need to talk to my big boy.” Izumi says.

“Hi Fabio. I’ve missed you so much,” she says, giving him a warm hug.

“I miss you too, Mom.” He says, hugging her tightly.

“So how was your day off? Did you enjoy it?” Izumi smiles.

“I enjoyed it at first, but then it got pretty boring. You were so busy all the time,” Fabio replies seriously.

“Well, yes. I am sorry, the little buggers take up a lot of time. But you seemed to be having a good time with Don?” Izumi says.

“Yes we did. We played soccer. Don showed me some new tricks.” Fabio says.

“I’m glad you had a good time, but now it’s way past your bedtime. There is school tomorrow. Should I put you to bed?” Izumi asks.

“Yes please mom.” he answers.

Don stays on the couch while Izumi and Fabio head for his room.

He can’t help but think that this new addition to the family is going to take a lot of getting used to for all of them.

*****

Izumi sits on the edge of the bed for a moment to talk to Fabio.

“Mom, are you happy about the twins?” he asks seriously.

“Yes, I’m very happy. How about you?”

“I think they’re boring. There’s not much fun to do with them.”

“Well, they might be a little boring to you right now, but in time they’ll become more fun. I’m sure that in time they will really love their smart big brother and show you a lot of attention.” she says.

“Mom, I love Don. Do you mind?” he says.

“I certainly don’t mind. I know this transition with two new siblings is hard for you, and Don is a good friend to you,” Izumi says, holding him close. She’s happy for his unconditional trust. That he dares to confide his thoughts to her.

She holds him close to her a little longer before announcing it’s bedtime.

She watches as he crawls under the blanket.

Then she bends over him and gives him a kiss. He falls asleep almost immediately.

On her way out of the room, she notices his scout badges. It seems like a moment since she held him as a baby in her arms and now… so big and yet still a little boy inside. She hopes she can continue to maintain his confidentiality for a long time to come.

Rasmus sleeps soundly and doesn’t let himself be disturbed by those kinds of thoughts.

*****

Don is waiting for Izumi as she steps out of Fabio’s room.

“Well, how is he? Has he fallen back asleep?” he asks seriously.

“He is okay, Don. I don’t know how to thank you. You’ve been amazing in supporting him. He adores you.” she says and gives him a hug.

“Well it was a pleasure. He’s a great kid so it’s been fun.” he says smiling.

“But anyway, Izumi, right now I think he needs his mom more than me.” he adds a little slouched.

“See you around!” he says before quickly turning towards the door.

Izumi looks after him as he walks out the door with his usual lounging gait. As if nothing can touch him.

But she has long since seen through him and knows that behind his indifferent exterior hides a heart of gold.

*****

Late night in San Myshuno

“Look at you, becoming a bride again. You’re stunning,” Elijah exclaims.

“Don’t you have some photographs you need to take?” asks Fatima.

She’s right. There’s a purpose to them now being back in their wedding clothes.
Elijah is going to take their wedding photos.

We’re going to see a few here because Fatima is truly a beautiful bride.

Absolutely captivating.

Of course, they also take some joint photos.

Until it looks like Elijah loses interest in the camera.

Of course, Ambrosius chooses to join them at a time when he gets absolutely no attention. What an unfortunate cat.

“I’m a little tired Fatima, do you want to come to bed with me?” Elijah asks.

“I’m tired too, Elijah so that sounds like a good plan.”

“Are you ready for another wedding night?” he asks.

She nods quietly and takes his hand and looks into his eyes with love. She still feels like she’s part of a fairy tale.

They take their clothes off at a slow pace just because they have plenty of time and good things shouldn’t be rushed.

They have plenty of time to just dwell in the pleasure of the moment.

*****

Later, when Fatima has fallen asleep, Elijah is called out of bed by Ambrosius’ insistent meow.

Finally, he seems to be noticed.

“We haven’t been paying you much attention these past few days, have we?” Elijah says.

Do you really need to ask, Ambrosius communicates back silently.

If someone had told Elijah months ago he would become a cat lover, he wouldn’t have believed them, but look at him now.

After Ambrosius contentedly jumps out of Elijah’s arms, he returns to Fatima in bed.

Elijah snuggles up to Fatima and Ambrosius curls up contentedly on the carpet. Everyone is exactly where they want to be.

Fatima opens her eyes as he snuggles up to her.

“Elijah, I feel you staring at me.”

“Of course I am, how can I not.” he whispers.

It doesn’t last very long, though. Soon they both fall in a heavy sleep and this never-ending wedding finally comes to an end.

*****

Author’s note: Once again I’ve returned to a very image-heavy chapter. Could I have cut it more to the bone? I probably could have.
The cat that soiled the breakfast with feathers reminds me of one of my own cats who peed on my daughter’s toys when we brought her home. A pretty blunt way of saying that this was a change in the family dynamic that she didn’t approve of.
Fatima and Elijah are at the peak of their infatuation these days. It takes a fine balance to describe romantic relationships without it becomes too clichéd and I find it difficult to do with a few words and pictures.
I also find it quite challenging to describe Don’s development in a way that sounds plausible. I know he’s a character many love to hate. I hope I succeed.
The section on the Art District festival site was added quite late in the writing process and was probably completely redundant, but nothing can erase my excitement about a Bug-free festival site. I felt like celebrating it. I had doubted it could be done.

As an emphasis, I have chosen a song by Volbeat. The chorus is in Danish but I have added a translation after the song. Enjoy!

(English translation from Danish)
The day before was everything
As a summer flirt
And tomorrow is not endless