Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon and its characters.

A/N: Please refrain from flaming the writer personally; we're only writing fanfiction. If you're not a fan of the characters being shipped, simply don't read it because everybody is entitled to their own preferences without deserving to be disrespected.

Reviews: Reviews really help inspire us to write more so please take a quick moment to share your thoughts! Thank you!

Gah! I am so behind, sorry! Hope Day 3 wasn't too much (or not enough). I admit I had a little bit of trouble since I still need tons of work on romance scenes. If any of you have any pointers, please feel free to let me know for future works! Day 4 will be a short flash forward from Day 3 and by short, I mean less than a year into being together.

Shut Up and Hold Me

Mimi took a deep breath as the radiologist prepped her for her weekly procedure. Yamato's warm hands grasped hers firmly and Takeru stood by her with a hand on her shoulder, both sending calming vibes throughout her body. Her caramel eyes were bright with apprehension and she stifled a gasp at the feeling of the cool gel against her skin.

Two more weeks. Two more weeks of prenatal visits and tests, birthing, breastfeeding, and parenting classes, prenatal yoga, and baby books. Oh so many baby books. She was excited but she was scared. Scared of having two babies in two weeks, scared of being an inadequate partner and mother, but right now, mostly scared of the decreased activity in her belly over the past week.

She loosed another breath as the technician pressed against her belly and moved about. There was a moment of silence and Yamato's hand tightening around hers as the moment felt like an eternity. Mimi was ready to fall into a pit of anguish when two heartbeats echoed from the machine.

The three of them released a sigh of relief. The twins were okay. Everything was going to be okay.

Mimi's body was sore and she felt gigantic and unattractive. It was as if she'd been pregnant forever. Despite the difficulty of being pregnant with twins at 21, she managed to stay relatively healthy and happy. Twins! She couldn't believe it either.

She smiled as her thumb rubbed at the rose gold band on her left finger, sporting a round cut Morganite stone paved with tiny diamonds. Even with Yamato being in college full-time and juggling a part-time job, he still managed to outdo himself with this ring. Yes, it was no diamond but it was absolutely stunning.

She remembered Takeru retelling the story of Yamato on the hunt for a ring.

Takeru said his brother had been frazzled, unsure of what kind Mimi liked and how they had never discussed it before. He was worried that she would not like it and be forced to wear a ring she didn't like for the rest of her life. Takeru had patted his brother on the shoulder, telling him that Mimi likes pretty and pink things and as long as it fits those two categories, she would love it. He was right, as usual. Yamato had picked a rose gold band with a Morganite stone. Pretty and pink. Perfect for her.

The story of their engagement was not like the romantic epics she dreamed it would be. And she absolutely had no idea that it would be with her brooding and handsome friend, Ishida Yamato. Everything had happened in a whirlwind and now she found herself 30 pounds heavier with two babies almost ready to burst out of her. The same year they reunited, they had shared their first kiss and their first… everything. Her whole life is drastically different from what she always fantasized it would be but she couldn't be happier. Even with the extra 30 pounds.

The ride home was uneventful. Yamato drove, his free hand wrapped around Mimi's, occasionally fingering the ring on her finger.

To this day, he still can't believe how his life had changed. Truthfully, it was a massive challenge that terrified him to no end but out of this came two of the best things he could ever ask for in his life: Mimi saying yes to spending the rest of her life with him, and the healthy babies in Mimi's belly that was half his. He was going to be a husband and a father within a year of getting his first kiss and first everything taken from him by one of his old childhood friends.

Either of their parents were hesitant to lift a finger at first due to the disappointment. His mom and dad both were quick to come around, even helping him get a three-bedroom apartment near school for himself and Mimi, the twins' nursery, and Takeru. Takeru's help with rent and expenses, taking care of Mimi when he's at work… his brother had been that lifeline he didn't know he couldn't live without.

"Thanks for coming, Takeru. It means a lot to me that you try to make every appointment with us." Yamato gave him a nod of appreciation from the rearview mirror.

Takeru smiled and clapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Of course, brother. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

He smiled contently and cast a sidelong glance at a napping Mimi. Even heavily pregnant, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Her skin and hair glowed as if she had ascended into divinity. He was the luckiest man in the world.

Takeru sat at the backseat as they neared the apartment he shared with Yamato and Mimi. He sent his reply to Hikari several minutes ago to let her know they were on their way back. Both Mimi and Yamato were oblivious to the surprise they had all planned for the young couple.

With everything that went on and things finally settling down, the group decided to throw Mimi a baby shower. Yes, it was several months overdue but with the holidays having just passed and the whole deal with Mimi's parents, they never had a chance to plan one. And it was never too late for a party with presents.

They pulled up to their parking spot and Takeru proceeded with helping Mimi out of the car. She was awkwardly large and had trouble doing so herself.

Takeru looked around and spotted Sora's car across the street as Yamato grabbed hold of Mimi. He hoped Mimi and his brother hadn't noticed. Even if they had, they hadn't said anything. He watched as Yamato planted a soft kiss on Mimi's brow and smiled. The two couldn't be more perfect together and he was happy they found each other.

He went ahead of the two and slowly opened the door, noticing Hikari first, bustling around the dining area with Sora as they quietly finished setting everything out.

It was impressive. There were pastel mint and peach balloons and streamers all over the place. A diaper cake sat in the middle of the dining table surrounded with baby-themed finger food and desserts. The coffee table space was occupied with several gift bags and large gift boxes. Everything was mint and peach; a loose homage to both Yamato and Mimi's favorite colors, green and pink.

Taichi and the rest of the group were in the living area and as soon as they saw Takeru, they got into position as if ready to pounce. Takeru shook his keys off the handle exaggeratedly to gain the girls' attention as Yamato and Mimi entered.

"SURPRISE!"

"Kyaa!" Mimi yelped as Taichi sprang at her, arms spread wide as if to hug them both.

Yamato steadied himself to keep her from toppling over as he scowled at Taichi and flicked him on the forehead. "Space bubble, Taichi. You're invading our space bubble."

Mimi laughed as the rest of them joined in to hug a now crying Mimi and pat their congratulations for Yamato.

"Sora, did you plan all this?" Mimi asked, hands frantically wiping away her happy tears.

Sora smiled. "Well, Taichi certainly didn't."

"Hey!" He nudged Sora with his elbow. "I helped too!"

Hikari laughed. "I guess he carried all the heavy stuff."

Sora rubbed Mimi's belly gently. "And you never got to have a baby shower. If anybody I know deserves one, it's definitely you."

Mimi hugged everyone again, tears anew as she mumbled her thanks. It meant so much to her for her friends to band together and secretly plan her a shower she was certain never to have. It certainly would have been one of her regrets.

Her stomach grumbled and with flushed embarrassment, she excused herself. She hadn't eaten all morning after all.

As she made her way to the dining table, a pang hit her so hard her knees buckled and her arms protectively wrapped around her belly.

Before she hit the floor, a muscular arm held her fast, the other hand under her belly right over one of her hands. "Whoa, Mimi. Are you okay?"

She opened her eyes and looked up into a pair of chocolate brown ones filled with worry. "Taichi… oh Kami… ah!" Warm liquid rushed down her legs and onto the floor. "Something's wrong…!"

"Yamato!" Taichi called out immediately as he swept his other arm under Mimi's legs and held her against him. She gripped onto his shirt as the wave of pain crashed against her, causing her to cry out in pain. His chest was warm against her hands as she gripped onto him tighter.

Yamato was drying his hands in the bathroom when he heard Mimi cry out and Taichi calling for him. He rushed out, fear twisting at his gut as the rest of their friends surrounded her.

Taichi was carrying her in his arms, her face buried against his neck and shoulder as she cried. Yamato reached out to touch her face, twisted in pain at each contraction. "Mimi…" He took a quick look at the clear liquid pooled on the floor and loosed a deep sigh. "The twins are coming." It was no question.

"But… she's only 35 weeks! Her parents were supposed to fly in this evening." Sora frowned then gestured to the girls and the dining table.

"I know, they're early. I don't know what else to do but take her to the hospital. They told us that premature labor is common with multiple babies. I was just hoping we'd be the exception." Yamato shook his head then turned to his brother. "We'll have to notify mom and dad."

"I'll take care of it, aniki. You should place the call to Mimi's parents."

Takeru disappeared into one of the rooms as Yamato looked at Taichi in the eye. "Taichi, I need you to take her to the car. I'll grab our bags."

As Yamato turned away, a clammy hand stopped him. Her hand was so tiny in that moment that she feebly pulled at him. He closed the distance between them and muttered, "What is it, love?"

She opened her eyes, glazed with pain, and pointed towards the bathroom. He raised a brow.

She took a deep breath and met his eyes. "There is no way I'm going to the hospital without a quick bath."

Taichi stifled a laugh as Yamato gawked at her. Ever the princess. "But Mimi, we have to—"

"No!" She held up her hand. As if suddenly renewed with strength, she eyed him fiercely. "You will either take me to the bathroom for a quick bath and change me in my labor clothes or Taichi will take me and bathe me himself."

He noticed Taichi stiffen against her, his face red from ear to ear. Yamato closed his hands into fists at the thought of Taichi stripping his pregnant wife-to-be and seeing and touching the treasures only he was entitled to. He glanced sideways at Sora who shook her head in exasperation. Clearly she hadn't taken it the same way he had. Was he jealous?

Mimi held out her arms at him and without hesitation, he scooped her out of Taichi's arms.

Taichi sighed in relief as both Sora and Hikari subdued a chuckle. By the look on his face, Yamato could see his friend seriously thought he had to give Mimi a bath. He shook his head at him. That idiot.

Yamato turned to Jou and hesitantly asked, "Do you think we'll have time?"

"I'll have to check how far along she is. If that is… Mimi is okay with that…" Jou tried not to stutter as he averted his gaze to his medical bag, cheeks flushed.

"Mimi? Can Jou check to see? I just want to make sure the delay doesn't cause complications with the twins…"

Mimi creased her brows as if to fight them but instead, she placed a hand on her belly. "Okay... for the babies…"

Jou slipped on a glove and examined Mimi who was set down on the bed. He peered inside her skirt. "Okay, Mimi, this is going to be uncomfortable. If you feel any pain at all, please let me know right away."

Yamato put a hand on Jou's shoulder. "Wait a sec, how exactly are you checking?"

Jou held out his gloved hand. "I will have to measure with my hand."

Yamato's eyes widened and he shook his head. "Can't you just tell by looking?"

Jou straightened his glasses. "I'm sorry, Yamato, but I don't have x-ray glasses. It's the only way we can know for sure. If not, you might as well take her in now."

Yamato thought about it for a moment and grumbled in disdain. "Fine, but you're going to explain this to me as you go."

"Certainly." They both looked into Mimi's skirt and Jou bundled up his fingers as much as he can. He reached into Mimi's vaginal opening and eased his hand in.

Yamato squirmed. He didn't realize he was holding his breath during Jou's explanation until Mimi cried out. This was extremely uncomfortable to watch.

As Jou eased his hand out, he pointed to the spot on his hand to show Yamato how he measured. "She's 4 centimeters dilated. She's in transition from early labor to active labor. You have a few hours but I suggest you get her to the hospital as soon as you guys are done. I'm still a med student and not specializing in OB so I'd play it safer than sorry."

Yamato nodded as he picked Mimi up. "Thank you, Jou. That was… weird but, helpful information."

Mimi nudged at Yamato playfully. "If you thought watching was weird, try being me with Jou's hand inside my sweet spot."

"Mimi!" Jou chided, his face completely reddened as he took off his glove. "I was mentally prepared to perform a medical examination on a patient."

"Uh-huh." Taichi poked Jou's cheek. "That's why you're that much closer to being a tomato than a doctor."

Jou swatted at Taichi's hand and gathered his things. "I have a few errands to take care of but I'll meet you all at the hospital in an hour."

Yamato nodded as he took Mimi to the bathroom and the rest of the group made themselves scarce.

Despite her protests, he made quick work of her bath, threatening to call Takeru in to hold her down if necessary. Her face was a mixture of pouting and contortion with each increasing wave of contractions. But he knew that if she didn't get her way, her stress levels will go through the roof.

After all, she'd been planning a specific routine for when this day came. And the cute labor gown. She'd sooner pull her hair out than give birth in an ugly hospital gown. At least that's what she had told him. He sighed. Ever the princess.

The door creaked open and Takeru spoke through without peeking. "Aniki, I got the bags loaded in the car. Everyone's heading down to the hospital but Sora wants to know if you want to ride with them so you don't have to drive."

Yamato looked at Mimi who nodded then he turned back to his brother. "We're just about done here. We'll ride with Sora and Taichi in her car, you drive my car to the hospital with the bags."

"I'll let them know." Takeru carefully shut the door to the bathroom as Yamato eased Mimi out of the tub.

He stifled a groan at her naked form. Even heavy with child, she looked erotic. He shook the quickly forming thoughts from his mind as he opened up a towel against her and wrapped her in it. He carried her to their room and changed her in a white maternity gown with sakura floral patterns. He made sure to secure the enclosures on the "milk breaks" so she doesn't flash those enormous breasts at their friends.

As they practiced, he quickly and nimbly worked his fingers along her hair and arranged her silky honey brown waves into a single side braid. She was insistent on looking cute for the labor pictures.

When they finally finished, Takeru stood by the door, ready to lock it behind them. "Sora and Taichi are waiting in the car. They pulled in just downstairs by the elevator."

Yamato nodded as he made his way down with Mimi in his arms. Before leaving, he noted that the dining table had been cleared out of all the food. He felt bad that all their efforts were in vain but he reminded himself to thank his friends for everything later.

The drive to the hospital was a combination of Sora's calm but efficient driving, Taichi freaking out and gripping one of Mimi's hands as she battled the onslaught of contractions, and Mimi laying back against Yamato, one of his hands firmly on her belly and the other held in her tiny vice grip, as he whispered sweet-nothings to her and kissed her head.

He had carried her in to the emergency room and set her down on the wheelchair they provided as they took her to her room for her OB to examine. From her measurements, she was near crowning and had to be prepped for the delivery room.

He was relieved to know that she wouldn't be suffering much longer but guilt gnawed at him every time he looked at her pain stricken face.

Yamato muttered against her hair as he kissed her then made his way to the waiting room to update his friends. He also phoned a quick call to Mimi's parents and left a message.

Yamato rushed to Mimi's side and brushed his knuckles against her cheek gently. "Is there anything I can do?"

She looked at Yamato and smiled weakly. "S-Sora… I want you and Sora with me… please…"

He nodded his agreement and asked the doctor for approval.

Takeru had volunteered to offer Mimi his support during delivery but she insisted that it was bad enough to allow Yamato to see her possibly poop on the table, there was no way she was going to endure the embarrassment amidst the bone-breaking pain of birthing twins.

Yamato and Sora flanked Mimi on both sides as she gripped onto their hands. She had a natural birth plan that she was very adamant about but was now quickly regretting. She couldn't believe the pain she was in and the fact that she had two babies to push through seemed like an impossible feat.

She cried and screamed, sweat coating her skin as heat flashed throughout her pained body. She tried to follow the doctor's soothing voice but it was difficult; she was in so much pain and breathing had become so difficult.

"Mimi, I need you to stop pushing."

"Wh-What? Why?" Mimi cried out and her gripped tightened around Yamato's hand. Something was wrong.

"There's face presentation. I can feel one of your babies' face. We're going to have to do a C-section."

"But…! I don't want to have surgery! Yamato, please tell her!"

"Yeah, doc, this wasn't a part of our birth plan."

"Neither is your first baby being in a mento-posterior position. If Mimi tries to deliver vaginally, it can be fatal for both herself and the twins."

Mimi clenched her teeth to keep from screaming out as a contraction waved in but she nodded her head.

"Okay. Let's prep her for surgery."

Both Yamato and Sora were scrubbed in and resumed their position on either side of Mimi's head in the OR. She was glad they were allowed to stay with her. This wasn't how she imagined it would all go down but at least her babies would be delivered safely.

"What about Ren? For our son?" Mimi breathed out.

"I like that." Yamato smiled down at her.

"Wait, you guys don't have names picked out yet?" Sora asked incredulously.

"Well, Yamato's very picky. He didn't like any of the ones I suggested before."

Sora chuckled as Yamato mumbled. "Well I guess now is as good a time as any."

"And for our daughter…" she started.

"Setsuna."

Mimi blinked. It was surprising for Yamato to suggest a name. She remembered him dismissing her every time she wanted to play the baby name game. "That's pretty. But why Setsuna?"

"Because I saw that it started to snow when you were being taken from your room. It's perfect."

It was beautiful and she liked it. If Yamato was set on it, she couldn't be happier. She smiled at him. "It's decided then."

"And your daughter is out." The doctor carefully passed the mewling baby to a nurse.

Mimi reached out towards her daughter. "I want to see her."

"Just one more moment, Mimi. I have to get your son out so I can close you up."

Mimi pouted as Yamato planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'll go see her."

Both Sora and Yamato went to the table where Setsuna was being cleaned up as the second child was being pulled out.

"And he's out." Their son was handed to another nurse as the doctor resumed on Mimi.

Mimi craned her neck to get a peek when she realized something. "I don't hear him crying. Yamato, why isn't he crying?"

"I-I don't know, Mimi. Doc?"

Panic rose in her throat. No… she couldn't lose one of them. She'd gone so far. She'd been so careful. "Somebody talk to me!"

Before anybody could answer, the machines around her started beeping loudly and she felt a constriction on her chest.

"Mom's BP just shot up. Nurse, I need help over here!"

Yamato rushed to her side and she could feel the warmth of his skin through his gloves. "Mimi? Hey, love, stay with me. Please…"

Her vision was fading and her breathing was labored. She wasn't sure what was happening but an oxygen mask was placed over her face.

"Ren…" She tried to reach out but found that she couldn't move willingly. Her body had then started to convulse and the surgical techs had to hold her steady.

"What's going on with my wife? Please!"

"We're going to need you to step back, Yamato. We're going to do everything that we can." The doctor turned to the anesthesiologist. "Sedate her."

Sora grabbed his arm and pulled him back. "Yamato, you need to let them do what they have to do. We can't get in the way." She was holding Setsuna and she gestured towards the second table where Ren was.

A second cry rang out and Ren started to move. The nurse picked him up and handed him to Yamato. "His oxygen sats are low but that's common with preterm babies."

Yamato turned towards Mimi, his brows creased with worry. "Look, Mimi. Ren's going to be fine…"

Upon hearing Yamato's voice and the beautiful cries of two babes, Mimi smiled weakly. She loosed a heavy breath and closed her eyes for just a moment and that was when everything went black.

"Ishida-san, we'll need to take them both to NICU for examination."

The nurse moved to take Ren from him and for a moment he moved his son out of her reach. His eyes were vacant as he watched the doctors try to revive Mimi. He could see the nurse's lips moving but couldn't hear any sound coming out of her mouth. There was nothing in his ears but the beeping of the damned machines and the hollow hopelessness in his heart.

Sora placed a hand on his arm and gently shook him. "Yamato, we have to go…"

Yamato absently nodded and his children were taken from them and placed inside incubators. He heard them discuss that the babies were a little underweight; Setsuna at 2.40kg and Ren at 2.26kg. He also remembered the doctor mentioning that those are the average weight for premature twins.

He lingered for a moment, the turbulent blue of his eyes focused on his bride-to-be. He couldn't lose her now. Not after everything they'd been through. "Please… please come back to me…"

Tears trickled down his cheeks as he exited the OR and tore off his mask and cap. He hadn't bothered wiping them away as he sat down and buried his face in his hands. He was absolutely terrified. She never even got the chance to see them before she…

Sora wrapped a protective arm around him and he heard her sniffling. "Don't give up on her, Yamato. I know she's in there, fighting as hard as she can to make her way back to you."

Yamato merely nodded, quietly sobbing into his hands as Sora held him. Before he knew it, Taichi was on his other side, a stoic rock of support for his friend. Taichi said nothing as the three of them waited for any updates.

Moments that seemed like hours and years passed as the three of them sat in silence. Sora was rubbing Yamato's hunched over back as he stared at the floor, unmoving.

Taichi had informed the group and Yamato's parents of the babies' status earlier and Yamato's parents and Takeru had gone up to see them.

Due to respect for Mimi not having had a chance to see her children, the rest of the group decided to wait until she saw them first.

The double doors opened to reveal their exhausted obstetrician. Yamato shot up towards her and swallowed. "Is she…"

The doctor sighed then smiled. "She's fine. Her body was stressed from the surgery and her kidneys are weak but she's going to be just fine. My resident can brief you on her recovery plan." She clapped Yamato on the shoulder. "Congratulations, Mr. Ishida."

His knees buckled under him as he breathed out a sigh of relief. Good thing Taichi was there to support him. The news was overwhelming and he couldn't help but feel a huge weight lift from the pit of his stomach. He hugged the doctor then Sora and Taichi, tears anew in his eyes.

Congratulations were indeed in order. He was a father and soon-to-be husband to the most beautiful woman in the world. "Thank you, Kami." He whispered under his breath as he swiped at his tears. He had never cried so much in his life.

Mimi stirred into consciousness and moaned. Her body was even more sore than before and her head was pounding. She tried to shake off her stupor to assess her surroundings. She was in a hospital room and there were flowers everywhere. Lilies, her favorite.

And wrapped around her hand was Yamato's, his head leaning down on his forearm on her bed. She smiled and reached out with her free hand to touch his hair. She was painfully sore but she didn't care. All she knew was that she needed to stare into the depth of those azure eyes.

He moved against her touch and groaned in response. He must have been exhausted. He lifted his head and there were shadows under his eyes. Poor guy. "Hey, you." She gave his hand a squeeze.

"Mimi!" His eyes widened. "You're awake. Oh Kami…" Tears welled up in his eyes as he leaned over her and kissed her, first on the lips then her cheeks and forehead. "I was so afraid… I thought… I thought I'd lost you…"

"Me?" Mimi chuckled softly, their breaths mingled together at their proximity. "Nothing could keep me from you."

He kissed her again, more urgently this time. She moaned against him and pulled away. "Easy there, Yamato. I'm still in recovery from what you did to me." She giggled. She gazed at his handsome face longingly and her fingers found their way to his tousled hair, his soft lips, the stubble along his jaw. How she loved this beautiful man. How lucky she was to be his.

He grabbed her hand and kissed her palm and her fingers before resting it upon his cheek. "You came back to me… you—"

"Shut up and hold me." She scooted over to make room for him and he lay against her with his arms wrapped protectively around her.

She was touched. She had never seen Yamato so vulnerable before, truly vulnerable. And he held her as if he was afraid she'd slip away from him forever. Her heart was melting for him.

"Yamato…" Her hand lay against his muscular chest, feeling the thrumming of his heartbeat through his shirt.

"Hm?"

"I will always come back to you."

He smiled against her hair and planted a kiss on her head. "I know. I love you."

"Mmm… I know." She closed her eyes and took in his scent. She smelled the faint scent of his body wash and cologne but underneath it all, there was the crisp refreshing smell of winter and snow. "I love you too."

"Are you strong enough to see Ren and Setsuna?"

Mimi's eyes were alight as she smiled brightly. "I would love nothing more."

(A/N: Ren's name means water lily or lotus and despite the meaning, it is a unisex name. Setsuna has two meanings - calm snow and split second. I chose it because they were born at the end of February and in a split second, Mimi went from fine to preterm labor. They are also just beautiful names and goes really well with Mimi's personality and Yamato's last name. Hope you all liked this, please review and let me know what you think!)