Bubblegum

[Ai Nightray]

Ai Edogawa was excited and nervous at the same time. How could she not be? After at least a year of not seeing each other, her brother was coming over. It was indeed something to excited about for she and Conan have been on really good terms within the past year that they even wrote to each other from time to time. After they had made up, her twin had been supportive to say in the least, though it was hard to get out the habit of being too independent, they surely were managing with the lives they had both moved forward to. However, the nervousness came from the fact that she was currently pregnant and nearly broke. It wouldn't take a genius to find out either really. Dmitri had left her pregnant and so broke that she already had to sell a bunch of furniture and electronics to provide for herself and Jai, and she had also started her monthly check-up and had a bunch of dates encircled on her calendar. She probably should hide it, but thought better of it really, though the trouble it would bring her was something she wasn't entirely looking forward to.

With a sigh, the teenager decided not to worry anymore. What happens happens after all. And so, she mainly decided to focus on her cooking that she hoped could accommodate Taylor and Conan. It wasn't a feast per se, but it was definitely a huge meal that could easily satisfy the three of them and more. She had also prepared a safe little corner of her apartment to let Jai play with toys and crawl about freely with no fear that they might hurt themselves or worse. She even brought out her son's former crib for her nephew that she was yet to meet! That is to say, Ai was absolutely ready for her brother and his family to come over and she had been looking forward to it greatly. The food was set. The apartment was cleaned. She was dressed. Jai was playing by himself. All that was left was the arrival of her visitors.
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[Taylor Blare-Edogawa]

Taylor Blare blew her hair out of her face. She had been running around all day trying to make sure that Corey was comfortable. She was still on maternity leave from the Quidditch team and actually hadn't played a game yet, much to her chargrin, but next month, that was it, she was going back. Conan had practically begged her to wait at least another six months, but no, she'd had it, she needed to get out, she needed to do something for herself. Conan got to go to work and she was stuck at home with Corey. Not that she didn't love her baby boy, of course she did, but she was so tired and barely got any sleep. So she was exhausted today, but it wasn't too bad, she would probably take a nap before they had to leave tonight. She had been a little surprised when Ai had invited them to dinner. It would have been difficult had they been muggles considering that they lived in two completely different countries, but it wasn't so bad when there wad magic to help. So Taylor was trying to remember where she had placed the port key before she went to take a nap. She didn't want to be late and so she knew that she needed to know where it was, or she wouldn't know how much time to leave herself. Eventually she found it and put Corey down for a nap before curling up on the lounge to get a few hours rest.

Taylor woke up a few hours later to the sound of Corey laughing. She sat up immediately, but relaxed when she noticed that it was Conan who had him. She should have known, she was just extremely hypersensitive when it came to the sounds that her baby made. She yawned and cast a quick tempus to discover that it was now only half an hour until they had to leave. Taylor shot up off of the lounge. "Conan! Why didn't you wake me?!" Taylor rushed into the bedroom and ran her fingers through her hair in the mirror. Wow, she looked horrible, "I wanted to take a shower Conan, ugh, can you get Corey ready?" She called out to him as she quickly ran a wet brush through her hair and turned to the closet to find her dress. She'd cut and dyes her hair only a couple of weeks ago, so she didn't have to worry about the length anymore. Corey enjoyed tugging it out of her hair anyway, so she'd had to do something. Eventually she got into her dress with little hassle and smiled at Conan and they grabbed the portkey and popped out in front of Ai's house. Taylor took Corey from Conan, despite his being the father, she couldn't bare to be apart from their little one for too long. She was beginning to think that maybe Conan was right and she should take a longer maternity time, but, she had to try, she was driving herself crazy.
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[Professor Conan Edogawa]

Conan Edogawa was partially excited. It was no secret that ever since he and Ai had been on good terms, he had been trying his best to at least keep in touch with her the same that she had been trying to keep in touch with him, but between their own families that they had been building up and his job, they really barely had any time. After all, they both had kids at seventeen, which probably wasn't a very appealing thing to many, but he really didn't care, for he knew that it was Taylor he would marry and spend the rest of his life with, although it does pain him to think that his twin wasn't experiencing the same thing. She was currently independent and raising her son on her own and while he does know that Raven helps from time to time, it wouldn't also be a surprise if he stops or he barely does it, considering that he does have his own family with the Nightray girl. While him and Taylor also had chosen their career paths, Taylor was currently on leave and while she was absolutely frustrated about it, he knew that she was also a bit dreading its end. Him, on the other hand, had been trying to build up his own reputation at work, which was surprisingly turning out well with his grades and actual capabilities when it came to some paperwork and his practical knowledge on muggles. While he did hate the paperwork that needed to be done, he still loved the field research they did every once in a while as well as the chance to communicate with muggles.

Today though, he had come home earlier than usual thanks to the invitation of his sister to have dinner in London. Perhaps that would have been a hard feat, but between him and Taylor, they had managed to prepare a portkey that would take them straight to Ai's home. So when he had come home, he had already expected his fiancee and son to be ready by now, although surprisingly that was not the case for he had found the former Gryffindor sleeping peacefully on the couch and he just couldn't bring himself to rouse her from her sleep. And so, he had chosen to play with his son instead. Besides, he knew that with the time difference, it would have only been past lunch or so in London. He knew not how long had passed as he played with little Corey until his fiancee had suddenly shot awake and entered panic mode. "Calm down Taylor. I'm sure Ai would understand if were a little late cause you needed a little rest. Merlin knows you need it," he said calmly as he watched his future wife panic and look at the mirror, probably deeming herself looking less than pleasant, although for him, she still looked absolutely adorable and beautiful. But, of course, saying that wouldn't really ease her panic. "And besides, it's still a little early for dinner in London, I'm sure she wouldn't mind us being a little late," the former Hufflepuff said before nodding his head in agreement and carrying the small child to the bedroom while speaking in Japanese, "Okay, little man. You heard Mom. Let's get you ready." It was only a matter of time before they were both dressed with him looking a little casual and they were ready to go. The small family grabbed the portkey and arrived in front of their destination within a matter of seconds and after handing over his son to his fiancee, she kissed them both on the forehead before knocking on the door. Well, this should be a good night, or at least, as good as it's gonna get between all of them.
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[Ai Nightray]

To say that Ai was nervous would be an understatement. Truth be told, her heart was absolutely erratic that she was sure that at any given moment, it would leap out of her chest. If that wasn't what she was feeling, it was her stomach that was doing several flips within her body that would make her lose her lunch. She wasn't exactly sure what she was so nervous about. Was it the fact that this was the first time she would see her nephew? Or the first time they would see her son in a while? Or was it her current condition she was nervous that they would find out. She made no effort to hide the little things that would make her current predicament obvious for she knew that it would be a futile effort. One way or another, Conan and Taylor would find out that she was pregnant, so she might as well let them discover early on. Sitting on her couch and with a gentle smile on her face, she watched her young one play while they waited for their guests to arrive.

Not long after, a knock had resounded within their little apartment and Ai quickly picked Jai up into her arms as they headed for the door. "Ready to see your uncle again?" she cooed and with a small giggle from the little one, she opened the door and greeted the family with a smile. "Hey guys. Thanks for coming! Come on in," she said as she ushered them all into the house. She and Jai lived in a simple enough house, well, simpler now after she had sold a couple of appliances and furniture. The living room had a small TV, a three-seater couch and a carpet with Jai's crib over at the corner, while the kitchen and dining area had a stove, fridge and dining table with four chairs. "Sorry that there's not much in here," she said with a meek smile and a shrug before her eyes landed on the boy in Taylor's arms. "Is this Corey?" she asked as she smiled fondly at the small boy though she could not quite decide yet whether he looked like her brother or his fiancee. Shrugging the thought out of her brain, she decided that there were a lot of years to decide upon that. "Why don't you guys take a seat while I set up the table?" the former Hufflepuff said as she set her young son down the carpet near his own toys to play with.
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[Taylor Blare-Edogawa]

Taylor was nervous. She hadn't really seen Ai since Graduation, being that she preferred to stay in Japan with Corey. He'd been far to young to travel in her honest opinion and he still was, but she had made an exception because Ai had invited them over. Atleast she didn't have to deal with a flight and only had to worry about port keys and apparation. That made things about one hundred times easier. It didn't take long for Ai to answer the door and Taylor found herself smiling easily as she stepped into the small home. Taylor was surprised that Ai was living so simply, she would have thought that Jeremiah would have given her atleast a little money to support her, but it appeared that Ai wanted to live this way. She had to admit that Ai was probably the most stubborn person she'd ever met and to be honest she had to wonder how Jai was going to fair. Jeremiah wasn't exactly a doormat either. Smiling to herself, Taylor lifted Corey higher onto her hip. He liked snuggling into her arm, which was fine for her because it meant she didn't have to strain to carry him. He didn't crawl yet, but he liked to roll around on the floor sometimes and he sat on his own which was great. He couldn't talk yet, but he babbled and Taylor was confident that she would have him talking in no time.

She watched as Ai left Jai on the floor to go and set up the table and Taylor placed Corey on the floor alongside him. They were cousins after all. She followed Ai and smiled at her soon-to-be sister in law. "I'll help you set up the table. You look tired. Are you sure you're right for us to be here?" She asked, looking at Ai and wondering if maybe she was sick. "Are you coping alright?' Taylor was tired herself, but she had Conan to help her with Corey, Ai had no-one. Jai was definitely looked after, there was no question, but she wondered if maybe Ai needed to look after herself a little more. She smiled over at the boys as she helped Ai with what she was doing. Whether she wanted it or not, Taylor didn't care. She wasn't about to sit idly by and allow Ai to do everything herself, that didn't sit well with her at all. "How have you been anyway? Jai's getting big." There was certainly no mistaking his parentage. That was for sure.
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[Professor Conan Edogawa]

The nervousness present between their small company was almost visible to Conan and though he could understand why both women were feeling as such, he didn't really see the need to be just as nervous as them. Sure, the last time he had seen his sister was during Jai's birth which had been quite the scare, and Taylor had last seen Ai back in Graduation from Hogwarts, but still they were going to be family soon enough. He grinned at the former Head Girl and patted her head, messing her hair up as if they were younger than they really were. "Good to see you, Ai," he said as he led Taylor inside his sister's small home. He had never really gotten a chance to actually see where she lived until now since the last time he had seen her was at the hospital, and while he wanted to stay with her for a long time because of the fear of what had happened when she gave birth prematurely, he had Taylor to worry about as well. So, when he was sure she was fine and okay, he left her in the hands of Ryuuji, the man he would trust more than anyone to take care of his sister. Now though, he was quite shocked at the simplistic living Ai had been living. Sure, she had moved out years ago, but still it surprised him.

When Ai and Taylor had decided to set up the table, Conan was left with the task of watching the kids and he really didn't mind much. He was pretty capable of entertaining his son, surely his nephew would not be much trouble? He had cooed both little boys and levitated toys to entertain them for a short while before he thought that they found each other more interesting than him. He shrugged at this and resorted to standing up and looking around the house. There wasn't much stuff nor much mess save for the baby and prenatal care. He was confused as to why they were still out, Jai was more than a year old by now. "Hey Ai. You really need to get rid of these baby books," he said before shrugging and going over to the kitchen to his favorite women. "And are you sure you're doing okay? Taylor's right, you look tired and Jai's getting bigger and I doubt that's easy with you taking care of him by yourself," Conan said as he leaned on the kitchen counter, crossing his arms as his gaze was fixed on the two young boys. "You know you can ask for help right? Just call me if you need some stuff," he said with a shrug before looking over the slightly bare and simple apartment his sister lived in. "Like furniture."
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[Ai Nightray]

As soon as Ai had gotten inside the kitchen, she was quick to start setting up the table with the small feast she had prepared. She had both Japanese cuisine and a few dishes that she had learned from the castle ready in the kitchen and to be served on the table. She was quite surprised though when Taylor had followed her and began to help her with her task. "You don't really need to help, you're my guest! And of course, I'm fine," she said with a smile as she shook her head, knowing there was no use in stopping the former Gryffindor. Hears of fighting had taught her a lot about her brother's fiancee. Ai couldn't deny the fact that she was tired, between taking care of Jai, getting over Dmitri and discovering pregnancy, the former Hufflepuff had not had enough time to rest. She couldn't help but pause with her task though and put her hands on her hips as she faced her former enemy. "Of course I'm right. We haven't seen each other for a year and a half. You could at least pretend to miss me or want to see me, Taylor," she harrumphed, though there was a sense of mischief and amusement dancing in her eyes. Until Conan spoke and her eyes slightly widened before turning her attention to her twin before breathing a slight sigh of relief. Perhaps they wouldn't find out about the pregnancy today. "Don't you dare throw away those books Conan! I still need those," she warned before going back to the task of setting the table for their dinner.

"Well, I suppose I am fine and coping," Ai said with a small tired smile gracing her Asian features. She really had no choice but to deal with whatever fate kept thrusting upon her and it was fine with her, though she had to admit that it was exhausting for the most part. But still, she would keep pushing for Jai, her unborn baby, and herself. They needed her to be strong. "Jai's first months had to be the hardest and most terryfing, but as soon as he got stable and healthy, taking care of him had been a little easier," she said remembering the fear that brought upon Jai's birth. It had been a dangerous one. And a situation that could have cost both their lives, but they were safe now and her son was happy and healthy. She couldn't be any more grateful. "Jeremiah helped some then but Arianna was pregnant so of course he had to take care of her too. And he still comes by from time to time," the former Hufflepuff admitted though in her thoughts lay the selfishness that she wished Arianna hadn't gotten pregnant then. That had been the straw that had triggered her son's premature birth after all. But what's done was done and she couldn't be selfish. Not with Jeremiah, not with Dmitri. They had made their choice. "We're doing just fine, Conan. Besides Jeremiah helps with Jai's expenses. And you have Corey now, so don't worry too much about us," Ai said with a small smile and chuckle as she shook her head at her brother's words. She knew they were missing some furniture, but she and Jai were still living quite comfortably. Besides, she had been doing what she could do to provide for them, although in the back of her head, she knew that soon, even her best would not be good enough. Especially with her current situation. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask. But what the hell happened to your hair?" she asked Taylor with a small playful smirk on her features as she set the last of the plates and cutlery down. She needed to change the topic after all.
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[Taylor Blare-Edogawa]

Taylor shook her head at the way Ai was speaking. The underlying tone was amicable, but she could tell that her inquiry was not appreciated. Taylor held up her hands in a show of ceasing her line and went on with helping Ai set things up. "Of course I miss you. Conan sees you though and it's not like we don't keep in contact. Sheesh." There was something going on she could feel it, though she did not know what it was. Perhaps she didn't want to tell them that she had a new relationship, or perhaps she was back with Jeremiah. Though last she'd heard he was still with that Nightray girl. What was her name? Arianna? Taylor had nothing against the girl of course, but she didn't know her. "Spoken to Jeremiah recently?" She decided to see what she could figure out when their conversation. Hopefully Ai wouldn't get suspicious and shut her down. Taylor wasn't often invasive but it did happen on occasion and after all, Ai had just pointed out that they'd not seen each other in over a year. Perhaps it was polite conversation, seeing what was happening in her life and the life of the father of her son. She laughed slightly however when Ai demanded that Conan leave her books alone. "Awh, leave her alone, Conan. Sentimental value! I still have ours in the bedroom." Did Conan know about that? Well he did now.

Ai soon answered Taylor's question of Jeremiah's presence and she had to admit she felt a little better knowing that he was at least helping out, given that this was his child too. She smiled as she moved away from the kitchen to see Conan playing with the boys. He soon came over and leaned against the counter and Taylor gave him a quick kiss before switching with him and making her way over to the boys. "No need to get defensive, Ai. We just want to make sure you're okay. You say that Jeremiah is covering living expenses, but why don't you have furniture then?" She asked, leaning down to pick up a toy that Jai and Corey were fighting over. They were similar in age, not too far apart, but Jai was still considerably older than Corey. She handed the toy back when they looked suitably chastised and stood up. She touched her hair and grinned. "Corey enjoyed attacking it when I was holding him. This just seemed easier."
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[Professor Conan Edogawa]

Conan remained silent at the conversation between the two women. They can handle the small talk. Besides, even if he and Ai had much to catch up on, she and Taylor were still building up on their relationship and are adjusting quite well. Considering they had been enemies for almost half their lives that is. But then again, a lot of things had changed after he had gotten engaged, she had gotten pregnant and both of them have their own small families by now. Although he wished the same happiness he was having with Taylor for Ai, she knew that there were things he could never control. One of them being Raven's feelings. He had chosen the Nightray girl, and though it still irritated him from time to time, the anger and hatred was fading steadily. Hopefully, the pain was blurring out for his sister as well. The young man raised an eyebrow at his fiancee's words. "They're in the bedroom? I thought they were in the basement library," he said with a shrug. He knew she didn't throw them out, but he didn't know exactly where they were. He had always assumed that they were in the library considering it wouldn't be weird finding those there. It wasn't like they only had one maternity and pregnancy books in the house.

Conan listened intently as the conversation took quite the serious tone. It was no secret that he and Taylor had been worried for Ai for a while. Especially since she didn't have Jeremiah with her all the time like Conan with Taylor. She also didn't have a job and she was living miles away from him, and even quite a distance from those who had took her in years ago. Her situation had been quite worrisome, especially the fact that she had given birth early for Jai than expected. Conan looked around the house as his fiancee also pointed out the lack of furniture within the apartment. "You need some stuff in here. Like a dresser," he said after looking around and further deciding that he would get her a couple of furniture. And well, if she didn't want him buying anything, then he'd just make something. As soon as Ai had raised the question on his fiancee's hair though, his grin matched his. "You should have seen it. He kept on pulling and eating her hair," he chuckled at the fond memory. And though he missed her long hair, to him she will always look absolutely amazing and beautiful.
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[Ai Nightray]

Ai beamed at the former Gryfindor with mirth dancing upon her eyes. "Precisely. Conan sees me, and I don't know about you but I'm getting sick of his nagging from time to time," the former Hufflepuff whispered half-heartedly at Taylor. All the while, her gaze was trained upon her brother whom she knew could hear her just fine. Well, that was exactly the purpose though. And besides, while it was amusing to see him a changed guy, much like how she and Taylor had changed, she does still try to rile him up every once in a while. Ai was quite surprised by the next question that her former enemy had thrown at her though. It had never really brought up since Jai's birth as to whether she had been speaking to Jeremiah. Her brother never really bothered to ask but she supposed it was because he was scared that he would offend her somehow or hurt her. "Yeah, he comes over frequently with Arianna and their twins. They take Jai out for the day sometimes," Ai said with a small smile gracing her features. It sometimes bothered her still that he was now together with Arianna much like she was sure the woman was bothered whenever they would come over. There was a lingering awkwardness between them. "See? At least somebody here understands the importance of some stuff," the former Hufflepuff snickered at her brother. Well, she was safe for now.

Ai watched with fondness and perhaps a little envy at how Conan and Taylor interacted and she wondered if she would ever be happen to her. The woman sighed at the former Gryffindor's words as she offered a small smile. "It's not that. Sorry I didn't mean to sound defensive," Ai assured though she chance a look at their own little apartment. Even she could see that they lacked furniture. But she supposed they had the necessities, and in all honesty, it was the necessities that Ai and Jai needed the most. "I'm okay. I just didn't think we'd need much furniture. I mean, it's only really me and Jai around," the former Head Girl said as she finished placing the last of the cutlery and plates on the table. "And even if he is helping with half of Jai's expenses, I'm still covering for my own and for the house," she shrugged and thought of the dreadful expenses and how little her budget was now thanks to Dmitri. It had been painful discovering his thievery, it wasn't just trouble that he was causing her, it was nearly ruining the life of her son, and now, their unborn child. The twenty-year-old had to shake her head to rid herself of such negative thoughts. "I wonder if I should cut mine. Come on, we gotta eat! You guys must be hungry!" she mused before remembering that her guests had come here to eat dinner! And she would have to let them eat now if she didn't want them going hungry!
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