Chapter 33: A Nursery Begins

Three days had passed since the exhilarating ultrasound, and the excitement in Usagi’s heart was still fresh and vibrant. With her friends by her side, she embraced the journey ahead, the reality of becoming a mother settling more joyfully within her every day. Today was special; it was the day she and Rei had dedicated to preparing for the little ones. They began their day early, filled with eager anticipation. Usagi was bouncing on her toes, her hands clasped together as she stood in front of her closet, scanning her wardrobe for something comfy yet stylish for a day of baby shopping. Rei was already ready with her camera slung across her shoulder, capturing every little moment for posterity. "I can't believe we're finally doing this!" Usagi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "It feels so real!" Rei chuckled, "Just wait until we get to the store. It's going to be a whirlwind of cuteness!" The two friends headed out, their laughter bubbling up into the chilly morning air. The warmth of the sun greeted them as they reached the baby boutique that Rei had insisted upon. The shop was brimming with pastel colors, toys, diapers, and every sort of adorable outfit one could imagine. Usagi’s heart raced with joy as she stepped inside, instantly enveloped by the sweet scent of baby powder and vanilla. "Look at that! A tiny superhero outfit!" Rei pointed excitedly at a miniature onesie emblazoned with a lightning bolt. "Oh my gosh, I need that for my little boy!" Usagi squealed, scooping it off the rack. In a frenzy, they moved through the store, filling up a shopping cart with clothes, plush toys, and colors that reflected the dreams in their hearts. A delicate pink dress caught Usagi’s eye; it was embellished with tiny butterflies, and she held it close, imagining her little girl twirling in it. "You have to get that! It’s perfect for her!" Rei encouraged, snapping a photo just as Usagi's face lit up with delight. As they made their way to the checkout counter, laughter and chatter about the babies filled the air. But little did they know, the excitement wasn’t limited to shopping. Just a few blocks away, Mario and Luigi, the duo tasked with creating the nursery, were setting up their tools and chatting energetically. "I can’t wait to see what colors they pick!" Mario exclaimed, laying out paint samples on a nearby table. "I bet they'll want something bright and lively!" Luigi replied, sketches of cribs and changing tables scattered before him. Back at the boutique, Usagi and Rei were almost ready to leave when Rei noticed another section of the store adorned with nursery decor. "Wait! We can’t leave without picking some things for the nursery!" Rei exclaimed enthusiastically. Usagi followed her lead, and they spent precious moments selecting wall art, magical mobiles, and vibrant stickers to decorate the room. Once their shopping spree concluded, they headed over to Mario and Luigi’s workshop, excitement bubbling between them. As they entered, Usagi was delighted to see the blueprints laid out on a table, detailing the layout of the nursery. "You wouldn’t believe how organized they are!" Usagi said, her smile brightening. "Hey, guys!" Rei called out as they entered. Mario and Luigi looked up, their expressions shifting to surprise and enthusiasm. "You’re back just in time!" Mario exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "We’ve picked some colors we think will be amazing!" Rei clapped her hands, nearly bouncing with excitement. "What did you decide?" "Bright yellow and soft gray for the walls, and some fun accents in pastel colors to match the theme of the nursery!" Luigi answered, beaming with pride. Usagi couldn’t help but feel a tidal wave of emotion wash over her as she gazed at the sketches and color samples laid out before her. "I love it! It’s so cheerful and cozy!" As they discussed features like cribs and storage for toys, Usagi felt a sense of community and love surrounding her—a joyful prelude to the journey ahead. And under the care of her friends, every detail was coming together beautifully. Today was just the beginning of transforming a simple room into a magical space for her little ones, and Usagi couldn’t wait to see how it all unfolded.