Taking the triplet's photo was exhausting. They moved too much making it impossible to get an appropriate picture. The thing with kids, they thought adults not to give up easily. After a lot of useless begging, Lisa had no other option but to use her last weapon - the prohibited promised. Aorta, Artery, and Venous finally sat straight and smiled widely towards the camera. Jennie would be really mad at her should she find out that the promise she made was to take the triplets to their favorite bingsoo place.
"Babies, work with Dada in this, okay?"
The triplets looked at her expectantly.
"Don't tell Mommy we eat bingsoo."
"Why, Dada?" Venous licked the spoon as she enjoying the treat.
"We'll get into trouble." Lisa explained patiently. "Now we wouldn't want that, would we?" They nodded simultaneously.
---
Lisa narrowed her eyes at the second born disapprovingly. There were no doubt how close Artery with Jennie was, but he was supposed to be in her team at the moment. They shared the same crime after all. One should not leak crucial information just for those comforting kisses.
When they got home that afternoon, as always, Artery ran to his Mommy the fastest. He was the most affectionate one, he liked hugs and kisses more than Aorta and Venous. Once he reached Jennie's arms, her wife immediately pampered him with kisses. He was so proud of his photo result, in return, of course, Jennie would ask whether he enjoyed his day out with his Dada.
When we ate bingsoo rolled out from his tongue, Lisa stopped dead at her track.
Jennie cleared her throat, clearly asking for Lisa's clarification. "Hon?"
"In my defense, I couldn't think of anything other than that." Lisa grinned uneasily.
The woman increased her brow as she let Aorta and Venous kissed her lips. Her eyes never left Lisa.
"They can't sit still. We've wasted half an hour just to get them on the chair only to chase them again. I have no cookies with me so bingsoo is all I have. It is effective, as you can see. The photos are all good. You should be proud of me. Besides, I got your favorite topokki." Lisa lifted the plastic bag in hope Jennie would forgive her.
"Okay then." Jennie stood up from the couch, carrying the drowsy Venous with her to their room as the other two following behind. The triplets were tired and full, it was time for nap anyway.
When a pair of arms sneaked around her torso, Lisa smiled widely. She turned to her left, finding Jennie's face so close to hers and planted a peck on those gorgeous lips.
"What are you looking at?"
"Places we should see in Japan. I don't think five days are enough. We're going to spend one full day in Disney Land and Universal Studio. With three days left. . . Don't you think it's a bit too rush? I want to see more."
"How many days you have in mind?"
"Ten days? Two weeks?" Lisa moved a little as Jennie sat beside her.
"Baby, we take the triplets to this trip. It'll be really tiring for them. Not to mention this would be their first travelling experience. Do you think they can bear two weeks of constant moving?"
"Hm, I didn't think that far, honestly."
"How about this; a week. We'll list out the places we want to see the most, we'd ask the babies to choose, too. We can go back to Japan anytime we want anyway. It's just hours away from here."
"Okay." She enveloped her wife close to her chest. "So you'll take them to the immigration office tomorrow?"
"Yes. I've pushed my meetings to afternoon since the process may take a while. Then I'll drop them at the day care. I'll be home a bit late tomorrow."
"Okay."
---
The triplets could not contain their excitement on the night before the trip. They closed their eyes but sleepiness never kicked in. Lisa had to lullaby them longer in order to get them to sleep. They needed to rest, otherwise they'd be worn out tomorrow.
After Lisa was convinced that Aorta, Artery, and Venous were asleep, she returned to her bedroom finding her wife arranging their clothes.
"I wonder how we manage to bring those two gigantic suitcase into the train and bus with three children."
"We'll figure something out." Jennie zipped the suitcase then dragged it near the wall. "It's not that heavy anyway. I empty some space just in case we want to buy things."
"I'm starting to think that we're kind of overconfident on taking public transportation. Let's just rent a car."
"But Lili, they already jumping around at the mention of Shinkansen. Now you want to cancel? Good luck telling it to them."
"I was hoping you'd be on my side on this." Lisa face-palmed at her wife.
"It'll be a great experience for the kids. Sure, they'd get tired, but don't you think that this is a good way to teach them endurance? Their life is not always going to be smooth, comfortable, and full of luxury. You know what? Scratch that, it'd be a good lesson for you, too."
"What? Why me?" She rolled her eyes. "I am patient, thank you very much and I earned all this." The doctor gestures the properties around her.
"No doubt. You've worked very hard. But the patient part? I'm honestly worried for your blood pressure. Let's make a deal."
"What deal?" Lisa eyed Jennie suspiciously.
"I'll giving you a thing, whatever you want, for not making any grumpy comment in every annoying situation."
"Whatever I want?" Lisa smirked mischievously.
Jennie realized her mistake. She took a step back when Lisa made her way closer to her suggestively. "Remember, you must be in your best behavior throughout this trip because the triplets-"
"I am a good woman," Lisa said slowly. "I always maintain my manner." She trapped Jennie against the wall, as one hand moved to the latter's waist. She leaned in and set some soft peck on Jennie's cheek. "you also need to keep this in mind; we book a two rooms apartment to stay. The triplets will be in their room and we'll be in ours. Besides, it's not everyday we come to Japan. Let's make the best out of it."
"You won't succeed, Lalisa Manoban." Jennie breathed out heavily. She barely can keep her mind in the right track under Lisa's spell. Darn it!
"I will give my very, very best attempt, Mrs. Kim. This is not an easy war to win, however, you know how hard I'd fight for you. Even if it means the fight is between me and myself. I will success."
"Damn you, sweet talker." Jennie pulled Lisa till no space separating them.
Sometimes, giving in and not playing hard to get was the best way to win.
---
Aorta looked so lost and amazed by the high ceiling and cool airport design. He hadn't said a word since he made his first step into the building, too busy absorbing the overwhelming feeling. Meanwhile Artery was still fast asleep in Jennie's arm. He had been sleeping all the way to the airport.
"What's this, Dada?"
"It's a self-check in machine, Ve." Lisa answered while typing on the screen. Jennie, Aorta and Artery were sitting somewhere with their luggage.
"What's a self-check in machine, Dada?"
"Come here." Lisa lifted her daughter up so Venous can see what she was doing with the machine. "This things help us to register. We can't enter the airplane before do this, Baby. We also can queue to those lines." Lisa pointed check-in counters that were full of people. "But this is faster. We'll take care of our suitcases later."
"How does it work?"
"We type our name then this number. Type Venous name here first. Which one is V?" She patiently waited for Venous to analyze.
The youngest carefully touched the screen following her Dada's guidance. Lisa looked around her, just in case there were people lining up behind them. Fortunately there was no one. Five minutes and Venous was finally done with the task.
"Ah so smart!" Lisa kissed Venous all over his face. "Dada's champion is very smart! Isn't Venous the smartest?!" Venous laughed loudly, happy with endless compliments.
The more they pay attention to the triplets, the more Lisa and Jennie learnt that they were so different. Aorta was a reserved boy. He observed his surroundings in silence. He noticed things to the smallest part. He appreciated details more. Artery was a free soul. He was loud, demanding, he did everything in his own way. He was unpredictable and charming. Venous was the curious one. Her interest was to know how everything worked. When Aorta and Artery were still struggling in identifying letters, Venous had gone far ahead onto writing them.
With three different personalities, the triplets often fought because of this. Naturally, Lisa and Jennie had to face challenging problems daily. They didn't want their children felt biased or unfair. All three had the same right and deserved the same treatment; they'd get punishment when they were wrong, and they'd get appreciation (in any form) when they behaved properly.
"Venous, Artery look!" Jennie pointed the window. The airplane was ready to take off. "We're going to fly!"
Artery, who was sitting near the window jerked on his seat as he reached Jennie's hand hurriedly. "Mommy, please hold Artery's hand. Artery's scared!"
"Don't be." Venous enveloped her brother's hand in hers. "Venous and Mommy will protect Artery."
Jennie smiled at her daughter's warm gesture. She kissed the top of Venous's head lovingly.
"Woah! Aorta is in the sky now. Look! Those building become so small!"
The boy gradually removed his tiny fingers from his Dada's arm that wrapped around his belly. Slowly, he touched the window. Fear had gone, switch to excitement instead.
"Dada, does our airplane go through the clouds?"
"Yes. Look!" The plane shook a bit when it passed the thick clouds, surprising Aorta. He quickly leaned to his Dada, placing his hand on Lisa's cheek while watching the city faded as the plane taking them higher.
"Don't be afraid." Lisa whispered softly.
Aorta nodded absentmindedly.
---
It was not a long flight. Nevertheless, it was already a lot for the triplets. They were tired and sleepy already. It was troubling to take bus as they planned. So they hailed a cab to let the kids rest peacefully.
In the afternoon, when Aorta, Artery, and Venous were well rested, they took a stroll around the main street. They tried the famous ramen restaurant in that area. Venous was practically in heaven. She even finished Artery's share since the second born was not very fond of spicy dish. Meanwhile Aorta munched his food slowly. He sometimes asked his Mommy what was in the soup.
Needless to say, the five of them were having the time of their lives. For Lisa and Jennie, they can enjoy their time with the kids without worrying about work. No case, no court, no meeting, no emergency call in the most inconvenience time - just them and their three angels wandering around a foreign place without afraid of getting lost.
Speechless was an understandable world to describe the triplet's feeling. Joyfulness transparently radiated throughout their soul once they saw Disney Land sign.
They were ready to run inside the park, but of course, Jennie wouldn't miss the photo session. They took many pictures at the front gate before hand in hand entering the entrance. Just like another day, Disney Park was full of people from around the world. Lisa and Jennie kept their eyes close to the triplets.
There were famous figure from Disney. People made queue line to take pictures with them. Goofy, Venous's favorite character was standing beside the souvenir store with Donald Duck. She was squealing enthusiastically when Goofy instructed them to get closer. Lisa lifted Venous up so the girl can give Goofy a kiss on its nose.
"Say bye-bye to Donald and Goofy, babies!"
"Bye-bye!"
The five of them visited each attraction blissfully. Artery like the musical theater the most, Venous had not gotten over how amazing Swiss Family tree house was, and Aorta couldn't even choose one he liked the best - he loved it all.
The triplets walked before them hand in hand. Lisa took Jennie's hand and squeezed it. She was feeling nostalgic. She first came here years ago, when they were not even official nor they were sure what they were at that time, so it didn't count as a date. Not much had changed since the last time she came here aside the fact that she was now married to Jennie and they brought the triplets. Time sure flew by so quickly.
"What?" Jennie tilted her head with a small smile.
"Nothing. I just happen to like holding your hand."
"Liar." She bumped her shoulder to Lisa's, earning a playful smirk from her wife. "Feeling sentimental, aren't we? Don't you remember? You chased me from Seoul to Tokyo just because you can't live a day without me."
"Damn true, Baby."
"Watch the word, Lili."
"They can't hear me. Chill."
"What's gotten in to you?"
Lisa shook her head. "Have you ever thought to go back where there are just you and me? We couldn't explore the world more. Go to many places, get more wild and hot sex without caring that the babies would walk in on us."
"Have you?"
"No, not really. No, I never thought of that, actually. It just crosses my mind now."
"First, is there anything, really, that would stop you from jumping on me even when the babies are awake and only in a room away? No. Not to mention, there were times when you didn't even cover my mouth and let me screamed just because-"
"I love your moans." Lisa winked.
"And we discuss our sex life in the middle of Disney Land with our kids around. See? Nothing is going to stop you. Second, we can go to places with them. When they're older, we can go once a year jus the two of us somewhere. Say. . . honeymoon anniversary?"
"Brilliant idea." Lisa nodded eagerly.
"Nothing in the world will make me think twice about you and me, Lili. Nothing."
On the third day, they went to Mount Fuji. Venous didn't even blink when she saw the splendid view. She started asking questions - most of them, Lisa and Jennie didn't know the answer.
"Mount Fuji is a volcanic mountain, right Dada?"
"Will it erupt?"
"Will the lava win over the snow? Will the lava freeze?"
"Venous, please be quiet." Artery pressed his index finger to his sister's mouth. "Artery wants to eat in peace."
Three hours and countless questions had passed, still it didn't satisfy the youngest.
"Can Venous ask more later, Mommy?"
"Yes, Baby. Finish the meal first, okay?"
"Okay."
Fourth day in the itinerary was Kyoto. Aorta, Artery, and Venous stood in front of a temple, wearing Kimono. Jennie took pictures of them in that garment then soon she and Lisa joined to take family photo.
They blend in with the crowd who had come to see the festival. The traditional atmosphere was thick in the air. They tried many types of local food and they were all awesome.
Aorta's eyes were sparking when this specific Sushi entered his mouth. "Mommy, this is really tasty! What's this?!"
"Saba Sugata Zushi, Baby. Aorta likes it?"
"We should make this at home, Mommy." He said as he took two more to his plate.
"Agreed, Baby." Lisa gave her son a thumb up.
The triplets were exhausted. They had been moving constantly. As fun as it was, their body couldn't keep up with endless activity. They planned to see Universal Studio in fifth day. However, seeing the babies slept soundly when they were supposed to leave early making Lisa and Jennie postponed the schedule. They ended up calling the room service for meals and stroll Osaka city in evening.
"Aorta Potter!" Lisa laughed out loud as she put rounded glasses to the boy.
He grimaced, feeling uncomfortable of the weight on his nose. "Aorta didn't want to wear it, Dada."
"Let's see in on Venous, then."
"Dada, no!" The younger run to her Mommy.
"Artery. . . Let's try the glasses handsome boy."
"What's this?" The boy took the glasses and wore it.
"Artery Potter!"
"Who is Artery Potter, Dada?"
"Artery! Potter is a great witch!"
"But Artery's name is Artery Alba Kim-Manoban." He said as a matter of fact.
Lisa face-palmed. "It's just figure of speech, Baby."
"Hon, off we go now."
Magic was in the air. Venous somehow knew some of Harry Potter stories. The teacher told them this story, she said. Her favorite character was Professor Severus Snape. As expected, Aorta didn't talk much, too busy admiring the gorgeous castle. Artery requested many candies and chocolate, he had never seen lollipop that big, he had to have that one.
"This one," Jennie pointed the smallest, "or nothing at all."
"Mommy, that one, Artery wants that big one!" He whined. He knew cry wouldn't change his Mommy's mind. No is always no. Nevertheless, he had to try.
"Artery doesn't want this? Okay then. Which one Venous like? Aorta?" Each handed a small candy to her. "Artery doesn't get one."
"Mommy! Mommy! Artery wants candy!" He started shouting.
"Artery, stop." Jennie spoke sternly. "Stop or no candy at all."
"Artery wants one, Mommy, please?"
"Okay. No more shouting, okay?"
"Okay."
Jennie stood up and took the selected candies with her to the cashier.
"Hon, can I have that big one?" Lisa pointed the lollipop Artery wanted earlier.
Jennie's stern and unflattering stare was enough answer.
"I was just asking." Lisa sulked then took the children out from the store. "I'm married to a baby." Jennie shook her head.
---
Aorta, Artery, and Venous went straight to sleep when they arrived at home. Their bed was the best place to rest, after all. The trip was fun even though it was also tiring. They said they would love to go back to Japan someday.
Jennie had to say that their trip to Japan was success. There were minor obstacles here and there but nothing they can't handle. The triplets were in their best behavior and to Jennie's surprise, Lisa's temper never got the better of her.
First vacation; success!
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Happy Birthday to our Nini :)