Disaster Strikes in Threes

By: Shin Sankai


Author's Notes: This took longer then expected, sorry about that. Unfortunately I've been suffering from illness. Anyway, this is full of emotion (I think) and probably some OOC-ness and even an outspoken Hiyo, but really, I do love taking the characters outside of their normal comfort zones. And besides, who stays in normal character mode when the one you love is in dire straits! Anyway, I hope the chapter is enjoyed and surprise, surprise, it is not ending here. After some thought, I've decided to give this story one more chapter...you'll see why.


Chapter Three:

Everything had morphed into one massive big blur for Kirishima at what had been happening around him. Emergency Services had arrived, his young daughter rushing from his embrace, face puffy and streaked with tears as she allowed them in, demanding they hurry and help her beloved Oniichan. The Editor-in-Chief had staggered to his wobbly legs, getting out of the way and placed his hands on his precious daughters shoulders as she hiccuped and sniffled while watching the paramedics work on Yokozawa.

When the unconscious man was placed on a stretcher, the paramedics were off, it not taking long before Kirishima burst into action as he quickly grabbed his jacket, placed Hiyo into hers and then they slipped into their shoes, rushing after the paramedics. The youngster was still in her pyjamas, while the father was don in tan trousers and a half buttoned up white shirt.

As the paramedics were about to place Yokozawa into the back of the ambulance, Hiyo had cried out, wanting to go with them. They had eyed each other for a moment. Maybe it was her blotchy, tear streaked face, the desperation in her voice and the death grip she had on the unconscious man's hand, that they had decided to allow the two of them to ride along.

Of course after about fifteen minutes in the back of the ambulance, perhaps it was not such a good idea as the driver was relaying Yokozawa's condition to the Emergency Department crew, wanting to prep them for their arrival. Kirishima thought himself a smart man, but what was being voiced, he hadn't a clue what was going on. On several occasions he had to shush his precious girl as she wanted to ask multiple questions. The handsome man quietly advised her that now was not the time as the paramedic needed to concentrate on the businessman.

What made Kirishima's heart stop was just as they pulled up at the hospital, Yokozawa's vitals became erratic and suddenly, just as the doors were opened to the ambulance, more emergency staff appearing, his lover went into cardiac arrest. The light haired businessman was pretty much pushed out of the way with Hiyo, but he didn't care at all as long as they concentrated on helping the salesman. He'd faintly heard Hiyo's scream, his own breath heavy, as he observed a paramedic straddling Yokozawa, starting CPR as they wheeled the stretcher into Emergency. It became all too much for the Editor-in-Chief, not having stepped foot into a hospital in such a long time, his legs had suddenly given out on him, but a nurse was instantly at his side, trying to gain his attention.


"Kirishima-san?" The Editor-in-Chief jolted from his thoughts as that had been hours ago as he now sat in a private waiting room with his worn out and slumbering daughter leaning heavily against him. Carefully he laid his daughter on the seats, placing his jacket under her head as a makeshift pillow and then quietly made his way over to one of the specialists who was looking after Yokozawa, the doctor taking him into the quiet hallway, their conversation out of ear range from his young child.

"Sensei, how is he?"

"After some careful investigation and thorough observation, I believe Yokozawa-san is suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome."

"What is that?"

"It is a severe, life threatening condition due to widespread inflammation in the lungs. His oxygen saturation is very low. We had good airway while placing a tube down his throat but oxygen did not appear to be getting into his bloodstream. I believe this is due to his alveoli being damaged." The sensei paused, watching confusion wash over Kirishima's facial features. "Alveoli are the air sacs in your lungs. When they are infected by this disease it means there is a decreased exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Due to this, Yokozawa-san is in critical condition."

"And this means..."

"Right now, he's not breathing on his own." The Editor-in-Chief let out a shuddering breath. "The only way we've been able to raise his oxygen saturation levels is by placing him on Nitric Oxide. It selectively increases blood flow to the alveoli allowing for more oxidisation."

"What are his chances?"

"At this stage, we just don't know. Having him on Nitric Oxide is helping him breathe better, but we are needing to use an extremely high dose. He cannot stay on it forever, it is far too dangerous. He must start breathing on his own. If not..." Kirishima's eyes widened, not needing the doctor to go any further, knowing exactly what that meant. "Due to his cardiac arrest, the trauma and damage which has been caused, not breathing on his own and being on Nitric Oxide, right at this moment, Yokozawa-san...is in a coma." The handsome father's knees buckled for a second time today and he collapsed in the hallway where he and the specialist had been talking. "Nurse!" The specialist called out and one came rushing over.

Both medical personnel helped Kirishima to his feet and escorted him back into the private waiting room. The nurse quickly left for a minute to grab a BP Machine to check on Kirishima's vitals. She hooked him up much to his displease, but when one was in a hospital, even though you weren't a patient yourself, that didn't mean the staff here didn't have a duty of care to you as a visitor.

"Yokozawa-san is in the process of being transferred to ICU. The nurses will be monitoring him around the clock and any sudden changes will be brought to my attention. No visitors are allowed until he's been properly settled in ICU. A nurse will come and get you once this has occurred." Kirishima nodded his head in understanding. "Honestly, I'd recommend you return home, to get some rest and come back later." The look on Kirishima's face clearly showed the doctor he wasn't going anywhere. "We cannot stop you from staying, however..." All eyes turned to Kirishima's daughter as they looked across to the other side of the room.

"I will be calling my parents to come get her shortly. I also need to make some phone calls in regards to what has happened." When the medical personnel finally left, Kirishima pulled out his phone, found the number he was looking for and placed it to his ear. "Okaasan, sorry to bother you, but can you and Otousan come and get Hiyo for me? No, no, she's not unwell and we are not at home. We're at the hospital. Okaasan...wait...listen...Okaasan! Please remain calm, there is nothing wrong with me. No, Hiyo is fine as well. Okaasan...its Takafumi. I'll send the address via text and when you arrive I'll explain everything." Ending the call, Kirishima turned his attention to his precious girl, making his way over and sat down, his large hand going out to brush through her messy hair, rousing her from slumber as she sat up, rubbing at her eyes before turning those brown orbs to look up at him.

"Where's Oniichan?"

"He's being transferred to ICU." He observed his girl bite unconsciously at her lower lip. "He's quite sick, but the specialists here are looking after him."

"How sick?"

"Hiyo..."

"I need to know." The youngster stubbornly voiced. "I want to understand how sick he is because the last time Papa came to hospital, Mama didn't come home. If the same thing happened..." The father cupped his daughter's cheek, thumb brushing a tear away. "I'm old enough now to be able to help Papa." Instantly he scooped up his girl, hugging her tight.

"I just finished speaking with a specialist and found out that Takafumi is in a coma." Kirishima softly voiced, carefully pulling his girl away, watching as tears fell freely down her cheeks now. "His lungs are damaged and he can't breathe on his own. Takafumi is being monitored around the clock and if there are any changes, I'll be informed of them."

"He'll be okay, right Papa?"

"I don't know." He watched Hiyo bite her bottom lip, trying to keep her sobs at bay. "For now, you should go home and get some rest. I've called Otousan and Okaasan to come get you."

"I want to stay with you though...and be by Oniichan's side."

"We can't see him yet, and I think its best that you get some rest."

"But..." Kirishima placed a finger over her lips.

"Papa will contact you if there is any change. Go home, get some rest and then you can come back to visit later on alright?"

"Okay..."

"Come on," Kirishima picked up his girl, carrying her to the lifts so they could head downstairs and towards the entrance to the hospital to meet his parents.

"Do you think Oniichan will recover?"

"I have to believe he will, because Papa cannot live without him or Hiyo." Big brown eyes looked over at her father, she sitting in the crux of his elbow, one arm around his neck holding on tight. "Does Hiyo understand what I'm trying to say?"

"To Papa, Oniichan and I are very special to him?" Kirishima nodded his head affirmatively.

"That's right. Hiyo means everything to me...and the same goes for Takafumi too. Papa has not felt this way towards someone in a long time, not since your Mama was alive. So to me, Takafumi is very special. Is Hiyo alright with that?"

"So that means...Papa loves Oniichan?" Again the Editor-in-Chief nodded his head, heart pounding in his chest.

"With Takafumi and Hiyo at my side, life is wonderful. I'm so happy that I have the both of you with me. I want us to always be together."

"Papa's love is very strong." Kirishima nodded as he pinched his daughter's cheek, she grinning over at him. They exited the lift and headed outside to the front entrance and car-park of the hospital.

"Does Hiyo still want to stay with Papa knowing this?"

"What do you mean?"

"Papa wants to be with Takafumi...and for the three of us...four of us if I count Sora-chan...to be a family together. If Hiyo does not feel comfortable with us being together then..."

"Papa," The youngster cut off her father's awkward rambling. "Did you know, ever since you introduced us, Oniichan has become very special to me too. Oniichan has a special place in my heart that no one can have but him, just like Papa has a special place in my heart too. I don't know when Papa started loving Oniichan, but I know I did...right from the start." Hiyo cutely blushed at her confession. "I want to always be with Papa and Oniichan."

"Shall we tell him our feelings when he gets better?"

"Yes!" Kirishima watched his daughter suddenly tilt her head, deep in thought. It didn't take long for the adorable youngster to project her thoughts into words. "Will Oniichan eventually become Papa's bride?" The handsome father couldn't help but laugh aloud as he placed his daughter on her own two feet, hand ruffling through her unbound hair.

"He does make a wonderful Mama for Hiyo-chan, but there is no way Takafumi would ever become my bride."

"Why not? Has Papa asked Oniichan yet?"

"I'm not quite sure how such a topic would truly come up in conversation."

"I'll be Papa's support when you ask Oniichan." Kirishima raised an eyebrow at Hiyo's conviction, noticing she'd fisted her tiny hands as she gazed up at him. "We'll convince him together, ne?"

"And why is Hiyo so sure she can help me convince Takafumi?"

"To us, Oniichan is special. We've made him part of our family and we'll never let him go." Kirishima watched his daughter pause as they watched her grandparents pull up in their car. "Truthfully, I really want to see Papa and Oniichan in tuxedos, you'll both look really handsome together." The youngster let off another blush at blurting out her true feelings.

"And with Hiyo in a pretty dress at our side, it would make such a day even more wonderful." He placed his hand between her shoulders, giving her a light push as she dove into the open arms of her grandfather, his parents having rushed to their side at hearing the news about Yokozawa.

"What on earth happened?" Kirishima's mother voiced worriedly. Taking her aside, he relayed all the information that he could to his mother. "Oh my..." Taking hold of her son's hands, dark brown eyes peered up at her youngest child. "And how are you doing with all of this?" Kirishima tilted his head at the question. "Zen, you've never been a fan of hospitals and being back here, with what is happening, if you need to talk..."

"I just need him to get better." She bent him down, pressing her lips against his forehead.

"I'm not blind Zen, I know how important Takafumi-kun has become to you and Hiyo-chan." The Editor-in-Chief gulped down the lump in his throat, even though he nodded once, knowing his mother knew about them, but had decided not to pass judgement. "You just remember that Takafumi is a strong, stubborn young man. I am certain he will not go down without a fight, so you just keep positive and everything will turn out, alright?"

"Arigatou," His mother nodded her head before taking hold of his daughter's hand and directed her towards the car while he had a moment with his father.

"Keep us posted about Takafumi-kun alright?" Kirishima nodded, receiving a flick under the chin. It was his father's way of telling him to stay positive, much like his mother had voiced. The light haired businessman gave them a wave as they left the hospital grounds, taking Hiyo back to his place so she could get some rest. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, the businessman finally took notice he had quite a lot of missed calls and unread text messages. Letting out a sigh, it was now time to tell everyone about what had transpired.


The phone calls took longer then expected, Kirishima sending word to his daughter's school about the emergency which had taken place, advising them she would not be returning to school for a couple days at minimum. He also contacted his staff advising them of his absence and then after many tries, finally got hold of Isaka-san directly, advising him of Yokozawa's condition and requested the President contact Yokozawa's family due to the man's condition as he thought it best they travel here just in case. It was very hard for him to say such a thing, but just as the specialist said, his condition was critical.

On heavy feet Kirishima made his way back inside the hospital and straight into the lifts which would take him to ICU. Once he arrived there he requested Yokozawa's private room number and was advised he could now see his companion. Taking a deep breath Kirishima entered the room, almost collapsing on the spot at seeing his comatose lover. There were various machines attached to him and a multitude of tubes. He looked deathly pale.

"Takafumi..." The Editor-in-Chief mumbled softly as he made his way over to the salesman, taking a seat on the stool at the man's bedside. His hand instantly took hold of Yokozawa's, pressing his lips to the man's cold palm.


Kirishima had drunk about 4 coffees and ate half a sandwich from the cafeteria, not bothering about his appetite as he didn't want to be far from Yokozawa's side. Every now and then he'd dozed off, hunched over the side of the bed, each time waking as a nurse had come in to check the salesman's vitals. Stepping away from the window, Kirishima once again made his way back to the stool and sat down, taking hold of a limp hand. "Takafumi, you've got to get through this. Hiyo and I..." The light haired man paused when the door was reefed open, he turning to look over his shoulder and instantly stood. "Takano," The Editor-in-Chief of Emerald was standing there, seemingly breathless as he had appeared to have run from the closest train station to the hospital.

"Shachou sent word that Yokozawa..." Brown eyes widened behind thick framed glasses when Kirishima stepped away to give the man a clear view of his best friend and previous lover. "What the hell happened?"

"Honestly, what hasn't happened to him these past few days." Takano glanced at Kirishima before dropping his hand on his friends forearm, quietly looking down at his friend while listening to the Editor-in-Chief of Japun. "His apartment building burnt down. When that happened, he escaped with Sorata and watched it explode. In a daze he walked to my place and awoke my daughter and I from slumber. He was in shock and so we tried our best to calm him. The very next day, Sorata collapsed. Takafumi rushed him to a vet and Sorata was placed on the critical list. That cat, its his whole world, his family, and if anything happened to him... Anyway, this morning we received a call from the clinic, the medication is helping him, he's off the critical list but his situation is still serious. That news, it was such a relief to hear for Takafumi however..." Kirishima paused, standing at the foot of his lover's bed. "He neglected to get himself checked out by paramedics during the fire at his apartment building and now this is the aftermath."

"And?"

"And right now, he's suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. In short, Takafumi is not breathing on his own, they've had to administer a high dosage of Nitric Oxide to assist him and he's in a coma. Looking at his situation right now, its not looking good."

"He's a stubborn man." It was all Takano could say and observed a hint of a smile crack across Kirishima's lips.

"Did you know, a third of people suffering from this disease end up dying?"

"Kirishima..."

"And even though he's got a slim chance of surviving, if that is the case, he is likely to have permanent lung damage. Not only that there is also the possibility that he may suffer from memory loss due to brain damage that occurred when his lungs were not working properly and his brain was not getting enough oxygen."

"I never knew you to be so negative." Almond eyes darted towards deep brown. "According to Yokozawa, you are one of the most positive thinking men he's ever known, almost annoyingly it would seem."

"Is that so?"

"That is so. Why if it weren't for you, for your positive attitude in helping out Yokozawa, we would not be able to be the friends we are now."

"And what does that have to do with anything?"

"You just being here, beside him, it helps." Kirishima tilted his head at Takano's words. He was certain that Takano knew he and Yokozawa were more then drinking buddies. After all, the man was not stupid. "I am certain, even in his current state, you at his side is what is required. So you remember his stubbornness, his fighting spirit and make sure to never loose that positiveness, for it gives him strength."

"Takano..."

"Would it be alright if I stay a bit longer?" The Editor-in-Chief of Emerald asked politely, Kirishima nodding his head as he placed a hand on the man's shoulder, advising him that he'd go and get them some drinks.


When Kirishima returned with some cold drinks, forgoing coffee for obvious reasons, he came upon another visitor inside his lover's room, standing near Takano, the both of them quietly talking. Opening the door, the handsome father cleared his throat, gaining both men's attention. It didn't take long for the unknown dark haired man to turn to look over at him. Though he had several wrinkles, a bit of grey in his hair and dark scrutinising eyes, and was possibly in his early to mid 60's, the man was definitely,

"Kirishima, this is Yokozawa's father." The light haired businessman was surprised he'd gotten here so fast. From the talks he'd had with his partner, about the man's family, they weren't all that close and his family lived quite far away. The only one he mainly spoke about and kept in contact with was his grandmother on his mother's side. Yokozawa mentioned he spent more time with her then any of his other family. "He's been in the city on business and after finishing at a conference, he stopped by to find out Yokozawa's condition." Kirishima arched his eyebrow at this news. His lover made no mention about his father being in town, but perhaps he never even knew. He also found it odd that a conference appeared to be more important then flesh and blood!

"My name's Kirishima Zen, its a pleasure to meet you."

"You are the one that was with Takafumi when he collapsed?"

"Yes, and my daughter as well."

"Foolish boy!"

"Excuse me?"

"Always causing trouble for others."

Kirishima frowned deeply at the older father. "I hardly believe what has occurred is any of his fault...and he certainly did not cause me any trouble. I'm not sure how much you know, but his apartment building caught fire and from the news, the building requires demolishing due to the extensive damage. He was in the street, watching as his home exploded into flames, so may I ask exactly where else did you expect him to go during such a time?"

"Inconveniencing a man who has a family, that child shows no respect whatsoever. I apologise in his place. He should of stayed at a hotel instead."

The Editor-in-Chief took in a deep breath, trying to remain calm and keep his emotions in check. "As I said before, your son did not cause trouble for me or my daughter. Our home is always open to him." He watched dark eyes stare quietly over at him. "Also, there are not many hotels around here that would accept a cat staying on the premises."

"He still has that thing?"

"Sorata is very important to him, so please do not refer to a precious family member of his as a mere thing."

"And how are you associated with Takafumi?"

"I'm his partner."

"Excuse me?" Takano was quietly glancing between the two men. He'd never thought Kirishima would have just blurted something like that out to his best friend's father, but perhaps his emotions were being tested by the indifferent father.

"I couldn't be more clearer then that. Your son, is the person I love."

"How dare you..."

"What's going on?" All eyes turned to the door to see Hiyo standing there, a bunch of flowers in her arms and her hair in plaited pigtails, secured with the cat hairpins Yokozawa bought for her as a surprise present merely a couple weeks ago.

"Hiyo, what are you doing here?"

"Obaachan dropped me off, since I pestered her so much that I wanted to come visit Oniichan. She apologised that she couldn't stay, but she said she will come and visit in the morning." Hiyo made her way over to her father, smiling up at the man.

"Oniichan?" Innocent brown eyes focused on dark scrutinising ones, Hiyo almost shrinking back at those intense eyes seemingly glaring down at her.

"Hiyo, this is Takafumi's father."

"Oniichan's father?" The youngster bowed politely to the man. "Its very nice to meet you, I'm Kirishima Hiyori."

"This is utter nonsense!" The outburst was quite a shock, Hiyo's left hand gripping the material of her father's trousers. "The two of you, in such an affair, in the presence of a child, you both disgust me!"

"Yokozawa-san..."

"He's always been a troublesome child, but to drag a father and his daughter into such an affair is just..."

"I'll have you know it was I who dragged him into such an affair." Kirishima interrupted the father and also Takano who seemed to want to try and calm the both of them down.

"What a disgrace to the family."

"Stop it!" All eyes focused on Hiyo as she shouted over at the salesman's father. "Oniichan is very sick, so please don't argue in front of him!" Her big brown eyes also glanced up at her father, telling him off as well.

"Hiyo..."

"Why is Oniichan's father saying such mean things? Why aren't you worried like us? Don't you understand that Oniichan might die!?" Hiyo blurted out, tears spilling forth from her eyes as she dropped the flowers she'd bought for the beloved man with the help of her Obaachan. They were yellow carnations and roses, a cheerful bunch she asked to be made especially for him. "Oniichan is not disgusting...and he's not a disgrace! And neither is my Papa! They both work very hard."

"Hiyo, please calm down." The father tried to reach his upset child.

"E-Ever since I met Oniichan, he's been very sweet to me. Even if he's busy with work, he'll spend lots of time with me so I don't feel lonely waiting for Papa to come home if he has to work overtime or if there is ever a problem at work that he has to take care of. I love when Oniichan wants to cook dinner with me and he always helps me with my homework. To me, Oniichan is part of my family."

"Its alright Hiyo, we've stopped arguing." Kirishima bent down to brush his daughter's tears away. "I'm sorry for upsetting you. Takafumi would definitely dislike this type of attitude while he is unwell." He watched his girl nod her head as she picked up the flowers, once more turning her gaze to look over at her Oniichan's father.

"Even if Oniichan's relationship with his father is bad, and he's not wanted by him, we'll take care of him!" Slightly wide dark eyes gazed down at determined brown orbs, even if her hands trembled as she clutched the flowers to her small frame. "Oniichan was so scared, not knowing what was happening to him and so were we! Papa and I made a promise that we will always be with Oniichan because he's the one we love the most so stay away from him!"

"What on earth is going on in here?" A male nurse voiced loudly, surprising all the occupants inside the room.

"Its nothing, I apologise for the disruption." Takano quickly voiced, his hand resting on the older man's shoulder. "The two of us will be leaving." Takano escorted Yokozawa's father from the room.

"How long has that been going on?"

"Awhile I guess..." He had no obligation to give the man any intimate details about his best friend and Kirishima.

"And you, as his friend, are okay with that?"

"He's my best friend, has been for years, and sexual orientation will not change that fact." Takano found dark eyes peering down at him, the man having no idea that he too had a male lover. "If you must know Yokozawa-san, the two of them together, it works. And the three of them together, they are as Kirishima's daughter said: family. Whether the two of them were aware from the start or not, it just so happened they fell in love with each other. " His hand hit the down arrow button for the lift. "Your revulsion towards that concept will not change their feelings one bit. Continue to be disgusted by them, disown your son if you will, it really does not matter, because the ones that are important to him are in that very room praying for his quick recovery." And with that Takano left the man standing by there as he closed the lift doors in front of his face, he not wanting to share an elevator with the man. Right now he needed cheering up and the one person that could do that for him was his own adorable and awkward lover.


"Papa?" Almond eyes glanced down at his daughter, Kirishima having sat his girl in his lap as they sat by Yokozawa's side, her tiny hands clasping his limp left one. "I'm really sorry about what I said." He brushed his hand over one plaited pigtail. "When Oniichan's father returns...if he returns...I want to apologise to him about my behaviour."

"Hiyo really is a good girl."

"I just..." Hiyo paused as she looked over at the bright bouquet sitting on the table next to the salesman's bed. "Oniichan never talks about his family and I was excited at meeting his father but,"

"You didn't expect he would behave as he did?" Hiyo nodded affirmatively. "You know Hiyo, not all families are like ours." Kirishima watched his girl nod her head again. She'd been surrounded by so much love through her young life that coming face to face with such negativity had really set her off, something that even he had been surprised about.

"What is wrong with Papa and Oniichan being together?" Her brown eyes glanced up at her father, wanting to understand.

"These days, such a relationship is not uncommon, however it doesn't mean it is widely accepted. So many will be shocked if they find out, and Takafumi's father is one of those people."

"But, we love Oniichan..." Kirishima pressed his lips to the top of his daughter's head.

"Indeed we do, but as I said, not everyone will accept such things, it may take more time or they might not accept it at all. That's just the way things are." Brown orbs glanced up once more as he smiled lightly down at her. "For now, I ask Hiyo to keep what we've spoken about to herself." She nodded affirmatively before turning to look back at her Oniichan. "Hey, why don't you talk to him? I'm sure he'd love to hear your voice." The youngster began, talking about the flowers she bought him and then went on to discuss how she'd dote on Sorata once he got better and was released from the clinic. She also decided to confess that when he woke and was strong enough to return home that she'd make him all his favourite dishes and dote on him twice as much. It brought a bitter sweet smile to Kirishima's lips.


Hours had ticked by, Kirishima now had a numb bum, sitting all that time while his daughter had fallen asleep in his arms. Tonight he would go home, shower and try and get some sleep. Of course he'd be back first thing in the morning, after calling the vet clinic to check on Sorata's condition. He'd meant to do that today, but his mind had been elsewhere.

Kirishima placed his daughter carefully into a plush chair in the corner of the room near the window and then made his way back over to his lover. "Takafumi," He whispered, leaning over the prone man. "I know you're probably tired, I know that it probably hurts more then anything you've ever felt before, but please...please fight this. Your current state, its not looking good. This Nitric Oxide your on, its helping you breathe, but you can't stay on it, you need to start breathing on your own. If not..." Kirishima stood up when the door was opened by one of the night shift nurses, she coming to check on Yokozawa's vitals. She paused at the doorway, not realising a visitor was still here. "Please take care of him." Kirishima bowed lightly before rousing Hiyo from slumber and taking her home.


The very next morning found Hiyo making them bento. She wanted to stay by her Oniichan's side for the entire day and had also shyly voiced that she hoped to see the man's father so she could apologise. She'd felt really terrible about her behaviour from the night before. If there was ever an opportunity to meet her Oniichan's family, she wanted to make a good impression, but of course that had not happened on this occasion.

"Hiyo, are you nearly ready?" Kirishima moved back into the living area, dressed in jeans and a black button down shirt, observing his daughter removing her apron over her tights and strawberry printed dress ensemble.

"What did the clinic say about Sora-chan?"

"His health is improving." The businessman watched a large smile break across his daughter's lips. "He's awake now."

"What wonderful news!" She rushed to her fathers side, giving him an energetic hug around the waist. "Papa, when visiting hours are over at the hospital, do you think we can go visit Sora-chan?"

"I've already made an appointment." He pinched his girls cheek, knowing exactly what she was thinking before even telling her about the news of their beloved feline companion. "Now, shall we be off?"

"Mm!" Hiyo picked up the bento boxes and placed them in a carry bag. She quietly followed her father to the genkan, slipping into her ballet flats and then her red jacket. "Make sure to bring the umbrella, its raining outside." She reminded her father as he tucked it under his arm, shuffling her out the door.

"How do you think Oniichan will be today?"

"Well, Sensei never rang saying there had been a decline in his health, so lets hope he's doing better." Kirishima watched his daughter nod her head in agreement. Exiting their apartment building, he popped open the umbrella, took hold of his daughter's hand and they headed for the train station.


Entering the hospital, the two visitors made their way for the lifts and reached the floor for ICU in no time. Greeting the woman behind the desk, Kirishima asked if it was alright to visit Yokozawa.

"Of course, he has some visitor's with him already." The man tilted his head in slight confusion but directed his daughter down the hallway and towards his lover's private room. He slowed his footsteps when he came upon the opened door, gazing silently inside as he found his mother and Yokozawa's father standing by his lover's bedside. It appeared he'd come upon the both of them in mid conversation.

"My son lost his wife many years ago." The Editor-in-Chief furrowed his eyebrows, wondering why his mother would be voicing such things to someone she truly didn't know. "During that time, he changed, became distant in fact. We tried to help him as much as possible, considering my granddaughter Hiyori was just a baby, but it was a very difficult time. He had after all lost the person he loved most in the world."

"Why are you telling me this?" Kirishima could definitely tell Yokozawa got his gruffness from his old man.

"When you loose the one you thought you'd be spending the rest of your life with, you would be unsure about what to do, don't you think?" Of course the mother was certain the man would not respond to her words. "I am certain throughout the years, my son never would have thought he'd be able to find another worth loving and cherishing since the death of his wife...and yet...he has."

"Again, why are you telling me this?"

"So you can try and understand that seeing Takafumi-kun like this, it frightens my son greatly."

"What your son said to me yesterday...is it true?"

"And what is it that he said?"

"That he and my son are..." The dark haired man could not finish. Instead he watched as Kirishima's mother nodded her head silently. "And you accept it just like that?"

"Truthfully, they haven't actually told us, but we are not blind." Kirishima gulped down the lump in his throat, his hands resting on Hiyo's shoulders as they continued to listen in on the conversation. "It was a shock of course, but what happens between them, is their business. Our children are adults and what they feel for each other is something very special between them."

"But its not...normal." Kirishima grit his teeth in slight anger at the comment, even if he could understand where the older father was coming from.

"They will have many hurdles to cross, even they would know this, but I am sure the three of them together will get through it all." The Editor-in-Chief closed his eyes for a moment at his mothers words, he feeling this to be very true indeed. "My youngest son and my precious granddaughter are everything to me. I will never turn my back on them." Almond eyes widened at the sternness held within his mother's voice.

"Its a lot to take in."

"Instead of thinking about that, just pray for your son's recovery, just like we are." The man turned to glance at the woman beside him. "Please try and understand that to us, your son, is someone very dear. We will never abandon him." Kirishima's mother bowed and then turned away from the man, ready to leave when her eyes widened. "Zen! Hiyo!"

Kirishima gave a slight wave, not really knowing what to do. He'd observed his lover's father jolt as he too had not realised they had an audience.

"Obaachan!" Hiyo dashed inside, wrapping her arms around the elder woman's waist. "Arigatou Obaachan!" The grandmother flushed lightly, but her arms went around her granddaughter, holding her close. She now knew the youngster was probably well aware of the relationship her father had with the comatose man.

"A-Ano..." Hiyo pulled away from her grandmother, hands twisting in front of her in nervousness as she glanced up at her Oniichan's father and then down at her hands once more. "Yo-Yokozawa-san, gomen nasai!" The youngster bowed to the surprised man who did nothing but stare at her. "I...I always wanted to meet Oniichan's family and to give a good impression, but yesterday..." Hiyo's voice died down slightly. "Yesterday..."

"I too should apologise." Big brown eyes looked up at him. "If Hiyori is someone important to Takafumi, he would not be happy with me if I upset her." The older man listened to her giggle slightly.

"Lets not tell him."

"Alright..."

"If you aren't doing anything, would you like to share bento with Papa and I?" Hiyo held up the carry bag which held the bento boxes.

"Did you make them yourself?"

"Mm! I made all of Oniichan's favourites." She grinned up at the man, making her way over to the small table in the corner of the room, next to the cushioned chair by the window as she unwrapped lunch and showed off her handy work to her Oniichan's father.

"Does Takafumi still like sausages like that?" The man questioned as they had been cut to look like octopuses.

"I think he gets embarrassed if I make him a cute bento, but he still eats it all up. He really likes my tamagoyaki!" Hiyo grinned happily while anxiously watching as Yokozawa's father took one and bit into it.

"Its very nice."

"Yokatta..."

Kirishima finally walked into the room, glancing at his lover for a split second before making his way over to his mother who was silently watching the interaction between her granddaughter and the salesman's father. When her son placed his hand on her shoulder she turned her gaze to look up at him.

"Arigatou..." It just didn't seem enough to say to his supportive mother, but perhaps she read even more then just thanks within his eyes as her hand rested over his for a moment.

"Perhaps there is some hope there." The wise woman voiced before moving over to Yokozawa, bending slightly to whisper softly to the man. Kirishima couldn't hear a word of it, but he knew it would be words of encouragement. He watched his mother leave, the door closing with a soft click.

"Papa, come have something to eat." Kirishima was not a silly man, he knew his lover's father would not know how talk to him, and so for now he just allowed his daughter to do all the talking. It seemed like the older man was content to listen to his adorable child, she merrily chatting about her beloved Oniichan and Sora-chan, deciding to fill the man in on all the years he'd probably been estranged from his son.


"Please tell your daughter thank you for the food." The Editor-in-Chief nodded his head, he having walked the older father to the lifts while she had excused herself for a moment. He guessed she'd gone to the bathroom. His partner's father had advised that he was flying out this evening, needing to discuss his business trip, which of course had been delayed due to his son's condition, to the company executives. He also wanted to discuss Yokozawa's condition in person to his family. Kirishima voiced nothing about it, since it was the man's choice to do whatever he pleased.

"Have a safe trip back." Kirishima bowed and did not rise until he heard the lift doors close, an audible sigh rushing from his lips, he not realising he'd been so tense and had also been holding his breath while in the presence of the older man. His companion's father was so not like his own, so it was hard to get a feel for the man. And considering he now knew the relationship he had with his son, both of them didn't truly know how to act in front of the other.

Running footsteps behind Kirishima stole his attention, he turning around to watch alarmingly as nurses and doctors rushed down the hallway and straight into Yokozawa's room! Long strides got him there in no time, noticing they were all surrounding his lover as alarms were going off.

"What's happening?" Kirishima questioned, while a nurse was trying desperately to get him to leave, but he was having none of it. "Tell me what's going on?" The Editor-in-Chief demanded, rushing to the man's side.

"He's going into cardiac arrest! Get the defibrillator now!" A specialist ordered, Kirishima looking on disbelievingly as they charged the machine, pulling Yokozawa's shirt open to reveal is pale taut chest. Kirishima watched as Yokozawa's body jolted when the paddles were placed at his chest, trying to get his heart to start beating again.

"Wh-What's going on?" Hiyo had come back at the worst time, her large eyes looking in as nurses and doctors worked on the man. "Papa!" She rushed over to her father's side, looking on with tears in her eyes as they increased the charge of the machine to hit her beloved Oniichan once more, everyone hearing the god awful sound of a flat-line.

"Do it again!" Kirishima heard himself yell, knowing his voice was practically begging them to do it. The specialist did as he asked. The echo of the flat-line was all that everyone in the room could hear, while Kirishima pushed a nurse aside and leaned over his lover. "Get your ass up Takafumi!" The man yelled. "Do it again!" The businessman voiced, desperately wanting the specialist to abide by his selfishness. "Come back to us! Hiyo and I are waiting for you!" He was pulled away, so the specialist could jolt his lover one last time.

With bated breath, by all parties concerned, it was literally heaven when suddenly...

"Beep, beep, beep..."

Medical staff burst into action, checking vitals and talking in their usual medical tongue which Kirishima was not able to follow or understand. His eyes would not move from his lover, but his orbs widened, just as he listened to his daughter let of a scream when they witnessed the body in the bed begin to convulse and thrash about.

"Takafumi!" Kirishima called out, once again leaning over the man, his large warm hands cupping his lover's face, the man's thrashing about subsiding in an instant. Tears welled within almond orbs when a pair of steely blue eyes that he felt like he hadn't seen in forever snapped open. "Its okay..." The salesman's face scrunched up in sheer pain, eyes watering as tears of his own spilled out and over his temples while he gazed up at Kirishima. "You're going to be okay..."


To be concluded...