Ranka's First Ballad

Author's note

Domo arigato for the reviews.

Episode 9: Sannin

"Otosan!" A cutesy and delighted voice called out. I smiled as I scooped up the little one and went on to kiss her cheeks. The little one giggled and played with my nose. My precious musume, Haruhi. Kotoko watched us with a smile, and handed over a piece of tofu. I placed Haruhi back on her feet and took a big chew off the silken curd. Kotoko wiped off the bits that stuck on my chin. I blushed.

"Okaerinasai, anata." Kotoko planted a firm kiss onto my lips. That was one of the rare moments. In my memory, I never had a chance to behave intimately with Kotoko. The kiss kind of shocked me for a while. Kotoko saw my face and chuckled. Haruhi pounced on my leg to get my attention. I recovered and smiled back. We were finally reunited as family. I scooped Haruhi up once again and the three of us began our journey back home. Our home.

Home was a modest but still comfortable apartment. Haruhi giggled and ran happily towards the living hall. Kotoko placed Haruhi's shoes on the rack while I took a good look around the house. It hadn't changed much, but probably because Kotoko had been too occupied to do any changes. Haruhi called for my attention and I went over to the table and sat beside her. She looks exactly like Kotoko. I smiled as I played with her hair. Kotoko came in with tea and milk. Haruhi clapped her hands with glee as Kotoko placed the milk on the table. I helped with the tea. I realized that Kotoko's hands were a little dry and worn-out.

"Arigato, Kotoko." I mumbled softly. Kotoko smiled and shook her head. She placed one hand on my knee and another on Haruhi's head. Her next words made my heart melt once more.

"Don't mention. We are family."

-

Later at night, Haruhi was playing by herself in the living hall. Only a couple more hours before she would hit the bed. Kotoko was finishing up the last bit of household chores. I looked out of a window and let out a small sigh. I thought of all the things I'd done. The things Kotoko had done. Were the things done because of love? Sure. Kotoko still had the determination, despite that she looked tired and wrinkled. She never gave up any hope, and sometimes I would wonder where she got all her strength from. Even with increasing demands over time, she would still retain that positive outlook which I couldn't quite figure out. Kotoko had sacrificed a lot, and I could never repay her fully. I wasn't even half as strong as her. But deep inside I was more than willing to do things for her. It would be better if Haruhi takes over Kotoko's traits instead of mine.

"Anata, what are you thinking? Here, have some tea." Kotoko smiled as she placed a cup of warm tea on the table. She turned to Haruhi and said, "Haruhi-chan, remember to go brush your teeth later." Haruhi nodded and let out a giggle. She continued playing with her toys.

"Kotoko, how are you able to manage so much all at once?" I blurted out. Kotoko smiled and put one hand on my face. She turned her gaze to Haruhi and then back to me. "Because of both of you...I have found new strength and motivation each day."

"But I'd been locked up...how could that even be a source of strength?" I asked.

"Anata, you did all that because of us. It's no longer just me, but also our precious daughter. You may lack proper education, but you don't lack upbringing. You have got good character. I brought Haruhi to see you because you deserve that right. Don't ever think you are worthless. You will always be regarded as Haruhi's father, biological or not. Come to think of it, if that man were still around in my life, Haruhi wouldn't have survived. I wouldn't have survived. You did well for us, anata."

I leaned forward and embraced Kotoko. Kotoko felt so warm at that moment. I could feel her hands caressing my hair. I felt like a little child, longing for a mother's care. Kotoko never once complained about her suffering. She contributed with all her heart, and never expected any form of reward. And with Haruhi's presence, she became more giving. Those motherly instincts flowed naturally, and perhaps even way before Kotoko realized she was pregnant had those instincts been evident.

Haruhi playfully pounced on my leg. "Otosan, come play with me!" I turned to her and smiled. Kotoko smiled as well. Haruhi looked so adorable playing with her toys. She pounced on the toy xylophone repeatedly, sending off-key tunes which sounded quite pleasant. She giggled as she hit all the keys over and over again. I couldn't help but cheer up tremendously.

Kotoko placed her hands on my shoulders and massaged them a little. Her hands radiated warmth and love. Somehow I felt sleepy with all that comfort. Kotoko hummed a little tune as she continued to work on my shoulders. Haruhi had stopped 'abusing' her xylophone and decided to play with her teddy bear instead. The atmosphere felt so soothing. We were finally reunited as family. I couldn't imagine anything better than this. Simple pleasures could be beautiful too. Kotoko's voice had a therapeutic effect. Maybe Haruhi had listened to Kotoko singing lullabies before going to sleep. I wouldn't be surprised if Kotoko had done that.

"Anata, falling asleep already?" Kotoko joked. I blushed. Haruhi giggled and shoved her teddy bear into my arms.

"Otosan sleep with teddy tonight?" Haruhi asked. I laughed.

"Let's sleep together as family tonight." I said. Kotoko and Haruhi smiled at the same time.

"Not just tonight. But always." Kotoko corrected.

"Yeah, always..." I nodded. Haruhi clapped her hands happily and started pouncing the xylophone all over again. As she hit the keys haphazardly, she also exclaimed at the top of her voice, "Always!"

Always.

(to be continued)