10. "Mama" Ritsu and "Papa" Takano

Hanako turned her wrist and checked her watch. She tapped her foot as she waited on the side of Marukawa Publishing. Her usual work day was shortened due to contractors coming in to fix up their computer system. Good thing she finished her work before they arrived. This gave her an opportunity to pick up Ryota and go shopping for their easy dinner. She thought about introducing a new vegetable for Ryota's dinner.

Looking through her phone, she received a new message from Ryuusuke asking her about Ryota. Her husband loved their little boy so much. She couldn't ask for a better husband. She sent him a new photo she received earlier. Onodera snapped a photo of Ryota playing with his blocks with some of his coworkers during their lunch break.

Ryuusuke found it amusing that a bunch of full grown men laid on the floor to play with a baby. The moment he got home, he dropped everything and played with Ryota. These guys held no relation to them. Then again, plenty of people found babies adorable.

On a different day, a young boy that Onodera named Yamato, played with Ryota. He laid on the mat, holding a picture book while Ryota sat on his lap. According to Onodera, Yamato loved playing the role of big brother.

Hanako heard Onodera's voice coming closer toward her direction. She placed her phone in her purse and strained her ear to hear him. "Okay, you can go back now. You didn't really need to walk me out of the building. His mother is here to pick him up today. She got let out early from her job."

A velvet voice spoke up. "Ah, then it's my chance to meet Ryota's mother. It's my duty as a—"

"Go back!"

Hanako stepped onto the street, alerting them of her presence. She waved at them. "Tsu-chan! Thanks for meeting me outside."

Onodera hurried away from Takano, he stopped in front of Hanako. "It's no problem. We're actually in the middle of a break. Everyone is stretching out their legs and walking around the floor. They all said good bye to Ryota before we came outside. I told you he has fans at my job."

Hanako bent down and kissed Ryota's cheek. "My sweet little boy. You look so much happier today." He giggled and patted her face. "He's been so miserable from his teething that I thought you guys might not want him here."

Takano spoke up, plopping his chin onto Onodera's shoulder. "We found ways to keep him entertained from the pain. Mino-san has experience with children and knows some helpful tips to guide them through this stage."

Onodera jumped up, he turned his head and snapped at Takano. "Don't do that!" He moved away from Takano and motioned at Hanako. "Anyway, this is my cousin, Hanako. Ryota's mother." He emphasized to deter Takano from teaching Ryota to call him mother. It was worth a shot.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Amaya Hanako." She motioned to Onodera before she reached out her hand. "I'm his older cousin from his father's side. I hope these two didn't give you any trouble."

Takano shook her hand with a charming smile, elevating his handsome features. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Takano Masamune. Onodera-san's superior. I see the green eyes are a family trait, I always wondered since Onodera-san has them as well."

Taken aback, Hanako turned to the right and glared at Onodera, she whispered harshly. "And you said your boss was awful. Why did you lie to me Tsu-chan!"

"He is!" Onodera snapped. "He's just being nice in front of you. Listen, I know him from a long time ago, he wants to make me look bad."

"He's an angel compared to my shrew of a manager!" Hanako hissed. "I'd rather have him overlook me instead of her!"

Takano chuckled, knowing full well Onodera grew incensed from his words. "I take it Onodera-san has said some unsavory comments about me. I have to admit, I tend to get a little...demanding...when we're in the middle of meeting a deadline. Everyone in the room is miserable, it's common to get annoyed at every little thing."

Onodera shoved his hands into his pockets, "Yeah right. You have us busting our a—butts off outside of deadline week."

Takano tutted. "It's best to have good work ethic and not slack off. We have to teach Ryota good lessons while we're taking care of him."

Hanako nodded her head. "I see that I have left my little boy in the right hands." She bowed. "Well, we should get going now. Thank you so much for looking after him Takano-san. Better yet, tell your staff thank you from my part for looking after Ryota." She asked Ryota. "Want to say bye bye?"

"Papa!" Ryota waved his little arm up in the arm, surprising them. "Papa!"

Onodera paled.

Takano smirked.

Hanako chuckled as she pinched Ryota's cheek. "Silly Ryota, papa is not here. We'll see him in an hour." She turned to Onodera's excited form. "Ryota has taken to calling Ryuusuke, daddy, I don't know where papa is coming from. Ryuusuke never said the word in front of him."

Ryota pouted as he reached over at Takano's direction. "Papa!"

Takano piped up, relishing in the nervous stare coming from Onodera. "It seems Ryota picked up on the running joke in our office. You see, everyone has commented that Ryota shares some of my features, making him my son. Onodera tends to mother him and take care of him so well, everyone calls him his mother."

"Wait," Hanako pointed at both of them. "Ryota is calling you two mama and papa?"

Takano chuckled. "He has called me papa so far. I don't mind at all."

"Don't you worry Hanako, Ryota won't call me mama." Onodera cut in. "I'm so sorry but he picked up those words from my co-workers. Ever since I brought him in, they labeled him as my son. I showed him a picture of you and Ryuusuke. It didn't stop them from their comments."

Hanako covered her mouth as she started laughing. "I knew you'd make a great parent Tsu-chan! When I said share tips with your boss, I didn't mean make him a father to my kid!"

"Hanako!"

Takano wrapped an arm around Onodera's shoulders. "So, you don't mind him calling us mama and papa."

"Nope!" Hanako snickered. "I find it kind of funny. Ryuusuke has a sense of humor and won't get mad either." She pushed the stroller forward and waved at them. "Bye, Mama Ritsu and Papa Takano." They heard her laughter as she walked further away from them.

Takano pressed a kiss on Onodera's cheek. "Well then, let's get back to work, mama."

"Don't call me that!" Onodera pushed past him, leaving Takano behind with a tender smile on his face.