Chapter 25

"So, who's ready for bed?" Hanako asked with half a yawn. She, Kyoya and her family had spent half the night after dinner playing a simple card games and just watching something random on TV.

"It's late isnt it?" asked her mother.

"I did borrow some extra futons if you wish to spend the night," said Kyoya.

"Yay, sleep over! Sleep over!" Koizumi chanted.

"Is there enough room?" Matsuo asked.

"It may be a little cramped, but it should work," said Hanako.

"Besides, it'll be nice to be here in the morning so I can go with you and Mr. Otori to your meeting," said Mrs. Kokan.

"Yeah, that," said Hanako.

"Well, the fact that they're willing to let you plead your case must mean they're willing to give you a chance," said Kyoya.

"Yeah, I just wish it wasn't an issue," said Hanako. "Does Dad know about this?"

"No, I didn't bother to tell him. I didn't want to hear his input on the subject. Not now," said Mrs. Kokan.

Hanako sighed.

'Dad, why?' she thought.

"Can I sleep by the window?" Koizumi asked as she moved her futon over to it before anyone could say yes or no.

"Were should I sleep?" asked Matsuo.

"Maybe nearer to the baby closet," Kyoya suggested.

"Baby closet?" Matsuo asked.

"That's what we're going to turn the washer-dryer closet into," Hanako explained.

"Oh nice," said Mrs. Kokan, "I'll set mine up near the edge by the kitchen."

"So everyone's situated?" Kyoya asked.

"Yes," Hanako's family all replied.

"Well good then, good night then," said Kyoya as he turned off most of the lights and turned on a nightlight just in case. He moved over to his Hanako's futon in the center of the room, but stopped, looking around atbyhe different occupants sleeping.

"Something wrong?" Hanako asked.

"Just, pondering different things," said Kyoya, "I've never shared a room with this many people. It feels a little claustrophobic. It's make me think how comfortable I'll be when the baby comes and we're going to have to get more and more stuff for it."

Hanako looked up a little nervous at him as he spoke.

"I hope it doesn't get too crowded," Kyoya said before he finally laid down next to her, taking off his glasses and falling asleep.

'I always thought babies brought people closer together. How did it work out that this baby seems to be close to either making either its father or my father miserable?' she thought.

Hanako stood in front of the school, remembering that meeting.

"Make sure you go straight to school," Mrs. Kokan said the next morning as Matsuo and Koizumi were leaving the apartment.

"Wel will Mom," Matsuo assured her as he and Koizumi hurried along.

"Make sure you get to school on time too," Hanako said as she kissed Kyoya goodbye.

"I wish I could be there for you," Kyoya said.

"I know, but you've missed too much school as is and you have to make a certain amount of attendance, don't you?" Hanako reminded him.

"Yes, I do," Kyoya said, "call me when you done."

"I will," Hanako said.

She felt her mom's hand on her shoulder.

"He's a good man, huh?" said Mrs. Kokan.

"Yeab," Hanako agreed.

'It's just too bad he's so miserable with his new commoner life,' she thought.

"Come on, let's go get ready," Mrs. Kokan said, "your father-in-law will be here soon to pick you up."

"He's not technically my father-in-law. Kyoya and I aren't married," said Hanako.

"I know, it's just easier to address him as such," said Mrs. Kokan.

"Right, sure," said Hanako.

"Just go get changed. I'll take care of the breakfast dishes," said Mrs. Kokan.

A short while later Hanako and her mother, and Mr. Otori arrived at Hanako's high school. To their surprise, there was a big crowd of women holding different signs that said things that supported Hanako remaining in school. At the front of the crowd was Tomomi's mother.

"Oh, hello," said Mrs. Kokan.

"I told you I'd make sure you had support Hanako!" said Mrs. Shoken.

"Yes, thank you, but could you please step aside," said Mr. Otori, "we don't want to be late."

"Oh, right, sorry," said Mrs. Shoken.

"Good luck Hanako."

"We'll be with you in spirit," said a couple of the other moms.

"I hope this works in our favor. I hate to see what those women will do if the school refuses you," said Mrs. Kokan.

"Yes, it could be quite the blood bath I imagine," said Yoshio. The three walked to staff office where they led to a separate conference room. Several people in suits including the principal, was sitting next to an elderly man looking over a few reports. He looked up as the group came in.

"Director Shoden, they're here," he said.

The director slowly glanced up, "Thank you for coming Miss Kokan, and, Yoshio?!"

"Oh, Taki, hello, long time no see," said Yoshio, his tone shocked to see the old schoolmate.

"You didn't tell me that Yoshio Otori was the so called grandfather!" said the director, "Yoshio, this is your daughter-in-law!"

"Well she's not that yet, but I'm sure she will be and at any rate, she is carrying my grandchild," said Yoshio, "my first one with my son Kyoya."

"Well then of course she can! Especially if you're promising all of this!" said the director, "you should have just called me in the first place! We should not deny this young woman education. She wishes to endure and pursue further. We should honor that!"

"I didn't realize you were the director. If I had, I would have," said Yoshio, thank you though. It's good to know we have decent peope running our education system."

"It will only take two weeks to get everything situated and get the proper programs in line. Than Miss Kokan will be able to return. Until then, a friend can bring her work to ensure she keeps her grades up."

"Well that worked out nice," said Mrs. Kokan as they walked out.

"How is it you knew the director, Mr. Otori?" asked Hanako.

"He was an old school chum, nice boy, hardly remember him though. But none the less it worked in our favor, let's be happy it did," Mr. Otori let go on an uncharacteristically, but genuine smile, "for you and our grandchild." He said, gesturing to Mrs. Kokan as well.

"He sure sounds like Kyoya huh?" said Mrs. Kokan.

Hanako giggled as she rubbed ger belly. "And it makes me proud that this one will be just like them." she said to herself.

It had been two weeks since Hanako's interview and the school board meeting. She was happily enjoying her job and being back at school. Hiroyaki-san was so kind and Omi was very adamant about teaching her things thoroughly.

Already she was doing well and the manager was talking about moving her from a hostess to being a waitress which filled her with joy.

Kyoya, his parents, and her mother too were overjoyed.

Hanako was laying in a hospital bed, Kyoya holding her hand as she heard wailing cries.

A bundle of white blankets was placed in her hands, her heart full of happiness.

Suddenly, her family walked her, in father and eldest brother walking closer to her. As they looked down at the baby, she could hear a laugh, one that was evil.

Looking over, she could see something pulling Kyoya away from her as she heard a dark voice speak, it was her father. "I told you. Rich men don't care. You'll be alone... alone... alone..." The voice echoed, causing Hanako to struggle, her body not moving at all as Kyoya's body went further away.

Hanako suddenly felt a gentle hand carefully shake her awake, the voice soothing.

"Hanako, it's time to wake up. We have our first appointment today."

Hanako opened her eyes slowly, her forehead wet with a light sheen of sweat from her nightmare. She looked into Kyoya's eyes, their silver color intense and oddly warm.

Kyoya smiled and chuckled at Hanako's confused morning face, but his smile fell for a moment when he noticed the disturbed look on her face. "Hanako?" He asked, gently caressing her cheek. "Are you alright?"

She nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Yeah, just a bad dream." She said, hoping to just brush it off.

"What happened?" He pressed forward, his voice sounding concerned.

"It was me having the baby, and the baby went missing." She said. She knew she was lying to Kyoya, but she also knew that Kyoya would never abandon her and the baby and knew that the dream would just hurt him. He would think that she thought ill of him and she didn't.

"I see, well, the baby will never go missing. I promise you that. Both of you." He said, gesturing towards her bare stomach.

As part of her symptoms, she found her body getting hot and due to it being summer didn't help, she wore a sports bra and loose shorts to bed.

Hanako smiled and leaned forwards, resting her forehead against Kyoya's. "Did you hear that baby? Mommy and Daddy will do our best to protect you. That's a promise."

She rested her hand on her stomach and gasped.

"Are you alright?" Kyoya asked.

"K-kyoya..." She hummed, getting up and standing in front of the mirror next to the closet and turned to the side, her stomach small, but now a baby bump. "I'm showing." She smiled.

"That's amazing." He said, hugging her from behind, placing his hand on her stomach, kissing her neck. "Let's get ready so that we can go to our appointment and we can get a new picture of her."

Hanako nodded and moved towards the closet, looking through her dressy clothing. "Him you mean, we might have to go clothes shopping soon. I'm going to have to wear a summer dress to the appointment."

Kyoya nodded. "You work this evening right?"

She nodded.

"I get out of work at 5pm, so I will go out and get them for you."

"Oh no, you don't have to do that."

Kyoya shook his head and gently placed one finger over her lips. "I'll get it for you. Don't worry."

Hanako shrugged, she knew better than to argue with Kyoya before also placing her school clothes into her school bag to change into after her appointment.

After pulling the summer dress over her body, she noticed that her stomach wasn't hidden so she knew how her mother would react, but mentally she just prepared herself.

A knock on the front door signalled them, it being Hanako's mother. They were planning on getting breakfast before the appointment.

"Good morning Mom." Hanako smiled, opening the door.

"Good morning sweetie. How are you doing today?" She asked, kissing her daughter's cheek. "Good morning Kyoya."

"Hello ." His voice was sleepy as they set the table. Kyoya was definitely learning how to make delicious food. "Please join us for breakfast." He offered, setting down a third plate with an omelette and a side of rice.

After breakfast, they made haste towards the doctors office, getting there ten minutes before hand.

Kyoya held Hanako's hand as they sat in the waiting room, Hanako as eyed posters of pregnancy, female body growth, baby growth, and more.

Unconsciously she squeezed Kyoya's hand.

He looked over at her, seeing her nervous expression. Leaning over he gently placed a kiss on her cheek. "Hanako, are you all right?"

She bit her lip, looking at him. "I'm worried. What if they tell us something is wrong with her?

Kyoya shook his head, resting a hand on her small baby bump. "Hanako you will be okay, the baby will be okay."

Hanako looked into his eyes, "Aren't you worried at all?" She asked gently.

Kyoya's eyes widened, not an anger though. "Hanako look at me please?"

Hanako turn towards him

"You honestly think I'm not worried?" asked Kyoya.

Hanako shook her head, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

Kyoya's expression seem concerned as Mrs. Kokan watched.

"Miss Kokan?" a nurse called.

Hanako stood up with Kyoya and her mother.

"We'll talk about this later okay?" Kyoya said calmly. "I'm not angry, I promise." He whispered as they walked through the door towards the doctor's office

"Hello Miss Kokan," the nurse said as she greeted her. "How are you doing today?"

"I am alright, thank you." She smiled.

"Thats great! So first off, lets weigh you and then we'll take your temperature."

"Okay." Hanako said, her voice uneven.

"Do you recollect what you weighed at your last check up?"

"Uh, yeah, I was 115 pounds."

"Okay, thank you." The nurse said. "You're 118 pounds, gained three pounds. Thats good for the beginning trimester. Also, do you know how many weeks you may be?"

"I think at least two or three months."

"When was your last period?"

Hanako blushed, embarrassed. "Um, i think april 15th through the 21st."

The nurse smiled, "Okay, so I'lll leave this information for the doctor. Have a great day."

"Thank you, you as well ma'am." Kyoya said.

As the nurse walked out, Kyoya turned towards Hanako.

"Hanako," he said taking her hand in his, "I want you to know that like you I am worried. I worry too that something bad could happen to you or to the baby, but I'd rather look at the Silver Lining or the positive side that nothing will happen."

Hanako's eyes widened and alone tear fell.

"Hanako, you are the same as me when I was first pregnant." Her mother said. "But you shouldn't worry it'll stress you out and that won't be good for you or you are baby."

Hanako nodded. "I'm so sorry guys. I don't mean to be a worry wart."

"It's all right dear," said Mrs. Kokan. "You just need to trust that your baby will be okay as long as you don't stress yourself out or strain yourself or do anything unhealthy to yourself everything will be fine."

Just then, the doctor walked in, her smile kind and warm. "Good morning my dear. I'm Doctor Honda, are you Hanako?"

Hanako nodded, shaking the doctors hand.

Doctor Honda grabbed the folder and notes from the nurse smiling. "All right so I'm going to take you to the examination room, could you to please stay here. We will be back shortly."

looked at Kyoya and she maternally patted his shoulder. "Are you alright dear?" She asked.

He sighed. "Sometimes I wonder if she thinks I don't care or worry or want to be with her. It seems like she's waiting for me to suddenly regret it all."

"Dear I wouldn't worry too much. My daughter loves you with all of her heart. You both are young still and unsure, so of course you both are weary of there being a negative outcome. She worries that she's taking you away from your family"

"But thats not-"

"I know that." She said calmly. "This is where you two must be strong. You to love one another, that's obvious, but so is your wanting to be there for her and your Growing Child. Don't worry so much. Also remember, she's pregnant, so her hormones and emotions will be all over the place. You just need to have patience and you two need to work together."

Kyoya nodded and smiled. "Thank you."

She once again patted his shoulder. "You're welcome dear. If you ever need to talk or need me to talk to hanako I'll just be a call away."

Hanako and Doctor Honda walk back in, sitting next to Kyoya again taking his hand in hers.

"How did everything go?"

"Everything is fine. Hanako is healthy and after reading the information left by the nurse I have looked at the conception date information. I'm going to guess it's your child will be ready to enter the world towards the end of January. Now we are going to check on your baby. Hanukkah if you could please lift your dress up over your abdomen." The doctor said as she placed a hospital blanket over her underwear and legs. "This gel is very cold, just a warning."

She moved the bottle over Hanako's stomach, squeezing it gently.

Hanako shivered as the gel was placed on her very small baby bump.

"You alright?" Kyoya asked.

Hanako giggled. "Yes, that was cold."

The doctor chuckled as she moved the sensor around on Hanako stomach, smearing the gel as she gestured up to the screen on the wall where they saw a large amount of black mass and inside of it was a small gray mask that was so breathtaking.

"That's our baby." Hanako mused, squeezing his hand a tear falling from her eye. "Isn't he beautiful?"

"Yes she is quite beautiful." Kyoya said, feeling as if his heart was swelling with joy for the first time in his life aside from meeting and falling in love with hanako

He never before thought that he could love anything as much as he loved hanako, but the child growing within her his child. Their child made him feel loved compassion and joy. He never realized it until Hanako wiped away a single tear that he had tears in his eyes

Kyoya with silent as he looked, smiled as she watched the two, her heart feeling warm. It reminded her of when she and her husband first expected Katashi.

"So this is the baby's head very area where the legs and waist will develop..." The doctor said

"Wow..." Hanako said, blown away. "Kyoya that's our baby"

Kyoya's eyes widened and he smiled. "Yes, that is our baby." He said, kissing her on the cheek.

"Would you like pictures?" The doctor asked with a smile.

"Yes, if you could, maybe three copies?"

"Of course."

After she printed the photos she said, "So, I'm going to recommend parental classes, birthing classes, plans, and essential vitamins. Also definitely look into these parental books."

Hanako nodded as she took the packets with information for the classes and essentials as well as meal plans and other Vital Information that should be discussed and looked into

Kyoya turned towards Hanako as they left the office. "I must go to class and then work."

Hanako nodded and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "All right, well my school is right there so I'll walk. I won't get out of work until around 9 so I will see you later." She turned towards her mother. "Thank you for coming with us, I wrote this for Dad. Could you please give this to him?" Hanako asked as she handed her mother and envelope giving her mother a hug before walking away handing her also an ultrasound photo

gestured towards the car. "Kyoya, would you like a ride to the university?"

"I'd appreciate that, thank you."

Mrs. Kokan walked up the steps into her home. "Dear?" She called out, knowing that today was a day off for her husband.

The silence threw her off at she searched. Walking past the back sliding glass door, she found him. Sighing she moved towards the kitchen making herself a glass of iced tea before sitting next to him.

"Hello ."

He gasped quietly, sighing. "How was the other night at Hanako's" He asked gently.

Mrs. Kokan had eventually told him she stayed the night at Hanako's, but didnt mention it further.

"It was fine. They made us a meal and how's this for the night."

"That was kind of them."

"Your daughter had her second ultrasound today." She added.

"That's nice. She healthy?" He asked simply.

"Yes, very healthy." She said. She knew that even though he was mad, he still cared about her well-being. "Not sure if you care, but here is a photo of your first grandchild." She said placing the photo on his lap. She placed in an emotionless kiss on his cheek. "I need to go to the store and get stuff to make dinner. Do me a favor read this letter. Do so and I'll make you a steak. By the way this letter is from hanako to you."

Mr. Kokan didn't respond, but hung his head lower eyeing the ultrasound and the envelope on his lap. He heard his wife going back inside his eyes glued to the image of hanukkah's child. Do I really hate my daughter? 'No, I don't." Slowly you reach down and open the envelope his eyes widened immediately.

'Hello Dad.

How are you? Are things at work going well? I know you were probably still too angry to talk to me, so I don't expect you to answer me. So I do want you to know that despite what's happened, I do miss you.

My morning sickness is getting better. I've got a job at a Family Diner here near Killian dies apartment. Kelia got a job at a pharmacy so things are going well.

Should you find it within yourself to forgive me and Kyoya for what's happened you are welcome to come to our home for dinner. I do hope to hear from you soon.

I love you Dad, Hanako'

Mr. Kokan leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose as he took another sip of his tea.

Hanako ran into the school having changed her uniform on the way out of the doctor's office. Seeing her locker she changed her shoes before making haste towards our class. Walking into the class she found she was 15 minutes early, taking her seat and seeing the envelope in her school bag. She wanted to look at her baby, but wasn't sure if she wanted to take it out near hoshiko, but she wanted to show to Mommy and Omi per their request.

It took two weeks for her to return for the district to sort everything out for her situation.

"Hey Hanako!" Tomomi greeted.

"Welcome back!" Omi said, smiling.

"Thanks guys." She said, pulling the envelope out of her bag showing the image to them.

"Aw! Tomomi cried out, excited. "I hope it's a boy."

Hanako laughed. "Finally someone agrees with me!"

"What?" Omi asked.

"Well, Kyoya doesn't agree. He believes it's going to be a girl."

"Well if I'm being honest, I think it will be a girl too." Omi laughed.

"Tsk tsk, so, hanako… you've gone and pulled Omi and Tomomi into your drama?" Hoshiko teased.

"This isn't drama. We are her friends." Tomomi said.

"Well good thing you found someone to take you as a friend. You're too fat to be in our group."

"I never wanted to be a part of it anyways." Tomoni defended.

"That's enough Miss Seiki!" Mrs. Tomayaki scolded as she walked back.

"Miss Kokan, how are you dear?"

Hanako smiled appreciatively. "I'm alright. My morning sickness isn't so bad anymore." She said as her teacher eyed the ultrasounds.

"I remember those days. If I simply smelled anything with cheese it made me sick."

Hanako giggled, "Dairy is the culprit!"

"So, are you going to want to know the baby's gender before it is born?"

Hanako pursed her lips, "I'm not sure actually. My boyfriend and I haven't really talked about it."

The woman smiled. "Well if you do find out early and it turns out to be a boy, I've got leftover clothes if you need any."

"Thank you so much Mrs. Tomayaki."

"You're welcome dear." Then Mrs. Tomayaki turned towards the class, "All right class let's get started!"

Kyoya was walking towards the subway station, just leaving work, as he spotted Hanako heading to work herself walking with a friend. "Hello Hanako." He smiled.

"Hello Kyoya," said Hanako when she kissed him on the lips. "Oh Kyoya, this is Omi, he works at the diner too."

Kyoya smiled, "Yes, I think I remember him."

Omi waved. "It is nice to meet you too. I hope it's alright that she and I walk to work together?"

Kyoya nodded. "Of course." He turned towards Hanako. "I'm going to stop at my parents and show them the ultrasound if that's alright?"

Hanako grinned, kissing his cheek. "That's fine. Tell your parents hello for me. I will be home around 9 or 10 tonight."

Kyoya nodded, kissing her once more before it going down into the subway.

"He really loves you, Omi said.

"Yes, he does." Hanako smile. "Let's get to work."

"You better show the manager that ultrasound, he'll be sad if you don't." Omi laughed.

"Oh I will. Ready for a great shift?" Hanako cheered.

"Yeah! Let's go!"