Chapter 36: A Few Kindhearted Moments

Hiroki snuck into the children department in the hospital, for two reasons. One, he wanted to see Bachi without Nowaki noticing. Two, he felt weird visiting a sick boy that was not his son yet…the paperwork was almost completed…so in late January or so. Hiroki would be the father of two children. He moaned as he ducked from the nurses. His body stiffened as he choose a room filled with strange noises of machines. He gulped and turned… while his heart dropped, his blood froze still as he leaned onto the door to close it.

Hiroki paled at the sight of a very sick little boy. This little boy was covered in many tubes and his little heart rate was monitored. He gulped and prayed this was not Bachi…but he had a horrid feeling that this was…his feet slowly approached the sleeping child. Hiroki gulped again and checked the files on his bed's folder…he slipped to the ground and panted. This was Bachi…

He crawled over to Bachi's side and looked at the pale face of the child. Bachi was only four…his face was devoid of color and emotion while he slept. His dark red hair was limp and slick on his head. He slept in dark blue pajamas with little stars; he looked…dead. Hiroki turned to the slow heart rate…Bachi was alive.

Hiroki gulped back harder to keep the tears from falling. The tears came anyways…he could not believe how bad this was. Bachi was only four! Children at this age should be wild and carefree! Not sick and…near death… Hiroki hid his face as he sobbed into his knees. He could not bear it…the sight was breaking his heart. What if Bachi died…this would destroy Hiroki deeply…

"He…hell…hello?" A weak little voice said as Hiroki looked up quickly.

Bachi was awake…the little boy slowly smiled and said, "what…is wrong…mister?"

Hiroki gulped and wiped his tears. He said, "Sorry…I just…well…dust. This room is filled with dust."

Bachi smiled with a bright aura surrounding his face. Even with the tubes and pale complexion, Bachi looked like a regular kid. His face was filled with happiness for a visitor and reached for Hiroki's face. Bachi slowly wiped Hiroki's tears away and said, "Do not…cry for me…I am strong. Just like my sister."

Hiroki gulped as some more tears fell. He sniffed and said, "Wow Bachi…you are amazing…"

Bachi's vine green eyes looked very lost and said, "how…do you know…my name?"

Hiroki gulped harder but the tears did not stop. He gently held Bachi's small hand…as he said, "I am…your father. My partner and I will adopt you…after we get married. When the bill passes…but…I am your father."

Bachi's face lit up as he said, "really? Machi too? I…have a sister…I want her to come with me…"

Hiroki nodded and said, "yes, Machi too."

Bachi giggled weakly and said, "Wow…hi." He smiled just like Nowaki…with his whole heart and made Hiroki's heart leap from warmth and paternal love. Hiroki could not believe how close he felt already to this child, but…he came closer to Bachi and their hands enjoined tightly.

Hiroki said, "I need to get you better. So, you can come home. Also…we need to set up your room. What do you like?"

Bachi giggled again and said, "Stars…like my pj's."

Hiroki smiled and said, "I can see the perfect room…filled with glow-in-the-dark stars over your bed, books on stars, and a star dusted bed… A small bed, but you will have room for all your toys. Do you have many at the orphanage?"

Bachi never lost his smile as he said, "no…I gave all my toys to the other kids…I only have one thing I love…" He turned his head to the other side.

Hiroki slowly stood while Bachi lifted a book about stars, but not a childish book. This book was an Encyclopedia on Star Mythology, and this book was huge. Hiroki removed his hand from Bachi's as he took the book. He flipped through a few pages and said, "You…can read this? This is beyond elementary level."

Bachi smirked and said, "My sister reads it to me… But…I can read some."

Hiroki blinked and slowly set the book back beside Bachi. He sat down and took Bachi's hand as Bachi squeezed back with a huge smile on his face.

Bachi said, "My sister…loves to read. Can you make her room…filled with books? Every kind of book than little kid's ones, she reads everything. She is very smart."

Hiroki smiled and said, "Can you tell me her favorite book?"

Bachi snickered and said, "Human Psychology."

Hiroki gasped and said, "she can…no. She looks at the pictures…right? A seven year old…"

Bachi laughed as he said, "you are the third adult that gasped at my sister…she is smart. So smart…she can out beat some of the kids at the orphanage at their homework. Machi is my hero…"

Hiroki giggled lightly as he said, "So she reads, but what about you? Tell me more…" He was captivated by this little boy…he could not help but watch Bachi turn to him and smile. Hiroki instantly smile back and watched Bachi get more comfortable to rub Hiroki's fingers.

Bachi said, "I really like stars…to wish, to watch, and to read about…I really like toys and other stuff but…I rather have a family that likes to be outdoors. I miss watching the stars…it can be so cloudy in Tokyo."

Hiroki giggled and said, "At my parents' place…the stars are so much easier to see." He stiffened at the idea of telling his parents about Machi and Bachi; but Bachi rubbed Hiroki's fingers…reassuring him that Bachi was going to be a good part of his life. Hiroki knew his parents will find out by either Nowaki or seeing the little family…he blushed. A family…he never imagined Nowaki and he would get married and have children…the thought was so warm and comforting. He took a few deep breaths and looked at Bachi.

Bachi said, "Tell me about you…"

Hiroki smirked and said, "My name is Kamijo, Hiroki. I work at a local college as a literature professor. Also my partner is…Dr. Kusama."

Bachi instantly smiled brighter and said, "Dr. Kusama! Really!" He let go of Hiroki's hand and slowly sat up. His face turned happier at the thought and said, "I really, really, really like Dr. Kusama! He is very nice! He is my new Daddy…I cannot wait to tell Machi!"

Hiroki smirked and said while looking at his engagement ring, "yes…I cannot wait to see him myself."

"Who are you?" Machi snarled from the door as she entered the room and slammed the door.

Hiroki turned to Machi as she stiffened at his appearance. She blinked twice and said, "You are…not a doctor, are you?"

Bachi said, "He is out new mommy! Kamijo-san!"

Machi blinked and said, "Really? Dr. Kusama said that he was adopting us for the bills…but who are you to say anything to my brother? He does not need false hopes being filled into his sick mind. I refuse to acknowledge you if you are a fluke of any kind."

Hiroki just stared at the girl…a seven year old…speaking like that! She stood in the light of the dim over light bulb with an aura of importance and intelligence beyond her years…she had her red hair in two buns on top of her head, her green eyes narrowed in suspicion, and her small frame was hidden in a slightly oversized florid dress. She did not act seven…but she did look it.

Machi slowly approached Hiroki and said, "Are you slow? Why are you in here? I refuse to believe Dr. Kusama would want anything from you."

Hiroki snarled, "I am Nowaki's lover! You have no right to judge people that you barely even know…who taught you manners, young lady?"

Machi sighed and said, "Manners are just flecks of issues on the surface of humanity. Useless, meaningless, and people only use them when it suits them or it is needed. No, I will not answer your incompetent questions, fool."

Hiroki's eyes enlarged as his mouth dropped. He was not arguing with a seven year old…was he? His youth was never this advanced…how did she learned to speak like this?

Machi said, "Well, your level of intelligence is lower than standard to think a child of my age could be born. I am not speaking in a foreign language, bamboozle. Speak and be heard, why are you here?"

Nowaki came in and instantly smiled at Hiroki. He said, "Hiro-san! Why are you here? Bachi…oh, you look good. Machi…is there something wrong?"

Both Machi and Bachi looked at Hiroki. They said as one, "this is Hiro-san?"

Hiroki moaned, "What did you tell them?"

Nowaki smiled and said, "the usual that I tell everyone: I love you, your beauty, your job, and how much we developed our relationship. But I had added that we are engaged. Sweetie, we might need a big hall for the reception."

Hiroki blushed and said, "How many are coming from your side?"

Nowaki flushed slightly and said, "possible…seventy or more."

Hiroki lay down on the ground and moaned. He said, "We have so much work to do…damn you, Nowaki."

Nowaki came in and sat beside Hiroki. He said, "The guests do not matter. You agreed to marry me, so that is all that matters, my beloved."

Hiroki reddened and said, "can you refrain from this embarrassment? The kids…"

Bachi giggled as he said, "two Daddies! I feel so lucky!"

Nowaki smiled at Bachi and said, "So, what have you two been doing?"

Hiroki sat up as Nowaki leaned close for a kiss. They brushed their lips against each other as Bachi clapped and Machi just stared. Nowaki rubbed Hiroki's face and said, "I love you." Hiroki moaned, "Idiot."

They smirked at each other as they looked at their children. Bachi was smiling ear to ear with pure bliss as Machi looked slightly confused but a small smile came to her face.

Machi said, "How is Takachici, Dr. Kusama?"

Nowaki shivered and said, "Machi…he died…a few weeks ago."

Hiroki watched the emotions of slight happiness turn to sadness on Machi's face. She looked so stunned and alarmed… Hiroki went to her and hugged her. He was surprised by his quick movement as she shivered in his arms, but she hugged him back. Machi started to sob harsh and long wails.

Bachi whimpered, "My big brother…"

Nowaki cooed, "We will make a good funeral after the snow lifts in the spring. Right now…we cannot bury Takachici in this bad weather."

Machi rubbed her face into Hiroki's shirt and sobbed, "why is life so darn cruel? Takachici…he was just a few years older than me! Will I die like that too? It's not fair!"

Hiroki cooed and said, "No…you will not die like that. Everyone dies some time, but…I do not want you to die like that."

Machi stiffened and whimpered, "Why…"

Hiroki said, "I…sort of like you. Your first impression was harsh, but you care for your sick brother. I can see that very clearly…oh Machi, I want to help you. But, I am only a teacher. You need professional help…from a therapist."

Machi sighed, "I see one, Dr. Kamijo."

Hiroki shivered and said, "Dr. Hiroshi Kamijo…"

Machi shivered back and looked at Hiroki's confused face. She nodded and said, "you…sort of look like him…"

Hiroki blinked and said, "He is my father."

Machi gulped and said, "Well…small world after all."

Nowaki and Bachi giggled as Hiroki smirked and Machi giggled. Hiroki hugged Machi close as Nowaki kissed Bachi's head. Nowaki stood and said, "Hiro-san, I need to have Bachi checked by his personal doctor. Machi can stay, like she always does, but we need to leave."

Hiroki gave her another quick squeeze and said, "Do not be afraid to talk to my father. He will help you…in so many ways possible. Okay?"

Machi smiled weakly and nodded. She said, "Sorry about earlier…you are right. I am the only healthy one, so I am protective…" Her tears continued to fall as she whimpered, "I am only a kid though…I feel so helpless…"

Hiroki wiped her tears away and said, "Do not be afraid to lean on me or Nowaki. We will always help you, no matter what."

Machi looked at Hiroki and really smiled…just like her little brother, a bright and happy smile. Even through the tears, she said, "wow…you really want us both? Really?" Her tone was shocked, happy, and slightly fearful.

Hiroki hugged her close again and said, "Yes…more than anything."

Machi hugged Hiroki back and said, "thank you…Mr. Kamijo. I owe you…so much."

Hiroki kissed her forehead and said, "You owe me nothing. I have to go but…by the end of January. We will be a family. Can you wait until then?"

Machi said happily, "I have waited this long for a family…another month or two or twenty will be worth it…to see my brother smiling like that. I have not seen him this happy in a long time."

Hiroki said, "Are you happy? Never forget your own happiness…worrying about Bachi is fine, but you need to worry—"

Machi kissed Hiroki's cheek and said, "thank you…and yes. But do not force me to like you…I sort of do but…I just need a safe home for my baby brother." She stroked Hiroki's face and went over to Bachi's side.

Hiroki rubbed his face where Machi kissed him as Nowaki lifted him and took him out. Nowaki took him to an empty room to assault his mouth over Hiroki's. They wrapped their arms around each other and sucked deeply. Nowaki rubbed Hiroki's back as Hiroki started to sob…but not in pain but in…confusion.

Nowaki stopped and cooed, "Hiro-san, what is wrong?"

Hiroki sobbed, "They are so beautiful! Nowaki…do you think we are ready to be parents? I…like them a little but…I am so scared! Machi is so intelligent and sad…Bachi is so beautiful and sick…can I handle two vastly different children? Can we… Nowaki…"

Nowaki smiled and said, "We can handle anything together, Hiro-san." A few tears slipped down his face as he admitted, "I am scared a little too, but…I have faith in us. I have faith we can handle this."

Hiroki said, "How? How do you…" He watched as Nowaki placed his hand on Hiroki's heart.

Nowaki said, "We love each other as I love the children. Also…you spoke to Bachi and connected with Machi. This is the first couple of steps…connection, love, and patience. Machi and Bachi might not like us in the first couple of months, but we will just have to keep faith that some day that they will."

Hiroki said, "I love you…that is true, but…I am still not so sure…"

Nowaki hugged Hiroki close and said, "we just have to try…for them and us. Machi and Bachi need us…as we need them."

Hiroki rubbed Nowaki's head and said, "Yes…but please…help me. I need your help…"

Nowaki gently kissed Hiroki's lips and said, "I will, but you do not need all my help."

Hiroki blinked as Nowaki said, "You looked happy with Bachi…connection is already starting. Soon, they will be with us. We can keep developing our relationships and making family bonds that will last a lifetime."

Nowaki smiled as Hiroki smiled back. They giggled happily as they kissed each other one more time. Hiroki knew a million things could go wrong, yet…a million things could go right.