"Who are you?" Ichigo asked, watching Yuko.
"My name is Yuko. You two are Ryou and Ichigo: you are the parents of Kai and Mai. Ryou is the son of Jin and Ami Shirogane, and the older brother of Tomohiro Shirogane. Ichigo, you are the daughter of Sakura and Shintaro Momomiya. I am well aware of who you all are. As Mai and the Mokona Modoki have said, I am a witch: most call me the "Dimensional Witch." I do grant wishes for prices. As it's been said, the Mokona Modoki are gifts for Kai and Mai: the white Mokona (or Soel) is for Mai and the black Mokona (or Larg) is for Kai. For the most part, people who come to me to travel to other worlds or dimensions; some people call them parallel universes. Yes, they do exist. Just like there is another parallel world where you and your twins exist, but it's very different compared to the world you live in here. There are worlds where the twins aren't twins. There are even worlds where the twins aren't even related. But because I have somewhere I need to be: Ryou. I can't tell you when, but in due time, you will meet two boys; they are from different worlds—and will have undergone some major changes. The only things I can tell you are that they are a little older than the twins—and they used to be grown men; they are now children. You'll know who they are when you meet them; you are to let them live with you because this world will be their last stop. I promise you; they are not a threat to you or your twins. Everything will make sense when the time is right. But have a good night; I'll see you when the time is right. Oh, and Soel and Larg: do remember, Mai and Kai are only four—almost five. To them, you two are probably just talking stuffed animals who look like rabbits. When they get older and grasp what you are, then you may correct them. But for now, let them call you whatever." Yuko explained and instructed before leaving.
"Ryou, what are we going to do? We're not really going to let some strange men move in with us, are we?" Ichigo asked, concerned.
"They're not strange men…" "Well, they can be a bit strange. But they're both good guys—and they will protect Mai." Larg started but was interrupted by Soel.
"Still, we don't know them. How do we know they're children? What if they're predators looking for children?" Ichigo asked, demanding answers.
"Stop. Relax. We'll figure it all out when the time comes. If they are just children, we'll talk about it. As for everything else, we just do what we always do best, and keep an eye on them. We watch for men who seem too interested and avoid them. If they follow, we call the police. For now, we should just concentrate on the twins." Ryou calmly but firmly told Ichigo.
"Ok. Yes, you're right." Ichigo responded, taking a deep breath.
"Daddy? Mommy?" Mai softly asked, rubbing her eyes.
"What is it, Baby?" Ryou asked, watching Mai along with Ichigo and the others.
"Do we get keep the Mokona bunnies?" Mai asked, holding onto Soel.
"I don't know…" Ichigo started, unsure.
"Please. They can't make tings dispeer or repeer unless Miss Yuko say so." Mai pleaded, holding Soel even tighter.
"We can't make things disappear or reappear because we're together. I would have to be with Yuko in order to send things through Soel." Larg explained, watching Mai squeeze Soel.
"Tell you what: we'll let you keep them as long as you let me, Grandpa, and Uncle Keiichiro study them when we get out of the hospital." Ryou told Mai.
"K." Mai replied, still squeezing Soel.
"Can you please loosen your grip?" Soel asked, trying to breathe.
"Mai, you have to let the Mokona go; it can't breathe." Ryou gently told Mai.
"Sorry." Mai softly apologized, loosening her grip.
"It's ok. But these things are living creatures. Just like the cats and dogs, you have to be gentle with them." Ryou gently told Mai.
"Yes, Daddy." Mai replied just as a nurse walked in.
"Well, good afternoon. How are you feeling?" The nurse asked, walking over.
"Can I has a chicky samwich?" Mai asked, watching the nurse.
"How about some nuggets instead? We want to make sure you can keep food down. A chicken sandwich might be too much right now." The nurse told Mai.
"K." Mai replied.
"If all goes well, you may be able to go home tomorrow. You've been given instructions on how to keep her incisions clean and everything, yes?" The nurse told Mai before asking Ryou and Ichigo.
"Yes, we were." Ryou and Ichigo answered.
"Good. I'm just going to check on your incisions." The nurse replied with a smile.
"Inscissors?" Mai asked, confused.
"Your owies from your operation." Ryou told Mai.
"K." Mai replied.
"Ok… Her appendix wound is healing nicely; these stitches will either dissolve or fall out on their own. Her chest is also healing really well. However, these stitches will need to be removed by a doctor. So, I know you don't live in the area, so when you get home, make sure you schedule an appointment to have the stitches removed within a week and a half. You will be given new instructions to follow after that." The nurse told Ryou and Ichigo.
"Ok. Thank you." Ryou thanked the nurse while Ichigo smiled.
"I'll see what I can do about those nuggets. Do you want some smashed potatoes with them?" The nurse asked, watching Mai.
"Yes, please." Mai replied with a smile.
"Would you like some chocolate milk to drink?" The nurse kindly asked.
"No tank you. Just white milk please." Mai responded, momentarily shocking the nurse; she's never met a kid who didn't like chocolate milk—unless they couldn't drink milk, period.
"What kid prefers white milk over chocolate?" Tomohiro asked, shocked after the nurse left.
"Mai doesn't really like chocolate." Ichigo stated.
"So far, she'll only eat chocolate if it has peanut butter of some sort with it—or Snickers bars." Ryou added.
"So—no chocolate cake or frosting? What about brownies or chocolate chip cookies?" Jin asked, watching Ryou; neither of them were big chocolate eaters either.
"She'll eat chocolate chip cookies because they're not completely chocolate. She hates brownies, chocolate cake, and especially chocolate frosting. However—if you mix chocolate with peanut butter and bananas, she'll eat it just fine." Ryou answered.
"If you're looking for someone who loves chocolate, Kai's the twin for you; he loves just about anything chocolate. I think the only chocolate he won't eat, is white chocolate." Ichigo added.
"Well, that's ok; I'll just have to make two different cakes or whatever when they come over." Ami happily responded; she loved baking anyway.
"When is their birthday?" Tomohiro asked, watching the twins.
"June 5th." Ryou answered.
"That's coming up soon." Ami noted, thinking about it.
"That's in three days." Jin stated.
"It's their Golden Birthday this year as well, isn't it?" Ami asked, looking at Ryou and Ichigo.
"Yes, I believe it is." Ichigo replied with a smile.
"Do you have anything planned?" Ami asked.
"Not anymore. We had planned to take them to one of those Super~Bounce places, but I called and canceled that the other day for safety reasons. Kai may be able to be more active now, but he still can't be jumping and running around. Mai definitely can't be running and jumping around for a while. I'm sure we'll figure something out. Unfortunately, things like this can't be avoided. However, I'd rather we get this taken care of now." Ryou answered and then explained.
"Yeah." Everyone agreed.
"Ok. We have five nuggets, mashed potatoes, and some plain milk for Mai. I also managed to get some nuggets, French Fries, and chocolate milk for the boy." The nurse from before happily announced, coming in with a cart of food.
"Tank you." "Thank you." Mai and Kai thanked the nurse.
"You're so welcome. Just eat slowly. I'll come back in in an hour to see how everything's going. If you need anything or something happens, press the red button." The nurse replied and then instructed before heading out.
"Why can't we go to Super~Bounce World? I want to go there." Kai asked once the door was closed.
"One: you and your sister just recently had your appendixes taken out. Two: your sister also had that bullet removed from her chest. Neither of you can be running or jumping around right now; your stitches could rip." Ryou answered Kai.
"But my stitches already fell out." Kai argued.
"Ok. Fine. You still can't be running and jumping around; you're supposed to rest and take it easy for a week after your surgery. Last I checked, it's only been three and a half days—and you've only been out of the hospital for two days. I promise, we'll get to a Super~Bounce World eventually. But for now, you and Mai need to take it easy." Ryou calmly but firmly told Kai.
"Fine." Kai mumbled, eating his nuggets.
"I can't play at a Super~Bounce World." Mai informed, ripping up her nuggets and placed them in the mashed potatoes.
"And why is that?" Ichigo asked, watching Mai.
"Cause I has the arfritis." Mai answered, playing with her food.
"Just because you have arthritis, doesn't mean you can't do something: you can do anything you want as long as you're not hurting—and it's legal." Ryou told Mai.
"Nuh-uh. Kai said Aunty Nasi said dat the new owner of the Super~Bounce World was recryering people to has notes from doctors say day is healthy an don't have noting wrong wit dem. If someone has someting wrong wit dem—like arfritis, day can't come in. I has the arfritis—so I can't go in." Mai answered, taking a few deep breaths.
"Kai?" Ryou asked, looking at Kai.
Lately, Kai had a habit of making up stories to upset or try to scare Mai.
"It's true; I promise. I heard Aunt Nashi telling Aunt Pepaminto that the new owner of the Super~Bounce World in town is requiring people to prove they don't need a wheelchair or don't have something like arthritis or anything like that. If someone needs or in a wheelchair—or has arthritis of any sort, or something called Cerebral palsy or Muscular Dystrophy, they can't come in. I don't know if it's true or not; it's just what I heard them talking about." Kai honestly answered.
"Ok. I'll talk to them later. You realize if that's true—and they won't let Mai in, you're not going either, right?" Ryou sighed and then asked, watching Kai.
"Why not?" Kai asked, fussing right away.
"Because it's not fair to your sister if she can't go because of some bigot." Ichigo answered.
"Is ok. If Kai wants to go, an Mommy or Daddy want to take him, is ok; I don't wanna go the Super~Bounce World place anyway. An I don't want Kai be mad at me cause he can do someting, an I can't." Mai softly spoke up.
"Mai, Baby…" Ryou started but stopped when he saw how upset Mai was getting; she went back to squeezing Mokona—just not as tightly.
"I'm not mad at or hate you, Mai. I'm mad at and hate that you have arthritis and whatever. I'm mad at the stupid people who make the retarded rules—saying if someone can go somewhere or not because of something they can't control." Kai stated, clarifying that he didn't resent Mai in any way.
"Ok, Kai; that's enough. Thank you for standing up for your sister, but you can't be using words like "retarded" or "stupid" like that—no matter how true it is. We'll figure something out. Maybe one day, your mother and I will take you to Super~Bounce World and Mai can spend one-on-one time with grandparents. Then, one day, Mommy and I will spend the day with Mai somewhere, and Kai can spend one-on-one time with grandparents. I don't know; we'll figure it out when we get closer to that time. What is it, Ichigo? I know that face you're making; you have something on your mind." Ryou told Kai, then Kai and Mai before speaking to Ichigo.
"Maybe the owner shouldn't be going about it how they are if it's true… But in the end, isn't about a person's safety?" Ichigo asked, watching Ryou.
"If a person (child or adult) can do something; they should be able to do so. Yes, it does come down to safety. However, this guy isn't doing it for safety; he's being bigoted. For the most part, an adult, or teenager (15+) knows what they can and cannot handle. True, there are adults and teenagers who like to push themselves until they get hurt—and there are adults and teenagers with their own issues who need guidance. Children (14-), who don't know or understand what they can or cannot handle—especially children under twelve need guidance. That's what their responsible parent or guardian are there for; they keep an eye on them. Just because I put those age frames in, doesn't mean anything: there are children twelve and up who do understand. There are teenagers fifteen through eighteen who do not know what's going on with them. As for people in wheelchairs: yes, there are things they aren't going to be able to do, but unless this guy changed the entire layout of that place; I know for a fact that they do have stuff people in wheelchairs can do. Unless there is something someone absolutely cannot do, they shouldn't be excluded from anything. It's wrong." Ryou retorted, watching Ichigo.
'Oh, boy…' Sakura, Ami, and Jin thought to themselves but looked at each other.
"So, there is no plan for the twins' birthday yet?" Sakura asked, changing the subject.
"No, not yet. We have to figure something out. And we have to wait to see how Mai is feeling; she's going to need to take it easy for a while." Ryou answered, sighing.
"Well, seeing as they don't really have any friends their own age, we could do something small on their birthday with us, Keiichiro, and his family. And then once Mai is feeling well, something a little bigger somewhere with everyone." Sakura suggested.
"That sounds like a good plan." Ryou and Ichigo agreed.
"Does this Keiichiro know about us?" Tomohiro asked, curious.
"Yes; I called him the other night and told him. Needless to say; he was shocked. But he was also happy and can't wait to see and meet you—after Mai is released from the hospital." Ryou answered.
"What are we going to about cake? Is Keiichiro baking it—or are we buying it?" Ichigo asked, looking at Ryou.
"Crap… The cakes from that restaurant… They're probably no good by now…" Ryou moaned, frustrated, remembering the cakes.
"I was wondering if either of you would remember. They're still good: I've had them in the freezer. Kai and I ate ours already—not all at once. They aren't big cakes, but they're not small either. But yours, Ichigo's, and Mai's are all in the freezer." Sakura informed Ryou.
"Ok. Thanks. As for the birthday cakes and such—I don't know. I told Keiichiro not to worry about them—just concentrate on his family. Mika and Kenji are starting to feel better, by the way." Ryou thanked Sakura before answering Ichigo.
"Can we has cuppy cakes?" Mai softly asked, feeding Soel and Larg some potatoes.
"I can make birthday cupcakes and brownies for their birthday when we get home." Sakura spoke up.
"If nobody minds, I can bake birthday cakes for the bigger party." Ami spoke up.
"I have a better idea, if you wouldn't mind." Jin told Ami and Sakura.
"Hmm?" Ami and Sakura asked, watching Jin.
"Seeing as Sakura has been around Kai and Mai longer than us for the obvious reasons, she knows them better; she knows what they like and don't like. So, I was thinking—like the quilt idea; you two could coordinate and work together to bake everything. That way you know everything is correct—and don't become too overwhelmed." Jin suggested, watching Ami and Sakura.
"That sounds like an excellent idea! What do you think, Sakura?" Ami asked, watching Sakura with a smile.
"Sounds like a plan." Sakura agreed with a smile.
"Daddy?" Mai asked, confused when Ryou stood up.
"I'll be back in a little bit; I just need some air." Ryou told Mai, reassuring her.
"I'll go with him; I'll make sure he comes back." Jin promised Mai, following Ryou out.
With Ryou & Jin:
"Before you say what you want to say, answer me a few questions first. Did you complete my research and project I was doing before the fire?" Jin stopped Ryou before he could say anything and then asked.
"Yes. I did it in your memory—or I thought I was because I didn't know the truth. But yes, I completed it with Keiichiro: we call it the Mew Mew Project. And then I tested it on myself. Unfortunately, my DNA wasn't compatible—and I can only turn into a cat for a short amount of time. If I stay a cat for more than ten minutes, I will be stuck as a cat." Ryou answered, watching his dad.
"Good. That's good. Do Ichigo or the twins know?" Jin asked, watching Ryou.
"Ichigo is the leader; she's infused with the DNA of the Irimote Wild Cat. So, yes; she knows. It started with her and four other girls. She left with her then boyfriend to go to England. While she was gone, we got a new girl by accident when she fell through a machine; she is infused with two types of animal DNA. Then a few years ago, we got four new girls—well, five: one was Maya—the lady who gave birth to Kai and Mai. She has been dead for over a year now—drug overdose. Kai knows because he went snooping through my files and found them. But now, it all makes sense to him why he and Mai have cat ears and tails that pop out sometimes—mainly when they become frustrated or stressed. Mai—she knows about the girls being Mew Mews, but she doesn't understand any of it; she's always amazed when the girls transform. She does know it's a secret, and she mustn't ever tell anyone. As for Sakura, she does not know. Does Tomohiro know?" Ryou answered and then asked.
"Tomohiro knows, yes. As for Sakura: she does know." Jin told Ryou.
"How does she know? Wait. How do you know she knows?" Ryou asked, watching his dad.
"Same way your mother knows; I told her. Relax. She doesn't know it was your doing; I told her it was an experiment gone wrong. And that no; there was no undoing it. She seemed relatively calm about the entire thing; she actually said she kind of wondered." Jin told Ryou.
"Ok—what is going on with you and Sakura?" Ryou demanded, watching Jin.
"We're dating." Jin answered Ryou like it was no big deal.
"What the hell?! What about Mom?!" Ryou blew up.
"Relax before you end up admitted to the hospital. Your mother and I are dating Sakura—and Sakura is dating us. After she told us about her husband, we immediately helped her start the process. Sakura went to have Shintaro sign the papers; she was shocked that he signed them so quickly. However, she was hurt when she found out he already moved on already. What hurt her the most, though, was that it was one of her friends or something like that. Your mother and I talked—and then we talked to Sakura the other night." Jin calmly told Ryou.
"Does Tomohiro know? What does it think? That's Ichigo's mother." Ryou asked and stated, a little disturbed.
"Yes, we know she's Ichigo's mother. That doesn't need to change your and Ichigo's relationship; you're not blood related or anything like that. And you were dating first. Yes, Tomohiro knows; he's fine with it. It's nothing new to him; he was three when we started dating others as well." Jin told Ryou.
"Started dating others?" Ryou asked, watching Jin, shocked.
"Yes. Usually, other single women. Never any other men; your mother doesn't want other men." Jin answered.
"But you don't mind other women?" Ryou asked, freaking out again.
"No. Why would I? This makes your mother and me happy. I don't care about my own happiness—but your mother's means more than anything. Besides, Sakura is a good-looking woman. Ryou calm down; I understand this is hard for you. Your mother and I understand you haven't had it easy these past few years, thinking we were dead; we struggled with thinking you were dead as well. No, we didn't use dating as a way to try to ease our pain, but we did start. We've also explained to Tomohiro that most couples married or not married, do not engage, or approve of the life we've chosen. If he finds one person he loves more than anyone else—and only loves that one person, we'll support him one-hundred-fifty percent. Same if he wants to love two or more people—so long as his partner(s) agree and consent as well. The same goes for you and Ichigo. And we all understand that you and Ichigo may find this hard to take, but this is the life we've chosen. Please, try to understand it." Jin sincerely told Ryou, watching him.
"*Sigh…* I'm not going to stop you from doing whatever it is you're doing so long as it's legal. This is your, Mom, and Sakura's lives, not mine or Ichigo's. *Sigh…* Yes, this is weird—and kind of disturbing, but if you're all truly happy, then that's all that matters. *Sigh…* I'm sure Ichigo and I will get used to it in due time." Ryou replied, sighing here and there.
"Thank you for that." Jin thanked, finally able to breathe.
"Yeah. No problem." Ryou replied.
Just then, Ichigo burst through the doors, freaked out.
"RYOU!" Ichigo screamed, running over to them.
"Oh, I think Ichigo knows." Ryou stated.
"Or you did something to anger her." Jin joked with a small smile.
"Ha." Ryou uttered a single chuckle.
"RYOU!" Ichigo yelled again.
"God. Ichigo, I'm right here; you don't need to yell. What's wrong?" Ryou asked, somewhat annoyed that Ichigo was yelling in his face.
"Do you know what I just found out?" Ichigo demanded.
"Hmm?" Ryou hummed?
"My and your mother just told me and the twins that they and your father are in a throuple relationship! Or Polyamorous relationship—or whatever it's called!" Ichigo freaked out.
"Yes, I heard: Dad just told me." Ryou replied.
"And?" Ichigo demanded.
"And? And what?" Ryou asked, watching Ichigo.
"You can't be ok with that, can you?" Ichigo asked, ignoring Jin.
"It's their lives, Ichigo; they can do with them as they please. If they're happy, that's all that matters. Is it disturbing? Yes, it is. But if this is what they want, we can't stop them." Ryou answered, watching Ichigo.
"What do we tell the twins, huh? Did we already teach them that people only date one person?!" Ichigo asked, raising her voice again.
"Ichigo, stop yelling. I'm right here; I can hear you. Yes, that's what we taught them—but maybe we shouldn't have. There are many people out there who have different teachings. Polygamists or Polygamy for one—and Polyandry. Polyandry is where a woman has more than one man. Polygamy is where the man has more than one woman. Yes, it's awkward—and maybe a little disturbing, but my parents and your mother have entered in a Polyamorous as a throuple. At least they're not swinging or sleeping with someone different every night. Did either of them say anything when they told you that they were in a relationship like this?" Ryou calmly told Ichigo before asking.
"Neither of them seem to understand. So, you're telling me you're ok with all this?" Ichigo answered and then asked, annoyed.
"We'll talk to them: that's all we can do. It's not our lives, Ichigo; it's theirs. As long as they're truly happy—who are we to stand in their way? Yes, it's weird—and a little disturbing, but I'll get used to it. I'm sure you will as well, but I can't speak for you." Ryou replied.
"So, if Kai came home, saying he had two girlfriends—or Mai came home with two boyfriends, you'd be ok and support them?" Ichigo asked, watching Ryou, who cringed at the mention of Mai dating.
"First off: Kai and Mai aren't even five yet. Secondly: I don't want to think of either of them dating yet. Third: even though I know it's going to happen one day; I don't want Mai dating at all—just as I can see it in your eyes that you don't want Kai dating. Finally: with all that said—knowing that someday they'll be dating; yes, I support whatever decision they make. So long as they're not being hurt in any way, shape, or form. Me, personally; I'm a one girl type of man. Let's just calm down before going back to Mai's room and talk to them." Ryou answered Ichigo and then instructed.
"Fine. Fine. You are the one with full custody and have all the parenting rights after all!" Ichigo snapped.
"Jesus, Ichigo. You know damn well why I have full custody and all that. And if I'm not mistaken, we're working on that." Ryou told Ichigo as calmly as he could.
"*Large, frustrated sigh…* I know… I'm sorry." Ichigo apologized.
"It's fine. I understand it's a big adjustment, but we just have to support them as our parents and everything. As Dad told me, we're not blood related; it doesn't affect us. They just met and started dating; it's not like they're going out and getting married any time soon. No one is expecting any of us to call them "Mom" or "Dad." We're all one family as is, anyway, aren't we?" Ryou explained to Ichigo before asking.
"I suppose… This is all his fault." Ichigo mumbled before maliciously hissing.
"Who's fault?" Ryou asked, watching Ichigo.
"Shintaro's. Excuse me; I'm going to go for a walk to calm down. Tell the twins what you need to tell them." Ichigo answered before letting Ryou know; she then took off.
"She's pretty fast." Jin noted, watching Ichigo run.
"Yep—she sure is. Are you coming back inside?" Ryou sighed and then asked, turning to walk back inside.
"Yeah, I'm coming." Jin replied, following Ryou.
'What is it with her lately? Ever since we found about the twins conception. Sure, that man was psycho-crazy. But because of him, we have the twins: Ichigo has biological children that are hers. I'll talk to her later.' Ryou thought to himself as he and Jin made their way back to Mai's room.
When they got to Mai's room, Ryou and Jin got a shock: a nurse was removing one of Mai's IVs.
"Hi, Daddy." Mai happily greeted.
"What's going on?" Ryou asked, watching the scene in front of him.
"Are you Dad?" The nurse asked, looking from Mai to Ryou; she was a different nurse who had been in and out a few times the second day.
"Yes." Ryou answered.
"Her doctor stated you approved of oral pain medication instead of IV. The previous nurse said she took the medication well enough, so her doctor said she could be taken off that IV. He does, however, want to keep her on her one IV until she's released to keep her hydrated. From what I understand, she just ate a few chicken nuggets and most of her mashed potatoes; she also had some milk. Does that all sound correct?" The nurse explained before asking.
"Yeah, that's correct." Ryou replied, sitting in a chair.
"Ok. So now, we're just waiting on seeing how well the food stays in. From what I understand, she's been using the restroom normally, yes?" The nurse asked.
"Yes." Ryou replied.
"Ok. Well, I'll be back in an hour or so to check up on Mai. Press the red button if you need anything." The nurse informed the family before leaving.
"Where's Mom?" Kai asked, watching Ryou.
"She needed some time and air, so she went for a walk; she'll be back after a while." Ryou answered, watching Kai back.
"Mommy's berry mad." Mai softly spoke up.
"Do you know why that is?" Ryou asked, watching Mai.
"Cause Gramma loves Gramma and Grampa. And Gramma loves Gramma and Grampa. And they said Grampa loves Gramma and Gramma." Mai answered, watching Ryou, desperately hoping she got it right; she wanted to be right about something for once.
"Do you know what that means? Do you know why Mommy's upset by that?" Ryou asked, watching Mai, who just stared back at him.
"Dares more to the question? So—I was wrong?" Mai asked, watching Ryou, big eyes watering.
"Yes, there's more. This is important. And no, you're right: they all love each other very much. I just want to know if you understand why that upsets Mommy." Ryou told Mai when he saw she was about to cry. He understood: Mai just wanted to be correct and know something.
"Cause… Her friend, Mr. Masa comed over an ask her forgive him. An maybe he could come family too?" Mai answered before asking, unsure, shocking Ryou.
"You dummy; you weren't supposed to say anything!" Kai snapped, smacking Mai over the back of the head.
"Hey! Don't hit your sister—and don't call her names. When did this happen?" Ryou scolded Kai before asking them.
"Umm… A little long time ago. But Mommy said no an send him away—den slammed the door on him. Mommy said not tell no one cause it was over." Mai answered, watching Ryou, holding her head.
"Suck-up." Kai mumbled.
"Kai, that's enough. Ok… So—Mommy is upset, I think also because we have been telling you that people only love one person like that. Maybe that was wrong to tell you that because there are people out there who love more than one person like that." Ryou started explaining.
"Like Gramma, Gramma, an Grampa?" Mai softly asked, holding Soel.
"Yes, like Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandma. Mommy and I taught you what we've always known—what we grew up learning. Now—when you're both older, I'm sure you'll find someone you love very much; you may even find a few someones. Whatever you decide to do—whoever you decide to love… As long as you're happy and they don't hurt you in any way, shape, or form; your Mommy and I will love and support you no matter what. Just like we'll love and support Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandma. Ok?" Ryou explained to Mai.
"Yes, Daddy." Mai replied.
"What's wrong?" Ryou asked, watching Mai; she looked perplexed and upset.
"I don't wanna love no one else; I only wanna love you and Mommy and Kai. Gramma and Gramma and Grampa. Uncle Tomo and Uncle Keii and Aunty Zakro and Mika and Kenji…" "Ok, that's enough. I think we get it. And you say that now, but you'll change your mind when you're older. You'll get a boyfriend and forget all about us." Ryou told Mai, teasing her a little after she started listing off people she loved. If he hadn't stopped her, Mai would've gone on forever, naming everyone they knew who was good.
"Neber. I neber get boyfwend. Yucky." Mai declared, sticking her tongue out.
"Ok." Ryou told Mai, humoring her.
"You're ok with Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandma all being in love like they are—like how Mommy and I are?" Ryou asked, watching Mai and Kai.
"If that's what they want. I'm not going to do that. If I ever get a girlfriend, I only want one." Kai stated, sitting in a chair.
"Does dat mean we all spen time gether?" Mai asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Yes. Sometimes we'll spend time together with everyone. Sometimes it'll just be you, Kai, me, and Mommy. Time to lie down." Ryou answered and then told Mai, making her lay down before covering her with her blanket.
"Ok. Day be happy how day happy." Mai answered, fighting asleep.
"Go to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up. Hopefully tomorrow, we'll be able to go home." Ryou told Mai, rubbing her forehead.
"Kai—I don't know what's up with you today, but you need to knock it off. You are not allowed to hit your sister or call her names; you owe her an apology—a real one. As for your mother not saying anything about Masaya coming over—it's not right to keep that kind of secret. Your mother and I will be talking about that. You, however, need to stay out of that; it's not something for a child to be involved in. I'm glad she said no, but I'd still like to know." Ryou firmly told Kai.
"Sorry." Kai apologized, looking down.
"Kai—I love you and your sister very much. And I realize that to most—and maybe even you, that it may seem like I pay more attention to Mai. And for that, I'm sorry. I will try to do better for you." Ryou sincerely told Kai.
"I'm fine with our time together—and how much I get; I know Mai needs more attention. I have issues with things all of the sudden being different and people not keeping their promises when someone tells them not to say anything." Kai answered.
"Kai, secrets like this can hurt a relationship. Because no matter if you say something or not, the other person always finds out. Yes, Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandma being together is different and a little weird, but we'll get used to them. All good people deserve to be happy." Ryou told Kai.
"Sorry." Kai apologized again.
"Thank you for that. We'll figure something out. And please—again; stop tormenting your sister." Ryou told Kai.
"Ok." Kai told Ryou.
With Ichigo:
"Hey, Kitten. What's wrong?" Kish asked, appearing out of nowhere.
"What are you doing here, Kish?" Ichigo asked, annoyed.
"Just came to check on my favorite kitty-cat. Now, what's wrong? You seem—frustrated or angry." Kish answered and then noted, watching Ichigo's body language.
"A few days ago, Shintaro, my father, didn't approve of me being with Ryou. Nor did he approve of the twins; he screamed at poor Mai—directly calling her a mistake when a man who hurt Mai tried taking her. He and Mom are now divorced. He was shot by the man who tried taking Mai. Shintaro moved on already; he's moving in with his new whore. And my mother is now dating Ryou's parents—both of them. And now, after all Ryou and I told Kai and Mai about people only being with one person in a relationship just went out the window, and they're so confused. Hell, I'm confused! Two and half months ago, I shot Masaya down for asking if he could be part of our family. Honestly, I don't know what's wrong with me because I miss him—and wanted to say yes. But I told him no and slammed the door in his face because I know Ryou hates him." Ichigo answered Kish, frustrated.
"How do you feel about Ryou now?" Kish asked, closely watching her.
"I don't know. Since Mai's been in the hospital, we can't seem to agree on anything anymore like we had been. It's frustrating." Ichigo honestly answered.
"Mai; she's the really small one who has troubles comprehending things? Daddy's girl is what I think your people call their relationship. I also noticed that your boy—Kai: he seems more of your boy. Mama's boy, right?" Kish asked, looking at Ichigo.
"Yeah; that's what they call it. Yes, that's what it is with us: Kai is my little boy and Mai is Ryou's baby girl. But we love both Mai and Kai equally." Ichigo replied.
"Do you really? Any time I hear either of you talking about either child, you light up more when talking about Kai, just as Ryou lights up more when he talks about Mai. I'm not denying you love your children, but I think you each love one over the other just a little more. And I think they're the same with you and Ryou: he seems more into you and she's definitely more into him. You can't tell me you don't see that?" Kish told Ichigo, making her think.
"Also—your relationship with him. I'm not saying this to try to break you up or anything, but do you think you're only in a relationship with him because having kids appealed to you? He promised you could adopt them before you found out the truth. He may have not intended it that way, but I think that's what happened. I'm sure you have sex and it's enjoyable, but is it what it was at the start? Is it still passionate?" Kish asked, making Ichigo think.
Lately, when she and Ryou had sex, it became a competition, not for love.
"I have to get going: Pie and Tart need help with something. Think about what I said. Stay in your—whatever it is your in. Or—Masaya and I do love you more than anything. You could be with us—separately or together. Maybe you figure things out and let us take you out—one at a time and we can go from there. You need to do what makes you truly happy. Oh, and one more thing." Kish told Ichigo before gently grabbing her chin and passionately kissed her; he then left her standing there, confused.
"How do I feel?" Ichigo asked herself?
Three Hours Later:
4:25 PM:
"There you are. We were about to send out a search party or something. Where have you been?" Sakrua asked, concerned when Ichigo walked in.
"I'm sorry. I had A Lot to think about. I'm sorry for how I reacted earlier; it was wrong of me. I can't make any promises, but I'll try to get used to you all dating. What's going on here?" Ichigo sincerely apologized. She then asked, noticing Mai wasn't hooked up to any machines or IVs and was fully dressed in a regular purple dress with a large lily on the front.
"The doctors said because her food stayed in, and she's using the bathroom normally, she can go home; she was just discharged ten minutes ago. I tried calling you, but your phone went to voicemail right away." Ryou told Ichigo.
"That's great news. Why does it look like I'm in trouble or something?" Ichigo announced before asking, concerned.
"Masaya showed up at the house—asking to be part of the family? Mai told me when I asked why she thought you were upset about our parents dating and all that. Don't be mad at either of them. I'm not mad that he showed up and you turned him down. I'm not even mad you told the twins to keep it a secret. I am, however, disappointed that you made them keep it a secret. But that's all I'm going to say about this right now; the twins don't need to be subjected to that; we'll talk after they're asleep. I don't want to argue in front of them." Ryou told Ichigo, shocking her.
"I sorry, Mommy." Mai apologized, holding onto Ryou.
"No, I'm sorry." Ichigo apologized, realizing she was wrong to make them keep that promise.
"Ichigo, we love you very much. But you don't make four-year-olds keep promises like that. I will always love you and those twins more than anyone. You're my daughter—and they're my grandchildren. And trust me, all parents make some kind of mistakes in their lifetime; I know I have. I know both you and Ryou have. It's bound to happen. You and I will talk more later." Sakura told Ichigo, hugging her; she could sense something was up.
"I know Jin and I have made plenty of mistakes as well. The biggest one was when we didn't search the other side of the house during or after the fire." Ami spoke up.
"If you wanna head down, we'll meet you at the beach house." Jin told Ryou and Ichigo as Sakura handed them the van's keys.
"Ok." Ryou and Ichigo replied, taking Mai, Kai, the Mokona Modoki, and Mai's get well gifts.
"They're not going to make it much longer, are they?" Ami sadly asked once the elevator was shut behind Ryou, Ichigo, and the twins.
"No, I don't think so." Jin sighed.
"I started to figure it out when Yosei showed up and started explaining everything. I could just feel it." Sakura spoke up.
"Yes, I agree. I guess they're not meant to be together. Yosei only shows up when it's of the utmost importance." Ami added.
"How many times have you two been reborn?" Jin asked as they started walking to an elevator.
"Enough to know when something's going on. And to go along with whatever that is." Sakrua answered.
"The last time we tried interfering, it lead to catastrophic events. We were extremely fortunate to get a redo. This time we do everything by the book. Both their wishes were granted." Ami continued.
"Under false pretenses." Jin pointed out.
"Yes, but it must've been necessary. Ryou wanted to make sure both twins were safe. Whereas Ichigo wanted at least one to be alive. At least, in both scenarios, both twins, Ryou, and Ichigo are alive and well. Now, we just let everything run its course." Ami stated.
"Yes." Sakrua agreed, sighing.
"Let's just head out." Jin insisted, leading the way.
"He'll need to forget, won't he?" Ami telepathically asked Sakrua.
"Most likely." Sakrua telepathically replied as they got on an elevator…