An Hour & A Half Later:
"Ok, we're home." Ryou stated, pulling into the driveway.
"Do you want one of us to wake Mai?" Ami and Sakura asked, looking back at Mai.
"Yes, please." Ryou replied before getting out of the van.
"Ok, Mai; time to get up." Ami gently told Mai as the others got out.
"Otay." Mai answered, barely awake.
"Do you wanna have some cupcakes?" Sakura asked once Ami had Mai out of the van.
"Yeah." Mai asked, rubbing her eyes.
"And then we'll open presents." Ichigo happily declared.
"Yay!" Mai happily exclaimed, running and tripping on her way to Ryou.
"Are you alright?" Ryou asked, concerned, kneeling in front of Mai.
"Yeah." Mai answered, getting up, out of breath.
"You have to be careful." Ryou calmly told Mai with a small sigh.
"Yes, Daddy." Mai replied, walking inside with him.
"Obviously not right now, but what do you want to tell the twins? And when do you want to tell them?" Ichigo pulled Ryou away from the twins to ask them so they couldn't be heard.
"Let's them have their cupcakes and open presents; we'll talk to them after that. As for what we tell them; we tell them the truth—slowly." Ryou seriously replied.
"Ok. And Ryou…" Ichigo agreed before starting to speak.
"Yeah?" Ryou asked, watching her.
"I'm sorry." Ichigo apologized.
"For what?" Ryou asked, confused.
"For not realizing sooner and letting this go on. For brining it up today of all days; I just couldn't keep it in anymore." Ichigo explained, not taking her eyes off Ryou.
"It's fine. As crappy as it coming out today was, I'd rather it come out now than later. I'd rather it out in the open than festering inside—both of us and ruin Kai and Mai's birthday. That just wouldn't be fair for them. Honestly, I felt us falling apart as well; I just didn't want to believe it. And like you; I probably wanted to try to make it work for the twins—despite knowing better. So, we'll figure something out. The one I'm most concerned about in all this: is Mai." Ryou replied, agreeing with Ichigo.
"Right. What are we going to do?" Ichigo asked, watching Ryou.
"Daddy! Mommy! Cupcakes!" Mai cried, running in.
"Ok. We're coming. Just give us a minute, please." Ryou told Mai.
"Yes, Daddy." Mai replied, going back to the kitchen.
"For now, you'll move upstairs: your bed is in the spare room on the right. Now, let's go before she comes back." Ryou told Ichigo.
"Right." Ichigo agreed, following Ryou into the kitchen.
"There you two are." Sakura and Ami scolded when Ryou and Ichigo walked in.
"Sorry. We were having an important conversation." Ichigo replied, rubbing the back of her head.
"About you two breaking up?" Kai asked, looking up.
"Daddy and Mommy are not breaking apart; they both in one piece." Mai argued right away.
"That's not what that means. It means…" "Kai, enough. Not now." Ichigo scolded Kai, narrowing her eyes at him.
As much as Ichigo loved Kai more than anything or anyone: she knew this wasn't the time. She also wanted to be on Ryou's good side in hopes of getting the custody terms she wanted.
"We'll discuss it later." Ryou firmly added, watching Kai and Mai.
"Who's ready for cupcakes?" Ami and Sakura asked, changing the subject, pulling out the containers of cupcakes.
"Me!" Mai excitedly cried, rapidly raising her hand.
"I would like a cupcake as well." Jin calmly spoke.
"I thought someone was going to make brownies." Kai asked, climbing into his chair.
"Just you wait." Sakura calmly replied, setting a container in the middle of the table.
When Ami opened the container, Kai and Mai just stared.
"What are they?" Mai asked, confused.
"These are special brownie cupcakes." Sakura answered with a smile.
"Not that type of special brownies." Ami told Ryou and Ichigo after seeing the blank stares.
"Do you has banilla cupcakes?" Mai softly asked, looking at the brownie cupcakes.
"That was rude." Kai mumbled, staring directly at Mai.
"I sowee." Mai apologized, looking down.
"Kai… Don't worry about it, Mai; it wasn't rude. You were just asking. You weren't making faces or anything." Ryou scolded Kai before gently telling Mai.
"And, of course, we have vanilla as well; we know you don't like chocolate. However, I would like it very much if you try my brownie cupcakes: I think you'll like them." Ami told Mai.
"Otay." Mai softly replied.
After she agreed, Ami placed half a brownie cupcake in front of Mai and half in front of Kai.
"One big bite." Ami calmly told Mai.
"How is it?" Sakura asked after a minute or two.
"Peanut butter—and nanners?" Mai asked, looking up.
"Yes, Ma'am. These are Peanut Butter Banana Brownie Cupcakes. I made these special for the both of you. Brownie for Kai with the peanut butter and bananas for Mai." Ami happily told everyone.
"Do you like it?" Sakura asked, watching Mai.
"Mmmhmm. Can I has a banilla one too?" Mai asked in between bites of brownie cupcake.
"Of course. However, with these cupcakes, you both have some candles to blow out." Ami told Mai, placing a vanilla cupcake with blue icing and five thin birthday candles in front of Mai.
At the same time, Sakura placed another brownie cupcake with five thin birthday candles in front of Kai.
Ryou lit Mai's candles while Ichigo lit Kai's candles.
"Now, think of a wish in your heads. When you have that wish, blow out your candles. But whatever you do: don't say your wish out loud." Sakura happily told the twins.
"Tank you." Mai happily thanked before blowing out her candles.
Although it's not something he believed in, Kai blew out his candles.
Five Minutes Later:
"Daddy, can I get down?" Mai softly asked after finishing her cupcakes.
"Sure." Ryou answered, lifting Mai out of her chair, and then set her on the floor. He then, along with the others, watched her waddle off to her room.
Three Minutes Later:
"What is that girl up to?" Jin asked after a few minutes.
"I'm not sure, but I think we're about to find out." Ryou replied as Mai came waddling back.
"Umple Tomo?" Mai softly asked, tugging on Tomohiro's pantleg.
"Hmm? What is it?" Tomohiro asked, squatting down to Mai's level.
"Tank you for helping me and Daddy get Miku. I want you has dis." Mai softly told Tomohiro, handing him seven quarters, three dimes, twelve nickels, and eight pennies.
"You're welcome. But this is your money; you should keep it." Tomohiro replied, trying to hand Mai her money back.
"No, tank you. I want you has dem." Mai replied, standing her ground.
"Ok. Ok." Tomohiro replied with a smile, seeing such determination in her eyes.
"What did she mean by that—by Tomohiro helping to get Miku?" Ichigo asked, confused.
"Mai didn't have enough tickets to get the stuffed cat she wanted; she named it Miku. Tomohiro offered the rest of his tickets so she could get it." Ryou answered, watching Mai.
"That's so sweet!" Ami happily exclaimed, hugging Tomohiro—catching him off guard.
"Mom!" Tomohiro cried, embarrassed.
"Get used to it." Jin instructed, watching his wife and youngest with a smile.
"And I mustn't forget my Ryou." Ami happily declared, hugging Ryou.
"My turn?" Mai asked, looking up.
"Of course." Ami happily replied, lifting Mai into a hug before getting Kai.
"Gramma, your turn." Mai told Sakura, walking over to her.
"I love you soo much." Sakura told Mai, holding her close before sending her over to Jin and getting Kai.
"Gampa!" Mai squealed when he quickly pulled her and gave her a bear hug.
"Go see Mommy and Daddy." Jin instructed, setting Mai down to get Kai.
However, instead of going to Ichigo or Ryou, Mai went to Tomohiro and hugged him.
"I'm good." Tomohiro and Kai stated when everyone watched them, expecting them to hug as well.
"Mommy, I love you." Mai softly spoke, reaching for Ichigo for a hug.
"I love you too." Ichigo replied, quickly hugging Mai before handing her to Ryou.
"I love you, Daddy." Mai told Ryou, leaning into him while Ichigo picked Kai up.
"I love you more than anything." Ryou told Mai, tightly hugging her.
"I love you, Mom." Kai told Ichigo, hugging her.
"I love you so much." Ichigo told Kai, hugging him.
"I love you too, Dad." Kai told Ryou over Ichigo's shoulders.
"I love you too, Kai—more than you'll ever know." Ryou replied, ruffling his hair a little.
"Are you ready to open presents?" Jin asked, watching Kai and Mai.
"Yeah." Kai and Mai replied:
Ichigo set Kai down so that he could walk on his own.
Mai wanted to be held and clung to Ryou as he walked to the living room.
"How are we going to do this?" Jin asked, watching Ami and Sakura; he knew they were in charge.
"One present at a time, and they take turns opening them so we can get pictures of each of them." Ami answered with a smile.
"And because he's older; Kai will go first. Then Mai and so on and so forth." Sakura added, watching Ryou set Mai in her chair.
"Sounds like a plan." Ryou, Ichigo, Jin, and Tomohiro agreed, knowing better than to argue with Ami and Sakura. And—they didn't have a death wish.
Over An Hour Later:
It took longer than usual for the Kai and Mai to open their gifts because:
They took turns opening presents—one by one.
After each present was opened, Ami and Sakura took turns taking pictures.
Now that they had more than Ryou, Ichigo, and Sakura, they had tons more presents.
Kai would look at each gift for a few seconds before moving on.
Mai wanted to play with every new thing she opened—except clothes and books.
Kai got:
· The Lord of the Rings books
· The Hobbit
· The Silmarillion
· The Maze Runner books
· The Hunger Games books
· 4 jigsaw puzzles
· Model airplane kit
· Model train kit
· Model boat kit
· 3 different model car kits
· Boat in a bottle kit
· A train set
· Make your own slime kit
· A magic kit for beginners
· Stuffed dinosaurs
· Clothes
Mai got:
· All the ISpy books
· The Stupids books
· The Dumb Bunnies books
· Cat Kong
· Dogzilla
· A Very Hungry Caterpillar
· 3 dollies
· 5 stuffed animals
· Make your own slime kit
· Playdough
· Large Legos
· Hula Hoop
· Plush blankets
· Fuzzy pillows
· Clothes
"Tank you." "Thank you." Mai and Kai thanked everybody for their gifts.
"You're so very welcome." Ami, Sakura, Jin, and Tomohiro replied.
"I have something for you two as well. I know we said we were going to wait until their big birthday party, but I wanted to give these to them now. I saved up for a long time just to be able to afford these—and I don't want them to get stolen." Ichigo calmly spoke, watching Ryou, walking out with two medium boxes.
"Can we, Dad?" Kai asked, looking at Ryou.
"Daddy?" Mai asked, confused.
"I don't care." Ryou replied, watching Kai and Mai.
"Awesome. Kai. Mai. And I still have some gifts for their big party—whenever that is." Ichigo gave Kai and Mai their gifts before telling Ryou.
"Go ahead." Ryou told Mai after seeing her hesitate, not knowing what to do.
After a few seconds, Kai and Mai got the wrapping paper off and were trying to open their boxes.
"Hold on." Jin told the twins, pulling out his pocketknife; he then cut the tape so they could open the boxes.
"Nintendo Switch Lite and some puzzle games? Thank you." Kai excitedly thanked Ichigo; he's wanted a switch with some intellectual games, but Ryou had always said "no." Something about them being too young for that kind of stuff yet or something.
"Pokémon. Tank you." Mai thanked Ichigo, looking at Pokémon Sword and Shield; she didn't even know what the switch was.
"It's a video game: you play it on the Nintendo Switch Lite. You can go around and catch your own Pokémon now." Ichigo explained, watching Mai trying to figure out her game.
"Oh. Look, Daddy." Mai excitedly held her boxed Nintendo Switch Lite up.
"Yes, I see. That was very nice of Mommy." Ryou calmly told Mai.
'This should be good.' Tomohiro thought to himself.
"Ichigo, can I speak with you?" Sakura asked, watching Ichigo.
"Sure." Ichigo replied, watching her mother, not bothering to argue after she was given "the look."
"We'll be right back." Sakura informed before taking Ichigo upstairs.
With Sakura & Ichigo:
"What's wrong?" Ichigo asked, confused once they were behind closed doors.
"What's wrong? What's wrong? Ichigo, what's wrong with you? You knew Ryou didn't want Kai or Mai having a Nintendo Switch of any sort. They're only five-years-old; they don't need those things. What they need is to be kids; they need to be outdoors or just away from electronics like video games or any of that until they're older." Sakura firmly told Ichigo, narrowing her eyes.
"What about Mai's tablet?" Ichigo demanded, watching her mother.
"You mean Ryou's tablet? The tablet he let's Mai use when he and Kai are doing something together and you can't be bothered to spend time with her. She also only watches movies or tv shows on it. And Ryou monitors her time—just as he monitors Kai's time on it. Granted, he doesn't seem to care for tablets. Ichigo, buying a handheld gaming thing is one thing—if you agree with the other parent. Clearly, you didn't talk to Ryou about this. Remember Ichigo; Ryou doesn't have to ask you for permission for anything because he has full custody of both Mai and Kai. But he's been nothing but kind, compassionate, and considerate of you and your opinion of certain things. Ichigo—I'm not mad at you; I'm just disappointed. You really should've talked to Ryou before getting these things." Sakura explained, sighing in frustration.
"Why are you taking his side?" Ichigo asked, feeling betrayed.
"Because I agree with him; Kai and Mai do not need a Nintendo Switch. However, it's too late now: you bought them one—and gave them the things today, on their Golden Birthday. Now that they have them, DO NOT take the contraptions away from them. You do not want to teach them that kind of lesson. Next time you decide to do something like that, make sure you discuss it with Ryou." Sakura strictly told Ichigo.
"Unless I get full custody of Kai." Ichigo stated.
"Yes: unless you get Kai. Then you won't have to ask or discuss anything with Ryou; he'll have to ask and discuss things with you. However, you'll still have to ask and discuss things with him about Mai. Still, that means you two have to coparent with each other; you have to communicate and do what's best for the twins. And that's if you get any type of full custody. Right now, Ryou has full custody, and you just got your name on their birth certificates. I don't know much about how any of that works, but I do know that Ryou has to go to the courts and explain what you two want. No matter what Ryou agrees to, the courts have to agree as well. If they don't agree; the twins will stay in Ryou's care." 'Though I know what will happen after everyone falls asleep tonight.' Sakura calmly but seriously explained before thinking to herself.
"That's just not fair!" Ichigo complained, stomping her feet a little.
"Life's not fair, Ichigo. Talk to Ryou. Maybe, if he can come up with something good; he can get the courts to agree without a whole big thing. You also have to figure out what to tell Kai and Mai—in a way they'll BOTH understand. Then you'll have to deal with the consequences. I'm sure Kai will be fine, but Mai… Do you remember how it was when Keiichiro moved out? You're her mother; it's going to be harder on her." Sakura firmly told Ichigo.
"Right." Ichigo sighed, frustrated.
"Come here. No matter what happens, I will be there for you. You are my daughter, and I love you more than words can say. You, Kai, and Mai mean more to me than anyone in this entire world. That being said, Ryou is a fantastic father; I genuinely like him. Now, let's head back downstairs before they send a search party." Sakura calmly told Ichigo, hugging her.
"Ok." Ichigo agreed before the both of them headed downstairs.
"Everything ok?" Ami asked when they saw Sakura and Ichigo.
"It will be." Sakura replied.
"Are you ready to head home for the night?" Jin asked, watching Ami, Sakura, and Tomohiro.
"I think so." Ami and Sakura agreed while Tomohiro stood there.
"Ok. We'll see you in a few days or something." Jin told Ryou.
"See you next time." Ryou replied.
"Kai, Mai: Grandpa, Grandma, Grandma, and Tomohiro are leaving." Ryou told the twins.
"See you later." Kai muttered, tinkering with his Nintendo Switch Lite.
"Kai, you get your butt off and properly say goodbye to your grandparents and uncle or I'm taking the switch away." Ichigo scolded Kai before Ryou could, watching Mai struggling to get up.
"Sorry. Thanks for coming to visit for our Golden Birthday. I'll see you next time we see you." Kai apologized, got up, and then told Sakura, Jin, Ami, and Tomohiro. He then gave them quick hugs.
"You're welcome. And now that we know you; there's no way we'll ever miss any more of your lives." Jin told Kai, watching as he went back to the switch.
"Come on, Baby. It's ok; you tried." Ryou lifted Mai after the third time she failed to get up on her own; she just kept falling over.
"Bye-bye Gramma an Gramma an Gampa an Umple Tomo. I see you gain later. Love you." Mai softly bid farewell, hugging each of them around their necks as Ryou held her in front of them.
"See you later, Princess. Take care and stay strong." Jin told Mai, kissing her forehead.
"Bye, Pumpkin. We'll see you in a few days." Ami told Mai, kissing the top of her head.
"We love you, Sweetheart. See you soon." Sakura told Mai, kissing her forehead.
"See you later, Munchkin." Tomohiro told Mai, heading out.
"You two take care as well. No matter the day or time, we're always one call away." Ami seriously told Ryou and Ichigo.
"And remember: no matter what happens, everything will work itself out and be just fine. Everything happens for a reason." Sakura told Ichigo and Ryou—and the twins.
"Thank you." Ryou and Ichigo thanked them.
With Ami & Sakura:
"Do you know how long we'll have once the clocks go back?" Sakura telepathically asked Ami.
"No. I was hoping you'd know." Ami replied.
"No. I understand Ichigo is my daughter, but I'm not strongly connected with her right now. Maybe if I weren't in a relationship with you and Jin, I'd know something." Sakura responded, scratching her head.
"I suppose we wait and see. After everyone goes to bed tonight, time will be reversed, and things will change. Who knows if we'll even be together anymore?" Ami stated before asking.
"I know. But—I highly doubt it: I don't see any of that either. Ichigo is my daughter, and I will always support her. I also support Ryou; he's a fantastic father." Sakura replied with a smile.
"Yes, he is. Ichigo's a great mother as well—with Kai." Ami agreed before sighing.
"Yes, I agree; I wish Ichigo was better with Mai. But we both know that's not happening any time soon." Sakura agreed and then stated.
"Yes… I just hope you don't end up homeless." Ami sadly told Sakura.
"She won't end up homeless. Don't either of you worry; everything will go according to plan—and everyone will be in a house." Yuko telepathically told Ami and Sakura, putting their minds to ease.
"Well—that's always good. I guess the good thing about time going back is I won't have to listen to or hear Jin or Tomohiro trash-talking Ichigo anymore." Sakura told Ami.
"Yeah… I'm so sorry about that. I don't understand what's with them lately." Ami apologized.
"No need to apologize. If Ichigo weren't my daughter, I might feel the same. It's not fair how she treats Kai vs Mai. And poor Mai." Sakura honestly replied.
"I know. Tonight's not going to be good a good night. And then she's going to struggle so much." Ami sadly stated.
"I know—but at least she won't struggle forever with it. You know—knowing all this sucks." Sakura sighed before huffing.
"I know." Ami agreed.
"After tonight, neither of you will remember any of this—or know anything more." Yuko spoke to Ami and Sakura for the final time.
"Are you two ok? You've been awfully quiet." Jin asked, breaking Ami and Sakura out of their private conversation.
"Yeah. Sorry. I'm just worried about those four." Ami and Sakura replied, looking up.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I mean no disrespect, but I can't believe Ichigo not only asked for full custody, but also that they basically separate Kai and Mai from each other. And I can't believe Ryou's thinking about it; he should have custody of both of them. Sure, she could have them on weekends or something like that. Hell, I'd even understand fifty/fifty custody. But to separate them like that: that's not right? How can she just come out and ask for that?" Jin went off, giving his brutally honest opinion.
"Maybe that's what's for the best. As hard as it'll be for Mai; it's what would be best for her. Kai's a good, smart kid, but he's also so mean to Mai more than he's nice to her. Yes, while I understand there's something going on in his head; it gives him no right. All the things he says to her. I've even seen him hit and push her. No, I've never seen him kick her—and I don't think he would, but I also don't know. Seeing as nobody knows what's wrong with his head and he's not medicated; I honestly think he'd push her downstairs or really hurt her if nobody was around. I know. I know. I know. He's my nephew and I shouldn't be saying these things. But it's how I truly feel. I believe that, until he's medicated, Mai's not safe around him—alone." Tomohiro spoke his mind.
"Well, it's a good thing they're never alone together. That being said: Kai is a good kid. And as sad as it is; he needs help—medication-wise. Ichigo needs to get past the fact that she thinks Kai's just fine how he is and understand he DOES need help and medication. Because, as much as I hate to agree with Tomohiro: Kai will hurt either Mai or himself." Jin responded to Tomohiro before agreeing with him.
"Yes, I think we can all agree on that." Sakura and Ami agreed, sighing in frustration as Jin pulled into their driveway.
With Ichigo, Ryou, Kai, & Mai:
"Daddy, can I wash Ariel now?" Mai softly asked, sensing the tension in the room. She wanted to watch The Little Mermaid; it was one of her favorite movies.
"Not right now, Baby. I'm sorry, but we all need to sit down and have a major discussion." Ryou replied, setting Mai and Kai on the couch while he and Ichigo sat in chairs across from them.
"Is this about you two breaking up?" Kai asked, watching Ryou and Ichigo.
"Dare not breaking; dare jus fine—all in one piece." Mai argued right away.
"That's not what that means, Dummy." Kai insulted Mai.
"Kai, that's enough of that; we will not tolerate any of that anymore. From now on, if you insult your sister, there will be consequences. Same goes for you, Mai: if you say anything rude to Kai, you'll get in trouble as well. No swearing. No being rude to anyone in the family. No being rude other others outside of the family unless they're rude first. No hitting or any physical violence to anyone unless they make the first move. The first thing Monday morning, I will call and make you an appointment to see someone. I may not have grown up with a sibling and neither has Ichigo, but I think we both realize that yes, siblings argue, but not to the extent of you to your sister. Moving on. Mai… As rude as Kai was to say it how he did: Mommy and I are breaking up. That doesn't mean we're falling apart like your puzzles; it means that we're no longer in love and will no longer be together." Ryou firmly explained, closely watching Mai. He was in no mood, and everyone saw that; they decided not to interrupt him or argue—at that moment.
"Why?" Mai asked, confused, becoming finicky.
"I don't know, Baby. We just don't love each other anymore. But we love you two so very much—more than you two will ever know. Mommy and I just don't work together anymore. We'll still work at the café together, but we won't be Daddy and Mommy together. She's still your mommy and I'm still your daddy, but not together. Do you understand what I'm trying to say to you?" Ryou asked, watching Mai.
"Where will everyone live?" Kai asked, getting Mai's attention.
"We move?" Mai asked, confused.
"No, we're not moving. For now, Mommy's going to move upstairs into one of the spare rooms—the one with her bed in it. Eventually, once she can get on her feet and all that, she'll move out of the house, into a new home. I will stay where I am." "What about us? Where will Mai and I be? Then when Mom moves out, who will we live with?" Ryou started to answer only to have Kai interrupt, freaking Mai out.
"Kai stop; you're scaring your sister." Ichigo scolded, watching Kai.
Kai backed off right away because he knew something was up. He knew Ichigo was just scolding him so that Ryou couldn't first. He could also see something in her eyes that read she had a plan.
"Mai, calm down; everything's going to be ok. Before we get to all that, I want to discuss the Nintendo device your mother got you two. No, I'm not going to take them away: they were gifts. That being said: you will not be on them all the time. Like the tablets, there will be limitations. Your mother and I will discuss time limits for them later and tell you then. Mai, you however, I don't want you on your switch for more than an hour at a time. We don't need your hands or wrists locking in place and starting hurting a lot. Ok?" Ryou lifted Mai and explained, rubbing her back.
"Yes, Daddy." Mai answered right away.
"I understand." Kai and Ichigo replied.
"Now—as for custody… Right now, I have full custody of both of you—and until Mommy and I figure something out—and a judge agrees; that's how it'll stay. Now, as I told everyone when we first found out Mommy was your real mommy: I will not keep her from either of you if we didn't work out. And I will keep my word. Knowing and seeing how courts work, because I've had custody of you two since I got you, and we didn't figure out about Mommy until later, a judge will most likely keep me as your legal guardians if we can't agree on something. There are a few different custody agreements we could agree upon. One: fifty/fifty custody. That means, I'd get you one week, and Mommy would get you the next week. Or I'd get you Sunday night through Wednesday, and Mommy would get you Thursday through Sunday afternoon. Two: I'd get you Monday through Friday, and Mommy would get you Friday night through Sunday night. Three: I'd get you full time and Mommy could have every other weekend. Or four: if a judge should decide, there's monthly visits. That means you'd get a week or just a day with Mommy. Birthdays and Holidays, Mommy and I'd have to figure something out." Ryou started explaining, stopping to take a breath.
"That's all just stupid! It's bullshit!" Kai threw a tantrum.
"Kai, language! You're so lucky I don't believe in slapping you across the face. You're also lucky we're not going to wash your mouth out with soap or hot sauce. You DO NOT get to use that language—either of you—not until you're at least fifteen. That language will not be tolerated. You also need stop interrupting me. I wasn't done talking; I was only taking a breath. I understand this isn't easy for either of you, but you can't just snap like that." Ryou raised his voice, actually scaring Mai and Kai.
"I'm sorry I raised my voice like this, but I'm a little angry right now. But you can't be swearing like that. Now, as I was saying: those are the four custody agreements I know of. And the fourth option I gave is usually only used if the parent is unfit and needs to be supervised. I'm just giving you the information you wanted, but that's not going to happen. Mommy and I may not get along enough to love each other anymore, but I do know she's not an unfit mother; she's a great mother. Ok? Four will not happen—and neither will three. That would leave options one and two. And I don't think we want two, so that leaves one. However, Mommy has a different option she would like to run by you two." Ryou apologized before calmly explaining.
"What's that? Sorry for freaking out." Kai asked before apologizing.
"You mother suggested that, when she moves out, you go with her and Mai stay with me." Ryou answered, watching Kai.
"What does that mean?" Kai asked, watching Ryou and Ichigo.
"It means you would live with your mother twenty-four-seven except for every other weekend. Every other weekend, you'll stay with me and Mai. Mai will live with me twenty-four-seven except for every other weekend when she'll stay with you and your mother. For now, it'll stay how it is, except that Ichigo will move upstairs. We'd just have to figure out what we'd do about birthdays and holidays. And whatever's decided for those days, those plans stick; they will not change unless it's an absolute emergency. Your mother and I will have to discuss those days: when and what time we do them. Also, no grandparent, aunt, uncle, or cousin will be cut from either of your lives. You'll both see Grandma, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Tomohiro, and all the others. If this is something everyone wants, everyone will abide by these simple rules." Ryou explained, watching Kai and Mai.
"If I may?" Ichigo asked, raising her hand.
"Say what you need." Ryou calmly told Ichigo.
"I just wanted to say that Dad and I will follow each other's rules we set for our child. Like if I say Kai can or can't have or do something, you have to respect and follow those rules. And I will have to respect and follow your rules for Mai." Ichigo spoke up.
"Agreed. Mai?" Ryou replied, watching the twins before asking Mai, concerned.
Mai was pale, shaking, and had tears running down her cheeks.
"Great. So, we all agree?" Ichigo asked, looking around.
"Yes. I know you said everything would stay the same except for Mom moving upstairs for the time being: could I also mover upstairs with her?" Kai quickly answered before asking.
"That's a fantastic idea. Don't you think, Ryou?" Ichigo asked after agreeing with Kai; she never even thought about that.
"Wait. Just wait a second. Mai, Baby; what's wrong?" Ryou asked, watching Mai.
"Should we start moving?" Kai asked, getting ahead of himself.
"Kai, wait. Mai hasn't given her answer on whether or not she wants this arrangement; she has a say in this as well. That's something we also agreed upon—right, Ichigo?" Ryou stopped Kai before asking Ichigo.
"Right." Ichigo mumbled.
"But she's just a child; you're the parents. What you say, goes." Kai argued right away.
"Yes, we know this. Guess what, Kai. You're also a child, and what we say goes. With that attitude of yours as of late, you're just extremely lucky I have the utmost respect for your mother. Because at this rate, you'll end up with options three or four because I have full custody. Your mother is still in school; the courts will see that. If your mother and I can't agree with something, what do you think's going to happen? Who do you think the judge is going say you and Mai will stay with? Honestly, I don't know what's going on with you two; you used to be so close with each other. Please, Kai; just slow your roll. Sit still and wait. Mai, do you want this? What do you want?" Ryou scolded Kai before pleading with him. After a few seconds, he turned his attention to Mai.
"Nooo!" Mai screamed before she just started bawling.
"No, what?" Ichigo asked, concerned.
"No move! No leaf! No leaf! Stay here! Stay home!" Mai cried, struggling to breathe.
"Calm down, now. It's ok; everything's going to be ok." Ryou tried calming Mai down, lifting and rocking her in his arms.
"Nooo!" Mai screamed.
"Now, that's enough of that. There's no need to be screaming." Ryou calmly scolded Mai. She was already upset and having a panic attack; he didn't want to stress her out any more than she already was. However, at the same time, he knew he couldn't let this behavior go on.
"Nooo ooo ooo!" Mai continued to scream.
"Ok… Come on." Ryou sighed, taking Mai to her room.
"When you've calmed down, we can all talk. Stay in bed until then. If you climb out of bed before you've calmed down, you'll be on a longer timeout. You can climb out of bed and come on out only when you're calm. Understand?" Ryou firmly told Mai, tucking her into her bed. He then kissed her forehead and then walked out of her room, shutting the door behind him.
"Now what?" Ichigo and Kai asked, watching Ryou.
"Now, we wait." Ryou answered.
"What about Mai? She still needs to give her answer." Kai immediately stated, walking to her room.
"Don't! Don't go into her room. Leave Mai alone. Just let her be. We'll all talk once she's calmed down.
"What about her punishment?" Kai asked, pushing.
"This is her punishment. Mai doesn't like being left alone. Sometimes all a child needs is just to be left alone. I'll just let her scream it out." Ryou answered, leaning against the wall.
"If you're going to let her just scream it out, why are you standing by her door?" Ichigo questioned, watching Ryou.
"Even though I'm letting her scream and cry it out, I still have to listen for her. I have to listen for her wheezing; I need to make sure she's able to breathe." Ryou answered.
Fifteen Minutes Later:
Knock. Knock.
"Daddy, can I's come out now? I be good girl." Mai softly asked after knocking on her door.
When Ryou opened the door, Mai stood there, tear stains on her rosy cheeks.
"All better?" Ryou asked, looking at Mai.
"No." Mai honestly answered.
"Come on; we have to talk about this." Ryou sighed, lifting Mai.
"Ok… I'm only going to say this once—and I'm going to make myself perfectly clear. This discussion is going to be calm without yelling, screaming, swearing, or interrupting anyone. Anyone who interrupts me or your mother—I'm telling you right now, we're going to do my custody arrangement. If anyone yells, screams, or I hear swearing from anyone under the age of fourteen swearing; they will sit in a corner or their room until I say otherwise—and we'll keep the current custody agreement. Does everyone understand and agree?" Ryou sternly explained before asking.
"Yes." Everyone agreed.
"Good. Now—Mai, we need to talk about this. Now, Mommy and I no longer love each other: you understand that, yes?" Ryou asked Mai.
"…Yes." Mai slowly answered, leaning against Ryou.
"Do you understand that because we no longer love each other, we won't be sleeping in the same bed, kissing, or anything else?" Ryou calmly but firmly asked.
"Why?" Mai asked, confused.
"Because doing all those things is only meant for people who truly love each other—in an adult way. Baby—sometimes people just fall out of love. And some children—or people in general only have a mommy or a daddy. Or have both a mommy and a daddy, but they don't live together; some parents of are broken up, separated, or divorced. And then, there are some children who don't have parents because something happened and the kids had to live with a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or are in Foster Care or Child Services like you and Kai before you came to me. I understand you love Mommy and me—and that you want us to stay together. But Baby: you have to understand that if we stay together, Mommy and I will be very unhappy. We're already not getting along now, but if we stay together, we'll start—fighting even more. And while I can't and don't speak for Mommy, I know that we don't want to fight in front of you two. So, Mommy's going to move upstairs for a little bit, and if we want to remain friends, she's going to have to move out once she's able to. Do you understand?" Ryou explained before asking Mai.
"But I no wan nobody move away." Mai replied, tears running down her cheeks.
"I know, Baby. But it has to happen for everybody's happiness." Ryou replied, hugging Mai.
"You don't want Kai, Daddy, or me to be unhappy do you?" Ichigo asked, watching Mai.
"That'd just be selfish." Kai told Mai, causing her to cry even more.
"Knock that shit off. We're not going to play any guilt games. Ichigo, you're the adult; you should know better. And Kai: if don't want to be treated like an immature child and be taken seriously instead; stop acting like a child and mature up. I'm sorry Mai doesn't have the same intelligence as you and you don't have anyone your age to communicate with. But that does not give you the right to treat your sister the way you are." Ryou snapped, making Ichigo and Kai feel a little guilty. He was beyond pissed and had enough; he was almost to the point of just telling them he was keeping custody the way it is.
"Mai, I know what I said, but I want you to know you're not stupid, and I love you for you. All this time we're trying to get you to understand why we're doing what we're doing, but we never thought to ask you "why?" Why don't you want Mommy to move out? Why don't you want Kai to move out? Hmmm? What's going on in that head of yours?" Ryou gently asked after calmly explaining to Mai.
"No wan dem leaf me and you behind. No wan dem forget me or you." Mai answered, mumbling into Ryou's shoulder.
"Mai, do you think they don't love you or something?" Ryou asked, concerned.
Mai didn't reply; instead, she clung to Ryou even more and shook before lightly nodding her head.
"Oh, Sweetie, no… Kai and I love you very much. I don't love Daddy like I used to anymore. I just can't live with Daddy anymore because we'll drive each other crazy." Ichigo explained.
"I hear you tell Mr. Kiss dat you no wan or love me like you love Kai." Mai argued, shocking Ryou.
"Yes, I did say that, but I promise; I love you so much. It's just I have more of a bond with Kai and you have more of a bond with Daddy. That's why I want to take Kai and have you stay with Daddy." Ichigo explained.
"Plus, Dad loves you more than me." Kai stated, watching Mai.
"Ok. Stop. That's enough of that. This conversation is done. Kai, Mai: it's time for a bath and then time to get ready for bed. It's way past bedtime." Ryou stopped that conversation, noticing Mai becoming more upset—and the time.
"Crap. I didn't even realize what time it was." Ichigo replied, shocked. It was after ten.
"Can't I take a bath tomorrow?" Kai asked, huffing.
"Fine. Mai, do you want to wait to take a bath until tomorrow as well?" Ryou replied and then asked.
"K. You read story?" Mai softly asked.
"Not tonight. Tonight, I'm going to put your music box on." Ryou replied as he carried Mai to her room.
"Can I sleep upstairs with Mom?" Kai asked, watching Ryou.
"Fine." Ryou replied, causing Ichigo and Kai to celebrate by lifting a knee and making determined fists.
"I give up, Mai." Ryou sighed, setting Mai on her bed.
"I love you, Daddy." Mai told Ryou as he removed her clothes and replaced them with her pajamas.
"I love you too, Baby." Ryou replied, getting her shorts on.
"Daddy, I sleep wiss you tonight?" Mai softly asked, rubbing her eyes.
"I suppose." Ryou replied, standing up before lifting her into his arms.
"What are you doing?" Ichigo asked, watching Ryou.
"Mai wants to sleep with me tonight. Put Kai to bed and then meet me in the kitchen; we need to talk." Ryou firmly told Ichigo before taking Mai to his room.
"Go to sleep." Ryou and Ichigo told Mai and Kai, tucking them in for the night.
Ten Minutes Later:
"Sorry; Kai took forever to fall asleep. How long did it take for Mai to fall asleep?" Ichigo apologized before asking.
"She fell asleep almost instantly." Ryou replied with his arms folded over his chest; he was angry—and Ichigo could tell.
"Sooo—what's going on?" Ichigo asked, watching Ryou.
"What's going on? Well, let me see. One: you can't guilt a child into getting what you want. Kai saying Mai is selfish for not wanting any of us to be happy—that she'd be the reason we'd be unhappy. It's selfish that you would guilt her into saying something you want. Ichigo, you're their mother—you're the parent. If you want me to treat you as such, you need to grow up and start acting like an adult. Two: when talking to someone about either Kai or Mai—and you don't want them hearing; make sure they're not around. Clearly, you've talked to Kish with Mai around. Three: you shouldn't be telling anyone you love one twin more than the other. Or that you don't love Mai like you love Kai—especially someone like Kish or Masaya. What the hell is wrong with you?! Four: you went behind my back and got them those handheld gaming things when I specifically told them and you "no." They didn't need them. I get Kai understands all of that, but Mai doesn't; she can't play anything on those. He'll be on the thing almost all the time. Yes, while his games are intellectual; he doesn't need to be staring at that small of a screen all the damn time. Damnit, Ichigo!" Ryou listed off things he was pissed off at, explaining why.
"Are you done?" Ichigo asked, annoyed.
"I don't know. I suppose it depends. State your cases." Ryou shot back.
"Fine. One: I'm sorry. You're right; I shouldn't have guilted Mai like that—and neither should've Kai. But if she freaks out every time I try to leave, making it impossible to leave, then it is her fault. But no; I shouldn't have said that to her. Two: I'm sorry she heard me talking to Kish about how I feel. I love Mai; I do. I just don't feel any kind of connection with her. Three: as for me telling Kish, Masaya, or whoever how I feel is none of your damn business; it's mine! It has nothing to do with you or anyone except for me! Four: yes, I bought them both a Nintendo Switch Lite. I would've bought them a regular Nintendo Switch, but they're too expensive. The Lites were $100 cheaper, and it gives them something to do. If Mai can't play them now; she'll be able to play them when she's older. What does it matter to you anyway? You didn't have to buy them; I bought the systems and games with my own money that I saved up!" Ichigo countered, beginning to yell.
"Stop yelling; you'll wake Mai or maybe even Kai. One: it does matter who you tell; it's family business, not anyone else's how you feel about our kids. Kai and Mai are our kids, not Kish's or Masaya's; it's none of their business. That kind of shit should stay between you and me—or even our parents. Two: it matters a great deal that you went out and bought something I didn't want them having behind my back. You didn't check in with me at all; you didn't even bother to try to talk about it." Ryou argued.
"I'm so sorry, Master. Do you want me to get on my knees and beg like a good little girl?!" Ichigo snapped.
"Grow up, Ichigo. You know what? It's done and over with; the systems are here and I'm not going to be the one to tell them they can't have them now. I will do whatever is necessary for them. I'm sorry you and I share kids together, but that's just how it happened. I'm sorry Maya stole your eggs, and made it so you not only had a child, but rather twins—and you only truly love one of them. I would say I'm sorry it was my sperm that helped create them, but I'm not; I love them more than anything in this entire world." Ryou snapped back.
"What makes you so high and mighty? You don't love Kai like you love Mai; she is your entire world, not Kai." Ichigo argued right away.
"Clearly, that may be true, but it's not something I'd ever say out loud. Because whether you or Kai believe me; I do love Kai." Ryou sternly told Ichigo.
"Whatever. If we're done with all this petty shit, I wanna talk about custody." Ichigo immediately changed the subject.
"Well, right now, I have full custody." "Kai should be with me, and you know it; he's mine!" Ichigo immediately went on the defense.
"He's mine as well, Ichigo." Ryou calmly told Ichigo, sighing in frustration.
"You know what I mean! He's mine! I want him with me, not you and Mai! I will take him to whatever appointments he needs and to school! I will get him the medications he needs! I want him! Let me take him with me! Let him move upstairs with me until I move out and then let him come with me! That's what he wants as well! It's what's best for everyone! He won't hurt Mai anymore if they're not together all the time! He's so much smarter than her; he won't need my help and you can concentrate on Mai one on one with schoolwork!" Ichigo screamed at Ryou, shocking him—and getting Kai and Mai's attention.
"What do you mean Kai won't hurt Mai anymore? What does that mean? Has he been doing more than just saying things to her? Ichigo! What has Kai done to Mai?!" Ryou demanded, standing up straight.
"Nothing. From what I understand, it's your typical sibling relationship. He's not dangerous if that's what you're thinking." Ichigo argued.
"I want to go with Mom; I don't want to stay here." Kai spoke up, walking in, making his and Mai's presence known.
"Great. This is why I told you to stop yelling and screaming; you woke the twins." Ryou angrily told Ichigo.
"Daddy." Mai whined, hugging Ryou's leg.
"Come on." Ryou sighed, lifting Mai into his arms.
"I want to live with Mom!" Kai snapped, stomping his feet.
"I heard you. Mai, has Kai hurt you in any way aside from saying mean things?" Ryou told Kai before firmly asking Mai.
"I tired." Mai replied, leaning her head into his shoulder.
"I've hit, kicked, and pushed her into walls and other things, and then made her promise not to say anything. I told her that if she said anything, the next time would be worse. I swear to God: if you don't let me go with Mom, I'll push her down a flight of stairs or something." Kai told Ryou what he wanted to know before threatening Mai.
"Threats like that will get you nowhere except into a psych ward or something along those lines where you can get help." Ryou firmly told Kai, holding Mai close.
"He won't do that, I promise. He's not dangerous. Just let him come with me." Ichigo pleaded with Ichigo.
"Fine. Fine! You can have custody of Kai, but I'm keeping Mai." Ryou gave in and gave Ichigo and Kai what they wanted.
"Fine. But I want weekends with both of them like you said before." Ichigo told Ryou.
"Every other weekend; I get them the weekends you don't have them." Ryou firmly told Ichigo.
"Fine. What about birthdays and holidays?" Ichigo asked, watching Ryou.
"We'll discuss that tomorrow. We're going to bed. Kai needs to be to bed as well; it's late. And if you want custody; he needs a regular bedtime. And you have to follow my rules—at least until I don't have full custody of both of them. Goodnight." Ryou replied before walking away with Mai.
"Fine. Night." Ichigo replied, lifting Kai and took him upstairs…