So I fell asleep in the process of writing another chapter. I'm sorry. I won't have a long introduction so let's just get on with the story! Enjoy!~ cptm0ex
Nico didn't think her life would be this great. Being with Maki-chan of all people. Adopting kids together with her. Living with them and waking up to them. Oh yes, this was the good life. But sometimes the good life is too good to be true for long.
"Can you keep it down? Do you want the kids to hear?!" Maki softly yelled, but continued
"I don't understand why you're being like this. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you at first Nico, but now isn't the time to deal with this. I've taken a break from music but now Tsubasa wants me back to write more songs."
"Maki. You know how your life was as a surgeon and as Ame Hime. You barely came home. You... No, we adopted those girls. Those are our children, but I can't take care of them by myself Maki. I'm an idol. I have to work too." Nico crossed her arms and legs
"I know that Nico-chan. I didn't want this to happen. Why do you think I kept it from everyone? It's a burden on everyone, but now I really can't help it. Everyone knows who Ame Hime is. All because I was tired of lying to you."
"You're saying it like you regret that or something. Do you regret it Maki?" Nico frowned
"No! T-that's not what I mean-" Maki started. Her cellphone started buzzing in her pocket.
"This is Nishikino. Yes. Uh-huh. Okay. I'll be right there. Bye."
Maki turned back towards Nico, but she was gone. Sighing, she made her way towards the bedroom to change into her work clothes. Passing by Dia's room, Maki peeped her head in. Dia was sleeping peacefully. Maki leaned her head against the door frame and smiled. She walked in and kissed Dia on the head before heading towards Ruby's room. After softly closing the door, Maki made her way into Ruby's room. Ruby was cuddling with a stuffed animal that Maki had given her. Maki smiled leaned down to kiss Ruby on her head, but stopped. Something about Ruby was off. Her grip on the stuffed animal was tight and she was sweating.
"Nico-chan!" Maki screamed
A few seconds Nico came running into the room and turned the lights on. Dia following her lead. They both ran to Ruby's side and gasped. Ruby had bruises all around her chest. Maki took no time and lifted the girl effortlessly.
"Get in the car. Now!" Maki said
Nico nodded, took Dia's hand, and ran to the car. After making it to the hospital, Maki explained that there was a possibility that she might have missed something during the surgery. That, of course, made Nico question Maki about her job.
"Are you even a real surgeon?! How do you just miss something this big?!" Nico screamed
Maki just sat there. Quiet. She knew Nico-chan was just worried and angry at the same time. u's was gathered into Maki's office.
"No one is blaming you Maki-chan. It's not your fault." Eli comforted
"Yeah! Maki is the best doctor I know, but it's natrual that sometimes you'd mess up! nya~" Rin chuckled nervously
Umi patted Maki on the head and smiled. Maki just looked at the other girl. She had a bruised face from the other night. She felt bad. So many people got hurt because of her. First it was Nico, then it was Ruby and Dia, and now it started hurting her dear friends. Tears started to fill her eyes.
"Requesting Dr. Nishikino to room 328. Repeat Dr. Nishikino to room 328." said a nurse over the intercom.
Maki stood and fixed herself up before nodding off to her friends. She soflty closed the door behind her. How could she miss something this big? She blamed herself for not taking higher precautions for Ruby. Would she be able to fix this? Her thoughts were stopped when she felt eher body hit something soft.
"Oh. Please excuse me, I'm terribly sorry." Maki said as she excused herself and walked into Ruby's room
The woman just smiled walked away.
"Hey Dia-chan. How are you?" Maki smiled
"I could be better. I'm just waiting for Ruby to wake up." the smaller girl replied with a weak smile
"You can sleep next to her you know? I know how uncomfortable those chairs can be."
"Really? It won't mess up her medicine?"
"It won't mess anything up. If anything it would probably make her feel a lot better." the surgeon assured
The smaller girl's smiled brightened as she carefully placed herself next to her little sister. She hugged the smaller girl and closed her eyes. Maki smiled at the two girls and kissed them a goodnight. (on the head guys. On the head. e.e). She sighed as she stepped outside of their room.
"Maki. You can't keep this from have to let her know." a voice spoke
Maki sighed as she lifted her head to face the woman standing in front of her. A look of surprise replaced her frown as she gently hugged the older woman.
"Mama! What are you doing here?"
"I just came to check up on my little girl and her girls. Things haven't been so bright for you have they?" her mother chuckled as she hugged her daughter back
"Mama. I don't know what to do. She's bleeding internally because of her heart. If this keeps going, I don't know how long she has." Maki cried
The older woman just rubbed Maki's back as she listened to Maki. Maki was always a strong and stubborn headed girl. There was only one other person who has seen this side of Maki, she wondered if anything happened to them because of this whole incident.
"How did Nico-chan and everyone take your surprise at the wedding?"
Maki just groaned in response. Her mother didn't need to hear an explanation to know that it didn't go very well. She just chuckled and reassured the younger Nishikino that everything would be alright. They stood there for a while before Maki released her grip on her mother.
"I have to go. I need to find donors for Ruby. She needs a new heart as soon as possible. Thank you mama. For always being here." Maki smiled as she wiped her tears.
Her mother just smiled in response and watched Maki rush away.
"My, My, she's grown up hasn't she?"
Maki's mother just smiled. She recognized that voice anywhere.
"Kurosawa-san. It's been a while." Maki's mother smiled
(A few days later)
"I found one!" Maki yelled happily
Maki closed the folder she was looking at and ran out of the room. She couldn't believe it. She found a reliable donor. After all the looking she has done. Maki ran into her bedroom to inform Nico but her smile dropped.
(Flashback)
"Maki. Don't you think you're overworking yourself?" Nico asks
"I'm fine. I don't know how much time I have so I have to find a donor as soon as possible."
"You're barely home anymore and even when you are, you always lock yourself away in your office. Do you even eat anymore?" Nico frowns
"I... I eat when I can." Maki sighs, still looking though potential donor folders
"It gets lonely when Dia and I are at home and her mama is always out. She misses seeing you, you know?"
"Nico. I'm sorry, but I'm working. I really need to focus on finding a donor. I'm sorry for being so distant recently but I don't have much time."
"You don't have to do this alone Maki-chan. We all want to help, but you don't want us to. This wouldn't be the first time you wouldn't want our help. You may think that it would burden us, but it burdens us more to see you like this. Dia and I are going to be at my house if you even need us." with that Nico walked out of the room
That's right. Maki thought.
Maki has been so distant that it's just now hitting her that Dia and Nico have been staying at Nico's house. She didn't realize how lonely it has actually been without them here. How many days has it been now? Maki didn't even know what day it was or even the time. She checked her phone to see messages from all her friends.
Maki-chan! Are you dead?- Rin
Rin! Don't say that!- Umi
No one has even heard from her for days! Come on Maki-chan let's go out together tonight!- Honoka
Honoka is right Maki-chan. Even if you're working at the hospital, you shouldn't be this busy. You're over working yourself. - Eli
She's fine. Dia and I check up on her everyday and leave a meal for her to eat. Though she hasn't eaten a single plate.- Nico
-Seperate messages-
Maki-chan. Please don't overwork youself- Umi
Hey-o Maki-chan! Wanna go out to eat? nya~ ^o^ - Rin
Maaaaaaaaaaaki-chan! I need help! I think I broke my finger! ;-; - Honoka
Maki didn't read the rest of the messages considering they were all invitations to hang out. She didn't think her friends would notice her being distant. She missed them all dearly, but she had to find a donor. Would they be happy that she overworked herself for Ruby? She shook her head and headed to the bathroom to clean herself up for the day. She had report that she found a donor for Ruby. Once she cleaned herself, Maki headed out the door and into her car. The day was beautiful, but chilly. It felt amazing to have fresh air enter her lungs. She smiled and drove off towards the hospital. Meanwhile, Nico and Dia were on their way to the cafe for lunch.
"Is mama okay?" Dia asks Nico
"I'm sure she's fine. We'll go make dinner for her tonight and maybe she'll eat with us tonight okay?" Nico assured
Dia smiles and nods. She was swinging her legs in the passenger seat. Nico takes a quick glance at the small girl and remembers when they had first met. She was scared, terrified. Nico was glad both sisters trusted her and the rest of the girls. They were her responsibility and Maki's of course.
"Maki..." Nico thought to herself. Was she overreacting? Maki was trying to save Ruby after all. Maybe she shouldn't have went off and brought up the whole Ame Hime situation.
"She should've never lied and just told everyone." Nico said out loud as she pouted
Dia gave Nico a confused look, but decided not to say anything. She knew Nico and Maki weren't on good terms. She could only hope they'd make up soon. They were her mothers after all. After they finally made it to the cafe, Kotori gave both girls a hug and thanked them for coming. Since the cafe was closed today, everyone was enjoying their time together.
"I guess Maki-chan isn't coming?" Hanayo asked
"I called her, but she didn't pick up. I guess she's still busy with the hospital." Honoka replies sadly
"Nico-chan. Has she been replying to you?" Nozomi asks
"Hmph. I haven't talked to her in days."
"Stop being a baby Nico. nya~"
"Who's being a baby?! That damned woman is the one being a baby!" Nico barks
"Watch your mouth. We have a child in here." Eli scolds as Nico turns to see Umi covering Dia's ears and glaring at Nico
"Shall we all go visit Maki-chan at the hospital then?" Nozomi suggests
"Wouldn't that bother her? I'm sure she's busy with a lot." Kotori said as she picks up dishes from the table
"I'm sure it'll be fine! Come on! Let's go!" Honoka said as she stands up, before anyone could object the ex leader was already packing her things and heading out the door
"I guess we're going." Eli rolled her eyes as she, herself, started gathering her things
-
"How are you feeling Ruby-chan?" Maki asks as she sits herself next to the younger girl
"My head kind of hurts but it's just the medicine right?"
"Yes. I'm sorry about that. I'll try to find something that won't make your head hurt okay?"
"It's okay mama! I know it'll make me feel better so I'll be strong and deal with it." Ruby smiles
Maki blushes at the sound of her new name. It's almost impossible to feel this happy. Maki would've never thought she would hear someone call her that so soon. She places her hand on Ruby's and kisses her forehead.
"I'll come back tomorrow okay? If you need anything be sure to call the nurse. I'm not too far from you, I promise I'll come running if you call for me okay?" Maki smiles
"Have a good rest of the day mama! Drive safe and I love you!" Ruby yells as Maki opens the door
"I love you the most." Maki says before she closes the door
She sighed. There was no way in hell that she would give up on that child. That was HER child. Maki gathered her things and headed to her car. It was chilly. Thank god she parked in the parking garage, at least in there it's not as windy. Maki lifted her scarf to cover her mouth before continuing to walk towards her car. She looked around and noticed it was a lot more empty in the garage tonight than any other night. She shrugged it off. As she was walking closer and closer to her car something made her feel cautious. Maki looked off to the side to see another person walking and someone walking towards her. She decided to keep her cool even though she something was about to happen. All Maki could remember was her vision blackening and faint voices.
-
"Dr. Nishikino? She left about an hour ago. Was she expecting you all?" the man at the front desk asks
"She wasn't but we figured we'd surprise her." Eli explains
"Hmm. Now a days the staff here feel like she really needs a surprise. She's been walking around here like a zombie. We are all worried for her."
"Thank you. I'm so happy to hear that its not only us who worry for her." Nico smiles
"Well if you do see her, please let her know that we're all worried for her and that we'll need her signature to approve of Ruby's surgery."
"What surgery?"
"She didn't tell you? She found a donor for Ruby-chan. She was waiting for the paperwork to be approved. We just got noticed. The paperwork came in a few minutes after she left. We've tried calling but she didn't pick up. We can't have the surgery until she signs it."
"I'll sign it! I'm Ruby's mother too." Nico said as she grabs a pen
"As much as we wouldn't mind Yazawa-san, we need the surgeon assigned to the operation to sign it." the man nervously chuckled
"For crying out loud! I'll find her and drag her back here if I have to!" Nico yells
"We need her alive for the surgery Yazawa-san. Please don't kill our best surgeon. Oh! I'm terribly sorry. There's someone else behind you. I have to get back to work. Please have a good rest of the day!"
All the girls nod and walk out of the hospital.
"What now?" Rin asks
"I suppose we could meet her at her house?" Nozomi suggests
"How about we just call her? It would make sense to call and ask where she is than to waste our time going on a wild goose chase." the blue haired girl said
"Just give me a moment then. I'll call her." Nico grunts as she takes her phone out of her pocket and dials Maki's number. A few rings later, Maki picks up.
"Hello?"
"Maki! You actually picked up?"
"Yes. I'm sorry. What is it Nico?"
"Where are you? You need to sign paperwork for Ruby's surgery, which you didn't tell me about."
"The paperwork was approved?! I'm staying at my mother's house for a few days. I'll inform my mother about the surgery."
"Huh? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I've got to go. I'll talk to you soon Nico. I love you."
With that, Maki quickly hung up the phone. Nico stares at her phone in disbelief. Something was off about Maki's tone. She seemed rushed. It almost seems that her responses were scripted and rehearsed.
"Something isn't right." Nico says as she walks back to the group
"What do you mean?" Eli asks
"Maki's tone was weird. She didn't call her mom 'Mama' like she normally does. She said her mother. Apparently, shes staying with her mother for a few days. Did she tell any of you that?" Nico asks
"She didn't tell us anything like that. We haven't even heard from her for days?" Hanayo replies
"I'm telling you something isn't right. She's in trouble."
"Nico-chan. You're overreacting. Maybe she needs her space." Honoka says as she places a hand on Nico's head
"Maki is my girlfriend! I think I would know when something is wrong! She's never talked to me like this or acted like this!"
"Alright alright! Let's just try to figure this out. Raise your hands if you think something is wrong." Eli says
Everyone raised their hands with no hesitation. Eli pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.
"Nicocchi. Do you know where her mother lives?"
"Let's go." was all Nico said before the group of girls headed out
-
The sound of a cellphone slapping shut was heard. Maki flinched and glared at the man standing in front of her. He had a gun to her head and a cigarrette in the other.
"Now that they're out of the way, how about we have a little fun? Maaaaki-chan." the man smirked as he slid the head of the gun on Maki's throat
"Kurokawa. Cut it out. If anything she's mine." a woman said as her voice got closer to Maki
"I don't know how you got out of jail, but you better be ready to head straight back." was all Maki said
A loud slap echoed in the mildy lit room.
"Shut up bitch. It's called bail. Unlike you, we have friends who care for us." Kurokawa smirked
"What do you want?"
The man just grinned and turned to the woman who was standing behind him. Maki was currently tied to a chair in the middle of an unfamilar room. She was looking for any kind of entrance to escape to, but saw none. She attempted to jerk out of her captor's hold but found no luck. They tied her down pretty well.
"These papers are a release form to put those kids back into foster care. Sign them and we'll let you go." Fukumoto says as she raises Maki's chin to face her
Maki jerks her head away form the older woman. She smelled of booze and cigarrettes. The same smell she had when she first encountered the couple. The woman just grins and takes a step back.
"I'd rather die than put those children back into foster care." Maki spits
"You'll die if you don't sign the paperwork. You see, we need those kids. We've already agreed to send them off to the United States to work for someone, and one of our friends will 'adopt' the girls after you place them back in foster care. After they've been adopted they'll get 'kidnapped' and be missing. Those girls will grow up to be true beauties after all." Kurokawa laughs
"I need to call my mother."
"This isn't jail. You don't get a free phone call idiot."
"Ruby will die if no one signs the paper to approve of her surgery. I'm the only one who can sign it unless I pass the surgery on to another surgeon. Idiot."
"No funny business you got it? Any call for help and there will be a bullet in your head before you could scream" The older man growls and opens Maki's phone. He scrolls through her contacts until he finds Maki's mother's number and dials it. Maki nods.
"Hello?"
"Mama. Can I ask you for one last favor?"
"Of course you can. What do you need honey?"
"I have to leave for the United States tommorrow for an Ame Hime concert. Is it possible that you could sign the paperwork for Ruby's surgery?"
"I could, but are you sure? You can't hold off until you're done with the surgery?"
"I wish I could mama, but I've got my hands tied."
"Well... Alright then. I guess it can't be helped. I'll leave now."
"Thank you mama. I love you so much."
Kurokawa hung up the phone and smashes it.
"No more phone calls. Sign the paperwork."
"Go to hell."
-punch-
"Don't make us kill you."
"You can't kill me. You need me to sign the paperwork."
-punch-
Maki smiled the more she was punched. There was no way she was signing those papers. She was prepared to take as many hits as she can handle. She would rather die than send those girls off. Their smiles, their laughs, their happiness. That was the reason she was sitting here being beaten to death. She thought about the mornings of having breakfast with the girls and Nico. Being with the three girls she loved. She was not going to hurt them anymore. Punches were thrown at Maki's face. Cigarettes were scorched on her body everywhere. She didn't care. She was prepared to die for these girls.
"Why are you so stubborn? You'd rather die for these girls than live?"
"Kurokawa-san. Have you ever seen those girls smile?" Maki asks
"Why does it matter?"
"If you ever see them smile because you're the reason, then you'll know why I'm willing to die before I sign those paperworks. Those girls don't deserve to be treated the way you've treated them. They don't deserve to be treated as if they're toys. They have so much for them ahead and you have the heart to ruin their lives. Seeing them smile is what makes me wake up in the morning. They're the reason I want to better myself. I'd rather die than lose that."
Fukumoto growls and walks towards Maki. She pulls Maki by hair and forces Maki to look at her.
"You don't know these girls. Why are you willing to do so much for them? Seeing them smile? Ha! Don't make me laugh."
Maki grins at the older woman then laughs.
"They are Nico-chan and I's daughters. They're my family and if you ever hurt them I promise you'll wish you were in prison. Leave my family alone. If you want to send someone off to the United States then send me. I won't fight back. Just leave them alone."
"Well... If that's the case..."
I'm not sorry. Guys, I literally googled popular japanese last names and that's how I got Kurokawa and Fukumoto. I am sorry, however, for having our dear Maki-chan getting hurt. It wasn't my intention to be honest, but the story needed to progress. Maki is being a badass though. T.T Anyways, I hope you guys really like this chapter because the story is about to get shittier. I'm sorry for being a weird author but bare with me okay? Till next time! ~cptm0ex
