Author's Note: Sorry for the depressingness of the last chapter, it was hard for me to type it. But, it had to be done. I will get as many chapters in as possible before I leave. Please feel free to write me with ideas or to say hello, I always write back.
The entire Sohma family was gathered at the main house, all discussing the latest trouble their family had gotten into. Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure had managed to get themselves in prison and sued too.
"Attention." Hatori said, disgruntled that the family ignored him. "Hem, attention!" Finally, they all looked up at him. "My dear family," Hatori said, taking a deep breath. "You all know about the tragedy that happened just a few days ago. Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure are in prison, and are being sued by Kyo's ex-wife for child abuse." He paused, looking over the many heads of the family.
"Akito is dead. We're acting like he's still here and in control of us." Someone stood in the back, Kazuma, Kyo's adoptive father. "All of us here care for one other in some way, we have to get these three out of jail, and get Marleo back."
"I agree with Kazuma." Kagura Sohma stood, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Kyo may not have chosen me, but I still love him! I will do anything to keep him safe, you all know this." A few members blanched, nodding and muttering about Kagura's love for Kyo and her ways of showing it.
"Kyo may be a bastard, Shigure a pervert, and Yuki… Yuki, but they're my family and I will stand by that," Hatsuharu stood up, gripping Rin's hand. The family members all nodded and muttered amongst themselves, then Ayame stood up from his seat by Hatori.
"I will get my brother out."
"We'll help," Everyone turned to see Kisa and Hiro standing together, hands laced together tightly.
"It's settled. But, we can't do this alone. I know just the people to help too." Hatori said, his voice barely above a whisper. He looked to Ayame, who had that very knowing smile on his face.
"Coming!" Tohru called, running towards the front door of her house. On the way, she tripped over a rug, righted herself and opened the door. She grinned widely, seeing Arisa and Hana there, Kureno behind them.
"Hey, you." Uo grinned at her and stepped inside, tugging Kureno after her. Hana followed, handing a note to Tohru. "We got that from you."
Hana and Uo-chan
Come to my house sometime today, bring Kureno too!
Tohru
Tohru frowned and looked at Hana.
"This isn't my handwriting."
"We know," Hana said softly, looking around. "It is far too messy. Like a doctor's scrawl." She said and shut the door, sitting down in a chair.
"Hello!" Ayame suddenly burst into the house, his voice echoing everywhere. You could hear Hatori grumbling, followed by Haru's cursing. Tohru grinned and scurried to go make some tea, while Uo and Hana looked at each other. Where was Kyo and Yuki?
After everyone had managed to settle themselves down, Hatori cleared his throat and looked at the group of people cramped into the kitchen.
"I have some terrible news, Miss Honda. Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure are in prison." He winced as her eyes filled with tears. Hana and Uo both leaned over, hugging her tightly. "Kyo's ex-wife is suing him for possession of their son, also for child abuse."
"That's crazy!" Tohru jumped up. "Kyo would never…!"
"My dear Tohru, calm down." Ayame said, taking her hand and patting it. "We need you to help us win and get my brother and cousins out. Miss Hanajima and Arisa can help."
"We'll do it." Uo said firmly, holding onto Tohru and Kureno's hands. "But, we need a lawyer or something."
"We have just the ones." Hatori smirked. "Machi and Ritsu Sohma. A hearing is scheduled two months from today, and right now we are going to appeal to get Marleo in our possession." And with that, Machi and Ritsu entered the house.
"Oh my gosh! Machi, you married Yuki!" Tohru exclaimed, hugging Machi tightly. "And Ritsu, you're an attorney!"
"Yes I am." Ritsu smiled shyly and looked at Machi. "Let's get Marleo back."
"Machi Sohma, lawyer for the Sohma family in the case of possession of Marleo Sohma, son of Kyo Sohma." Machi said, sliding her business card to the judge.
"Mrs. Sohma, pleasure to meet you. What can I help you with?"
"As you know, sir, Marleo Sohma's father is in jail. We would like to request possession of the boy until said trial is over with. The child needs to be with his family." She said quite promptly.
"And in no way do I disagree with that, ma'am." The judge said. "Do you have a directly related guardian here?"
"We all are." Machi said, motioning to the group of Sohma's outside the office. "But this man is Kyo Sohma's father, therefore Marleo's grandfather." She said, motioning for Kazuma to step forward.
"Permission granted. I will be sending tenants to check up on the boy weekly. Please fill out the paperwork."
"He can stay with me." Kazuma said, holding Marleo close. "Hatori, what about you?"
"No, thank you. I cannot handle children. What about Miss Honda?" Hatori said to Ayame and Kazuma as they spoke in a circle. "She is excellent with children."
"I have a vague feeling Kyo would like that too…"
"Oh, Miss Honda!" Ayame grinned, waving her over. "Would you like to be Marleo's mother?"
"Of course!" Tohru gasped, taking Marleo and cradling him close. The boy opened his eyes and gazed up at her, a small smile splitting his face. "Let's go home."
This chapter is considerably happier then the last, no?