Okay, so I wasn't able to update two months ago. I had a breakdown after I almost failed a class and built up anxiety until Finals, which are over now. I have summer classes, but they're not time consuming and I should be able to update more often, I hope. I'll probably get better once my sister moves in and gets me pumped for updates.

Anyway, here's the overdue chapter! I feel bad that I couldn't finish in time for AkaFuri day... But the drawing requests I got should be done soon! I just need to ink and scan so I can edit digitally.

Chapter 11

Lion vs. Chihuahua

Himuro really didn't know what to make of this situation. Just an hour ago, he and his boyfriend had brought a stranger to the Midorima family's private hospital to make sure she was okay after a homophobic fainting spell.

Now, he was struggling to understand that Furihata Kimiko or Akashi Kimiko—or whatever her real name was—was from the future of a parallel universe wherein he and a bunch of other guys had been born female. And they had given birth to children, as in multiple offspring. More specifically, the offspring of their best friend or (ex-)boyfriend of this reality. The Japanese-American's face flushed for several reasons:

1) He and Atsushi had only been together for a scant two, three months, give or take a few weeks.

2) They hadn't gone past hand-holding and the occasional peck on the cheek.

3) If the ring he was told Naoya had was real, then he himself had been born female.

4) That meant he had given birth to at least one of Atsushi's children.

5) Which insinuated that they had crossed into territory far beyond hand-holding and occasional pecks on the cheek.

6) After hearing Himuro babble that last bit unknowingly, Atsushi looked at him more often with an… imaginative glint in his eyes.

7) And now Himuro couldn't help but wonder if Atsushi's status as a giant carried even lower…

He stopped himself there. More thinking about the subject in a hospital waiting room would lead to embarrassingly awkward events. Instead, he focused on how much had happened since the whole reality-jumper shebang had started:

Today was Friday, late March. It would be April next week, but for now, everyone had officially started on their Spring Break.

Monday was the day Naoya had appeared at Seirin's basketball court, holding the dog he shared an odd resemblance to. Taiga had agreed to keep Naoya at his apartment, it being that he lived alone anyway.

Tuesday had been uneventful, as Naoya stayed home and kept to himself.

Wednesday, unbeknownst to them all before, was the day that second reality-jumper had arrived. Mai had been spotted by Kise, who rescued her from the pestering of some talent scouts. She had proven her identity with her looks alone. (And, not that it mattered, but Kise noticed she shared a few odd habits with Aomine that were cute.)

(…Not that the blond would ever tell the ace that.)

Thursday was… tricky, to say the least. Before Naoya had even though to venture out for a secret playdate with Nigou, Midorima had lost the coin toss for the first time in his life. The Miracle knew something was off as he pedaled Takao to school in their rickshaw. Around the time Naoya snuck off, Suzume had found her way to Shuutoku thanks to the old man who ran the convenience store. Naoya got caught by the balding Fujimoto-sensei and enrolled into Kagami and Kuroko's class. Suzume was scolded twice—once for claiming the impossible, twice for prowling around the boys' locker room in search of Midorima and Takao. After school, Kei had surprised Aomine, causing the latter to seek advice from Kuroko. Suzume was found sleeping in the rickshaw, impressing Takao who decided then and there that the green-eyed girl was indeed his offspring. Midorima, in a bit of a tizzy, blamed the ordeal on Aomine (something about Virgos and windows of opportunity for events passed) and the departed for Touou—with Midorima at the wheel once again. Kuroko and Kagami arrived with Naoya first, then Midorima and Takao with Suzume. The Seirin duo dealt with a fuming 3-point shooter while Aomine and Kei snuck home. Takao took Suzume in for the night.

Friday—today, rather—was just a complete mess. Midorima had started his morning off rather sourly. Takao had forsaken him for the day, leaving little choice for the Miracle but to discover that Suzume really was his daughter with Takao. Not only that, but Himuro sensed Midorima was starting to realize that perhaps gender was not an issue when it came to his romantic interests. Takao, on the other hand, didn't know how to handle the changes in his relationship with his best friend just yet. Aomine had taken Kei shopping, only to run into Kise and Mai along the way. Their two kids had been trusted to their own devices while Aomine confronted Kise on the status of their relationship, which wasn't all that peachy at the moment. Kuroko and Taiga had skipped school to take Naoya to the amusement park, where Himuro himself was working. They were tricked into the Labyrinth, the Furihata Kimiko girl had a nosebleed, they got out, and Naoya was scolded. Himuro called Murasakibara to pick him up and take them to the hospital. Kagami, Kuroko, and Naoya had gone downtown to get lunch, where Naoya ran into Kei and Mai and was pushed into oncoming traffic by accident. Everyone eventually ended up here, in the waiting room, and

All in all, the parents were known, but five kids were still missing. It pained Himuro a little to think that neither of his kids had been found, but he knew they'd be okay somehow. Besides, he had to concentrate on keeping his cool while Atsushi blatantly stared at him and licked his lips. Himuro only prayed that one of Furihata Kimiko's parents showed up to claim her so he and Atsushi could leave.

…Not that he was planning anything in particular afterwards!

Furihata woke from his nap with a start.

After school let out for Spring Break, he'd gone home to his apartment to relax and passed out on the couch for a spell. He'd had a nice dream, but it had left him feeling empty and a little more than sad.

He'd dreamed of being in a relationship. Of course, he hadn't exactly seen the face of his mystery lover, but he knew he was off the deep end with his feelings. There was a flutter in his stomach that wouldn't settle, warmth welling in his chest. Their kisses had had a euphoric effect, making him weak in the knees and had him sighing contentedly. That much was all he had to go on. Furihata had loved him so much.

And he knew it was a him after he'd given up on Satsuki from his class and started to fixate on… someone else, who was probably even more unattainable than Satsuki had been. It was unlikely, implausible, and straight out impossible.

But it was all just a dream, after all. Once his chocolate brown eyes opened, he was gone, and so was the love. What a strange phenomenon it had been, a cruel trick of fate—after all, he'd just met the guy something like six months ago.

Brokenhearted by a figment of imagination. A sigh crept past his lips as he checked his phone for the time: about half past five. So he'd only been out for a little more than an hour? It felt like longer. Peering at his cell a second time, he saw that he had 2 missed calls from Kagami, 3 from Kuroko, and 17 new messages in total. Curious, he opened up his inbox.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
4:14 PM

Furihata-kun, I know this may seem
sudden, but you are needed at Midorima
Private Hospital in downtown Tokyo.
This is urgent.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
4:29 PM

Furihata-kun, please reply. This is an
urgent matter.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kagami Taiga
4:32 PM

Furi, get over here already! Everyone's
getting worried.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
4:33 PM

The nurses are getting a little annoyed
now. Please reply.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
4:37 PM

You're not in any trouble, Furihata-kun.
Just please come to the Midorima
Private Hospital downtown. I can give
you directions if you need them.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
4:39 PM

Please reply. This is a dire situation.
Your response is of great consequence.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kagami Taiga
4:46 PM

The nurses are gettin' pretty pissed,
Furi. They can't let her out of the
hospital until a relative or legal
guardian comes to claim her.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
4:48 PM

Please reply. One of the nurses just
tried to call the police to have us arrested
for withholding information about a minor.
I'm not sure if that's a valid threat, but
she sounded pretty serious.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
4:49 PM

It seems the threat was a joke. Her
coworkers explained she's not very good
at lightening the mood.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
4:54 PM

In all seriousness, please answer,
Furihata-kun. It's been 40 minutes.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kagami Taiga
5:01 PM

You better be asleep or dying, Furi.
Kuroko's freaking out. Kind of.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
5:03 PM

I'm getting worried about you,
Furihata-kun. Are you okay? Please
reply.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
5:04 PM

Kimiko-san is getting worried about
you, too.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
5:09 PM

It just occurred to me that we haven't
told you, but Kimiko-san appears to be
your daughter.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kagami Taiga
5:17 PM

Mother, this is Kimiko. They said texting
you was permitted. Please come to the
hospital.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kagami Taiga
5:21 PM

Mother, please don't leave me here.
These fools are driving me mad. Please
report at once.

—

Subject: [none]
From: Kuroko Tetsuya
5:23 PM

Furihata-kun, it's been over an hour. If
you don't respond by 5:45, I will be
forced to call Kimiko's father. In other
words, your husband. I'll bring him and
Kimiko to your house tomorrow if I have
to.

—

Furihata panicked. His daughter? At the Midorima Private Hospital?! Husband?! He wouldn't put it past the Phantom to act on his words and quickly messaged that he would be there ASAP. Worried that he might have been too late sending the text, Furihata checked the time.

5:46 PM

Oh no.

That evening, Furihata found himself lost in downtown Tokyo. In his haste, he'd forgotten his cellphone at home and was rendered unable to contact someone for directions. True, he could've asked anyone off the streets, but he'd chickened out of it. Instead, he wandered around a bit, turning back and forth, debating with himself about which way to go. Furihata ultimately gave up and sat at a bench outside the nearby dog park.

"Excuse me, I noticed you seemed a bit lost. Can I be of any directional assistance, little Chihuahua?"

"Little Chihuahua?" Furihata looked up at the stranger who had approached him and managed to push himself off the other side of the bench in shock. Akashi Seijuurou?!

The redhead merely chuckled to himself and moved to help the Seirin player to his feet. "That was quite an interesting reaction. Relax. I don't bite, Furihata Kouki."

Furihata was bewildered and speechless. What was the Emperor doing in a place like this? Choked beginnings of sentences were all he was able to squeak out as he tried to straighten himself up. "I-I-I need to get t-to Midorima Private Hospital…" Akashi looked mildly surprised.

"I'm on my way there as well. You might was well tag along, since I'd feel guilty about letting someone's lost dog wander on its own," he joked. Furihata had little choice but to follow on the captain's heels as he started on his way. "If you don't mind my asking, what business do you have at a private hospital, Furihata Kouki?"

"Um…" the brunet stuttered. As absolute as Akashi was, Furihata was sure he wouldn't understand his predicament. Who would believe that he had a teenage daughter and a husband waiting for him? "I-I don't mean t-to be rude, but it's a little… complicated. It's hard for me to explain."

The Emperor nodded in understanding. "Don't feel obliged to answer, it was just a formality. Ah, it appears that we've arrived, so I'll send you on your way."

Furihata realized they were standing in the lobby of the hospital already. But how—? He shook it off, owing the surprisingly quick walk to the fact that Akashi made him a flustered nervous wreck. Bowing from the waist, he sputtered, "Thank you very much for your help, Akashi-san!"

Akashi was taken aback, but seconds later he smiled (in a way the brunet noted was not at all creepy). "You know, I've never heard you use my name to address me before. Helping you was of no consequence, and I hope life treats you well, Furihata Kouki."

For whatever reason, the Seirin player could feel himself blushing and took that as his cue to leave and promptly padded down a hallway that would lead him to the waiting room Kagami and Kuroko had mentioned. The only problem was… Akashi Seijuurou was also traversing the same hallway, about ten paces behind. Furihata pretended to not have noticed, but he was so tempted to face the captain and ask why he was being pursued. Of course, he found he lacked the nerve to do so and settled for the pregnant silence between them.

They ended up at the same place after all, and the sheer number of people staring at their odd combo was overwhelming. There were the Generation of Miracles (the other four and the Shadow) plus some of their teammates, a few other teenagers he didn't recognize, and a strict-looking woman in a lab coat. However, all of them seemed to be expecting the lion and the Chihuahua to arrive and were completely unfazed.

"Ah, Furihata-kun, you made it," Kuroko commented. "And you took the opportunity to get here with your husband while you were at it."

Furihata paled. The Phantom did say he would be forced to call upon his husband if he replied too late (which he did), but he didn't think…

"I'm sorry, Tetsuya, I don't follow," Akashi said, genuinely confused. "Is this your idea of a joke? I'm afraid I don't understand."

"It's not a joke, I assure you, Akashi-kun. Even Furihata-kun knows about your daughter."

Heterochromatic eyes stared at the brunet. "I knew about the daughter," Furihata murmured, "but I didn't know about you… Being my…" Akashi did not respond.

"Anyway, when you're ready to meet her, Kimiko-san is asleep in Exam Room 1," Kuroko yawned, retreating to Kagami's side.

Akashi leaned to the brunet, lowering his voice to a growl. "Furihata Kouki, what is the meaning of this?" He blanched and swallowed dryly, whispering back.

"I-I think it would be best to meet Kimiko-san first before I try to explain." Akashi narrowed his eyes, mulling over his choices. A hand slipped to the small of Furihata's quivering back.

"Very well," the Emperor conceded, shepherding the shorter boy forward. "I hope, for your sake, that you don't disappoint me, little Chihuahua."

Kimiko was indeed fast asleep. Furihata couldn't help but feel nervous as Akashi studied her sleeping figure. She looked rather graceful, he noted, as though she were posing for a portrait and was resting her eyes. Auburn locks—a shade between his own chestnut brown and Akashi's vibrant scarlet—was tossed about her head, though Furihata guessd that the ornament in her hands was for holding up her long hair. She'd inherited Akashi's rather button-like nose, but her bow-shaped pout was something he'd seen in the mirror. Kimiko stirred, lazily opening an eye for the new presences in the room.

Upon recognition, she bolted upright, eyes wide and panicked. She'd gotten Akashi's feline eyes, though the small chocolate irises were decidedly his.

"Father!" she blurted, bowing to him. "And Mother! Or rather— Forgive my insolence, your proper names escape me at this moment!" Kimiko stood stiffly, bowing deeply at the waist. When she didn't straighten back up it became clear to Furihata that she may have been waiting for some sort of permission.

"Um, don't mind it. Kimiko-san, was it? Are you really… Y'know…?" Akashi didn't say anything as Furihata stuttered on. The redhead seemed to be regarding Kimiko's actions in some form of evaluation. She straightened hastily, but she didn't look them in the eyes, keeping her gaze trained on the floor.

"My apologies! I should have addressed myself first without being asked! My name is… My name is Furihata Kimiko! It's an honor to meet you both!"

"Um… Kimiko-san, is it true that…? I mean, are you…?"

"Do you claim to the future result of my copulation with a female version of Furihata-san?"

Furihata's face exploded into rosy hues as Akashi looked on. To him, it was completely surprising that Akashi even mentioned... copulating. With him. (Well, a female version of him, but still him.) To the Emperor, the mere fact that this girl tried to tie herself to the Akashi bloodline was no laughing matter.

"Y-yes!" she sputtered. "I can explain, sir!"

Sir? Perhaps he was being too harsh too soon if she was tripping over herself worse than the little Chihuahua cowering next to him. Nevertheless, he did rather like the sound of being called an authority…

"My name is actually Akashi Kimiko! I apologize for my insolence earlier when I lied to you about my name, sir! I am the firstborn child of Akashi Seijuurou and Akashi Kohana, formerly Furihata Kohana! I was born on the 15th day of February, 2018! I came to this alternate version of the past in order to fulfill a task I cannot yet disclose to you at this time!"

"And how was it exactly that you came to be here?" Akashi asked, none too kindly. This was, after all, a very serious insinuation he was facing.

She fidgeted. "That's… the mechanics of the process are lost on me, I admit. My younger brother would be able to enlighten you on this matter, but I…"

"Th-that's okay!" Furihata stammered. "I don't think I'd be able to wrap my head around it, anyway."

"And where, exactly, were you planning on staying, seeing as to your reluctance to disclose your identity?"

"I…I hadn't thought of it. I apologize for my actions. I will seek lodgings elsewhere, if you prefer I keep my distance."

Furihata jumped in, feeling that he should be responsible for his child. "That won't be necessary! I can take her in! If I explain that she's a family member who'll start school here in the city, I'm sure my landlord will let her stay!"

The Lion looked on at the quivering pup next to him. "Impressive," he managed, sounding genuinely surprised. "You live in an apartment by yourself, Furihata Kouki?"

"Y-yes, well, I'm from Kanagawa, but I came to study here in Tokyo until I can take over a job. And my parents were willing to let me live by myself."

"Hm. I see." Akashi studied the auburn-haired girl a moment longer before he turned to leave. "I trust you can look after her?"

"O-of course, Akashi-san!"

"Very well. I'll step out for now."

Kimiko picked at her shirt nervously, eyebrows creased worriedly at the door Akashi had walk out through. "Mother?" Furihata blushed and pointed to himself.

"Do you mean me?"

"Ah, yes! I can call you by name if you prefer. I know it must be unseemly that a young teenage male such as yourself could birth an oddity like me. Should I call you by your surname or your given name?"

"Just 'Kou' is fine, actually. But when we're just at the apartment, you could call me 'Mother.' …if you want to, that is! I know I'll never compare to your real mother, but I can try to if it'll make you feel better!"

The girl's eyebrows furrowed at the prospect. "But surely, simply calling you 'Kou' is far too informal. How about I call you 'Kou-san'?"

"Well, if you're comfortable with it, then 'Kou-san' it is. And what do you want me to call you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like, did I have a nickname for you? Would you want me to use it, or do want to just be 'Kimiko-san'?"

"I did have a nickname…" she started, then shook her head. "No, I think it's best to just call me by my name."

"Oh." Furihata was a little disappointed despite what he'd said earlier; he'd never compare to her real mother. "Then 'Kimiko' it is. And speaking of names, what last name will you be going by? I need to have a solid background story for you when I talk to my landlord."

"Would it trouble you if I went by your surname?"

"Why? I mean, you are a member of the Akashi family, too. It's the name you were born with. …Not that I'm particularly worried! I'm just curious."

Kimiko looked down, the white-tiled floor seeming far and unstable. "I don't think I'm suitable enough for the name. I have no right to claim it as my own."

"Of course you do, you were born into the Akashi family! Why would you refuse your birthright?"

"I was born into the Akashi family," she agreed, "but not in this universe. I'm not even supposed to exist here. And I don't think Father… Akashi-sama takes kindly to anomalies that could jeopardize the family name."

"But you're his daughter!"

"I'm your daughter, too."

Right. He'd forgotten she was theirs. It was still odd to think he could be so close to a person like Akashi Seijuurou when they hadn't even had an actual, proper conversation. He shook his head—right now, even Kimiko's name was something she was unsure of. Furihata needed to show her that she could relax here and not worry about every minute detail. He was sure Akashi-san could see this was an important matter. Even an Emperor had to care about his daughter.

"A-anyway, we should just ask him. And then we can get you to the apartment and you can relax until tomorrow. Come on," he coaxed. Hesitantly she stepped off the examination table and collected herself enough to fashion her hair into something of a side ponytail. Furihata was right—the object she'd been holding was a hair ornament, and a very elaborate hair ornament at that. It suited her well.

But Kimiko didn't seem any more relaxed. If anything, she seemed more unnerved than before. Furihata sighed as she passed him and trekked out to the waiting room. He had to improve his people skills. If he couldn't smooth things over with the daughter willing to trust him, how could he smooth things over with the esteemed, unreachable Akashi Seijuurou?

They never did get the chance to ask Akashi if Kimiko could address herself by her real name. She was disheartened at the news. Furihata was shocked, and little more than mad. To be honest, he'd expected more from the man called Emperor.

Akashi had left Exam Room 1, that much Kimiko and Furihata knew. What they didn't know was that Akashi had left. He was gone from the hospital. He had bailed on them.

"Never mind him, Kimiko," Furihata had said, still annoyed. "Even if he has a reason for leaving, he should have stayed anyway. Besides, you're my daughter, too."

Kimiko offered a tiny smile. Furihata Kimiko it was.

The following Saturday morning was a rare occasion where Akashi allowed himself to sleep in. Normally, he'd have woken earlier to start on his review of old company records. True, it wasn't a thing usual 16-year-old boys did, but he was a little more than unusual. After all, he was inheriting the company after graduating high school. Granted, he wouldn't have full control, no. He'd go to college first, major in business management, and then stake his righteous claim. But it never hurt to prepare for what was to come, and that meant intense self-studies of company management.

Nonetheless, a private little reward of leniency was needed once in a while. Needless to say it didn't happen often, nor did he ever tolerate waking past ten in the morning.

Today, however, was an exception.

The Emperor roused from slumber around a quarter to noon. He'd never slept in so late. Then again he'd never pondered over his personal affairs until the early morning hours either. After yesterday's nonsense with that "from the future" ploy, he figured he needed the day to himself. He needed to think.

Akashi Seijuurou was ruthless, yes, but he wasn't totally apathetic. Had he not been born into the Akashi family, he would have taken that girl in immediately and housed her until the truth about her origins were certain. However, an Akashi he had been born and raised, and those of his bloodline never handled this kind of situation without caution. Extreme caution.

He did hope in earnest to help that Kimiko girl, really, but what more could he actually do? More information was required before he could reach a sound verdict. There was absolutely no way he could determine if her words rang true or if they were a crafty lie woven to sully the Akashi name.

Akashi rubbed the sleep from his tired eyes. Maybe he could have been a little clearer about his intentions with the two people he was tied to. If the little Chihuahua and his pup really were part of the family he created, he hoped they'd understand his reasons. If they weren't, what reason had they to lie? Akashi found himself leaning towards the first scenario; he was loath to admit, but there was a simple kind of charm to the brunet and the way he trembled when Akashi was near. Of course, it was out of fear, but the scarlet-haired teen couldn't help thinking it'd be nice to have Furihata trembling beneath for decidedly different reasons.

Immediately he brushed the notion aside. Emperors did not think of cowards in such vulgar ways.

Akashi sighed wearily. Obviously, thinking about the situation at hand was counterproductive. If he kept on, he'd only waste the time he could spend working. Another heavy breath prepared him to finally get out of bed.

At around four, Akashi was deep into his studies, records and books stacked high beside him. He planned to finish them, but distractions kept—

"Seijuurou-sama, your father requests your presence in his study at once."

—popping up. This was one of them, he supposed. Sighing, he pushed away from his work and told the maid to make sure no one moved the books. Impatiently he padded over a few doors down the hallway and knocked on a rather large set of mahogany double doors. Without a reply he pushed in and closed the door behind him.

"Good afternoon, Father."

"Seijuurou," the man acknowledged. Have a seat. There's business to be discussed."

Akashi frowned but sat nonetheless. What was this about? Akashi Hideki was a no-nonsense man, so why the sudden summons? He'd never called his son for a conference without making an appointment first.

"This is against protocol, Father. I trust you are aware of this fact?" he asked pointedly, a little bitter at having been called upon.

"Yes, however, this is a pressing matter that cannot wait until tomorrow. This regards your future as the CEO of the company. As you know, a small branch of the company in Tokyo is merging with our top competitor in the area, Zaizen Enterprises. You will still discuss with the head of the project on the proceedings, but there has been a change as to who the project advocate is."

That was it? Yawn. It didn't matter who Akashi was talking to. His word was absolute. The merge would be completed regardless of unimportant changes in circumstance. "And with whom will I be negotiating?"

"That's why I called you here. Apparently, Zaizen has kept her heir a secret from the corporate world, but this merge will be his first move into the light. From what I've gathered he's around your age and lives in the city, even though Zaizen herself lives in Kanagawa. I haven't met him myself, so I have no further instruction on the subject other than to make a good first impression."

"Of course, Father. Does this dark horse at least have a name?"

"I believe it was something along the lines of Furihata Kouki? Zaizen only mentioned her son's name in passing."

Akashi paled. "Very well, Father. Is that all? I'd like to return to my studies."

"You are dismissed."

The Emperor returned to his own desk and closed the books he'd left open. How had he not foreseen this? Usual 16-year-old boys did not live in apartments by themselves in an entirely different prefecture. And even if they did, they'd find a job after high school, not take one over. It wasn't an overt conclusion he could have reached, but he could have deduced such from the simple facts.

This new information made him wish he had been honest about his intentions after all. It would be harder to convince Furihata Kouki he meant well now that he knew they'd be working together on a corporate project. He breathed forcibly and ran a hand through his hair. Control over this situation was being lost with all the wild variables being thrown at him. The last thing Akashi needed was to rush into a business meeting with the little Chihuahua before he could explain himself properly—

The knocking on his study door jarred him back to reality. "Come in."

Akashi Hideki entered. "Seijuurou, Zaizen just called. Her son wants to talk over dinner tonight at seven, at the McKinley Hotel." And his father promptly left.

The lion noted begrudgingly that the little Chihuahua's word was absolute.

I feel like the chapter is lacking its usual luster... but it was a lot of feelings and not a lot of action. Murrrrr. Chapter 12 should have more stuff going on, since we get a two-for-one deal on the MuraMuro (MuraHimu?) kids! (I call Atsushi and Tatsuya MuraMuro cuz it's catchy.)

The Find the Kids arc should draw to a close soon, and that means we'll learn how they got there and why! It also means that the actual shipping will start!

Stay safe, duckies!

-Randomness

hitomi65: Thank you, ducky~

Rie-chi: XD I know, right? Shame on him. But Kagami and Kuroko won't press charges because the whole thing was an accident and Mama Midorima has them covered.

xXxLoveLessVampirexXx: Awww, thank you so much! I love it when people tell me their OTPs are here! It lets me know I'm not the only one who ships all these flaming basketball homos together. X3 I hope I can keep it up in later chapters!

Fantita: Of course! I'd never give up writing this fic! I only hope that I can write future chapters at a faster rate. I mean, it's a few days past this story's first birthday and I'm just posting the 11th chapter. That's less than a chapter a month. (Ack. I feel terrible about it!)

Yeah, I do feel bad about throwing Naoya under the bus like that (or under the car) but Kuroko needed to be honest about how he felt! And it'll be an important anchor for the other reality jumpers. I'm glad you like Mido-chan's mom and that the "butthurt" part made you laugh! (I try to be humorous but often fail.) Yes, you called it! The Akafuri jumpstart was at the hospital!

sora yagami 4869: Yeah, sorry the update took so long. -_-" Akashi's daughter is indeed here, and Naoya's sister will actually show up in the 13th chapter. Please look forward to it!

thecoldforest: You were right! Aka-chan doesn't like drama, but he's not good at avoiding it either. (I mean, Furi's pretty miffed that he left them at the hospital.) Hope you enjoy the next chapter, too!

Akafurilover (guest): Here's the reaction you were looking for, I hope it met your expectations! Hope you enjoyed, ducky~

mandy1234: OMG XD I hope you liked the chapter! The next one will be here soon. :D

kroscetish: Awww yeah I can't wait to start the actual shipping arc! I'm pretty sure y'all are gonna get cavities or something... (At least my friends tell me I write fluff like I'm some kinda cotton candy machine.) I'm glad you're actually guessing about the characters and who they are! Makes me feel like I'm dropping hints and not bombs.

And Akafuri! *squee!* OMg yes they will be adorbs together... once Furi gets to vent at Aka for being a cryptic dork. XD The girl from the amusement park (Kiyomi) actually isn't MuraHimu's daughter, but she IS a jumper. It's just that her purpose for being there is different from the MiraGen kids. Good guess, though! (Now let's see if you can guess who her parents are, lol :3) And you won't have to wait long for the other jumpers—both MuraHimu kids show up next chapter! (Himu-chan was worried for nothing, haha)

Thank you for reading and for always leaving such awesome reviews! X3 I always look forward to it. See you next chapter!

sweetsmasher: Yay! I'm so glad you like Kimiko! She'll be a huge part of the next chapter, too. Of course I'll draw Kimiko! I'll try to finish the drawing of her soon so I can post it on my Tumblr! (Let me know if you need the link!) And thank for the request~

YaoiBased: Thank you for enjoying~ And hot damn you reviewers are good at calling me out on my ships... KiyoHana will be a thing eventually, don't worry. :3

Haruka Kuze: Thank you~ I shall continue soon!

charcoal246: Even if you read this on a whim, I'm still glad you read it! Thanks~ I'm sorry for all the cliffhangers, but y'all would read an entire book if I didn't drop them... ^-^" I hope you enjoy future chapters!

Secret (guest): Haha, here's your Emperor! I hope he's all that a bag of chips.

ichihoe: Ahhhhh thank you, you are too kind! I'm glad I kept you up to read, but I also apologize for your lack of sleep... And my writing is witty and everyone is in character? Thanks for thinking so! I try to make it that way, and I'm glad I dragged you down with my other ships! *insert evil laughter here* I hope you enjoy future chapters as well! :3