Author's Note: Wow. It's been... well, a major long time since I have updated. I will explain. I did not abandon this story. At first, it was a huge case of Writer's Block. But then, my life took a quick turn for the worse. I couldn't have the mindset to finish this story, when I had more important things to think and worry about. But, do not worry. I'm okay! You're okay! (Hopefully :D) And, now here is the final chapter. Stay tuned for the epilogue.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Kodocha, but I DO own Baby Koharu. Thank you!
Chapter 17: Picking up the pieces
"Thoughts"
"Talking"
Akito walked in the door to hear the phone ringing. He ran like no tomorrow, hoping it was Sana. She had promised to call him two days ago, and she had not called him yet. He picked up the phone. "Hello?" He waited. There was silence. "Hello?" He said, again. He was about to hang up, when a very whispered "Akito." came through the phone. Akito leaned against the wall, since the phone was not cordless."Sana? What is it? What's wrong?" He thought it was just her being emotional or something like that. "Sana?" He asked. There was more silence. It became awkward until, "Akito.. I'm so sorry."
"What? What are you sorry for? Tell me what's wrong." Sana whispered, "I.. I.." Akito urged her on. "Yes?"
"I lost the baby." It sounded clear as day, almost like it was the simplest thing to say. Akito's eyes widened, and he collapsed onto the ground. "What? What are you.."
"He's dead, Akito. Our baby is dead." Once again, Sana sounded calm and collected. Akito was confused. "He?" Akito asked. Now, he understood that she meant the new one, not Koharu. Words couldn't even form. "He.. he's dead?" He couldn't process it. He could only hear the constant silence. "How did this happen?" He asked. Sana spoke. "I don't know what happened. I went to my ultrasound two days ago, like I said I was. He.. he was dead that whole day. I'm waiting for the autopsy report to come back. Well, Mama is anyway." Akito was still in shock. "Wh.. where are you right now?"
"I'm at the hospital. The doctors want to keep me here for the rest of the week."
"Why?"
"Well, they delivered the baby, and took him away. I have to recover from the surgery."
"Surgery?"
"Obviously. They weren't going to make me give birth to the thing." She said, sarcastically. "Thing? That's new." Akito sighed deeply. He didn't know what to do. He didn't know what to say. He just lost his son. His son. Lord knows what was truly going through Sana's head right now. She acted like there was nothing wrong. She didn't speak much, and didn't seem upset at all. Akito, however, was in pure shock. Sana probably was too. She was doing a great job hiding it. Nobody expected this. "I know.." Sana started. Akito listened. "I know that all of this was sudden, but I never.. never wanted to lose him."
"Of course you didn't. Nobody did. How is everyone else?" Akito asked. Sana breathed, and let it out. "They're probably upset with me right now. Mama didn't even know I was pregnant, until I called and said that.. I lost a baby. Obviously, it wasn't Koharu. She was with her when I called."
"Your mother never knew about this?"
"No. Why, does your father know?" Akito let out a breath too. "Well, no. I'm just shocked. I figured your mother would have known."
"No, she didn't."
"Where is Koharu at?"
"She's with Mama. And Mama, I don't know where she is."
"How is Koharu?" Sana spoke honestly. "I don't know. I haven't seen her since I gave her to Tsuyoshi the other day."
"What? Why?" There was a very frustrated sigh, as if the answer was so obvious. "I didn't want her to see me like this, are you nuts?" Sana shouted. "See me like this?" Akito thought. That must mean that she is a wreck, just doesn't want to show it. There was silence once again, other than the constant beeping Akito could hear coming from the hospital room. Randomly, Sana spoke. "Oh, a nurse is here. I'll talk to you later." She didn't even give him a chance to say goodbye, and she hung up. All Akito could hear was the beeping of the phone. He just let it go, didn't even bother to put it back. He brought his knees up to his chest, and just sat there. He didn't know what to do. "I want to go home." He mumbled to himself. He remained on the floor, and laid his head on his knees. He heard the door open, and his sister shouted, "Akito! Where are you? Come get some food!" She walked in the living room, with two boxes of sushi in her arms. "Oh, there you are. I got sushi!" She saw he was on the floor, and his face was hidden. "Akito? What's up? Are you okay?" Akito didn't budge, and remained silent. She walked by, and noticed the still beeping phone dangling against the wall. She picked it up, and put it back in it's place. "Akito. What's wrong? Does your arm hurt?" She knelt down beside him, and touched his shoulder. "Akito?" Suddenly, he lifted up his head, and Natsumi saw a tear run down her little brother's cheek. "Akito.." Before she could finish, Akito abruptly stood up, and ran up the stairs. She was taken aback. She had never seen one tear fall from his eye, ever. Shocked, Natsumi stood up and waited by the stairs. She didn't want to push him, and make him more upset. About five minutes passed, and Akito appeared at the stairs. "Natsumi." He said, before walking towards the door. He had a suitcase in his hand. "Yes?" She asked. She didn't even bother to follow him, but she asked again, "Akito, tell me what's going on!" Akito sighed, then turned his head towards her. "To make it sweet and short, Sana was pregnant again, the baby is dead, I'm going home. See ya later." He was about to slam the door, when Natsumi opened it back. "Wait, what?" Akito rolled his eyes. He didn't have time for questions or explanations. "Tell Dad what happened, when he gets here. Sana is more important than my arm getting better. I just called the airport, and my flight back to Japan is at 3. I'll try to call when I get there. Don't even try to stop me!" With that, he slammed the door once again. Natsumi didn't stop him this time. She walked towards the couch, and collapsed. "Oh, boy." She had a lot of explaining to do.
"Sana, dear, please eat something." Misako said, pushing a tray of food towards Sana. "No, Mama. I'm not hungry." She pushed the tray away. "Sana.." Misako urged. Sana turned her head away. "No!" Misako was getting slightly irritated. It had been three days, and she would not eat. This was not good for her, and the doctors were about ready to force feed her. "Sana, if you don't eat.."
"I don't care." Sana mumbled. "Mama, just leave me alone." Misako sighed, and pulled the tray away from the bed. "Sana, I.."
"Please, Mama? I just want to be alone." Misako sighed again, and then nodded. "Okay. Fine, I'll be back later. Oh, and you might want to get some sleep too." Misako pressed a button, and the bed lowered, so Sana could sleep. Sana had not slept in three days either. Misako kissed Sana's forehead, and walked to the door. "I'll be back in a little bit." She turned off the light to the room, and walked out the door. Sana turned over on her side, and stared at the wall, with her back facing the door.
Once Misako had closed the door, and looked to her right, she saw someone running really fast towards her. "Hm?" Soon, the figure stopped. She looked the "figure" up and down, to see a very, tired, seventeen year old boy who looked like he had just ran more than five miles. It was Akito. He was bent over, with his hands on his knees, and he was breathing heavily. She also noticed that his eyes were blood shot, possibly from lack of sleep. And his face looked pained. "Akito, what.." Akito finally stood up. "I want answers."
"Where is your family?" Misako asked. Akito panted. "I don't know, and I don't care. I want to know what happened. Where is that report?"
"Huh?" Misako started, but then realized what Akito was asking for. With realization, Misako shook her head. "No, not yet." Akito's eyes turned to anger. Misako sort of change the subject. "Akito, did you come all this way for.."
"I'm not going back. I dropped off my suitcase at the door of your house, before running here. I got on the soonest plane, right after I heard the news from Sana." Misako cut him off. "Oh, yes, I've been meaning to ask you.. Does your father know about this?" Akito's head fell. "No. He didn't."
"Oh, so when were you planning on telling him? Or for that matter, were any of you planning on telling us this? Sana had a nice cover. Apparently, she wore really huge clothes, that hid her stomach, and for her doctor's appointments: well, she claimed to be hanging out with her friends, and leaving Koharu with someone to babysit. Not to mention, she didn't have any run in with the media whatsoever. How do you think she did that?" Akito thought about it. "Did she?" Misako nodded. "You got it. She put on a disguise. When I got the call from the doctor, and went to see her, the doctor handed me a wig and a pair of glasses. Even her name she gave them was fake. Did you know about this?" Akito's eyes widened. "Uh, no. I didn't... I.."
"Actually, I always knew it was her." Akito and Misako both whipped their heads to see a doctor walking towards them, with papers in her hands. She walked straight up to Akito. "Hi, were you.." Akito nodded. "Yes, I am his father." That was a stupid question. This doctor took care of Sana the first time she was pregnant. Obviously, she knew Akito was Koharu's father. So, why would this new one be any different? "Okay.." The doctor started. "Well as I was saying, I knew it was her. She gave me all of this false information. But, when I constantly took her blood draws, and what not, they all appeared the same as, well as Sana Kurata. It didn't take me too long to figure it out. I didn't bother to ask her about it though. I didn't think it was my place to question her..."
"So, I want to know.. " Akito interrupted. "What happened to my son? Certainly, you would have the answers by now, right?" His eyes glared into hers. It was very intimidating. The doctor just let out a breath, and looked at the papers in her hand. "Well, that's what I came to talk to you guys about. I didn't have to get an autopsy report to know what happened. Of course, I do have the results like Ms. Kurata asked, but I already knew." Akito just stood there. "Go on." He stated. Misako had to put a hand on his shoulder to, somehow, calm him. Misako noticed that Akito's hands were made into fists, and they shook by his side. The doctor read the papers through, and then spoke. "The number one problem here, is.." Akito and Misako both stared at her, waiting. "Stress. She was really stressed out, and after awhile, it caused a lot of harm to the baby. Eventually, it got so out of hand, that the baby died. Also, the reason she's staying here for the rest of the week: it's not because of recovery. We would've sent her home yesterday, but that would not have been wise. Emotionally and mentally, she is not well. It's just a safe precaution that she stay here for a few more days." Akito's hands stopped shaking, and he looked at the floor. After a few seconds, he looked back up at the doctor, and nodded. "Thank you." The doctor bowed. "Well, if you don't mind, I have another patient I need to take care of." Akito nodded. Misako shook her hand. "Thanks again." The doctor walked away, leaving Misako and Akito in the hallway. Akito walked towards the door, about to open it. He looked at Misako and asked, "Are you coming too?" She thought about going in, but then decided against it. "No, actually, I better get going home. It's getting late. I have to pick up Koharu from Asako's house. I'll leave the gate and the door unlocked, so you can get inside." Akito put his hand up. "Don't bother. I'm going to stay here the night."
"The doctor's won't let you do that..." Akito narrowed his eyes at her. "Let them try and get me out of here." Misako sighed in defeat, but then she asked, "Don't you want to see Koharu?" Akito stopped at the door, and then turned around. "I do, but I think at the moment, Sana needs me just a tad bit more." With that, he quietly opened the door to Sana's room. Misako couldn't help but smile. She sort of nodded to herself, and then walked away.
On the other side of the door, the room was dark. Akito didn't want to turn on the light, incase Sana was sleeping. He saw a dark shadow, on a bed. He noticed that her back was facing him. He quietly walked towards the bed, and lightly touched her shoulder. "Please leave me alone, Mama. I'm sleeping like you told me to." She didn't even bother to turn around. Akito noticed that there was space on the bed. He took advantage of the space, and laid down beside her. He heard her question the movement. "Hm?" She muttered. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close to him. His hands were resting on her now, flat stomach. He never even got to feel the baby move. Suddenly, he felt her body tense up, and she grabbed ahold of his hands, and moved them away from her stomach. "Akito?" She whispered. Akito just buried his face into Sana's neck. "Shh, it's alright, Sana. I'm home now." Sana could feel that his cheeks were slightly wet. She moved from her spot and turned around, so that she could see Akito's face. "Akito, how did you.." He cut her off. "The second I got off the phone with you, I packed up my things and left."
"What about your dad?"
"I don't care what he thinks?"
"Your arm.."
"I don't care about that either. If I have to, I'll just take arm rehab here for the rest of my life. It beats being seperated from you and Koharu." Sana wanted to smile to that comment. But, she just couldn't. She rested her head against his chest. "I've missed you." She whispered. Akito quietly answered back. "I know. Just, go to sleep, okay?" Honestly, Akito didn't want to discuss the previous events. It was too much. Finally, he could hear Sana's shallow breathing. "Good. She's asleep." To make her more comfortable, he got out of the bed, and decided to sit in a chair. He didn't care if he had to sleep in a chair tonight. He wasn't going to leave her. The door suddenly opened, and Akito whipped his head to the "intruder." A nurse walked in, pushing a medical cart into the room. "Oh! Hello! Her mother told me a little about you." She said. Akito quickly put one finger to his lips, and then pointed towards Sana's bed with his other finger. The nurse got the point, and silently appologized. "Sorry." She whispered. "She's finally asleep?" Akito just nodded. Wasn't it obvious? If he was telling her to be quiet, that meant she was asleep. The nurse continued to whisper. "What a relief? If she wasn't asleep now, I was going to have to put her to sleep myself." Akito's eyes traveled towards the medical cart. "Why?" He couldn't help, but ask. He didn't know why, but needles would always make him uncomfortable, even the sight of them. "Well, ever since she got here, she hasn't slept." We had decided that we would take measures into our own hands if she didn't sleep herself. She's one stubborn child, I'll admit." She stopped talking and waited for Akito to respond. He didn't. He had his eyes glued to the needles. Once the nurse realized what he was staring at, she laughed quietly. "Don't worry, I don't have to do it now. Let's just hope she sleeps the rest of the week, and we won't have to." Akito nodded. Now, he was ready for her to leave. Luckily, the nurse wasn't too stupid. She quickly got the point. "Okay, well I'll be going now. You're going to have to..." Akito's eyes stayed glued to the nurse's. "I'm not leaving." And, that was it. He silently dared her to make him leave. The nurse blinked, and she smiled again. "Okay, well I'll be on this floor all night, so if you or Ms. Kurata need anything, just..."
"Yeah, I got it." Akito interrupted her. He's been in a hospital enough times to call for assistance if needed. The nurse nodded. "Okay. Have a good night." She shut the door, and finally left. Akito let out a deep sigh, and sat back down in his chair. He continued to watch over Sana while she slept, until once again, the door opened. He saw it was the nurse again. Now, he was getting irritated with her. The door opened more, and the nurse came in with a roll-away bed. "Heh. Maybe not so bad." He quickly thought. "I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to sleep in that chair." The nurse stated. She placed the bed at the foot of Sana's bed. "Okay, there you are. Good night." She shut the door behind her, and now... Now, Akito could have inner peace. He collapsed onto his bed, and soon he surprisingly fell asleep too.
That next morning, the sun started to bug Akito's eyes, therefore waking him up. He got up out of his bed, and decided to sit in the chair beside Sana's bed. Thankfully, to him, she was still sleeping. He still had that odd fear of talking to Sana about anything. One wrong word, and it could throw her into a huge fit. He just didn't want that. But, at the same time, he wanted her to talk. Since the room was filled with light, Akito happened to notice that on every table surface, there was a bunch of cards and balloons on top of them. He took one glance at Sana, and then decided that she wasn't going to wake up. He started at one card, but he quickly put it back down. As he picked up a card, they all had the same thing, like "Get Well." or words of sympathies. Most of them weren't even opened. He sat back down in his chair. "No wonder she could go insane." He thought. He wanted to get rid of them, but then if he did, someone would question why. He sat there in silence, until the door opened again. He looked towards the door, and noticed that it was a different nurse. She came in with a cart of covered food. "Oh, good morning!" She piped. He rolled his eyes at that. It didn't seem like such a good morning to him. "Ms. Kurata needs to wake up now." As she said that, she stalked towards the bed, about to wake Sana up. "If she doesn't eat this morning, we might have to..." She dragged on. Akito watched her carefully. The nurse gently shook Sana's shoulder. "Come on, sweetie. You have to wake up now." Sana did not respond. When the nurse was about to shake her shoulder again, Akito intervened. "Stop." He said. The nurse looked at him. "Don't wake her up." The nurse's eyes sort of narrowed. "I'm sorry, but she can't sleep all day. Not to mention, she has to eat. She hasn't had anything in her system since she got here." Akito stood up. "I'll get her to eat myself." He said, determined. The nurse then stood back up. "You sure about that?" She asked. Akito just nodded. The nurse let out a breath, but then she walked towards the door. But, as she opened it, she turned back to him, and pointed her finger at him. "You have thirty minutes." Akito almost laughed. Who was she? His mother? The nurse had already left the room, before he could respond. He stole a glance at the clock, and it read 9:30.
He sat back down in the chair. He decided to wake her up in a few minutes. But, then he quickly changed his mind. It could take fifteen minutes, at minimum, to wake her up. Not to mention, he knows that getting her to eat, might be a challenge as well. Might as well get it all over with now. They can argue later. He sat on the edge of the bed. Throughout her sleep, she had turned over. And now, she was facing Akito. "Sana." He said. No movement from her. He gently shook her shoulder. "Sana, wake up." She mumbled in protest, and turned the other way, her back facing Akito. Akito let out a huff. He shook her again, just a tad harder. "Sana, come on. We can't be doing this today." He said, still shaking her. He couldn't remember the last time he had to actually wake her up. Usually, Koharu was more than capable of waking Sana up. Just one tiny whine from the baby monitor, and Sana was right out of the bed. But now that Koharu was not here, it was different. With Akito's shaking, Sana finally mumbled, "No."
"Sana." He urged. Since his hand was on her bare shoulder, Sana pulled on her sheets, and brought them up to her chest. "Stop." She muttered. This time, she raised one hand, and swatted at him. Akito let out another breath. "Fine." He said. He stood up, and walked to a counter, with a sink. He got one styrofoam cup, and filled it to the rim with ice, cold water. He hated having to do this to her at a time like this, but she had to wake up. Akito just couldn't stomach seeing Sana being fed through a tube.
He walked back to the bed, and sat back down. He shook her again. "Sana, wake up." He said one last time. Sana swatted at him again. Akito sighed to himself, then closed his eyes. He placed the cup right above her oblivious face. He tipped it over, and ice, cold water spilled all over her face. Sana's eyes shot wide open, and she sat straight up. Water was trailing down her face, into her hair, onto her neck, and part of her shoulders. While she sat there, shivering, her eyes were moving around frantically. It looked as if she was trying to figure out where she was. Her eyes soon stopped wandering, and she just stared at Akito. She said nothing. Akito placed the cup onto her night stand. Then, he stood up and walked to the bathroom that came with her room. He picked up a clean towel that hung on a rack against the door. He went back to Sana, wrapped the towel around her shoulders, and gently dried her off. "Sorry." He muttered. He looked into Sana's eyes. They had the same look she had when he went to get the towel. Akito bluntly waved his hand in front of her face. Her eyes watched his hand, but she did nothing. Suddenly, Akito shoved her shoulder, almost in a playful manner. Sana's eye twitched, a small vein pulsing above it. "What?" She almost shouted. Akito sighed to himself, in relief. "Good. No loss of emotion, no Mannequin Disease." He might as well get to the chase. "You hungry?" He asked. Sana shook her head. "No." It didn't look like Akito was taking no for an answer. He simply grabbed the cart, and pulled it closer to her. "Akito, I said no." Akito lifted the top of the tray. "Too bad." He said. Sana crossed her arms. "I'm not eating. You can't make me." She dared him to make her. He looked away from the cart. "No, but your doctors can. Do you wanna live the rest of the week getting fed with a tube? That's disgusting." He stated. Sana just rolled her eyes. As if she didn't hear a word he just said, she answered, "I'm not eating." Akito turned away from her, but then pushed the cart towards her once again. Sana was about to shove it away, but Akito caught her wrist. Her eyes narrowed, and she stared into his eyes. He stared right back at her. Then, he said, "One bite." With his eyes still glued to Sana's, he pushed the cart again. "Just one." Her eyes then alternated between the cart and his eyes. "I..." She started. Akito shook his head. "Just eat it." He almost didn't blame her. The food at this hospital was disgusting. But, she had to eat something. "Akito, please..." She started. Akito just shook his head. "Just eat it." He persuaded. She huffed, and then picked up the fork. She picked up her chopsticks, but started to poke and prod at the food in front of her. "Stop avoiding it." Akito said. Sana huffed again, and placed the chopsticks, that had food in between them, at her mouth. She gave a sickly face, but then ate it. As she quickly chewed, she had her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed. When she swallowed it, she noticed Akito's hand on his mouth. "What?" She asked, harshly. Akito took his hand away. "I'm sorry. It's just... You looked a lot like Koharu when you did that." There was a very tiny smirk at the corner of his mouth. He was trying so hard not to laugh, or even chuckle. It seems that nothing in their life is a laughing matter anymore. Sana's angry look went away, and sadness took her over again. She quickly pushed the cart away, only for Akito to bring it back. "Hey! You said only one bite!" Sana said. Akito sighed to himself. "Can't you just make an effort, and try to finish it all... Before that nurse comes back?" Sana looked away, and whispered. "What's the point?" Akito heard her loud and clear. He touched her face, and forced her to look at him. "What did you say?" He demanded. Sana didn't respond. She jerked away from his hold, and looked away. "It's not even any of your concern." Akito heard clearly, even though she muttered. He grabbed her chin again, but in a way that he wasn't hurting her. "Where is all this crap coming from?" He asked. She was about to jerk away again, but Akito's grip wouldn't allow it. "Answer me, Sana." She looked him straight in the eye. "No." Akito was slightly confused. What was she saying no to? Akito quickly shifted the conversation. "Why would you say something like that? It is my concern." Sana abruptly cut him off. "Oh, what do you know, Akito? Nothing!"
"Has she finally snapped?" Akito thought. What could he say? She was hurting, and obviously everyone could tell. But, he was hurting too. He let go of her face, and then attempted to touch her hand. "I... I understand." Sana did something that Akito didn't expect to happen. She pulled her hand out of his, and practically jumped out of the bed. He remained on the bed. She pointed to the door, her eyes were full of fury. "Get out of my room! Now!" Akito stood up, but he didn't leave. Sana stood her ground. "Leave! I don't want any of that... that rubbish from you! You don't understand anything! You think you understand the word, "pain?" Think again. There is no way you could comprehend it!" Akito was starting to get angry. "Don't..." Sana stopped him. "Why did you even bother coming home anyway? You probably came home, because you thought you had to! Who's to say your father didn't make you? You don't care! That's why you left anyway!" Akito's eyes changed completely. If anyone could think about his old sixth-grade eyes, it was much much worse. There was no comparison, not to mention he's seventeen years old. Those childish, bullying looks were way long gone. Sana paid no mind. "You don't care... About me, or Koharu!" That was it. Something came over Akito. Something, he vowed that he would never ever do. He slapped her, slapped her so hard. She staggered back, with one hand immediately on her now, red cheek. Akito stared her down. "You..." He started. "Are such a fool!" He walked out of the room at that, leaving her standing there. He slammed the door. What was on Sana's face, he didn't see. There was shock, pain, and realization. What had she done? She collapsed into the chair closest to her.
Akito sat down in a chair in the hallway across from Sana's room. He was slouching, with his eyes staring blankly at the door. If anyone walked by, he looked normal, but inside, he was shouting, at himself. "I slapped her! I slapped her! How could I?" He wanted to punch something, kick something, do something to relieve his inner frustration. But, it was no one else's fault. It was his. He wouldn't be surprised if Sana broke it off then and there. "No! That can't happen. Not after all of this! I need to go back in there and... apologize. But, not now. She probably needs to calm down too." He heard the chair beside him move, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw that it was Misako that sat down. "Good morning, Akito." He just muttered a, "Mm." He straightened up in his chair. Misako could see it in his eyes. This was definitely not a good morning, and something had gone wrong, obviously. She hesitantly touched his shoulder. "I understand, Akito." He scoffed. "No you don't." He quickly stopped himself. He was starting to sound like Sana. "I'm sorry." He said, quietly. Misako removed her hand from his shoulder. "No, it's okay. And you're right. I don't understand, at all. I'm just... trying to be there for the both of you." She said. Akito nodded. "I know." He almost whispered. "Oh." Something dawned on Misako. "Your father called." Akito almost got mad at her. "Did you call him?" Misako shook her head. "No. Actually, he called me. He wanted to make sure you got home okay. And, then I had no choice, but to explain all the details that he didn't get." Akito just nodded. "Is he angry with me?" He asked. Misako lightly chuckled. "I don't think that's my business to know. But, don't be surprised if he is. If you think honestly, we both should be furious with you and Sana. It wasn't enough to take in the fact that she got pregnant barely seven months after having Koharu. But, you both had the nerve to not tell us. You should be punished. You're not adults yet, even though you're going through an adult's way of life." Akito cut her off. "I think we're punished enough. We just lost our son. Must we be punished more? What's next? We lose Koharu too?" His eyes widened at the thought. And then, Misako saw his eyes close, and he squinted, as if he was cringing. Honestly, Misako didn't know what to say to that. Her eyes softened, and she wrapped her arm around his shoulder. She expected him to push her away, but he didn't. When she knew he wasn't going to shrug her off, she whispered. "Do you want to tell me what happened in there? I happened to be walking through, when I saw you slam the door." Akito just nodded.
Misako was shocked that Akito explained as much as he did. He didn't even leave out slapping her. Misako listened to every word, and then she actually understood all of Akito's actions. When he was quiet again, she spoke. "Although I understand everything on both ends, I must ask, you don't blame Sana, do you?" Akito shook his head. "No. But, I... Just couldn't control myself. I was furious with her logic." Misako lightly nodded. "That's why I don't blame you either. And everyone understands what you're going through, in a way. I tried everything... to get her to eat, and sleep too. I think you were lucky that she listened to you, at first. But, I guess after awhile, she just couldn't take it anymore. I think she just needs some space, and more than what we've given her. She's going through a really traumatic time right now, and so are you." Akito nodded, and listened. "But, at the same time, we can't just leave her be either. She's harming herself more than she knows." Suddenly, the nurse from earlier that morning came walking by. Akito quickly looked at a clock that was high on the wall. "Oh no." The nurse stopped at Akito and Misako. "Well, did she eat anything?" She asked, eyeing Akito seriously. "A little bit." He muttered. Misako whisepered in Akito's ear. "I'll take care of it." Akito just nodded, and Misako stood up. "I was just going in to check on her." Misako said. She didn't give the nurse a chance to intervene. Misako opened the door, and saw Sana sitting on the end of her bed, and she was poking at her breakfast plate with her chopsticks again. "Sana?" She asked. Sana looked up. "Oh. Hi, Mama." The nurse followed in right behind Misako, and Sana's eyes widened with fear. "Mama, I'm eating! See?" She lifted her chopsticks. "Please, don't let her, Mama! Don't let her!" By that point, Misako was right in front of Sana. "Shh, it's okay. Don't let her what?" Sana's eyes didn't leave the nurse. The nurse smiled sweetly. "Well, if you eat, we won't have to do that." Realization hit Misako. "Oh, I see. Don't worry, Sana dear. She won't." Sana looked back at Misako, but then she looked down. "Mama, can you ask her to leave? I don't wanna be bothered by nurses today." She whispered. Misako just nodded. She straightened up, and walked over to the nurse. She whispered something that Sana could not comperehend, and then she led the nurse back out into the hall.
On the other side of the door, Misako managed to talk the nurse into coming back later. Akito was still sitting in the chair. Once Misako walked up to him, she pulled out some cash, and handed to him. "What's this for?" He asked. "I want you to go get something to eat." Akito tried to give it back to her. "I'm not really hungry." He was sounding like Sana again. But, honestly he wasn't. He had no feeling to eat at all. "Later." He said. Misako was about to fight him, but she quickly gave up. She put the money back into her pocket. She spoke again. "I think you should go talk to Sana now?" One of Akito's eyes rose. "Why?" Misako sat down beside him again. "I beleive that she's feeling slightly better, possibly. Maybe that outburst of hers was what she needed, even if what she said made no sense. I think she just needed a target, and you happened to be the current one. I bet if you went back in there now, she might talk to you normally. She almost freaked out when the nurse came back in. I thinks he was trying to eat again, without anyone telling her, and I..." Akito stood up, and said, "Thank you." Then, he walked into Sana's room. This time, Misako stayed in the chair.
He saw Sana still sitting on the edge of her bed, the food cart still in front of her. When she noticed it was him, her eyes widened, and she looked away. Akito pulled his chair up in front of Sana, and sat down across from her. "Are you afraid?" He asked hesitantly. Sana shook her head. "No." She looked his way this time. He asked, "Are you okay now?" Sana lightly scoffed. "No. Akito, I probably won't be okay for a very very long time." Akito's head lowered. He had no comment to that. "I'm sorry." He said, suddenly. Sana's eyes widened. "For what?" He looked her straight in the eyes. "Everything. Especially, for... slapping you like that." She chuckled, which surprised him. "Akito, I deserved that slap." Akito stood up, and put his hands on her shoulders. "No, you didn't. You don't deserve half the crap that's happened to you."
"Akito, stop it..." She started, but then stopped. She couldn't control that little tear that suddenly trailed down her face. Akito let go of her shoulders. "You don't understand. I deserve everything. Everything. I don't deserve to eat. I don't deserve sleep. I don't deserve Mama, or you, or even Koharu." Akito stopped her, by putting a hand over her mouth. Then, he pushed the cart of food away from her, and knelt in front of her, and was at eye level with her. "Why did you say that?" He asked. She lowered her head, so he couldn't see her eyes. She let out a shaky breath, and said, "Because... I killed him!" She hid her face in her hands, and started sobbing. Akito immediately sat down beside her, and pulled her to his chest. He patted her back lightly, and whispered, "You didn't kill him." She was clinging tightly to his shirt. "I did. It was my fault. I didn't take care of myself like I should've. I let everything in my life overwhelm me... And he died? It was all because of me. He suffered. And, it was all my fault. I'm fully responsible. After letting my own baby die, how could I possibly deserve to live?" She stopped talking, and continued to cry. Akito was starting to understand, why she didn't eat? Why she wouldn't sleep? She wanted to completely shut herself down, because she thought she didn't deserve to live. "You didn't kill him." He said again. Sana just shook her head. "You didn't. It... It just happened. You had nothing to do with it." He stopped himself quickly. She's the one who carried the child. So, anything that would happen to Sana, it would affect the baby in some way or another. And she did have everything to do with it.
Sana stopped crying, but she continued to cling to his shirt. What he was about to say, it just might upset her. But, he had to say it. It might not be what she wants to hear, but it's what she needs to hear. "You know... Maybe this whole thing is a small blessing in disguise. And, I know, in our world, it's no blessing. It... It's a nightmare. But, maybe we were way in over our heads the past year. Koharu was enough to change our whole way of life around. But, the past six months, it's a lot. I had to go back to America. You were stuck by yourself. And, maybe we were given a favor. It's possible that you wouldn't be capable of doing all of this by yourself. Who's to say that it wouldn't be another year or so until I came home? You would be responsible for the two babies alone. To top it off, you would still have to work, be home-schooled, everything. Did we really think we could pull all of this off? Of course not. I think that's why we kept it from our parents. I don't know about you, but I felt like I let my father down the first time. Even though we worked it out, and things appeared peachy. But, for us to go and let it happen again, and so quickly, that seemed unforgivable." He stopped for a second. He was giving Sana a moment to soak all of his words in. After a few seconds, Sana cleared her throat. "Akito, did you seriously just come up with all of that?" She pulled her head away from his chest, and looked up at him. Akito answered honestly. "No, I didn't. Actually, I thought about this soon after... we got in that fight." Sana nodded. "And you believe that?" She asked. "I'm trying to, anyway. And, it makes the most sense. Let's be real, Sana. You didn't cause this on purpose." There, he said it. It was the honest truth. Sure, maybe it was technically Sana's fault, but it wasn't on purpose. He noticed that she wasn't crying... yet. So, he decided to speak again. "Also, another thing I thought about. Say that destiny wasn't so harsh, and we ended up with two of them?" He meant the children. "As far as things looked, I wasn't coming home anytime soon. Think about the reality in that. Let's just be real here, you wouldn't be able to handle it. I honestly believe we were harshly given a favor. It's not what we wanted, but maybe it's what we needed." He stopped short, when he heard Sana sniff. When he looked at her, she was about to cry again. She spoke softly. "But..." She stopped at first. Akito waited for her to finish. She buried her face in his chest again. "My baby!" She started crying again. That's all she kept saying. Akito was done with his little, well more like, long speech. Sana understood it, and now it was time for the healing process to begin. Akito was hurting too, more than people knew. But, he knew full well, that Sana was much more affected than he was. The child was growing inside of her, not him. As she continued to mumble, "My baby," Akito would just constantly say, "I know." He didn't want to lose him either. Throughout her breakdown, Akito had managed to pull her onto his lap, and tried to comfort her as much as he could. He knew it wouldn't be enough though.
About an hour passed, and Sana managed to cry herself to sleep. Akito tried to carefully put her back to bed, without waking her up. He thought he was successful. She looked comfortable, but then her eyes opened. "Akito?" She said quietly. Akito knelt down beside her. "Yes?" He asked. She sat up, then making him stand back up. "I want to go home." She said quickly. Akito just nodded. "No. I'm serious!" She insisted. "I miss Koharu so much, it's about to make me sick. Please, go ask Mama if she can get me out of here." Her mood shifted. Akito wasn't sure how she'll feel later, or tomorrow. He lightly pushed her back down. She landed with an "Oof." He knelt back down again. "We'll see. Just, please, get some rest, okay?" She sat back up again. "If I sleep, will you go ask Mama?" She asked, and then she laid back down. Akito just nodded. "I promise." With those two words, Sana immediately fell asleep. Akito waited for a few minutes, before he went outside to ask Misako.
Akito did ask Misako. She answered him by saying, "If she can prove to these nurses that she's mentally well enough to go home, then sure we can probably get her out of here by tomorrow." After that, so Sana could rest, Misako and Akito went and got some lunch. Once they returned, one nurse was standing by the door. When they reached her, she had a smile on her face. "I'm glad to see that she's resting." The nurse said, happily. This was Misako's favorite nurse. She was nice, and she didn't hover so much, like the other two. While Akito went back into Sana's room, Misako kept the nurse outside to ask of Sana's request. At first, she was hesitant, but then answered about the same as Misako's. She had to prove that she's well enough to go home. When the nurse and Misako entered the room, Sana was sitting up and eating. Akito was sitting in a chair across from Sana. Sana looked at the nurse and smiled brightly. "Hi!" She said. The nurse walked up to her. "How are you feeling, dear?" She asked. Sana swallowed a mouthful, and answered. "I'm doing much better! However, I really want to go home. Honestly, I'm feeling fine now. Can you let me go?" Sana said all of that so quickly, that the nurse paused a few seconds to digest it. "Well, we have to watch over you for the rest of today." Sana's smile started to fade. "But..." Sana's smile started to return. "If tomorrow, you're the same as you are today, we can probably get you out of here tomorrow afternoon? How's that?" Sana's smile was so huge, that Akito was beginning to realize how much he truly missed it. He hadn't seen her smile in over five months. The only smile he'd seen of hers was in a photograph.
Sana squealed. She jumped out of her bed, and gave the nurse a huge hug. "Oh, that'd be great! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" The nurse gave her a slight pat on the back, and then released her. "You're welcome." Sana sat back down. "Now, why don't you get some rest for now..." The nurse started, as she pulled the food cart away. "I'll come check on you in a few hours, okay?" Sana snuggled under the covers. "Okay!" She said, loudly. The nurse nodded, and walked out of the room. The door shut, and Misako walked up to Sana. "Wow. You really want to go home badly, don't you?" Misako said. Sana nodded. "Yes, Mama. I miss Koharu so much. She must be beyond upset right now. Her mom AND dad aren't with her right now. Oh! I hope she doesn't feel like I abandoned her!" She sat back up out of the bed. "No! Mama, I have to go home now!" Akito stood up, and lightly pushed her back down. Misako walked up closer. "Sana, the nurse said you could go home tomorrow."
"But, Mama. I don't want Koharu to wait that long. She needs me." Akito stepped aside, and Misako sat on the edge of the bed right next to Sana's face. She reached one of Sana's hands, and held onto it. "Sana, I know how badly you want to go home. But, you can't. Unfortunately, Koharu will have to wait just one more day. I bet if you sleep all day, like you're supposed to, tomorrow will come much quicker." Sana nodded. "Okay, then Mama? I want you to go home, right now. I want you to be with Koharu until me and Akito come home."
"I can't just leave you here until tomorrow. I have to come back, silly. Koharu is just fine with Asako and Rei." Sana shook her head. "No, Mama. I want her to be with you. I want her to be at her home, in her surroundings. I want the closest person next to me and Akito with her. Please, Mama? Do this one thing for me. Stay with her. Come and get me tomorrow when it's time for me to go home." Misako stood up from the bed. "And, what about Akito?" She asked. Sana smiled. "Well, he can go home too. That would make Koharu more than happy."
"No." Akito abruptly said. "I mean, I do want to see her. But, I don't think it'd be right for me to go without you. I'll see her tomorrow." He said that, ending the conversation there. Sana looked back at Misako. "Well, Mama?" Misako nodded. "Okay, Sana. I'll go get her. When do you want me to come back?" She asked. Sana said, "Tomorrow. I guess, in the morning. But, don't bring Koharu here. I still don't want her to see me here." Misako nodded. "Okay. I got it." She gave Sana a hug. "I'll be back tomorrow, then. Get some rest." Sana hugged her tightly. "Thank you so much, Mama. I promise I will. Give Koharu a kiss for me." Misako let her go, and nodded. She then, turned around and left the room. Sana laid back down, and let out a huge breath. "Things are looking up!" She said, happily. Akito just sat back down in his chair. "Is it?" He asked. Sana nodded. "Sure! We get to go home, we'll see Koharu! I'm suddenly so excited!" Akito watched her carefully. "So, does that mean you're okay now?" Sana's smile faded slightly. "Well, no. But, I will be. It's going to be tough for awhile, Akito. But, I can't stay here for the rest of my life. And I can't just abandon Koharu, because something horrible had to happen to us. It will be hard, but I have to be strong." Akito just watched her. She had been saying stuff like that a lot lately. Having to be strong? He had to admit, she was an extremely strong person in general. She went through a lot in her life. All of those obstacles, yes, she fell, but she always managed to stand back up again. It's the same case now. She never ceased to amaze him. "Sana?" He lightly touched her hand, and then held onto it. She waited for him to continue. "You do know that... having to be strong... You don't have to do it alone." Sana smiled and nodded. "I do." He held her gaze, but then Sana did something he didn't expect. She pulled on his hand harshly, and next thing he knew, her lips were on his. Of course, he couldn't ignore it, and he kissed her back. When she let him go, her eyes remained closed, and Akito watched her. He straightened up, and brought Sana with him. She hugged him tightly, and sighed. "I missed you so much." Honestly, she hadn't said that yet since he got back. Too much had been on her mind. Akito continued to hold her, and he nodded. "I know."
"Sana?" She heard in her sleep. She opened her eyes to see Misako on one side of her, and the nurse on the other. Her eyes closed back for a moment, but then they popped back open. "Mama? What time is it?!" She sat up quickly. She turned her head to see that the clock on the wall read 9:05 am. She was suddenly disappointed. She turned back to Misako and the nurse. "It's that early?" The nurse just smiled. "Well, you need to eat breakfast, honey." Sana's eyes widened with realization. "Oh. Okay!" The nurse left to get Sana's breakfast, leaving Sana and Misako alone. Sana looked around the room. "Where's Akito?" The smile that Misako had at first, disappeared. "Fuyuki and Natsumi are back. They arrived early this morning. Akito went to go join them for breakfast. He left about an hour ago, he should be back soon." Sana nodded. "Will he have to go back, Mama?" Misako was hesitant, but Sana waited for an honest answer. "I don't know, Sana. I haven't had a chance to speak with them yet. When they arrived, it was around five in the morning. I didn't know they were even here, until I saw a note on the door to our house." Sana just nodded again. The door opened suddenly, and the nurse entered with the cart of food. "Here you go. Eat up." Sana nodded, as the cart was placed in front of her. "Thanks." The nurse left, while Sana ate. As she did, she spoke. "Mama? What will happen if they do have to go back?" She asked, sadly. She took small bites while she waited for Misako to answer her. "I don't know, Sana. His arm isn't fully healed yet, is it?" She asked. Sana put her chopsticks down. "Honestly, I didn't pay attention to his arm. If it's not fully healed, I didn't notice." Then she tried to recall his arms the previous day. She tried to take in each detail. When she cried for the first time, his arms were around her, both of them. But, when he rubbed her back, it was his left hand, not his right.
She thought to herself, as she absentmindedly finished her breakfast. Misako left her to her thoughts, and sat by her side in a chair. "Mama." Sana said. Misako responded. "Yes?" She pushed her cart away, since she was finished. "Maybe Akito won't have to go back!" She had a smile on her face. "Yesterday, Akito didn't seem to have any problems with his arm. If his arm isn't fully healed, maybe he can just get rehab here. It would make things so much simpler." Sana said. Misako smiled. "Well, we'll see. Just don't get your hopes up too much." Sana nodded. "I know." Then, she remembered something. "Wait, where did you take Koharu? Is she with Akito?" She asked, with her smile widening. Misako lightly chuckled. "No, she's at home." Sana's smile started to fade. "What? Is someone with her?" Misako put a hand on Sana's shoulder. "Relax, Sana. Of course, someone is with her. Don't worry."
"Who's with her right now?" She asked. Misako just smiled. "You'll see. I'm not telling." Sana smiled again. "Oh, fine. When can I go home?" She asked. "Soon, Sana. They said this morning that you could go home this afternoon."
"Yeah, but what time, Mama?" Sana asked, almost harshly. She just had to know. Misako chuckled again. "Around 12, if you want precise." Sana squealed, yet again. "Yes! Finally, I can go home! I can't wait! I know, to make it go by faster, I'll just go back to sleep!" She settled back into her bed, prepared to go back to sleep. "Can you turn out the light, Mama? Thanks!" Misako turned out the light, and watched Sana's eyes close immediately. All Misako could think was, "
Three hours came and went. It was 12:30 pm. When Sana's eyes opened, and she sat up, her room seemed full. Their favorite nurse, Misako, Rei, Fuyuki, Natsumi, and Akito were standing around in her room. She quickly sat up. The nurse was by her side. "Are you ready to get out of here?" The nurse asked. Sana was about to literally jump out of her bed. "Uh, yeah! Let's go!" She threw the covers off of her, and hopped out of the bed. The nurse turned to Misako. "Ms. Kurata, if you'll come with me." Misako nodded, and followed. The nurse faced Sana. "Your mother just needs to sign some paper work and then you can leave." Sana nodded. "Okay!" Once Misako and the nurse were out of the room, Sana rushed over to Fuyuki, Natsumi, and Akito. "It's so great to see you again!" She hugged Natsumi, and then Fuyuki. "It's nice to see you too, Sana." Fuyuki said. Sana turned to Akito, and noticed his eyes. She tried to read their expression, and they didn't seem happy. "Akito, what's wrong?" Akito shook his head. "Don't worry about it." Sana was beginning to fear for the worse, but she'd worry about it later. She'll confront him about it soon enough. Misako and the nurse soon returned. "Okay, Sana. Let's go." Misako said. Sana couldn't believe it. "Really? We... We can go now?" It almost seemed like a dream for some reason. She felt like she had been waiting for so long. Rei, Fuyuki, and Natsumi were already out of the room, that left Misako, Sana, and Akito still in the room. Akito grabbed onto Sana's hand, and pulled on it. "Yes, you can go home. Now, let's go." He continued to drag her along by the hand, walking right behind Misako. Then he whispered, "Our daughter is waiting for us." Sana smiled. "Yes, that's right! Let's go!" Then she started running, pulling Akito along with her. They were out the doors so fast, they didn't even realize they had left Misako behind in the hospital building.
Akito was itching with anticipation. They were only a few feet away from the door to the house. Koharu was just on the other side of that door. He felt like it was taking forever to get to the door. The closer he go, it appeared to constantly stretch farther away. Misako, Rei, Fuyuki, and Natsumi were already inside. That left just Akito and Sana to get inside. Once they finally reached the door, Akito was about to open it and Sana stopped him. "Akito, wait." Akito looked at her with frustration in his eyes. "What, Sana?"
"Go around to the backyard, and wait there." She said, with a growing smile. Akito questioned, "What for?" Her playful, teasing smile didn't cease. "You'll see! Plus, I want you to see the backyard. It's different then from what you remember it." Akito let go of the door, defeated. "Fine, but this better be good." They were wasting precious time with Koharu. As he turned around the corner of the house, Sana whispered, "Oh, it will be." She walked straight in the door. Then, she gasped. When she entered the living room, she saw her best friend Fuka sitting on the couch. "Fuka!" Fuka turned around. "Sana!" She stood up, and ran to Sana, pulling her into a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay." Fuka said. Sana nodded. "Yes, I'm okay. We're you the one watching Koharu today?" Fuka nodded. "Yes, your mom told me to take good care of her, and I did. She didn't do much, as expected." Sana just smiled. "That's good. That means she's starting to like you. If she didn't like you, she would've been crying the whole time." As she said that, she started looking around the room. "Where is Koharu anyway?" She asked. "Oh, I had just put her to bed, when you guys came home." As if on cue, Sana could hear Koharu crying in the living room baby monitor. "Looks like she hasn't slept for long due to all of this comotion." Sana could hear loud noises coming from the kitchen. "Who all is here? It's usually not that loud around here. Fuka just answered, "Everyone. Our friends and your family."
"That's crazy! Why is everyone here?" Sana asked so obliviously. Fuka answered, as if it was the most obvious thing. "Sana, we all wanted to see you. But, we were told seeing you at the hospital would be a bad idea." Now, Sana understood. "Oh, yeah. Maybe, you're right. To be honest, it was pretty bad at first. But, I'm okay now... or, at least I will be anyway!" Fuka hugged her again. "I'm so glad, Sana." As they hugged eachother again, three teenagers came running into the living room. "Sana!" They all shouted. Hisae, Aya, and Tsuyoshi each took turns hugging Sana. Then once Tsuyoshi let Sana ago, he looked around. "Where is Akito?" Sana gasped. "Akito! Koharu! Oh, no!" She had forgotten that Koharu was still crying in the monitor, and Akito was waiting very very patiently outside. She left everyone abruptly, and rushed up the stairs. She almost busted down Koharu's door, once Sana got to it. When the door open, little Koharu was standing in her crib, crying. She turned her head, and saw her mother. "Mama!" She continued to cry, as Sana picked her up. "Oh, my baby. It's alright. Mama's here. Shh." She kept saying, while Koharu cried. She held onto Sana's shirt like velcro. "Shh, it's okay. It's okay." Sana continued to whisper, until Koharu started to calm down. "Hey, Koharu. I have a surprise for you." Koharu had stopped completely, and just held onto Sana like a lifeline. "Come on. Let's go." Sana said, and they left the room.
Akito sat in the grass of the backyard. He waited... and waited and waited... and waited. "Come on already." He said to himself. He did take notice of the backyard. There was a swingset set up, that came with a slide. He honestly didn't recall buying that. Sana had bought this very recently. He tried to picture Koharu playing on it, but for some reason he couldn't. He could only imagine the six month old baby that he had in his wallet. He knew Koharu had to have changed some in the past five months. She might even look different too. As he stared at the door, he heard crying. He noticed that there was a baby monitor outside too. Wow, they really did put a monito in every single part of this house. He guessed they had to, with the house as big as it is. He was just hoping that Sana would run up there and get her, before he did. Three minutes had passed, and he didn't hear anyone get her. Koharu was still crying. He was about to stand up, when he saw Sana through the door. Good, she didn't just forget about her. About five seconds he heard Koharu shout, "Mama!" "Huh. She can say Mama about perfectly now." He started to wonder what other words she could say properly. Now, he could hear Sana through the monitor, talking to Koharu, and calming her down. Then he heard her say, "I have a surprise for you. Come on. Let's go." He heard a door shut, and he stood up. He just couldn't wait. In mere seconds, he would be reunited with his daughter. For some reason, he turned around, his back facing the door, and waited until he could hear the door open.
Suddenly, time seemed to stop. The door opened, and he heard Sana say, "Koharu. Look, who's that?" Akito quickly turned around. He nearly lost his breath. There she was. Sana persuaded Koharu to turn her head so she could see. She turned her head, and not a second later. "Daddy." She said. "Daddy." She said again, and started push against Sana, so she would put her down. Sana giggled. "Alright. Alright." She set her on her feet. "Go on." Koharu wobbled a little on the ground. Akito couldn't believe it. There she was. He assumed correctly, she had changed. She was slightly taller, and she had lost some of the roundness in her face that she had before. And her hair had grown out a bit too. Yep, she had changed. And, he didn't have to look into his wallet to confirm. Next thing he knew, he saw Koharu take a baby step forward. Sana then, grabbed ahold of Koharu's hands to help her along. But, Koharu pulled her hands away. Koharu wanted to do this herself. She stepped forward again, and then again. Akito couldn't believe that she was walking. He knelt down to the ground. "Well, come here, kid." He said, waiting for her to walk again. He had his arms out, and he waited for her. She walked forward again, this time much faster. "Daddy." She said again, then she kept saying it again. "Daddy. Daddy. Daddy." Sana was a few steps behind her, incase Koharu would fall. Then Koharu moved even faster. "Daddy." She was almost running when she got even closer to him. Suddenly, something caught Koharu's foot, and she started to fall. But, Akito caught her just in time. He picked her straight up. "Daddy." She started crying. "Shh. It's okay." He said. He was so glad to have her in his arms again. "I can't believe your walking." He said to her. Sana answered him. "Me neither. Actually, she kinda started doing on her own, about a month ago. Well, she stood up on her own. She grabbed ahold of the couch one day, and just pulled herself up. Now, the walking part, I had to help her with." Akito sat down on the ground with Koharu still in his arms. "Wow," was all he could muster. She was shooting up like a rocket. And Akito began to realize how much he would've really missed, had he not have returned home. Thinking about that, he remembered something. "Oh, Sana. There is one thing I'd like to tell you about." Sana sat down across from him. "What is it?" Akito had a smirk on his face. "Did you forget about something?" Sana's face was blank. "Uh, what?"
"So, you did forget. Sana, take a look at Koharu's back. What's covering them?" Sana's eyes glanced at her back. Akito's arms were surrounding them. But, what was he... "Akito, your arm!" She suddenly remembered. "Is it better now?" She asked. Akito answered. "Well, not all the way. I can feel stuff slightly with this hand." He stretched his right arm out to show her. "But, not all the way. It's not so bad, to where my hand is completely numb." Sana smiled brightly. "That's great! But, what does this all mean?"
"Well, that means I was able to convince my dad that I don't need to stay in L.A. anymore. I can stay here. Dad still needs to go back and get the rest of our stuff, but we're all moving back. And, I will never have to go back to that place."
"Never?" Sana asked, blankly. "Never." Akito confirmed. Sana couldn't help it. She crawled over beside him, and kind of snuggled up to him, right next to Koharu. "That makes me so happy." Akito didn't want his arm to be jinxed, so he kept his good arm around Koharu, and then brought his, well, not so fortunate arm around Sana. This feeling he was getting. He liked it. They were the most important people in his life. And, he didn't want it any either way. "Me too." He whispered. He could feel Koharu slumping in his arms. He noticed that she was falling asleep. Then, "Akito! Sana!" Koharu's eyes shot back open. She was a light sleeper. Akito and Sana stood up. All of their friends were standing at the door. "You can have lovey dovey moments later!" Tsuyoshi shouted, and Akito blushed. But, he made a mental note. "He'll pay for that later." "Come on, Sana!" Fuka shouted. "There's food inside. Let's go!" Sana then took note that she was hungry. Hospital food sucked, and she would never forget that. "Mm, I'm hungry." She looked to Akito and Koharu. "Come on, you two. Let's go." She grabbed onto Akito's left hand, and pulled on him. Akito could slightly feel her tugging. He took a brief moment to look at the now, sleeping ten month old Koharu in his arms. He thought that it was crazy for life to change this much. He knew that he had changed a lot. It was for the better too. And, it was all thanks to the baby in his arms, and the seventeen year old woman tugging on his hand. "Hello, Akito?" Sana said. Akito looked back at Sana. "Let's go! I'm starving!" He started to walk, but she was still pulling harshly on his hand. "Akito, please!" Akito stopped goofing around, and caught up to her. "Okay. Let's go." He said. She loosened her grip on his hand, but then he tried hardened his grip, since it was his right hand. With her by his side, and her hand in his, he never ever wanted to let go.
And that was the humongous, over 11,000 word chapter! I am so glad that it's finished. And, I still have to work on the epilogue, to fully end this story. Also, I will take criticism on this chapter very seriously. If you guys honestly hated it, don't be afraid to say so. This chapter was very difficult to write, which is why it took so long to do. If you guys hated the last paragraph of this chapter, I might, edit it, and re-post it, if you guys want it that way. Also, I know that I've mentioned writing Koharu II. I still have to think about that. I decided to post a poll, to see how many people really want me to do it. If I get enough Yes's, I will write it. And, I am beginning to work on a Fruits Basket fanfic, so please look out for that. Once again, thanks to all who read and reviewed. I appreciate it so much! Hope to see your reviews soon in my future stories.
-Stephanie
