Chapter 12
Matsuoka tied an apron around his waist. Click. The alarmed host stared daggers at his long time companion. Yukki shrunk into the corner of the kitchen as he stroked his precious camera. "Those were some golden pictures we took. More pictures for me to add to my Mattsun album. By now I can open up an art gallery to showcase Mattsun in his finest moments. But I can't possibly share this with anyone," Yukki said hiding behind his sleeves. The blonde man grew slightly peeved. "Yukki can you save that for another time? " Matsuoka begged. The blonde host washed his hands under the faucet. "There's no better time than the present. But since you're playing nurse maid I'll cut you some slack. I could have ordered an outfit for you online," Yukki suggested. Matsuoka paled at the thought of dressing in a maid uniform. His customers would never look at him again. What about his dignity as a male? He shivered. "No thank you Yukki. My current appearance suites me just fine," he said. Yukki stood up and grabbed himself a chocolate bar. "Can you check on Hotaru, Yukki?" Matsuoka asked. "Of course Mattsun. Right away," he said. The raven haired man made his way up the stairs. He knocked on Hotaru's door. "Tachibana-chan? Can I come in?" he said. "Yes Yukimura-san," she answered. The blonde woman sat on a bed propped up by some pillows. She crunched on some potato crisps as she watched TV. "Yukimura-san sit next to Tachibana. It's so boring in here," she complained. "Tachibana-chan you know what the doctor said. Your blood pressure is a little high so he wants you to relax and take it easy," Yukimura said. Hotaru rolled her eyes dramatically. "This is the worst. Tachibana is doing just fine, okay. I passed out once but it's not a big deal," she said. "Not a big deal Tachibana-chan?!" he yelled. He cast his eyes at the ground. "Don't say careless words like that. Do you know how worried we were. Mattsun didn't even eat anything until he heard that you were alright. Haruharuki stayed at the hospital the whole night. And Midori...,even though I hate mentioning it ,slept by your bedside throughout the entire ordeal. Why did you have to over exhert yourself. Did you ever think about them? Did you ever think about us? " he vented. Hotaru covered her face ."I-I'm sorry Yukimura-san. Tachibana has been so selfish not considering how others think. I'll apologize to them," she said. "I'm sorry too Tachibana-chan. Yelling at you like that. I over did it. Will you forgive me?" he asked. "Yukimura-san," she cried. "Tachibana-chan," he hiccuped. They cried in each others arms for while. "I ask you to check up on her and this is what I find," the host said. "Mattsun this is not the time to act tough. I know you want in on this too ," Yukki said shifting his glasses. "If it makes the two of you quiet down I'll join you. You're such babies," he said hugging them both . "But that's why I love you," he added more quietly.
The green haired doctor reread the anonymous letter. Someone knew his secret. The only thing he hadn't told his wife. "Ehh. I'm in such a fix this time. Which devious mind took the liberty to dig into my life? With a fine comb too," he mused . He read the print again.
Dear Midori Nagamasa.
I'm a fellow well wisher in your happiness. Just to make sure we all celebrate together why don't I let your wife in on the special event on the 12th of November. Expect a call from me anytime. Even now. That way it will be a real celebration.
Yours truly
A person with your best interests at heart.
Midori debated with himself. Hotaru couldn't know especially in the fragile state she was in. The repercussions on her health could he detrimental. He rubbed his eyes as he thought. His secret, the one his mother had used countless times against him and the same one this anonymous person was trying to take advantage of was getting on his nerves. Either way it wasn't a big deal to him. He was sure Hotaru would understand? Not likely. Midori shrugged off his lab coat and wore his navy blue jacket. Fujimoto stared at him before voicing his thoughts. "Midori-san where are you going? It's not even lunch hour yet," he reasoned. "Hm? Oh Fujimon I have some urgent business and besides Hotaru needs me right now. I'm entrusting you with everything Fujimon. Do your best," he said grabbing his keys and leaving. "Midori-san is so cool. Fujimon can't afford to disappoint him," he said.
Yukki let out a sigh. "The only reason why Tachibana is having such a troublesome time with her pregnancy is because it's Midori's," he concluded. "Care to repeat that Yukimura?" Midori said. "Mattsun it seems this devil is omnipresent," he whispered. The doctor noticed everyones puffy red eyes. "I've come to believe that you were all crying when I specifically asked you to minimize the strong emotions," he said. "Midori-kun it's Tachibana's fault. I'm the one who started crying," she said. "Oh? Am I correct to assume that one of you made her cry?" he said with a fading smile. "Midori-kun don't bother them. Otherwise Tachibana definetly won't stay here any longer. The thought of continuously rotting my brain watching TV doesn't entertain me," she pouted. Hotaru's phone vibrated on the bed. Midori watched the glowing screen broodingly. That could be the blackmailer calling. "I'll take you out this afternoon," Midori proposed. Hotaru ignored the phone and stared at Midori lovingly. "Midori-kun you're the best. Tachibana contemplated sneaking out when none of you were looking," she confessed. Matsuoka scruffed up her hair. "Hotaru. Why do you feel the need to keep up on our toes? You were never as troublesome as this before," he said. "Mattsun I already told you. It's always Midori's fault," Yukki said matter of factly. Midori snickered at Yukki's insult. Maybe he was onto something.
Weeks passed and the black mailer remained silent. The doctor packed his ammunition in preparation to leave for TGC. " Hotaru-chan is it really okay for me to leave you like this?" he asked. "Of course. Tachibana knows that you need time to 'kill' people. Just like how Tachibana feels the fierce need to be the right hand of justice. I can't dream of stopping you from leaving," she said. The green haired man sighed. He was the luckiest guy on the planet. How did he get someone so understanding? "I won't stay too long," he said giving her a quick kiss goodbye. Hotaru leaned into the sofa and replayed her conversation with the stranger on the phone. He had said that he knew something about her husband that apparently she did not. But she immediately shut him down choosing not to hear whatever lies he had made up. She would trust Midori because he would have done the same if it were her. If it was important he would have told her. Hotaru felt a tiny contraction wave. "It's happening again. But the doctor said that they'll gradually go away then why do they keep on increasing. Tachibana is not due for another two weeks," she said to herself. "I'll rest here for a second and breathe. If I relax then Tachibana will be fine," she said. Hotaru decided to remember her good old days with ToyGunGun. Her life with Midori. Her best friend Kanae. She smiled remembering that her best friend had kicked out her husband because he told her that she gained weight. Oddly enough Kanae had put on some weight. Considering how much she prided herself on looking gorgeous Hotaru was surprised. And Naoki who never got tired of telling her about his daily experiences. Hotaru never got tired of hearing him talk. It was almost as if he viewed her as his mother. The blonde haired woman laughed at the thought. She didn't view herself as a motherly figure but she would try her best. She gently rubbed her belly. "Tachibana can't wait to meet you and kiss your tiny little feet. I love you so much," she cooed. Hotaru's eyes drooped as sleep took over. She closed her eyes and surrendered herself to sleep. Time passed rapidly. The blonde was fast asleep when when she felt a sharp contraction hitting her. She gasped at the intense pain. This was not like the minor contractions she'd been experiencing before. This was different. The blonde eyed the phone on the coffee table. Hotaru labored to get up. Drip. Drip. She looked at the floor were she'd felt something moist trickling down her legs. Could it be? "Tachibana's water just broke," she whispered. This couldn't have happened at a worser time. When she was alone with noone to help her. She immediately dialed the number that was on her speed dial. Hopefully he wasn't occupied because she needed him.
Haruki was sitting at the benches after recently being eliminated. "How come the kid is still surviving in there and I'm warming up the benches. I'm too good a teacher," he said. Midori set down his guns. "The student out-mastered his sensei. But considering how much you love slacking off I'm hardly surprised," he said with a tiny smile touching his lips. The doctor had gone through the first three matches and that left him with two more to go. Midori's phone vibrated in his pocket. The melody which he had designated to Hotaru alone filled his ears. He smiled. Maybe she was curious about how things were going. "Hello Hotaru-chan," he answered. "Mi-Midori," she stuttered in-between breaths. The doctor heard the wailing of sirens in the background. Midori held onto the phone more tightly. " What happened? What's wrong?" he asked sternly. "It hurts. It hurts so much. Tachibana's water broke a while ago but I couldn't get through to you," she said. "I'm sorry about that. Where are they taking you?" he asked. "Hoshishiro Hospital," she replied. "I'll be right there. Hang in there for a little longer," he said grabbing his guns and packing them away. "Midori-san are you going somewhere? " Fujimoto asked. "I apologize but I have to leave. My wife is in labor," he said. Haruki's eyes almost popped out at the news. "You can continue without me," Midori said. "What do you mean continue without you. We have to be there for her and for you too. She might kill you," Haruki said. Midori chuckled at Haruki's words. His words had some truth to them. "We aced this round Naoki-kun. Midori you're leaving?" Matsuoka asked halting in his steps. Matsuoka was well aware that Midori never abandoned the prospect of terrorizing people in survival games. Ever since they were in high school the doctor was fond of shooting people. Matsuoka shook his head. "Masamune you shouldn't have any problems claiming the trophy this time. I need to get going," he said carrying his bag. "Hotaru-chan is in labor and I can't afford to miss the birth of my children. I won't stop any of you if you want to tag along," he said walking away. "Yosh. That decides it. We have to rush to the hospital and give her our support," Matsuoka said. Yukki nodded his head in agreement. Fujimoto hopped into his sensei's car. "Midori-sensei I'm riding with Nii-san. I'll meet you there," Haruka said before squeezing into Matsuoka's rental car. The doctor drove off silently praying that there were no complications. He couldn't afford to lose her or any one of them. He sighed with relief as he drove into the urban jungle. Thirty minutes later he parked his car in the hospital park lot. The doctor entered the hospital and greeted the receptionist. "Dr Midori. I wasn't expecting to see you today. That reminds me. Your wife was recently admitted into the maternity ward. Room number 85," she said. "Thank you so much. Good bye," he said. The doctor took the elevator to the fourth floor. Midori and Fujimoto stepped got off at the fourth floor. Kanae sat on a chair with her hands folded on her laps. "Kanae," Midori called. The pink haired woman directed her gaze to him. "Midori-san. I'm glad that you're now here," she said. "How is she?" he asked. "She's better now but the doctor's said that she's almost ready to start pushing so they asked me to step out. Hotaru's been asking for you , you know " Kanae said. "Thank you for taking care of her in my absence. I'll be leaving now. Fujimon please see to it that you direct the others here," he said opening the door to her room. The nurses looked at him. "Dr Midori?" one of them asked. "I'm the father. How much longer?" he asked. He put on some scrubs and cleaned his hands. "Not any longer. Dr Saito will be back shortly," she replied. Midori looked at Hotaru's slightly pale form. Her hair stuck to her forehead as she sweated. Midori grabbed a towel and gently wiped her forehead. Hotaru opened her eyes after hearing his voice. "Midori-kun?" she called. His pale blue eyes met with hers. "Hotaru-chan I'm sorry I was late. How are you feeling?" he asked. "Midori-kun it's fine. The doctor gave me something to ease the pain," she said. Dr Saito returned and checked her centimeters. "You're ready to push. Mrs Nagamasa I need you to breathe in deeply. On the count of three you push," he instructed. "Please hold my hand Midori-kun," she said. Midori placed his left hand in hers. "Push," Dr Saito said. Hotaru squeezed Midori as she pushed. A few more minutes passed and Midori could swear that he couldn't feel his hand anymore. "I can see the head now. Push a little bit more," he said. Hotaru pushed harder until she felt some of the pressure eleviate. "It's a boy," Dr Saito said handing him to the nurse. The newborn exercised his lungs as he cried from the cool air that had slapped his sensitive skin. Midori cut off the umbilical cord. The nurse left to clean him up. "I can't see him," Hotaru said. "The nurse went to clean him up. He'll be back really soon," Midori said. "One more time. Push," Dr Saito said. Hotaru clenched the bed sheet as she pushed again with all her might. "It's a girl," he announced. But the baby didn't cry. "Why can't I hear her?" Hotaru asked. The doctor slapped the baby's butt cheek. She gave a little cry. "Turns out our daughter is just plain lazy," he laughed. Midori cut of the umbilical cord. The nurse returned their son and placed him in Hotaru's arms. The little boy was dressed in the blue romper she'd picked for him. "Tachibana can't believe that he came out of me. He's so adorable," she said. The infant had a full head of blonde hair. Midori held placed his index finger in the little boy's hand. The little guy gave him a light squeeze. "He looks just like you. He's even noisy if that's not a dead giveaway," he joked. The nurse returned with their daughter who she placed in Hotaru's free arm. The dark haired baby yawned lazily. Midori kissed her on the cheek. "She's so cute," he said. "Yes she is. I can't believe it. We're parents now Midori-kun. Do you want to hold your son?" she asked. Midori took the fragile looking baby and held him in his arms. His son. The little boy began fussing. "Shhshh. Don't you worry. Daddy is here," he said. The little boy quieted down and gave his lungs a much needed rest. Midori looked at his wife as she nursed their daughter. She'd given him so much over the past few years. And this time he was now a father to two adorable little babies. He kissed her when the emotions became overbearing. "Thank you so much Hotaru-chan for delivering these two safely into this world. Thank you for making a father today," he said. Hotaru's eyes glistened with tears. "Tachibana would like to thank Midori-kun too. Without you non of this could have been possible," she said. Once she finished feeding her daughter the nurse placed the little baby in a bed nurse helped Hotaru into a wheelchair to have her clean up . The other nurse changed her bed sheets. Midori sat down on the bedside chair with his son no longer in his arms. The nurse had placed him along side his sister in the bed cot. The nurse stepped outside the room. Hotaru's friends watched her eagerly. "You can now see her," she said. Matsuoka was the first to stand. "Finally. I didn't think I could wait a second longer," he said. The host entered with a card and balloon from the local gift shop. The rest of her friends followed closely behind. "Congratulations," they said taking their time to hug her and shake hands with the new dad. Kanae squealed at the sight of the two infants. "Kawai ," she said. "Can I hold her for a second," she asked. "Sure. Knock yourself out," Hotaru answered. Kanae cradled her lovingly. "Does she have a name yet?" she asked. "Yes. That's baby Yukari," she chimed already forgetting about her exhaustion. "The little guy in Haruki's arms is Toshiaki," she said. Matsuoka seated himself beside Midori. "How are you feeling Midori?" he asked. "I'm ecstatic. This is one of the happiest days of my life. The moment you experience fatherhood Masamune you'll understand," he said. Toshiaki scrunched up his nose and gave a little sneeze. Surprised by his own action the little boy slowly opened his eyes to look at the offender. Pale blue eyes innocently tried to focus on Haruki. "You've got the king's eyes I see," he said. He gently tickled him. "You're so cute Toshi," Haruki said. The newborn mewled. "Uh I think somebody is ravenous. Here," he said handing him back to Hotaru. Hotaru smoothed his hair and gave him a kiss. "You're very outspoken aren't you little guy," she said as suckled him. Toshiaki latched on gladly forgetting about the unusual world he'd recently been introduced to. Midori stepped out for a breath of fresh air. He'd have to call his parents and his in-laws. Maybe a few other people. He dialed his mother's number. She answered on the second ring. "Midori-chan," she answered. "Hello mother. How are you?" he asked. "I'm very excited. I can't believe it. I get to see my precious grandkids. You've got extra space in your storage room right? I bought them a tonne of things. I'm already on my way," she enthused. His mother sounded happy. "How do you even know that?" he finally asked. "I asked Hotaru-chan's best friend ,Kanae, to keep me well informed if there were any developments. I know that you're an unreliable son. You're always keeping things from me," Rika complained. "For a good cause of course," he said. "Your father and I will be there shortly Midori," she said. The doctor released a puff of air. He reentered his wife's room. All the tension that usually existed between Hoshishiro and ToyGunGun just seemed to evaporate. He smiled to himself. Maybe that was the power of family. Towards 9 pm everyone vacated Hotaru's room. Midori held her hand in his as she rested. "I really wish I could take you home already. You and the kids," he said kissing her hand. "Midori-kun I'm only staying here for the night. Tachibana will be back home tomorrow," she said. "Besides you should rest too. Your hand needs to recover," she snickered. "Ah? And here I thought you hadn't noticed," Midori said. "Tachibana is well aware of what transpired but I forgot about it. Until I noticed the bruises. I'm sorry about that," Hotaru apologized. "You don't need to apologize to me. I didn't feel a thing after a while. It numbed itself out," he said. "Go to sleep Hotaru-chan. You need to recover," he ordered. Green eyes watched him thankfully. "Yes Midori-kun. Goodnight," she said. Reassured that his wife was fast asleep he left her room and visited the baby maternity ward. The glass frame allowed him the perfect view of his precious babies. The concept of fatherhood had never appealed to him. In his case he'd grown up as an only child. His father was mostly busy so they had little time together. Midori's mother tried as much as she could to be there for him but he was no longer interested in their affection. He'd found himself a distraction. The doctor touched the glass frame. Yukari slept soundly without a care in the world. His daughter was truly unique. Toshiaki on the other hand had begun squirming. "Quite the adventurous type aren't you Toshi. Hn? Daddy will make sure that we travel to all the best places. You too Yuka. I can't promise that I'll always be there for the most important events in your life but I'll guide you every step of the way. I want you to live your lives to the fullest and not repeat the mistakes that I made in my life. Eh I've only been here for a few seconds and I'm already being such a dad. Rest little ones. Tomorrow we're going home," he said taking one last look at his babies before he walked away.
"Oh my, oh my. They are so cute I could just steal them from you," Rika said cuddling Toshiaki. Toshi knitted his eye brows together . Deciding that she wasn't a threat of any sort he closed his eyes and slept. "This is too much. He behaves the same way you used to. Midori when are Hotaru's parents getting here?" she asked tickling Toshi's tummy. The doctor sighed thinking about his wife's parents. Originally that had planned to visit a few days before the estimated due date. But Hotaru's father's condition had taken a nose dive for the worst. He was currently in in I.C.U. Several days had passed since the twins were born and Midori had only been able to video call them once. A tiny hand held his index finger. The doctor looked at his daughter gratefully. "I don't know how you knew that I was worried Yuka. But thank you," he said kissing her cheek. Pale blue eyes watched him curiously. Midori gently brushed his daughter's dark green hair. "Midori I'm going to check on Hotaru and get some fresh baby bottles. Try not to wake him up okay. Your son is really choosy. It's like raising you all over again," his mother complained. The doctor cracked a smile. If Toshi was just like him then it wouldn't be that bad. He knew how to deal with himself. The green haired man stood up with his daughter and decided to visit his wife too. Hotaru hadn't completely appreciated being swamped by his mother all the time. He knew the feeling too well. Midori knocked before he opened the door to their bedroom. His wife's face was stuffed with spinach. Brigtht ,hopeful green eyes pleaded silently. The doctor stifled a laugh before clearing his throat. "Mother I think she's had enough. Let nature take its course alright?" he said. "But Midori she has to eat something. Look at her," Rika said. "Fine. I'll take care of her. Give the two of us some privacy mother," he said. Rika took the bowl of creamed spinach and left the two to have some time alone. Hotaru plopped loudly on the pillows. "Hotaru-chan I'm glad to see you awake. You've been worrying me," Midori confessed. His blonde wife tucked away a strand of her hair before turning away from him and facing the walls. "Hm? I have reasons to believe that you're mad at me. If I may learn the reason why," he said. He settled down on the bed with his daughter in his arms. "You know the reason why Midori-kun. Tachibana can't shake the feeling that there's something you're hiding from me," she said. "Oh? You mean that," he said wearing an oblivious look. "I could tell you. But what guaranty do I have that you won't be ill-affected?" "You know Tachibana very well then why aren't you telling me what I need to hear. Do you perhaps have any disorder that Tachibana hasn't been made aware of. Midori-kun please be honest with me," she pleaded. "No can do. Let's concentrate on something better instead of focusing on an irrelevant subject," he said. "What could be better than hearing you tell me what I need to know," she asked. "Dinner Hotaru-chan. Just you and me. Mother already volunteered to babysit the kids whilst you get some well deserved time off. How about it?" he asked. Hotaru turned around. "I've never been so conflicted. Tachibana can't leave them alone. It's still too early," she explained. "I see where the problem lies here. You're insecure," Midori said. "I'm not insecure. Tachibana is feeling over protective. Something bad could happen," the blonde said. The green haired doctor rested a drowsy Yukari on his chest. "Like what? Dropping the baby on it's head. Look at me. Mother dropped me a couple of times but I'm still fine," he joked. "Midori-kun I'm serious. I can't leave them yet. Please order takeaway," Hotaru said. "If you insist my darling wife. And one more thing. When are you going back to work?" he asked. Hotaru played with the lining of the sheets. She knew that he probably wasn't going to like her response but the criminals of Japan weren't going to arrest themselves. "Two months Midori-kun," she said. "What do you mean two months? You've hardly had a proper maternity leave and now you're telling me this. Your job is dangerous Hotaru-chan. Anything can happen," Midori said. "Midori-kun don't you see that Tachibana doesn't have other options. Besides earlier you didn't mind my job. You knew that Tachibana is a dedicated officer of the law. Why are you against it now?" she asked. "It's different Hotaru-chan. You're an adept officer with exceptional skills but it doesn't change the fact that your job is dangerous. Stay at home for a little longer," he said. "Stay at home? Next thing you'll be asking me to be a stay at home mom," she muttered. "Ah? I believe we're on the same page after all," he said scratching the back of his neck. Hotaru's eyes shot daggers at him. "Tachibana can't do that Midori-kun. I have a duty to play to the citizens and my country. I still can't believe that you asked me that," she said. "There's that. But at the same time I'm not prepared to be a single parent. There's the issue of work hazards Hotaru-chan and I'm not ready lose you," Midori said. "Midori-kun I promise that I'll be fine. For your sake and our kids sake Tachibana will not put myself in harms way," she said. The new mother took her sleeping daughter and cradled her in her arms. "She's so cute," Hotaru whispered. Midori wrapped his arms around them. "Yeah. Yukari our cute little baby girl. I seriously hope she'll stay that way," he said.
"I don't get it," Haruki complained. "Nii-san is there a problem?" Haruka asked. The elder of the two brothers couldn't help pouting. "Why did I have to get stuck babysitting with you?!" Haruki yelled. Haruka shrugged as he pushed the other stroller. "I refused to share the duty with anyone else. Tachibana understood that very well," he replied. Haruki's sweat dropped. "Fine so you asked her to be paired up with me. Then why are those two idiots trailing behind us?" Haruki questioned. Haruka turned his head back and caught sight of Matsuoka and Yukki eating ice cream cones. The two of them waved at Haruka. The younger Hosokawa disinterestedly looked away. "I didn't notice them until now. They are probably just watching you Nii-san. Midori-sensei wouldn't be pleased if one of them went missing," Haruka pointed out. The vein in Haruki's temple throbbed. "Why did you assume that my charge would go missing. You're the one they should be worried about. You hardly watch anything that doesn't concern me. Little friek," he mumbled. "Nii-san language. I don't want any one of them getting your foul mouth," Haruka admonished him. "Urgh! Why do I even bother with you," Haruki said. "Mattsun are you sure we should be doing this. I mean we're supposed to be uncles then why are we doing this again?" Yukki asked. "Yukki if there's one thing women love more than puppies it's a man carrying a baby. Get one and you practically own the world," Matsuoka said enthusiastically. "Hm? Never-mind the gorgeous women. I've got a new idea for my next manga. This really helped. All my faithful fans will weep tears of joy when they read my next book," he said shedding tears himself. "Calm down buddy. People are starting to stare. Literally," he said. Yukki righted his glasses and wore his serious face. "Are they still staring Mattsun," he asked. "No. They are too busy running away now," he added as the hopelessness sunk in. Haruki and Haruka reached the park and sat down on the benches. Two sets of pale blue eyes blinked slowly at the bright outdoors. Yukari cooed as the tree leaves fell. But Toshiaki had his eyebrows knitted together as he watched Haruki. Haruki scooted away from his gaze but the two month old's eyes followed him. "Nii-san did you wrong that child in any way," Haruka said voicing his concern. "I don't know. Hotaru mentioned something about a favorite blanket. I think I might have forgotten it," he said. Haruki stood up to grab some refreshments. Toshiaki breathed in a huge gulp of air. The brown haired man took another step. The little boy took in more breaths. On the third step Toshi scrunched up his little face and cried. "What did I do?" Haruki said hurrying back. The blonde boy kept on crying until Haruki picked him up. "Shhshhshh. That's a good boy Toshi," he cooed. Haruka fed Yuka her bottle. "We share the same face don't we? Then why did he react like that," he questioned. "He simply prefers the one that looks more like the servant Nii-san. Maybe I forgot to mention earlier. He's the one with colic," Haruka said. "What a great help you've been. Bravo. So he's the one who's got the two of them passed out. I can see why. He's pretty demanding," Haruki said. "Once he starts up the little sister joins in the racket. Hence the sleep deprived parents," Haruka explained. "No wonder Hotaru seemed out of it. Toshiaki you're really something," he said gently patting his back. "How about I give you something to drink. You seem thirsty," he said as he positioned him to give him his bottle. Toshi suckled intently looking at Haruki. Seeing that he was done Haruki held out the young boy above him and tickled his tummy with his nose. Toshi gurgled and started smiling. Haruki did it again with the same result. "Hey Haruka I think I've... Pfffft. pfft..pfft. He just threw up in my mouth," Haruki said quickly wiping off the baby vomit from his shirt and the baby's mouth. "You should have burped him first Nii-san," Haruka quipped. "Aren't we full of bright ideas today," Haruki added sarcastically. Yukki and Matsuoka were crouched behind the bushes. "Yukki did you get that?" Matsuoka asked. "Of course Mattsun. What do you take me for? Comedy gold is the essential key to embarrassing the protagonist for life. There's no way he's ever going to live this down," Yukki said confidently. "It would have worked if you guys weren't so loud. Hand me the footage," Haruki demanded. "No way. I worked hard for this," Yukki pouted. "You're hiding behind the bushes in a park. I saw somebody dialing 119 to report two suspicious men stalking innocent civilians. Oh yeah. That was my call. Give me the camera you idiots!" Haruki demanded. "Never. I don't want you touching my precious camera," Yukki said fleeing clumsily. "Tooru. You get back here!" Haruki demanded.
A/N: Hey guys. I've had a wonderful journey sharing this story with all of you. Thank you for bearing with all my mistakes and my clumsiness for this long. 'The one that almost got away' will be coming to a close soon. So thank you for being such great readers and guiding me along the way. Giving me motivation when I didn't have the strength to write. I mean it. Reviews do help in keeping away a nasty writer's block. I'm sorry that this chapter was so short. The last chapter will most definitely be longer. I know that many Aoharu x Kikanjuu fans were itching for a longer fanfic just like I was. So I took matters into my own hands. And I wrote this story. I seriously hope that you liked it. I even got the opportunity to throw in a few of my own characters. This was so much fun. I'll encourage you to keep on reading. Thank you for all the love and the time you spent reading my book. And thank you Naoe-sensei for creating such an amazing manga and these beautiful characters. I love them all to bits. I love you all and stay blessed. The one and only Velvetsin.