A/N: Hello!
This a fic for Kane's birthday, which was on October 10. Belated Happy Birthday Kane Yamashita!
Due to academic pressure, the work was started late. This is a Kane/OC with kids. A light-hearted family fic. Enjoy!
The Surgeon Hero ~
The cool, soothing nocturnal breeze caressed every inch of the surroundings. After a long day at work, the blue-haired surgeon strolled to the backdoor. His wife is a nursing mother for their one-year-old daughter. He followed the necessary protocols to keep his family away from infections. They also have a five-year-old son. He mandated to keep his children safe and less susceptible to all the mess he carried from the hospital. His wife is a surgeon too. They dated during their registrarship in the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. She got pregnant with their daughter after their registrarship and has been with their children at home to date. He worked for livelihood and financial stability, but he is passionate too.
Katsumi heard their car, and her face lit up with joy. In a couple of minutes, she heard the back door open. Kuriko, their little daughter cooed and giggled. "Papa!"
"Papa is home!" Katsumi bounced her daughter and pecked her small forehead.
Kane returned from the bath, the towel hung on his shoulder and hair still damp from the shower.
Katsumi opened the door, walked downstairs, and greeted her husband, "Welcome home, honey!" she cuddled and pecked his lips. Her Olive eyes interlocked with his blue ones dreamily. She closed the gap between them, whispered slow and steady, "How was your day, Honey?" She lazily drew circles on his clavicle. He smiled faintly, his eyelids heavy from the work. "The day was good. I discharged a handful of patients as well," he mumbled, drawing his hands on her waist and pulling her into an intimate hug, feeling her scent.
The duo parted away slowly, still content from the contact. "Let's go to the room," she said. Kane nodded and followed her.
Kuriko's face was etched with joy as she saw Kane enter the room. She playfully reached out her hands to him, "Papa! Papa!"
"Hi, my cute Princess," he cooed and cradled her. Her soft and tiny hands held the fabric of his shirt.
"Where is Katsuro?" Kane asked his wife.
"He is inside the room, studying."
"Did you give him dinner?"
"Yes."
Kane carried his daughter, taking a small walk to his son's room. He opened the door to see him solving math. Katsuro turned and sighed, "Hey, Dad. I never thought I would see you."
Kane chuckled at Katsuro's remark. It was quite expected from a child devoid of a paternal figure most of the time. Kane often dealt with surgeries and the sleepless nights were the consequence. However, Kuriko was different. She is her Dad's little Princess. To his eyes, both his children were equal. Kuriko was still a baby and did not know Kane's work. She was too young for it.
"Hey son," Kane ruffled his hair. He retorted, pouting in annoyance.
"Dad, that's enough. You show up rarely, and am I expected to fall for your antics? This will never work. You didn't show up for my annual day program and parent-teacher meeting! Leave me, Dad!"
"But, I did come for the sports day," he mumbled.
"You came late! Don't you remember that?"
"Alright, fine. I am sorry."
Kuriko pouted at Katsuro, reaching out to him. Katsuro stopped his work, turned to her, and gently lifted her.
"Little sis, you are Papa's Princess, right? You get all the love and affection from him. I wish I got the same."
His words struck like a heavy cord stabbing his chest. Kane assured him, "Katsuro, I love you both equally. You are my first child! I can never love you less. Why do you feel so?"
"Both of you are with her more! I don't remember receiving such parental care when I was the same age! Lucy Nanny was the one who took care of me!"
Kane sighed, unable to answer his question. Kane and Katsumi were still pursuing their registrarship in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Katsuro was born after their third year. They also decided to take a break after discovering her pregnancy. And, they couldn't delay the program. They had to resume their surgical training immediately after his birth. They used to carry their child around sometimes with granted permission.
"Alright, carry on with your work, buddy. I am not the one to disturb," Kane smiled sarcastically, leaving the room.
"This welcome was certainly expected," Kane mumbled as he walked to the bedroom. His eyebrows furrowed with frustration. Katsumi stood close to him and whispered, "Is everything good, darling?"
"I am convinced that Katsuro probably hates me now. Sometimes, I just wish I had compromised my dreams for the sake of our children. It's hard to choose between your career and your children," Kane's voice was barely above a whisper. Katsumi drew him closer, "Honey, your ambitions and personal goals are as important. The common crowd thrives on this profession, so-called surgery, as their last hope during illness. This profession also gives us a livelihood, but more than that, we are like gods in the form of doctors. We need the courage and guts to choose Healthcare. You never show negligence to your family. Your desire to work hard for your family is not false. Katsuro is still a young boy. It takes time for him to understand. One day, he will feel proud to call you his dad."
Kane smiled softly, exposing his vulnerability to this one person.
"I have no words to explain how grateful I am," he whispered.
"I've known you for years now, Kane," she kissed his forehead.
"Now, come. It's dinner time. You need to have your meal," she whispered, dragging him to the dining.
Katsumi prepared some good Japanese hot bowl food with seasoned meat and veggies. Katsumi's hands slowly hovered over his shoulders, her lips gently caressing his ear, "Have some good food, sweetie."
Kane's breath hitched with her steamy behavior. His cheeks flushed upon her gestures. Her hands slowly strolled down his chest, his heart picking up pace.
"Are you nervous, huh?" she gave a sultry whisper, pressing her flat palm near his heart. Kane gently retorted, sweat dropping.
"Well, doctor wifey. I admit you are so hot, but I am hungry now," he chuckled, savoring the food prepared by her. Katsumi stared at him dreamily, gently smiling. "Well, isn't your wife, the best doctor, the best wife, and the best cook?" she smirked, giving a sly look.
"That's true, the best doctor who still makes my heart flutter so mad," Kane smirked back at her.
"Oh honey, you make my hormones so wild," she mused, attempting to inch closer to him. He giggled, "Which hormone, dearie?"
"Maybe, Adrenaline?" she couldn't control her laughter.
"Well, let's ditch the medical language for a bit?" he cracked up, unable to control his laughter. Katsumi joined him, her naughtiness transforming into innocence for some time.
After Kane finished the dinner, he washed the remaining dishes and let them dry. Katsumi was resting on the counter, with her arms tied one over the other. She drew him closer, their chests tightly pinned, their lips frantically drawn into a deep kiss. His hands trailed on every contour of her body, eliciting gasps from her lips.
"Oh, Kane. This is just so good," she gasped again, her nails tugged on his back fiercely. After parting away, their breaths were warm against each other's skin. Before they pulled from each other, they noticed their kids waiting to fill some water. Katsumi and Kane couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Katsuro pouted, gently pulling Katsumi's fabric, "You and Papa are lovey-dovey again, but I need some water," he frowned at Kane. "Papa, don't dare to take Mama from me, she is mine."
Kane chuckled at his antics, while the little girl gestured and babbled to not hurt their Papa. She pouted, yearning for some time with him. Kane understood her, gently lifting and bouncing her, as she giggled and enjoyed.
"Okay, a glass of water for my little son is ready!" she leered, giving him the glass. He received it with a giggle and sipped on it.
"Well then, I am going to put Kuriko to sleep. I'm heading off," he said, giving the Mother and son privacy. The pang of guilt and disappointment from Kane was palpable for Katsumi.
Katsuro has grown to distance himself from Kane after realizing his absence. He found him to be a deadbeat father, despite Kane's career. Kane always masked his true emotions, unable to express them and often bottled up inside him. Regardless, Kane forgets them later due to the countless surgeries he has to focus on. But, he is struggling to build a strong foundation with Katsuro. Katsumi wishes she could help them, but Katsuro is dense enough to pay attention. Kane is still amused by how Katsuro antagonizes him. Was he supposed to find that hilarious or hurt? He has no definite answer for that.
Kuriko babbled in an attempt to console Kane, her sweet voice making his heart swell with joy. Kuriko is his source of light and he finds a sense of comfort in playing with her. Her soft blue hair, just like her father is the best resemblance.
Katsumi entered, bearing an apologetic look, "Honey, I am sorry for Katsuro's behavior. It's hard to make him understand. It's all because of my incapacity to be a good mother. I am such a bad mother, you know," she smiled.
"Hey, there, sweetheart, it's not your fault," Kane drew her into a hug and kissed her forehead. "There is no one to blame in this situation. You are trying your best. He will understand, but he will take his time. Let's not worry about it, okay?"
"Kane, I'll start my practice soon. What if Katsuro would feel the same about me?" she asked.
"No, no. He won't. He loves his mama. And, he'll be alright. He will understand," Kane rubbed her back.
"Well then, it's time to hit the bed. We all are tired. We need adequate rest now," he gently directed her towards the bed. Kane then put a blanket on them, gently rubbing her forehead and tracing her cheek contours.
"You're breathtaking as ever, Katsumi. I don't have words to express them," he mumbled, pressing a light kiss on her lips. She smiled gracefully, returning the kiss gently.
"I miss performing the surgeries. It's been two years. I am going to start my private practice."
"I've been yearning for your presence. But, after two deliveries, I needed you to rest at home and come fresh. It's more difficult to be a female surgeon," Kane said with a hint of seriousness. "I'm glad you are here to understand my efforts and pains. I am blessed to have you by my side," she added, snuggling close to him beneath the blanket. He swirled his arms over her, keeping her warm and protected under his embrace.
"Do these kids throw tantrums?" he chuckled.
"Yeah, sometimes. But, they do cooperate. They are sweet kids," she mused.
Katsumi's gentle strokes lulled him into a peaceful slumber. She giggled, closing her eyes and turning off the lamps.
…
The next day, Kane returned to his shifts again. Katsumi dropped her children at the school returning home after a hectic morning. A thought crossed her mind. 'It's Kane's birthday in a week. I should plan for it. Kane might be busy with his shift, but I should prepare something for him. He needs to relax a bit on his birthday.'
Katsumi devised a few plans and jotted them in her Diary. She wondered if she should prepare a cake or order one from the outside. She planned to buy him a good shirt and an expensive watch. She saved some money she earned during her registrar days. For all these years, they had to rely on Kane for wealth. Her pregnancy and maternity care days started after her study, and she was unable to work. She would be joining him in mid-October.
In the Afternoon, the Nanny visited the place to discuss hiring her again. Lucy was extremely reliable. Her children developed a good relationship with her. She used to be Katsuro's caretaker while Katsumi was busy with her last few registrar years. After completion, Katsumi gave her a break since she stayed home for her children.
"I'm glad to take up this job again. I am excited to meet Katsuro," Lucy said. Her excitement was evident. She bounced and cradled Kuriko.
"They love you to no end, Lucy. They enjoy your company during our shifts," Katsumi giggled.
"How is sir doing?" Lucy asked her.
"He's been good, just busy with his shifts."
"It's rare to see him," Katsumi giggled.
"He is a nice man, I promise. I bet the kids love him," Lucy added.
Katsumi chuckled sarcastically, "Well, yes. They do. But, Katsuro does argue with Papa."
"Oww, he is just a child. He will be fine," Lucy held Katsumi's shoulders, whose voice was glinting with worry. "I know Kane better than anyone else. He is saving lives every day. For every treatment, surgery is the last resort and the last hope. All of them keep their hands for prayers, strolling around the corridor with hope yet anxiety. With all the pressure on him, he manages everything with a strong heart. He is one of the most well-known young Surgeons in Australia. He is not just passionate about his profession, but he also prioritizes his family. He loves all of us, and that's why he comes forward to save lives. He knows that we are there for him in the shadows."
Lucy nodded, contemplating their family life. Maintaining a good work-life balance for families with surgeons is difficult, but a surgeon can bear immense love and affection for the people he loves.
"Ma'am, I have an idea. How about we take the children on a small tour around the hospital? Would that be fine?"
"Sure, but he might be busy with surgeries. We'll catch up when the patient flow is less," Katsumi remarked.
"But the idea is good. Probably he will understand Kane better," she added. "Kuriko is still a toddler. She needs time. But, she is a Dad's Princess."
"That's expected," Lucy chuckled, amused by the cute bundle on her lap.
Lucy and Katsumi drove to the school, to pick up Katsuro from the school. Kuriko was playing with Lucy, babbling and giggling at the blonde Nanny. Lucy waved to the little boy.
"Lucy!" he squealed, running towards her.
"You've grown up, little boy," Lucy ruffled his brown hair. Lucy handed the toddler to Katsumi, allowing the boy to play with her.
"What brings you here, Lucy?"
"Well, I decided to come see you all after a long time. And mom will be going to work so I will be back to babysitting both of you," she smiled.
"From when?" he asked curiously.
"In two weeks?"
"So, mom will go to work then, huh? I hope she doesn't work like Dad," he frowned. Katsumi gulped, sulking. 'He has me on my toes, always. Now, I think he will have me on my head.'
"Okay, Katsuro. Get inside the car. We are going to a special place," she urged Lucy to get him inside the car.
"Sure," Lucy grabbed him playfully, "Big boy, let's go now."
"Tell me, where are we going?" he asked.
"I'll tell you once we get there," Katsumi said, adjusting his seatbelt.
After a half-an-hour drive, they reached the hospital. Katsuro was alarmed to see the familiar hospital.
"Wait, are you taking me to the doctor? I am good and healthy!" he threw tantrums.
"Shush, we aren't getting you checked here. We are here for a small hospital tour," she dragged Katsuro out of the car. He threw tantrums, without realizing it was the hospital built by his parents almost two years ago. Once he saw the nameplate, he sighed. "You freaked me out, Mom. I hope Dad is not my Doctor."
"We are not here for a check-up, but to just pay a visit. It's been a long time, right?" she smiled, cupping his face.
Three surgeons, including her husband, were working there. Additionally, the registrars came and worked here for training. A few of the registrars might join up after becoming official surgeons.
The receptionist was glad to see the brunette entering with her kids.
"Nice to see you again ma'am! It's been a long time!" The receptionist reached out to hug Katsumi. After parting, Katsumi asked, "Is sir done with his procedure?"
"Yes, he has just stepped out from the Operation theatre. He is probably talking to the patient's relatives."
"Good, I think we came at the right time. He can at least show his head out there," she mused.
"No worries, he does come here to get some fresh air."
Katsumi didn't want her children to have open contact with Kane. The receptionist gently cradled Kuriko in her arms, making funny faces and playing with her. Kuriko enjoyed the little antics and babbled. Katsumi admired, a small smile planted on her face. Katsuro grew curious and asked, "Mama, is this where Papa works? Is it the same hospital you both inaugurated?"
"Yes, dear. You know your father is a Doctor, but do you know what he does exactly?"
Katsuro pouted, swaying his head with a no. Katsumi giggled, lifting him, and said, "Papa is a surgeon. He is a heart and lung surgeon. When people have problems with these two organs, they come to Papa. He does procedures to correct them and make them work perfectly. And, these patients are not like what you see in other hospitals. They need to be admitted prior, given care, and then treated. After the surgery, they will leave home in a couple of days. And, Papa has to be there to monitor their health and progress. You are too young to understand the real deal, but this profession demands more time than the regular doctors you see in the hospital. Surgery is the last choice because of the associated risks, but it is the last hope for the patients. If no treatment works, surgery is the only hope. That's why Papa is not home most of the time. He is an Angel, who is present for these people in vulnerability."
Katsumi took a small stroll with him, showing the post-operative patients in the wards. "Look at them. Papa has saved their lives. They have to be observed for days and discharged. A few hours of work is never enough. All their lives depend on him."
"Papa still buys you Christmas presents and takes you to the parks, beaches, and adventure trips. Not just that. He dropped you by the school, sang lullabies to make you sleep, and cooked for you too. He might not attend the parent-teacher meets often, but he gets all the updates from me and the teachers. He praised your academic performance. I took videos of your annual day performances. When his shift got over, the first thing he asked was about you. Not just that one day. When he returns home from the hospital, his first question is about you and Kuriko, for every day."
Katsuro curiously looked at each patient. Katsuro was eager to talk with them, but Katsumi made him wear a mask.
He went to an old woman, who had a bypass surgery done. Katsuro engaged in a hearty conversation with her.
"I am Katsuro. I am in my Upper Kindergarten," he smiled at her.
"Granny, did my Papa save your life?" he asked her.
"Yes, dear. Your Papa saved my life. I wouldn't be alive, talking to you here if not for your Papa," she chuckled.
"Surgery involved very complex treatments that should have no room for error, Katsuro," Katsumi said. "Your Papa is hardworking. And, all of them are grateful for him," she added.
Katsuro was filled with guilt. He had argued with Kane countless times, without understanding his career. He still hasn't gotten the entire picture, but he understands that Kane's job is tougher and demands more time for the helpless people. After all, he is not someone working only for money. He is here to fill people's hearts with hope.
"Mama, why should dad be the one to do all this?" he asked her.
"Then, I have a question for you. Remember the day when your friend Megan tripped on the floor? You came to help her, without thinking for once. Papa chose to help them by his choice. Nobody forced him," she kissed his forehead.
"Papa is a kind person, isn't he Mama?" he asked.
"Of course. You will understand more as you grow up," she smiled. "You are also kind and caring, just like Papa."
Katsuro smiled, kissing her on the cheek. "Papa is my hero now. I will become a Great Surgeon like him in the future!"
Katsumi felt proud of his resolve.
"What about Mama?" she asked, ruffling his hair.
"Mama, when will you start to work? You will be a hero like Papa," he cooed, stretching his hands to be lifted by her.
"Your Mama is a surgeon too! But she will start her work!" the nurse said.
"Then Mama is also my hero!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands.
The nurses played with Katsuro, keeping him under the supervision of the Nanny. He talked to the patients there. He comforted them with his little presence.
Katsumi went to the reception. She waited for him until he showed himself from the common room. He was wearing his gown, mask, and head cap. Regardless, she felt his smile even with the covered face. After sanitizing his hands and freshening up, he reached her with his scrubs.
"So eager to work again?" he mused.
"Yes, hubby. I am a surgeon too, don't forget," she winked, inching closer to him.
"I see. I heard the kids are here too. Where are they?" he asked her.
"Lucy is with Katsuro in the wards. A few nurses are babysitting Kuriko in the visitor's room."
Kane was surprised. He smiled, chuckling low. "I think you are exposing the outer world to him slowly."
"Yes. You don't have to worry. He will understand now," she held his hands.
"I am not sure how to thank you, honey. I am glad to have you in my life," he smiled softly. He almost tried to bring her into a hug, but he couldn't due to the likelihood of transmitting infections to her as a nursing mother. Katsumi chuckled, "So, it does take time for a surgeon to suppress the lovey-dovey gestures?"
"I don't want my loved ones to be affected. I want them sound and safe," his facial expressions became tender.
"Alright, I have some patients to check now. Shall I catch up at home? I wasn't planning to come here today because there are so many patients, but you are here now. So, I planned to talk with you for a few minutes," his cheeks turned red.
"Sure, and don't worry. I'll be here to help you in no time," she smiled. As she parted from him, she threw flying kisses at him. He giggled and turned to walk back.
…
"Welcome home, honey," she greeted him from the backdoor, kissing his cheek. Kane drew her into a hug and kissed her back on the forehead. He handed over his laptop case to her and advanced to the shower room. Katsumi arranged the dinner for him on the platter, fresh and hot. Katsuro ran to the dining, hopping up on the chair.
"You're quite early for dinner, Katsuro. I didn't expect you so soon," she mused, bringing the dinner for him.
"I am hungry now," he pouted.
"I know you are waiting for Papa, right?" she giggled, ruffling his hair. He frowned, his cheeks turning red.
Kane reached the dining.
He was surprised to see Katsuro. "Hey, kid. I didn't expect you here," Kane chuckled, patting his shoulders.
"I'm just hungry earlier than usual," he turned his face away. Kane and Katsumi shared amused glances, getting closer to their son.
"Didn't you tell me that Papa is your hero?" she asked him. Kane was amused, yet with a hint of surprise evident on his face, "Am I a hero? For what? I am a deadbeat dad, according to you." He chuckled.
"You are doing god's job by staying for the people. Mama said you are there for them during their vulnerability. I felt you are a hero for that," he said. His innocence was evident.
"Thank you, son. You are still a child. Yet, you understand these things from a young age. You are smart and intelligent. You are growing so fast," he said, his tone soft and low. Katsuro stood up, reaching up to hug him. Kane was unable to suppress his tears. He bought him into an embrace, protectively. Katsumi was touched by the father-son bonding, joining them.
"Katsumi, and Katsuro. I am more than blessed to have this family. I've asked myself if I was a terrible dad and husband. But, you both proved me wrong. I'm motivated to be a better family man now," his voice was tearful.
"Kane, you've worked so hard for this little family. We are more than blessed to have you. Now, stop crying and have dinner. Come on."
Kane wiped his tears. He took a deep breath and savored the food. "It's delicious!"
"It's your wife, at all," she smirked, nudging his elbow. Kane pulled her by the waist and made her sit on his lap. "I know my wife is the best cook."
"Come on. Our son is watching us."
Katsuro cocked his eyebrow and then facepalmed. "Come on, mom and dad. You are acting all lovey-dovey again."
Kane and Katsumi exchanged glances, before bursting out to laugh.
"Your Papa is the hero after all. He will have to romance the heroine, right?" she mused.
"Come on, mom. That's enough," he frowned.
Before laughing out loud, she pinched his cheeks. "Alright, dinner time. No talks."
A/N: I hope this didn't suck. I had less time to work on this. I had no time to proof-read, so there might be a few grammatical errors.
Thanks for reading!
-Niki.