Instant Family for Feihu

[sagely_sea]

Title:  Instant Family, Just Add Hot Water
Author: willowscry
Recipient: feihu
Pairing/Characters:  Sanada/Tezuka, Yukimura, Yanagi
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: m/m sex, mpreg, bogus biology to explain the mpreg...ambigously gay Yukimura
Disclaimer: I don't own these boys, I just ruin their lives. :D
Summary: Ten years after Sanada and Tezuka professionally played tennis, they meet again during an onsen trip, where secrets are revealed, and passions flare up again....
Notes: There may be some things that are questionable, but considering the nature of the story, don't overthink things too much. :)



“You seem tense,” They said. “Take a vacation already.” They said. Sanada grumbled as he reluctantly stepped into the naturally hot water of the onsen. He wasn’t ready for a vacation yet (in his mind, he’d never need one).

He did let out a small sigh though as the hot water relaxed muscles that were overused and stiff. His head lolled back, his eyes closed as another person joined him. This was a very small resort that was rarely busy, so it was almost a surprise for someone to be joining him. Sanada cracked an eye open, expecting to find perhaps the old man of the couple that ran the place, or perhaps even that man’s son. Instead, it was someone who he hadn’t had much occasion to think of for a long while.

How long had it been since he’d seen the other? When had been his own last year of the professional tennis circuit? When had....that...happened? At least Sanada could blame the redness in his cheeks on the steaming hot water and not embarrassment. So, did Tezuka just not recognize him, or thought it better to let things remain as they had been? Or was he waiting on Sanada to say something?

Was it a test of wills? Or was Tezuka just minding his own business, or had he not noticed his bathing companion? He had certainly noticed him ten years ago....

Sanada decided that if curiosity killed the cat, the cat at least deserved to learn its answers before it died. “Tezuka.” He finally acknowledged the other.

Tezuka looked straight at him. “Sanada.” He nodded at the other. “It’s been a while.”

“It has.” Sanada agreed. “I haven’t seen you since....”

“Ten years ago.” Tezuka filled in. “In London.”

“Has it really been that long?” Sanada thought back. It was honestly a time he’d rather forget. He rubbed his knee absently, having not forgiven himself for not listening to his trainer and doctor back then, and having to forfeit his match and his chance for a slam title.

“Ah.” Tezuka acknowledged. “How’s the knee?”

“Had to have it replaced.” Sanada admitted. “Kendo is much easier on it.”

Tezuka nodded at that. “I suppose it is.”

“How’s your arm?”

“Not as bad as it could be.” Tezuka said. “I had to retire due to other reasons.”

Sanada raised an eyebrow. It was rare for Tezuka to show hesitation in any thing.

“I suppose in some ways, I’m glad to see you again.” Tezuka said, a very small smile on his lips. “We both know what happened in London.”

Sanada cleared his throat. He knew quite well, he was there.

“You’re not....”

“Not that I wouldn’t mind, “ Tezuka said, in a tone that was almost teasing for him. “but not right now. There’s something a bit more serious I need to discuss with you.” Sanada gave him a look. “Indirectly, you were the reason I retired.”

“Me?” Sanada blinked in confusion.

“There’s someone you need to meet.” Tezuka said, eyes closing as he let out a breath. He stood up and exited. Sanada unabashedly stared at the still lithe body that walked away, before he followed suit and trailed after him. After donning yukata, Sanada followed Tezuka to his room.

Tezuka looked at him, then entered the room quietly. A young child lay on the futon, sprawled out asleep. Sanada looked at Tezuka, then at the child, more confused than ever. Tezuka motioned for Sanada to follow him to sit at the table.

“As far as the public knows, I adopted her. That’s...not the whole truth.” Tezuka said. Sanada stared down at the grain in the wooden table.

“Are you telling me what I think you are?”

“Ah....”

Sanada let that sink for a moment. “How is that possible?”

“A scientific anomaly.” Tezuka said. “When I found out, I went into hiding, so I could keep this from the public. Like I said, as far as the public knows, I adopted her. The truth is....I carried her as any other mother in the world.”

Sanada’s fists clenched and unclenched. This was supposed to be his vacation, and here was a moment of his past caught up to him. Sanada took some deep breaths, calling upon every meditation technique he’d ever learned to stay calm.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Sanada finally asked.

Tezuka took his turn admiring the wood grain of the table as he formulated his answer. “Honestly? I didn’t think you’d believe me. I didn’t believe the doctors at first.” And with good reason.

“I suppose you have a point.” Sanada said. “I probably wouldn’t have.” He looked over at the sleeping girl. “What’s her name?”

“Sachie.”

Sanada’s lips turned up in a slight smile as he chuckled. “Dropping subtle hints?”

“Not entirely.” Tezuka said. “Honestly, I never knew if I’d run into you again.”

“I’m not that hard to find. I’m usually at the dojo. Despite the efforts of my parents, and certain well meaning friends trying to set me up with omiai....”

Tezuka nodded in understanding. “You realize I’m not asking for anything, right?” He said. He was always a proud person, and that wasn’t going to change.

Sanada nodded, understanding the other’s feelings. If nothing else, they always knew what the other was thinking. He reached across the table and took Tezuka’s hands in his. There were really no words to be spoken at this point. “Come with me.” Sanada finally said, pulling them both to their feet, leading Tezuka to his own private room. Surely the girl would be fine until the morning.

Old feelings had resurfaced in these last few hours, at least in Sanada. Tezuka wasn’t resisting either, so that was a good sign. Sanada pressed Tezuka up against the wall, pressing his lips to the other man’s. Tezuka responded quite the way he had hoped for, wrapping his arms around Sanada, pulling him closer. Sanada untied the yukata and slid it off Tezuka’s shoulders, letting it pool on the floor.

Sanada’s hand drifted down Tezuka’s chest, feeling the outline of muscles still in good tone, then the scar that was in too strange a place to be from any abdominal surgeries normally performed on men. Sanada traced it from end to end.

“It’s what you think it is.” Tezuka confirmed quietly.

“It doesn’t matter.” Sanada said, claiming Tezuka’s lips with his again, and his hand drifting lower, confirming that yes, externally Tezuka still had male parts. Tezuka gasped in surprise, but didn’t push away. It had been too long since he’d been intimate with anyone, so this was a welcome chance.

The little noises Tezuka was making made Sanada all that more aroused. Somehow, they managed to make their way to the futon. Tezuka at some point had turned the tables and was on top now. He leaned down, nipping at Sanada’s ear, placing kisses just behind it, eliciting pleasurable sounds from Sanada.

Sanada wasn’t going to have that, and wrestled them so that he was back on top. The movement caused his duffel bag that he’d brought with him to overturn and spill out some of its contents...including a small vial of lube that he knew he hadn’t put in there. Meddling friends struck again. He wondered if he had Yukimura or Yanagi to thank for that. He’d deal with that later, right now was Tezuka squirming under him, his for the taking.

Tezuka’s hand grabbed onto Sanada’s wrist. “Wait.” He said quietly. “I was told it could happen again. It’s not likely, but...it is possible.”

Sanada looked down into light brown eyes. “Does it matter to you?” He asked quietly. Tezuka’s eyes closed, and he shook his head.

With that, Sanada opened the lube and worked a small amount into Tezuka’s opening, evincing moans from him. Judging Tezuka to be prepped enough, Sanada slid his length into him. It was almost like the night in London all over again. Tezuka moved with him, matching his thrusts. Sanada clumsily jerked Tezuka off as he attended to his own desires, and some how, miraculously, they climaxed at the same time.

Both men were covered in a fine sheen of sweat afterwards. Sanada slid away, grabbing the towel he’d had in the bath and wiping himself down. He offered the towel to Tezuka, who did the same.

Sanada watched as Tezuka performed this action. “...Kunimitsu?”

After what they had just done, there was no need to be overly formal anymore. Tezuka looked at him.

“You’ll tell me if....”

“I will.” Tezuka said quietly. He looked down at his hands for a moment. “I don’t want Sachie to know about you.”

“That doesn’t seem fair.” Sanada said, but somehow he understood.

Tezuka leaned against Sanada. “Many things in life aren’t fair, Genichirou.”

Sanada grunted an acknowledgement of that fact as his arms wrapped around Tezuka. He brushed some of the light brown hair away from the lenses that had appeared back on his lover’s face.

“So... is this to be London all over again?” Sanada asked.

“It... doesn’t have to be.” Tezuka said. “Just remember I have a child to think of.” He broke free from the warmth afforded him from the other body and stood up. “And speaking of....” He gave Sanada a quick kiss before leaving Sanada there alone.

Sanada stared after Tezuka, wondering just what had happened, what cruel jerks the fates were being.

A couple months later, Sanada paced along the dojo, the noises of young people practicing kendo relaxing him, the satisfaction of correcting techniques and calling out others who seemed bent on not doing the kata correctly gave him a sense of purpose.

It wasn’t much of a relief to send them home. It just reminded Sanada of how lonely it was. Even Sasuke had a girlfriend. He looked at the screen of his cell phone, saw that there were a couple of missed calls, and some text messages.

I still wanna know what happened at the onsen....

Genichirou, ignore Seiichi. I’ll do what I can to get him to leave you alone about it. I would like to hear about it myself though....

Sanada snorted. Yukimura and Yanagi were so nosy, though they seem to have intentions of their own. He scanned the list of missed calls, and realized that he didn’t recognize one of the numbers. The call had came during the class, so it was obviously someone that hadn’t known he was busy at the time. He shrugged and called it back out of curiosity.

“This is Tezuka.” Sanada’s breath hitched. Of course Tezuka wouldn’t have known that was time for one of Sanada’s classes. “Is anyone there?”

“Wait! Er...I mean....” Sanada coughed. “Sorry. I...wasn’t expecting to hear from you.”

“You’re the one that called me.” Tezuka pointed out.

“Returning your call actually. Your number called while I was teaching a class.” Sanada said.

“Well...yes. We...need to talk.” Tezuka said, more quietly. Sanada’s breath hitched again. “I’d like to do so in person.”

“I’m agreeable to that. Shall I come there, or would you like to come here?”

“I don’t have anyone to watch Sachie.” Tezuka said.

“I have some friends that owe me a favor if you’d like to come here.” Sanada said. “I think they can manage to take care of a little girl. She can’t be any worse than Akaya’s children.” He was already writing the text to Yukimura.

I have a favor to ask, and you don’t get to say no, as you owe me several.

What?

Babysitting for a friend.

.....

It means I get to go on a date.

We’ll do it!

....What’s this we?

Well....I had plans with Renji, but....in the interest of your love life, we’ll be more than happy to babysit. Can’t imagine you’d date someone with a kid though....

Sanada snorted. It was his kid, but they didn’t need to know that. The poor little girl didn’t even know that.

“I’m almost afraid to ask.” Tezuka replied. “We’ll be there soon.” He said, and hung up.

Yukimura and Yanagi showed up about a half hour later. Yukimura was fussing over Sanada, trying to make sure he looked good for his date. Yanagi was ignoring them both in favor of reading an eBook on his phone, but listening in case anything interesting was revealed..

“Really, Sanada, it’s not going to hurt to look good for your date. Is she pretty? I bet she had to do something extreme to get your attention.” Yukimura had a running commentary going as he went through Sanada’s closet. “Also, your wardrobe is stuck in the 2010’s, I swear.”

Sanada’s face was red. “First...it’s not a she.” He admitted. “Secondly, I don’t think he will particularly care what I wear as long as I’m clothed.” Then again, perhaps with these two taking the kid for a while, they could have some more unclothed fun...but he wasn’t going to tell them that. That would just call for more nosy text messages later on.

“Seiichi, did you really think Genichirou would actually fall for a woman?”

“Well, it was possible....” Yukimura trailed off. “Besides, it was a fairly logical assumption, since we were asked to babysit. It’s rare for there to be single fathers...”

‘If only you knew half the truth...’ Sanada thought to himself as he ran his fingers through his hair.

A knock on the door brought them all to attention. Sanada straightened and went to answer the door. His eyes lightened up as he saw Tezuka there, with Sachie in tow.

Sachie’s eyes sparkled as she looked around the Sanada residence. It seemed a bit like a museum, but she was completely fascinated with it.

“Come on in.” Sanada invited them.

Tezuka and his daughter both chorused a “Sorry for intruding.”

“Sanada....this is Sachie, my daughter.”

“Nice to meet you, Sanada-san.” Sachie said quietly.

“A pleasure, Sachie-chan.” Sanada replied. “I know we’re a bunch of strangers, but a couple of old friends of mine are going to take care of you so your father and I can talk. Are you going to mind?”

Sachie shook her head.

Yukimura came down the stairs, and almost stumbled down the last two when he saw Sanada’s date. “Tezuka!”

Tezuka looked over at where Yanagi had caught Yukimura by the arm and was helping him to stand on his own two feet again. He raised his eyebrow at Sanada.

“It’s been a while, Tezuka.” Yukimura said, now that he’d recovered his wits. “When was the last time I saw you?”

“I think the year my arm gave out in Australia. At least, that’s the last time I remember seeing you. I believe you won that year, did you not?”

“I did.” Yukimura got a grin on his face. “Took the Grand Slam too.”

“Wasn’t that hard without many high level opponents.” Sanada commented. He cleared his throat. “Anyway...this is Sachie, your charge for this evening. Sachie, this is Yukimura-san and Yanagi-san” She bowed to the other two men that were about to be in charge of her. Sanada pulled Yanagi aside. “Don’t let Yukimura make a huge mess.”

“Don’t worry, Genichirou. I won’t let anything horrible happen to your house while you’re gone. Enjoy yourself.”

That reassurance didn’t seem all that reassuring.

Sanada turned to Tezuka. “Shall we leave?”

“Ah.”

Yukimura turned to Sachie. “Have you had dinner?” She shook her head ‘no’. “Let’s eat then! I once dated a girl named Sachiko...”

“You did not.” Yanagi rolled his eyes.

“Did too. Brown hair, blue eyes, from the girls’ tennis team.”

Sachie perked up. “Wait, you’re not that Yukimura, are you?” Her eyes glazed over in a moment of idol worship. “Papa’s told me a lot about you.....wow....”

“Looks like you have a fan...”

Sanada had brought Tezuka to one of his favorite yakiniku houses. They sat quietly at a table in the back. Sanada studied Tezuka’s face, and wondered when the age lines had started to set in. He wondered if his own face looked much the same.

“You said we needed to talk?” Sanada finally spoke after eating enough to take the edge off any real hunger.

Tezuka nodded, swallowing what he had been chewing. “You know I’m not one to break a promise.” He took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”

Sanada dropped his eating utensils and stared. “...How?”

“Remember I said I’m a biological anomaly? Externally, yes, I’m male...internally, there are female organs...and obviously, they work as intended.” Tezuka explained.

Sanada sat there calmly, which surprised himself, really. “You said it wasn’t likely...”

“It wasn’t.” Tezuka sighed. “It’s already been confirmed by my doctor.”

Sanada nodded, and looked Tezuka straight in the eye. “I don’t want you to go through this alone.”

“I did before.”

“Before either of us had a lifestyle that would have been healthy for a family.” Sanada surprised himself with what he was saying. “Move in with me.”

“I can’t just pick up and leave Tokyo like that.” Tezuka said, snapping his fingers. “And what about Sachie? She’d be leaving friends behind and starting over.” He shook his head.

Sanada frowned. “And not have both her parents available? Your hands are going to be full once there’s a baby in the picture again.”

Tezuka grimaced, realizing that Sanada did have a small point. “She still doesn’t know.”

“Perhaps we should tell her. And perhaps ask her opinion.” Sanada suggested. Tezuka dipped his head, seeing the wisdom in at the last part. “She seems like a very smart girl.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Tezuka sighed. It was one thing to tell Sanada about his unique condition, it was another to explain to a child this nature that shouldn’t be at all possible. Sanada reached across the table and squeezed Tezuka’s hand. It brought a tiny smile to Tezuka’s lips.

“You’ll probably think this wasn’t necessary, but I feel I have to say it. I love you, and, honestly, I would like to be a family. You, me, Sachie, and...” He nodded at Tezuka’s belly. “Whoever.”

“We’ll see.” Tezuka said, sitting back. He blinked. “We left Sachie with Yukimura.” He said that as if it had just sunk into his brain.

“You seemed to be alright with the idea when we left.” Sanada commented.

“I think I feel sorry for him.” Tezuka had a small grin on his face. “She’s a huge fan of his.”

Sanada groaned. “Well, at least she’s not old enough to ask him to marry her, or beg to have his children.” Or the many other inappropriate things Yukimura’s female fans had asked him to do over the years.

“Perhaps we should save him.” Tezuka said. “Thank you for the meal. And for accepting things as they are.”

“Do I have much choice?” Sanada asked, as they rose to leave.

“I don’t think you do.”

They arrived back at the Sanada residence to find a huge pillow fort in the middle of the living room. It was less of a mess than Sanada had actually expected (with Yukimura, he was afraid his friend would have brought out the messiest art materials he could think of and let the girl go wild with them.)

There was light snoring coming from the pillow fort, and a head with bluish hair poked out of it. “Did you have a good time?” Yukimura asked, crawling out of the mess of pillows. “She fell asleep a little while ago.”

“We did.” Sanada answered.

“I’m sorry I didn’t warn you.” Tezuka said, bowing a little to Yukimura.

“She was fairly easy to keep busy. Renji found video from junior high.” Yukimura grinned. “She said it was enlightening.”

“I’m sure.” Tezuka and Sanada chorused in their driest voices.

“Where is Renji?” Sanada asked. Yukimura pointed at the sofa, where the lanky man lay with his feet hanging over one end.

“I think he tired of the youthful exuberance before I did.” Yukimura said, shaking the other. “Ne. Renji, we can go home now.” The other got up slowly. Yukimura turned to the couple that had returned from their date. “Don’t do anything we wouldn’t.” He winked at them, and pulled a sleepy Yanagi along behind him.

“You can stay here tonight if that would be easier on you.” Sanada offered, looking at the mess of pillows in his living room. Where had they found all of them? Sachie’s black hair was fanned out on one of the larger one’s, as she slept on the floor.

“Ah. I would appreciate that.” Tezuka didn’t want to wake the girl up anymore than Sanada did. Sanada found a blanket and covered her up. “Perhaps I should have told you...about her when....” He faltered a little.

“It’s too late to change the past.” Sanada said. “Not too late to change the future though.”

Sanada arose at four like he normally did, but for once, he didn’t immediately head to the dojo for his usual meditation. He stared at the form next to him, and smiled. It was nice to not wake up alone for once. He ran his fingers through Tezuka’s hair before he started with his morning routine.

At seven Sanada cooked breakfast for everyone. The scent woke the sleepers. Sachie sat at the table. “Where’s Papa?”

“Right here.” Tezuka said, hugging her from behind. Sanada was amused by the display of affection, and warmed by it at the same time.

“Did you sleep well?” Sanada asked.

Tezuka nodded, Sachie nodded as well. “I slept good, but I didn’t get to say goodbye to Yukimura-san.” She pouted.

Sanada had a slight quirk of a smile on his lips at that, while Tezuka had a bit of a frown on his. Tezuka cleared his throat as Sanada served up the food.

“Sachie, we need to talk...before we leave here.” He said, sounding almost nervous, but hiding it as well as he could.

“Okay.” She answered, apparently not bothered by how serious this actually was going to be.

After plates were cleared of food, the trio retreated to the rather spacious living room, where remnants of the pillow fort remained. Sachie settled on them, Tezuka on the couch, and Sanada stood in the entrance, arms crossed, waiting to see how this would go.

Sachie watched her dad for a moment as he decided to join her amid the pillows.

“Sachie....I haven’t been entirely honest with you for a long time.” Tezuka began, pulling his daughter close to him. “Mostly because I didn’t want to have to explain this most illogical situation, but....” He faltered a little, and nervously adjusted his glasses with his free arm. Sachie looked at him confusedly. Sanada nodded at him, to encourage him.

Tezuka let out a small sigh. “I know I told you that your mother died, but...That’s not actually true. Biologically...I’m your mother.” He admitted. Sachie’s eyes grew wide.

“But...you’re my dad?” She said, confused. Tezuka shook his head.

“Due to an unexplainable quirk of nature, I was able to conceive and carry a child. And the reason I’m telling you this now is that...well, first of all...” Tezuka looked at Sanada. “Sanada-san is your father.” Sachie looked up at the rather tall man.

Sanada nodded, gulping a little. Tezuka beckoned for him to join them on the floor.

“I only found out not too long ago myself.” Sanada admitted as he sat down on the floor with them. Sachie curled up a bit tighter against the man who was actually her mother, looking very confused and not entirely certain how she felt about this.

“What’s the other thing?” She asked, realizing that Tezuka had said that was the first thing.

Tezuka closed his eyes, and took a deep breath before answering. “The other thing is that you’re going to have a brother or sister.”

Sachie let that sink in for a moment. Tezuka knew that in the coming months he wouldn’t be able to hide his condition, at least not from his family, and especially not his daughter. Sanada had inched closer to Tezuka and had taken his free hand in his.

“It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?” Sanada asked softly. He wanted to take the girl into his arms, and comfort her, but with the revelations that her dad was actually her mom, and that he was going to have another child, he figured that she was getting enough comfort from where she currently was. “I asked your father this last night....I want to be a family. I would like for you two to move in. I know you have things you’d miss though, especially friends....”

Tezuka rubbed Sachie’s back. “I said we’d ask what you thought.” He told her. “You don’t have to answer now.”

“In fact, I’d appreciate it if you both took your time thinking about it.” Sanada said.

Sachie pulled her face away from Tezuka’s side for a moment. The news had already shook her world, and now....It really was a lot to take in at once.

Tezuka squeezed Sachie’s shoulder, and stood up, bringing her with him. “We will.” He said. “Let’s go home for now.” He said to his girl, and headed for the door. Sanada followed them, and watched as they headed back into the busy streets of the city proper.

Was this really the right thing to do?

“Papa?” Sachie asked later that night, before bedtime.

“Hm?” Tezuka responded as he helped her brush her hair.

“Do you love Sanada-san?” She asked. Tezuka paused in his ministrations to her hair, and actually had to think for a moment. Sachie turned her head to look at him, waiting for his answer. Growing impatient, she fidgeted and went on. “It’s okay if you do. He seems like a really nice guy. I think I could get used to him...” She wrung her hands in her lap.

A small smile grew on Tezuka’s face. “To answer the question....Yes, I think I do love him. I have for a long time.” He finally admitted, resuming the hair brushing.

“Then....why can’t we be a family?” She asked.

Tezuka decided in his head that her hair was fine, and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly to him. “We have our own life here. You’d miss your friends, and be starting over....” The starting over part was starting to appeal a bit to him, honestly. He didn’t want to put any undue stress on his daughter though.

Sachie shrugged. “So? Shouldn’t everyone you love be together?” She asked.

Tezuka actually chuckled at that, and kissed her on the forehead. “Go to bed.” He told her.

“Good night, Papa.” She said, kissing his cheek before running off.

Tezuka supposed when seen from the eyes of a child, the solution really was that simple. He retired to his own bedroom, and laid on the bed, staring at his phone that sat on the table next to it. He thought back to London, to more carefree times. He remembered being sick, and then being told he was pregnant with Sachie... and then the ultrasound that confirmed it.

Do you love him? Rang though his mind. He thought about the ten years in between their encounters, and wondered why he had shied away from telling either of them the truth of what had happened. Was it to protect them, or himself? And then seeing Sanada at the onsen again....So much had changed since back then. He picked up the phone and dialed a number that he had only called once in the past week.

A few weeks later, Tezuka Kunimitsu and Sachie were settling in well with Sanada. Sachie was quite accepting of Sanada in his new role as her other dad. Sanada occasionally had some twinges of guilt, but they weren’t really his fault since it had been Tezuka that had kept the knowledge of her from him.

Tezuka was amazed at how well Sachie adapted to her new environs, and was proud of her. After her bed time, him and Sanada spent several nights engaged in various erotic explorations. Tezuka honestly didn’t know why he was so amorous lately, and he brought that up one night after they had satisfied that carnal desire.

Sanada cleared his throat and turned his head away, blushing a bit. “I...read some books about pregnancy...they said this is possible...” Tezuka pulled him back towards him.

“I didn’t feel this way with Sachie...” He said. “Then again, I haven’t been as sick as I was, either.”

“Perhaps it’s because it’s your second?” Sanada suggested, wrapping his arms protectively around his lover. He really wished he’d been there during Tezuka’s first pregnancy.

“Possibly.” Tezuka ceded, as he looked down at himself. He knew in a very short time his belly would swell, and he would ache in ways he hadn’t known were possible, knowing it was all worth it for the life inside him. “Genichirou?”

“Hm?” Sanada wasn’t quite asleep yet. Then again, with that answer, he could still be wide awake. Tezuka was never too sure.

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why take us in? Why didn’t you freak out after you found out what I’m capable of?” Tezuka asked, a touch of insecurity that definitely wasn’t like him coming through.

Sanada sat up. “Because....and you know how bad I am at expressing myself in words, but....well....” There was a rather deep blush on his face. “I love you.”

Tezuka gave him one of his rare smiles and snuggled in closer. “Ah....I love you as well. Sachie had to ask me that. You know...that’s the reason she’s even here. I think I’ve loved you for a long time...and just didn’t realize it.”

“Ah....A bit of the same here. I guess London was just the breaking point, then?” Tezuka nodded in agreement to that. “Why couldn’t you have told me about Sachie sooner?”

Tezuka paused and thought on that, like he had so many other nights. “It boils down to I was afraid you’d hate me...and not just for any one reason. Partly because I was afraid you’d hate me for what I am. Or even for bringing her into the world.... I was afraid that if I had told you, you would have wanted...” Tezuka choked up, not wanting to finish that thought.

“Tezuka Kunimitsu, I would never have even suggested that!” Sanada almost roared, though he remembered there was a child in the other room and managed to keep his voice down. “I would have suggested this....being a family from the start. I want to take care of you. I’m not a monster.”

Tezuka nodded. “I was irrational at the time. The fears just kept growing though. That’s why I retreated from the public eye. Well, that and the obvious. I wouldn’t trade these last years for anything though...”

Sanada nodded. He supposed he could understand those reasons. He would have liked to have been part of their life though. He placed his hand on Tezuka’s stomach, which was just starting to look more taut and slightly larger than usual. “You’ve given me something no one else could have, Kunimitsu.” The words were worth the slight blush on Tezuka’s face. “Have you thought about names?”

“I’ve been trying not to. Especially if it’s a boy....”

“Ah....Our families both have traditions....” Sanada agreed, knowing that if they had a son, they would be expected to keep with that tradition. “Though, I suppose if you want to be technical, you’ve already kept with mine.”

“True. You’re not upset about that, are you?”

“I think you gave her a fine name, Kunimitsu.” Sanada told him, grinning. “I also think that if it’s a boy, we should follow with your family’s naming tradition.”

“Are you sure?”

Sanada kissed him. “I’m sure.” He said, closing his eyes. “Now go to sleep.”

Over the next few months, the three settled into their various routines as evidence that there really was a life growing inside Tezuka became more and more obvious as his stomach expanded. They even had the ultrasound pictures to prove it as well.

Tezuka pretty much refused to leave the house except for doctor visits and errands that he felt he should at least do. It was getting pretty boring for him, really. He did see a lot of Sanada’s friends, who were quite understanding and even helpful. Then there was the afternoon Yanagi came over.

“Sorry for the intrusion. Genichirou isn’t around, is he?” Yanagi asked.

“He’s not. He should be back soon if you’d like to wait.” Tezuka invited.

“Actually, I’d like to talk with you, if that’s alright?” Tezuka raised an eyebrow, but nodded. They headed for the living room, each taking seats somewhere comfortable. “Would you like me to fix some tea or something? I know it’s getting difficult for you to get back up.”

“You really don’t have to.” Tezuka told him. “Feel free to though. I’m sorry I’m not being much of a host.”

“Not at all. Aren’t you due soon?” Yanagi asked as he rose to start on some tea.

“In a couple of weeks. The C-section is scheduled. As long as nothing happens before then, it should pretty much be a routine procedure...Well, with the exception of the patient, that is.”

Yanagi nodded at that. “I’m glad that things are going well. I really wanted to talk to you, because, hopefully you’ll be a bit more...understanding about this than Genichirou would be....Obviously you remember the onsen trip.”

“It’s going to be kind of difficult to forget it.” Tezuka said, patting the baby bump.

“Well....you were both set up.” Yanagi coughed. “Obviously it’s worked out, but I felt I needed to get that off my chest. Sadaharu and I were both tired of seeing each of you looking lonely, and I knew about what happened back in London...well, obviously I didn’t know about Sachie until later. I just knew that afterwards Genichirou was always in a bit of a funk. And dealing with that for ten years....”

Tezuka’s lips were set into a line. He knew there had been something a bit suspicious about those tickets just suddenly showing up. “I thought that was too much of a coincidence.”

“I’m not apologizing. I just wanted at least one of you to know the truth.”

“I appreciate that. Honestly, I hate to admit it, but I think you pushed us in the right direction. I have no reason to be angry about it. Though we both know Genichirou’s temper...He probably would be.”

“He was suspicious when Seiichi and I suggested he take a vacation in the first place. Said he didn’t need one.”

“That sounds like him.” Tezuka agreed, scrutinizing the other man. “I don’t mean to change the subject, but I’ve been curious....Are you and Yukimura a couple?”

Yanagi paused, and grimaced a bit. “It’s...complicated.”

“Ah.” Tezuka accepted that answer.

“Don’t worry about us. Just worry about yourself and Genichirou...and the children, of course.” Yanagi smiled at him, getting to his feet. “Obviously, I’d prefer you not tell Genichirou, but of course, the information is yours to do with as you please.”

“I’ll keep it to myself for now. No sense ruining a friendship or two over something so inane.” Tezuka said, waving him off. He assumed the other had an idea how he felt about getting up at the moment.

Two weeks later, Sachie was left with her idol, while her parents went to the hospital. She was a bit disappointed that she wasn’t allowed to go with them, but she understood too. Sanada promised to send a picture of her new brother or sister as soon as he could.

Sanada refused to let go of Tezuka’s hand as they entered pre-op. Many people were staring at them, but one good glare from Sanada made them mind their own business again.

Tezuka squeezed Sanada’s hand to reassure him. “I’ll be fine, and so will our child.”

“Of course.” Sanada agreed.

“You’re worrying too much.”

“I am not.” Sanada replied, looking away, missing the small smile Tezuka was giving him.

The nurse came to take Tezuka to the operating room, and shooed Sanada to the waiting room. He frowned, but left. He went some where that he had room to pace. He got tired of that very quickly, and actually took a seat. He just wished there was something he could actually be doing other than sitting around. His phone buzzed with a message.

It will be alright, Genichirou.

Sanada had to laugh at that. Leave it to Yanagi to know what he was thinking.

It’s not the end result, it’s the waiting that's driving me crazy. He answered, as someone came out calling for whoever was with Tezuka. Sanada stood up quickly.

“It’s over already?” He asked.

He received a nod, and a smile. “It’s a beautiful baby boy.” He was told. Sanada looked a bit dumbstruck, and then grinned like an idiot. “You can come see the baby now. Tezuka-san is still in recovery, and probably won’t wake for a few hours yet.” Sanada followed the nurse to the room that they had placed them in. He gently picked up the baby, and just stared.

“I’ll leave you alone then.” The nurse said, leaving them.

Sanada set the baby back down in the bassinet. “Well, I have a small promise to keep.” He said, fumbling a bit with the camera on his phone, and sent the picture to everyone that was interested, including the baby’s grandmothers and his sister-in-law (since women loved to fawn over babies), and their friends.

The first to reply with congratulations was Yukimura, who said that Sachie would like to know what her brother’s name was.

I’ll let you know when we’ve actually decided on it. Was the slightly grumpy reply. Still waiting on him to wake up from the surgery.

We can take a hint. I can only distract her so long.

Sanada snorted at that.

“Gen...” Tezuka was starting to wake up, his eyes trying to focus. Sanada gently set Tezuka’s glasses on his face.

“It’s a boy.” Sanada said softly, bringing the baby over.

Tezuka smiled, carefully taking the baby. Sanada ran his fingers through Tezuka’s hair. “Well....Kuni...what?” He asked.

Sanada thought for a little bit. They had agreed on that part, though never actually thought about the second part of a name. “Tomo. Kunitomo.” Sanada came up.

Tezuka nodded. It sounded good to him. Sanada kissed his forehead. “I’ll let everyone know then. Sachie wanted to know. Go back to sleep. I think I can deal with things for now.” Sanada paused before speaking again. “I love you.”

Tezuka went back to sleep with that rarest of facial expressions - a smile.