[Fanfic] Unexpected Circumstances - Chapter 2
Title: Unexpected Circumstances chapter 2
Author: twentyeytako
Pairing(s):RyoDa
Rating:PG13
Genre:Romance, Comedy, Fluff (that's the only genre i can write) --AU
Beta by: me. *yep.*
Disclaimer: i still think i'm one of Johnny's lost nieces or granddaughters and i will inherit the company when he retires. until that happens, i don't own any of them. Plot not totally mine. I borrowed scenes from a movie.CHARACTER DEATH. :3
Summary: As much as they hate crossing each other's paths, they keep bumping into each other because their bestfriends are married.What's worse is when something unexpected happens and they need to stay together for the sake of little girl named Lily.
Author's Note: Have you seen the movie "Life As We Know It" ? Yes? Then it's like that. This whole fic is dedicated to floppy_snoopi :)
As soon as they settled everything at the Police station, Ryo and Tatsuya were told by the officers to go to Yamapi and Maki's house and wait for their call. Tatsuya asked about Lily but the the officer-in-charge told him that the representative of the Child Welfare department will contact them about her.
Ryo was the one who drove as Tatsuya is still in shock of what just happened. He was exhausted and kept sobbing out of the blue whenever reality hits him. Ryo pity him so much but decided not to say anything at the moment since it might trigger a bigger wave of emotions.
When they reached the house, Ryo helped Tatsuya out of the car and into the house. The first thing they saw when they turned on the lights was the picture of Yamapi and Maki framed in one corner. They both felt more sad as they see how their friends left their house. There were a few chores left undone but everything else seemed organized.
Tatsuya looked for the house telephone. He got the directory from the living room and dialed the number of the Child Welfare Office. Ryo just quietly sat down the couch as Tatsuya made the phone call.
"Yes, this is Ueda Tatsuya, I would just like to ask if a little girl named Lily Yamashita is in your custody?" Tatsuya asked once his phone call was answered.
"Yes, she's here. May I please know your relationship with her?" The person from the other line asked.
"I am a friend of her parents. Is it okay if I take her home tonight?"
"I'm sorry but we can't do that. We can only turn over the custody of a child if you are an immediate family member or if you are appointed as legal guardians by the parents."
"Okay, but can we see her? I mean, can we see her tonight?" Tatsuya asked
"I'm sorry, but you can't. She's with her foster parents right now.."
"What? I just want to see her. That's all!
"I know you want to see the child but we really can't show her to you tonight."
"But,but---"
Tatsuya was about to cry in rage when Ryo took the phone from him.
"Hello? This is Nishikido Ryo. I am also a friend of Lily's parents."
"Oh, I was telling your friend that we can't give the child's custody to him tonight." The person said and explained everything to Ryo.
"We understand. Yes, we will be at this number." Ryo said.
"What did they say?" Tatsuya asked him.
"They said they'll call us tomorrow at 8am. Lily will have to spend the night with them."
Tatsuya sighed. He wanted to take Lily with him and hug her tight.
"Look, Tatsuya, Lily will be fine. I'm sure they'll take care of her. We'll just sleep here tonight and wait for their call. Okay? Go and take the guest room so you can take a rest" Ryo said.
"You take their bedroom and have some sleep too." Tatsuya said.
"Oh, no, thank you. I'll just stay here in the couch."
"Okay. I'll se you in the morning."
"See you." Ryo replied.
"Uhmm, thanks Nishikido." Tatsuya said before going up to get some sleep.
Ryo walked over to the couch and sighed heavily. He looked around and he can see his bestfriend and his family running around the house and enjoying themselves in his imaginations. He just can't believe that his bestfriend, the one he considers as his brother, is gone. He sat back and slowly closed his eyes then drifted to sleep.
Morning came and Ryo woke up from the sounds of plates and pans coming from the kitchen. Tatsuya was already up and preparing breakfast for the two of them.
"Did anyone call?" Ryo asked Tatsuya.
"Just the lawyer. He said he's coming over now. He wants to talk to us." Tatsuya replied.
A few minutes later, the lawyer came and they all gathered in the dining table to talk.
Atty. Kato Shigeaki brought out a pile of papers and placed them in front of Tatsuya and Ryo.
"I understand that this is a very difficult time for the both of you but we need to discuss some things that the Yamashita's left. Now, I know you have a lot of questions--" Atty. Kato was cut off by Tatsuya.
"We're mostly concerned about Lily. We're both thinking of what will happen to her now." Tatsuya said.
"Yes, Lily. Okay, I have already arranged for her transfer, the foster family that took care of her last night will bring her back to the Child Welfare Office. The people from the office thinks Lily will adjust more easily in her own environment so she needs to be picked up from the office and will be brought back here." Atty. Kato said.
"Okay but, who does that?" Ryo asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry but did Yamapi and Maki said told you anything about their guardianship arrangements?" The lawyer asked.
"No" Ryo and Tatsuya both replied.
"Uhhh. Well, when they were preparing their will, we talked about who would take care of Lily in an unlikely event that they should both die. And... they named you. Both of you."
Ryo and Tatsuya looked stunned for a moment but they soon absorbed what Atty. Kato said.
"I'm sorry, did you just say they picked the two of us?" Tatsuya asked.
Ryo kept on shaking his head and kept murmuring "No".
"I know this is not the ideal way of starting a family---"
"Oh no! Oh, wait, you don't understand. We are not together." Tatsuya said.
"Yup, we're not. I mean, they tried to set us up but, no. It just doesn't work." Ryo said.
"Yeah, I mean, he's good looking and all but he's such a dickhead and--"
"And he's so old fashioned and clearly not my type--"
"Whoa whoa whoa, you two are overwhelming, okay? Believe me, I don't want to know about your past. What I'm here for is Lily's guardianship. I really did try to advice them against it but they've made up their mind. There are options though. You can say 'no' because this is a big deal. This is a child and her future. It's a big committment." Atty. Kato said.
He gave Tatsuya and Ryo a few minutes to think of what they'll do. Tatsuya went out the house and went to the front yard while Ryo made his way to the back yard. They were both overwhelmed of the sudden news and confused of what they should do. Finally, after a few minutes, they both went back to the dining room to face the lawyer.
"So, options. You said we have other options?" Ryo asked.
"Yes, we have. First is Yamapi's father" Atty. Kato said.
"Perfect! He's perfect!" Ryo said but Tatsuya looked at him suspiciously.
There's also a few cousins--"
"Okay, wait up. Can I butt in for one second?" Tatsuya asked.
"Yeah, sure. What do you have in mind?" Atty. Kato asked.
"What if one of us decides to honor Yamapi and Maki's wishes? I mean, on our own." Tatsuya said.
"Or it can be the both of us. Hypothetically." Ryo said.
"Well, they named you so there's no problem about that.We'll set-up a court meeting then you'll be granted legal custody and that's it. Now, in the case of finances, the government will cover the mortgage but that's about it. Everything else will have to be shouldered by the two of you. But look, let's not get way ahead. Our main focus here is Lily. I suggest that the two of you move in here for the sake of the child."
"Are you serious?" Tatsuya asked.
"You want us to live here together?" Ryo asked.
"Yeah. For lily, for now or 'til you decide what you really want to do." Atty. Kato said.
After their meeting with the lawyer, Tatsuya and Ryo made their way to the Child Welfare Office to get Lily. They signed a few papers and a few minutes later, a young lady came out carrying Lily.
Tatsuya immediately stood up from his seat and took Lily. He kissed her in the forehead and hugged her. Ryo just remained seated and watch how Lily cried when Tatsuya took her. He knows that Lily can feel that her parents were gone. He felt like he wanted to cry when he saw Lily's tears. He wants to protect her and make her feel loved. He finally stood up from his seat and approached Lily and Tatsuya. He caressed Lily's face and gave her a peck on the cheeck to soothe her. Lily was reaching out to him so he took her and held her in his arms. Lily stopped crying and rested her head on Ryo's shoulder. Tatsuya picked up Lily's bag then they made their way home.
Once they got home, they let Lily get some sleep. It was a struggle since she kept on crying but she finally felt tired and just closed her eyes. Ryo got some beer from the fridge as Tatsuya went over some things.
"They definitely didn't think this through." Ryo said.
"I think we need to establish a sleep schedule. It's very important." Tatsuya said.
"What? What are you talking about?"
"I guess--wait, what? what did you say?"
"I said, they didn't think anything of this through. Did Yamapi say anything about this to you? Or Maki? Coz they didn't tell me anything about this."
"Nope, I'm as clueless as you are, Nishikido."
"I mean, this is not the kind of thing that you forget to mention! 'Hey! Nishikido, I heard good news about the restaurant you were working at oh, and by the way, I made you Lily's legal guardian so if I die, you take care of her!' It's messed up!" Ryo said.
"Look, Maki is a planner and we are both part of this plan." Tatsuya replied.
"I don't understand this plan! Are we supposed to live in this house together? Was she so sleep deprived that she thought of this crazy plan? How can we even pay for this place?"
"Atty. Kato already said, the mortgage is taken care off."
"What about the up keep? the utilities? the taxes?! Do you have any idea on how much it will cost to maintain this place? Yamapi was a Junior Lawyer at a big firm! I don't make half the money he gets! I don't have that much cash! And you, what do you do? Draw stuffs for weddings?"
"I have a successful business, Nishikido. I do well by myself."
"Well, raising a baby is not the same as organizing a wedding."
"I'm not saying that it is!"
"They're a mess! They pee on things. They bite. They're basically dogs except dogs know how to lick electrical sockets." Ryo said in his rant.
Lily woke up and started to cry. Tatsuya immediatley went to check on her as Ryo sighed in his seat before standing up to follow Tatsuya.
"Hey, honey, you're awake!" Tatsuya said as Lily stood up from her crib crying and reaching out to him.
Ryo was about to get Lily but Tatsuya stopped him.
"What?" Ryo asked.
"Just let her be. She needs to learn how to self soothe. I read it in a book." Tatsuya said.
"Self what?"
"Soothe. She needs to learn how to self soothe. Just give it a minute."
They both just stood there watching Lily but instead of stopping, she cried even more.
"I don't think this self soothing is working. I better get her." Ryo said but Tatsuya stopped him again.
"Wait, no. Let's just sing a song, okay? Let's try that."
Tatsuya began singing and dancing a nursery rhyme and Ryo had no choice but to copy him. Lily still didn't stop.
Tatsuya himself gave up.
"You know what, I think she's hungry." Tatsuya said as she took Lily from the crib.
Tatsuya asked Ryo to cook since he's the expert. He then stayed and entertained Lily while waiting for the food. She did stop crying for a few minutes but resumed after he stopped making faces.
"Nishikido, she is not a food critic, okay? Can't you hurry up?" Tatsuya said.
"I know, I know but I don't even have an idea about baby foods, okay? I'm doing my best here." Ryo said as he did a final stir and turned off the fire.
He poured the soup in a bowl and brought it to the table.
Tatsuya began feeding Lily. He will blow on the soup before giving it to her. Ryo just sat infront of them but when he became bored, he started asking Tatsuya some questions.
"So, how do you think this will affect your dreams of meeting the perfect guy and having a perfect relationship? Have you ever thought about that? You know, a person your age already has a hard time competing with girls and guys out there." Ryo said.
"I'm sorry, but did you just say: a person my age?" Tatsuya gawked at him.
"In the dating world, you won't even be considered as single and available. You'd be dubbed as the complicated guy who'll be single forever."
"You don't know me, Nishikido."
"Well, I know that you can't even handle feeding a baby." Ryo said as he observed how Tatsuya struggled with Lily.
"Why are you trying so hard to convince me to not help her?" Tatsuya asked.
"I'm not trying to convince you! I'm just trying my best to do what's best for her!"
"No, Nishikido, you're trying to do what's best for you!"
"You don't understand! This is not the best for her! You know why? Because we're not them. We're not Pi and Maki. We'll never replace them!" Ryo said.
Tatsuya put down the bowl of soup and faced Ryo properly.
"They loved Lily more than anything in this world and out of everyone, they picked us." Tatsuya said, his voice started to tremble and he held back his tears.
Ryo knew that he needs to shut up so he did. He just let Tatsuya continue feeding Lily. He can still see Tatsuya struggling so he stood up, opened the cabinets and grabbed some biscuits. He opened one pack and placed it in front of Lily. Surprisingly, she stopped crying and began eating the biscuits. Tatsuya looked at Ryo blankly.
"Honestly, do you still think we're the best thing for her?" Ryo asked seriously.
Tatsuya didn't know what to reply and just kept quiet. Ryo just walked out of the room in frustration. Tatsuya sat there watching Lily eat and think about what Ryo said.
******
It was Yamapi and Maki's funeral. All of their friends were there to witness the service and when it was done, everyone gathered in their house for some food.
"This is really unexpected." Erika, Shingo's wife said as she talked to Becky, Maru's wife.
"I know. What will happen to Lily? Do you know?" Becky asked.
"Oh, you didn't know? They named two of their friends as legal guardians." Yasu, who was also there, said.
"Who?" Erika asked.
"Oh, that guy who's really pretty and works as a wedding organizer and that hot guy who smells good and works as a cook." Subaru said.
"Oh, that's interesting" Becky said.
Inside, Tatsuya and Ryo were busy attending to all the guests. He left Lily with her mom while she pulled Ryo in one corner.
"There are a lot of them." Tatsuya told him.
"Well, we just have to look for the perfect ones." Ryo replied.
They were observing everyone at the house to see who is fit to take care of Lily and raise her.
"Oh, so you and Pi are actually cousins?" Ryo asked.
He was talking to Murakami Shingo and his wife, Erika.
"Yes--hey! don't do that! Who is that anyway? Nao?" Shingo asked his wife as he sees his kids running up and down the stairs.
"That's Kira." Erika replied.
"Oh, yeah, right. SOrry. You'll know how it feels when you have 8 kids." Shingo told Ryo.
"8 kids?" Ryo asked in shock.
"9. We have 9 kids." Erika cleared giving Shingo a glare.
Ryo looked dumbfounded. They were the couple that has 9 kids that he met on Lily's first birthday and obviously, Shingo can't even remember his kid's names.
On the other side of the room, Tatsuya was busy talking to one of Maki's childhood friends.
"I rushed back here when I heard the news that she died." the woman named Keiko said.
"That's really sweet of you. I'm sure Maki appreciates your effort to come and see her one last time." Tatsuya said.
"I was actually on tour right now. I was supposed to be in Nagoya but I cacelled."
"Really? On tour? Wow. Are you performing anywhere that I would know?"
"I'm dancing at strip clubs on Mondays thru Thursdays then I have private shows in the weekends"
Tatsuya looked shocked. Keiko told him that she's been "performing" for 5 years now and she's always on the road. Tatsuya excused himself then looked for Ryo so they can finally meet with Lily's grandfather.
They settled in the living room, Ryo and Tatsuya facing Grandpa Johnny while Lily's on the floor playing.
"It's good that Lily gets to see her grandfather." Tatsuya told Johnny.
The old man was sitting upright, with his oxygen tank by his side.
"He looks just like Yamapi." Johnny said.
"I think she looks just like you." Ryo added.
Lily looked up to his grandpa and smiled then crawled towards him.
"So, you have a house in Hokkaido now?" Tatsuya asked but before Johnny can answer Ryo, butted in.
"Because you know, we were thinking, given that Lily is your only grandchild, it is best that she stays with you and..."
Ryo was interrupted when Johnny's oxygen mask was pulled off by Lily. In an instant, Johnny began to gasp for air. Ryo and Tatsuya immediately stood up. Tatsuya grabbed Lily and Ryo helped Johnny put back his mask.
"Oh my god! Are you okay?" Tatsuya asked Johnny.
The old man coughed but nodded "yes".
"Still okay." Tatsuya told Ryo.
"Yup. Still breathing!" Ryo exclaimed.
The guests began to say their good byes and left and a few hours later, Ryo and Tatsuy were left alone with Lily in Yamapi and Maki's house.
The two of them sat in the living room looking exhausted and shared a bottle of wine.
"You know, our best option it the family with 9 kids" Ryo said as he drank his wine in one gulp.
"You've got to be kidding me" Tatsuya said.
"Well, atleast they know how to keep a child alive." Ryo said.
"No way."
"So, the stripper looks nice."
"Suggest someone unsuitable again and I swear you'll wake up in a emergency room." Tatsuya threatened.
Okay, okay, I got it.Are you sure grandpa's a definite 'no' ?"
Tatsuya just glared at him and Ryo understood that he needs to shut up.
******
The next day, Ryo and Tatsuya were accompanied by Atty. Kato at the family court.
"Next case: The guardianship of Lily Yamashita." The judge secretary announced.
Tatsuya, who was carrying Lily, Ryo and Atty Kato stood in front of the judge.
"All right, I read your submissions along with the Yamashita's will and you folks were named as guardian of this child, I see no reasons to counter act the parent's wishes. I hereby grant, joint legal and physical custody of Lily Yamashita to Ueda Tatsuya and Nishikido Ryo." The judge said.
Atty. Kato was leading them out of the court but Ryo didn't move from where he was standing up.
"That's it? You're not gonna ask us anything?" Ryo asked the judge who looked at him with a serious face.
The judge didn't say anything and just stared at him.
"You're not gonna make sure we're not drug dealers or pimps?" Ryo said. Atty. Kato and Tatsuya were pulling him out of the court.
"Well, are you drug dealers or pimps?" the judge finally asked.
"No, ma'am" Tatsuya was the one who answered.
"Then you may go." the judge said. the four of them left the courtroom.
When they reached home, Ryo still kept ranting.
"That's it? What the hell was that hearing? 'I agree with your friends will' and BOOM, case closed! Take the kid!"
"That's just how the court system runs, get over it, Nishikido." Tatsuya said as he looked for Lily's rubber duck on the baby bag.
"What have I done to deserve this? Huh? I've been good! All the girls I sleep with tell me that I can forget about the condom but I say NO, coz I don't want a baby at this time and then this happens and I never even fucked anyone and yet I end up with a baby!"
"Nishikido, can you just shut up for a while? We really need to work out a schedule because I have to work tomorrow."
"Wait, can you smell that?" Ryo asked.
"Smell what?"
"Something smells bad in here" Ryo said.
"Oh, wait, maybe it's Lily, did she poop?" Tatsuya asked. Ryo raised Lily to smell if it's her and he confirmed it.
They took her in the bedroom and laid her in the bed.
"So, you can do this right?" Ryo asked Tatsuya.
"Me? Why me?"
"Because you're the mom."
"Excuse me?!"
"You're the girly one, you do it."
"Eventhough I'm the girly one, it doesn't mean I'm the mom and I'm the one who's suppose to change the diapers!" Tatsuya said then walked out of the room leaving Ryo the task to change Lily.
Even though it was a struggle and he kept on throwing curses, Ryo managed to change Lily's diapers. When he brought her down, Ryo found some company. Some of Yamapi and Maki's friends came to visit and brought some food.
"Hello, Nishikido!" The one named Becky greeted. Ryo waved back at them.
"Gosh, I'm hungry, why don't we all get this food on the table and let's all have a talk." Becky said and everyone else followed.
"Are you guys doing allright with Lily? You guys look tired." Murakami said.
"Oh, we don't get much sleep." Ryo said as he poured out some wine for the guests.
"Well, you don't look that tired to me. You actually look fine" Maru said.
"Well, you won't actually get enough sleep for the next 10 years." Becky said.
"And you're not supposed to get tired of children's songs since you'll be hearing them all day." Subaru said.
"And night" Yasu added which made everyone laugh.
"Okay, okay, we need to be serious now. You have to get two things straight. I'm gonna say, one, get a baby sitter." Becky said.
"And a back-up." Erika added.
"Absolutely, you really should have a sitter" Yasu said.
"Next thing, you can never have enough paper towels" Becky said.
Then everyone said their own advices all at the same time that Ryo and Tatsuya didn't even understand most of them. They were just sitting there, nodding like they got everything they said.
When everyone were gone, Ryo and Tatsuya found themselves in a familiar spot. The living room.
"I don't know if we can do all this stuffs. I mean, those people, they had 9 months to prepare for a baby and they wanted it. Us, we're just forced into this and we don't have any knowledge about this. I'm afraid of what Lily's future will be when she stays with us." Ryo said.
Tatsuya sighed. He has never seen Ryo so frustrated before. He was usually the positive and happy-go-lucky type and for him to worry this much, was not normal. Tatsuya placed his hand on Ryo's shoulder.
"We'll manage. I know we will. Maki and Yamapi put us here for a reason." Tatsuya said. Ryo didn't say anything more.
A/N II" beta-ed this in a rush sine this is wayyy overdue for floppy_snoopi . anyway, i've been having troubles writing lately. i guess it's the stress of this fandom. i don't know. but what I'm sure of is that i will not stop writing but i just don't know when I'll be able to update.
Author: twentyeytako
Pairing(s):RyoDa
Rating:PG13
Genre:Romance, Comedy, Fluff (that's the only genre i can write) --AU
Beta by: me. *yep.*
Disclaimer: i still think i'm one of Johnny's lost nieces or granddaughters and i will inherit the company when he retires. until that happens, i don't own any of them. Plot not totally mine. I borrowed scenes from a movie.CHARACTER DEATH. :3
Summary: As much as they hate crossing each other's paths, they keep bumping into each other because their bestfriends are married.What's worse is when something unexpected happens and they need to stay together for the sake of little girl named Lily.
Author's Note: Have you seen the movie "Life As We Know It" ? Yes? Then it's like that. This whole fic is dedicated to floppy_snoopi :)
As soon as they settled everything at the Police station, Ryo and Tatsuya were told by the officers to go to Yamapi and Maki's house and wait for their call. Tatsuya asked about Lily but the the officer-in-charge told him that the representative of the Child Welfare department will contact them about her.
Ryo was the one who drove as Tatsuya is still in shock of what just happened. He was exhausted and kept sobbing out of the blue whenever reality hits him. Ryo pity him so much but decided not to say anything at the moment since it might trigger a bigger wave of emotions.
When they reached the house, Ryo helped Tatsuya out of the car and into the house. The first thing they saw when they turned on the lights was the picture of Yamapi and Maki framed in one corner. They both felt more sad as they see how their friends left their house. There were a few chores left undone but everything else seemed organized.
Tatsuya looked for the house telephone. He got the directory from the living room and dialed the number of the Child Welfare Office. Ryo just quietly sat down the couch as Tatsuya made the phone call.
"Yes, this is Ueda Tatsuya, I would just like to ask if a little girl named Lily Yamashita is in your custody?" Tatsuya asked once his phone call was answered.
"Yes, she's here. May I please know your relationship with her?" The person from the other line asked.
"I am a friend of her parents. Is it okay if I take her home tonight?"
"I'm sorry but we can't do that. We can only turn over the custody of a child if you are an immediate family member or if you are appointed as legal guardians by the parents."
"Okay, but can we see her? I mean, can we see her tonight?" Tatsuya asked
"I'm sorry, but you can't. She's with her foster parents right now.."
"What? I just want to see her. That's all!
"I know you want to see the child but we really can't show her to you tonight."
"But,but---"
Tatsuya was about to cry in rage when Ryo took the phone from him.
"Hello? This is Nishikido Ryo. I am also a friend of Lily's parents."
"Oh, I was telling your friend that we can't give the child's custody to him tonight." The person said and explained everything to Ryo.
"We understand. Yes, we will be at this number." Ryo said.
"What did they say?" Tatsuya asked him.
"They said they'll call us tomorrow at 8am. Lily will have to spend the night with them."
Tatsuya sighed. He wanted to take Lily with him and hug her tight.
"Look, Tatsuya, Lily will be fine. I'm sure they'll take care of her. We'll just sleep here tonight and wait for their call. Okay? Go and take the guest room so you can take a rest" Ryo said.
"You take their bedroom and have some sleep too." Tatsuya said.
"Oh, no, thank you. I'll just stay here in the couch."
"Okay. I'll se you in the morning."
"See you." Ryo replied.
"Uhmm, thanks Nishikido." Tatsuya said before going up to get some sleep.
Ryo walked over to the couch and sighed heavily. He looked around and he can see his bestfriend and his family running around the house and enjoying themselves in his imaginations. He just can't believe that his bestfriend, the one he considers as his brother, is gone. He sat back and slowly closed his eyes then drifted to sleep.
Morning came and Ryo woke up from the sounds of plates and pans coming from the kitchen. Tatsuya was already up and preparing breakfast for the two of them.
"Did anyone call?" Ryo asked Tatsuya.
"Just the lawyer. He said he's coming over now. He wants to talk to us." Tatsuya replied.
A few minutes later, the lawyer came and they all gathered in the dining table to talk.
Atty. Kato Shigeaki brought out a pile of papers and placed them in front of Tatsuya and Ryo.
"I understand that this is a very difficult time for the both of you but we need to discuss some things that the Yamashita's left. Now, I know you have a lot of questions--" Atty. Kato was cut off by Tatsuya.
"We're mostly concerned about Lily. We're both thinking of what will happen to her now." Tatsuya said.
"Yes, Lily. Okay, I have already arranged for her transfer, the foster family that took care of her last night will bring her back to the Child Welfare Office. The people from the office thinks Lily will adjust more easily in her own environment so she needs to be picked up from the office and will be brought back here." Atty. Kato said.
"Okay but, who does that?" Ryo asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry but did Yamapi and Maki said told you anything about their guardianship arrangements?" The lawyer asked.
"No" Ryo and Tatsuya both replied.
"Uhhh. Well, when they were preparing their will, we talked about who would take care of Lily in an unlikely event that they should both die. And... they named you. Both of you."
Ryo and Tatsuya looked stunned for a moment but they soon absorbed what Atty. Kato said.
"I'm sorry, did you just say they picked the two of us?" Tatsuya asked.
Ryo kept on shaking his head and kept murmuring "No".
"I know this is not the ideal way of starting a family---"
"Oh no! Oh, wait, you don't understand. We are not together." Tatsuya said.
"Yup, we're not. I mean, they tried to set us up but, no. It just doesn't work." Ryo said.
"Yeah, I mean, he's good looking and all but he's such a dickhead and--"
"And he's so old fashioned and clearly not my type--"
"Whoa whoa whoa, you two are overwhelming, okay? Believe me, I don't want to know about your past. What I'm here for is Lily's guardianship. I really did try to advice them against it but they've made up their mind. There are options though. You can say 'no' because this is a big deal. This is a child and her future. It's a big committment." Atty. Kato said.
He gave Tatsuya and Ryo a few minutes to think of what they'll do. Tatsuya went out the house and went to the front yard while Ryo made his way to the back yard. They were both overwhelmed of the sudden news and confused of what they should do. Finally, after a few minutes, they both went back to the dining room to face the lawyer.
"So, options. You said we have other options?" Ryo asked.
"Yes, we have. First is Yamapi's father" Atty. Kato said.
"Perfect! He's perfect!" Ryo said but Tatsuya looked at him suspiciously.
There's also a few cousins--"
"Okay, wait up. Can I butt in for one second?" Tatsuya asked.
"Yeah, sure. What do you have in mind?" Atty. Kato asked.
"What if one of us decides to honor Yamapi and Maki's wishes? I mean, on our own." Tatsuya said.
"Or it can be the both of us. Hypothetically." Ryo said.
"Well, they named you so there's no problem about that.We'll set-up a court meeting then you'll be granted legal custody and that's it. Now, in the case of finances, the government will cover the mortgage but that's about it. Everything else will have to be shouldered by the two of you. But look, let's not get way ahead. Our main focus here is Lily. I suggest that the two of you move in here for the sake of the child."
"Are you serious?" Tatsuya asked.
"You want us to live here together?" Ryo asked.
"Yeah. For lily, for now or 'til you decide what you really want to do." Atty. Kato said.
After their meeting with the lawyer, Tatsuya and Ryo made their way to the Child Welfare Office to get Lily. They signed a few papers and a few minutes later, a young lady came out carrying Lily.
Tatsuya immediately stood up from his seat and took Lily. He kissed her in the forehead and hugged her. Ryo just remained seated and watch how Lily cried when Tatsuya took her. He knows that Lily can feel that her parents were gone. He felt like he wanted to cry when he saw Lily's tears. He wants to protect her and make her feel loved. He finally stood up from his seat and approached Lily and Tatsuya. He caressed Lily's face and gave her a peck on the cheeck to soothe her. Lily was reaching out to him so he took her and held her in his arms. Lily stopped crying and rested her head on Ryo's shoulder. Tatsuya picked up Lily's bag then they made their way home.
Once they got home, they let Lily get some sleep. It was a struggle since she kept on crying but she finally felt tired and just closed her eyes. Ryo got some beer from the fridge as Tatsuya went over some things.
"They definitely didn't think this through." Ryo said.
"I think we need to establish a sleep schedule. It's very important." Tatsuya said.
"What? What are you talking about?"
"I guess--wait, what? what did you say?"
"I said, they didn't think anything of this through. Did Yamapi say anything about this to you? Or Maki? Coz they didn't tell me anything about this."
"Nope, I'm as clueless as you are, Nishikido."
"I mean, this is not the kind of thing that you forget to mention! 'Hey! Nishikido, I heard good news about the restaurant you were working at oh, and by the way, I made you Lily's legal guardian so if I die, you take care of her!' It's messed up!" Ryo said.
"Look, Maki is a planner and we are both part of this plan." Tatsuya replied.
"I don't understand this plan! Are we supposed to live in this house together? Was she so sleep deprived that she thought of this crazy plan? How can we even pay for this place?"
"Atty. Kato already said, the mortgage is taken care off."
"What about the up keep? the utilities? the taxes?! Do you have any idea on how much it will cost to maintain this place? Yamapi was a Junior Lawyer at a big firm! I don't make half the money he gets! I don't have that much cash! And you, what do you do? Draw stuffs for weddings?"
"I have a successful business, Nishikido. I do well by myself."
"Well, raising a baby is not the same as organizing a wedding."
"I'm not saying that it is!"
"They're a mess! They pee on things. They bite. They're basically dogs except dogs know how to lick electrical sockets." Ryo said in his rant.
Lily woke up and started to cry. Tatsuya immediatley went to check on her as Ryo sighed in his seat before standing up to follow Tatsuya.
"Hey, honey, you're awake!" Tatsuya said as Lily stood up from her crib crying and reaching out to him.
Ryo was about to get Lily but Tatsuya stopped him.
"What?" Ryo asked.
"Just let her be. She needs to learn how to self soothe. I read it in a book." Tatsuya said.
"Self what?"
"Soothe. She needs to learn how to self soothe. Just give it a minute."
They both just stood there watching Lily but instead of stopping, she cried even more.
"I don't think this self soothing is working. I better get her." Ryo said but Tatsuya stopped him again.
"Wait, no. Let's just sing a song, okay? Let's try that."
Tatsuya began singing and dancing a nursery rhyme and Ryo had no choice but to copy him. Lily still didn't stop.
Tatsuya himself gave up.
"You know what, I think she's hungry." Tatsuya said as she took Lily from the crib.
Tatsuya asked Ryo to cook since he's the expert. He then stayed and entertained Lily while waiting for the food. She did stop crying for a few minutes but resumed after he stopped making faces.
"Nishikido, she is not a food critic, okay? Can't you hurry up?" Tatsuya said.
"I know, I know but I don't even have an idea about baby foods, okay? I'm doing my best here." Ryo said as he did a final stir and turned off the fire.
He poured the soup in a bowl and brought it to the table.
Tatsuya began feeding Lily. He will blow on the soup before giving it to her. Ryo just sat infront of them but when he became bored, he started asking Tatsuya some questions.
"So, how do you think this will affect your dreams of meeting the perfect guy and having a perfect relationship? Have you ever thought about that? You know, a person your age already has a hard time competing with girls and guys out there." Ryo said.
"I'm sorry, but did you just say: a person my age?" Tatsuya gawked at him.
"In the dating world, you won't even be considered as single and available. You'd be dubbed as the complicated guy who'll be single forever."
"You don't know me, Nishikido."
"Well, I know that you can't even handle feeding a baby." Ryo said as he observed how Tatsuya struggled with Lily.
"Why are you trying so hard to convince me to not help her?" Tatsuya asked.
"I'm not trying to convince you! I'm just trying my best to do what's best for her!"
"No, Nishikido, you're trying to do what's best for you!"
"You don't understand! This is not the best for her! You know why? Because we're not them. We're not Pi and Maki. We'll never replace them!" Ryo said.
Tatsuya put down the bowl of soup and faced Ryo properly.
"They loved Lily more than anything in this world and out of everyone, they picked us." Tatsuya said, his voice started to tremble and he held back his tears.
Ryo knew that he needs to shut up so he did. He just let Tatsuya continue feeding Lily. He can still see Tatsuya struggling so he stood up, opened the cabinets and grabbed some biscuits. He opened one pack and placed it in front of Lily. Surprisingly, she stopped crying and began eating the biscuits. Tatsuya looked at Ryo blankly.
"Honestly, do you still think we're the best thing for her?" Ryo asked seriously.
Tatsuya didn't know what to reply and just kept quiet. Ryo just walked out of the room in frustration. Tatsuya sat there watching Lily eat and think about what Ryo said.
******
It was Yamapi and Maki's funeral. All of their friends were there to witness the service and when it was done, everyone gathered in their house for some food.
"This is really unexpected." Erika, Shingo's wife said as she talked to Becky, Maru's wife.
"I know. What will happen to Lily? Do you know?" Becky asked.
"Oh, you didn't know? They named two of their friends as legal guardians." Yasu, who was also there, said.
"Who?" Erika asked.
"Oh, that guy who's really pretty and works as a wedding organizer and that hot guy who smells good and works as a cook." Subaru said.
"Oh, that's interesting" Becky said.
Inside, Tatsuya and Ryo were busy attending to all the guests. He left Lily with her mom while she pulled Ryo in one corner.
"There are a lot of them." Tatsuya told him.
"Well, we just have to look for the perfect ones." Ryo replied.
They were observing everyone at the house to see who is fit to take care of Lily and raise her.
"Oh, so you and Pi are actually cousins?" Ryo asked.
He was talking to Murakami Shingo and his wife, Erika.
"Yes--hey! don't do that! Who is that anyway? Nao?" Shingo asked his wife as he sees his kids running up and down the stairs.
"That's Kira." Erika replied.
"Oh, yeah, right. SOrry. You'll know how it feels when you have 8 kids." Shingo told Ryo.
"8 kids?" Ryo asked in shock.
"9. We have 9 kids." Erika cleared giving Shingo a glare.
Ryo looked dumbfounded. They were the couple that has 9 kids that he met on Lily's first birthday and obviously, Shingo can't even remember his kid's names.
On the other side of the room, Tatsuya was busy talking to one of Maki's childhood friends.
"I rushed back here when I heard the news that she died." the woman named Keiko said.
"That's really sweet of you. I'm sure Maki appreciates your effort to come and see her one last time." Tatsuya said.
"I was actually on tour right now. I was supposed to be in Nagoya but I cacelled."
"Really? On tour? Wow. Are you performing anywhere that I would know?"
"I'm dancing at strip clubs on Mondays thru Thursdays then I have private shows in the weekends"
Tatsuya looked shocked. Keiko told him that she's been "performing" for 5 years now and she's always on the road. Tatsuya excused himself then looked for Ryo so they can finally meet with Lily's grandfather.
They settled in the living room, Ryo and Tatsuya facing Grandpa Johnny while Lily's on the floor playing.
"It's good that Lily gets to see her grandfather." Tatsuya told Johnny.
The old man was sitting upright, with his oxygen tank by his side.
"He looks just like Yamapi." Johnny said.
"I think she looks just like you." Ryo added.
Lily looked up to his grandpa and smiled then crawled towards him.
"So, you have a house in Hokkaido now?" Tatsuya asked but before Johnny can answer Ryo, butted in.
"Because you know, we were thinking, given that Lily is your only grandchild, it is best that she stays with you and..."
Ryo was interrupted when Johnny's oxygen mask was pulled off by Lily. In an instant, Johnny began to gasp for air. Ryo and Tatsuya immediately stood up. Tatsuya grabbed Lily and Ryo helped Johnny put back his mask.
"Oh my god! Are you okay?" Tatsuya asked Johnny.
The old man coughed but nodded "yes".
"Still okay." Tatsuya told Ryo.
"Yup. Still breathing!" Ryo exclaimed.
The guests began to say their good byes and left and a few hours later, Ryo and Tatsuy were left alone with Lily in Yamapi and Maki's house.
The two of them sat in the living room looking exhausted and shared a bottle of wine.
"You know, our best option it the family with 9 kids" Ryo said as he drank his wine in one gulp.
"You've got to be kidding me" Tatsuya said.
"Well, atleast they know how to keep a child alive." Ryo said.
"No way."
"So, the stripper looks nice."
"Suggest someone unsuitable again and I swear you'll wake up in a emergency room." Tatsuya threatened.
Okay, okay, I got it.Are you sure grandpa's a definite 'no' ?"
Tatsuya just glared at him and Ryo understood that he needs to shut up.
******
The next day, Ryo and Tatsuya were accompanied by Atty. Kato at the family court.
"Next case: The guardianship of Lily Yamashita." The judge secretary announced.
Tatsuya, who was carrying Lily, Ryo and Atty Kato stood in front of the judge.
"All right, I read your submissions along with the Yamashita's will and you folks were named as guardian of this child, I see no reasons to counter act the parent's wishes. I hereby grant, joint legal and physical custody of Lily Yamashita to Ueda Tatsuya and Nishikido Ryo." The judge said.
Atty. Kato was leading them out of the court but Ryo didn't move from where he was standing up.
"That's it? You're not gonna ask us anything?" Ryo asked the judge who looked at him with a serious face.
The judge didn't say anything and just stared at him.
"You're not gonna make sure we're not drug dealers or pimps?" Ryo said. Atty. Kato and Tatsuya were pulling him out of the court.
"Well, are you drug dealers or pimps?" the judge finally asked.
"No, ma'am" Tatsuya was the one who answered.
"Then you may go." the judge said. the four of them left the courtroom.
When they reached home, Ryo still kept ranting.
"That's it? What the hell was that hearing? 'I agree with your friends will' and BOOM, case closed! Take the kid!"
"That's just how the court system runs, get over it, Nishikido." Tatsuya said as he looked for Lily's rubber duck on the baby bag.
"What have I done to deserve this? Huh? I've been good! All the girls I sleep with tell me that I can forget about the condom but I say NO, coz I don't want a baby at this time and then this happens and I never even fucked anyone and yet I end up with a baby!"
"Nishikido, can you just shut up for a while? We really need to work out a schedule because I have to work tomorrow."
"Wait, can you smell that?" Ryo asked.
"Smell what?"
"Something smells bad in here" Ryo said.
"Oh, wait, maybe it's Lily, did she poop?" Tatsuya asked. Ryo raised Lily to smell if it's her and he confirmed it.
They took her in the bedroom and laid her in the bed.
"So, you can do this right?" Ryo asked Tatsuya.
"Me? Why me?"
"Because you're the mom."
"Excuse me?!"
"You're the girly one, you do it."
"Eventhough I'm the girly one, it doesn't mean I'm the mom and I'm the one who's suppose to change the diapers!" Tatsuya said then walked out of the room leaving Ryo the task to change Lily.
Even though it was a struggle and he kept on throwing curses, Ryo managed to change Lily's diapers. When he brought her down, Ryo found some company. Some of Yamapi and Maki's friends came to visit and brought some food.
"Hello, Nishikido!" The one named Becky greeted. Ryo waved back at them.
"Gosh, I'm hungry, why don't we all get this food on the table and let's all have a talk." Becky said and everyone else followed.
"Are you guys doing allright with Lily? You guys look tired." Murakami said.
"Oh, we don't get much sleep." Ryo said as he poured out some wine for the guests.
"Well, you don't look that tired to me. You actually look fine" Maru said.
"Well, you won't actually get enough sleep for the next 10 years." Becky said.
"And you're not supposed to get tired of children's songs since you'll be hearing them all day." Subaru said.
"And night" Yasu added which made everyone laugh.
"Okay, okay, we need to be serious now. You have to get two things straight. I'm gonna say, one, get a baby sitter." Becky said.
"And a back-up." Erika added.
"Absolutely, you really should have a sitter" Yasu said.
"Next thing, you can never have enough paper towels" Becky said.
Then everyone said their own advices all at the same time that Ryo and Tatsuya didn't even understand most of them. They were just sitting there, nodding like they got everything they said.
When everyone were gone, Ryo and Tatsuya found themselves in a familiar spot. The living room.
"I don't know if we can do all this stuffs. I mean, those people, they had 9 months to prepare for a baby and they wanted it. Us, we're just forced into this and we don't have any knowledge about this. I'm afraid of what Lily's future will be when she stays with us." Ryo said.
Tatsuya sighed. He has never seen Ryo so frustrated before. He was usually the positive and happy-go-lucky type and for him to worry this much, was not normal. Tatsuya placed his hand on Ryo's shoulder.
"We'll manage. I know we will. Maki and Yamapi put us here for a reason." Tatsuya said. Ryo didn't say anything more.
A/N II" beta-ed this in a rush sine this is wayyy overdue for floppy_snoopi . anyway, i've been having troubles writing lately. i guess it's the stress of this fandom. i don't know. but what I'm sure of is that i will not stop writing but i just don't know when I'll be able to update.