Unnecessary Secret [24/?]
“I don’t want to lose you,” Satoshi’s voice was muffled.
When the President of Ohno Corporation called Okada personally and asked him to extend his work area a bit to take care of the young masters, he accepted immediately. In his mind, he expected the two young masters that he already knew well throughout their childhood together - plus one addition of the cheerful Aiba - might have grown up into some spoilt heirs. He was prepared for it. He even had a thorough plan of making Satoshi a perfect next CEO.
But this? All of this mess that including Jun being pregnant was never waltzed through his head. Ever.
Okada couldn’t really figure how to respond, how to react. His instinct told him to call his superior at once, but Satoshi begged him to keep shut about it and he didn’t have enough heart to disappoint him. Especially when the quiet guy seemed so sad and overwhelmed. He then pondered in a great intensity, thinking hard whether he will keep doing this task or abandon the ship. He was this close to give up, he already typed a long apologetic email and his thumb already hovered on the send button, but something made him halt his action.
It was Aiba. One Aiba Masaki that tried his best to keep shining like an eternal sunshine. One Aiba Masaki that jumped around like crazy to draw a smile on Jun’s face during the day and put on his serious face during the night, racking his brain hard to keep the entire ship from sinking. He did everything, he thought about everything. And Okada wasn’t sure that it would be fair to leave Aiba to bear all the burden alone.
“Home schooling is the best option for now, ne?” Aiba said to Okada at that late of the night, when Jun already sound asleep and Satoshi already locked himself up in his room. “I think Sato nii san will agree, it will give Jun more time to rest at home. Sato nii san will graduate soon, so do I and Jun. Maybe you can push Sato nii san to the company right after? While Jun and me will take a break after graduation, at least until the baby is born.”
“Un..,” Okada nodded. Amazed at how Aiba’s head was always full of Jun’s sake.
“And.. hmm... do you think you can bring him to his mother’s boutique one of these days? Maybe he can do something about it, it would be great if something positive can occupy his mind,” Aiba continued.
“Un..,” Okada just nodded again. Eyes never left Aiba who was busy scribbling things in his notebook.
“Do you think it’s save enough for him to cook? I know he loves cooking, but if it’s dangerous, then I will keep him away from the kitchen.”
“Un..,” Okada just nodded. Again.
Aiba looked up to Okada and chuckled, “What is it, Senpai? Something in your mind?”
“Is it okay?” Okada whispered. Almost unheard.
“Hm? What is?” Aiba stopped his activity and focused to the older by the sofa.
“All.. this. I mean.. is it okay for you to do all this?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Aiba tilted his head. Tiredness painted in his face but his smile... oh his smile warmed Okada’s heart.
“I am neither stupid nor blind, Aiba kun. I know you love Jun. I know it. All the way since you’re still a clumsy little kid,” Okada mumbled, “And now you’re here, throwing your future on the line to help him. Who is - I’m sorry - not in love with you and pregnant with other man’s child.”
Aiba chuckled. A bitter chuckle.
“It’s okay. Yeah, I love him. Yeah, he doesn’t love me. But he’s my best friend and he’s in need now, so I help. And who knows if along the way, he would finally fall for me?” Aiba gave a little laughter and winked, “Besides, it’s Jun’s child. Not other man’s child. So I believe the child will be one of the greatest gift for mankind. Just like Jun.”
He smiled in assuring fashion and focused back to his notebook, the one which was full of Jun’s needs.
Okada stunned by the answer. Aiba’s love and dedication put him on shame.
That’s it.
Okada stood up and walked towards Aiba to snatch the notebook.
“Wha- Hey, I’m not done with that,” Aiba protested.
“I’m their assistant, and this,” Okada waved the notebook, “this things - thinking about their education and worrying about their health - are my job. I feel threatened that you will take my job now. So please, Young Master Aiba, leave it all to me and have some rest.”
Aiba’s eyes widened, then he chuckled. Not a bitter one this time.
“You’re silly, Senpai,” his gazed softened as he added, “I’m glad you’re here.”
Okada felt a strange feeling invaded his heart. He pulled Aiba to stand up and pushed him to his room, “No, I’m not silly. Now sleep, please. I might get into trouble if your mother sees your eye bags.”
Aiba chuckled some more but obeyed anyway, “Well then, good night, Senpai.”
“Good night,” Okada replied in a whisper far after the door already closed, a notebook clutched tightly in his hand and an unsent email erased from his cellphone.
Nope, there’s no way he could abandon that ship.
*******
It turned out that Okada and Aiba made a perfect team together. In one way or another, they managed to drag both Jun and Satoshi from the pit of sadness to the beach of greater future.
The boutique and great kitchen were the key to Jun’s smile, Aiba figured it out unfailingly. The pregnant man already submerged in baby clothes and accessories designs after second visit to his dear mother’s boutique. He got all the help he needed and his sense of fashion was flawless, so everything slid smoothly. He also busied himself in the kitchen, messing with Aiba’s lack of skill in cooking region.
“Really, Masaki? You’re a heir of a classy restaurant with branches all over the world, for God’s sake!” Jun would tease every once in a while, giggling fondly and all happy.
On the other hand, Okada and Aiba found out that the only way to make Satoshi come back to his usual self was by giving him enough time to mourn in his own way every now and then. Okada would gladly drive Satoshi to wherever he wants. Musée du Louvre, La Maison Rouge, Le Musée d'Orsay, Eiffel tower, anywhere. And Satoshi would lost in his own world, gazing paintings, sculptures, or scenery while holding his sketch book tight and drawing the only object that he found beautiful in this whole world.
Nino.
Only and just only after he’s satisfied by his own work, Satoshi would come back home with his usual sleepy smile. Only Satoshi and God knows how many drawings of Nino he had in his room.
Laughter came back to their life shortly, but Aiba and Okada couldn’t let their guard down. They had to make sure that Jun’s health was maintained properly and also snap Satoshi back to reality if he’s drown too deep into his sadness.
Spring came in a blink of an eye and summer followed not so long after. Everything started to flow smoothly and naturally. It was not until autumn that they encountered yet another problem; Jun’s health decreased rapidly.
Just a week after his 17th birthday, Jun got hospitalized. His labor time was nearing but he couldn’t even support his own body at times.
He was released from the hospital once, but passed out again soon after. His condition was worrisome and the doctor told them to prepare for the worst. And by the worst meant losing either Jun or his baby. Or maybe, both.
“Argh,” Satoshi grunted. His head fell to Jun’s bedside right after the doctor left.
“Hey, Nii chan,” Jun whispered weakly. His face was pale but a smile planted firmly there, “Hey, don’t be so sad.”
“I don’t want to lose you,” Satoshi’s voice was muffled.
“You won’t. I’m here. I’m strong. You know that, right?” Jun brushed his fingers through Satoshi’s hair.
Satoshi didn’t answer to that. He just sulked and buried his face to the white sheet of Jun’s bed.
“Hey, hey, Oji chan,” Jun mimicked a little boy’s voice, his hand guided Satoshi’s to caress his swollen belly, “you’ll get to see me in a month or so, so don’t be sad, okay?”
Satoshi couldn’t help but lifted his face and smiled a bit. There’s so much love at Jun’s voice. So much that Satoshi wondered if Jun didn’t have any fear at all.
He’s facing death, for God’s sake.
“Don’t you afraid, Jun?”
“Me? No,” Jun answered straight, “I’m having a baby; I’m happy, not afraid.”
“But.. you might..,” Satoshi couldn’t spit the word, “you know..”
“End up dead?” Jun’s smile widened, “Yeah, I might. But then, so what? I’m having a baby, that’s what matters.”
Satoshi blinked his eyes in disbelieve. Jun’s words sounded so carefree.
“I’m happy that I’m having this baby, Nii chan. This is the best thing ever happened in my life. The best. That’s why I’m asking you to help me save this baby, okay?” Jun took Satoshi’s hand in his, “So, between me and the baby, you will always choose the baby. No matter what. Okay?”
Satoshi still couldn’t manage to say anything.
“Come on, Nii chan, answer me.”
“I don’t want to lose you.”
“I know. You’ve said that. But I can’t keep on living if the baby is not. So, if you have to choose, then the baby is your choice, okay?”
“I don’t want to choose.”
“I made your choice for you. The baby, it is,” Jun concluded. He then smiled and averted his gaze to two gloomy men on the corner of the room, “You two, make sure he does what I said if the situation demands him to do so. If ever you fail at this, I’ll kill you both with my bare hands.” Jun gave a faint laugh that didn’t reduce his seriousness.
Aiba and Okada could do nothing but nodded.
“By the way, I’m not dead yet - not even planning to, why are you all already mourning, huh?!” Jun suddenly snapped.
The whole room fell into a light laughter and gathered to nudge Jun lovingly………. and went frantic like hell when Jun suddenly went limp and unconscious again.
*******
As hard as Jun could whine, Satoshi decided to keep Jun under hospital care until his labor time. It’s a good decision, since Jun’s health kept decreasing rapidly after that. He’s too weak for almost everything, fainting every now and then.
Jun went to critical state three times in three weeks. He couldn’t even make it to the bathroom by himself. The three men insisted to stay with Jun at first, but it’s Jun; he managed to force them back to their work and responsibilities.
Aiba had the most chance to be with Jun, since he got no work and not enrolled in any school or university yet. With infinite patient, he took care of Jun.
“Masaki..,” Jun called weakly one day.
“What is it? Do you need something?”
“If I die-”
“No, you won’t,” Aiba cut it fast.
“Hey, listen to me first. If I die-”
“Lalalalalala~~~,” Aiba covered his ears and hummed loudly.
“Masaki!” Jun yelled and pulled Aiba’s hand from his ears, “Masaki, please!”
Aiba saw Jun’s desperate gaze and surrendered. He put down his hands.
“If I die, would you, please, take my baby as yours?”
Aiba couldn’t respond to that. His brain short circuited.
“Because I want Sato nii chan to come back to his Nino if I die, and a baby will make things complicated. Besides, I trust you more than Nii chan in this case. You are the only person I could trust my precious baby to. So, please?”
“No, you won’t die.”
“I’m not stupid, Masaki. I know my condition is not that good, so there’s possibility of it. So, please, can you promise me that, Masaki?” Jun grabbed Aiba’s hands tightly. Tears pooled in his eyes, “Please?”
Aiba could see it. He could see Jun’s hope had started to fade out. He could see that Jun had started to believe that he wouldn’t make it. All of Jun’s confidence, all of his fearfulness that he had weeks ago disappeared into thin air and left no trace at all. And it pained Aiba more than anything.
Aiba reached out to take Jun’s crying self into his embrace. He brushed his kiss softly to the top of Jun’s head as he said, “I promise. I promise that I will make the baby mine and take care of him with all I have. So, please, don’t give up, okay?”
Jun managed to nod before he went to yet another critical state.
*******
It was October 30th. Satoshi was just learning few documents on his new office when suddenly Okada barged in, panting hard and spilling the news that Jun had been taken to operating room because of his worsened health. The baby had to be born or they might lose them both for real.
They rushed to the hospital right away to find the operating room’s light was already on. Aiba gazed to the light with horror.
Satoshi waited silently on the bench in front of the operating room, while Aiba paced around restlessly.
Some staff rushed to and from the operating room, carrying blood bags and any other things that made Aiba’s and Satoshi’s heart deflated like crazy. The procedure took an eternity, Aiba swore he aged so much just by waiting.
On one point, Okada worried that Aiba could explode at any time, so he dragged the younger to the bench and joined Satoshi there. He brushed Aiba’s back in a soothing manner and whispered many assuring words to his ears.
When the doctor finally came out, he put his best smile for the three waiting men, “Congratulations, the baby is a boy and he’s healthy.”
“Jun?” Aiba and Satoshi asked almost at the same time.
“Matsumoto san was very weak throughout the procedure, but he survived. He might need weeks to recover, but he should be fine after that,” the doctor smiled again.
A bed pushed through the door and they could see Jun’s pale face with a blooming smile. On his hands, he carried a little bundle of new life.
His son.
The three men followed the bed to Jun’s room and the nurse left them with a wide smile and a little congratulatory words.
Jun smiled. And smiled. And smiled. All the worries gone.
“Look at him. He’s so beautiful.”
“Just like you,” Aiba said without thinking.
Jun gazed down lovingly to his baby. His new source of life. A symbol of his and Sho’s love.
Jun gulped down the bitter feeling.
If only your father could see you, son.
“Hi, nephew,” Satoshi called out with bubbly voice. His fingers softly touched the tiny human.
Okada stepped closer and asked, “Already have a name for him?”
Jun smiled when he said, “Sho... ri. His name is Shori.”
*******
Both Jun and Shori were released from the hospital 3 days after. Jun was still so weak, he had to come home in a wheel chair. But he was happy. So happy that he didn’t care if he felt dizzy or extremely pained.
Jun was a great parent by nature. No one taught him, but he already so skilled at handling Shori. He emitted love all the way, and everyone could feel it. The apartment suddenly became merrier, with baby’s cry and all, but they all were happy. As happy as they could be.
About a week after that, they finally decided that it’s time for them to invite their parents to come over. And they did.
Okada picked them up at the airport and had a pleasant chat with the parents until they reached the apartment. Okada opened the door and a wailing cry welcomed them.
“Ah, excuse me, I’ll handle the baby for a while,” Okada dashed to check on the baby. Aiba was holding him tight while Satoshi helped Jun to dress up neatly. Okada took Shori from Aiba’s hand and rocked him gently to calm him down. He then walked out again with Aiba followed closely behind him.
The parents’ brows furrowed at first but once Shori was in their sight, they became soft and smiled wide. They eyed Okada who desperately tried to make Shori stop his cry and Aiba who helped from Okada’s side, hushing softly and even singing lullabies. They really looked like a happy family.
“Come here, let me carry him,” the mother spread her arms to retrieve Shori from Okada’s hands. She was so skilled, used to take care of Satoshi by herself, so Shori calmed down in no time.
“I don’t know you already has a baby, Okada kun. If we know this earlier, we won’t trouble you with our sons,” the father patted Okada’s back. Clearly, they were misunderstood.
“Are you with Masaki kun...?”
Okada didn’t need to hear the end of the question. He already blushed and answered fast, “No, no, not like that.”
Aiba just chuckled and bowed his welcome to both the parents.
“Oh, look, how cute he is!” the mother yelped happily, “Oh I wish I could have a grandson soon.”
“He’s cute, right?” Jun suddenly came in with his wheel chair. Satoshi pushed him from behind.
“Jun chan? Why are you in wheel chair?” the father was concerned.
“Nothing serious, Dad. Just... exhausted,” Jun answered with a smile. He looked back to his mother, “You like him, Mom?”
“Why, yes, I like him. Look at him! He’s so cute!” the mother said cheerfully, “You should find a good spouse soon, Satoshi kun, I want a grandson as cute as this baby!”
“You already have one, Mom,” Jun answered. Unsure.
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“He is... Shori is... your grandson,” Jun was ready for all the possible outcome.
The room fell into deafening silence.
“You like him, right?” Jun’s desperate question broke the silence.
Okada read the situation and took Shori back to his hands.
The parents looked at each other, jaws hanging open.
“Wha- what? How? Who?” the mother stuttered a bit.
“Is it important?” Jun asked. Eyes fixated to his own hands.
“He’s my son.”
Satoshi walked to his parents and rubbed his mother’s shoulder.
“But.. who? Who did that to you? Sho kun?” the mother tried to sound calm and not judging but she still sounded panic.
“It doesn’t matter. He’s my son.”
“I take that as a yes, then. I’m calling Sakurai now,” the mother began to search for her phone.
“No-”
“Me!” Jun’s word was still hanging undone when Aiba suddenly shouted, “I did it! The baby is mine!”
The mother froze. The father froze. Everyone froze.
“Masaki! Don’t be silly!” Jun threw an empty baby bottle he had in his wheel chair pocket to Aiba.
“No, he’s not the father, Mom. I am the father, and no one else is. You want to disown me? It’s alright. But don’t hate Shori. He did nothing wrong,” Jun said firmly.
“Shori is Jun’s son, Mom, Dad,” Satoshi said in a calming tone, “My nephew. Your grandson.”
The father circled his arm gently to the mother’s shoulder, “Our grandson, dear.”
The mother sighed and looked at Shori who curled up at Okada’s hands. Her tense shoulder loosened and she smiled as she went to hug Jun, “No, I don’t want to disown you. You’re my son, you hot headed father!”
She kissed the top of Jun’s head then turned to face her husband, “I think we need to stay longer than we planned, dear. This stubborn son of mine needs good lessons of parenting.”
The father just smiled and nodded.
The mother stood up and caressed Shori’s cheek, “Besides, I want to spend time with my dearest grandson as much as I can. Ne, Shori chan?”
No further question was asked after that. Shori was welcomed warmly to the family, regardless his unknown father.
And so, Matsumoto Jun’s life as a single father started.
Whoa, two dozen! xD
Really, thanks for all of you who read up until now.
And also for lilisan31 who beta and sweetrose501 who gave the prompt.
I LOVE YOU ALL SO SO SO SO SO MUCH! Please bear with me a little bit more, okay? *hugs and kisses*
Once again, thanks for reading. And comments are encouraging! <3
PS : I started a songfic project called Songification with inaudible_d, feel free to check here ;)
Chapter 23
Chapter 25
When the President of Ohno Corporation called Okada personally and asked him to extend his work area a bit to take care of the young masters, he accepted immediately. In his mind, he expected the two young masters that he already knew well throughout their childhood together - plus one addition of the cheerful Aiba - might have grown up into some spoilt heirs. He was prepared for it. He even had a thorough plan of making Satoshi a perfect next CEO.
But this? All of this mess that including Jun being pregnant was never waltzed through his head. Ever.
Okada couldn’t really figure how to respond, how to react. His instinct told him to call his superior at once, but Satoshi begged him to keep shut about it and he didn’t have enough heart to disappoint him. Especially when the quiet guy seemed so sad and overwhelmed. He then pondered in a great intensity, thinking hard whether he will keep doing this task or abandon the ship. He was this close to give up, he already typed a long apologetic email and his thumb already hovered on the send button, but something made him halt his action.
It was Aiba. One Aiba Masaki that tried his best to keep shining like an eternal sunshine. One Aiba Masaki that jumped around like crazy to draw a smile on Jun’s face during the day and put on his serious face during the night, racking his brain hard to keep the entire ship from sinking. He did everything, he thought about everything. And Okada wasn’t sure that it would be fair to leave Aiba to bear all the burden alone.
“Home schooling is the best option for now, ne?” Aiba said to Okada at that late of the night, when Jun already sound asleep and Satoshi already locked himself up in his room. “I think Sato nii san will agree, it will give Jun more time to rest at home. Sato nii san will graduate soon, so do I and Jun. Maybe you can push Sato nii san to the company right after? While Jun and me will take a break after graduation, at least until the baby is born.”
“Un..,” Okada nodded. Amazed at how Aiba’s head was always full of Jun’s sake.
“And.. hmm... do you think you can bring him to his mother’s boutique one of these days? Maybe he can do something about it, it would be great if something positive can occupy his mind,” Aiba continued.
“Un..,” Okada just nodded again. Eyes never left Aiba who was busy scribbling things in his notebook.
“Do you think it’s save enough for him to cook? I know he loves cooking, but if it’s dangerous, then I will keep him away from the kitchen.”
“Un..,” Okada just nodded. Again.
Aiba looked up to Okada and chuckled, “What is it, Senpai? Something in your mind?”
“Is it okay?” Okada whispered. Almost unheard.
“Hm? What is?” Aiba stopped his activity and focused to the older by the sofa.
“All.. this. I mean.. is it okay for you to do all this?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Aiba tilted his head. Tiredness painted in his face but his smile... oh his smile warmed Okada’s heart.
“I am neither stupid nor blind, Aiba kun. I know you love Jun. I know it. All the way since you’re still a clumsy little kid,” Okada mumbled, “And now you’re here, throwing your future on the line to help him. Who is - I’m sorry - not in love with you and pregnant with other man’s child.”
Aiba chuckled. A bitter chuckle.
“It’s okay. Yeah, I love him. Yeah, he doesn’t love me. But he’s my best friend and he’s in need now, so I help. And who knows if along the way, he would finally fall for me?” Aiba gave a little laughter and winked, “Besides, it’s Jun’s child. Not other man’s child. So I believe the child will be one of the greatest gift for mankind. Just like Jun.”
He smiled in assuring fashion and focused back to his notebook, the one which was full of Jun’s needs.
Okada stunned by the answer. Aiba’s love and dedication put him on shame.
That’s it.
Okada stood up and walked towards Aiba to snatch the notebook.
“Wha- Hey, I’m not done with that,” Aiba protested.
“I’m their assistant, and this,” Okada waved the notebook, “this things - thinking about their education and worrying about their health - are my job. I feel threatened that you will take my job now. So please, Young Master Aiba, leave it all to me and have some rest.”
Aiba’s eyes widened, then he chuckled. Not a bitter one this time.
“You’re silly, Senpai,” his gazed softened as he added, “I’m glad you’re here.”
Okada felt a strange feeling invaded his heart. He pulled Aiba to stand up and pushed him to his room, “No, I’m not silly. Now sleep, please. I might get into trouble if your mother sees your eye bags.”
Aiba chuckled some more but obeyed anyway, “Well then, good night, Senpai.”
“Good night,” Okada replied in a whisper far after the door already closed, a notebook clutched tightly in his hand and an unsent email erased from his cellphone.
Nope, there’s no way he could abandon that ship.
*******
It turned out that Okada and Aiba made a perfect team together. In one way or another, they managed to drag both Jun and Satoshi from the pit of sadness to the beach of greater future.
The boutique and great kitchen were the key to Jun’s smile, Aiba figured it out unfailingly. The pregnant man already submerged in baby clothes and accessories designs after second visit to his dear mother’s boutique. He got all the help he needed and his sense of fashion was flawless, so everything slid smoothly. He also busied himself in the kitchen, messing with Aiba’s lack of skill in cooking region.
“Really, Masaki? You’re a heir of a classy restaurant with branches all over the world, for God’s sake!” Jun would tease every once in a while, giggling fondly and all happy.
On the other hand, Okada and Aiba found out that the only way to make Satoshi come back to his usual self was by giving him enough time to mourn in his own way every now and then. Okada would gladly drive Satoshi to wherever he wants. Musée du Louvre, La Maison Rouge, Le Musée d'Orsay, Eiffel tower, anywhere. And Satoshi would lost in his own world, gazing paintings, sculptures, or scenery while holding his sketch book tight and drawing the only object that he found beautiful in this whole world.
Nino.
Only and just only after he’s satisfied by his own work, Satoshi would come back home with his usual sleepy smile. Only Satoshi and God knows how many drawings of Nino he had in his room.
Laughter came back to their life shortly, but Aiba and Okada couldn’t let their guard down. They had to make sure that Jun’s health was maintained properly and also snap Satoshi back to reality if he’s drown too deep into his sadness.
Spring came in a blink of an eye and summer followed not so long after. Everything started to flow smoothly and naturally. It was not until autumn that they encountered yet another problem; Jun’s health decreased rapidly.
Just a week after his 17th birthday, Jun got hospitalized. His labor time was nearing but he couldn’t even support his own body at times.
He was released from the hospital once, but passed out again soon after. His condition was worrisome and the doctor told them to prepare for the worst. And by the worst meant losing either Jun or his baby. Or maybe, both.
“Argh,” Satoshi grunted. His head fell to Jun’s bedside right after the doctor left.
“Hey, Nii chan,” Jun whispered weakly. His face was pale but a smile planted firmly there, “Hey, don’t be so sad.”
“I don’t want to lose you,” Satoshi’s voice was muffled.
“You won’t. I’m here. I’m strong. You know that, right?” Jun brushed his fingers through Satoshi’s hair.
Satoshi didn’t answer to that. He just sulked and buried his face to the white sheet of Jun’s bed.
“Hey, hey, Oji chan,” Jun mimicked a little boy’s voice, his hand guided Satoshi’s to caress his swollen belly, “you’ll get to see me in a month or so, so don’t be sad, okay?”
Satoshi couldn’t help but lifted his face and smiled a bit. There’s so much love at Jun’s voice. So much that Satoshi wondered if Jun didn’t have any fear at all.
He’s facing death, for God’s sake.
“Don’t you afraid, Jun?”
“Me? No,” Jun answered straight, “I’m having a baby; I’m happy, not afraid.”
“But.. you might..,” Satoshi couldn’t spit the word, “you know..”
“End up dead?” Jun’s smile widened, “Yeah, I might. But then, so what? I’m having a baby, that’s what matters.”
Satoshi blinked his eyes in disbelieve. Jun’s words sounded so carefree.
“I’m happy that I’m having this baby, Nii chan. This is the best thing ever happened in my life. The best. That’s why I’m asking you to help me save this baby, okay?” Jun took Satoshi’s hand in his, “So, between me and the baby, you will always choose the baby. No matter what. Okay?”
Satoshi still couldn’t manage to say anything.
“Come on, Nii chan, answer me.”
“I don’t want to lose you.”
“I know. You’ve said that. But I can’t keep on living if the baby is not. So, if you have to choose, then the baby is your choice, okay?”
“I don’t want to choose.”
“I made your choice for you. The baby, it is,” Jun concluded. He then smiled and averted his gaze to two gloomy men on the corner of the room, “You two, make sure he does what I said if the situation demands him to do so. If ever you fail at this, I’ll kill you both with my bare hands.” Jun gave a faint laugh that didn’t reduce his seriousness.
Aiba and Okada could do nothing but nodded.
“By the way, I’m not dead yet - not even planning to, why are you all already mourning, huh?!” Jun suddenly snapped.
The whole room fell into a light laughter and gathered to nudge Jun lovingly………. and went frantic like hell when Jun suddenly went limp and unconscious again.
*******
As hard as Jun could whine, Satoshi decided to keep Jun under hospital care until his labor time. It’s a good decision, since Jun’s health kept decreasing rapidly after that. He’s too weak for almost everything, fainting every now and then.
Jun went to critical state three times in three weeks. He couldn’t even make it to the bathroom by himself. The three men insisted to stay with Jun at first, but it’s Jun; he managed to force them back to their work and responsibilities.
Aiba had the most chance to be with Jun, since he got no work and not enrolled in any school or university yet. With infinite patient, he took care of Jun.
“Masaki..,” Jun called weakly one day.
“What is it? Do you need something?”
“If I die-”
“No, you won’t,” Aiba cut it fast.
“Hey, listen to me first. If I die-”
“Lalalalalala~~~,” Aiba covered his ears and hummed loudly.
“Masaki!” Jun yelled and pulled Aiba’s hand from his ears, “Masaki, please!”
Aiba saw Jun’s desperate gaze and surrendered. He put down his hands.
“If I die, would you, please, take my baby as yours?”
Aiba couldn’t respond to that. His brain short circuited.
“Because I want Sato nii chan to come back to his Nino if I die, and a baby will make things complicated. Besides, I trust you more than Nii chan in this case. You are the only person I could trust my precious baby to. So, please?”
“No, you won’t die.”
“I’m not stupid, Masaki. I know my condition is not that good, so there’s possibility of it. So, please, can you promise me that, Masaki?” Jun grabbed Aiba’s hands tightly. Tears pooled in his eyes, “Please?”
Aiba could see it. He could see Jun’s hope had started to fade out. He could see that Jun had started to believe that he wouldn’t make it. All of Jun’s confidence, all of his fearfulness that he had weeks ago disappeared into thin air and left no trace at all. And it pained Aiba more than anything.
Aiba reached out to take Jun’s crying self into his embrace. He brushed his kiss softly to the top of Jun’s head as he said, “I promise. I promise that I will make the baby mine and take care of him with all I have. So, please, don’t give up, okay?”
Jun managed to nod before he went to yet another critical state.
*******
It was October 30th. Satoshi was just learning few documents on his new office when suddenly Okada barged in, panting hard and spilling the news that Jun had been taken to operating room because of his worsened health. The baby had to be born or they might lose them both for real.
They rushed to the hospital right away to find the operating room’s light was already on. Aiba gazed to the light with horror.
Satoshi waited silently on the bench in front of the operating room, while Aiba paced around restlessly.
Some staff rushed to and from the operating room, carrying blood bags and any other things that made Aiba’s and Satoshi’s heart deflated like crazy. The procedure took an eternity, Aiba swore he aged so much just by waiting.
On one point, Okada worried that Aiba could explode at any time, so he dragged the younger to the bench and joined Satoshi there. He brushed Aiba’s back in a soothing manner and whispered many assuring words to his ears.
When the doctor finally came out, he put his best smile for the three waiting men, “Congratulations, the baby is a boy and he’s healthy.”
“Jun?” Aiba and Satoshi asked almost at the same time.
“Matsumoto san was very weak throughout the procedure, but he survived. He might need weeks to recover, but he should be fine after that,” the doctor smiled again.
A bed pushed through the door and they could see Jun’s pale face with a blooming smile. On his hands, he carried a little bundle of new life.
His son.
The three men followed the bed to Jun’s room and the nurse left them with a wide smile and a little congratulatory words.
Jun smiled. And smiled. And smiled. All the worries gone.
“Look at him. He’s so beautiful.”
“Just like you,” Aiba said without thinking.
Jun gazed down lovingly to his baby. His new source of life. A symbol of his and Sho’s love.
Jun gulped down the bitter feeling.
If only your father could see you, son.
“Hi, nephew,” Satoshi called out with bubbly voice. His fingers softly touched the tiny human.
Okada stepped closer and asked, “Already have a name for him?”
Jun smiled when he said, “Sho... ri. His name is Shori.”
*******
Both Jun and Shori were released from the hospital 3 days after. Jun was still so weak, he had to come home in a wheel chair. But he was happy. So happy that he didn’t care if he felt dizzy or extremely pained.
Jun was a great parent by nature. No one taught him, but he already so skilled at handling Shori. He emitted love all the way, and everyone could feel it. The apartment suddenly became merrier, with baby’s cry and all, but they all were happy. As happy as they could be.
About a week after that, they finally decided that it’s time for them to invite their parents to come over. And they did.
Okada picked them up at the airport and had a pleasant chat with the parents until they reached the apartment. Okada opened the door and a wailing cry welcomed them.
“Ah, excuse me, I’ll handle the baby for a while,” Okada dashed to check on the baby. Aiba was holding him tight while Satoshi helped Jun to dress up neatly. Okada took Shori from Aiba’s hand and rocked him gently to calm him down. He then walked out again with Aiba followed closely behind him.
The parents’ brows furrowed at first but once Shori was in their sight, they became soft and smiled wide. They eyed Okada who desperately tried to make Shori stop his cry and Aiba who helped from Okada’s side, hushing softly and even singing lullabies. They really looked like a happy family.
“Come here, let me carry him,” the mother spread her arms to retrieve Shori from Okada’s hands. She was so skilled, used to take care of Satoshi by herself, so Shori calmed down in no time.
“I don’t know you already has a baby, Okada kun. If we know this earlier, we won’t trouble you with our sons,” the father patted Okada’s back. Clearly, they were misunderstood.
“Are you with Masaki kun...?”
Okada didn’t need to hear the end of the question. He already blushed and answered fast, “No, no, not like that.”
Aiba just chuckled and bowed his welcome to both the parents.
“Oh, look, how cute he is!” the mother yelped happily, “Oh I wish I could have a grandson soon.”
“He’s cute, right?” Jun suddenly came in with his wheel chair. Satoshi pushed him from behind.
“Jun chan? Why are you in wheel chair?” the father was concerned.
“Nothing serious, Dad. Just... exhausted,” Jun answered with a smile. He looked back to his mother, “You like him, Mom?”
“Why, yes, I like him. Look at him! He’s so cute!” the mother said cheerfully, “You should find a good spouse soon, Satoshi kun, I want a grandson as cute as this baby!”
“You already have one, Mom,” Jun answered. Unsure.
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“He is... Shori is... your grandson,” Jun was ready for all the possible outcome.
The room fell into deafening silence.
“You like him, right?” Jun’s desperate question broke the silence.
Okada read the situation and took Shori back to his hands.
The parents looked at each other, jaws hanging open.
“Wha- what? How? Who?” the mother stuttered a bit.
“Is it important?” Jun asked. Eyes fixated to his own hands.
“He’s my son.”
Satoshi walked to his parents and rubbed his mother’s shoulder.
“But.. who? Who did that to you? Sho kun?” the mother tried to sound calm and not judging but she still sounded panic.
“It doesn’t matter. He’s my son.”
“I take that as a yes, then. I’m calling Sakurai now,” the mother began to search for her phone.
“No-”
“Me!” Jun’s word was still hanging undone when Aiba suddenly shouted, “I did it! The baby is mine!”
The mother froze. The father froze. Everyone froze.
“Masaki! Don’t be silly!” Jun threw an empty baby bottle he had in his wheel chair pocket to Aiba.
“No, he’s not the father, Mom. I am the father, and no one else is. You want to disown me? It’s alright. But don’t hate Shori. He did nothing wrong,” Jun said firmly.
“Shori is Jun’s son, Mom, Dad,” Satoshi said in a calming tone, “My nephew. Your grandson.”
The father circled his arm gently to the mother’s shoulder, “Our grandson, dear.”
The mother sighed and looked at Shori who curled up at Okada’s hands. Her tense shoulder loosened and she smiled as she went to hug Jun, “No, I don’t want to disown you. You’re my son, you hot headed father!”
She kissed the top of Jun’s head then turned to face her husband, “I think we need to stay longer than we planned, dear. This stubborn son of mine needs good lessons of parenting.”
The father just smiled and nodded.
The mother stood up and caressed Shori’s cheek, “Besides, I want to spend time with my dearest grandson as much as I can. Ne, Shori chan?”
No further question was asked after that. Shori was welcomed warmly to the family, regardless his unknown father.
And so, Matsumoto Jun’s life as a single father started.
Whoa, two dozen! xD
Really, thanks for all of you who read up until now.
And also for lilisan31 who beta and sweetrose501 who gave the prompt.
I LOVE YOU ALL SO SO SO SO SO MUCH! Please bear with me a little bit more, okay? *hugs and kisses*
Once again, thanks for reading. And comments are encouraging! <3
PS : I started a songfic project called Songification with inaudible_d, feel free to check here ;)
Chapter 23
Chapter 25