[Playing with Fire] LAST CHAPTER
Ahh~~~! So it's finally come to an end T^T what a journey you guys! I had a LOT of fun writing this story.
I hope my ending is worthy of an ending! Because for a long time, I wasn't sure how I wanted it to end... I didn't want it to end LOL
So anyways! Enjoy this last chapter of Playing With Fire.
And a special gift afterwards ;)
Previous Chapter
Chapter Twelve
Johnny ran over to the TV and quickly turned it off; Ace was smart enough not to complain. I tried to think of what could have happened over at PSU. But all I could think of was a dead Pyro.
But my tensed up body started relaxing as I tried to think logically, Pyro wasn't that easy of a target, there's no way he'd get killed!
"I've got nothing to lose anyways"
My eyes opened wide as I rememebred what he said before he left. If he really meant that, he could have purposely been letting himself go and not care if he was in danger! That idiot! If that's the case he shouldn't just go and die because of me!
Instead of pain from the thought of losing Pyro, I was getting mad.
I stomped my foot, "That idiot!!"
But what does it matter? I decided to be with Gum now... I quickly looked around and saw Gum picking up the random pieces of shattered glass. I must have hurt his feelings! How could I be so stupid?!
"L-Let me help you!"
But as I rushed to hurry and pick up a piece, I cut my finger. I hissed from the cut, causing small droplets of blood to drop on the ground. I instinctively put my finger in my mouth.
"Ai! Why are you..." Gum stopped mid-sentence and shook his head, "Nevermind. Johnny, do you mind getting us a bandaid?"
"Yeah sure, hold on."
Gum looked at me, but he couldn't see my eyes as I purposely looked down at the glass. My sniffling alerted him to my crying, "Ai... Why are you crying?"
"I... I don't know why..." It's because I'm a fool.
He stood up, and walked to my side, lifting me up by my shoulders and pulling me into a hug. He rubbed my back to calm me down.
"It's ok, you can just keep crying."
And I did. I just cried and cried into his chest; both of us completely unaware of Mac, Ace, and Johnny looking at us. Ace crossed his arms in frustration as Mac and Johnny exchanged concerned looks. Wanting to give us some privacy, Mac pulled the other two out of the main room.
Mac sighed loudly, putting his hands in his pockets, "She saw didn't she?"
Johnny looked down at the bandaid he never gave to me, "She did..." He frowned.
Ace pulled out a cigarette and lit it up, inhaling deep, "Why is she crying over that asshole? He betrayed her. He's better off dead I say!" He blew out a big puff of smoke.
"She probably still loves him."
Johnny looked up quickly to see a nonchalant Mac looking up at the ceiling, "But!"
"Stop Johnny, the more you question it, the more you'll get angry."
Ace threw his half finished cigarette on the ground and stepped on it, "He should be angry! We all should!"
"She's part of this family-"
Mac was suddenly cut off, "And no matter what happens, we support our family."
They all looked up and noticed Jacky standing off to the side with his arms crossed. For a short second Mac grinned, amused Jacky could finish his sentence.
Mac walked over to Jacky and put a hand on his shoulder, "Right."
Ace stretched, "Ahh! Whatever! You guys have gotten soft in your old age!"
Mac and Jacky both complained loudly, "WHAT?!"
As the others started moving around, Johnny was left standing alone, looking down at the bandaid.
I pulled away from Gum, wiping my wet cheeks with the back of my hand. I could tell I looked terrible, but Gum had seen me look worse, so I looked up at him. He smiled back down at me, pushing my hair out of my face.
"C'mon, let's go sit down."
It felt like he wanted to avoid talking about the obvious, crying over Pyro. And I'm glad he did, he probably sensed that from me. As he guided me to the couches in the back, I couldn't help but think about Pyro, the time we spent together. It was like a rollercoaster, constantly being pulled up and down, up and down. But I had fun, I don't regret being with him. In fact... Pyro...
As I sat down next to Gum, I realised, I missed him. And I wanted to see him. He couldn't be dead...
I looked to my side, Gum was leaning back on the couch eyes closed, relaxed; or as much as he could be. My forehead creased as I suddenly felt very guilty. It suddenly felt like I was getting smaller, like I couldn't speak. All I could do was scoot back and lay my head on his shoulder.
I closed my eyes.
Gum. Gum. He's the one I've chosen. He's the one I want to be with. He's always been there for me, now I have to be there for him!
I exhaled and scooted closer to him, wrapping my arms around his.
He opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling, "Ai?"
"Hm?"
"Will you stay with me?"
"Of course I will!" My eyes shot open and without letting go of him, I looked up to see him staring back at me, "I'll stay by your side."
He smiled, "Ok, I believe you."
I smiled back and found my spot again on his shoulder, "Good."
Slowly my smiled turned into a frown, and my breathing slowed as I fell asleep holding onto him.
Gum's arm twitched a bit; he reached around and felt it was wet. He let his head fall back and couldn't help but tear up himself; as I slept, my tears dripped down his arm.
"You've never been honest with yourself Ai..."
He lifted up his free arm and hid his face behind it; no one would see him cry.
But after several minutes he quickly wiped his tears and leaned down to kiss me on the top of my head. Mac leaned on the wall, at first saying nothing, slowly realising what Gum had.
"You don't have to let her go. You can fight for her."
"Before... I didn't fight for her, and I'll probably regret that for the rest of my life..." He looked from my face to Mac's, "But now, it's different... a real man knows when it's time to let go. I'll be that man... for her."
"Don't you deserve happiness too?"
He smiled, "Of course, but I love her too much to keep her from the one she wants to be with. Her happiness is my happiness."
Mac sighed loudly, pushing himself off of the wall, "You're one of a kind, you know that right?"
Gum continued to smile, "No... I'm not."
My dreams were filled with Pyro. The first time I saw him sent my head spinning. And come to find out he was Gum's older twin brother, our fates were tied.
His face filled my dreams, his perverted sense of humor, his strange sense of justice, his dark colored eyes, the way he grinned, the touch of his body under my fingertips... He was so clumsy as a boyfriend, but... that's what I loved about him.
Pyro...
I woke up in a daze, how long have I been asleep? I looked around and noticed I was alone with nothing but a blanket covering me.
"Gum?"
I waited a few minutes but no one answered, no one came to me. I guess I had to go find him. I stretched my arms up as I stood; my legs felt a little wobbly. I noticed my cell on the small table in front of me. I was puzzled, I don't remember pulling it out of my pocket, but then again I must have really be tired if I did it while I was asleep. With a swoop I picked it up and quickly walked to the main room, but it was empty. I expected to at least see Johnny behind the bar, or maybe Arsenal cleaning his guns, but no one. The club was completely deserted.
Did they suddenly go on a mission or something? I walked to the middle of the room, no that couldn't be it. As far as we know, I'm still being chased by the cops, there has to be at least one person here to make sure nothing happened... Unless, I'm no longer being chased?
I racked my brain to try and think up of reasons why The Eight was empty, but my thoughts were soon turning into ridiculous ones. Before I let myself panic, I lifted up my cell and dialed Johnny's number. It wasn't until that point that I realised I didn't have Gum's or anyone else's numbers.
It rang and rang, but he didn't pick up, "C'mon Johnny! Of all the times not to answer..."
I was starting to get annoyed, but immidiately my irritation was replaced by sadness. Pyro's number was highlighted on my cell. That's right, I still don't know if he was the one who got killed. I looked at the time, 11:23AM... it happened only yesterday? It's felt like days ago...
I frowned as I decided to click the number. There'd be no way he'd answer...
I raised my phone to my ear, with each ring my heart sank.
But my eyes suddenly found a spot at the door, I could hear ringing outside. It couldn't be...
Suddenly I was connected through, I remained silent trying to think of something to say, "P-Pyro?" My voice only came out as a whisper.
"...Did you miss me?"
Of course I couldn't hold back my tears, "You're such an idiot..." He was alive! And I was so happy to hear his voice again. I didn't know I'd miss it this much.
But my tears stopped as I heard laughing coming from the phone, and from outside the door. He had to be here! I ran to the door, pushing it open with all of my might. I turned my head from the sudden change in light, the sun was beaming right in my face. I could tell someone was standing just a few feet in front of me, but I couldn't tell at the moment. After several seconds I blinked a couple of times to see Pryo looking at me.
He looked so dirty; his hair tangled and falling into his face, his clothes coated with dirt and sweat. He didn't look any different, yet I felt like he was.
I was anxious to run up to him, but controled myself, "Why are you here?"
He closed his phone and put it in his pocket, pulling out an envelope, "I got a call from your number after my boss helped me get out of jail last night, ya know, being arrested and all at PSU. Turns out it was Gum."
"Gum?"
"He told me to meet him here at The Eight. So when I got here he handed me this." He chuckled, "He punched me in the gut too, and said 'You can read it if you want, I don't care. But I swear if you don't make her happy I'll kill you.'"
He reached out his hand and handed it to me, I was shocked what I was hearing. Did Gum really say that? I quickly unfolded the paper and started reading.
Ai,
I'm sorry I couldn't be there in person. If I had, I probably wouldn't have wanted to let you go. I know you're probably upset with me, but I think this is the best thing for you. Even now you're still the same Ai I remembered, always stubborn, and always pushing your feelings aside. Last night as you slept next to me, all you could do was cry and call for him.
As much as I wanted to ignore it and keep you to myself, I couldn't let you lie to yourself because of me. You still love him Ai.
The guys all agreed with me, and wish you luck and happiness. They are my family, so now it's up to you to be Pyro's family. I'm not sure if I'm ready to forgive him, but for your sake, I'll try. If it's only one thing I can finally give him, it's a chance to be happy.
I'll always be on your side,
Gum
P.S. It was Johnny's idea to take this picture. And he says not to be a stranger, and make sure you call your older brother every now and again.
I pulled the picture out from behind the letter and smiled wide as I stared down at their faces. Toppo and Johnny were smiling and hunched over in the middle while Jacky knealed on the ground next to Toppo. Mac stood stiff behind Jacky and Toppo, that same awkward smile on his lips when he was put in front of a camera, Ace next to him with his arm propped up on Mac's shoulder and his mouth wide open. Arsenal hated taking pictures, so his usual scowl was on his face, but this time it look like he was trying to smile, so he ended up with a weird-looking face. And lastly, at the end, behind Johnny, was a perfect smiling Gum. He looked happy to be with his family.
I held Gum's letter and the picture to my chest, feeling the love radiate from them.
"Thank you for everything Gum... everyone," I said aloud to myself. I folded it up again and slid both it and the picture back into the envelope; then slid it in my pocket with my phone. I looked at Pryo, "Did you read it?"
"I did."
"And?"
He scratched his head, "He was always the better man, are you sure I'm good enough?"
I ran up to him and punched him hard in the stomach, "Yeah I guess you'll do."
"Great..." he coughed.
"You know, expect lots more of those, I'm still pissed at what you did," I winked as I left him there to get my things from inside the club.
I closed the door behind me and stopped for a moment. Looking around the club, it felt like it was the last time I was going to see it. Before I let myself get too emotional I hurried to collect my backpack from the other room and ran back to the door. I couldn't just leave like this. I turned back around and slowly started imagining the guys were there. Always doing their own thing, fighting about jaken, always being noisy...my family at The Eight.
And slowly their images that filled the club started to disappear.
I bowed to the empty club, "Thank you for everything." I smiled as I stood back up, "Bye bye."
I walked through the door for the last time, Pyro smiled at me and held out his hand for me to grab. I happily walked over to him, intertwined my fingers with his, and walked with him to his bike.
"You can always come back here you know, it doesn't have to be this way," he said as he sat on his bike.
I grabbed the spare helmet, clipping it on, "I know, but it's time I moved on. I think that's what they would want. Besides you're my family now." I quickly jumped on behind him, hiding my embarrassement.
He smirked, "Then how about right now we go make our family bigger by one..." But as I punched him in the side, he quickly apologized, "Ok ok, sorry."
I wrapped my arms around him and slowly started confessing my feelings, "You know... maybe not right now... but in the future... I wouldn't mind... having a... baby..."
"Are... are you serious?" His voice was full of disbelief and excitement.
I quickly hid my face, "Just hurry up and start this thing already!"
As the bike started rumbling beneath us, he started cheering and laughing, "I'm the luckiest guy on the planet!"
I couldn't help but smile, "You're such an idiot..."
Bonus Chapter!
"Ahhh just like I thought! It's impossible! Impossible!" I quickly turned around and started walking away, well more like wobbling away.
But Johnny ran to me and slowly turned me back around, "C'mon Ai! I'm filling in for Pyro today, the least you can do is actually go through with it!"
I pouted, "But it's been two and half years! What if he says no?" My head tilted down and my voice got quieter, "And by all rights, he shouldn't agree to my request..."
Johnny grabbed my hand, kissing the back of it, "Who could refuse you Ai? And besides, give him more credit." I took a deep breath and nodded. He just smiled that same old brillant smile, "You ready to see them again?"
"Let's do this."
Johnny took a few steps ahead of me and opened the door. A light cool breeze swirled around me as Johnny held the door open for me. And after I agreed in my heart to not return, here I am again at The Eight. And too be honest, it felt really good to be here again.
"YOU'RE SO FAT!" I quickly turned my head to see Ace gaping at me with his mouth wide open. "Johnny! You said she only gained a little weight!" He started laughing really loud.
I whiped my head around and glared at Johnny, "I gained a little weight?!"
He innocently shrugged his shoulders, "What was I supposed to say?"
But by this time everyone was in the main room of the club, everyone was staring at me with shock in their eyes. I nervously waved, "H-Hi guys. Long time no see."
Jacky and Mac yelled at the same time, "You're pregnant?!"
I nodded with a smile.
Toppo ran up to me and put his hands on my big stomach, "Congratulations Ai-chan!"
I smiled, "Thanks Toppo."
Johnny quickly grabbed my arm, "C'mon Ai you shouldn't be standing for too long."
The guys just kept staring at me as Johnny led me to the small table so that I could sit down. It was tiring being pregnant!
"Johnny, how come you didn't tell us," Jacky said as he walked over to him. Though to me it sounded more like 'How come you didn't tell me?'
I quickly piped in, "Because of me.... I asked him to keep it a secret. I, um, I wanted to tell you guys myself."
Jacky put his arm around Johnny's shoulders, "Isn't it a bit late?"
I laughed nervously, "Heh heh, well, um, I did want to tell you guys, but then I couldn't decided on a moment when I should. And then you know months go by, and then I decided not to tell you guys at all because you know, well, we hadn't seen each other in a long time and-"
Mac stopped my rambling, "So then why now?"
I looked up and found my courage to finally seek out Gum's eyes, "Because I wanted to ask you for a favor, well more like a giant request, but..."
Gum pointed at himself, "Me?"
"I-if you don't mind listening to me..."
Gum looked around at the other guys, then looked over to Johnny. Johnny nodded his head seriously, signaling Gum to sit down; he took the other chair across from me. As he sat down, I could hear the rest of the guys back away, to give us some space to talk.
"H-How have you been?"
He chuckled, "Just peachy."
"Right." I looked away trying to get the courage to talk again, but as Johnny but his hand on my shoulder reassuringly I took a deep breath. "Gum, you're free to say no to what I'm about to ask, because frankly, I probably would say no to me... Um, anyways... Well, Pyro, ever since we found out I was pregnant, he has become more aware of how dangerous it is to do what he's doing. He came to the conclusion that he can't keep putting his life in danger like he has been doing, so after this last month, he's going to step down from Wild 7."
"He said that?" Gum asked in disbelief.
"Yes. He told me he talked it over with his boss, and they agreed to keep him on, so long as he keeps making them bombs and explosives. But he won't be out with the other guys, getting in danger." Gum looked somewhat impressed, which gave me more courage, "So we talked it over, and we both agreed that there wouldn't be anyone better... Gum... in the event that something happens to us, will you take care of them? Our babies?"
His eyes shot open and he broke into a sweat, "W-what?! Babies? ME?!"
I looked down and smiled as I slowly rubbed my giant tummy, "Yes... twins."
He got up from his chair and started pacing. I recognised this pacing as his way of trying to think things through. Johnny leaned over and looked at my face, I was starting to feel a bit sick.
"Do you need me to get you a glass of water?"
"Oh, yes please."
But immidiately Arsenal was handing me a glass, "Here, you're looking a bit pale."
I grabbed the glass and smiled, "Thank you Arsenal."
Gum suddenly spoke up but kept pacing, "So where is he now?"
I pulled the glass away from my lips, "He got called in, but said I should go ahead and come see ya'll, and that he'd meet us after he was done." And then Gum just went back to his pacing.
And suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, a sharp pain shot through me. I yelled out loudly, dropping the glass on the table, as I pulled my arms in to grab my stomach. My eyes squeezed shut and then I felt it. My eyes shot wide open, my entire body felt numb.
Everyone was gathered around, all had worried looks on their faces. But Johnny was the fastest to speak up, "What's wrong Ai?"
"I think... I think my water just broke..."
At the same time they looked down and then back to my face. Johnny was starting to panic, "But you still have a month left!"
The terrible pain came back, causing me to reach out and grab Arsenals arm, squeezing it tightly, "Get me to a hospital now!"
Arsenal just yelled in pain, "Ai! That's too hard! Ai!!"
Gum quickly peeled my hand off of Arsenals arm and replaced it with his own. I didn't have time to really say sorry to Arsenal as Jacky and Johnny helped me up. I heard rustling going on around me, but the pains were so blinding that I wasn't really noticing anything happening. I could hear them panicing, someone yelling to call a cab, someone else yelling to get a wet rag.
"P-Pyro! Someone call Pyro!" I yelled in general, but really meant it for Johnny.
Within minutes Toppo was yelling that he got a cab. And I was being rushed to the car. I got in, my iron grip still on Gum's arm, kept him right next to me. Leaving the last empty spot for Johnny. The cab took off and Johnny wiped my head with the wet rag.
"Ok Ai, you'll be alright. Just breathe."
I did as I was told, practing my breathing, in and out, in and out. But within seconds I was getting frustrated as I couldn't concentrate on the timing of my breathing.
"Whoever told me to breathe like this, I'll kill them~!"
Johnny couldn't help but laugh, "Ai, just calm down you'll be alright."
"Do I look alright Johnny?!" I moaned out in pain as another wave of contractions hit me.
We arrived at the local hospital, some nurses came immidiately to me, helping me into a wheelchair and getting me quickly inside. The smell of the hospital was intoxicating, and I didn't like it for a second. It made me feel worse. But Johnny and Gum were still by my side, thankfully that replaced the sick feeling I was getting from the smell.
They started wheeling me past some big doors, and they stopped Gum and Johnny, "I'm sorry but only family is allowed back here. Are one of you the father?"
They looked at each other and then back to the nurse. Johnny stepped up, "I'm her brother."
She looked at Johnny, knowing full well we didn't look anything alike, but she nodded her head and let him pass through.
Johnny turned back quickly to Gum, "I called Pyro, so he should be he here soon, ok?" But before Gum could answer back, Johnny disappeared behind the big doors.
Gum looked around and found a bench to sit on. He slouched, letting his head hit the wall behind him. "Twins, huh..." He chuckled, "And they choose me? What kind of joke is this?"
"Gum! How's Ai?" Mac yelled as he and the rest of the guys ran up to him.
"Oh, she's in there now. Johnny is with her."
"Will she be ok," Toppo asked concerned.
Jacky just pat his shouldeer, "Of course she'll be fine Toppo!"
Toppo lowered his head, his voice got quiet, "But Johnny said she was a month early right?"
They all went silent as they all thought of the possiblity of me losing my babies hit them.
Aresenal sat down, "She's a fighter..."
Ace sat next to him, "Yeah! YEAh! She'll do whatever she can to keep her babies!"
They suddenly all looked up as they heard loudly stomping boots running down the hallway. Pyro. He looked like a mess, panting hard, a worried look in his eyes, sweat pouring down his face. He slowed down as he got closer to the guys. The air was full of an awkward feeling.
Gum let out deep breath and approached his brother, "She's inside right now, you should go to her."
The rest of the guys looked at the two, wondering what Pyro would say. He nodded, "Thanks Gum."
They all simultaneously let out a breath as Pyro left the area and walked past the double doors. Moments later Johnny walked out to join the guys.
Gum hurried to him, "Well! How's she doing?"
His brow creased, "Not good..."
Everyone was suddenly very tense. Aresenal stood up and walked over to him, "She'll live right!?"
Johnny raised his hand to rub his forehead, "She's having problems giving birth to the twins. She could lose both of them..." He sat down defeated; he tried hard not to start crying. But Jacky sat next to him and put an arm around his shoulders to comfort him.
Minutes felt like hours, hours felt like days. The pain was so intense, several times I blacked out. But the doctor and the nurses constantly kept me at attention, telling me to push. Telling me, it was going to be more painful. Telling me to keep giving it my all. But what if my all wasn't enough?
"P-Pyro..." I cried as I turned my head to find him looking down at me.
"The babies are doing their best to be born right now, so you have to keep doing your best."
"I'm so tired..." I said with no more strength, my eyelids closing.
He put his hand on the side of my head and rubbed my forehead with his thumb, "Just a little bit more. Please Ai!"
"I can see a head! PUSH!"
I let out a terrible noise that sounded like a mix of a yell and an excrusiating moan. And just seconds later crying echoed through the room. But I still wasn't finished. The doctor, nurses, and Pyro all encouraged me to keep pushing harder for my other baby.
Next thing I knew crying could be heard everywhere. Pyro was next to me, kissng me on the top of my head. All I wanted to do was sleep, just sleep. But the nurse was handing me one of my babies. I blinked several times as she carefully laid the baby in my arms.
The Doctor shook Pyro's hand, "Congratulations, you're now the father of two healthy baby girls."
"Thank you so much Doctor!" He looked at the rest of the nurses, "Thank you!"
I wouldn't look away from my baby in my arms, "Pyro... go tell... the guys."
He quickly left and hurried out through the doors. Gum stood up immidiately, while Mac and Arsenal woke up the others.
"So?" Gum asked impatiently.
"Two healthy baby girls."
Toppo excitedly yelled, "Thank goodness!"
But Gum was still serious, "What about Ai?"
Pyro smiled, "She's fine too."
Everyone let out a sigh of relief and started laughing and crying in happiness. Pyro put his hand on his hip and took a moment to catch his breath. The crazy, stressful rollercoaster called pregnancy was finally over.
Mac didn't smile, but still showed respect, "Congratulations." He stuck out his hand.
Pyro looked from his hand then up to his face, "thank you. He grabbed it and they shook hands.
Each of them followed Mac's lead, though hesitent, they congratulated him and shook his hand.
One of the nurses came out and smiled, "She's calling for all of you."
Mac looked at her, "All of us? Are you sure?"
She laughed, "Yes it's fine, we've moved her and the babies into a different rooms now."
They all followed her past the doors and through several hallways. The nurse stopped in front of the nursery and pointed to the twins in the middle.
Johnny immidiately "aww'ed" while the others looked on happily at the newborns.
Ace started laughing, "They look like monkeys"
Arsenal quickly smacked him in the back of the head, "Show some respect you idiot."
"They look just like her," Jacky said as he pressed his face against the glass.
"Beautiful... like their mother," Gum confessed as he stared at them.
The nurse cleared her throat to call everyone's attention, leading them to my room. I was about to pass out from exhaustion, but seeing all their faces walking through the door gave me the energy to stay awake. All at once they started congratulating me, surrounding my bed.
"Thank you everyone."
Each of them came up to me and gave me a hug, though Johnny kissed me on the forehead. I looked at Gum who was last, he stood there looking at the ground.
"What's wrong?"
"I shouldn't have hesitated before..."
I was confused, what in the world was he talking about, "What?"
"The answer to your request, yes. I'll do it." He looked from me, to Pyro standing next to him, "After looking at them and seeing their beautiful faces, I realised that I think I'm finally ready to forgive you."
Pyro was shocked, then sypathetic, and then finally relieved and happy, "I couldn't have asked for a better younger brother."
We were all startled as the Doctor walked in suddenly with a bright smile on his face. He walked over to me and checked my charts and monitors, making sure I was recovering properly.
"So! Again, congratulations!"
Pyro and I spoke at the same time, "Thank you very much."
"Have you decided on names yet?"
"Ah!" I looked at Pyro, "We haven't even discussed it yet..."
"He dragged the chair from the corner to sit next to my bed, "That's right, we said we didn't want to know the sex of the babies, so..."
Jacky laughed, "But you two could still have thought up names!"
The rest joined in in Jacky's teasing and started laughing. But I sat there and seriously thought of two girl names that would be pefect. And it hit me.
I looked at Pyro, "What do you think of Kaiya and Yoko?"
"Hm? How did you come up with those names?"
"When you combine the first part of their names, it stands for 'forgiveness.' Well? Do you like it?" I smiled.
He smiled back at me, "Perfect."
The Doctor clapped his hands, "What beautiful names! Well a nurse will come in later with the paperwork for you to fill out. Ok? Now you should get some sleep!"
I nodded, "Thank you Doctor, I will."
As the Doctor left, the guys started saying their goodbyes and headed for the door as well. As usual, Johnny gave me a kiss on the head before leaving. It was just Gum and Pyro left in the room; taking their places to my sides. I looked back and forth between them and smiled. I wanted to tell them how happy I was that they could finally try and be brothers, but my eyelids failed me as they closed.
"Finally...we are... one family."
And soon enough I fell fast asleep, with dreams of a happy future. Where my two beautiful little girls would grow up surrounded by love and happiness. A life I had always dreamed of will now be their's.
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I'd like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH, all of you who stayed with me and commented. I always looked forward to your comments, they really kept me motivated to finish this story ^^ So cheers to you!
SO now, let me ask you: What did you think of the ending? The bonus chapter??? I'm a sucker for happy endings, so on the spur of the moment, i wrote out the bonus chapter in like just... maybe a hour or so LOL I think it ties up everything perfectly ^^
And I'd like to say one last thing! If you ever have a story idea, or suggestions for a story, drop me a comment! I'd love to hear it and discuss it with you! I'm in the middle of thinking of a new story, so we'll see how that goes! What pairs do you want to see?? It can be slash, or oc characters! ^^ I like everything hahahaha
TILL NEXT TIME! ;)
I hope my ending is worthy of an ending! Because for a long time, I wasn't sure how I wanted it to end... I didn't want it to end LOL
So anyways! Enjoy this last chapter of Playing With Fire.
And a special gift afterwards ;)
Previous Chapter
Chapter Twelve
Johnny ran over to the TV and quickly turned it off; Ace was smart enough not to complain. I tried to think of what could have happened over at PSU. But all I could think of was a dead Pyro.
But my tensed up body started relaxing as I tried to think logically, Pyro wasn't that easy of a target, there's no way he'd get killed!
"I've got nothing to lose anyways"
My eyes opened wide as I rememebred what he said before he left. If he really meant that, he could have purposely been letting himself go and not care if he was in danger! That idiot! If that's the case he shouldn't just go and die because of me!
Instead of pain from the thought of losing Pyro, I was getting mad.
I stomped my foot, "That idiot!!"
But what does it matter? I decided to be with Gum now... I quickly looked around and saw Gum picking up the random pieces of shattered glass. I must have hurt his feelings! How could I be so stupid?!
"L-Let me help you!"
But as I rushed to hurry and pick up a piece, I cut my finger. I hissed from the cut, causing small droplets of blood to drop on the ground. I instinctively put my finger in my mouth.
"Ai! Why are you..." Gum stopped mid-sentence and shook his head, "Nevermind. Johnny, do you mind getting us a bandaid?"
"Yeah sure, hold on."
Gum looked at me, but he couldn't see my eyes as I purposely looked down at the glass. My sniffling alerted him to my crying, "Ai... Why are you crying?"
"I... I don't know why..." It's because I'm a fool.
He stood up, and walked to my side, lifting me up by my shoulders and pulling me into a hug. He rubbed my back to calm me down.
"It's ok, you can just keep crying."
And I did. I just cried and cried into his chest; both of us completely unaware of Mac, Ace, and Johnny looking at us. Ace crossed his arms in frustration as Mac and Johnny exchanged concerned looks. Wanting to give us some privacy, Mac pulled the other two out of the main room.
Mac sighed loudly, putting his hands in his pockets, "She saw didn't she?"
Johnny looked down at the bandaid he never gave to me, "She did..." He frowned.
Ace pulled out a cigarette and lit it up, inhaling deep, "Why is she crying over that asshole? He betrayed her. He's better off dead I say!" He blew out a big puff of smoke.
"She probably still loves him."
Johnny looked up quickly to see a nonchalant Mac looking up at the ceiling, "But!"
"Stop Johnny, the more you question it, the more you'll get angry."
Ace threw his half finished cigarette on the ground and stepped on it, "He should be angry! We all should!"
"She's part of this family-"
Mac was suddenly cut off, "And no matter what happens, we support our family."
They all looked up and noticed Jacky standing off to the side with his arms crossed. For a short second Mac grinned, amused Jacky could finish his sentence.
Mac walked over to Jacky and put a hand on his shoulder, "Right."
Ace stretched, "Ahh! Whatever! You guys have gotten soft in your old age!"
Mac and Jacky both complained loudly, "WHAT?!"
As the others started moving around, Johnny was left standing alone, looking down at the bandaid.
I pulled away from Gum, wiping my wet cheeks with the back of my hand. I could tell I looked terrible, but Gum had seen me look worse, so I looked up at him. He smiled back down at me, pushing my hair out of my face.
"C'mon, let's go sit down."
It felt like he wanted to avoid talking about the obvious, crying over Pyro. And I'm glad he did, he probably sensed that from me. As he guided me to the couches in the back, I couldn't help but think about Pyro, the time we spent together. It was like a rollercoaster, constantly being pulled up and down, up and down. But I had fun, I don't regret being with him. In fact... Pyro...
As I sat down next to Gum, I realised, I missed him. And I wanted to see him. He couldn't be dead...
I looked to my side, Gum was leaning back on the couch eyes closed, relaxed; or as much as he could be. My forehead creased as I suddenly felt very guilty. It suddenly felt like I was getting smaller, like I couldn't speak. All I could do was scoot back and lay my head on his shoulder.
I closed my eyes.
Gum. Gum. He's the one I've chosen. He's the one I want to be with. He's always been there for me, now I have to be there for him!
I exhaled and scooted closer to him, wrapping my arms around his.
He opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling, "Ai?"
"Hm?"
"Will you stay with me?"
"Of course I will!" My eyes shot open and without letting go of him, I looked up to see him staring back at me, "I'll stay by your side."
He smiled, "Ok, I believe you."
I smiled back and found my spot again on his shoulder, "Good."
Slowly my smiled turned into a frown, and my breathing slowed as I fell asleep holding onto him.
Gum's arm twitched a bit; he reached around and felt it was wet. He let his head fall back and couldn't help but tear up himself; as I slept, my tears dripped down his arm.
"You've never been honest with yourself Ai..."
He lifted up his free arm and hid his face behind it; no one would see him cry.
But after several minutes he quickly wiped his tears and leaned down to kiss me on the top of my head. Mac leaned on the wall, at first saying nothing, slowly realising what Gum had.
"You don't have to let her go. You can fight for her."
"Before... I didn't fight for her, and I'll probably regret that for the rest of my life..." He looked from my face to Mac's, "But now, it's different... a real man knows when it's time to let go. I'll be that man... for her."
"Don't you deserve happiness too?"
He smiled, "Of course, but I love her too much to keep her from the one she wants to be with. Her happiness is my happiness."
Mac sighed loudly, pushing himself off of the wall, "You're one of a kind, you know that right?"
Gum continued to smile, "No... I'm not."
My dreams were filled with Pyro. The first time I saw him sent my head spinning. And come to find out he was Gum's older twin brother, our fates were tied.
His face filled my dreams, his perverted sense of humor, his strange sense of justice, his dark colored eyes, the way he grinned, the touch of his body under my fingertips... He was so clumsy as a boyfriend, but... that's what I loved about him.
Pyro...
I woke up in a daze, how long have I been asleep? I looked around and noticed I was alone with nothing but a blanket covering me.
"Gum?"
I waited a few minutes but no one answered, no one came to me. I guess I had to go find him. I stretched my arms up as I stood; my legs felt a little wobbly. I noticed my cell on the small table in front of me. I was puzzled, I don't remember pulling it out of my pocket, but then again I must have really be tired if I did it while I was asleep. With a swoop I picked it up and quickly walked to the main room, but it was empty. I expected to at least see Johnny behind the bar, or maybe Arsenal cleaning his guns, but no one. The club was completely deserted.
Did they suddenly go on a mission or something? I walked to the middle of the room, no that couldn't be it. As far as we know, I'm still being chased by the cops, there has to be at least one person here to make sure nothing happened... Unless, I'm no longer being chased?
I racked my brain to try and think up of reasons why The Eight was empty, but my thoughts were soon turning into ridiculous ones. Before I let myself panic, I lifted up my cell and dialed Johnny's number. It wasn't until that point that I realised I didn't have Gum's or anyone else's numbers.
It rang and rang, but he didn't pick up, "C'mon Johnny! Of all the times not to answer..."
I was starting to get annoyed, but immidiately my irritation was replaced by sadness. Pyro's number was highlighted on my cell. That's right, I still don't know if he was the one who got killed. I looked at the time, 11:23AM... it happened only yesterday? It's felt like days ago...
I frowned as I decided to click the number. There'd be no way he'd answer...
I raised my phone to my ear, with each ring my heart sank.
But my eyes suddenly found a spot at the door, I could hear ringing outside. It couldn't be...
Suddenly I was connected through, I remained silent trying to think of something to say, "P-Pyro?" My voice only came out as a whisper.
"...Did you miss me?"
Of course I couldn't hold back my tears, "You're such an idiot..." He was alive! And I was so happy to hear his voice again. I didn't know I'd miss it this much.
But my tears stopped as I heard laughing coming from the phone, and from outside the door. He had to be here! I ran to the door, pushing it open with all of my might. I turned my head from the sudden change in light, the sun was beaming right in my face. I could tell someone was standing just a few feet in front of me, but I couldn't tell at the moment. After several seconds I blinked a couple of times to see Pryo looking at me.
He looked so dirty; his hair tangled and falling into his face, his clothes coated with dirt and sweat. He didn't look any different, yet I felt like he was.
I was anxious to run up to him, but controled myself, "Why are you here?"
He closed his phone and put it in his pocket, pulling out an envelope, "I got a call from your number after my boss helped me get out of jail last night, ya know, being arrested and all at PSU. Turns out it was Gum."
"Gum?"
"He told me to meet him here at The Eight. So when I got here he handed me this." He chuckled, "He punched me in the gut too, and said 'You can read it if you want, I don't care. But I swear if you don't make her happy I'll kill you.'"
He reached out his hand and handed it to me, I was shocked what I was hearing. Did Gum really say that? I quickly unfolded the paper and started reading.
Ai,
I'm sorry I couldn't be there in person. If I had, I probably wouldn't have wanted to let you go. I know you're probably upset with me, but I think this is the best thing for you. Even now you're still the same Ai I remembered, always stubborn, and always pushing your feelings aside. Last night as you slept next to me, all you could do was cry and call for him.
As much as I wanted to ignore it and keep you to myself, I couldn't let you lie to yourself because of me. You still love him Ai.
The guys all agreed with me, and wish you luck and happiness. They are my family, so now it's up to you to be Pyro's family. I'm not sure if I'm ready to forgive him, but for your sake, I'll try. If it's only one thing I can finally give him, it's a chance to be happy.
I'll always be on your side,
Gum
P.S. It was Johnny's idea to take this picture. And he says not to be a stranger, and make sure you call your older brother every now and again.
I pulled the picture out from behind the letter and smiled wide as I stared down at their faces. Toppo and Johnny were smiling and hunched over in the middle while Jacky knealed on the ground next to Toppo. Mac stood stiff behind Jacky and Toppo, that same awkward smile on his lips when he was put in front of a camera, Ace next to him with his arm propped up on Mac's shoulder and his mouth wide open. Arsenal hated taking pictures, so his usual scowl was on his face, but this time it look like he was trying to smile, so he ended up with a weird-looking face. And lastly, at the end, behind Johnny, was a perfect smiling Gum. He looked happy to be with his family.
I held Gum's letter and the picture to my chest, feeling the love radiate from them.
"Thank you for everything Gum... everyone," I said aloud to myself. I folded it up again and slid both it and the picture back into the envelope; then slid it in my pocket with my phone. I looked at Pryo, "Did you read it?"
"I did."
"And?"
He scratched his head, "He was always the better man, are you sure I'm good enough?"
I ran up to him and punched him hard in the stomach, "Yeah I guess you'll do."
"Great..." he coughed.
"You know, expect lots more of those, I'm still pissed at what you did," I winked as I left him there to get my things from inside the club.
I closed the door behind me and stopped for a moment. Looking around the club, it felt like it was the last time I was going to see it. Before I let myself get too emotional I hurried to collect my backpack from the other room and ran back to the door. I couldn't just leave like this. I turned back around and slowly started imagining the guys were there. Always doing their own thing, fighting about jaken, always being noisy...my family at The Eight.
And slowly their images that filled the club started to disappear.
I bowed to the empty club, "Thank you for everything." I smiled as I stood back up, "Bye bye."
I walked through the door for the last time, Pyro smiled at me and held out his hand for me to grab. I happily walked over to him, intertwined my fingers with his, and walked with him to his bike.
"You can always come back here you know, it doesn't have to be this way," he said as he sat on his bike.
I grabbed the spare helmet, clipping it on, "I know, but it's time I moved on. I think that's what they would want. Besides you're my family now." I quickly jumped on behind him, hiding my embarrassement.
He smirked, "Then how about right now we go make our family bigger by one..." But as I punched him in the side, he quickly apologized, "Ok ok, sorry."
I wrapped my arms around him and slowly started confessing my feelings, "You know... maybe not right now... but in the future... I wouldn't mind... having a... baby..."
"Are... are you serious?" His voice was full of disbelief and excitement.
I quickly hid my face, "Just hurry up and start this thing already!"
As the bike started rumbling beneath us, he started cheering and laughing, "I'm the luckiest guy on the planet!"
I couldn't help but smile, "You're such an idiot..."
Bonus Chapter!
"Ahhh just like I thought! It's impossible! Impossible!" I quickly turned around and started walking away, well more like wobbling away.
But Johnny ran to me and slowly turned me back around, "C'mon Ai! I'm filling in for Pyro today, the least you can do is actually go through with it!"
I pouted, "But it's been two and half years! What if he says no?" My head tilted down and my voice got quieter, "And by all rights, he shouldn't agree to my request..."
Johnny grabbed my hand, kissing the back of it, "Who could refuse you Ai? And besides, give him more credit." I took a deep breath and nodded. He just smiled that same old brillant smile, "You ready to see them again?"
"Let's do this."
Johnny took a few steps ahead of me and opened the door. A light cool breeze swirled around me as Johnny held the door open for me. And after I agreed in my heart to not return, here I am again at The Eight. And too be honest, it felt really good to be here again.
"YOU'RE SO FAT!" I quickly turned my head to see Ace gaping at me with his mouth wide open. "Johnny! You said she only gained a little weight!" He started laughing really loud.
I whiped my head around and glared at Johnny, "I gained a little weight?!"
He innocently shrugged his shoulders, "What was I supposed to say?"
But by this time everyone was in the main room of the club, everyone was staring at me with shock in their eyes. I nervously waved, "H-Hi guys. Long time no see."
Jacky and Mac yelled at the same time, "You're pregnant?!"
I nodded with a smile.
Toppo ran up to me and put his hands on my big stomach, "Congratulations Ai-chan!"
I smiled, "Thanks Toppo."
Johnny quickly grabbed my arm, "C'mon Ai you shouldn't be standing for too long."
The guys just kept staring at me as Johnny led me to the small table so that I could sit down. It was tiring being pregnant!
"Johnny, how come you didn't tell us," Jacky said as he walked over to him. Though to me it sounded more like 'How come you didn't tell me?'
I quickly piped in, "Because of me.... I asked him to keep it a secret. I, um, I wanted to tell you guys myself."
Jacky put his arm around Johnny's shoulders, "Isn't it a bit late?"
I laughed nervously, "Heh heh, well, um, I did want to tell you guys, but then I couldn't decided on a moment when I should. And then you know months go by, and then I decided not to tell you guys at all because you know, well, we hadn't seen each other in a long time and-"
Mac stopped my rambling, "So then why now?"
I looked up and found my courage to finally seek out Gum's eyes, "Because I wanted to ask you for a favor, well more like a giant request, but..."
Gum pointed at himself, "Me?"
"I-if you don't mind listening to me..."
Gum looked around at the other guys, then looked over to Johnny. Johnny nodded his head seriously, signaling Gum to sit down; he took the other chair across from me. As he sat down, I could hear the rest of the guys back away, to give us some space to talk.
"H-How have you been?"
He chuckled, "Just peachy."
"Right." I looked away trying to get the courage to talk again, but as Johnny but his hand on my shoulder reassuringly I took a deep breath. "Gum, you're free to say no to what I'm about to ask, because frankly, I probably would say no to me... Um, anyways... Well, Pyro, ever since we found out I was pregnant, he has become more aware of how dangerous it is to do what he's doing. He came to the conclusion that he can't keep putting his life in danger like he has been doing, so after this last month, he's going to step down from Wild 7."
"He said that?" Gum asked in disbelief.
"Yes. He told me he talked it over with his boss, and they agreed to keep him on, so long as he keeps making them bombs and explosives. But he won't be out with the other guys, getting in danger." Gum looked somewhat impressed, which gave me more courage, "So we talked it over, and we both agreed that there wouldn't be anyone better... Gum... in the event that something happens to us, will you take care of them? Our babies?"
His eyes shot open and he broke into a sweat, "W-what?! Babies? ME?!"
I looked down and smiled as I slowly rubbed my giant tummy, "Yes... twins."
He got up from his chair and started pacing. I recognised this pacing as his way of trying to think things through. Johnny leaned over and looked at my face, I was starting to feel a bit sick.
"Do you need me to get you a glass of water?"
"Oh, yes please."
But immidiately Arsenal was handing me a glass, "Here, you're looking a bit pale."
I grabbed the glass and smiled, "Thank you Arsenal."
Gum suddenly spoke up but kept pacing, "So where is he now?"
I pulled the glass away from my lips, "He got called in, but said I should go ahead and come see ya'll, and that he'd meet us after he was done." And then Gum just went back to his pacing.
And suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, a sharp pain shot through me. I yelled out loudly, dropping the glass on the table, as I pulled my arms in to grab my stomach. My eyes squeezed shut and then I felt it. My eyes shot wide open, my entire body felt numb.
Everyone was gathered around, all had worried looks on their faces. But Johnny was the fastest to speak up, "What's wrong Ai?"
"I think... I think my water just broke..."
At the same time they looked down and then back to my face. Johnny was starting to panic, "But you still have a month left!"
The terrible pain came back, causing me to reach out and grab Arsenals arm, squeezing it tightly, "Get me to a hospital now!"
Arsenal just yelled in pain, "Ai! That's too hard! Ai!!"
Gum quickly peeled my hand off of Arsenals arm and replaced it with his own. I didn't have time to really say sorry to Arsenal as Jacky and Johnny helped me up. I heard rustling going on around me, but the pains were so blinding that I wasn't really noticing anything happening. I could hear them panicing, someone yelling to call a cab, someone else yelling to get a wet rag.
"P-Pyro! Someone call Pyro!" I yelled in general, but really meant it for Johnny.
Within minutes Toppo was yelling that he got a cab. And I was being rushed to the car. I got in, my iron grip still on Gum's arm, kept him right next to me. Leaving the last empty spot for Johnny. The cab took off and Johnny wiped my head with the wet rag.
"Ok Ai, you'll be alright. Just breathe."
I did as I was told, practing my breathing, in and out, in and out. But within seconds I was getting frustrated as I couldn't concentrate on the timing of my breathing.
"Whoever told me to breathe like this, I'll kill them~!"
Johnny couldn't help but laugh, "Ai, just calm down you'll be alright."
"Do I look alright Johnny?!" I moaned out in pain as another wave of contractions hit me.
We arrived at the local hospital, some nurses came immidiately to me, helping me into a wheelchair and getting me quickly inside. The smell of the hospital was intoxicating, and I didn't like it for a second. It made me feel worse. But Johnny and Gum were still by my side, thankfully that replaced the sick feeling I was getting from the smell.
They started wheeling me past some big doors, and they stopped Gum and Johnny, "I'm sorry but only family is allowed back here. Are one of you the father?"
They looked at each other and then back to the nurse. Johnny stepped up, "I'm her brother."
She looked at Johnny, knowing full well we didn't look anything alike, but she nodded her head and let him pass through.
Johnny turned back quickly to Gum, "I called Pyro, so he should be he here soon, ok?" But before Gum could answer back, Johnny disappeared behind the big doors.
Gum looked around and found a bench to sit on. He slouched, letting his head hit the wall behind him. "Twins, huh..." He chuckled, "And they choose me? What kind of joke is this?"
"Gum! How's Ai?" Mac yelled as he and the rest of the guys ran up to him.
"Oh, she's in there now. Johnny is with her."
"Will she be ok," Toppo asked concerned.
Jacky just pat his shouldeer, "Of course she'll be fine Toppo!"
Toppo lowered his head, his voice got quiet, "But Johnny said she was a month early right?"
They all went silent as they all thought of the possiblity of me losing my babies hit them.
Aresenal sat down, "She's a fighter..."
Ace sat next to him, "Yeah! YEAh! She'll do whatever she can to keep her babies!"
They suddenly all looked up as they heard loudly stomping boots running down the hallway. Pyro. He looked like a mess, panting hard, a worried look in his eyes, sweat pouring down his face. He slowed down as he got closer to the guys. The air was full of an awkward feeling.
Gum let out deep breath and approached his brother, "She's inside right now, you should go to her."
The rest of the guys looked at the two, wondering what Pyro would say. He nodded, "Thanks Gum."
They all simultaneously let out a breath as Pyro left the area and walked past the double doors. Moments later Johnny walked out to join the guys.
Gum hurried to him, "Well! How's she doing?"
His brow creased, "Not good..."
Everyone was suddenly very tense. Aresenal stood up and walked over to him, "She'll live right!?"
Johnny raised his hand to rub his forehead, "She's having problems giving birth to the twins. She could lose both of them..." He sat down defeated; he tried hard not to start crying. But Jacky sat next to him and put an arm around his shoulders to comfort him.
Minutes felt like hours, hours felt like days. The pain was so intense, several times I blacked out. But the doctor and the nurses constantly kept me at attention, telling me to push. Telling me, it was going to be more painful. Telling me to keep giving it my all. But what if my all wasn't enough?
"P-Pyro..." I cried as I turned my head to find him looking down at me.
"The babies are doing their best to be born right now, so you have to keep doing your best."
"I'm so tired..." I said with no more strength, my eyelids closing.
He put his hand on the side of my head and rubbed my forehead with his thumb, "Just a little bit more. Please Ai!"
"I can see a head! PUSH!"
I let out a terrible noise that sounded like a mix of a yell and an excrusiating moan. And just seconds later crying echoed through the room. But I still wasn't finished. The doctor, nurses, and Pyro all encouraged me to keep pushing harder for my other baby.
Next thing I knew crying could be heard everywhere. Pyro was next to me, kissng me on the top of my head. All I wanted to do was sleep, just sleep. But the nurse was handing me one of my babies. I blinked several times as she carefully laid the baby in my arms.
The Doctor shook Pyro's hand, "Congratulations, you're now the father of two healthy baby girls."
"Thank you so much Doctor!" He looked at the rest of the nurses, "Thank you!"
I wouldn't look away from my baby in my arms, "Pyro... go tell... the guys."
He quickly left and hurried out through the doors. Gum stood up immidiately, while Mac and Arsenal woke up the others.
"So?" Gum asked impatiently.
"Two healthy baby girls."
Toppo excitedly yelled, "Thank goodness!"
But Gum was still serious, "What about Ai?"
Pyro smiled, "She's fine too."
Everyone let out a sigh of relief and started laughing and crying in happiness. Pyro put his hand on his hip and took a moment to catch his breath. The crazy, stressful rollercoaster called pregnancy was finally over.
Mac didn't smile, but still showed respect, "Congratulations." He stuck out his hand.
Pyro looked from his hand then up to his face, "thank you. He grabbed it and they shook hands.
Each of them followed Mac's lead, though hesitent, they congratulated him and shook his hand.
One of the nurses came out and smiled, "She's calling for all of you."
Mac looked at her, "All of us? Are you sure?"
She laughed, "Yes it's fine, we've moved her and the babies into a different rooms now."
They all followed her past the doors and through several hallways. The nurse stopped in front of the nursery and pointed to the twins in the middle.
Johnny immidiately "aww'ed" while the others looked on happily at the newborns.
Ace started laughing, "They look like monkeys"
Arsenal quickly smacked him in the back of the head, "Show some respect you idiot."
"They look just like her," Jacky said as he pressed his face against the glass.
"Beautiful... like their mother," Gum confessed as he stared at them.
The nurse cleared her throat to call everyone's attention, leading them to my room. I was about to pass out from exhaustion, but seeing all their faces walking through the door gave me the energy to stay awake. All at once they started congratulating me, surrounding my bed.
"Thank you everyone."
Each of them came up to me and gave me a hug, though Johnny kissed me on the forehead. I looked at Gum who was last, he stood there looking at the ground.
"What's wrong?"
"I shouldn't have hesitated before..."
I was confused, what in the world was he talking about, "What?"
"The answer to your request, yes. I'll do it." He looked from me, to Pyro standing next to him, "After looking at them and seeing their beautiful faces, I realised that I think I'm finally ready to forgive you."
Pyro was shocked, then sypathetic, and then finally relieved and happy, "I couldn't have asked for a better younger brother."
We were all startled as the Doctor walked in suddenly with a bright smile on his face. He walked over to me and checked my charts and monitors, making sure I was recovering properly.
"So! Again, congratulations!"
Pyro and I spoke at the same time, "Thank you very much."
"Have you decided on names yet?"
"Ah!" I looked at Pyro, "We haven't even discussed it yet..."
"He dragged the chair from the corner to sit next to my bed, "That's right, we said we didn't want to know the sex of the babies, so..."
Jacky laughed, "But you two could still have thought up names!"
The rest joined in in Jacky's teasing and started laughing. But I sat there and seriously thought of two girl names that would be pefect. And it hit me.
I looked at Pyro, "What do you think of Kaiya and Yoko?"
"Hm? How did you come up with those names?"
"When you combine the first part of their names, it stands for 'forgiveness.' Well? Do you like it?" I smiled.
He smiled back at me, "Perfect."
The Doctor clapped his hands, "What beautiful names! Well a nurse will come in later with the paperwork for you to fill out. Ok? Now you should get some sleep!"
I nodded, "Thank you Doctor, I will."
As the Doctor left, the guys started saying their goodbyes and headed for the door as well. As usual, Johnny gave me a kiss on the head before leaving. It was just Gum and Pyro left in the room; taking their places to my sides. I looked back and forth between them and smiled. I wanted to tell them how happy I was that they could finally try and be brothers, but my eyelids failed me as they closed.
"Finally...we are... one family."
And soon enough I fell fast asleep, with dreams of a happy future. Where my two beautiful little girls would grow up surrounded by love and happiness. A life I had always dreamed of will now be their's.
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I'd like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH, all of you who stayed with me and commented. I always looked forward to your comments, they really kept me motivated to finish this story ^^ So cheers to you!
SO now, let me ask you: What did you think of the ending? The bonus chapter??? I'm a sucker for happy endings, so on the spur of the moment, i wrote out the bonus chapter in like just... maybe a hour or so LOL I think it ties up everything perfectly ^^
And I'd like to say one last thing! If you ever have a story idea, or suggestions for a story, drop me a comment! I'd love to hear it and discuss it with you! I'm in the middle of thinking of a new story, so we'll see how that goes! What pairs do you want to see?? It can be slash, or oc characters! ^^ I like everything hahahaha
TILL NEXT TIME! ;)