Chapter Text
The day was bright and sunny when Black Jack, his wife Y/n, and Pinoko arrived at the humble home of Mrs. Tanaka and their possible future patient, her young son, Hiro. Hiro had been suffering from a mysterious ailment for weeks, and the family was desperate for help. When they heard the rumors about a talented doctor who had much experience with treating unusual illnesses, they immediately knew they had to get his help.
The Tanaka family’s house was a little ways away from their house on the cape, so they decided to drive there. They lived in a little place in an area not as wealthy as the others. Y/n didn’t want to assume anything, but she, admittedly, got a little nervous when they arrived. Not for her party, but rather for the little boy and his family. She knew her husband was strict with fees for his operations, and his prices weren’t very cheap either. She worried if the family would even be able to afford the treatment, and if they didn’t, well, she hated the idea of abandoning an innocent, sick child. Those kinds of thoughts twisted her stomach and gripped her heart.
Black Jack knocked in the door and they waited patiently. Mrs. Tanaka greeted them with hopeful eyes, welcoming and ushering them inside.
“Thank you so much for coming, Dr. Black Jack. Hiro has been so unwell, and we don’t know what to do. We’ve asked other doctors what might be wrong, but no one can help. You’re our only hope!”
The doctor nodded, his expression serious. “Let me see the boy.”
As they were taken to the patient, Y/n could see many pictures of the family on the walls, particularly of a little boy whom she assumed to be Hiro. In them he was always smiling, cheeks round and rosy from playing and laughing. His eyes were bright and full of life. She hoped it hadn’t faded away, and if it had, then that they could do something about it.
They were led to a small bedroom where Hiro lay on the bed, his face pale and tired. Y/n’s heart ached at the sight of the child. His appearance now was nothing like the photos she just saw. He was thin, pale, had sunken cheeks, and the bright light in his eyes was dull. It was obvious to experienced doctors like themselves that he was deteriorating.
Y/n knelt beside Hiro, her gentle voice soothing. “Hello, Hiro. We’re doctors who have come here to help you feel better.”
Hiro managed a weak smile, “Thank you, miss.”
After a thorough examination, Black Jack, Y/n, and Mrs. Tanaka stepped out of the room so that Hiro wouldn’t hear their next conversation.
Black Jack turned to Mrs. Tanaka and said, “I can treat him, but it will be expensive.”
Mrs. Tanaka’s face fell. She had already been wringing her hands. “How much is it, Doctor?”
“It’ll cost you 50,000,000 yen.”
Mrs. Tanaka’s face widened and her knuckles went white with the grip she had on her hands. “50,000,000 yen?! I-I’m afraid we can’t afford that much. Please, isn’t there anything you can do?”
Y/n looked at Black Jack, her eyes pleading silently. He met her gaze, but remained firm. “I’m sorry, but my fees are non-negotiable.”
Mrs. Tanaka’s eyes began to tear up, no doubt worrying about her son’s health and future. Seeing all of this unfold before her, Y/n’s heart twisted with worry and regret. She worried for sweet little Hiro who would continue to suffer this strange sickness, and she regretted that there wasn’t much she could do for him. Professionally, being Black Jack’s assistant meant that she had little power over deciding which cases they could take. Of course, that didn’t mean that she couldn’t take on patients of her own, but a case this complicated was beyond her abilities. She could always urge him to care for certain patients, but at the end of the day, it all depended on what he decided. After all, most of the time he doesn’t explain why he does the things that he does. It was only after getting close to him and marrying that he started to be more open with his reasoning and his choices with her. Even so, she always trusted his judgment and his decisions. But there were moments, those dealing with children and pregnant women, where she just couldn’t stand back and watch.
Black Jack turned to head for the entrance to the house, but Y/n lingered behind. She asked Mrs. Tanaka for permission to have a quick word with Hiro before leaving, and the tearful mother agreed.
Y/n knelt next to the boy, gently holding his hand and reassuring him. “Don’t give up, Hiro. I’ll try my best to get you the help you need.”
Hiro nodded and thanked her.
As Black Jack’s party left, Y/n’s heart was heavy. She tried once more to persuade him as they walked back to their car.
“Jack, that child needs our help. Please, can’t we make an exception?”
He shook his head. “You know my rules, Y/n. I can’t just change them for every sad case we come across.”
Y/n stayed quiet during the rest of the car ride, thoughts swirling her mind. How could she convince Kuroo to treat Hiro? There wasn’t much she could do… Except maybe she could…
Yes, she could do that. She wasn’t sure how well it would work, but it was something she could try.
Two can play this game...