Chapter Text
The call came early. 5am sharp. The winter days still shuttering any light from morning. Only a faint hum of the world outside
Ryujis mind was still halfway in slumber. Reaching over and fumbling around for his alarm clock. Only to see the rumble was coming from his phone.
Unknown number, great.
“Mmmgh-?”
“Sakamoto-kun?”
He recognized that voice. Adrenaline shot right to his head. Jolting him to alertness.
“Y-yes Toyma-san .”
“How far are you from the shibuya north hospital campus?”
Ryuji stuttered, muttering beneath his breath as he scrambled to do the mental math.
“Depending on the train like, 20 minutes?"
“Good. We need you here as soon as you can. I’ll have an assistant waiting at the north entrance.”
“A-and Makeru?””
“No visitation will be allowed. Once the nurses say they’re ready, you will leave with the child.”
Ryuji was already fumbling into his clothes. Grey slacks and whatever shirt wasn't dirty “Not even a hello? For real?”
He could hear the man’s dissatisfaction over the phone “Remember the contract, no further contact between you two. No evidence of the relationship.”
“G-got it. See you in a few.”
Ryuji had already gotten his socks on by the time he hung up. Grabbing his belongings in a mad dash for the door.
“Shit shit shit-“
He went back, nearly forgetting his subway card. Slipping in and out of his room, only stopped by the dim outline of his mother.
“Ryuji..? Why are you up so early? It’s a Sunday.”
The boy shook his head. Steadying himself amidst the rush. Everything, everywhere, screaming at him,
“It’s Makeru- they need me at the hospital.”
“Makeru-what’s she…Oh…” Her eyes widened “No wonder you’re in such a hurry, just get on the train, I’ll meet you over there when I get the chance.”
Her words were brief. Understanding the state of anxiety her son must be feeling. God she felt for him. A young boy, pulled by the whims of his age into a huge responsibility. Watching him run down the hallway and practically burst out the door.
————-
Ryuji realized he’d never really been to a hospital before. At least like, the more hospital-y looking bits of it.
The waiting room was completely vacant. Besides him, the dark form of Toyma-sans assistant, and the little plush fish he swiped from a tourist stop on the way there. He didint catch what it was when he bought it. Mackerel maybe? Some kind of tuna? Hell he didn't know. Both were tasty.
Looking for levity he glanced over at the nameless attendant. Sitting perpendicular to him with mind annoyance in his eyes. Ryuji cracked a smile.
“Hey uh-you know if there’s a vending machine ‘round here? I’d kill for some coffee, I can grab you a drink if you’d like, sir.”
The man was stone-faced. Ignoring the boys offer.
“No? To a free drink…alright man.”
Ryuji let his eyes wander. To the flat ceilings and empty walls, the decor- trying to make up for the absolute…sterility of it all.
“So…is Makeru ok? Like is she hurt?”
“Toyma-San keeps that to himself.”
“Oh…alright. What about the baby then? Is it a boy or a girl? Because I don’t think I’d be able to handle raising-“
“It’s a girl. She seems to be perfectly healthy. That’s all that is known.”
His heart skipped.
“A girl…damn I don’t know what I’m gonna do. Honestly, I was hoping for a boy, but beggars can’t be choosers…I….guess.”
The man remained still. Stoic. Uncaring at the boy’s visible stress.
Ryuji hunched over. Holding that damn fish against his chest. Bunnies, teddy bears, all the regular baby stuff he could have gotten. And he chose the fish.
“Do babies even like fish? Like they can’t eat ‘em, but do they think they’re cool?”
The unnamed man looked frustrated. Glaring daggers into Ryujis eyes.
“Take that as a no…”
Before he had to spend another minute with the mystery man, he was jolted by a soft “ahem” from his shoulder. A kindly nurse stood alongside the stern man. With a soft smile that cut through the harshness.
“Sakomato?”
Ryuji nervously startled to his feet “oh y-yes that’s me.”
She gestured for him to follow her. Bringing him through the empty halls. The guard trailing behind them like they were celebrities, or prisoners. Despite the coldness he’d been shown before, the nurse showed him some much needed warmth.
“So you're the father?” The nurse smiled “Congratulations! It must be very nerve-wracking. Being a first time dad and all that.”
Ryuji sighed “yea yea…it’s a lot.”
“It’s ok, every dad gets nervous. It’s a big change you know.”
Around the corner was a wall with a long window cut into it. The words “nursery” was hung up with cutesy letters. Images of storks and bunnies and all the baby stuff you could think of. He’d seen this kind of thing in pictures before. All the cribs lined up side by side, with red-faced newborns sleeping or screaming. Almost every one looking the same. Damn, no wonder baby switch-ups were a thing.
The nurse pointed to the lower left side of the window "That's your girl right there. The one without the nametag on the crib.” She beamed at Ryuji “She’s such a precious thing.”
Ryuji's mind couldn't decide on an emotion. Shame? Worry? Excitement? All his brain managed to spit out was:
“She’s so tiny…”
“Oh don’t you worry, she’s a perfectly healthy weight. I’ve delivered dozens of babies, your little girl is perfect.”
He remained slack-jawed. Head almost touching the glass. Looking at this little living thing that was his. He made this. He didn't mean to, he didn't want to, but he did.
“You’re very brave” The nurse looked at him “taking responsibility like this at such a young age. Not many boys are willing to.”
“Mhm…yea.”
Her voice was background music. Every part of his focus on the child-his girl. Snuggled up in the plastic crib. Seeing her yawn and stretch out her mittened arms. Rubbing her tired eyes, and accidentally knocking off the pink hat. Ryuji chuckled.
“Guess she’s like me after all…always messing shit up.”
The nurse looked on with concern. Looking on as the boy wrapped his head around it all.
“Hey uh, nurse.”
“Hm?”
“Do you think she’ll like me?” He held his tongue “I don’t want her to hate me…more than anything, I just want her to-“
“You care about her, right?”
He held his breath “…yea?”
“As long as you care about her, I know she’ll love you. You’re her dad after all.” She smiled “and from my experience, babies aren’t too picky.”
—————
Ryuji felt like a criminal here. Always being followed. Not being able to let his mom into the hospital. Never allowed to see Makeru. Hell, no mention of her either. He had to sign an NDA for fucks sake. One that scrubbed Makeru of all connection, all evidence of the child. And put it right on Ryujis shoulders. In the eyes of the law and the world, that baby was his and his alone.
He was brought to a vacant maternity room and told to wait. No guard this time, just him and the fish. Which apparently was a salmon. Spent way too long looking it up. At least he got something to eat. Found a vending machine with some chips and a soda. Ryuji hadn't eaten in so long he was worried he’d pass out.
“Hey, ‘least I’m at a hospital.” He muttered, taking a swig.
The room was silent besides him. He hadn't bothered to turn on the lights, besides a dim lamp on the table. It was weird to think Makeru was in a room like this….
“Sakomato?”
Ryuji knew that damn voice. He jolted up, eyes locked on the face of Makeru's father, Umataro Toyma. Startlingly tall. With a short well-kept beard and a suit bearing some sort of crest on its lapel. Ryuji remembered Makeru's long tangent on her family’s history, a Kazoku noble family with deep ties to industry stretching 200 years. He had money, and one hell of a political position to boot. Head of Tokyos largest right wing political group. Technically Toyma-San was a prince or Duke of some sort. But to Ryuji he was a terrifying force. A dragon breathing flames into his very soul.
He bowed his head. Not wanting to stir the man’s ire.
“Good morning sir…” Ryuji flashed a nervous grin. It was only then that he noticed the folder in his hand. Unfolding it, Toyma showed the birth certificate. Information filled out, 7lb 6oz, female, with footprints stamped into the corner. All except the name, left empty.
“You remember our agreement Sakomato?” He huffed “no further contact with my daughter. No mention of prior events. You will leave today with the child under your care.”
Ryuji nodded “Yes sir.”
“Monthly payments will be sent by my associates. Again, under the table. The amount will not be debated or discussed. You get what you get. If you break any of the stipulations, there will be legal action taken” he glared “I won’t hesitate to sue you and your mother for all your worth.”
“I will sir.”
The man looked at the certificate. Handing Ryuji a pen. For once, he didn't seem focused on the agreement.
“What name did you have in mind? Can’t leave until you file the certificate properly.”
It had been in the back of Ryujis mind the past few months. Keeping tabs on names he noticed around him. Ryuji promised his mom to not choose anything dumb. He had a few in mind but..one seemed to come to mind.
All that could come to mind was…Tiny…
…Tiny…
“Aiko…Aiko Sakamato would that be ok?”
The man nodded in approval “that will do.”
With Toyma breathing down his neck he wrote out the name, trying to make it as neat as possible. He smudged the end a bit, but Toyma was already leaving the room by then.
…Just as a little hospital cart was wheeled into the room.
He could hear squeaks and cries. Tiny hands reaching up towards the nurse as she lifted her up from the crib. Wrapped up like a gift, a present he didn't deserve.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Sakomato, she’s just been a bit fussy.”
“Is she ok?”
“Just fine dear, I think she’s happy to meet her daddy.” She smiled “you’ve held a baby before, right?”
He grinned nervously “oh no I haven’t…”
“It’s alright, just make sure to support her head, I’ll help you.”
Ryuji had lifted 7 pounds, he could curl it with one arm without breaking a sweat. But Aiko felt different. Mentally he knew Aiko only weighed as much as a jug of water. But when she settled into his arms, fully taking the weight of her little body. It felt like so much more.
He held a life. A living breathing part of himself.
Maybe it was just his mind running wild but Aiko felt so much like him…maybe it was her eyes or the way her brow furrowed. The little tuft of thin hair that managed to poke out from her hat. Even all pink and wrinkly he still saw his face reflecting back. Well his, and Makerus.
“Hey kid…” His voice was weak, warbly “…guess I’m your dad.”
He looked to the nurse for approval. Something, some sign he was doing ok. She just smiled along.
“Your names Aiko, I uh-hope you like it, you can always change it later on if you want…”
The girl began to fuss, kick and squirm.
“Hey hey it’s ok it’s ok…no need to be scared. I won’t hurt you, promise.”
He lifted her closer. Rocking her in an anxious attempt to make her calm down. Probably a bit too harshly, but Aiko seemed to settle. Relaxing into Ryujis arms.
“See? I’m not scary.”
Tentatively, he reached out a hand. Grazing it against her little fingers. Maybe he was clueless about babies, but damn they were tiny. Her entire hand could barely grasp his thumb.
“Geeze you’ve got a strong grip, a little fighter in the making!” He pulled a bit, testing her strength “you’re a little superhero!”
Weird to think he was once this tiny. This wrinkly and pink and alien-looking. Being held by his mother, maybe even his dad (back when he gave a shit). Did his dad even hold him? Probably, but rarely…
His mind clouded with memories. Bitter ones. Things he had to choke down. All surrounding his damn father. Did he ever look at Ryuji the same way he looked at Aiko? With so much adoration, fear, and confusion. He couldn't figure out what hurt more. The fact his father used to love him, or the nagging fear he’ll despise his child just like he did.
——-
Makeru was the type of girl who just caught your eye.
Sitting just outside the schools track. Long silky hair held up by a pin for the hot weather. She didn't look surprising, no bold fashion or daring looks. But it was that glint in her eyes. A curiosity that drew Ryuji to her. He talked to her once before in passing, he remembered hearing her name from a track friend, Makeru Toyma. But not much else.
He’d been doing warm up laps all class and couldn't help but notice the girls watchful eyes. A quick wave and a smile, and he was absolutely infatuated.
Ryuji had come to rest besides her. Sweaty and unkempt, rubbing water bottle condensation on his head to cool off.
“This weathers crazy man, can’t wait for fall.”
She leaned back, fanning her face “it’s so muggy. Why do they make us run in this weather.”
“Eff if I know.”
He took a sip of the water, pouring the last over his head. Splashing a bit on Makeru in the process.
“Id be mad at getting wet-“ she laughed “but it feels kinda nice.”
“Right? God what I’d give to jump into a big pool.”
Sakomato was called back to the track. But he still kept thinking about Makeru. Seemed like fate kept drawing him to her. In between classes he went to grab an energy drink outside in the courtyard. Low and behold, she was right there. Tidying up after a short meal.
“What’s up?” He slid a few coins into the slot “what class is up next for you?”
“Oh I have biology next. Spent all night studying.”
“Ah same, history class has been kicking my ass.”
Makeru grinned “I don’t actually mind history. Find it kinda interesting.”
Ryuji leaned back against the wall. Cracking open the energy drink. Tasted like battery acid, but it was something.
“You know I was watching a documentary last night about the history of the Aztec empire. It’s surprising how recent it all was. We talk about it like it’s ancient history, some prehistoric empire, but that was medieval times, knights were running around Europe.”
“For real?”
“Oxford university is hundreds of years older.”
“Dang you know a lot.”
She laughed. Maybe it was the hot weather, but a tint of red rose from her cheeks “hey I can always help you study.”
Her abruptness caught him off guard. Nearly choking on his drink. “Study? Oh yea-I-I’d be down. Anything to get my grade up I guess.”
“What’s your name again? I sorta remember your name, something like Rorouko..Riik-“
“Oh it’s Ryuji! You’re Makeru right?”
She nodded. Smiling at him like an idiot.
Christ, he had to fall for her so quick.
————-
“So what was the order again?”
“It was the Paleolithic, then the Mesolithic, then the Neolithic. That’s the Stone Age. In between that was the Chalcolithic, or copper age, then the Bronze Age.”
Ryuji and his study buddy began meeting every other week. Slipping away into an empty classroom after school to study. Hardly anyone walked the halls these hours. Only tryhards and teachers. And down on their luck kids trying to turn their grades around. Even if Ryuji failed the class, it felt nice having someone outside the track team to talk to. Plus she was cute to boot.
“Do you remember what the most famous art of the Paleolithic was?”
Ryuji leaned back. Ruffling his hair as he tried to recall.
“Grrrr…wasint it the marble statues? Like all the naked guys.”
“That’s Ancient Greece.”
“Ughhh.”
She flipped to one of the pages in the textbook “this is the one, the Venus of Willendorf. One of the earliest depictions of the human body. Pretty easy to remember.”
Ryuji squinted at the textbook. The picture looked like a lump of clay formed into a chubby woman with some weird headband. One with oversized breasts and no visible face.
“Damn, people back then must have been horny. Look at those hips-“
Makeru elbowed him, laughing so hard she nearly fell out of her chair.
“Seriously dude? You’re getting horny for the Venus of Willendorf?”
“What? I’m not horny for it, I’m saying other people were horny for it, like my great great great great-“
She winked “I think you’re just projecting.”
“Projecting what?”
Makeru looked at him, not just at him, but right through him. Her eyes had that eerie quality. Not creepy, just…insightful.
“You’ve got eyes for someone Sakamoto?”
He knew his face was bright red. Embarrassment locking his arms in place.
“Uh…I mean not really-lots of cute girls at this school.”
Makeru smirked “you’re not hiding it, like, at all.”
Ryujis mouth hung open, slack-jawed at how braizen this girl was “…what can I say, you read me like a book.”
Her touch was light, but the warmth stung like a million needles. All right into Ryujis heart. She coyly pulled on his shirt collar. Getting him close enough to feel his breath quicken.
“I’ve got eyes for you too.”
She leaned closer, almost sitting on his lap. Watching Ryuji smile like a dumbass.
“You want to do this?”
He nodded “hell yes.”