Chapter Eleven

We mustn't allow past failure to cause us to give up the warfare. To lose a battle does not mean that the war is lost. We cannot retrace our steps, we cannot undo the past. We can, however, chart our course for the future. We mustn't excuse present behaviour because of past failure. We should confess our wrong and accept forgiveness. The worst regret we can have in life is not for the wrong things we did, but for the right things we could have done but we never did.

At some point in our life, we need to face the consequences of our past actions. But that doesn't mean it's already too late for us to change. It's just the fact that in every wrong decision we make, there is a corresponding consequence.

Just deal with it. That's maturity.

I sat in front of the doctor--hours after we arrived at the hospital. Hanamiya had been taken care of and I was too. The bleeding had stopped, the pain was gone. Which was good. I couldn't possibly deal another pain when Hanamiya was not beside me for support.

"I already told you to avoid stress and strenuous activities but you never listened," the doctor scribbled something down on the chart she was holding before glancing at me. "You're lucky your baby is a fighter. You just have to take these prescriptions to avoid another spotting." She handed me the piece of paper with some words written on it which I couldn't really read. "But please be more careful with your body, dear. That's not only for you anymore, your child will be severely affected if something happens. You already know the worst thing that could happen, don't you?" She continued, giving me a stern look.

I nodded my head, "Y-Yes. Thank you, Doc."

After giving me another set of grim precautions and reminders, she finally left. I let go of the breath I was holding. I was relieved - so very relieved - that it was just a minor spotting and that my baby was holding on. I didn't know what I could possibly do if I ever lost my child.

Everybody in the room was still and silent after the Doctor was out. Seiren never left, they did everything they could to help us. If we were a minute late in coming to the hospital, it would've been dangerous or I would've had a miscarriage. But thankfully, they were fast as lightning in taking us to the Emergency Room.

They saved me. They saved my baby. They even saved Hanamiya----the guy who did nothing but pure cruelty to them; the guy who tried to destroy their dreams; the guy who had inflected them pain, not just once but many times.

And yet.. There they were, they didn't even hesitate to help and support Hanamiya and carry him when he had gone unconscious. They were even willing to keep us company while our families had yet to come. Hanamiya was already transferred to a private room so they had a place to get comfortable at least.

"I'm glad your baby is safe, Nadeshiko-chan." Kiyoshi said, placing a hand on my shoulder. He was the one who carried me and never left my side. Having him around was really comforting. And convenient too.

I gave him a faint smile, "Thank you, Teppei-kun. You saved us."

I turned to Hanamiya who was currently on the hospital bed, lying unconscious with a thick bandage wrapped around his head. Wounds and bruises were all over his face. The doctor who treated him said that other than that and the wound on his head, he was perfectly fine. No severe damages and broken bones. But still, looking at him like that, my chest tightened painfully at the view. He still looked so damaged. Hurt.

If Seiren hadn't come to rescue us? What could have happened? No. I couldn't even imagine.

Tears instantly formed in my eyes because of the thought. I held Hanamiya's hand and squeezed it lightly. And to my utter surprise, he responded by squeezing mine too. I quickly stood up and repositioned myself near his face. "Makoto? Are you awake?"

Slowly, his eyes flickered open. "Nadeshiko," was the first word that escaped his lips before gasping and looking around the room as if in panic. "Nadeshiko?"

"I'm here," I held him down, restricting his movements. "Calm down. I'm just here."

He immediately snapped his head at me, "N-Nadeshiko? How's our baby?"

To calm him down, I gave him a smile. "Our baby is fine, so just calm down." He seemed to relax a bit and stopped wiggling. He cupped the bandage around his head then sighed. "Do you want anything?" He slowly shook his head before he pulled himself up in a sitting position. And that was when his eyes caught sight of Kiyoshi and the rest of the Seiren team. He looked shocked at first, and then turned to me. "They saved us, remember?" I said softly.

He didn't respond and just looked down. His shoulders began to slowly shake. Silence hung in the air until he spoke in a low, sincere tone. "Thank you, Seiren. Honestly, I don't know what to say because I really don't deserve your concern. But I can't stop myself from feeling so indebted to you for saving Nadeshiko and our child inside of her." He paused for a while, raised his vision and showed an expression filled with guilt and remorse. "I'm sorry for everything that I've done."

"Do you really mean that this time?" Kagami Taiga grumbled.

"Kagami-kun." Kuroko Tetsuya threw him an impassive look, although I knew he was secretly telling him to shut his mouth.

Kiyoshi smiled and placed a hand on top of Hanamiya's head. "It's all in the past, Hanamiya. Let's forget about it."

It was obvious how Hanamiya was surprised with what he heard. He glanced at his fellow Uncrowned King. "But.. I can understand if you can't forgive me---"

"D'aho!" We all turned to Hyuga Junpei who looked slightly annoyed. "Kiyoshi is right. We do not live in the past, just keep moving forward on the right path."

It was a very overwhelming piece of advice..

..not until Izuki Shun snorted. "That's actually deep, Hyuga."

The megane Captain popped a vein and sent the ravenette a deadly glare, "Izuki, go die!"

Aida Riko sighed and decided to speak her mind too. "Let's just move on, Hanamiya-kun. And besides, Teppei will go to America for rehabilitation with his injured leg. We don't want to send him off with this type of dramatic moments."

Kiyoshi already told me about that matter days ago when I congratulated them for winning against Rakuzan. Since they won the Winter Cup, he said he'd focus on making his injured leg better. Which was a really great idea. At least he could play the sport he loves without restraints after he comes back from America. I just hoped he'd get better soon.

"Just be a good father to your child, Hanamiya-san." Kuroko Tetsuya added, still in his natural pokerface. For a second there, I wondered if he really meant what he said.

The other males only nodded their heads with a smile. I nudged Hanamiya's arm, signalling him to say something because he seemed to be pretty much dumbfounded. "Makoto?"

He composed himself and partly nodded his head, "Yeah. I will."

"Hanamiya," Kiyoshi held out a hand in front of him with a smile. "Let's play a good game when I come back."

And when Hanamiya shook the brunette's hand, everyone smiled. "Yeah. I'll definitely win next time."

I was happy Hanamiya had made the right decision. Asking for somebody's forgiveness is never easy, it takes a lot of courage. Especially for a prideful man like him who was used to being treated as superior, I never expected him to do exactly just that. Gone was the bad boy who easily tramples other people's dreams, it was replaced with a more matured man who's willing to admit his mistakes and ask for forgiveness.

After about another few minutes, Hanamiya told Seiren to go home since it was very late and the exhaustion was evident on their faces. Besides, my Dad called and said they were on the way. I only sent our new friends out of the room to offer my deepest thanks again and when I came back, the patient was already out of the hospital bed.

"Makoto, what are you doing? Get back on the bed." I put my hands on my hips and gave him a strict look.

He didn't say anything. He just walked closer to me, pulled me to his chest and hugged me tight. So very tight. "I can't breathe.." I managed to say, my voice muffled up by his body. But much to my surprise, he lifted me up the ground and walked towards the bed with me still caged in his steel arms. "O-Oi, Makoto!" He laid me on the bed gently and crawled on top of me. My heart immediately raced, quite nervous and at the same time confused of his actions. When droplets of tears landed on my cheek, I gasped and looked at him straight in the eyes. He was crying. "Makoto.." He hovered over me, buried his head on my chest, and placed a hand on my belly. He was rubbing circles on my stomach as if trying to say something to the life inside of it.

"Please don't ask, just let me do this. You don't know how afraid I was, how afraid I am now." His free hand slid under my back, pulling me even more closer to him---if that was even possible considering our position. He was simply laying on top of me with his face buried on my chest. "I'm so sorry, Nadeshiko."

"It's not your fault, Makoto. You never wanted this to happen."

"It's my fault. Those guys came for me, for something that I've done to them which completely you're not a part of." He nuzzled his face closer, "I can't forgive myself if something ever happens to you and to our child. I'm sorry, Nadeshiko. Because of me you got hurt, because of me we're here, and because of me again our baby was put into danger. I'm so sorry. Because I've done so many shitty mistakes, you've also had to deal with the consequences."

Tears were threatening to fall from my eyes but I held back myself from crying. I wrapped my arms around him. "We're okay, Makoto. And that's all that matters, stop blaming yourself. I love you, and our baby loves you too that's why he/she is holding on." I took a deep breath first before continuing, "I'm so glad because you seem to have matured, Makoto. You just don't know how happy I am right now that you had patch things up with Seiren and Teppei-kun. I know it's not easy for you, but you did. And I'm so proud of you."

His grip tightened, "I want to set things right, Nadeshiko. For you, for our baby, and for our future family. I don't want to lose you again that's why I'm trying to fix my life. I don't know how I'll continue living my goddamn life without you in it."

"I'll always be here. I promise you that, Makoto." I assured him, almost smiling because of happiness. Every single word that came out of his mouth was making my heart melt. "I will never leave you, no matter what."

He pulled himself up then moved closer to my face, he almost impatiently leaned down again and claimed my lips in a gratifying kiss. He was not applying much force in it but the feeling he wanted to convey was getting into me, embracing my heart with happiness, content, security, and love.

"I love you so much, Nadeshiko." He whispered in between his passionate kiss.

"I love you too, Makoto." I replied breathlessly.

SIX MONTHS LATER.

"MAKOTO!!" I roared upon opening the refrigerator and cabinets then seeing that my snacks were gone--again. Step every fucking slow step, I walked towards the living room where he was seated on the couch, reading a book. "Where's my ice cream and chips?"

"I threw them away," he stated nonchalantly.

I gaped and dropped my jaw, eyes nearly popping out of my head. "You did WHAT?!"

I needed those chips, especially the ice cream. I knew I was going to regret the weight gain when I give birth but I didn't care. Those comfort foods were keeping me from going insane. Since I couldn't get out of the house and when I do, I barely move because of my condition, I got cranky and had started to just eat my feelings out. But this thick brows had thrown them away again. And I just couldn't take it anymore.

"Those trash you call chips is bad for the baby and also for you. And the ice cream, so much more." He responded calmly, not even tearing his gaze away from the book. "So I threw them out and told Kazuya to never bring you those junk foods again."

I stomped my way closer and snatched the book away from him, throwing it across the room. "How could you?! You know that I need those JUNK FOODS you threw away without my consent!"

Hanamiya barely flinched then looked over at me with an impassive face. I didn't know how he learned to perfect such an award-winning pokerface. "Babe, you know it's better if you don't eat them."

"DON'T BABE ME, YOU IDIOT! You have no freaking idea what I'm going through at all! I can't believe you! Are you afraid I might get extremely fat and ugly?! Won't you love me anymore if I get fatter because I'm not going to be sexy anymore?!" I shouted, the amount of venom in my words was rapidly increasing. "Dammit, Makoto! I'm hungry and I want to eat ice cream! I'll go to Maji Burger!"

But before I could even move, Hanamiya pulled me down next to him with both of his arms around my stomach's bulge. I struggled against him but even though his grip was gentle, it was also firm.

"You're being childish, Nadeshiko. Listen to me." He scolded, frowning.

"Shut up! You're being overprotective and unreasonable!" I snapped. "Maybe you're just afraid your friends will call me fat and ugly!"

"My cautions are extreme but they're necessary. Ice cream is bad for you because it will only make our baby bigger and you'll surely have a hard time delivering." He chided, sending me stiff for a moment. And then I realized he was rightfully right. "And no, I don't care if you get fatter. You'll still be the sexiest woman in the entire universe for me, Nadeshiko. I promised you, didn't I? I will look at you and only you." He lowered his voice so it seemed melodious and persuasive that lured me into doing what he exactly wanted. But then my stomach growled, he raised his thick brows. "I'll make you a sandwich, sit here and I'll be back in a minute."

I pondered for a minute as guilt consumed me. I was indeed acting so childish. He was just doing his best to take care of me and our baby. All those times he would tell me not to move around doing unnecessary strenuous activities; those times he would take me out on calculated walks around the neighborhood; those nights he would give me a glass of milk and would even read me a book before going to sleep because he knew I've always loved listening to his deep voice; all those times he would throw away my ice cream and junkfoods and even his favorite chocolates just to avoid any difficulties during my delivery. And I didn't even see how much effort he was putting up with me every single time. He was taking care of me in the best way that he could, but my damn insecurities and childishness got the best of me.

I'm so horrible!

All of my pent up emotions exploded and I threw my arms around him and bursted into tears. He slowly wrapped his arms around me and I sobbed loudly into his shoulder, clinging unto him tightly as ever. I felt him pressed a kiss against my head, causing me to wail louder. "I'm sorry for shouting at you, Makoto! I'm so sorry!"

He rubbed circles at my back, comforting me. Then after a few more seconds, he cupped my face. I watched through blurry eyes as he wiped my tears off my face with his thumb then gently kissed my lips. "I understand what you're going through, Nadeshiko. Don't worry, I'm patient enough to deal with you for another month."

Upon seeing his mischievous grin, I puffed my cheeks. "Am I really giving you a hard time?"

He teasingly nodded his head. But when I pinched his side, he laughed and squeezed my nose. "I love taking care of you, Nadeshiko. And I'll never get tired, remember that." Then he got to his knees and slid my shirt up, he placed his hands on both sides of my stomach. I blushed at the contact but smiled when he began talking. "And you too, little baby. I can't wait to see you. I promise, I'll be the best father that I can be for you."

Both of us jumped when our baby kicked. I giggled while Hanamiya started to laugh and pure excitement flashed on his face. "You see that? Our baby responded to me!" He exclaimed with a large smile.

"Yes, I saw it, Makoto. He said he can't wait to play basketball with you."

He raised his brows, "Wait, 'he'?"

"The last time Mom and I went to the doctor, they said we're having a boy." I announced with a sheepish smile. "I thought I'd surprise you."

Hanamiya's smile grew brighter then he laughed, excitement and happiness shining on his handsome face. He pecked my lips once again then planted a soft kiss on my stomach next. "I promise, I'll raise you well, son. We'll have the best father-son relationship in the world."

I chuckled and stroked Hanamiya's soft dark hair gently. The gentle look in his brown eyes and the warm smile spread across his face, I couldn't help myself from smiling too.

He may not be the perfect father there is, baby. But I'm sure he'll be the best father to you. After all, he's the best partner there is in the world for me. And I couldn't ask for more.

BABY DELIVERY TIME.

"Babe, my hand." Hanamiya said weakly.

I tightened my grip, he winced in pain. "Don't babe me, you idiot! It hurts!"

"It hurts too, Nadeshiko." He whimpered.

"If I ever get pregnant again, I'll kill you, Makoto!" I growled then screamed again as I felt the pain in my stomach tearing me up in more ways than one.

"I still want to have a baby girl." He complained weakly, his hand still in my merciless grip.

"Shut up, Makoto!" I snapped, turning to him. "Do you have to push something the size of a football out of your penis? No, then SHUT UP!"

He stayed quiet after that and just looked at me with worried eyes. Then he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on my forehead, "If only I could take the pain instead of you, Nadeshiko. I would. So that I won't have to see you hurting and struggling now." He brought my hand on his lips and kissed it, "But please bear with it for now. I promise you, it's worth it."

I nodded, getting some strength from him. The doctor told me to push and we were almost there. I nodded once again and complied, screaming my head off.

Hanamiya never once let go of my hand. Wait, I got it wrong--I never once let go of his hand. I knew he was hurting and he was just enduring it. But hell, compared to the pain I was dealing, it was damn nothing. And I knew that he knew that, that was why he was trying his best to comfort and encourage and support me in every way that he could. He would even scream with me and panic whenever I would wail in pain. "I'm just here for you, Nadeshiko."

"Relax," the doctor said. "Okay, push." I complied, but it still wasn't enough. "Give me a hard push."

I pushed the hardest I could, also screaming the loudest I could. Then there was a cry. I could see Hanamiya taking a deep breath as if in relief.

"It's a healthy baby boy," the doctor announced, handing the baby over to a nurse.

"You did it, Nadeshiko." Hanamiya sounded so relieved and happy as he planted yet another kiss on my forehead. "I'm so proud of you."

But that was the last thing I heard before the darkness sucked me in and everything went blank..

***

Laughters, giggles, and happy talks immediately penetrated my ears the minute I woke up. I blinked my eyes open and the white ceiling greeted me. I looked around and everyone was there: Hanamiya's family, mine, and our friends. The room was decorated with colorful balloons and flowers, mostly Nadeshiko flowers.

"Nadeshiko's finally conscious." It was my sister who noticed me, she came to me and hugged me tight. "I'm super proud of you."

Hanamiya, who was talking to his parents, immediately rushed to my side. "Hey, babe. How are you?" He brushed away the strands of hair on my forehead then placed a loving kiss there. Happiness was mirrored in his brown eyes as he gazed at my face.

"I'm fine, I guess? It still hurts but I can manage. Where's our son?" I tried pulling myself up, he supported me and made me lean against the headboard.

Mom approached me, carrying my baby. I positioned myself and she placed him gently on my arms. I didn't know why but warmth embraced my heart when I looked at the small baby boy.

It was what you call love at first sight..

Dad looked so happy when he came to me and kissed my head. "I'm so proud of you, Nadeshiko. He's an angel."

While my Mom couldn't seem to stop smiling as she stared at me and my baby, I knew she was really happy because she had always wanted a baby boy.

"Make sure it's a girl next time, Nadeshiko." My sister said, giving me a pout. But then kissed her nephew afterwards, "I don't mind this cute angel being a boy though, he's still so cute."

I grimaced upon remembering the pain and agony I had just gone through. "Jeez, Nee-chan. Make a baby girl yourself. I don't think I'll survive the second time."

They laughed at what I said, then my family left to go shopping for some baby clothes and other baby stuffs. And they knew very well I couldn't stand hospital foods so they thought of buying me something good to eat.

Hanamiya's parents stayed for awhile with us. They talked to us about our wedding, it's preparations and some other things. And after that, they left to take care of some important matters. But Hanamiya had whispered to my ear that they were secretly preparing a nursery in their house. And in fact, Hiro-san was already shopping for baby stuffs. That surprised me, really. I mean, his brother would barely show any emotions.

"He was even shaking when he carried our baby due to his inexperience. It was really funny, Nadeshiko. You should've seen his face," Hanamiya added with a grin.

I chuckled, "Really?"

"Yes. At his age, he should get a girlfriend and settle down. He looked so excited to have a child of his own." Then he laughed, as if remembering a funny memory. "He couldn't even stop smiling while staring at our child."

"Awwe. I bet he was cute." I giggled, "And your sister?"

"Already on a flight. She was so loud over the phone, she said she wanted to play with her nephew as soon as possible."

"Your siblings are so cute, Makoto."

He just made a face then shrugged his shoulders. Then he took his phone out and showed me some series of messages.

--

Hyuga Junpei: Congratulations, Hanamiya. Boy or girl?

Izuki Shun: Congrats to you both. Many more babies to come. Hahaha.

Aida Riko: Is he cute? I want to see! I'll visit you later. :)

Kuroko Tetsuya: I'm happy for you, Hanamiya-san. Please watch out for coach, she likes cute things. She might not let your baby go.

Kagami Taiga: Uh, congrats?

Koganei Shinji: Congratulations, Hanamiya. Mitobe says he's happy for you too. And the rest of the team. :)

Kiyoshi Teppei: Next month, I'll finally be back. Congratulations, Hanamiya. And Nadeshiko-chan too, send my hug and regards. Can't wait to see Hanamiya Jr. :)

--

"Kiyoshi's message ticked me off for some reason. Why would he even hug you?" Hanamiya murmured.

I laughed out loud, making everyone in the room turned to me. Namely Kentaro, Hiroshi, Kojiro, and Hara. They were busy taking pictures of us and the baby, posting every single photograph in every social media. Guess they were also very happy to see their Captain's cute son.

I gently elbowed Hanamiya on his side, "He meant no harm, Makoto. Chill. Did you reply to them?"

"Yeah, I did."

I just smiled and looked at my newborn baby in my arms. Everybody was happy to meet baby Ryuzaki. Yeah, Hanamiya and I had thought that name out over the last few weeks.

"He got my hair and lips," Hanamiya said, poking Ryuzaki's cheek. The baby stirred in response and even opened his mouth for a bit. His father chuckled, "He's so cute."

I giggled and stared at our baby. Hanamiya was right. Ryuzaki got his dark hair and lips. Though the eyes, nose, and brows were mine. His complexion was fair and for a newborn baby he was quite tall and big--a result of my constant eating of sweets and icecream back when I was still pregnant, before Hanamiya banned every piece of sweet in the house.

"Can I hold him, Na-chan?" Hara asked with a smile before kissing my forehead gently. Then whispered, "I'm so happy for you."

"Sure, Hara-chan." I gently and carefully handed him Ryuzaki. I chuckled at how my bestfriend's lips curved a wide smile.

"He's so soft and small, Na-chan. Oh my God!" He giggled, which sounded so gay. "Hello, Baby. I'm your Uncle Hara." He said as if my child could actually hear him.

"Oi. Careful with him, Kazuya." Hanamiya said.

Kojiro, Hiroshi, and Kentaro immediately gathered around Hara. Even though the baby was asleep, they kept on making funny faces as if the small boy could actually see their silly faces. Hanamiya and I just sweatdropped.

"He looked just like his father." Kojiro said, taking a closer look at Ryuzaki in Hara's arms.

"Poor boy." Hiroshi murmured, though it reached our ears.

Hanamiya popped a vein, "I'm going to throw you out of the room, Hiroshi!"

Kentaro hummed, "Except for the brows. He's still lucky."

"You too, Kentaro!" Hanamiya added before sighing in irritation. "Idiots," he mumbled.

"Look at how they act now, Makoto." I said with a laugh, still looking at our friends' silliness. They were too far from how they act inside the court. Once. Before. But not anymore.

"They'll find their happy ever after someday too, Nadeshiko."

I turned to Hanamiya when I heard that, his voice was low and soft. He was staring at his teammates too with a smile. Then he turned to me and our eyes met. "Just like how I found you," he added in a soothing voice. He held the side of my face and pressed his lips to mine, "I love you. I will always love you."

"I love you too, Makoto. So much."

He smiled, "I'm looking forward to forever with you and our little Ryuzaki."

I returned his smile then nodded my head. He wrapped his arms around my back, pulled me closer to him, and kissed the top of my head.

I do too, Makoto. I'm looking forward to spending every day of my life with you.