It was cut and dry what happened after not seeing his father in months. Mai let Kuma cry and let him process everything being the motherly girlfriend she was. Though this was only going to get harder and harder as the days went on. But she prevented the worst thing he could have done. He almost hit his old man causing that nightmare Mai had that night to become a reality. School came around and Kuma knew who he already had to talk to.

Walking into Mrs. Kuroyama's office he sat down. She was surprised that he was there. Thinking that since the agreement had been made and he's been good about keeping his promise he wouldn't have a reason being there. But sure enough, he took a seat as she took a sip of her tea.

"Marik. Good morning. Funny I see you here. Anything I can help you with?"

He nodded. "Well Mrs. K, I want to see if you could call Coach in. I wanted to speak to both of you about my situation. Things have changed." He said sadly as he took a seat.

"Marik what's going on?" She asked.

"I want everyone to hear at once. I won't say it again. I don't have the strength. It took me a long time to get here for this. I'm at my end."

It got quiet and dense. Mrs. Kuroyama dialed the phone. "Yes Coach? It's Kuroyama. I need you in my office." The two of them sat in silence. Only for a moment when the door knocked. "Come in." She replied calmly.

"Boy? What's up?" Asked Coach.

"I am, well, bringing my father to court. I have found a guardian." He took a huge breath. "Coach I'm sorry. But I want to get on the team. I want to hit, run, and field. I miss it all. I'll work things out at my new place. I promise."

Coach looked at Mrs. Kuroyama and then back to Marik. "Kuma I thought one of us did something wrong. Part of a team is family. I don't usually get to an emotional level, but I care. You and the team. Your teammates care too. I need you set and happy before you take practice. Remember that."

Just then I remembered how I didn't cry and spill my guts out in that office space. The fact that Mai couldn't have been there made me more nervous and scared. It feels weird saying this but ever since that first book hug I've loved it. Not that in a pervy matter but the feeling. Hugging her whole being into me. I loved her. Needed Mai well more than she needed me. She was more than just an angel or a girlfriend. I felt that she was my soulmate. And with her father on board I was ready to go to court. To a degree.

~~~~~

In a day your suit dry cleaned with again from the source of Mr. Tanaka you stand next to him as plaintiff. Mai is sitting in a chair next to you as your father with an evil glare stands as the defendant. Many people in attendance of the courtroom. School staff, Mrs. Kuroyama, Coach along with the whole baseball team, and the girls.

The bailiff stood in front of the courtroom. "All rise for Judge Kei Sakura Maeda." A beautiful female judge walks into the room from her chambers and sits down. "You may all be seated. Your honor Tanaka versus Iwakuma."

"Thank you." Smiled Judge Maeda. She read over the case file briefly once again. "So, Mr. Tanaka?"

"Yes your honor."

"We are here today because you want to legally be guardian of Mr. Marik Iwakuma who is at your house. Is that correct?"

"Yes your honor."

"Now Marik. How did this occur? Why is this man claiming guardianship? Did you run away? What transpired? Take me back like when you were at home."

"The stupid kid ran off on his own." Huffed you father.

"Excuse me." Scolded the Judge. "Mr. Iwakuma you are in MY court. You will not speak out of turn. Thank you." Then returned to the boy. "Marik please. I would like to hear from you."

The boy took a breath and looked at his father. "Well," Another breath. "I moved out because he hit me."

"He hit you?" Asked Judge Maeda.

"Many times." He nodded.

"One incident?"

"No."

"How many?"

"I... Don't know."

"I apologize Marik. I know you are a young man and are talking about a serious topic in front of people. Now. Was this since childhood?"

"No your honor. After my mother died of cancer."

She frowned. "My boy sorry for your loss."

"Thank you."

"Now Marik, about your father. After her passing what happened?"

"Lot of drinking and mood swings. Depression and anger."

"Thank you." Swinging her eyes to the defendant. "Now, Mr. Iwakuma you have the floor. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"You are allowed to hit your child to a degree." He replied. That is how he opened up. Couldn't be worse of an opening statement.

"When I hear alcohol, anger, depression, and mood swings I don't think you were disciplining your child. You better clear this up."

"He wanted to stand up to me. If wants to talk to me like a man then he can act like a man. He said he would move out. I didn't think he would make it two days. Sure enough it lasted months."

"Months? Marik how did you do such a thing?" Shocked Judge Maeda.

"Well your honor I worked doing landscaping and hard labor. I worked hard sometimes every day and my whole afternoons after school as well if he had work for me. That being said, I paid rent from a landlord giving me a break and gradually learned to live on my budget. Sometimes skip meals. Sometimes pay rent late."

"And it is to my understanding that you found a place to live. Is that correct?"

"Yes your honor."

"Now why are you with the man next to you? What is his role into this?"

"He is my girlfriend's father."

"I see. Mr. Tanaka please allow yourself to give us your take."

He smiled. "Certainly your honor. I came back from work one day and heard about Marik or Kuma as the kids call him. I know he needed work and I gave it to him. This was before he dated my daughter. He told me about landlord difficulties and after a long discussion I want to claim him so he could live with me. He has his own room and told me he respects the rules of my household."

"Now Mr. Tanaka are there any terms?"

The crowd's facial reactions the last few sentences should have been fun to watch. A troubled boy now living with his girlfriend. Holy smokes. And the crowd is silent. Because it's a courtroom. "I want him playing ball again. He can work for me for spending money and all I ask is keep the place clean, quiet time is after 22:00 hours, and after that time he and my daughter not in the same room. That's it. Simple. He's a good kid."

Judge Maeda nods in surprise. "My daughter wouldn't have boys like that around. Let alone that time at night. But that's just me. I think that is reasonable. Looking on paper Sir you are a doctor. Sorry should I refer you as Dr. Tanaka?"

"Mister is fine your honor."

"Okay. Mister Tanaka I think you have a proper place and set up. I am not social services, but they have approved. Especially since he is below legal age and you have your wife as a stay at home guardian." Then over to his father. "You Mr. Iwakuma have to tell me something. Did you make effort after you figured out he wasn't coming back?"

"I thought he would get evicted or something." He shook his head.

"Did you make a report? Did you form a search? Did you find out any information regarding Marik Iwakuma? The school? I heard he's been studying hard. He's in school and you couldn't contact them?" Judge Maeda was heated.

"Your honor I didn't. Thought he wouldn't show up."

"I have child services approving of the potential new space for him and you have given me nothing in your defense. Do you have anything to say for yourself Sir?"

"Just I'm sorry and need to get it together."

"Can't happen soon enough. You realize you hurt and mentally broke down your only child. That is a fact. Skipping meals? Hard labor? All you give is a nonchalant sorry?" Judge Maeda took a breath. She needed to compose herself. "Mr. Iwakuma he's a teenager that ran away and I believe did very well. You have given me nothing to defend you. You make money. You pay your bills. But after your wife's death you choose to be alone and have him walk out? No phone call? No letters? Not a reach to the obvious school system. You got mailed reports. What happened to them?"

"I do not remember your honor."

This was going to be the biggest change in Kuma's life. It laid in the hands of Judge Maeda. Mai, the girls, the team, Coach, and staff faculty smiled. "Mr. Iwakuma. I have found you to be not capable. You can be in contact with the boy if you choose to do so. Start over. That's between you and your son. I won't force communication. However, I have made my decision. Custody to the plaintiff of the boy Marik Iwakuma." SMACK!

The bailiff went over to the door separating both sides from the crowd. "All rise. This court is on recess. Defendant party first. Please note this isn't a party venue."

He did it. Mr. Tanaka actually did it. With the help of his attorney contacting social services and paying a Judge he got what he needed. Kuma was going to be living at the Tanaka establishment. The boy's father shook his head in guilty defeat as everyone cheered. Kuma was going to try to get back to his old self. He had the tools to do so.

"Sir?" Marik extended his hand.

"Come here boy." He wrapped his new family member in a hug. "Congrats boy. You deserve it."

"Thank you."

"Plaintiff party please." The bailiff smiled at the two of them as they proceeded to exit the court room.

Mai hugged into Kuma's side as she was in delight as her boyfriend lead the happy, celebrating crowd out of the courtroom. It was starting to become like a Hollywood movie moment. With him being the main role. "So Marik Honey can you do me a favor?"

"Anything Mai."

"Talk to all your supporters, give them thanks, and let's go home."

"I love you."

"I love you too. And more Kuma."