Chapter Text
One look at Fukuzawa and Mori you think they hardly get along, let alone be married.
The two seemed like such foils of each other but it’s what made them work. One thing they had in common was being dedicated to their work but in the early years of their marriage the two spent way too much time working they missed their window for what both longed for.
Raising a family.
They could still do it, both men just in their mid-thirties but sacrifices had to be made. Mori stepped back from a full workload at the hospital and Fukuzawa only doing a salary work week at the detective agency.
Adoption was the way they wanted to start their family but when looking more into it both had seen how many children were being missed in foster care. Especially a lot of children dubbed ‘troubled cases.’
Ultimately the two decided to foster two boys and that began them being the go-to foster parents for the troubled ones.
Quickly their large home filled up with more children over the years, as of right now they had five kids all different ages. Their first two were still with them, fithteen year olds Dazai and Kunikida.
Even if the two weren’t blood related, they bickered like true brothers.
“Dazai! Hurry up or we’re going to be late!” Kunikida ripped the blanket off Dazai who was still sleeping.
“Five more minutes.” Dazai grumbled out, pulling the pillow over his head.
“I gave you five more minutes and if I give you anymore, we’re going to be late!” Kunikida grabbed a pillow that fell on the floor and tossed it at Dazai hard.
“Ow ow ow! Alright I’m getting up.” Dazai gave in, rising from bed to give an overdramatic yawn and stretch.
Kunikida rolled his eyes and left the room heading downstairs where the rest of the family was.
Fukuzawa and Mori enjoying coffee together while everyone else ate their breakfast, just something quick this morning. Toast with eggs, tomato and lettuce, that the rest of the foster children eagerly dove into.
Kunikida took a seat and began eating his breakfast, his younger foster brother Ranpo reaching a hand sneakily to take his extra slice of toast done up.
“Ranpo, that’s your brother’s. If you want more, I can make you another.” Fukuzawa lightly scolded him from trying to steal, the boy had an endless appetite.
Ranpo puffed out his cheeks in a pout but nodded for more food, Miyazawa exclaimed he wanted another too.
“Is Dazai coming down to join us?” Mori asked Kunikida while holding a still sleepy Yumeno.
“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Dazai hurried into the kitchen, taking his seat and swiping his food before Ranpo devoured it. “Nice try twerp.”
Ranpo just stuck his tongue at his older foster brother but got happy when Fukuzawa placed another plate of breakfast in front of him.
Once everyone ate it was time to head to school, Kunikida making sure everyone had all their school supplies, lunches and anything else of importance. He had slight OCD and was obsessed with making sure everything was in order. He found an outlet to better manage this by writing everything down in a notebook Mori gave him.
With the older kids heading to the bus stop Fukuzawa cleaned up the dishes while Mori got Yumeno ready for daycare.
The little two year old fussed a bit but calmed when Mori gave him his favorite doll. The toy scared even adults with it’s creepy design but Yumeno loved it and never wanted to part from it. With him ready for daycare Mori smiled and took his hand.
“We’re ready to go, see you at dinner.”
“Daddy! Carry me!” Yumeno whined, not wanting to walk anymore. Mori gave in and scooped the little one up.
“See you later.” Fukuzawa gave Mori a side hug while ruffling Yumeno’s hair, getting a giggle from the little one.
Mori dropped Yumeno off at the hospital daycare, waving goodbye to him and trying not to laugh while some of the other kids ran away crying seeing his doll.
Perks of being chief of surgery was the child in his care can bring his creepy doll no matter how much other parents complain. The one time he uses his position to make sure his kids are happy.
Today wasn’t that big of a workload even with him cutting back on his surgery time. Only allowing himself big ones that catch his interest but he did a few easy ones just so he wouldn’t get rusty.
It was in the middle of the day when he got a call, the distinct ringtone he assigned catching his attention. He immediately took the call. “This is Mori.”
“We have two cases I think you and your husband will want to take. That is if you’re interested.” The foster care agent that founded all of Mori and Fukuzawa’s kids called. Natsume is always on the lookout for cases of children in dire need knowing the two will try to help no matter what. But he was aware their nest was getting quite full. The two had told him they most likely couldn’t take any more in until Dazai and Kunikita turn eighteen and head to university, but these cases were dire ones.
“Can you send the files to me? I’ll look them over.”
Mori hung up the phone when Natsume agreed, it was a few minutes later his email ding that a new one arrived. Mori clicked on it and three reports popped up along with a photo of the children.
Just reading the first sentence on each of them Mori knew he was already attached.
Curse you Natsume.
Mori grabbed his phone and called Fukuzawa who picked it up right away. “Is everything ok?”
“Why always a worry wart? Everything is fine, just wanted to tell you Natsume found two cases and….”
“Ōgai… you know we can’t take them all in and we already have more than enough.” Fukuzawa sighed.
“I know I know, but if you just read their cases, you see why these three kids need us.”
A long sigh could be heard from the other side of the phone. “Alright, send me the files and I’ll have a look.”
When Fukuzawa read them, he got instantly attached too.
When both men got off work and returned home, they kept the conversation on hold to care for the rest of the kids. After dinner, helping with homework, chores, nightly duties and bedtime tuck in both sat down at the low tea table. Fresh tea brewed for the two of them as they had the physical files of the three children in front of them, Natsume dropped them off for the two.
It was two separate cases, one had siblings involved but both had child abuse and neglect in them.
Atsushi, a five year old who was found to have been abused by the headmaster at the orphanage he was in.
Ryunosuke and Gin, six year old brother and three year old sister found wandering the streets obviously abandoned.
All taken into the first foster home that could take them but then the problems started. Atsushi refused to eat at first and cried constantly from hunger while Ryunosuke attacked anyone who came close to his sister, even using a knife cutting the foster mom who took him in. All three children were deemed unfit for homelife and that’s when Mori and Fukuzawa were called.
“Obviously the siblings are a package deal, we can turn one of the offices into a room for them.” Mori suggested, all the kids share a room except Yumeno who was in the nursery. Dazai and Kunikida shared a room along with Ranpo and Miyazawa.
“We can, what about the other one? He’s too old for the nursery unless we can put the girl in there and have the two boys share.”
“That is if her brother will allow it, he’s fiercely protective.”
The two went around in circles asking and answering questions about whether to take these kids in. Ultimately it meant three more mouths to feed and three more kids that needed attention and love. And given what all of them have been through they’ll need more than the others. Which still needed to be even, so none felt abandoned or rejected.
Fukuzawa let out a sigh, rubbing at his eyes from how late both stayed up discussing this. “You want me to take on the siblings or the single boy?”
Mori smiled, seeing that Fukuzawa was finally convinced. “I’ll take on the siblings.”
It was a busy week leading up to the meeting with the new kids.
Breaking the news to the others went well, both men worried how the older ones would react, but Dazai and Kunikida were ready to lend a hand to the new additions. Well, Kunikida showed more interest in it, the couple saw how much Kunikida shined as an older brother and mentor. Dazai had always been laid back when it came to his younger foster brothers, it was evident Dazi bonded and related more to Kunikida since they were the same age.
Fukuzawa and Mori drove to the CPS building, when entering both were greeted by Natsume.
“I’m glad you’re taking them in.” Shaking each men’s hand before leading them to the area where the kids were.
The kids were in playrooms designed for foster parents and adoptive parents to come and meet the kids. Through the one-way mirror both finally got a look at the kids in person.
Atsushi was quietly sitting on the couch, clutching a stuffed white tiger tight. While Ryunosuke was holding his little sister Gin.
“Alright, here goes nothing.”
Fukuzawa opened the door, Atsushi looked up to see who entered. His eyes wide with fear at seeing the new man. Fukuzawa carefully closed the door and gently walked into the room. He didn’t sit on the couch next to the boy, instead he picked up another toy, a cat plush toy.
“Do you like cats? I love cats, we have two at home. Mochii and Boba, Ranpo, one of my boys, named them after some of his favorite snacks.”
Atsushi stayed quiet but Fukuzawa could tell he was listening and seemed interested. “Tigers are like cats, just bigger. Mochii is a white cat, too bad she doesn’t have stripes then she would have been a mini tiger.”
The little boy’s eyes sparkled a bit, seeming more and more interested. Fukuzawa took a seat on the couch, placing the toy in his lap while he pulled out his phone. Scrolling through his pictures he found one of Mochii, she was loafed on top of Dazai’s chest while he was napping. He showed the picture to Atsushi whose eyes brightened up.
“That’s another one of my boys, his name is Dazai.”
“Why does he have bandages on his arms? Did he get hurt?” Atsushi finally spoke up.
“Ah, well he wears those because he did get hurt but he’s ok now.” This wasn’t the time to bring up Dazai’s self-harm he had trouble with in the past. Especially to a traumatized five year old.
Fukuzawa showed Atsushi more photos, the man was always proud to talk about his boys. After a bit he decided to finally ask the little one.
“Atsushi, would you want to come live with me and my boys?”
The little silver-haired boy’s eyes lit up but then it went out. “But I’m nothing but a no for good, nobody wants me.” He held the plush tighter and the older man could see tears starting to bud in his eyes.
“Hey, you’re none of that and I want you, my husband and I are eager to take you in, we want you.”
Atsushi looked up at Fukuzawa, he stared at the man’s face trying to see if he was lying. Atsushi squinted hard to try and tell, but it seemed he was telling the truth and really wanted him. Atsushi couldn’t help but start to cry and nodded.
“P-Please t-take m-me, I don’t w-want to go back there.”
“Trust me, you’re never going back to that orphanage or other home. Can I hold you?” Fukuzawa opened his arms, wanting Atsushi to come on his own.
The little boy nodded and scooted into the other’s arms, Fukuzawa embraced him and now could feel just how skinny he was from not eating. Lifting him up into his arms, making sure he had his tiger secured.
“You’re going to come home with me, along with another little boy and girl. We need to wait for my husband to talk with them so we’re going to leave this room and just fill out paperwork. Ok?”
Wanting to explain everything to him so Atsushi knew what was happening and would not get scared. The little boy nodded, and Fukuzawa left the room.
Back in the room where Mori was dealing with the two siblings it hadn’t gone well at first. Ryunosuke yelled at Mori to go away but the man didn’t listen.
Mori sat on the couch, letting the siblings move away from him further but he could tell Gin seemed interested in him. Her eyes brightened up seeing him and he gave her a small smile. Ryunosuke narrowed his eyes more at Mori, the doctor will have to go about this delicately.
“I’m not here to harm you or separate you two, it was wrong for those people to try and do it.” Trying to go the route of validating the young one’s rash actions. “You’re doing a good job at protecting your sister.”
It didn’t seem to work as Ryunosuke just kept up his scowl.
Gin squirmed in her brother’s arms, obviously wanting to be let go but he kept up the tight grip. Gin started to cry since she was being denied what she wanted, and the grip probably was too tight.
“Ryunosuke, you need to let go of Gin, she’s uncomfortable, you might be hurting her.”
Ryunosuke let go of Gin who stopped being fussy, she slide off the couch and toddled right over to Mori. Her brother powerless to stop her in fear Mori might hurt her but Mori stayed still. Mori let Gin hold onto his knee and look around, her tiny hands clutching to his knee before one then pointed at him.
“Dadee?”
Mori couldn’t help the smile, when children were this age, they were just so darling.
“Do you want me to be?” Humoring the little three year old as she got easily distracted and walked over to some of the toys instead to play with, her attention span incredibly small but that was expected for her age.
“Ryunosuke, my husband and I would like to take you and your sister home. We won’t separate you, I promise you that.”
The thing about these situations was that the child willingly must want this, many of the times CPS just put these types of cases in a home and be done with it, not asking what the child wants. If Ryunosuke does not want this, then Mori will then try and get the boy and his sister set up somewhere else where he wants to go.
Mori got the silent treatment for thirty minutes from the boy.
Mori sat on the couch the whole time just watching Gin play with some toys. Finally Ryunosuke spoke up. “Ok.”
A small sigh as Mori stood up, he held out his hand for Ryunosuke to take, the young boy got off the couch and took it. Mori walked over to Gin and kneeled, though before he scooped her up Mori asked Ryunosuke if he could pick her up, when Mori got permission, he gently grabbed Gin.
Walking out of the room to the sight of Fukuzawa holding Atsushi, the young boy sleeping on his shoulder.
Looks like they were taking everyone home.
There was going to be a lot of paperwork to fill out later but for now it was important to get the children to their home and settled in. Thankfully there was no trouble putting the young ones in the car seats and the drive home was quiet.
It did hit the two men that now they have three new children during the drive.
When arriving home Mori was surprised to see Dazai was the one who came out to help.
“Kunikidia keeping the youngester entertained in the backyard until everyone is settled. He’s better as keeping them all distracted than me. What do you need help with dads?”
Mori still was reeling from seeing Dazai be active for once, but Fukuzawa put him to work, gently dropping a sleeping Atsushi and Ryunosuke into his arms. Dazai let out a small grunt holding the two boys, gently hefting them but to get a better grip and that just made both wrap their arms around his neck.
The sight melted Mori’s heart who quickly took a picture on his phone before Dazai could protest.
Mori held the door open for Dazai and Fukuazawa holding Gin, taking the new additions to the family to their new room. For now they decided to have all three stay in one room until the older kids moved out. It was important Gin have her own room when she starts getting bigger, being their first and only girl.
Dazai laid the two boys down on the bed but when he tried pulling away both tightened their grip on his neck. Making an overexaggerated choking sound since he wanted to be free from the little gremlins.
“Stop being dramatic Dazai.” Fukuzawa laid Gin down on her own bed. She roused awake and looked around taking in the new place. When her eyes locked on Mori, she reached her arms out to him.
“Dadee.”
Seemed she’s imprinted on Mori, the doctor went over scooping her up. “Let’s get you all cleaned up and in some fresh clothes.” Stepping out of the room and heading to one of the upstairs bathrooms.
“I’m going to get started on dinner.” Fukuzawa announced as he left the room.
“Hey wait! Dad! Help me!” Dazai’s cries for help went unanswered as he was left with two young kids clinging to him. Huffing loudly as he tried prying their arms off, but it wasn’t working. Giving up Dazai just scooted the two to the sides so he could lay between them face down on the small bed, now he had the two snuggling up to him on each side.
Dazai took this as a win since he didn’t have to help around and doze a bit.
Though good things always had to come to an end when he heard quiet squabbling.
Pushing himself up, feeling two sets of little arms slip off his person. Rubbing at his eyes, next thing Dazai knew those little arms were wrapping around his torso.
“Ok this is a little more quality time then I wanted.” This was Dazai’s first time any of the foster kids decided to attach themselves to him. Usually they cling to his dads or better yet Kunikida but not these two it seems and Dazai hasn’t really even talked to them.
“He’s my big brother.” The one with white hair, Atsushi he remembered from the file, spoke up first.
“No, he’s my big brother.” Ryunosuke declared squeezing Dazai tighter.
“That’s not fair, you already have a sister, I never had a sibling.”
“Ok ok, let’s not get hasty about this. Like it or not I’m your big brother to the both of you and there is another. You don’t have to fight over me.”
This was new territory for Dazai, not that he was a horrible big brother. He entertained his younger siblings when they wanted to chat or play with him but due to his past upbringing and stink in the mental ward Dazai was very apprehensive about being super hands on with the younger kids his dads brought over.
Dazai always believed if he got too attached, too hands on he ruin these kids who already been through a lot so he stayed back.
Now with two having dubbed him the one they imprinted on it was a lot and Dazai could feel himself get overwhelmed.
Thankfully his dad was there to rescue him.
“Boys it’s time for dinner and to meet everyone else. Let’s go downstairs.” Mori standing in the doorway, Gin holding his pant leg, she was all happy after her bath and in new clothes.
The two didn’t want to leave Dazai but at the same time both didn’t want to upset their new foster parent so obeyed. Ryunosuke took Gin’s hand and Mori ushered them to go downstairs and find Fukuzawa.
Now alone in the small room with just his father Dazai took a deep breath, one hand fiddling with the ends of the bandages wrapped around his arms. Mori closed the distance and gently took Dazai’s hand to stop him from eventually scratching at his arms.
“You ok?”
“Yeah, fine.”
Mori gently placed a hand on Dazai’s shoulder. “You want me to bring you dinner later?”
Dazai nodded as he stood up and headed towards his room. Mori let it be, making note to see if Dazai would like to maybe talk to his therapist soon.
Heading back downstairs to the living dining room where everyone was welcoming the newest additions.
Of course, all the boys were excited about having a little sister, Gin just already getting so much attention. Ryunosuke seemed pleased by this that his sister was accepted. Atsushi noticed Mori and looked around, probably looking for Dazai. Standing next to Atsushi’s chair he leaned down to whisper to the young boy.
“Dazai went to bed early.”
That seemed to be enough to soothe the young boy as he went back to eating. Mori was glad to see Atsushi was eating since that was a problem when in the last house.
Dinner was a very vocal affair, everyone bombarding the new kids with questions though Mori and Fukuzawa got them all to gently back off for a bit. When dinner was over Ranpo pulled Ryunosuke and Atsushi into a game of detective.
While cleaning up after dinner Fukuzawa asked about Dazai.
“Atsushi and Ryunosuke imprinted on him and it’s a lot for him to take in.” Mori took the bento that had dinner in it. Heading upstairs to leave it with Dazai.
Opening up Dazai’s bedroom door, finding the teen on his bed on his side of the room staring at the wall. Luckily it seemed he hadn’t started scratching at his scars. Leaving the bento on the side table Mori was about to leave Dazai be when the teen spoke up.
“I’ll ruin them.”
Mori’s heart ached, as a father he loved all his children equally but there was a more special bond between him and Dazai. The young teen was one of their firsts and Dazai always felt bad he put them through a lot the first year he stayed with his dads. Mori sat down on the edge of the bed, gently he ran fingers through Dazai’s unruly locks of hair.
“You won’t ruin them.”
Dazai had his moments of being a good brother, Mori found he was an excellent brother, but he can understand why Dazai thought this way about himself.
Dazai rolled onto his back, staring at the ceiling. “I just don’t want to make things worse for them, I read their files, they’ve been through so much as such a young age.”
While Mori should scold Dazai for reading confidential files he knew he kept in his office this wasn’t the time. “The best we can do for them be a familiar safe place. I can intervene and have the boys back off.”
It could be steps backwards in their healing process, but this needed to be done now before the boys get too attached to Dazai.
“I don’t know.” Dazai sighed loudly, rolling back onto his side but was facing Mori.
“Just let me know ok,” Mori leaned down to press a kiss to Dazai’s head, Dazai hated when he got affections from his dads but only out in public, in private the teen flourished from it. “Eat some of your food ok.”
“I will dad.”
One last ruffle to his hair before Mori got up and left the room.
Heading back downstairs, passing by Kunikida taking a tired Yumeno to bed.
“Watch over your brother Doppo.”
“Always father.”
Smiling Mori patted Kunikida’s shoulder as he kept walking up the stairs.
Mori was happy to see the new kids were adapting well. Everyone was sitting in front of the tv watching cartoons, a typical before bedtime ritual in the house. Fukuzawa seated on the couch observing everyone. Mori took a seat next to him, pulling his legs up onto the couch and leaning into his husband’s side. Fukuzawa’s hand threading through Mori’s hair, usually like this Fukuzawa doted on Mori, presses a kiss to the top of Mori’s head.
When some of the kids were falling asleep in front of the tv it was time to put them all to bed.
With Kunikida’s help they brought all the younger kids to bed.
Mori was tucking in all the news ones into bed, giving Gin a little kiss on her forehead.
When Mori was about to tuck in Atsushi the little one spoke up. “Is Dazai going to be ok?”
“Yeah, will Dazai be alright?” Ryunosuke piped up as well.
“Dazai is ok, he just was a little tired.” Mori sat on the edge of Atsushi’s bed. “He was really busy with school.”
“Why does Dazai look so sad?” Atsushi said surprising Mori, seemed the little boy was more perceptive than most.
“Dazai been through a lot just like you two, everyone here has gone through so much. Which is why we want this home to be a safe place for everyone. You all will be ok here, including Dazai.”
That seemed to soothe both boys, they settled down for sleep. Mori turned on the nightlight before the main light.
Shutting the door behind him, Mori did the last goodnights with Fukuzawa before the two made it to their room.
“I think this was a good first day. Gin is adapting well, the boys are too though I don’t know if it will be a problem for Dazai.” Mori was changing into his sleep wear while Fukuzawa washed his face.
“Agreed, we’ll have to see how these first few days go. What about school?”
“Let’s gauge them at home for a bit before enrolling them.” Mori got into bed, reclining on the pillows as he grabbed his book and reading glasses.
Fukuzawa got into bed shortly laying down. “Though one thing for certain, no more kids after this.”
“Never say never my dear.”