Now for the FINALE!. A great Big Thank You to vegibee, haruchan-san, syuumitsu, DearestSaya (You can now tell me what that request is, yeah?, kazu-chan,fujiyuki, Vhii1217, I Love Fuji, shinjuku041, lemon-and-chai, Tora-shin, Kurayami-9, akira, Reianneliese, Bacchi, mcangel1976, and everyone else from the previous chapters for your continuous support and sticking around to the end!

THE CHOICE YOU MADE - CHAPTER 10

Dinner passed with Ryoma chirping constantly with Tezuka while the rest of the adults engaged in a conversation of their own.

"Tomorrow is my..." Ryoma put up 5 fingers. "5th birthday! Uncle Yuuta bought a yummy cake for Ryoma, so Mister has to stay. It's really good!"

Although talking to Ryoma was one of the best things in the world, it wasn't easy, especially when there were limits to what he could say to the boy because of their situation. Of course, he wanted to stay for Ryoma's birthday, but he was only invited for dinner. He didn't want to overstay and trespass despite the fact that Fuji included him in their family.

It was all he could hope for, but until Fuji reveal who he was to the boy, he wouldn't say anything to compromise with what he already had. And he had no intention of losing it.

Seeing Tezuka was having trouble replying to Ryoma, Fuji piqued in at the most convenient time. "Of course Tezuka-san will stay for your birthday, but first, you must finish your food. It's getting cold and all I see you're doing is talking."

Ryoma pouted a little, looking sullen, as he had a lot to tell Tezuka and he couldn't wait. However, he had to listen to his daddy because daddy was always right. He picked up the utensils and started eating. Dinner wasn't made by his daddy, so he wasn't overly enthusiastic about it. If his aunt and grandma knew what he was thinking, he was going to be in trouble, so he diligently finished dinner without a word.

After dinner, Fuji pulled Tezuka into his bedroom. Naturally, Ryoma tagged along.

"What are we doing in here daddy?" Ryoma's eyes were bright in the dimly lit room

Fuji walked around the both of the and went to the drawer. "I have a little gift for Tezuka-san. It's Christmas and we haven't given him anything, ne?"

Ryoma's eyes went round. "Oh no! No present?" He ran to tug Fuji's leg. "We have to go shopping!"

The comical panic of his son made him laugh. "There's no need for that. I have something here that you can give him."

"But if I give it to Mister, then what are you giving Mister?"

Fuji smiled gently and sat down on the bed, removing the plastic. "It can be from the both of us. You picked it out and I paid for it."

"Oh." His mouth went round in understanding. "Daddy's so smart."

Fuji laughed and looked up to beckon Tezuka over to sit with them on the bed. Ryoma took the small object wrapped in paper bag. His eyes were confused, thinking over what he had picked out. "But what did I pick out daddy?"

"Well," said Fuji. "Why don't you let Tezuka-san unwrap it and you can see for yourself?"

Ryoma giggled and handed the item over, eyes expectant. "Open it Mister!"

And Tezuka did, slowly. Unfolding each flap had his heart pounding strangely as he had no idea what could be in there. It was the first gift he received from the dad and son after all. At the last fold, a stunned gasp left his lips and he blinked down at the object now in his hand. He bit his lips, a flood of warmth spread into his heart like a contagious disease. He looked into Fuji's eyes and broke out a small smile.

"OOh! Mister has one too!" Ryoma exclaimed took the object and held up to Tezuka's face. "It looks like you." He ran his fingers over the wooden figurine and read out the carved name. "Ku-ni-mit-su. Kunimitsu." He giggled. "It sounds like Tiramisu! Is that your name Mister?"

Tezuka nodded and put an arm around Ryoma. His other hand went up to touch the figurine. "It's beautiful. You're great at choosing."

Ryoma laughed and leaned his elbow onto Tezuka's lap, half laying on the bed. "Daddy said the same thing."

"Now, why don't you go outside and ask uncle Yuuta to help you put it on our Christmas tree while Tezuka-san changes into something more comfortable?" Fuji suggested, which Ryoma obediently nodded, running outside.

Now that they were alone, Tezuka didn't know what to say. He was touched at the other's thought. "I didn't think you would consider me as..."

Fuji reached over to take hold of Tezuka's hand. "You are part of the family now. Even though Yuuta, my aunt, and my uncle don't favor your presence right now, they will in time. Just give them a little time to adjust. And Ryoma..."

Tezuka looked from their joined hands to Fuji's face.

"I'll tell him tomorrow."

Without consciously knowing, 2 drops of tears fell down to their hands. Tezuka didn't realize he cried. Instead of saying anything, he scooted closer and enveloped Fuji into a hug, placing kisses on the other's head. Fuji's acceptance meant the world to him.

"Thank you...for everything."

Fuji patted Tezuka's back comfortingly then pushed apart. "Let me get you something to wear. I'll be right back."

So, Tezuka sat waiting, deep in thoughts about all the things that transpired between him and Fuji. It was everything he hoped and wished for, and it came true.

"It's Yuuta's. I hope you don't mind."

Tezuka took the sweat pants and T-shift. "I was hoping he doesn't mind."

Fuji shook his head. "Don't mind him. He's just being stubborn and child-like. Come out once you're done. I'll be outside."

All night, they sat together in the living room talking and playing games. Although feeling awkward about coming into Fuji's family so haphazardly, Fuji sitting by him was a big comfort. No matter what others say or ridicule him, he'd take it all as long as he was always by this person.

He slept on the floor in their bedroom as Fuji said he'd be more comfortable than sleeping on the couch and in the same room as Yuuta. Before closing his eyes, a sudden kiss on his face surprised him.

Ryoma grinned cheekily at him. "Daddy says goodnight kisses help to sleep better."

Tezuka smiled, arms flung out to bring the boy to his chest. "That's very thoughtful of you. Thank you." Before releasing the boy, he placed a kiss on his head. "Goodnight."

"Come." Fuji beckoned the boy back to the bed. With a last smile, he turned off the lamp.

Morning came, Tezuka rose early, but Fuji was earlier. Fuji came back in the room wearing an apron as he sat up.

"Good Morning. Did you sleep well?"

Tezuka fixed his hair and put on his glasses. "Good Morning. I did. Did you?"

Fuji nodded. "I'm going to wake Ryoma up and you both can get ready together."

The morning carried on with each person waking up one by one while Fuji was once again in the kitchen making breakfast. When they all sat down around the table, everyone had already greeted Ryoma with birthday hugs, kisses, and wishes.

"When can I open presents daddy?"

"After breakfast."

"Cake too?"

"Yes, cake too."

It was one of the many times that the adults thought how adorable Ryoma was for almost always asking permission from Fuji, even if it was something as something as simple as wearing a certain T-shirt. Everyone knew much he adored his daddy.

After everyone was done eating, Tezuka brought his, Fuji's, and Ryoma's dishes to the sink, offering to help Yumiko clean up. They hadn't talked much, even in the past, but he had always found comfort in her presence.

"Thank you."

Yumiko gave Tezuka a side glance. "For what Tezuka-kun?"

"Everything. I'm also sorry about the things I've done."

She paused in soaping the dishes and turned directly to Tezuka, who was just right next to her. "There's nothing you need to apologize for, at least not to me." She smiled and turned back to cleaning the dishes. "To be honest with you, those years were indeed hard on Syusuke, but having Ryoma with him was everything he could ever wished for. That boy was a blessing, and believe it or not, you were the one who made it possible. So if there's anything I'm thankful for, that is you helping him giving life to Ryoma. It is just like you both are meant for each other. It may not seem like it in the beginning, but look where you are now with the choice you made."

She paused a while to let Tezuka think over her words before continuing. "Fate has its way with everything and I can say that you both belong to each other, so do me a favor... cherish him, love him, and make him happy. That's all I'm asking for."

With great determination, he nodded. "I won't disappoint you."

His words lifted a heavy load off her shoulders, believing what she heard and believing him.

Once they finished, everyone gathered in the living room with the cake already lit. They sung the birthday song. Ryoma blew out all 5 candles in one breath. Then it was present time.

Ryoma was elated. Every year around this time, he got to open presents 2 days in a row. The first one was from Yuuta, a blue and white cap. The second was from his grandparents, a pair of snow boots. The third was Yumiko's, a soccer ball. The fourth was Fuji's, an album.

Ryoma didn't know what it was at first. Turning a few pages, all he saw were blank plastic pages. "Daddy? There's nothing."

Fuji pulled him close and took out a pack of photos they took every year, serving as Ryoma's milestone and their happy times together. "It's called a photo album, my dear. These are clear plastic pockets for you to put pictures inside them. And in the front..." The cover was painted over with a blackboard paint, allowing chalks to be used on for decoration. "You can draw and write anything you like with chalks."

"Ohh." Ryoma looked up and smiled. "I'm going to draw me and daddy at the beach!"

Fuji nodded. "That's a great idea. You can put the pictures in later because there is one more present from Tezuka-san."

His eyes perked up and he turned to Tezuka.

"Happy Birthday Ryoma."

Ryoma took it with a toothy grin, but not before giving Tezuka a hug and a thank you.

His mouth widened upon opening it. It was a moving robot that all the boys in his class wanted. "Wow." The word left his mouth slowly in a whisper, eyes twinkled with amazement. "This is so cool!" He finally squealed and ripped the box open.

"Look uncle Yuuta!" He brought the toy over to where Yuuta was sitting and made his uncle put it all together so he could play with it.

"That's one of the things they have in common." Fuji provided. "That's all they talk about. Toys and more toys if not, then food or cartoons."

"I'm glad he likes it."

No one noticed Tezuka's left arm wounded around Fuji's back and hand rested on Fuji's hip.

After cake was eaten and presents put away, the family left the house for walk. Yumiko and Yuuta accompanied their uncle and aunt to the town square where all the neighbors gathered for a festive post-Christmas celebration.

Ryoma had another plan. He wanted to see the ducks in the pond by their house, so they promised to catch up to the rest at the town square later. He even brought bread crumbs with him. In his new snow boots, he ran across the snow-covered park.

"Ryoma! Don't run."

The boy slow down to a walk, but haste remained in his steps. "Faster daddy! Duckies are hungry!"

Fuji chuckled and threw Tezuka a glance. "Come on." They fast walked to the railing surrounding the pond.

"Daddy, pick me up!" Ryoma beckoned the moment his daddy neared, momentarily forgot that Fuji couldn't with a broken arm. Instead, he was hoisted up by Tezuka. The sudden strong and fast lift made him yelp in surprise.

"Better?"

Ryoma giggled and held onto Tezuka's head as he sat on Tezuka's shoulder. "It's so high!"

Fuji got out a ziploc filled with bread crumbs from his pocket, poured some on his hands, and held them up for Ryoma to take.

Fist full of bread crumbs, Ryoma threw as hard as he could to the middle of the pond. Ducks slowly gathered in front of them, eating what was thrown to them.

Once the ziploc was empty, Tezuka let the boy down and they started to walk out from the park with Fuji holding Ryoma's hand on one side and Tezuka flanking the other side.

Afternoon came, the family was on their way home after lunch eating out. Nanjirou and Rinko went to their room to rest, while Yumiko and Yuuta headed out again to meet up with friends, leaving the three of them in their bedroom.

"Did you have fun today?" Fuji asked as he helped Ryoma out of his clothes and put on a comfy set of pajama, getting him ready for a nap.

Ryoma nodded with a bright smile. "Lots of fun."

"That's good." Fuji fell into silent, thinking that now would be a good time. He exchanged an understanding look with Tezuka.

"Ryoma."

"Yes daddy?" The oblivious boy answered obediently.

Fuji's hand nervously tensed at the hem of Ryoma's shirt.

"Tezuka-san has been staying and playing with us these past few days..." He trailed off, looking at a blank expression that of his son's. "What do you think about him?"

It wasn't a difficult question to answer. "He's a lot of fun and I got to eat lots of good food!" He turned his head slightly to give Tezuka a smile.

"Do you like him?"

Ryoma nodded.

"How much?"

Ryoma bit his lips in thought before spreading out his arms widely. "This much!"

Fuji smiled. "A lot hm?...Then, how would you like it if Tezuka-san stays forever?'

The boy blinked in confusion.

Fuji cleared his throat and steeled his voice to cover his nervousness. "How would you like it if Tezuka-san is your father?

"Father?" Ryoma drawled the word out slowly, trying out the sound and thinking how foreign it was to his ears.

Fuji nodded. "Yes...I've kept a secret from you ever since you were born, and I no longer want it to be a secret."

"What secret daddy?" Apprehension was in his tone.

Fuji turned the puzzled boy around to face Tezuka, who then knelt down on the floor to be at Ryoma's eye level. "Tezuka-san...is your real father, and you are his son." Fuji pushed him forward to stand closer to Tezuka.

Ryoma froze, face pale. What did his daddy just say? Mister was his real father? And he was his son? So all these times... Many thoughts flew through his head like a flock of birds in the autumn sky. His large round eyes quivered and seconds later, he burst into tears and cried (literally bloody murder as if it was a nightmare that his daddy was no longer his daddy, but Mister was), causing Tezuka's mind to go into a panic.

Ryoma swiftly turned around and ran into Fuji's chest, hugging his daddy tightly while sobbing hard. "I don't want another a father! I only want you daddy! Please don't leave Ryoma. I'll be good, no more bad. Please don't give me away!"

Fuji was taken back. He thought I'm giving him away to Tezuka? He couldn't help but let a laugh racking through his body. The sudden emotion caused Ryoma to stop his loud crying and look at Fuji in distress. His hiccups made him look too cute. Fuji smeared the tears away from his son's cheeks, which had reddened. "You silly boy." Fuji began. "Whoever said I'm giving you away?"

Ryoma blinked and sniffed the still running tears, not at all comprehending. "But you said Mister is father and teacher said a father is like a daddy. If Mister is Ryoma's real daddy, then daddy is not real. I don't want a father. You're my only daddy." He explained in a soft voice.

Fuji gave him a playful frown. "Of course I'm your real daddy. Didn't I tell you that you came out of the scar on my belly?"

Ryoma nodded, the pouty lips just made his upset and distress face much cuter.

"Well, you know how your friends have 2 parents?" Fuji started explaining.

He nodded again.

"For a baby to come into the world, there must be two people to help create it. I'm one of the two people, and Tezuka-san is the other one." Fuji paused to let his son absorb the information.

"Oh." Ryoma emitted. "So, you're still my daddy?" Uncertainty reflected in his misted eyes.

Fuji smiled and nodded. "I will always be your daddy and will never give you away to anyone."

That brought a small smile onto Ryoma's tear-stained face. He sniffed. "And Mister?"

"He's your other parent." Fuji turned Ryoma back around to face Tezuka. The boy suddenly became shy under Tezuka's stare, conscious that he actually had another parental figure like the children at school. "He's your father, who helped giving birth to you. From now on, he will be a part of our family."

"Just like the dolls on the tree?" Ryoma mumbled.

"Hai." Fuji nodded. "Go on. Won't you say hi to your father?"

Ryoma was reluctant, hands held fast onto Fuji's and wouldn't move. He scooted into Fuji's body. His cheeks were painted a warm red hue from shyness.

"Shall I come with you?"

Ryoma nodded silently. His bashfulness took over his usual self.

Fuji pushed and pulled the boy forward until they were one foot away with Ryoma throwing shy glances at Tezuka.

"Hello Ryoma." Tezuka began. He wanted to re-introduced himself as a father, the moment he had been waiting for.

Ryoma threw furtive looks at Tezuka's eyes when his hand was taken into Tezuka's much bigger one.

"I am your father."

Fuji nudged the boy gently. "Aren't you going to greet him back?"

Ryoma pouted and turned his head to look at Fuji. He whispered with eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. "Daddy, what do I call Mister?"

Fuji laughed gently. "You can try father."

Ryoma looked back with a small smile on his lips. "Hi...father." It sounded strange and foreign at first, but he liked the sound of it the second time around. After a moment of silence, he gave a squealed and launched into Tezuka's chest. "Father? You're my father right?" When Tezuka grunted, he laughed joyously. "I have a father and a daddy now!"

An hour later, Yumiko and Yuuta came back. As soon as they opened the door, Ryoma was running towards them with a big smile on his face. "Aunt Yumiko! Uncle Yuuta!"

Both raised their eyebrows, wondering what got the boy so happy.

"I have a father now. And daddy at the same time!"

The adults looked down, Yumiko with a smile and Yuuta with a scowl. "Really?" asked Yumiko with a hand caressing the boy's hair.

He nodded vigorously. "It's Mister. I had no idea. He plays with us all this time and I didn't know!"

Yumiko kneeled down to pinch his cheeks. "You look very happy."

"I am! Because Ryoma has a handsome father and a beautiful daddy! Aren't I lucky, Aunt Yumiko?"

Yumiko nodded. "Hai." Her eyes drifted from the boy's face to the two emerging parents of the boy. They look great together, she thought.

Ryoma ran back to them and asked for a lift with raised arms up at Tezuka.

The family, standing together with bliss surrounding them was an image that she had longed to see. It reminded her of their deceased parents when she was the only child. She could only hope that from now on, they would live happily ever after, just like the fairy tales'.

She trusted Tezuka's words and her tarot cards.

They were looking towards a better year ahead. Love. Happiness. Belonging. Fuji's heart had found its home, and so did Tezuka's.

THE END

Let's just say Minami ended up in a lockdown mental institution.

****As some have expressed a desire to read a sequel/post-story drabble, I was wondering if anyone had anything in mind and is up to compose a short

story and link it to this story instead of me writing it. LOL I'm all out of ideas right now. Just thought it would be fun to read your thoughts and imagination as

you read this story.