You Deserve it All

Chapter 14

MIDORIYA'S POV

"I'm sorry," Richard said, glancing between me, Kacchan, and Daizen. "I was completely out of line yesterday, and I promise, I have no issues with your parenting style or your competence as a parent," he said to Kacchan. I wanted to call bullshit, but he sounds sincere, and even after everything I've been through, I still want to see the best in people. "When I heard all of that, I snapped a bit." He then turned his attention to Daizen. "Not because of the things you had done and your struggles, but because we wanted to be there through all of it."

"Neither of us came here hoping you would show us the same love, trust, and respect you show your dads. We knew it wasn't going to happen overnight, and we understand. The reason we get upset is because those were chances that all of us should have had," Hannah added.

"We know that everything happens for a reason and that if it hadn't played out the way that it did, everything would be so different. But we can't help but think about the missed opportunities. You asked me the first time we met if I'd known about you if it would have nailed the coffin shut between Hannah and me. I don't think so. I stopped seeing your mother before she started showing, and honestly, probably before she knew. I was already back with Hannah, and no matter what, I wouldn't have left Hannah. I didn't know Rachel was married, and I refused to be with someone like that because I knew she would just do it again. I would have stayed with Hannah, and you could have had so much more."

I see where they're coming from, but it wouldn't have played out like that. Once Kacchan found out Rachel had cheated, he might have divorced her. Daizen wouldn't have him if things played out like Richard had said.

"I'm sorry for my behavior. I promise I meant no harm, and I thank you all for giving us the opportunity to get to know Daizen." He then turned to Daizen and continued. "You have a fantastic life here. You have siblings who love you and two dads who love you even more. You have a boyfriend, a good head on your shoulders, and great ambitions. You're going to do great things with your future. That's easy to see. I'm probably going to mess up again because this is new territory, and it's harder than I anticipated it would be." He nodded to Hannah, who reached for her oversized purse and pulled out a thick envelope. "These are the forms terminating my parental rights and surrendering you to your dads. I've already signed it, and they're notarized. You still need Rachels's signature."

"We'll have better luck in court," Daizen groaned.

"Which is why I don't think you should turn those in just yet," Richard said, glancing between Kacchan and me. "If, on the off chance, they terminate her parental rights and don't give you two custody, he'll end up in the foster system. Or if they don't terminate her parental rights, they could decide not to give you any."

"Oh, fuck, please don't let that happen," Daizen groaned, dropping his head on the table. "What are we going to do if that happens?"

"Well, if you don't turn in the papers, it will turn into a battle between Rachel and me. I would fight for you and probably win. At that point, you would still do what you told us you wanted to do. I would let you do the student exchange and put yourself here until we could get your custody turned over to them. I don't want to take you away from your family or replace them. I know I will never be your father. I understand that." He reached beside him and grabbed Hannah's hand. "But we do want to be a part of your life."

When Daizen didn't say anything, Hannah added, "We'll mess up again, I'm sure. But it's a big adjustment, and we will try our best."

"Dad!" The twins yelled in unison as they ran down the stairs. "We're ready."

Kacchan turned to me. "If you get overwhelmed at all or change your mind, call me. I'll get there as quickly as I can."

"I'll be okay," I told him. I don't know if I will be, but I'll try to be. I don't want to miss the kids' lives because I'm too scared to go outside and see people. I've been pushing myself more and more every day, but today's a tad bigger than taking Evan to a doctor's appointment. "I love you," I told him.