kiyopapa x mamasuzune

telling saya

The soft hum of the park's surroundings set the perfect backdrop as Suzune, Kiyotaka, and Saya walked along a quiet path. The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, and the warmth of the afternoon sun bathed everything in a peaceful golden light. It was a rare day, one where Kiyotaka had cleared his schedule and they could all spend time together.

Saya, always quiet and reserved, held onto Kiyotaka's hand as they walked. Suzune walked on the other side of her, glancing down occasionally at the small girl with brown hair and golden eyes that mirrored Kiyotaka's. Today felt special—there was something different in the air, something unspoken but deeply meaningful.

After a few moments, they found a small bench by the playground and sat down. Saya climbed into Kiyotaka's lap, curling into him like she always did when she felt comfortable. Suzune, feeling a warmth in her chest, looked over at the two of them, her mind swimming with emotions she had never thought she'd experience.

Taking a deep breath, Suzune turned toward Saya, her heart beating just a little faster. She had been thinking about this for a while now, and today felt like the right time to say it.

"Saya," Suzune began softly, her voice gentle, "there's something I've been wanting to tell you."

Saya tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes blinking up at Suzune with curiosity. She didn't say anything, but her gaze showed she was listening carefully, just like she always did.

Suzune smiled softly, leaning in a little closer to the small girl. "I want you to know that I'm going to be your mom from now on."

Saya's eyes widened slightly at the words, her lips parting in surprise. Suzune reached out, her hand gently resting on Saya's tiny shoulder as she continued, "I know I'm not the person who brought you into this world, but I want to be the one who's always there for you. No matter what happens, Saya, I promise that I'll always love you and be by your side. I'll be your mom, and I'll never leave you."

Saya sat still for a moment, processing Suzune's words. Her small hands gripped the fabric of Kiyotaka's shirt as her gaze shifted between the two adults. Slowly, her lower lip trembled, and tears welled up in her golden eyes.

"Suzune..." Saya's voice was barely above a whisper, choked with emotion. "Do you really mean that?"

Suzune's heart swelled with emotion as she reached out to gently wipe away a tear that had slipped down Saya's cheek. "I do. I mean it with all my heart."

That was all it took. Saya's tears flowed freely now, but they were not tears of sadness. They were tears of pure, overwhelming joy. With a soft sob, she lunged forward, wrapping her tiny arms around Suzune's waist in a tight hug.

"Thank you... thank you so much..." Saya whispered, her face buried in Suzune's lap as she cried happy tears. "I... I never thought I'd have a mom."

Kiyotaka gently rubbed Saya's back, his calm expression softening as he watched the scene unfold. Suzune's heart ached as she held Saya close, her hand stroking the girl's brown hair. "You do now," Suzune whispered back, her voice thick with emotion. "You'll always have me. Always."

After a few moments, Saya pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed and her eyes red from crying, but her smile was brighter than Suzune had ever seen it.

Without hesitation, Saya threw her arms around both Suzune and Kiyotaka, hugging them tightly as she let out a soft, relieved sob. "I'm so happy," she murmured through her tears. "I'm so, so happy."

Suzune and Kiyotaka exchanged a look over Saya's head, and for the first time, Suzune felt like this was exactly where she was meant to be. A family. Not the one she had imagined for herself growing up, but one that felt more real and more precious than she could have ever hoped for.

After a few long minutes, Saya finally pulled away, wiping her tear-streaked face with the back of her hand. "I'm sorry for crying so much," she said with a soft, embarrassed smile. "I'm just... so happy."

"You never need to apologize for that," Suzune said with a reassuring smile. "I'm happy too."

Saya nodded, her expression growing a little more serious. She took a deep breath, as if gathering the courage to speak, and then, in a small, quiet voice, she said, "There's something I need to tell you... about where I came from."

Both Kiyotaka and Suzune listened intently as Saya continued, her voice calm but tinged with a hint of sadness. "When we were in the lab... the place where we were made, I mean... they told us about how we were created." Saya paused, her eyes flicking down to her lap. "They used the DNA of 127 different women to make us."

Suzune's heart tightened at Saya's words, and she could feel Kiyotaka's body stiffen slightly beside her.

"And because of that," Saya continued, her voice quiet and thoughtful, "we're only 0.39% related to each of them. I thought... because of that, I would never have a real mom." Saya's gaze lifted, her golden eyes shimmering with emotion as she looked at Suzune. "But now I do. You're my mom, and... I'm so happy. So happy that you're the one who's going to be there for me."

Suzune felt tears prick at her own eyes as she listened to Saya's words. She couldn't imagine the loneliness and confusion Saya must have felt growing up in such an environment, believing that she would never have a true family. But now, Suzune knew it was her responsibility—and her privilege—to fill that role for Saya.

Suzune reached out and gently cupped Saya's face in her hands, her thumbs brushing away the remnants of tears. "You're right," she said softly. "I may not have been there when you were born, and we might not share the same blood. But none of that matters. What matters is that I love you, and I will always love you, Saya."

Saya's eyes filled with fresh tears, but this time she smiled brightly through them. Without a word, she leaned forward and hugged Suzune again, this time with a warmth and security that Suzune had never experienced before.

Kiyotaka, who had been silently watching, gently placed a hand on Saya's back, offering his own quiet support. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes about the strength of their new family bond.

For the rest of the afternoon, they stayed together in that park, enjoying the warmth of each other's company. Saya, for the first time in her young life, felt truly at peace. She had found her place, her family, and most importantly, she had found love—something she thought she would never experience.

As they walked back home, Saya held both Suzune's and Kiyotaka's hands, her heart full and her spirit light. She didn't need to think about the lab or the cold, sterile environment she had come from anymore. All that mattered now was the present, and the people who loved her.

And as they stepped through the door of their apartment, Saya smiled to herself. This was her family now, and she would treasure it with all her heart.