Chapter Text
In a dark alleyway, Images of him were splattered everywhere, posters for his next shows.
The lights of the city at the end of the alleyway seemed so far away for his frail body, he couldn't move. His vision blurred, and he felt a wave of fatigue washing out over him..
The last thing he heard before passing out, were small quiet steps that accompanied the ringing in his ear, followed by a question.
"Are you okay, Mister..?"
A child-like voice, Followed by a void.
Was this really how it was going to end? Memories flowed, maybe it was the child's voice who reminded him of his younger self.
These memories were painful, cameras and eyes always watching him. His late mother's insufferable coaching, yelling and sometimes physical violence.
Talking to adults like a good little child star.
Keeping his reputation was a must, only speaking when spoken to, only showing his good side, always be perfect because one small slip up could've ended his career.
He remembered his friend who left the industry to join the army using his incredible hearing to become a sonar man instead of using it to get the perfect pitch while singing.
He was the lucky one, his parents didn't depend on his income to survive, they cared about him more than anything, so when he wanted to stop they didn't think twice about it.
He envied him, and that only made him feel more guilty..was he really going to die with his last thoughts being how much of a shitty life he's had?
He guessed so.
✧˚ ⋆｡˚༄.°
The sounds of a machine beeping through his ears, replacing the old acute ringing, voices in the background.. a familiar voice of a woman and a man that he identified to be both of his managers.
His eyes fluttered, and he looked around. A hospital? How did he end up here? What about his image?
"Gen?? Oh my god you're awake! You made us so worried!"
The blonde woman in a suit said, approaching his bed side, a brunette man with glasses followed shortly behind her.
"Nikki..? What am I doing here?"
He replied his voice weak, he hated it. He tried sitting up but his body wouldn't co-operate.
Nikki stared at him, crossing her arms. She had this look of annoyance and anger mixed with worry.
"That's what I would like to know! Someone found you in an alleyway, unresponsive and passed out!"
The other man frowned at her words before finally speaking up.
"As your managers, part of our job is to make sure nothing happens to you. The rules are the rules."
He said pushing his glasses.
Gen could only look the other way..it felt odd. Nikki and Kinro seemed to care deeply about him.
Why? He wasn't sure.
His previous manager didn't seem that much interested in his wellbeing, an asshole who only cared about money, forcing him to write shitty books without any real studies behind them just because the public would like it.
He got fired after some drama of him allegedly assaulting an other celebrity.
Nikki and Kinro joined the team shortly after that, and they always made sure that their star was in good health.
He was grateful for the both of them.
"I don't remember."
He said, that was a lie. He was at a bar, he stopped drinking alcohol 2 years ago after an incident.
Someone must've spiked his drink when he wasn't looking, he felt a weird feeling wash over him and rushed outside when he ended up in an alleyway and passed out.
A loud sigh coming from Nikki interrupted his train of thoughts
"If you're worried about the media, no one saw you thankfully and the doctors are legally obligated to keep your informations a secret."
She reassured, knowing he might be worried about this aspect more than his own health. He had a show scheduled in a few days, but after speaking to the doctor, they have to reschedule for his own well being.
"Sorry to interrupt miss Hanada and mister Kagami. But could we speak to you privately?"
The doctor said, they hadn't noticed him walking in, Kinro made his way out following the doctor, Nikki hesitated a little, looking back at Gen before joining the group.
Gen simply stared at the ceiling, for a while. Thinking about the recent events he froze.
Someone must've found him in that alleyway if he ended up here.
He remembered hearing a child's voice, what if she had told her parents about this? And that how he ended up here. It would be terrible.
Before he began to panic, the sound of the door opening caught his attention.
Nikki and Kinro walking back into the room, accompanied by someone.
He looked at them and it was a small girl, she looked no older than 7 years old. She hid herself behind Nikki.
"Gen, this little girl, is the one who saved you. Her name is Suika"
He looked at her, she had big brown eyes and short blonde hair, she looked scared and worried.
"Well, nice to meet you, my dear Suika, thank you for saving me!"
He exclaimed, putting on his act of the charming mentalist he had perfected over the years.
The little one looked at him, still hiding behind Nikki.
"No need to thank me..I just wanted to be helpful.."
She replied in a quiet almost muffled voice.
"Well you did a great job!!"
He replied in a singsong. Her eyes lit up and she smiled at him.
Kinro then escorted her out so Nikki could have a private chat with Gen.
"Do her parents want money to keep their mouths shut about the situation? If so you can just tell them to put their price and I'll give them said amount."
He said without missing a beat. Nikki knew how much his career meant to him, but he was doing too much.
He was in the hospital for god sake and this was his first thought?
"Well." She sighed "speaking of that. We have a bit of a problem.."
"They don't want money? I could give them exposure or give them tickets for my next shows or—"
"No Gen. This little girl doesn't have parents."
Her words cut deep. This revelation was devastating, he felt sorry for her.
"She has no birth certificate or records. it's like she never existed."
Nikki said firmly.
"She's truly an admirable little one, the police will be called and they'll find her a home within the foster care system"
Hearing those words...Something clicked within Gen "foster care system" a system known to be ruthless and harmful to most children who grow up within it.
She was still young, had no parents and no records, yet she still saved his life. She could've taken money from him while he was passed out but she didn't.
"No."
This single word caught Nikki off guard.
"What do you mean "no"?"
"No as in i can't let her suffer in the foster care system. I owe her."
He didn't know what he was saying, it's like he was out of control of his own body, but it somehow felt right.
"Then what do you suggest?"
She asked.
"I'll adopt her."
His words took Nikki back. She stood there in shock.
Gen thought to himself "what am I doing?? And why does this feel like the right thing to do??"
"You what—? Pardon? Gen are you sure about this?"
She asked still surprised. She took a look at Gen's face, for once he didn't hide behind his mask. His eyes spoke of a certain determination.
"This isn't a decision you can take impulsively, you'll have to take care of her, give her a proper education and spend time with her while also juggling with your job. So I will ask again."
She said firmly. Gen's look on his face not flattering a bit.
"Are you sure you want to adopt this little girl?"
"Yes."
She sighed deeply, pinching her temple.
"Fine then."
"What, eallyray?!"
He was surprised that she actually gave in so easily.
He still couldn't process his entire train of thoughts for adopting the little girl, but something inside of him felt warm. He somehow felt happy, like he finally had a purpose.
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Gen had to stay a week at the hospital, upon the doctors and Nikki's demands.
The show man had a habit of overworking himself, and the doctors found that out really quickly.
While in hospice, the little girl stayed by his side. She was so full of life, she would draw next to him, laugh at his jokes.
"Mister Gen..?"
She asked. Gen looked at her, she was sitting in his hospital bed, colouring on the table. While he was on his phone, scrolling through the latest drama.
"Mhm? What is it my dear Suika?"
He replied. Setting his phone aside to look at her. When they found her they discovered she had poor eye sight, so Gen had convinced the doctors to examine her and give her temporary glasses. They looked way too big for her little face, it was kind of cute.
"Is it true that you're going to adopt me..?"
Suika said quietly, she looked uncertain, but also as if she was longing..
The magician simply gave her a smile.
"Why, well of course. You saved my life, the least i can do is make yours easier to live."
As he spoke, the little girl's face lit up. But tears started to stream down her face, she grabbed the blanket, her small hands turning into fists as she sobbed.
"Hey, shh.. it's okay. No need to cry!"
He reassured, putting his hand on her back and caressing it with so much gentleness and care.
She tried whipping her tears away without much success. Suddenly, she felt arms wrapping around her.
Holding her close, as if she was the most precious thing in the world. Gen wasn't too sure about what he was doing. It was impulsive, so unlike him, someone who calculated his every move. He was almost surprised at himself.
Maybe a part of him wished that someone had treated him like this when he was a child. When he would cry people would either ignore him or scream at him to be quiet. So he had learned to hide everything behind quiet smiles and silly charms.
Maybe he could give this little one, the childhood he never was able to have. One away from the cameras, one away from constantly trying to satisfy an audience of eyes watching your every move. He had the possibility of giving her a good life and he was going to take it.
✧˚ ⋆｡˚༄.°
After weeks of juggling work and paperwork while making sure no one he had spoken with about Suika leaked her informations or the fact that he was adopting her. She finally moved in with him.
He had spent weeks preparing the guests bedroom in his house, making it more child friendly.
buying clothes for her and books for school.
Nikki and kinro also helped with everything, making sure no one aside of a selection of people knew about this.
"Welcome to your new home, Suika."
He said opening the door. She looked around amazed. She felt like crying again but resisted the urge.
"I'm going to stay here forever?"
She asked, hopeful. Holding his hand as if it was her life line.
"For as much time as you want. If it's forever, then so be it!"
He cheered, patting her on the head gently. Suika looked at him, as if asking for permission to enter the house. Gen nodded, and so she walked in. He watched her as she asked questions about his stuff, looking around.
He closed the door behind them, of course.
Eventually, she walked upstairs, leading to her bedroom, there were 4 doors.
She opened the door at the beginning of the hallway only to discover a bathroom.
The second door was what she guessed was guest room.
The third door, had a sign with her name on it. She opened it guessing it was her room.
She guessed right. The room had a large bed, a window seat, that had some pillows and a blanket.
There was also a desk filled, with pictures of her favourite cartoons on the pin board that was attached to the wall. The drawers were filled with brand new books, pencils and notebooks.
She was absolutely mesmerised.
"I hope you like it"
A voice came from the hallway, standing at the door was Gen, looking at her.
She smiled brightly, running up to him and giving him a tight hug. He hugged her back.
"I love it! Thank you so much papa!!"
He froze at the nickname. But a warm feeling settled in his chest. She looked so happy, she didn't seem to have noticed that she called him "papa" yet. Gen didn't point it out.
After a while, she wanted to visit the last room of the house. But suddenly Gen stood in front of the door.
"This room is off limits, it's my room. If I'm in there and you want to talk to me, just knock on it. That's the only rule here, 'Kay?"
He said. Suika noded. She was determined to be a good daughter.
✧˚ ⋆｡˚༄.°
After a few weeks they finally adjusted to eachother's routine. It was the holidays, so school was still something new gen would have to deal with later on. For now, he started to get to know his daughter. He took some days off, saying he was ill so he could spend time with her. He had decided to not tell her about his job, to make it easier for her to have a normal childhood.
When she would ask, he would simply deflect or avoid the question. Hoping that suika wouldn't be suspicious of him.
"are you ready to go, my dear Suika?"
He asked, Gen was wearing a Suit with a purple tie. He had told Suika that they were going to see some of his old friends.
Obviously this was a lie.
He was going to work.
He couldn't leave Suika here, alone.
She was just 7 years old! And he couldn't have a babysitter since he was famous, they might try to doxx him or worse.
"I'm ready Papa!!"
She said twirling around with her dress, it was dark blue with white Ruffles, black shoes, her big glasses with a red bow in her hair. She looked adorable. Gen had bought her a watermelon backpack upon her demand. Suika wore it everywhere.
"look at you all fancy, my darling!"
He smiled as she walked towards him.
"Thank you papa!"
She jumped up and down happily.
He opened the door, giving a dramatic bow which made here giggle.
A car waited for them outside, they both climbed in.
"Hello Gen, Suika"
Nikki, said. He used to have a designated driver, but with the arrival of Suika, since he planned on keeping her existence a secret, only a selected number of people were aware of his now daughter.
Having too many people in the confidence would only defy the purpose.
"Hello aunty Nikki!!"
The little one said joyfuly.
Gen gave Suika a set of noise cancelling headphones. He put it on for her, and let her pick her own music.
This way they could discuss important matters without giving away the fact that he was famous to her.
"Gen, you have an add scheduled today, an interview and a small training, this day will be kinda long so make sure to take breaks. The little one can just stay in the lounge, there will be an other kid there anyway."
"Thank you, my dear Nikki~! Doing so much for little ol' me!"
He teased, it amused her but she managed to keep her cool.
"It's my job. Also do you want me to get you anything?"
She asked, looking at him though the rearview mirror.
"I ay-may need a box of black dye."
He said twirling the longer strand of hair between his finger. Nikki slightly frowned. She didn't like the fact that Gen had to dye his hair to fit into the Japanese beauty standards, not only that but he dyed it so it would fit the image of perfection he was so determined to keep. She understood that it was important, but that didn't mean she liked it.
She gave a sigh
"Fine I guess. I'll ask Ginro to go buy you some later."
✧˚ ⋆｡˚༄.°
As the studio came into view shot, Gen got a mask out of his coat and put it on along with a cap. Suika looked at him in slight confusion as she took off her headphones. But her father only smiled and whispered something.
"I'm a super hero, i need to hide my identity from the big bad guys, okay? So don't call me "papa" in front of people, they could be anywhere!"
He said, his voice not flattering slightly. She could only nod and believe him.
Suika wanted to be helpful so she would do anything to keep this a secret!
Once the car was parked, 2 men and a woman waited for them near the studio. They got out of the park and walked towards them.
Suika looked at one of the men, he had long dark hair and a gaze that would scare lions.
"Is he the big bad papa was talking about?!" She thought hiding behind Nikki.
The manager was slightly caught off guard by the little one's suddent action but just brushed it off as her being shy.
"Hello, Mr Asagiri."
The woman said, she looked very pretty Suika thought, she had dark locks and a teal hair piece.
"Ah, my dear Kirisame! It's been a long time. No need for such formalities.."
"Well, si— I mean Gen. It sure has been a while."
"I thought you served our dear Amaryllis!"
"Well, I still do. And this is why I'm here, she's waiting for you inside."
Kirisame seemed like the pretty straightforward kind, Suika decided to take a mental note of that. As they passed the body guards, she still looked afraid of the man.
"Tsukasa, could you escort the little one to the lounge?"
Nikki said. The muscular man nodded, before turning to Suika
"Follow me."
He ordered, Suika looked slightly surprised, his tone wasn't scary at all, in fact his voice was quite calm and gentle. Maybe he isn't the villain her father was talking about.
She walked behind him, looking back at her father who was walking away and getting swarmed by a group of people.
They finally reached a door that read "lounge" the man opened the door for her.
As soon as he opened the door a little girl, about her age maybe a year older rushed towards the tall man to hug him
"TSUKASA!!"
she exclaimed jumping into his arms. He looked at her fondly, and patted her head, brushing hair off of her face with such gentleness and care. It surprised the little watermelon girl.
"Mirai, I've brought you company."
He said looking at the girl besides him. Mirai steped away looking at her
"Nice to meet you! I'm Mirai!"
She held out her hand for Suika to shake, which she hesitantly took it.
"Nice to meet you, Mirai! I'm Suika!"
"Suika? Like the fruit? That's a funny name, I like it!"
"Thank you, I picked it!"
Mirai looked confused at that statement, questions forming into her head before Tsukasa interrupted.
"I have to get back to work. You girls stay here and behave, if you need anything just call someone by ringing the small bell, alright?"
He said much to Mirai's disappointment.
"Whaaat?? You're leaving already??"
She pouted crossing her arms and turning her back to him.
"I need to get back to work, Mirai. When I'm done with my shift I'll buy you a nice treat before going home, alright?"
That seemed to catch her attention.
"Could we get tayakis?"
"We'll get as many as you want."
"Yay! Thank you Tsukasa!! You're the best big brother ever!"
He hugged her one more time before closing the door and going back to his job, leaving the two girls alone.
"So Suika! Why are you here? Are you a star?"
Mirai asked as she sat down on the couch. Suika looked confused.
"A star?"
She echoed as she set her bag down and sat next to Mirai.
"Yes! Like mr. Asagiri!!"
"Eh?"
Suika was surprised "papa is a star?" She thought.
"YOU DON'T KNOW MR ASAGIRI?"
She asked like she was baffled about this information. She picked up the tablet that was set on the table nearby, typed something in it and handed it to Suika.
It was a video of one of Gen's shows. In it he performed multiple tricks while the audience watched in awe. His show had multiple parts: An interview with a new guest, a game show with said guest and a performance of his tricks.
Suika watched as the realisation dawned on her. She watched the video in amazement, "papa is so cool!!" She thought to herself. The watermelon child still couldn't quite understand why her father had lied to her about it. But if he did lie he must've had a good reason that she couldn't grasp yet. She was determined to find out.
"He's so cool, see?"
Mirai said interrupting Suika's thoughts.
"He is!! I like his card tricks!"
She replied. Both of the girls had started talking about him and his shows. Mirai was showing her favourite moments and episodes while Suika watched interested in her father's job.
"Ah, you still haven't told me why you ended up here!"
Mirai remembered. Which sent Suika in a slight panic..her father had told her to not tell anyone that they were related in some way so she had to come up with a lie and quick.
"I—I came here with aunty Nikki!"
She said. It seemed believable enough, and Mirai didn't seem to question it.
"That's so cool! Your aunty is Gen Asagiri's manager!! Weird how you haven't heard of him until now..but it's okay!"
She brushed it off.
"How about you, Mirai?"
Suika asked.
"Tsukasa is my big brother! And he's Mr. Asagiri's body guard, today he had to watch over me so he took me to work! It's like that every Saturday and Sunday!!"
She replied with enthusiasm. It made sense Suika thought.
✧˚ ⋆｡˚༄.°
They talked more, getting to know eachother throughout the day. Until Tsukasa finished his shift and came to pick up Mirai.
"Well it was nice getting to know you,Suika! I hope we can see eachother again!!"
Mirai said putting on her jacket. It was the middle of winter, so it was quite cold outside especially at night.
"School will be starting again soon! But I'll be here every weekend!!"
She continued as she walked towards Tsukasa who waited at the door for her.
"School?" Suika thought as they left. Such a foreign concept. Before being adopted, her home life wasn't exactly stable.
She can't even remember her parent's face, that's how much they were out of the house. they left her home alone for a few days, initially. Then those days turned into weeks..she kept waiting. They had left money and food for her but that didn't suffice. Until, she heard from a neighbour that they had moved. That's when she understood that they abandoned her. Maybe she wasn't useful enough to them.
That night she had enough of the house and ran away. That's when she saw Gen, laying on the ground, helplessly.
She walked towards him and asked if he was okay. He didn't reply. So she did the next best thing, took his phone and called for help.
And that's how she ended up here. Truly fate had a weird way around things..her life had turned upside down in an instant, she didn't complain about it though. She wouldn't have it any better.
A sound coming from the door caught her attention.
It was Gen. He closed the door as he walked in and she rushed towards him, hugging his legs as he gave her a gentle pat.
"Well, seems like someone's excited to have me back~"
He teased. Suika looked up at him with a bright smile that he could swear had melted his heart.
"So, how was your stay here at the lounge?"
He asked as he picked her up and sat down, and let her sit on his laps. They had to wait for Nikki to finish a few things before being able to go home.
"It was nice! Mirai showed Suika a lot of cool things!!"
She replied excited. Barely able to contain herself as she talked fondly about her new friend.
Gen listened intently to his daughter, even contributing to the conversation. Suika left out the part where she had learned his job, she didn't want him to worry.
At some point she paused, looking at her caretaker with a serious but hesitant expression.
"Papa, Mirai gets to go to school..Do i get to do that too?"
She clutched her fist as she held on him tightly. She wanted to do things like other kids, so this included school, school that she missed out on because her parents couldn't care enough to enroll her in one.
The magician sat there looking at the little one. It did give him flashbacks of him begging his mother to let him go to school so he wouldn't have to train. She would simply yell at him or slap him to shut him up. He stopped asking about it pretty quickly.
If school is what Suika wants, then she shall get it. It might cause a little trouble with his identity but he figured it would be worth it.
School starts in April, he had a long time to prepare and come up with a plan to not get recognised.
"If it's what you want, then, i see no objection in letting it happen."
Her face light up like the sun at this information. She hugged him tightly, thanking him over and over again.
He looked at her, really looked at her.
He never thought one day he'd be a parent, but he's glad he made the decision of adopting such a lovely little girl like Suika.
The way she spoke and giggled could light up a room, and most importantly it gave him a purpose. An objective: giving her the best childhood possible.