As Ken looked at his rival peacefully sleeping in the waiting area, Ken didn't know what to think. Having only shared a few words between them, Ken certainly didn't know the guy well enough for him to be present at the hospital right now.
"Oh, the guy wanted to speak to you after the game… He must have really wanted to tell you something important if he waited for over 6 hours for you." Jake told Ken after seeing him staring at Ryan.
The guy was still in his uniform, much like Ken and some of the others.
Ken considered leaving the guy and leading his family to the room, but something stopped him. Perhaps the guy truly had something important to say.
He took a deep breath and walked forward, nudging the sleeping guy.
Ryan flinched and opened his eyes, staring right at Ken.
"Ken? What are you doing here?" He asked, half asleep.
Ken blinked a few times, "I think the better question is, why are you waiting for me in the waiting room of the hospital?"
Only now did Ryan seem to remember where he was. He looked left and right, feeling everyone's gaze upon him in that moment.
His face reddened briefly before he cleared his throat. "Right, I came here to say… You played well." He stated, nodding. "But the next time we play… I won't lose."
His words were met with silence as everyone stared at him, creating an awkward atmosphere.
'Huh? He waited 6 hours to tell me that?' Ken thought in complete disbelief.
"Hahahahahaha!" Ken felt his whole body convulse as uncontrollable laughter assaulted him. Perhaps it was because he was exhausted, but the scene was just far too ridiculous for him to handle.
Seeing that Ken was laughing, Ryan began to feel irritated. He had waited this whole time to be a good sport and shake the man's hand, but it seemed he was going to be ridiculed by his rival.
He felt bitter, the taste manifesting in his mouth. Just as he was about to suck up his pride and leave, Ken's laughter finished.
"Sorry, I haven't slept at all." Ken said with a grin. He walked over and thrust out his hand, "I really enjoyed this series, it could have gone either way. Let's have an even better battle next time."
Ryan's eyes widened as he saw Ken's outstretched hand. This, paired with the toothy grin on Ken's face made him realize that the guy wasn't ridiculing him at all, he was completely sincere.
The realization caused all of the bitterness to subside, replaced by a warm feeling that welled up inside.
He grasped the hand firmly and smiled, "It's a deal…"
The two shook hands for a few moments before Ryan retracted his own. The awkward atmosphere seemed to return and it seemed like Ryan was looking for a way to leave.
"What's your number? Let's catch up if you're ever in Detroit again." Ken said, trying to ease the awkwardness of his whole team and family watching on.
Ryan's eyes lit up, "Sure…"
The two exchanged numbers and Ryan looked pleased. He said his goodbyes and congratulated Ken on the victory as well as the birth of his two children before leaving the room.
Once he'd gone, the room descended into murmurs.
"Damn that was awkward…"
"He stayed 6 hours to say that? That kid must have nothing else to do."
"Well the season is over now, I'm sure he has plenty of free time. I can't wait to get back home and shower…"
Hearing the words of his teammates, Ken laughed. "Alright, let me get these guys in first, then you bastards can go check on my two angels."
Ken led his family into the room where Ai had fallen asleep. Natsuki and Kenji were in their bassinets, sleeping soundly just like their mother.
Seeing that everyone was sleeping, Ken made a hushing gesture and let everyone into the room. His eyes scanned his family members, ensuring they got the message.
Tetsu's expression changed swiftly, tears streaming down his face as he looked at his two grandchildren. He had never seen the man cry, which happened to be a blessing, because the guy was an ugly crier.
"Oh my goodness… They're so beautiful." Yuki said, also tearing up.
Not missing a beat, she grabbed little Natsuki and swooped her up into her arms. She was like a seasoned veteran, not even rousing the newborn baby with her touch. Miho was nearby, her heart melting from the sight.
Naomi did the same with Kenji, her eyes welling up with tears. She brought Kenji over to Tetsu who had snot and tears all over his face.
Ken felt two heavy hands on either one of his shoulders, his father on the left and his brother on the right. They both looked at him and nodded.
"You did well son…"
"Nice work Ken…"
Ken blinked a few times, "I didn't even really do anything. Ai is the one who carried them to term and gave birth, you should be praising her." He said with a chuckle.
However, Chris shook his head.
"I'm so proud of you boy… Now you're officially a man in my book." He said with a toothy grin.
"Wait… So I'm not a man because I haven't given you a grandchild?" Daichi queried, his brow raised.
Chris shrugged, "Gotta keep the Takagi bloodline going to be considered a real man."
Daichi frowned, clearly impacted by the revelation.
Seeing this, Ken couldn't help but give out a carefree laugh. This was one of the happiest moments of his life.
He'd just won the World Series alongside his brother, and his two children were born just hours afterwards. With his family now here, he couldn't ask for anything more.
He was content.
Ken let out a yawn, feeling the fatigue weigh him down even further.
He amended his previous statement. Perhaps he could ask for a nap, just for a few hours at least.
But of course, Natsuki let out a cry, her small voice surprisingly loud. The sound woke up her sleeping brother and Ai who suddenly flinched at the sound.
Everyone's eyes moved to Tetsu who was now holding Natsuki.
"Damn it…"