Next
I stood on a stool so Reno could fix my collar, even so he had to bend down a little as he was a good two heads taller than me. There!, now you look respectable, he said softy, looking into my eyes. I'm sure he noticed them tearing because he consoled me.
I'm going to miss him too, Atomu. he sighed.
What's going to happen to us? I asked.
You know you don't need to ask, Reno replied. Cora and I will take care of all of you. That was Hiroshi's wish, and he really didn't have to ask me."
I don't want to be a burden on you, I said, none of us do.
Don't ever think that! Reno replied. He looked up behind me and motioned.
I got down and walked over to the mirror while Kobaruto took my place on the stool. I'd owned that suit for over twenty years and it still fit me fine. Of course it did, I'm still the same size I was the day I took my first steps off the operating table back in the old laboratory section of the Ministry. The suit was a bit tattered and worn, but I knew that the solemn black of the material was appropriate for the occasion.
I turned around to see Cobalt stepping off of the stool and Uran taking his place as Reno tried to attach the veil to her hair. Kobaruto's suit fit him well enough, but I could see that the jacket sleeves were just a bit too long. He'd never had a proper suit, Hakase hadn't ever taken him along with him to any fancy gatherings as he had me. Reno had given my brother one of his own hand-me-downs that he'd out grown many years ago.
Yuko Kisaragi popped her head into the room. She was wearing a dark dress and had a veil covering her face, but I still recognized her right away. Uran broke into a run and wrapped her arms around Yuko's waist.
Please Uran, don't get me wet with your tears! Yuko said softly. She took my sister by the hand and led her out of the room.
Cora walked in with Chi-tan clutching her hand like a vise grip.
Why don't you take him outside with Uran? Reno suggested. Yuko just walked out with her.
Cora nodded and pulled Chi-tan along with her. My little brother now stood less than a head shorter than Uran, he was the only one of us whose height Hakase had adjusted later in our lives. I never really minded having my appearance staying that of a 10 year old kid for all of my life because I'd been accepted as equals with everyone. I work at the Ministry of Science doing various odd jobs that are either too dangerous for humans, or requires my special abilities, just like I've been doing all my life. Kobaruto and I had both been educated up to the college level, and my older brother even has a degree from M.I.T. Uran had been to Veterinary school and was now working along with Yuko in an animal clinic. Still, even though the three of us had taken grown up positions in the world, we were still capable of reverting back to a child like emotional state at a moments notice, especially when the world closed in around us. Uran seemed to be in that mode right now.
I wandered outside into the bright sun and squinted. Cobalt had already made his way out here and I saw him near the shrine talking to Atlas. The robot that had tormented me over the years had mellowed and was now a respectable member of society. He'd recently been elected to the head of the national robot union. Atlas was in his Daichi persona, his 'battle bot' appearance was almost never seen anymore except on the rare occasions where his advanced abilities were required during an emergency. When that happened the two of us usually worked side by side. Atlas was dressed in an expensive dark suit, he certainly had the means now to buy the best clothing available. I walked over to where he and Cobalt were standing, just to be polite.
Sorry for your loss, Atomu, Daichi said when he spotted me, and gave me an affectionate hug. Arigatō, I voiced, giving him a strong hug in return. It felt good.
Kenichi Shikishima and Tomao Etagawa spotted me and moved in. I'd hadn't seen either of them in many years, and it did seem strange how much taller they were now. I've accepted the fact that human children grow into adults while my siblings and I have remained childlike in appearance. Not that I long for the company of those who are the age that I appear. I've grown up inside and I relate to adult humans more than children these days, yet I do get along well with kids. Uran and I are often asked by parents to babysit their children, not so much Cobalt though.
Gee Atomu, we're both sorry for you loss, the two of them said, each one of them stooping down and offering me a hug.
Thank's guys, it means a lot to me, I replied, adding, Don't be a stranger, you're welcome to stop by the ministry anytime to see me, you know.
Is that where you're staying these days? Kenichi asked.
No, that's where I work, as usual, I said looking down and scuffing my boots on the ground, I think I'll be living with Reno and Cora, at least for now.
That's nice, Tomao replied. You've always got along with them.
Yeah, I voiced.
Years ago Cora had this serious crush on me. I liked her too, but not in the way that she was attracted to me. We were both the same physical age back then (in appearance at least), and Cora had just discovered boys. She didn't care that I wasn't exactly human, she thought I was close enough, at least until puberty hit and all of her hormones came fully on line. Then she discovered that I wasn't exactly, well you know. Somehow she and Reno eventually got together and she forgot about me. I mean we were still friends, but I no longer set off fireworks for her, at least that's how she described it. I wasn't jealous, I'm not capable of that. I was happy for both of them. I just hope it won't be too awkward living with them.
Hakase's funeral was performed in the traditional Buddhist manor. His body was placed in the casket along with several items that we thought he treasured, a hard copy first edition of one of Issac Asimov's Robot novels, his reading glasses, and his favorite pair of chopsticks. He was dressed in one of the lab coats that he usually wore at the Ministry instead of the usual kimono, that was Reno's idea. I couldn't help looking around, scanning the crowd of people that had come to say their final goodbye's to Hiroshi Ochanomizu. I thought I caught a glance of Umataro Tenma standing in the background, trying hard not to be noticed.
Later in the day after the ceremonies and the cremation were over Yuko, Reno, Cora, Kobaruto and I helped place his ashes into the urn for burial. It was a long day for all of us, probably the saddest day of my life.
Later that evening Uran, Kobaruto, and I each placed a small candle in a paper boat and set it adrift in the river and we watched as they drifted under all of the bridges.
I guess we should be getting home now, Uran sighed. I wouldn't want Reno and Cora to get worried.
They're not our parents, Uran, I blurted out. We're only living with them.
Why? Cobalt asked.
Kobaruto had said the one thing that neither Uran nor I had the nerve to utter. Back in the days before he and Cora had married, the two of us were the best of buddies. We stayed up late watching re-re-runs of old movies and TV shows, we snarfed down Luigi's pizza by the box full, and we made each other laugh by telling some really sick jokes. Reno and I still get along, but it's not like the old days. Mostly he is my 'doctor' (he keeps Uran, Cobalt and Chi-tan healthy too), and my 'boss'. Cobalt was right, we really don't need a guardian anymore, we're self sufficient now. Except for Chi-tan. He was never given the 'smarts' that the three of us have. Chi-tan was created to be a baby, and then a toddler. He never advanced past that stage.
So what would we do with Chi-tan, then? Uran asked. She took the words right out of my mouth.
I guess that depends, I said.
On what? she asked.
Well on whether or not Cora wants to be his guardian, I said.
That would be a long term commitment on her part, Cobalt pointed out.
Yeah, I know. I said, But maybe, eventually, Reno might be able to mod him to be self sufficient.
True. Uran agreed.
Well, we don't have to do anything yet. I pointed out. There will be time enough for us to make a decision soon enough. We don't have to do it tonight.
Right. Cobalt and Uran together agreed. So the three of us headed home to Reno's place. We'd figure out our futures at a later date.
I'm on Fanfiction.net as Tetsuwan Penguin. Please check out some of the other stories I've written! 
