title: Lighthouse

summary: The scent of vanilla in the air leaves him breathless.

pairing: shizume

notes: okay so brief background: after HNR shishio tries to move on, as we all know, he is not very successful in this decision. he needs a new place to move on and decides to go somewhere small and just breathe, he takes the position at the middle school despite being a high school teacher because it's the only spot open (the middle school is understaffed and his english knowledge from travelling abroad is a blessing, just let it happen please) and meanwhile mamura and suzume get married and have a really nice life together, but time passes and young love fades a bit and they don't communicate and a tired suzume moves with her son to a small town—she considers going back to her home town but decides she wants a new beginning.

also the age gap between suzume and shishio is 8 years in this fic. Making her 16 when they met and him 24 when they first met lol (although that is a bit creepy imo) but now that daichi (13) is here there is that +more so… Manga ends when suzume and mamura are seventeen, so they went to uni, blah blah and Suzume was a young mother at twenty six. 26+13=39 lol. So basically shishio is now 47. Shishio is not Daichi's homeroom teacher, when the boy was introduced Shishio was absent so he doesn't know daichi's last name.


CHAPTER 1 (920 words)

Shishio meets the new transfer student and is reminded of Suzume, again and again.


Shishio whistled as he walked through the bustling hall. He made his way to the vending machine and picked out a familiar can. He smiled, leaning towards the open window. The one thing he enjoyed about the countryside was the unnevenful nature of things. It didn't hurt that the rent was low even on a teacher's salary and that the crime rate of the country was significantly lower than that of the city's. Of course, Shishio thought, slapping his palm down on his uncovered arm, the insects were a problem. With one hand fanning himself and the other holding his lunch, Shishio made his way to the courtyard, intending to enjoy his food away from the talkative staff (and maybe entertain the thought of a cigarette only to remind himself of his decision to quit).

Making his way to his usual spot, a nice bench shady bench underneath a grand oak tree, Shishio pondered his plans for dinner. He frowned at the prospect of marking papers over takeout again, how very middle aged… His eyes widened upon the sight that greeted him at his favourite spot. A student sat there quietly, their hands tucked under their armpits in a defensive position. They were alone, Shishio noticed uneasily, he didn't like to consider the possibilities of bullying among his students. "Are you okay?" Shishio asked, hoping that he wouldn't further upset the boy.

The boy acknowledged his teacher emptily with a brief nod, continuing to look at the ground. Shishio bent down to sit, frowning at his delicate knees and the little clicks of his cartiliage. "I'm getting old…" he murmured dejectedly. The boy looked up in surprise before letting out a sigh of disappointment and looking away, choosing instead to focus on the birds chirping in the trees.

"I'm fine, sensei." The boy said quietly. Shishio tried to recall the boys name, something like 'Dai,' he recalled. Daisuke…? Daiki…? No, it was-

"Hello, Daichi-san." He smiled at the boy. "Are you okay? I understand…" Shishio surveyed the boys eyes, the tired bags, the worn shoulders and felt a bit sad for him. "…that you haven't been feeling entirely perfect."

The young boy blinked at him in a familiar manner, "What?" He asked in confusion. Daichi's wide eyes were a deep shade of brown (they looked blue for the slightest of seconds)—they made Shishio feel authoritative, as if he were someone to look up to, as if he were a proper adult. He supposed he was, even if he had a hidden stash of manga filled with low brow humour and obvious plot twists. Daichi pressed his lips together, drawing Shishio's attention once more. "Oh. I- I just don't like it here that much. It's been a week and I miss home."

Shishio blinked, kicking himself for not realising sooner. He himself had only arrived here a little over a year before and felt he could empathise with the boy. He too missed the city lights, the sound of cars at night and the air conditioners at every corner. He swatted an aggressive fly away from his ear and composed himself, planning a response to the boys admission. He decided to go with the simple approach. "Well, that sort of sucks, hey?"

The boy glanced up, giving his teacher a strange look. "Yeah… I guess."

Shishio nodded as he contemplated the situation, "Have you talked to your parents about this? What do they think?" He said, in the softest voice he could manage. He watched as Daichi leaned further into himself, arms wrapped around his knees.

"I haven't really said anything to my mum, because, I don't want her to like, feel bad. She already feels bad about leaving dad and…" The voice fell to a whisper and Shishio patted the boy on the head.

"You're a very thoughtful kid, your mother must be a great woman to have raised you." He smiled at this and stood. Daichi glanced up and met eyes with Shishio, who proceeded to speak. "I think you should talk to her, communication is key in any relationship (Shishio winced as all his prior relationships came to mind, each lacking proper communication) especially when it's hurting one of you." Shishio, feeling inspired and proud, continued his monologue. "That sense of support is detrimental to family, whether you-"

He was interrupted by the rumble of Daichi's stomach. Shishio's narrowed eyes fell on the boys stomach and Daichi shyly glanced down, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry," he apologised. Once again Shishio was struck with the feeling of deja vu.

Resisting a laugh, Shishio stuck out his hand to lift the boy up, "Well, I suppose you'll have to do well in your classes to make it up to me."

Daichi took the hand gratefully and upon standing gave a slight bow of thanks. "Thank you for the advice, Sensei." He smiled and darted away.

Shishio watched as Daichi ran off, wondering if it was unusual that he couldn't stop thinking about her. The sound of birds chirping overhead did little to cheer his mood and instead reminded of him of his own failures in communication. He sat back down, itching to dash his way to a convenience store and get himself a cigarette. "Why did I get up again?" He shook his head and leaned against the bench, thinking only about the sushi tie in his room and the disappointing taste of beer.

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tbc. (of course)