Disaster Strikes in Threes
By: Shin Sankai
Author's Notes: Well, its been awhile... This just popped into my head while cleaning up. Its not even one of the other two ideas I have in notes form which I've yet to write for Trifecta. Anyway, its going to be about three chapters in length, so hopefully someone will like it?
Chapter One:
The man twitched in bed, a most annoying buzzing could be heard far off in the distance. He was being roused from his deep sleep, a thorough sleep which he had felt like he hadn't had in a very long time. When he was in slumber, he was warm and secure, those he truly cared about were around him, filling his life and heart, making him believe in himself once more.
Again the man twitched, senses slowly waking with each passing second. His foggy mind began to clear, his hearing was the first to return, finally taking notice of the soft meows coming from above and a buzzing which did not sound like his alarm on his phone.
"Sorata," A deep voice croaked out, a cough coming soon after as the man shifted, covers being lifted as he believed his pet wanted to sleep with him, curled against his warmth under the covers, instead of his basket in the lounge room. Again his cat meowed, this time getting his cute tiny paw and head involved as he nudged the man from slumber. "Wha..." The man mumbled as blurry eyes, thick with sleep, peeled open a crack and then suddenly widened.
The alarm which had been an irritating buzzing in the back of his mind was in actual fact the smoke alarm installed in the lounge room. It was then he realised his bedroom was thick with smoke! Instantly he slapped his hand over his mouth and nose as he slid out of bed and onto the floor, keeping as low to the ground as possible. His heart raced a mile a minute and not in a good way! His hand raised to his bedside table, knocking his phone, wallet and keys onto the ground, pocketing them instantly in his loose black pants he wore to bed. Crawling on the ground, he began to call out for his pet to follow him as he made it into the hallway, taking a peak back into his lounge room to see it was up in flames! The thick smoke, the heat, the harshness felt like it was scorching his very skin and eyes, seeping into his lungs.
"Sorata!" He yelled, coughing up a storm as he made it over to the genkan, heart continuously pounding within his chest and ears as he fumbled for his lace up boots, slipping his bare feet within them in a hurry. Relief washed over him as his black and white feline companion leapt into his lap, completely terrified. "Its going to be okay." He muttered, coughing again as he fumbled for the door handle while the other kept a secure hold on his pet. He coughed and spluttered, his eyes hurt and as he finally reefed the door open, all he could think to take was his navy blue and fur coat from the hook before fleeing his burning apartment. There was yelling and screaming within the hallway, other neighbours on his floor fleeing their homes as they rushed down the emergency staircase and it didn't take long for the man to follow after them.
Finally clear of the smoke filled building he rushed to where others were standing, all eyes looking up at the building which was engulfed in flames.
"Yokozawa-kun!" The man being called out to turned his gaze from the building to the elderly gentleman walking towards him. "Thank goodness you are alright. I knocked on your door many times, but in the end, the smoke was too much and I had to flee with my wife."
"I'm alright." The salesman croaked out, trying to clear his throat and felt a soft vibration against him and peered his eyes down at his companion who was curling into the warmth of his coat, purring his heart out, clearly exhausted from what he'd had to endure. "We both are." Yokozawa muttered, making Sorata feel more protected within his coat as he wrapped it more securely over him and stroked his ear, thankful for his ageing cat and unsure of how he could ever express it.
"Are you cold Yokozawa-kun? I could see if we can find a spare blanket for you?" It was then the salesman finally realised his state of dress and felt a slight shiver in the cool night air. His adrenaline had been pumping merely minutes ago and all that mattered was getting himself and Sorata out of his apartment in one piece, clothing be damned. He was only dressed in his black slacks and his feet were within his boots, they loose as he'd run down the stairs in a flurry of panic like others and was amazed he'd not tripped over his own laces.
"I...I'm fine...I just...need to sit." His adrenaline was leaving him fast as Yokozawa quickly sat down on the footpath, like many others were. They'd ended up on the other side of the street, other residents from neighbouring buildings coming out to see what was going on, many in disbelief at the massive fireball coming from the tall building. The salesman felt like he was in a slight daze, not fully taking in what was happening. There was yelling and screaming and soft cries coming from children and hushed whispers from mothers.
It felt like eternity before emergency services turned up, a mountain of fireman bursting into action while paramedics tried to assess who required assistance first.
"Yokozawa-kun, please make sure you get yourself checked." The elder man came back over, hand against his bare shoulder. He was a retired paramedic after all.
"I'm alright, make sure the children are seen to first." His old neighbour knew how stubborn he could be and began ordering the paramedics to attend to the children, pregnant women and the elderly first. After all, there was a lot of people to be seen to, not only from their apartment but neighbouring ones which may have been affected by smoke inhalation.
And then, there was an explosion. The noise, the screams, it even made Yokozawa jolt from his dazed seated position, standing straight up as he and many others ran for cover in the off chance debris came hurling towards the streets. Fireman were yelling, barking off orders for people to get the hell back, paramedics included. Perhaps the flames, judging by the massive fireball which was billowing in the night sky, had just hit a gas pipe.
It wasn't long before police showed up, blocking off streets, evacuating other buildings, only those people were more fortunate to take priceless possessions that they could carry with them in case the fire became uncontrollable and spread to their homes.
The whole situation was draining as Yokozawa had to make a statement, completely forgetting about his own health for the moment as he relayed all that he could, which to him was barely anything of significance to one of the many policeman that were on duty. He'd been on a business trip for the past week. Sorata was looked after by Takano who'd returned him during the evening. They shared a quick bite to eat, a couple of beers and then the man had left, heading back to Onodera.
Yokozawa himself had been looking forward to his own bed, his own pillows and had retired early, falling into deep slumber out of sheer exhaustion when he'd been alerted to his place filling with smoke and flames by his adorable and smart pet.
Yokozawa was handed a card by the detective and was ushered away as there were many more to obtain statements from. Standing on the street, eyes glancing about as families huddled together, many others on phones to loves ones, fireman and paramedics still rushing about, there was nothing for him to do but go.
Where? His mind had muttered absently as he trudged down the street, ducking under the 'caution' tape which had been erected and strolled away from the burning building.
On tired legs, the salesman finally stopped. It was then he gazed up at a familiar apartment building, not realising he'd been on autopilot and walked the long trek here. Considering it was after three in the morning, there were no trains out this way and he'd not spotted a single taxi either, it'd probably taken him over two hours to get here!
Peering down at his still sleeping cat, Yokozawa fished out his phone, scrolling towards the familiar number he'd been texting the past week, not really having time for long chats and tapped his thumb over the name before bringing his phone to his ear, heavy footsteps heading towards the front of the building and inside towards the elevators.
His call rang out, getting the familiar voice message, but the salesman hung up and dialled again.
"This better be good." Came a sleepy drawl over the phone which instantly made Yokozawa's shoulders ease, he suddenly feeling a shudder even though he was now inside. "Ah!" Steely blue eyes widened slightly when he was cut off before he could even say anything!
Moving over the small fenced barrier, Yokozawa's finger instantly pressed the doorbell, alerting those inside they had an unexpected visitor. After doing that he once again called the same number.
"What?" Was the new response, a groan coming from the man.
"Kirishima?"
"Takafumi? What is it?" There was movement happening over the line, a muffled and tired voice breaking through, it being the sugary sweet voice of Hiyori, alerting her father that someone was at the door. Her bedroom was the closest after all.
"Someone at the door?" Kirishima drawled, trying to knock the sleep out of himself.
"Its me."
"What!" From over the phone and behind the door there was pounding footsteps, Hiyori's shocked and worried voice and Yokozawa took a step back as the door was pushed open, a pair of wide awake and rapidly blinking almond eyes looking him over. "Are you alright?" The Editor-in-Chief voiced worriedly as he ushered the half naked salesman into his home.
"Oniichan!" Steely blue orbs looked down into worried filled brown orbs, Hiyo's hair was just as messy as her fathers and she was adorned in strawberry print pyjamas while her father had fallen asleep in clothing he wore to the office. "You're covered in smoke residue!" The youngster voiced as both Kirishima's looked him up and down and then suddenly, without warning, his knees buckled and he collapsed with a loud thud in the genkan, Sorata jolting from his slumber as he leapt from his owners arms to stand on all fours, eyes peering about as arms went instantly out to the salesman.
"My apartment building...is on fire." Both Kirishima's were speechless at this news, Kirishima kneeling beside the younger man, while he eyed his daughter as she took one of his large hands within both of her, she gasping in an instant.
"Oniichan you're as cold as ice!" She scrambled to her feet, opening up the hallway cupboard as she pulled a blanket from within, unfolding it as she handed it to her father as he wrapped it securely over his half naked lover, rubbing his back as the man begin to shake all of a sudden.
"Hiyo, go turn on the heater and the electric blanket in my room." The youngster nodded and rushed off, Sorata trotting after her.
"Takafumi, can you stand?" Kirishima was getting worried as his voice did not seem to be reaching the salesman. Only when he took a firm grip on the man, hefting him to his wobbly legs did steely blue orbs jerk up to gaze slightly up and over at him.
"Zen..." Well that was a bloody surprise as almond eyes widened at Yokozawa's slip of the tongue, but the Editor-in-Chief would have to let it pass considering the man seemed to be slightly delirious while shaking profusely. "You...hung up on me."
"Ah, I fell out of bed and accidentally ended the call." He felt his partner lean heavily against him. Perhaps his brain and body were having a hard time processing what had just happened and it appeared that he was now going into shock.
"Hiyo, is the heater and the blanket on high?"
"Hai!" The youngster muttered as she stepped out of the way, watching her father drag her Oniichan towards his large bed.
"So-Sorata...he..."
"Shh, its alright, he's here too." Kirishima murmured as Sorata had been picked up by Hiyo who was muttering sweet nothings to his partner's beloved cat.
"Co-Cold..."
"I know..." Kirishima quietly voiced back, lowering Yokozawa, still wrapped within the blanket Hiyo gave him, onto the bed. Without a second thought Kirishima promptly got in behind him, knowing very well his young daughter was watching silently.
"Papa?" She had muttered softly.
"Close the door and turn off the light. Takafumi will not stop shaking until Hiyo and Sorata are with him too." The young girl promptly did as her father asked and rushed over to the bed, sliding into the spare spot on the other side of her Oniichan, he in the middle of her and her father...and Sorata too.
"Papa?" Hiyo called out quietly.
"Hai?" Kirishima pulled up the sheet, quilt and winter blanket over the four of them, his large hand moving over the salesman who was bringing in silent deep breaths and his fingers found those of his daughters, her small hand finding comfort within his warm protective grip.
"Is Oniichan going to be okay?"
"We'll make sure of it, now get some rest."
"Hai..."
When steely blue eyes blinked open, gazing up at a familiar ceiling which was not his own, he shifted his head to the right and found messy light brown locks of hair in his eyesight. His throat was dry and scratchy as he tried clearing it as quietly as possible. His warm breath fanned against those silken locks, the man stirring but not waking. There was slight movement above him, he noticing he was securely wrapped within a warm blanket, but the movement was in fact two linked hands, one large and one small. His blue orbs followed the smaller one until his head turned to the left and he was gazing upon the adorable sleeping face of Hiyori, she curled onto her side facing him, much like her father was on the other side.
Alarm bells instantly began to ring out. What the hell was he doing here? Why was Hiyo in her father's room and with them and seeing them together like this? It was not good at all! He... Yokozawa's inward freaking out moments were lost when his eyesight was taken up by a certain someone who always made him feel at ease, for he had no voice that could judge him.
"Sorata..." The salesman croaked out and was met with a cute head butt and a content purr. "I'm so glad you are alright." Yokozawa received a tiny lick on the cheek from his feline. Perhaps his animal companion did understand his heartfelt thanks and love for him.
"We could say the same for you." Yokozawa whipped his head to the right, finding Kirishima now wide awake, resting up on his left elbow as he gazed down at him, a small grin on his handsome face. "How do you feel?"
"What happened?" The salesman instantly shot back with his own question, his mind a complete mess at the moment.
"You don't remember coming over in the middle of the night?" Kirishima arched an eyebrow, rising to sit up when Yokozawa shook his head negatively. He watched his partner wriggle within the cocoon that was the warmth of the blanket tangled securely around him and helped the man sit up, leaning him back against the headboard.
"Everything is...messy." It was the best word he could come up with as he lifted a bare arm from beneath the blanket and rubbed at his temple.
"It is to be expected. You've had quite a shock." Steely blue orbs silently gazed into almond ones, wanting the older man to explain further on what he meant, but of course Kirishima could not, for another was finally rising from slumber. Two pairs of eyes watched on as Hiyo mumbled softly, stretching like a cat before her eyes popped open and she sat up in the bed, looking over at her smiling father and what appeared to be a weary Oniichan.
"Oniichan, thank goodness you're okay!" Hiyo could not contain herself as she sat up on her knees and wrapped her arms around the salesman's neck. It took him a few seconds to respond, but Yokozawa wrapped his freed arm around the youngster, chin dropping into her messy brown hair and his eyes closed for a single moment. Within an instant his heartbeat returned to its normal rhythm and his shoulders eased. Flashes of what had occurred hours ago were assaulting his mind and his grip tightened just a little on Kirishima's daughter, a rush of air escaping him.
"I'm okay..." They finally broke apart, steely blue dropping to his once again snoozing cat. "We both are." Hiyo nodded her head, a large smile on her face.
"Do you think you've the strength to eat something?" Yokozawa nodded and watched Hiyo jump out of the bed, calling for Sorata as he sluggishly followed after her, she voicing she'd be making them omelettes.
A sudden weight on his shoulder made the salesman divert his attention from where Hiyo had left to now find Kirishima was currently resting his forehead against his bony shoulder. "Kirishima?"
"We didn't really know what to do for you." Yokozawa blinked in confusion and watched his older lover rise to his feet. "You were shaking uncontrollably that all I could think of was to wrap you up in warmth, not only this blanket, the heater, the electric blanket, but also the warmth coming from me, Hiyo and Sorata. Only until all of us were within the bed did you seem to stop shaking."
"Oh..." Yokozawa was certain an embarrassed blush was rising to his cheeks. Not that he'd much time to try and conceal it or get it under control when he was carefully pulled to his feet, blanket falling to the ground as he stood in front of the man in his loose black pants, his usually pale skin slightly sweaty and with smoke still clinging to him. "Wha..." The businessman jolted when he was suddenly pulled, head and heart thumping as he knocked into Kirishima's hard body, those expert arms slowly winding over his body, holding him desperately close.
"I'm so glad you're safe." Any other time Yokozawa would have probably been complaining, since the door was open and Hiyo could catch them in such an embrace, but this day was not one of those days. Instead he too clung to the man, as everything from last night finally came into place, his heart hammering within his ribcage. For a fleeting moment, as he crawled to safety, towards his front door in order to flee his burning apartment, his mind wandered to a dark place. A place where he'd not be able to escape, a place where there was no more Kirishima, no more Hiyo and no more Sorata. Would he have had enough time to call Kirishima? Would the man have picked up? Would he have been resorted to leaving a message instead? Just what would have been said? Thank you? I love you? The salesman just didn't want to think about it. All he knew was that the people he thought of in sheer panic during that time was in fact the Kirishima's and when the man's arms had wrapped around him, holding him close, Yokozawa wanted to do the same in return.
"Papa, Oniichan, breakfast is nearly ready!" Hiyo called out and slowly the men broke their hold on each other. Shy blue orbs rose to almond when Kirishima cupped his face, a smile on his lips as he leaned forward, pressing his lips against his own in a very sickeningly sweet manner, not that the salesman minded all that much.
"Here, get yourself cleaned up." Kirishima voiced as he handed some spare clothes which Hiyo had folded up for him last night. "And have these." Yokozawa peered down to see a pair of dark grey boxer briefs on top. "Don't worry, they are new and not worn. We're pretty much the same size after all." The Editor-in-Chief winked at his partner, but was surprised the salesman didn't have a scathing reply and instead turned away from him and made his way to the bathroom. His bedroom was bathed in faded light, having not drawn open the curtain yet and it wasn't until he noticed the salesman pass the mirror which was directly across from his bedroom door in the hallway, which was bathed in artificial light did his grin widen on his lips. His adorable partner was blushing.
The salesman emerged from the bathroom, fresh from his warm bath and ruffling a towel through his washed hair. He was wearing what Kirishima usually wore to bed, the thought making him feel all warm and fuzzy inside like he were a freaking hormonal teenager.
Stepping into the lounge room, he found smiles on the faces of the Kirishima's as they waited for him before eating. When he sat down, towel over his shoulders, Kirishima poured him some coffee and then handed him the milk, knowing he liked milk with his. Hiyo began to chat to him about what she'd been up to for the past week since he'd been away on business and all three of them ate with gusto as they tucked into Hiyo's delicious omelette's. Out of the corner of his eye, Yokozawa's attention was taken from the two in front of him as he saw a familiar building flash up on the news which was currently showing on the TV, but the volume was down low.
"Takafumi?" Kirishima questioned his partner who left his half eaten breakfast as he made his way over to the TV and turned up the volume as he sat down on the couch. It wasn't long before the handsome older man and his young daughter sat on either side of him, listening in on the breaking news of a residential apartment building exploding into flames last night.
"O-Oniichan, which one is yours?" Hiyo softly and shakily voiced, watching as the man rose from his seated position and pointed against the screen to the top half of the building which was nothing but rubble.
"You're lucky to be alive." Kirishima voiced, unsure of what to say or do for the man.
"If it weren't for Sorata..." Yokozawa stopped there. He really didn't want to finish such dark thoughts when Hiyo was listening in, those big brown eyes wide open in fear for him. She was up from her seated position in an instant and rushed to Yokozawa's side, arms around his waist as she held on as tightly as she could, face buried into his side.
"Oniichan is safe now. He's safe with Papa, Sora-chan and I, ne?" Kirishima watched that tiny adorable smile grace his partner's lips as he brushed a hand through Hiyo's unruly hair.
"Mm," He mumbled softly, allowing the youngster to cling to him while his eyes never moved from the TV screen. "We should all start getting ready for school and work."
"You want to go to work?"
"I need to talk to my superior, ask for some flexibility as I try and work out what to do now."
"What to do?"
"I've lost everything. My home, my possessions, all my essential documents, everything. Its like I've lost my place, unsure where to go and what to do from here."
"You're wrong Oniichan!" Slightly wide blue and almond eyes were gazing down at Hiyo, who had pulled away, only slightly from the man she was clinging to, just enough to look up at him. "Oniichan will never loose everything, because Papa, Sora-chan and I are still here. We'll always be here for Oniichan!" She buried her face into his side, cheeks flushed at her outburst.
"Hiyo..."
"Oniichan's place, its always with us, so please don't say stuff like that. Oniichan's home is here!" The salesman hadn't meant to upset the youngster as he bent down to be eye level with her.
"If its alright with Hiyo and her Papa, and I'm not a burden to the both of you, I will stay with the both of you here."
"Oniichan is not a burden." Hiyo sniffled as she pouted at the man softly smiling at her, his fingers brushing some of her tears away. She closed her eyes when his forehead touched hers, her beloved Oniichan whispering his thanks to her.
"We'll help you through everything, ne Papa?" Yokozawa rose to his full height, glancing over at Kirishima who had been quiet throughout all of this. The handsome man walked over, his hand reaching out to his daughter as he tucked her into his side, holding her protectively against him while his other hand found Yokozawa's and squeezed it tight, not wanting to let go.
"Everything." Kirishima confirmed before watching his daughter brush her hands over her face, she letting off a slight laugh, becoming embarrassed at crying like she did. Hiyo quickly detached herself from her father and told both men she'd start getting ready for school now, both of them watching as the bathroom door clicked closed.
"I'm sorry I upset her."
"Better her then me." Steely blue eyed his older lover as Kirishima gave him a half smile. "I too felt offended about what you said."
"I didn't mean it like that!"
"Maybe, but its how we read into it."
"Kiri..."
"Like Hiyo said, your place is here with us. You are everything to us. Are you ever going to accept that?" Yokozawa snapped his mouth shut at the sudden hurt rushing through almond eyes which for once could not be masked.
"I..."
"I'll lend you a suit." Kirishima mumbled as he unclasped his hand from around his partners. "I'll also tidy up the spare room for you." Yokozawa watched the man leave, hands suddenly feeling cold and empty as he stood within the Kirishima apartment alone. His eyes drifted over to Sorata who lay on the carpet near the balcony door, soaking in the morning rays that were streaming through the glass.
"I guess we'll both be staying here again." Yokozawa muttered to his cat, scratching the back of his head as he remembered the time the both of them stayed here when Sorata became ill.
"Oi, you coming to get dressed?" The salesman headed off to the master bedroom and walked in just as Kirishima was sliding on a clean pair of black jeans over his firm backside, which was covered in a pair of black boxer briefs. The man was bare from the waist up as he eyed the Editor-in-Chief spray some deodorant under his arms before picking up the plain white button down shirt he'd pulled from its hanger and placed it on, finally turning around, almond eyes catching blue watching him intently. "Ah, Takafumi, you peeping tom." Kirishima grinned when Yokozawa flushed as he quickly picked up the suit Kirishima was lending him, to inspect it silently. It was a black pinstriped suit with a blue shirt. "Sorry I don't have any ties. You know ties and me just don't mix."
"Mm," The younger man mumbled as he began to dress himself in his partner's clothing once more. Even though they'd just had a small tiff, it was almost like water off a ducks back to Kirishima as he went straight back to teasing him. It was one of the things that Yokozawa truly admired about the Editor-in-Chief. Of course he wasn't a dumb man to know that even his own attitude would be trying at times...especially his inability to voice his true feelings. Though no matter how frustrated he made the older man, he still remained at his side. The thought got his heart racing just as fingers which were not his own brushed against his flat taut abdomen. Darting his eyes up he hadn't realised Kirishima was now standing in front of him, buttoning up the shirt for him.
"You look really good wearing my suit." Lips locked heatedly over his own and before it even began Kirishima stopped suddenly. The man took a step back, turning on his heel and left the room. It took the salesman all but a minute to go after the handsome father and found him slipping his sock covered feet into his shoes and doing up the laces.
"Wh-Where are you going?" The bastard had set off maddening butterflies fluttering in his stomach, making him stammer like an idiot and all he was going to do was just leave?
"I'm actually late for a meeting."
"Then why'd you linger in the first place?"
"To make sure you were alright. You are what matters to me Takafumi." Yokozawa swallowed the lump in his throat at Kirishima's honesty. "I've let them know I'm on my way now."
"I...sorry..." It was all the businessman could think to say as Kirishima rose to his height, placing his bag over his shoulder as he went to open the door.
"Do me a favour?" Yokozawa nodded at the request before even knowing what it was.
"Accompany Hiyo to school?" The salesman tiled his head in slight confusion at the request. "I think she's a little shy to ask you, thinking she might be a bit too needy." Yokozawa nodded silently, watching Kirishima open the front door. "Oh, that reminds me." He placed his hand in his pocket and pulled out what he'd nearly forgotten about. "For you." He dropped it into Yokozawa's open palm, the silent man eyeing the key with a paw print keychain attached to it.
"I...I'll look after it while I'm here." Yokozawa received a wave from the father who practically ran for the elevator.
Closing the door, the salesman made his way back into the lounge room, noticing his cat had not moved from its spot on the carpet and then diverted his gaze over to Hiyo who was just placing on her schoolbag.
"Ready to go?"
"Eh?" The youngster voiced as she followed him down the hallway and into the genkan. "A-Are you walking me to school Oniichan?"
"If that's okay with Hiyo?"
"Mm!" Hiyo happily voiced as she slipped into her shoes and then the two of them were off. "Papa sent me a message apologising for not saying goodbye."
"He was running late for a meeting." The both of them headed down the street, side by side as they headed towards the train station, though Hiyo's school was just before it. Yokozawa coughed a bit and then realised, from the corner of his left eye, Hiyo was silently looking up at him.
"What's the matter?"
He watched her flush cutely. "Oniichan's wears Papa's suit better then him." The youngster gushed and Yokozawa couldn't help but chuckle.
"Feels a bit weird without a tie."
"Oniichan looks handsome even without a tie."
"Thanks."
"Hiyo-chan!" The two stopped walking and turned around to see a running girl heading towards them. "Morning!"
"Morning Yuki-chan!" Hiyo happily greeted her closest friend.
"Ah, Yokozawa-Oniichan, morning!" The businessman nodded in kind to the youngster who was one of the Kirishima's neighbours, though technically she lived on another floor, that he knew. She was a very sweet girl and her parents were nice as well. "You walking Hiyo-chan to school today?"
"I am, you are more then welcome to join us."
"Yattaa!" The girls did a cute hug in front of him and then the three of them were off. They reached the school gates in no time and Hiyo turned around to face him, a big smile on her lips.
"I'll see you at home after school Oniichan." He gave her a silent nod as the two girls made their way towards the main building. He still had pretty good hearing and was sure Hiyo was now informing Yuki-chan about his ordeal when suddenly...
"Ganbatte, Yokozawa-Oniichan!" The salesman felt a small amount of embarrassment when mothers of other children eyed him silently and quickly he gave the two girls a wave and headed on his way to the train station. Yuki-chan was definitely more boisterous then Hiyo...unless Kirishima's daughter got upset then there was no hiding it. After all he'd just been witness to it this morning and also when he'd forgotten to tell the both of them about his birthday.
Yokozawa was making his way to the sales section, lost in thought when suddenly a hand clasped his shoulder, making him stop to turn and look back over it.
"Masamune..." He muttered his friends name. This very man was the one he'd had an unrequited love for.
"I've been calling out to you."
"Ah, sorry..."
"I just heard what happened." Yokozawa tilted his head in slight confusion. "Kirishima apologised for running late, he informed the occupants in the meeting what had happened."
"Oh..."
"Relax, he's not in trouble or anything." The salesman nodded his head. "Hey, if there is anything you need, let me know alright?"
"Thanks." Takano gave him a wave as he headed off towards Emerald's floor in the building. He'd been in love with him for so long, but thanks to Kirishima, he'd accepted his place as the dear friend...and he was more then content with being that because of Japun's Editor-in-Chief. When was the last time he thanked Kirishima?
"Yokozawa-kun!" Steely blue orbs focused on his surroundings, dropping such a thought from his mind as he'd walked into the sales section on the floor in a daze and found his superior walking over, plus his subordinates, as each wore worried expressions on their faces. "If there is anything you need..." His superior began, clapping a hand over his shoulder. Had Kirishima told the entire building of his misfortune?
"Ah, yes, thank you very much. Would you have a moment?"
"Of course, of course." The two men broke away from sales for a moment to converse. As Yokozawa was an exceptionally hard worker and an important part of sales, his superior was more then happy to be as flexible as possible while Yokozawa began to rebuild what he'd lost. Mainly he needed to consult with the police, building officials, insurance company, the bank, the post office to divert his mail to the Kirishima's, council to organise for him to obtain official papers once more...the list really went on and it was already causing him a headache and he'd not even started!
"Do you know how much damage has occurred?"
"I saw a bit of the building on the news, my apartment is nothing more then rubble and debris it seems." Yokozawa let out a sigh. "I made it out with my keys, phone, wallet and cat."
"At least that's something." Steely orbs locked onto slightly crinkled black orbs. "This place would not be the same without you Yokozawa-kun."
"I'm sure Henmi would stress less." The two men chuckled lightly at the bad joke before clasping hands in a handshake. "I'll be on my phone, if any issues occur that you need my help on, just give me a call."
"Take the time you need. If Henmi looks like he's about to have a cardiac arrest, then I'll get him to call you in." Yokozawa nodded at his superior before heading for the exit, nodding in kind to the sympathetic looks he was getting from his subordinates.
As Yokozawa rode the elevator towards reception, clearing his throat, he opened up a "to do list" on his phone and began texting what he needed to achieve today and the many places he needed to go. Again the man let out a sigh and a slight cough as it was going to be a bloody long day.
On heavy legs Yokozawa made his way towards Kirishima's place. His feet were killing him as he felt like he'd walked miles. It was still too soon to assess the damage of the apartment building, it currently under investigation, when Yokozawa had returned to have a look at it. He was not blind as he gazed up at the half burnt down building that he had no home left. He took pictures of what he could, trying to begin to build a case for his insurance company to start processing. Once he showed images to them, he got all the necessary paperwork and would compile it all together in the comfort of his temporary home at the Kirishima's. He'd been to the bank, to the council for more paperwork and the post office as well. He'd deal with requesting an update from the police tomorrow as his head was now pounding with a migraine.
Unlocking the door, Yokozawa stepped inside and kicked off his shoes. His older lover would not be back for another few hours, it being pretty hectic in Japun at the moment. He'd received several messages from the Editor-in-Chief throughout the day, it bringing a slight smile to his face and those simple words of comfort and encouragement drew forth much needed strength within him to soldier on. Hiyo too had sent him a cute message during her lunch break too. She would not return home for at least another hour as she was participating in one of her after-school activities. This allowed Yokozawa to prepare a surprise dinner for the two of them.
Removing the pin stripped jacket from his body, Yokozawa began to roll up the sleeves on the blue shirt and pondered over what to make. His eyes suddenly took notice of Sorata and instantly his eyebrows furrowed. His dear cat was still near the balcony.
"Oi, Sorata?" Yokozawa called out to the feline and padded over. Usually his cat would be meowing or purring but the house was dead silent and his beloved pet remained motionless. With hands now shaking Yokozawa pent down and picked up his limp cat, eyes wide and heart pounding. "SORATA!"
To be continued...
