"Hey Tatsumi!" Hinata came and rubbed the head of the boy.
"Hinata!" Tatsumi laughed and Yaichi gave Hinata a big smile. Hinata laughed and carried around Yaichi as they all went down to play in the park area. After some pretend play, Hinata sat down on the bench as Yaichi watched the water and Tatsumi caught his breath.
"Today is a good day." Hinata stated.
"Yeah? Why?" Tatsumi wondered, grabbing at the bottle with his juice.
"Well…" Hinata's face grew red. "Nanami and I are going steady!" Hinata announced. "Man I'm so happy!" Hinata laughed, hiding his face. Tatsumi nearly choked on his drink.
"Congrats." Yaichi said and Hinata patted his head.
"Tatsumi, why the long face?" Hinata wondered.
"Huh? There's no long face." Tatsumi forced a smile. "I'm happy for you Hinata. Careful though, I might steal her away from you."
"You always were so cheeky. Don't worry, I won't let her go and if I do, promise that you'll take care of her k?" Hinata ruffled his hair and went to sit next to Yaichi. Tatsumi was torn between jealousy and happiness. Hinata was the older brother he wanted but his crush on Nanami was only growing as he grew.
"I promise."
Chapter 3: The Past Comes Back
"Alright, all the food has been prepared, oi Dad! Did you get the good sake?" Komari came down from putting up the last of the decorations as today was Tatsumi's party.
"You'd think I'd forget?" Ginjiro smiled as he put down three bottles of the good sake down.
"Yes!" Komari fist pumped. "Thanks dad! People should be coming in now! Oh yeah, did ya hear that Hinata is comin' back soon?"
"Moriya told me the last time I went to pick up a shipment. Makes me wonder though, he's gonna be movin' back right? So what happened in the big city?" Ginjiro rubbed his chin. Komari only shrugged as Sumomo came in with Alma. Yaichi was right behind with Tigre and Schalk. Komari told them where was the present table as they all went around playing. Kasumi was talking to Yuzuki before heading over to Komari who was already getting the food on the table.
"Do you need any help?" Kasumi offered.
"Nah, I got everything. It's all good." Komari shooed her away. Kasumi lightly chuckled before going over to the tables. Shizu and Ittetsu came in, then Omiyo and Umekichi. The place started to get louder as the older children played here and there.
Komari handled the event smoothly and smirked to herself as all that was left was the birthday boy. 'Nanami should be leading him here soon.' She thought.
Nanami was getting ready for the party. For some reason she felt like she should put a bit more effort on her appearance. After all, it wasn't every day that she was going to see one of her favorite kids becoming an adult right?
"And he is an adult." Nanami obliviously said to herself. She put on the green haikara school outfit as Tatsumi told her he liked it. It also went with the spring season with the cherry blossoms. She curled her medium length hair a bit, pushing away her dark locks here and there. She wore a bit of eyeliner to make her eyes pop and a lip gloss. She checked her watched and nodded. It was around this time that Tatsumi would be at his house working on his homework.
There was a giddiness in her step that she failed to notice. Nanami just chalked it up to being excited to be at a party. "Kacchan, you're in charge of the house while I'm gone." She petted her Doberman while her cat was watching the outside from the window. Nanami power walked from her house to the crossroads and took the path to Tsuyukusa. Various random people would greet her and she would bow back.
She noticed the rice paddies around and saw Tatsumi's house. She went up and knocked on the door. "Komari made this a surprise so she suggested that I make him close his eyes." Nanami whispered before the door opened. Tatsumi seemed surprised to see Nanami.
"Nanami! What are you doing here?" Tatsumi looked up and down and Nanami found that she kinda liked the attention he was giving her dress but enough about that.
"Actually I'm here to guide you to…a surprise." Nanami winked. Tatsumi's face got red.
"O-oh." Tatsumi cleared his throat. Nanami offered her hand.
"I need you to close your eyes and I'll lead you." Nanami smiled. Tatsumi put his hand in hers and closed them. She gave him a reassuring squeeze before starting to walk. It wasn't too far of a walk but Nanami found herself liking it. She kept on looking back at Tatsumi who made sure to keep his eyes closed. Every once in a while she would warn him of a few steps and forks in the path before they made it to Tea-ful Reunion shop. She pushed him in.
"Open your eyes." Nanami said and he did.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Everyone shouted, streamers, confetti came down and Tatsumi stared wide eyed before laughing.
"Happy birthday Tatsumi." Shizu came up first and hugged him. Soon after, everyone came around giving him his congratulations. Schalk, Tigre and Alma were the only ones from Lulukoko but, considering they all grew up together, were still close friends. The food was passed around and Tatsumi got to get his fair share of a few sips of the sake they had. Nanami watched him from the sidelines. He was the life of the party and it's been a while since she saw him act his age.
"Man, things are heating up! Here you go." Komari came by with a cup and she poured her some of her father's liquor.
"Not too much. I don't want to be stumbling to my farm you know." Nanami said.
"No prob my friend." Komari winked as she sat down next to her. The shop was loud with banter all around but Nanami kept herself at a distance so that she can allow Tatsumi to have his fun.
"Amazing how time flies right? I still remember when he was about this tall." Nanami measured his young self.
"That's true but look at him now! I hafta say, Shizu and Ittetsu did really good raisin' him. He's now a man! I wonder when he's gonna get himself a girlfriend now." Komari chuckled. Nanami watched Tatsumi. He definitely got his tall genes from his father but his face isn't as manly. A pretty boy that he got from his mom. Nanami got her drink and took a swig. She felt the burn and the warmth but it wasn't that bad. Nanami doesn't get drunk, that was her first rule. Three drinks and that's it. She continued to eat and talk to Komari. Kasumi came later on and they all talked about everything.
Tatsumi kept on doing sneaky side glances at Nanami. He couldn't help but think she dressed up for him on his birthday but he knew she was doing it because it was a party. Now that he was 18 he was technically an adult. He's had a job since he was 15, he is mature for his age as well. Tatsumi took another cup of sake from Ginjiro and downed it. He doesn't understand why people like the burning sensation but it would be rude to decline the drink. Now that he is this old…Tatsumi decided to confess to Nanami as soon as he could.
The party started to wind down and presents started to come out. Tigre gave Tatsumi a specially carved wooden sword from him and Haulani. Schalk and Alma gifted him a new fishing rod from their family. Shizu gave him another scarf, longer and more suited to his height. Ittetsu gave him some shiso seeds and promised to grow it with him. Ginjiro gave him some well crafted glasses. Yuzuki, Omiyo, and Umekichi gifted him some fancy robes. Sumomo gave him a gift from Moriya, a bonus, and she gave him a hand crafted Inari doll.
All in all, Tatsumi was nearly in tears with how moved he was from all the gifts and love from the towns. Nanami had thought about his gift. The thing is she couldn't figure out a real gift to really give him. Sure he asked her for shiso juice but it would be rude to give him just that. Instead, she made a bento made up of his favorite food. She would give it to him after the party. People started to shuffle out with Komari, Nanami, Yuzuki, Yaichi and Tatsumi staying to give Ginjiro a hand with the cleaning.
"Did you enjoy the party?" Yuzuki asked.
"It was really fun, definitely an amazing surprise." Tatsumi said, a little red faced.
"You're drunk." Yaichi stated.
"I'm tipsy I think. I didn't want to say no to anyone." Tatsumi said before hitting his foot on a table and almost tripping.
"Oops. Hey, birthday boy, how about you go home? Me and the rest got everything here." Komari suggested.
"But…" Tatsumi started.
"Hey Nanami, Yaichi, take this kid, oh excuse me, take this guy back home." Komari laughed.
"It's alright Tatsumi, it's best if you go home. We don't want any sort of accident with you here, especially on your birthday." Yuzuki pushed. Tatsumi pouted before agreeing with everyone.
"Let's go home." Yaichi grabbed his brother's hand and Nanami came beside him.
"Bye." Nanami waved.
"Thank you for everything." Tatsumi bowed.
"No problem!" Komari waved back and they went out. The night air felt cool. The moon was full and bright with the stars twinkling right behind.
"That was fun. I didn't expect everyone to come to celebrate." Tatsumi slightly tripped over his feet.
"Everyone likes you." Yaichi said.
"Yep. We planned this for about a week." Nanami said. Tatsumi stared at her.
"Planned? You did this too?" Tatsumi wondered.
"I supplied all the stuff besides the drink. All the food came from my farm directly. It was a lot of fishing and rice but it was ok because it was for you." Nanami fidgeted with her sleeves bashfully.
"Komari helped a lot too." Yaichi nodded. Tatsumi felt his face grow red. Everyone was so nice and this was one birthday he wasn't going to forget. They were getting near the house when Nanami stopped.
"Yaichi, can you let me take Tatsumi for a bit? I need to give him his gift but it's at the farm." Nanami said. Tatsumi blinked, wondering if he was hearing correctly.
"Ok." Yaichi nodded before going over to the house. Tatsumi looked at her and Nanami took his hand again.
"For support. I don't want you tripping over your feet." Nanami said.
"I'm not that drunk." Tatsumi mumbled but held her hand steadfast.
"How were all your presents?" Nanami asked.
"They were good. I loved all of them. I'm surprised that Moriya gave me a bit of a bonus considering that he keeps his money so closely." Tatsumi chuckled.
"Well you're not a boy anymore. Soon you're gonna need to move out, etch a place for yourself, find a girlfriend…settle down." Nanami rattled off.
"It sounds like a lot…I think I might stay with my parents a little longer. I still want to watch out for Yaichi." Tatsumi said.
"That sounds good too." Nanami nodded. "My sister is already making her way in life too. She apparently got the same talent at sales that my dad has. He's already made her an intern in his same company."
"Wow, that's amazing." Tatsumi said.
"I know right! Man, everyone is growing up all around me. You were so tiny when I met you. Ok maybe not that tiny but look at you now." Nanami stopped in the middle of the crossroads. "I have to look up to you now." She smiled at him and Tatsumi blushed slightly but the night kept it hidden. Soon they were at her farm. Tatsumi saw her fields all filled with various crops, her large coop and barn close together. A sweet smell wafted from next to the home as cherry trees grew next to it.
She let got of his hand and opened the door. Tatsumi nervously stood as she went inside. He was curious about how it looked but wouldn't intrude. Nanami came out quickly though with a large bento box wrapped in cloth. She gave it to him and pulled at her sleeves.
"I didn't know what to get you really. I wasn't sure what you could use you know? So since a lot of people like my cooking, I decided to make you your favorite foods. I hope you like it." Nanami smiled. Tatsumi opened the box and saw what was inside. There was a little cup in there with liquid. A shiso leaf right in the middle. Anpan sweet rolls, millet dumplings, another cup filled with a creamy soup, and pudding in the corner. Tatsumi's face heated up as this felt really personal to him. She carefully made everything by hand, for him.
"I love it." Tatsumi said sincerely. "Thank you Nanami."
His eyes were glittering in the dark. His blue eyes weren't like Nanami's. They were darker, fuller, and…really pretty. Nanami found herself staring at him. She wasn't sure if it was the drink or maybe something more but she had an urge to touch him. Tatsumi had finished folding the cloth on the bento when Nanami reach out and hugged him. Tatsumi felt his heart beat race and butterflies form in his stomach. He had his hand resting on Nanami's back while the other balanced the food.
"Happy birthday Tatsumi." Nanami whispered at it gave Tatsumi a rush to the head that he almost felt dizzy. He gulped as the words started to form in his mouth until he bit his lip. A gut feeling told him that right now isn't the time. Nanami needed more time for herself. He wasn't going to rush this. Tatsumi wanted things to be natural, right. He hugged her back and took her in before he let go.
"It's late and I need to go. Thank you for the gift again Nanami. I'll make sure to eat it with you in mind." Tatsumi said breathlessly. Nanami suddenly felt a little awkward and all she did was nod.
"Good night." Nanami said. Tatsumi echoed the sentiment and made his way home. Nanami went inside her house and turned on her light. She went to the bath to wash away the make up and everything. When she stared at her reflection, she realized that her face was flushed. Her heart was beating rapidly and Nanami gulped.
"It's the sake. This is why I don't drink." Nanami shrugged before bathing and getting ready for the next day. Her dreams consisted of stars and a lovely dark blue.
Tatsumi walked to his home, feeling like he was floating. Nanami had hugged him. He could still feel her warmth against him. The light perfume sank into his shirt and he was debating whether he should wash it or not…well that sounded creepy even in his head.
"I'm home." Tatsumi announced, taking off his shoes and putting on his slippers.
"Hey the birthday boy is here!" Tatsumi stopped at the kitchen. At the table, with Yaichi at his side, was Hinata. His hair was shorter, he didn't have his usual three rat tails. He looked skinnier too.
"Hinata!" Tatsumi rushed at the table and Hinata gave him a bone crushing hug. They laughed and patted each other on the back.
"Man, look at you! You got taller!" Hinata chuckled. Tatsumi laughed and rubbed his neck bashfully. He put away the bento on the table.
"I thought you weren't coming for another week." Tatsumi said.
"It seems that he found time to come sooner." Shizu said and they all sat around the table.
"Yep. I had an opportunity and it wasn't like I couldn't miss out on your day of becoming a man!" Hinata puffed out his chest. "I'm proud of who you are Tatsumi." Hinata put a hand on Tatsumi's shoulder. Tatsumi teared up and they gave each other another hug.
The night went down as they talked well into the night about their lives but a nagging feeling tugged at Tatsumi's head. There was something he was forgetting but what?
Nanami stretched in her work outfit of shorts and a small yellow shirt. All the animals have been taken care off, all the crops have been picked and watered, she had checked her trees and tea. Nanami checked things off using her fingers and saw that everything has been taken care off. She changed the shipping from Lulukoko to Westown as their Guardian Festival was coming closer. She looked at her product in the chilled section and was pleased that she had things everything ready for the Harvest Festival.
"Alright, time to get going." She said, coming out of the crossroads. She first went to Westown. She saw Megan and Marco at the river. Frank was tending to his own crops. She came into the town proper with many other farmers at the stalls at the bottom. She went into the Garden Grill with patrons all seated.
"Oh man, I kinda wanted to eat here today." Nanami pouted.
"Nanami!" Wayne waved from his seat with Ford across from him.
"Hey guys, you're lucky you manage to get a seat." Nanami hung around.
"We were here since earlier. You do know that it's around this time when business picks up." Ford drinks his juice.
"Besides, Brad always leave a table for the two of us. I would love for you to join us however we are already finishing." Wayne looked sympathetic.
"No it's ok. I was just hoping that I didn't have to cook today. I'll see if I can get something at Ginjiro's then. See ya." Nanami waved and went out. Lisette was outside sweeping up the front.
"Howdy Nanami! Nice to see you." Lisette smiled shine and Nanami faked to shield herself.
"Hey Lisette, sorry I haven't been around so often." Nanami apologized.
"Oh there's no harm down. I understand all your work you do. Especially now that your old beau is here, I'm sure there's going to be less time with everyone." Lisette giggled.
"Old beau? What are you talking about?" Nanami asked.
"Oh didn't you hear? Hinata is back. Apparently he's been back since late last night." Lisette said. "I only heard because Yuzuki came in for some flowers and he mentioned him.
All the sounds became muffled in Nanami's ears as her eyes widened. Her stomach dropped and her hand grew cold.
"Nanami?" Lisette said and things snapped back to reality.
"I'm sorry Lisette but I have to go." Nanami started running down the steps from the shops to the path toward Tsuyukusa.
"Oh you're the new farmer?"
Hinata.
"I'll take you home since it's getting late."
Hinata!
"Nanami…do you mean that? Will you truly be mine?"
Hinata is here!
"You're not stopping me."
Nanami's chest burned as she ran the full length of the path before seeing the gate to Tsuyukusa. She wanted to see him. She needed to see him. It's been so long and…and…what is she going to say exactly? Her head began to spin and it was getting hard to breath. Soon her ankle rolled and she was rolling down through the gate and landed roughly on the ground.
"Nanami!" She heard someone running toward her as she coughed and tried to breath. She looked up and saw dark blue eyes. She panted hard and grabbed on Tatsumi's robes.
"Hi…Hi…Hinata is back?" She coughed out and Tatsumi's face fell as he realized he failed to tell her that Hinata was coming. Tatsumi sighed as he helped her up. Nanami winced and he led her to the park bench. He took out his water bottle and gave it to her. After Nanami breathed, she took a long swig of the tea.
"I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you. Hinata moved back from the other town." Tatsumi said softly. Nanami nodded. He wasn't sure what he should said.
"Come on, I can help you back to Ford's." He said and Nanami shook her head.
"It's just a couple of scraps and bruises. I'll be fine. I just…" Nanami put her head in her hands. "I don't really know what came over me." Tatsumi sighed. He grabbed his handkerchief and dipped it into the river. He came over and handed it to Nanami. She wiped down the dirt as much as she could and winced at her foot.
"Are you sure you don't want to visit Ford?" Tatsumi asked worriedly.
"Maybe…do…do you know where he is?" Nanami asked softly. Tatsumi bit his lip. He knew he was probably at his old room in Moriya's place but he shook his head. "I guess it would be best if I just went home to think about this clearly. I mean, I'd rather not have Hinata see me like this you know?" Nanami chuckled softly.
"You…still love him don't you?" Tatsumi asked. She looked at Tatsumi and felt hurt by his saddened face.
"I…feel like things haven't been resolved. There are feelings there but…" Nanami trailed off. 'I let him go so that he can realize his dream and I don't think he forgave me for that.' She thought to herself.
"Nanami, if you want to go to Ford then we should go quickly." Tatsumi said, getting down and showing her his back.
"You want to carry me there? It's a bit of a walk and I'm heavy." Nanami's face felt hot.
"The product at Ra Man's is heavy, trust me." Tatsumi gave her a half smirk. Nanami looked around and decided why not. She positioned herself and he lifted her up with ease. She hugged him and he walked back toward Westown. Nanami felt embarrassed that he was carrying her and even more as to how she was going to explain to Ford why her ankle was messed up. The walk was silent as Tatsumi wasn't going to ask more about Hinata and Nanami. Those questions hurt his heart.
Nanami was quiet because of how she acted. More so the fact that, all this time, she was still very much hung up on Hinata. It was her first real and serious relationship and it ended well. The truth she was unwilling to really accept was that she wanted it back. It was good, it was really good so why did things end up like this?
'Because I let him go. It's my fault.' Nanami rested her head on Tatsumi's shoulders. 'This isn't healthy for me. I ran like a maniac just so I could see him again. Calm down Nanami. Don't get all caught up because of a guy. You're better than this.' Nanami reassured herself.
"I kinda acted stupid, didn't I?" Nanami stated. Tatsumi coughed and almost laughed at her blunt statement.
"Will you hit me if I agreed with you?" Tatsumi wondered.
"No." Nanami chuckled. "You know what, I'll get my ankle all better and I think I'll wait on this thing with Hinata. What happened between us happened and I should be mature and be over it." Nanami said.
"You do know it's easier said than done right?" Tatsumi replied, knowing how his attempts to get over his crush was frustrating.
"Tatsumi you're getting smart." She pinched his cheek and he laughed. "Still, it's something I have to do." Nanami sighed.
"Well, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here." Tatsumi offered. Nanami snuggled into his back and her heart felt lighter than before. It was in turmoil with all her old feelings but now things seemed so much better. They made it to Westown without a hitch and went up to Ford's office. He did a long rant about how Nanami should have been more careful and that she can't exactly afford to injure herself in a critical moment before the Harvest and Guardian festival.
"I swear, although this happens rarely, I would have thought you more clear minded." Ford chastised again as he whipped up some of his medicine. One for the pain and swelling, another for the area around the affected ankle.
"Well I just got carried away." Nanami bashfully chuckled. Tatsumi merely shook his head.
"Here is your medicine and a list on how to use them. The red you drink, the green you rub on your ankle. Please keep in mind your health Nanami, I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you." Ford sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Bringing your personal feelings into this Doctor Ford? I think you're losing your touch." Nanami fake gasped.
"I can bring out an assortment of needles and their uses." Ford glared at her and Nanami laughed. "Tatsumi if you can help her to her home if you will. I have other patients to attend to at this time." Ford pushed up his glasses before going to the other beds in the facility/house.
"He never changes does he?" Tatsumi chuckled.
"Not really." Nanami put back on her sock and boot on her injured ankle. She was to rest all night and not push herself tomorrow meaning she wouldn't be able to greet the other townsfolk tomorrow.
"Here." Tatsumi put her arm around his neck and helped her up. Nanami did a friendly goodbye and they both went outside. "Will you need help with your farm?"
"No, I think I can manage so long as I rest in between the watering and the caring of the animals. I'll just stay home until this patches up. I'm sure I'll be fine by the time the Harvest festival comes around." Nanami nodded.
"That's good but don't be afraid to lean on us every once in a while." Tatsumi said.
"You mean like what I'm doing right now?" Nanami laughed and Tatsumi laughed with her. They kept on getting questions here and there from the townsfolk. Tatsumi assured them that Nanami was fine but her ankle had rolled on the path and he was helping her home. Soon they were at the crossroads and Nanami was feeling the pain in her ankle. She couldn't wait to get home, relax, and drink Ford's medicine. Tatsumi led her to the door and seemed hesitant to move from there.
"Just help me to the bed." Nanami opened the door and Tatsumi's face flushed slightly but he helped her in. Nanami let him go and limped to the lamp. She turned it on and Tatsumi was surprised to see the interior modeled after his town. She grabbed his shoulder and he helped her past the cherry blossoms screen to a large futon on the floor. "Good thing I didn't fold it up this time." Nanami chuckled.
"You really don't need to. Your home is really big." Tatsumi said, helping her down and Nanami sighed in relief. Tatsumi smiled at her before being startled by a wet nose in his hand.
"Oh I see you've made your acquaintance with Kacchan." Nanami laughed. Tatsumi gulped at the big dog before it settled next to Nanami. "Good dog." She rubbed his head. "I think I'm good now Tatsumi. Thanks for…everything today." Nanami let out a little sight.
"I'm here if you need me." Tatsumi nodded. He went to the door and did a little back glance at Nanami and she caught his stare. He flushed before he went out. Tatsumi let out a long breath as he walked towards the Crossroads. Nanami is going to do her best to get over Hinata and that made his heart jump in happiness and slight guilt. "What is Hinata gonna think about this?" Tatsumi raised his scarf to his mouth.
Only time will tell he guesses.
Just to let you know, things are going to get a little dark. I mean, I was hoping for more light heartedness but well my mind went there. Not too much though but those that went through abusive relationships might have this close to home. Write what you know, right?
Anyway, Hinata has come back! What sort of things is he bringing back? :3
Thank you JustKohaku for favoriting/following! Thank you Anon and Guestt for reviewing!
Durotos: Thank you for the grammar tips! I'll try to keep that name tip in mind. Sorry if I might keep doing it. I re-read everything twice but, like they said, an extra pair of eyes usually helps. I love how everyone in-game is so close and I've been in close knit communities before so I know to keep that feeling clear in my writing. I'm happy that it came through! Tatsumi is so cute isn't he? Hinata won't make too much trouble...much.
Reviews are always appreciated! :3