Trifecta Love from A to Z
By Shin Sankai
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Author's Notes: Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all had a great Christmas as well. I took some time off as I've a couple of ill family members which is quite a concern to me. Personally, I hope that 2016 is a lot more positive then the downward spiral which occurred at the end of 2015.
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Chapter 10: Journey, Jealousy and Joy
"What time are you thinking of heading off?" Kirishima turned his gaze from the balcony where his brother and father were conversing and looked upon his sister.
"Pretty much after this breakfast."
"You can't stay longer?" She questioned, a frown on her lips as she felt she'd not gotten enough time with her baby brother. She also knew there was definitely tension between her two brothers as well. She understood how Sho felt, but this was their baby brother and she wanted to support him in any decision he made, knowing he was a stubborn man and whatever he voiced was not done so lightly. She also knew that Sho was very stubborn as well and was certain that he wouldn't back down in regards to his displease and disapproval at his baby brother dating a man...for now in any case.
"Sorry, its coming up to be a pretty hectic time in the office and I was thankful Isaka-san gave me the weekend off as it is."
"Mou, Zen, you work too hard!"
"Hai, hai..." Kirishima muttered as he pressed a kiss to the top of Takako's head, she short like their mother and that pout was pretty much the same one Hiyo could give him. "Truthfully, we're not that far from Nagoya, which is where I want to go before heading back home. When Hiyo was younger, she'd always wanted to go to the aquarium there, so I'm finally going to be able to make that wish come true."
"Breakfast is ready!" All eyes turned to Hiyori who had called out to everyone as she and Yokozawa had cooked up quite a storm. On offer was toast, bacon, poached eggs, creamy scrambled eggs, sausages, grilled mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach. The smells made everyone's stomachs grumble in hunger and once again, the kids were served first, and then they sat on the rug, near the massive TV, to eat and watch morning cartoons.
While the adults began piling up their plates, Yokozawa and Takako had ducked back into the open plan kitchen to make tea and coffee for those that desired a hot drink so early in the morning.
It was just around 7 in the morning, everyone having turned up half an hour before as prior to bidding everyone good night after the fireworks show, Yokozawa had invited all of them around for breakfast, so they could all spend some more time together while they could. As soon as Hiyo found out about Yokozawa's plans, she was more then happy to assist in the kitchen.
"Yokozawa-kun, Hiyo-chan, your cooking is amazing!" Kirishima watched his daughter grin and his companion flush lightly at the praises he received. The salesman gave his family a slight nod of the head in thanks before he went back to pouring some juice into glasses for the kids.
"Arigatou!" The kids all chirped happily at receiving drinks before eyes turned back to the TV.
"Oi, stop waiting on everyone and have something to eat yourself." The Editor-in-Chief complained slightly as Yokozawa was now handing hot and cold drinks around to his family members.
"I'll grab something now." Yokozawa voiced as he headed for the dining table where some poached eggs, bacon and toast was all that was left, not that he minded as he'd been tasting everything as he and Hiyo were cooking it up. Once he filled up his own plate, the businessman promptly sat on the polished floorboards next to Chiharu who was cooing to her baby girl, trying to get her to settle as she was becoming a little grizzly. "She seems a little unsettled." Brown eyes looked up and over at steely blue as Chiharu nodded in affirmation.
"Perhaps she's grumpy knowing that everyone is departing today. I think she's grown attached to Hiyo-chan in such a short time."
"Want me to hold her while you eat?" Hiyo sweetly voiced, practically hopping from foot to foot as her Aunt handed over Haruka, she having finished her breakfast already. Instantly the youngest family member quietened down once her arms were wrapped protectively around her.
"I think the next time Hiyo has school holidays, she should definitely come stay with us."
"That's alright with me. Haruka-chan is so cute!" Hiyo gushed as she hummed adorably to her cousin, swaying from side to side as she did so.
"What? And leave me all by myself?"
"Papa won't be alone, because he's got Oniichan!" All eyes turned to the oblivious salesman who was already taking empty dirty plates from the kids. When the man turned around, noticing eyes were on him, he suddenly felt a little uncomfortable and escaped to the kitchen, unsure why everyone appeared to be looking at him.
"Yeah, I guess I won't be lonely then." Kirishima mumbled as he stood up and made his way into the kitchen. "Want some help?" The light haired older man questioned his suddenly perplexed companion. "What's that look for?"
"You...assisting me with dishes...did you hit your head or something?" Takako burst out laughing as she made her way over, ruffling a hand through her baby brother's scruffy hair.
"Yokozawa-kun still stays by your side even knowing how lazy you can be? Boy you've got yourself quite a guy there Zen."
"Am I missing something?" Yokozawa had no idea why the man's sister was saying such things...and why the Editor-in-Chief was showing such a goofy expression too.
"Let me help you." Yokozawa frowned, not liking the secrecy around him, but let it go for now as he filled the sink with hot soapy water and began scrubbing. Kirishima was pushed out of the kitchen as Takako decided to dry the dishes while humming away. While the stood side by side, doing the morning chore of dishes, their attention was stolen when they turned to listen to loud laughter coming from the Editor-in-Chief. "Thank you."
"Eh? What for?" Yokozawa drew his gaze down to the smiling short woman at his side.
"I'm curious Yokozawa-kun, how long have you known Zen and Hiyo?"
"Well, he's a very popular man around the office, so I knew him by name and reputation only, but personally, we've been friends for several months now."
"I don't know if you know this, but for the longest of time, Zen hasn't been able to smile and laugh like this." Steely blue eyes glanced back into the living room, to where Hiyo was handing her adorable cousin to her father, the man smiling openly as he cradled his niece against his broad chest, she gurgling and possibly drooling against his shoulder, not that he seemed to mind as he rubbed her tiny back. "Of course he always appears as a laid back man, smiling up a storm, but I'm sure even you would know that sometimes it just doesn't quite reach his eyes and is definitely fake."
"Indeed..."
"Which is why I want to thank you Yokozawa-kun. I'm certain that the two of them can be like this, because of you." Yokozawa flushed as he ducked his head, pulling the plug as he finally finished washing all the dishes. He'd never been praised so much before in all his life...it was definitely something to get used to. "I don't mean to embarrass you, its just been a very long time since my baby brother has been this happy."
"Ichinose-san,"
"Mm?"
"It is I who should be thankful to both your brother and your niece, for they have been the ones to save me." Yokozawa gulped as the older woman tilted her head, not pushing him to explain what he meant by those words, but he felt compelled to open up just a little to her. "I was going through some...problems...when your brother decided to befriend me. Both he and Hiyo have helped me through many things...still are in fact."
"I see..."
"What are you talking about?" Hiyo had walked over, curiosity getting the best of her as she had noticed that her Aunt and Oniichan were deep in conversation.
"Just talking about you, Princess." She flushed cutely when his big hand cupped her cheek before moving up to glide through her unbound hair. "I know you probably don't wish to part with your relatives just yet, but from what I hear, your father has a surprise for you, so maybe we need to start making a move?"
"A surprise?" Hiyo perked up, not having a clue what was going on as she dashed back over to her father, he now free of her adorable cousin as she threw her arms around his shoulders, leaning over his seated form. "What's this I hear about a surprise?"
"Oh, I don't know, maybe something about an aquarium...in Nagoya." Hiyo squealed adorably.
"Love you Papa!" The youngster dashed back into the kitchen, arms going around Yokozawa's waist as she beamed a massive smile up at him. "We're going to Port of Nagoya Aquarium!" The salesman already knew, but he gave her a tiny smile as he pat her cutely on the head.
"I guess we should finish cleaning and packing and then be on our way?"
"Hai!" Hiyo voiced enthusiastically.
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"Wow!" Hiyo gazed up at the entrance to the aquarium. "I'm so excited!" She squealed as she waited for her father and Oniichan to hop out of the car and lock it.
"You've certainly perked up." Kirishima teased lightly as he watched his daughter blush.
During the farewells, Hiyo had become a little weepy since it had been quite some time since she'd seen her Aunts, Uncles and cousins. She received big hugs from all, giggling up a storm which made her feel better and tried cooing to Haruka who made quite a fuss at not wanting to let go of her. Haruka's attention was soon stolen by the pink teddy bear Yokozawa had bought for her.
Even the salesman was a little surprised as he received hugs from several of Kirishima's family members, pleased with the ecstatic hugs he got from the young boys, they once again thanking him for their presents. They had asked him to play soccer with them next time, since he never did get around to it yesterday, and nodded his head in agreement, grinning lightly when he was roped into a pinky promise with Kei.
Not all of the goodbyes were warm though, Yokozawa not a silly man, as once again he knew there appeared to be some friction or hesitation between himself and Kirishima's older brother Sho when they shook hands. Yokozawa decided to let it go as clearly it was not his business and its not like his older companion was going to open up about it...not yet anyway.
While Hiyo was discussing travelling to Nagasaki sometime next year, steely blue orbs watched closely as the two brothers shared a hushed and somewhat forced conversation by the body language coming from the Editor-in-Chief. Sometimes he really wished he could read lips, but again his attention was stolen when a hand rested between his shoulder blades, eyes peering slightly down at Kirishima's father. He promised several games of Shogi the next time they had dinner together back in Tokyo and decided to take their luggage to the car, allowing the entire family private time without his scrutinising gaze looking at them.
"Don't tease your daughter, its not very nice." Yokozawa chided the father as he strolled towards the entrance with Hiyo practically bouncing at his side.
"Ah, Papa, it looks like we'll be able to catch a dolphin show which starts in one hour!"
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"Did you like the show?" Yokozawa questioned Hiyori while holding onto the plush penguin that he'd bought for her, it tucked under his arm.
He'd gone to get them some drinks prior to the dolphin show starting and the toy had been sitting on the counter all on its lonesome. Yokozawa had instantly purchased it, relishing in the surprised and wide smile of thanks on Hiyori's face as he handed it over to her, plus the bottle of juice she liked.
"It was amazing!" Hiyo gushed as they made their way indoors and towards a massive tank filled with sharks. "Wow, look at the teeth on that one!" Yokozawa placed his hands on Hiyo's shoulders, crouching behind her as he began telling her which shark was which as they swam on by. Neither noticed Kirishima had pulled out his phone and had taken a picture of the both of them.
"Kirishima-san?" The man in question whipped his head around, eyes going slightly wide at who was gazing over at him.
"Oosaki-sensei, this is quite a surprise." Carefully the Editor-in-Chief glanced his eyes over to where Yokozawa had stood to his full height and both he and Hiyo were quietly looking this way. "What brings you to Nagoya?"
"I was thinking the same thing for you. I've family here, but decided to take a day off just for myself and come here and do some research for a manga I'm thinking of writing." Her brown eyes finally took notice of two other pairs of eyes looking quietly over at her. "Oh my, is this seriously Hiyori? You've certainly grown up!" Oosaki made her way over, Kirishima silently following as he listened to Oosaki introduce herself to his daughter, and his eyebrows rose when she clearly ignored Yokozawa who was right at his daughter's side. "You look just like Sakura-san."
"You knew my Mama?" Hiyo hesitantly voiced as the tall slender woman nodded.
"I went to College with her and your father." Kirishima and Yokozawa observed Hiyo shrink slightly back when Oosaki crouched beside her, a smile on her face. "Ne, Hiyori-chan, would it be alright if I walked around the aquarium with you and your father?" Steely blue orbs glanced over at Kirishima, noticing the surprise in the man's gaze at just how bold the author was being...and also completely ignoring the fact that he was already here with company too. "I'm thinking about having my next manga set around an aquarium and would love to have a young girl's opinion on the matter."
"I...I don't feel well." The youngster squeaked out, hand fisted within the material of Yokozawa's polo shirt as she shrunk awkwardly away from the advancing woman.
"Oh, I hope its not serious. Do you need a hand to the bathroom?"
"N-No..."
"She may just need some fresh air." It was like Oosaki had only just realised that the salesman was there as she blinked up and over at him, watching as he bent down in front of the lightly blushing Hiyori, coaxing her onto his back as he gave her a piggyback ride. "We'll be near the car." Kirishima nodded his head, watching the two of them leave before turning his hardened gaze to the owlishly blinking author.
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"Are you feeling better?" Yokozawa questioned as he sat in the back of the car and handed Hiyori a bottle of chilled water.
"O-Oniichan..." The youngster shyly began, he knowing she wasn't truly sick at all, but it was all she could think of in order to flee the overbearing woman. "I...I'm not really sick."
Yokozawa smiled lightly as he rested his large hand atop her head. "I know." Those big brown eyes gazed up at him. "Hiyo did not feel comfortable with Oosaki-sensei ne?"
"H-Hai..." She took a gulp of refreshing liquid before screwing the cap back on. "D-Do you think Papa will be mad at me?"
"Not at all."
"B-But I was very rude to her!"
"Oosaki-sensei happens to be someone who likes your father."
"Likes Papa?" Hiyo repeated and watched her Oniichan nod his head.
"I think she wants to become friends with Hiyo and perhaps was a little too forceful in what she was trying to do in your presence." Yokozawa tried to explain the woman's intentions, he not at all blind to what the bold woman was trying to do.
"She wants to get on my good side, so she can get my blessing to date Papa?" Steely blue eyes widened slightly, not realising just how in tune Hiyo was with such things.
"I guess that is probably what she wants to do."
"I don't need Oosaki-sensei!" Hiyo puffed out her cheeks stubbornly. "I'm happy with it just being Papa, Oniichan and I." Yokozawa did not have a chance to comment as Kirishima came strolling over, peering into the back as he grinned at his precious daughter.
"You've recovered quite fast." He watched her blush, probably knowing that he knew she wasn't really unwell. He watched as she bit lightly on her bottom lip, head bowed as she tried to gather her thoughts. "Will Hiyo tell me what she is feeling right now?"
"I...I don't want Papa to date Oosaki-sensei!" Kirishima leaned over, hand ruffling Hiyori's hair as she peered up at him, waiting anxiously for his disapproval at her behaviour.
"That will never happen." Kirishima firmly voiced.
"R-Really?"
Kirishima nodded his head as he turned his gaze to glance over at Yokozawa. "I have Takafumi and Hiyo and that's all I ever need." Yokozawa was stumped for words at Kirishima's honesty. He really wanted to lecture the man on saying such things like that to a child, but couldn't get angry when Hiyo leaned against him, hugging his arm to her as she let off a tiny giggle.
"Papa and I are the same." The dark haired businessman gulped down the lump in his throat as Kirishima decided to take over the driving since Yokozawa had been the one to do the driving to Nagoya...and there was the fact that Hiyo did not want to let go of him right now. It was very cute.
"I'm sorry your time at the aquarium was cut short." Yokozawa softly voiced as he made sure he and Hiyori were buckled in.
"We got some great photos, and I've this adorable penguin, so it wasn't all that bad." The youngster voiced, finding a positive out of the slightly ruined mid morning journey. "Besides, I like spending time like this with Oniichan and Papa the most." Yokozawa was sunk in an instant, bending slightly as he pressed his lips to the top of Hiyo's head, murmuring his response of 'me too' as Hiyo blushed once more, though grinning ear to ear as she looked at her own father's grinning smile in the rearview mirror.
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"Are you two hungry?" Kirishima glanced in the rearview, another massive grin on his lips as the two that were most precious to him were slouched and leaning against each other, sound asleep. Hiyo was still hugging Yokozawa's arm, but there was a tiny little smile on her lips. "You two are so adorable." Kirishima muttered to himself as he decided to skip a lunch stop and wanted to get the both of them home safe and sound.
Truthfully, while driving in the silence, he had time to think over what had occurred. He'd been quite surprised at seeing Oosaki at the aquarium and was not at all pleased as she blatantly tried getting cosy with his daughter and also ignoring the fact he was already with Yokozawa. He'd had frank words with the woman, advising her that he wanted nothing to do with her personally and for her to never approach his daughter with such ulterior motives again. Though he would not be Editor to any of her works, if they had meetings together, he would indeed be his usual professional self, but that is where he would draw the line. He had left the shocked woman there and went on the hunt for his daughter and companion.
Kirishima was pleased that Hiyo had blurted out her true feelings in regards to Oosaki and decided to reassure not only her, but also Yokozawa, that he would never date her. The Editor-in-Chief was not stupid and knew that even though Yokozawa took Hiyo away, the man practically oozed unease, possibly even jealousy, in regards to Oosaki and he meeting up again, and of course having yet another conversation which he wasn't in ear range to hear.
Once they settled back home he'd have to sit Yokozawa down and tell him flat out that he does not take kindly to anyone trying to wriggle their way into his life by using his daughter and will once again voice that he has no ties with Oosaki.
He hoped that would ease his companions supposedly hidden jealousy.
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The week had been insanely hectic for both men as it was nearing the end of the cycle.
When they'd returned to Tokyo, Yokozawa requested to be dropped home as he had an early start in the morning as he had several errands to run prior to heading into the office first thing Tuesday morning.
Now, it was Friday afternoon, everything finally cooling down in both Sales and Japun as Yokozawa finally had a chance to look over some statistics with his Manager.
"Yokozawa!" All eyes turned as a deep voiced boomed throughout the floor, everyone stopping what they were doing. "Yokozawa, I've terrible news!" The salesman looked up from what he was doing as once more, Kirishima interrupted his work, but for once the salesman decided not to lecture the older man just yet as he appeared a little bit frazzled.
"What seems to be the problem?" Yokozawa questioned, thinking there was something he did not pick up on in the documentation he gave back to the man just yesterday.
"Its Hiyo!"
"Eh?" Yokozawa stood immediately, bowing slightly to his Manager and mouthed he'd only be gone for a few moments. As he directed the Editor-in-Chief away from Sales, he listened to a few staff mutter 'who is Hiyo' but forgot all about his colleagues as he directed Kirishima into the nearest break room. Closing the door behind them, heart going ten to the dozen, Yokozawa turned to face the Editor-in-Chief. "What has happened to her?"
"Listen to this." Kirishima pulled his phone from his pocket, placing it on speaker as he hit play on the message which was left for him.
"I've got some after school activities to attend to today and also some studying to do at Hina-chan's place, so I'll be home late tonight. I'm sorry I forgot to mention it this morning. And don't worry, Hina-chan's father will drop me home. Otousan, please remember to pick yourself up something for dinner. Bye!"
Yokozawa furrowed his eyebrows. "I'm not following what the problem is." The salesman voiced as there was no distress in the young girls voice. "Hiyo has advised you she'll be at a friends place tonight and you need to sort something out for dinner."
"Not that part, listen!" Yokozawa sighed as he once again listened to the message for a second, third and fourth time. "And?"
"Did you not hear what she called me?" Kirishima played the message for the last time, the man letting out a massive sigh as he slumped into a chair.
"Wait, this behaviour is because she's called you Otousan?"
"I've never been Otousan, I'm always Papa to her! It makes me sound so...old!" Yokozawa was dumbfounded.
"And this is the supposed 'terrible news' you are referring to?"
"Of course its terrible news! Just last weekend when we were in Iga I was still Papa to her and now all of a sudden I'm Otousan! Its not right!" The salesman really wanted to laugh, but held it back.
"Kirishima, Hiyo is growing up, its something that you cannot change. Have you actually taken a moment to think that perhaps one of her friends...or all of them...have questioned why she still called you Papa or something like that?"
"Who cares about her friends!"
"Well for one, Hiyo would. Children don't like to be left behind or left out, so if all her friends have been calling their parents Okaasan and Otousan for quite some time now, of course she is going to catch on and think maybe she's getting too old to call you Papa now."
"She'll never be too old!" The man whined once more, head slumping onto the table dramatically.
Quickly darting his eyes to the glass partition in the door, seeing no one was in the hallway, Yokozawa glided fingers through soft fluffy hair. "Stop being so dramatic."
He watched the Editor-in-Chief jerk his head up, he dropping his hand instantly when what appeared to be slightly annoyed almond orbs were gazing over at him. "You just wait until she starts calling you Oniisan, then you'll know how I feel." Yokozawa raised an eyebrow at the comment.
"Whether I'm Oniichan or Oniisan, its not going to bother me. Hiyo is still Hiyo...and you need to come to terms that your little girl is not going to be little forever." Yokozawa watched the older man pout instantly. "Of course she'll always be your little girl, and yes I don't truly understand what it feels like, but just be thankful she's not calling you Oyaji."
"I'll never allow that!" Kirishima erupted, fisted hands thumping on the table which suddenly brought a slight smile to Yokozawa's lips. This was completely a new side to the man he'd never seen before, and albeit him being a bit immature about the whole thing, it was kind of cute.
"Then just accept it...Otousan..."
"You're not making me feel better." Kirishima whined like a child once more. He felt a sudden jolt when a firm grip took hold of his chin and then lips where caressing against his ear as Yokozawa had boldly leaned impossibly closer, he practically feeling his body warmth and smelling his musky and hypnotic aftershave.
"I'll take your mind off of it." Wide almond orbs gazed a little surprised up at the salesman as he stood to his full height. "I'll shout you and Hiyo lunch tomorrow." Yokozawa grinned evilly as he headed for the door.
"You bloody tease!" Kirishima shouted as Yokozawa gave him a flippant wave and left him sitting alone in the break room, though a silly grin did spread across Kirishima's lips as he watched his dark haired younger companion move back down the hallway and onto the Sales floor. "Arigatou, Takafumi..."
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Kirishima had spent Friday night on his own, his precious girl ringing him to ask if she could stay the night at her friends place and would go to club activities Saturday morning from Hina-chan's house.
He spoke briefly to Hina's father, making sure that it was alright with him and his wife and thanked them for indulging and looking after Hiyo. They advised it was no trouble at all, Hiyori being a very good girl and she even helped make gyoza for them. Kirishima smiled as he hung up the phone and then slumped on his lounge, gazing about his quiet living room. He really didn't like being alone, and as much as he wanted to ring the salesman and demand he come over, he knew the man was actually busy. One of the women in Sales was heading off on maternity leave and Henmi had organised a surprise party for the woman, which is where Yokozawa had been dragged to.
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The Editor-in-Chief gazed out the window of the restaurant he was currently sitting in. He woke to a cold wintry Saturday morning, certain it was going to rain. He'd received a message from Yokozawa, he stating that he was running a little late for the "lunch date" the three of them were going to partake in as he and Hiyo had run an errand together, purchasing a present for his mother as it was her birthday in a few days.
When the dark haired businessman found out that his mother's birthday was coming up, he'd asked if it were alright with them if he could pitch in and get her a present with the two of them. Kirishima thought the idea was adorable while his daughter was excited about going shopping with him.
Almond orbs glanced down at his phone which gave off a merry chime. It was Hiyo advising them that they were minutes away and that they'd decided on a day spa treatment for her beloved Obaachan. He could just imagine how adorable the two of them were in regards to deciding on a present for his mother and it instantly brought a smile to Kirishima's lips.
He felt that very smile grace his lips as just across the road he noticed his daughter and companion hand in hand, conversing together with several attractive woman looking appreciatively up at the businessman. Kirishima was thankful that his companion only had eyes for his daughter at this very moment, he noticing as they both looked up into the overcast sky, fat droplets of rain beginning to fall. Yokozawa quickly opened up his overcoat and placed part of it over his precious daughter, she cuddling close albeit blushing a little at the open affection in front of complete strangers.
Kirishima observed as they jogged across the pedestrian crossing once the traffic had stopped, his hand lifting up as he received a massive wave and smile from Hiyori as she saw him watching them through the large window. Just before entering the restaurant, Yokozawa shook water from his jacket and hair, the both of them stepping inside and walking over to join him.
"I hope you don't catch a cold because of me Oniichan."
"I'm fine." Kirishima felt his heart fill with utter joy at listening to the sweet interaction between the two of them.
"Sorry we are late Otousan." Though the fact his daughter broke his heart a little as she was now calling him father, his joy at being with the two of them still outweighed everything else.
Why if it weren't for the other customers, the staff and also Hiyo, Kirishima would have leaned over, grabbed hold of the collar of Yokozawa's polo shirt and kissed the life out of him.
Perhaps there was still time to do that later tonight, knowing for sure he'd be able to rope his precious girl into inviting the man over for dinner...and who knows, it might even turn into a sleepover too.
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To be continued...