Summary: A continuation to New Year's Eve at the Toya's. Hikaru and Akira begin their relationship, running into both foreseen and unexpected hardships along the way. Will they be able to maintain their love for each other in the wake of adversity?

Disclaimer: Hikaru no Go is written by Yumi Hotta and the animated series was created by Studio Pierrot. Please do not construe the writing of this fanfiction as a claim to ownership in any way.

A New Year, A New Life

6 – The Wrong Way

Hikaru perked when he heard the doorbell ring. He quickly got up from his bed and hurried down to see if it was who he thought it was. Indeed, Mitani was standing on the other side of the front door with an impatient look. Hikaru smirked at him as he let him in.

"Fuck's taking so long?" Mitani grumbled. Hikaru motioned towards the stairs.

"It's ma," he said. "She still gettin' ready."

"Oh." Mitani walked further inside and glanced around. "And Waya and Isumi?"

"They coming. They'll be here before ma ready, I bet." They were all preparing to leave to attend a small awards ceremony acknowledging go professionals for their community work and their outstanding achievements in their field. Waya, Isumi, Akira and Hikaru were all among the pros receiving honors that evening. Mrs. Shindo never passed up a chance to witness her son receiving an award and Mitani was also tagging along as moral support. Before long, Waya and Isumi arrived and all four friends gathered in the kitchen to snack while they waited for Mrs. Shindo to finish getting ready.

About ten minutes later, she poked her head into the kitchen and seemed surprised to see so many people there.

"Oh, were you boys waiting for me?" she asked.

"You ready, ma?" Hikaru asked. She nodded. "It's about time. Let's go guys." Isumi took a moment to clean up after them before they each left the house. Hikaru rode with his mother while Waya and Isumi rode with Mitani. Mitani's car was just another luxury afforded to him by his mysterious older "friend." Hikaru thought that the whole situation surrounding Mitani and the mystery man was nothing but trouble, but there was nothing he could do about it, especially since he had never met the man.

Hikaru put all of that behind him as he focused on the night ahead of them. He wasn't looking forward to sitting through a long, drawn out ceremony. He was more looking forward to seeing Akira again, especially after having been apart from him for so long.

Akira was straightening out his tie in front of the bathroom mirror when he heard his mother calling for him. He gave the tie one last, good tug and felt satisfied enough with its appearance that he left it as it was. He went into the living room, sure that that was where his mother had called him from. There, he found his mother and father standing next to Marume Eri, who was elegantly dressed in a silk wrap and an elaborate bun in her hair. She was holding a coat made of dead animal, and heels on her feet. When they saw each other, she smiled gleefully. Akira paused mid-step, glancing around at everyone in confusion. He had known that Marume would pop up at some point, but tonight?

"Akira-san!" Marume gasped, clasping her hands together in excitement. The jovial expression on her face remained, and it caused an uneasy stirring in Akira's stomach. Akira frowned at her for using his first name.

"What exactly is going on here?" he asked.

"Marume's family has accepted your invitation in accompanying her for the evening," Akiko said, smiling genially. Akira's frown deepened.

"I don't understand," he said. "I never…" Behind Marume, out of her sight, Koyo rocked slightly on his heels. His frown was matching Akira's, though his less of confusion and more of anger.

"The night will still be young," Akiko said. "Afterwards…should you decide to catch a late show, or a nice dinner, we would understand." His mother didn't seem to have the same hesitant confidence as Koyo. It seemed as if Koyo was the mastermind and therefore knew that Akira had no part in this, and that Akiko and Marume thought that Akira had arranged it. He didn't have the energy to ask questions.

"We should go or we'll be late," he said, avoiding everyone's eyes. He walked towards the door, Marume following closely behind him. He slipped on his dress shoes and jacket while he waited for his mother and father to join them in the hallway. He left out first and walked to the family car. Knowing the door was unlocked, Akira opened it and prepared to enter the car. Marume suddenly slipped in front of him, smiling at him, her face too close for comfort.

"Thank you," she said, and it sounded as if she giggled it. She slipped into the car ahead of him. Akira felt his face scrunch so much that it began to make his head ache. He slammed the door and walked around to the other side of the car. He got inside, intent on not saying another word unless it was absolutely necessary. Akiko and Koyo were taking their time getting to the car. Marume drummed her fingers on her knees and then looked over to Akira.

"Akira-chan?" Akira's face contorted in anger.

"Understand this," he said through clenched teeth. "This isn't my idea. What I told you on Valentine's Day still stands, Marume. I am not interested in dating nor am I a willing participant in this charade. I have not given you permission to forgo formalities with me and I don't want to hear my name coming out of your mouth ever again, are we clear?" Marume's expression pained.

"But… But… He said you were so happy…" she said. "Why are you so upset? Your mother sounded so excited about this… I mean… I thought you were looking forward to this."

"I am looking forward to this evening's ceremony, yes, but not to this," Akira motioned between himself and Marume. "This "arrangement," as it's been put, is complete news to me." Marume looked horrified, but she put on a brave face as the door on her side opened. Koyo let Akiko into the car, and then he boarded in the passenger's seat.

Their driver, who Akira had seen way too much of over the past few weeks, entered the driver's seat and started the car. It was just about the most awkward ride Akira had ever taken. He avoided starting conversation, and no one else spoke much. He responded quickly and curtly to anything directed his way, and looked out of the window to distract himself. His father acted as if oblivious to the discomfort he had caused Akira and Marume even as they arrived to the small auditorium where the ceremony would take place.

People were staring at Akira and his family from the moment they left the car, after they checked in their tickets and coats and continuing on as they approached the auditorium itself. As soon as they passed the bathrooms, Akira excused himself without delay. He rushed to the last stall and locked himself in. Feeling safe there, he pulled out his cell phone from his pants pocket and looked at the screen. He had one message. He opened the phone to read it.

Hey, Himitsu Ai! ;D I just got here. Where you at? Akira smiled to himself. Hikaru was there. He was going to be able to see him soon. He thought about leaving to find him, but then he remembered that his parents were bound to see them together if they tried to interact. How he hated their meddling! Akira decided to vent while he had the chance, and he and Hikaru conversed through texts over the next few minutes.

This arrogant quack! I swear it, this is the end!

WTF? . Whaddup, Kira?

You won't believe what he's done!

What, babe?

He's set me up. He has gone ahead and set me up, Hikaru! I'm so fed up I could just erupt right now!

Calm down, Kira… Set u up how?

With a date! A DATE! I just don't know what to do. This is the worst night of my life!

Run away with me then babe.

I can't just do that. Be patient and we'll be together soon. Just don't get upset when you see this girl on my arm. The absolute nerve of this maniac!

Hang in there, Kira-Fi. We'll go out for burgers and take a load off. I wuv u like ice cream.

What…does that mean?

Means I luv u 2 infinity and beyond, babe.

Would you stop calling me babe? I'm not a pig, you know?

Duuuude. I'll go to your table when you guys grab a seat.

Duuuude? That's even worse.

I love you.

I love you 2. Deciding he'd spent enough time in the W.C., Akira left the stall, washed his hands and went to rejoin his family in the hallway. There, he discovered that they had left him. He went into the dining room and looked around. Hikaru and his friends had seated themselves on the opposite side of the room from Akira's family. Akira wondered if he should go greet Hikaru first, as many of the invitees were taking the opportunity to meet with each other. Hikaru said he would go to the Toya table, but it would probably be awkward if he did. Akira made up his mind to visit Hikaru and spare the situation unnecessary commotion.

As he started across the room, he felt someone grab hold of his wrist.

"Hey, Toya-kun, wait up." The voice belonged to Ashiwara. Akira took his hand away as he turned around, feeling the familiar nervous heat that welled in his stomach at every encounter he had had with Ashiwara since the incident. He was convinced he was at fault that Koyo had found out about his day with Hikaru, and Akira never ceased to show him his bitterness whenever they met. "Toya, wait. Your…your dad has been waiting for you. He thinks that we should talk, you and I."

"I don't have anything to say to you," Akira said, and his tone was venomous.

"What is with you?" Ashiwara asked. "This silent treatment, this rudeness. Everyone is worried about what's wrong."

"Why don't you ask my father what's wrong? Don't come to me pretending that you care what happens with me."

"What? Akira…where is this—?" Akira's headache worsened as he felt his eyebrows dip towards the bridge of his nose.

"Don't you call me that like I mean anything to you!" he snapped in a hushed tone. Ashiwara was completely taken aback. Akira was hands on hip with anger. "How long did it take you before you ratted me out? Two minutes, three?"

"What are you talking about?" Ashiwara asked, not understanding.

"Don't give me that," Akira said, still trying to keep his voice hushed. "Don't play who's the fool with me. Who else could have told him about what happened that day, you traitor!"

"It…it wasn't me, Akira, I didn't do it."

"Then who, if not you?"

"It was…it was Kurata-kun… I mean, it just slipped out. You can't be mad at me, I didn't say anything."

"That changes nothing and do you know why? A true friend would help someone when they need them. I still can't believe how hard it was to convince you not to tell father and you were treating me like I had wronged you."

"Toya-sensei asked me first though," Ashiwara said, desperate to defend himself.

"Live with it, then," Akira said. "Rat me out next time and watch me suffer for it, if you desire it so much. But don't come to me and call me by my first name as if we're friends after deserting me and stabbing me in the back. You cannot be friends with both me and my father anymore. If you chose him, then this is the end."

"Toya-kun," Ashiwara gulped. Akira turned to leave, but Ashiwara moved in front of him to stop him. "No, wait a minute, Toya. I upheld my end of things. I didn't say anything, just like I said I wouldn't. Your treating me like this is unfair."

"No, it isn't. I'm eliminating the difficulty. You're loyal to him, so you chose to please him after this. I don't care for either of you."

"I don't understand where you're coming from with this."

"I don't care."

"You're being immature."

"Then so be it." Ashiwara sighed heavily and put a hand to his head.

"What am I going to tell him when he asks how things went?" he asked. "I don't want to make you look bad."

"I'm telling you that you're to go over there and tell that man that I was a complete jerk to you. Then maybe you'll see it, what me being true to myself gets me." Ashiwara's eyes showed his concern. He looked down and searched the floor with his eyes.

"What does that mean?" he asked, raising them finally.

"What did it sound like?" Akira asked. "Just go on and do his bidding. I don't care anymore. Now I'm going to see Hikaru now. Make sure you tell him about that, because I'm sure he's still expecting you to report my every move to him, even when we're in the same room."

"I've never known you…to act this way. Toya…?"

"I'm 18. I'm not a child and I am no one's puppet. I am a human being. You remember that and when you decide to treat me as such, then that is when I will acknowledge you. Until then, you are nothing to me." Akira turned around and bumped into Hikaru. He stared at him with his angry scowl for a moment before he realized who he was looking at.

"What's wrong?" Hikaru asked, looking around him to lay eyes on Ashiwara. Ashiwara's expression was tinged with guilt and hurt. "What happened, what did he do?"

"Nothing, Hikaru," Akira said, shaking his head. "Don't question it. Where is your mother?"

"She went to your table to see your folks."

"Oh?" Akira wasn't ready to face his parents just yet, but it seemed he didn't really have a choice. "Then I guess we should go see them."

"Toya, we aren't finished talking," Ashiwara said. Akira ignored him, as it was clear that Ashiwara wasn't taking his words to heart. Akira had ended their conversation, conditionally, and would continue it once those conditions were met. Ashiwara's trying to tell him that "they weren't finished talking," was a form of control, and Akira wasn't having it. Hikaru looked at Ashiwara, and then at Akira, who began the walk to his parents' table.

Mrs. Shindo was standing while Koyo and Akiko were still seated. Koyo looked displeased with her, and Akiko looked as though she was trying very hard to be polite. Mrs. Shindo was speaking, but stopped once she looked over her shoulder to see who was coming up behind her.

"Hey ma," Hikaru said. "It's nice to see you again Toya-sensei… Toya-san…" Koyo and Akiko both nodded once in unison. Neither said a word.

"Good evening, Akira-chan," Mrs. Shindo said, stepping towards Akira. She gave him a hug.

"Good evening," Akira said, her presence causing him to get both nervous and excited. He managed an unconscious smile. Mrs. Shindo stepped back to get a look at him.

"You look so handsome. Have you said hello to the others?"

"No, I have not yet had the chance. I assume you've met my parents tonight?"

"Yes," Mrs. Shindo said, and she chuckled nervously. "I was hoping to arrange that dinner finally, but it seems…there just isn't a decent time for us. It just wasn't meant to be, I guess."

"Unfortunately," Akira said. "Perhaps some other time. Some time soon." Mrs. Shindo nodded.

"It's just too bad that everyone is so busy," she pressed on. "I mean, our boys are such good friends, but Hikaru has told me that Akira-chan has been so busy that he hasn't had the time to get together."

"It is important that young professionals remember what their priorities are and that they keep their best foot forward," Koyo said, and his tone was suppressed, as if his patience was being tried. "Their careers are only going to proceed if they keep up their seriousness and drive." Mrs. Shindo nodded, but it was clear that she didn't agree completely with him.

"Yes, it is important," she said. "But I also believe that young people should enjoy their free time to some extent, and when it is with fellow professionals, I think that that is right."

"Akira enjoys himself," Koyo said with a finalizing tone. "Now that that has cleared up, I don't believe that there is anything more to say to the matter. I wish to speak with Akira. I hope you understand." Akira's eyes had been fixed on the ground, but Hikaru could see in his demeanor that he was in bad shape. Hikaru patted him on the back.

"Come to the table and see the others later, okay?" he offered in what he hoped was a friendly tone.

"I should only be so lucky," Akira mumbled. Mechanically, he pulled his chair out and sat down. He felt Marume's eyes on him, and he sent her a glare that caused her to flinch and look away. Mrs. Shindo gave him a light hug around his shoulders, said goodbye to the table and left with Hikaru by her side.

"Akira, what was that about?" Akiko asked, sounding upset. Akira didn't say anything.

"Your mother has asked you a question," Koyo grumbled. "Answer."

"What was what about?" Akira asked.

"Just now, with that woman touching you. Why is she acting so familiar with you? I didn't like that. How could she possibly think that that is okay? You aren't even her son. You must tell her that you don't want her to do such things." Akira didn't say anything. Akiko looked between her son and her husband. "Well?"

"You didn't ask me anything," Akira said.

"You are to tell that woman not to touch you, do you understand?"

"I do not."

"So you'll disobey me?"

"I will not." Akiko swallowed hard and looked at Koyo again. Akira raised his eyes to meet his mother's. "Just because I don't understand it doesn't mean that I have the right to not accept it, isn't that the gist of it?"

"What is there to not understand?" Akiko asked.

"I do not oppose to Shindo-san's actions towards me. I do, however, oppose to Marume's actions towards me. But that doesn't matter. When Marume does it, I'm supposed to just deal with it because it is what you want, and so I do not have a choice. But when Shindo-san does, all of a sudden, it's a crime against humanity because you say so, and therefore, I am unable accept it, even if I have no earthly reason not to mind it. Because I don't matter, and because you do. Isn't that right, mother?" Akiko's jaw was set tight.

"Of course you matter," she said.

"I do not."

"Dear…" Akiko said to her husband, as she was now at a loss. Koyo took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"We will not discuss this here," he said. "It is disgraceful." Akira clasped his hands in his lap, lowered his eyes and tried to lose himself in thoughts of Hikaru. "I assume in the time it took you to get back here that you patched things up with Ashiwara?"
"Quite thoroughly. You won't have another issue between him and I, at least not one of my doing."

"Did you apologize for your treatment of him?"

"We had a very explanative talk about the cause, and I would like to think that we have reached a viable conclusion."

"He was supposed to return with you."

"I cannot control his actions." The seat creaked under Koyo's weight as he shifted. Silence stretched, and Akira wanted so badly to tell Marume to just leave already.

"I just don't like it," Akiko said suddenly. "I don't like her thinking that she can touch you that way."

"Perhaps if she saw me more often, she wouldn't feel the need to."

"And just what does that mean?" Akiko asked.

"Friends worry when they are suddenly and inexplicably ignored, and in turn, they desire answers. I can't help what either of them do in an effort to assure themselves that we are all still friends." Koyo's stern eyes were fixed on Akira's face. "I honestly can't, father," Akira said before Koyo could speak.

"Toya-sensei! Toya-kun!" Kurata Atsushi's excitable, rasped voice rang out behind them. They both rose and greeted him, Akira keeping the cold, distant approach he had used on all of Koyo's students and closest friends. Kurata tried to smooth things over with a joke, and Akira responded with a stifled, forced laugh. The awkwardness of the moment only intensified, but Akira didn't care. If he was uncomfortable, then so too should they be. The nerve of the both of them, trying to run Akira's life. His displeasure was once again too hard to hide, and he excused himself to the washroom.

He hadn't been in his stall for long before he heard someone enter.

"Hey, Akira?"

"Hikaru?" Akira opened the door and looked towards the entrance. Hikaru was standing there, and he smiled when they spotted each other. "Hey, you," he said, reaching for him. Akira pulled him into the stall and laid an urgent, harsh kiss upon his lips.

"Du…dude…" Hikaru said, breathing heavily.

"Just call me Akira, would you?" Akira gasped back. He wrapped his arms around Hikaru and held him tightly. "I miss this," he said. "I miss you."

"Come out with us later, then."

"Marume won't be so easy to get rid of. She's still got that look in her eye like she's not going to give up even after I told her this wasn't my idea."

"We can drop you off, then drop her off, then swing around and get you again," Hikaru said. Akira eyed him strangely.

"Honestly," he said. "That will never work, Hikaru."

"Yeah, it will, too."

"And what if Marume tells father what time we parted, but I don't get in until hours later?" Hikaru frowned.

"Oh," he said. For some strange reason, he smelled like brownies. Akira cupped his cheeks and kissed him on the lips.

"I would love to sneak out with you, Hikaru," he said. "But I'm saving that for a separate occasion. It will make our lives a lot easier if you gave me some time before we can be together." Hikaru smiled and nodded.

"I can do that," he said. "Because I at least get to see you at work and call you."

"That's right," Akira said. He came forward and kissed Hikaru more deeply. Hikaru wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly. "Just…give me a little more time to make things right."