Trifecta Love from A to Z

By Shin Sankai

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Author's Notes: Just like I did for my 'H' chapter, this is going to be done in Kirishima's point of view. I was nervous about doing it, but I hope I've done alright.

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Chapter 11: Kissing, Kirishima Zen

It was Sunday afternoon, my home which I lived with my unbelievably adorable daughter, Hiyori, was completely devoid of her. She'd gone for a study day at Yuki-chan's place, just a couple floors down, and advised she would be back for dinner, at around 6pm.

It was now 5 in the afternoon, there wasn't much on TV I was interested in, and I'd already read the newspaper twice now. I'd also had a couple of beers while gazing over the city skyline from the balcony, which was generally a tradition for me, to unwind after a long day at the office even though today was a rare lazy Sunday.

It had been quite hectic during the week, many hours clacking away on the laptop or taking a variety of different phone calls and being pulled into meetings, but finally, things had calmed and today was a chance to just sit back, relax and enjoy the quiet. Of course these days, quiet was something that I really didn't like.

When Hiyo was a baby, all my time was taken up with looking after her that I didn't pay attention to my loneliness. In truth, I dread the very idea that as Hiyo grows older, she will want to spend less time with me as she matures and enters the world on her own.

As I sat down one late evening, thinking those very sinking thoughts, I suddenly felt truly alone. I no longer had someone by my side, someone who was my equal and someone who would stay by my side through everything and anything. It brought forth both happy and sad memories of when I was married, excitedly awaiting the birth of my little girl, but also worrying at the declining health of my beautiful wife, Sakura.

At that thought, I turned my almond orbs to the framed photo of my smiling wife and made my way over to it. I'd just realised I'd not spoken to her in quite awhile now. Usually I would take moments like this, sitting on the couch with her photo in my hands, and tell her all the things which had been going on in our lives, most of which had to do with our little girl, who of course was not so little anymore.

I always hoped Sakura would be proud of my efforts in raising our daughter. She had, after all, turned out to be a very sweet, gentle, kind and loving child who held a tremendous amount of maturity and responsibility at such a young age. It couldn't be helped when I was terrible at cooking and cleaning, but Hiyori never seemed to complain as a stubbornness grew within her, learning the basics of cooking and cleaning from my mother in order to take care of us. She definitely got her stubbornness from her mother, even if Hiyo was never old enough to recall her.

As Hiyo grew older, I was compelled to tell her things about the mother she never truly knew. Like how Sakura loved the smell of the sea breeze or freshly picked flowers in the house. How she also loved thunderstorms and walking in the rain, something Hiyo had grown fond of as well. I had also decided to keep Sakura's perfumes and the shampoo and conditioner she used so Hiyo could smell the things her mother liked, to be that little bit closer to her. I had wondered if such things were weird to do, but my mother advised that one cannot smell a photograph and she thought it was a lovely and thoughtful idea. Hiyo was not interested in the perfumes just yet, though she liked the pretty bottles they came in, as well as the flowery scents, and for now they sat prominently on her dressing table, knowing they would be used once she reached her teens.

Before even Hiyo was a thought in our eyes, Sakura and I met as classmates in College. There was no denying the fact that we did not get along. We realised, after some time, that our bickering and bantering was because we both in fact liked one another. We finally dated and not long into our relationship I knew this strong headed and always smiling woman was the one I wanted to spend my life with. If she was surprised at my proposal, Sakura never did show it and instead just gave me a simple nod of her head. Life was fantastic.

Not everything had gone according to our plans though. Sakura's health was becoming quite an issue as she was hospitalised early on in our married life for a couple of months. I became increasingly worried when she fell pregnant, her doctor advising it was strongly recommended to terminate in order to think of her own health, but this was Sakura and no one could tell her what to do, not even me.

Sakura giving birth to Hiyori was the proudest moment of my life, I so incredibly aghast at her bravery and truly honoured that she wanted to give birth to my child...our child. Of course in the back of my mind I knew such a strenuous delivery cost Sakura dearly as a year into our happy little family of three, I noticed her health deteriorate dramatically over that time and not long after Hiyo had turned one, Sakura slipped away.

After mourning the loss of my precious wife and putting her to rest, I invested all my time in caring for Hiyo. I had promised Sakura that I would make her the happiest girl in the entire world. During my grieving I had many offers of assistance from my parents to my siblings, but knew it was my duty to give our daughter the best possible upbringing. That didn't mean I didn't take them up on their offer to help, especially from my parents who did not live far from me, but I knew what Hiyo needed was stability. I tried to give it to her as best I could...and hope I still am. I devoted all my time to my little girl, so that she knew she was number one in my life, and because of that I never put much thought into ever finding someone else or the possibility of re-marrying.

I knew I was quite an attractive man, as cocky as that seemed, and I'm sure I could of had my pick at a variety of different women, but truthfully I wondered whether any wanted a single father trying to raise a little girl. I wondered who would want to help take care of me and my daughter. Just who could grab my attention, make me fall for them so hard that I'd never want to part from them. And more importantly. who would be the person I would trust wholeheartedly, and be good enough, for my little girl.

Several months ago, those very thoughts had invaded my mind. I never imagined I'd be drawn to another person so strongly, nor the very person that my eyes could not stray from. And that was because...it was another man. Yokozawa Takafumi, five years my junior, an all round good looking yet standoffish man who worked in Sales at Marukawa, had intrigued me since the moment I laid eyes on him. I couldn't truly understand why this was the case.

It was quite a shock that when he walked by me or was in the same meetings as me, my eyes were constantly drawn to him...and yet within his own gaze...was another. I was nothing to him, but as I watched and observed him closely, watched as he was cast aside by Takano, I realised then and there that I wanted to be something to him. I wanted his attention, his gaze on me, only me.

To come to this realisation was quite odd, the fact a man had caught my attention that is. I wasn't gay, but I also knew that it wasn't even outside beauty of a woman that would attract me either. I knew I'd always been drawn to strong, hard headed characters, and this time round, Takafumi was exactly that, never mind the fact he was male.

Of course I was hesitent at first, unsure what this younger man would do if I made any advances, so I was definitely on guard, but still trying to be my usual charming self of course. As time drew on, he was not stupid and I was pretty sure he knew of my intentions, but he was quite tricky to unravel. Maybe that was one major factor that drew me towards him?

I knew of his unrequited love towards his close friend, and a small portion of me knew that they had been together at one point too. I was also pretty damn sure that Takafumi was not revealing all to Takano either, perhaps afraid the man would break contact with him entirely if he knew the real man hidden beneath. I was now determined more then ever to bring that man out. I tried many things to get that to happen, dragging him out to lunches and dinners, teasing him and then of course introducing him to my daughter.

As we spent more and more time together, I knew it was only right that I tell Hiyo I'd potentially found myself a new partner and wanted them to meet. I can still recall the look on her face the first time I spoke about having met someone, she just couldn't hide her surprise. After all, it had been the both of us for such a long time. I was nervous as I voiced my feelings aloud to her, not just for me, but also for my little girl as I pondered on what she thought on the matter. When she showed open concern for me, wanting to make sure I would not get hurt, my heart melted.

There was no denying the fact I was very protective of Hiyo, never wanting any harm to come to her, and being very cautious of who to trust around her too. We'd been such a tight duo and now there was the possibility of me wanting to expand it to a trio.

So the night I introduced her to Takafumi, I observed her closely. She didn't give much away, but then that night, I doubt she knew that the very person I was introducing her to was the one I was interested in. As days turned to weeks, I watched with great joy, if not a little bit jealous, as pathetic as that was, as Takafumi and Hiyo grew closer and closer together.

There was no denying that I felt jealous of Hiyo, for Takafumi could open up to her like he couldn't with me. I became a witness to just how adorable the two of them were. Slowly over time, I hope I can control it, for my ultimate wish would be for Takafumi to feel that comfortable and that free with me as well. Even though I pout like a child at times, I cannot help but feel relieved at how well the introductions had gone.

When I asked Takafumi to come out on a date with me, he completely blindsided by it all, and unawares that we were together, I couldn't help my anger and disappointment in him. I knew of his hesitence, for underneath that hard exterior lies quite the fragile heart, it having already been battered and bruised, and so the man kept his feelings in check now, too afraid to get emotionally and physically involved. Or so I thought.

The day of our date, or should I say the night of our date, I was pleased that Takafumi was giving himself over to me, albeit showing me the ropes of course. Hope burned within me that night as even if it was just physically, Takafumi was showing such an intimate side of himself to me. The fact that this strong headed man, who had a stubbornness and sometimes, quite possibly, an arrogance like no other, was placing his trust in me...and boy did it speak volumes. Though he refused to "cry out" that night, pleasure did flash across his face and it was something that I was never going to forget.

The very next morning, basking in Takafumi's company in the hot tub, even if he was feeling extremely awkward about the whole situation, I knew then and there that he was creeping into my heart.

Then there was the day Hiyo asked if Takafumi was becmoing special to me, was the special person I wanted to be with. It was possibly the second most stressful day of my life, the first being Sakura giving birth to Hiyo. When she asked me flat out, I never wanted to keep anything from my daughter and had answered truthfully to her questions. I was certainly surprised when she asked whether I was gay or not, but once again answered truthfully. Just how much had my daughter been thinking about the relationship I had with Takafumi? And alarmingly, just how much research had she done on the matter too? Those two questions were somehting I hadn't the guts to ask her.

Even though I really didn't like the idea of Hiyo knowing too much, considering she was still very young, the fact she gave me her blessing, of liking Takafumi regardless of the obvious fact he was another man, it spoke volumes of how close we were. Of what a beautiful, open and unprejudice soul that was within my daughter. She was like her mother through and through.

As time moved on, it really didn't take me very long to throw the unsuspecting salesman at my family either. He was completely unsure about meeting my parents, confessing he'd never done it before, which was quite a surprise to me, and it also left me feeling cocky that ino matter how many relationships he'd been in, only the one he was sharing with me had advanced so far to introducing him to my extended family. The tension washed over him in waves, but as the night drew on, his shoulders eased and it certainly helped that he played a mean game of Shogi which my father was very impressed with.

When Hiyo asked Takafumi to come to Iga with us, I was waiting for him to flatly refuse, but I was now understanding that both Hiyo and Takafumi were wrapped around each others fingers, caving instantly to the other at whatever was being asked. Again I felt a bit jealous over this, but Takafumi was coming with us, to meet the rest of our family, and that was very exciting indeed. It was definitely something I never thought would be happening for quite sometime.

Of course not everything had gone according to my plans, and even though I wished it had, I was not a silly man to realise that there would be someone who would be insanely shocked at the very thought of this new relationship of mine. Since I parted ways with Sho, I'd not spoken to him for a week now, which was generally unheard for us. I usually received at least one phone call a week and several texts on my phone, but since I blurted out that Takafumi and I were an item, he'd forgone all forms of contact with me. For now, I would leave things as is, because there was no way I was backing down. Takafumi was who I wanted.

The thought of the man instantly brought a smile to my lips, even if I was all alone in my apartment. This adorably awkward man was so imbedded in my mind, just the very thought of him was vanquishing my loneliness. He was bringing me such joy and laughter, perhaps it was high time I sat him down and truly told him just what he meant to me.

I jolted from my thoughts when I listened to the chime of my doorbell. I placed Sakura's photo back where it belonged and then made my way to the genkan, peering through the peep hole to see who was on the other side. My almond orbs widened as I quickly pried the door open.

"This is a nice surprise." I watched Takafumi hold up a bag full of delicious smelling Chinese food and stepped aside, allowing the man into my home.

My eyes could not help but drag over his lean body, pausing against his firm rear as the man had bent over, placing Sorata's cage on the floorboards as he popped his feline companion's door open and the black and white furrball leapt out, only taking a few seconds to wind his way around my legs before sauntering off into the living room, probably on the hunt for Hiyo, though she was still out at Yuki-chan's.

"Hiyo sent me a message saying she missed Sorata and I've not been around all week either. I figured that you weren't doing anything this evening and just came aorund without notice." I watched Takafumi scratch awkwardly at the back of his neck, probably second guessing his decision to show up unannouced.

"She'll be back soon, but in the mean time, come on in and lets have a beer together before eating dinner."

"We're not going to start eating without Hiyo." I cracked a slight smile at the man, he always thinking about my little girl, it was very sweet...and also very motherly too. And as much as I loved teasing him about such things, this early evening I decided not to and instead with quick reflexes, I captured his strong chin within my right hand and leaned forward, planting my lips across his.

With half lidded eyes I was certain there was a tiny blush on his cheeks, those steely blue orbs screwed tightly shut, one hand fisted in the material of my shirt and the other had dropped the bag of takeaway dinner, it thumping loudly on my polished floorboards. I felt it best to stop the kissing onslaught, for now, and drew slowly away while licking my lips.

"W-What was that for?" And he was so cute when he stuttered too. Should I tell him it was because he's so damn adorable I couldn't help myself?

"It feels like its been ages since I've seen you."

"We chatted in the office on Friday."

"But that was in the office. Its practically been two days since then." I childishly voiced, watching as Takafumi eyed me silently before bending down and picking up the dropped bag. Was he blushing a little more? I watched him make his way into the kitchen, knowing exactly where everything was as he pulled out plates, cutlery and glasses from their respective cupboards, when a sudden thought struck me. "Hey Takafumi, what's it like?"

"What are you talking about?" I followed the man from the kitchen to the dining table and even helped with setting it, much to the odd look on the man's face. I could be helpful too!

"Kissing me, what's it like?" I watched steely blue orbs widen at this sudden conversation, it definitely being quite the curve ball.

"Why the hell are you even asking me such a question?" He was definitely flustered that's for sure.

"I'm curious is all. Am I a good kisser or not?"

"I-I'm not answering that question!" This of course made me feel both insanely cocky and also extremely worried too. Was I so damn good it made him unable to tell me the truth? Or was I so awful that he didn't have the heart to tell it to my face and just put up with it instead?

"Why not? I need to know if my technique gets you all hot and..."

"Tadaima!" Once again I felt a pout grace my lips as I turned my gaze, much like Takafumi did as Hiyo interrupted my time, unintentionally, with Takafumi. The salesman appeared to be pleased with this distraction as he turned his full attention to my precious girl, they greeting each other in their usual cute way of smiles and the clasping of hands.

"Ah, Sora-chan!" My almond gaze watched Hiyo cuddle Takafumi's cat close for a few moments before going to wash her hands and then we all sat down for dinner.

One day, I silently vowed, I would get an answer from him.

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Not long after dinner, I heard my dreaded phone vibrate against the coffee table, our dessert and Sunday night movie interrupted by a message from Isaka-san. He had apologised for the disturbance, but requested my presence in the office as soon as possible, which of course meant drop everything and get my ass in there now.

Hiyo had pouted that our evening with just the three of us, four counting Sorata, was now ruined by our boss. I apologised to my girl who tried ever so hard to hide her disappointment and told me that my work was important and all she wished for was for me to do a good job and then come home safely. Hiyo's mood picked up when Takafumi said he'd stay here until I returned home. I was truly grateful to the man and headed out, having spent another 5 hours trying to right some wrongs within Japun. I was going to have a meeting with my staff about the poor quality of work received and the confusion it caused various departments to ensure this would never happen again.

Paying for my fare, I stepped out of the taxi and rushed inside my apartment building, the humidity in the air, which was odd for December, was finally being relieved by large drops of rain which were now beginning to fall.

I glanced at my watch, it nearing midnight as I stepped out of the elevator and headed for my door, unlocking it and closing it behind me softly. I secured the locks and then removed my shoes, padding quietly down the hallway and carefully opened Hiyo's bedroom door. She was snuggled in bed, drawing in long deep breaths with her Oniichan bear and her fan blowing a cool breeze over her. She'd confessed to me, out of ear range from Takafumi, that the bear had a cute grumpy face, much like he did and she'd bought it with some of her birthday money. I'd cracked up laughing that evening, knowing now just how much Hiyo liked Takafumi.

Closing the door, I made my way into the palely lit living room, making my way over to the couch to scratch behind Sorata's ears, listening to his contented purr. It was a little odd that Takafumi was not flaked out on the couch, like he had been several times previously when he'd stayed to watch Hiyo for me while I had unexpected work commitments.

I clicked off the lamp and finally took notice of light coming from my bedroom. I made my way towards the door and pushed it lightly open, my smile growing impossibly wide as there was Takafumi, flat on his stomach, sprayed on one side of my bed and sound asleep. I was even more surprised at the lack of clothing he was wearing, but then I couldn't blame him as it was quite a warm evening.

My dear younger companion, during what appeared to folding mine and Hiyo's clean clothes, sheets and towels, Takafumi had fallen asleep half way through it, which was very precious indeed. He'd previously been dressed in jeans, polo shirt and his jacket, but all three were gone and the man had boldly raided my closet and was now in a pair of my black board shorts. The pale lighting glistened against the slight sheen of sweat on Takafumi's lower back even though my pedestal fan was currently on and blowing a slight breeze over his taut skin and ruffling through his hair.

I flicked off the fan and turned on the air-conditioning unit in my bedroom. I'm sure Takafumi would have thought something silly like not wanting to waste any of my money, but I wasn't a great fan of the heat, and I really didn't like the idea of him feeling uncomfortable either. Removing my clothing, I raided my closet and slipped into a pair of board shorts as well, and then carefully lowered myself on the vacant spot on the bed.

I couldn't help but just stare at the man. This was quite an event after all. This was the first time that Takafumi was in my bedroom, even if it was a slight mistake of his as he grew exhausted from a long week in the office and also due to the heat in the air and had fallen asleep. To be able to have him in my bed, even if it wasn't sexual, was something I realised I'd wanted, probably even from the moment I befriended him.

"Takafumi..." I froze instantly when I watched him shift slightly. Shit, I hadn't meant to disturb his slumber, for I knew exactly what would happen if he opened his eyes and saw our close proximity. He'd definitely run for sure. Not realising I'd been holding my breath, I let it out in a quick rush of warm air, exhaling it over Takafumi's finely chiselled facial features, when he remained asleep.

"Okaeri..." That was probably the cutest sleepy mumble I'd ever heard in my life. My heart hammered in my chest as I threw a sheet lightly over our bodies and then shifted slightly, craning my head as I pressed my lips once more against Takafumi's. Perhaps it was I who was addicted and liked kissing Takafumi? When I felt his lips unconsciously part beneath mine, possibly daring me to go deeper, I was fairly convinced that the man did enjoy kissing me too, even if I'd not received a response from him. Once again I controlled myself greatly and broke from our contact.

"Tadaima..." I softly replied to his greeting and glided my fingers through his silky hair before laying my head down on the same pillow as his and then rested my hand flat against his lower back, possibly in slight possessiveness too, for this man was slowly becoming mine.

Before I closed my eyes, wanting to join Takafumi in slumber, I'd finally come to a sudden realisation, it bringing a blissful smile to my lips.

I'd fallen in love with Takafumi.

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To be continued...