Trifecta Love from A to Z

By Shin Sankai

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Author's Notes: This chapter was a bit of a struggle. I thought reading some 'shounen-ai/yaoi' would bring forth some ideas, but turns out, 'shoujo' did that for me. To me this chapter is just a tiny "filler" as I wasn't truly sure what I wanted to do with it except to bring back Kirishima's parents and to place some tension between the boys as well. This is not a long chapter, since 'T' drained me, but I hope it keeps people intrigued and wanting to read more.

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Chapter 21: Unconditional and Understanding

It was late afternoon, the day after returning from meeting Yokozawa's extended family, all three had partaken in a very lazy and rather quiet day. Travelling was quite exhausting...and especially when there was so many people to meet and interact with and try and get to know within such a short period of time too.

Takano had dropped Sorata off just as they were eating a late breakfast, the black and white feline happy to see all three of them. While eating, Hiyo proclaimed excitedly that the three of them should go on another trip sometime soon since it had been so much fun for the youngster to be with the both of them. Neither man could refuse as she waved gaily at them before dashing out the door after they'd eaten.

She'd been contacted by her closest friends who were meeting at Yuki-chan's place and she was so excited to talk about the trip and show them all the photos she'd taken during their time away.

"Are you going to open what Nanami gave you?"

"Oh, I forgot about that." Kirishima voiced as he moved back into the living room with two cups of coffee. He placed the beverages on some coasters on the coffee table, eyebrow raising as Yokozawa had brought two of his storage boxes from out of the spare room as he began going through them. "What are you doing?"

"Just looking for some things." Yokozawa closed the lids, carried the boxes back into the spare room and came back out with another two. "So you going to open it or what?" Not that he wanted to sticky beak or anything...alright...maybe a little. He was intrigued after all. Of course he knew it was a painting, but he was curious at just which one it was since Nanami had so many.

"Oh," Steely blue orbs turned to glance over his shoulder and the salesman felt his breath hitch as Kirishima was gazing down at the painting which was in his lap, his long skilled fingers on his right hand brushing over the canvas print and a genuine smile on his hypnotising lips.

"What is it?"

"It was my favourite out of the ones she had hanging up. Your sister is truly talented, but for some reason this one just really touched me. I'm not sure if it was the colours used or maybe it was the hesitant brush strokes in some sections, but there is just something about this painting that pulled me towards it." Yokozawa was intrigued as he stood up, heading over to the sitting man who had now risen to his full height, dodging past him as he pulled a landscape framed photo from the wall and then promptly hung Nanami's painting up.

"Oh!"

"What?" Kirishima voiced while taking a step back, admiring the gift.

"I've not seen this in a long time." Yokozawa found quizzical almond orbs glancing silently over at him and he couldn't help but scratch awkwardly at the back of his head. "This painting, Nana and I did it together."

"Seriously?"

"I was...having some problems...and Nana suggested maybe I should place it all down in a painting. I really didn't understand her method, but I was sitting on the swing and next thing I know there was this radiant sunset and I just wanted to pain with her. The hesitant strokes are definitely mine. I thought she would of covered them up as I told her to finish it off."

"It is part of the paintings charm...and the painters too." Kirishima winked at his companion who decided to grumble something a little to quietly under his breath. He was sure it was a complaint about him, but the tiny little blush was worth it.

"Hey, this must of fallen out." Yokozawa bent over and picked up a sealed envelope and wordlessly handed it to Kirishima. He took a long gulp of the coffee before turning his gaze back to the Editor-in-Chief who was quietly reading the contents within:

"Dear Zen-san and Hiyori-chan,

I do hope during your time with our family, as loud, quirky and over protective as we are, we have not scared the both of you away. Please know that we only ever want what is best for Taka.

And as I sit here writing this note, in the short time I've interacted with the both of you, please know that I can see that the two of you are what is best for Taka. Maybe he doesn't quite yet know it, or accept that he is worth the effort, but all I ask is for the both of you to continue to be patient with him until he finally accepts that he himself deserves such unconditional love, devotion and attention from two very special people such as yourselves.

Taka has never been someone who has great esteem in his self worth, but each day I know the two of you are chipping away at his walls and one day I am certain you will be rewarded with his unconditional love too. I already see it in the little things he does. The way he tries to hide his secret glances, smiles and touches, its so cute it makes me want to squeal! So, I guess what I mean to say, is that I hope the three of you will become each others most important people. And together the three of you will remain as you are, an adorable trio that many will be jealous of.

The three of you have already become a tight family who can make it through anything and everything together. And know this, I, and the rest of my extended family, will be proud to call Zen-san and Hiyori-chan our family.

Please take care of our Taka-chan.

Your Oneesan (and Obasan) Nanami."

"What is it?" Yokozawa had become a little worried when almond orbs rose, they misty with what appeared to be tears! It was quite shocking to see. "Are you alright? What did she say?"

"The truth. And that is something which will never change."

"What does that even mean?"

"I'll let you read it, if you let me read what that card said." Kirishima watched the salesman dart his eyes away, a blush returning to his cheeks even though he let out a slight sigh.

"Its...embarrassing..."

"Now I really want to read it."

"N-No!" Kirishima let out a slight 'tsk' and clicked his fingers.

"I nearly had you then."

"Now I'm never going to show it to you." Yokozawa grumpily voiced as he once again took a seat on the floorboards and went back to rummaging through the storage boxes. Several minutes passed when he once again drew his gaze towards the handsome Editor-in-Chief. "Why've you gone all quiet?" The dark haired businessman waited a beat for a response and got nothing. Kirishima was definitely lost in thought, gazing down at his phone. "Oi!"

"Huh?"

"What's gotten you so quiet all of a sudden?"

"I was just looking at the date is all." Yokozawa glanced up at the ceiling for a moment, remembering what today's date was.

"What about it?"

"Its the anniversary of Sakura's death next Saturday."

"Oh..." Yokozawa didn't really know how he was supposed to answer that, though he was certain Kirishima wasn't expecting him to and so the only thing he could do was turn back to the storage boxes and not make a big issue out of such a sombre topic.

"I sometimes think maybe I'm not letting her rest in peace."

"Why?"

"Would you visit a grave every year?"

"If it was for someone I loved and respected." Kirishima placed his phone down and turned his gaze and his full attention to the rummaging salesman. "You and Sakura-san shared a life together, so she is someone unforgettable to you. And why should you forget her? She was your wife." Kirishima silently stared at the man before him. To think in the beginning he was freaked out about him having been married and yet now, he was the one to encourage him to talk about Sakura and to never forget about her too. "Let me know when you want to go visit her grave and I'll make the offerings for us to take."

Kirishima felt his heart thump rapidly within his chest as he stood up and made his way over to his companion. God he loved that us comment. "You're amazing." He watched Yokozawa raise his head, ready to turn and glance over at him, but he jolted as he'd not realised Kirishima had come to squat beside him, his strong hands cupping his face as he locked their lips together in a sweet gentle kiss. He listened to his own groan assault his ears as Yokozawa teasingly deepened their kiss, but pulled away when the front door opened and closed, Hiyo having returned from her visit with her friends as she had called out to them that she was back.

"Okaeri nasai," Both men voiced, Kirishima back in his favourite chair and flipping through the newspaper while Yokozawa was gulping down the now lukewarm coffee as he was trying to hide his blush in the supposed steam of his coffee.

"Wow, is that what Nanami-san gave us?" Hiyo practically bounced over to the painting to gaze up at the striking colours of the sunset, the flourishing fields and the misty looking mountains.

"It certainly is, and you know what? Takafumi painted it with her when he was younger too."

"Nanami-san and Oniichan are amazing!" Hiyo gushed as she gave the salesman a quick adorable hug.

"We also received a letter from her too. Hiyo can read it later, but make sure you don't show it to Takafumi." Hiyo watched the salesman seemingly pout like her father did as she let off a cute giggle before making her way over to her father. "I promise. Now Otousan, you are coming to pick dinner up with me right?"

"I can..." Yokozawa was stopped from going any further as both Kirishima's shook their heads at him as Hiyo helped her father up from his chair.

"Oniichan looks a little busy right now, so we can go grab it for you. We'll be back in about twenty minutes alright?"

"I'll set the table and make Hiyo a strawberry milkshake as well."

"Arigatou!" Just as the duo left to go fetch dinner, Yokozawa finally found the documentation and his seal which he'd been hunting high and low for and placed them on the coffee table. He resealed the boxes and packed them back into the spare room which was definitely a lot tidier then it'd been in a long time. He still felt slight awe that this duo had cleared space in their home to accommodate him. It touched him greatly.

The salesman made his way back into the kitchen and began pulling out plates, bowls and cutlery for dinner, taking said items to the table in order to set it. He was just getting the fresh strawberries, ice cream and milk from the fridge and freezer and had finally realised he was humming a noticeable tune. Yokozawa was thankful that Kirishima wasn't their to hear it since it was a song that Hiyo listened to frequently and he was sure the man would tease him non stop about it. The three of them had definitely become inseparable since he'd moved in and he had been subjected to watching a couple of concerts too.

Yokozawa always voiced in the back of his mind that this was temporary, due to his apartment being rented out, but what would happen when the day would come that he could return to it?

The sudden chime of the doorbell went off, jerking him from his thoughts as he made his way down the hallway towards it. "Did you forget your keys?" The salesman voiced as he opened the door, steely blue eyes widening when he came face to face with Kirishima's parents! "Ah, um, hello." He felt like such an idiot right now...and was also trying not to pay attention to his heart thumping in his chest and ears.

"Hello," The elder couple voiced in unison.

"Hiyo and Zen are not in at the moment." And that is when he felt his cheeks flush instantly at being so bold as referring to the Editor-in-Chief in such a way without an honorific...and in front of the man's parents too! What the hell would they think since it had slipped out before he could catch himself! "Would you like to come in and wait for them?" Yokozawa stepped away from the entrance and the elderly couple moved inside, the door clicking closed behind them. When they didn't remove their shoes and coats, the salesman was certain something was wrong.

"Yokozawa-kun, the truth is, we came to speak to you...alone." The said man gulped down the lump in his throat. How did they even know he was here by himself? Had they been watching and waiting for their son and granddaughter to leave? Yokozawa's heart was now ready to explode within his chest and ears!

"A-About what?" He was trying to be calm, but conversing with someone's family members when they weren't here, it was quite a strange feeling indeed. He didn't know if he was feeling paranoid or not, but this was beginning to feel like a bit of an ambush. Perhaps his mind was just playing tricks on him?

"We would like some answers, in order to understand what is going on here." Kirishima's mother turned her expectant gaze to her husband, prompting him to continue on.

"I am sure you know that things have been strained between us?" Yokozawa nodded his head, having heard bits and pieces from the Editor-in-Chief though he knew the man was keeping most of it close to his chest. "Zen has been..." Yokozawa furrowed his eyebrows as he watched Zenjiro-san's gaze dart away from his own. Something was definitely wrong. The elder man cleared his throat, trying to collect his thoughts on the best possible way to broach the subject.

"Are you in a relationship with our son?" Wholly shit it was an ambush!

Kirishima's mother seemed to be the only one who could form a sentence together at this stage, even if it had come out in quite a rush, it seemingly surprising her and her husband, but not only them, Yokozawa too! The said man was sure all the blood in his face drained away, his stomach was churning, he felt like he was sweating bullets, his knees were weak and in all honesty he thought he was going to be sick.

"I..." How should he answer? He wanted Kirishima and Hiyo to come back right now and break up this tension. He wanted this to all be some bad dream that he could hurry up and wake from. He didn't want a conversation like this without Kirishima being here! If something like this was going to happen, he wanted his partner by his side so they could try and make those in front of them understand the decisions they'd made together!

"Zen has been making some interesting comments of late, about the two of you." Kirishima's father softly voiced, almost feeling sorry for the pale man in front of him and his wife.

"What?" Yokozawa felt breathless at this sudden news, it finally registering within his brain but the Editor-in-Chief's father had just said.

"You were not aware he said something to us?" Yokozawa shook his head wildly, feeling ten times worse then how this all started as things were being said and done behind his back!

"We'd like to talk with you about it. We want to understand if what he said is true and..."

"I...I can't..." Yokozawa's voice was so soft and fearful it made guilt well up within the elderly Kirishima's. Just what had their confrontation done to the man before them? When they had first met him he was quite shy and hesitant, but as time went on, they had grown to like him very much and were amazed that he seemed to be the only, besides their daughter that their youngest son would listen to. Perhaps this was not a good idea at all!

The faint sound of the lock going and the door opening made the three standing in the genkan jolt as all eyes turned to the father and daughter.

"Ojiichan, Obaachan! What a surprise!" Hiyo quipped excitedly, not in the least bit aware of how much her Oniichan was trying to cover up his distress. Unfortunately for Yokozawa, Kirishima immediately knew something was wrong.

"What's going on?" He kicked off his shoes, eyes darting to his parents, he catching his father's silent apology before his long strides headed after the fleeing salesman who made a beeline towards the bedroom. Before he could slam the door closed and lock him out, he'd caught it with his sock covered foot, wincing slightly as it was crushed between it and the door frame. And though his partner was quite strong, he was stronger and pushed heavily against Yokozawa's weight, the door flinging open and then he quickly closed it behind him, gazing over at the visibly shaking man. "Takafumi, what's wrong?"

"I've ruined everything."

"What are you talking about?"

"Everything that is going wrong between you and your family is because of me!"

"Says who?"

"I do!" Yokozawa was trying his best to contain his shouting since just out the door was the man's parents and his precious daughter. "They know about us!" He voiced through clenched teeth. "You're family is in disarray because of me!" The salesman felt his voice crack suddenly.

"Look, if they can't accept you and me together..."

"I never wanted this to happen. I never wanted to rip apart your family!"

"Takafumi..."

"Stop! Just...don't..." His temper was flaring.

"Why are you so pissed? Looks its out in the open, so lets just move forward and..."

"You don't get it do you?" Yokozawa was beyond vexed. "You did this without even talking to me about it. If we truly are meant to be official partners as you asked me, then such a decision, you should of spoken to me about it."

"You would of run for the hills!" Kirishima heard himself snap loudly as he raked a hand through his messy hair, pacing the floor in his master bedroom.

"Says who? Did you even think to ask me? Did you even think I may, after some serious thought, been alright with it?"

"Would you?"

"I've experience with this with my own family."

"Well yeah, but..."

"Its like you don't truly believe I'm worthy enough to support any decisions you make. Like you don't trust me to stand by your side and give you my full support."

"That's not true!"

"Yes it is! Something like this, you couldn't even consult me on it. And what about Hiyo, next thing you know she'll find out too!" The bedroom went dead silent and Yokozawa felt his heart plummet even more. "You...told her already?"

"I told her right from the start."

"What...do you mean by that?"

"Not long after we met, I sat with Hiyo to talk about the fact I'd met someone – you – who was becoming something more to me then just friends. I asked her if that was alright and at first she was worried for me, not wanting me to get hurt. So I told her I'd take it slow and when I knew I was ready and committed to giving it a shot, I wanted to introduce her to the person I was falling for."

"That was... That was like 10 months ago!" Yokozawa shouted as it had already been that long since the two of them had gotten together. He couldn't believe how time had flown and yet here they both were, arguing, rather then celebrating the fact they were 10 months and counting into their relationship.

"She's my daughter, I don't ever want to lie to her about my feelings." Kirishima took a step forward, wanting to comfort the man in front of him, his hand reaching out to Yokozawa, but the salesman slapped it away.

"You selfish bastard! You had no regard for my feelings at all, of how any of this would affect me. You should of known something like this was quite a delicate situation for me and yet you just did everything at your own fucking pace!"

"What's going on?" Hiyo called out from behind the door, she giving it a slight knock as she did so. "Ojiichan and Obaachan are telling me to leave the both of you be, but I keep hearing muffled yelling. Are you both alright?" Hiyo took a surprised step back as the door flung open, she noticing her beloved Oniichan was slightly red in the face as he moved straight passed her like she weren't even there! She watched him hurriedly make his way for the door, after swiping up his phone, wallet and keys from the coffee table, not once making eye contact with her grandparents who were seated on the lounge. "Oniichan where are you going? What about dinner?" The youngster cried out, listening to her father telling her to stay here with her grandparents as he rushed after the fleeing man.

"Takafumi wait!" Kirishima was too late to catch the elevator and so rushed for the stairwell. Huffing and puffing, he made it to ground floor noticing the elevator had beat him here, naturally. He rushed towards the sliding doors and quickly exited the building, looking left and right until he saw a dark figure heading into the park. "Takafumi, wait!" He was so pleased as the man stopped in his tracks. "Don't go! Lets just go back inside and..."

"And what?" Kirishima snapped his mouth shut in an instant. "What could you possibly say that would make this better?"

"I'm sorry..." Kirishima felt sincerity escape every pore as he tried to catch his companion's down turned gaze. He had always been a man who never lacked confidence, but this evening it was definitely non-existent.

"You're sorry now? Sorry for what exactly? Not letting me know that you and Hiyo have been keeping a secret from me for 10 months? Sorry for making me feel like such a fool? Sorry for blurting it out to your family with no regard for my own feelings? Sorry for the fact I'm obviously not trustworthy enough? Sorry that not a single thought reached your fucking mind that maybe, just maybe your parents would come and ambush me like they did?"

"Please, let me explain!"

"THEN EXPLAIN IT TO ME?!" Yokozawa shouted with all his might, chest heaving. If anyone had been within ear range he was certain they would of run in fright for sure. He watched Kirishima take a step forward, hand reaching out to him as the handsome Editor-in-Chief was within inches of him now, fingertips finally caressing against one of his forearms. "DON'T TOUCH ME!" Kirishima froze in an instant, heart lurching as steely blue orbs finally locked with his wide gaze. "Just...don't..." The salesman's voice had cracked and those beautiful expressive orbs were filled with hurt and betrayal.

That look...that very look was the same look he had when everything had gone wrong between him and Takano! As Kirishima watched Yokozawa take a few steps away before turning his back to him and breaking into a jog, to get as far away from him as possible, it brought the light haired businessman to his knees.

Had he just fucked up the best thing that had ever happened to him since Sakura had passed?

Had he just become another Takano?

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To be continued...