Chapter 25
Disclaimer- I own nothing!
At the sound of his alarm Tamaki was up, not that he hadn't been all night but he couldn't lay down anymore. Going into the bedroom he woke René up so he get ready for school. Hopefully he was talking to him again. Getting out of bed he used the bathroom first while his father got breakfast ready for them before eating, getting dressed then going back into the bathroom to brush his teeth once his father was out. It was a typical morning, only the fight lingered heavily on both of their minds. Once Tamaki was dressed he stepped out of the bedroom to see René at the table finishing up some homework it looked like.
"Will you get in a lot of trouble for not finishing it?" Tamaki poured another cup of coffee since he had the time and something told him he would need a lot of coffee to get through the day.
"No, I'm ahead of the class."
"Oh, well that's good."
"I'm sorry about worrying you last night."
"Thanks. I want you to come straight home after school this week. Call me as soon as you get here. No friends, no calling then leaving, no cooking. I can imagine Michael is grounded as well otherwise I would have you stay there but I also think you boys need some time apart."
"Michael isn't the problem."
"I know he isn't but you both messed up. Anything could have happened and you got lucky nothing did."
"I know. Hey father, who is…never mind."
"Who is who?" Sitting across from René he watched him, tried to figure out what he was hiding.
"No one, never mind it's nothing." Packing up his books he noticed they had to leave soon.
"Hey René, you know you can talk to me right? About anything, anytime. I'll always be here for you."
"Yea I know. I'm ready to go."
Putting his cup in the sink he grabbed his wallet and house keys so they could head out. Maybe slowly, piece by piece he could get René to talk to him again. It was only a couple of years ago that René would tell him everything, now though he was lucky if he got a few sentences at most. What could have happened in such a short amount of time that changed everything?
René got home from school called his father to tell him, then cleaned the apartment as best he could. The good thing with being grounded was he could do things around here while his dad was at work instead of playing with Michael, who was also grounded .Trying to clean the bathroom he ran out coughing and tried to open the window in the bedroom since he couldn't reach the one in the bathroom. One of the cleaners smelled terrible and was starting to give him a headache. Keeping the bedroom door open he sat in the kitchen to start his homework. He didn't want to tell his father but he could skip a year with his grades as high as they were. He had the letter in his backpack but didn't want it approved. He didn't want to leave Michael and be picked on anymore then he already was. His stupid bullies really got to him but he knew he couldn't fight them again. And so long as Michael stayed his friend and had his back he didn't care about what anyone said about him. He didn't see what the big deal was that he liked school and did well in it. He never tried too hard in it either, he wouldn't have to study long to get good grades. He didn't care that it wasn't really challenging to him he just really liked going and learning something new.
He had just closed the bedroom window when Tamaki came home from work. He knew he would be home soon since he had just called to tell him not all that long ago that he was leaving work. Coming out of the room he went back to his homework while his father took his shoes off and went to change.
"So how did things go here? Any trouble?"
"No, everything went well. How was work?"
"Not that bad, glad to be home though. What's that smell?"
"Oh that's cleaner. I cleaned the bathroom for you."
"You did? Well thanks." Going into the bathroom he opened the window to help air the room out. "Well it looks great but I think you overdid it with the cleaner. You didn't mix anything right?"
"Nope I just used the one. Well and then the one for the inside of the toilet. I had the bedroom window open to help get rid of the smell because I couldn't open the other one."
"No worries. It will pass. Let me know if you feel light headed though. And I really appreciate your help. Maybe I should ground you more often."
Cleaning up from his homework he helped his father with dinner. Being grounded wasn't really that bad, but he still hated being home. No matter what changed between them it didn't change how he felt being here.
Tamaki was watching TV, René was changing for bed. He could tell something had been on his mind for some time now. It didn't seem life or death but something he wanted permission for. The way René was acting seemed to give that off, he had no clue what he could want though. Money may not be as abundant as it could be but depending on what it was he could get it for him. René never asked for much, ever, so when he did and he could tell he really wanted it he did what it could to see it happen. Coming out of the bedroom sat on the recliner chair across from Tamaki with the book he was currently reading. Tamaki loved that chair and was glad René liked it too. It had been given to him by a co-worker and was in great shape. It was nice having something new in the apartment, all the furniture was over nine years old.
"Hey father."
"Hmm?" Looking over at René he saw he had closed his book and was trying to force what he wanted to say out. Muting the TV he gave him his full attention. "What's up René?"
"I want to join the baseball team the park has."
Well that was a little surprising; he didn't know René liked baseball. He never watched any of the games when they were on TV.
"Which park? I didn't know any of them had a team."
"Parc Floral and it's only a few years old. They have signups for anyone under ten. It's free to join…but you have to buy your own uniform."
"How much?"
"Fifty to hundred. Fifty is just for the uniform and travel for games, hundred is for all that and equipment."
"When are practices?"
"Weekend afternoons and Tuesday and Thursday evenings."
"And when do you need the money by?"
"March first."
So just about two months away, that would give him plenty of time to get it all together. "Sure go ahead and join."
"Really?!"
"If you think you would enjoy it then sure. A sport is good for you. I played soccer when I was younger. Just remind me near the end of February to give you the money."
"Okay! Thanks so much!" Jumping off the chair he ran to hug Tamaki. He didn't think it would go so well knowing they were asking for a good bit of money. He couldn't wait to tell Michael tomorrow at school.
Seeing René super excited for his first practice made Tamaki feel great. The relationship they had still wasn't where it used to be but seeing a smile on René's face made things look better. He wished he could go watch the practice. He wasn't sure if René would want him there or not but it would be nice to see him. He hoped he enjoyed playing and made some good friends and memories. As far as he knew Michael was the only one René played with outside of school. He was a good kid, he deserved to have more than one friend, though, he was really glad only his friend was his best friend. So maybe it wasn't really that bad if he only had one friend so long as he was a true one.
"Father come on or we'll both be late." Practice may not have started until noon but René was going to play catch with Michael before then since he had work and they were going to be hanging out together any way. Arriving at the park Tamaki could tell Michael was just as excited for this as René was.
"Tamaki, did you know I love your son? He is the reason Michael wanted to join as well. Sean and I think this will be great for him, burn off some of that energy he has pent up."
"Happy to help. Let me know how it goes. Are you staying for all of it?"
"Probably, just to meet the coach and make sure he isn't some whack job. I'll fill you in so go and don't worry."
"You're the best." Saying bye to him took off before he was late for work. He hoped would give him a play by play when they were home later but he couldn't guarantee it. Maybe this was just what needed to open back up to him again. Maybe he was unhappy not living like everyone else and he just needed something to feel normal. He wanted that for his son, a sense of normalcy, one he wanted growing up as well. Only, he noticed that wasn't really happening. René was growing up with only one parent; he couldn't even say his parents were divorced since he had never been married to Kyouya. Not to mention they were on the poorer side then most. They couldn't live as most did, unable to afford even simple things like going out to dinner. How he wished they could go out for more than just René's birthday. He hated that René always felt guilty for asking for something. So long as he didn't become that child that cried or threw a tantrum when he couldn't get what he liked he wanted him to ask for everything and anything. He hated saying no because he couldn't afford it. It didn't happen often because he rarely asked but when he did his heart always broke when he had to say no.
Seeing the time he hoped René had a great first practice and ran to work. Once he started playing a few games he would have to take off so he could watch him. Maybe not go see every game but at least one; he wanted to support his son in everything he did. All day he wondered how things were going, if the coach was nice, if he had gotten hurt. Thinking about it he knew baseball wasn't really a contact sport so he should be alright. But, he could get hit by the ball or if he slid for a base. It was their first practice though and they were young so hopefully the coach wasn't making them do anything dangerous or over working them. Seeing it was four finally he went to punch out for the day and head home. René should be home already practice was only until two.
"René? Hey are you home?" Coming inside he heard a faint "yea" come from the bedroom. Heading over there to see him and grab clothes to change he saw him tossing a baseball as he laid in bed.
"Hey father."
"How was practice?"
"Great! Me and Michael did really well, coach was really impressed."
"Well that's great to hear. Hungry? Want to help me with dinner while you tell me all about it? I bought things to make your favorite in honor of your first practice." He figured he would help him with dinner but he couldn't guarantee he would talk about practice. Hopefully and sooner rather than later they would have the relationship they had before. René had no idea how much he missed that. René stood next to Tamaki trying to help for a second before he set the table. He wanted to tell him all about practice but the words wouldn't come. He wanted the relationship to go back to the way it was but he couldn't see how. His father refused to believe anything was wrong and he still worked so hard, never receiving any help, always doing all he could alone, never letting himself fall to pieces when everyone could tell he wanted to. It was something he couldn't forgive him for. Maybe things couldn't be fixed, not like this anyway. Seeing René deep in thought Tamaki washed his hands to get the raw meat off them before going to the table to help him.
"Hey father."
"Hmmm?" Going to put the forks in place he stopped, seeing René staring at nothing.
"Thanks, for allowing me to join the baseball team. I know a hundred is a lot of money and you didn't have to. I know we could of used the money for the bills or food. You didn't have to but thanks, I really appreciate it."
"René…" How could he get him to understand that this felt like the least he could do. After being unable to give him so much this hardly felt like anything.
"Just have fun René alright. Don't worry about it. Even if you hate baseball and don't want to continue it's still fine. I wish I could do more for you, this feels like nothing when compared to what I want to give you and do for you. So go and have a good time and don't worry about the money I gave you. You deserve it, that's why I gave it to you without worry."
"Thanks father."
He may not have gotten him to speak more since he joined the local baseball team but he definitely seemed happier. They made an agreement that so long as René kept his grades up he could play and practice as much as he wanted. He didn't think that would be a problem but he thought it should be there just in case. René sat at the table doing homework while Tamaki listened to the answering machine. Hearing a voice saying it was his principal René slowly started to pack up his backpack and sneak into this room. Just getting out of the kitchen chair he heard his father's voice telling him to stop. Freezing he put his bag down and went back into the seat he just came from.
"So your principal called earlier. Wanted to remind me that the form for you to skip a grade is due by Monday. Why is this the first I am hearing about this? And why is she telling me about it and not you?"
"Your going to get mad aren't you?"
" No, I just want you to talk to me. Why have you decided that you didn't want to tell me about this? Being told you can skip a grade is a huge compliment."
"I know, they told me that few are ever allowed to but I don't care, I don't want to change grades."
"Why not?"
Futzing with his hands he didn't want to tell him the reason why. He knew he wouldn't understand.
"René, you can tell me. I want to understand." Tamaki reached for René's hands on the table only to watch him pull them back.
"I want to… I don't want to move ahead without Michael."
"I'm sure he would understand. And it's not like you won't see each other, you'll still be attending the same school."
"I knew you wouldn't understand."
"René don't get upset I'm just curious that's all."
"Michael and I made a promise that we would have each other's backs. I can't break that promise to him." So that was it, Michael was protecting René. That must have met that René was still getting picked on at school and if René changed grades he would be alone.
"Can I see the form?" Taking it out of his backpack he handed it to Tamaki worried about what he was going to do with it. "I understand and if you don't want to advance then I will not force you too. I just wish you would have told me sooner. You should know by now that I wouldn't force you to do something you really didn't want to." Taking the paper in his hands he ripped it in half. "All done, see no worries."
"Thanks father. Are we done then? I want to finish my homework."
"Yes now that it all straightened out go ahead and finish. I plan to start dinner but work on it while I prepare it." Getting up he let René be while he got dinner together. He wasn't all that surprised that René decided to stay in the same great because of Michael. Those two were like brothers and it wasn't like if he didn't advance ahead of the other it would hurt René any. He would advance at the same pace as his class and would still be able to get into high school and college. He would still be able to have a bright future so he wasn't worried. René would still have a great life one filled with much more promise than he had.
"Hi Uncle Tamaki is René ready yet?"
"Should be. Come in, where is your mom?" Tamaki let Michael into the apartment surprised to not see Sara right behind him.
'Mom couldn't go, Abby isn't feeling well. My dad is going though. He is on his way. He was too slow so I ran ahead."
"Ah. Well alright then."
"Hey Michael." René came out of the bedroom ready to go basically. Putting his bag down he went to the sink to fill his water bottle. Tamaki went back to the door figuring that was Sean. It was the boy's first game and they were more than excited Tamami was hoping to catch the end of it after work. Sara told him the other day that she planned to take pictures and would give him a set; it looked like Sean had the camera since she couldn't go. With René ready the four left the apartment to get going.
"So René, any idea what position you'll be playing?"
"Yea, I'm shortstop." Looking over at Sean he was told that it was the player between second and third. He was getting better at baseball terms since René started playing but at times he needed a reminder.
"That seems super important but I know you'll do great. And what about you Michael?"
"Pitcher. Starting pitcher no less."
"Very cool. It seems I know two very talented boys."
"Major league here we come!"
Both boys started cheering before they got close to the field. Seeing the coach they stopped to say hi and bye to their fathers so they could stretch with the other players that already arrived. Since Tamaki had a second he met the coach and heard how René was doing.
"Your boy is very dedicated to the sport and the team. He is definitely a team player and a pleasure to have on the team. You should be very proud."
"I am, that's great to hear. I worry about him since I work a lot."
"Well then let me put your mind to rest, he is a great kid, plays it smart and safe."
"That's great to know. Sadly I have to go. Hopefully I'll be able to watch his next game." Saying good-bye to the coach and wishing René good luck he took off. He would have loved to stay though, next game he was staying no matter what.
Tamaki knew he wasn't going to make it back in time to watch the game. He hoped to leave early but he had no one to cover until he was scheduled to leave. Running home he figured René would be here already. It was close to eight- thirty and he had a nine pm curfew. Plus, if Abby was sick Sara probably wouldn't want the boys together at her house.
"René?" Turning on a light he was surprised to see the apartment dark. Perhaps Sean took the boys out after the game? Going into the bedroom to he saw René asleep on the bed. At least he changed out of his uniform before passing out. Tucking him in for the night he turned the light off before leaving him alone for the night. That explained why he didn't call the store though. Changing out of his own uniform he went into the living room to watch the news until he fell asleep. Making tea for himself he saw a note on the counter that there was leftover pizza for him in the fridge, must have been from Sean for the boys after the game. Least he wouldn't have to cook. Grabbing a slice he ate it cold while he went back into the living room.
Tamaki could tell René was glad school was out for the summer. He may like school but he loved playing baseball and with no school to worry about he could focus more on the sport. And at least he knew he wasn't getting into trouble while he worked during the day. Not that he did usually but the chances of him doing something he shouldn't have increased during the summer. Before they knew it August was among them as was René's birthday. His little boy was turning nine, unbelievable.
"So, birthday dinner thoughts." Tamaki sat in the living room with René happy to be home all day for his birthday. Besides Christmas it was the only day he had off every year. He would save up all year so they could eat out for a change and so he could get René a gift and really make the day special. René deserved it, a day he got to do whatever he wanted with no worries.
"Can we go to the buffet that opened near the park?"
"Sure, oh and so neither of us forget I got your cake this morning. It's in the fridge. After dinner I'll take it out so it's room temperature."
"Okay!" Sliding off the couch he went to the phone to tell his Aunt and Uncle about the dinner plans. He wouldn't have minded just going with his father but knew they invited him out for Michael's birthday so it was only fair.
René was sad to see his birthday ending. He had such a great day with his father. Dinner was great and the cake they had after at the house was his favorite. He loved his Aunt and Uncle but going their separate ways after dinner was fine for him. His father wasn't home all day that often, he wanted to spend the time with him while he could. After they had cake his father gave him his presents, he had no idea how they could afford all of this but knew better then to question it. Opening a box from his father he saw it held a few posters of his favorite baseball players and new action figures from his favorite show.
"You like it?"
"Thanks father I do!"
"I'm so glad to hear it."
"Can we put the posters up in my room before I go to bed?"
"Sure. I don't see what not."
"Awesome!"
Seeing such bright eyes and huge smile on his face made his heart want to explode in happiness. He hoped this feeling would last forever and increase this Saturday as he went to watch his game. He hadn't told him yet but he hoped he would be happy by the surprise. He had gone to a few others throughout the season but this Saturday was the last game since the school was starting. He wanted René to understand how much he loved him and he wanted to do things like this more often.
0o0o0o
I'm thinking next chapter will be the last one but I'm not sure exactly. Please review and thanks for reading. Also my mind is not into proofreading so I'm sorry if the job is a mess.
~Femalefighter~