Trifecta Love from A to Z

By Shin Sankai

#

Author's Notes: Sorry for the unexpected absence. My hope that this year was going to be good by the end of it, has sadly spiralled downhill. My family member which had been ill, sadly lost their battle and passed away rather suddenly which has been utterly devastating for me. Its been very hard to come to terms with and I'll miss them every day for the rest of my life.

I've mixed feelings about this chapter, unsure as to whether I was ready to return to writing, but for some reason this has come to me over the past few days.

Just like the H and K chapters before it, I've now faced my utmost fear of doing a chapter in Yokozawa's POV. Ah, the pressure to make it good is just...argh...

I'll stop rambling and just let it rip, please enjoy this just a little...maybe?

#

Chapter 25: You, Yokozawa Takafumi

You, Yokozawa Takafumi. Just you...

I jolted awake, my steely blue eyes snapping open as once again those huskily spoken words reverberated in my mind. I wasn't looking upon the ceiling of the hotel room I was currently in, but rather upon the slumbering face of the very man who'd taken me so many times that even though I'd probably had a good 4 to 5 hours sleep, I definitely knew I was bloody exhausted and my hips were still killing me!

Kirishima lay beside me, sprayed on his stomach, sheets riding low against his back...that back I'd run my hands over multiple times...

I quickly snapped my eyes away, feeling my cheeks flush as this man had really screwed with my feelings, ever since the day I associated personally with him. And as much as my body craved more sleep, and to possibly even move a little closer to Kirishima's warm body, to feel that taut skin again, I drew my gaze to my phone on the bedside table, picking it up to read the time. Shit, if we didn't leave now the both of us would be late for work. That was something I did not like the prospect of at all. I couldn't say the same for Kirishima, for the man would be more then happy to laze around in bed with me, even though the concept was quite tempting indeed.

I carefully sat up, edging my way closer to the dead to the world Editor-in-Chief. My hand went out to give him a hard shake of the shoulder, he letting out a slight snort as his deep slumber was interrupted.

"Hey," That deep throaty voice almost sent a shiver down my spine. Although, the way Kirishima shuffled towards me, his arm going around my waist while his head dove into the pillows, and also pressed the side of his face against my bare hip, soft shaggy hair brushing against me, it was seriously working a number on me! I would not cave! I would not cave! Closing my eyes for a moment, to collect myself, my rational side finally kicked in as I pushed him away. "Ah!" Crap, that was just a little bit too forceful as Kirishima had toppled over the side of the bed, landing with a thud on the carpet, taking the sheets with him.

"Are you alright?" I watched as he sat up, naked as the day he was born, the sheets having fallen away to give me a view of all of him and Kirishima was not in the least bit uncomfortable about it, letting off a loud yawn while ruffling a hand through his hair. Finally, those almond orbs turned to gaze up at me as I was still on the bed, a pillow discreetly covering my neither regions from view.

"Being a bit aggressive in the morning aren't we?" There was that slight grin that made butterflies scatter in my stomach, even though I knew he was trying to rile me up. He'd given it away by wriggling his eyebrows. I remained calm, sort of, since I did throw the pillow at his head, blocking his view of me for a moment as I got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

"We need to get going or we'll be late for work." I called out and was certain Kirishima grumbled something, but couldn't make sense of it as I closed (and locked) the bathroom door. I needed to shower in peace as I didn't want Kirishima distracting me here. I knew exactly where it would lead us, and right now, my body was sore. I'm not as young as I used to be, nor have I done it so many times in the one day/night and in various positions too! The very thought got my heart racing and my blood pumping so instead of a nice warm shower which I was craving, a cold one it was.

#

Exiting the bathroom I noticed Kirishima was fully dressed and gazing out the large windows, the soft orange glow of sunrise was bathing him in warm light. There were moments like this, where I would be quite happy watching this man from afar, he always did look insanely good with a sunrise or sunset brushing over his ageless skin. Argh, shit! What the hell am I thinking!

"You are not showering?"

"I'll shower at home. We are going home first right?"

"Yes,"

"Good! I can't wait to be back at home, with you, eating the breakfast you've made for us together." That was such an embarrassing 'couple' thing to say. It really annoyed me how at ease he could be throughout everything, just voicing stuff like that as if he were discussing the weather. "Lets get going, I want to spend more time with you before work interrupts us." I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he almost looked like an excited kid at the prospect of going home with me. He really was a weird man.

"Mm..." It was all I could think of to say right now. Yep, a weird man he was, though terribly handsome, which I definitely knew he knew he was, but still weird. Why? Because he was in a relationship with me. Me! Of all the people in the world he could of chosen, all the beautiful women that fluttered their eyes and flirted their hearts out with him, he chose...me! This weird and handsome man, who had a terribly sweet daughter...was in love with me.

Would I ever get used to that?

I felt Kirishima's hand brush against my lower back in the elevator, giving me a slight massage like it were the most natural thing to do. Lucky for him there was no one but us or else a silent glare would have been my response (and possibly a snappy remark too). Though I have to admit, the gesture and feel of his fingers was quite nice.

As he led me out and towards some seating, Kirishima silently handed me his bag while he headed for the reception to check us out of the room. It didn't take that long since I'd already paid the day before and we didn't touch the mini bar. Not that we had a chance since those hands and lips attacked every inch of my body. Shit, don't think about that stuff here!

"Ready?" I jolted from my thoughts, standing quickly and wincing slightly in doing so. I must remember for the next couple of days to be careful. And if anyone asks, I jarred my back while lifting something a bit heavy.

Kirishima waved down a taxi for us and once we were inside and buckled in, he reeled off his address to the driver.

#

"Its so good to be home." Kirishima chimed happily as we both kicked off our shoes. It was then, alarmingly, I remembered we'd left Sorata on his own! I high-tailed it past Kirishima, my long strides, never mind the ache in my lower half for the moment, took me into the living room to see Sorata curled in his basket. I made my way over to my feline companion, bent over and scooped him up, listening to him hiss at me for disturbing him. Of course all was forgiven when he turned his tiny head to brush against the side of my face as he began to purr.

"I'm home Sorata..." I mumbled softly, making sure Kirishima would not hear it.

"I reckon a treat is in order for our boy." Our boy... I half turned to see Kirishima open up a cupboard where he kept different kinds of tuna and salmon for Sorata and as though my pet knew the very sound of a tin being popped open meant he'd be getting quite the special treat, he deserted me in an instant! He trotted off to be by Kirishima's side, winding around his legs. I headed into the kitchen as well, gazing upon Sorata as he finally sat still, meowed up at Kirishima who was dishing out the tuna and crab concoction onto a plate, the man grinning down at him and talking to him like he were going to answer back. It was...kind of cute. "Now that you're all set, I'm going to take a shower."

"I'll start on breakfast."

#

When Kirishima returned from his shower, looking refreshed, hair slightly damp (not combed) and dressed in his customary tan trousers and white button down shirt, he looked good. And jesus, he smelt good too!

"Looks amazing." Kirishima praised me once more as he began to fix us coffee. This was now our morning ritual. I doing the breakfast, though usually with Hiyo, and Kirishima would make the coffee for us. It was so... "I just realised something." My thought was lost to me as Kirishima was making conversation.

"What's that?"

"Valentine's Day."

"What about it?" Where the heck was he going with this?

"We missed it."

"So?"

"You were meant to give me chocolate."

"What for?" I watched him stare over at me, before rolling his eyes and then passed me my cup of coffee and the carton of milk.

"What do you mean what for? Its what couples do. Give each other chocolate and proclaim their love." Was he serious? Or just winding me up?

"Where's mine then?"

"You already know my feelings, you don't need chocolate for that."

"Uh huh..." It was all I could think of, but when he gazed over the table at me, I finally realised the man was being serious! If not childish too as there was no way I could just blurt something like that out or randomly produce chocolate like it were nothing! That was so...lame! So...girlish! "I'm sure all the office ladies were at your side showering you with gifts and affection." Did that sound a little scathing and bitter? Jealous even?

"Well of course they did, I'm quite popular after all." Egotistical bastard. And I was definitely frowning at that comment. Didn't he know my self esteem was pretty damn low and for him to say something like that was just... "But I didn't actually eat any of them." Oh? "I was flattered, but the only chocolates I was really looking forward to was yours." Bloody flatterer. I clenched my jaw, refusing to comment as I rose from my seat and headed for the kitchen sink to wash the dishes. It didn't take long for Kirishima to follow me. "Hiyo gave me chocolate." He whined a little.

"Hiyo's the sweetest girl in the world." Even from the corner of my eye I could see Kirishima's wide grin at my truthful comment about his precious little girl. "And its a given she'd give you something because she cares deeply about you. You are her father after all. She wants to show you her love and appreciation for everything you do for her."

"Hiyo apologised to me that they were not handmade chocolates. She said she was not confident enough to make them on her own, but she promised me next year she would."

"Then look forward to that."

"As long as you were at her side, helping her along the way." The thought of Hiyo saying that to her father made my heart twitch. "That single thought cheered her up since she has been quite down when you left us for Kyoto."

"Are you making this out to be my fault?" Shit, this was not good. I was getting cranky now.

"No, no, I just wanted you to know how cute Hiyo can be when it comes to you." I already freaking knew she was cute! "And truthfully," I watched him ruffle a hand through his hair. "I wanted you to give me chocolate. And not giri choco either." I was sure, underneath that comment, was his request that I finally confess to him as well. The thought made my stomach churn.

"Whatever..." I mumbled while finishing off the dishes.

Kirishima had thankfully been distracted by his phone which gave me the chance to dry my hands and pull out my own phone. The sneaky bastard now made me feel slightly guilty for not being here. While I wasn't being scrutinised by the very man, I quickly sent a text to Hiyo, requesting her help in baking upon her return, which would be tomorrow afternoon.

It didn't take long for her to respond affirmatively, sending me a picture of herself. God it felt like ages since I'd seen her smiling face. How stupid was that?

Well, now that Hiyo had agreed to my request, it was time to brush my teeth and then get this damn slow Editor-in-Chief moving so we could get to the office on time.

#

Standing out on the emergency stairs, overlooking part of the city, I took a long drag of my cigarette, possibly a little too much as I began coughing. Maybe I needed to cut back a bit?

Work was absolute chaos this morning! Information had been leaked and the phones were ringing off the hook and people were going everywhere, some running into each other and papers dropped to the ground, tempers flaring as everyone was blaming everyone.

It was only my booming voice that seemed to freeze everyone on the spot as we needed to calm down and get organised. It had worked, well at least on the Sales floor that is. Managers, Directors and Editor-in-Chiefs had been called to meetings to discuss the best way to calm everything down and to continue the investigation in how the information got out in the first place. And all I could think was thank goodness it hadn't been my fault this time. That single fuck up still weighed heavily on my conscious, even if Kirishima had been there to wave it off as though it were nothing.

"Oh, here you are." I turned at the voice, Kirishima standing in the doorway, looking a lot more tired then he did this morning.

Silently I offered him a cigarette, even if it wasn't his brand, but he declined and instead leaned back against the railing, head raised as though his skin was eagerly sucking in the small amount of sunlight peaking through the clouds which were swarming over the city. "How was the meeting?"

"Still going on." Those expressive almond orbs closed for a moment. "We've just taken a break for a few minutes while Isaka-san decides on some things."

"I see..." I suddenly jolted when cool fingers brushed against my face before my limp cigarette was taken from my lips as Kirishima decided he actually did want one! My steely blue gaze glared over at the nonchalant man.

"I'm predicting its going to be a late night for me tonight." Kirishima mumbled while blowing out a puff of smoke, silently handing the cigarette back to me as his head and shoulders sagged a little. "Looks like I won't be able to have my way with you tonight like I hoped." My eyes widened instantly.

"Knock it off!" I snapped, hating shit like this spoken about in the open, though we were several stories above ground. I also had no comeback for stuff like this either!

"I'm thinking its going to be the same tomorrow night too." Now he was looking a bit dejected. Surely he didn't freaking want to do me three nights in a row! And then it suddenly hit me.

"Ah, Hiyo's coming back tomorrow." He nodded his head in affirmation. Even though it hadn't been long, Kirishima missed his little girl terribly. But then, I couldn't help but realise I was exactly the same as him in this case. "I can collect Hiyo from the train station for you."

"Are you ready for that?"

"What do you mean?"

"My parents will be there." Oh, yeah, that's right. "It'll be fine." I stubbornly voiced, trying to play it cool, even though my stomach was already churning at the thought. What the hell was I going to be like when I was actually in front of them?

"Uh huh..." This cocky and smart man was sceptical of my words...and he had every right to be. But before he could comment on it any further, his phone buzzed in his pocket, making him pull a face as he pulled it out to look at it.

"Round two?" I commented which made him half smile.

"Round two." Kirishima repeated as he took a step closer to me. I of course instinctively took a step back. Shit like this was not meant to happen in the workplace! "So cute..." I frowned at his words, trying desperately to not pay attention to the tiny jolt of electricity that ran up my arm as Kirishima brushed his fingers over my hand. "Don't wait up for me." And then he was gone, allowing my heart to return to its normal pace.

I shook my head, knowing I still had a job to do as well and after depositing my cigarette butt, it was time to return to Sales.

#

Much later that evening, after Sorata and I ate dinner together, I sat on the couch bored out of my mind. I'd been alone for years, even if I babied Masamune for many of them, due to his own depression of pining over his first love (which of course has been resolved with Onodera showing up again) but still being alone had never truly bothered me like it did now.

During these past 10 months, was Hiyo and Kirishima so embedded into my life now that the mere thought of spending time without them was agonisingly boring and just made me feel so...alone.

I'd never been a person to be so clingy, not like the Kirishima's were, but as I sat here, Sorata in my lap and no Kirishima's around me, I think...no...I know...I like them being clingy with me. Of course I was still getting used to it all, but I like them worrying about me...and truthfully, I them. It made me feel alive, for the first time in a long time I was part of something, and part of two people's lives who really gave a damn about me.

"I told you not to wait up for me." I jerked my head up, noticing Kirishima was standing before me, removing his overcoat before I felt a little overwhelmed, blush darkening on my already flushed face when he leaned over and planted one on me! He tasted faintly of cigarettes...and possibly even a hint of beer. Perhaps he was dragged to a pub after a long day in the office?

When Kirishima broke contact with me, my eyes took a quick glance at the time on my phone, blinking to make sure I was reading it right. It was well after midnight! "Um, I wasn't...really..."

"Clearly," Kirishima mumbled as his gaze was no longer on me. I followed it and found him staring at numerous cans of beer. Ah, that was right. After my grocery shop I bought several cans of beer and drank more then what was necessary as I was moping about in my boredom.

"Ah, there is food in the fridge if..."

"I ate hours ago." He interrupted me as he lifted Sorata carefully from my lap and placed him into his cushy basket. "Did you?" I frowned as Kirishima pulled me from the couch, the tone he was using was like he were talking to a child.

"Of course I ate!" Oh yeah, and that response is definitely something I would of snappily said to my own freaking mother who would nag me to eat, since I would loose myself in my books. Now I was loosing myself in alcohol, but I had eaten at least!

"Come on, time for bed."

"I'm not a kid." Though I was acting like one at the moment.

As Kirishima tugged on my wrist, pulling me to the bedroom, I followed without putting up a fight, which was definitely rare for my stubborn self. As he pulled down the covers, coaxing me under the sheets, all my thoughts were jumbled together that I didn't know how to make sense of it all.

It wasn't until I watched him undress, slipping into a pair of shorts (no shirt – so I cold gaze freely at his taut body) and slid in beside me that words burst from my lips before I could stop myself.

"I never thought I'd ever be like this with anyone." Sleepy almond orbs finally turned to look at me, as he was making himself comfortable at my side.

"Takafumi, get some rest, you're seriously drunk."

"No I'm not." I sat up a little defiant, arms crossed over my long sleeved white shirt (well technically it was Kirishima's shirt) and gazed down at the man. Well, okay, maybe I was a little drunk. Being drunk – slightly drunk – made it easy for me to voice stuff. Kirishima knew this.

I listened to him let out a sigh, once again succumbing to my whims even if he was beyond tired as he sat up himself, crossing his legs and turned to face me, giving me his full attention. "Alright, tell me what's on your mind."

"As I said, I never thought I'd ever be like this with anyone." He tilted his head, suddenly intrigued as I was opening up to him some more. "Finding someone else to be comfortable with, I never thought it would happen to me again. I have been building up so many walls, since Masamune rejected me, and yet you've come along, and changed everything."

"I hope in a good way." Kirishima grinned at me in the pale lighting.

"A good way...and annoying too."

"Oi! That isn't nice at all!" I started to fret, thinking I'd just insulted him like I was certain I'd done many times since we got together, but there was that little twitch at the corner of his lips, telling me all was alright, for now at least. "Do you know how out of character this is for me? I'm not usually the meddling type, I've even surprised myself from when I saw you at the bar." I felt my heart quicken when Kirishima locked his serious gaze with mine. "I just knew I needed to go in there and help you. Help you get that furrow between your brows out of course."

"What the hell do you mean by..." I paused suddenly, breath hitching when Kirishima lifted his hand, brushing it softy down my cheek.

"You're so pure-hearted that one wouldn't think that by looking at you." Was he trying to pick a fight with me? "But its made me love you even more." Oh...

"Wh-What are you trying to say?"

"What do you mean what am I trying to say? I think the words I love you speak for themselves. Hasn't it always been freaking obvious?"

"Well... I mean, lately it has, but..." Shit, was I making him annoyed with me now?

"But what?" No, no he wasn't annoyed. He was being patient with me for the umpteenth time in our 10 months together. He wants to understand me more.

"How can you still like me when I'm like this?" Oh great, it was out before I could stop it. My low self esteem was rearing its ugly head and I observed Kirishima frown.

"What do you mean?"

"You've been jerking me around all this time, thrusting me into your world, making me dependant upon you when you were the one who told me off as that was how I was with Masamune." I watched Kirishima rake a hand through his hair as he let out a sigh.

"I was annoyed." I raised an eyebrow at his remark. "And jealous of the closeness you guys had...have." He's jealous of my relationship with Masamune? "He's known you longer, you're more comfortable with him then you are with me." No, that isn't true at all! If I just trusted myself more, trusted myself to let go of my fears, I'm sure I could tell you anything! Tell you so much more then Masamune knew of me!

"I..."

"But I'm not giving up on you Takafumi." I felt my breath shudder a little. "I'm slowly breaking down your walls. And yes, your dependency on Takano pissed me off, but being dependant on me is not all that bad." Great, now he was contradicting himself just to make me even more confused. "I'll support you through anything." Oh... "Hell, I even support and accept your feelings for Takano."

"Kirishima..."

"Just as long as your feelings for me outweigh your feelings for him." My throat went dry, but I was certain there was a flush on my cheeks at Kirishima's directness. Even he looked a little shocked at what he said, but I was certain now that he was calling me out.

"You've disrupted my rhythm, both you and Hiyo."

"And?"

"And, its taken me quite some time to accept this, but not once did I feel like I disliked it." I watched the man smile.

"Which means...?"

"Do I have to say this?" I huffed like a child. I wasn't good with mushy shit like this!

"Yes!" Kirishima demanded, practically sitting on his shins now, on the 'edge of his seat' at the prospect of finally hearing my feelings for him!

"I'm not sure if I ever thanked you for everything you've done for me." I watched him frown again. He didn't want my damn thanks! What he wanted was... "I truly am grateful for everything you've done for me. Putting up with my behaviour, my slowness in answering your question."

"And what is your answer to my question?" Once again Kirishima tried to tread carefully with me, but I knew he was never good at that and liked attacking things head on.

"You and Hiyo, you're all I can think about these days." Again that smile spread across his face, beginning to sparkle in his eyes. "Its really annoying."

"Huh?" And now I was ruining it.

"Well...sometimes..." I quickly mumbled. Before I lost all composure (and balls), I grabbed hold of his left wrist, keeping him in place on the bed before me so he didn't leave my side. "I've never felt like this before, this overbearing need to always want to be beside someone."

"Weren't you that way about Takano?"

I shook my head. "Not like this. Not with how I feel...in here and here." I remarked while pointing to my head and heart respectively.

"And how do you feel?"

"I won't ever forgive you if you toss me aside." I listened to Kirishima let out an anguished groan, but it was soon replaced with a slight chuckle too.

"There you go again, being all secretive and shy with me." I felt my heart quicken when his strong warm hands cupped my face. "I guess that's all I'll get from you for now." As he leaned in close, drawing me back towards the mattress, lips barely touching my own. I fluttered my eyes closed. "I promise never to toss you aside. I accept you unconditionally Takafumi." And everything else was lost to me as Kirishima took over all my senses.

#

As I, once again, was taking a break from the mountain of work piling up on my desk, this time I was secluded away in the break room, leaning against the large windows and gazing over the skyline, holding a cup of luke-warm coffee in my left hand and a cigarette in my right. This coffee was so...bland...compared to the care Kirishima took at making ours.

My morning was a slow start, waking with a throbbing headache as Kirishima waved a cup of coffee under my nose. I of course immediately recalled everything that was said the night before, but there was nothing I could do to deny it as I listened to Kirishima hum. This man never hummed unless he was extremely happy, which meant, although not everything had gone as he hoped last night, he was satisfied for now. I had bit my tongue, wanting to tease him like he would me if god forbid I ever did something like hum a tune in front of him, but I had gawked that morning as I watched him wave me into a seat at the table while he glided into the kitchen to fix us breakfast! Yep, you got that right, Kirishima was cooking!

My stomach had churned at the thought of what god awful concoction he was brewing up when I blinked several times as a plate was placed in front of me. It was the leftovers from my dinner the night before! I frowned over at Kirishima, who did nothing but wink at me before diving into the food. The damn cheat.

It did get me wondering, if one day I'd ever wake up to him cooking me a meal, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner. The thought was possible – since I knew he was not a useless man – he was just lazy is all. And mainly lazy because he has Hiyo to look after him and now...now he has both of us.

"Feeling a bit better then this morning?" My thoughts were lost to me as once again Kirishima had located where I was. Of course it wasn't hard to find me, but perhaps Masamune was right. Did he have a tracking beacon on me?

"Yes," I curtly responded.

"You've still got your headache." How the hell did he know that!?

"And you know this, how?"

"You've a slight twitch against your right eye, plus Henmi said you were more irritable then usual." I glared over at him as he was making himself a coffee. "I'm joking." Clearly! No one would dare say something like that to me! Well, except the man walking over of course.

"So, you sure you'll be alright this afternoon?"

"Of course, why do you ask?"

"Hiyo's coming home today. You said you were going to pick her up which means she'll be with my parents." Oh...

"I'll be fine." I reiterated what I said yesterday, hoping there was conviction in my voice.

"Got to love that stubbornness."

"How goes your day?" It was best I change the subject. The sigh Kirishima let out was slightly worrying. "That good huh?"

"We're still investigating the leak. Its bloody frustrating that they've covered their tracks pretty damn well. All I can say is that if its someone in Japun, I'm seriously going to throw them out the window for wasting valuable time."

"Don't resort to physical harm. After all, Hiyo cannot grow up without her overprotective and doting father at her side." I furrowed my eyebrows as that didn't even make a dent in that frown on his lips. Perhaps things were more serious then Taniyama-san was telling me. He too was pretty tight lipped about it all. "There is one suspect you can cross off your list."

"Oh?"

"Me. Can't have you saving my ass a second time, I'd never live it down." Kirishima let off a small chuckle, which was a start at perking up his mood. What else could I do that would cheer him up?

"Argh, dammit!" I watched him pull his phone from his pocket.

"Round three?"

"It feels like round a thousand right now, my head is about ready to explode."

"I hope its coming to close for you soon, so you can return to your usual overly cocky self."

"Hey,"

"And if you head off now, perhaps you could get home at a reasonable hour, since Hiyo is coming back."

"Well..."

"And who knows, perhaps there may be a surprise waiting for you as well."

"Oh?"

"Perhaps..." I threw away my coffee, feeling quite pleased with myself as I listened to Kirishima grumble that I was being a tease. Of course while the surprise I was thinking about was secretly making him chocolate, I'm absolutely certain his were of a more perverse kind.

#

To say I was nervous was an understatement as I stood waiting for the shinkansen to arrive. It was only minutes out after all. Just what would I say to Kirishima's parents now that they knew I was in a relationship with their son? Relationship... Bloody hell that word was so fucking embarrassing to admit to. Just as embarrassing as my talk with Kirishima, although it was long overdue. And not exactly what needed to be said, but once again, Kirishima allowed my cowardice.

I just wasn't built like Kirishima. The man was completely at ease with everything. He had no problem with wearing his feelings on his sleeve and voice whatever was on his mind. I was envious of him for that.

"Ah! Oniichan, what a surprise!" I jerked my head up and watched as Hiyo came rushing over, a massive grin on her sweet face and her arms wide as she barrelled into me, those tiny arms slipping around my waist to give me a hearty squeeze. She was so cute as I pat her on the back, my eyes completely on the older Kirishima's as I gave them a slight nod of the head out of respect for them. Oh shit, now they were walking over! What was I supposed to say?

"Hiyo, here is your bag." Her grandfather voiced.

"I-I'll take it." Damn the stutter. Hiyo finally let go, well sort of, since her left hand linked cutely with my right, she still beaming a smile up at me. "There was a bit of an incident in the office, so your father will be working back late tonight, though hopefully not too late so he can welcome you home."

"That's alright, I get to be with Oniichan." She voiced happily. "We can sit together and I can show you all the pictures I took." I nodded my head at her request. "And I can help you bake while Otousan isn't around to pester us." Hiyo voiced with a giggle.

"Ah, um, yes, lets do that." There was a silence which was thick with awkwardness. "Would the both of you like to come back and have some tea?" Calm Takafumi, remain calm. This was a good start, inviting them back to their son's place where you can wait on them hand and foot with their granddaughter after their travels.

"No, but thank you for the offer Yokozawa-kun." I watched the doting grandparents hug Hiyo before taking a different exit to us. I couldn't blame them for how they felt. They were loving parents who just wanted the best for their children and right now they doubted I was what was best for them and instead made them uncomfortable in my presence.

"Shall we get going?" I nodded my head, shaking away such depressing thoughts as I swung Hiyo's bag over my shoulder, her tiny hand held in my other as we walked up the stairs.

I was half listening to her and also thankful that she was just a little girl that didn't know too much about the adult world, especially the restrained relationship which was currently in place between her beloved grandparents, father and I.

#

"Why are we baking Oniichan?" Though our muffins were happily cooking away in the oven, rising perfectly before my scrutinising gaze, Hiyo and I were now just doing clean up, both of us removing our aprons, and ye it was only now she was asking me this.

"Did you not want to bake with me?"

I watched her shake her head, ponytail swinging adorably from side to side. "I love cooking with you, but I was curious as to why though." She died off, possibly being a little hesitant to ask me outright.

"Well, I felt like we hadn't cooked together in a long time and we can both work on our dessert skills as well. Plus, those chocolate muffins, I just wanted a few of them and then Hiyo can take the rest to school and share them with her friends."

"Hm..." Could she possibly see through me?

"Well, I'm sure they're going to be delicious!" Phew...

"Why don't you get cleaned up, I'll feed Sorata and then we can decide what to order for dinner tonight, my treat to welcome you home."

"Hai!" Hiyo dashed off to her room before rushing past to head into the bathroom, kicking the door closed as she did so.

#

"Ouch..." I mumbled out, not ready for a certain someone to interrupt my slumber like they had by flopping down on the bed a little too heavily and knocking into me at the same time.

"Ah, sorry Takafumi." I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, gazing at the time on Kirishima's digital clock in his room to note it was just after 4 in the morning and yet he was sitting up in bed like he was just about to pull a book and an d read a chapter or two before actually going to sleep!

He'd gotten back a little late, so I decided not to present him with my 'surprise' and just let him duck into Hiyo's bedroom to kiss her on the forehead before closing her door . He took a quick shower and then joined me in the master bedroom.

Kirishima didn't talk much about work, but did say they were that little bit closer to finding the culprit of the leak. At least that was something which meant he could return to normal hours, spend his precious time after work with Hiyo (and I) before the dreaded cycle kicked in. When he finally settled his head against his pillows, he was out in an instant.

"Are you alright?" I flicked on the bedside lamp, sitting up to look over at the restless Editor-in-Chief. Something was wrong.

"I'm fine." Don't lie to me! His gaze met mine, but for once he was the first to break contact, leaning heavily amongst the pillows, throwing an arm over his eyes so I could no longer gaze upon those slightly uneasy almond orbs. What was wrong with him?

"Takafumi?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you're here."

"Where else am I going to be?" I carefully moved his arm away, so I could gaze upon those soulful yet mischievous almond orbs. "I don't have a home at the moment after all." I felt saddened that he was turning away from me and finally noticed a thin sheen of sweat on his bare skin.

"What happened? Are you alright? Are you unwell?" I wanted to touch his forehead, to see if he had a temperature.

"Nothing much... Just some...stuff I guess." Stuff? What kind of stuff? I was beginning to fret. What could it be to make him seem this restless? Could I have upset him again? "Its pretty embarrassing. I'm sure I look unsightly."

"I don't care about how you look, just tell me what is going on?"

"I guess, if I have to place it into words, I woke from a nightmare." In all the time I'd been with this man, the concept of him having nightmares was a bit silly. Of course he would have had sleepless nights from years ago, having become the sole parent to Hiyo and perhaps even waking during the night to a million thoughts of Sakura-san, but why now? "You and Hiyo are everything to me."

"..." I had no words for what he was whispering into the dully lit room.

"My most important people...are the both of you." Most important... How those words made my heart clench in an instant. "If you were to ever leave me for good..." Wait, what did he say?

My hand went out to Kirishima, taking firm grip of his wrist, pulling his arm away from his eyes so he could look up at me and I down at him. "Do I look like I'm going somewhere?"

"Maybe... If I piss you off again..." The comment made a grin form on my lips and Kirishima had seen it. From our previous fight, he was fearful of upsetting me, having lost my trust for what he did, but I was sure more then ever, looking down at him at this ungodly hour, that everything was going to be fine.

"We'll work it out, no matter what it is, we'll make sense of it...together." And there was that real smile that made me weak at the knees. I watched him close his eyes, taking in a deep breath, unsure as to whether it was because he'd been holding his breath or was he perhaps breathing in my musky scent like he'd been missing it.

"Hey Takafumi, will you stay with me?" Kirishima mumbled into the early morning. These rare and raw emotions he was showing me, I was completely done for as a grunt burst from his lips when I flopped unexpectedly down onto his chest. I was a little tense at my boldness, but just like many times before, I was welcomed with open arms as Kirishima wrapped his around my bare shoulders, holding me close. "Too shy to answer?" Kirishima whispered against my reddening ear, knowing these days that his words always had an effect on me.

"Zutto?" Wholly shit I can't believe I actually blurted that out?! I was completely mortified, holding my breath to wait for Kirishima to burst out laughing and after many strained seconds, all that came was a brush of fingers against my forehead, I having ducked my head away, turning it away from him so he couldn't see my red face, even though he'd know I was blushing, only to feel his lips brush against my forehead.

"Zutto, Zutto..." Kirishima mumbled while brushing his fingers on his right hand up and down my spine, sending me off into blissful slumber, securely locked within his embrace.

#

To be concluded...