A/N: Soooo, the company I've been working for has shut down, so jobless author now. Yay. That means less money, but more time to write crap, and not just on like lunch break like over on Tumblr (so much vendettashipping recently, I tried to resist but I couldn't) so possibly more regular updates on this too. Some in other news, this chapter is Kaito and Ryoga getting friendly again, their parents are not only telling stories about them as babies (I honestly love the idea of Rio being the dominant sibling when they were younger) and Ryoga playing with sharks (because they know better than to mess with him) and embarrassing parents talking about their relationship and allllll that sort of stuff. Poor boys. Parents are so embarrassing aren't they? So yeah, thanks for the reviews, enjoy and keep them coming.

The first time Chris went with Ryoga's other visitors went to check up on Ryoga and Kaito, the pair were lying together in the hospital bed. It seemed both were asleep, their hands clasped together around a card, he figured it was probably Shark Drake. Ami murmured about how cute it was and what and adorable couple they were while her husband glared.

The second time, it wasn't so cute. Well, not really. Ryoga's father certainly didn't think so, and Faker frowned slightly. Although Ami sighed and said something about young love. And, from what Chris had heard from Kaito and what little he'd seen, they were certainly moving towards being completely smitten. Kaito was obviously completely taken with Ryoga, but Kaito never did anything half-heartedly. And what he knew of Ryoga indicated he was similar. It was certainly looked like it would be a serious relationship, as long as it was left alone to blossom properly.

Kaito, who was already missing his coat, was above Ryoga, straddling his hips and leant down over him, locked in a passionate, heated, open mouthed kiss. And while Chris understood Mr Kamishiro's concerns, he knew Kaito would never purposefully hurt or take advantage of Ryoga. And rather obviously, Ryoga was taking control of the situation. His hand was tangled into Kaito's hair, keeping him close and his other hand was sliding down his back, and playing absently with his belt until Kaito reached back and caught his wrist. Obviously both had learnt lessons since he'd spoken with Ryoga about Kaito's behaviour.

Mr Kamishiro cleared his throat and both started slightly, their heads jerking up and knocking together. Kaito sat straight and turned slightly, gazing at them over his shoulder and Chris was certain her wasn't the only one who noticed Ryoga's hands resting on the older boy's thighs. Whatever problems the pair had been having, the seemed to be working passed them. Kaito caught Ryoga's wrists and gently entwined their fingers, resting their hands on Ryoga's stomach instead, a little more of an acceptable position with Mr Kamishiro glaring at them.

"Hey," Ryoga murmured. "I'm feeling a lot stronger now."

"I'm glad," Ami said, walking over. "However, this time you'll stay in bed when I tell you to, won't you?"

Ryoga frowned and rolled his eyes. "Yes…"

He picked up his breathing mask and put it back his face once more and Chris smiled to himself. Well, it he was going to make out with Kaito in the hospital when he'd just woken up from a coma, he had to expect to be out of breath. Kaito climbed off of Ryoga and sat leaning against the headrest and within moments, Ryoga had sat up and was between his legs leaning back against him, wrapped up in his arms.

"You're quite affection today," Kaito murmured.

Chris had to admit that he'd never expected Ryoga to be quite so affectionate, he certainly seemed to long for physical contact with Kaito no matter what sort. He'd imagined Ryoga to be more of the type who just offered the odd smile and awkwardly held his partner's hand and anything else in public would be completely out of the question. Perhaps it was just because it was a new relationship and he'd been hurt before. Or perhaps because he'd had several near death experiences in the past week. From what Chris had heard his heart had given out, he'd probably done something to his body by going out in the storm and having been in a coma wasn't a risk free thing. They needed to watch for complications.

"Perhaps I'm always this affectionate," Ryoga muttered, barely audible through the mask. "But you've never found out because you've never gone this long without saying something stupid and pissing me off."

"Language, Ryoga!" Ami snapped.

"Must get it from his boyfriend," Mr Kamishiro muttered.

Chris frowned. It was becoming obvious who was going to cause trouble for the pair. "Actually, Kaito very rarely curses at all. One of the side effects of such a young brother. It's more likely he picked it up from those gangs he used to be with. And the language on the duelling circuit is rather filthy too."

Mr Kamishiro glared at him and Chris just gave him a small smile. He was definitely going to be the one to watch. But their attention was drawn back to the young lovers when Ryoga gasped softly through his mask. What Kaito was actually up to couldn't be seen, Ryoga had tilted his head to hide Kaito's face. But whatever it was, it had bought a bright blush to Ryoga's cheek.

"I think that's enough," Mr Kamishiro said firmly. "Ryoga needs rest."

"Oh nonsense," Ami said, waving her hand dismissively. "He's been sleeping for days. And I'm sure he will be the first to tell us when he wants to be left to rest. I remember when he was young and we were having a party and about half way through he got up from the table, declared he was tired, told us all to be quiet so he could sleep and went him upstairs. He was quite the prima-donna when he was younger."

"Was not," Ryoga muttered as Kaito laughed.

"You were," Rio teased. "You were such a kitten."

Ami laughed softly, sitting next to the bed. "Oh, my Ryoga was such an adorable little thing. He used to come running to me crying about everything."

"Mother…" he groaned. "Please don't."

"Oh, don't worry, Ryoga," Chris said. "Kaito was a brat."

Kaito frowned slightly and Faker chuckled. "Very much so. When he didn't get what he wanted he'd come storming in, all teary and angry and he'd stand between me and my work and throw a screaming tantrum, demanding to get his way."

"N-no I didn't," Kaito said, shaking his head.

"You were like that even when I was with the family," Chris said.

"I remember when you first started working with us, Chris," Faker continued. "He came storming in telling me to get rid of you because you'd been rude to him and told him off for fiddling with the equipment you were using. He was furious. I don't think anyone had ever told him to shut up and sit down before. You should have seen his face when I told him you were Byron's son and you were doing nowhere."

Kaito grumbled something about no being that bad and Ryoga smirked.

"Rio threw tantrums," Ami said quietly. "She was quite the bully as well, she was the dominant twin for a long time." Rio flushed and turned away, muttering about how things changed only for her father to pat her head. "Ryoga just cried."

"He was quite the pathetic child," Mr Kamishiro muttered.

Ryoga flinched and Chris quickly realised another similarity between him and Thomas. Thomas had been their mother's favourite. Chris had theories as to why, and why he always seemed to be Byron's least favourite but he doubted his father's reasons matched those of Ryoga's father. But whatever the reason, Ryoga's father seemed to be far fonder of Rio than Ryoga- openly at least.

"He couldn't even follow basic instructions," he continued. Ami scowled and Ryoga closed his eyes as Kaito squeezed his hands. "Clumsy as well. Remember when he nearly got himself killed because he couldn't sit still?"

"Oh, come now," Ami laughed. "He was only a toddler. He'd only just learnt how to walk, of course he didn't want to sit still. And it was hard enough for him without being on a boat in rough weather. He just wanted to see the sharks."

Kaito sat up slightly straighter. "Sharks?"

"Ryoga fell in," Ami said with a shrug. "We had sharks feeding off the back of the boat and one large one bumped the boat. He fell in."

Chris was amazed how she could say that like it wasn't a terrifying event. "Weren't you scared?"

"Of course," she said. "We were horrified and I thought I was going to lose my baby, especially when he went under. But the water was so clear, one of the others recorded it while I was panicking. He was just below the surface, and the shark swarm around him and he would reach out and touch them and they'd bump him but they weren't aggressive. It was all so quick. Less than a minute or so before he came back up and we managed to get him out. I've never seen anything like it. There is something about my boy, when he gets in the water with sharks, it's something special."

"You got in the water with sharks a lot?" Kaito murmured.

Ryoga laughed weakly. "A couple of times."

Chris frowned. It seemed Ami wasn't as bothered by getting her son involved in her work as his father was. Still, there was a simmering tension in the room. It was obvious there was going to be a serious discussion- that would quite quickly turn into an argument, no doubt- very soon. And Chris decided the children really didn't need to be there for that.

"Haruto, Akina," he called gently. "I think you kids need something sweet for being so brave and dealing with this so well."

Haruto's eyes widened and glittered. "We can get Shark some caramel to make him feel better."

"Of course," Chris said, nodding slightly. "Come on." He glanced at Rio. "I think you might deserve something sweet too, Rio."

She glanced back between the adults and Kaito and Ryoga. Apparently, she understood the as well. She nodded and followed them out, letting the adults deal with the two boys. Chris sincerely hoped they'd be ok.

Ryoga held onto Kaito's hands tightly as the door closed. This was it. It they were going to be forced apart, it was now. He closed his eyes and Kaito nuzzled into his neck, kissing softly and murmuring his reassurances.

"You were always such a silly boy," his mother laughed. "My poor boy, you always had such bad luck. But I'm always so proud of you."

Ryoga opened his eyes slightly and smiled. But his father didn't. "I think it's time we talked business."

"I think he might be right, Ami," Faker said.

Ryoga's eyes closed once more and pressed his cheek against Kaito's, pulling the mask away slightly. "If this doesn't go our way, I want you to know I wanted to be with you. As me. No matter what has happened before and who tried to manipulate us, I wanted this."

"Ryoga…" He squeezed his arms around him and kissed his cheek. "It was real… Akina protected you from outside influences, because you're hers." Ryoga's eyes snapped wide open and he clenched his firsts. It was real? "Envy couldn't touch you. It was all real."

Ryoga drew back slowly, replacing the mask and glancing over at his parents and Faker. He supposed their fate was in their hands now. He wouldn't sit there and have Kaito taken from him without a fight, but there wasn't all that must they could do if their parents decided not to allow this.

There was silence for a few moments before his father spoke up. "I'll be honest, I don't approve."

Ryoga wasn't surprised. His father never approved. He didn't care. His mother could get him around most of the time. She was very persuasive. As long as it was just him being grumpy rather and his arguments weren't rational and reasonable.

"Care to explain why, dear?" his mother replied.

"Ryoga is a child," he hissed. "A weak one at that-"

"He's not weak," Kaito hissed, receiving a glare. "He's one of the strongest people I've ever met and if you can't see that I'm not sure how you can call yourself a father."

Faker smiled and Ryoga squeezed Kaito's hands gratefully. It was incredible to have people believing in him like this. It had always just been his mother. And as they grew older, Rio too. But so many people was almost overwhelming.

"He's obviously disrespectful," his father said, glaring at Kaito.

"My son speaks his mind," Faker said. "But he speaks the truth. Your son is anything but weak."

There was silence for a while and Ryoga tightened his grip on Kaito's hands. Finally, his mother laughed and clapped her hands, standing from the chair. "Well, I think that's enough of that."

"Excuse me?" his father snapped. "This is hardly what I'd call a discussion."

"Oh hush," she said. "Ryoga is a child, I will grant you that. But he is special." She smiled and stroked his hair softly. "He has to be if everything he says is true. He's an incredible boy. He's sensible and smart, even if he acts like he's not. I think if he wants to be with Kaito, he should be allowed to make his own decisions."

"And when it goes wrong?"

"Are you telling me you never made mistakes?" She glared up at him and Ryoga frowned. He knew what she was talking about. Kaito and Faker probably thought she meant when they were young, but when she got that look in her eyes and her voice too that tone, he knew exactly what mistakes she was talking about. "Are you so perfect?"

"I'm far from perfect, Ami," he said, glancing away. "You know that."

"I do," she said. She smiled and patted Ryoga's head. "Now, that's not to say you two can be allowed to run around unchecked."

"Of course not," Faker agreed. "Ryoga is a child and Kaito is hardly a mature adult." Kaito frowned and shot him and glare but Ryoga squeezed his hands. "They certainly can't be left to their own devices."

"That's not fair," Ryoga snapped, pulling the mask away so he could talk freely. "We can be trusted together."

"Hardly," his father muttered.

Ryoga glared over him. "If it was up to you I'd be alone."

"Ryoga," his mother snapped. "Don't speak to your father like that." Ryoga scowled and lowered his head. No matter what he did, she always defended her father. Because she 'loved' him and he was Ryoga's father. No matter how much she loved Ryoga and hated his father for what he was sometimes, she loved him. "Now, we understand that you're both obviously smitten, so the question is, can you two be trusted to behave without needing a chaperone?"

"After that display earlier?" his father muttered.

"I've seen you do worse," Ryoga grumbled, earning a warning glare from his mother.

The message was plain. She wouldn't tolerate one more snide remark. "Your father has a point."

"Agreed," Faker said. Kaito and Ryoga held each other's hand tighter. Ryoga feared their decision more than anything. He wanted to stay with Kaito as they were. They were trustworthy. He didn't see what else they wanted from them. "There have to be ground rules and boundaries."

Rules and boundaries were a good thing though. For there to be rules and boundaries, there had to be a relationship. And that was what he needed. Kaito's mind seemed to have picked that up just as quickly as his and his hands released their grip slightly. They weren't going to be forced apart.

"No sex," his father snapped. Ryoga's cheeks flushed and Kaito leant his chin on Ryoga's shoulder, laughing slightly. "Of any kind. Nothing at all until Ryoga is legal. Nothing beyond kisses. And none of that obscene behaviour from earlier. You two keep your hands to yourselves and your bodies apart."

"Now, now," his mother said softly. "Let's be realistic. Ryoga and Kaito are both strong willed and both mature to an extent. We all know that children these days don't care about who's legal or not. They never think it matters as long as they're in love."

"We're still here, you know?" Kaito said quietly.

"We know, but this is a discussion for adults." She turned back to the other two. "I appreciate no one wants them rushing into things, but boys will be boys." The two men nodded begrudgingly. "So, I think we can all agree there needs to be some time to make sure this is serious and no one is going to get hurt. We've all been in positions where we've had our hearts broken because things aren't moving fast enough or because it's moved too fast as now there's nothing more."

"What are you proposing, Ami?" Faker said.

"A period of courtship." Ryoga stared up at his mother and she smiled back at him. Courtship? "You set a period of time, and for that period they will be getting to know each other, and after that period, if they want to take things further, we will allow it."

"Why are they talking about you having sex?" Ryoga grumbled, putting more weight against Kaito.

"Because they're parents and it's their job to embarrass us," Kaito whispered back.

"That seemed reasonable," Faker said. "Of course, the courtship would have rules?"

"Of course. So, how long do you suggest?"

"Why can't they trust us to be mature?" Ryoga muttered. "It's not like we've been rushing towards anything."

"I told you, it's what parents do," Kaito whispered

"Years sounds like a good plan," his father snapped.

"Don't be stupid," Faker said, folding his arms.

"The average time between time between meeting and getting engaged is six months," his mother said. "That sounds like a good amount of time. What do you think, boy? Do you think that's reasonable?"

They glanced at each other before nodding. Six months seemed reasonable to Ryoga. He didn't really put too much weight on these things, he just liked spending time wrapped in Kaito's arms and sharing heated kisses with him. Going further had barely crossed his mind. And he wasn't sure about Kaito, but he doubted Kaito was that desperate to get him to do more.

"Fine," his father hissed. "But they shouldn't be left alone together, there has to be adult supervision."

"Is that really necessary?" Faker said.

"Perhaps it'd be prudent to make sure they're not entirely alone," his mother said. "Perhaps there should be someone, not necessarily an adult, in the area. You shouldn't be left in the house alone for long periods of time. There should be someone around."

"Bedroom doors are to be left open," Faker put in.

"And if the pair of you are alone in any bedroom you can expect spot checks," his father snapped. "Just to make sure."

They glanced at each other again but nodded none the less. "Good. Now, I don't see any harm in the pair of you exploring each other a little more than you already are-"

"I do," his father hissed.

"-but can we agree that your pants stay on?" The nodded awkwardly. This was getting way too detailed and awkward. Why did parents have to do this? He just wanted to be alone with Kaito. "And no more sleepovers without warning?"

"Yes," they both muttered.

"Good. I'm glad we're all agreed on this," she said with a bright smile. "You two should be allowed to have your fun as long as you obey our rules."

"Might as well put a chastity belt on him," his father muttered, walking away.

"Well now you're just being hysterical, dear."

"He's hardly strong willed enough to resist any pressure put on him."

"Because you're known for your ironclad resistance," Ryoga muttered before realising what he'd done.

His mother's glare fell on him and he knew he was done for. "Kaito… Ryoga and I need a moment together to talk about how to properly respect the man who raised him."

Kaito nodded, it was all he could do really, and kissed Ryoga's cheek gently before slipping away, following Faker out and shutting the door slowly behind him. It was just Ryoga and his mother now. And she was fuming. Ryoga swallowed heavily and replaced the breathing mask.

"Oh no, mister," she snapped, hands going to her hips. "Don't you think that'll save you now." He sighed and Ami sat on the bed facing him, gently taking his hands. "I've fought for you to see Kaito. I've fought for you every step of the way, Ryoga. Please, just do me the favour of rising above it every now and again. Please, just remain dignified and rise above it."

"I try," he breathed. "I really try." He closed his eyes, biting back the lump in his throat. These painkillers and brushes with death were taking their toll, he couldn't put up barriers anymore. He was struggling to push down all his emotions. "I'm never good enough."

She sighed and squeezed his hands. "My darling, you must stop letting these things get to you. I know you're under a lot of pressures but you have to put it aside, you're just a child. Don't worry about these things. Just prove them all wrong. When you think you're not good enough, just remember that you are good enough for me and you are good enough for Kaito and Rio and Yuma seems very fond of you too." He nodded slightly. "Please, just stop fighting with your father. He's given in over Kaito. Don't make him become stricter."

Ryoga sighed and nodded. "But after everything-"

"I know. And you know I don't expect you to be happy about it. But he is your father and we love him no matter how much your argue or disagree, right?"

"I suppose."

"Good boy."

Kaito almost ran from Ryoga's father. Being left alone with the older man couldn't end well. He hurried away to where Chris and the kids were sitting with Yuma's friends- although there was no sign of Yuma himself. Still, hopefully, Mr Kamishiro would control himself as long as they were around youngsters. He seemed like a respectful man at least.

But apparently his rage was only fuelled by Kaito trying to avoid conflict. He caught him by the back of his coat and pulled him away, slamming him to the wall. Apparently there was no option but to argue it out with him.

"My wife might think it's a good plan for the two of you to be together," he said firmly. "I can't stop you seeing him but you'd better believe that if you make one wrong move I will lock him up where you will never reach him."

"Mr Kamishiro, I care about Ryoga, I won't break your rules and I won't hurt him."

"You think I believe a word you say?"

"I mean it. And you can throw your weight around as much as you like but I won't back down. You won't scare me away from him."

"You think this is me trying to scare you?" he sneered. "This is just a warning. You'll learn soon enough. I might be harsh, but I love my son, weak as he is. If he were a shark, Rio would have eaten him in the womb. He was the runt."

"You shouldn't be so cruel to him," Kaito hissed. "How can you love him and say those things?"

"It's because I love him I force him to be stronger," Mr Kamishiro snapped. "And I am nowhere near as strict as my father. The world is a harsh place and if he can't stand and fight he will be eaten alive. Disgraceful as his disqualification was, it was a blessing in disguise. It made him strong. It forced him to be strong. I have never been prouder of him than when he came out of that fighting. When he became stronger than ever, when he stopped feeling sorry for himself and started to fight. His mother was furious that he was getting into fights, and skipping school and how he became a delinquent- and I wasn't too proud of that part- but he was up. He was dealing with it and proving that he was better than everyone thought he was, that he was strong! That he was the best!"

A lot of things about Ryoga were starting to make sense now.

"It's no wonder he hang onto people like Yuma," he murmured. Mr Kamishiro glared at him. "Yuma keeps running after him and comforting no matter what. When he's weak and broken and hurting, Yuma just smiles and laughs and helps him back up. He gives him the support he needed."

"You little-"

"Kaito!" Yuma called. Kaito turned and smiled slightly as Yuma skidded to a stop in front of them. "Rio sent a message saying Shark was waking up!"

"That was hours ago, Yuma," Kaito said, folding his arms.

"Heh, really?" he laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Must have lost track of time."

"What were you doing?" Kotori said, shaking her head.

"Running errands for Grandma."

Kaito sighed and shook his head. "Come on, I'm sure he can put up with you for five minutes."

In the Next Chapter:

Baby Days