Mirai No Kodomo
XL: New Friend (Matsuda Takehiro)
So this is the infamous Kensuke Hidemura…Tarou's homophobic brother.
Homophobic being a…relative word. He's more, um, "confused" than anything at this point. I guess he buys a lot of the stereotypes and rumors but as long as he still cares about Tarou...
…He's a good guy in my book, even though…that little voice in the back of my head is screaming "homophobe! Avoid! Punish!" But, thanks to Tou-san and Grandpa Li…That 'punish' is a lot quieter than it used to be. And Kensuke's different from the others. He obviously wants to be more open to the idea of his brother being gay. It's sort of a…"culture shock," I guess. Kensuke's never been in such a "gay" environment and everything he knows about it is from his Dad's rants and jokes…Which he knows are "less than accurate."
I've…gotten a lot better about that "issue" before. I'm fighting a lot less and, when I do, I only fight enough to make them stop…I don't, um, take it further like before. I-I've had a few guys beg for me to stop…I hate that I actually went that far. I didn't just break the rule, I abused it whenever I could…Tou-san and I visit Grandpa Li once a week now for lessons in helping me control that. They really help.
I glance over to Kensuke, he's still a little embarrassed about how we met with Kyoko. He shouldn't be, Kyoko and I love pulling that joke but I guess he's in "apologetic mode" over everything he thinks he's put Tarou through…
…He's definitely not the jerk I thought he was.
Kensuke actually looks a little like Tarou but much more athletic, he's on the track team at school. He wears glasses like Tarou, too, except they're rounded frames, not ovals like Tarou. He has a green and turqoise hooded sweatshirt (Our school's colors), part of being on track, but has jeans on instead of track shorts. I'm walking with him to Kamedama to meet up with Tarou and Liangji.
"…Sorry again I…um…believed your girlfriend about that…" Kensuke trails off, adjusting his glasses.
I laugh, "Trust me…I'm glad you did, I needed that laugh." I love how Kyoko's willing to claim to have a girlfriend whenever I pull my "don't tell my girlfriend" line. But since he asked if I was straight (that's…unusual)…Kyoko covered for me.
"Him? No, he's my gay boyfriend. I'm his lesbian girlfriend. We make it work."
"FO-FOR…FOR REAL? Holy shit…!"
"You're really cute, Kensuke-chan."
"…Uh…!"
I-I admit, I probably shouldn't have said he was cute but…I couldn't resist it. Kyoko had trouble breathing after that but, after I reassured Kensuke I was straight (not bi or gay), he felt a little better...I think being told he's "cute" from another guy is "too much" right now…Baby steps, Kensuke, baby steps…
"Yeah, but…"
"Thanks for supporting your brother and my brother," I say. "I promise, no-one turned him or anything…"
"I-I know, it's…It's not choice. He's…always been gay, right?"
"Sort of…I mean, you've always been straight, right?"
Kensuke nods. "Yeah, I figured it was like that. Born straight, born gay..." Kensuke sighs. "I-I am so sorry for all those jokes I made with Dad. I didn't know I was insulting him each time…H-He played along. So did Ryougi if he came over!" Those visits were pretty rare, Tarou only invited him because he felt like he was bothering us by constantly coming over...Tarou's really afraid Tou-san and Tou-chan are going to get tired of him or think he's "stealing" our bread...
...Tarou, we understand. And, trust me, we can spare more bread than all three of us can eat, you're not a bother. Re-Really, I think it's partially because Tarou doesn't really have any other friends, let alone anyone else like Liangji. So I think he really treasures what they have...
When it comes to Tarou and friends, he told us, when he realized he was gay, he became a serious loner. He didn't want people to suspect and his past friends were, well, like his Dad and what Kensuke used to be like. Tarou once went into a long apology for how homophobic he was as a kid when the subject came up after Liangji came out...
...Liangji made him feel better with a hug, saying, "I love you and forgive you, Tarou-chan. Don't be so upset over the past. Please." ...Tou-san and Tou-chan agreed, Tarou shouldn't feel bad for his attitude before: With his Dad and Kensuke, what else could he think? What's important is how he feels now, like what Kensuke is trying to do.
And Kensuke knows how hard it is for Tarou to 'keep up appearances,' even with our help, "I know, we told him to so he wouldn't be found out…He has serious guilt trips over it but it's better than your Dad knowing, right?" I ask,
"…For Tarou's sake, definitely," Kensuke nods. "Dad…hates gays. It's sort of his hang up. Every time the subject comes up, um…I don't wanna know if I want to repeat anything but…"
"We know," I say. "Liangji…He's told us some of his 'classic' jokes," I roll my eyes. Ruki's jokes are funny, Kazama Hidemura's are not. Tarou's, though, are pretty good since a lot of them are from Uncle Kenta…But Tarou still feels bad.
Tarou, if Liangji and I laugh that means you can, too…Especially if it's quoting Uncle Kenta! A lot of them might also be Ruki's, too, she's got a library of gay jokes like no-one else on Earth…
…I can't believe she uses some of them on Akio! He…He told me how he told them he was gay, too, after he "came out" to me ("Matsuda, I'm gay! Just lettin' you know since you really like that kinda thing and all.")...Gods, he's like…Uncle Kenta level confident, just…Not flaming.
"Mom! Dad! I was wrong, I'm just gay!" He…said it as he walked in the door. That's it. They knew he was bi but...Not gay, even I know there's a difference there when it comes to some parents and acceptance…Not that I'd think Ruki or Ryou-san would mind (though, I've heard Ruki complain that I turned Akio gay to Tou-chan…As a joke, of course).
From what he told me, Ruki response was pretty unexpected (or expected, depending on how well you know her)…
"That's nice, Akio, do me a favor and land a cute boyfriend. I got one who only thinks he's cute."
"Love you, too, Ruki-CHAN!" Ryou-san was feeling…extra suicidal, I guess.
"…And now he'll think he's a cute corpse!" …I sometimes wonder what life would be like if Tou-san and Tou-chan spoke to each other like that...
…But…Akio did make one little mistake…
"Jerkface should date Ryougi! He's cute, right?"
"Oh, shit! Kae-chan's home…?"
"Oh, shit! Yes she is, Akio. Congrats for outing yourself! You capture the art of 'self-outing' quite well, my son. Better than Shiota, that takes skill! Bravo!" Ruki, of course, couldn't resist a joke. Akio actually likes her jokes, even the ones directed at him...I think it's becase, well, it's a sign his Mom supports him, I guess.
But with Kae...
…Akio told me he forgot he didn't want Kae to know at first but when she saw how worried he was, he said, "She came up to me, gave me a hug carrying her BelialVamdemon doll and said, 'Jerkface can have any boy he wants! BelialVamdemon'll beat up anyone who doesn't like him back!' …So, Takehiro, for your own safety, we'd better start goin' out. You've seen 02, you know what he's capable of…C'mon, Matsuda, I want that first kiss!" I laughed, for the first time ever about this 'Akio likes me' thing…I laughed.
Akio came out at school a little later, according to Liangji. And then got suspended within five minutes of coming out...Which makes sense if you know Akio.
…I wonder what Akio would say about Kensuke. Only in the sense that he's trying to "understand" his brother. Actually, um…
…Something tells me Akio might insist he's a closet case trying to come to terms with himself through Tarou and that he should just confess to Akio.
I won't lie: Kensuke is kind of good looking and he's athletic: I think those are Akio's "types." And he's not girly…
…Then again, Akio has a wide definition of "girly" that includes stuff that isn't girly…I think, at least.
Not that I would name Kensuke as a candidate but...Liangji and I are both trying to find someone for Akio. I still feel really about about Akio's "park incident." I swear, I thought he knew Kyoko and I were dating, not "just friends."
We approach Kamedama, Tarou and Liangji wave to us and run over. Tarou looks especially happy...I can guess why: His big brother really supports him. I remember how much my support made Liangji feel better when he came out to me...
...I'm happy for you, Tarou. I hope your Dad can act the same as Kensuke, too.
"Niisan," Tarou bows his head. "How are things going with Takehiro-san?"
"Gre-Great!" Kensuke says, nervously.
"…I might've told him he was cute to mess with him earlier, sorry," I say with a smirk I can't control.
"Niichan…Be nice, he's Tarou's brother," Liangji says. "He's really trying!"
"I-I know, I'm sorry," I turn to Kensuke. "Really, Kensuke. I'm straight, sorry if I freaked you out."
"…It shouldn't bother me so much, Takehiro, so…Joke away, I need to get over this. Sorry, Tarou, it's…not gross, a-at least...Not really gross but...It's still weird to me, you know?" Kensuke says with a shrug.
Yeah, Kensuke explained to me he's less grossed out and more "confused" as to how two guys can fall in love or find each other attractive, sort of. I mean, I'm straight, too, I'm not attracted to guys but, well, I can see why Tarou and Liangji are in love...Kensuke knows they're in love but not how or why...
...But he wants to understand and that is great because we're here to help.
Tarou nods. "Trust me, I-I went through a serious, um, freak out stage at first. I…I didn't want to be gay but…I had no choice."
"I know Dad and I didn't help, though," Kensuke sighs. "I'm really sorry about that, I-I swear, I-I had…"
"Kensuke…Before I knew I was gay...I…I was…like that…remember?" Tarou whispers, letting out a quiet sigh. Liangji hugs his shoulders from behind. "...Thanks, Ryougi-chan."
"Wo Ai Ni, Tarou-airen," Liangji says. Tarou smiles, he holds on of Liangji's hands with both hands on his right shoulder...Tarou really has no idea what it means to have Liangji in such close contact with him like that - Liangji is...Liangji! He's got his personal space and likes it that way - Tarou is the only non-family member he gets that close to...That, to me, is proof: Liangji is in love with Tarou. He doesn't just "really like" Tarou, he loves Tarou.
I look to Kensuke to gauge his reaction to seeing his brother have "a moment" with another male... To my surprise, I can see the slightest hint of a smile on Kensuke's face. But it fades as he asks, "Yeah, um…How scary was it? I-I mean, the sites said a lot of things…" Kensuke shrugs, adjusting his glasses.
"So scary," Tarou whispers, lowering his head. Liangji goes from Tarou's shoulders to wrapping both arms around him from behind, resting his chin on Tarou's right shoulder.
"Kensuke-san, I was scared…And I have two Dads," Liangji speaks up, lifting his head. "Think about that."
"Crap…I-I had no idea, Tarou," Kensuke nods.
"It's okay, Kensuke," Tarou says. "Thank you for not being upset or trying to change me. A-Are you ready to, um, meet Takato-san and Jenrya-san?"
"Take your time to prepare, Kensuke-san," I say. "I know meeting a gay couple is...going to be different for you."
Kensuke nods. "I...I'm…ready to go to the bakery, really. I want to meet …um…Okay, not to assume anything but, Tarou…I-I've never seen you so, um, 'close' with anyone...Are these people going to be your Dads-in-Law someday?" …Se-Seriously? Even…Kensuke noticed how much Tarou…?
…No wonder no-one was really surprised about Liangji and Tarou, even his homophobic brother who's afraid to say the L-word sees it…
Tarou turns bright red, stammering.
Liangji gives Tarou a tight hug, saying, "I hope so."
"Ryo-Ryougi…chan…!" Tarou lets out an embarrassed laugh. Kensuke laughs a little, too.
"That's…that's great, Tarou," Kensuke says. "You two, um, you…You look…cool together…"
"…'Cool' together?" I ask, Kensuke gives me an embarrassed shrug. "I-I get it, something else that starts with C, right?"
"…Sorry, Takehiro, I-I know there shouldn't be anything wrong with it but—"
"Don't apologize so much, Kensuke," I say. "Really, it's okay." I turn to Liangji and Tarou. "By the way, I cleared it with Tou-san and Tou-chan, they want Kensuke to stay for dinner." Liangji's expression suddenly changes, he turns a little pale. "…What's wrong?"
"Niichan, um, isn't Uncle Kenta coming to dinner tonight, too?"
…Oh, crap…
I turn to Kensuke. "…Kensuke, I know 'gay' is very new and a little scary to you, so, um…You may be a little freaked out by our Uncle Hirokazu and, especially, our Uncle Kenta. They're married, too."
"Which one of your Dads' brothers is…?"
"They're 'honorary' Uncles, not related," I explain. "Uncle Kenta took care of my Mom while she was pregnant, before she told my Dads and after that, Tou-san and Tou-chan made him honorary family. They used to be our dedicated babysitters, too."
"Tell him about the...y'know…" Tarou trails off with a laugh.
I smirk, "Kensuke, ever hear of 'The Taito Drinking Game?'"
"…Taito?"
"It's a Digimon shounen-ai pairing," Liangji explains. "We take drinks of soda every 'Taito,' or whatever pairing, moment we see. Whoever goes the longest without peeing wins."
"…That…actually…sounds sorta fun," Kensuke says with a laugh. "I-I know a little bit about Digimon from Tarou, so I think I know the two characters in 'Taito.' Do you guys…play that a lot...?"
"Our Uncles invented it, they also play the alcoholic version alone," Liangji says. "Usually on Uncle Kenta's birthday for some reason…Uncle Hirokazu says they get really drunk, but it depends on the pairing - Some have less moments than others." He turns to me. "Think Tou-san and Tou-chan would let us…?"
"Maybe on Sunday, I'll ask Uncle Kenta if and Uncle Hirokazu wanna join us. And it…might work as a 'testing the waters' sort of thing," I suggest. "Kensuke are you interested?"
Kensuke nods. "Ye-Yeah…I-I can't believe it but…Yeah, I-I'll play the Taito drinking game!"
We start going down to the bakery…This is it, Kensuke's serious about supporting Tarou and "getting used" to "gay stuff." He told me in the halls after he calmed down from his meeting with Kyoko and I…
"…Look, I-I'm sorry about…Just…Everything. I know I've said a lot of…really stupid things and will probably say more but, if my brother is gay then…I know it's not something he would ever choose. Tarou's not the kind of person who'd wanna 'disappoint' me or Dad and we know how much Dad, um, 'doesn't like' gays. So, I-I don't know what I'm…really asking for here but…"
"You want to…get used to having a 'gay' brother, right?"
"I wanna be used to…gay everything. I don't want to get creeped out or anything by it anymore. I-I still…don't like the idea of my brother kissing another guy, even though he says he hasn't yet, but…I know how much Tarou liked his 'friend,' and, looking back, it's kinda obvious he 'really liked' Ryougi...So, I wanna be completely cool with it."
"Thanks. Mind if I ask why?"
"Dude, he's my little brother…We may drive each other insane half the time but I don't wanna lose him over this. Especially since I know he can't change…It's who he is, right?"
"Yeah, there's no 'choosing' any of this."
"What's it like having two Dads? Do you still see your real Mom? Tarou told me about how you're the real son of one of them."
"It's like any other family, just one extra parent. We see our Mom all the time, she's always visiting. She comes to visit almost every Sunday. She knows about Liangji and Tarou, too…Tarou is my brother's 'adorable boyfriend.' Liangji thinks he's cuter when he's embarrassed, actually, so she likes to embarrass Tarou for him."
Mom told me this, actually…Grandma Li does the same thing, too.
"Ha ha, se-seriously? Ha ha ha!"
I was glad to see Kensuke laugh about that…And his reason for wanting to 'learn' from us…
…As much as I…used to really hate homophobes and, before, I probably would have never bothered with him…
…I think Kensuke and I might actually become good friends after this.
Provided that Uncle Kenta doesn't put him into a catatonic state…Sorry, Kensuke, but…If it makes you feel better: Uncle Kenta's too gay for some of his boyfriends!
But we'll try to get a couple episodes in for the Daiken Drinking Game tonight, to give you a preview…
...Thanks for supporting Tarou and Liangji.
Ori's Notes:
Eh…Not too sure about this chapter. I just wanted to cover Kensuke a little more since he's Tarou's brother and, sincerely, wants to "understand" his brother and not be bothered by anything gay…
…And so he's being introduced to that Flaming Gay portrayal of Kenta I love using on this fic! Yay! Seriously, this fic continuity is pretty much why Kenta's become oneof my all-time favorite Digimon characters.
And some of this chapter was for Takehiro's saga, a little follow up with his feelings on homophobes. And a little closure with Akio...Again, Akio was a ton of fun in this fic. I didn't expect him to be so much fun when I first decided to give Ruki and Ryou a kid but...
Taiki's Notes:
Ha ha, I love how Kensuke believed Kyoko's description of her and Takehiro's relationship! Oh, that poor boy is in for a world of confusion with Hirokazu and Kenta! They are everyone's favorite gay duo (despite what Hirokazu says).
I'm glad that Kensuke is so sincere about supporting Tarou and Liangji. I simply hope that Ori is kind to them the remainder of this ficl but I think we all know what happens when I say things like that!
And on a final, very important note: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JEN AND TAKATO! It's June 22nd! We're posting an extra chapter today to celebrate!
-Taiki Matsuki
