The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: How I Met Your Mother (And How I Met Your Father)

Bonding Arc

Chapter Nine: Chihiro's Secret! Kyoko's Anger?

Present Day

"So who did you bond with next, Mommy?"

Biting her lip, Kyoko reluctantly answered "Well…I didn't bond with anyone new, specifically. You see…what happened next was the first time…I was angry at your father."

Gasping in shock and horror, Kiki asked "You got angry at Daddy? But what for?"

It was then that Makoto took over, answering "You see, Kiki, a few days after your Mother's swimming practice with Hina and Sakura, I came to know something that I had no right to know…something that I swore to keep secret from your mother."

"But…why, Daddy? I thought you two never kept secrets from each other."

"Because it wasn't my secret to tell. Regardless, this secret was something that would threaten to drive our newfound friendship apart. It happened right after gym class…"

XXX

June 11, 2014

"Alright kids, class dismissed!"

Back in their uniforms after having changed, the 78th Class filed out of the gymnasium, the exception being Makoto, who was more fatigued than the others from the rigorous exercise. A minute after the gym was empty, he finally found the energy to walk, and started to head out and back to his dorm in order to rest.

"WATCH OUT!"

Turning around, Makoto found himself colliding with the petite form of Chihiro, who was still in the girls' changing room when class had been dismissed.

"Oof!"

"Agh!"

The two rolled as they fell, finally landing with Makoto on top of the young girl.

A sheepish smile on his face, Makoto apologized "Sorry, Chihiro. I'll get off of you…"

Makoto's voice trailed off, his knee brushing against Chihiro's skirt, the Ultimate Lucky Student freezing as he registered exactly what he was feeling.

No way…could it be…is Chiihiro… "Chihiro…are you…"

Makoto yelped as Chihiro shot up, knocking him off balance. Before Makoto knew what was happening, Chihiro was dragging him by the wrist out of the gym at a breakneck pace.

XXX

Chihiro slammed the door behind them, locking the door in a panic, unnerving the confused Makoto. Hyperventilating, the Ultimate Programmer turned to face him, tears streaming down her face as Makoto had a worried expression on his own.

"Chihiro…what's going on?"

Taking a few deep breaths, Chihiro managed to calm down enough to reluctantly confess "I'm…a…guy, Makoto. I dress like a girl, I present as a girl, but biologically I'm male."

…So that was what I was feeling through her…his…their skirt. "But why, Chihiro? Why did you feel the need to live as a different gender?"

Chihiro sat down on their bed, Makoto following suit as he lay his hand on their shoulder, his eyes trying to convey a warmth and acceptance that Chihiro sorely needed at the moment.

Wiping the tears from their eyes with their wrist, Chihiro explained "When I was a child…I was bullied relentlessly because I was weak."

Makoto's eyes softened, empathizing with Chihiro and recalling his own memories of dealing with bullies at his former school.

"Then…one day…I decided…that if being weak as a boy was going to get me harassed…then I'd be weak as a girl instead. Because…most girls aren't that strong, right? Then that way…I'd be safe."

"Chihiro…"

The Ultimate Programmer grabbed onto Makoto's uniform jacket suddenly, surprising the boy as they begged "Please! Don't tell a soul about my secret! Not even…not even Kyoko! If anyone found out…my life would be ruined!"

"Hey, hey, Chihiro, it's okay, really!" Chihiro let out a gasp of shock, Makoto's arms embracing them in a reassuring hug as he vowed "I promise…I won't tell a soul until you want me to."

Is this really happening? Someone found out my secret…and isn't treating me any differently? Tears falling down their cheeks, Chihiro returned the embrace and sobbed "THANK YOU! THANK YOU, MAKOTO!" Makoto smiled and sat there, holding his friend until they separated, the Ultimate Programmer wiping their cheeks as they apologized "Sorry I dragged you out like that."

Shaking his head, Makoto assured them "Don't worry about it; you were scared, so I can't blame you for reacting like that. Though, I do have one question…" At Chihiro's questioning stare, Makoto explained "I'll of course refer to you as a girl when we're in public, but in private, what would you prefer I refer to you as?"

Mulling it over, Chihiro decided "Since you know my secret…I guess you can think of me as male if it helps."

Smiling, Makoto nodded in acceptance, replying "Alright then, thank you for clearing that up. I promise, I won't tell your secret to anyone, not even my own mother."

Chihiro smiled softly, a warm, bubbly feeling flooding his heart.

Makoto accepted me for who I am…he didn't call me a freak…didn't call me names…didn't call me weak. Maybe…could the rest of my class…feel the same?

XXX

Present Day

"Wait, so Chihiro was a boy?"

Nodding, Makoto explained "Yes, Kiki. There are some people who, for one reason or another, don't match up emotionally with the gender they were born with. There are some boys who feel like they should be girls, and some girls who feel like they should be boys. There are even some people who feel like they aren't a boy or a girl."

"…This sounds really complicated…" Kiki admitted, her head feeling like it was spinning.

Kyoko replied "It is, Kiki. Just remember that people should always be treated as the way they would like to be treated. If someone says they are a girl, regardless of how they look or sound, you are to refer to them as a girl. Same principle if someone says they are a boy, or if they have no gender."

Still not quite getting it, Kiki nonetheless nodded, obeying "Okay, Mommy. But then, how did that make you angry at Daddy?"

"Well, it was later that evening, after dinner. I had noticed your father seemed out of it, and he seemed to be putting an unusual amount of effort into choosing his words carefully during our conversation. So, I decided to confront him about it once everyone had left the dining hall…"

XXX

June 11, 2014

"Makoto, could you stay behind for a moment?"

Confused as to why Kyoko would ask him to stay in an empty Dining Hall, Makoto nonetheless nodded, sitting back down at the table that he and Kyoko occupied.

"I'll be blunt; you're hiding something from me, aren't you?" Seeing Makoto freeze in his seat, Kyoko closed her eyes, remarking in her thoughts Knew it… "So, what is it you're hiding?" She asked as she opened her eyes.

Makoto averted his gaze, looking at anywhere except Kyoko's face as he denied "…I can't tell you."

What is so important that he can't even tell me? He always tells me everything! Trying another approach, Kyoko took a deep breath and asked "What is it you always keep telling me? You can tell me these things? Whatever it is, you can tell me. If you don't want anyone to overhear it, just e-mail it to my Handbook."

Kyoko's tactic was met only with silence, the conflicted, somber expression still plastered on his face.

"I'm sorry. I really am."

"…So that's it? An apology, but no answer? I'm shocked, Naegi. I've told you some painful things about my past, at your urging, might I add. But the moment I ask for some transparency from you, you see fit to clam up. I never expected such hypocrisy from you."

Makoto whimpered at hearing Kyoko's anger, but his commitment to Chihiro made him stay silent, unwilling to betray the secret of a friend just to satisfy another.

Seeing that her lecture was going nowhere, Kyoko decided to stop wasting her time; she got up, dismissing him "Goodbye" before walking out of the room, her boots creating little earthquakes in his heart.

Neither of them noticed the petit Programmer standing out of view, a guilt-ridden expression on his face as he began to regret putting his friend in this awkward position.

What have I done?

XXX

June 12, 2014

Kyoko hadn't come to class that day; in fact, nobody had seen her at all today. None looked as troubled by this as Makoto, who couldn't help but worry.

I don't understand…is she…avoiding me?

Makoto left class upon being dismissed, barely able to focus on the lesson as the anguish from Kyoko's confrontation yesterday combined with the worry from her disappearance today harmed his concentration. It wasn't until after dinner on his way back to his dorm that he ran into Kyoko, the Detective carrying several large binders under her arm.

In an attempt to patch things up with her, Makoto opened his mouth only for Kyoko to silence him, ordering "Go away, I'm busy. I don't have time to deal with you."

His heart breaking once more, Makoto hung his head, somberly walking to his door and shutting it behind him. With the Ultimate Lucky Student gone from sight and out of mind, Kyoko continued walking to her own dorm, opening the door and closing it behind her. She failed to notice Chihiro standing just around the corner, once more witness to her mistreatment of Makoto.

XXX

June 13, 2014

"Thank you for the lesson, Chihiro. It was very educational, and I look forward to being able to implement your education in my next case."

Chihiro had just finished teaching Kyoko about malware, though both parties had their attentions divided. After two days of cooling off, Kyoko was starting to have second thoughts about ignoring Makoto, while Chihiro was struggling to come up with the resolve to set the Ultimate Detective straight.

"Good night, Chihiro." Kyoko dismissed before exiting into the main hall, though she didn't get very far as she bumped into the very person she was avoiding: Makoto Naegi.

"Oh, Kirigiri-san. S…sorry…"

The two stood there awkwardly, Makoto averting Kyoko's eyes while Kyoko struggled to come up what to say, still miffed and angry with him for his secrecy while simultaneously wondering if she might have gone too far. It wasn't long before Chihiro stumbled onto the scene, his frustration growing as his eyes flickered back and forth between the two.

Eventually his frustration erupted, the Ultimate Programmer almost shouting "I…I can't take it!" Seeing Makoto and Kyoko gasp and turn towards him, Chihiro ranted "I can't take it! You two used to be the best of friends! You were always there for each other, and for all of us! But now…you guys own't even talk to each other…all because of me…"

Because of you?

"Chihiro, don't be silly!" Makoto tried to reassure him "Kyoko and I are just having some issues. It doesn't…I mean you…"

Shaking his head, Chihiro interrupted "It is, Makoto. If I hadn't sword you to secrecy, this never would have happened! Keeping my secret…it's not worth it…if it causes my friends to fight!"

Your secret? So that's what Makoto refused to tell me? Her eyes softening as she realized just how unfair she had been to Makoto, she tried to repair the damage she had done, gently protested "Chihiro, you don't have to…"

Shaking his head, Chihiro rejected "No…I have to. If I don't stand up when my friends are fighting, then I'll have proved that I'm weak. The truth…" Chihiro gulped, hanging his head as he declared "The truth is…I'm a boy."

Makoto smiled with pride at Chihiro's resolve, while Kyoko froze at the revelation, for once caught completely off-guard.

So…that was his secret? Then…it makes sense why Chihiro would want to keep that secret. And Makoto… She glanced at Makoto, realizing of course he would want to protect his friends…that's just who he is…

It was then that Makoto spoke, assuring Chihiro "You were really brave to come out and tell us something so personal, and we promise to keep this secret, right Kirigiri-san?"

Nodding, Kyoko answered "As long as it doesn't become instrumental in solving a case, then I see no reason to disclose this secret."

Nodding, Chihiro replied "Thank you both, but if keeping this secret was enough to cause you two to fight, then I can't condone keeping it. I don't want to cause any more rifts in our class. Besides…I'm tired of being weak. So…I'm thinking I should come clean…to everyone. Then…even if my body is weak…at least my heart will get stronger. And then…I'll get better."

Nodding, Makoto told him proudly "If that's your decision. We can tell everyone at breakfast. And I promise, no matter what, Kyoko and I will support you, if nothing else. But I have hope that everyone in our class will accept you for who you are Chihiro."

Tearing up, Chihiro blubbered "Th…thank you! I'd better…I'd better get some sleep. Good night."

Chihiro closed the door, leaving the two former friends alone in the hallway. It wasn't long before Kyoko gestured for Makoto to follow her. Obeying, the Ultimate Lucky Student followed her into her room, closing the door behind him as he followed to sit next to her on her bed.

An uncomfortable silence passed before Makoto asked hesitantly "Ano…are you still mad at me?"

"…I'm not." Seeing Makoto gasp in surprise and relief, Kyoko continued "You were trying to protect Chihiro; you didn't want to betray his trust simply because I asked you to confide in me. I'll admit, at first I thought it was because you didn't trust me completely…like I trusted you completely."

"Kiri…"

"Kyoko. You can still call me Kyoko." Seeing Makoto's relieved expression at the implications beyond that continued permission, she blushed as she admitted "I…overreacted a bit. I expected you to keep the secret about my hands from everyone, and to tell me everyone else's secrets upon command. That double standard was wrong of me, and I'm sorry."

"Kyoko…" Smiling at her, Makoto assured her "I do trust you completely, you know, in case you were worried. I'm sorry making you feel insecure about that."

"Makoto…"

Kyoko smiled, a soft smile, feeling at peace now that their friendship had survived this turbulent incident.

And now it's stronger than ever. Makoto…you truly are my closest friend…

XXX

June 14, 2014

"Alright everybody! Before we eat, Chihiro has something she'd like to say!"

Everyone turned in their seats to face the Ultimate Programmer upon Makoto's announcement, he and Kyoko standing behind Chihiro as silent encouragement.

Chihiro looked up at Makoto, who smiled and urged "Go on, Chihiro."

Taking a deep breath, Chihiro confessed "Everyone…I've been keeping a secret from all of you, and I'm sorry. But I'm going to come clean, right now. The truth is…I'm actually…a boy."

"Holy shit!"

Mondo's mouth hung open, the outburst ringing through everyone else's mouths as they all thought the same thing, staring incredulously at Chihiro as though he just told them that clouds were green.

The silence was broken by Junko's cackle, who pounded her fist against the table in a laughing fit as she exclaimed "Oh man! You mean to tell me that little Chihiro here is actually a crossdressing male? Oh man, how hilarious, right Muku?"

Chihiro started to whimper, his greatest fears coming true as he realized …I was right…they think I'm pathetic. I should just drop out before they go and post this on the internet…

"Junko! Such ridicule is most certainly unwelcome in a school environment!"

Huh?

Chihiro looked up, wiping the tears in his eyes as he saw Taka passionately defending him.

Mondo spoke up next, defending "Hell, the little dude's got real balls to come out like that to us. Some of the guys in my gang are bigger cowards than this little guy."

I'm stronger…than some bikers?

Nodding, Sakura concurred "Indeed. Chihiro has shown us an incredibly strong core. Anyone who dares to insult him…deserves no forgiveness!"

One by one, most of the others had given similar statements of support, Byakuya, Mukuro, and Toko choosing to stay neutral.

Chihiro's eyes watered as he thought You guys…you all…accept me?

Taka then turned to glare at Junko, pointing at her and demanding "Well, Junko? Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Sighing, the Ultimate Fashionista conceded "Alright, alright, maybe I went a little too far. So I'm sorry and all that jazz."

Even you, Junko? You…apologized? The Ultimate Programmer stared up at Makoto and Kyoko, beaming as they returned it with small smiles.

Makoto…Kyoko…thank you! You gave me the strength…to be myself!

I'm so proud of you, Chihiro. You found your own strength, all by yourself!

As Makoto continued directing thoughts of praise at Chihiro, Kyoko thought gratefully Thank you, Chihiro. You showed me the error of my behavior, and gave me the strength to admit to my own faults. She looked down at her gloves, realizing You had the strength to reveal something about yourself…and I still lack the resolve and courage to reveal my own secret to anyone of my own volition.

She looked to Makoto, musing as she continued to look at the Ultimate Lucky Student while the others congratulated Chihiro.

Could I be willing…to show my hands to anyone…if I spend more time in your company? Could I find the strength that Chihiro found?

XXX

Present Day

"And that's the story of how your father and I made up after our first fight."

"Wow, Mommy! Chihiro was so strong!"

"Yes…" Makoto concurred "He was…stronger than most of us."

"So does that mean you and Daddy never fought again, Mommy?"

Frowning, Kyoko shook her head and replied "As ashamed as we are to admit it, no, that wasn't our last serious fight. We had a couple of other squabbles…ones we would take back in a heartbeat given the chance, Kiki."

"But understand, Kiki. How we acted when we were younger…it doesn't have any bearing on who we are now. Those fights made us love each other more in the end, and ultimately they were all in the past. We don't let the fact that we fought stop us from loving each other. You'll understand better when you're older, but disagreements are part of a relationship. It's how you solve them that matters, and for all our stumbles, we've emerged intact, and now not only do we have each other, but we have you. We're a family, Kiki, and nothing can break us apart!"

"Mommy…Daddy…"

Kiki turned around and tried to hug her parents, Makoto and Kyoko leaning down to embrace their daughter in a group hug.

Once they separated, Kyoko told her "Alright Kiki, it's time for bed, alright?"

Nodding, Kiki nestled into her pillow as her parents tucked her in and kissed her good night.

"Good night, Kiki. We love you!"

"I love you…" *yawn* "…too…"

Once Kiki was finally snoring, Makoto and Kyoko smiled, taking each other's hands as they walked out, closing Kiki's door behind them as the went to their room to slumber, wrapped in the blanket of their tried and tempered love.