Starless Redux

Chapter 6

Mimi remembered the dream.

She was back in middle school. The green uniform she remembered so vividly wearing. She was in an empty hallway and there was a young middle school version of Daisuke.

"Daisuke-san," Mimi said, getting the young boy's attention.

He turned confused before smiling with a fake smile.

Mimi clenched her fist, "don't smile like that."

"Don't smile like what?" Mimi came back to her senses. She was sitting in a coffee shop on the edge of town. In front of her was Jyou Kido.

Mimi blinked, "w-was I talking to myself?"

Jyou took a coffee cup, "yup, just a bit. Were you daydreaming?"

Mimi looked down, "just thinking about him."

They both were silent as the noise of the coffee shop continued. Pouring and people chatter before Jyou sighed, "You haven't even seen Daisuke-san."

Mimi frowned, "but should I even see him… I mean knowing he is back."

Jyou nodded, "I know…"

"And the fact is he didn't even know he got Hikari-san pregnant after he left her…"

"I know." Jyou took another sip, "I think Yamato-san and Koushiro-san wanted me to tell you because they want to see your reaction." Mimi raised a brow, he sighed, "if you freak out with Daisuke-san, they won't let the others know like this, maybe."

Mimi shrugged, "what if I tell them?"

"That's different from what we are doing here," Jyou rested his chin on his palm, "we are trying to be civil."

Mimi looked to the side, "how is that?"

"Because anyone else would freak out. Hikari-san, Miyako-san, Takeru-san, and especially Taichi-san would get physical. Sora is Taichi's wife… that means Iori-san and Ken-san are safe to tell, but Ken-san is married to Miyako-san. And Iori-san is very close to Takeru-san."

"Then why tell me? I am connected to the girls…"

Jyou took a sip, "because Koushiro-san, Yamato-san, and I know you. They know that you look for the good in people somewhat."

"But… this…" Mimi took her cup of tea, "this is something else."

Jyou nodded slowly, "it is… it's also the situation where Yamato-san cares about Daisuke-san because of Jun-san. I can't really hurt people. Koushiro-san isn't about drama… you're the bridge to hopefully getting everyone to know Daisuke-san is back."

Mimi frowned before taking a deep breath, "Let's be generous and say Daisuke-san is only punched one time. Then what?'

Jyou blinked. "If this was me from even a year ago. I wouldn't care about any of this. Daisuke-san being here would be immediately revealed because everyone should know… but… I am a father. I love Erina-san. I do, but she's… she's independent and strong in her own right. I don't worry about her. But my child. My little Genki. I work hard because of him. And I thought about it. What if Erina-san hated me? What if she had custody of Genki? I would like to make sure he is alright…"

Mimi's eyes slightly watered, "w-why would you think about such a thing?"

Jyou smiled, "I needed to stay at the hospital for nearly 40 hours for different emergencies. And I desperately wanted to see Genki-san. And a moment when I could take a break… I realized how many people get divorced. I realized how many custody battles go on… and I thought about this." Mimi wiped her eyes, "I can't see Daisuke-san as a Chosen Child right now, I only see him as a father."

"And if he's a bad father and wants nothing from Miyuki-san."

"Then he's gone from my good will. He loses his second chance, but I am giving him a second chance for Miyuki-san's sake."

Mimi nodded aggressively, "and should I?'

Jyou took one last sip, "that's why I am here to talk to you. So you can decide…" Jyou got up and grabbed his coat, "tell Makino-san I said hello."

Mimi stood looking down. The door from the cafe closed and she closed her eyes.

She immediately began to think of the day she found out Hikari was pregnant.

"Daisuke-san is going to come back. He has to…"

Mimi repeated Hikari's reply back then, "yeah… he has to." She got up and grabbed her sweater. Quickly putting it on and exiting the coffee shop. As she did, Jyou was entering his car, "Jyou-san!" She called out. He stopped and turned to her, her determined eyes stared, "where is he right now?"

Genki Kido, looked like Jyou but with light blue hair instead of his father's dark. The child stared at Daisuke who looked nervously at the baby. The baby was currently laying in his crib.

As the others were in the kitchen with Erina, Daisuke was sitting nearby watching Genki to make sure when he woke up. But when he woke up, Daisuke seemingly did not say a thing to not frighten the child.

"H-Hey," Daisuke waved.

Genki blinked before smiling and reaching for the sky.

Daisuke sighed, "Erina-san," he spoke softly as he got up to inform her.

Before Daisuke could move towards the kitchen, Genki made noises. Daisuke turned as he saw Genki's frustrated face trying to move his arms up. Daisuke went over and reached over, carrying the child gently. Genki's manner calmed as he smiled happily.

Daisuke smiled slightly.

"I like that smile." Daisuke flinched and turned around safely to see Erina. She giggled before Daisuke nervously handed her Genki. Genki immediately embraced his mother. "Genki doesn't let strangers carry him. You must have a good vibe," Erina patted her child's back.

"No, I must have been lucky."

Erina nodded, "yes, probably luck." She kissed Genki's cheek. "Or maybe children find you comforting." Daisuke blushed as Erina smirked, "plan on having any kids of your own one day?"

Daisuke became red, "depends on what my future partner wants. I don't mind none, but if I could pick. Maybe one."

"One, huh?" Erina giggled while looking at Genki.

"W-What?"

Erina looked over, "nothing, it's nothing."

A sudden knock occurred distracting both. Erina walked over to the door and looked through the peephole. Erina raised a brow before unlocking the door and opening it.

Daisuke was surprised when he saw Mimi.

"Daisuke-san," Mimi first said in shock. Daisuke was silent as Mimi's shock turned to a still expressionless one, "you've grown…"

Daisuke looked down, "yeah, you have too. I… I heard you and Makino-san are married."

Mimi looked at her ring, "yes, he and I married a while back. A fun wedding…"

Erina giggled, "it was, wasn't it?" She got in between the two quiet young adults. "I made tea, would you like some?"

Mimi looked over at Erina, blinking, "y-yeah." She also looked at Genki as Erina walked off to the kitchen. She could hear the others speaking now that she became aware of her surroundings. She slowly turned to Daisuke, "Daisuke-san…"

He looked down, "the others are in the kitchen, I was just watching Genki-san for Erina-san…"

She rubbed her arm, "how kind of you. What have you been up to?" She squeezed her arm, is this really him? Is this really Daisuke-san? He's not… he's not like his old self.

Daisuke scratched his cheek, "well, I've been trying to reconnect with what I missed, I missed out on a lot, right?" He chuckled nervously. Mimi stared and Daisuke immediately showed panic shock, "oh, I uh…" he gulped, "I'm sorry, I know being gone has probably caused a rift…"

Mimi then imagined Miyuki. "Yeah, it has, but do you want to repair that rift or let it exist?"

He looked down sadly, "repair it… if it's actually broken."

She raised a brow, "actually? Do you think it's not?"

Daisuke shook his head, "I don't know if it is. I have been welcomed by everyone so far, but I realize that everyone probably feels a certain way. Heck, even I'm unaware of Yamato-san, Koushiro-san, and Jyou-san think of me. I wouldn't be surprised if they think of me as a stranger."

She clenched her fist, scared, he's scared. I guess he would be… he hasn't been around. Our lives have changed.

She crossed her arms, "well, let's say a lot of people are angered by your disappearance, what do you do?"

He took a moment, looking down, "I will do my best. It's what I can do."

Mimi took in some air, Damn it… he's not hateable. Jyou-san is right, this is completely difficult. Hikari-san was hurt by him, but can for Miyuki-san's sake. She clapped her hands, "well, I bet." she couldn't only twitch a smirk. I want to slap him.

Daisuke nodded, "Tea is probably ready, shall we?"

Mimi nodded and began to follow Daisuke, But I also missed him.

Miyuki sat on the couch as she played soccer. She hummed while swinging her body side to side. Imagining herself as a star soccer player.

Hikari closed the stove and put her hands on her hips. She took off her apron and walked to the living room. Smiling at Miyuki's enjoyment. Before her face was slightly saddened at what she was watching. "Miyuki-san, remember that movie Mommy watched? I think it's on?"

Miyuki stopped, "but I want to watch soccer. So cool! So Fast paced! I bet I would be the best soccer player."

Hikari looked to the side, "it's a messy sport where people end up in the mud…"

Miyuki laughed, "that's like the best part."

Hikari flinched, putting her fist on her chest.

Remembering a familiar scene.

Daisuke, 12 years old, dirty by the mud after a soccer game saying the words, "don't worry about me being muddy, it's like the best part."

Hikari gulped and walked over, "I mean. You want to do something with mommy?" She sat down, grabbing the remote and changing it. "I used to take pictures…"

Miyuki perked, "oh, can I see some?"

Hikari nodded and got up, before she could head to her room. A knock on the door, she suddenly remembered, "Oh!"

She walked over and opened the door. "Miyako-san!"

Miyako hugged Hikari immediately, "oh, I haven't seen you since the party. I feel like that's too long," she put her hands on Miyako's shoulder.

Hikari looked at her belly, "jeez, the belly is just growing. Baby is really on it's way."

Miyuki popped to the side, "means you look fat," she giggled mischievous.

Miyako grew an angry vein, "Oh Miyuki-chan, you are as pleasant as ever. Why don't you come and give your auntie a hug."

Miyuki giggled and went to hug Miyako. Miyako gave an extra squeeze on the hug, "a bit hard…." Miyuki struggled to say a word.

"Now you two…" Hikari gently separated the two. "Last time you two were like this. You left the kitchen a mess. Not this time."

Miyuki nodded before saying, "she started it."

Miyako put her fist up before Ken stopped her from going further. "The baby. Don't stress too much," he lowered her fist slowly.

"Hello Ken-san," Miyuki waved happily.

"It's good to see you Ken-san," Hikari added.

"Yo!" Iori and Hina both popped out randomly from the door frame.

"Oh?" Hikari was surprised.

Iori walked inside, "I hope it's not too much trouble. My mom told me to stop studying for a bit and visit you guys. Hina-san tagged along."

"Of course it's not too much trouble, a friend is always welcomed." Hikari allowed everyone to enter, "perfect timing, I was going to show Miyuki-san a collection of my photos."

"Oh goody!" Miyako cheerfully said as Ken held her hand to lead her to the living room.

Hikari smiled happily as everyone settled in her living room. Suddenly her eyes fell and a sad smile appeared. Seeing the sight of everyone talking as Miyuki bounced around. She could imagine this scene once again. But instead of Miyuki, Daisuke was there trying to entertain their friends.

Mimi giggled just a bit.

"You didn't," Yamato asked Koushiro.

"Yup, I flew up to space orbit. That's right, I got to space before you, loser."

Everyone chuckled, except for Erina and Daisuke. Every other adult had a bit of alcohol to drink. Erina smiled happily as she cradled Genki.

Meanwhile, Daisuke was by the patio door. Watching Koushiro and Yamato begin to brag off as their wives respectively tried to calm them down.

Mimi looked over at Daisuke, she smiled at his entertainment. She suddenly felt her phone vibrate and took it out to see a message from Sora.

Why do you want to see me tomorrow again? - Sora.

Mimi replied quickly before putting her phone away.

I got a surprise! - Mimi