Chapter 5: Frustrating Call
A/N: Hello, it's been a while! I finally got around to updating this story and I hope it will continue like that. I will have a set schedule that is up on my profile but it's not complete yet. So look out for that. Because I'm still figuring out things this story, like the other's, will be updated either once or twice a month depending on how the schedule sets in. Hopefully I will get to a point where I can update weekly but that will take time. Thank you for reading this story and I hope you have a good day. Ciao Ciao!
After lunch
Tetsuya nudged Taiga as he was having a hard time reading his paper. "Need some help?"
"Yeah, I guess my Japanese is still pretty rusty." Taiga chuckled a bit. "But come on, who knows all these kanji's anyways?"
Tetsuya chuckled, "Well some of these are the more common ones, and depending on the area you're interested in studying for, these are common in those areas." He explained as he pointed out some kanji here and there.
Taiga looked a bit amazed before being annoyed, "Great more things to study for."
Tetsuya giggled a bit, "I can help you study if you want. I'm pretty good at studying."
"Yeah that would be great." Taiga smiled a bit before he took out his phone as he heard it vibrate. He looked at it before he frowned a bit.
"What's wrong?" Tetsuya asked as noticed the sudden change in Taiga's face.
"It's nothing." Taiga said a bit as he put his phone away.
Tetsuya gave him a worried look, "I know it's not nothing."
Taiga shook his head, "It was just my dad. He wanted to know how we were holding up."
"I see, and you don't get along with him?" Tetsuya asked before he covered his mouth, "Ah sorry I don't mean to be intrusive you don't have to say anything if you don't want to."
Taiga chuckled, "Nah it's fine. My dad isn't really a good guy. We moved to America because he got a nice job offer but stuff happened and my mom and him got into lots of fights. She kicked him out and started her own bar. That kept us good for a while until she forgave him and he started to help out at the bar from time to time. And when she got sick, he ran the bar and it started to go bad. When she passed away he already had it runned down to the gutter. I don't remember much but according to Kazunari, Reo and Shoichi told him something and he let us keep the house and supported us by giving us money but barely enough for bills. And once Reo turned eighteen he got custody of us all. I know he made a deal with our dad but I think only Shoichi knows because they both refuse to tell us how Reo got custody with dad giving him child support for us." He sighed. "But he still tries to reach out to us. Wanting to "repair" our relationship. We never had one. He's just mad that we chose to come back to Japan with Reo instead of moving in with him and his new family."
"I'm sorry, that must have been hard on you." Tetsuya said as he put his hand on Taiga's. "You've been through so much."
Taiga blushed a bit but let Tetsuya hold his hands. "It's whatever. I'm happy now. I get to be with my brothers and I got to meet you." He smiled.
Tetsuya blushed a bit as he smiled. "Yeah we got to meet each other."
"What about your parents?" Taiga asked gently.
"My mom ran off with another man a little after I was born so at least I don't know where she is but Sei-nii-san might. And my dad, I think, is still alive?" Tetsuya said as he tried to remember.
"You think?" Taiga asked curiously. "You don't know?"
"Hmm, all I remember is that he worked a lot and would rarely come home. And one day he just stopped coming home." Tetsuya explained, "I think I asked Sei-nii-san once when he was cleaning dad's office but he just said that he was gone. I think shortly after he took over the company too. He was sixteen I think."
"Woah, that's really young. They let sixteen year olds run companies?" Taiga looked at him surprised.
"From what I know Sei-nii-san was always going to inherit the company and was being trained to do so from a young age. So I guess he was ready then." Tetsuya said as he absentmindedly rubbed his thumbs against Taiga's hands.
"What about you? Do you have any plans for the future?" Taiga asked as he blushed a bit.
"I don't know. Sei-nii-san wants me to work at the company with him but the business world doesn't really interest me." Tetsuya said. "I like kids though. But Sei-nii-san wouldn't agree with me being a teacher."
"Why not? Being a teacher is cool. Lots of people like it. Granted depending on the grade." Taiga chuckled a bit.
"I was thinking maybe pre-school." Tetsuya blushed a bit, "It's not easy but helping kids learn to grow at such a young age. I think it's cool." He smiled a bit.
"Well why not do it?" Taiga suggested, "Reo has the daycare, maybe you can help out sometime. Then your brother can see how much you want to be a preschool teacher."
Tetsuya looked at him, "Y-you think he would let me?"
"I don't see why not. Sure I gotta ask but it should be fine." Taiga smiled, "Besides it's nice to find out early to see if you'll like the job or not."
Tetsuya giggled and nodded, "Of course."
Reo sneezed a bit as he got a tissue. "I hope I'm not coming down with a cold." He sniffled as he looked at Seijuro. Shintaro and Shoichi had already left to go back to their jobs so Seijuro decided to stay behind and help him clean while he finished the report. "You really didn't have to stay. You must have things to do."
"Come now Reo, are you tired of seeing me?" Seijuro teased.
"Of course not but I know you run a company. Is it really okay for you to stay here?" Reo asked as he glanced down at the report.
"Well as the owner I can do as I please. Besides I wouldn't feel right about leaving you alone after all that." Seijuro chuckled, "Besides, having some company can do one good."
Reo chuckled, "That's very true. I just don't want to keep you away from anything important."
Seijuro shook his head, "I'm free. Besides, your brother said he will send a police officer to stay with you. Once he arrives I will feel better on leaving you here."
"Of course. Sho-chan is very considerate. Always worrying about me." Reo smiled a bit, "He's a good brother."
"Yes, though I couldn't help but notice that you don't have a guard or security cameras." Seijuro mentioned.
"Ah yes well I don't think I can afford to have a security guard but I'll have cameras installed soon. Oh I already have ideas on how to introduce the cameras to the children." Reo smiled, "Though Sho-chan said he'll set up a squad car to come by so I think we'll be safe like that."
"Well we can't have you and the children be without guards. That won't do." Seijuro said as he took out his phone and sent out a few messages.
"What are you doing Sei-chan?" Reo asked curiously.
"Setting you up with a security team. They'll be here in a bit to set up cameras and you can have your pick on the guard. All of course all free of charge as you'll now be sponsored by the Akashi Education Foundation." Seijuro said casually as Reo looked at him surprised.
"Wa-wait I can't accept something like that!" Reo quickly went to him. "That's so much, and you already did so much for us already. I can't accept this."
"Now Reo, are you rejecting my offer to help protect you and the children? These children are the future and they should be in a nice safe environment where their amazing teacher is comfortable and happy." Seijuro chuckled as he cupped his face, "A happy teacher means a happy life for the children."
Rep blushed a bit before he nodded. "How can I repay you?"
"This weekend join me for dinner." Seijuro said as he didn't ask. "I can pick you up and we can go to a nice restaurant I've been wanting to go to."
Reo nodded. "Of course Sei-chan."
"Great, now come, they are already here to install the cameras and security." Seijuro said as he guided Reo outside.
Daiki groaned as he laid on the roof with Tatsuya who was reading. "I don't want to learn more about math. Can't we just play basketball?" He complained.
Tatsuya laughed a bit, "Come on Daiki, it's not that bad. Besides, we should be thankful that our teacher decided to let you show me around."
"We got lucky." Daiki grumbled, "That teacher normally doesn't let people go out. How did you charm her by the way?"
"Magic." Tatsuya teased, making the other laugh.
"Were you like that in America?" Daiki asked.
"Hmm kinda but also some are really strict. But if you get along with them they're reasonable." Tatsuya chuckled, "Though Kazunari does say I have a handsome face, so I can get what I want."
"Ryota is like that too. If he asks the teachers for something he normally gets it. Unless the teachers are really stubborn then no." Daiki chuckled, "I always fall asleep so I never get special treatment."
"Hmm I would have to disagree on that." Tatsuya pointed out, "They would have kicked you out since you do fall asleep a lot in class."
Daiki thought for a moment before he laughed, "You got me there."
The two laughed before Tatsuya's phone rang. Tatsuya looked confused before he took it out and his eyes widened. He sighed before giving Daiki a smile, "I have to take this, excuse me for a bit." Tatsuya said as he quickly got up and walked to the other side of the roof with his back against Daiki.
Daiki sat up and looked confused for a bit. He tiptoed over to hear what Tatsuya was saying.
Tatsuya answered his phone, "What?"
"Oh? Is that how you greet your father? With a "what"?" His father said. "I messaged you and Taiga but neither of you answered."
"We're at school. You know this. Taiga is in class so don't bother him." Tatsuya snapped at him a bit.
"And you are where?" His father asked in a curious tone.
"Also at school but I stepped out because I told the teacher it might be an emergency." Tatsuya said. "Besides, we told you to stop messaging us. We don't want to talk to you."
"Tatsuya, I am your father. I should be able to at least message my boys since I can't see them now that they live away." He chuckled a bit. "I'm thinking of coming by to see you boys. To see how you're all living."
Tatsuya's eyes widened as he started to shake a bit, "Don't. Don't you dare come. Reo-nee and Sho will never let you see us."
"Oh don't worry about that. I know how to talk to your older brothers. After all, little Reo takes after your mother." His father laughed.
"You're sick. Don't contact us again. And leave Reo-nee alone or else." Tatsuya hung up as he held himself a bit.
"Tatsuya are you okay?" Daiki asked as he gently put his hand on his shoulder.
Tatsuya froze a bit before he looked at him, "H-how long have you been there?"
"I followed you. Sorry it just seemed like something was wrong." Daiki said. "I'll take it you don't get along with your old man."
Tatsuya sighed but nodded. "Just…please don't tell Taiga I talked to him."
"No worries." Daiki said as he crossed his heart. "I kinda understand. Granted I don't know what's going on but I get not getting along with a parent."
"Yeah?" Tatsuya asked as they went back to sit down.
"Yeah, but for us it's our mom. She left when Tetsu was born. She'll poke around sometimes so I've met her before but I never let her meet Tetsu. After the stunt she pulled she doesn't get to have a relationship with him." Daiki explained. "So when she feels all remorseful she'll call me, cause I'm the only one who'll answer her, and I get like how you are." He said as he glanced at him, "Frustrated and wishing I could do something."
Tatsuya nodded, "Yeah, that's how I feel. I just want him away from us. Especially Taiga. I just don't know how."
"Let's go beat him up? Two against one should be easy." Daiki offered.
"Pretty sure we'll get in trouble." Tatsuya chuckled. "Thank you though."
Daiki nodded, "So what did he want? Wanted to see Taiga?"
"Yeah, him and me. Since me and Taiga are the only ones who are underage still, he thinks he still has rights to us. He knows I don't like him at all but I know Taiga misses how he used to be. And he knows that too. I know he wants at least Taiga to move in with him but Taiga would never." Tatsuya explained.
"Your older brother, the cop one, can't he do something about it?" Daiki asked curiously.
"He's tried but there was only so much he could do. Well only so much Reo-nee allowed him to." Tatsuya sighed. "Right when Reo-nee turned eighteen he managed to get custody of us all. I have no idea how he did it but we know he has something against dad. I don't understand why he doesn't use it against him to get him to stay away from us. But he doesn't. Sho might know but he wouldn't tell. He and Reo-nee always try to keep us in the dark." He said as he clenched his fist, "It's so frustrating."
"Yeah, I get that. Seijuro and Shintaro are like that too. Always keeping secrets. Doing things that we don't know about. Doing dangerous things even if it makes us worry." Daiki shook his head, "We aren't the babies but we are treated just like the babies of the family."
"I'm pretty sure the babies get more things hidden from them." Tatsuya chuckled. "It would be nice to not have that anymore. For things to just be fine." He sighed. "So that the only worry will be how to win a game of basketball."
"Now you're speaking my language. Come on. I got keys to the special gym. Let's go play. Get our minds off of this depressing shit." Daiki said as he got up, "Besides, the next period is free period so we take our time."
Tatsuya smiled as he got up, "What are we waiting for then?"
Tetsuya stretched a bit as he headed to the bathroom. He smiled a bit as he thought about how he and Taiga held hands. Granted it was in a opening moment but he noticed that Taiga didn't move away or seem to dislike it. 'His hands are really big. He'll be a good match for Dai-nii-san when playing basketball. And maybe…maybe I can play with him too.' He thought with a soft smile as he entered the bathroom. He headed into a stall before someone pulled him back and pinned him against the wall. Kuroko gasped before he looked up to see it was Makoto. "Makoto-kun you scared me."
"I called your name but you didn't hear me, I don't like being ignored by you Tetsuya." Makoto fake pouted as he leaned against him.
"Ah I'm sorry, I was lost in thought. I guess I wasn't paying attention." Tetsuya said, "You have class right now no?"
"I do, but I would like to spend time with you." Makoto chuckled as he rubbed his cheek. "Why don't I ditch class and we can go for a walk?"
"Makoto-kun, you shouldn't skip class. You're coming over tonight, remember. If you want we can hang out after dinner. Maybe we can catch up on the show?" Tetsuya suggested.
"Promise to actually watch the show with me and not have a book with you?" Makoto asked as he cupped his face, "You know how much I don't like being ignored."
"I know. I promise I'll watch it with you." Tetsuya smiled as he held out his pinky.
Makoto looked at him as he had a flashback to when they were kids.
Flashback
An six year old Tetsuya and Makoto were playing in the garden with some action figures. The little Tetsuya was smiling before he took Makoto's toy and put it next to his own.
"There! Now they're together forever!" Tetsuya giggled as he looked at Makoto with a big smile.
Makoto smiled back, "You know Tetsuya, one day we'll be together forever too. Like our toys."
"Really?" Tetsuya asked as he moved closer to Makoto, "Ma-kun, always wants to be with me?"
"Yeah! Promise Tetsuya that you'll always be mine." Makoto said as he blushed a bit.
Tetsuya lifted up his pinky. "I know. I promise that I'll always be yours." He smiled brightly at the other.
Makoto smiled as he raised his pinky back as they interlocked.
Flashback end
Makoto interlocked his pinky with Tetsuya's before he kissed it, "You always keep your promises Tetsuya. That's what I like about you."
Tetsuya smiled a bit, "I try. Now if you'll excuse me. I have to go to the bathroom."
Makoto chuckled, "Right. I'll wait for you then."
"No need, really go back to class." Tetsuya hugged him a bit. "Okay?"
Makoto blushed but hugged back a bit, "You spoil me. Alright, I'll do as you wish." He said as he squeezed him a bit in the hug before he left.
Tetsuya's smile dropped as he went into the stall, "If only I could keep the promise that we made as kids. But I can't. I didn't develop those romantic feelings of love for you." He sighed.
After school
School let out as Daiki, Tetsuya, Tatsuya, and Taiga waited out front for Seijuro to come get them.
"Maybe we should walk home, it can't be that bad, we'll be fine." Tatsuya tried to say but Daiki shook his head.
"Nah, Seijuro said he'll take you guys. He wouldn't dare go back on his word." Daiki chuckled a bit.
"Still we kinda feel bad." Taiga rubbed the back of his head a bit, "He probably had things to do."
"It's okay Taiga-kun, Sei-nii-san wouldn't have offered it if he didn't want to." Tetsuya smiled as he nudged him a bit. "It's okay."
Just as Tetsuya said that Seijuro drove up and had the window down.
"Hello everyone, ready to head home?" Seijuro asked with a smile as the four nodded, "Great, Daiki manners."
"Oh right." Daiki said as he opened the back door. Taiga Tetsuya in back, Tatsuya you're up front."
"I'm okay riding in the back." Tatsuya said, "Really it's fine."
"No arguing, up front Tatsuya." Daiki smiled as Tetsuya got in.
Taiga looked at Tatsuya who sighed and nodded as Taiga went in behind Tetsuya. Daiki closed the door and opened the front for Tatsuya.
"There ya go." Daiki smiled.
Tatsuya chuckled, "Thank you. You really didn't have to." He said as he got in.
Daiki closed the door before he went around and go on the other side.
Once settled, Seijuro started to drive.
"Did you all have fun on your first day back to school?" Seijuro asked.
"Yes, it was quite fun." Tetsuya smiled as he looked at Taiga who smiled back.
"That's good, and you boys? How did you like the school?" Seijuro glanced over at them.
"Good, it's a big school but a very nice one. We're glad we ran into Daiki and Tetsuya or we might have gotten lost." Tatsuya chuckled a bit.
"Yes, that will take some time to get used to but I'm glad my little brothers were of help." Seijuro smiled proudly.
Taiga gulped a bit, "By the way thank you, for saving Reo and the kids."
Tatsuya nodded, "And thank you for giving us a ride."
Seijuro smiled, "Just like Reo, so kind. It was what I could do. I was glad to help. So please do not worry about it." He said as he started to head to Tatsuya's and Taiga's house. "Reo should be heading to your home soon. When I left the officer was already there as well as his new security team."
"Security team?" Tatsuya looked at him confused. "Reo-nee doesn't have a security team."
"He does now. It's better that way he doesn't ever have to worry about this happening again." Seijuro smiled.
Taiga nodded slowly, "Well as long as Reo is okay then it's fine."
Tetsuya put his hand on Taiga's arm and squeezed a bit reassuringly. Taiga looked at him and smiled showing he was okay.
"Oh how do you guys know Teppei and Junpei?" Tatsuya asked curiously.
"Teppei is a friend of the family so I've known him since we were very little. And then in high school Junpei transferred to this school, just like you guys. So they've been very good friends to us since then." Seijuro chuckled.
Taiga nodded before he realized something as he looked out the window. 'How does he know where we live? This whole time he hasn't asked for directions.' "Umm did Reo tell you how to get to our place?" He asked.
Seijuro chuckled as he shook his head, "Kinda. He gave me the address and I happen to know how to get there."
Tatsuya and Taiga both looked at Seijuro in pure shock.
"Sei-nii-san you're being mean. You looked it up on the gps didn't you?" Tetsuya said as he tried to put some reassurance in the other two.
"That's one possibility." Seijuro said as they arrived. "Oh look we're here."
"Oh right, thank you so much." Tatsuya bowed a bit.
"Thank you." Taiga also bowed a bit.
"No need to thank me. It was my pleasure. Now should we wait with you two until Reo comes or will you Two be okay?" Seijuro asked.
"We'll be okay. Thank you for the offer though." Tatsuya said as he opened the door, "Thank you again. See you two tomorrow." Tatsuya smiled as he waved at Daiki and Tetsuya.
"Thank you. See you guys tomorrow." Taiga smiled at them as the two got out.
"See ya tomorrow." Daiki smiled as he waved.
"See you both tomorrow." Tetsuya smiled and waved a bit.
Seijuro smiled and nodded as they watched the two enter their house before driving away.
Tatsuya let out a big sigh, "Home sweet home." He said as he dropped his bag on the floor in the living room. "Want to eat a snack-" Tatsuya was cut off by Taiga hugging him from behind. "Taiga? Taiga, what's wrong?"
"Is Reo-nee really okay? Like really okay?" Taiga muttered out.
"Of course. Sho wouldn't have let him be alone if he wasn't okay." Tatsuya turned around and held him close. "Hey he's okay. Watch, Reo is gonna come home and ask us how our day went with a big smile."
Taiga looked at him with worry, "But what if he's faking it again? He was suffering a lot the last time-"
"Taiga we've talked about this before, we did all we could. We were still so little, we couldn't handle that even if we wanted to. And we so wanted to." Tatsuya said gently, "Reo-nee will be okay. He's been through a lot so he can finally be happy."
Taiga nodded. "Happy….Tatsuya he messaged me."
Tatsuya said, "Father, right?" He sighed as Taiga nodded his head. "Just don't answer him. I'll deal with it."
"Tatsuya we aren't alone. I'm old enough now you can talk to me too." Taiga looked at him, "Don't you trust me?"
"I do! I do Taiga." Tatsuya pulled him close into a hug. "Father is just…I know you still hope he can change but he won't. And I don't want you getting hurt by him making false promises."
Taiga nodded and hugged him back, "Okay, I'll ignore his texts."
"Good, now come let's eat a snack and then get ready to make Reo a cake." Tatsuya smiled. "Let's pamper our sister."
Taiga smiled and nodded. "Reo-nee is going to be so happy."