AN: Hello hello! Yes this is still alive! I am barely alive myself, but shhhhh. This had honestly been done like...in december but with school and personal things, I could not get around to it and it ended up being rewritten and redited like 5 or so times. I had a friend of mine help with the proof-reading. so hope this will be okay! The next chapter has SOME scenes written, but don't worry. I'm going to write this until it either gets done or I die. Whichever comes first
Fumikage awoke to bright lights and an aching back. Was he on the floor? As his vision started to focus he saw that he wasn't alone. Yuuga was sleeping peacefully next to him.
After a moment the memories from the night before flooded his tired head and he froze. Did he really confess?
As he debated if his memories were correct, Yuuga started to stir next to him. The violet eyes slowly opened and he seemed surprised to see Fumikage next to him. They opened widely in surprise as he saw a blush rise to his face.
"Good morning."
"Good morning to you as well." He looked away as he felt himself start to blush up a storm as well, the feeling of waking up next to him was rather pleasant.
He cleared his throat and sat up, that is when Fumikage noticed that all of the candles had been blown out.
"Did you blow out the lights?"
"Oui! Once you seemed to be in a deep enough sleep I blew them out and in case anything happened during the night I decided to get my belt."
"Is it not uncomfortable?"
"Do not worry!~" He chirped and waited for him to get up. "Did you sleep alright? Is Dark Shadow acting up?"
"No, he is rather silent."
"Perhaps that is a good sign considering how he acted last night, is he usually quiet after such a night?"
"Not really."
"Oh, dear." He leaned into his hand and glanced at him with worry. "How about you call your parents and I will make us some magnifique food?"
Fumikage nodded and reached for his phone, at last the cell signal seemed to be back. But something was bothering him, were they not going to discuss what had happened? Yuuga kept his distance and seemed to almost be avoiding him. Had it perhaps been a dream after all?
He clicked his tongue, one thing at a time. After two rings, his mother was already on the line.
" Fumikage?! Are you okay?"
"I am alright, Mother. I apologize for causing you and Father such concern."
" Oh my little boy! I am going to worry no matter what, I am just so happy to hear that you are alive. I will come pick you up right away."
" Ah, can it please wait just a moment? Yuuga had already offered to make us breakfast and I do not wish to inconvenience him."
" Are you sure? Are you injured? Did Darkie cause any problems?"
" Mother, I am fine. May I please get a few minutes with him? It is the least I can do, as he had made sure we were safe the whole night."
" Oh! Why doesn't he come over as a thank you for taking you in? It is the least we can do for your friend. Is his mum or dad home, so that I may speak to them? I must thank them for their patience and ask them if they wish to join."
" We are the only ones here at the residence as far as I know."
" Alone? Where are his parents? Any relatives?"
" Nobody is here, just us. Apparently both parents have rather demanding jobs."
" Oh...Now he absolutely must come over! I'll go wake your dad and get him to help me make something good." She was instantly in high-spirits and he almost felt pity for Father.
"I will ask if he wishes to join us."
" Alright! But are you really sure you are okay? You know you can tell us anything."
" I know. Thank you Mother, I will call you once we are done."
" If you say so, stay safe until then. I love you!" He hung up after a moment and let out a deep sigh.
'Wasn't that sweet?'
Tokoyami was startled and looked around, luckily Dark Shadow hadn't weaseled his way out yet. He decided to ignore him for now, he did not have the energy for his usual nonsense.
'Oh, you are no fun! You are such a meanie! Answer me!'
He came down to the kitchen and saw that Yuuga was pacing. There was a mess of things on the counter from eggs to bread, but he was busy on his phone. Eventually he sighed and hung up, a frown had settled in his features and it concerned Fumikage.
"Is everything okay?"
"Hm?" Aoyama's gaze quickly flicked from his phone to him as he realized that he wasn't alone. "Ah. Nothing to worry about. I was merely calling my parents and neither of them answered. Do not worry, it's a common occurrence." He put the phone down on the table and turned away from him. "I can prepare something, feel free to sit down~"
"They were unreachable?"
"Maman is probably asleep or working, I do believe it should be around two or three in the morning for her. And Papa is most likely working as well or he had left his phone somewhere. They will probably contact me by the evening." He pretended to not be bothered, but his voice wavered as he spoke.
Fumikage stepped forward to put a hand on his shoulder, he knew he couldn't let somebody close to him suffer in silence.
"You are bothered by it. Is there anything you wish to discuss?"
Yuuga slightly turned to look at him, his expression looked so fragile.
"It is rather selfish of moi, I had just wished to hear from at least one of them. But they are both busy so I shouldn't bother them." He raised his left hand and went through his hair. "I will prepare something for us-" He spoke and took a step back so Fumi's hand fell off his shoulder.
"Breakfast can wait, contacting your parents is more important. Is there any way that I may he-"
"Non, non! Go sit down, I will not let a guest cook for themselves again. Once was enough." He tried to shoo him away with the 'V' smile returning.
"No guest is allowed to cook?" He tried to take a step towards him.
"Non! You need your rest too, really do not worry." Yuuga almost shrunk away from him, avoiding his reach.
He cocked his head a bit before speaking out of sheer curiosity for his reaction. He didn't like the distance that was there.
"Not even your boyfriend can make something for you?"
Yuuga instantly looked at Fumikage with eyes as wide as dinner plates.
"I...well...that…'' He waited as Yuuga spluttered and tripped over his own words, the blush only grew worse. "That is a bit strong don't y-you think?!" He eventually squeaked out. "I do-don't hate it! But we haven't even had a real date and...I want you to be sure."
"Is that why you have been keeping a distance?"
Yuuga seemed to be mulling something over and eventually shook his head. His voice was soft when he decided to speak.
"Honestly, I had simply wished to give you a chance to step away if you weren't sure."
'KISS HIM!'
'Can you be quiet for once?'
Fumikage stepped forward and raised a hand to cup his cheek, Yuuga had completely stiffend at the gesture. He seemed surprised once the other hand fully cupped his face and pulled him closer so they could rest their foreheads together. He was absolutely melting at the touch, sparks poured off him like a firework exploding in the sky.
"Any doubts of me wanting to step away? Unless you do not wish for a creature of darkness such as myself as a companion."
"Non! I wo-I mean-argh! Curse you." He pulled away and turned around with his arms crossed. But there was no mistaking the bright red ears and he peaked over his shoulder to catch his delightful smile. "Words fail me whenever I'm close to you! It is so frustrating."
"Would you prefer that I leave?"
"Non! Non!" He quickly turned around and grasped his hand, before he somehow turned an even brighter red when he realized what he had done.
"Yes?" He gave a cheeky grin and Yuuga let go of his hand as if it was hot iron.
"Oh, nothing!"
"Now, shall we make breakfast together?"
"Fumikage!"
"What?"
"I will not let that happen and you know that."
'Or else what? He is going to combust?'
' Perhaps. It is for the best if I don't challenge my luck.'
'Oh, please! You chicken! Ask him! I dare you! I double, no, triple dare you!' Perhaps it was the jovial atmosphere, perhaps it was the relief that Dark Shadow was focusing on other things, but he decided to indulge for a moment.
"Or else what?"
"Or else what?" He stared at him with a befuddled expression.
"Yes, that was my question. What will you do otherwise if I try to prepare breakfast with you?"
Yuuga lifted his hand up to his chin as if contemplating his next move on a game of chess, before he took a sudden deep breath. He leaned in closer, their faces barely a centimeter or two away.
"Oh...I think I may have some ideas .~" His voice was silvery and he held a smile that he had never seen before. Fumikage genuinely froze on the spot, it was his turn to become bright red under the feathers. Yuuga gently took his hand and tugged him towards the table while he was in a dazed state.
"Now, how about you go sit down? I said I will make some food and I mean it. You can't change my mind." He giggled and left the surprised Fumikage to stand in the middle of the room for a few moments as he realized that his friend-
No.
His boyfriend has duped him. Where had he learned something like that?! How could he have tricked a man of darkness such as himself?
He had to admit defeat and sat down while Yuuga prepared something.
"Would you like some tea?"
"Hm?"
"Tea. For breakfast."
"That would be a rather difficult predicament." Tokoyami commented and vaguely gestured to his beak.
Yuuga looked sheepish and opened one of the drawers without as much as a moment of hesitation.
"We have straws!" And true to his words, he had pulled out a small plastic package of brightly coloured straws.
Tokoyami leaned into his right hand on the table and shook his head with a small laugh.
"I will be fine."
"Your loss then!" He stuck out his tongue and put them back in, the rather sudden shift in confidence from blushing and stuttering to...whatever this was, had him rather confused but interested. He liked seeing Yuuga like this, so happy and without any fear.
Yuuga had ended up slicing some bread and offered some jam and butter alongside it. They didn't talk much, but Fumikage did notice that he was constantly glancing at his phone.
'It's bothering him'
'I have noticed .'
'Then say something!'
'He does not wish to talk about it.'
'You want to though. Come on you coward!'
`We really must read some more literature soon, hopefully you may expand your vocabulary this way.'
'Stop changing the subject! You two will have to talk eventually. You know I'm right.'
'I prefer to wait.'
'You will die of old age quicker!'
"Are you not hungry?" Yuuga startled them out of their petty argument. "I can try to make something else." He got up and before he could properly react, Fumikage felt a slight tingling.
"Something is wrong, shiny boy! What is wrong? Talk to us?"
Yuuga turned around and looked between the two of them.
"Dark Shadow?"
"I hate to say this, but he raises a good point."
"What?"
"That you are troubled."
"Does he always do that?" He asked after a heavy sigh, his eyes moved between the two of them.
"Do what?"
"Just, speak your mind for you? He had done it on the roof and when you visited to help me catch up with homework."
"He does tend to get irritated if it is something connected to emotions and I refuse to work it out."
Yuuga looked confused and paused to think.
"Is that why he acted out at the festival?"
"What?"
"When he was doing something, was it for something along those lines, monsieur?" His tone was soft, there was a sudden tension that he hadn't noticed before.
Fumikage looked down at the bread and thought for a few moments. Now wasn't the time to discuss this.
He shook his head and looked back up.
"Please do not change the topic. What is bothering you, Yuuga?"
"Nothing."
"You are constantly looking at your phone. Are you concerned with your parents' safety?"
"Non, it's nothing serious. Really do not worry about me."
He patiently waited while Yuuga took another nervous drink.
"I have time. No rush."
Usually he wouldn't press him, but considering how Yuuga had helped him last night he felt as if he needed to do something .
Yuuga stubbornly continued to eat his breakfast in silence, eventually Fumikage remembered what Mother asked of him.
"Oh, I must ask. Would you be able to attend lunch with me and my family? My mother invited you along as a thank you for what happened yesterday and how you took us in."
"I must decline, I was simply helping like any hero should~. And I do not have anything to give for my first visit! And your parents would probably prefer the privacy of seeing you after such an event."
"They really do not mind. Again, my mother invited you, not me. And I did not have a gift when I first met your father."
"Oh! That's different! And you brought me flowers and Felix when you visited."
"Felix?"
"The adorable plushie!
"Ah...That is a rather interesting name."
"I believe it means lucky or happy! Emma used to talk my ear off about these things, importances of names and nicknames."
"I am guessing that Emma is an old friend?"
"Oh! I would play with her and our other friend Hugo every single day after class in the park or at one of our homes. We played so much cache-cache and with billes! Hugo had such a giant collection of those. And just whatever else we got our hands on. I miss both of them dearly." He had a nostalgic look in his eyes with a small smile gracing his face.
"Did you not stay in contact?"
"Not really. We were all too young to own phones or computers. We used to call from the devices of our parents but ah...the timezone shift and all of us having school made it difficult." He shrugged,but had a certain longing in his voice about it. "Oh, there I go running my mouth again. And you? Did you keep in contact with any classmates from middle school?"
"Not particularly. We weren't close."
"Ah, I understand." Yuuga seemed to have wanted to say more, but instead he glanced at the clock on the wall. "I am guessing your parents wish to pick you up as soon as possible?"
"Are you sure that you would not be joining us? I would really like to at the very least introduce you to my parents."
"Have you introduced anybody else to them?"
"I have not."
"Why me? Wouldn't Shoji be a better candidate? He is rather polite and I am not sure what they may...think of moi. I am not the most 'normal' person." He gave a sheepish smile as more sparkles fell off him.
"Yuuga, Mezo is a giant mutant with multiple appendages and I had to get my mutation from somewhere. My parents have no right to judge anybody. They would not mind anyway, I promise you that. And perhaps I would like to introduce you because of the nature of our relationship."
"Oh!" Yuuga's cheeks flushed as he realized what Fumikage was talking about. "I am not so sure, monsieur. Do you really wish to introduce us like that?"
"We may introduce you as a friend for now and we go from there, which seems rather simple."
"I suppose…"
"What about our friends? Do you wish to share with those or shall it remain confidential to them as well?"
"I would prefer if we don't say anything...but if they ask, we may be truthful. I do believe Mina would give me a rather slow death if she didn't find out eventually."
"And why is that?"
"✦It's a secret✦." He got up and picked up the empty plates.."I jest, it's just a long story. Perhaps I will share it some other day."
"We have time."
"Oh, no we don't. You will just have to wait, patience Fumikage."
After he put them into the sink he moved a bit and grabbed the clock off the wall. Fumikage watched in confusion before Yuuga pulled a key from the back and knelt down in front of the many cabinets. He unlocked them with practiced ease and opened two doors.
"Aha!" Yuuga pulled out a whiskey bottle in triumph and elegantly stood up.
"It is not much, but I do hope that they like it. If not, I may grab some wine or perhaps a cognac."
"Yuuga, it is really fine. You don't need to do this."
"Are you sure? I can grab something else if need be. Or I can-"
"Yuuga. It's alright. But don't you think alcohol is a bit much, especially considering that we are both underage?"
"I never heard anybody having a problem with that. Why back in France, I would be able to buy and drink wine in May! It never seemed odd to give alcohol to our family."
Tokoyami blinked in confusion at him.
"My parents have bottles ready to open for when I reach 16 and 18 seperately. It is a family tradition on Maman's side, though that might be just a thing for her family." He gave a sheepish smile and opened another cabinet to get a gift bag. Fumikage threw a quick glance at the bottle. Yamazaki whiskey.
'Holy shit!'
Fumikage didn't even try to scold Dark Shadow for his language and moved to Yuuga.
"This is too expensive to give away."
"Huh?" Yuuga looked at the bottle in confusion and shook his head. "Not really. I may show you a truly expensive bottle of wine if you wish or some even older bottles, but this one really isn't that expensive. Neither of my parents really drink whiskey and it was gifted to my Maman by some business partner. If it was just Merlot or Nebbiolo I would keep it in case either of them wished to have it, but it has been sitting in the cabinet for a few years already." He calmly packed it away and turned to the dishes. "Why don't you call your parents so they may pick us up for lunch?"
Fumikage looked at the bag and then at Yuuga, he wasn't going to budge on this was he?
He called his mother and started to pace around the apartment. He had no reason to be nervous, his parents were kind people and he wasn't introducing Yuuga as somebody he was dating...yet. He had been just fine a moment ago! What was wrong now?
" Fumiko! So, are you two ready?"
"More or less, we just need to take our things."
" Sounds good to me! Hope you two are ready for some delicious sukiyaki. "
" Whatever you two make is fine, do not worry yourself."
" If you say so dear. Just text me the address and I should be there soon. I'll call when I get close, so you two don't need to wait outside."
" You are too kind."
" Yeah, yeah. And you two had breakfast, so lunch won't exactly be rushed. Maybe we can talk over some tea! I can't wait to meet your friend."
" I think you may like him."
" We will see about that! See ya soon, my little chic."
" Goodbye, Mother." He hung up and shook his head. These nicknames were the bane of his existence. He heard the door behind him open and glanced back at Yuuga who was drying his hands.
"Maybe it would be best that we change, I don't think you wish for your mother to see you in foreign clothes?"
Fumikage looked down and realized that he was still in the clothes from yesterday. They quickly made their way to get him changed and so he could freshen up before they left.
When the bathroom door closed, Yuuga immediately grabbed his phone and checked again. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
He really shouldn't be surprised. They both had more important things to attend to and he knew that, but as he had heard how quickly Fumikage's parents answered...it made him feel odd. He wasn't sure what he had felt, but it had been unpleasant.
He shook his head and decided to ignore it for now. It was probably nothing. Fumikage was a good son, he deserved the attention.
He looked at his phone while they were waiting outside of the building and for a second he had hope! One unread message!
It was probably going to be Papa, he was going to apologize and say that he was hungover or forgot. Not a problem at all! But it ended up being somebody completely else.
'hope you are doing okay, frenchie! the storm was fucking wild.'
He swallowed his sigh of disappointment.
'I am quite alright~ The great Aoyama has survived worse! I am grateful that you had taken the time to check up on me '
'aight frenchie, happy to see my dramatic buddy is good. my queen says hi! sending hugs from myself, call me if anything comes up my dude'
' Thank you, Mina. I send my own hello back to her, please do stay safe you two ⭐ '
Yuuga put his phone back into his pocket and tried to wait in silence. He glanced at the bag with the gift he was carrying and frowned. Will this really be enough? Will he be enough?
He wasn't as kind or intelligent as Fumikage, he wasn't as strong as Mezo and Papa and he certainly wasn't as charming as Mina and Maman. Would they even like him? Tolerate him maybe? Or would they be horrified by him and forbid Fumikage from seeing him?
He shouldn't have let Fumikage convince him into his usual style, he should have gone with something more neutral like a black shirt; or possibly that ugly camo polo, so that at least he could have looked normal!
His stomach twisted and the pain felt worse by the second. He tried to move his hands as if nothing was wrong and put his right arm over his stomach and his left hand gently cradled his upper right arm.
"You look pale, what is wrong?"
"Hmm?~ I am fine! I have nothing to worry about."
"Really? Not even meeting my parents?"
"Of course not! It isn't anything formal and I am going to be introduced as nothing more than a friend!"
"And yet you picked out an expensive gift."
"I swear! It is not so expensive, monsieur. And I wish to just...make a good impression. I do not wish for them to hate me."
"Why would they ever hate you?" Fumikage looked genuinely shocked and looked at him with worry. He took a hand from his hoodie and hesitated as if unsure on what he was doing, before he offered it to him. "You have nothing to worry about."
Yuuga looked down at it and slowly unraveled his arms to take his hand. Was this really okay?
"Oh, I don't know~ Just me being nervous, ignore me." He gave a strained smile as the pain in his stomach doubled.
"I thought you weren't nervous." He gave a small smile as Yuuga rolled his eyes. "Yuuga, if you feel uncomfortable or unsure, you may go back and I will say you aren't feeling well. Nobody would blame you, especially after yesterday. You have already been very generous."
"You would have done the same for me~ Well, I hope at least you would."
Fumikage put his free hand under his beak as if in deep thought.
"I am not sure if I would have taken you in. You would create a rather unappealing dichotomy in my room. We might spare the constellation room or a couch."
"Hey! How dare you imply that I deserve to be anywhere else but with fellow stars!"
"Ah, my mistake. You would definitely end up on the couch."
"Fumikage!" Yuuga puffed out his cheeks in frustration, but he couldn't stop himself from smiling. "I swear, you are impossible."
"Impossible in what way? Impossibly intelligent? Interesting? Perhaps, I am so-"
"Impossibly annoying." Yuuga laughed and leaned down to give his cheek a kiss.
"That is much better."
"Hm?"
"Your expression, you look absolutely lovely. Much better than before."
"Fumi!" Aoyama shook his head as his face became a bright red. He needed to get the conversation off himself. "So, what was that about a constellation room?"
"Just something my parents made, just some stars glued to the ceiling and a telescope. I may show it to you once we arrive, if that is what you desire."
"You certainly have me curious!"
As they talked a car pulled up to the building and inside Aoyama saw a person with an uncanny resemblance to Fumikage.
As they approached, Yuuga realized that they were still holding their hands. He looked down and up at the car. Had she seen them? He tried to slowly let go as they approached and Fumikage seemed confused.
"Friends usually don't hold hands as far as I know." He spoke softly and saw realization blossom on Fumi's face.
"I suppose you are right."
Before they could talk about this further, the car door opened and the person stepped out.
"My little baby bird!" The woman ran over and reached down to hug a rather terrified Fumi. Was he going to be okay? Was she going to hurt him?!
Yuuga watched carefully if she was possibly grabbing him anywhere that might hurt, but as far as he saw, it was just a mundane hug. Yuuga was now able to get a better look at her, as she was hugging what seemed to be a very embarrassed Fumikage. The similarities between them seemed to be like Yuuga and his own mother. They were almost identical from their eyes to their mutation, with the only exception being that his mother seemed to style her feathers. What surprised him more was their clashing wardrobe choices.
While Fumikage had his own dark dark outfit, the woman seemed to have decided to dress rather casually and in some lighter colours as well with a white shirt, a long beige cardigan and some blue jeans. Yuuga had to do a double take at that, it was quite a contrasting image to be sure.
Once she was done fussing with her son, she got up and approached Yuuga with a friendly smile.
"Hello there! You must be my little boy's friend. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Aoyama froze and quickly averted his eyes.
"It is wonderful to meet you as well, Tokoyami-san." He did a polite bow with his arms stiffly by his side.
"Oh, please just call me Mendori! And my husband usually goes by Ei, though you can use Eiichi if you must." She returned the bow and quickly offered her hand. He felt unsure at how casual her tone was, but took it and gave a firm shake.
"If you say so ma'am. I just did not wish to be rude."
"Ma'am!" She laughed and shook her head. "You are going to make me feel like I am somebody important. May I get your name, since you know mine?"
"I apologize for my rudeness. My name is Yuuga, ma-" He bit his tongue and cleared his throat. "Mendori."
"Yuuga, what a wonderful name!"
" Mother ."
"Alright, alright. Let's get going before my son dies of shame." She waved them into the car with a bright smile.
The next surprise in store for him that day was when they came up to the apartment and were greeted with an already open door. The man gave a warm smile as Yuuga tried to introduce himself with a calm voice.
"Good morning! It is a pleasure to meet you, Tokoyami-san." He gave another polite bow as the man returned it and laughed.
"No need to be so formal. Ei or Eiichi is fine. And may I get your name, kiddo?"
"Yuuga Aoyama. Yuuga is fine, if you both insist on first names."
"Sounds like a deal, little man." The man nodded and looked at his son.
Fumikage moved his gaze away while Eiichi put his hands on his hips.
"What? No love for your old man? Come here!" He opened his arms and Fumikage gave a defeated sigh as he gave in.
There was that uncomfortable feeling again.
Aoyama pushed it away and offered the gift to both the parents.
"I am sorry it isn't anything better, but the news was rather last minute."
"Oh! It was rather sudden, you shouldn't have." Meiko shook her head but Yuuga continued to offer the bag. Eiji eventually took pity on him and took it. He glanced in and seemed surprised.
"Is this whiskey?"
"I just took what we had. It is a rather modest gift, I hope you don't mind." He gave his best polite smile as the father took the bottle out and casually glanced at the label. He watched his eyes go wide as the bottle tumbled from his hands and his wife barely caught it.
"Whoops! Dearie, you should be more careful with our gift." She chuckled and gave a look at it herself. Yuuga saw her eyes open wide as she glanced at the bottle and then at him. " Modest gift?"
"Yes...I didn't really think you would like wine and most alcohols in general are a bit of a risk, but whiskey is usually a safe bet! I just grabbed what we had on hand." He gave a casual wave of his hand and took his shoes off. He felt Fumi staring at him, but he didn't say anything. It was technically the truth, they did have it somewhere at hand. It was one of their more expensive drinks, but it had been sitting there for years and neither parents cared as long as it wasn't something they drank. He hoped that it was enough and that they would possibly see him as somebody to keep around. As long as he pretended to have enough money, people might like him.
Fumikage's mum cleared her throat and carefully put the bottle down.
"Alright, since you two just had breakfast, how about we talk over something to drink and have some food later?"
"I am fine with that idea!" Yuuga chirped and glanced at Fumikage who begrudgingly nodded.
"Excellent! Can you make some tea, Mendori?" Eiichi asked his wife with a charming smile.
"Oh, no no. I insist, you can do it."
"But are you sure? I can't do it as well as you!"
"Nonsense." She gave Eiichi a gentle push. "If you are so bad, you can only learn through practice. Would you like anything in particular?" She looked at Yuuga who was watching all of this with confusion.
"Uhm...Anything is fine, merci."
"Fumiko! Won't you say anything?"
Fumikage raised a brow at his father and shrugged. "You heard her, you best go make the tea."
"My own son! You betrayed me so?"
"I would not rather join a losing side, nothing personal." He gave a wicked grin as Eiji gasped.
"Now, now. The tea won't make itself." She shooed him to the kitchen behind the sliding door and waved the two over to the couch. She sat down in a club chair as the two settled down next to each other.
Yuuga quickly glanced around the apartment and took in the atmosphere. It was so unusual and it almost felt unclean . Trinkets laid everywhere around the place, the books on the bookshelf seemed to be placed without any organization
He couldn't really inspect the place further before Fumi's mother started speaking.
"So! Tell me about yourself, Yuuga. Our son is sadly quite vague when it comes to anybody he knows. I swear you all just sounded more like concepts than actual people."
"Really? What has he told you about me?~" He tried to give his best confident smirk and threw a glance at Fumikage who looked off. He cleared his throat and refused to meet his gaze.
"I don't think it is important, Mother. How about a change of subject?"
"Oh, don't be like that! It wasn't anything bad. He said you were fun to talk to and that you two shared interests! He enjoys being your friend." She gave another warm smile which had Aoyama on edge. Why has she been this nice? She couldn't possibly already want something from him, could she?
But what would she want out of him? To stay away? He couldn't have made that bad of an impression already could he?
Before his mind could spiral further and come up with worse ideas, the woman called out something to the kitchen which startled him out of his thoughts. She turned back and opened her beak once more.
"You never really answered my question, would you prefer if I did first? You are probably a bit on edge with me and Fumiko here like this, two big birds trying to interrogate you! I know that people can get uncomfortable with my mutation."
"Oh! Non non non! I really don't feel uncomfortable with any sort of mutation quirks, I had honestly seen them more in Europe than here."
"Fumiko did mention you were French. Did you travel a lot before you moved here?"
"A bit. I would sometimes travel with my family when I couldn't attend school yet and my Maman liked to send me away during the summer holidays."
"Send you away?" Both gave him a curious look at that.
"Staying with relatives or all sorts of camps or courses. Just things so I could pick up other languages quickly, you meet an interesting assortment of people like that. Does your family travel anywhere during holidays?" He yawned, exhaustion seeped into his bones as he sat on the comfortable couch.
"Sometimes we travel to other prefectures to visit relatives or go see sights." Fumikage answered next to him and Mendori nodded, pulling out her phone.
"I have some lovely photos from our last trip to Gifu! Ei and Fumiko got themselves swords! Can you bring yours down, dearie? I have no idea where your Father stores his." Fumikage seemed a bit embarrassed, but nodded and got up. "We even saw some Cormorant fishing and their castle was absolutely gorgeous. Come on!" She waved him over so he had to get up as well and peer over her shoulder as she showed off her pictures.
Yuuga had to crack a smile at how no matter where they were or what they were posing for, Fumikage carried the same angsty expression. The few where his countenance seemed different was when his eyes were filled with wonder in a smithy and when he and his father were proudly brandishing their weapons.
Aoyama heard somebody clear their throat and looked up to see Fumi brandishing a rather large and bulky sword, it was still in its sheath as he held it with care. Yuuga walked closer to take a look, tilting his head.
"May I touch it?"
Tokoyami hesitated but nodded and unsheathed it for him. Yuuga watched with wide eyes as the blade was handed to him, completely unaware of the looks Fumikage's mother was sending him.
Yuuga handled it with as much care as he could and upon closer inspection he noticed that the blade was actually dull.
"We thought it would be better in case Dark Shadow got any ideas. We do not need him to rampage with a sharp weapon."
"It still seems like it may cause some damage, I do notice that it is heavy."
"Better something dull than sharp."
"I bet you would look quite glamorous as a hero with one!"
Fumi raised a skeptical brow at that but he seemed interested in what he was saying.
"Other than looking absolutely chic , having a weapon for close combat may be useful for you. Unless you plan to learn martial arts such as our homeroom teacher?"
"I never really thought about it, Dark Shadow had always felt like enough of a weapon, well...Perhaps I will need to rethink my strategy." The two boys both looked at the ground, Mendori seemed confused at the sudden tension. Her face lit up in recognition and she almost got up from her seat. Her eyebrows were knitted and she opened her mouth to say something but couldn't get far.
Before they could dwell further on the topic at hand, the sliding door behind Fumi opened.
"Tea for everybody!" A cheery voice called out, but quieted down once his father seemed to have caught on to the atmosphere. Yuuga stared at Fumi whose expression was unreadable, then he forced on a smile and turned around.
"What are we having?" He clapped his hands together.
"I thought that perhaps matcha tea would be fine. Oh! I see that we are showing off our weapons?"
"Fumiko was just showing off what he got."
"Let me get mine then!" He put down their cups and pot and headed somewhere in the apartment.
"My husband adores that he can share such an interest with his son, so he can get a bit excited about these things." Mendori explained with a sheepish smile as he returned with a weapon even bigger than Fumi's. He unsheathed it with flourish and with a big wide grin like a child showing off his favourite gift. It seemed to be sharpened on the contrary to Fumikage's and it seemed to have an inscription as well. Before Yuuga could get a better look, a small being arose from the shadow on the floor, wielding a smaller version of the weapon.
"We are great warriors! Fear the wrath of Japan!" The shadow creature mimicked his movement and Yuuga looked back at Fumikage.
"Is this-?"
"Hm? Oh no, his quirk is not conscious, it merely does what he commands."
Eiichi dismissed the creature and started to talk, Yuuga couldn't really pay attention as his eyelids felt so heavy. He had barely slept last night to make sure Fumi didn't have any nightmares and the festival itself had taken quite a toll on him.
"I don't know how Fumiko does it! Quirks are exhausting."
"Possibly because he actually trains his. Just food for thought."
"As if you are any better." He rolled his eyes and sat down on the other free club chair and carefully held the sword.
"Hmpf! At least I don't show off, I have enough sense to know my limits." She gave a cheeky grin and leaned into her hand.
"Oh, please! You love it." He laughed and shook his head, he looked over at Fumikage and Yuuga who were still standing. "Come now you two! Sit down! Mendori, can you go and put the swords away?"
"Really now?"
"I'm sitting down so comfortably!"
"Well, so am I!"
"I'll do it." Tokoyami sighed deeply and offered his hand for his father's sword.
"You know where I keep it?"
"But of course, somebody in this family should be able to know where what lies in our abode."
"Are you calling us messy?"
"I am not exactly implying that you are tidy, am I?"
"Wait, you knew? Why didn't you take his when you went to grab your sword?"
"Good question." Fumikage hummed, refusing to elaborate.
"Were you afraid my sword was cooler than yours? It's okay, Fumiko. Your dad is just so awesome, but I won't use this power for evil."
"That implies you have that power to use, I really do not wish to burst your bubble but…." He snorted at his own father.
Yuuga's heart dropped for a moment. What was he doing?
"The beak on this one! You got that from your lovely mom." He laughed and handed him the weapon.
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Ei." She took one of the cups with a straw in them. Fumikage took his leave to put the items away, which left him alone with the parents. His mind was still reeling from the lack of reaction from Fumi's father, so he picked up one of the cups with flourish in hopes of them not starting another conversation with him.
"So, you two were alone last night? Did Darkie perhaps cause any problems?"
Damnit!
"Ah, oui! Maman probably won't be home for a while and Papa tends to sleep near or at work if he stays too late. It's nothing special." There was a soft clink as he put the cup down and put his hands together in his lap. "Darkie?" He tilted his head and slowly blinked.
"Yes, Dark Shadow. He is a true unruly beast of the night." Fumikage was certainly related to this woman.
"He did not cause any property damage, but I do not know if he was bothering Fumikage in any other way." He wasn't sure if it would be alright to share what had happened at the festival, this already felt like a breach of privacy..
"He can get annoying at times." Eiichi gave a deep sigh and reached down for his own cup.
"Ah...So, how did he even come to? I noticed that you can manipulate your shadow?"
"That is a rather good question."
"Which means, we have no idea."
"Ei!"
"What? It's true. I can manipulate my shadow and my dear wife can move her consciousness. How that combined into those two is a mystery, especially since he seems to be…his own being but also a part of Fumikage."
"Move her...consciousness?"
"I may move it to any item within my eyesight and take control over it. It is really not that special, especially in comparison to all the other quirks we see."
"Nothing special?! Yuuga, you must understand that my son and my wife are amazing."
Mendori rolled her eyes and laughed, gently slapping her husband's arm.
"What about you, boy?"
"Hm? Moi?✩" He put his hands into his lap and pretended to think for a moment. "Why, my quirk is that I can produce these amazing sparkles and a laser from my navel!" He quickly gave a dramatic pose and a wink.
Before the conversation could continue, his phone started to buzz.
"Oh! I apologize dearly!" When he checked the caller ID, his blood ran cold. He got up and looked around. "My father is calling me, I must step out for a moment. We have not been in contact since before the storm."
"That is not a problem at all, you can go in the kitchen if you want."
Yuuga cleared his throat a few times, in hopes of it keeping steady.
"Hello!"
" Yuuga! It is so good to hear from you. The damages of the damn storm were all over the radio! Apparently I had slept through the whole thing. And you? How was the festival? Did anything in the apartment get broken?"
" It was fun and nothing got damaged, do not worry Papa!"
" That's good to hear. You're home, right? Can you check if I had left my wallet in my room?"
" You took your wallet, I remember you putting it in your jacket."
" Hm? Oh! You're right, thank you! So, when will lunch be ready?"
" Erm..well...I am currently not home."
" Really? Then where are you?"
"I am visiting Tokoyami, his mother had invited me over for lunch. And I hadn't expected you home over the weekend, I deeply apologize."
There was a moment of silence before he heard Papa sigh deeply.
" I would have expected you to be home as I had let you go out yesterday without any questions...I'm not sure where I will eat now. You always prepare such wonderful food, I had wished to eat with you as well. "
"I am so sorry Papa. I can head home if you wish, I will be able to make something for you."
" No, no. I'll just get some fast food like always, guess I really will stay here for the weekend since you can't be bothered to make me anything. And they will not be happy if you leave early during lunch, I'll be fine. "
" But, Papa-"
" May I speak to his parents? At the very least I can introduce myself to them if you are already sneaking off there."
" Perhaps I could persuade them so you can join as well. We haven't started yet!"
" I am fine, don't pity me Yuuga. I know when I'm not wanted."
" Papa! It's not like that at all!"
" Get them on the phone. Now. Unless you two are alone? Am I interrupting something?"
Yuuga looked between the screen door and his phone, he didn't have much of a choice.
He opened the door and peeked his head through the opening.
"My Papa would wish to speak to you two, if that is alright with you?" He was clutching his phone with a white knuckle grip and doing his best to keep himself calm. He should have stayed home just in case Papa had come back, but what was done was done. He was going to get hell for this later, but that didn't matter now.
"I do not see why we would mind." Mendori nodded and waved him over.
Fumikage was watching him from his place on the couch, as he put Papa on speaker and sat down so all of them could hear him properly.
"Say hello Papa!."
" Well, hello there!" His tone was cheery and charming, any sort of malice had vanished within moments.
"Good day to you too, Tokoyami Mendori speaking."
"And I am Tokoyami Eiichi, it is a pleasure to speak to you."
" How kind of you all! I am Aoyama Kagayaki, I hope I am not intruding on anything. Your son is just a great friend of my child and I had wished to speak to you as well. You have raised a very kind and polite child from what little we spoke from one of his home visits. I hope my son is behaving."
" Child of a frog is a frog, he is a true gentleman."
Yuuga saw the surprise on Fumi's face, but luckily he said nothing.
" I must thank you for your kind words. Will you be able to get my son back or shall I come pick him up after lunch?"
" It is no problem for us, you do not need to but you may join us if you wish. But if not, we don't mind taking him back."
" Oh no no! I couldn't! I have work as well, do not worry. But thank you for the invitation, perhaps some other time."
" Hopefully soon."
" Yes, hopefully soon. I must go back to work. Have a lovely day!"
" You too!" Eiichi spoke before Papa hung up.
Yuuga looked down at his phone, an uncomfortable feeling settling in his stomach.
"So have you been on any trips recently with your parents?" Mendori snapped Yuuga to attention.
"Not at all. We visited my grandmother after I was accepted into UA but that was it. They don't really have the time for trips. Both are working so hard for me, so it's alright."
"What do your parents do for a living?"
"Both work in their own business, so both are pretty busy. Maman has many international business partners, so she is often out of the country."
He saw the surprise on both of their faces and he knew how it would go. They were going to continue being on their best behavior, possibly telling Fumikage to be careful after he leaves. People liked money and people with money. If the whiskey hadn't been obvious enough, this should be the final nail in the coffin.
'People will always want money out of people like us.'
He cleared his throat, had talking always been this hard?
"And what do you do for a living?"
"We aren't anything interesting like that. My wonderful wife-"
"Oh, shut up." Mendori rolled her eyes with a smile on her beak. "I'm an accountant, my dear husband is a home inspector. It's not really thrilling work for either of us, but it puts food on the table."
"As long as I can see my lovely family when I come home, I'll be happy with whatever work I do. So, how has school been for you?"
The rest of the visit was mostly small talk and pleasantries, Fumikage wasn't speaking a lot which had Yuuga worried. After lunch was over, Fumi started picking up the plates.
"Let me help!~" He threw a dazzling smile and Fumi shook his head.
"It is quite alright."
"You are a visitor, please sit down!" She chirped as Yuuga got up.
"I wish to help, it is the least I can do. You all fed me and have been so kind to me."
"Nonsense. I'll do the dishes, both of you will sit down."
"Mother, I can do it myself."
Eiichi leaned against his hand and snickered.
"I have never seen anybody fight over who will do the dishes like this. Come on darling, if they want to do the dishes let them."
"But he is a guest!"
"And if he insists on helping out, I won't discourage him."
"You just don't want to end up doing it, do you?"
"Me? Do something like that? I would never! "
They were left alone in the kitchen once everything was brought from the table, passing Fumi the dishes and cutlery he had washed, but he couldn't bring himself to speak, it felt so wrong to break the silence. If something was wrong, Fumikage would have surely told him...right?
He shouldn't be asking him if anything was wrong, it would probably just irritate him. But another side of him was worried that perhaps Fumikage wished to talk to him but didn't wish to start the conversation himself. He had caused all that fuss for nothing!
"Yuuga?" Fumi spoke while he waited for the next dish to dry.
"Apologies! My thoughts must have wandered off." He gave a big smile and handed him a plate.
"What's wrong?" His directness still caught him off-guard at times.
"Why would anything be wrong?~"
"You have been acting odd since the phone call, you seem much more…subdued. What is wrong?"
"I'm fine. Just a bit surprised that Papa had actually called, that is all."
Fumikage narrowed his eyes but he had seemingly decided to not press the issue as he took the clean glass that Yuuga handed him.
"Do you perhaps know why he lied about how we had met?"
"Ah...it's...he was probably ashamed of how he had acted back then. He was in a rather bad mood when that had happened, I deeply apologize for him. Hopefully you two can meet again and have a better introduction."
"You really shouldn't apologize for him."
Yuga shrugged and looked down at the dishes that he was doing.
Fumi's parents had suggested that Fumikage give him a small tour of the place. Neither really argued against it, so they ended up heading over to the hallway with a handful of doors. Fumikage opened the first door and gestured for Yuuga to follow.
Was he mad? He hadn't said anything back there. Yuuga sometimes despised that reading Fumikage was no easy task. The room that they had entered was rather small and modestly furnished. There was a telescope that pointed outside the window and the ceiling seemed to be filled with stars that had been glued on. There were some star maps on the side and books, before he could continue looking Fumi finally spoke.
"It is not much, but here it is."
"It looks so lovely!~"
"Shiny boy needs to see it in the dark!"
"In the dark? Oh my! Do the stars perhaps glow in the dark?" Dark Shadow nodded fervently.
"Yes! We need to make it all dark!"
Yuuga noticed that Fumikage was really uncomfortable with the idea, his posture had stiffened and he kept his eyes on Dark Shadow. Those red eyes did not seem full of trust towards him.
"Maybe next time, Dark Shadow."
"But whyyy? We can make it dark now! It will be so nice and all the stars will be cute."
"I would prefer we do it some other time, c'est tout."
"Are you sure? I do not mind if we do it." Fumikage's voice remained steady, but Yuuga knew this wouldn't end well if he let Fumi force himself for him.
"Absolutely~ Come on, let's go. Perhaps you could show me your room instead?"
"There is no need for that, it is quite too messy." Fumi gave him an odd look, but seemed to respect his wish.
"Coward! He doesn't want you to find-"
"That is enough!" Fumikage hissed and swiped at Dark Shadow who simply smirked at him.
"Oh? Now you have my curiosity." Yuuga batted his eyelashes with a little smile.
"No need."
"Oh, come on! I wish to know even more now!" He gave him a little cute pout.
"It isn't really that interesting."
"I still wish to see, I am curious about what you have to hide in your room. Perhaps some ancient magic ritual? Or is your room completely pink? Perhaps you have cute boys on your wall, afraid I will be jealous? Hohoho!" He forced a small laugh as Tokoyami tried to remain stoic.
"But if you genuinely are not comfortable with the prospect of me seeing your room, I will not force you to show me. Your room is your private place."
"No, it's fine...it is just rather plain."
"Ohoho! Can't be plainer than mine, trust me. Shall I get a tour, or should we head back?"
Fumikage clicked his tongue after some deliberation and nodded for him to follow. He had honestly not expected him to actually show him, so this was going to be interesting.
Yuuga quietly peaked into the room as the light was turned on. The black walls had posters of multiple bands and movies, a desk sat on one end with a computer and a black chair. Fumi's sword leaned against the wall, next to a small shield and dark cupboard. His bed was completely black with a little light next to it and what caught Yuuga off guard was that the keychain he had given him was hanging off it. He quickly cleared his throat and looked away.
"Where did you get the shield, if I may ask?"
"It is nothing special, it is from a play in middle school. I made it with my parents."
"He is a big softie! Don't wanna throw it away!"
"Thank you, Dark Shadow. That was absolutely necessary."
"You are welcome!" He chirped, completely ignoring the sarcasm in Fumi's voice.
"I find it very lovely that you kept it. And I must say your room is interesti-" What caught his eye was the last thing he expected in a room of somebody he knows. There was a small collection of crystals sitting on the ground on a dark purple carpet, they were of all shapes and sizes.
"Are those crystals?"
"Perhaps."
"These are magnifique! May I check them? Do not be afraid to say no, they are yours."
"It is quite alright, feel free."
Yuuga squatted to be able to see them closer, he had always adored them ever since he was a small child. The light hit them in such an amazing way and the feeling of something solid felt so comforting to him.
"You know, my grandmother used to have a giant collection of all sorts of these things. She even knew what they were supposed to do! Do you collect these?"
"Not particularly. Dark Shadow has an affinity for them and I don't mind them, they do not clash too much with our things." Fumi sat down next to him and watched him pick up a few more. The amethyst gave a magnificent glow which Yuuga could not get enough of.
Yuuga gently put the amethyst eventually back into its place before he looked at Fumikage.
"Bonjour~"
"Hello."
He looked down at where Fumikage's hand was resting.
Don't you dare. You made a whole circus about the parents not finding out and now you want to do this in their own home?
His thoughts were right and he hated it, instead he turned his head back to the collection in hopes of distracting himself. But he felt somebody touch him , Yuuga immediately looked down to see Fumikage's hand trying to hold his. He blinked in surprise, not really believing in what was going on.
"Why?"
"Huh? Is this uncomfortable? I apologize.I noticed your gaze but well...I shouldn't have assumed." He tried to retract his hand, but Yuuga quickly tried to get that back.
"Non! Non! Just...why aren't you angry at moi? Why the affection?" Why was he being so kind?
"Angry at what? You have done nothing wrong, Yuuga." He peered at his face, the worry in those red eyes invoked a sudden guilt in him. He shouldn't have asked! He shouldn't have asked!
Why are you so selfish all the time? You just had to make this about you!
"Yuuga?"
His vision had started to blur and that is when he had realized...he had started to cry. How absolutely shameful.
"I am so sorry, Fumikage." He tried to desperately wipe his tears before more could spill. Yuuga tried to direct his gaze towards the ceiling to stop any more from forming, but they just simply couldn't stop.
"I don't even know what you are apologizing for. Is something wrong? Have we done something to upset you?"
"Non, non. It's just...It's nothing." He rubbed at his eyes which just made it worse. "It is simply me being emotional, it will pass."
"Are you sure you are alright?" Fumikage grasped both of his hands and made him face him. That worry and tenderness made his guilt even worse. He had to be okay for him.
"Oui...it sh-shall pass."
"Can I make it in any way easier? Can I do anything to help you? I do not enjoy seeing you in pain." His words seemed carefully picked out as he spoke slowly.
"You are far too kind, Fumi." He was going to stay strong, just let this blow over and never speak of this again. But those next words made his resolve crumble ever so slightly.
"Whatever it is, I shall do my best to help you. Even if it is just a random burst of emotions, if there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know." He refused to let go of his hands, staring into his eyes. At that moment, he felt so weak.
"I am fine, it just hit out of nowhere and it startled me. There is nothing more to it." He spoke with precise words and kept his tone calm, he couldn't afford to stutter here. He needed to be strong.
It was going to be another long day. A check up tomorrow, studying to barely pass an exam and he still had to clean his room. He saw somebody approaching on the edge of his vision and looked at who it was.
Uraraka was smiling and gave a little wave, she was one of the last people he expected to approach him.
"Bonjour?"
"Hiya!" She put her hands together while still keeping her cheery smile on. "Anything I can help you with, mademoiselle?"
"Well a few of us are going out for drinks after class and I wanted to ask if you would maybe want to join us? I need to pay you back for last time."
"Oh, that? Do not worry about it!~" He waved dismissively at the mere thought.
"Let me pay you back! Please? I feel bad that you had to cover for me last time." She gave a frown and her expression planted a bit of guilt into him.
"Mademoiselle-"
"Please? C'mon, Aoyama."
"If you insist, if you insist." He gave a dramatic sigh and nodded, while Uraraka quickly got her bright smile back. "So what are you going to be even drinking?"
"We were thinking of getting bubble tea! Is that okay for you?"
"I do not mind, but are the others fine with me coming along?"
"They were all fine with it when I suggested it, don't worry. Ashido will probably be happy to have you tag along."
Yuuga almost started to sweat because of that. He hadn't told her about his new relationship and she had been eyeing Fumikage's bracelet very suspiciously on their way to school. He knew he would have to tell her eventually and that she would be very happy for him...but he did not have a desire to be dragged on double dates or see her smugness that she helped get them together.
"SHUT UP! BE QUIET, SCUM!" Uraraka turned around to check what had pissed off Bakugo this time as Yuuga flinched.
Tokoyami glanced over at Satou who started speaking, what was going on?
"But man, All Might was great. He pushed back those crazy strong villains."
"Yes, his strength is worth wondering about."
Aoyama sighed and leaned against his desk as Uraraka went back to her seat. He had started to doze off when Tenya nearly had him fall out of his chair.
"Everyone! Morning homeroom is about to start! Stop talking and take your seats!"
"We're already in our seats."
"You're the only one who's not."
"Shoot!"
Tenya was a lot of things, quiet was not one of them. His ears were grateful when the rest of the class started to talk with a much quieter buzz. He leaned into his arm and closed his eyes.
Yuuga opened one eye as he heard the sliding door open and sat up upright as he saw their teacher, completely covered in bandages. Mina hadn't been exaggerating on how badly he had gotten hurt.
"Morning."
"Mr Aizawa! You're back too soon!"
"You're too much of a pro!" Denki gasped out somewhere behind him.
"So you're alright, Mr Aizawa?!"
"I wouldn't exactly call that alright." The rest of them started murmuring amongst each other.
"My well-being doesn't matter. More importantly the fight is not over yet." A few of his classmates let out an audible groan.
"Fight?"
"Don't tell me…"
"MORE VILLAINS?!"
"The U.A. sports festival is drawing near."
"THAT'S A NORMAL SCHOOL EVENT!" They all shouted over one another, laughing at the whole thing. For a second it felt so overwhelming for Yuuga, but they were right, this was just a normal event. It was supposed to be anyway.
"Wait a minute!" Denki got up as Jirou started to speak as well.
"Is it okay to have a sports festival so soon after the villains snuck in?"
"What if they attack us again or something?" Ojiro's comment made his blood run cold, could they not just have a single normal school event?
Aizawa let out a loud sigh before speaking. "Apparently, they think of it as U.A. showing that our crisis management is solid as a rock by holding the event. Security will also be strengthened to five times that of previous years." Slowly he raised his eyes to scan the crowd of kids with his gaze. "Above all, our sports festival is a huge event. It's not something to be cancelled over a few villains." He spoke rather dismissively with the kids whispering amongst each other. The exhaustion crept back over him as Mineta and Izuku talked, he only caught a few words, mostly just the history of the sports festival. What rang loud and clear was Yaoyorozu talking about hero scouts at the festival. They were going to be watching their every move.
Just wonderful.
"Yuuga!" Mina gave another one of her hugs as the other girls started to approach from behind her.
"We just saw each other in class, mademoiselle."
"Still! I missed my friend." She looked up at him with a pout, Yuuga could only chuckle and return the hug.
"Are we ready to go?" Uraraka chirped with a bright expression while Yaoyorozu gave a polite wave.
"I think we are all ready, no?"
"Let's go!" Mina let go and pumped up her fists, Yuuga had no idea where she got all that energy.
"Have you been to this bubble tea shop yet? It is the one next to the station." Yaoyorozu asked politely and Yuuga shook his head.
"Non. But I bet it is good if you all go to it."
"Tsu had told us about it! It's sooooo good. What kind of boba tea do you drink?"
"Oh, I've never had any." He shrugged as all the girls looked surprised.
"Whaaaaaat!?"
"Really?"
"Then let's get him the best freaking bubble tea!"
"I'll go grab us a table! Take my usual!" Mina ran away from the group once they arrived at the small shop.
Yuuga watched Uraraka order some kokotu bubble tea and got strawberry milk with shiratama for herself.
"Order up!" Uraraka turned to him and he glanced at the menu to try and find the cheapest drink, he had given her much less and all these prices felt like too much for him.
"May I get the Calpico one?"
Uraraka glanced up at the menu and narrowed her eyes.
"Are you just ordering the cheapest thing on the menu?"
"It simply seems like an interesting one, mademoiselle!"
"No! Get something you actually want." She huffed and crossed her arms as their drinks were being prepared.
"These prices are too much."
"Just accept it!"
"It's too much."
"C'mon Aoyama! If it bothers you that much, then you can pay me back when we go out again. Does that sound like a deal?"
He pursed his lips but the impatient look of the cashier and Uraraka's stubbornness had him give in.
"Fine, if you insist."
"Nice! Now actually get something you like." She gave a warm smile as she got her drink handed to her.
"Then perhaps, could I get...cookies and cream?"
"That is a good one! Hagakure likes to order that whenever we go here with her, it's really sweet." She explained as Yaoyorozu was looking up at the menu, obviously deep in thought.
The cold cup with a cute logo was handed to him, he lifted it to look at the little balls on the bottom of the drink.
"You coming?"
"Are we not going to wait for Yaoyorozu?"
"Yeaaaahhh, no. It would take too long."
"What would take too long?" He tilted his head after Uraraka paid.
"You will see." She gave a little smirk and he looked at Yaoyorozu who just seemed to be ordering her drink, odd.
"Gimme! Gimme gimme gimme!" Mina made grabby hands for her drink, a big smile lit up her face.
They all settled around the small table, leaving one space open for Yaoyorozu. The other two girls were happily drinking theirs and he was still hesitating, how could this be good? The balls looked rather slimy and it wasn't cheap either. Perhaps it was going to be like the crepe situation, but he doubted it.
"Be careful when ya get to the pearls or else you may choke!"
"Speaking from experience?"
"Oh shut up! That only happened once!" Mina gently hit Uraraka who was giggling. Yuuga looked down at the straw, before he decided to go for it. He wasn't going to turn down a free drink.
He took a tentative sip, the taste was rather odd. He must have made a face as Mina and Uraraka had both started laughing.
"What?"
"You don't look too happy!"
"The taste is merely peculiar!" He took another sip and this time he got one of the balls. They were so slimy and he slowly chewed them trying to get used to the taste of tapioca.
As they talked, Yaoyorozu sat down with her own drink.
"What did you get, mademoiselle?"
"You can take a look if you want." She handed him the receipt as she put her phone away.
Once he was able to get a good look, he had to do a double take. Mina bursted out laughing and Uraraka simply sighed.
"Is this all correct?" He asked as he glanced between her and the receipt.
"Ochako fainted when she saw the receipt for the first time!" Mina was cackling while Uraraka was quietly drinking and kept her eyes on the table with a furious blush on her round cheeks.
Yuuga looked at the poor worker who seemed to be bringing a few plates over.
It was one crepe abomination after another. He looked at her with pure horror in his eyes as Uraraka joined Mina in laughter.
" Why ?" He asked dryly and Yaoyorozu avoided his gaze.
"I wish to train today, so I might as well eat so as to not waste time. Why don't you try a few?"
"I am quite fine...I never really enjoyed galette's, even while in France."
"Galette?"
"This is a crepe, French Fry!"
"But it has ham! And cheese! This is not a crepe."
"Then what the hell is a galette then?"
"A savoury pancake! They use different flour than crepes and it gives a different taste."
"Pshh, it's the same."
"It is certainly not mademoiselle!" Yuuga and Mina leaned forward over the table, staring at each other while Yaoyorozu and Uraraka watched their squabble.
"Then prove it!"
"I will!"
"So I'll get free food next time I come to your place?"
"...Quoi?"
"You said you are gonna prove the difference, sooooo?"
Yuuga sighed and leaned into his hand, while the girls giggled around him.
"Is that a no?"
"I'll show you! You cannot challenge the great Yuuga without consequences!" He threw one hand up into the air and put the other on his chest.
"We will see if you will actually go through with it." Uraraka commented and the rest snickered.
"Really? Must I be betrayed by everybody here?"
"I haven't done anything!" Yaoyorozu piped up and he turned to her.
"You had betrayed me the moment you had considered ordering those abominations, mademoiselle."
Yuuga hummed as he twirled the pen between his fingers. He was solving the same problem for the fifth time, he had to get this right! This was supposed to be easy!
He glanced at his calculator and back at his attempt to solve it.
"Darnit." He hissed and scribbled out his answer, he would need to do it from the top. Yuuga took a deep breath and started crunching the numbers again. It was slow and tedious but it had to be done.
He quickly checked his work and…another wrong answer.
"PUTAIN DE MERDE!" Yuuga flung the pen at the desk as his chest suddenly filled up with a dangerous warmth. It spread to his arms and slowly up to his cheeks and it developed from a warmth into a toxic heat. He was…angry. He was angry?
Yuuga jumped up and ran towards the window, knocking the chair down as he desperately needed to stop this.
He threw open the window and gasped, the warm night air only agitated him further.
Breathe. Breathe. JUST BREATHE!
Two seconds to inhale, four to exhale.
Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!
He tried to think about other things, his heart and his mind raced at the swirling emotions inside him. He needed something, ANYTHING to stop his thoughts.
Then he heard something. Heavy footsteps were coming up the stairs and towards his room. Yuuga moved to sit at his desk and grabbed his pen, pretending to be busy as the door opened behind him.
"Everything alright? I heard some racket."
"Ah! Apologies, Papa! I had simply gotten a tad mad."
"What's wrong? Is it math again?" His heart jumped into his throat when he stepped into the room.
"Perhaps…"
"Let me see it, maybe I can help." He leaned over the desk and Yuuga had no choice but to hand the paper to him.
"I haven't done this in ages, do you kids really have to know this?" He opened his hand and Yuuga handed him a pencil. "No wonder your grades are so abysmal, they teach you such useless crap there." He handed the paper back to Yuuga after a solid minute with the problem being solved perfectly. "Need me to tutor you or keep an eye out for mistakes, kiddo?"
His whole body stiffened at the mere idea of Papa trying to use his razor thin patience to teach him math again. Last time they needed to replace the dining table and Yuuga hadn't been able to use his left hand for a month or so.
' You useless, stupid wretch!'
"No, no. Thank you very much for offering, though. I will just practice with yours, I should be able to get it right eventually."
"If you say so, garçon. If it gets too hard, please tell me. I'll find you a tutor okay?" He squatted down to be eye level with his son, who could only stiffly nod.
His Papa sighed and got up, stretching his long limbs.
"Thank you so much for your help."
"You're welcome. Now, if you don't need my help I'll go make dinner. I was thinking of making some lasagna and we can eat the leftovers tomorrow, how does that sound?"
Yuuga instantly perked up at that, Papa could be quite the cook if he was ever sober and he always went the extra mile for anything that involved pasta.
"Absolutely amazing!" He gave a big smile and sparks flew off him, before he caught himself and forced it back into the 'V' smile.
"Good to hear, I'll call you down when it is done." He moved his hand and Yuuga instantly flinched and closed his eyes. His Papa simply ruffled his hair and got up. "But please try to keep it down, okay? Thank you." He waved and closed the door behind him.
Yuuga waited for a bit, before he leaned back into his chair and let out a huge sigh. Things should be calm for the next while, so that was at least one worry off his chest.
Before he could continue his work, his bedazzled phone started to buzz on the bed and he lazily glanced over. What now?
He reached over and checked the caller ID and his eyes went wide in shock. He quickly answered with bated breath, he honestly hadn't expected to hear back from her at all.
" My sunshine! I am so sorry! I just now remembered that you had called, I had been asleep at the time. Then I forgot to call you back, I am so sorry again."
"Non, non! It's quite fine. I know you are busy."
" Any reason for calling? How is school going?"
" No real reason, there had been a storm and I had just wished to reach you but nothing serious." Yuuga closed his eyes and tried to keep himself from sighing.
Of course she didn't have time for me, she never does.
Wait, where did that come from? He should be grateful she even found time to call him! Her work was so much more important than him, he wasn't a small child that needed constant attention anymore.
" Oh dear! That sounds dreadful, were you okay? "
"No worries, Maman~. I was…safe and sound. My schooling is going the same as ever." He cleared his throat as a blush came up to his cheeks.
" That is good to hear, my sunshine. Is your father behaving?"
"Hasn't drunk a single drop in a while."
" That's a relief. Anything else?"
He used his free hand to go through his hair as he debated if to ask her or not. It couldn't hurt, could it? "Just one question…may I ask if you are coming home soon? You had said that you would be back shortly but…"
" Oh, my heart. I'm sorry, but we had some complications and I need to be here for the spring and summer collections to go smoothly. But I'll try to be home soon, I promise. I'll bring you a souvenir! "
"Will you be home for Golden Week?"
" I don't know about that, but I will be back before your birthday! I am going to celebrate it with you this year."
"Do you promise?"
" I promise, my ray of sunshine. Is there anything else that you need?"
" No, not really. But I-"
" That's nice. I'm going to go back to work then, if you need anything just call me, alright? Love you! Kisses and hugs to both you and your father."
"Goodbye, Maman." Before he could even utter it out fully, she hung up on him. She must be really busy again, he couldn't blame her for that. His hand slowly fell down by his side and he opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling.
Slowly he pulled himself up and looked at all the work he had left, might as well get to it.
AN: If anybody is still reading, hello! Thank you for your paitence and support. Feel free to leave a comment or two, those honestly help keep me going, short or long. Have a wonderful day.