Disclaimer: I'm just a geeky fangirl that likes to play around; I own nothing.
The Long Way Home: Chapter 25
This is bad.
Aki couldn't erase the thought, though he attempted to appear nonchalant to Ueno, trying to convince him that no matter what, everything would turn out. He stood in front of his closed bedroom door, temporarily stupefied.
Of course, underneath his unease, he was anxious to determine his mother and father's feelings and figure out whether or not he and Ueno were on their own. His father had no doubt been privy to what had been about to take place between the two of them. Nothing had actually happened, but their intentions had to be obvious. Best friends didn't rest on top of one another, didn't examine each other with loving fingers, and didn't linger with lips millimeters apart.
His relationship with his parents would take serious time to repair. Major efforts would have to be taken, most of all on Aki's part, as he was the one who erected the walls that kept them from being the loving family his parents longed for in the first place. Coincidentally, his parents would welcome any attempts, but it would be Aki who would have to work harder to accept theirs.
Aki understood, but that fact didn't make the idea of making the effort any more appetizing or the carrying out of the action any easier. Moreover, he realized in that instant he hadn't cared much until now, when he may no longer have control over their relationship. When had that changed? Had Ueno been the catalyst?
It was odd that the person who made him realize that he didn't actually hate his family, that he wanted to try and resolve their issues was the very same person who, along with Aki himself, just may be responsible for widening the gap even further.
There was the question of whether he wanted those ties to be severed, whether it be by him or his parents.
Yes, Aki staunchly told himself, if they didn't accept the two of them for who and what they were; while not without their share of issues and experiences, they loved each other. It had taken a few short weeks for him to arrive at the knowledge that this was a happiness he wanted, but it would take years at the very least for him to recover from the change, for the memories of the life he currently lead to fade, for the raw ache of loss to abate. In spite of his screwy state of mind and young age, he knew he needed Ueno. It was one of the most unlikely pairings, but that was also what made their union so wonderful.
He opened the door with one hand and squeezed Ueno's hand with the other. His chest tightened as Ueno responded in kind.
But he acknowledged at last that he needed his family, too. He and Ueno had to make them understand.
He didn't deserve this support or happiness, but since he didn't seem able to wave it off, along with the piles of shit flying around looking for appropriate locations to land, he would accept the offering and attempt to be someone worthy of the gift. He was a long way from fixed, but he wouldn't get any closer without Ueno- or his family.
His parents had both gotten comfortable during his and Ueno's sidebar, with his mother settled into the armchair and his father partially perched on the armrest. His father had no doubt briefed his mother judging from her expression; her face wasn't overly hostile, but gone was the effervescent smile she'd shown when she first entered.
From behind him, Aki heard Ueno's deep breath. Hands still joined, Aki gently tugged and they exited the doorway and approached the living area, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was what it felt like marching to one's death.
His father spared him the inconvenience of having to speak first.
"Have you two gotten your stories straight?" Brow raised to alarming height, mouth drawn in an almost straight line, his father sat expectantly.
His mother folded her hands in her lap. "You two should sit down."
Aki led Ueno to the couch, where they sat side by side. This would be so much easier if they would simply ask their burning questions and allow the two of them to provide the answers.
"I should start." Aki spoke quietly, looking to Ueno as if for permission.
To give Ueno credit, he nodded steadily. He released Aki's hand briefly, abandoning their handhold in order to thread their fingers together instead. "Okay."
Aki turned back to his mother and father. "First, I guess I have to apologize for not coming out and admitting th-"
"Why," his mother interjected calmly, "do I get the feeling that if you two hadn't gotten caught, we'd never have this conversation?"
"I agree." Aki's father slid from his post and began pacing along the back of the couch. "You're simply apologizing at having been caught."
"Sir, we weren't intentionally trying to keep anything from you, really. It's just-just.." Ueno stopped, at a loss for words.
"It's just that we weren't sure how you'd react, and I think we both wanted to wait until we were sure that things worked out before we told anyone." Aki was impressed with his save, but his father didn't appear satisfied.
"Aki has always been one to try my patience; I think he thrives on it. But you," his father addressed Ueno, "I'm surprised at. I've known you for such a short while, but you come across like such an upfront boy. Did he trick you into this somehow? Was this against your will?"
"Trick?" Ueno turned in his seat and stared at the older man, aghast. "No. I f-feel the same way."
Aki let out a pent up breath. So far, so good. Or something like that. The situation wasn't going well, but Ueno showed no signs of withdrawing his support, which was good.
"I see. You do understand that this means the blame falls on both of you."
"Yes, sir."
"And you also understand that this is my place of business."
Ueno and Aki nodded simultaneously.
His voice rose slightly. "There are some ways of living that are not acceptable here. We serve the public, who have certain… views on certain subjects. They've paid for my house and son, they give you a place to live, put all those overpriced clothes on you and your mother's backs, and pay your tuition. If they were to see this carrying on, it could hurt my business."
That was certainly an angle Aki hadn't expected. He pulled his fingers from Ueno's death grip and pushed himself to his feet.
"Dad, Mom, I really am sorry." Aki clasped his hands. "I'd never planned to- to…" Way too accustomed to being able to talk his way out of nearly any situation and nowhere near accustomed to apologizing, he couldn't find the appropriate words.
His father tilted his head back to the ceiling. "You're sorry? My business aside, do you have any idea of the risks?"
Aki swallowed hard. "Risks?"
"Yes, risks!" His father was shouting now. "You both are far too intelligent to misunderstand what I'm trying to tell you two. Taking responsibility, as well as taking the necessary precautions, and the filth and disease that will result if you don't."
"Filth?" Ueno shot to his feet, and Aki turned to him.
Oh, no. Aki wasn't completely taken aback by his father's attitude; he'd given the situation its required fifty-fifty estimate of going one way or the other. What made him the most uneasy were Ueno's dark eyes and his incredulous tone of voice.
All four members of the unexpected party jumped when his heavy wooden door shook on its hinges.
Ueno and Aki stared at one another in mutual confusion. It was way too early for anyone to stop by and Aki hadn't been expecting visitors, period.
It took a few moments before anyone moved. At the second round of pounding Ueno, already standing but reluctant to leave Aki's side, finally strode quickly to the door. Twisting the handle and pulling the door with too much force, he gaped at their newest visitor.
Aki didn't know what his cousin was doing at his door at such an ungodly hour or at all, for that matter. This was too much confrontation and stress, especially at this time of day, when they were all up and running before grade-schoolers and livestock. He watched Ueno step back and allow Kanoko entrance. He noted Ueno's strained expression, almost as if he'd been expecting her.
Then he took a moment to actually examine his cousin. It was rare for her to step out, whether it be with random strangers or family, without her hair in meticulous arrangement. Aki also very rarely saw her when she wasn't dressed to the nines, but there she was, decked out in baggy pajama pants and a thin tank top. Aki had never given much thought to the fact that we was lucky to not have to remember to put on a bra each time he left home, and after staring at his cousin for a bit, he was extremely grateful. Something had to be very wrong.
His assessment complete, he was left to consider just what was taking place in his living room. Ueno was rocking his cousin in his arms while gibberish tumbled from her lips. Ueno was speaking nonsense as well, probably more to comfort her than anything else, murmuring softly. His mother rushed to their side after snagging some tissue from the bowels of the suitcase she referred to as a handbag and his father took up the role of overseer.
That left Aki alone on the couch, too puzzled to be at all annoyed by the embrace. What the hell was going on?
He wasn't sure he wanted to know. Their attempts at comfort weren't having the expected effect; Aki was able to hear sniffles and mangled words, steadily rising in intensity. He wrinkled his as he spied Ueno accept a tissue from his mother and hold it up to his cousin's nose before commanding her to blow-which she did. Ugh.
Aki was distracted enough by his cousin's hysterics that he didn't notice his front door opening yet again.
"What's going on? I could hear you guys from the hall."
Aki nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Mira!" Aki's mother leaned back from their huddle. "Where have you been? I stopped by your apartment."
"Oh, sorry." Mira kicked off his shoes and shrugged out of his coat. "I went out with some friends this morning after and I ended up napping at a friend's place. What's wrong? What are you all doing here?"
"Oh, everything's fine." She beamed.
Aki rolled his eyes. Leave it to his mother, who valued appearance above most all else, to tell a bald faced lie when the truth was obvious.
He beckoned Mira closer. "Get over here."
Mira tentatively obeyed. "What in the world," he hissed quietly, "is going on?"
Aki lowered his voice to a whisper. "Mom and Dad came in this morning. Ueno and I were together." He left his explanation at that.
Mira whistled, processing Aki's recap. "That can't be good. But what's Kanoko doing here? And why is she crying?"
"I have no idea. She showed up a few minutes ago and interrupted my dad's lecture."
"Lecture?" Mira turned his head, taking in the scene unfolding behind them. "About what?"
"The dangers of a homosexual relationship, I guess. He used the word filth. That's as far as he got."
Behind them, the huddle disbanded. Aki stared as Ueno led Kanoko by the hand to the bedroom. His mother followed before the bedroom door closed, leaving Aki's father to join the two of them.
His father fell into the armchair heavily. "I swear," he muttered, "your cousin can be quite the drama queen."
Aki tilted his head. "What's wrong?"
"I can't say right now." His father's reply was instant.
"Then why even mention it?" Aki sat back, patience growing thinner with each passing minute.
"How convenient would that be, kid? Perhaps your mother and I would be distracted enough to simply forget about what we walked in on this morning."
As if they'd forget. Aki shut his mouth.
The bedroom door reopened. Aki's mother exited first, with Ueno close behind. Kanoko was absent.
"She's going to lie down for a while." Ueno explained, walking back to the couch and without a smidgen of shame, squeezing himself between Aki and Mira.
"Mira, maybe you should come back later." Aki's father suggested. "We were in the middle of something."
Aki didn't see the point in dismissing Mira now. It only seemed fitting that his ex-lover, who had been left in the rain while he ran off with a man twice his age to begin a life of sexual servitude, listen in on him and his boyfriend enduring ridicule and chastising by his parents on the pitfalls of gay life. He was fresh out of shame, so what did he care?
Aki reached out for Ueno's hand again. "Forget that. Let's get this over with. I believe your last words had something to do with us spreading disease." He could hold back his sarcasm.
Aki's father nodded. "I believe you're right. You don't agree?"
"Of course not." Aki closed his eyes. "Of all the ignorant things to say, Dad."
"Sweetheart, your father isn't being completely unreasonable. It's very likely that if you're not taking care of things properly, that you could be spreading germs or some sort of disease."
"And you wouldn't even know it." Aki's father added. "But that's not what bothers me most. The fact that you never came forward and consulted with me is more upsetting. Ueno, I didn't take you as the type to hide something like this. And more than that, I would never have expected you to take part in this at my place of business- and yours."
"Sir, I-" Ueno hadn't been cut off; he paused. "I really didn't think that we'd caused any disruption. Aki and I aren't doing anything unclean, really."
"I disagree. Can you imagine what the patrons staying here would say if they noticed? I could lose business, and this building could be labeled as dirty. What about this don't you understand?"
"Enough." Aki tapped his fingers on his kneecap. "Mom, Dad, I apologize for causing you any stress, for embarrassing you, and making you think less of Ueno or I. I'd hoped that you would understand how much… better this makes me and accept it. If you can't, I'll leave."
His father cocked his head. "I never implied that I wanted or expected you to leave, son. I simply want you to stop. This type of carrying on absolutely cannot continue."
Aki used Ueno's knee as leverage, and pushed off, rising to his feet. In a quick, economic motion, his hands found his hips and he approached the chair where his parents rested.
His mother met his gaze steadily. He lost some of his resolve as he stared down at his father, who stubbornly refused to raise his dark head, focusing on something past him.
Desperation wrapped itself around him, weakening his limbs and weighing down his chest. Being called dirty was something he was sure wouldn't have hurt him as much a little over a month ago, but it stung now. He felt a purity and clarity he hadn't experienced in years. Aki's hopefulness was replaced by genuine sadness, and the switch was as obvious as a change in mechanisms, as abrupt as a lightning storm.
He wanted support, but if he couldn't have it without Ueno, so be it. If Ueno, who loved his job and got along well with his father under normal circumstances, had to find another job, so be it. If Aki had to move in with Ueno or secure a job to finance his own domicile, so be it.
There was a sound, something Aki had grown familiar with, although it was difficult to make out past the beating in his ears. "I know I've always been difficult and even so, you've always stood behind me. I didn't appreciate that until now. That's why I expected more from you, but if my carrying on is unacceptable, then I'm unacceptable. I'll find somewhere else to live."
Ueno nodded. "And I'll find somewhere else to work."
His father's brow furrowed in consternation. "Why can't you try to see this from my point of view? Is this really that important to the both of you? Do you really want to carry the burden of this responsibility? Is this really," he gestured wildly, "worth fighting with us?"
Motion was caught in his peripheral vision and distracted, he turned his head.
Mira was gesturing as wildly as his father, hand raised to neck level, palm facing the floor. He wagged his hand in a very sharp, pronounced cutting motion.
Ueno sat, eyes glittering crazily, shaking his head, lips moving. No, no. Stop.
Okay, so now Ueno was having second thoughts, and even Mira was attempting to shut him up?
Tough.
"It is!" Aki fought the urge to stomp his foot like a spoiled child. "I love Ueno and if you can't handle it, that's something I'll learn to live with, but nothing you say is going to change it."
Ueno groaned, burying his face in his hands.
Aki heard it, and his hands dropped, arms dangling lifelessly at his sides. They hadn't done much good on his hips.
"I see." His father cleared his throat. "So you refuse to see my logic. It appears that we're not going to reach an agreement."
"What logic? I guess I gave you too much credit. How is what I'm doing wrong or filthy? How will it hurt your business? We've never flaunted ourselves in front of anyone."
Aki heard rustling, and then an arm encircled him from behind, a hand clamping over his lips.
"Stop." Ueno's voice, high with stress, filtered into his eardrum. "Don't."
His first instinct was to break the hold, but Ueno's refusal to back him up left him abruptly drained. He struggled halfheartedly, but almost immediately gave in. He lowered his head, eyes stinging, and he realized with mortification that tears were coming. Ueno's hand slipped away to join the other and he held the fairer with both arms while Aki's chest began heaving, frustration manifesting in an action Aki never allowed himself to indulge in.
"Shh," Ueno whispered, hugging him tightly from behind, "It's okay, it's okay."
How was it okay? Through his despair, he was able to hear a cry that he was positive wasn't coming from him, and this time he was able to recognize the sound for what it actually was. He immediately craned his neck, and Ueno turned them both.
Mira had since rescued the kitten, long forgotten and most likely starving, if the intensity of his cries were any indication. He was holding the tiny black mass out with both hands, as if on display.
Aki stared, and a split second later, his stomach dropped and his face grew hot. He stared at their newest inhabitant. He was stunned, as if he had just been clubbed over the back of his head and his knees buckled as he put two and two together, finally. Disease. Responsibility.
"No," he sputtered in a very uncharacteristic fashion, disbelieving.
"Yeah." Ueno said, still holding Aki close, rocking him. "I just figured it out a minute ago."
Aki couldn't remember ever feeling the level of humiliation the washed over him now. He wrenched himself free of Ueno's arms and turned to his parents, who remained unmoving on his armchair.
"You weren't talking about us." It wasn't a question, and his tone was accusing.
His father, resting his chin on an upturned palm, watched his son for a long moment before shaking his head in evident exasperation.
"What, your mother and I are stupid now? If we'd been upset about you two being… together, we would have brought it up when we first found out." He pointed. "I was referring to that nasty, smelly ball of fleas you've been stowing away up here without my permission. You know, most apartment dwellers check with their landlords first. You didn't even offer to pay a deposit, but I guess that's irrelevant, since we have a policy against animals here."
"He's not nasty. We keep him clean."
Aki's father ignored him. "Ueno, you love my son too?"
"Yes." He answered before the entire question had been voiced, nodding.
"I see," he mused, a frown marring his skin, "Damn."
Aki's mother let out a sound comparable to a cackle. "I've told you my intuition never lies, but you refused to listen. My money, please."
Aki stood, dumbfounded while the last of his tears dribbled their way down his cheeks. "You two took out a bet?"
His mother stood to hand him a wad of tissues. "We all did."
"Define all." Aki was coming out of his stupor, face fixed in an indignant glare.
"Specifically: your father, seven of your cousins, two of your aunts and three uncles were positive that the two of you were just experimenting. The rest were undecided. I was the only one who thought it was serious." She answered with no hint of shame, directing attention to Ueno. "It couldn't have been casual. Ueno, you're obviously a relationship man; I'm positive that you're not the type to fool around with someone without the slightest emotional involvement. Am I correct?"
"I don't get it." Ueno stared at the floor. "What made you guys assume either one? Did you know this whole time that we weren't talking about the kitten?"
"Come on. All those sexually charged looks you gave each other at the party, the way my boy hissed and spit whenever my niece so much looked in your area, let alone sideways; it couldn't have been any clearer. And I certainly can't blame you. My son is too attractive to limit himself to one gender, I suppose. The only question that remained was how committed the two of you were." His father stretched. "We really should get back. Visiting hours start soon. We'll discuss everything in more depth later on tonight- including that animal. I'm taking my son and his man out to dinner."
"I still don't get it!" Ueno sank onto the couch. "Why did you go through all of- w-why did you go along with that date with Kanoko and give me that room key? Why did you make all of those suggestions when you knew that I wasn't interested in her and that it made Aki mad?"
"Oh, that." The tall, dark haired man didn't pretend to regret his actions and smiled mischievously. "I have to apologize. It's complicated, but I'll try to simplify the answer; you two were so much fun to mess with."
Aki's mother put away the tissues, zipping up her suitcase. "We're a lot smarter than you all give us credit for."
"Very true; I can see through most of your excuses and explanations." Aki's father added, making his way to the door. "Don't study too hard, Aki."
Aki shook his head. Mira and Ueno stared at the front door long after it closed.
"Wow." Mira sauntered into the kitchen to prepare the kitten formula. "I'm almost disappointed."
Ueno scrubbed his hands across his face and mussed his hair. "That was the weirdest conversation I've ever had. Well, today at least. I'm going to lie down."
Aki's hand shot out and wrapped around Ueno's wrist. "Not in the bedroom, you won't."
Ueno's confusion was evident. "Huh?"
"Did you forget the situation you put to bed in there?"
"I did." Ueno grinned sheepishly.
"What's wrong with her? Can we kic- send her home now?"
"I can't say, other than a difference in opinion between your cousin and her parents. She needs some rest- away from everyone." Ueno shook his head and Aki let the subject drop for the time being.
"It's about time for breakfast too." Mira brandished the syringe, "I mean, you're already awake and everything."
Aki shut his eyes and took a deep breath before simply holding out his arms. A second later, Ueno's fingers grasped his wrists and pulled him in. His nerves were beginning to get the better of him; he needed some privacy and quiet. "I want to lie down too. Is it okay if we go to your place or something? And maybe we can talk." He whispered the last bit.
"We can do that." Ueno held Aki close, patting his back. "Mira, are you okay with the cat or should we bring him with us? We'll be back before dinner."
"I got him."
"Thanks. Go get some clothes." Ueno released Aki and pushed him in the direction of the bedroom. "You can get ready for dinner at my place after you rest."
Aki was beginning to wonder if it was at all possible to rest up completely from the craziness that befell them on a daily basis.
"Glad that's over, huh?" Ueno's voice was soothing and Aki, half awake, hummed his agreement.
"It went better than I expected." Aki mumbled his observation. "We do have a few problems, still."
"We'll figure it out. If your parents won't let you keep the kitten at home, we'll just bring him here."
"That's one issue that we can fix, but that's not what I mean." Aki trailed off.
"What, then?"
"I'm happy my mom and dad have accepted the fact that you and I are together- earlier than we realized- I guess. They're obviously not bothered by it, or they wouldn't have been messing with us the way they were. And you handled it well, which I know was hard for you. I know you're not ready for this, though." Aki spoke with his eyes closed, lying on his side, hands clasped in front of him.
"Ready for what, exactly?" Ueno propped his head up in the palm of his hand.
"For the way my parents are going to tease you and stick their noses into your business from now on. For the rest of the family to apparently have their assumptions confirmed, because my parents will not keep this a secret, even if I ask them to."
A hand wiggled out from beneath the blankets and cupped his cheek, and Aki leaned into it. "Yeah, if you hadn't been trying to molest me on the couch, we could have bought some more time, kept it hidden for a little longer. But honestly, I'm not saying that eventually I wouldn't have wanted our families to know, but no time would have been perfect for me, so I'm kind of glad it was beyond our control." Ueno smiled weakly. "I wasn't prepared for them to catch us, and I'm probably not prepared for the way they'll act now, but at least it's over."
"I'm glad you're dealing well with this, but there's one person in particular that I'm worried about finding out the most."
Ueno pushed a stray lock of hair behind Aki's ear. "Him."
"Him." Aki eyes opened into slits. "Before I moved in with him, he was fine messing me with me on the occasional visit or when he found the right opportunity until he found out that my attention was focused elsewhere. That's when he started to push."
"And you think he'll have the same reaction this time?"
"I'd like to assume he's lost interest, but after receiving that package, I don't think so. I think you'll understand after I tell you more about him, and what everything was like before and after he found out about Mira and I."
"I'm sure I will. I'm curious now, but we can worry about that tonight, after dinner if you want. You need to sleep more than anything. I get the feeling that we'll need all the peace we can get before we meet up with your parents."
"Yes." Aki bit his lip. "They're going to humiliate us both the best they can, you know."
"Probably. But the worst is over, right?"
"Half over." Aki's smile was composed of both weariness and mischief. "Your family doesn't know yet. You think they'll be angry?"
"Who knows? I think I fit a specific type to them, so I know they'll be shocked."
"But everyone teases me about how feminine I am. Maybe they won't even notice I'm a man." Aki was only half joking.
Ueno laughed at that. "Not a chance. Don't listen to them. And I don't think you're girly at all. You're unique, but most definitely a guy. Try to sleep a little." Ueno tucked Aki into the cradle of his own body. "Aren't you tired?"
"Exhausted." Aki conceded, lapsing into stillness, limbs liquefying. Once he stopped thinking and gave himself up to the feel of Ueno's fingers, ever present, in his hair and the warmth of his body, he slipped quickly into sleep.
Going out to dinner with the family of a significant other was typically normal and mundane, but not tonight.
It wasn't the dinner itself. It was the reason for the dinner, and the attitude of the attendees. Ueno was in his own little Twilight Zone.
Ueno had simply assumed the only members in attendance would be him and Aki, of course, possibly Mira, and Aki's mother and father.
Somehow, while he and Aki had been at his apartment cuddling and cat napping away the majority of the day, plans had unfolded over their heads. The dinner for five had transformed to an affair for fifteen or so. That number was increasing as time ticked by; every so often, more members of Aki's family trickled in.
Ueno was relieved on some levels and appalled on others. Most of the family he'd met the previous week, but a few were complete strangers, though they seemed to know Ueno instinctively- or rather, by word of mouth- and were all too aware of their romantic status.
Ueno watched wearily as Aki's mother smugly accepted her winnings, stuffing bills into her purse. Mira sat to his right, a newly introduced cousin to his left. Aki had been seated directly across from him, but Ueno hadn't been able to steal his attention after they'd been settled. Ueno didn't envy him; his father commanded his acknowledgement with lively conversation and while Aki appeared quite uninterested, Ueno was warmed to notice Aki was indeed attempting to humor him by listening.
Without Aki's reassurance, Ueno would have been a bit more on alert than normal, but strangely, Mira's presence was comforting and had much the same effect. It was laughable that in this setting, Mira had become Ueno's familiar when a mere week ago, he'd been so intimidated by him.
Times were changing, but Ueno remained nonplussed at just how accepting everyone at their tables had been. While he understood that younger members of society were in many cases much more open and less judgmental regarding the subject of romantic relationships between two individuals of the same gender, he hadn't expected the glee that seemed to emanate from members of Aki's family. They appeared to be overjoyed simply because Aki had formed a bond, regardless of who he was bonded to. It made Ueno interested more than ever in what Aki had been like before they met; had he been that resistant to closeness?
He also wondered what his own family reaction would be. His family was open enough, which was no doubt the reason he was so laid back himself. However, Ueno had never shown any indication of having a hankering for guys, so shock would be inevitable and the possibility of distasteful reaction was real.
Ueno became immersed in his musings, only startled back to reality at the sharp kick that connected with his shin. He lifted his head guiltily. Aki's gaze met his, and the fairer smiled an apologetic, sympathetic smile that Ueno returned.
A heavy sigh distracted both of them; Aki's mother feigned swooning, fanning at herself with a napkin. The attention was unnerving, but it was better than the alternative. Still, he and Aki would do well with some additional alone time; they needed all they could get. Ueno resolved to fix that in the near future by insisting they go out into the world more often and by spending more time at his place. After all, there was nothing at all wrong with his apartment. Aki's was just more spacious and convenient given that Ueno actually worked in the same building.
"So, Aki; which of you two cooks and cleans?"
Aki covered his mouth with a pale hand. "That would be Ueno."
Satou-san examined Ueno doubtfully. "Really? So you take out the trash and change light bulbs, Aki? I have a hard time believing that."
Aki cleared his throat. "Ueno does that too."
"Then what do you do? Just stand around looking gorgeous?"
Individuals within earshot laughed and degree by degree, Ueno felt himself begin to relax. Everything would be fine, given time. It was time to make the most of the situation and he turned to Mira, mouth open to form a question.
Mira's change in pallor cut him short. He'd never been witness to a startled Mira, so the vision alone was enough for him to forget his question entirely.
Before he could determine the cause, Mira's eyes cleared. "You were going to ask me something?"
"Yeah," Ueno replied, "but I lost my train of thought. Are you okay?"
"Sure." Mira grabbed for his wine glass and gripped the stem, taking a long, inelegant gulp.
Ueno gave a minute shrug before Aki's father called his name and he automatically raised his head in response.
Satou-san was standing now, arm outstretched toward yet another latecomer, but there was a difference. While his boss was jovial and smiled frequently, he was glowing now, corners of his lips close to reaching his ears.
The main approached the table, reaching for Satou-san's extended arm and they exchanged a hearty, back-slapping hug. Relatives were rising from their seats to exchange greetings, as they did every time someone entered. He shifted his gaze to gauge Aki's reaction.
His chair was empty, and Ueno raised his brow in confusion, not sure when Aki had time to leave without being noticed. No thought to the action, he surged to his feet.
It was just as well, because Satou-san was rounding the table with the newcomer, ignoring waiting family members and leading him to Ueno's side, and he would have stood to greet the man regardless.
"Ueno, this here is Okada Hideaki. He's been traveling, or you would have met him last week at the birthday party. Hide, this is my new employee, slash son-in-law, apparently."
Ueno blanched inwardly his new label, but recovered, smiling in greeting and automatically extending his hand, which was taken in an almost painful grip.
"I think at this point you can call me Uncle, huh? I've heard a lot about you." The man smiled easily. "You and my Aki are shaking things up around here."
Ueno flushed. "I don't know about shaking things up, bu-"
"He's teasing you." Satou-san laughed. "Here, let's find you a place to sit. You can get to know the son-in-law a bit later."
With that, his boss whisked the other man away, which freed up Ueno to again wonder where Aki had gotten off to. "Excuse me for a minute." Ueno made his leave.
They had been stationed in a far corner of a room set aside specifically for larger gatherings, so Ueno had to weave his way through tables, chairs, waiters, and random individuals before he could search the lobby and bathrooms.
He'd barely made it to the lobby before his phone vibrated gently, tucked safely away in his pocket. He stopped to dig it out, flipped it open and spared a glance at the screen between examinations of the general area, halfway anticipating a message from Aki pleading for escape.
Oh, man. His most recent e-mail was from Etsuko. He took no time to scan it, resolving to delete the message along with the others he'd received from her. If she tracked him down and harassed him about it, he'd tell her he never received them, maybe tell her he'd been experiencing issues with his e-mail client, whatever.
No, he was done lying for no logical reason. He'd give her the good, hard truth; he was quite happily involved.
He strode towards the restrooms, phone still in hand. Quickly pulling open the door and poking his head inside, he called Aki's name and waited for a reply.
Puzzled, he entered the room and leaned against a counter. It did appear to be empty. Perhaps Aki had gone outside for some air. He lifted his phone. It had been a good while since he'd cleaned out his mailbox. Now wasn't necessarily the time to do it, but he wasn't in any hurry to return to his table.
He scrolled through, welcoming the few minutes of time he could waste before he would have to return to the party. Etsuko, Etsuko, math professor, Etsuko, Mom and Dad… Good grief. I don't get rid of anything. Ueno sent the messages to the trash before examining the remainder. He whistled as he caught the subject line of the next one. I can't believe I still have this-
"Oh no." Ueno exclaimed in the deserted restroom, to no one in particular.
For reasons purely nostalgic, he'd scanned an e-mail message long forgotten in his inbox and wondering why he'd never deleted it. It had been the starting point of his relationship with Aki, but at the time, he'd never have guessed what would take place after heeding those instructions or accepting the job.
I've left you a spare key under the potted plant next to the door. Ueno mouthed a portion of the message, grabbing at the marbled countertop for support with his free hand. Its name is Aki, and it's a boy. He's very friendly. It almost read similar to a personal ad.
The content of the message didn't make Ueno uncomfortable; reading the name of the sender, a unmemorable name that hadn't held any meaning for Ueno, even directly following his and Aki's meeting, was what made him weak in the knees.
Ueno had hoped that at some point that night once he got Aki alone, they could have their conversation. During said conversation, Ueno had logically assumed he'd learn more about Aki's last year of existence.
But Aki's last year had fallen right into his lap.
"I just shook hands with Aki's-" Ueno stopped, unwilling to use such a superior term when referring to such a lowly human being.
The man had said to call him-
"Uncle."
