Anchor

Written by: RinoaDestiny

#32 – Advice from Mom

Yagami wasn't kidding about pain. Ow.

He hadn't felt it much the day before – a twinge of discomfort here and there – but today proved otherwise. Although it was earlier than usual for a bath, Kyo took Iori's advice and settled in for a long soak. The warm water and steam relaxed his muscles, lending immediate comfort. Leaning his head back, Kyo stared at the multiple tiny rainbows shimmering above.

Guess he must've felt this too, that first time.

Painkillers mightn't be necessary, since the heated water soothed much of the soreness. Kyo eased himself deeper into the tub, submerging his arms. Iori had been forthright and seductive, thoroughly enjoying the experience. So, too, had he. The other man hadn't been rough – bites and bruises on the neck and shoulder notwithstanding – yet, it was the first time Iori took the initiative. Being new to receiving, Kyo wasn't all that surprised about the aftermath.

Iori had given him notice and tips, and Kyo knew he hadn't hurt him that first time in the hotel downtown. Maybe, it just became easier with experience.

Mom and Dad didn't say anything when they saw me yesterday.

He hadn't covered the marks, since there wasn't any reason to. After all, he'd left scratches on Iori and Iori left them alone. With his short sleeves during the trip, those would be noticeable. It was odd, how a simple compliment could fluster Iori, but obvious marks didn't faze him. They'd walked around Ginza like that, easily readable to anyone paying attention.

The restaurant staff.

Ginza Six's multiple store clerks.

The people at the train station in Tokyo.

Kyo raised his hand, fingers skimming over the indents in his skin. Despite the wildness that night, Iori had been careful not to draw blood. Him, less so, but even those scratches were insignificant compared to their sparring wounds. A few days, like Iori said, and even those would be gone.

Steam continued rising from the bathtub, rainbows scintillating. Within fifteen minutes, the water would be cool; he'd be out by then, hopefully better to carry on his day. Iori was likely at the Yagami clan estate, but he hadn't received any word from him. Maybe, that meant nothing was wrong – after all, Iori hadn't requested any help. Had said he'd be fine.

Whatever had occurred at the estate was none of his business.

The pain had ebbed, lessening tension along his spine and hips. Good. He wasn't looking to train today – nothing vigorous – but at least he could get around without assistance. Maybe grab a snack and just relax in his room. Find a place to put the cypress fan and souvenir guide book where they wouldn't get lost. Usually, he'd throw everything in his desk drawers or in boxes lined up in the futon closet, creating a jumbled mess.

The last time he needed to find his passport…

Light shifted gradual angles, reflecting off the bathroom walls. The rainbows disappeared, fading out and Kyo hoisted himself out of the tub, movements careful and slow. While the water drained, he dressed and combed his disheveled hair. The house was quiet. His parents were either out running errands, or his dad was taking his afternoon nap and his mom was…doing whatever she did.

Fine by him. He'd take the afternoon off, too.

Heading towards the kitchen for his snack, Kyo tested his physical limits. The soreness was a dull ache now – maybe it'd be gone by tomorrow – and walking at his usual pace didn't incur further pain. It'd been a while since he last sparred with Iori and Benimaru and Goro. Perhaps, before the tournament? The invitation should be here soon – surely, was already on its way here?

He entered the kitchen and opened the medium-sized fridge.

Rummaging through the produce and stored meats, Kyo happened upon chilled yogurt drinks and pudding-filled pastries. Grabbing a drink and two pastries, he closed the fridge door and glimpsed his mother in the hallway. Shizuka Kusanagi had an innate gift for stealth and he'd no idea where she inherited it.

Much to his and his father's detriment, she often snuck up on them like this when they lazed around. At least this time, there was nothing to hide or excuse away.

"Hey, Mom."

His mother entered the kitchen, gaze falling upon the items in his hands. She smiled. "So soon after lunch?"

"Just took a long soak. Wanted a snack."

"You're still eating dinner tonight?"

Kyo shrugged. "Maybe."

Shizuka nodded sagely. "Let me know an hour beforehand. Your dad will eat most of it, otherwise."

That was true. Saisyu did have a huge appetite.

"You're aware of the next clan meeting, correct?" From the subtle shift in his mother's tone, it became apparent what her approach really was for. "You're expected to attend. Your father wants you to learn and retain information about clan affairs."

Kyo groaned. "I know."

"It's important. Please pay attention, Kyo." Shizuka gestured towards her neck, giving him a knowing look. "You'll want to conceal those."

All said without a blush or surprise. "Why?"

"Because the elders will be there. While they're aware of your relationship with Iori Yagami, they do not need to be reminded of it directly."

"But –"

"They cannot be offended, Kyo. They're the backbone of the clan. Your father has done much to mollify them – please don't antagonize them."

"These marks are hardly –"

"They'll know, Kyo. Their disapproval can –"

"Make them enemies. Yagami said the same." Kyo placed the drinkable yogurt and pastries on the counter and leaned back, the edge hard against his spine. "Am I supposed to do this each time?"

"The heir and future patriarch is expected to make certain sacrifices. Your father understands this well."

"Dad made sacrifices?"

"You've heard nothing from the elders recently, correct?"

Kyo frowned, drawing the lines towards a singular conclusion. "Dad's kept them quiet?"

"And then some. Please don't undo his hard work."

With a sigh, Kyo eased his weight against the counter. "Fine. I'll try not to make a fuss." He reached for the spot between his neck and shoulder and scratched at the marks Iori made. "How would I –"

"Concealer." His mother smiled, clearly pleased. "I'll show you."

The muscles of his face twisted into a grimace.

Across from him, Shizuka laughed. "It's not that bad. I'll match your skin tone." Still amused, her tone changed again. "How was your trip?" This time, the subject of the bite marks and bruises were overlooked, their origins left undiscussed. Other matters related to the trip, though, were fair game.

Just as well. Even though his parents knew, they didn't need details about his sex life. "Great. We went to Roppongi…" Kyo paused, memories of their first argument surfacing unbidden. Banishing them, he continued. "Yagami enjoyed Hinohara. We stayed away from the tourists." Except the time they dropped by the souvenir shop to buy the fans and guide books. "Tokyo Dome City was fun." He had the one picture he took on the Ferris wheel and also the one Yagami took at his request. Unless his mom asked, he'd prefer to keep those private.

"You always liked amusement parks. Did something happen in Roppongi?"

Damn. She'd caught that.

"We had an argument. We're okay now, though."

"What about?" With anyone else, it'd be presumptuous for them to pry; however, his mom meant well without giving offense. "Your relationship is in earnest, then."

"Yagami is…weird about public affection."

Shizuka quirked an eyebrow. "How is that surprising? Most of your peers don't express themselves that way. Unless, you're used to it because of Yuki."

"Yuki didn't mind being told she was pretty outside."

"And Yagami-san is? Maybe he keeps those things to himself."

"That's what I'd figured. Anyway, we fought over that."

"Does it still bother you? Him?" Although her tone didn't change, there was a subtle shift in Shizuka's expression. Perhaps the eyes. "Because if it does –"

"Just have to be careful now."

"Careful? Or mindful?"

"There's a difference?"

His mother let out a faint sigh. "Do you feel pressured? Stressful? Any resentment?"

"No. I was just…surprised."

"No hard feelings against him? He doesn't hold any against you?"

"Don't think so."

"That's good, then." The minor stress lines on his mother's face eased, once again serene and smooth. "You're not around often, but your dad and I quarrel occasionally. It's to be expected."

"Yuki and I had minor arguments before."

"I know. Over the tournaments and why she didn't know and you didn't tell her. She used to come over when you were out and talk to me. Women's talk, you know. A different kind of advice." Shizuka gave a small shrug with one shoulder. "With Yagami-san, you don't have that conflict. But there are others. As I said, your relationship is in earnest – you'd have reached it eventually."

"The first disagreement."

"Yes."

He was used to standing for long periods of time but he itched to be in his room, tucked away with phone in hand. Pushing away from the counter edge, Kyo turned to retrieve the snacks. The drinkable yogurt was still cold; however, the pastries had warmed up. He had two – if Iori was here, he'd offer him one. "We also went to Ginza."

"How was that?"

"Good. Got some clothes, treated Yagami to lunch. He got a coat." That, perhaps, was the part of the entire Ginza outing that he remembered best. It was too warm for coats now – summer fast approaching – but he hoped to see Iori wearing it again.

"Sounds like you had fun."

"We did." He stepped forward, angling around his mother and Shizuka moved, slight and deft, understanding the conversation was over. "I'll let you know about dinner later, Mom."

"Don't forget." A closing smile.

The walk back to his room didn't take long, and Kyo settled down on his bed, opening the drink and one of the bagged pastries. Biting into it – the pudding sweet and cool – he also decided to check his phone. Nothing new appeared on his screen and surely, that meant Iori was okay. Still, it wouldn't hurt for him to send a small text message.

Hey. How's everything going? Nothing major or elaborate. Compared to the other texts he'd sent before, this was to the point. Maybe Iori was rubbing off on him.

He placed the phone on the bed and continued snacking. A pleasant afternoon nap sounded good, too. Taking after his dad – at least this was acceptable. A couple hours and then he'd know if he wanted dinner.

Several minutes passed. No response.

Kyo pocketed his phone and prepared to doze off. If Iori needed him, he was available. This was fine – he was here.