Hey, everyone! I'm back with a new chapter! Sorry for the delay. This chapter is dedicated to Jam since she requested it (you wanted a chapter with all 4 of them, right?). And to Addicted to SD, sorry but I don't think I'll be writing the revenge. I'll compensate that with this chapter. To my other reviewers, thank you so much for your wonderful words.
Okay, I don't know where is Sendoh's hometown but let's assume he comes from Kyoto. Why Kyoto? Because I love Kyoto! (Yeah I know, lame answer). Please forgive me if I got any of the Kyoto facts wrong (though I kinda doubt it since I did research about tourist spots… Just incase).
Summary: It's summer holiday and Sendoh wants to introduce the twins to their grandfather and grandmother much to Rukawa's annoyance.
Disclaimer: Rukawa and Sendoh belong to Inoue Takehiko. Kenji and Eiji as usual belong to me.
-Start-
Chapter 5: Trip to Kyoto
Sendoh is very happy today. Well he's generally cheerful everyday but today he's extra happy. Finally, after so many years, he can see his parents again. He missed them so much. The last time they met was seven years ago, when he told them he wanted to marry Rukawa. The raven-haired man however is not very pleased at the idea of going back to Kyoto. He remembered their first meeting and Sendoh's parents didn't really accept him as a son-in-law. They kept giving him odd looks, which made Rukawa feel awkward every time they converse. Rukawa tried to persuade his husband not to visit them but Sendoh insisted, and the twins even supported him for once.
"I wanna see grandfather and grandmother!" Kenji had said.
"Me too! Plus, we've never been to Kyoto," Eiji said, agreeing with his twin.
Not willing to hear the twins cry, Rukawa gave in and now he's sitting in the passenger seat listening to the twins and Sendoh singing. He noted that Sendoh's singing improved a lot. Rukawa remembered at one time, Sendoh was so into singing. He even wanted to sign up for singing class but Rukawa threatened him that if he did, he'll be sleeping on the couch for a month. Later, Rukawa found out that the twins had criticized his singing. He confronted them about it.
"Papa sings even worse than frogs!" Kenji had said.
"He can't sing no matter what!" Eiji added.
Sometimes, the twins can be cruel with their words. No wonder Sendoh was so upset about not being able to sing. He secretly practice singing with the karaoke every night. It drives Rukawa crazy but fortunately Sendoh sings very well now so there's no more singing practice at night (he can finally sleep in peace).
"Papa! Are grandma and grandpa kind?" Eiji asked after their one hour of non-stop singing.
"Of course they are. You'll love them and I bet they'll love you too," Sendoh answered happily.
"I can't wait to reach Kyoto!" Kenji exclaimed.
Rukawa sighed, silently listening to their conversation. The twins are really excited, just like the time when they sat on the bullet train. This time, Sendoh decided to drive to Kyoto unlike last time where they took a plane. He thought this would be a good vacation and experience for the boys. Poor Rukawa, he's starting to get a headache. He just can't stand long trips. However deep inside him, he's glad to have this trip with his beloved family. Maybe this could be a new experience for him.
"Kaede, are you alright? You're not looking so good," Sendoh asked, concerned. He noticed Rukawa didn't say a word since they left home.
"I'm fine," Rukawa stated calmly. He's trying his best to stand the pain in his head.
"Father, have you been to Kyoto?" Kenji asked.
"Yes."
"It must be nice!" Eiji chirped in.
Not wanting to hurt them, Rukawa nodded. It's not that he doesn't like Kyoto, he just prefers Kanagawa. After all, he was born and raised there. Then, the twins started singing another song.
"Father, sing with us!" Eiji exclaimed.
Unlike someone, Rukawa is capable of singing. And so, the four of them sang together until suddenly Kenji bursts out, "I wanna go toilet!"
"Can you hold on for a bit? Our next stop is ten minutes away," Sendoh told him.
"What? But papa, I can't hold it anymore!" Kenji whined.
"Why didn't you go to the bathroom at our previous stop?" Eiji said.
"Because I didn't feel like it at that time!" Kenji explained. "Papa! You don't want your car to smell, do you?"
"Don't you dare pee in my car!" Sendoh said, worried about his beloved car.
"Akira. Pull over," Rukawa said calmly.
"NO WAY! I don't wanna do it in the grass!" Kenji complained.
"You have no choice. Do you really want to pee in the car?" Rukawa asked them.
"No, please don't do that!" Sendoh begged and Eiji only laughed at it.
"Akira, look at the road," Rukawa scolded him then turned to the elder twin. "Kenji, make your choice."
Kenji was silent for a while. He started pouting. Sendoh looked at him through the front mirror. Finally, Kenji gave in.
"Okay," he said quietly.
"Good. Akira, pull over," Rukawa sighed in relief.
Sendoh parked the car at the side of the road. Rukawa took Kenji out of the car to do his business. Eiji stayed in the car with his dad.
"Kenji, where are you going? Here is fine!" Rukawa shouted at his son when he didn't stop walking.
"No, I don't want anyone to see me. It's so embarrassing!"
"It's okay. I'll cover you," Rukawa said.
"Father, are you sure there aren't anyone around?" Kenji asked, looking around in embarrassment.
"Yes. Now hurry up."
Back at the car.
"I don't see them," Eiji said, looking out the window.
"Kenji must have pulled your father deep into the bushes."
Eiji grinned evilly, "Hehehe. Now I have a black mail material."
"What?" Sendoh looked at his son.
"Kenji's always picking on me since he thinks he's smarter than me. I'll show him!"
Sendoh never saw this side of the twins before. They looked like an angel in front of them especially Rukawa. After a few minutes, Kenji and Rukawa walked back into the car. Kenji looked relieve now.
"Okay, let's go!" he announced happily.
And so, their journey continues. Nothing much happened on the rest of the way because Kenji and Eiji fell asleep after singing for about 100 songs. Rukawa was thankful for the peace and quiet. However, he can't sleep in case Sendoh decided to take a nap while driving. The peace and quiet didn't last that long because the twins woke up complaining about wanting to sleep in a bed.
"This chair is not comfortable. I can't sleep!" Kenji said.
"It's so hot. Papa, can't you turn the air-conditioner higher?"
Both Rukawa and Sendoh did their best to ignore them. They really can't keep quiet even for about a minute. Kenji and Eiji were really bored. They checked their watch every minute.
"Are we there yet?" Kenji asked.
"No," Sendoh answered.
"How much farther is it?" Eiji asked.
"Still a way," Rukawa answered.
"When will we arrive?" the two asked simultaneously, not aware that their parents are annoyed.
"Okay, I'm banning those questions. Just wait patiently," Rukawa looked behind and scolded the twins.
They kept quiet for a while until Eiji opened his mouth, "Will I still be seven years old when we reach there?"
Rukawa couldn't take it anymore and Sendoh chuckled at his son's question. After long hours of driving and more complaints from the twins, they finally reached Kyoto – Sendoh's hometown.
"This place changed so much, right Kaede?" Sendoh asked.
"It still looks the same to me last time we came here," Rukawa replied, not excited at all.
"Wow! Kyoto!" for the twins, every first time is exciting.
"Papa, can we stop for a while? I wanna see the shops!" Eiji exclaimed.
"We'll do that tomorrow. Right now, we'll go to grandmother and grandfather's house first," Sendoh explained.
"Father, look! The cherry blossoms are so pretty!" Kenji said.
Rukawa just smiled at his boy. Ever since the twins were born, Rukawa's smile grew more each day. He didn't want them to see his gloomy face all the time. So he filled Kenji and Eiji's life with smiles and laughter.
"We're here!" Sendoh announced happily.
Sendoh stopped the car in front of a really big traditional house. The boys gasped in awe. They rushed out of the car to see the new surroundings.
"Akira!" a feminine voice called out.
"Mother!" Sendoh greeted her and gave her a hug. "I miss you so much. Where's father?"
"He's inside."
"Mother," Rukawa greeted when she saw him.
"Oh, you're here too," her voice sounded quite disappointed. Then she turned back to Sendoh, smiling, "Anyway, where are your sons?"
"Kenji! Eiji! Come and meet your grandmother!" Sendoh shouted.
The twins raced each other towards Sendoh and his mother.
"Grandma!" they hugged her. She almost fell from the impact.
"So, you two are my grandsons. Let me look closely at your face," she said. When she got a clearer look at the twins, she was shocked.
"What's wrong, mother?" Sendoh asked.
"They look like Kaede," she looked at Rukawa then back at the twins.
Remember she doesn't like Rukawa. Rukawa muttered something under his breath.
"Grandma?" Kenji and Eiji looked confused.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm so glad to meet both of you," she smiled at them. "Let's go in to meet your grandfather."
The boys skipped along their grandmother into the house.
"Kaede, are you sure you're alright?" Sendoh asked his husband.
"Yeah. I've been though it once. Don't worry about me," Rukawa told him.
Sendoh smiled and kissed him. He's certain somehow this vacation will be fun. When Sendoh's father saw the twins, his reaction was same as his wife. Luckily the twins didn't notice the change of expression on their grandparents' face.
"I've got two rooms ready…" grandma said.
"It's okay, mother. The twins sleep with us. One room is enough," Sendoh replied.
"Well, okay then. You'll be sleeping in your old room."
Meanwhile, the twins are having a conversation with their grandfather at the living room.
"So, how old are you?" grandfather asked.
"Seven!" they answered enthusiastically.
"What is your favourite sport?"
"Basketball!" they smiled widely.
"Why am I not surprised?" he glanced at Rukawa.
Rukawa pretended he didn't notice. Just then, Sendoh and his mother entered the living room. Sendoh took a seat beside Rukawa.
"What do you boys want for dinner?" grandma asked.
"Sushi!" they said simultaneously.
So, they decided to eat outside that night. Sendoh drove them to his favourite sushi shop, which is owned by his uncle.
"Welcome," the waiters greeted them.
"Uncle Tatsuya!" Sendoh called out to the chef.
"Akira, is that you? You're grown so tall!" his uncle said, giving Sendoh a hug. He had to look up at Sendoh since he's quite short.
"I haven't seen you all in a long time," Tatsuya then gave his brother and sister-in-law a hug. Then he noticed two kids beside Sendoh. "And who might these cute little boys be?" he bend down so that he's at the same eye level as the twins.
"They're my sons," Sendoh said.
Eiji and Kenji were a bit shy and they hid behind Rukawa's legs.
"Haha, they are so cute! And you are…" Tatsuya turned to Rukawa.
"Rukawa Kaede. It's a pleasure to meet you," Rukawa bowed.
"My husband," Sendoh smiled proudly, putting a hand around his shoulder.
"Is that so?" Tatsuya rubbed his chin while 'examining' Rukawa. "I see your taste hasn't change much."
That remark earned a frown on Rukawa's face.
"Uncle Tatsuya!" Sendoh playfully punched him on the shoulder.
"Alright!" he turned his attention to the young boys. "I bet you're hungry. I'm going to prepare the best sushi for you boys to feast on."
"Yay!" the twins exclaimed.
After dinner, the twins were exhausted from the day. They went straight home.
"Can I sleep with them tonight?" grandmother asked.
"Mother, I don't think…" Sendoh started but was cut off by his father.
"We just want to spend more time with them. It's not like we get to see them everyday," grandfather said.
"Kenji and Eiji are not that easy to be put to sleep," Sendoh explained.
"It's okay. I can handle it. How difficult can it be?" grandmother said confidently.
"Grandma, what happens next?" Kenji asked.
"Nothing. The story already ended," she said.
"Then tell us another story!" Eiji added.
"But you already heard seven stories," grandfather said. "It's late. Let's go to sleep."
"We're not sleepy yet. Grandpa, please tell us another story!" Eiji pulled on his grandfather's sleeve.
"But I don't know anymore stories."
"I know, I know. Can I tell?" Eiji said. "Once upon a time…" he continued without even waiting for them to answer.
"No, I want to tell a story," Kenji said. "Grandma, do you want to hear mine? It's about a frog and…"
"I think that's enough stories for tonight, dear," grandmother said, feeling tired already.
"No more stories? Then, let's sing!" Eiji suggested.
"That's a great idea!"
"But I can't sing!" grandpa said. "Let's just sleep, okay?"
"Grandpa, I can teach you. I'm really good at singing!" Eiji said.
"I sing better than Eiji and papa!" Kenji said, trying to compete with his brother.
"We can sing tomorrow morning. It's late, we'll wake the neighbours," grandma tried to coax them.
"It's okay. We'll sing softly."
The twins began singing nursery rhymes softly complete with hand movement. Grandmother and grandfather have no choice but to listen to their grandsons. They wondered how Rukawa and Sendoh put them to sleep. In the other room, Sendoh was enjoying his peaceful moment. Rukawa on the other hand was listening to the twins singing.
"I think I should bring them back here," he said, worried about his parents-in-law. They are definitely not getting any sleep tonight.
"It's okay. Mother can handle it. Finally, a night when I can sleep without tucking them to bed," Sendoh smiled.
Rukawa was glad for this too but he's afraid the old couple couldn't take it.
"Come on, Kaede. We should enjoy this moment before they push the boys back to us," Sendoh grabbed his husband's hand and pinned him on the bed. "I haven't done this in a long time," he said and began kissing Rukawa's neck.
"A… Akira!"
Before he could proceed, the door slammed open. Both of them were shocked. Sendoh muttered something under his breath. He immediately got off of Rukawa.
"I can't stand it anymore!" grandfather shouted.
"I think you two will do a better job than us. Here you go," grandmother pushed the twins into their room and shut the door.
"Er… did we do something wrong?" the boys asked innocently.
Sendoh only chuckled while Rukawa sighed.
"Come on," Rukawa gestured them lie on the futon. "How many stories did grandma tell you?"
"Only seven. She doesn't know any more stories," Eiji said, sounding disappointed.
"Papa, don't you hear at least 11 stories a night when you were younger?" Kenji asked.
"No actually. Only both of you do," Sendoh said, kissing their foreheads. "Then let me start, one day…"
And so, the actual night routine of the Sendoh-Rukawa family began.
Sendoh woke up the earliest the next morning. Rukawa and the twins were still sleeping. After 11 stories and seven songs, the twins finally fell asleep. Sendoh washed up first before going into the kitchen.
"That's weird. Mother should be awake by now," he said to himself when he saw no one in the kitchen. 'I wonder if they couldn't sleep last night because of the twins,' Sendoh thought. 'We did talk until four in the morning.'
"Oh, Akira. You're awake."
"Morning, mother," Sendoh greeted her. He noticed she's still in her pajamas and there's black patch under her eyes.
"I overslept," she yawned. "I have to prepare breakfast."
"It's okay, mother. I can do it. Go back to sleep," Sendoh smiled.
"Seriously, I don't know how both of you can make them sleep every night."
Sendoh laughed, "We're used to it."
Grandmother couldn't go back to sleep so they prepared breakfast together. Soon, the twins were woken up by the smell of breakfast. They quickly ran into the kitchen to see what's cooking, before Rukawa could ask them to brush their teeth.
"Morning," Sendoh kissed their cheeks.
"Good Morning, grandma!" the twins greeted their grandmother. "Grandma, what's that?" Kenji pointed at the pot.
"It's boiled vegetables and grilled fish," grandma explained. "Haven't you eat it before?"
"No, usually it's just cereals for us," Eiji said, standing on the chair to get a better look.
"Akira, don't you cook them healthy breakfast in the morning?" grandma asked.
"Uh… Kaede and I are both working. So we don't have time to prepare this for them. Plus they don't like this kind of breakfast," Sendoh said.
"That's not true!" the twins said. "We never get to eat this!"
"Akira, you can't do that! They are both growing boys. You should give them enough nutrition," and grandmother started her long story about how she always kept Sendoh healthy. Sendoh tried to bear with her lecture. The twins however seemed very interested in traditional Japanese breakfast.
"Papa, how come you never let us eat Japanese breakfast?" Eiji asked.
"That's right. What if we got not enough nutrition? We can't play basketball!" Kenji supported his twin.
'Why, you two? I've been forcing you to eat Uozumi's food and now you said I never let you?' Sendoh thought.
After a while, grandfather and Rukawa entered the kitchen only to hear the twins bicker over the fish. Grandfather is starting to get a headache from all the noise. He's not used to the twins quarrelling even over the smallest thing like who gets to walk into the bathroom first.
"Oh no, I forgot to pack your toothbrushes," Rukawa said.
"It's okay, father. I can use this!" Eiji hold up Rukawa's toothbrush.
"That's mine… Kenji!" Rukawa saw that Kenji had already started brushing his teeth with Sendoh's toothbrush. He slapped his own forehead then decided to let them do what they want.
They spend the rest of the afternoon in Kamogawa, a river where Sendoh used to swim when he was younger. The twins were so filled with energy, they chased each other around the river. They happily jumped into the river and started splashing everywhere.
"Father, come swim with us!" Kenji said.
"It's okay. Have fun!" Rukawa replied.
He stayed on dry land with grandmother. Sendoh had joined them in the water and they are playing 'shark'. Grandfather stood at the riverbank, laughing at them. Rukawa looked so happy seeing his family like this.
"You really make a good parent," grandmother suddenly said.
Rukawa looked at her, surprised.
"I apologise for not treating you kindly before. It's just that I never thought Akira would be happy with a man," she explained, looking at the kids.
"I love him and the twins dearly. I'll never let them be sad," Rukawa said.
"I'm glad," she finally smiled at him after all these years.
After that, they had lunch prepared earlier by grandmother. By the end of the day, they twins were exhausted. They slept in the car all the way back to the house. They spend the rest of their holidays by going to the Heian shrine and the twin's favourite place – the zoo. Time passes by so fast for the twins, now it's time to return home. Eiji and Kenji are reluctant to go back to school since they had so much fun in Kyoto.
"Grandpa, grandma, can we come back again next year?" Kenji asked, hopefully.
Grandmother smiled at him, "Of course you can."
"Yay!" the twins cheered as they hugged their grandparents.
"Kaede, Akira. Both of you did a great job," grandpa told them.
Sendoh smiled while Kaede nodded. He's very proud of his boys. Then, they put their entire luggage in the car and are ready to go.
"I'll see you again, mother, father," Sendoh hugged his parents.
"Akira, you must visit us more often," grandma started crying.
"We will, mother," Rukawa said.
"Bye, grandma, grandpa!" the twins shouted from the car.
Grandfather and grandmother waved at them as Sendoh drove out of the house compound.
"I'm going to miss them so much," Kenji said.
"I can't wait for next year's summer holiday! Come, let's sing!" Eiji said happily.
Sendoh glanced at his husband. Rukawa was smiling as he watched the twins sing enthusiastically. Then he turned to Sendoh.
"Maybe going back to Kyoto is not so bad after all," Rukawa said.
"I'm glad you feel that way," Sendoh smiled.
And they sang throughout the whole journey home.
-End-