A/N: I want to thank Pewz for being the first person to leave a review and follow this story. It means a lot to know that someone out there is enjoying my take on this what-if scenario. I hope this chapter delivers on expectations!

Promise Me

Nobody said a word for what felt like an eternity, but in reality it must have only been a few seconds. Akihito and Tsukiko stared in shock at Natsuo and Rui as they stared back with determination in their eyes, still holding each other's hand tightly. Hina and Jou looked on with concerned expressions, ready to chime in if needed, but not wanting to be the first to say anything and break the tense silence.

"Wait... what did you –" Akihito began but was cut off.

"You what?!" Tsukiko asked through her teeth as she clenched her fist hard enough for her knuckles to go white. "What do you mean you've been dating since autumn of the year before last? You mean since your third year of highschool?" She continued after taking a shaking breath, obviously trying to not completely lose her composure.

Rui nodded before she replied, "That's exactly what we mean, we've been dating since the Fall Festival during our last year in highschool. We're sorry for hiding it from you for so long."

Tsukiko's eyes narrowed slightly as she nearly spat, "You're sorry? The two of you have been hiding something like this and you're sorry?"

Rui flinched slightly at her mother's tone and squeezed Natsuo's hand unconsciously. Natsuo took this signal and spoke up, "We know we should have told you both sooner... We realize that now, and if I would change anything about this it would be that."

"That's what you would change?! You wouldn't stop yourself from pursuing a relationship with your stepsister?!" Tsukiko seethed.

"I'm the one that made the first move mother... Natsuo didn't. And it wasn't something that just happened overnight. I started developing feelings for him a long time before we started dating... I didn't realize what it was at the time, but it started just a few months into all of us living together," Rui replied with a reminiscent expression.

Tsukiko's eyes widened at this as she muttered, "Since back then... but that's..."

Hearing her trail off Natsuo added, "I also didn't realize I was developing feelings for her, and she actually told me how she felt a good while before we started dating... it just took me until then to understand how I felt. I promise you, this is not something that we just rushed into."

Tsukiko was silent as she contemplated their words, after a moment she turned to Hina and Jou and said, "You two don't seem very surprised about this."

Jou replied first, "To be honest Tsukiko, I had a feeling there was something developing between them when I first met Natsuo-kun back when he came here to check on Rui. They weren't dating at that point, and based on what Natsuo-kun said just now he hadn't even realized how he felt yet, but I just had a sense there was something there. They didn't tell me when they did start dating, I just happened to catch them kissing when I stepped out for a smoke break one day," he paused to chuckle a bit at the memory before continuing, "I knew that with them being in a relationship they'd be in for a rough time, but it was on them to decide whether to reveal it or not, so I promised to keep their secret."

Before Tsukiko could speak again Hina chimed in, "Rui told me when she first thought she was developing feelings for Natsuo-kun, and I found out they were together not long after I came back from Oshima for good. It was a shock for sure... but I saw how much happier Rui seemed once they were dating and I also promised to keep their secret. Rui really blossomed after that, surely you must have noticed how much she grew as a person from the moment she and Natsuo-kun first met."

Tsukiko's eyes widened again hearing Hina's words, she and Akihito had found out about Hina and Natsuo's relationship while she was still his teacher, but they hadn't revealed this. To hear Hina supporting the relationship between Rui and Natsuo was a true shock, but she also couldn't deny what Hina had said: Rui had been such a reserved person and shut off from others before, the comparison now was like night and day. "Did her feelings for Natsuo really have such a profound affect on her?" she thought to herself.

The silence began to stretch on until Rui nervously prodded, "Mom?"

This snapped Tsukiko out of her thoughts and she muttered, "This is just... I don't know if..."

As she trailed off Akihito spoke for the first time since his initial attempted question. He had closed his eyes in thought and now opened them, looking squarely at Natsuo and Rui as he said, "I just have one thing that I need to ask. Do you love each other, are you serious about this relationship?"

Without hesitation Natsuo replied, "Yes. I love Rui, with all my heart. I've never been more sure of anything than this. I know that we didn't handle this as well as we should have, but moving forward we want to be open about our relationship. We would prefer to have your approval doing so."

When Natsuo finished Rui added, "Natsuo and I had a fight when I first got back a few days ago... it was bad. After talking it over though we realized that one of the main causes of the issues we fought about was the stress of keeping this a secret, and of having to be apart even before I left for training. So we decided to tell you now, and that when I come back after training I'll be moving out of the house to live with Natsuo, so that we can live like a normal couple. I love Natsuo, it's because of him that I've come as far as I have, and I don't want to have to hide how I feel anymore." As Rui finished the two looked lovingly towards each other, squeezing each other's hand tightly again.

Akihito was silent for a moment before letting out a sigh and replying, "Well... I can't say that I'm thrilled to have this dropped on us out of nowhere like this... But if you two are serious, and that resolved –"

"Are you saying that you're okay with this Akihito?" Tsukiko cut him off, her expression telling all that she was extremely torn on this situation.

Akihito turned to her and responded, "I know that the optics of the situation are less than favorable... but if they make each other happy then I don't want to stand in their way. I mean, look at them, I don't know how we didn't see it before."

Tsukiko drained the rest of her wine glass and abruptly stood up while saying, "I need some air." With that she quickly made her way towards the door.

"Mom wait!" Rui gasped out and made to follow her, but Jou placed his hand on her shoulder.

"You know how your mother can be Rui, she doesn't handle shocking revelations very well," Jou said solemnly before turning to Hina, "Let's go. You and I both promised to help, so let's go talk to her."

Hina nodded to her father as she stood up and said to Rui, "Dad's right, let us handle this for you. I'm sure we can calm her down and then we'll bring her right back. You can rely on us."

"Dad, Hina-nee.. thank you," Rui said in appreciation with tears forming in her eyes.

Hina simply nodded to Rui before she started towards the door, while Jou paused for a moment to say to Akihito, "Thank you for saying what you did. I know this situation is crazy, but I know what these two have is the real deal, I wouldn't be backing them up if I didn't think so. I'm sure Tsukiko will see that too." With that he followed after Hina in pursuit of Tsukiko.

There was an awkward silence at the table for a moment before Natsuo broke it by saying, "Dad... again, I'm sorry that we hid this for so long... and thank you for being as understanding as you are."

"Yes, thank you Fuji-san. I know we've both already said it, but this wasn't something that we rushed into or just did on a whim. It was a relief to hear you say what you did," Rui added gratefully.

Akihito smiled at the pair as he replied, "Well I do wish you two had been more upfront about it... and it's going to take some time to fully accept it... but my concern first and foremost is your happiness. If being together makes you happy, then you have my blessing. When Jou and Hina-chan bring Tsukiko back in I'm sure she's going to be a little harsh, but if you keep speaking from your hearts like you have been, I'm sure she'll come around."


Outside the restaurant Tsukiko had walked down the street a bit to sit on a sidewalk bench, to breath and collect her thoughts, "This is too much! First Natsuo and Hina get into a relationship that nearly cost them everything, and then he and Rui start dating?! What is this? Some kind of romance manga?!" she shook her head at the craziness of the thought before continuing, "And Hina and Jou both knew? And Akihito is so easily accepting it...Can I really let this happen? Was marrying Akihito a mistake after all?"

"There you are, I'm glad you didn't go too far!" Hina called out as she approached her mother, Jou not far behind her.

"Hina? Jou? What are you two doing out here?" Tsukiko asked as they both sat beside her on the bench.

"What, did you think we'd just let you stew out here by yourself with all of this going through your head?" Jou asked in return with a sympathetic smile.

Tsukiko hung her head and looked down at the ground as she replied, "I'm sorry... it was too much, I started to get dizzy. I needed some fresh air and to think for a bit."

"It's okay mom, we all understand. It's a lot to take in all at once, I was pretty floored when I found out. But once I had some time to think about it, and saw how they are together... I realized that's what mattered: how they make each other feel. I decided that I'd do whatever I could to support them, I want them to be happy," Hina said as she put a hand on her mother's shoulder.

"Hina..." Tsukiko muttered as she looked up at her, "Are you sure? I thought that you –"

"I'm sure," Hina cut her off before she could finish that thought, "They both mean to world to me, so helping them is what I want."

Tsukiko smiled at Hina's resolve, she was forgoing her own personal feelings for the sake of Natsuo and Rui. "I see, you're such a sweet person Hina, I'm proud of you," Tsukiko said with a small smile before turning to Jou and asking, "And what about you?"

Jou sighed as he leaned back against the bench, looking up at the sky as he replied, "Back when I first bumped into Rui, and then she asked if she could work at the restaurant, and ended up staying here for a bit... she looked worried and sad. But when Natsuo-kun came to check on her... Tsukiko her eyes were shining, and I'd never seen her smile like that before. I knew then that he was special to her, and with how worried he was I knew he felt something too even if he hadn't figured it out yet. I think that even then I had decided: "If this is what makes Rui happy then I'll back her up". And then when they actually started dating Rui looked happy all the time, she'd be walking around with a smile on her face without even realizing it, and I want to preserve that. I know it's a messy situation, but I think that under all of the panic you've got going on that you see it too. I'm not saying you have to fully accept it immediately, it'll take time for sure, but I think if you really try to understand them it will make it easier."

Tsukiko couldn't help but laugh a little at how serious Jou had said this, given his normal laid back attitude and appearance. As she stopped laughing she said, "It's not as though I didn't see the signs, looking back on it now. I think I just didn't want to see it, because it would make things easier if they were just close as step-siblings..."

As Tsukiko trailed off into silence Hina asked, "What are you going to do mom?"

There was silence between the three of them for a moment before Tsukiko also looked up to the sky and replied, "I'm going to sit here with you two and enjoy the night air, I'm going to think a bit more and then we'll head back in so I can ask them each something. Do you two mind staying out here with me?"

"Gladly!" Hina replied cheerfully as she relaxed in her seat.

"Not at all," Jou paused as he stretched a bit before leaning back again, "Take all the time you need Tsukiko."

"Thank you," Tsukiko replied quietly as she breathed in the cold night air, finally getting her thoughts organized.


About fifteen minutes had passed since Tsukiko had left the restaurant, Hina and Jou pursuing her. The conversation at the table had settled into a fairly comfortable, though still slightly awkward one. Akihito had asked if Natsuo was going to stay at his current apartment or if he'd start looking for another one for he and Rui to move into, to which Natsuo replied that the tentative plan for now was that they would live in the current one and save up while searching for a better one once they had a better idea of their budget once Rui was back.

"I see, that's not a bad idea. Getting a grasp on what kind of budget you two will have before making a move like that is probably for the best. I'm glad you two are thinking ahead," Akihito said with a hint of pride.

"We may end up staying there for a while, since it's so close to Natsuo's college and it's not too far of a commute to here or the other restaurant dad is opening so regardless of which I'm working at it'll be convenient distance," Rui added with a smile.

Natsuo nodded while saying, "That's right, so if we decide we want to find another place in our budget we'll look around the same area for that reason."

Before Akihito could say anything they heard Tsukiko address them as she approached with Hina and Jou, "Thinking ahead about a place to live? That's good to hear."

Rui was the first to respond to her, "Mom... are you okay?"

As the three rejoined them at the table Tsukiko bowed her head towards Natsuo and Rui as she said, "I'm sorry for walking out on the conversation. You didn't deserve that."

Rui shook her head as she replied, "It's okay mom, you don't have to apologize. We understand."

"Yeah, we did blind-side you after all. I think that's a pretty normal reaction honestly," Natsuo said in agreement.

As Tsukiko raised her head again she took on an even more serious tone than before and stated, "Rui, Natsuo, I understand from what you said before that is not something you did on a whim. I also can't doubt your feelings for each other thinking back on how I've seen you two interact. I just have one question for each of you, and I want you both to answer me honestly. If your answers calm my concerns then you'll have my blessing."

Rui and Natsuo looked at each other and nodded before turning back to Tsukiko and said in unison, "We understand."

"Good," Tsukiko said shortly before taking a breath and continuing, "First Natsuo. What are your intentions with this relationship? I want to to know how you view this relationship going into the future."

Natsuo closed his eyes to organize his thoughts, wanting to make sure he didn't misspeak during this response. After a moment he gave his answer, "This isn't something that I'm taking lightly. This isn't just about dating a cute girl, or for satisfying physical desires. I love Rui, and I fully intend to be in a relationship with her with the intention to marry her someday. For the last year and a half I've not been able to imagine a future that didn't involve that. If I'm not able to get over this writer's block, or if I do but I'm not able to make a living off of just my writing then I'll find a stable job as well in order to not be a burden to her. That is my intention Tsukiko-san."

A small smile graced Tsukiko's face at hearing this response, and the same was true for the others present. The sole exception to this was Rui, who was positively glowing at hearing Natsuo openly declare that he intended to marry her in the future.

"I see, thank you for answering honestly Natsuo," Tsukiko said softly before she turned to Rui and continued, "Now Rui, I want to know one thing: why Natsuo?"

If Rui was surprised by the difference in the question being asked of her, she did not show it as she replied, "Before I met and fell for Natsuo...I didn't know what it meant to love someone. I couldn't understand why people did stupid things because they were in love. I thought love songs were silly and pointless... I just didn't understand. But ever since I fell for him I've learned so much: how it feels to love someone, to be loved by someone, the pain of unrequited love, dreams of a future with someone... and what caring for someone else truly means. I was only able to come to understand all of these things because of Natsuo, and that is why."

Everyone around the table had tears forming in their eyes hearing Rui's answer, Tsukiko included. She wiped her eyes and started making her way around the table while saying, "Stand up you two, please."

Natsuo and Rui got out of their seats hesitantly as Natsuo asked, "Uh... what for Tsukiko-san?"

When Tsukiko reached them she pulled them into a tight embrace, Rui letting out a surprised, "Mom?" as a result.

"You two have grown up so much... it's going to take time to fully get used to this, but you have my blessing. Please, promise me you'll take care of each other," Tsukiko said in a quiet but warm tone.

Rui choked up at hearing her mother's approval and returned the embrace and replied, "We will mom, thank you so much."

"I promise Tsukiko-san, thank you," Natsuo replied also returning the embrace.

Watching Tsukiko embrace the young couple from the side, Jou leaned over to Hina and asked, "Well, I think things turned out pretty well. I was worried that they wouldn't be able to convince them, that would have been a lot for Rui to leave on."

"I was worried too, but I had faith they could do it. And I agreed with them that they shouldn't have waited any longer to tell mom and Fuji-san. Keeping it a secret was causing them so much pain," Hina replied with a smile, not taking her eyes off them.

Jou watched Hina carefully as she gave her response, he'd been trying to figure out what Tsukiko was trying to ask her outside when Hina had cut her off abruptly, but he hadn't wanted to ask about it. He had his suspicions, but thought to himself, "That's a whole can of worms that we don't need to open up. She seems like she is genuinely on their side in this, and that's what matters right now."

As everyone took their seats again Natsuo spoke up in realization, "I'm sorry everyone... looks like our food may have cooled a bit."

Jou laughed at this statement before he responded, "Don't worry about that Natsuo-kun, it'll be just as good if reheated properly. In the meantime however, I think everyone could use something sweet and maybe another drink or two. What do you all say?"

Akihito replied, in a relieved tone, "I think that's a great idea. Any recommendations?"

"Well, not to brag, but I think our tiramisu is one of our best desserts. And the wine that we all had for the toast pairs pretty well with it as well," Jou replied with a smile as he looked around the table knowingly.

Rui and Hina unconsciously grew very excited smiles at the thought their father's tiramisu while Natsuo replied, "That sounds good to me, I actually haven't had a chance to try it yet."

Tsukiko turned her head towards Natsuo as she added in, "Well that settles it then! I think it would be the perfect way to top off this meal."

"I think we're all in agreeance then Jou, and I think another exception regarding the drinks for Natsuo and Rui-chan is in order," Akihito said with a chuckle.

"I agree," Jou said as he stood up, "If you'll excuse me, I'll go get our dessert while I have the server bring out some to-go containers and more of the wine." With this he made his way towards the kitchen, talking to their server on his way.

Within a few minutes the server had brought containers to transport the remaining food and refilled everyone's glasses with fresh wine. Shorty after, Jou returned balancing a pan of tiramisu on one hand and a stack of dessert plates on the other, proudly stating that he had prepared this one himself just for the occasion. The rest of the meal proceeded with a jovial, though still slightly awkward air. Though having given their blessings Akihito and Tsukiko would shift awkwardly anytime Natsuo and Rui would act as a couple, as a result they were being mindful to keep it subdued still for their parents' sake. After finishing their dessert and drinks, the group made their way to the exit, escorted by Jou so he could say his goodbyes to everyone.

"Everything was delicious, please give our compliments to the staff for us Jou," Tsukiko said she was getting her coat back on.

Jou smiled proudly at his crew's compliment, "You can be sure I will. They'll appreciate that very much, especially after I surprised them by saying I'd be one of the patrons they were cooking for tonight."

"I'm going to have to start coming here more often, I'll tell my coworkers and get a whole group to come!" Hina cheered happily, having maybe a touch too much wine.

"The more the merrier Hina, and word of mouth is some of the best advertising after all. You take care getting home," Jou replied while pulling Hina in for a quick hug.

Akihito took Jou's hand in another friendly handshake as he added, "Thanks for everything Jou, it's always a pleasure."

"No need to thank me Akihito, the pleasure was all mine," he replied while returning the handshake.

As the rest of the family made their way outside Natsuo and Rui lingered for a few more moments to say their thanks and good byes. Rui took the initiative and embraced her father first, to his surprise as she said, "Thanks for helping dad. I'm not sure what you and Hina-nee ended up saying to mom when you all went outside, but it seemed to have really helped her calm down. So again, thank you."

Jou smiled warmly as he returned his daughter's embrace and replied, "You're welcome Rui, but honestly it was you and Natsuo-kun who really won her over, Hina and I just softened her up for you. I'm glad things worked out tonight. You two have something special, don't take it for granted."

"We won't Mikimoto-san, we're finally able to be open about how we feel. We're not going to waste that," Natsuo replied with determination.

Jou's smile grew into a wide grin as he extended one of his arms and pulled Natsuo into the embrace as well as he said, "That's what I wanted to hear Natsuo-kun! I'm looking forward to how you two's future will be... maybe I'll be grandpa before long!" This last part added with hearty laugh.

Rui immediately blushed brightly as she stammered, "D-dad! W-hat are you d-doing saying something like t-that?!"

"Yeah! We haven't even talked about kids, that's not going to be for a long while," Natsuo added in a panic and rivaling Rui's blush.

Jou let loose another laugh as he released his hold on them and teased, "I know I know. But I didn't hear either of you say a definitive 'no' to the idea." When he saw both of them glance towards each other hesitantly he added, "In all seriousness though, if you two ever need anything else do not hesitate to ask me. No matter what it is."

Both of them assured him that they would ask him for assistance if they ever needed it going forward before they said their goodbyes and joined the rest of the family outside and started making their way to the station.


Later that night...

Natsuo and Rui were laying in bed, settling down for their last night together for the foreseeable future, Natsuo on his back while holding Rui close, she using him as her body pillow. Rui was absentmindedly tracing shapes on his chest with her finger when Natsuo said softly, "I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too, but looking forward to when I come back and we can start living together is going to help. I'm going to enjoy getting to fall asleep like this every night very much when I get back," Rui replied she snuggled even closer.

Natsuo leaned forward to kiss the top of Rui's head as he said, "I think that's going to be one of my favorite things about that. While we're on that topic, do you want me to move your stuff over ahead of time or would you rather wait until you get back?"

"Hmm..." Rui paused to think for a moment, "I think it would be okay to move some stuff in advance. I'll make a list on the flight tomorrow and send it to you, I'll figure out what to do about the rest after I get back. Wouldn't want to clutter the apartment too much before I'm even there."

"Sounds good, at least that way –" Natsuo started to reply before Rui suddenly gasped, jumped off the bed and bolted out of the room and down to the hall to her room, leaving Natsuo with a confused expression.

A few moments later Rui returned holding a small, wrapped package as she muttered, "Sorry about that... I kinda forgot about this with everything that happened the last few days."

"It's okay, you just surprised me is all. So what is it?" Natsuo asked as Rui sat back down on the bed and held it out to him.

"It's something I made for you, go ahead and open it," Rui pushed while blushing slightly.

Natsuo took the package and opened it carefully, not knowing what to expect. Once he opened it completely he found a small pile of carefully packaged chocolates. He looked up to Rui's face, noting she looked a little nervous and asked, "You made these for me?"

"Well... I'm not going to be able to be here for Valentine's Day, but I wanted to make sure I gave you chocolates..." Rui responded as she smiled.

"Thank you, I'll be sure to have something delivered to you," he paused to eat one of the chocolates before saying, "You're amazing, you know that?" Natsuo asked.

Rui looked to the side, blushing a bit again as she mumbled "Flatterer..."

"Only for you," he replied while closing the package and setting it on the nightstand. "We should get to bed though, we've got to get up pretty early tomorrow for your flight," he added while taking hold of Rui's hand and pulling her back into their previous position as he laid down again.

Rui sighed as she got comfortable again and said, "You're right. I wish I had a few more days though."

"I do too, but it's probably good to let dad and Tsukiko-san fully process all of this. They gave us their blessing, but I could tell they were still uneasy when you said you'd be sleeping in here tonight," Natsuo replied.

Rui giggled a bit at this as she said, "You're right. I know it will take some time but I'm glad we told them, we should have a long time ago."

Both grew silent as they felt their bodies drifting into sleep, the exhaustion from the day finally catching up with them. They shared one last kiss before they fell into a comfortable slumber, free of the stress they'd been under since their relationship began.


The next morning...

"You didn't forget anything did you? We can ship it over if you did," Akihito asked while the family was waiting with Rui outside the ticket gate of the airport.

Rui shook her head as she answered, "I've got everything, but if I think of something I'll let you all know right away. Thank you."

Hina pulled her into an embrace as she tearfully said, "I wish you could have had more time home, but I know how much this means you. Keep working hard over there Rui."

"That's right, we're all so proud of you. When you come back we'll have a proper celebration for the occasion," Tsukiko added as she smiled warmly.

Rui nodded in determination as she replied, "I will, and thank you so much. It's another thing to look forward to when I come home." As she said this her gaze drifted over to Natsuo, who was patiently waiting for Hina to release Rui.

Hina, catching on to this, let her go and then began guiding their parents away while saying, "Alrighty, I think we should give these two love birds a moment of privacy." The rest of their conversation was quickly drowned out by all the other noise in the area.

Rui had a deadpan expression as she watched them walk away and muttered, "Thanks Hina-nee... about as subtle as a brick."

Natsuo laughed as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and said, "Very true, but I do appreciate her. I need to give my girlfriend a proper goodbye after all."

Rui leaned back into his chest as she replied, "That you do. I won't accept anything less."

"Well then, I better give it my all," Natsuo said as he turned her around and cupped her face as he leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss. Rui immediately leaned in closer, both pouring all of their feelings into this kiss. For them it felt like both an eternity and an instant before they had to part for air. Keeping their foreheads touching Natsuo asked, "So? How was that?"

Rui smiled lovingly as she replied, "Perfect. I love you."

"I love you too," Natsuo said in return before they shared another kiss. They were drawn out of the second kiss by the announcement that the boarding for Rui's flight would be starting soon. With a sigh Natsuo said, "I guess it's time for you to go."

"It is... I'll message when you I get there. I'll be pretty busy the first few days back so I might not be able to talk much," Rui said with a small hint of sadness.

"I understand, don't worry. I'll be a bit busy too helping Forester. They're starting the initial planning for the Spring production and I've missed a few days," he paused as she saw the guilty look on Rui's face and added, "Don't worry, they'll understand. Now, you need to get going."

"I know... well, take care of yourself. And make sure you eat properly while I'm gone. I don't want to come home and find you've been living off instant meals," Rui said with a pout as she started moving towards the gate.

"I will, I promise. No need to pout," Natsuo teased.

"Time to go... Talk to you soon!" Rui said as cheerfully as she could, a beaming smile on her face.

Natsuo nodded as she replied, "Talk to you soon, and you better show them you're the best over there!"

Rui give him a nod a of determination before she passed through the ticket gate and he lost sight of her in the crowd. With a heavy sigh he turned and walked back towards the exit, seeing the rest of the family waiting in the distance, Hina waiving to make sure he spotted them.

Natsuo smiled and gave a small wave in response as he thought, "I already miss her, but once she's back we can properly start our lives together. Even if I can't get over this writer's block... everything will be okay. I'm sure of it now." As he rejoined the others and they made their way out, Natsuo turned his mind to the conservation that he'd promised Rui he'd have with Serizawa, to make it clear where she stood. He let loose an internal groan as he though, "This is gonna suck..."

A/N: My basic idea for the overall conversation with the parents was the conversation Natsuo and Rui have with them later in the canon series (I admit I basically took what Rui said word for word from what she said to her mom after the initial talk because it was perfect), but with the added backup up Hina and Jou keeping the situation more under control. I think this, plus it not being a double whammy reveal with what else is revealed in the canon would make it easier for the parents to process.