A/N: Thanks to everyone who favourited, followed and reviewed (I'll be ingoring the spam reviews that appeared, too bad I can't delete them...). And thank you for your patience.
Anyways, I'm sorry for the long break.
I'm splitting the chapter I originally wanted to post as one, because it's getting too long and I don't want to keep you waiting too long.
Enjoy!
What it's like to be a parent: It's one of the hardest things you'll ever do but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love. ― Nicholas Sparks, The Wedding
If you can make a woman laugh, you can make her do anything. ― Marilyn Monroe
I am coming to terms with the fact that loving someone requires a leap of faith, and that a soft landing is never guaranteed. ― Sarah Dessen, This Lullaby
In an individual sport, yes, you have to win titles. Baseball's different. But basketball, hockey? One person can control the tempo of a game, can completely alter the momentum of a series. There's a lot of great individual talent. - Kobe Bryant
The next day, Haruka prepared delicious breakfast as a way to get on Taiga's good side again. It didn't seem to work that easily, because the boy retreated back to his room straight after eating and Haruka was left alone with Aya. Wiping his hands after washing the dishes (which was still a very strange activity for him); he leaned against the counter with a heavy sigh.
"What?" She looked curiously at her father, not really expecting an answer.
"He's still sulking…" Haruka sighed again, watching her drying the plates and bowls. "Why is he still sulking? Didn't you say he was food motivated?"
"And he is." She shrugged. "But he's apparently taking this more seriously. Let's face it: one breakfast is not enough. In other words, he'll be sulking for a while. Deal with it."
"Tch… Fine… So then….where exactly did I go wrong?" He asked reluctantly.
She put down the dishtowel. "I've told you already! For starters, you didn't play seriously with him, but you did with Daiki? Really? Come on, what reaction did you expect?"
"What do you mean?"
"He's your son and you were clearly more interested in Daiki's skills yesterday. FYI, the two are like arch-enemies. They tolerate each other because of me, but when a match between them comes, they'll try to tear each other apart."
"How was I supposed to know?! Damn! ... Tch… Sorry, I just… I wasn't aware. But that guy is–" He had no idea he'd been so obvious, or that it would be a problem. He'd read too little to the boys' weird relationship. "Tch." He wouldn't praise him. But Daiki was on a whole different level than Taiga, for now at least, and it got him excited like a teenager. He hadn't thought about anything; he'd just enjoyed the game. And he knew that Daiki was holding back as much as the boy could manage. Just where did he learn to play like that?
"Amazing?" She supplied with a mischievous grin and proud sparkle in her eyes, amusedly watching the way Haruka shuddered, "I know, but you could've guessed they're not buddies; you've seen the game. It basically ruled Seirin out of the Interhigh. And Taiga is way too protective of his friends. He feels as if he let them down."
"It couldn't be helped, he was injured."
"Yeah… right. And he's still angry at himself for the injury. But he wants to win next time. And you can help him, yet you don't take him seriously… The great Kagami Haruka… His father. Disappointing, isn't it? … Kyou kicked his ass the last time they played. I think he expected you to do the same. Still is."
"Easier said than done. Sadly, I'm not 20 anymore." Haruka groaned and rubbed his face desperately. It was so hard to understand his kids again. But at least they were all trying, talking.
"That doesn't matter and you know it." Aya put the last bowl into a cupboard and leaned against the counter. "Well, it's Taiga. He's a stubborn mule like you, but he won't be sulking forever. … Still, it might be too late for you to coach him once he stops."
She didn't have to tell him that. They were all stubborn when they wanted to be. Annoyingly so. He exhaled heavily. "When does the winter cup start?"
Interested now, old wolf? "Three weeks from now. Then there is a month between the prelims or the selection rounds, whatever you call it, and the finals."
"Enough time to prepare him for that boy of yours."
She raised an eyebrow at him teasingly.
"Not. A. Word." He warned her. "I still don't like him."
"Sure you don't. That's why I'm going over to his place rather than inviting him to this hostile environment…"
"WHAT?!"
"Well, I need to go get ready." She grinned and walked away from him, to change from her pyjamas, ignoring all the complaints. She couldn't wait to see Daiki.
######
Michiko and Daisuke came home together way past dinner time. Michiko had gotten held up at work dealing with a very difficult case while Daisuke had been patiently waiting for her in front of the hospital with Akari.
They announced their arrival like usual and expected the dogs to come down to greet them, but the house was suspiciously quiet and dark. No dogs running down, no music or TV, nothing. All lights were off too. Daiki's shoes were there, so… "Is he home or what?" Michiko asked worriedly.
"Aya-chan's here too, I believe." Daisuke smirked and pointed at a pair of shoes out of place.
"Oh…" She glanced at the clock; it was almost ten in the evening. "Doesn't she have a curfew?"
"I don't think she does." He hummed, then noticed Michiko's raised eyebrow. "Do you mind her in the house dear?"
"What?" She frowned. Why did he sound like he was blaming her for something? "Yes!" She protested, and then bit her lip. "No… Yes… A bit… I like her a lot, but I've been working more than 16 hours a day for three days in a row. I'm tired! I want to take a long bath and relax, not entertain a guest…" She pouted. She really liked the girl, and usually positive, even after long shifts but… today was not a day she would tolerate anyone outside their family. No… She needed a bath and a good sleep in her husband's arms.
Daisuke sighed and kissed her forehead. At least she was honest with him. He knew Michiko took her patients really seriously and often got involved with their lives and stories they had to share. It was especially hard on her when there were kids in the ER, or when someone died there. And when a child died there… Thankfully that wasn't the case today, but still, there was one very neglected and hurt child Michiko wanted to take care of and protect.
"Maybe they're sleeping? They did have the sport's festival and participated in it. It is taxing, plus they were out with the dogs at least for three or four hours." He tried to find rational excuses to make her feel better. Personally, he didn't mind the girl's presence in their house at all, no matter the time or day, not really. She was nice, kind, intelligent and the girlfriend of their grumpy son. She was a good influence on Daiki's attitude and even his grades. The teenagers didn't need to be entertained… But right now he understood Michiko's reasoning. Their jobs could be difficult and take a toll on them once in a while. "I'll go check up on them. And I'll offer her a ride home, is that okay?"
"Mmm… I can't meet anyone else today… Not today…" She looked down and fiddled with the hem of her jacket.
"That's okay, my dear." He smiled at her as they walked to the kitchen to get some quick cold dinner. "Oh… someone made us real food." His eyebrows arched up in surprise. Daiki rarely cooked, so this was most likely Aya's work. The food was neatly wrapped and put near the fridge, as if the kids had wanted to put in there later in the evening, but forgot.
Michiko blinked at it. With two possible outcomes of this gesture, she thankfully picked the positive one and smiled. "And there I wanted to cast her out right away…" She muttered, unwrapping the dinner and putting it into the microwave. "I'm starving."
He sighed in relief. "Me too. Let's dig in, and then I'll go check up on them."
She nodded, and they waited for the food to warm in comfortable silence.
After they wolfed down everything, Michiko went straight to the bedroom to get her pyjamas and then vanished into the bathroom. Daisuke went to check up on the two teenagers.
He chuckled when he saw them curled up with the dogs on a futon on the ground, watching some movie on Daiki's laptop. The movie had ended hours ago, but none of them woke up to switch it off. "The dogs aren't allowed on the bed… You sure spoil them and teach them how to bend those simple rules…" He shook his head and turned on the light.
As expected, Daiki woke up immediately. "Wha'?!" He jolted, sitting upright and waking up Aya and the dogs in the process. Shiro and Kurome both yawned and stretched. He rubbed his eyes and frowned at his father. At least they weren't caught naked or something. "Home already?"
"Already? Do you know what time it is?" He asked with the typical light humour in his voice.
"Hm?" The girl took a bit longer to get over her dreams. She rubbed her eyes and wiped the corner of her mouth. "Wha' time is it?" She asked Daiki and yawned.
"Past 10 PM." Daisuke answered and she snapped her head towards him.
Taking that information in, her eyes widened. She certainly didn't plan to stay this long. "Oh no! I'm so sorry! We fell asleep." She apologised quickly and frowned. She looked at Daiki and asked reproachfully: "Why did we?! Why did you let me?!"
"Tch, don't blame me. You need the rest too."
"But homework!"
"Gee' just don't do it for once." He usually didn't do his homework, so something like that didn't bother him in the slightest.
She opened her mouth to snap back at him, but Daisuke cleared his throat loudly, getting their attention before it could spiral into a real argument.
"Hey, no worries, Aya-chan. I'm sure you're going to be fine. One forgotten homework never killed anyone."
"Ah… No, it hasn't, but I usually don't forget..." She said, trying not to sound angry. She was more nervous than angry though. She was still sleepy and tired, she could still feel Daiki's warmth on her; yet it was late, way too late for her to still be there. Daiki's dad actually came to check up on them. Her phone flashing with missed calls and messages wasn't helping it. Missed calls from Haruka, Taiga or Derek didn't surprise her, but Suzume did. She ignored her best friend because she was sleeping? Why hadn't the buzzing of the phone stirred Daiki up? "Tch, why didn't you–" then she noticed she switched off vibrations too, "–no, forget it." I turned off everything… What an idiot!
"Everything okay?" Daisuke asked carefully, before Daiki could retort something in his typical way. His son was probably not fully aware of the possible argument here. 'Not a word.' He mouthed to him.
"Mmm…" She typed a few messages to everyone at a lightning speed. She looked at Daisuke, who was still wearing his uniform, and Akari dutifully standing by his side. "I need to go." She got up and collected her hoodie.
"Do you need a ride home?" He offered.
"No need. I've already asked Derek to come pick me up at the station, it's fine. I don't want to bother you and I can take the little walk." I should've left a long time ago… She knew about their work schedules and she was a bit angry at Daiki for letting her sleep. She was sure he'd been up a few times and just let her… when he knew she wanted to get home after that short 20 minute movie. Homework or whatever.
"Are you sure? If I drove you you'd be home faster."
"And you much later. No. I can't ask that from you, Daisuke-san. Derek is employed to drive our pampered asses around, so why not give him work to do?" She joked with a crooked smile. It didn't come out as lightly as she'd want, well, she tried. And even if she was angry, she still leaned down to give Daiki a quick goodbye kiss on the lips, and ruffled the dogs' fur. "Bye bye. And sorry, I've stayed this late."
She passed by Daisuke and ran down the stairs to see herself out. She shouldn't have been there for this long. She loved the cuddles, she loved spending time with him, relaxing in his arms, but she had responsibilities to meet too. She needed to be there for Suzume too. And she shouldn't barge into his family life. Not like this. She loved Daiki's parents, and because of that, she didn't want to be a bother to them; she understood that they probably wanted to relax and be alone after the weekend of hard work. She was definitely going to have a cigarette on the way to the station.
Daiki blinked at the empty spot she'd left and licked his lips. That was quick. He was a bit unsettled about all this. He shook his head, and looked at his dad. "Mom?" He asked after greeting Akari, which finally relaxed and came to the room to say hello to her packmates.
Daisuke smiled and walked into the room too, sitting on Daiki's chair and petting the other two dogs. "In the bath. She had a rough day."
He frowned. Michiko never told him about her 'rough days', but he knew he needed to thread gently and carefully around her, or as gently as he could, and certainly no arguing. It was a mystery to him. He knew it wasn't good, but he didn't know what was really going on. It'd never bothered him enough to try figuring it out. It was his mom's work. He didn't question it. Until now. Maybe it was Aya's influence… he caught himself thinking about the cheerful girl laughing and playing with the dogs; he could never guess what she'd been through unless she told him.
"… as in?" He wanted to know.
Daisuke sighed and leaned against the backrest. "As in, she worked three days in a row for sixteen hours a day, give or take. She's tired. And you know her. Sometimes she gets too attached, sometimes she wants to solve people's problems for them, and sometimes that doesn't work the way she'd like."
Yes, he knew that and he didn't always like the nosiness of his mom. She always meant well, but sometimes… It wasn't needed, wanted or necessary. And in the end, it was Michiko who was hurt. By his retorts too, he was fully aware of that. "…what happened?"
"Ah, from what I know, and she probably didn't tell me everything; there is a neglected, underweight and abused child with bruises, untreated fractures, lice… The kid was found somewhere in a trash bin. Our department is going to be involved too; one of my colleagues went there to take a report and he is trying to figure out who left the kid there, who the parents are, but… I'm not so sure we'll find them. The kid is only three and doesn't talk. We don't even have her name." He let out a deep tired sigh. "I can't believe there are still cases like this in today's age. The kid is a real fighter though and finally in good care."
"Tch…" There were no words necessary between them, not really. Daiki hated injustice and his father knew. He'd punch those shitheads senseless. How could they leave a starving kid in a trash bin? How could someone do that to a kid?
"So, be nice to mom for a few days. I bet she'll go to the hospital tomorrow too, just to check up on the girl." Knowing Michiko, she'd be in the hospital every day until they discharged the kid, and even after that. The next weeks and months would be difficult. His wife got too attached to the child in a really short time. I can't blame her though...
"Mhm."
"And Aya-chan's gonna be fine." A small smile played on his lips. He'd had enough of bad news and negative topics for the day. "She gave you a goodbye kiss, which means it's not serious."
"Tch, yeah, yeah. I know." He waved his hand to disperse the words and blushed slightly, looking away from his dad and out the window, frowning suddenly. "Damn! I should've walked her to the station." He groaned; he didn't like it when Satsuki walked around alone after dark, yet he let Aya go on her own. Right, Aya'd left in a hurry and she didn't give him a chance to say anything, but… "Tch. Damn it!"
Apparently, it didn't cross Daisuke's mind either, as he facepalmed when Daiki pointed it out. Derek was coming to get her, so he was fine with letting her go alone; he hadn't thought about the way to the station. "And I'm a policeman… Nice, really nice." He grumbled. "It's probably too late to catch up with her now… She will be safe. It's Aya-chan, after all."
Daiki snorted and shook his head. "That's what everyone likes to think." He got up to go after her despite the odds.
"Write her a message; you really won't catch her now."
"So I won't, but I'll sleep better. Come on girls, you can take a potty break outside too." He tapped his thigh and all three dogs followed after him.
######
Daiki really hadn't caught up with her, but he didn't mind the walk. He liked autumn evenings. The air was fresh, and he didn't mind the chill. At a park near the station, he leaned against a tree and watching the three dogs playing he decided to write her a message:
'Did you get home safely?'
"Where are your leashes, young man?" An older lady gave him a stern look and picked her tiny pooch off the ground.
He waved the three leashes he was holding in his hand to show her he had them, but didn't bother using them. "They don't bite." He grumbled with an eye roll and called all three dogs, which obediently trotted to his side and sat, expectantly watching him.
The lady narrowed her eyes. Her pooch would never have this level of obedience… "I don't care; you're supposed to use it. This is not a dog park."
"Tche, yeah, yeah." He lazily attached the unnecessary leashes. "Shouldn't your Pochi be sleeping at this time?" He asked rudely with a raised eyebrow.
"Hmpf, let's go Ren-Ren." The woman huffed and turned on her heel to leave, obviously offended. "Unbelievable. What a rude, impolite brat." She uttered.
"Good night!" He poked one last time, smirking at the lady's annoyed huffs and puffs, and turned his attention back to his phone, where a message from Aya was demanding his attention.
'Yes, I'm home. No worries.'
– was her simple answer, but she also sent him a photo of her homework as a proof, with a crying, desperate smiley. He had no idea how to respond to that. So, he didn't. But he could go home with a clear conscience.
"Daiki?"
It took her the whole day to woman up and talk to him. She had almost been late for the first lesson, then she was dealing with an upcoming practice match and the boys had so many things to discuss and gossip about, especially the sports festival which was still the no. 1 topic in the school; it was hard for her to find a moment to talk with Daiki, who was lost in his own thoughts. He was lazily watching the heavy clouds outside or half listening to the talks and he didn't seem to mind the lack of attention.
"…mmm?" He didn't turn away from the window.
"Lunch at the rooftop?" She asked hopefully.
"Isn't it too cold for y'?" He glanced at her with a raised eyebrow and straightened up on his chair.
"No. C'mon." She got up, taking her lunch and walked out of the classroom, not looking back whether he was following her. She knew he was.
She opened the door and a burst of wind wildly whipped a few loose strands of her hair against her face. It surprised her and when she tried to tuck it back the wind almost slammed the door in her face. Almost. If it weren't for Daiki's hand stopping it.
"Do you still think it's not too cold?" He repeated amusedly.
"Eerrr, right…" She felt embarrassed; she should've looked out of the window when proposing this. "...let's just stay here. Shall we?" She decided. Not like anyone ever looked up the relatively dark and secluded staircase.
"Sure." He slumped down on the top of the stairs with a shrug and amused grin.
She sat next to him, playing with her chopsticks. "Uhm… sorry for yesterday." She looked at him apologetically. She really did feel guilty for blaming him. "I overreacted, I guess. You meant well when you let me rest."
"Hm?" He blinked; he'd forgotten about her tad fiercer behaviour the other day. They'd had a perfect make out session, a good rest and overall a great day, that she was a bit harsher… It wasn't something he'd keep in his mind for long.
"I'm sorry."
He looked her in the eye deeply and smirked, but it was much warmer than usual, "that's it?" He teased.
She narrowed her eyes, feeling the heat rising to her cheeks under his stare, but refusing to blush. "Not enough?"
"Hmmm," he rubbed his chin in thought, "I wonder… You were unfairly harsh to me, Sweetheart." It didn't bother him, but if he could use it to tease her...
"And I apologised for that."
He raised an eyebrow. "…"
"What?"
"That goodbye peck was totally neglectful."
"Your dad was there!"
"Excuses, excuses… you were just angry."
"If you continue this, I will show you angry."
He tilted his head to a side and glanced at her lips. "Will you?" It was cute when she was agitated. Not gravely angry, but…
"Urgh," she groaned in annoyance and rolled her eyes. Then she grabbed his tie and pulled him to her level, to kiss him properly.
He almost dropped his lunch in surprise when her lips ravished his. He should be used to her kisses, but unexpected ones and unexpected passionate ones like this one were still taking his breath away. It made him a little clumsy in responding. Aya ruled the kiss, delivering all her feelings for him and he loved it.
She pulled back with a content smile and licked her lips. "Well?"
"I might forgive you…" He said dreamily and placed his lunch next to him. He needed free hands.
Under that gesture she backed away a few centimetres from him. He was definitely planning something. "Might?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "Wasn't that proper enough for you?"
"That was for yesterday." He grinned. "Wasn't 'one proper kiss a day' your dating rule?"
"Oh, you got proper kisses yesterday. Lots of them." She gave him a sideways glance. "And we did a lot more than just kiss."
"And I do remember it quite well." He hummed, making her blush and blushing himself. "Still…this was for that weak goodbye…" He leaned closer to her, lifting her chin up. She was looking straight at him. Expectantly, hungrily, a bit worriedly.
"Don'…"
He pressed his lips against her before she could protest. He had an idea what she wanted to say, and he didn't need a reminder. She invited his tongue in and sighed in pleasure. But she didn't let him lead the kiss that easily. She straightened up to be on the same level and even managed to kneel, to compete with his height advantage. Sometimes she didn't like when he towered over her.
He smiled against her lips and his hands wandered to her waist, pulling her closer. He wanted to feel her closer. She pulled away to breathe, but he didn't give her much time.
"Don'… mmmhm," She put her fingers over his lips, yet stayed so close to him he felt her words. "… don't get too excited." She murmured, catching her breath.
With a smirk on his face, he licked her fingers teasingly. "Y' don't need to remind me. I know." When she didn't pull away her hand with a disgusting squeal, he kissed the tips of her fingers and pulled her towards him. "Just a bit more."
She nodded with a smile, enjoying his hands on her waist and hips. She understood what he wanted her to do. He was clearly leading her to a spot where he wanted her, so she threw one leg over him and settled on his lap. Her hands wandered into his short hair and she scratched his scalp gently.
He let out a quiet groan and tilted his head to kiss her again. She eagerly complied. Their hands roamed the other, dishevelling the clothes and luring quiet moans and satisfied groans from their throats. Daiki bit her lower lip with a deeper growl and then he buried his face in her chest, hugging her tightly.
"Enough?" She asked, she could feel he wasn't hard yet, but he soon would be.
"Mmm." He nodded, taking a deep breath, to calm down. He loved her scent, her warmth, her presence. He loved hugging her tightly like this. And he really appreciated her cleavage; even though he could feel the necklace through her shirt.
" 'kay." She hugged him around his neck and shoulders and rested her chin on top of his head, drawing lazy circles on his shoulder. She loved this too. His hair was so soft and smelled of shampoo and him.
"Can't wait for the weekend…" He hummed, already planning all he'd do to her during their weekend in Hamamatsu.
"It's in two weeks. And you'll be practising. I'm not sure you'll be usable in the evening." She teased, "oh, hey! Ouch." She slapped his back playfully when he bit her for that statement. "Just sayin'."
He sighed, because she might've been right. "At least on Friday, I will be more than usable. The practise then will be a short one."
"I don't doubt that." She chuckled.
He looked up at her and leaned backwards, resting on his hands.
"What?" She asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable straddling him, when he was suddenly that far, at the same time, she had to admit she liked it.
"You still don't mind comin' with us?"
"No. Why would I?"
"Your old man doesn't really support it…"
"So? I want to see your jiu-jitsu practises first hand. And Aiko-chan already called me, announcing she was going too and promising she'd teach me something." Of course, Aya was driven by the possibility to learn something new too.
His eyes narrowed, so Aiko was going to compete for Aya's attention with him? Challenge accepted. "If you want, I'll teach you something."
She laughed. "Then I'm looking forward to that. I'd love to know how to throw you over my shoulder or something. It looks so cool."
"Someone did their research." He chuckled, but he wasn't surprised. His beautiful woman knew how to throw a good punch, and probably a good kick. He wondered what exactly she knew, and he'd love to teach her more. Even though having a girlfriend who could throw him over her shoulder was kind of intimidating, it was also exciting.
"Oh, you know, Satsuki, Aiko, Derek, youtube, google, etc."
He shook his head and kissed her lightly on her cheek. He was happy beyond himself.
"And we should eat if we don't want to go without lunch." She pointed out and slipped off him, picking up her bento.
"Itadakimasu." They said in unison and dug in.
"Oh," she gulped forcefully, "and tell your mom I'm sorry I didn't greet her yesterday, but I didn't meet her… so…"
He blinked, and then nodded. "Right… She was in the bath, and she is sorry too. She just had a rough day at work."
"I can imagine. Nurses at ER are usually overworked and underpaid."
"Mhmm." He wasn't going to elaborate on the topic. Aya didn't need to worry about that kid, because she surely would.
"Are you joining us for the matches this weekend?"
"Middle school final league?"
"Yep."
"Saturday morning only. Then my parents are at home so…"
"Family time." She nodded in understanding. "That's okay. I'll probably make Haruka do something family-like on Sunday evening as well."
"Found Seth." Kyou told him without any greetings.
"Where?" Haruka asked curiously. Part of him believed the favourite "step-dad" of his children was dead or something. Now hearing the news, he wasn't sure if he liked it or not.
"London. About two weeks ago. He didn't make it hard to find him."
"And you didn't call me sooner because?! Whatever, when should I expect him back?"
"You don't sound too happy about it…"
"You know I don't like competition. Especially not when I'm just getting their trust back… And not so successfully. I'm an excuse for a father… Tche…"
"Huh, I finally hear some self-reflection? Good that you're trying. Don't worry; Seth won't threaten you. They love him, but they love you too. And you are the one who said Seth was needed again."
"Tsk, I should probably regret it."
"No. And you have more than a month, if you wanna know. Seth works as a cabby driver now, his contract ends on 30th November, we both know he will stay there until then."
Haruka nodded to himself. The idea of meeting Seth again was making him nervous. He might've been taller and bigger than Seth, but that man was from a completely different world. World, Haruka could never fully understand. "Was he angry at me?"
"Well, not exactly, but he might give you another punch when you'll be alone. So suck it up brother and take that punch like a man this time…"
"Hey!"
Kyou laughed on the other end. His brother could be funny.
"Where are you?" He asked curiously, and he could see his twin shrugging.
"Eh… travelling. In France currently. I need to get Kaito used to all this schoolwork and your in-laws and then I'm planning to explore the Silk Road."
"And you'll leave Kaito behind? With Keiko's parents?! Come on, Kyou, you can't be serious."
"Eerrr… I'm not sure yet... They don't mind and he has a horse too now, the kids took him in quickly...Well, and I want to take my time and he needs a proper education, not just travels, although I think it teaches him more than sitting in school… But I'll definitely be taking your couch on Christmas."
"Urgh, some couch surfer you've become." Haruka huffed. His twin rarely stayed too long in one place. Kyou loved freedom, exploring, adventures. He didn't have a place he'd call home. Home for Kyou were people he loved, not a defined place. Whether it was good or not, Haruka couldn't say or judge.
"That's the best way to learn about people." He chuckled and then sighed. "But I'll make a real permanent home for Kaito, should he want it. At least while he is a student. I don't want to make him 'that new kid'."
"Mmm…" He couldn't preach or advise anyone about parenting. He failed that job. "I've lost to that arrogant teen… Urgh…"
Kyou laughed heartily. "Daiki? Well, of course, I've lost to him too, though I didn't take it too seriously back then. Your knee?"
"Mmm, is he really that good?"
"You've seen it for yourself, twin. He's much better than we were at that age."
"Sponsorship worth?"
"Yes, but I wouldn't push it. Wait until he's second year… The national team under-19 will surely reach out to him too. And he might refuse you out of principle; he's that kind of a person."
"Figures… All right then, I'll wait and see. The Winter cup should provide me with a better overview of the youth basketball scene here."
"I'm glad you're back in business, brother. But what about the real business, the company?"
"I'm wondering about that too…"
"Are you still worried about the kid, Michi?" Daisuke asked and pulled his wife closer. He wanted her to feel supported, loved and not alone.
"Mmm… I go to see her every day, but she's so apathetic." She sighed and tried to hide in Daisuke's arms. "She'll stay in the hospital for a few weeks, if not months. We need to repair the wrongly healed fractures… Oh, poor child. Did you find out something? Her name at least?"
"…no, unfortunately, nothing. Have you thought of giving her a name?"
"Sort of… She's about to be with us for some time, so we've been thinking Kimiko or Kaede, there's a voting in our department… I don't like it. Name is not something you vote about."
"I would go with Kimiko, I think it would suit the kid."
"Mmm… Valuable beautiful child…" She hummed the meaning of kanji used to write that name. "That would suit a child that was discarded by their parents… but voting about it is still wrong."
"We don't know her name, we can't figure it out. And she deserves one, a beautiful one. No matter how she gets it, dear. You can't call her 'hey kid'."
"I know…"
"Kagami-san, welcome, good to see you again." Akashi Masaomi rose from his chair to properly greet his relatively new business partner.
"Good to see you again too, Akashi-san." Haruka bowed politely and they shook hands with professional smiles.
Although this was more of an informal meeting over a dinner, they were both wearing suits. It didn't surprise Haruka in the slightest; he had originally considered wearing something more informal and he was glad he'd decided against it, because the conversation would most certainly spiral around the business and new cooperation possibilities.
When they took their seats opposite each other a young waitress was right there handing them menus, offering drinks, and generally taking care of them. Whatever they asked, the waiter could respond, and he'd swear the young woman knew the whole menu, ingredients and recipes of the meals by heart.
"Oh, I've missed the hospitality." Haruka hummed when the waitress left to get a bottle of Sake for them. He'd prefer whisky, but he didn't want to insult his host's hospitality. He would even let Masaomi choose the food and everything. He was the one invited, and he was sure Masaomi had planned everything when he'd arranged the meeting in this classy restaurant.
"You have spent too much time abroad."
"I know. I was away for too long." He said, thinking about his kids. He hoped Masaomi couldn't read it in his expression. The party at Fairchilds' had been their first meeting, but after talking with the man, Haruka became fond of him and felt strangely comfortable around him. Masaomi had a pleasant demeanour; the man was polite and although he was strict and conservative to the bone, maybe even cold, he was fair and straightforward. Those were qualities Haruka cherished. It was highly unlikely Haruka would get backstabbed by him.
After the aperitif and initial small talk, they received the first course. The discussion turned from food to business, as expected. Over the second and third course they talked mostly about their business plans, sharing new ideas about international cooperation, comparing different business models and ideas about financing. There were also some disagreements, some difficulties they'd need to bridge, some different laws that needed to be considered and whatnot. But they were sure they could figure it out. Both of them had enough experience and knowledge.
There was however, one thing bothering Masaomi. And after a moment of thinking in silence, he needed to voice it. "I still have one major concern, Kagami-san." He said carefully, spinning the sake in his cup. He didn't want to insult his partner.
"And that is?" Haruka raised an eyebrow curiously.
"How do you plan to deal with all this? When you are here? With your kids?" In his opinion, the leader, the CEO, was supposed to be among his employees, lead firmly but also by example. Keeping loyal employees when not being present was difficult; he knew. After all, 'When the cat's out the mice will play.'
Fair enough… "I dare say I have a very reliable person taking care of my duties at the company, with whom I consult almost daily, and I can do this remotely." He said with certainty. Lindsay was probably the most trusted person in his life at the moment. He fully believed in her skills, she'd proven herself so many times he had no reason to doubt her. But he could understand Masaomi's concerns, so he wasn't going to try and sweep it under the rug. "But please, tell me what exactly are your worries about this situation and what would you suggest?"
Masaomi smiled, this was precisely what he liked about the former basketball player and the bear of a man sitting opposite him. He was proud, he was strict, cold too, but he was open to discussion when it came to business. If a man believed he knew the best in everything, Masaomi wouldn't deal with them, wouldn't trust them. But those who wanted to get better, who listened to the ideas and concerns of the others… Those were successful people. He saw Haruka like such a person. But… He'd heard rumours… He noticed a change in the man.
Masaomi downed his cup to gain some time, collecting his thoughts. He needed to tread lightly. "If you will excuse my straightforwardness now, and I do not want to insult you… You have changed since the summer. And frankly put, I do not think you are 100% aboard with all this. The plans and ideas are great, we can make it work and we can make a great profit out of it, but I have a feeling your priorities have shifted. The business is not in your first place. You are a very skilled businessman, but I would like to know your true standing right now."
Haruka let out a low chuckle, downed his sake, poured another one for both and stared at the liquid for a moment. "You are a sharp man, Akashi-san." Masaomi was right; this was not on Haruka's list of priorities right now. The company was his business, more than ten years of his hard work, but when he saw at what costs to his private life, it lost a lot of value. In these past few weeks with his kids, he slept better than in those past ten years, he felt calmer, more at ease… He could rest, he could be with them. That was his first priority right now. And even though his company had some ties with the sports industry and basketball, he was too detached from it, only signing sponsorships and such. He couldn't remember the last time he went to see a live basketball match. Strangely, he wanted to get back there, go to the gym, and see a match, be among other sportsmen. It seemed much more interesting than doing business. And he wouldn't lie to his partner; that rarely did any good.
He sighed and looked at his hands, then back at Masaomi. "Yes, I would rather focus on different things right now," he admitted, "but being a leader, there are people dependent on me. I employ them, I'm responsible for them. I cannot just get up and leave it all behind. Many of them have spent years with me, building the company with me, I cannot ghost them. That's not what leaders do."
"Hmmm, but we are all mortal, all replaceable, are we not?" Masaomi asked in deep thoughts, swirling the sake in his cup. "Sooner or later we will leave everything behind, will we not? It is the same for all of us, you, me, even our children."
"..." The last time he'd philosophised was with some members of his team, with Keiko… But Masaomi was kind of right. He didn't know if his children wanted to inherit the business, if they wanted to be involved with it. Aya had been involved, still was, but only because he wanted her to, not because she'd decided for it on her own. What did his kids want in the future? What were their dreams? "We will, indeed, all of us, but what are you suggesting? That I should leave?"
"Mmmm, I do not know and do not dare to say. It is up to you and your decision. But if you decide that this is not your path anymore, I will be here to help you with your business, to help your successor, whomever you choose, if you want."
Haruka raised an eyebrow. "You mean like buying it?"
"Maybe, maybe not. I am not sure, but I will do my best to keep your company afloat, with all the employees, shall you decide to move on. You have my word."
######
"Tadaima!" Haruka shouted when he got home late at night. He wasn't sure if anyone was still up.
"Are you drunk?" Aya looked at him from her homework, when he walked into the kitchen (more stumbled than walked). She expected something like this when Derek returned home alone, saying he had to drop Haruka off in Hiroto's bar. "Seriously…" She shook her head in disbelief.
"Uuuuh… Noooou." He denied vehemently, but had to lean against the wall to keep his balance. His whole world was spinning. Literally, and figuratively. Masaomi implanted so many questions into his head that he continued to the bar for some whisky. It wasn't a smart move, but he had no idea what to do. Hiroto was the best listener he knew. By chance, Katsunori had been there too, relaxing after a difficult day in school. The company of those two didn't help him sort his thoughts in the slightest, though it made him thoroughly drunk.
"Right…" She hummed sceptically. "Taiga and Derek are both sleeping already; try not to wake them up. They had a difficult day."
"What ar' y' doin' up?" He asked and sat opposite her.
"Homework? I went to see the first round of middle school matches tonight. And I want to have the weekend free. Plus Lindsay asked me to review some of Thalia's work. But I believe it will be well done. The girl's improved so much in the past few weeks."
"… You' been helpin' he'?"
"Yeah?" She shrugged. "You're scary for newbies. Especially for someone like Thalia who basically took over my responsibilities. She was freaked out of her mind when delivering you the first few reports."
"I'm sorry fo' that… I'm j'st toooo huge…" He sighed and rested his head on his folded arms. He was staring at Aya's notes and neat handwriting. But his eyelids felt heavy like lead. He was tired, so tired.
"That has nothing to do with your size." She chuckled softly, Haruka looked almost cute. Still wearing his spotless suit and coat, sulking a bit. "And you frown at them too much."
"Ha? I don'!" He protested, looking up at her, frowning.
"Yeah! You do! Just like right now! You're frowning at me."
" 'm not." He huffed.
"Are too." She laughed.
He huffed. "… 'm I?"
"Mhm. You should smile more… And not that professional smile no.3 of yours. The genuine one, saying you really mean it." She said with a warm smile. He was drunk; he would probably not remember this conversation in the morning. Still, it was kind of nice, genuine. Haruka was talkative, funny and sulky when drunk.
A corner of his mouths turned upwards and his eyes dropped back to Aya's fingers that were holding a pen. He yawned widely. "… Y' look like… y'ur ma,… y' know… it?" He asked heavily with a small smile, his eyes closed and his breathing steadied.
"Yeah, I know, but I look more like you, ol' man." She sighed and got up to fetch him a blanket, hoping he wouldn't crash from the chair, because she certainly didn't have enough strength to drag him into the bed. And she wouldn't wake up the others.
######
"Derek?" Taiga knocked on Derek's door.
After a moment of shuffling, the door opened. Derek was sleepily rubbing his eyes. "Yes?" Well, it was past midnight.
"Please come and help me with the drunkard… I can't take him to his bed alone, he's too heavy." He sighed and pointed towards the kitchen where Haruka was soundly sleeping at the table, covered with a blanket. It must've been Aya's doing. It didn't surprise him she'd left Haruka to sleep out there, still… She could've woken him up. "Old fool…."
"Hair of the dog?" Aya asked him the next morning, putting a coffee and a glass of whisky in front of him.
Haruka glared at her, pouring the whisky into his coffee. He was still in his suit and he had no idea how he'd gotten home, or how he'd gotten into his bed. His head was pounding, he felt sick and he wanted to die. Thankfully it was Saturday, and he didn't have to do anything. "Were you still up, when I got home?" He grumbled and squeezed his temples.
"Nope, when did you get home?"
He shrugged, and regretted the gesture immediately. "Urgh… Doesn't matter…" Thankfully he hadn't woken them.
"Sleep it off, I'm going to watch some matches with Satsuki and Daiki, I'll be back after lunch and I'll make you some chicken soup, 'kay?"
He didn't have strength to protest.
"And go take a shower; you stink like an old drunkard." She ordered him mercilessly.
"You can skip practise in the afternoon, right?" Daiki asked her during a short break at afternoon practise, where he showed up to everyone's surprise. "We need to leave right away to be there in time for dinner, and the short evening practise." Two weeks passed like a flash for him. He couldn't wait for the weekend with Aya.
"Yeah, I already told Katsu and Satsuki, and I'll tell the boys tomorrow morning." She smiled excitedly. "Is Kise coming too?"
Daiki frowned at that. "No. Thank gods, no." But truth to be told, he would feel better if he had a sparring partner. Without Kise coming, he wasn't sure with whom he'd end up practising. Not that he cared, but having someone familiar wasn't bad at all.
"I just thought that's something you do together… Ah, never mind." She shook her head; she had no idea where the model popped up from in her head. "Do I pack something special?"
"Sexy underwear maybe?" He teased with a smirk.
"I didn't mean it like that!" Aya protested with a blush. Of course she'd take something he'd like…
Daiki laughed. "Doesn't mean you can't pack sexy underwear." He said with a nod. Honestly, he liked her sports' bra and simple bikini panties too, but the dark lacy underwear he got to see just turned him on much more. "Hmmm…" He got lost in his thoughts about half-naked Aya. "Maybe something white?" He proposed, looking at her as if he could see through her clothes. He'd like to see her in a white bra.
She gave him one of her looks. "White, huh?" Not quite her favourite, but sure, she did own a few white pieces… "Sure, fine." She shrugged. "And now back from naughty… Do I need anything, aside from the usual? And the white undergarment?"
"Nope. I guess not… Hmmm… You don't need to bring pyjamas… But I guess you know that."
"What do you mean I don't?" She tilted her head in question. "And please don't tell me we'll be sleeping naked."
He blinked at her; he should've made that comment himself! "You've been to a Japanese hotel before, right? Ryokan... They provide you with a yukata you can sleep in. Most of the time. We also had it in the hotel during the Interhigh, but…" He didn't want to be the only one sleeping in it.
"Really? Uhm… I've been here for a few competitions, but we usually stayed at Shiranuis', Hiroto's or I just ignored it in the hotels before…" She bit her lip. "I don't know how to wear it." She admitted begrudgingly. … and I never had a reason or time to try it…
"What?!"
She huffed. "I didn't grow up here, sorry." Yeah, Daiki liked history; he liked traditional things, though no one would guess that.
"Tch… Unbelievable…" He shook his head in disappointment and sighed. "I'll teach you how to wear the one provided in hotels, but how to wear a regular women's yukata, you'll have to ask Satsuki or Aiko, or Ohno, I guess. It's more difficult to put that on–" he frowned at her, he didn't like that sparkle in her eye, "–what?"
"Nothing…" She grinned. "Aomine Daiki, teaching me how to wear traditional clothes… I can't believe a day like that will come…"
He blushed. "Shut up."
Imayoshi popped up next to them. "Something interesting?" The captain asked curiously. The two were chatting quite a lot during the practise that day. He got suspicious.
"No. Nothing." They said in unison.
"Mmmm…." He hummed and turned around, clapping. "All right! Let's continue!" He ordered.
"He'll get it out of Satsuki." Daiki grumbled.
"I know." Aya sighed and pushed him towards the rest of the boys.
"Tch."
"Now go, Ace, teach them a lesson."
######
"Daiki?!" His father called out to him from the bedroom in the evening, when they were packing for the jiu-jitsu seminar.
"Mmm?!" He didn't bother leaving his room.
"Take a judogi for Aya!"
"Huh? What?! She's only watching!" He protested, though knowing Aya… He wouldn't be surprised if she joined the practises. "She'll drown in it!" He added.
Daisuke sighed; he shouldn't need to explain himself. "Not the one you wear now! Urgh, take the one from four years ago. That should fit her well!"
"Mom turned it into rugs, right?!" That was the usual fate of old clothes. Especially old judogis, they soaked up water well, so the old, worn out pieces were used to wipe floors, or wash windows, or turned into dog toys.
"NO!" Michiko joined their conversation from the kitchen. "It's stored in the middle drawer in the guest room! It should be clean, but if you think it smells from dust, throw it into the washing machine I'll turn it on!"
"Hai!" He shouted back. His mother was a magician, knowing where everything was…
######
"Taiga?" Aya rapped at his door in the middle of the night. "Can't sleep?"
"Mmmm…" He turned to face her. There were times he hated this twin thing. Of course she could feel he couldn't sleep and neither could she which made him feel responsible for her lack of sleep. "Don't worry. Go back to sleep."
With a huff she jumped into his bed and wiggled under his blanket, seeking warmth. "You know I can't when you're like this."
"Like what?" He asked grumpily. He wasn't too happy she forced him to make space for her, and took a part of his blanket.
"Angry? Worried? Dunno… If it is that game with Daiki, you can't be angry at father and sulk forever."
"That he cooks doesn't mean I'll forget it. Or forgive it. I don't need his help."
She sighed. It's been over two weeks. Taiga rarely kept sulking for that long. "He played with Daiki, yeah, but…" But you want his help, dummy…
"I fear…I can't beat him. Ever."
"Daiki?" She asked to make sure. "Well, do you want to?"
"Yeah…? Of course I do. I have to!"
"Then do everything you can. I'm not doubting you, Taiga. You have the same potential, but you'll have the prelims first; you need to focus on that now. Whether you face us or not, that's still in the future. If you focus on Daiki too much, you might not even make it that far… For you and for your team, it is important you focus on the here and now."
"Mmm…"
"Don't overthink it. Really. I know what I'm talking about, Tai. Focus on what you can do for your team, practise the left-handed handling and you'll be just fine. You're not playing alone. You're not winning alone."
"I know, I just… I don't want to disappoint them." He admitted, turning on his back and staring into the darkness.
"Realising your position of the ace?" She asked with a smirk he could hear. Responsibility, victory, loss… It weighted on aces and captains more than the rest of the team. "That's good. And you won't disappoint anyone. Ask Haruka to play with you during the weekend. I won't be here, so…"
"Keh, I don't like that idea."
"What idea?"
"You leaving us here alone?"
"Oh come on, three men can survive without me. You're all great cooks and it's only three days, two nights. You're actually glad I'll be out of here."
"I'm not glad when you'll learn some other crazy fighting skills." He huffed. "As if you need them…"
"I'm not gonna test them on you."
"Oh, don't lie! Of course you will."
"I won't! I promise! Daiki will be my victim this time… After all, he wants to teach me stuff…"
"Ew, stop. Please don't tell me what he wants to teach you!"
"Hey!" She slapped his shoulder. "Stop imagining dirty things, perv!"
"I'm trying not to! But you're not making it easy telling me about your relationship. It's disgusting."
"I'm not telling you anything intimate, moron! So stop your imagination! Stop it!"
"Not possible! You don't have to say it! We're twins! I hear it loud and clear."
"Urgh! You're unbelievable, you know it?!"
"WILL YOU SHUT UP?!" Haruka shouted half-asleep from across the hall. They woke him up, although he couldn't make out the conversation, it irked him.
"TELL HIM!"
"TELL HER!"
They shouted in unison. Then they exchanged glances and started to laugh.
"SERIOUSLY!" Haruka didn't think it was funny. "SHUT UP!"
"Do we shut up?" Taiga asked her quietly.
"We should let him sleep." She nodded.
"And don't try any jiu-jitsu moves on me when you get back."
She sighed. "Promise."
"Good."
"THANK YOU!" Haruka bellowed when he assumed they decided to cooperate.
They burst out laughing again, which quickly turned into fighting for the blanket – as silently as they could, of course.
A/N: It's shorter than the past few chapters, I know, but... the split... I hope it was enjoyable, it foreshadows some future chapters.
The title of the chapter is... well... if there are better ideas, let me know, I'll change it. I'm not sure about it at all.
There should be one one more chapter (I'm currently working on it) and then we get to the winter cup - finally! - and I believe I should be able to write faster. But, no promises - work, family, etc...
Let me know what you think and remember, reviews are appreciated, but never necessary.
S.