When Kazuma went back into the house, Kunimitsu was sitting in the living room, waiting for him. And between Kazuma's facial expression and the fact he was alone, it wasn't too difficult to guess that things hadn't ended quite as Kazuma would have hoped.
"What happened, Kazuma?" Kunimitsu asked, rising and heading into the kitchen as Kazuma sank down into his usual place at the table. And Kazuma sighed, watching across the hall as Kunimitsu pulled out the tea things.
"I may have just made things worse," he admitted, and Kunimitsu looked back at him with a frown.
"What makes you say that?"
"I tried to explain why I'd never told Kyo, and Hajime just kept taking it as meaning I was afraid to tell him. Even though I kept assuring Hajime that there was no way either of his parents would be upset with him, he said that if I hadn't told them about me, then he couldn't believe I actually thought that."
Kunimitsu was quiet, and for a little while all that either of them could hear was the rapid whisking sound of Kunimitsu stirring up the matcha. Then he walked back into the living room, handing Kazuma the tea cup and sitting down beside him.
Kazuma took a drink, grateful for the steaming beverage. But he was frowning as he looked at Kunimitsu, not liking the way the other man was studying him. "What is it, Kunimitsu?"
Kunimitsu was silent for a moment longer, then he sighed. "Do you wonder if maybe Hajime has a point, Kazuma?"
Kazuma gave him an appalled look. "Why on earth would I? Of course he doesn't, I'm supremely confident in Kyo, and Tohru too. I can't imagine them every being disappointed in Hajime, no matter what."
"Not that point, Kazuma, the other point," Kunimitsu said, looking at him reproachfully.
That time, Kazuma stiffened, and his response was short. "No."
Kunimitsu was giving him that same disbelieving look, and Kazuma felt compelled to defend himself. "We've talked about this, Kunimitsu. It wouldn't change anything for us, or for them. Not really. So why change the way things are?"
"Because he's your son," Kunimitsu said quietly. "And you deserve to be able to be yourself in front of him."
Kazuma's attention was rigidly fixed on his tea. "I am myself in front of him, as I have been for almost his entire life. Him knowing wouldn't change anything in how I behave."
"Then why not tell him?"
"Because I don't need to tell him."
Kunimitsu had the hint of a smile playing on his lips, and Kazuma narrowed his eyes at him.
"I hate to break it to you, Kazuma, but you sound like a little kid when you say things like that."
"I do not," Kazuma said stiffly. "I am simply stating a fact. Kyo knowing about us wouldn't change anything about any of our relationships, and telling him would serve no real purpose."
Kunimitsu was quiet again, then he said. "Kazuma, you know I try not to get in the middle of your family stuff, and I don't plan to start now. I've always said I'm ok with what you're ok with, and I mean that. But I've gotta say...I kind of think Hajime might be right. I think you're afraid."
Kazuma sighed. "Kunimitsu, you're being absurd."
"No, I really don't think so. Maybe telling Kyo won't change anything, but by that same logic, it wouldn't hurt anything, either. You've always said it didn't matter, but I think it does, for both of you. And it clearly does for Hajime."
Kazuma stared down into his tea, wishing Kunimitsu was making less sense. Wishing he could keep arguing that he was wrong.
Kunimitsu sighed, then reached out and wrapped his hand around Kazuma's as they held his tea cup. "Like I said, it's on you, Kazuma...but I think that whatever you've been telling Hajime, me, and yourself, this is a whole lot more important than you've been wanting to believe.
That night, Kazuma lay awake in the darkness long after Kunimitsu had fallen asleep, Kunimitsu's soft, regular breathing a gentle contrast to the agitated thoughts racing through Kazuma's mind.
Talking to Hajime had been hard...but strangely freeing. Kunimitsu was the only other person who knew most of what he'd told Hajime, and actually being able to tell someone, to relive those moments, to smile, to see Hajime had smiling for him...that had all been wonderful.
But things had ended so poorly Kazuma couldn't enjoy that catharsis. Hajime had been so upset, and so accusatory; Kazuma had defended his reasoning, but after talking to Kunimitsu afterwards, he found himself questioning everything.
Was it true?
Was he scared?
Kazuma sighed, thinking about Kyo and about everything they'd faced together, good and bad. About everything Kyo had ever shared with him, good and bad.
And the more he thought about it, the more he found himself wondering...how much had Kyo held back, at any point in his adult life?
Had he ever held back?
Kazuma thought of their many conversations, via telephone and video chat. Of when Kyo's family would come to Tokyo and Kyo would immediately seek out Kazuma, to sit and talk.
'Master...I've decided I wanna move away, after I graduate. To find a dojo, far from here, where I can work, and train, and just learn to live in the world, away from the Sohmas. Do you...do you think it's a good idea?'
'We've got it narrowed down to two little houses, Master. Tohru and I are thinking this one, what do you think?'
'I went down to the dojo for the first time today, and met the rest of the staff. Pretty sure at least one of 'em thinks I'm just a kid, which sucks. But I'm gonna show 'em, don't worry.'
'Dad...I'm gonna ask Tohru to marry me.'
'I had that dream again...the one of the night before Mom died. I can't make them stop!'
'I'm only here 'cause of you, Dad. Just you being there for me...it's the best birthday gift I could ever ask for.'
'I'm pretty damn happy right now, but having you here to see it makes it all that much better.'
'I owe him so much, my dad. Without him, I'd never be able to be here, never be able to be holding Tohru's hand.'
'That's right, Godan! Pretty cool, I know.'
'We're having a baby! I'm gonna be a dad, Dad!'
'Something happened and they have to deliver the baby right now and I wasn't there! She's lying in there and I'm out here and I can see her and I wasn't there! I didn't even get to talk to her, I didn't get to tell her it was gonna be ok!'
'Dad...this is Hajime.'
'I just wish I knew what the best thing to do even is, you know? Do I try to push her more? Should I try talking about Grandpa more? Does she want to talk but's scared she'll get too emotional?'
'You can sure as hell say that again, Dad. We're more than ready to move, and the sooner the better. But I just sent you one more picture, if you want to check that one out.'
'I know I'm supposed to take it easy, I'm the one who was in the damn hospital! But it still fucking sucks, you know?'
'So, it's a pretty good thing I'm at my peak now, Dad, 'cause thirty is gonna be a hell of a year for us.'
'I'm scared, Dad. It scares me, any of 'em knowing. And it always has. I wasn't human, and that's...a lot. And that's honestly the easy part. I've gotta tell 'em...the rest.'
Kazuma closed his eyes, listening to Kyo's voice echoing in his head. Happy. Excited. Sad. Angry. Terrified. Resigned. Good things and bad things, big moments and small. Things he'd shared, openly, honestly, usually without prompting.
'I've gotta tell 'em.'
Kyo had been talking about the Zodiac Curse, and his children. He had sat there in front of Kazuma only a few years ago, looking so much like a scared teen that it was hard for Kazuma to process as he'd told Kazuma of his plans to tell Hajime about the Curse. Not because he wanted to, but because he felt he had to. And Kazuma had encouraged him, supported him, and told him he was doing the right thing. Hajime was Kyo's son, and it was time that he knew.
'I've gotta tell 'em.'
Kunimitsu shifted in the futon, and Kazuma felt the arm draped over him shift, then the fingers tighten against his shoulder. And in spite of Kazuma's raging mind, he smiled. Then he sighed, moving slightly closer to Kunimitsu, and closed his eyes.
'I've gotta tell 'em.'
"Everything ok, Dad?"
The concern in Kyo's voice was evident, and Kazuma couldn't blame him. While Kazuma had timed his call carefully and knew he hadn't woken Kyo up, it was still extraordinarily uncommon for Kazuma to call just after five in the morning.
"Yes, Kyo, everything is fine. I'm sorry for calling so early, I didn't wake Tohru, did I?"
"Nope, you caught me getting my sneakers on." That was what Kazuma had been hoping for, roughly; every morning at five, Kyo got up and, unless it was an actual blizzard or pouring rain, went for a run. Back in Tokyo, Kazuma himself also woke up at five, in his case to go out to the dojo to meditate and do kata.
Or, in today's case, to make a private phone call.
"Well, that's good to hear," Kazuma said in relief, then went silent. On the other end of the phone he could hear Kyo waiting for him; after all, Kazuma had called him, it stood to reason that Kazuma had something he wanted to talk about.
"I was wondering, Kyo, what are the chances of you and Tohru coming to Tokyo for a little visit?"
"A visit?" This time it was surprise. "You mean like before New Year's?" Kyo and Tohru's family typically came to Tokyo to spend the week of New Year's, but considering that New Year's was over a month away, Kazuma definitely meant before New Year's.
"Yes, before New Year's. I was actually wondering about next weekend."
Kyo was silent for a little while. "Dad, you'd just tell me if there was something wrong, right? If you were sick, or something else was going on?"
Kazuma could understand that concern, too. "I would, Kyo, and I promise it's nothing like that. I just think it would be good to see you, and to talk."
There was another brief silence, then "Let me talk to Tohru, and see what I can do about my Saturday classes. I'll get back to you once I know."
"Good. I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope you enjoy your run, Kyo."
"You're really not gonna tell me anything else, huh?"
Kazuma sighed. "I'd really prefer to talk in person, Kyo. As I told you, it's nothing you should worry about, but I would really like to see you."
"Fine." Another pause, then Kyo's voice came quietly. "Love you, Dad."
"I love you too, Kyo."
Up in Hibe, Kyo stared at his phone after Kazuma hung up, his brow deeply furrowed as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. While he was aware Kazuma was also always up at five, he couldn't think of a time Kazuma had ever called him that early, and to ask him for a visit...
Slipping his phone into his pocket, Kyo tried to think of what could possibly necessitate a face-to-face conversation that wasn't bad. Perhaps Kazuma was getting a belt promotion? That was certainly possible, and considering Kazuma's next rank would be Kyudan, or ninth-degree black belt, Kyo could understand him wanting to tell Kyo in person.
Or maybe...
Kyo's hands stopped on his laces, the idea of Kazuma's hypothetical promotion bringing another possibility to mind.
Was it possible that Kazuma wanted to discuss the dojo? The dojo...and it's future?
"Hey, do we have any plans this coming weekend, Tohru?" Kyo asked, walking into the kitchen later that morning with damp hair and his towel draped around his neck. "Friday night, Saturday, Sunday?"
Tohru looked up at him, her expression thoughtful. "You and I? No, unless you have something going on besides work. Sachiko has Yumi's slumber party, though, Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon."
"And I've got a rehearsal on Saturday morning, Dad," Katsuro piped up from the stove where he was sautéing vegetables with a practiced hand. "This Saturday, and the next three Saturdays, too, for the winter concert, remember?"
"That's right," Kyo said, frowning. That was the trouble with having a multi-person household; multiple people tended to have multiple schedules.
"Why?" Tohru asked, looking over at him as she pulled the breakfast dishes out of the cabinet. "Is there something going on?"
"Yeah, kinda," Kyo said, walking over and almost absently kissing her cheek. "Dad called this morning, and he wanted to know if we could come visit this weekend."
It was Tohru's turn to be surprised now, and she looked up at Kyo with wide eyes. "Master Kazuma called? This morning?" she repeated, automatically glancing at the clock and the not-early-but-definitely-not-late hour of just past nine showing there. "Is everything alright?" she immediately asked, and Kyo nodded.
"Yeah, everything's fine, or so he says, anyway. But he asked if we could come visit next weekend, 'cause he's got something he wants to talk to me about," Kyo said, his frown once more in place as he looked at her.
Tohru's frown matched his. "He didn't say anything else?"
"Only that it was nothing to worry about, but he wants to talk in person."
Tohru considered that for a minute, then glanced back up at him. "Has Master Kazuma every done this before? I feel like this is new."
Kyo shook his head. "Not that I can think of, and believe me, I tried. So...assuming I can get someone to cover Saturday, for me, I really think I need to go, Tohru," he said, his face serious, and she nodded.
"Of course you have to. But you might have to go alone," she said, still frowning, then glanced over at their son, who was listening intently. "Katsuro, these rehearsals are mandatory, aren't they?"
He nodded. "Sorry, Dad."
Kyo shook his head. "Don't be, Katsu, it's pretty short notice. For sure you gotta make your rehearsal." Then he looked back at Tohru, mouth screwed up in thought. "Dad asked about you too, Tohru, so I think it'd be good if you came, too, if you could."
"You know I would, Kyo, but Katsuro for sure has to stay, and Yumi's party has been planned for so long, I doubt Sachiko is going to want to miss it though of course we can ask. Is she in the shower?"
Kyo nodded, then looked back at Katsuro thoughtfully. "Katsu, do you think you could stay at a friend's house this weekend?"
"Probably," Katsuro said after a moment. "But couldn't I just stay here? I am fourteen," he said, somewhat importantly, and Kyo snorted.
"Only way you're staying here is if someone else we choose stays here, too. You might be fourteen, kiddo, but you're not staying here without an adult for nearly three days.
Katsuro sighed, pulling the breakfast pans off the stove. "Hajime was only fifteen when he moved out," he began, and Kyo chuckled.
"Into a house with your grandpa, so not exactly being left to his own devices. Now, you wanna see if you can stay at a friend's place? Or do you want us to see if someone can come stay with you?"
Katsuro's voice was resigned. "I'll ask Junichi."
"Good. And let me know after you guys have sorted it out so I can check in with his dad and confirm everything."
"Daaaaaaad," Katsuro groaned, and Kyo gave him a raised eyebrow.
"Changing your mind about a house sitter, Katsuro?"
Katsuro didn't have a response to that, and began filling the breakfast dishes with a grumble and bright red ears.
Tohru had been watching the whole exchange with a smile, and she reached out and gave Katsuro a hug. "We do this because we care, Katsuro."
Katsuro was blushing too hard to say anything else, and Kyo chuckled at his discomfort, for a moment. Then he got serious. "Ok, so Katsuro's gonna check with Junichi; we'll have to see if there's someone Sachi can stay with, too, otherwise I'm sure we can get someone to stay with her, unless she wants to cancel and come with us. Current classes should be done in about twenty minutes," he continued, after once more checking the time, "So I'll see if I can get ahold of Yamada, Shibata, or Ikeda and see if any of them can trade with me for next Saturday. Once I know, you can go ahead and get our tickets-"
"After I call Akito," Tohru told him, and Kyo gave her a rueful smile.
"Tohru, this is a spur-of-the-moment trip, pretty sure we can pay for it ourselves without Akito getting mad at you."
"Not that spur of the moment," Tohru said with a smile as they started to take the dishes to the table. "And you know how happy it always makes her to do it! I'd hate her to think we were travelling all the way to Tokyo without me stopping in for a little visit.
"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled. "So that's Sachi and Katsu, tickets, work..." he thought for a minute, then snapped his fingers. "Hajime. I'll give him a call once I know for sure whether I've gotten Saturday off and let him know."
Tohru's face brightened. "Yes, we should make sure he knows we're coming so we can make sure to get time to see him! As much as I'd love to surprise him, he's so busy these days that I'd hate to either inconvenience him or miss him."
"And who knows, maybe he's got some idea what's on Dad's mind," Kyo said thoughtfully. Then he looked at the table, fully set and ready for breakfast, then turned towards the hallway and bellowed, "SACHI, BREAKFAST!"
Hajime was fast asleep when his phone started ringing, and it was more than halfway through its ringing when Hajime finally woke up enough to shoot out a hand and grab it, glancing briefly at the display before blearily answering.
"Dad?"
"Morning, Hajime," came Kyo's amused voice. "Did I wake you?"
"Yes," Hajime admitted, rubbing his eyes and glancing at the time. Just after ten, which wasn't that unreasonable for a free Sunday, except in his father's impossibly-early-rising eyes.
"Sorry 'bout that, I figured you'd be awake by now or I'd've waited."
"No, it's ok," Hajime said, partially stifling a yawn. "I should really get up now, anyway."
"Got a busy day?"
"Not really," Hajime said with another yawn. "Some of the guys are getting together this afternoon to see a movie, but not until three. I actually," he said, yawning once more, "have some free time."
"Damn, Hajime, maybe you oughtta actually just go back to sleep," Kyo said, his voice somewhere between amused and sympathetic. "Late night?"
Hajime had to fight the urge to snort in response to that question. As a matter of fact, he'd gotten home from the dojo the night before and gone straight to bed, not really wanting to talk to anyone after his conversation with Kazuma. He couldn't decide how he felt about Mutsuki telling Kazuma about them; while he appreciated the fact Mutsuki had wanted to help, it didn't change the fact that Mutsuki had told Kazuma without Hajime's input or permission.
But while he'd gone to bed early, he'd had trouble sleeping. Mutsuki had respected his terse request to be left alone, so there had been no chatter or distraction to break him away from his thoughts; nothing to do except replay his conversation with Kazuma over and over again until he was desperate for the sleep that his brain wouldn't let him have.
It was just as well this was a free morning.
"Late enough," he admitted. "I had trouble getting to sleep, that's all. But it's fine, I'm fine," Hajime said, repressing another yawn with an almost herculean effort.
"Well, I'm glad you're fine," Kyo said. "Listen, the reason I'm calling is to let you know your mom and I are gonna be in Tokyo this weekend-"
"Wait, you are?" That was a surprise; as far as Hajime knew, there was nothing going on that would make his parents travel just then. It was late November, barely more than a month until New Year's, and Dad worked Saturdays to boot. "Why?"
There was a pause, then Kyo asked, his voice suddenly wary, "There a problem with that?"
Hajime immediately cursed inwardly. Had he sounded too anxious? Worried? Concerned?
Doing his best to sound normal, Hajime said "No, of course there isn't. It'll be nice to see you guys, I was just surprised, that's all. Usually, you don't travel around this time if you don't have a good reason."
"Well, apparently we're getting a little more spontaneous as we age. It's gonna be just your mom and me, we'll be getting in late Friday night and staying at the dojo, then heading home on Sunday afternoon. We were hoping you had some free time and we could see you while we're in town."
By the time Kyo had finished with the plan, Hajime was grinning. With how busy everything had been this year, trips home had been few and far between; the last time he'd seen his parents in person had been the end of August when he'd been home for the summer festival, and that trip had been hectic and short. While the thought of seeing them, especially his mom, was a little stressful just then, he still had to admit it would still be nice.
"Yes, I'm free, pretty much," he said, trying to think of whether there was actually anything going on that next weekend. "The only thing I know I've got going on is Saturday dinner with Grandpa."
"Pretty sure you can still make that," Kyo said with a laugh. "In that case, though, how about we touch base on Saturday? You can wander over whenever, too, but I'm thinking for sure that afternoon?"
"Afternoon sounds good." Saturday mornings Grandpa had classes, and Hajime's father almost always attended when they were visiting Tokyo. Hajime was sure his mom would be sleeping late that morning and probably going to see Akito after that, so afternoon was probably the best time to see them both.
"Alright. I'm gonna let you sleep, Hajime, and don't worry, I won't tell your mom you had a rough night."
Hajime groaned at the thought of his mom's worry if she knew. "Thanks for that, Dad."
"Anytime. Take care, Hajime!"
Yawning yet again, Hajime flopped back down into the bed, reaching out and setting his phone back on the nightstand. But tired as he admittedly was, his expression was thoughtful as he looked at the phone.
Why were his parents coming to Tokyo that weekend, and why hadn't Dad said? Hajime was looking forward to seeing them, but...
As he rolled back over and closed his eyes, he found himself devoutly hoping this wasn't some elaborate plan of his mom's to check up on him. This past week had been stressful enough, the last thing he needed was to have his parents sit him down and tell him they were worried about him.
