Chapter 9: Mood Swings
Takashi walked silently next to Mitsukuni. "I know I might be a little late to statistics class, but I don't dare let Mitsukuni head to chemistry class on his own. Satoshi texted me this morning that he and Yasuchika would be the nearby dojo this afternoon. I know how Yasuchika likes to spar with his brother and Mitsukuni was very moody this morning." Takashi's thoughts swirled as he glanced at his cousin storming along at his side.
The scowl on Mitsukuni's face was so out of character that Takashi didn't want to leave him alone. "At least he should be okay during class, so I'll be able to get to my own as soon as I drop him off."
They reached the science building and Mitsukuni muttered sullenly, "Okay, I'm here. Now you can stop worrying and get to your own class."
Takashi hurried to his class in the business building and sighed quietly when he saw that the professor had not arrived yet. He'd just finished arranging his notebook and pen when the instructor entered and said, "Good morning class. Today we will be discussing standard deviations…"
OHSHC
Because Mitsukuni's chemistry class was a two-hour block, Takashi headed to the library to pick up the books he had reserved for his research paper on Pearl Harbor for history class.
It took longer than anticipated because so many other students were also picking up reserved materials as well. When Takashi stepped out of the library, the first thing he saw was a crowd gathered near the science building. A cold feeling of dread washed over him as he moved quickly in that direction.
Just as he feared, Mitsukuni and Yasuchika were engaged in one of their battles, but there was nothing usual about this one. Satoshi sat on the ground behind Yasuchika wiping blood from his nose. Yasuchika's expression was worried…or scared. Takashi wasn't sure but it certainly was not his usual mocking condescension.
When Takashi caught a glimpse of Mitsukuni's face, he knew he had to stop this fight. It was a mask of rage and hatred. He barely recognized his cousin.
Deftly slipping through the crowd, Takashi dropped his satchel on the ground next to Satoshi, who looked up at him in pure relief.
As Yasuchika backed away from his older brother's onslaught of blows, Takashi could hear Mitsukuni muttering, "I'm tired of holding back. I'm tired of the unrealistic expectations. I'm tired of being censured for being true to myself. I'm tired of hiding who I really am."
Each sentence accompanied a blow at Yasuchika's body. Takashi smoothly moved to step between the brothers when he saw Mitsukuni's hand make solid contact with Yasuchika's left arm so hard it drove it into his ribs. Hearing the bones *crack*, Takashi grabbed Mitsukuni around the waist. He lifted him away from Yasuchika to prevent any further blows from landing.
Struggling to contain his furiously writhing cousin, Takashi ordered Satoshi, "Call emergency services for an ambulance and take care of Yasuchika. I'll take care of Mitsukuni."
"But…" Satoshi tried to protest as he saw the blood trickle from his older brother's nose where Mitsukuni landed a punch.
"Do as I say," Takashi grunted as Mitsukuni's elbow connected with his solar plexus. "When his brother is out of sight, he should calm down."
Satoshi pulled out his phone to follow his brother's orders, but his expression was worried as he saw the beating Takashi was taking. While completing the phone call to emergency services, Satoshi moved over to check on Yasuchika, who was holding his arm and breathing painfully through clenched teeth.
Slipping Takashi's satchel under Yasuchika's head, Satoshi said, "Just relax. Help is on the way."
Yasuchika looked up through pain-clouded eyes and asked, "What happened? He's never been like that before."
Shaking his head sadly, Satoshi responded, "I don't know. He even turned on Takashi. That's never happened before."
Chuckling, and then wincing in pain, Yasuchika explained, "Actually, it did happen once before when Mitsukuni had a cavity. But he held back then just as he usually does in our fights." After a cough and another wince of pain, he added, "Something is wrong. Something is very wrong."
Satoshi's expression was grim as he answered, "I think you're right. And that makes me worry even more about Takashi." Hearing someone approaching, he turned his head to see the ambulance crew approaching. "I'd better call our parents so they can meet us at the hospital."
OHSHC
Once they were around the corner of the science building and Yasuchika was out of sight, Takashi released Mitsukuni. Anticipating more blows, Takashi automatically assumed the proper stance to block an onslaught from his cousin.
"You had no right to interfere," Mitsukuni growled. "I'm tired of being the good little boy and doing what's expected of me."
"I don't know how much longer I can keep this up," Takashi thought as he blocked blow after blow. "I don't want to hurt him, not that I could really do much against him."
Mitsukuni's monologue continued along with the blows. "Why don't you all just leave me alone? I can't meet all these expectations and I'm tired of trying."
Suddenly the blows ceased and he glared at Takashi. Panting in rage rather than exertion, he ground out, "I'm going back to the apartment. I don't want to see you." He turned on his heel and stormed away.
All Takashi could do was stare at his cousin's retreating back. "I've failed—Mitsukuni, Yasuchika, Satoshi. I've failed the families." He stood there with his head down, drawing deep breaths. "What do I do now? Mitsukuni doesn't want me at the apartment."
Just then, he heard a *ding* from his phone and saw a text from Satoshi.
***Heading to hospital with Chika. Folks on the way there. I have your satchel.***
Takashi pocketed his phone without sending a reply. "I don't want to go to the hospital right now. I can't face the families. I need to talk to someone…I'm not sure who, but someone. I need to think but Mitsukuni doesn't want me at the apartment. I guess I'll go for a drive."
Making his way to the parking lot where his car was parked, he thought, "I'm glad Atsuhiro helped me buy a small, inconspicuous car so I don't always have to call for the limousine." He unlocked the driver side door of a sapphire blue Toyota Yaris and slid behind the wheel. Without a specific destination in mind, Takashi pulled out of the parking lot and just started driving.
His thoughts were a jumble as he imagined the disappointed look on his father's face. "I should have been there with Mitsukuni. I should have realized his lab could end early this late in the term. I failed Yasuchika and now he's seriously hurt. Even Satoshi got hurt. I should have been there." His spiraling thoughts were interrupted by a *ding* from his phone.
Even though the Bluetooth could read the message to him if he requested it, he chose to ignore the message. "It's probably the family wondering when I'll get to the hospital. I can't face them yet. I've failed. I need to talk to someone…"
Taking a deep breath, he considered his options. "The twins are still coming to terms with the loss of their parents just two months ago. Even though Yoshio has relaxed his restrictions on Kyoya some, it would take too much explaining just to be able to get in to see Kyoya. Tamaki is too…boisterous to listen. I don't want to bother anyone at Hinansho. They are all busy keeping everything running smoothly. I'm such a failure. I can't even decide who to talk to."
Frustrated, he pulled into a parking lot, turned off the engine, and removed the key. Leaning his forehead on the steering wheel, he thought, "That hurts. Mitsukuni got in a few good hits and I'm starting to feel the bruises. Maybe there's a park nearby where I can take a walk."
He climbed out of the car and locked the door. Observing the area, he realized that he had subconsciously packed in the lot next to Haruhi's apartment building. "I shouldn't disturb her. I'll just go take a walk in the park across the street."
Takashi turned toward the park but paused and looked back over his shoulder. "She would never turn me away. Look how she's been there for Mitsukuni. Mitsukuni…I have to tell Haruhi what happened. Maybe she can help."
Taking a deep breath, he considered his options. Finally, he made a decision, pulled out his phone, and sent a brief text.
OHSHC
Satoshi sat in the waiting room with his head held in his hands. "I failed and Yasuchika and Takashi got hurt. How am I supposed to face Father and Uncle? They should be here any time now."
A nurse interrupted his tumultuous thoughts. "Are you sure the doctor shouldn't take a look at you as well?" The bloody nose could be a sign of something more serious." The concern in her voice obvious.
He shook his head. "It's nothing. I've taken worse hits during karate and judo training. I'm just worried about my cousin."
"He's in x-ray right now, but the doctors don't seem worried," she replied, trying to calm his fears.
As she finished speaking, Yorihisa and Izumi Haninozuka stepped through the waiting room door followed closely by Akira and Asami Morinozuka. Seeing the nurse, Yorihisa stated, "We are here for our son, Yasuchika Haninozuka."
Seeing his and Chika's parents, Satoshi stood up in respect.
Smiling soothingly, she said, "He is in x-ray right now. I will let the doctor know that you're here."
After the nurse exited the waiting room, the four adults turned to Satoshi and Akira asked, "What happened?" His emotions were tightly controlled and Satoshi couldn't tell if he was angry, worried…or both.
"After Chika and I finished working out at the dojo, he decided he wanted to go see his brother. Mitsukuni came out of the science building with his classmates. It sounded like they were discussing an assignment and trying to schedule study sessions for final exams. Chika challenged him as soon as they made eye contact. It sounded like Mitsukuni said, 'I don't have time for this.' Since Mitsukuni was surrounded by his classmates, I grabbed Chika's elbow to get his attention and suggest that now was not a good time."
Satoshi sat back down in the chair. Taking a deep breath, he continued, "When he shook me off, his elbow connected with my nose hard enough to knock me off my feet and bloody my nose. Then Mitsukuni and Chika started trading blows. It didn't take long for me—and Chika—to realize that this was different from any other match they'd had. Mitsukuni was not holding back in any way."
He stood up and started pacing. "Just then Taka appeared and dropped his satchel next to me. Before he could step between them, Mitsukuni landed a solid blow to Chika's left arm. I heard the crack from where I was sitting. Taka picked Mitsukuni up, carrying him bodily away from Chika, all the while telling me to call emergency services for an ambulance."
Satoshi looked at the faces of the four adults. "I saw Mitsukuni land several solid blows before Taka carried him around the corner of the science building and I couldn't see them anymore. There was blood on Taka's face when I lost sight of them."
His expression was pleading as he finished in a rush, "I didn't know what else to do, but call you after I called emergency services."
Gathering together, Yorihisa and Akira consulted quietly with their wives. Turning back to Satoshi, Yorihisa said, "Your mother and aunt will stay here with you to await news of Yasuchika. Your father and I will go to Mitsukuni and Takashi's apartment and talk to them."
Any further conversation was interrupted by a doctor who entered the waiting room and asked, "Are any of you here for Yasuchika Haninozuka?"
Gesturing to himself and Izumi, Yorihisa spoke up, "We are his parents." Motioning for Akira and Asami to join them, he continued, "These are his uncle and aunt. The young man who accompanied him in the ambulance is his cousin."
Smiling, the doctor informed them, "Yasuchika will be fine. He has a broken humerus and two broken ribs. It will take about six weeks for the breaks to heal but he's young and healthy so there should be no complications."
Satoshi sighed in relief, as did the four adults. The doctor continued, "You can take him home as soon as the arm has been casted and the ribs wrapped. I'm prescribing something for the pain, just in case he needs it."
After the doctor left, Yorihisa said, "We'll see you at the Haninozuka estate after we talk to Mitsukuni and Takashi."
Remember the satchel sitting on the floor, Satoshi picked it up and handed it to his father. "Please see that Taka gets his satchel back. He will need it for school."
OHSHC
Hearing a knock, Mitsukuni jerked open the door to the apartment and growled, "I told you I don't want to see you, Takashi."
"Is that any way to speak to your father?" Yorihisa demanded, more than a hint of steel behind his anger.
Sullenly, Mitsukuni responded, "Sorry, Father. I didn't know it was you."
"May we come in?" Akira asked bluntly.
"Yes, come in. Uncle. Father." He gestured for them to enter. "I'd rather not be the center of any more campus gossip," he thought was he closed the door behind them.
It took all of Mitsukuni's considerable control to contain the inexplicable rage coursing through his veins. "Please have a seat while I prepare tea," he said through clenched teeth as he walked toward the kitchen.
After Yorihisa and Akira settled on the sofa, Akira called, "Where's Takashi? From what Satoshi said, I thought he would be here with you."
Carrying in the tray of tea items, Mitsukuni replied curtly, "I don't know and I don't care. I told him I didn't want to see him and then I walked away. He probably drove to Hinansho to talk to Atsuhiro." He sat down in the chair facing the sofa.
"Mitsukuni," Yorihisa reprimanded, "that is no way to speak to your uncle, or any elder. Apologize."
Glaring at his father, he barked, "NO! I'm tired of being the good little boy. I'm tired of trying to meet your increasing and unattainable expectations. I'm tired of having to keep such a tight control on my actions and reactions AT ALL TIMES! I'm tired of looking over my shoulder, wondering when Yasuchika is going to pop up and challenge me, calling it training. Why am I expected to train when I haven't been allowed to compete in over five years?"
His father and uncle sat there in shock at his vicious words. Akira recovered first and rebuked, "Mitsukuni…"
"I'm not done yet! I had just come out of class and was discussing the homework with my classmates when he showed up…AGAIN. He looked at me with that condescending expression of his and sneered about how he was going to beat me this time. Given my size, it's been hard enough to gain my peers' respect here at University. He just keeps making it harder. Now none of my classmates will study with me and most of my peers are avoiding me."
Mitsukuni stood up and started to pace back and forth like a cage panther. "I've tried to act more mature as you've demanded but, for all appearances, Takashi is babysitting me. He even walked me to class this afternoon. I'm fighting a losing battle and I'm not even allowed to fight to my full potential. I'm tired of it all. Just plain tired."
He dropped back into the chair and rested his head in his hands.
Yorihisa stared at his oldest son. His voice was tight as he said, "Mitsukuni, thank you for explaining the situation. I will deal with Yasuchika. But right now we need to discuss what to do about the fact that you broke his arm and ribs."
Mitsukuni's head snapped up. "I did what?"
"Satoshi described the fight and, apparently, the one solid blow you landed before Takashi intervened, broke Yasuchika's humerus and two ribs." His father's face was stern.
Stunned at the revelation, Mitsukuni said quietly, "I had no idea." He stood up and bowed from the waist to his father and uncle. "I sincerely apologize for my actions today. I await your judgement as to reparations I must make."
Mollified by Mitsukuni's contrite attitude and confession, Yorihisa replied, "I will take this into consideration. You will come home this weekend to learn the nature of your punishment."
"Yes, Father."
Turning to Akira, Yorihisa said, "Let's go talk to Takashi about the situation. You still need to return his satchel."
When the two older men left and closed the door behind themselves, Mitsukuni collapsed onto the floor.
"I don't understand. The rage that consumed me all day is suddenly gone, and I feel so…hollow, so alone," he thought in anguish. Then he curled up in a ball and began crying softly.
OHSHC
Hibiki looked up as Yorihisa and Akira stepped up to the front desk at Hinansho. "May I help you, gentlemen?" she asked pleasantly.
"We're here to see Takashi Morinozuka," Yorihisa announced without preamble.
"I have not seen him today, but he may have driven straight to the garage and entered that way. Let me call Atsuhiro." She picked up the desk phone and pressed the button for the garage extension.
"Hello, Atsuhiro. Have you seen Takashi today?" She paused and then replied, "Thank you," and hung up the phone.
Addressing the two men, she said, "Atsuhiro said he will be right up to speak to you."
Five minutes later, Atsuhiro entered through the door behind the desk.
Seeing the tense expressions on the two men's faces, he said, "Sorry it took me so long, gentlemen. I wanted to check the whole garage to be sure Takashi hadn't parked somewhere other than his reserved parking space."
Akira asked, "Do you have any idea where he could be?"
"Well, if he isn't at his and Mitsukuni's apartment, then I'm not sure. He gave me a list of classmates that he studies with. How about I make some calls and get back to you?" Atsuhiro hedged.
Pulling out his wallet, Akira handed Atsuhiro a business card. "This has my home, office, and cell numbers. Please let me know as soon as you find him. Oh, and could you hold onto this for him?" He handed Takashi's satchel to Atsuhiro.
"Will do, sir."
Yorihisa tapped Akira on the shoulder. "I just spoke to Izumi. She said they're all at the house waiting dinner for us."
Turning back to Atsuhiro, Akira held out his hand. "Thank you for your help."
Atsuhiro shook it firmly and replied, "I'll call you as soon as I know something."
OHSHC
Haruhi heard a *ding* from her phone, alerting her of a text message.
***Talk F2F ASAP.***
She looked at the sender's name and almost panicked. It was from Takashi. The urgency, shorthand, and face-to-face meeting request all indicated an emergency. She quickly texted back.
***Where RU?***
Another *ding* and another brief message only increased her anxiety.
***Door.***
Haruhi hurried to the door and flung it open. There stood a very battered and bruised Takashi. Without a word, he stepped through the door and picked her up so he could bury his face in the curve of her neck.
"Questions will have to wait," Haruhi decided as she reassuringly ran her fingers through his hair in an effort to calm him. "I've never seen him in this state before."
Takashi slipped off his shoes, leaving them neatly by the front door before he moved into the kitchen and sat down in a chair, shifting Haruhi onto his lap.
Ryoji came out of his bedroom and asked, "Who was…" He was interrupted by a look from Haruhi and the sight of the tall muscular young man trying his hardest to curl himself into a ball against Haruhi.
Seeing Takashi in this state shook Ryoji to his core and he silently indicated to Haruhi that he would leave them alone for now.
Takashi heard Ryoji's voice and his troubled mind kept begging, "Please don't ask me to leave. Please don't take Haruhi away from me."
Haruhi could feel his distress through his grip on her. It was firm, but not painful. "Even in such obvious distress, he's taking care of me." She placed a motherly kiss on the top of his head and began humming tunelessly as she continued to run her fingers through his hair.
Ryoji looked at Haruhi, pleading silently, "How can I help?"
Continuing to sooth and comfort Takashi, she looked pointedly from Ryoji to the kitchen.
After looking between Haruhi and the kitchen in confusion, he finally understood. "She wants me to make tea. That I can do." Despite the lack of space, Ryoji was able to enter the kitchen without bumping into Takashi or Haruhi.
"It breaks my heart to see him like this," Ryoji thought as he went through the motions of making tea. "At least he trusts Haruhi enough to come to her for comfort."
Takashi flinched as Haruhi's fingers grazed a small lump near his temple. "Oh, Takashi, I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?" she exclaimed quietly.
"Not you," he replied tersely.
"Let me get you an ice pack," Haruhi suggested, trying to wiggle free of his hold.
Rather than release his hold on her, Takashi stood up and carried her across the kitchen to where Ryoji handed her a small towel.
"I'll be in the living room if you need anything else," Ryoji said quietly.
Haruhi directed Takashi to the refrigerator where she grabbed a handful of ice from the freezer and wrapped it in the towel.
After Takashi sat back down in the chair, Haruhi held the improvised ice pack gently against the sore spot on the side of his head.
"Feels good," he murmured as he relaxed slightly as the pain eased slightly.
"Oh, Takashi, who did this to you?" Haruhi finally asked softly, pressing another gentle kiss into his hair. "This is so out of character for him. Not even when Mitsukuni was swept away at the Otori jungle resort did it affect Takashi like this."
Haruhi almost missed it when Takashi murmured, "Mitsukuni." There was so much hurt and betrayal in his tone that it made Haruhi's heart ache for him.
"Oh, Takashi." All she could do was continue to rub his back and hold the ice pack in place, hoping her presence would reassure and calm him. "What could have caused this?" she pondered.
After a few minutes, Takashi took a deep breath and relaxed his hold on Haruhi. "What is it about Haruhi that just sooths me to my very core? I know she has feelings for Kyoya. I wish it was me but I won't interfere with them. I'll just keep my feelings to myself and do everything in my power to protect her."
Haruhi watched Takashi's tight expression relax little by little. "Do you want to move to the living room where it's more comfortable?" she asked gently.
He nodded and then set her on her feet. She took his hand and led him to the living room where Ryoji sat contemplating the photo of Kotoko.
He looked up when they entered. "Would you like some privacy to talk?"
Sitting together on the sofa, Haruhi looked at Takashi questioningly. He considered for a moment and then replied, "Please stay. You may have useful insights."
"Let me get the tea first," Ryoji explained as he headed to the kitchen. "Make yourselves comfortable. I'll be right back."
Takashi settle on the sofa and Haruhi nestled in next to him. There was a comfortable silence as they waited for Ryoji to return with the tea.
"Here we are," Ryoji chirped, handing mugs to Takashi and Haruhi. "Now, whenever you're ready," he said, patting Takashi's knee with the hand not holding his own mug.
Takashi contemplated the mug dwarfed by his hands and hesitantly started to speak. "I first noticed last fall and it slowly got a little worse as time went on. Mitsukuni was getting moody. I attributed it to the course load at University. He's a physical therapy major and I'm in accounting, so it could have been the difference in our schedules." He paused to sip his tea.
He took a breath and continued, "But after what happened with the twins, it got worse. Everything seemed to irritate him. Haruhi, I don't know if you noticed at Tamaki's birthday party last week, but he avoided everyone most of the time we were at Hinansho."
"I noticed but I thought he was studying for exams," Haruhi admitted.
Taking another sip of tea, he gathered his thoughts. "I suspected something might happen when Satoshi sent me a text warning me that Yasuchika insisted on working out at the dojo near the University today." Takashi went on to describe the events of the afternoon, beginning with walking Mitsukuni to Chemistry class and ending with Mitsukuni saying he didn't want to see him.
"I just drove around trying to figure out what to do. I know I should have gone to the hospital to check on Yasuchika, but I couldn't face our parents." Takashi hung his head and murmured, "Satoshi and Yasuchika got hurt because I failed."
He sat his cup on the small table at the end of the sofa and slid down to sit on the floor so he could lay his head in Haruhi's lap as he had seen Mitsukuni do when he was upset or needed comfort.
Haruhi positioned the ice pack on the sore spot again as she threaded her fingers through his hair.
Ryoji watched the tableau in silence, contemplating what Takashi had just told them. "That's a heavy load on such young shoulders, no matter how strong he may be."
Suddenly Haruhi's head popped up and she stared at the opposite wall. "He said, 'I failed.' But Mitsukuni was not the one who got hurt."
She thought back to the time at the Otori jungle resort when they 'found' Mitsukuni. Other than the one guard fended off by Takashi, Mitsukuni had taken on—and taken out—all of them. Then she remembered the stories she had been told, cautioning her about Mitsukuni's temper when he was awoken before he was ready. And then there was the incident with the cavity. All the pieces were dropping into place.
"Oh...OH…OH!" she murmured as she had an epiphany. "I've had their relationship backwards this whole time. Takashi has not been there to protect Mitsukuni. Takashi's vigilance had been to protect others from Mitsukuni if he were ever to lose control."
Haruhi looked down at the dark-haired young man resting his head in her lap so trustingly. "He's carried such a burden." As she continued to run her fingers through his hair, she felt his weight shift slightly as he relaxed into sleep.
Ryoji walked over and touched Haruhi on the shoulder. She startled slightly and looked up questioningly. "Should I bring out pillows and blankets so we can shift him into a more comfortable position before your legs go numb?"
She smiled. "Thanks, Dad. That's a good idea."
While Ryoji was collecting the bedding, Haruhi heard a soft *ding* nearby. Checking her phone, she found no new messages. "It must be Takashi's phone."
When his phone *dinged* again, Takashi lifted his head and looked around in confusion. He saw Haruhi and smiled softly, though it was tinged with sadness.
A third *ding* from his phone drew his attention. He reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and looked at the sender's name. Frowning, he turned off his phone and placed it on the small table next to his unfinished mug of tea. He then pulled out his keys and wallet, placing them beside the phone.
Before Haruhi could ask who the text was from, Ryoji returned with an armload of bedding and dumped it on the floor next to the sofa. "Haruhi, why don't you go start dinner? It's getting late." His voice softened as he turned to Takashi and said, "Would you like to get cleaned up? You have some blood on your face and hands."
Takashi stood up, looking sheepish. "Sorry."
Ryoji smiled and placed a hand gently on his arm. "There's nothing to be sorry about. You've had a hard day. Take your time cleaning up. Dinner should be ready when you come out."
Haruhi stretched her legs out and then held out a hand, silently requesting Takashi's assistance to stand up. "Dad's right. You go get cleaned up and then we'll have dinner," she said, gently caressing his face and then handing him the ice pack.
Takashi headed to the bathroom as Haruhi and Ryoji went to the kitchen. "Any ideas for dinner?" Ryoji asked.
"Thankfully I went shopping today and sanma was on sale. If I remember correctly, that's Takashi's favorite. It can steam with the rice while I make a salad and some miso soup." Haruhi opened the refrigerator and pulled out the package of fish.
"Then I will leave it in your capable hands. I have to get ready for work." Ryoji waved over his shoulder as he walked down the hall to his bedroom.
Haruhi made the salad and then tidied up the kitchen as she waited for the soup to warm and the rice and fish to steam. With the salad chilling in the refrigerator, all she had to do was set the table. She was almost done when her phone rang. She saw on the caller ID that it was Atsuhiro.
"Good evening, Atsuhiro. Is anything wrong at Hinansho?" she asked.
"No, not here. Do you know where Takashi might be? His father and uncle are getting worried because they can't get hold of him. He's not responding to texts and calls go straight to voicemail." Atsuhiro sounded a little too calm to really be worried.
"I know where he is and that he's safe," Haruhi hedged.
"Are you willing to share?" Atsuhiro teased.
"I will leave that up to him. Did his father and uncle say why they're looking for him?" she responded, sidestepping the inquiry again.
Atsuhiro sighed. "Apparently there was a confrontation between Mitsukuni and his younger brother today. I didn't get all the details, but the younger brother has a broken arm and two broken ribs. He's fine and will recover in due course. They also mentioned that Mitsukuni was throwing punches at anyone within reach when Takashi carried him away. Now Takashi's missing."
Just then, Takashi walked into the kitchen and looked at Haruhi questioningly. She held the phone away and covered it to muffle the sound. Answering his unspoken question, she whispered, "It's Atsuhiro. Your father and uncle stopped by Hinansho looking for you because they couldn't contact you directly. All I've told him is that I know where you are and that you're safe."
Takashi nodded, picked her up, sat down in the kitchen chair, and placed her on his lap. Then he buried his face in her neck again.
She kissed the top of his head and said, "I'll tell him to pass along the message that you're safe and you'll contact them tomorrow. Okay?"
"Okay," he responded without lifting his head.
Putting the phone back to her ear, she returned to her conversation with Atsuhiro. "Can you just tell them that he's safe and he'll contact them tomorrow?"
"I can do that. Oh, tell him that his father brought his satchel and left it with me here at Hinansho." He sounded relieved as he suspected that Takashi was there and Haruhi was taking good care of him.
Haruhi replied, "I'll pass along the message and talk to you later. Dinner is almost ready so it needs my attention."
"Okay. Good night, Haruhi."
"Good night."
Haruhi ended the call and put her phone on the kitchen table. Rubbing Takashi's back in gentle circles, she whispered, "Yasuchika will be fine. He has a broken arm and two broken ribs but they'll heal. Your father left your satchel with Atsuhiro at Hinansho."
"Thank you for not telling them where I am. I just can't face them right now," he mumbled into her neck.
"I understand. But now I have to take care of dinner or it will be inedible," she teased.
Reluctantly, Takashi set Haruhi on her feet. She caressed his cheek and then moved around the kitchen to dish up dinner.
Ranka entered the kitchen with a dramatic flourish. "How do I look?" She twirled around and posed.
"You look great, Dad. And you're right on time. Dinner's ready," Haruhi chuckled.
The trio ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
"I hope JJ doesn't call in sick again. I'm not sure I'm up to covering her closing shift…again. Especially when she comes in the next day wearing an expression like the cat that ate the canary. Sick, my foot, she's ditching work for a date. And the owner hasn't said anything to her about it, just asks me to cover. Hmm, I wonder if the owner is the one JJ is dating. That would explain soooo much."
"I wish I knew how to help Takashi. He looks so…lost right now. Like his world has suddenly shifted and he's not sure where to find solid footing."
"Satoshi and Yasuchika got hurt because of me. I should just go home and face my punishment."
Ranka finished eating and she said, "Haruhi, I may have to work later than usual, so don't worry and don't wait up."
"Okay, Dad. Is it alright if Takashi stays? I don't want to send him away after the day he's had." Haruhi looked at her dad hopefully.
"No," Takashi stated. "I should go home. I don't want to cause any more trouble."
"None of that," Ranka said firmly. "In fact, I would feel better knowing that you're here with Haruhi tonight."
Haruhi looked at Ranka with a grateful expression. Laying a hand on Takashi's arm, she said, "I would feel better too, if you were here."
Takashi looked back and forth between the two and sighed in resignation. "Okay. Since my family knows I'm safe and will contact them tomorrow, I'll stay."
Ranka stood, settling her dress into place and patting her hair. "Now that that's settled, I'm off. Don't stay up too late."
After Ranka left, Haruhi and Takashi cleared the table in silence. "Did I offend him? It was rude of me to be so demanding about him staying," she wondered as she drew sinks of hot water and started washing dishes.
Without a word, Takashi stepped up beside her, rinsing, drying, and putting away the dishes as Haruhi washed them. "I'm glad they insisted I stay. I can't go back to the apartment yet and I don't want to go home. I could go to Hinansho, but the families would look for me there."
After finishing the dishes, Haruhi wiped down the table, counters, and sink. "Why don't you go make yourself comfortable on the sofa? I'll be right in."
He nodded and left the kitchen. Sitting on the floor instead of the sofa, he closed his eyes and began to contemplate the events of the day. "I know 'if onlys' and 'I should haves' are unprofitable. The past cannot be changed, but lessons can be learned."
In the kitchen, Haruhi wrapped a couple handfuls of ice in a towel. She noticed that Takashi was on the floor rather than the sofa. "That will make it easier to apply the ice pack," she thought.
Before she settled on the sofa, Haruhi knelt on the floor in front of Takashi. Sensing her presence, he opened his eyes and gave her a questioning look.
"Um, I need to apologize. Dad and I shouldn't have pressured you into staying." She twisted the towel in her hands. "If you'd rather go, it's okay." She bowed her head and waited for his answer, even if he just got up and left.
After a moment, his finger slid under her chin and raised it so he could look her in the eye. "Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring. Especially caring enough to insist that I stay." His thumb wiped away a tear that escaped.
She smiled weakly and held up the ice pack. "I thought your head might be hurting again so I brought another ice pack."
"Thank you." He reached for it but she stood up and took a seat on the sofa. "Just lay your head on my lap and I'll hold the ice pack in place."
Anticipating her gentle touch, he did as he was bid. "She is gentle and caring. She'll make a good mother one day."
After about twenty minutes of comfortable silence and contemplation, Haruhi removed the ice pack. "It's starting to drip. Should I get a fresh one?"
"No, my head feels better now."
"Okay, let me take care of this." She walked into the kitchen, dumped the remaining slivers of ice in the sink, wrung out the towel, and hung it up to dry. Just as she finished, she heard a *ding* from her phone. The text was from Mitsukuni.
***Please call.***
Without giving it a thought, she dialed his number. He picked up after the first ring. "Haruhi, do you know where Takashi is?" he asked frantically.
"It's okay, Mitsukuni. I know where he is and I know he is safe and well. How are you? I hear you had a rough day."
"Oh, Haruhi, it was awful. I just felt so angry and I don't know why. I just couldn't control my temper." The fear and desperation in his voice was obvious.
"What can I do to help?" Waiting for a response, she walked into the living room and mouthed to Takashi, "It's Mitsukuni."
He gestured for the phone. She held up a finger and said, "Mitsukuni, would you like to talk to Takashi?"
"Can I? Is he there?" he asked hopefully.
"Let me hand the phone to him." She handed the phone to Takashi and walked back into the kitchen to give the cousins some privacy.
Takashi's voice was low and soothing as he said, "I'm here, Mitsukuni."
"Oh, Takashi. I'm so sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm so scared. I was so angry and I don't know why." His voice faltered.
"I'm here for you. What do you need?" Takashi asked gently.
"Taka, I feel so alone. I don't know what to do. I said some awful things to Father and Uncle. I hurt Yasuchika and Satoshi…and you," he whimpered.
"We can get through this together," Takashi assured him. He had an idea, so he stood up and walked into the kitchen where Haruhi was trying to occupy herself.
"Just a minute, Mitsukuni. I want to ask Haruhi something."
Haruhi looked at Takashi questioningly. "I guess he wants to leave to be with Mitsukuni. That's okay. I'll be fine," she thought.
"Haruhi, can we go to the apartment to be with Mitsukuni? He really needs us," Takashi almost pleaded in worry for his cousin.
Surprised that he wanted her to go too, she replied, "Let me leave Dad a note. Then I'll gather a few things and we can go."
He smiled softly and said, "Thank you. You don't know how much this will mean to him…and me."
In less than five minutes, Haruhi gathered her school uniform, comfortable pajamas, an extra change of clothes, and her satchel with schoolbooks, keys, and wallet. "That should do. It's just overnight. When Takashi is finished with my phone, I'll text Atsuhiro to bring Takashi's satchel tomorrow morning early enough to drive me to school."
"Ready," she said quietly, not wanting to interrupt the conversation between the cousins.
Takashi turned to look at her and smiled. Into the phone, he said, "Here she is." Then he handed the phone to Haruhi.
Mitsukuni sounded so small when he said, "You're really coming?"
"Yes, I am coming, Mitsukuni. Don't worry, we'll help you through this," she responded soothingly.
"Will you keep talking to me during the drive? Please?" he begged.
"Of course I can. Let me give Takashi my satchel and duffle, then we can head out to the car," Haruhi said, matching deeds to words.
Takashi took the items she handed him and they headed out the door of the apartment. Takashi stopped just outside the door, pulled Haruhi's key out of her satchel and locked the door. After checking to be sure the door was secure, he led Haruhi to where he'd parked his car.
Opening the cargo compartment, he place Haruhi's bags in and closed it securely. Then he opened the passenger door for her and assisted her in because she was still talking to Mitsukuni on the phone.
Walking around to the driver's side, he opened the door and slid in. He started the car and headed toward the apartment and Mitsukuni. "We'll be there soon," he thought with relief.
OHSHC
"We just pulled into the parking lot," Haruhi assured Mitsukuni. "It will just be a few more minutes. Hold on, it will be okay."
Takashi whispered, "You go on ahead. I'll grab your things and be right behind you."
Haruhi nodded in acknowledgement and continued listening to Mitsukuni on the phone.
Soon she was knocking on the door to the apartment and Mitsukuni flung it open, almost tearing it off its hinges.
"You're finally here," he declared, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her inside.
Since the phone was no longer necessary, she ended the call. Freeing her hands by shoving the phone into her pocket, she returned Mitsukuni's hug. "Shh, we're here. It's going to be okay," she murmured softly, kissing the top of his head and running her fingers through his hair.
Takashi came in and placed Haruhi's bags by the front door. He stood there quietly, allowing his cousin to get the comfort and attention he needed from Haruhi.
When Mitsukuni noticed Takashi, he let go of Haruhi and lunged at him. Takashi caught him easily as Mitsukuni babbled, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"
Takashi patted his back and softly assured, "All is forgiven. Think nothing of it. It's all in the past."
After a few minutes, Mitsukuni caught his breath and whispered, "Thank you, Taka." Then he got a horrified look on his face as he noticed the cuts and bruises on Takashi.
Seeing the expression on Mitsukuni's face, Takashi realized that guilt was overwhelming him at the evidence of what he had done. Takashi stated firmly, "All is forgiven. Not another word."
Chastened, Mitsukuni agreed reluctantly. "Oh, Takashi, this weekend we'll have to go to the Haninozuka estate because Father is going to pronounce the punishment for my actions today."
"Don't worry. I will be there with you," Takashi assured.
Haruhi stepped up and wrapped her arms around them as best she could. "It's been a tough day. How about we change into pajamas and get some sleep?"
"Will you hold me?" Mitsukuni asked tentatively.
"Of course I will," Haruhi said, smiling. "I just need to send a text to Atsuhiro to bring Takashi's satchel in the morning early enough that he can also drive me to school."
"While you're doing that, I'll get changed," he replied.
After sending the text, Haruhi turned to Takashi and asked, "Do you have a charger I could use for my phone? I forgot to pack mine."
"No problem," he responded, opening a drawer in the kitchen and pulling out a cord. When he handed it to her, he had a pensive look on his face.
"Thanks," she said, taking the cord and plugging in her phone. Then she turned around and asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Can I sleep with you two as well?" he asked, avoiding her question.
Haruhi's brow wrinkled in confusion. "I figured we'd all be sleeping together. What's up?"
Takashi sighed. "You know how Mitsukuni can be if he is woken up unexpectedly. And now these mood swings make him unpredictable. I'm worried about you getting hurt."
Haruhi stepped forward and caressed his cheek. "You want to be sure you're there to protect me, right?"
The corner of his mouth raised slightly. "Yeah…"
He was going to say more but Mitsukuni came bounding out of the bathroom and announced, "It's your turn, Haruhi."
She gave Takashi a look that said, "We'll talk more later," as she grabbed her duffle and headed into the bathroom.
When she came out, Mitsukuni motioned for her to follow him while Takashi went into the bathroom.
"Let's get things set up on Takashi's bed. It's bigger," he declared, pulling pillows and blankets out of the closet. Before they could arrange anything, Mitsukuni mumbled, "I can't keep my eyes open." Then he climbed into her lap, wrapped his arms around her, and fell asleep.
Takashi came in a few minutes later, stopped in the doorway, and took in the tableau before him. Haruhi was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding Mitsukuni and humming tunelessly while she rubbed his back. "That young woman will make a wonderful wife and mother someday," he thought longingly.
When she finally noticed him leaning on the doorframe watching them, she blushed. "He couldn't keep his eyes open any longer," she explained sheepishly.
"It's been quite a day," Takashi allowed. "Let me get things arranged and then I'll move you to a more comfortable position.
As he arranged pillows against the headboard and moved blankets and more pillows within easy reach, he had a thoughtful look on his face. When he was satisfied with the configuration, he turned off the light and picked up Haruhi and Mitsukuni, taking care not to wake his cousin.
His years of kendo practice were evident in his strength and balance as he settled against the headboard and situated Haruhi on his lap. Pulling pillows and blankets into place, he made them all comfortable.
Haruhi saw Takashi look down at Mitsukuni with a worried look on his face.
"Takashi?" she whispered.
"Hmm?" he hummed in reply.
"Are you worried about him?" She chewed her lip as she waited for his response.
Takashi sighed. "When we go to the Haninozuka estate this weekend, I'm not sure what Uncle will have in mind as an appropriate punishment. He can be very…strict with him at times."
"You don't think he'll hurt him, do you?" she pleaded.
"Not physically," he admitted, "but he will probably require isolation and mediation. You've seen how he's been this past year. He needs us—you especially."
"No pressure on him then," she muttered sarcastically. "You two have finals next week on top of all that."
Takashi kissed her temple. "Thank you for caring. We should probably get some sleep. Tomorrow will be here before we know it."
"You're right. Good night," she murmured as she settled Mitsukuni more securely on her lap and snuggled into Takashi's chest.
"Good night," he whispered as he felt her relax into sleep and he tightened his grip slightly to keep her secure.
20