Surprise

After dinner, Missus Izumi drove Kaoru home to leave the cousins to catch up. As much as Daisuke wanted Kaoru to converse with Seamus, the language barrier made the exchange a hassle, so he was happy that he didn't have to play translator.

"So what brings you here, Seamus? It's good to see you, but usually I'm the one flying over to you!" his green-eyed cousin smiled at the statement.

"Yes, but I think you've been holdin' out on me! Japan is great! The reason I'm here, however, is somewhat less pleasant."

"…Oh? What's up? Is granddad okay?" Seamus nodded reassuringly.

"Actually, the reason I'm here is because Uncle Hiro started a new branch in Ireland. He said that he talked to you about it?"

Daisuke furrowed his brow and slowly shook his head in denial. Then again, he hadn't listened to any of what his father had told him during his uninvited visit.

"Oh, well he said he came down here recently in regards to the engineering internship. He wants to enroll you into the program for next summer."

The teen's jaw dropped. What the…

"Surely he talked about it. At least, that's what he mentioned in the e-mail."

"What the…NO! Why does he want to do that?!" Seamus smiled at his lack of confidence.

"Daisuke, you have a gift for engineering. You were so talented with your little models, and Uncle Hiro just wants to put that to use."

"I don't play with that baby shit anymore." Daisuke spat, but Seamus only laughed at this and nudged him with his elbow.

"You're sixteen and it's suddenly 'baby-stuff'?"

"Tch." Daisuke retorted, "I just don't like that stuff anymore…"

"But didn't you choose that high school because that famous engineering university admits from there?" the teen only further shied from this truth, "You shouldn't let your father spoil everything."

"Well he did! I mean…I….there's no way I'm getting into that university, now! I…" he heaved a sigh as he braved the confession, "I haven't been able to focus well since…" his voice trailed off tellingly and Seamus pulled him into a side hug.

"I know what Uncle Hiro did was messed up, but I think he wants to try to fix it. Whether or not you want to forgive him is up to you, but you shouldn't let anyone—not even Uncle Hiro—stop you from achieving your dreams." the brochure and informational packet was placed in his lap. The bright yellow flap at the top encouraged the teen to open the cover and a pop up scene appeared before him, advertising the engineering internship in Ireland.

Daisuke thought about playing with his cousins-with Seamus and Finn in his granddad's backyard. He missed the open fields, but not so much the floods.

"You have until October, but whatever you decide, I know it'll be the best for you."

Daisuke smiled at his cousin's words and fell into his arms for another embrace.

"How long are ya' stayin'?" he asked, his voice somewhat muffled by Seamus' business suit, "It's so good to see you."

"Ah, actually I just came for business this time. I have some conferences to attend, since this Ireland-branch just started."

"Aww, what? Then stay overnight!" Daisuke pressed, but the man only shook his head.

"I already booked my hotel, but this won't be the last time I'm in Japan. Keep in touch, okay?" the teen was reluctant to release his cousin as he bid his all-too-soon farewell, "Haha! Some things never change, do they? Still clingy as ever."

"Oh shut up."