"Mom, I'm home!"
Genjirou sighed as he took off his trainers and lined them up near the door. He stood and headed into the kitchen.
"Mom? You home?" He called out but he didn't get an answer.
His brow furrowed as he walked up the stairs. His mother was supposed to be home right now. She had promised that they would cook dinner together and watch old movies. He knocked and then opened the door to his mother's room. Their new apartment was quite nice and Genjirou was happy that he didn't have to shower in a public bath. How did Asians get so comfortable with seeing each other's bodies?
He spotted his mother asleep and then smiled. She was probably tired. Genjirou left her to sleep and then went downstairs. He began cooking spaghetti with meatballs and when he was done, he went upstairs to wake his mother.
"Mom, time for dinner"
He knelt down so he was level with her face and then shook her shoulder. She didn't respond. He touched her hand and his eyes widened when he realised her hand was like ice. He poked her shoulder and she fell back against her back. He placed a finger at her neck and his eyes filled with tears when he found no pulse.
"No. No. NO!" He screamed out the last part.
His hands scrambled for his phone and then his mother's phone book. He quickly found a number that he swore he would never call and dialled it.
"Hello, Sanada here"
"Sanada-san" Genjirou tears's thickened his voice.
"Who is this?" Sanada-san asked.
"I shouldn't be calling you at all but I need help" Genjirou cried quietly.
"Genjirou? What's wrong? Why are you crying? Did something happen?" Sanada-san asked.
"Mom...I think she's dead" Genjirou broke down as he said this.
"I'm coming in a minute. Stay there and don't touch your mother!"
"Genichirou, take him to the car" Sanada-san said.
Genichirou didn't need any more orders. He wrapped an arm around Genijrou's shoulders and led him out of the room. Genjirou struggled at first but then gave up and walked out of the apartment. Genichirou glanced worriedly over at him. Genjirou was barely holding everything in. He opened the car door and then let Genjirou sit down. It was only when Genichirou shut the door that Genjirou began to cry.
The only choice was to let Genjirou live at their home for the time being. Genichirou's mother wasn't exactly happy about the decision but she smiled and welcomed Genjirou to the home anyway. Gen'emon refused, point blank, to come out of the dojo to meet Genjirou. Genjirou ignored all this and followed Genichirou to a spare bedroom. Genichirou opened the door and then let Genjirou in first.
"This will be your room from now on. Dinner will be served in half an hour, so freshen up. I'll come and get you for dinner" Genichirou said.
He left the door open and heard Genjirou singing quietly to himself. He turned as his eyes widened. He had heard that voice somewhere before singing that exact same song. Genjirou sang just a little louder, enough for his voice to be heard outside the room through the open doorway. Genichirou watched his brother sing his heart out for his passed on mother.
Dinner that night was the most awkward thing Genjirou had ever experienced. Gen'emon was having dinner at the dojo having refused to sit anywhere near the blond boy. Sanada-san and his wife were being exceptionally polite, trying to accommodate the blond boy. Genichirou, meanwhile, was too wrapped up in his thoughts to even contribute to the conversation.
"So, Genjirou, what subjects do you wish to major in?" Sanada-san asked.
"Music" Genjirou replied automatically.
He knew this was a wrong admission when he saw the looks exchanged between Sanada-san and his wife. He kept his head down and ate.
"He's a good singer" Genichirou said, nonchalantly.
Genjirou stared at him in surprise. He didn't know that Genichirou actually knew the difference between singing and the noise of racquets hitting tennis balls. He looked over at Sanada-san who was deep in thought. He continued eating and then excused himself to go to the guest room. Once there, he changed into his pyjamas and lied down on the bed.
His mask cracked as the tears leaked out of his eyes.
"Mom"
The funeral was held two days after. His mother had was going to be buried in a coffin and not cremated, according to Genjirou's request. His mother looked undeniably peaceful in the coffin and they had dressed her in her favourite red dress that made her blond hair brighten and her lips look like they had a slight smile. Genjirou didn't say a word as no one came up to give their condolences.
"I'm so sorry" Yukimura placed a hand on Genjirou's shoulder and was immediately shook off. A flash of pain was seen in Yukimura's eyes but then the bluenette moved back, away from the blond.
"Genjirou"
Genjirou turned and his eyes flooded with tears when he spotted Fuji. He stood up from his seat and ran towards the brunette. Fuji wrapped his arms around Genjirou and hugged him tight. Genjirou clutched at Fuji like a lifeline and began sobbing in earnest.
"It's okay. It'll all be okay. Don't cry" Fuji whispered into Genjirou's ear.
"Thank you for coming, Fuji" Genjirou murmured and Fuji patted his back comfortingly.
"Since you wish to major in music, we have decided to transfer you to Hyoutei Academy. As your father I will pay for all your fees and you will stay with us from now on. I will apply for a Japanese citizenship for you as soon as possible" Sanada-san said.
"I don't want the citizenship. I'd like to keep my UK passport" Genjirou said immediately.
"That's alright by me. Hyoutei has student dorms in which you will have a comfortable stay. If you wish you can come here for your weekends and then travel back. You will join Hyoutei next week and in the next two days I will take you to the dorms. Your main subjects are languages and music which is of course what you wanted all along" Sanada-san explained.
Genjirou was silent and Sanada-san sighed. The boy would never warm up to him.
"I know you think I'm just a brat" Genjirou said quietly. Sanada-san paused and then stared at the blond.
"I never thought you're a brat"
"I am a brat. I loved you for a long time because I thought you would take me in your arms and apologise for not being there all my life. When we came here and were kicked out of your house, I felt incredibly hateful. I'm happy for all you have done for me. You could have left me out on the streets or shipped me back to England, but you didn't. You paid all my school fees and got a room for me. I'm extremely grateful to you"
"Genjirou, you have no need to feel that way. You are my son despite all that has happened" Sanada-san said.
"I'll make you proud of me, Sanada-san. Your money and your kindness will not go to waste" Genjirou said with a smile.
"You do look a lot like me when you smile, Genjirou"
Genjirou smiled when Sanada-san's hand brushed over his hair in a loving gesture. He stood and then bowed low. As he left the room, he spotted Sanada-san's wife who looked rather depressed. He bowed to her anyway and then headed to the guest room. He would have to start packing because now, he was going to attend Hyoutei Academy.
Genjirou wrinkled his nose at all the girls and boys in the vicinity. He was already settled in his dorm and thankfully didn't have a roommate yet since he was a mid year transfer. That had garnered a lot of curiosity from the students and he had been already approached by several students with questions and it wasn't even time for homeroom yet.
The new uniform wasn't much of a change but he could see that the jewellery, belts and bags that everyone carried were designer. The bell rang and he headed to his homeroom. He entered and bowed to the teacher.
"Good morning" he said in English.
"Good morning" the teacher replied in perfect English to his surprise.
"I'm the new student, Genjirou Steel" Genjirou said.
"My name is Hatori Sensei. Introduce yourself, Mr. Steel" The teacher said in Japanese.
"I'm Genjirou. Nice to meet you" Genjirou bowed and then stood up straight.
"Does anyone have any questions for Genjirou-kun?"
One guy raised his hand. "How many piercings do you have?"
Genjirou began counting out loud. "One industrial, one tragus in each ear, triple lobe piercings, three cartilage, one belly button, one eyebrow piercing, one nipple" the entire class looked horrified. "Ah and my tongue" Genjirou stuck out his tongue, revealing the piercing. "That makes twelve".
"Did they all hurt?" one girl asked.
"No. I enjoyed it" Genjirou replied honestly.
"Any other questions for Genjirou?"
The teacher directed Genjirou to an empty seat at the back and then began her Korean lesson. He pulled out his books and then began taking down notes. He was most interested in learning Korean since he loved Korean pop music. The stars were different from JPop idols and he absolutely loved the colours and different styles. When that class was over, he noticed a few girls looking over at him.
"Hey, my name is Nakamura Toru" one guy with black hair and glasses said.
"Nice to meet you" Genjirou replied.
"I'm Hayama Kaoruko! Toru's girlfriend!" A blond girl said excitedly.
"Yeah" Genjirou nodded.
"We found it really strange that Hyoutei High got a mid year transfer. It's never happened before. Where did you move from?" Nakamura asked.
"Kaganawa. My father decided to send me here because of the musical education" Genjirou replied.
"Wouldn't it be better to send you to England?" Kaoruko interjected.
"Kao-chan, that's rude" Nakamura said.
"I didn't mean it that way! I'm sorry!" Her eyes filled up with tears.
"I don't mind. I understood what you're trying to say" Genjirou smiled at the overly emotional girl.
"I meant that, if you are from England, why didn't you go back to study there?" Kaoruko said.
"Because my mother just passed away. I was a bit lost at what to do so I followed my father's orders" Genjirou said.
"Aww, poor Gen-kun!" Kaoruko wrapped her arms around him and he stared in fear at Nakamura who rolled his eyes.
"Kaoruko always is affectionate to everyone. It was annoying at first but I got used to it" Nakamura explained.
"Good morning, class!"
"Good morning sensei!" They all chorused back.
"You should definitely try the steak. It is the best I've ever had" Nakamura said, pushing his glasses up his nose.
"I'll stick with this, thanks. My stomach doesn't take too much meat very well" Genjirou replied and he chewed on his apple.
"You should learn from Gen-kun, Toru. He eats healthy unlike you who will die at thirty" Kaoruko teased.
"He's a skinny stick. I, however, have all the energy for you, my sweet" Nakamura raised his brows suggestively making Kaoruko flush and kick him in the shins.
"KYA! ATOBE-SAN IS HERE!"
Genjirou winced at the shriek and watched as several girls ran up to the entrance. A boy swaggered in like he owned the place. Genjirou knew immediately that this boy was not totally Japanese. He probably had a foreign background. But he did look rather familiar. The boy clicked his fingers and the girls fell silent. He stepped away from them and then sat down at a private table near the windows.
"Who in the world is that?" Genjirou asked.
"Atobe Keigo. Student council president, tennis club captain and basically lord of the school" Nakamura replied.
"He doesn't look entirely Japanese" Genjirou commented.
"No one knows if he is totally Japanese or not" Nakamura said.
"Where's the washroom around here?" Genjirou asked.
"Outside and then first door on the right" Nakamura replied.
Genjirou stood and then began walking out of the room. His converse suddenly squeaked on the tiled flooring but he paid no attention to it and continued his way out. Atobe started at the sound of the squeak and then glanced around wildly. He eyes spotted the blond head and he stood up. To everyone's surprise, he ran up to the boy and once they were outside, grabbed his shoulder.
"What the hell?" Genjirou spoke in English as he was turned around.
"Is that you? Steel?" Atobe asked with wide eyes in English.
Genjirou's eyes widened as well as he took a closer look. His eyes zeroed on the mole under Atobe's right eye.
"Kei, what are you doing here?" Genjirou asked.
"We can talk elsewhere in private. Come" Atobe took Genjirou's hand and dragged him all the way to the luxurious student council room.
Atobe poured them both earl grey tea and then sat down on the couch.
"I had moved to Japan years ago, Steel, you know that. What are you doing here?"
"I've moved here as well. My mother decided to move us both here but I had no idea that you attended here. We lost contact years ago" Genjirou replied.
"I didn't know it was you until I noticed your hair. No one I know in the world has blond hair like that. You've certainly changed" Atobe said.
"You have as well. Student council president and tennis club captain. I never thought you could do it since you sucked at tennis years ago"
"Well, I overcame my weakness. Did I take you away from your lunch? I can tell someone to bring it in here"
"No, there's no need, I wasn't really hungry"
"So how is Alicia? Still beautiful as ever?" Atobe asked.
Genjirou's eyes filled with tears. Atobe leaned forward and Genjirou sniffled.
"She's dead. That was last week. I came here because my father wanted me to" Genjirou lowered his head so his fringe covered his eyes.
Atobe wrapped an arm around his shoulder and held his friend. He knew the pain of losing a mother and he knew that Genjirou would get over this in no time.
"I thought you didn't know who your father was" Atobe said.
"My mother knew and she told me six months ago. She moved here for some reason and I met my real father. He had his own family and life so I decided not to interfere. Then my mother died and I needed his help. He enrolled me here so I could focus on my music" Genjirou replied.
"Why did she do that?"
"I don't know. I had missed my father for so long. He missed all those days I would lie to my teacher on 'Bring Your Father to School' days. I suppose it would have been better if she said they were divorced or if he was dead. Then there could have been a grave to visit and I wouldn't feel so lonely. Then I met him and he had his own family which meant that I wasn't wanted" Genjirou replied.
"You don't need him. You have me, your old friend, back. If he ever abandons you, I'll always been here right beside ready to protect you from everything" Atobe said.
"Do you mind if I sing for a bit?"
Atobe shook his head and gestured for Genjirou to go shead. Genjirou sighed and then cleared his throat. He began singing in a fluid, melodic voice that had Atobe smiling a wide, happy smile. He preferred singing than violence to let feelings out and Genjirou's voice was the most soothing voice he had ever heard.
No one would hurt his friend for as long as Atobe was there. No way in hell.
Atobe wouldn't use Ore-sama in front of a childhood friend and so when speaking to Genjirou he will be using first person. I feel so bad that my OC has to go through so much torture. Read and review please!
Onyxinlife