Chapter 6: Parents' Visit

Hiroki felt this night might go horribly…since he had to both meet Nowaki parents and tell his own parents about their engagement. His face could not stop blushing as he helped Nowaki prepare the meal for their families. Nowaki smirked the entire time, but finally their eyes met. Hiroki turned red and spun away…as usual; Nowaki hugged the behind of his lover. Nowaki said gently, "scared?"

Hiroki shivered and said, "What do you think?"

Nowaki giggled and said, "me too…but I am very excited too. I am finally going to meet your parents as you are going to meet mine…well, my adopted ones. My real ones…" He cleared his throat as he released Hiroki and went back to work.

Hiroki said, "You never mention them—Nowaki?" Nowaki dropped a plate at the time Hiroki asked as both men cleaned the mess. Hiroki looked at Nowaki's somber face…sensitive topic…save for a later date, but…he never mentioned it before…I am curious.

Nowaki sighed and said, "My parents…could be still alive…but…" He gulped and took the broken plate to the trash. His body turned away from Hiroki as he finished, "my adopted parents never told me much about them…my biological parents chose closed adoption, so my adopted parents had no idea what happened or where my real parents went. All they know is…I was dropped off at the orphanage as a baby during typhoon season with all the paperwork signed and sealed. So…I never fought to find out more. I just accepted…that my parents just did not want me and—Hiroki…"

Hiroki hugged his lover's back and said, "Nowaki…I…" Nowaki slowly turned and embraced Hiroki closer. They turned into each other for a small kiss; they let the emotions roll as their tongues and mouths moved in sync. Their mouths slowly parted as Nowaki said, "I love you, Hiro-san."

Hiroki snarled and blushed even redder. He mumbled, "me too…"

Nowaki smiled and said, "So, what about that new neighbor of ours? He seems interesting." He continued to fix the meal as Hiroki took out the chopsticks and napkins.

Hiroki growled, "He was very rude! That clothing and attitude…he reminds me of Akihiko and his fetish for childish things."

"Speaking of Akihiko…I had seen Misaki a few days ago. He seems…different. He is not with Akihiko anymore…right?" Nowaki asked as Hiroki turned to Nowaki.

Hiroki nodded and said, "Yep, the pair of them broke up."

Nowaki sighed and said, "Shinobu and Miyagi did too…it's not fair. Why did their relationships fall apart? We are fine, or even better than before."

Hiroki sighed and said, "We have been together for eight years…but other than that, both pairs had issues that could not be repaired easily."

"How do you know?" Nowaki asked interested.

Hiroki said simply, "The end of the game…you could tell by the body language everyone had. We all suffered and changed because of that game…" He stiffened and snarled, "Yet, you want to see Goda again! Why?" He glared at Nowaki and said, "do you want to play another game or something? Count me out!"

Nowaki smiled and said, "I want to invite Goda to the wedding, and thank him…for teaching me a lot over ten days."

Hiroki rolled his eyes and said, "only you would want to invite a bastard like him to our wedding—" He shrieked when Nowaki grabbed him into a tight embrace.

Nowaki breathed heavily and said nothing. He just hugged Hiroki closely as Hiroki's heart raced. They just cuddled close to each other as their mouths reconnected. Their mouths just moved slowly and passionately with the tune of their rapid beating hearts. They embraced each other closer as Nowaki rubbed Hiroki's back and Hiroki wrapped his arms around Nowaki. They moaned gutturally as Nowaki kissed all over Hiroki's face. Hiroki groaned and looked deeply into Nowaki's eyes. Nowaki smiled and looked at his lover with passion overflowing in his blue eyes. They smiled at each other as they leaned in for another kiss—

Ding, dong, ding, dong the doorbell rang. Both men stiffened as Hiroki turned even redder. Nowaki looked at Hiroki and said, "We have another hour before our parents are arranged to come…Who is that?"

Hiroki gulped and tried to calm down his face…impossible with Nowaki this close. He groaned and said, "I…invited a few other people…" He shoved Nowaki off and moaned, "I invited Akihiko and Mio."

Nowaki said, "Great, I invited Tsumori."

Hiroki silently growled and went to the door. His breathing slowly for a few seconds helped calm down his facial color, and he opened the door. He smiled at Mio, nodded at Akihiko, and glared at Tsumori. Hiroki said, "Welcome, please come in."

Akihiko said, "polite today…how adorable."

Hiroki moved as he growled at Akihiko; Mio came in last as Hiroki smiled gently at the teen. They embraced each other as Hiroki said, "You grew! Jeez, no wonder you ate so much."

Mio sighed and said, "Yes well…I am fifteen. So, how are you? I missed you so much!"

Hiroki backed away and said, "I have been busy, but whenever you want a break from the workaholic…come here."

Mio smirked and said, "Thanks. But right now…Akihiko needs me."

Hiroki stiffened slightly as he turned to his childhood friend. Akihiko did not look different, but he did act a little different. Akihiko seemed…lost while trying to act normal. Hiroki knew Akihiko better than most, so he could tell when Akihiko was not happy. This was one of those times…but Akihiko smirked at him.

"Akihiko, we need to talk about Mio for a moment." Hiroki intruded Akihiko's and Nowaki's conversation.

Both Akihiko and Nowaki stopped talking as they turned to Hiroki. Hiroki said, "Mio needs an emergency contact at school…just in case you are sleeping or not able to help the kid."

Akihiko sighed and said, "Maybe, I will—"

"I am registered as his emergency contact." Hiroki said as he stood closer to Mio. He continued, "I asked permission from his mother a few weeks ago, but you need to sign some forms. I will hand in the paperwork soon."

Both Akihiko and Nowaki blinked a few times. Akihiko said, "You…talked to my…mother? Why did you not discuss this with me?"

Hiroki crossed his arms and said, "I was only thinking that Mio needs a responsible adult in the background, just in case, problems arise. I was very concerned for Mio when you showed very little interest in his well being. So, now I shall keep a—oph!"

Mio hugged Hiroki and mumbled, "wow…you really care about me this much. I…want to kiss you…"

Hiroki blushed and gulped. He said, "No need! You are—"

Mio went on his tiptoes and kissed Hiroki's cheek. He said, "Thanks a bunch, but Akihiko and I are better than we used to be. You really do not have to…"

Hiroki kissed Mio's head and said, "No…it makes me feel better if I know someone else is watching you. You are still young and need protection…even from a world renowned author. Please, do not hesitate to call me for anything. This month has been hectic, but I have missed you terribly. I hate to think Akihiko is making you into a slave since Misaki is gone."

Hiroki saw Akihiko flinch at the name, but Mio giggled. Mio said, "You worry too much! All I do is clean and cook, no big deal."

Mio hugged Hiroki again and said, "I will accept the offer though…not yet, but when I need it. I will definitely let you know."

Hiroki hugged him back as they cuddled against each other. He could not believe how protective he was over Mio…his paternal instinct sort of scared him, but whenever he saw a teen boy…he just thought Mio…are you okay? Are you still upset or need someone to listen to you…Mio, I miss you so much. He called Akihiko's mother the hard way…by listening to a machine and finding her. She was excited to hear that he wanted to be Mio's emergency contact, so she agreed and gave him the paperwork. He filled it out and had to wait for Akihiko…He stiffened when he turned to look towards Nowaki.

Nowaki was smiling with his whole heart. He looked extremely pleased about another man in Hiroki's arms. But Hiroki smirked back and watched as Mio parted with a bright smile on his face. Mio turned to Nowaki and smirked at him. Nowaki nodded as Mio came close to Hiroki and whispered, "He is hot! No wonder you were so concerned for him during that game."

Hiroki blushed and said, "how did…why do you…AKIHIKO!" He glared at Akihiko and stiffened. He said, "You told him! A teenager about…THAT!"

Akihiko snickered and said, "He found out, besides, his curiosity matches mine a little bit. It's no wonder he wanted to know about the game. But please, do not insult me. He made his own choices on finding out about the book."

"Is it done yet?" Nowaki asked.

Akihiko shook his head and said, "soon…but I have two other projects that I am writing on. It is not easy, but I prefer to keep busy."

Hiroki snarled and crossed his arms. He said, "You should finish the stupid thing soon! I hate remembering the…whatever. Mio, did you say your birthday passed?"

Mio slightly blushed and said, "Yeah…it was September 20th. But why…oh dear, do not tell me you got me something…" He turned pinker at his last statement.

Hiroki smirked and said, "You do not like presents?"

Mio reddened and said, "no…it's just…I have nothing in return if your birthday passed…"

Hiroki felt his heart give a gentle leap. He could not believe how comfortable and protective he felt over this teen that he only knew for a few weeks. His hands gently rubbed Mio's face as he said, "do not worry, my birthday is—"

"April 20th." Nowaki and Akihiko said together.

Hiroki rolled his eyes to them and turned back to Mio. He continued, "It is not much…but some things you might need at school."

Mio smirked and nodded. He said, "I would love to accept your gift, Hiroki."

Hiroki snarled, "My name is Kamijo-san to you."

Mio turned back to normal color as he said, "Or do you prefer Hiro-san?"

Hiroki glared at Nowaki and said, "No…I do not believe you two met before, correct?"

Mio said, "I saw you two across the street, and he called you Hiro-san. I guessed he was your boyfriend, but this solidifies this. So," he bowed gently towards Nowaki and continued, "It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Mio Izumi Allens."

Nowaki said, "Kusuma, Nowaki."

Mio raised and said, "So, are you a teacher too?"

Nowaki gently shook his head and said, "I am finishing up medical school. I am training to be a pediatrician."

Mio nodded and said, "nice, but it is hard work…right?"

Nowaki smiled and said, "The work is complicated, but worthwhile. That is what counts."

Hiroki smirked and walked into their room quickly. He went into the closet as he shifted through the closet's little mess that he made to hide Mio's present. His hands felt the shoe box sized present as he took it out. He slowly cleaned the mess and went back out.

Nowaki was showing off Hiroki's gift…a watch that was designed for Nowaki. Hiroki ordered the watch over a special site where the watch is made from the smallest detail. The watch was made for withstanding water, electricity, and also durable to withstand about twenty pounds crushing the face. The face of the watch was a rocket…a clear, blue bottle rocket, which it was flying in the air. The numbers were Roman numeral style and the date was also shown on the face of the watch. The best part, which Nowaki blushed at, was the inside of the wrist band. He took off the band to show Mio, Akihiko, and Tsumori.

Hiroki wanted to crawl under a rock! He put that silly saying in there only for Nowaki's eyes, but oh no…the man showed everyone who wanted to see the little saying. Hiroki memorized it since he wanted something simple but effective to keep reminding Nowaki that he loved him even though he does not say it a lot. The saying was: Life is a twist and turn of events; fate brought our lonely hearts together by a single bottle rocket…

Akihiko snorted and laughed. Tsumori laughed with Akihiko as Mio smiled and said, "That is so nice." Nowaki smirked and looked at Hiroki as he replaced the watch back on his left wrist.

Hiroki was blushing so red…he did not come out from the corner. He glared at Akihiko and Tsumori, who both men were declaring their love just as corny as the saying to each other…Nowaki came over with Mio to Hiroki.

Nowaki rubbed Hiroki's face and said, "I adore this watch…there is no reason to be embarrassed about it. The saying is the best part. I love you, Hiro-san."

Hiroki smirked and said, "Love you too…" He stiffened at Mio's smile of approval.

Mio said, "I am glad you have someone like Nowaki…he seems like a nice guy."

Hiroki moaned as Nowaki hugged Hiroki again. He dropped the present as they embraced each other close. Their mouths connected again as they gently rubbed each other's mouths.

The hyenas stopped laughing when Hiroki wrapped Nowaki closer. Nowaki leaned in as they gently kissed and embraced each other. Hiroki did not care about the hyenas' opinion of the saying, even though, he blushed many times about the saying…but this reaction from Nowaki. Nowaki's bright smile, gentle kiss, warm embrace, and his never ending love…this was worth every insult that the hyenas would give him.

They parted as Tsumori and Akihiko cooed and howled. Nowaki gave them a gentle glare as Hiroki reddened and hid his face in Nowaki's broad shoulders. Nowaki giggled and held his lover closer to him. They embraced each other when the doorbell rang again.

Hiroki stiffened and felt his face turn pale…his parents! Nowaki's parents! He was not ready! This was…he gulped and kept Nowaki close to him. Nowaki kissed his head and said, "I'm here…don't worry. We will tell them after the meal, okay?"

He nodded as Nowaki slowly went to the door and received Hiroki's parents. Both his parents came in as their eyes connected with Hiroki's. His father slowly smiled as his mother gave a gentle grin.

His parents were both dressed formally but with casual flare. His father, whom ninety-eight percent of Hiroki's looks came from, dressed with a light suit but opened top. His father had brown hair and dark brown eyes. He was a man to be considered a great person to talk to, but when he got angry…not many crossed that path easily. Hiroki did a few times, but most of the time Hiroshi Kamijo was a calm man. Then his mother, Kizuna Kamijo, wore her famous kimono with huge cherry blooms and her hair was in a bun. Her light brown hair was twisted delicately with cherry blossoms twisted into the strands of hair. Her light brown eyes gently fluttered at Hiroki as he came to them. They embraced in a long-awaited hug…ten years apart, but this hug felt just as affectionate as if they only been apart for a few weeks. His parents contained Hiroki in a small circle as Kizuna kissed Hiroki's cheek. Hiroshi squeezed Hiroki's middle and said, "Finally…you asked us to come to see you. What is the occasion?"

Hiroki sighed and said, "Always to the point…mother, father, this is my lover…Kusuma, Nowaki."

Kizuna gasped and turned to Akihiko then to Nowaki. She said, "I thought…well, you were interested in Akihiko."

Hiroki sighed and said, "I was…but Nowaki is my partner…" He blushed at the idea as he waited for the fire. Yelling, shrieking, or something…but nothing happened. He looked at his mother's smiling face, and he turned to his father…the same smiling face was there as well.

"You…are not mad?" Hiroki asked as his parents hugged him again. Kizuna said, "Never! We have been nothing but proud of you. Also, I am glad you found someone to take care of you! Man or woman…it does not matter to me! I am so happy…" Her eyes enlarged as Hiroki hid his hand into his pocket.

Hiroshi kissed Hiroki's head and went to Nowaki. They shook hands as Hiroshi said, "thank you for taking care of my son. I bet you have a handful with him…but please, believe a heart is under those scowls."

Nowaki smiled and said, "of course, we have been together for eight years. I know plenty about him."

Kizuna shrieked and hugged Nowaki. She squealed, "eight years! This is fantastic! Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! You are amazing!"

Hiroki slowly walked to the table and sank into a chair. He could believe this…he expected anger, yelling, or 'how could you defile the Kamijo name with being gay?' But this…his parents embraced and chatted idly with Nowaki like…they knew and wanted to keep him around. Nowaki talked to them about a few subjects like how the met and other little tidbits. They came to the table as Mio, Akihiko, and Tsumori joined them.

Mio turned to his present and said, "Can I open it…or is this a bad time?" Hiroki smirked at him after watching his parents talking to Nowaki; he turned to Mio and said, "Go ahead…"

Hiroki just sat there, basking in the glow…his parents liked Nowaki! He never felt so calm and at ease in his entire life. His smile never left as Mio came back with the shiny present with a huge red ribbon on the middle.

Mio opened the present as he gasped and blushed. He said, "Hiroki…are you serious? Wow! This is awesome!"

Hiroki blinked and turned to Mio. Everyone did as Mio pulled out Hiroki's old Goda phone. Mio also pulled out other little trinkets: pencils, little notebooks, erasers, and some hard candy. Mio smiled at Hiroki and said, "thank you!"

He smirked at Mio and said, "your very welcome, Mio."

Kizuna shrieked again and quickly embraced Mio. She squealed, "I have a grandson too! This is the BEST day EVER!"

Nowaki and Akihiko laughed at Hiroki red face. Hiroki growled, "He is…not mine! Remember you were there! Mio is Akihiko's little brother! I am…" He groaned, "I just care for the little guy, no big deal." Hiroki hid his face in shame as the doorbell rang again.

Hiroki stiffened again and looked up as Nowaki got up and opened the door again to two very well dressed people. The woman: a blonde with black streaks, normal size and weight, and wore a beautiful florid dress. Her dark blue eyes were extremely close to Nowaki's…but a shade darker. The man was older and had a developing bald spot. He was a tad overweight, but he wore a nice suit over his flab. His dark brown eyes turned to Hiroki and stared at him for a moment.

Nowaki said, "Hiroki, can you come here." He smiled at Hiroki as Hiroki came to them. Nowaki said, "This is my lover, Hiroki Kamijo. Hiroki, these are my parents, Ickiro and Ami Kokoro."

Ami took Hiroki's hand and smiled at him. Ickiro, on the other hand, looked extremely angry; he said, "what?"

Hiroki stiffened at Ickiro's glare and said, "Is there a problem?"

Ickiro snarled, "of course there is! This is a nightmare…you think that your love will be acceptable. Please, an engagement ring is just a ploy to trick the government! Can you imagine homosexuals actually getting married? The country is flipping backwards for a few couples that cannot accept reality that men and women are true couples…not men with men!"

The room became very silent as everyone stared at Ickiro. Hiroki felt this was going to happen as he said, "well, excuse me for being disgusting to you. Excuse me for not being normal! Excuse me for loving your son! EXCUSE ME! But you have to place a continent in between us to stop us from getting married!"

Nowaki opened and closed his mouth. He closed his eyes and slowly said, "Father, can we—"

"Hell no I would accept this union! You two will face shit and hell from everyone that sees you two! Save yourselves and get women…that is the only way to save yourselves from this blasphemy." Ickiro said plainly.

Hiroki gulped back the tears…this was worse than he imagined. He said, "assholes like you make me fear being open about our relationship. I am sorry that you think your way of life is better than mine. I am sorry that your son has chosen me. I am sorry that you will never win…I am so fucking sorry that…I love Nowaki with all my heart!" Hiroki turned and ran to his room. Like a coward, but he could not hold back the tears. He went into his room and slammed the door to lock it. His body sank to the floor as he sobbed.

He could hear arguing and moving feet. His body curled into a ball as he heard someone at the door…he stiffened when he heard Mio saying, "Hiroki?"

Hiroki stopped breathing and turned to the door. He gulped and said, "Go away…"

Mio sat beside the door and said, "I seen the same thing with my lover's parents…not everyone is as accepting as your parents. But do not worry…I bet Nowaki's father will change his mind after the wedding. Nowaki loves you…I can tell."

Hiroki sobbed, "but why? Why do people see homosexuality as a bad thing…why?"

Mio sighed and said, "I wish I knew…I truly do."