Chapter notes - (A lot of notes for a long chapter) – It's 15 pages, one of the longer chapters, and it's packed-in with a lot of stuff in three distinct sections. You'll get to see more family dynamics and some not-so-happy moments with one of Shuichi's jealous competitors, Taki Aizawa. I should mention here that what transpired between Shu and Taki in the original series does not go on in the re-write I did (and I haven't gotten that far into posting the chapters of that yet so that you might know it!). In a nutshell, Eiri does save Shu from quite the beating from his artistic rival, putting Taki in quite the bad state in the process...
About introducing characters that are outside the original story - It's time to meet more of Shuichi's family. I've always been fascinated by the way that the families of young people don't make much of an appearance in anime and manga. Teenagers are left on their own to save the world! In this series, at least we meet Shuichi's mother and see his father (though briefly) and get to know his younger sister (a little). We get to know Eiri's entire immediate family aside from his mother... I wanted to dig into that a little more and Uncle Kentaro introduced himself my mind for some reason. Spent some time fleshing out his character that of his partner by writing a story about how they met and ended up with an inn. They seem like nice people. I'd love to hang out with them, myself! Since I can't, at least I can enjoy writing about them. I hope you'll let me know what you think of them.
Read and review - It'll make me clean the chapters for publishing faster! It also makes me super warm inside to know that you care enough to jot a paragraph in response to these many pages...
If you happen to be a fan of my writing style, you can PM me to be pointed to another project that is published on a different website.
If you're still enjoying this story, be sure to check out the beginning of the story -- Remix, The Beginning of the New Ending -- that is being published separately.
The week before their trip was peaceful, for the most part. They worked on their own projects peacefully in the apartment, had dinner with Hiro and Ayaka on Tuesday night and on Wednesday evening Shuichi's father stopped by on his way home from work. Eiri cleared his entry with the front desk security staff as once again Shu was deaf to the world with a headset on, working away.
"Welcome, Shindou-san." Eiri bowed respectfully, "Please come in."
"I hope I am not intruding." Shuichi's father smiled graciously.
Eiri still felt tense around the man, even though he seemed to be in their corner. It was the best course of action to not be too familiar with him quite yet. At the same time, it was a bit of a relief that he was making an effort, even so much as to stop by for a visit. It was more than Eiri's own family would dream of doing.
"You're not intruding at all. Your son is hard at work through there. You'll be able to scare him if you like. He has headphones on and becomes incredibly absorbed in what he is working on so…"
"I take it you have scared him yourself in this way?" An eyebrow went up.
"I am sorry to say, it is not too difficult a thing to frighten your son." He smiled slightly.
"He does tend to jump, doesn't he?… I will go see how much I can scare him myself. Thank you."
"Of course… I have coffee on. Would you like a cup?"
"That would be most welcome."
Shuichi had noticed Eiri going down the hall to start brewing his evening coffee, so he knew it was just a matter of time before he tried to sneak up and scare the life out of him. This time he was determined to be ready for the attack… He would play dumb and wait. Sure enough, there was a shadow approaching… sneaking slowly up behind. Shuichi turned around fast, yelling and waving his arms.
"Stop scaring me, Eiri!!" He stopped short, blinking in surprise, "Dad???"
His father recovered from the shock of being shrieked at and laughed, "So I see how you spend your days now! Working and playing tricks on one another. Is that how things are?"
"Yeah… Well, it's mostly him getting bored and playing tricks on me." He scowled at Eiri where he was now leaning in the doorway with a solid smirk on his face, "You must be really proud of yourself right now, huh?"
"I certainly am… It's not a one way street. I suppose the ice cube down my shirt when I fell asleep at my desk was accidental?"
"Only in that I only got one down your shirt before you woke up." He made a face.
"You are a cruel thing, Shuichi."
"I learned from the best, Eiri-kun." He accused.
"Yes, you did." He went down the hall to leave them alone.
"I am glad to see things are going well for you." His father smiled, patting Shuichi's head, "And such a nice, big home too!"
"I like it here a lot. It's even better than where we lived before actually."
"So much security to go through, though. They had to give me this special card to use in the elevator." He held it up.
"Sorry. They activated the security system for our floor after reporters got in here and the police had to come and remove them from our door."
"I did see a few reporters outside when I came in, now that you mention it. Is that how it always is?"
"Yeah. I can't stand on the balcony without getting my picture taken. But I don't mind, really."
"You are still messy, I see." He looked around the room.
"I have a new sofa!" He pointed, "Sitting space for me, extra bed for guests."
"Very nice. I am glad to see you are smiling so much, Shu."
"Me too… So… How come you came by? Just checking in?"
"I wanted to see your home life for myself… and I have this for you." He took a few envelopes out of his briefcase, "Mail."
"Oh. Thank you… I should probably change my address!"
"Indeed you should… Are you looking forward to your trip?"
"Very much. I can hardly wait to meet Uncle Kentaro's partner. What's he like?"
"I will leave that for you to discover."
"Okay… but do you approve?"
"I do. He is a good man." He nodded.
"I should show you around… "
"I'd like that. Make me more jealous of this big life you have." He chuckled.
"It's just home, dad. Come on." He showed his father their home and concluded the tour with Eiri's office, "This is where the jerk works..."
"I love you too…" He smirked from his desk, still tapping away at the keyboard.
"A tidy study. You are very different people." Shu's father noted.
"For which, I'm thankful." Eiri got up from his work, "Ready for coffee?"
"Very ready. Thank you."
"Aww, you're going to try and make my father like you more than me by giving him good coffee!"
"Do you think that is all it will take?"
"With my luck? Probably." He smiled as Eiri pushed him playfully aside to get by.
"You have a lot of good luck for a boy in a band called 'Bad Luck'." His father noted as they followed along to the kitchen.
"I know. Dumb luck really."
"No comment…" Eiri said, starting to get their drinks together.
Soon they were sitting together in the living room, having a peaceful chat over coffee and cookies that Eiri kept trying to take from Shuichi, reminding him that they were going to have dinner soon.
"Perhaps you'd like to join us?" Eiri inquired.
"Ah, no. I have dinner waiting for me at home, but thank you. Perhaps another time…Your mother will be pleased to hear my report. I have been asked to observe and give her details." He smiled toward his son.
"She could come by and visit…" Shu frowned.
"I think she is still feeling a little strange about things. She doesn't want to intrude. Especially after giving Uesugi-san such a difficult time in our home."
"Please tell her that I am not offended and we welcome her to our home whenever she has time." Eiri said.
"Gracious. Thank you again… Very good coffee. I will tell her that too."
Soon he was on his way and Shuichi was leaning on the balcony, waving to him. The media gathered by the building's main entry were trying to figure out who this suit-wearing businessman was to an up-and-coming musician, starting to go after him.
"Oh, brother…" He sighed, watching his father waving them off pleasantly.
"Your father is a good man." Eiri said from behind him.
"Yeah. I've been super lucky. Mom's a good person too. Really! Just a bunch more conservative."
"I know. It will take her more time. Don't worry."
"I'm not worried… Hey, I'm going to go over to the studio tomorrow."
"Oh?"
"Dad brought my mail from home." He explained, "I should change my address with the administrative offices… if that's okay with you?"
"Very okay. I'll go with you."
"Yay."
"I should make some effort with Touma, I suppose…"
"Are you sure you're ready?"
"If he is willing to keep out of our relationship, I am willing to forgive the past."
"You think he will?"
"I'll see how he reacts when we talk." He shrugged, "That's all I can do."
"Okay…" He huffed.
"You really do worry too much, Shu."
"I'm still getting used to being happy every day!"
"I hope you never do."
"Huh?" He looked up at Eiri as he came over to lean on the railing beside him.
"Never get used to being happy. You might get bored of it."
"I guess I'll just have to find out." He nodded.
In the early afternoon of the following day, they ventured out to the studio together, planning on having lunch somewhere afterward. They separated at the administrative offices, Shuichi going to fill in paperwork for his address change and Eiri stalking off to find Touma in the executive offices. The plan was that he would meet Eiri in the studio where he wanted to pick up a few things he had left laying around.
The girls in the office giggled at his request and made him blush but he managed to write down what was necessary and give the papers back to them.
"You are serious if you are changing your address!"
"Very!" He smiled through his fit of embarrassment and waved, going off to the studio.
There he found where he had strewn most of his writing for their arrangements of 'Tokyo After Dark'. He smiled at a doodle he had done of Eiri when he was stumped for a while about how to finish the song off.
"Happy!" He laughed and then suddenly found himself with his face slammed into the table, "Ow!! Hey!!" He protested, held to the spot, arm pinned behind his back.
"You little shit! You think you can just wander in here and take over our spot!!"
"Aizawa! Let me go, you big freaking jerk!" He tried to stand up only to be shoved back down again, "Oww! Stop it!"
"Not so cool without your blond bodyguard, are you, punk? When I get done with you, you'll wish you'd never shown your face here!!" Taki vented in his ear, nearly deafening him.
Before he could complain again, Aizawa got pulled off him. Eiri had come in and grabbed him by the back of the collar, hauling him backward and choking him in the process. He threw Aizawa against the wall and pinned him there, Taki gasping from the impact. Shuichi righted himself quickly, rubbing his cheek while watching.
"Bastard…" Aizawa hissed, "Get off me."
"Heh… I thought I told you to leave him alone." Eiri sneered, "I guess I wasn't clear enough, huh?"
"Fuck you."
"You're not my type… Pretty brave of you to sneak up on a teenager alone in a corporate building and attack him. I'm impressed by your new low. This is your last warning, Aizawa… You touch him again and I'll beat you within an inch of your pathetic little excuse for a life." He pulled Taki away from the wall slightly, only to punctuate his point by shoving him back into it harshly before letting him go.
Taki turned around, fists clenched, furious.
"Oh… Are you going to fight me? Don't you remember how well that didn't work last time?" Eiri mocked.
"You think I don't know what's going on here??"
"Nnh?"
"You, all buddy-buddy with Seguchi-san… Having a new book coming out… This is all a huge publicity stunt! For you and for NRG! It's a cheap fucking publicity stunt!"
Eiri smirked, "You've got to be kidding… You think that Shu and I are a publicity plot to kill off interest in your band? You really are an idiot…"
"It's just to take the limelight from everyone else… I know how things work around here. You're ruining me!"
"You're nuts!" Shu concluded, shocked by his allegation.
"Ask him then! Ask him if this isn't some fucked up scheme that Seguchi hatched! Maybe you don't know it!" Aizawa yelled at Shuichi.
"I know it's not. I don't have to ask. What you're suggesting is just beyond bizarre." He started to gather his papers together.
"You just don't know how these people work. I've been here for three years! I've seen some messed up stuff go down."
"It's surprising how much having your band outdone by a new group, fresh out of high school, has distorted your perception of reality." Eiri mused, "I'm curious… Why do you think I need publicity? I've been steadily selling out my work since the beginning of my career."
"It's not for you, it's for NRG and trying to get Bad Luck to the top of the charts here and abroad. And you're doing it too! Good work! But it's cheating!!"
Eiri laughed, "This is too funny… You think I would screw up my career to get involved with a pop-rock teenager just to help out NRG? Not on your life."
"It hasn't screwed up your career!"
"Good for me." He smiled, "I guess I can stand up to the scrutiny. Besides… Why would they pick Bad Luck to promote over you? Shouldn't it be you and me on the front of the news papers, if your theory holds?"
"I'm not a fag, but he is." Taki pointed at Shuichi.
"Hey! Don't call me that!" He vented back.
"No way I'd ever let anyone say it about me either. He doesn't mind being plastered all over the papers, on you like a rash… You're in for a big wake-up, kid."
Manager K showed up just as things were cooling down.
"Maybe you should get lost before whatever crappy career you have left is over." Eiri suggested and Aizawa bolted out the door past K.
"What was that all about?" The American wondered.
"Aizawa has completely lost grip on reality!" Shu squeaked.
"Just let him dig himself deeper on his own, Shu." Eiri joined him, checking his face, "You okay?"
"I'm fine." He nodded, wincing instead from Eiri looking at the papers he had been shuffling together.
"Is this supposed to be me??" He picked up the paper with the drawing on it.
"Well… maybe…?"
"Don't take up art, stick with music." He rubbed Shuichi's head.
"Okay! Thank you for rescuing me!" He hugged Eiri.
"Seriously… What just happened here?" K inquired.
"You better have a talk with Aizawa… because if he touches Shuichi again I'm going to put him right back in the hospital." Eiri said.
"Huh? He was fighting with Shuichi?"
"Yes. He was trying to give him a beating…"
"What the hell for?"
"Because he's nuts!" Shuichi said, letting go of Eiri.
"Maybe you shouldn't come here any more." K said to Eiri, "You have a way of stirring up people's emotions."
"If it weren't for my being here, your rising star wouldn't be on hiatus. He'd be in an ambulance… and I would be in jail for tracking Aizawa down. All and all, I like how things have turned out… Let's get lunch, Shu."
"Okay, I'm almost ready." He hurried to stuff everything into his backpack.
"Watch him." Eiri said to K on their way out the door.
"Hmmh…" K's eyebrow went up.
"I like your protective streak." Shu grinned.
"I'm not sure how you can smile after that… Chh…"
"Because everything is okay and we're going to get lunch."
"You are made of rubber, Shu." He sighed and draped an arm around his shoulders.
"Hey, did you get to talk to Seguchi-san?"
"He wasn't around. That's why I managed to get there in time."
"Good, I'm glad he wasn't there then."
"No questions after all Aizawa said?"
"Nope. I know the truth. I'm just hungry!"
"Mmh." He smiled, "Me too."
Friday afternoon they drove north. Shuichi had been too excited to sleep. Now he was starting to drowse as the sun warmed his face in the car. He yawned… Eiri yawned… Shuichi laughed at him.
"Shut up, you." Eiri smirked.
"It's catching." He put the seat back and got comfortable to take a nap, resting his hand on Eiri's thigh, "Our first vacation together. Romantic, ne?"
"We'll see."
"Aww… Don't be like that."
"Depends on whether or not we have any privacy. Doesn't it?"
"I think it'll be fine."
"Besides… You know I'm no good at romance."
"You're fine too." He smiled and started to drowse, feeling Eiri's hand come to hold his, "I love you."
"Love you too."
Eiri woke him up when they got to the inn. Shuichi yawned and stretched as he sat up, looking out the window at all the trees. "Wow… It's beautiful."
"It is. We should go see what is planned for us."
"Yeah. Neat!"
It really was an amazing old place. The pictures he had seen on the website didn't do it justice. Very peaceful and wooded, only a few other cars in the unpaved parking lot. He could hear the sounds of water moving somewhere near by but out of sight. Maybe there was a creek?
They were greeted by one of the housekeepers and brought inside. It turned out that they were going to be staying in a small, secluded home on the property. Shuichi was in love with it. The perfect traditional place with sliding screens and their own private piece of hot spring right outside. The housekeeper brought them tea and they knelt together on the tatami mats with the screen open so they could enjoy the scenery.
"This is soooo-"
"Shh…" Eiri interrupted him, "Just listen for a while."
He closed his mouth and listened to the sounds of nature, watching Eiri drinking his tea. He remembered Eiri in his priest's robes and thought that perhaps this was something he was used to doing. Drinking tea and contemplating the cosmos… or something like that. Shuichi closed his eyes and sighed, just resting, very aware of Eiri's presence and the sounds around them, the feelings of the breeze on his face, a wind chime singing. In a while Eiri brought him out of the trance he had drifted into.
"I have never heard you so quiet outside of sleep." He smiled.
"Yeah. That was nice… Are you sad you're not going to be a priest?"
"Nnh? No. It's far from what I want out of life."
"You just look so proper and peaceful kneeling on tatami and drinking tea."
"It is how I grew up so there is a familiarity... It's nice to be here in the quiet but not have religion and expectations crowding me."
He nodded, "But your brother is sure into it."
"Pervert that he is… For some reason he enjoys the temple too."
"He's been emailing me recently…"
"Oh?"
"Yes… To discuss his fascination with Sakuma-sama."
"Of course. He hopes you'll introduce them… because I won't do it."
"I'm not gonna… That peaceful smile he gets… I know why now."
"Do tell." He smirked.
"Tatsua is thinking about Sakuma-sama when he gets that smile. Dirty things. What a perv."
"I keep telling him that he's not going to get together with a 32 year old man… He's only 17."
"His drive is that of someone older… Maybe you should warn Manager K that he has competition." He snickered.
"I am not getting involved." He held up a hand.
"Probably a good idea."
"We should go and try to visit with your family."
"Yeah." He sighed as Eiri leaned in and kissed him.
"I get the feeling that this family visit will go much better than the other ones."
"I agree… It will be totally weird though." He kissed back.
"I'm looking forward to it."
They made their way back down the wooded path to the main cluster of buildings that made up the inn and hot springs. There was a cord with a sign hanging across the end of the path, indicating that it was private and closed to the inn visitors.
"Your uncle is taking very good care of us." Eiri noted as they went around it.
"Yeah, I'm amazed by the generosity. I guess we don't have to worry about our privacy any more!"
Near the buildings they found another employee who directed them to one of the main public lounge areas as being their best bet to find Shuichi's uncle.
"He is usually entertaining our guests there. Did you find that you need anything at the house?" She asked, trying hard not to be too much of a fan of theirs.
"Everything is great. I think we've got more than we need. Thanks!" Shuichi cheered and they went on to the main building that opened up on the other side into the garden.
Instead of his uncle, they found a tall military-looking older American man standing there, facing away from them and looking out toward the pond, drinking a cup of coffee.
"Excuse us for intruding." Shuichi offered, wondering if he understood Japanese.
He turned around and smiled in a rather calm manner, "You're not intruding." So at least he spoke a bit but his reply was not that of someone entirely comfortable with the language, "Shuichi?"
"Yes…" He tilted his head, wondering how this man knew his name.
"Alan Barton. Nice to meet you…"
"Thank you. Nice to meet you too."
"And I know I'm going to screw up your name so forgive me. Kentaro-kun has tried to get me to say it right but it's no use… Usugi-san?" He tried.
"Close enough… Please call me, Eiri."
"I will. Someone competent to speak to you will be here soon. I've been here for 20 years and I still don't get the language all the time." His speech was slow and careful, trying to get everything right.
"Do you work here?" Shuichi asked, still trying to figure things out.
"I try not to work too much." He attempted a joke and Shuichi smiled, "But Kentaro makes me."
"Wait… You are my uncle's boyfriend??" His jaw dropped.
"Boyfriend…" He chuckled, "I'm a bit old for that title. I am your uncle's husband."
"Wow… An American." He grinned.
"Your father didn't tell you?"
"No. He said he wanted me to get my own impression of you… Eiri speaks English so you can talk to him! I stink at English." He demonstrated it too, with his last shaky sentence.
"Yes, you do." Eiri mocked his attempt to speak a little.
"Cruel…"
"How is everything out at the cottage? Comfortable?" Alan asked.
"It's very nice. Too nice! Thank you for letting us use it!"
"Welcome. It's one of the best places to get some privacy here, aside from our place. We have a few celebrities that stay with us so it is good for that."
"Neat."
"The place is amazing." Eiri spoke English, "You must love living here."
"Yeah. Nowhere on earth I'd rather be. Cost us a small fortune but it's paid for itself time and time again in many ways."
"I would imagine. We really do appreciate the hospitality. It's going to be good to get away from Tokyo for a while."
"Been seeing plenty of your pictures in the news."
"That is how it has been for a while now. Apparently we are fascinating."
"And maybe a little bit of a relief too." Alan nodded.
"How so?"
"It's good to see your relationship being embraced instead of trashed. Maybe things are getting less conservative out there. I suppose it gives us old-timers hope." He chuckled.
"Frankly, it's just strange even to us. I'm not sure it's an indication that Japan is any less conservative. My parents have disowned me. Shuichi's parents are putting up with us."
"Sorry to hear that about your folks."
Eiri shrugged, "I'm not so upset about it, actually. That was a relief, even more than our public approval."
"Lost some of my family in the process too. Didn't want to live my life in regret though. So you do what you have to, right?… I know you're a writer and all but I have to admit I haven't read anything of yours. I just can't get the hang of reading with kanji and romance novels aren't my bag… but Kentaro's read every one back to front, so I hope that makes up for me."
"I am not offended at all."
"Then we're off to a good start." He smiled more, "Kentaro should be back soon. Just went out to see to a few things… You know, you look a lot like your uncle, Shuichi."
"I do?" He was surprised by the switch to Japanese again.
"He's a lot less bright in his hair… but there is a strong resemblance."
"I can hardly wait to see." Eiri smirked, "Now I will know what you will look like when you get older."
Alan offered them coffee, asking one of the employees to bring a fresh pot, and they sat down to enjoy the view of the garden and pond while waiting, getting to know this very welcoming person. Shuichi liked him already. Eventually Kentaro came back and grinned at seeing them all sitting together.
"Shu! Welcome!" He came inside and Shuichi met him in a hug.
"Hi! Thanks for having us!"
"I'm just glad you could get away." He held his nephew away, looking him over, "It has been so long! The last time I saw you in person was at your cousin Shinji's wedding… What was that? Four years ago? Five?"
"Yeah, about that. Wow."
"You grew up and your hair got all funny!" He laughed and rubbed Shuichi's head, "Your parents must be furious with this color."
"Mom is more upset than dad. Dad's just always kinda calm."
"That's how he is." He agreed, "You've met Alan, I see."
"Yes. You married an American!"
"I did." He nodded, "The tallest one I could find!"
"Oh… Wait…" He remembered and dragged his uncle over, "Uncle Kentaro, this is Eiri Uesugi, not that you couldn't already guess..."
"I could! It is a true honor to welcome you to our home, Uesugi-sensei. The only way you've been here before is in paper form." He bowed.
"Thank you for having us, Shindou-san. As I was saying to Alan, this place is amazing. You have been very generous to us."
"No no. Just being good to our family. I would also like to think of it as contributing to the relaxation of one of my favorite authors. Please feel at home."
"I know I could get used to it." Shu smiled happily, "I wish I had known about this place before. And about you! You were always just kinda showing up at family occasions and disappearing again."
"The family does not like to talk so much about me." His uncle laughed and gave Shuichi another hug, "They will have a harder time ignoring you!"
"I hope they'll get over it."
"See? They do look alike." Alan mentioned, seeing Eiri looking at the pair.
"Yes… I see." He was entirely fascinated by this. They did look a lot alike, but Kentaro wore his hair in its natural black color and long, in a tail in back, "I assume their personalities are similar too."
"If you mean that Kentaro has more energy than anyone should have a right to… then yes. Definitely."
"Mmh… Then I see that it runs in part of the family, at least. Does he talk a lot?"
"See for yourself." He gestured to where they were standing and yapping at each other.
"Amazing."
"I think that Takaharu and Haruki turned out calm just to be the opposite of their brother. Their sisters are all really calm too."
"I will be interested to have your advice then." He smiled toward Alan.
"Advice? From me?"
"You've lived with him for how long?"
"Round about 17 years…"
"Yes. I think I would like your advice then."
"Hell, Eiri… I just roll with it. I've got no useful advice at all." He chuckled.
"I think you are wrong. We will find out."
"Sure. If I've got any in me, you're welcome to it… It's relaxing to speak English again!"
"For me too, in a way… Amazing." He shook his head at the two who were still talking away.
"Kentaro…" Alan tried to interrupt.
"Nnh?" He stopped mid-sentence.
"Take a breath. You're going to pass out."
"Nooo… We will have dinner together! Are you hungry, Shu-chan?"
"I am always hungry!" Shu grinned.
"Then come to our house. Come come."
So they went off to another of the structures that was set away from the main part of the inn. This was their home and Kentaro was pleased to show it off, bring them to the kitchen so they could switch to drinking tea while he cooked for them.
"Go watch and learn something." Eiri gave Shu a nudge, "Your uncle doesn't burn things."
"Mean…"
"You burn food?" Kentaro laughed.
"I stink at cooking… but I am going to take a class with one of Eiri's editors soon!"
"What a funny life you must have… The first time I saw you on the news I think I made Alan deaf, because I shrieked so loud. I could hardly believe it was you!" He smiled, "I called your father and asked and he said that it was you after all. Becoming popular for music. I was so proud!"
"Really? Thanks!"
"Then I saw you with Eiri-kun… I was so surprised! But here you both are, in my kitchen… So… are you all happy together yet or are you still just trying to get used to being together?"
"A bit of both." Shu nodded, "It's kinda hard with people always following us around… And I know it's a pain for Eiri to get use to living and working with someone else around."
"I've gotten to like it though." He slid a hand onto Shuichi's shoulder.
"Thanks…" He sighed and leaned on Eiri, "I wish I had known you were not just busy all the time, Uncle. Nobody really talks about you and you were never around much so… I guess I never gave it a thought."
"That's the idea, Shu. To make me invisible to the family. When I come to family events, those few times, I am alone. Haruki, I hardly ever hear from unless there is a birth, death or wedding. Your aunts are more conversant but still hoping I will decide that this is just a temporary way for me to live and I'll get married to a woman one day… Your father emails and talks to me frequently as he always has, but I know I am not really welcome in his home. When your mother found out, she was very upset. So it's better that we just talk on our own without her knowing… Is she upset with you, Shu?"
"Yeah, but she's trying... She sent dad over to check out our home. A spy mission. And when we came over for dinner she really gave it to Eiri."
"Saaa… Well, at least she let you in the door! That is a good start." He smiled reassuringly, "If you ever need family that can understand, here we are."
"Thanks. I really appreciate that. I still feel bad that you've been cut out."
"It is a shame, but we grew up in a different time. This is very normal, unfortunately. I am very lucky though that I have had someone in my life to make it all worth while." He smiled at Alan.
"Thank you."
"Where did you meet a tall American, Uncle?"
"Okinawa. There is a US military base there, if you didn't know. I was an administrator at the hospital there. Alan was in his residency. So he is Doctor Barton actually."
"Oh! Neat. Do you work in a hospital now?"
"Mostly, I work here. I do a bit of volunteer work from time to time at the local medical center."
"It seems like you should have an office or something…"
"Sometimes your life takes a turn you don't expect… and it's better that way." He smiled, "So, I'm not so much a doctor these days. It's more of a hobby at this point, like my woodwork. I even picked up some traditional non-western medicine since I've been here."
"For example, Alan is a Reiki master." Kentaro nodded proudly, "He will give classes or do sessions for our guests. He's also a massage therapist so I get treated to some very special massages! But then there's the acupuncture. It makes me feel scared to see those needles." He shivered and Alan laughed at him affectionately, "He was supposed to go home to get married and finish his residency in the USA. I ruined his life for him." Kentaro laughed a little, "Sorry, Alan!"
"I'm not. I've got the best life in the world."
"You see why I love him. He tells such sweet lies to me!" Kentaro pretended to swoon.
"They're not lies, K-chan." He chuckled.
"I should probably tell you…" Kentaro sighed and refilled their cups while things simmered, "I had some angry words with your father not too long before this."
"You did? How come?"
"Well… When I saw you two together on the news with Eiri-kun announcing your relationship to the world… I was so worried for you!"
"Worried for me? So you yelled at my father?" He tilted his head, not getting it.
"No so much yelled… It was really none of my business… but I was afraid that what happened to me would happen to you. So I told your father that he better not dismiss you from the family or I would be ashamed of him. I told him that I would adopt you myself if your mother found her very conservative ways with you… So I am sorry if I have caused you any trouble at home with my big mouth."
"No. Not at all. Thanks, actually." He smiled, "That was really nice of you!"
"Your uncle has been a little more than upset over this. Happy that you found someone, but worried about what that would mean to the rest of your life." Alan smiled fondly upon his partner.
"It all worked out in the end though." Shuichi nodded.
"Very well for a boy with a band named for 'Bad Luck'." Kentaro smiled again.
"No matter what he does, he seems to come out of it well." Eiri added.
"My luck changed when I met you." Shuichi shook his head, "I hate to admit it to you though."
"I'm useful after all." He smirked.
"Yeah, just a little." He leaned on Eiri more.
"No more sad talk. Tell me all about your new novel! I saw your interview on Morning Tokyo. Will it really be done by summer?"
"I hope so. I cannot say more than that really. Contractual obligations. Forgive me."
"Aa, business. So boring. I finished your latest just a little while back. It was so hard to put down but we have been so busy here. It took me so long to finish!"
"I was constantly prying him apart from your book." Alan chuckled, "It wasn't easy."
"I'm flattered. I hope you'll like my next as well."
"He likes them all as well." Alan assured, "Pre-orders every one."
"This one will be in English too, so you can read for a change." Kentaro nodded.
"I don't do romance, sweetheart." He said in English, "Just for you and not in books."
"Yes, yes. You like the sports and news. Politics! Boring too." He clicked his tongue, then gasped, eyes wide, "Aa-kun! Go feed the children! I forgot!"
"Sure thing."
"Children?" Shu blinked.
"Our fish. Want to help feed the kids?" Alan asked, heading for the door.
So Shuichi and Eiri went with him back to the enormous koi pond in the garden and fed the fish.
"Your children don't look anything like either of you." Shu was having a good time feeding the very friendly fish.
"They're adopted." Alan laughed, relaxing in his speaking now so that he was being less precise and more informal, "They cost just about as much as the real thing too. I never knew fish could be so expensive."
"They are beautiful… and they act like they like us!"
"They like anyone that feeds them. They're not real picky. They just see people and they think it's dinner time."
"Maybe we should have a fish tank…" Shu looked up at Eiri from where he was crouched at the water's edge.
"Forget it. The plant is enough of a challenge for now… Shu is trying to prove his parenting skills with a new plant." He explained.
"Your first child." Alan smirked, "The first is always the hardest."
"So far it's not dead…"
"I watered it and fed it before we left. Plant-san will be A-OK." Shuichi nodded confidently.
"I hope so. I'm concerned we will come home to an apartment full of gnats and wilted green."
"Nooo… Don't say that. It knows what you're thinking!" He stood up, clapping his hands to get rid of the remainder of the fish food.
"It does not. It's a plant, Shu." Eiri wandered over and hugged him from behind, "This really is an extraordinary place." He enjoyed the moment, the peace of being in quiet with Shu and with two new relatives who wouldn't judge them.
"Yeah. It's no wonder you've stayed here so long."
"It's the place we were meant to be." Alan looked up as some birds flew overhead.
Shuichi was used to Americans being big and boisterous, verging on the insane, just from knowing K Winchester. Alan was the opposite of K in personality, if not size. He seemed very at peace with everything, very relaxed. Shuichi hoped that one day he might feel that way too. Of course, it was probably a lot easier to get to that state when one wasn't being constantly photographed…
"Do you miss the USA?" Shu asked.
"Here and there, but we go visit every year. We'll be going again in a couple weeks. We spend a week near the family in Florida and a week somewhere else in the states. Your uncle picks what he wants to see and we go there. We get family and friends that come to visit during these slow times, too. It's a great life, I kid you not." He looked over at them with a smile, "I'm glad you could come. You have no idea how happy your uncle is to have you both here."
"I kinda got that." Shuichi smiled, "It's really great to be here too. Thanks for taking care of my uncle all these years."
"Welcome. Best part of it all is being with him. Looks like you know how it is."
"Yeah." Eiri smiled down at Shu, making him melt.
"Gotta be weird with people wandering around after you all the time. At least neither K-chan or I are public figures… And you were just right out there, telling the world. Most celebrities try and hide it and themselves. I gotta say, Shu, you looked completely freaked out when the press cornered you both at home."
"I was… I didn't expect Eiri to just come out and say it like that."
"What did you think I would say?"
"I thought you would deny it until your dying breath."
"No reason to deny the truth. No matter how many times people ask, I will tell them the same."
"Thanks." He sighed and smiled, getting happier by the minute.
Dinner was peaceful, relaxing. Eiri lit up after their meal and Kentaro looked across the table longingly.
"Hey… Sensei says no smoke, K-chan." Alan laughed at his husband.
"But I so want to." He lamented, hanging his head.
"It's been years…"
"Yes, I know! Years of wanting to smoke!" He smiled brightly.
"Sorry." Eiri smirked, "I'll quit it."
"No, no… It's good to torture him to make sure his resolve stays strong." Alan waved a hand, "But you should quit too, kiddo. It's no good for you."
"I'm working on it. I have bigger things to fix beforehand. Believe me."
"One thing at a time." Alan nodded, "So… Tomorrow we're going to be having a group breakfast. There are two other couples staying here right now. One pair from the USA and one from the UK. You're welcome to join us or to have breakfast in your cottage. 8am. It's all up to you."
"People who don't know us." Shuichi looked at Eiri, "What do you think?"
"I'm always interested in speaking in English." He nodded, "And in breakfast. Your uncle cooks well. Teach him please, sensei." He clapped his hands and bowed.
Kentaro laughed, "I would be glad to teach you, Shu."
"Okay. It couldn't hurt, that's for sure."
"And since you are bowing that way, there is a little shrine on the property that you can use if you like. It is Shinto with a little bit of Buddha here and there. Just like in me." Kentaro smiled toward Eiri.
"Thank you again. A little prayer and meditation will be helpful."
"We've asked the staff to leave you be unless you request something so please do not hesitate to use the house phone to call for things. If you want more service, just let them know, in other words. They have no problem with providing anything you want. I just thought you would like to be left on your own."
"That's exactly what we have been needing." Eiri nodded.
"Good, good. There are futons and so on. I'm sure you can manage. Now go have a soak and a rest. We will see you both in the morning. Go go!" Kentaro herded them out the door, "There are solar garden lights to guide the way. Enjoy!"
"We will! Good night!" Shuichi waved as they made their way along, listening to the night sounds, "Wow… This is so nice!"
"It will be even nicer once I've soaked a while."
"Yeah! Hurry up!" He started jogging off along the walkway and down toward their private lighted path.
"Shu…" He chuckled and instead of wandering he did his best to catch up.
The hot spring was a great thing. Eiri relaxed while Shu checked out the extent of the spring pool. When he went by, Eiri grabbed him and made him sit still.
"You're supposed to actually relax you know."
"I know. I'm just curious."
"Quit it. You're still all tense… Look up at the stars. You can see them perfectly without the city lights."
He looked up, "Aa… Wow… I hope we can offer them some hospitality some day."
"I hope so too… but it will never be the same as this."
"You really like them…"
"I do. They're good and honest people. I appreciate that. They've spent many years together. I think we could learn a lot from them… Alan gave up a career in medicine to spend his life here with your Uncle. That's pretty impressive."
"But he's happy that he did."
"True… but it's still a big thing to change your life so much. Even if you aren't being photographed non-stop." He kissed the top of Shu's head, "It's a sacrifice. He even left his home country."
"Guess he just loves uncle Kentaro a lot." He looked up at Eiri and smiled, "Are you going to make me give up singing?"
"Never. It's what you love to do."
"And I would never make you give up writing… But if you asked me to… I would move to the USA with you."
He nodded and kissed Shuichi, "Maybe one day, if we both want to… I wanted to run away there, to escape my problems, and to get away from Japan… Now, I am happy here. I don't want to leave anymore. I'm looking forward to seeing how our lives will play out…"
"Me too."
"For now, we're just going to enjoy our time relaxing."
"Yeah."
He faded into Eiri's embrace, eventually being brought out of the warm pool into their cottage to continue. Later on Eiri took out the futon for them while Shuichi lay helpless from afterglow on the floor. Soon he was rolled over onto it and tucked in. He smiled as he fell asleep beside Eiri, listening to his heartbeat and the night noises that surrounded them.