He's All Ours

By: Shin Sankai

Chapter Two:

"FUUUUMIIIIIII!" Yokozawa groaned at the scream that was yelled right into his slumbering face. He cracked open his blurry eyes, blinking several times to see his genki nephew smiling down at him. "Its time to get up Fumi!"

"Hai, hai," The salesman mumbled, sitting up in the futon and ruffled a hand through his hair.

"Hiyo-neechan is making food." Yokozawa nodded his head, knowing the youngster was referring to breakfast was nearly ready and pat the boy on the bum as he rushed out of the room and headed back towards the living room no doubt. The salesman noticed it was only 7am and they really didn't have to get up this early considering they were on vacation, but any opportunity to repay the hosts in kindness was what Hiyo-chan strived to do. It was then he realised he was the only one in the spare room, which was quite a surprise considering it was usually the salesman that had to drag his lover out of bed. Yokozawa pulled on a pair of black jeans and a plain dark blue button down shirt, it being crinkled but its not like he was going to work so it didn't matter. He exited the room, ready to head for the living room when his expert ears picked up laughter coming further down the hallway in the opposite direction as it lead to a back door which was wide open and to a back porch. On silent feet the dark haired man made his way towards the noise as the voices belonged to his lover and his brother-in-law.

"You know Kiri-chan, in the several hours we've been catching up since last night, I've been meaning to ask just how in the world you ended up with my adorable brother-in-law."

"Well..."

"I mean considering you used to be a married man. I remember you being very popular in school, always having girls around you, so I would have thought you'd have no trouble finding yourself a second wife, of course after you get over loosing your first one."

"Does one truly just 'get over' loosing a loved one?"

"Well..." Katsuhiko really didn't have an answer to his question, since there were at times he thought of his deceased wife, mainly when Shiori-chan did something that was so like her birth mother or when it was around the time of Shizuku's birthday or the day she passed. Did that make him a horrible husband to Midori?

"I'll let you ponder on that." Kirishima remarked knowing the man would surely think of his first wife, just like he thought of Sakura, because she had been a part of his life. And even though one shouldn't live in the past, he owed it to his daughter to tell her all about the mother she had no memories of, for it made her happy to hear about life before she was born and the almost three years they had together when she was born. Kirishima crossed his arms when he narrowed his eyes at his Senpai when he recalled what he had really asked him."I'm not so sure I like you referring to my boyfriend as adorable." Yokozawa halted in his footsteps, eyes wide at the conversation going on. It was just so damn casual and not exactly the type of conversation one would have so openly!

"Never mind about that...so..." Katsuhiko insisted.

"Well, in the beginning it was Takafumi who told me to go find Hiyo-chan a new mother, but in all honesty, no one matched up to him. I sometimes wonder just why the two of us are together, but then I was the one who started all of this and wouldn't take no for an answer. I'm sure he could do better then me, but when I've come home from a long day at the office, dinner on the table and Takafumi and Hiyo-chan are sitting together, either idly talking or doing her homework, they both happy being in each others company and the look in their eyes when I've returned home, it feels me with so much joy. For some unknown reason, the three of us just fit together perfectly, though I technically should say the four of us."

"Four of you?" Katsuhiko was clearly confused.

"Ah, that would be Yokozawa Sorata, Takafumi's cat, or Sora-chan as Hiyo so affectionately calls him. He pretty much lives at my place now, oh so content in being spoilt by us, especially Hiyori. She's always wanted a cat after all."

"Ah, I see."

"In all honesty, I don't think it matters that I was once married, that I bombarded him with my selfishness and surprised him with the fact I have a daughter and that I've never been interested in any man but him, what matters is that I just can't imagine Takafumi not being part of our lives." Yokozawa felt his cheeks heat up instantly and annoying butterflies scattered to his stomach.

"Does that not put strain on Takafumi-kun, knowing that he is dating a man who could very well change his mind and start a relationship with a woman?"

Kirishima let off a small chuckle as his Senpai seemed quite protective of his brother-in-law. "I would hope Takafumi has faith in me not to stray, not that I would, considering the only one I see for me is actually him." Yokozawa felt his breath hitch within his throat. "It frightened the hell out of me when I came to the realisation that here was someone who was accepting everything about me, my good points and my bad points. That sudden realisation shocked me to my very core, not because he's a man, but because I never thought I'd ever feel so complete again. " And now the eavesdropping man's heart was pounding! "I do sometimes wonder if he finds it too stressful and taxing on him, physically and emotionally, being with Hiyo-chan and I, but I guess it helps drive me along to fight harder to keep him with me, to convince him that I'm the right guy for him, that being part of the Kirishima family is not a bad thing." Kirishima let off a light chuckle. "Ah, if only Takafumi knew..."

"Knew what?" Katsuhiko was now curious.

"Just how much he is loved by those around him. If he knew, then perhaps it'd help him gain more confidence and more belief that he is worth the effort, that he is worth fighting for and that its perfectly okay for him to become so comfortable in this relationship that it may seem like a dream, but he need not worry because when he opens his eyes, I'll be right there with Hiyo-chan at my side." The eavesdropping salesman felt his heart skip a beat. "I've put over two hard years into what we currently have and each day I think we grow stronger together, the three of us, so I'm never giving him up. And besides, I think Hiyo-chan would kill me if I let her Oniichan slip away."

"Hm,"

"And he truly is an adorable man, even with all his grumpiness, but that too is what makes him adorable." The salesman listened to the two men laugh heartily, and at his expense!

"Uncle," The salesman jolted as he turned to look back at Shiori-chan.

"Ah, um, good morning Shiori-chan," Yokozawa awkwardly voiced, knowing that two pairs of eyes were silently watching him. Instead of turning to face the other men, Yokozawa decided to walk back down the hallway with his niece after she plainly announced breakfast was ready and headed straight into the living room.

"Good Morning Oniichan!" Hiyori's genki voice filled the room. Yokozawa greeted her in turn and helped bring out the food, plates, bowls and cutlery.

Midori became a little perplexed when her husband and Kirishima walked in, instantly taking notice that her brother insisted on having the girls sit either side of him, his steely blue gaze not once reaching anyone's. The super observant housewife watched the two men share a glance, knowing something she did not, which of course infuriated her, but she would soon pry it out of her brother or her husband, whichever she could get alone first.

Of course for now it was time for everyone to enjoy a hearty breakfast before their day would truly start. She'd already planned for everyone to spend the morning at her in-law's property, to get introductions and greetings out of the way and then a nice picnic lunch would be enjoyed down near Towada Lake after the drive there of course. She'd yet to tell Takafumi any of this, but she was sure he'd be fine with the idea.

(Later that Day)

"Are the two of you ever going to come out of here?" Katsuhiko and Yokozawa both jolted from their hunched positions, paperwork strewn over the workbench. Both men turned their gazes to warm almond orbs. Kirishima had been leaning against the doorway for well over five minutes now, equally being ignored by his Senpai and his lover.

"Ah, Kiri-chan, sorry, I'm not being a very good host."

"Your parents have been very kind. Your father and I conversed over old literature, while your mother has been entertaining Hiyo-chan with cake decorating. They both tried to get Shiori-chan to join them, but she decided to take a book from the shelf and head out the back to read quietly. I believe Hiyo-chan has found a new hobby I'll have to invest in when we return to the City as she's quite excited about it. I think the noise was too much for your father as he went to lay down and I figured I best come out here to see if the two of you were still alive." The Editor-in-Chief remarked casually.

"How long have we been in here?" Yokozawa questioned as he stood up properly, lower back screaming in protest at having been hunched over for far too long.

"About three hours now." Kirishima watched comically as both men turned their eyes down to their respected watches as though thinking the Editor-in-Chief was playing a joke on them. "You do realise that the two of you can exchange emails with attachments right?"

"Oi..." Yokozawa began, thinking Kirishima was becoming cranky.

"I'm just saying wouldn't that be safer then getting into trouble with your wife and your sister?"

"Mi-chan is upset?" Katsuhiko questioned and Kirishima made a face.

"Maybe a little. Apparently she had plans for us to have lunch somewhere."

"Ah, I remember her saying something about that last night. I better smooth things over with her!" And the doting husband was off, leaving the two lovers alone for a moment.

"You come for a holiday and you cannot for even one moment steer clear of anything work related."

"Its not my work."

"True, but it's your field of expertise."

"Katsuhiko-san's figures are not adding up. Granted we seem to get distracted every now and then, reminiscing about the past, so I'm getting a little frustrated at not being able to concentrate on the full document in order to help him." The salesman was proud that he'd not reeled back in shock or displeasure at all when Kirishima raised his hand, fingers diving into his black strands of hair as his older lover drew closer. He'd not been able to raise his eyes to the older man, considering the crap he overheard earlier on. Just how the heck was he to respond after hearing all that? With baited breath Yokozawa waited for Kirishima's attack, eyes half lidded only to suddenly feel the man pull away. "Eh?" The salesman remarked stupidly as finally he glanced up at his older lover, only to lower his gaze to where Kirishima picked up a pencil and circled a number.

"Is it not just missing a decimal point?"

"AH!" Almond eyes widened at Yokozawa's outburst as he'd missed the simple oversight, though the Editor-in-Chief smirked lightly as the salesman raked a hand frustratingly through his hair, an almost pout on his face.

"Is everything alright?" Katsuhiko had returned to the workshed that he used as his office watching Kirishima step away from his brother-in-law.

"The figures should be fine now."

"You were able to figure it out Takafumi-kun?"

"Zen did." Yokozawa absent-mindedly commented as he pointed his thumb at the man, not once realising he'd called Kirishima by his first name, nor did he notice the look of surprise on his lover's face. After all, these moments were quite rare. The Editor-in-Chief was still elated from lasts nights onslaught of hearing his name fall from those lips. "Its just a decimal point error, the figure has been identified and you can correct it at a later date and everything should even out perfectly now." The businessman turned his attention to his overly quiet lover. "What?"

"You don't even realise do you?"

"Realise what?"

Kirishima shook his head. "Its a secret..."

"Huh?" The salesman bristled at the older man's childish behaviour.

"Shall we get going?" Katsuhiko voiced as the three men decided to exit the shed and head back towards the large two storey home. "We need to get back on Mi-chan's good side."

"I didn't know about the plans to have lunch, so you are on your own Katsuhiko-san."

"Ah, Takafumi-kun is being mean!" Kirishima chuckled at his Senpai's antics. He definitely hadn't changed much since their boarding school days. All three men were greeted with a frowning Midori standing on the front porch, arms crossed. "Wah Mi-chan," Katsuhiko turned on his childish voice. "Takafumi-kun kept delaying your lunch plans by wanting to talk about the old days."

"What?" Yokozawa had frozen in mid stride. "Why you... I never..." The salesman fumed in astonishment that his brother-in-law would do such a thing, but the moment was filled with loud laughter coming from Kirishima himself. Even Yokozawa was surprised at how carefree the older man was in front of his family and extended family as everyone, besides Katsuhiko's father who was still resting, had now joined them on the front porch.

"Its wonderful to hear such care free laughter, it feels the soul with joy." Katsuhiko's mother voiced, a tender smile on her face.

"Are you sure you and Otousan do not wish to come have lunch with us?" Midori questioned as she directed Katsuhiko's mother to a cushioned two seater couch that sat on the front porch.

Midori was in fact very close to her in-laws. She was practically like a true daughter to them, since they did not have one themselves, only three sons, the two oldest lived elsewhere, not interested in the Apple Orchard. Over the years that Midori had been with Katsu, the relationship between her and his parents only grew stronger when Midori dropped her own career plans to wait on Katsuhiko's mother day and night when she'd had a fall and was hospitalised for weeks before recuperating at home for months afterwards.

Nowadays her time was taken up with looking after her silly husband and their two children, but still she would find time to spend with her in-laws. After all, her own parents lived quite a long way away, closer to Kyoto in fact and the relationship had been strained for many, many years now. It had been that way ever since she sided with Takafumi when he'd boldly (perhaps at a rebellious stage within his life as he finally had enough of returning to an unloved home) informed his parents that he was moving out and was in a relationship with a man. That of course was voiced back in the days of when he'd just graduated from high school, had started smoking in secret and began to explore his sexual orientation. To this day Midori could still remember the look on their parents faces and the resonating sound of when Takafumi was whacked across the face. It was probably still fresh in her parents minds, but she and Takafumi had moved on with their lives and since then, the two siblings had never bothered to talk about that time back then. Perhaps one day Midori would pick up her phone and call her parents, advising them that they were grandparents to a very precious three year old boy, as well as step-grandparents to Shiori-chan, but for now her life was fine the way it was. She received more then enough love and attention from those that were currently around her...especially from her silly husband. And as for her baby brother? Midori glanced over at him as he was currently in conversation with a smiling Hiyo-chan and she was certain he was fine with all the attention he got from the Kirishima's.

"Mi-chan?"

"Eh? Sorry, my mind was elsewhere." Midori apologised and didn't miss the strange look coming from her brother.

"I said, thank you for the invite, but we'll have to decline as we've got company arriving in a couple of hours and Jin-san wanted to rest before then. Have you organised everything for your lunch?"

"Yes, even though Katsu has delayed us." The man in question pouted like a child, Yokozawa funnily enough recognising that expression as Kirishima himself had tried it on him a few times. "Ma, nevertheless, shall we get going or else lunch will turn into dinner at Towada Lake. Thanks for lending us your van Okaasan, its a lot more reliable then Katsu's."

"Wait, why are we travelling all the way to Towada?"

"Its beautiful there and Zen-san and Hiyo-chan have never been there before have you?" Midori received shakes of the head from the two main guests. "Then its settled, lunch will still be at Towada Lake."

"Wait, Midori, Towada is..."

"Ah, the last time you were there was the last time we went on vacation with our parents."

"A-Aa..." Kirishima noted the awkward reply, pondering if there was some friction between his lover and his parents.

"Ah, I remember now, Taka-chan's idol, Hiro-niichan was there!" Kirishima felt his ears prick up. His first story of Takafumi as a child! "That was such a fun day!"

"I practically drowned!" Yokozawa complained.

"Ah, so you did." The salesman rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Well, we're still going. I've already packed the van so lets get going!" Yokozawa didn't even bother to argue as even before anyone could make a suggestion, once his stubborn sister had an idea in her head, she would not be swayed. Instead he bid farewell to Katsuhiko's mother, promising to have dinner with them before the three of them returned to the City and picked up his pace when the impatient Midori beeped the horn.

"What's the damn hurry, we're here for another couple more days." Yokozawa placed on his seatbelt, noticing once more that the girls were not sitting anywhere near each other. He had to remind himself to question Hiyo-chan about it.

"So, who is Hiro-niichan?" Yokozawa picked up on Kirishima's smooth voice which oozed curiosity.

"Ah well you see, Hiro-niichan is..." Yokozawa tried ever so hard to drown out his sister's chirpy voice as she decided to go into great detail about the cousin which Yokozawa idolised when he was a kid. The day they'd gone to Towada Lake, the young Takafumi had been watching "his idol" for several hours as he played with a couple of his friends that had come on the outing that day. His large innocent blue eyes back then watched them jump into the lake, splashing about, yelling, screaming and generally having a fantastic time. He too wanted to be cool like them and jumped in, not realising the depth and instantly struggled as he was not a strong swimmer back in those days. It did not take long for panic to sink in and he began to go under. His sister screamed, alerting the teenagers and when the 8 year old woke up, coughing and spluttering, he was looking up at his Hiro-niichan who had successfully resuscitated him. "Hiro-niichan was so cool back then!" Midori gushed as though she were a youngster, knocking Yokozawa out of his thoughts. "I wonder if Hiro-niichan kissing Takafumi back to life set him on his path of liking..."

"Midori..." The growl of her name was enough to silence her and Yokozawa felt just a moment of satisfaction as the van went silent, even though Kirishima was trying ever so hard to keep himself from chuckling.

It was after two in the afternoon by the time they'd arrived and by the time they unpacked the van and everyone got settled to eat lunch, it was nearing three. Once again the businessman noticed the distance between the girls and he really wanted to do something about it but unfortunately for him his attention was stolen when Midori decided to deposit her son into his lap to look after him, much to the youngsters delight. And as grumpy as Yokozawa could be, he really did have a soft spot for children, especially these three.

Yokozawa hadn't been that hungry, but settled to eat Hiyo-chan's sweet tamagoyaki much to her delight. He noticed that Shiori-chan seemed to like it as well, though the girl wasn't saying much.

Half way through lunch is when Midori began to reel off tale after tale of their antics as children and Takahiro had decided to vacate his lap for Kirishima's, not that his older lover minded as once again he began to teach Takahiro how to eat by himself. It was as though Kirishima was gifted at this since within minutes Takahiro was holding a plastic cup and drinking from it all on his own, much to the delight of his mother and father.

Yokozawa felt now was a good a chance as any to slip away, since he really didn't need to hear about the past. He was certain Midori would tell it in her own way and not what actually happened, but she was smiling up a treat so who was he to deprive her of embarrassing him. Its not like he'd be able to stop her since she'd smack him and she really could hit quite hard. Yokozawa moved away from the clearing they were eating at and began to wander the banks of the lake, not far from where they were lunching, perhaps about 500 metres away.

As he stood there, overlooking the lush greenery and the cool blue waters, the salesman hated to admit it, but his sister was right. He'd forgotten the beauty of Towada Lake as he stood on the shore, it miraculously devoid of other tourists. He didn't know how long he'd slipped away for, but it didn't matter as a cool breeze blew, his stern gaze drifting closed for a moment as mother nature wrapped around him in a moment of sheer bliss. At times like this he truly didn't mind the freshness, openness and tranquillity of the countryside to the hectic city life he and Kirishima led.

A hand on his relaxed shoulder interrupted his moment and Yokozawa instantly knew who it was before they even spoke. "You've been avoiding me for most of the day." And he really didn't want to get into an argument, not when he was actually feeling quite calm and laid back.

"I don't know what you mean." Yokozawa innocently responded.

"Don't play dumb with me, you know what I'm talking about. You've been avoiding eye contact with me and conversing at the best of times ever since you eavesdropped this morning."

"Well the two of you were talking so bloody loud everyone in the damn house would have been able to hear you, so its not like I did it on purpose."

"Senpai asked for my honest opinion about you and he's the last person I'd lie to."

"Why, because he's your important Senpai from your school days?" Yokozawa felt his mood slipping.

"My important..." Kirishima was perplexed. "No you idiot, because he's your family!" Blue eyes darted to almond orbs and found the truth held within them. "You may not know it, but Senpai is quite protective of you." Dark eyebrows furrowed in sheer confusion. "And I'm not surprised you never realised this since you can be quite blind at times."

"Are you trying to pick a fight with me?" The question practically came out as a growl.

"No, I'm trying to get you to understand what I said."

"What you said..." Yokozawa repeated, his mind reeling at all the mush that spilled from his older lovers lips. He raked a hand through his wind tossed hair. "Its been echoing in my head since this morning, trying to convince me that I wasn't hallucinating."

"You weren't hallucinating." Kirishima couldn't help but touch the man, even if it was only a mere feather-like caress against Yokozawa's pinkish cheek. "If you want, I can voice it all to you again, face to face so you will know right here and now that I wasn't just spouting some random bullshit to your brother-in-law."

"No, spare me."

"Spare you?" Kirishima bristled. "What the hell, those were my heartfelt..." The Editor-in-Chief could not get any further as his complaining was interrupted since his adorable lover had sealed his lips over his own! The older man was completely dumbfounded and had no time to respond when Yokozawa pulled away. "You never initiate! I wasn't ready!" Kirishima whined like a child and even though it was at his expense, his lips turned up into a light smile as Yokozawa chuckled lightly in front of him.

"That's what you get for spouting shit like that." The salesman remarked.

"Then I better start doing it more often." Yokozawa made a face as he thumped Kirishima on the chest once and then strolled far too coolly away, heading back to where the others would be, probably packing up as it was getting late in the afternoon. It would definitely be dark by the time that returned to the Inoue property.

Yokozawa darted his eyes down to his left hand, Kirishima now at his side, his long strides easily keeping up with him as the light haired man linked their hands together. "Just for a little bit." The older man reasoned and Yokozawa did nothing but grunt, head turning away to take one last look at the shimmering lake, keeping his light blush away from prying eyes while he was at it too.

(Later that evening)

Katsuhiko had retired early for the evening, bypassing a late supper considering he did all the driving. Both Kirishima and Yokozawa had offered, but the man had smiled and shook his head.

The ride back had been pretty quiet, all the children had gone to sleep, Midori was quietly talking to her husband and down the back of the van was Yokozawa, starring out the window into the clear starry night sky as Kirishima was leaning contently against him. He knew the man wasn't asleep, but the back of the van was dark and so they sat, side-by-side, Kirishima's large warm hand resting innocently against his left knee.

When Katsuhiko had parked the van, saying he'd return it to his parents tomorrow, everyone piled out of the vehicle. As Kirishima helped Midori with unpacking the van, Yokozawa unbuckled Takahiro from his car seat, the boy squirming at the disruption to his sleep, but he soon quietened down when strong comforting arms of his father wrapped soothingly around his tiny body. Katsuhiko also grabbed a couple of bags and headed for his fully lit up home since Midori and Kirishima had turned all the lights on. Yokozawa undid the seatbelts of the two slumbering girls and lifted the far too light Hiyori into his arms and backed out of the van. He was ready to hand her off to Kirishima who had come back out to help, but instead the Editor-in-Chief shifted him out of the way and he pulled Shiori-chan out, cradling her against him, identical to how Yokozawa held Hiyori. The older man found an almost puzzled look in his younger lovers eyes.

"I love it when you take care of my girl like she's your own...Mama..." Kirishima was lightly kicked on the back of the leg for that comment. Yokozawa then slid the van door closed and headed into the property after Yokozawa and placed the girls in Shiori's bedroom.

Currently the two remaining men were in the living room, sitting in different lounge chairs, immersed within their own little world as each had a book from the many on display. Yokozawa and his sister had been avid readers when they were children, but when his sister got into high school, that was when reading books had pretty much stopped for her and she'd sneak out till all hours of the morning with her friends.

With how busy a schedule she had these days, she didn't read much, but she still loved all sorts of literature so when she moved into the property with her then new husband and step-daughter, her numerous boxes of books finally saw the light of day once more and were showcased within the living room.

Both men were content in their silence, conversation not required, but clinking made their eyes drift over to the other side of the living room where a tired Midori was setting the low table for a late supper. The businessmen had reiterated several times that if they got hungry they could fix something themselves, but Midori was having none of it, even if she was only fixing them something simple like a plate of riceballs. Yokozawa snapped his book shut, ready to rise from the plush chair when a hand rested on his shoulder, his steely gaze meeting a warm one.

"Stay, let me help your sister...and I'll also try to convince her to go to bed." The salesman didn't bother to argue the matter as he observed Kirishima place his hands against his sister's shoulders promptly advising her to sit down. She did so without arguing and thanked Kirishima who waved it off as he brought the tray of riceballs, the jug of iced tea and three glasses to the table. As he watched his lover and sister quietly converse it was then he realised that he'd forgotten to get Hiyo-chan on the side to see how she was going with Shiori-chan. The awkwardness between the girls was clear to him not only in the van ride to Towada Lake but also during lunch time when they rarely spoke two words to each other. Hiyo-chan instead immersed herself in entertaining the three year old Takahiro.

"Taka-chan, you coming to have something?"

"I'll have something later." He remarked absently and went back to reading his book by lamp light.

Yokozawa was more then half way through the novel when he jerked his gaze up as Kirishima had placed a hand on top of his head. "Midori-san went to bed awhile ago." It was then Yokozawa realised that the kitchen and living room was in darkness, save for the lamp in the far corner of the room were he sat. "She didn't bother saying goodnight since you were so engrossed within the book."

"Ah, I've not read it since a long time ago." The salesman watched Kirishima try and hide a yawn.

"You go to bed first, I want to stay up a little longer to read this." A chaste kiss on the lips was Kirishima's answer as the man mumbled to him not to fall asleep out here. Yokozawa's grumble back was that he was not a child. His sharp ears listened to the click of the door and it was then Yokozawa lifted his hand and turned off the lamp, the room doused in darkness even though moonlight shone through the glass windows. Midori never bothered to close the curtains considering no one lived on the property but them and the nearest neighbour was a good half an hour drive away. Yokozawa stretched out in the chair, arms folded behind his head, knowing he'd probably fall asleep in this very recliner, but he was on vacation and he could do whatever the hell he wanted.

The businessman's mind began to slow down, slumber was coming fast when he suddenly listened to a door click open. At first he thought it was perhaps Kirishima coming to get him, wanting to lure him into the bedroom they shared but in actual fact, what came creeping into the living room was none other then Hiyo-chan.

Since it was still quite dark within the home, even if moonlight shone in, she had no idea he was sitting in the corner of the room. Yokozawa felt his lips quirk as the young girl crept towards the kitchen, trying to be as stealthy as a cat, freezing instantly when her foot hit a particular creaky floorboard. After several seconds, when no one made a sound, she moved on, slipping into the kitchen. He watched her pry open the fridge, to use it as her light source and began looking through cupboards. Even if he strained his eyes, he couldn't see what she had pulled out. He listened to a soft 'click' sound, Hiyori as quietly as possible, began to boil water from the kettle.

A minute or so had gone by and when she closed the fridge door, it was then Yokozawa could see what she cradled carefully within her two small hands: a cup of instant ramen.

The salesman's heart melted at the sweet gesture. Perhaps she'd woken to the grumbling sound of Shiori-chan's stomach or perhaps even her own, the ramen an offering for the both of them to share, to bond. As Hiyo quietly made her way down the hallway, a door opening and closing, he thought it best he head to bed himself. He rose from the chair, placing the book on the coffee table as he was certain he'd finish it before they had to return home and headed down the hallway. Just as he was at the spare room, his expert ears picked up a small amount of noise coming from Shiori's room when suddenly the door swung open, not hard enough to make much noise to disturb the other occupants, and a flurry of blue and white rushed out, the bedroom door clicking closed. The room he and Kirishima were in was diagonally across the hall from Shiori's and not much further from the bathroom. Being the sometimes curious man that he was, Yokozawa went to investigate considering it was Hiyo-chan who had rushed out of the bedroom and into the bathroom.

"Hiyo-chan," Yokozawa knocked once on the slightly ajar door to the bathroom and then pushed it carefully open. He found the 12 year old standing by the sink, her reddish hand situated under the flowing cold water. Instantly his eyebrows furrowed. "Are you alright?"

"Why is Oniichan still up?"

"I was on my way to bed when I saw you rush out of Shiori's room."

"I-I'm fine..." Yokozawa was not convinced by her shaky response at all, plus he had noticed tears at the corner of her eyes.

"Hiyo-chan..." He softly voiced her name, coming to stand behind her as she looked up at him, her lips twitching. It was like she wanted to tell him, but then she didn't want to tell him. The cogs began to turn within Yokozawa's brain. The only reason she'd have her hand under running water would be for the fact that some of the hot water from the ramen had splashed on it either by her being a little clumsy or by it being done on purpose! It was then he recalled the noise coming from the bedroom.

"I...I guess Shiori-chan...didn't want ramen tonight." His assumption that it had been done on purpose had been correct as Hiyori wasn't that much of a clumsy girl.

"Hiyo-chan..."

"C-Can I sleep with Oniichan and Papa tonight?"

"Of course." The salesman replied instantly and after patting her hand dry, he directed the 12 year old out of the bathroom and to the room he occupied with her father. When he opened the door he was surprised to see that Kirishima was lying on his stomach reading the same book he'd picked when they returned from Towada Lake. As soon as he turned on his side and his eyes met his daughters, she rushed on over, practically diving under the covers as she curled against the warmth and protection of her father.

"What's the matter Hiyo-chan?" The protective father soothingly voiced, but his daughter refused to comment and thus the man furrowed his eyebrows in confusion all the while rubbing one hand against her small back, his book all but forgotten.

When almond eyes lifted, he observed his lover point to the door, silently advising him he'd be back in a moment, giving them father and daughter time.

As Yokozawa closed the door to the spare room, he diverted towards the bathroom to get a hand towel and then quietly entered his niece's bedroom, eyes instantly going to the knocked over cup of ramen as the contents was spilled over a section of the floorboards. Silently he bent down to pick up the noodles, placing them back into the cup and then rubbed the hand towel over the floorboards. When he finished that he threw the cup into the bin near Shiori's writing desk and it was then the young girl realised someone was in her room as she'd been curled up within her single bed which was in the corner of the room.

"U-Uncle..." Came Shiori's hesitant voice as she shifted in her bed, sitting up, waiting patiently, though cringing at the expectant lecture she was sure to receive. The young girl peered over at her Uncle who had sat at the end of her bed, his eyes moving about her room, taking note of how much it had changed since the last time he was here. It was no longer pretty pink with lots of brightly coloured flowers painted on the walls. Now it was cream walls with some scenic paintings on the wall. It was modest, tasteful, almost grown up even.

"I may not know exactly what is going on in that head of yours Shiori-chan, but please do not take out your frustration on Hiyo-chan." Yokozawa watched as Shiori-chan hugged her knees to her chest. "I know when Shiori-chan is ready to talk she'll tell me what is bothering her, but Hiyo-chan is just an innocent bystander, someone who is just trying to befriend you."

"I don't care..."

"Oi," Yokozawa had to remember he was talking to an impressionable young girl and not his sometimes childish lover and so he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "This is not the Shiori-chan I remember and I'm a little saddened she's grown up so fast and become quite distant, perhaps even a bit too reserved."

"Uncle is reserved..."

"Ah, well, yes I guess so, but I'm slowly changing and change is a good thing." Again he peered down at his niece, noting that even though she was trying to be far too mature for her age, right here and now, she truly did look like a little girl. "Listen Shiori-chan, I know you're growing up, but you don't have to grow up so fast. You need to enjoy being a kid, to have fun with friends instead of locking yourself up within your room."

"But..."

"Don't be like me Shiori-chan. Because I was so reserved, I missed out on a lot when I was growing up. I don't want that to happen to Shiori-chan at all. I want her to enjoy her adolescent years and to have no regrets about it." Yokozawa lifted his hand and ruffled her short dark hair. "You also need to come to terms with the fact that I'm not the perfect Uncle you think I am. I am a hard working adult who at times will forget to write or call, but it doesn't mean I don't care about you okay?"

"Mm..."

"You also need to accept that I'm not just yours anymore. I've my own..." Yokozawa paused suddenly as he was just about to say 'family' like Katsuhiko had previously voiced and it sent a light flush to his cheeks. "Anyway, Shiori-chan will always be important to me, but Zen-san and Hiyo-chan are also important to me and I'd be very happy if you'd get along with them."

"Uncle..."

"It doesn't have to be straight away, not even they would expect that, but give them a chance alright? Can you do that for me?"

"Hai..." It was as though she'd surrendered to him.

"We won't speak of this to your parents, Hiyo-chan will not tattle either, she's not that type of girl." It was then Yokozawa noticed the unopened present poking out from behind Hiyori's overnight bag. Perhaps at every chance she got, Shiori's icy attitude had haltered Kirishima's daughter from presenting the gift. The salesman rose to his feet and made his way over to Hiyori's bag and picked up the gift. "Did you know this is for you?"

"N-No..." Yokozawa handed it to Shiori-chan.

"Hiyori has been quite excited over meeting you and your father. When I finally agreed to bring her and her father to meet the two of you, she'd gone out of her way one day after school and thoughtfully bought you a present without even knowing who you are." The salesman watched her slowly open the gift, pulling the lid of the box off to see pretty writing paper, matching envelopes, colourful stamps, a couple of pens and what appeared to be a locked diary that Shiori-chan could write her secrets and wishes within. "I must have spoken several times about how we exchange letters and it looks like Hiyo-chan took that on board as a greeting gift for you. That's pretty thoughtful don't you think?"

"Yes..." Yokozawa ruffled her short black hair again, pulling the girl to lean against him as he pressed his lips to the top of her head.

"I'm always here for Shiori-chan, but its not a bad thing to open up to someone else either." Yokozawa rose once more and made his way to the door. "Hiyo-chan will be staying with us tonight."

"U-Uncle," Yokozawa turned his steely blue eyes to Shiori. "Gomen nasai..."

"There is no need to apologise to me, but please say those heartfelt words to Hiyo-chan in the morning." Yokozawa stepped out of the room and closed the door. He found Kirishima standing across the hall, leaning on the wall waiting for him. "What?" Yokozawa accusingly questioned, just waiting for some teasing as he suspected that Kirishima may have been eavesdropping this time.

"Is Shiori-chan alright?"

"She'll be fine." He glanced back at the room hoping she would be. "I think she's jealous."

"Hm," Kirishima mumbled as he opened their bedroom door to allow the salesman inside, the both of them staring down at a fast asleep Hiyori, she taking up the futon which would have originally been Kirishima's.

"I've been a terrible Uncle, not paying attention to her."

"Ah, well, I think the girls have more in common then they both think. After all, Hiyo-chan harbours a bit of jealousy due to Shiori-chan being your niece."

"What?"

"Shiori-chan has known you longer and therefore perhaps my girl feels a little threatened."

"That's just..."

"Don't say its silly, their impressionable girls who equally desire your love and attention."

"I guess...you're right."

"Now its up to you to convince the two of them that they equally share a space in your heart together."

"Aa..."

"Just as long as I have the biggest space."

"What are you a child?" Yokozawa voiced softly in exasperation, grunting slightly when he was pulled effortlessly into the vacant futon, he resting fully above his older lover, cheeks brightening in the dull light of the bedroom thanks to the lamp on the desk in the far corner. "O-Oi..."

"Hush, you'll wake Hiyo-chan." The salesman really wanted to give the man a piece of his mind, but the way his expert hand was languidly caressing his back, moving up and down his spine, while the other directed his head to rest against a broad chest, listening to the thumbing of a healthy beating heart, it lulled him into slumber in mere moments.

To be continued...