He's All Ours
By: Shin Sankai
Author's Notes: As usual, I've made all of this up, please don't take this too seriously. Someone asked if the Yokozawa parents were going to play a part in this – the answer is no – they are merely mentioned. I'm also confused as to what exactly the age gap between Yokozawa and Kirishima is, its not ever mentioned is it? So I've probably just made it around 5-6 years difference. Anyway, I hope someone enjoys.
Chapter Three:
It appeared that sheer chaos was in order for this morning as Yokozawa was abruptly woken from his peaceful slumber by erupted and yet slightly muffled noise from outside the very bedroom he was residing in.
"What the..." The salesman mumbled, lifting himself up from the futon, absently hearing a groan of discomfort come from behind him. His steely gaze dropped down to the slumbering figure of Kirishima, his elbow dug effectively into his abdomen. He watched almond eyes peel open and stare a little annoyingly up at him. "Ah, sorry..." The younger man hadn't meant to do that, considering he had wanted to wake early and make sure to remove himself from the same futon as his older lover while Hiyo-chan was still sleeping, but seeing as the other futon was empty, it appeared his plan had failed. He lifted his wrist to check the time and realised it was nearing 10 in the morning! It appeared that everyone had been so exhausted that a well earned sleep in was in order. It was then the businessman froze slightly when Kirishima sat up in the futon, the older man's hard lean chest pressing against his rigid back as he yawned loudly.
"What's going on?" Kirishima all but purred ridiculously into his ear, sending a jolt of electricity down to his groin when he pressed his lips to the sensitive skin on the side of his neck and strong arms curl around his waist.
"Oi..." Yokozawa began, but his eyes grew wide when the door burst open.
"Taka-chan, have you seen Shiori-chan?" His sister frantically questioned, not even bothering to knock or tease him about the intimacy shown with regards to how Kirishima was embracing him.
"Err, we just woke up, what's..." He didn't get any further as she slammed the door closed and appeared to run around the house yelling for her step-daughter. The dark haired man furrowed his eyebrows.
"Come on, let's go see what is going on." Kirishima remarked as he pulled Yokozawa to his feet, the two men exiting the bedroom to see Katsuhiko coming in from the back porch. He was dressed in black sweatpants and a brown shirt, possibly the clothes he'd fallen asleep in.
"Katsuhiko-san, what is all the shouting about?"
"Shiori-chan is not in her room." Yokozawa was puzzled by this news. "The two of us usually go for a long morning walk together on Sunday. I woke later then usual and when I went to apologise she wasn't in her room. I thought maybe she was in the living room but Mi-chan was sitting at the table helping feed Takahiro and she'd not seen Shiori since last night. Mi-chan is now in a panic as Shiori appears to have run away."
"Eh?" Yokozawa was completely stunned. Shiori would never run away!
"Good Morning," All eyes turned to Hiyori who had just stepped out of the bathroom. "Is everything alright? I thought I heard yelling?"
"Hiyo-chan did you see where Shiori-chan went this morning? Surely she would have woken you up when she left, yes?"
"Um,"
"Midori, Hiyo-chan didn't spend the night in Shiori's room."
"What do you mean?"
"How about we all go into the living room and sit down. Let's calmly work out where she may have gone." Kirishima offered, diverting the attention away from his uncomfortable child. All the adults sat around the table while Hiyori offered to babysit Takahiro, he a little confused as to what was going on and thus she diverted his attention away by reading to him.
"Where have you looked so far?" Yokozawa eyed Kirishima who was probably the most calmest of them all. Midori was having trouble sitting still, the only reason she could do so was because Katsuhiko held her hand firmly within his.
"I drove down to the end of the driveway, to see if she was walking along the road. She's not a silly girl, I didn't think she'd do that, but you just never know, she's been acting strangely."
"She has?" Katsuhiko questioned confusedly.
"Well...to me anyway."
"Mi-chan..."
"I then slowly drove back, looking from side to side past the Sakura to see if she was just out for a walk since Katsu woke late this morning."
"And I've checked every room in the house, I've called out to her as well and even if we were arguing or mad at each other she would still answer me. I've also checked the sheds out the back and the line of trees as well. She built a play house out of fallen branches for her and Takahiro but she's not there either."
"And when I parked the van, I checked the sheds out the front as well!" Midori instantly stood, her hand still linked tightly within her husband's as his was now raised.
"Mi-chan..."
"You will do no good becoming frantic and sick with worry." Steely blue turned to calm almond. Yokozawa watched Kirishima rise from his seated position as he moved around the table and stood next to his sister. "I am sure there are places that you've not thought of yet."
"But Shiori..." Strong, dependable hands rose and rested on Midori's shoulders.
"Midori-san, she's going to be fine." Kirishima's gentle calm voice worked almost like hypnotism as Midori slowly eased herself back down to the rug. Though her eyes were downcast, it appeared she had calmed down slightly. "Takafumi, could you get some drinks?"
"Eh, um, sure..." Even though he too was in sheer bloody panic mode, he suppressed it since it would do them no good, just as his lover voiced.
"Is your family's property within walking distance, could she have gone to see them?"
"The area is quite flat, so you could walk there, but it would take several hours. Shiori-chan and I have only ever walked half way, we had to give up because it began to rain. We've not bothered to try again." Katsuhiko replied instantly.
"Could she have gone there without telling you?"
"Shiori-chan would at least advise us of where she goes, she's not irresponsible!"
Kirishima gently smiled once more, not in the least bit offended by Midori's outburst, even if his lover who'd returned with drinks was ready to defend him as he was only trying to help. "I have no doubt that she is very responsible, but let us call your parents, just to make sure that she isn't there and to advise them that she could perhaps be on her way."
"Y-Yes..." The doting father was up in an instant and going for the phone.
"At least if we know she's not there, its a place we can cross off the list. I can borrow the car and drive along the road, heading in the direction of their property to see if I can see her walking. I can take my phone to advise you of my findings."
"My father said she is not there. They are going to drive up the road, see if she's anywhere near the property and call us back as soon as they can."
"What if..."
"No..." All eyes turned to Kirishima's stern and authoritative voice. "Don't waste your time thinking up terrible scenarios. Tell me about Shiori-chan, what she does after school and where she goes, give me a run down."
"She usually dumps her bag in the living room, I always tell her off to place it in her bedroom, but I think she likes doing her homework out here instead of in her room. I know she likes reading and writing, sometimes I catch her staring out the window, just wondering what in the world is going on in that head of hers. She spoils her baby brother rotten, thinking I don't see her doing it and she also likes having time to herself. She slips out to the front of back porch with a book and will quietly sit and read until Takahiro finds her."
"As her and I are avid walkers, she sometimes goes off on her own, plotting out a route to take us on another walk. She's never too far from the house, but if she thinks she'll be more then one hour, usually she'll tell me. She'll draw up a map for us, so we know where to go and how to get back as we never go in a straight line."
"Drawing..." Hiyori mumbled silently to herself as she was listening into the conversation. Though her efforts to befriend Shiori had not gone favourably, it didn't mean she too wasn't worried sick that something had happened to her Oniichan's niece. It was only now when Inoue-san mentioned she drew a map did she remember the sketchbook on her desk. Instantly she rose from her seated position and everyone watched her run off. "Papa, look at this!" Hiyo came running back in, promptly opening up Shiori's sketchbook. "Shiori-chan has many drawings in here, but I noticed that the one she seems to like the most is on this page, is it familiar?" All eyes bore down on the drawing filled with vivid colours.
Yokozawa was the first to rise to his feet. "Shiori's field! Why didn't we think of that earlier!" The three adults who knew what this drawing signified were up and running out the back. It was up to Kirishima to swoop up Takahiro and then he and Hiyori were rushing after the others.
The editor-in-chief didn't know how long they made there way through lush foliage as everyone was following Yokozawa. Only when the salesman came to a stop did everyone catch up and looked out onto an open field. There was a multitude of blooming flowers every colour of the rainbow which seemed to go on and on. It was truly beautiful, but as they gazed about, there was no sign of the missing girl.
"Shiori-chan!" A powerful voice boomed loudly, startling a few lingering birds. Yokozawa's voice seemed to echo throughout the countryside and just as everyone's hopes began to sink, a head popped up from amongst thousands of flowers, several hundred metres away from where everyone was standing.
"Uncle!" The salesman became weak at the knees, his hand instantly going out to his older lover who stood by his side, arm around his waist to steady him, while the worried to death parents went charging towards the 12 year old.
"I thought my talk had done serious damage." The salesman muttered as he finally got his emotions in check and quickly made his way through the flower field. Shiori appeared to be supporting a very swollen ankle.
"I...didn't see the rock and fell." Came her meek response.
"How long have you been like that?" Shiori's father worriedly questioned as he gingerly pressed against his daughters ankle. She flinched, shying away from the pressure.
"A-Awhile, I guess..." The young girl got no further as she was suddenly engulfed in a hug by Midori, tears falling freely from her eyes.
"Mi-chan..."
"Please don't ever do that again."
"But I..."
"Please Shiori-chan, if you need time for yourself, just tell us and we'll let you be, just don't go off without letting us know. You've no idea how frantic we've all been looking for you." The youngster glanced her eyes over at her family's guests, her thousand watt smiling baby brother and her relieved Uncle.
"I...just wanted to get some flowers." Midori pulled away, staring down at the numerous flowers which had been picked. "I was picking them for you and Hiyori-chan." The other 12 year old felt her eyes widen in surprise at the sweet gesture. "I had no intention of being gone for so long, I'm sorry I worried everyone." Tears pricked within the corners of Shiori's eyes as she hugged the surprised Midori.
"Sorry we took so long to find you Shiori-chan." Katsuhiko pressed his hand atop his daughters head, placing a kiss to her temple. "Its thanks to Kiri-chan and Hiyo-chan for helping us find you so quickly, even if you've been here for far too long."
"Yokatta..." Yokozawa mumbled in relief as the disappearance of the youngster had scared the crap out of all of them, but it appeared everything would be alright from here on out as Katsuhiko gave Shiori a piggyback ride.
"Ah, um, Mi-chan, could you get the flowers for me?"
"Of course." Midori picked up the flowers, almost overcome with more emotion as she'd picked a beautiful bunch of purple flowers for her, it being her favourite colour and she'd picked a healthy bunch of pretty pink one's for Hiyori. Midori handed the pink ones to the beaming Hiyori.
"Thank you so much!" The 12 year old gushed as she carefully hugged them to her chest, a cute little flush on her cheeks. Yokozawa ruffled his hand through her hair, she beaming up at him as though knowing the tables were turning and a friendship was sure to bloom!
Back at the house, everyone was calmly sitting down, eating a light lunch and chatting quietly. It had been such an eventful morning that no one felt like doing much at all today. Katsuhiko had remembered to call his parents, relieving them of any anxiety they were feeling at the news of their grandchild. Of course everything was fine now, she was tucked in her room resting her severely swollen ankle. The doting father had invited his parents over for dinner this evening, with the ulterior motive of getting a second opinion on his daughters ankle from his mother. She was a retired nurse and she'd be able to advise him as to whether a trip to the GP was in order. For now, Shiori had been given some food, some painkillers and her ankle was elevated and she was left alone, much to the dismay of the complaining Takahiro. His attention was soon stolen by his Uncle so Shiori could rest in peace.
"Zen-san, thank you so much for your help this morning...and you too Hiyo-chan." Midori voiced wholeheartedly.
"There is no need to thank us, I after all, have been in your situation before."
"You have?" Katsuhiko sat down as he'd gone to refill the jug of iced tea and began pouring drinks for everyone.
"Mm, when Hiyori was about 6 years old."
"Papa lost me in our own home!" Hiyori giggled cutely and all eyes were on a slightly embarrassed Kirishima.
"Ah, yes, well, these things happen."
"Tell them Papa." The editor-in-chief's daughter egged him on to reveal their memory and Yokozawa found himself equally intrigued as his family was.
"Hiyo-chan was home sick from school. All I ever wanted was for my little girl to smile." Kirishima pinched his daughter's cheek at this.
"So I asked to play hide and seek with him. It was my favourite game." Hiyori chimed in.
"As I started counting, to one hundred mind you, Hiyo went off to hide. She had a little cough, so I thought it won't take long to find her, but then I got a business call on my phone."
"I waited and waited for Papa to come find me, but seconds turned to minutes and the next thing I remember was waking up in bed with Papa right next to me."
"My phone call took about an hour and I needed to finish off some documents. I had forgotten about our little game and got stuck straight into my work. It was only when the doorbell rang some hours later that I got up from the study and found Yuki-chan and her mother on the other side. They came to ask me how Hiyo-chan was fairing. My complexion went pale and I instantly felt sick to my stomach. Hiyo was at the height where she could unlock the door and open it, venture out to wherever she pleased "
"But Papa should of known I'd never go anywhere without telling him." Everyone watched as Kirishima cupped his daughter's cheek.
"Indeed I should have, but I was not in a right state of mind at the time." Yokozawa eyed his lover silently. "I went into sheer panic mode at all the horrible possibilities that could have happened to my precious girl. After two hours of frantic searching around the apartment building and running up and down the block screaming her name in a frenzy, I returned to the apartment utterly devastated. She was nowhere to be found. I stumbled towards the phone, dialling the police instantly. Just as the operator picked up, the poor unsuspecting woman was about to witness a crazy father exploding over the phone that his daughter was missing, but suddenly there was a soft noise coming further within the apartment."
"It was me!" Hiyori chimed in.
"I hung up on the operator, made my way around the apartment to try and locate where the sound had come from. It was then I remembered our little game and I turned the place upside down to finally find my little girl asleep in the deepest corner of my wardrobe. She was flushed in the face, feverish and instantly I called for a doctor. Medication was prescribed and for the next three days I would not leave Hiyo's side until she fully recuperated."
"Papa stuck to me like glue, it got annoying."
"Hey..."
"Only joking!" Hiyori grinned as she hugged her father.
"That is why you were so calm."
"As I said, I've been where you were heading and knew all I could do for you was to calm you down to think."
"Though it was Hiyo-chan who saved us all."
"N-Not really..." She was embarrassed as she glanced over at the pink flowers. "Is it alright if I check up on Shiori-chan?"
"Let me see how she is first." Midori rose from her seat, Yokozawa following suit.
"I'm glad all that has occurred is scarring the hell out of us and the result is just a swollen ankle. I thought my talk with Shiori had done more harm then good."
"What talk?"
"Ah, well, there was a slight incident last night, which resulted in Hiyo-chan staying with us, but I think everything will be alright now."
Midori was a little perplexed at the comment, but decided to let it go. "Will you give me a moment Taka-chan?"
"Sure..." He opened the door for his older sister, the both of them starring over at the awake and currently drawing Shiori.
"You should be resting not drawing." Midori complained softly as she sat down on the bed, picking up some clothing within a laundry basket she'd left earlier when the whole saga unfolded and began folding Shiori's clothing. Yokozawa carefully closed the door, but not fully as he leaned against the near wall, arms crossed over his chest as he listened in.
"Mi-chan..."
"Mm?"
"Even though I know I can come to you and Otousan for anything, I still...I miss Okaasan."
"It is true that you can come to us for anything. And I also know that you still miss your mother. Everyday your pain will ease, but you'll always miss her and that's okay."
"But..."
"And everyday of my life, I'll thank her, for she has given me you."
"Mi-chan..."
"I'm lucky enough to be able to call your father and you my family. Even your Ojiichan and Obaachan, they have become even more of a mother and father then my own parents."
"Why don't we ever see Mi-chan's parents?"
"Well...its a bit of a long story, which happened quite some time ago. I'm still upset about their behaviour at that time. Since then, the only other time we really came together as a family of four was when your father and I wanted to get married. My parents were not happy about it at all."
"Shouldn't parents be happy if their children are happy?"
"It is what I had hoped, but due to our differences, we parted ways and haven't spoken since then."
"Did they not want me? Because I'm the child from the previous marriage?" Midori knew just how smart Shiori was and this day and age with all the information out their to read up on, she'd finally realised she wasn't as innocent as both her and Katsu thought she was.
"I wanted you...and that is all that matters." Midori watched Shiori drop her head, as though deep in thought. "You know the only one that I truly wanted to share in my happiness and hoped beyond all hope that he'd accept your father and you as family was your Uncle."
"Because Mi-chan is very protective of Uncle and because she loves him so much she made sure he understood her?"
"Because of what happened to your Uncle when he was younger and how I stood my ground and supported him all the way, I think since that day, no matter how much of a pain I have been to him, he accepts me no matter what. I don't know if its to try and pay me back for what happened or the fact he truly is glad that I'm happy with you and your father as my family."
"And what about Takahiro?" Midori smiled as she cupped Shiori's face.
"Yes, he too is important to me, he's my son after all, just like you are my daughter and I hope one day I may be good enough to stand in for your mother."
"Well..."
"I definitely know I won't be like her, after all, I don't think snacking in the middle of the night is very good for you, but that is your precious memory with her."
"Should Mi-chan and I have a special memory together too?" Midori was awestruck at the gesture.
"We've the rest of our lives to make plenty."
"Mi-chan, isn't going away?" The beautiful mother furrowed her eyebrows for a moment before it all sunk in. Shiori had been reserved with her for a long time now and finally it all made sense. Her mother had left her side suddenly and she was afraid if she loved and trusted a mother figure once again, that it may happen again. Midori engulfed the young girl in a comforting hug.
"You are stuck with me for life. I promise that nothing will ever happen to me, not until I'm old and grey and have forgotten where I've placed my teeth." Midori felt her shoulders relax when a cute giggle bubbled up from Shiori's lips. "Only at that time is when you can worry that my time may soon be coming to an end. Of course by then I hope Shiori has given birth to many children so I can dote on them like a little old grandma completely besotted with them." Midori watched the young girl blush at the mention of ever having children considering she was not yet menstruating or even interested in the opposite sex...yet that is.
"If I talk about Okaasan, will Mi-chan be sad?"
"I'll be sad if you don't talk about her and I'm sure your Okaasan would be sad as well. Shiori-chan from when you were first born to 7 years old is a Shiori-chan I don't know about. If you and your father want to share any memories, any photos of the three of you, I'd be more then happy to sit and listen to them all. It will make me feel that much closer to the both of you." Midori rose from her seated position.
"Mi-chan, on Okaasan's birthday, will you...come with me to her grave?" Her eyes widened at the offer since she'd always felt it was only for Katsu and Shiori to do together, though she did prepare the offerings and the flowers for them each year they'd been together. "I'll introduce you to Okaasan." Tears glistened within her eyes.
"I'd like that very much." She wasn't the most emotional woman in the world, but if it had anything to do with the Inoue's, or her baby brother, then she was a wreck. Quickly Midori controlled herself. "Now, you get some rest before dinner. Hiyo-chan is cooking tonight and she is organising a surprise just for you, but apparently we get to indulge in it as well. She's even refused help from your Uncle much to his annoyance."
"After I rest a bit, can I come out and be with everyone?"
"Of course."
Midori left the room, closing the door quietly and turned to face her brother. "She's alright." She didn't even bother to reprimand him for his eavesdropping considering if it were the other way around she would have done the same thing.
"How is she doing?" Hiyori and Kirishima questioned at the same time.
"She's going to rest for a little bit more and then she'll join us later. I'm not sure the swelling is going down at all." Midori worriedly voiced.
"Okaasan and Otousan are coming for dinner tonight. I will have her look in on Shiori's injury when they arrive." Katsuhiko squeezed Midori's shoulder affectionately.
"And while we await for evening to fall for when we can enjoy Hiyo-chan's glorious cooking, shall we allow time to pass by reminiscing?" Kirishima found narrowed blue eyes staring over the table at his sister who'd made her way over to a chest of drawers.
"You don't mean.."
"Well I say reminiscing for me, but for everyone else..." Midori interrupted as she pulled out a box and came strolling back over, effortlessly sitting down once more. "You remember how I spoke of Hiro-niichan yesterday?"
"Yes," Kirishima and Hiyori both voiced.
"Midori..." Yokozawa growled but she never did listen to him as she slapped a photo onto the low table, all eyes gazing down at the image. There was an older boy, probably about 13 or 14 years old, practically the spitting image of Yokozawa or what the salesman would of looked like with slightly longer hair, placed back in a ponytail with bright blue streaks through it. Well that and the fact the teenager had a couple of piercings and his eyes were chocolate brown. This was clearly Hiro-niichan and it appeared the teenager would of very well been described as a delinquent back in those days. The teens arms were currently wrapped over the 8 year old Yokozawa's shoulders. The youngster was clearly a little flustered but there was a little flush on his cheeks and a cute little smile on his lips.
"So this is your idol?" Kirishima remarked as he looked the boys over. It appeared that he and this "Hiro-niichan" were roughly around the same age.
"Ah, here's a bunch from Taka-chan's school days."
"Midori, enough..." Yokozawa complained but it fell on deaf ears as she all but brushed him off with her waving hand.
"If you don't like it, go read a book or something. I think its nice that Zen-san and Hiyo-chan want to know everything about you."
"That doesn't mean everything in the photos are good things!"
"What, like this?" Midori evilly flipped a photo over as this time Yokozawa was around 12 years old and he was standing about a metre away from an equally awkward girl of the same age.
"Could you look any more awkward?" Kirishima tried hard to suppress the laughter in his voice.
"She was my first girlfriend, I didn't know what I was doing!" Yokozawa tried ever so hard to defend himself. "Besides, it only lasted like one month."
"Because Taka-chan didn't know what to do."
"Oi, watch your mouth, Hiyo-chan is here."
"Its alright Oniichan, everyone is awkward about their first love." All the adults cracked up laughing and it was now Hiyori who was confused and Yokozawa who was trying ever so hard not to explode in anger.
"She wasn't his first love, in fact she was the one that had a crush on him." Midori decided to explain.
"What is the difference?" The young girl questioned and felt a hand atop her head.
"Takafumi and I will explain it to you later on."
"Anyway, when she asked him out he didn't even bat an eyelid and just agreed to it, not even sure what he was doing at all. Of course the next time he got a girlfriend, probably about a year later, he'd learnt everything he needed to know from Hiro-niichan."
"Did he now..." Kirishima slyly glanced at his seemingly uncomfortable lover. "And just what did he teach you?"
"That...that isn't any of your business!" Yokozawa snapped as he rose from the table a little flustered. "I'll make us some coffee." And the salesman quickly escaped to the kitchen.
"Let's just say his girlfriends after that lasted longer then a month." Though Kirishima smiled at the comment, his mind reeled with just how much this bloody Hiro-niichan taught his lover!
They all looked through several dozen more photos from Yokozawa's childhood, especially at school carnivals or birthday parties, but one that Kirishima stopped on was Yokozawa dressed in traditional attire. He flipped it over so Midori could have a glance at it. "Ah, that was Taka-chan's coming of age ceremony. Of course our parents didn't bother to show up, typical, but I wasn't going to miss it for the world. Let me see...ah, here you go." Midori produced another photo, this time it was the two of them in traditional attire, Yokozawa seated and Midori standing slightly behind him and yet to his side, her hand on his shoulder and a proud smile on her face.
"Mi-chan looks so pretty!" Hiyori gushed when her father passed the photo to her. "And Oniichan looks very handsome too!" Yokozawa was coming out of the kitchen with a tray of cups, spoons, jug of milk and also a plate of biscuits and pastries. He glanced at the coming of age ceremony, realising not much had changed over the years with regards to his looks except the fact he was probably a lot more guarded these days then back then, even though the Kirishima's were chipping away at his walls. He moved back into the kitchen to grab the kettle and jars of coffee and tea.
"Oniichan, please came celebrate with Papa and I one time at a festival. I know you've been busy at work around those times, but I really want to see Oniichan in formal attire along with Papa and I."
"We'll see..." Was all the salesman could mumble as he sat back down at the table. Without even asking, Kirishima began to make him a cup of coffee, knowing off by heart just how he liked it, but then when you'd been together for over two years now, of course the man was going to know many things about you, especially how you made your own coffee. "Thanks," He mumbled appreciatively at Kirishima before his eyes caught an evil grin coming from his sister. That only meant one thing: baby photos.
His steely blue gaze watched her pass the photo to Kirishima, trying to be ever so discreet which of course failed miserably. The salesman watched his older lover place down a photo of him dressed in his baseball uniform when he was about 15 years old and glanced down at the new one. Yokozawa watched a sickeningly sweet smile grace Kirishima's face as though the man had melted at the picture before him.
"Oh god, I'm in love."
"What the hell are you..." Yokozawa nearly exploded at the ridiculous comment, snatching the photo from strong hands and instantly grimaced at the image.
"Don't show that sort of face, you are so adorable!" The editor-in-chief gushed like an idiot and instantly pried it from the salesman's fingers to pass it to his daughter. "Ne, Hiyo-chan?"
"Kawaii..." The 12 year old squealed as there was the adorable Takafumi, dressed in a tiger printed onesie, complete with tail and a hood with cat ears atop it. Large blue eyes sparkled merrily and there was a wide open gummy smile plastered on his chubby rosy cheeked face.
"Its seriously your life mission to embarrass the hell out of me isn't it?" Yokozawa scathingly voiced to his sister.
"Yes!" The businessman was ready to escape to the far corner of the living room, to delve his face into a book as he didn't want to look at the god awful photos of his childhood.
"Taka-chan was about one at the time. Okaasan was really into dressing him up in cute outfits because he suited them all. Ah, wait, I've another..." Midori sifted through another handful of photos before placing one in the middle of the table, all eyes peering down at it. Yokozawa was dressed in a bunny onesie, he fast asleep on a rug, thumb between his lips. "I know there is one of him in a dog outfit and another in a bear one, but I think maybe that's with my parents."
"I always knew he was adorable but this is just..." Yokozawa's sharp ears picked up on Kirishima's voice and he turned to gaze over his shoulder as he was now standing at the bookcase. "I want them." The editor-in-chief selfishly proclaimed and Midori and Katsuhiko heartily laughed. "Hiyo-chan and I will keep them safe, we'll treasure them always, ne?" The salesman watched the youngest Kirishima nod her head. It was like his lover was proclaiming that they'd always be together! It sent a horrid blush to his cheeks as he darted his face back to the bookcase, quickly pulling a book from the shelf and promptly sat on the sofa.
"He's all yours." Midori remarked, her eyes darting over at her brother, he not quick enough to jerk his eyes away as he had been staring intently at Kirishima before noticing she was looking at him! The businessman was certain his sister had caught his embarrassed blush, but thankfully this time she let him off the hook.
Instead of joining in on the antics of sharing photos of he and Midori as they grew over the years, most of them seemingly him to please the Kirishima's, Yokozawa decided to try and delve into the book, even though it was bloody boring! Even if his face was hidden, his ears couldn't help but listen to the stories, the squeals from Hiyo-chan or the hearty laughter of his lover, brother-in-law and sister. The salesman drowned in self pity.
"...and then Taka-chan growled like a feral cat, came racing over yelling 'get away from my sister' and bit the boy on the hand, saving me like a little hero." Yokozawa grimaced behind the book when the room echoed with laughter. "He'd totally ruined my first kiss moment and I was really mad at him about it." Even the salesman could recall that memory. He'd been so depressed for the next several hours because his sister refused to speak to him. He'd been sitting in a corner of his room, curled up in a ball until he heard the sweet sound of his sister's voice apologise softly to him as she sat at his side, arm around him, rocking him affectionately.
"I'm so jealous you got to grow up with Takafumi."
"Oh please..." Yokozawa snapped his book shut and rose from the sofa to sit on the chair in the far corner, opening up yet another book, hoping this one would grab his attention so he could drown out everything his sister was revealing about their childhood.
"Do you have photos of your childhood Zen-san?"
"I'm sure there are plenty of my older siblings and I, but they are stored away at my parents place."
"Papa, the next time you and Oniichan have a day off, we should spend the day at Ojiichan and Obaachan's place and go through them."
"I think that's a great idea. We can have an album dedicated to me, one dedicated to Takafumi and another dedicated to you and we'll keep them together, because we're family."
"Hai!" The 12 year old grinned happily.
"If that is your plan, then surely you'll need to have a photo together, to display in the house because you are...after all...a family." Katsuhiko offered as reasoning.
"I'll get my camera!" Hiyori was gone in a flash.
"I'm not having my photo taken." Yokozawa grumbled, but it fell on deaf ears as instead of him being dragged over to have his photo taken, Kirishima and Hiyori sauntered over to him! The book was plucked from his fingers, Kirishima grinning down at him as he sat on the arm of the chair, his right arm going over the top of it to help balance himself, the back of his bicep against Yokozawa's head and Hiyori decided that the best place for her was right in her Oniichan's lap, a big grin on her face. "I-I never agreed to this!"
"You don't have to smile if that makes you feel any better." Kirishima teased lightly as he placed his left hand on Hiyo's shoulder, a pleasant smile on his face as he bent slightly, his lips against Yokozawa's ear. "Onegaishimasu..." A glare was his reward, but after several painstaking minutes the salesman succumbed and his arms wound around Hiyori's waist and his head tilted slightly, to the left of course, being that little bit more closer to the editor-in-chief and then the next thing he knew a flash was going off. His hands unlinked as Hiyori jumped off and ran to have a look at the final result.
"Wah, Oniichan,"
"I told you I didn't want my photo taken, I always look like crap." The man complained.
"You look really nice! We all do!" Hiyori finished off and thinking she was joking, he rose from his seated position to have a look and sure enough, their the three of them were, each with a smile on their face. Of course his was the tiniest, but it wasn't a forced one. His face wasn't scrunched up, his body wasn't stiff and his eyebrows weren't furrowed, he truly just looked relaxed and content. It was then he felt Kirishima lean over him, almond eyes inspecting the image.
"That is going to be my new image on my phone."
"No it will not."
"Then I want to place it as my desktop image for my computer at work."
"You bloody well better not do that!" Yokozawa barked off his orders.
"But isn't this one much better then your apron one at least?" Kirishima flipped open his phone to show off the polka dot picture.
"I...I guess so..." God he hated caving so easily to his older lover, but he hated that damn polka dot image even more!
"When we get home Hiyo-chan send that image to me alright?"
"Yes!" Yokozawa sighed as even before the battle begun, he knew he'd already lost it.
"Are you sure you don't want any help Hiyo-chan?"
"Ah, Oniichan, out of the kitchen or else my surprise will be ruined!" The 12 year old pushed the salesman out, he knocking directly into his older lover.
"Let me take him off your hands Hiyo-chan." The editor-in-chief diverted Yokozawa out of the house and onto the front porch. Katsuhiko had gone to pick up his parents, advising them that he'd be chauffeuring them tonight and Midori was bathing Takahiro.
"Oi..." Yokozawa faulted when Kirishima, who was standing on the dirt footpath, raised his hand back up at him, those almond eyes sparkling in the late afternoon.
"Walk with me?" The businessman was drawn to him instantly, though he refused to take the man's hand and instead stuffed his within his jeans pockets. Silently they headed off down the dirt road, Yokozawa staying on the track while Kirishima weaved in and out of the Sakura, soft pink petals floating about him in the cool breeze. "Its been a nice day."
"No it hasn't." Yokozawa instantly remarked back.
"Well besides the frantic morning with Shiori-chan disappearing, but after that Hiyo-chan and I have been spoilt as we've been immersing ourselves within the Yokozawa siblings memories." Kirishima made his way back onto the dirt road, his hand raising as he softly brushed some strands of Yokozawa's jet black hair. "Thank you."
"I-It's not like I had a bloody choice." Yokozawa couldn't meet the man's eyes with his own. He felt stupidly nervous all of a sudden. They were on the dirt track, all alone, a lot of tress about them that the older man could easily drag him behind a Sakura and kiss the living daylights out of him.
"Papa, Oniichan!"
"Ah, you've been saved." Kirishima murmured and instead pressed his lips to a bright red cheek. God had the editor-in-chief been thinking exactly what he had?!
The two men made their way back to the house, climbing the stairs silently and were greeted by Hiyori. "Inoue-san rang, he said they were on their way here. Please freshen up before dinner."
"I'll go first." Kirishima voiced as he headed towards the bedroom and then he ducked into the vacant bathroom. Yokozawa noticed a flash out of the corner of his eye and darted questioning eyes to the smiling Hiyori who had her pink phone on camera mode.
"Pink is not your colour Oniichan, but its certainly cute."
"Huh?" When he saw the image, a cherry blossom tucked behind his ear, the man paled. "Oi, Kirishima!" And he stormed off, ready to give his older lover a peace of his mind as he ripped the flower from his hair. "Let me in you idiot!" He banged on the door and it instantly flung open, Kirishima's hand reaching out as he was dragged into the bathroom and the door was instantly locked as the salesman was pressed up against it.
"How rude, you crushed my flower for you."
"Flowers are for girls." Yokozawa snapped, his eyes darting to the hand that was currently, slowly, moving up one of his arms. "What do you think..." Lips moulded over his own and he instantly stiffened, eyes screwed tightly shut.
"Relax Takafumi..."
"How the hell can I relax when..." Again lips moulded over his and his body jolted when a hand moved to the front of his jeans.
"Cut...it...out!" Yokozawa gripped Kirishima's wrist, the one brushing over his awakening groin, hoping his strength was strong enough to ward the man off.
"You are no fun." Kirishima pouted like a child as he made his way over to the shower and turned on the water. The salesman could not turn his eyes away as he watched the editor-in-chief strip down to his boxer-briefs. "Care to shower with me Takafumi?"
"Why the hell would I?" The younger man snapped, eyes turning away while his left hand fumbled for the door knob. He completely missed the endearing smile on Kirishima's lips and the determination in those eyes as the man walked back over, coaxing the salesman who was deep in thought, towards the shower. "Oi, I never said..." Again he stole his younger lover's lips, warding off the impending complaint and for just a few moments the salesman indulged. Of course that was all Kirishima needed as Yokozawa's shirt was removed in an instant and they were under the warm water. "Damn you!" Yokozawa growled as his jeans were becoming saturated. He pulled out of his older lover's embrace and sat on the edge of the bath tub. "This is not the time or place for that!"
"Then I hope you realise that when Hiyo-chan starts junior high, I'm going to have my way with you for a whole day."
"Wh-What?" Eyes widened incredulously.
"I'll start with a day for now, see how your stamina holds up."
Yokozawa felt his heart thump rapidly. "T-That's childish!" He couldn't think of anything else to say but that – lame as it was. He watched his older lover shrug his shoulders as though nothing more needed to be discussed as he removed his underwear to have a proper shower now. Steely blue eyes practically bore holes into the firm backside which was facing his way. Removing his soaked jeans, Yokozawa grabbed a towel, firmly placed it around his waist and left the bathroom quietly.
"Tsk, such a pity, I nearly had him." Kirishima mumbled and closed his eyes as he rubbed shampoo through his drenched hair, continuing on with his shower.
When Kirishima left the bathroom, his lover ducked in right after him, not once making eye contact with him. Perhaps he was a little embarrassed that maybe his voice carried, after all his voice did rise a little in the heat of the moment. Of course not as loud as he could make him come, but then that was definitely saved for the confines of his bedroom, thicker walls after all.
Yokozawa exited the bathroom, fresh from a nice warm shower, trying desperately not to think about Kirishima's hands running over his body and made his way back into the living room, dressed in faded jeans and a black button down shirt. His black hair was damp, not bothering to brush it and instead used his fingers.
"Takafumi-kun, it is lovely to see you again." Yokozawa greeted his sister's in-laws and then made his way over to Shiori who was sitting on the sofa, foot up and reading a book.
"Shiori-chan," His hand rested a top her head as he sat on the coffee table. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine Uncle, you're being too much of a worrywart." She watched his eyebrows furrow. "But thanks for worrying." She gave him a cute little smile and he ruffled her hair.
"Cheeky," Yokozawa murmured. "Do you need anything?"
"No thanks."
"Takafumi-kun, come share a drink with me." Yokozawa could hardly refuse the elderly man as he sat at the head of the low table, next to his brother-in-law's father and graciously accepted the sake cup. "What should we toast to?"
Yokozawa glanced around the room, Midori was chatting with Kirishima, his nephew tucked within his lover's strong embrace, lightly slumbering and it appeared he was drooling against his shoulder and standing in the kitchen was Hiyori who appeared to be in deep conversation with Katsuhiko's mother. "How about family?" The salesman remarked and just before they clinked cups, his long haired brother-in-law came in, a flat hot plate within his arms.
"Hiyo-chan I found it!"
"Oh, fantastic, can you set it up for me?"
"I've not seen that hot plate in years." Midori remarked as her husband placed it on the table.
"Is that an okonomiyaki grill?" Kirishima smartly queried. "Hiyo-chan are you making us okonomiyaki?"
"Well I'm going to try my best." Hiyori came out with a tray of ingredients and Katsuhiko's mother brought out another.
"I...really like okonomiyaki." All eyes turned to Shiori who was sitting up, using her grandfather's old walking cane as she hobbled over, resting her hand on her Uncle's shoulder as she descended to the floor and sat beside him.
Hiyori smiled as she sat at the other end of the table, at the head like Yokozawa and produced two metal spatulas and placed them on the table top next to the hot plate. "I remember Oniichan telling me that Shiori-chan really liked okonomiyaki, especially when Mi-chan made it, even if it was quite a long time ago and I thought this would be perfect, to cheer Shiori-chan up."
"Th-Thank you..."
"Shiori-chan," Midori voiced softly. "You liked my okonomiyaki?"
"We-Well, it was one of the first meals I ever had with you." The young girl blushed in embarrassment. "It was even better then Okaasan's okonomiyaki."
"Shizuku used to burn them slightly." Katsuhiko offered in explanation. "She would get distracted over something silly and forget she was cooking."
"Sakura had done that too, burning the curry as she became engrossed in a TV drama series. I am thankful Hiyo-chan is not like that. She concentrates very hard when it comes to her coking. Now if only she did that in her studies."
"Mou Papa, that isn't fair at all." The 12 year old huffed as the adults laughed. "I've been doing really well thanks to Oniichan."
"I know you have, I'm only joking."
"Thank goodness for Obaachan teaching me how to cook, after all, Papa is a lost cause in the kitchen."
"Why you..."
"That he is." Yokozawa chimed in.
"Takafumi..." Kirishima whined like a child and once again the house filled with laughter.
"Who is the hungriest here?" As if on queue a round of belly rumbling assaulted the room and all eyes turned to a brightly blushing Hiyori, considering she was the one who asked the question. "Ah, um..." She was clearly lost for words at her own unexpected actions. Another round of laughter erupted through the Inoue house.
"Hiyori-chan," All eyes were on the girls as Shiori made her way over, sitting on the ground next to a surprised Hiyori. "Gomen ne, Hiyori-chan." The salesman felt his shoulders ease instantly when Kirishima's daughter beamed a smile at his niece.
"Can you help me Shiori-chan?" It appeared all was forgiven. Even Midori and Katsuhiko sighed in relief as the two girls began to talk quietly while Shiori placed all the ingredients into a bowl and then poured the batter over the top, mixing it up and then passed it to Hiyori to do the rest. The room filled with the scent of mouth watering food and soon the room erupted into noise as the adults began to talk and drink again.
Katsuhiko's father had overindulged in sake drinking with Yokozawa and as such Midori had set out some spare futons in the lounge room for her in-laws. They were sleeping soundly, all lights off, save for Hiyori who was getting two glasses of water from the kitchen. Her eyes glanced over at the covered chocolate cake she made, Shiori's favourite, it being decorated with rainbow icing, to depict the colours of all the flowers in the field. Unfortunately everyone became so full on the actual dinner that no one felt like cake, but Hiyori didn't mind, for the smile on Shiori's face when she saw it was more then enough. And there was always tomorrow to enjoy it, there last day here. The thought saddened her, but then there would always be another time to come visit or they could come to them. Hiyori turned off the light and moved back down the hallway, pausing at the door when she heard noises coming from within.
"Uncle, when Kirishima-san talks about Hiyori-chan's mother, do you get sad?"
"Of course not." Hiyori peaked inside to see her Oniichan tucking Shiori under her blankets.
"Why?"
"Because she is Hiyo's mother. She's not fortunate enough like you are to have some memories of her mother still with her. Hiyo was not yet three when Sakura-san passed away. There will always be a part of Hiyo-chan that in her heart may never be filled, so I hope that the memories Zen-san can voice to her will help fill that void." A confused look passed over Hiyori's face.
"Uncle is so mature." He ruffled his nieces hair at that comment.
"I hope so considering my age! I'm very lucky to have them in my life. Hiyo-chan will be sleeping in here tonight, so I hope the two of you will continue to get along like this evening."
"Mm, she's getting me a drink, she's very thoughtful."
"That she is."
"Uncle thinks of Hiyori-chan a lot, huh? He must really love her." Yokozawa gave off a small little smile.
"Yeah, she's a very special girl." Hiyori, who was listening in felt her cheeks flush. "Sometimes when I think about it, with all that we've been through, she's practically my own daughter."
"She's very lucky."
"And I love Shiori-chan too. Don't ever forget that."
"Uncle..."
"Now get some rest, have you taken some painkillers?"
"I will when Hiyori-chan comes back with the drink."
"Alright, good night." Hiyori couldn't help it, she quickly hid within the darkness of the bathroom so her Oniichan wouldn't see her. Only when she watched his bedroom door close did she move back into the hallway and into Shiori's bedroom, a smile on her face.
"Everyone gone to bed?" Kirishima mumbled as Yokozawa flopped himself ungracefully into the futon.
"Mm," It wasn't long before he felt a warm body move over him, the feeling of breath tickling the side of his neck. "And what do you think you are doing?"
"Kissing you good night?" Yokozawa snorted at the reasoning. "But then, do I really need a reason to kiss my adorable lover?"
"Fine..." Yokozawa closed his eyes, not even bothering to fight the man off, after all, he was a bloody strong man and he rarely ever got the upper hand. Though nothing too physical had happened this day, emotionally it was exhausting and he was in no mood to get into an argument with his lover and thought he'd just go along with it. As seconds ticked by, steely blue sort out almond orbs as Kirishima did nothing but gaze down at him. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Well, you are being awfully accommodating."
"I don't want to argue with you."
"Well, thank you very much then." The salesman felt his body jolt when a hand moved under his black long sleeved shirt, fingers trailing over his warm taut skin.
"Oi, cut that out!"
"But you said..." Kirishima began.
"I meant a kiss – you can have a kiss – nothing more – hey, where the hell are you placing your hand! Ngh!" Lips were stolen and greedy hands began to travel all over a tense yet responsive body, peeling clothes eagerly away. No noise would escape that mouth except muted moans or groans as the editor-in-chief continued to assault swollen lips which finally, finally, began to respond, arms moving around his neck.
To be continued...