Takeda's POV:

After about five minutes of just running, I had no idea where I was. I tried not to think about it for fear of my dad seeing and recognizing the place. Maybe he didn't know it, but maybe he did. I sat in the grass and sighed. Well I was obviously in some sort of field. Why me? I had it going so well, and then it was all ruined. The worst part is that I'm the only one that seems to be affected by this.

I sound so pessimistic, but that's just how this is turning out so far. Another sigh left my mouth as I looked around me. It was quite beautiful here, I have to admit. Even that moment was ruined as I felt a presence coming toward me. Just in case, I was in a stance that said I was ready to fight if I had to.

I blinked, however, when I saw who it was.

"Kuai?"

"I figured you'd end up here. I always come here. Found this place many years ago and told Raiden about it."

I didn't say anything. I was a little upset with him for ditching me and leaving me alone with my dad. I know that any other reaction would have been suspicious, so I really can't be mad. "He hates me now... I saw the look in his eyes. He hates me, and he'll never want to talk to me or even see me ever again."

Don't cry, don't you dare cry.

Kuai must have noticed the fact that I was trying my hardest not to start sobbing. He sat beside me and cringed. "Please don't start crying," he said with a sigh. "I don't know what to do when people start crying in front of me." He grabbed a handful of grass and let it float back to the ground. "He doesn't hate you."

"You sound so sure Kuai."

"Because I am."

Now I was confused. "How can you be so sure? You didn't see the disappointment and hurt in his eyes when he looked at me." Kuai chuckled. Is he serious? I'm in distress here, and he's laughing? "And what the hell is so funny?" Kuai shook his head. "It's not like that. Your father said that you'd be a bit dramatic about this. I talked to him." Did he now? Do I even want to know where this is going to go? "And what'd he say?" Obviously I did.

Kuai looked directly at me. "He asked me why I was more special to you than he was. The hurt you saw in his eyes was there because you trusted me with your problems instead of him." He shrugged. "He wanted to help you, and you ran away from him. I went to help you, and you immediately poured your heart out to me. Kenshi feels as if he isn't important to you."

Was that really it? By the Elder Gods, what have I done?

"Where is my dad?" I asked in a small voice.

"I'm right here son."

I quickly turned around to find my dad walking toward us. I wasn't so sure I was ready to face him yet, but I had to do this. "I..." I couldn't get anything out. Luckily, dad had me covered. "Your thoughts, I saw them earlier as well as before you left with Grandmaster Kuai. Takeda, are you in love with Kung Jin?"

My face went red, which really told him all he needed to know. I decided to tell him anyway. "Yes... Dad I'm so sorry. I know that I was supposed to like Jacqui, but I just can't help it. Those thoughts from before I left to go outside... Were memories. I don't think Jin meant anything by them, but it happened, and I couldn't just stand there and-"

"Takeda."

Just my name falling from my dad's lips made me want to go die somewhere. It wasn't harsh, yet, but it held a lot of power. "I'm sorry."

"You do not need to be sorry Takeda. I am not mad at you. I will not disown you because of who you are. If that is the type of father that you thought I would be, then I have failed you. Therefore, it is I who should apologize."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He really thought-? I launched myself into his arms like I used to do to Master Hasashi as a kid. "Dad no, this isn't your fault. You didn't fail me I swear! It's just that it's not exactly accepted in society, and so I was afraid. I am so sorry. I just... It's nervewracking to talk about this with a parent anyway." I was rambling, but I wanted him to understand that it was not his fualt that I didn't trust him. I feel so bad about it. He's been nothing but supportive of me since we started traveling together. Why did I ever think this would be any different?

Dad was a little tense at first since he was surprised that I launched myself at him like that, but he soon hugged me tightly. He didn't let go for a while, and I knew that he wasn't going to until I wanted him to let go.

The sound of a throat clearing brought us back to reality. I looked and saw Kuai looking rather awkwardly at us. "Nice as this is, I am still here. I am not accustomed to intimacy you know."

I will never forget what happened after that.

Nor will I ever let Kuai forget it.

My dad raised an eyebrow at Kuai and let go of me. "Well, I can already tell that you're lying. You're quite used to intimacy if the limping you do coming out of Hasashi's room at 3 in the morning has anything to say about it."

My mouth dropped open. So did Kuai's. I couldn't help it; I laughed so hard. "D-dad! You don't j-just say s-stuff l-like that!" I fell on my back laughing, tears running down my face from laughing so hard. I quickly sobered up once he turned on me though.

"Son, you have no right to be laughing since a simple sentence Kung Jin whispered in your ear had you whimpering in bliss."

And now I was completely red.

Now it was time for Kuai to laugh. "Really Keda?!"

"Shut up." He's definitely not going to let me forget that...