Chapter Sixty-One: Evidence
The doctor told Eiji to take it easy for a week. Rest, avoid physical activity, avoid mental strain if possible.
When Sunday night rolled around, Ash insisted that Eiji take the week off. Eiji argued he couldn't. He'd just taken time for their honeymoon. He was the newest employee, he'd rather not piss off the boss. But Ash was relentless and in the end, he convinced him to take off Monday and Tuesday.
And on his two extra days off, Ash insisted he rest. "Watch shit TV, I'll make you good food to eat, and sleep. Just take it easy."
Eiji had argued that Ash wouldn't stand for this had the roles been reversed. Ash argued that was beside the point.
Eiji gave in, accepting that there was no point in arguing. He knew Ash would have his way, and that was that.
On Wednesday he returned to work and came home exhausted at the end of the day. "It's just a regular headache," he had told Ash as he popped a Tylenol.
Ash tried to convince him he went back too early. "Stay home tomorrow."
But there was an important meeting the following day, so Eiji went.
"He's overprotective," Eiji told Suni with a fond smile as he recounted the week over lunch.
"But he might be right," she sipped her water. "Maybe you do need a few more days to rest."
"I'm fine, absolutely fine."
"Still. Must be nice. To have someone who cares that much."
"And your Yuuto?"
Suni shrugged. "Ohhh, Yuuto…he's not the one."
"No? But you've been going out for months?"
"Ohh, well…" She stretched her hands out in front of her, several delicate gold rings adorned her fingers. She mindlessly turned her rings and admired her freshly, nude pink, manicured nails. "To be honest, it dawned on me at your wedding. Love…You and Ash…those vows? That's love. I'm not sure what Yuuto and I have is love. Chemistry and compatibility, sure…but not love."
"So did you call things off?"
Her long arms retracted back towards her body. "I'm planning on it. Haven't got around to it yet."
Eiji sputtered into his drink. "Haven't got around to it?"
Suni tried to restrain a laugh. "Well, we haven't seen each other since the wedding. He's been busy and so have I, and that's half the issue. Too busy for each other. That's not the way it's supposed to be." She clicked her nails on the courtyard table. "You're supposed to make time, yes?"
Eiji nodded, "Yes."
She smiled, "And you're supposed to care enough to keep each other home when you're mildly ill."
Eiji flicked a crumb at her, but he still smiled. "I'm gonna tell Ash you said that."
Her teeth gleamed as her smile broadened. "Go ahead! I don't think he'd disagree. Mildly ill…but still worth protecting."
Eiji smiled, shaking his head in disagreement, despite actually agreeing. "He wouldn't even let me— never mind."
"Let you what?"
Eiji blushed. "I said never mind."
She leaned dramatically across the table. "Not fair, Eiji! Now I have to know!"
He blushed deeper, eyes suddenly glued to the table. "It's nothing…It's just that he wouldn't even let me…be intimate…with him the other night. Said it was counted as physical activity— and the doctor advised against it for a whole week."
Suni gawked at him. "You can't be serious."
"That's exactly what I said." He smiled. "But of course, he was serious."
"Ha!" She sat admiring Eiji's red cheeks for a moment. "He really does love you."
Eiji's eyebrows drew closer together. "Yes, I think that's been established."
"Well, yeah, but I mean he really loves you." Eiji opened his mouth to speak but Suni continued louder. "AAAnd before you say 'love is more than sex,' I already know that…but still…it's not always easy to find a partner who agrees and shows it with their actions. And I happen to know that all too well first hand. So you can believe me."
"I do believe you, but Ash and I have settled that long ago."
"Must be nice."
"You'll find someone too, Suni."
"I'm not sure that's true."
"High school Eiji was convinced he would die alone. But now look at me."
"That's nice but I'm 28 and running out of time."
"Says who?"
"My biological clock."
"Do you even want kids?"
She tried to bite back a smile and failed. "No, not particularly, but that's not the point, Eiji."
"Then cut yourself some slack. You'll meet your person when it's time."
"Hmm, well time better hurry up! … Or maybe not hurry up…or…you know what I mean." She sighed and gulped down the remainder of her water. "Anyway…How are you going to survive the week? The one before the wedding almost killed you."
"It did not," but he smiled as he remembered that torturous week.
"Uh-huh, and that's not the smile of a guilty man."
"Shut up," he replied with flaming cheeks.
"I bet Saturday couldn't come fast enough."
"Actually, we're babysitting Saturday night."
"Ha! Oh, Eiji! That is tragic!"
"I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you, once again, that I'm not an animal."
She reined in her laughter. "Alright, alright. You're not an animal." She leaned her cheek on her own palm, smiling wide. "But there's always Saturday morning."
She squealed in laughter as Eiji pelted her with grapes.
"AHHH! Eiji! Stop! My blouse!"
"Brat!" And yet he was laughing so hard his eyes squished closed so tightly that he couldn't see another coworker poke his head around the corner to see what all the commotion was about.
"Think it's too late to cancel?"
"Cancel?" Eiji asked groggily from the cocoon of blankets he'd buried himself in on Ash's chest.
"Akira."
"Huh?" His eyes opened momentarily before squeezing shut. "Ughhh," he groaned.
The corner of Ash's mouth tugged upward in a smile. "I'm gonna tell her you said that."
Eiji lifted his head to meet Ash's eyes, his hair ruffled like the fluffy feathers of a freshly-hatched chick. "You're the one who asked if we could still cancel."
"Only because I knew you'd forgotten."
"Hmmm," Eiji grumbled. He returned his head to Ash's chest and closed his eyes again.
"Don't fall back asleep," Ash said, smiling down at him. "She'll be here in like two hours."
"That's two hours away."
"Yeah, well the house is kind of a mess."
"Babies don't care about messy houses."
"She's hardly a baby."
"Then clean the house if you're worried about it."
"Okay. Get up so I can."
But Eiji didn't move a muscle.
Ash smiled and pulled Eiji, wrapped in his giant blanket, closer. "That's what I thought."
"Kids don't care about mess," Eiji said again.
"If Akira judges us I'm blaming you."
"Go ahead."
Eiji smiled. And then Ash watched as the smile slowly slid off his face, muscles turning slack as he fell back to sleep. Ash glanced around the house from their spot on the sofa. The kitchen counter needed cleaning and there were dishes piled in the sink from breakfast, lunch, and the dishwasher was still filled with clean dishes from dinner the night before. That would take a half-hour to clean at most. The pillows and blankets they'd drug down to the couch could be cleaned up in minutes. And Eiji was right, kids didn't care about mess, especially when they were too short to see the dishes in the sink or the tops of the counter. Or at least, Ash was pretty sure Akira was still too short to see the kitchen counter. But what did he know, kids grew so quickly. He set a timer for an hour on his phone, that would give them plenty of time, and let himself fall asleep.
[I brought a movie!] Akira said excitedly as she barged through the front door. She slipped her red and white backpack off her shoulders [And popcorn!] Her small, chubby fingers fiddled with the zipper. Buddy stuck his face in her backpack as she fumbled it open. [BUDDDDYY!] Akira squealed. [STOP IT!]
Ash, who had been in the other room, hiding out of sight from Akira's dad, appeared in an instant. "Buddy, no." He pulled at the dog's collar, but Buddy had already smelled the popcorn in her bag and was dead set on finding it. Ash resorted to hoisting the dog into his arms. "Hey, no means no, mister," he scolded the dog.
Ash looked up and found Akira's dad staring at him.
[Hello,] they said cooly in unison.
They never had gotten along after their first meeting.
[So where are you off to tonight?] Ash asked with a perked brow.
[Company cocktail party.] His voice was proud, boastful. If only he knew Ash wasn't impressed by such things but rather disgusted. They made him think of Dino and filthy politicians.
[And the Mrs?]
[Is that any of your business?]
[I mean,] he glanced at Akira, [yeah, it kinda is.]
[Mom's at home,] Akira said to no one in particular.
Ash's eyes narrowed with disdain.
Akira's father stared back, daring Ash to say something.
[Ash, isn't that pork going to burn?] Eiji asked in an attempt to diffuse the growing tension.
[Hmph,] he spun and walked towards the kitchen, Buddy still on his hip like a toddler.
He checked the pork that was still only half-cooked. Eiji exchanged forced pleasantries with Akira's dad, a talent Ash clearly didn't have. Her dad had the gall to tell his daughter to "behave herself," as if she was ever anything but good.
The door closed and Akira bounded to the kitchen. [Ash! Ash! Ash!] She ran to him, tugging at the hem of his shirt.
He smiled down at her before crouching into a squat. [Hi.]
[Hi!] She reached out a chubby hand to pet Buddy's head. [He grew big.]
[He was this big last time you saw him.]
[Nuh-uh, he's bigger now!]
Ash cocked his head, [You think?]
[Like wider.]
Eiji laughed from across the room. Ash smiled. [Uh-oh, think he needs to go on a diet?]
Her eyebrows crinkled in disagreement. [No.] She swung her arms around Buddy's neck, burying a kiss into his fur. [He's perfect. And he'd miss his food.]
Ash smiled and set Buddy down. [I agree.] He tousled Buddy's fur. [He's perfect.]
[Except I wish he was still small enough so I could hold him,] she said softly. She gently stroked Buddy's face with two fingers. Buddy sat patiently, letting her pet him.
Ash stood to continue fixing dinner.
[You could probably ride him,] Eiji joked as he joined them in the kitchen, beginning to fix hot tea.
Akira thought about Eiji's proposition but then shook her head. [No, I think I'd be too heavy.]
Eiji chuckled.
[Ash?] He looked down to find her tugging on his shirt hem again.
[Yeah?]
[Uncle Shunichi lets me sit on the counter while he cooks.]
Without a question, he scooped her up and set her on the kitchen counter that was perfectly clean thanks to Ash. She folded her denim-clad legs beneath her like a pretzel and Ash wondered if he had ever seen jeans so small.
[Speaking of him,] Eiji began, [Why'd you choose us tonight instead of him?]
Without a moment's hesitation, she said, [Cuz whenever Dad goes to parties he stays really late, and Uncle Shunici always drives me home.] She flicked a crumb off the counter, which Buddy immediately found and ate. [But you've never been to my house! So you can't drive me home.] She beamed as if she were the most clever girl in the whole world, it made Eiji chuckle. But it turned Ash's face sour.
[But your Mom's at home, right? Why would you rather not go home?]
[Cuz Mom will make me go to bed but here I can watch movies!] Her tone was light and jovial but her eyes told a different story. Ash nodded his head and decided to let it slide, but he made a mental note of it.
They had been watching her off and on since she'd first come for dinner with Ibe-san. It was obvious her parents were neglectful, that much was blatantly obvious. He had once asked her outright if her parents had ever hurt her. She had adamantly denied it. And Ash believed her, but he wasn't so sure they weren't abusive in non-physical ways. And so Ash was keeping a mental list of things that seemed off. A list of things that didn't add up or signaled red flags.
Her father said hurtful things. He had never hidden the fact that he wished she was born a boy. He was the reason she insisted that she was not a 'girly-girl.' He was the reason she favored clothes and colors that were typically sold for boys. And Ash knew he yelled. He could tell from the way she flinched at loud sounds or Buddy's barking.
And then there was her mother. Ash had only seen her from afar, she always waited in the car. That is, of course, if she came at all. Sometimes, like tonight, it was just Akira's father. Tonight Ash and Eiji had learned why; she was at home, doing God-knows-what, and for whatever reason, Akira couldn't be there. He didn't have much to go off but Ash would bet his fortune she was having an affair. Or maybe not an affair. He'd seen it before; each spouse letting the other be with others to keep things 'interesting.' Only it never worked for long, if at all.
Every time he saw her she seemed to add to his list. Sometimes it was so clear, he swore she did it on purpose.
[Besides, Mom is at home with her fancy friend,] she added casually.
Now the same concern in Ash's eyes crept into Eiji's. [Who's that?]
Akira shrugged. [Some man who always wears big suits. Momma says he's a…business partner or something.]
Ash played dumb. [Your Mom's business partner or your Dad's?]
[Mom's,] she replied instantly. [I don't think Dad's ever met him.]
Ash was certain that was on purpose, had to be.
[Hmmm,] was all he said, refusing to let his true thoughts show.
And in an instant, Akira was changing topics. She crawled across the kitchen counter to get closer to Eiji. [Can I stir that?] She asked as he began to prepare a sauce for the pork. Ash saw her peak at him as she did so.
It was something she had done since the beginning. She trusted Eiji and Ash, but she also consistently tested them. She did things that her parents would yell at her for doing, just to see how the pair reacted. Most parents wouldn't want their kids crawling around on a countertop. It just so happened that Ash couldn't care less. Ash had lived in both palaces and dives. While he didn't prefer the chill and lack of comfort in dives, he did prefer the lack of rules, the freedom to live. Eiji was the one who cared about shoes on his floors and carpets. Ash couldn't give a shit if a child crawled on his kitchen counter.
So he said nothing. Until, that is, she stood to reach in the cabinet for a whisk.
Stood. On the counter. In socks. Ash's brain flashed back to Eiji falling down the stairs only the weekend prior. [Hey,] he began. Akira sat instantly and Ash saw something akin to fear in her eyes. [I don't care if you want to stand, but take off your socks. I don't want you to fall.]
She looked genuinely perplexed. [What?]
[I don't want you to fall,] he repeated. [Eiji fell last week by goofing around in socks. He got really hurt and I don't want that to happen to you, Akira.]
[I'm not gonna fall,] she argued, but it was clear she only said the words out of obligation because arguing with adults was second nature.
[I don't care if you want to stand, just take off your socks. It's too easy to slip.]
She stared at him in silence for several long seconds before pulling off the navy blue socks that covered her feet. She placed her bare feet on the cold, white marble countertop. [But my feet—]
[They're just feet,] Ash shrugged. In his periphery, he could see Eiji trying not to cringe. He smiled and gave Eiji a playful shove. [Look at poor Eiji, he hates dirty feet.]
Eiji glared at him with puffed cheeks and squinted eyes.
Akira giggled.
[I think he can get over it, what do you think?]
She beamed, [Get over it, Ei-chan! Get over it!]
[What movie did you bring?] Eiji asked Akira as Ash began to load their dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
[Kiki!] She hopped down from her seat at the table and ran across the house to fetch the movie from her backpack. Buddy trotted curiously behind her. She returned to Eiji with the DVD case in one hand and an armful of pajamas and popcorn in the other. She tossed the popcorn box loudly on the table. [Ei-chan!]
[Yes?]
[I need help!]
He smiled at her excited volume, it reminded him of his own sister. [With what?]
She turned around. Her arm stretched back to tug at the back of the shirt she was wearing. [I don't know how to do the buttons! Mom does the buttons!]
Eiji squatted down to unfasten the three tiny clear buttons on the back of the shirt. In the next second, Akira tugged the long-sleeved shirt over her head, causing her hair to stand on end with static.
And Eiji froze.
Because on her arm was a dark bruise clearly left by the firm grip of an adult.
She fumbled with her pajama top, taking a few seconds longer than necessary to find the head hole before pulling it on.
[Akira…wait.]
She paused, the shirt hanging around her neck. Her hair was more unruly than ever, still standing on end with static. Eiji would have found it adorable if he could pull his eyes away from her bruised arm.
[Who did that to your arm?]
Ash, who had been doing dishes, spun around lightning fast. His eyes instantly focused in on the bruise that encircled her upper arm. His eyes then reflexively squeezed shut as he realized she was shirtless in the middle of their kitchen.
[Eiji.]
Eiji's head whipped towards Ash.
"Shirt."
"Huh? Oh." He turned back towards Akira. [You can put your shirt on.]
But she didn't. [Mom grabbed my arm.] She poked the bruise lightly, watching it change color under the pressure of her finger. [It hurt.] She pulled her arms through the sleeves of her pajama top. Eiji watched her in silence, Ash opened his eyes.
[She got mad cuz I spilled juice on the new rug and—] She rubbed her arm. [And she grabs me a lot but that time was really hard.]
[Did you tell anyone?] Eiji asked with utmost concern.
Akira's gaze dropped to the floor. [N-no.]
Ash saw something akin to shame in her eyes, causing anger at her parents to brew inside him.
"She's telling us now, Eiji. Think about it, that's the actual reason she wanted to come here instead of Shunichi's. She wanted to show us that. She made it look like an accident but that was planned. And I'd bet my fuckin' life this isn't the first fuckin' bruise."
Akira, understanding only one word of Ash's English, began to panic. [No! You can't tell Uncle Shunichi!] Her eyes widened with fear. [Please! You can't tell him! You can't!]
Ash wiped his hands on a dishtowel. With hasty steps he joined Eiji on the floor, squatting beside the frightened child. He softened his angry voice. [Hey, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have used English. Sometimes when I get worked up I switch to English without even thinking about it.] He paused, watching Akira calm slightly. [I didn't say I would tell Shunichi. I said that's the reason you came here tonight, right? You came here instead of your Uncle's because you remembered what I told you the first time you came here…] he left the thought purposefully unfinished.
Her mouth puckered, tears threatened to spill from her eyes. [You said you want me to be safe and happy,] she whispered.
[Of course I do, and so does Eiji, and your Uncle. We all want you to be safe.]
A tear spilled down her face. [But not Mom and Dad?]
Eiji tensed and Ash sighed. [That's what I'm trying to figure out.] He extended his arm and hovered it above the bruise that was now covered by the thin cotton of her PJs. [Parents aren't supposed to hurt their kids, Akira. Bruises are proof of pain, but sometimes words hurt just as much. I've seen their words hurt you. I hate seeing you hurt.]
[Words can hurt?]
[I think you already know that they can.]
She stumbled forward and fell into Ash, a strangled, anguished cry soaking his shirt collar. There was an overwhelming fear in Ash that he'd unintentionally hurt the child, and yet he was able to push it aside to comfort her. He pushed away the fear as he drew her close, gentle hands cradling her head and back as she cried into his neck.
[How old are you now, Akira?] Ash asked softly.
[Se— Seven,] she choked out.
Seven. Seven was the year Ash's life turned to hell. Seven-year-old Ash was the child he wished he could go back and save.
"I'll save you this time."
Eiji's eyes burned and clouded with tears.
[I'll find a way to help you, Akira, I won't let them hurt you.]
Her fingers dug into his shirt. She inhaled sharply before letting out an ear-piercing broken cry. Ash wondered when was the last time she'd been allowed to cry, really cry. It had likely been years. Griffin used to hold him as he cried, but Akira had no one to comfort her at home. No one to hold her through tears.
He swayed her in his arms. [I've got you, let it out, scream if you want to. I've got you.]
An hour later, Akira sat on the living room sofa, face red and eyes puffy, licking a cherry popsicle and a bowl of popcorn on her lap as the happy soundtrack of Kiki's Delivery Service played through the TV speakers.
Eiji sat beside Akira on the couch. Though his eyes were focused on the screen, his mind was miles away. He clutched his phone tightly, awaiting a text back from Shunichi.
'Akira has a bruise on her arm that she said came from her Mom. I have no idea what to do.' Was the text Eiji had sent after convincing Akira that Shunichi should know. That it was in her best interest. That it would help keep her safe.
Ash had disappeared upstairs, both to take a breather and start googling his options of how to proceed. Ash had held her for nearly forty minutes as she cried, and when she'd finally calmed, he didn't have the heart or the courage to ask her if anyone had ever 'touched' her…or worse. If they hadn't, he would have to explain what he meant. And if they had…he was scared of what he might do to whoever had. And it would only bring more tears, and he believed she deserved to rest. But now, as he sat at his computer, he regretted not getting it all out of the way at once. At least he'd know one way or the other. Without that information, he wasn't sure how to proceed. He powered down the computer and slipped back downstairs.
He thought about asking her to pause the movie. He tried several times but the words wouldn't come. In the end, he resorted to asking Eiji. He asked him quietly, "Hey, I don't know how to say it nicely so I'm just gonna say it."
"Say what?"
"Think she's been…you know…touched?"
Akira continued watching the movie in sleepy ignorance.
Eiji's face blanched. "I— I— don't know— I— God, I hope not."
"I hope not too but one of us should probably ask before her Pops gets here." He chose 'Pops', just in case she knew the English word 'dad.'
"How do you even ask that?"
"I dunno, that's the problem."
"I don't have any experience," Eiji whispered, "how would you have wanted someone to ask you?"
Ash sat silently as he pondered Eiji's question. He watched Akira's entranced face as she watched as Kiki tried to fight off a flock of angry crows on the screen. If she were just a few years older, this would be easier. But she was so young and thinking back to his own youth, innocent Aslan wouldn't have been sure how to describe what it was his coach had put him through.
He waited for a lull in the movie before he worked up the nerve to ask his question.
[Hey, Akira, can we pause it for a sec?]
She chewed her popsicle stick and nodded 'yes.' Eiji paused the movie.
[I'm really sorry but I need to ask you three important questions. Is that alright?]
She nodded again.
Ash inhaled shakily. [Okay. One: Was that the first time your Mom has hurt you?]
Her teeth gritted against the popsicle stick. She shook her head 'no.'
[Two: Has your Dad ever hurt you?]
There was a long pause before she nodded 'yes.'
Ash wanted to ask 'how bad,' but he promised three questions. And it didn't matter how bad. Hurt was hurt.
[And three…three…] Eiji gave his hand a squeeze in an attempt to calm his racing heart. Ash cleared his throat. [Three: Has anyone ever touched you in a way that made you feel uncomfortable?]
[Touched?] She said with furrowed brows.
The tension in Ash's shoulders visibly relaxed. She looked genuinely confused by his phrasing, and that was a very good sign. But he still had to be certain.
[Sometimes people…hurt others by touching them…under their clothes. Has anyone ever done that to you?]
She shook her head with wide eyes. [That's gross.]
[Yes, it is. And it's also really important that you answer that question. Has anyone ever done that to you?]
[No.]
Ash nodded. [Okay. Good, okay. Thank you, Akira.]
She nodded slowly.
[I know I said only three questions, but if there's anything else you think you should tell us, you can tell us now. Is there anything else?]
[Dad wishes I was born a boy,] she nearly whispered.
[Your dad's an idiot.] [Your dad's full of shit,] Eiji and Ash responded in unison.
Akira actually smiled. [Shit's a bad word, Ash.]
The corner of his mouth tugged upward in a smirk. [Akira, do I look like I give a shit?]
Eiji slapped his arm. [Dear God, Ash.]
He turned towards Eiji and grinned, [Come on, I could have said worse?]
Eiji failed at repressing his amusement. [Yeah, I'm sure you could've.]
[How come kids can't cuss?]
[Who says they can't?] Ash replied.
[Grown-ups.]
[Well, I'm a grown-up and I don't think there's anything wrong with—]
[Ash.]
[What?]
[That's not setting a very good example.] But Eiji was smiling.
[Ei-chan, you really should not expect me of all people to 'set good examples/' Do you even know me?]
Eiji began to laugh.
But then his phone chimed.
'Shit.' Was the only response from Shunichi. Eiji's face turned grim.
[Can we finish the movie?] Eiji heard Akira ask Ash.
[Yeah, of course.] Ash stole the remote from where it rested in Eiji's lap and pressed play.
Another chime.
SHIT. What should we do? One, try not to freak out. Well, you've done nothing to settle my nerves! How am I supposed to just haaand her over? Shunichi! What should I do!? Eiji, calm down.An ellipsis indicated that Shunichi was typing.
Eiji rolled his eyes and tossed his phone onto the couch.
[Hey, you okay?]
Eiji stood abruptly. "No, Ash, I'm not," he gritted out.
"Maybe try not to freak out, okay."
Eiji's face burned red. He stormed from the room, tears threatening his eyes.
[I'll be right back,] Ash told Akira softly.
Ash followed Eiji down the hall to the bathroom. Eiji was bent over the sink, face and hands dripping with cold water. Ash turned off the faucet and shut the door.
"Hey, I know what you're thinking. I'm thinking it too. But we can't freak out. That's not fair to her. We're the adults. We're supposed to be the ones who can handle this shit with calm heads."
"A-Ash how am I supposed to not freak out. What are we gonna do?" A tear rolled down his cheek. "We can't just—" he lowered his voice even though Akira couldn't understand English. "Send her home with him?"
"All hell would break loose if we did something about it tonight. Think about it. We have no proof one of us didn't do that to her arm. And I wouldn't put it past either of her parents to try to pull that."
Eiji's anguished face twisted in anger. "So what do we do?"
"I don't know yet. But I'll figure it out."
Just then, Eiji's phone rang from where he'd left it in the living room. Both their heads turned in its direction.
"It's probably Shunichi," Eiji muttered.
"You didn't tell him did you?"
Eiji didn't answer, just walked to the living room to answer his phone.
Eiji answered the phone. [Hello,] he said curtly to Akira's father on the other line.
[HEY EI-CHAN,] the booming voice answered, [I think I've had one too many to *hiccup* drink.]
Eiji opened his mouth to answer, but he continued.
[SO a buddy a mine said I could stay with him tonight. Think you could— hey there darlin' pass me one of those— sorry, uhhh, what was I— ah, yeah, think you could drive Akira home?]
[I CAN STAY HERE!] Akira shouted from the couch.
Eiji's eyes focused on Akira, despite knowing full well his eyes were still red.
[Huh? What'd she say?] He sounded annoyed.
[She asked if she could stay here.]
[I BROUGHT MY PAJAMAS!]
There was silence on the other end. [You bring a toothbrush?]
As if it mattered.
[YES!] Akira lied. [PLEASE, DAD? I WANT TO FINISH MY MOVIE!]
[Huh? Yeah, fine, whatever. Make sure she brushes her teeth, Eij— okay, okay, hold on— alright I gotta go. I'll be by— tomorrow mor— tomorrow.]
And he was gone.
The faux excitement slid from Akira's face. Wordlessly, Ash slipped back into the room and onto the couch beside her. [Are you scared to go back?]
[No,] she began quietly. [This,] she gestured to her arm, [is…rare…and a mistake. I'm not scared. But I still…]
Ash could have guessed the rest of her sentence but remained quiet. After a few long seconds, she continued.
[But I still hate it there,] she whispered.
[I know,] Ash whispered in return.
[I— they— she didn't try to,] she gazed into Ash's eyes earnestly. [Sometimes they just— lash out. Like someone screaming when they lose their temper. I know I'm…] she broke eye contact with Ash and shifted her eyes to Eiji who was still standing awkwardly, clutching his phone with white knuckles and red eyes. [I know I'm just a kid but I do understand. I get what you're thinking. I get why Eiji's eyes a red. I would… I would tell you if I wasn't safe. You don't have to worry.]
Both Eiji and Ash were left speechless. Ash almost complimented her maturity but stopped himself. He knew all too well what it felt like to mature prematurely out of necessity.
[You showed that bruise on purpose. What is it you need us to do, Akira?]
She shrugged and was quiet for what felt like forever. Ash waited in silence, Eiji followed suit, too upset to speak anyway.
[I guess…] her voice was so soft when she finally spoke. [I guess I just needed someone to know. Shunichi would have freaked out. Dad's his brother, he would have started a fight for sure.] Redness rose in her cheeks. [And I— I just need somewhere fun. Safe and fun.]
The slight smile that formed on Ash's lips betrayed the sadness in his eyes. [Safe and fun. We can do that. We can definitely do that.]
They sat quietly for a long minute.
[Can we finish the movie? The part where Tombo rides that dumb bike is almost up.]
Ash's smile became more genuine. [Yeah?]
[Yeah, do you remember it?]
[I've not seen this before.]
[What!?] She looked at him as if he'd just asked what year it was. [How have you not seen Kiki!?]
He pointed to himself, a long pale finger connecting with his sternum. [American, remember?]
[Nuh-uh! Ghibli is popular there!]
[And how would you know that?]
[Everyone knows that!]
Something in Eiji settled as he watched and Akira carry on like nothing had happened. He was jealous of how quickly Ash could convincingly fall into the character of what Akira needed.
Akira's head whipped to Eiji. [Ei-chan! Tell him I'm right!] Eiji stared back at her with blank eyes. [Tell him!]
With a shake of his head he tried to shift gears like Ash had so successfully done. [She's right, Ash, you're an uncultured swine.]
[An uncul— wow. Wow!]
Akira giggled.
[And here I thought you loved me.]
Eiji rolled his eyes and finally sat down beside Ash on the couch. [I only tease the people I love.]
[Yeah, uh-huh, suuure.]
[You lack a classical film education, Ash. But good news is that it's an easy fix.] Eiji's head fell to Ash's shoulder. [All you have to do is watch more classics.]
Akira, who was on the other side of Ash, opposite to Eiji, eyed them curiously. She wasn't sure her own parents had ever joked around like this. She wasn't sure they even loved each other, unless, of course, it was in the public eye. But that was an act, she knew that, and not a very convincing one at that.
Akira reached for the remote and resumed the movie. And then without a word, climbed into Ash's lap, her head resting against his chest, a silent 'thank you.'
Ash's breath caught in his chest, partially because small children still made him uneasy. What if he hurt them? Or made them uncomfortable? Or… the thoughts went on and on. And partially because this child on his lap couldn't weigh more than 40 pounds, and he couldn't understand how anyone could bring an ounce of malice to such an innocent and helpless being.