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Of Butterfly Wings

Chapter Thirty-Two: Safe

Touya picked up the last of the furniture still strewn about the ground. After he'd collected himself and ensured that Kagome hadn't reopened her wound, they'd all set to work on fixing up the dinning room. He and Shouto had used their ice to put out the flames while Natsuo, Fuyumi and Kagome quickly turned the table right-side up again.

It didn't take very long to fix most of the damage, though the holes in the walls and doors would have to be restored later.

His gaze shifted towards Kagome.

She'd held his youngest brother as he clung onto her, concern written all over his features. He watched as she ruffled his hair affectionately and smiled, reassuring him that she was perfectly fine.

They'd only known each other for a few months and been officially dating for just over a week. It was common for every couple to go through their ups and downs, but he never expected her to face down his father so fearlessly especially so early in their relationship. He never expected her to stand up for him let alone shame his dad into leaving the house without a word. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Kikyou never would've had the courage to do what Kagome just did. He knew that had Kikyou not thrown him over for Inuyasha, he'd still be living in the shadows. He would've fallen into the background during the Sports Festival and his path would have never crossed Kagome's. At least not like how it had.

Touya observed as Natsuo and Fuyumi also crowded around her, each of them voicing their worries about her decision to get involved.

His own mother had been too afraid to protect them. She'd been so beaten down and abused by his father that she couldn't hardly defend herself let alone any of them. She was forced to bend so much that she eventually broke.

He didn't want to have a repeat of that same future. Not in his marriage nor with whatever theoretical family he would have later down the line.

Touya felt his throat go dry as Kagome's gaze met his and she flashed him a wide, reassuring smile.

For the first time, he felt safe.

He wrapped his arms around her and the rest of his family.

He no longer cared whether or not his father would accept him. It didn't matter if Endeavor now wanted him to join him on his path to become his successor. He'd spent his entire life being told that he could never cut it as a pro. Now that the possibility was right in front of him, he had no interest in it. He wanted to find his own future. Not one dictated by his father's desires.

"About that date," Touya began as he smiled down at her. "How about we visit the amusement park?" He shifted to glance at his siblings, "I mean all of us too."

Shouto's face lit up while Fuyumi and Natsuo shared in his excitement. Kagome's smile softened as she nodded in response, fully understanding his intention.

His youngest brother had no experience outside of the house. He was always forced to go straight to school then right back home. He had no friends and wasn't permitted to do anything dangerous. Which meant that he'd never been to an amusement park before. Natsuo and Fuyumi at least had a little bit more freedom, but even then they'd never been able to go as a family.

After the morning they'd had today, he felt that it would be best if they all had a chance to unwind and have some fun.

Touya glanced down at his girlfriend, "We weren't able to get you any new clothes at the store. Did you want to stop and get something for yourself on the way?"

Fuyumi swiftly rushed to her side, "There's no need for that. I've actually got a few outfits that she can borrow that will be perfect for this!" His sister pulled Kagome off and back towards her room once more, "We'll be right back!"

Touya scratched at the side of his head in confusion.

Now he was no expert, but did Kagome and Fuyumi wear the same size clothing? He hadn't paid enough attention to know for sure.

The girls were gone for several minutes but when they finally returned, Kagome was dressed in mid-thigh length shorts and a basic T-shirt. Fuyumi was sulking next to her.

Clearly his sister had wanted her to go for something more adventurous but was shot down. He had to give Kagome credit for being able to handle his sister on her own.

"You guys ready to go?" He questioned, offering Kagome his arm. She took it without a word as Shouto grabbed onto his free hand.

They walked together as a group. Making their way through the crowded streets.

"Look!" People pointed in their direction, "It's that couple!"

Touya ignored the comments while Kagome buried her face against his shoulder in a meager attempt at hiding from their newfound popularity.

"If you guys didn't want the attention, you shouldn't have made such a scene at the Sports Fest." Natsuo chided. He braced his arms behind his head as he trailed after them, "They're gonna be talking about your antics forever."

"Oh hush!" Fuyumi silenced him, "They were absolutely adorable out there! It's only natural that people would think that they're cute."

While Fuyumi was right, he didn't have the heart to tell her that she only felt that way because she was biased.

Shouto's hand clutched at his a little more.

It was evident that he felt nervous about there being so many people staring at them.

Although he was only nine years old, he was still perceptive for his age. Perhaps due to the horrors they'd faced at home, but still he'd hoped that this would be a positive experience for his youngest sibling.

Touya didn't miss the way every television screen was showcasing his and Kagome's moments together. The final image of her holding him in her arms after presenting him with the gold medal was plastered everywhere. He felt his own face flame in embarrassment as strangers stopped to gawk at them.

"Look! There they are!" A reporter with a camera zeroed in on their group. It wasn't unusual for the media to hang around their Estate, hoping for a chance to catch a glimpse of Endeavor and the family he kept hidden from the public view. So seeing them huddled at the corner of the street was no surprise.

There was only one way that they would be able to escape the endless interviews.

Touya glanced down at Kagome and his siblings, "You guys ready to run?"

Wordlessly he slung Kagome over his back as he heaved Shouto over one of his shoulders.

He shot a quick look at Natsuo and Fuyumi, "You two best keep up!"

With that he darted forward as fast as he could. The reporter chased after then, their microphone pointed in their direction as they struggled to keep up.

Natsuo and Fuyumi began to laugh as they chased after them. It was long before Shouto and Kagome joined in.

He felt his own lips curl up into a smile.

From today on, he would ensure that his family only had things to smile about.