[oslo]
Title: Dragon's Wedding
ID: [oslo]
Word count: 5,500
Character(s) or pairing(s): Niou Masaharu, Yanagi Renji, Yukimura Seiichi, various canon characters' children
The sake’s warmth spread through the man’s body, his mind not yet affected by its intoxicating effects.
It had been a nice reunion. Some of the old teammates had brought their families along - and it was surprising to see that some of them had been married and more surprising that some even had children.
Old man is right. He thought, another glass of sake sliding down his throat.
The names of the children and wives slipped from his mind . The children had started gathering away from their parents and around the drunken sensei. The two that stood out the most were the red head and the one with wavy, shiny bluish hair. There were others gathered around those two, but they all looked stereotypically Japanese.
He felt hands on his shoulders. Leaning back, there were two of the three people he had considered best friends back then. Back when things were simple. Back when things were just about tennis, about winning, and being undefeatable.
The young widower looked back down, feeling like he should not have came to the reunion. He hated the looks they gave him, full of pity. Life had not been kind to him, and he couldn’t deny it any longer.
The children whispered, wondering why someone their fathers’ age looked so much older than their 30 some odd years, even his hair had started going grey and was thinning out somewhat. It didn’t surprise anyone when the children addressed him as “sensei.” It was appropriate as well, since he was already well known for the stories he wrote - his books were popular and had high sales. That wasn’t why he wrote.
One of the children approached him - a little girl who wasn’t much older than 10. She had straight black hair that was cut to just above her shoulders and a rather gentle face. He could guess who’s child it was, but he wasn’t sure. Some of the boys were quite obviously their father’s children, but it was usually the girls that threw him off.
“Sensei, sensei, tell us the story about the demons!” She requested.
He smiled a little. It was a familiar story - one that he himself had been a part of.
“It’s rather selfish to request a story only for yourself.” He admonished her, smiling. “Bring some of the other children near, and I’ll tell the story.” He said. Not only did he prefer not to tell the story to more than one other person, it gave him time to mentally prepare himself for the story of them. A story that took place long in the past and to people that were not the same as they were today.
The little girl came back with faces that seemed familiar, but were different. At least six of the children had gathered around him. The sorrowful man gestured for them to sit down on the floor, and he joined them there as well.
“Once upon a time…” The storyteller started, going into excruciating details about the escapades some of the children’s fathers had gotten into. The undefeatable trio of demons, the two that were practically twins…The story of each of their downfalls.
It was not a story that he enjoyed telling. The story hurt, especially when the parts of it that were his own were told. The twisted game that had been manipulated by a best friend. The samurai that cut down the other demons at various points during that fateful year.
Some of the older children, the ones who were close to junior high age, sat enthralled by the story. Some of the fathers had come to listen as well - who better than to tell the story of what had happened than someone who wrote for a living and had experienced the story first hand?
“Ne, sensei? What happened to everyone?” Asked one of the children that the sensei didn’t recognize.
Sensei smiled, glancing around the young eyes that were sparkling with curiosity. “I’ll get to that in a bit. Wouldn’t you rather hear another story?”
The children made general noises of agreement, and settled down around Yanagi-sensei.
“Quiet down then.” He asked as he began organizing the story in his head.
The story had been going on for almost a half hour, and the children were still quiet, enthralled by the master storyteller.
“The same old story again, my dear Sensei?” A gentle voice asked in his ear.
The children that were gathered around were waved off for the moment, the only child that remained was Yukimura’s child. They all knew their dear sensei would finish the story once he had caught up with his dear friend.
“Isn’t it always the same story, Seiichi?” He asked, smiling, sipping at another warm cup of sake.
“Oh, sometimes it’s different. It just depends on how drunk our dear sensei is..” Yukimura teased. “Livening things up for the children?”
“I think it’s easier for all of them. I know most of them are close to being junior high age, and the others could probably handle the story as I’m sure you’ve told it.” Yanagi paused “I think Akaya’s children seem to handle things differently, and I know I saw them. And Marui’s kid, not that you could miss him with the red hair.”
“Hiroyuki and Akame - and Daisuke - seems to be handling the story fairly well.” Yukimura pointed out.
“He also has his mother’s temperament, not his father’s, if you haven’t noticed.”
“That’s another thing, dear sensei, when are you going to find yourself a woman?”
“My heart lies with my words, not with a woman.”
“Cut the bull, Renji. It’s been years since the accident. You’ll change your mind one of these days, Renji.” Yukimura said. “Even Genichirou is married. If he can get a woman, you can too.”
“You just want to play matchmaker.” Yanagi cut in, rolling his eyes slightly. “You’re just as bad as Niou sometimes.”
Yukimura’s grin faded to a frown. “Speaking of that devil, have you seen him tonight? I know I saw Akari, and the kids, but...” Yukimura shrugged. It wasn’t really any of his business, but he knew those children had been through a lot, and they didn’t need anything else to go wrong in their life. “Perhaps I just have your best interests in mind, Renji. Besides, don’t writers like you need your beautiful muse at your side to inspire your writings so you can express how the beauty of the day compares to your lover’s delicate skin?”
Yanagi glared. “I think I’ll stick to telling tales to everyone else’s children for now.” He said pointedly as the kids started gathering back around him.
Yukimura shrugged. “I’m sure Rosa and Mika-chan know some girls.”
“I’m not looking for pity, Seiichi.” Yanagi said as he turned back to the young ones. “So where was I?” He asked the kids, ready to continue on with the storytelling.
The words went on for at least another hour, and the exploits of one of the best teams Rikkai ever had went on to teach the children of many of their own children.
“That totally sucked, Sensei.” One of the children said.
“Well, it also ‘sucked’ that we lost the most important match of our junior high career.” Yanagi said, smiling sadly. “However, we all learned a valuable lesson from our defeat that day. Would any of you care to guess what that lesson was?” He asked, hoping that the children would learn from their parents’ mistakes.
One of the older children stood up slowly. He looked to be about twelve and had light blonde hair. If Yanagi remembered right, the kid’s name was Hiroki. “We’ve always known the point. Yukimura-san tends to drill it into our heads if we play against him.” He started, standing up to leave.
One of the other kids sat up straighter. “It’s that winning isn’t everything.” She said in a quiet voice.
“Very good, Rika-chan.” Yanagi said, watching as Hiroki wandered off.
“You’re right, Rika. Winning isn’t everything. And anyone that tells you otherwise is full of it.” Yanagi said.
The parents of most of the children had come to gather them up, some quietly grasping their children by the shoulders, and some waving to them.
After a while the group around Yanagi had dwindled to just three kids and a few adults.
Rika had settled into her mother’s lap while her father spoke with Yanagi-sensei again.
“Sure you don’t want to be set up? Isn’t it lonely?” Yukimura asked again.
“Not at all.” Yanagi answered. “I enjoy writing, I enjoy telling stories to the children when I see them, even if I can’t keep track of who’s kid is who’s half the time.”
“You couldn’t even remember my daughter’s name.” Yukimura said, frowning a little. “You need to stop drinking or something.”
“I’ll only stop drinking when there are no more stories to be told.” Yanagi said, setting his cup down. “And for tonight, I think the greatest story told is over for good.” He said, looking at Hiroki, who had came back and sat down next to Yanagi, looking like he wanted to bring something up with him.
“I think someone wants a word with you.” Yukimura said, getting up. “And I really need to get my family home. And if you need a ride or something, call me. I don’t want to hear that you were arrested for public drunkenness or something like that.”
Yanagi waved Yukimura off. “Don’t worry about me, I can make it home from here.” He turned to the kid, looking around for perhaps his parents.
“Don’t bother.” Hiroki said. “Father disappeared years ago, and Mother left earlier. I only stayed because your tale involved Father and I wanted to hear about him. I must ask - did you really dislike him that much?”
Yanagi blinked, wondering exactly what Hiroki meant. Yanagi took a closer look at the kid, trying to figure out exactly who he was talking about. The lean frame was similar, and the hair wasn’t bleached, and there was a rattail missing, but…. “You’re Niou’s kid, aren’t you?”
Hiroki nodded. “Mother’s always wondered what happened. He never spoke about school to her, and she’d wondered why he was so…odd before he left. And…we’ve never heard from him since. Well, that’s not true, he sends us money, but other than that, nothing.”
Yanagi frowned. “I never really disliked him, just his methods sometimes. He was a nice guy deep down. I’m sorry to hear that he avoids you. You seem like a very bright kid.”
Hiroki gave Yanagi a lopsided grin that looked almost exactly like his father’s. “That’s what everyone tells me. I could get into any school I want, really.” Hiroki paused, not wanting to continue that conversation. “Sensei, could I ask a favor?”
“I can’t promise anything.”
“You most likely have connections - help me find my father!” Hiroki stood up, bowing deeply. “I beg of you.”
Yanagi wanted to hope the kid wasn’t serious, but he knew otherwise. “If Niou doesn’t want to be found, then he doesn’t want to be found.” Yanagi reached out and put his hand on the kid’s shoulder. “He does care about you, that much is obvious. I know it has to be tough to live without all of your family, but I just don’t think there’s much I can do to help you out.” Yanagi stood up. “I’m sorry.” He said as he strode towards the exit.
Hiroki stared after Yanagi-sensei. These men at this reunion were his only link to his father, and this evening had not turned out well for the boy. Hiroki slumped back in the chair, frowning. Why couldn’t his father have just turned up at the reunion and made things easier on him?
Hollow footsteps echoed through the room. “The party’s over?” A voice asked, sitting down next to Hiroki. “Always a bit late, it seems.”
Hiroki looked up at the man that had just joined him. “Who are you?” He asked, not recognizing the man.
“Just a rogue shape shifting dragon.” He said, grinning. He had heard Yanagi’s story to the kids earlier, hiding in the shadows until now.
Hiroki stared at the man - he couldn’t be!
“I guess it doesn’t mean much at this point, but….Sorry.”
Hiroki’s stare turned into a glare. “Yeah, it really doesn’t mean much.” He said sarcastically.
“I deserve that, really.” Niou said, shaking his head. “I’ve been looking after you guys, you know. I just…don’t really feel like I can settle down. And your mother…well…I’m sure she wouldn’t want me around after all this.”
Hiroki looked down at that. “I…don’t know. Mom does what she can, and…I guess she appreciates the money you send, but…we’re not a family.” He said. “And honestly, you’re nothing but a stranger.”
“Heh, I know. I can’t really do anything about that. Well, I can, but it’s not up to me at the moment. I like wandering around, and nothing is going to change that.” Niou admitted. “I’d like to try to get to know you, if you’ll let me.” He offered.
Hiroki thought on this for a moment. At least 10 years had gone by, and all of a sudden his father appears out of nowhere. “I don’t trust you.” Hiroki finally said, standing up. “Maybe if you can convince Mother though. And Haruka might be more willing than me to get to know you.” Hiroki paused. “So, honestly, where have you been all these years?”
“You’ll probably find out one way or another, so I guess it’s best you hear it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.” Niou said. “It’s not that I don’t care about you guys, it’s just I don’t feel like I can settle down in one place. I need the freedom of being allowed to roam - so I’ve been around the world, searching for something I can’t seem to find.” He admitted.
Hiroki just looked at him. “I see.” He said, standing up. “I really should go home now.” Hiroki said, bowing slightly, then turned and ran out the door.
Niou sighed softly. Hopefully the kids’ mother would be more receptive to him.
Yanagi Renji slowly made his way home, the effects of the fermented rice beverage taking a bit of a toll on him. He had thought he had seen a familiar face that stayed hidden throughout most of the night. Being one of the few who could see through the disguises, Yanagi was very curious, but didn’t think much of it until he spoke with Hiroki-kun.
Yanagi pulled his cell phone out of his back pocket and called up Yukimura. “Hey, Seiichi…” He slurred out.
“Renji, hold on a second, I have to get Rika in bed.” Yukimura said, chasing down a small girl who kept eluding her dad. Yukimura finally caught her and put her in bed. “Sorry about that, she was being difficult. Do you need a ride after all?” He asked, concerned for Yanagi’s well being.
“I’m fine. I’m not as drunk as you think.” Yanagi said. “I wanted to ask you something. Do you know Hiroki-kun?”
Yukimura’s brow furrowed. “He was one of that group of children around you earlier this evening, right?” He asked.
“Right. And he made me think that we didn’t see his father this evening. Though now that I think back, I think I did.”
Yukimura’s head was starting to hurt. He hated dealing with Yanagi when he was drunk. “Please start making some sense, or I’m going to hang up, Renji.”
“Niou. Niou was missing - but when I think back, we all know how he can blend in with a crowd. Perhaps he was there.”
Yukimura sighed a little. “I’m hanging up now, Renji. Please get home safely.” He said, hanging up on Yanagi.
Yanagi sighed. It made sense to him, but he did figure that he probably sounded like a rambling drunk - which he was at that moment.
Yanagi jumped when an arm was slung around his shoulders. “Hey, old man!” A familiar voice said. “Can I buy you a drink to finish the night off?”
Recovering quickly, Yanagi sighed a little. “I was just talking about you.”
Niou grinned. “Do you always talk about the devil like that? You know he tends to show up. Oh, that’s right, I’m a dragon, not a devil.” He teased, punching Yanagi in the arm lightly.
“To answer your initial question, I don’t think I’d better have any more tonight.” Yanagi said. “And I don’t usually speak of the devil, except when his family wonders where he’s been for years.”
“There’s a long story behind that…” Niou trailed off. “
“I’m sure it is. And you need a place to crash for the night, don’t you?” Yanagi asked, knowing quite well that was the case.
“How’d you guess?”
“You always ask me if you can stay when you’re back in Japan. Are you going to see them this time? Hiroki-kun was asking about you.” Yanagi said.
“Ah….about the kids and Akari-chan…” Niou started. “I think I’m going to see them this time. It’s been….a very long time.. And…I was at the reunion. I spoke to Hiroki. The kid is right - they need their father. And…I think it’s time to settle down for good.”
“What’s this, I hear! The great adventurer Niou Masaharu is ready to settle down! Oh, shock!” Yanagi over-exaggerated his words.
“Yeah, yeah, rub it in, Sensei.” Niou said, guiding Yanagi towards his home. “Thanks for letting me crash with you.” He said, flopping on the couch after Yanagi had opened the door. “If I don’t see you in the morning - or a gain - thanks for everything.”
“Doing the right thing is not a death sentence, Niou.” Yanagi said, his head starting to throb a little. Hello, hangover.
Niou gave Yanagi a look. “You were able to say that with a straight face? I’m surprised after what happened to you.”
“I’m over that now.” Yanagi said quietly. “And don’t go on like Seiichi about setting me up with someone. I don’t want or need anyone else in my life.”
“I think the only person you’re fooling there is yourself, Sense. Besides, don’t you know you can’t trick a trickster?”
“I’m not fooling anyone, least of all myself.” Yanagi protested, heading for his bedroom. “I’m sorry you think I am.”
Tires screeched, glass shattered, and metal crushed in on itself as the two vehicles collided. The tiny Honda was no match for it’s larger cousin, a truck The sirens of the emergency response vehicles echoed loudly through the haze of the horrible memory.
Yanagi sat up in bed. That horrible memory again. He sighed softly, his hip aching and making sleep difficult for him. He turned to a photo that was on the nightstand, running his fingers over the face in the picture. “Minako…” He whispered quietly.
Having done that, Yanagi rolled over, and tried to make himself comfortable again. He knew that he wouldn’t sleep though. Not if that memory was going to haunt him that night.
Giving up on sleep, Yanagi picked up his laptop, and started working on his new novel. His editor had been pestering him for a few weeks to get a new draft in to her soon. He just hadn’t been inspired recently. Sleepless nights were always good for a burst of creativity.
“Writing more about dragons and demons?” Niou asked, noticing the light from the bedroom.
“Perhaps.” Yanagi answered. “I can’t sleep, and my leg is bothering me.”
“I noticed you limping earlier. I thought it was just because you were drunk as usual, Sensei.” Niou glanced at the photo of the girl.
“So she’s the one that stole your heart?” He asked, sitting down at the end of the bed.
Yanagi looked up and glared at Niou. “Yes, and no.” He said, frowning.
“Tell me about her.” Niou insisted, not leaving any room for arguing.
Yanagi paused, looking up from his work. “I have work to do.” He said, trying to avoid the question.
Niou reached over and pushed the top of Yanagi’s laptop down. “Tell me about her.” He insisted again.
Yanagi sighed a little. “She was my wife.” He said. “She died due to injuries sustained in a car accident. The same accident that left me with injuries that required me to leave the tennis scene for a few years. The only thing was that Minako was only a few weeks pregnant when she died.” Yanagi paused. “If she hadn’t have died….if she would have carried to term, the kid would be just a few months younger than Hiroki-kun.” Yanagi looked away, hating remembering this part of the story. “I don’t talk about her because she was my everything. I had only found out about two weeks before the accident about the pregnancy. We were both excited about it.” Yanagi swept his arm around. “We bought the house with having a family in mind. And now I’m the only one in it.” He said sadly.
“So that’s why you refuse all attempts at setting you up with someone….Don’t you think it’s time you moved on? I know how much first true loves can be…just that…perfect, I suppose.”
Yanagi just shook his head. “It’s why I enjoy being around the children. I don’t feel like I could be a father any more. But I seem to be a good father figure to some of the ones that have been missing theirs.” He said pointedly.
“Hey, it’s up to Akari whether or not I’ll be allowed back into their life. I’m surprised she hasn’t found someone new.”
“It’s rather hard for a single woman with two children to find a new significant other.” Yanagi pointed out. “Besides, I think you’re both still holding a flame for the other. You just need to learn to be a father to your kids.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Now admit I’m right that you need to move on.” Niou said, grinning. It wasn’t often that anyone could get Yanagi Renji to admit he is wrong about something.
“It has been over ten years…I…I suppose you’re right, I should move on.” Yanagi finally admitted.
“I’ll call Yukimura. I believe he said his wife and Sanada’s have some single friends yet…”
“I can’t believe you heard that.” Yanagi said, sighing.
“Hey, I blend into crowds very well. It’s a point of pride with me.”
“Of course.”
Niou stood in front of the door to Akari’s apartment. Taking a deep breath, he brought his hand up to knock on the door when he was about ran over.
Hiroki paused. “What are you doing here?” He hissed.
“I’m trying to fix our family.” Niou said, not afraid of a kid. “Is your mother around?” He asked.
Hiroki thought for a moment before calling to his mother. Giving his father one last look, he headed off.
“This better be good…” Akari muttered as she approached the door. She stared when she saw Niou standing in the doorway. “You’re back.” She said, giving him a look.
“That’s some greeting.” Niou said, grinning a little. “Can we talk?” He asked.
Akari paused, thinking on it before finally nodding and letting him in. Haruka was finishing up breakfast yet while Akari poured some coffee for herself and Niou.
“Haruka-chan, could you please go to your room?” Akari asked her nicely. Haruka nodded, wondering what was going on, but was smart enough to not ask questions - at least, not yet.
Niou sipped quietly at the coffee, not quite sure how to approach the subject.
Akari sat down across from him, wondering much the same thing. “So what brings you back? It certainly can’t be us.” She said bitterly.
“Hey, you know I care about you guys.” Niou said. “Really, I’m tired of the wandering thing. It’s getting old, and…I keep coming back here. And…the kids deserve to have their father around. Though it looks like Hiroki might have issues with that.”
“You’re been gone for 10 years, what do you expect from…well, any of us?” Akari asked. “I’m not even sure I want you around. What if you leave again?”
“Ten years, and you haven’t even found someone else. Really, I know this is going to be an adjustment for all of us, but…” Niou trailed off. “I’d even do the right thing this time. Seriously, marry me.” He said, not even asking.
“You’re a piece of work, Niou Masaharu.” Akari said, shaking her head. “You may be the father of my children, but do you really think you can handle family life?”
“I said it would be an adjustment, but I mean it.” Niou said. “What, do I have get down on bended knee for you think I’m serious?”
“Not at all.” Akari said, getting up and dumping the rest of her coffee down the sink. “I just think that perhaps you should ask the kids what they think of this idea. If it was back before the kids, I would have agreed in a heart beat. But they deserve to have some consideration before I make any definite decision. And honestly, Hiroki seems bitter about the whole thing.”
“I talked to him last night. I was at the reunion. He gave me his opinion. And I think he could adjust.”
“What about Haruka?” Akari asked, not sure this would best for her little family. They were used to relying on each other, and not needing anyone else, and here the one man that had been…not exactly a constant in her life had shown up on her doorstep, wanting to settle down into family life.
“She’d be more resilient to this, I think. Besides, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to sleep with other women and every time I passed them up because I felt it wasn’t right. I finally came to the conclusion that I love you.”
Hiroki walked into the kitchen, having quietly came back a few minutes ago.
“How much of that did you hear?” Akari asked him.
“Enough to think that it’s a load of bull.” Hiroki said, grabbing a soda out of the fridge and heading off to his room. “We don’t need him. We’ve been fine, and we will be fine without him.” He said before closing the door to his room.
Niou sighed to himself. Akari wrapped her arms around him. “I’ll talk to him.” She said. “Frankly, I like the idea of being a real family finally. And I’m sure the kids would like that as well, even if they’re resistant to the idea right now.”
Niou just nodded, and craned his neck to kiss Akari. “Almost like old times.” He said.
“’Old times’ would be you leaving me again after I find out I’m pregnant.” Akari said, not exactly bitter.
“If it happens, I’ll be here for the whole thing this time.” Niou promised.
“Such a gentleman.” Akari said, rolling her eyes.
“So when is the wedding?”
“There is no wedding. At least, not yet.”
“Going back to wandering around then?”
“There’s nothing in it anymore. Ever find someone willing to date our precious sensei?”
“He keeps rejecting everyone we’ve set him up with. And for mostly silly reasons.” Yukimura sighed, draining the bottle of beer he had before him. “That’s it for me. I need to get home soon.” He said, setting it back on the table.
“I’ll get it.” Niou said, waving Yukimura off. “This was my idea.” He said.
“Akari’s a really good person. And I’m surprised she didn’t throw you out on your ass instead of inviting you in for coffee.” Yukimura said as he got up. “You should count your blessings for that. And the kids are good too. I heard Hiroki’s picked up tennis and is good at it too. Perhaps you should think about trying to bond with the kid over that.” He suggested.
“The kid doesn’t care.” Niou said, slumping a bit.
“Are you sure? Or is he just nervous now that he has something he’s been missing most of his life?”
“Hey, Daisuke!” Hiroki ran to catch up with his friend. “I have a question for you.”
“Hiroki, wait up!” Akame called after him, running to catch up as well.
“Get lost, Akame.” Hiroki said, pushing his other friend away. “You don’t need to hear this.”
“Why not?” Akame asked, pouting a bit.
“Alright, fine.” Hiroki said, as Daisuke just stared at the two.
“What’s the question, Hiroki-kun?” Daisuke finally asked, now that they were finally walking home.
“Your dad knows my dad, right?” Hiroki asked, curious.
“I think so. Why?” Daisuke answered.
“He suddenly showed up out of no where, and wants us to be a family. I…don’t know about this.” Hiroki said, pausing on their journey home. “I’m not scared, just…I think it’s weird. And Haruka doesn’t really seem to care - she’s just happy to have a dad.”
“That’s what you’re so worried about?” Akame asked. “What’s so weird about that? Well, except for the whole showing up out of no where thing.” He mused.
“Well, he did finally ask Mom to marry him. I think she’s thinking about it.” Hiroki said, starting to walk again. “Our family has always been just Mom, me and Haruka. We don’t need him.” Hiroki frowned.
Daisuke shook his head. “Maybe you don’t think you do, but your mom might not.”
“Who asked you?” Hiroki said miserably.
“You did.” Daisuke pointed out. Hiroki punched Daisuke in the arm. Daisuke moved out of the way of the punch though.
“That wasn’t fair!”
Akame just stood there, snickering at his friends as they fought. Daisuke and Hiroki both turned on Akame and went after him.
Niou was leaning against the wall of Akari’s apartment, waiting for Hiroki to get home.
Hiroki was walking down the hall when he saw his father. “What do you want?” Hiroki asked cautiously.
“I hear you play tennis.” Niou said. “I thought maybe you’d like to take on the old man.” He suggested. “Besides, we need to talk, and what better way to talk than over 60 feet of tennis court?”
Hiroki paused. It was better than sitting at home doing his homework. “Sure.” Hiroki agreed, opening the door and setting his school bag down, exchanging it for a tennis bag. “I hope you know that I can kick ass. I’ve had a good teacher.”
Niou raised an eyebrow. Considering how many of his old teammates were around, he wouldn’t doubt if almost all of them had a hand in this. “I’m sure you have.” He said as they headed to the nearest courts.
Once on the court, Niou stretched, a few joints popping as he did so.
“Sure you want to take me on, old man?” Hiroki asked, hearing that.
“Who’s an old man?” Niou replied, smirking. “I think I can take on a brat like you.”
“Who’s a brat?” Hiroki retorted, bouncing a ball off his racket. “You’re going down.” He said, taking his place on the court.
An hour and a half later, the two were out of breath and ready to rest for a while. “What was it you said about me losing?” Niou asked.
Hiroki was sulking a little. “You’re a good opponent.” He admitted grudgingly. “And…I’m sorry.” He said.
Niou looked a bit shocked at that. “Why are you sorry?”
“I have been a brat. I…I guess I won’t mind if Mom does want to marry you.”
“That means a lot. I know, I haven’t been here for a lot of important things. Can you at least give me a chance though?” Niou asked, holding his hand out.
Hiroki hesitated before grasping his father’s hand. “I think I can do that.”
“Of all people, I never thought Niou would ever settle down.” Yanagi said to Yukimura as he took the seat next to Yukimura.
“When are you going to?” Yukimura asked Yanagi, grinning. “I’m looking forward to another wedding.”
Yanagi made a disgusted face. “I swear, every one you’ve set me up with has been just horrible. Or just trying to get into my pants.”
“Renji, watch it, there are children present.” Yukimura warned him.
“I know, Seiichi.” He said. “But it’s the truth.”
“You’ll find someone.”
“I’m not holding out much hope for that.”
“Sanada and Niou both found someone. You will too.”
Yanagi just shook his head as the proceedings began. He glanced around. Niou’s children were yawning within ten minutes. Yukimura was staring intently as the wedding went on. He would probably never admit that he gets emotional over it.
The happy couple was soon wed, and the ceremony was over.
“How is it?” Yanagi asked Niou when he had a chance to pull him aside.
“It’s hell.” Niou said, a grin on his face. “But it’s a good hell. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”