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The journey back to Japanifornia was exhausting, but it was a needed journey.
Kazuma hadn't wanted to stay in the country long after his trial. Originally he planned on toughing it out but his partner convinced him otherwise. His partner… in more than just the platonic sense.
It took them a while, but they finally got together. The cause of it all being an impulsive kiss (a stupid move on Ryuunosuke's part) after he had been acquitted. Kazuma was pretty sure that van Zieks gagged. Good.
Though they had been sad at leaving Iris and Sherlock behind, they knew that it was needed. And it seemed as if they were not the only ones who needed to leave, as Gina ended up coming to Japanifornia alongside them. Susato seemed thrilled by this, and insisted that Gina could stay with them. She also insisted that her and Gina could share her room — just so happening to omit the fact that they had a guest bedroom. He was aware of Susato's crush on Gina (as she acted the same way around her best friend, Haori, who Kazuma knew that she had feelings for for a long time now), and found it adorable. Ryuunosuke did too, and they made a pact to tease the two.
But they got back and reconnected with everyone. All of them seemed thrilled, especially Trucy. She ended up clinging to Ryuunosuke and practically refusing to let go of him.
For the next few days they didn't really get to see each other due to the havoc of settling back in. Especially since nobody knew of what had transpired in Britain, and those who did could be a bit clingy at times.
So it had taken a week for Kazuma and Ryuunosuke to meet up to go on a proper outing — wait. He should call it a date now that they're a couple, right?
So it had taken a week for Kazuma and Ryuunosuke to meet up to go on a proper date. And here they were now, on a date. At a very familiar ice cream store.
"We haven't been here since I accidentally stole that forged evidence…" Ryuunosuke picked at his double chocolate sundae, and Kazuma laughed.
They had NO idea that that evidence was forged at the time, so when they heard the news from Klavier Gavin himself it was quite the shock. At least they unintentionally stopped Phoenix from getting disbarred?
"That was quite the fortunate accident, wasn't it?"
"Yeah...I'd say so." Ryuunosuke dug back into his sundae, and Kazuma found himself watching the other. Surely it isn't a problem if they're in a relationship? "Hey, Kazuma, I never got the chance to ask — what was so wrong about that ice cream stand that you dragged me away from it?" Kazuma blushed as Ryuunosuke looked up at him, catching him in the middle of his staring.
The ice cream stand…? Kazuma felt like that was familiar, but he couldn't exactly recall why… He remembers dragging Ryuunosuke away from one… but why?
Oh. Oh wait. He knows why. It was because of the bastard.
"Kazuma? Are you ok? You look really mad."
"That fucking bastard got a fucking ice cream stand."
"'That fucking bastard'? Kazuma I don't know who you're talking about."
" Shelly de killer. " Shelly de killer was a man they were both familiar with. He was the man who kidnapped Ryuunosuke in order to blackmail them. He was the man who knocked Kazuma out and let his partner think that he was dead. He was a hired and professional assassin with a realty trust with his clients. And the owner of an ice cream stand apparently.
"What!?" Kazuma explained what happened at the ice cream stand to Ryuunosuke as they finished their ice creams, soon making their way out of the shop.
There was a slight breeze outside, and Kazuma could see Naruhodou looking at him, but he didn't comment on it. At least, not at first. Not until he realized that Ryuunosuke was looking slightly to the side.
"What are you looking at, partner?"
"Your headband… sorry, was just reminiscing on how you got it." Kazuma frowned, immediately remembering that incident. Ryuunosuke's laugh was sweet, and it had it's usual effect of making Kazuma feel happy. But this time something was different. Kazuma jolted at the feeling of something touching his hand. He looked down to see Ryuunosuke's hand touching his, and after a bit Kazuma grabbed the other's hand too.
Now they were walking hand in hand down the street.
"I still can't believe you blew one hundred dollars on some teddy bear, Kazuma! It was so dumb." Not the dumbest thing he has ever said or done in regards to blowing something, of course — Mr. Wright would never let him live that down.
"I just saw that my partner wanted something and simply wanted to get it from him, Ryuunosuke , is that such a bad thing? Besides, it was the incident that led us to meet Kay." Kazuma tightened his hand around Ryuunosuke's for a brief moment, who squeezed Kazuma's hand in return.
"I guess not...we both know how stubborn and emotional you can be especially after… that trial." Kazuma's breath hitched, knowing exactly what trial he was referring to. His trial. Right, that was not his best moment.
They had had a long and serious discussion about everything that had happened in that trial, and Ryuunosuke decided that he forgave Kazuma. It was a relief to know that the other forgave him. Kazuma doesn't regret any of his actions … but Ryuunosuke did bring up some valid points.
They chatted for a bit as they walked so.e more, eventually making it to the Mikotoba's house. Kazuma decided to invite his partner inside. Afterall, Ryuunosuke had visited them multiple times in the past.
They said a quick hello to Susa, Gina, and Haori, who appeared to be working on something in the kitchen. Cinnamon rolls.
Ryuunosuke and him went off to his room to most likely sit around and chat, as per usual whenever he had Ryuunosuke in his room. Clearly this instance would be no different now that they were dating.
And it wasn't. The two of them reminisced over memories both fond and traumatic alike. Over every hospital trip, every trial, every very stupid moment where they should have realized the other was in love with them. It was pleasant, and it was everything Kazuma wanted as he looked to his right over at his partner. They were both laying down on his bed, hands firmly linked and just … basking in each other's company.
They talked about things like Kazuma's reasoning for giving Ryuunosuke Karuma (with his mission coming up, Kazuma felt as if his soul was in sager hands with his partner than him, who wasn't as tainted as he was), and it was a nice type of calm.
Much better than he deserved after agreeing to kill a man. His chest started aching, probably due to guilt.
"Kazuma … is something wrong? You have that look on your face again." Kazuma turned to face Ryuunosuke, who reached a hand out and brushed some of the hair out of his face.
"I'm fine, partner, no need to worry about me."
"Kazuma, didn't we have this conversation just a few days ago? You don't have to bottle it up when everything's not fine ... you can tell me, you know?" Ryuunosuke did in fact say that. Something about how Kazuma shouldn't bottle all of his feelings inside and scare his loved ones. There was also a bit about a therapist, but Kazuma elected to ignore that.
"Sorry partner … it's just that my chest is aching."
Ryuunosuke suddenly sat up, glaring down at Kazuma.
"Kazuma, have you forgotten to take off your binder?"
...So it wasn't guilt.
"Ah! You're right — I hadn't noticed, good catch, Ryuunosuke."
"That should've been obvious, Kazuma." Well that was rude. But it's been said before.
"Well regardless you're right, and I should change out of it." Kazuma walked over to his closet and grabbed a more comfortable t-shirt. He doesn't think that any of them had any plans to go somewhere after this? So it should be fine, right.
Kazuma reached down to take off his shirt, but was interrupted with a cry from Ryuunosuke.
Kazuma looked behind him in the direction of the bed, only to find Ryuunosuke turning his back to him. And Kazuma watched in amusement as Ryuunosuke hid his head in his hands.
"You don't have to turn around, Ryuunosuke. I don't mind if you watch."
"Wha ... watch!? Kazuma!?" Ryuunosuke's flusteredness was absolutely adorable , but Kazuma couldn't help but feel horrified as a giggle escaped him.
"Yes, partner. We are in a relationship, aren't we? So I don't mind if you feel the need to—"
"I AM NOT WATCHING YOU CHANGE KAZUMA FUCK OFF." Kazuma immediately wheezed at Ryuunosuke's reaction, immediately bending forward and resting a hand on his thigh. He had watched this man solve some truly difficult cases and reveal government secrets in court , yet couldn't handle something like this.
Kazuma changed and turned around to still find Ryuunosuke with his head in his hands, curled up into a tight ball.
"Is something wrong, partner?"
"I hate you." It came out in a huff, and Kazuma knew the other wasn't being serious.
"Hahaha, don't be like that, partner — I'm sure a good Susato toss would change your mind."
"Do you really think Susato would toss me on your behalf? If anything she'd toss YOU for interrupting her time with Gina, Kazuma." Kazuma chuckled, draping himself over Ryuunosuke's back and resting his chin on his head.
"Maybe if I ask in a certain way she would." Kazuma smirked.
"What way? I don't think there's any way you could convince her to get away from those two."
" This way ." Kazuma immediately started ticking Ryuunosuke's sides, smirking at the reaction he expected to get out of his partner. Key word here being expected.
Instead of Ryuunosuke doubling over and laughing he simply uncurled, looking over at Kazuma with a blank stare.
"Kazuma, did you forget that I'm not ticklish?"
...He did, actually.
It was something he sorely regretted as Ryuunosuke lunged at him a moment later, starting to tickle him. Unfortunately for Kazuma, unlike Ryuunosuke he was very ticklish.
Susato came not too long after Ryuunosuke started his torture, something about wanting them to try their cinnamon rolls. But she offered to leave if it was an inconvenient moment for them.
In the background Kazuma could swear that he heard Gina cackle something out about guinea pigs from downstairs.
Ryuunosuke immediately agreed, and Susato giggled at thatz lifting a hand up to cover her mouth.
Kazuma got dragged out of the room by the two of them, and despite the recent trial he felt. Okay.
This whole day was okay in fact. Which was better than most of the days had been recently.
Over the years Kazuma had a lot to not be okay over. State v. Engarde (he sti felt guilty over not being able to prevent Ryuunosuke from getting kidnapped), State v. Iris (he still felt guilty over not being able to protect Ryuunosuke when he got badly hurt), State v. Naruhodou (he didn't get to defend his partner despite being a defense attorney), and Crown v. Asougi.
It was a lot. A lot of different ways that his partner had been hurt, a lot to feel guilty over. That guilt having never truly gone away.
But maybe, just maybe, with such a loving family and partner by his side ... he'll be okay.
They'll all be okay.