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Chapter Text

What was I thinking?  

Everything seemed to go numb as Gabe and his friends laughed and jeered at Percy, who was cadaverously lying on the floor. She had no idea that bruises could form that fast.  

What was I thinking?  

Poseidon had told her their child would become a hero, nothing less worthy of a son of Poseidon. But Percy wasn’t a hero, he was a child, her child. And she was the one who let the monster into their house. Humans are sometimes worse than any Greek monster could ever dream to be. At least some monsters had the courtesy to not hide in human skin, choosing to be upfront about their nature rather than hiding it under their human skin. This was something she had forgotten about, too caught up in the mythical world of Greek legends.  

What was I thinking?  

Groan  

Sally snapped over towards the source of the noise. And there on the floor lied her son, his hand clamped over his mouth in a death grip, desperation pouring out of him like a faulty faucet. It was only his fear and apprehension that barely stopped Sally from going up to Gabe and smashing her fist against his face. How long has this been going on for?   

If it seemed like time froze, then this time it quickly rushed back as if to catch up to the time that was lost. Percy's muffled groans, the poker chips being moved around, the cards shuffling under experienced hands, and a chair screeching against the floor.  

What was I thinking?  

Sally closed her eyes, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself a second of respite, enclosing her senses from the world. She gave herself three second before opening her eyes.  

During her youth, Sally often remised every birthday she had with her parents before they died on that faithful day. Waiting for the cake so she could make her wish. She knew the wishes weren’t going to come true, but in those halcyon days, her imagination would run wild, creating scenario after scenario of what would happen if her wishes came true. Sally knew she could no longer go back to those days, but in this moment when everything froze, she wishes she did have the ability to grant wishes, if only to prevent all of her past mistakes leading up to this moment.  

What was I thinking?  

I wasn't.  

"Gabe" Sally stated quietly, before saying a bit louder "GABE."  

"Whadaya want?" he replied, the back of his head still aimed towards her.   

An ambient creaking of the floors was one of the few things signifying her movements. "I appreciate being looked at, when spoken to" Sally uttered into the boisterous atmosphere, looking down at the man in front of her as if he was nothing more than a child.   

"Arghh, fine," he groaned. Her unspoken fury raged in her chest, beating away at her lungs, as if all of the oxygen in them had been replaced with pure unadulterated rage.  

How did she never notice how little he cared, how his little poker game was more important than the fact he hurt MY child.   

 "Hmmm, Sally? Aren't ya supposed to be at work?" Finally turning around, with a surprised expression.  

Even the frigid artic blizzards wouldn't have been able to combat the chill in her voice.   

"I thought you’d be better than this." She watched as his face twisted and turned, unsure of what the conversation would lead into.  

 "I thought-" she lightly growled, - "no, believed, that you wouldn't go so low as to beat a child" Sally murmured, her words echoing in the now silent room, the game completely halted.  

Gabe's poker buddies shifted in their seats, uncomfortably watching the tension rise.  

"And yet you blew all my expectations out of the waters." Sally's voice trembled, quickly rising in volume. She snapped her head and jabbed her finger against his chest, all her fury, pain, and frustrations boiling over like magma imploding out of a volcano after years and years of building up pressure and tension.   

"How dare you live in my home, and eat my cooked food, and use my money,” her worlds trickled down, unable to stop, not ever wanting to stop. “And yet you beat my son as if he isn't a child." Sally ended with a scream, her hands now back at her sides, thoroughly shaking.  

His drunken face contorted into a confused look, as if this wasn't the way he expected the conversation to go.   

"I want you out" Sally straight up hissed, pointing at the door.  

Gabe's face turned from confusion to anger, "now Sally, wait a minute-"   

"OUT" she screamed, more than half a decade of oppression and fury releasing all at once.  

Gabe stood up, not liking the way this conversation was turning out. "I said wait a damn minute Sally, you can't just kick me out" his whole body flushed red "I'm your husband" he yelled, as he slammed his palm against the table, the noise making Percy flinch.  

How dare he  

She crossed her arms, both to show her firmness at her decision and to hide the trembling hands. She would not she weakness at him, never again.  

 "Then I want a divorce."   

He looked more surprised at the fact she'd talked back than at her actual words. "Wait'da damm minute, you ca-."   

She cut him off. "And why not? I'm the one who pays all the bills, I'm the one who keeps this household up float. It is my name on all the paperwork allowing you to live here. while you do nothing but leach off of my money, wasting it all on your pointless gambling."   

At this point, uneased at how the confrontation was going, Brian, one of Gabe's friends slowly started to stand up, trying to leave.  

 "Sit down all of you." Her anger now directed at everyone at the table, staring each and every one of them all down individually. "I'm not finished talking"   

"Now Sally," Gabe started, "I get you're worried about the boy, but you have to understand dear, it was just a mistake."  

Sally stared in disbelief, unable to believe what had just left his mouth. She wasn't the only one feeling skeptic at his words, as Brian and a few others also looked at Gabe funny at his words.   

Why didn’t they do anything all those other times? Why only now?  

 "A mistake you say?" Just barely being able to keep her voice level, "no, a mistake is forgetting to buy eggs at the grocery, a mistake is not cooking dinner in time."   

Sally wasn't at all surprised to see that her words had no effect on Gabe. Rather than understanding the full scope of her words, he seemed more disgruntled at his poker games disturbance, never showing even a hint of regret at his actions.  

How could I have ever even considered marrying this monster (who calls himself human, who I once called my husband).  

"A mistake is not beating my son to the floor!"  

How could she dare call herself a mother?   

Sally tore her gaze away from Gabe and towards Percy, who was shakily trying to sit up from the floor.   

Sally felt like hollow log set adrift into the ocean, detached from the world at large. How could she be foolish enough to believe he would leave her son alone, naive in her belief that if she took all the hurt, at least Percy would be spared.  

Slap  

 It echoed along the walls, the sound reverberating with every second that passed. Sally touched her now red and stinging cheek. Her face felt tingled and raw.   

She noticed too late how close Gabe had gotten to her, his face now looming over her own (Never look away from a monster).  

Sally refused to withdraw from his advances, knowing any movement even hinting towards a retreat would be a sign of surrender.   

She stiffened her knees, refusing to let them buckle. Sally directed her eyes straight at Gabe, defiance written all over her body.   

She refused to back down like she had in the past.   

With all of her strength being put into keeping her body upright, Sally had missed Gabe's right hand on a warpath right towards her.   

But Percy didn't.   

(She would later wonder if it was a sign of his demigod heritage, that fact he was able to notice his hand, and move to protect her)  

"Leave mom ALONE!" Percy screamed, slamming his tiny body against Gabe own. While he wasn’t able to knock him down, he gave Sally enough time to step back and reach in her pocket.  

The disgusting monster roared, raising his hand towards my baby.  

 "STOP," all eyes shot towards Sally. A lamb in a butcher house would've had less attention. A lesser person would’ve buckled under the scrutiny, Sally herself felt like shying away.  

But right now, Sally knew she needed to be strong, if not for herself, then for her son.   

"I-I will call the police." She hoped nobody noticed her slight stutter, "I will call them if you all don't leave right now."   

All the chaos has simmered down into a tense moment, unable to be watered down or ignored.   

"Wait Sally, you need to calm dow-"   

She snapped at him, an amalgamation of all her strung-up emotions leaked into her tone, piercing through the wall. "Don't you dare say another word."  

The room filled with a heavy silence, only Gabe's silent fuming making so much as a peep.   

She fixed him another look, a distant part of her purred at his flinch.  

Breath in, breath out  

 "Percy, baby come here" Sally said, not letting her eyes off Gabe.  

A pair of feet scrambled over, quaking arm arms hugging themselves around her leg.  

"Okay." Sally looked up towards Gabe and his poker buddies, pleased at the distance between them and her son.  

 "This is what's going to happen," She pointed towards the door with the hand that wasn't holding the phone.  

"You all are going to leave, and if you don't," Sally gave each of them the same steel woven look she had once used to make a God submit, hoping it would cover the hidden desperation hiding beneath the surface.   

"If you don’t leave right now and never come back to show your filthy faces here again, I will call the cops, ones that will take you in for child abuse, and ones you won't be able to bribe; and I swear," Sally pulled Percy tight, "I will make sure that all of you will rot in prison, with even no thoughts of escape," she spat.   

Gabe seethed in anger, "now listen here woman, you can't kick me out."  

One of his buddies, Terry she thinks his name is, seemingly equipped with a few more brain cells than the rest, and terrified at the prospect of going to jail grabbed Gabe.  

"Heyy c'mon Gabe, we can continue the game at my place," he placated, watching for any signs of her calling the police.   

The other guys seemed to snap into attention, "yeah let’s go, let’s not deal with the cops"  

It seemed like an eternity passed within the time she held her breath, hoping he would listen and leave. Sally hadn't felt this kind of apprehension in a while. The only other time being when she learned of what happens to children like her son, especially children of the big three.   

"Please help him," Sally mutely prayed, daring not to speak his name. He told me what would happen if the other Olympians learnt of Percy's existence. A fate worse than death.   

Gabe sneered, "fine woman" he slurred, too drunk to see my sigh of relief. "Never liked this stinking place and that rotten lil'kid," Sally tightened my lips, not saying a word.   

And with his two friends helping him, he stumbled out, yelling slurs towards me about how ungrateful women are.   

Sally hadn't noticed her legs collapsing until she Percy was leaning towards her, worry written all over his face.  

 "Is he gone?" Percy whispered, "I don't want him here anymore."   

Sally hugged Percy tight, afraid if she let go, the moment would unwind, and Gabe would return.   

"Shhhhhh, it’s okay. Mommy will make sure he won't ever hurt you again," Sally whispered soft assurances to him.   

"He won't hurt mommy either right?" He looked towards me, his sea green eyes filled with resolve, "you can't get hurt either," he said as he buried his face into my stomach and continued to hold me.   

Sally didn't know what to do now, Gabe's scent was the only thing keeping monsters away from Percy, with him gone it’s only a matter of time before they find him.   

His scent will last maybe three days max before Percy's scent would become more noticeable, she had sworn that she would tough out whatever Gabe would do to her, willing to bare the pain he caused. Sally didn’t have any alternative ways to hide Percy’s scent, nor did she plan for any.  

(The most traitorous parts of her brain whispered if this was all a mistake, and if she should beg for him to come back.)  

The blue bruises lining her son's arms and legs mocked Sally, every blemish a physical reminder of her failure.  

No, she won't have that monster near him again.   

"Shhhh, it’s okay baby." Sally cradled him close and ran her fingers through his hair. She knew she couldn't protect him forever, sooner or later he would have to face deadlier and stronger monsters.   

Sally picked up her phone, somethinig she almost never used, and dialed the police. She had mostly abandoned using a phone, but with Gabe's pungent odor still predominately in the air, Sally was willing to take the risk.  

She knew she couldn't defeat Greek monsters, but she would do anything in her power to stop one monster from ever touching my baby again.   

"It’s okay baby," Sally repeated, hugging him close, "mommy will figure it out."    

Chapter Text

The apartment felt almost haunted with how silent it was, with no guttered laughter coming from the kitchen, or demands for food being shouted through the corridor. It was quiet, but a good sort of quiet.

Percy stirred from Sally's side, waking her up slowly. Her mind still muddled from the night before. I still can't believe it, Sally thought, as she began to get out of bed. "Gabe's gone," she testing the feeling of the words in her mouth, Sally's lips quirked upwards, she found she quite liked the feeling of the words. "Gabe's gone," she repeated to further cement the truth into her head.

When Gabe left last night, Sally wasted no time in dialing the police, and telling them about Gabe and his buddies. She was told, he wouldn't get out of prison in a long time.

Small footsteps headed towards her. "Mommy?" Percy's messy bed hair and sleep aided eyes made quite an adorable appearance. Sally's eyes softened.

"Yes dear?" Percy stepped closer towards her and Sally crouched down, smiling towards her son.

"Is smelly Gabe gone? I don't want him around anymore."

Sally's smile softened. Yes, she had made the right choice.

For the first time in a while there was light chatter coming from the dining table, unburdened from Gabe's former presence.

There was still the looming worry of how Sally would protect Percy from the monsters, but for now, there was a peace they haven't felt in a long time.

The ringing in his ear didn't stop until the plane landed, and even so, his knuckles were white from grasping the arm rests too tightly. It took a while, but soon blood rushed back into his hand, returning it to its original tone.

The last few days felt like he was running on fumes, only ever resting when his son needed to sleep. He looked over to his son on his left and some of the remaining tension in his arm started to leave. Just a few more, hours. He stroked his sons hair while watching his small chest go up and down, he found himself doing this lately, just to remind himself that they are both alive.

He looked over in front of him, noting that soon it would be their turn to stand and leave. "C'mon buddy, its time to wake up," he said while slowly shaking him awake. A small groan emanated from the small boy, his father grinned while shaking his head.

Seeing as his son still wasn't fully awake yet, he put on his backpack, the only 'luggage' they had brought, and started slowly lifting up his son. The backpack wasn't too heavy, considering they needed to travel light.

After making sure his son was secure, he started walking down the plane aisle, taking care to not shift his son too much.

The flight attendants waved him and his son goodbye, wishing them both a good day.

After exiting the plane, the rest was child's play, following the crowds of people and showing the airport security a passport.

Getting his hands on mist enveloped fake passports, for both him and his son were a pain in neck, but one he would do again in a heartbeat.

He pulled in the favor Kurokawa owned him, in order to get the passports and plane tickets with no paper or digital trail. The former broker will scam you ten ways till you're broke, but she will respect a favor when its owed.

Millions of people go through the doors of an airport; so no one thought of anything when a man, carrying his son stepped out.

The father looked around, taxi's picking people up, a gaggle of teens walking to the left, and a small dog, yapping at everything that moved.

He looked around, paranoia keeping him at the lookout.

Kurokawa promised no one would know where or who he is, but old habits die hard, especially in such a noisy area.

His son shifted in his arms, trying to find a more comfortable position. The boy's father smiled and started to move, this would all be worth it he thought.

He and his wife had talked about moving to America as a joke before they got married. Saying how he could disappear from the Japanese underworld by hiding in another crime infested city, hiding in plain sight she called it.

Retrospect was a bitch. Mokona, his wife was dead, murdered for leaving the family. They said it was a warning, and that he and his son would be next if he didn't come back. He gripped the backpack strap, trying to calm himself. He would protect his son and make sure no harm came to him.

The Oyabun had offered to take in his son, as they had with him when he was young. They believed he would go active, seeing how his father was also an active flame user.

He unclenched his jaw, seething at even the thought of them getting their hands on his child. He just needs to stay here long enough until he's told they stopped looking for him and his son. Thankfully their influence doesn't have a large reach on the mobs here.

They would survive, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto swore, his eyes lighting with a faint blue.

Sally Jackson kissed her son before she left for work, she didn't want to leave him but the rent would be due soon. She hugged Percy one more time, "okay Percy, mommy's going to work, stay safe okay." Even though she needed to go, her heart tensed, worried someone would come in and hurt her child.

She looked at Percy and unconsciously frowned. The bruises left behind by Gabe were no longer that bad, but there were still some yellow residuals around his arm. She feared Percy would be hurt again, especially with Gabe's scent starting to wear out.

"Mom" Percy with a childish but solemn expression, recapturing her attention, "I'll be fine don't worry too much." Sally smiled, when had Percy become so finely attuned to her true feelings?

She rubbed Percy's hair, making him pout and reach out his arms, try to stop her from further messing up his already messy hair. "Alright sweetheart," she patted his head one last time before starting to stand, with the worry about Percy a bit lessened.

Her uncle Rich would have told her to take one step at a time, saying "if you keep on worrying about it, that's all you're going to feel, worry." A breath in, and a breath out, she looked at Percy, who noticed her gaze and waved at her, "I'll be fine Mom" he reassured.

The tension left Sally's face, "okay okay, I'll leave now honey, have a good day," then she added with a small smirk, "don't eat all the blue candy okay, we both know who ate them last time."

Percy's face reddened "Mooom." Sally looked at his flushed face and let out a small laugh, "okay dear, I won't tease you again," and with those words she left the building, heading off to Sweet on America for another shift.

Chapter Text

It was a slow shift today, Sally thought as she fought against another yawn.

She looked at the clock, three more hours. With nothing to keep her occupied, her thoughts started to drift, what should we have for dinner, how would rent work out this week, would Percy like the new blue candy that just came out?

The last thought made her pause as she realized her thoughts have once again drifted back to Percy. Sally tried to not let her worries show too much, but when there was nothing else for her to do, the small doubts always creeped up behind her.

Even though Sally knew she would never let Gabe near Percy again, Sally didn't know how to protect Percy anymore. What would she do now?

Ring, the store door jingled, Sally looked up, glad for the distraction. "Hello, welcome to Sweet on America, how can I help you?"

An asian man carrying what looks to be his son glanced up at her. The man looked to be around his mid to late twenties, with short black hair, and stress marks all around his face, especially surrounding his eyes.

Sally recognized them. As a fellow parent, she had very similar lines of her own fatigue.

The man sheepishly grinned, "sorry not here for sweets," he replied in an almost unnoticeable accents, "I was wondering if you knew the directions for," he carefully fumbled out a piece of paper, so he wouldn't disturb the child sleeping on him, "East 104th and 1st, upper Eastside," the man said, panic quickly building up in Sally's stomach, "I hear the apartments there are a bit more on the cheaper side."

Sally's smile froze for a second before returning with an suspicious edge, she regarded the man carefully, what were the chances that this man was an agent send by the Gods to kill her child.

"Looking for a new place?" Sally asked, hoping her voice didn't waver, "no offense, but I hear the area around there isn't the best place for raising children." She ignored the part of her mind yelling that she was a hypocrite.

Tsuyoshi smiled, while groaning on the inside. The place he had just mentioned was one of the few places that were cheap enough, but weren't held under gang influence.

Tsuyoshi had to give credit though, the woman had only momentarily stiffened up before relaxing. However, he didn't survive as long as he did by not noticing these things, nor believing in coincidences.

Tsuyoshi quirked his lips upwards, and crinkled his forming crow's feet, in what he hoped to be a disarming smile.

Sally unknowingly disagreed in Tsuyoshi's belief about his smile.

Its always the nice ones she thought, frowning as her thoughts once again returned to Gabe. He was also nice when she first met him, Sally almost couldn't believe her eyes when he changed so abruptly from who he showed himself as.

Tsuyoshi quickly spoke, hoping to dispel any misunderstandings the woman might of gotten from him, "please don't misunderstand," he stated, "its just, we aren't exactly in the best financial situation, and luck doesn't seem to be on our side," the man looked at his son with a melancholic gaze, "especially with the mother gone."

Tsuyoshi hated the fact he was using the death of the beloved wife to gain sympathy from a civilian, but there was little to no other choice. And there was the fact they are being hunted by his former Oyabun, but Tsuyoshi doesn't want to deal with a terrified civilian calling the police at the moment.

Sally watched him carefully for any signs of deceptions. When she found none, Sally slightly relaxed and formed a sheepish smile, but still kept her guard up. "I'm sorry for my earlier response" Sally saids sincerely, "I just recently discovered something, and it kinda made me a bit paranoid."

And there's the fact Sally recently discovered her ex husband was abusing her son, called the police on said ex husband who is now in jail. And now she constantly fears a monster or a God will come and kill her baby.

Tsuyoshi smiled back, grateful the woman's suspicions were slightly reduced, "no worries" he replies, "I'm sure a bit of paranoia doesn't hurt anybody, in fact it sure helped me a few times" he chuckles in good humor, reminiscing at the memories where his paranoia saved his hide.

Sally let out a small laugh, surprised at how well the conversation was going.

Unknowingly Tsuyoshi was thinking the same.

"Hummgh" a small body groaned. All eyes darted towards the sound coming from the child in Tsuyoshi's arms.

The two parent's eyes softened at the small child rubbing the sleep off his eyes.

"Two years?" Tsuyoshi looked up with a questioning glance, Sally blushed, "is he two years old, I mean? He looks to be about two or maybe three."

Sally watched as the man fondly stroked the child's head, "just turned three this year" Tsuyoshi answered, making sure Takeshi was comfortable in his arms.

Sally cleared her throat, making Tsuyoshi look up from his son, "sorry about the misunderstand earlier" Sally apologized, "you can never be too careful you know."

Tsuyoshi knew one could never be too careful very well, especially with his family in danger.

Sally looked at the duo, she was sure the man couldn't be lying about his son, nor their situation.
The love he had for his child was unmistakable, and their worries seemed to parallel her own problems so well.

A single parent caring for their child, with no one else to turn to.

Sally opened her mouth, "to reach the place you mentioned, take a left turn and a right. You'll see a cross section on your left. Go towards the buildings with the graffiti on them" she explained. "I hope you make it there soon," she smiled than added "and good luck with the little one."

Tsuyoshi wanted to cry with relief, Kurokawa was able to do many things, being able to write descriptive directions weren't one of them.

Sally checked the clock, two hours and thirty minutes until her shift ends. "If you don't mind waiting couple hours, I can walk you guys to the area you mentioned, I'm pretty familiar with the area" she offered.

Tsuyoshi wanted to accept but shook his head, "no, I couldn't take any more of your time, I think we'll be fine, thank you for your help."

"We'll, if you're sure," Sally answered.

Tsuyoshi smiled, "we're sure, again, thank you." The man slightly bowed, then started to leave.

Sally watched the man leave, than remember she never asked for the man's name nor did he every ask about her name.

Sally looked up to ask for the man's name, but when she did, the man and his child appeared to have already left the store.

"Strange," Sally muttered while looking through the store window.

Sally looked around, checking to see if the store was empty before yawning and placing her elbow on the counter. She rested her head on the palm of her hand and blinked lazily, I wonder if I'll see the man on my way home?

Sally hid the second yawn with her hand, who knows?

Chapter Text

"Thank you for your purchase, have a great day sir" Sally said with a forced smile, exhausted from all the people. She let out a sigh of relief as the man finally left.

"Long shift huh?" Jack, the store shelf stocker asked. Sally looked towards her left where Jack was giving the store counter one last wipe. Sally gave him a tired look, "yep" she replied with a sigh, while doing the floors one last sweep.

Jack was an employee since the store first opened, and has been ever since than. He befriended Sally a week after she first got the job, claiming, since her last name of Jackson was quite close to his name of Jack, he would look out for her.

Sally would always be eternally grateful for the older man's help, especially when he would give Sally the silent comfort she needed when days with Gabe got too stressful and hard.

Sally grimaced while stretching her arms behind her head, groaning with relief as the muscles loosened as she relaxed.

Sally looked at the clock, 4:01, "time to leave" Sally remarked as she left the store. Sally had to close yesterday, so today was Jack's turn to close up.

The street's were filled with honking horns and desperate footsteps of people running to their destinations, trying not to be late. The fumes of the city danced around her, with tourists gagging at the stench of the nearby dumpsters. The chilly air nibbled at parts of her arm not covered by her worn cardigan.

While walking back, Sally found her thoughts drifting back to the man who came to the store asking for directions. Sally's expression softened, thinking about how much the man cared for his son. How much blatant adoration and love he had for him.

Sally could almost imagine the same scene but with Poseidon instead of the Asian man, cradling Percy while whispering small, but precious promises of love.

Sally blinked. When had her thoughts shifted so drastically? She let out a small giggle and shook her head, no Sally's currently life was as perfect as it was going to get, especially with Gabe out of the picture.

Gabe, Sally shuddered.

Sally knew he had to go, and would never let that monster near her child again.

But what would she do now? Sally gave Percy a brave face, but she herself didn't know what to do. Unlike Percy (for now at least), Sally knew she only had a matter of hours to figure out a new plan.

Sally continued contemplating this, while walking down the New York sidewalk.

Ever since she was young, Sally noticed things no one else seemed to, like little winged. creatures playing in the nearby ponds, and strange one-eyed men going to the local burger chains.

But the one oddity about her that stood out the most was the way she could see people.

If she really focused on a person, Sally could sense a sort of aura on a person. It allowed her to get a feel for what kind of person they truly were.

It was only recently, thanks to Poseidon, that Sally was able to put a title to her peculiar ability, being clear sighted, a quite gifted one at that.

Sally sometimes thought of it peering into someone's soul.

Jack had the aura of a kind person, like a warm apple cider during a snowstorm.

Meanwhile, Gabe had the presences of a fruit that had ripened too much to the point that it rotted. The history lover in her would compare it to old European nobles, trying to hide their filthy smell with layers of perfume.

Although at first Sally wished to believe the hint of rot from Gabe was her imagination, she soon discovered it was the sickly-sweet aura that was fake. And not the layers upon layers of disgusting rot that Gabe wore like a second skin.

Contemplating this, Sally stopped at a stoplight. Sally had learned pretty early on it was easier to ignore all the different auras around her, rather than to take them all in.

Her uncle almost had a panic attack when he found her when she was young, crying on the ground, clutching her ear's begging for it to all go away. It was like being exposed to everyone's bare soul all around her, it was too much for her to interpret all at once.

The crowd of people around her moved, jolting her and prompting her to look at the newly turned walk sign. Mildly embarrassed, Sally hurried along the street, speed walking so she would reach the apartment faster and see Percy's brilliant smile.

After a while, the familiar apartment entered her vision. Sally walked up to the front door, " Percy, honey, I'm home" she announced, before pulling out the key to unlock the door.

With a simple click Sally swung the door open. "Mommy" an excited voiced yelled. Sally looked down just in time to see a small frame crash into her, and a dark-haired head peeked upwards, with a toothy grin.

Percy opened his mouth, "mommy!" He repeated energetically. Sally let out a exasperated sigh, if Percy already became this hyper staying home, she would need to soon find an outlet for all his energy.

"Hello dear" Sally said as she crouched down, leaning forward and hugging her son back.

Percy giggled but covered his mouth with his hand's, clearly wanting to say something, but wanting to 'surprise' Sally.

Sally fondly shook her head, her earlier tensions melting away in Percy's presences

She secured Percy tightly around her arm's, before picking him up. While it was getting more difficult to do so as Percy grew up, hearing his delighted laughter always made it worth the effort.

With Percy in her arms, Sally walked into the house and carefully locking the door behind her.

The pair moved towards the main bedroom, before Sally dropped Percy onto the bed.

Percy let out a small snicker, the edge of his mouth curling upwards, despite his tiny hands trying to fully cover his clearly smirking mouth.

Sally gazed fondly at her son, feeling a calmness she would've only associated with how she felt around Poseidon, the tranquil peace the sea provides. One of the many things her child inherited from his real father.

Sally brushed her hand across Percy's head, "okay dear, what's the thing you want to tell me so badly?" Sally questioned.

Percy 'secretly' looked to his left and right, before uncovering his mouth, "so mommy, umm, remember Eddie right."

Percy continued, clearly not actually looking for a response, "like forever ago I heard like this person come up the building, and you know I'm like who is he? So, I look out the window, and by the way, I did not open the door okay Mom, I just looked out the window" Percy quickly explains before rapidly returning to the story.

"So anyways, the man was doing a frowny face at Eddie, and mom mom guess what," Percy speedily continued, giving Sally no time to guess, "I think Eddie was peeing himself" Percy finished before breaking out into roaring laughter.

Sally laughed along with Percy, hiding her discomfort beneath the mirth she showed.

Sally always has mixed feeling about Eddie.

She was glad he didn't get arrested, or else she would've have had to find a new place, that fit her almost impossible requirements with the limited time that she had (cheap but not run down, has a foul human scent to hide Percy's own scent from monsters, close enough to her work, and somewhat decent landlord, to name a few).

But on the other hand, Eddie was a unofficial member of Gabe's 'poker buddies' and never did anything or inform her of Gabe's treatment of Percy while she was at work. And was quite sexist towards her, almost always demanding to speak with 'the man of the house' whenever she had a question about the water heater not working.

Sally refocused her attention on Percy "oh that was pretty interesting" she remarked, "what did the man look like?" Sally asked, not knowing whenever to thank him, or to advise Percy to not interact with him.

Percy scrunched his noise, trying to remember, "uhhh he had black hair, had a serious face, umm was carrying a baby and a backpack" Percy finished with a grin, proud of himself for remembering so much details.

Sally felt faint, what would be the chances the man Percy saw, was the same man who asked for directions earlier.

Sally unconsciously began to stroke Percy's hair again, "thank you honey for telling me this" Sally said.

Sally quickly reaffirmed herself, then looked at Percy, who looked pleased with himself.

"Did Eddie give the man a key?" Sally asked, not knowing what response she would've preferred. Percy nodded his head, "yeah! After the man almost made Eddie pee himself" Percy muffled his laugh, "he gave the man and the baby a key before running away."

Sally patted and released Percy from her hold, who seemed content to just lay by her side, soaking up her presence.

Okay calm down, thought Sally as she took deep breaths in and out.

It would be fine, the man showed no intent to harm Percy or herself, and he clearly cares for his son.

Sally took another deep breath in, "yeah" she said, testing out how her voice sounded, "it would be fine."

Sally hugged her son with a tender grasp, no one will ever hurt my son while I have anything to say about it.

Unbeknownst to Sally, a few rooms over, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto looked over in her room's general direction.

Huh he thought, someone has the potential to go flame aware. Not active though, he mused.

Welp, as long as that person doesn't disturb us, or attract any unwanted attention, he reasoned, I don't really care right now.

Tsuyoshi looked towards his sleeping son. I have my own problems.

Chapter Text

Sally was getting worried; she knew Gabe's scent would wear out sooner than later. She could see as the hours went by, Gabe's putrid scent was slowly, but surely, being overtaken with Percy's fresh seawater fragrance.

Sally has underestimated the amount of time she had left and they would both pay for her mistake.

She had requested a day off to give herself more time to figure out what she would do. Sally had no clue what she was going to do.

Think what can I do?

Sally buried her face into her hand's, her heart beating out of her chest. She didn't know what to do, finding another individual with a scent pungent enough to hid Percy's scent would be almost impossible within the time frame needed.

The average person only had a mild fragrance. People with an aura even on the same level as the one Percy emits unknowingly is incredibly rare, never mind one strong enough to encompass and hid it.

Percy's presence would soon overtake what little presence Gabe had left behind, and with him gone, not able to reinforce it, the monsters would find and kill Percy.

Sally groaned into her palm, then lifted her head out of her hands to look at the bumpy ceiling.

With not enough time left, Sally had to consider the second option she had been avoiding for a while. Her line of sight shifted from the ceiling to her window, towards Camp Half-Blood.

Poseidon had told her about the camp, he described a haven for demigods and a safe place that would protect Percy from monsters.

Sally laughed softly without any of the humor. Safe, Sally thought, yeah right, safe just until they find out who the father is.

While Poseidon didn't tell her the details, he had touched upon the topic of how Zeus, Hades, and him had vowed to never have any more children. And if the vow was broken, the child would be punished instead of the father, for the crime of being born.

Poseidon may have sworn that Chiron, the activities director, would never lay a hand on Percy, but Sally had no doubt that the other Gods would be more than happy to direct their children to making sure Percy winds up with an unfortunate end.

But if she doesn't come up with something soon, Sally may have to take the risk and send Percy to the Camp. With nothing else for her to do, other than to beg the Gods to not condemn a child for his parentage, something she is sure would be ignored.

What can I do?

Sally muffles her groan with a pillow, making sure Percy won't wake up to the noise. She looks over to Percy, her precious son.

When Poseidon left while she was pregnant with Percy, his little kicks, and the movement around her womb were the few joys left in her life.

She would need to protect her son, her only joy.

Sally sighed, she hated doing this, but if it was to keep her baby safe, there was few things she wouldn't do.

Sally always had a slight filter covering her senses, to make sure she wouldn't get overwhelmed with all the auras around her.

She had learned early on to keep the filter on at all times, so much so, it became an unconscious thing for her to do. It was more uncommon for her not filter out everything, than to let some of the noise in.

Well, Sally thought, better get prepared for a raging headache.

And with that, she lifted her metaphorical veil.

It takes a while for her to get used to the foreign, yet familiar sensation of feeling everything, but at the same time, feeling absolutely nothing.

A slimy thick presence, screaming for candy.

A smoky haze of a person tired of life.

A bubbly citrus filled scent, striving for success.

A beautiful starlit filled love for each other.

Sally's head ached with all the information crawling everywhere, "focus god damn it!" She swore softly.

Sally hadn't needed to do this to find Gabe, and hadn't fully let go of her tightly controlled senses for a while now. She was currently suffering for her negligence.

With Sally finding nothing on the streets, she started to pull her focus back to herself, slowly putting up back her mental blockade so she wouldn't get a whiplash from the sudden sensory deprivation.

Even with her carefully pulling back her attention to the apartment where she lived, Sally was sure she would have a migraine for a few days.

A crushing aura emerge, robbing any air in Sally's lungs and choking her throat, stopping any new air from entering. She gasped and desperately pulled in any air she could.

She immediately opened her eyes and collapsed onto the bed.

The aura she had just felt, was nothing like she had ever before. It was nothing like Gabe's rotting presence.

Normal scum like Gabe and his buddies felt like fungus and rot, parasites that latched onto society to make it worse.

They felt nothing like what Sally had just experienced. It was like comparing a sniveling rat to a full-grown wolf. She had never experienced anything even close to it.

(Sally knew that was a lie, she had once felt an oppressive sensation, blanketing over her, from Poseidon when he realized she was pregnant with his child, a child with the potential to destroy everything. He had apologized later, but Sally would never forget what she had felt, a smidgen of a God's true wrath.)

She was terrified and scared. But an insane part of her brain still whispered, this person would most definitely hide Percy's scent. And once that thought entered her mind, it wouldn't come out.

And scary thing was, she knew who the aura belonged to. Even with her mental filter on at all times, Sally still cannot completely block out everything. So even with her blockade on, she still gets an impression on almost every single person she meets.

Sally stared disbelievingly into her palms; she had met a person with an identical aura a few days prior.

She laughed, not knowing whenever to thank the Fates for trusting the man, and giving him the correct directions to her neighborhood. Or to curse all three of them for allowing a bigger monster than Gabe anywhere near her baby.

Sally cut off her laugher, she now had more options, but still didn't know what to do.

What should she do?

When Sally first started all this, she was determined to find a person with a foul enough scent to throw the monsters off from Percy's own scent. However, now she had done exactly that, she was beginning to consider her last resort plan of sending Percy off to camp much more earnestly.

Sally would rather die than to subjugate Percy to another human monster, just for her own selfish desire of keeping him close to her for as long as she could.

But, Sally contemplated conflictingly, the man she remembered wasn't a bad man.

And sure, Sally's impression of him wasn't exactly the most in depth, but she knew he would rather destroy the world, than willingly allow a single scratch on his own son, while he could still protect him.

And while she had no concrete way of proving this, Sally just knew this. The same way she knew she also wouldn't allow another monster within a meter range of her son.

Because the one thing both Sally and the Asian man had in common was this, they both loved their child unconditionally. And Sally, for whatever reason, trusted the man because of this.

"Gods this is such a stupid idea, I don't even know his name nor anything about him," Sally closed her eyes, "I don't even know if the child was his real son" she said trying to convince herself otherwise. And she was failing in that as well, Sally observed.

Knock knock, "mommy, are you okay?" Sally looked up, "yeah baby, I'm alright."

Percy hesitantly opened the door, before running up to Sally and giving her a crushing hug. "I heard some noises and I wanted to make sure you were okay" he muttered shyly; his voice muffled from him covering his mouth into her shirt.

Sally smiled softly and let out a quite sigh from her nose, with her left-hand stroking Percy's hair.

"I'm your mother you know, its my job to be worried about you, not the other way around" she said in a mockingly scolding tone.

Her heart melted even further when Percy giggled.

Pleased with her having successfully placating Percy's worries, Sally lay down around Percy, allowing him to even further sink into her embrace.

She wouldn't allow any chances of harm to come to her baby. She needed more information about her new neighbor, and if he showed even the faintest sign of being anything remotely like Gabe, Sally would take Percy and run.

It was the cowards way out, but Sally wouldn't delude herself into thinking she could take him on, not with the monster he so thoroughly hid inside of him.

But, if for whatever reason the Fates decide to change her luck for a while, and have the man be able to both repel and not be a monster like Gabe was, well.

Sally thinks she might give the man a chance, just for that tiny selfish opportunity for her to be with her son a bit longer.

Chapter Text

Sally knew she was willing to give the man a chance. However even with all her preparations, Sally still couldn't think of a viable reason for her to talk to the man.

No, Sally mused, making conversation wouldn't be difficult, she had years of experience in that field.

No the difficult part was the fact, she would need to steer the conversation in the direction of them living together.

And Sally couldn't fathom any reasons why their discussion would go in that direction.

She steeled her resolve. It was either this, doing the process of mental searching for people with an aura filthy enough to hide her son's presence, or send Percy to the Camp, where she is almost certain the Gods would order his death one way or another.

Compared to her last two options, the first one seems very pleasant.

Well, Sally considered, pleasant enough in theory. She had no idea how it would turn out in practice.

"Oi woman, open the damn door" a voice yelled, cutting off her thoughts.

Sally paused, she recognized that voice, it was one of Gabe's poker buddies. This one didn't come often to Gabe's game nights, but he was still as rowdy and brash like the rest of Gabe's buddies.

What was he doing here? Gabe was like the ringleader in their little group, Sally had assumed with him in jail, the others wouldn't enough backbone to confront her.

"Oi woman! You listening to me? I said to open the damn door!"

And it seemed fate was out to prove her wrong.

Sally heard an insistent tugging at the door-knob, she could picture his meaty hands covering the knob and pulling.

On her own side, the door handle shook and trembled, "open the DAMN door woman, or we will have a PROBLEM!" He screamed as the handle continued to shake.

"Mommy?" Nonononono- "what's going on!"

Sally watched in horror as Percy walked closer towards her, closer towards the man behind the door.

"Percy, dear, I need you to sto-"

"GABE TOOK YOU AND YOUR LITTLE BRAT IN CAUSE OF THE PURE GOODNESS IN HIS HEART, YET YOU STOMP ALL OVER HIS KINDNESS AND CALL THE DAMN POLICE ON ONE OF MY BUDDIES."

"M-m-mommy?" Percy whimpered, staring wide eyed at the banging door, "I'm scared."

A tremor rumbled throughout the floor, and Sally suppressed her urge to curl up into a ball. All thoughts of her own safely were lost, with only thoughts of making sure Percy gets away from the door on her mind.

With this in mind she slowly started moving away from the door, and closer towards her son. Sally reached over and tucked him close towards her, while simultaneously covering his eyes.

"Percy dear" she whispered over the continuous shouting originating from the door, "lets play a game, when I uncover your eyes, run towards my bedroom and hid under the bed, okay?"

Percy looked up towards her, his eyes still covered, "b-but, what about you mom? What are you going to do?"

Sally silently curse the hero complex Percy had seemed to develop at the age of seven.

"I'm going to be fine, but remember mommy need you to run as s-"

"Open the fucking door," there was a silence before a large bang erupted "NOW!"

"Go" Sally cried before uncovering Percy's eyes. At the same time, the door let out a thunderous crack, Sally gave Percy another push towards the bedroom, "GO!"

With no other choice, Percy ran toward the bed, thankfully still small enough to fit under. And just in time Sally thought, as the door let out a large crack.

Thousands of scenarios flew across her head, what should she do?

Before Sally could figure out a secure plan, the crack on the door grew, with each inch rooting her to the spot, petrified at what was happening.

Her brain was screaming at her to move and get away, but the small part of her brain still trapped in her own mental prison refused to let her move even an centimeter.

She watched in horror as her own door was broken down, mutely noting her trembling hands, equally shaking from the vibrations as well as her own memories.

With her body refusing to move, Sally could only watch in horror as the only barrier separating her family and the outside world was being torn down right in front of her eyes.

What would happen now? The only place she and her son felt remotely safe, was currently being run down.

Sally stilled, her and her son, Percy.

Sally eyes widened, PERCY. Her son was still here, she needed to make sure Percy would be safe.

Sally had promised no harm would come to her son after Gabe (for as long as she could anyways). She looked towards the beaten down door, I at least need to be a distraction so he forgets out Percy.

My cowardice will not be the reason for my child's suffering.

Sally gazed towards the door, "STOP" she yelled.

The banging silenced, but was soon replaced with a nauseating tone.

"So you finally came to your senses huh woman," Sally could imagine him sneering. "Well, come now, open the door, you are able to do at least that right?" Sally froze, not in fear but in fury. The last part was whispered, but she could hear it as loud as day.

Sally had to physically shove her anger down before cautiously opening the door, just enough so she could peak through.

Before she could even blink, the door was ripped from her grip, and swung wide open, revealing an extremely overweight man, with an untrimmed stubble, and brown hair with a receding hairline. He looked at her, his face a scarlet red, fuming for having to wait so long.

"YOU HAVE SOME NERVE!" He roared, his saliva being spat out with ever word. "NO ONE GETS AWAY WITH CALLING THE COPS ON MY BUDDIES!" He furiously exclaimed.

Sally glance warily at the man, trying to cover the doorway, to not remind the man of the other individual living with her.

Sally flinched at the noise as the man started his bombardment at her again. Her hands and legs were shaking like dead leaves in autumn.

"-w dare you-"

She curled up her shoulders.

"-re even luc-"

Strange, her arms weren't shaking this much before. Were they?

"-Damn you!"

Was that a clicking sound she heard?

"-in prison!"

Sally looked up at the last phrase, hoping Gabe's old friend wouldn't have noticed her absence. She doubted he did, Gabe's friends all seemed quite dull.

In the short time Sally had looked away, the mans face seemed to have gotten alarmingly red with fury.

He glared at her, before grasping her shoulders a bit too tightly. Sally winced in discomfort, but didn't move away, not wanting to further anger the man.

"So, this is what's going to happen, you are going to come with me and have a chat with me and a few of my buddies."

Sally blood ran cold, she knew a threat when she heard one, and this was most definitely one.

The only silver lining in this, was the fact she knew Gabe hated gangs. He often raged about them, saying how they leached of 'proper' members of society like himself. The irony of this was not lost on Sally.

"And don't think I'm forgetting your little brat of a son," Sally's blood ran cold with his last sentence.

He smirked at her, clearly enjoying how much his words were effecting her. "He's coming too."

No, she swore this would never happen ever again.

She looked him straight in the eyes.

"No"

His eyes narrowed, "what" he gritted out, "did you just say to me?"

Sally stood her ground, refusing to back down even an inch.

"I said no"

The man face tensed with rage, his expression begging for an outlet for all his frustrations. And an outlet was right in front of him.

"You damn bitch!" He swore, clearing not being used to being told no.

Sally forced herself to not flinch. "Curse at me all you want. My answer will never change."

The man raised his arm, clearing aiming to strike at her. This time Sally couldn't withhold her flinch, her arms shooting up, muscle memory demanding she protect her face.

She waited. And waited.

The impact never came.

Cautiously, Sally removed her arms to see the man's arm being held down by an Asian man, his eyes filled with a righteous fury.

"I believe this is quite enough."

Sally knew who the man was, it was the exact same man who had asked her for directions earlier.

She looked in his direction. He looked back at her, checking for any signs if harm, before giving her a nod of acknowledgment.

It was the same man who was currently her best shot at keeping Percy safe.

Chapter Text

She would have loved this view. The silver city skyline adorned with a dress of multicolored cars and pedestrians. Everything moving, making the city seem alive and flourishing.

She would always say to see the good in everything and everyone. She was the reason he was able to not just survive, but to enjoy life.

He used to chide her about how her ideas were just delusions.

Tsuyoshi crumples his face into his palms, he looks between his fingers onto the worn wooden floor, what he wouldn't give to hear her 'delusions' again.

He doesn't know what to do.

His wife, Mokona, would know what to do. She could calm Takeshi, while he could only clumsily beg him not to cry. She could sing lullabies to their son, while he could only sit next to her, enjoying the simple moments.

A small shift in sounds alerts him to Takeshi's awakening.

He swiftly stands up and silently moves closer towards his son, checking for any discomforts towards Takeshi.

Takeshi used to be a particularly fussy baby, only wanting his mommy to be the one to feed him. Now with it being three months after the incident, Takeshi barely makes a sound.

This at first worried the newly single father, but soon he had to accept it and be grateful they were able to make a quick getaway from Osaka. He sighed, they should've left earlier but the taste of freedom left him disoriented.

There had been rumors of a neutral grounds in Japan. Kurokawa had promised him she would look into it.

It would take a while though he mused, the broker had mentioned the town was under the protection of the Hibari's.

"Damn Hibari's making everything so complicated," Tsuyoshi groaned out.

The newest storm arcobaleno greatly resembled the current Hibari head. He could act as tranquil and serene as he wished, but any decent mafioso could see the wild savage lurking beneath his (admittedly) well-crafted persona.

Moreover, he suspected Kurokawa wasn't just looking into this just from the goodness of her heart. Tsuyoshi cracked open a faint smile, it seems like I'm not the only one with a secret family.

He frowned, not so secret anymore Through, for him anyways.

His threaded his fingers through his hair, brushing out any knots and trying to message the tenseness out of his head. Tsuyoshi let out a deep breath, placing his arms down from his head.

Heavy footsteps echoed in the walkway outside. Tsuyoshi slightly tensed before relaxing (you need to relax more), straining his ears for any indications this person was a threat.

The footsteps stopped in front of the door right in front if his own. Tsuyoshi frowned, to his knowledge, the only inhabitants of that apartment should still be home. He hadn't hear anyone leave the house, nor did anyone living there have a night job.

He stared towards the door, unsurprised when the sound of banging entered his ears.

Tsuyoshi let out a tried sigh, no matter where in the world he goes, it seems abuse is one of the few constance's in this world. Even in mafia families, this trend continued, with flames sometimes making it even worse.

His own floor started to tremble alongside the banging happening on the other side. Tsuyoshi felt conflicted, he came to America to hide from the Oyabun, and his old community of hitmen; ignoring the possible abuse happening outside, while sickening, was a reasonable choice of action. His utmost priority was to keep his only remaining family safe, Takeshi.

So why was he feeling so disgusted with himself?

"-PURE GOODNESS IN HIS HEART, YET YOU STOMP ALL OVER HIS KINDNESS AND CALL THE DAMN POLICE ON ONE OF MY BUDDIES-"

It wasn't too difficult to pinpoint the exact reason.

His stomach clenched and his heart felt heavy. His hand's were ghostly white for clenching them into fists. He slowly relaxed them.

He looked towards his son, sleeping peacefully with a full stomach. This was fine, all he had to care about was his son and no one else (Mokona wouldn't want this).

Mokona.

She had changed his worldview forever. When they got married it was the second greatest day of his life. The first was when he saw Takeshi for the first time, a child they could call their own.

Mokona would've wanted him to help, prove he is more than a killer. Prove his bloodstained hands could be used to protect people.

Tsuyoshi started unblinkingly at his own hands, mind whirling with the memories of all the people he had killed. Their faces of horror and anger, before their eyes and expressions glazing over in the haze of death.

He remember how his victims had begged for mercy, how they had a family, and how he killed them anyways. Just because a hit was orders on them, and his Oyabun had commanded he take that hit.

Than he remember how his wife was murdered, how the Oyabun had 'sympathetically' offered to take in his son, and train him to become a killer.

He was given three days to bring himself and his son back to the home of his wife's murder.

He left before the first day was up, having prepared a contingency plan in case this happened with Kurokawa.

How could he save a stranger, if he couldn't even save his wife.

Bang bang

It was non of his business, Tsuyoshi reasoned with himself. He came here to hide and to lay low, it would be highly counterintuitive to go out of his way to attract attention to himself.

He was just trying to protect his family. His only remaining family.

Takeshi would be ashamed to have such a coward as father.

Mokona should've never believed in him.

And why should they? He's currently ignoring a civilian being attacked, and instead makes up his own moral reason why he shouldn't intervene.

Tsuyoshi hears more yelling and promptly shuts out the outside. He already had an entire debate with himself about his ethical code, the thought of having another one so soon wasn't the most appealing.

He sighed looking towards his son peacefully sleeping. "Look at your old man" he said with obvious self loathing. Tsuyoshi stared out the window, like he would get a sudden revelation about what he should do.

He chuckled. "Refusing to do anything because he's such a damn coward."

How could his son be raised by someone so afraid of the what-ifs. So afraid he would rather stand by, rather than to help.

Tsuyoshi used to hate cowards, despising how they refused to do anything, even though they clearly had the ability to do so.

His younger self would be disgusted with his current self.

Mokona was the only one who could get him out of his general self depreciation. She could softly make him place the knife down, or make him unclench his hands and make him start sobbing his heart out in seconds.

What would Mokona have done in this situation? How would've she dealt with this?

Takeshi let out a small whimper, as if he could sense his father's distress and was trying to communicate to Tsuyoshi.

"Hey little guy." Tsuyoshi looked towards the ceiling, "what do you think your mother would've done, or would've wanted your old man to do?"

As suspected there were no replies. Not that Tsuyoshi was expecting any, after all Takeshi was only a baby.

"YOU HAVE SOME NERVE"

It wasn't any of Tsuyoshi's business.

"NO ONE GETS AWAY WITH CALLING THE COPS ON MY BUDDIES."

Why should he care?

His inactions will allow Takeshi to freely pursue his dreams, without his old man's past dragging him down. It really was a small price to pay.

But is it really out of his control?

Of course it was.

Didn't he see a kid in the window? He looked about he was six or seven.

Yeah bu-

If he always ignores problems happening right in front of his eyes, how can he call himself Takeshi's father. If he always runs away instead of helping in what he can, how much of a coward does that make him?

Tsuyoshi slowly looked up from his hands and stared at the door.

He had a choice, he could stay in the apartment and continue to ignore the situation happening outside. It made sense in a logical standpoint, he came here to hid.

Or, he could stand up and open the door and confront the abuse happening right outside his door.

What should he do-

The door opened with a loud click.

Tsuyoshi had thought the choices he had were, either he doesn't help and Takeshi grows up with a coward as a father. Or he helps and risks his own safety, but he knows another family was saved.

Tsuyoshi tightly grasped the man's arms from moving towards the woman, who was covering her head in terror.

"I believe this is quite enough."

Chapter Text

Takeshi let out a soft giggle, his nose scrunching up adorably and cheeks slightly lifting up, adding towards his charming expression.

Percy cooed towards his self proclaimed 'little brother' and blew raspberries at Takeshi, laughing in synchronous with the younger boy.

Both Sally and Tsuyoshi melted at the adorable interactions between their respective child.

"I'm glad I did eventually give you the address to this area." Sally remarked, refocusing her attention towards the now named Tsuyoshi.

Sally would be eternally grateful for Tsuyoshi stepping in when he did, but the timing was a little suspicious. Even now Sally couldn't shake of suspicion, that all of this was a cleverly orchestrated plot to lower her guard.

All she knew was that Tsuyoshi was at least a human, a full human.

Sally knew what people with divinity in their veins felt like, they had a aura of power and grace.

In Percy's case, he had a faint tone of a salty seaside, similar to the waters next to the cabin in Montauk where she had first met Poseidon.

Both Tsuyoshi and his son, were human, Sally was sure of it. After all, Sally mused, only humans can have such a putrid scent.

And the man sitting right in front of her was practically waving a large neon flag, with the words 'I AM HUMAN' written on it.

Sally watched as Tsuyoshi smiled, crinkling the corner of his lips as he let out a small chuckle. "Yeah," Tsuyoshi eventually said, giving Percy a small side glance, "it makes sense why you were so hesitant when I had asked, but thank you for giving me the directions" he ended sincerely.

Sally hated the fact she was suspicious of Tsuyoshi, hated the fact she had good reason to. She wished she could wave all her concerns away, but Sally knew in her heart Percy's safety would be priority to the guilty pangs she would feel.

She let out a small smile, Sally knew what it was like having to hide so desperately like Tsuyoshi and his family were doing.

Well, at least I'm helping in the small way I can.

Sally hated the fact she couldn't do more.

But she wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

And if Sally really thought about it, everything for her was going quite smoothly, she was able to meet with the individual with the presence strong enough to mask Percy's own scent, and all she would have to do from here on end, was to steer the conversation onto the direction she wanted.

(She hated how she had no choice but to force a innocent family into the world of Gods and monsters)

Sally took a quick glance at Percy, before steeling her resolve. She opened her mouth, "it's no problem really, I should be thanking you for stepping in when you did."

Tsuyoshi wished for simpler days, days where he could just wrap his arms around his wife's waist and watch the setting sun. Days where his steady knife-work could fill up an entire room with its simple repeated motions of consistent 'thuds' against his cutting board.

Hell, even his rueful days of hits after hits felt simpler than what he was going through at the moment.

Sally, the candy store cashier, and apparently his goddamn neighbor, was seated right in front of him.

He noted how she seemed to have managed to gain even more stress lines than the last tine they'd met.

Her toffee-colored hair was knotted and tangled, all while her body's posture and general tone told him all he needed to know.

Tsuyoshi would never claim he was a great detective, but he had reasons to suspect parenthood wasn't the only culprit on her overall fatigue.

Sally knew how to hold up a strong front, but Tsuyoshi knew what to look for in people, especially when they wanted to hide something from him.

His eyes trailed away from Sally for a second to give Takeshi a quick glance. His lips let out a small twitch.

The two parents watched as Percy prance around Takeshi with curiosity and plain awe displayed out on his face.

Even now, Tsuyoshi felt hard pressed not to feel some affection towards Percy. The child had an inspiring presence, and a natural charisma not many people have.

"I'm glad I did eventually give you the address to this area."

Tsuyoshi looked up; not surprised Sally had taken the initiative to begin the conversation. Especially considering the sense of purpose Tsuyoshi could see in her eyes.

Tsuyoshi gave the children one final look before focusing all his attention on the woman in front of him.

Sally had exhaustion marked all over her face and body, with her voice letting out a slight tremble. High amounts of stress can do all those things to a person, Tsuyoshi thought to himself, watching as Sally started to zone out from their conversation.

Most people would find this rude, but Tsuyoshi found he didn't really mind. He remembered how Mokona had similarly faded out when Takeshi was behaving particularly fussy.

Sometimes it was just best to let them have their moment of rest.

When enough time had passed, Tsuyoshi started to reply, "yeah," he began. "It makes sense why you were so hesitant when I had asked," Tsuyoshi knew what it was like to live in fear that everyone was an enemy trying to kill your family, "but thank you for giving me the directions."

But at the same time, Tsuyoshi knew how incredibly brave and kind Sally would've have to have been to honestly help Tsuyoshi when he'd needed it the most.

He didn't know what, but something (or someone) had permanently damaged and clawed fear into Sally's too big heart.

And he understood.

All he wanted was for Takeshi to grow up safe with his wife, but that opportunity had been cruelly ripped away from him.

And Sally, most likely had gone through something similar.

Maybe not to the extent Tsuyoshi had gone through, but Sally still has scars, both mental and physical scars. Most likely from a formerly abusive partner, judging from how the man from earlier had been yelling about how Sally had managed to incarcerate one of his 'buddies'.

And trauma can't be measured and compared.

But seeing how the woman in front of him was able to not only able to move past all that, but to extend her hand and help others, practically stranger. Tsuyoshi knew Sally was honestly just trying to do the best she could.

Tsuyoshi felt an ember of warmth ignite in his bones.

"It's no problem really, I should be thanking you for stepping in when you did." Sally waved him off, clearly not to comfortable with praise to oneself.

"Even so," Tsuyoshi started, not knowing what to say.

"....thank you for helping us."

Its no small feat to help someone in need, Tsuyoshi thought to himself. Even though there was a risk, Sally reached out and helped.

If their roles were reversed, Tsuyoshi doesn't think he would've helped like Sally did.

Years and years of him being his former Oyabun's pawn had made him paranoid and skeptical.

"There was always a catch, little boy.

And this is how ours will work."

Thin fingers curled over his jaw, the calluses digging into his skin. His grip tightened to an agonizing degree. Cruel eyes gazed at him, amused at the pain he was enduring.

"I will get you off the streets, give you food and shelter." He paused

"But in exchange you will kill for me, you will use those hands of yours and kill people."

Tsuyoshi remembered how he hated the way the man spoke, all condescending and patronizing.

But what choice did he have?

Tsuyoshi bit back a snarl and looked the Oyabun directly in the eyes, something he knew would not fly after what was about to happen.

His last act of defiance. Tsuyoshi savored the moment before he opened his mouth.

"Deal."

He didn't know what kind of character test he may have passed, but he was grateful for it anyways.

Sally cleared her throat, "before I say anything, I just want to thank you again for what you did." She continued, "but, I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor?"

Tsuyoshi blinked, before locking eyes with Sally, noting how her body language had changed, her back was straightened and her eyes sharp.

Tsuyoshi didn't like keeping depts. He had hoped maybe Sally had reach out of the pure goodness of her heart, but Tsuyoshi pushed those wistful precognition out of his head.

Sally giving him directions with the idea of snagging a favor from him or not, she still had helped.

And while he was upset that some of his fantasies about the good of humanity may have gone and withered, depending on what Sally would be asking of him, he would still listen.

And Tsuyoshi knew, even with all their earlier pleasantries to each other, if push came to shove, both Sally and Tsuyoshi would rather save their own child, than to help one another.

And he could respect that.

Tsuyoshi slightly tilted his head, and looked at the woman in front of him, letting a feathers amount of lethality into his gaze. Not enough to freeze her, but just enough to make her know he wasn't someone to be messed with.

And instead of cowering away, Sally just stiffened her joints and looked Tsuyoshi back, directly in the eyes.

"Well, I guess that would depend." Tsuyoshi shifted his body forward, ensuring he wouldn't have anything that would hinder his movements.

"What do you propose?"

Chapter Text

"What would you propose?"

Sally had no idea what she was going to say.

Tsuyoshi was clearly a man not to be messed with. It also didn't help that he was currently exerting a faintly threatening presence.

And even without looking her unique ability, Sally could tell Tsuyoshi was holding back.

She desperately wanted to fidget with her sleeve, but she needed to put up a calm collected presence.

Sally was pretty sure Tsuyoshi knew that she was panicking on the inside, but that was no excuse for her to start breaking down.

(Tsuyoshi did in fact have a hunch that Sally was making up about half of what she was about to say)

"Well," Sally began, her voice pitched low, hoping the baby, Takeshi, wouldn't wake up. Sally ran across her brain, hoping the correct words would come to her.

If they are, they aren't coming fast enough, Sally thought irritably.

She pushed down the urge to scratch the itch on her neck, "as you may kno-"

"Mommy," a young voice interrupted.

Sally looked down to see Percy walking over towards her.

Percy grasped his mother's arm, giving Tsuyoshi a passing glance before focusing his attention back onto Sally.

"Taak-shi," Percy said slowly, fumbling with the foreign syllables, "is now my brother, so can we stay with him?"

Percy ended off his sentence with a determined grin.

Sally eyes slightly widened. She had known her son had gotten along with Tsuyoshi's son quite well, even to the point of adoration. But Sally had no idea Percy would want to declare his ideas out loud, especially in front of a stranger.

Another part of Sally however, was beaming at the fact Percy was coming out of his shell more quickly than not.

She had feared because of Gabe's influence on Percy's early life, her son would remain skittish around people other than Sally herself.

Clearly Sally had underestimated both a demigod's, and Percy's own strength of will.

Still, Sally needed to respond to her son.

"I'm glad you and Take-shi are getting along so well."

A quick look at Tsuyoshi showed he looked rather amused at Percy's claims.

Sally continued, "but babies need a lot of time to sleep. And we wouldn't want to disturb little Take-shi's sleep."

Percy looked slightly dejected before once again brightening up.

And Sally recognized the look on her son's face. It was the same look Sally was told she had, when she had an idea.

Sally remised fondly on Percy's own infancy, remembering how cute and adorable he was.

She also however, remembered the flip side; the sleepless nights, and how her eye-bags in the morning seemed to have doubled.

In a nutshell, Sally was perfectly aware how fussy a baby could be.

And as a fellow parent, Sally felt she should at least have the courtesy to make an attempt to allow Tsuyoshi some decent sleep.

The man's eye bags were rivaling her own, and that wasn't to be taken lightly.

Mostly considering the causes of her problems were Greek Gods wanting to probably murder her son, monsters also harboring the desire to kill her son, the fact Percy's only source of camouflage against said monsters is currently rotting in prison.

And lets not forget about the implications of a forbearing concerning the Fate of Olympus, possibly weighing on Percy's shoulders.

"Well than," Percy nervously shuffled his feet, before facing Tsuyoshi.

"Mr. Taak-shi's dad, I can stay with Taak-shi right?" Percy widened his already wide eyes, and faced Tsuyoshi, who looked uncomfortable with the fact Percy was staring at him so earnestly.

Both adults blinked surprised at Percy for different reasons; Sally, because her son had inadvertently asked the very question, she was going to ask Tsuyoshi.

Tsuyoshi on the other hand, was flattered Sally's son would consider Takeshi his younger brother.

However, Tsuyoshi didn't exactly have the correct words to tell Percy that his family was being chased by a very powerful Japanese mafia family, and felt it would be counter intuitive to make connections here.

Tsuyoshi's eyes harden, but was filled with remorse.

He would've loved to let Percy be Takeshi's older brother.

Still, Tsuyoshi felt bad about denying Percy's request.

It didn't help that Percy eyes had started wobbling with unshed tears. He was almost seventy-five percent sure Percy was faking it, but they still looked very convincing.

(Sally on the other hand, knew perfectly well that her son was faking it.

She was rooting for them to work though)

"As your mother said, Takeshi is very tired." Tsuyoshi tried not to let Percy's disappointed look weaken his resolve.

It crumbled after a few seconds.

"But," Tsuyoshi started hesitantly, his ideologies fighting against each other.

The part of him that was a father, wanted to let Percy (and maybe Sally), stay for a bit.

Because he and Takeshi had to leave Japan so soon, and move to America, Takeshi wasn't able to develope any proper social connections with anyone besides himself.

And it was technically Tsuyoshi's fault they had to leave. It was his own past burdening his family.

The least he could do was to at least try to give his son a friend (or an older brother). And Percy seemed like a good kid.

But on the other hand, the part of him that was still a hitman, working hit from hit, was silently listing off all the consequences of allowing another civilian into his life.

(How could he bare to allow another innocent’s blood on his conscience. Especially a mother and son)

Why her? Why did they have to choose her. There was too much red on the ground. Bloody footprints showed him where her killer stood.

Association with him only lead to death.

And if by some miracle they didn't die, blood eventually would drench their hands permanently.

But would pushing everyone away be really living?

"You can't hide forever dear, one day, someone other than me will barge in your world.

And who knows, maybe you'll want them to stay, and not leave."

"Maybe you could come visit Takeshi sometimes," Tsuyoshi begins.

"I'm positive Takeshi already loves you, and would appreciate the company."

Tsuyoshi wasn't sure what he was saying, but he thinks Mokona would've wanted Takeshi to not be completely socially isolated.

Percy's smile brightened to an impossible degree. "Okay" he responded with a jovial grin.

Sally smiled alongside with her son. During the course of Tsuyoshi and Percy's interaction, Sally was unknowingly given more time to figure out what to say.

And Sally realized Percy had essentially given her the best opportunity she could have gotten.

No matter how she phrased it, asking Tsuyoshi if she and her son could live together would sound weird.

And the fact she couldn't even specify the threat Percy was supposedly under was especially damming.

At the time, it had seemed like the only option Sally had, but now that both herself and her son was in a safe environment, Sally could confidently say her initial plan probably wouldn't have worked.

She looked over at Tsuyoshi, who was smiling softly at Percy.

But this wasn't too bad either.

Her main concern was the fact without Gabe, Percy's demigod scent would've been projected to every monster.

But with Percy being able to visit Takeshi, and by association, Tsuyoshi, his divine scent would be muted down to a much less noticeable level.

Sally reached towards her son and started combing through his hair, watching as his green eyes started to droop from exhaustion and fighting back yawn.

She almost hadn't noticed how tired Percy was, but looking back on what had happened, it was surprising Percy had managed to be this energetic for so long.

With Percy leaning against her, Sally lifted him into her lap.

She once again faced with Tsuyoshi, but this time with a proper idea in mind.

"Actually, I was wondering the same thing."

"Hmm?" Tsuyoshi questioned.

Sally mentally gave herself a deep breath before starting, "because of certain... Circumstances, Percy wasn't really able to make any friend."

Tsuyoshi looked up interested.

"And after seeing how well Percy is getting along with Take-shi, I was also wondering if they could spend some time together?"

Tsuyoshi didn't expect both Sally and Percy to have the same idea, but..

He looked over towards Takeshi, who was sleeping peacefully despite all the earlier noise.

He didn't know it whenever it was his son inheriting his 'hitman instincts", but since the incident, Takeshi almost stopped making noise altogether.

Before, Takeshi was always making some sort of noise, whenever it would be his cheerful laughter or his nonsensical babbles, he was always making some noise.

But now, Takeshi was always silent, as if he knows they are on the run.

Normally, for someone on the run this would be a dream come true. But as time went on, and Tsuyoshi found a place where they both could steady down, he become worried about his son's state of well-being.

But seeing how joyful Takeshi was from interacting with Percy, as a father, Tsuyoshi could only say one thing.

"I think that would be a great idea"

Chapter Text

Takeshi seemed strangely energetic this morning, as if he knew Percy was going to be meeting with him soon.

Tsuyoshi loosened his shoulders and stroked his son's hair. Takeshi let out a small babble and stretched his small finger towards his father's.

It had been a few days since his encounter with Sally Jackson, and her son, Percy.

And subsequently, today was their children's planned playdate.

Tsuyoshi remembered how excited Percy had looked, and how Sally had let out a quiet sigh of relief, an ocean worth of weight seemingly falling off of her shoulders after they had agreed upon a date.

And while Takeshi was asleep at the time of the agreement, Tsuyoshi swears he saw his child's lips curl upwards.

He looked towards the old clock handing from the apartment wall. It was the only type of wall furnishing the place had come with.

Eddie never seemed like the type of guy who cared enough to add anything more the bare necessities, and a few furnishments around the three-bedroom apartments that be rented out.

He probably doesn't, Tsuyoshi thought as he glanced back at the clock, 2:55.

He and Sally had agreed that they would meet at 3, for their children playdate.

Tsuyoshi smiled. He was glad that his son would finally make a friend.

He and Mokona had discussed the issue of Takeshi's schooling a while ago.

He was rather against the idea, afraid of Takeshi being targeted while at school, by his former associates.

Tsuyoshi however, also knew Mokona wanted Takeshi to have an early start to his education, but she had understood where he was coming from.

This had resulted in them compromising on sending Takeshi to preschool when he turned four.

Of course, they had also agreed that if there were any signs of his former life, Mokona had agreed to homeschool Takeshi until elementary.

In the end however, nether of their plans would come to fruition.

Tsuyoshi was naive to assume his former Oyabun wouldn't send someone to kill her. He had believed the omertà would protect Mokona, as she was a civilian. That was why they had worried extensively about Takeshi's future, because he was Tsuyoshi's son, instead of worrying about Mokona's well being.

They were all so naive.

A pair of footsteps alerted him to someone coming to his door. One had steady steps, while the other had much lighter steps, almost like the other person was skipping.

The clock read 2:58.

Knock knock.

He opened the door. A warm smile greeted him.

"Hello, Tsuyoshi, Percy here is very excited for his first playdate."

He watched as Percy tugged energetically on his mother's sleeve, practically bouncing off the wall in his eagerness.

"Mom, mom, can I see Taak-shi yet?"

Sally let out a sigh, Tsuyoshi suspected she had to deal with these types of questions all morning.

Watching how animatedly Percy was moving, Tsuyoshi stepped aside. "Takeshi is also very excited to meet with you," he directly his attention towards Sally, "please, come on in."

Percy would've bounded across the room if Sally hadn't stopped him. She grinned pleasantly towards Tsuyoshi, happy for the chance at respite.

"Thank you for inviting us. Now Percy," with this she looked towards her son with a mock-stern attitude. "What do you say to Mr....," Sally trailed off, now realizing she didn't now Tsuyoshi's last name.

Tsuyoshi had purposefully left out his last name as a test. A spy send by his former Oyabun would've shown some sort of sign, realizing that Tsuyoshi hadn't given out his last name earlier.

He would've known, Tsuyoshi was first trained as an infiltrator, before his talents as a hitman emerged.

"Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto."

Sally looked grateful and a bit embarrassed. "What do you say to Mr. Yamamoto?"

Percy adorably pursed his lips, "thank you."

And with those words, Sally let go, and watched as Percy speed walked to where Takeshi was laying in his crib.

Seemingly able to sense Percy's presence, Takeshi perked up and let out a giggle, making Percy coo in the process.

With a soft smile, Tsuyoshi turned towards Sally. "Please come in, the earlier invitation didn't just extend to your son you know," Tsuyoshi joked.

A chuckle reverberated from Sally's throat.

Sally opened her mouth as she entered the threshold, "thank you for this warm welcoming, Percy was really looking forward to seeing Take-shi again."

Sally doesn't remember the last time Percy was this excited for anything. The only time she could think of, was when she had told Percy would their upcoming trip to Montauk cabin a few years back.

Percy had never personally been there, and was especially excited since that was where she had met his father.

So, when Sally had told Percy where they were going during the summer, Percy was barely able to contain his yells of joy, and was vibrating with excitement.

"The pleasure is all mine," Tsuyoshi responded, rummaging through his more or less bare cupboards (he needs to stock up), "tea?" Thankfully, he does have some tea, a housewarming gift sent to him from Kurokawa.

The leaves weren't exactly the highest of quality, but they would make do for now.

Tsuyoshi quickly entered the familiar motions of making tea: pouring bottled water - he doesn't quite trust the apartment's tap water - into his kettle, one of the few kitchen appliances he owns currently. The kettle is then set into the stove, and Tsuyoshi waits for the water to boil.

Sally, now seated on the couch, watches as Tsuyoshi makes the tea.

Maybe I should try bringing some kitchen appliances as a housewarming gift next time, Sally thought absentmindedly.

Phwwwwwwht!

Tsuyoshi turns off the stove and pours the boiling water into the two cups he'd prepared earlier.

Holding the cups by their handles, Tsuyoshi carefully brings them over, making sure it doesn't spill.

"Here you go, I hope you don't mind green tea," Tsuyoshi said, as he hands Sally a cup.

Sally clamps her fingers around the cup, savoring the warmth it provides. Blowing the steam away from the mug, Sally takes a small sip of the liquid, a bit bitter, but overall, a nice tasting tea.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she sees Percy playing peek-a-boo, Takeshi laughing in delight ever time.

"They're getting along quite nicely."

Sally smiled, setting down her cup of tea. It was nice being able to see Percy playing with someone else.

While Percy had started his schooling, because of his ADHD and dyslexia, many of his teachers, favored just labeling Percy as the problem child, and ignoring him whenever they could.

And unfortunately, the other kids, not understanding the difficulties Percy was going through, followed in the teacher's lead, further isolating her son from everyone else.

But seeing how peaceful and happy Percy looks, playing along with Takeshi's shenanigans, Sally truly is grateful for giving Tsuyoshi the directions.

Speaking of Tsuyoshi.

Sally looks over towards said man, watching as the edge of his lips curl upwards, letting out a humm of affirmation towards Sally's statement.

"Yeah," Tsuyoshi finally said, his eyes softening, "they are."

They stayed like this for a while, drinking tea and watching the children play together.

Percy would be the one to initiate the games, and Takeshi would happily play along with his 'older brother,' showing off his pink gums, and blowing raspberries towards the older boy.

Percy never seemed to get bored of Takeshi, despite Percy himself still being a child.

Both Sally and Tsuyoshi could see how much Percy was growing to love Takeshi, and vice versa.

And to Tsuyoshi, it was obvious who Percy had inherited his vast amount of love from.

Tsuyoshi took a long sip of his now lukewarm tea.

He would've had to have been born both deaf and blind to not know of the rumors and stigmas surrounding Sally. And Tsuyoshi wasn't deaf, nor was he blind, quite the opposite really.

Despite the fact Tsuyoshi had only moved into the apartment only a few days ago, he'd still had heard the rumors regarding Sally and her child. How Sally had gotten pregnant out of wedlock, and the father was nowhere in sight.

And while Tsuyoshi was fully aware of how rumors could spiral, and grow into a life of its own, he couldn't ignore the facts in front of him.

Hell, he had met Sally, via him defending her from a man breaking down her apartment door, claiming Sally had put one of his buddies in prison.

Tsuyoshi doesn't have all the information he would need in order to make a proper assessment on Sally and her past. And while Tsuyoshi could call in another favor from Kurokawa, he won't.

The former hitman subtly directs his gaze away from the children, and towards Sally.

She definitely looks a lot less stressed than when they'd first met (and to be fair towards Sally, their first meeting wasn't exactly the best). Like a mountain worth of weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

And Tsuyoshi honestly can say the same.

When he had arrived in New York, he was so afraid someone would come and hurt his family. But by some miracle, his former organization hadn't found him (yet), and Takeshi was able to make a friend.

Everyone is privy to their own secrets, and Sally looks like she has a few of her own.

And besides, what parent doesn't want the best for their child?

Chapter Text

It was soon becoming very apparent, that both Sally and Percy were going to be permanent fixtures in Tsuyoshi's life (for the time being of course).

Percy adored Takeshi, and would spend hours upon hours with his son; playing all sorts of games with him, like peek-a-boo and spinning long winded stories about his 'evil' teachers.

And ever since Tsuyoshi explained to Percy, why Takeshi only ever spoke in Japanese, Percy had decided to make it his personal mission to make Takeshi first English word to be his name.

Because of Percy's new mission, he began endlessly repeating his name to Takeshi, in hopes his son would one day repeat it.

Takeshi on the other hand, had only seen this as a new game to be played, and usually would just follow his 'older brother' gaze, and repeatedly say "gēmu, gēmu," the Japanese word for game.

Takeshi had picked up this particular word from his mother, who had loved the game, baseball. She had later confided to Tsuyoshi, that she was going to teach Takeshi baseball as his first sport.

It seemed however, in exchanged for Percy's love and affection towards his son, Tsuyoshi found that Percy would rather steer clear of him.

This didn't hurt him too much. Tsuyoshi suspected it stemmed from the fact Percy's teachers would purposefully ignore his wants and needs, under thinly veiled excuses.

And if Percy's stories are to be believed, then Tsuyoshi has many reasons to believe Percy's teachers were ignoring Percy's wants and needs, justifying their actions, that they couldn't deal with him, because of Percy's ADHD and dyslexia.

Because of this, Tsuyoshi wouldn't be surprised if this would result in Percy not trusting most adult or authority figures, barring Sally of course, and would most definitely prefer to avoid Tsuyoshi entirely.

Tsuyoshi felt his bones sag down, and the room seemed to grow grey.

While the stigmas surrounding learning disabilities are much more largely known and recognized in America compared to Japan, it was painful to see Percy having to deal with these types of prejudices, even from his own teachers.

Teachers who were suppose to guide children like Percy, were isolating him, and refusing to do even the bare minimum: to help Percy.

Tsuyoshi was learning to truly despise Percy's current teacher.

However, with nothing he could really do that wouldn't gain too much attention, all Tsuyoshi could do was to respect Percy's own boundaries.

Noticing his slightly peevish expression, Sally gave Tsuyoshi a friendly nudge.

"Don't worry, Percy doesn't hate you." Sally gave Tsuyoshi a consolidating expression. "Its just that Percy needs time to adjust."

Not wanting to correct Sally, Tsuyoshi nodded politely, noting as Sally said this, Percy was stealing quick glanced towards him.

Maybe what Sally says has some merit.

Also noticing this, Sally gestured her head towards Percy, "see," she exclaimed.

Tsuyoshi glanced towards the children, noting how Percy was unsubtly watching him in ways only untrained civilian children could be.

Percy's hand was placed over his face, clumsily blocking Tsuyoshi's direct view. The shielding was however, ruined with Percy peeking over his hand every few seconds. Within few seconds of Tsuyoshi looking directly at his son's friend 'spying' at him, Percy almost immediately turned away, his ears flushing red.

Snort

Percy snapped his head towards the noise, furiously looking around, trying to figure out who'd made the noise. Meanwhile, Sally turned her head away from her son, blatant amusement dancing in her eyes.

Children were never Tsuyoshi's strong suit. Only Takeshi, his own son, and the occasional mafia children he encountered, weren't immediately shying away from him.

But that didn't stop Tsuyoshi from letting out a small laugh at Sally and Percy's charming interaction.

Percy's reaction towards me pretty neutral, all things considered, Tsuyoshi thought, most children avoid me like the plague.

Sakakuno, a former associate of his (former because he was killed), who worked alongside Tsuyoshi underneath the Oyabun, had theorized children were much more sensitive to the amount of blood on one's hands. He didn't really have a solid reasoning, but he found mostly children to have a sixth-sense for detecting who split the most blood.

And while any trained detective would sniff out the bloodiest of the lot, when put up against civilians, nines times out of ten, the children would get it right.

And because of this extraordinary ability, most children tended to run, or sky away from trained killers. Tsuyoshi didn't mind this at all, in fact, he much preferred this over having to kill children.

These were one of the many reasons Tsuyoshi was left feeling dumbfounded when he heard soft footsteps coming towards him.

Sally's steps had a steady and firm rhythm to them. Meanwhile, Takeshi, when he walks, would usually totter around, making small thumping noises everywhere he went.

(After the incident, Takeshi almost exclusively preferred to be carried. Tsuyoshi suspected his son just wanted to be near, and enjoyed listening to his father's heartbeat.)

"Mr. Taak-shi's dad?" Tsuyoshi felt a slight tug on his pants, and with Sally's encouraging expression, the former hitman turned around to see Percy looking up towards him, not fully meeting his eyes, but still clearly trying to grasp Tsuyoshi's attention.

Tsuyoshi cocked his head to the side, his face displaying both amusement and curiosity.

"Yes?"

Percy shuffled around, clearly nervous about whatever he was about to ask.

Percy cautiously watched Tsuyoshi, slightly turning towards his mom for moral support, clearly nervous about whatever he was going to say.

"Uhh," Percy chewed on his lips, "I never really asked you, if you were okay with me calling Taak-shi my little brother."

Tsuyoshi blinked repeatedly. feeling a bit bewildered. Personally, as Takeshi's father, he felt that it was pretty obvious that Percy calling his son, his little brother was perfectly fine with him.

(Something in Sally broke a little when she saw how apprehensive her little boy was being when asking Tsuyoshi his question. She had to force herself to unclench her whitening hands, what was she thinking when she had decided to marry that monster?

She wished she could travel back in time, to yell at her past self.)

"Is it okay if I call Taak-shi that," he gestured towards Takeshi.

"Of course," Tsuyoshi said, while shifting his hold on Takeshi, "I'm sure Takeshi would love to be your little brother.

Percy dropped his gaze back towards the floor. "Thanks," Percy finally uttered, his checks glowing red.

And with that, Percy quickly turned away, and sprinted back towards Takeshi, resuming his earlier games, fervently ignoring his flushing checks.

"Come on say Peeercy, Peeerccccccyyy, say my name."

"Gēmu, gēmu! Tōsan mo asobu."
(Game, game! Dad also play)

"What no, come on," Percy begged, his face scrunching up in frustration.

With Percy feeling annoyed at his lack of progress, he turned to his mother, Sally, to ask her for help.

"Mom, mom, what do I do? Taak-shi won't say my name," Percy grumbled, looking at his mother expectedly.

Sally, now calmed down, but also not knowing any other methods of teaching, other than the one Percy was currently using, had ended up just joining her son in repeating his name.

However, with Takeshi being much more familiar with Percy, Sally ended up being slightly ignored.

Sally personally felt slightly cheated, but once her son realized his 'little brother' was ignoring his mother in favor of paying attention to him, Percy was not afraid to say it out loud.

This had resulted in Sally revealing her own competitive streak, and began aiming to make Takeshi's first English word to be her own name, instead of helping her son to encourage Takeshi to say Percy's name.

And Tsuyoshi, somehow, ended up being sweep away in the flow of things, and before he knew it, was vying for his word of choice to be Takeshi's first English word.

Takeshi had already mastered saying "tōsan," and many other basic Japanese words. This, coupled with the fact, Tsuyoshi didn't quite like the idea of his son calling him by his first name so soon, he had settled upon trying to make Takeshi's first non-Japanese word 'dad,'

Both Sally and Tsuyoshi knew they were going to try and sway Takeshi's first word into Percy's favor, but a little friendly competition never hurts anybody.

Especially since Takeshi looked so delighted up all the attention directed towards him.

"Come one Taak-shi, Per-cy, Per-cy, you can do it, Purrrr-seee."

"Gēmu, gēmu!" Takeshi cheered, gleefully.

"No, not gemu, Percy," Percy groaned, frustrated at his lack of progress.

Sally let out a small laugh at her sons' plights. Tsuyoshi on the other hand, was much more discrete with his amusement.

"Don't say Percy," Sally started playfully, her lips curling up in mirth, "say Sally, Saaaaally, Sally Jackson."

Takeshi quickly switched his focus from Percy to Sally. "Sa-Sa" he said energetically.

"Aughh," Percy mumbled, staring at his 'little brother' with a look of pure betrayal.

"Its not fair," Percy murmured, "why did Taak-shi say mom's name first?"

Tsuyoshi and Sally awkwardly made eye-contact. Sally hadn't really been trying to get Takeshi to say her name first, but she couldn't exactly tell her son that, without him getting further upset.

'What do I do?' She asked herself, and simultaneously tried to mentally project the question to Tsuyoshi.

The equally baffled look she got in return did not inspire confidence.

"I'm sure Take-shi will eventually say your name dear." Sally said, while patting her son on the back.

"Fine," Percy replied with a huff, contradicting with his earlier statement.

Sally didn't quite know what to do, so she kept petting his back.

After a few more seconds of sulking, Percy soon sprung back into his efforts of convincing Takeshi to say his name, any signs of him moping gone.

With this Sally let out a sigh of relief. Tsuyoshi also let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Tsuyoshi looked over towards his son. Takeshi, noticing his father's gaze, looked over, his mouth widening into a smile, "tōsan!" Takeshi exclaimed, reaching out his arms in the universal 'pick me up' gesture.

Obliging, Tsuyoshi reached down and picked up his son by the armpits, and tucked him in. Once Takeshi was safely secured in his arms, Tsuyoshi began rocking him back forth, smiling every time Takeshi let out a verbal noise of contentment.

Percy frowned, clearly unhappy with his play buddy being taken from him. Sally sat down next to Percy, and ruffled his hair, knowing exactly what her son thinking.

"Don't worry dear," Sally began, "Take-shi just wants some time with his father," she soothed. "Its like how you'll sometimes want to hang out with mommy. Takeshi just wants to hang out with his daddy." Sally lovingly kissed Percy's head, "do you understand now?"

Sally knew that Percy had understood when his frown lessened and began to smooth out.

"Okay I guess I understand."

Sally smiled, proud of her little boy. "That's my boy."

Tsuyoshi walked over towards Sally, Takeshi asleep, with his head tucked in the crook of his neck.

After making sure Takeshi wouldn't fall out of his arms, Tsuyoshi slowly crouched down a meter away from Percy, making sure to telegraph his movements clearly.

"Thank you for being with my son," he said sincerely, "Takeshi's been a lot happier since he started hanging out with you."

Percy squirmed under Tsuyoshi's gaze, unused to being thanked by anyone other than his mother. "It's fine," he quietly muttered, "he's my little brother."

Tsuyoshi chuckled, forgetting himself, he reached over, intending to ruffle Percy's hair.

A slight flinch stopped him, forcing him back. Tsuyoshi hurriedly retracted his hand, furious at himself for forgetting to not move into Percy's personal space.

Tsuyoshi scratched the back of his neck, internally scolding himself.

He felt his gut wrench, and stomach twist, his eyes darting around the small apartment room they were in, anywhere but Percy's face.

Tsuyoshi cursed under his breath. The signs were all there, I just refused to see them, Tsuyoshi thought bleakly, disgust crawling up his system.

It wasn't just the teachers, he realized, distantly recognizing the horror flooding his stomach.

Someone had hurt Percy, a child.

Everyone, especially Mafioso, had lines they would never cross, their moral standing, were often the only things between them breaking into pieces.

(A widely discussed topic within the mafia, was whenever the hitman, Reborn, had a limit, and what it was. This was discussed for many reasons, the hitman's enemies trying to find a weakness, or a famiglia trying to chain down the powerful sun.)

Something Tsuyoshi made very clear early on in his career, was that he would never aid people or organizations exploiting or abusing children in anyway, shape, or form.

This particular issue stemmed from the fact, Tsuyoshi himself knew what it was like to be used in someone else's games. Many people have no qualms about using children in their schemes. Tsuyoshi didn't wish to be a part of those people.

All the signs were there, I just refused to see them.

All dotes aligned too perfectly together: Percy being startled at sudden movement, avoiding direct eye-contact, staying away from being in his general vicinity, and his apprehensiveness in asking seemingly harmless questions.

The pieces all fit together once Tsuyoshi actually started looking.

Enough self pitying, Tsuyoshi snapped to himself, this isn't about you.

Percy looked so small, hiding against himself, trying to make his already small frame, smaller.

He stood away from the scene, taking a deep breath in and out as Tsuyoshi placed his son onto his bed.

He stopped at a good distance away from Percy, making sure all his movements were slow and predictable.

Restraining the monster within him, grew in complexity, as more of the hidden pieces fell into place. (It screamed for the blood and marrows, of whomever dared to lay their hands on a child.)

Tsuyoshi, letting out one more final breath, steadily kneeled down in from of the child (gods, he was only seven).

A quick glance at Sally revealed her petrification at her son's flinch, observing how she was angling her body in his direction, using herself as a human shield against him.

"I'm so sorry."

Sally's face fell motionless at his worlds. Still, Tsuyoshi was too much of a pro to not see the fear still lingering in her eyes, watching his every move.

Tsuyoshi knew what it felt to be afraid. To fear that one day, someone would come, and destroy everything, and everyone you've ever held dear. Every noise, forcing you to flinch away from the hand that was no longer there. Hiding yourself from the invisible monsters, who still stalks your every move.

The constant anxiety of that person returning. Either to continue tormenting you, or someone you learned to cherish.

"My actions have cause you to feel unsafe."

Why couldn't he properly convey his thoughts? He wanted to go out and hunt the person who had done this.

Children are sacred and precious; they shouldn't have to live a life of harm like I had to.

(But doesn't Takeshi come first? You need to hide from him, if he learns you are hiding here, both Sally and Percy would be killed, regardless of how little they know.)

I swear I will never lay my hands on you, or any other child. No child should have to go through abuse.

"I'm so sorry."

(Tsuyoshi faintly remembered how the Oyabun had called him his very own attack dog, always wanting to go out and hunt his targets down.)

Whomever layed their hands on any child (especially his own) would suffer.

Tsuyoshi would make sure of it.

Chapter Text

Whoever said Tylenol fixed everything lied. Even considering the messed-up healthcare system.

No matter what she tried, sleep seemed to be constantly avoiding her. Even when Percy had gone to sleep, Sally was unable to.

Then again, sleeplessness was one of the many wonders that parenthood freely offered, Sally reminisced, much to her own chagrin.

Between Tsuyoshi starting to figure out what had happened, and taking care of Percy, Sally would quite often find herself, collapsing onto her bed at night.

The few hours of bliss never seemed to last long though; a sigh escaped from Sally's nose.

Would praying to Hypnos help? Sally wondered, contemplating the benefits of praying for a better nights sleep.

"No," Sally chided.

She rubbed against her eyes, making contact with any Gods, regardless of their relations with Zeus would be a death sentence.

She had come this far, she wouldn't risk her son's well being, all because she was tired.

The clock mocking read 2:47, almost three.

If this had happened a few years ago during Percy's younger years, Sally would've been able to doze off as soon as her head hit her pillow.

Percy was, to her, perfect in every way, but raising a demigod child on your own isn't exactly the easiest thing to do, especially while juggling her job, alongside the occasional part time jobs.

It was extremely hard to find another workplace willing to hire her, especially with her lack of a high school diploma.

During those days, Jack was truly a lifesaver.

When the elderly man had first offered his services, Sally had questioned why he do this, suspecting an ulterior motive. Jack just laughed, and told he somewhat understood what Sally was going through.

"Thank you so much for your help," Sally thanked profusely.

"Ah, no worries, this is what my wife would've wanted," Jack paused in wiping the counter."

"You see," he began, "during the early years of my kid's childhood, my wife, Adalyn, had a lot of much needed time to herself," the older man let out a small chuckle, his eyes glowing at the mentions of his family.

"I didn't really understand it at the time but, I remember my wife sleeping so peacefully when it was my turn to take care of the little rascal."

His expression always turned quite fond when he spoke of his family.

"So," Jack clapped Sally on the back, "I guess when I saw how worn out you looked, and knowing you have a little rascal of your own to take care of," Sally ignored how Jack's eyes turned misty, "I guess I just heard my dear reprimanding me, telling me to help."

A wet laugh escaped Jack's throat, "she was always nagging at me," he touched his cheek, now noting his eyes were slightly running.

"Oh, excuse me, you had to listen to this old man's ramblings." Jack shook is head, "anyways, to answer your question, I suppose it's just an old man's way of showing support."

So, whenever Sally was feeling too overwhelmed with both work and raising Percy, Jack always seemed to know, and would offer to help, regardless of her protests.

(It was one of those rare rainy summer day when Sally asked what had happened to his wife and child. Seeing the normally grinning face turn forlorn, Sally never asked again.)

Sally laid down, hoping sleep would come to her.

"Are you sure no one else can cover it?"

To Sally's dismay, no one else was available.

Out of her son's earshot, Sally faintly cursed.

"Look Sally, I just told you, no one else can cover it," her boss recited, an exasperated sigh coming from the other end. A mental image of her boss pinching his nose, forced Sally to fight down a snicker.

"I know this is super last minute, but uhhh."

Sally could tell her boss was getting desperate, the way his voice was thickening with emotions, and the strangulated tone emerging from her phone speaker, told her all she needed to know.

This was one of the few reasons the words just about to be spoken didn't cause her to bowl over.

"If you come, I'll give you double your usual pay," he offered, an incredulous look, climbing onto her face as she processed his words.

Sally could tell her boss was on his ropes end. He wasn't quite exactly a miser with his money, but if the situation didn't vitally need money to be spent, her boss would refuse all attempts of getting him to spend the money.

Isn't that the definition of a miser?

"What time would I need to show up again?"

Sally walked towards the kitchen, gathering all the necessary ingredients she would need to make both breakfast.

She soon fell into a familiar rhythm, cracking eggs into a large bowl, along with all the other ingredients needed to make pancakes, making sure to add a few drops of blue food coloring.

"You would need to come at 10:30," her boss answered.

The mixture sat on the counter, as Sally waited for the pan to get hot enough.

Normally her shift was on ever other weekday, with her going to work, while Percy stayed at school. Sally tried to at least make some time for her and Percy during the weekends.

Sally glanced at the date, and let out a sigh of ambivalent.

The problem was that the rent was due in three days, and while she did have the money, Sally wouldn't put it past Eddie to have raised the price, just for her.

Just because he was friends with Gabe, she fumed in her head.

And if he did this, which he probably would, Sally would need to take on more shifts.

The offer her boss was giving her was practically a godsend. It would give her sufficient funds in case Eddie, her landlord, would raise the rent, and allow a bit more leeway in their spending's.

She poured the pancake batter onto the pan, watching the around batter start to cook and bubble up.

But who would take care of Percy? I can't just leave him by himself.

The spatula let out a small scrape, against the pan.

Flip.

("What about Jack?" Sally inquired. Jack was an old time employee, and her bosses usual go to worker.

"He's out of town for this week," he responded, frustration leaking out of his tone.)

"So are you coming or not? I haven't got all day," he questioned.

What about Tsuyoshi?

"Sally if you can't come I-"

"I'll go."

There was a beat of silent before her boss spoke up again. "Okay, great," he cleared his throat, "I'll expect you at 10:30, enjoy your breakfast."

The call ended, with the distinct sounds of an ended call, beeping out.

Sally looked panicked, why did I agree?

Before she could further lament on her choices, Sally swiftly removed the now cooked pancakes from the pan -hopping her absentmindedness hadn't burnt the pancakes- before adding a new ladle-full of the blue mix onto the pan.

She couldn't help but remember what had happened.

Flip

Its been a month since the incident.

Their relationship remained cordial, with Sally starting small talk, and Tsuyoshi often responding in accord. They would still arrange the occasional playdate between Percy and Takeshi, with Sally sitting in during them.

During one of these moments, Sally revealed Percy's stepfather was the cause of Percy's wariness towards him. Sally never mentioned how Gabe's shadow still haunt her being, and if Tsuyoshi notices her reluctance in sharing any more information on her ex-husband, he doesn't push.

(She appreciates that)

But can she trust him to take care of Percy?

Sally places the second layer onto the now cooled down pancakes she had made earlier.

It had seemed like the world froze in those few seconds.

"Thank you," Sally pulled Percy close to her, uncertain of what would happen next.

Tsuyoshi furrowed his brows, and pressed his lips together. He wanted nothing more than to be able to say something, to give assurances to them, but the right words refused to come, leaving him silent, and without any more words.

Silence lingered throughout the room, neither of the individuals willing to cut the metaphorical strings connecting the fragile atmosphere.

Her son's small hand was still slightly trembling, but was now starting to lessen.

The walls seemed to shrink down onto them, ready to collapse at any moment. The flooring beneath her feet felt weak and feeble.

Any words that would've came out of Sally's mouth, stopped dead in its tracks. It wasn't because of Tsuyoshi's own lack of words, but because of his blood soaked aura, steadily rising and choking her words.

He was angry. Sally noted how Tsuyoshi was manually controlling his breaths, his knuckles were being clenched until they were as pale was the bones underneath his skin.

And his eyes, Sally squinted at them, weren't his eyes dark brown? She decided to file that little tidbit for later.

Tsuyoshi was furious, not at Percy, but, for Percy.

He was so so angry that Percy was hurt, but he knew showcasing his displeasure would only make the situation worse. So despite his rage, Tsuyoshi was controlling his emotions, making sure no visible signs of his anger, would be shown to help ease her son's fear.

'Thank you,' Sally croaked to herself.

She thinks she can.

Walking out her door, Sally approaches her neighbor's front entrance.

Knock knock

After a few minutes the door opens, and Tsuyoshi pokes his head outside. Noting Sally being the one outside his door.

"Hello?"

Sally quietly clears her throat, "hi Tsuyoshi, this is kinda last minute but," she takes a deep breath,  "I have to take on a couple of extra shifts this week at work, including today, and I was wondering if you would be okay with looking after Percy, while I'm at work?" Sally bit her lips, anxious at what his response would be.

For a few moments there were silence, before Tsuyoshi responded.

"It should be fine, um about what time were you thinking about dropping him off?" He questions.

"Umm," Sally felt her cheeks redden with embarrassment, "at about 10:00? I'm really sorry about the late notice. Its just that, I don't know anybody I can trust to leave with him on such a short notice," Sally rambled.

Tsuyoshi thought for a bit; it was irrefutable that Takeshi enjoyed having Percy around, and was becoming more social as the weeks went by.

Percy himself was a pleasure to he around, and while his ADHD would sometimes make things a bit difficult, it wasn't much trouble.

And considering how even some Mafiosos behave like children, Percy was a delight to have around.

With all this in mind, it wasn't a hard decision.

"Sure, I'll be no problem having Percy around."

Sally sagged with relief.

"Percy, time for breakfast," Sally called out, as she places the pancakes onto the table.

The clock read 9:04, she had about an hour and an half to make it to work on time.

And judging by the fact she was not hearing stomping footsteps, running towards her, Percy was still fast asleep, imperious to her calls for breakfast.

"Percy, time for breakfast," Sally repeats as she starts walking towards her son's room.

The doorknob turns with a slight creak, as Sally peers into the room.

Sally smiles fondly at the scene; just as she suspected, her son's tangled dark locks were the only things sticking out of soft blankets Percy loved to snuggle with.

Tiptoeing over, she pushed the blanket out of her son's face.

A drowsy groan emanated from underneath the covers. Percy shifted his position, trying to get back under the sheets.

Unfortunately for Percy, that would not be the case.

"Wake up dear," Sally sang, as she walked around his room, opening his window.

"Urghh, five more minutes?" Percy pleaded, not even bothering to open his eyes.

Sally shook her head, reminiscing all the times Percy had refused to leave his bed. However, because of this, Sally also knew exactly what to say, in order to get her son jumping out of bed.

She leaned over, "I made blue pancakes," Sally said as she further pulled Percy's blanket off, internally smirking as his eyes cracked open at her words.

Works like a charm.

"Blue pancakes?" Percy voiced, fatigue gradually dripping off of him, like water sliding off a duck.

"Just for you," Sally confirmed, leaning dramatically, "unless, you don't want them, then I guess I will have to eat them all!"

This final declaration was the turning point in getting Percy running out of bed.

"No, they're my pancakes!" Small feet swiftly zoomed out of the room. Sally followed her son back towards the kitchen, there the promised blue pancakes were waiting.

She checked the clock, 9:12, perfect.

"Percy," he perked up at the mention of his name, "I'm gonna need to work an few extra shifts this week."

She took a deep breath, these past weeks Percy was starting to get along with Tsuyoshi, and would no longer actively avoid him. Her only concerns, were if Percy would be okay in their neighbor's presence, without her directly there.

Percy, from time to time, would occasionally look back towards Sally, to make sure she was still there and safe, before continuing his play with Takeshi.

Sally just hoped that Percy would give Tsuyoshi a chance.

"So, I can't be here with you while I"m at work," Sally stated regretfully. Percy looked up from his breakfast, and flashed Sally a big smile.

"It's okay mommy, I can take care of myself," he assured her.

When had her little boy become so mature, Sally pondered.

She carried on, "but it would make mommy feel a lot better if there was someone to look after you."

Time to rip the band aid off.

"What about the neighbor? Tsuyoshi?"

Percy gazed away from his pancakes, clearly rolling the idea around in his head.

Before Sally could rush another statement, Percy interrupted her thoughts.

"Okay."

Chapter Text

The name the Aoi Shinigami still rings with familiarity in many circles.

When the Oyabun had first found him, Tsuyoshi was swiftly taught two crucial things: first and foremost, he was to be a killer, and one of the organization's sharpest weapons.

"-And one of the key elements of a good weapon," a foot jammed itself into his stomach, Tsuyoshi clenched his teeth, preventing himself from retching, "is that weapons don't speak. Nor do they talk back, or question their orders."

And second, traitors are to be dealt with, quickly and quietly.

His eyes burned with indignant and anger, both at the humiliation, and the beating he was getting. But before he could voice these thoughts out, a hand reached out and clenched over his mouth, barring any further noise to escape his lips.

Slap

"A good weapon also doesn't look at their masters like that." The man beating him crouched down, clear cut indifference painted all over his face, "a good weapon does what it is told, and kills whomever its blade is pointed at."

"You-" the hand gripping his face got even tighter- "are not a good weapon."

All throughout the organization, the Oyabun's thick syrupy, and overbearing presence always there. He always made extremely clear was that loyalty to him would always be rewarded, but treachery on the other hand, would be severely punished (that is, if the said traitor was even able to escape his grasp).

For most of his life, that's all Tsuyoshi thought he could be, a killer, a rapid attack dog his organization could throw upon anybody.

He would've never even dreamed of trying to leave the organization, and why would he? Tsuyoshi had nowhere else to go, until he met Mokona.

He met Mokona after a hit had gone wrong. This was back in his early years, before he was able to make a name for himself.

It had been years since he had an honest encounter with a civilian, and Mokona, well she was.... Kind.

He had joined the organization partly in desperation. Street rats were highly sought after commodity, with them being able to fit into small crevices, and their jail time, if they were caught, would be exponentially shorter, compared to an adult's sentence.

And after years of living in the streets, and then being picked up by the organization, Tsuyoshi had forgotten what true kindness had looked like.

The idea of someone helping another person, with no ulterior motives baffled him.

So, when he first met his to-be wife trying to fish him out of a random dumpster, his (regrettable) first reaction once he regained the majority of his cognitive functions, was to pull away from the one person even bothering to help him.

In the end, his rather pathetic attempts at pushing Mokona away, had quite the opposite effect.

Rather than its intended purposes of keeping the civilian away, his floundering had somehow made her even more hell bent on making sure he would survive the night.

And despite fate's best efforts, and his copious blood loose, Mokona, by some sort of miracle, had managed to keep him alive and healthy, even going so far as to offer to stitch his wounds.

So, in return, Tsuyoshi refrained from including her in his report to the -his currently former- Oyabun. Anyone of the organization member, who were in their right state of mind, would've rather cut their own fingers off, than to lie of the head, but for some reason, Tsuyoshi opted to keep his mouth shut, despite his instincts screaming at him.

Tsuyoshi's glad he kept his mouth shut.

Or maybe he should've mentioned her. Almost every single mission after the encounter, somehow, Mokona would show up without fail, like clockwork.

Maybe if he had spoken about her in his report, she would've stayed away.

(Or they would've just killed her)

And she might've stayed alive.

But, then it's most likely he would've stayed within the organization, never questioning his orders, and following every hit given to him.

But without Mokona, Tsuyoshi would've stayed with his former Oyabun. With her absence, he would've never realized the simple beauties life had to offer.

Without Mokona, Takeshi would've never been born.

Tsuyoshi wishes for a simpler choice, one where Mokona would've stayed alive, one where he left the organization.

You cannot change the past. You can only improve on the present.

The New York streets, even in the early mornings, bustle with movement and activity. It is truly the city that never sleeps.

He leans against the kitchen counter, heating up a batch of miso soup he had made the day before.

Because of their hasty getaway from Japan, and their limited funds, Tsuyoshi was unfortunately unable to get his hands on a rice cooker.

And while when making sushi he prefers using a traditional steamer, Tsuyoshi learned not to be too picky with his appliances. Tsuyoshi was not opening a sushi shop in New York, he had no reason to buy a bamboo steamer.

As the soup began to bubble, Tsuyoshi turned of the stove. While Kurokawa is covering the majority of his bills, it doesn't hurt to try and cut down on the costs. Especially since Tsuyoshi knows he will most likely be reimbursing her sooner than later.

The clock read 9:45.

Tsuyoshi ladled the hot liquid into two bowl, blowing to cool it down.

"Takeshi, breakfast," Tsuyoshi call out, as he walked toward the other bedroom.

Even with it being years since he left the organization, his footsteps still automatically muffle themselves mute. A skill he seems to be unable to shake off.

Still, it's a useful skill to have, and it won't do me any harm.

"Takeshi," he brushed through his son's hair, "time to wake up,"

Takeshi grumbled, twisting and turning. Tsuyoshi smiled warmly, just like his old man huh, just a stubborn.

Within a few minutes, Tsuyoshi successfully roused his son up, and the pair walked towards the kitchen, with Tsuyoshi holding Takeshi's hand.

Tsuyoshi carefully blew on the miso soup, making sure not to spill any before bringing a spoonful of the warm soup up to his son.

He gave his son a few more spoonful's before handing Takeshi the spoon. It had become a sort of tradition for Tsuyoshi to feed Takeshi, while his son slowly rubs sleep off of his eyes.

"So, Takeshi, Percy is going to be staying over for a bit with us."

He looked carefully at his son, tension melting off of his shoulders as a huge grin emerged from.

"Brother is coming over, yay," Takeshi paused, before adding, "is Sa-Sa coming too?"

Tsuyoshi smiled and pat added his son's soft black locks, "Sally's not coming."

A pout emerged from Takeshi's mouth, "fine," he grumbled.

While Takeshi had never specifically said Percy's name, he seemed to have gotten into the habit of calling him his brother. Tsuyoshi planned on telling Percy this, when he arrived.

Both Percy and Takeshi loved being in each other's presence. The silent

Every time Tsuyoshi saw his son emerge from his shell, he felt like the world was lifted from his shoulder.

Takeshi hadn't seen personally Mokona when she had died, but their child was still smart enough to realize his mother was dead.

It was both a curse and a blessing. A blessing in that he didn't ask any questions, a curse in that he became quite withdrawn and quiet.

Tsuyoshi himself hadn't been given much time to check up on his son's mental well-being, something he deeply regretted. With them running away from Japan, and Tsuyoshi calling in a favor from Kurokawa, it was a busy week. And as soon as they arrived in their new apartment, it was then when Tsuyoshi realized how quiet his son had been.

Before the incident, Takeshi was an exuberant child and was always curious. He and Mokona had joked that Takeshi had inherited his mother's joyful laughter and smile.

But now, Takeshi barely spoke, and practically attached himself to Tsuyoshi much more than he used to.

While on the run, Takeshi being so silent was almost a gift, they wouldn't have been able to escape so soundly.

But now, with them currently relatively safe, Tsuyoshi regrets the fact he did not address this issue earlier.

Knock knock

Tsuyoshi stands up, and walks towards the door, looking through the peephole before opening the door.

Outside, Sally greets him with a cheerful, yet tired smile. Percy on the other hand, was hanging off of his mother's hand, his expression being a bit pinched.

It must be because this time, Sally won't be staying over.

He gave what he hoped was a friendly smile towards Percy.

"Hello."

Percy didn't response, instead choosing to stuff his face into his mother's back. Both Sally and Tsuyoshi could feel the awkwardness of the interaction.

The awkward silence continued even as Tsuyoshi motioned for them to enter.

Sally nudged her son, "what do you say dear?"

Percy peeked out from behind Sally, a hint of guilt could be seen.

"Thank you," he mumbled as he walked in, automatically brightening up once Takeshi was spotted.

"Taak-shi!"

He raced over to Takeshi, muttering a small sorry to Tsuyoshi on his way.

Sally rolled her eyes fondly at her son's reaction, remembering how Percy would do the same thing when she came to pick him up. "Again, sorry for the late notice, thank you so much for agreeing to look after Percy."

"It's no problem really," Tsuyoshi lightly scratched the back of his neck, "Percy's a joy to have around, Takeshi loves him."

They both glances over towards the child, Percy was sharing quite animatedly how his week was, and Takeshi seemed content with listening, but still added his occasional remark in Japanese.

"They're like brothers," Tsuyoshi gazed lovingly at the two. He had grown fond of Percy, and respected both him and his mother greatly.

For a while, the meet up had stiffened up considerably since it had been revealed to Tsuyoshi what the pair had gone through.

Tsuyoshi had met survivors of domestic abuse in the organization, the majority of them accidentally awakening their flames in the process of defending themselves.

(Tsuyoshi secretly pitted them, the organization was just another cage, this time filled with sadistic individuals, born and bred in blood. All those victims who had escaped their former abuser, just traded one cage for another one.)

So, when one day, -with Sally carefully coaxing- Percy approached him, asking why Takeshi never responded to him, on the inside he was heavily surprised, but also quite ecstatic.

Tsuyoshi explained to Percy that Takeshi only spoke and understood Japanese.

" Don't worry though," Tsuyoshi added, noticing Percy's face dropping, " Takeshi still loves listening to how energetically you talk to him."

Percy's face lit up like a Christmas tree, "really?"

Tsuyoshi let out a sigh of relief, crist averted.

From what they could hear, Percy was currently singing the praises of the blue foods his mother makes him, saying they are, "super yummy and delicious."

"Well, I think it's time for me to go," Sally turned towards Percy, "bye sweetie."

"Bye mommy," Percy exclaimed back, shyly waving at his mother as she left.

Percy resumed his play with Takeshi, though not before giving Tsuyoshi one last quick look.

Well, they seem to be doing fine. Tsuyoshi went back into the kitchen, deciding to make some curry for lunch. The soft background noises of the children chattering filled the room, allowing Tsuyoshi some rest from his own thoughts.

He never liked the silence, it reminded him too much of his former life, waiting hours on hours for his target to appear, striking fast, then reporting back to his Oyabun, only to repeat the cycle again and again.

And while there were moments of respite, there never seemed to be a shortage of people to kill.

There was a moment of silence before the incident occurred, static noises buzzing in his ears, tightly gripping Takeshi's hand while they were at the airport, a gray haze shrouding his vision during the plane ride, the occasional turbulence bumps jolting him into overdrive, searching around for potential threats.

Leaving the plane grounded him for a while, Kurokawa's frustratingly vague directions annoying him to no end.

Asking around for proper directions was like pulling teeth, with most of the people in the plane being tourists, and the locals avoiding him the moment he tried to approach one of them. Meeting Sally was a lifesaver, especially with Takeshi getting tired.

Finding out Sally and her son was her neighbor did surprise him, but in hindsight it made did make sense.

But in the end, Tsuyoshi was able to find Takeshi a friend, and Percy got to hang out with his little brother. And Sally being there was a plus, she was an excellent conversationalist, and was, more often than not, a godsend in parenting advice.

She had Percy out of wedlock, and dealt with, her now ex-husband, for almost half a decade. And despite all that, Sally still had so much kindness in her heart, strove to help others, even when she herself wouldn't benefit.

It was like a ray of sunshine in an otherwise smog filled street.

Even with his years in the mafia being far behind him, some days Tsuyoshi couldn't help but feel, like his involvement with the mafia had scooped out his heart and replaced it with coal. Burnt out pieces of wood, that was lit ablaze by his organization, but eventually was burnt out too soon.

During those days, everything seemed so pointless. It was one of the reasons he loved Mokona so much. Despite her not fully understanding what he was going through, Tsuyoshi remembered how she would show her support in the little ways, how she would offer him silent comforts, and keep him company even in the late hours of the night.

They way she would offer her support reminded him of Sally. Her and Percy had gone through so much, yet they both shone so brightly. The marks left behind by her ex-husband will most likely never fade.

A few weeks ago, Percy had requested to do a sleepover with Takeshi, and seeing it was the weekend, they eventually conceded to their children's request.

It was late when Sally told him about Gabe. She told him that she was always afraid of him, but more than that, she was afraid of him hurting Percy. She confided in low whispers, how she would take in every hit, believing by doing so, she was sparing Percy from the pain.

She never spoke of her reasons for marrying Gabe, and Tsuyoshi didn't pry.

He just tried to emulate his late wife, and give Sally his silent support. He didn't think he did as well as Mokona had once done, but Tsuyoshi heard Sally utter a quiet "thank you," he rested a bit easier.

He reached over and grabbed a small pot from the lower cupboard, and filled it with some bottled water. He didn't quite trust the New York tap water, and preferred to use the filtered water, even if it meant higher costs.

A muffled yelp of surprise reached the kitchen, causing Tsuyoshi to lean over towards the children.

Flakes of worn plaster and paint collected on his hand at his tightened grip on the wall edge,

Percy had somehow gotten his hands on the knife he had hidden in the loose floorboard. Tsuyoshi had hidden weapons scattered throughout the apartment. Mokona had teased him on this particular habit, but Tsuyoshi knew that sometimes paranoia could be the only thing protecting him from a stab in the jugular. It was a lesson he learnt through blood.

A lesson which may very soon become a reality.

"Percy! Don't move!"

He ran over towards Percy, and pulled the knife away from him, not bothering to watch where he was gripping the blade.

His hand started bleeding from where the edge cut into his palm.

He ignored the throbbing from his palm, with a familiarity that only came from his years of a hitman.

"Are you okay," he looked between the two boys, "did any of you get hurt?"

Takeshi frowned, while he didn't quite understand why his father was yelling, he stayed quiet. Tsuyoshi's tone was quite reminiscent of the time they were on the run, and Takeshi had developed a habit of silence whenever this particular tone appeared.

Feeling slightly a bit more relieved, he looked over to Percy and froze.

His eyes were glazed over like mirrored orbs, a stark contrast to his usual attentiveness. His arms were wrapped around his head, shielding himself from Tsuyoshi's general direction, scrunched into a ball like a porcupine, extending its quills to protect the vulnerable belly.

Tsuyoshi couldn't help but flinch at the image; because of how Percy was hiding his features with his arms, all you could see were tuffs of black hair poking out from a frightened child.

It wasn't even a question on whether or not Percy was experiencing a panic attack.

After all, a far distant part of Tsuyoshi's mind whispered, Percy was the perfect mirror image of Tsuyoshi himself, when he was a child, trying to hide from all the cruelties the world had to offer.

Chapter Text

Death was always a strange concept for Tsuyoshi.

His youth and early adult life had him constantly brushing against death, either running towards or away from it. The rush Tsuyoshi constantly felt when dancing with his demise, is a feeling he doesn't think he'll ever forget.

It was a constant rhythm of twists and turns, especially since his departure from the only place he’d even known.

Lately, with the life he had with Mokona, having Takeshi, and coming to America, his habit of brushing against his death had slowed to a considerable halt.

He doesn't miss it though. The constant jackrabbit pounding of his heart, wondering whether it would be his last night. He had used to think the mundane civilian lifestyle would drive him crazy, but know he wishes for nothing else. 

Leaving his mother land had been like a release for him, an escape from his past into a new fresh start. However, between his flight from his former organization, the few routine days he’d experienced, Tsuyoshi had done his best to pushed back his memories of his past. This action came to bite him in the back as he only now recalled a battle between weapons of steel, are not the only way death encases its victims.

Death can be an illness, encircling the victims throat until they are no more. Slowly, but methodically chocking the life out of your very veins, until your blood runs cold.

It can like a leaky faucet, drugging your mind into oblivion, like a piece of paper, sinking away into the ocean's depths.

The footsteps left behind can haunt your every move. How its sickening shadows curls around your mind, encasing you in a void of misery and silence.

No matter how long or short it was, the shadows of the past never seemed to detach itself from Tsuyoshi, always leaving behind a foul stench, drowning everyone he's ever loved.

Death's cloak seemed to perpetually hang itself around Tsuyoshi's shoulders. The years have shown Tsuyoshi his gift in sharing this particular curse, infecting everyone, like the Shinigami his namesake was named after.

Tsuyoshi knew how easy it was to fall into its embrace. How if fed enough times, even the deadliest poison could taste like the sweetest of wines.

It was intoxicating and addicting, how its gentle whispers of rest could break even the hardest of Mafioso.

Percy's eyes were cold and empty, contrasting with the bright and happy child he knew.

Tsuyoshi in equal parts, wished to know what was going on in his head in order to help, and continue in his ignorance, afraid of what he would fine.

Confirming his face was in a neutral expression, Tsuyoshi carefully crouched down, making his movements as obvious as possible not to startle him.

He had once read in a parenting book, that physical contact with your child could help ground them. It was either a blessing or a curse that Tsuyoshi knew better.

Physical contact, while great in theory, had a substancial likelihood of only make things worse, especially with Percy being in a state of panic, it would only further aggravate him.

"Percy, listen to me," Tsuyoshi took a deep breath, hoping Percy would copy his motions.

"Breath in," Tsuyoshi filled his lungs with an almost uncomfortable amount of oxygen.

In his youth, when Tsuyoshi couldn't feel anything, with the world almost turning into a blur, seeing someone breath, and imitating their actions was sometimes easier than just breathing on your own.

All the air almost escaped from his chest once he realized Percy was starting to blink more frequently, starting to take more breaths in.

"And breath out,"

He watched, relieved when Percy copied his movements, a bit of color returning to his face with each breath in and out. After a while of guiding the panic ridden boy through the motions.

"How are you feeling?"

Percy blinked once, then twice, "fine."

Tsuyoshi stared incredulity at him. A child does not experience a panic attack and just wave it off without any signs of shock.

As if noticing Tsuyoshi's air of disbelief, Percy turned to face him directly, his arms crossed in a surly way. "No really, I'm fine Mr. Yama-moto," Percy protested.

"Call me Tsuyoshi," he gave Percy a small pat on his head, still a little in shock at Percy's ability to bounce back from an attack. If he hadn’t been physically here, Tsuyoshi wouldn’t have had any inkling of what Percy had just gone through.

Percy tested out how the letters rolled around before he greeted him with a wide-toothed grin.

"Okay Mr. Tsuyoshi," Percy cheerfully exclaimed.

           _____________________

"-hope you have a good day." Sally stretched her customer service smile; this was her last sale before she would go home.

When the footsteps finally reclined, Sally carefully peeked over. With a small bounce in her steps, Sally turned the store sign over, officially closing the store for the day.

As usual she grabbed a small plastic bag near the candy isle and headed towards the free sample area. It had become a sort of family tradition that Sally would bring some candy from work, and they would spend the evening eating candy, all while would she listen to how Percy’s day went.

During the summer, the sample sections were run barren from teens coming in, to children dragging their exhausted guardian with them.

Usual the gummy bears were a favorite among the children who dragged their parents in. But fortunately, it being a rather hot day, not many children and teens came by today, leaving a plethora of blue raspberry flavored bears in stock.

Sally made sure to grab some of the sour strings, and blue shark shaped ones.

While the owner had in the beginning scolded her for the excess amount of candy, Jack being an old friend of the boss has backed her up. This led to Sally having more than enough treats for herself and Percy.

Maybe some extra for Takeshi and Tsuyoshi, Sally pondered. Did they even like candy? The innocently lying peach rings and a coke flavored gummy were added to the mainly blue filled bag.

Satisfied with her haul, Sally gave the store one last sweep with her eyes, before leaving the store, the candy stored safely in her bag.

The concrete sidewalk greeted her feet, as Sally started her walk home, humming a lullaby Poseidon used to sing her when she was pregnant with Percy.

A faint drizzle startled Sally out of her trance. Turning her head towards the sky, thick grey clouds greeted her, letting down a steady downpour of rain.

She wondered how much of it was Zeus's interference, Poseidon had talked about how his brother had a penchant for theatrics.

Tugging the back of her jacket over her head, Sally resumed her walk, hurrying through the streets towards the apartment.

After a while of walking, Sally entered broken down tenant building's entryway.

The way to her own door was ingrained in her, ingrained in a way only time could.

The muscle memory almost had her opening her own door before realizing her own apartment would be empty.

She quickly changed course towards Tsuyoshi's apartment. Trying her best to quiet her steps at the muffled laughter coming from the door.

Percy's distinctive laughter comforted the worries she didn't know she even had.

She gave the door a light knock. Waited a few seconds before the door was opened by Tsuyoshi.

An awkward silence prevailed for a few seconds between the two before a yell broke the unknowing match.

"Mom!" Percy cried elated at his mother arrival, quickly attaching himself to her legs. A suspicious red splatter drew her attention. It was a shade too light to be blood, and her son’s enthusiasm in greeting her shook away any murderous notations. Lightly grasping at her son’s face, Sally crouched down and faced her son, “Percy, what happened to your face?”

Instead of answering her question, Percy simply grinned ear to ear, and stated "there's a tomato on the ground."

What?

At her son’s insistence, Sally stood up and allowed him to start dragging her by the wrist, presumably towards the aforementioned tomato.

As Percy led her to the fruit, frowning for a bit before adding, "it was supposed to be a snack but Taak-shi threw it to the ground, and it exploded like KABOOM!" He waved his arms around like a mime, imitating a large explosion quipped with sound effects.

It was not what Sally expected to hear after her shift, but considering Percy's past record for interesting events, a tomato on the floor was rather mundane.

A glance towards Tsuyoshi showed all Sally needed to know about the man's opinions of the fruit slathered on his floor.

Tsuyoshi looked at her with an imploring expression, trying to convey with his gaze alone that whatever she was about to see wasn’t his fault, even if a tomato was destroyed.

Still, Sally was glad Percy wasn't harmed, and even had some fun. She had been a bit anxious about leaving him with Tsuyoshi without her there, but seeing how content Percy seemed, Sally mused she would feel a lot more at ease knowing Tsuyoshi was the one looking after of her son.

Coming to a stop, Sally looked at the squished tomato Percy was ecstatically pointing towards.

A red smear was proudly displayed on the floor, the innards of the fruit spread all around the ground, its seeds nestled within the cracks of the floorboard.

"How did the tomato get here?" Sally asked, slightly directing her gaze towards Tsuyoshi, clearly expecting his input on the situation.

Not noticing her inquiring look towards Tsuyoshi, Percy responded, "well Mr. Yama- I mean Tsuyoshi was making stuff, and I noticed there was a tomato, so I asked if I could have it." Percy stuffed another breath, "and he said yes, so I took the tomato, but I noticed Taak-shi also wanted the tomato, so I gave it to him," he ended with a proud grin.

Tsuyoshi gave a sigh of resignation, "Takeshi has been developing a habit of throwing small object as hard as he can towards any target, and in this case, the target was the ground."

The said child beamed, proud of his accomplishment, and unknowing to the mess his father would have to clean up.

He ruffled his son's hair, "his mother, my late wife," he went on, ignoring Sally’s wide eye at him mentioning his wife, "loved baseball, and would spend time with Takeshi catching and throwing a baseball together."

His eyes unknowing misted as he talked about Mokona. Sally stayed quiet about it, knowing not to mention to him silent tears.

"I guess Takeshi must've mistaken the tomato for a baseball," Sally finally said, breaking the silence between them.

Turning his head, his wet eyelashes and slightly puffy eyes startled Sally. It was rare that Tsuyoshi showed any vulnerability, and even when he did, it was swiftly covered up in a matter of seconds.

(He couldn't hide his aura from her though. Tsuyoshi always seemed to wear a perpetual cloak of sadness, it only being slightly lifted when Takeshi, and more recently, Percy was around.)

"Yeah," he agreed, eyeing the tomato splatter, "he must've."

Sally hurried to the kitchen to find a towel to help clean up the mess, Tsuyoshi quickly followed her quest in getting cleaning supplies, embarrassment at his lack of initiative creeping up his neck.

The two quickly located the wipes and returned to the living room, Sally wiping away the fruit splatters on Percy’s and Takeshi’s face, while Tsuyoshi went to work collecting the exploded innards into a paper towel before throwing into the trash.

The couch sunk in as Sally collapsed onto the cushions. Tsuyoshi calmly joined her, smiling at the now clean floor, only a tiny hint of the fruit innards left on the ground.

A sudden thought struck Sally. She rapidly lifted herself from the couch and turned towards her son. Percy was currently shifting his weight between his feet, now realizing the fruit incident may not have been as funny as it initially had seemed.

"Percy," Sally called, "could you bring me my bag?" She asked.

Percy perked up, relieved at the fact Sally wasn't currently reprimanding him. "Okay," he said as he jogged towards her back, eyes widening as he grabbed the bag, excitement of what was about to happen extruding from his figure.  

The only time her bag weighted more than it usually did, is when Sally took some 'free samples' from her work.

The mother and son pair locked eyes, Percy's shining eyes meeting with Sally's own gleaming ones, both of them filled with excitement.

His previous apprehension now forgotten, Percy handed Sally her bag, too excited for words, almost vibrating out of his skin.

Unsurprising, Tsuyoshi, -who Sally is now gradually learning, is exceptionally perceptive- and, surprisingly, Takeshi, glances over towards them. Tsuyoshi taking the more subtle approach, while on the other hand Takeshi, not yet mastered of whatever skills his father seemed to have, shot his head towards Sally's bag.

It was her own personal theory that all children had a sixth sense for when an adult had candy. And while there were only had two children to implement this theory, both Percy and Takeshi seemed to take it upon themselves to prove her right.

Still, there was nothing wrong to her knowledge to give out candy once in a while.

Even adults needed candy sometimes, Sally lucidly thought.

With these thoughts in mind, Sally dug into her bag, and pulled out the plastic bag filled with 'free sample' candy from her workplace. "Who wants some candy?" She asked, not noticing in her hast to get the candy, the soft-hearted smile and glance Tsuyoshi had sent to her.

Not even Tsuyoshi himself seemed to realize this.

Chapter Text

How did it end like this? How did his day end with Kurokawa of all people being the one to tell him this.

"You only now realized this, haven't you?"

When even Kurokawa used her tone of disbelief, instead of her usual tone of heavily dosed sarcasm, you knew you were either going through a mid-life crisis or broken through the info-broker's formerly though bottom of stupidity.

Tsuyoshi was too much of a pro to jump at sudden touch, but he felt his heart burst when the broker gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. He gave her a stinging look, disappointed when Kurokawa gave no reaction. He was out of touch, hardened criminals used to flinch from his gaze.

“Face it, you’ve changed, you care.”

A stray cat hissed at the two, before scampering away at his glare.

I still got it, Tsuyoshi thought, watching the cat run away.

“How can you be so sure of that?” Tsuyoshi defended weakly, already regretting his words at her predatory gaze.

Anyone worth their salt in the criminal underbelly knew you can’t win a fight with pure strength along. It's why despite info brokers like Kurokawa, lacking physical strength, no one would dare disrespect them. A single tip of information could change everything, it’s why brokers like Mammon of the Varia could have such expensive prices.

Having a decent broker within your circle could, and would many times be, the only thing between life and death. Kurokawa, or Alias as many would call her, was someone who had his back many times in the past.

While She had charged him outrageous prices many times in the past, Tsuyoshi at least knew her information would be reliable. Arguing with someone of Kurokawa’s capabilities was often fruitless at best, and downright humiliating at best.

He was already familiar with the deadpan expression being pointing towards him. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’ve been your only contact,” at this she gave him a well-deserved glare. “Case in point, me having to listen to your mother henning of this Perry kid.”

“Percy,” he corrected, shrinking back at her unimpressed look, proving her point.

Finding the barest whiff of sympathy in her admittedly dry heart, Kurokawa took a deep breath, schooling her face into her best commiserating face, “look, maybe it isn’t that bad?” at Tsuyoshi’s own dry expression, she quickly continued.

“Okay, so maybe you finally made a positive human connection.” She uncharacteristically flung her arms, “and yeah, you’re on the run from one of the most prominent Yakuza organizations in Japan-”

“You really are great at this.”

“-Oh shut up you baboon and listen,” Tsuyoshi snapped his mouth shut, Kurokawa exhaled, muttering to herself “give the patience to deal with this buffoon.”

The back of a Japanese restaurant was there they’d decided to meet, the restaurant being owned by one of her contacts, everyone working there knew how to keep their mouth shut. Hints of ginger and other herbs constantly wafted out, giving them both a sense of familiarity.

Pinching her lips together, letting out a final exhale she continued. “Life hasn’t gone your way in a long time but use your brains for once and think. You have a chance to be happy, and don’t lie to me.” she snapped at Tsuyoshi as he started to open his mouth, watching approvingly as he speedily stopped his attempt to interject into the conversation. “Being with this kid and Sally makes you happy, and I swear to god you need to get that through your thick head.”

The years both of them spent in the mafia had equipped them with the numerous skills people like them would need in order to survive in the world that was the Mafia. Having emotional conversations weren’t one of those skills, but Mikota would be goddamned if she didn’t try her damn hardest to communicate to the idiot in front of her what he needed to hear.   

It's what she herself had also learned when she met her current love.

“Look, I’m only going to say this once, so you better damn listen.” I owe Mokona this much at least.

“I’m listening,” Tsuyoshi said, his gut twisting in his stomach, wanting nothing more than to run but his feet rooted to the spot, rendering him motionless. Neither of them daring to even make a hair's widths of movement.

“You're afraid, you're scared that if you get too close to another person again, that they will get murdered. Now I'm not saying that won't happen,” she quickly added, “but, you can't live like this, hiding in every shadow, isolating yourself.”

What was she doing? When Mikota came over to America, she planned to have an in-person chat with Yamamoto to inform him of recent developments within the Japanese underground. Having an emotional conversation with the man who used to be called shinigami was not in her agenda.

The two of them stood in silence at her words, Mikota desperately wishing she had a smoke, and Tsuyoshi contemplating her words.

And what could he say in response? Reviewing all his recent interactions with both Sally and Percy, Tsuyoshi was find no lack of evidence towards Kurokawa's words. If she had made him realize the truth with her only proof being his own words, Tsuyoshi wondered just how deeply he was deluding himself.

Kurokawa was too damn perceptive for her own good.

His only consolation was that Kurokawa also seemed like she was suffering from her own words, neither of them were equipped to deal with lengthy heartfelt conversations.

"So ju-"

"I think I understand," Tsuyoshi affirmed, gazing towards the opposing wall.

And he does, he can't go any further deluding himself like this. Keeping a clear head was vital to keeping himself alive and well, and it seems even now, the lessons he learned as a youth should never be forgotten.

"Good," Mikota said, sagging with relief that Yamato finally understood.

She could finally get to the actual subject at hand.

"So anyways," she started, "the actual reason I came here in person is to te-"

"What so you didn't come over just to nag at me?" The former hitman rudely interrupted.

Mikota scowled, "if she wasn't your friend I wouldn't be doing this," she coldly divulged, clamping Tsuyoshi's next words.

Sigh

"Listen up."

Sugar was often a rarity in his youth, so seeing it so widely accessible now have him a slight smile)

With his thoughts now much more organized, Tsuyoshi began to inspect Kurokawa's message, unsure of what to do next.

Survival of the fittest was a rule enforced with an iron fist, especially during his early training days. Whilst it was his father, whom had taught him their family sword style, the Shigure Soen, guiding his limbs to the proper forms, it was in the mafia where he truly honed and perfected his skills.

New recruits were often plucked off the street, many of which were orphans like he was after his father died. And equally as many had also inherited a debt their mothers or fathers had accumulated, many of which had no idea their parents or guardians even owed the organization.

All Tsuyoshi had were the skills his father had passed to him

It's said that with enough pressure, even the roughest of carbon stones can become polished diamonds.

Following the analogy, Tsuyoshi's piece of 'coal' could only truly form within the mafia. His father had also once worked as a hitman, not as infamous as Tsuyoshi would eventually be known as, but his skills allows them to make a decent living.

Living and growing up without a mother's helping hand seemed to be a curse carried by the Yamamoto family, as his own mother had passed away before he could even open his eyes.

Still, the family business continued with him, it went as smoothly as it could. Until it evidently didn't.

He wasn't just an enforcer, he was the enforcer, making sure all of his former Oyabun's operations would go smooth and soundlessly. He is what allowed for the organization to rise up so efficiently in prominence. So it made sense everything collapsed as he left.

Kurokawa's message only unveiled how deeply his missing presence impacted the organization.

Without their main enforcer, rival gangs were able to start tearing down his former organization in a way they weren't able to do while he was under the Oyabun's thumb.

And he knew this, it was why he gave Tsuyoshi such a strong message, he knew without him, the foundations would start falling apart.

Like a shark smelling blood in the water, once word got out that the Shinigami was no longer part of their organization, suddenly everyone wanted a piece of the metaphorical pie.

Sure Tsuyoshi knew they would still be able to hold out for a couple more years, but time would take its toll.

"Honestly, they're probably know that eventually they're going to fall, they've lost their main enforcer and have gotten a but lax."

"Now assuming ___ isn't an idiot and he isn't too much of a baboon, and knows how to maximize resources I'm gonna guess the organization would get caught or eaten up in-"

No less than a few years.

His former organization only knew how to take and take would fall because they forgot how to give.

They tore him away from the one he loved and left his son without a mother. They caused their own lynchpin to fall, causing the unravelling of their rickety foundations.

And Tsuyoshi is glad he is the one who started it.

No, it isn't right for him to take all the credit, Tsuyoshi contemplates this as he walks along the building hall.

He knocks on the door of the Jackson apartment and waits. No longer than a few seconds passed before Sally opened the door, her smile radiating endless comfort and warmth.

Seeing Tsuyoshi at the door Sally lightens up, "Tsuyoshi, come on in," she welcomes him in, closing the door behind them, "Takeshi has been a delight."

Chapter Text

The last few days were like a dream. It felt too good to be true.

Every day she could wake up with a smile, the looming fear Gabe’s presence caused now a distant part of her past. His shadow still lurked on the rare rainy day, but she has never felt more at peace.

She had been willing to tough it out for as many years as necessary, there wasn’t much she wouldn’t do for her son. Percy, her darling son, the pearl of her sea; he was the most precious thing in her life, and if it meant staying with Gabe would keep him safe, she was willing to stay with him, no matter how much his utter existence disgusted her.  

But as soon as he laid his hands on her son, Sally knew he needed to leave from their lives.

She wasn’t stupid either, Sally knew her new neighbor and friend, Tsuyoshi, was more than what he said he was. Sally didn’t bother to pry, she knew the importance of keeping secrets, she had a few of her own she needed to keep hidden. Everyone had their own little secrets, and the subsequent lies that followed.

He was like Poseidon in a way, appearing out of nowhere, every bit of movement filled with a kind of lethal grace, but both their eyes were filled with so much love.

Her time in Montauk with Poseidon were times she would never forget. Her lover had so much love and kindness in his hands, but Sally knew it was those same hands that cursed Odysseus ten years of relentless torment and suffering. The sea would not be restraint, and Poseidon was the God of the sea. But during the moments they were together, Sally could almost pretend everything was fine.

 In relationships, both past ones and possible future ones, Sally found she gravitated towards men who gave her a sense of security. When she met Poseidon, he was the one thing she could rely on. And sure, Sally didn’t know at the time he was the Poseidon, but when they were together, she felt like a weight had left her shoulders, like as long as they were together, nothing bad could ever happen to her.

(It was sort of similar to how she felt around Tsuyoshi.)

When the truth of who Poseidon really is, and the prophecy surrounding any of his children were revealed to her, some of the security she had initially felt around him dissipated. But she carried on. And when she told Poseidon her suspicions about her being pregnant, nothing could have persuaded her otherwise from keeping her child.

Even with the possibility her child could be the child of the prophecy, Sally promised herself she would keep him safe.

Sally never realized how much pressure and stress she had placed on herself, until she had allowed herself to relax. And by the time she did, Sally would often wonder how much of her ‘good’ intentions had led to Percy hurting in some way.

 Gabe was an ambivalent decision she had made. She knew his scent would cloud Percy’s demigod scent, keeping him from harm, but at the same time it was because of her actions, Percy would experience harm no child ever should.

Tsuyoshi helped mitigate some of her fears, taking care of Percy so she could take on extra shifts, giving him a playmate, and protecting him, even if he didn’t know it. No one’s past was perfect, and no one who’s aura was as bloody as Tsuyoshi’s could even think about claiming a life of innocence. And judging by his somber moods that would sometimes arise, Sally could deduce that Tsuyoshi knew very well his life was far from clean.

The only think she doesn’t know is show much blood one would have to have spilt in order for their presence to become as grime ridden as his.

Most people would be apprehensive at the thought of leaving their child with a murderer, but Sally felt oddly at ease leaving Percy within Tsuyoshi’s care.

It wasn’t a question of morals, nor was it a question of incompetency. Tsuyoshi had shown he knows how to take care of children, and Sally knew the look in his eyes when he beheld at Percy, the care and love in his eyes is impossible to mistaken for.

Like Poseidon, Tsuyoshi is so full of love and affection. The way his eyes shine and soften when the children laugh, the fondness he has for everyone in their cramp small apartment, the way he laughs at her lame jokes, and his comforting presence. During late evenings, when they both felt drained from chasing both Percy and Takeshi around the living room, Sally and Tsuyoshi would often just sit together on the worn in couch.

Some days they would fill the night with light conversations, but oftentimes they would just rest, content with the silence and watching the nightlife come to life out the window.

It was a respite from the day, one they both took comfort in. One Sally almost wouldn’t trade anything for.

Spending time around Tsuyoshi was quite nice, quietly sitting with him, soaking up his presence, them sharing a glint in their eyes at whatever tomfoolery their children had gotten into, his aura giving her the halcyon days she hadn't felt in so long.

Sally walked to the kitchen counter, pouring water into Tsuyoshi’s tea kettle. While this was a rather new aspect of Sally’s life, Tsuyoshi had somehow converted her into drinking tea in the morning instead of her usual coffee. While the bitter black taste of coffee would’ve given her much more of a boost in the mornings, Sally was pleasantly surprised to learn she rather liked the earthy taste of tea. This was their morning ritual of sorts whenever Sally stayed over in the Yamamoto household.

 And nowadays, with Percy being even more attached to the Yamamoto household, he had begun his mission to convince Sally and Tsuyoshi to allow him to sleep over with Takeshi more often.

And it seemed no matter how hard she tried; Percy was slowly transferring more of his belongings into the other apartment with every night he slept over. When Sally had realized what he was doing, she had apologized profusely at her son’s actions. Thankfully Tsuyoshi seemed more amused than frustrated with Percy’s actions, even as going so far as to empty out a small drawer to place his clothes in.

And with Percy sleeping over so often, Sally found herself in the other apartment alongside her son, resulting in spending more time with Tsuyoshi.

Sally found she didn’t mind it as much as she’d thought she would.

Tsuyoshi was a wonderful person to be around an-

Oh

She paused in her daydreams to stare at the now boiling kettle, her body moving in pure muscle memory to guild her arms into the motions of preparing two cups. Two steaming cups lied in front of her, the wisps fading as the temperature above the cup proved to be too cold.

Her hands cradled the cup, her mind too busy whirling with her new revelation to even think about talking a sip.

Her thoughts swirled like a hurricane, except there was no calm in the middle, no eye of the storm; her chest seemed determined to burst out of her chest, whether it was cause of embarrassment or something else was the only remaining question.

Her burning fingers brought her back to the world at hand. Taking a small sip of the slightly cooled down tea, Sally continued with her thoughts, the warm liquid giving her strength and the slight caffeine boost she desperately needed.

And the more she thought of it, the more she realized how much it was true. Even after Gabe was gone, Sally couldn’t help but see his ghost everywhere she went. At first, the adrenaline of Gabe being gone had dulled her of this fact, but as the weeks went by, even with every passing day reassuring her of the fact he truly was gone, Sally found herself unable to relax in her own apartment. It was only after a while of Percy staying over at Tsuyoshi’s place that Sally realized how tense she had been in her own home. She sometimes wondered if this was one of the reasons Percy stayed so often away from their home. Sally couldn’t fault him, not one bit, not after what he’d been through. She supposes it would’ve been stranger if Percy hadn’t wanted to stay away from any remnants of her former husband.

Tsuyoshi was the one who helped her drive away the only physical remaining ghost of her former husband.

He was the one who continuously invited her and her son over to his house, despite how tired he must’ve been caring for his own child.

And as it turned out, Tsuyoshi was the one Sally was falling in love with.

And Sally found she didn’t care too much about the fact she was.

“Hello Sally,” a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts, “is that cup for me?” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto inquired; amusement obviously present in his tone.

Sally looked up towards his face, meeting his kind eyes and quirked up lips, internally laughing at his own joke.

Yeah, I don’t think I mind at all.

____________________________

Percy knows he isn’t stupid. He used to think that, after all, that’s all his teachers used to say about him.

But know he know better, he just learns differently because of A.D.H.D and deelex, dislay, dyslexia, both mommy and Tsuyoshi made sure he knew that.

He rolled over, mulling over his thoughts. Percy thinks he likes Tsuyoshi, not as much as mom or Takeshi, but close enough.

He’s much better than Smelly Gabe, Percy is sure of that.

If Percy were to get another stepfather, he wants it be Tsuyoshi. Smelly Gabe hurt mom, and sometimes he also hit him, it didn’t hurt that much though, because Percy is a big boy; and besides, it hurt so much more when he hit mommy.

Tsuyoshi is so much nicer than Smelly Gabe, he helps him with his schoolwork, and he doesn’t get frustrated with him when something doesn’t make sense to him.

Even Mrs. Moores has been commenting on his improved work, she even once smiled at him, and she never smiles at him. She usually just got frustrated or mad, and just ignore him. Even last year's teacher didn’t like him.

It felt nice when Mrs. Moores complimented him on his work.

Almost as nice as when he’d shown Tsuyoshi and mom, the smiley face she’d drawn, and the note Mrs. Moores wrote, complimenting his improved work.

Mommy was super happy. She even brought an entire packet of blue sour string candy to celebrate.

Tsuyoshi was also really proud of him; Takeshi didn’t really know what was going on, but he seemed happy too.

(Percy had leaned into his hand when he ruffled his hair, secretly of course.)

Mommy also really likes Tsuyoshi.

If mom doesn’t like someone, Percy also doesn’t like them. Thankfully, mom likes Tsuyoshi, and so Percy also really likes him.

(If they got married, he wouldn’t mind at all.)

______________________________

Percy was an energetic child, he had to constantly be on the move. Poseidon had explained demigods were hardwired for combat, and as a byproduct, were almost impossible to keep still.

And she had expected it and prepared for it. After all these years of taking care of Percy, and much trial and error, Sally would almost consider herself as a demigod child (for Percy at least) wrangling expert.

And it seemed all of her expertise dealing with rambunctious children had been leading up to this moment.

Hyped on sugar and the endless amount of energy only children contained, Percy was running around, with Takeshi looking increasingly likely to join him any second.

To celebrate the start of summer break, Sally had made some of her famous blue chocolate chip cookies and had invited Tsuyoshi and Takeshi to come with them to central park to celebrate.

Now, after both of the children had consumed most of the cookies, Sally was beginning to see the flaws in her plans.

Now with Takeshi running up to Percy to join him, her lack of foresight was appearing more and more prominent.

A quick glance at Tsuyoshi showed a bit tense, but overall relaxed expression.

Breath in, breath out

It helped that Tsuyoshi always seemed to exert an aura of tranquility wherever he goes. Her muscles loosening with every breath.

Feeling much calmer than before, Sally reassesses the situation, her head clear of her earlier fatigue.

While yes, both children were hyped up from her cookies, neither of them seemed to be making a huge commotion that needed their attention, nor were any of the other passersby seemed disturbed by them.  in fact, many of them were watching their children's antics fondly.

And with that, the rest of the stress Sally had been unknowingly holding in her frame dissipated. Giving her a sense of peace and tranquility.

The children were out playing with one another, leaving her alone with Tsuyoshi, not unlike the late nights they spent together. It only occurred to Sally now how much of the time they spend together is like this, their children off playing somewhere, with the two of them lying together, soaking up the other’s presence.

With others, Sally often feels a need to fill the silence with conversation, staving off the inevitable awkward silence.

But with Tsuyoshi, spending time with him, even in complete silence, felt so easy and comforting to be around. She could spend hours like this and be happy.

Looking over towards her side, Tsuyoshi also looked quite relaxed, happy even, much of his earlier tension gone, all his focus devoted towards calming watching the kids. And seeing him like this, Sally could imagine he also thinks the same way she does.

“It’s like we’re in a novel don’t you think?” Sally begins, being the first to break of the silence, carefully ignoring the part of her head whispering it being a romance novel.

“Hmm?” Tsuyoshi hums, eyes still directed to the kids, but his attention leaning towards her now.

Nervous about her next words, Sally launches before she can back down from her earlier statement.

“A single mom with a kid, meeting a single father with a kid, the two kids becoming friends along with the parents,” Sally explains, her gut twisting with every word, watching for his reaction.

Tsuyoshi seemed to contemplate her words for a moment, each second stretching out for an eternity.

“it’s like the premise of a bad sitcom,” she further elaborated.

 Finally, he responded.

“You’re right,” he replied, tearing his eyes away from the kids and towards her. His direct attention towards her making her sit up the tiniest bit straighter.

And before Sally could send another casual retort about their situation, Tsuyoshi jerked his hand slightly upwards, motioning he had more to say, something that was making him slightly nervous.

“Except,” he looked away for a bit, his fingers twitching before they resumed their motionless position, “wouldn’t you agree it’s more of a romcom?” He questioned, his dark eyes giving her every last bit of his attention.

Sally was stunned speechless for a moment before quickly regaining her composure.

Placing her hand on top of his own, feeling the tiniest of tremors emanating from his hand, Sally met his eyes with her own.

“Yeah,” Sally smiled, “it is.”

Chapter Text

“Shut up, you mean you actually, did it?”

Sally’s checks flustered at her co-worker's comment.

“Sally, I’m gonna need all the details,” she squealed, excitement written all over her face. “So, you’re telling me that you and your mysterious new neighbor, after months of pinning, finally got together?”

“Well,” Sally carefully began, not knowing how to answer all her questions, “I wouldn’t say we’re togethe-”

“But you love each other, are practically living together, cooking and eating meals with one another, and him packing you a lunch” Maya listed off, unable to hold back her enthusiasm.

“I mean, Sally, you found yourself a man who can cook and has been packing you these adorable lunch boxes, do you know how many women would kill for their boyfriend to pack them panda themed curry?” She took a deep whiff of the curry. “A lot of them wouldn’t hesitate to snatch him up,” she pointed towards Sally. “In the palms of your hands, you have a man most women only dream about.”

This time, Sally couldn’t contain her rising blush, answering her co-worker's inquiry. Maya let out a short snort, causing Sally to look around the store, thankful that it was empty.

She wasn’t used to this kind of attention; Sally was used to being overlook and often actively strived towards being so. So, when Maya had found out about her new relational status, Sally wasn’t too sure how to react.

It was a new feeling; one she hasn’t felt in a long time. The complete and utter elation of being in love. Being with Tsuyoshi was something Sally loved so much, it felt like a calming blanket was constantly being wrapped around her shoulders, giving her comfort wherever she went. It wasn’t like anything she had ever experienced; while Poseidon may have been her first lover, Tsuyoshi was her first love. He was a constant presence, and always tried his best to care for her and their children.

“I mean,” Maya took a bite of her own lunch, an overpriced panini three stores over, Sally didn’t know why she still bought those things, “if you’re still confused, let me ask you this, this is golden advice I learned from my ex. Do you think you could spend six hours with him in a traffic jam and still love him?”

“Yes,” Sally instantly answered, her voice slightly flustered at being caught blushing like a high school teen, “we do love each other.”

“You know, I had first though you just had horrible taste in men, and I would need to ward off this new man, but Sally honestly,” Maya bumped their shoulders together, “I’m happy for you.”

It really did seem like everything was coming together. “Thanks Maya.”

Checking to see if the store was still empty -it was- Maya looked expectantly at her. “Still though, I’m gonna need all the details I can get.”

And Sally could do nothing but oblige.

Coming back from work continued to be Sally’s favorite part of the day. Seeing her son would always be the highlight of her day. The way his face would lighten up and rush towards her, his arms already opening to embrace her.

It was something they couldn’t do often with Gabe around, but in the months that he’s been gone, their little tradition continued, never failing to brighten up her day.

But now, along with Percy’s enthusiastic greeting, Sally had even more to look forward to: Takeshi’s occasional excited smile and Tsuyoshi welcoming her back with a short kiss on the cheek.

It taken quite some time for them to be comfortable with their affection; neither Sally nor Tsuyoshi had in a proper relationship in quite some time. But after a few days, they eventually found their rhythm. Sally had always felt a sense of tranquility in Tsuyoshi’s presence; the way he always seemed to exert an aura of calm and somehow envelope her inside of it was soon becoming one of her favorite things about their new living arrangements.

Living with Tsuyoshi was a combined result of Percy’s constant sleepovers in their apartment, and Sally doing absolutely nothing to stop him after it was made clear Tsuyoshi didn’t mind it at all. Even before they started dating, there was something so comforting and easy to be in a safe space without any ghosts from her previous marriage. But loving Tsuyoshi was somehow easier than living with him, it was a smooth transition from the life she was living before. Before, he used to be a regular figure in her life, but now, he was a constant one.

Learning to love him was one of the best things that had ever happened to her, just below Percy becoming a part of her life.

Opening the crumbling door leading Sally to her family, she can’t help but wish this would remain forever.

“Mom!”

A pair of warm arms already wrapping around her, Percy’s exuberant joy already infecting her, a smile blooming on her face.

“Was I really gone for that long?” Sally teased, “I could’ve sworn I just saw you this morning.”

“Yeah but, you were gone for soo long,” Percy complained, releasing her from his arms to allow for her to enter the apartment, closing the door behind them.

“He has as point you know,” Sally gave Tsuyoshi a look of pure betrayal at his words. Tsuyoshi only chuckled at her antics. “Percy was moping around the house, complaining that you weren’t here.”

He puffed up like a particularly offended housecat. “No, I wasn’t,” Percy fiercely rejected, inflating himself like a balloon up at Tsuyoshi, challenging him to contradict him.

And to Percy’s horror, Tsuyoshi accepted his challenge.

“Oh, but you were,” remarked Tsuyoshi, “I seem to remember a small child roaming around the house, asking every five minutes when his mother would return.”

Percy’s cheeks burned crimson, finding no retort he could send Tsuyoshi’s way.

Sally crouched down to Percy; her earlier smile still firmly attached.

“It’s okay to say you missed me,” she said, “I missed you too.”

He looked up, his prior moment of sulking gone in favor of looking at his mother with the unadulturated adoration only a child could make.

“Really,” he asked, a smile peeking out from his pout.

Sally really wished these moments would last forever. “Really,” she replied.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Tsuyoshi watched as Sally continued to reaffirm towards Percy that it was okay for him to miss her, his own smile softening at Percy’s coming smile. These tender moments that constantly reminded him why he loved her so much. The unending amount of kindness in her, and the willingness to share it with the people around her.

Probably awoken from the conversation, Takeshi toddled over, his drowsiness lifting with every step. Short stumpy arms embracing his father.

Takeshi contemplated the scene before giving his father a very determined gaze, lifting his arms, silently commandeering his father in a few he’s never been able to resist. Tsuyoshi complied with his son’s command before once again facing Percy.

“What your mom is saying is true you know,” Tsuyoshi interjected. He leaned over towards Percy, “this is a secret, but I missed her too,” he stage-whispered to him, pointily looking away from Sally’s knowing grin and eyes.

Seeing Percy’s eyes light up and giving him a conspirator's grin made it all worth it.

Despite them spending the majority of their time in Tsuyoshi’s place, Sally was still a tenant of the ‘Jackson apartment.’ Though nowadays, it was used mainly for storing their clothes, and for Sally to do some cooking and baking without getting in Tsuyoshi’s way while he looked after the kids.

Today was one of those days. Percy was in school, and Tsuyoshi had offered to make dinner. Not to be outdone, Sally had decided to make her famous blue chocolate chip cookies. While officially, Sally made them to follow whatever dinner Tsuyoshi made, unofficially, they were in equal measures a reward for Percy’s steady improvement in school, and to steadily start incorporating blue food into Tsuyoshi and Takeshi’s lives.

Last week when Percy had been gushing about her cookies, Sally had noticed Tsuyoshi’s interest in what was being explained to him. She had explained the reason behind all the blue food before they had ‘officially’ started dating. Sally told him it was a tradition in their household, a small act of rebellion towards Gabe when she and Percy could do nothing else.

From there, Percy’s love for blue food grew, while originating with her cookies, now ranged from chips, pancakes, waffles, cakes, smoothies, and other confectionaries.

Her working in a candy store and being able to take home free samples only helped matters.

Blue food was a tradition Sally started during times when everything else seemed dark; it was their thing, something to make her son smile when Gabe had gotten especially angry. Sally was always more than happy to share her cookies. To her, sharing them were a way to alleviate other’s pains and to bring happiness to her family's lives. And for the longest time, Sally’s family only consisted of each other.

But now, Sally mused, her happiness wanting to burst out of her chest cavity, somehow, their family had grown.

Sally wasn’t able to remember when she started viewing Tsuyoshi and Takeshi as more of family than friends. Only after she and Tsuyoshi started ‘officially’ dating did Sally realize how she was subconsciously referring to them as family.

And it seemed she wasn’t the only one.

She's noticed how sometimes Tsuyoshi would call the kids their kids, and how he would offer to help Percy with his schoolwork despite how tired he seemed. And when Tsuyoshi started calling the children our kids, Sally couldn’t help herself from falling deeper in love with him.

Resulting in Sally sitting in her kitchen counter, waiting for the oven alarm to ring, signaling the finished cookies.

While she was waiting, an inexplicable feeling arose in her. Would Percy even want her to share a tradition that was theirs to someone else? To her, the cookies were meant to be shared with people considered family, and Tsuyoshi and Takeshi fit in those roles pretty well.

But Sally worried, would Percy be able to see them in that way?

Sally knew Percy adored Takeshi like a brother, and admired Tsuyoshi like how a child would look up to their father, but would he be okay with sharing something that was something so special to them?

The answer was yes. Much like his mother, Percy had inherited her sea’s worth of love and kindness to those whom he considers family.

Tsuyoshi had been told about the cookies, and what it meant to them. He then told her they tasted delicious. She saw at that moment the life they could build together, just the two of them and their children. Sally has little to no doubt that Percy would be okay with sharing the blue treats with Takeshi, as he considers him his little brother. After Takeshi, it was only a matter of time before Tsuyoshi was also welcomed with open arms.

While Percy and Tsuyoshi’s relationship was growing stronger by the day, Sally didn’t want to do anything that could jeopardize their relationship. Sally loved Tsuyoshi like the tides being drawn to the moon, but when it came down to it, Sally would choose Percy over Tsuyoshi every time, no matter how much her heart would break every time.

Poseidon had offered to build her a castle beneath the waves for her, and Sally had chosen this life instead.

But... Sally still wanted to share this piece of their family with him. It felt selfish for her to decide this all by herself, but the cookies were also a surprise for Percy.

Ting

The room smelled of melted chocolate and nostalgia; the aquamarine edges baked to perfection. Putting on her oven mitts, Sally placed the cookies onto the cooling rack, inhaling the warm chocolaty scent.

Her cookies were done.

It was every parent’s greatest fear, their child screaming their heads off in public, with no regards for the said parent. Tsuyoshi might’ve well walked through no man’s land with the number of holes being drilled into his back. A particular blond middle-aged woman was giving him a rather nasty glower. Immune to all of this, Takeshi continued to cry, unaware or just unbothered by his father’s rapidly deteriorating state.

It was one of the many things he had inherited from his mother, the ability to unintentionally turn him into a nervous wreck in public without. And while on a normal day Tsuyoshi would be cherishing all the little details their son had retained from his mother, right now it was those very characteristics that were marking Tsuyoshi was public enemy no. 1.

And despite all his years, Tsuyoshi never enjoyed the limelight like some others would have. Maybe it was because of all his training to go unnoticed, his life as both a hitman and a wanted man, or perhaps it was just another quirk Tsuyoshi had. He had found if given the choice, Tsuyoshi would be more than happy to fade into the background, to be a spectator in whatever commotion was occurring. While this habit of his had been born of his need to hide and later to slip away from whatever hit he had just done, over time it had just become a part of him.

As Tsuyoshi was reaching his breaking point, searching for a nearby tree to hide behind, Takeshi suddenly stopped crying and started reaching out for something.

Or someone, Tsuyoshi reflected, as Percy and Sally appeared, with Percy running towards the, with Sally following behind him at a much more subdued pace.

“Hey Mr. Tsuyoshi!” Percy yelped out as he skid to a halt, his mere presence doing what Tsuyoshi had been trying and failing to do, to stop Takeshi from crying. This had been happening more and often lately, with only Percy being able to stop his tears. But seeing his son’s face, slightly swollen from crying, let out an adorable giggle was all Tsuyoshi needed to release all of his budding tension. The lady that was glaring at him finally minding her own business also certainly helped.

“Hello dear,” Sally said, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. “I hope we weren’t too late.”

“You were perfectly on time as always, Sally.” He responded, kissing her back in turn. Percy looked away, displaying an exaggerated faux gagging to Takeshi.

Before Tsuyoshi and Sally had started officially dating, Tsuyoshi first wanted to see if Percy would be able to accept him. While the few months of living together had opened his eyes to how much he loved Sally, as a fellow parent, Tsuyoshi understood how Percy would come before him. Tsuyoshi didn’t blame her; they both knew he would do the same for his own son.

Talking to Percy about his thoughts on him dating Sally was awfully reminiscent of him asking Mokona’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage, mainly just on his end.

“What do you think about your mother and I dating?”

Percy looked over towards Tsuyoshi, who at this point was quite loudly internally panicking; this was not how he had wanted to start this conversation.

Percy cocked his head in consideration, his homework all but forgotten (this was the second time his homework had been forgotten). Keeping his silence, Tsuyoshi waited for Percy’s answer.

“I don’t get it?”

Tsuyoshi’s stomach dropped; would he have to explain what dating was to Percy? Was that even something he could explain? Especially with his budding relationship with Sally as his focal point? He had planned for many scenarios, but ho-

“Aren’t you and mom already dating?”

“...”

It was shocking how six little words were able to put an end to his spiraling thoughts.

“I mean,” Percy continued, “mom seems really happy when you’re around, and doesn’t look so sad and worried as much. Smelly Gabe also dated mom and they got married-” a heavy frown entered his face, “-but mom always seemed really tired and not happy when Gabe was around.” Percy slightly pulled his limbs towards himself; an action Tsuyoshi did not miss.

“So, you thought me, and your mother were already dating, and you were okay with that?” Tsuyoshi inquired, information about this Gabe being tucked away for later (along with the other comments).

“Well, yeah,” Percy easily responded, as if his answer didn’t lift the several mountains worth of burden off his chest. “You didn't know that?”

With soft smile curling onto his lips, Tsuyoshi leaned over and ruffled his son’s Percy’s hair.

“No, I didn’t,” huffing out in amusement at Percy’s dumbfounded expression, “thank you for clarifying it for me.”

Percy gave him an odd look; his initial confusion having not yet dissipated. “Adults are weird.”

Both interactions ended up with Tsuyoshi winding himself too tightly, only for the other party to accept him with open arms, and a shared comradery with one another.

A small hand pulled on his shirt, being careful not to hurt Takeshi. “Come on, Mr. Tsuyoshi, me and mom have a special spot, and we need to get it before someone else takes it,” Percy declared, confidently leading towards a shaded area by a large tree.

“Oh, but didn’t you already show me your special spot last time?” Tsuyoshi asked, allowing himself to get pulled to this new spot.

Walking alongside Percy, Sally walked ahead to the little area and laid down a colorful blanket for them to sit on.

“Yeah, but, this is the really really special spot. The other place was also cool, but this is the best spot to sit in the entire park.” Percy declared this by plopping himself beside his mother, turning towards her with an expectant gaze, “Right mom?”

Sally just gave her son another one of her adoration filled smiles while giving him a cookie, which Percy eagerly accepted with an excited grin.

Tsuyoshi set down Takeshi, something he had been able to do more often, and they both sat down on the blanket. Takeshi clumsily walked over to Percy, who whispered something in Takeshi’s ear, and looked expectantly towards Sally with his hand reached out.

“Can I have-” Percy nodded excitedly, “-kuukie,” he pleaded, Sally melting at his request, instantly reaching for another cookie, which Takeshi excitedly grasped.

Turning towards Percy “Kuukie!” Takeshi announced, proudly waving his sugary confectionary.

“Cookie.” Percy solemnly agreed, nodding very seriously at his brother, both children biting into their cookies, simultaneously grinning ear to ear at the sweet taste of butter and chocolate.

Sally contently closed her eyes, breathed in and out, leaning against Tsuyoshi, who in turn laid his warm hands over her own. This really was the perfect spot. The shade from the back groves not only perfectly protected them all from the summer heat but created a mosaic of leaves and scattered sunlight above them.

Using his free hand, Tsuyoshi took out another cookie for himself to munch on. Taking his first bite, he would forever be in awe of Sally’s baking prowess. It was incredible how she was able to balance out the perfect amount of sweetness and texture with her cookies, along with making them all blue.

“How are they?” Sally suddenly asked, still leaning against him, one lazy eye cracked open.

Gesturing towards the still smiling children, “do you even need to ask?” Tsuyoshi quipped.

Sally nestled herself deeper into him, shifting to a better position leaning against him. “Yes,” she insisted, “I asked if you liked them, not the kids, Tsuyoshi.”

Taking another bite, he gave her a quick hum, pretending to be in deep consideration over her question, tightening his grip on his leaking flames. Keeping flames under wrap was always harder around the people Tsuyoshi trusted.

“So? What do you think about my cookies?” Sally questioned, blinking some of the sleep from her eyes.

“I think they’re just wonderful. I’ve honestly never had a cookie as good as your blue ones,” Tsuyoshi proclaimed, leaning his own head slightly against her.

Playfully rolling her eyes, Sally allowed herself to fall back into the pleasant tranquility she always felt around Tsuyoshi. So, when familiar calloused hands lifted her back into the world of wakefulness, Sally couldn’t help but let out a pout as she forced her eyes open to face the source of both her comfort and slight affront.

“Come on Tsuyoshi, our kids are fine and I don’t have any work today.” The said children, who were now also slowly nodding off, likely a combination of his leaking rain flames and the sugar crash they were both experiencing.

Normally his flames out be as tightly bundled as a chrysalis wrapped against a butterfly, but today, he had unknowing started to lower his walls. Six months ago, he would’ve thought himself to be insane to do this, but there was something so inherently captivating about the woman currently leaning against him that his trained iron clad control started to unravel.

And there wasn’t really anything he could do, he was helpless against Sally Jackson, his new neighbor and lover who wormed both herself and her charming child into his heart, a place he had once thought could only contain the memories of Mokona and Takeshi. She was both a supernova and the grounding force he had been looking for, for so long. Tsuyoshi would’ve almost compared it to finding a warm bright sky willing to accept his drowning rain, except Sally wasn’t a sky, nor anywhere near flame active, if anything he could almost taste the faint ozone settling onto his senses.

Sally opened her arms, allowing for a drooping Percy and Takeshi to fall into her lap, Takeshi either unknowing or unbothered by the fact he was being used as a human teddy bear by Percy.

Just six months ago, Tsuyoshi would’ve murdered anyone daring to lay their hands onto his son; Takeshi being the only person he had left. Takeshi himself, almost immediately after Mokona’s murder, closed himself off to anyone who wasn’t Tsuyoshi. It had broken his heart to watch his too young son close himself off, not quite understanding, but intrinsically aware of how something was deeply wrong, and how he and his father need to leave home.

But now, Takeshi would eagerly take in the contact Percy ardently provided, even something reaching out on his own without prompting from Percy. Tsuyoshi didn’t think he would ever have words to describe how he felt when he came across Percy and Takeshi asleep on the couch, having overexerted themselves. When Sally came across the three of them, they shared a loving gaze before Sally cover the two children with a blanket.

Having their two children laying on the worn, but loved, picnic blanket, with Sally’s gentle hand beneath his own, Tsuyoshi couldn’t help but wish these moments would last forever; all his loved ones safe and content all around him.

Sally, as if sensing his serenity, kissed his cheek, and once again laid her head within the crook of his neck.

Tsuyoshi had once believed with Mokona’s death, Takeshi would become the only thing he could live for.

And now, Tsuyoshi was so happy his past self was wrong.

Dad is happy now. He wasn’t happy before, he was really sad, but now he’s happy.

He missed seeing his father so happy. Of course, when mom when to sleep (forever) he was really sad too. But it also really hurt seeing dad feel so sad but try to hide it from me.

Dad’s new friend Sally is really nice too, her cookies are the best. So is Percy. They both feel really warm, like mom was.

It's really nice here.

No matter how long he had to accustom himself to American cuisine, there would never be anything that could replicate the taste of his motherland. Sally was a wonderful cook; Tsuyoshi had never tasted a lasagna the way Sally could whip up on an empty Saturday.

Tsuyoshi was no slouch in the kitchen either, he had developed quite a pallet for raw ingredients, and his knife skills were second to none. Both of these things, plus others, are what helped contribute to landing Tsuyoshi his current job.

“No, Percy, you need to spread the rice like this, we want nice even layers.” Tsuyoshi gingerly removed Percy’s already sticky fingers to demonstrate the motion.

Watching carefully, Percy started again, this time taking more time to slowly apply the rice in a more even manner, absentmindedly eating the few stubborn grains stuck on his hand.

White lumps of rice were scatter across the seaweed like piles of snow after a winter’s night. Percy gave Tsuyoshi a proud grin. “How’s that?” Percy eagerly asked, releasing an ecstatic cheer as Tsuyoshi gave him an approving nod.

“Excellent work; now let's put the filling inside, cucumbers or tuna mayo first?” Percy pointed towards the pink fish, “tuna first, and then the cucumber.”

Giving Percy another nod, the tuna mayo was arranged in a wobbly log, before sticks of cucumbers were laid alongside the pinkish white log of fish. Rolling up sushi rolls without a proper bamboo mat was a test in patience itself, but the parchments placed beneath the seaweed prevented any major sticking. Soon enough, Percy’s very own sushi roll stood amidst the other rolls of Tsuyoshi’s own creation.

Sally had also contributed to the sushi pile, at first glance her rolls were almost identical to Tsuyoshi’s, however at a closer inspection, faint indentations and uneven layers of rice peeked through the ends of the rolls.

Despite the slight finger indentations on his roll, Percy marveled at his creation. It wasn’t anywhere near the restaurant quality Tsuyoshi was used to, but for a first attempt, he couldn’t have been prouder of the misshapen roll.

Placing another seaweed onto the parchment paper, Tsuyoshi scoops another small mound of rice onto the black sheet, his assistant chef eagerly bonding over, already spreading the rice around.

Tsuyoshi watched with a discerning eye, pointing out any forgotten major rice lumps. It was clear Percy was applying his full attention onto the roll, the filling diligently and delicately being molded by his fingers.

When it came to rolling it, Tsuyoshi took the reins, allowing Percy to give his roll the final squeeze.

“Mom, mom, I made another one, Mr. Tsuyoshi is really good at making sushi.”

Sally looked up from her notepad, reaching out to give her son a warm ruffle on the head.

“It looks fantastic dear, I’m positive dinner’s gonna be wonderful.”

Dinner was wonderful.

Percy insisting that his mom try his rolls, giddy with joy at every approving noise made by Sally. Sally in turn insisted Percy and Tsuyoshi try her own rolls, smiling at Percy ravenously devouring the rolls. Tsuyoshi ate at a more subdued pace, savoring the rolls Sally made.

“They taste wonderful love.”

“When you’re mixing the rice, keep the paddle moving with short chopping motions, you want to thoroughly mix the vinegar with every grain.”

The paddle was kept at a near forty-five, even ninety sometimes, degrees, moving in short chopping motions.

“Now move them all to one side, make a pile of rice, and mix it like this-”

Rice clumps were broken down with each layer, the paddle still constantly mixing.

“-we want to mix it all before it gets cold, gently and quickly. Always use this chopping motion alright, otherwise you’ll squish or destroy the grains.”

Even as he spoke instructions to Tsuyoshi, the paddle never stopped its motion, still constantly moving.

“Keep an eye on the rice at all times, if you do this absentmindedly, you will overmix the rice and it will become sticky. We want sushi rice, not mochi.”

Tsuyoshi nodded, filling the information away.

“Now in the past, people would fan around the rice to turn it glossy, but we just tidy it up-”

Individual grains were cleaned from the sides and tucked into the mass of individual grains.

“-and leave them be for now.”

It was clear how much Chef Tetsu loved his craft. His fluid motions spoke for themselves, reminding Tsuyoshi of the hours he would take to practice the blade.

There would never be a time where Tsuyoshi wouldn’t regret the innocent blood split by his hands, but Tsuyoshi could never deny how his blood sang with every robust swing and parry of Shigure Kintoki. Just the sheer act of dancing alongside his oldest friend, an extension of his own arm would fill him with pure adrenaline.

Chef Tetsu’s paddle sang to him like a blade would serenade sweet melodies to him.

“Does this all make sense to you Yamamoto-san?”

Tsuyoshi nodded his head, his mental notes still filling themselves into his brain.

“Hai, thank you Tetsu-san for showing me this.”

“No problem. It’s not often I find such a passion for this craft from someone, and it’s already such a blessing to have you here Yamamoto-san,” his non knife holding hand was held parallel to the flatly arranged rice. “Now, remember, when the rice is just a bit lower than your body temperature-” the paddle was picked up, “-you want to flip the rice over just like this, made sure when you’re doing this not to squish the rice, be gentle with them.”

“We want to do this so both sides get cooled and dried to the right temperature, not just one side.”

From underneath, he brought out a medium sized cylinder bucket, it looked like the inside of a bamboo shoot, except the bamboo had decided to grow in width instead, amassing a sizable diameter.

“This is the ohitsu that I like to use, it was a present my master gave me when I finished my apprenticeship under him.”

There was the slightest hint of nostalgia before teaching mode once again set over him.

“Scope up just the amount of rice -some people call it Shari- you need to make the Su, gently place it in here and there you go, rice ready to be transformed into Sushi.”

There was no warning before Chef Tetsu handed him his paddle, a challenge silently given.

“Let’s see how much of that you retained.”

And no one’s ever said Tsuyoshi was the type of person to back down from a challenge.

His phone buzzed.

This normally wouldn’t be a cause for much concern as he had taken up an offer to start apprenticing with the head sushi chef after working as a runner in a rather nice Japanese restaurant for a few months.

But it wasn't his work phone that rang.

Buzz

He did not want to pick up the phone.

Buzz

Tsuyoshi picked up the phone and held it up to his ear.

He listened.

The call ended.

Tsuyoshi allowed himself a moment of solace before mechanically moving to remove his floorboards.

Chapter Text

There was a sort of poetic irony in what was happening. Perhaps if he were a poet, Tsuyoshi would’ve been able to regale on about this cruel twist in fate.   

The crimson skies echoed his melancholy, the oval window making the vast oversewn word seem so small.   

Tsuyoshi didn’t want to pick up the phone that night. With Sally’s help, Takeshi had been placed in a rather favorable position in a nice preschool starting the following year. He had built a life for himself and his son here, he had built it out of the smoldering remains of his previous life, he did not want to pick up the phone.  

There was only one contact on that specific phone.   

And when he did pick up the phone, any and all hope he might’ve had were snuffed out with a few single words.  

“I’m calling in the favor.”  

Tsuyoshi remembered how his benumbed ears listened to the words while his mind ran rampant. It was like someone had removed the colored lens from his life, his hues of love, peace and familiarity fading back to his old monotone shades of apathy and despair.  

(“I’m sorry Yamamoto-san")  

There was nothing he wanted more than to ignore the world and return, to continue making sushi with Percy, someone he had started to regard like as his own son, and to create more memories with Sally.   

But he couldn’t ignore Kurokawa’s words. Tsuyoshi knew what he as getting into when he asked for Kurokawa’s help in coming to America. In exchange for her help, the Aoi Shinigami would owe her an equal favor in turn.  

The dull empty droning of the plane’s engines always brought Tsuyoshi back from whatever fantasy he would conjure of going back to their little apartment. It wasn’t really his home anymore either, he had lost any claim to that word as soon as he boarded the plane back to Japan. If he were to really return, Tsuyoshi was under no impression he would be able to go back in any reason amount of time.   

This wasn’t going to be a normal fight, this was a turf war, one waged by goddamn Hibari clan.   

No one was happy at how much power and influence the Hibari clan were amassing. Tsuyoshi remembered how his ‘colleagues’ always grumbled about the Hibari clan, unhappy but unwilling to snap the fragile balance. No one, barring maybe the Hibaris themselves, liked what was going on, but there was order, and no one was willing to be the cause for its ruin. Gangs and organizations, like the ones Tsuyoshi used to be a part of, would send runners barely skirting the edges of their area; and in return for not brutalizing the runners, the current Hibari head would take a cut of the money.   

This all worked well enough, until Hibari Sota was killed by a branch family, resentful of the head’s dealings with taking bribes.   

Hibari Hinato, now the current head, had made it very clear that she wouldn’t be honoring her predecessor's deals. Tsuyoshi remembered Kurokawa’s cracking voice betraying her otherwise monotone message. The last head’s arrangement didn’t exactly fill anyone with joy, but no one wanted to do anything in fear of this precise predicament happening.   

And Tsuyoshi was going to help fight in a war he had no part of. It wasn’t all that difficult to his past, before Sally, before Mokona. It was just one fight after the other with the occasional minor turf war against the any particular gang his former Oyabun thought needed trimming down. Turf wars were messy, especially when there were flame active organizations acting against each other with no Sky to defuse the situation.   

Tsuyoshi would never understand the mindset of young delinquents, romanticizing the criminal lifestyle. At least Tsuyoshi had the excuse of having no choice. There was nothing glamorous about it. It was bad enough to get involved with organized crime, but even stepping one foot into the flame community was enough to lock you in, the Vindice or death being the graves you would lie in.  

There was a trick to it honestly, cut off the head and watch as the body would run like a chicken. No dismantling troublesome organizations weren’t the problem, they certainly wouldn’t pose any problem to the illustrious Hibari clan, if the current head’s prowess were to be believed, an extremely powerful Sun with a potent Cloud secondary if Kurokawa’s information was to be trusted (he could hear her mental scoff at him).   

Tsuyoshi picked up his now lukewarm tea, it was over steeped and too bitter. It was all Tsuyoshi could stomach. He had tried to eat during the flight, but his turbulent emotions paired with the churning of his guts had even the plainest of foods untouched. The tea wouldn’t really be of any help, but even the slightest bit of familiarity might help settle him.  

 It didn’t help much.   

Takeshi lay sleeping beside him, a new blue beanie adorning his soft black locks. He had debated leaving him with Sally, away from the bloodbath, but in the end, Tsuyoshi allowed himself this one selfishness.   

It would also be unfair for him to disappear, and to expect for Sally to care for both children, even if she would take Takeshi in a heartbeat. Tsuyoshi was many things, some of which he was not proud of, but he refused to abandon his son like his father did to him.  

If all went well, Takeshi would be exposed to none of the violence, and they would all go back to New York before the year ended.   

(there was little hope of this happening)   

But if this fail, and he had left Takeshi behind, there was no doubt that they would send people to bring Tsuyoshi his son’s bloody head (alongside Sally and Percy’s removed fingers).   

Everyone knew the reason the Aoi Shinigami left the game was because of his wife and son.   

They already knew of Takeshi, and they would find him. But Sally and Percy would be safe.   

Sour tears ran down Tsuyoshi’s eyes, his hand clutching his face as silent shudders wracked through his frame, white knuckles once again clinging to his seat.   

His son lay next to him, sleeping away, the roaring engine singing a familiar lullaby.   

________________________________________  

He didn’t even wake her for a tear felt goodbye. Sally had compared their love to the long romcoms Sally would watch when she was still in high school, long and slightly tedious to watch, but it was exactly the cheesy love and family dynamics tropes she loved to watch.   

Except Tsuyoshi choose the worst cliché to choose from.   

A single note was all the explanation there was when Sally awoke to an empty bed.   

Sally  

I need to go back, please don’t look for me. If it all goes well, we’ll be back before you know it, maybe six months, a year at worst.   

I’m sorry, and I love you and Percy so much.   

Tsuyoshi   

Sally flipped the note over.   

( burn this after you read the note, no one can see this was from me)   

There was a cheap dollar store lighter in her other hand. Sally had considered for a wild second on whether or not to add a box of cigarettes to her purchase; but the second passed and the lighter was the only thing weighing on her pockets.   

(Her fingers still itched)  

Sally opened the balcony door, empty flower plots littered on the edges. The city that never slept certainly lived up to its name, cars and taxis still roaring on the street, the nightlife alive and prowling down every street. Endless lights burned in every building.   

What was one more?    

Sally thought before the piece of paper was lit ablaze, adding one more flame to the hearth of New York  

__________________________________  

You never really know how many objects you own until they are what weight you down. It was a familiar mantra Sally has heard from every graduating senior when she still went to school. It's always the myriad of objects that forced you to open your eyes on how much easier your parents had made moving seem like.   

Sally had tried to convince Tsuyoshi to get a rice cooker, even a second hand one, but every time she brought it up, he would only shake his head and then proceed to redirect the conversation until the topic was thoroughly forgotten.   

Whenever it was new appliances or clothes, if Tsuyoshi hadn’t deemed it wholly necessary, convincing him to buy it was a herculean task in itself.   

Sally was no stranger to how expensive clothes were. Every year, thinning shirts would sprout holes like it was a competition. Quality was always valued over quantity, as seemingly everything, but especially threadbare shoes would always endeavor to imitate Swiss cheese. Having lived in relative poverty her entire life, Sally could confidently say she knew how to stretch every dollar in shopping for clothes. It came quite in handy with Percy shooting up seemingly every month during his infant years, new holes unfurling themselves every other week.   

While they weren’t exactly the most well off at time, Sally always made sure Percy would have more than enough clothes for him to wear a different shirt every day for a week. Over time, it had become a source of pride for Sally, proof her boy would always have clothes on his back.   

Tsuyoshi on the other hand, never even gave the slightest indication of his thoughts on his wardrobe. Sally remembered how Tsuyoshi would seemingly only wear the same two outfits interchangeably throughout the week, decorated with a single stylish jacket.   

It always added a welcomed splash of color to their room, thought Sally, eyeing the empty hanger in which the jacket used to hang.   

The barren room of her (former?) lover’s and son’s room did nothing but further drive in how little of them remained; Sally couldn’t decide whether the barren bedroom was mocking her, or silently grieving alongside her.   

It had taken a considerable amount of effort to convince him to accept the occasional shirt Sally had convinced Tsuyoshi he would need, specifically during the days leading up to his restaurant job interview. If working any jobs in service had taught Sally anything, it was that customers would tear into any employees for the smallest of reasons, a crumpled and slightly stained shirt was practically blood in the water for them. And in the end, both Takeshi and Tsuyoshi ended up the proud new owners of a couple shirts, pants, a hoodie, and a hat for each of them.   

She had gifted Takeshi an adorable little beanie for his birthday. It was a tad oversized, and Sally remembered how the edges of the wool would start to overshadow Takeshi’s eyes, but knowing what she did, Sally was certain that Takeshi would still be able to wear in for a few years longer than most toddler hats.   

Riffling through the two apartments, the blue beanie was nowhere to be found; Sally hoped this meant it was currently fitted on Takeshi; he had seemed rather fond of the hat.   

Tsuyoshi had been a harder sell. Ultimately, he accepted a navy-blue baseball cap, with the signature New York capital N embroidered front and center of the cap. He had taken to wearing it whenever he could, winking at Sally every time he wore the cap.   

The cap was also nowhere to be found.  

A small click at the door indicated Percy’s entry. The threadbare mattresses sagged under their combined weight. They both hadn’t taken Tsuyoshi’s disappearance well, Percy’s grade plummeting as a result. Mrs. Moores had expressed her concern over her student’s sudden drop in motivation, but it was clear she had in real interest and was only asking as a formality.   

It was like a warmth of their home had been smothered. Neither of them realised how cold their lives had been until the hearth disappeared. It wasn’t to say their home no longer felt a home, Sally had kept the embers alive for as long as she’d needed to, giving her utmost to shield her son from the cold. However, there was now a distinct lack of the calm tranquility Tsuyoshi always seemed to emanate. Together, Sally had provided the warm, and Tsuyoshi had kept their home a safe place.   

An arm automatically gathered Percy’s frame closer towards her, a stilted silence echoing between them.   

It had seemed like only a day had gone by since Sally had woken up to an empty bed, and a now gone note. Ever since then, every room, drawer, and closet had been searched through thrice times over. There was nothing left of them she could find, even the smallest of traces had seemingly vanished, only a faint tomato stain marking the floorboards remained.   

“Mom?” Percy sniffled, reaching over to her, “why did he have to leave?”  

A wedge plunged itself, furthering the invisible gap. “I don’t know,” Sally finally admitted, unsure of how else to respond.   

A wet patch began to grow stained.   

“I’m sorry, I promise I’ll be better.”  

What?   

“Just please don’t cry Mom, I’ll be the best student and won’t get expelled again, I promise.” Percy sobbed into his mother’s crouched frame.   

Touching her face, Sally stared jarring –droplets rested on her fingers- she hadn’t realized the tears had started to fall again.   

“It was never your fault.” Sally kissed the top of her son’s head, the family once again alone with only each other for comfort.  

“B-but,” pockets of fabric clenched beneath his small fists. “Why did he leave? I want my dad back.”   

“Shhhh, Percy dear, Mom’s got you, none of this is your fault.” Sally soothed,   

She lifted Percy’s small body into the crook of her arms, weaving fingers through the back of his head, her own sorrow hidden from her son’s view.  

There were some parents who believed children shouldn’t be coddled after; Sally was not one of them. She was a firm believer everyone, especially her son, needed to be loved and consoled in times of grief.  

It didn’t matter what the reason was, Tsuyoshi made her baby cry.   

Sally wasn’t afraid to admit she loved Tsuyoshi; she loved him in a way she had once thought to be impossible after Poseidon had vanished from her life.   

Maybe her love life really was cursed. All the men Sally had ever opened her heart to, had left, only to leave an impossible burden upon her child.   

A child should never be blamed or blame themselves for an adult’s actions. So why was Sally helpless to do anything to help with Percy’s tears.   

Sally laid another kiss to Percy’s head, wanting nothing more than to hid him away from the world in layers and layers of love and warmth, something the world seems to constantly steal yet always lack.  

Chapter Text

Takeshi was upset. It was easy to notice the signs, a lack of appetite, a hush in what used to be an endless stream of chatter, and a refusal to talk with Tsuyoshi about how to make him feel better. Tsuyoshi had tried everything, but nothing helped, the closest he had gotten was Takeshi muttering a quiet “Sa-Sa” and Tsuyoshi-   

he didn’t know what to do in response to his child’s words, his desire for something he couldn’t give   

-made sure Takeshi was fed before walking away like he had done all his life.   

Life outside wasn’t exactly better either, but at least he’d known what to do. Tsuyoshi hated how familiar this all was, the constant rushes of adrenaline coursing through him, waking him during the twilight hours of dark, wondering if one day he would see a splatter of blood where he’d last left Takeshi. One night it would be his son, the next showing Percy, other times is would be Sally, limbs flayed with her dead eyes starring accusingly at him, a direct replica of the night he saw Mokona for the last time.  

And Tsuyoshi didn’t know what to do, he felt like a once tethered sailboat, ripped from its port desperately struggling to stay afloat amidst turbulent waves crashing against its hull. Water was seeping into the cracks, silently sinking him deeper into the unknown depths.   

Kurokawa has been stubbornly tight lipped about what he was supposed to do, always excusing herself so he could ‘adjust to being in Japan again’ and ‘to take care of your son’. The last one would always shut him up, probably why she used it the most.   

 It never kept him away for long though, Tsuyoshi was never a skilled tracker, but he didn’t need to be to find Kurokawa.   

He would get his answers (and he thinks he already knows the answers)   

__________________________________________________  

“Are you kidding me?”   

“Unfortunately, not,” Kurokawa dryly responded  

And as much as Tsuyoshi wished to continue dissecting the flaws in the current plan, at the end of the day, he was only there to pay off his debts. Tsuyoshi warily eyed the Hibari head. “Apologies for my disruption.”   

The head shiftily smiled. “Non taken. Kurokawa-san if you will.”   

The attention having been brought back to her, Kurokawa straightened up, any levity from the previous moment gone.   

“The Bofuu Kai have agreed to lend their support in defending the west side and possible reinforcements, specifically to go against the Goyona Hebi Ikka with the Hibari family’s support. Knowing this, we can have them border the west and use-”  

The plan in essence was quite simple, it was a battle for control over the area and dealings within it. The Hibari head of the formerly branch now main family, wished to cement her control over the town and dealings with the relevant organizations her predecessor had dealings with. However, due to the sudden violent takeover within the family, many of the organized groups were displeased with the new head and her actions and banding under the Goyona Hebi Ikka name, wished to reinstall a member of the former main family back as the head of the clan.  

“- they’re rumored to have Hibari Shin leading one of the companies near the-”  

Hibari Hinato had the skills and power to back up her claim, yet she lacked both the influence and manpower to maintain her fragile position as head of the family. She had managed to ally herself with the Bofuu Kai, a relatively new group with a rumored Sky as its head, to support her and offer them their resources and backing as the new head if she were to prove her ability to not fold under the first wave of attacks from the opposition.  

But to do so she needed notable names to support her.  

“-and that’s where you come in Yamamoto-san-”  

A name like the Aoi Shinigami.  

Chapter Text

It was a quiet evening, only the threading of suture wire and dabbing of leaking blood to be faintly heard. Tsuyoshi grimaced at a particularly sharp pull, the wire finally closing the rather nasty gash on his shoulder.   

“You know you could’ve just asked for some help instead of trying to shoulder it on your own.” Kurokawa commented, her tense frame betraying the nonchalance in her tone. It had been a long night for all of them.  

Any other time or day Tsuyoshi might’ve let out a small chuckle at the pun; but he couldn’t, not at this moment and especially not at her.   

“Where’s Takeshi?” Tsuyoshi immediately questioned, internally wincing at his curt tone, watching as any levity left leave Kurokawa’s face.   

Pushing herself off the wall, Kurokawa helped him put away the last of first aid kit and dispose of his dripping needle. “Hibari-san wants a debriefing meeting soon around the coffee table.” Grasping his arm to help him up, taking care to avoid aggravating the recently done stiches, Kurokawa hefted him up and towards the door. “Takeshi’s in bed, managed to tire him out with an old softball,” She answered before Tsuyoshi could repeat himself.   

Even knowing he shouldn’t, Tsuyoshi couldn’t help but question, “About the softb-”  

“Takeshi’s fine. It was an old worn one that barely anyone recently used, it was even cleaned before we gave it to him, though it didn’t really stay that way, and Yami kept an eye on him.” She answered with the natural premonition that all mists seemingly inherited alongside their flames. And while it mostly used as an inside joke to needle mist users, there were rumors on how the Arcobaleno, Viper took their inborn premonition and turned it into a very lucrative ability to locate individuals using a unique form of thoughtography.   

Tsuyoshi’s worries now firmly put to ease, they continued their walk towards the living room, where the coffee table was located, for the debriefing with Hibari-san and the others, the first of many to come.   

_________________________________________________________  

 School would begin in a month, while much to Percy’s chagrin. Sally was just thankful she’d been able to find one at such a short notice. Nobody liked to take in recently expelled children, but thanks to Percy’s relative young age, learning disabilities, and a decently sympathetic principle, they were able to find a new school who’d be willing to take him in for the new school year.   

With Tsuyoshi’s help and encouragement, Sally had hoped that the new trend of Percy’s rising grades would continue and allow for him to stay at the same school for his third year.   

Yet with Tsuyoshi and Takeshi’s sudden departure from their lives, Percy had fallen into a slump, his grades plummeting back down, despite Sally’s encouragements. His teacher, whose impression of Percy had been steadily increasing along his grades, went right back, alongside his dropping grades, to where it was before. The other kids, having noticed this, took it as their sign that Percy was now a bit too weird for them and started actively avoiding him, further adding to his descending grades and overall mood.   

Sally had a meeting with Mrs. Moores about her concerns about Percy’s sharp decline, but a few minutes into theit meeting, Sally already knew Mrs. Moores had given up on Percy, never really having believed in him, seeing his rise in grades being nothing but a last-ditch attempt before his inevitable fall back down. The entire conference being nothing but the teacher showcasing her thinly veiled vindicated in her judgement of Percy Jackson as nothing but a nasty boy that would accomplish nothing but trouble for others. Sally left the conversation, feeling nothing but anger towards the teacher’s dismissive behavior towards Percy and blatant digs towards her as a single mother with a child out of wedlock, not even trying to hide her opinion of Sally and others like her, showing exactly where she thought Percy’s flaws were to origin from.   

The goodwill she had initially shown Percy ealier that year having vanished alongside with Tsuyoshi.   

She apparently also hadn’t been very subtle in her opinion of her son during class, as the rest of the students had soon picked up on their teacher’s attitude towards Percy and started imitating Mrs. Moores’s dislike of him, leading to many children starting to belittle and call him names.   

Sally had always taught Percy to be the bigger person, to not start fights and to take deep breaths to calm himself rather than to throw a punch towards others. However, after an entire month of belittlement with little to no reprimanding from the teacher lead to the students escalating things until only a month after their previous meeting, Sally was once again called into the school to be informed of how her son had attacked several students and broken one of their noses, and how he would not be welcomed back the following year.   

During the quiet ride back home, Percy frustratedly huffed and puffed the entire way back, refusing to explain the reason for his sudden aggression despite Sally’s pleading.   

He angerly wolfed down a plate of spaghetti before storming off to bed, but not before Sally could see how his resentment had bubbled up, forming tears in his eyes that Percy was desperate to hide.   

Sally gave him five minutes before she entered with him.  

In the quiet of his room and cocooned in the comforts of his blanket, Sally hummed a half-remembered melody to her son before she softly asked again, making sure it was clear there was no obligation to answer.   

And this time, he answered.   

“They said it was because of me he left, dad- I mean Mr. Tsuyoshi.” And with those words, his emotions swelled up till they overflowed from his eyes, trembling as he tried to show a strong face to his mother who once again gently embraced her son.   

“Oh, baby you know that isn’t true, Tsuyoshi loved you like he loved his son, like how much I love you.” Sally soothed, now knowing Percy’s outburst had been the results of him bottling this up ever since Tsuyoshi disappeared from their lives.   

“But what if they were right? What if he left b-because of me, what if he knew that I wouldn’t be able to do anything and left because of it.” The words that left Percy’s lips bared his soul towards his mother, every tiny little doubt starting to spill from his mouth like the stars falling from the heavens and crashing towards the harsh unforgiving Earth.   

“And he was right mom, I promised I would be a good student and not get expelled, but I lied, and Mrs. Moores said liars are all terrible people that are going to hell.” His voice crescendoed and trembled. “I just want my dad back, I’m really sorry I drove him away mom,” Percy stuttered out as his well of words left to say finally dried out, his tears continuing to spill out of both anger and a deep pervasive shame.   

“Percy dear listen to me-” Sally reached out to wipe the tears and snot from her son’s face, “-you, did nothing wrong you hear me, nothing wrong. All those kids who said that to you were all wrong, they don’t know anything about what they’re talking about. If they told you Tsuyoshi, your dad left because of you, they are wrong because Tsuyoshi told me himself, that he loves you.” Sally tenderly kissed her son’s forehead, continuing to embrace him as she continued to say what he needed to hear all this time.   

“You are a wonderful and a joy to be around, and I am so proud that you are my son and that I am your mother.” Sally kissed him again. “Don’t listen to what they tell you, I love you, Takeshi loves you, and Tsuyoshi loves you. And if your classmates say otherwise, they’re wrong, okay. You are loved by so many people, and nothing anybody said will change the fact we all love you.”   

Percy quietly shifted. “But I heard Mrs. Moores saying to another teacher that I’m the reason I don’t have a dad, and she’s my teacher.” Percy ended hesitantly, as if fearing Mrs. Moores would appear from the closest to counter his words and label him a liar.   

Sally stilled in her embrace before giving him the tightest and warmest hug she could give. “Then your teacher was wrong.”   

Sally couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at Percy’s amazed expression at her words.   

“Teachers can be wrong?” Percy looked both amazed at this revelation.   

“Yes, teachers can be wrong, and Mrs. Moores is especially wrong, do you know why?”  

“Why” Percy asked shyly, as if afraid she would rescind her offer if he spoke too loudly.   

“Because you are loved Percy,” she gave one final kiss to Percy’s brow, “and we all love you so much.  

“Goodnight Percy”  

_________________________________________________________  

Tsuyoshi looked down in awe at his son, already in bed and fast asleep after a day of playing catch with his softball.   

He kissed between his son’s brows. “Goodnight Takeshi.”