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It’s funny, Kaito comes to the conclusion, how the same situation could be perceived so differently purely based on the context that surrounded it.
To the eyes of the rest of the world, this would seem like a normal dinner; the kind Tsukumo family extending their gift of cooking to a close friend and tutor of one of their youngest, a tutor who couldn’t even boil water correctly to save his life. The siblings at the table fighting for the best pieces, the grandmother laughing while encouraging their guest to eat more, jokes shared, a kick under the table here and there, Obomi mumbling under her breath how filthy humans are as she picks up the dishes, and Kaito trying his best to come out of his social shell.
Yes, to the eyes of most, this is a meal like any other, no different from when Mihael or Kotori come to eat over.
But the reality is anything but.
Sure, the food is delicious, grandma Haru has her kind smile as usual, Akari is yelling at both her little siblings, Rei is glaring daggers at Kaito like he always does, and Obomi is ratting on about much she hates filth, while dutifully cleaning as always because she’s fond of her little filth makers.
But Kaito and Yuma are different. Kaito is quieter than usual, avoiding granny’s eyes whenever she pipes at him in concern, not glaring back when Vector does it, which only makes the ginger more suspicious, and Yuma hasn’t even bothered to try and get any cutlet at all, much less the best pieces. Unknown to the rest of them, they are holding hands under the table, their hands wet with cold sweat.
This is because today is the day. The moment they finally reveal they are dating, have been for around eight months now. Which would be nerve wrecking enough, except…Yuma isn’t even seventeen yet, and both of them are afraid this is the last time they’ll be together, even if Yuma tried to be all optimistic.
Vector has gotten strangely quiet. Given that he knows already, Kaito has the feeling he’s picked up on the mood and has figured out what’s about to happen. Kaito is unsure whether his silence is a good sign or not, only consoling himself with the fact that, if the ginger really wanted them to break up, he would have betrayed Yuma already.
But that’s not much. Maybe he only did that so he wouldn’t make Yuma sad, but, if the rest of the family pales in horror at the situation, he might, at the very least, do nothing to defend them.
Kaito is dreading the results already, and given the fact that Yuma hasn’t taken the opportunity to say anything, he likely is too. Which begs the question…why are they doing this anyway?
Oh, right, because Yuma feels guilty for keeping things from the women who love him, and it’s not fair, given that Kaito’s entire family already knows. Granted, it wasn’t on purpose, Haruto had figured it out by himself, and as for Faker, well, they kind of kissed in front of him without noticing the man was there. Oops. To his credit, he hadn’t said anything for days, only making a comment when Kaito went out that Sunday to ‘enjoy the vitality of youth’, which Kaito would have taken offence to…if the man didn’t have tears in his eyes while he said it.
Who knows what that was about. Kaito didn’t care to find out, only glad the man didn’t scold him for dating a minor. Then again, his mother had been ten years younger and a college intern when she got pregnant with Kaito so…don’t throw stones and all.
And again, not like what he thought mattered, so heh.
Either way, he does understand why Yuma would want his family (or at least the segment that matters, cough) to know, but he also thinks it’s a bit imbalanced. Kaito only has two people on his end, Yuma has four. Can’t they just tell Obomi and call it even? After all, Orbital and the babies don’t know…they’re kinda, sorta family…the babies at least.
Well, too late to remember that argument. They’re here, and Yuma won’t let him excuse his odd behaviour with a bout of nausea. Regretfully so. Painfully so.
But...the meal is halfway done, they’ve separated their hands, and Yuma has made no move to say anything. When Kaito shoots him a look, Yuma just looks away and flinches into his shoulders…
Well, if Yuma isn’t going to say anything, Kaito isn’t either. And like this, they will be safe. Maybe not the most supportive attitude, but if it works, it works. He’ll just be extra supportive when he next sees Yuma upset about something at school, and that will alleviate his guilt. Everything will be perfect and predictable.
Of course, things have to be ruined, because it’s just how things go for Kaito Tenjo.
And, just like he expected, it’s the darned ginger bastard that does it, “So, Kaito, Yuma’s been going a lot to your place lately. Like clockwork, almost. You must know each other really well by now.” he starts, then his ugly face twists, and he leers proudly, “Maybe even biblically?”
Both of them choke, which of course only makes Vector grin more.
But before Kaito can even begin to fantasize about shoving a carrot down his throat, Akari stabs him with his chopsticks, “Don’t say such things at the table! Have some decency!” she scolds as Vector whines in pain, “Besides, we know Yuma is going there to study and duel as a reward, which is why he has better grades than you now. If you scare off Kaito with your talk…”
She turns to Vector, and slowly opens her chopsticks, only to close them brutally. Vector swallows a knot in his throat. Kaito has no idea what threat she just implied, he assumes it’s something to do with testicles, but either way, he’s glad the older sister just unknowingly came to their rescue.
“Yes, we’ve been studying a lot. And sometimes going out to restaurants…because I can’t cook, and take-out all the time isn’t healthy.” he excuses, because he figures Vector might say they’ve been seen outside the tower by Yuma’s friends, so addressing it on his own terms cuts down that avenue for him.
In one way, it works, as Vector bites his lip for a brief second.
On the other hand, it causes Haru to coo with sympathy, “Oh, that’s sweet of you, but it can’t be good for your finances. Why not study here once in a while, I’m more than happy to cook for you!”
He can’t help but throw Yuma a brief glance, who for once keeps a spotless poker face and just keeps eating, the traitor. Kaito is left to freak out on his own if he just made things harder for them, “It’s really no harm. My father is the biggest figure behind this town after all…” his voice sounds weak even to himself, as now he’s unsure if his wealth is really something he should be rubbing in their faces…that might harm his cause when the day/moment comes that he and Yuma have no choice but to tell.
Because he doubts that he can convince Yuma to keep this secret until they elope.
Vector grins, but mercifully, Akari comes to his rescue once more, “Nah, grandma, don’t encourage that. I don’t have money to give this one in order to kick him out every weekend, and Yuma isn’t going to get any studying done with him here.” she points at Vector with her chopsticks once more.
The older woman hums, seemingly disappointed, but also accepting that Akari has a point. Vector rolls his eyes and goes back to his food, and like that, Kaito thinks this is all done and over with. Perhaps, he should try babbling about some of his work, and hope the scientific terms confuse them enough to just nod their heads until dinner is done.
Sadly, he’s stopped as Yuma, head still lowered, puts down his chopsticks and mumbles, “Huh, there’s something I need to tell you guys…”
Kaito stills right on the spot. With Yuma initiating it, there’s nothing else he can do…and he knows it.
They decided this over a week ago, and he’s not ready at all.
Akari immediately purses her lips and furrows her brow, “Heh? I knew it had been far too long since you got yourself into trouble. It better not be life risking this time, or worse yet, it better not be that you’re going to study archaeology in college!” her tone rises by the second, and as a fellow older sibling, Kaito is quite jealous of the commanding presence her sheer tone conveys.
If only that was enough to deter Yuma. Alas, he’s so unfazed, it’s clear that he’s used to much worse, “It’s…” he pauses, glancing at Kaito for what seems to be hoping for support, but now it’s Kaito’s turn to ignore it. Forced to start this on his own, he meekly looks at his sister in the eye, “I’m…I’m sorta seeing someone.”
That wasn’t what Akari was expecting, going by the way her mouth hangs open, “Seeing…you mean, as in…dating?” she almost stumbles that last part.
As Vector’s face twists into a grin, someone recovers much faster, “Oh, it’s about time! You’re such a charming boy after all.” she leans in, managing to somehow wiggle her eyebrows while her eyes are completely still, “Well, who is it? What finally made you confess?”
There’s an undertone to her voice that betrays the fact she’s expecting a specific outcome. Kaito can guess who she’s hoping for…and it only makes him feel all the worse.
Yuma stalls, tapping his feet loudly under the table, “Well, actually, we’ve been dating for like…over half a year now.” he confesses, his eyes unable to settle down in one place.
That makes the two women shoot a glance at each other, “And you’re only telling us now, because…?” Akari baits, giving him no means to escape.
“Because…well, wanted to make sure it was even worth announcing.” he starts, and Kaito hates that choice of words. He’d be hurt, if he didn’t know it was a sheer miracle that Yuma wasn’t stuttering all over the place by now, or slobbering like a buffoon, “You know, like you shouldn’t announce a pregnancy too early on and all…”
Again, not the most fortunate choice of words there, “Pregnancy?!” Akari shrieks, “Yuma, you didn’t! I’ll kill you!”
Haru looks concerned, but before Kaito thinks to intervene, they’re saved…by Vector, of all people, “Pffft, shows how blind you are.”
His mocking tone immediately gets Akari more on edge, “What? Do you know something we don’t?!”
“Yeah!” Vector shrugs his shoulders right away, and for a moment, Kaito worries, “That Yuma is obviously gay, and even the girls in love with him know it. Sorry to ruin your hopes of him ending up with useless birdie, but not only is that unlikely because she’s the only girl we know that doesn’t duel, Yuma even noticing a woman’s boobs is less likely than me weeding the garden and shoving all the weeds up my ass.” he teases, waving his bowl all over the place before shoving more rice into his mouth, “And we haven’t weeded the garden out in weeks due to the weather!”
Truer words never spoken, even if vulgar. The language does make Akari even angrier, “You can’t be sure of tha—”
“He’s right.” Yuma intervenes with an awkward laugh, “I mean, maybe if I meet a killer lady duelist, I’d make an exception. As it is…yes, I’m dating a man. Not Kotori.” he ends off with a tone that reeks of finality.
Huh. So either Yuma figured out Kotori liked him from Vector’s words just now, or he’s known and played oblivious most of the time. Kaito has always suspected that to be the case, Yuma even sorta mentioned Mihael and Alit too, but he never had the courage to come out and confirm it, for some reason. Even now, he figures it doesn’t matter.
Definitely not now. There are other things to worry about, “Fine, fine.” Akari concedes. Granny just sighs, and Kaito hopes that’s just the disappointment of not being able to matchmake as she always wanted, not that she’s opposed to Yuma liking men in general, “So, which one of your many friends are you dating? Cause there’s a lot of them. We’re going to be here all night if you keep being so vague.”
She’s right, and this is where it all comes apart. The moment of truth and Yuma…just deflates, mouth agape, sweating profusely.
And of course, Vector chooses this moment to be quiet, never taking his eyes off the pair. Ginger butt hole.
But Kaito supposes that it’s time he takes the reins here. Yuma has done enough already, and even if he disagrees with this, it’s his job as his boyfriend to support him, “It’s me.” he says.
Simple, to the point, but his voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt. When the other two stare at him, he keeps still, so his body language can’t make them think it’s a diversion or worse, a joke.
This is it.
It seems to last forever. Nobody moves, nobody even dares to breathe, and his heart is beating so loud, he’s afraid they can hear it and ruin his composure. He wishes he could hold onto Yuma’s hand again, because he knows the other desperately needs it too, but he can’t. Doesn’t dare to.
After one last stare down, Akari sighs, “Okay. Makes sense, since he’s been visiting you like clockwork even before you became his tutor.” and then her eyes widen and her tone turns suspicious, “Heeey, you’re not fudging his grades because he’s making out with you in return, are you?”
Kaito has to blink several times before he even understands the question, “How could I? I am a scientist, not a high school teacher.” he points out, “Just thinking about that makes me shiver…dealing with so many people, no thanks…”
Truthfully, he was going to say ‘dealing with so many brats’, but given he’s dating a high school student, that wouldn’t paint him in a good light, would it? Good thing he’s been able to bite back some of his more cutting remarks ever since he began dating Yuma and deemed to let some of his sarcastic defences down.
Akari doesn’t seem convinced, “You just said your father is both influential and wealthy. I’m sure you could work something out.”
“First off, my father only found out last month.” he admits, not missing a beat, “And secondly, if I could have that kind of power, I’d use it to make sure Haruto would be automatically excluded from out of city field trips. Would have saved me one huge argument this month.”
He stares at her, daring her to challenge him, while Yuma laughs under his breath, “Heh…”
After losing another staring contest, Akari goes back to her food, “Well, okay then.” she says simply, “Suppose I can trust you to keep an eye on him. Not the worst option by far. Surprised Yuma’s your type, though.”
Not the most flattering words, but the fact he’s being accepted at all, is enough to make Kaito joke weakly, “But you’re not surprised I’m Yuma’s type?”
Finally, Akari laughs, “Like Rei said, he likes good duelists. You beat him after the WDC, didn’t you?” she asks, but never waits for an answer, “And he only tinkered with his deck after a video call with you, when you were abroad. I’m not dumb. You’re the only one who still excites him.” and then she smiles to herself, “Guess this explains his brief hopeful look before we found out it was Obomi and Nagging 7 getting married that one time, hah.”
Kaito gives Yuma a look, surprised. Yuma’s cheeky reaction, to scratch behind his head and blush, is all he needs to know. And it’s a nice thing to find out, for once. From his side, he never noticed anything, but then again, he was pretty thick when it came to social subtleties, especially at a time he was still closed off to love due to what happened with Chris.
Either way, he’s happy, so he sneakily grabs onto Yuma’s hand from under the table. Of course the other boy smiles, which might honestly give them away, but Kaito is far from caring at this point. This is done, this weight hanging over their shoulders, and none of the terrible things he imagined came to be. It was hard, but maybe Yuma had a point in wanting to tell.
Or at least, he thinks that, until Vector opens his stupid mouth once more, “Wait, no objections to this at all? Seriously?” he almost shouts.
Enraged, Kaito tries to kick his chins, but of course the bastard dodged it, “You’re okay with Yuma dating this guy?”
Akari only rolls her eyes, “Oh no, a wealthy, good-looking, responsible man, with a stable career already and dedicated to his family? What could be worse, considering Yuma’s motley crew of friends?” she cries in mock despair, “Besides, you shouldn’t talk when you can’t get a date, much less a significant other. Sorry that this is another part Yuma is showing you up on.”
Honestly, Kaito could almost kiss the woman, if he wasn’t as attracted to her as he is to a doorknob that is, sorry Akari. You do have Kaito’s full respect though, which, given they have nothing in common besides being older siblings, is as healthy a relationship as they can hope for.
But Vector doesn’t give up that easily. Of course he doesn’t, “Are you kidding me? You clearly had no idea the shit Yuma went through, do you?” he challenges, and at that, Kaito pales.
He knows darn well what he’s mentioning. Numbers Hunting. And as poetic as it would be for Kaito’s biggest sin to ruin his life…for once, he can’t bear the thought of that. Please, let him spend the rest of his days paying for it…but not like this…
And then Vector yelps, biting his tongue in the process. That gets him to stop talking, and when Akari gives him a curious look, he just flinches more before covering it up with an awkward smile.
Turning his head around, he quickly finds out the reason why; Yuma is biting his lip and almost glaring at the other. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that he’s crushing at least one of his feet. Kaito is surprised at first, then proud of his boyfriend for defending them like this, then remembers, given the shit the ginger did, it’s not like he has any room to talk anyway.
But still, good on Yuma for caring. He’s usually too nice to do something like this, even when people are calling him names to his face.
Akari loses interest in Vector pretty quickly, seemingly paying no mind to his statement, but sadly, the ginger isn’t done quite yet, “And seriously, Kaito is like, five years older. Isn’t this a crime and all?”
At that, Yuma’s eyes widen, and Kaito wishes he could punch the other. But that is the truth, why they didn’t say anything until now, so—
Strangely, Akari pales, turns her gaze towards Yuma, whose face twists into a knowing smile. Like that, she lowers her head, “…” and just keeps eating.
Both he and Vector seem shocked at her lack of reaction. Going by that brief sibling interaction, it seems there’s a reason behind this, but darn if Kaito has any clue what it is. And asking about it right now likely isn’t the best course of action. Later.
For now, it seems they are safe. Maybe she doesn’t fully approve, but she’s not doing anything to stop them. He’ll take what he can get, and hope her opinion of him improves over the years, especially when Yuma becomes an adult and no one cares any longer. With Yuma’s parents not mattering at all, now there’s nothing to really fea—
“Granny, why are you so quiet?” Vector’s disgusting voice breaks through his desperate attempt at relief, “This is the most important moment of Yuma’s life, don’t you think you should guide him?” he adds in a sing-sung tone, then grins at Kaito.
It’s true. As the de facto matriarch, it’s Haru’s opinion that matters the most. Yuma could never bear to disappoint her. He only went against Akari’s wishes for him not to duel, because he knew his grandmother approved of it. If she says no…
And she’s been quiet for a while now…is that a good sign?
Vector agrees, apparently, as he nudges the older woman gently, who opens her eyes and tilts her head at him, “Huh, what did you say dear? I got lost thinking about tomorrow’s lunch and…forgot what you said, ho ho.”
Everyone in the room turns concerned. Yuma has mentioned that his grandmother is increasingly forgetful now, Kaito only hopes that is natural ageing, and not something worse.
Sadly, Vector puts his worries aside in favour of trying to ruin the night, because of course that’s more important, “Yuma and Kaito are dating. Don’t you fear this adult might be taking advantage of—”
It’s his turn to get interrupted, “Ohh, so it’s you that our dear Yuma likes, makes sense!” the older woman smiles as she looks at him up and down, “Oh oh, you are quite handsome indeed. Young looking too, but you’re a responsible one. Take good care of our baby!”
“The idiot, the idiot! Needs someone to take care of him.” Obomi pipes in, reminding everyone that she’s still in the room. Kaito assumes that means she approves as well…maybe. Hard to tell with her, but he’s not getting shocked or anything. Again, he’ll take what he can get.
What a relief. He has to bring his bowl of rice to his face to cover up his sigh, but dear gods, how he’s relieved.
“Grandma, I’m sixteen, come oooon.” Yuma whines, but his smile betrays the fact he’s happy as well. (Kaito also notes he doesn’t address Obomi. Perhaps, he knows it’s useless, kinda like how Orbital has learned it’s useless to whine against Kaito. Funny how their roles are reversed here.)
Of course, Vector is fuming, “You really have nothing to say to this? Nobody does?” he mumbles, “Gods darnit.”
Yuma glares at him again. Kaito gets the feeling Vector is going to regret meddling so much in the coming months, because even Yuma is offended that he’s trying so hard to mess things up for the sake of…what, trolling? Hard to tell with him, it always is. He kept the secret this long, so yes, it’s likely he just wants some laughs out of the situation, and is disappointed he’s not getting them.
Kaito can only hope he can use this as an excuse to keep Vector out of the wedding invitations, but knowing Yuma, he’ll be over his anger by then. Alas.
But sadly, Haru does bring a hand to her face, “To be honest, I am a bit sad…” she admits, and immediately Kaito and Yuma turn fearful, while Vector leers at them, “With this, I’ve lost my chance to both play matchmaker, and becoming official family with my childhood friend. Third time that it’s happened…guess it’s not meant to be!”
At that, everyone is confused, save for Akari, who rolls her eyes, “Huh, matchmaking? Childhood friend? What do you—”
“She means she wanted you and Yamikawa to date. Since he’s the closest thing Rokujoru has to a grandkid and all.” Akari explains, and there’s a calm fury to her tone that Kaito is surprised she’s even capable of. Must be a sour point…
Yamikawa? Rokujoru? Weren’t they part of the group that stalled against the Barians? Kaito can barely recall their faces long enough to remember who’s who, and judging by the conversation, he should perhaps change that. Seems the families are close…close enough for them to want their children to marry. Just what he needed, more competition to lose sleep over!
Actually, wasn’t that guy Chris’ age? Haru is disappointed she doesn’t get to try and match up her grandson with someone even older than Kaito??
All this is making Kaito slowly realize that he was stupid to worry over this to the point of having more hair loss than usual. Yuma’s family is strange, why did he think they would care about society’s standards?
As relief surges through Kaito’s entire body, Yuma only looks more lost, “Heh, Yamikawa? He’s cool and all, but why?”
“Oh, so you think he’s fine? Well, not wishing on anything, but if you and this gentleman ever break up…” Haru wiggles her eyebrows with hope.
Before Kaito’s heart can drop, Akari slams her bowl against the table, “Hey, knock it off grandma!” she demands, turning to face the older woman fully, “You did that to me, and it was a disaster! I won’t let you do the same thing to Yuma, even if blondie here turns out to be the biggest asshole ever! No matchmaking!” she declares, her entire body shaking.
Everyone seems to be shocked at her reaction, even Haru, “Yamikawa is a fine man. You just didn’t open your heart to hi—”
But Akari is clearly fed up, as she demonstrates by speaking over her beloved granny none too gently, “He’s a perfectly lovely guy, but totally incompatible with me. As for him and Yuma…do you really want our baby to move away from us and into that dojo in the woods? Do you?” she shrieks, as if just imagining it is enough to make her cry. Which only makes her all the more angry, “Not to mention, no date goes well with two old folks tailing your every move and laughing! If Yamikawa’s anything like me, that made him swear off dating for fifteen years! Do you want great grandkids or not?”
Oh, doesn’t that sound awkward as all hell. Just thinking of his father trying to meddle into his love and then chaperoning…yuck. He can’t blame Akari for going celibate after that.
The grandkids comment must be really effective though, as Haru freezes in horror briefly, “Hmm, I was only trying to comfort you. Your taste in men could use a little help…” the older woman whispers under her breath, still disappointed, “But I suppose Yuma doesn’t have that issue, so it’s pointless to dream.” she mercifully gives up, smiling at Kaito, “Be good to him, dearie, and keep helping him study.”
It takes a while for Kaito to realize he’s being talked to, so into the whole family argument he was, “Yes…of course…” he says simply, not only because his brain has stopped by this point, but also because he doesn’t know the right way to act any more.
Thankfully, that is all Haru needs, as she truly smiles fondly at both of them, letting out a dreamy sigh.
For a blessed moment, everything is peaceful, and then a kitchen alarm goes off, catching Haru’s attention, “Oh, the dessert is done! Rei, help me get it, dearie!”
“Yes, granny.” the ginger replies, voice despondent. Haru didn’t even wait for his confirmation before she got up and began to leave the room, confident that he would follow her.
Which he does, not even glaring at her back. The only reason he even sounds disappointed, is because his plans went to waste, not that he’s mad at the older woman at all. Really, Kaito isn’t around much, but he’s noticed that Haru is the only one who can order Vector around, sometimes just with a suggestion.
She might be the most powerful being in the universe, truly. And the thing is…Kaito isn’t even surprised.
“So that whole thing…” Yuma starts after a long stretch of silence, and Kaito guesses he’s talking about the Yamikawa matter.
Much as Kaito is curious about it as well, Akari cuts that off right away, “Don’t want to talk about it.”
Her tone scares even Kaito, but again, if it’s as bad as he’s imagining, he can’t blame her. Maybe she would be more open if it wasn’t Yuma asking; after all, you always gotta save face in front of your little sibling, “Right…” Yuma gives up quickly.
The food is cold and mushy by now, so it’s best to just eat anyway.
Once they’re all satisfied, Akari puts down her bowl, rests her chin on both hands, and just…stares at Kaito, “Anyway, you seem like a stable guy. As long as you keep Yuma from constantly leaving like our parents do, I have no issue with you. I don’t appreciate you keeping it secret for so long, but I get it.” she says, addressing Kaito even as she’s picking at the leftovers instead of looking at him, “I’ll run you over with my motorcycle if you ever hurt him. That includes pressuring him into doing the nasty. You’re dating someone more inexperienced, deal with it.”
At that, Kaito can only laugh, “Well deserved.” because as an overprotective sibling himself, he knows that’s letting someone off really easy. She must like him more than he realized.
As for her other worry…he wishes he could tell her he was a darn virgin at his age, so she could sleep easier. But he has his pride and privacy, so he settles for giving Yuma a look and mumbling, “And…I don’t think you have anything to worry about with that first point.” hoping that is enough.
She seems pleased, Yuma doesn’t rat him out, and with Obomi screaming at them to hurry it up as she wants to do the dishes, Vector and Haru come back from the kitchen with dessert in hand. He seems rather shell shocked now, and like this, the dreaded dinner ends peacefully, another important step into the longevity of their relationship safely done and over with.
Sure, he didn’t get to stomp Vector’s foot into oblivion, and that is a great sadness…but Kaito has a good memory, and he isn’t one to let go of grudges. One day.
Later, Yuma tells him Akari’s first love was a man their father’s age. When she was barely in high school. Which Haru knew about, at least after he up and left, exactly like their own father did.
And after thanking the gods Yuma has different taste in men (since it appears liking absent fathers is a thing in both their bloodlines), he realizes…
If Yuma’s family was already fine with an even bigger age gap (twice Akari’s age while she was still a minor, gesh, what was five years in comparison?), then why didn’t he tell Kaito? That sure would have alleviated his poor, abused nerves!
But then again, maybe it just escaped Yuma’s mind. The same situation is perceived differently depending on the context, after all, and Yuma not being as scared of the whole thing as Kaito was means he had no time to expend on the sharing of such crucial information.
Kaito will forgive him without issue this once, but if Yuma wants to be with him for a long time, he won’t next time. After all, photon mode made him overall weaker, and his heart can’t take such excitement.
Extra:
“Granny, do we really have to keep working on this? For the person it’s going for, it looks good enough, I say!” Rei pouts, slowly spinning the cake around as Haru tries to get the icing to look even. “After all, you—I mean, we now know his tutoring services had an underlying motive after all. He should be lucky we’re not throwing it to his face.” he covers up his slip up as masterfully as always.
Or at least, good enough for Yuma’s family. Trusting lot. His manipulation skills are going rusty due to them; no opportunities to put them to the max when it’s so easy with them.
Still, doesn’t that idea make him laugh; just imagining Kaito, annoyed as bits of cake try to run down his face, only to get stuck on his stupid hair…knowing he couldn’t get up and strangle Rei in front of everyone. Now that, is something to celebrate. Almost worth losing one of gradma’s delicious cakes to.
But Haru just shakes her head, and that’s all he needs to keep spinning the wretched thing, “Nonsense, dear, presentation is a huge part of cooking! That’s why poor Yuma can’t surpass me, even though he is a good cook in his own right. Something is always off about his dishes.”
“‘Something’ is being mighty generous here. His stuff looks like it survived an explosion.” he points out with a laugh. Not that he can judge, as he can only do the basics. But it’s true, Yuma is a good cook, even better than Akari…if you eat his stuff blindfolded, that is. Otherwise, you always have to do a double take, not believing that something so crappy looking can taste so good.
Maybe that’s why he fell for a guy that went blind once, heh…
Oh, speaking of that douchebag, “You sure there’s nothing wrong with this? One call, and we could get him off Yuma right now. In two years, he’ll be healed enough to be with that guy you want. Whoever he is. A ninja or something?” he ponders, trying to recall who it is, and coming up almost blank.
He was never good at memorizing the face of NPCs after their quest line was over, after all.
Then again, he also really wasn’t expecting Yuma to fight back against his attempt to ruin things so much. He pretty much limped his way into the kitchen! Who knew he was even capable of kicking another person? Which, maybe he should have, given he was trying to break Yuma away from the love of his life, buuuuut…
Give him a break. Kaito is a boring ass, and the thought of having that as a brother-in-law one day, when he can’t pursue the feelings he has for Yuma because they’re brothers…it’s freaking annoying.
Granted, out of all of Yuma’s little hanger ons, Kaito might be one of the best choices. A loner, so Vector won’t have to see him much even now that the women know, as there’s no way he can stand these family dinners weekly. Decent duelist, can be relied on for science shit…doesn’t cling like a certain pink haired boy does, doesn’t make scenes like a dark skinned former barian does, and he doesn’t care for shopping and fashion, like the girls do. Has lots and lots of money too, something that is always nice (very, very nice. Figures Yuma could gold dig without even wanting to, hmph).
Plus, he’s not Nasch. Or his horrible sister. Or their lame-ass puppy knight. That fact is worth a million points off the irritation scale.
But he’s still dating Yuma while not being Rei, therefore, Rei doesn’t like him. Too bad, so sad.
(Or not so sad, since he’s sure the prick still hates him for Sargasso. He catches him glaring from the corner of his eyes like he did back then. As in barely so, but when it comes to Kaito Tenjo, you can feel the disdain irradiating from a mile off.
And if he has to be reminded of his own sordid past, then he’ll never let others live theirs down too, mister soul stealer. Deal. As long as Yuma forgives him, he cares for no one else.)
Anyway, he can believe Yuma has poor taste, but he never revealed the secret because he wanted to savour the moment it all came crashing down. Almost jumped out of his seat when he realized the idiots weren’t going to wait until Yuma’s eighteenth birthday. Only for it to end up like this…how disappointing.
And what makes everything even sadder, is the fact that granny jumps to his defence, like she has done for the past ten minutes, “Oh, don’t be that way. Some things are fated to be, and by consequence, others aren’t.” Haru shrugs as she starts to pepper the cake with frosting swirls, “Kaito is who Yuma wants, he’s a good man, Yuma is happy, that’s what matters. My husband was seven years older than me when we met…he was my best friend’s older brother, how time passes!” she giggles as memories come to her, “You kids just don’t have a grip on what truly is worth getting mad about in life. If I had a bad feeling, I would follow it, but I don’t.”
To be fair, given what Yuma told him of their relationship, she is right. Six months and they haven’t done more than cuddling and chaste kisses. Yuma is more at risk of dying a virgin than being taken advantage of, and given the guys his age, he’s actually better off with Kaito in this regard.
Still, it saddens him. Life is boring now, not even bullying Merag with his student council member privileges during school festivals make him giggle with glee now. He’d made peace with never getting together with Yuma the moment he was adopted; he’s not good enough for the idiot anyway. But to be denied his fun…
Ah, life can really be cruel.
Which just makes him remember, he has to ask Yuma later why Akari is okay with all of this. It’s not in line with her usual character, and the smile Yuma threw her way…there’s a story behind all that, and he gets the feeling it’s a juicy one. If he can’t mess with one sibling, then he’ll find a way to mess with the other, darnit!
But, because karma is a mean mistress, his wish for drama is granted right at that moment.
On him.
As Haru suddenly opens her eyes, pausing her cake decorating and making a cold shiver soar through Rei as a glint flashes in those tiny orbs, “You know, dearie…if you’re so intent on making sure my dreams come true, then why don’t we go visit the duel dojo next week?”
And for once, his brain doesn’t catch on to what she means right away, “Heh, dojo? Isn’t that in the middle of the mountains? How are yo—”
“You’re a strong boy who doesn’t mind carrying poor grandma up a whole mountain, aren’t you?” she asks, but of course that is no question at all.
Rei begins to sweat, “Huh…maybe?” he trembles. Because as much as he hates to disappoint the woman, piggyback carrying her through a whole mountain…he ain’t the muscle bros here! “Why would you want to go there anyway? Just invite your friend over, I’m sure he’d welcome leaving that stuffy place in exchange for good food.”
That only makes Haru smile more, and by now, he is legit terrified, “Silly boy! You have to put the effort in when you want to woo a bride, not the other way around! Or, do you want to be the blushing beauty? You can fit both roles, of course!” she says, voice rising with joy.
Oh no…oh no, “B-bride?” he stumbles.
He asked by reflex, as his superior brain is already putting the disgusting puzzle pieces together.
Sadly for him, Haru clarifies anyway, “Yamikawa, of course. Or you, should you prefer it! Better decide soon, because we’re going somewhere next weekend.” and even though her tone is sweet, there’s a finality to it as well.
Rei can do little but stare at the older woman, not knowing how he can even begin to save his own skin here, “But there’s no reason for me to marry Yamikawa.” he blurts out, pathetically, as if that would fix anything.
Obviously, it doesn’t, “Of course there is! To make me and my best friend happy!” Haru points out, a tiny bit of indignity in her voice, then she switches back to her cheery self not two seconds later. Such whiplash was why she earned Rei’s respect in the first place, but to have that skill used on him…“You’re my grandchild too. If a pupil counts as family, then you doubly so. I haven’t lost all my chances after all!” she keeps talking, then giggles at the end as if she had won the lottery.
Her eyes are shining, her voice is dripping with joy, the kind few people think is even possible due to how intense it is. And the kind that Rei knows all too well: the kind that will be someone else’s misery.
And given that he’s the only other person here…no, he must stop things before they get too far for comfort, “Look, granny, I really don’t thin—”
“Oh, what should I wear for the occasion? What should you wear?” he’s interrupted quickly, callously, as if he hadn’t said anything at all, “Hehehe, I have to call Rokujoru after dinner right away!” she laughs, already lost in around two million fantasies.
Like this, Rei knows that it’s pointless to argue. Granted, he won’t marry the dude no matter what…but getting a bunch of awkward moments permanently seared into his memory isn’t his idea of fun either.
Yet, as Haru finishes decorating the cake with fruit, he’s aware there’s no escaping this. Can’t say no to her no matter what. He can only hope that, like with Akari, one awkward date is all he’ll need to put up with before they give up.
So one day of being humiliated, after weeks of dreading the affair…gah, his stomach is in knots already. He can’t even taste the cake he worked so hard on for a whole fifteen minutes! How is any of this fair?
He swears he heard Kaito chuckle at him once, but because he’s so lost in his existential horror, for once, he makes no retaliation against it. His anxious heart doesn’t allow him for anything but freaking out.
Like that, he forgets to ask Yuma about Akari’s issue, losing yet another potential avenue for fun. Life really sucks, sometimes!