Work Text:
After the battle with the Gedoshu years ago, it seemed that not much had changed. Although the team initially went their separate ways, the separation was short-lived. Kotoha relocated to Tokyo with her sister at her parents' urging, as they noticed her increased happiness while with Takeru and the others. Mako, after some time in Hawaii, returned to her role as a kindergarten teacher, acknowledging that despite enjoying her time with her parents, her true passion lay in teaching. Genta's stint in Paris was brief; he returned, affirming that the Golden Sushi belonged in Japan, though his frequent visits to the Shiba house betrayed his longing for companionship. Chiaki and Ryunosuke remained in the same city as Takeru, with Ryunosuke gaining more prominence over time. While they no longer lived together, Kaoru, after traversing the country, finally settled down with her son, bringing him immense joy.
Yet, something troubled Takeru deeply: the budding relationship between Kaoru and Genta. Their growing closeness upon their return sparked unease in him. Genta, his childhood friend, pursuing a romance with his mother was unsettling.
Takeru wasn't alone in his disapproval. Tanba, too, harbored reservations. A princess and the 18th head of the Shiba house entwined with a mere sushi seller didn't sit well with him. However, Kaoru remained indifferent to Tanba's objections, strengthening her bond with Genta and welcoming his frequent visits to the Shiba house. All Takeru—and, naturally, Tanba—could do was hope that their relationship wouldn't progress further.
"Greetings, Take-chan!" Genta exclaimed cheerfully upon entering the room where Takeru sat. "I have splendid news for you!"
"Coming from you, I'm not sure it's splendid," Takeru retorted, bracing himself for whatever news his friend had to share.
"I'm going to be a father!"
"W-what?" Takeru recoiled in shock. Was his friend suggesting that he and Kaoru were expecting a child? The thought was disconcerting. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean, I'll be like a father to you!" Genta clarified, placing a hand on Takeru's shoulder with a grin.
"Thank goodness," Takeru sighed in relief, realizing his initial misunderstanding. "Wait... what are you implying?" He tensed up again.
"I'm proposing to Kaoru-chan," Genta announced confidently.
Takeru felt the ground shift beneath him, nearly fainting from the revelation. He had momentarily forgotten that Genta referred to his mother as "Kaoru-chan." The idea of his childhood friend marrying his mother was incomprehensible.
"Do you truly intend to marry my mom?" Takeru asked, still reeling.
"Absolutely! I care for her deeply and wish to spend my life with her," Genta affirmed, extending a hand to help Takeru up.
"But you're just a sushi seller, and you're always on the move," Takeru countered, his tone edging towards frustration.
"I've decided to stay in Japan," Genta replied earnestly.
"Just remember, you left for Paris once," Takeru reminded him.
"Please, don't bring that up," Genta's demeanor shifted, a trace of melancholy evident in his voice. Paris held painful memories for him. "I thought you'd be happy."
"What do you mean?" Takeru inquired, puzzled.
"I thought you'd be pleased to see me and Kaoru-chan together," Genta confessed, his tone tinged with sadness as he realized Takeru's reservations. "I've known you since we were children. I believed you would approve of me as your mother's partner. But I was mistaken. I won't proceed without your consent."
Takeru observed Genta's genuine disappointment and recognized his friend's sincere affection for Kaoru. He realized he had worried needlessly. What truly mattered was his mother's and friend's happiness.
"You're right, I apologize. My mom being younger than me already makes it unusual," Takeru admitted, extending a hand to his friend. "But if you're marrying my mom, there are conditions: first, you must reside here; second, any... inappropriate activities should occur when I'm not around—I'd rather not witness or hear about them; and most importantly, you must ensure her happiness."
"Take-chan..." Genta's eyes brimmed with tears as he clasped Takeru's hand, his resolve solidifying.
Takeru smiled and left to inform his mother.
Genta's resolve gave way to nervousness as he awaited Kaoru's arrival. Though there was a chance she might decline his proposal, he remained steadfast in his decision.
"Kaoru-chan, there's something I need to say," he began, his determination mingling with nerves.
"Of course, I'm listening. Please, go ahead," Kaoru replied calmly.
"Please, marry me," he pleaded, dropping to one knee. "I'll understand if you decline, but if you accept, I'll never let you regret it." He awaited her response anxiously.
"Of course, she doesn't want to! You're just a sushi seller, don't forget that!" Tanba interjected, his disdain evident.
"Tanba! Enough," Kaoru admonished, striking him lightly with her fan before turning back to Genta. "Your occupation is irrelevant to me. To me, you're simply Genta. Of course, I'll marry you," she declared with a smile.
"I'm overjoyed!" Genta exclaimed, overcome with emotion. "So, we're engaged now, right?" he asked, ready to embrace his fiancée, only to be stopped by Takeru.
"Did you bring a ring?" he whispered.
"Of course. I apologize," Genta admitted, realizing his oversight. "It's not extravagant, but it's heartfelt." He slid the ring onto Kaoru's finger, beaming with happiness.
As they shared a kiss, Tanba fainted. Kaoru's affection for Genta transcended material concerns; his actions were always imbued with love, and that was what truly mattered.
Observing the scene, Takeru nodded in approval. Though having a young woman and a childhood friend as parents might seem unconventional, their happiness was paramount, and that was all that mattered to him.