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Meetings with Jo in regards to Masato were nothing new to Masumi. By now, it was expected for the pair to meet up at least once to discuss his son- surely an unexpected arrangement to the both of them considering their careers, but if Masumi were truthful he was grateful for the care Jo harbored towards Masato.
That morning was nothing different: the evening prior, Jo had made it known he wanted to come in early that day to discuss a matter regarding Masato, and Masumi didn’t think of anything much as he agreed to the arrangement. However, as he sat across from Jo in the low, early-morning light in his office, he couldn’t deny the mild shock he felt at the news that was relayed to him.
“The beach?” As per usual, Jo had entered the office with a stern expression, yet simply relaying Masato’s desire to go on vacation was far from something worth scowling about.
“He told me he wanted to go during the ride home from school the other day. I suppose with summer around the corner, the other kids have been talking about their own plans…” At the explanation, Masumi leaned back against the couch and crossed his arms, staring at the ceiling as he sighed through his nose.
“It’s not as though I haven’t thought of it before… I never imagined he’d be the first one to bring it up, though,” Masumi smirked, replacing his contemplative expression. His cheery demeanor was swift to fizzle the more he thought about the potential trip. “...But what would I do about his chair?”
The matter always made Masumi’s skin itch: the reality that it seemed near impossible to find places that respected Masato’s condition was an unfortunate- not to mention aggravating- one. If he felt awful about it all, he could only imagine how Masato himself felt about being excluded from so many places for no justifiable reason.
However, to his fortune, Jo seemed to have an answer to that woe as he reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a folded pamphlet and handing it to him. “I looked into a few locations this week. Some of these exclusively have a beach while others also have a boardwalk and attractions, but I made sure to confirm they all offered accessible areas for the young master."
Taken aback, Masumi blinked at the paper in Jo’s hands before gingerly retrieving it, carefully unfolding it and beginning to read through it: that certainly explained why Jo appeared to be out running errands more than usual. As expected of him, Jo was sure to provide not only sufficient photographs of each area, but extensive descriptions for the pros and cons. Masumi chuckled to himself reading some segments, certain he was able to identify Jo’s personal thoughts on some establishments and the rather irked attitude he had towards the noise pollution of some places.
Considerably, it was a small pamphlet with only a select few places- places that would definitely warrant a proper planned day to attend if they were driving from Kamurocho. Still, closing the pamphlet for now, Masumi looked up at Jo who stared patiently back at him. “If you’re concerned about the family while you’re gone, you can trust me to keep everyone in line while you and the young master enjoy your day together.”
Tilting his head, Masumi gave the packet another quick skim before closing it, placing it carefully on the table before folding his hands together. “You make it sound like you’re not coming with us?”
A few confused blinks was Jo’s initial response, but a small shake of his head was soon to follow. “This is a trip meant for you and the young master- I have no reason to be involved.”
“After you did all this work? That wouldn’t be right.” Masumi leaned in, his voice unnecessarily becoming hushed as he spoke in the lonely office. “Besides, Masato might complain the whole time if it’s just us. He seems to have grown attached to you lately- I think he'd miss you.”
Another comment to take Jo by surprise, once again shaking his head and looking at his shoes. “I think you’re mistaken, sir.”
“Jo…” Masumi felt pathetic about practically begging Jo to just tag along- but he was rather obstinate in the man having a nice day in the sun. “When’s the last time you took a day off?”
“I don’t have any reason to: a day doesn't go by where something doesn't need to be done,” Jo was quick to reply, wringing his hands together. “Please don’t think of me. I don’t want to distract time away from you two.”
“You wouldn’t be taking anything from us: you’re a part of our family too, you know.” That seemed to be enough- at least enough to get Jo’s hands to stop fidgeting. He looked up cautiously at Masumi- if he was honest, Masumi likened his demeanor to that of a scared deer. Undoubtedly a strange comparison to make when he’d seen his captain’s brutality in the past.
Biting the inside of his lip, Jo looked away for a moment before conceding as he took in a deep breath. “If that’s what you want, boss.”
“Don’t make it sound like an order: I just want you to have fun sometimes. It won’t do you any good sitting behind that desk all day.” With the meeting essentially over, the pair began to rise from their seats. Yet as Jo moved to leave the room, Masumi was quick to call after him with one more reminder: “Make sure to wear something cool: it’s going to be hot!”
When Jo turned around to give him a serious look and an equally earnest nod, Masumi smiled: he really would benefit from a vacation.
-----
When Masumi had practically dragged Jo to the beach with them- if he was truthful- he wasn’t sure he would have invested much time in getting ready, if not practically dragging himself along on their day out. Undoubtedly, Masumi cared for Jo’s company and knew he was more reserved, and frankly he wasn't certain Jo even knew how to relax. That’s what made it all the more surprising when Masumi and Masato went to meet him at the boardwalk’s entrance they found him with a generous amount of supplies sat next to him, bags stacked on top of two ice coolers. Separate from his belongings was a black, square, crossover bag: not big enough to warrant pairing with the other items on top of the coolers, but too large to put in one of his other bags. To be well supplied was in Jo's nature, so perhaps it shouldn't have been too alarming that even for a beach day he came prepared.
If there was one thing Masumi had to complain about however, he found himself frowning at Jo's tan dress shoes and light-grey slacks, a navy blue dress shirt completing his attire. He had the decency to leave the first two buttons undone and roll up the sleeves at least, but nevertheless a great contrast to Masumi and Masato's more beach-appropriate outfits. “I told you to wear something cool: you’re going to be sweating in that!"
Without much thought, Jo patted one of the two, long bags tied against the handle of the bottom cooler. “I packed an umbrella to read under.” Evidently, he wasn't aware of the main issue at hand- the fact he stuck out like blood on snow- a reality that had Masumi sighing.
“You look like a tourist,” Masato piped up, inviting Jo to bow towards him in greeting- a gesture Masato twisted his face at. “Don’t do that, we’re in public.”
“That’s right, Jo,” Masumi started, deciding to ignore Jo’s formal appearance. “We’re going to be a regular family today- which means I want you to drop the titles for me too.”
Slowly rising, Jo looked cautiously between the Arakawas before offering a nod. “If that’s what you want… Arakawa-san.”
While Masumi beamed at the name, Masato continued to grimace next to him, already wheeling ahead of the pair towards the rubber ramp to the beach. “That’s way too personal…”
The comment made Jo droop his head, evidently hesitant with what he’d done. To comfort him, Masumi approached him and patted him on the shoulder with a smile. “You know how Masato is. Here, let me help you-”
But as Masumi moved to grab Jo’s luggage, he had already gripped the handle and began walking. “Don’t worry about it, you just go on ahead. I’ll find a spot to set up.”
“You’re so stubborn,” Masumi began to complain, though upon remembering Masato was currently unattended, he forced himself to tear away from Jo’s side and run ahead. “Just don’t take too long!”
Once Masumi caught up with Masato, he found his son sitting by the water’s edge at the end of the long, blue mat. Walking up next to him, Masumi quickly tapped Masato’s shoulder, causing him to jump in his seat: “Boo!”
“Don’t do that!” Masato barked, already scowling at a giggling Masumi while he moved to sit on the hot sand next to him. With his dad situated, Masato turned in his seat, clearly trying to find their third party member. “Why’d you bring Sawashiro?”
“You should be asking me how I convinced him to come along,” Masumi sighed, basking in the warm weather. “Besides, I thought you liked him?”
“What gave you that idea? He’s convenient- that’s all.” Despite Masato being his son, Masumi found it difficult to identify when he was affectionate towards someone. Even at his own supposed observations, Masato's tolerance for Jo was incredibly subtle: unlike the other members of the Arakawa Family, Jo thus far had been the only one Masato had the least complaints about- though he wasn't totally without them. In Masumi's eyes, that may as well meant Jo was Masato's favorite.
“He’s family, Masato. You should be kinder to him.” Turning around himself, Masumi was able to spot Jo as he hauled his luggage onto the sand, eyes squinting against the bright sun as he hunted for a spot. “He’s the one who you told you wanted to go to the beach, isn’t he?”
At that, Masato found sudden interest in the sea. Another sign Masato had a particular preference for Jo was the fact he was the only one he seemed to divulge his personal interests with- something Masumi, if he was truthful, envied just a bit. At the very least, he was grateful in Jo being generous to share such privileged details. “Why can't he keep his mouth shut...”
Though Masato might have hoped the roaring sea would’ve drowned his mumbling, Masumi smiled all the same. “Masato, I’m your father: if you want something, all you have to do is ask! There's nothing to be ashamed of.”
Masato stayed silent at that, but perhaps it was due to the sound of sand being kicked up behind them that he figured to stop talking about the matter. Facing the sound, Masumi was greeted by Jo carrying a black hand umbrella in one hand, and an orange bottle in the other. “Did you two put on sunscreen yet?”
With a start, Masumi sat up to retrieve the bottle, quick to move next to Masato. “Dammit, I knew I forgot something- thank you, Jo! Give me your arm, Masato.”
“I can do it myself,” Masato protested, reaching for the sunscreen and yanking it from Masumi’s hands. “You’re making such a big deal about it.”
“Sun sickness is real, young master,” Jo interjected, stepping forward to hold the umbrella over the two. “It’s important you cover up.”
“I didn’t ask for your opinion,” Masato continued to grumble, covering himself with the sunscreen before handing it back to Masumi. “Weren’t you reading or something?”
“Masato,” Masumi chided as he reclaimed the bottle, soon taking over Masato to cover himself. “Be nice.”
“It’s alright. Forgive me, young master.” Jo offered an apologetic bow, already forgetting the promise not to be overly proper as he began to turn away until Masumi called after him.
“Wait, why don’t you read down here? It’s closer to the sea- plus you won't have to keep running back and forth.”
From Masumi to Masato, Jo appeared to be seeking the junior’s approval. He somewhat found it as Masato turned away to look back at the sea, indifferent to his decision. “Do whatever you want. Just don’t bother me.”
One more sure nod from Masumi officially sent Jo away for the time being, leaving the Arakawas by themselves until Jo came back, all of his items behind him. Watching him set up, Masato could only roll his eyes: really, it was a bit excessive. “It’s the beach. You make it seem like we’re camping!”
“There’s nothing wrong with being prepared,” Masumi chimed in, even as he watched Jo wrangle a large umbrella out from one of the tall bags. Eyeing the coolers at the bottom, Masumi found himself all too aware of the summer heat, beginning to tug at the white t-shirt he wore under his open black-and-white kariyushi shirt. “...You brought drinks, right?”
Satisfied with having stabbed the umbrella’s stakes into the sand, Jo dusted off his hands as he moved his bags around, unlocking the top cooler to reveal a well-stocked ice box. Grabbing a beer, he passed it over to Masumi who accepted it with a quiet thank you. Rummaging around the ice, Jo produced a second bottle, this one full of water.
“Would you like one too, young master?” Initially, Masato appeared uninterested in the drink until Masumi had opened his own, taking a great drink from it as he let out a satisfied sigh. Only then did Masato stare at the bottle outstretched to him, and with a huff, he stuck his hand out to take it.
“I can’t grab it when you’re over there: come here.” Once Jo moved close enough, Masato grabbed the bottle from him and uncapped it, taking a less-than-subtle greedy sip.
“If you were thirsty you could’ve said something. It’s a good thing Jo was here though,” Masumi laughed. I only brought my wallet, he thought a moment later embarrassed, the sun’s sweltering rays no longer being the only thing to warm his face. He planned to get food and drinks from the small kiosks nearby on the boardwalk, but they had just sat down: it would’ve been awkward to get up and go all the way back from where they came only moments ago just for a quick drink.
“Stop saying that: I know. I just wasn’t thirsty before,” Masato argued, screwing the cap back onto his bottle. With everyone seemingly content, Jo began to unpack another, bulky bag- this time producing a closed beach chair before unfolding it. As he began to pat it down and straighten it out, Masumi leaned towards the small site.
“What book'd you bring, by the way?”
“It’s nothing noteworthy. Just a light novel.” Masumi wasn’t surprised at the nondescript answer, already making the initiative to get up and walk over to Jo’s bag to investigate himself. A light-brown book sat comfortably on the top, and to maintain its neat covering, Masumi dusted off any lingering sand from his empty hand before picking it up and giving it a careful look over.
To his surprise, it was rather thick and notably heavy, Masumi nearly dropping it due to its unexpected heft. The cover itself lacked anything noteworthy aside from having a globe engraved on its leather front, though Masumi was quick to figure it wasn't the book's true cover and was merely a protective covering. Turning to look at the binding, Masumi found the title and soon understood the reason for the book's grandiosity.
“An art book?” More specifically, it was an art history book- volume two by the looks of it. There had even been a small magnetic bookmark on the inside, with the current page Jo was on exploring art history in France.
Looking over his shoulder, Jo spotted Masumi with his book in hand, voice becoming quiet as he redirected his attention back to his chair. “I did say it wasn’t anything noteworthy...”
“But you also said it was a light novel- I’m sure you could give someone head trauma with this if you hit them with it!” As Jo dusted off the arm rests of his chair, Masumi could see his shoulders rise, causing him to grin at the sudden defensive attitude. “I'm just surprised: I didn’t know you liked art...”
Glancing behind himself to Masato while he shut the book, Masumi found himself chuckling again. “Now I’ll have someone to talk about theater with!”
The blatant jab had Masato rolling his eyes as he hastily opened his bottle again, taking a dismissive swig from it. “He’s already working for you. There’s no need to add onto the punishment with all of your ‘glory days’ talk.”
“I didn’t say I was going to talk about myself…” Masumi defended, looking over to Jo to see if he’d have any comment. He was expecting something at the insinuation that Masumi had been in theater himself, but when none came he figured Jo really wouldn’t have been as interested as he hoped. Awkwardness began to make his skin prickle, resulting in Masumi handing the book back to Jo. “Here.”
“Thank you…” Jo trailed off as he sat in his seat, careful not to squish the hefty bag dangling nears his hip. Despite his chair being protected by the large umbrella overhead, he still found himself squinting against the heat. “...I’d like that, by the way.”
When Masumi only gave a hum as a response, Jo seemingly became aware of what he’d said, only sparing Masumi a quick glance before beginning to open his book and begin reading. “Sorry: please forget I said anything.”
Masumi could only pout at Jo’s dismissive attitude- though Masato wouldn’t give him much time to mope about it as he was calling for his attention a second later. “I don’t wanna sit here the whole trip: take me down to the water.”
“The water…” Masumi struggled with the situation: his chair wasn’t made for traversing the sand, but outright denying his son the simple experience of sitting by the water was unforgivable. Looking from the end of the ramp to the edge of the shoreline, Masumi pouted at the predicament as he placed his beer bottle next to Jo's chair in the sand. Masato wasn’t a little boy anymore either, it wasn’t as though he could carry him- not without him protesting… “Jo?”
Jo didn’t hesitate to close his book and look up, observing the situation at hand. His lips pressed into a fine line as he, similarly, attempted to work out their situation. Getting up- placing his book in his former spot- Jo began to make his way towards Masato’s side, gesturing for Masumi to follow him. “Hold onto us, we’re going to walk you there. If you want to go back to your chair, just let us know.”
Judging by the way Masato’s eyebrows furrowed, he wasn’t too pleased with the plan- though observing their options, even he had to concede this was the most they could do. Slipping his water bottle into his khaki shorts, Masato presented his arms for Masumi and Jo to take hold of. With their arms under Masato, each having a supporting hand on his back, they gradually guided Masato to stand, giving him a few seconds to adjust to the new position before they began walking.
It was routine for either one of them to help Masato like this, yet Masumi still felt the need to express caution: “Just take one step at a time—”
“You don’t need to tell me how to walk,” Masato bit back, carefully beginning to shuffle his feet forward, stopping every few steps. “I’m not a baby, so just get me to the shoreline.”
To the group’s fortune, the water wasn’t too far from where the ramp stopped. Nevertheless, the trio had to take occasional breaks to allow Masato to rest, letting himself lean against Jo while he caught his breath before moving forward again. While they walked Masato along, Masumi couldn’t refrain from looking at Jo every so often, his attention laser focused on Masato. Even when Masato would lag just a little, Jo was poised to hold on to him tighter to ensure he wouldn't fall- even if it did rouse an annoyed grumble in the process. Undoubtedly, Masumi was used to Jo possessing such a serious look, but whenever it came to matters regarding his son, Masumi didn’t think his expression could become any more determined. For what reason, Masumi wasn’t sure- ‘devotion to the Arakawa Family’ was an excuse Jo would present every time he'd inquire, but despite that logical explanation, Masumi couldn’t abstain from the thought that perhaps Jo had, in time, become personally attached to Masato. Over the years, Masumi had plenty of men help him with Masato every now and then: it was only Jo who seemed to truly embody the role of a second parent in Masumi’s eyes.
A second parent for Masato… the small smile that had crept its way onto his lips was interrupted as he heard Masato from beside him, snapping himself out of his disillusioned thinking: “Here’s fine: put me down.”
Just like Masumi thought, Jo was already ahead of him in starting to kneel onto the sand, guiding Masato safely onto the ground as Masumi followed suite with a jolt. With his son safe, Masumi straightened his back, letting himself smile wide. “There we go! The ocean’s much prettier from here, don’t you think? You can really smell that sea water when you're this close.”
Masato only hummed from his spot on the ground, the water’s edge licking at his heels. The cold water had caused him to reflexively pull his legs back, but once he adjusted to the new temperature, he stretched his legs out again to let the water continue to lap at him, steadily enjoying the cool feeling combating the heat of the sun. As Masumi watched Masato’s hands flex against the damp sand, he knelt down beside him, already beginning to accumulate a small pile.
“My family and I traveled a lot when I was growing up, but I can’t remember the last time I really enjoyed the beach.” With his new sand pile, Masumi constructed a crude sandcastle- something more akin to an anthill in truth- using his finger to poke in windows and a door as he began to dig a moat around the mound.
“Aren’t you too old to be playing in sand like that?” Masato questioned after casting his father a glance, though his eyes didn’t move away from the shoddy construction.
“That’s only something I can determine, I think. Why not give it a try?”
“It's too dirty, I'm going to get sand all over myself.”
“We’re right by the water,” Masumi reminded him with a grin, looking to Jo for some help. “Have you ever built a sandcastle before? Maybe you can give us some pointers.”
With some hesitance, Jo shook his head, his eyes staring blankly at the ground. “I can’t say I have." The water began to splash at his dress pants, yet whatever he was thinking about made him apathetic to his clothes becoming wet.
“Then none of us have ever made one… so let’s build our first one together.” Masumi waved Jo over, though Jo stood unsure as Masato began to speak.
“I didn’t say I was going to help you.” He frowned at Masumi clearing away his old castle. “If you’re going to build a new one, do it away from me.”
“We’re here as a family, so you're going to be a part of it- it’ll be fun!” Masato could be hard-headed at times, though he undoubtedly picked it up from somewhere. With that in mind, Masato rolled his eyes once more and sighed: they would be going back and forth all day if he didn't give in to playing in the sand with his father.
“You’re so annoying...” Despite Masato’s complaining, he eventually rolled himself over to better face Masumi. In doing so, that appeared to finally give Jo permission to walk over and join the duo, sitting up straight on his knees- a posture Masumi raised an eyebrow at.
“You’re making a sand castle, you’re not at a ceremony. There's no need to be so serious.” At Masumi's disapproval, Jo began to adjust and make himself appear less stiff. As he corrected himself to become relaxed, Masumi leaned in next to him, patting his back apologetically. “Forgive me- I guess you’re not going to read your book for a bit...”
“Don’t apologize,” Jo quickly interjected. “If you’re inviting me, then it’s only right I join you.”
“You make it sound like an order,” Masumi relayed uncomfortably with a smile, brushing his palms against his own pants to alleviate his unease.
“That’s because it was an order, remember?” Masato lacked the care to bite his tongue- an arguably admirable trait, but one that had Masumi quickly feeling guilty. Technically, Masumi did drag Jo along, though he had hoped it would help him become less rigid and learn to relax every now and then- not to endure an unbearable experience just for Masumi's sake.
Even so, Jo was ever diligent in alleviating his worries, ready to provide his input on the subject: “-But I’m appreciative you brought me along.” Biting the inside of his lip, Jo gave a sure nod after a moment, seemingly apprehensive of his sudden outburst. “...So please let me build a sandcastle with you.”
Masumi had known Jo for a little over a decade by now, and because of that knew how awkward he tended to be outside of professional settings. As a whole, it almost appeared as though it was Jo’s personal mission never to talk about himself and to only speak whenever it was deemed appropriate. Masumi was sure he’d never fully know who Jo Sawashiro was: he’d never know exactly why Jo seemed so difficult about indulging in small pleasantries like this. With all due respect to him, it wasn't typical behavior: most anyone would jump at the chance to goof off, especially when submerged in a world as brutal as theirs. It was a small detail Masumi acknowledged, and it was one that didn't cease to interest him about his upbringing, and sadden him at the possibility it wasn't a happy one: no one becomes a part of the yakuza unless they had a crooked life, anyhow.
With that in mind, Jo's willingness to indulge him meant more than anything he could imagine to Masumi; even if he would never know the full details about his life, being able to enjoy a modest day at the beach together would be enough for Masumi as he felt himself smile again, sure to incur another tired groan from his son. “You sound like a kid when you say that- can’t either of you act your age?”
“Stop grumbling so much and start digging,” Masumi poked back with new enthusiasm, beginning to do just as much himself. “If we don’t hurry, the tide’s going to get too high before we can even start!”
Though spoken with playful urgency, Jo appeared earnest to follow after him nevertheless, quick to scoop a mound into his hands as he tested the wet sand. “It’s almost like wet cement- but it's pretty thick as is. It's not impossible to build with, though.”
“Makes sense: cement’s a bit like sand, isn’t it?”
“I wouldn’t say that exactly…” Still, the comparison seemed to give Jo an idea as he moved closer to the construction site. Masumi tilted his head at his sudden interest, as though in spite of his supposed ignorance to sandcastle making, he had enough confidence in his abilities to know where to start. “Do you think you could make a square foundation- like a frame?”
Masumi watched as Masato lazily dug a hole in the sand away from the pair, decidedly beginning to scoot next to him. “Why don’t you handle that, Masato? I can make the moat.”
A scoff was all Masato gave as a response as he traded places with Masumi to sit next to Jo, beginning to do as what was previously instructed. Using his hands, Masato began to construct a crude, square frame with the sand, not caring too much to flatten the top and leaving a small dome. “How’s that?”
But Jo only tilted his head, furrowing his brows a bit as he reinforced the walls with more sand, additionally straightening them out as he worked. Once the walls appeared thick and neat enough, he began to reshape the top to make a flatter surface. Looking around, Jo looked back at Masumi. ”Do you think you could get some water here? The sand’s too stiff like this.” He held a small pile in his hand: in some places it crumbled, but- according to Jo- wasn't anything he could work with.
“You’re taking this so seriously,” Masumi noted with a chuckle, looking around briefly before getting up. “I probably won’t be able to get any without tools… Oh! But you brought bottled water, didn't you?”
Masumi didn’t wait for Jo to answer as he started back to the old site. Having to hop through the sand due to the heat, he couldn’t help but laugh to himself. He was a yakuza patriarch: the last thing he ever imagined for himself was skipping along and helping his second-in-command build a sandcastle with his son. It surely wasn't a reality he was dismayed by: he turned around for a moment to watch Jo and Masato, observing as Masato pointed here and there at the castle, seemingly offering ideas as Jo nodded along. Was it right for him to feel so at peace with this arrangement? He at least hoped Akane could smile down on him and be proud of the efforts he made in order for their son to have a pleasant life.
-----
However much time passed, Masumi couldn’t say with confidence. There were three things he was aware of: the blue, midday sun had transformed into a sunset, illuminating the beach in an orange glow. Moreover, the water was much closer than it was some time ago, but he and his family had an adequate sandcastle in front of them all the same; without any tools nor any prior experience, the three had made a solid structure, all things considered.
“I think we did a pretty good job, team,” Masumi concluded with delight. As he smoothed down a side, he shuffled back to fully admire their small structure. Jo had been refining the short wall around the castle when he took a moment to look over everything as well, only going back in a few times to make minor adjustments.
“It’s so shoddy,” Masato remarked. Sure, it wasn’t the prettiest thing around. Because of their lack of equipment, the castle couldn’t have any perfect edges nor perfectly smooth surfaces- not without worry that something would topple over. Still, Masumi was proud of the thing, no matter how blatant its imperfections were.
“It’s more important that we built it together. Besides, didn’t you have fun?”
Masato hummed with a frown, apparently hesitant to admit he had a good time as he crossed his arms. “That’s such a stereotypical thing to say…”
“How about you Jo? Did you have fun at least?”
Having been acknowledged, Jo stared at Masumi confused, rubbing his thumb alongside his index finger. “I…”
“You can say ‘no’ if you’d like- but I feel like you’d be lying,” Masumi teased, causing Jo to look down. Turning his head to the side, Masumi could have sworn he saw some semblance of a smile pulling at the corner of Jo’s mouth.
“No- I mean… It was a nice experience.” Picking up his head, Jo looked at Masumi properly. It really was a pleasant sight to see him with that small semblance of a smile still remaining on his face. “Thank you for bringing me.”
With that confirmation, Masato rolled onto his back, sprawling himself out like a starfish. “There, you had your fun. Can I relax now?”
“Don’t act like that wasn’t relaxing,” Masumi said, moving to lay next to his son on the sand. “You had a good time: admit it.”
“Why do you say that like I wasn’t going to have a good time? I wanted to come here in the first place: I wouldn’t have wanted to go if I knew it’d be bad.”
“So you had a good time with us today?” Reaching over, Masumi playfully pinched Masato’s cheek, causing the latter to recoil with a look of annoyance as he groaned for him to stop.
“If it means you’ll leave me alone—”
An audible click from behind the two caused Masumi to sit up, only to find Jo kneeling on the sand with a small camera in hand, the black satchel appearing attached to him appearing deflated now. "Ah, so that's what was in there..."
“I figured you'd want pictures from today. We were so busy I didn't have the chance to take any yet.” A simple answer, yet thoughtful all the same- one that surely had Masumi's chest feeling light.
“Maybe you just wanted pictures of today- I knew you wanted to come along!” While Masumi was laughing at the idea, Jo appeared bashful at the notion, quick to walk in front of the Arakawas to ignore the accusation. “Oh- Masato, sit up.”
Masato mumbled some complaint, but ultimately sat up with some help from Masumi. Kneeling in front of them, Jo readied the camera as Masumi hugged Masato’s shoulder.
Masato's almost done with high school... he recollected as he watched the sun gradually start to disappear: they only had one more semester before he should start to worry about college.
With that thought in mind, Masumi couldn’t help but feel himself hug Masato closer- an action that caused him to squirm a bit in his hold. “Dad, that’s too tight!”
“Sorry!” With a laugh, Masumi eased his hold, yet he couldn't shake the somber feeling now embedded in his heart. Looking at Masato, his heart began to ache as he thought of him leaving. Even if Masato only seemed to sneer and snark at him, Masumi could never find it in his heart to neglect his son of the love he constantly felt for him; though Masato appeared to loathe him- an anger Masumi couldn't totally dub unfair considering the circumstances of his birth- Masumi was still proud of him for all of his accomplishments thus far. Truly, he was sure he'd do even greater things down the line, and with that in mind his pain turned itself into pride.
Looking at Jo, he suddenly felt embarrassed as he was met with his second-in-command watching the two in awkward silence, camera still prepared. However, perhaps Jo had something similar in mind: when he looked at his face, he didn't see the look of a man waiting for the moment to be over. If Masumi allowed himself to, he imagined he saw a man just as grateful for the day they were fortunate to have together.
Regardless, it was probably best they got into a photo-worthy pose instead of bickering with each other, and forcing himself to move beyond the moment Masumi let his arm relax over Masato’s shoulders as Masato reluctantly leaned into him. Once everyone was situated, Jo seemed to wake up from his own daze and brought the camera up again. Another loud snap meant Masato was free to wriggle out of Masumi’s hold, quick to lay back down onto the hot sand with a huff.
Even though the photo was taken, Masumi approached Jo, placing his hand over his as he moved to put the device away. “Hold on a moment.”
“Do you want me to take it again?” Oblivious to Masumi’s true intention, Masumi could only chuckle as urged the camera out of Jo’s hands.
“You said I wanted pictures of today, but last I checked Masato and I weren’t the only ones here: I'd like to preserve every aspect of today, if you'd let me.” Jo’s eyes widened at the insinuation, looking between Masumi and Masato.
“...Are you sure? It'd be strange having a picture of me amongst your family photos.”
“I already told you: you are my family! If I wasn’t so sure of myself, I wouldn’t have asked anyhow: now go sit next to him.” Jo stood in place for a few seconds, taking in Masumi's words thoughtfully. It seemed to be an unbelievable statement to him, but as with any other order from Masumi, Jo eventually moved, careful to sit next to Masato.
While Masumi moved to Masato’s other side, he didn’t think to warn Jo of when he was going to take the picture. Jo tended to be too stiff in photos when he knew they were going to be taken- not unlike his natural self, quite honestly. Though as Masato shut his eyes and relaxed on the beach, the gentle scarlet glow of the setting sun brought light to the serene look on Jo’s face as we watched him sleep. If Masumi thought hard, he wasn’t sure he’d ever seen such an expression from him- though perhaps it was similar to the one he had a few moments before his and Masato's photo. It was undeniably a look he wanted treasured forever, and with this second chance, he was certainly ready to capture it this time.
With a final snap of the camera, Masumi grinned as Jo looked up at him, eyes wide. “You took it already? I wasn't ready.”
“I thought you two looked the best like that.” Shuffling closer to Masato, Masumi joined Jo in looking at him, a fawn look replacing his cheeky smile. “I think I tired him out for the day anyways. We’ll get a proper picture next time- we might be lucky enough to get someone to take a picture of all three of us.”
“Next time…” Jo agreed with a murmur, continuing to watch Masato with a peaceful expression- then he straightened up, looking at Masumi bewildered. “‘Next time-’ and 'all three of us?”
“If this is the only way to get you out of the office, then you can count yourself in for the next Arakawa Family outing! How else am I going to know where Masato wants to go next?” Perhaps too into their next outing, Masumi found himself getting excited. "Do you think he'd like the zoo? There was this one zoo I went to as a teenager I think he'd like..."
Even if Masumi expected the announcement to be met with some sign of resignation or resistance, Jo only nodded, seemingly ready to accept these plans while Masumi prattled on. Masumi hoped such an acceptance wasn’t out of necessity to fulfill any wish from the Arakawas. He hoped it was out of a genuine want to spend more time with Masumi and Masato- and as he watched another tiny smile creep its way onto Jo’s lips the more he chattered, he was confident that was the case.