Work Text:
"Are you sure you're okay with me going on this trip?"
No, Jen was not. In fact, there was no better way to spend her break than with her parents. But she also knew how important this getaway was to them. They had a large household with four kids, her being the youngest. Now that most of them went to other cities or overseas, it felt like her parents were barely holding back just how much they wanted to be alone together but couldn't since Jen wasn't able to get a dorm room in time.
So when her dad managed to win a surprise trip, it felt like the right choice. With the amount of times she almost walked in on them, going with her estranged uncle felt like the best option. Especially since her mom was practically glowing with excitement despite her anxiety. Her dad was still upstairs, double checking their luggage.
"I'm sure. You and dad worked really hard this year. Plus, his company said that the prize trip is only enough for two people."
"If you're okay with it. Just know you can call us at any time. Leaving you alone for so long worries me…" Jen was pulled into her mom's embrace, feeling her face heat up in embarrassment.
No matter how she felt, she returned the hug, "I'll be alright, mom. You trust Uncle Satoru, right?"
"Even if he could be an outright ass, he's the kind of guy who would rip somebody's arm off for people under his care," Her mother sighed, "But it's been a while since we talked. My cousin stopped keeping in touch when he went into the Police Force," Long, well-kept nails combed through her hair, "The only reason I even considered him is because he said he quit and he could make the adjustment compared to your siblings."
Jen doesn't say that she could just run away to a friend's house if things go south. Although Hanabi's parents don't really like her, they'd be willing to keep her if there was any danger. Asuka would be ecstatic to have her, but then they would have to spend the rest of the two weeks hiding from her family.
As heavy footsteps descended from the stairs, her mom pulled away slightly. Hands still petting Jen's head, her father finally appeared.
"Hey honey, your cousin called and said he'll be here to pick Jen up soon." Her dad joined them, his bulky frame projecting the same energy as her mom. Kind blue eyes met hers, "You got everything packed?"
"Mhm, everything."
Her dad looked at her quizzically, "Phone?"
"Ready and charged. The charger is in a small pocket."
"Toiletries?"
"The mini bottles are freshly refilled with my toothbrush and toothpaste. And yes, that includes my first aid kit."
"Excellent. Stuff to do when you're bored?"
"I have my homework and a few novels my friends recommended."
"I see," Her dad narrowed his eyes, "Emergency underwear?"
"I've got- Dad, please stop. I'm ready to stay with Uncle Satoru, you didn't need to ask me that."
Her dad scratched his beard, "Good answer. I would've preferred it if you got a bit angrier because no man should ask that question. If anybody else asks, don't be afraid to punch them," His serious expression turned into a more familiar, playful smile.
"That's enough, Anthony," Her mom giggled at Jen's misery, "She's starting to look like a tomato."
"Well, it doesn't hurt to be prepared."
A knock on the door interrupted their moment. Her mother's worry slowly came back, "I think that's him. Go get your things while we talk, okay?"
"Not a child anymore, but okay," Jen went upstairs to her room. Things like her lamp and hand-me-down television were unplugged while her sheets were organized compared to the usual nest-like state it is. Jen wondered if she should bring her bow and arrows, but decided against it. The teen doubted that her uncle would know a good archery range.
She grabbed her school bag and luggage before going back into the hall. The walls were lined with precious family memories, some with her two sisters in front of their restaurant while photos of her brother were him at the airport in his pilot uniform. The most common photos were formal graduation ones, with their respective relaxing outings once the ceremonies ended.
A part of her was glad that her family decided to not put up any baby photos of anybody. According to her dad, baby photos are a sacred thing only the family should look at. Of course, her mom called him ridiculous and that it would be nice, but Jen and her siblings were thankful that their dad insisted on the rule.
She gripped her bags tighter as she went down.
"-could've updated me, you know?" Ah, her mom must still be catching up with her uncle.
An unfamiliar voice clicked his tongue, "Y'know, there's a reason why I gave you my work phone instead of my personal one. This is why. Dealing with your nagging is something I can only do in small doses. Never mind doing goddamn favors for my delinquent cousin."
"I was your favorite, delinquent cousin. Not to mention I'm older, so you have to do what I say."
"By process of elimination, yes. I highly preferred you over every other prick that came out of your mom's womb. But we both know the age card is utter bullshit."
"Dang, you have not changed since I last saw you. Not even that nice jacket can cover up all that assholery. Remember, you still agreed to it." Such vulgar words coming out of her mom's sweet mouth gave her whiplash. Was this what her father meant when he said Jen got her temperament from her?
"Mm, and you're still a hag even without that long skirt and glorified whacking stick. We both know for fact you'd mess up my office if I said no. Thought married life would make you calm down."
Her dad laughed at her uncle's snark, "As if I could change that. Pretty sure she has me tamed instead." A pause, "Not that I would have it any other way, love."
"Aww, it's cute when you try to backtrack, An."
"Shiho…"
"Barf. I came here to pick up your daughter, not watch this love fest."
That should be her cue. Jen came downstairs and was met with the third most tired man she's seen. First and second place going to Dr.Daimon and Mr.Yashiki respectively.
His hair was short and slightly gelled down, but not enough to make him look slimy. Her uncle wore a full suit, covered with an olive green windbreaker. It was like he stepped out of a detective novel, which would be accurate considering her mom just told Jen that he was one. He's shorter than her father by a good amount, yet it looked like he could give a decent fight.
The three snapped their attention to her as she made her way down. Her mom's expression softened "Satoru, this is your niece, Higashikata Jennifer," She turned to the man. Despite her smile, she was somehow glaring daggers at him, "Jen, this is your uncle, Mashita Satoru. He decided to just tell me that the address he gave last time has changed."
"If you wanted your daughter to stay at my crappy work apartment, you could've just said so," He rolled his eyes, "But yeah, I have a place we'll be staying at for your break. Hope you don't mind."
Jen got over her initial hesitation to answer him, "Uh, it's not like it changes much for me. I really think it's mom you should be worried about."
"Fair enough. Is the plan still going or should I go ahead and call one of your adult kids?"
"Hmmm," Her mother stared at Uncle Satoru for a solid minute before letting out a dramatic sigh. "I suppose it's okay since you still gave me the updated address. Just give me a warning next time."
Her uncle gave a small smirk, "If it stops you from getting a heart attack, granny."
"Tch, try not to pick up any bad habits from your brat uncle. He may seem very mature now, but he was a hellion when we were younger," Jen could only blink at the rougher tone her mom adopted when talking to her uncle. It only solidified that she will never get used to it. She felt her mother's hand carefully perched on her shoulder. Jen saw the way her mom's eyes were shining with a familiar adoration, "And remember, we're only one call away. We'll check in on you once we arrive at the airport, okay?"
It hit her that this was the first time Jen won't have either of her parents with her. When one of them went on a trip, they made sure the other stayed behind. Still, it's not a scary feeling. Besides, what kind of daughter would she be if she didn't have a degree of independence? Rather than hug her mom like she usually does, she just holds the hand on her shoulder, "I'll be fine, you guys enjoy yourselves."
Both her parents shared a moment of silence before smiling. Her dad ruffled her hair, making Jen's ponytail come loose, "Alright, kiddo. If you say so. But we'll spend the rest of the month together, okay?" Her dad gave her head one last awkward pat.
"God," Uncle Mashita yawned to himself, "You're not sending your kid to war. At this rate, you might as well miss your damn flight."
Her mother smacked his head upside, "And you can piss the fuck off. We were having a tender family moment here."
"Geez, no need to get your panties in a twist," He grimaced, "It's only two weeks away. I'll be sure to watch your kid and then dump her on the porch once you come back," Despite how harsh the words sound, there was something deeper that Jen couldn't get. However, her mom seemed to be calmed by these words.
"She better be in one piece. That's one of my babies you're talking about."
"Of course, who do you think I am? Unlike your brother, I have experience with kids. Then again, that's not saying much considering how much of a rat bastard he is."
"Ha, like I'd trust Suguru with anything. His 'bachelor pad' is no place for Jen."
Her uncle barked out a laugh, "Well as much as I would love to catch up, we're burning daylight. I'll be waiting by the car. Nice seeing you again, pushover," Considering her mom was anything but a pushover, Jen could only assume that would be her dad.
"It's pleasant seeing you too, Mashita," Her dad's tone was similar to the one he used with stray cats. Cautious but friendly.
Her uncle simply waved him off as he left the house, leaving them alone. She knows that if she said anything more, they'd be here for hours before her parents let her go. Rather than using words, she gave her family one last hug. Allowing her mother's strong arms and her father's warmth surround her, it was all she needed before letting go.
One last look of care was shared between them before Jen picked up her bags and left.
_____________
The car ride was thankfully quiet. At least in the interaction department. When Jen entered the car, her uncle just asked if she was ready before heading off. Low jazz played on the radio as they passed a familiar road.
This was the exact way to Konoehara Academy.
"Here's the deal," Her uncle said as they passed by the turn her usual bus would take, "We'll be staying with a friend of mine. He offered the place considering the usual apartment I stay at is absolute shit for guests."
"The one you use for work, right?"
Uncle Mashita nodded, "That's right. I usually stay with my friend during my off days. So it didn't make much of a difference bringing you along."
"Well, if that's what you think is best. Do you trust him?" That's some friend he has. But she supposed that even guys stay over in each other's houses from time to time.
"As much as I don't want to, there's nobody I would trust more with my life," Then a small smile, the same kind she wore. It wouldn't be noticeable unless somebody knew the signs to look for,"Besides, he has more babysitting experience than me. If the kids weren't busy looking after him, that is."
"Hmm…"
The conversation died off from there, allowing Jen to soak in the road beyond her school. As they got further, more and more trees began to appear. The morning turned to afternoon and they arrived at an old mansion. Most of the plants were dead, but it wasn't unusual for this time of year. Her uncle went down an off road until he got to a small building, most likely a garage. It looked newly renovated too, considering it didn't look as old as the front. The garage door opened when she heard her uncle click something. Did his friend also give him that?
Well, obviously. It would be weird otherwise.
But it indicated an immense amount of trust. They drove inside, neatly parking next to a big van. The inside felt lived in, with a table for guests and some knick-knacks on the shelves. There were also two bicycles, but they looked like part of the decor more than anything. As the car shut off, Uncle Mashita gave her a look, "Since you're Shiho's kid, I'm obligated to tell you to behave. But considering how quiet you were on the way, I doubt you'll raise hell."
"It's like you're asking me to cause trouble," She raised her eyebrow, "Was that what you and mom did together?"
"Tch, nevermind. I preferred it when your mouth stayed shut."
She started to notice that the pricklier his attitude became, the more he reminisced.
Her uncle got out of the car, taking her luggage from the trunk and motioning her to come out. Jen slid off her seat, closing the car door. She took her school bag, wordlessly following him towards the mansion.
The gardens were kept, but not by much. Every evergreen looked a bit grown out, making her think that the owner must hire a service every few months rather than have a daily upkeep. The greenhouse looked empty, but the pond was brimming with algae and overgrown lily pads. The occasional weed along the path pretty much confirmed it as they went up a deck and to the door.
Her eyes widened as they went inside, being met with an elegant hallway. At first she thought it would be as run down as the garden outside, but instead she was met with a warm atmosphere.
Even Asuka's parents couldn't replicate this type of elegance, no matter how much they throw money at their house. The walls were cream with wooden accents, ancient yet still refined even to this day. It didn't take a genius to believe that whoever her uncle's friend was, he had the money. Going through another door, they arrive at the main room.
She's pretty sure Asuka would know what this room was exactly, but she'll call it the main room for now.
It had a grand staircase leading up to the second floor, with tasteful yet comfortable furniture used to house guests. Paintings of landscapes and abstract art filled the walls, candelabras unlit since it's still day time. Yet despite how grand it looked, there was still the same air of being lived in like the garage. Her uncle stopped at the foot of the stairs, motioning her to wait with him.
From upstairs, she could make out a familiar face.
Was that Mr.Yashiki?
No way, it was.
"Hey, Satoru," There was a certain way his eyes shone that made him look more relaxed than he ever did at the academy, "Nice seeing you again."
Her uncle sighed, "Let's skip the damn pleasantries, Kazuo. You make it sound like I don't visit you every month."
Wait…Kazuo? She vaguely remembered Asuka saying that Mr.Yashiki was dating somebody named Satoru. Her uncle's first name was common enough, but how many people named Satoru knew Mr.Yashiki?
Her uncle said that he stayed at this place when he wasn't busy, not to mention he had a garage door clicker for the mansion. That's like having a key to the place. All this evidence was screaming at her, but she reminded herself that it wasn't her damn business to speculate over her former teacher and distant uncle's relationship.
"There's nothing wrong with saying hello," Mr.Yashiki turned his attention to her,"Ah, this must be the niece you were talking about. Hi, I'm Yashiki Kazuo. Say, you look kind of familiar…"
Jen blinked, "Yeah, you covered one of my classes at Konoehara Academy. My name's Higashikata Jen," A part of her understood that he wouldn't remember too well. It was only one class and Jen only remembered him from the rumors, both the initial ones and the ones her friends perpetuated.
At the mention of the school, Mr.Yashiki's face lost some color, "Oh, you study there?"
He looked so stricken, like a dog caught in the rain. No wonder why Hanabi wanted to make things right with him, this was just upsetting to look at.
"Still do. We have a month off before heading back."
"Ah, I see. It would be understandable if you changed your mind about staying here," His voice and expression meant he knew all about the rumors about him, "I'm sure I have some money left over to get you a hotel room or you could call somebody else to stay with."
Besides her, she can hear her uncle mutter a small 'Jesus Christ…'
It would be one thing to insist those rumors weren't true, but offering her to leave in case she believed her schoolmates was something else. It was impressive, if not a bit…she can't really think of any words. Something like a mix of 'sad', 'vulnerable', 'tiny bit pathetic', and 'earnest'. Alright, one point goes to Asuka and Hanabi for giving him a chance. She shook her head, "It's okay, I don't put too much stock into rumors. Didn't you say that about the Departed?"
It was honestly refreshing, despite his rumored curiosity about that.
"Huh, I remember doing that lecture."
"Besides, it's not my first time with slander," She vaguely remembers her first month at the academy, whispers of how she had western features but was 'Japanese enough' to still be accepted by the majority of the student body, "I know better than to believe them at face value."
"Looks like your mom did teach you right," Uncle Mashita then looked at his 'friend', "Hear that, Kazuo? You don't need to worry about shit. Why don't you show her to the room while I take a smoke break? And quit looking like that, the whole soggy dog act doesn't suit your face."
Huh, Jen shouldn't be surprised he smokes. Instantly, Mr.Yashiki cheered up. It wasn't like he became perky, but there was a fond yet tired smile on him, "Sure, Satoru. We'll talk in my office once I'm done showing her room?"
"That depends, are you dragging me to another job?" Her uncle crosses his arms.
"No, I just wanted to catch up with you. There's nothing wrong with that, right?"
Jen swore she saw her uncle blush no matter how poorly visible it was. Though his grumpy expression didn't change, the air was charged with something she couldn't put to words.
"I guess, since we'll have nothing better to do. Hope you don't mind me cracking open a window," He grumbled.
Mr.Yashiki looked fully relaxed again, "Just make sure to use the ashtray I gave you. It was bought for a reason."
"Mhm, maybe," He waved him off while heading down a separate corridor. Mr.Yashiki could only shake his head before returning his attention to Jen.
"Alright, let me show you to your guest room. I made sure to put a marker on it in case you get lost."
He grabbed the luggage Uncle Mashita left on the floor (albeit with more effort). As they went up the stairs, Jen couldn't help but blurt out, "You two are dating, aren't you?"
Mr.Yashiki almost tripped on a rug, "Uh-wha? I'm dating who?" He steadied himself and stopped at a door with a drawing on it.
"You and my uncle," Jen couldn't help but laugh at the man's reaction. Each minute she spent with him, she could see why Kinukawa fell for him. She always loved people she could mess with, Jen being one of them.
"I mean, it's not that-" Looking at her unconvinced face, Jen knew that she could tell he would be lying if he denied it or made it vague, "Was it really that obvious to you?"
"Not really. I just know the signs," She also ignored the fact that she also had Hanabi's word for it. Asuka's could be exaggerated, but she knew Hanabi wouldn't lie. It also didn't help that a small part of her hoped that her uncle was also 'like her'.
"Well, considering you'll be staying here and your uncle won't probably mind…Yeah, we are dating."
There was a nagging feeling in Jen's head that he would very much mind. Still, it was good to know the truth rather than be handled with kiddie gloves.
"Okay, cool."
Mr.Yashiki blinked, "You're fine with that?"
"Yeah, even though I don't know either of you that well, it's nice that you were being honest with me. It honestly made more sense if you two were dating rather than just being close," She shrugged, "Anything else doesn't matter to me. You two are grown men, you can have your preferences as long as you're not hurting anybody."
Honestly, it made her feel actual relief that he wasn't just lying to Kinukawa so she could stop bothering him. If anything, there was a strange sense of relatability in his hesitation to accept she was 'fine' with it. She would be too if anybody else knew her secret, especially when her foreign features already stood out. If word spreads about how she felt towards other girls, she would never hear the end of it.
"Alright then," He opened the door awkwardly. Matching the subject shift to a T, "This is your room. I'll be giving you time to unpack. If you need me, I'll be in my office downstairs with your uncle. I'm ordering out dinner tonight, so let me know if you have any preferences or allergies."
"Thank you, Mr.Yashiki. I'm not allergic to anything and I'm not picky. Just order what you usually order, I guess," She stepped inside the guest bedroom. It was freshly cleaned, complete with a lovely desk and vintage lamp. This room was twice the size of her actual bedroom with big windows peaking out into the garden area. She saw another door in the room, possibly leading to a private bathroom.
Jen felt like she entered a movie set, except she knows this will be where she's staying for the next two weeks.
"Okay, I'll leave it to you then. Welcome to the Manor."
Bonus:
Not even an hour into her stay, she could hear yells coming from downstairs. At first she thought they were arguing, but the short rant sounded less like anger and more like exasperation. Uncle Mashita oddly sounded like her mom when she's embarrassed by something her dad did.
When she went to the office, she knocked before entering.
"-rats isn't any of their- Oh hey," Her uncle immediately noticed when she opened the door, "You really don't give a shit?"
Next to him was a blushing Mr.Yashiki, looking as if the yelling was a highlight in his life despite the sheepish look on his face. Kind of like her dad whenever Jen tried to walk in the middle of him and her mother.
"No, it's none of my business," Picking up what exactly he was embarrassed about.
"Damn right it isn't," Uncle Mashita groaned into his hands, "You're so lucky that this was my cousin's kid. You get a pass this time." All the fight left his voice, replaced by a tired irritation.
Mr.Yashiki put a comforting hand on his shoulders, as if to placate him. Shockingly, he didn't move to swat it away like she predicted. Or maybe it wasn't all that shocking considering her mom doesn't do that to her dad either when he pulls the same move.
Yeah, she'll be enjoying her two weeks.