Chapter Text
Ninja was used to finding Ted in all manner of states whenever he dropped into his apartment, from actively attempting a new spinning kick with the assistance of a poorly hung bag of sand, to sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat as he engaged in a round of meditation, to lying flat on the couch, surrounded by empty chip bags and soda cans as he entered hour 37 of a martial-arts movie marathon. He was therefore unsurprised to find his boyfriend walking rapidly across the living room carpet and into the kitchen when he teleported in one day, at Ted's sudden request, though his curiosity did start to grow when Ted's path continued on into the bedroom, before he turned directly on his heel and continued back the same way he'd come. His brow was furrowed and he was muttering under his breath, completely engrossed in his thoughts and unaware that Ninja had even entered his home.
Ninja observed him for a few minutes before silently stepping into Ted's path so that, on his seventh loop of the apartment, Ted bumped directly into him.
"Huh? Oh! Ninja, you're here?"
Ninja smiled as Ted embraced him, granting him a quick kiss before holding up a card.
*It is nice to see you too, Ted. Or, it would be, if I weren't afraid of you wearing out your carpet.*
Ted tapped his fingers together and let out a soft. "Sorry about all the pacing. I've just had something on my mind."
*Yes, I can see that. Would you like to talk about it?*
Ted nodded and gestured for them to sit on the couch, his fingers still tapping together nervously until Ninja gently took hold of his wrists.
*I can also see that your brow is heavy with worry. Please tell me what's bothering you, Ted.*
Ted smiled gratefully at the contact and scooted a bit closer to Ninja. He swallowed and tried to gather his thoughts for a moment before beginning to speak.
"Well, I got a phone call from my mother today. She said that all of my siblings are going to be at my family’s home this Wednesday for a pre-Thanksgiving get together and she wanted me to come home for a visit as well."
Ninja blinked, having expected a much different response than that.
*I don't understand the problem. Don't you visit your family fairly often? I thought you enjoyed spending time with them.*
Ted nodded. "I do, that's not the issue. The issue is that she, um, also asked if I... if I would bring you along, s-so you could meet everyone, and I-I was worried about telling you." Ted's shoulders hunched in embarrassment. "Please don't misunderstand me. It is not as though I wish to hide you from my family. I'm just very nervous about how things will go, as it's something I don't have a lot of positive experience with."
Ninja's eyebrow arched curiously.
*Are you worried they will be upset if you bring another man home?*
"No, no, I had that conversation with them years ago, they're fine with it," Ted hastily clarified. "The problem is that I... well, I have a complicated relationship with them. My parents have always tried to be supportive, in their own way, but that way usually ends with them treating me like some helpless little kid who doesn't know how to look after himself." Ted looked down, a trace of annoyance entering his voice. "My parents would love it if I gave up all this 'silly karate business'-that's how my mother refers to it anyway-and joined my dad and siblings at one of our companies. Now, I've made it very clear that I love the martial arts and I have no desire to become a businessman, but the words just don't seem to get through to them. I know I'll spend the whole day fending off little jabs about my choices and being pressured to give in to them, and what's worse is you'll be there too!"
Ted seemed to realize what he'd just implied and he quickly squeezed Ninja's hands.
"Oh, not because I don't want you there, Ninja! I meant that having you there would make me feel even more nervous because I really want them all to like you as much as I do!"
Ninja adjusted his mask so Ted could see his reassuring smile.
*I understand. It would worry most people to know the one they loved was being judged and scrutinized by the people with whom they share the tightest bonds. Have you had bad experiences bringing home men in the past?*
"I'll say," Ted muttered, seeming down just by the mention of past incidents. "Every time I've brought someone to meet them, it's been a disaster. I can't think of even one guy that's earned their approval, or who didn't run from the house screaming."
Ninja's eyebrow started to arch once more, but he quickly lowered it back into place before taking on a determined expression. Ted's fingers, which had started to wriggle once more, were clamped down by Ninja's strong, slender ones, refusing to let them escape.
*Ted, please stay calm* he instructed. *I can understand why you are nervous. The bonds held between family members can be the strongest and most important in a person's life. If something were to go wrong in a meeting between us and them, those bonds might become stretched or frayed, or even severed completely.*
Ted's face seemed to grow a shade paler at Ninja's words, but Ninja once again flashed him a calming smile.
*However, I am positive that this will not be the case. In three days, you will stand proudly before your family and show them how strong and capable you have become, while I will prove myself worthy in their eyes and show them the depths of my love for you. No matter the requirement for being allowed to care for your heart, I will pass it with flying colors. There is no challenge I would ever back down, least of all one in regards to you. So trust in my words and stand tall at my side, Ted, because together there is nothing we cannot achieve.*
"Ninja..." Ted all but melted as Ninja pulled him into a warm embrace and he vigorously kissed his boyfriend, allowing all his fear and worry to be transformed into a passionate energy that shone in his eyes when he pulled back. "You're right. I've stopped doubting myself and I've never doubted your love for me. I'm sure once my family gets to know more about us, they won't be doubters any longer either!"
*That is what I love to hear from you.* Ninja performed a few hand seals then before conjuring a small datebook from thin air. *So, the meeting will be on Wednesday, correct?*
"Yes, my mother is planning a whole day of it starting with, ugh, brunch."
Ninja silently chuckled at Ted's annoyed expression before starting to make notes.
*Is there anything in particular I should know about them?*
"They live in Florida, so you should dress for warm weather..." Ted trailed off, since he'd never seen Ninja in any clothing other than his robes. "Don't bother bringing a gift, though, since my mother is very picky about those types of things."
Ninja looked at Ted in subdued horror.
*You want me to arrive without a gift? I could never abide such a lack of manners!*
"Well, alright, if it bothers you that much I guess you could try a bottle of wine? My parents never turn down a good Merlot."
*Noted. Now, what are your parents like?*
"My mother is very, um, energetic for her age," Ted said gingerly. "She likes to get out of the house and try new things. And talk. A lot."
Ninja nodded, scribbling more notes.
"As for my dad, well, a lot of people seem to find him intimidating, which always makes me laugh, because he's actually one of the nicest people you could know. Outside the boardroom, that is."
*Intriguing.*
"If you say so," Ted said with a shrug. "As for my brother and sisters, they're pretty normal, I guess. Kind of annoying, but they mean well."
*Okay. Anything else?*
Ted hesitated for the briefest of seconds before shaking his head. "No, that should be all."
-----
Beside a sparkling blue lake, amid 18 acres of well-trimmed hedges and palm trees, at the end of a thirty foot cobblestone drive protected by an ornate golden gate stood an elegant stone mansion so white that it seemed to almost sparkle in the sunlight. Ninja's eyes widened as he took in the dazzling display, his head slowly turning a complete 180 degrees as he took in every inch of this unbelievable display of wealth, before he focused his intense gaze upon Ted.
*That should be all?* he echoed, his words written in bold letters.
Ted shrank away from him and patted his already sweaty forehead with a handkerchief.
"Oh, uh, d-did I forget to mention that my parents, uh, were pretty well off?"
*I have seen kings and czars who were not as well off as this* Ninja replied, nervously moving the small, silver gift bag from hand to hand. He thought he'd prepared himself for the day ahead of him by wearing his best black suit, but it appeared he was not prepared at all. He stared down at the present, suddenly regretting that he hadn't paid the extra five dollars for the shiny bow, when the golden gates parted before them as a rather old gentleman in a black butler's uniform jogged over toward them.
"Master Theodore!" he called out, pausing briefly to huff and puff and rub at the obvious stitch in his side, before he turned his gaze back to Ted.
"Winston, what are you doing out here?" Ted asked, looking at the man in alarm.
"The Mistress thought she spotted a prowler accosting you out here, so I came to defend you."
Instantly, Winston was advancing upon Ninja, his hands held high and clenched into tight fists.
"Now see here, you loathsome rapscallion! I will not allow you to harm a single hair on Master Theodore's head, so you'd best skedaddle if you know what's good for you!"
Ninja bit back a smile before glancing to Ted, who was already turning bright red.
"Winston, no! There's nothing to worry about here! This is-" Before he could finish, a burst of static came from the small walkie-talkie settled in Winston's back pocket, followed by a distressed woman's voice.
"Winston! Have you scared that masked hoodlum away from Teddy? Is he injured? Does he need me to come out there?"
"No, don't come out here!" Ted cried out, despite there being no way for his mother to possibly hear him.
Winston jabbed one fist into Ninja's chest, with all the intensity of child punching Play-Doh, before he collapsed to his knees and clutched his chest, his gasping growing in intensity.
"Run... Master Theodore... I'll... hold him.... off..."
"Oh my God."
While Ted buried his face in his hands, Ninja quickly summoned a water bottle and knelt down before Winston.
*Please drink this. You might pass out from the heat.*
Winston's fingers wrapped weakly around the plastic and shook slightly as he brought it to his lips, drinking heartily.
"Thank you," he breathed in a raspy voice after emptying half the bottle. "You are... the kindest hoodlum... I've ever met."
"Winston! What happened? Is that thug poisoning you?"
Growling in frustration, Ted freed the walkie-talkie from the confines of the butler's pocket.
"Mother, it's me! I'm not out here being attacked; I'm here with my boyfriend! He's a ninja, remember? I told you and Dad all about this!"
"Teddy! Thank goodness you're unharmed! I'm so relieved. Let me send Margot up with the trolley to fetch you two!"
"No, you don't need to-and she's gone." Ted sighed as he lowered the device before he glanced over at Ninja uncertainly. "Are you sure you don't want to bail right now? Because I would not blame you, not for an instant."
Ninja, while still rather bewildered by the discovery of Ted's family's wealth, refused to let his confidence be shaken by something so trivial in the grand scheme of things, which is why he resolutely shook his head and smiled to show Ted that he was unbothered.
*It is alright. Believe it or not, this is not the first time I have been mistaken for a prowler and it will not be the last. I do not wish to leave, Ted.*
Ted let out a shaky sigh of relief and reached out to squeeze Ninja's hand.
"I appreciate your patience, my love."
A frown returned to Ninja's face as he held up his next card.
*However, you still completely failed to mention that your family was wealthy, Ted. Why did you keep such a large secret from me?*
Ted looked down guiltily once more, before looking up at the horn honk coming from the golf cart that had arrived to escort them.
"Forgive me, Ninja. I suppose I do owe you an explanation. I will explain on the way."
Once they were seated, and Winston had been securely strapped in next to the driver, Ted took a deep breath and began to speak.
"My family is very successful and well-known in various fields of business. It has been for years, ever since my great-great-grandfather started our first company generations ago. I'm the youngest of my parent's children, with two sisters and a brother. I was born into wealth and my parents intended for me to follow in the footsteps of my father, but as you well know, I wanted to follow my own dream of being a martial artist. I never really cared for having money, though I won't say I haven't take advantage of that fact, as my parents were able to fund my college education and several trips abroad thanks to it. But eventually it all became too much for me to handle, so I moved out on my own after I graduated and have been living independently ever since. Well, semi-indepently."
Ninja's eyes widened as several pieces to the puzzle of Ted's life finally began to click into place.
*So that is how you've managed to make a living despite not having a job.*
Ted sighed and hung his head.
"Yes, my family has always been supporting me. I'm not proud of it but I can't seem to get them to stop. That's why I did not tell you. I know that must make you think less of me, but I am doing my best to atone for it now. I love my family, but this kind of life just wasn't for me. I much prefer being Kung-Tai Ted than Theodore Augustus Vandervloek, the last heir in line to the Vandervloek insurance fortune," Ted murmured with obvious disdain in his voice, as though it were something he'd heard repeated to him many times with much more importance than he'd prefer.
Ninja's eyes grew wide for the second time that morning.
*Vandervloek Insurance... of course, I know that name. They also own a great deal of medical supply companies and emergency preparedness organizations. I just never realized your name was a part of that legacy.*
"I didn't want you to think of me as some spoiled little rich kid," Ted admitted softly.
Ninja's expression softened.
*I have seen how hard you work to live the life you desire, Ted. I could never think of you as undeserving of what you have.*
Ted smiled and he leaned over to kiss Ninja when a clearing of a throat from the front of the gold cart caused him to blush and quickly pull back. It seemed Winston had finally recovered from his earlier collapse and was looking at the two of them with great interest, which shut down any further attempts at affection. The moment the vehicle came to a stop in front of the mansion, he quickly stepped out and turned to Ted, bowing deeply before him.
"Master Theodore, please accept my apologies for not greeting you or your guest properly, as well as for accusing him of wrong-doing without sufficient evidence."
*I humbly accept your apology. I would also like to thank you for rushing to Ted's defense when you thought him in trouble* Ninja replied, bowing to the man as well.
Winston did not seem to be expecting this and he blustered a bit.
"Oh! Uh, w-well, of course, a-anything for, um, for the young master. You-you don't, um, need to bow... although it is quite nice to be on the other end for once..."
Ted started to laugh, putting the man out of his misery, before patting him on the arm.
"It's alright, Winston. We're just glad you didn't succumb to heatstroke or something. Why don't you go inside a rest for a bit, since I'm sure Mother will be needing your assistance soon-"
"Winston! What on Earth happened?"
"That didn't take long," Ted muttered as a short woman hurried outside. She was thin and smartly dressed, her silver hair pulled into a neat bun atop her head, though her dark inquisitive eyes and the sprint on her step belied her years.
"Let me say in advance how sorry I am for..." Ted trailed off when he realized he was gazing at Ninja's completely exposed face. "What are you doing?"
Ninja smiled at Ted, his dark hair bouncing slightly in the breeze.
*I could never forgive myself if I was considered a criminal by your family. I want to give them a good first impression, so I will show them who I really am.*
Ted swallowed, unable to speak for a moment as he realized just how much his boyfriend was willing to do for his sake, but he found his voice the moment he was engulfed in a strangulating hug.
"Ah! M-Mother, please! I'm alright and happy to see you, but I-I still need to breathe!"
"Oh, Teddy, it's been so long!" The hug continued for another thirty seconds before the woman pulled away, tears in her eyes. "You look well! I'm so glad your legs are okay!"
"Of course they're okay, Mother."
"But on that video your brother showed me-"
"I don't know why he insisted on showing you that," Ted muttered, just a hint of exasperation in his voice. "As I said before, Mother, that was just a comedy sketch I was in. Nothing about it was real."
"I don't understand what was supposed to be amusing about the thought of you being seriously injured," she said, confusion evident on her face.
"... actually, I don't either. The person who wrote it is a dark, twisted individual. But don't worry about that. It was just a dumb internet video and I was paid me handsomely for my part, so I actually benefited from the deal."
"You're right," she agreed. "The important thing is that you've finally come home. Oh, your father and I have missed you so much! You must promise you'll come to visit more often next year!"
"Yes, of course, Mother," Ted said rather dismissively, his gaze constantly darting toward Ninja. "Um, but before that, I think you need to meet my... uh... Ninja, this is my mother, Tonya. Mother, this is Shinobu Odori, the... the man I love very much."
Ninja beamed at Ted's reddened cheeks before he once again bowed before the woman.
*I am so very honored and pleased to meet you, Mrs. Vandervloek. You have a beautiful home and a wonderful son. Please accept this token of my esteem.*
Tonya wiped her eyes before peering curiously at the note cards Ninja held up. Then her expression turned to understanding.
"Oh, that's right, Teddy told me about this. HELLO, SHINOBU!" she suddenly screamed, causing everyone within earshot to jump. "WE ARE SO HAPPY TO FINALLY BE MEETING YOU!"
"Mother, he can hear you!" Ted cried, looking mortified. "You don't need to shout!"
"Oh, he can? Has he gotten those cochlear implants? You know, our medical technicians are working to create an improved version of those, so you might be in luck if you're looking to upgrade," Tonya told Ninja with an excited smile as she accepted his gift.
"No, Mother, he doesn't need... oh, whatever." Ted flashed Ninja a look of apology, but Ninja simply smiled, not at all bothered by the woman.
"My, Teddy, you're looking very red," Tonya said, touching his cheek with one well-manicured finger. "Let's get you inside and out of the heat."
Once they had all entered inside the mansion, Margot and Winston retreated down a long hallway, leaving the three standing in a magnificent entryway. Ninja was again struck by the majesty of it all, the marble floors, hung glass chandeliers, works of art, and elaborate fixtures adoring every in this home, and wondered how anyone could live in a house that was large enough to get lost in.
After a few moments spent observing the splendor, Ninja noticed a bit of movement from the corner of his eye. He tensed instinctively as the figures headed directly toward Ted, but relaxed almost instantly when he witnessed his boyfriend becoming enveloped in a side hug while his head rubbed vigorously by what appeared to be his older brother.
"Thomas, stop that!" Ted protested, struggling and trying to get out of his grip.
"Aww, c'mon, Teddy. Been a while since I've seen, not to mention hugged, my baby brother!"
"You know I turned 30 this year, right?"
"Yay, Teddy's home!" Two women also hurried over to embrace Ted on either side, squeezing and fawning over him.
"Still a cute little shrimp, I see!" one of them said, pinching his cheek and giggling.
"I know, and the red pajamas he usually wears really don't help."
"Those are not pajamas and I am not cute!"
*Ted, aren't you going to introduce me?* Ninja held up, unable to hide the enormous grin which had slid across his face.
Ted groaned, pulling himself away from their hugs and begrudgingly obliging.
"Shinobu, this is my brother Thomas and my sisters, Tabitha and Thalia. Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Shinobu."
The three shared Ted's dark brown hair and blue eyes, but not much else, as they all seemed taller and more angular than their younger brother.
"Ooh, Teddy sure brought a looker home," Tabitha commented as she nudged her sister. "I like this one a lot better than the last one."
*Why thank you. It is nice to know my appearance is appreciated* Ninja held up, feeling his enjoyment rise even more as Ted not-so-subtly moved in front of him to stake his claim.
"So, Shinobu," Thomas said, extending one hand forward which Ninja quickly shook, "it's nice to finally meet you after all the bragging Teddy's done about you."
"Thomas!" Ted squeaked.
"I haven't seen him this infatuated since I brought home my college roommate, Chaz," Thomas continued, oblivious to Ted's pitiful protests. "He used to be very sweet on him. I remember how we'd go for rides in the country in my convertible, with Teddy in the backseat gazing up in rapture at Chaz and laughing at every little thing he said. I even caught him dancing around in Chaz's sweatshirt one night, so I hope you've been careful about leaving clothes lying around, Shinobu," he finished with a playful wink.
"Th-that was an accident! I thought it was your sweatshirt! And why do you even remember that!" Ted cried, wishing at that moment that the floor could open up and suck him into it, or at the very least his brother, since surely he would not be missed.
Thomas chuckled and patted Ted's shoulder.
"Ah, those were the good old days, weren't they, Teddy? Before we were burdened by jobs and all the stress of being an adult."
"Yes, such good days, now let's never talk about them again," Ted said through gritted teeth, his face beet red now. He glanced meekly at Ninja, certain he was on the verge of teasing him, but instead Ninja was holding up a new card for Thomas to read.
*So, Thomas, what line of work are you in?*
"I'm the CEO of Vandervloek Insurance," Thomas replied. "Although it won't be official until our father steps down next year. He's made sure to show me the ropes though, so I'll be doing my best not to let him down."
*How admirable.*
"And I believe Mother told us you were a magician, Shinobu?" Tabitha inquired.
"Yes, Teddy told me about all the tricks he can do! Apparently he's quite impressive," Tonya burst out.
Ted looked at her in shock.
"What? Mother, I said no such thing! Shinobu is a ninja, and a dancer-"
"Ooh, really, a dancing ninja?" Tabitha interrupted, looking excited. "Have you incorporated both of those aspects into your magic act?"
"He's not a magician!" Ted shouted.
*You can judge for yourself.* Ninja pressed his palms together before he started to moonwalk across the polished marble floor. After a few seconds, he carwheeled backwards, landing in a split, before lifting his body from the ground with only his hands. He swung his legs around, performing a few of his favorite break-fance moves, before he jumped to his feet and outstretched his arms, an array of confetti pouring out from each of his sleeves.
"Amazing," Tonya murmured while Thomas and Thalia eagerly applauded the trick.
"That was wonderful, Shinobu," Tabitha said as Ninja, after having vanished the confetti with a few hand seals, made his way back toward them. "Are you available for birthday parties? I'd love to hire you for my daughter's beachfront soiree next month!"
*I would be honored to attend and spread some birthday joy* Ninja replied.
"Splendid! I'll have my assistant call your assistant and we can hammer out those details!"
"Tabitha, he doesn't have... and he's not a... oh, never mind." Ted rubbed a hand across his face.
"Well, now, we have a good half hour before the meal is ready, so why don't we pass the time with a tour of the house?" Tonya asked, looking quite excited by the prospect.
*Thank you for the offer. I would love to view more of your lovely home* Ninja agreed,
Ted, who'd narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the suggestion, turned toward the older woman.
"Uh, Mother, the house is quite large. Where exactly do you plan to take him?"
"Oh, here and there," Tonya answered vaguely.
"I think I'll come along too," Ted insisted, hurrying to take his spot at Ninja's side.
"We'll come as well, Teddy," Thalia said as she and Tabitha joined the group. "Mother just purchased a Ming vase and I've been dying to see it!"
"You should enjoy that as well, Shinobu," Tabitha added.
"Mother, he's not Chinese," Ted stated, though once again no one paid him any mind.
"I think I'll-" Thomas paused as his cell phone started to ring. "Oh, excuse me, everyone."
"That's the office," Tonya said matter-of-factly as she started leaving everyone down the one of the hallways branching off from the entryway. "Remember Phil, Teddy?"
"Uh, no."
"You know, from accounting?'
"Still no, Mother."
"You met him when your father took you in to work for that class project."
"Mother, that was fourteen years ago."
"My, time really does fly. Anyway, he's about to retire, so there's a vacancy..."
Ted's eyes started to narrow.
"Mother, you know I'm not good at math."
"Yes, but Thomas and Tabitha would be there to help you, right?" Tonya countered. "They were always such good tutors for you back in school."
"Right, because I'm sure it'd be great if the CEO of the entire company and his best attorney had to keep coming into the accounting department to do someone else's work," Ted snarked.
Tonya's lips formed a small pout.
"You don't have to be so negative about it, Teddy. I'm only asking you to think it over."
"Yeah, Teddy, think it over," Tabitha echoed. "The benefits are amazing and you can take as many vacation days as you want!"
"Fine, I'll think it over," Ted replied, his voice tense enough for Ninja to pick up on.
*Mrs. Vandervloek, can you tell me about this lovely painting?* Ninja pointed to a watercolored canvas adorned atop the wall of a stylish study.
Tonya turned to Ninja with a delighted expression.
"I can see you have quite the eye for art. That is an original Van Gogh I was lucky enough to acquire at the country club's auction last summer. I spent a bit more than I'd intended for it, but since we were raising money a good cause, I thought why not live a little?"
As she let out a soft chuckle, Ninja's expression turned curious.
*What cause were you supporting?*
"Oh, I haven't the foggiest idea now," Tonya said, still chuckling. "When you've been to as many auctions and benefits as I have, they all start to blend together."
"Is this where you're putting the vase as well, Mother?" Thalia wondered.
"Heavens, no, that's for the lounge. Come along, I'll show it to you, darling."
Ted flashed Ninja a quick, grateful smile as the topic of Phil's retirement vanished completely from everyone's minds.