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It’s a quiet Friday night, hanging out at his little brother’s place when a violent knock reverberates through the small apartment. Immediately both Umemiya and Haruka straighten up from their relaxed positions in front of the small TV.
“Were you expecting anyone tonight?” Umemiya asks.
Haruka shakes his head and rises to his feet. “No. Hanging with you was my only plan.”
The older boy stands up with him to linger by the back room entrance as his little brother opens the door and immediately sways back like he’d been hit. He moves closer to get a better look, and sees a middle aged lady with an angry scowl on her face.
“There you are, you ungrateful brat!” She all but yells, “Do you know how hard I had to look to find you?” Haruka stands there silently as she continues, white as a sheet. “Even if you’re living away from home, I still expected you to check in. Now people are asking questions.”
She tries to grab him, but the movement seems to knock him out of his stupor and he dodges the hand.
“No. I’m not going with you.” Haruka says resolutely. “I’ve been talking with my case worker to start the process to get emancipated.”
“What!? How dare you go behind my back, you disgusting piece of shit!” She’s red in the face now, “You’re coming with me whether you like it or not.”
Haruka stands with his shoulders squared and looks her directly in the eye when he says, “No. I’m never going back with you again. You can't make me.”
“You worthless child! I don't care what your case worker says.” Her voice turns into a hiss. “I’m not losing the money you get me just because you don't like living with us.”
She moves to slap the boy and that spurs Umemiya into action. He walks to stand right behind Haruka, pulling him behind himself to grab her wrist before she can make contact.
“He said no. And it sounds like, legally, you can’t make him.” His voice is flat but he can feel the temperature in the room drop. “I suggest you leave.”
“Who are you to tell me what to do!?” She's obviously sweating now, but stubbornly holds her ground. “This is none of your business!”
“I’m his real family, and you're interrupting our night.” He takes a step forward, “Don’t think I won't hit you because you're a woman.”
There’s a tense pause and she opens her mouth as if to speak again, but he interrupts before any words can be let out.
“I said leave, before I make you.” His expression must have changed because her face pales, mouth snapping shut.
She looks over his shoulder for a moment, "Don't think this isn’t over you worthless little monster.”
Haruka moves to stand beside him and with a flat look says, “Don’t hold your breath hag.”
With that Haruka slams the door in her face, turning away to lean against the wall for a moment. The boy heaves a heavy sigh before sinking down to the floor. He fists his hair in a tight grip, breaths becoming erratic.
Immediately, Umemiya moves to sit beside him and rubs gentle circles on his back, murmuring reassurances.
“She’s gone. No one’s gonna take you away from us. I won't let them.” His voice is a whisper and slowly his brother's breathing evens out. “There we go. Deep breaths, in and out.”
Once Haruka has calmed down enough, Umemiya rises to get him a glass of water, taking a steadying breath of his own.
He had been in the system before, and still lives at an orphanage. He knew that Haruka’s experiences were different from his own. He had never been in a physically or emotionally abusive living situation. Seeing the way that woman talked to his little brother put those differences in stark relief.
Turning back to the boy he hands him the glass of water before sitting down, steadying it when his grip shakes unsteadily.
They sit quietly for a long moment.
“She was my last foster parent.” Haruka starts, “The one that made me live in a shed.”
“Yeah?” Umemiya asks, encouraging the boy to continue.
“I was one of three foster kids she had, but none of them liked me. Called me a monster or freak. Her husband would beat me bloody and no one cared. It was a relief to live in that stupid shed.” The boy bumps his head against the wall. “I started talking to my case worker right after Noroshi happened.
“I’m tired of letting worthless assholes like them have power over me and my life. Living here, and learning what being cared for felt like…” He trails off for a moment, “I can't really express how much it’s changed me.”
Umemiya’s eyes are burning by the time Haruka finishes speaking. Hearing how much his little brother had to overcome, and knowing how hard he worked to get where he is today… His heart is overflowing with pride.
He wraps an arm around the boy's shoulders and pulls him into his side.
“I am so proud of you.” His voice trembles slightly. “I’ve seen how far you’ve come, step by step. The mountains you have had to cross alone, and the trails that brought you here to us. They are all part of what makes you, you.
“And at the same time, I am so sorry you had to go through all of that alone.”
That pulls a choked off sob from Haruka, his own tears falling on Umemiya’s shoulder.
“I wish I had met you guys sooner.” His breath hitches. “There was no one before this place, before you.” Haruka straightens up to look him in the eye. “And I’ve come to realize I didn't deserve that. I’m not a monster like they thought I was.”
Umemiya’s heart soars, and he reels Haruka back into a tight embrace.
“You’re right. You never deserved it, and you’ve never been a monster.” He says as more tears fall into the boy's hair. “I am so proud of you.”
“You said that already.”
“Because it's true! And I’ll keep saying it!” He beams as he pulls away.
“Ugh, don't start.” Haruka rolls his eyes and gives him a light shove. “If you make any kind of announcement about this I’m disowning you.”
“Ah-ah-ah, nope, sorry you're stuck with me for life!”