Surprise! A Kai x Aichi Story

3. Misaki's Monday Morning Breakfast Catch-Up

Aichi looked up from his homework at his wall clock. It was almost eight o'clock, which meant Misaki would be calling soon, as she did every Sunday night (she called it their Monday Morning Breakfast Catch-Up, since she was 14 hours ahead in Japan). She said it was her favorite way to start her week, because she'd have updated Sendou news for Shin and all of his friends stopping in at Card Capital during the week.

"Heh," Aichi let out a brief laugh. There wasn't usually that much difference in his news week to week, and he certainly wasn't going to tell her that Toshiki Kai had just left this morning from their 'American Thanksgiving' weekend. Not to mention that it was the second weekend Kai had stayed over this month! Not to mention that meant sharing his small dorm bed! Aichi squirmed in something between ecstasy and agony at the thought of it, face flaming. He still had trouble believing what he had secretly long dreamed about was finally becoming a reality, especially now when Kai was gone. He stared off into space, pen between his lips, reliving some of the past weekend.

The phone rang.

"H-Hi...hello. Hi" he stammered.

"Aichi! How are you? Why so nervous?" Misaki asked brightly.

"Oh, uh...hi Misaki! Nothing. I'm great, how are you?"

"I'm, um, actually great, too. Aichi. I had some really interesting news just before calling you! Do you want to hear?"

Aichi's heart skipped a beat. She could not POSSIBLY know. He would DIE.
"Sh-sure. What's up?"

"I heeaarrrd," She said, drawing it out, then super fast: "That Kai just left your place after spending, like FOUR DAYS with you, and that it was the SECOND TIME this month, and that you haven't said A WORD to me about it! Oh My GOD, Aichi, really? Or is it just Miwa being Miwa? I can usually tell when he's being a dick, but he sounds excited like it's true! He said he couldn't get a hold of Kai for 3 days and finally got him on the way back to his hotel on some bus. When would Toshiki Kai ever lower himself to ride a BUS? Is it true? Oh, tell me the truth, and swear on your deck it's true."

Aichi sat in stunned silence. Dammit. Forgot about Miwa always sticking his head in, stirring up the waters with utter glee. He thought he would have some time to savor his little secret. Apparently Kai didn't feel the same way, though. How confusing, Kai was the MOST private person Aichi had ever known. He knew Kai and Miwa went way back, were as close as brothers, but still....why tell?

"Aichi Sendou, you answer me! You know I'm like your big sister, and one person who is always, always on your side. I'm sure you need someone to talk to, someone who's been through stuff."

That simple statement of truth snapped Aichi out of his shock. She was right. Misaki had never wavered, and they had grown closer through the years. "Yeah, Misaki. It's true. You can understand why I didn't exactly blurt it out, though. I'm still trying to process what's happening."
He gave her a somewhat abbreviated version of events of the past month.

There was silence for a moment when he was done. Then a soft exclamation "By the grace of Ameratsu, I never thought to see the day..." Then louder, "Well, Aichi, I hope you two are, uh, being safe. I mean, I know you're adults and all, but..."

"MISAKI!" Aichi yelled into the phone "Stop! We're not....we didn't..... Ugh, we are taking things slow! Kisses and cuddles, and...." he trailed off and groaned in absolute mortification. Had he EVER been this embarrassed? No, we was definitely reaching new heights lately.

"Ok. Great. That's good. At least Kai has some sense after all." Misaki muttered to herself.

"Uh, Misaki?" Aichi broke in, "You guys aren't going to tell everyone are you? I don't think I could handle that. Not now. Maybe not ever?"

"Of course not!" Misaki exclaimed. "It stays between the two of us, I promise. Or the four of us, I guess."

"How are you going to stop Miwa? He doesn't know how to keep a secret!" Aichi wailed in despair.

"Already took care of it, Aichi. I gave him something he's wanted for a while now. With maybe a bit more to come. Anyway, he won't be telling a soul." Now Misaki sounded a bit mortified. Aichi had all the embarrassment he could handle for a day, he wasn't going to press for details.

"Anyway, Aichi, did you get that package I sent you? It should have made it there this week."

"Oh, yes, I did. A bottle of expensive-looking cologne?" Aichi sounded confused. "But it's not my birthday."

"Consider it a Christmas present. For Toshiki Kai. Last time he was home, he and Miwa had a day at the mall, and Miwa said Kai REALLY liked that cologne. So he went back and bought it later, for 'Project Kaichi."

"I'm supposed to give it to Kai for Christmas? And ...Project.....Kaichi?" Aichi squeaked, "What does that even mean?"

"Don't worry about it!" Misaki said with glee. "Ask Miwa when you see him. You ARE still coming home for winter break?"

"Yes, I have almost three weeks, so I'm using some of my tournament money to fly home. I'll be with my family on Christmas, then come by the day after to the shop to see....you know, everyone." Aichi said nervously.

"Good. That cologne is not to GIVE to Kai, it's FOR Kai, if you know what I mean, so make sure you're wearing it when you see him, okay? Let me know how things...develop." She giggled happily.

"Oh, Misaki. You and Miwa together are dangerous."

"I sure hope so, 'little brother'. Maybe I'll have some stories for YOU soon."

They finished their conversation, and hung up, both happy. The holidays were shaping up to be very merry, indeed.