How We Began

Part Nine (cont.)

Walking to his shop like it was any other day, he went up to the door of his shop, unlocked it, and went inside, locking it behind him. Nothing appeared to be out of place. There was even a fine layer of dust covering everything, but that was typical. No one had been here since he left, which was a relief. Tsuki inhaled deeply. It smelled of dust and books. He was going to miss this shop.

Without further delay, he went to the back, and up the narrow staircase, to his tiny apartment above the shop. It was as spartan as anyone could imagine; just a bed, table and chair, tiny desk, and a dresser. Most of his stuff would stay behind; he'd only take what he could fit in his backpack and carry on.

He crossed the room and picked up his laptop and charging cord, putting both into its carrying case, and stuffing that into his backpack. He went to the dresser and took out more clothes, putting them into his carry on. From the closet, he grabbed his favorite ballcap, bucket hat, and the small, over the shoulder bag he used for important things.

Taking a final glance around the little apartment, he found himself wishing he could just fall into the bed and fall asleep. This little place was cute and cozy, and he loved it. He hoped he could come back.

Making sure everything was turned off, Tsuki made his way back downstairs, and out of the shop, locking it up tight. He'd almost made it halfway down the block, when he felt it; that uncomfortable feeling of being watched. He kept his pace normal, kept facing forward, acting like he hadn't felt that peculiarly nasty corkscrew feeling up his spine.

He hailed a cab, gave directions (convoluted ones that would hopefully shake whoever was watching off), and went to go meet Yachi.

~*~

"Hey, Aunt Yui!" Tetsu called from the entryway. He'd dropped his backpack next to his carry on, and sat down to take off his shoes and put on slippers. "I'm back!"

"Welcome back, you two... oh!" She'd come out to meet them, and paused when she saw Tetsu. Alone. "But where's Tsukishima-san?"

"He had to leave again. Family emergency."

"I hope it's nothing terrible."

"He doesn't know, just that he had to leave as soon as possible."

"Well, hopefully he can come back soon."

"He'll let me know. What's for dinner?"

He followed her into the kitchen, and tried not to let it show how much he already missed Kei. Not that looking at three place settings helped. On the flip side, at least he wouldn't be peppered with too many questions. Well, not any more than normal, anyhow. He hoped.

"So how was your vacation?"

Tetsu smiled. "Didn't want to come back, to be honest."

"Did you get any pictures?"

"Of course! Lots of torii gates." He laughed and dodged an oven mit. "Seriously, though, I do have lots of pictures to show you."

"Can't wait to see them!"

They sat down at the table, and she served him a plate of curry. Tetsu took a few bites, and then leaned back a bit. The food was good, but he just wasn't terribly hungry. He probably wouldn't be until he heard from Kei. Naturally, Aunt Yui picked up on this immediately, as he generally ate like a horse otherwise.

"Are you going to tell me, or do I have to pry it out of you?"

"Auntie..."

"Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice your strange mood?"