A Little Twist

Seventy-One

Just like she said. It was an easy test. Shu gets in the car.

Haruna is the second to get inside and sees him teleport away. 'Anxious to get back home?'

Ayato follows her and sees his brother move to the corner before disappearing. 'Yes, I think he does it to have some time alone with Daiki.' Maybe with Risa as well, who knows.

Back home, Shu finds her with his son in her arms.

'I need to tell you something in private.' Risa feels his hand on her shoulder and appears elsewhere. 'This is really becoming a place for just the three of us, isn't it?' She hands Daiki to him.

'It seems so.' Nodding, he holds his son. 'Hi sweety.' A kiss follows.

'How was your test?' She feels the letter in her pocket.

A chuckle sounds. 'Aced it without getting the results back.'

'Together with Laito, we got the mail. Most of it was for Reiji, as expected, but I had a few letters as well. One was from the hospital, but it's about this letter. I only asked Laito if he knew the handwriting.' She shows the envelope.

Shu shakes no. 'Neither do I.'

'I have reason to believe it's from your father. It's not so much the letter itself but there is a check in it of five million yen and a ticket.' She shows him the check and ticket. 'I can only think of one thing and that your father is testing me. To see if I would take it to get out of the house.'

'Why now? You're here for six weeks, Daiki is almost five weeks old, and you promised me something. Yes, it took some time to get used to Daiki, but I wouldn't want to miss him.' Shu sees the number on the check. Ridiculous. 'First, he finds you almost high-pregnant and brings you back to us. Now, he does this. It doesn't make sense.'

'How about we cash it in and use the money for a house in America? The ticket is handy as well. Just a ticket for you and Daiki, and we're off. There is no date mentioned on it.' She smiles. 'How nice of your father to contribute to get away from here.'

He laughs. 'Why the hell not? Whether he's testing your loyalty to me or not it is useful.'

'I thought the same.' She sits next to him. 'Laito was curious about the letter. It's just that I told him I need to tell you first. Especially since it regards me and Daiki.'

He puts his free arm around her. 'Thank you, Risa, I appreciate it.'

✽✽✽

Daiki barely makes a noise or Shu gets up. 'Take a shower, Risa. Let's see how it goes without me there.' Ruki keeps his distance, and I would know if he got close to our house.

'Really?' Risa sees him with their son.

'Yes.' I'm awake for a while. He changes the diaper and dresses him.

She gets out of bed. 'Thank you, and good afternoon, sweety.' She kisses Daiki's forehead and earns a sleepy smile. From her wardrobe, she grabs some clothes and doesn't hesitate to take a quick shower.

Subaru hears them and, knowing she's in the bathroom, teleports in the room. 'A few of my teachers called in sick yesterday and there is no improvement. I'll stay home tonight.'

'Is everyone up early because of Daiki?' Shu looks at his youngest brother.

Subaru shakes no. 'Not everyone is awake. I'll go get everything I need.' I won't leave her room. Although it seems like those four fools are keeping their distance.