kiyopapa x mamasuzune

manabu

a/n for everyone who asked manabu is not dead 

It was a quiet morning when Suzune's older brother, Manabu, knocked on the door. As Suzune opened it, her eyes widened in surprise; she hadn't expected him back from the United States for at least another few months. He looked somewhat different, with hints of fatigue under his eyes, yet his expression was warm and hopeful.

"Suzune..." Manabu began, his voice filled with emotion. "It's been a long time. I... I wanted to come and see you and meet my niece and nephew."

Suzune paused, memories of past tensions rising briefly to the surface. But she could see the sincerity in his expression. She invited him in, gesturing to the living room where Kiyo and Suz were playing quietly, immersed in their latest puzzle game.

Kiyo looked up curiously, his sharp eyes darting between his mother and the new man who had just entered. Suz glanced up too, her face bright with curiosity but no fear.

As Manabu knelt down, lowering himself to their level, his voice was soft. "I'm your uncle, Manabu," he said, offering them a gentle smile.

Kiyo tilted his head, studying him carefully before moving closer. Suz, on the other hand, stayed close to her mother, showing only a mild interest.

Manabu turned to Suzune, a shadow of regret passing over his face. "I wanted to tell you how sorry I am," he began, his voice heavy with emotion. "I should have done more. I should have stood up for you against our parents... protected you. And for all those years, I didn't. I'm so sorry, Suzune." His voice broke, and to her surprise, tears began to fall from his eyes.

Suzune stared at him, momentarily taken aback. But she quickly composed herself, putting on her usual brave front. "You're such a big loser, you know?" she said, half-laughing, half-teasing, as she reached out and squeezed his hand.

Her words seemed to help him regain his composure, and he gave a small chuckle, wiping his eyes before looking back at the kids.

Kiyo, observing the scene with his father's sharp eyes, asked curiously, "Why are you crying?"

Manabu smiled, wiping the remaining tears from his face. "Because I'm just really happy to be here with all of you."

With the initial tension softened, Manabu began talking to the kids, sharing small anecdotes about Suzune when she was younger, much to Kiyo and Suz's delight. Kiyo, always inquisitive, began firing questions at his uncle, clearly fascinated.

"You look a lot like your dad," Manabu observed, a note of surprise and recognition in his voice as he studied Kiyo's face. "Your dad... is he—?"

Before he could finish, the front door opened, and Kiyotaka stepped in, holding a bag with ice cream cups—one for each of the kids, just as they had asked. Suz's face lit up as she bounced up from her seat, rushing over to him with a loud, "Daddy!"

Kiyotaka caught her in a smooth motion, lifting her up and settling her against his side as he offered the ice cream to Kiyo.

Manabu, watching the scene with a wide grin, seemed almost overwhelmed with joy. He looked back at Suzune, his voice barely a whisper. "I can't believe it. When I left school, I remember asking him to look after you, maybe even marry you someday... and he did." His voice cracked again, but this time with happiness rather than sadness.

Suzune squeezed his hand once more. "You were right, big brother. He's been everything I could ever ask for and more." 😉

After some time spent talking, sharing memories, and enjoying their treats, the family said goodnight to Manabu, who left with promises to return for breakfast.

The Next Morning

True to his word, Manabu arrived early the next morning, greeted by the smell of Suzune's homemade pancakes. Suz was already at the table, perched on her father's lap, playing with a set of toy blocks. Kiyo was similarly settled on Suzune's lap, occasionally leaning forward to snatch a berry from her plate.

Manabu took a seat, watching them with a soft smile as they began eating, the table filled with chatter and laughter.

"Uncle Manabu!" Suz piped up, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Did you know Daddy's really smart? He knows all the answers to the hardest puzzles!"

Manabu chuckled, his gaze shifting to Kiyotaka, who gave him a slight nod. "Yes, I know all about your dad's skills," Manabu replied, his tone fond.

Kiyo, munching on a slice of banana, looked up thoughtfully. "Mommy's smart too. She always knows where I leave my books, even when I don't remember."

Suzune laughed, brushing a hand through Kiyo's hair. "That's because moms know everything, right?"

Manabu, watching the scene, couldn't help but feel a wave of pride and happiness wash over him. It was like everything had finally come full circle; Suzune had found happiness, and he had gained a family he never thought he'd have.

As they finished breakfast, he turned to Kiyotaka, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "So... the kids have a favorite parent, it seems," he said lightly. "They only sit with one of you?"

Kiyotaka smiled, looking down at Suz, who was now comfortably dozing against his chest. "They've always been like this. I think they each just connect to one of us in their own way."

Suzune nodded, giving Kiyo an affectionate squeeze. "It's just how they are. But we wouldn't have it any other way."

Manabu leaned back, sipping his coffee, and allowed himself to relax, feeling, for the first time in a long time, that he was finally where he belonged.