Yokozawa Takafumi's Mistakes (Sekai ichi Hatsukoi fanfic)

Mistake # 25

*Request from OtakuGirl1993
Details: Yokozawa and Kirishima have  separate dreams about their future when they are gray and old or when Hiyo goes to college.*

                Howling wind accompanied the fatigued salesman as he entered his lover's apartment. He made sure to close the door as softly as possible careful not to wake the adorable girl who would certainly be asleep. A clock chimes alerting him to it being eleven o'clock. Yokozawa unwraps the plush scarf that had been protecting both his neck and mouth from the bitterly cold winds. His hefty gray coat is discarded haphazardly on the love seat in the living room.
               Half lidded gray eyes stare at the kitchen as his stomach rumbles. He knows he should eat, but it could wait until morning. The bedroom summoned him with promises of soft pillows, plush blankets and the ability to drift off into a blissful sleep. Soft foot steps bring him closer to his desired destination.
               Yokozawa opened the door carefully as he stepped inside some part of him expected to see Kirishima there. He shook his head at that foolish thought. When Yokozawa left the publishing house he had checked in on Kirishima. His handsome older partner still had a pile of folders to take care of which would take no less than at least two hours.
                Admittedly, he honestly felt disappointed that Kirishima would not be joining him. Unfortunately, Yokozawa had to accept that in order for Kirishima to remain as a superior in his department, the editor in chief had to complete all of his paperwork before spending the night together. Even though Yokozawa craved to cuddle into that perfectly muscled chest and to soak in the wonderful body heat emitted by his lover.
               He sighed for once hating work for preventing his partner from being with him. Heat rushes to Yokozawa's face as he walked further into the room. A blush covered his face at such mortifyingly selfish and childish thoughts. Never in his life would he ever have guessed that he would be jealous of his workplace due to not being able to have Kirishima in bed with him.
             His brows furrowed at this evidence of Kirishima's corrupting him. Why else would he be pathetically sulking at such a simple thing of his lover staying late to finish work? A yawn got released from his lips as his thoughts continued to circle back to how nice it would be to have Kirishima with him. He moved further into the dark fumbling to flip the light switch on. Blinking rapidly at the intense bright light he sorely underestimated, he glanced around at the clean bedroom.
                     The room seemed too quiet and empty with just him there. It made  loneliness stir in him. 'How could it be that I just saw him at work, that he kissed me as he watched me leave, and that he promised to be done as soon as possible and for some damn reason...I still miss him.'
                 Moving as quick as his exhausted body was able, the salesman removed his suit and turned off the light.  He crawled into bed refusing to dwell on such an embarrassing thought. Time passed slowly as at some point the salesman body relaxed sinking into the comfortable mattress. Closing his eyes, Yokozawa was granted an escape from his yearning to be wrapped in his lover's arms.
                 
             
            ____Yokozawa's Dream____

           Cicadas chirped in the heat wave on this warm summer day. Yokozawa found himself sitting on a rocking chair located on the porch of their house.  In the reflection of the window he could see his gray hair and his still rather sharp eyes. His body had become thinner and more fragile. He had shrunk a bit as people often do in the later years.
              Most noticeable to him were the wrinkles on his face which had been acquired from excessive frowning. He had never once believed the warning, but here they were. Shaking his head, he turned his attention to the vast yard in front of him.
               Deep down some part of him assumed that he would work himself to an early grave. Maybe that might be the case if not for them. The 'them' he referred to were currently causing a ruckus in the yard. It is to be expected though. It's what he looks forward to when their daughter Hiyori's family comes to the traditional family summer picnic.
               An adult Hiyori stood next her ever polite, charming husband Yuuto. Along with the two adults were the six children that made up the rowdy Iokawa family. Maki is the oldest of the children at 22 years old, after her came two twin boys Kai and Rei who are 17 years old, then Remi who is 13, then Yui who is 5 years old and the final addition to the family is their adorable little 3 years old girl named Yuna.
          At the moment Maki was listening to music with her earbuds in. Kai and Rei were tossing a softball back and forth as if it were a dodge ball. Remi chased Yui around angry at the young boy who kept rumaging around in the backpack she brought with her everywhere. Sweet, curious little Yuna has taken a seat while holding the picnic basket hostage assuming it to contain toys she could play with.
                Nonverbally, Hiyori and Yuuto split up to gather up their energetic children. They intended to have the kids help set up the tent, table, chairs, and food. Yokozawa smiles tenderly as he watches the two determined parents go about the routine they have developed for handling their children. A soft hand slides to cover his causing him to jolt. Turning his head, he sees amused brown eyes and a similarly tender smile directed his way. Yokozawa's heart gives a loud thump as he examines his elderly partner.
               Kirishima's thinner gray hair framed his irritatingly less wrinkled skin. His body still retained a bit the lean quality it had when he was younger but he failed to escape the shrinking process that accompanies getting older. Unfairly, Kirishima didn't shrink much in his old age so the height difference between the two men had become more noticeable.
               Cold metal touched his skin as his partner laced their fingers together. Yokozawa noticed the matching silver wedding bands that decorated their fingers. The wonderful symbol that represented the two of them being husbands. Many challenges had been dealt with, relationships cut off, and realities had been faced to get to this point.
            Lost in memories, a soft bark caught Yokozawa's attention. Looking down beside his chair, he saw a giant, fluffy white Great Pyrenees laying next to his chair. Noticing that he had Yokozawa's attention, the dog lifted his head as his tail wagged excitedly. Chuckling, Yokozawa lead over to pet the older dog that Kirishima and he had gotten around fifteen years ago.
          For a whole week after Hiyori went to college, Kirishima went on a mission of begging and arguing with Yokozawa about how they should get a dog. Despite Yokozawa's repeated protest that he didn't want to get a dog that he would ultimately be responsible for taking care of, in the end he finally gave in.
          Ever since then a few dogs have come and gone in the journey of their life together. But Yokozawa would be lying if he said that having a dog around hadn't helped with keeping from on dwelling on how they missed Hiyori. And watching his partner try so desperately to get the dogs attached to him, only for them to always end up liking him better never failed to be amusing to Yokozawa.
              Getting up, the fluffy white dog walked over to his chair and put his paws on Yokozawa's lap. The dog then proceed to lick his face. Yokozawa closed his eyes and mouth knowing from experience that if he wasn't careful he would end up with dog tongue in his mouth.
           There seemed to be no end to the dog's affectionate face licks which Yokozawa wouldn't have minded if not for the fact that he needed to breathe. And that is an impossible thing to do when a dog is licking your mouth and nose.
           "Shiro! That's enough! Get down!" Kirishima firmly ordered coming to Yokozawa's rescue.
              Reluctantly, Shiro took his paws off  Yokozawa's lap and he laid down in his self designated spot by Yokozawa's chair. The salesman sat catching his breath for minute. He went to thank Kirishima, only to see him pouting with a glare. 'Not again. I swear no matter how old he gets he still always acts like a child.' A sigh passed through his lips although he rolls his eyes. It didn't take a genius to figure out why Kirishima was upset.
                "How many times do I have to tell you to stop being jealous of Shiro?" Yokozawa asks a bit of irritation in his tone at having this same conversation again.
               "That's impossible."
           Yokozawa's eye twitches at that response. "Why is that?"
              "He steals your attention away from me. I don't like sharing you with anyone, not even our pet dog. You know this," Kirishima explains making it sound like he is the one who was in the wrong.
               Stunned at the immaturity of his lover Yokozawa remained silent. After years of dealing with Kirishima, he learned in times like these he should let the man have his little bout of jealousy. Trying to convince him otherwise would be a waste of time and energy. So the best option for Yokozawa is to not respond until Kirishima got over it. And maybe Yokozawa would have done that if not for Kirishima's next complaint.
              "Plus, he clearly plans to steal you from me. Your lips belong to me and your lips are mine alone. Yet, he still had the nerve to trespass into my territory to lick them," Kirishima states with an ominously grave voice.
                "S-steal me," Yokozawa stutters at the ridiculous accusation. And then laughs. Over the years Kirishima's reasonings for his jealousy have gotten increasingly more insane. And this made the top of his list. Only Kirishima would accuse a dog of being a love rival.
               "What's so funny?" Kirishima asked, confused.
                Instead of answering, Yokozawa shakes his head a grin forming on his face. At one point int time hearing Kirishima day something like this would only have served to piss him off. It is now interpreted as a way Kirishima expressed his love for the retired salesman.
              Although Kirishima wanted to interrogate his partner's obvious amusement at something he considered to be serious, he let it go as he enjoyed seeing Yokozawa smiling and in a good mood. Smiling tenderly, Kirishima almost got up to kiss his lover, but got interrupted by the sound his daughter's voice.
             "Father! Dad! Everything is set up! Come and join us!" Hiyori shouted waving at them from the small white pop up canopy tent.
                 Startled, both Kirishima and Yokozawa scanned their eyes over the scene two small white tables had been set up next to each other. Chairs were placed in around the table. Various food items  has been carefully lined up in the  middle of the tables. Two coolers were set at the edge of the pop up tent that contained drinks.
           In front of the tent, Hiyori stood with a beaming smile on her face as she held her husband Yuuto hand. Beside the parents were their six kids who had smiles or grins on their faces as they motioned and repeated their mother's call for the two men to come and join them.
              Exchanging joyful and eager expressions, Yokozawa and Kirishima made their way down to over to their daughter's family. Having heard Yokozawa and Kirishima get up, Shiro rose to his paws and followed after his owners.
               As the two men arrived at the tent, they were greeted with hugs and smiles. It has become somewhat of a rule that Yokozawa and Kirishima were not permitted to leave the house until Hiyori and Yuuto finished setting things up.
                Multiple times her stubborn parents had insisted on helping out. Yet, not once were they a match for Hiyori who has a steely determination of her own. She always managed to successfully shoo the elder couple away.
              This gathering is a way to thank her parents for all they have done. On this day it's her turn to take care of them. So Hiyori set up this system of Kirishima and Yokozawa being as far away from are they set up until all that needs to be done has been completed. In this way the younger couple makes sure that the only thing the Kirishima and Yokozawa had to worry about was getting enough to eat and dealing with the rambunctious children.
             "Okay. I don't know about all of you, but I am starving! Everyone take a seat! Yuuto and I will...," Hiyori announced until Maki cut her off.
             "Actually, you and father should take a seat. You have been running around all day and this week has been really have for you. Kai, Rei and I can serve the food to everyone," Maki suggested her brown eyes daring the twin boys to protest.
             To her astonishment both Kai and Rei nodded their heads in agreement. "We were thinking that as well."
              Blinking, Hiyori and Yuuto stood there stunned for a second. It's been a long time since their kids had offered to actually help. Usually the three oldest of the children kept more to themselves or texted the whole time during visiting their grandparents. To see them actually show interest in participating in the family gathering again brought a happiness to Hiyori causing her to smile brightly. Yuuto gently squeezed Hiyori's hand as he looked equally pleased at this unexpected offer.
           "As much as I love standing in the sun being burned to a crisp as much as the next person, I think it's about time we move our little party under the tent," Kirishima spoke drawing everyone's attention.
            "Oh...yes! Everyone take a seat," Hiyori replies herding the group towards the table.
             After shuffling around a bit, the seating arrangement ended up being Remi, Yokozawa with Yuna on his lap, Kirishima and Yui on one side. Shiro Only Hiyori and Yuuto were sitting on the other side of the table for now as Maki, Kai, and Rei were busy carrying plates full of food. Shiro paced after the three of them hoping something tasty with drop on the floor. As soon as Everyone has a plate and plastic silverware in front of them, the adult and two teenage boys took their seats.
             A wonderful aroma wafted into all of their noses from the food. All hands were holding silverware as the two families dig into the meal. For a good fifteen minutes everyone had been to focused on stuffing their faces to talk. A whimper could be heard as the Great Pyrenees lays under the table tail swishing back and forth. From time to time Shiro would prop his head on someone's leg and give them a pitiful look until they gave in and fed him.
             A few times Yokozawa attempted to get Shiro to remain by his side to keep him from bugging everyone. It would have worked except Kai and Rei slyly slipped the food to him. Yui copied what his older brothers role models did and dropped food on the ground for Shiro. In addition, Remi 'accidentally' dropped the food she dosloked on the ground. Even Maki who had the most restraint when it came to bit feeding the dog ended up petting his head and letting him have a few bites.
                  Kirishima chuckled at their cute little tactics. Yokozawa also found himself holding back laughter. Hiyori's stern look had the five kids dipping their head guiltily. Although she let them off the hook seeing as the Shiro's owners had been entertained rather than upset at their actions.
                As this was occurring Yokozawa had been partially distracted. As Yuna has chosen to sit on his lap it meant he would be responsible for feeding her. Yokozawa alternated  between feeding himself a fork full of food and carefully placing food into Yuna's mouth.
             Kirishima watched admiring the mother like tendencies of his lover. All he could think was how adorable Yokozawa was a he took out a napkin to wipe away some of the crumbs around Yuna's mouth. Feeling a shoulder press into his stomach, Kirishima shifted his gaze down to see Yui staring intently at Yokozawa as he fed Yuna. The five years old boy's lips formed a pout as it is abundantly clear he desired to have Yokozawa feed him as well. Kirishima chuckled lowering his hand to ruffle the little boy's hair.
               Kirishima then pulls the boy into his lap earning a surprised squeak. "Takafumi, Yui and I are feeling left out."
              "Eh?" Yokozawa asks confused as he wiped the corner of Yuna's mouth with a napkin. "Left out?"
                 "Yes. We want you to feed us as well," Kirishima states brown eyes catching the surprised expression in those intoxicating gray eyes.
                "Seriously?" Yokozawa questions   instantly receiving nods from the pair sitting next to him.
               The temptation to tell them no is strong. His knees are aching from the weight of Yuna on his legs and his hands were already pretty shaky today. He silently cursed how irritating the betrayal of his body is in this old age. However, when he stares into those two pairs of pleading brown eyes and cutely tipped heads all he can do is give in too their request. 'Damn it! It's like I can't ever win. But I guess there's nothing new there.'
              Despite those thoughts, Yokozawa really didn't mind indulging in this little request of theirs. After all, taking care of people the people he loved and doing his to please them just felt right to him. That's how Yokozawa found himself in a pattern of feeding Yuna, then Yui, and finally Kirishima before occasionally allowing himself a bite of food.
                Hiyori, Yuuto, Maki, Kai and Rei watching Yokozawa amused and with a bit of pity as he got caught by most childish of the group. Yokozawa gave a silent look asking for assistance. All he received were apologetic glances and expressions that said he was on his own. Yokozawa narrowed his eyes at them and frowned when Yuna pulled on his arm displeased at his having stopping feeding her.  Likewise Kirishima tapped his shoulder and Yui pulled on Yokozawa's hand.
           "Alright, alright. I got it," Yokozawa snapped softly unable to prevent a hint of a smile at their admittedly cute way of asking for his attention.
             Soon everyone had their fill. The conversations began. So much happens between the visits. To be fair they could catch up over phone, but all of them knew that some stories are better when told in person. Hours flew by as Kirishima and Yokozawa got filled in on all that the Iokawas has going on in life. It made Yokozawa feel a bit restless whenever Hiyori and Iokawa talked about work, but Kirishima soothingly rubbed his back at those time as somehow Kirishima can always figure out what Yokozawa needs and when he needs it.
                Soft snores come from Yuna and Yui who had long ago given in to the lull of the soft summer breeze and gentle moonlight. Remi lays with her head on the table desperately fighting the closing of her eyes. Maki sits leaning back in her chair with her earbud in listening to music her eyes closed. Kai lays his head on Rei's shoulder as he watches his brother play some game on his gaming system.
            Hiyori smiles tenderly as she leans into Yuuto's chest watching their wonderful, precious angels. Yuuto closes his arms securely around her waist his shirt black hair falling into his face as he leans down to kiss her forehead. Shiro laid at the ground by their chair having curled up content due to his full belly and exhausted at having roamed the table for hours.
           Yokozawa and Kirishima watch their interaction conflicted. Seeing their precious daughter happy with Yuuto made them happy beyond belief, but even  now it is hard to fight that instinct yelling at them to protect their baby girl. But deep down they both know that Yuuto has taken excellent care of Hiyori. He is the only one they trusted to take over the job of loving and protecting her. Seeing them so in love and happy every year at this traditional gathering is proof that they made the right choice entrusting their daughter to him.
                A hand on his arm startled Yokozawa and he glanced up to see Kirishima motion for him to follow.  Silently, Yokozawa moved out under the glimmering stars. Kirishima stood there gray hair being tossed by the wind as he and wrinkled skin glowing in the pale moonlight. How Yokozawa could still be so sexy and enticing despite his old age is a mystery that Yokozawa will never solve. Some part of his mind provides the answer as 'it's Kirishima,' as of that alone justifies him still being a sight to see.
            Walking up beside Kirishima, Yokozawa glances out distracted by the flickering lights of fireflies. Kirishima laughs as one flies close to Yokozawa's face startling him enough to make him fall backwards. Blushing, Yokozawa expects Kirishima to offer him a hand to pull him up, but instead he the retired editor sits down on the grass next to him.
               "Today was really fun," Kirishima speaks as he stares out in the distance.
                "Yeah," Yokozawa agrees eyes directed towards the sky.
                  "Hiyori has a really adorable and stable family," Kirishima continues speaking.
                   "She does," Yokozawa responds back softly.
                The conversation leads to a silence. It is a comfortable silence. The moon is beautiful. The stars shine brightly. It's so serene and tranquil. It is hard to talk  with the knowledge that speaking will shatter this almost unearthly peace. Yet, Yokozawa decided that this was important enough break the trance the night had pulled them into.
                "Thank you," Yokozawa manages to voice as he turns his head to gaze
                 Kirishima blinks at the unexpected words from his husband. He turns to see love filled gray eyes looking at him. "For what?"
              Yokozawa his cheeks heat up as he laced his fingers with Kirishima's.  His heart beat faster as he felt some of that old nervousness and shyness he thought he had gotten over hit him. Kirishima squeezed his had as he patiently waited to hear what was on his partner's mind.
                "Where do I begin? For saving me when I was heading to a downward spiral. For accepting me when no one else wanted to give me a chance. For inviting me into this amazing family. For staying by my side even when I being completely stubborn and unreasonable. Most importantly for loving me and for all this time we have been together," Yokozawa blurts out unable to stop. "I love you, Zen."
                     Kirishima's eyes sparkle as the most loving and tender expression ever crosses his face. "I love you too, Takafumi. You don't ever need to thank me for those things. Because you have also helped me, have put up with my twisted personality, and have been by side this whole time. You are one of the best things that has happened in my life. I can't imagine any other love than the one I spent with you."
               Kirishima leans in and rather passionately kisses Yokozawa. When their lips separate, Yokozawa pants catching his breath. He leans his head onto Kirishima's shoulder and feels a supportive arm wrap around his waist. Yokozawa closes his eyes fully aware of his Kirishima's natural scent, beating heart and the comfort of being snuggled up to Kirishima's warm body.
                Life is tough. Many times Yokozawa fought the urge to flee as far and as fast as he could. But everything leading up to this was worth it. Yokozawa couldn't image his life another way than being close to Kirishima the person he loved with all his heart. This is where he has always belonged. And it is where he will be until his final breath.

            _______Dream end_______
         
       ————————————————
   
             Stepping across the apartment threshold, Kirishima enjoys the feeling of the heat enveloping his body. It effectively removes any remaining traces of the punishing cold he faced on his commute home. Carefully, Kirishima closes the door as he had no intention of disturbing his lover and daughter who would no doubt he sleeping peacefully this hour. A vague thought of heating up food to satisfy his growling stomach briefly flitted through his mind.
             As he took off his wool scarf and flung his heavy jacket onto the chair that already had Yokozawa's coat occupying it, Kirishima dismisses the idea of making food. He wouldn't be able to stay awake as he is exhausted. His heavy eyelids were already practically closed anyway. Glancing at the clock he noted the time as 2:00a.m.
             The stack of work on his desk had taken roughly three long, tedious hours. It didn't surprise him though. After all, kissing Yokozawa has been a fatal mistake. It had taken all of Kirishima's self restraint to stop himself from following Yokozawa home. All he really could think about is how much he desired to cuddle his lover. To wrap his arms around the salesman and hold him close to his chest. To feel the warmth emitted from his lover's body and hear rhythmical thumping of his heart.
          Almost a whole hour had been wasted in the struggle to return his focus to work. Yet, he did it. He got the never ending pile of paperwork done. He suspects it was the motivation of getting home and slipping into a bed containing soft pillows, a fluffy blanket, and sexy man to snuggle. In any case, Kirishima is just glad he can put all that work stuff behind him.
            Now he could move on to the more important thing. He gracefully made his way to the bedroom his footsteps making almost no sound. Opening the door, he see a lump on the bed as blankets rise and fall accompanied by snoring. Lips breaking into a smile, Kirishima slips off his clothes leaving only his underwear on. Allowing his eyes to adjust to the dark, Kirishima realizes that Yokozawa is on his side of the bed hugging one of his pillows.
               The sight is so adorable, yet makes him a bit irritated as that pillow is taking the spot he should be in. It doesn't sit very well with him to be replaced by a pillow, but to be fair Kirishima has been stuck at work. And that pillow had actually been there for Yokozawa when he desired to cuddle.
                Kirishima clicks his tongue as he, using a wicked amount of skill, removes the pillow from Yokozawa's grasp. This earns him a displeases groan from the sleeping salesman. Sliding into the small amount of space Yokozawa had left, Kirishima scoots back until he feels Yokozawa's chest against his back.
             He jolts a hair brushes against his shoulder as Yokozawa buries his head in Kirishima's neck. The dark haired man's arms wrap tightly around Kirishima's waist as Yokozawa traps him there. The brown haired editor smirks at the subconscious movement of his lover towards him. It almost makes up for the fact his lover had used a pillow for his replacement at first.
               Warm skin brushes his as Yokozawa snuggles as close as he can to Kirishima. Admittedly, the editor isn't used to being on this side of the cuddling. Of course, he found that he liked it a lot. It's almost as if Yokozawa's subconsciously displaying his possessiveness of Kirishima. When he thought of it that way it made this situation all the more exciting.
                Lacing his fingers with Yokozawa's, Kirishima took in the warmth coming from Yokozawa's body, the security of Yokozawa's arms wrapped around his waist, the rise and fall of Yokozawa's chest with each even breath and the feel of the salesman's warm breath ghosting across his neck.
               Body relaxed like never before, Kirishima found his eyes fluttering shut as he willingly answered the call for sleep his tired body had been craving.

          ______Kirishima's Dream_____
             
                   Boxes stacked neatly in the back of the car, the trunk lid is closed with a loud bang. A sort of sound Kirishima associated with the finality of the situation. He still couldn't believe it. His sweet, adorable little girl is eighteen years old and about to go off to college.
              In his head, he tries to reduce the crushing panic and sadness that threatened to break free. 'It's only a four hour drive. We can visit as much a we want or need to. Or she can come back here in her free time. Plus there is there is winter and spring break. Everything will be fine...'
              The futile attempts to remain calm shatters as Kirishima watches Hiyori cross off the last to do item off her list. His stomach twists in knots as she folds the list and places it away in the purse hanging across her shoulders. A bright smile lights up her face as those light brown eyes shine full of excitement at the prospect of a new adventure.
                 Not only did Hiyori look like Sakura with her long light brown hair casually falling down her shoulder, her fair skin, and well proportioned body, but her attitude is an exact copy of her mother's from his memory of when they headed of to college. It gave Kirishima a bit of a nostalgic feeling. Although Hiyori didn't have a boyfriend at this stage of her life like her mother had. Some part of Kirishima is very relieved although he has no doubt that will change quickly.
                 Even though his opinion is biased, the editor is sure others would agree that Hiyori is beautiful with cheerful, bubbly personality to compliment it. Having to acknowledge the cruel, harsh reality of not being able to be there to keep the pests away from his daughter brings forth an ache as if his heart is being stabbed. However, his is confident on how Hiyori has been raised. He trusts the teenage girls judgement and ability to figure out who is actually worth sharing her heart with.
              If their daughter is unsure of someone or gets hurt, Kirishima has faith in their strong family bonds. He knows she will come talk to Yokozawa or himself for  advice or a shoulder to lean on. In a perfect world, Hiyori would not ever get to this point, but life is a mysterious thing full of equal joys and cruelties.
              Hearing laughter, Kirishima comes out of the fog of his mind a bit dazed. He sees Yokozawa muttering something as he three stray cats climb up his jeans and onto the light spring jacket he is wearing. The salesman weakly protests, but the cats ignore him. The three cats gracefully make their way to claim spots on both shoulders and his head.
             A flustered Yokozawa frowns having lost this battle. Although he didn't mind too much. He had gotten used to Sorata traveling up to the crook of his neck and laying there. Hiyori's eyes are full of amusement at the situation.
               Her lips trembles until the laughter she unsuccessfully tried to hold back tumbled out. The brown haired girl reaches out slowly to pet one of the cats. The little tortoise shell colored cat presses its head against her hand purring loudly. The cat leaned stretched out so far that it would have fallen to the ground if Hiyori had not used a hand to catch it.
              She placed the feisty cat back on Yokozawa's left shoulder. The teenage girl giggle cutely as the other two cats extended their paws to bat at her to get attention. The salesman reprimands them lightly causing the cats ears to lower and their tail to drop. Surprised, Yokozawa began to pet the cats encouraging softly that the were good cats. Hiyori helped out by scratching the cats under their chins.
                    Soon enough their is a small symphony of purrs coming from the three content cats. Yokozawa and Hiyori exchange proud looks at their accomplishment. Kirishima cracks a smile of his own at the ridiculously adorable interaction. It quickly turn into a laugh. Both Yokozawa and Hiyori turn to him with matching embarrassed faces.
              Feeling a bit mischievous, Kirishima comes over to ruffles both of their hair making. The pouty look from Hiyori and irritated look from Yokozawa lasted only a few minutes. His action startled the cats who hissed at being disturbed. They swiped their claws at Kirishima's hands in retaliation. Then, the three cats jumped away scattering in different directions.
             "Ouch!" Kirishima yells, recoiling. His almond shaped eyes narrow as he watches the cats disappear.
              A brief exchange of looks occurred as Yokozawa and Hiyori turn towards him. "Serves you right." "You deserved it."
                 Pasting on a mock hurt expression, Kirishima returns, "Here I am injured and the people I love the most are content to sit back and watch me suffer. I se show much you care about me."
               Yokozawa and Hiyori roll their eyes at Kirishima's over dramatic display. Making their way over to him, the pair set to work on examining Kirishima's wounds. The scratches were relatively shallow with minimum bleeding. Pulling out a napkin, Yokozawa gently wiped away the blood. Hiyori places a proper amount is antibiotic cream on the scratches and then covers it using bandages.
                    As in most cases, the two of them made an effective team. This wasn't as impressive as watching the pair's graceful, dance like movements they developed for when the cook together, but it still made Kirishima's heart swell with happiness. Until the sharp pain lanced his heart at how he is going to miss being an audience to Yokozawa's and Hiyori's cute kitchen interactions and the way they goofed around when cleaning the house.
               "All done," The two of them announced disrupting his depressing thoughts.
               Kirishima stared at them with an expectant look. He received to looks of confusion. Shaking his head in a fake show of disapproval, Kirishima inquires, "Where is the kiss to make the pain go away?"
                He burst out laughing at the pure looks of disbelief that he received in return. Yes it was childish of him to make this request. And no he did not feel any shame in asking for it. When both his lover and daughter leaned down to kiss both of his injured hands, Kirishima's brown eyes widened in shock. This is one of those rare moments where Kirishima finds himself stunned and unable to react immediately as he usually would.
                  "Anything else you need?" Yokozawa asks, as Hiyori patiently waits to hear her father's answer.
              The places where they kissed were warm. And the looks on their faces aren't the typical mocking or teasing he would expect. No there is a look of absolute attentiveness and willingness to do whatever he needed. Kirishima's heart thumped as he figured out why. His lover and daughter were hoping to ease Kirishima into the situation of Hiyori leaving to head to college.
               All his fatherly instincts tell him to beg her not to go. To ask her to stay with him. To tell her that he needs her here. He can feel his heart break piece by piece as he swallows back all these selfish desires.  Letting her go on her own was always going to be painful. Kirishima just didn't ever let himself think or prepare for how absolutely crushing the actual day she went to college would be.
                   Kirishima shakes his head well aware of he opened his mouth his words would betray him. Yokozawa comes to stand by Kirishima's side as today and today only he could see Kirishima barely holding back his fears and sadness at this parting. The salesman runs a soothing hand over his back and Hiyori silently observes. She bites her lips hating being the cause of pain for her father, but fully committed to tackling this important journey.
              Twenty  minutes pass by as the three of them make light conversation. A silence falls as the dreaded time arrives. The time for Hiyori to spread her wings and follow her own dreams. Hiyori smiles softly as she stands in front of her parents.
              "I'm going to head off. But I will be in touch. I'm will come back as often as possible," Hiyori sweetly declares as she steps forward.
               Each word cuts Kirishima. The words were spoken with sincerity, but Kirishima has experience which lets him know two things. One college life is hectic and once you find that place you belong it gets extremely difficult to leave for short visits. Two is Hiyori will eventually come to realize how wonderful being independent can be. This leads to the desire to keep a bit of distance between herself and her parents as she strives to accomplish figuring out the choices that will lead her to her goals in life.
              Tears gather in his eyes as Kirishima watches Hiyori tightly hug Yokozawa. They speak too softly for him to hear what they are saying, but he has a few guesses. As they pull away, Kirishima sees tears falling down Yokozawa's face. Hiyori is barely holding back her own tears. Kirishima assumes he would be strong enough to get through this without crying.
            The brutal reality is when is precious, beautiful angel stepped into his open arms he broke. He could feel her smaller frame press against him as she squeezed him using all the force contained in those thinner arms. His own arms encircled her and he trapped her against his chest. For a brief second, it seemed as if they were the only two people in the world. At length, Hiyori remained in the warmth and security that had been by her side every step she took in life.
             "I love you, father. Please, I know this is mean of me to ask, but see me off with your charming loving smile," Hiyori pleaded softly.
             "I love you too," Kirishima responds in a shaky voice.
               A tremendous amount of effort is exerted as Hiyori detaches herself from her father's embrace. Hiyori strides over to stand by her car giving Kirishima and Yokozawa a brief amount of time to compose themselves. When she runs back around both men are standing tears falling from their eyes, but an encouraging smile full of love stretched across their faces.
           Swallowing thickly, Hiyori takes a deep breath to prevent herself from crying. Her father and dad deserved to see her heading off with her head held high and full of confidence. In that way, they could worry slightly less  when she leaves.
               "Goodbye," Hiyori says, giving a wave as she gets into the car.
                "Goodbye," Kirishima and Yokozawa echo as they stand fingers laced together and shoulders touching.
              Hiyori shuts the door and drives off, Kirishima and Yokozawa stand there staring in the direction the car is going until it vanished from sight. Kirishima shudders at the the feeling that his heart had split in two. He grasped onto Yokozawa's shoulder, thankful for the supporting arm which was the only thing that kept him from falling to the ground.
             "Let's go inside," Yokozawa gently suggested.
              Kirishima finds himself being dragged as his legs refused to move from the spot his daughter had left. At the front of the door to their house, Yokozawa pulled open the door and ushered the still numb Kirishima inside. Kirishima found himself being seated on the couch. The house is seemed to big and too quiet.
             The couch dips as his adorable younger partner sits next to him and holds his hand. He feels hair brush against his neck as Yokozawa lays his head on his shoulder. Kirishima uses his free arm to wrap around Yokozawa's waist and hold him close. More tears slip down Kirishima's face he sits there coping with the fact that his daughter had left the nest.
             Yokozawa presses closer against him and whispers soothing and calming words. It is anyone's guess how long they sat there, but at long last Kirishima felt as if he could breathe again. He regained a bit of his normal composure. Looking down, he saw his dark haired lover's eyes flutter open. A blush crosses his face as he realizes he had fallen asleep in a time that Kirishima needed his support.
                Straightening up, Yokozawa apologizes, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean.."
               His apology is cut off as Kirishima kisses him lightly. The editor smiles as he ruffles Yokozawa's hair and pulls the man onto his lap. He buries his face in the salesman's sweater and breathes in his calming scent. Kirishima's arms lightly wrap around Yokozawa allowing the salesman an opportunity to flee if he wanted. He hummed happily when the salesman stiffens and then relaxed into his embrace.
                 Kirishima would be satisfied to stay like this forever. He had been in the verge of falling asleep when he heard a gasp from Yokozawa. His arms were pushed away as the salesman rushed out of the room. The absence of his lover caused the pain from earlier in the day to return. He considered calling out for his younger partner as he really didn't want to be alone. He didn't get a chance to do so.
              Footsteps were heard as his lover came back flustered. His arms were behind his back and something clearly had the salesman nervous. He shifted his feet and bit his lip appearing conflicted. Concern overshadowed the Kirishima's thoughts of how cute his lover's action were. Kirishima went to push himself up off the couch only to stop his partner's voice.
               "Stay there and close your eyes," Yokozawa ordered in a tone less authoritative than he had been going for.
                  Nodding the handsome brown haired man closed his eyes. He heard footsteps approach and felt something be placed on his lap. He felt something press against his chest as a wet tongue slid across his lips. His eyes snapped open to see a small white puppy with gorgeous dark brown eyes. Blinking, he looked over at Yokozawa.
                  "What..?" Kirishima asked, as the last thing he expected today to see a fluffy white cotton ball looking puppy.
              "I know that the timing isn't the best. I should have talked to you as well. It's just I figured we would need a distraction when Hiyori left. By all means a puppy isn't going to replace the hole left by Hiyori leaving. But I remember hearing you were more of a dog person and figured this Great Pyrenees puppy would help out," Yokozawa rambled on.
              Kirishima sat there touched by Yokozawa's thoughtfulness. And impressed that Yokozawa remember him taking about being more of a dog person. He went over to Yokozawa holding onto the puppy. Leaning in he kissed, Yokozawa hyper aware of the barking puppy he wanted to avoid crushing.
               "You are so sweet and adorable. Thank you. I really appreciate this," Kirishima says staying face to face with Yokozawa leaving only enough space required for the squirming puppy to fit between them. "I love you, Takafumi."
                  "I love you, Zen," Yokozawa replies blushing as he still hadn't quite gotten used to using Kirishima's given name.
               He kissed Yokozawa roughly and left the salesman panting as he regained his breath. He took this opportunity to whisper into Yokozawa's ear, "What should we name our baby, Takafumi?"
                "B-baby?!" Yokozawa chokes out face turning red not having ever imagined that Kirishima would refer to their new puppy as a baby.
                Chuckling at the wonderful reaction, Kirishima took a minute to really look at the puppy. He tipped his head in thought. The super white, soft fur kept ticking his nose.
                "How about the name Shiro?" Kirishima asked as Yokozawa finally recovered.
                 "Huh?" Yokozawa asks having forgotten the part of the conversation where Kirishima mentioned naming the puppy.
                "As a name for this little fellow," Kirishima clarifies holding the puppy up to Yokozawa's face.
                "Shiro. It's a good name," Yokozawa says after some consideration. The puppy's tail wagged each time they said the name making him chuckle. "I think the puppy likes this name."
              "That's settles it! Welcome to the family, Shiro," Kirishima announces running his nose against the puppy's.
               Shiro licked Kirishima's nose and barked. "Who's a good boy?"
             Kirishima and Yokozawa spent  a few hours playing with Shiro until the little pup was tuckered out. Kirishima and Yokozawa smiles tenderly fully under the spell of the precious puppy.
             
          _________Dream end________