Two Sides to Every Coin (OPM Garou x OC)

Chapter 17: Old Grudges

Today was a special day as time was going by for the couple. Today, Kaana and Garou were heading to Bomb's dojo for a special event.
"Garou, isn't this exciting? The dojo's are having a Seminar! I can't wait to see my students, I hope they progressed well!" Kaana beamed excitedly. Garou listened to her cheerfulness, internally relieved at how excited Kaana had seemed. When Kaana had reached 30 weeks, all the aches and pains had come, along with the sudden weight gain. She grew very quickly and, in her words, was the size of a whale. Because of this, she had been melancholy, being stuck in the house constantly and had been missing everyone at the dojo. Luckily, Bang had been planning this seminar with Bomb for a while and had suggested to Garou about bringing Kaana. With an added bonus, she'll also have the pleasure of seeing the Jr Grade Belt Ceremony for her students. Kaana couldn't say yes fast enough. They were currently making their way there, after getting off a train. Once at the stone staircase of the mountain the dojo sat on, they stopped.
"It feels so good to be back here," Kaana smiled, then was about to started ascending, "Well, we shouldn't keep everyone waiting."
Garou instantly stopped her, putting an arm in front of her, "You're not walking up those steps. You'll overexert yourself."
"Garou, you're overreacting, I'll be fine," Kaana exasperated, "It's not like walking up the steps will trigger labor."
"Not risking it," with that, Garou then proceeded to pick her up bridal fashion. Kaana yelped in surprise, a giggle quickly followed, "You worry too much."
"And that's why you haven't gotten hurt," Garou wasn't trying to make any jab at her, as this statement was actually very true. Kaana, went from being the most graceful at Martial Arts, to becoming the biggest klutz imaginable when she became pregnant. She'd teeter, trip over her own feet, stagger when losing her balance, etc. Just the other week, she had tripped and nearly fell down the stairs. If not for Garou's quick reflexes and sixth sense, she would've been spending this event in the hospital under observation.
Kaana just allowed him to have his way, as to not worry him. She gave him a peck on the cheek, "I hope I'm not too heavy for you."
Garou dismissed it, "I can tear up a slab of rock with ease. You're a feather compared."
Kaana smiled and Garou carried her up the steps like she weighed nothing. After finally making it up to the top, Garou gently set her down. Kaana immediately felt her son kick at the sudden jostling. Kaana gave a small grunt and caressing the top of her mound.
Garou seemed to notice her slight discomfort, "You okay?" he placed a hand on her belly. Kaana was quick to ease his concern, "Daichi just didn't like the jostling around, that's all. At least, he's not kicking my ribs, again."
Seemingly okay with this answer, Garou removed his hand and went to knock at the dojo's door. After a moment, the large door opened and revealed Bomb.
"There you two are. Kaana, it's good to see you," Kaana went for a hug and Bomb happily reciprocated. Pulling away, Bomb looked her over, taking in her round pregnant belly, "I see your child is growing well."
Kaana chuckled bashfully, "Yeah, I'm due in the next ten weeks."
"You must be very proud, Garou," Bomb addressed him. Garou glanced away, scratching at his head, "Y-yeah. I mean, it's not like any other woman would put up with me."
Kaana gave him a gentle nudge at the comment, then addressed her Master, "Is Bang here with Garou's students?"
"Not yet, but they should be here shortly. As soon as they arrive, the Seminar will begin," Bomb then moved aside, "Please, step inside."
Kaana stepped in first, Garou just behind her, his hand hovering just behind the small of her back in case she needed his help. While the couple was coming in, the Jr group was sitting from afar, talking. Then, one of the students saw them and alerted the others, "Look, there they are! Master Kaana's here, too!"
They spoke in hushed tones, "Really?" they saw Garou helping Kaana remove her shoes, her arms on his shoulders, and they noticed her baby bump, "Whoa, she's huge!"
"Don't be rude, she's having a baby."
"Did Grand Master Bomb mention if Master Garou is the father?"
"They walked in together. He's gotta be."
Then, the senior of the group, the oldest teen of 13 years, piped up, "That's not our business. Now, did everyone pitch in on the gift?"
The whole group nodded.
Meanwhile, Garou got Kaana's other shoe off, "Thank you," Kaana smiled and he stood up, "You wouldn't have to keep doing this if I could still see my feet."
"Don't worry about it," Garou told her.
"Master Kaana!" the couple looked and the group was running towards them. The smallest children couldn't stop from going in to hug her. Kaana was surprised, but just giggled at the warm welcoming as she now found herself surrounded.
"It's so good to see you all!" Kaana beamed. Garou just silently watched as Kaana greeted the swarm of children.
"It's been too long, Master Kaana! We missed you!" one student beamed at her, others voicing the same thing.
Kaana was touched by their statements, "I missed you all, as well!"
"Are you coming back when you have the baby?" the littlest student asked.
Kaana hesitated, but kept the smile on her face, "It'll be a while, but I'll be coming back to the dojo when I can," she knew it'll be some time until then, since the baby will need all of her attention until he's older. She didn't want to upset her students with this fact.
"Alright, everyone, please give Kaana some space," Bomb then interjected. The students stepped away, allowing Kaana some room. Just then, the oldest one, Reo, walked up to Kaana, holding a gift basket, wrapped in wrapping plastic. It was almost too big for the boy to carry. The couple stood there, perplexed for a moment.
Reo presented the gift formally, "Master Kaana? Upon hearing about your new addition to your family, myself and the Jr group wanted to congratulate you! Please, accept this gift as a token of good will!"
Kaana was stunned, "Oh. Um, thank you," she then smiled, moved by this gesture. Garou, who was just as thrown by this, silently took the basket from the boy.
Kaana looked at all of her students, "This is awfully nice of all of you. I'm grateful," Kaana gave a head bow, and Reo bowed deeply to her on behalf of the group.
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Soon after this, Bang had arrived with the Jr group. Bang led the near tired group up the long steps, but obviously, Bang didn't even break a sweat.
"About time, old man," Garou jeered, greeting Bang and the group outside.
Bang paid the light taunting no mind, "Well, this is a rather large group to travel with, Garou."
The children all went into the dojo together, but Bang had Garou hang back a moment, "A word?" his tone was low, indicating something important that needed to be discussed privately.
Garou gave an inquisitive look, but stepped to the side with his old Master, "What is it?"
"Your new student, Itachi. He will be sitting out today," Bang informed him, "One of the kids had told me that he'd been picking on the others. I only saw it happen today before we left."
"What did he do?" Garou questioned.
"He pushed one of your white belts to the floor and started to wale on the poor boy. Itachi was also hurling insults when he thought I wasn't watching," Bang explained, "I had to pull him off the boy. That's why it took longer to arrive."
Garou was a bit shocked, but kept a calm facade, "Is the white belt okay?"
Bang gave a nod, "Yes, fortunately. He wanted to stay, despite my insistence on going home. Tough one, that boy."
Garou furrowed his brow, humming in acknowledgement, "Should we send Itachi home?"
"I tried to get in contact with his mother, but I couldn't reach her. He'll have to stay here until pickup," Bang unfortunately relayed.
Garou said nothing, but he was not happy with this development. He hadn't had a student bully anyone before since he took over. He was going to have to deal with this, later.
"Let's head on inside and try to look forward to today," Bang started towards the door, looking back for Garou to follow, "They're waiting."
Garou said nothing and started to head inside. Soon, both dojo groups did opening greetings with Garou and the two older Masters. Kaana sat in a chair off to the sidelines, watching earnestly. As for the little boy, Itachi, he was sitting across the other side of the dojo, glaring at the whole group.
Eventually, they took everyone outside to the courtyard, laying sparring mats down and having each student pair off from both dojos.
"Here," Garou placed the chair down, then taking Kaana's hand to help her sit. Kaana, holding her belly with her free hand, chuckled, "Thanks. So, I noticed that boy sitting out. Did something happen?"
Garou hesitated, glancing back at the boy, sitting far against one of the stone walls, "He's being excluding for hurting one of the students today. He might even be expelled after this."
"I see. Has this ever happened?" Kaana inquired, looking back at the boy, as well.
Garou simply shook his head, "No. This is the first time, but I ain't going to let this brat go unpunished for this."
They continued with the day, Kaana watching with pride as the end of the seminar was coming to a close with the Jr Grade Belt Ceremony. Bomb called each child from their dojo by name, giving each one a higher belt level. All of them giving Kaana a glance, to which she just smiled with joy. All the while, Itachi was glaring at Garou and Bang.
~
After the ceremony, everyone was gathering their belongings and waiting for their parents inside the dojo.
"Have you picked a name for the child, yet?" Bang inquired, making conversation with Kaana. Kaana smiled, hands on her bump, "We're naming him Daichi. Garou picked it out."
"May I?" Bang lifting a hand and Kaana nodded. Bang placed a hand on her belly. He chuckled heartily when he felt the baby kick hard against his palm, "Spry one. He'll definitely take after Garou with that strength."
"You're telling me. I won't be surprised if Daichi winds up being his little clone," Kaana joked.
Bang removed his hand, "You seem very happy with him."
"Yeah. After so long, I'm glad that we finally found our way to each other. Even though the baby wasn't planned, I wouldn't have it any other way," Kaana relayed.
Bang grew silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you ever see yourself getting married to Garou?"
The question seemed to take her by surprise, blinking at the old man before answering, "Of course, I do, but...I think it's too soon to be thinking about that."
"How so? Your child is proof enough you two love each other," Bang was genuinely confused.
Kaana sighed, knowing that the old man didn't know the full story in which how this all started, "It's a little more complicated than that. I just don't want to force Garou into anything if he doesn't feel ready for such a commitment."
Bang then understood and didn't want the two of them to feel forced, "I see. Well, you're far more understanding in this situation than I've allowed myself to be. For that, I apologize. Whenever you two are ready, I'm sure it'll turn out just fine."
Kaana was grateful, "You were just looking out for Garou. I can understand that."
During this, Itachi decided to walk up to them, "Excuse me?" Kaana and Bang look and saw this ten year old child, brown hair pale skin and green eyes. This boy was scowling at both of them. Bang's expression immediately hardened as he went into strict teacher mode, "Itachi, you were told to sit until your mother arrives."
"Mom isn't coming! Dad is and he's going to make you and Garou sorry!" Itachi barked, surprising the two martial artists. He then looked at Kaana, "I bet your baby is a monster, too! Just like Garou! All monsters should die!"
Itachi then tried to go and shove Kaana. Kaana was a bit surprised by this boy's anger, trying to step away to avoid him. However, Bang was quicker and grabbed the collar of the boy's Gi, pulling him back and away from her, "Young man, you have gone too far!"
By then, Garou had noticed the commotion and rushed over, "What is going on?!"
Itachi, struggling angrily started to hurl insults, "Stupid monster! You should die! Freak! I hate all of you!"
Garou was shocked by the complete turn around this boy made. This behavior was unsettling, and it reminded him of a certain person from his life that made his stomach churn, 'This brat...he reminds me of Tatsu. So much anger.'
Bang held Itachi by the collar of his Gi, making sure the boy didn't try to pull another stunt. By then, the boy had given up and was standing there, seething.
After most of the students left, Itachi's mother was the one to come and pick him up. She had long, black hair, pale skin and green eyes. Upon seeing her son in the grip of another person, she was rightfully concerned, "What's going on?" she demanded.
Garou pulled her aside and explained to her what happened throughout the day up until Bang had to watch him, "He then tried to shove Kaana, one of the other Masters. He kept screaming about how I should die and monsters," he crossed his arms.
The woman looked passed Garou, and seeing that Kaana was heavily pregnant, her eyes widened in horror. She quickly looked back at Garou, "I am so sorry! I assume she isn't hurt?"
"No, she isn't. However, considering that he hurt another student and tried to inflict harm on Kaana, we're going to have to expel him," Garou replied. The woman grew unusually silent when Garou said this. Her gaze landed hard at her feet for a moment, then looked back at him, "Is the baby yours?"
Garou tensed, surprised that she asked this. His silence seemed to answer her question as she sighed and held a hand to her face, "That's why he's acting like this..."
"What are you talking about? What's that have to do with me?" Garou questioned, slightly insulted by her remark.
She lowered her hand, looking apprehensive, then asked, "Do you...remember Tatsu? You two used to go to school together?"
Garou uncrossed his arms. He clenched his fist, his blood starting to boil at the name, "What about Tatsu?" he almost spat.
"Well...he's Itachi's father," this made Garou tense.
"You see, right now, we're going through a nasty divorce and I'm filing to gain custody of Itachi," she explained solemnly, "Look, I'm not going to lie, Tatsu has always despised you. Especially after leaving school, he's constantly been down on his luck. Then, when he caught wind that you weren't jailed and was actually living a good life...it's like he snapped. It was my idea to send Itachi to your dojo, but it was so he can learn the right things and be disciplined. Then, Tatsu got this wild idea about sending Itachi to your dojo to spy on you. He started filling Itachi's head with these hateful things about you and the people around you. Itachi's only ten and now he's even talking like him. It's toxic and I don't want him turning into his father. Look, I'm really sorry for what Itachi's done. If there's anything I can do to rectify this, then--"
"What you need to do is make sure your kid is being disciplined," Garou told her pointedly, "I get things are terrible at home, but you need step in as his mother. Look, Kaana is far more forgiving than I am. I'm not happy with your kid trying to hurt her simply because he sees my unborn child as a hell spawn. I may be his Master, but I'm not going to discipline him for you. Until he sees the error of his ways, he will not set foot back in the dojo. Is that clear?"
The mother was frowning guiltily, but gave a nod, "I understand. I'll make sure he's punished."
With that, Itachi's mother walked over to Bomb, Bang and Kaana. She deeply bowed to all three of them apologetically, "I'm truly sorry for my son's behavior. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
"See that you do," Bang said and let Itachi go. As soon as he did, Itachi turned to try and kick the old man, "Stupid--"
He didn't get the chance when his mother grabbed him by the ear and started to haul him away, "You are in big trouble, Itachi!!"
Itachi couldn't even argue, he only whimpered and yelped as he was dragged away by his ear. The group watched as she and Itachi left the dojo. Garou remarked dryly, "Be damned if I let my kid act like that."
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After such an incident, Garou and Kaana went home while Bang stayed with Bomb to clean up.
Garou couldn't stop thinking about the day's events and the news that, that kid was his old bully's son. He never thought he'd even hear about Tatsu again. Why now?
"Garou, are you okay?" Kaana asked while they were getting ready for bed.
Garou acknowledged her question, and heaved a sigh. He sat himself on the bed, clad only in his boxers, "I'm trying to wrap my head around what Itachi's mom told me. Can't believe he's Tatsu's brat."
"Tatsu? Your old school bully?" Kaana sat down on the bed with Garou. She watched, seeing Garou was troubled by this, "What else did she say?"
"She told me Tatsu still hates me. Why he's still on about shit from the past is beyond me," Garou fell back on the bed. Kaana loomed over his form, gazing down at him, "Most likely he's jealous of what you have now. You have a home, people who love you, a job you enjoy. Not a lot of people can say that."
Garou grunted at this as he felt this worry settle in him. What Itachi's mother told him had him wonder if Tatsu was outwardly trying to get to him. Granted, if the man was looking for a fight, Garou wasn't worried about that. Garou knew that he can easily crush him. He was mainly worried for Kaana's safety. Since she was pregnant, using her powers can actually cause too much stress and damage on her body. In other words, Kaana was left completely vulnerable.
"Garou, I wouldn't be too concerned about this. If what you told me about that man is true, then it just shows he's only a coward. He's harmless," Kaana moved towards the pillows, "Come on to bed."
Garou relented and moved towards the pillows, as well, "I just have a bad feeling, that's all. If a ten year old was saying things like that, I can only imagine how horrible this bastard turned out to be."
"I'm sure everything will be fine," Kaana tried to reassure him. Garou lied beside her, silent. He then turned his head towards her. Kaana can see in his gaze that his worry was not for himself. He was worried for her.
Kaana didn't say anything as Garou turned on his side. He placed his hand on her belly, his touch felt very protective. Just then, Daichi had started to stir at his father's presence, moving and kicking softly.
"Garou…" Kaana trailed off, placing a hand on top of his own.
Garou moved down slightly until he was eye level with her bump. He closed his eyes, nuzzling into her belly. He wasn't going to let anything happen to them, "I'll protect you both," he murmured into her mound. Kaana didn't know what to say to this behavior. Was he that worried for their safety? This Tatsu must've been that horrible. Whatever Itachi's mother told him must've really got under his skin if Garou was this unsettled, now.
"Can we sleep like this tonight?" Kaana heard Garou ask, "I want to be close."
Kaana nodded, "Yeah," she started to run her hand through his hair. Kaana didn't know how else to ease his worries, so she let Garou nuzzle their unborn child. As she continued to caress his head, Garou seemed to fall asleep against her. His hand still on her belly.
Kaana felt Daichi settle as soon as this happened.
'What can I do? I haven't seen him this unnerved in a long time. I don't want him to worry about this, but this situation with Tatsu has really got him wound up. Maybe I can talk to Master Bomb or Bang. They could probably help,' Kaana eventually felt her consciousness drifting, the day's events now catching up to her, 'I'll worry about this in the morning.'
Sleep then claimed her.
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In the morning, Kaana found herself awake around the same time Garou was.
Going downstairs to the kitchen Garou was getting ready to leave. He had already put her breakfast on the table and was just about to head to the front door. That's when he noticed her, "You're up," he noted plainly.
Kaana walked over to him, "Are you okay?"
Garou knew she was worried about him, but he waved it off, "I'm fine. Look, when I leave, I want you to call your sister."
Kaana furrowed her brow, puzzled at this, "Why?"
"Just to keep you company," Garou then grasped her hand, "It'll...put my mind at ease, if someone else was here while I'm gone."
Kaana wanted to tell him no, but she didn't want him to worry, "Garou, did whatever Itachi's mother tell you really make you that worried?"
Garou grew silent for a moment before stating, "I don't know how Tatsu grew up after leaving school, but I don't want to take any chances. He's not a threat to me, but you're vulnerable, right now. If anything happened to you, I--"
Kaana placed hand on his cheek, this gesture silencing his rambling, "I understand, Garou. If you feel that strongly about this, then I'll call my sister."
Garou grasped the hand on his cheek, "Just stay here. Okay?" Kaana nodded and Garou leaned in to kiss her goodbye. Kaana watched him leave for the day. Now alone in the house, Kaana got this unnerving feeling that Garou was withholding something from her. She felt her son kick and she caressed her mound to soothe him, "I know, I'm worried, too."
Meanwhile, Garou was running to the dojo, and I mean running. If Kaana was right about one thing, it was that Garou was keeping something from her. Before leaving that morning, Garou had actually gotten a call from Bang. Something happened at the dojo.
The closer he got to the dojo, the more of the commotion he heard. Eventually, he rounded the trail and saw the groups of students in front of the dojo. The adults were keeping the kids away from the scene.
When Garou approached, they all looked at him. Some with fear, some with confusion of the situation, there was just a lot of mixed feelings in the group.
Garou then turned towards the dojo and his heart sank. The doors were splintered, the outside walls were vandalized. It was mostly scribbles, but it clear it was to desecrate the walls, nonetheless. Garou rushed on inside and saw that the damage was far worse. The floorboards were pulled up and broken, the walls had enormous holes smashed into them and things were strewn everywhere. In the middle of it all, Bang stood, staring at the sign that held the name of the fighting style of the dojo for years.
Garou walked up to him, staring at it as well, "Whoever did this must've been here when we were at the seminar. Garou, did Itachi's mother mention anything regarding his behavior that might be a affiliated with this?"
"Yeah. I got a feeling who might've done this, but he must've had help," Garou answered, "I'm going to find out for sure, but I don't want Kaana to know about this."
"Understood," Bang agreed. And what was it they were staring at exactly?
Written in jagged, red letter across the dojo sign was 'DEATH TO GAROU THE MONSTER'.
Garou clenched his fist tightly, his anger growing. He really hoped he was wrong, but who else would specifically call him out and threaten the dojo, like this? Now, he just needed to prove it and put an end to this. All the while, make sure Kaana doesn't become a target in the process.