Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

Warning: Angst (lol duh) and lots of bad language.

Chapter Nine

Its never hard to tell when things are done
She looked into my eyes and a voice said RUN

-Red Flags and Long Nights By: She Wants Revenge

God, he had to leave. He needed to get far away. What the hell had happened? What had he been thinking? His mind and his body had betrayed him so thoroughly that it frightened him. He was not gay. He had slept with women ever since he passed out of puberty. Men had never turned him on. Never. Or so he'd always tried to make himself believe. Despite, past experiences though (which he was trying so hard to ignore) no man had ever turned him quite like that.

Except for him. Fucking Umeda!

One kiss and his world had begun to spin off its axis. Ever since then everything just kept escalating out of control. Whether he wanted to or not he'd begun sliding down an increasingly steep, dangerous slope. His body had been the first to give in. Now his emotions were following. His mind was in turmoil. He felt so lost. How had this happened to him? How had his life gotten so screwed up? It all came back to him!

Fucking Umeda!

Why did that bastard have to confess to him? What had he done that had made the doctor fall in love with him? He buried his fingers in his hair and groaned in frustration. Maybe it had just been the alcohol that had betrayed him. Although, he knew it was a poor excuse to sooth his bruised pride and mangled feelings. Alcohol made your inhibitions go away. It didn't alter your entire personality. So what had happened had been because he had wanted it. He had helped to instigate it. He had wanted it so badly somewhere in the depths of his deeply denial riddled brain. He'd craved it. And it had been so good. So amazing. So beyond anything any woman had ever made him feel. That was what frightened him the most. It had only been a hand job- and just that had totally undone him. It had laid the plain truth in his lap in a flaunting taunt. He could no longer turn a blind eye to it. Then Umeda just had to confess to him like that.

That was why he had to leave. He had to get as far away from Umeda as possible. He would not let himself give into that shameful desire ever again. He refused to let his body betray him. He refused to allow these needs, desires, and emotions to rule him. He was not a homo! He did not enjoy sexual pleasure more with Umeda than any woman he'd ever been with…

And he was most certainly not in-!

He stopped that thought before he could finish it and mentally choked the life out of it. He gritted his teeth as the thought remained suspended in his mind. It refusing to be ignored or dismissed. But he would not finish it. Not if it killed him!

He walked faster, knowing his feet could not out race his thoughts, but trying all the same. He would leave as soon as he could get a plane ticket. He could not stay in Japan any longer. He needed to be far away. California seemed just far enough to keep Umeda away from him. Or was it him away from Umeda? He gritted his teeth harder in anger.

He stomped up the stairs to his apartment. He dug out his keys, flung the door open, and then slammed it shut. He gave no regard to his neighbors at all. Behind him the telephone began to ring loudly. He groaned in frustration. He just knew it was going to be his parents or a friend wanting to wish him a Merry Christmas. He was not in the mood to hear it. He wanted to sulk in self-pity in peace. Still, he had been taught better than to ignore family when he knew they would be calling. He sighed as he picked up the phone without bothering to check the caller I.D.

"Hello?" he answered in English.

"Shizu?"

Shizuki's heart froze in his chest in horror. "Alisha?" It was his ex-fiancé.

"Oh thank God. I was afraid you wouldn't answer," she said, relief evident in her voice.

The blond cringed. He wouldn't have answered if he'd known it was her. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to her after just having a guy confess he loved him. It only made it all worse to have the woman he had thought he was going to spend the rest of his life with calling him on Christmas. "Yeah, um…" He didn't know what to say. He had no desire to talk to her at all.

"Merry Christmas, Shizu," Alisha told him softly.

"Merry Christmas to you too, Alisha," he replied somewhat dully.

She was quiet for a moment. "Are you ok?"

"To be honest, no. I'm not, but it's none of your concern," Shizuki answered a bit curtly.

"Ok, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you, Shizuki. I've just been…thinking a lot about you lately." She sighed heavily. "I know you probably want to be left alone."

Yeah, I do, Shizuki thought cruelly.

"But I just…I had to say—I miss you." She finished in an almost inaudible whisper.

"Alisha, I really-," He started.

"Please, please don't say anything, Shizuki. Just let me say this. I'm so sorry I cheated on you. I just got freaked out. We were a month away from getting married. You were so excited and I got cold feet. I was worried you just didn't really love me, but that you loved the idea of being married," Alisha blurted out desperately. To Shizuki's surprise as soon as she said that he realized that she'd been right. The idea of marriage was what he'd loved. God, he was such a horrible person. He tried to pay attention as she continued to talk. "I know I should have said something to you about it, Shizuki. I didn't know how without hurting you. Then I met that guy and things just happened…but it was stupid. It was just a fling. I really do love you, Shizuki! So I was hoping, you know, when you come back to the states…that we could maybe give 'us' another shot."

Shizuki didn't know if his emotions could take anymore of the wringer they were being pulled through. He didn't want to deal with this right now. He just needed to be left alone. His brain could not process what was happening anymore. Why did she have to call him now? "Alisha, I can't deal with right now. I just had a bad…experience. I need some time to think. I'm coming back to the states in a few days. Can I talk to you about this then? Please?"

"Uh, yeah ok. I—well, then take care. I'll talk to you when you come home," she said, disappointment and upset evident in her voice. He felt horrible that he really didn't care if he'd hurt her feelings.

"Yeah, later," he hung up abruptly.

He flung the phone somewhere near it's cradle before heading towards the bedroom. He stripped down to his boxers and crawled into bed to lay face down. He pulled the covers up. The apartment was dark and silent. It was such a huge contrast to the Umedas' house where he'd been. He squeezed his eyes shut and willed himself not to think. Eventually, he drifted off into a fitful sleep filled with hazy pleasure and a man with amber eyes.

The next few days were spent getting his affairs in order so he could go back to California. He left his apartment as little as possible. The head doctor at the hospital was sad to hear he was leaving so suddenly. He refused to terminate Shizuki's internship. He promised to leave it open for a month, just in case Shizuki decided to change his mind and come back. The blond was oddly touched by this gesture. He was happy he'd made such good friends while here. A few times, he nearly talked himself out of leaving. Then he'd remember why he was leaving and start packing in earnest again.

He'd gotten lucky with the airlines. He was able to find a fairly decent fare for a one way ticket back to California. It left the following morning. He'd already called ahead to tell his family he was coming back. His father had been rather surprised by the news, but hadn't pressed him for any reasons as to why he was coming back early. Shizuki knew his father would wait for the right moment to initiate that talk. He was dreading that.

He froze like a rabbit caught out in the open when someone started knocking on his door. He briefly contemplated ignoring it. He sighed as again his good manners got the better of him. He did peek out the peep hole to see who it was first though. He sighed in relief when he saw who it was. He swung the door open slowly.

"Hello, Ahika-san," he greeted the other blond.

Akiha smiled lightly. "Hello, Shizuki-kun."

"Come in," Shizuki smiled back as he stepped aside to let the other man in.

The photographer walked in and sat down on the couch.

"Would you like some tea?" Shizuki asked.

"No, that's alright. I just wanted to talk," Akiha replied.

Shizuki sat down on the couch slowly. He felt a little nervous as he looked over at the photographer. "About what?"

"Well, first I wanted to apologize about over reacting to what happened in Umeda's office," the photographer began. "I've had a big thing for Umeda for such a long time that it really hurt my feelings to see him pick someone else over me again."

The blond looked down at his hands and felt his stomach flutter anxiously. He really didn't want to talk about this with Akiha. Why'd it seem like everyone was unwittingly pushing the issue of Umeda in his face? "It's ok."

"No, it wasn't. I acted really childish. So I'm sorry. I still consider you a very good friend, which is leads me to the next part. If you really like Umeda-sempai then I'll accept that. I just want to see him be happy. I will fully support you two if it's serious," Akiha went on.

Shizuki swallowed roughly. "Akiha," he interrupted the other man. "It's not like that. In fact, I'm leaving to go back home."

"Why?" the photographer asked bluntly.

"It's where I belong. I should have gone back as soon as I found out Mizuki was leaving. Things just haven't worked out since I've been here. I had a great time hanging out with you. I really appreciate everything you did for me, Akiha. I consider you a good friend too," the blond told Akiha.

The photographer eyed him suspiciously. "There's another reason you're leaving, isn't there? Does it have to do with Umeda-sempai?"

Shizuki sighed heavily. "Yes, there is and yeah it does. But that's between him and me. I really don't want to talk about it, Akiha."

"Are you leaving permanently?"

"Yeah," Shizuki twiddled his fingers as he answered.

Akiha's expression darkened even further. "When are you leaving?"

"I have a plane to catch in the morning."

"It's not really my place to say what you should or shouldn't do, but I think this is a mistake. I think you need to rethink your decision," the photographer told him solemnly. "However, if you feel like you need to go then I won't say anything else. I do want you to know that you are always welcome to visit me anytime you're back in Japan. I wish you all the best."

"Thanks, Akiha," Shizuki said sincerely. He was glad the other blond wasn't going to pry into the matter. He felt relieved that he wouldn't have to try to explain things any further.

Akiha stood up and Shizuki followed him. "I'll go now. I can tell you're pretty busy getting ready to go."

Shizuki walked him back to the door. He opened it and let Akiha walk past him out into the hallway. The photographer turned back around before reaching out to shake his hand. "I hope I'll see you again, Shizuki-kun."

"Same, Akiha-san," the blond smiled as brightly as he could manage.

"One more thing," Akiha said seriously. "If you're running, because you're afraid I'll be really disappointed in you."

Shizuki looked away. "I know."

"I really hope you give this some more thought." The photographer remarked before walking away.

Shizuki sighed heavily before walking back inside and shutting the door. He didn't want or need to give the matter anymore thought. Tomorrow morning he was going to be on a plane to California.

Shizuki was relieved to have made it to the airport with no problems. All his luggage had been tagged and sent on its way to the plane. He was checked into his airline. He had been afraid that Umeda was going to be at the airport when he got there. He was glad to find he'd been wrong. He felt a little of the tension unwind from his back and shoulders as he began to make his way towards the security inspection stations. He stopped on his way to buy a book to read from one of the vendors. Every motion seemed to be cementing the fact that he was leaving. He was both happy and horribly wretched on the inside at the thought. Part of him wanted to run to the security station as fast as possible to make it through before he changed his mind. The other part was telling him he was a sissy and needed to go back to apologize to Umeda. He paid for the book before stowing it in his carryon bag. He turned around then jerked to a halt.

His eyes went wide as he caught sight of Umeda standing only a few feet away glaring at him. "What are you doing here!"

"Akiha told me you were leaving to go back to California." The doctor remarked coldly. Anger burned behind the words. "Were you to ashamed to even talk to me again?"

Shizuki swallowed hard. He didn't know what to say. He hadn't been prepared for a confrontation with Umeda. He was sure the doctor wouldn't want to talk to him again either. He shook his head before shouldering by Umeda.

"Why are you leaving? What about your internship!" Umeda snapped, following beside Shizuki as the blond tried to escape. What about me?, he wanted to yell.

Shizuki snarled at him, hearing the unspoken question in the doctor's words. All of his anger, fear, and confusion suddenly exploded out of him. "I'm leaving because of you! I'm not gay! You keep trying to make me! I'm tired of being harassed! I'll finish my internship in America!"

"Harassed! You don't exactly fight me off!" Umeda shot back rudely.

Shizuki tried to keep his head down and ignore the curious looks thrown their way as they stormed through the airport. He tried to block out the whispers of 'gay lovers' quarrel' that he kept hearing. "I'm getting married! My fiancé wants me back and I'm going!" He lied outright. It was the only thing he could think to say to throw the other man off.

"She doesn't love you—!" Umeda choked on the rest of what he wanted to say. The unspoken 'like I do' hung heavy in the air between them.

"I love her!" Once it had been true. "We're going to be happy and have a family together! I'm gonna spend my life with the woman of my dreams! Not some manipulative fag who is only after my ass!"

Umeda felt like someone had slapped him hard across the face. "Is that what you think of me?"

"Yes, it is!" No, no it wasn't, but he'd never say that. He hated himself more in that moment than he ever had before in his life.

"Fine then. Fuck you! Go be happy with your cheating slut of a fiancé!" Umeda growled at him, low and dangerous. Fury surged through him, making him see red and his body shake with anger.

Shizuki stopped up short and swung about to face the furious doctor. "Don't you call her that!"

"You know what, I am a fag. I'm proud of it! At least I'm not delusional! I hope you two are happy! You deserve each other!" Umeda yelled at him.

"Fuck you!" Shizuki snapped, fiercely.

"You first, you bastard!" Umeda bit out between clenched teeth. He spun around and stormed away. He refused to let Shizuki see the tears that were welling at the corners of his eyes or let him know just how much he'd hurt him. Shizuki watched him go feeling like the most horrible person in the world, but he couldn't make himself go after him. Instead, he turned back around and walked towards security. An hour later, he was on a plane flying home to California. He refused to look out the window the whole flight.

/

Umeda wished he could call off again, but he couldn't. He'd called off for a week straight already. He had to be back at work. He just couldn't stand to be here at the high school. His emotional turmoil was making him physically sick to his stomach. He had no desire to treat annoying teenagers, who thought their lives were more terrible than his. He sighed heavily. It was his fault Shizuki had left Japan. He had pushed to hard. He had come on to strong. He'd let his desperation get the better of him. Years of chasing Ryoichi and unrequited love had left his ego tattered. He had thought maybe things would be different this time if he was honest and admitted how he felt. He should have known better. What had he really hoped would happen? That his failure with his previous attempt at winning over a straight guy would be different than with this one? Did he really have so little control over himself? Was he that desperate to be loved and wanted in return?

Or was he really that deeply, pathetically in love?

He took a deep, steadying breath. It didn't help quell the raging mass of butterflies in his stomach though. He dropped his head onto his desk with a thud. He felt foolish. More than that though he felt unwanted and incapable of being loved. Was he that horrible a person? Was he really that crazy? For once in his life why couldn't he just fall in love honestly and have those feelings returned?

"Maybe, I should just be a hetero and be done with it," he muttered darkly. "I could have had a house, a dog, and kids by now."

He felt more than sick to his stomach. He felt sick at heart by his own behavior. Maybe he was doomed to be a single guy forever with no relationships beyond who the next lay would be. The idea left him feeling more depressed than ever. He thought about going after Shizuki, but quickly dismissed it. It would do him no good to fly all the way to California just to get a door slammed in his face. He'd had enough of being rejected. He didn't feel like seeking out more of that kind of hurt. He wasn't that masochistic.

He remembered thinking love was like a car crash and that you never see it coming when he'd fallen in love with Ryoichi. This time around though he had seen it coming. Instead, of dodging the imminent wreckage he'd stood in the middle of the road and let it slam into him. He'd been in 'lust' before. He was no stranger to the feeling. He knew it quite well in fact. There had definitely been a strong case of that with Shizuki when things started between them. He'd wanted to kiss, touch, taste, and claim every inch of the other man's body. That feeling never lasted long with the guys Umeda normally lusted after though.

That was what made Shizuki special. The lust hadn't dissipated when Shizuki showed no signs of interest. Umeda tended to lose interest if the guy he was after showed in signs of giving in to him. Yet, his interest in Shizuki had only grown. It was more than lust. It was wanting to learn and untangle every facet of the man's personality. It was the urge to unlock all the secrets to the man's heart and soul. He'd only ever felt that way about Ryoichi before. He never wanted to learn more than a name when it came to his fuck buddies.

Umeda had known he was getting past the safe zone of what he was feeling for Shizuki. It was one thing to lust after the blond. It was an entirely different matter to want to know him like one would a boyfriend, or worse yet a life partner. His feelings had long ago pushed him out onto dangerous emotional ground. He'd known that was a very bad thing. It was the last thing he needed to be doing in fact. Still, it was one thing to tell himself that Shizuki was unobtainable. It was another to try to convince his heart. He had gambled with his heart only to lose epically. He'd know this would happen all along. He'd ignored the warning bells over and over. His heart had been shattered once more by an asshole who refused to admit he was anything other than straight. Man, could he pick them. He never wanted to fall in love again.

/

"Son, come sit with me," Shizuki's father called to the blond from the living room.

Shizuki's insides clenched with dread. He had known this talk was coming. He'd been trying his best to avoid it as long as possible. He knew in the end though that he couldn't escape it. He took a deep, shaky breath before walking in. He felt like he was marching to his death. He paused by the couch staring down at his father, who was watching him with worried eyes. He sat down like somebody had knocked his legs out from under him. Automatically images of knee weakening kisses flitted through his mind, but he crushed them down ruthlessly.

"What happened in Japan, Shizuki?" his dad cut straight to the point. That was his father. At least that part was nice. No dancing around with what he really wanted to say.

Shizuki fixed his eyes on the TV across from him. He couldn't lie if he was looking his father in the eye. "Nothing. I got homesick."

"No offense, son, but that's bullshit."

Shizuki looked over in shock. His dad never cussed.

Mr. Ashiya smiled knowingly. "You've been walking around in a funk since you got back. You look like you did before you left. Heartsick."

Shizuki flinched. "No!" he refused vehemently.

"Son, you're a terrible liar. I know this isn't because of your ex-fiancé. You said you were going to get back together with her, but you haven't spoken to her since the first time after you got home. You have us all worried." His father tried to coax him into talking gently.

Shizuki sometimes really hated how close his family was, because nothing ever stayed private for long. He had talked to Alisha, but it had been to tell her that there was no chance of them getting back together. That was why he hadn't talked to her since. Honestly, hearing her cry over the phone when he'd told her than had been very satisfying. He had decided to give his family the same lie as the one he'd given to Umeda, because he didn't know what else to say. He certainly wasn't about to tell the truth. He knew they were gonna catch on to his act soon though. Not talking to Alisha was a big clue that he had no intentions of being with her.

"Who is she?"

The question caught him by surprise. He'd been to lost in his own thoughts. He cringed and shot to his feet. "I don't want to talk about this!"

"Son ," his father's voice was stern. It stopped Shizuki in his tracks before he could even begin to escape. Mr. Ashiya was usually so carefree and happy. It was rare to hear that tone from him. "Tell me. Who is she? You fell in love again, didn't you?"

Shizuki felt sick inside. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes and his throat felt tight. "Yes," he nearly choked on the admission. He wanted to run from the pain of the memories. He hated his weaknesses, his cowardice, but most of all he hated his stupid fucking heart for having betrayed him so thoroughly.

"Who is she?" his father asked a third time. He was determined to find out. He wouldn't give up until he did.

Shizuki's shoulders slumped in defeat. He sat down slowly. "He." It came out whispered and fragile sounding. He risked a glance over at his father.

Mr. Ashiya's eyes had widened in astonishment. Any other time the expression would have made Shizuki laugh, but now he thought he could see horror in those eyes. Maybe disgust? Did his father hate him now? Was he disappointed with him? He wanted to slink out of there and go crawl in a dark corner to die.

"He?" his father almost choked on the word.

Shizuki made a little strangled sound of affirmation.

"I thought you were homophobic!" his father burst out.

"I was—am!" Shizuki half shouted, his emotions over-whelming him.

"Son, are you sure? I mean, love—with a man? Maybe you're just confused or over stressed," Mr. Ashiya tried to find some way that this could be explained away.

Shizuki laughed brokenly. "God, I wish I was. I really do. I don't wanna be in love—not with him. Shit!" he cursed, jumping up again and burying his fingers in his hair. "I'm not gay, dad! I'm not! I just "

His father watched him like he thought he might be losing his mind.

"I met this guy when I visited Mizuki at her school in Japan. He's the school doctor there. And he helped me see Mizuki's point of view about why she insisted on staying despite difficult circumstances. He was a bastard, but he was right. After giving me this advice, he kissed me for no other reason than to piss me off! And it did, but I couldn't forget it! When I interned in Japan we kept running into each other. Every time he saw me he harassed me. I ended up staying with his family over Christmas. He got drunk (he tried not to think about what happened now, but God, even now the memory was potent), and confessed he had fallen for me. I got scared and ran. He caught me at the airport, but we got into this huge fight. I came home to get away from him, because I don't wanna be near him," his voice cracked. He thought he might start sobbing. He was so scared of everything, but most of all of this. "I don't wanna love him."

Mr. Ashiya stared at his son's trembling frame, unable to wrap his mind around everything his son had just admitted. He had never seen his son so emotionally distraught even after the huge break up with Alisha. Being gay in America was not uncommon anymore, but few fathers ever wanted their sons to be one of them. Sons were supposed to carry on the family name. They were supposed to get married, have kids, and have a great career. They were supposed to make their fathers proud—not fall in love with other men and take it up the-. He hacked off that thought brutally.

"You're in love with Umeda-sensei?" Mizuki's equally stunned voice came from the doorway.

Shizuki spun around, face bright red with shame. "When did you get here?"

She walked further into the room, ignoring his question. "He's in love with Ryoichi."

"Was," Shizuki said, before he realized it.

Mizuki's eyes widened. "He gave up?"

"Yeah."

"Akiha-san said that would never happen. Wow." She looked amazed.

"Mizuki, who is this doctor?" Mr. Ashiya asked, thinking he'd get more informed answers from her rather than his emotionally distressed son at the moment.

Mizuki smiled in fond remembrance. "He's the school doctor like Shizuki said. He is openly gay, kind of a maniac sometimes, but he's really very kind. He looked out for me when he didn't have to. He was almost like another big brother. Hang on," she said, reaching for her photo album to Osaka High. She flipped through the pages before stopping and handing the book over to her father. "That's Umeda-sensei," she pointed to the picture of a very handsome young man with amber eyes that looked like they pierced right through your heart. The man reminded Mr. Ashiya of a lounging tiger. He looked calm and beautiful, but there was something perilous in that gaze. "You remember all those stories I told you about him, right?"

Now he did. Mizuki had made him sound more than a little weird. "Him?" Mr. Ashiya looked over at his son in disbelief.

Shizuki hunched his shoulders and nodded.

"And you're sure it's not just confusion or something else?" his father asked feebly. His fingers curled around the photo album tighter until his knuckles had turned white.

Shizuki wished he were pretending. He wished could say no and mean it. He'd had days now to sit and analyze the feelings he was having. He knew he'd fallen in love. He'd forced himself to admit. He was just too scared to do anything about it. He gritted his teeth. Why'd it have to be Umeda? "Yes."

"You ran away?" Mizuki asked, her eyes narrowing angrily.

"Well, I …yes," he admitted.

"You coward!" She shouted at him.

Both men looked at her in stunned silence. Her fists were clenched at her sides as she glared furiously at her brother. "He admitted his feelings and you ran away! You didn't even have the decency to reject him?" Mizuki snapped. "He's my friend and you treated him badly!"

"He was sexually harassing me!" Shizuki barked back at her defensively.

"You knew he was like that! If you didn't want his attention you should have said so! If he was bothering you then you could have stayed away from him!" She yelled at her brother.

"I tried all that! He kept pushing me! He kept after me! He made me fall in love with him!" Shizuki hollered back at her.

"No one can do that! You fell in love yourself! So what if he's a guy! Or if that makes you gay to want to love him! He loves you! At least, he had enough guts to admit it! And you're a coward for hiding from him!" Mizuki shrieked at him, "Especially if you love him back!"

"I don't want to love him!" Shizuki cried desperately.

She stomped her foot and glared fiercely. "It's to late for that! Be a man and admit it honestly."

Shizuki stared at his sister. He was taken aback by her fervent outburst. She was so much more courageous than he would ever be. She had risked it all to meet Sano, and then to stay with him. She had admitted her feelings despite the odds being stacked against her. But this was different. This was a life changing decision. This was admitting he wanted Umeda in every way possible. That scared the living shit out of him.

"You have to go back. You have to face him," Mizuki scowled at him.

"Mizuki," Mr. Ashiya cut in. He was stunned to watch his children screaming at each other like that. He'd never seen them fight like that. In a way, he agreed with Mizuki. His son was being a coward, but did he really want to encourage his son to go running into the arms of another man. Not a woman, but a man! God, what to do? He looked over to see the same horrifying question stamped across his son's face.

"Will you hate me?" Shizuki whispered as he looked at his father with fear stricken eyes. "Will you be disappointed in me?"

Mr. Ashiya felt his heart clench painfully. It hurt to see his son, his only son, looking at him like that. The idea of his son loving and laying with another man was sickening. He didn't understand how two men could love like that. But his son had always been passionate about his feelings, if not always honest about them. He could never hate his son. He loved Shizuki very much. He was proud of everything the young man had accomplished so far. He thought this was perhaps the hardest moment he'd ever experienced as being a father. He had to let go and let Shizuki do what he thought was right for himself.

"I want you to be happy," he said at last. "If this…man, makes you happy then I think you need to be brave and tell him." Shizuki choked back a sob as his father hugged him. "I won't pretend to understand, but I'm not going to stand in your way either. And by God, when this business is taken care of you better bring him back here to meet the whole family.""

Shizuki smiled against his dad's shoulder. "Thanks." He felt his sister's arms wrap around him from behind to hug him tightly too. He was grateful he had such a great family. He should have trusted them to understand.

"Go get him," Mizuki said sternly.

"Ok," Shizuki agreed.

/

Be a responsible reader and review!

Yeah, it was an angst ridden chapter. It was necessary. Have to have some angst in every story. LOL. Hope you all liked it. Sorry, if it was a bit choppy and long. I wanted to get this part all out together. I have other things want to get to next chapter. :-) Thanks again everyone for continuing to read this story. I'll see you all again soon!