"Lonely Heart," chapter 4

Title: Lonely Heart (Chapter 4)
Fandom: Ronin Warriors
Characters/Pairing: Rowen Hashiba, Cye Mouri, Sage Date, Kento Rei Fang, Sayoko Mouri. Rowen's parents also play a major role in this chapter. Background Cye/Kento.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Not mine, anything mentioned here by name isn't mine
Warnings: Mentions of past bullying
Notes: More slice-of-life/remake AU!

“For goodness’ sake, Rowen,” Cye said as he blocked the front door to the apartment he shared with Sayoko. “Put those groceries down and let my sister carry them like she’s supposed to instead of finding soft-hearted young men to carry them for her. Otherwise, she’ll exploit you for manual labor for the rest of your life.”

“I offered to help,” Rowen countered. “I have perishables, so please step aside before they go bad.” Cye groused, but obeyed.

“It’s true!” Sayoko insisted as she followed Rowen inside. “I ran into Rowen at the store. He saw that my cart was overflowing and kindly offered his help. Besides, it’s not exploitation if I promised him some of the cake that I got us for dessert. Oh, and that he could stay over for the tonkatsu we’re having for dinner tonight.”

Cye glared at his sister. “Cute of you to assume I made enough for three people.”

“You always make too much tonkatsu!” Sayoko was already in the kitchen, helping Rowen put the food away. “And with Rowen around, you don’t have to stress about what to do with all the leftovers.”

“I am a bottomless pit,” Rowen assured them both.

“Well, I guess I can’t argue with that logic,” Cye said with a dramatic sigh. Then he smiled at both of them. “Rowen, you can toss your coat on my bed. If your dad is okay with it, we can play King’s Quest after dinner.”

His father was in his lab working on an experiment, which meant he would not emerge until it was done, no matter what. “He won’t even notice I’m gone.”

The scream of the alarm woke Rowen just enough to reach out and turn it off—at least until he saw the sticky note on the aforementioned alarm. His limbs were still heavy from sleep, but he just managed to grab the note.

“Rowen of the future, wake up so you can get in some kyudo practice before school. Sincerely, the Rowen of the past.” It took a moment, but once he remembered he was fully awake. “Right. Almost forgot.” As a notoriously late riser, Rowen had prepping for school down to a science. Twenty minutes after waking up, he was showered, dressed, and got his books and bento ready. He didn’t have much time after that, so breakfast consisted of a granola bar.

He made sure to leave three cups of instant ramen for his father. One for each meal. It wasn’t the healthiest thing in the world, but when Dad was this absorbed in a project, it was all Rowen could get him to eat. He filled the tea kettle with water, placing it on the stove. Dad would (probably) remember to heat the water on his own.

It was just barely six in the morning, which meant it was still dark. This was why Rowen packed a flashlight with him. He turned it on, walking to the school. The gate’s lock was so simple he had picked it on the first week of class. Not because he wanted to take over the school or anything. He just got bored easily and locks were essentially puzzles. Although now as the kyudo competition drew closer, being able to sneak into the school had its advantages.

He’d solved the lock to the front doors the second week of class. After some detours to change and gather his gear, he made his way to the school roof. He was greeted by his target and the beginning of the sunrise.

Rowen took a breath, allowing the peace that only came to him when he was alone with the sky and his bow to wash over him.

“Good morning.” Sage was standing behind him. “Since when are you such an early riser?”

So much for being alone. “I’m sneaking in some practice for my competition this week.” He glanced at Sage. “What are you doing here?”

“Things that are far too dangerous for someone innocent like you to know about.”

Rowen frowned. “I can’t tell if you’re serious or starting to develop a sense of humor. Well, if you want to stick around and watch me shoot my target, feel free. But that’s all I plan to do. I’m not what you’d call a chatty person.”

“Neither am I. But I am interested in seeing you in action. Kento says you’re quite good.”

“Hmm.” It occurred to Rowen as he prepped that this was the first time that he and Sage spent time together alone. They were friends, but they interacted only when the others were with them. He supposed that was because they were quieter than, say, Kento. But he let those thoughts—and every other thought—fade away as he began practicing, losing himself in the motions, so much so that he was startled when he reached for one more arrow and realized he had used them all already.

“Amazing,” Sage said as he helped Rowen pack up. “Your style is so passionate.”

Rowen paused. “Excuse me?” People had called his style flawless. Almost robotic in his ability. But no one had ever described him in that way before. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve never been good at putting things like this into words,” Sage admitted, running a hand through his thick blond hair, making it look even wilder. “But you put so much energy in how you draw your bow. I can see your focus when you aim. You’re not just doing this because that’s what the rules say.” Sage gazed at him directly. “It’s like you’re proving to the world that you’re alive.”

Sage’s gaze wasn’t just direct. It was so unnerving that Rowen had to look away. “Maybe you’re right.”

“You will find, Rowen, that I am almost always right. Also, as someone who has trouble sharing his emotions, I’m envious. I wish I could put my feelings into action like that.”

“I see.” Rowen felt his face heat up. “You know, I’m going to be here every morning for this week. If you want, you can watch me practice.”

“Thank you. I shall.”

“Evening, Rowen,” Dad managed as he stumbled into the kitchen. He yawned as he turned the stove eye on for the kettle. “You studying hard?”

“Yes, Dad.” Rowen didn’t look up from his text. “Kyudo this week. Don’t forget.”

“Right, right.” Dad rubbed at his eyes, waiting for the water to heat up for his ramen. “I have had the worst day. I swear, I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. And of course, Dr. Ichikawa wants the results now so he can make the grant application look even better. I keep telling him that we can’t rush these things, but he just won’t listen.” The kettle whistled, and Dad poured the water into his cup. He gulped it down. “You have a good day?”

“Yes.” His father was already leaving, muttering that he was glad that someone had a good day at least, so there was no point in going further than that.

“Hello, Mom?”

“Rowen, baby!” He could hear a conversation in the background. “I’m so sorry, but I can’t talk right now. This story is due tonight and we’re not anywhere near done yet.”

“It’s fine,” he lied. “Just please don’t forget that kyudo is this week, okay?”

“Sure. Love you, bye!” She hung up.

“You’re angry,” Sage observed.

Rowen let another arrow fly. “What makes you say that?”

“The target is in tatters. You’re not taking the time to aim. You’re this close to snapping your bow’s string. I recommend taking a break before you ruin your equipment.”

He didn’t want to, but he also didn’t want to have to buy new equipment. He tried to breathe deeply, to focus on the sky. But the morning was so grey it threatened to overwhelm him.

“Should I get Cye?”

“Why would you get Cye?”

“You’re upset,” Sage explained. “Cye is skilled at making people feel better. I have the opposite effect.”

Rowen did his best not to laugh. “Talking to Cye is not a bad idea, but right now I don’t mind the company I have. At least I know you and the others will see me compete.”

“But you’re worried that your parents will forget.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Sage looked thoughtful. “I haven’t met your parents, so I wouldn’t know.”

“Oh, yeah. You and Luna are still pretty new to the group.” Rowen stretched his limbs. “My dad teaches and does research for the local university. My mom is a reporter. Between them finalizing the divorce almost right after I was born and being workaholics, our family bonding time is usually me making sure that they eat and sleep enough.”

“Was it always like that?”

“No. I mean, Mom has never lived with us, but she would visit once a month at least. But then they both started working more, with no time for anything else, and I found myself raising my parents.” He scanned the sky again, hoping to discover even just one small patch of blue since his last look. He didn’t. “They’re not bad people. I love them. But there are times when they’re both in the room and I still feel alone.”

“… I feel the same.”

Rowen glanced at his friend. For once, his light blue eyes were unfocused and cloudy. “Sage?”

“I’m sorry,” Sage said bluntly. “I didn’t mean—”

“No, it’s fine.” Rowen found himself smiling as he placed a hand on Sage’s shoulder. “You’ve listened to me rant, let me return the favor.”

Sage turned his back to Rowen. “I inherited some abilities from my grandfather that no one else did in my immediate family. This led to me saying or doing things that they could not understand until my grandfather helped me learn how to control those abilities.” His back was still turned, and it suddenly hit Rowen that for once Sage was uncomfortable looking someone in the eye. “It’s still not easy. I do love my family, especially my father. He looks out for me and tries his best to get me. But I don’t think anyone’s ever really understood me.”

“We’re alike in that no one is on our wavelength. Everyone sees you as a bad boy who somehow has a sports car and sword collection, while I’m the robot of the school,” Rowen realized.

“Robot?! Who calls you that?” Sage spun around, furious. “Rowen, you’re curious and lively and hot-tempered and patient enough to deal with me. Tell me who calls you that right now so I can—”

“Um, if you were planning to avenge me or whatever, Kento kind of beat you to the punch at the beginning of the school year.” Literally. Some of the less kind students had made snide comments about Robot Hashiba when he had aced the tests again like he did every year. Unfortunately for them, this year Rowen was friends with a judo expert with a protective streak. He couldn’t approve of what Kento did, especially since Kento had gotten in trouble because of it, but it was a relief that all the robot comments were kept to a minimum this year. “But thanks. Although sometimes I wonder if I should just lean into the robot thing. That seems to be what my teachers love about me. And what my parents rely on.”

Sage sighed, running his hands through his hair. Rowen waited since he’d been around Sage long enough to know this happened when he was frustrated. “All right. Maybe that is part of you. But it’s not all of you. It’s not wrong to want people to see the other parts of you.”

“Maybe it’s not, but that doesn’t mean it will happen.” When he saw Sage’s face fall, Rowen did his best to feign some cheer. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m letting the stress of the competition get to me. Don’t worry. I’ll muddle through. I always do.”

Sage didn’t look happy with Rowen’s words, but he didn’t say it out loud. “Sometimes when I’m getting ready for a kendo match, I go for a drive the day before to clear my head. If you want, I’ll take you for a drive tomorrow afternoon.”

“Sure.” If anything, it would take his mind off of things. “Thanks.”
--

Dad had fallen asleep in front of his computer. Again.

Wedging himself between his father and the computer, Rowen saved all the work, then turned the machine off. Gently, he shook his father awake. “Dad. Dad, you can’t sleep like that. Your back is messed up as it is from all your slouching.”

“Don’t wanna,” Dad grumbled.

“Well, you have to,” Rowen insisted quietly. “You have that meeting tomorrow morning, not to mention your afternoon classes.”

“All the department cares about is making money.” Dad still refused to move, or even look at Rowen. “And my students won’t even turn in their work.”

“It’s that time of the semester when everyone is stressed out, Dad.”

Dad poked his head up, almost smiling. “So, it’s every day in the semester, then.”

“It’ll work out,” Rowen said because that was what society programmed you to say when things were falling apart and you couldn’t fix them. “It always does.”

“You’re such a good kid, Rowen,” Dad said, standing up with some effort. “Never any trouble at all.”

“Dad,” Rowen blurted out so suddenly that his father blinked in surprise. “Please don’t forget about my kyudo competition the day after tomorrow. It’s really, really important to me that you see what I can do.”

“Of course, son.” To Rowen’s surprise, his father tousled his hair. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

He was taking advantage of some free time to look more into the role of Strata in the Hashiba family lore when his phone rang. “Hello? Oh, hi, Mom.”

“Hi, baby! I don’t have much time, but I just wanted to remind you about that kyudo competition coming up for a change,” Mom said playfully.

“Oh.” Rowen smiled. “Well, thanks, Mom. I appreciate it.”

“No worries! I love you, and will see you tomorrow, okay?”

After Rowen hung up, he resolved to tell Sage as soon as he saw him again that maybe he was going to get to show his parents Rowen rather than Robot Hashiba after all.

It was Saturday, so Rowen slept in as much as he could. But eventually, his stomach started grumbling and he forced himself upright to shower, change, and find some breakfast.

“Dad. Mom.” It wasn’t unusual for them to be chatting in the kitchen, but they seemed so stiff. Mom looked like she had been crying, and Dad looked messier than usual. “What’s wrong?”

Mom sniffled. “Rowen, baby, I am so sorry. My boss insisted that I have to cover the mayor’s speech tomorrow.”

Dad wouldn’t look at him. “My chair wants me to finish the project by Monday morning.”

“Baby, I’m going to ask Sayoko to film it for us—”

“And we’ll watch it together as soon as we’re done with work, son.”

As for Rowen, he was gripping the back of a kitchen chair so tightly his knuckles were white. “It’s not the same. It’s not what you promised.”

“I know,” his mother sobbed. “I’m sorry, but this is how it has to be.”

“I know how it has to be,” he assured her. “I’m supposed to cook for you two. To clean up after you two. Never get upset when you two choose your careers over everything else, again and again. When you break your promises. Again and again.”

“Rowen.” His mother’s voice was steelier now. “You know that’s not fair.”

“You want to know what’s not fair, Mom? You breezing into my life to play house when you feel like, but leaving when you’re asked to show just a little sense of responsibility for someone other than yourself.” Mom started crying at that. He should have felt bad. He wanted to feel bad. But he felt nothing.

“Rowen!” Dad was visibly angry, which was rare. “You have a right to be angry. But you do not speak to your mother that way.”

“Dad, you conceded your right to any paternal authority when you decided to divorce a woman right after she had your baby.” He was pretty sure Dad was crying now, but he didn’t care as he moved past them, grabbing his coat and wallet, yanking the door open.

“Rowen!” Mom followed him out the door. “Wait! Where are you going?!”

“Wherever I feel like. I’m being selfish for a change,” he said evenly. He heard his dad saying to his something to his mom about how they shouldn’t stop him. That Rowen needed time to cool his head. Figure out what exactly he was feeling and what to do about it. The thing was, Robot Hashiba didn’t feel anything.

“Hey, Rowen!” Sage waved at him from the car. He must have realized something was wrong—he was almost as perceptive as Cye—because he bolted out of his Jaguar to confront him. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m not in the mood for a drive. Excuse me.”

“No.” Sage grabbed his arm firmly. “Something is wrong. Tell me so I can help.”

Rowen pulled away. “It doesn’t matter. Leave me alone.”

Sage chased after him. “Never. We are friends, I want to help.”

“And what will you do?” Rowen’s voice was almost a monotone. “Glare? Speed around Tokyo in a car you’re too young to drive, knowing that your detective daddy will save you if you ever get in real trouble? Run around with swords in an attempt to look tough?” Sage was stoic during it all, so Rowen went for his weak point. “Say things no one will understand?”

That hit the mark. Sage inhaled sharply. “That’s not fair. I’m your friend.”

“Are we? Are you anyone’s friend, Sage? You just showed up one day and stuck around because Kento and the others are too trusting to wonder about you and that job you won’t tell anyone about. You think you have everyone fooled into thinking underneath all the eccentricities and awkwardness you’re a kind person, but you don’t feel anything.”

Sage gave him a look so searing Rowen thought for a moment he was gazing into his soul… and then Sage bolted back to his car. He sped off, tires screeching.

Rowen continued on his way.

“Sage!” Cye nearly gasped in shock as his normally composed friend staggered into his living room. “Here, sit down. I’ll get some water.”

“I don’t want water.” Sage collapsed on the couch. “It’s Rowen. He might be in trouble. I upset him. I—I couldn’t explain myself; I couldn’t get him to understand me, I can’t get anyone to understand me—”

“Hey.” Cye sat down next to him. “I’m talking to you, and I understand that you need my help so we can help Rowen.” He took Sage’s hands and placed them on his heart.

“Cye…”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve been training with you, remember? Now let’s get you calmer so you can tell me everything.”

He went to the arcade, not to play, but to people watch. It was late in the day, so it was mostly just college kids avoiding going home to study. He wondered if any of them were among his father’s students.

I don’t care.

He supposed he needed to get some dinner at some point. He had the money for that at least. Shelter would also be important, especially since it looked like it was going to rain soon. He thought about calling the Fangs or the Mouris or Ryo or Luna, but after what he said to Sage, he doubted anyone would want to take him in.

I don’t care.

Well, he would walk around, and maybe an idea would come to him. He was, after all, Robot Hashiba. The heartless teenage genius who could think his way out of any problem. Even his mother was surprised if he emulated an emotion.

I don’t care.

He stepped out into the crowded streets of Tokyo, hoping to lose himself in all the people. He kept hoping for that, even as the first few raindrops of the evening turned into a hard rain, and people either ducked indoors or hid underneath umbrellas.

“Rowen! Hey, Rowen, over here!”

He was ready to yell at whoever had the misfortune to encounter him right now to leave him alone—except it was Sayoko in her usual black sweater and jeans, umbrella in hand. She had always been so nice to him. She never expected him to do everything all on his own. In fact, she was always there to help him. He could never be mad at her.

“Geez, you’re soaked! Poor kid. Do you have a safe way home?” Sayoko held her umbrella over the two of them. Then she grimaced. “Sorry. Guess I went into Mama Bear Mode there.” She grinned wryly. “Cye’s always yelling at me about that. Although I do get it. You want to go home alone and be independent. But I can’t help but worry about you. Thirteen is still quite young.” She chuckled. “You’ll understand when you’re old like me. So, how about I walk you home? Not to guard you against kidnappers or anything—but I know aikido, so they better watch out—but to make sure you don’t get damper than you already are.”

Rowen looked up at her silently. She really was everything a parent should be.

Sayoko must have taken his silence as refusal since her expression grew solemn. “Oh. Well, it was just an offer. I don’t want to make you feel like I’m trying to overprotect you. But, please, Rowen. At least take my umbrella. I don’t want you to get sick.”

And that was what it took to break the spell. Rowen let out a short, shaky sob. Then another one. Then he was hugging himself tightly as the tears wouldn’t stop and he couldn’t keep himself from making low, pained sounds every time he breathed.

“Oh, boy,” Sayoko whispered, wrapping an arm around him, shielding him from the world. “Okay, now I have to insist that I take you home.”

“I don’t wanna go home,” he managed.

“Okay. How about we go to my place instead?” He nodded as she guided him to her station wagon.

As she drove, Sayoko had the grace to not say anything as Rowen kept crying in the car.

“Cye, we have a guest,” Sayoko announced as she tossed her coat on a nearby chair. “He’ll probably be spending the night as well.”

“I’ll set up the spare cot in my room,” Cye said around a yawn. “The beef stew is in the crockpot. It’s ready whenever we want to eat.” He turned to Rowen, smiling warmly. “Hi, Rowen. I’ll put a clean change of clothes and a new toothbrush out by the bathroom. Feel free to warm up in the shower as well.”

“Thanks,” he whispered. “I could use a shower. I don’t want to drip on your floors.”

The shower helped. He felt more like himself than he had all day as he stepped out and changed into the white button-up shirt and jeans Cye had provided (contrary to popular belief, Cye did own some clothes that were not violently colorful).

He took the indigo orb he had placed on the sink, placing it into his pocket. Frankly, part of him wanted to toss it out the tiny bathroom window. He had even opened the window to do so earlier, eager to remove one more reminder of the Hashibas from his presence. And yet, he had not. He had closed the window and kept the orb within eyesight as he showered and changed. Like it or not, it was a part of him now.

He gazed at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Rowen was taller than Cye, so the clothes didn’t quite fit. His wrists and ankles were exposed. Still, dressed like this, in this apartment, he could almost see himself as…

Was that piano music?

Rowen silently made his way to the source of the sound. Cye was at that piano no one used, playing a few keys, stopping, muttering to himself, and then playing again.

He had to know. “What are you playing?”

“I am attempting to figure out how to play the opening theme to Kento’s favorite anime. It’s not easy, since I’m still a little rusty when it comes to music and I can’t find sheet music for it, but I’ll have it figured out soon.” He chuckled evilly. “And then I’ll prove to Kento that I am the most romantic man in the world.”

Rowen sat next to Cye on the piano bench. “You and Kento are competing over who can out romance the other?”

“Of course we are.” Cye paused as a thought occurred to him. “Hey, do you want to play the piano with me?”

Feeling sheepish, Rowen rubbed the back of his neck. “Thanks, but I’m not musically inclined.”

“Hmm. Well, if you change your mind, I’m more than willing to teach you.” He began playing again. “By the way, I spoke to Sage.”

Guilt flooded Rowen. “Can I borrow your phone? I need to apologize to him.”

“He’s fine,” Cye assured him. “He told me that he understood why you were upset. He’s not mad at you at all.”

“I still need to apologize. I said terrible things to him.”

Cye nodded. “Give yourself some time to clear your head. That way, you can give him a sincere apology.”

Rowen frowned. “I’ve never been able to do that. If I see a problem, I can’t rest until I solve it.”

“Is that why Sayoko dragged you into our apartment, soaked and sobbing? Because you were solving your problems so well?”

Rowen scooted away from Cye. “You are really mean when you want to be.”

Cye shrugged. Then he stopped playing, turning around so he could look at Rowen directly. “I don’t know what happened, and I won’t ask unless you want to talk about it. But it’s hurt you badly, Rowen. Just as much as any weapon could. You must rest before you correct your misdeeds. Otherwise, you’ll collapse in the middle of your sister’s birthday party, ruining the cake you were carrying, and she and your butler will yell at you for overexerting yourself.”

“That is a very specific example.” Rowen found himself grinning. “Are you trying to let me know that I’m not alone in this struggle to take care of myself?”

“Maybe I am, Rowen. Maybe I am. But for right now, I need to set the table. Could you please tell my sister that dinner is ready?”

“I know. I would be upset too if Cye had run off, Tomoko. And I hate even suggesting this, but I think coming over would be a bad idea,” Rowen overheard Sayoko say. He paused. He couldn’t help but tense up at the realization that his mother knew where he was, but he trusted that Sayoko wouldn’t betray him. “I think he’s just stressed and needs some time away from everything… hold on, I’ll ask him.”

Rowen stood in the doorway. Sayoko placed her hand over the receiver. As quietly as she could, she whispered, “Do you wanna talk to your mother?” Rowen immediately shook his head.

“He’s tired from all that walking he did and wants to turn in early for once to get ready for the competition tomorrow,” Sayoko lied. She flinched at whatever his mother said. “Yeah, okay. Okay. Sure. I will see you then.” She hung up the phone, plopping down in her office chair with a huge sigh. “Well, Rowen, your mother accepts that you don’t want to talk to her. Although she’s probably going to kill me in my sleep tonight.”

“Thank you, Ms. Sayoko.”

Sayoko gazed at him sadly. “Was the argument that bad?”

“Yes. And I won’t apologize to them. This isn’t the first time they’ve pulled this bull. I’m tired of them being parents only when they feel like it.” Sayoko looked like her heart was breaking, and he felt bad for her, but not for them.

“Okay,” Sayoko said.

Rowen blinked. “Wait. You’re not going to tell me that they’re my parents no matter what or that I shouldn’t hold a grudge? Y-you agree with me?”

“I don’t, but I know there’s nothing I could say that would sway your heart on the matter now. And they are your parents. I don’t have a right to tell you how to feel about them at all. Forgiving them is a decision you’re going to have to make on your own, Rowen. But for now,” and she got up from her desk, “let’s rest for the night. I’m guessing you’re here to tell me that dinner’s ready?”

“I am.”

“Awesome!” Sayoko clapped him on the shoulder. “Time to get some grub with my guys.”

Rowen helped himself to another bowl of stew. “How was med school today, Ms. Sayoko?”

“Non-existent. I withdrew a week ago.”

He froze in terror. If she and Cye moved, Rowen had no idea what he’d do. Not to mention Kento and the others—

“But we’re not moving,” Cye said gently. “First off, I wanted to attend the school I’m at. The high school I’m hoping to enroll in is in Tokyo as well.”

Sayoko nodded. “Not to mention that your health has improved immensely since we moved here. That alone is worth living in Tokyo forever. Besides, I’m not done with school just yet. I’ve applied to some engineering programs. I haven’t heard back from them yet, but I’m feeling pretty good about it. And even if I don’t get in, I still have my backup plan of running a globally famous foundation.”

“It’s important to have a backup plan,” Cye mused. “If I don’t become a marine biologist, I’m going to be a piano teacher. Hey, Rowen, what do you want to do when you grow up?”

Everyone was so focused on how well he did on tests; he wasn’t sure anyone had asked him. “I like computers, so I guess I could look into computer science? Oh, I like mysteries—not the ones with lots of gore, the noir ones. But I don’t think being a hard-boiled noir detective is a real thing.”

“No, but it sounds cool,” Sayoko said wistfully. “You have a bit of an adventurous streak, don’t you, Rowen?”

“Yeah,” Cye agreed as he helped himself to a dinner roll. “You know what? I changed my mind. I want to be a detective with you, Rowen. I can’t wait to stumble upon lots of dead bodies and fight serial killers!”

“Cye. I already said that I don’t want to deal with a lot of gore.”

“But what is even the point of a mystery if there isn’t at least one body?!” Cye pointed a spoon at Rowen for emphasis.

“Be nice, Cye,” Sayoko warned him. “You know how Rowen feels about grisly subjects.”

“You never take my side,” Cye huffed, poking at a potato in what was left of his stew while Sayoko and Rowen laughed. But he laughed as well a moment later. “Okay, fine. No dead bodies for now. I’ll get out what’s left of the cake I made yesterday for dessert.”

After helping load the dirty dishes into the dishwasher, Rowen and Cye retired to his room. Sayoko had upgraded Cye to a Super Famicom for Christmas, so they would up playing Super Mario World before bed and arguing over which Yoshi was best. Cye insisted that the fire-breathing ones were better, but surely the flying ones were more versatile. When Sayoko popped her head in to remind them that Rowen needed to be ready to compete in the morning, they turned out the light and tucked themselves in, but neither one of them went to sleep just yet.

“Are you going to even be able to compete?” Cye kept his voice soft, so his sister wouldn’t hear. “I mean, you didn’t bring your gear with you.”

“It’s fine. I keep my things at the school and that’s where the competition is being held.”

“Well, okay. Hey, Rowen?”

“Yes?”

Cye’s expression was almost painfully gentle. “I wish the circumstances were different, but I enjoyed our time together today.”

Rowen looked around Cye’s room. It was dark, but he could make out the desk with Cye’s computer, phone, sheet music, and books. The end table where he kept his yarn and knitting needles. The small TV. Posters of the ocean, some of his favorite aquariums, and one of Prince Marth he had carefully removed from a magazine. There was also a poster for one of those horror franchises he wouldn’t shut up about, but Rowen tried not to look at that. It felt homier than his own room.

“Hey, Cye?”

“Yes?”

“… Can I tell you a secret?” He hated how small his voice sounded.

“Of course.” Cye sat up in bed, wrapping a thick knitted blanket around his body. “Tell me everything.”

“I’ve been pretending that we’re brothers. That Sayoko is my sister too, and that I live here with both of you. I’ve been pretending it since Sayoko brought me home.” He kept his gaze on the ocean poster and ignored the stinging in his eyes. “I know that’s pathetic, but it’s so calm here. Both of you care for each other so much. You two make me feel like I’m a person, not a robot.”

“Yeah, we are pretty cool,” Cye admitted humbly. “But don’t that fool you. Sayoko and I have our less than ideal moments. You noted that I can be mean when I wish it. And Sayoko… well, let’s just say Mama Bear Sayoko was even worse a few years ago. It’s just now that my health has improved that she’s letting me go out on my own. I swear she used to think I’d fall over dead if a strong breeze hit me. Considering Dad’s fate and Mum’s health I can’t blame her, but it was still frustrating.”

“That must have been rough,” Rowen conceded.

“It was. Thankfully, things have gotten better. Besides, I’m sure that your parents let you do things that Sayoko would never permit even now.”

If Cye had said this a few hours ago, Rowen would have been furious. But after eating and relaxing, he could at least talk about it. “Maybe a little too much. Do you know how you said your sister worried too much about your health? When I was sick, my dad would give me cold meds and a bottle of water, and wish me good luck.”

“Wow.” Cye pulled the blanket around him a little more tightly. “That could not have been fun.”

“In his defense, I bounce back pretty quickly from illnesses. Except for that one time I had the flu when I was nine. I couldn’t sleep I was coughing so much. So, Dad propped my head under some pillows, made me tea with honey, and read to me from his science texts until I was finally relaxed enough to sleep.” He frowned at the ceiling. He’d almost forgotten about that time. “I guess he did do some parental stuff after all.”

“Interesting. What about your mom?”

“She’s a space case. But… but she’ll call me just to say she loves me. And she’s made sure that I’m a part of her family in New York. She even buys me hot dogs every time we’re there together.”

“Sayoko never bought me hot dogs when I lived in New York.”

“My parents aren’t bad people,” Rowen was finally calm enough to remember. “So why is it when I ask for them to spend time with me, they always say no?”

“I wish I knew,” Cye whispered, voice heavy with grief. “They both work stressful jobs. I imagine a lot of times they have to agree to work long hours, or they’ll lose their jobs, and won’t be able to feed and clothe you. Of course, those words ring hollow for everyone when they have to break a promise.”

“Tell me about it. But… I will apologize to them. I will try again. And I’ll try not to throw a tantrum when they inevitably have to choose work over family again.” He wasn’t angry about that anymore. Sad, but not angry. Cye had brought up a valid point: both of his parents had worked very hard to get where they were and to be able to support him. He could be upset if they were forced to choose work yet again, but he understood why.

“You won’t have to throw a tantrum, because you’ll have your big brother to run to for comfort now. And don’t you dare tell me that you were just pretending and I don’t have to indulge you, Rowen. I have prayed for the day that I am no longer the baby of the family, and it has finally happened.”

“I’m only a few months younger than you.”

“I have prayed for the day that I am no longer the baby of the family, and it has finally happened. Now, listen to your big bro and get some sleep. You have a busy day tomorrow.”

It was finally the day of the competition. Rowen had changed, and his gear was in place. All he had to do now was compete. Considering how much drama had been led up to this event, it was surreal that it was nearly over with. In a few hours, he would have either won or lost. Then he would apologize to Sage if he came to the event (Rowen wouldn’t blame him if he did not attend), and then go home to wait for his parents to return so he could apologize to them.

He took a deep breath. It was the first blue sky in ages, and despite the winter, a few birds were singing. He could do this.

“Hey, Rowen!” Sayoko waved as she and Cye approached him. “We just wanted to wish you luck one last time before we go join everyone else.”

“And I managed to save some onigiri before Kento ate it all,” Cye added. Rowen thanked him, eating it with his ungloved hand. “We’ll be cheering for you.”

Sayoko smirked. “Tell the competition to go to William Tell, Rowen.”

“Ugh! How are we related again?!” Cye ungently shoved his sister in the direction of the audience. “Don’t worry, Rowen. I won’t let her distract you with any more archery-related puns.” After they left, Rowen was going to use the time he had left to center himself… except now Sage was walking up to him, and he felt anything except centered.

But he couldn’t let that stop him. “Sage,” Rowen ran up to him. “I am so sorry about yesterday.”

“It’s fine. You were upset.”

“That doesn’t excuse what I said, and we both know it,” Rowen growled in frustration. “I was projecting. Every negative thing I said about you I meant about myself. We all say Kento is the one with a temper, but I’m ten times worse. And I keep it all bottled up, and then—”

“You’re not the only one who lets his emotions get the better of him, Rowen.” Sage smiled slightly. “All humans do.”

Rowen was hit by relief/thankfulness so intense he almost started crying again. “There was just one thing I couldn’t figure out. I didn’t contact anyone after I ran off. But then, conveniently, Ms. Sayoko appears in a part of town that I frequent.”

“What a coincidence,” Sage replied ‘innocently.’

He couldn’t help but grab Sage in a hug. “Or maybe someone was looking out for me, even after I was a jerk to him.”

“Of course I did. You’re my friend.” Sage patted him on the back only a little awkwardly. “We are still friends, right?”

“Yes,” Rowen said happily. “We always were.”

“Group hug!” Mom squealed as she wrapped her arms around them both.

“Yes. I am showing my love for my son,” Dad said as he patted Rowen’s shoulder.

“Wait.” Somehow, Rowen squirmed free. “I thought you two couldn’t make it?”

“Oh, about that. I managed to convince my boss to let Rei cover the speech instead. She’s younger, so this is going to help her career so much.” She squealed again as she hugged Sage even tighter. “Isn’t it great, whoever you are?”

“Wonderful,” Sage squeaked as he pulled away.

“As for myself,” Dad said, stroking his greying beard, “As soon as you left, I worked on the project non-stop. I just finished this morning. Apologies in advance if I fall asleep during your competition, but I figure that’s preferable to the other option.”

“More than words can say.” Rowen didn’t bother to wipe the tears from his eyes as he hugged both his parents. “Mom, Dad, I am so sorry for yesterday.”

“Apologies later,” Mom said sternly. “For now, you gotta kick everyone’s butt.”

“Understood. But first, let me introduce both of you to Sage Date. He’s my best friend.” Because after everything that happened, how could he not be? “Sage, I want you to meet Tomoko and Genichirou Hashiba. They’re my parents.” He smiled at all three of them. “Okay, I’m off. Bye!”

“So you’re my baby boy’s best friend in the world!” Tomoko said joyfully. “Oh, I have got to get to know you better. We’ll go shopping and to the local museums and out for lunches. It’ll be so much fun!”

Genichirou nodded. “You can help me with my experiments. And to make sure the little pop culture references I slip into my lectures to seem more personable to my students are still relevant.”

Sage gulped. “…Huzzah?”

While Tomoko Hashiba had come to the school to watch her son compete (and cheered louder than anyone when he won), she had another objective to complete that day. It took her longer than she would have liked since Kento was always around Cye. But finally, he meandered off to get a drink of water from the fountain inside the building. Tomoko followed him.

“Kento.” Tomoko wrapped a friendly arm around his shoulders. “How are you holding up after that head injury?”

“Oh, it’s completely healed, Kento said with an easy grin. “It’s been ages since that happened, Tomoko. You don’t have to worry about that.”

“Actually, I do.” She grinned back. “You see, even just the fact that you got injured in a fight—and don’t lie to me about falling in garbage, you’re an airhead, Kento, but you’re also a martial arts expert who’s aware of his surroundings—would be enough for me to worry. But my son is also involved in this mess, which means it’s my duty to figure out what happened and make sure it never happens again.”

Kento looked up, expression serious beyond his years. “I’m sorry, Tomoko. I swore that I wouldn’t tell, and I can’t betray that trust.”

Tomoko made a thoughtful sound. “In my experience, no one can ever share the whole truth. Our lives are just too complicated for that. But as a reporter, I’ve learned that we can always share parts of even our darkest secrets. So, Kento.” She gave him a steely look. “Share what you can already.”

“What will you do if I refuse?”

“You’ll never need to find out.” She squeezed Kento’s shoulders. “You’re a sweet, just boy who will cave because he’s aware that I have a right to know.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Kento admitted unhappily. “Okay, Tomoko. I’ll tell you what I can.”

She smiled gratefully. “Thanks. I should warn you before you speak, I do plan to share this with Genichirou.” He had a right and a duty as well.

Kento nodded. “Sure. Just one condition: you can’t tell Cye.”

Well, that was an interesting condition. Curiosity piqued, she asked, “Why can’t I tell Cye?”

“That’s a part of the truth I can’t reveal. Let me share what I can instead.”

“Okay, Grandpa. Mid-February works for me as well. As soon as school is done, I’ll take a train to the shrine.” Now that the competition was over and life was back to normal, Rowen was able to devote more time and energy to researching Strata. He was almost certain it was armor and had qualities that could only be described as otherworldly. Once he visited the shrine, he would know for sure. He said goodbye to Grandpa, hung up, and went into the kitchen for dinner.

“And people say I have a large appetite,” he said calmly as he passed his parents, both wolfing down the miso soup Rowen had made earlier. He got himself a bowl. “Busy night for you two?”

“Yep,” Tomoko said, finishing her bowl. “I got a story I need to submit for publication, and your father is doing something science-y.” Dad nodded. “I may be late coming home in the morning, so I ordered breakfast in advance. Genichirou, set your alarm so Rowen doesn’t have to brave the cold winter air just to get his breakfast tomorrow.”

“Already did so,” Dad assured her. “Son, if I may ask, who were you talking to on the phone?”

“Grandpa.” Rowen enjoyed the soup. “I’m visiting him soon. There are some things I want to do at the shrine.”

“Oh, yeah, you mentioned that!” Tomoko said with a snap of her fingers. “By the way, Genichirou and I are coming with you.”

Rowen stopped eating. “What.”

“We’re coming with you.” Dad smiled at him. “After that near disaster with the kyudo competition, we both realized we want to spend more time with you, son. So, when Grandpa mentioned you visiting, we asked if we could as well. He agreed.”

“This is going to be fun, I just know it.” Mom was by the door, shrugging on her coat. “We can drive and explore; it’ll be an adventure! Okay, time for me to go to work! Love you two!” The door shut behind her.

“I’m also excited,” Genichirou confessed to Rowen. “I was never invested in our family history, but if my son is, perhaps it’s time for me to change that.” He stood up and cleared the table. “I’ll be in my lab if you need me, Rowen.”

Well. Rowen had wanted them to spend more time with him.

It was just… it was dangerous. Yes, that was it. He didn’t know as much about the supernatural as Sayoko Mouri or Ophelia Watson, but he had read about the demons Strata was famous for fighting. He hoped they were long dead.

That man that had tried to kill him and Kento was almost definitely still alive.

“Sorry, Mom, but I hope this trip turns out to be incredibly boring,” he said as he finished his soup before it got cold.