Raijin, you ARE the father

WordsUsagi was the first to arrive, an anger and disdain emanating from him so palpable that it took his breath away. He hadn’t known about the two men, but he couldn’t allow himself to let that be an excuse. His actions had consequences, even if they were born from his own internal strife, and they had cause two boys to grow up not knowing that their father loved them, to not have him in their lives. He knew the pain of an absent parent to an extent, but not to which they did. Therefore, he couldn’t bring himself to feel anger or annoyance of his own at the emotions portrayed by the floppy eared man.
Kuroo arrived a few minutes later, the stench of fish wafting with him indicating he’d been fishing as he almost always did. They man seemed to practically live by the water and he was pretty sure he supplied Tojo-kai with most of their fish supply. He had talent, and, now that Raijin looked back on it, he supposed he possessed some of his own mannerisms. He wondered what he hid behind his hesitant smile, placed firmly even in the uncomfortable air. The Genji man’s heart ached to think it could be anything like what he hid behind his.

As Kuroo sat, asking if he could have some tea, Raijin nodded immediately. “Of course, I made it for you two. If you want it,” he replied, hastily adding on the ending. He watched as the spotted man poured himself a cup, allowing the time to collect his thoughts more fully. “I called you here for a few reasons. The first, as a long overdue thank you for helping build the structure we’re in now. Kuroo, I stopped by a trader as promised and acquired some spices for your fish.” His golden eyes went to his Akita companion, who clutched a large pouch in his jaws. The Akita brought over the pouch and placed it on the table, to which Raijin pushed toward Kuroo. “Inside, you’ll find vials of Shichimi Togarashi, Aonori, Furikake, Sansho pepper, and Wasabi. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find more authentic Japanese spices here, so I thought I would find something more suited to your palate,” he said, a closed-mouth grin lifting the corners of his mouth.

His eyes went to Usagi next, almost unsure if he wanted to speak at all. But whatever the man had to say, he would take it. “And for you, I haven’t forgotten about the favor. If you want to take me up on it now, I’m at your disposal. If not, it stands as long as I draw breath.” Raijin met the man’s eyes, steady and clear. It wasn’t a dare and there was no hostility, but more so out of respect. It was to let him know that he was prepared for whatever he wanted of him.

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