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From many years on the job Dojima could recognize certain things when he saw them.
Sure he may not be the brightest light bulb but he still has his sparks of intellect too.
His nephew always seemed to have this indescribable weight on his shoulders all the time.
He hadn’t been expecting to come home to see the boy on the phone with his parents. Now that it was happening it just grew that horrible suspicion when he realized this is the first time he’s seen or even heard of his parents calling.
Standing in the doorway with his black case slung over his shoulder he listened, toeing off his shoes to not make a mess.
“..listen-“ he could hear the teen cut himself off, frustration seeping deeper than Dojima’s ever heard from the boy. Sure he’s had his fair share of sass and retorts from the boy but they were well deserved with how he was acting at the time. He needed that wake up call.
Dojima went to step forward only to stop, feeling the tension rise to a palpable level.
“-can you stop bringing it up? There’s no point in asking me about that-I still haven’t changed my mind on that.” He sighed hard like he was carrying all the world's stress in the form of a giant ball on his back alone.
“I can hardly see why a girlfriend is important when there’s murders happening here but okay mom..” he retorted pinching the bridge of his nose, Dojima could just barely see him from where he stood, blocked by the partition in the wall.
“Can you drop it-its not happening-it’ll never happen-I’m perfectly fine without a girl-“ he gritted out, he couldn’t really make out what his sister was saying but he could definitely hear her with how loud she was being. The way Yu looked used to it really didn’t settle right. He shouldn’t be used to that. No kid should ever be used to that.
“I am gay mom-there! Are you happy?! I will never like a girl-you’ll never have grandkids from me-please stop asking about it-“ his voice finally raised after keeping so level the entire time. He sounded so strained as he said that. As if just speaking that loud was hurting his throat but Dojima knew that wasn’t the case and it ached in his chest as he stood in that doorway, heart thudding.
“Very mature mom-why do you think I didn’t say anything? Because I knew you’d react like this. Need I remind you there are more important things happening than this one little thing?” His voice shook and Dojima could feel his lungs lock up.
“Wha-mom-you can’t be serious!” Yu was suddenly very quiet after that. Too quiet.
Dojima couldn’t take it anymore. He couldn’t hide any longer he has to face reality-he promised Yu he’d do so so he’d do it. He’ll do it no matter how painful it could be.
Yu looked startled to see him, blinking away tears and Dojima felt his resolve harden. He motioned for the boy to hand him the phone he could still hear his sister yelling through. Yu handed it over, looking scared to death and it just broke his heart.
“Do you wanna maybe calm down for a moment?” He started and that broke the stream of yelling for a moment. He cast the younger a softer look before nodding to the couch for him to sit down. No kid deserves to go through this.
Yu hesitated for a long period of time before jerkily nodding and forcing himself to sit statue still on the couch.
“Oh thank god-Ryotaro-get some sense into that boy! Surely he doesn’t mean it right?! He can’t-my baby can’t be gay-“ she cut herself off, sobbing and something in him clicked. He observed the boy sitting on the couch looking like an inmate awaiting execution.
He remembered how polite the boy has been, to the point of it being painful.
He remembers how surprised the boy was when Dojima brought home that cake and shared it saying it was for the fact that they were family now. He’d been too busy focusing on making up to Nanako that he hadn’t even realizedhow quiet the boy had been.
He apologizes a lot for even the finest mistake.
It took a good while for him to break out of his shell but Dojima knew how good of a kid he is.
“Why not?” He asked instead of fueling her fire.
“Because! You know as well as I do that that’s unnatural! Maybe he hung around too many freaks while there-yeah-my baby wouldn’t just hurt me like this-he’s just confused is all-“
Dojima sighed, a hand coming to the bridge of his nose.
“I don’t think he’s confused. What happened to you? My sister would never treat her kid like this-I’m honestly also concerned with how little you’ve contacted us. He wasn’t joking about there having been murders here. Do you not care at all?” He stressed only to hear her wail which hurt his ears if he was to be honest.
When had she turned into such a brat?
“You’re a cop right? Then he should be fine-I know you’re good at your job Ryo-like i have to worry when he’s got you.”She scoffed as it was the most obvious thing ever.
“But you’re his mother-yes I’ll always do my best to protect him but you could’ve at least called. Talk to him-ask how his day was. Little things like that!” He pointed out feeling very hypocritical since Yu was the one who snapped him from his own isolation when it came to his daughter. God is he glad that it happened..but it’s sad it had to happen at all. He’s an adult.
“He’s always been a quiet kid, you know this. If he doesn’t want to talk to me he doesn’t have to-but you’re getting off topic-what do you mean “what happened to me?”-are you crazy? Nothing happened to me-he’s lucky I’m not our dad-you know how he was.” She let out a huff of air and Dojima cringed inside remembering the old man. On one hand he could be a great man but on the other hand Dojima had received a fair amount of slap arounds from the man for being a dumb teenager.
“You know that’s different-“ he paused eyes trailing to the drawing on the fridge Nanako had made of them all together. It made his chest tighten.
“What does it matter if he likes guys, sis?” He pinched the bridge of his nose again, eyes shutting tight.
“It doesn’t hurt anyone, so long as the kid’s happy and safe isn’t that what matters?” He asked to receive silence.
He blinked, surprised before pulling the phone away to see it still on. Bringing it back to his ear he heard her sigh heavily.
“Then keep him for all I care. If you don’t care about preserving the family legacy just keep him. He’s been pushing to stay anyways-ungrateful honestly- He acts like I abused him or something. He was never like this until he had been with you for a few weeks. Now he’s suddenly rebellious and cocky and utterly spoiled-“ she broke off to lower her voice. He felt too stunned to speak.
“ “-but mom I don’t want to go to private school-I wanna stay with my friends-“ what friends? He never speaks up so why would anyone want to be his friend-he lacks initiative-drive Ryotaro-“ it was sad. Heartbreaking how quickly rage flooded into his veins all cold and venomous.
“Okay. I’ll keep him. So long as I never have to deal with you again. The only interacting I will do with you is when signing over custody. That is it. Now goodbye.” He hung up before he could let himself say things that wouldn’t hold well against him in court.
He sighed heavily, so heavily because dear god.
He looked back up to see Yu still hadn’t left his spot on the couch, staring down at the floor.
It just hurt.
He knows what the boy looks like when he feels safe and happy so it hurt.
Rounding the couch he plopped down and placed the phone next to the boy, now closed.
“You okay kid?” He softly asked, letting him take his time. All he got was a shrug.
“Ha..I getcha there bud. That was rough.” He scooted back to face the boy a little, a small smile crossing his face as he studied the younger.
“Do you wanna talk about it?” He offered and Yu sat there, thinking about it before ultimately shaking his head all jerkily.
He’s too stiff.
He frowned, he needs to lighten up the tightness in the boy first.
“You know I don’t care about that stuff right?” He asked and that got cautious eyes on him, observing him this time.
“Seriously. It never really bugged me-didn’t quite get it at first but after me and Chisato had Nanako it clicked with me.” He remembered how scary the realization was. That one day his little girl would grow up and leave.
“I’ve seen a lot of cases on the force. A lot of kids whose lives got ruined because they didn’t have the support they needed. I always felt bad for them but Nanako was when the thought occurred to me-what if it was her? What if she was feeling that way and she ended up alone because I couldn’t put aside some dumb idea?” He still thinks about it. The idea of his little girl being gone because of him was something he’d never stand for.
“So if she ends up liking girls later on that’s fine. I’d rather you both be happy and safe. Besides, living a lie isn’t fun. Facing it can make a lot of things easier for you. Sure it won’t be sunshine and rainbows but you’ll feel more comfortable in your skin.” He trailed off, feeling a bit embarrassed with how long he rambled.
“But yeah-you’re okay here.”He let his hand rest on the younger’s shoulder, squeezing it with affection and oh god his eyes are watery oh no-
“Dad? I heard some shouting? Is everything okay?” Nanako called from the base of the stairs. She blinked before her face screwed up, concern making her run over.
“You guys aren’t fighting again right?! Wait-big bro?” She stumbled over her words after coming closer and seeing the state Yu was in before she turned to Dojima, hands coming to her hips with a glare.
“Now now, don’t jump to conclusions, Nanako. We weren’t fighting.” He assured her, seeing some of the rage dissipate before confusion took over, her head tilting as she sat down on her knees on the other side of Yu on the floor, mimicking Ryotaro’s own position.
“Then what’s made big bro sad? I’ll arrest whoever made him cry, detective’s honor!” She puffed up making Yu stuffily chuckle, wiping at his eyes unsuccessfully as the tears still fell. Dojima smiled sadly, ruffling her hair.
She had really been getting into that detective loveline show. She’s quite a smart girl so he didn’t doubt that she could definitely have a position in the field later if she truly wished it.
His eyes caught onto Yu again, seeing the way he watched Nanako. It hurt his soul deeply to think such a kind kid got this kind of luck.
He could see the kid getting sucked into his own head again and decided something then and there.
Reaching out he ruffled silver hair, the effect was immediate, the boy gawked, blinking, surprised by the action, grey eyes holding his own as if asking if he was sure. Like he wasn’t sure what he could believe. Dojima offered a soft smile to the boy and watched him crumble real time.
Since his hand was still in the younger’s hair he pulled the boy down into a hug, holding his head into his shoulder as the boy shook, sobs only coming out as sharp breaths and exhales.
Nanako sat behind Yu, hand hovering, uncertain of what to do. Dojima gestured to her it was okay and she dove into the boy’s back, giving him a tight hug, wrapping her arms around him the best she could. It startled Yu but he could feel the boy relax in no time. He just sobbed, hiding from the world within his shoulder, sandwiched between the Dojimas.
With everything he had been through this year Dojima was surprised this hadn’t happened sooner. But he was glad to be here for this.
“We’ve gotcha kiddo. She doesn’t deserve you, hell I don’t either but I’m proud of you. You don’t have to worry about what she thinks anymore. From here on you can stay however long you want.” He told the younger whose breath hitched.
“Besides, we’d miss you too much if you went back. She said I could keep you and I intend to do just that if you want that Yu.” He assured the boy and his sobs were no longer quiet.
“I-“ he took in a deep breath, nodding against Dojima, hands clutching tightly to him.
“Yeah big bro! I don’t want you to go back so stay here! Dad said it’s okay so you just have to now!” Nanako inserted excitedly, hopeful by the prospect of Yu being a permanent addition to their home. Dojima laughed heartily.
“That’s up to Yu, Nanako. But she is right, Yu. We’d love to have you stay.”
“Of course..” he softly spoke and Nanako shot up before running around the house and chanting “big bros staying!” Over and over before she shot into an excited and loud ramble over it. Yu watched the girl from where he leaned into Dojima’s shoulder, breathing slowly, with a warm and soft smile as he did so. But he saw a hint of nerves in the boy.
“What’s up?” Dojima asked softly so Nanako couldn’t hear over her excitement.
“..I uh..”he trailed off, eyes closing from embarrassment?? Dojima studied the boy, he’s definitely embarrassed about something…suspicious…but he’s also nervous. It’s likely to do with their earlier conversation he assumed but what would make him nervous? He already told him he accepted him no matter what..what could…
Does he already have someone he’s…?
With the new knowledge he had on the boy something clicked as a series of memories of the boy and his best friend passed by. He knew he knew that look-it’s the same way he looked at Chisato!
“Is it the Hananura boy?” He asked, making Yu jump away, a startled yelp leaving him. Ah fuck of course he likes the boy who brought weapons to a Junes..he always seems drawn to danger.
But the Hanamura boy has definitely earned his respect over time.
Dojima could see the way his head hung, ears red and he chuckled softly, shaking his head.
“Thought so.” Yu’s head shot up, cheeks red, face incredulous.
“Wha-what do you mean??” He stressed.
“Kid, it’s obvious..” Dojima sighed, brushing his bangs back. Yu’s cheeks darkened when he heard this.
“What about big bro Yosuke?” Nanako asked, curious and Yu’s face ended up in his hands. If people could steam he’d be a kettle.
“Why’re you blushing big bro?” She asked, peaking around Yu to observe him before she gasped.
“WAIT! Do you like-likeYosuke, big bro?!” She asked, the excitement palpable. Yu groaned, letting his head hit the floor.
“YOU DO! YOU DO! YOU DO!!” She cheered, jumping around in victory as Dojima burst out laughing.
“You’re okay kiddo, I can give him a chance.” He winked, nudging the teen who groaned louder and became a puddle on the floor.
“This is so great! Waiiit!!!!” Nanako gasped.
“I can be your wing woman big bro!! Please please please please please-“
“….okay..” he softly mumbled and she cheered, rambling on about her plans to get the boys together. It’s definitely going to be lively around here with Yu staying.
He wouldn’t change it for the world.