abareguma-yokozawa:
hottiemceditorpants:
So. Happy New Year and all that.
I suppose it’s kind of strange to be starting in on that halfway through January—but the end of the year is kind of, how can I put this delicately…hell on earth at Marukawa Shoten. Between getting panels off…
If I wanted to hear monthly complaints, I’d have dated a woman. I was under the impression that as a guy, you were supposed to suck up all your woes and drown them in booze. May not be glamorous, but it’s worked pretty well for me in the past, I’ll admit.
Yes, you may have offered to drive me, but a) we probably would’ve ended up on the sidewalk, and b) you would’ve complained the whole damn way to the office that I dragged you out from under your nice warm kotatsu and forced you to brave the cold and the blizzard for “one lousy file.” Falling on my ass was a small price to pay for the few hours of relative peace it brought me. And Hiyo had a pot of coffee on when I got home, so my “sparkling demeanor” didn’t last long.
I never said you weren’t allowed to enjoy your kotatsu. I just said that when it’s time for bed, you shouldn’t drag your feet and say “I’ll go in a minute” every five minutes until you fall asleep at the damn thing. You’re gonna wake up with a bad back and then I’ll have to haul your sorry ass to the doctor while you bitch and moan about how I shouldn’t have let you fall asleep there.
You’re not allowed to die. Hiyo’s lost too many parents already in her short life. So you can wish you were dead all you like (and really, what did you expect from that soba? Even you said it smelled a little off), but you’re not allowed to actually die. Are we clear on that?
Try to err on the side of health more, would you?
hottiemceditorpants:
So. Happy New Year and all that.
I suppose it’s kind of strange to be starting in on that halfway through January—but the end of the year is kind of, how can I put this delicately…hell on earth at Marukawa Shoten. Between getting panels off to the printers in time to meet the earlier-than-usual year-end deadlines and end-of-the-year parties that we don’t have time to attend but are obligated to do so because Japanese culture goddammit, and all of that on TOP of working out plans for vacations that we can’t afford to take (fuck you and your Okinawa Christmas, Katou) and Christmas cake we forgot to reserve ahead of time, it’s a wonder we don’t all just hang ourselves with tinsel.
Now, that being said—Christmas was rather enjoyable and blessedly uneventful (but for Sorata learning the hard way that the tree was not a scratching post), the cake was convenience store fare and probably the best I’ve had in years in light of the company, and even though I probably started going prematurely gray from all of the stress these year-end holidays dump on those of us privileged to be involved in the publishing industry…I gotta say having someone to bitch about it with at home (on those odd days I even made it home) sure made the whole experience a lot more bearable.
No pun intended.
But now it’s January, we’ve had our first debilitating snowfall of the year—and holy fuck am I glad I thought to bring home those panels to work on over the weekend instead of enjoying that three-day weekend. Yokozawa can call me a workaholic all he wants, but who was the one who had to traipse out to Iidabashi and fall on his ass not once, not twice, but three times because he needed a file from his work laptop? Sure as hell wasn’t me, nope. While this also means I missed an epic photo opportunity, I consoled myself with not being out in a blizzard.
Our kotatsu’s at least earning its keep; usually we don’t really have to fire it up in earnest until well into February, but it’s been bright and cheery and cold as hell this past week, and I think I’m starting to wear an ass-shaped patch into my little seat under it. Some members of my household who shall remain nameless like to say I’m getting old and perhaps they should get me a rocking chair for my birthday. I have simply noted their mockery and have ensured that I know right where Hiyo’s embarrassing baby pictures are should I need to use them in retaliation. I’m sure I have no idea where she gets her tongue from.
On an unrelated note, I wouldn’t advise anyone to try finishing off three-day-old already-cooked toshigoshi soba noodles. Especially not after you received ‘bad fortune’ at your New Year’s Day shrine visit. You’re gonna have a bad time.
Well aren’t we off to a fresh start this new year, nothing but sunshine and happy thoughts. It’s already January 18th; I think it’s time you stopped complaining about the year-end workload. Leave the past in the past. And that includes any and all mention of certain co-workers falling on their asses on the sidewalk. You just had to be sitting within easy view of the door when I came home with the back of my coat all wet, didn’t you? So glad I was able to brighten your day by giving you another reason to laugh at me.
I’ve gotta say we did a damn fine job choosing the kotatsu last year. It’s held up well to all this heavy use, since some people don’t like to leave it even when they should be in bed resting their old bones. Not that I know anyone like that, of course. And Sorata likes it too. I think he’ll be sad when we finally have to put it away for the year. Of course, with this weather, I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
What did I tell you about the soba? More importantly, what did I tell you about those fortunes? They don’t kid around, you know. I learned that lesson the hard way a few years back. So I’m happy to have even gotten ‘average luck’ this year. Maybe you’ll learn your lesson too and stop doing such dumbass things.
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
Badass Family Man: 風邪を引いた
abareguma-yokozawa:
Yuo know whatI hate about summmer? Getting caught inthe fucking rain. Oh nowait it’s fall now isnt it? Well I still hate gatting cuaght in the rain. Even if it’s still warm out I end up comin down with a damn cold beccause the air conditionsing is on all the tiime. I hate…
You know what? Fine. I’ll use the damn autocorrect so you can read my posts without having to overwork that poor little brain of yours. Did you ever think that maybe I didn’t mention anything because I didn’t want to worry you? It’s the end of the cycle and I know you’ve got a lot on your plate and the last thing you need to worry about is the dumas suck gut waiting for you back at home. Sick guy.whatever.
it’s not my fault I hate being taken care of. You should know by now that is much rather be the one doing the carrying.it’s not in my nature to lure back and take it. Fuck that sounds like a sex joke.I haven’t taken enough medicine to deal with that shit.
For your information I did have an umbrella with me but it somehow manages to disappear somewhere between Ikebukuro and Meiji Jingu-mae. I hope whatever asshole took it at least got some use out of it.
I world appreciate it if you stayed st work. That way you don’t have to be exposed to my gems. I get the feeling you’d be osier about it than me.osier. pussies. pissier dammit. Don’t work to hard or I’ll feel more like sheet if you get sick. Hiyo doesn’t need to have 2 sick parents.
Goodnight.
Y’know, you’re a hell of a lot cuter when you’re passed out drunk on cough medicine than when you’re bitching me out textually. Did you know you snore, though? You’ll need to do something about that by the time we start sleeping in the same bed. There’s only one thing I’ll tolerate keeping me up at night, and it sure as hell isn’t you sawing logs.
At least this response is marginally more legible. Marginally. While I appreciate you worrying over me, you should know fully well by now that it’s not necessary—I navigate cycle ends with ease, have for years, and this one was relatively tame, though given that I’ve only just now gotten home, I suppose that’s not saying much.
And true, too true; you definitely aren’t one to lie back and take it, and every day I count my lucky stars for that. That go-for-it attitude and apology pastry has done wonders for our relationship, I’ll say.
Good grief, man; my ten-year-old can keep better track of her umbrellas than you can, apparently. Do we need to tie it around your wrist next time? Get a matching one with a rain slicker so you remember which one’s yours? Say the word and we can hit up Sunshine City again this weekend—Hiyo mentioned something about wanting to pick up a pamphlet from the planetarium after all.
And as requested, I stayed at work—but I’m home now and have just finished checking on my lovely husband and daughter, one of whom is sleeping soundly with a beatific expression, looking like an angel settled amongst a soft pile of down and stuffing, and then the other one’s Hiyori.
By the way, we’re definitely discussing that ‘parent’ comment when you’re lucid again.
Ugh. What the fuck happened over here? I feel like the whole weekend was just a hazy blur of sniffling and coughing and Hiyo’s NHK marathon. How can one person watch that much NHK?
I do not snore. I’m pretty sure I would know if I did. Even if I did, luckily for you we don’t have to worry about sharing the same bed anytime soon. Guess you dodged a bullet there. Be grateful.
You definitely wouldn’t have wanted to be around me that night anyway. It wasn’t pretty. …Though you apparently checked on me anyway, so I guess saying it now is a moot point. But I swear to god if you took any pictures, I am snapping your phone in half and will feel absolutely no remorse for doing so. None.
Somehow I doubt all the apology pastry has really helped things. Unless by “help” you mean “nudged the both of us toward type 2 diabetes and a new pant size.” If so, then yes, it’s certainly done wonders all right.
I can keep track of my umbrellas just fine, thank you. It’s not my fault someone saw what a fine umbrella it was and decided to keep it for themselves. For their sake, I hope it blew inside out on them and left them soaking wet just like me.
I’m sorry I couldn’t hit up the planetarium this weekend, but if you were just going to buy me a stupid poncho, I’m glad I spent those two days sleeping off my cold. At least I’m feeling much better now. I don’t know how much more of Hiyo’s worried face I could take. There’s a limit to how many times I will appease her by letting her take my temperature.
…What comment?
abareguma-yokozawa:
Yuo know whatI hate about summmer? Getting caught inthe fucking rain. Oh nowait it’s fall now isnt it? Well I still hate gatting cuaght in the rain. Even if it’s still warm out I end up comin down with a damn cold beccause the air conditionsing is on all the tiime. I hate…
You know what? Fine. I’ll use the damn autocorrect so you can read my posts without having to overwork that poor little brain of yours. Did you ever think that maybe I didn’t mention anything because I didn’t want to worry you? It’s the end of the cycle and I know you’ve got a lot on your plate and the last thing you need to worry about is the dumas suck gut waiting for you back at home. Sick guy.whatever.
it’s not my fault I hate being taken care of. You should know by now that is much rather be the one doing the carrying.it’s not in my nature to lure back and take it. Fuck that sounds like a sex joke.I haven’t taken enough medicine to deal with that shit.
For your information I did have an umbrella with me but it somehow manages to disappear somewhere between Ikebukuro and Meiji Jingu-mae. I hope whatever asshole took it at least got some use out of it.
I world appreciate it if you stayed st work. That way you don’t have to be exposed to my gems. I get the feeling you’d be osier about it than me.osier. pussies. pissier dammit. Don’t work to hard or I’ll feel more like sheet if you get sick. Hiyo doesn’t need to have 2 sick parents.
Goodnight.
Yuo know whatI hate about summmer? Getting caught inthe fucking rain. Oh nowait it’s fall now isnt it? Well I still hate gatting cuaght in the rain. Even if it’s still warm out I end up comin down with a damn cold beccause the air conditionsing is on all the tiime. I hate being sick.
I got this damn cold and since i’m living with the Kirishim’s now I have to worry about spreading it to them an I don wanna do that. So I took a bunch ofcold medicine and Im prettty sure it’s kicking in because i feel la loooooot betteed. better. Dammit it’s hard to type on stupid phodne kieyboards.
Thank god my rounds todaay ended early so I couldcome home and take a quick nap bfore Hiyo got home. I sent her off to play with Yukichan so she woulnt have to be around me even thouhg she wanted to stay home an make me rice porrrridge. She’s a sweet gril. I hope Kirishima-san has to wor laste today so he dosn’t have to see me liek this. He’ djust make a bit deal out of it and i don’t want that. So I’m gonna stay here ni bed until I’m 100% better and to hell with waht he thinks.
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
Trust me, if you giving me your key was some sort of legally binding agreement, I would’ve put a hell of a lot more thought into moving in with you. Really it’s probably for the best that we can’t get married; it’ll save us a ton in wedding-related costs.
Your parents are good people. They’d probably get along well with mine…not that I’m suggesting we have some sort of big extended family get-together. I’ve had just about all the get-togethers I can take for the rest of the year. And if there are any secrets you’ve yet to divulge to me, they’re probably still secret for a reason and I’m not sure I want to know what those reasons are.
The hell? I’m not a fireworks snob. I’ve got better things to do with my time than get all judgey about fireworks. I’ve been witness to your particular brand of “relaxing,” Kirishima-san. And it’s not that I don’t appreciate it in certain situations, but sometimes when I say I want to relax, that means I want to relax. You’re a busy man with a stressful job; I’m sure you can appreciate the fine art of doing nothing.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for Sorata to give up his secrets. He’s loyal through and through.
I’m hurt, Yokozawa-san—I honestly thought that after all we’ve been through, all the memories we’ve made, all the places and positions we’ve done it in, that you would’ve leapt at the chance to bind yourself to me til death. Obviously I was wrong; I suspect this means we need to do it more in new, exotic locales. I’ll look into this, never fear.
I’m touched you’re at least already giving thought to our respective in-laws meeting one another. Should we book a restaurant or…? Also—just admit you like that dark, mysterious side to me. I will confess that I’m disappointed you won’t seduce me to try and get me to spill all my dirty secrets, but knowing that you’re just captivated, enthralled by my mystery is almost as good.
And good lord, man—were you imagining I meant *gasp* impure relations by ‘relax’?! I’m offended, struck to the core, to think that your mind would suddenly leap to such conclusions when all I was inferring was that I might be talked into giving you a massage or letting Hiyo guide me around the kitchen to make dinner while ‘my man’ put his feet up at the end of a hard day.
The very idea.
Oh, well when you put it that way, it kind of makes me want to run like hell. “Til death” isn’t really something I’d like to put too much thought into at the moment, thanks. And I’m afraid to say I don’t think doing it in more exotic locales will change my mind on this.
I figured you’d bring it up eventually since you spent so long trying to convince me to let you meet my parents. Does that mean you haven’t been thinking about this eventuality for months now? If so, then forget I ever said anything. It’d save me a ton of trouble later down the line. Really, I wouldn’t say I’m captivated by your mystery so much as I am ambivalent toward it. Like I’ve been saying, I probably don’t want to know about it, so I try not to think about it. It’s working pretty well thus far.
Did you miss the part where I said I’m familiar with your brand of “relaxing”? I figured you of all people would have noticed this, but “impure relations” are your idea of relaxing. You’ve never once offered me a massage or told me you had dinner under control, so why would I think those options were on the table? Now that I know they are, I think I may have to take you up on one of them. Preferably the massage. Are you any good with your hands, Kirishima-san?
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
hottiemceditorpants:
In my line of work, you don’t get too many vacations—hell, I don’t think you get much of anything that could really be termed a vacation period. Even the days we do get off, our minds are going a mile a minute trying to keep in line when our next deadline is and how to make the most of the…
You’re not the only one who’s had an easier time of dealing with things lately. Granted our situations are quite different and your loss was far more permanent than mine, but if we can somehow manage to do each other any kind of good, I guess that’s something, isn’t it?
Fuck, I’m not good with things like this, sorry.
I listened to Hiyo’s stories because she was so eager to tell them and you didn’t seem terribly forthcoming with information about your trip. I’m glad to see she had a good time and that you came back no worse for the wear. I’d bet your in-laws were happy to see the two of you.
You didn’t miss much out at my parents’ place in Hachioji. I’m pretty sure you and Hiyo both would’ve been bored out of your minds. I think even Sorata was missing Hiyo; he seemed a little mopey all week. There were some fireworks one night (which Sorata hates), but we didn’t go see them. We Yokozawas are a regular ball of fun, I know.
As much as it may pain me to admit it, it’s good to have everyone back under one roof. This place is eerily quiet without the two of you in it. I didn’t quite know what to do with myself since I got back a day earlier than you did, so I ended up cleaning. Maybe you noticed? I think you said it best though: thank god this only comes around once a year.
Suppose it’s a good thing I didn’t propose to you for the feel-good commentary you’re always ready with.
Well you already know everything there is to know about my parents, and there’s nothing of note to tell about my in-laws. Hiyo always has a better time when we visit than I do, but that’s to be expected.
I’m going to make it out to your parents’ place one of these days, mark my word. I can’t speak for Hiyo, but I’m sure I could find some way to entertain myself. Your mother and I didn’t get to talk all that much the other day, after all… And it figures that you’d skip out on the most remotely fun-sounding thing around you the whole time. Good god, man, what would you do without us to drag you places like Tokyo Disney and onsens?
Nice to see you have yet to become jaded to family life; all too soon you’ll find yourself begging me to spirit you away someplace nice and quiet to escape the hustle and bustle of Chez Kirishima-Yokozawa, and then I’m afraid I’ll have to say, “I told you so,” and you get moody when I do that.
The house looks lovely; we should go on awkward separate ‘vacations’ more often.
I still can’t fathom why you’d propose to me in the first place seeing as we can’t exactly get married anyway.
I really don’t think I’ve been around your parents near enough to know everything there is to know about them. After all, I’ve only known you for a year. I don’t even know everything there is to know about you yet. Though that may be for the best. I don’t know what else you’ve got hiding in your closet.
Honestly, I can’t figure out why you have such a fascination with my parents. They’re just regular people who do regular, boring things. Is it just because you’re trying to get some sort of blackmail fodder from my mom? Because now that you’ve met her, I think you’d know by now that you’re not going to get anything from her. As for the fireworks, they’re not really anything spectacular. Once you’ve seen Hanabi Taikai from the banks of the Edogawa, most fireworks pale in comparison. But just because we didn’t go see them doesn’t mean we didn’t do anything. Generally speaking though, when I have a vacation, I tend to want to relax and not fight crowds or run around town or be on guard against handsy editors-in-chief.
When you and Hiyo aren’t around, Sorata has to provide most of the chatter, and he does a pretty fair job, but he always wants to talk over me, so he’s not a very good conversation partner. I didn’t think I’d have to tell you this, but I think you should know I’m not really one to beg. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Yokozawa, Yokozawa, Yokozawa…people were getting hitched long before society framed it into a lawful arrangement. Use your imagination. Trust me—if my giving you a key constituted some legally binding arrangement, I sure as hell would’ve made you sign a pre-nup.
You’ve been around them plenty—they’re not complicated people. Like you said of your own folks: They’re just regular people who do regular, boring things. Consider yourself as much an expert on my parents as me by this point.Me, on the other hand…I’m a vault of secrets; feel free to attempt to seduce me into divulging them at any time.
God you sound like a fireworks snob now. What have I gotten myself into? And if you’d let your guard down around certain handsy editors-in-chief (not any editors-in-chief, now; just the handsome, successful ones with 10-year-old daughters) they could probably do a hell of a lot to help you relax. I personally am particularly on-board with staying at home from time to time in pursuit of such goals.
I must say I’m jealous—I’ll have to hit up Sorata for tips on how to win against you in arguments. Be on your toes, mister.
Trust me, if you giving me your key was some sort of legally binding agreement, I would’ve put a hell of a lot more thought into moving in with you. Really it’s probably for the best that we can’t get married; it’ll save us a ton in wedding-related costs.
Your parents are good people. They’d probably get along well with mine…not that I’m suggesting we have some sort of big extended family get-together. I’ve had just about all the get-togethers I can take for the rest of the year. And if there are any secrets you’ve yet to divulge to me, they’re probably still secret for a reason and I’m not sure I want to know what those reasons are.
The hell? I’m not a fireworks snob. I’ve got better things to do with my time than get all judgey about fireworks. I’ve been witness to your particular brand of “relaxing,” Kirishima-san. And it’s not that I don’t appreciate it in certain situations, but sometimes when I say I want to relax, that means I want to relax. You’re a busy man with a stressful job; I’m sure you can appreciate the fine art of doing nothing.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for Sorata to give up his secrets. He’s loyal through and through.
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
hottiemceditorpants:
In my line of work, you don’t get too many vacations—hell, I don’t think you get much of anything that could really be termed a vacation period. Even the days we do get off, our minds are going a mile a minute trying to keep in line when our next deadline is and how to make the most of the…
You’re not the only one who’s had an easier time of dealing with things lately. Granted our situations are quite different and your loss was far more permanent than mine, but if we can somehow manage to do each other any kind of good, I guess that’s something, isn’t it?
Fuck, I’m not good with things like this, sorry.
I listened to Hiyo’s stories because she was so eager to tell them and you didn’t seem terribly forthcoming with information about your trip. I’m glad to see she had a good time and that you came back no worse for the wear. I’d bet your in-laws were happy to see the two of you.
You didn’t miss much out at my parents’ place in Hachioji. I’m pretty sure you and Hiyo both would’ve been bored out of your minds. I think even Sorata was missing Hiyo; he seemed a little mopey all week. There were some fireworks one night (which Sorata hates), but we didn’t go see them. We Yokozawas are a regular ball of fun, I know.
As much as it may pain me to admit it, it’s good to have everyone back under one roof. This place is eerily quiet without the two of you in it. I didn’t quite know what to do with myself since I got back a day earlier than you did, so I ended up cleaning. Maybe you noticed? I think you said it best though: thank god this only comes around once a year.
Suppose it’s a good thing I didn’t propose to you for the feel-good commentary you’re always ready with.
Well you already know everything there is to know about my parents, and there’s nothing of notetotell about my in-laws. Hiyo always has a better time when we visit than I do, but that’s to be expected.
I’m going to make it out to your parents’ place one of these days, mark my word. I can’t speak for Hiyo, but I’m sure I could find some way to entertain myself. Your mother and I didn’t get to talk all that much the other day, after all… And it figures that you’d skip out on the most remotely fun-sounding thing around you the whole time. Good god, man, what would you do without us to drag you places like Tokyo Disney and onsens?
Nice to see you have yet to become jaded to family life; all too soon you’ll find yourself begging me to spirit you away someplace nice and quiet to escape the hustle and bustle ofChez Kirishima-Yokozawa, and then I’m afraid I’ll have to say, “I told you so,” and you get moody when I do that.
The house looks lovely; we should go on awkward separate ‘vacations’ more often.
I still can’t fathom why you’d propose to me in the first place seeing as we can’t exactly get married anyway.
I really don’t think I’ve been around your parents near enough to know everything there is to know about them. After all, I’ve only known you for a year. I don’t even know everything there is to know about you yet. Though that may be for the best. I don’t know what else you’ve got hiding in your closet.
Honestly, I can’t figure out why you have such a fascination with my parents. They’re just regular people who do regular, boring things. Is it just because you’re trying to get some sort of blackmail fodder from my mom? Because now that you’ve met her, I think you’d know by now that you’re not going to get anything from her. As for the fireworks, they’re not really anything spectacular. Once you’ve seen Hanabi Taikai from the banks of the Edogawa, most fireworks pale in comparison. But just because we didn’t go see them doesn’t mean we didn’t do anything. Generally speaking though, when I have a vacation, I tend to want to relax and not fight crowds or run around town or be on guard against handsy editors-in-chief.
When you and Hiyo aren’t around, Sorata has to provide most of the chatter, and he does a pretty fair job, but he always wants to talk over me, so he’s not a very good conversation partner. I didn’t think I’d have to tell you this, but I think you should know I’m not really one to beg. Sorry to burst your bubble.
hottiemceditorpants:
In my line of work, you don’t get too many vacations—hell, I don’t think you get much of anything that could really be termed a vacation period. Even the days we do get off, our minds are going a mile a minute trying to keep in line when our next deadline is and how to make the most of the…
You’re not the only one who’s had an easier time of dealing with things lately. Granted our situations are quite different and your loss was far more permanent than mine, but if we can somehow manage to do each other any kind of good, I guess that’s something, isn’t it?
Fuck, I’m not good with things like this, sorry.
I listened to Hiyo’s stories because she was so eager to tell them and you didn’t seem terribly forthcoming with information about your trip. I’m glad to see she had a good time and that you came back no worse for the wear. I’d bet your in-laws were happy to see the two of you.
You didn’t miss much out at my parents’ place in Hachioji. I’m pretty sure you and Hiyo both would’ve been bored out of your minds. I think even Sorata was missing Hiyo; he seemed a little mopey all week. There were some fireworks one night (which Sorata hates), but we didn’t go see them. We Yokozawas are a regular ball of fun, I know.
As much as it may pain me to admit it, it’s good to have everyone back under one roof. This place is eerily quiet without the two of you in it. I didn’t quite know what to do with myself since I got back a day earlier than you did, so I ended up cleaning. Maybe you noticed? I think you said it best though: thank god this only comes around once a year.
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
Since I’ve had more or less a full week to let my thoughts about this matter settle, I suppose it’s high time I address last weekend’s Big Parent Introduction. For all that I was worried about what might happen, it didn’t go too badly. It certainly could’ve gone a hell of a lot worse.
Hiyo was…
A week’s about how long it took you to recover from the first formal meeting with my parents, so it only makes sense. Personally, though, I think you’re making a bigger deal out of these meetings than is merited.
My daughter was charming, as all we Kirishimas are, and I’ll thank you not to call me ‘useless’ in the kitchen. Just because my talents lie elsewhere is no excuse for you to continue to point out the things I’m self-admittedly not good at. Especially when I’m trying, dammit. And for that comment—I’m going to be even more of an insufferable ass and not tell you what we discussed. Feel free to try and pry if you like; I’m particularly vulnerable to offers of sexual favors.
Your father reminds me a lot of my own; not as quiet, but maybe that’s why you two get along so well? As for your mother…that’s another of those ‘try and pry it from me if you dare’. I like being able to hold things over you; consider this turnabout for keeping the contents of that stupid Field Day card from me.
Given that you apparently were prepared for murder or threats thereof, I must say now I’m kind of intrigued as to just what dinners in the Yokozawa household were like in your youth… I suppose such mysteries will be revealed to me over time, though.
When do we get to hang out again?
What can I say? Parental meetings—even if I’m not the one meeting anyone’s parents—take a lot out of me. I already knew they would like Hiyo; I don’t know anyone who doesn’t. It’s you I was worried about. Thankfully those worries were unfounded.
Okay, fine. You’re not useless in the kitchen, just mostly useless. I will admit you haven’t filled the apartment with the stench of burnt food lately, which I think we can all appreciate, and your scrambled eggs are coming along nicely. Pretty soon you may even be able to make them without Hiyo’s supervision.
Your father’s a good guy. Both of your parents are easy to get along with. But I know I take after my mother quite a bit in terms of personality, so I guess it would make sense why you liked her. You should know she’s a tough nut to crack, so good luck with that. But I withheld that Field Day card from you on purpose—Hiyo did too—and I don’t see you holding things over her head because of it. I thought you believed in fairness and equality.
Dinners at my house in my youth didn’t routinely involve me introducing boyfriends to my parents. And even though I didn’t introduce you as such, you have no idea how much I worried you were going to let it slip somehow. I’d kind of like my parents to not hate me, thanks.
You want to see them again already? Is New Year’s soon enough for you?
It’s because you’re too uptight; they’re probably more scared of you than you are of them, and all that. And I want you to know I take grave offense at your being worried how your parents would take to me. It’s my job to get people to like whatever product I’m selling.
Be still my beating heart, Yokozawa-san; whatever shall I do with all this praise you’re heaping upon me? And I’m perfectly capable of making breakfast now without my ten-year-old’s supervision, I’ll have you know; if you don’t believe me, we can get my parents to watch her overnight and have a test—you know, just so I’m not tempted to call her in for help. I’m always eager to show off my skills before an appreciative audience.
You definitely take after your mother, but you should know perfectly well by now that that really only makes me want to charm her all the more. I don’t expect her to fall for me after just the first date—it took you at least a few, I’m sure—but I think we got off to a good start. As for the Field Day card fiasco, you withheld valuable information pertaining to our relationship; that’s not applicable here.
Boyfriends? Were you in the habit of introducing anyone to your parents over dinner? And fucking hell—I’m a pretty good judge of people, though you may have trouble believing it. It’s a good thing you didn’t outright admit that ahead of time—I probably would’ve bitten your head off for suggesting I had such poor judgment. And hopefully that tells you how much faith I have that my daughter won’t care when we eventually tell her.
Come on, surely you’ve got some hometown festivals we can barge in on…?
I think by now you can see where I get my uptight nature. It’s kind of ingrained in me and you’d be hard pressed to separate me from it. Let me guess, you were trying to sell yourself as the perfect roommate for their son and lay some groundwork for the perfect partner role later on? I just know that I didn’t exactly take too well to you at first, and since I’m a lot like my mother, I worried she’d feel the same way. Clearly that worry was unfounded and then some.
If you’re going to make me breakfast on a weekend morning—and do a perfectly decent job of it—then I really have little reason to ever do the same for you, isn’t that right? A shame too, since I hear you’ve been wanting one of my homemade breakfasts (before it needs reheating) for quite some time now. But hey, kudos to you for deciding you could do it just as well on your own!
You’ll be pleased to know my mother didn’t have anything terrible to say about you the next day, which is saying something when it comes to her. I just assume she’s reserving her judgment for your second meeting, when you start to let your guard down.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, and no, I did not bring guys home to meet my parents when I was younger because I didn’t make a habit of dating guys. I simply meant that I was essentially introducing you (you know, my current boyfriend-ish type person) to my parents over dinner. I think there was one girl I introduced them to, but obviously that didn’t work out in the end. I figured that since you seem to love blatantly addressing our relationship in Hiyo’s presence, you might not hesitate to do the same in front of my parents. And they would definitely pick up on that. So yes, I’m glad you didn’t do it.
No hometown festivals, nope. Not a one. Better luck next year.
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
Since I’ve had more or less a full week to let my thoughts about this matter settle, I suppose it’s high time I address last weekend’s Big Parent Introduction. For all that I was worried about what might happen, it didn’t go too badly. It certainly could’ve gone a hell of a lot worse.
Hiyo was…
A week’s about how long it took you to recover from the first formal meeting with my parents, so it only makes sense. Personally, though, I think you’re making a bigger deal out of these meetings than is merited.
My daughter was charming, as all we Kirishimas are, and I’ll thank you not to call me ‘useless’ in the kitchen. Just because my talents lie elsewhere is no excuse for you to continue to point out the things I’m self-admittedly not good at. Especially when I’m trying, dammit. And for that comment—I’m going to be even more of an insufferable ass and not tell you what we discussed. Feel free to try and pry if you like; I’m particularly vulnerable to offers of sexual favors.
Your father reminds me a lot of my own; not as quiet, but maybe that’s why you two get along so well? As for your mother…that’s another of those ‘try and pry it from me if you dare’. I like being able to hold things over you; consider this turnabout for keeping the contents of that stupid Field Day card from me.
Given that you apparently were prepared for murder or threats thereof, I must say now I’m kind of intrigued as to just what dinners in the Yokozawa household were like in your youth… I suppose such mysteries will be revealed to me over time, though.
When do we get to hang out again?
What can I say? Parental meetings—even if I’m not the one meeting anyone’s parents—take a lot out of me. I already knew they would like Hiyo; I don’t know anyone who doesn’t. It’s you I was worried about. Thankfully those worries were unfounded.
Okay, fine. You’re not useless in the kitchen, just mostly useless. I will admit you haven’t filled the apartment with the stench of burnt food lately, which I think we can all appreciate, and your scrambled eggs are coming along nicely. Pretty soon you may even be able to make them without Hiyo’s supervision.
Your father’s a good guy. Both of your parents are easy to get along with. But I know I take after my mother quite a bit in terms of personality, so I guess it would make sense why you liked her. You should know she’s a tough nut to crack, so good luck with that. But I withheld that Field Day card from you on purpose—Hiyo did too—and I don’t see you holding things over her head because of it. I thought you believed in fairness and equality.
Dinners at my house in my youth didn’t routinely involve me introducing boyfriends to my parents. And even though I didn’t introduce you as such, you have no idea how much I worried you were going to let it slip somehow. I’d kind of like my parents to not hate me, thanks.
You want to see them again already? Is New Year’s soon enough for you?
Since I’ve had more or less a full week to let my thoughts about this matter settle, I suppose it’s high time I address last weekend’s Big Parent Introduction. For all that I was worried about what might happen, it didn’t go too badly. It certainly could’ve gone a hell of a lot worse.
Hiyo was more than eager to show off her culinary skills and she did a great job with dessert; my parents were impressed. As usual, Kirishima-san was useless in the kitchen, which meant he was tasked with keeping my parents happy and fielding questions while Hiyo and I put the finishing touches on dinner. He refuses to tell me what they talked about, but I’ll pry it out of him yet.
My parents seemed to get along well with Kirishima-san, and since my father tends to get along with just about everyone, I wasn’t terribly worried about him. Hiyo dragged him off at some point to play with Sorata and he seemed to have a good time of it. Pretty sure my mother will call me up later to tell me what he “really” thought. She’s not quite as easy to please, and I had a hard time trying to gauge her opinion of Kirishima-san, but she immediately took to Hiyo. That seems to be a common trait among Yokozawas though.
No one killed each other (or threatened to) over dinner, which is about all I was hoping for. My parents were surprisingly understanding about my decision to move in with “the single father and his daughter.” I just really hope we don’t make a habit of having them over because just the thought of doing this again any time soon is enough to give me an ulcer. And the less they know about my relationship with Kirishima-san, the better.
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
hottiemceditorpants:
I won’t say it doesn’t relieve me a little to hear you say it, at least. For both then and now. I’ve gathered over time that my way of introducing you to my household was more than a bit unorthodox, so it’s a relief it worked out in the end.
You’ll have to regale me with stories of your wild-oats-sowing years; I’m sure there are some absolutely fascinating tales to be told. And the lights were always off? No wonder you’ve got this thing about looking at your partner when you fuck. How did you and Takano do it? Inquiring minds want to know. And if you’re not partial to my sheets, feel free to recommend something else—even your boring blue cotton. You deserve to be bedded in linens you’ve had some say in the purchase of, after all.
You’ve spoken with Hiyo enough to know I really am pretty pathetic when it comes to taking care of me. You can see why your moving in was a good idea for more than one reason, in that respect. And if I were you, I’d hurry back—Nozomi, not Hikari. Stay away too long and I may try and dig out another set of scalloped trim.
Well, whatever—invite them over whenever you like. I’m sure they’ll enjoy meeting their new granddaughter and son-in-law. Should I call mine as well so the in-laws can meet and greet?
You’re damn lucky it worked out for you in the end. I shudder to think what would’ve happened to you if Hiyo had gone off to college and left you alone to fend for yourself. You’d probably be dead within a month—or at least severely malnourished.
Sorry but those stories are staying where they belong: with me. What does it matter to you if the lights were always off? You never spent the night in my old apartment, but if you had, you’d know there was a streetlight not 100 yards away that cast plenty of light into my bedroom even with the curtains pulled. Lights really weren’t necessary. I’m not sure how you feel about the matter, but for me, when it comes to sex the sheets I’m fucking on are really the least of my concern.
Hiyo does not mince words when it comes to how pathetic you are at caring for yourself. And yet somehow she manages to love you anyway. I assume it must be the blood relation. I really don’t think it’ll make that big a difference to you if I get home half an hour earlier. Maybe I’ll take the Kodama just to piss you off. That is, unless I’ll be coming home to Hello Kitty bedsheets or something. That’s a good way to not get laid for a very, very long time.
I think we should save the in-law meet-and-greet for at least the second dinner date. Better make sure my parents approve of you before we start involving the full parental set.
I like to think I make my own luck. It did have something to do with your guilt-tripping nature and incessant need to atone for sins via pastry, though. I can’t take credit for that. I’m sure, in the end, some well-meaning soul would’ve taken pity on me and helped me through my trying time. I’ve found such methods are an effective way of meeting hot young singles in my area.
It matters to me more in the sense that it makes me think you really need to let loose a little more. You’ve already had ‘relations’ in more exotic places with me in the past 12 months than I hazard you have in the past 12 years—and if that’s not the case then come on, you can’t keep that kind of juicy meat from me. That’s just cruel. And you only say they’re the least of your concern because you haven’t fucked on 850 thread count before. Plus red’s a visual aphrodisiac, I heard.
You take the Kodama and so help me I will meet you halfway. And I’ll be much less worried about making a scene hundreds of kilometers from anyone who knows who we are than I might at, say, the office. If I’m not going to get laid either way in this fantasy, I may as well at least have some fun.
And good point; we Kirishimas need to be introduced to new people in small doses with decent intervals between exposures. Too much of us at once and well, it’s not a pretty sight, as I’m sure you can imagine.
My guilt-tripping nature has gotten me in trouble before in the past. This time I suspect it’s got me in way over my head. But since I don’t see you complaining about the pastries, I suppose I’m fine with it for now, at least as long as you aren’t still looking for “hot young singles.” I don’t think Hiyo would let you.
Frankly I don’t understand why my sheets are your concern at all. You certainly won’t be sleeping on them. And where I’ve had ‘relations’ outside of my bedroom is between me and my previous partners. You should know firsthand that I’m not some kind of old-fashioned ‘missionary position followed by a firm handshake’ kind of guy. And 850 thread count sheets are damn expensive. If you want them, you can buy them.
Having you running up to me on the platform at Nagoya is not exactly how I want my trip to end, but thanks for trying. Besides, don’t you need to be saving up for your needlessly fancy sheets? You better hope Marukawa will reimburse me for the Nozomi, though I still say that extra half hour doesn’t make much difference.
I am well aware of the effects of overexposure to Kirishimas, thank you very much. It’s not something I would wish on my parents, especially when I have so much riding on their opinion of you. You do want them to like you, don’t you? It would sure as hell make my life easier.
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
hottiemceditorpants:
Given that I’ve practically been twisting your arm to get you to move in for a while now, I’d expect you to feel ‘right at home’, or else Hiyo and I have been doing a pretty crappy job so far. Your coming over so often probably helped things, though, admittedly.
Face it—they’re boring. No wonder you’ve stayed single this long—what woman (or otherwise) would want to sleep with you in those sheets? Those are married couple sheets. Vanilla sex sheets. Hell, to be honest I half-expected you to walk up with something ridiculously luxurious like red 850 count Egyptian cotton. If you’d like to see what proper bedsheets look like, feel free to join me in my boudoir at any point in time.
And goodness me, Osaka? For 48 hours? I’m not sure I can handle that, Yokozawa; I have needs, and without you here to satisfy me…who knows what might happen. You might just come back to red 850 count Egyptian cotton sheets. Who knows. My lust manifests in mysterious ways.
This weekend might be too short notice—or I dunno your parents, maybe they sit around playing mahjong all day waiting for housewarming party invitations—but sure, whatever. Hiyo’ll probably leap at the notion of catering. I worry sometimes you’ve been a horrible influence on her; with my luck she’ll turn to the food service industry, and then how will I ever keep her single when she’s got professional credentials for one of the most important things a man looks for in a wife? I’ll never forgive you if she becomes a chef, just putting that out there now.
Well of course I feel at home there now. I just said I was surprised at how I didn’t feel out of place when I spent that week with you a year ago…even though you twisted my arm to get me to do it then too. I think Sorata’s been wanting to move in with you ever since then.
In all fairness, I’ve never known a woman (or otherwise) to care overmuch about my bedsheets by the time we make it into the bedroom. The lights are usually off anyway, and there are far more important things to focus on then. And maybe these are just my fallback sheets for when my extravagant black silk sheets are in the wash. (They’re not, but what does it matter?) I’ve seen your sheets before. I never pictured you a fan of decorative scalloped trim, but I guess there are still some things I’ve yet to learn about you.
I think you’ll be able to manage without me for that long. Otherwise I may have to reconsider moving in with you. I didn’t realize I was in a relationship with a guy who’s physically incapable of caring for himself. No wonder Hiyo worries about you so much. Just see to it that your love keeps itself out of my bedroom while I’m gone. That’s really all I ask.
Well I didn’t mean this weekend. We’d need more time to prepare for it anyway, and my parents would appreciate some advance notice. I claim no responsibility if Hiyo turns into a chef. She was already interested in cooking when I met her. All I’ve done is shown her a few new recipes. Maybe you should take it up with your mother; she’s the one who taught Hiyo her way around the kitchen.
I won’t say it doesn’t relieve me a little to hear you say it, at least. For both then and now. I’ve gathered over time that my way of introducing you to my household was more than a bit unorthodox, so it’s a relief it worked out in the end.
You’ll have to regale me with stories of your wild-oats-sowing years; I’m sure there are some absolutely fascinating tales to be told. And the lights were always off? No wonder you’ve got this thing about looking at your partner when you fuck. How did you and Takano do it? Inquiring minds want to know. And if you’re not partial to my sheets, feel free to recommend something else—even your boring blue cotton. You deserve to be bedded in linens you’ve had some say in the purchase of, after all.
You’ve spoken with Hiyo enough to know I really am pretty pathetic when it comes to taking care of me. You can see why your moving in was a good idea for more than one reason, in that respect. And if I were you, I’d hurry back—Nozomi, not Hikari. Stay away too long and I may try and dig out another set of scalloped trim.
Well, whatever—invite them over whenever you like. I’m sure they’ll enjoy meeting their new granddaughter and son-in-law. Should I call mine as well so the in-laws can meet and greet?
You’re damn lucky it worked out for you in the end. I shudder to think what would’ve happened to you if Hiyo had gone off to college and left you alone to fend for yourself. You’d probably be dead within a month—or at least severely malnourished.
Sorry but those stories are staying where they belong: with me. What does it matter to you if the lights were always off? You never spent the night in my old apartment, but if you had, you’d know there was a streetlight not 100 yards away that cast plenty of light into my bedroom even with the curtains pulled. Lights really weren’t necessary. I’m not sure how you feel about the matter, but for me, when it comes to sex the sheets I’m fucking on are really the least of my concern.
Hiyo does not mince words when it comes to how pathetic you are at caring for yourself. And yet somehow she manages to love you anyway. I assume it must be the blood relation. I really don’t think it’ll make that big a difference to you if I get home half an hour earlier. Maybe I’ll take the Kodama just to piss you off. That is, unless I’ll be coming home to Hello Kitty bedsheets or something. That’s a good way to not get laid for a very, very long time.
I think we should save the in-law meet-and-greet for at least the second dinner date. Better make sure my parents approve of you before we start involving the full parental set.
hottiemceditorpants:
abareguma-yokozawa:
hottiemceditorpants:
It’s been a while since someone I was close with moved—me, my parents, good friends—so I guess I kind of forgot how much work was involved. Even though I wasn’t the one having to change bank account information and forward mail and pack up boxes and schedule pick-ups for items too large to have…
I must admit it’s nice to have more than just my own rice bowl and toothbrush at the apartment now. When I think back on it, you two did a surprisingly good job of not making me feel like the odd guy out when Sorata was spending time with you last year. Or it could’ve just been because I was already so used to coming to your place to make dinner.
For your information, my sheets are not “boring”. They’re the kind of sheets any normal 20-something guy would have on his bed. I’ll just assume the bed’s previous sheets were picked out by the missus or Hiyo because the alternative just seems too weird. Besides, you won’t be sleeping on the sheets anyway, so it’s really none of your concern what I choose to dress my bed with.
I’m glad you brought up my job’s necessity for travel because that reminds me—I have a signing event in Osaka at the end of the month and it’s a two day thing, so I’ll be leaving straight after lunch the day before. I assume the three of you will be able to get along without me for 48 hours.
Next time you have a free weekend lined up, I was thinking perhaps we could have a very small housewarming party with my parents as our guests. I’ll give you some time to let that sink in. I know you’re not much for entertaining.
Given that I’ve practically been twisting your arm to get you to move in for a while now, I’d expect you to feel ‘right at home’, or else Hiyo and I have been doing a pretty crappy job so far. Your coming over so often probably helped things, though, admittedly.
Face it—they’re boring. No wonder you’ve stayed single this long—what woman (or otherwise) would want to sleep with you in those sheets? Those are married couple sheets. Vanilla sex sheets. Hell, to be honest I half-expected you to walk up with something ridiculously luxurious like red 850 count Egyptian cotton. If you’d like to see what proper bedsheets look like, feel free to join me in my boudoir at any point in time.
And goodness me, Osaka? For 48 hours? I’m not sure I can handle that, Yokozawa; I have needs, and without you here to satisfy me…who knows what might happen. You might just come back to red 850 count Egyptian cotton sheets. Who knows. My lust manifests in mysterious ways.
This weekend might be too short notice—or I dunno your parents, maybe they sit around playing mahjong all day waiting for housewarming party invitations—but sure, whatever. Hiyo’ll probably leap at the notion of catering. I worry sometimes you’ve been a horrible influence on her; with my luck she’ll turn to the food service industry, and then how will I ever keep her single when she’s got professional credentials for one of the most important things a man looks for in a wife? I’ll never forgive you if she becomes a chef, just putting that out there now.
Well of course I feel at home there now. I just said I was surprised at how I didn’t feel out of place when I spent that week with you a year ago…even though you twisted my arm to get me to do it then too. I think Sorata’s been wanting to move in with you ever since then.
In all fairness, I’ve never known a woman (or otherwise) to care overmuch about my bedsheets by the time we make it into the bedroom. The lights are usually off anyway, and there are far more important things to focus on then. And maybe these are just my fallback sheets for when my extravagant black silk sheets are in the wash. (They’re not, but what does it matter?) I’ve seen your sheets before. I never pictured you a fan of decorative scalloped trim, but I guess there are still some things I’ve yet to learn about you.
I think you’ll be able to manage without me for that long. Otherwise I may have to reconsider moving in with you. I didn’t realize I was in a relationship with a guy who’s physically incapable of caring for himself. No wonder Hiyo worries about you so much. Just see to it that your love keeps itself out of my bedroom while I’m gone. That’s really all I ask.
Well I didn’t mean this weekend. We’d need more time to prepare for it anyway, and my parents would appreciate some advance notice. I claim no responsibility if Hiyo turns into a chef. She was already interested in cooking when I met her. All I’ve done is shown her a few new recipes. Maybe you should take it up with your mother; she’s the one who taught Hiyo her way around the kitchen.
