#pandy creates

TITLE: The Worst

Rating: G

Word Count: 1163

Pairing(s): Sousuke/Rin, Sakurai/Umiko, briefly mentioned Makoto/Haru

“Dad…” Rin wasn’t sure he liked the tone his son was using. It was serious, but meek in a way that meant that what he was about to say might not be something Rin approved of.

“Yes, Sakurai?” Rin opted to reply casually with hopes of testing the waters. He calmly turned a page of his magazine as he spared a glance at his husband, who sat at the other end of the couch with Rin’s feet propped on his lap as he watched television. Rin could tell in the way his jaw was set and his eyes had stilled, that he was listening as well.

“How…ugh this is weird…I was just wondering…” Sakurai stumbled over his words and when Rin looked up, he could see the faint blush on his son’s cheeks. Rin’s neck prickled, this was going to be one of those conversations. He be lying if he said he wasn’t interested.

“Sakurai.” He said, setting the magazine down. “What did I tell you about waffling with your words like this? If you have something to say, then say it outright.” Sousuke’s lap twitched beneath Rin’s ankles. Rin immediately sat himself upright on the couch and hooked an arm through his husband’s, keeping him trapped there. He then patted the now vacant space to his other side. “Come sit and tell us what’s on your mind.” Sakurai hesitated, a hand reaching up to scratch at the nape of his neck in a gesture that made him look exactly like the man that Rin now held hostage in his seat. Rin watched as his son took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.

“Dad, how did you and Pa get together?” Sousuke suddenly coughed loudly beside him as Rin stared at their son incredulously. He had been expecting a couple of things, but certainly not that.

“Hah?” He let out before he could stop it. “What? Where is this coming from?” Sakurai shifted on his feet, face growing increasingly redder.

“I was just curious…” He muttered. “You never talked about it and stuff…just that you were best friends…and then you got married.” Rin tightened his hold around his husband arm when he felt him squirm slightly.

“I thought you hated it when your Pa and I are being, and I quote, ‘gross and love-dovey’.”

“You are gross.” Sakurai quipped back, nose wrinkling slightly. “But I don’t hate it...whatever, just for now it’s fine. I want…to know…?” His voice trailed off again in a pseudo-question laced with uncertainty. Rin pinned his son with a deadpan stare.

“Well, to spare you the ‘gross’ details. Your Pa was an idiot, I was an idiot, we were idiots together until we finally pulled our heads out of our asses.”

“Daaaaaad…” Sakurai whined. “That’s not helpful at all.”

“What, now you want to know the gross details?” “Ugh, no Dad…Just…You were best friend’s right? How—“

“What’s the with the past tense? We’re still best friends. Just because we’re married doesn’t mean we’re not still best friends.” Sousuke snorted beside him and spoke for the first time since the conversation started.

“Best friends with some very nice extra benefits.” Rin smacked his husband in the arm. Sakurai groaned.

“Ugh, Pa, really? You two are the worst.” Sakurai threw his hands in frustration. “I don’t know why I bothered asking you two. Maybe I should ask Auntie Gou or something—“

“Ok alright, we’re sorry.” Rin interjected, his pride rearing its head. “What’s up Sakurai? What’s really up?” Rin and Sousuke watched as their son snapped his jaw shut and his shoulders hunched up, face suddenly turning bright red.

“You like someone.” Rin whipped around to stare at Sousuke’s resolute observation.

“What?” Rin demanded. “How do you know that?” Then he quickly turned back to Sakurai. “Really?” Sakurai refused to meet his gaze, instead shoved his hands into the pockets of his sports jacket. “Who is it?” Rin then thought back to the conversation. Best friends. “Oh my god, it’s Umiko.” Neither Rin nor Sousuke thought Sakurai’s face could have turned redder, but their son did often make it a sport to prove them wrong, this time was no exception. They shared a glance and irritation crept within Rin at Sousuke’s rather smug expression. “I can’t believe it.” Rin deadpanned. “Where did I go wrong? My son’s straight—“

“DAD—“

“I’m kidding, Sakurai.” Rin finally grinned and he leaned forward to prop his chin on his hand. “So? Does she know?” Sakurai folded his arms, hands tucked tightly under his armpits.

“Why would I be talking to you if she did.” He mumbled. Rin watched him for a bit before he patted the seat beside him one more. This time, Sakurai complied and he collapsed heavily on the cushion beside his father. Sousuke reached over and ruffled his hair.

“First things first, Sakurai.” Rin began, arms crossing as he spoke. “Communication is important. Tell her how you feel from the get go. Don’t make the same mistake we did and dance around each other for months because it wastes a lot of time that could be spent happy and together.” Sakurai slouched further in his seat.

“I can’t just say that, Dad…”

“I know it’s easier said than done, and I know the thoughts going through your head. What if she doesn’t like me? What if it ruins our friendship? Right?” Sakurai nodded, dark red hair bobbing and his fringe tapping the top of his brows. “Well, you’ll never find out if you don’t ask. Don’t be like your Pa and assume things.” He nudged a now sheepish looking Sousuke beside him. “And don’t be a dense idiot like him either, who couldn’t take a hint no matter hard I was trying to seduce him.” Sakurai groaned.

“Dad…Please…I did not need that image...”

“Oi, Rin…” Sousuke complained as well. Rin ruffled a hand through his son’s hair.

“Go ask her out and tell her how you feel. I do warn you though, her parents are Makoto and Haru and who knows what kind of ridiculous relationship expectations both Umiko and Takumi have because of them. They probably think you should be able to read minds or something.” Sakurai couldn’t help but laugh a bit like that.

“Yeah…they probably do…” Rin and Sousuke snorted.

“Figures.” Rin mused, but then leaned over to press a kiss to the side of Sakurai’s head. “Just be responsible, ok? And respect her. Women are terrifying if they’re wronged. Give her what she deserves.”

“Got it, Dad…thanks. Pa, too.” Sakurai heaved himself up off the couch and tapped his fist with both of his fathers before leaving the living room.

“I can’t believe our baby’s growing up.” Rin wondered. “And of course he falls for his best friend. Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Sousuke was silent for a moment before he spoke. 

“…You were trying to seduce me?”