Title: fresh starts
Rating: G
Fandom: Flowers
Relationship: Takasaki Chidori/Yaegaki Erika
Wordcount: 1000
Short summary: Meeting the parents signals a fresh start to the familial relationships that temporarily became strained.
“So she’s the reason why you don’t call us anymore.”
Sitting surrounded by Takasakis, Erika looks over to the one she knows, or her partner Chidori, with a questioning look. Yes, Erika couldn’t assume much about Chidori’s parents based on Chidori’s meager stories, but she is still surprised that Chidori’s parents are acting so casual. At least it sounds like Chidori’s father is teasing right now. To be fair, Erika has already been caught off-guard twice by these parents; first, the fact that the invitation extended to her was for a nice dinner to the fanciest restaurant Erika has ever been to, and second, the fact that they had arranged a wheelchair-accessible vehicle so she wouldn’t have to be awkwardly carried in and out of places instead.
“We were starting to wonder. That maybe things had gotten so bad that she was freezing us out.” Chidori’s mother smiles sheepishly. “I’m glad that it was the exact opposite.”
Chidori looks down at the table. “I’m sorry…”
Chidori’s father shakes his head. “Don’t be. All we want is for you to be happy.”
This whole scene feels too conveniently resolved, faster than it should be. It’s only been like 5 minutes since they sat down, and the first few minutes were spent putting in food orders. Erika doesn’t want to state the obvious objections; she doesn’t think Chidori’s parents are oblivious or stupid. But it needs to be said.
“You don’t care that I’m a girl? Or an invalid?”
Chidori’s mother laughs. “You make her smile. You make her feel loved.” Chidori’s father nods in agreement. “We should have done better about that…”
“I think she understands.” Erika has heard enough. She was just double-checking after all. The real test has always and will continue to be passed with actions over words.
“Erika…” Chidori takes Erika’s hand in hers. Erika bites her lip trying not to blush too much.
“It’s not easy to be parents of a prodigy. She’s completely weird and terrible at making friends.”
“Erika!” Chidori also squeezes Erika’s hand hard, causing Erika to grimace.
“But she’s completely genuine. And that’s why it works.” Erika finally squeezes Chidori’s hand back, her piece finally said. “That’s why it’ll work.”
Chidori’s parents give Erika slight nods before turning their eyes back to Chidori. “You will forgive us, Chidori?” Chidori’s mother asks.
“I already have.” Chidori smiles. “Although there isn’t much to forgive. Actually, I’m grateful.”
Chidori’s father nods. “You got to meet Erika this way.”
“Yes.”
Erika is definitely blushing now. She’s about to say something to defuse the sappy situation only to be surprised by a kiss on the cheek. It’s brief and light, but it takes Erika’s words out of her mouth.
She looks over to glare at Chidori whose smile has only widened. Meanwhile her parents start giggling. What a farce this all has been, but… Erika will admit, she is happy for Chidori. It seems a fresh start between Chidori and her parents is well on its way.
“I’m really glad you are doing well at school. I was worried. I know we haven’t… hadn’t been the best at supporting, but…”
“It’s fine. It is a pain to take care of me.”
Erika cuts off her father before he can go on an extended apology. A month after Chidori’s parents took Erika and Chidori out for a nice dinner, Erika’s father has dropped by to take Erika and Chidori out for a casual weekend lunch. Meeting the parents is probably always awkward, but still… Why do parents feel the need to apologize for things that aren’t their fault? While the apology is not unexpected, it’s still awkward to receive. It’s not like he was at fault for the accident and what happened to her body because of said accident. It’s not like he’s been unaffected…
“Erika!” Chidori’s sharp shout does suggest her dry reply isn’t the best response, though. Erika gives her father an apologetic look.
“So she’s the one who takes care of you?” Her father swerves the topic to the person sitting next to Erika.
“Yeah. She enjoys it way too much.”
“Is that so?” Her father’s question is rhetorical, though, as Chidori’s wide smile basically leaves no doubt. He laughs.
“I’m glad you have someone. Of all of us, you deserve it.”
Erika blushes. He’s not wrong, but it’d be awkward to express her agreement. Thankfully Chidori covers for her by kissing her cheek.
“She’s the cutest.”
“I agree.” Erika’s father grins. “She will always be my cute daughter.”
Erika can only sigh. “I will get bigger eventually you know…”
“Still cute.”
“Shut up.” Erika glares at Chidori. She can’t believe this is becoming a bonding point between Chidori and her father. Yes, it’s a sign of affection but… Erika will become a mature woman sooner than later…
“She really nails that grumpy cat look especially.”
“It makes me want to ruffle her hair.”
“Her hair is always a bit messy so it’s not a problem.”
“Hey!”
Erika had been inwardly pleased when it seemed the meeting with Chidori’s parents signaled a fresh start to their relationship. Here she’s not sure what she’s getting with her father. It feels… good at least? A little bit nostalgic, maybe. Erika wonders if all she really needed was to see her father smiling freely, not thinking about that accident and the change that happened to her body. Maybe things could be mended with her sisters too… Maybe she should have Chidori meet her sisters…
“But anyway, it just gives me an excuse to touch her. It’s great.”
“Wait…” Erika can’t hide her surprise. Although maybe she should have expected this. Chidori’s inability to keep her thoughts reined in…
Erika’s father clears his throat. “Appropriately.” He gives Chidori a stern look.
Chidori nods. “Of course! She’s precious.”
The smile returns to his face. “I agree.”
Just then their food arrives, cutting conversation short as mealtime is sacred for Yaegakis. Still, they all know no more needed to be said.