Chapter 2
Unfortunately Kento’s aunt did not seem to read his feelings and popped right in front of them, startlingly the trio from their own staring.
“Shoko there you are! Kento come!” She didn’t wait for either to respond, grabbing them without warning. Kento was quick to hold onto Yu’s hand, dragging him along.
She dragged them both to where his uncle and Yuki waited, Akari most likely still on the dance floor. “Shoko dear, wipe down your face, it’s sopping.”
Her aunt’s tendencies to exaggerate largely relied on embarrassment and not wanting Shoko to argue, Kento quietly pulled out his handkerchief, moving to block most of the crowd. Shoko quietly patted her face dry, a frustrated sigh escaping her as Yu squeezed her shoulder.
His aunt barely waited for Kento to put it back in his pocket before ushering them towards the stage; towards the newcomers. He frowned, unable to quite understand the look from the man earlier but also forced by societal etiquettes to not demand his answer. Mr Haibara waited for them, his special guests showing a keen interest in the spectacle in front of them, well two of them seemed interested. The alleged Mr. Gojo looked impatient, foot tapping and hands crossed behind his back. He could only imagine the reasons why and watched him continue to stare somewhere off behind them. Part of Kento was grateful, seeing those eyes would remind him of his blatant staring earlier –he did not feel anything weird in his chest with that smile, it was just odd.
Mr Haibara was all smiles and pleasant tones as they approached, something his son had inherited from him along with his tall build and soft brown eyes. Kento had never met someone as genuine and cheerful of a man. One could easily mistake it for naivety, but Mr. Haibara was as good as they came for fathers.
“Mr. Getou, my son, Yu you’ve met. This is Mr. Yaga and Mrs. Yaga. His eldest Miss Shoko and Miss Yuki Yaga and their nephew, Mr. Kento Nanami,” he introduced them with a buoyant smile, and Kento tipped his head forward. His hair fell a little into his eyes, loosened from the sweat collected from hours of dancing and he pushed it back. He could feel eyes staring directly at him, but ignored him in favor of watching Mr. Getou and Miss Getou.
“It’s so wonderful to have met you. I have two other daughters, one is dancing and the other has not come out yet,” his aunt simpered. He didn’t have to look over to know Shoko was trying not to roll her eyes.
“I’m delighted to make your acquaintance,” his smile was warm and soft, his voice even more so and he gestured towards his right, “my sister, Utahime and I both are.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” his sister responded, her polite smile on her face but genuine still. Kento tried not to stare too long at her face, etiquette reminding him to not ask at all, even if it had been to comment on her loveliness. Her dark eyes and hair matched her brothers, both sleek and shiny and beautiful people. He kept his eyes firmly attached to the siblings, as Mr. Haibara added right after, “-and may I introduce Mr. Gojo of Pemberley, of Derbyshire.”
Mr Gojo finally got his stare off of Kento, his shoulders dropping in relief. The man only seemed inconvenienced as he was announced, like he had hoped to fade into the background with the musicians and keep staring at Kento. The next words out of his mouth had him wishing Mr. Haibara had not bothered with the man who would not be staying in their town.
“Nephew you said?” He glanced over at his aunt, his uncle’s gaze had already wandered off to comment. The question seemed odd enough, the entire family wondering why he inquired about Kento, including the man himself.
His aunt shared a confusing glance with him, and answered vaguely, “y-yes. Kento and his younger brother Yuuji stay with us at Longbourn. They’re my sister’s sons.”
“On a permanent basis?” His eyes glanced their way towards Kento, like he had to make sure he was asking about the correct person. Kento frowned at him, and they darted just as quickly away.
She hesitated, “yes.”
Kento wanted to reflect on the questioning, interrupt the man and ask why his sudden interest in his aunt’s affair but it seemed the man had asked all his questions, and bowed his head at them.
“Well, Suguru, excuse me,” Mr. Gojo only gave his friend’s shoulder a squeeze before he walked off, leaving his entire family, the Haibara’s and Getou’s to stare after him. Kento would laugh if he wasn’t sure that his aunt would positively yank on his ear for his insolence but what else would’ve been an appropriate action to this even odder interaction? It seemed even Mr. Gojo’s own friend could not believe his actions before he turned back to them, a thin smile, far different from the one he gave them earlier on his face.
“Excuse my friend, he’s travelled a lot further than we did and seems to have forgotten his manners,” Mr. Getou apologized, his tone sincere despite the annoyance in his eyes towards his friend. He noticed Miss Getou roll her eyes, seemingly mumbling something to Mr. Getou whose smile only strained further. “Allow me to make up for it.”
He knew his aunt would latch onto his words the moment he said them, and to no surprise she did. “Of course Mr. Getou, we are completely understanding of Mr. Gojo’s situation. But if you insist, I must persuade you to take my darling Yuki for a spin.”
To say Kento was shocked was an understatement but he was glad he hid it well. His aunt pushing her younger daughter towards the man rather than the eldest, but he supposed even she could judge Shoko’s character and not have her flat out refuse the man and ruin any chance the other’s would have. Yuki herself smiled politely, but Kento noted it was strained.
Mr Getou’s own thin smile turned genuine, “of course. I’d be delighted to have such a welcoming presence for a dance but I’d be more delighted to have Miss Shoko show me the way first, if you’re amenable of course?”
Kento had to stop himself from checking to see if it was the same Shoko he was talking about for her dignity’s sake, Yuki and Yu had no such qualms and whipped their faces towards her. Shoko herself seemed surprised, and to everyone’s shock blushed. It seemed Mr. Getou had gotten all the charm his companion seemed to lack.
What shocked them even further was Shoko’s response.
“That would be quite alright.”
Kento would bet his entire life that his aunt would be doing cartwheels and flips on the dance floor had her age allowed her, propriety be damned. He wanted to rub his eyes, make sure that someone had not replaced his cousin with a lookalike but the way Shoko politely took Mr. Getou’s hand and led him to queue for the next dance, he had to pinch himself.
“Look at our lovely lady,” Yu commented, an odd quality to his voice as he watched Shoko and Mr. Getou laugh, waiting for their turn.
“She might actually like someone. Who would’ve thought,” Kento gave a soft smile, forgiving Mr. Gojo’s behavior since it led to this.
Miss Utahime joined them, standing far shorter on Kento’s side than he expected. “Your cousin is she, correct?” she asked, her voice grown louder to accommodate the music and the distance.
“Yes,” he nodded, gaze still trained on them.
“She’s quite lovely,” she commented, eyes following Shoko and Mr. Getou to the floor. They seemed to be enjoying each other’s company. Shoko laughed and smiled at whatever Mr. Getou said– and yes, his cousin was lovely. Her pin straight hair was bundled up on her head like every other lady here, her eyes so light and brown you could see them from across the room were full of laughter and somehow the ruffled pink dress she wore only made the flush on her cheeks shine. She was lovely and Mr. Getou would be a fool to not pursue a wonderful person like his cousin. Even Yu understood the gravity of them dancing, taking his own chance with Miss Getou herself.
“Miss Utahime would you care to join me on the next dance?,” he extended her hand, and Kento watched as the lady herself smiled widely, eagerly placing her own. Yu spun her, getting a startled laugh out as they joined the end of the line, the new music picking up right as they did.
Kento felt a little left out, his typical partners both occupied by the new siblings, and he himself left with his aunt who beamed as if all her dreams came true. He was quick to excuse himself, not wanting to be part of any of her conversations about this, frankly and found himself meeting icy blue eyes once more.
Mr. Gojo had seemed to squirreled himself away like Kento was attempting, seemingly bored as he watched his friends dancing. He took notice of Kento’s approach but said nothing, content on being quiet. He didn’t expect it from him, nor from the man who had blatantly smirked at him, stared at him and then asked invasive questions about him. Kento shook off those thoughts, he barely knew the man, there was no reason to assume his personality based on a few interactions. Perhaps Mr. Gojo was a quiet and private man, and Kento was too eager for him to assume him to be an exuberant and loud man.
They watched the dance silently, and as it neared the Kento decided to be brave, excusing the man’s earlier attitude to tiredness and persistent introductions. Perhaps he just needs a bolder hand.
“Do you dance Mr. Gojo?” he asked, looking towards him with a smile, hoping it eased any ill feeling he had carried.
Mr Gojo barely glanced at him when he asked.
“No,” his voice, quick and cold.
Kento tried not to show offense at the rude dismissal but even he had a hard time schooling his expression. He thankfully spotted Shoko across from them, hiding behind the wall as Mr. Getou and Yu dance began next. “Excuse me,” and hurried away from him.
Shoko’s eyes lit up when he reached her, gripping his hands closely to hers. “Were you looking for me? What’s the matter?”
“Nothing, just need to sit,” he pulled her away from the wall. He kept her hand in his and was relieved at the thought of being away from that man and ignored the feeling of being watched as she pulled him to hide beneath the wooden tiered benches.
Kento lamented about his interaction with her, both bursting out laughing at his imitation of his voice when heard Mr. Getou call out a name loudly.
They watched him approach Mr. Gojo, who seemed more interested in the cup in his hand and staying out of the way rather than all the ladies and gentlemen eyeing him for a dance.
“Satoru, come, you're missing out on the excitement,” Mr. Getou pulled on his arm, his smile wide and cheerful. “No need to sulk in the corner like some wallflower,” he teased his friend, but Mr. Gojo seemed to find no joy in his words. Kento and Shoko watched from their seats, shadows hiding them from the men but not their conversation and the men seemed almost unaware of the attention they were gathering.
Mr Gojo scoffed, “there’s hardly anything enjoyable here,” he gestured back towards where Mr. Getou came from, “you might be the only one having a good time.”
Mr. Getou pointed at his sister, dancing with Yu right now, “Utahime is having a good time.” Mr Gojo made a show of rolling his eyes, shoving his cup into Mr Getou’s hand as he looked over at Miss Getou. Yu seemed to be spinning her just fine, both laughing and loud as the music was.
He was a little envious of Yu's ability to not allow any setbacks for his mood, while Kento himself had to take space whenever something set his mood off. Perhaps that is why they worked well as friends, Yu being able to bring cheer into the most temperamental people, Kento included.
He watched her, almost sneering at her enjoyment, and Kento wondered about the story there, “Utahime and I have two very different definitions of fun. No, thank you.”
Mr. Getou seemed insistent, not allowing his miserable friend to stew in his misery, “well perhaps a dance then? There’s so many pretty men here”–he nudged him, tilting his towards the group staring at them, close to Shoko’s and his hideout–“any of them catch your eye?”
“Mr. Haibara’s son is the prettiest thing here and you seem to be keeping your hand full there,” he pointed out, giggles breaking out around them, Shoko nudged him, giggles falling from her mouth as well.
“What about his friend, Mr. Nanami? He seemed delightful,” Kento’s eyes widened at those words, finding them quite nice from a man who everyone liked and considered kindly of. Shoko elbowed him sharply, and waggled her eyebrows at him enough for him to swat her arm only for both of their smiles to fall off their faces.
“He was average enough for anyone and too tedious a look about him for me to even entertain him. And staying at his aunt’s permanently? A burden to me he seems like,” he finally pushed Mr. Getou away, leaving him and his wall, “go back to your partner Suguru before someone else notices their delightful personality,” waving his friend off.
Mr. Getou frowned at his friend, almost disappointed in his friend, “Satoru..”
Kento pretended he didn’t hear those words, didn’t feel the burning heat crawling up his face and the loudness of the conversation that had perked everyone’s ears around them. Mr. Gojo’s words, no matter how blunt or impatient had made an image for them, for him to have and Kento could honestly say that he had most definitely felt hurt over it. Over a nonsensical man’s words over him, but what could he do? Feelings were feelings, even if he pretended it did not bother him. Shoko didn’t seem to agree.
“What a bloody ass,” Shoko muttered, glaring at him from her position towards Mr. Gojo’s disappearing figure in the crowd, as if looks could kill. She never shied from her feelings, even if she never spoke them out-loud.
Kento’s eyes widened, barely holding back his reprimand for her language, but was unable to hold back his snort, “careful. Someone could’ve heard you,” he said under his breath.
Shoko scoffed, eyes rolling, “like he did over there? Everyone in his vicinity heard him. Like I said, whatan ass.”
“Shoko!” he laughed, hiding the small pit that grew in his stomach at the man’s words; finding that it hurt more than he thought it would but what would be the point to sit here and wonder why about it. Kento did not plan on making a habit in seeing him so it did not matter, no matter how much his pride hurt.
Unfortunately it seemed to Kento that some higher being has an awful sense of humor. He had just finished taking Yuki for a dance, when Yu grabbed him to join him and the newcomers. Miss Utahime gave him a beaming smile and Mr. Getou his own small but sincere one, though Kento noted the hint of guilt on his face, would’ve missed it too if he didn’t know what is had been for. He ignored Mr. Gojo completely, focusing on the conversation Yu was leading between them and his aunt.
“I must say this has been one of the most entertaining ball’s I have attended,” Mr Getou exclaimed, his earlier guilt fading in favor of complimenting Yu. “You must give your father my thanks Mr. Haibara.”
He could practically see Yu refraining himself from jumping up and down, and bit his lip to keep himself from smiling. He almost would forget the man glaring holes at him had he not been doing that.
“He’d be delighted to hear of it. My father quite likes parties, says it keeps the house busy and full,” Yu smiled brightly at Mr Getou, his eyes shining as he stared at the taller man, whose own eyes seemed to be just as much stuck on him. Interesting , Kento thought.
“Your father is right,” he agreed, and looked over to Kento, his smile just a little less wide now, “where is your lovely cousin? I completely forgot to thank her for her time.”
Kento looked behind him, seeing the couple laugh as they spun in the wrong direction. “She seems to be dancing with your sister, they look as if they’re having quite a good time,” he chuckled.
“My sister adores a good ball but she is not very skilled with dancing,” Mr Getou laughed softly, nothing cruel about his words as it seemed to be filled with affection for her habits. Kento could see himself liking the man, especially for his dearest friend.
He hummed, “I think it requires a certain patience and the right partner, yes? Most will do it for the chance to have fun though I think.”
“Yes, my dear Shoko was once swept away on her feet like that, and we had almost thought she’d be married, at fifteen too!” His aunt interrupted, her discontent seeped through each word. “She had almost said yes to him, but perhaps some of his poetry had put her off. Too forceful of his affections I presumed. Who would’ve thought–”
Kento interrupted, “-words being the culprit in ending her affection and love, isn’t that right?” He knew his aunt would further lament about Shoko, putting off any future plans with her bold words and thoughts.
“I thought letters and poetry were often encouraged when pursuing affection and love? Or have the poets lied?” Mr Gojo immediately cut in, his eyes which had been already looking at Kento seemed to finally found a reason for him to stare back. He had to focus elsewhere, not wanting to stare at his face for too long for any reason.
“Perhaps for some but words can often be misconstrued and falsely said,” Kento shrugged, allowing his true thoughts about temporary affections bleed out. “For any fickle sort of affection you may perhaps use them as a stone up but it will only aid you in falling quicker as there’s nothing sturdy to support it.”
“And what do you recommend that could encourage affection if not letters and poetry ?” Mr. Gojo almost looked as if waiting for a great joke for Kento to tell him, probably would delight in some boring answer Kento would give him. He almost rolled his eyes at his question too if his aunt hadn’t already laid down their dignity earlier.
Kento smiled tightly, “dancing, I think, encourages affection, quite simply.” Actions encourage affection, everything else is irrelevant , he thought.
As he expected, both Mr. Gojo and Mr. Getou barely managed to hide their surprise at his admittance. He knew he didn’t look the type who actively enjoyed people near his space, but it was different, he would insist.
It had always astounded others when they would find out Kento enjoyed dancing. He was used to the astonishment in their eyes, but his mother had always loved it, spinning him around the room with him as a child, both of their laughter filling it. His father would then beg Kento to allow him to dance once with his mother, face pleading but his eyes were always so full of love for both of them, and his mother would never say no. Dancing was just the most honest way to bond with your partner, Kento believed, even if the partner is barely tolerable.
A proper expression of feelings, no matter the feeling. His only regret about it was that Yuuji would never experience seeing that feeling between them, have those memories of their family. Kento was just a poor substitute in recreating the magic his parents left in him, but he would never stop trying for Yuuji anyways.
“I must say that is not what I expected to hear from you,” Mr. Gojo commented. His eyes stared down at Kento, his white hair hanging down his face with no attempt of pushing it away, and an uncomfortable feeling settling with how different the blue looked so closely. An intensity Kento was not used to and he wished Mr. Gojo would stop only to spare him from wanting a closer look. He did not like the implication behind his question as well, almost as if he was daring Kento, but what he couldn’t figure out.
“And what did you expect?”
He loathed to admit the smile that grew on Mr. Gojo was quite an attractive look, but the words out of his mouth made sure that any thoughts of his pretty face were snuffed out just as quickly.
“I expected more on the lines of discussion the rate of which flour is sold, the rising taxes,” his smile suddenly seemed cruel, mocking Kento for something; as if Kento disappointed him by not being what he assumed about him.
“I’m sure Mr. Gojo that even you would not know the complexities of such matters. Is that not why you hire men who can, to take care of it for you?” Kento could not help his own cutting words, feeling his pride slice and bleed like a wounded animal in front of others, “or are you admitting that you take a personal involvement in your work? I’m sure you wouldn’t want to lose precious pounds for messing up simple mathematics since most men of your caliber don’t further studies unnecessary to them.”
He ignored the snort Mr. Getou attempted to hide behind his hand, and Miss Utahime’s snickering as she stared at Mr. Gojo in obvious mockery.
“Kento dear has always been so bold and daring with his words, some would say it was part of his charm,” his aunt interrupted whatever was going to come out of that unholy mouth, his eyes seemed to spark in anger, like a challenge he did not expect to have.
“My charm, yes,” Kento barely held back a snort, choosing to simply nod at Mr. Getou and Miss Utahime before stepping away from the group.
He had already said more than he had meant to, interacted with a man so obnoxious and rude that he needed to step away before he said something his aunt could not smooth over with her eloquence. The absolute nerve of him to try and belittle Kento like that. He knew the rest of his night was ruined, wanting to slip away and hide until his family decided they were done unless he could somehow convince his uncle to leave early.
He felt someone behind him grab his shoulder, Yu’s voice close to Kento’s ear, “Shoko told me, want to go out back?”
Kento probably did a bad job at hiding his relief at the option, Yu laughing right at his face but he was quick to take them out, slinking behind one of the closed doors and past servants, laughter bubbling from their throats.
They had managed to reach the garden, a bottle of something dark and strong hidden in his coat and somehow managed to get Kento to climb the wall separating the house. The moon glowed and lit up the back of the house well, the lit fires only useless compared the brightness from the sky. He could only hope they would arrive back home just in time to see it dip halfway back, leaving the sky a blue and gray blending with the yellow and pink of the sun. Perhaps he may convince his aunt to allow him to walk the length back home for it. Anything to leave the sour taste of his night somewhere far from home.
“Cheer up Kento, if he finds you tedious and uninteresting it just means you don't have to spend time with him any longer than necessary,” he opened the bottle, passing it immediately towards him. Kento took a deep swig, the bitter liquid burning down uncomfortably. Liquor was not something he partook in often, but Yu and him had always managed to explore options when they would spend nights out together. Now seemed less a chance to explore and more to test how well it would do to wash the taste of the interactions he’s had with that horrible man. “You should count your blessings.”
Kento took another sip, still finding the taste horrid, “that only depends on how long he plans on being here. It would ruin all the upcoming balls along with him.”
“At least he won’t ask to dance then,” Yu gestured for the bottle, his own smile not fading at Kento’s piss poor mood and took his own swig at the bottle.
Kento pulled the bottle back, barely allowing Yu to swallow, “I wouldn’t dance with him for all of Derbyshire, let alone the crazy half,” he ranted, feeling some of his manners slip away and the liquid going down easier. “Tedious and a burden, am I?”
“Slow down, it’s quite strong,” Yu cautioned him, pulling the bottle away from his mouth and Kento watched some drip from his mouth, “and don’t fret. I have a lovely cousin arriving soon, you’ll enjoy his company far more than Gojo’s.”
Kento frowned, his head a bit foggy but he did not look forward to another ‘Haibara cousin’ and his apprehension must’ve shown as Yu handed him the half empty bottle back. “As long as he’s not long winded about the taxes of flour, or thinks I’m tedious and a bore.”
“You are cruel and funny my dear Kento, and such a soft hearted fool as well, I assure you,” Yu nudged his shoulder with his, Kento letting his own rest comfortably back and the night’s chill seemed to skip them completely. Kento could feel himself relax, feel his fingers flex and became more than aware of his legs numbing.
“Only you would compliment me with an insult,” Kento complained, finally setting the bottle back down, having felt his own eyes hover too long over the trees in the distance, not liking the dry taste in his mouth settling all of a sudden. Yu laughed, his cheer always so infectious and bright for others, that even someone like Kento with his dry personality can’t help but smile around.
“How’s Yuuji?”
How easily he changed the subject, how well he knew to get Kento away from things that upset him, to sharing all of his feelings and back to cheer. Yu would be a blessing for anyone’s future, that’s for sure and Kento cherished his dear friend more than ever. “Upset that I didn’t bring him along, though I did make a promise of not attending the next ball if he could not come.”
Yu dislodged him from his shoulder, Kento grabbing the bricks underneath him before he fell, his head spinning further from the movement, “what! No, you must! Hiromi will be there and I’ve been writing about you to him all season!”
“Why would you write about me?”
“My cousin, remember? How much have you had,” he set the bottle far from both of them. “He’s a handsome man, he’s single. He’s very much a romantic which I know you desire Ken dear but he’s also very much lonely.”
He let his displeasure at those words show, Yu would not be offended by it. “I do not care to aid in other’s loneliness Yu. Their time and interest are always temporary after the thrill wears off.” He had seen it happen to Shoko, and even Yu himself. He’d be more than happy to stay away from lonely men.
“Romantic,” he rolled his eyes at Kento. “But that is not what I meant. He’s looking for a husband to grow a life with. You must be there.”
“I cannot break a promise to Yuuji, you know this,” Kento would not budge from this, “he comes first, in everything. If your cousin can understand that, I may give him a chance.”
Yu shook his head, “he will certainly have his hands full.”
“Yuuji is a sweet and unspoiled child he–”
“I meant with you,” Yu interrupted him.
Kento would not say he blushed but rather the alcohol they’ve been consuming warmed his face even more in the spring chill. He definitely didn't see the smug smile on Yu’s face otherwise he’d have to push him into the bush of flowers under them.
He was very thankful for Yuki’s shout of his name, summoning him for their departure for the night before he entertained more of this silly conversation.
Kento hopped off, his balance thrown off and blood rushed towards his legs and from his head. He barely steadied himself with a hand on the bricks, Yu’s hand resting on his head for help, “careful.”
He steadied himself, patting Yu’s hand to release,“I'll see you tomorrow then Yu?”
He dramatically draped himself on the wall, Kento walking backwards to make sure his friend didn’t fall over, “not before noon please, I wish to dream tonight of Mr. Getou and his pretty smile.”
Kento snorted, a small laugh escaping from him, “incorrigible aren't you?”
“Not all of us had a nuisance of a man talking to us,” he propped his head on his hand, the whole of his face speaking of mischief.
“Please do not remind me of that,” Kento grimaced, wanting the silver-haired man gone from his thoughts and life for good, “I need more pleasant memories to recount for Yuuji. Goodnight to you, Yu.”
“A pleasant night to you too, Kento!”
The carriage ride was quiet on their way back, half of the members falling asleep as they rode back. Shoko’s head rested on his shoulder, her own eyes carrying some haziness and he wondered if it was sleep or something else. “You alright?” he muttered as quietly as possible.
“Hmm,” Shoko sounds out, shrugging a bit, “it wasn’t a bad night.”
“I’m glad.”
She smiles, a little sleepy and relaxed, “me too.”
Yuuji was asleep when he entered their room, his attempt at quiet failing but thankfully he kept on dozing. He slipped over to his side soon enough and settled facing the window. The warmth from their room and a comfortable bed quickly allowed him to fall asleep; blue eyes lingering behind his eyes, the dark sky reminiscing similarly to them.