#DaiKimi

[unhingedselfships]

They're still in denial, but that five feet has vanished and everyone but them noticed (pt 3/4)

...

Despite having let Majima drag the lot of them out to the club, Kiryu noticed that Daigo seemed more interested in his phone. 

He was smiling, the soft sort of smile one often didn't even realize was there. Something (someone perhaps?) had his attention, far more than the music or drinks, any of Majima's men or the hostesses. 

Kiryu readied himself to get involved in something as he watched the younger man's expression cycle from smile to concern, his brow furrowing. Daigo flagged down one of the wait staff, leaning over the back of the free standing U-shaped booth-style seat, exchanging quick quiet words. The worker nodded before heading off towards the club's entrance.

The young Chairman was once more focused on his phone, fingers tapping impatiently against the back of the case. It was odd to see him so agitated these days, the hot-headed boy he'd been had grown into a much more level-headed man. Clearly something was bothering him. Kiryu hoped they were ready for whatever it was.

The staff member Daigo had spoken to earlier returned a few moments later, someone- oh, that was the girl from Daigo's kitchen wasn't it? Kiryu tilted his head slightly, as the man guided the young woman towards their table. She seemed tentative. Nervous and unsure. Skittish. Was this really the place, the people, to bring her around?

He watched her eyes raise to meet Daigo’s and it hit him then. The way they both softened and smiled.

The height of ill mannered, she darted across the table, and stopped in front of the chairman. The others expected an admonishment but the man just laughed, as she realized what she’d done and flustered.

Daigo reached up to tug her down off the low table, spinning her around so she landed on the seat between his knees. The way she immediately relaxed into him, his body bracketing hers, was telling. 

These two really were oblivious. 

(“Tha’re complete dumbasses, Kiryu-chan.” “Be nice, Majima-san.” “Naw.”)

The night continued on largely uneventfully. As much as these things go anyway. People would stop by to say something, and need to divert Daigo’s attention from whatever the girl was showing him on her phone. She stayed in his hold, and immersed in whatever she was looking at. Closed from the rest of the world. It really was like it was just them two. 

It had been awhile when Kiryu noticed Daigo gently shift. The pair exchanged quiet words and the man slipped away. A nod to Kiryu and towards her, askance on his face. Kiryu nodded back, he’d keep an eye on her. Something like relief flitted across the younger’s face and he seemed to relax a bit, and Kiryu was almost taken aback by the gratefulness in his eyes.

He really worried, didn’t he? He cared. Of course, Daigo cared about a lot of people but this was… Something else.

Kiryu’s back tensed, before relaxing, as Majima planted himself between them. He might irritate her, but Majima would never hurt the girl. She was just as safe with him as with Kiryu. 

“So. Princess,” the one-eyed man drawled lazily.

She jolted a bit at the designation, and Kiryu watched the way she seemed to curl into herself. Guarded. Nervous.

Majima ignored her reaction, “So what was all tha’ about?”

“I- I don’t know what you mean?” she seemed genuinely confused.

“Naw, no way girlie, y’all cuddled up like tha’? Jus’ friends huh? Yer not a very good liar.”

She withdrew further. Wilted almost, something hurt and fragile in her eyes.

She smiled at him, and Kiryu thought he’d never seen someone smile so sweetly with so much pain. 

“It’s true though, we really are. Just friends. He’s the best friend I could ever ask for. I don’t deserve him.”

Majima seemed to freeze, then slowly tilted his head, like a dog trying to figure out what a sound was. Then he sighed, full body and dramatic.

“Yer an idiot.”

“I. You’re not the first to tell me so. And you’re not wrong. Did it really need said though?”

“Seems ta me, yah, it does."

Kiryu watched the girl's face do something complicated, and for a moment he thought she might actually snap at Majima. Something Majima also noticed. And revelled in.

“Ayy! Lookit there! There migh’ actually be a spine hiding in ya somewhere!”

She blinked slowly at him, “You’re. Something. Aren’t you?”

Majima cackled, delighting in her dry response.

A laugh that was cut off by a choke at her quiet “at least you’re pretty”.

“Are you harassing my sweet girl?” the chairman had returned, and eyed the older man with long suffering amusement.

The pet name went unremarked upon, but certainly everyone took note.

("Hmm wonder wha' happened to 'guest'." "It's really not our business, Majima-san." "Kiryu-chan, you're no fun!")

“Haw!? Naw, never!” he cackled again, the flush still visible on his neck and ears.

“I’m sure,” Daigo’s response as dry as the girl’s had been. 

Majima picked up a teasing dialogue that Kiryu tuned out, but he knew the man was watching, examining the pair. He’d leave them to it. It wasn’t his business.

…

The night was wrapping up, the club clearing out slowly but surely. 

The girl was nodding off in Daigo’s hold, and the man’s face stayed soft, content.

Looking at them, you'd think there was no one else in the room. An island in the sea of people.

There was an almost sacred intimacy between them. Kiryu wasn't sure this was something he, or anyone, was meant to be witness to.

Majima all but threw himself down in the now empty seat beside Kiryu, throwing an arm across the back, other hand swirling his drink.

He grinned wolfishly over at him, "Just friends, eh?"

The barest hint of a smile found its way onto his face as he answered, "Just friends."

"Ha! Idiots, the both of them," the man all but cackled.

"Be nice, Majima," he admonished.

"Am I wrong?" he raised a challenging brow.

"I didn't say that."

At that Majima did finally let loose a boisterous laugh.

(and yes, if you wondered, both of them completely missed the irony in this exchange)

(Kiryu would, years later, remember the moment, however, and vowed never to reveal the embarrassment it caused him when he realized)

(he and Majima really had no room to talk, did they?)

[unhingedselfships]

The party was less dull with good company. 

Luckily, she had Kenshi, to be catty with.

Oh, they certainly made pleasant chit-chat with anyone who approached, made the obligatory circuits, but most of the evening was spent exchanging snarky observations under their breath and trying not to laugh too obviously.

They found themselves entertaining a small group of men, no one especially important, but just high enough to not blow off entirely. The pair held up the conversation well, while swapping glances and trying not to set the other off.

Then the insinuations started.

Oh sure, it’d happened before.

They were close in a way most people would look at oddly.

All three of them took it in stride.

(Kimi was secretly excited for when the “Dojima-sama is fucking the nanny!” rumors would start so she could correct everyone that their delightful imported live-in liked her better)

She noted the sly exchanges between the men, and knew they were about to try to get up to some kind of trouble.

“Daigo-sama, how good to see you!” they greeted genially, shooting pointed looks at her and Kenshi.

Her husband greeted them politely in turn, wrapped an arm around her, and waited to be looped into the conversation.

She was more than happy to oblige.

“Hello love,” she greeted brightly.

He chuckled, knowing her well enough she was going to say something hilariously out of pocket, “Hello, sweet girl. Enjoying your evening?”

“Yes, actually, I am! Did you know,” she paused slightly, leaning in in faux-conspiracy, “I’m having an affair with Kadokura.”

Blinking down at her he snorted, “Again?”

“Yup!”

The baffled, stunned looks on their company’s faces was absolutely delightful.

Kenshi, on her other side, struggled not to laugh, electing instead to throw back what remained of his drink to hide his grin.

Daigo leaned slightly, to look at the other man past her.

“Well, can’t say I blame him. Man’s got good taste.”

She choked, flushing, embarrassed, but pleased “Dai!”

[unhingedselfships]

Two Friend-Zoned Frenemies Come To Something That Vaguely Resembles An Understanding (pt. 1/4)

(CW : brief mention of injury/blood)

Mine liked to think himself a pretty good actor. 

Perhaps that was uncharitable.

He was, truly, good at pretending.

Or well, at the very least, he'd kept Daigo-sama from realizing the disdain he held for this… girl, he'd moved across the world.

She knew. Despite all his faux niceties and forced pleasantry. It vexed him a bit, the way she saw through him, but she did nothing about it, so he let this… stalemate, of theirs, hold.

His doubts weren't without merit. No one had even known this girl existed, and most of them still didn't. And Daigo kept a tight hold on any information. 

Oh sure, it was easy enough to find plenty. Her name, background, school records, and general history. All as easy to dig up as any civilian. 

But the answers Mine wanted? Daigo was next to silent. How long they'd known each other? (A few years, we’ve talked for a while) Why she was here? (She needs to be, it wasn’t good for her there anymore) Why no one knew about her? (Give her time to settle, Mine, it's a big change)

Useless. All of it.

So yes. Mine was frustrated. 

But she smiled, and played along with his faux friendship, brushing off any frostiness with an easy shrug and casual acceptance. He didn't trust it. Or her.

So when it came up that they were leaving town for a weekend, he quickly inserted himself. Can’t have the boss traveling unprotected, but no one else can know yet, so obviously it has to be him to come along right? 

Daigo tried to argue that it wasn’t necessary, but Mine found himself mildly surprised to have the girl backing him up.

“Actually, it's probably not a terrible idea, Dai. I know you think it’ll be fine, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. And whatever else he is, Mine is capable.”

He felt like there was an insult in there, but he let it slide. She did help him win the argument after all. And even backed him up when he suggested an area he knew fairly well.

Any goodwill he had towards her for the help, was eaten up by having to chase down the city streets after her. Despite the growing irritation, he dutifully followed along after the girl, as she darted from shop to shop. At least Daigo seemed to be enjoying himself. How the man could be content with the girl’s endless nattering he’d never understand.

(He ignored the way she set anything she liked or found interesting back, choosing to refrain, and asking for nothing, despite the near “free pass” Daigo had given her. The only things she seemed to bring forth were things she found for the man himself.

“This would look good on you, don’t you think?”

“Look at this doofy ass plushie! Makes me think of you~”

“Oh this would look really nice in your office, matches that fancy ass letter opener.”

Not that any of this stopped Daigo from picking up a thing or two he’d noticed her eyeing anyway. He was going to spoil the ridiculous thing.)

Presently, they were trying to find a specific shop she had wanted to see, a bit off the main market streets. She insisted on navigating there herself, phone in hand, brow creased, and eyes darting about the streets. How difficult could it be to follow basic directions, honestly.

Mine let out a more undignified sigh than he’d normally allow himself. This girl was really testing him. 

The grin Daigo shot back at him over his shoulder helped soothe his nerves.

He tried to relax a bit, tilting his head back to the sky, as he trailed along after the pair, turning down some smaller side street that would supposedly cut through to their destination. Absently he noted a bit of shouting off a side street, but dismissed it. These places always got rowdy, it was probably some idiots having indulged a bit too much at a local bar. 

The girl-

“She has a name, Mine.”

“Irrelevant.”

-paused, just a slight ways ahead. Puzzlement scrunched her nose, as she stared down at her phone. 

Dismissing her, he turned his attention to Daigo, who had taken the pause to speak to him. Exchanging quiet, casual, words about the area and where to go for dinner, Mine let himself further relax. Perhaps he could let himself properly enjoy this weekend afterall. 

Or not. 

The shouting from just a moment ago had proven itself to be an altercation. One that spilled into the street they occupied. 

While irritating, it was an easy enough matter to deal with. A handful of rowdy drunks would never be a problem for him or Daigo, no matter how belligerent and determined they might be. The presence of the extra was an unneeded complication, but by no means an insurmountable one. 

In the focus of battle, Mine ignored the sound of shattering glass off to his side. 

A mistake.

One he’d remember bitterly.

“Daigo!” 

The man in question had turned quickly at her alarmed shout, putting himself off balance, likely the only reason she was able to move him at all. And move him she did. Bodily throwing herself into him she shoved him aside, and herself between him and the sharp glass of the broken bottle one of the drunken idiots wielded.

Re-catching his footing, Daigo yanked the girl out of the way, and Mine moved in to quickly deal with the attacker. He made quick work of the rest, hardly even a scuffle, and turned back towards his companions.

“Let me look, K,” Daigo tried to get the girl to lessen her grip over her own arm, blood seeping between her fingers.

“It’s fine, it’s not that ba-” she cut her own statement off with a string of actually quite inventive curses. 

“Yeah I’m not buying it sweet girl, you’re bleeding all over the place. We need to get you to someone.”

The adrenaline was wearing off quickly, and she was losing her composure, biting off half babbled protests and tears overflowing. 

In a fluid motion, Daigo had scooped the girl off her feet, and turned to Mine.

“Mind finding us a clinic? She’s probably going to need stitches.”

With a nod of acknowledgement, Mine led them off in the direction he remembered a sympathetic clinic being. Somewhere small and discrete, expensive but trustworthy. 

He’d get them there without incident and salvage their weekend.

For Daigo.

—

The girl sat quietly, arm stitched and wrapped, while Daigo spoke to the doctor about how best to handle care and healing going forward.

“He’s such a mother hen sometimes,” she spoke quietly, fondness tangible in her words.

“Are you an idiot?”

She looked up at him, blinking, “Well… Yes,” she nodded, “But I don’t see where you’re going or what point you’re trying to make.”

“Why would you do something so foolish? You should have stayed out of the way.”

“Probably. But he would have gotten Dai. Better me than him. Don’t you agree?”

She met his gaze, steady, sure, and painfully knowing.

“Perhaps there are some things we can agree on, K.”

She smiled softly at him, sad eyed and terribly aware. 

An acknowledgement. 

“It’s nice to have some common ground.”

[unhingedselfships]

Two Friends, Chillin' In a House, Five Feet Apart 'Cause They're in Denial (pt. 2/4) (part 1)

...

Neither man was sure why exactly Daigo-chan had called them over, but Majima and Kiryu were both loyal and dedicated, and they cared. so off to Daigo’s home they went.

(And wasn’t that a trip? Kid- he’s in his 30s Majima-san- could have lived at headquarters like most chairman did, and he did, sometimes, but he also recently bought a charming home close enough to be there when needed, but far enough to maintain some kind of privacy.)

(Yayoi-san had apparently never been there, something else interesting, and greatly irritating to the woman)

He’d sounded somewhat harried, and had told them the door would be unlocked, that he’d meet them in the foyer.

He hadn’t, the hall empty but for a row of shoes, and a few pairs of slippers. Both swapped out their own footwear. They may be gangsters, but they had manners. 

Majima, ever nosy curious, decided to follow his ears in what sounded like the direction of the kitchen. And no, he was not ignoring Kiryu-chan pointing out they should probably wait in the entrance, he just didn’t hear him clearly, he only has one eye yanno?

He wasn’t sure what exactly he’d expected. No way was Daigo-chan cooking them breakfast. And it was very unlikely he’d hired anyone for such a casual visit. 

What he hadn’t expected, as he came around the corner to a mostly open plan kitchen, was the short woman dancing about, spatula in hand, singing along with the radio and wearing one of Daigo-chan’s shirts.

It fell well down her thighs, and the sleeves were folded up to her elbows. It was half buttoned, but most importantly. It was on a girl. 

Sure, he fully expected Daigo went out, got laid, had relations, he was a man, and a Yakuza man at that. Between the amount of time spent in bars and clubs, and the adrenaline, the rush, they often experienced, it was only natural.

But for him to bring one home? Her to still be there for breakfast? Breakfast she was cooking? That seemed. Unusual. Daigo was fairly private, reserved, and he didn’t trust easily.

Plus he kinda didn’t expect Daigo to own any cookware beyond the absolute basics, and those pans looked nice. The whole kitchen was nice, spacious, all the appliances, practical but fine fixtures.

And a woman.

How had this slipped under their notice?

Could she be trusted?

Executing a very adorably poor spin, she caught sight of them and froze, like a cornered rabbit.

“Uh,” her eyes darted to the otherside of the open kitchen, adjacent to them, as though hoping someone would appear to bail her out, “Hi?”

He really hoped she could be trusted, otherwise this girl was too damn good of an actress. That look was real, guileless, genuine trepidation and discomfort. Yet a valiant attempt at welcoming regardless.

She clearly hadn’t been expecting them.

“We’re sorry Miss,” Kiryu, and his sense of propriety stepping in, “We were asked to come here, by Dojima-san.”

She cringed slightly at the address, something about the Dojima name bothering her. Interesting.

“I,” she glanced back at the still cooking… he wasn’t sure what that was. Bread? “I can go get him?” It was more question than statement.

“No, that’s alright, we can wait.”

She made a sound of uncertain agreement, before turning the radio down to something barely audible and resuming tending to whatever it was she was making.

A pause, hesitance clear in the set of her shoulders, “Did you want any? I can cook more…” she trailed off.

He noticed Kiryu shoot him an odd look before realizing he’d been too on edge, out of character, for too long.

Grin spreading across his face, he slapped Kiryu’s shoulder, leaning onto the island's marble top “Hawh?! Now wouldya look at that! Lil’ Daigo-chan, all grown up! Got himself a girl!” he grinned at her, all teeth, and just the near side of dangerous, “Nah girlie, we don’ need anythin’ do we, Kiryu-chan~” 

She jolted, spinning to face them once more, “Oh! It’s no-” she cut herself off with a hum, suddenly looking awkward, uncomfortable.

“No’ what, swee’heart?” his voice kept that manic tone he was known for, but had begun to dip into something almost predatory, “Does Daigo-chan know its no-”

“Yes. He does,” Daigo’s voice flat, unamused as he cut the older man off, “She is a dear friend, and honored guest, nothing more.”

Majima eyed the girl, and the shirt she wore, one eyebrow raised. And he especially took note of the way she seemed both relieved, and just barely on the fringes of his perception, hurt.

Daigo pointedly ignored him, but both his men took note of the faint reddening of his face.

“Let’s go to my office, I wanted your thoughts on a few things. And would appreciate if you’d stop harassing my roommate.”

Kiryu, while not always the most socially savvy, knew when to make a tactical retreat, “Let’s go Majima-san, we have business to go over.”

“Righ',” Majima drawled, letting himself be led away, mind whirling with thoughts over this mystery woman, and her connection to Daigo. Friend? Guest? Roommate? Which is it, Daigo-chan?

(He wasn’t sure if he was disappointed or not to learn they really weren’t fucking together. He’d hoped for some good gossip at least.)

("Years Kiryu-chan! Fuckin'. Years!" "I know Majima-san, I heard.")

(Seriously how had the kid managed to hide this, her, for so long? Even if she was in a whole other country, they apparently spoke “most days”, not even counting the letters. Fucking, letters. Sappy shit! But no. They were ‘just friends’. At least she was what she seemed, kinda a wreck, but genuine in her intent and feelings) (Even if they were both idiots in denial)

[unhingedselfships]

YakKid, Dojima Daikichi

The firstborn son, both in mono and poly verses.

On the quieter side, with a gentle, but strong demeanor. Very much a "shelter built to weather the storm" sort.

He's the dutiful, helpful sort. Always hopping up to get things, or tidying little messes. He's very hands on and involved.

While he can certainly hold his own in a fight, he's always been rather bookish, and inclined to academics. He absorbs knowledge like a sponge.

Charismatic and a natural leader, with a fair hand and even temper. He learned well from his father, and for the most part, skipped the edgy phase.

Anxious, an unfortunate inheritance from his mother. He's good at hiding it, but occasionally has to vanish for awhile to get his shit back together.

Growing up, he enjoyed team sports, was almost always captain, and had very much a "lead from the front" style. While intelligent, he was unfortunately an abyssmal stadardized test taker.

Looks a lot like his father, but got his mother's curls.

September 28th, 9:14am birthday

Was an easy pregnancy, easy birth, and easy baby. Convinced Kimi that the whole thing wasn't actually as bad as she thought. This was a trick. 😂

There are a few futures for him depending on the timeline. In some he essentially inherits his father's position as Chairman. In others he manages the business side of a company that will be mentioned later ;p

(I have another post (2 actually) about Kichi, sorta. At least the basics of the time line that leads to him etc) (makes it sound like smut lmfao, its not, its the "whoops what do we do now" shit basically lol)

[unhingedselfships]

Yakkid - Dojima Airi

A mono-Daigo exclusive, and surprise later-in-life baby.

A pretty chill, light, person. He tends to have a pretty happy, relaxed demeanor. Rolls with the punches and, "honestly just glad to be here". He is content with just being alive. He'd call himself something of an "optimistic nihilist". Nothing matters, life is meaningless, may as well just fuck around and enjoy it. Why bother taking things too seriously?

That isn't to say he's adverse to or ill affected by the darker aspects of being raised in the Yakuza. In fact, he takes to it rather like a fish to water. Able to be cutthroat and ruthless, with a sweet, kind smile. He prioritizes minimal loss for maximum gain, with an emphasis on nuclear family, then the Tojo Clan, without forgetting to give allies just enough to keep them happy.

He does his best to be merciful where he can, and opts for diplomacy and compromise as often as possible. But he doesn't hesitate to solemnly inform someone that it's unfortunate a deal can't be brokered, before putting a bullet between their eyes.

Clever, perceptive, quick as whip, but careless. He can do just about anything and do it well. But good luck convincing him it's worth his time. He's looped through hobbies and skills, mastered and dropped them in turns, but can't be bothered to keep to them. Easily bored, but perfectly content to be as such, essentially "shutting down" and zoning out to cope.

The only two things he's properly kept up with long term are painting and violin, things his siblings fondly tease him about being "stuffy" for. Despite his very artistic passions, he is quite numbers oriented, and extremely complex math comes with ease to him.

He has a mean streak, and enjoys poking at people's sore points. A shit disturber, he has fun picking people apart. He's careless, and will often push too far.

He can be a bit vain, and reckless. When getting into fights, he's less concerned about injuries, and more about his appearance. Not that his is "prissy", he very much enjoys getting dirty, and scars don't really phase him. But if his hair were to be cut, for instance, he sulks for days.

Facially he greatly resembles his mother, but has his father's smile. He's not especially tall for a man, but had no trouble passing up his mother. While solidly built, he isn't as stocky as his mom.

March 9th, 7:12am, birthday

Airi was a later-in-life baby, and the pregnancy had a few more complications than her previous two. While she was ultimately fine, things were touch-and-go for a few days after the birth.

He isn't exactly sure what he wants to do really. So he just helps out whoever in the family needs it. He has a few ideas but nothing he's willing to fully commit to just yet.

Trauma for Flavor ; There are some serious questions regarding his parentage. Both Kimi and Daigo maintain that Daigo is his father, and he accepts Daigo as his dad.

However he knows very well that that is a legal paperwork truth only.

It's a wound he pokes when feeling especially spiteful.

[unhingedselfships]

marigold and forget-me-nots for you and daigo :3

I slept, all freakin' day, but! I have answers!

Forget-me-not– Share a cherished memory you have about s/i

Daigo leans, settling more comfortably into the chair, fingers tapping against the arm. He stops mid-tap, eyes refocusing. "I don't think I could ever tell her this but," he trails off before picking back up, "She was a complete mess when she got off the plane. She doesn't like flying to begin with, and this was her longest flight ever. Layovers didn't help."

Faint amusement in his voice, "She looked like a rumpled kitten. Hair a mess, her clothes were sensible and comfortable but nothing matched at all. She was tired and cranky and you could tell."

His eyes soften and he smiles slightly, "I knew from the moment I laid eyes on her, got to truly see her for the first time, that she would always have my heart."

Marigold– Has s/i ever done something to make you jealous? Have you done anything that made s/i jealous?

He looks somewhat uncomfortable, but answers anyway, "Kimi is… a jealous person by nature. It isn't a lack of trust. She trusts me completely, and it isn't misplaced. But she…" he trails off a bit, before picking back up with a sigh, "She's very insecure, and thinks poorly of herself. She doesn't ever think she's good enough. She is. But she doesn't believe that. She tries not to let it affect how she treats people but she's easily influenced by her moods. I do what I can to help, but I imagine it will be a lifelong project."

"As for myself," he hums contemplatively, "Not especially? She's always been pretty up front about her feelings towards people, and insistent that we talk through things. That we be transparent and establish boundaries at even the hint of an issue. It helps," the barest huff of a laugh, "She's always been better at managing other people's emotions."

He leans back in his chair and smirks slightly, "I won't lie and say I'm not possessive though. Other people have definitely tried to test my limits. Too bad for them, my sweet girl tends to be completely oblivious to their efforts. And very receptive to mine."

[unhingedselfships]

Daigo didn't want to do this.

He really didn't.

He didn't want to have to be doing this.

And he was very much aware how agitated his wife was going to be. 

But he couldn't just let this keep happening.

He was afraid. 

Afraid of losing her either way. She'd never been good at "choosing". An ultimatum would only break her. 

Maybe he should have been more hurt that "it's me or him" wouldn't have been an immediate "of course it's you" but he knew the person she was long before they'd reach this point. 

The kind of person she was long before he’d married her.

(Was that really so long ago?)

Knew that sort of confrontation would only serve to make her freeze and break. She might choose him, in the moment, but it would destroy her. He couldn't do that.

All he could do was try to help her.

Loving her was just. So fucking hard sometimes.

He shook the thought from his head.

"So what brings you to see me today, Daigo-chan?"

The man was affable, pleasant, as he ever was. A little condescending, a little superior, but entirely polite and even friendly.

Daigo stared at him in silence, for a moment, absently swirling the whiskey he'd been poured. 

Kadokura had situated them in one of what Kimi called his "casual meeting" sitting rooms.

Half office, half intimate sitting space. 

Just as the older man was about to say something else, Daigo spoke.

"This has to stop."

There was a split second, barely noticeable, that Kadokura froze. 

"Whatever do you mean, Daigo-chan?"

With a deep, tired sigh, and a low seated bow, Daigo spoke. Begged.

"Please, Kadokura-san. You don't- You aren't there for what comes after. You don't have to pick up the pieces that are left of her and hope you can reshape them into some semblance of order."

"What exactly is that supposed to mean?"

"You don't have to hold her as she screams,” he spoke plainly, a forced flat.

You don’t have to listen to her choke. I had to call in someone to stitch the gouges she dug into her arms," he took another deep breath and held Kadokura's eyes. 

"You're killing her, and she's letting you, because she loves you. And she doesn't even acknowledge, I don't think she realizes, it's happening,” he closed his eyes, pained.

"I don't know what to do, Kadokura. I can't just keep you apart, or ask you to leave her alone entirely. I've wanted to. I still want to,” he sank in on himself.

“But that would destroy her just as much. She can't lose you. You're too important to her," something pained and afraid settled over the man, "but it gets worse every time and I'm afraid we're losing her."

Huffing a derisive laugh, the Kadokura rolled his eyes. 

"I fail to see how her inability to handle things is my problem."

Daigo bristled, but forced himself not to lash out. He had seen the flash of alarm, of concern, of pain, in the man. Hardly a microexpression, quickly smothered and disregarded, but it had been there.

Blowing a deep breath out slowly, and losing the fight to control his own expression, he rose.

"Just. Please be more careful with her. Please."

There would have been a time it would have chafed. The near groveling. And any other circumstance, he probably still would have. 

But for her? He'd do anything. 

He was truly a fool.

[unhingedselfships]

The second breakdown

CW : Kimi has a breakdown?

She stumbled home, still half dazed and off kilter.

She wasn't… altered, anymore, but the lack of post care, and the events themselves, left her emotionally raw and fragile.

It didn't help that she got into her own head about it. 

Even most of a day later, it was too much, and she found herself reeling.

Overwhelmed.

Spiraling.

She'd never tell Kenshi what it did to her. 

The guilt and shame and pain that came after.

The wretched aching.

He didn't need to know.

Probably wouldn't care.

She sighed, shaking her head, and the self-doubt fueled thoughts loose.

That wasn't really fair of her.

Slipping quietly in through the front door, she listened for her husband.

She could barely hear her own voice, her faint call of “I’m home,” passing unheard.

The kids would have already been shuffled off to school, no need to try to avoid them.

Question now, was Daigo in his office or not.

The soft clattering of glass and metal told her to aim for the kitchen.

Stopping in the doorway she watched him, a sudden wave of deep emotion hitting her.

As though he could sense her, he turned and caught her eyes.

That sweet loving smile that always made her weak, "Hello sweet girl, welcome home. How were things?"

It was all too much and she broke.

Startling, alarmed, he was quickly at her side and looking her over.

She wasn't injured at least.

But fractured in other ways.

She couldn’t decide if she should cling or push him away.

Despite the crushing guilt she clung, fingers digging, clawing, into the front of his shirt.

Reacting on instinct, and shared history, his arms wrapped around her shoulders and waist.

He backed up slowly, gently walking her with him, until he hit the kitchen island, and slid down.

Sinking down with her, guiding her gently to rest between his knees, his form a fortress around her.

He held her, and did his best to bury his worry, as she cried, heaving, broken sobs.

Tried to not let on just how stricken he was.

“Sweet girl, what happened?”

In fits and starts, she relayed everything that had happened the day prior, gradually growing quiet, and frighteningly still.

Her breath came in small gasps, not quite able to fully draw.

“Breathe,” he brushed the hair from her face, cupping her cheeks gently, “You have to breathe.”

She took a deep shuddering breath. And another. And finally, gradually, started to calm.

Just a little.

“How do you do it?” her fragile whisper.

“Do what, my lovely little wife?”

She chuckled wetly.

“How are you so patient with me? So accepting.”

He smiled down at her softly, “I learned from you.”

Cupping her face in careful hands, thumbs brushing away tears, he pressed a deep, gentle kiss to her lips.

“There is nothing in this world, that could make me stop loving you.”

She sniffled, and buried her face in his shoulder, his fingers carding through her soft hair.

“We’ll figure this out. We always do.”

[unhingedselfships]

It had been a lovely day, the cherry blossoms as beautiful as they were every year. She'd managed to wrangle most of the family over the course of the week, and today, their last day, she'd drug Kadokura out with them.

The sun was just beginning to settle over the horizon, dusk light taking over. Between the fading sun and the lanterns, the lighting was perfect. 

She wanted pictures. Grabbing one of the spare hands they almost always brought along (security's sake mostly), and setting them up with the camera, she ordered everyone into place.

Kadokura seemed to set himself a bit distant. Oh he smiled properly and played his part, but there was no denying the metaphorical wall, or literal space, between him, and them.

Kimi crouched down to whisper in Mio's ear while the minion fiddled with the settings.

The blonde girl looked up at her mother solemnly, and her lips faintly curled, the sweet smile of shared deviousness.

Darting over the child snagged Kadokura's sleeve, and yanked. Easier to go with, and less chance of accidentally hurting the kid, he allowed himself to go into a controlled stumble, moving closer to the family.

Seeing her chance, Kimi looped her arm through his, locking his elbow with hers and added lightly to Mio's pull. Kichi joining the "gang up on Uncle Tenshi team", blocking the man in on his formerly free side.

Laughing along with his joyous children, Daigo tossed an arm over his wife's shoulders, his hand brushing against Kadokura lightly, as Mio and Kichi once more settled into place at the front.

"You're part of this family too, yanno. You belong here."

[unhingedselfships]

Peeping Tom (1960): How would your f/o describe your s/i? (For whichever / however many u like ^^)

Do you have any idea how hard these questions are for meeeee XD I can't be nice to me, not allowed lmao

Dai calls me 'home'. I can be volatile, but he always finds me to be grounding and comfortable. I'm emotional safety for him. Nonjudgmental and caring. We're both providers in vastly different ways. I think he'd say I'm pretty baffling sometimes, but he kinda likes it. I'm weird, but it's interesting. He does his best but a good chunk of the time he has no idea what I'm talking about. He just likes listening to me babble.

[unhingedselfships]

hydrangea for maji, carnation for aki, aster for kir, sage for dai? ♡

This one got long XD the other 3 are under the cut c:

Hydrangea– What’s something about you only s/i understands? What do only you understand about s/i?

Majima is settled on the middle seat of the overstuffed couch, arms stretched across the back. Kimi is flopped to his side, head resting on the arm, and legs across his lap.

He grins, about to answer, before sputtering indignantly as her bare toes press into his cheek, cutting off whatever he was going to say.

"Liar."

"Ya didn' let me say anything!" 

She grins at his indignation, "Didn't have to, I know you. Whatever you were gonna say was gonna be complete bull so you could avoid anything resembling real vulnerability."

He glares flatly down at her, but her grin never wavers.

Her face softens as she begins to answer on his behalf, "we both share this sort of… We have what most people would consider odd feelings, about our respective appearances."

He winces, "Do ya have ta go there?"

"Shush. Anyway. Neither of us is exactly… happy. With our appearance. Or at least parts of it. We have things we do like, and are proud of, though that can fluctuate. But there is plenty we don't like as well. To put it gently. And yet, we're both very appearance driven people."

She shifts, turning to settle into his side, "Its kind of hard to explain? Or maybe that's just me? But we both like to put in a lot of effort, even knowing that because of how we feel, we'll probably end up let down. I don't think a lot of people quite get that... That we're not being vain, but trying to mask, to hide, the things we can't stand," she glances up at Majima, "Or put them out on display as a weird sort of act of rebellion."

She glances up at Majima, who is pointedly looking across the room.

Stifling a giggle, she shares in a conspiratorial whisper, “He doesn’t really do vulnerability.”

He gives an indignant “Oi!” and she cackles as he playfully shoves her into the floor.

Carnation– What’s something about s/i that fascinates you?

Akiyama gives a wry grin, "this girl's sleep patterns are absolutely insane. I'm not the best at keeping a regular schedule either, but she puts me to shame. I have no clue how she functions."

(A faint shout of "I don't" can be heard in the distance)

Aster– What would you consider a symbol of your relationship with s/i?

Kiryu blinks, his brow furrowing. His eyes quickly dart down to the simple band on his finger, then back up.

K snorts, leaning over the back of his chair, "Yeah the rings are a literal symbol. I think they want something more well… symbolic? Maybe." She shrugs.

He closes his eyes, that contemplative-concentration look he gets when he tries to remember something settling over his features. 

K jolts slightly as Kiryu's eyes suddenly pop back open, and he gives a small self satisfied smile. 

It takes him just a moment to dig into a pocket before presenting a battered old key chain, with a single key on it, "It's the key to the house we share," he clarifies, "but-"

"You still have that old thing!?" She cuts him off, then turns sheepish, "ah, sorry."

He snorts lightly, rolling his eyes, "Of course I still have it. You gave it to me. I still don't really get it."

"Oh," a soft flush on her face, "Well is a monkey, like you. Your Chinese zodiac I mean. Earth monkey specifically, so it was too perfect to pass up."

He eyes the dangling gift, a cutesy monkey face, with a little dark green stone dangling from its own loop of the same chain.

"Did you really never…" she trails off.

"No."

"You must have been so confused," the start of a giggle in her voice.

It was his turn to ignore an embarrassed blush, "You gave it to me," he repeated, "It didn't matter what it was supposed to mean."

Sage– If you and s/i could live together, forever as immortals, would you do it? Why or why not?

Daigo tilts his head, gaze distant and thoughtful, "I know this is something she thinks about. It's a nice thought, in theory. Spending eternity together. As a fantasy, But in reality? I'm not sure she likes the idea if it's grounded in reality. All of eternity, here? Even together, we," he sighs, his whole demeanor shifting to something melancholic, "We're both tired. But I look forward to the years we do have." 

[unhingedselfships]

While not technically involved, I know basically everything going on with the Tojo Clan. There are a lot of arguments for why he shouldn't, but Daigo tells me pretty much everything. He values my insights way too much. They're not always ideas he can use, but having such a completely different perspective than he typically hears helps.

He also knows that for my own mental well being, not knowing is worse than knowing. So keeping me out of the loop "for my own good" was never an option,

[unhingedselfships]

It was quite the commotion on the other end of the line, and for a split second he couldn't decide if panic or regret was the correct response.

"Shit! Dai' talk to Kenshi while I wrangle this child!"

The tired-fond laugh of a father crossed the line as it was passed off.

"Hello Kadokura-san."

"Daigo-chan," he answered, a note of mild confusion, but with his standard affability, "What did Kimi need?"

"Ah, we're taking a family trip to the zoo in a few days, she remembered you mentioning being free."

"Alright…" he drug the word out, "I'm sorry, I'm not sure what that has to do with me."

Daigo laughed fondly, "She wants to know if you'll join us."

"...why? I'm not against the idea, but. Why."

"Because it's a family trip. You're family."

Kadokura paused, and just as he was ready to articulate a response, he was cut off, by a series of loud thuds and an "oof".

The oddly recognizable sound of a phone being tossed about followed by a few random button tones before a soft girlish voice came across the line.

"Uncle Tenshi! You're gonna come lookit the snakes with me!"

He blinked, and couldn't help the bemused but fond smile. 

"Yes Chibi-hime, I will come look at the snakes with you," he answered, resigned to his fate and the whims of small children.

[unhingedselfships]

Daigo cares deeply about my mental health, and is very good at keeping an eye on my condition. He often knows how I'm doing better than I do, and is so patient about weathering my bad moods. He's always more worried than hurt or offended because he knows it isn't really about him at all.

He just wants me to be ok, and work towards finding some happiness.

[unhingedselfships]

In the "vaguely more resembling canon" timeline including children, things play out a little differently and more greatly involve Mine.

See at this point, aside from Dai, Mine is the person she probably sees most.

So the breaking point and the accidental baby proceed as normal (January).

As per canon, the following March, Daigo is shot and lands in a coma.

However! Things divert more strongly from canon here.

Mine went off the rails largely due to Daigo. But now, while he half-resents the girl who has taken Dai's affections, he also appreciates that she made Dai happy, and despite knowing how Mine felt (girl's intuition is stong), almost went out of her way to involve him in their lives (both a kindness and a cruelty, depending on the day).

At any rate, Mine shows up to find K at Dai's side in the hospital and she completely breaks down, telling him about the baby and that she doesn't know what to do.

This. Changes things. Daigo might be "gone" (not really but yanno, Mine 🙄😂), but he has a child. A part of him lives on, and is currently in a very precarious position.

So rather than diving off the deep end quite like he did, he sort of just. Steps in. They never have a true "relationship", but he kind of takes over as her primary support.

Potentially, they even get married, though it is not by any means a romantic union. A purely legal protection, and one she is insistent on dissolving, when, not if, Daigo awakens. But she also appreciates the why of it, and that he would go so far to protect her/them, even if its not really about her at all.

I haven't explored it too much beyond that yet, like what else happens to canon, and toooo be faiiiir, I haven't gotten to play 3 yet (being an adult working a fulltime job is bullshit XD) so idk how much this works or I'd keep but. T'was my 3am can't sleep ideas for this set up.