rabenhorst (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rabenhorst) wrote2007-10-28 08:28 pm
rabenhorst) wrote2007-10-28 08:28 pm
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Title: First Love, Last Love; Chapter 9
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
seinen_no and fonulyn
Rating: NC17 overall
Pairing: Die and Kaoru
Disclaimer: We own no one, only our dirty imaginations.
Summary: When Kaoru and his wife get a divorce, he is forced to leave his little daughter to live with her mother when he’s moving out. He finds support in his best friend, but is friendship everything life has in store for them? Or is their past together going to resurface now that Kaoru’s life has been turned upside down?[yes, I am aware that sounds like an ad for a b-class soap opera XD]
Comments:
seinen_no: Okay dears. Here's another chap. And since I lack things to say for my brain's still a big mash from the day at mangasakira's place and no sleep in like 36 hours and then sleeping 10 hours in a row, I shut up and let you read it^^ As a personal comment *yay for the fucking end of daylight saving time*
fonulyn: This goes on from where the previous chapter ended, and I’m not so sure anymore if it was wise to cut it in the middle XD But if you don’t remember what happened previously, go check the end of the chapter 8. And enjoy you all!
And feel free to add our journal if you like the stories!
Plus, the archive .
Previously happened: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8
First Love, Last Love
Chapter 9
Grabbing Die’s hand, Mika instantly dragged him to the counter. She hadn't had anything to eat since lunch and a handful of peanuts at the party, despite a couple of drinks. "He's just afraid that the extra weight will destroy his tattoos once," she tried to find an answer, "or then that you could leave him for somebody younger and thinner." She had already chosen what she wanted and told the lady in front of her, looking at the redhead for his orders.
Die placed his orders instantly, digging out his wallet to pay for them. "He should know I'll stick like glue. So it has to be the tattoos he's worried about. Or then it's this natural diva-side in him."
"It still shows up sometimes, doesn't it?" the girl asked curiously, leading the way to a table in one corner while the redhead followed with the tray. "I mean, I marvel those odd outfits you wore earlier. You with the leather-mask thingy and dad with his pink hair, posing like a girl sometimes. That looked amazing though."
"I never looked like a girl." The redhead instantly informed with a grin, setting the foods down on the table before taking a seat. "And yeah, your dad always had this bit of a diva in him, although he would never admit it."
"No, you're right, you never looked like a girl. But Toshi did and Shinya. Dad sometimes looked like a guy trying to look like a girl. Dunno how to explain it and I know he doesn't want to discuss those outfits he wore in the old days. But the purple thing with the Greta Garbo glasses really was cool." She nodded, unwrapped her burger and took a huge bite.
"The dressing up was kind of fun, you know." Die admitted, pausing for a moment to chew on his food and to swallow it. "But it got a bit tiring with time, especially since then we always had to take care of how we looked. And I guess we were getting old." He chuckled.
"I can't judge that. I always see two sides, the daddys on one hand who are falling asleep in front of the TV and then the rockstars who still play three shows on three following days without complaining." Mika stated contemplatively. "One thing's for sure though, I admire you. All of you."
"Thank you." Die smiled at her honestly. "I really appreciate that, you know. And it's always been kinda like we live two different lives. One can't bring the rockstar into the daily life."
"Well, do you think it belongs there?" the girl asked grinning. "Or do you miss it? Then go ahead, celebrate wild parties at home. I wouldn't mind."
"I'm boring enough to be happy just watching TV with your old man," the redhead gave away with a chuckle, taking another bite of his food.
"And to secretly make out on the couch when I'm not home," Mika remarked by the way.
"Well, it's not that big of a secret since you know, is it?"
"I'm still sorry, you know. That's something one doesn't want to know about your parents." The girl shoved a fry in her mouth, chewing on it with a grin.
"Deal with it. You're a big girl already." Die only smiled brightly at her, even shrugging a bit.
"Yeah, but I bet dad would freak out if he caught ME making out on the couch with my boyfriend. That's not fair." She pouted, not only playfully.
"Come on, he's your dad. Still sees you as his little girl." The redhead reached out to pat her shoulder mock compassionately, before destroying the rest of his burger.
"Does that mean you would allow it then?" Arching an eyebrow, Mika questioned him.
"No." The answer came with a short headshake. "I think pretty much like he does." He winked.
"Not fair!" The pout was back, not even leaving when the girl chewed another fry. "Pft, then I have to do it elsewhere." The last comment was only mumbled, barely audible.
"What did you just say, young lady?" Die took on an admonishing tone, only the sparkle in his eyes showing he was kidding. "You're still young, should be playing with barbie-dolls."
The last sentence elicited loud laughter from the girl. "If it'd be up to dad to decide, I probably still would have to do it." She tilted her head a bit, using the good moment to ask something that had been on her mind for longer. "Say, while we're talking so openly, I have this problem...."
"Problem?" He arched an eyebrow, tilting his head a bit to look at the girl from under a few red strands that had fallen over his eyes. "What's it about?"
"Well, it's about," Mika hesitated, leaning forward a bit, "... you know." She smiled, as if it was obvious what was going on in her mind.
"About what?" Die frowned. "I'm no mind reader, just gimme a small hint?"
"I just need an adult to accompany me and to give his signature. I am afraid that dad would freak out if I asked him. Remember, I'm still his little girl," Mika babbled without sorting her thoughts.
"Signature?" Slowly the redhead was beginning to understand what the girl was trying to tell him. "You mean you're thinking of starting to have sex?"
"Nah," the girl shook her head, curling her nose a bit. "I did that already some time ago, but I want to have the pill." She grinned at him, trying to look self-confident although she wasn't so sure how he would react. After all, Die had always been like a father for her too and even though he saw things more relaxed than Kaoru at times, it didn't mean that he would agree.
Die's eyes widened slightly and for a second, he just stared at her. He had known she was around that age though and it wasn't as big of a shock to him as it might've been for Kaoru if she had asked him. "Alright." He nodded, agreeing.
"Really?" Mika reassured, not believing it. "Gosh Die, you're way cool, did you know that? And if there wasn't a table between us, I'd give you a big bearhug." She was even bouncing up and down a bit in her seat, generously shoving the rest of her fries towards the redhead.
"But you know, I still wanna inform your dad about it." The redhead smiled apologetically, carefully keeping his eyes on her to see her reaction to that.
"But he'll make a huge fuzz about it and then ask about my boyfriend. He was so scary the last time that I didn't dare to bring him home yet. And then, you are too. None of my friends has parents like that," she argued whining.
"But he needs to know, he's your father." Die tried to reason with her. "I can tell him, and try to convince him you're old enough and that he doesn't need to have a crisis because of that."
"Then better think about something good to soothe him afterwards." Mika suggested, her happiness smothered a bit. "But you will try your best to convince him, right?" she asked, giving him a questioning look.
"Of course." The redhead smiled calmingly. "Don't worry. It might not look like it but I still have a surprisingly strong effect on him even though he's stubborn."
"You know, he told me about sex openly when I asked for the first time. There I was around five or so. But of course that's something his little girl doesn't do. He can be so conservative..."
"I know, I know. But it all is a result of the fact that he loves you to no end and doesn't want to see you hurt. And I'm only agreeing to help you now since I know you'd do it anyways." Die winked, patting her arm softly.
"Which makes you more clever than him," she answered snickering. Her mood had brightened again and she was quite confident that the redhead would manage to convince her father. Sometimes, she simply couldn't see through him, didn't know how he would react to some things. There had been times when she had asked something, utterly afraid he would freak out and he just coolly allowed it and then, when she had thought things were minor, he had yelled at her. So she was glad that Die would make the first try now.
Die smiled softly at the girl, for a moment lost in thoughts before he spoke up again. "You're really much like him sometimes." It was clear in the way he spoke that he meant it as a compliment.
"I am?" Mika had never really thought like that although many people who knew her father had told her. "Maybe that's the reason why I don't get along with mom often," she uttered her own idea.
"You'll learn to get along with her eventually." Die nodded at the words, meaning them. "But you and Kao share so many similarities that it's even funny sometimes."
"Like?"
"Your stubbornness. The stare you give when you want to know something, the commanding tone of voice, the way you always notice the smallest of things usually but are completely oblivious towards other things." He smirked. "Enough?"
Mika nodded, laughing. "Yeah, enough." Her eyes were sparkling amused and she sipped her coke. "Those are not very flattering qualities, are they?" She knew how much Die loved her father though and thus he meant them as a compliment.
"Well, depends on how one looks at them." Die shrugged. "I could count all of them as good sides too, at times. And you're both extremely loyal and caring persons."
"But those are features you have yourself," the girl stated honestly. "Say Die, during the time when dad was with mom, did you still love him?" she suddenly asked out of the blue. They had talked about it a couple of times, but only vaguely and so far, Mika had been too considerate of Die's and her father's privacy to demand an answer.
The redhead looked surprised, gazing at her from slightly widened eyes for a moment. "I dunno," he finally confessed honestly. "I guess I did. But I just didn't allow myself to think about it, and we were always just friends at that time."
"So it didn't hurt you when you had to see him with mom? You know," she tried to explain her thoughts a bit, "I somehow don't understand how you could've been together and then not for such a long time and then again together."
"It's not easy to understand," Die tried to explain, although he didn't know how. "I mean, we weren't ready to stick together back then. It would've caused too much troubles and I guess we were too afraid. So when we broke up, it was necessary to lock the feelings up somewhere, and not let them affect anything. You know, a human being can survive through surprisingly much when there’s no other choice."
"I see." The girl fell silent for a moment and then covered Die's hand with her own. "Thank you for being so honest with me. And I'm glad to have you as my stepfather."
"You're as good as a daughter to me." The redhead smiled, turning his hand to catch hers. "I hope you know it. We might not be related by blood but it doesn't make me love you any less."
"Thank you." One could see in the way her eyes were sparkling and in the bright smile she wore, how much those words meant to her. Not that she hadn't known it before, hadn't felt it, but it was good to hear it too.
"There's nothing to thank me for." Die looked her honestly in the eye, squeezing her hand a bit. It was slightly audible in his voice how emotional the moment was to him although he tried to chuckle casually as he spoke up again. "Should we get that burger for Kao and get going before he starves back home."
"Yeah." Mika nodded and then winked. "We should hurry. We both know how bitchy he can be when he is looking forward to something good to eat and then it takes ages to get there. I don't have to remind you of the pizza-incident." She stood up already and took her jacket, waiting for Die to follow.
"Oh, you don't need to remind me, that's right." The redhead chuckled, heading to the counter again to get the food for his lover. As soon as they got it, they headed straight to the car, intending on getting back home.
Kaoru was dozing on the couch, lazily opening his eyes when the two entered the living-room. The TV was running, but it was obvious that he hadn't paid any attention to it. "Hi," he mumbled sleepily, getting into an upright position. "Had a fun evening?" he asked his daughter. "Yeah, only in the end it got a bit annoying when some friends from school came over and we didn't get rid of them anymore," Mika explained instantly, not even blushing or blinking.
Die placed the bag with the food on his lover's lap, planting a chaste kiss on his forehead. "Now eat and then it's bedtime for you. You look like you're asleep already."
"Yes mom." The older guitarist smiled a bit and peeked into the bag curiously. He was hungry indeed and his smile widened considerably when he found his favourite burger in there. "Thanks you two. That was a good idea."
"You have to thank Mika for it. She was the one who wanted a burger in the first place." The redhead smiled, plopping down next to his lover and released a content sigh as he relaxed.
"Yeah, I should thank her for making me gain more weight. And that now, when we're having holidays and are lazy. I need to work out more." As if to nullify this, not honestly meant, argument, Kaoru dug his teeth deep into the burger.
"I can take care of that." Die smirked, before blinking at the other man innocently. "You don't need to be lazy although it's holidays."
Knowing that his lover hadn't thought about going jogging, the older guitarist chuckled a bit, shaking his head. He looked at his daughter who was sitting in the armchair. "And you, young lady, now off to bed with you."
"Ain't I allowed to stay up only a bit longer?" She tried her best pleading look.
"Yeah, but in your room. You now go, take a shower and then go to bed. It's been a long evening and Die and I want some peace." When Mika opened her mouth to reply something, he made a quick handmovement. "Ah! No contradiction."
"Just be a good girl." Die grinned at her. "You know there's no sense in trying to argue with him when he decided something."
Nodding obediently, Mika stood up. "Right. Have a good night you two. I just go, take a quick shower and then I'm off." She went over to first give her dad a kiss and then the redhead before waltzing out of the room.
"She really is amazing." The younger man had to chuckle, shaking his head a bit before turning to look at his lover. "And I just told her how much she resembles you."
"So you think she's this warm, kind, hellishly sexy and adorable person just like her father?" Kaoru asked, playfully kicking his lover with his foot.
"Well, I can only speak in general, since there's a difference between how I look at you and how I look at her." Die winked. "But you're both at least enough stubborn and strong minded."
"Thank God you look differently at us or I would've kicked your butt right now." Kaoru chuckled, crawling closer to his lover since he was done eating. "Care to give me a kiss which tastes like burger?"
"You know I always grant you your kiss." The redhead smiled, sneaking one arm around the other man and leaning to connect their lips in a soft and slow kiss.
It made the older guitarist sigh contently and he wrapped his arms around his lover on his side, getting a bit closer still. It was late, but still not their usual sleeping time. Dozing in front of the TV had made him tired though and he looked at the other man questioningly when the kiss had broken. "Wanna go to bed?"
"Fine with me." The answer came with a smile, since the younger man had nothing against the thought. "I at least don't have any better suggestions."
With a dramatic gesture, Kaoru switched off the TV and heaved himself off his lover. "Then come old man, let's get to bed," he joked, reaching out his hand to aid the other man get up. Die took the offered hand, pulling himself up and instantly practically falling against his lover. "I'm too tired to walk properly." He had to chuckle, and he wasn't that exhausted in reality although he was somewhat tired.
Grinning, the older guitarist slid his hands down his lover's back to his butt, pulling him closer. "Jump up and I carry you," he offered generously, squeezing the firm flesh underneath his palms.
"Really?" There instantly was a sparkle in the redhead's eyes, and he did as he had been told, wrapping his arms and legs around the other man. Kaoru smiled, folded his hands underneath his lover's butt and carried him towards the bedroom. Even though the other man was still quite heavy, despite his slim figure, he still enjoyed it.
It were moments like those, exchanged simple gestures and the obvious comfortableness Kaoru's proximity provided, that Die enjoyed to no end. And he knew better than to take it for granted, knowing how easily fate could decide to take it away from them.
In the bedroom, the older guitarist just let himself drop down on the bed, still clinging to his lover and chuckling merrily. For some reason, he was in a very good mood all of a sudden, probably thanks to the food and the fact that his lover was caring for his daughter just as much as he did. Suddenly, he took on a fake serious expression. "She was at this party, right?"
"What?" Die's eyes widened a bit and he simply stared at the other man quite dumbly.
"You know what I mean. The party we both forbade her to go to," the older guitarist went on, a faint smirk dancing at the corners of his mouth.
"How on earth did you figure that out?" The smile appeared back on the younger man's face.
"She smelled quite much like party," Kaoru answered shrugging. "But I already figured that when she called your mobile to pick her up." He planted a kiss on his lover's lips, maintaining the contact for a moment longer than necessary. "Don't worry, I won't tell her I know. I figure you already admonished her, right?"
"I did. And told her to never do it again or something terrible will happen." Die nodded, his smile even widening if possible.
Smiling, Kaoru took his head between his palms and gave him a couple of short, wet kisses on the lips. "I think it's good you went. I would've probably freaked out." He was suspiciously calm, but didn't seem like this was just the silence before the storm.
"It wasn't that bad yet. She's a clever girl and knew to get out of there in time," the redhead assured honestly and snuggled a bit closer to the other man, tangling their legs.
It made the older man smile contently, but still he wriggled out of the embrace. When Die gave him a questioning glance, he wordlessly opened the redhead's jeans. "No hun, not what you think now. Only getting ready for bed."
"Aw, too bad." Die sighed theatrically, stayed completely motionless and let the other man do all the work. "I was already getting my hopes high."
"Don't try to fool me! You're too stuffed and too tired to even lift your butt for me, let alone focus on other things." Kaoru was having serious troubles to drag the pants down, but then made a small approving sound as he found his lover naked underneath.
"Am not." Die tried to argue back but was in reality just beginning to relax so much that he wasn't sure if he'd be willing to move quite soon.
"The only sexual action you'd be able to perform now would be some 'Gods Kao' if I gave you a blowjob. And believe me," the older guitarist snickered, pulling his lover's shirt over his head before he attended his own clothes, "I would fall asleep during it myself."
"This really sounds like we're just beginning to be old and grey already." Die had to laugh, and sneaked under the blanket, lifting it for the other man to crawl close as well.
Unhesitantly, Kaoru followed the invitation and instantly snuggled close to his lover, resting his head on his chest and wrapping one arm around him. "No, it only means that we don't need to prove anything and can very well tell that a shag in the morning is just as good as at night and one doesn't need both necessarily."
"Well, true, I guess." The younger man chuckled, pressed a kiss on the other man's forehead and hugged him closer.
"Don't guess and don't give me a kiss like I was your grandson," Kaoru grunted and lifted his head, ready to receive a decent kiss.
"Well, if my kisses aren't enough then I might fall for not granting any of them." Die smirked, simply looking his lover in the eye.
"You evil bastard. Well, okay then." Kaoru pretended to be sulking and returned to his former position, but couldn't deny himself to push his legs between the other man's, seeking his warmth and even more closeness.
"Aw, don't be mad at me, love." The redhead took a hold of Kaoru's chin to make him look at him and gave him a short, soft kiss. "Better?"
"A little bit." The older man nodded and quickly caught his lover's lips, initiating a gentle, slow kiss. "But this was what I wanted," he gave away afterwards, pillowing his head on the redhead's shoulder with a content sigh.
"So you're happy now then?" Die had to chuckle, absent mindedly stroking the smaller man's back in slow circular movements.
"Yeah. Happy and tired," Kaoru nodded and tried to reach for the bedside lamp with the arm which was wrapped around the other man. He couldn't reach it though and finally sighed frustrated, leaving it to his lover.
The redhead switched off the light, and for a while they were just resting there together in silence, enjoying the closeness. Finally, Die spoke up in a soft voice though. "You know, there's something I wanted to talk about with you."
"Hmm?" Kaoru mumbled, almost already asleep. "Can't it wait till tomorrow?" Speaking alone made the pleasant leadenness in his limbs fade and banished sleepiness from his mind though.
"If you want to. I guess it's not that urgent." The redhead shrugged a bit.
"Now I'm awake again," Kaoru growled, shifting a bit to look at his lover. "And curious."
"Well, it's nothing dead serious so don't be worried." Die chuckled. "It's just about Mika. We talked quite long today, while eating..."
"I see." Instantly, the older guitarist became suspicious and glanced at the other man, although he couldn't see it in the darkness. Usually, when Die began a conversation like that, it meant that those two had figured out a perfect plan how to convince him of something which he usually wouldn't allow.
"You have noticed that she has grown a lot, into a fine young lady, right?" The redhead knew his lover could probably see right through him, but he still told it his way.
"Well," It was a mean question for Kaoru couldn't do anything but to agree. "Yes. Indeed." Although he sometimes still only saw the little 9-year old girl, he had of course noticed that his daughter had grown up a lot.
"Right. And today, she asked me something, and I think we could grant her that. She wants one of us to go with her so that she can get the needed signature for birth control pills." Die explained calmly, holding the other man close to himself and still keeping on stroking his back slowly, almost as if to calm him. "And now before you start freaking out, just think about it. Reasonably."
"But but but," the older babbled, trying to find the right argument to object. "But she's still a young girl and I don't want her to have the opportunity to sleep around whenever she feels like it. I want her to use rubbers." Only then, he realized what he had said and shook his head. "Fucking hell no, I don't want her to use anything."
"Kaoru... She is old enough, and you can't force her to act like a nun," the redhead tried to reason with him. "You know she's not going to start just sleeping around randomly."
"But you know how guys are... I just don't want my baby to get hurt." Kaoru sighed, glaring into nothingness as if his inner turmoil was the darkness' fault. He knew that it was only the right thing to give that damn signature, but he still didn't want to.
"I think she's old and clever enough to take care of herself. She has her father's strong will and she won't be easily taken advantage of." Die sensed that the other man might just give in, and gently pushed the topic still. "She will survive, and she'll always have a loving home to come back to."
"So you suggest I just go to the gynaecologist with her and give that signature?" Kaoru pulled a pained face, those topics not really meant for him. "Isn't that something she should do with her mom?"
"If you're uncomfortable with it I can go with her." The redhead chuckled. "And it's not that bad eventually. I somehow have the feeling that if we'd ask Nozomi she wouldn't be exactly enthusiastic to go…"
"She would blame us for spoiling the kid." The older guitarist snickered and then again sighed. "I think if she asked you, she might want you there. But we can go together or I go with her. She only has to tell me."
"I guess she thought it'd be sparing you if she asked me." Die hugged the other man a bit tighter for a moment. "I really don't have any problem with going there. And I think she deserves us to trust her with this."
"Traitor," Kaoru snarled, but didn't really mean it and was smiling softly the next moment. "Mika is such a lucky girl that I have a loving and caring partner by my side who tends to be the voice of reason at times."
"I just try to be useful." The redhead chuckled, thanking the darkness since the other man wasn't able to see his slight blush. "Besides, someone has to be there to make sure you two don't just collide too badly since you're too similar."
"And still I am her father and she should listen to what I say and moreover act like it." Before the older man could become too agitated, he inhaled deeply and counted to five. "Okay, I will sign that damn form. I hope you're happy now. You made me allow my little girl to lose her innocence."
"Aw, don't be too theatrical! And at least she was clever enough to ask, and not just try to cope without." Die leaned down to peck his lover's lips. "And I'm proud of you."
"I'm proud of myself too," Kaoru chuckled. "When she was born, I honestly never thought that moments like these would come. I mean where she takes boys home and introduces them as her boyfriends. I can deal with it if I know they only make out, but like this... I will have to check them more thoroughly from now on."
"Kaoru! You will not try to scare the poor boys away." The redhead had to laugh at his lover's words, as well as his firm tone of voice. "Don't even try it."
"No, I was only thinking about inviting Kyo over so that he maybe could have a little chat with them," the older guitarist answered innocently.
"Kaoru..." Die sounded even mildly threatening. "I will think of a decent punishment if you try to do that."
"A pleasant one?" Kaoru asked chuckling, knowing fully well that his lover hadn't meant it like that. "I never knew you were up for those things. You could've told me earlier...."
"I definitely didn't mean a pleasant one." The redhead had to laugh at the hopeful tone of the other guitarist's voice. "I could consider that as a reward for you though if you're a nice boy."
"To punish me?" The older man asked surprised. "So you think something like that would make me act less jealous and not try to threaten those guys?"
"Yeah, if it's the right kind of punishment." Die chuckled, his eyes sparkling as he turned to look at his lover. "Just be nice, alright?"
"Okay. But I'm allowed to talk to the boys or will you do that as well from now on?" Kaoru pouted a bit, although his lover couldn't see it. "I don't trust you enough with them anymore."
"I allow you to talk to them. But not without my presence." Die decided instantly, smirking brightly although it went to waste into the dark as well.
"What are you going to do then when I'm too hard on them? Slap me and send me to my room?" The older guitarist giggled at the mere thought, hugging the other man tight.
"Or just find something else to distract you enough." The redhead presented his perfect solution instantly, smiling brightly in the dark room. They were chatting for a moment still, only lying in each other's arms and enjoying the closeness. Slowly, they were drifting off to sleep though, both somewhat tired.
Only a few days later Kaoru accompanied Mika to get her the promised birth control pills she had asked for. She had been completely stunned that her father took the question so well, as he didn't even seem to want to give her another lecture about those things for the time being. He just shortly told her to be careful and take care of herself. He was slowly beginning to accept that his daughter was growing up fast, although he still didn't like it since it meant he wouldn't be able to protect her from the world like before.
Kaoru had to learn to trust Mika's choices and decisions and that alone frightened him to no end. He still remembered very well how he himself had been when he had wanted to get a girl or a guy into bed. Luckily, Toshiya, who had been worse than Kaoru, Die and Kyo together, had been determined to give the girl a lecture about boys and their tricks after Kaoru and Die had addressed the topic during practice. They were always talking about what was going on in their lives since they didn't see as much as during the old days, didn't hang out together till late at night after the shows anymore.
They all had to admit though that Mika seemed to be a really responsible girl and that she was well able to take care of herself. Besides, she had a family that was willing to back her up regardless of the situation and she could always come to someone when she had troubles. It still wasn't as if Kaoru and Die didn't look after the girl anymore. She still had to do as they told her, come home when she was ordered to just as a teenager should.
From time to time, when she was becoming too reckless and felt untouchable, Kaoru gave her some housework to do. He was convinced that she would thank him once. It only was helpful if one knew how to wash the laundry or cook certain meals when she lived alone once. Kaoru was certain his daughter would study, theatre most definitely and although he wouldn't be exactly thrilled about her choice, he'd still support her and help her to move in one of those dormitories. It was relieving for him to know that Die was there to support him, or to hold him back when he was becoming too strict.
Author:
seinen_no and fonulynRating: NC17 overall
Pairing: Die and Kaoru
Disclaimer: We own no one, only our dirty imaginations.
Summary: When Kaoru and his wife get a divorce, he is forced to leave his little daughter to live with her mother when he’s moving out. He finds support in his best friend, but is friendship everything life has in store for them? Or is their past together going to resurface now that Kaoru’s life has been turned upside down?
Comments:
seinen_no: Okay dears. Here's another chap. And since I lack things to say for my brain's still a big mash from the day at mangasakira's place and no sleep in like 36 hours and then sleeping 10 hours in a row, I shut up and let you read it^^ As a personal comment *yay for the fucking end of daylight saving time*fonulyn: This goes on from where the previous chapter ended, and I’m not so sure anymore if it was wise to cut it in the middle XD But if you don’t remember what happened previously, go check the end of the chapter 8. And enjoy you all! And feel free to add our journal if you like the stories!
Plus, the archive .
Previously happened: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8
Chapter 9
Grabbing Die’s hand, Mika instantly dragged him to the counter. She hadn't had anything to eat since lunch and a handful of peanuts at the party, despite a couple of drinks. "He's just afraid that the extra weight will destroy his tattoos once," she tried to find an answer, "or then that you could leave him for somebody younger and thinner." She had already chosen what she wanted and told the lady in front of her, looking at the redhead for his orders.
Die placed his orders instantly, digging out his wallet to pay for them. "He should know I'll stick like glue. So it has to be the tattoos he's worried about. Or then it's this natural diva-side in him."
"It still shows up sometimes, doesn't it?" the girl asked curiously, leading the way to a table in one corner while the redhead followed with the tray. "I mean, I marvel those odd outfits you wore earlier. You with the leather-mask thingy and dad with his pink hair, posing like a girl sometimes. That looked amazing though."
"I never looked like a girl." The redhead instantly informed with a grin, setting the foods down on the table before taking a seat. "And yeah, your dad always had this bit of a diva in him, although he would never admit it."
"No, you're right, you never looked like a girl. But Toshi did and Shinya. Dad sometimes looked like a guy trying to look like a girl. Dunno how to explain it and I know he doesn't want to discuss those outfits he wore in the old days. But the purple thing with the Greta Garbo glasses really was cool." She nodded, unwrapped her burger and took a huge bite.
"The dressing up was kind of fun, you know." Die admitted, pausing for a moment to chew on his food and to swallow it. "But it got a bit tiring with time, especially since then we always had to take care of how we looked. And I guess we were getting old." He chuckled.
"I can't judge that. I always see two sides, the daddys on one hand who are falling asleep in front of the TV and then the rockstars who still play three shows on three following days without complaining." Mika stated contemplatively. "One thing's for sure though, I admire you. All of you."
"Thank you." Die smiled at her honestly. "I really appreciate that, you know. And it's always been kinda like we live two different lives. One can't bring the rockstar into the daily life."
"Well, do you think it belongs there?" the girl asked grinning. "Or do you miss it? Then go ahead, celebrate wild parties at home. I wouldn't mind."
"I'm boring enough to be happy just watching TV with your old man," the redhead gave away with a chuckle, taking another bite of his food.
"And to secretly make out on the couch when I'm not home," Mika remarked by the way.
"Well, it's not that big of a secret since you know, is it?"
"I'm still sorry, you know. That's something one doesn't want to know about your parents." The girl shoved a fry in her mouth, chewing on it with a grin.
"Deal with it. You're a big girl already." Die only smiled brightly at her, even shrugging a bit.
"Yeah, but I bet dad would freak out if he caught ME making out on the couch with my boyfriend. That's not fair." She pouted, not only playfully.
"Come on, he's your dad. Still sees you as his little girl." The redhead reached out to pat her shoulder mock compassionately, before destroying the rest of his burger.
"Does that mean you would allow it then?" Arching an eyebrow, Mika questioned him.
"No." The answer came with a short headshake. "I think pretty much like he does." He winked.
"Not fair!" The pout was back, not even leaving when the girl chewed another fry. "Pft, then I have to do it elsewhere." The last comment was only mumbled, barely audible.
"What did you just say, young lady?" Die took on an admonishing tone, only the sparkle in his eyes showing he was kidding. "You're still young, should be playing with barbie-dolls."
The last sentence elicited loud laughter from the girl. "If it'd be up to dad to decide, I probably still would have to do it." She tilted her head a bit, using the good moment to ask something that had been on her mind for longer. "Say, while we're talking so openly, I have this problem...."
"Problem?" He arched an eyebrow, tilting his head a bit to look at the girl from under a few red strands that had fallen over his eyes. "What's it about?"
"Well, it's about," Mika hesitated, leaning forward a bit, "... you know." She smiled, as if it was obvious what was going on in her mind.
"About what?" Die frowned. "I'm no mind reader, just gimme a small hint?"
"I just need an adult to accompany me and to give his signature. I am afraid that dad would freak out if I asked him. Remember, I'm still his little girl," Mika babbled without sorting her thoughts.
"Signature?" Slowly the redhead was beginning to understand what the girl was trying to tell him. "You mean you're thinking of starting to have sex?"
"Nah," the girl shook her head, curling her nose a bit. "I did that already some time ago, but I want to have the pill." She grinned at him, trying to look self-confident although she wasn't so sure how he would react. After all, Die had always been like a father for her too and even though he saw things more relaxed than Kaoru at times, it didn't mean that he would agree.
Die's eyes widened slightly and for a second, he just stared at her. He had known she was around that age though and it wasn't as big of a shock to him as it might've been for Kaoru if she had asked him. "Alright." He nodded, agreeing.
"Really?" Mika reassured, not believing it. "Gosh Die, you're way cool, did you know that? And if there wasn't a table between us, I'd give you a big bearhug." She was even bouncing up and down a bit in her seat, generously shoving the rest of her fries towards the redhead.
"But you know, I still wanna inform your dad about it." The redhead smiled apologetically, carefully keeping his eyes on her to see her reaction to that.
"But he'll make a huge fuzz about it and then ask about my boyfriend. He was so scary the last time that I didn't dare to bring him home yet. And then, you are too. None of my friends has parents like that," she argued whining.
"But he needs to know, he's your father." Die tried to reason with her. "I can tell him, and try to convince him you're old enough and that he doesn't need to have a crisis because of that."
"Then better think about something good to soothe him afterwards." Mika suggested, her happiness smothered a bit. "But you will try your best to convince him, right?" she asked, giving him a questioning look.
"Of course." The redhead smiled calmingly. "Don't worry. It might not look like it but I still have a surprisingly strong effect on him even though he's stubborn."
"You know, he told me about sex openly when I asked for the first time. There I was around five or so. But of course that's something his little girl doesn't do. He can be so conservative..."
"I know, I know. But it all is a result of the fact that he loves you to no end and doesn't want to see you hurt. And I'm only agreeing to help you now since I know you'd do it anyways." Die winked, patting her arm softly.
"Which makes you more clever than him," she answered snickering. Her mood had brightened again and she was quite confident that the redhead would manage to convince her father. Sometimes, she simply couldn't see through him, didn't know how he would react to some things. There had been times when she had asked something, utterly afraid he would freak out and he just coolly allowed it and then, when she had thought things were minor, he had yelled at her. So she was glad that Die would make the first try now.
Die smiled softly at the girl, for a moment lost in thoughts before he spoke up again. "You're really much like him sometimes." It was clear in the way he spoke that he meant it as a compliment.
"I am?" Mika had never really thought like that although many people who knew her father had told her. "Maybe that's the reason why I don't get along with mom often," she uttered her own idea.
"You'll learn to get along with her eventually." Die nodded at the words, meaning them. "But you and Kao share so many similarities that it's even funny sometimes."
"Like?"
"Your stubbornness. The stare you give when you want to know something, the commanding tone of voice, the way you always notice the smallest of things usually but are completely oblivious towards other things." He smirked. "Enough?"
Mika nodded, laughing. "Yeah, enough." Her eyes were sparkling amused and she sipped her coke. "Those are not very flattering qualities, are they?" She knew how much Die loved her father though and thus he meant them as a compliment.
"Well, depends on how one looks at them." Die shrugged. "I could count all of them as good sides too, at times. And you're both extremely loyal and caring persons."
"But those are features you have yourself," the girl stated honestly. "Say Die, during the time when dad was with mom, did you still love him?" she suddenly asked out of the blue. They had talked about it a couple of times, but only vaguely and so far, Mika had been too considerate of Die's and her father's privacy to demand an answer.
The redhead looked surprised, gazing at her from slightly widened eyes for a moment. "I dunno," he finally confessed honestly. "I guess I did. But I just didn't allow myself to think about it, and we were always just friends at that time."
"So it didn't hurt you when you had to see him with mom? You know," she tried to explain her thoughts a bit, "I somehow don't understand how you could've been together and then not for such a long time and then again together."
"It's not easy to understand," Die tried to explain, although he didn't know how. "I mean, we weren't ready to stick together back then. It would've caused too much troubles and I guess we were too afraid. So when we broke up, it was necessary to lock the feelings up somewhere, and not let them affect anything. You know, a human being can survive through surprisingly much when there’s no other choice."
"I see." The girl fell silent for a moment and then covered Die's hand with her own. "Thank you for being so honest with me. And I'm glad to have you as my stepfather."
"You're as good as a daughter to me." The redhead smiled, turning his hand to catch hers. "I hope you know it. We might not be related by blood but it doesn't make me love you any less."
"Thank you." One could see in the way her eyes were sparkling and in the bright smile she wore, how much those words meant to her. Not that she hadn't known it before, hadn't felt it, but it was good to hear it too.
"There's nothing to thank me for." Die looked her honestly in the eye, squeezing her hand a bit. It was slightly audible in his voice how emotional the moment was to him although he tried to chuckle casually as he spoke up again. "Should we get that burger for Kao and get going before he starves back home."
"Yeah." Mika nodded and then winked. "We should hurry. We both know how bitchy he can be when he is looking forward to something good to eat and then it takes ages to get there. I don't have to remind you of the pizza-incident." She stood up already and took her jacket, waiting for Die to follow.
"Oh, you don't need to remind me, that's right." The redhead chuckled, heading to the counter again to get the food for his lover. As soon as they got it, they headed straight to the car, intending on getting back home.
Kaoru was dozing on the couch, lazily opening his eyes when the two entered the living-room. The TV was running, but it was obvious that he hadn't paid any attention to it. "Hi," he mumbled sleepily, getting into an upright position. "Had a fun evening?" he asked his daughter. "Yeah, only in the end it got a bit annoying when some friends from school came over and we didn't get rid of them anymore," Mika explained instantly, not even blushing or blinking.
Die placed the bag with the food on his lover's lap, planting a chaste kiss on his forehead. "Now eat and then it's bedtime for you. You look like you're asleep already."
"Yes mom." The older guitarist smiled a bit and peeked into the bag curiously. He was hungry indeed and his smile widened considerably when he found his favourite burger in there. "Thanks you two. That was a good idea."
"You have to thank Mika for it. She was the one who wanted a burger in the first place." The redhead smiled, plopping down next to his lover and released a content sigh as he relaxed.
"Yeah, I should thank her for making me gain more weight. And that now, when we're having holidays and are lazy. I need to work out more." As if to nullify this, not honestly meant, argument, Kaoru dug his teeth deep into the burger.
"I can take care of that." Die smirked, before blinking at the other man innocently. "You don't need to be lazy although it's holidays."
Knowing that his lover hadn't thought about going jogging, the older guitarist chuckled a bit, shaking his head. He looked at his daughter who was sitting in the armchair. "And you, young lady, now off to bed with you."
"Ain't I allowed to stay up only a bit longer?" She tried her best pleading look.
"Yeah, but in your room. You now go, take a shower and then go to bed. It's been a long evening and Die and I want some peace." When Mika opened her mouth to reply something, he made a quick handmovement. "Ah! No contradiction."
"Just be a good girl." Die grinned at her. "You know there's no sense in trying to argue with him when he decided something."
Nodding obediently, Mika stood up. "Right. Have a good night you two. I just go, take a quick shower and then I'm off." She went over to first give her dad a kiss and then the redhead before waltzing out of the room.
"She really is amazing." The younger man had to chuckle, shaking his head a bit before turning to look at his lover. "And I just told her how much she resembles you."
"So you think she's this warm, kind, hellishly sexy and adorable person just like her father?" Kaoru asked, playfully kicking his lover with his foot.
"Well, I can only speak in general, since there's a difference between how I look at you and how I look at her." Die winked. "But you're both at least enough stubborn and strong minded."
"Thank God you look differently at us or I would've kicked your butt right now." Kaoru chuckled, crawling closer to his lover since he was done eating. "Care to give me a kiss which tastes like burger?"
"You know I always grant you your kiss." The redhead smiled, sneaking one arm around the other man and leaning to connect their lips in a soft and slow kiss.
It made the older guitarist sigh contently and he wrapped his arms around his lover on his side, getting a bit closer still. It was late, but still not their usual sleeping time. Dozing in front of the TV had made him tired though and he looked at the other man questioningly when the kiss had broken. "Wanna go to bed?"
"Fine with me." The answer came with a smile, since the younger man had nothing against the thought. "I at least don't have any better suggestions."
With a dramatic gesture, Kaoru switched off the TV and heaved himself off his lover. "Then come old man, let's get to bed," he joked, reaching out his hand to aid the other man get up. Die took the offered hand, pulling himself up and instantly practically falling against his lover. "I'm too tired to walk properly." He had to chuckle, and he wasn't that exhausted in reality although he was somewhat tired.
Grinning, the older guitarist slid his hands down his lover's back to his butt, pulling him closer. "Jump up and I carry you," he offered generously, squeezing the firm flesh underneath his palms.
"Really?" There instantly was a sparkle in the redhead's eyes, and he did as he had been told, wrapping his arms and legs around the other man. Kaoru smiled, folded his hands underneath his lover's butt and carried him towards the bedroom. Even though the other man was still quite heavy, despite his slim figure, he still enjoyed it.
It were moments like those, exchanged simple gestures and the obvious comfortableness Kaoru's proximity provided, that Die enjoyed to no end. And he knew better than to take it for granted, knowing how easily fate could decide to take it away from them.
In the bedroom, the older guitarist just let himself drop down on the bed, still clinging to his lover and chuckling merrily. For some reason, he was in a very good mood all of a sudden, probably thanks to the food and the fact that his lover was caring for his daughter just as much as he did. Suddenly, he took on a fake serious expression. "She was at this party, right?"
"What?" Die's eyes widened a bit and he simply stared at the other man quite dumbly.
"You know what I mean. The party we both forbade her to go to," the older guitarist went on, a faint smirk dancing at the corners of his mouth.
"How on earth did you figure that out?" The smile appeared back on the younger man's face.
"She smelled quite much like party," Kaoru answered shrugging. "But I already figured that when she called your mobile to pick her up." He planted a kiss on his lover's lips, maintaining the contact for a moment longer than necessary. "Don't worry, I won't tell her I know. I figure you already admonished her, right?"
"I did. And told her to never do it again or something terrible will happen." Die nodded, his smile even widening if possible.
Smiling, Kaoru took his head between his palms and gave him a couple of short, wet kisses on the lips. "I think it's good you went. I would've probably freaked out." He was suspiciously calm, but didn't seem like this was just the silence before the storm.
"It wasn't that bad yet. She's a clever girl and knew to get out of there in time," the redhead assured honestly and snuggled a bit closer to the other man, tangling their legs.
It made the older man smile contently, but still he wriggled out of the embrace. When Die gave him a questioning glance, he wordlessly opened the redhead's jeans. "No hun, not what you think now. Only getting ready for bed."
"Aw, too bad." Die sighed theatrically, stayed completely motionless and let the other man do all the work. "I was already getting my hopes high."
"Don't try to fool me! You're too stuffed and too tired to even lift your butt for me, let alone focus on other things." Kaoru was having serious troubles to drag the pants down, but then made a small approving sound as he found his lover naked underneath.
"Am not." Die tried to argue back but was in reality just beginning to relax so much that he wasn't sure if he'd be willing to move quite soon.
"The only sexual action you'd be able to perform now would be some 'Gods Kao' if I gave you a blowjob. And believe me," the older guitarist snickered, pulling his lover's shirt over his head before he attended his own clothes, "I would fall asleep during it myself."
"This really sounds like we're just beginning to be old and grey already." Die had to laugh, and sneaked under the blanket, lifting it for the other man to crawl close as well.
Unhesitantly, Kaoru followed the invitation and instantly snuggled close to his lover, resting his head on his chest and wrapping one arm around him. "No, it only means that we don't need to prove anything and can very well tell that a shag in the morning is just as good as at night and one doesn't need both necessarily."
"Well, true, I guess." The younger man chuckled, pressed a kiss on the other man's forehead and hugged him closer.
"Don't guess and don't give me a kiss like I was your grandson," Kaoru grunted and lifted his head, ready to receive a decent kiss.
"Well, if my kisses aren't enough then I might fall for not granting any of them." Die smirked, simply looking his lover in the eye.
"You evil bastard. Well, okay then." Kaoru pretended to be sulking and returned to his former position, but couldn't deny himself to push his legs between the other man's, seeking his warmth and even more closeness.
"Aw, don't be mad at me, love." The redhead took a hold of Kaoru's chin to make him look at him and gave him a short, soft kiss. "Better?"
"A little bit." The older man nodded and quickly caught his lover's lips, initiating a gentle, slow kiss. "But this was what I wanted," he gave away afterwards, pillowing his head on the redhead's shoulder with a content sigh.
"So you're happy now then?" Die had to chuckle, absent mindedly stroking the smaller man's back in slow circular movements.
"Yeah. Happy and tired," Kaoru nodded and tried to reach for the bedside lamp with the arm which was wrapped around the other man. He couldn't reach it though and finally sighed frustrated, leaving it to his lover.
The redhead switched off the light, and for a while they were just resting there together in silence, enjoying the closeness. Finally, Die spoke up in a soft voice though. "You know, there's something I wanted to talk about with you."
"Hmm?" Kaoru mumbled, almost already asleep. "Can't it wait till tomorrow?" Speaking alone made the pleasant leadenness in his limbs fade and banished sleepiness from his mind though.
"If you want to. I guess it's not that urgent." The redhead shrugged a bit.
"Now I'm awake again," Kaoru growled, shifting a bit to look at his lover. "And curious."
"Well, it's nothing dead serious so don't be worried." Die chuckled. "It's just about Mika. We talked quite long today, while eating..."
"I see." Instantly, the older guitarist became suspicious and glanced at the other man, although he couldn't see it in the darkness. Usually, when Die began a conversation like that, it meant that those two had figured out a perfect plan how to convince him of something which he usually wouldn't allow.
"You have noticed that she has grown a lot, into a fine young lady, right?" The redhead knew his lover could probably see right through him, but he still told it his way.
"Well," It was a mean question for Kaoru couldn't do anything but to agree. "Yes. Indeed." Although he sometimes still only saw the little 9-year old girl, he had of course noticed that his daughter had grown up a lot.
"Right. And today, she asked me something, and I think we could grant her that. She wants one of us to go with her so that she can get the needed signature for birth control pills." Die explained calmly, holding the other man close to himself and still keeping on stroking his back slowly, almost as if to calm him. "And now before you start freaking out, just think about it. Reasonably."
"But but but," the older babbled, trying to find the right argument to object. "But she's still a young girl and I don't want her to have the opportunity to sleep around whenever she feels like it. I want her to use rubbers." Only then, he realized what he had said and shook his head. "Fucking hell no, I don't want her to use anything."
"Kaoru... She is old enough, and you can't force her to act like a nun," the redhead tried to reason with him. "You know she's not going to start just sleeping around randomly."
"But you know how guys are... I just don't want my baby to get hurt." Kaoru sighed, glaring into nothingness as if his inner turmoil was the darkness' fault. He knew that it was only the right thing to give that damn signature, but he still didn't want to.
"I think she's old and clever enough to take care of herself. She has her father's strong will and she won't be easily taken advantage of." Die sensed that the other man might just give in, and gently pushed the topic still. "She will survive, and she'll always have a loving home to come back to."
"So you suggest I just go to the gynaecologist with her and give that signature?" Kaoru pulled a pained face, those topics not really meant for him. "Isn't that something she should do with her mom?"
"If you're uncomfortable with it I can go with her." The redhead chuckled. "And it's not that bad eventually. I somehow have the feeling that if we'd ask Nozomi she wouldn't be exactly enthusiastic to go…"
"She would blame us for spoiling the kid." The older guitarist snickered and then again sighed. "I think if she asked you, she might want you there. But we can go together or I go with her. She only has to tell me."
"I guess she thought it'd be sparing you if she asked me." Die hugged the other man a bit tighter for a moment. "I really don't have any problem with going there. And I think she deserves us to trust her with this."
"Traitor," Kaoru snarled, but didn't really mean it and was smiling softly the next moment. "Mika is such a lucky girl that I have a loving and caring partner by my side who tends to be the voice of reason at times."
"I just try to be useful." The redhead chuckled, thanking the darkness since the other man wasn't able to see his slight blush. "Besides, someone has to be there to make sure you two don't just collide too badly since you're too similar."
"And still I am her father and she should listen to what I say and moreover act like it." Before the older man could become too agitated, he inhaled deeply and counted to five. "Okay, I will sign that damn form. I hope you're happy now. You made me allow my little girl to lose her innocence."
"Aw, don't be too theatrical! And at least she was clever enough to ask, and not just try to cope without." Die leaned down to peck his lover's lips. "And I'm proud of you."
"I'm proud of myself too," Kaoru chuckled. "When she was born, I honestly never thought that moments like these would come. I mean where she takes boys home and introduces them as her boyfriends. I can deal with it if I know they only make out, but like this... I will have to check them more thoroughly from now on."
"Kaoru! You will not try to scare the poor boys away." The redhead had to laugh at his lover's words, as well as his firm tone of voice. "Don't even try it."
"No, I was only thinking about inviting Kyo over so that he maybe could have a little chat with them," the older guitarist answered innocently.
"Kaoru..." Die sounded even mildly threatening. "I will think of a decent punishment if you try to do that."
"A pleasant one?" Kaoru asked chuckling, knowing fully well that his lover hadn't meant it like that. "I never knew you were up for those things. You could've told me earlier...."
"I definitely didn't mean a pleasant one." The redhead had to laugh at the hopeful tone of the other guitarist's voice. "I could consider that as a reward for you though if you're a nice boy."
"To punish me?" The older man asked surprised. "So you think something like that would make me act less jealous and not try to threaten those guys?"
"Yeah, if it's the right kind of punishment." Die chuckled, his eyes sparkling as he turned to look at his lover. "Just be nice, alright?"
"Okay. But I'm allowed to talk to the boys or will you do that as well from now on?" Kaoru pouted a bit, although his lover couldn't see it. "I don't trust you enough with them anymore."
"I allow you to talk to them. But not without my presence." Die decided instantly, smirking brightly although it went to waste into the dark as well.
"What are you going to do then when I'm too hard on them? Slap me and send me to my room?" The older guitarist giggled at the mere thought, hugging the other man tight.
"Or just find something else to distract you enough." The redhead presented his perfect solution instantly, smiling brightly in the dark room. They were chatting for a moment still, only lying in each other's arms and enjoying the closeness. Slowly, they were drifting off to sleep though, both somewhat tired.
Only a few days later Kaoru accompanied Mika to get her the promised birth control pills she had asked for. She had been completely stunned that her father took the question so well, as he didn't even seem to want to give her another lecture about those things for the time being. He just shortly told her to be careful and take care of herself. He was slowly beginning to accept that his daughter was growing up fast, although he still didn't like it since it meant he wouldn't be able to protect her from the world like before.
Kaoru had to learn to trust Mika's choices and decisions and that alone frightened him to no end. He still remembered very well how he himself had been when he had wanted to get a girl or a guy into bed. Luckily, Toshiya, who had been worse than Kaoru, Die and Kyo together, had been determined to give the girl a lecture about boys and their tricks after Kaoru and Die had addressed the topic during practice. They were always talking about what was going on in their lives since they didn't see as much as during the old days, didn't hang out together till late at night after the shows anymore.
They all had to admit though that Mika seemed to be a really responsible girl and that she was well able to take care of herself. Besides, she had a family that was willing to back her up regardless of the situation and she could always come to someone when she had troubles. It still wasn't as if Kaoru and Die didn't look after the girl anymore. She still had to do as they told her, come home when she was ordered to just as a teenager should.
From time to time, when she was becoming too reckless and felt untouchable, Kaoru gave her some housework to do. He was convinced that she would thank him once. It only was helpful if one knew how to wash the laundry or cook certain meals when she lived alone once. Kaoru was certain his daughter would study, theatre most definitely and although he wouldn't be exactly thrilled about her choice, he'd still support her and help her to move in one of those dormitories. It was relieving for him to know that Die was there to support him, or to hold him back when he was becoming too strict.