Chapter Text
Alright, nothing had gotten lost, right? Granted, Splinter and Draxum had reserved a whole private train car for this trip with multiple compartments on the train from the Hidden City to Neo Edo and no one had entered or exited their car since they got on, but still! Maybe someone portaled or zapped in. That could happen, even if there were magic dampeners on the train… Right?
Yuichi couldn’t help himself from going into the room dedicated to everyone’s suitcases and backpacks. Alright, so there was Raph’s, Mona’s, Leo, Juan, CJ… Yeah, everyone’s bags were all accounted for. Even the emergency backpack for any medical or pain-based emergencies. Wait, was everything in there? Yuichi squatted down and unzipped the pockets, checking each one. Okay, so…
“What are you doing?” a voice asked from behind Yuichi, making him jump. When he glanced back, Yuichi saw Juan standing there, arms crossed and tail swaying slowly. He didn’t look upset, exactly. Just concerned.
Hadn’t he been busy with Donnie, April, and Mona when Yuichi had last checked on them? They had been deep in conversation about… something. “Just checking over our things,” Yuichi said as he looked back into the bag pocket in front of him. Okay, the creams for Mikey’s arms were here. So were the creams for Leo’s shell as well as Raph’s eye and scars.
Juan sighed. “You do realize you don’t need to check everything in the bags for the third time this trip, right? Yes, I have noticed.” Yuichu heard Juan walk over and squat down behind him. The hand on his shoulder was a surprise, but a welcome one. “You don’t have to worry, we’ve got this. Everyone will have an amazing trip and it’ll all be fine. And even if we encounter some problems, we’ll work them as we need to. We’re all good at that kinda stuff.”
Yuichi sighed and rubbed his face. Had to be careful of the eyeliner. “I don’t want there to be any problems to begin with. This is nearly everyone’s first trip ever, which I have planned and organized and spent a lot of time on. I know trips cannot be perfect but this is a three week celebration. It needs to be close to that with no problems.”
Juan shifted to sit next to Yuichi properly. “Well, share the load a little,” he offered, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I might not have experience planning a massive trip like this, but I do have experience working with a big group who doesn’t always do as they’re told. Let me take some of the responsibility here and then you can enjoy the vacation as much as any of us will. This isn’t just about the boys, after all.” He poked Yuichi’s cheek with the tip of his tail as he shifted to zip up the emergency bag. “This is a group vacation and I can tell you that they’d be upset if they knew you weren’t enjoying yourself and were too busy stressing.”
Yuichi groaned as he rubbed his neck, fiddling with the loose strands of his hair. “Easier said than done. I just…” There was a deep weight in Yuichi’s chest that he hadn’t felt he was able to get out. This was a trip. This was supposed to be fun. Sunshine and rainbows and worrying only a little bit about money spending. But… “I haven’t been back home since I first left, when I was feeling, well, not sound mentally. Even if I wasn’t planning or doing anything, I would be stressed.” Had Yuichi told Juan about these sorts of things before? He was sure he had. He’d told pretty much everyone, something he wouldn’t have been able to do a year ago.
“Getting out of a bad mental state can be rough, especially when you’re surrounded by or going to a place filled with reminders of it.” Juan leaned back against the seats and looked at Yuichi. There was a level of understanding that Yuichi hadn’t expected. “After I got mutated, I couldn’t leave home for like two months. And it took me another year before I was comfortable going to the arcade where I got mutated. Or any arcade for that matter, even if they were mutant friendly from the get-go. It just reminded me how different I was now compared to last time. But… having positive influences in my life and someone to share my load with helped immensely and now I’m the fabulous, confident, self-assured reptile you see before you.” He posed and playfully sparkled. Yuichi couldn’t help but snort fondly. Juan was such a dork, but also he was turning out to be a really good friend.
Yuichi shifted to lean back too and look out the window at the ocean that was passing them by at insanely fast speeds. “I definitely have been sharing the load, but… I guess I didn’t share this with anyone in the panic of getting this whole vacation to be real. It’s really difficult, even if you already have someone taking care of where you’ll be staying,” Yuichi said before he hesitated. He leaned against Juan. “You had already graduated high school when you were mutated, right? At least you didn’t have to worry about missing school.”
“Yeah, I got lucky there,” Juan said with a nod. “Graduated at seventeen, a year early, and it worked out for the better.” An arm was wrapped around Yuichi’s shoulder as he was held close. Juan also wrapped his tail around Yuichi’s ankle in what Yuichi recognized as a gesture of affection and an expression of comfort. Juan only wrapped his tail around someone when he was properly comfortable with them. Yuichi had only seen two other people get this treatment: Donnie and Mikey.
Yuichi felt his heart swell as he shifted to wrap an arm around Juan. “What did you do to be able to face the arcade again? Did you have any preparations?”
“Well, I reached out to a couple of friends and told them why I was scared to begin with,” Juan said, his tail squeezing Yuichi’s ankle lightly. “One of them was free so they offered to come with me and act as a buffer. They’d watch me so I could just watch everything else. And if I got too overwhelmed or needed a break, they’d pull me out. It took three trips before I was ready to go alone.”
Okay, so Juan knew. Would Leo know? Everyone sort of would know why he didn’t feel comfortable. Once he got talking, it was hard for Yuichi to stop… How did Donnie phrase it as? Trauma dumping? “Can you be one of my buffers when we get to my village? Please.”
Juan shot Yuichi an understanding smile. “I’m honored you feel comfortable asking me. Of course I will.”
Yuichi smiled back as his ear twitched. Oh, there was a slight rumble of the train. He recognized it from the last time he took this train, from Neo Edo to the Hidden City. “They’re going to make the announcement that we’re arriving soon. We should have everyone get their stuff,” Yuichi said before he slowly pulled away from Juan and stood.
Juan stood with him but kept his tail wrapped around Yuichi’s ankle for now. “Okay. But before we start gathering the troops, here’s how things are going to go down: you are going to lead the way and you’re going to leave wrangling our easily distracted darlings to me, CJ, and Mona, okay? All you need to do is focus on where we’re going and when we have to be there. Leave the rest for us.” Juan’s tone left no room for argument and honestly, Yuichi couldn’t be happier. It was good to have someone on his team who understood exactly what he needed. Juan was so observant.
“Okay, understood.” Yuichi felt a tension he didn’t realize was in his shoulders fade away as he rubbed his chest. He took a deep breath before he exited the private room in the car and made it out to where everyone was chatting and mingling. “Alright, they’re going to announce that we’re arriving at the station soon. We want to have our bags ready because that warning only gives us a one minute window until we arrive and need to leave,” he told the rest of the car.
Everyone looked up, giving Yuichi their attention before they all started buzzing around and grabbing their bags from the car he had just exited. Juan stayed close to Yuichi the whole time, but he did step away briefly to talk to Mona and CJ. While he wasn’t an original member, Juan was definitely becoming a part of the C Team all by himself.
The speaker system chimed above before the polite feminine voice spoke, in English first. “We are about to approach the Neo Edo station. Make sure you have all of your belongings so you may promptly depart from the train car once we arrive. Thank you, and we hope you enjoyed your journey and will enjoy your stay in Neo Edo.” She then began repeating the same information in Japanese.
“This place is so fancy,” Yuichi heard Mikey say. “It feels like the Grand Nexus Hotel on wheels!”
“Much better than the last mystic train we were on,” Leo agreed with a snort.
“For sure,” Raph also agreed. He gave a nod instead of a snort. “And we get it again on the way back. Gonna definitely try out one of the beds.”
“I don’t know if it’ll support you, Boss Man,” Donnie said before sympathetically patting Raph’s arm.
“I can help there,” Mikey shot Raph finger guns before giggling.
“It’s so good to be back in Japan.” Splinter was chatting with Draxum. “I haven’t been back since I moved to the States to pursue my acting career.”
“I’m glad you’re getting to visit home, Yoshi. You should show me where you grew up if we get a chance.” Draxum was smiling softly. Yuichi loved how much Draxum clearly adored Splinter. It was good for both of them.
“I think we’re all set and ready to go, mi capitán.” Juan was by Yuichi’s side suddenly. “All bags collected and secured, and everyone’s briefed on their role in getting us to the next train.”
Okay, that was good. Yuichi nodded and hoped his expression showed Juan how grateful he felt. “Thanks.” He took a deep breath as he walked to the doors. Yuichi could hear everyone lining up behind him as the train slowed down until…
The doors opened, and Yuichi quickly walked out. He heard the others follow as the familiar sights, sounds, and smells filled Yuichi’s senses. Finally back in Neo Edo.
He couldn’t focus on those now though. Yuichi focused on the path he needed to follow. He had to trust that his team would back him up and keep everyone in order. He couldn’t afford to be distracted or else he’d end up leading them all to the wrong train.
“Everyone, eyes on me. Mikey, don’t you go after that food stand. Donnie, eyes off the anime merch.” Mona was surprisingly commanding when she needed to be, her usually soft and sweet voice booming loud enough to keep everyone focused but not so loud that it was rude.
No one argued with her as Yuichi continued walking. He could feel the presence of everyone following him along as he went, which was good. Anytime someone seemed to get distracted, either Mona or CJ would help redirect that person to focus. He swore he even heard Draxum force Splinter and Casey from running off. Okay. They had this.
Yuichi managed to navigate his way through the achingly familiar station and to the train that would lead to his village. As he had hoped and planned for, it was basically empty so they had a whole carriage to themselves which was good because this family was not good at being quiet while they were relaxing. When he turned to do a headcount, everyone was present as the doors closed.
He let out a sigh of relief as the train started to chug along. It wouldn’t take long for them to get to his stop but Yuichi needed to mentally prepare himself. Yoruko and Sakura, his cousins who were just a year and two younger than him respectively, would be there at the station. They’d help too.
Leo came over and started rubbing Yuichi’s shoulders without a word being said. He somehow just knew exactly the right amount of pressure to apply. “Hey, you’re doing great. Just breathe, cariño,” he whispered, mindful of the unspoken rule of low volume while traveling.
Everyone else was chatting, though at a lower volume than they normally would. That fact and Leo helped Yuichi relax as he took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Just… breathe,” Yuichi echoed.
“That’s right. Just breathe. The hard part is over, we’re here. You got us to Japan in one piece and on to the right train.” Leo chuckled and kept rubbing Yuichi’s shoulders. “You’ve done great, Chi. So proud of you. Now you can relax a little, yeah? Don’t let yourself get too stressed out. This is your vacation too, after all.” Juan was spot on with his prediction, it seemed.
Yuichi couldn’t help but smile before he looked up at Leo. “I… I still am going to be stressed. Heading to the village,” he admitted, voice low so only Leo could hear. “Y’know…”
“I know, cariño.” Yuichi had told Leo everything, from the whispered insults and comments to the outright rejection Yuichi had faced growing up. “But you know, if you ever wanted the chance to prove them all wrong, now would be your best chance. You’re a Battle Nexus Champion, you’ve got awesome mystic powers, a large, powerful, and rich family, and you’ve saved the world. You totally get bragging rights.” Leo’s expression stayed soft but his eyes were bright behind his new glasses. Yuichi knew Leo wouldn’t do anything without his go ahead, he was good like that, but clearly he wanted to get to show Yuichi off.
“I…” Yuichi sighed and leaned his head against Leo’s shoulder. “I don’t know if I can say anything and brag.” He hoped Leo got what he was trying to imply.
Leo cocked his head, then nodded. “You won’t have to say a word,” he said with a wink and a grin. Across the train car, Yuichi saw Donnie lean over to the others and start whispering something to them.
Yuichi felt a wave of relief wash over him as the other turtles as well as Splinter seemed to be being briefed on whatever plan they had in mind. “Thank you.”
“Of course, Chi. We want you to be comfortable, but we were already kind of planning on something anyway,” Leo admitted sheepishly. “Only based on what you told the others. I haven’t said a word. And we wouldn’t have done anything without your go ahead anyway.” So based on the internalized homophobia and self worth issues the village had decided to give Yuichi because he arrived there with a sad set of circumstances. Knowing this family, they’d have something loud and proud planned.
“I appreciate that and you. All of you, but especially you, Lee.”
Leo let out a few adorable chirps. “As if I need more of an excuse to show off my amazing boyfriend.”
Yuichi rolled his eyes fondly. “Okay, Mr. Show-Off.”
Leo snickered and nuzzled against Yuichi. “You’ve known I was a showman from day one, cariño. You can’t say it’s a surprise.”
That for a snicker out of Yuichi. Phew, he was relaxed enough to do that right now. “No, but I can still comment about it.”
Leo chuckled at that and let out a soft churr. “That you can.”
“Hey, Rara? Where are we right now? Because my satellites say we’re directly under Tokyo, but this does not look like Tokyo.” Yuichi caught Donnie’s question. Huh. He had never really thought about it until recently, Yuichi never really interacted with the human world at all. He had never even seen a human until he moved to America.
“Well, Donatello, it’s quite ingenious,” Draxum started, sounding as proud as ever at Donnie’s constant curiosity. “The Origin protects yokai kind here. It has an immense power and literally allows for the yokai settlements in and around Neo Edo to exist in a separate dimension to the one we normally exist in.”
Huh. That… made a lot of sense. “So the Hidden City is being super jank with literally having the city beneath NYC instead of making a separate special dimension for itself. They looked at Neo Edo and copied it, but worse,” Casey said with a snort. “No offense, Mona.”
“None taken. But the Origin is much stronger than the Crying Titan,” Mona explained. “It’s not strong enough to create this same effect.”
Casey hummed and rubbed her chin as if deep in thought. “So it’s a cheap knockoff of Neo Edo then?”
“Kinda.”
“Hey, the Crying Titan was more of an accident than the Origin,” Leo defended. Wait, what? “The Crying Titan wasn’t supposed to crash. The Origin was the only intentional one.”
April looked over then, a curious look in her eyes. “Prime’s telling you that?” Leo nodded.
“ How does Prime know this?” Casey asked.
“Because the Crying Titan and the Origin are both Kraang ship crash sites from, uh, three thousand years ago? Give or take a few centuries?”
Casey blinked. “Was I the only one who didn’t know this? This feels important and like I should’ve known this already.”
“No, I didn’t know it either,” Mikey said, frowning.
“Neither did I, and it feels like that’s something I should have known,” CJ added, shaking his head.
“I was vaguely aware there was a link between the Kraang and Empyrean but not to that level,” Donnie volunteered. Yuichi was also aware of that connection thanks to the EPF.
“Uh, yeah, certain Kraang can make Empyrean,” Leo said with a shrug. “The Origin was intended to be the only crash site but Prime made a mistake and sent two instead of one, thus the Crying Titan was born.”
“Uh. Why did Prime do that? That seems sus as hell,” April said. “Especially since the Kraang also came down and created the Shredder.”
Leo glanced away awkwardly. “It was, uh, a gift. Earth needed the Empyrean, Prime provided it, and from it, yokai were created.” That part Yuichi knew. Every yokai knew that Empyrean was the lifeblood of yokai kind. “Prime was otherwise occupied with fighting a war back then so he didn’t turn his attention to Earth properly until later. And the Shredder…” Leo shuddered and held Yuichi a little tighter. “He was a result of the Kraang left over after Prime was already sealed in the prison dimension. He was a last ditch effort by the last Kraang on Earth to try and free Prime and the Technodrome. The one left wasn’t a Scientist so they couldn’t locate the key or convert anyone.”
Everyone was quiet for a good beat. “Well, it’s a good thing that Kraang is gone,” Casey said. Either she was totally unaware of the mood created or was trying to push it away. “Just gotta worry about getting Prime out and then we’re all good.”
“But we can worry about that after the vacation is over. It is just beginning and all of us have three weeks to enjoy Japan,” Splinter quickly added. “Isn’t that right, John?”
“Exactly,” Draxum said with a nod. “No need to be worrying about our usual day-to-day lives. Now is a chance for us all to relax and get to experience something new.”
“Exactly,” Leo echoed, clearly trying to jump on the new, more positive vibe. “I for one can’t wait to see everything. We’ve got so much planned and portals are going to make our lives so much better for us getting around.”
Yuichi nodded as he glanced at the digital sign near the doorways. Their stop was soon. “Yes. My auntie has a wonderful meal planned for when we arrive and the guest house should be ready for everyone. We have lots of things planned to do, and I know everyone has their little trips planned too. It’s exciting and fun!” He couldn’t let these conversations keep going. That would be a problem that would ruin this trip. They could talk about all of this when they got back. No need to keep worrying and talking about the Kraang.
Leo adjusted his hold on Yuichi as everyone went back to their individual conversations. He subtly gestured towards where Donnie and Juan were sitting together. Juan had his tail wrapped around Donnie’s ankle and he was leaning against him, eyes closed with his head on Donnie’s shoulder. Donnie very casually had his arm slung around Juan’s shoulder, seemingly not realizing how intimate the position was as he scrolled on his phone. “I think it may be time for my presentation soon,” Leo whispered to Yuichi with a small snicker.
Yuichi couldn’t help but smile. “I think so. He’s, uh… What’s the term?” Yuichi realized he was woefully unfamiliar with so many important and applicable terms to himself and others he cared for, but he was in a close-minded village and home schooled for a lot of his life. He didn’t have the internet or a lot of modern amenities until he arrived in America. He was still learning, sue him. “He isn’t aromatic-asexual, but he’s…?”
“Demiromantic. And probably bisexual, honestly.” Leo kept his voice low. “He needs the emotional connection before feelings and attraction can even start to form. But when he does get there, it doesn’t matter if they’re a man or a woman. We’re just lucky it’s Juan. I like Juan.”
Yuichi glanced at Juan and the happiness radiating off of him was contagious. “I do too,” Yuichi murmured.
The chime of the train went off. Yuichi instantly turned and waved for everyone to get up as the voice started speaking in Japanese. “This is our stop. Yoruko and Sakura will be waiting for us. We need to be quick as we get off.”
Like a switch being flipped, everyone went from calm and casual to instantly paying attention. Bags were grabbed and any and all conversations were stopped. Juan sat up, pouting a little at being knocked out of his comfy position. Yuichi couldn’t help but snicker.
Everyone filed in a line and Yuichi took a deep breath. It was going to be okay. His cousins would be there. They and his other family members would help him.
The doors opened and Yuichi filed out. He held Leo’s hand tight as they walked. The rolling hills and paths to not just Yuichi’s village but the neighboring villages made his tail wag but his stomach ready to hurl. He just focused on walking ahead and making sure everyone got out before the train swept them away.
Yuichi glanced around. Where was—
[Yuzu!] Two fast moving, bunny-shaped figures launched themselves at Yuichi, almost knocking him over as they clung.
After stumbling back, Yuichi steadied his footing and clung to the forms of Yoruko and Sakura. [Ruko! Saki!] His nerves were pushed aside as he clung onto his two cousins. Oh, he hadn’t realized how much he missed them until now.
“Wow, and I thought he was short,” Yuichi heard someone comment from behind. He ignored it in favor of looking over his cousins.
Sakura, a thirteen year-old gray rabbit yokai with brown and white spots, grinned so brightly. She was decked out in such feminine girly clothes. Was she dabbling in Lolita-inspired trends? Her accessories definitely said so. Her hair was curled up around her ears, as if her ears were extensions of her curly hair. It was adorable.
Oh, and Yoruko. Fourteen with brown fur and dark brown hair with the complete opposite sense of style. Very grunge and very street fashion. Baggy clothes with purpose that weren't all black, actually with a good amount of color, but still bold all the same. Her hair was loose and went down past her tail, and wait—
[Did you get more piercings since I was last here, Ruko?] Yuichi asked as he grabbed one of her ears that showed off the piercings. [How did you convince Auntie to let you get those? Her limit was two per ear.]
Yoruko just grinned. [I have my methods.] Yuichi had missed the mischief in her expression, the light in her eyes, and the warmth in the hugs from the both of them.
[It's been too long, Yuzu! You’re not allowed to go for so long again,] Sakura insisted, nuzzling against Yuichi’s shoulder. [We’ve all missed you so much and Yui keeps asking where you’ve been!]
Yuichi made sure he called his family at least once a month for video calls though. [I've been keeping up with calls, but I'll try to call more often. And visit more,] he said as a form of apology, bowing his head. As he did, he smirked when he heard his cousins yelp from his flopping ears attacking their faces. Heh. [You need to be better at responding to the messages I send you, both of you.]
[You know the signal sucks oh the farm,] Sakura whined.
[And we’re spending most of our free time on the farm because there are more chores than ever! Mama has expanded the crop fields again,] Yoruko added with a huff. [And we have more chickens and animals to take care of. Without you here, we have more work.]
[What, and you haven't figured out the trick to have the other girls be able to help you all out?] Yuichi asked as he poked their sides. [I thought you two were smart. I'm supposed to be the dummy out of us three.]
[You’re also the oldest,] Yoruko pouted.
[And the most manipulative!] Sakura added, poking Yuichi’s cheek and swatting at his ear. [You say you’re a dummy but you’re not. And I can and will fight anyone who says you are!]
[Sakura, hush.]
Yuichi hummed before pulling his head back. [I'll teach you guys the secrets if you're nice to me,] he teased as he took a deep breath. [And if you're nice to our guests.]
Sakura blinked and looked over at everyone. Then she stepped back from Yuichi and gave a little bow. Well, time to see if Draxum’s spell worked. “It is nice to meet you all. My name is Usagi Sakura. This is my older sister, Usagi Yoruko.”
Yoruko have a casual salute. “‘Sup.” She had never been one for formalities. It was nice to know that hadn’t changed.
Instead of blank stares or looks of confusion, everyone nodded and smiled and gave some sort of wave so Yuichi was hopeful that the spell seemed to be in place.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Sakura,” Splinter said in Japanese. Mikey and Raph did a double take but Donnie seemed unfazed. “Thank you for coming with your sister to escort us from the station today.”
"Of course. Thank you for making sure Yuzu made it here in one piece," Sakura said, still in Japanese. That got a few snickers and everyone grinned at that. Phew, the spell worked! Thank you Draxum.
Wait. "What are you talking about, Saki?" Yuichi asked in a too-sweet tone as he reached over and pinched her cheeks between his fingers. " I'm the one who led everyone here in one piece."
Sakura shoved Yuichi’s hand off with a small huff. “Mhm, sure. As if you constantly getting on the wrong train growing up wasn’t proof enough that you’re hopeless with direction.”
Leo chuckled softly, then stopped and shrunk down a little when both Sakura and Yoruko fixated on him. Yuichi took that as an opportunity to help relieve some nerves of Leo. He pulled away from his cousins and wrapped an arm around Leo and gestured as grand as he could to his boyfriend. "This is my boyfriend, Leo. Leo, these are Yoruko and Sakura."
Leo bowed his head when he was introduced, only not bowing properly because of Yuichi’s arm around him. Cute. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
Sakura gave Leo a once over before nodding with her nose in the air. “He’ll do.”
“Be nice, Saki,” Yoruko admonished. “It’s nice to meet you, Leo. Yuichi has told us a lot about you.”
“Hopefully all good stuff,” Leo joked, his cheeks a little pink. He was clearly trying to ignore his brothers all snickering at him. Each of his brothers got smacked in the back of the head by Mona, Juan, and April. No way would Casey have not egged on the snickering. She even got a whack from CJ, who looked away with fake innocence when she squawked.
“Yes, it’s all good. If they say otherwise, they’re trying to get a reaction out of you,” Yuichi promised.
“Yuichi mentioned that you and your family are ninjas?” Yoruko asked, her eyes lighting up a little. She had always found ninjas more interesting than samurai for some reason, even if they were all raised on the stories of Usagi Miyamoto.
“Yes, we are,” Leo said with a smile. “And I often use that skill to fight alongside Yuichi in the Battle Nexus.”
Mikey popped on over then, grinning as he spoke. “I’m a badass mystic warrior on top of being a ninja. Hi, I’m Mikey!”
Yoruko’s eyes sparkled and Yuichi knew that Mikey had just got himself a fan. “Nice to meet you, Mikey. What sort of mystic stuff can you do?”
“Oh, all sorts!” Mikey started rambling as he and Yoruko started walking together.
“Your dress is very pretty, Sakura,” Mona said, smiling and waving shyly.
Sakura stared up at Mona with wide eyes before she bowed at the waist. “Thank you! You’re very pretty— I mean your outfit is very pretty!”
Mona giggled and offered her hand. “Thank you. Here, do you want to walk with me and Raph? I’d love to hear about the inspiration for your outfit and style.”
Stars were in Sakura’s eyes as she lifted her head up to look at Mona and her outstretched hand. “I— Uh— Um— Shuh— Sure!” She quickly took Mona’s hand as she stood up and stuck right by her side, her cheek fluff puffed out.
Leo chuckled and shifted to hold Yuichi’s hand as everyone started walking. “I think our families are getting along so far.”
Yuichi snickered and nodded. “For sure.” This was a good sign. A very good sign.
“What?!” Yuichi turned to look at Yoruko. Her cheek fur was puffed up and she was staring at Splinter in shock, everyone pausing and stopping walking for now. “You’re— You— You’re Lou Jitsu?! Yuzu didn’t tell us you are Lou Jitsu and family!”
Splinter chuckled and shrugged. “Maybe because it didn’t cross his mind. He does have a lot going on, but you know now. I take it you like my previous works as an actor?”
“Your movies are my favorites!” Yoruko cried.
“We all grew up watching the Lou Jitsu movies,” Sakura explained with a grin. “They’re one of the ones shown during the movie day we had most weekends in the village. Day time ones for the kids, and then later showings for the less suitable ones for teens and adults. They are some of the best movies we’ve ever seen.”
That made Splinter laugh as he rubbed the back of his head. “Oh, why thank you. That is quite high praise, especially with the high quality of movies Japan produces. Why don’t we walk and talk?”
Yoruko dashed back to where Splinter was walking, dragging Mikey along with her as everyone resumed walking. Yuichi spotted how her tail was wagging a mile a minute.
“Well, that’s one point in my favor with your cousins,” Leo joked softly, staying close to Yuichi and squeezing his hand. With how they were walking, it would be hard to see that he and Leo were holding hands. Yuichi appreciated the gesture. That would give Yuichi a chance to build up to being open with Leo around the village.
“It definitely is,” Yuichi said with a smile as they all filed along behind Yoruko, Sakura, and the family members they had claimed to cling and talk to. It was nice. It helped keep him from heaving as they got closer and closer to the village.
“Just breathe, cariño,” Leo murmured when rural roads and lush hillsides transitioned into small buildings and houses. “We’re all here with you. These people don’t know you, no matter what they believe. Everyone here knows just how amazing and intelligent you are.” He glanced over at Splinter and nodded, then Donnie leaned back and whispered something more that Yuichi couldn’t catch.
Yuichi slowly exhaled and nodded. They were right. He wasn’t dumb or someone in need and to be pitied. He was strong, confident, and amazing.
Even so, Yuichi couldn’t help but tense as they started to walk through the village square. This was the quickest way to get back to the farm. The market was currently out and bustling, though Yuichi knew Auntie wasn’t selling here. Every so often she did, but most of her produce and products went to Neo Edo’s restaurants for high prices. He could feel the eyes of everyone look their way.
When the whispers started, Yuichi’s stomach began to churn. He had forgotten this feeling, the awkward shame he had always tried so hard to ignore that followed him whenever he was in the village when he was growing up. He hated it.
“Well, Usagi-kun, I’m surprised to see such an accomplished champion came from such a humble village,” Splinter said suddenly, startling Yuichi out of his thoughts. Wait, he sounded different. Was he using his ‘Lou Jitsu’ voice?
Yuichi’s head swiftly turned to look at Splinter. He was holding himself higher too, walking with more confidence. “Yeah, you’d never think that the Battle Nexus Champ, Usagi Yuichi, woulda come from here, Pops,” Raph said with his booming voice.
“Yeah, it’s so small. There’s nowhere for him to train!” Mikey complained loudly. “How is he one of the best fighters in the whole of the Hidden City if he didn’t have a dojo?”
"Yeah, he bested some of the strongest members of the Battle Nexus totally by himself within his first few weeks!" Casey cried, flailing a little.
“That’s because he doesn’t need to train.” CJ was walking with his head held high, his Japanese perfect in every sense even without the spell helping. “His fighting prowess is all natural talent. The training he’s been doing since staying with us has just been to hone the skills he was born with.”
“Surely everyone here treated him so kindly, as he’s not just a skilled fighter but a genuinely kind person. It’s like he’s the full package,” Donnie said as he glanced around, up from his phone. No one dared to meet his gaze.
“They better treat someone who helped to save the world with respect,” April added with a nod. “I know I wouldn’t wanna disrespect a hero, especially one who is so close with Lou Jitsu and his family. Right guys?”
Everyone made a sound of agreement. "Usagi-kun is a very special young man. He's not only helped save the world, he's saved our lives directly. More than once, even!" Mona chimed in with a grin. She shot Yuichi a wink when he looked over to her with a small bit of shock.
"And he's ranked one of the most desirable young men in the Hidden City for both men and women," Juan cooed, leaning against Donnie. "He's got the looks, the talent, the skills, and he's one of the kindest and sweetest people ever." Wait, that was an actual survey? When was that sent out?
"Well, we're lucky he'd decided that he wants to be part of our family," Draxum said, somehow giving off an air of superiority. That's right, he was born as part of the nobility of the Hidden City. He was used to being the center of attention.
"I know I'm lucky to have him as my partner, both in and out of the arena," Leo agreed, tugging Yuichi to stop for a moment and turning to face him. "There's no one else I'd rather spend my time with, or my life." There was a silent question in Leo's eyes. He was searching for confirmation that Yuichi would be okay with his actions.
Yuichi took a deep breath and subtly nodded to Leo. “You all are too good to me, I swear,” he honestly said as he squeezed Leo’s hand.
"Only as good as you deserve, my darling," Leo cooed, leaning forward to rub their noses together. Then he pressed a sweet, gentle, loving kiss to Yuichi's lips, lingering for a moment before pulling back.
The sounds of scandalous surprise and shock went in one ear and out the other for Yuichi. He felt brave, surrounded by all of these people who cared for and loved him. Yuichi wrapped an arm around Leo’s waist and dipped him. “I still say you all treat me too good,” he said before he left a lingering kiss against Leo’s lips, making sure not to knock against Leo’s glasses. Even if he pulled back after a few seconds, Yuichi knew Leo’s head would be spinning from that one.
Vaguely, Yuichi thought he might have heard fireworks going off somewhere as he took in Leo's dizzy expression but he didn't care. The absolute adoration in Leo's gaze was enough to drown out everything else for a moment. Yeah, he was proud of that kiss. It was rare to render Leo totally speechless like this.
Yuichi brought Leo back up to his feet and snickered at Leo just blinked. “You rendered the endless void of nonstop chatter to silence. Well done,” Donnie said with a nod. He high-three’d Mikey and then Raph. “Thank you, I know I did good with that one.”
Leo didn't respond, he just shyly pressed closer to Yuichi and churred. When Yuichi glanced back, he saw Leo's tail was wagging a mile a minute. Cute. "Come along, children. We mustn't keep Usagi-kun's family waiting. His aunt has been very kind in hosting us for these next few weeks." Draxum started herding everyone and sending them down the street and towards the farm.
Yuichi let himself be herded as he pressed himself back against Leo. As they left, he swore he saw Yoruko and Sakura giving smug looks to the villagers that stared. Yoruko even did the ‘I’m watching you’ hand gesture. It took everything Yuichi had not to break out into laughter at that one.
"I like this family, Yuzu. Well done finding them," Sakura said as soon as they were outside the village and out of earshot of its residents.
“Would you believe me if I said I found them by chance?”
Raph nodded. “He’s right. He just happened to serve us pizza his second night on the job.”
"Junior did play a part in that. I think he wanted to set Leo and Yuichi up from the get-go," CJ said with a snicker. "What was it that Junior asked you, Yuzu? Didn't he ask you if you liked men or something during your interview?"
Thinking back on that day made Yuichi burst out laughing. “He was with Hueso during the interviews. He was just staring so intently at me and, while Hueso was taking a break to drink water, said, ‘You like men. Clearly you do. You know that you like men, right? I need confirmation.’” He did his best to mimic Junior’s voice. “I was so confused because I didn’t realize he meant that I was attracted to men so I just went, ‘Yes? Doesn’t everyone unless they’re sexist?’”
That got a good laugh out of everyone, Leo included. The sound warmed Yuichi’s chest and helped to fuel his energy even more. He wasn’t being laughed at. Everyone was laughing with him because everyone found his story funny. There wasn’t a trace of mockery in any of their laughs or faces. Yuichi was so damn lucky and so damn loved these days.
This walk and trail, coming back to the farm from the village, was making Yuichi feel so damn happy. Surrounded by so many people he loved, he looked around and took in the sight of the acres of farmland. The coup for the chickens and their barn was renovated for sure. It looked a lot brighter and warmer. Oh, and the apple trees were getting ready for the fall harvest.
“Donatello, are you seeing this?” Draxum asked, gesturing to some crops that were growing near the path. “I’ve never seen such healthy looking plants in my life.”
In an instant, Donnie yanked himself away from Juan to look over some of the crops. The pout Juan had on made Yuichi snicker. “Oh, this is incredible,” he cooed, gently resting his fingers under one of the many leaves. “Is it the soil that’s making the crops here so healthy? The attentive care? The fertilizer?”
“I don’t know. I just know that even mystically cared for plants don’t look even half as good as these do. Every single one looks so healthy.” It was easy to forget that Draxum was as much a botany nerd as Donnie was. Yuichi often forgot until he found the two of them in Donnie’s greenhouse both getting as giddy as children over some new discovery.
“I don’t understand the excitement over plants,” Juan muttered as he walked over. “But it is cute to see how excited he is. His tail’s even wagging.”
Yuichi shrugged. “Even my auntie isn’t this excited over them and this is her farm,” he said. He reached over and patted Juan’s arm reassuringly. “Hey, getting him flowers will always excite him at least. Well, as long as they’re potted and not cut flowers.”
"I may have already been eying a few up during that shopping trip you took me on," Juan admitted softly. "There was this lovely blue one that really caught my eye that I think he'd really like."
Leo snickered. "Make sure it's a similar shade to you and he'll love it. He might even keep it by his bedside."
"I'll keep that in mind."
There was a sudden cacophony of screams that made Yuichi’s head turn. He’d recognize that blood-curdling screeching anywhere. “What— You’re all supposed to be helping Mom with— Hey!” Yoruko cried out as she and everyone else was shoved aside by an army of bunny children.
Six little sets of hands were suddenly grabbing Yuichi as his little cousins started circling him, making happy little bunny sounds as they all made sure to keep some level of contact with him. “Yuzu's home! Yuzu's home!" They were all cheering and chanting and little Yui kept giggling and squealing in delight. Yuichi squatted down and looked at all of his little cousins.
Chie, eight and an adorable trouble maker. She had on a cute red dress that complimented her braids and brown fur coat.
Ai, seven with a need for attention. She was holding onto his jacket sleeve like always, her ears tied back like a ponytail with her favorite necklace on. Her black fur complimented her green-and-purple outfit.
Miwa, six and with such a curious look. She was looking over all of Yuichi’s new articles of clothing with wide brown eyes, which matched her brown fur. Her blue outfit matched her blue eyes.
Hinata, five and honestly more interested in Yuichi’s new clothes than Miwa. She was admiring all the details as she brushed her hair back. The purple in Yuichi’s shirt matched all her accessories, and she was really stepping it up with the bangle bracelets.
Ume, four and shy, as always. Her free hand was in front of her mouth as she tried to hold Yuichi’s hand. He couldn’t help but let her, knowing that she wouldn’t try to climb and ruin her pretty yellow skirt if he did this.
And finally, Yui. Freshly three and pure white like Yuichi except for her ears, which were both black. She giggled and bounced happily around Yuichi with her orange dress bouncing along with her.
"Looks like someone's been missed," April said with a chuckle.
In an instant, all six little cousins hid behind Yuichi, none of them losing contact with him."Is that a human?" Miwa whisper-shouted, peeking around Yuichi with wide eyes.
"She's so pretty..." Hinata whispered too. "Her hair looks like puffy flowers!"
April proudly brushed her hair up. “Why thank you, small bunny kid.”
Yuichi couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, we actually have two humans. I told you all I was bringing humans over. Did you guys not listen to me over the video call we had last week?” They had probably been too excited to process everything.
"Where's the other human?" Ai asked. Then she gasped and ran over to CJ. "Your hair is cool! Why have you got green in only one part of your hair? How did you meet Yuzu?" She gasped happily as her tail started wagging. "Do you like sports?"
CJ chuckled and squatted down. “You have a lot of questions. You must love to learn, huh. I’m more than happy to answer all of your questions.”
Meanwhile, Casey looked over with a look of shock and betrayal. “Uh, hello! Human right here.”
“Yeah, I’m actually a mutant but I don’t look it. Whoops,” CJ said, not at all looking sorry. Yuichi was sure that if children weren’t around, Casey would be making plenty of inappropriate gestures towards CJ.
"Your hair is really cool too, miss," Hinata said, walking over to April and Casey. She stood noticeably closer to April but her eyes were wide and bright as she looked at Casey's pink and orange hair. "It's very bright and colorful."
Ume let go of Yuichi's hand and walked over to Raph. She stared up at him with stars in her eyes. As Casey preened under the sudden attention, Raph smiled and squatted down to be closer to Ume. “Hi there. What’s up?”
"You are very tall, mister, and very spiky." Uh oh. Yuichi knew exactly where this was going. Considering how much everyone climbed on Raph, though, Yuichi wasn't too concerned. It was safer than Ume trying to climb trees.
Raph chuckled. “I am. Thank you for noticin’.”
Ume’s hands opened and closed a little as she bounced on the balls of her feet. “Can I climb up your shell, please?”
Raph hummed in thought. “As long as you’re careful, yeah. Don’t want you fallin’ and hurting yourself.”
“I’m a good climber!” Ume said brightly before hopping on to Raph’s tail and scrambling up his shell with practiced ease. She was careful not to force his spikes through his jacket and tear the fabric, instead gripping the fabric around the spikes. She perched on his shoulder with a cheer and hugged his head. “Thank you, Mr. Turtle.”
“You’re welcome, but you can call me Raph,” he said around a chuckle.
Yuichi could help but smile as he watched more of his cousins trail off and claim other people. Miwa wandered over to Juan as he wandered back to Donnie, who was looking at Chie. “Why’s your voice sound like that?” Miwa asked Juan.
“You mean my accent?” Juan said, offering his hand to Miwa as they walked. “Well, my family is Colombian, even if I grew up in New York. I speak Spanish at home more than I do English.”
Mira happily took it. “That’s cool.”
“Thank you, niña.” Yuichi spotted how Mira lit up at the word. “I can teach you some if you’re interested.”
Her ears bounced wildly as she nodded. “Please!”
“What are you teaching that child?” Donnie asked as he looked over from where he had been seemingly talking with Chie.
“Just a little Spanish, principe,” Juan assured Donnie with a grin. “She likes my accent.” To be fair, so did Yuichi. It was a cool accent, a mix of New York and Hispanic, though he didn’t know Juan’s family was from Colombia. That was a cool fact to learn about his friend.
Donnie hummed as he turned his gaze back to Chie. “Okay, because this child wants to apparently learn dark secrets from me.”
“You smell like mischief,” Chie said, staring up at Donnie with an intense gaze. “I want to learn your brand of mischief. You use machines which is something I haven’t managed to get the hang of yet.”
With his hands on his hips, Donnie looked down at Chie with a raised brow. “And why should I?”
Chie smirked and tugged on a string. Instantly, one of the scarecrows that were normally deeper in the field appeared right in front of Donnie, making him jump back. “Because I know how to do mystic mischief. We can help each other.”
Donnie looked over the scarecrow for a moment once he seemed to calm down. Please don’t listen to her, please— “Alright, little bunny girl. Just don’t use any of your mischief and tricks on me or Juan ever and we have a deal.”
“Deal.” Chie held her hand out with a smug grin. Eugh boy, Yuichi was so in trouble now that those two were pairing up.
“Seems like the whole family is pairing up,” Leo said softly with a small snort. He gave a small wave to Yui where she was still hiding behind Yuichi. “But I don’t see your Auntie here. I would have thought she would have been out here as soon as the girls were. I’m starting to get a little nervous, I thought I was ready…”
Yuichi reached back and down, rubbing Yui’s head to comfort her. “Well, like Yoruko said, they were all supposed to be helping Auntie out. She probably doesn’t know we’re here yet.” After thinking for a moment, Yuichi squatted down and looked at Yui. “Hey Yui, can you go get your mom for us?”
Yui looked up at Yuichi and nodded. “You will still be here if I go?” she asked, fiddling with the hem of her shirt.
Oh, his heart. “I will be,” Yuichi promised as he kissed the spot between her ears. “We’re going to be here for three weeks, for three trips where your mom will deliver food to Neo Edo.”
Yui lit up and her tail started wagging. “Okay. I will get Mama!” She turned and ran off.
“Cute kid,” Leo commended, rubbing Yuichi’s back as he stood. “That’s Yui, right? The one who’s named after you?”
Yuichi nodded as he looked back at Leo. “She is. I wasn’t the first person brought in to meet her after she was born, but I was the first one she held onto and spoke to.”
“That’s so cute,” Leo cooed. “She looks like you too.”
“What, because she’s almost pure white in terms of fur?”
“Mhm. But also her eyes. They’re the same shade of brown as yours.”
Yuichi raised a brow. “That’s like saying you and your brothers look alike because you’re both turtles and have the same eye color. Genetics make you look similar.”
Leo rolled his eyes fondly. “Let me admire how cute it is that you’re both almost the same color. The rest of your cousins barely resemble you except for the fact you’re all rabbits.” He poked Yuichi’s side playfully.
“Wow, you could say the same thing then as well about your own brothers. You’re all different breeds of turtles, but you’re still turtles and related,” Yuichi said as he took Leo’s hands in his own and held them out to the side.
Leo giggles and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Yuichi’s nose. “Exactly. We don’t look at all like each other. You and Yui look similar, so it’s cute.”
“But your brothers have similar eye colors and you all have powers and— Ack!”
Leo grabbed Yuichi around his waist and threw him over his shoulder. “Hey girls, look! I caught a white rabbit for you all.” Yuichi heard his cousins all start giggling as Leo paraded Yuichi around, holding him carefully but tightly.
Yuichi tried to wriggle free. “You jerk. Put me down or else,” he demanded as he pouted at Leo.
“Or else?” Leo shot a grin over his shoulder at Yuichi. “Or else what, cariño?” Yuichi spotted Juan lean down to Miwa and whisper something to her. She giggled in response.
“You really want to test your luck and find out?” Yuichi asked. Well, he felt like being bold. How would Junior phrase it? He was entering his bold era? Something like that.
“I’m a pretty lucky guy, so why not?” Leo’s grin just grew. There was a sparkle in his eyes too. Clearly he liked how bold and proud Yuichi was right now.
Yuichi reached up then and pinched the back of Leo’s neck. As Leo yelped in shock, Yuichi also tugged him down to kiss his face and then him on the lips. While Leo was shocked, he flipped out of Leo’s loose hold and picked him up and over his shoulder.
Leo yelped in surprise before he started laughing. “Okay, you got me. Plus, I’m being carried around by my amazingly handsome and strong boyfriend. I’m failing to see a downside here.”
“This.” Yuichi reached up and started tickling the back of Leo’s neck.
Leo squealed and squirmed as he tried to escape, eventually pulling his head into his shell and grabbing on to his scarf and glasses. "I should have expected that."
“Yeah, you should have,” Yuichi agreed before he shifted to hold Leo in front of him, against his torso, by his shell. “You instigator.”
Leo poked his head out his shell and grinned. "Guilty as charged." Yuichi could feel how his tail was wagging.
"Yuzu! Yuzu! I got Mama!" Yui ran over and tugged on Yuichi's jacket, smiling proudly up at him.
In an instant, Leo was out of Yuichi's arms and was smoothing out his clothes. The nervous energy he had from before was back full force, even if he was clearly trying to keep it contained.
Auntie walked over, under the archway of entrance to the farm. She had a warm smile and Yuichi could feel his worries melt away with her here. As soon as she held her arms open, Yuichi hurried over and clung to her. “Hi Auntie,” he murmured.
"Hello, my little Yuzu." Even if Yuichi was the same height as Auntie, he still felt very small and very safe wrapped up in her hugs. "You've gotten bigger since I last saw you, oh my goodness! What are they feeding you in America?"
Yuichi couldn’t help but snicker. “Food,” he said teasingly.
"Clearly a lot of good food," Auntie agreed. She pulled back and squeezed his upper arm. "Look at these big muscles!"
That got a laugh out of Yuichi. “Well, you know I’ve been doing a lot of fighting. It’s probably that,” he pointed out. “The Hamatos make a lot of really good, hearty food that can also add to it.”
"Ah yes, the Hamato clan you've told me so much about." Auntie pinched Yuichi's cheek before letting him go. "Time to introduce me to them properly. And I want to meet your boyfriend. I need to make sure he's good enough for my little Yuzu."
“He’s nervous,” Yuichi admitted, his voice soft enough that he knew Leo wouldn’t hear. “He really wants you to be able to like him.”
"And I'm sure I will. You wouldn't give your heart to just anyone," Auntie replied just as softly. "But messing with him just a little is a good way to see his character." She winked before turning to face the others. "Hello. I'm Usagi Makoto. Welcome to my farm." She bowed politely and got a variety of bows in return.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Usagi-san," Leo said, bowing formally. Then he stopped when Yui walked over to him and got right under his face.
"Uppies!" she demanded, holding her arms up.
Leo's eyes softened and he couldn't help but smile. "Okay. But I am trying to be polite to your mom."
"Uppies!" Yui demanded again, giggling brightly when Leo got out of his bow and picked her up. Her giggles turned to peals of laughter when Leo not only scooped her into his arms, he tossed her into the air and caught her easily, then balanced her on his hip with a practiced ease.
Yuichi couldn’t help but smile as he watched. The tension Leo had before and his nerves melted away as he held Yui close. Her laughter seemed to be the best medicine to help Leo.
Yuichi spotted how all his cousins were now nodding to each other and Yoruko sent Yuichi a subtle thumbs up. Yui was notoriously shy and nervous around new people. She also had the best judge of character, somehow always knowing when someone had bad intentions. The fact that she went over to Leo by herself and was so relaxed and happy with him seemed to be enough to earn the approval of all her sisters.
Auntie was nodding and smiling softly at the sight in front of her too. "You clearly chose a good one," she whispered.
Leo cleared his throat and turned back to Auntie, still holding Yui close. She had flopped against him, nuzzling against his cheek and making little happy bunny sounds. "Uh, it's nice to meet you ma'am," he said, looking a little embarrassed.
Auntie walked over to Leo and smiled fondly. “Even though we already said this before, it is nice to meet you as well,” she said with a chuckle.
Leo smiled hopefully. Then he giggled when Yui hugged him tightly. "Thank you for having us. We've all been really excited for this trip since Yuichi told us last week."
“It is my pleasure. We are more than happy to have you all. Now, are you all ready to eat a nice dinner after a day of traveling?” There was a chorus of agreement from the group.
"Oh, uh, ma'am? Where are we staying? Raph wants to get the bags away before we all get settled." Ume was still perched on Raph's shoulder, kicking her legs happily.
Auntie looked over with a look of surprise. “There’s a lot of bags. We can take the bags over to our guest house,” she offered as Yoruko and Sakura perked up.
"Oh, it's fine. Raph’s got this." Raph took a breath and summoned half a dozen shadow clones who all picked up the bags. "Mind showing 'em where we're taking these?" Raph asked, his grin showing off his snaggletooth. One of the clones scooped up Sakura and let her perch on his shoulder.
Sakura yelped but looked so buzzed. “Yeah. This way,” she said as she pointed in a direction. All of the clones followed her directions as all of the rabbits stared at the clones in awe.
Auntie walked over to Raph and looked up at him. “Can you teach my daughters to do that? Preferably the eldest two?”
Raph laughed sheepishly. “I dunno, but I can try.”
Auntie nodded, then looked at Yuichi. “Can you do that too, Yuzu?”
Yuichi blinked and shook his head. “What? No. That’s a Raph thing. I can make illusion bubbles.”
“Illusion bubbles?” Auntie’s eyes widened slightly at that. “You can make illusions?”
Yuichi nodded as he and everyone else started walking down the path to the main house. “Yeah.”
“Have you ever heard about Ninpō before, ma’am?” Mikey politely asked as he popped his head nearby. Yoruko stayed by his side.
“I have. It’s a ninja art form of harnessing mystic powers. I knew a few Ninpō users a long time ago,” Auntie said as she started walking. “Also, all of you children, there is no need for such formalities. You can call me Auntie, like Yuzu does. We are family now.” She shot Leo a wink and Leo’s cheeks went red. Yui giggles and squished his cheeks together in her tiny hands.
Mikey smiled. “Well, Auntie, Yuichi’s part of our clan so he’s unlocked his own Ninpō that lets him summon a fancy bubble wand all anime girl style. It can be a weapon and make illusion bubbles,” he explained as he seemed to relax a lot more.
“I’m impressed,” Auntie said after a moment, nodding. “Normally when people use Ninpō, it takes many people to achieve such large effects. Clearly, you have all harnessed something much more powerful as a family.”
“We are Hamatos. We’re pretty special, in both good and bad ways,” Donnie piped up. “Some of us lean more towards the bad side than good though.”
“Not you, I hope,” Auntie didn’t look over but Yuichi did see her small smile that would be completely out of sight from Donnie. “I would hope such an intelligent young man with a good eye for well grown plants would be using his powers for good.”
Donnie chuckled. “Obviously. I’m the best and purest of the Hamatos and anyone who says otherwise is a jealous liar.”
“I see. I hope you do let down that considerable mantle you’ve given yourself.” Auntie was still smiling and her expression was almost smug. “After all, I wouldn’t be willing to share my secrets with someone who was causing problems on purpose, would I?”
That got a dramatic gasp out of Donnie. “I would never cause problems on purpose,” he lied, ignoring the looks the other Hamatos gave him.
“This is why Purple is the funny one,” Splinter said around a laugh.
“Clearly.” Auntie giggled a little herself. Then she glanced over to Mikey. “You’re the youngest, correct? Yuichi mentioned that you like cooking.”
Mikey gave a little salute then. “I am and I do,” he said with a toothy grin.
Auntie nodded. “Yoruko, take him inside and explain the dishes we have prepared. I expect he’d like the tour before we all ruin the presentation.”
“Okay, Mama! C’mon Mikey!” The two of them dashed inside with grins plastered on their faces. It was so nice to see. Everyone was getting along before the jet lag truly hit them. Yuichi couldn’t have been any happier or relieved.
Despite the fact that everyone was extremely tired when the jet lag finally caught up with them, Leo and a few others had decided to stay up and try to hold out. Well, okay, Leo didn’t decide to stay up. His insomnia was playing up a little but it was fortuitous timing so he could get into the appropriate time zone.
“Nice word choice.” Prime was also buzzing about being in Japan and so close to the Origin. Apparently he had never seen it and was trying to convince Leo to take a detour at some point.
“Hey Chi, I know we’re staying in the guest house together but can I see your bedroom? I wanna see where you used to spend your time,” Leo asked as he finally caught Yuichi after dinner. His boyfriend had insisted on helping out with chores almost as soon as the food was finished.
Behind him, Leo heard Mikey and Donnie make sounds of agreement. CJ just snickered softly and Juan grumbled sleepily. Leo knew Juan was only still up because Donnie was and he didn’t want to go to their shared room without him, even if they had separate futons.
Yuichi blinked as he dusted his hands off on his pants. “Oh, it’s nothing special,” he said, but he was already walking somewhere.
Leo happily followed as the other stragglers also trailed behind. He expected for them to go to the stairs since the bedrooms all seemed to be up there but they didn’t. Instead, they turned down a more narrow hallway. Yuichi wasn’t phased as he walked to a door that had scribbles along the bottom half and painted on kanji of his name near the top. He looked back and blinked. “Wait, everyone here’s coming to see my room too?”
“I… guess?” Leo said with a shrug.
“We don’t really have anything better to do, and we are curious,” CJ said with a small grin. “I’ve always wondered where you grew up. Uncle YuuYuu never really spoke much about his childhood.”
That just got an awkward shrug out of Yuichi as he opened the door to his childhood room. It was… Okay, Leo got what Yuichi meant about being overwhelmed with such a large space to sleep in now.
The room was big enough for two futons and a desk to fill the entire floor space. As it was, there was a futon and a desk. The middle area of the room was clear and led to the built-in closet in the wall. There were some posters on the wall, including one of Lou Jitsu, another being seemingly an Usagi family scroll, some anime and character posters that his cousins must have gotten him, and… that was it. There were no desk decorations, no stuffed animals, no nothing. Simple bedding, simple layout, just very simple.
No wonder Yuichi had so little when he moved in with Leo. “This is pretty cozy. I’m guessing you brought most of your stuff with you to the US?” Leo asked. He had a feeling the answer was yes, but he was still curious.
“Your room is so small, Yuichi!” Mikey gasped. “Why didn’t you get a bigger room when the top floor was built?”
Yuichi seemed to focus on Mikey’s question first. He looked a bit baffled. “Those rooms weren’t built for me? Those were built for my cousins for when they were born with rooms they could grow into.”
“But your room is so small! What about your space to grow?” Mikey just didn’t seem to get it. “I can put my arms out and touch the walls!”
“Clearly he was comfortable enough here, Miguel. Nothing too strange there,” Leo defended casually. No need to make a bigger deal of it.
“But it’s tiny! He should have had the biggest room because he’s the oldest and biggest!”
Donnie let out a, “Scoff,” then. “Raph is the oldest and biggest but he doesn’t even have the biggest room. Now we all have equally sized rooms comparatively and proportionally to the people residing in each, but in terms of recreational rooms, who has the biggest out of all of us?” As he asked, his face was buried in his phone.
“You and me,” Mikey said after a second, deflating a little. “But that’s different. Our house wasn’t built as we grew up.”
“Not so different, Angelito,” Juan commented around a yawn. “I have the smallest room too. It’s just an older brother thing or, in this case, older cousin thing.”
“It was close to my auntie as well so if I needed her, I could see her,” Yuichi said. Leo noticed he was starting to deflate with the large amounts of energy he had before. Yeah, time to shift topics.
“Hey are those glow in the dark stars?” Leo asked, his eyes lighting up. “We should totally get some for our room back home. That’ll be so fun! Oh, and I bet the stars out here are amazing. You’re far enough away from Neo Edo that the light pollution wouldn’t reach, right?”
Yuichi nodded as he took a deep breath. “Yeah, it’s nice to stargaze out in the fields,” he said before he pushed Mikey, who had stepped into the room, out. He ignored Mikey’s yelp as he ushered Leo out with a gentler attitude.
Leo let himself be moved, knowing the others would likely follow behind them. “That sounds lovely. Maybe not tonight since I’ll probably start to crash soon, but maybe we can do that together sometime?”
“That would be nice,” Yuichi said as he quickly shut the door to his room. “For now, how about we all go to the guest house and find our rooms.” It was less of a suggestion and more of an order. The room discussion really seemed to make him feel uncomfortable. Leo had a few ideas as to why.
Leo kind of regretted letting Mikey tag along now. Everyone else had at least managed to read the room, metaphorically and literally. “That sounds like a good idea. I think the adults are having tea over there anyway.” Leo hummed as he wrapped his arm around Yuichi’s waist and squeezed. “C’mon, knuckleheads. Let’s head to bed now,” he called over his shoulder.
Everyone nodded, even if Mikey still looked confused. CJ whispered to him as Donnie and Juan worked as a physical separation, standing behind Yuichi and Leo but in front of CJ and Mikey. Juan yawned and rubbed his eyes under his glasses, tail around Donnie’s ankle as they all walked back.
The twilight on the farm was gorgeous with the swirls of colors in the sky. Fresh smells wafted through the air, from their delicious dinner as well as those of nature. There were some clucking chickens and some faint cries of laughter from Yuichi’s cousins, further out in the fields as they walked to the frankly huge two-story guest home on the property.
“This place is so beautiful, Chi,” Leo murmured as he leaned against Yuichi. “There’s something just so vibrant about it. Thank you for bringing us here.” He turned and pressed a kiss to Yuichi’s cheek without slowing their walk.
“I’m glad you like it,” Yuichi said with a small smile. “Auntie’s farm is a very special place.”
"It really is," Leo agreed with a nod. "It feels... safe. In a way nowhere else really has for me in a long time. Like nothing can get us out here. It's just our families, the farm, and the open sky." He squeezed Yuichi around his waist, holding him a little closer.
Yuichi nodded as he reached a hand down to rest against Leo’s hand on his waist. “I’m glad you feel that way too.”
They walked through the front door and into the main area. Thankfully, their shoes were already off but there was a bountiful amount of slippers for them to wear. As they were putting those on, the smell of tea wafted through the air. “Oh, are those the last of our boys coming in?” Draxum asked from further inside.
“Hi Rara,” Leo called, curling around Yuichi as they watched everyone come in. He snickered when he saw Juan being half carried by Donnie. “Hey DonTron, you should get that one to bed. He looks like he could fall asleep on his feet at this point.”
Donnie actually took his face out of his phone when Leo said that. “Juan, when you checked out this place earlier, did you snag us a room already?” he asked. His voice was soft and soothing as he spoke, his body shifting to be ready to pick Juan up.
Juan nodded and wrapped his arms around Donnie. His tail wrapped around Donnie's waist and he nuzzled against Donnie's shoulder. Leo was a little surprised. It was rare Juan was this clingy with Donnie. It had to be because he was half asleep and his filters were down or something.
Donnie carefully picked Juan up and let him shift so his arms were around the back of his neck instead of his sides. “Let’s get going then. Goodnight everyone,” he called, nodding to the guys and then to a room he passed before he walked up the stairs.
“Yeah, no way Purple is going to sleep just yet. At least he is being helpful to Juan,” Splinter said with a chuckle. “Come on over, boys. Let us say goodnight to you all at least.”
"Coming, Dad!" Leo tugged Yuichi into the main room. Draxum, Splinter, Auntie, and Casey were all sitting around and drinking some heavenly smelling tea. "I'm, uh, not actually that tired yet. Do you think I could join you for a little bit?"
"Well I'm going to bed," Mikey said, rolling his shoulders. "C'mon, Casey. Let's head upstairs."
Casey almost jumped from where she was kneeling down by the table, next to Auntie. She looked over at Mikey and cleared her throat. “I’m going to finish my tea first. I’ll join you once I’m done.”
Mikey frowned and then shrugged. “Okay. I’ll get everything cozy! Night Dad, night Rara, night Auntie, night everyone. Love you,” he called as he dashed upstairs.
CJ gave a wave and then a little bow at the waist. “I’ll be heading up too. Goodnight everyone.” With that, he headed upstairs as well.
Auntie chuckled and shook her head. Then she looked at Yuichi. “Yuzu, did you want any tea?”
Yuichi blinked before he nodded. “Yes please, Auntie. Thank you. Oh, and the dishes are just being finished up by Yoruko. Sakura’s putting them all away before bed.”
“That’s perfect. Thank you, my little Yuzu.” Two cups of tea were poured and set down on the empty side of the table. “It’s so good to have you back for a bit, Yuzu. And it’s been lovely meeting your new family too.”
Leo kneeled down in front of one cup while Yuichi did the same with the other. “I definitely missed you all and being here,” Yuichi admitted as he took the cup in his hands. “I’m sure everyone else likes being here too. Right?”
“I know I’ve been loving it,” Splinter said with a happy nod. “This feels like coming home in a way I didn’t know I needed.”
Draxum’s eyes softened as he rubbed Splinter’s back with one hand. “It has been quite a lovely experience. It’s been ages since I’ve visited so it’s great to be back and not have to stick to just Neo Edo. It definitely helps that the company is wonderful and enjoyable.”
“Charmer,” Auntie cooed. “It’s refreshing to have someone from the Draxum family be so lovely. You’ve found yourself a keeper, Yoshi.”
“I know,” Splinter said, fiddling with his engagement ring absentmindedly.
Draxum smiled fondly. “Why thank you, the both of you. You’re both too kind.”
When Leo glanced over at Casey, he saw her both relaxed and at attention. Her fingers absentmindedly drummed against the tea cup she cradled in her hands as she kept her gaze mostly on Auntie. The look in her eyes shifted between a few different emotions, including reverence, awe, and disbelief.
Leo could understand why. She had clearly picked up on the same things Leo had. Auntie moved with purpose and intention, with the sort of confidence that came from knowing every limit of your body. She was either a dancer or a warrior and Leo was betting on the latter.
“Yuzu, I just realized that I haven’t given Tamago his medicine. Could you please go find him and give it to him?” Auntie asked suddenly.
Yuichi looked over and finished his sip of tea. “Of course. His medicine is stored in the same place, right? Frozen in a layer of peanut butter?”
“Exactly. Thank you, Yuzu.” She waited until Yuichi left the room before looking at Casey. “I can feel your questioning gaze, Cassandra. What’s on your mind?”
Casey instantly ducked her head, her eyes glancing around anywhere but at Auntie. She spoke at a loud volume and with a lot of intensity. “Nothing! I am just processing this setting and taking everything in! Yes! That’s what I’m doing!”
Auntie chuckled. “I’m not upset if you have questions.”
“I think she’s just noticed what I have, Auntie,” Leo said as he verbally stepped in with a small chuckle. He needed to help Casey out here since she was clearly floundering under the attention. “She hasn’t met someone like you before.”
“And what have you noticed, Leonardo?” Auntie asked, an inquisitive twinkle in her eye.
“You move like a warrior. But you’re still so feminine and you’re even a mother. Casey hasn’t met anyone who can do it all like you can.” Big Mama didn’t count. She was a weird case.
Casey nodded, still not looking up at Auntie. “I didn’t know someone like you could exist!”
“Not only do we exist, there is a proud tradition of warrior women in Japan’s history,” Auntie said with a smile. “I am an Onna bugeisha, a female samurai.”
“No, I know they exist, but I didn’t know one like you could exist! Not in an inappropriate way! In an admirable and amazing way.”
Auntie chuckled and reached over, patting Casey’s cheek in a motherly way. “It’s okay, dear, I understand. It can be a bit confronting when you’re seeing something new for the first time.”
Casey tensed for a moment at the initial touch before she relaxed entirely. “Thank you,” she muttered, cheeks growing dark with color.
“Do you have any questions for me, dear?”
“How do you do it?” Casey asked shyly as she took her cup of tea back and sipped at it.
“The first step is understanding that being strong, being feminine, and being a mother are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they’re very much linked,” Auntie said with a small smile, rubbing Casey’s cheek.
Casey looked up at Auntie in awe. “That makes sense,” she murmured reverently.
“Does Yuichi know you’re an Onna bugeisha?” Leo asked curiously.
“Yes he does,” Auntie said with a nod. “I think it’s part of why he wants to be a samurai.”
“So his familial influences are what drew him to it. His ancestor was Usagi Miyamoto, correct?” The name Splinter gave was familiar to Leo only because Yuichi had mentioned him every so often.
“Yes, that is correct. He is my great great grandfather.” Auntie nodded.
Draxum hummed in thought as he drummed his fingers against his tea cup. “The infamous samurai of yokai legend. Word says he served the most regal lord and was the most devoted, most powerful samurai there ever was and ever will be,” he said before drinking his tea, pinky out. “I can only imagine how you, his parents, and grandiose tales of him influenced little Yuichi.”
“Indeed. Though I often find myself wishing they had not,” Aunite confessed. “Being a samurai is a noble calling, but being a samurai for a poor or cruel lord is… hard.”
Draxum raised a brow. “Did Miyamoto not work under a noble, well, noble?”
“It’s complicated.”
Splinter nodded in understanding. “History tends to romanticize the events of what actually happened,” he offered. “Either way, I am sure you were quite a positive influence on Yuichi growing up.”
“I like to think so,” Auntie sighed, then smiled. “He’s grown up strong and kind and he seems so much happier now. I can’t ask for more than that.” She paused, then smiled at Splinter and Draxum. “Besides, it seems he’s found a worthy clan to dedicate his samurai’s oath to when he’s ready.”
“If he decides to take that path, we will be more than happy to allow that to happen,” Splinter said with a chuckle.
“He also has a weapon worthy of a samurai,” Draxum said, a teasing edge to his tone. Oh no, he was not bringing this up.
“Rara, hush,” Leo whined, sipping his tea.
Splinter tsked and tutted. “Blue, do not speak to your soon-to-be father that way,” he said with a building chuckle in his voice. Pizza Supreme, save him! “What John is referring to is how Blue crafted a katana for Yuichi with part of his own powers in there.”
That got a gasp of surprise out of Auntie. “How long ago did you give that to Yuzu?” she said, a fond smile forming on her lips.
“It was a few months ago. Sometime in February if I recall,” Draxum said, smirking.
“Rara,” Leo whined again. “You know I wasn’t ready to give it to him yet. It was an emergency!” Casey just snickered off to the side. Traitor. And after Leo had been so nice and helped her out with Auntie!
“I’m guessing you understand what that means in yokai culture, Leonardo?” Auntie asked. Leo saw her smile widen and her eyes soften.
Leo nodded shyly, his cheeks burning up. “I wasn’t planning on giving it to him for a while. I wanted us to be eighteen before I went to that level ‘cause I didn’t find out about the meaning until some time into the creation of the sword. It was just supposed to be a present initially.”
Auntie hummed as she faced Leo properly. “Why a sword as a present?”
“He was using the sword from the Battle Nexus and yeah, I make sure my stuff is well taken care of, but he deserves better.”
“So you decided to learn how to create a weapon in order to give my nephew the sword as a gift?” As she asked, there was a twinkle in Auntie’s eye and the hint of laughter in her voice.
Leo ducked his head and nodded. The tea steamed up his glasses and he huffed. That just made it worse. “I’m not used to these things,” he muttered, taking them off and setting them on the side.
“That’s alright, my son,” Splinter said around a laugh. He patted Leo’s arm before he drank some of his tea. “It takes time to perfect drinking tea with glasses on, or any hot and steaming beverage or meal for that matter. You will get the hang of it.”
A hand reached over and took Leo’s hand that had just put his glasses to the side. It was soft and fluffy. “I will say that when the day comes where either one of you decide that you want to make that big leap, you have my blessing. Both of you,” Auntie said.
“Thank you, Auntie,” Leo said, rubbing his cheek with his free hand.
The smile she gave and the way she squeezed his hand put Leo at such ease. “Of course, Leonardo.” She patted the back of his hand and pulled back then to keep sipping at her tea.
Just as she sipped, the door to the guest house opened. “Tamago has now had his medicine,” Yuichi said. Leo saw the fluffy, older Akita before he saw his boyfriend. He sniffed around before staring at everyone in the tatami tea room.
Leo slipped on his glasses again and smiled up at Yuichi. “You found the fluffy boy!” he softly cheered.
“I did. He was waiting by the freezer for his medicine,” Yuichi said as he walked in. The fluffy boy in question stayed by his side, his curly tail wagging as fast as it could probably go at his old age. “Did I miss anything important?”
“No, just us chatting,” Leo said, waving Yuichi’s concerns off. “Auntie also told us about her being an Onna bugeisha.”
Yuichi’s eyes lit up then as he quickly knelt back down beside Leo. Tamago somehow managed to lie firmly and securely in Yuichi’s lap. Even though it shouldn’t be possible, he did it. What an impressively stubborn dog. “Yeah, she is! Isn’t she so cool?” Yuichi asked with stars in his eyes.
“It really is,” Leo agreed.
“Yeah! I wanna learn to be just like her!” Casey added, also with stars in her eyes. It was good to see Casey have a bit more of her usual enthusiasm back. She had been pretty muted for a while, not as crazy.
Auntie smiled and rubbed Casey’s back soothingly. “I can teach you some skills and techniques when you recover from your jet lag,” she promised.
“Thank you!”