Page 91 of All That Has Flown Beyond
“I guess it was a good thing your dad taught you Japanese, back then.”
“Yeah,” Kaiyo chuckled. “Despite how much I disliked it in the moment.”
“Well, hedidwake you up before school to study it.”
“Yeah. Not the best way to endear a child to something, let me tell you.”
“Wasn’t the first thing you wrote on your own with Kanji, ‘I hate Japanese’?”
Kaiyo laughed. “Dad was not impressed. He gave me a whole lecture on the importance of heritage.”
“He’d be so proud of you now,” Ahmik said quietly after a moment. Kaiyo closed his eyes.
“Your mom would be proud of you too.”
“I—”
“She would be, Ahmik. She would.”
Ahmik didn’t say anything for a while, pressing closer. Kaiyo held Ahmik’s arm where it was wrapped around his middle.
“I miss them. Sometimes…it’s been fifteen years and sometimes I still can’t believe they’re gone,” Ahmik admitted softly.
“Yeah. Me too.”
“I missed you, too,” Ahmik whispered.
Kaiyo’s fingers twitched against Ahmik’s arms. He opened his mouth, but the truth was too painful to admit. “Well, I’m here now,” Kaiyo said instead.
Ahmik’s arm tightened around him.
**********
Late February arrived with surprisingly clear skies. The Kanbaras arrived packed into a rented car, having followed Kaiyo’s careful instructions to the pack house. They’d all decided it was best to introduce the two packs as soon as possible instead of meeting on Kaiyo’s temporary land, and the Garrows spilt out of the house to greet the newcomers.
“Kaiyo!” Junpei exclaimed as soon as he stumbled out of the car. He raced towards Kaiyo, who laughed and wrapped his arms around him as Junpei hugged him.
“It’s good to see you, too.” Kaiyo smiled.
Junpei looked up at him. “Everybody drives on the wrong side of the road here.”
Kaiyo snorted. “I think the rest of the world would say the same thing to you,” Kaiyo teased.
Mori and Tomoko approached at a more sedate pace, although their faces were just as bright.
“Kaiyo. We’ve missed you,” Tomoko said, shooing her little brother out of the way to give Kaiyo a hug.
“Me too,” Kaiyo admitted truthfully.
“Mom says hi,” Mori said, eyes bright as he took his turn for a hug. Kaiyo squeezed him back, taking in Mori’s familiar, comforting scent, even as guilt twinged in his stomach.
“Likewise,” Kaiyo said before pulling away. “I’d like you to meet the Garrow pack.” Kaiyo stepped aside so the two groups could meet.
Ahmik stood stiffly, his face blank and polite. “Welcome, Kanbara pack. I hope the moon shines on you kindly throughout your stay,” he said formally. The three Kanbaras bowed respectfully.
“We are honoured by your welcome. Thank you for your hospitality,” Mori replied.
Kaiyo introduced each of the pack members by name, acting as mediator. Each of them nodded their welcome, although the air was tense between them. Thea’s smile seemed a little strained, and Lars looked overwhelmed at having so many new people on what was now his pack land. Isla alternated between frowning at Junpei and staring at Mori, who was wearing a long, moss-coloured skirt and black, kimono-style shirt. His eyes were lightly lined in black, and there was a slight shimmer on the cut of his cheekbones.
