well worth the wait

by katterv

Summary:

Hana has been worried about her adoptive father's new relationship. Yuichi puts those worries to rest.

"Otousan?"

There's a tug on Yuichi's sleeve and he puts down the vegetables he just got done washing before turning his head to look over his shoulder.

"Oh, kitten, is something wrong?" he murmurs, brow furrowing at the sight of his daughter's concerned gaze. Hana is visiting him in the Hidden City and he's aware that something has been bothering her – he hasn't asked about it yet, hoping that she'd open up about her worries in her own time.

Maybe she's ready now.

"Not really, I just…" Hana stops, chewing on her lip before letting go of Yuichi's yukata and stepping closer to hug him from behind instead. Yuichi decides to halt his dinner preparations for the time being and leans into the embrace.

"...are you happy?"

Yuichi startles. He didn't expect to be asked that.

"I am. Is that what you've been worried about?"

The calico squeezes him tighter for a moment, then sighs.

"Have I been that obvious?"

Yuichi chuckles and rubs the back of his head against Hana's ear. "Nope, it's just impossible to hide anything from me."

Hana laughs. “Sure. Just like you noticed right away when your favourite kimono went missing, among other things.” 

“Just so you know, I pretended not to notice, young lady. As a parent, some things are worth sacrificing. Like one’s dignity.” 

“Yeah right,” Hana giggles but then quiets down before speaking again. 

“Dad… Does he make you happy?”

“Leonardo? Oh, sweetie,” Yuichi murmurs and turns in Hana's arms to hold her instead, tucking her head under his chin. 

“The happiest,” he sighs, smiling. “I'm so lucky. All these years of being single… he was well worth the wait.” 

“He better be,” Hana mutters, “if he breaks your heart, I'm breaking his face.” 

“Not his face!” Yuichi laughs. “Haven't you seen how handsome he is?” 

“Oh, I'm aware.”

Yuichi can feel her grin against his neck and he holds his kitten tighter. He knows she's joking… kind of. He’s under no illusions about the seriousness of her threat and while a breakup doesn't seem likely, he feels sorry for his boyfriend. 

If they ever get into an argument or Yuichi shows even the tiniest signs of upset because of his relationship and Hana gets a whiff of it, he knows that Leonardo will be in for a world of hurt – and not only because of Hana; he’s certain that all of his daughters would have a bone to pick with the slider, then. He might be a ninja but so are the girls and Yuichi wouldn’t wish their ire upon anyone… especially not the man he’s fallen in love with. 

However, he thinks he’s very lucky to have such a protective family. 

Hana sighs but the exhale sounds less tense than before and she buries her face into his chest. “I'm happy for you,” come the muffled words against his collar, and Yuichi feels emotional almost to the point of tears. 

He’s so very lucky, indeed. 

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 5 of NQK Romance Spinoff