Invite Accepted

He just was, okay?

Hanzo seemed all nice and polite on the surface, but he was so goddamn condescending. Not to mention, Bi-Han was certain it was him who had called CPS with concerns for Kuai Liang. That had caused a massive headache, and Bi-Han was thankful they’d managed to see Kuai was fine. That didn’t seem to stop Hanzo from being a busybody however. If he offered Bi-Han and Kuai Liang dinner one more time, he wasn’t going to hold back.

Hell, Hanzo had even invited them to this party, even though it looked like he really didn’t want to. Bi-Han was sure he’d only invited them to try and get Kuai alone and once more bring up the non-issue of if he was safe. Because Kuai was safe. At least, he was now. Now that he was here with Bi-Han and not with their father.

Kuai displayed clear signs of his trauma, but Bi-Han was getting that sorted. All Hanzo had to do was keep to himself. But could he do that? No! Because he was an asshole.

“So, are you just gonna stand there and stew in your weird hate crush, or are we gonna go to the party?” Kuai’s voice questioned, as Bi-Han felt the boy peer around him to look outside.

“You do know that our invite is just an excuse to try and pry into our lives again, right?” Bi-Han huffed, watching as Hanzo took a step back to admire his work. Prick. “And I do not have a crush on him.”

“Yeah, sure,” Kuai replied sarcastically. “But if we went, we’d get free food.”

That was a good point, but also how many times had Bi-Han turned down free food from Hanzo? Why should he start accepting it now?

“Please Bi-Han,” Kuai said in a slightly whiny tone, while pointing to one of the tables. “That cake looks amazing!”

To be fair, the cake did look amazing. It was covered in yellow buttercream and had sprinkles and chocolate bark on top.

“Alright, fine,” Bi-han relented, pushing away from the window sill. Kuai did a little jump of excitement, grabbing Bi-Han’s arm to drag him through the house. “But if he even so much as tries to begin nosing into our business again, we are out of there.”

“Uh huh,” Kuai replied absentmindedly, clearly focused on his mission to eat cake. Well, Bi-Han supposed that if he was so hyperfocused on the cake it’d probably stop him from divulging too much to Hanzo.

It wasn’t long until Bi-Han had been dragged from their home and was at the gate leading into Hanzo’s garden. As they walked in, Hanzo poked his head around to see who was coming. His eyes widened when he saw the duo walk in, clearly surprised his invite had been accepted for once.

“Hi Mr. Hasashi,” Kuai exclaimed with a bright smile and a wave.

“Good afternoon, Kuai Liang,” Hanzo greeted back softly, before his eyes flicked to Kuai’s side. “Bi-Han.”

“Hanzo,” Bi-Han parroted back, and Kuai finally let go of his arm.

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t exactly expect my invite to be accepted,” Hanzo admitted, his tone was strange and Bi-Han couldn’t put his finger on what exactly Hanzo meant by that.

“If it’s a problem we’re here, we can leave,” Bi-Han offered, hoping Hanzo would take it so he had a proper excuse to leave. He felt guilty when Kuai gave him a hurt look.

“No, no that isn’t what I meant,” Hanzo quickly assured him, waving his hands in front of him slightly. “Forgive me, of course you are both welcome here.”

Hanzo stepped aside slightly to let them both enter the garden properly. Hanzo’s dog, Akuma, a black shepherd, was sitting on his porch, and picked his head up when he noticed the two guests in the garden. Seconds later, he was up on his feet and practically bounding up to Kuai Liang. Of course, Kuai was smitten by the dog and immediately lost interest in both Bi-Han and Hanzo in favour of him.

“So, what really made you decide to come?” Hanzo asked, low enough that Kuai wouldn’t hear. “Because I get the distinct impression you do not exactly like me.”

“Whatever gave that away,” Bi-Han muttered under his breath, ignoring the dirty look Hanzo shot him in favour of watching his brother. Kuai looked so happy, getting Akuma to perform various tricks like paw. Bi-Han was still searching for the perfect canine companion for Kuai, so it was nice when Kuai could get his dog fix elsewhere for the time being. “We’re here because Kuai Liang wants cake.”

Hanzo actually laughed at that, “that does sound about right for a teenager.”

Bi-Han hesitated, before deciding Kuai was sufficiently distracted, and said “Look, I don’t know what you think is happening with us but-“

“I am merely concerned for your brother’s wellbeing,” Hanzo said, getting briefly distracted when Akuma began to lick Kuai’s face. “I’m a teacher, I’ve worked with kids long enough to be able to notice when they’re showing signs of abuse.”

Bi-Han flinched at that word. He still felt guilty that he didn’t see what was happening until it was almost too late. Coming home from college to find Kuai on the verge of death. Rushing him to the hospital where he was told it was unlikely that Kuai would pull through. The fact he had was a miracle, and not one Bi-Han took lightly. He made a vow that nothing like this would happen to Kuai ever again. Sometimes he wasn’t sure he was doing the right things for Kuai, no matter how much therapists and social services told him he was doing well.

“He’s healing,” Bi-han whispered, not sure if Hanzo would believe him. “I can’t say I always do the right thing, but I am trying to and he is getting better. You didn’t see him this time last year, you’d think he was two completely different teenagers.” Hanzo’s face was blank, but weirdly, Bi-Han got the feeling Hanzo thought he was telling the truth. “Just, know he is safe with me, and those signs he’s showing are a result of his past, not his present.”

“If there is anything I can do to help, just say,” Hanzo replied with a sigh. “Your brother is a sweet kid, I’d hate to just stand by and watch when there’s something I could do to help.”

“Hm, well I suppose there is something.” Bi-Han watched as Akuma ran off for a few seconds, before returning with a ball and placing it at Kuai’s feet. Aw, cute. “Do you have any advice for getting a dog?” Hanzo looked at him like he was mad or at the very least making a mockery of Hanzo’s offer. “His therapist suggested getting one, sort of an emotional support animal. I just have no idea where to start looking.”

Hanzo blinked a few times, realising the question was both real and completely valid.

“Well, any dog can be an emotional support dog,” Hanzo began, rubbing the back of his head. “You just need to have the right training.” His head jerked upwards like he’d had a sudden thought. “Actually, a friend of mine who’ll be attending the party does dog training. Her name’s Sonya, if you like I can introduce you and she might be able to help you out.”

“That’d be… Excellent,” Bi-Han admitted. He really wanted to get Kuai a dog, but he definitely had no idea where to start with even basic training. Sonya may be just what he needed. “Um. Thank you,” he awkwardly added onto the end. “Look I know I’ve been an asshole but-“

“You were just looking out for Kuai Liang.” Hanzo shook his head. “If he’s been through something traumatic, it is only natural that you would be protective of him.” He gave a defeated sigh. “I should also have just talked to you, rather than assuming I knew what was going on.”

“Let’s agree we both probably should have handled this situation better.” Bi-Han wasn’t sure he trusted Hanzo completely, but he supposed as long as he continued to be good to Kuai, that was all that mattered.

“Bi-Han!” Kuai was waving at him, Akuma sitting and watching him intently. “Look what I can do.” Kuai turned to the dog, and made a spinning motion with his hand. “Spin!” The dog stood up briefly, did a little turn on the spot before sitting down again. “Good boy!” He held out a treat for Akuma, who happily accepted it, as well as the head pats and cooing Kuai made over what a good dog he was.

“Looking good,” Bi-Han called over, and he had to smile. Seeing Kuai so happy, after everything they had gone through to get here. It just meant the world to him.

“He’ll definitely get on with Sonya,” Hanzo snorted, and Bi-Han saw the smile on his face too. Bi-han had to look away quickly, because since when was Hanzo that attractive? Oh no. Kuai might be right about the weird crush. “Every time she’s here she’s trying to get Akuma to do tricks.” Hanzo blinked a few times as if something occurred to him. “I just realised I never offered you a drink.”

“Ah, well I wouldn’t say no to one now,” Bi-Han replied, slightly alarmed by the flirtatious tone to his voice.

If Hanzo noticed, he thankfully didn’t say anything about it, as he gestured for Bi-Han to follow him while saying “come, let me show you what I have.”

Bi-Han took one last glance at Kuai Liang, the boy giggling hysterically at the way the dog was tilting his head left and right at him. He followed Hanzo, thinking to himself that maybe, just maybe, they’d get through all this after all.

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