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Nine years ago.. [break][break]
Galar was nothing like Johto. Toshiaki finds that his entire world has expanded from something small to a universe so vast it’s beyond his comprehension. The wonders of Ilex forest couldn’t compare to Galar’s rolling hills of pure emerald green grass. [break][break]
He collects all the wildflowers he can gather in the forest of the backyard, before going back to his new house. It’s smaller, yet cozier. His mother often takes him out to the swingset she and her younger brother had since they were children. They switched often between homes in Johto and Galar, and now little Toshiaki got to experience a taste of that too. [break][break]
It’s a little hard to remember his uncle’s face, but he remembers having fun with him before he went away. [break][break]
Trotting up to the door Toshiaki reaches for the handle, until the disembodied voices of his grandparents tickle his ears.[break][break]
“We’re sorry we put you through that marriage. We thought that —“[break][break]
“Please just — stop apologizing.” [break][break]
Toshiaki stills and presses his ear to the door. A lot of it is hard for him to comprehend. His grandparents sound remorseful, angered, an amalgamation of emotions he can’t quite wrap his head around. Same with the words they choose. Especially his grandmother. [break][break]
“I shouldn’t of forced you to uphold our family name. That selfish decision took so much from you. And now, you’re stuck with a child who—“[break][break]
Something rattles from the inside, Toshiaki flinches. [break][break]
“My son is innocent and the only good thing to come from your marriage arrangement. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” [break][break]
His mother sounds bitter, just like how the taste of iron continues to permanente in his mouth months later. He hated that taste. [break][break]
Before he can register anymore the door opens, and his mother looks shocked. [break][break]
Where it’s once cold is now warm as he’s lifted into his mother’s arms. Despite always growing so fast, she’s able to take him into her hold without much trouble. That’s how he knew his mom was strong.[break][break]
Little Toshiaki hugs her while trying to protect the wildflowers flowers he picked for MOTHER’S DAY, eyes shutting softly as her fingers card through maple-red hair.[break][break]
Maybe he wasn’t wanted entirely in this life but..[break][break]
He loved her and that’s all that mattered.[break]

---

DRABBLE.

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