The Tombs of the Star Corridor.
Kenjaku stood silently.
Takeru was still standing nearby.
Still smiling.
Still calling him Dad.
Takeru suddenly looked up.
"You could start making up for it by buying me some ice creeaam?"
Kenjaku didn't even look at him.
"No."
Takeru nodded.
"…What about chocolate?"
"No."
"Vanilla?"
"No."
"Strawberry?"
"No."
Takeru crossed his arms.
"…Mint chocolate chip?"
"No."
Takeru stared at him.
"…Cookies and cream?"
"No."
A pause.
"…What if I promise to stop calling you Dad?"
Kenjaku finally looked at him.
"…You wouldn't."
Takeru smiled.
"Probably not."
Kenjaku sighed.
"You're exhausting."
Takeru pointed toward him.
"That's what a good son would say."
"I am not your father."
"Okay, Dad."
Kenjaku closed his eyes.
Silence.
Then he asked, almost reluctantly:
"…What flavor?"
Takeru froze.
"…Wait."
Kenjaku looked annoyed.
"I asked what flavor."
Takeru's face lit up.
"Rocky road."
Kenjaku stared at him.
"Of course."
Takeru grinned.
"Thanks, Dad."
"I haven't agreed to buy it."
"You asked the flavor."
"That doesn't mean I'm buying it."
Takeru nodded.
"Sure."
A pause.
"…Dad."
Kenjaku sighed.
"I regret asking."
Takeru smiled.
"Rocky road, please."
Kenjaku shook his head.
"…Fine."
Takeru's eyes widened.
"YES."
Kenjaku turned away.
"One."
Takeru immediately followed.
"Two."
Kenjaku stopped.
"…What are you counting?"
"Ice cream scoops."
"…I said one."
Takeru grinned.
"Worth asking."