Chapter Six
"You're doing this on purpose," Yagyuu muttered.
was sitting on the bed, hugging her knees. She turned to him and smiled. "You just challenged me, so I will not back down," she said mischievously.
Yagyuu swore under his breath. She was provoking him. He knew that. She was sitting on her bed with a magazine next to her as she flipped through it. was wearing a very provocative pair of pajamas as well. It was shorts with a tank top. The shorts were with frills and they were rather 'short'. As for her tank top, it was the silk type, which showed every curve that she owned. Also, the perfume.
Apparently she had a habit of spraying herself to death when she slept. He asked her why and she simply answered that if she were ever to die in her sleep then she wanted to smell good when found.
He in turn was only in a pair of loose pants. He was on his back with his arm resting gently on his forehead. He was still wondering when he lost his mind when he made that stupid suggestion.
looked at him. "What about Seiichi?" she asked.
He looked at her. "What about him?"
She turned to face him, crossing her legs. "Won't he wonder where you are?"
Yagyuu turned and gave her his back. He somehow knew that he was better off not watching her tonight, for it wasn’t helping him. "He's not nosey. He minds his own business."
grinned and crawled towards him. "What's wrong, Hiroshi?” She asked playfully, whispering in his ears. "Am I not a good sight for you?” She asked, touching his arm.
He slapped her hand. "We agreed to no touching."
smacked him. "You're an idiot!" She snapped. "Look at me and look at you." She pointed out. "We're half naked on my bed and you expect nothing to happen?!"
"Yes!" He turned around and narrowed his eyes. However, he didn’t see a glare from her side. It was more of a sad look… Then again, it wasn't sad, but something else. "?" He called, using her first name.
She looked away. "Yes?"
He moved his hand and pushed her hair behind her ear. "It will be alright."
moved and hugged his waist. "I don't want you to kiss me and I don’t want you to sleep with me either." She buried her head under his jaw. "I just want you to hold me."
It still amazed Yagyuu how her mood swings were; one minute she could be playful, the next, depressed, and then finally, vulnerable again. Also, he knew he couldn’t deny her request. He simply put one arm around her and then laid them both on the bed.
One arm lay under her head, acting as a temporary pillow, while the other firmly secured around her waist.
No more words were spoken.
They both closed their eyes and simply slept. It was probably the first peaceful night for the both of them in years.
---------------
let out a loud sigh. Her decision to quit her job before finding another one was biting at her now. She glared at the papers in front of her that was determining her financial status for the next few weeks.
She had yet to receive a positive reply from any of the places she had applied to and the baby sitting idea wasn’t doing as well as she had hoped. With her money dwindling and not being employed, she had to be extra careful with how she would be spending her money from now on. She was treading on unstable ground and one careless step would be fatal.
Her head perked up when a knock sounded from it. She quickly gathered her papers, secured them into a folder, and shoved it under her couch. She didn’t want any one to know she was having problems yet.
Quickly making her way to the door, she opened it before the other person got too impatient. She wasn’t surprised at seeing the person behind the door. Moving out of the way, she let him enter her apartment.
glanced at her clock and noticed the time. “Isn’t it rather early for you to be home from work, Hiroshi?” asked, her attention returning to her guest.
“Even I have to skip out on work every once in a while.”
She let out a sigh. She understood the underlying message. The stress is getting to him again, she thought. “I’ll make some tea. It’ll help,” said, heading toward the kitchen.
It wasn’t long before she returned with a tray. She set it down on the coffee table and sat down next to him. However, before she could prepare him a cup, he stopped her. She turned to him with a questioning look, wondering if he wanted something else. What Yagyuu did was no surprise on her part.
Yagyuu practically fell on top of her, trapping her between the couch beneath her and his body covering her. “The tea will get cold,” she said, trying to see his face.
He responded by wrapping his arms around her and shifting around so that they were both lying comfortably on the couch. He buried his face in the junction of her neck and shoulder and settled, not moving another inch.
let out another sigh before wrapping her arms around him, bringing one of her hands up to his head, running her fingers through his hair. “I take it you’re okay with just this,” she mumbled, trying to move a bit, but he had kept her pinned.
This wasn’t the first time that Yagyuu had come to her apartment when he was stressed out. Ever since that night two weeks ago, they had become even more comfortable with each other. They had found a solace of sorts when they just held each other like this, not doing anything else. It was a comfort for the both of them.
After a few minutes, she thought he had fallen asleep because of the even breaths she felt against her neck. But he managed to surprise her when he spoke softly. “, do you know how to give a massage?” Yagyuu asked.
She was a bit surprised at the question, but all she did was raise an eyebrow. “A massage? Where did that come from?"
He pushed himself up a bit and looked at her. "What? No? You don't know?"
looked at him. "It's not that… I'm not that good, but are you that stressed?"
He fell back on top of her. "I just feel like my back is going to give in any minute," he admitted.
felt sorry for him, moving her hand to his back. "I'll try giving you one, but I'm not good… Although thinks I can whenever I rub his back for him.”
“I'll risk it,” he said as he slowly got off her.
“If you say so,” complied, getting up when he was fully off her. “I’ll go get some oil. You go ahead and get comfortable.” With that she went to her off towards her bathroom. When she returned minutes later, Yagyuu was already on his stomach with his shirt off.
Unscrewing the top, she poured a bit on her left hand. “It’s scented, but the smell should help you relax some.” Putting the bottle off to the side, she rubbed her hands together to warm up the oil before starting on his shoulders.
After a few minutes, Yagyuu could literally feel the tension in his shoulders ebbing away. Even though she had said that she wasn't that good in giving massages, her actions were certainly contradicting it. She was getting all the right spots and was slowly moving down his back.
could feel Yagyuu relax in her hands as she continued on. The only time she paused was to pour more oil on her hands, otherwise she kept on going. Time passed without either of them realizing it. Before they knew it, a good hour had passed and she was finished.
“I’m definitely going to ask you to give me a massage more often,” Yagyuu stated. He definitely did not want to get up any time soon.
“Well don’t make it a habit. I’m not going to be your personal masseuse,” responded wryly. She got up from her kneeling position and headed to her bathroom to wash her hands. “By the way, you should get ready to pick up Sumi-chan from school.”
Yagyuu let out a sigh. He reluctantly got up from his position and grabbed his shirt. He was about to put it on but thought better of it when he remembered that there was oil on his back. Before he tried to think of what to do, came out of the bathroom with a washcloth in her hands.
When she gestured for him to turn around, he did so in compliance. He mentally thanked her for making it lukewarm rather than ice cold. As she wiped his back, what she had said clicked in his mind. “Speaking of Sumi, I'm thinking of taking her to the water park tomorrow."
nodded, "You should. You don’t seem to be spending a lot of time with her."
He agreed softly and turned around to face her once she was finished. "So how about it, ?" he asked, using her first name. They were more accustomed to using first name around each other. However, they kept it between the two of them only.
She looked up at him. "How about… what?" she asked, not getting him at all.
"How about you come with Sumi and I?"
looked a bit surprised, but smiled. “I had already agreed when it was first mentioned," she said feeling warm all over. She was flattered that he wanted to include her. "But oh… I need a new swimming suit."
"You always want an excuse to shop."
She poked his chest. "No silly! They're all two pieces. There is no way on earth that I'm wearing a two piece to a water park."
"Fine!" He said, taking her hand. "Get your purse and jacket. We'll pick Sumi up and can get the both of you something."
"The both of us?"
"Yes, Sumi needs a new one."
---------------
The three of them spent the afternoon together. They decided to eat first and then get something for Sumi. was in the mood to shop as well. While the two girls went to look at the different swimming outfits on the racks, Yagyuu decided to sit on the sofa in the middle of the store.
He watched as they pulled out different colors and they each took turns to try them out. However, Yagyuu couldn’t help but notice something weird. He had shopped with before, but he never really saw her analyze the price tag while she picked up something. It was usually at the cashier that she knew how much it cost.
He even noticed her frown a few times. At one time he saw her look excited, picking up a multi-colored one piece. It had a funky cut to it and even he had to admit that he liked the colors. He watched her expression change to one of disappointment as she studied the price tag and she reluctantly put it back onto the rack.
He thought about her actions and realized that she had been unemployed for a while now. Could it be that she's having financial problems? He thought.
He saw her pick up another plain one and she placed it on her arm. Sumi walked out excited out of the dressing room. "I want this one!" she exclaimed, holding a two piece Hello Kitty swimming suit.
Yagyuu nodded. "Done?" He asked, looking at .
smiled weakly. "Yes. I'm going to take something plain," she said, walking to the cashier.
Yagyuu thought for a second. He walked to the rack of swimming suits and pulled the multi colored one she was admiring earlier. "But I like this one," he said, showing it to her.
raised an eyebrow. "Since when do I have to buy a swimming suit that you like," she teased him playfully.
"Since you're coming with us," he answered, taking the plain one out of her hands.
"Hiroshi," she snatched it back. "I want this one."
"I want to get this one for you," he said, taking the plain one back again. "It's my gift for you since I saw you admiring it earlier."
Sumi watched the two in awe as they argued.
"I liked the cut only!"
"Don't lie to me, . You probably thought you won't look sexy enough in it," he said, placing the swimming suit along with Sumi's on the counter. "Let me get this for you."
looked at him and finally nodded in defeat.
The whole day Yagyuu studied her actions. As they shopped, was looking at a lot of things, but she was very careful. The that always left a shop with at least four bags had none with her at the moment.
He wanted to ask, but knowing her, he knew that she would get offended. He decided before saying anything that he would study this more and see if she really did need help or not.
---------------
“Well, thanks for this,” said, gesturing towards the single bag she held in her hand. “And for dinner as well.”
“It was nothing,” Yagyuu replied with an almost nonchalant shrug.
“You may think so but it means a lot to me,” muttered, looking off to the side, voice tinged with embarrassment. Shaking her head, she reverted back to her usual self. “I’ll come over in the morning to make breakfast. No excuses.” With that she entered her apartment and gave him a small wave before closing the door.
Yagyuu just shook his head before heading inside his own apartment. After making sure the door was securely locked, he headed to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. As he prepared the tea, he noticed his housemate leaning against the fridge.
“I like Sumi’s new swim suit,” Yukimura commented, a smile on his face.
“So she showed it to you?” Yagyuu stated more than questioned, returning to preparing his tea plus one more.
“It was the first thing she did when she came through the door,” Yukimura mused. He gave a nod of gratitude when Yagyuu offered him a cup. However, when he was about to take a sip he noticed the troubled look on Yagyuu’s face. “Hiroshi, something wrong?”
Yagyuu snapped out of his thoughts. He looked up to his housemate and saw the concerned expression on his face. Deciding it would be best to confide in Yukimura, he told him his observations of the afternoon and evening. Once he was done, Yukimura had a contemplative look on.
“It is possible that she is in bind since she isn’t working,” Yukimura stated with a frown. “And I know that she hasn’t been getting too many offers for baby sitting. However, she would never ask anyone for help with money. This we know all too well.”
“If she doesn’t get a job soon, she won’t be able to live in that apartment any longer,” Yagyuu said, twinges of concern in his voice.
“Oh? Since when have you been so concerned for her?” Yukimura teased, hiding his smirk behind his cup of tea.
"I'm human, Seiichi," he said flatly. "I know how long it took her to find that apartment."
Yukimura thought about what he said and nodded. "It's alright. You know I was just teasing."
"Yes, but it should stop by now," he said, sitting down on the sofa. "She's just a friend like how she is to you guys."
Yukimura knew there was more to it by now, but he didn’t say anything. He sipped his tea and pulled a magazine from under the table. "So, what's the plan?" he asked.
"We're heading to the Water Park tomorrow," he answered. "You're welcome to join."
"We? Water Park?"
"Sumi, , and myself."
He continued sipping his tea. "That's an interesting match. Are you sure I won't be intruding?"
"Positive."
And that was the end of the conversation.
---------------
"Wow!" and Sumi breathed. Both girls turned to each other and let out a squeal at the massive park ahead of them. "We're going to go and change," announced, taking Sumi's hand and they both ran to the dressing rooms.
"I wonder who's more excited. or Sumi?" Yukimura asked dryly.
Yagyuu shook his head slightly and they went ahead to change as well.
Half an hour later, the four of them made their way to the hang out spot so they could decide where to go from there. Yagyuu watched slightly and smiled at how happy she looked in the swimming suit he bought her.
As they neared the place, Yukimura stopped them. "Yagyuu, slowly back away," he whispered.
Yagyuu and looked surprised. "What's wrong?" asked.
"Masaharu's here with his nieces and nephew," Yukimura said, turning pale. "We must turn around now…."
"But, they're just kids." looked at him.
"UNCLE SEI!!!" Three squeals could clearly be heard and almost rocked the entire park.
"What the…" swore, covering her ears and closing her eyes. When she opened her eyes, saw him on the floor with one, two, and three children on top of him, each of them hugging a part of his body. saw two identical sets of heads and a boy.
Before she could help Yukimura, another voice interrupted them. "Oh, thank god!" Niou exclaimed, running towards them. "God has heard my prayers."
Yukimura glared at Niou from the floor, still pinned by the three kids. "Masaharu, didn’t you say that you only have two hands and you will never take more than two kids out."
Niou grinned. "My sister has work and my brother needs to take his wife to the doctor. These types of emotional blackmail works sometimes you know…" He crossed his arms. "Oi! Demons, get off Seiichi before you kill him."
"Demons?" whispered, looking at Yagyuu.
"Don't ask."
Sumi hugged Yagyuu's leg. "Papa! They're hurting Uncle Sei," she cried, looking up at him.
Yagyuu picked her up with one arm and held her against his hip. "It's alright, sweetie. They're just playing with him.” He looked at Yukimura. "Seiichi, get up. You're upsetting Sumi."
"I'm stuck," he muttered, trying to shake the glued kids off him. "Masaharu."
Niou looked at Yagyuu as if it was the first time he noticed him. His eyes trailed to the little girl he was carrying and the woman next to him. "We meet again, -san," he said with a small bow.
nodded.
Niou turned to Sumi, ignoring Yukimura's dilemma at the moment and gave her a smile. "Is this your little angel, Hiroshi?" he asked, looking at Sumi intently.
Sumi hugged her father's arm and buried her head in it.
Niou cowered a bit and looked at Sumi. "No need to be scared, kid. I am your Uncle Masaharu," he said with a smile. "And that's Miu, Mai, and Ren."
Sumi peeked a bit, but didn’t face him fully.
nudged Yagyuu and he looked at her. "Seiichi's going blue," she whispered.
Niou had heard her. He turned and pulled one of the girls off Yukimura and placed her on his shoulders. "Behave yourself, Miu."
"I'm Mai!" she exclaimed, holding his hair.
felt sorry for Yukimura, so she went ahead and picked up the other girl. "No! No! No!" The little girl screamed. "Noooooooooooooooo…" She fidgeted horribly, making almost drop her.
Yagyuu caught 's waist with his other arm, while Niou picked Miu off 's arms. "Alright?" Yagyuu asked her.
looked at him and smiled. For a second, she lost herself and wanted to lean in that arm, but she remembered that they were in public so she stepped away.
Niou smiled with Miu in his arms and Mai on his shoulders, but there was still one more 'demon' left. "Seiichi," he sang. "Do you think we could…?"
"Forget it," Yukimura interrupted, still on the floor.
Niou pouted. "That's mean of you. You know I can't handle all three together."
"It's your fault to begin with," Yukimura said, sitting up and placing Ren aside. "We're here to relax."
touched Yagyuu's arm. "Is he asking what I think he is?" she whispered.
"I'm afraid so," he muttered.
So much for peace, thought. As much as she wanted to spend some time with them alone, she knew that Niou was in a dilemma and she felt sorry for him. "I'll watch them. Why don’t you guys relax?"
Niou's smile broadened.
", this is as much as a relaxing day for you as it is for us. I withdraw your offer," Yukimura said.
"We'll help," Yagyuu said, shocking everyone. "Sumi can play with the kids and we can just take turns."
Yukimura was the first to snap out of his shocked stupor. "Hiroshi, do you realize what you are suggesting?"
He crossed his arms. "So it's alright for to watch over the children while we all lie down and get a tan?" He asked sarcastically.
Why is he coming to my defense? wondered, watching him.
Niou swore out loud in front of the kids. Miu, Mai, and Sumi covered their ears while Yagyuu glared at him. “You guys are causing a lot of drama! We're here to have fun, so let's do it! Come on kids, you too Sumi-chan," he said, running towards the slides.
All the kids ran after him except for Sumi who hesitated. She looked at her father, silently asking for permission to go with them.
Yagyuu smiled. "You can go," he told her.
She smiled and ran after them. The trio stood together, watching Niou and the kids run off. “Do you think it wise to leave them with Masaharu?” Yukimura asked after a moment of silence.
and Yagyuu glanced at each other, sharing a look. “Let’s follow them.” With that, they went after the kids and short-tempered adult.
Along the way, Yukimura discreetly fell back behind his housemate and friend. He observed them closely, noticing something that wasn’t there before. There was an air of comfortable companionship between the two that one wouldn’t notice unless they were really looking.
Yukimura let out a mischievous smile. Hiroshi, seems like there’s more to it than you’re telling me, he thought, slowly stopping in his steps. As long as I get all the details later. Leaving the two to go after the kids, he went off on his own to grab something to drink.
---------------
“Wait,” said, holding his arm lightly.
Yagyuu looked at her. “What is it?”
“We’re alone,” she remarked, looking around and realizing that was no sign of Yukimura or Niou and the kids.
“So?”
“So I can do this,” she said, leaning forward and kissing him lightly. “That’s my thank you for what I’m wearing and helping me out earlier.”
He looked at her and suddenly remembered her problem. He wanted her to tell him that she was having financial problems, but he knew that would be overstepping his boundaries. She was a proud woman and she would rue the day she asks for help. He gently moved her hair behind her ears when her phone rang.
picked it up. “Hello?"
"What are you guys doing here?"
's heart quickened, looking around. Did he see me kiss him? She thought, looking for . "Where are you?" she asked when she couldn’t spot him.
"I'm here with Niou and the kids," he answered. "Jackal's here as well."
"Oh ok, I'll see you guys then," she said, hanging up. "Is this a family day or something?" She asked Yagyuu as they started walking towards the others.
"Everyone needs to relax I guess."
smiled at him. "I guess," she said. "How are your eyes by the way?"
"Good," he answered. "It is definitely much better than before."
hesitated for a second. She needed to tell someone and he seemed the best candidate. She knew he'd be supportive and just listen. "Hiroshi…"
He sensed seriousness in her voice. "What is it?" He waited for what she had to tell him with hidden eagerness. However, whatever she was about to say was cut off.
"Come on you slow poke!” Niou shouted, clearly seeing them now because they were walking towards them.
let out a sigh. "It's nothing," she said quietly. I don’t need to tell anyone, she thought again, ignoring her feelings from before. "I'm going ahead," she told him, walking ahead.
Yagyuu watched her go ahead of him. He silently cursed his old teammate for his terrible timing. Guess I’ll have to wait longer, he thought to himself. Snapping out of his thoughts, he quickly made his way to where the group had gathered.
“It was pure coincidence that we’re here today,” said, his hands up in surrender gesture.
raised an eyebrow. “Oh really?” She gave her friend a glare and sent him hiding behind his half Brazilian boyfriend.
“, it’s true,” Jackal said, trying to placate the woman in front of him. “We just decided to come today to relax a bit.”
“Well if you say so, Jackal,” responded, easing up on the two.
“You believe him but you don’t believe me, ?” said in mock hurt. “You wound me.”
rolled her eyes at his antics. “You’ll live.”
“Uncle ‘Haru! Let’s go!” The kids were tugging at the silver haired man’s arms incessantly. Niou looked like he was going pull out his hair if they continued any longer.
“Should we help?” asked towards . With being a kindergarten teacher and she being a former assistant teacher, they were the most qualified for damage control in regards to the kids.
“Oh I don’t know. He seems to be doing a great job,” mused with a grin.
“I suggest helping him before he blows a fuse.”
Almost everyone every one except for Yagyuu jumped at the unexpected voice from behind them. They turned around to find a smiling Yukimura with a drink in his hands. He took a casual sip as he took in their expressions.
“Seiichi, do not do that ever again,” warned with a small glare. “Where have you been anyway?”
Yukimura just lifted his drink in obvious answer. “You might want to do something soon.” He gestured to the four kids who were still tugging at Niou’s arms.
let out a sigh before turning to who nodded. The both of them went over to the group of five. “Ever dealt with twins before?” She asked quietly. Receiving a negative reply, she let out another sigh.
“About time you guys decided to help,” Niou said through clenched teeth.
just gave him a grin before turning her attention to the four children. She knelt down to their level so that she could talk to them properly. “How about we take you instead of your Uncle ‘Haru,” she suggested with a smile.
“But we want to go with Uncle ‘Haru!” The twins protested, clinging on to Niou’s arms even more.
knelt down alongside . “I’m sure your Uncle ‘Haru would like to go with you too, but he’s tired right now. If he gets too tired, then he won’t be able to play with you and then you’ll have to go home.”
“Is that true, Uncle ‘Haru?” Ren asked timidly, looking up at Niou. His uncle just nodded in reply, playing along by putting up an exhausted face and slumping his shoulders. He then looked at the two people in front of them. “I don’t want to go home yet,” he said, slowly letting go of his hold on Niou.
“Sumi wants to go with -sensei!” Sumi declared, skipping towards the older female with a cheery smile. She latched onto ’s arm and turned to the three kids still by Niou.