Cause and Effect (( |WW| & StainedCrimson )) Private|18+

[StainedCrimson]

Watching Cameron get excited and rush around to pack helps to relieve some of the tension and anger he was feeling. It's still there, but not as close to the edge anymore. Chuckling softly he shakes his head. "No, there's no need to bring yours along Cam-chan. As it is we'll have a hard time with your duffle bag on the bike, to say nothing of a chess board." He pauses before grinning. "Besides, I have a set at home that we can use."

 

Grabbing the bulging bag, he tosses it over one shoulder and wraps the other arm around the boy's shoulders. "Alright. I think this is everything you can stuff into a bag for two nights, so we should be good to go." Chuckling he starts out of the house to get to his bike. After getting Cameron all set, Ryuuchi settles the bag so it's diagonal across his chest and has his passenger wear his backpack to make things fit without being too awkward or needing someone to drop a bag off at the apartment.

 

Once that's done, he starts up the bike and takes off. Unlike the ride there, he takes it as he normally does with this certain passenger being with him. After reaching the apartment he lives at, being at the very top of course, he parks the bike and swaps bags back with Cameron. "Alright brat, you ready for this?" He teases with a grin.

[|WW|]

Cameron looked at the bag he'd packed and frowned. "I packed too much...." He hadn't meant to cram the thing full, honestly. He was just so excited he couldn't possibly do things calmly. His nanny would have made things a lot easier on them, but seeing as though she hadn't been called - well whatever. Ryuuchi didn't seem to mind as he hauled the bag over his shoulder. "Yeah I guess you would have a set of your own huh?" He should have known that already. Ah well, he was happy no matter what.

 

Leaning into his Uncle a bit he followed him downstairs and out to the waiting bike. Taking the backpack he slid it on and let the straps be fixed before he was given a small nudge onto the seat. The harness strapped him in and his helmet was on accordingly. He even left his glasses on and just stuck his head against his Uncle's back a bit more so not to lose then on accident. The ride was almost too slow. He wanted to be at the other home now. Impatience poured over him and he could barely sit still. Of course being on a bike he had too sit still, or else it could have been dangerous.

 

When they arrived cam was unhooked from the harness and slid off the seat. He exchanged bags and ran a circle around the bike with the bag clutched in both hands, bouncing off his legs as he went. "Yeah. Wooo, let's gooo! Too slow!" He flew off towards the elevators, unable to contain it anymore. He was laughing as he passed a couple who'd just come down to retrieve their car. They were holding hands and blinked with small smiles as cameron whooshed by them, his hair again a complete mess from the helmet.

[StainedCrimson]

Chuckling at Cameron's excitement, he follows after the small boy. "Cam-chan, easy there... You don't want to accidentally run into someone now do you?" He calls out when the couple is nearly ran into. Catching up to him, Ryuuchi lifts the eight year-old and tucks him under his arm while the other hand pushes the buttons for the elevator and floor.

 

Once at his floor, the only door in the hallway being his, Cameron is set back down while the key is dug out of his pants pocket and unlocks the door. Pushing it open he nudges his little guest in then shuts and relocks the door. The sprawling open floor plan reveals the mixture of clean modern lines with traditional Japanese touches. "Let's go put your bag in your room and then we'll get the chess game out to play a game."

 

Ruffling Cameron's hair with a small smile he sets his own bag down by the couch before leading his small guest to the extra bedroom that he's never really used. "Okay, you unpack I'll set up the board and then after we finish I'll make us dinner." The room is a decent size with a bed, dresser, small nightstand with a lamp on it, and closet. Nothing overly fancy but then that's the purpose of a guest room. With a light tug to the boy's hair he leaves to set up the chess game in the living room. Away from Cameron the smile fades and the conversation with David starts replaying in his mind. Staring down at the ready chess set, his hand slowly curls into a fist.

[|WW|]

"I'm sorry Uncle," he apologized as the man reached him at the elevator. He hadn't meant to buzz by the couple so close. "Haha, I'm not luggage! Just how much can you lift anyway?" He was always picked up and tossed around by his Uncle. He enjoyed it, but often wondered how the Man was so strong. Carrying him, an over-stuffed duffle bag and his own bag to boot- that was impressive. Dangling he poked at Ryu's side, looking for a weak point; not that he wanted to be dropped. Once they reached Ryu's floor he was placed back on his feet, hoisting his duffle bag a bit higher against his chest while he waited for the door to be opened.

 

Once inside his gaze roamed from one thing to another, familiar with most of what he could see. He'd never really gotten far past the threshold. Following his Uncle to the spare room, he walked inside and looked the small room over. It was nearly empty of anything personal, and held mostly the basics of a spare unused room. Cam grinned and set the overstuffed duffle down on the bed, nodding a few times. "Okay, I'll be out in a minute," he replied as the zippers were pulled open and he began pulling clothes out to be put away.

 

When his Uncle had left to set the board up, he went to the dresser and started sliding his clothes inside each drawer. It only took a moment to have everything in a drawer and the bag tucked away into the closet. He found himself standing at the window, looking out over the city. It was a very impressive view and nothing like his own second story bedroom that overlooked a large garden and tree's.

 

He glanced over his shoulder back at the small room, suddenly curious if anyone else had stayed here before him. He never saw Ryu socialize with anyone other than a few men from the company and his Father of course. Was there anyone special? A lady perhaps? He'd never seen his Uncle with anyone like that. He would like to meet them if there were such a person in Ryu's life. But he couldn't just ask something so silly out of the blue; he wasn't sure that it was polite or even appropriate. "Oh well," he thought out-loud and hurried off to the living room for their game. Right now he was doing something for the first time- and he would try not to think of anything else but enjoying it.

[StainedCrimson]

Hearing Cameron putting things away, and having finished with the chess board he goes to get himself a drink and make some hot chocolate for his little guest. Sighing he wonders just how David is able to so easily decide that he'll pass off his only son. It makes no sense. And while he would be more than happy to adopt the little boy, his lifestyle isn't one Cameron should be in. Even though he's currently single and isn't ashamed of it, he thinks it's too early to let him know his 'cool Uncle Ryuu' isn't into women, but men.

 

Sighing softly he finishes off making the hot chocolate and tops his own glass off before moving back into the other room. "Cam-chan? You about ready?" He calls out while setting the glass down and takes his customary side of the board. Leaning back while taking a sip out of his wine glass, he uses the other hand to push some hair out of his face.

 

Once the boy sits down across from him, a small smile finally appears on the older man's face. "Did you get lost brat? Or maybe you were stalling on your way to inevitable defeat?" He teases lightly as they start the game. After some time has passed and both sides have made a few moves he decides to ask the boy something. "Cam-chan, what would you say if I told you I was thinking of leaving your dad's company and working with someone else?" Asking the question lightly and off-handily, he moves a piece and takes one of the boy's.

[|WW|]

Joining his Uncle for some chess was more than welcome. He'd been thinking of it since yesterday and was more than ready to charge forward with the task at hand. Sinking into his seat he took the hot chocolate gladly and tipped the rim just enough to sample the hot liquid, trying not to burn his tongue while at it. Humming happily he set the cup down to allow a cooling period before he'd try an actual gulp of the delicious beverage. Feeling the need to be comfortable he slid off his shoes and nudged them under the chair, tucking his legs up beneath himself as he looked over the board. "No sense in claiming defeat when it hasn't even begun Uncle," he warned playfully, his smile filled with courage but probably knowing he had no chance in hell of beating the elder.

 

After a few moves he was currently touching one of his knights, considering quietly an exchange in his head. His lips pursed and his deep brown eyes roamed the board in deep thought. When Ryu brought up the question, cameron's hand that had been moving the knight paused. He looked up, frowning suddenly. "Why would you want to leave my Father's company?" He asked quietly. His hand followed through on the move, releasing the knight so he could try out the drink again. His eyes left the board to greet his Uncle's, searching quietly as he waited for a response. It seems as though the question put some confusion on the table.

[StainedCrimson]

Taking a moment to look at the move then moves his rook where it's in a position to take the knight, he takes a slow deep breath. "Unfortunately life demands change and sometimes those changes means people don't change for the better. Your father has changed and I can no longer be both friend and peer with him. It has to be one or the other." He says finally in a low resigned tone. Not that he'd tell Cameron this, but other companies have been trying to recruit him for some time and it's only due to his friendship with David that he has rejected them. Now it is to save what little is left of that friendship that he must stop working with his long time friend.

 

Taking another sip of his own drink he looks at the boy thoughtfully before smiling faintly as the glass is set aside. "Don't worry though Cam-chan. No matter what happens between your father and I, he won't keep us from spending time together. He's said as much himself." Though really he said that he'd gladly toss aside his son and instead drown himself in work. The rise of that memory causes his eye to twitch ever so slightly.

 

"So Cam-chan, think you'll be okay with my working with someone else?" Though making it sound as if the eight year-old has any real say in it, it's all but been decided already. The main decision left is who will he leave the company for at this point. There's no real limit on who will take him on, and even if he takes a slight dip in pay it would be brief and negligible in the amount.

[|WW|]

Cameron listened, his face showing little of what he was thinking. He'd become a blank slate, and whether it was for the game itself or the conversation was questionable. Hearing that his Father had changed somehow was laughable. He'd not ever known his parent to be but one way. And that was busy or distant. Both amounted to the same in the young boys mind. How anyone could be friends with his Father was beyond him- but he'd always supposed it was an adult thing he just didn't quite grasp.

 

Looking down at the board he moved his knight out of harms way, trying to rethink his last decision. He wondered what had happened between the two men, but somehow didn't want to ask. The way things were now, well, they were important and he didn't particularly take big changes very well. Despite being a pretty well raised boy, he was still a child after all. He remained quiet, sipping his chocolate drink and waiting for his Uncle to finish what he had to say. After another two moves he finally broke the silence, nodding as if he'd reached some quiet decision in the game. His bishop traveled and swallowed a rook, taking one for the team.

 

"Well Uncle, if you feel that's what you need to do then I suppose that's all there is to it. I'm glad you told me, however," he paused, glancing up, "why do you look sad?" A child's perception was a scary thing. Though he may have mistook anger for sadness, he at least sensed something was amiss. "If you can still see me, and you can try something new with your work; then why not be more excited? But why ask me at all?" He didn't understand why Ryu had asked him, as though a grown man needed permission to change his own life.

[StainedCrimson]

"Ahh, Cam-chan... You're so smart. I can't hide anything from you can I?" He asks smiling though a bit sadly this time as he reaches over to ruffle the mop of brown hair. Pulling his hand back he makes his own move. "Change is a scary thing, even when needed or wanted. And rarely is it easy or go as planned. And while he isn't the same as he used to be, I'm sad that the change this time is to leave your father and start new somewhere." Within a few moves has the king surrounded. "Check mate."

 

Looking up at Cameron again, he gets another small smile though this one is closer to normal. "As to why ask you? Well, you're one of the smartest people I know Cam-chan. And your opinion matters a lot to me." Lightly flicking the younger's nose he leans back to take another sip of his drink. "Now then, another game or is there something else you'd like to do? If not want to help me get dinner started?" Unlike the boy's father, Ryuuchi cooks his own meals minus going out every now and then with coworkers or friends, even though he makes more than enough to live as extravagantly as David does with a cook, maids and such.

[|WW|]

"Hmmm." He supposed it just couldn't be helped. His Uncle seemed like he had things figured out. The only thing that somehow bothered him was just 'where' Ryu would be going. Did this somewhere mean far away? Or still in the city? Would he move? Just how many things had to change? Regardless of being promised to still see one another, he felt a small unease with the prospect of things shifting in his small world. Distracted his Queen was swept off and his King now stood among foes, surrounded and helpless. He looked and looked, but his defeat was certain. He frowned and poked his King, letting the piece fall over and roll inside the enemies. "I lose." Again.

 

Wrinkling his nose to small flick he finished off his drink and offers a smile, the first one since they'd started playing. Since the game ended, his poker-type face was null and void. "Another game later, maybe." He needed to mentally prepare for another defeat against his Uncle. Perking to the word 'food' he slid off the chair and picked up his cup. "Food," he chirped, marching off towards the kitchen. He stopped and looked over his shoulder looking embarrassed suddenly. "Uh, is it really okay if I help?" He didn't know one thing about cooking after all.

[StainedCrimson]

Chuckling he sweeps the boy up and squeezes him playfully. "Alright, another game later then. And of course you can help. Not with anything too fancy, but we have to start teaching you at some point. A real man can at least make himself basic meals so when he's on his own he doesn't starve." He pokes the boy's nose again while entering the kitchen. Sitting Cameron on the counter, he leans down and grins.

 

"Now then, what should we have for dinner hm? Chicken? Steak? Fajitas? Stir fry?" He rolls of a few ideas giving the boy a chance to forget the seriousness of earlier and just have fun learning something new. Honestly, this is the kind of thing he's always wanted to with the young child but until recently David has been very stubborn about letting Ryuuchi do more than just quick check-ins.

 

Waiting for a response he looks at the other affectionately. He'll grow up to be a fine man. Laughing to himself his thought continues. Though probably more on the cute and adorable side. Though that's fine to. He just hopes that he'll be able to see his favorite person grow up into that fine man.

[|WW|]

Cameron squirmed while being hauled around, doing small rib-pokes in hopes to get at least some response from his armored Uncle. Seeing no progress he huffed and settled himself onto the counter, his legs swaying only halfway so they didn't bump the counter. "Well aren't guys supposed to know all sorts of stuff? Cooking, working, riding cool bikes, wearing nice clothes, charming the ladies." He wrinkled his nose to the last bit, not in any way interested in the female thing. Girls scared him. And why the heck were they freakishly taller when they were the same age? There was something immensely creepy about that. "Got a lot on our plates, us guys."

 

He laughed, propping is chin on a small fist, considering. "Stir fry sounds fun. And yummy too. I vote for that one." He looked around, poking the glasses up his nose after they wiggled down from the haul earlier. "So, what can I help with?" His head tipped to the side, soft hair spilling over to tickle his cheek obscuring his view somewhat. Yes, this kid would be a cutie when he was older no doubt. But he had a ways for that, and right now he was about as pure-hearted as they came. Hopefully that would stay in tact, to a point. No one was blissfully innocent forever. "Oh!," he grabbed ryu's shirt, tugging a few times. "Can I have soda with dinner?" Being with his Uncle had perks, sweets being one of them.

[StainedCrimson]

Hearing Cameron's little talk causes Ryuuchi to laugh. "That we do brat. But I don't think you have to worry about girls anytime soon. If you ever find yourself interested in them that is." Giving the other a quick tickling in retribution for being poked earlier, he continues. "But you're right. Men should know at least a little of everything, but also be willing to ask for help if they need it. Though sometimes it's easier to give advice than to accept or follow it." The last part is more of him thinking aloud than really meant as a comment for conversation.

 

"Stir fry hmm? Alright, let's get going." Straightening up he starts to gather the items they'll need. "Want to get carrots, red and green peppers, and the bag of sweat peas out of the fridge for me?" He asks while getting out a pot and wok along with a box of noodles. "I think pork stir fry sounds good. Don't you?" Glancing at Cameron he grins while pulling out some pork chops. Getting one pan heated with a bit of oil, the pork is seasoned and then placed in to cook while water is readied to boil to cook the noodles.

 

Hoisting his helper back onto the counter, Ryuuchi gets a bowl and sets it by the boy. "Alright. I need you to do two important things for me Cam-chan. First, peel the carrots with this." He holds up the peeler and demonstrates how to do it with one carrot getting the peels into the bowl, setting the finished carrot to the side on a towel. "Then I need you to get the peas ready." Using the bowl again, he snaps the end of the pea pod and de-strings it down the length of the pea, depositing it in the bowl and setting the shelled pea pod to the side in a clean bowl.

 

"Think you can handle that?" He teases and waits for confirmation before cutting up the carrots, an onion, and the bell peppers. Once the pork chops are cooked, they're taken off to cool and then are cut up before set to the side. Soon the water has boiled and the noodles cooked. Draining out the water he then lets Cameron put in the vegetables into the wok so they can start cooking while some clean up is done. "Okay. You empty the bowl into the garbage then put it in the sink. We'll finish cleaning up a bit and then put the rest together." He announces grabbing soy sauce and the salt and pepper.

 

When things are cleaned up sufficiently, he picks Cam up and lets him help stir the vegetables before adding the noodles, meat and soy sauce. Setting the boy back on the counter he stirs and mixes it all up before putting a cover on it to let it cook for a bit. "Alright. We'll let that cook for a bit as we set the table and finish cleaning up. Then it'll be time to eat." Grinning he ruffles the boys hair.

[|WW|]

Cameron hopped down from the counter and went to the fridge, pulling out what he thought was correct. He had carrots, red and green peppers and finally after digging around managed to locate green pod looking things which he had to hold up for his Uncle to confirm before deciding he had everything correct. "Piggy sounds fine," he answered to the option of pork. He sets the items on the counter and watches the prep work for the pork, rising on his tip-toes so he can see into the pan. "Smells funny," he commented as the meat began to simmer within the oil.

 

Being lifted again he settles back onto the counter, watching as the bowl is brought to him and the instructions are given for each item. He watches closely and nods, figuring it can't be all that tough. "Yeah, I can do it," he answered, grabbing the peeler from his Uncle. The carrots turned out to be really easy to deal with, and those were done in no time. The pea-pods however, well, those weren't as easy. At one point he'd peeled one and pea's flew all over the counter. He blinked and turned red, trying to gather the strays. "Oops, haha," he said somewhat embarrassed. "They ran away."

 

After everything was finally completed on his end, he got to watch Ryu cut apart the pork and drain the noodles, hot steam rising to where an exhaust fan ran softly above. He blinked up at the steam then started laughing when his glasses fogged up. He slid them off and wiped them clear with a cloth he had in his pocket, just for his glasses actually. When clear sighted again cam took the vegetables and added them to the wok, watching as they sizzle in the large bowl like cooker. The rest was mostly clean up, and he did his best, trying to impress his Uncle with his skills of being a good apprentice of sorts, or assistant.

 

"Uncle," he started as he helped set the table after the clean up was mostly done, "do you think when I grow up I could be a good assistant?" He smiled and set the forks and glasses out at their places, looking up to his Uncle. "Maybe I could come to your new job if I took the right school classes?" The thought of being next to Ryu in work and home life was really appealing. In fact he considered it a secret dream.

[StainedCrimson]

Ryuuchi stares at Cameron for a moment in surprise. He'd never thought the little guy would want to work with him someday. Slowly a smile crosses his face and he kneels down to ruffle the boy's hair. "Tell you what, if you really want to work with me then show me how serious you are. If you get good grades and into a good university then I'll make sure that I keep a spot open for you to work with me when you graduate."

 

Pushing the other's hair back, he makes eye contact and still has a faint smile. "Sound like a deal?" He asks knowing that Cameron will be more than happy with that. Although, a part of him knows that either life could change by then or the boy who idolizes him could realize just how imperfect of a man his 'Uncle Ryuu' really is and just decide to be with people his own age. So many things can change between then and now, but a small part of him hopes that he'll have the chance to work side-by-side with Cameron someday.

 

Standing up he checks on the food and stirs it again. "Alright. Dinner should be done in a bit. Let's finish setting the table and get drinks, by that time it'll be done." He hands the small boy the plates and silverware, though chopsticks for himself, then refills his wine glass before getting the boy a glass of soda just like he'd asked earlier. After all, if not for him who would spoil the brat?

[|WW|]

The boy returned the level gaze, soft flecks of gold could be seen hiding among the hazel orbs. Up close they were quite pretty, if one cared to look that close anyway. Ryu may not understand just how serious his question had been, seeing as a young boys mind often got sidetracked. But he really did love his Uncle. He wanted to make him proud. Everything he'd done in his life would be simply because he could shine his achievements for this man to see. Not once for his Father out of willingness, but for the man that truly took precious care of him day after day. "I'll work hard, Uncle," he announced seriously. That bond was strong in his heart. He nodded before his hair tumbled back down, having been released.

 

Once everything was set and the drinks were poured, cameron slid into his chair, eyeing the meal as it was brought out. Steam flew up from the freshly made stir-fry and his stomach rolled in excitement. He was nearly starving just from smelling it while it had cooked. It was amazing what a few things tossed together could become. He would have to learn to cook too at some point. He couldn't depend on an old chef to always take care of him. He could choose his own meals and eat what he liked. The thought was pretty nice actually.

 

Waiting on his Uncle to get comfortable he began serving himself, piling a nice clump onto his plate which he would no doubt eat every bit of. He licked his lips once, as if his tongue was way ahead of him. "Thanks for the food," he chirped and dug in after Ryu's plate was also filled. "What do you want to do after we eat?" He asked, taking a nice long drink after. He loved soda, the way it bubbled and the sweetness it brought. He usually drank healthy things, or juice but his Uncle was good for giving him the more fun beverages. He even bought some at school sometimes in the vending machines. But that was a hush-hush subject.

[StainedCrimson]

"I have some more work to do before I can just have fun this weekend with you, so I'll have to do that after dinner. While I work you can either watch tv, a movie or play your game for awhile. However..." Pausing before a big smirk crosses his face. "You have to go to bed early since I have a surprise for you tomorrow." With that he goes back to his food and continues eating, ignoring all questions about tomorrow entirely.

 

After both of them are finished eating, he gathers up the dishes and puts them in the sink to be rinsed off and then put in the dishwasher. "Alright brat, gather up the other dirty dishes and put them in the sink while I put away what's left of dinner." Grabbing some containers he puts some into one that he can take to work for lunch and the rest in a bigger container that can be dipped into for other meals should either of them get hungry.

 

Once everything is taken care of, the elder male goes back into the other room and settles down on the couch and grabs his bag. Pulling out the laptop and some files he looks over at Cameron. "Well Cam-chan, what are you going to do while I finish this up so we can have fun this weekend?" He asks with a small smile.

[|WW|]

"I have my puzzle book with me" He managed to smash it beneath all the clothes he'd packed; it was only a tad wrinkled from the tight accommodations. Hearing the surprise part over the early bed time made him eye the older man in a near brimming curiosity. His attempts at getting any form of a clue were thwarted each time he tried, nearly flailing by the end. "Awww, come on." Second win for Uncle Ryu.

 

Finishing off dinner was easy. After shoveling down two plates and two cups of soda of course. Grabbing his dishes he dropped them off in the sink as asked and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, taking this with him to the living room. Setting the bottle down on a cup holder he bounced off to retrieve his puzzle book and pencil, feeling almost too full from such a good meal. It's not that the cook at his home didn't make wonderful meals; it's just this sort of situation made things taste much better. Sharing things with the people you cared about would always win over solitary meals.

 

Coming back to join his uncle he sunk down onto the floor, folding the book open to the page he'd left off on. This time he had a word search to finish, and all the words were backwards. Hearing Ryu ask him he held it up and grinned, showing off the book that would keep him occupied. "Bet I can do three pages worth by the time you're done," he challenged. Stealing a quick drink of his water, he hunkered down and got to the business at hand, leaving Ryu to do the same.

 

 

 

[StainedCrimson]

While the small boy gets his puzzle book, Ryuuchi puts the last of the dishes into the dishwasher and getting it started, he wipes off his hands and exchanges his wine glass for a bottle of water like Cameron. Having settled back down, he looks over hearing the challenge and laughs. "Oh? Is this a challenge brat? What do I get if I win?" Grinning he teases the boy while giving the other's ear a playful tug amused by the whole thing.

 

He's honestly curious to see what Cameron has to say to that. It's not often the little boy challenges him so blatantly after all. While still looking at the eight year-old, he continues to type away at the document he has pulled up. So familiar with what he's doing that looking at it is almost unnecessary. While waiting for an answer he glances at it every now and then to make sure nothing is misspelled or put in the wrong place.

 

Soon most of the contract is written up and ready for review, and all that's left is a few minor details and tweaks to the presentation. Waiting to see how his weekend guest is coming along with his puzzles, he takes a drink of the water and takes a small break. Part of him is tempted to let the boy win this one, but the prize for winning is a bit tempting, his mouth twitches with a smile as he thinks about it.

[|WW|]

Cameron considers this question seriously. He circles two words and nibbles on his eraser, thinking. "If I win, you have to help me build a bird house," he grinned wide. "In art we have to make our own bird house for the art fair at the end of the semester. If I win, well, I need help." He went back to circling words, thinking that he could probably use all the help he could get. While he was artistic- he didn't know the first thing about making a bird house. Painting or decorating it sure, but building it? He was 8 years old and not exactly a carpenter. Though he was sure most people would just buy a pre-made one and decorate it. That sounded like no fun to him.

 

"If you win?" He raised a brow, not even sure what his Uncle would possibly want from him. "Well, I suppose whatever you want Uncle. Just as long as it's not too difficult." Or embarrassing? Was it like truth or dare? Ah heck he didn't know. And that was that. He wasn't sure what else he was supposed to say. He remained quiet and focused, finishing one page and moving to the other. When he saw the title of the word search he grinned like a complete fool. Disney characters. He had this one in the bag.

 

A few more drinks of water and another page nearly done; taking small glances in Uncle's direction to see if there were any signs of being done. He chewed vigorously on his pencil, mumbling quietly as he read through the words and finally managed the last three. The last page was in view, and he wasted no time on it. The words were really hard because they were all backwards, so even the smallest one seemed to hide in plain sight.

 

[StainedCrimson]

"A bird house? I'm not sure I'd be much help with that brat. I don't have any woodworking skills." He comments while setting aside the folders. Tapping a finger against his laptop thoughtfully he looks down at the other. "No thoughts on what you can offer me as a prize hmm? That's a touch disappointing..." Teasing the young boy slightly he picks up a folder and lightly taps it against Cameron's head.

 

"Hmm, how about a kiss then if I win?" This is just a harmless suggestion that pops into his head and decides to go with it as a harmless tease. After all, a kid would know nothing about a real kiss. All he expects from the other is a peck on the cheek at most. "Or maybe I should make you clean the bathroom with your toothbrush hmm?" A wide grin crosses his face while finishing up the last few emails and sending off the contract with the presentation for approval.

 

"Well brat, I've finished. What about you?" Setting aside his computer he leans over to ruffle the other's head roughly while looking at his puzzle book to see if he'd finished the page yet. "Hmm, word searches huh? How good are you with numbers Cam-chan? If you like number games you should try Sudoku." He suggests.

[|WW|]

"Well, no.. Um," he circles another word and frowns. He really didn't know what else to give his Uncle. He could make a nice drawing, or maybe offer to wash the bike. Oh! Why hadn't he thought of that? Just when he was about to suggest just that, Ryu spoke about a kiss. Cameron wrinkled his nose and his cheeks colored slightly. He poked at his glasses and made sure to keep looking at the book of puzzles, even when he got bopped on the head by a file as distraction.

 

"S-sure," he answered, wondering why a kiss would be considered a reward of any kind. He didn't really have many of those sort of things wracked up, even with family. In fact there were very people he'd ever kissed on the cheek. His whole life was not exactly the coddled or cuddly kind between parent and child. Who could blame the kid for turning red at the prospect of just one kiss on the cheek? When the mention of cleaning the restroom with his toothbrush was offered up he glanced up, eyes wide. "You wouldn't," he looked absolutely horrified at that prospect.

 

Grumbling something about child labor he turned back to his book, having five words remaining in total. He managed to knock out three, but the last two were nowhere to be found. He flipped the book upside down and sideways, trying every angle. He huffed in frustration and then his Uncle totally squashed his efforts.

 

Looking up, brown eyes thinned to slits obviously showing he hadn't finished by the reaction. "I got two words left," he answered, honestly. He wasn't going to lie, it just wasn't in his personality at all. Plus lies were bad. Ryu had taught him just that. Having his hair ruffled ruined all chances of his soft locks ever becoming somewhat put-together. "I like numbers too. Is Sudoku hard?" His head tilted curiously, eyeing his Uncle's cheek. Maybe he should just get it over with. Or maybe he was being teased again. He didn't know.

[StainedCrimson]

Laughing softly he looks down at the book again. "Is it giving you a hard time? We'll just have to find them together then won't we?" Hearing the loud protest against the bathroom idea and then the muttering following it, he laughs harder. "What's this? Is Cam-chan defying me at long last? Should I strike the fear of the gods into you?" He teases while tugging on a bit of hair lightly.

 

At the question about the number game, he gives a small nod. "It can be. There are different levels of difficulty so you can start on the easiest one to get used to it and work your way up from there. Before I take you home we'll stop and get you one so you can try it out. How does that sound?" Ryuuchi replies and then points at a spot on the book. "Oh, here's one of your words Cam-chan." His finger traces the length of the word for the boy to see it.

 

While he enjoys teasing his little guest, he also just enjoys giving the boy the experience of what a real family is like. His own was much like this, warm and caring while teasing you relentlessly. Though his one remaining parent has long since retired to the countryside of his home country. Every now and then he goes to visit and make sure his old man is doing alright and not in need of anything. Perhaps some day he can take Cameron there to introduce the two? He's sure the old man would enjoy the brat and the two would get along. The thought has him laughing softly while forgetting all about the little wager that Cameron and himself had.

[|WW|]

Cameron nodded, lifting the book a touch so his Uncle could see. "Yeah they were small words though," he commented, as if that made a difference to the difficulty. He grinned to the tugs on his hair, the constant touching always something he craved. It was just natural to get a ruffle on his head, or get picked up and tossed around like he weighed nothing. Those things were fun and made both body and heart feel light and happy. "Yes, I am... uh, retaliating!" Big word brownie points. He raised his chin a notch and crossed his eyes, sticking out his tongue.

 

Hearing they were going to go get one of the number books, he nodded. "Sounds good. I like new challenges. These get kind of boring sometimes." He had a bright mind, of course things would get a little dull here and there. A kids attention span was all depending on what kept him busy after all. Blinking he looked down to where his Uncle pointed, having found the word. Cameron circled it and grinned. "Good job." Praise from an eight year old, how sweet. He went back to looking for the other word, wondering what was so funny that his Uncle had to continue laughing as if he'd missed some private joke.

 

The next word took about three minutes, and he was amazed he'd missed it since it had been literally hiding out in a corner. Circling it he grinned and when he looked up his Uncle had been so close they managed to bump foreheads. "Oops, ouch," he laughed and rubbed his head, reaching up to pat his Uncle's lightly. "Sorry," he apologized and then leaned up and planted a kiss right on the red spot. His cheeks flamed and he muttered. "There, I did it." And so the prize had been given, even if it was a round about way.

[StainedCrimson]

"Oooh? Is the brat using big words now?" Grinning he grabs Cameron's tongue and tugs on it. "You should be careful about sticking that out Cam-chan..." He rolls out with a grin while continuing to tug on the bit of flesh before finally letting it go. Hearing the praise causes him to laugh again. "Why thank you." Obviously not hard for him, but still impressive to the eight year-old, the praise still pleases him slightly. After all, it's honest and sincere. Nothing like the ones at work where people flatter and say what they think you want to hear in order to be viewed favorably and hopefully gain a promotion or raise from it.

 

Lost in the thoughts for a moment, he snaps back only when Cameron headbutts him and then kisses his forehead. Blinking in surprise at first, the elder laughs softly and shakes his head. "I suppose you have. Ahh, I'm going to miss this when you get older." He muses while ruffling the other's hair. Once Cameron grows up and starts to explore adult life, times like this will just disappear and eventually find his Uncle Ryuu uncool and stop wanting to hang out with him.

 

"...Maybe I should have made you promise to always hang out with me once you grow up." He says suddenly in an oddly serious and yet nostalgic tone. "After all, once you grow up I'm sure you'll be busy with friends and dating and won't find me fun or cool anymore. I'll have to pull all kind of tricks just to get you to visit." He drolls out while pulling the boy to him and squeezing him really tightly with one arm as the other tickles him.