DOMESTIC [obu & choco berry]

[obu]

 

CHARACTER PROFILE # 1

NAME: Fuyuki, Yuki, Fu-chan

AGE: 24

HEIGHT: 5'11

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: He attends college and does odd jobs/part

time work when he has free time. He's a happy go lucky person and he likes kids

because he has a younger brother and sister. He listens to a lot of different

music, loves to read, and is a decent cook. He's quite good at sketching.

 

CHARACTER PROFILE # 2

NAME: Akihiko

AGE: 30

HEIGHT: 6'0

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: He is a paralegal at a reputable law firm

and he has two children: an eight year old girl named Nobuko and

a five year old boy named Takeo. He doesn't make much money

but loves to spoil his children in any way possible. He's fairly

shy and is usually unwilling to ask for help because he doesn't

like to appear weak. He's an awful cook.

 

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[Choco Berry]

It was a humid, Friday afternoon. For most people, this is the time of the week where they get to go out and celebrate the end of their week long struggle in their day jobs. Go to drinking parties, karaoke, even attend a goukon for the single youngsters. For the students, Friday is a huge relief; a break that they've been waiting for after a stressful week of homework and lessons.

 

Fuyuki, a 24 year old young man prefers to go and earn money for extra income. Albeit young, Fuyuki acts mature and responsible. Of course he wouldn't forget to treat himself for pleasure every now and then, but he prefers doing part-time jobs after his classes than go to drinking parties for a more productive life. He is actually about to apply for another job that he heard from his friend.

 

"My uncle has a paralegal co-worker and he needs a babysitter. You should try it, Fu-chan!"

 

This is the first time that he'd do a babysitting job, but he knew he could handle it, given the fact that he had taken care of his two younger siblings.

 

"Sigh... I hope this paralegal guy is nice." Fuyuki said to himself as he stood in front of a fairly nice-looking house. It was a westernized, two-storey house with a small garden and patio. Dainty, he might add. He pulled off his bonnet before fixing his light brown hair before pressing the doorbell, hoping the master of the house is already home. Tapping his foot, he waited anxiously for someone to answer the door as he held the recommendation letter from his friend's uncle.

[obu]

Fridays were always busy. Akihiko removed his reading glasses and rubbed his tired eyes, leaning back in the swivel chair of his home office. He'd hoped that he wouldn't have too much to take home but, of course, he ended up with an armful of documents to look over.

 

Work was beginning to pick up, as it did every year around this time, and with the extra office hours, he hadn't had much time to be with his children. In fact, it was proving to be quite difficult to balance work and the two little ones. They were far too young to be left alone and for awhile he was essentially floundering until a friend recommended he ask for an on-call, long term babysitter, someone to watch the kids when he couldn't.

 

Akihiko wasn't exactly keen on the idea of a stranger taking care of his children but this was his only option and he asked his friend to spread the word.

 

Fridays were always busy and today was no different. He settled back into his chair and was just readying himself to return to the stack of papers when the doorbell rang. He heard the thunder of two pairs of tiny feet stomping down the stairs and towards the door.

 

By the time he'd reached the front door, his tiny two were already interrogating the stranger in the doorway, questions flying out of their mouths at a mile a minute.

 

"Why is your hair so messy?"

"How old are you?"

"Are you a salesman?"

 

"That's enough," Akihiko interrupted, pushing the children out of the way and stepping into view. He extended a hand before inquiring, "who might you be?"

[Choco Berry]

Fuyuki was in a slight trance as he waited for the door to be answered but he immediately snapped out of it when two young kids appeared in front of him. Wide, innocent eyes greeted him together with the surge of questions that he found adorable. For a moment, they reminded him of little dogs barking at strangers when it comes close to the house-- either eager to meet the stranger or out on a prowl. That was a rude thought. He smiled in the friendliest manner before waving his hand.

 

"No, I'm not a salesman. I'm looking for the master of the house--" he stopped, finally seeing a grown-up stepping in front of him, reaching his hand. He looked up at the apparently taller male with honey blonde hair. He was undeniably attractive. "U-uhm. My name is Fuyuki. A-ah.. Here!" he struggled for words as he shook the hand before handing the man the recommendation paper and his bio-data. "I heard from my friend's uncle, Kanzaki-san, that you need a babysitter and I was wondering if I could apply for it." He tried to sound as polite as possible and appear not too fidgety in front of the man or he'll think he's a weirdo. He kept his lips tight as he fixed his rather messy hair, waiting patiently for the other to finish reading the papers.

[obu]

"I heard from my friend's uncle, Kanzaki-san, that you need a babysitter and I was wondering if I could apply for it."

 

So Kanzaki had passed the word around, huh. The younger man, who had introduced himself as Fuyuki, looked to be a bit nervous and Akihiko tried to calm him down as he scanned the note of recommendation. If he came with well wishes from Kanzaki, Akihiko figured he couldn't be too bad.

 

 

Akihiko folded the note in half and made eye contact, allowing himself a good look at the other man's face. His hair was a tad unruly but it fell around his face in flattering layers; it suited him, Akihiko decided. His eyes were quite piercing and Akihiko felt the man's stare on his back as he gestured for him to enter.

 

"You're hired. I'll show you around the house, come on," Akihiko sighed and gave him a tired smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling in the process.

[Choco Berry]

Fuyuki, who was focused on the male's blue eyes, almost jumped when Akihiko said that he's hired. Well, this is a quick process.

 

"R-Really? Thank you very much!" he was glad he got that recommendation letter from Kanzaki-san. Usually when he applies for a job, they'd scrutinize his looks and his background among other things. Despite all those efforts, he's still not sure if he'd ever get hired. But this babysitting stint won't be a hassle for him for sure.

 

He followed the man as he led him inside the house, turning his head around to see the two children with the same wide eyes following him from behind. "Uhm. May I know your name, sir? And I assume these are the kids I am going to take care from now on?" he smiled awkwardly, leaning down to reach a hand to the little ones. "Hello there. My name is Fuyuki. You can call me Fu-chan~"

 

He wasn't a hardcore fan of kids but he could be friendly enough and get along with them when needed. Even though, it would be a lot harder for him to take care of a stranger's kids when the only experience he had were taking care of his siblings years ago.

[obu]

"Ah, it's Akihiko," he replied, smiling yet again. "You don't need to use any titles with me, it's fine."

He watched the sweet exchange between his children and the newcomer with a curious expression. Maybe Kanzaki was right, hiring a babysitter wasn't such a bad idea.

 

"Otosan, can we play with Fu-chan?" Nobuko stared up at him expectantly. Akihiko patted her on the head before answering.

 

"I need to speak with him first. Wait for him upstairs, won't you?" They had sped off towards the staircase before he'd even finished speaking. Akihiko directed his attention back to Fuyuki and beckoned him towards the kitchen. "I'm a terrible cook so if you fix the children a nice dinner, they might just fall in love. The way to their hearts is food." He laughed softly before asking, "would you like some tea while we go over your duties?"

 

Fuyuki nodded and Akihiko set the kettle out. It'd been so long since he last had an adult in his home. If he was being honest, the last person who'd set foot in his kitchen other than himself and the kids was his wife and she wouldn't be returning. The thought that someone could become a permanent fixture in his life was exciting to say the least. He never admitted to his loneliness, only hoped that it would somehow cure itself. Having someone around all the time to help with things was a nice thought, but nicer still was the thought that this person could help keep him sane. He had to branch out from his coworkers eventually; he needed to make friends.

[Choco Berry]

"Ah. Pleased to meet you, Akihiko-san.. Ahaha. I guess I'd still use honorifics for you after all." He looked down at the young girl and smiled gently, thinking they're all eager and ready to bond with him. Maybe this is not so bad of an idea at all. The kids seems nice, the man of the house seems kind and hardworking too, seeing the lines that starts to grow on the corners of his eyes. He couldn't deny to himself that he'd love coming back to this house just to see this man's face alone. After all, who wouldn't enjoy the company of a good-looking man and a pair of adorable children?

 

The house looks really nice but somehow, it felt felt like lacking. His eyes gazed over at the male, thinking what could be the reasons because really, Akihiko seems to be a perfect husband, father and a great provider knowing he works in a law firm. Fuyuki tried his best not to over think things too much.

 

Fuyuki smiled and gladly accepted the offer before waving at the kids as he followed the male in the kitchen. When the other male asked about cooking, he perked up and grinned in confidence. "You can count on me when it comes to cooking!" he said. "I know a lot of dishes and my family used to own a small restaurant and I used to help out there. I also used to work as a part-time cook in this diner five blocks away from the station. I just resigned there because the job was too constricting... Ah." he bowed his head, blushing from embarrassment when he noticed he couldn't stop talking.

[obu]

Akihiko gazed at Fuyuki with an amused expression. His babbling was quite endearing and Akihiko could instantly see himself growing to enjoy the man's presence.

 

"Well, I'm happy to hear I'll have someone who knows their way around the kitchen. That takes a load off my shoulders, for sure," he chuckled, reaching up to run a hand through his hair. Suddenly he remembered the work he was supposed to be finishing and rushed Fuyuki through a tour of the first floor and a list of the children's daily activities. "I really would like to stay and chat but I have to finish this by ten tonight and I'm nowhere near close to being done. Again, I apologize."

 

He called for the children and they came bouncing down the steps, clinging to their father as soon as they'd reached him. "I'll be down for dinner, I promise," he said, patting them both on the head as he walked toward the stairs.

 

Akihiko turned back to look at the man who now bore a somewhat overwhelmed expression to add, "Fuyuki, I'm really glad you're here."

 

With that, he edged up the stairs and sighed as he entered his office. Ten minutes later his head dropped to the desk in exhaustion and he fell fast asleep, reading glasses pressing an unflattering mark into the side of his face.

[Choco Berry]

Fuyuki followed the man around the house, making sure to remember where the utility area is especially the kid's rooms and the bathroom just in case he needed to rush there without mistaking a random room to be the toilet. He also took down notes on the kids' activities, finding it really enjoyable as he look forward to bond with the young ones. When they're done and Akihiko informed him about his work, he shook his head with a smile. "Don't worry, Akihiko-san. You go ahead and finish your work. I get a feeling you need to focus on it more." he said.

 

Smiling when the two children came bouncing down the stairs, he smiled at them before straightening up, listening to Akihiko's instructions once more. "Don't worry. I'll make sure dinner's ready when you finish your work." Somehow, this is getting exciting. He quickly grew fond of the man and the household in general.

 

When the man turned once more to express his gratitude, he lightly blushed and felt butterflies in his stomach. He scratched his head shyly before nodding. "I am thankful, too, Akihiko-san." he said shortly before shifting his gaze towards the two children who quietly stood there, giving him the same wide gaze. He grinned and took off his jacket before folding it neatly and putting it on the chair. "Okay! Let's start over. My name is Fuyuki. What are your names and how old are you?" he asked.

 

The young girl spoke first. "I'm Nobuko. I'm 8 years old."

The young boy gave a huge grin. "Takeo! Five!" he said, holding out his hand with fingers spread wide. Fuyuki felt he could explode from the cuteness of the kids.

"Fu-chan! Can we play?" Nobuko started, tugging on Fuyuki's shirt.

"Yeah, hopscotch!" Takeo yelled, jumping and reaching his arms up as he did.

"Hopscotch is for babies. Let's play horsey. Fu-chan will be horsey!"

"Then I want to ride on Fu-chan's back first! I'm five, you're eight."

 

Fuyuki giggled a bit before trying to calm the two kids down. "Okay, okay. Settle down. We'll play a different game." he really didn't want to get beaten up on his first day, plus he needed some time off from the kids to make dinner so he made the two kids a blanket fort and turned on the TV in the kids' channel before leaving them in peace. He quickly slipped off as soon as the TV got the kids' attention. Good thing he can see the living room from the kitchen so he could still watch out for the kids.

 

He immediately whipped up his favorite. His mushroom soup with diced vegetables and chicken chunks. While letting everything boil, he had picked out the chicken and fried it, adding some salt and pepper to taste. When done, Fuyuki prepared some bite-sized vegetables before steaming them up sprinkling a little bit of sugar to caramelize it so the kids would still love to eat them. Of course, he simultaneously played with the kids while the soup and the rice cooked. It didn't take him too long to prepare dinner as he got more time to play hoops with the kids.

[obu]

Akihiko woke to an intoxicating smell wafting into his office. "Dinner must be ready, then," he muttered to himself as he pulled the glasses from his face and rubbed the red marks they'd left. He panned his desk and when his eyes settled on the clock, he sighed heavily. It was nearing nine o'clock and there was no way he was getting those files edited in an hour.

 

He made his way downstairs, eyes still heavy with sleep. When he rounded the corner to the kitchen, he found the children and Fuyuki seated comfortably in the breakfast nook, laughing and eating what he'd smelled earlier. He strolled lazily to the table and gave both children kisses on the cheek, first Nobuko, then Takeo.

 

"Otosan, look what Fu-chan made for us!" Nobuko exclaimed, waving her fork about wildly.

 

"Fu-chan played bask ball!" Takeo added. The excitement in his voice was obvious and Akihiko laughed quietly at the little boy's mispronunciation.

 

"I'm glad you had fun," he smiled down at his son before leaning in to steal a bite of chicken. "Mm, wonderful job, Fuyuki. You can definitely stay with food like this."

 

He was just about to lean down for another bite when he heard his cell ring from the living room. With a polite wave, he excused himself and dashed to his phone. He frowned as soon as he saw the number on his screen. "Yes?"

 

"It's been awhile, Aki-chan."

 

He clenched his jaw at the familiar nickname. Coming from her mouth, it made him cringe. "It has."

 

"Why so formal, Aki-chan? I'm going to be back in town next week. Care to let me drop by?"

 

"If you come here, you'll be standing on the front steps all day. Don't bother." His voice was venomous. Akihiko was never good with putting his foot down but he wouldn't dare let that woman near his family again. It had been his own fault that she'd hurt the children in the past; there was no way he'd let her hurt them again.

 

"Oh, so mean, Aki-chan."

 

"I'm hanging up." The divorce had been final for nearly three years but he still felt sick to his stomach. It was like this every time.

[Choco Berry]

The three of them decided to eat first since Takeo already felt hungry. Fuyuki didn't bother calling Akihiko to dinner since he knew the man would be busy with work. Plus he didn't knew where his office is located upstairs as he only got a tour around the first floor of the house.

 

He was chatting happily with the children, feeding Takeo his vegetable soup while having his dinner for himself as well when Akihiko went down with tired eyes. He smiled and nodded, greeting him. "Dinner is long ready but I can heat up the soup for you." he said, watching the children brag about their delicious dinner. This made him chuckle and blush at the same time. He loved the fact that the kids even loved eating their vegetables. Fuyuki blushed even more when Akihiko complimented his cooking. It was a big deal for him. "Thank you. I'll do my best." he said shortly.

 

"Now, now, Takeo-kun. What did I say? No talking when your mouth is full." he pulled out a clean cloth before wiping the child's mouth. He noticed Akihiko talk on the phone as he tried his best not to meddle in his conversation. He paused for a bit wondering who could the other person be as Akihiko sounded a bit cold. He finished his dinner before gathering his dishes as he washed them quickly. He wanted to ask about the kids' mother but it seems Akihiko won't open the topic up. Especially not when the kids are around. But then again, he couldn't just make any conclusions just based on observation alone.

 

"Fu-chan! More soup, please~" Nobuko said, handing him her bowl.

 

Fuyuki giggled, happy that the little kid said 'please' to him and has a good appetite. "You must really like my chicken soup, Nobuko-chan~"

[obu]

"Ah, sorry for the interruption," Akihiko announced after returning to take his seat at the table.

 

"Who was that otosan?" Nobuko looked up at him with curious, expectant eyes. He smiled and reached over to pat her head.

"Nobody important, honey," he said, serving himself a bowl of soup. "Ah, this is wonderful, Fuyuki. Just as good as the chicken. Mind making some more of this tomorrow, eh?"

 

The four ate the rest of their meal in comfortable silence, save for several random interjections by the children who were beginning to tire. Akihiko figured he ought to put them to bed shortly; if he didn't, they'd be awfully miserable in the morning. Akihiko felt an odd completeness as he looked around the table from each chair to the next. Fuyuki filled their house with the extra voice that had been missing. Three was an odd number and, to Akihiko, he'd always felt sort of unfinished having just the three of them there. Of course, single parents were common these days, but the fact didn't ward away his loneliness and the thought of him failing his children because of his inability to find a partner haunted him daily.

 

Maybe he didn't need a partner. Maybe all he needed was someone to talk to. Fuyuki was someone to talk to.

 

He took the children up to bed and, after one long winded fairy tale he'd been forced to come up with on the spot and three glasses of water, they were fast asleep. Akihiko took his leave and came downstairs to find Fuyuki cleaning up in the kitchen.

 

For some odd reason, he felt compelled to share and he spoke up, "that was their mother on the phone. She's not a part of their lives, nor mine." He tipped his head backward and sighed. "I'll do my best to keep you from having the displeasure of meeting her."

[Choco Berry]

Fuyuki went on to wash the dishes as the other male brought the children upstairs to their room. He waited until the man came back, fixing him some tea. "I see." he said, clasping his hands in front of him. "Well, I'm sure you're doing a great job being a single father, Akihiko-san. It seems like the kids are better off without your wife... Ah. I'm sorry I said such thing." he looked down, ashamed from speaking lowly of the man's ex-wife.

 

He looked up and saw how visibly tired the man is before pushing the cup of tea in front of Akihiko. "Rosemary tea, to help yu relax." he said. He bit his lip and smiled awkwardly. "I uhm... I would love to stay if you want some company to talk to. It's not like i'm in a hurry to go home or anything. I mean, I'm not really hired as a stay-in baby sitter, am I right?" he asked, taking his apron off as he straightened his shirt.