Still Doll (Akashi Seijuro Fan Fiction)

02: We meet again

Training was finished so I decided to go home directly as always. It was cold outside, like that night—the night where my deceased mother gave that thing to me. Maybe because it’s cold that the doll reminded me of her. I walked inside our house, I called it a house since I don't consider it a home. Our Butler greeted me and asked for my bag, and like any other days, I humbly refuse any assistance.

I went to my room and changed into a more comfortable outfit. I arranged my dirty clothes and right on time, the maid knocked on my door.

“It’s open.”

The door slowly opened and the maid bowed down to show me respect. She walked quietly towards me with her head and eyes down. I gave her my laundry and she gave me a letter in exchange.

“I-It’s a letter of thanks from the orphanage. The master asked me to give it to you and he wants me to tell you to review the letter and do whatever necessary. T-That’s all.” She told me, nervous was evident in her voice. Her eyes shift from one place to another and she’s trying hard not to look at me directly. She bowed down and disappeared.

I made my way towards my work table with my eyes glued on the letter. I took a pair of scissors on the pencil holder and I used it to slit the side of the letter neatly.

It’s a letter of thanks for the donated toys.

“Toys huh?” My head suddenly throbbed, making me pinch the bridge of my nose. I leaned on my chair then let out a sigh.

---

The next day (on phone)

“Hello. It’s me Akashi Seijuro.”

…

“Yes, I’ll be visiting.”

…

“I’m on my way.”

…

“You shouldn’t bother, I just wanted to see them personally.”

…

“Yes, thank you, and I would like to ask for a favor.”

---

I arrived at the venue and the children are already outside the orphanage. A woman in her mid-20s is waiting in front of them. I smiled after seeing all the kids dressed properly. The woman I talked to earlier obviously heed my advice.

I walked out of my car and greeted all of them. The woman greeted me and surprisingly, my eyes are already glued on the thing that I really wanted without me noticing it.

“Mr. Akashi, thank you so much for this opportunity.” The woman gaily shook my hand and I just nodded in return.

“So? We should be going.” I told her with a smile and pointed at all the van behind my car. It is enough to carry all of the children.

---

I sat on the passenger seat with the doll on my lap. I can’t think of a proper reason on why am I giving an outing for the orphanage. This is my father’s project and not mine. I know it’s all for our name and nothing else.

We're on our way to Osaka. I leaned closer to the window beside me, thinking of the conversation earlier.

“An old doll with black hair and red eyes was placed on the toys to be donated box by mistake. It was a doll that belongs to my late mother and if it’s possible, I would like to take it back.”

“And I would like to go out with the kids. If it’s not too much trouble I’ll bring them to Kaiyukan in Osaka (Osaka Aquarium)”

That’s the deal. One thing I know. I only do things if I know I’ll gain something. And I’m surprised that I did a huge thing just to get this old doll back.