Undercover

Chapter 3: Home

The brightness of the day faded into a hazy darkness as the two walked. The noise of the city dulled slightly as the day came to an end. Distant honking of the cars, buzzing of conversation and the nightlife of the city filled the air as the two walked towards the mans home.

"I want to lay down some ground rules..." Toby spoke up, talking a deep breath of his cigarette. "First off, this," He motioned to the katana hanging from his belt. "This is to never be used. I have a son at home, I don't want him anywhere near this." He warned. "Ill give it to to you when we get to the house. Its going to stay in your room, out of the reach of Nito." He said in a cool, low voice.

"Son-?" Jiro began but was cut off.

"Secondly, you're to stay out of my room away from my stuff-my work if you will." He continued. "The basement in general actually..." He stated and shrugged slightly. He dropped the cigarette, stepping on it as he walked. "My work isn't necessarily approved of by... well that's not important." He says softly. "Ah, welcome to my home."

The boy looked up curiously at the in front of him. He could smell the bushes that lined the front of the house, hear the hum as a car passed. A soft breeze blew past the two as Toby held open the gate to his home.

"Come on," he stated. "Streetlights are on so we need to get inside." He says and sighs softly. Jiro walked past him and up the steps. He stood silently as Toby locked the gate.

Toby climbed the steps, twisted the doorknob, and swung the door open, gesturing for Jiro to step inside before he followed. "No shoes inside," he announced in a matter-of-fact tone, kicking off his own boots and pointing at a pair of green slippers by the entrance.

Jiro complied, slipping off his shoes and donning the indicated slippers. He surveyed the entrance with curious eyes. The room boasted a lofty ceiling and several distinct features—a door, an archway on the left, and a staircase that led upward, curving towards the top floor. The rich, dark brown of the wooden floor complemented the light gray color of the walls. The wooden steps and railing matched the floor, fitting with the rest of the house's aesthetic. The door, a grayish-brown, bore scuff marks and scratches. The words 'Toby's Domain' was painted on a wooden sign that hung from the door.

"Daddy!"

The archway caught Jiro's attention, and he tilted his head, taking a few steps toward the source of the voice. Another voice spoke up.

"Took you forever."

As Jiro moved further into the space, the scene before him began to take shape. Toby, a young niko child, and a man with brown hair stood in the living and kitchen area. Toby scooped up the child, his warm smile contrasting with the man's more stoic demeanor. "So you're the issue," the man declared flatly.

"Conner," Toby started, his tone calm and cool. "Not now," he added, kissing the child's head. The boy let out a joyful giggle and wrapped his arms around Toby. "Daddy, who's that?" he asked, pointing at Jiro. Toby's smile remained gentle. "His name is Jiro," he claimed softly, his voice calm and gentle towards the boy. "Jee-wo?" the child attempted, his ears flopping a little as he tilted his head.

"Hey, what's with the mask?" Conner's raised eyebrows mirrored his curiosity.

Toby's irritation was noticeable he rolled his eyes, "Conner, lay off." He reached out to pet Nito's head, a gesture of comfort. "If it helps him feel secure, just let it be."

Conner's response was swift ans harsh, "Don't you have actual work to take care of today?" He snapped.

Toby hesitated, then replied softly, "I'll tackle it later tonight." He cradled Nito, his smile tender. "Hungry, sweetheart?" he asked his son before Conner could interrupt. Nito nodded eagerly. "Fish sticks fine?" Toby questioned, met with Nito's excited squeal and nod.