Whispers of Water and Wind

Chapter 20 A Visit through the Window

One day Giyuu was gone for long mission so Sanemi decide to visit Tsutako, Sanemi didn't bother knocking on the door. Instead, he climbed in through the window, searching for Tsutako. As he was about step inside, a toy gun shot him square in the middle of his forehead.

"Spying on us?" Tsutako asked, her face serious as she pointed the toy gun at him.

"No, not spying. I was just thinking about you," Sanemi smirked, rubbing the spot where the toy hit. "How's my future daughter doing?"

"Future daughter, huh? Looks like someone's drunk in broad daylight," Tsutako said, crossing her arms, her expression unimpressed.

"What? Listen, kid, it's bad manners not to invite a guest inside," Sanemi said, attempting to step further into the room.

"What, I don't think so," Tsutako responded, moving closer to him. "Stay right there. You're not allowed in."

"Oh, come on, sweetheart," Sanemi said, flashing a grin.

Tsutako gave him a stern look, and Sanemi finally gave in. "Fine."

Tsutako placed her small hands on Sanemi's face, looking at him seriously. "You... do you really love my mom?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Sanemi was about to speak when she continued, "Because you don't seem like a good person."

Sanemi cut her off gently, "I love your mom, so much. Don't worry, kid. I'll take care of her. I'll protect her with my life."

"And what about me?" Tsutako asked, with Seriousness in her eyes.

Sanemi smiled warmly, placing a kiss on her forehead. "I'll love you too, take care of you, and protect you, my sweetheart."

Tsutako pushed him away slightly, frowning. "I'm not your sweetheart. And how could you love me? Don't you hate me?"

Sanemi's face softened, pride flickering in his eyes. "No, I don't hate you. In fact, I love you."

"Why would you love me?" Tsutako questioned, her eyes narrowing.

"Because you're going to be my daughter," Sanemi started, but Tsutako quickly interrupted him.

"Going to be... but I'm not your child. What if you just love my mom for her looks and throw me out?" Tsutako asked, her voice tinged with fear and uncertainty.

"I will never do that, kiddo. And I don't just love your mom for her looks." Sanemi said meeting her eyes.

"Then why do you love her?" Tsutako pressed, her curiosity genuine.

Sanemi sighed softly. "I love her because she reminds me of my mother. She's strong, kind, and she fights for the people she loves. She's amazing."

Tsutako tilted her head, still not satisfied. "And what about me? Why would you love me? I'm not your blood."

Sanemi's expression softened further, and he gently touched her cheek. "You don't have to be my blood to be my daughter. You're already family, and that's enough for me."

Tsutako searched Sanemi's face once more before stepping aside to let him into the room. She gestured to a small chair, clearly too tiny for him. "Sit on the chair, and don't you dare break it," she warned, crossing her arms.

Sanemi glanced at the chair and grinned. It was barely big enough for Tsutako herself. Instead of sitting down, he picked it up and offered it to her. "Here, you sit. I'll manage," he said with small smile.

Tsutako looked at him and sat down. "Thank you, Mr. Shinazugawa."

Sanemi leaned down slightly, locking eyes with her. "It's 'Dad.' You gotta start saying it now," he teased with a grin, his voice soft but hopeful.

Tsutako raised an eyebrow, pouring tea into her little toy cup, the seriousness returning to her face. "You're not married to my mom yet, Mr. Shinazugawa," she said, offering him the cup. "And... I don't think my mom has any feelings for you."

Sanemi took the tiny cup in his large hands, bringing it to his lips as if it were the finest drink in the world. "Mmm, it's tasty," he said, a slight smile curling on his lips as he played along.

Tsutako's lips twitched into a small smile, but she quickly returned to her serious demeanor. "You're funny... but still, you're stupid, Mr. Shinazugawa. You always just come home and ask my mom about her day and her missions," she said with a calm firmness that belied her young age.

Sanemi raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her bluntness. "Stupid, huh?"

Tsutako nodded seriously, her small hands folded in her lap. "If you want to be my father, you have to try harder. You should be a gentleman, not just come over and ask her how she is. Bring her flowers. Mom loves flowers," she said, her tone thoughtful and direct. "That might make her happy."

Sanemi stared at her, a mixture of pride and amusement swelling in his chest, setting the toy cup back on her tiny table. "Flowers, huh? You think that'll do it?"

Tsutako nodded confidently. "Yes. She likes flowers, not questions."

"Well, what kind of flowers should I get her?" Sanemi asked, his brow furrowed in confusion as he looked down at Tsutako.

Tsutako narrowed her eyes suspiciously, her small face serious. "Now I doubt you love my mom," she muttered, her gaze sharp.

"What?!" Sanemi replied, his voice rising slightly in disbelief.

Tsutako crossed her arms, her expression not softening. "If you want to win my mom's heart, then figure it out by yourself, Mr. Shinazugawa," she said, her tone exasperated. She continued with a sigh, "I gave you the idea. Now use your little mind."

Sanemi smiled. "Alright, I'll bring her flowers. Thanks for the advice... my future daughter," he said with a wink.

Tsutako looked at him, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile this time. "You're still not my dad yet, but... you're welcome, Mr. Shinazugawa."

Sanemi laughed, standing up. "Soon enough, kiddo. Soon enough."

"Now take care of yourself, I'm leaving. Bye," he said, turning to walk away.

"Yeah, bye," Tsutako replied, watching him go. As she muttered to herself, her voice dripped with disbelief, "Can't believe this man is going to be a father."

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Next Chapter: Flowers for Giyuu.