Child of Mine ***Sequel to Darkness***

A Lesson a day

     Morning came quicker than Takuma had expected, he hadn't slept at all. The thoughts of Haruki becoming a hunter and his grandfather, kept his mind in a frenzy. The tension in his shoulders hasn't loosen since last night.  Rubbing his eyes to get the feeling of light-headedness out. Takuma stood up and headed for a quick wash up.

   "Master, do you need me to come in?" A voice of a young maid, flooded through the door, as he was getting through the last buttons.  

  Startled, he felt a bit unnerved. Since when was she allowed in my room. I'll have to talk to Maid Mary... 

  "I am quite alright, thank you for asking; I would like you to leave now."

  A period of silence filled on the other side of the room. That was until he heard the maid's soft voice, "Yes, master." Her words whispering through the doors.

  Dismissing the weird feeling of awkwardness, Takuma took all his remaining clothes off and turned on the water. The water felt nice on his tired body, his arms laid slump on his sides. He shook his head to shake off all the water that got on his face.

 After the quick shower, Takuma made the move heading towards the dining hall. What greeted him at the table was Yagari, Kaien, and the very still-sleepy little girl, Akemi.

  "Good morning!" He greeted with an enthusiastic smile.

  Two groaning 'good mornings' could be heard from Yagari and Akemi. Meanwhile, Kaien had yelled with equally enthusiasm, a 'good morning' in response.

  "So how was your sleep? I hope it was pleasant."

  The maids and butlers started bringing out the breakfast. Food had filled up the table.

  "Very. Thank you for letting us stay for the night, Takuma-kun!"

  In the corner of his eyes, he saw Akemi try to reach for the bread on the table. Her height gave her a disadvantage, for she couldn't quite grab it. Seeing this, he was about to ask one of the maids to move the bread closer to her, but Yagari had helped her before he could.

"Here you go..." Yagari took two slices of bread and placed it in her tiny little hands. With a wide grin, Akemi happily munched on the toasted delight, thanking Yagari as she stuffed it in her mouth.

"Tche...who taught you all these bad eating manners kid."

  Takuma felt his heart warm up at the sight of Yagari taking a napkin and dabbing it at Akemi's lips. He hasn't seen the man this comfortable in ages...

  "I wonder why Haru isn't up...Maid Mary, can you check on Haru?"

"Why yes, of course master." Maid Mary left with no haste.

"Now, Yagari-san I was wondering...is it possible if---"

  As Takuma was reaching for his tea, a maid had accidentally knocked it down, on his hand, as she was putting another dish down.

  He abruptly pulled his hand back, hissing as the tea burns his hand.

"I'm so sorry, Master Ichijo! Here, put your hand in the cold water!"
 
  Gritting his teeth, he placed his burning hand in the cool water. In the beginning, it stung like hell, but after awhile, it started to feel just a bit better. Taking his hand out after, three minutes of soaking, he saw that it was still a bit swollen.

  "Father! Are you okay?" In came Haruki, running in with a worried expression. He ran to his father, carefully examining his hand.

  Takuma mustered up a fake smile, waving his hand indicating that it was just fine, even though it hurt as he did so.