Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 14: The importance of painting

The 8th Division were on night patrol today and since I wasn't allowed to join them, I had a free day today. And what better way to spend a free day then doing what I love? I picked up my paper pad and brush. I was about to leave my room when someone knocked on my door. I slid it open to reveal Heisuke-kun on the other side. "Oh! Ohayō Heisuke-kun. What brings you here?"
"Ohayō Chiyeko-chan. What are ya up to?"
"I was about to go into the city to do some painting"
"Really? Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not, but it won't be very fun for you. Are you sure you want to come?"
"Hai, I've always wanted to see you in the process of painting"
"Well if you're sure then let's go" With permission from Kondou-sama, we left the compound. I looked around as we walked, waiting for something to catch my eye.
"So what are you looking for exactly?"
"Something to paint" I answered without looking at him.
"You didn't already have something in mind that you wanted to paint?"
"Iie, that's not how it works. For me at least. I only paint when I find something that makes me feel compelled to do so"
"You're a pretty interesting person Chiyeko-chan"
"Um, arigato Heisuke-kun...I think" We had been walking around for five minutes and I had yet to see something that called out to the artist in me.
"Does it usually take this long?"
"Hey, you're the one who wanted to join me! So no complaining!" My eyes caught something unusual and I quickly ran over.
"Hey! Chiyeko-chan, wait!" I stopped in front of a little boy who was crouched down with his hands over his head. "He's what you wanna paint?"
"Of course not Heisuke-kun!" I kneeled down by the boy. "Hey, daijōbudesuka?" He looked up at me and I gasped when I saw the tears rolling down his cheeks.
"I-Iie..." He sniffled. He looks familiar...
"What's your name little one?"
"T-Takumi..."
"Okay, Takumi. I'm Chiyeko. Can you tell me what's wrong?"
"I lost my daddy..."
"Don't cry. We'll help you find him, okay?"
"Really...?" He looked up at us shocked.
"Really. We can't just leave you here to cry, now can we" I smiled to try and reassure him. I stood up and held out my hand. "Let's go find your father Takumi"
"O-Okay...!" He wiped away his tears before taking my hand and pulling himself to his feet.
"Now do you remember where you lost him?"
"Hai, this way!" He pulled me along gently. We were brought to the general marketplace. "This is where I lost daddy..."
"Then this is where we'll find him. Don't worry" We asked around and after four minutes of searching, we finally found Takumi's father.
"Daddy!" Takumi ran into his father's arms. Now I know why Takumi seemed familiar, I painted these two back in February.
"You shouldn't wander off like that Takumi, what would've happened if this kind young lady hadn't found you?"
"Gomen daddy...but it's mummy's birthday today! I was trying to find a great present for her!"
"I'm disappointed that we couldn't find a good present for mummy too, but that doesn't mean you should wander off"
"I understand...Wait!" The boy's eyes suddenly lit up as he ran up to me. "Chiyeko, can you paint mummy?"
"Nani?"
"When you first found me, I saw one of your paintings! It was really good! I bet mummy would love it if you painted her!"
"That's a good idea Chiyeko-chan, you were having trouble finding something to paint in the city anyway"
"If you wouldn't mind, may I see one of your paintings?" The father politely asked.
"Sure" I gave him my paper pad and he carefully flicked through it.
"My son's right, your talent is amazing. I'll pay you to make it worth your while" He handed me my pad back.
"I'll gladly paint your wife, but I don't require a payment"
"Please, you must let me pay you. It wouldn't feel fair to accept something so precious for free!" The father's intensity shocked me a little.
"O-Okay, if you insist..." He handed me a rather large bag of yen coins. "A-Are you sure this isn't too much?"
"You deserve more in my opinion, but my wife doesn't want us to spend more than that for her present"
"I-I see..." This guy's really eager..."Well lead the way to your wife" The father and Takumi led us to their house. The mother was obviously confused as to why there were two strangers in her house.
"Chiyeko, here is going to create your birthday present" She didn't seem any less confused by his explanation, so I jumped in to help.
"What your husband means is that I am a painter and he has paid me to paint you for your birthday"
"Oh, I see. Well, if my husband's used all the money on you, you have to be good at painting" She glared at her husband before turning back to me. "Let's begin then, shall we?" She sat down and I sat in front of her. She smiled softly and I opened my paper pad to a fresh page to begin painting.