From Another World

7. Clouds

"...Dad?"

His head shot up, his face brightened up, and he quickly made his way towards me. "Satsu! My precious daughter, I missed you~!"

He was still in his suit and tie, tie loosened and brown hair down. Even though he was smiling, he looked battered and tired with the bags under his eyes.

I grin. "Welcome back! You're earlier than I expected; what's up?"

His gaze strayed in he middle of my sentence and his eyes narrow as he looked past my shoulder. I remembered Chrome.

"Ah, this is a friend." I start explaining. "She's anemic and fainted when I was out with my friends. I thought I should just bring her home to recover since she lives pretty far."

"Well," His faze softened and he caressed my head. "You're as nice as ever, and mature as usual. As usual from you, huh?"

I grin and lean my head further into his hand, missing his warmth. "Welcome back, I missed you too."

-

We left Chrome in the guest bedroom for the night and we both headed to bed right after for some much needed rest.

The next morning, I woke up early to do my usual chores of getting ready breakfast for Yuujin but found my dad doing the job for me. My shoulders shake in light laughter as I saw him humming and bouncing around the kitchen. I silently make my way behind him and try to scare him but he whips around as my hand goes up.

I jump and let out a small squeak and laugh. "I can never sneak up on you."

"I was trained for this." He smiled. "I can't have my children scaring me, especially when I'm cooking; that would be dangerous!"

Chrome came down a few minutes and found Dad and I setting the table. She fidgeted by the kitchen entrance and I softly smile at her.

"Would you like something to eat?" She shook her head. "Come here, don't be shy; you should eat something."

"... thank you."

Yuujin came bouncing down soon after, jumping into our father's arms. Dad had tucked Yuujin in last night, so there was no exclamation of surprise from the nine year-old. He peppered kisses on Yuujin's face before setting him back down to eat breakfast with us.

Being the bright kid he is, Yuujin bowed at Chrome after he noticed she was in the room. "Nice to meet 'cha! I'm Fujimiya Yuujin!"

"Chrome Dokuro," She softly smiled, her head ducking slightly in an introductory bow.

Breakfast was filled with happy chatter as my little brother and I caught up with our dad. Chrome politely sat after she was done eating, listening to our conversation. Slowly, she started to reply to questions she was asked, warming up to us.

After we finished breakfast, Chrome stayed around to help dry the dishes and left after.

"Dad, Dad!" Yuujin bounced. "Since we haven't seen you in a long time, can we skip school today to hang out?"

"Yuujin!" I scolded, a smile showing up on my face. "He's got a point though, Dad. There has been a lot happening, and I kind of wanted a break from all of it."

Dad smiled, clasping his hands together. "Then let's go on a vacation!"

"...huh?"

-

I said, I wanted to skip school; not go on vacation. I mentally grumble as I pack a carry-on suitcase. Dad wanted to go to Sapporo; we're heading there tomorrow morning, which gives me enough time to watch the match between Hibari and the Gola Mosca at Namimori-chuu. I need to help the Ninth that was stuck in that horrible machine by his own son.