Mother of the Cloud

Tanaka The Butler 2

Tanaka walked through the small street, old and nostalgic stores and houses filling his view. The sun passed through the leaves of the trees, creating a beautiful and gentle shadow on everything in front of him. A couple of children laughed as they ran down the street, chasing each other with sticks in their hands and dirt on their faces.

"Come on! I know a place where we can get really big frogs!"

"Wait! Shou-chan!"

He smiled and let out a small sigh, it was just like the old times...

Tanaka stopped as he reached a small traditional looking store, it's doors seemed tattered and wore down, and there were lots of potted plants in the front. The wooden sign that hung at the top of the store seemed to show the owner's pride, as it was wiped clean without a speck of dust.

Tanaka looked down at the little slip of paper, matching the store names.

"Right here."

Slowly, he slid the door open, stepping into the small store. Once Tanaka entered, the sweet aroma of red beans, toro, and green tea slipped into his nose. His nose slightly twitched, it was one of his favorite dangos. 

Tanaka stepped in front of the display case, it had multiple layers, each layer decorated with many delicate and elegant wagashi, all with intricate designs and colors, some in the form of flowers, others leaves. 

"My...it's rare these days to see such traditional wagashi and Japanese sweets..." Tanaka whispered to himself, a small chuckle came from the other side of the room, gaining Tanaka's attention.

"My father prides himself in that." It was a young man, wearing a dark blue yukata, and a lighter shade hatori outside. The man himself looked to be in his mid-thirties, with a light smile on his face and golden framed glasses, he looked to be more of a scholar. 

"You must be Tanaka-san I assume?" He walked over, reaching over and grabbing one of the dangos, glazing it over with the traditional sweet soy glaze. He handed it to Tanaka.

"Here, I saw you looking at these earlier, it's my treat."

Tanaka thanked him and took a bite, instantly bringing him back to his childhood. He smiled, remembering the fond memories, it temporarily dissolved the tiny bit of loneliness he felt today.

"How is it?" It was not the young man, but rather a much older male talking this time. He also wore a yukata, but his was black, and his arms were stuffed inside the sleeves.

Tanaka glanced over, a bit shocked, "a-ah! It was very good. You must be Enji-san?" 

Enji nodded, smiling a bit, "I'm glad you like it. You're here to pick up something for Miyu right?"

Tanaka nodded, "Yes, sorry for the trouble." 

Enji waved his hand absentmindedly, walking into the back of the store. Soon, he came back out with a paper bag in hand, Enji handed it to Tanaka, "This is it. Careful about being too forceful with it, it might break."

Tanaka slightly bowed as he thanked him again. As Tanaka was about to walk out the door, Enji stopped him, "wait."

Tanaka turned around, a bit confused. Enji gave him a small smile, "Happy birthday."

The younger man also followed, "Happy birthday!"

Tanaka's eyes widened, "Ah, thank you!" But how did they know?

He was about to ask before he checked his watch, oh no, he was running behind schedule! Quickly, Tanaka thanked both of them once more before heading off, both men waving him off.

.

.

.

"Why isn't Tanaka-san back yet? Did I assign too many tasks? But those were really simple ones??" Miyu kept mumbling as she paced back and forth in the yard, Hibari stood behind her, not an ounce of emotion on his face, you wouldn't think he cared, it if weren't for the fact he kept glancing at the door.

"Miyu-sama! Tanaka-san is back!" one of the maids yelled as they ran in, out of breath.

"Quick! Get ready!" Miyu immediately commanded. Everyone sprang into action, holding their breath as the talking got closer.

"Waaa! It's so big!"

"Lambo-sama is gonna go play!"

"EXTREMEEEEEE! THIS IS EXTREME TO THE MAX!"

"Will you shut up turf-top?! And you, baseball idiot! Don't get so close to Jyudaime!"

"Hahah, maa, maa, I like walking next to tsuna."

Chrome stayed silent, as always.

"This way, Tsunayoshi-sama, ah, Lambo-sama, please refrain from tearing the grass..."

Tanaka opened the door, "Miyu-sama, we're back-"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" POP! POP! POP! POP! 

Tanaka stood in shock as everyone jumped out, wishing him a happy birthday. He looked up, there was a large banner that hung in the garden that said, 'we wish Tanaka-san a happy 50th birthday', the maids lined up and brought in the food for the party, most of them were his favorites. 

Suddenly, everything that happened today made since, why everyone was avoiding him and leaving him out. Tanaka felt the wetness starting to well in his eyes, but he quickly blinked it away.

"...Thank you," He laughed, "Thank you!" 

Miyu took the bag out of his hand, smiling, "Happy birthday Tanaka-san!" She opened the ba and brought out a box, "I know that you've been pretty stressed lately, even forgetting your own birthday."

She opened it, and it was a beautifully decorated cake, "So we decided to throw you a birthday party!" 

"Miyu-sama...you didn't have to!" 

Hibari walked up and lightly tapped Tanaka, handing him a mini version of a plush Hibird, Hibari gave the slightly hint of smiling, "Happy birthday."

Ignoring Miyu's crazy picture-snapping, Tanaka softened visibly, "Young master...thank you!" 

"Well then...let's party!" Miyu clapped her hands together, smiling.

Tanaka laughed as everyone started to shout and laugh. He reached into his pocket, bringing out a worn and folded picture, opening it, it showed Miyu's late husband when he was a child and the previous master, with a much younger Tanaka standing next to both of them. A smile on all their faces.

"Daichi... don't worry, everything is getting better." He laughed, "You and young master rest well, there's no need to worry about anything. Miyu-sama is taking great care of Hibari Corp. And young master is growing to be strong, like both of you!" 

"Tanaka-san!" Someone shouted for him in the distance. 

"I should go," Tanaka continued, "Wait for me, I have so much to tell you once I'm down there with you!" The picture looked back at him, and under the moonlight, it seemed as if Daichi smiled back.

"I'm coming!"