Could you wait for me? I just wanna be with you. Though it happened unexpectedly. Give me an answer. I wanna know your answer...

A pair of full lips buzzed rhythmically as they hummed along to the radio. A tie was pulled tight into a windsor knot around a wide neck. Short black hair was combed into place.

"Yosh!" Takeo beamed at his reflection. "I am now ready to take on the day."

"Takeo?" He stared out his bedroom door and down the hall at the sound of his mother's voice. "I have your bento box ready."

He found the older woman standing in the kitchen as usual. Her hair formed a lumpy sphere around her head and she slowly sipped her tea through pink lips. This woman...is an angel. Takeo thought to himself as he picked up his perfectly prepared lunch.

"Classes or work today?"

"I have two classes today. However I will also be going in to the office for a few hours after." Takeo stooped into a deep bow. "Regretfully, I will not be home in time for supper. My apologies."

His formalities were waved off with a simple hand gesture.

"I'll leave yours wrapped up on the table for you then."

"Thank you very much." Takeo replied with another bow.

There was a click as the front door opened and closed

"Oi, Takeo, we're going to be late."

"Sunakawa! Be right there!" He leaned in and planted a small kiss on his mother's cheek.

"Don't forget to say goodbye to your father."

"Yes ma'am."

Takeo knelt in front of the butsudan. The incense was pressed firmly between his two hands. He tipped his head to the photograph of a man who looked very much like him but with a deeper complexion.

"Hello father. I will do my best today." When he looked up he was smiling but there was a slight twinkle in his eye. "Please watch over mom while I am gone today." He stood, Suna respectfully observing from some distance. "I am ready to go now."

With his belongings in hand they headed for the door.

"Don't forget this."

"Oh! Thank you very much!"

Takeo accepted his ID and badge. It would have been bad if he left these behind. Without his credentials they wouldn't let him into the office.

His name, Gouda Takeo, was printed neatly next to his photograph. His wide face just barely fit into the snug little box. Above all of that, in large imposing letters, was "Commission of Counter Ghoul." Yes, father, I will do my best. I will carry on in your legacy for the sake of humanity.

And with a quiet clack, the door was shut behind him.