Mother's Instincts

By Yukitsu

She knew that the grouchy boy – Abe-kun, was it? – had less-than-pure designs on her son. It couldn't be helped, she supposed. Ren was the kind of boy that was attractive to other boys, whether as someone to treat like a pet, younger sibling, or a friend to be protected. Shuu-chan proved it well enough, all those years ago.

She didn't really mind. Ren was a nervous child who got into more trouble than one would expect from a boy of his size, and protectors were always welcome. What she was a little uncomfortable about were the special cases. Like that Abe-kun.

Well. It was good that Ren was home, then. She had been a little worried about him in Mihoshi, but she had known that she could count on Shuu-chan then. Shuu-chan, while of the same wavelength as that Abe-kun, had been more inclined to protect than make awkward advances on her son. Or flail through figuring out his own attraction while her son took the brunt of his confusion.

Maybe she was just reading too much into it. There might be nothing to it. Abe-kun could just be the gruff, worrywart type of person, just as Sakaeguchi-kun was the sweet, motherly sort. She could pretend she didn't just see him reach over to grab her Ren's wrist (Ren was stronger now, not so inclined to bruise, she reminded herself before she could whap the young catcher with a plate to the head). Abe-kun, she stressed to herself, was just stopping Ren from tripping down the stairs. Furthermore, that arm loosely wrapped around Ren's waist was completely and totally necessary. So Ren wouldn't fall. And hurt himself.

She cleared her throat when Ren regained his footing and Abe-kun I didn't /I let go.

Ren just blinked and scampered off to where he was going, nearly tripping again but thankfully catching himself in time. Abe-kun had jumped back like he was scalded, and was now staring at her, expression stuck between wanting to glare at her or to be horrified.

She'd gotten good at reading people. It couldn't be helped, with a son like Ren. She smiled.

Abe-kun coughed and went on his way. She didn't miss the little fidget the boy had made before heading off.

No, there was nothing to worry about from Abe-kun; however, Abe-kun had something to worry about from I her /I .

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8:43 PM 12/4/2007