Seiji's Love Letters

Chapter 7 – Valentine's Day

Dear Shirharu,

I know you saw all the chocolates that I received today. But I need you to know that the chocolates that you gave me are the only ones I care about. You don't seem to realize just how special something homemade is. It makes me very happy that you put the time and thought into making the chocolates for me.

Your thoughtfulness reminds me of that Sunday that I had you come because I was called into work to do a special report. All you were hired to do is babysit but you insist on doing chores as well. I do appreciate how much of a help it is but I also appreciate how you are training the twins to help out with the chores as well.

The way you called Aoi-kun and Akane-chan to come when I was getting ready to leave really touched my heart. To have my "family" wish me a safe trip was incredible. I know that if the neighbors saw this display they would completely get the wrong idea. At times it seems like a dream that I never want to wake up from.

And then to return at the end of a long day to be welcomed home with the delicious smell of fresh pancakes, was incredible. The pancakes were okay but at your prompting I did make a big deal for the sake of the twins. It brought back memories of making pancakes for myself when I was a kid. On those days when no one was home and my mom had not left any money on the counter to buy dinner, they were quick and easy. I know that cooking with the twins could not be easy but to see the bright smile on your face as you told me how much fun you all had was a surprise to me.

I'm sorry that you burned your hand while cooking with Aoi-kun and Akane-chan. It pains me to see you hurt. Please take care of yourself. I don't know what I would do without you and I don't want to find out. Thank you for the way you take care of the twins for me but always remember that you are so very important to me.

When I came home from work a few days before Valentine's, I did not mean to seem disappointed when you and the twins did not notice me at first because you were playing together. I just felt left out. When I played with the twins they never seemed to laugh and have as much fun as when they are with you. I have to admit it was a very cute picture, the three of you laughing and having fun together. I couldn't help but wonder if this is what Kouichi and Misaki's life would have been like if it weren't for the traffic accident.

It surprised me when you told me that you thought I was becoming a good daddy, despite the potential for scandal in the circumstances. When you said that the person who becomes my wife would be happy, I started to feel very awkward, though I'm not entirely sure why. Have you been aware of my growing love for you? Are you starting to have feelings for me as well? Could it be because I had no role models for how to be a good daddy? My father spent most of his time with this mistress while I was growing up. I may have had glimpses in my brother after the twins were born and before he disappeared. Or maybe it is your gentle training of both me and the twins. I marvel at your maturity and how much you seem to know, despite never knowing your father and only having five years with your mother. You mother must have been an extraordinary woman, if you are any indication.

After running into Oikawa at the shrine on our New Years outing, his comments about my "young wife and children" have haunted my thoughts. When you told me the bath was ready if I wanted to take one and that the twins had already had theirs, my only thought was that when you come of age you will become the best wife in Japan. As I sat relaxing in the bath, my thoughts were all about you. You clean the house, take care of the twins, feed them, have dinner ready for me, bath the twins, and get them to bed just as I imagine Misaki would have done for Kouichi.

Being such a high profile personality on Valentine's Day is very draining. I know the twins did not appreciate that I picked them up early and that you were not coming home with us. You seemed to understand that I just needed to relax. Thank you for helping me get the twins to the taxi. I could see that you were anxious about giving me the chocolates, worried that they were not good enough. There are so many times that I wish I could convince you how amazing you are and how much I appreciate you.

Love, Seiji