Who's Your Man Chapter 10: I'll Do It!, a pokémon fanfic

Who's Your Man?

Pairing(s): Satoshi x Shigeru, Toru x Shigeru

Summary: Shigeru is in an unusual predicament. When Satoshi, Kasumi, and Takeshi return to his hometown, how will the three take the news? And who is the secret man who helped Shigeru get into this rare situation?

Author Note: Sorry for taking so long in this chapter. The first draft I wasn't happy with, so I completely rewrote it, and the beginning was good, but the second part I wasn't pleased with, so rewrote that. Then re-rewrote it again, 'cause I was still unhappy with that idea, and decided to go in a totally different direction. And even after all of that, I lost motivation, until I finally watched Master Quest on DVD, which sparked me back up again. Also looked up Shigeru's Japanese voice on youtube, which really made me happy. I didn't know Shigeru was played by the same female voice actor as Edo from FullMetal. So... Again, sorry for the delay, but at least its a long chapter!

Chapter 10

I'll Do It!

"...And what is he doing here, Sis?" Shigeru grounded out in an eerily even tone, milk chocolate eyes slanted in an icy glare at the occupant who sat in one of the few chairs that circled the kitchen table, where dinner was already set out and ready to be consumed. Nanami glanced up from taking a bite of steak, that was greatly seasoned, to stare at her younger brother with a charming smile, completely ignoring his deadly stare. Takeshi, on the other hand, who sat next to the raven haired Okido, quickly dropped his fork and knife with a loud clatter, shoulders tensing with an uncomfortable frown.

"Oh, he insisted to wait for you to return home," Nanami giggled behind her hand, pointing at the guest that sat across from her, "He has something he wants to tell you, if you'll hear him out. Takeshi told me about what happened between you two early today, so I can understand why you might be upset with him. I'd be a little upset if someone brought up my 'weight' like that."

"I don't care about what he has to say," Shigeru snapped, crossing his arms over his chest as he demanded, "I want him out."

"But, Shigeru," Nanami started with a light frown, deep brown eyes glancing over to their guest, worried in insulting the photographer. Toru, though, didn't look dishearted in the least. Instead, the slight curly haired brunette simply placed his utensils down neatly, before pushing his chair back for he could stand and face the darker brunette teen.

"Its all right," Toru spoke up with a charming smile, raising a hand to scratch at the back of his head in slight embarrassment, "I had a feeling you might not want to see me still. I'll just give you some space, before we can talk. Is that okay with you?"

"Whatever," Shigeru huffed, turning his head to the side in a snide action to demean the other in his presence.

Standing up from her chair quickly, Nanami stepped around the table to stand at Toru's side, wrapping a hand around his arm as she offered, "You can stay at Grandfather's for the time being, Toru. He has more then enough room."

"Thank you very much," Toru nodded in agreement, letting the raven haired woman guide him around the still tense Shigeru and out the door. With one last glance at the back of the youngest Okido, the photographer called out a soft, "Goodnight." before Nanami closed the door behind her.

Neither Takeshi nor Shigeru moved for a couple seconds after the others departure, until the dark haired brunette let out an annoyed sigh. Gulping down his unease, Takeshi gave a weak lecture, "I know what Toru said really was inappropriate, but you could at least try to give him a second chance..."

"Forget it," Shigeru waved off, before moving in further to take a seat across from the rusty haired man, "I'm not interested in working things out with him."

Takeshi let his shoulders sag in defeat along with an over dramatic sigh, before glancing over Shigeru's head towards the doorway where Nanami disappeared with a pout. Really, Toru was so lucky. Takeshi would of loved to be in his shoes right now, with Nanami draped on his arm... 'Instead, I'm stuck in this tense atmosphere with a hormonal teen, who just happens to be a boy as well,' Takeshi groaned inside his head, bottom lip twitching as if he was about to cry.

Shigeru silently watched the darker skinned man's reactions with an arched eyebrow, mildly taking a bite of his own piece of steak. Where Satoshi got his friends, he'll never know. 'Bunch of odd balls...'

Early the next morning, Shigeru found himself enjoying another well prepared breakfast with his sister and Takeshi, who had bothered that day to bring along one of the many books on childcare he had found in Professor Yukinari's lab's library, giving his own personal advice as he ran through the thick bound book in seconds. Nanami remained silent as she ate, smiling here and there sweetly whenever Shigeru would glance at her pleadingly to get the dark skinned man to shut up. His silent wish was finally granted when the door bell rang high and clear, making Takeshi drop the book where it sat on the table before jumping from his seat, dashing out into the living room to answer the door as he called, "I'll get it!"

Shigeru let out a breath of air, shoulders slumping as he sunk deeper into his chair, glad for the moment of peace. Nanami giggled behind her hand at this, chirping, "Oh, come now, Shigeru. I think its really sweet what he's trying to do."

"Really?" Shigeru drawled with a soft glare directed to the raven haired Okido, grumbling as he finished, "Then why don't you let him school you from now on?"

"Because I'm not the one having the baby," Nanami pointed out easily, before taking another bite of the meal Takeshi had made for them.

Suddenly, both Okido's looked up from their meal to see Takeshi re-enter the kitchen, this time with a package cradled in his arms. Nanami blinked curiously at the new package, fork still in her mouth from when she took her last bite, while Shigeru arched an eyebrow, skeptical milky brown eyes glaring at the brown paper covered item, not trusting its simple, innocent outlook. Seeing the two's questioning stare, Takeshi helplessly shrugged, holding out the package as he announced, "Its for you, Shigeru."

"I wonder what it could be," Nanami hummed as she set her fork down, watching her younger brother stand from his seat to except the package Takeshi held.

"Who gave it to you?" Shigeru asked instead, glancing up at Takeshi, who could only shrug in response.

"Not sure, actually," Takeshi replied rather sheepishly, raising a hand to scratch the back of his head in slight embarrassment, "No one was there. I guess they just... left it and ran off."

"Oooh," the raven haired girl cooed, placing a hand on her cheek softly, a blush powdering her cheeks as she giggled, "An admirer, maybe?"

Rolling his eyes at his sister, Shigeru balanced the package in one hand, using the other to tear the cheap, thin ribbon that tied it together. As the ribbon snapped with ease, the paper bag material gave way, falling open as a flower would its petals, revealing a light red, almost pink, spa kimono, along with a white envelope, which sat atop of the clothing. Takeshi and Nanami gave the spa kimono a questioning look, glancing towards one another before turning their attentions to the brunette. A light blush coated Shigeru's cheeks as he stared, wide eyed, at the package's gifts, surprise written clearly on his features. Frowning in confusion, Takeshi opened his mouth to question what was wrong, only to be beaten to it by the raven haired beauty still sitting at the kitchen table.

"Why is there a spa kimono in there?" Nanami asked with a pout, looking envious at her younger brother. "Did you go to one without your big sister? How cruel..." Letting loose a sigh, Nanami's disappointment quickly changed to a silly smile as she teased, "Or... is it an invitation by your secret admirer?"

"Knock it off, Sis!" Shigeru demanded with a flustered glare, face heating up with an even darker blush. Ignoring the raven haired woman as she laughed cheerily at embarrassing her brother, Shigeru glared down at the package's contents, snatching up the envelope roughly, letting it crinkle in his fist without a care, before stuffing it into his pants' back pocket. Huffing a sigh, the dark brunette turned his attention back to the spa kimono, answering his sister, "And I have already gone to this spa. It was a little too fancy for my tastes, as hard as it is to believe."

"Tch," Nanami shook her head in disappointment, pout returning, "So not fair. I'd love to go to a nice relaxing spa..."

Takeshi's dark eyes gave a spark of light at this, rushing over to the raven haired woman's side to cup her hands in his, kneeling down on one knee, as if to propose, as he announced, "For you, I'd carry you all the way to such a magical spa resort, where you can soak in the warming waters while staring up lovingly with those dark pools of brown that are your eyes at the starry sky that fails to shine in the same beauty you so possess."

"Oh, Takeshi," Nanami giggled happily, "You're so silly."

Rolling his eyes, Shigeru took this chance to escape, dispositing the spa kimono on the couch in the living room before leaving their house all together in favor in visiting his little Eevee. As he shut the door of his house behind him, Shigeru gave a pause in his steps, hand reaching down to pull the envelope from his pocket before holding it up to stare at. Biting his bottom lip, his free hand rose to pick at the flap that opened the white paper, flicking it open lightly and just catching sight of the material inside. Glaring at it, Shigeru quickly shoved it back into his pocket, before continuing in his steps to reach Professor Yukinari's Lab.

Satoshi placed his beloved cap onto his messy raven locks as he headed out, Kasumi and Pikachu following, saying a quick goodbye to Hanako for the day. Togepi gave a chirp in the redhead's arms, happy to be back with his 'mother,' even if the darker skinned man gave him yummier foods. Kasumi gave an affectionate coo in response to the pokémon inside its own shell, getting even happier chirpy laughs in reply. Satoshi gave the two a quick grin, before turning his attention to the center of Pallet Town. It was yet another beautiful day in the small, simple town, and Satoshi wanted to enjoy it for all its worth.

Before the pokémon trainer could make another step outside his property, Satoshi caught sight of Shigeru, along with his Eevee who trotted at his master's heels, stomping off, away from his grandfather's home and Lab. Arching a brow at this, the raven haired boy followed his gaze to where Shigeru was heading away from, spotting none other then Toru, calling out something as he tried to keep up with the Okido's quick pace. A frown quickly destroyed his earlier cheerfulness at this, dark brown eyes hardening in a light glare as he watched the photographer chase after Shigeru so eagerly.

"Oh boy," Kasumi groaned from behind Satoshi, catching his attention for a split second as she spotted the two other boys not too far from them, "Looks like Toru is bothering Shigeru again. Hope he doesn't say something stupid, like last time."

"...I'll go see what's going on," Satoshi announced to his friend, before jogging off to follow the others, Pikachu chirping out a quick "pika pi!" as she followed suit.

"Satoshi!" Kasumi whined in a yell, pouting lightly as she watched her comrade chase after the two brunettes. Shaking her head in disbelieve at the other's actions, the redhead turned to look at the pokémon cradled in her arms, deciding aloud, "Guess I better make sure he behaves himself, huh, Togepi?" Togepi responded with a chirpy cheer, little hands waving eagerly, making Kasumi give out a light laugh before she started to follow the others, though at a slower, even pace.

"Leave me alone, already!" Shigeru yelled as he spun on his heels, shooting a glare at the curly haired brunette who refused to just leave him alone. The said annoyance continued to jog over to the other brunette, panting a bit before he finally stopped, placing his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. Eevee silently watched at his master's side, ear twitching lightly.

"N-now come on, Shigeru," Toru got out through his pants, pushing himself to stand tall once more, holding out his hands as if to show the other he was unharmed and no danger to the other boy, "Can't you just hear me out a sec?"

"I already told you," Shigeru bit back quickly, glaring at the photographer fiercely, "I'm not interested in whatever you have to say!"

"But--"

Before Toru could event begin his own retort, a stray blast of thunder was shot out between the two brunettes, catching both of their attentions to spot a certain raven haired pokémon trainer rushing towards them, the yellow mouse following quickly behind her master. As he got closer, Satoshi waved his arm in the air, calling, "Sorry about that! Seems Pikachu and I got a little carried away in our training... Eh, heh." With an awkward laugh, the raven haired boy placed that same waving hand behind his head, giving it a good scratch.

"Ah, i-its okay," Toru stuttered out a bit nervously, a sheepish smile curling his lips, "As long as no one got hurt." At this, Toru gave Shigeru a shy glance, as if he wasn't sure if he was even allowed to look at the other without being apprehended for such behaviors.

"Whatever," Shigeru quickly snubbed, crossing his arms over his chest, nose turned upwards as he tilted his head to the side, away from the curly haired brunette. Doing this, however, brought the raven haired boy into his line of view. Staring at the cheerfully smiling Satoshi, Shigeru couldn't help but let loose a stray grin as an idea entered his mind. "Hey, Satoshi."

"Yes?" Satoshi perked up instantly, back standing straight as if he were a soldier waiting for his mission of the day. Or, to Shigeru, more like an eager puppy, ready to please his master.

"I have a favor to ask," Shigeru chirped with an as charming smile he could pull, despite his earlier anger. Tilting his head an inch towards Toru, to get Satoshi's attention on the photographer, the young Okido continued, "Toru was so hoping for a tour around our quaint little town, but I'm feeling a bit tired. Can you show him around in my place, Satoshi?"

'If it gets you away from him,' Satoshi thought inwardly, dark brown eyes sparking with an inner fire, before flashing a large smile at the two other boys as he announced a strong, loud, "Sure! No problem at all!"

"Wha-but--!" Toru started to protest, a deep frown marring his features. But before he could say any more then that, he found himself being pushed along by an overly eager Satoshi, heading back towards Professor Okido's lab, where he had finally ran into the youngest Okido that morning.

"Don't worry, Toru," Satoshi happily spoke, shrugging off the other's protests without a care, "I know this town like the back of my hand! After all, I grew up here, just like Shigeru. My tour will be just as enjoyable. Trust me."

"But..." Toru started, before letting loose a tired sigh, shoulders slumping as he finally gave in to defeat, "All right... Lead the way."

Watching as the two boys walk off into the distance, Shigeru gave a light, impressed whistle, catching his Eevee's attention as his brown ears gave a twitch of interest. "Satoshi can be really useful when he wants to be," the dark brunette stated with a light affectionate tone that most would of missed, had the little brown fox not known his master for as long as he did, he might of missed it himself. Glancing up at his master with curious dark eyes, Eevee gave a soft 'ee?' before spotting the small, cute smile that curled his master's lips nicely. Chuckling, Shigeru spoke, "Impressive." before turning to walk in the opposite direction, towards the small river that ran along side of Pallet Town.

As the brunette made his way along, calling a faint, "Come along, Eevee!" behind him, Eevee silently thought, 'Humans are so interesting sometimes...' before trotting happily after the other.

"And here is Professor Okido's open fields, where all the pokémon run about," Satoshi stated proudly, waving an arm about towards the said area. The two stood next to the fence that bordered the open field, Toru mildly taking a few photos half heartedly whenever a pokémon would appear in view. Satoshi ignored this, though, smiling broadly as he patted himself on the back on how well his plan to split Toru up from Shigeru had played out. Pikachu's "stray" thunder bolt had been a very nice tact. Holding back a chuckle, Satoshi moved to gesture out into town, where his house was set, starting up again with a, "And over there--"

Before Satoshi could continue, Toru's hand that held his camera drooped raggedly, a tired sigh slipping through his frowning lips as he spoke up, "Satoshi, you can stop now..."

"Huh?" Statoshi blinked, glancing over his shoulder to see Toru's defeated stance.

"Shigeru lied about this tour," Toru explained, moving to sit back against the wooden fence, "He just wanted to get rid of me... again."

"Pika..." Pikachu chirped weakly, ears drooping in sympathy towards the photographer. Trotting lightly on her rear paws, she came to a stop next to Toru, lifting one paw to pat his arm kindly.

Satoshi gave a pout, knowing Pikachu was right in trying to cheer Toru up, instead of cruelly ignoring him with a fake grin. Sighing, the raven haired boy moved to plop down next to the photographer, "Ah... Sorry about Shigeru. He can be a jerk sometimes."

"Oh, that's right!" Toru suddenly perked up, turning to Satoshi as he eagerly asked, "You and Shigeru grew up together, right?"

"Well, ya," Satoshi nodded with an arched brow, wondering why the brunette would ask such an obvious question, "I've known him as far as I can remember."

"Then you'd know what he likes," Toru stated, smiling happily at this new fact. Glancing down to his lap, hands fiddling with his beloved camera, Toru spoke evenly, "I don't know him as well as you do, but, I do know enough to realize that I like him. And you might call him a jerk, but he can be really kind and sweet when he wants to..."

'I'm sure you would,' Satoshi thought snidely, glaring at Toru with a pouty frown. Swallowing a biting reply, Satoshi forced a shaky smile as he asked, "Why go to all this trouble? Just... how much do you like him?"

"I..." Toru started, staring up at Satoshi with an openly surprised expression, before a sheepish smile curled his lips, blue eyes glancing sideways towards his camera again as a faint blush coated his cheeks, "I don't want to get ahead of myself and say things I don't really mean, but..." Closing his eyes, as if meditating to make sure his words came out right, he finished, "I do know he's the first person to ever attract my attention so strongly before."

'Well, duh,' Satoshi huffed, annoyed at Toru's heart felt confession, 'He wouldn't be pregnant right now if you didn't find him attractive enough.' Sensing her friend's displeasure, Pikachu answered Toru's speech with a friendly "Pika, pikachu!" and another encouraging pat on the arm.

"Thanks, Pikachu," Toru praised the yellow mouse with a light chuckle, patting Pikachu on the head in his show of gratitude. "So, Satoshi," the photographer started, returning his attention to the raven haired pokémon trainer, "What does Shigeru like?"

Gulping, Satoshi glanced around the grassy land, dirt trail, and his own shoes, trying but failing to come up with a response. He didn't want to give Toru a chance to get back together with Shigeru, Satoshi knew that for sure, but he didn't want to be mean to his friend, at least not openly. Secretly, Satoshi didn't mind ruining the photographer's chance with the youngest Okido, but how was he to do that while trying to help him? How could Satoshi tell Toru what Shigeru liked, and not expect it to work out for the blue eyed brunette...?

Suddenly, Satoshi perked up again as a new idea hit him. Returning his attention to the curly haired brunette, Satoshi gave Toru a shrug as he finally responded, "Actually, I don't know what Shigeru likes, that he can't get himself. And what he doesn't have, he'd rather earn then let it be handed to him so easily." 'There,' Satoshi thought with an inner grin, 'That should be good enough for him.'

"Oh..." Toru deflated at this, the frown returning to his lips as he turned his eyes to the clear blue sky, "That's too bad. But then again, I guess I should of expected it. Shigeru isn't that easy to win against, huh?"

"Nope," Satoshi easily agreed, deep brown eyes glancing up to the sky as well, Pikachu mimicking the two humans in curiosity to what was so interesting. 'But then again, I guess that's what makes him so worth in chasing and trying to win his affection...' Brown eyes snapping wide, tanned cheeks flaring with a sudden blush, Satoshi tried not to sputter in front of Toru as he silently tried to take in what he had just thought. Did he really go out of his way, eager to start a fight with the other, just to get his affection..? Attention, sure, but affection? Gulping down the sudden clog of nerves that found its way in his throat, Satoshi let his brown eyes to glance over to the surprisingly undisturbed Toru and Pikachu. Swallowing again, wincing at the sudden dryness in his throat, Satoshi called, "Well, I'd better get going. See ya around, Toru. Lets go, Pikachu."

"Oh, sure..." Toru replied with an uncertain tone, watching the raven haired boy suddenly flee with sudden speed, Pikachu having a hard time in keeping up. Blinking after the two in confusion, he added a weak, "Bye..." even though he was certain neither heard.

"Oh man, Pikachu..." came a grumbling whine from her master and friend, running a hand through his wild raven locks, cap resting in one hand for once instead of on his head, "I... I think I..."

"Pika pi?" she questioned with a tilt of her head, ears flopping with the movement easily.

"I think I'm in love with Shigeru," Satoshi finished with a light strain in his voice, cheeks burning in sudden realization. How had he not seen it before?! No wonder Shigeru was always calling him an idiot, a fool, a...a... "Man, I'm so stupid!" he groaned, raising a hand to cover his face, as if it'd hide his humiliation.

After having run away from Toru, Satoshi crashed behind his own house, careful not to be spotted by Hanako or Mr. Mime, who for once weren't out in the garden, but busy cleaning out the house. Pikachu had followed loyally, concerned for her master's sudden retreat, as well as curious as to why he had suddenly rushed off from a friend they would probably not see for many months to come. Finally understanding now, Pikachu trotted closer, jumping into his lap as she gave a cheerful chirp, "Pi, pika pi!"

Peeking around his fingers to see Pikachu's determined stare, Satoshi let a defeated sigh out as he mumbled, "I guess you're right, Pikachu... At least Shigeru has shown some interest..." Blushing, Satoshi recalled the quick peck the brunette had given him the other day, a small smile curling his lips as he could still feel the tingling it had left so close to his lips. Chuckling, the raven haired boy moaned, "But I still can't believe I didn't notice my own feelings until just now... I'm surprised Shigeru would even look at someone like me, let alone like me..."

"Pika, pikachuu!" the little mouse huffed, shaking her head in disagreement. Receiving a pat on the head, she instantly quieted as she watched her master replace his cap on his head once more, the determined gleam in his dark brown eyes returning, sparking to life as he rose to his feet. Moving quickly, Pikachu jumped from his lap onto his shoulder, little paws clinging to his ear and cap as her master righted himself, standing tall and proud.

"I got it, Pikachu," Satoshi agreed, smiling broadly as he turned his attention to the open plain where he remembered Shigeru and Eevee heading towards, where the riverbed met the ocean of Pallet Town, "If I wait too long, Toru is gonna try to win Shigeru back. And I already promised him I'd be there for Shigeru, to help him continue his journey with us..."

"Pika pi!" Pikachu chirped in a chuckle, patting Satoshi's cap with one paw in encouragement to get a move on.

Returning the pat with a laugh of his own, Satoshi replied, "All right, already! I'm going, I'm going!"

Having spent a nice, relaxing half hour admiring the calm sway of the waves that met up with the river side, Shigeru, with Eevee in tow, decided it was about time to head back. Hopefully he wouldn't run into Toru again, though he felt he might not get a chance if the photographer was still bunking in Professor Okido's lab. Sighing, Shigeru took a spare glance down at his heels, where Eevee happily trotted, wondering if Nanami would mind him bringing the little brown fox inside their own home for a change. It'd cut the chances of running into Toru.

Mulling over the thought, Shigeru suddenly caught sight of two silhouettes in the distance, walking his way in even steps, showing no hurry in their travel. As the two came closer, the brunette quickly recognized the duo as his older sister and Takeshi. Blinking at the sight, Shigeru wondered what the two were doing together now. Neither seemed to be doing much of anything, as far as Shigeru could see. Even Takeshi wasn't moving about excitedly with endless flirting lines and witty confessions of how much they were destined to be together.

Before Shigeru could study the couple much more, Nanami spotted the brunette, waving eagerly in greeting at her younger brother as she called, "There you are, Shigeru! Takeshi here was thinking of having a picnic today for lunch. Would you like to join us?"

"Um..." glancing down at Eevee, who returned the stare with a questioning one of his own, Shigeru finally returned his attention to the raven haired woman and the rusty haired man as he slowly nodded in consent, "I guess that'd be nice."

"And I got something for the pokémon, just in case," Takeshi added as he held up the basket that held all the goodies within, smiling widely in pride, "So I'm sure your Eevee will enjoy himself as well."

Cracking a small smile at this, Shigeru nodded once more, Eevee chirping happily at the sounds of a good meal as he frolicked the short distance towards the couple. "That's sounds great," Shigeru replied, following his little pokémon at a slower pace, not in as much of a hurry as the fluffy brown fox.

Nodding in return, Takeshi began to set up their picnic. Placing a yellow, almost white, blanket down on the grassy land, Takeshi began to set the food out evenly, adding a bit extra on a certain plate, which Shigeru soon found to be his own when the rusty brown haired man handed it to him. Taking the said plate, full of neatly sliced sandwitches, two onigiri, and even a freshly cut peach, Shigeru took a seat on the yellow blanket, right next to Nanami, who sat across from Takeshi himself. As he began to take a few bites from his sandwich, watching Eevee as he eagerly dug into the special pokémon food Takeshi had fixed up himself, the sound of hurried feet and dust being kicked up caught all three of their attentions.

"Shiiiigeruuuu!" came the hurried shout of a familiar raven haired boy, sliding to an abrupt halt as he reached their side, only to trip at the last second ungracefully, causing more dirt to puff up into a dust cloud. The yellow electric mouse landed with more grace then her partner, giving him a sympathetic stare as she peeps a soft, 'pika pi, pikachuuu...' Ignoring his failure in stopping, Satoshi pushed himself up onto his hands and knees, huffing in quick pants to try and catch his breath. Dirt stuck to his cheeks here and there, as well as his arms, thanks to his fall, but he payed no mind to this. Instead, he locked dark brown eyes onto milky brown ones that stared at him with an arch brow, silently questioning the other on what he was doing.

"Oh, heya, Satoshi," Takeshi greeted his friend easily, not at all bothered by the odd entrance the raven haired boy pulled, "Hungry? We got a few extra sandwiches, so I'm sure we can fill you in."

Satoshi didn't respond, not even sparing a quick glance at his darker skinned friend, eyes never swaying from where they were locked onto Shigeru's own. Frowning at this sudden intense interest in staring so shamelessly at him, Shigeru opened his mouth to question the other, but was beaten to it by the boy himself, who quickly shouted in a determined tone, "I'll do it!"

"Do what, Satoshi?" Takeshi questioned, his own brow now arched in quere to his comrade's odd behavior. Even Nanami was giving the raven haired boy a questioning look, though with a hint of amusement in her brown irises.

This time, Satoshi gave the rusty brown haired man a quick look, before turning his eyes back onto Shigeru's as he stated just as seriously, "I'll take responsibly of your kid, Shigeru. I'll be the father it never had. I'll do it!"

"Satoshi..." Shigeru blinked in sudden wonder, a blush coating his cheeks at the confession. He had almost forgotten about their deal, though Shigeru had said it in a more joking, taunting way to rile Satoshi up a bit, but for the raven haired boy to actually eagerly take up on the offer... Now that was impressive.

Nanami hid a smile behind a hand as she giggled, speaking in an awed, "Oh my..." Even if Satoshi was the real father or not, Nanami couldn't help but find the whole thing cute. It was about time the two boys finally stopped their pointless rivalry and admitted to their true feelings for the other. Those two were far too stubborn sometimes.

"You can't be serious..." Takeshi finally forced out, after breaking from his shock at his youngest friend's confession, "This, this is a really big deal, Satoshi."

"I know that!" Satoshi huffed in reply, pouting at being lectured while he was trying to show off how responsible he could be to Shigeru. Turning his attention back to the still amazed Okido boy, Satoshi gulped back any nerves that wanted to surface as he spoke once more, "I'll do it, Shigeru... If you allow me to."

Feeling his lip twitch, in a smile or a frown, Shigeru wasn't quite sure, but the movement was all it took to snap the brunette from his trance, locking his milky brown eyes sharply onto Satoshi's determined dark brown. Neither boy wavered from the intensity of eithers' stare, not once daring to look away, even for a second. It was only when Shigeru spared a blink, did the youngest Okido finally open his mouth to announce his answer to Satoshi, and the other four who just so happened to be in hearing distance of the two.

"All right, Satoshi. But you better be prepared. This isn't some simple walk in the park."

"Don't worry," Satoshi responded quickly, a small grin curling his lips as his deep brown eyes sparkled in victory, "I didn't expect it to be."

tsuzuku...