I was startled awake by the soft sound of a voice. I looked around, realizing Akisame was dozing on the pullout couch at my side. I looked across the room and saw a big hulking figure standing near the cradle. My eyes adjusted to the darkness and I realized it was Sakaki. He had taken everyone home, then come back with some more clothes for Kimiko and Akisame. We must have fallen asleep waiting for him.
I realized that he was holding Kimiko, cradled in his massive arms and talking to her.
"You're just the cutest," he cooed softly. "We've all been waiting for you to come and now you're here and you're so adorable. Yes you are. I'm your Uncle Shio and if anyone bother's you, I'll kick their ass. Yes I will. You're such a pretty thing."
I reached over and nudged Akisame who startled awake. I pressed my finger to my lips and pointed to Sakaki who had yet to realize he had an audience.
"You're so sweet," he continued. "You'll just steal everyone's hearts. You're going to be such a spoilt little baby with so many people to love you." He reached down and ran a gentle finger over her cheek. She made a small noise, then sneezed. I could see Sakaki melt at the squeaky little sound.
"Awwe," he sighed. "That was the cutest sneeze I've ever heard. Oh? What's wrong? Why are you making that face at me? No, no, no. Don't cry, sweetie! Shhh! Was it something I said?"
"She's hungry," I said. Sakaki jumped and turned around, his face beet red.
"Oh…uhm…I was just…uhmm…"
I giggled and held my arms out for her. He walked over and handed her to me, scratching the back of his head.
"Why Shio," Akisame commented.
"Shut up," Sakaki growled, cutting off whatever his friend had to say.
"It was cute," I said, looking up from where Kimiko was nursing. Sakaki blushed again and shuffled his feet.
"I just wanted to hold her for a minute," he muttered.
"We don't mind," Akisame said. I nodded in agreement. I finished feeding Kimiko and burped her, wiping the spittle from her mouth.
"Well, Ima head back to the dojo," Sakaki said. "I'll be back tomorrow."
"You wanna tell your oh so adorable niece goodbye?" I teased. Sakaki blushed, but walked over to the side of the bed and bent down, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Bye, cutie," he said.
