Disclaimer: Well this is fanfiction. And if I were the creator, it wouldn't
exactly be fanwork, now would it?
Rating: It's stiilll G rated folks, welcome one and all
Notes: Mm. Just simple home life.
By Subishi
------------------------------------
Season of Tears
Chapter Five: Afternoon at Home
Nobuko groaned as she mumbled through dry lips for just another second and then she promised she'd be up.But gave in to the inevitable and opened her eyes, and for a moment was completely bewildered. Uh.Why was she in the middle of a road, dust and little bits of gravel covering her, and a sore neck. And why was there a giant shadow with a foot poking her in the side and.oh. Right. The road.
Rubbing her eyes and yawning, she sat up, and looked to the big "shadow", realizing it was Tsutomu, the man who ran the windmill trying to wake her up, and looking over his shoulder, saw some of the other villagers waiting patiently for the human road block to kindly decide to move out of their way.
Smiling somewhat nervously at the huge man, who raised an expectant eyebrow in return, she turned around and began rapidly pushing her three partners. Almost instantaneously they woke up, all at the same time. It was odd, watching the dazed look on their faces be replaced with realization, then fear, than embarrassed nervousness, and finally shaky, sheepish smiles spread over all three. All four kids stood up, muttered quick apologies, and took of running, kicking up a trail of dust behind.
The small crowd of early risers stared after them, and a single thought passed through every head there, -Those kids sure were odd. Nice enough, but odd. They'd probably all grow up into eccentrics. - and with that, people returned to their normal morning routine, getting ready for a days work in various ways.
Kira, Nobuko, Rei, and Chichiri all arrived at the doorstep of their house, panting slightly and pausing to catch their breath and make themselves slightly more presentable before stepping inside.
The house wasn't really imposing, but it gave off a certain sense of.well, as long as you obeyed the rules you'd be okay. It wasn't particularly large, only one story and an small loft. It was made of solid blocks of pale gray stone, each one large, and all the seams were near invisible due to careful sealing. A pale yellow thatched roof (though somewhat worn and greened because of the recent heavy rains) lightened the area, along with the bright flowers growing everywhere, the laundry blowing in the wind, and two kittens rolling around in the tiny vegetable garden.
Realizing they couldn't postpone going inside forever, the four stepped inside, Rei leading the way, then Kira, followed by Nobuko and Chichiri. They stepped inside, trying to be as quiet as possible. They were tiptoeing up the stairs, when a loud slam made them all jump and cringe. Turning around, they say Nobuko, an embarrassed grin spread over her entire face. "Sorry! I guess I forgot to close the door quie-" She froze in midsentence, staring up the stairs. Gulping, and then hanging her head in resignation, she let go of the handle. The three on the stairs turned, and soon followed suit.
"Ha.Hattori-san.We were um.ya see.we were up for an early mornin' walk, and em, well, it was so nice out, we stayed out for awhile.and um.yeah." Blond, Blue and Brown heads nodded in agreement.
"Oh?" Miss Hattori raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Really? In that case, it's all okay." Sarcasm slowly began to creep into her voice. "I mean, that little explanation is a perfect excuse for why your beds are still made from yesterday, isn't it? And well, I suppose if you spent so much time outdoors already you don't need to go play anymore for the rest of the day, do you? Instead, you can help me do chores. Don't you think that sounds like a good idea?" she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, waiting for an answer.
Rei's mouth opened, about to say something in the groups defense, but when he saw the hard expression on her face, he decided against it. But it still couldn't keep the slightly rebellious note out of his voice. "Fine. We'll do the chores." Miss Hattori nodded in response.
"Right then! First things first, there's breakfast in the kitchen on the table. Go eat, and then come fine me and I'll tell you what to do. Go on now!" She made a small shooing motion with her hands, motioning towards the kitchen. "Hurry, before it gets cold."
Momentarily forgetting their previous predicament with the prospect of food awaiting them, the four comrades tumbled down the stairs in their hurry. Walking only slightly more sedately to the kitchen, they sat down at their seats on around the table, and quickly began consuming the repast laid down before them. The clear early morning sunlight slanted down through the paned windows and the air smelled clean, like it only does at that morning time, and birds chirped softly outside.
Displaying his usual passion for the culinary arts, Rei quickly ate everything on his plate and began eyeing the others. Chichiri ate his more normally, but still with the fervor that comes of a good day of exercise without any food. Nobuko only really ate the yogurt and oatmeal, her noted pickiness when it came to food shining through. Kira considered her own plate carefully, deliberating over eating something, and then in a strangely polite manner downing it all.
* * *
After washing their dishes and changing into fresh clothes, all four marched their way into the backyard, where Miss Hattori was setting up a bucket and washboard and a pair of hedge clippers. As what their first few chores for the suddenly long day were became clear, Rei groaned, Chichiri sighed, Nobuko and Kira blinked.
Unconsciously they all began retracing their steps, until a glare from Miss Hattori stopped them in their tracks. Accepting their fate, all four got down to work. A few minutes later, after Miss Hattori had left, in reality only Chichiri and Nobuko were working hard, Chichiri washing the clothes and Nobuko pinning them up on the line, both humming happily. Kira seemed to have not heard anything in the past hour, and was just sitting in the long grass, playing with one of the kittens.
Rei was working.sort of. He was clipping the hedges, but taking such long "breaks" that it was almost at the point where it seemed like he would get more work done if he gave up actually trying.
* * *
Even though the actual work was banal and tedious, the time flew by and general good cheer permeated the yard, Rei's grumpiness dissipating as the day wore on. Eventually it came time for lunch, and Miss Hattori called them inside, seeing as the work was basically done anyway, the only task remaining being to put away the shears and washing tools.
Having watched the children work all morning, and do so on the whole without complaining, Miss Hattori had cheered up immeasurably, and had made an extra special array of food for them, which, when discovered, won her a barrage of hugs and thanks, all previous angst forgotten.
With full stomachs and well-exercised bodies, the four children ambled their way outside after eating. Not really caring where they went, they wandered round the yard area, until they came to the big apple tree in one corner. As sleepiness took over, they all four sat down and leaned against the rough bark, inhaling deeply the sweet scent of grass, sun, and growing things.
Lulled by their bodies' warmth, the two kittens frolicked over. Playing across the outstretched legs of the children, the gamboled, chasing each other's tails and bits of dust floating through the air. The sunlight filtered down through the green leaves of the tree, and lazily dappled gold and black furred backs. Both kittens began to wear down, and the ebony one wandered over to Nobuko, turning in circles a few times before falling asleep in the crook of her arm. The orange one came to Kira, kneading her stomach a bit before also falling asleep. Such an incredible feeling of contentment filled the area it was almost tangible, intoxicating. Smiling and leaning against each other, the small warm bodies of the kittens nestled between them, the four friends feel into a warm and soft sleep.
* * *
Having not exactly had the most comfortable night's rest, they ended up sleeping till dusk. Nobuko was the first to wake, noticing the absence of the kitten, the slightly cooler temperature and well.She just always woke up first. Realizing it was almost dinnertime, she flipped over onto her knees and woke the others up.
Still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes, except for Nobuko who despite being the earliest to rise was also always the most awake, they walked into the homey kitchen, now lit by glowing lamps hung at various spots.
Noting that dinner wasn't quite ready yet, the four joined in with Miss Hattori to help put the finishing touches on their nighttime meal, talking about the days events and reminiscing on old, planning ahead for what to do tomorrow. Sitting down to eat, looking around at each others laughing, smiling faces, the warm good scent of the home cooked meal filling the room, lantern light casting a surreal glow on everything, the moment seemed suspended in time, a golden seal to a perfect day.
* * *
After having washed the dishes and bathed, Nobuko and Kira went to their room to change for bed, and Rei and Chichiri to theirs.
Kira, half in and half out of her night clothes stretched her arms and yawned, at the same time accidentally tripping backwards and landing at the end of her bed. Nobuko popped her head over the edge, laughing and rolling off to help her up and inside her clothes. Nobuko had already changed into her own loose dark blue pants and paler blue tunic. With Nobuko's help, Kira finally got the light, white cotton nightdress over hear head and nicely settled.
Climbing up into the big cozy beds, Nobuko reached to the windowsill and took a brush, and began combing out Kira's long hair, tawny in the flickering candlelight. Too happily exhausted to really talk, the two girls sat there, and eventually switched places, Kira taking the brush too Nobuko's shorter and slightly spikier chocolate brown hair.
In their own room, Rei and Chichiri were already ready for bed. Rei stretched on the floor, his dark green pants and russet top pulled loosely against his frame. Chichiri was redoing his ponytail, pale yellow pants hanging comfortably and shirtless for now in the warm summer night, blowing slightly in a breeze drifting through the open window.
After awhile Kira and Nobuko came knocking at the boys' door, and walked inside. At this point in time, both boys were doing their stretches before going to sleep. Kira crawled up on to Rei's bed, and lay down, resting her chin in her hands to watch. Following suit, Nobuko pulled herself up onto the end of Chichiri's bed.
This time Nobuko yawned loudly, and after a moment of silence, all four broke down into laughter, but muffled their peals at a shout from Miss Hattori in her room down the hall. Sliding off the bed, Kira jumped on Rei and hugged him, surprising him and knocking him to the floor. Blinking and smiling, Nobuko jumped straight off the bed and onto Chichiri, toppling him to the floor.
They all lay their for awhile, Chichiri and Nobuko smiling widely, Rei blinking in a surprised manner, and Kira hugging him tight. Chichiri's and Nobuko's broad grins clearly told any onlooker that they cared the utmost about each other, and all their giddiness held real caring.
Rei got over his surprise and closed his eyes, holding Kira tight, afraid for the first time that he might loose her, god knows why, but he only knew that he wanted to be with her. All of a sudden Rei was awash in strange emotions. He couldn't remember caring this much about someone. Was it love? He'd always been told you couldn't feel this way till you were older. But he knew he would give his life for her. It must be.
He whispered, I love you, so quietly that only he would hear. But as she shifted her head against him, her tiny light voice echoed his own, and he, for what might've been the first time in his life, felt fully content to the core of his soul.
* * *
Miss Hattori came in awhile later to check they were all in bed and tuck them in, to find the group curled up on the floor. Clucking her tongue fondly, she first picked up Chichiri and then Rei and put them in bed, and proceeded to carry Nobuko and Kira into bed in their own room. Glancing through the doorways one more time, she smiled, and blew out the light, treading softly into her own room, and quickly falling asleep.
Notes: Hahaha, cute enough for you? I can't get much cuter, so if it isn't.go read something else.Wait no, don't! Read the next chapter of my stooory!! Subishi
Rating: It's stiilll G rated folks, welcome one and all
Notes: Mm. Just simple home life.
By Subishi
------------------------------------
Season of Tears
Chapter Five: Afternoon at Home
Nobuko groaned as she mumbled through dry lips for just another second and then she promised she'd be up.But gave in to the inevitable and opened her eyes, and for a moment was completely bewildered. Uh.Why was she in the middle of a road, dust and little bits of gravel covering her, and a sore neck. And why was there a giant shadow with a foot poking her in the side and.oh. Right. The road.
Rubbing her eyes and yawning, she sat up, and looked to the big "shadow", realizing it was Tsutomu, the man who ran the windmill trying to wake her up, and looking over his shoulder, saw some of the other villagers waiting patiently for the human road block to kindly decide to move out of their way.
Smiling somewhat nervously at the huge man, who raised an expectant eyebrow in return, she turned around and began rapidly pushing her three partners. Almost instantaneously they woke up, all at the same time. It was odd, watching the dazed look on their faces be replaced with realization, then fear, than embarrassed nervousness, and finally shaky, sheepish smiles spread over all three. All four kids stood up, muttered quick apologies, and took of running, kicking up a trail of dust behind.
The small crowd of early risers stared after them, and a single thought passed through every head there, -Those kids sure were odd. Nice enough, but odd. They'd probably all grow up into eccentrics. - and with that, people returned to their normal morning routine, getting ready for a days work in various ways.
Kira, Nobuko, Rei, and Chichiri all arrived at the doorstep of their house, panting slightly and pausing to catch their breath and make themselves slightly more presentable before stepping inside.
The house wasn't really imposing, but it gave off a certain sense of.well, as long as you obeyed the rules you'd be okay. It wasn't particularly large, only one story and an small loft. It was made of solid blocks of pale gray stone, each one large, and all the seams were near invisible due to careful sealing. A pale yellow thatched roof (though somewhat worn and greened because of the recent heavy rains) lightened the area, along with the bright flowers growing everywhere, the laundry blowing in the wind, and two kittens rolling around in the tiny vegetable garden.
Realizing they couldn't postpone going inside forever, the four stepped inside, Rei leading the way, then Kira, followed by Nobuko and Chichiri. They stepped inside, trying to be as quiet as possible. They were tiptoeing up the stairs, when a loud slam made them all jump and cringe. Turning around, they say Nobuko, an embarrassed grin spread over her entire face. "Sorry! I guess I forgot to close the door quie-" She froze in midsentence, staring up the stairs. Gulping, and then hanging her head in resignation, she let go of the handle. The three on the stairs turned, and soon followed suit.
"Ha.Hattori-san.We were um.ya see.we were up for an early mornin' walk, and em, well, it was so nice out, we stayed out for awhile.and um.yeah." Blond, Blue and Brown heads nodded in agreement.
"Oh?" Miss Hattori raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Really? In that case, it's all okay." Sarcasm slowly began to creep into her voice. "I mean, that little explanation is a perfect excuse for why your beds are still made from yesterday, isn't it? And well, I suppose if you spent so much time outdoors already you don't need to go play anymore for the rest of the day, do you? Instead, you can help me do chores. Don't you think that sounds like a good idea?" she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, waiting for an answer.
Rei's mouth opened, about to say something in the groups defense, but when he saw the hard expression on her face, he decided against it. But it still couldn't keep the slightly rebellious note out of his voice. "Fine. We'll do the chores." Miss Hattori nodded in response.
"Right then! First things first, there's breakfast in the kitchen on the table. Go eat, and then come fine me and I'll tell you what to do. Go on now!" She made a small shooing motion with her hands, motioning towards the kitchen. "Hurry, before it gets cold."
Momentarily forgetting their previous predicament with the prospect of food awaiting them, the four comrades tumbled down the stairs in their hurry. Walking only slightly more sedately to the kitchen, they sat down at their seats on around the table, and quickly began consuming the repast laid down before them. The clear early morning sunlight slanted down through the paned windows and the air smelled clean, like it only does at that morning time, and birds chirped softly outside.
Displaying his usual passion for the culinary arts, Rei quickly ate everything on his plate and began eyeing the others. Chichiri ate his more normally, but still with the fervor that comes of a good day of exercise without any food. Nobuko only really ate the yogurt and oatmeal, her noted pickiness when it came to food shining through. Kira considered her own plate carefully, deliberating over eating something, and then in a strangely polite manner downing it all.
* * *
After washing their dishes and changing into fresh clothes, all four marched their way into the backyard, where Miss Hattori was setting up a bucket and washboard and a pair of hedge clippers. As what their first few chores for the suddenly long day were became clear, Rei groaned, Chichiri sighed, Nobuko and Kira blinked.
Unconsciously they all began retracing their steps, until a glare from Miss Hattori stopped them in their tracks. Accepting their fate, all four got down to work. A few minutes later, after Miss Hattori had left, in reality only Chichiri and Nobuko were working hard, Chichiri washing the clothes and Nobuko pinning them up on the line, both humming happily. Kira seemed to have not heard anything in the past hour, and was just sitting in the long grass, playing with one of the kittens.
Rei was working.sort of. He was clipping the hedges, but taking such long "breaks" that it was almost at the point where it seemed like he would get more work done if he gave up actually trying.
* * *
Even though the actual work was banal and tedious, the time flew by and general good cheer permeated the yard, Rei's grumpiness dissipating as the day wore on. Eventually it came time for lunch, and Miss Hattori called them inside, seeing as the work was basically done anyway, the only task remaining being to put away the shears and washing tools.
Having watched the children work all morning, and do so on the whole without complaining, Miss Hattori had cheered up immeasurably, and had made an extra special array of food for them, which, when discovered, won her a barrage of hugs and thanks, all previous angst forgotten.
With full stomachs and well-exercised bodies, the four children ambled their way outside after eating. Not really caring where they went, they wandered round the yard area, until they came to the big apple tree in one corner. As sleepiness took over, they all four sat down and leaned against the rough bark, inhaling deeply the sweet scent of grass, sun, and growing things.
Lulled by their bodies' warmth, the two kittens frolicked over. Playing across the outstretched legs of the children, the gamboled, chasing each other's tails and bits of dust floating through the air. The sunlight filtered down through the green leaves of the tree, and lazily dappled gold and black furred backs. Both kittens began to wear down, and the ebony one wandered over to Nobuko, turning in circles a few times before falling asleep in the crook of her arm. The orange one came to Kira, kneading her stomach a bit before also falling asleep. Such an incredible feeling of contentment filled the area it was almost tangible, intoxicating. Smiling and leaning against each other, the small warm bodies of the kittens nestled between them, the four friends feel into a warm and soft sleep.
* * *
Having not exactly had the most comfortable night's rest, they ended up sleeping till dusk. Nobuko was the first to wake, noticing the absence of the kitten, the slightly cooler temperature and well.She just always woke up first. Realizing it was almost dinnertime, she flipped over onto her knees and woke the others up.
Still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes, except for Nobuko who despite being the earliest to rise was also always the most awake, they walked into the homey kitchen, now lit by glowing lamps hung at various spots.
Noting that dinner wasn't quite ready yet, the four joined in with Miss Hattori to help put the finishing touches on their nighttime meal, talking about the days events and reminiscing on old, planning ahead for what to do tomorrow. Sitting down to eat, looking around at each others laughing, smiling faces, the warm good scent of the home cooked meal filling the room, lantern light casting a surreal glow on everything, the moment seemed suspended in time, a golden seal to a perfect day.
* * *
After having washed the dishes and bathed, Nobuko and Kira went to their room to change for bed, and Rei and Chichiri to theirs.
Kira, half in and half out of her night clothes stretched her arms and yawned, at the same time accidentally tripping backwards and landing at the end of her bed. Nobuko popped her head over the edge, laughing and rolling off to help her up and inside her clothes. Nobuko had already changed into her own loose dark blue pants and paler blue tunic. With Nobuko's help, Kira finally got the light, white cotton nightdress over hear head and nicely settled.
Climbing up into the big cozy beds, Nobuko reached to the windowsill and took a brush, and began combing out Kira's long hair, tawny in the flickering candlelight. Too happily exhausted to really talk, the two girls sat there, and eventually switched places, Kira taking the brush too Nobuko's shorter and slightly spikier chocolate brown hair.
In their own room, Rei and Chichiri were already ready for bed. Rei stretched on the floor, his dark green pants and russet top pulled loosely against his frame. Chichiri was redoing his ponytail, pale yellow pants hanging comfortably and shirtless for now in the warm summer night, blowing slightly in a breeze drifting through the open window.
After awhile Kira and Nobuko came knocking at the boys' door, and walked inside. At this point in time, both boys were doing their stretches before going to sleep. Kira crawled up on to Rei's bed, and lay down, resting her chin in her hands to watch. Following suit, Nobuko pulled herself up onto the end of Chichiri's bed.
This time Nobuko yawned loudly, and after a moment of silence, all four broke down into laughter, but muffled their peals at a shout from Miss Hattori in her room down the hall. Sliding off the bed, Kira jumped on Rei and hugged him, surprising him and knocking him to the floor. Blinking and smiling, Nobuko jumped straight off the bed and onto Chichiri, toppling him to the floor.
They all lay their for awhile, Chichiri and Nobuko smiling widely, Rei blinking in a surprised manner, and Kira hugging him tight. Chichiri's and Nobuko's broad grins clearly told any onlooker that they cared the utmost about each other, and all their giddiness held real caring.
Rei got over his surprise and closed his eyes, holding Kira tight, afraid for the first time that he might loose her, god knows why, but he only knew that he wanted to be with her. All of a sudden Rei was awash in strange emotions. He couldn't remember caring this much about someone. Was it love? He'd always been told you couldn't feel this way till you were older. But he knew he would give his life for her. It must be.
He whispered, I love you, so quietly that only he would hear. But as she shifted her head against him, her tiny light voice echoed his own, and he, for what might've been the first time in his life, felt fully content to the core of his soul.
* * *
Miss Hattori came in awhile later to check they were all in bed and tuck them in, to find the group curled up on the floor. Clucking her tongue fondly, she first picked up Chichiri and then Rei and put them in bed, and proceeded to carry Nobuko and Kira into bed in their own room. Glancing through the doorways one more time, she smiled, and blew out the light, treading softly into her own room, and quickly falling asleep.
Notes: Hahaha, cute enough for you? I can't get much cuter, so if it isn't.go read something else.Wait no, don't! Read the next chapter of my stooory!! Subishi