I don't own samurai -7

This could be better or worse, but I'm tried of editing … so I humbly submit

Back in side the orphanage, "Rin what is the big deal about that Samurai?" The orphanage was actually a renovated four story warehouse.

Aya was already upstairs giving orders to the younger children (Aya has been there the longest, nine years), and the laundry was starting to build up.

Rin responded as she put way the paper and pencils let in the class room area. "Tomo, you are so clueless sometimes. Can't you tell that Haruko – san and he go way back, besides the children love him. Not only that if it wasn't for him coming around and fixing up things around here, the roof would probably cave in or something".

Tomo developed malicious smile, the two girls were cleaning up the lower main room

"Okay, then I get that, but why were you blushing the whole time"

Rin's face formed into a frozen, 'oh'. "Just for that you get to deal with the boys tonight, and do all the laundry by yourself. Besides, don't you think Ho-Ho is kinda cute?"

Tomo just waved her off and headed up stairs. The boy's room was a clutter of Futons, blankets, clothes and toys. She was all too happy to straighten out this mess than deal with the dirty diapers below. She had finally sent all of the dirty clothes down the chute, and gotten everyone in bed, and was and just crawled in to hers. Rin blew her a big smile and rolled over; she had finished sooner and gotten to lay down first.

Three hours later a great deal of noise was keeping the orphanage wide awake. The only people who didn't seem to mind were the two cribs dwellers.

But, it was well worth it when puffs of heat started coming through the ventilation system. Good thing to, the first snow storm of the year was coming down the mountain.

"Tomo… Get another bath ready and a robe!" Haruko roared through the pipes, which served as an intercom until now. The orphanage had four levels, the basement which served as storage, bath/laundry, and boiler room, the main floor the great rooms for study, and Haruko's sleeping area. The third floor is where the girls and babies slept and the boys on the fourth.

"Why is it always me?!" "She hissed as she rolled out of her futon.

"Because I am better with children". Rin winked and rolled up in her warm futon.

Tomo fumbled past the children that pretended to be asleep as she passed, grabbed her robe from the hanger, lit a candle and headed down the stairs. The kids like me too, ya know. By the time Tomo got the bath water ready; Haruko came bustling in, shoving Tomo out of the room.

"Haruko- San"?!

The samurai came in behind them covered in soot and grease; he gave them a quick nod and grin. Haruko pulled the door shut. Tomo crossed her arms and looked down on the woman a guff look on her face. Haruko's grey eyes were dancing with glee, "What? You don't like company? Besides you already know each other, right?

Tomo snorted, you're a scheming old lady.

"Make sure you clean up and wash his clothes. Go night Tomo!" Haruko headed up stairs without another word, Tomo's anguished face was speechless.

I can't believe this, he's her friend. Why is she harassing me?

She knocked on the door. "Hiyashida- dono?

"Yeah!"

"If you hand me your clothes I'll wash them."

Uh… Slashing sounds came from inside.

Tomo sucked her teeth. "I am coming in…. "I wanna get this over with and go to sleep.

When she walked in there was water everywhere, 'sorry, just being my sloppy-self", Heihachi was up to his ears in water with his back to the door.

"I can see that…. Is the water warm enough? She said as she collected his dirty clothes.

"Yeah".

She walked out as abruptly as she came. Heihachi glanced up at the tiny window in the corner of the room, the snow was inching its way to the top. That was as pleasant as soggy rice, I hope the roads aren't blocked, but with my luck….

Tomo went to the laundry with the clothing in hand, she looked at it and then at the pile on the floor. No sense in waiting to do it now, maybe Haruko-san will let me sleep in a little if I get this done. She started up the two washers,but decided it would be better to let Heihachi's clothes soak. She was folding the mornings wash when a tap came from the door frame. "Excuse me, Tomo – San?"

Tomo turned a great, to find Heihachi standing there with nothing but a towel. He had a sheepish grin on his face. "My clothes wouldn't be ready yet would they?"

Now any normal girl would have blushed or looked away, but Tomo gave him the most irritated look, that made him regret leaving the tub. She pulled a sheet from the basket walked up, "Haruko-san hasn't bought a dryer yet. You will have to wear this for the time being."

"Is there a problem, Tomo –San? I can tell you're not the talkative type, but ….ah? "The look on his face was like a sock in the stomach. He had one eye open and it was searching for hospitality that you'd expect from a host. Her eyes got soft for a moment; he's a guest I have to be nice, no matter how tired I am. She would have dreamed of being this rude if her father had asked her to do any this.

"I am sorry it just seems like this day wont end. I'll have your clothes ready before breakfast,"; her tone was polite, but just as dry as ever.

"I understand can I help you with something."

She cocked her left eyebrow, "Can you mop?"

Heihachi cleaned up the bathroom in his toga, while Tomo finished the wash. They did not say one word to each other. And when the last piece of clothing was hung on the rack, Tomo was slumped in a chair. Heihachi, was not about to try an carry the sleeping girl up three flights of stairs so he did the next best thing and covered her with a Sheet. The basement was comfortably warm thanks to the boiler, and since Heihachi was more comfortable around machines he made himself a pallet and slept in the basement too.