5: Nicknames

Misaki wondered why his mother called his tough older brother, little butterfly. Out of all the nicknames in the world, she chose that one. In his eyes, Hiroki didn't behave delicate like a butterfly or even seemed soft. He took the soft part back, his brother loved cuddling with him. Hiroki just didn't like holding people who were not family.

His mother called him little bird, as a reference to his tendency to wake up early. Now, this nickname made sense to him because he woke up early almost every single day. Hiroki's nickname confused him.

Misaki took it upon himself to walk up to his mother right after Hiroki left with Akihiko. He disliked the fact that his brother left with Rabbit Man, but his quest in finding out the truth overshadowed his annoyance of the guy. He hugged his mother's waist as they waved Hiroki goodbye.

When Hiroki was out of ear-shot and his line of sight, Misaki and his mother closed the front door. His mom ushered him toward the kitchen to prepare a small lunch. As she began washing the vegetables in the sink, he piped up from his seat. "Mama?"

Fuyumi managed to heard him over the running water. "Yes, sweetheart?" Setting the veggies on the counter, she took out the cutting board, a knife, and a peeler.

"Why do you call Hiro nii-san, little butterfly, mama?"

Fuyumi looked at Misaki and chuckled. "Oh sweetheart, I enjoy calling him my butterfly."

"But, nii-chan is no butterfly, he's tough as nails. There has to be a reason." Misaki told his mother and she nodded her head in understanding.

"I know he's not an actual butterfly, Misaki. If I recall, this dates back to when Hiroki was a toddler." Fuyumi began as she peeled off the skin of the vegetables. "One time, I left Hiroki sleeping outside underneath that big cherry blossom tree in the backyard. He wasn't alone since a few of my nephews were playing near him so I wasn't too worried. When I went back to wake Hiroki up for an afternoon snack, there were dozens of butterflies flying around him."

Misaki asked. "Didn't he wake up?"

Fuyumi shook her head. "When Hiroki took a nap, he slept like a log. I wasn't surprised that he didn't wake up when a few of them walked on his face. They are light-weight to begin with anyway, but they must have tickled him. Nothing." She placed the peeler on the counter and turned toward Misaki. "He stayed asleep the whole time."

Interested in the rest of the story, Misaki paid close attention to his mother as she continued. "I just thought…those butterflies must think he's one of them if they are comfortable enough to get so close to him. I took a picture of this moment and had someone make copies. I gave them to my brothers, my parents and your father. They know why I call Hiroki, little butterfly."

"Thank you for telling me, mama." Fuyumi walked toward him and kissed his cheek. "Although…"

"What is it little bird?" Misaki pouted. "I just remembered something, nii-san told me that another reason you call me 'Little bird' was because birds tried picking me up from my blanket when I was still tiny."

Fuyumi busted into laughter. She patted the top of Misaki's head as his pout grew bigger.

Misaki cried out. "Is that true?"

"No, no, not at all." Fuyumi's laughter slowed down as she held Misaki tight. "He's just messing with you sweetheart, but I do remember ducks running after you in the part over your sandwich. Hiroki intervened and you wouldn't let go of him until we got home."

"Oh yeah.." Misaki shivered as he recalled the memory. "I don't want my rubber ducky for my bath anymore mama."

Fuyumi nodded her head. "I'll get rid of them."

Grateful that his mom would get rid of the rubber toy, he sighed in relief. A rubber duck was harmless, but he didn't want a reminder of the duck incident.

Misaki gave her a cheeky grin when he declared. "I like my nickname for nii-chan. It's way better."

"Nope, mine is better, little bird."

"Nu uh. Mine is better!"

Fuyumi started tickling him with a huge grin on her face. "It's mine!"

"No!" Misaki cried as he laughed hard. "Mama!"

Soshi passed the kitchen in his yukata and heard the noise coming from inside. He paused at the door, arching a brow at the display before his eyes. Fuyumi towered over their youngest child, tickling him into submission. He clearly missed the whole situation and he wasn't going to stay to find out.

Fuyumi knew his ticklish spots and would exploit them to her advantage.