Here is another story I had written a while back. After reading Cherry Wolf's Pistil and Stamen story (I love her story!!!), I felt inspired to share this. I wanted to share it because it revolves around what Usami thinks about having a family.

Will It Always Be Just the Two of Us?

"It's hard to believe that Kabuki Theater is still around today," mused Takahiro as he lifted up Mahiro and held him against his shoulder. Everyone was outside a park, where a local acting troupe was doing their best to put on a Kabuki-like performance.

Manami wrapped her coat tighter. "Yes, but did they really have to have it outdoors? It's starting to get cold. Please wrap the scarf around Mahiro." While the couple fussed over their son, Usami stared emotionless at the stage for a minute before letting out a sarcastic laugh and sitting back down on the blanket next to Misaki.

"Something funny, Usagi-san?"

"No. I mean, yes. This is pure comedy." Sarcastic tone.

"Thank you, Usagi-san. It means a lot to Niichan that we join them occasionally for a family get-together. Even if this isn't a classy enough venue for you." Misaki bit into a Pocky stick which Usami promptly snatched away and ate (1). Letting out an annoyed sigh, Misaki grabbed one from the box and threw it at Usami so he could eat his own in peace.

Manami excused herself to use the ladies room, and Mahiro was getting restless in Takahiro's arms. Misaki got up and offered to take the toddler, and Takahiro was grateful. Misaki took a walk with Mahiro so that Takahiro could sit next to Usami.

"Being a parent isn't easy, huh?" asked Usami as he continued to watch the stage.

Takahrio sighed. "No, it's not. But. . . you know, it's so worth it. I love my boy. He's a handful now, but he'll grow up one day. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world – the time I spend with him. . . You know, Usagi, don't you see yourself as a dad someday?"

Another sarcastic laugh. "Takahiro, I don't believe that's what I'm cut out for. Kids just aren't my thing."

"Usagi, one day, you might find your match in a terrific modern Japanese girl and she may want to have children." Takahiro looked at his single friend.

Usami shrugged his shoulders. "Well then, she can have her kids; I just won't be with her."

Takahiro shook his head. He then noticed Misaki standing by the trees bouncing Mahiro up and down. "You know, I think Misaki will make an excellent dad. He's just so nurturing. I can't wait until he meets the right girl and settles down."

Usami looked over at Misaki and observed the playfulness Misaki showed with his nephew. The writer was silent, reflecting on what his friend had said. Usami never had thought far ahead into the future and pondered all of life's possibilities. He knew he loved Misaki and wanted to be with him always. But just what exactly did that entail? He figured they'd always be together, living together. Even when Misaki would graduate and take a job that may require relocating, Usami was open to it. However, he never thought about the "family factor" that included kids. His idea of a family was just him and Misaki.

Now, getting married was out of the question; all Usami wanted in order to be happy was just a lifetime commitment in their love for each other. Marriage, though not legal nor acceptable, was not necessary. But did Misaki want children? Usami felt a sensation that was disagreeable. His thoughts were interrupted when everyone around stood up and clapped. The show was over.

Usami turned his head and noticed Manami was back by Takahiro's side, and Misaki was making his way over, handing Mahiro off to his dad. Usami looked at his friend, his wife and their son together like a pretty picture. So, this is what a family is? This thought was interrupted by the sound of Takahiro's exhausted voice.

"It's past Mahiro's bedtime, so we better get going," Takahiro said. "But why don't both of you come over and we can have some dessert? Manami made a delicious pie."

Misaki looked at Usami for a second to gauge the older man's reaction before saying apologetically, "Actually, Niichan, I still have some studying to do, so maybe another time. Thank you though, Manami."

Manami smiled and bowed her head. She then looked at Usami. "How about you, Usami-san?"

Usami cleared his throat and responded, "Um, well, since I'm driving Misaki home, I should just stay there and finish up my work too. Arigato, Manami-san."

Everyone said their goodbyes. Misaki gave Mahiro a peck on the head, and everyone parted ways.

As Usami and Misaki walked out of the park to head over to Usami's car, Misaki said, "I sure got you out of that one, didn't I? I know when you've had your fill of socializing."

Usami smiled and shook his head. "You know, Misaki. You're getting to know me very well. Thank you for the save." He reached over and playfully mussed up Misaki's hair.

As they drove home, Misaki noticed Usami was on the quiet side. "What's up, Usagi-san?" he asked.

"Hm?" Usami sounded absent-minded, eyes on the road.

"Why are you so quiet? What are you thinking about?" Misaki reached over to face the heating vent towards him so he could start to thaw out.

"Oh nothing. I'm just tired." Usami lit a cigarette and puffed. They drove for another 5 minutes in silence. Usami finally ventured to broach the subject. "Misaki, where do you see your life in the next four years?"

"Huh?" Misaki was puzzled.

"Well, exactly what I said. Just say what comes to your mind."

Misaki still didn't know what to frame the answer with. He thought for a minute before answering. "Well, I want to graduate with my degree and get a job as an economics consultant somewhere here in Tokyo. I hope I can make decent money so I don't have to live off of your charity."

Usami interjected. "It's not charity, Misaki, and you know it. I want to give you things because I – "

"Yes, thank you, Usagi-san. I know. But I want to feel independent – completely independent."

Usami waited for Misaki to mention more, but he didn't.

"Is that all, Misaki?"

"Huh? Well, what do you want me to address? Do you mean what do I want job-wise,

or – ?"

"Your life, Misaki. Job, family, personal goals. . . you know, stuff like that."

They arrived home and walked to the elevator. When they entered the penthouse, Misaki looked at Usami. "Why are you asking?"

Usami took off his coat and laid it on the coffee table and started to loosen his tie. "I'm just curious." He slipped off his tie and started to unbutton the first few notches in his shirt before sitting down on the couch, thinking.

Misaki sat next to him. "Well, geez, I don't know. I can only imagine life as it comes."

"You really love your nephew, huh?"

"Huh?" Misaki was confused and was not sure how Mahiro fit in with their conversation.

Usami was not getting anywhere in the conversation, so he turned his head to look Misaki in the eyes. "Do you want to have children someday?"

Misaki's eyes blinked several times. He wasn't sure how to answer. Is Usagi-san asking me if I want to have kids with him someday? Or is he just asking me if I want to have kids, in general? He didn't understand the context of the question. Misaki's face blushed and he stuttered, not knowing how to respond. The only safe and ambiguous response he could give was, "Usagi-san, it's too soon for me to even think about that."

Usami gave Misaki a light smile and reached over to lovingly rub the teen's ear. This whole "kid's thing" was not going to be an easy topic, nor would it be easily answered. The writer told himself that perhaps he would deal with this issue when the time would come. Or perhaps in time, he could even come to not mind the idea of adopting with Misaki. But for now, like Misaki said, Usami would just have to take life as it comes.

"You really don't have homework, do you?" Usami asked.

"No."

"Good." Usami leaned over and kissed Misaki's lips. For now, he would make the most of their time together, just the two of them.

(1) – Pocky sticks are delicious cracker sticks dipped in cream. I don't know if they are popular in Japan, but Japan exports them.

I hope this story wasn't boring! Please, do take a minute to send me a comment about what you thought when you read this. Constructive criticism welcomed.

I have other stories I had written some time ago, and I'd love to share them, including the racier ones, but I do value the input of you, the reader. Thank you!!!

And for those of you who are waiting for more of It Was Not My Time, I am still trying to fix the next chapter up before posting it. So, I promise, it will be posted as soon as I'm able to get it decent. ; )