Fic ~ Where Ohno Reveals Himself to Nino...
It’s here! Part two in the trilogy. (That’s right, it’s not a series; it’s a trilogy!) Well, Sakuraiba won in terms of votes, so here it is. Although, there isn’t much of it yet; I’ll make up for it in part three, OK? Actually, part three will see a LOT of Aiba lovin’. So don’t be surprised if you see hints of alternate pairings in there. ^_^
There is also some Ohmiya (technically it’s more Ohmiya SK than Ohmiya Ghei, but that depends on who is reading it I suppose…)
Title: Ai - Baby (Chapter Two)
Rating: G
Genre: General
Pairing: Slight Sakuraiba fluff. (And Ohmiya being ironic.)
Word Count: 4,800
Type: Mini-Series (Chapter 2/3)
Summary: It’s Child-Minder Aiba! Juggling the work of an Idol with an 18 month-old toddler is hard work, (even if it is only temporary). Luckily, the rest Arashi knows when to stick together and lend a helping hand.
Chapter One HERE
Disclaimer: I don’t own Arashi, but I do own Jacob. Hands off! His cute little chubby cheeks are mine!
Ai - Baby
Chapter Two
“Omph!” Aiba Masaki instinctively curled his long body into a protective ball. The unexpected pain had rendered him temporarily speechless. His vision blurred as his mahogany eyes watered and spots flashed behind his eyes. Gritting his teeth, the young man fought to catch his breath. Crouching on the floor in the foetal position, on the border between hysterical laughter and bitter tears, he made a pitiful sight.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, his subconscious told him that his current state hardly befitted an Idol.
The cause of his present discomfiture stood before him. His attacker watched the man, bewilderment and shock plainly evident on his fair features. His small chin trembled and his grey eyes filled with unshed tears. He approached the fallen man and placed small hands on his head. Awkwardly, he patted and stoked the silky dark hair of the man.
“Ma~kee OK?” He asked in the same gentle voice his mother used whenever he was hurt. When no response was forthcoming, he wrapped tiny arms around Aiba’s neck in a clumsy hug. “Shh…” He imitated the soft hushing noise made by his own mother when he cried.
The young Idol managed to regain control of his body. He forced himself to sit up on his knees, holding the small boy as he did so. “I’m alright.” He gasped out at length.
The little boy pulled away and regarded the man solemnly. “Jacob is bad?”
“No, no.” Aiba replied in his native language, shaking his head and smiling at the boy to make his meaning clear. “But you should warn your mother,” he added. “If I end up unable to have children of my own, I’m adopting Jay-kun as compensation.”
Jacob had only understood a few of the words of the unfamiliar tongue, but he could tell that his grown-up friend was not angry with him. “Kiss better.” The child announced as he leaned forward and pressed a wet kiss to Aiba’s cheek.
“Ah, thank you Jay-kun.” Masaki said to the toddler. “I’m alright.”
Listening intently, the boy repeated what he thought an important word. “Alright.” He agreed in Japanese.
The single word was a bit garbled, but clearly recognisable. Excited by Jacobs’ obvious genius, Masaki praised the boy heavily. “That correct!” He cried, forgetting his discomfort, he jumped to his feet. He picked the boy up and lofted him above his head. He cheered and then repeated the phrase for the child. “Yay! Alright, it’s alright!”
Jacob parroted the word back happily. He was not sure why his big playmate was so pleased, but he knew it had something to do with the new word he had learnt. The toddler did not know he had spoken in a language different from his own. To Jacob, the unfamiliar sounds of Japanese were simply words he had not learnt yet. He was just learning a new word for a concept he already knew; in much the same way he had learned that chair and seat both meant a place to sit.
Besides, the word he had spoken was one he had heard Masaki repeat often in the short time they had known each other.
Seeing this development as a breakthrough in his plan to teach the child to talk, Aiba Masaki could not contain his glee. He danced around the room with the boy in his arms. When both males were too dizzy to continue, Aiba put the boy down. “I guess I should teach you some more words now too.”
For the next hour and during breakfast, Aiba worked on improving Jacobs’ vocabulary. He could only really teach as much Japanese as he knew English. By the time they were finishing their toast, however, the boy knew how to name plates, cups and could just about say good morning.
The toddler helped Aiba take the dishes to the kitchen, following in his footsteps like a little duckling. “Thank you.” The man said as he took the plastic cup from the child and placed it in the sink. Stealing a look at the time digitised on his microwave display, the young Idol sighed. He would have to leave soon to record his radio show.
He had arranged it so that his manager would come over and watch Jacob, but he already found himself oddly reluctant to leave the boy. He took solace in the fact that his radio show rarely took more than an hour to record. Unless Chika-san is late…. He mentally reminded himself.
Taking a deep breath, he addressed the boy. “I suppose we have to get dressed properly.” He took Jacobs hand and led him back towards the bedroom. “After all, I can’t go to work in my pyjamas!” Wrinkling his nose slightly, he added: “And I had better change your diaper too, huh?”
* * *
“I want to see my son…”
Casting Ohno the dirtiest look he could manage, Ninomiya shuffled his playing cards absently. “You have a son now?” He asked sarcastically.
The older man seemed surprised that he friend would need to ask. “Er, no.” He replied. “But I want to see him.”
The younger musician leaned back and laughed. “I don’t get you…” The two men had met early for breakfast to discuss a skit they were working on as Ohmiya SK. Sitting in a booth in a quiet corner of a family restaurant; they had long since finished their meal and their business. Instead, they had settled into a normal conversation, simply catching up.
And then, into a companionable silence, Ohno Satoshi had voiced this strange sentiment. Ninomiya Kazunari never passed up an opportunity to mock another person; even if that person was his diminutive leader. “How can you see a son you don’t have?”
Shrugging, he fiddled with his glass of water. “I want to know what my kids will be like.” He stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Wouldn’t that be cool? It’s like this little person you can make into anything you want.”
“It’s a kid,” His friend scolded him divisively. “Not a lump of clay! But before that…. Don’t you need to be in a relationship with a woman to have kids?”
“Uh, no.” Satoshi objected. “I don’t want to get married or anything. I’m just curious. Don’t you ever wonder about it?”
“No.”
Ohno was genuinely taken aback by his colleagues’ firm disagreement. “What? Not ever? Isn’t it normal to be curious about it?” He honestly did not see anything strange in wondering about his future, but his friends’ reaction seemed to say otherwise. He suddenly found he wanted Ninomiya to vindicate his normalcy.
The younger man smirked to himself; he knew exactly what he was doing. Ohno Satoshi should have learnt a long time ago that Kazunari never went easy on anyone. He certainly was not going to be offering any words to make the man feel at ease; he enjoyed it too much when the older man was on edge.
Instead, he ignored Ohno’s question and sighed heavily. “This is Aiba-chan’s influence isn’t it?” He stated accusingly. “That guy… it’s always his fault. It’s like his stupid is contagious.”
“Eh? B-but that’s not-”
He cut off his leaders stumbling protest. “So what are you going to do?” He queried sardonically. “Adopt some random brat?”
At last, Ohno seemed to realise that the younger man was being deliberately obtuse. Folding his arms and leaning towards the man opposite him, he pouted. “Maybe I will. I could take him fishing.”
“Uh huh…” Ninimiya arched an eyebrow sceptically. “And what about work? Or are you going to start bringing screaming brats to the studio too?”
Amused by the hypothetic situation they were describing to each other, Ohno chuckled. “Ah, but no kid of mine will cry.” He informed his fellow Idol. “And everyone will help to raise it too.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah…. Sho-kun will teach it to be smart and help it study. Aiba-chan will take it on days out to the zoo and tell it all about animals. Nino…” He paused briefly to check his friends’ reaction. Ninomiya waited patiently, his face impassive. “You can play video games together, perform magic tricks, teach it how to act and play the guitar for it.” Still, there was no reaction. “And Matsujun will show it how to be cool.”
“Wait, so I’m not cool?” Ninomiya demanded indignantly.
“Eh!?” Satoshi chuckled; knowing he had been caught out by the younger mans perverse logic. Not to be outdone, the fresh-faced leader moved to sit next to his friend. Sidling beside him in the booth, Ohno put him arm around the mans shoulders. “In that case…” He began in reassuring tones. “Kazu-chan can be its mother.”
Despite himself, Ninomiya laughed. “Hey, why do I have to be the mother? Why can’t I be the dad?”
“Because it’s my kid and I want to be the father.”
“You say that but, no matter how you look at it, if it’s your kid then that would mean you’re the mother.”
Ohno was puzzled momentarily by this assertion. “How come?”
“Isn’t it usually the girl who ‘owns’ the brats? Then I would just be the step-father who came later.” Ninomiya explained with the logic of a man who had no direct experience with the dynamics of family politics.
“I see…” The young artist pulled away. Without saying anything and in perfect unison, the pair slowly began to get ready to leave. “Then we should share.” He offered as he picked up his jacket from the seat he had vacated.
“Oh? In what way?” Ninomiya put his cards safely in his pocket and waited for his leader to pay for their meal.
“We should adopt a kid together.” Satoshi continued as the pair made their way to the exit. “Then we can both be fathers.”
“Ah, I see… Let’s do that.” He held the door for the older man.
“Thanks. It’s a good idea, isn’t it? We’d be the best family ever.” He went on once they were outside.
Walking side by side down the street, Ninomiya glanced at the smaller man. “But I thought you didn’t want to get married?”
Ohno’s steps faltered briefly. “Oh, right.” He smiled. “I did say that, but…”
“But…?”
“Uh, if it’s Nino, I guess it’s OK.”
The younger Idol threw his arm around the other man and rolled his eyes. “That’s a really bad way to propose Oh-chan.” He chided the man. “You should tell me you love me first.”
“Oh, OK.” The smaller man nodded, still playing along. “I love Kazu-chan. Marry me.”
Ninomiya had to let go of his leader and stop in the middle of the street because he had doubled over with laughter. “Why…?” He tried to catch his breath and wiped the hysteria induced tears fro his eyes. “Why do I still end up looking like the girl?”
Half a step ahead of Ninomiya, and looking back at his friend, Ohno shrugged. “It doesn’t matter does it?” He asked. He would have continued, but at that moment, Ninomiya’s cell phone began to ring.
“Fine…” The younger man straightened up and pulled the device from his pocket. Before checking the screen he pointed at Ohno and added: “But if I’m the girl I’m telling you that we are not having kids.” Quickly, he accepted the call and held the phone to his ear. “Hello?”
“Ah, Nino? It’s Aiba-chan.”
“What do you want?” He asked shortly.
“Are you free right now?”
The aspiring magician rolled his eyes impatiently and suppressed a sigh. “I’m out with Leader right now.” He explained. “Just on my way home.”
“Just Ohno-san?”
“Yeah.” He answered slowly. Some sixth sense made him cautious; there was a wheedling quality to Aiba’s voice that Ninomiya knew to be wary of.
“I have a favour to ask…”
He had known it! He really did not what to know what his childhood friend wanted from him, but could not stop himself from asking anyway. “What is it?” He told himself that if it had anything to do with the brat he was saddled with currently; Ninomiya Kazunari would verbally torture the tall man for a month.
“About Jay-kun, I need someone to-”
The young man took the phone from his ear and held it before him for a second. He felt a great deal of satisfaction at depressing the power button and hanging up on the man.
As he put the - now powerless - device away, Ohno gave him a curious look. “Who-?”
“Just some idiot.” He explained truthfully enough. Babies turn everyone into idiots. He thought to himself. And Masaki doesn’t need any more stupid. “Come on,” he walked quickly, forcing Satoshi to hurry after him. “Let’s go get married.”
“But Nino…” The older man caught up. “I thought we were only getting married so we could get a kid together.” He pointed out, smirking.
And I just said I was never having kids… The young man internalised. Aloud, he simply scoffed, clapped the other man companionably on the back and the pair walked on. A shame about that….
* * *
Aiba felt panic rising from his gut. “This is bad…” Glancing at the time he ran his hand through his hair. He would have to leave soon or risk being late for work. Aiba had never been late for his radio show. After the phone call he had taken from is manager, he had been desperately making phone calls of his own.
Matsujun had not answered his call and Ninomiya had hung up on him. He had actually hung up mid sentence. - At that, the tall Idol privately decided that the next time his friend left his DS unattended; it was going to find itself atop the highest shelf in the vicinity. - He knew that Ohno was in the company of the miniature magician, and would be of little help. Which left only one person he could call.
He checked on his little cousin as he dialled the number. Jacob sat quietly in the middle of the floor drawing on scrap paper with crayons that Aiba had located in the luggage his mother had packed for the boy. The phone rang in his ear and the man began to fear that Sakurai would not take his call. He was not even sure if the other man had any work that day. Silently, he closed his eyes and prayed for one of the miracles he was so famous for.
Finally, a voice came on the line. “Hello? Aiba-kun, is something wrong?”
The man released the breath he had unconsciously been holding. “Ah, Sho-kun! Uh, is now a good time? You’re not working are you?”
“Well, not really; just some research for Zero.” Came the reply. “Why? What do you need?”
“Um… well you know I’m taking care of my cousin, right…” He explained slowly. “I asked my manager to watch him because I have to record my radio show.”
Sakurai Sho interjected. “Jay-kun hasn’t wandered off again, has he?” he asked incredulously.
“No! Eh… that thing is… I have to leave in thirty minutes and my manager just got called to some big meeting and can’t come.” He heard his friend sigh down the line.
“And you’re asking me? What about your parents?” The caster suggested reasonably.
Aiba shook his head before he remembered that Sakurai could not see the gesture. “Can’t.” He vocalised. “There isn’t enough time to get there. Besides, they’re busy with the restaurant. And I can’t take Jay-kun with me.” He finished on a pleading note.
“Because of what happened yesterday, huh?” Sakurai sympathised. “I see your point.”
“Well, that too I suppose. But I wouldn’t be able to take him anyway; it’s radio so the station doesn’t have dressing rooms or anything. Sho-kun…I can’t leave him in the lobby!” He heard the older man laugh at his predicament. “This is serious!” He wailed. “Please Sho-san? I’m begging you.”
“Fine, fine.” The rapper placated the worried man. “I’ll drive over now.”
“Really? Thank goodness… Sakurai-kun, you’re the best; thank you.” He was just about to hang up when another thought occurred to him. “Uh, do you need directions to my apartment?”
“Of course not!” His tone seemed to scold Aiba for thinking Sakurai would be unable to locate his house. “I was the one dragging your drunk butt home not even two weeks ago.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Aiba laughed. He reddened slightly at the memory of the state he had been in and was glad his friend was not able to see him do so. Unconsciously, he became aware of a change in the quality of the silence in his living room and turned to check on Jacob as he spoke to his friend. “OK then, I’ll see y- Jay-kun!? No! Not on the walls!!!”
Laughing, Sakurai chose that moment to hang up.
Masaki raced across the room and scooped the wayward toddler into his arms and away from his walls. Walls that had been white but were now decorated with a tangled ribbon of green wax. Startled by the unexpected volume and reprimanding tone of his big friends’ voice, Jacob had dropped the offending crayon as if burned. Then, suddenly pulled away from his illicit art, the child began to cry.
“Uh oh…” The inexperience Childminder froze. He had not meant to scare the child into tears. “Ah, Jay-kun…” He bounced the boy comfortingly. “I shouldn’t have yelled like that; I’m sorry, OK?” Resting the infant on his shoulder and patting his back gently, Aiba consoled his young charge. “I’m sorry, but you really shouldn’t draw on the walls. You use paper for that. Paper.” He repeated softly for empathies.
Eventually, the boys tears dried up and his cries became sniffles. “There, there. Please don’t cry.” The Idol continued softly. “Sho-kun is coming over, after all, and it’ll make him sad if Jay-kun is upset. There, there. It’s not that bad; green is my favourite colour, I suppose. It’s alright now.” The little boy sniffed and mumbled something against Masaki’s shoulder. “Huh?”
Lifting his small head slightly, the child repeated himself quietly. “Alright…. Alright?” He used the word he had learnt earlier. He thought it must be a special word because it always made his big friend smile.
“Yes, Jay-kun. It’s alright.” Taking a look at Jacob’s tear-stained cheeks and runny nose, Aiba’s smile took on a rueful aspect. “Uh, guess I’d better hide the evidence and wash your face. I told everyone that you didn’t cry, after all. OK, lets go.” For Jacobs benefit, he added in English: “Bathroom, Let’s Go!” And they did just that.
Sakurai pulled up in front of Aiba’s apartment just minutes before the taller man had to leave. As the guest removed his shoes, the breathy voiced Idol was putting his own on. “Jay-kun is taking a nap.” The told his replacement in a whisper. “His lunch is in the refrigerator; just heat it up if he gets hungry. Diapers are in the bag in the bedroom and don’t leave him alone if he’s drawing.”
Eyes wide and biting down on his amusement, Sakurai regarded his friend as the man struggled into his coat. “Wow, Aiba-chan, that’s amazing…” He praised him in tones of awe. “You sound just like a mother.”
“Uh huh…” He barely registered Sho’s words as he pulled the front door open and made to leave. “Oh, and I taught him some Japanese today.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Ah, I nearly forgot…” He gave Sakurai a hard stare. “If he comes running at you for a hug: He tends to charge headfirst; you might want to protect yourself if you ever want kids of your own.”
The well built man cringed. “Don’t tell me…?”
Aiba nodded. “It’s bad enough at any time of the day, but two minutes after I wake up is the worst. Anyway, I’m going now.”
“Have a safe trip!” Sakurai called after him, standing at the doorway and see the man off. As the younger man drove away, Sho caught himself waving. Slowly, he brought his hand down and stared at the unruly limb. Well, that was weird. He mentally mocked himself. Shaking his head and grinning, he went inside and closed the door behind him.
While wandering aimlessly around the apartment, Sakurai realised he had forgotten to ask Masaki how long he would be. Shrugging it off as something that could not be helped, he opened the door to the spare bedroom.
In sleep, Sho could see the just-washed pink of the infants’ cheeks. He also noticed the slight puffiness of his eyes which no amount of washing could erase. “So…” Be breathed quietly, careful not to disturb the child. “You cried when Aiba-chan yelled at you, huh?” Crouching down the study the boys face, he stoked his soft fluffy hair gently. “I don’t blame you.” He assured the slumbering child. “I’d cry too if Masaki-kun ever got really mad at me.”
He spent a few minutes simply lost in watching the rhythmic rise and fall of Jacobs breathing. It was for the peaceful moments like these that he wanted a family of his own. He remembered when he used to watch his little brother sleep, and was reminded of how he had sometimes poked him awake so he could play with him. He remembered how angry him mother was the one time she caught him and how his brother would not stop crying for hours. But that had not been his fault; his brother had still been asleep before his mother started shouting at him.
Now, he had no desire to wake the little boy. Instead, he crept quietly out of the room. As he made his way back to the main room, he noticed the very ‘modern’ art that that now graced the wall at the start of the hallway. And by modern, he meant recent; it certainly had not been there when he had visited ten days ago. He had suspected the toddler of drawing on the walls when he had heard Aiba shouting over the phone. And here was the proof: literally written all over the walls in bright green crayon.
Chuckling to himself, Sakurai collected his research materials from his bag and settled himself onto the sofa to work.
At some point during his analysis of the paperwork, a storm had rolled in. It was a flash of lightening that alerted him. He had been so caught up in his work he had not even noticed the howling wind or the driving rain that pelted the windows in a staccato drumbeat. The crash of thunder directly overhead, however, did make him jump. Putting his work away he was just about the check on Jacob when he heard the bedroom door open.
The little boy emerged into the hallway. His eyes were still clouded with sleep and the pillow had left red creases on one side of his squidgy face. The toddler spotted the man watching him from the living room and simply stared for a moment. Quickly the child glanced up and down the hall as if he was looking for something - or someone.
“Ma-kee?” He asked with jaw-creaking yawn.
“Sorry.” Sakurai smiled ruefully and approached the child. “I guess I’m not the person you want to see right now, huh?”
In a flash of recognition, the child pointed at the man as he neared. “Sho!” He exclaimed. The toddler closed the distance between them and took the mans hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Sho play now.” The child told him presumptuously.
The unlikely babysitter allowed himself to be led back to the main room. The boy towed him to the window and he pressed his face to the glass. Jacob watched the rain fall, fascinated by the squall. “I see…” The Idol voiced his thoughts aloud. “Jay-kun isn’t afraid of storms, huh?”
The infant did not seem to pay any attention to the man. His eyes were fixed upon the scene before him; the play of water against the glass. At another particularly loud rumble of thunder, however, his head whipped around to face the man. His grey eyes shone with excitement and his mouth formed a tiny ‘o’ of surprise. “Oh no!” He breathed in an oddly satisfied voiced that did not really match his words.
Sakurai gave a snorting laugh and tussled the boys hair fondly. Anything gets this kid excided. He thought privately. He really could be Masaki’s child. Out loud, he spoke to the boy. “Are you hungry, Jay-kun?” He asked in English. “Do you want to eat?” He mimed the act of eating to make sure he was understood.
Jacob nodded and returned to observing the tempest. The young man left the child to his surveillance and went to put together the toddlers lunch. Sho noticed that taking care of a child seemed so much easier when there were not cameras around. Perhaps because Jacob was connected to him via Aiba Masaki, Sakurai found it easy to like the boy.
As he pottered around the unfamiliar kitchen, the rapper thought about his own future family. Somehow, he could not quite imagine a family more perfect than Aiba and his little cousin. He had to admit that Aiba had taken to temporary fatherhood like a duck to water. He had always thought that his tall colleague would one day make a very happy home, but now he knew for sure that Aiba would never forgo having a family.
In some ways, it made him sad that Aiba would one day have a family of his own. Oh, he knew it would not keep the energetic man from enjoying his work as an Idol. And yet, a great deal of Masaki’s charm lay in his childlike naivety, Sakurai feared that real life responsibilities would mature the man beyond all recognition.
* * *
“I’m home!” Aiba toed off his shoes in the entranceway and removed his soggy coat, shaking some of the water from his hair as his did so. “Sorry I’m late.” He continued when there was no immediate response. Walking into the living room he found the space empty. “Sakurai-san? Jay-kun?” He called louder.
“Ah! Aiba-chan, welcome home!” Sho’s voice echoed from down the hall. “We’re in the bath!”
The taller man joined the pair in the bathroom. The little boy bounced happily in the warm water upon seeing his favourite grownup. “Ma~kee!” He splashed to his feet and held onto the side of the tub. The older Idol had to shift back in the water to avoid being stepped on by little feet.
Aiba knelt beside the bath and patted the soggy boy’s head. “Hi Jay-kun. I’m home.” He grinned.
“Oh, that right!” Sakurai sat up and tried to get the toddlers attention. “Hey, Jay-kun, why don’t you show Masaki what you learned with me today?” Then, in English he told the boy: “Jay-kun, can you say welcome home?” The last being a typical Japanese phrase.
The boy beamed. “Ma~kee, welcome home.” He repeated obediently. He was instantly rewarded by the mans smile.
“That’s amazing…” Aiba breathed. “When did…?”
Sho smiled smugly. “We’ve been practicing since lunchtime.” He told his friend. “But we got a bit excited and most of Jay-kun’s lunch ended up on us instead of in his stomach.” He confessed. Cupping some water in his hands, the bare-chested man gave his face one final scrub. “You got caught in the storm?” He asked, finally noticing Aiba’s sodden appearance.
“Just a little.” The younger man replied distractedly as he idly swept his hands in the water and watched the boy.
“Why don’t you get in the bath with Jay-kun?” He suggested. “I don’t think he’s ready to get out yet and you should get warm quickly.”
“Good idea.” Aiba agreed. As Sakurai stood, the younger man handed him a towel and began to rid himself of his wet clothing.
“Hurry up.” Sho chided him as he rubbed the excess water from his hair and tied the towel around his waist. “I’ll wash your back for you.” He offered.
Nodding, Aiba soon joined the toddler in the bath.
Sometime later, warm dry and smelling pleasantly of soap, the three males relaxed together on the sofa. Shoulder to shoulder, the two men held the child between them, sitting on half of both of their laps. Sakurai was reading a picture book to Jacob in English. It was apparently the child’s favourite story and luckily, it was simple enough that Sakurai thought even Aiba would be able to read it. Although, whether the man would understand it or not was a different matter.
Occasionally, Masaki would point at a picture and name the object in Japanese and Jacob would attempt to repeat the word. Distantly, Sho wondered how the three of them might appear to someone else. We must look like a strange sort of family…. Oddly, the idea did not bother him in the slightest. Huddling closer to his friend and leaning over the boy, he continued to read.
To be continued…
________________
Chapter Three HERE
Hmm. A long chapter and a little light on actaul Sakuraiba moments, but I’ll make up for it in the final chapter, I promise.
And the Ohmiya… >.> Yeah, OK. I could have just left it out and made this chapter shorter, but it amused me…. Besides, depending on whether you like that pairing or not, you can read it as though they just friends messing about or a couple discussing the future.
As always, feedback is much appreciated! As are suggestions, and constructive criticisms.
There is also some Ohmiya (technically it’s more Ohmiya SK than Ohmiya Ghei, but that depends on who is reading it I suppose…)
Title: Ai - Baby (Chapter Two)
Rating: G
Genre: General
Pairing: Slight Sakuraiba fluff. (And Ohmiya being ironic.)
Word Count: 4,800
Type: Mini-Series (Chapter 2/3)
Summary: It’s Child-Minder Aiba! Juggling the work of an Idol with an 18 month-old toddler is hard work, (even if it is only temporary). Luckily, the rest Arashi knows when to stick together and lend a helping hand.
Chapter One HERE
Disclaimer: I don’t own Arashi, but I do own Jacob. Hands off! His cute little chubby cheeks are mine!
Ai - Baby
Chapter Two
“Omph!” Aiba Masaki instinctively curled his long body into a protective ball. The unexpected pain had rendered him temporarily speechless. His vision blurred as his mahogany eyes watered and spots flashed behind his eyes. Gritting his teeth, the young man fought to catch his breath. Crouching on the floor in the foetal position, on the border between hysterical laughter and bitter tears, he made a pitiful sight.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, his subconscious told him that his current state hardly befitted an Idol.
The cause of his present discomfiture stood before him. His attacker watched the man, bewilderment and shock plainly evident on his fair features. His small chin trembled and his grey eyes filled with unshed tears. He approached the fallen man and placed small hands on his head. Awkwardly, he patted and stoked the silky dark hair of the man.
“Ma~kee OK?” He asked in the same gentle voice his mother used whenever he was hurt. When no response was forthcoming, he wrapped tiny arms around Aiba’s neck in a clumsy hug. “Shh…” He imitated the soft hushing noise made by his own mother when he cried.
The young Idol managed to regain control of his body. He forced himself to sit up on his knees, holding the small boy as he did so. “I’m alright.” He gasped out at length.
The little boy pulled away and regarded the man solemnly. “Jacob is bad?”
“No, no.” Aiba replied in his native language, shaking his head and smiling at the boy to make his meaning clear. “But you should warn your mother,” he added. “If I end up unable to have children of my own, I’m adopting Jay-kun as compensation.”
Jacob had only understood a few of the words of the unfamiliar tongue, but he could tell that his grown-up friend was not angry with him. “Kiss better.” The child announced as he leaned forward and pressed a wet kiss to Aiba’s cheek.
“Ah, thank you Jay-kun.” Masaki said to the toddler. “I’m alright.”
Listening intently, the boy repeated what he thought an important word. “Alright.” He agreed in Japanese.
The single word was a bit garbled, but clearly recognisable. Excited by Jacobs’ obvious genius, Masaki praised the boy heavily. “That correct!” He cried, forgetting his discomfort, he jumped to his feet. He picked the boy up and lofted him above his head. He cheered and then repeated the phrase for the child. “Yay! Alright, it’s alright!”
Jacob parroted the word back happily. He was not sure why his big playmate was so pleased, but he knew it had something to do with the new word he had learnt. The toddler did not know he had spoken in a language different from his own. To Jacob, the unfamiliar sounds of Japanese were simply words he had not learnt yet. He was just learning a new word for a concept he already knew; in much the same way he had learned that chair and seat both meant a place to sit.
Besides, the word he had spoken was one he had heard Masaki repeat often in the short time they had known each other.
Seeing this development as a breakthrough in his plan to teach the child to talk, Aiba Masaki could not contain his glee. He danced around the room with the boy in his arms. When both males were too dizzy to continue, Aiba put the boy down. “I guess I should teach you some more words now too.”
For the next hour and during breakfast, Aiba worked on improving Jacobs’ vocabulary. He could only really teach as much Japanese as he knew English. By the time they were finishing their toast, however, the boy knew how to name plates, cups and could just about say good morning.
The toddler helped Aiba take the dishes to the kitchen, following in his footsteps like a little duckling. “Thank you.” The man said as he took the plastic cup from the child and placed it in the sink. Stealing a look at the time digitised on his microwave display, the young Idol sighed. He would have to leave soon to record his radio show.
He had arranged it so that his manager would come over and watch Jacob, but he already found himself oddly reluctant to leave the boy. He took solace in the fact that his radio show rarely took more than an hour to record. Unless Chika-san is late…. He mentally reminded himself.
Taking a deep breath, he addressed the boy. “I suppose we have to get dressed properly.” He took Jacobs hand and led him back towards the bedroom. “After all, I can’t go to work in my pyjamas!” Wrinkling his nose slightly, he added: “And I had better change your diaper too, huh?”
* * *
“I want to see my son…”
Casting Ohno the dirtiest look he could manage, Ninomiya shuffled his playing cards absently. “You have a son now?” He asked sarcastically.
The older man seemed surprised that he friend would need to ask. “Er, no.” He replied. “But I want to see him.”
The younger musician leaned back and laughed. “I don’t get you…” The two men had met early for breakfast to discuss a skit they were working on as Ohmiya SK. Sitting in a booth in a quiet corner of a family restaurant; they had long since finished their meal and their business. Instead, they had settled into a normal conversation, simply catching up.
And then, into a companionable silence, Ohno Satoshi had voiced this strange sentiment. Ninomiya Kazunari never passed up an opportunity to mock another person; even if that person was his diminutive leader. “How can you see a son you don’t have?”
Shrugging, he fiddled with his glass of water. “I want to know what my kids will be like.” He stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Wouldn’t that be cool? It’s like this little person you can make into anything you want.”
“It’s a kid,” His friend scolded him divisively. “Not a lump of clay! But before that…. Don’t you need to be in a relationship with a woman to have kids?”
“Uh, no.” Satoshi objected. “I don’t want to get married or anything. I’m just curious. Don’t you ever wonder about it?”
“No.”
Ohno was genuinely taken aback by his colleagues’ firm disagreement. “What? Not ever? Isn’t it normal to be curious about it?” He honestly did not see anything strange in wondering about his future, but his friends’ reaction seemed to say otherwise. He suddenly found he wanted Ninomiya to vindicate his normalcy.
The younger man smirked to himself; he knew exactly what he was doing. Ohno Satoshi should have learnt a long time ago that Kazunari never went easy on anyone. He certainly was not going to be offering any words to make the man feel at ease; he enjoyed it too much when the older man was on edge.
Instead, he ignored Ohno’s question and sighed heavily. “This is Aiba-chan’s influence isn’t it?” He stated accusingly. “That guy… it’s always his fault. It’s like his stupid is contagious.”
“Eh? B-but that’s not-”
He cut off his leaders stumbling protest. “So what are you going to do?” He queried sardonically. “Adopt some random brat?”
At last, Ohno seemed to realise that the younger man was being deliberately obtuse. Folding his arms and leaning towards the man opposite him, he pouted. “Maybe I will. I could take him fishing.”
“Uh huh…” Ninimiya arched an eyebrow sceptically. “And what about work? Or are you going to start bringing screaming brats to the studio too?”
Amused by the hypothetic situation they were describing to each other, Ohno chuckled. “Ah, but no kid of mine will cry.” He informed his fellow Idol. “And everyone will help to raise it too.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah…. Sho-kun will teach it to be smart and help it study. Aiba-chan will take it on days out to the zoo and tell it all about animals. Nino…” He paused briefly to check his friends’ reaction. Ninomiya waited patiently, his face impassive. “You can play video games together, perform magic tricks, teach it how to act and play the guitar for it.” Still, there was no reaction. “And Matsujun will show it how to be cool.”
“Wait, so I’m not cool?” Ninomiya demanded indignantly.
“Eh!?” Satoshi chuckled; knowing he had been caught out by the younger mans perverse logic. Not to be outdone, the fresh-faced leader moved to sit next to his friend. Sidling beside him in the booth, Ohno put him arm around the mans shoulders. “In that case…” He began in reassuring tones. “Kazu-chan can be its mother.”
Despite himself, Ninomiya laughed. “Hey, why do I have to be the mother? Why can’t I be the dad?”
“Because it’s my kid and I want to be the father.”
“You say that but, no matter how you look at it, if it’s your kid then that would mean you’re the mother.”
Ohno was puzzled momentarily by this assertion. “How come?”
“Isn’t it usually the girl who ‘owns’ the brats? Then I would just be the step-father who came later.” Ninomiya explained with the logic of a man who had no direct experience with the dynamics of family politics.
“I see…” The young artist pulled away. Without saying anything and in perfect unison, the pair slowly began to get ready to leave. “Then we should share.” He offered as he picked up his jacket from the seat he had vacated.
“Oh? In what way?” Ninomiya put his cards safely in his pocket and waited for his leader to pay for their meal.
“We should adopt a kid together.” Satoshi continued as the pair made their way to the exit. “Then we can both be fathers.”
“Ah, I see… Let’s do that.” He held the door for the older man.
“Thanks. It’s a good idea, isn’t it? We’d be the best family ever.” He went on once they were outside.
Walking side by side down the street, Ninomiya glanced at the smaller man. “But I thought you didn’t want to get married?”
Ohno’s steps faltered briefly. “Oh, right.” He smiled. “I did say that, but…”
“But…?”
“Uh, if it’s Nino, I guess it’s OK.”
The younger Idol threw his arm around the other man and rolled his eyes. “That’s a really bad way to propose Oh-chan.” He chided the man. “You should tell me you love me first.”
“Oh, OK.” The smaller man nodded, still playing along. “I love Kazu-chan. Marry me.”
Ninomiya had to let go of his leader and stop in the middle of the street because he had doubled over with laughter. “Why…?” He tried to catch his breath and wiped the hysteria induced tears fro his eyes. “Why do I still end up looking like the girl?”
Half a step ahead of Ninomiya, and looking back at his friend, Ohno shrugged. “It doesn’t matter does it?” He asked. He would have continued, but at that moment, Ninomiya’s cell phone began to ring.
“Fine…” The younger man straightened up and pulled the device from his pocket. Before checking the screen he pointed at Ohno and added: “But if I’m the girl I’m telling you that we are not having kids.” Quickly, he accepted the call and held the phone to his ear. “Hello?”
“Ah, Nino? It’s Aiba-chan.”
“What do you want?” He asked shortly.
“Are you free right now?”
The aspiring magician rolled his eyes impatiently and suppressed a sigh. “I’m out with Leader right now.” He explained. “Just on my way home.”
“Just Ohno-san?”
“Yeah.” He answered slowly. Some sixth sense made him cautious; there was a wheedling quality to Aiba’s voice that Ninomiya knew to be wary of.
“I have a favour to ask…”
He had known it! He really did not what to know what his childhood friend wanted from him, but could not stop himself from asking anyway. “What is it?” He told himself that if it had anything to do with the brat he was saddled with currently; Ninomiya Kazunari would verbally torture the tall man for a month.
“About Jay-kun, I need someone to-”
The young man took the phone from his ear and held it before him for a second. He felt a great deal of satisfaction at depressing the power button and hanging up on the man.
As he put the - now powerless - device away, Ohno gave him a curious look. “Who-?”
“Just some idiot.” He explained truthfully enough. Babies turn everyone into idiots. He thought to himself. And Masaki doesn’t need any more stupid. “Come on,” he walked quickly, forcing Satoshi to hurry after him. “Let’s go get married.”
“But Nino…” The older man caught up. “I thought we were only getting married so we could get a kid together.” He pointed out, smirking.
And I just said I was never having kids… The young man internalised. Aloud, he simply scoffed, clapped the other man companionably on the back and the pair walked on. A shame about that….
* * *
Aiba felt panic rising from his gut. “This is bad…” Glancing at the time he ran his hand through his hair. He would have to leave soon or risk being late for work. Aiba had never been late for his radio show. After the phone call he had taken from is manager, he had been desperately making phone calls of his own.
Matsujun had not answered his call and Ninomiya had hung up on him. He had actually hung up mid sentence. - At that, the tall Idol privately decided that the next time his friend left his DS unattended; it was going to find itself atop the highest shelf in the vicinity. - He knew that Ohno was in the company of the miniature magician, and would be of little help. Which left only one person he could call.
He checked on his little cousin as he dialled the number. Jacob sat quietly in the middle of the floor drawing on scrap paper with crayons that Aiba had located in the luggage his mother had packed for the boy. The phone rang in his ear and the man began to fear that Sakurai would not take his call. He was not even sure if the other man had any work that day. Silently, he closed his eyes and prayed for one of the miracles he was so famous for.
Finally, a voice came on the line. “Hello? Aiba-kun, is something wrong?”
The man released the breath he had unconsciously been holding. “Ah, Sho-kun! Uh, is now a good time? You’re not working are you?”
“Well, not really; just some research for Zero.” Came the reply. “Why? What do you need?”
“Um… well you know I’m taking care of my cousin, right…” He explained slowly. “I asked my manager to watch him because I have to record my radio show.”
Sakurai Sho interjected. “Jay-kun hasn’t wandered off again, has he?” he asked incredulously.
“No! Eh… that thing is… I have to leave in thirty minutes and my manager just got called to some big meeting and can’t come.” He heard his friend sigh down the line.
“And you’re asking me? What about your parents?” The caster suggested reasonably.
Aiba shook his head before he remembered that Sakurai could not see the gesture. “Can’t.” He vocalised. “There isn’t enough time to get there. Besides, they’re busy with the restaurant. And I can’t take Jay-kun with me.” He finished on a pleading note.
“Because of what happened yesterday, huh?” Sakurai sympathised. “I see your point.”
“Well, that too I suppose. But I wouldn’t be able to take him anyway; it’s radio so the station doesn’t have dressing rooms or anything. Sho-kun…I can’t leave him in the lobby!” He heard the older man laugh at his predicament. “This is serious!” He wailed. “Please Sho-san? I’m begging you.”
“Fine, fine.” The rapper placated the worried man. “I’ll drive over now.”
“Really? Thank goodness… Sakurai-kun, you’re the best; thank you.” He was just about to hang up when another thought occurred to him. “Uh, do you need directions to my apartment?”
“Of course not!” His tone seemed to scold Aiba for thinking Sakurai would be unable to locate his house. “I was the one dragging your drunk butt home not even two weeks ago.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Aiba laughed. He reddened slightly at the memory of the state he had been in and was glad his friend was not able to see him do so. Unconsciously, he became aware of a change in the quality of the silence in his living room and turned to check on Jacob as he spoke to his friend. “OK then, I’ll see y- Jay-kun!? No! Not on the walls!!!”
Laughing, Sakurai chose that moment to hang up.
Masaki raced across the room and scooped the wayward toddler into his arms and away from his walls. Walls that had been white but were now decorated with a tangled ribbon of green wax. Startled by the unexpected volume and reprimanding tone of his big friends’ voice, Jacob had dropped the offending crayon as if burned. Then, suddenly pulled away from his illicit art, the child began to cry.
“Uh oh…” The inexperience Childminder froze. He had not meant to scare the child into tears. “Ah, Jay-kun…” He bounced the boy comfortingly. “I shouldn’t have yelled like that; I’m sorry, OK?” Resting the infant on his shoulder and patting his back gently, Aiba consoled his young charge. “I’m sorry, but you really shouldn’t draw on the walls. You use paper for that. Paper.” He repeated softly for empathies.
Eventually, the boys tears dried up and his cries became sniffles. “There, there. Please don’t cry.” The Idol continued softly. “Sho-kun is coming over, after all, and it’ll make him sad if Jay-kun is upset. There, there. It’s not that bad; green is my favourite colour, I suppose. It’s alright now.” The little boy sniffed and mumbled something against Masaki’s shoulder. “Huh?”
Lifting his small head slightly, the child repeated himself quietly. “Alright…. Alright?” He used the word he had learnt earlier. He thought it must be a special word because it always made his big friend smile.
“Yes, Jay-kun. It’s alright.” Taking a look at Jacob’s tear-stained cheeks and runny nose, Aiba’s smile took on a rueful aspect. “Uh, guess I’d better hide the evidence and wash your face. I told everyone that you didn’t cry, after all. OK, lets go.” For Jacobs benefit, he added in English: “Bathroom, Let’s Go!” And they did just that.
Sakurai pulled up in front of Aiba’s apartment just minutes before the taller man had to leave. As the guest removed his shoes, the breathy voiced Idol was putting his own on. “Jay-kun is taking a nap.” The told his replacement in a whisper. “His lunch is in the refrigerator; just heat it up if he gets hungry. Diapers are in the bag in the bedroom and don’t leave him alone if he’s drawing.”
Eyes wide and biting down on his amusement, Sakurai regarded his friend as the man struggled into his coat. “Wow, Aiba-chan, that’s amazing…” He praised him in tones of awe. “You sound just like a mother.”
“Uh huh…” He barely registered Sho’s words as he pulled the front door open and made to leave. “Oh, and I taught him some Japanese today.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Ah, I nearly forgot…” He gave Sakurai a hard stare. “If he comes running at you for a hug: He tends to charge headfirst; you might want to protect yourself if you ever want kids of your own.”
The well built man cringed. “Don’t tell me…?”
Aiba nodded. “It’s bad enough at any time of the day, but two minutes after I wake up is the worst. Anyway, I’m going now.”
“Have a safe trip!” Sakurai called after him, standing at the doorway and see the man off. As the younger man drove away, Sho caught himself waving. Slowly, he brought his hand down and stared at the unruly limb. Well, that was weird. He mentally mocked himself. Shaking his head and grinning, he went inside and closed the door behind him.
While wandering aimlessly around the apartment, Sakurai realised he had forgotten to ask Masaki how long he would be. Shrugging it off as something that could not be helped, he opened the door to the spare bedroom.
In sleep, Sho could see the just-washed pink of the infants’ cheeks. He also noticed the slight puffiness of his eyes which no amount of washing could erase. “So…” Be breathed quietly, careful not to disturb the child. “You cried when Aiba-chan yelled at you, huh?” Crouching down the study the boys face, he stoked his soft fluffy hair gently. “I don’t blame you.” He assured the slumbering child. “I’d cry too if Masaki-kun ever got really mad at me.”
He spent a few minutes simply lost in watching the rhythmic rise and fall of Jacobs breathing. It was for the peaceful moments like these that he wanted a family of his own. He remembered when he used to watch his little brother sleep, and was reminded of how he had sometimes poked him awake so he could play with him. He remembered how angry him mother was the one time she caught him and how his brother would not stop crying for hours. But that had not been his fault; his brother had still been asleep before his mother started shouting at him.
Now, he had no desire to wake the little boy. Instead, he crept quietly out of the room. As he made his way back to the main room, he noticed the very ‘modern’ art that that now graced the wall at the start of the hallway. And by modern, he meant recent; it certainly had not been there when he had visited ten days ago. He had suspected the toddler of drawing on the walls when he had heard Aiba shouting over the phone. And here was the proof: literally written all over the walls in bright green crayon.
Chuckling to himself, Sakurai collected his research materials from his bag and settled himself onto the sofa to work.
At some point during his analysis of the paperwork, a storm had rolled in. It was a flash of lightening that alerted him. He had been so caught up in his work he had not even noticed the howling wind or the driving rain that pelted the windows in a staccato drumbeat. The crash of thunder directly overhead, however, did make him jump. Putting his work away he was just about the check on Jacob when he heard the bedroom door open.
The little boy emerged into the hallway. His eyes were still clouded with sleep and the pillow had left red creases on one side of his squidgy face. The toddler spotted the man watching him from the living room and simply stared for a moment. Quickly the child glanced up and down the hall as if he was looking for something - or someone.
“Ma-kee?” He asked with jaw-creaking yawn.
“Sorry.” Sakurai smiled ruefully and approached the child. “I guess I’m not the person you want to see right now, huh?”
In a flash of recognition, the child pointed at the man as he neared. “Sho!” He exclaimed. The toddler closed the distance between them and took the mans hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Sho play now.” The child told him presumptuously.
The unlikely babysitter allowed himself to be led back to the main room. The boy towed him to the window and he pressed his face to the glass. Jacob watched the rain fall, fascinated by the squall. “I see…” The Idol voiced his thoughts aloud. “Jay-kun isn’t afraid of storms, huh?”
The infant did not seem to pay any attention to the man. His eyes were fixed upon the scene before him; the play of water against the glass. At another particularly loud rumble of thunder, however, his head whipped around to face the man. His grey eyes shone with excitement and his mouth formed a tiny ‘o’ of surprise. “Oh no!” He breathed in an oddly satisfied voiced that did not really match his words.
Sakurai gave a snorting laugh and tussled the boys hair fondly. Anything gets this kid excided. He thought privately. He really could be Masaki’s child. Out loud, he spoke to the boy. “Are you hungry, Jay-kun?” He asked in English. “Do you want to eat?” He mimed the act of eating to make sure he was understood.
Jacob nodded and returned to observing the tempest. The young man left the child to his surveillance and went to put together the toddlers lunch. Sho noticed that taking care of a child seemed so much easier when there were not cameras around. Perhaps because Jacob was connected to him via Aiba Masaki, Sakurai found it easy to like the boy.
As he pottered around the unfamiliar kitchen, the rapper thought about his own future family. Somehow, he could not quite imagine a family more perfect than Aiba and his little cousin. He had to admit that Aiba had taken to temporary fatherhood like a duck to water. He had always thought that his tall colleague would one day make a very happy home, but now he knew for sure that Aiba would never forgo having a family.
In some ways, it made him sad that Aiba would one day have a family of his own. Oh, he knew it would not keep the energetic man from enjoying his work as an Idol. And yet, a great deal of Masaki’s charm lay in his childlike naivety, Sakurai feared that real life responsibilities would mature the man beyond all recognition.
* * *
“I’m home!” Aiba toed off his shoes in the entranceway and removed his soggy coat, shaking some of the water from his hair as his did so. “Sorry I’m late.” He continued when there was no immediate response. Walking into the living room he found the space empty. “Sakurai-san? Jay-kun?” He called louder.
“Ah! Aiba-chan, welcome home!” Sho’s voice echoed from down the hall. “We’re in the bath!”
The taller man joined the pair in the bathroom. The little boy bounced happily in the warm water upon seeing his favourite grownup. “Ma~kee!” He splashed to his feet and held onto the side of the tub. The older Idol had to shift back in the water to avoid being stepped on by little feet.
Aiba knelt beside the bath and patted the soggy boy’s head. “Hi Jay-kun. I’m home.” He grinned.
“Oh, that right!” Sakurai sat up and tried to get the toddlers attention. “Hey, Jay-kun, why don’t you show Masaki what you learned with me today?” Then, in English he told the boy: “Jay-kun, can you say welcome home?” The last being a typical Japanese phrase.
The boy beamed. “Ma~kee, welcome home.” He repeated obediently. He was instantly rewarded by the mans smile.
“That’s amazing…” Aiba breathed. “When did…?”
Sho smiled smugly. “We’ve been practicing since lunchtime.” He told his friend. “But we got a bit excited and most of Jay-kun’s lunch ended up on us instead of in his stomach.” He confessed. Cupping some water in his hands, the bare-chested man gave his face one final scrub. “You got caught in the storm?” He asked, finally noticing Aiba’s sodden appearance.
“Just a little.” The younger man replied distractedly as he idly swept his hands in the water and watched the boy.
“Why don’t you get in the bath with Jay-kun?” He suggested. “I don’t think he’s ready to get out yet and you should get warm quickly.”
“Good idea.” Aiba agreed. As Sakurai stood, the younger man handed him a towel and began to rid himself of his wet clothing.
“Hurry up.” Sho chided him as he rubbed the excess water from his hair and tied the towel around his waist. “I’ll wash your back for you.” He offered.
Nodding, Aiba soon joined the toddler in the bath.
Sometime later, warm dry and smelling pleasantly of soap, the three males relaxed together on the sofa. Shoulder to shoulder, the two men held the child between them, sitting on half of both of their laps. Sakurai was reading a picture book to Jacob in English. It was apparently the child’s favourite story and luckily, it was simple enough that Sakurai thought even Aiba would be able to read it. Although, whether the man would understand it or not was a different matter.
Occasionally, Masaki would point at a picture and name the object in Japanese and Jacob would attempt to repeat the word. Distantly, Sho wondered how the three of them might appear to someone else. We must look like a strange sort of family…. Oddly, the idea did not bother him in the slightest. Huddling closer to his friend and leaning over the boy, he continued to read.
To be continued…
________________
Chapter Three HERE
Hmm. A long chapter and a little light on actaul Sakuraiba moments, but I’ll make up for it in the final chapter, I promise.
And the Ohmiya… >.> Yeah, OK. I could have just left it out and made this chapter shorter, but it amused me…. Besides, depending on whether you like that pairing or not, you can read it as though they just friends messing about or a couple discussing the future.
As always, feedback is much appreciated! As are suggestions, and constructive criticisms.