Chapter Text
The Light in my Darkness
The day was good and sunny to say the least. Unnatrually, Kusakabe was in a good mood today. Maybe it was the weather he thought, or maybe it was because he will babysit Takeru today.
He woke up with a start and looked at the watch by his bedside. Fortunately, it was still pretty early. Kusakabe tried to fall asleep but sleep seemed to evade him so he forced himself out of the futon.A grunt of irritation escaped his lips as he saw the futon was drenched with perspiration and he had to again wash it for a second time this week.
"I should really buy an air conditioner" thought Atsuya as he lifted the bedding and put it inside the laundry basket, he would deal with it later. Opening the sliding door to his balcony a rush of fresh air came into the bedroom which instantly brought in a state of relaxation in the soul.He took in a deep breath and stretched out a bit to relieve the stress in his muscles. He was almost nearing thirty and rather than thinking about it, he really felt it in his physical strength.
Walking towards the the modest cupboard and snatching some pieces of clothing items he hastily wears them, exits his apartment locks the key twice and catches the earliest train.
"Tring!!"
"Yippeeeee its oji-sannnnn"
"Don't run so fast Takeru you will fall down!"
But as is the nature of young children, Takeru paid no heed to his mother and rushed towards the door. He started jumping to reach the bolt but failed to do so. So mama bear took over and opened the door, letting Kusakabe enter the house after a much tedious journey tumbling through the sweaty, early morning commuters of the train.
"Oji-san!!!" said the little boy and practically pounced on his uncle hugging with the little strength he had. "Oji, I nearly reached the door bolt today! You see, one day I will be one opening the door for you!"
"Of course you will that's the spirit my boy!"told Kusakabe patting his nephew's back and lifting him up into his arms.The beaming and toothy smile of the boy melted Kusakabe's rather gruff heart. It seemed to him as if this boy alongwith his students and sister were his lighthouse, in the darkness of the world of curses and evils.
"Takeru! Let oni-san breathe for a few seconds he has just arrived from the heat dear" "It is absolutely all right! Takeru are you ready for a fun day today?"
"Yes!"
"Well, oni-san I have kept both of your breakfasts on the table have it within time and do not irritate your oji, alright Takeru."
"Yes Mama" replied the boy with an affirmative thumbs up. Kusakabe's sister laughed at her son's actions and got ready to leave for the day's work. Kusakabe immediately took Takeru to the table and both of them devoured the food, Atsuya with his ramen bowl and Takeru with his dinosaur printed children's bowl.
"Dinosaur rawrrr"
"What?"Kusakabe looked visibly confused with his eyebrows drawn close.
Takeru let out a giggle at his uncle's evident confusion.
"Dinosaur rawrrr don't you know about it oji?" and saying this Takeru rushed towards the television and turned it on.The first channel which came up flashed with bright colours and chimes with the words "Peppa Pig".
Atsuya watched along the adventures of the pigs(not a curse word here!), tumbling in the mud and teaching children about various things as Takeru tumbled along too. Now Kusakabe understood the reference of the dinosaur maybe his nephew really saw himself in Peppa's brother George and connected with him.
To connect better with Takeru,Atsuya also planned to buy some children's books for him. Not that he detests television but he likes books more natrually by reading both mangas and novels since childhood. The tone of the phone rang with an impending warning of doom.
"Kusakabe-san, I know I am sorry but...." "Go on Ijichi, don't be sorry now its just you performing your duty". Ijichi felt relieved that it was Kusakabe he was calling, and not Gojo or Usami. "There is need for someone to look over the students as Yaga-san has to suddenly travel for some emergency at Nagoya." "I am coming then tell Yaga-san to have a safe journey on my behalf." "I will ! Thank you Kusaka...." "It is my duty Ijichi-kun, goodbye." Ijichi cut the call praising the gods for responsible men.
"Takeru?"
"Hmmm?"
"Let's go out to my office!"
"Yay!!! Oji-san's office yayyyy" bouncing like a ping pong ball Takeru got ready and they both left towards the Tokyo Jujutsu High College.