My Shin-chan

Hi. This is totally AU and because of the theme older Takao-younger Midorima, they may seem a bit OOC, especially Midorin, but I'm trying my best to really keep him in character. I mean, his character is why I love him so much so I wouldn't want to change his traits dramatically. I also found in Wiki – that one trivia for our adorable Shin-chan is "Midorima's type of girl is one who is older than him." Hence this theme. Only it's an older man this time. Hehehe.

This type of story has been done, recycled, rehashed so many times but I'm hoping I'm not plagiarizing anyone. I really just love this theme. Any coincidence with any story is purely that – coincidence. Haha. Even the title is sooo unoriginal. But here we go. I'm still stuck with Sinfully Yours but I'm trying to write the next chap.

Gambatte kudasai!

Thanks for following me and my stories guys. You mean the world to me!

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Trudging along the narrow street leading to his apartment, Takao Kazunari rubbed the stiff aching muscles of his shoulder. He was ready to drop down dead from pulling out all nighters just so his Accounting team could check all their data before the yearly Accounting audit.

It was a hell of a business this time of year. Being an overworked accountant for three years now was making Takao set his teeth on edge. He needed a vacation. He needed a life.

As he neared his one bedroom apartment, he found that the one next door, had a light. It had been empty for the last month since the young lady who used to occupy it got married and left. Takao twisted his neck a little to the right so he could loosen his tie. He hoped his new neighbors would be friendly.

He reached his door, fumbling for his key. His last neighbor was a hard party animal, always bringing home a lot of her friends. And that was not the worst! When her boyfriend slept over, Takao could actually hear their noises when they banged each other. Sometimes Takao would just try to get through the night, mildly amused. But during those times when he was so tired from work and he needed a good night sleep, it took everything in him not to storm to their unit and bang at the door so they could shut the hell up. Takao was greatly relieved she left when she got knocked up and married her annoyingly loud boyfriend.

Takao was about to open his door when he heard a faint noise coming from the other door. It was a woman snarling angrily over the phone. She sounded really really mad. Takao sighed. Uh-oh. The last month had been a truly peaceful one. He hoped his new neighbors weren't war freaks who had domestic issues with each other. He could make do without family spats and fights which definitely made things awkward in the long run.

Suddenly the door of his new neighbors opened and a skinny child came out. The boy quietly closed the door, looked at it forlornly and put both his hands in his pocket.

Green eyes looked up and landed on Takao, who still stood immobile by his own door. Takao was startled at how bright those eyes shone, even under his thick black rimmed glasses, while the rest of his young face was a mask of gray. The boy was scowling deeply at Takao.

Takao, being an all-around nice guy, decided to befriend his new young neighbor. "Hello there. My name is Takao. I live next to you!" he stated chirply.

The green eyed child scowled even more deeply. "Obviously," he muttered.

To which Takao felt foolish. Of course. Couldn't his opener be a little lamer than that? The child was about to walk away and from this distance Takao could note that his hair was also green. Hmmm. What a wonderful color.

The woman was still talking over the phone, her voice high pitched. Takao watched as the child walked away. "Hey! Where are you going? It's really late."

The boy did not answer. Just kept on walking.

Takao didn't know why he cared, but it was already nine o'clock. It was true their neighborhood was a relatively safe one, but a young boy like him shouldn't be wandering the empty street at this time. Plus the fact they just apparently moved in here today.

"Hey! Does your mom know you're going to be out?"

No answer.

"Heeeyy!" Takao called out.

The boy whirled around to face the noisy grown up. "Shut the hell up mister!"

"Why you rude little – " Takao clamped his mouth shut, knowing he was overstepping his boundaries. He shouldn't intrude in other people's business even it was just a child that he wanted to protect. "Fine. Nice meeting you, young man."

Takao went inside his apartment and slammed the door shut.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Takao went on with his life, forgetting about the little episode with the new neighbor. Work was crazy and he even had to pull out double shifts during the coming weekend because one of the guys from his team was sick and couldn't make it to work. Takao promised himself that once the workload wasn't suicide-inducing anymore, he'd take a few days' leave so he could rest. He owed himself that.

That Sunday night he got home and was preparing the bento he bought from the convenience store when his doorbell rang. He looked through a peephole and found a nice looking woman outside. Her hair was startlingly green as well.

Takao opened the door, confused. "Hello. How may I help you?"

The woman bowed deeply and presented him with a box of brewed coffee beans. "Hello. My name is Midorima Kazumi. We moved in last Monday and – ahhh – I've been actually trying to get the chance to give you this but you're always out. Please take this."

Takao smiled kindly, accepting the gift. "Yeah, I guess I've been pretty busy and I come home late. I'm Takao. Takao Kazunari. So – uhhh – thank you so much for this. And – uhhh – welcome to the neighborhood."

"Domo arigatou. I will be going back now," she said, bowing again.

Takao nodded too and saw her off. She was almost to her door when Takao remembered something. "Hey, uhhm… Midorima-san, you have a little boy, right?"

All at once the friendly aura of Kazumi lifted. She tensed. "What has he done this time?"

Takao waved his hand to clear away the misunderstanding. "Huh? No no no! He didn't do anything. Actually, uhhh – I hope he doesn't get into the habit of staying out late. At night, I mean. You see I saw him one time and it was really late. You're still pretty new here and there're punks who might – uhm – you know… do funny stuff and bully him around."

The woman sadly smiled. "Sorry for making you worry about my son."

"Of course. We're neighbors."

She let out a heavy sigh. "I do try to speak to him but – sometimes I don't know what to do. I work the night shift and sometimes I'm too busy and exhausted to really monitor where he goes and – It's just the two of us."

"Oh. So who stays with him when you're out at night?"

She shook her head. "I just tell him to lock the doors really tight. At this point we haven't got any choice. I can't look for a new job easily. And I – oh, I don't know why I'm telling you all this! It must be a bore to you – "

Kazumi instantly looked embarrassed.

Takao answered, "No, please – I – If there's anything that I can do… How old is he by the way?"

"He's ten."

"Hmmm, well, he's not that young, I mean, yeah, he can probably fend off for himself. I just wish he won't stay out late."

"Thanks for telling me. I'll speak to him about it."

"All right. Have a good evening, Midorima-san."

"You too, Takao-san."

Xoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxox

Monday night, Takao came home around ten in the evening. He was in the middle of enjoying his meal when loud knocks pounded on the door. Takao irritated, stopped eating his ramen to confront the rude stranger outside.

When he opened the door he didn't see anyone.

Until a small voice snapped, "Why do you like messing up with other people, mister?"

Takao looked down. That was when he saw the little boy with the mop of green hair, face upward, his forehead scrunched up in deep concentration.

Takao wanted to smile if it wasn't too much trouble. This boy was way too emo for words. "Hey kid, I just met your Mom yesterday."

"And you ratted me out that I stay out late," the child grumbled.

"Hey, I didn't rat you out. It was just the one time I saw you. And does that mean that you are indeed staying out at night when your mom's working?"

"What do you care?"

Takao gaped, disbelieving. "What do I – Look kid, I'm just trying to look out for you."

"Did I ask you too?" the boy snapped, in that grown up attitude that he had that Takao had to wonder if he was talking to a high school kid being reprimanded about breaking his curfew hours.

"Geeeze, kid, you got a lot of pent up angst in there, huh? Tell you what – since we're neighbors, and your mom's out working, why don't you come in? I have another cup of ramen. Have you eaten dinner?"

The child looked startled by Takao's hospitality. He didn't expect the offer for food.

"You really like to poke your nose into other people's business," the child muttered. "Are you looking to impress my Mom? You're being nice to me coz you fancy her, don't you?"

This time Takao laughed. Loudly. This kid was really funny. "Oookay, if you don't wanna come in, that's fine. This will officially be the last time I'll – uhh – poke my nose into your business, smart young man. Off you go, and lock the door, kay? G'night."

Takao didn't give the child the chance to answer. He simply slammed the door in the boy's face.

Xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Takao didn't hear much about his new neighbors. He was a quiet reserved guy himself whose face was always buried in his accounting books and ledger for him to care about anything else.

Roughly a month passed before he had the chance to speak to the boy again. It was Tuesday night and the load was not that heavy at work so he was able to come home around seven pm. Bento in hand, Takao happily hummed as he walked home to his apartment.

As he was opening the door, he heard noises coming in from the Midorima's unit. Voices to be exact. A man and a woman, obviously arguing about something. Takao had never been a gossip monger, but he couldn't help but overhear what they were talking about. Child custody.

I see, Takao told himself. Kazumi was probably divorced from her husband, and now they were arguing over who would get the custody of their child. No wonder the boy looked sad all the time. Coming from a broken family could do that to anyone.

Takao got a little more bothered when the voices from inside the house became louder. The couple, or probably, the ex-couple weren't trying to hide the fact that they were fighting. Takao noticed that a few of their other neighbors were opening their windows to check what the commotion was about. Takao felt a little embarrassed for everyone's sake.

Just as he was entering his own unit, the Midorimas' door opened. Takao thought the man would probably be leaving but it was the skinny boy who got out. He was wearing a calm expression, hands in his pocket, his thick glasses swallowing up almost half of his face.

Takao knew the boy would probably wander off again waiting for the argument between his parents cooled down. The child didn't even acknowledge Takao, simply carried his head up high, and walked off.

Hell, Takao muttered to himself. Why couldn't he just mind his own business?

"Kid! Wait up!" Takao called out, walking after him.

The boy turned around, his green eyes glinting in the moonlight. They really looked amazingly clear at this distance.

"Hey, I – I couldn't help but overhear. Uhmmm – "

The kid snorted. "Of course. They're not making an effort to be quiet about it."

Takao chuckled, in spite of himself. In spite of the situation. This little imp really was something. "All this time, and I still don't know your name. I'm Takao. Takao Kazunari. You are – "

Instead of giving out his name, the child whipped his head away. "I'm going out. They're driving me crazy."

"I really don't think it's a good idea, kid. You're so tiny and dangerous people may be loitering around. You don't know what's out there."

The child shrugged. "I stay at the park. No one's there most of the time."

"Oh, the park. Uhmm, what – uhh – what do you do there?"

"Nothing."

"You mean, you just sit there and do nothing?"

"It's a park, not a zoo. Of course I just sit there. It's not like there's anything to see," the boy reasoned out.

Oh, good Lord, give me patience, Takao prayed silently. "Okay, you're waiting it out, I get that. But it's still not safe. Come in, I've got some snacks inside. Maybe you can watch some TV while you wait for your – uhhh – is that your Dad?"

"You ask a lotta questions, Mister," the boy commented dryly.

"And you are too young to act so cynical. You're ten, and you speak as if you're older than I am. Geeeeze, what's happening to kids these days?" Takao did his best to look menacing even if he was a bit amused by the child. He grabbed the boy's shoulder. "Come on. Your parents will worry about you. Let them fight for as long as they want, and when they're done, then you don't have to walk a long way home."

For a moment the boy looked indecisive. He really wanted to go to the park where it was quiet. Takao squeezed at his shoulder a little.

Finally the little boy sighed and turned around, back to the apartment. "Do you have Lays?"

Takao made a face. "Wow, so demanding. I have wagashi."

The boy scowled. "I don't like that!"

Another sigh. Takao wanted to wring the little neck. "We'll take a look if there's anything else, okay?"

When they got inside Takao's apartment, the kid toed off his shoes, putting them neatly on one corner. He stood in the center, hands in his pocket, not knowing what to do next.

Takao's place had very minimal appliances, only the necessities. A plain sofa, kotatsu and TV rack. His TV wasn't even that big. His dining table was just big enough for two. The house was almost bare.

Takao put his bag somewhere, the bento on the dining table, and went straight to the fridge, where he looked for some snacks. Since the kid did not like wagashi, Takao looked for something else. It was a good thing he just went to the grocery yesterday. He took out a green apple and handed it to the frozen child at the center of his living room. "Here. Can you tell me your name now?"

The boy grudgingly accepted the fruit but did not bite into it. He just held it in his palm. "Midorima Shintarou."

"Hmmm, okay Midorima-kun, you can sit over there and watch TV while I prepare dinner. I just bought one bento, but the serving is big, between us we can prolly share."

Takao went on with business, taking the packed dinner meal from the plastic bag and getting two plates so he could divide the content between him and his little guest. Throughout all this, Midorima simply stood rooted on the spot, watching the black haired older man.

Takao made a face at the boy. "Shoooo, will you? You make me nervous you know, with your big eyes and charming personality," he quipped.

Midorima adjusted his glasses with his left hand and finally bit into the apple.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Most nights when Takao came home early, like seven or eight pm, he made sure that he had chips with him. Before he opened his own door, he would knock at the Midorimas and surely, Shintarou would be there, waiting, a scowl on his face.

Takao would merely smile at the boy and tousle his hair then he would invite the child over. Takao never really knew what happened with his parents' argument, like who would be getting the child's custody, and Shintarou didn't really seem like he wanted to say anything about the topic. The boy would always go back to his and his mom's apartment when the clock struck ten as it was sleeping time.

During the nights that Shintarou stayed at Takao's place, the child merely watched the sports channel and nothing else. He was especially drawn to basketball. American basketball or Japanese, it didn't matter, as long as he was able to watch the game. Mostly he occupied the sofa while Takao sat under his kotatsu, his head buried on his laptop while he studied the company's numbers.

Then school came, and Midorima had to go. One morning as Takao was leaving for work, he caught sight of Shintarou looking very dapper in his elementary uniform. He was with a few boys his age. They were apparently going to school.

Takao waved, calling out loudly, "Shin-chan! Looking great over there!"

The boy cringed. He hated it when Takao called him Shin-chan. He shot a murderous glance at the crazy old man and walked away with his friends. Takao smiled to himself. Perhaps having friends his age would cool down his temperamental behavior a bit. Kids his age needed to run wild and play, not mope around just because his parents didn't agree with each other.

Midorima's dad still visited from time to time. Takao could tell nothing good ever came out of it since whenever he was there he just tended to fight with Midorima's mom.

And Shintarou always hung out in Takao's place whenever that happened.

School became busier, and Takao's job continued to take most of his time. Especially this one particular week when another audit was coming up. It wasn't the yearly government audit, just the main office branch doing inspection on their sub-branches. Add to that were the regular projects that Takao handled. Takao and his team all geared up for a week of all nighters just to check and manage their numbers.

One night, around nine PM, as Takao was getting ready for bed, Shin-chan knocked on the door. When Takao opened it, the boy immediately plopped on the sofa, grabbing the remote as if he owned the house. He turned the TV on and switched to the sports channel.

Takao rolled his eyes heavenward. He checked his wristwatch. "Uhh – I hate to break it to you, but it's kinda late. You have school tomorrow."

"I'm done with homework," came the disinterested reply.

Takao, annoyed, scratched his head, not knowing how to make the child leave since this would be the last night he would be able to get a decent night's sleep. Tomorrow would be the start of hell for him and it would probably last for a week or so. "Uhhhmmm… Don't you think it's better if you stay home? I mean, not that I object to you being here, huh, but – "

"Go ahead. You can sleep. I'll just lock up when I leave."

"How about your school? Don't you need to sleep early?"

"'M fine."

Takao shook his head, giving up. "Whatever. I'm not your Mom so I won't lecture you."

For the first time the child grinned. "Good."

Takao couldn't help but smile too. "Crazy kid. Alright, I'm off to bed."

"Yeah, sure."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Days turned into months, which turned into a year.

The neighborhood did not change. Some people came and went but the friendship between Takao and the Midorimas, both mother and child continued. Kazumi became used to the fact of Shin-chan staying at Takao's house that more often than not, whenever she was available she would cook for Takao. They sometimes ate together, all three of them.

Takao could obviously say Kazumi liked him, and they were not that far apart in age. He was twenty six this year, and she was thirty. Shin-chan was already eleven having had a small celebration early this year.

One night, as Takao was heading for his own unit after a sumptuous meal with Kazumi and Shin-chan, the boy followed him out.

"Takao." The child was horrible in the sense that he never used honorifics with the older man, but Takao let it slide, knowing they had been friends for close to a year now. At least Shin-chan did not call him by his first name.

Takao was unlocking his door and he looked back over his shoulder. "What's up, Shin-chan?"

Without any preamble the child asked, "Are you gonna be my new dad now?"

Taken aback, Takao frowned. "What?"

"The dinner dates. She cooking for you. What is this all about?"

Takao couldn't help but chuckle again. "You really have an imagination, don't you?"

"So why are you being all nice to her and she to you?"

Takao finally opened the door. "I don't know. We're friends, right? Your mom's a good person, and she cooks damn fine. That's all. Now get back there. I'm going to sleep."

He was closing the door when Midorima's palm shot up, stopping the door. "Then sleep. I wanna watch TV."

Takao wanted to say no, but he had never been a match to Shin-chan's eyes, the way they glowed fiercely with determination once he wanted something.

"Fine."

The child came in, gloating with victory.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Time passed in a blur and the next year, Takao fell in love. It was a new co-worker of his. The relationship was strained from the beginning as the other guy was married. Yes, Takao was gay and had always been, though very few people could tell because he was careful about it. It was not that he was ashamed of it. It was actually the last thing on is mind.

He just felt that he didn't need to act differently just because his preferences did not lie between what was acceptable in society. Japan was becoming more and more modern nowadays but the issue of homosexuality was still treated with the same sensitivity as it had been in the olden days. Not many straight people were comfortable with being with a gay man, and it was no difficulty for Takao to just act like the next normal guy.

However, other potential gay partners could sniff him out like a bloodhound. At twenty seven, Takao thought he was done with the wild lifestyle of his youth. In the past, when he was younger, he never really cared who his partner was, as long as the guy was available to scratch the itch which popped up from time to time. Oh he still had flings of course, but between his job and babysitting his young surly neighbor, he didn't have the time or the itch to go gallivanting for nameless lovers. He was doing okay with his eight to five plus plus job.

He didn't count on Takeru happening. The guy was just a charmer. Plus he was just so miserable having to put up with having a wife that he showered Takao with all the attention and affection that no gay man could ever ignore. Add the fact that they saw each other every day. Falling so deep was definitely a given.

During the first few months of their relationship they contented themselves with stolen hours at the hotel. Since Takeru was married, he still had to go home every night. The worst of it was that his wife was such a nagging jealous bitch who called Takeru's cellphone almost every hour. The twit was actually thinking Takeru was cheating on her with another woman! That always got a laugh out of Takao and Takeru.

Takao knew what he was doing was wrong, of course, since adultery was definitely a serious offense. But he couldn't help it. He and Takeru were so in love with one another it was so hard to keep their hands off of each other at work. They fit to a T – their personalities, their sense of humor, their likes and dislikes – everything. And it wasn't like Takeru's wife could make him really happy as she did not have the right equipment to do so.

Takao only hoped one day Takeru would come out of his closet and really move in with him.

They had actually discussed it one time or another. Takeru thought about it but he couldn't. It was easier for Takao since his family knew since college his real orientation so Takao had nothing to lose if he would really think of living with another guy as a domestic partner.

It wasn't like that for Takeru. The guy came from a very conservative family, had a wife who also came from a traditionally conservative family, and they had three kids. Coming out was never one of Takeru's options.

One night after a heated argument because Takeru's wife yet again called and demanded her husband go home, cutting off the private time he was supposed to have with Takao at a love motel. Takao felt he had enough of these stolen moments. He had been living very discreetly since he came out as gay, yes, but couldn't he stay overnight with his lover, even just one time? The longest time they were able to spend with each other was three hours! Three hours, two hours every freaking time they checked into a motel.

Takao also made a demand for Takeru to stay but his lover did not oblige. He was afraid his wife would suspect something and hire an investigator. He couldn't let his true orientation be discovered. His parents would disown him and that would leave the family name with shame.

Takao stormed off from the motel, pissed, not knowing how he could stay in this kind of relationship. He was gay damn it! He was not a martyr. If he was going to have a lover, at least he should pick someone who could give him his time.

Takao was fumbling for his house key when Shin-chan came out of his own door. Takao didn't even notice.

"Where have you been?" Shin-chan barked.

Takao nearly jumped out of his skin. He whipped his head around and glared at the boy. "You scared me!"

"You always come home late. What have you been doing?"

Takao stared at the young lad, now twelve and a few inches taller. In a dry voice he answered, "My own mother never grilled me like that."

"It's twelve," Shin-chan shot back. "You've been coming home late for the past months."

"Exactly, it's twelve," Takao pointed out. "You should be in bed. You have school tomorrow."

"I'm fine. I had a nap and I'm not all that sleepy."

"Okay, fine. Now, I am sleepy. Go back inside."

Instead of obeying, the boy, who was definitely taller than the last time Takao ever really bothered to notice, stepped closer. "When has your being sleepy ever made a difference before? I wanna watch TV."

This time, Takao scowled. After the fight he had with his boyfriend, he was not in the mood to play nice to the kid. "Go watch TV in your own house, would you?"

"We don't have satellite."

Takao rolled his eyes. "So what? You only watch basketball anyway, which is a local channel."

Busted. That clearly showed in the child's startled expression. For a moment Shin-chan wanted to argue, but he couldn't come up with another excuse which was more plausible. So the boy stood there, looking crushed, his hands in his pocket that Takao felt his heart go out to him a little. The boy was innocent. He shouldn't take the brunt of Takao's frustrations.

"Okay, look, Shin-chan, I'm really tired tonight. And I want you to sleep. It's twelve midnight for goodness' sake! Tomorrow night I'll come home early, and I'll buy you some candies."

Midorima scrunched his nose. "Candies? I'm not a kid."

"Yes, you are. You're what? Eight?" Takao couldn't help but joke.

The boy glared at him. "I'm already twelve. I'll probably be taller than you next month."

"Okay, if it's not candies, then what would you like?"

Midorima told him, grinning smugly.

Xoxooxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

The next day Takao was hell bent on ignoring Takeru, knowing this kind of relationship was never healthy. It was bad enough that they had to be discreet about their feelings. Meeting up in secret and cutting off their alone time just so Takeru could go on pretending to be someone he was not was enough to set Takao on edge. No matter how smitten he was with Takeru he would not let the other man treat him this way.

Takeru locked themselves up in the empty storage room, and after one amazing orgasm Takao forgot everything he had told himself about the situation.

He also forgot his promise to Midorima that night that he would be coming home early. He only remembered after two rounds of mind numbing toe curling sex with Takeru inside their motel room. As Takao was enveloped in his lover's arms, he cringed, hoping the boy would just let it pass.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Thankfully, Midorima did not pester him that night when he came home around midnight again. Nor for the nights to follow. Takao felt a little guilty but did not think too much of it.

During the weekends, when Takao was home Shin-chan's friends would come over, carrying basketball. Takao supposed Midorima played in the basketball club in school. He seemed to like the sport very much. That was good. Hopefully the boy would have more friends his age, instead of hanging around Takao's apartment while watching TV.

He was growing up so fast, too. And was getting to be more and more of a smartass as time went.

One lazy Sunday afternoon, as Takao was about to get into his apartment, one grocery bag in hand, he saw Shin-chan's door open and he, along with five boys his age, all wearing basketball jerseys came out. It was obvious they had been playing basketball all morning and afternoon, and probably hung out in Shin-chan's place.

Takao smiled, pleased that Shin-chan was beginning to come out of his surly shell and make more and more friends.

Midorima looked at him. Takao waved a little, his smile bigger.

Shin-chan pointedly ignored him and left with his friends in the direction of the court. Takao shrugged. Maybe the kid was a bit shy in the company of his new friends. Wanted to look cool and macho and all. Takao thought nothing of it.

He cooked curry that night. It was a dish that he had especially perfected over the years and he wanted Kazumi to have some.

So around 7PM he knocked at the Midorimas, carrying a bowl of his specialty, a wide grin on his face. He missed dining with Kazumi and Shin-chan. These past few months were very hectic, both in his work and love life that he only spent a few hours in his own apartment, just to get some sleep and he was out the door in the morning.

It was Shin-chan who answered the door. When the boy saw it was Takao he scowled.

"Uh oh, what's with the long face? Here, I cooked curry for you and your mom."

Midorima glared at him as if he didn't hear anything. He looked at the bowl of steaming curry. Then back at the older man's face. "Thank you," he said cooly.

"Can I come in? It's enough for all three of us."

Midorima stepped aside and opened the door completely. Takao expected the boy to fuss over the curry once he placed it on the table, he was usually all over Takao whenever Takao came over to dine with them. But tonight Shin-chan merely called his mom in the kitchen, then went into his room.

Takao was astonished. This was the first time Shin-chan ignored him completely. He hoped the boy was doing okay.

Kazumi was extremely glad that Takao came over and even cooked dinner for all three of them. During dinner they all supped together but it was only Kazumi who spoke. Midorima ate a little and excused himself rather abruptly, going back to his room. The two adults looked at each other worriedly.

"Shin-chan is really quiet tonight, huh?"

Kazumi shrugged sheepishly. "I don't know how to speak to him. He's a very nice boy and he helps out in the house. But as to what he thinks, the things that make him happy or sad, he doesn't confide to me at all."

"Yeah, well, he used to be a lot friendlier to me, too."

Suddenly Kazumi's face lit up. "Do you know? He got drafted in school for the basketball club!"

"That's amazing! Shin-chan's taller for his age, so he will do nicely. Wow, he's in middle school now, right?"

"Yes, freshman," Kazumi answered proudly.

"That kid has always adored basketball anyway. And he's made a lot of friends, too!"

"Yes. I thought – you see, I thought after the divorce, he would blame me for it and be a rebellious child, like we see in the movies, dropping out of school and such… But he has come around."

"Well, he's a really serious kid. Still keeps to himself, but, yeah, I think he'll be more open to other people. It's good that he's going to be into basketball. He'll be able to work with other kids. Teamwork and such."

Kazumi turned to Takao, her eyes soft. "I want to thank you for taking care of him, too, especially when I'm out working. You're like the father he has never had."

Uh oh. Takao smiled to himself, hoping Kazumi was not misconstruing anything, that he was extra nicer to their family because he fancied her. A lot of women had come after him in the past and the last thing Takao wanted to do was break to Kazumi that he was gay.

"I like Shin-chan," Takao said almost automatically. "Such a bright kid. He surprises me every time with how adult like he thinks."

"Yes, he is very bright. His grade in school is consistently high. A lot of parents praise me with how I raise him up. They don't know I spend very little time with him because of my job and that everything he has achieved, in his studies and his basketball, it's all him."

"He is an amazing child," Takao agreed. "I'm happy both of you are my friends."

"We are happy, too, Shintarou and I, for having you around."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

After a few more times of Midorima deliberately ignoring Takao, whether they bumped into each other on the street, or sometimes when Takao would knock at Midorima's door, knowing Shin-chan was there and the boy wouldn't open up, Takao felt he had had enough of the cold attitude. He didn't know why the boy seemed to harbor ill feelings toward him.

One Sunday night, he brought dinner again to mother and son which all three of them ate during supper. Shin-chan was eerily quiet again at the table and halfway through the meal he announced he was done and retired to his room. Kazumi thought nothing of it but Takao was troubled. Shin-chan had never acted this way to him before.

"Kazumi?"

"Hmmm?"

"Wuld you mind if I speak to Shin-chan for a while. I just wanted to ask something."

She chirped, "Oh, sure. Go ahead."

Takao knocked softly on the door, calling out, "Shin-chan? Are you decent? Can I come in?"

He heard a grunt. Takao supposed it was answer enough. He opened the unlocked door, finding the boy spread out on his futon, reading a basketball magazine while lying down. At this point Takao had to do a double take. He had never noticed how tall Shin-chan had become, with his long limbs and legs spread out like that. It was probably true that in another month or so the child would even be taller than him!

"Don't read lying down, Shin-chan! Your eyes would go bad!" Takao reprimanded, sounding exactly like his mother.

The boy snorted loudly. "My eyes are already bad, in case you haven't noticed."

Takao was not in the mood of being talked back to by some kid. "Well, they're gonna get worse. Sit up, will you? I need to ask you something."

Midorima shot him a peeved look, but sat up all the same. Takao stayed by the door, leaning on the frame, crossing his arms. "Okay, so spill. Why are you giving me the cold shoulder?"

A perfect scowl.

Takao had to smile. At least he was getting a reaction. It was better than Midorima's icy calm. "What? We bump into each other on the street and you wouldn't even speak to me. Did I do something?"

"Nothing!" the boy said harshly.

"All the more that there is something. C'mon, out with it. You don't hang out in my house anymore. You don't follow me around, you no longer pester me, annoy me – "

Midorima cut him off. "Isn't that what you want?"

Takao was startled. "Ehh? What?"

"Aren't you glad you've gotten rid of me?"

"What are you talking about, kid? You've gone completely bonkers in the head."

Midorima threw his magazine aside. "You made a promise. Three weeks ago. You promised you'd come home early and bring me something. But you didn't. I waited the next night to see if you got me that snack I told you about. But no. Instead I find you walking home late with a friend of yours! You never seemed to enjoy hanging out with me so why should I hang out with you?"

"Friend?"

Midorima growled, impatiently as if he was talking to a child himself. "You know – that curly guy who walks funny."

Takao had to gape. His friend. Of course. Takeru had come over to visit that night when they weren't able to book a room in a motel. Valentine's day and all that horseshit. Every damn motel in town was fully booked. Takao and Takeru had no choice but to go to the former's apartment.

Takao was suddenly nervous. He remembered it was probably past one when they got in that time, definitely too late for any of his neighbor to snoop in. He couldn't believe Shin-chan even saw that! It was a good thing the child was an innocent. He only thought of Takeru as a friend.

Takao ran a hand at the back of his head not knowing what to say. "Uhh – look, uhhmm… You're right. He's a friend. I would also appreciate it if you don't tell your Mom about that, okay? Adults can sometimes, uhhh – misunderstand things and – "

"Why are you here anyway?"

"Hey, look, kid – "

"Stop calling me kid. I'm almost thirteen now!" Shin-chan demanded.

"'Kay, fine. Shin-chan, look, we've been friends for almost, what three years now? I'm practically like your guardian. So cut me some slack, okay? If it's about the snack – "

"It's not just the snack!" Midorima hissed. "You say one thing and then can't do it. Why do I have to hang around you, anyway?"

Takao shrugged. He decided to tease, just to lighten the mood. "I dunno. Maybe 'coz I'll probably become your new dad in a while."

A look of pure horror washed over the boy's face that it took everything Takao in him not to laugh. "Just think about it. Your mom and I get along well. Maybe we'll be like a real family in a year, two years or so… It's easier if we're friends."

Midorima snatched back his magazine and turned to read it, lips pursed. After a while he spoke, his eyes still glued to the magazine. "Whatever you want."

"Good boy. Wanna watch TV in my house?"

"Won't your other friend come over, too?"

Takao laughed dryly. "Definitely not."

"He does walk funny," Shin-chan reiterated, finally looking up.

"Shut up, dumbass. He can't help it, he has a slight limp," Takao admonished, amused.

Midorima just scrunched his nose. Then he got up and put his hands in his pocket, brushing against Takao as he passed him by the door. The boy called out to his Mom that he would watch TV in Takao's house for a while.

The first thought that entered Takao's head as the boy passed by him was that they were almost as tall as each other.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Days went by in the same fashion. Takao was once again swamped with work. He and Takeru kept their relationship a heavily guarded secret. The wife was still a bitch, the bane of Takao's very existence, but he endured all of it, for his lover's sake. He really had it bad for the guy.

Midorima became a regular player in Teiko Middle school. He was the most accurate shooter of all the regular starters and he was already being dubbed as one of the Generation of Miracles, along with five other boys who showed exemplary skills in basketball.

Takao and Midorima barely saw each other at this time, with both of them being extremely busy with their schedules.

After sometime there was an announcement in the office that Takeru would move to the main branch for a period of six months or so. There was a batch of newly hired accountants who needed to be trained. Takao would have been the first one to be sent but their branch needed him more, was more familiar with how Takao handled things, so in the end, it was Takeru they decided to send.

The main branch was a two hour travel away from Takao's office by bullet train. It meant Takeru had to stay there in the meantime, since commuting back and forth was impossible.

Even though it looked bad for their relationship, Takeru had to explain to Takao that it could be a good thing. Since he would get an apartment there, he and Takao could now freely see each other during the weekend. Takeru made a promise to Takao that he would only go home to his wife once a month, while giving her a lot of crap about being swamped with work that was why he couldn't come home enough. It was the perfect solution actually.

In the months that followed, Takao hardly stayed in his apartment. He came home late during the week nights, and in the weekends he stayed over with Takeru in his place.

Midorima barely saw him.

One afternoon, fresh from a championship victory, in which Midorima was even named the MVP, the young man, fourteen now, stood outside Takao's door, knowing the older man was not even there, but hoping he could show his MVP trophy to him when he got home.

Midorima gently ran his fingertips on the door's surface, feeling sentimental. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd been in Takao's apartment, just for a quiet evening of watching NBA. His mother, too, was always out and even if she would not admit it, it looked like she was dating someone. Damn that Takao. He was really a liar. He did say he would be Shin-chan's new dad, right? But it looked like it was far from happening.

Midoima sighed. He didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Takao was giddy with delight, tracing the box of a couple's rings through the pocket of his jacket. It was Valentine's day and a Saturday at that. Takao told Takeru the week before that he wouldn't be able to commute to Takeru's apartment this weekend and he was very sorry, and yes, he knew it was Valentine's day, because he was buried neck deep in work.

Which was of course, a lie.

He was on his way to Takeru's apartment for a surprise visit, pocketing a pair of rings which cost him two thousand dollars. It was the fanciest and most expensive gift Takao would be giving his lover.

Takao couldn't contain his excitement. Takeru told him he wouldn't be going home to his wife this weekend, so Takao could safely execute his plan. He carried a plastic bag of groceries with him. He was going to make a fancy dinner for both of them tonight. He even bought a wine. Then he'd give the rings.

He knocked once, twice. Then he frowned. How stupid. What if Takeru was in the grocery or something? Darn, he hadn't thought of that.

Good thing he had his own key. Takeru had given him a duplicate because there was one time that Takao come earlier and Takeru was still in the office. Takao had to wait an hour for Takeru to come home and he waited outside the house. So he was given the key.

He slipped the key into the hole and tiptoed inside.

He didn't expect a disaster. Left over food and beer were scattered everywhere. It was obvious someone had a wild Friday after work party in there.

Takao didn't know how to react. He was the one who was surprised. It was already noon that Saturday. If the party had been held last night why hadn't Takeru cleaned up the mess?

Then he heard a soft groan in the bedroom, whose door was slightly ajar.

Takao closed the door behind him with a soft click. Someone was in the bedroom. "Takeru?" Takao called out.

There was a gasp, then a roar, then shuffling noises.

Takao stood rooted at the door, all the blood drained from his face. He knew what it sounded like. Takeru was not alone.

Suddenly the bedroom door was wrenched open and out came his lover, slightly limping, clad only in his boxers. He had a horrified look on his face. "Baby! I swear, I'm sorry – I didn't mean to… Please, let me explain…"

Takao didn't know what to say so he just stood there, mouth gaping.

Then the other guy came out, an equally attractive fellow who made no issue of buttoning his polo up. He scowled at Takeru.

"How the fuck am I supposed to know – " he started.

Takeru snarled at him. "Get out, bastard!"

The guy sneered. "So it's bastard now, huh? When two minutes ago you kept on moaning my name like a – "

"Shut the fuck up and go, Shiro!"

"Well, I'm sorry, okay? You never told me someone's coming." He suddenly turned to Takao. "Look, here, dude, when I was coming on to him he never told me he has a boyfriend. How am I supposed to know he's off limits? Besides, he's not that drunk – ask him. He could've easily said no – "

"Shiro, you asshole!" Takeru, even with his limp, grabbed the offending man's collar and dragged him towards the door. Takao stepped aside and fell onto the sofa with a plop, not watching as his boyfriend – or soon to be ex-boyfriend – almost hurled Shiro outside. Takeru slammed the door shut.

For a long while Takao sat there, staring at the floor. He laid the plastic of groceries beside him. Likewise Takeru did not immediately come to him. He, too was plastered by the door.

Minutes ticked by in silence. Since both of them were men, they both did not believe in any kind of drama whatsoever.

Takao merely chuckled. "So this – this is all that I get after spending years of my time sharing you with that woman. This is it."

"Takao, it's not – it's not like I meant to do this. That asshole has been seducing me since last night. We had a party here with a few of my co-workers. Some of them even crashed the night. But they left this morning. Except him. He got me to drink some more beer – and then – He – uhhhh –"

"What he said was true. You could've said no. You thought I would be none the wiser since I'm not coming over, didn't you? Well, surprise surprise."

"I'm sorry…" Takeru whispered.

"After all this time…" Takao mumbled, a faraway look in his eyes. After a few more minutes he stretched his legs and stood. "I should go. Here, I brought some stuff. You can probably whip up something. There's wine, too."

"Baby, I'm sorry…" Takeru implored, intending to wrap his arms his arms around Takao.

Takao stepped back, avoiding the contact. In a collected voice he said, "What you did today, I don't know if I can easily forget this. Besides, I've had enough of having to put up with your pretensions. You can fuck up behind your wife's back for all I care."

"Takao… please – Don't waste all our years just because of this!"

Takao had to smile bitterly at that. "Newsflash, Takeru. I wasn't the one who cheated on you. You wasted all our years together."

With a determined stride, Takao walked out of the apartment and out of Takeru's life.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Midorima was watching TV in the Living room of their apartment when he heard Takao's door open and slam shut, almost rattling the hinges. The boy winced, startled. So. Takao was home.

Midorima looked at the clock. Hmmm, it was only around three in the afternoon. Why was Takao here? He was usually non-existent during the weekend. In fact, Midorima could hardly remember when the last time was that he saw his neighbor.

He got up, took his trophy from his room and went over next door. He knocked three times, loudly.

He could hear Takao from the other side banging and throwing things. Midorima tilted his head in confusion, wondering what all the noise was about.

Suddenly the door opened, showing an angry looking Takao, his cheeks burning red, with agitation or fury, or both Midorima couldn't tell.

Takao's expression somewhat softened when he saw the gangly teenager outside. He croaked, "Shin-chan, I – uuhhh – I'm not in a – " He couldn't very well blurt out he was not in the mood for company. That would be too rude. Besides, he and the kid had not seen each other properly in ages.

Midorima looked uncomfortable outside, obviously trying to hide something behind his back. Takao sighed and held out his hand. "What are you hiding there? Is that for me?"

The boy shook his head slowly. "It's – uhh – mine. My – "

Takao moved his fingers. "Show me."

"Here." Gingerly, Midorima passed the small gold trophy onto Takao's hand.

Takao frowned, then looked at the inscription. His eyes widened, and despite the breakup he had just gone through his face lit up in glee. "Man, this is sooo cool! Has your mom seen this?"

Shin-chan shrugged. "She did."

"MVP, huh? Wow! I mean, wow! And you're just a sophomore! You sure did beat up a lot of older kids there!"

Misorima adjusted his glasses with his left hand. "It's not much."

"Kid, what are you saying it's not much!? This calls for a celebration! Come in, I'll order some pizza. I'm afraid my fridge is all empty."

"Are you sure?" Midorima asked. "You're not going anywhere?"

All at once Takao's face clouded with pain, but it disappeared just as easily as it came. He would not dwell on his bastard of an ex today. "Nope. I'm staying right here."

Takao immediately went to his landline phone, to dial the pizza parlor. He carefully put down the trophy on the dining table. Midorima stepped inside, tailing the older guy.

Takao suddenly whipped around, about to ask what flavor Shin-chan wanted. Takao was so shocked to find out he was eye level with Midorima's chin! The inside floor of the apartment was a probably a foot higher than the outside, so Takao did not notice their height difference at once. But now as he stood face to face with the boy, he couldn't believe how Shin-chan had seriously outgrown him.

He gasped as he looked up at Midorima's stormy green eyes. "You're fucking huuuuuge! When did you get so tall? I'm five nine. How tall are you now?"

Midorima shrugged. "I just got measured. Five eleven."

"Five eleven and you're what? Twelve?"

Midorima snorted. "I'm fourteen now."

"Wow, time flies so fast, huh? I can still remember you as the snotty ten year old punk who liked to talk back to his elders and – "

Midorima cleared his throat. "You were ordering pizza, right?"

"Oh, yes, of course!" Takao chirped, almost giggling.

That night they celebrated with some pizza and pasta which Takao loved. Time out from ramen and bento. He was in the mood for something Italian. He was also very inquisitive, demanding that Shin-chan tell him everything about his games.

Takao wagged his eyebrows when the poor kid blushed on the topic of screaming fan girls. "Oooohhh, interesting. I bet a lot of girls shake their pom poms for you, now."

"Shut up," Shin-chan mumbled.

Takao burst out laughing. In between bouts of laughter he said, "Come on, you're a teen ager now. It's only natural. A healthy kid like you shouldn't even be thinking of anything else besides girls."

"Hentai," Midorima snapped, nervously adjusting his glasses.

"What? I'm just saying!" Takao teased. They were both seated under the kotatsu, their legs almost touching under the table.

After a while when their conversation died down, Midorima proceeded to watch TV. Sometime during the show he was watching he turned towards Takao who had gone uncharacteristically quiet. Takao was hugging his knees as he sat on the floor, his head buried in them. Midorima thought he looked so tiny over there, huddled on one corner.

"Takao."

The older man didn't immediately look up. Instead he rubbed his eyes on the sleeve of his jacket, looking like he was drying his tears. Midorima had a horrible suspicion that Takao was crying.

Indeed when Takao turned to the green eyed boy, his own eyes were puffy, red and a bit swollen. "What is it?"

"Are you crying?" Shin-chan asked.

Takao ran a sweaty palm over his face, chuckling. "Naaaah – forgive this old sentimental fool, huh? Just go watch some more TV. Don't mind me here."

An awkward moment of silence passed by them. Midorima had never seen a grown man cry. His dad never did. And come to think of it, his mom never cried in his presence, too. So seeing an adult like Takao with red swollen eyes was a bit disconcerting. "Who made you cry?"

"No one," Takao replied, dropping his head once more to his knees.

Midorima knew he should turn back to the TV and ignore the other man, but found that he couldn't. Repeatedly his green eyes would stray back to Takao's form, almost curved in a ball, his shoulders gently shaking.

"Takao." This time Midorima's voice was a little louder, firmer.

And this time, when Takao raised his head, he did not bother to pretend. Hot tears gushed out of his eyes. His shoulders shook and his voice broke into sobs.

Midorima had never thought his arms could be that long. But he found that they were around Takao in an instant, tucking the older man's head under his chin, his face buried on Shin-chan's broad chest. He had begun to fill out some this past year so Midorima was sure Takao wouldn't complain about his ribs sticking out so much.

At the moment, Takao couldn't care less if he was holding another person or a pillow. He sobbed to his heart's content, his tears soaking the front of Shin-chan's shirt.

Shin-chan did not ask any question, did not make any sound, except ran his big hand over Takao's back in slow gentle sweeps.

Takao was reduced to a sobbing hiccupping mess, and Shin-chan wrapped his arms even tighter around him, loving the fact that he was now bigger than Takao, his arms long enough to envelope him in their tight warm embrace.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

I was only thinking of doing a one shot of this. I swear. My story really just has a simple plot and my narrative is straight to the point. I just wonder how words escape me sometimes. It's three in the morning my time and I'm already burning my laptop away. I promise to finish this story as soon as I wake up tomorrow. Or later.

Hehehehe.

Reviews! Hehehehe…

Also Takao is not a pedo. You'll see. Just follow my story okies? Mwahhh!