The days and nights seemed to merge together into a single blur. Toya would wake up, go to work and return him to sleep. Today, he finally had a day off. He decided that he should sleep in. He was really losing himself. He hadn't even made an effort to speak to Nami today. He hated himself for it.
But he had no time... The darkness slowly drew him in as he closed his eyes. Eventually, he was going to disappear. Nami would not remember him for he was a shell of his former self and Sherry was gone... He'd vanish before he'd ever had the chance to appear. Nothing but a small ripple in the oceans of people. Nami was better off without him...
"Hello? Anyone there?" A high pitched voice called. Toya squinted as his eyes adjusted to the light. He awoke to the smiling face of his precious daughter. "Rwarrr! I'm going to eat you!" Nami giggled as she tackled Toya. "Mn... What time is it..?" Toya groaned. "Nami! Leave Toya alone he's sleeping!" Akito whispered-yelled.
"But I want daddy to play with us! I miss you." Nami sighed. Toya got up, and hugged his daughter, "What? Is that monster trying to hurt you? I'll protect you by swiftly kicking him out." He spoke. "So mean..." Akito sighed.
"No silly! I'm the monster! I'm here to eat you! Nom nom nom!" Nami said as she pretended to bite into Toya's shoulder. "Aww you! Come here!" Toya chuckled as he ruffled with her hair. While he was "looking forward" to a day full of misery, his daughter's smile was contagious. He couldn't help but to play along.
He was glad. He didn't know when he'd see Nami smile again... Nami turned as she giggled. Her smile faded. "Aki..? Where are you going?" She called out, causing Akito, who was turned the other way prepared to quietly slip away, to stiffen up.
"Aki..?" Toya was unamused by the nickname. Akito did not turn around, nor did he respond. Nami tilted her small head. "Akito?" Toya finally spoke. He was not into this ignoring his daughter act he was carrying out.
"Ah, sorry..!" Akito responded, still facing the other direction, "I just realized I haven't started breakfast! I oughta get to it." He said quickly before rushing out of Toya's room. Toya and Nami exchanged confused looks. "What's up with him?" Toya asked annoyed. "I think he's just hungry." Nami said. "Yeah, maybe so..."
"Hey, does Aki not like eating in front of others?" Nami asked curiously. Toya furrowed his brow. "Why do you ask dear?" Nami readjusted herself. "I've never seen him eat before, even when I do he just says he isn't hungry. But if that's the case, then when does he eat if he'd always watching me? I always thought he did in secret." Nami said as she pressed her finger up to her mouth as if to say "shh!"
Toya was taken aback. For some reason his mind recalled the agonizing expression Akito had made the other day. He stood up, Nami turned to see him, "I'm going to the kitchen, okay? You stay in here in daddy's bed." Toya smiled. Nami frowned. "Why can't I go with you?" Toya ran his fingers through his daughter's hair. "I need to talk to Akito, it won't take long, promise."
Toya walked out and shut the door. He was agitated. Since when was it his job to worry about this random stranger who refused to leave his house? It pissed him off. He was already going through a lot so why did he have to take of someone else? The part that really bothered him, though, was the fact that he cared. That he couldn't help but feel anxious about it.
He wanted to give up on hope, so feeling this way made it an obligation that he couldn't look past. He walked over to Akito who was cooking. "Oh hey-" Akito was cut off by Toya holding his shoulder. His aura was intense. "What is it..? You're scaring me? Have I finally crossed the line or something..? Gonna kick me out?" Akito chuckled nervously.
"Why the hell aren't you eating?" Toya cut straight through to the issue. Akito blinked. His cheeks warmed up slightly. "Oh, you're worried about me? Who knew your concern could be so terrifying." Akito teased. Toya crossed his arms. "Very funny. You're making Nami worry, I couldn't care less." Toya lied, knowing that Nami thought Akito was eating in secret like some sort of ninja.
Akito frowned, "Oh... Please tell I'm sorry. I never meant to worry her." Toya's eyes widened slightly. He sighed. "If you're not eating then how will you have energy to cook or clean? I can't have you slacking." Akito gasped. "So you are concerned." "And so what if I am? Anyone would be. You're a person after all."
"...You'd be surprised." Akito turned back to the food he was cooking. Toya was a little curious. What did he mean by that..? "Do you not like your own cooking or something?" Toya spoke defeatedly. "Hmm... I don't really know myself. It's just..." Akito looked to the side, "I guess when I think about eating in such a warm atmosphere like this, I feel sick. Like I don't want to risk-" Akito cleared his throat, "I'll try to eat more. It hasn't been that long so you shouldn't worry anymore." Akito smiled.
Toya clenched his fist. Before he could even think he hugged Akito. He could feel it. He could understand where Akito was coming from. And he hated it. "Toya..?" Akito's green eyes widened. "Just shut up..." Toya frowned. Akito's eyes softened as he leaned into the embrace, "Sorry..." He spoke with a smile.
"Don't worry me like that again." Toya sighed as he let go of Akito. Akito tilted his head, "Does this mean that you consider me as your friend now?" Toya was slightly surprised. He thought for a moment before responding, "I suppose so..." He didn't realize that he allowed himself to get so close as to call Akito a friend. But it was true, though he hated to admit it.
