Near sat at a very long, long table, inspecting the meal in front of him. His white, freshly washed hair was combed, and he was dressed in a simple white, long sleeved shirt and new pants. He missed his normal cloths. They gave him more room to move in. But Mikami thought that it was better if Near didn’t were pajamas to his welcome home bash.
“It will start at 10:00 and end at 2:30.” He heard Mikami, who was now his legal father, tell one of the many servants.
“It’s only been a couple of days.” Mikami beamed as he sat next to Near, taking his fork in his hands. “But, you’ve become quiet adapted to the house already.” He gazed at Near chewing his mouthful of egg. “Are you O.K.? I know the last three days have been a little weird for you, and you’ve been very patient with me.” He rested his hand on the small white one hoping he was making sense to the boy.
“I know what’s to be expected from the average father.”, Near lied. Oh, he understood Mikami’s busy schedule with the moving and the adoption and all. But it’s not like he understood what the man did for a living or anything.
Mikami’s looked like he was taken back. “I don’t want to be the average father. I want…” He didn’t finish. He just removed his hand and resumed eating.
They ate in silence for a while. Mikami read the paper, occasionally leaving to give orders to the maids or answer the phone. Near felt bad. He really didn’t know how to react to the man’s kindness. He wasn’t ungrateful it was that block of never having a family is all.
“Alright. The guest will be arriving tonight. I’ve got to go out for something, do you want to come?”
Near hadn’t noticed his fathers return. “Ummm….” Was all he said before he was pulled up and out of his seat.
“Come on. I want you to come. Your always are pent up some were. I want you to come outside with me to the store.”
Near didn’t argue and followed Mikami out to the silver Nisan. He blinked at the morning sun, not accustomed to going into the elements.
“Sit in the front. Your not a child ya’ know.”
Near took the passenger seat and secured his belt around his slender waist. He then waited till the engine roared before he put on a pair of sunglasses and opened his window.
Passersby looked up from their work at the sound of the hysterical laughter that ensued from the pair of handsome young men driving down the road. The music from the radio blared, but all new that whatever the joke was it came from the pale youth that sat in total opposite from the man in black.
The boy who was usually so reserved was now gesturing and commenting boisterously over the boom of assorted music the other male had played for their entertainment. He seemed to be telling a fantastic tale that sent the darker man into fits of unstoppable hilarity. The man’s long hair was tossed about as he reared his head back to reveal a slightly flushed, sun kissed face, clearly telling all he couldn’t be happier.
When the car stopped at a light a neighbor peered in to smile at the scene. “Who’s your youthful companion?” He inquired. He knew the gentleman down the street well enough to know the man was single. “Someone from work?”
“Huh? Oh! I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you clearly.” Mikami turned the noise down and patted Near’s head. Then he turned his shining eyes back to the man. “What’d you say?”
“I said who’s this?” The man repeated pointing in Near’s direction.
“I’m Ne- um- Nathan. Mikami was kind enough to take me in after he found me ill in the infermery.” Near sifted over to politely shake the hand held out to him.
“Adopted?” the man was already becoming tiresome for Near. The light had changed and he wanted to continue telling his adventure to his companion.
“Yes.” Mikami interjected for him. “I couldn’t turn him out. He’s recovering getting ready for more treatment soon. And I’ve wanted someone to take care of.” He looked at Near for a moment then back to the road. Demonstrating he wanted to go.
“Handsome little devil.” The man said. “You won’t have a hard time getting him married off will you?”
“I’m leaving that up to him.” The reply was given with more than a little sigh. The light had gone red again and Mikami looked miserably at the street.
Before the man could say any more Near pretended to ‘accidentally’ press the window button. They rolled up and the driver took the opportunity to just drive through the red light. Leaving the nosy man to just scratch his head and continue his yard work.
"Well. That takes care of that problem." Mikami sighed smiling at Near.
"Did I say it all right?" Near fiddled with the hem of his white shirt. Mikami was not sure when the boy had untucked it.
"Yes, Near." He ruffled the curly tussles. "You are doing and will always do, just fine." They turned into the store parking lot and climbed out to buy, their stuff.
