Surprises
Shinki frowned as Norio began to cry. His green eyes narrowed at his mother as he watched her place Norio on a small blanket on the floor as he cried before walking out the door. He knew his mother had work she had to go to, but she could have at least made sure their father was awake or given Norio to him before leaving.
“It’s ok Norio, big brother is here. I’ll take care of you.”
Shinki froze when he noticed Norio roll himself over. He let out a small laugh as he walked over to his brother.
He slowly kneeled down beside him, “Now since when did you learn how to do that?”
Shinki gently ruffled the boy’s growing hair, only to freeze again at the small laugh that escaped the baby. He blinked down at his baby brother, he was giggling and smiling at him. Shinki gently lifted Norio into his arms, holding him close. He decided then and there that he wanted to see his little brother’s smile all the time, and he wanted to keep hearing his laugh. His heart swelled with warmth when he felt Norio’s tiny hands grip his shirt followed by the baby rubbing his face into his shoulder. He couldn’t help the bright smile on his face as he sat back against the couch to enjoy holding his baby brother.
“Shinki, why didn’t you come wake me after your mother left?”
Shinki blinked as he looked up at his father’s blue glare, “Sorry father, I was going to after I got Norio to stop crying, but then he rolled himself over and hugged me. I guess I lost track of time.”
Noriyuki nodded, “Be more mindful Shinki, Norio needs to be feed often, as do you.”
Shinki’s hold on Norio tightened lightly as he nodded, “Of course.”
He watched their father make his way to the kitchen. Once he was out of site, Shinki gently placed Norio back onto his floor blanket.
“Ok Norio, what more are you hiding, huh little brother?”
He eyed the small baby watching as he rolled back onto his stomach. Shinki tilted his head curiously as he watched Norio slowly pull himself toward him. His smile returned as his baby brother slowly crawled towards him. He waited excitedly with his arms ready to pick up Norio once he reach him.
“Crawling, how long could you do this? Did you learn just to surprise me little brother?”
Norio giggled as Shinki lifted him into his arms. He listened to the gurgling sounds his baby brother was making before holding him close again.
“Shinki, put Norio down and help me set the table.”
Shinki frowned as he gently placed Norio down onto his blanket, “Coming father, Norio be a good little brother and wait for me, ok?”
He quickly made his way into the kitchen, the sooner he did as he was asked, the faster he could get back to his baby brother.