Hello readers, just letting you know I'm out of my element on this one because I wanted to write something mellow –little or no angst- which is not my style. This fic is an experiment and please let me know what you guys think! Thanks^^

Thirty years old Dr. Asami Ryuichi, a cardiothoracic surgeon, came home from work at the local general hospital at 11 pm Tuesday night, expecting to see his wife of two years, Asami Rina and his one year old daughter, Asami Toya asleep.

It was extremely late, he had to pull a double shift because of a particularly complicated chest surgery and now he came home tired and in need of some rest. He had called Rina fifteen minutes ago to let her know he would be home soon. After taking off his shoes, he made his way upstairs to his bedroom and turned on the lights…there was nobody in the bed. After putting his briefcase on the chair by the bed, he looked around to make sure she wasn't there, then he made his way towards his daughter's room, where he figured Rina would be. When he opened the door, Toya was asleep in her crib, but still no sign of Rina.

Frowning, Asami closed the door softly before heading back to his room. Sitting on the bed, he took out his cell phone and dialed his wife's number.

She answered after the fifth ring.

"Where are you?" the golden eyed man asked sharply.

"I'm down by Ryu's house…"

"In the middle of the night, and you left Toya alone in her crib?"

"I'm sorry, I left just a few minutes ago because I knew you would be home soon!"

"What if something had happened and nobody was here?" Asami rubbed the bridge of his nose in irritation. He was certain Rina was trying to give him a heart attack with her flippant ways and too easy attitude.

Knowing that if he was to say anymore it would be a string of curses, Asami instructed her to get her ass back home now. She must have taken him for a fool, he knew what she's really been up to and she didn't need to hide it, it's not like he cared that she was with her lover.

"I'm a little busy…" came the hesitant reply.

Asami immediately cut the call off before throwing his phone on the bed. His entire body ached from the extra hours spent at work and when he suddenly heard little Toya's crying voice, he sighed before getting up to make her a bottle.

He needed a damn baby sitter…and he needed to get rid of Rina. They might have been married and living together, but the woman was more like a friend and Asami didn't mind, but this has got to stop.

When he met his now wife two years ago, she was a woman he had a one night stand with. Unfortunately, due to a burst condom she ended up pregnant, and he decided to take her in for both her sake, because of her very traditional family who held firmly to their traditional values, and their unborn child's. He believed in good family structure, and that a child should have both parents and a good family life if possible. But Rina didn't see things like he did, and she still acts like she did before they got married and had a kid. Besides, they were never really two people in love; they just tolerated each other because of circumstances.

But when it came to their child, she wasn't even trying very hard to be a good mother.

After quickly changing out of his three piece suit, he slipped on a t-shirt, one that outlined his muscles and a pair of slacks. He then went to Toya's room and looked down at her while approaching her crib. Seeing him, she turned watering golden eyes in his direction and calmed down to a few hiccups.

"Dada."

Using both hands, he put her on his shoulder and hushed her before heading down to the kitchen. He could tell she was sucking her thumb because she wasn't crying anymore and other than being fed, that's the only thing able to calm her.

After preparing the formula, he took his baby back to his room and propped her up on a pile of pillows before lying beside her and feeding her. He loved how she would bring both her legs up while trying to grip the bottle she had in her mouth. The only sound in the too quiet room was the soft sound of her sucking while she drank.

Feeling the sleep threaten to overcome him, Asami sat up straight and put little Toya in his lap while feeding her, he had to put her to bed before himself in fear she might roll of the bed and fall to the floor.

It took twenty minutes for the both of them to fall asleep, and Asami had one hand wrapped firmly around his little girl, if she tried to roll away he'd know.

******AxA*****

Rina entered her home close to the morning, knowing that she was in big trouble. It wasn't that she didn't love her family, but she didn't share the same family values her husband did and she was never prepared for a child, neither was she prepared for marriage. She was just 23 when everything happened, now at 25 she thought her outlook would change; that with time she would see the light. Unfortunately nothing did.

Walking up to her room, she smiled at the sight that greeted her. Her little girl was sound asleep on her father's stomach while the man had both arms resting on her back. They looked so beautiful in their peaceful slumber while light from the barely peeking sun on the horizon shined in through the window to slightly illuminate the room.

She moved as quietly as possible to the other side of the room, feeling her knee length white pleated skirt swaying with the motion. She did not notice that her husband's eyes were wide open.

Rina held back a gasp of surprise when she caught movement out of her peripheral vision, but when she turned around she realized her husband was silently carrying Toya to her room. She knew what would come next.

Asami returned to the bedroom in an irritated state. He looked at the woman sitting on the bed with her brown eyes looking straight ahead, but didn't say anything. He just ignored her and went back to bed, no need for useless arguments, he was tired of it. To be honest, he'd been contemplating asking her to leave for a while now.

"I'm sorry I left so suddenly…" she started. She turned around and looked at him lying there. "I'm getting a job as a coordinator down at the local tv station, I start next week…"

"So who's going to watch Toya when you're not here?" Asami asked without looking at her.

Rina took a while to answer, she really didn't think that far ahead yet. Her right hand traced the soft fabric of the bedspread lightly while she watched said hand in a bid to avert her husband's gaze.

"I'll hire a babysitter, I'm sure you'll be too busy to care what happens to our daughter once you start working," Asami answered spitefully.

Rina sighed wearily before turning her back to her husband. "You make it sound as if I don't love my daughter…"

Asami glared at the woman's back. "I'm surprised you could say that with a straight face."

Rina whipped her head around and glared back, but then her eyes softened; her husband was so passionate about his baby girl, he gave up on herself some time ago. "Sorry, I've never been cut out for family life. I do love you both, just…"

"I don't see where you're trying hard enough," Asami answered. "Besides, don't you think it's time you stop pretending and just go with him? It's not like there's anything here for you anyway."

"I have you and Toya here, don't pretend to know what my family means to me." Her voice was low and accusing.

Asami sighed. "I'm tired of the arguments and negligence, if you go and do what makes you comfortable, it'll be much better for us both in the end. When you're able to get your priorities straight, we'll talk."

"But I…" Rina started with tears in her eyes before she was cut off.

"You're not working right now, and when I get home late you're never in. You leave Toya alone all the time, something I tell you can land you in prison and you don't care. You'd rather stay out than stay with our daughter and to be honest, I'm tired of giving you second chances. You won't even cook a decent meal unless I ask you to. Just do what you feel to do, when you grow up you can return," Asami finished firmly.

"Is that how you really feel?" Rina asked, knowing that deep within herself her husband was right. Maybe some time away would do her good. It's not like she wasn't trying but she was so overwhelmed by it all; marriage, children, domestication, family life. It just wasn't her. A lot of the times when Ryuichi made decisions, she couldn't see the sense in them and that led to arguments. Their outlooks were just too different, like oil and water trying to mix.

Besides, it was her husband's decision, right?

"You feel constricted, just go for now, you can come back and visit Toya if you like." Asami extracted a cigarette and lit one up. He still felt a little drowsy.

Rina smiled half heartedly. She knew she shouldn't have felt like a weight had lifted from her shoulders when he suggested time apart, but she couldn't help it, she felt relieved. "Thank you, I'll spend a week at that hotel downtown, then I'll come back to visit."

Asami waved her off lightly. "Do what you want, I'm in the business of saving people's lives, not holding anybody hostage."

Rina smiled. She changed and went to bed happy, this is why she loved this man so much…like an amazing big brother, because as much as he didn't approve of her ways, he understood her and tried to work with her despite everything. Her heart had belonged to another long before she met her husband, but because of that single night of infidelity she ended up Asami's wife. She could see where he wanted to make it work, but when he realized her heart wasn't with him he told her to do what made her feel comfortable, and thus she went back to the man she was seeing before without her family's knowledge. All Asami asked of her was for her to be there for their daughter. She tried, she really did, but she just didn't belong in this house. Even with such a good man that gave her everything she wanted and a child she loved, she still felt trapped.

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "You're a good man, Asami Ryuichi."

The older man only 'hned' in response before going back to bed. Right now, his main priority was his little girl and what was best for her, and until Rina's willing to change, she would only be a hindrance.

******AxA*****

Takato glared at the newspaper he held before him while sitting on Akihito's couch, checking the classifieds for anything interesting.

"I know you need a part time job to help with your tuition for College Akihito, but all I see here is listing for Masseuses!"

Akihito chewed on the chocolate pocky in his mouth and looked in Takato's direction. He was pouring them both a glass of orange juice. He pouted. "There's been nothing good for the past few days…"

After handing his friend his glass, he sat down beside him and started drinking.

"How about that job down at the ramen shop on East Street?" Takato asked after a moment.

"Not flexible enough," Akihito answered. "And I'll need to be able to have time to study, even if it's an hour."

Takato nodded. His friend was nineteen and decided he wanted to further his education instead of getting an entry level job. He couldn't blame him though, he had an entry level job before and he could barely pay the rent for his 1DK apartment plus look after himself.

There was a knock, then Kou entered with a smile on his face. "Good evening guys!"

"Hi Kou," Takato greeted and Akihito mirrored his sentiments.

"What are doing here this time of day?" Akihito asked curiously. "I thought you were going to the hospital to visit your sister?"

Kou took a seat across from them on the floor and asked, "I did. Still looking for a job Aki?"

Akihito sighed heavily. "Yeah, still no luck yet though."

"I think I might be able to find you a good paying one!" Kou beamed.

"I'm all ears," Akihito answered eagerly and he listened keenly to what Kou had to say.

"So…" Kou started, looking enthusiastically between both Takato and Akihito. "I over heard my sister, the intern, saying that one of her bosses, the hot, sexy one needs a baby sitter!"

"A baby sitter…" Akihito deadpanned. He shared a similar look with Takato.

"Yeah!" Kou continued happily. "She said he's willing to pay four thousand yen per hour!"

Kou's eyes were sparkling and Akihito had to wonder if this was for real, normally babysitters didn't get paid so much. "Four thousand per hour…?"

"Sounds suspicious to me, Aki," Takato pointed out.

Kou blinked at the serious look on both his friends faces. "Why do you two have that look on your face? He's a famous Doctor! Asami Ryuichi, cardiothoracic surgeon, thirty years old and hot as hell...so says my sis."

Both Akihito and Takato snickered at Kou's ending statement.

Kou then raised an eyebrow in question. "Why are two laughing at me?"

"Nothing," Akihito chuckled. "So, are you sure your sister heard right?"

Kou nodded. "Yes! She said if it was long term she'd leave her job just to be in his house, but he's married and my sis isn't stupid enough to do that."

Kou folded his arms across his chest with a small frown on his face and the other two laughed again. Their friend was so protective of his big sister.

"Ok, I'll inquire about it tomorrow. What's the name of that Doctor again?" Akihito asked. He grabbed a pen and a piece of paper from close by and wrote down the name Kou repeated.

"Dr. Asami Ryuichi."

Takato felt bored. "Let's play some game. Aki's got the new Final Fantasy Versus thirteen on the Playstation 3."

"Really?" Kou asked excitedly, looking to Akihito who only nodded at him with a smile. He's wanted to play that game for a while. They all liked Noctis Lucis Caelum, the lead, for various reasons:

He's hot.

He's a badass.

He's so cute~

The three made their way to Akihito's bedroom, where the game station was and they had a blast playing the RPG game.

Later on in the night, when his friends were gone, Akihito thought about the baby sitting job Kou told him about. It sounded too good to be true, but he would need it if it was legit and all he'd have to do was to find out. He'd visit the guy at the hospital tomorrow and if he seemed genuine, he'd definitely take the job. It's not like he hadn't baby sit before anyways.

******AxA*****

Akihito stopped by the hospital the next day during the afternoon and when he asked to see the man called Dr. Asami Ryuichi, he was told said man was in surgery and would not be out for the next two hours. Not having anything to really do, he decided to go to the coffee shop down the street and wait.

After thanking the receptionist, he left, heading to where he knew great coffee awaited. This small shop was famous in Tokyo for its variety and quality coffee. And it was affordable.

The shop was small, but had a homey atmosphere with polished wooden furnishings, antique Chinese and Japanese decorations and traditional aromatics that left him feeling a little less apprehensive than he was earlier. He honestly wondered what the hell he was doing…babysitting again, after he swore off that line of work because of what happened the last time. But the pay, if it was for real, would help him greatly in his tuition after the summer holidays. After placing his order, he took a seat in a chair near the window and waited.

Akihito slowly sipped his Vienna Coffee and watched the passersby outside one of the many huge glass windows lining the wall. The wooden chair was comfortable and he had both hands wrapped around his eight ounce insulated cup. He realized after a half hour that the traffic was increasing and the tables were all slowly being occupied by other patrons, it must have been rush hour for the small shop. Placing his hand under his chin, he kept his gaze on the outside, periodically sipping his cup and watching the time.

"Is this seat taken?"

Akihito looked up at the sound of the strange voice. He realized that the man, who wore a dark suit with short black hair and yellow eyes on a very handsome face, was looking at him expectantly. Looking around he realized the shop was almost full to capacity and he did in fact have the only empty seat left at his table.

"No, it's not, you can sit."

"Sorry to intrude," the man apologized before pulling the chair back and taking a seat.

Akihito chuckled in the negative.

They both sat silently, sipping their coffee and minding their own business.

At least, Akihito was minding his own business until he realized the man seemed extremely tired, like he was about to pass out at the table. Those golden eyes drooped slightly, and the man's head tilted to the side in a way that said he needed a bed asap.

"Are you alright?" The blonde asked with concern in his voice.

"Sorry, too much double shifts and a young daughter that seems to think sleeping is evil," the man sighed.

Akihito smiled at the last comment. "Sounds tough."

The man sipped his coffee before answering. "It is, but somebody's got to do it."

"True," Akihito conceded lightly. He wanted to ask about the mother but felt it was too personal a question from a random stranger. He remembered about his inquiry into a babysitting job and was tempted to offer his services to this man, but to be honest he doubted this man would pay the rate he heard about and he didn't want to come off as eager and too willing to help, he needed to be able to look after himself in the process after all. He watched the man finish the rest of his coffee in two large gulps, watching his Adam's apple as it bobbed at the motion. That neck was pale, smooth, sexy and strong, just like the rest of the man as far as he could see.

The man then stood. "Sorry, I have to go. By the way I'm…"

Akihito waited expectantly for the man's name, but it never came as a loud beeping noise interrupted the man's introduction. He watched as those golden eyes looked down at the pager clipped to the side of the man's belt, then in a flurry of movements the man was gone, not even a proper goodbye.

******AxA*****

*Paging Dr. Asami Ryuichi, please report to foyer number 1*

Asami crushed the paper coffee cup he had in his hand and grimaced at the awful after taste. He stood in the ICU hallway by the coffee machine, having just returned from the room of a patient he just finished performing surgery on for the past two and a half hours. Luckily the man kept stabilizing; there was a strong chance he might not have survived.

Other than the ten minutes coffee break he was awarded in the middle of the surgery, where he went to his favorite coffee shop just for that special blend of 'pick me up' that was his favorite beverage, he didn't get a break. This was his second cup of coffee in twenty minutes and it couldn't compare to the one he had at the coffee shop earlier, nor could he get over his curiosity of the blonde he had such a small talk with. If he was to admit it to himself, he liked that smile and there was just something about the teen that attracted him. It's been a while since he's taken such an interest in anybody, and he wondered why it was happening now. But the good thing was, he doubt he'd ever see that kid again, it's more than likely one of those once in a lifetime meetings or something.

The fatigue was getting to Asami, initiating his sudden coffee binge. One night by himself with Toya and he was already feeling the after effects; he needed a baby sitter right this instant and so far, using word of mouth was getting him nowhere. Maybe he'd need to place an article in the classifieds?

His normally slicked back black hair was now falling over his eyes and he looked to the side to see two young female interns whispering and giggling while watching him. Sighing, he put his hands inside the side pockets of his white overcoat before heading off. He needed to see what the problem down in the foyer was.

******AxA*****

Akihito waited nervously for the Doctor to arrive. He didn't know what to expect. Was this man somebody he could trust to be alone with? He was way past nervous because the last job he did babysitting a year ago, he had to leave because the wife accused him of cheating with her husband. Suffice to say, it was the husband that kept advancing on him but he never spared the man the time of day. The woman never believed him and even threatened him, then he left that job and never looked back.

That's why he was wary of another babysitting job. But he hoped for the best because the pay was too good to pass up. All he would do is stay clear of the husband if the wife is in fact around and hope for the best. That is, assuming he even got the job. He kept imagining himself babysitting for the man he met at the coffee shop though; he seemed in genuine need of help and he was insanely handsome. Those golden eyes, even when clouded with fatigue, were sharp and mesmerizing.

The thing was, Akihito had only ever had a boyfriend once before and it only lasted two months before he found out the guy was cheating on him with a girl. As a matter of fact, he was the experiment because the guy was suddenly bisexual, but had more feelings for his girlfriend than he did for him. So he ended it and focused on his studies, wanting to make something of himself before he tackled the complexity that was a relationship; a broken heart and exams could not mix.

Sitting there and waiting for the Doctor to show up, he rubbed his hands nervously on his pants legs. He made an audible exhale of breath and glanced at the receptionist once again, a petite woman with shoulder length black hair and a pair of reading glasses on her face. She kept typing on the computer, but would periodically stop to answer inquiries and give directions. He could only see the top of the bright red blouse she wore and thought to himself how much it matched her lipstick. He snapped out of his mode of distraction when a man wearing a white overcoat with a stethoscope around his neck stood with his back to him while talking to her. He straightened in the chair as he realized that must have been who he was waiting for.

The woman pointed in his general direction, and when the man turned around to look at him, he was surprised to see once again those golden eyes he thought would be gone forever. A smile reflexively formed on his lips as he stood, watching the man walk over to him with a small smile of his own.

"Hi once again, I'm Dr. Asami Ryuichi."

The man held out his hand before bowing curtly and Akihito shook it easily. They were so soft.

"Nice to meet you once again, I'm Takaba Akihito," the blonde smiled.

Asami held out a hand, indicating for him to sit and Akihito did just that, watching as the older man took a seat beside him.

"So, what can I do for you?" Asami asked lightly while adjusting his coat so he could sit comfortably.

Akihito cleared his throat and turned his body slightly so he could focus properly on the man. "I heard you needed a baby sitter…"

Asami chuckled. "Obviously, you already know my plight."

"I do," Akihito smiled. "By the way, was the rate I heard about truly the offered amount?"

"How much did you hear?" Asami asked curiously.

"Four thousand yen per hour," Akihito answered a little skeptically.

Asami nodded. "That is in fact my rate."

Akihito smiled widely. "Great! Then I hope I get hired, I could easily pay my tuition with that."

Asami smiled, the young man before him wanted to further his education, he respected that. But then his face became serious. "But do you have any experience with children?"

Akihito nodded. "Yes, I spent two years working as a babysitter in my neighborhood. I also made a list of all the people I've worked for, for reference."

Asami nodded while taking the offered sheet of paper. At a glance he realized there were five names on it with the telephone numbers under each, one of which belonged to Takaba himself. He folded the list and put it in his breast pocket before looking back into those confident hazel eyes.

"What's the age of the youngest child you've ever worked with?"

"Eight months," Akihito answered.

"Good," Asami acknowledged. Toya was only one year old and it didn't make any sense hiring someone who had no experience with young babies. "Thank you, I'll call you later tonight and let you know my decision."

*Paging Dr. Asami Ryuichi, please report to ward 5*

"Excuse me, I have to go."

Akihito nodded, then watched as the man walked away with a bow. He watched Asami until his physique disappeared around a corner. When he looked ahead he realized that the receptionist was leaned over the counter, sighing dreamily at the Doctor also. When their eyes met she quickly composed herself and got back into professional mode while typing at the computer. He chuckled.

Akihito had a good feeling about this one and he pushed both hands in his pants pocket before walking out to head back home. Tomorrow he'll know for sure what is fate was.

/tbc

So like it, hate it? Let me know and thanks for reading :)