Ambroise looked at the boy who looked so much like him that Ambroise knew without a doubt, that this boy was his son. The boy must be between 4-6 and has been living here for god knows since when.
He could only remember that one incident when that prostitute had climbed on his bed when he was in a motel for some work. He had used Protection but it had obviously failed as he looked at his small carbon copy.
Ambroise's anger raised as his eyes darkened. Whoever had made his son live in this forest, alone and so skinny, he would skin them alive.
His attention was diverted from his dark thoughts when his son shifted a bit, clinging to him like a Kotty, an animal that always likes to sleep while wrapping its tail around warm things.
He patted the boy's head and closed his eyes, thinking his son will not suffer anymore because his father will give him the best life.
Haru yawned, feeling well-rested for the first time, and hugged his hard bed which now seem more comfortable than ever to realize that it was moving.
His eyes opened instantly and looked down to realize he was laying on his guest's unhurt side and his hands were wrapped tightly around him while Ambroise's warm hands were wrapped securely around him.
Haru blushed with embarrassment. How could he have moved to such a position in sleep?
He let himself slack for a moment before deciding to get up. He still has work. Now that Mr. Ambroise had woken up, he needed to continue with his daily routine. There was only one fish left. Also, the man would need fruits and vegetables to recover his health. He can't delay his work anymore so he reluctantly removed the man's hands around him and stood up.
Before going out to work, he needed to clean the hut so, with a makeshift broom made of long grasses which were attached to a thick branch, he started cleaning the hut.
After finally being satisfied, he cooked the fish for the man and ate fruits to satisfy his hunger.
After being full, he stood up and slowly started walking out of the hut but he was stopped by Ambroise who had woken up and was looking at him curiously.
"Where are you going?" the man asked.
"To the river. I need to catch fish and gather fruits and vegetables," Haru answered truthfully.
Ambroise showed no expression before he started standing up. "I am going with you."
"Eh?" Haru was astonished by Ambroise's demand before quickly refusing him. "No, you can't Mr. Ambroise. You are still hurt and need lots and lots of rest."
Ambroise wasn't deterred by the refusal as he wore his expensive shoes. "I can't let a child walk alone in this dangerous forest. I will protect you and these injuries are not as deep as you think. I will not let you wander unattended in this forest."
Haru looked at the man's determined expression with a hint of concern on his face as he looked down at him.
Just by looking at his face, Haru knew that he wouldn't be able to refuse the man, and ignoring the strange warmth he felt from the man's refusal to let him walk alone, he gave it a last try.
"B-but I can handle it, y'know? I have been able to take care of myself for the last 6 months," he said in a small voice.
He let out a squeak when he was suddenly lifted from the floor, his hands instinctively going around the handsome man's neck for support and sitting comfortably on the man's arm.
Haru was reddened by the sudden change of position. "You have certainly been able to handle to handle it," Ambroise said, his voice gentle and clear with proudness detected in his voice, "I am proud of you but I am here now. You are not alone anymore and didn't I say that I will take care of you in exchange for saving me? Let me repay it."
Haru had never felt so cared for, and neither had someone been so proud of him. Is this how it feels, when there is someone who cares about them and is proud of them? Right now, he felt warm, so warm like a gentle sun on the grass.
Haru nodded, his fist grabbing the man's clothes tightly. "Thank you."
Ambroise let out a gentle smile, his face which had a cold expression turned gentle, his sharp eyes softening as he enjoyed the warm weight of his son, and instinctively, his arms protectively tightened around him.
"Shall we go?" Ambroise asked.
"Then eat your breakfast, first. Then we will go," Ambroise nodded and let down his child, started eating his breakfast, and praised the child while also thinking that he would cook from now on. How can he let his son, who barely seems to be six, around the fire? There could be dangerous consequences to such actions and there's no way he would ever let his son be hurt. His son had suffered plenty already.
Ambroise after eating, let his son lead him around the forest while listening to his small chatter. Praising him when his son accurately shot the apples with rocks and collected them together.
"Just 5 minutes more and we will reach the river. Are you hurting somewhere, Mr. Ambroise?"
Ambroise had forgotten all about pain as he focused only on his child.
"No, I am fine, Haru. This pain is nothing,"
Ambroise reassured. When he was in the military for 4 years fighting on the frontline, he gained many injuries and this injury was nothing compared to theirs.
They reached the river and Haru showed the net made of roots proudly to Ambroise. Ambroise felt proud seeing how clever his child was and now understood why parents always feel that their child is the best in the world.
Ambroise helped Haru catch the fish and because of his strong stature and arms, Ambroise pulled out 8 fish in one go. They put them in a bucket full of water
.
"We need more wood," Haru stared at a giant tree. "It's almost finished."
Ambroise hummed before taking out his sword and standing in front of the tree with a professional stance.
Haru watched confused before his jaw dropped as Ambroise, with an almost inhuman speed slashed the tree beautifully and then jumped up high, he cut a thick trunk into small pieces, which were much more suitable for starting a fire.
"So cool," Haru was in awe at the unexpected performance, enchanted by his guest's handsome face and beautiful and strong slashes.
"You are so cool, Mr. Ambroise!" Haru cried out with joy, looking up at Ambroise with Starry eyes.
Ambroise felt satisfied with his son's awe.
"You can do it too in the future."
Haru stared at him with big eyes. His Violet eyes shone like there were stars in them.
"Really? I can do that?"
"Mm. I will teach you."
Haru was delighted by the proposal and nodded hurriedly.
"Thank you, Mr. Ambroise!"