bursting at the seams

Kuroki was trying desperately to be good, to listen carefully as he sat in his Father's shadow, ears flicked forward with eyes wide and intent. But there was so much rushing through his mind, all the possibilities, that he had trouble grasping onto the lessons and rules. There was a lot he couldn't do, many places he couldn't go and the impulsive part of him wanted to cast it all aside and do as he pleased. But as he looked up at his Father with awe gleaming in his dark eyes more than anything he wanted Hattori to be proud of him, to soften a little around the edges and just not be so...distant. Perhaps if Kuroki was the best he could be then he'd be soft and kind in the same way his Mama was, open and earnest with nothing hidden or lingering in the shadows. One big happy family.

Till then Kuroki had a lot of work to do and he was ready!!

"Yes Otōsama." He dipped his head, agreeing readily though actually doing it would be far harder than he anticipated. Even now he felt the temptation to push, see how far he could take things.