Archive of Our Own ^beta

With a twitch of his ears, Mikaela predicted the collision minutes before it happened. Just like how his ears adapted to recognize sounds that were unequivocally Yuu, he learned quickly to recognize their son. The melody of socked feet alternated from a gentle pitter patter indicating that he was rushing around the corner to slinking, like he was sliding across it. At least from his perspective this was peak stealth and Mikaela was more than willing to play along. He didn’t need to open his eyes to realize Yuuichiro was ignorant to what was approaching. He could feel the consistent pattern of breathing against his chest. Whether in the middle of the night, when the others slept or calm mornings like this one, Mikaela often hyper focused on his surroundings. He found immense enjoyment in Yuuichiro’s sleeping habits. For one, Mikaela would stop his breathing entirely, turning into a glorified throw pillow, and just let Yuuichiro's body be the only thing he could feel. Soaking in miniscule movements like his chest expanding to rhythmically push against Mikaela; or watch his eyes flitter back and forth behind closed lids as he dreamed, fingers unconsciously twitching on whatever was closest. Mikaela could feel a dream coming as the hypnotic motif would be disrupted by a deep inhale as if Yuuichiro was holding his breath. On the occurrences where Mikaela fell asleep atop of Yuuichiro’s chest his ears would pick up on his partner’s heartbeat spike before that. It was music to Mikaela’s ears, a bittersweet reminder of what it meant to be human.

The steps had frozen directly outside the door. There was a little ‘oomph’ paired as the handle jiggled for a split second followed by a gasp. Mikaela could practically see their son clapping his palms over his mouth, trying to erase his presence. He forced his mouth to go taut and buried his face further into Yuuichiro’s hair to hide his smile indicating he was awake as the gentle squeak of the door hinge sung. Their son inched the obnoxious door wider, until there was a pause. Mikaela thought their son had completed the more challenging part of his mission, but the loud creak as the door swung open completely, its handle knocking into the wall stated otherwise. Yuuichiro was finally starting to rouse and he stretched momentarily, Mikaela still locked in his arms. He hummed loudly and their son now near the foot of the bed caught his breath.

Ren. Four years old and already the light of Mikaela’s life, a little sunshine that complimented the metaphorical sun he saw in Yuuichiro. As much as Mikaela wanted to see Ren’s smile, he bit his cheeks and nuzzled into his partner further, resisting the urge to snatch up the little boy from where he stood feet away. A stirring Yuuichiro didn’t seem opposed to the gesture as he readjusted his grip around Mikaela’s torso. Head resting near Mikaela’s chest and thanks to his oversized shirt Yuuichiro began to pepper slow kisses across Mikaela’s exposed sternum. Unseen by either party, Ren’s hands reached the top of the bed, little fingers trying and failing to secure a hold on the fabric. There were little hops accompanied by tiny grunts as Ren's legs failed to breach the threshold to the bed. Clearly unaware of how his scuffle with the comforter had finally alerted Yuuichiro to his presence, he continued the tossle. With Mikaela facing their son he refused to open his eyes, unlike the shielded Yuuichiro that had that liberty. Yuuichiro paused his peppering to slightly turn his head upward only to get a better glimpse at Mikaela’s collarbones instead of the face he wanted to see. “It’s too early. I’m not ready.” Yuuichiro caught onto what he couldn’t see and made sure to whisper at a volume only Mikaela could hear.

Mikaela didn’t give a response, only moved a hand to fiddle with the ponytail on his nape as he placed a discreet kiss to the crown of Yuuichiro’s head. Ren, unaware of how his targets were both preparing for his assault, was currently climbing up Mikaela’s reading chair parallel to the bed. Both Yuuichiro and Mikaela recognized the clambering and were now both fighting the urge to snatch him off as Ren tried to balance on the top of his new vantage point with unsteady feet. Worse comes to worse, the two would have another excuse to coddle their baby and Yuuichiro was always looking for an excuse to flaunt his first aid skills the military taught him. During these tangents Ren would feign disinterest, but all three of them knew otherwise.

The roar must have been Ren giving them the mercy of a warning as he leaped towards his parents. Mikaela had ample time to roll away if he wanted, letting Yuuichiro bear the brunt of the weight, but decided against it. Ren was agile enough to scale the perilous chair, but not enough to land properly. Instead of landing like a cat over his parents and then collapsing, Ren’s belly-flop made all three people wheeze heavily. “Wake up, wake up, wake up!” Ren repeated the phrase as he wiggled around on top of his parents. 

Finally given permission Mikaela relished in being able to look at Ren; contrasting Yuuichiro who buried his head further into his chest, whining out just as childishly, “No, leave, we’re still sleeping.” Yuuichiro exaggerated the sentiment by pretending to snore.

“Papa,” Ren dragged the name out until Yuuichiro peeked out from his comfort, “You said today’s the day. I want to meet Uncle-Ashera! Today!” He added the last note to ensure his message wasn’t ignored. The boy was sitting on Yuuichiro's hip bone, arms crossed as he pouted. 

Yuuichiro would have preferred to keep a hold on Mikaela, but let him roll onto his back. Before Ren took the opportunity to claim Yuuichiro’s snuggling spot on Mikaela’s chest he snagged their son by the shoulders with the same vice. Smothering his head as little limbs flail over Yuuichiro’s torso he muttered, “And you will. Just one step at a time, breakfast first.” The struggle stopped at once and those limbs changed to constrict around that same torso in an enthusiastic hug. Mikaela chucked when he heard the muffled ‘Yes’ Ren spoke into Yuuichiro’s chest. Yuuichiro tossed a smirk at Mikaela as he dragged his fingers through their son’s hair - it would need to be rebraided later, the remnants of yesterday’s updo barely present. “You jealous?”

Mikaela rolled his eyes. Ren released Yuuichiro much easier than he wanted when Mikaela probed him with a gentle tug. As Ren cuddled into much more snug into Mikaela’s embrace he raised a brow, “I think the real question is, are you jealous?” 

Clearly flustered, Yuuichiro let out a ‘tsk’. “No. Sharing is caring.” Mikaela gave a close mouthed smile with this jab, the tips of his fangs peaking out. He rolled onto his side, Ren in tow, before Yuuichiro could make a continuation of his retort. “Rude.” Yuuichiro opted for instead of cursing as he stretched to a sitting position. Looking over his shoulder he saw how Mikaela was whispering sweet nothings paired with pet names that were lulling the little boy back to sleep. Little hands peeked out over Mikaela’s side. “Oi, hypocrite, you’re gonna keep Uncle-Ashera waiting.” Yuuichiro spoke to the room as a whole while he wrestled with changing his clothes. Or he would have if Mikaela didn’t yank him back down.

 “Talk about not having thick skin.”

Yuuichiro at the will of Mikaela’s strength collapsed and recollected himself in time to see Mikaela release one arm from around Ren in a silent question. Yuuichiro could have been petty, but the desire for another hug was too strong. Yuuichiro rolled over the mattress and melded into Mikaela, trapping Ren between their chests. “Aren’t you proud of me for showing my emotions?”

Mikaela rolled his eyes then looked sincerely at Yuuichiro. “You know that’s not what I meant,” To affirm this, the hand around Yuuichiro’s shoulders cupped his cheek momentarily, “But yes I am proud of you.” This was a true statement. Mikaela returned the strong hold around Yuuichiro and pulled him even closer.

Ren squealed between them as the pressure increased and Yuuichiro looked down between them at their now squished son. “Oh shit,” Mikaela glared at him. “I-Uh, sorry about that kiddo.”

“It’s ok,” Ren wiggled in their hold till he was comfortable, nestling into the crux of Mikaela’s collarbone. “Mama’s warm.” Mikaela was shell shocked at the association. That must have been a mistake on Ren’s part, the deprecating thoughts blew by so fast that he missed how Yuuichiro was snickering.

“You’re never gonna lose that name at this point.”

Blinking out of his stubitor, Mikeala noticed how Ren had fallen silent just breathing in the sensation of his parents encompassing him. “And that’s your fault. I should have taught him to call you ‘knumbskull’ if I knew what you were plotting.” He could remember when he first caught Yuuichiro in the act: sitting in front of an infant Ren, pointing to pictures of Mikaela and saying ‘Mama’. By that time the damage was already done. With either a strike of either incredible or unfortunate luck, when Mikaela readied to berate him the two were left tongue-tied when Ren bubbled out a clear, ‘Mama’.

“Hey, in my defense, the phonetics make sense,” Yuuichiro continued, “Ma-ma, Pa-pa. They match.” 

“By that logic you could have done ‘Da-da’, but you didn’t.” Mikaela bit back, crushing Yuuichiro’s attempt to defend himself. He gave Yuuichiro a pointed look. “At least we already know which one of us he likes better.” To rub in the playful jab further, he tried to snuggled into Ren’s hair. “You’re a Mama’s boy, aren’t you?” Ren didn’t respond other than burrow further into Mikaela.

“Hey, no fair!” Yuuichiro yelped trying to get his fair share of Mikaela’s fondness, “I’m working on fixing it.”

“I know.” Mikaela dropped the sardonic tone. Yuuichiro didn’t feel the need to respond and just focused on how Mikaela’s arms were able to encircle both him and their son. Every hug Yuuichiro got from Mikaela he treated as his last. While that made him feel bittersweet, on the flipside it helped Yuuichiro appreciate the little things in life they had the privilege of. Things he never took granted for again.

The three lay in the mash of limbs for several more minutes. Mikeala made sure to breathe, hoping to give the sensation he loved from Yuuichiro into Ren. Gradually, Mikaela sat up, pulling Ren into his lap who was squirming with anticipation, Yuuichiro didn’t let go and whined as he too was raised from the blankets. Taking a moment to secure his grip, Mikaela stood with Ren’s head resting on his shoulder,“C’mon, munchkin.” Flopping back on the mattress, Yuuichiro was left behind griping about the loss of warmth. All members of this family seemed to have the same affinity as Ren played with Mikaela’s long locks while they passed through the house.

Shortly after the two parted, Yuuichiro found himself alone in their room. Although he wasn’t technically alone as Ashera was propped up in his case, resting crossed over Mikaela’s sword. Yuuichiro protested the design with a half-truth stating how Ashera deserved his own place to be admired, but Mikaela countered that this would be more cost efficient compared to two separate displays. In truth, Mikaela’s sword just left a pit in Yuuichiro’s stomach. Too much of Mikaela’s blood had been spilt by its thorns, a monster with no empathy. Shifting his gaze back to Ashera to distract himself, Yuu proposed, “Don’t make a fool of me today, alright.” Although there was no response from him, Yuuichiro squinted his eyes for a moment as if he’d be able to see the smirking expression of the demon flash across the blade’s fuller.

Knowing Ashera heard him with the one-way communication Yuuichiro trudged about the room to continue his morning routine. He should have been used to Mikaela’s silent gait, but when he lifted his head from the sink spotting Mikaela in the mirror he couldn’t help but choke on toothpaste. As Yuuichiro coughed into the sink to prevent choking, Mikaela moved Ren from his hip to stand on the bathtub. “So, what’s the verdict?”

Yuuichiro caught Mikaela’s gaze in the mirror before turning around to face their son. He was clad in overalls, the striped white shirt a fitting contrast to the denim. Under Yuuichiro’s judgement he dusted off his legs for no apparent reason. Yuuichiro nodded in approval then added, “We need to fix this though,” He took a step forward to rustle Ren’s hair. “You’re already taking after Ashera; you both look like ragdolls.” As Yuuichiro retrieved a brush, he addressed Mikaela, “Here, go get dressed, I got this.”

Mikaela nodded in return before turning to slightly kneel and press a chaste kiss to Ren’s forehead. He would have been surprised if his exit elicited no response, so when Mikaela heard, “Wait what-” from Yuuichiro he couldn’t help but smile at his own inside joke. Looking over his shoulder Mikaela masked a blank expression, although his eyes crinkled with amusement. “Where’s mine?”

In spite of their miniscule height difference, Mikaela still used it to his advantage as he peered down at Yuuichiro; cheeks squished between his palms. “Who said they weren’t jealous?” 

“Are you trying to prove a point?” Yuuichiro spat out, but lost his fire to bicker when Mikaela rested their foreheads against one another.

The two closed eyes out of habit as if that would heighten their sense of touch. Whether it had any real effect it still contributed to the placebo of intimacy, one the two would never question. “Perhaps.” After brushing Yuuichiro’s cheekbones - a familiar path for his thumbs - Mikaela used his grip to tilt the other’s head and press a kiss in the same fashion to his forehead. “Point proven, don't you think?” Mikaela only received a grumble, allowing himself to simper. Retreating back only enough so they could properly look at one another, Mikaela patted one of Yuuichiro’s cheeks as he tutted a mixture of sarcasm and sincerity, “Don’t worry, Yuu-chan, you’ll always be my Love.” Mikaela then locked eyes with their son who was watching their interaction with such intensity. “And you are my Little-Love.” Mikaela didn’t miss how Yuuichiro lit up before making his official exit.

Yuuichiro would treasure moments like this, seeing Mikaela in a state of happiness; not haunted by the war or the faults of their past. He could believe in these isolated scenarios his Love still had an affinity for life, something Yuuichiro would always keep an eye out for. Little did he know, Mikaela had his eye on Yuuichiro for that same reason. The pet names were just the icing on the cake. The noise of snickering broke Yuuichiro’s concentration on Mikaela’s back and he turned to glance down at Ren. “You look lovey-dovey.” Ren’s face contorted in on itself like he was grossed out. 

Yuuichiro had to process what Ren’s message meant. Hands on his hips, he played with the brush he held and replied, “I would hope so.” Yuuichiro squatted down before plopping on his behind. “C’mere.” With the beckon of the brush Ren rushed forward and found his place tucked under Yuuichiro’s chin. While he would have been content with just sitting he did want to be productive so Yuuichiro bent forward over Ren and quickly tugged his son forward a few inches by his legs. There was a shrill of laughter with the jerk from Ren which was cut off once the brush and his father’s fingers drew through his hair. Ren hummed pleasantly, feeling his scalp being exercised. Yuuichiro clamped the brush between his teeth, a hair-tie on his wrist, and assembled the beginnings of a dutch braid. Ren had mistaken Yuuichiro’s multiple attempts to control his baby hairs as a massage, but still enjoyed the process as his temples were pressured. Resting his hands on Yuuichiro’s knees for balance, Ren felt stable enough to rest his eyes and savor the moment.

Yuuichiro felt saliva accumulating on the brush still clamped in his jaws. To quicken the process he compromised with leading what he was able to braid into a ponytail. The pressure from Yuu securing the band made Ren refocus his eyes. Yuuichiro batted the ponytail back and forth between his hands while saying, “And done.” 

“Thanks, Papa.” 

“Of course.” Yuuichiro replied automatically. Unable to rustle Ren’s hair now, Yuuichiro busied his hands with redoing his own ponytail as the two got up from the floor. Yuuichiro strolled back into their bedroom to be greeted by Mikaela, bare bottomed and wrestling with his pants which were still bunched around his ankles. Even before Ren reached the doorway one of Yuuichiro’s hands were cupped over his eyes; the other scoped the boy up and tossed the weight over his shoulder. “Close your eyes!” In response to the ‘Woah’s that sounded from Ren, Yuuichiro declared as he marched out of the room, “The Hyakuyas’ are respectful men.” Mikaela stopped and couldn’t help but stare as Yuuichiro - with his own eyes closed - tried to maneuver out of the room; Ren flaccid over his shoulder, a glorified potato sack. Although Mikaela chuckles were muffled behind a hand, Yuuichiro caught onto them when he accidentally bumped into the door. 

As Yuuichiro groped his way out of the room, Ren’s body suddenly went erect for a few seconds to blindly wave at least where he suspected Mikaela was before his strength faltered. “Bye Dad.”

“Oi, what did I just say.” Yuuichiro still whipped around after hearing what Ren said. Ren screamed with the momentum, and Yuuichiro pointed at boy then gave a clumsy thumbs up, as to say, ‘See, I’ve got this!’.

Mikaela reciprocated the wave even though Ren couldn’t see him.

Yuuichiro opened his eyes after putting enough distance between them. He feared if he tried to blindly maneuver around their house any further, they’d tumble down the stairs. He’d surely be sleeping on the coach for years if that ever happened, nevertheless he could say farewell to forehead kisses indefinitely. Yuuichiro could have set Ren down at this point, but found the giggles and frightened spouts as they bounded down the stairs more appealing. Ren’s hands smacked insistently on Yuuichiro’s backside and only did he comply to their demands when the two reached the kitchen. Yuuichiro didn’t waste much time to entertain banter between them as he began to rush around the small island. Before Ren knew it Yuuichiro was down to his eyesight with a bowl in hand. “Can you go pick some tomatoes and peppers for Dad? I’ll get the eggs and he can make us omelets.” Eyes lighting up at the prospect of both the food but more importantly assisting Mikaela, Ren grabbed the bowl and made a beeline to the backyard without even responding to Yuuichiro.

Ren tottered through the grass to the garden, which meshed with the forest that encircled their property. With careful steps he tried to avoid the patches of moist grass as he made his way over to the bushels. After successfully snipping a large bundle of peppers with his hands, he waddled over to the tomato stalks. And there, the biggest distraction of the day presented itself as he reached through faint spider webs to the first tomato. After plucking the fruit, a new visitor he wasn’t expecting came with it. He froze as a ladybug crawled into view, finding a seat in the webs between his fingers. He dropped the tomato on instinct and brought the hand closer to inspect. He could have stayed there all morning and far into the afternoon watching the bug walk in circles, eventually making its way to his palm. Ren held his breath, scared he would blow it away otherwise. 

“One, two, three,” Minutes could have passed and he had yet to pick a second tomato as he counted the spots on the bug. Ren got too excited and exclaimed, “You’re four years old too!” He would have been sad with another friend gone and tried to chase the bug as it flew away, but his attention was redirected to the small yellow splotch left behind on his palm. He shrieked and flung his hand into the nearest wet grass patch to rub off of the sticky pee. “Ew!” After he successfully smushed all the grass within reach to eliminate any possible residue, he quickly plucked a second tomato before dashing back towards the house.

There were several changes from when Ren had left, the most prominent one being the gradual music from their old radio that filled the living space and the arrival of Mikaela, clad in an apron, who was cracking eggs into a large mixing bowl. Yuuichiro sat at the table, content on watching him, occasionally humming to the radio’s tune. Both turned their heads to look at Ren, giving their own respective greetings as he carried the bowl of produce with pride over to Mikaela.

“Thank you, Little-one.” Mikaela noted as he plucked the bowl from Ren’s hands. Mikaela, knife in hand, started to mince the vegetables when the music changed. Ren had no clue what was about to begin as he walked to sit at the table. The rustic guitar trill was the only warning Mikaela got as he stiffened midchop and stood straighter, “Oh no.”

I love you so much, it hurts me.

Yuuichiro stood up before Ren had the chance to sit next to him. “This is our song!” Mikaela could be heard slightly groaning, which Yuuichiro did not even acknowledge as he sauntered in his direction adding his voice to the ensemble, “ Darlin, that’s why I’m so blue .” 

“You’re still a terrible singer.” Mikaela tried to resume his mincing as Yuuichiro came to wind his arms around Mikaela’s waist, resting his forehead against the other’s nape.

Kissing the spot, Yuuichiro murmured, “Never said I was great, did I.” Yuuichiro swayed the two side to side for a few counts, Mikaela not protesting this. 

I'm so afraid to go to bed at night.

Mikaela’s focus on his task was declining every second until it was pushed past the threshold when Yuuichiro raised his head and whispered into his ear, “Just one dance?” Such a familiar phrase, but it still shook him to the core.

Afraid of losing you.

Whether he realized it or not Mikaela dropped the kitchen knife. After confirming this, Yuuichiro took a step back, Mikaela in tow, and gradually spun his partner so they were facing one another. Yuuichiro clasped Mikaela’s left hand in his right and moved his arm to wrap around his waist like earlier. Mikaela stepped closer into Yuuichiro’s personal space as he wrapped his remaining arm around his neck. The two began a pattern they had performed far too many times from Mikaela’s perspective and never enough from Yuuichiro’s. The two had grown to trust each other’s abilities enough that Ren, who was watching in utter silence at his parents, began to sway with their eyes closed. This was followed by resting their foreheads once again on each other. If not their lips, then their breaths were certainly ghosting against each other.

The pair maneuvered around the kitchen, Yuuichiro only separated the two for mere moments to twirl Mikaela under his arm. “See we still got it.” There were countless memories of nights where they’d find a sanctuary, away from the battle, away from everyone, just them. Alone and dancing with only Yuuichiro’s voice to break the monotony under the cover of night.

Mikaela didn’t say much other than, “If you say so.” before letting the piano’s rift cue their collective silence. Ren stood up on his chair to watch his parents as they leisurely made their way around the room.

As the song entered its repeating section Yuuichiro joined the harmony once again. “ I love you so much, it hurts me. ” This time Mikaela had no snarky comment, but unlike Ren, felt the atmosphere subtly alter and with it Mikaela took authority to change their posture. He freed the weight from elevating their clasped hands and guided both of Yuu’s arms to wrap around his waist. Yuuichiro offered the other full control of his body as he began the next line, “ And there's nothing I can do. ” Yuuichiro’s voice was growing more raw with each lyric. One of Mikaela’s forearms moved to layer over Yuuichiro’s; his other hand creeping up the base of his husband’s neck. Mikaela’s fingers felt the pulse that kept both of them alive for a moment lost in time, before traveling higher to clutch the back of Yuuichiro’s head. Yuuichiro's singing never faltered when Mikaela placed a kiss on his temple. “ I want to hold you my Dear, forever and ever. ” Unbeknownst to either party Ren had slowly padded over to the duo and tugged on Mikaela’s pant leg. With quick work Mikeala scoped the boy up. An unspoken word between them as Ren’s limbs constricted around Yuuichiro’s neck and torso. Mikaela stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Yuuichiro’s waist to ensure their son wouldn’t fall between them, Yuuichiro mirroring him. “ I love you so much, it hurts me so. ” Similar to the artist singing, Yuuichiro’s voice broke at the end. Mikaela would have to thank Ren for his vice grip around Yuuichiro. This allowed him to intertwine their free hands, which Mikaela brought up to rest against Ren’s shoulder. As the main voice faded away so did Yuuichiro’s, the three people swaying together as one past the closing diminuendo. 

Mikaela, while he wanted to stay there and listen to Yuuichiro hum, felt secure leaving him in Ren’s hands for the moment and eased himself away. For an outsider they might have felt inappropriate in that silence and want to break the tension with ample small talk. Mikaela didn’t feel the need however after noting how Yuuichiro hugged their son closer not for emotional stability, instead out of love. 

Behind him, Mikaela heard Ren ask, “Why are you crying Papa?” Unseen by Mikaela, Ren’s hands were smudging the few trails that failed to leave his cheeks.

“Don’t worry about me, Kiddo.” Yuuichiro found Ren’s hands and moved them away, leaning forward he rested his head against their son’s, “I’m just happy.” Following this were little statements about ‘Why were you crying then?’ from Ren, but Yuuichiro distracted him by blowing raspberries into his cheeks. The small diversion worked wonders as Ren was completely incapasitated. Returning to the chopped vegetables, Mikaela continued his task at hand, grabbing for an onion that lay on the counter. “Careful, Angel, you don’t wanna turn to dust.” There were fearful coos from Ren of ‘No!’ after hearing this.

Mikaela’s brows furrowed, then he looked over his shoulder at Yuuichiro, now back at the table who had a squirming Ren still on his lap. “First off, that’s garlic, not onions. Second off, that’s something you humans made up.” Mikaela muttered, “Stupid story if you ask me.” as he mixed all the ingredients before pouring them into the pan. “Vampires are supposed to be fearsome, things like that make you humans look weaker than you already are.” There was a little fit of snickering from behind him. “What’s so funny?”

Ren was whispering something into Yuuichiro’s ear making the boy giggle. “Oh nothing,” Mikaela sent a slitted glare over his shoulder as he continued to fold the egg mixture. “We were just talking about how you’ll never look fearsome wearing a frilly apron like that.”

“I’m gonna burn your eggs.” Mikaela scoffed at Yuuichiro’s playful woes in response. “Now that I think about it, we both wear this, so the same goes to you.”

“Nah, it’s not the same.” Yuuichiro lamented.

“And why not?” Mikaela didn’t turn to address Yuuichiro as he powered the omelets with chile powder.

“Well, I look ridiculous.” Yuuichiro admitted bluntly. “But you look adorable in and out of it. Nothing to be scared of there.” 

Mikaela gulped, turning with a plate in each hand - a blush ever growing on his cheeks. “Who said you didn’t look cute in it too.”

Yuuichiro was in a similar state of flushing when Mikaela came to set down the plates at their usual places on the table. Mikaela busied himself with folding the apron in his lap in an attempt to calm his petty blush. Ren popped off Yuuichiro’s lap and waddled over to his normal chair. “Papa, Mama,” The two broke their modest embarrassment to look at the boy, “You look like tomatoes!”

“Indeed he does.” Feeling clever for a minute Mikaela replied with as much confidence he could muster, locking eyes with Yuuichiro. “Though, I’m glad Papa doesn’t taste like a tomato.” Mikaela could think of the many ways Yuuichiro interpreted this and wished he knew the specific one made Yuuichiro redden so violently. Ren missed this comment as he drank his juice that Yuuichiro had set out earlier.

If all of Yuuichiro’s blood hadn’t made it to his cheeks before, it certainly did now with Mikeala enjoying watching that beautiful red travel. “Mika!” A foot jut out and kicked him in the shin. Mikaela would write that one as a win for himself. Ren titled his head none the wiser. He jankily picked up his fork and began to stuff his mouth. Yuuichiro broke contact with Mikaela’s playful leer to try and preserve his dignity. “Eat up kiddo.” Ren copied Yuuichiro’s grand gesture with his own fork. 

The rest of breakfast went off with little disruptions with Mikaela as per usual content with watching his family - no food in front of him. Ren never questioned why this as it was all he’d ever known. Afterwards Mikaela made his way back to the room to retrieve his sword, leaving Yuuichiro to do the dishes and Ren who insisted on helping out by sweeping the non-existent dirt from the floor. Mikaela spared Ashera a second glance as he pulled his own sword from the display; he thought about engaging in small talk. “I know you won’t, but don’t mess with Ren, okay.” Mikaela felt a little ridiculous as per usual when he tried to communicate with Ashera in this state. He had no clue whether or not the demon could actually hear him and he was too prideful to ask that of Yuuichiro. Whatever their relationship could be classified as, Mikaela at the minimum had respect for the demon as he too loved Yuuichiro - although not the way Mikaela did. This was something Mikaela learned to be eternally grateful when Yuuichiro began to disclose all that Ashera did for him during and after the war.

Mikaela turned away without much thought and walked into their shared closet. Laying his sword on the ground he grabbed for a box kept tucked away. Sitting back on his knees, Mikaela opened it in front of him revealing his old uniform. After retrieving his scabbard, he couldn’t deny the urge to trace the broche of his old shirt. A hand unconsciously rose to find where his sunguard lay underneath his sweater: the part of his uniform he would never be able to take off. Before he could delve into his own intrusive thoughts the noise of, “Mika, have you seen my sheath?” that rang throughout the house.

Standing up Mikaela fidgeted with attaching his scabbard to his belt and called out. “I think I saw it in the garage.” Standing up he encased his sword and made his way back towards his family.

When Mikaela rounded the corner he ran into Yuuichiro who burst out of the garage, “I found it!” Realizing Mikaela was much closer than he anticipated, Yuuichiro leaned in and pecked Mikaela’s cheek before running off with a leaving message of, “Thank you, Mika. Lemme get Ashera and then I’ll be ready to go.”

The interaction moved so fast that Mikaela wasn’t able to respond verbally. He still smiled to himself at how lucky he felt. Ren was by the backdoor struggling with his shoe laces. Mikaela squatted down to his level and clasped his hands around Ren’s own. “Here let me help you.” Just like for Yuuichiro, Mikaela had an individual smile for their son. When Ren beamed back up at him, Mikaela swore his heart beat. 

“Laces are hard.” Ren pouted and leaned back on his hands.

“I agree. I’ll ask Papa to get you velcro shoes one day.” Mikaela chortle was low and short, “Remind me when we get back to show you my old boots. Now those laces were a nightmare.” He knotted them in a way he knew wouldn’t come undone with practiced finesse.

“What’s this about shoes.” Yuuichiro threw on his old military jacket while he walked over to them. His hand fidgeting with Ashera was something Mikaela felt weirdly nostalgic about, in a way he couldn’t define as either positive or negative.

“I don’t like tying my shoes.” Ren mused. Mikaela stood - Ren following shortly - then the trio made their way outside.

“I don’t blame you, the Kids weren’t good at tying their shoes either.” Mikaela tried to sympathize.

Yuuichiro looked confused, “What are you talking about, the Kids didn’t have shoes.”

“No-no, uh, back at the orphanage.” Mikaela clarified, “I tied thousands of shoes. Probably should have actually taught them how, but I think they would have asked me to tie them either way.” He was reminiscing and reached down to clutch Ren’s hand, a solemn look on his face. Ren couldn’t comprehend the complexity of Mikaela’s expression and only processed the frown. Yuuichiro studied Mikaela and copied his gesture.

“I wish I could have met them.” Both Yuuichiro and Mikaela were cut off by Ren, each their respective expressions shifting.

Mikeala never knew what was the right way to approach these situations. Luckily Yuuichiro took over for him. “They’re family. They’ll always be in your heart, no matter where they are.” Yuuichiro squeezed Ren’s hand. “Uncle-Ashera taught me that.”

Mikaela didn’t let his expression betray anything; his inner thoughts spiraling about the hidden layers to that message. Knowing about Yuuichiro and Ashera’s humble beginnings gave it a different connotation. Ren, oblivious to this, seemed mystified by Ashera’s name and began to swing his parents' hands. Yuuichiro, keeping the upward momentum of the mood, continued, “If your Dad would let me, me and Ashera could take you flying.” Ren's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

“You shouldn’t have to ask to know the answer is ‘No’. That’s dangerous.” Mikaela was short and he left no room to argue.

Yuuichiro pursed his lips. “Buzzkill.” He looked optimistically down at Ren, “Well, you heard him.” Clearly not attempting to hide his loud whispering, Yuuichiro entertained Ren, “Someday we’ll change his mind.”

“I can hear you.”

“No, you can’t.” Yuuichiro sing-sung. 

Mikaela didn’t have the energy to point out why that was blatantly false. “You know Ashera is on my side for this anyway.” The trio, hand in hand, stepped through the lush grass of their backyard to a path hardened by the hundreds of times they walked it that led further into the forest. Small talk was exchanged between the three and at one point Mikaela and Yuuichiro swung their arms together to make Ren catch air. The giggling alone was enough incentive for them to do it a few additional times. All in all, they made it to the clearing unscaved.

Mikaela was stretching his arms over his head while Yuuichiro was setting up Ren on a rock, as comfortable as that could be anyway. The morning air was a little cooler in the clearing compared to the sheltered forest and so Yuuichiro discarded his jacket. “Wanna get warmed up?” Yuuichiro tossed the proposal over at Mikaela as he drowned Ren in the fabric. He loosely tied the sleeves together and pulled the zipper as high as it would go without blocking the boy’s eyesight.

“I wouldn’t mind a quick round.” The aforementioned drew his sword and weighed it in his hand, the muscle memory coming back with just that action. “This’ll be another win in the book for me.”

Yuuichiro glanced at Ren and before standing and said, “Cheer for Papa, okay.”

Mikaela was now facing Yuuichiro who had Ashera drawn. “Prepare to lose, human.”

“This brings back memories.” Yuuichiro walked calmly to meet Mikaela and rested his sword against the other’s in a sign of respect before starting the match. Both their aura changed and Yuuichiro noticed how Mikaela’s pupils slitted. He called over to Ren, “You ready, buddy.”

Ren’s hands flew in the air, “Go, Papa, win!”

“Turning him against me again. Now I have to win.” Mikaela asserted. There wasn’t an unspoken word between them, just a knowing look and the two jumped apart. “Sword.” He commanded and those familiar thorny vines eagerly wound around his forearm. Clamping down the thorns readily pulsed, being extremely parched. Ren looked starstruck as his Dad’s sword was painted red, a faint glow around it. 

Yuuichiro on the other side of the clearing, brought Ashera up and mocked resting his forehead against him without touching the blade. “Let’s do this, old friend.” The familiar runes tinted his skin and he shivered at the familiar feelings.

“You’re out of practice, Yuu. Don’t make me look like a fool.” The voice was extremely clear with them having direct contact.

“I won’t. Promise.” Yuuichiro sealed the deal and dashed forward. Mikaela’s blade reverberated against his. He didn’t give Yuuichiro time to react and forced the other into a defensive volley. Yuuichiro parried each of Mikeala’s thrusts with more effort than usual. Mikaela walked with an arm tucked behind his back, his confidence in this spar was clear. Yuuichiro sidestepped his opponent and took authority with a bombardment of hits. Mikaela bobbed and weaved with ease, his steps graceful, with pointed feet and elongated limbs. Yuuichiro would executed a successful feint if not for Mikaela flipped backwards.

“I’ll spare your pride and make this quick.” Mikaela aimed his sword towards Yuuichiro before letting it fly behind him as he rushed the other, leaping towards the sun. Ren from the sidelines was left in udder shock at the feat.

“Wait what-” Yuuichiro blinked and his eyes flew around to any possible place Mikaela could have been after losing him in the sun’s glare.

“Some promise, eh.” Ashera’s chitter rang through Yuuichiro’s mind and the runes were leaving him without his consent.

“I win.” Yuuichiro heard Mikeala before he saw him as a foot sweeped his legs out from under him. Out of breath, Yuuichiro coughed around the dust cloud that accumulated. He couldn’t see Mikaela at first with the sun obscuring his view. Trying to sit up on his forearms, Yuuichiro almost bumped his nose into the tip of the sword pointed down at him. Yuuichiro grumbled at both hearing Ashera’s continued pokes at his pride and Mikaela’s slight smirk. Sheathing the sword quickly, Mikaela extended a hand down to help Yuuichiro to a stand, lacing their fingers in the process. “The great Mikaela strikes again.” The goad only made Yuuichiro smile pleasantly as he wrestled with sheathing Ashera, still wanting to hold Mikaela’s hand. Giving up, he just hovered his demon above the ground as the pair walked over to Ren.

“Dad, you won!” Ren waved his arms enthusiastically, the tied sleeves coming undone and the weight of the fabric making the boy lower them. “You lost, Papa.” Ren sounded defeated when he looked to Yuuichiro.

“Give me a few more rounds and I’m sure I’ll win.” Yuuichiro tried to placate the boy. Mikeala puffed out a breath beside him at the insinuation. “But hey, good news: you get to meet Uncle-Ashera now. He’s awake and ready to go.”

Ren popped off the rock, the jacket bunched around him and he stumbled into Yuuichiro’s legs, wrapping his own limbs around his father’s legs. Yuuichiro and Mikaela released their hold on one another. With much difficulty as Ren was adamant on staying glued to his father, Yuuichiro moved both of them to a place where he could stand on his knees, Mikaela mirrored his stance. Like earlier that morning, Ren tucked himself into Yuuichiro’s chest. Mikaela drew his sword and let it rest on the ground as the other two got set up. Yuuichiro wound his arms around Ren, holding the blade in front of them. Yuuichiro guided Ren’s hands to clutch the handle and encompassed his own hands over his son’s. “Now, keep a strong hold. Trust me, Uncle-Ashera doesn’t like being dropped.” Mikaela lifted his own sword and put all of his concentration on controlling his strength as both swords gently clanged together.

“When is he coming?” Ren stuck his tongue out making a strained expression as if he was the one carrying most of the weight.

“Well, I’m not exactly sure how this works, but he said he should be able to reach you so, if he’s not being a di - I mean lazy, he should be here any minute.” Yuuichiro corrected himself before he could be crude. “Don’t worry, you’ll know it when it happens.” Ren hummed and the family continued their little match. Ren made ‘whoosh’ sound effects which Yuuichiro copied and the two continued their barrage on Mikaela. The former made fake noises of pain when defeated and slumped to the ground like he was injured with an ‘Oh no’. There were no hoots or horrays from Ren as he too flopped backwards into Yuuichiro’s lap, completely unconscious.

Mikaela sat up, dropping his frisky banter and reached for Ren, but Yuuichiro raised a hand to pacify his partner. “It’s ok, he’s with Ashera, he's safe.”

“I don’t remember seeing you pass out last you were with him.” Mikaela sounded a little uneasy.

Yuuichiro plucked Ren’s hands off the sword and placed it to the side. Readjusting Ren so he laid more comfortable in his lap. Yuuichiro with one arm supporting the boy’s body breached the distance to rub some comfort into Mikaela. His thumbs moved across Mikaela’s hand to fidget with his ring. “You should have seen me the first time, I was out for hours. God, I hope he doesn’t make fun of me.”

“With how you fought, I have no doubt he will.” Mikaela for the second time that day swore his heart beat as he watched Yuuichiro play with his ring more.

------

Whatever Ren was lying on didn’t feel like the dirt he was on previously. Grass, water, no it didn’t feel like any of those. It was almost like he was in air - an everlasting freefall. Groaning Ren rolled onto his stomach and scrambled to sit on his knees. With no heat, cold, nor any semblance of wind to affect him, Ren shed the coat Yuuichiro let him borrow. There was nothing and everything around him at the same time, and when he looked down below him all he saw was his reflection instead of the void he expected. Ren tried to remember back to what his Papa said when he tried to explain Ashera’s mindscape. Yuuichiro’s abstract mumbo jumbo only confused Ren further and he struggled to comprehend his surroundings. He saw nothing around him except two objects, an abnormally long fanfare trumpet and what caught his attention more was a sword, the sword he saw his father using in the physical world, struck in the ground.

As Ren approached the familiar item he looked left and right and couldn’t see a wall. The only thing that could insinuate they were in a closed space was the fog that obscured his view from the infinite nothing. Before he could touch the sword there was a light pat on his shoulders paired with, “Boo!” Ren whipped around, but found that same emptiness. Confusion evident on his face Ren turned back to the sword only to find someone perched on top of it, toes clenching around the handle. There were a fit of giggles as Ren yelped and fell backwards on his bottom. “Hi there.” Ashera, squatted on perch, defied the laws of physics and leaned over far more than he should have been able to. Crimson eyes, reminiscent of his Dad’s, leered down at the little boy.

Once again, Ren was wiggling to a sitting position and tentatively asked, “Uncle-Ashera?”

“You guessed it.” Ashera hopped off his pedestal, his dress fluttering behind him made it appear that he floated down. “It’s nice to finally talk to you, kid.” Ashera helped the boy to stand then rung his hands out behind him. “I’ve been asking your old man for a while about seeing you, but just between the two of us I think he’s scared of me telling embarrassing stories.” Ashera phrased it as a hypothetical even though he knew it was the truth. His easy going way of speaking compelled Ren to feel comfortable with small talk even though this was technically their first meeting.

Ren giggled, “I won’t tell him you told me.” He brought a pinkie up which Ashera looked at quizickly. 

Realizing Ren’s naive innocence, Ashera decided against explaining the fault in the logic and linked their fingers. “You’ll have to promise to come see me again then, I have enough stories to last a lifetime.”

“Pinky promise.” Ren chirped at Ashera’s smirking face with childish joy. “Hey, Uncle-Ashera, how does your hair do that? I don’t feel any wind.” Ren moved his hand around in the open space trying to feel something that wasn’t there.

Taken aback, Ashera was silent for a moment. He looked down at himself and observed how his hair was floating around him, a consistent wave that wasn’t reminiscent of standing in natural wind. “I don’t actually know - must be a demon thing.” Ren didn’t have much to say in response as his knowledge of the world and its many creatures was lacking. Yuuichiro remained purposely vague when explaining to him about Ashera stating he was like the ‘fairies’ in his picture books. Ren was even more in the dark about the attributes of both his parents, but specifically Mikaela, with his Dad de facto banning any mention of vampires in Ren’s presence. His uncle leaned forward, “Speaking of hair, what happened to yours?” Ren hadn’t really noticed but throughout the morning Yuuichiro’s messy updo had fallen apart. Ashera hummed to himself as Ren pulled the hair tie that was barely holding on by a thread. “Next time just ask Yuu to have me do it. Sorry about that by the way, I thought I taught him better.”

“You taught Papa how to braid.” Ren tousled his own hair, the remaining braid disintegrating below his fingers.

“Obviously.” Ashera played with his own hair as to either make a point or just subconsciously. “Fun fact: I was the one who convinced both your parents to grow out their hair. Might as well have it run in the family.” Ashera continued his tangent not noticing how Ren’s brow furrowed immensely as he looked at the space between Ashera’s feet. “You should have seen Yuu when he was younger, his hair was a rats’ nest. At least now he’s obligated to take care of it.” Ashera chuckled to himself.

“You knew Papa and Mama when they were younger?” Ren looked hopeful up at Ashera.

“Technically yes, why?” That was a can of worms that Ashera wasn’t sure how much Yuuichiro and Mikaela had explained to Ren concerning all their complicated pasts.

“What was the rest of our family like?” Ren gnawed on the inside of his cheek, the questions were stocked up in his mind finally with a new outlet to let them all out.

Ashera racked his brain for a moment, “You mean ‘the Kids’, right.”

“Yeah!” Ren straightened up, “Did you ever meet them?” 

Ashera pursed his lips together in contemplation as he looked how keen Ren was. “Well, yes, but not directly.”

“Could you tell me about them?” Ren’s smile faltered, “When I ask Dad or Papa about them they get sad. I don’t wanna make them sad.”

Ashera’s eyes flicked from side-to-side, brows furrowed, “I think I can do you one better.” Then he smiled. “Hopefully Yuu won’t kill me for this .”

“What-” Before Ren could ask more the world around them shifted, a dark fog erupting from the sword’s stake. Ashera was blending into the background, Ren reached for him with a yelp of terror, “Uncle-Ashera, help me!”

“It’s gonna be ok.” Ashera tried to calm the child as he was stuck in place, his head jerking to the side trying to avoid the smog. “Don’t worry squirt, you’ve got people looking out for you.” Ren felt a hand squeeze his shoulder, but when he looked over to find the source no one greeted him with a consoling smile.

Ren shut his eyes and held himself close trying to imitate his parents’ embraces. He heard no one, and certainly not Ashera, the wind’s return however made him think he was back in the physical world. There was no warm hold or coos from his parents that he expected to be greeted with. In fact, it was quite the opposite as a chilled dew drop hit the tip of his nose with comedic accuracy. Another one of his expectations was surely crushed as there was no sun, no grass, and certainly no parents. Instead Ren was alone standing in the middle of what appeared to be an intersection. His fingers clenched into scratchy fabric. Opening his eyes, he looked down and realized that he was indeed wearing different clothes. Stepping forward a rock wedged itself into the balls of his feet and he flinched back. No shoes either, another discovery that made him feel more nervous. “Mama, Papa, Uncle-Ashera.” He yelled out each name, a moment of silent terror between each.

The roar of an engine was the answer to his calls and Ren froze not sure how to react. His feet wouldn’t listen to him despite his mind demanding him to move. “Oi, look out!” An unknown voice broke the ruckus with Ren being jerked from where he cowered. The momentum paired with his own temporary paralysis overpowered his balance and he tumbled to the ground. Shortly afterward the truck in the distance charged past them, the brisk air helping Ren center his thoughts. There was a distant voice cursing out the vehicle, but Ren couldn’t place its origin. Head still slightly spinning he heard someone reprimanding him in a way that was strangely familiar. “What were you doing? You could have been killed.” 

Another gentle pad of feet approaching them was accompanied by, “Yuu-chan, calm down. He’s probably just scared.” Ren eyes flew open at the familiar name.

“What should that matter, he should know it’s not safe to be out at this time.” The boy, supposedly this ‘Yuu-chan’ bit back.

“You could say the same thing for us.” The other voice retorted back just as quick. The boy shook his head, blonde hair following suit. Ren looked back and forth between the two older boys who were at least a head taller than him. Still flabbergasted from almost being run over Ren remained mute which the other kids caught onto and without cue turned to look at him. “Can you stand?” The blonde boy extended a hand for him to take either way. On unstable feet, Ren rose all thanks to the support of the other boy completely entranced by his blue eyes. 

“Think you can get home?” The black haired boy followed up, arms crossed behind his head in a relaxed state as he studied Ren.

Too much stimuli and not enough time to process it all. His heart couldn’t handle the seemingly permanent separation from his parents. Ren burst into tears wailing, “Papa, Dad.” The black haired kid winced as the bawling only increased in volume, the alleyway echoing the noise. “Where’s my Dad?” Ren was heaving breaths which in these moments was better than hyperventilating as it forced him into a numbing calm.

“Hey-hey,” The blonde boy leaned down and his gaze flicked all around them looking for danger as well. He continued to shush Ren with coos and hugged this child he didn’t know. 

“Mika, shut him up.” Yuu couldn’t confirm whether he saw the silhouettes of patrol guards in the distance, but even a one-percent change of it being true was too much. “We need to get out of here.”

Mika looked up from where he was consoling the crying child. He nodded to Yuu then scooped up Ren from underneath his thighs clutching him tight to his chest. In a last ditch attempt he threaded his hands through Ren’s hair and mumbled, “It’s gonna be ok.” as he followed Yuu who was frantically waving Mika to follow him down a dark sideroad. Ren froze, his body molded into Mika; face burying into Mika’s shoulder. Ren scrunched his face trying to manifest the illusion that he was back home in the safety of either Mikaela or Yuuichiro’s arms. There was something Ren couldn’t place about this ‘Mika’ but it made him reminisce.

Mika felt weak fingers, just like that of Ako or Taichi which were clawing at his back and a snot covered nose was wiping across the full expanse of his sleeve. Ren’s bellow subsided into wet sniffles the further Yuu led them away from town square. Mika never ceased his cooing sweet nothings and reassurances into the child’s ear. At this point he wasn’t sure what he was or wasn’t saying, all he knew was it was doing its job. Yuu was slinking around, keeping an eye on both other Sanguinem kids who were peeking out of their own hideouts to investigate the cause of the noise and more importantly any nearby vampires. Mika’s jogging to keep up with Yuu bounced Ren against him making the task more exhausting. Yuu’s arm jutted out giving Mika ample time to stop, which wasn’t difficult as Mika was dragging along with heavy steps at this point. “I think we’re gonna be ok, for now.” Yuu’s last note spiked his own anxiety, the tension in his voice thick. 

Mika huffed trying to catch his breath after running with the added weight. He tried to deposit the boy onto the ground, which only resulted in Ren clambering up him further, locking his arms behind Mika’s neck. He lurched forward with the shifting weight. Yuu brought his arms to preemptively catch him, but Mika shook his head. Yuu mouthed, ‘What do we do?’ to Mika who in turn pursed his lips. Ren, face covered in mucus and mewed out, “I want my Papa!”

Mika looked at Yuu with wide eyes, “Can you take him for a second, Yuu-chan? I need a break.” With a firm nod and unnecessary challenges Mika was able to transfer a squirming Ren over to Yuu. Mika rested with his hands on his knees and just focused on regaining all his lost air. Yuu watched from the sidelines as he rubbed circles into the koala now attached to him. 

“I want to go home.”

It was clear that Yuu was seemingly uncomfortable trying to ease someone he just met in this intimate way, but felt an unknown force that compelled him to continue. As Mika straightened back to his full height Yuu spoke. “Where do you live? We can take you home.”

Ren’s face raised, a long snot trail attaching him to Yuu’s sleeves. The word ‘Home’ incited even more sniffling from the child, “The forest. Where’s my Papa? Where’s Dad? They can take me home.”

Mika sent a grim look over at Yuu. The other shared his shock and the revelation and both came to the conclusion: ‘He’s new.’ Mika needed confirmation though, “Where did you come from?”

Ren tilted his head over his shoulder at Mika, “I was with my Uncle-Ashera, but then he disappeared and now I can’t find anyone.” His words became more spread out with hiccups and nasally inhales. Yuu took authority and without prompting began patting, each one helping soothe Ren’s heart and lungs. Both older boys interpreted this information in an ominous way, with little hope.

When Ren turned his head back around, Mika reached forward and gripped Yuu’s wrist, enveloping him in a vice that lasted only a few seconds. He made an executive decision and this was his attempt to communicate Yuu the plan. “How about this, you can stay with us for the night and we’ll try and find your parents in the morning.” Yuu didn’t try to hide his uncertainty when his face scrunched together at Mika’s blatant lie. Mika sent him a pointed look with the underlying message, ‘If we abandon him, he’ll die.’ Mika and Yuu knew that bringing another mouth to feed would be more difficult than keeping him safe, but having foresight that this kid’s blood would be on their hands was out of the question.

“Ok,” Yuu’s pats lulled Ren to a hypnotic calm, his breathing returning to normal and his eyes that were burning previously had neutralized. Yuu took responsibility for carrying Ren the rest of their journey in place of Mika. He didn’t say much else with Yuu and Mika assuming he was emotionally wiped out, so they didn’t probe him. The trio weaved through dark corridors, occasionally hiding behind trash cans. With luck they were able to avoid the patrolling vampire officers that were now on the streets. 

Ren’s eyes had glazed over, flicking between each streetlamp they passed. His only thoughts concerned wishing to be home and hugging his parents - Ren was fantasizing about sleeping tucked between them. He’d most likely be suction cupped to them to an seemingly obnoxious level. Tucked away in their own world, Yuu and Mika were exchanging a conversation about their current predicament without saying anything. Small touches and throwing their eyes around as they walked sufficed. 

Yuu hesitated at the door, with Mika taking initiative and let them inside announcing, “We’re home.”

“Hey brother-Yuu, wanna play catch.” Kota caught the ball he was ricocheting off the wall and turned to preemptively toss it Yuu’s way before he noticed the unknown face. Changing topics entirely he said, “Who’s that?”

Chihiro, who was fixing the stitching on Fumie’s stuffed animal, paused and looked up. Next to her, Taichi and Ako were working together to fold the family’s laundry followed suit. Mika called out for the two that were tucked away unseen, “Akane did you already do laundry?”

“Yeah I did, the Kids were just folding the last load.” Akane’s head followed by Fumie who was holding a mixing spoon perked from the kitchen, “Why, what’s up?” Her eyes should have widened in silent questioning at the bundle in Yuu’s arms, but instead there was something knowing behind them.

“Me and Yuu need our stuff washed.” Mika’s voice fluctuated from the earnest nature when he deliberated with Yuu earlier to puckish.

Akane wondered when Mika would mention the addition to his usual duo, but replied, “After dinner I can do it. You both owe me some carrots though.”

“Deal.” Mika spoke for the both of them and Yuu rolled his eyes.

“Brother-Yuu who is that?” Fumie was licking the spoon she held and Akane batted the top of her head.

“We don’t-” Yuu started but was cut off by Mika.

“He’s our new little brother for the evening.” Both Ren and Yuu looked at Mika; one mystified the other perplexed. All the people visible in the room shared a moment of grim reality. Yuu feeling how much Ren had relaxed from when they initially left successfully pried the child away, setting him down. Ren grabbed Yuu’s hand before he could back away. Being confronted or interacting as a whole with other children near his age was a rarity, and from his perspective a whole different game than interacting with his parents. They were all blatantly staring at him and unlike Ashera’s gaze it made him feel targeted. Ren tried to scoot behind Yuu, but was foiled when Mika grabbed his other hand, effectively locking him in place. “What’s your name by the way, I never caught it.” He pointed to himself, “I’m Mika. And this,” Mika keeping a firm hold on Ren reached over him to rustle Yuu’s hair, “Is Yuu-chan, but you can call him Brother-Yuu.” It was extremely strange to associate these names with people who weren’t his parents. Ren felt more isolated with the thought.

“Brother-Yuu.” Ren tested the name on his tongue. Yuu let out a ‘tsk’ and would have marched away from Ren and Mika, if not for the oddly nostalgic feeling about this scenario. Mika looked over at Yuu and eyed the children who silently stared.

Huffing, Yuu did his duty, “Headcount.” 

“Here watch this.” Mika whispered down towards Ren.

On cue, Kota, Taichi, Ako and lastly Fumie rushed to line up in front of Yuu. While they wrestled with who was first on line, Chihiro who resumed sewing, kept an observant eye on what was unfolding began, “Chihiro, one.” She vaguely waved in Yuu’s direction before returning to her task.

Akane who rested against the cove followed, “Akane, two,” and walked back to the kitchen seemingly satisfied.

After much playful shoving Kota found himself at the front of the line. He tilted his head forward in anticipation and spoke, “Kota, three.” With his free hand Yuu engaged in a unique handshake; the slaps looked all one in the same to Ren, moving too fast for him to comprehend fully. It ended with a fist bump that Kota made an enthusiastic explosion noise. Yuu copied his energy blushing as Mika leered at him with his signature smirk.

Fumie and Ako were next in line and stepped forward as one. “I need my other hand for a second.” Yuu prompted when he wiggled it from Ren. 

Yuu stepped forward and Mika spoke up again, “This is my second favorite one.”

“What do you mean second? Ours is the coolest.” Fumie glared at Mika, cheeks puffing out. “Who’s number one?”

“Mine of course.” Mika announced and sent a wink Yuu’s way which caused the boy to stutter back an insult.

“No way.” Ako chirped from her position in the triangle they were forming. “Is yours even considered a secret handshake?”

Mika shrugged with a wide smile, “It’s special to me and Yuu-chan, so same thing don’t you think.”

The two girls copied Mika’s shrug and resumed their positions, hands extended. The three began with a move that resembled playing ‘down by the banks’ but without the associated song. Yuu's attention was honed in, who after the first rotation, sped up tremendously for the second round. The three jumped apart Yuu and Ako closer to one another with Fumie taking the backseat. The two brought their own hands together before they nicked each other, then met in the middle. Their outer hands clapped down then back up and clasped at the top. The hands originally left in the middle moved to pat their hip, snap in the air, before both sides brought their hands to clap against one another. “Ako, four.”

They moved fluidly and when Yuu hopped to face Fumie he repeated the process arguably even more so, with the pair racing through the motions, “Fumie, five.” The girl spoke out when they finished but the trio didn’t separate as the three now exchanged taps with each other’s elbows. Mika subtly pulled Ren closer to him when the three kids suddenly spun in a circle, arms extended which evolved into a three way bow towards the center. 

A little dizzy when he stood back Yuu blinked rapidly as he focused his gaze on Taichi whose arms were extended over his head, hands making grabby motions. Compared to the last, Taichi’s was rather quick with Yuu throwing the boy into the air. With much practice Yuu let go and his hand zoomed into position where Taichi would give him a crisp high five before landing on the ground. Taichi pumped his arms with a hooray for himself for not missing, then trilled, “Taichi, six.” He moved to the side but unlike Ako or Fumie kept his gaze locked on Ren.

Mika squat down to Ren’s eye level to talk more intimately with the awkward kid, “You can make one as well, Yuu-chan might not look it, but he loves this.” Mika tried to offer a reassuring smile. “If you don’t mind real quick,” Mika too let go of Ren’s hand to approach Yuu. “My turn.” He dragged out the last word practically singing it. “Mika seven.” Yuu’s protests were ignored as he too brought his hands up and moved to cup Mika’s cheeks. The blonde boy reciprocated the action and the two leaned forward at the same time to rest their foreheads against one another. “And,” Mika hummed pleasantly at the sensation of Yuu’s cheeks warming his palms.

“Yuu, eight.” The former finished Mika’s statement. Yuu would deny any claims that he brushed the spans of Mika’s cheekbones. From the sidelines Ren felt the phantom touch of his own parents when they would cradle him the way Yuu and Mika were doing for each other. His fascination at seeing such a familiar gesture heighted into a downcast longing for his family that was previously suppressed.

When the two parted Mika gave Yuu a loving smile before turning back to Ren. He reached for the boy’s hand once more after noting how reluctant he was to let go in the first place. When Ren joined Mika by his side the older boy probed him with, “And you’re,”

Ren, tongue tied after being singled out again, fumbled out with much uncertainty, “Ren, nine.”

“See you’re gonna fit right in.” Mika smiled at the accomplishment. “Did you have an idea of what you want your handshake to be?”

Ren had broken eye contact with Mika by this point, redirecting his gaze to burn into Yuu - sending a message that didn’t reach its receiver. Ren released Mika’s hand and raised them to make grabby motions towards Yuu. “Do you want to be thrown too?” Yuu inquired as he rolled his wrists, in preparation to strain them again. Ren looked patiently when Yuu squatted down to secure his hold on him, apparently the boy had a similar idea as little palms came to tug Yuu’s head towards his own. Their foreheads bonked together unceremoniously, but only Yuu muttered an ‘ouch’ as Ren remained silent. The child’s eyes were already closed as the two connected, but when Ren got the remembrance he desired the boy squeezed them tighter to prevent the wetness that had accumulated from leaking.

When fragile hands, far slower than they did with Mika, moved to frame Ren’s face the feeling of nostalgia hit harder and he could easily convince himself that he was in the care of his Papa, warm and safe beyond comparison.

Were Ren to open his eyes during this interaction he would have been greeted with an unorthodox sight. Yuu was leering at Ren with an expression that even for him was extremely misplaced for the intimacy of the situation. What would have caused goosebumps down Ren’s arms, however, was how all the children visible in the room had frozen - almost inhuman, with their faces all turned towards the interaction taking place; expressions copying Yuu’s down to the angle of his furrowed brows. As Ren was pulling away it was as if someone hit the ‘play’ button with all the children’s faces resuming their individualities before the boy could open his eyes.

Yuu closed his eyes before Ren opened his own. Ren felt an instinctual pull and Yuu’s eyes shot open when Ren’s lips squished against his temple. He was picturing how radiant his Papa was after his Dad had done the same action, maybe he could have the same influence on this ‘Yuu’ - who from Ren’s perspective looked unhappy compared to the rest of the children. ‘Why doesn’t he smile like everyone else?’ 

There was a break in Yuu’s character and Ren didn’t catch what was flashing behind the other’s eyes. Mika captured the child’s attention with, “Looks like I have a rival.” The teasing was crystal-clear and distracted Ren enough for Yuu to reestablish his demeanor. 

“What the hell do you mean, ‘rival’?” Before Yuu could elaborate on that thought further Ren felt Mika meld into his back. 

The blonde boy’s arms locked around Yuu’s head, squishing Ren between them as Mika planted a kiss of his own to Yuu’s other temple. When Yuu rightfully got flustered and thrashed around Mika constricted the other two boys in a hug - preventing Yuu from wacking him across the face. Ren felt the pointed chin of Mika rest atop the crown of his head. “I must say though: Ren you are a genius. I outta add that to my handshake, don’t you agree Yuu-chan?”

Two sets of eyes were tracking Yuu’s reaction when the trio separated. Through half-hearted insults Yuu’s face reddened extremely. He struggled to make any of his retorts shut down Mika who had morphed into a chittering imp, while Ren stood between them enjoying the nostalgia he couldn’t properly place. “We’ll have dinner soon; you can play with the others while Yuu-chan and I help get things ready.” Mika slung an arm around Yuu and lugged the boy away, whispering something Ren couldn’t hear. The boy was left behind still feeling weird about hearing the name ‘Yuu-chan’ being used by anyone who wasn’t his Dad.

Before Ren could chase after the two older boys, Taichi stepped in his path, “You, Ren.”

Ren clenched his fists, “Yes.”

“I’m Taichi. How old are you?” Taichi grabbed Ren’s hand and shook it wildly.

“I’m four-” Ren stammered out.

“Yes!” Taichi cut him off before he could say anymore. “Same here.” Shellshocked Ren’s heart tried to comprehend all that was happening as he got paraded by the hand towards Ako who was trying to fold the large blanket by herself. “Ako.” The girl looked over at him, “Ren is my new brother, and he’s my age.” The girl tilted her head. “We’re gonna be just like you and Fumie.”

“No way.” Ako brushed him off, “We’re the bestest best of friends, not even Brother-Mika and Brother Yuu are ‘bestier’ than us.” She took a second to make up the word.

“Watch us.” Taichi declared. “Ren wanna help me fold?”

Still not completely comfortable with talking to other kids his age, but still eager, Ren nodded silently. Ako’s feathers ruffled and she dropped the large blanket she was struggling with, “Hey, you’re my folding partner.”

“Not anymore.” Taichi proclaimed, throwing an arm around Ren’s shoulders. 

The little boy’s smile was toxic and Ren found his own lips being tugged upwards. “Yeah, we’re better. Girls are icky.” When Taichi echoed his sentiment with approval Ren found himself beginning to laugh and with this newfound experience, enjoying every second. A wish coming true.

“I can help you.” Kota called from across the room as he put away the ball. “Hey, wanna race. Me and Ako against you and Ren. Whoever folds the most wins.” He suggested as he joined the kids.

When Ren looked to Taichi the boy cheered, “Yeah. And we’re gonna win!” He let go of the other kid’s hand and placed his hands on his hips feigning cockiness.

“I’ve got Kota on my side, obviously we’re gonna win.” Ako linked arms with the boy then circled the giant pile of blankets and towels.

Kota snickered then waited for Ren and Taichi to mirror them on the other side of the pile. “Three, two, one, go!” 

The pairs dove into the pile of fabric, Ren threw his body on the pile and called for Taichi, “Hurry I’ll keep them away.” He hugged everything he could reach closer to him as Taichi hurried with a towel that sat nearby.

“Hey, no fair!” Kota exclaimed then smirked over at Ako who was tugging helplessly for one of the blankets trapped in the cage Ren made. “Let’s get him.”

Ako grinned twofold and her fingers wiggled accordingly. Ren should have known what was happening, but was still left shocked when two pairs of hands began tickling his sides. His laughter echoed throughout the house and he wiggled from his place on the ground. “Stay strong, Ren!” He heard Taichi screech over his giggles and remembering his mission tightened around the bundle. Ren would have been able to hold down the fort if not for Fumie jutting her hands in his armpits. This broke Ren and he rolled off all the clothes in a fit of shrieks.

“Yes!” Ako could be heard cheering as her and Kota started snatching as many items they could. The pairs folded with swift pace, Ren and Taichi working together. When they would come together there were smiles all around. Their enthusiasm didn’t make up for the speed from Ako and Kota who after stacking over half, stopped to stand proudly. “Told you we would win.” 

Ren huffed, disappointed and turned to apologize to Taichi feeling he had already lost a friend before he could even make it. He found the boy still smiling, “It’s gonna be ok. We’ll win next time.” Ren’s mouth parted which morphed into a smile.

“Ren, do you know how to play four square?” Kota asked as the group carried their own portion of the work to put away.

Said boy felt uncomfortable when asked this, especially when Ako and Taichi perked up with excitement. “No, I don’t.”

“Oh my God, we have to teach him.” Ako rushed to stuff the towels on the shelf before calling as she skipped away, “I’ll get the chalk.”

Kota patted Ren on the back encouragingly - noticing his unease - as the boys followed her. “Hey, it’s gonna be ok. This’ll be fun, promise.”

Ren stood idly, clearly uncomfortable and not sure what he should or should not be doing. He watched Taichi and Kota start pushing the scarce furniture they family owned around. “Hey Ren, can you come here a second.” A voice broke his awkwardness and looked to see Chihiro who was waving him over. Neither Taichi or Kota showed any opposition and Ako was preoccupied with trying to make even squares on the ground. Ren meandered over to the girl and sat in the place she patted next to her. “You doing okay? Sorry if they’re a little overwhelming.” Chihiro clipped the thread she was using with her teeth and began fluffing the toy. After the stuffing was redistributed she handed the bear towards Ren who accepted it. “Don’t be afraid to tell them no, trust me. They can be obnoxious sometimes without meaning it.” Ren had not realized how much he was needing a break from the chaos. Despite only being a few feet away from the trio it was a nice recess. At home the energy of the house always seemed to be in balance between him and his Dads, perhaps that was the same here and he was just an anomaly. The thought of home sunk his heart and made him bury his face into the stuffed animal. Chihiro, without prompting, dragged her fingers through Ren’s long hair and the tension left the boy’s body within seconds. “If you ever want to read or chill out for a second just come to me, I can get them to back off.” 

Ren hummed absentmindedly and nodded his head. Playing with the teddy bear’s paws he stood back up. “Thank you.”

“No problem, hey, it’s gonna be okay.” Chihiro was placing the needles and thread back in a tin can and she pushed it back into a crux of the shelf near them. She was greeted with the bear being shoved back in her face. “Oh, it’s not mine, if you want you can give it to Fumie. She’s in the kitchen.” 

Ren followed where Chihiro pointed to where the girl was faced away from them, standing on a crate. He nodded silently, repeating the name in his mind as he approached her. Fumie paused stirring the soup when someone pulled on her dress. She looked down and said, “You’re Ren, right?” 

Instead of receiving a response the bear was thrusted her way. “This is yours.”

Fumie smiled and called past Ren, “Thank you, Chihiro!” There was no verbal response, but Fumie could tell she acknowledged her with a nod. “Could you put Buttons over there?” She indicated with her head over to a shelf and Ren put together what he was asked of. “Actually can you help me with one more thing,” Before Ren could ask what she meant the girl called out loud for all to hear, “It’s dinner time!”

There was a groan, “Already? We just got set up.” Kota, bouncing the ball, stepped into view of the cove. 

Fumie turned on her heels, the box shaking slightly with the abrupt movement. “Too bad.” She stuck her hands on her hips and berated him.

She would have tried to intimidate Akane’s motherly tone if said girl didn’t enter the cove as well, “We can play later.” Kota seemed appeased by this and left. “Fumie if you want I can serve if you get the table set.”

“Can I help?” Ren asked and Akane smiled down at him.

“Sure, Fumie can show you around.” Akane nodded towards the girl who hopped down from the crate. 

Fumie waved him and the two moved to one corner of the cove while Akane fiddled with their rusty stove. “Here I like to carry the spoons in the bowls, it makes it easier.” Fumie set up two bowl stacks spoons in the top bowl of each tower. “Thanks for the help by the way.”

“It’s no problem.” Ren told the girl. “I like helping my Dad when he cooks.”

“Woah, you’re lucky! My Dad never cooked for me.” Fumie puffed with annoyance, Ren oblivious to both the insinuation and how trivial the girl tried to make it seem.

“Yeah, we make cookies a lot together.” Fumie sparkled at him and Ren continued with a little hesitation, “I could teach you how to make them.”

The girl cheered as they entered the main living space. “Yes, please! That sounds like fun.” She giggled and the two kids placed the utensils into each bowl. Ren’s heart swelled with the promise of getting to interact with more kids his age.

Akane approached the two and tried not to slosh the pot as she set it down in the middle of the table. While the children were congregating at the table Yuu and Mika were climbing down the step ladder. The family took their assigned places at the table while Akane reached over the table to ladle soup into each bowl. Ren wasn’t sure what to do and felt rude to ask when he saw that the table was already crowded, clearly not designed for eight people nevertheless nine. Mika recognized Ren’s discomfort and spoke for him, “Hey Ren,” The little boy looked over at him. “You can sit in Yuu-chan’s lap, he’ll make room.”

“I am?”

“Yes you are, don’t be rude.” Mika recited. 

Fumie’s mouth parted and all the small children watched as Ren padded over. “I’m sorry.”

 “No need to be sorry.” Yuu picked up the little kid and plopped him on top of his thighs, “Sorry if you’re squished. We’ll find you a permanent seat someday.” 

Once again Ren missed the insinuation too occupied at how Yuu’s chin bumping against the top of his head felt oddly familiar. There was a whine across the table from Mika, “So polite, Yuu-chan. Ren you’re already one of his favorites.”

“I don’t play favorites, you just annoy me.” Yuu meddled with his and Ren’s bowls and tried to organize them in a way such that the two wouldn’t collide too much when eating. “You’re a brat.”

Mika gasped, faking him taking offense he brought a hand to his chest. “I’m an angel.” Mika dug into his soup as soon as Akane deposited it into his bowl. 

“Ignore him.” Yuu muttered down to Ren before eating. The other kids watched Mika and Yuu’s banter with placeted giggles. Akane was uncharacteristically silent, keeping an eye on Ren as the family commenced dinner. She smiled when the Kids engaged Ren with their typical small talk as everyone ate. Slowly but surely Ren adapted to the group’s dynamic and his giggles were drawn out and mixed with the others.

After dinner Fumie and Ren were both sharing the crate in front of the sink. Ren held multiple spoons in his hand as he dried them while Fumie leaned into the sink to wash the dishes “Hey Ren,” The boy looked at her as she handed him a bowl, “you can borrow my blanket tonight. I can snuggle with Akane.”

Ren clenched the spoons at her kindness. “Thank you. Hey, Fumie.” The girl hummed as she rubbed the grim away from the bowl with her fingers. “Did you want to play ‘four square’ with us?”

“I’d love to! Let’s get Brother-Mika and Brother-Yuu to play too!” Fumie sped up her cleaning to accent her excitement. The two kids were giggling as they entered the main living space and climbed up the ladder together. 

Yuu and Mika’s deliberation was interrupted when the focus of their discussion and Fumie’s heads popped into view. “Do you want to play with us?” Ren’s mood was more content with his own anticipation for this opportunity to be a kid in a way he was currently deprived of.

Yuu looked down at the hand that was now squeezing his wrist. Speaking for both of them again Mika said, “Sure, give us like two minutes!” Ren and Fumie squeaked out their own versions of ‘okay’ before shimmying back down to the ground. Taichi waved the two kids over to where he was sitting next to Ako, even Chihiro moved closer to the event, but she remained distant enough to read in peace. 

Kota was standing in the center of the square bouncing the ball. Akane entered the room shortly after Yuu and Mika joined the group with each of them standing at one of the corners of the chalk square. Kota cleared his throat and looked down primarily at Ren, “Ok, so how we play is pretty simple. Basically everyone has a square that is yours and that is the space you can move around in.” Kota pointed to the spaces where each of the older kids occupied. “When the ball comes into your square it can bounce once, but you need to hit it out of your square and into someone else’s. If the ball bounces twice or it goes out of bounds you’re out.” Ren blinked up at him, still confused. “Uh, just watch us for a few rounds, it’ll make sense.”

As Kota moved to the center of his square, the other three kids fanned their hands out. Ren watched patiently as the ball bounced between the four kids, with them making playful jabs at each other. The way Akane was moving was almost inhuman as she never failed to miss the ball that flew towards her - almost as if she could predict the movements before they happened. Kota on the other hand was at a disadvantage with several close calls. Mika’s playfulness spiked and he targeted his jabs at Yuu to increase his irritability which only distracted him further. Using this to his advantage Mika spiked the ball into Yuu’s court which combined with his distorteness from his vexation left him open to be targeted. With delayed reflexes Yuu dove and failed to smack the ball away before it bounced twice. Mikaela rung his hands out behind him as he sang to the children who were cheering. “And the Great Mikaela wins again.”

“You’re a cheater.” Yuu barked out.

“And you’re a sore loser.” Watching Mika bow with a sly look at Yuu, Ren’s claps slowed and his mind narrowed in on the name the older boy used. 

Any serious contemplation was cut off by Kota who looked optimistically at Ren, “Do you kinda get it?”

Ren furrowed his brow and quickly synthesized what he had watched, “I think so.”

“Ah, great, you four can try a match if you’d like?”

Ren looked side to side at the younger kids whose hopeful eyes were looking for confirmation from him. “Okay!”

Ako helped Ren to a stand then she skipped pulling the boy into the circle. “We’re not gonna go easy on you.”

“We?” Taichi asked as he found his position.

“Yeah we .” Fumie puffed out her chest and pointed at Ren and Taichi whose squares were adjacent to one another. “Ako told me what you said earlier and you two are going down.”

He swelled with pride at being acknowledged and included in the group. Ren called back, “Not before we beat you first!” Taichi grinned and reached out to give Ren a high five with a ‘Yeah!’. The match started out like the older kids’ with simple passes without a lot of force behind each hit. Ren got too comfortable with only reaching with his arms for the ball, legs locked out unlike the others who were moving with a steady bounce to their feet. The laughter and energy of the room was intoxicating to Ren, especially when the older kids on the sidelines cheered on his name. The thrill of the game was growing amongst the players and more risky plays were done, a few attempting to copy the more aggressive passes the older kids were able to execute correctly. 

Fumie had no intention of what proceeded when she spiked the ball harder than necessary. When it ricocheted off the ground and slammed into Ren’s chin she was downright horrified. Following this, the boy fell backwards due to his unsteady posture. She was the first one to scream out, “Ren!” and tumble to the ground after him. Amongst the spinning in Ren’s head he heard a cacophony of people calling his name and several faces fazed in and out of his vision.

“Taichi go get the first aid kit and some water.” Akane’s voice commanded. Said kid left without another word to do the task.

“Ouch.” Ren tried to sit up and brought a hand to rub against his chin, but Akane seized his wrist, stopping him.

“You’re bleeding.” Akane tried to reassure as Ren’s eyes bugged out of his head. “Don’t worry it’s gonna be okay.” She helped the boy to a sitting position.

“Kids, let’s give them some space.” Yuu was gathering everyone around him and Mika.

Fumie was whimpering into Mika’s chest and she kept turning to yell apologies over at Ren. Mika held the girl close and tried to console her, “Hey, he’s gonna be okay. Akane just needs some room to work.” Fumie nodded but continued to try and apologize.

Chihiro who had come to join the commotion offered a distraction, “Here how about this, we can go read a story and when we finish, Ren will be all patched up.” All the little ones looked up with quivering lips and followed her with reluctant nods. Yuu whispered something into Kota’s ear and he nodded, linking hands with Ako and Taichi he led the now trio of younger kids away. There were pitiful ‘goodbye’s to Ren as if it was the last time they would see him. The sentiment made Ren smile more.

Akane was dabbing a wet cloth against Ren’s chin to soak up the blood. “No tears from you I see.”

Yuu and Mika squatted down each on one side of Akane as they observed the little boy who was smiling wider. “Hey Kiddo, how are you doing?”

Mika played off Yuu, “You’re a tough cookie aren’t you.”

“I’m fine.” Feeding Ren’s ego worked well as when Akane dabbed the scrape wound with some type of ointment he didn’t feel the sting. “My Papa taught me to be tough.”

“Oh did he now.” Akane inquired.

“Yeah, Papa told me we need to be tough so Dad doesn’t ‘worry his head off’. He said it’s not healthy.” Finding more enjoyment in talking about his parents than his injury or losing the game, he jumped on the topic. This subject change unintentionally reopened the emotions Ren was able to avoid earlier.

Mika chuckled, “Sounds like your Papa is very kind.” Yuu was clearly nervous to talk about parents. Mika addressed Ren, “I don’t know what your Dad’s like, but I swear Yuu-chan’s head explodes when he worries.” He tsked and reached over and patted said boy’s head, “Big-baby, you worry too much.”

Ren was tempted to cover his laugh with his hands - a habit he got from Mikaela - if it weren’t for Akane bandaging him with what spare band aids they had. “I have reason to worry.”

“I think you need to learn how to relax, Yuu.” Akane glanced at an offended Yuu. “You’re at like a hundred all the time, that can’t be good.” Mika nodded in agreement.

Yuu bristled, accidentally blurting out, “Well, that’s kinda hard. Sorry , I care about you.”

Mika was voiceless for a moment after processing what Yuu said. Both boys locked eyes, neither recognizing what the other was thinking. Trying to steer the conversation back he winked at Ren who was seemingly entertained by their banter. Whatever Mika said next wouldn’t help lift Ren’s mood as he was reminded once more of where he was compared to where he wanted to be. The gentle cradle of Akane’s hands only further brought up memories of Yuuichiro coddling him; when he would scrape his knees with coos how he was ‘So strong and brave.’ as he would dress his wounds. The ‘healing kisses’ both Yuuichiro and Mikaela would always make sure to give him was just another thing on the massive list he wanted in that moment. “Oh, you really are a Big-Baby. I could just pinch your cheeks.” Mika reached across Akane to follow through this, but Yuu smacked his grabby hands away.

“I want to go home.” Ren’s glum voice broke the atmosphere again and all three older kids looked down at the little boy whose tears were daring to peak out. Akane flinched and she broke her stare to contemplate. 

“What is ‘home’ like?” Mika asked not getting permission from Akane or Yuu, the damaged part of his heart yearning to hear this seemingly good homelife.

“It’s warm, and safe.” Ren’s tears were flowing now, “And I can get as many hugs from Mama and Papa there as I want.” Yuu and Mika looked confused for a moment at the name change, but didn’t press the issue.

Mika offered when Akane sat back after dressing Ren, “I know we’re not them, but would a hug help make you feel better?” Ren’s tears were dampening his bandage when he avidly nodded. Both Yuu and Mika immediately moved once given permission, and trapped Ren in a tangle of their arms. Resting against their chests Ren closed his eyes once more, the fantasy he was in his parents arms could almost be a reality with the way he felt. 

Akane’s eyes displayed no emotion before softening and she too enveloped the upset boy, closing the circle of comfort around him. “It sounds like they really love you.”

“I love them a lot.” Ren hiccuped, held Yuu and Mika - who his arms were clutching him closer. “Where are your guys’ parents?”

All three kids made sure Ren couldn’t see the shared agony and reciprocated his previous action, shielding their faces from view. Akane acted as leader in speaking, “They’re lost. But we’re staying together as a family in the meantime while they’re gone.”

Ren with some effort tilted his head to catch the older kids’ gaze. “Lost? When we find Dad and Papa you can stay with us. They can help us search for your parents.” Ren continued his tangent, “We can share my room. I can make enough room for everybody if I move my toybox.” Ren looked at each of their faces then buried his head back into their chests, “You guys are really nice, you can join our family. They’ll love you too.” Out of sight Akane was smiling. 

Yuu didn’t respond, only faintly rub circles into Ren’s back. “Sounds like a plan.” Mika affirmed trying to hide his melancholy nature. “I’m glad you think we’re nice, I would like to think I helped instill that family trait.” He tried to pick back up his charismatic persona. “You can be a part of our family too, Ren. The Hyakuya’s are always looking to spread the love.”

Ren froze, blinking tears away, his head whipped up against Akane’s chest at the sound of his last name. “Did you say Hyakuya?” 

Yuu finally finding his voice answered, “Yeah that’s all our last names.”

Numerous puzzle pieces all clicked together at once and Ren's eyes went beady, constantly darting between the three older kids as he struggled to find his words; his mouth agape. It was then that the world started to melt where he stood. A smog similar to when he last saw Ashera suddenly burst from every crevice of the home and phased through the solid walls as well. Without warning Yuu and Mika disappeared from Ren’s embrace and Akane had vanished into the darkness. Ren cried not only the original trio when he first encountered this sweeping fog, but for the new family members he had met. His mind was spinning with revelations and rapid fire thoughts. The last before the smog consumed him completely and whisking him away to the waking world was, ‘Why are Dad’s eyes blue?’ 

The Hyakuya orphans were dissolving back into the fog leaving only the form of Akane standing as the illusionary realm around her melted - smog slinking back into her body. Her body bent down into the darkness and stood back up this time in his true form. Ashera held his arms behind his head. Speaking to himself he uttered with foresight at the interesting conversation he would have with Yuuichiro soon, “I’m probably gonna get in trouble for that.” Although he smiled at his handy work. He was sure the future conversations Ren could have with Yuuichiro and Mikaela out of this experience would surely help the boy’s parents address some insecurities Ashera identified throughout this experience. It would be worth it in the long run. “Yeah, it’s gonna be okay.”

-----

“I think he’s waking up.” He felt incredibly groggy making slipping back to sleep easy if not for the sudden urgency in his heart. Completely swaddled in Yuuichiro’s military jacket, limbs restricted, Ren found his only autonomy over his head and he jerked it from side to side. He didn’t have to look far as Yuuichiro had the boy hugged close to his chest. Mikaela was now inching closer and moved to cup his son’s cheek. “Wakey-Wakey, Baby.” Ren’s expression didn’t shift as Mikaela pressed a chaste kiss to his temple. His mouth remained parted as he studied his Dad’s eyes as he sat back only slightly. A hand remained to knead his cheekbones. 

Ren couldn’t find any hint the serene blue in those cerise irises, nor could he explain this discrepancy. “Did you have a good nap?” Yuuichiro snuck down his head to press a kiss of his own to Ren’s other temple. 

Ren didn’t respond to either of his parents. He didn’t even comment on how the family were back in their home instead of the grassy clearing the group was previously. Wiggling, he eventually freed his arms from the cocoon Yuuichiro had made for him after he fell unconscious. Mikaela couldn’t help but lean into Ren’s hands as they came to his cheeks. When a slight force resisted Mikaela from moving to meet his son’s forehead, he dropped the half lidded nature of his eyes to look at him quizzically. A bewildered look met his own and Mikaela watched Ren’s gaze examine him. 

“Why are your eyes red?” There was no malice behind Ren’s question, only a desire to understand.

Dread. Guilt. Anger. Mikaela tried to suppress all those emotions which decided to start boiling as his mind extrapolated what prompted this. “What do you mean?” His throat was taut. Yuuichiro kept a watchful eye on Mikaela upon noticing how stiff his posture had become - extremely defensive.

Mikaela regretted ever opening his mouth when Ren offered, “Blue. They were blue.” In a matter of seconds Mikaela was suddenly hyper aware of his surroundings. Clenching his mouth shut he sucked in his lips to prevent his fangs from showing and became terrified of how close Ren’s hands were to lifting the veil of his long hair. Unlike Yuuichiro and Ren who wore it up, Mikaela utilized his thick locks as a nearly impenetrable barrier, preventing anyone from seeing the pointed ears he despised so much. In the privacy of their bedroom, alone from even their son - a thought Mikaela felt ashamed of - there were times where he felt safe enough to even let Yuuichiro to dress his hair. It was weirdly intimate with the two rarely speaking as Yuuichiro fingers parted and twined Mikaela’s hair in elegant patterns that were always designed to display his ears to the world. For an isolated moment Mikaela felt beautiful; and he didn’t need to say anything because Yuuichiro knew as well. Yuuichiro always took his time, wanting these moments for Mikaela’s self esteem to last as long as possible; as when Mikaela would take apart his creations to leave the room he had to watch real time the emotional weight return.

The feeling of helplessness during that was almost equal to what he felt in this moment as Mikaela jerked away from both Yuuichiro who was now reaching out and Ren whose hands were left frozen in place. “How do you know that?” Yuuichiro’s voice wasn’t enough to pull Ren’s focus as he was dead set on looking at his Dad, who was second by second retreating further into his shell.

“Uncle-Ashera showed me.” Ren said without a second thought as he writhed in his Papa’s hold deciding he had waited long enough for a hug. Mikaela noticeably flinched and the hollow expression of trepidation changed to one of unbridled anger which he directed at Yuuichiro since he couldn’t gather the strength to look at Ren. His pride couldn’t handle turning it upon the sword resting against the coffee table.

“Showed you what?” Yuuichiro asked without getting the all clear from Mikaela who was downright horrified at what he might learn.

As Ren opened his mouth his Dad cut off all possible communication, “You know what, we can talk about this another day. It’s getting late, let’s get you ready for bed.” Mikaela didn’t reach down to retrieve Ren like the former expected, arms already extended to clutch around his Dad’s neck. With instead the man turning to stalk down the hall, leaving Ren even more touch starved than before. 

The break in their routine impacted Ren far more than Mikaela intended, but the way his head throbbed with having to grieve their new reality overcame rational thought. Yuuichiro knew that calling his name, demanding either an apology or just an explanation would have been in vain when he recognized the familiar haze that settled over Mikaela’s eyes. The two that remained on the couch sat in mutual silence with only their internal dialogues to accompany them, similar to Mikaela. Ren couldn’t understand why his Dad reacted so volatile and with such distress, he could only connect the cause of this outburst being himself. 

“Did I-” 

Yuuichiro felt the subtle rumble of Ren’s body against his own and he pulled his son close to his chest, with a kiss to the crown of his head Yuuichiro tried to spell any doubts. “No, no way, Dad would never.” Arms encompassed the bundle in his lap as he stood, a hand permanently tangling with Ren’s hair that in that moment the little boy couldn’t enjoy. Right now, all he wanted was his Dad’s love and he was the furthest from getting that. “He loves you too much to ever think that.” Ren didn’t respond, only rest his chin on his Papa’s shoulder as the pair moved through the routine that was supposed to be for him and Mikaela.

When Yuuichiro helped Ren into his pajamas all he could think of, ‘Does he?’ Ren’s rationale focused on if he could make Mikaela frown and feel sad then what his Papa said must not be true. 

Yuuichiro left the room for a moment only to return with a large cup of sliced apples and a smile, “I thought you might be a little hungry since we didn’t have dinner.” If Mikaela was in his usual mindset he would have berated Yuuichiro for such an unbalanced meal, but the former wasn’t even present to witness this. Ren gnawed on one of the slices in place of talking as Yuuichiro tucked Ren snug into his comforter. All that could be seen was his face and the little hands that peeked out from under to balance the cup of fruit on his chest. Yuuichiro felt torn between staying to comfort their son who was clearly still unnerved and going to comfort his husband, who he was certain was spiraling further into his self-deprecation the longer he was left alone in this state. Making his decision, Yuuichiro leaned down to plant a kiss in the center of Ren’s forehead. “Sweet dreams.” Only when Yuuichiro stood, feeling more confident in his decision did Ren break that when he spoke up.

“Is Mama gonna come kiss me goodnight?”

Yuuichiro could only hope that Ren didn’t notice the chill that racked him with the loaded question. “I think he might have already fallen asleep, Kiddo.” The guilt he felt when he looked over at the dejected child made lying through his teeth even harder.

“Oh.” Was all Ren could muster to elaborate on that and turned over in his bed, facing away from his Papa. Yuuichiro had to ignore the way Ren’s voice was bubbling and the sparse sniffle otherwise there would have been no way he could leave. The previous thoughts about him being the cause for why the day ended so sourly were on repeat in his mind.

Yuuichiro’s nails must have carved crescent moons into his palm based on how hard his fists were clenching when he left. After retrieving Ashera from the living room, Yuuichiro left, his appetite completely spoiled, which didn’t help with regulating his own emotions. His gait towards their room was far less graceful and definitely more heavy footed compared to Mikaela’s escape. He certainly didn’t need to do this as Mikaela’s heightened senses alerted him to almost every miniscule movement in their home, but his own emotions were on a high of their own.

“That wasn’t cool, you know.” Yuuichiro didn’t try to mask his passive aggression as he closed the door behind him. Mikaela was in his reading chair, head in his hands and he didn’t move to acknowledge Yuuichiro at first. Yuuichiro turned away from him to place Ashera back in his display, there was a brush of wind and Mikaela was standing behind Yuuichiro, barely an inch between them.

A pale hand moved to grab near the hilt of the sword and with a forceful tug Mikaela freed it from Yuuichiro’s hold. There was a hiss into Yuuichiro’s ears, breathy and clearly peeved, “What ‘wasn’t cool’ was him doing that .” Mikaela made emphasis as he threw the sword to the ground, it clattering to the ground. “He had no right.” Fangs were all barred, that previous reservation thrown away.

“You’re being dramatic. You don’t even know what he told him in the first place, because you ran away.” Yuuichiro, offended, tried to bend down to retrieve the blade, but Mikaela grabbed his shoulders and held the other in place, practically nose to nose.

“Why are you defending him?” Mikaela’s voice faltered. Both noticed this with him trying to cover the slip of emotion.

Yuuichiro broke free from Mikaela’s vice and retrieved Ashera from the ground, “I trust him.” Yuuichiro refused to make eye contact with Mikaela as he secured the sword back in place.

“He’s a demon!” Mikaela knew it was a low blow, as well the argument didn’t hold much water considering his own nature.

“Oh that’s ironic coming from you.” Yuuichiro wanted to believe in the integrity of his friend. “He’s my friend. He wouldn’t do something like that.” 

Mikaela turned on his heel, and forced himself to push what Yuuichiro first said to the back of his mind as he took a step away from him. “Oh really, because I asked him to not mess with Ren and look what happened.”

“I don’t get why you’re so worked up.” Yuuichiro sighed. “He didn’t look upset to me.” While the irrational side of him wanted to go on a tangent he kept himself composed.

Yuuichiro’s indifference to the situation and more importantly Mikaela’s feelings when he knew full well how delicate he felt about this subject was irritating. “You don’t know that.”

“And you do?” Yuuichiro couldn’t help but scoff at how unnecessarily difficult Mikaela was making this. There was no reason for this argument from his perspective. Today was supposed to be one that they could all enjoy, one that both of them knew Ren had been anticipating. For it to go sour in such a way was infuriating. Yuuichiro was sure their son was on the edge of tears when he left; the fact his parents were in a different room locked in a petty argument rather than by his side was ridiculous. Perhaps it was wishful optimism, but Yuuichiro had hoped their relationship had grown strong enough to overcome these hurdles without stooping to needless fights. They could communicate with one another, Yuuichiro knew this, which is what made this all the more frustrating.

The urge to escape was almost equal with his current neuroticism. Mikaela’s arms raised to cross defensively over his chest, with Yuuichiro stopping him by grabbing both of Mikaela’s wrists, his clenched fists rigid in the space between them. Cutting off the previous talking point again, Mikaela asked, “Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know, but putting words in his mouth isn’t gonna help anything.”

Mikaela tried to resist the urge to quell his emotions when Yuuichiro’s thumbs made their typical circles near the junction of his wrist. “You don’t understand-”

“No, and I won’t if you don’t talk to me about it.” Quite the opposite was true, but for the purpose of reasoning with Mikaela he switched tactics.

Mikaela tried to duck his head only for Yuuichiro to step closer and angle his head awkwardly to force contact. Yuuichiro stared fixedly as Mikaela’s brows furrowed and his jaw tightened. “I don’t care what his intentions were.” Yuuichiro only hummed trying to coax more of the truth out of him, “He had no right.” 

“He was going to find out one way or another.” Yuuichiro tried to mediate for Ashera even though he wasn’t there to defend himself. “At least it was family telling him instead of a stranger.”

“But I wanted to be the one to tell him, on my own terms. It’s my story, mine. He took that from me.” Mikaela wasn’t satisfied with the compromise Yuuichiro tried to sell him. “I-I don’t want him to look at me differently.”

“Why would he look at you differently?” 

Mikaela turned a heated glare onto Yuuichiro. “What do you think? Every time he looks at me, he’ll know what I’ve done. I can’t hide my eyes.” Unbeknownst to him, Ren still had no inclination of what his eyes actually meant. The fury from the beginning of their argument returned as Mikaela barked out. “How would you feel if you found out your Dad drank human blood.” 

“Dad-?”

Mikaela’s blood ran colder than it already was and turned a haunted face towards the doorway. With a hand holding the frame and his other entangled in his pajamas, Ren stood pigeon toed. Was he that bad at being a vampire to not have picked up on his son moving throughout the house. What he was more ashamed of was on further inspection seeing how inflamed Ren’s eyes were.

The previous comforting hold Yuuichiro trapped Mikela in was broken as the latter took a frightened step backwards. Yuuichiro took a step forward but stopped when Ren flinched. Dropping to a squat he tried to make himself look as welcoming as possible; knowing how Mikaela probably radiated the opposite energy. “Hey, Kiddo, what are you doing awake?”

The little boy’s entire body was tense and his bugged eyes were darting between both of his parents, lingering longer on the one cowering behind his Papa. The apology Ren originally planned on was tossed aside for unrest as he repeated the phrase “Human blood” over in his head so much that he didn’t realize it slipped out of his lips.

Was the room spinning or was it just his mind, either way the throbbing in Mikaela’s head was suffocating. Even with the countless hours ruminating this conversation, he was still dumbfounded.

“Ren,” The boy was inching backwards when Yuuichiro called his name. “I can explain-”

“No,” Mikaela’s stern voice interrupted Yuuichiro who couldn’t help but look sympathetically at how his husband was wavering in place. ‘Are you sure?’ Mikaela caught onto the message Yuuichiro sent towards him but the former shook his head and squatted down in a similar fashion next to him. His throat bobbed as he tried to figure out how to begin. He opted for an apology, “Ren, baby,” The little boy looked over at his Dad at how his arms were an open invitation for a hug, but the boy was still uneasy and brewing with thoughts. 

“I’m sorry for making you mad, Mama.” Ren cut off Mikaela with another one of his thoughts that slipped out. The blonde didn’t dare break contact to look at Yuuichiro. Said man next to him remained silent despite how much he wanted to comfort their son.

“No-No, you don’t need to apologize, I should be the one saying sorry for being a ‘meanie’.” Mikaela softed both his voice and vocabulary as he eased himself into talking. Ren only nodded, watching with a sniffle. “There’s nothing you could do to make me angry at you.” The quirk of a smile Ren exhibited dispelled some of Mikaela’s anxiety. With that seemingly out of the way it was time for him to address the elephant in the room. “Ren, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while.” Ren’s head kinked to the side with curiosity, but his demeanor was still overly cautious. With his apology out of the way came the return of countless questions about what Ren heard when entering his parents’ room. He couldn’t rationalize, nor associate blood with anything other than being injured.

Mikaela reworded what he was about to say hundreds of times. Yuuichiro reached a hand forward to fold over his, sensing he was about to speak. “You know Uncle-Ashera isn’t completely human.” Ren nodded along silently remembering how his Papa called him a ‘fairy’. “Well,” He swore his tongue dried up in that instance. “I’m the same way.”

When Ren scrunched his face, brows furrowed in deep concentration Mikaela’s flight instincts were getting ready to go haywire. This was stopped by the thumb massaging his hand; grounding him and reminding him of what was important. “But your hair doesn’t fly like Uncle-Ashera’s.”

The comment caught both Yuuichiro and Mikaela off guard as that wasn’t what either of them expected. Mikaela stuttered over what he was going to say next and settled for, “No, I’m-I-uh, I’m not as cool as Uncle-Ashera.” Eyes searching for fear to complete his self fulfilling prophecy he continued, “I’ve got a bad stomach.” Ren parroted the phrase ‘bad stomach’ back and Mikaela took that as permission to continue, “My ‘tummy’ gets really upset when I eat normal foods, so I don’t eat the same way like you and Papa.”

“Is that why you never eat with us?” Ren looked down and fiddled with his pajama top, when Mikaela nodded. “I thought you just didn’t like food like when we make cookies.”

Mikaela felt guilt swamp him in retrospect at the numerous times he could recall Ren trying to get him to take a bite of the desserts they would make. He never missed how fast Ren’s pride would turn into disappointment when he would repeatedly turn down the offer. Usually Yuuichiro would step in to rescue him by biting the cookie right out of their son’s hands, with a ‘Don’t mind if I do.’ Mikaela felt childish how he made the assumption the interruption would smother Ren’s previous feelings. “I would eat all of the cookies you make, if I could.”

“That’s a lot of cookies. I don’t want you getting a tummy ache.” Ren snickered and the first giggle bubbled out of him since he woke up that evening.

“I would be sure to eat slowly then.” Mikaela felt Yuuichiro squeeze encouragely. 

“What do you eat then?” There it was the question he was dreading.

“Well-um-I don’t eat anything.” Ren took a step closer and titled his head at his Dad. There was a prolonged moment of silence while Mikaela argued with himself how much information he should omit from his explanation. “You know after a hot day and you’re really thirsty. Don’t you feel so much better when Papa gets you a glass of juice.” Ren smiled at the thought. “Well, I get really thirsty too, but Papa doesn’t bring me juice, instead I drink blood.” Mikaela's pace and confidence diminished as he continued his explanation with the longest pause before he said ‘blood’.

The waiting period after Mikaela spoke was agonizing with only the sounds of Ren mimicking the things he said to break the suspense of the room. He swallowed his fear accepting whatever would happen next, “Your eyes are red.” This was it, he was preparing for heartbreak. “Uncle-Ashera’s eyes are red. Mama, are you a fairy?”

Mikaela could only blink slowly as he processed what Ren said. There was a familiar snicker from his side and the hand around his own tightened. Mikaela let his mouth fall open for far too long. Mikaela cleared his throat. “Yes I am.” Yuuichiro’s tried to muffle his chuckling, but found it difficult with how serious his husband sounded. Mikaela couldn’t care less. He was over the moon considering he didn’t have to call himself a vampire. Ren would never have to associate his Dad with the dark creatures Mikaela loathed. “Do you want to see what makes me a fairy?” If he was going to redefine himself then there was no better moment than this one.

“Can you fly?” Ren asked eagerly, taking another step closer. 

“No, I can’t.”

“I can.” Yuuichiro spoke for the first time since Mikaela had silenced him.

“And before you offer, the answer is still no.” Mikaela pushed Yuuichiro’s face away. Ren always tried to find these wings his Papa must have, but he had still yet to ever see them before. “I can jump really high though, so that’s kind of like flying.” Mikaela tried to find a happy medium so he didn’t shut down Ren’s excitement completely. Ren’s mouth made a small circle as he remembered back to seeing his parents spar, how Mikaela soared into the sky, and back with Ashera how he floated down to the ground. The little boy looked on with childish wonder. “Here c’mere.” The joy Mikaela felt when his son complied without fear or running away gave him a spark of hope. When Ren waddled over to him he prefaced his next action with, “Both your Uncle-Ashera and I have these. They’re our fairy teeth.” Mikaela let his jaw go slack and lifted his upper lip, his fangs extending to their full length accordingly. Ren oohed at getting to see Mikaela’s teeth up close as they were almost always concealed behind a hand or tight lips, another one of Ren’s mysteries were getting resolved today. Yuuichiro watched from the sidelines impressed and incredibly proud of how Mikaela was adapting. 

Without warning, little hands grabbed onto Mikaela’s top fangs and Mikeala had to stifle any reaction out of fear of pricking Ren. “Ew, they’re slimy.” 

“They are still teeth.” Yuuichiro couldn’t help but laugh at the reaction as Ren wiped his hands off on his pants.

“They’re more like straws.” Mikaela bounced off Yuuichiro once he could close his mouth. When Ren parroted the word ‘straw’, he elaborated. “This is how me and Uncle-Ashera eat.” He pointed to one of his fangs now that he felt comfortable peeking out over his lips. Thinking up a quick analogy he could use he tried, “You know when Papa makes you milkshakes and you suck it with a straw. Well my teeth do the same thing, but with blood.” He was still uncomfortable with the last part.

“Where do you get the blood?” Ren asked oblivious how sensitive this was for Mikaela right now.

Mikaela pushed away the urge to switch the topic and decided to come clean, hoping Ren wouldn’t hate him. “Your Papa gives it to me.”

“It doesn’t hurt though.” Yuuichiro jumped into the discussion, eyes flicking back and forth between an intrigued Ren and a somewhat disheveled Mikaela.

“Can I help?” Ren didn’t know what this entailed, but for his Dad he was more than willing to do anything.

“Oh no-no-no,” Mikeala jumped into action, “I don’t ever want you to worry about that.”

“Don’t worry, Kiddo, I make sure he’s never hungry.” Yuuichiro was pleased to say the least with how selfless Ren was willing to be for Mikaela. The two shared an unspoken message of that solidarity.

Ren gave an impartial hum as Mikaela spoke up with extreme uncertainty, “There’s one more thing I can show you that we have.” Yuuichiro raised a brow not believing his assumption was true, so when Mikaela brought his fingers to tuck his long locks behind his ears, saying he was rendered stunned would have been an understatement. How Mikaela smiled when he said, “These are my ears.” betrayed everything Yuuichiro could have imagined. Just like with his teeth Ren reached forward and while Mikaela visibly swallowed when their son poked and prodded them he didn’t show any discomfort.

“They’re pretty.” Ren mumbled as he lightly tugged the tips.

“I agree.” Yuuichiro seconded Ren earnestly with a loving smile aimed down at Mikaela. The latter’s pupils had almost engulfed his irises, clearly not expecting to hear this.

“Hey Dad,” Mikaela squashed his previous daze, “Can I have a hug.” 

“Yes.” Mikaela couldn’t move fast enough as he rushed to embrace Ren; trying to memorize the feeling as Ren’s hands trailed through his hair. 

“I love you.” 

The words triggered Mikaela and he could already feel his eyesight blurring. Mikaela pulled his son entirely into his lap and tried not to squeeze the life out of him. The hands left his hair momentarily and reached for something Mikaela couldn’t see. 

“Papa I want a hug too.”

Yuuichiro didn’t say anything, but reached for Ren’s hand to give it a squeeze. Mikaela was reluctant to let go but did so they could rearrange Ren between them, so the trio could carry on holding on another in silent bliss. While Ren’s sniffling had subsided, Mikaela took up responsibility for this as he openly sobbed into Yuuichiro’s shoulder. 

“Why are you crying, Dad?” Stuck in between both his parents, Ren wasn’t able to wipe Mikaela’s tears away. He was thankful for his Papa who moved a hand to support his Dad and kiss away the tear tracks.

“Stop that tickles.” Yuuichiro grinned and continued his trek watching as Mikaela’s sobs gradually turned to laughter, a much more beautiful noise. Mikaela gathered his bearings and tucked his head down to look at Ren, now they both shared puffy eyes. “I’m just so happy.”

Ren wouldn’t say he understood this, quite the opposite. But by the way his Dad was looking at him, Ren believed Mikaela was telling the truth, so he replied, “Good.” before burying himself back into the cocoon his parents made between their chests.

After a minute or two of that mutual silence, Yuuichiro gathered his family’s attention. “What else did you and Uncle-Ashera talk about?”

“Oh!” Ren chirped. He wiggled in their laps thrilled about the news he was going to share. “I found our ‘lost’ family!” Both Mikaela and Yuuichiro were bewildered, but Ren’s zest kept him talking before either could question. He stumbled over the names trying to remember them all, “Taichi and Kota and Ako and Fumie and Chihiro and Akane! I found them, I really did!” 

Yuuichiro sent a knowing look to Mikaela. “Oh, you did now. I’m so proud of you!” He smushed a kiss to Ren’s temple and trilled his own voice. “Your Dad has lots of stories he could tell you about them if you’d like.”

“Mama.” Ren cued Mikaela who copied Yuuichiro making the little boy coo.

Down in his gut he didn't feel that same sour feeling like times previous. Perhaps this was a sign that they were moving in the right direction as a family. “Where do I even begin.” Mikaela pulled both Yuuichiro and Ren closer to him to get more comfortable. “Oh, I know.”

Mikaela's voice could have carried on for hours, with the countless stories he rattled off for an eager Ren and a lovestruck Yuuichiro. When he heard a sudden snore his trance broke to see how both Yuuichiro and Ren were sound asleep, propped up with hands clutching onto him. He stopped his serene recollection all together to appreciate the beauty of his life. Mikaela balanced his head against his husband’s to rest his eyes allowing his last thought be, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna be okay.’ before drifting off into sleep.