Chapter Text
It had been a couple of months since the incident at the store, a moment that had left a lingering unease between him and his parents. Since then, they had grown a bit more lenient with him, allowing him a bit more freedom than before. Despite this newfound leniency, they remained strict about his dietary needs, determined to ensure that he ate regularly. Each day, they insisted on him having at least three to four meals, meticulously planning nutritious options to support his health. He often complained, wishing he could escape the kitchen and sneak off to bed instead. However, his new mother, always vigilant, would not allow him to skip a meal, insisting that nourishment was essential.
Contrariwise, his father took a different approach. He tended to be more lenient, willing to overlook small shenanigans as long as his son was willing to meet him halfway. This created a unique bond between them that the boy truly cherished. Their secret excursions for snacks late at night became a ritual, filled with smiles and shared glances whenever they managed to sneak past his mother’s watchful eye of not sleeping threw the night. Yet, when he stumbled upon their late-night feast, his disappointment was palpable, and the tension in the air heightened, adding a thrill to their covert activities.
The year had passed rather uneventfully—until the last month leading up to his birthday. Excitement buzzed in the household as both parents seemed particularly animated about the upcoming celebration. They regaled him with tales of how much fun he would have at his first-ever birthday party, which they had planned meticulously, inviting all their friends and family whom they’d met over the years. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and he found himself caught up in the anticipation of balloons, cake, and thrilling party games.
When the week of his birthday arrived, they took him to the local store to purchase decorations, party supplies, and treats. His parents were more watchful than ever, keenly aware of their surroundings and ensuring he stayed close to them. Every time someone approached him—be it a friendly stranger or an excited child—his parents exchanged worried glances as if they could sense the potential for chaos. The boy, feeling both annoyed and restrained by their caution.
After gathering all their items, Shira's father lifted him into his arms and smiled broadly. "You must be very excited, Shira! You’re going to make some new friends at the party!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
However, Shira merely huffed, resting his head on his father's shoulder, longing to drift back to sleep. Unfortunately, his mother had other ideas.
"Don’t even think about falling asleep right now, Shira," he said firmly. "Nap time isn't for another hour, and I don't want to hear you making a fuss during the party." Shouta's tone was a mix of sternness and concern, effectively rousing Shira from his sleepy state.
Shira blinked slowly, looking up at his mother with a pout. He let out a small whine, struggling to keep his heavy eyelids open, much to the amusement of both his parents. The sight of their son fighting sleep brought soft smiles to their faces.
Once they arrived home, the family quickly set to work, unloading and putting away all the items they had gathered. They were bustling around the house, organizing things efficiently, while simultaneously placing Shira in a bright, colorful playpen decorated with playful designs. He rarely used it but knew it was meant to keep him safe and entertained.
To keep him occupied, they turned on the television, hoping to distract him with cheerful cartoons. As usual, Shira found himself uninterested in the animated characters and their antics, which didn’t capture his attention at all. Regardless, he decided to endure the experience, knowing that if his mother caught him dozing off again, he would face his displeasure. So he sat there, fighting the urge to succumb to sleep, while the colorful images danced across the screen.
It wasn't until much later in the evening that he was finally given permission to go to bed. Even as sleepiness started to wash over him, he was acutely aware that he would have to wake up later, knowing full well that his parents would not allow him to sneak away without first having a proper meal. The thought lingered in his mind, a reminder of the routines that governed his life.
Growing up in this environment, where love and structure intertwined, he observed both of his parents closely. Physically, he bore a striking resemblance to his mother, most evident in his long, flowing hair that cascaded over his shoulders in gentle waves. His facial features echoed hers, particularly his nose and the shape of his face. However, his eyes were a striking contrast to his mother's soft brown; they were a very dark blue, almost black, which stood out against his father's bright yellow irises. His hair, chaotic and unkempt compared to the neat styles of his mother and father, often drew attention, making him feel like an outsider even within his own family. He found it peculiar that he didn't look more like his father, but he chalked it up to the randomness of genetics, believing that he must have inherited more from his mother’s side of the family. Ultimately, he didn't dwell on it; he felt no need to investigate further, nor did he particularly care.
Deep down, he struggled with a sense of detachment from his family. While he was grateful for their care and support, a part of him held a profound love for his original family—the one that had sacrificed so much for his survival only to be lost to him. Most days, when his thoughts drifted to that previous life, he would find himself lost in contemplation, staring blankly at the ceiling above him. His parents, perceiving his stillness as sleep, would check on him, unaware of the inner turmoil he grappled with. But he wasn't truly asleep. They sensed this, especially when they would peek into the crib or wherever he lay. That gentle interruption would often break his spell, causing him to either fuss in frustration or turn away, retreating back into the fog of his thoughts, where memories both haunting and comforting resided.
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Both of his parents were bustling about the house, full of excitement as they prepared for his birthday party while he took his afternoon nap. They meticulously decorated every corner with colorful streamers, creating a festive atmosphere that filled the air with anticipation. The main table was piled high with a delicious spread of food—sandwiches, fruit platters, and an array of snacks—while a separate table was designated for gifts, adorned with bright wrapping paper and cheerful bows, just waiting to be unwrapped.
In another room, Shira was watching over him, ensuring he would wake up in time for the celebration. They knew from previous experience how easy it was for him to miss out on events if he slept too long. He had done this before, sleeping through important moments, and they were determined not to let that happen again.
Yet, unbeknownst to his parents, he wasn’t fully asleep. With his eyes closed, he was quietly observing his surroundings, keenly taking in the sounds and movements of the party preparations. While he kept his eyes shut, he was intently assessing the scene, trying to catch glimpses of the people around him without them noticing during events.
Aizawa felt a wave of anxiety as he prepared for the first gathering with his friends in months. Since giving birth to his son, Shira, he has been completely immersed in parenting duties. He had initially been terrified when he noticed Shira struggling to eat, prompting him to focus intently on ensuring that his child consumed at least one nutritious meal each day. The stress and demands of being a new parent had consumed him, leaving him with little time to reach out to his friends—something he deeply regretted. Despite this, he wanted to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the vibrant energy that his friends often brought.
After much contemplation, Aizawa concluded that it was time to make an effort to reconnect, and that’s why he decided to host a party. This would not only be a chance for him to catch up with everyone but also an opportunity to introduce Shira to their circle. He felt it was important for Shira to make at least one friend before school started, so he hoped that the gathering would help facilitate that. Aizawa knew that Tensai would likely bring along his younger brother, and Crust had mentioned he would be bringing his daughter. It was a comforting thought to envision their children playing together, creating bonds that would hopefully last.
“Are you okay, love?” Yamada asked with genuine concern as he approached Shouta, his brow slightly furrowed.
“Yeah, I’m just… a little tired, that’s all,” Shouta replied, rubbing his eyes wearily after finishing the last touches of setting up the table. The evening had been quite hectic, and the fatigue was beginning to set in.
Yamada took a step closer, his voice softening. “You know we can always just cancel if you’re not up to it. I don’t want you to push yourself too hard.”
Shouta shook his head firmly, a hint of determination in his tone. “No, it’s fine. I know they’ve been worried about us, and I thought it would be a good idea to get this over with now. I’m just… worried about Shira, that’s all,” he admitted, glancing down as he spoke. Just then, Yamada moved behind him, wrapping his arms around Shouta’s waist, and pulling him into a warm embrace.
“He’s going to be fine; he’s a strong baby. Honestly, I’ve never heard him cry a day in his life,” Yamada reassured him, trying to lighten the mood with a gentle smile.
“Yeah, that’s the issue,” Shouta said, a frown creasing his forehead as he turned to face Yamada fully. He pulled Yamada closer, his eyes reflecting a mix of worry and vulnerability, and pushed him gently against the table. “He’s already an antisocial kid with us. Just imagine how he’ll be around other children… He won’t have any friends. He won’t socialize. I’m afraid he might turn out like… like me,” Shouta mumbled, his voice trailing off as he wrestled with the weight of his fears.
"…and that’s completely fine," Yamada said softly, wrapping his arms around Shouta in a comforting embrace. He pressed a gentle kiss on Shouta's cheek, feeling the warmth radiating from him. "At the end of the day, he’s always going to have us by his side. It doesn’t really matter if he makes friends out in the world or not; he’s destined to be a great hero, just like you. I truly believe that," Yamada reassured him, his voice filled with conviction.
"But—" Shouta began to voice his concerns, the worry evident in his tone, but his words were swiftly interrupted by Yamada, who leaned in and captured Shouta's lips with a tender kiss.
"Don’t think like that, babe. Come on," Yamada said with a soft smile, pulling back slightly to look into Shouta's eyes. "Shira is an incredibly resilient kid. If he doesn’t make friends right away, do you think that’s really going to bother him? I don’t believe so. And even if it does, we’ll be right there with him, supporting him in every way we can," Yamada emphasized, his eyes sparkling with affection as he kissed him again, pouring all his warmth and encouragement into that moment.
"Yamada," Shouta mumbled as soon as Yamada pulled away, his heart still racing from the kiss. However, before he could complete his thought, a sudden knock echoed through the room, jolting him back to reality. Blushing, Shouta quickly excused himself, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks as he pushed Yamada away gently. The playful laughter that escaped Yamada's lips filled the space between them, lightening the mood and bringing a smile to Shouta's face despite the interruption.
"Hey, am I late?" Tsunagu inquired, his voice laced with a hint of worry as he walked in, struggling slightly under the weight of a giant, beautifully wrapped gift adorned with a festive bow.
Yamada looked up from where he was arranging the snacks on the table, a smile spreading across his face. "No, not at all! In fact, you two are right on time; you're actually the first ones to arrive," he reassured them. Shouta closed the door behind them with a soft click, creating a cozy atmosphere in the warmly lit room filled with decorations.
Shinya chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm really glad to hear that! I thought we would be late, especially since someone here took an eternity making sure he looked perfect," he teased, giving a playful kick to Tsunagu's leg, who smiled sheepishly in response.
"Don't start this again," Tsunagu interjected, rolling his eyes good-naturedly at Shinya before turning his attention to Tsunagu, who was holding the large gift.
Tsunagu flashed a wide grin as he handed the oversized package to Yamada. "Here you go—this is a special gift for your little one," he announced, his voice filled with excitement. Yamada accepted the gift with a gleam of appreciation in his eyes and carefully placed it on a table where other colorful presents were stacked, each decorated in vibrant paper.
Shinya chimed in, lifting two smaller boxes with care and handing them to Shouta. "These are from me. I picked them out just for him," he said, a proud smile lighting up his face as he watched Shouta receive the gifts.
"Thank you I know he’s going to adore these," Shouta replied, his eyes bright with gratitude. "Let me go get him so you can meet him." With that, he walked out of the room, leaving Tsunagu and Shinya to chat with Yamada about the upcoming festivities and share in the warmth of the gathering.
As they chatted, Shouta hurried to the nursery, he gently roused Shira from his peaceful sleep. With tender care, he changed Shira's diaper, the soft rustle of the fabric creating a comforting atmosphere, and dressed him in a vibrant, cheerful outfit that would make him shine at his birthday party.
“Mama,” Shira whined softly, blinking sleepily as he was lifted from the changing table. A sense of discomfort washed over him while his mother lovingly nuzzled his head against his neck, the warmth, and familiarity bringing him some comfort amidst his grogginess.
“I know, baby,” Shouta said with a warm smile, as he scented Shira lightly. “But we have guests waiting for you. Remember, today is your special birthday party... So, let’s try to be good, okay?” Shira simply nodded, shaking off the lingering sleepiness, his bright eyes still clouded with drowsiness.
When they finally made it to the living room, a burst of excitement filled the air. Shouta beamed as he greeted everyone. “Hey everyone, this is Shira. Shira, these are Mama and Papa's friends,” he introduced, gesturing towards the welcoming faces gathered.
“Hi, little man,” Tsunagu said with a wide smile, his eyes twinkling as he crouched down to meet Shira’s gaze. Overwhelmed, Shira shyly waved, quickly burying his face against his mother’s shoulder, seeking refuge in his comforting scent.
“He’s just a bit shy; this is the first time he’s meeting friendly faces,” Shouta explained gently, offering reassurance to his little one while stilling the flutter of nerves that danced in Shira’s heart.
"Yamada just informed us about that incident from a couple of months ago," Shinya said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't believe the audacity some Omegas have these days."
"Apparently, she thought she could just pick up our pup because he was responding to her positively," Yamada said, rolling his eyes in frustration. As he spoke, Shira turned his gaze toward everyone in the room, his curiosity piqued.
"And to make matters worse, since we left him alone for just a brief moment in his stroller while he was sleeping, she decided it would be perfectly acceptable to put her face right in front of my son," Shota snapped, his voice tinged with anger. He gently patted Shira on the back for comfort, but his agitation was evident as he recalled the incident from that day.
"This is exactly why I don't want kids," Tsunagu remarked, crossing his arms. "No offense to you guys—I absolutely adore my little nephew—but had I been there, I would have gone after her for even daring to look at my child."
"Of course, I understand where you're coming from," Shouta replied, nodding in agreement. "Having kids isn't a decision that everyone should make. We're genuinely trying to navigate this parenting journey the best way we can, and I truly don't think that incident has traumatized him at all."
"That is very good to hear, isn't it?" A warm, feminine voice echoed from the doorway, drawing everyone's attention. They turned to see Namuri entering the room, her face alight with joy. She closed the door gently behind her, creating a sense of intimacy in the space. With a graceful movement, she handed a thoughtfully packed bag over to Yamada, her eyes sparkling as she quickly shifted her focus to the baby nestled in Shouta's arms.
"My, what a handsome little Omega you are!" she exclaimed, bending down slightly to get a closer look at the tiny, cherubic face. She leaned in just enough to admire him but maintained a respectful distance, wanting to ensure he felt comfortable.
Shira looked at Namuri with wide eyes. Suddenly, he sniffed the air, his keen senses detecting the unfamiliar scent. Without hesitation, he buried his nose into his mother's scent gland, letting out a soft whine. Yamada noticed this and chuckled lightly, quickly coming to his son's defense.
"Sorry about that; Shira is incredibly sensitive to smells. I think your scent might be a little overwhelming for him right now," he explained with an apologetic smile.
Namuri waved her hand dismissively, her expression warm and understanding. "Not a problem at all! I completely understand. Especially after hearing all those stories about this little one from you all, I wouldn’t be surprised if he scurried away the moment he’s put down!" she replied with a playful grin. The playful banter lightened the mood, as they all knew that Shira had a particular aversion to intense scents. Namuri suspected that her potent mix of rose and cherry blossom might be too much for him at that moment, but she remained optimistic about winning him over with her gentle presence.
For the next few minutes, the group engaged in lively conversation, making an extra effort to include Shira, who was known for his shyness. They asked him questions, shared funny stories, and tried to coax a smile from him. As they interacted, the atmosphere grew warm and welcoming. One by one, more guests began to arrive, adding to the joyful gathering. Crust, a tall and amiable figure, walked in alongside his cheerful daughter Kiko, who was excitedly waving to everyone. Tensei followed closely behind, holding the hand of his younger brother Tenya, who looked around with wide eyes, intrigued by the festivities.
Not long after, Kol, known as Red Riot, and Mandalay entered together, having just finished their duty. They greeted everyone with friendly smiles, their presence adding to the celebratory spirit.
As the party continued, everyone gathered around Shira to wish him a heartfelt happy birthday, their voices mingling with laughter and cheer. They presented him with an array of colorful gifts, each one wrapped delightfully. After taking a moment to thank them all with a shy smile, he instinctively cuddled up to his father's neck, seeking comfort and warmth. However, his father playfully insisted that it was time for Shira to stay awake and enjoy the party, so instead of dozing off, Shira was placed in his regular playpen in the nursery where other children had gathered.
In the playpen, there were only two other kids, which felt a bit lonely. Although it was somewhat disheartening to see such a small group, he accepted the situation because this was what it was like in his past life in his early years. Deep down, he wasn’t particularly eager for more guests; he cherished the quiet moments when he would be allowed to take a nap or to think about his situation.
Tenya, a cheerful two-year-old with bright eyes, approached Shira with an eager smile. "Me... is Tenya... My big brother," he said, enthusiastically pointing to his older sibling who was just leaving the room Then, he gestured towards Shira's parents and declared, "Mommy and Daddy," his voice filled with innocence. After a moment, he turned to Shira and beamed, adding, "Friends." Shira nodded politely, feeling a bit uncertain. He couldn't quite tell if Tenya was asking to be friends or if he was inquiring whether Shira's parents were friends with his brother. Nonetheless, Shira's nod seemed to bring joy to Tenya, who was delighted by the simple interaction.
Just then, the three-year-old girl, her cheeks flushed with irritation, shouted abruptly, "No! Yucky boys!" Her disdain for the boys was clear as she turned on her heel and walked away, seeking refuge with an assortment of toys piled in a nearby corner. These were toys that Shira had never been interested in, but the girl seemed completely absorbed in them, her anger forgotten as she busied herself with her play.
Shira glanced over at the girl, rolling his eyes in exasperation as the other boy eagerly tried to introduce him to a selection of games. He was uncertain whether these kids were omegas, alphas, or betas; his overly sensitive nose failed to pick up on the subtle cues their scents provided. It was clear, though, that they were all far too young to be emitting any noticeable pheromones, making it even more challenging for him to decipher their identities.
After a few minutes of awkwardly sitting on the ground, Shira decided to lie down, hoping to catch some sleep. He found a small sense of comfort in the familiar act of resting. Meanwhile, the older boy happily engaged with a handful of colorful blocks, bringing them over to where Shira lay. Although initially intrigued, Shira’s interest waned quickly, and he found himself struggling to stave off boredom while the other boy continued to play.
As he tried to close his eyes and drift off, he was relieved that the older boy seemed content to play quietly beside him, not bothering him or demanding his attention. The gentle sounds of the blocks clacking together provided a soothing background noise, allowing Shira to relax further as he embraced the peace and solitude, grateful for this small moment of reprieve from the social chaos around him.
A few minutes later, the little girl, feeling restless, dashed over to them, her excitement bubbling over. In her haste, she accidentally knocked over the intricate tower that Tenya had been carefully building. Tenya looked up, his brow furrowed in confusion, his eyes welling with tears at the collapse of his hard work. However, the girl didn’t seem to notice his distress. Instead, she thrust a brightly-colored doll into his hand with an air of authority, demanding his attention.
She then turned her attention to Shira who just ignored her, Without waiting for a response, she yanked Shira's hair, clearly intent on getting him to join in her game as well. Shira winced at the unexpected tug, his initial surprise quickly turning to annoyance. Meanwhile, Kiko, creating the chaos, became noticeably upset and huffed, Tugging at Shira's hair in defiance as the girl continued tossing dolls toward him. He stubbornly refused to play, his frustration growing with each throw, and yet the girl showed no sign of relenting.
As Tenya began to feel the tension in the air and his fear was evident on his face, Shira noticed and felt a wave of empathy for him. Sighing heavily, he rolled his eyes and decided to take action and reluctantly agreed to play with her, hoping to ease Tenya's anxiety. The girl huffed in satisfaction, a grin spreading across her face as she finally had her way.
As they started to engage in her game, it became clear that Shira was not fully invested; he simply held the doll aloft, occasionally waving it to signify he was participating, while his thoughts drifted elsewhere. Every few seconds, Tenya would glance over at Shira, looking for reassurance and wondering what his friend would do next, his expression a mix of uncertainty and hope.
After about an hour of them 'playing' in the brightly colored playpen, their families began to filter into the room, smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts. Each parent or caregiver scooped up their child, carrying them into the adjoining kitchen. The kitchen was a vibrant and festive space, adorned with an array of hero merchandise, from action figures to posters, and it was joyfully decorated with colorful birthday streamers and balloons.
In the center of the table, laden with an assortment of delicious party foods, stood a stunningly large birthday cake. Atop it, in a place of honor, was a striking image of the beloved hero All Might, masterfully crafted out of frosting.
As the guests gathered around, their voices filled the room in a cheerful chorus singing "Happy Birthday" to Shira, their excitement palpable. With joy dancing in his eyes, I encouraged Shira to make a wish and blow out the candles. However, the moment was abruptly interrupted when Kiko, full of energy and enthusiasm, climbed onto the table and blew out the candles before Shira had the chance.
Crust, her father, immediately reached out to gently grab Kiko, his expression a mix of concern and mild disapproval. He offered an apologetic look to Yamada and Shouta, who assured him with warm smiles that it was perfectly fine. They noted that Shira, in his gentle nature, hardly seemed upset by the interruption, displaying an admirable understanding of sharing.
All eyes turned to Shira, who sat calmly, not crying or fussing like many might in his situation. Instead, he gazed up at his parents, then at Kiko, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he simply pointed toward the cake, a clear indication that all he desired was a slice of the delicious confection. It was evident he hardly cared about the blown-out candles; the prospect of the cake had captured his attention completely.
In the Shinobi world, celebrating birthdays was an uncommon event, overshadowed by the relentless demands of missions and training. The notion of making a big deal out of something as seemingly trivial as blowing out candles on a cake felt pointless to him. He preferred to simply get it over with, which was why he had requested the cake in the first place.
As the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense, the others attempted to overlook the uncomfortable silence that settled in. Kiko, frustrated and overwhelmed, began to throw a tantrum, reacting to the stern words about the fact that she blew out Shira's candles. Her cries echoed through the space, momentarily breaking the calm. Despite the commotion, the rest of the guests managed to enjoy the cake, laughter, and chatter slowly filling the air again.
While she threw her tantrum, Shira sat surrounded by an assortment of brightly wrapped gifts. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he carefully opened each present, taking the time to appreciate the thoughtful gestures of his friends. With each gift he unveiled, he expressed heartfelt thanks, his gratitude evident in both his words and his smile. The celebration, despite its rocky start, slowly transformed into a moment of joy and camaraderie among them.
After a while, once everyone had finished their meals and the cheerful chatter had faded, the kids were gathered and taken back to the playpen. They excitedly carried Shira's new gifts with them—mostly a vibrant collection of toys that promised hours of fun. However, Kiko found herself in a bit of a predicament. She was desperately trying to capture the attention of the two boys nearby but was having little success.
Shira snuggled close to Tenya, and was doing his best to drift off to sleep after finding Tenya calm enough to get comfortable with. Tenya, meanwhile, was half-heartedly playing with some of Shira's new toys scattered around them trying not to bother Shira with his playing. To Shira, they were just toys, not particularly fascinating. Kiko, who was feeling jealous of the attention Tenya was giving to the sleepy Shira, wanted to play with some of the dolls again. Frustration bubbled within her as she watched the taller boy ignore her in favor of the smaller friend.
In a burst of determination, Kiko marched over, her little fists clenched, and snatched the toy from Tenya's hands—a brightly colored action figure that Shira had barely acknowledged. With a quick and impulsive motion, she playfully hit him on the head with it. Thankfully, the toy was soft and cushy, but the sudden act startled Tenya, who was on the brink of tears. Before he could start crying, Shira, still trying to catch some much-needed sleep, reached out and placed a gentle hand on Tenya's leg as Kiko ran back to the dolls to get him to play with her.
"Here," Shira said softly as he handed Tenya a small stuffed animal—a little dog that had been his cherished companion since a couple of months after his birth. The soft, worn fabric of the dog brought back fond memories, as it was one of the first plush toys his parents had given him. It was special to Shira, not just for its nostalgic value, but also because it reminded him of one of Kakashi's dogs, which filled him with nostalgia thinking about his friend's old teacher who helped him out during the war and when Naruto had left the village.
Kiko, however, was far from pleased with this turn of events. Her face twisted in frustration as she stormed over to Shira, ready to express her annoyance. She began to kick and scream at him, her little fists landing but determined hits to his face. In her fury, she grabbed a handful of Shira's hair, and despite Shira’s attempts to pull away, Kiko's anger fueled her relentless assault.
Tenya, caught in the whirlwind of emotions, felt an overwhelming wave of fear wash over him. The chaotic scene left him feeling anxious and vulnerable, and he could barely hold back the tears that began to stream down his cheeks. He was particularly worried about Shira, his new friend, who seemed to be in the middle of this alarming upheaval. The once cheerful atmosphere of the playpen had transformed into a tempest of emotions that left Tenya feeling frightened and unsure of what to do next.
Shira took a deep breath, trying to remain calm amidst the chaos. He didn't want to make the situation worse, so he quickly raised his hands to shield his face from Kiko's angry flailing. Kiko was in full meltdown mode, her small fists swinging wildly as she struck at him and pulled at his hair. But her focus soon shifted to Tenya, who sat on the floor, clinging desperately to Shira's puppy plushie, his big eyes welling with tears.
Just as Kiko prepared to unleash her frustration on the more sensitive boy, Shira sprang into action. With urgency, he stood up and shoved Kiko down onto the ground, creating a barrier between her and Tenya.
Tenya's sobs echoed in the air as he held the stuffed animal tightly against his chest, seeking comfort in its soft fur. Meanwhile, Shira stood protectively in front of him, his eyes narrowed into a fierce glare directed at Kiko, who was now scrambling back to her feet. Fueled by her anger, she aimed wild punches and kicks at Shira in retaliation. In a moment of instability, Kiko accidentally collided with Shira, knocking him right over onto Tenya. The unfortunate tumble allowed Kiko to land blows on both boys, compounding the confusion and distress all around them.
The ruckus drew the attention of the adults in the main room, who immediately rushed over, concern etched on their faces. As they burst through the door, the scene that greeted them was chaotic. Kiko towered over both Tenya and Shira, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks with wild abandon. The atmosphere crackled with tension as she yanked at the plush animal clutched tightly in Tenya's arms, tugging it with fierce determination.
In a swift, heart-wrenching moment, the beloved stuffed animal caved to Kiko’s relentless grip; its arm tore away, dropping limply to the ground, while a long seam split open, exposing the worn stuffing within. Tenya, tears welling in his eyes, held on desperately to the treasured gift his friend had given him, unwilling to let go. Just then, the adults burst into action, rushing forward to intervene and break up the tumultuous struggle, their voices rising above the chaos to restore calm and safety in the room.
"What is going on here, Kiko?" her dad shouted, his voice laced with frustration and concern as he carried her away from the chaos. His grip was firm, and his expression was a mix of disbelief and anger. "What has gotten into you, young lady?"
Shouta rushed over to Shira, who was slowly picking himself up from the ground, his knees trembling. "Shira, are you okay?" he asked, urgency in his voice. His heart raced as he focused on her, desperate to make sure she was alright. "Oh my God, come here, baby," he said, opening his arms wide for her. Without hesitation, Shira ran into his embrace, feeling safe in his comforting hold. Shouta's face was marred with a multitude of scratches and angry red patches that hinted at bruises developing beneath, evidence of a struggle that had just unfolded. Meanwhile, Tenya stood behind him, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clung to his brother, overwhelmed by the unfolding situation.
"I'm truly sorry about this, Shouta," Kiko's dad said, finally standing upright as he released Kiko's hand, clearly grappling with the reality of the situation. He held her hand a bit too roughly as if trying to assert control over her amidst the chaos. "I’ll make sure any medical expenses are covered; I can't believe she would act like this. We're going home right now," he added with a stern finality, casting a disappointed glance at Kiko.
"It's fine, it's fine," Shouta replied, his voice strained but composed. "Just please get her away." He tightened his hold on Shira, wanting nothing more than to shield him from the pain and confusion that surrounded them.
After the lively festivities of the party wound down, it became apparent that most guests were eager to leave. They quickly gathered their belongings and shuffled out the door, leaving only Shira's parents and Tenya’s older brother behind. The atmosphere shifted from celebration to a sense of seriousness as they began to clean up.
Shira, however, was not in the mood to be tended to. Each time they tried to attend to the bruises and cuts scattered across his body, he let out a whine of protest, expressing his discomfort and annoyance. Shouta, ever the practical one, firmly urged him to quiet down, assuring Shira that he would feel much better once he was cleaned up. His words were meant to soothe, but they only served to irritate Shira further.
Still, after hearing his father promise him a cozy nap once the cleaning was finished, Shira relented. The thought of curling up for some much-needed rest was more appealing than enduring the fussing over his injuries.
Once they completed the cleanup, Shira was finally allowed to settle down. His parents gently placed him on the couch, wrapping him snugly in a soft blanket. To his surprise, Tenya, without any reservation, snuggled up beside him, seeking comfort in the proximity. Shira couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and affection at Tenya’s cuddling; he rolled his eyes but secretly appreciated the warmth of his friend’s presence as he began to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
“Crust really feels terrible about what happened,” Tensei said, glancing up from his phone with a worried expression. “He told me he plans to discipline Kiko as soon as he gets home, but honestly, I’m just relieved that the two of them are okay.”
“It’s his first birthday party…” Shouta murmured, staring down at the floor, his hands tangled in his hair. “This is definitely going to traumatize him.”
“Come on, baby,” Yamada encouraged softly as he wrapped his arms around Shouta in a comforting hug.
“I mean, they’re just kids. I highly doubt they’ll remember much of this incident,” Tensei said, trying to inject some hope into the tense atmosphere. “What I really want to know is what sparked this whole situation.”
“Well, it’s probably because Tenya is an Alpha,” Yamada interjected thoughtfully.
“What do you mean by that?” Shouta replied, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. “Are you suggesting that my son physically fought another Omega just to grab an Alpha’s attention?”
“That’s not exactly what I’m implying, love. I’m just thinking that maybe Kiko noticed Tenya was giving Shira more attention, and she might have wanted to capture some of that attention for herself,” Yamada explained, his tone gentle yet firm.
“I mean, they are still just kids. I seriously doubt they have any understanding of secondary genders, let alone why they behave the way they do based on those roles,” Tensei said, his gaze shifting to the sleeping children, who looked peaceful despite the chaos that had just unfolded.
"Do you think they might—" Yamada began, his voice trailing off with uncertainty.
"Don’t even suggest that they might start dating in the future," Shouta snapped, his expression a mix of frustration and protective concern. "They are just children! do not talk about them that way."
Yamada put a hand on Shouta's shoulder, trying to soothe him. "I wasn’t implying that, Shouta. I was just thinking that maybe the girl simply wanted to play while Shira was trying to take his usual nap. It’s possible she didn’t appreciate being interrupted and that’s what led to the incident," he explained, hoping to bring some clarity to the situation.
Shouta let out a shaky breath, his eyes welling up with tears. "I’m sorry. I really am. I just... I’m trying to make sense of all this. My baby just got attacked by another kid," he confessed, his voice quivering with emotion.
In the background, the two adults in the room did their best to comfort him, offering reassuring words and gentle touches, while the children, oblivious to the tension, happily cuddled on the couch, engrossed in their little world.
Shira opened his eyes slightly, his gaze settling on his parents as they fussed over what seemed to him like trivial matters. He couldn’t help but shake his head in disbelief; they were being so overly emotional about the slightest incidents. If he hadn’t tripped over Tenya, he would have stood up without any trouble. intending to put Kiko in a sort of chokehold, which would only ended when she finally calmed down from her tantrum.
As he shifted his focus to the child nestled next to him, he noticed how tightly the kid was cuddling against him, seeking comfort just as he was. This proximity elicited a soft sigh from Shira; he felt a twinge of sympathy for the child. Meanwhile, his parents continued to console one another, their hushed voices a mix of concern and reassurance.
He recalled overhearing parts of their earlier conversation, recognizing their attempts to navigate the emotional chaos. In that moment, he decided to embrace this unexpected bond—he could take this new playmate into his circle of friendship. With a sense of acceptance, Shira closed his eyes once more, surrendering to the comforting darkness as he drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.