Work Text:
It was nearly midnight, and Bokuto, as he did every year, was trying to keep Akaashi awake. Once the clock struck twelve, it would officially be Keiji’s birthday, and Kotarou, the thoughtful husband he was, wanted to be the first to wish him a happy birthday. Birthdays had always been something special to him.
“Ko, I’ve told you so many times—you don’t need to stay up until midnight just to wish me a happy birthday. You can wait until the morning,” Akaashi said softly. They were lying in bed, and Akaashi was cradling Bokuto’s head in his hands—a gesture that felt like a hug but was more intimate, more personal.
“But—” Bokuto began to protest, once again ready to explain his logic behind staying up. Before he could continue, Akaashi silenced him with a kiss. It took so little to distract him, and Akaashi’s kisses were his favorite distraction of all.
“Ko,” Akaashi murmured against his lips, his voice tender, “this little race of yours to be the first to wish me happy birthday is something you’re competing in all by yourself. You know no one else is going to call me at the exact stroke of midnight. Besides, we’re seeing all our friends tomorrow evening.”
As much as Bokuto wanted to argue, he knew Akaashi was right. But there was another competitor in this so-called race.
“You know I’m not the only one in this house vying for that title,” Bokuto said with a chuckle. “There’s someone else just waiting for the perfect moment to barge in and steal this from us so she can prove how much she loves her papa.”
He was, of course, talking about their daughter. She was so much like him—competitive to the core. Whether it was her studies, her drawings, or silly games like who could hold their breath the longest, Hoshi always wanted to win.
“Obviously. I’ve got a husband and a daughter competing for my birthday. No man has ever been this lucky,” Akaashi teased, leaning in to kiss Bokuto on the lips. He didn’t stop there, peppering his face with soft kisses. “I love you both unconditionally.”
“Hoshi and I love you too. Oh! Look, it’s midnight!” Bokuto exclaimed as the alarm on his bedside table chimed softly, signaling the start of a new day.
Bokuto didn’t miss a beat. He cupped Akaashi’s face with his hands, pulling him close for another kiss. “Happy birthday, my love,” he whispered between kisses. He kissed him again and again, as if one wasn’t enough to express how much he adored him.
Their tender moment was interrupted by the sound of tiny footsteps padding across the hardwood floor.
They turned to see a small figure standing at the foot of their bed. Their daughter, Hoshi, was determinedly climbing up to join them, her little face set with focus. Once she finally made it, she plopped herself squarely between them.
“Daddy! Papa!” Hoshi exclaimed, her voice bright and full of excitement. She immediately threw her arms around Akaashi. “Happy birthday, Papa! I love you sooooo much. You’re the most amazing, most fantastic papa in the whole world—and the best at telling stories!”
Akaashi hugged her tightly, his heart swelling with love. That tiny three-year-old bundle of energy and joy was his whole world. He kissed her on the cheek, but Hoshi wasn’t done. She turned to Bokuto next.
“And you’re fantastic too, Daddy Ko! But today is Papa’s day, so I love him a little bit more than you.”
Bokuto couldn’t help but laugh, ruffling her dark hair. With her inky black locks, golden eyes, and endless sweetness, Bokuto Hoshi was the perfect little girl. That year, she and Kotarou had started doing mini volleyball lessons, and she adored sitting in the stands with Akaashi to cheer for Bokuto during his games.
Together, she and Akaashi loved drawing. Hoshi always said her papa told “the most extraordinary stories ever.” They also baked cookies, which she delighted in decorating and sharing with everyone. Her Uncle Kuroo was her biggest fan, always making a fuss over her artwork and treats.
As the family settled back into bed, Hoshi nestled herself between her dads. Akaashi turned to Bokuto with a warm smile. “See? You’re not alone in this competition after all.”
“Daddy won?” Hoshi asked, her little voice rising in surprise. She turned to Akaashi, her golden eyes wide. “Papa, I thought it didn’t matter who wished you happy birthday first…”
Akaashi chuckled softly. He didn’t have the heart to break their little competition, one they made just for him. “You know what?” he said, shaking his head fondly. “You’re both winners, my beautiful stars.” He kissed them both on the cheeks, his love for them shining in his eyes.
“And the only birthday present I really want this year,” Akaashi continued, his voice steady with emotion, “is to spend as much time as possible with the two of you—just like this. Together. Because I love you both so much, it feels like my heart might explode.”
At those words, Hoshi and Bokuto exchanged a glance. Two pairs of owl-like golden eyes sparkled as they leaned in to envelop Akaashi in a tight hug.
“We love you, Papa!” Hoshi said.
“We love you,” Bokuto added, kissing him again.
“Um…” Hoshi began, her eyes softening as her bottom lip jutted out—a look she used whenever she wanted something. “Dads, can I sleep with you tonight?”
“Of course, sweetheart,” Akaashi replied, pulling her close.
The three of them settled in, their bed warm and filled with love. It didn’t take long for all of them to drift off, with Akaashi holding Hoshi close and Bokuto wrapping his arms around them both. It was only the start of Akaashi’s birthday, but he already knew it was the best one yet.