Continuation of the omegaverse families established in chapters 25, 39, and 57. This chapter focuses on my dear Bokuto Kota.
Tears fell lightly down Keiji's face as he reached out to hold his new son. The boy was crying as Keiji took him into his arms. Koutarou had an arm around Keiji and the other hand on the child's head. Kou was sobbing, too emotional. The baby stopped crying and reached his hands up. Each little hand grabbed loosely onto his dads' faces. Tears fell onto the child's face, making him blink. Keiji chuckled and wiped them away. "Hi, baby." He kissed the boy's head.
A cute gurgle came from his mouth. Koutarou continued to sob, "Keiji, he's so precious! Keiji! He's perfect, oh my God! Keiji, you made him so well!" He kissed his baby.
"He's your son too." Keiji kissed Kou's cheek and stroked the baby's face. His big blue eyes looked around curiously. They would eventually become a beautiful green similar to Keiji's.
"Yes! He's my son!" Koutarou cried harder and his hand began to shake as he held the baby's hand. "H-he's my s-son!"
Keiji smiled warmly down at the boy as Koutarou kissed his shoulder. "...he's so tiny..."
"I KNOW!" Koutarou looked so genuinely happy.
"I didn't realize he'd be this small." Keiji giggled and changed the boy's position. Their baby held onto Keiji's chest, his eyes slowly weighing down. "Oh my God, he's sleepy."
Koutarou squealed and rubbed the baby's back. Keiji cried more and kissed his messy little head. Koutarou leaned his head into Keiji's shoulder, "H-his name, Keiji!"
Keiji caressed his husband's face. "Kota." He looked back down at their son.
Kou started sobbing again, "It's perfect!"
"Sir, we're going to go clean him now-"
Koutarou gave the nurse an ugly look. "What? No! We're still-"
Keiji chuckled and shushed his husband. "Thank you." He carefully handed the boy over. The little baby's eyes opened and he grabbed out to Keiji. The smaller father kissed his head. Kota began to cry as soon as he couldn't see his parents. Koutarou stood up out of reflex, but Keiji pulled his hand back. "He's okay, he'll be back in a second." Their baby continued to cry as Koutarou nodded sadly. When the nurse handed him back, Keiji took him weakly. He was starting to feel incredibly drained--more so than before. "Dear, you can hold him now? I feel a little tired." It was far past midnight.
Koutarou quickly and carefully took their baby. "Are you okay, Keiji?"
"Yes, just worn." Keiji squeezed his arm and lazily gazed at their son. A smile grazed his lips. Kota was even smaller in Koutarou's large arms. "He's sooo tiny." Keiji laughed.
The nurse glanced at the boy, "He's actually a little above average." She chuckled.
Both parents gave her a surprised look.
-----------------
"Hi Kota~" Keiji sang quietly as he leaned over the cradle. The baby giggled and reached out to him. Keiji smiled and picked him up. "How are you, Love?" Kota babbled and gripped his father's shirt. "Oh really? I'm glad." Keiji chuckled and carried him out into the living room.
Koutarou, sitting on the couch, gasped once he saw his husband and child, "Kota? IS that yoU?"
The baby gurgled and reached a hand out. Keiji kissed the boy and handed him over.
Kou stood up and lifted the child into the air. "Hi Buddy!" Kota giggled as Koutarou bounced him in the air.
"Careful." Keiji eyed his husband.
"I know, I know." Koutarou kissed his cheek and continued playing with their son. "You look so handsome, Kota!" The boy smiled at him. Kou laughed, "I know, Papa does look really pretty today!"
Keiji rolled his eyes. He took a seat next to his husband, leaning on the broad shoulder contently. Their son happily looked over at him. Keiji smiled, "Hi, Kota~" He nuzzled the boy's nose.
The infant giggled and grabbed Keiji's cheeks. The black haired man put his hands in the curly, wispy white locks in front of him. Kota showed his toothless smile and bounced excitedly in Koutarou's arms.
"I love you, Kota." Keiji kissed his forehead and the baby squealed.
"H-he loves you t-too!" Koutarou was crying from the adorable scene.
Keiji leaned forward and kissed his husband's head too. "Don't cry, dear."
"I-I know--you guys are just so cute!" Koutarou sobbed and hugged his son tightly. Kota looked at his dad and began crying too.
"Oh, oh-" Keiji took Kota away from his husband and cradled the boy. "Dad's okay, don't worry Baby." Keiji kissed his child.
Koutarou wiped his eyes, "H-he's already so empathetic!" He cried a little more into his hands, then rubbed his shirt over his face.
Keiji shook his head and rubbed Kou's back briefly. "Try your best not to cry around him, dear."
"I know, I know, I'm sorry!" Koutarou straightened up and held his arms out. "Can I try again?"
"Of course." Keiji smiled warmly and lifted his son up. "You're going back to Daddy now. Bye Kota~"
The baby giggled from being in the air and squealed when Koutarou took him. "Hi Buddy!" Kou kissed all over the chubby cheeks, making the child giggle more. "Welcome back!" Koutarou smiled at his baby.
Keiji chuckled and gave them both a kiss. "I'm going to go make lunch."
"Okay! Don't forget to-"
"Warm his milk, I know." Keiji twirled his husband's hair around his finger as he walked away.
Koutarou watched him leave happily. He's so perfect. Kota squealed, making Kou bring his attention back to his beautiful baby boy.
------------------
"Koutarou. Wake up, dear." Keiji shook his husband's shoulder. "You need to get up."
Kou frowned and opened his eyes. "But I-"
"Koutarou. It's been over a month, I'm surprised they haven't fired you." Keiji crossed his arms. "You'll be back in time for dinner, cuddles, and play time, okay?"
"Okay..."
"And I'll send you photos all day." Keiji pulled his arm. "Get up."
Koutarou pouted, "Fine." He sniffed and rolled out of bed.
"Your breakfast is in the kitchen with your son waiting for you in his high chair." Keiji patted his back.
Kou grinned and kissed his cheek, "Thank you!" He trotted off to the kitchen.
Keiji smiled and followed him after tidying up their bed. When he got in the kitchen, Koutarou was holding hands with their son and eating an omelet. "Hey hey hey!" He smiled at Keiji.
"Hi. How is it?" Keiji rubbed his shoulders.
"Amazing, as always." Koutarou kissed his hand. "Even better now that my two favorite people are joining me." He smiled lovingly.
Keiji chuckled and ruffled Kota's hair. The boy gurgled happily. Keiji winked and walked over to the sink to start washing his dishes. "You have to leave in forty minutes, dear."
"Okay..." Koutarou sighed and kissed his son.
------------------
"Goodbye, dear." Keiji kissed Kou warmly. He was holding their infant close to his chest because the baby had fallen asleep.
Koutarou teared up, "B-bye...I love you so much and I'll be thinking about you all day and-"
"Koutarou." Keiji caressed his cheek.
"Hm?" He looked at his husband wearily.
"We love you too. You'll do fine without us at work. Stop worrying and feeling sad, we'll be right here for you when you get back home. Oh, and don't forget to give Kei-kun those brownies I made."
Tears fell down Kou's face as he nodded. "You're the best."
"I know. Now, give your son a kiss goodbye then leave so you aren't late." Keiji smiled sweetly.
Koutarou smiled back and gave Kota several kisses. Keiji kissed Kou's head as he did so.
"Have a good day, dear." Keiji ruffled his hair.
"I will! You too, Babe! Make sure the little guy doesn't go crazy from missing me!" Koutarou gave him another smooch before running out to his car and yelling, "LOVE YOU!"
Keiji chuckled, "Love you too," and watched him drive away. "Alright Kota, it's just me and you dear." He nuzzled the boy's head and walked inside their home. The baby was still sleeping heavily, and drooling all over Keiji's chest. The beautiful man slowly bounced over to the couch and laid down with a quiet sigh. Kota laid, without stirring, on Keiji's chest. In his little fists was the fabric of his father's sweater. Keiji gazed at his son and rubbed his tiny back gently. The baby let out tiny puffs of air and his father felt proud, warm, happy, and thankful for being given such a precious child.
-------------------
"Kota, what's wrong?" Keiji held his son in the air so they could make eye contact.
The baby kept his straight, emotionless face. He was four and a half months old now.
"Stop looking at me like that, dear. Where's that smile you always wear? You get it from your dad~" Keiji kissed his nose, hoping to spark something.
Kota sneezed.
Keiji sighed and pulled the boy to his chest. "Do you just want to sleep?" He pressed his face into the curly white hair.
Kota gurgled and reached up.
"No?" Keiji sat up straight and held the boy out again. "Why are you being so serious? It's not like you." He bounced the boy and blew into his belly.
Kota kicked slightly and let out baby sounds.
The father's face saddened. "Have you been with me too long? Is my lack of emotion wearing off on you, Love?"
Kota's head leaned over and he stared blankly at Keiji. The man felt tears in his eyes that shouldn't have been there.
"Where's your happy Koutarou smile?" Keiji sniffed and pulled the boy close, hugging him.
Kota giggled and rubbed his face against Keiji's shoulder. He grabbed at Keiji's shirt and held it.
"Oh! That's it, are you feeling better?" Keiji looked down at him and kissed the baby's chubby cheeks.
Kota drooled on his shirt a bit and smiled at his father. Keiji smiled back and squeezed him a little, showing love. The garage opened behind them, startling the two on the couch. Keiji quickly wiped his eyes and stood up to greet his husband. There were loud footsteps, then the door leading into the foyer opened aggressively and Koutarou ran inside.
"HIIIII MY DEaREsTS I LOVE YOU!" Koutarou picked up his husband and son, twirling them around happily. "I missed you two!"
Keiji laughed and the baby squealed. "Ah! Kou, let us down!" The pretty man held their baby close and squeezed Koutarou's shoulder.
"Sorry! I just love you so much!" Kou kissed him sweetly and set him down. Then, he took his son. "Hey hey hey! Kota! My dear boy!" He threw the baby up and caught him, producing shrieks, squeals, and giggles. The hand on his back told him to calm down and be careful. Kou did as directed and kissed his husband's cheek. "How was it today?"
Keiji smiled and took Koutarou's bag. "It was good."
Kou raised an eyebrow, "Thank you! What happened?"
The smaller man blinked. "What? Nothing."
The owlman gasped, "Kota, can you believe your father is lying to me?!"
The pretty man rolled his eyes, "Fine. Yes. I just got a little worried about Kota."
Koutarou pulled his husband close and kissed his forehead. "Tell me." His eyes were warm and his voice was gentle.
Keiji leaned against him and stroked Kota's back. "He just...he stopped smiling for a few hours and it felt...wrong. No giggles or squeals. He just stared, emotionless. I didn't like it--it was too much like..." He closed his eyes.
"You?" Kou caressed his cheek.
"Yes." Keiji looked up at him sadly, "I want him to be a happy child and experience the world the way you do, Koutarou."
The bigger man pulled him closer and planted little kisses on him. "Keiji, Love, he's your child too. He's going to have both of us in him--and that's a great thing! Yes, I'm a positive thinker, but I'm also not as smart and calm as you. And, he's a baby Keiji, babies stare."
Keiji smiled and held his face. "You're right. Thank you."
"Plus!" Kou held Kota out towards his husband, "I love you more than anything besides this little guy, so if he turns out like you, I'll be more than happy."
Koutarou received a lot of kisses for that--and a little pat on the butt.
------------------
A soft gurgle came from Koutarou's chest. He looked down at his infant son and felt his chest warm. The boy was holding tightly onto his shirt and sleeping contently. They were sitting on the back porch together, while Keiji gardened a few meters away. Kou gazed at his husband lovingly when he wasn't admiring his beautiful son.
Kou kissed the soft white wisps of hair resting on his chest. The breath from his nose moved the hair lightly.
"I love you so much." He whispered against the baby's scalp. "More than anything."
The baby let out a quiet, "puff" in his sleep. Koutarou's smile grew and he caressed Kota's head with his thumb. Kota was already ten months old and getting quite big.
"Koutarou, dear, I'm done now." Keiji spoke quietly as he walked up on the porch and took a seat next to his husband. He leaned his head on Kou's bicep and watched his son sleep. "Oh, he's precious."
"I know..." Kou took a few moments before turning to his husband, "How are you not even sweaty? You've been out there working, and I broke a sweat sitting here!"
Keiji indeed was flawless. "I don't sweat easily, dear. You know that." He kissed Koutarou's cheek.
"Mm..." Koutarou smiled. "Let's go in. This little guy is getting cold."
Kota was unconsciously burying his little face in his dad's shirt. He gripped the cloth in his baby hands tightly.
Keiji leaned in and kissed the boy's head, then played with the little white curls. "Yeah, he's trying to get more of your unbelievable warmth." Koutarou chuckled and stood, holding his son in a close embrace as he carried the boy inside. Keiji stayed beside him, watching his son closely. "It's almost bedtime anyways."
"You're right! This little guy just wants to get more rest in." Koutarou bounced the baby a bit then sat on the living room couch. Keiji sat next to him and cuddled his side again.
Then the baby woke up.
He wasn't crying or anything, just awake. His big green eyes stared at his dads.
"Hi, Kota." Keiji held his hands out. Kou lifted the baby to give to his husband and Keiji took Kota carefully. He kissed the boy's head tenderly.
Little Kota started crying. He grabbed at Koutarou with his chubby hands. Kicking away from Keiji.
Keiji's eyes widened and he handed the baby back to his husband. Kota stopped crying once Koutarou held him. He grabbed onto his dad's shirt tightly. Koutarou gave his son a confused look as he shushed him soothingly.
"Uh..." Keiji stared at his baby. Koutarou looked at him worriedly. "I'm going to..." The slender man stood up, "Get his blanket..." He quickly walked away.
"Oh Keiji..." Koutarou watched him sadly. He looked down at his son, "Why'd you want me so bad, Bud? You hurt Papa's feelings."
Kota gazed up at him and gurgled. He grinned and grabbed at the air next to Kou.
Keiji looked in the bathroom mirror as tears fell from his watery eyes. God why am I crying over this? Of course he loves Koutarou more, he's so fun and caring...he's probably moving on from me...I carried him for nine months but he can't only love me... I--
"Keij? I'm going to come in, dear." Koutarou opened the door. Kota was looking around at everything, until he spotted Keiji. The baby gurgled happily.
Keiji sniffed and wiped his eyes. "H-hey, sorry I just--"
"I know, it's okay." Koutarou pulled him into a hug with their baby. "I know it seemed like he was rejecting you, but I think he was just fussy because I'm warmer than you are and he was cold." Kou kissed his head.
Keiji nodded and wiped his eyes on Koutarou's shoulder. He smiled weakly at his son. "You're probably right--I'm just so emotional still and he...it hurt..."
Koutarou rubbed his back, "I know, it's okay. He still loves you so much, okay?"
"Yeah." Keiji kissed his cheek "Let's go back to the living room."
Koutarou smiled and pulled him to the couch. Keiji sat with some space in between them because he knew Koutarou and Kota liked laying down. Keiji was still wiping some tears that escaped his strong eyes. Koutarou squeezed his shoulder and opened his mouth to speak, but he was interrupted by the little one.
Kota squealed happily and tried to climb towards him. Koutarou laughed and helped him get out of his lap. The baby crawled towards Keiji with a cute little grin.
"Kota~Come on, Sweetheart." Keiji smiled at his son.
"P...pa!" Kota gurgled and crawled faster.
His dads gasped and stared at him. As he bumped into Keiji's leg, he let out another, "Papa!"
Keiji gaped at the boy, then grew a wide smile. He picked his son up, "Hi Kota! Kota, who am I?"
"Papappapapa...pa!" The little baby sang. He reached his hands out and touched Keiji's face. "Papa!"
Keiji started crying again--joyfully crying.
"Good job, Kota, good job! I'm Papa!" Keiji kissed the boy.
Koutarou actually wasn't crying, for once, and watched his two favorite people tenderly. He patted his son's back lightly and shouted quietly, "Yes, Kota! That's Papa!"
"Oh, I love you." Keiji held the boy close.
"Ppp! Papa!" Kota squealed.
Koutarou kissed them both warmly.
------------------
"Keiji?" Koutarou whispered into his husband's home office.
"Yes." The smaller man didn't turn around.
Koutarou hesitantly replied, "Uh, w-well, it's pretty late so I'm going to take the little guy to bed."
"You haven't done that yet? It's past 10, Koutarou." Keiji stopped typing on his computer.
Kou swallowed, his voice quiet, "I was waiting for you, dear."
Keiji sighed and turned his chair to face his husband. Koutarou was holding little Kota as the boy slept peacefully on his dad's shoulder. "I'm sorry." Keiji stood and went over to his husband. He cupped his unshaven face and gave him a sweet kiss. "I'm annoyed at the work I have to do so I snapped at you."
Koutarou smiled and pressed their foreheads together. "I know you're busy, so I know better than to get offended when you're sassy."
"Hmm, I think you still got a little offended." Keiji chuckled and patted his chest.
Kou blushed and shook his head.
"Let's take him to bed now, dear." Keiji fluffed the white curly hair belonging to their son. "Thank you for waiting on me."
Koutarou bounced their son and led them out. Keiji walked next to him with a hand on his back. Kou kept his happy voice down, "Of course! I know Kota has a hard time sleeping if we both don't give him kisses."
Keiji giggled and rubbed his back. "This is true."
The couple walked into their child's bedroom. A little snort and gurgle came from Koutarou's shoulder making the parents laugh.
"Oh Kota, you're so cute!" Koutarou whispered and kissed his head.
Keiji giggled, "Yes he is."
Koutarou smiled and lowered the boy down into his crib. The baby continued breathing softly. His dad fixed his hair and adjusted his little onesie. "Good night my precious baby boy!" He spoke very quietly, not wanting to wake up his son.
Keiji came around and kissed the boy's head. "Goodnight, little one. We love you."
Kota's arms moved up to rest near his head. His eyes stayed closed and his breathing stayed steady. He was still asleep.
Koutarou squealed in his head, dying from how cute his son was. Kou had always loved babies, so now that he had his own, he was always loving on the little one. Keiji took his arm and slowly led him out. Kou went along sadly, not wanting to leave their beautiful offspring. Keiji paused in the hallway and shut the bedroom door with one last loving glance at their son.
"He's been sleeping very well lately." Keiji squeezed his husband's arm.
"Oh, I know! I'm so proud!" Koutarou grinned and began walking away. "That means we get to as well, right?"
Keiji chuckled, "Fortunately, yes." He rested his head on Kou's arm. "He's so perfect."
Koutarou looked down at his husband, "I agree."
Keiji kissed his nose. "You are too."
"I was going to say that about you!" Koutarou gasped and picked his husband up. "You're so amazing Keiji! The love of my life!"
The smaller husband giggled and kissed him on the lips. "Oh, you'll never love me as much as I love you."
Koutarou beamed, "I don't believe it!" He ran into their bedroom and set Keiji on the bed. "I love you waaaay more than anything in the whole world!" He kissed his husband, "except for Kota. He's got the number one spot right now."
Keiji giggled, "Oh yes, for me as well. He's too cute for his own good."
"Yes!" Koutarou laughed and layed down next to him. "I'm glad we lucked out enough to have him as our child."
"Me too." Keiji kissed him warmly.
Kou nuzzled his nose, "I'm ready for bed."
"I--" Keiji stopped and sighed, "I have work to finish."
"Do you have to tonight?" Koutarou looked sad. "You've been working all day. I'm worried about you, Baby."
Keiji held his husband's face. "You're very thoughtful and caring. I love you." He rubbed little circles into the skin under Kou's eyes. "Since Hajime is on paternity leave, I have to help with HR as much as I can. Our fill-in is having trouble." He blinked hard. "But I want to go to bed now. I've been doing a lot without getting paid my full hourly rate, so I'm done."
Koutarou grew a smile. "So that means we can finally cuddle?"
Keiji laughed quietly, "we can do more than just cuddle, dear. Our son is asleep, and should be for a while."
Koutarou's eyes lit up, "Really?"
"Yes." Keiji snickered and began unbuttoning his pajama shirt.
Kou threw off his shirt quickly and pushed Keiji farther up the bed. "Oh, get ready Baby." He wiggled his eyebrows and began untying the draw-string on his pants.
Keiji snorted.
------------------
"Kota! Are you ready, Bud?!"
Quick little thumps made their way into the living room.
Keiji chuckled from the kitchen as he packed their bag. He looked over to see his husband lifting his four year old into the air. "There you are!"
"Hi Dad!" Kota giggled and latched onto his dad's neck.
Koutarou kissed his cheek and held the large boy with one hand. Kota was already much taller and heavier than the average child his age. Due to Keiji's genes, the boy wasn't as chubby as Koutarou had been at four years, but he was taller. "Dude, how excited are you?"
Kota grinned, "SO excited! I love Hiro and Taka!" He blushed, "And Tooru-san! Oh a-and Hajime-san!"
The father in the kitchen raised his eyebrows at Koutarou. The larger dad chuckled and tickled his son, "Sounds like someone likes seeing Tooru-san!"
"N-no!" Kota jumped away from his dad and ran to Keiji. He wrapped his arms around Keiji's legs.
Keiji played with his hair. "It's okay to have a crush, Kota. Dad has a crush on me."
Kota gasped and pointed at Kou, "You have a crush on Papa!" He giggled.
"It's true! I'm in love with him!" Koutarou exclaimed, laughing. "But you have a crush on Tooru!"
Kota blushed and hid in Keiji's side bashfully. The black haired man chuckled and rubbed his back, "It's okay, dear. Tooru-san is very kind and very beautiful."
The little boy nodded and looked up at his father. "Is it really okay to have a crush on Tooru-san?" Kota whispered.
Keiji smiled and stroked his head. "Of course, baby. You can have a crush on anyone. Tooru-san would be flattered, but he is married."
"I just think he's pretty and nice, Papa." Kota tugged on his father's shirt lightly.
The calmest Bokuto squatted down to his son and cupped his cheeks, "That's perfect. In the future, if you like girls or more guys, that's fine. You can like any person. And you don't have to like Tooru-san forever, but you will probably always think he is kind and beautiful."
Kota nodded, but then gave his father a confused look. "Why would I like girls, Papa?"
Koutarou, still in the living room, died laughing into a pillow, not wanting to disturb the moment. He was proud of his son. Keiji held in his chuckles and kissed the boy's forehead. "Some people like girls. You don't have to."
"Oh, okay! I don't think I will, Papa." Kota smiled very genuinely.
Keiji ruffled his hair and took his hand. "You're so cute. Are you ready to leave? Want to help me carry the bag out to the car?"
"Ooh yes!" He squeezed his papa's hand excitedly.
The father grabbed the bag from the counter and held it in between the two of them. He led his son slowly into the living room. Koutarou grinned and squeezed both of their shoulders before opening the door for them. The family was going to meet the Iwaizumis for a little playdate picnic. Hiro and Takashi were the other couple's almost four year old twins. The three children got along very well and had become best friends. Kota often had playdates with other children like Kuroo Kuranosuke, Sawamura Kazumi, or Tsukishima Akito and Keiki. However, Hiro and Taka were his favorites.
"Okay Buddy, take my hand!" Koutarou released his son from his carseat and helped him out. "Ah! It's nice today!" He shut the door and began walking towards a grassy area that belonged to a nearby sacred-temple-ground-turned-nature center. The ancient temple was farther into the woods, but the families liked to stay in the open grassy area with their children.
Keiji took his son's other hand and the boy giggled happily. Koutarou gasped and began to swing the boy with his husband's help. Kota laughed louder and took big jumps, feeling like he was flying. He beamed as Kou flung him up a bit higher. The taller man was shot a stern look from his husband. Kou coughed and kept the swinging at a safe height. Kota enjoyed it all the same.
"Oh, I think we're the first ones here!" Koutarou grinned. "Kota, wanna go pick out a good spot? Don't run too far ahead, though."
Kota nodded, very excited. "Papa, can I?"
Keiji chuckled as Kou looked very offended and kissed his son's head. "Of course. Be careful."
The little boy grinned and ran forward, politely avoiding other people. His parents watched as he tested out several places for sitting. Once he finally decided on one spot, he waved his dads over. He was sitting calmly in a clear area of grass.
Koutarou smiled and took his husband's hand. "He's so cute, Keiji."
"Oh, I know." Keiji kissed his cheek. "He's growing so quickly."
"I-I know..." Kou sniffed and wiped his eyes. Keiji chuckled and helped wipe away the few tears. Once they got closer, Koutarou put his hands out, "Alright, Bud! Get up so we can put our blanket down!"
Kota giggled and let his dad help him up. Kou ruffled his hair affectionately before passing the boy along to Keiji. Kota hugged his smaller father happily and Keiji played with his hair. Koutarou grinned and laid their blanket out on the ground. When he finished, Kota was the first to jump onto it.
"*gasp* Papa! Daddy! They're here!" Kota tugged on Keiji's hand and pointed out towards where they had parked.
"Yes! Good job, Bud!" Koutarou rubbed his back. "Let's wave so they can see us!"
Kota got up and waved excitedly. Kou held him steady with one hand and waved with the other. Keiji laughed at them both. As the family of four got closer, Hiro darted ahead without permission, causing him to get scolded by Hajime. Tooru, carrying Takashi at his hip, was the first to arrive.
"Hi dearies~" He smiled and waved. Taka blushed and gave a very small wave as well.
"Hey hey hey!" Koutarou grinned and squeezed his son's side.
"Hi Tooru-san! Hi Takashi!" Kota giggled and sat down in Kou's lap. "We're gonna eat lunch today!"
"Oh, I know~" Tooru laughed. Hajime walked up behind him with a hand on Hiro's head. "Hun can you put our blanket out too?"
"Papa! Can I sit next to Kota??!" Hiro jumped up next to Tooru as Hajime pulled their blanket out of his backpack.
"Sure, Honey," Tooru held him back, "but wait until Dad is done so you can sit on both blankets."
Hiro nodded and squeezed the fabric on Tooru's pants. "Hi Kota! Are you ready to play today?"
"Yes! Did you bring Godzilla?" Kota grinned.
"I--wait, Dad? Did I bring it?" Hiro looked at his father.
Hajime chuckled and finished laying the blanket out. "Yeah it's in the bag, Bud. You can play after lunch."
"Okay!" Hiro waited for Hajime to sit down next to Koutarou, then jumped into his dad's lap.
Tooru giggled and sat next to Keiji with Takashi. The smallest boy liked the attention Tooru and Keiji would give him because sometimes Hiro and Kota got too crazy. Keiji reached over and played with the small boy's curly hair. "How are you, Takashi-kun?"
Takashi shyly glanced back up at Tooru. The tall man kissed his head and rubbed his belly. Taka smiled, "I'm good, Keiji-san, how are you?"
Keiji chuckled. "Very good, thank you. I heard you're doing very well at preschool, is that right?"
The little boy blushed and nodded. "It's a lot of fun. We paint and draw and learn numbers and words and play games." He spoke very softly for a child. "I miss Daddy and Papa, but they pick me up everyday."
Tooru gave the boy a squeeze. "That's right~And Kota-kun goes with you, right?"
Taka's face brightened, "Yes! We spend the whole day together. Hiro usually gets rowdy and falls asleep early." He giggled.
Keiji took the boy's hand, "I can see that. Kota always tells me about the fun things you do together. Like playing house?"
Takashi giggled again. "Kota always plays house with me because he knows I don't want to play Hiro's games."
Tooru held in a squeal and kissed on his baby. "You're so precious, Sweetie. I'm glad Kota-kun is such a good child! Unlike my Hiro!"
Keiji laughed, "No, no. Just because he's louder doesn't mean he's not a good child. Kota likes to play more calm games sometimes, but he still gets rowdy."
The pale man leaned over on his friend. "Oh bless you, Keiji. But it's really okay, we know he's a troublesome child--but he can be quite good too."
They looked over to see Hiro politely waiting for Hajime to stop talking to Koutarou so he could ask for food. Kota was staring at a butterfly in the distance. Tooru and Keiji giggled together, but Takashi didn't understand why.
Lunch went well and the kiddos(mainly Hiro) began to get restless. Hiro and Kota were running around next to the blankets while Takashi was moved to Hajime's lap. Hajime wanted some attention from his favorite kid(oops I mean he doesn't pick favorites). The little boy had his head resting against Hajime's chest and was about to fall asleep. Tooru and Keiji stood up to chat, wanting to stretch their legs a bit.
"Boys~Why don't you go play on the playground instead? Hm?" Tooru walked over and caught Hiro in his arms as the boy ran by.
Hiro giggled, "Okay Papa!" He received a kiss from Tooru and ran over to Hajime. "Takaaaa! Come play with us! You don't have to do anything hard!"
Kota joined him and leaned on Koutarou. The owldad gave his son several kisses on the cheek.
Takashi nodded and let Hajime help him to his feet. Hajime pulled him back for kisses and tickles before setting him down in front of Hiro and Kota. Takashi giggled and grabbed their hands. Hiro excitedly pulled the other two over to a play area that was about fifteen meters away. The two couples moved their blankets closer so they could watch their children.
"Taka! Taka! You be the prince!" Hiro shook his brother.
Takashi placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "O-okay, please stop."
"Oh sorry!" Hiro grinned and let go. "Kota! You can be the knight this time, okay? I'll be the dragon! Er no I'll be the king! Er...which do you think?"
Kota thought for a moment. "I think you should be the king so we can fight together and not against each other." He smiled.
"Ooh! That's good! And we can protect Taka!" Hiro looked at his brother, "If that's what you want!"
"That's fine." Takashi nodded with a small smile. "This can be the castle, okay?"
"Yeah!" The other boys clapped and started running around. Takashi giggled and took a seat in a slide. Kota and Hiro began fighting an invisible enemy and while Takashi watched them from above, giving advice every so often. The smallest boy wasn't keen on fighting and running, so he liked being able to play a more gentle roll. To fill time, he would tie flowers together.
"Takaaaa!" Kota called as he climbed up the playground stairs to the slide. "I picked this for you!" He beamed and kneeled in front of his friend with a cute purple flower.
Takashi placed the flower behind his ear and took Kota's hand. "I really like it. Thank you."
Kota blushed. "Your welcome! My prince!" They both giggled.
"Kotaa! I need a knight to fight this grasshopper with me!" Hiro's voice rang out underneath them.
"Okay! Coming!" Kota waved to Taka before running off.
Takashi giggled and played with the flower in his hair happily. A few minutes passed as he occupied himself watching his brother and friend run by.
"Oi! Are you going down the slide or what? I've been waiting!"
Takashi flinched and turned to see a larger child he didn't know. "U-uh--"
"Well? I don't have all day, little boy!" The unknown child aggressively gave Takashi a push down the slide.
Our poor baby sped down it, landing on his hands and knees in the wood chips at the bottom. Tears filled his eyes. Takashi felt scared and hurt. He trembled.
"Oiiiii!! Move so I can go down! Or else I'll land on you!!" The rude child yelled from the top of the slide.
The smallest Iwaizumi sniffed and weakly tried to get up.
"Taka! What happened?!" Kota gave him a worried look as he ran around the corner with Hiro. He quickly helped his smaller friend stand up.
Takashi hesitantly glanced at the bully on the slide. "He pushed me down because I didn't slide."
Hiro frowned and ran up the slide--which is illegal. The feisty child surprised the bully. "Oi!" He poked the boy's chest. "Leave my brother alone! You're dumb and rude if you push little kids down you big bully! Just wait your turn like a big kid!" Hiro snapped at him. He jumped on the boy and held him down.
The older kid began to cry immediately.
"Boys?" Hajime and Koutarou came around the corner to find Hiro terrorizing a child on the slide and Kota trying to console Takashi.
Hajime took a deep breath and Kou patted his back. "Iwaizumi Hiro, get down here this instant and leave that boy alone." he looked at the unknown child, "And you should come down and tell me what happened so I can help."
Hiro popped up and looked at his date, "But!"
"Now." Hajime crossed his arms.
Hiro quickly went down the slide to his father.
Hajime bent down next to his other son. "Takashi, dear, are you alright? What happened?" He brushed off the woodships on his son's legs.
Taka hiccuped and hugged his dad. "That boy pushed me off the slide. It h-hurts, Daddy."
"Oh, I know, dear." Hajime kissed his head and stood up with the boy on his hip. "Why don't you go with Koutarou-san and Kota-kun so Papa can look at it for you, okay?" The tone of his voice had taken a complete turn from talking to Hiro to Taka.
Takashi nodded and reached out to Koutarou. His tears had stopped, but he was still upset. Kou took him carefully and rubbed his back. "Let's go, little guy." He took Kota's hand with his other hand and walked them away.
Hajime put his hands on his hips and turned to Hiro. "Young man."
Hiro bowed his head.
"You know better than to attack someone just because they hurt your brother. I know that's the way you want to handle things because you care so much about Taka and want to protect him as the bigger twin, but fighting doesn't solve anything. It makes things worse. Try talking it out first, understand?" Hajime was stern, but a little proud. Takashi was his soft spot so he wanted to beat the child up too.
"Yes sir." Hiro nodded.
"Okay, come here." Hajime held out his hand.
Hiro suspiciously walked forward.
Hajime ruffled the boy's hair and pulled him into a hug. "Thanks for sticking up for Taka, okay? But keep your anger in-check, Bud."
Hiro grinned and hugged him back. "Yes sir!"
"You're getting so strong, I can't have you whipping these guns out on every kid who wrongs you." Hajime chuckled and held his son's arms out.
Hiro giggled and jumped up so Hajime would carry him.
Hajime kissed his head. "Run over to Papa, okay? Check on Taka for me while I talk to this kid."
Hiro snickered and ran off.
Hajime shook his head and walked closer to the boy still on the equipment. I am a good father. I am a good father. I am a good father. He took a deep breath. "Young man? What happened today?"
The boy jumped up, "Your kid knocked me down!"
"Yes, I got on to him for that. Do you know why he did?" Hajime raised an eyebrow.
The child looked to the side. "...because I pushed the little one down the slide..."
"Yes. Do you understand why you are not allowed to push others down the slide?"
"...because they could get hurt."
"Yes and my son was crying after what you did. How old are you?" Hajime kept a calm demeanor.
"Eight."
"Okay. Those three boys are four. Half your age. You should know by now not to push others down the slide. You should be setting an example for the younger children. I'm disappointed that you thought it would be okay to push a four year old down that big slide and not apologize once they were crying on the ground. Have you learned your lesson?" Hajime gave him a hard glare.
"Y-yes..."
"Good. If I see you messing with my children again, I'll speak to your parents." Hajime walked away, leaving the boy to cry. He felt a little guilty, but mostly angry because that child had made his precious son cry. By the time Hajime had stomped back to their blankets, Takashi was giggling in Tooru's arms.
"Dad!" He smiled up at him.
Hajime smiled back and picked him up. "How are you, Buddy?" Hajime winked as Tooru rubbed his leg.
"I'm fine now." Taka rested his head on Hajime's shoulder. "Thank you for saving me, Dad."
Hajime kissed his little forehead.
Kota, sitting in Keiji's lap, looked up at his father. "Papa? Why are people like that?"
Keiji sighed and caressed the boy's head. Koutarou frowned and put an arm around his husband, placing his chin on Keiji's shoulder so he could be close to their son. Keiji spoke softly, "Well, some people are not raised with the same manners you are, and they grow up to be rude to others. Takashi-kun didn't do anything wrong, but that other boy was impatient and not a good role model."
"It's best to be nice and polite to everyone so they're that way to you!" Koutarou smiled and kissed his son's cheek.
"But...I was nice and polite to him." Kota looked at them sadly.
Keiji cupped the boy's face. "Sometimes people don't understand that like we do. However, most people are mean because they feel sad on the inside."
"Really?" Kota squeezed his sleeve.
"Mhmm." Keiji nodded. "Not everyone grows up with love like we have, Baby." He fixed his son's hair.
"That's why we need to be nice!" Kota grinned.
"Yes." Keiji smiled and kissed his cheek. "You're already so smart, dear."
------------------
Keiji picked his son up out of bed and carried him into the living room. The child lazily woke up and clutched to his father. "Papa...?"
"Good morning, Love. We're going to say goodbye to Daddy before he leaves for his business trip." Keiji kissed his head and stopped in the foyer.
"Oh..." Kota rubbed his eyes, looking a bit down. Keiji bounced him.
Koutarou came in from the garage and pulled his beloveds into a big hug. "I'm going to miss you guys." He rubbed his face into Keiji's shoulder emotionally. "Are you going to be a big boy while I'm gone?" He looked at Kota.
"Yes..." Kota sniffed.
"Oh Buddy," Koutarou kissed him several times, "I'll only be gone for three days okay? I'll be right back here on Monday! And I'll be with Tooru-san and Tetsurou-san the whole time, so I can sneak away to call you and Papa, okay?"
Kota gave him a small smile. "Okay Daddy!"
"And I'll bring you back--"
Keiji shot him a stern glance.
"--plenty of love and photos!" Kou chuckled awkwardly.
Kota beamed. "Thank you!"
Keiji didn't want to spoil their son too much. He knew Kota would never become a brat--it wasn't in the child's blood--but he wanted to make sure he didn't start expecting gifts. Keiji was a very sensible parent.
"Alright, don't have too much fun with Papa without me okay? I'll get jealous." Koutarou laughed and rubbed noses with the boy.
"I'll give him so many kisses!" Kota giggled.
Kou gasped and tickled him. "Not fair! I want some!"
Keiji chuckled and kissed his husband's cheek. "You're going to be late to the airport."
"AuGhh okay." Koutarou smooched him a few times. He covered their son's eyes--making the boy giggle--and dipped his husband for a very passionate kiss. "I love you so much, Keiji."
The smaller husband laughed and caressed his face. "I love you so much too. See you Monday. Don't get too crazy with Tetsurou-san. Please be careful and call me when you get there."
"Of course!" Kou kissed him once last time and let his son see again. "Your turn!"
Kota giggled louder and reached out to him. Koutarou took him from Keiji carefully and held him close. "I love you Buddy. Have fun with Papa and call me anytime--I might not be able to pick up, but Papa knows my schedule." He kissed his son's face several times. "I'll see you Monday my Loves!"
"Bye Daddy!" Kota gave him a kiss on the cheek then was passed back to Keiji. "Tell Tooru-san I said hi please!"
"Will do, buddy." Koutarou chuckled and kissed their foreheads one last time. He shared a tender look with his husband and stepped back out into the garage to his car.
Keiji bounced Kota a bit and fixed the boy's hair with a gentle touch. "Dear, let's go back to bed."
"Okay Papa." Kota held his father's neck and snuggled in. Keiji rubbed his back soothingly as they walked back into the boy's bedroom. It was very early in the morning and the boy didn't have preschool for another five hours. "Papa?"
"Yes, dear?" Keiji spoke softly.
"May I sleep with you while Daddy is gone? I don't want you to get lonely...and I miss him...and he takes up too much space for me to fit when he is here..." Kota blushed and hid in his father's neck.
Keiji chuckled and kissed his white head of hair. "Of course. I love having sleepovers with you."
Kota giggled and kissed his cheek in return.
"Dad will be back before we know it."
-------------------
"*gasp* Papa look!" Kota wiggled excitedly and held a bubble made of soap.
Keiji laughed softly and continued scrubbing conditioner in the boy's hair. "Wow Kota, that's very cool sweetheart. It's pretty, isn't?" He was giving his son a bath.
Kota nodded happily and focused intently on making sure the bubble didn't pop. He was an extremely good child and never gave his parents trouble for bath time--or any time really. The bubble popped and the boy gasped again.
"Oh, that's alright," Keiji kissed his wet forehead, "Why don't you try to make another?"
"Okay!" Kota beamed and rubbed his soapy hands together.
Keiji smiled and rinsed his curly white hair out carefully. I'm so lucky. Kota is such a perfect child. I love him so much. He makes parenting so easy...and Koutarou is a very good husband...he cares about Kota and I more than anything...He felt his eyes burn a bit so he quickly blinked. "Alright, dear, let's get you dried off." Keiji squeezed his son's shoulder and stood up. He held his hands out to help the boy.
Kota nodded and took his hands so he could stand without slipping. He stepped out of the tub and Keiji wrapped him up in a towel.
"Papa I can't see!" Kota giggled and reached out.
Keiji chuckled and dried the boy's hair off, then pulled the towel down. His hair was very fluffy. Kota giggled more when he saw his father again. Keiji gave him several kisses before finishing drying the boy off. "Let's put lotion on, okay? I don't want your skin getting dry because it's been chilly lately."
"Okay Papa! Use the yummy scent, please!" Kota grinned.
"Of course, Love." Keiji cupped his face and gave him one more kiss before walking over to the bathroom cabinet. Kota really liked a tropical scented lotion Keiji had received as a gift from his mother one year for Christmas. Keiji would have thrown it away, but he let Kota try it once and now the boy was obsessed.
After Kota was all clean and soft, Keiji put little puppy pajamas on the boy. They brushed their teeth together, then Keiji had Kota read a book while he changed into his own pajamas. Koutarou was still gone on his business trip, but had video chatted with his family for two hours before bath time. He would be home in two days. It was Saturday, so Kota could stay up a little later than normal. Keiji had been going to bed very early because Kota had been sleeping in his bed. He wasn't upset about it--he had been getting abundant hours of sleep in before work, so he was happy. If it was really early, Keiji would read a book for an hour or so while his son slept. The house was very calm and very quiet with the absence of the Koutarou. Kota had gotten his serenity from Keiji and only really got crazy when Koutarou or Hiro wound him up.
"Kota, are you ready for bed? Do you need to go potty?" Keiji walked into the living room where he had set his son down. The boy was dozing off with his book in his lap. Keiji chuckled and sat next to him. "Kota, sweetheart, do you need to go potty before bed?"
The boy blinked awake and smiled sleepily at his father. "No, I went before!"
"Alright, baby." Keiji kissed his head and stood up with Kota at his hip. The boy rested his head on his shoulder and Keiji ruffled his hair softly. He's so precious, oh dear Asahi-san. Keiji set Kota in bed, then got in himself. He laid on his side, facing his son, and Kota cuddled into his chest. Keiji played with his hair lovingly. "Kota, honey, I have something to tell you."
Kota popped his head up.
"It's very important, and Dad wanted to be here when we told you, but we decided it would be best if I just told you." Keiji smiled and traced the boy's face with his finger. He had been pregnant for eight weeks and it was starting to show. The day before he had been at an appointment to check up on the unborn child, and everything was going well. He knew if he waited for Koutarou to be there when they told the news, Kou would cry, then Kota would cry, and then Keiji would cry. It would be a mess and the parents didn't want to give Kota mixed signals by crying. "Kota, sweetheart, I'm pregnant. That means I have a baby growing in my belly." Keiji caressed his son's face.
Kota gasped, "Does it hurt?!"
"No, no, I'm fine." Keiji laughed and kissed his head. "But you're going to be a big brother."
The child sat up with bright eyes, "Really? You promise?"
"Yes, dear." Keiji leaned up and kissed his forehead. "Are you happy?"
"Yes! That's so awesome! I'll be the best big brother! I promise, Papa!" Kota gave him a happy hug. "Will they be yours and Daddy's?"
"Yes, of course. Dad is the one who got me pregnant." Keiji chuckled and rubbed the boy's back.
"Oh okay!" Kota didn't know what that meant, but wasn't curious. "Is it a boy or girl, Papa?"
"I'm not sure yet. We'll know when they get here." Keiji giggled and laid back down.
"Is your belly gonna get big? Like Tadashi-san's when he had Ruki-chan?" Kota carefully put a hand on Keiji's stomach.
Keiji chuckled and ruffled his hair. "Yes, baby."
"That's exciting!" Kota smiled and cuddled his father again. "Thanks, Papa! I'm happy!"
The black haired man held his son close. "Kota, you're a very special kid and Daddy and I love you a lot, okay? The baby will never take your place, but we will have to give them extra attention at first because they're not strong and reliable like you are. You're my precious little sunshine, Kota. I love you more than anything." Keiji held back tears and kissed the boy's head.
"I'll help any way I can Papa! I love you too!" Kota snuggled in deeper and kissed his father's arm. "I want to be a big brother! Really!"
"I'm so proud of you." Keiji pressed his face into the top of his son's head. He felt like he was going to cry his eyes out. "Oh we're so lucky." His voice was quiet and muffled, so Kota heard nothing as he drifted off.
------------------
Kota gasped when he heard the garage door go up. He slid off the couch and ran into the kitchen. "Grandpa! They're here!" He hugged the man's legs.
Adadshi chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair. He had been making lunch for them. "Let's go say hi." He turned the burner off and picked Kota up. The boy giggled and held on. Adadshi carried the boy to the foyer and waited. Kota was so excited, he was practically vibrating. The older man rubbed his back.
The door opened and Koutarou came in looking worried as he carried a large bag and held the door. Behind him, a tired Keiji stepped in carrying a small bundle. He smiled when he saw his father and son. "Hi guys."
"Hey Keij." Adadshi carefully put an arm around his son and kissed his head.
"Papa!" Kota reached out and placed a gentle hand on his father's chest.
Koutarou came around and took his older son from his father-in-law. "Oh Buddy, are you ready to meet your brother?" He spoke emotionally.
Kota nodded and held onto his beefy neck. "Please Dad!"
"Let's let Papa sit." Koutarou kissed Kota's head.
Adadshi rubbed his son's back. "Good job, Keij."
Keiji chuckled and bounced the baby in his arms. He carefully walked over to the couch and took a seat, happy to rest. His husband and father sat on either side of him with some space. Koutarou played with Keiji's hair and had Kota in his lap. Keiji glanced at his elder son. "Kota, we missed you."
"Oh yeah, it was so hard being at the hospital without you!" Koutarou hugged his son.
"You were busy!" Kota pointed out and leaned towards Keiji. "Papa? May I see him?"
The adults chuckled. Keiji moved closer to his husband and got under his arm. "Of course. Kota, this is your baby brother, Kojiro. He's sleeping right now, but I'm sure he's happy to meet you too."
Kota gazed at the squishy pink blob bundled in Keiji's arms. "His hair is dark..."
"Like mine?" Keiji and Adadshi said at the same time. They both chuckled.
Kota nodded. "Papa, may I hold his hand?" He was entranced by the child.
"Yes, let me help." Keiji smiled and loosened the blanket wrapped around the infant. He found a little hand and gently brought it up to Kojiro's belly. The baby held Keiji's thumb. "Give me your hand, Love."
Kota glanced at Koutarou, who nodded encouragingly. He hesitantly reached out and let Keiji take his hand. Keiji kissed the small palm before removing Kojiro's hand from his thumb and placing it over Kota's. Kojiro held onto Kota's fingers instead. He was still sleeping peacefully. He was a beautiful baby. He was smaller than what Kota had been, but only by a pound and a half (.68 kg). He wasn't as chubby as what Kota had been either.
"Papa! He's so cute! Thank you for bringing him!" Kota beamed as he held his brother's hand. "I really love him!"
Keiji fixed Kota's hair with his free hand and pressed his face into Koutarou's shoulder in an attempt to wipe his tears. "I'm glad, Kota. I love you."
Koutarou squeezed them both and kissed Keiji's head. "You did amazing Keiji."
"Oh, I don't deserve all the credit." Keiji shook his head and sniffed.
"Keiji! Just because he's got half my genes doesn't mean I really did anything! You did all the hard work! Thank you!" Koutarou smooched on his husband. "You did so well!"
The smaller man chuckled and snuggled into him. "Thank you for saying such nice things, dear."
"Papa? It hurt?" Kota gave his father a very concerned look.
Keiji kissed the boy's head. "Only a little. Don't worry." That was a lie, but Kota was too cute to tell the hard truth to. Keiji had a c-section and the surgery pain was still very present.
"Well I'm sorry it hurt, Papa. I'll make it up to you!" Kota kissed his cheek.
"You don't need to do that, sweetie. If anything, your dad does." Keiji chuckled.
Koutarou gasped, "You're right! Kota, let's go make Papa's lunch!"
Kota gasped as well. "Okay!" He released his brother's hand and very carefully kissed his head. "Bye Kojiro! I love you! I love you too Papa and Grandpa!" Kota beamed and whispered in an attempt to not wake his brother.
Keiji ruffled his hair happily.
Adadshi kissed the boy's head. "Koutarou-kun, I started lunch in the kitchen. It's Keiji's favorite."
"Perfect! Thank you!" Kou smiled and took Kota's hand, leading him into the kitchen.
"How are you feeling, Keij? Easier the second time around?" Adadshi spoke softly and gazed down at his newest grandson.
"Ah, well I wouldn't say easier..." Keiji rubbed his baby's forehead with his finger, "but I was more prepared. I wasn't nearly as terrified as the first time. I mean, Kota's c-section was the first surgery I'd ever had, let alone first labor." Keiji leaned his head on his father's shoulder. "Thank you for watching him for us. I know the hospital would have scared him and I didn't want to stay there long."
Adadshi kissed the side of his head. "I love that kid, so you really don't have to thank me. He's super easy--just like you were. You've raised him well, Keiji. I know Koutarou-kun spoils him a bit." He chuckled.
"Oh, all the time." Keiji rolled his eyes lightheartedly. "I can understand why--Kota is so precious, Dad. I didn't realize children could be this perfect."
"He's got great parents." Adadshi smiled.
"Of course, but he's got the most beautiful personality." Keiji blinked several times, feeling teared up again. "He's going to be such a great big brother."
"I can't imagine a better one out there. He's got such a good heart, Keiji." Adadshi rubbed the infant's hand softly.
"Oh I know, Dad," Keiji sniffled and wiped his eyes quickly.
Adadshi blinked away his own tears and squeezed his son's knee. "Oh--" He watched Kojiro open his eyes. "Hello, little one~" He smiled.
Keiji laughed quietly and brought Kojiro up a bit. "This is your grandpa, Kojiro." He kissed the baby's cheek.
Adadshi chuckled and caressed the baby's face. Kojiro stared at him. "He looks like you, Keij."
The younger man smiled and pressed his nose into Kojiro's cheek tenderly. "Thank you. Kota looks so much like Koutarou, so we're even."
Little did he know Bokuto Kojiro would grow up to look like a dark version of Koutarou, but more with Keiji's personality. He looked more Keiji than any of the Bokuto sons, but they all mirrored Koutarou well.
Kojiro let out a gurgle and grabbed at his blankets.
Keiji chuckled and laid his hand on his son's belly. Kojiro held his fingers contently and stared at him. "Hi, Love." Keiji bent down and kissed him.
The baby squeezed his hand tighter.
---------------------
Keiji sighed as he laid down on his bed. He massaged his temples and let his eyes rest. Kojiro was five months old and Kota was almost five. Kojiro cried more than Kota had and needed more attention. He was quieter though.
Soft footsteps made their way into the room. "Keiji, dear? Are you feeling alright?"
The smaller man opened his eyes just a bit to see Koutarou holding their baby to his chest. Keiji smiled. "Yes, I'm just very tired."
Koutarou pouted and took a seat on the bed next to him. "I'm sorry, did something happen?"
Keiji rubbed his back and gazed at their sleeping son. "I didn't sleep well last night because I stayed up to help Kota and it's hitting me now." He chuckled. Poor Kota had been throwing up all night and had to stay at home from preschool with Keiji. He had been good all day and felt better, but Keiji still worried about him greatly.
The larger man leaned down and kissed his head. "Well, thank you for making dinner and staying here with Kota. Why don't you go ahead and sleep early tonight?" He smiled warmly.
"No, no." Keiji sat up and stroked their baby's head. "Let me help you get the boys ready for bed and clean up a bit."
"Honey!" Koutarou pressed their foreheads together. "I can do all of that on my own. I'm not a helpless father--even if you do spoil me by doing so much. I will do everything so you can rest up. Please take a break, Keiji."
Keiji sighed and cupped his face. "Fine. Thank you. I appreciate it." He smooched his husband as a quiet gurgle came from Kou's chest. "Oh?" He chuckled.
Koutarou brought the baby away from his chest and sat him on his thigh, holding him up with a hand on the baby's belly. Kojiro blinked sleepily and reached out to Keiji. The smaller man smiled and touched the boy's arms, bringing his face close to the infant. Kojiro babbled softly and pressed his face into his father's. Keiji chuckled and kissed him all over, making the boy giggle.
"Hi Cutie~" Keiji rubbed their noses together.
"Oh, he loves you so much!" Koutarou smiled at his husband.
Keiji chuckled and cupped his son's face, then leaned up to kiss his husband. "I love you both--and Kota--more than anything."
The married couple shared a tender gaze.
"Dddddaaaaaadddyyy??" A whisper-shout came from their bedroom door.
Both parents laughed and turned. "Come in, Buddy!" Koutarou replied as Keiji played with his hair.
A little white head popped in. "Daddy? Papa?"
"What's up, dear?" Koutarou held his free hand out to the boy.
Kota ran around the bed and put his head under his father's hand. "Is everything okay? I set my pj's in the bathroom."
"Oh, good boy!" Koutarou kissed his head. "I'm just telling Papa 'goodnight!' He needs to go to bed early--just like you."
The child shuffled over to Keiji. He shyly held Keiji's leg closest to him. "Thanks for being with me today, Papa."
Keiji secured Kojiro in his husband's arms, then pulled the older boy up onto the bed and into his lap. "Of course, my Love. Thank you for being so well behaved all day--even when I gave you medicine. I loved spending time with you." Keiji gave his son a good squeeze.
Kota smiled and hugged him gently. "I love you, Papa."
"I love you more, dear." Keiji kissed him several times and embraced him tenderly. "Sleep well and make sure to splash Dad only a little bit while he bathes you." He chuckled as Koutarou gasped.
"Heehee okay!" Kota giggled and rubbed his face into Keiji's chest, taking in the familiar smell. "Sleep really really well!"
"You too." Keiji gave the boy one last kiss on the head. "Tomorrow we'll stay home too because it's the weekend, alright?"
"Okay! With Daddy! And Jiro!" Kota beamed.
"Yes." Keiji stroked his hair. "I think Kojiro is going to bed soon as well, so how about you tell him goodnight without any kisses? Since you were sick today."
Kota nodded urgently and turned around in his father's lap. "Goodnight, Jiro!" Kota patted the boy's head very carefully.
His parents chuckled. "Good job, Buddy!" Koutarou held Kojiro with one hand and pulled his older son into a hug with the other. "Go to the bathroom, I'll be there super quick!"
"Okay, Daddy!" Kota giggled and gave Keiji one last hug before slipping off the bed and running out.
Koutarou turned to his husband. "Do you need anything, Honey?"
"No, no. Just someone to cuddle after a few hours." Keiji smiled and cupped his cheeks to give him a warm smooch.
"Oh, I'll be here Baby. Let me take care of the boys first." Koutarou repeatedly smooched him before giving him one last mature kiss.
Kojiro babbled in Koutarou's arms, making the couple split. Keiji giggled quietly and squeezed his husband's cheek. "Love you, Koutarou. Thank you for everything."
"Love you too and thank you for everything, Babe." Kou smiled and let Keiji give their baby more kisses. "I'll be sure not to disturb you until I get in bed!"
"Are you going to wake me?" Keiji raised an eyebrow and stroked Kojiro's dark hair.
"Er well I'm going to try my best not to, but I will cuddle you." Koutarou smiled guiltily and stood up.
Keiji chuckled. "I look forward to it."
-------------------
Kota grinned and took his friend's hand. "Hi Taka! Did you get your bag?"
Takashi nodded and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Yes, I'm ready to go home."
"Okay!" Kota smiled and gently pulled the other child down the hallway. The boys were in kindergarten now.
"WAIT UP!" Hiro's voice traveled down the hall as the boy jumped out of another classroom. He caught up quickly and took Taka's other hand. "Okay, I'm ready!"
Kota giggled and continued walking along with his friends. Several other small children ran past, following teachers outside. Once the trio made it to the front yard of the school, they searched the lot for their parents.
"Oh Taka! There's Dad!" Hiro jumped and pointed. Hajime was pouting at the crowd of children, trying to find his own offspring. Little Hiro tugged his friends over to the muscular man. "Hi Daddy!"
"Hey Bud!" Hajime grinned, relieved he found his kids. He squatted down and was tackled in a hug by his rambunctious boy. He kissed Hiro's head. "You boys ready to go home?"
"Ye--wait! Is Keiji-san here? For Kota?" Hiro held onto his Dad's neck so that Hajime lifted him up.
The father reached forward and placed a hand on Takashi's head as he surveyed the area. "Oh yeah, he's over there. He got here before I did it looks like, Bud." Hajime turned to Kota. "Want us to walk you over?"
"Yes please, sir!" Kota smiled happily and squeezed Takashi's hand.
"Alright." Hajime chuckled and ruffled the boy's curly white hair. He took his smaller son's hand and led them over to Keiji.
The shorter Bokuto husband held a toddler at his hip and smiled once he saw the four coming towards him. He waved at his son.
Kota beamed and waved back. "Thank you Hajime-san! Have a good day!" He turned to the Iwaizumi family as they reached his father.
Hajime chuckled, "Of course, Buddy. Bye Keiji."
Keiji stepped forward to stroke Kota's head. "Bye guys. Thank you for bringing him over. Have a lovely night." Kojiro was hiding in his neck.
Taka squeezed Kota's hand and gave him a gentle hug. "See you tomorrow."
Kota smiled and embraced him back tightly. "See you tomorrow!"
Takashi giggled quietly and went back to his dad--who held a scowl now. Hajime put a protective hand on his head.
Keiji chuckled quietly, "They're children, Hajime-san."
Hajime sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. They're growing up, Keiji."
"Oh, I know it." Keiji pleasantly played with his son's hair. "Well, I'll see you in the morning. Enjoy your evening."
"Yes, you as well." Hajime smiled and took his children back to his own car.
"Did you have a nice day, my Love?" Keiji opened the side door to his SUV and helped Kota inside.
"Yes! I love being in class with Taka! And our teacher is nice! And we learned about trees today!" Kota got himself buckled in his car seat and kicked his legs happily.
"I'm glad." Keiji kissed his forehead.
Kojiro popped up. "Hi Bubba."
"*gasp* Hi Kojiro!! I thought you were sleeping!" Kota clapped his hands happily and patted his brother's head.
Kojiro giggled and shook his head. "Too many peoples."
"Oh! I see!" Kota beamed. "How was your day? Want a high five?"
"Good." Kojiro put his little palm out for his brother.
Kota gave him a gentle high five. "Awesome! I love you!"
"Love you." Kojiro leaned forward, with Keiji help, and kissed his brother's cheek.
"Thank you!!!" Kota was so happy, it blinded his father.
"Okay boys, I'm going to put Koji in his carseat." Keiji ruffled Kota's hair with a chuckle and moved back to shut the door.
Kojiro pouted and waved through the window. Kota waved back excitedly. Keiji kissed Kojiro's head, holding in laughter, and walked around the car to put the toddler inside as well.
------------------
Quick little feet made their way down the hall and to Kota's bedroom door. It slowly opened a jar, and a small boy ran inside. Kojiro hesitantly shuffled over to his brother's bed. He gently shook the older boy.
Kota jolted slightly and blinked awake. "Jiro? What is it, Buddy?" He rubbed his eyes and sat up. "You want to sleep with me?" Kota was 11 now, and his brother was seven.
Kojiro trembled and weakly took his hand. "S-scary noises are coming from downstairs!"
Kota frowned and slipped out of bed. He bent down to help tighten the blanket wrapped around his little brother and kissed the boy's head. "I'll go down and check, okay? You wanna come or stay up here?"
The younger child hesitated. "I think I'll go with you."
Kota smiled. "Okay, Buddy! Just hold my hand." He gave the smaller hand a warm squeeze. The older boy was still very tired, so he wobbled a bit as he made it out of his bedroom and down the stairs. Once they reached the last stair, he could hear the noises his brother was afraid of.
Repeated thumps and creaks came from down the hall where their parents' bedroom was.
"I-I think it's coming from Daddy and Papa's room." Kojiro's voice wavered as he clutched his brother's hand. "Maybe they're in t-trouble!"
Kota tightened his grip on Kojiro's hand. "I'll--we can go see." He smiled and carefully stepped forward. The house was very dark, making the situation much worse. The noises got louder as the boys were close. Groans and grunts could be heard as well.
"A-are they fighting?" Kojiro looked up at his brother with watery, terrified eyes.
The white headed boy paused before knocking on the door. "Daddy?"
The noise stopped and a very quiet "Oh shit!" was not heard by the boys. "Is everything okay, Buddy?" Koutarou's voice replied.
Kota glanced at his baby brother. "We woke up scared from the noises we heard from your room, Dad. Are you okay? Were you fighting?"
There was a lot of shuffling and hushed voices before the door opened just enough for Koutarou to step out.
"D-daddy why are you so sweaty?" Kojiro's lip trembled. "You really were fighting."
"No, no." Koutarou squatted down to be at eye level with his boys. "Papa and I were just practicing different wrestling moves for fun! You boys know Papa and I love each other a whole lot so we wouldn't be fighting so aggressively. There's no reason to be scared." He smiled tiredly and placed his hands on the boys' sides.
Kojiro stepped forward and gave Koutarou a hug, starting to cry softly. Kou worriedly rubbed his back.
Kota squinted his eyes, "You smell weird, Dad."
Koutarou coughed and kissed his youngest son's head. "It's just because I'm sweaty."
"Oh okay." Kota nodded and smiled sleepily. "Can I say goodnight to Papa?"
"Well no, not right now." Koutarou nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "Papa...is going to take another shower because we got so sweaty, but you should go back to bed now because it's super late." He smiled and picked Kojiro up as he stood. "I'll take you to your rooms and tell you goodnight again, okay?"
"Alright, Dad." Kota nodded, satisfied with his answer, and took Koutarou's free hand.
The owldad was praising himself in his head over his ability to come up with a good answer for his kids. He put Kota in bed first and the boy fell asleep quickly. Kojiro, however, needed some kisses and calming down before he could be left to sleep. When Koutarou got back to his bedroom, he was met with the smell of his husband's heat again. He sighed and got in bed.
Keiji, blushing, grabbed his shoulder. "Did the boys go back to bed alright? I feel so bad..."
Kou chuckled and kissed his forehead. "Yes, they're fine. I think Kojiro was just scared from the noises he heard." He moved on top of his husband.
"I knew going a fourth time would be too risky." Keiji defeatedly laid his head down. "Thank you for taking care of the boys."
Koutarou grinned, "Can we finish where we left off?"
"Koutarou!" Keiji blushed, "No, we'll wake the boys again."
Kou pouted and sunk his head into Keiji's chest--where he began to give little kisses. "But I can be quieter and I don't wanna stop yet..." He gave his husband puppy eyes.
Keiji glared up at him. His heat had been taken care of by then, but he still wanted more. "I hate you."
"Aw I love you too~" Koutarou smooched him.
"If you move us to the bathroom, fine. But you have to be quieter." Keiji sighed.
Koutarou beamed and quickly picked him up, making his husband giggle.
The next week, they decided they needed to give Kota 'the talk' anyways--which made matters a bit worse for the boy. He never went to his parents' bedroom at night again.
---------big time jump---------
The summer Kota would turn 19 was the summer he moved into his college dorm. It was hot and humid, as every Japanese summer was. His college was only a 45 minute metro ride from his parents' house, so he didn't have much to worry about. His boyfriend, Iwaizumi Takashi, went to the same university, but was in the medical college so his dorm was down the street a bit. Kota wasn't sure on what he wanted to major in, so he was in the general ed school.
"Oh dear."
Kota looked worriedly over at his father. "What's wrong, Papa?"
Keiji chuckled and wiped a tear from his eye, keeping one hand on the steering wheel. "You've grown up way too quickly, my Love."
The tall teenager drooped a bit, "I'm sorr--"
"No dear, you have nothing to apologize for." Keiji smiled gently. "My tears are happy because I'm so proud of the man you've become. You're going to do great things and continue to make me proud."
"Papa..." Kota sniffled.
"Oh don't cry," Keiji laughed weakly and reached over to hold his hand. "We've already cried enough over this. I love you so much, and I hate letting you out into the real world alone," he sighed quietly, "but I know you will be fine on your own."
Kota shook his head, "You have two other kids to take care of without me--you'll still be busy!"
Keiji cackled, "Koyo is much more of a handful than you or Kojiro ever were. However, you are my special first born, Kota." He smiled and reached over to squeeze his son's hand. "Your father and I learned so much with you, even though you were and always have been a joy to raise." He wiped more tears. "Promise to visit me. I'll have withdrawals without my firstborn."
Basically, Kota was the favorite child of both of his parents. Kojiro held a special spot in their hearts and they were more sensitive on him, but Kota was the perfect child in their eyes. The Bokutos had their last son, Koyo, when Kota was 17. He was an accident, but they still loved him greatly. He was a bit wild compared to his brothers, but still the baby of the family. His parents considered it a blessing he was born considering Keiji's age.
"Of course I will! I'll miss you guys too!" Kota laughed.
Keiji smiled and focused on the road. "You'll have fun in college. Stay out of trouble and make sure Takashi-kun eats enough food during exams--when he's busy he eats nothing but instant ramen."
"I know, I will!" Kota beamed. "I like cooking and there is a kitchen everyone shares in his dorm I can use."
"You'll be a good husband to him." Keiji smiled knowingly.
"Papa!" Kota turned red. "We aren't engaged!"
Keiji chuckled, loving messing with his sweet son. "I know, but you plan to be after college, right?"
Kota bashfully looked down at his hands. "Yeah."
"You're so cute." Keiji laughed harder and ruffled his hair. "I'm glad you two are together."
Kota smiled to himself. "Me too."
Keiji thought this was precious as he pulled into the parking lot in front of Kota's dorm. Koutarou was already inside with his other two sons trying to put together Kota's furniture. The beds in his room were in pieces when he arrived. Kota and Keiji went out to get lunch for everyone.
Kota nodded to a few fellow first years in the hall as he stepped into his own room.
Kojiro, 14 now, was helping Koutarou put clothes in the closet and dresser. Surprise guest Takashi was sitting on the now-put-together bed with Koyo in his lap.
Kota beamed, "Hey Babe!"
Takashi giggled. "Hi. I heard you were bringing lunch so I came over fast."
"Of course." Kota chuckled and set the bags of food on his desk before giving his boyfriend a sweet kiss. The smaller young man squeezed his cheek.
"Thank you for babysitting, Takashi-kun. All three of them." Keiji smiled and pulled out food. Koutarou quickly jumped up, put a hand on his husband's back, and picked his favorite meal.
"Yes! He's been keeping us good company and keeping Koyo quiet!" Kou smooched his husband.
"Lovely." Keiji chuckled and handed out food to his other children.
"Everything is almost done now, Kota." Kojiro wandered over to the taller boy.
Kota grinned and ruffled his hair. "Thank you! I'll finish the rest up after lunch, so take a break now!"
Kojiro nodded, blushing slightly, and took a seat next to Takashi. The middle child had grown to be anxious, awkward, sweet, quiet, and pansexual. He didn't start having crushes until he was about 13, but he was very handsome so he always had others crushing on him. He was an alpha like his older brother and Koutarou, but more gentle.
"Ah!" Koyo opened his mouth wide for Takashi, expecting food.
Takashi giggled, not even ready to feed himself yet.
Kota chuckled and quickly opened up his own box. He used his chopsticks to feed his baby brother. "Good?"
"Good!" Koyo replied happily and squeezed Takashi's arms. The boy was heavier than what Kota had been.
Takashi stroked the child's light grey hair. It was straight like Koutarou's. "He's been good today."
"That's nice to hear." Keiji nodded gratefully. He was sitting in his husband's lap on Kota's desk chair.
Koutarou grinned, "Good thing Takashi-kun got here while you were gone! I almost let the boy guilt me into giving him candy from the vending machine down the hall."
Keiji shook his head. "You need to be more stern."
"But Babe!" Kou squeezed his husband's waist.
Keiji chuckled and continued talking to him quietly.
"You remind me of Koutarou-san." Takashi whispered to his boyfriend who sat on the other side of him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kota raised his eyebrows and tickled Taka's sides.
Takashi giggled and pushed him away. "Nevermind!" He settled down and leaned on his shoulder. "I'm glad we're at the same school."
"Me too!" Kota nodded happily.
"Maybe we can have sleepovers."
"Takashiiii!!" Kota blushed and was very surprised. "We have roommates!"
Takashi giggled and fed him. "I love you."
Kota calmed down and pressed his head down on his boyfriend's. "I love you too."
"I love!" Koyo grinned up at them both.
Kota laughed and gave his head kisses.
Keiji stroked his husband's cheek. "They're going to get married."
"Oh for sure." Koutarou smiled contently. "They're definitely mates."
Keiji nodded thoughtfully and kissed his forehead.
The End
~Pineapple
Yes this series will still be a book eventually...time has been an issue lately and I apologize dearies.