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Nigeyashi General Hospital, city of Nigeyashi, Aomori prefecture
Valentine’s Day
Almost five years after graduation
Hajime is six hours old.
Tohru and Kyo sat together in Tohru’s hospital bed, their heads tilted together and matching sappy smiles on their faces. Both of those smiles were directed at the same thing: the blue-wrapped bundle currently cradled in Kyo’s arms.“I still can’t believe he’s finally here,” Tohru whispered, torn between the need to talk and the need to let Hajime sleep. “I know we’ve had months to get ready and I feel like I gave birth, but it’s still so hard to look at him and realize he’s ours!”“Just think how I feel,” Kyo replied equally softly, his attention totally focused on their son. “You’re the one who grew him and dealt with everything, I’ve just kinda...been along for the ride. But not anymore,” he said, his tone a little awed, and Tohru glanced at him with pure love in her eyes.“Not anymore,” she agreed, “Though I couldn’t have done it without you. But we’ve done it, Kyo, we’re officially parents now!”“We are,” said Kyo, lightly running a finger over the baby’s cheek. “And we’re gonna do our absolute best by you, Hajime,” he said, his tender gaze fixed on Hajime’s face. “You are gonna grow up feeling so much love.”“So much love,” echoed Tohru, beaming at Hajime. “But then, you are our little Valentine!”“Sorry about that, by the way,” Kyo said, and Tohru blinked at him.“Why are you apologizing?” she asked in confusion, earning her an amused look from her husband.“Tohru, it’s Valentine’s Day.”“So?” she said, still not understanding, and Kyo flashed first her then the baby a wry smile.“So, I’m just saying, for better or worse, his birthday’ll always be special.”
Tohru and Kyo’s house, village of Hibe, Aomori prefecture
Valentine’s Day
Almost nine years after graduation
Hajime is four years old
"Mommy?”Hajime’s voice was quiet; so quiet that it would have been easy for Tohru to sleep right through the word, if it had been anyone speaking other than one of her sons. But with the finely tuned ear of a mother, even Tohru’s talent for sleeping couldn’t let her ignore him.“Mmm...hello there, my sweet Hajime,” she said with a massive yawn. She was only vaguely aware that it was dark; the more important thing was that her son was there. “Do you need something?”“Mmm-hmm,” he replied. “Can I share wiff you? Pwease?”“Share?” Tohru repeated in obvious confusion, her brain still foggy from the fact she’d just woken up. “Share what-”She broke off abruptly as she felt Kyo shift behind her, and her mind sharpened as she darted a look at the clock.Kyo always woke up almost obscenely early, so if he was still in bed...Yep. That was the time, alright, and no amount of blinking on her part was going to change that. But before she could even so much as groan at the sight, she realized Hajime had been answering her question.“-an I bwought Daddy’s, too, ‘cause he might wanit. Bu’ you can share mine wiff me an’ he can have alla his, ok? ‘Cause he’s bigger,” Hajime was telling her in a sincere tone, and even in the darkness Tohru could make out his bright smile.Just like she could also make out what Hajime was holding: two beautifully tied little bags that she had packed the past night and left sitting downstairs on the kitchen counter: Valentine’s chocolate she had made for Kyo and Hajime.Trust a child to think about chocolate at four in the morning...“Do you wanna share mine wiff me, Mommy?”Tohru knew what she should do. She should send her son back to bed and remind him it wasn’t morning, that it wasn’t going to be morning for hours. Neither she nor Hajime did well on a lack of sleep, and baby Katsuro would be waking them all up much too soon. Besides that, eating at night wasn’t good for digestion, and chocolate was hardly going to count as a good breakfast food.But on the other hand, it was a special occasion. It was Valentine’s Day, after all...and you only turned four once.So Tohru’s own smile beamed back at her son as she told him, “Thank you, Hajime, I would love to share.”
Tohru and Kyo’s house, village of Hibe, Aomori prefecture
Valentine’s Day
Almost twelve years after graduation
Hajime is seven years old
“Mom!”
At the shocked and accusatory word, Tohru all but jumped out of her skin. Unfortunately, jumping right then was a bad decision, and she had to grab the edge of the counter to keep herself from falling.“Hajime, don’t scare me like that!” she immediately censured, wishing she could have stopped herself from blushing at the same time. “We don’t surprise people when they could get hurt, remember?”She could see her remark struck home: Hajime was blushing, too. But the blush didn’t change her son’s fierce expression, and his eyes were narrowed as he stalked into the kitchen.“You’re reaching,” he told her, accusatory once more. “Dad says you’re not supposed to be reaching for stuff anymore.”‘Dad,’ Tohru thought sourly, could go jump in a lake.But she schooled her features into a pleasant smile, knowing that airing those sentiments would not help her with her son.“Dad means I shouldn’t be climbing to reach things right now, and he’s right,” Tohru admitted, placing one hand on her very pregnant belly. “But it’s perfectly fine for me to just reach up for things-”“-Nu-uh, that’s not what Dad said,” Hajime retorted, crossing his arms and glaring. “Not unless it’s an emergency, or you’re by yourself an’ there’s no one around to help you.”Tohru promptly huffed. “Hajime-”But Hajime had already dragged a stool over to the counter, climbing up and reaching into the cupboard Tohru had opened. “What do you need, Mom?” he asked, looking at her. “Remember, I’m here to help you,” he stressed importantly, and as she looked back at him, Tohru had to sigh.But she also had to smile at her son, who was so much like his father sometimes that it made her heart hurt. Even if that meant they both currently treated her like glass, it was nice to know that father and son both cared about her so much.“I was trying to get the dishes from the top shelf, the special occasion ones,” she told him with a resigned smile. “After all, tonight’s dinner is a special one, isn’t it?”She could tell from Hajime’s return grin he agreed; birthdays, and Valentine’s Day, only happened once a year.
Tohru and Kyo’s house, village of Hibe, Aomori prefecture
Valentine’s Day
Almost sixteen years after graduation
Hajime is eleven years old
“Come on, Katsu, can you please try to move faster? You had one job, getting out the dishes, and they’re not even ready; if you wanna have time to sit down and eat, then please hurry up!” From the stove, Hajime gave his brother a piercing glare, one that Katsuro answered first with an enormous yawn. The yawn was followed by side eye and something Katsuro muttered that Hajime didn’t quite make out, but he still narrowed his eyes at Katsuro with suspicion.“I’m sorry, what was that?”“I said I’m going, ok? Sorry I’m not as fast in the mornings as you,” Katsuro replied, trailing off into a clearly annoyed mumble, and Hajime rolled his eyes as he turned to back to the stove.“You know I’m not a morning person either, right?” he asked, stirring the contents of the pan on the stove with a practiced hand. “But part of growing up’s learning how to deal with that stuff,” he continued, with an air of moral superiority that only made his brother scowl.Katsuro, thought Hajime, needed to work on his morning attitude. Yes, he was only seven and a half years old, but if Hajime could be functional and pleasant in the mornings, then his brother was capable as well.“Hajime deaws wiff wots of stuff,” Sachiko piped up cheerfully from where she was clinging, koala-like, to Hajime’s back. “’Cause he’s ‘leven now, wight, Hajime?”“That’s right,” agreed Hajime, trying not to sound either too proud or smug. He was eleven now, practically a teen, and more than old enough to manage breakfast when Tohru was sick. Even with his siblings hindering more than they were helping, breakfast was ready on time and he knew it tasted good.Neither Katsuro nor Sachiko could complain about the results-“-This looks great, Hajime, I can’t wait to dig in!”Hajime beamed as Kyo walked into the kitchen with wet hair from his shower, his father taking Sachiko and ruffling Hajime’s hair.“Guess you meant it when you said you knew what you wanted for birthday breakfast,” Kyo said, grinning at him, and Hajime grinned back.“I said I could do it.”“And I believed you!” laughed Kyo. “I still believe you, this all looks really good. So now how about you kids get all our food to the table, and I’ll run a little tray upstairs to your mom?”“Actually, can I do that?” Hajime asked Kyo. “I wanna to make sure she knows I made the soup extra fortifying.”In response, Kyo’s smile softened and he nodded his head. “Yeah, that fine, and honestly, she’ll probably love that.” Then his expression became both playful and affectionate as he continued, “She might also have something to say to you, given what day it is.”Both of them were grinning as Hajime got Tohru’s tray, silently agreeing that yes, Tohru probably did. ‘Thank you for cooking,’ no doubt, and ‘I’m sorry I’m sick.’And, most importantly, ‘Happy birthday.’
Nigeyashi Middle School, city of Nigeyashi, Aomori prefecture
Valentine’s Day
Almost eighteen years after graduation
Hajime is fourteen years old
Hajime braced himself as he walked into the school, trying to act as though it was just another day. He was aware that even the thought was straight-up wishful thinking, but a guy was allowed to fantasize occasionally, right?Even if that fantasy was incredibly short-lived, with Hajime being approached before he’d even reached his shoe locker.“Happy birthday, Sohma!” a female voice burst out, and Hajime sighed internally although outwardly he smiled.“Thanks, Mihara,” he said, giving his classmate a nod while trying not to look at what she was holding. At what she was holding, and the girl beside her...“We have some chocolate for you!” the girl next to Mihara blurted out, blushing from the crown of her head all the way to her toes. “In honor of Valentine’s Day, and it being your birthday!”Both girls held out their gift bags, giving Hajime hopeful smiles; he took a deep breath, then smiled back at them both.“Thanks, both of you,” he said, accepting the bags. “This is really nice, it was nice of you to think of me.”“Of course we thought of you,” Mihara’s friend said a little breathlessly. “You’re...it’s your birthday, Sohma, it’s like Valentine’s Day is your own special day!”Mihara’s friend had stars in her eyes as she looked at him; it took everything Hajime had in him not to look away.To not look away, or possibly run away...“Anyway, we just wanted to give you that, Sohma,” Mihara said, taking her friend’s arm. “I’ll see you in class!” she said, and her friend said,“Have a good day!”“You too,” he replied automatically, staring at his chocolates before eyeballing his locker.He could already guess what he would find when he opened it...Sometimes, he really hated Valentine’s Day.
Kazuma’s house, the Sohma Dojo, Tokyo
Valentine’s Day
Almost twenty-one years after graduation
Hajime is sixteen years old
No sooner had Hajime opened the door, his backpack slung over his shoulder, than his nose was assaulted by the acrid odor of smoke. Technically, that was a smell that probably should have alarmed him; as it was, his immediate reaction was to groan.Groan, then dump his shoes and backpack before sprinting to the kitchen, finding exactly who and what he expected to find.“Turn it off!” he yelled, ducking under the smoke and shouldering his way in between Kazuma and the stove. He wasn’t entirely sure what Kazuma had been trying to cook, but at that point it didn’t matter; whatever it was, it was gone.“You took the batteries out of the smoke alarm again, didn’t you?” Hajime accused as he swiftly did damage control, turning off the burners, the oven, and moving pans to the side, making sure there was no actual fire before flinging open the windows.Kazuma had gone to open the living room’s paper doors, but he had the grace to look sheepish as he returned. “Guilty as charged, I’m afraid. I expected a little smoke, but things got away from me.”Hajime exhaled, then rubbed his forehead with one hand. “Where’s Kunimitsu?” he asked, already guessing the answer, which Kazuma confirmed when he said,“Still out in his office; he had some work left to do.”Hajime stared at his grandfather, then the mass of charcoal on the stove; that was almost always the result of Kazuma’s ‘confidence.’And impatience.“Grandpa,” he began, but Kazuma held up his hands.“I know, I know,” he said, smiling at Hajime. “But I assure you, my intentions were good.”“It’s not the intentions, Grandpa, one of these days you might really start a fire! Do you have any idea how flammable this place is?”“I know, I know,” Kazuma repeated, and Hajime huffed, then cracked a smile as he looked at Kazuma.“You’re giving me that look again.”“What look is that?” asked Kazuma, his eyes twinkling, and Hajime grinned ruefully as he said,“The one you give me when I remind you of Dad.”“A very appropriate look under the circumstances, then,” Kazuma said, smiling, before he looked at the stove. “I think we need to reassess your birthday dinner plans.”“Grandpa, I told you-”“-And I told you, Hajime,” Kazuma cut in smoothly, “that sixteen or not, ‘mature young man’ or not,” he said, his eyes still twinkling, “it is a special thing, my having you here on your birthday, and I intend to celebrate that as much for me as for you.”Hajime couldn’t hide his grin at that, even if he privately felt that he was way too old for people to make a fuss over his birthday. Kazuma had a point; Hajime was there now, and they might as well take advantage...“Ok,” he said, “but no more cooking for you.”
Hajime, Mutsuki, and Kinu’s house, Tokyo
Valentine’s Day
Almost twenty-two years after graduation
Hajime is seventeen years old
Hajime was in the middle of a wonderful dream, the kind of dream you relished and hoped that you’d remember later, so you could replay it over and over again in your mind. The kind of dream you’d never admit to a soul you’d actually had, but would think about whenever you were alone in the shower...“You have no idea how much I wish I knew what you were dreaming.”Normally, Hajime was a fairly heavy sleeper. He could fall asleep pretty much anywhere, and once he was out, he was out like a light. It didn’t matter if people were talking, if he was on the floor, if there was construction happening right outside the window...There was a reason he set multiple alarms.But there had always been an exception to his heavy sleeping; he would wake up in an instant if his nose was touched. And he knew for a fact Mutsuki knew that too, which meant the finger stroking his nose was intentional.Why it was intentional was a totally different question, since it, very clearly, was the middle of the night.A multitude of emotions passed through Hajime as he woke up: confusion, disappointment, embarrassment, outrage.Worry, for just an instant, followed by resignation.Resignation, tempered by just a little indignation…“Do you have any idea what time it is, Mutsuki?” Hajime managed to growl, his voice thick with sleep and gruff with embarrassment.Mutsuki wasn’t the least put off by Hajime’s growl; Hajime could hear his smile even better than he could see it.“I do, as a matter of fact! It’s one-thirty in the morning!”Hajime hadn’t actually been fishing for an answer, and upon receiving one, he could only groan.“Mutsuki-”“-And I am sorry for waking you like this,” Mutsuki said, a hint of contrition creeping into his voice. “I meant to do this at midnight-”“-Wake me up?” asked Hajime drily, rubbing his eyes with his palm; it was a testament to how tired he was he couldn’t even guess.Couldn’t. Wouldn’t. Same thing, at that hour of the night. As much as Hajime loved his boyfriend, Mutsuki’s sense of timing badly needed work.But Hajime’s censure was, not surprisingly, ignored by Mutsuki, who simply grinned from where he was kneeling by Hajime’s bed.“Well, yes,” he admitted. “Maybe if you weren’t so responsible about your bedtime-”Hajime was too tired for this, and he let out another low growl. But Mutsuki only laughed at the sound, then leaned close and neatly kissed Hajime’s cheek.“I wanted to be the first this year to wish you ‘Happy Birthday,’” he said, prompting Hajime to blink and slowly uncover his eyes.That was right...it was officially his birthday.His first birthday with a boyfriend...his boyfriend...his Mutsuki at his side.And as that realization sank in, Hajime had to grin, too, and he reached out a hand to Mutsuki as he softly said, “Thank you.”Mutsuki smiled, then turned and placed a kiss on Hajime’s palm. And Hajime smiled back, then yawned before grumbling, “Ok, it’s too late for this. Either go back to your own bed or come on,” he said, scooting closer to the wall.Being woken up was never Hajime’s favorite thing, but as he fell back asleep with Mutsuki snuggled close, he had to admit it wasn’t always terrible, either.
Hajime and Mutsuki’s apartment, Chiba
Valentine’s Day
Almost twenty-five years after graduation
Hajime is twenty years old
“Happy birthday, Hajime!”
At the chorus of voices from his laptop, Hajime laughed, leaning sideways into Mutsuki’s hug. But before he had the chance to so much as say ‘thank you,’ Tohru’s voice burst out,“Mutsuki, you are so mean!” That sparked more laughter from the entire group, and Hajime watched as Kyo hugged Tohru in his parents’ part of the screen.“What, you don’t think that Hajime deserves a birthday hug?” Kyo teased, prompting an indignant sputter from Tohru.“That’s not what I...you know what I mean!” she said, huffing a little bit as she looked at Hajime with an expression both apologetic and wistful. “It’s just...I can’t believe you’re twenty, Hajime,” she continued, her eyes welling up with tears. “It feels like only yesterday that you were a newborn, and now you’re a legal adult...”Tohru couldn’t finish and just gestured at the camera, earning her smiles and more laughter from the rest of the family.“Now no one can argue that you’re a child anymore,” Kazuma agreed, smiling at Hajime through the screen. “Granted, I can’t imagine anyone’s tried in years-”“-Considering Hajime’s acted like an old man since he was a kid?” Sachiko teased, draping her arms around Kyo’s neck from behind.Hajime rolled his eyes as Tohru protested, but his expression was sheepish as he met Mutsuki’s gaze. While Hajime would argue he’d never acted like an ‘old man,’ he could concede that he might seem...mature...to certain people.‘Certain people,’ starting with his sister.Then he realized that Tohru was talking to him, and he quickly returned his attention back to the screen.“-the same age Kyo and I were when we got married!”Yep, Hajime had heard that once or twice before, but it still made him grin to have Mutsuki rest his head on his shoulder. Yes, the actual word ‘marriage’ stirred up lots of feelings; marriage was currently not an option for them. But that didn’t change the fact that there were still things they could do, and that they planned to do, when Mutsuki turned twenty himself in August.Not that it technically mattered, Hajime reminded himself. They already lived together, and they were both content.But Hajime would be lying if he denied that he wanted more...especially now that he was finally an adult.
Yuki and Machi’s house, Tokyo
Valentine’s Day
Almost twenty-eight years after graduation
Hajime is twenty-three years old
“-And I appreciate your concern, Mutsuki, I promise, I do,” Yuki said, his flashing grey eyes at total odds with his composed expression. “But as I’ve said, I’ve thought about this extensively at this point, and I neither regret my own decision nor begrudge you yours.”In response, Mutsuki made an annoyed noise, then turned and shot Machi and Hajime a pleading look. Hajime only held up his hands and shrugged, while Machi sighed, then walked over and gave Mutsuki a hug.“Have you ever known your father to lie about something like this?” she asked him gently, and Mutsuki’s shoulders slumped. “I know this is hard for you-”“-But why is it hard for me?” Mutsuki demanded, leaning over so he could bury his face in his mother’s shoulder. “It’s not like I ever met the man myself, or ever heard anything that painted him in a good light. But at the same time, I just...”Mutsuki’s voice sounded so small and meek that it made Hajime’s heart hurt, even though that evening was only the latest in a string of similar discussions. Just like every other time, Hajime wished he knew what to say…But sometimes, he needed to leave things to the experts. After all, it wasn’t his estranged grandfather who’d died.Sighing, Yuki joined Machi and likewise hugged Mutsuki. “You just want to make the best decision you can,” he said. “And you want me to do the same thing. I agree that it’s not easy, making a choice that can’t be unmade, but I promise, Mutsuki, I won’t regret this one. I made my peace with my decision a long time ago, and right now I can say with confidence those feelings haven’t changed. If I went,” Yuki continued, taking a deep breath, “it would be entirely to support Ayame. But he and I have talked about this, and he-”Yuki broke off abruptly, shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter. All that matters is I’m not going, and I am fine with that.”Mutsuki lifted his head and stared into Yuki’s eyes, studying them carefully for any hint he was lying. But Yuki met Mutsuki’s gaze without flinching, and Mutsuki finally exhaled...and smiled.“Alright then,” he announced, stepping back from his parents. “In that case, it’s safe to say that none of us are going.”“Mutsuki,” Yuki began, but Mutsuki raised a hand.“None of us are going,” he repeated, smiling at his father, albeit with serious eyes. “We were only going to go to support you, Dad,” he said, glancing at Hajime, who nodded. “Maybe if I were a better person, I’d want to go for Uncle Ayame, or maybe even myself-”Hajime, Yuki, and Machi all snorted at the same time; Mutsuki’s smile promptly became a grin. But he otherwise continued as if he hadn’t heard.“-But since I’m not, I’m happy to spend this time doing something more fun. Hajime and I are already dressed up,” he continued, running a hand down the front of his black suit. “Instead of a wake, may I propose we all go out to dinner? I, at least, have something I’d like to celebrate today.”Mutsuki’s look at Hajime was one of pure love, and though Hajime felt a bit weird about it, he couldn’t help but beam back. Yes, he’d been ready and willing to go to a wake that evening, but if Yuki and Mutsuki were sure-“-Dinner and that celebration sound wonderful to me,” agreed Machi, and Yuki nodded as the pair of them smiled at Hajime.“I agree,” said Yuki. “Today is a special day.”A slightly complicated day, moreso than many others, but if this was what they all wanted, then Hajime wouldn’t complain.
Hajime and Mutsuki’s apartment, Chiba
Valentine’s Day
Almost thirty-three years after graduation
Hajime is twenty-eight years old
“Hajime....”Nope. Hajime was absolutely not going to respond; it was a dream voice he was hearing, nothing more.“Hajime....”He was still fast asleep, and very comfortably so. Because it was nighttime, aka time for sleep.“You’re really making this difficult for me, aren’t you?”Trying to wake him up? Yes. He normally did, especially when it was still time to be asleep. Which it was, clearly, because...well, it just was.“And here I thought you wouldn’t trust me to handle breakfast alone.”It was remarkable, how potent a motivating factor fear was; Hajime was abruptly wrenched out of his vaguely pleasant state of pre-awakeness, shooting upright in bed to stare at Mutsuki in stunned horror. But before he could say anything, his eyes locked onto one thing: the heavily loaded breakfast tray in Mutsuki’s hands.Dear gods, that meant Mutsuki had handled breakfast alone.But before Hajime could do more than look panicked, Mutsuki, and the breakfast tray, were in the bed with him.“And before you say anything, Hajime, no, I didn’t cook. It’s takeout, so you can trust it be safe!”It wasn’t the food’s safety that had made Hajime worry; more like the safety of their apartment (and their kitchen in specific), to say nothing of its relative cleanliness. But knowing everything was safe, Hajime could relax...Then he squinted abruptly at Mutsuki as a new thought came to him.“Takeout?”“Mmm-hmm!” said Mutsuki, pouring two cups of tea. “Other than the tea; that, I made myself.”Hajime was still squinting, first at Mutsuki, then at the window, then at the clock, which registered a time too depressing to think about much.“Takeout,” he repeated, a little suspiciously, and Mutsuki set down the teapot with a twinkle in his eye.“Believe it or not, Hajime, I do know how to order food online."“That’s not what I-”“-And fetching breakfast was the least I could do for my husband on his birthday.”It was the way Mutsuki smiled at him as he lightly stressed the word; suddenly, Hajime was beaming from ear to ear. Yes, he still felt that if this was takeout, Mutsuki had done too much, but right then he couldn’t bring himself to care.Because that was the kind of thing that Mutsuki always had done; taken every chance he had to make Hajime’s birthday special. So he’d done when they’d first started dating, when they were fiancés...Legal or not, of course he’d do it now that they were married.
Hajime and Mutsuki’s apartment, Chiba
Valentine’s Day
Almost thirty-nine years after graduation
Hajime is thirty-four years old
“Hajime Sohma,” said Tohru sternly, her hands on her hips, “are you actually trying to tell me that you don’t trust me?”Hajime would have seen the trap when he was four. At thirty-four, it almost glowed neon...but it was still weirdly hard to avoid.“That’s not what I’m saying at all, Mom,” he said placatingly, raising his hands. “I’m just saying a family dinner is something I’d love, too! It’s not like we get to be together too often-”He broke off as Tohru closed the distance between them, crossing her arms and scowling at him with a very well-known stern expression.Tohru Sohma might (generally) be one of the sweetest people alive, but she could be fierce when she wanted to.“You’d really rather stay home than go out with your husband for a Valentine’s date?”Tohru’s eyes were narrowed; Hajime tried to hold her gaze. But he couldn’t do it, and when he looked away, Tohru softened.“I know it’s hard,” she said much more gently, reaching up and patting his cheek, “remembering to prioritize anything else in these early months. But it’s important to take care of yourself, too, and your relationship. You and Mutsuki might be fathers now,” Tohru continued, joy almost radiating off her at the words, “but you’re also still partners, and still individuals. You deserve to take a little time, alone, for yourselves.”He couldn’t deny his mother had a point, and Hajime’s return smile was more than a little sheepish. But before he could reply, his father’s dry voice broke in.“Plus your mom has big plans to spend all night cooing over Aiko. You really wanna force her to split her attention with you, Hajime?”Hajime couldn’t help it; he promptly burst out laughing, especially given the way Tohru flushed beet red as she turned towards her husband, trying her best to protest.“That’s not fair to say, Kyo, you know I always love seeing Hajime! And if he really, genuinely wants to stay here and eat with us, he can-”“-But you want uninterrupted grandparent time, and for me to...turn off for a while,” Hajime finished for her, and Tohru, still blushing, nodded.Fair enough, thought Hajime, looking past at her at Kyo, and melting a little like he always did at the sight of his father cuddling his daughter.It was hard to believe Aiko was already five months old...It was hard to believe that she was real at all.And as he looked from the sleepy baby to his smiling parents, Hajime exhaled once more, then gave them a rueful smile.“I suppose I should be able to trust you two with her,” he admitted, earning an amused snort from Kyo and a huff from Tohru.“I should hope so!” Tohru said, looking a little appalled. “We do have a little bit of experience, thank you very much!"“Thirty-four years and counting,” Kyo confirmed with a grin. “And at the risk of sounding cocky, Hajime, I’d say we’ve done ok so far.”Tohru and Kyo’s smiles at that were both warm and affectionate, and Hajime’s own smile became a beaming grin. While he knew what they were doing and a part of him wanted to protest, he couldn’t deny, right then, that both of them were right.“You have,” he agreed, then his expression softened. “Hopefully I can do half so good a job myself.”At that, Tohru stepped close and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly as she told him, “You will. You’re already a wonderful father, Hajime, just like you’ve always been a wonderful son.”“Absolutely,” Kyo agreed, squeezing Hajime’s shoulder. “But speaking of wonderful things,” he said meaningfully, and Hajime promptly cast a resigned look at the clock.If he wanted to catch Mutsuki at work, he needed to get going...“You two have a wonderful evening,” Tohru said, letting him go. “Have a happy Valentine’s Day, Hajime, and a lovely rest of your birthday.”After the door had closed behind Hajime, Kyo and Tohru exchanged a pair of fondly amused smiles.“I was fifty-fifty if he’d actually make it out,” Kyo said, cuddling Aiko one last time before passing her to Tohru. “Kinda reminds me of someone else, when there’s a baby involved.”The look he gave Tohru was both pointed and affectionate; Tohru couldn’t help but blush, even though she was smiling.“Clearly,” she informed her husband, cuddling Aiko herself, “Hajime knows that these moments are precious, and pass by much too soon.”As she spoke, Tohru shot a wistful glance at Aiko, thinking about another Valentine’s Day, and about another baby. About how sometimes she still imagined that Hajime was a baby...Then Kyo’s arm was around her, and he rested his head against hers.“He’s still our kid, Tohru, and he’ll always be our kid. Even now that he’s got a kid of his own for us to spoil.”“I know,” she said softly, “but still, sometimes...”She trailed off, then glanced up as Kyo’s hand caressed her cheek, blinking at him at first, then smiling at him with love. And that smile got warmer and brighter as he leaned closer to her, whispering right before he kissed her,“Happy Valentine’s Day.”