Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[DEPRESSION] 

Examples of emotions during this stage of grief:

• Heavy 

• Crushed

• frustrated

“ Shit!” 

Osamu brought his hand close to his chest after the pain response from burning himself, holding his wrist with his uninjured hand. His eyelids were screwed shut with pinched brows and gritted teeth with a hiss escaping his mouth. “Fuckin’ Christ.” 

He stood like that for a few moments, his burnt hand clenched with the opposite hand holding the other wrist, his head bowed with only silence surrounding him. His ears rang, his heartbeat speeding up and thundering against his chest. “Fuckin’ Christ.” He repeated, only with more irritation bleeding into his voice. 

“- sam.” 

Why hadn’t he grabbed a glove to grab at the end of the metal handle? He wasn’t usually this distracted during his job. He was the head of the restaurant- his restaurant for crying out loud. His setbacks weren’t going to do any good for the people eating his food. 

Who cares? 

“-iya-sam.” 

His restaurant wasn’t as important as the set of events that had occurred over the last few weeks. He absolutely hates cooking now. He hated  feeding the mouths of strangers he didn’t know at all. What if they didn’t deserve it? 

“ Miya-sam.” 

The only mouths that did deserve his food were gone. They were gone too soon. They enjoyed his food with no complaints, they never denied his food because they enjoyed his food. He loved feeding his niece and nephew because he loved the way their eyes would light up when they let the flavors of the rice and mayonnaise as well as their chosen meat melt into their mouths. They would scream nonsense until they got exactly what they wanted, and Osamu was more than happy to oblige. 

Maybe he should shut the restaurant down.-

“Miya-sam!” 

His eyes widened as he whipped his head to the side, wearing his still deep scowl on his face with thick pinched brows. There stood one of the waitresses he hired, her expression bewildered with greenish eyes blinking repeatedly. “I’m sorry to interrupt you Miya-sam, but a customer wants to give their compliments to the chef.” 

Osamu let out a deep sigh before nodding, “Thanks for letting me know.” She only bowed her head before taking her leave. The dark haired male ran his hand under cold water to ease the pain, he figured he would wear a yellow culinary glove on his hand so whoever would be complimenting him wouldn’t worry about his injury.

Pushing past his workers, he tried to get out of his mood as fast as he could. He was supposed to work well under pressure, he couldn’t risk having a misstep or else Rintarou would nag him until he took time off of work. 

Now in the dine-in environment, he stood next to the waitress that had alerted him. Rubbing the towel on his hand to get rid of water, Osamu leaned down to whisper to her. “Which one is it?” “The woman right there in front of the pick-up counter. She’s the one with the kid.” “Alright.” He slipped on the semi-rubbery glove and made his way over to the woman, putting on a warm smile. 

“Hello ma'am.” he greeted, adjusting his hat while the woman turned her head and grinned back at him, holding a toddler in her arms. His smile faltered when he met eyes with the little girl’s, her brown doe eyes reminding him of all too familiar one’s. Thank god she had straight black hair. The mother gained his attention by clearing her throat, bouncing her toddler up and down against her hip lightly. 

“Hello Miya-sam, my daughter here, Mai, wanted to say she really enjoyed the food you made for us. Didn’t you, Mai sweetie?” The toddler, now known as Mai, looked at her mom nervously before she nodded shyly, causing the mother to laugh in an airy manner which Osamu soon followed after, only with more hesitation. 

Ayo was like that. 

“Well, “ Osamu started slowly, returning back to his warm smile. “It was my pleasure. I’m glad y'all two enjoyed the food.” the mother nodded, now looking down at her daughter again gently. “There’s also something Mai wanted to give you, right sweetie?” Osamu’s eyebrows raised, smile disappearing and his expression contorting into one of surprise. “Give me?” 

“Mmhmm, show him sweetie.” The mother egged her on, setting her down onto the floor. Mai held a bag of oranges and keychains, a single envelope also in there. She held the bag out to him, which caused Osamu to look at the mother now. “I can’t accept your money ma’am.” he spoke with an apologetic tone, speaking in a hushed voice. The mother’s brown eyes stared kindly at him, her smile never dispersing from her face. 

“You can, i Insist.” Osamu opened his mouth to deny again, but when Mai spoke, his words disappeared. “Please.” Mai said slowly, as if she still wasn’t familiar with the word yet. It was obvious she hadn't yet started to learn words. Osamu blinked before he went down on one knee in front of her, one forearm resting on his knee as he gently took the bag in a slow motion. 

“I won’t make you beg there, darlin’.” He responded gently, his smile returning. Osamu looked over the bag, feigning surprise in his small gasp. “Did you put all these oranges and keychains together?” Mai nodded, fists going up to her mouth in a shy manner. “That’s amazin’, thank you for the gift, it means a lot to me.” 

“And the blessing, Mai?” The mother coaxed, causing the little girl to make an ‘o’ shape with her mouth and then look at Osamu again. 

The male was prepared to listen to the little girl speak nonsense for at least two minutes, but he wasn’t prepared for the small pair of hands that held his cheeks. 

Osamu's lazy gray eyes widened at the contact, now being forced to stare into the brown eyes in front of him. She looked concentrated, her barely there eyebrows furrowed. Her small nose scrunched with her small lips slightly pouting. “I hope heal.” She spoke slowly, “I bless with orange and keychains.” “Ah…” 

Osamu’s breath stuttered, his eyes still wide but now stinging. She was so much like Ayo and Aya, her concentration on saying the right words and her shy nature when handing him his blessing. His lips parted to try and say thank you, but the words died down in his throat. For a mortifying second, nobody said anything, but instead, Osamu felt a warm streak of a tear go down his right cheek, Mai’s hand absorbing it with her palm. 

A wet sob escaped from Osamu’s throat now, causing him to squeeze his eyes shut to try and stop the tears from coming. “I’m sorry, “ he apologized with short intakes of breath coming in after his words. “ I don’t know why I'm cryin’.” He took his hat off as he rubbed his eyes with his non-gloved fingers, his mouth open with his lips curved downwards as he continued to sob. 

“I’m sorry.” He apologized once again, his voice cracking at the near end. “I’m sorry.” He was basically chanting at this point, his brows pinched with his lips trembling. Mai held his cheeks with her small hands, how could they be so small? They were warm and welcoming, they felt familiar. 

She pressed her forehead against his, shutting her eyes as if she could understand him. Osamu only cried more because of this, his trembling hands slowly going on top of hers. 

His heart ached, why did it hurt so much? He wouldn’t wish this pain onto anyone. It was terrible. Ayo and Aya did nothing to deserve such terrible deaths. Osamu sobbed through gritted teeth, his cries coming from his chest as he slowly shook his head- not knowing why he was doing so. Maybe he just didn’t want to accept the fact that they were gone. 

But it was too late. 

He would never have the chance to see their bright smiles when he visited them. He would never be able to catch them into their arms when they came crying to him whenever they were in trouble. He would never be able to teach them new things, he would never be able to tell them he loves them. 

He would never be able to hear their laughter that sounded like pure innocence ever again. 

With shaking shoulders, Osamu tried to bite his lip to stop the sounds escaping him, but there was no point. It hurt too much. It hurt seeing a reminder of them. 

A hand gently rested on his strong back, and then there came the mother’s soft spoken voice. “We heard what happened to your brother and his husband. We wanted to express our condolences, and we noticed that you’d been having a hard time too. I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Just know that we’ll be here to support you.” The dark haired male let his tears become his response, his chest blossoming with some type of feeling. A strong feeling. 

He could only remember the day he had last seen Ayo and Aya. He had ruffled Ayo’s hair while the two year old complained as he grabbed at Osamu’s hand. Aya had only clung onto Osamu’s leg, whining about him having to leave. Osamu didn’t have the heart to pull away, so he let Atsumu grab her from him. The last thing Osamu had done with them was give them forehead as well as cheek kisses. They both grabbed his face when he was giving them kisses, laughing at the contact. 

Osamu only grinned in return, thinking that this was just another day and that he would see them on the day of their birthday. “I’ll bring you rascals some food next week, so behave.” 

Osamu felt as if his heart were being ripped into shreds, he had lost two of the most important pieces of his heart- so what was the point of going on? 

Mai was the answer. She appreciated his food while being so young. She didn’t understand the issues in the real world just yet, hell, she couldn’t even pronounce a word entirely right. And her mother was so kind hearted, Osamu would never just turn her away. He always thought that the only two people that he had lost deserved his food, but no. There were so many mouths to feed that he hated his past self for rethinking his choice on leaving the restaurant. 

Through his tears, he could only see Ayo and Aya’s faces smiling at him. And in sight of them, he had only three words to say to them. 

“I’m so sorry.” 

“We’re here!” “About time!” Osamu yelled as he smacked the back of his brother’s head upright, a yelp from him coming soon after. Kiyoomi appeared behind Atsumu after a second, his eyes wide and frantic- his dark eyes searching for his sister. Immediately, panic set in when his gaze landed on his older- and clearly very much in pain from being in labor- sister. Osamu watched as his brother’s husband ran to his sister’s side, Nana letting out muffled sobs. 

Atsumu ran after Kiyoomi, clearly feeling anxious. Osamu followed behind him, he had been comforting Nana for the last hour and forty five minutes by telling her to take rhythmic breaths. He even offered his hand to squeeze like he had seen in movies, but now that he has a swollen bruised hand, he was planning to tell Atsumu to offer his own hand. Folding his arms across his chest as he stood the opposite from Atsumu and Kiyoomi, he watched with dipped brows and a frown as Nana hyperventilated . 

“Nana, come on, can you hear me?” Kiyoomi asked loudly enough so his voice could get through to her. Nana only nodded in a fast manner, her eyes squeezed shut as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Mmhmm.” she sniffled, gripping the metal sides of her bed for support. Kiyoomi sighed, “Okay, that’s good. Uh- how long have you been in labor?” 

Nana looked to be in discomfort by the idea that she had to reply back, but thankfully, Osamu knew the answer to that. “She’s been in labor for about six hours, her water broke probably an hour before that.” Kiyoomi looked up at Osamu, face tense. “Do you know how dilated she is?” “Ah.. I don't know, maybe around seven centimeters?” Atsumu raised his head, eyebrows shooting up. “That’s close to ten.” “What about it?” Osamu questioned, confused. “If she’s at ten centimeters, she’s ready to give birth.” 

Osamu’s heart lurched nervously, feeling his palms sweat. “So they’re almost here? Th-They’re gonna be here soon?” “One boy, one girl. Come on Osamu, I thought you were prepared to be an uncle.” “I’m still nervous!” he snapped at Kiyoomi, receiving a rolled pair of eyes. “Don’t think you’re all that prepared, wise guy. Ya’ almost made me crash the car.” Atsumu teased Kiyoomi with a sly smirk, his husband only shooting him a glare. 

“If only you had your phone with you so we would’ve taken the day off instead of going to practice.” “You and I both know we leave our phones in our lockers.” Atsumu made a face at Kiyoomi, looking incredulous. 

“You know, surprisingly, I'm not feeling any less stressed.” Nana gritted out, glaring at all three of them. Kiyoomi’s gaze softened for her, “Sorry Nana, do you want us to get a nurse or a doctor? Do you want ice chips to help you out?” “Ice chips sound good.” “Okay, I'll be right back.” “Oh want me to come with you?” Atsumu asked, his hazel eyes following after the raven. 

“No, look after Nana and call me if you know, something progresses.” Osamu watched as Atsumu opened his mouth to seemingly object but then Kiyoomi shut the door on him. Atsumu looked back at his twin brother, who raised a brow at him. He wanted to laugh at how awkward Atsumu looked as he stared down at his husband’s sister, but when she let out a strangled sob they both jumped at the sound. 

“God-” she groaned, now glaring down at her stomach with a deep scowl on her face.. “Get out! Get out!” Atsumu winced, wearing a crooked smile with dripped brows. “I’m sure they’re tryin’ their best there.” Shooting him a glare, Osamu nudged him with his elbow. “Don’t be a smartass, as far as we know, she could be talkin’ to us.” “No- they’ve been at it for a while. Kicking and fighting inside of my stomach.” Nana sighed as she laid her head back, sweat dripping down her face. “I’ve been yelling at them but they just don’t know when to quit.” 

“I’ve heard that before.” Osamu muttered as he gave his brother a look, receiving a pair of rolled eyes. “Maybe that’s a good trait.” “Oh yeah, try having them fight even as you’re pushing them out of your vagina.” Nana snarked at Atsumu. Wearing an amused smirk, Osamu snickered while whispering in Atsumu’s ear. “Well, what they say is true. The process of birth is beautiful, ain’t it?” “Now who’s bein’ a smartass?” Atsumu hissed as he shoved his brother aside. 

Nana moaned loudly, only this time, it sounded different. Osamu and Atsumu looked at each other, realization hitting the both of them at the same moment. 

It was time. 

“I’ll get a doctor.” Atsumu didn’t waste a second before bolting out of the room, leaving Osamu alone with her. Osamu turned his body towards her, leaning down and giving her his full attention. “It’ll be alright. The doctor will come any second now, you can start pushing soon.” Nana’s face was scrunched up, her teeth ground together once again. “Don’t wanna-” 

Osamu’s thick brows knitted together, taking her hand as he spoke gently to her. “Don’t wanna what? Don’t wanna wait? I’m ‘friad you’re gonna have to considerin’ I ain’t got no medical experience.” he joked, but he lost his humor when Nana shook her head once more. “Don’t wanna let go of them.” her voice broke at the near end of her sentence, her eye’s finally opening to reveal her brown eyes saddened. 

A wet sob escaped her throat, her grip on Osamu’s hand tightening the more she cried. “They’ve been in my stomach for nearly a year, I told myself I didn’t want to get attached but I feel like they’re my own and now that I'm having them- I'm going to give them away?” she took in a gasping breath, her shoulders shaking with each breath she took. 

“It’s not fair- it’s not fair!” Osamu felt confusion hit him the more he took in her words, she was upset about giving the twins to Atsumu and Kiyoomi even though she agreed to be their surrogate? During the pregnancy she was very eager to get rid of the kids bothering her everyday life, but now that it came down to it, she wanted to keep them?

Osamu looked to the side for a moment before he nodded slowly, letting her words sink in more. She was emotional right now, and he supposed it was normal for her to grow attached to the unborn babies at the very least. Hell, he’d grow attached too if he grew a watermelon inside of his stomach for eight months. 

He squeezed her hand lightly, “it’s not.” He agreed, leaning down until his head pressed against her own sweaty one, embracing her with his other arm. “You know what’s pretty good, though? Getting to be an aunt that they’ll look up to.” 

Nana only hiccuped, her silence meaning she was listening to him. “You won’t have to discipline them or anything, you’ll just have to be the one they run to whenever they have problems with their parents.” Osamu smiled to himself, “You could be the one to teach them new things, like to cook- to paint, anything.” 

Shutting his eyes, he tightened his hold on Nana, letting his embrace be of comfort to her. “You’re amazing for doing this. They might be babies intruding places you don’t want them to kick right now- but later on they’ll be graduates that accomplish many things. We’ll be there to cheer them on because we’re family now. You and I are gonna stick together, no matter what, right?” 

Nana nodded stiffly, a trembling smile shaking her lips lightly. “Right.” “Now you’re gonna have these babies, and you’re gonna tell them you love ‘em when they’re in your arms.” “I will.” Nana sniffled as she laughed lightly. 

“Thank you, Osamu. I’m glad my brother has good in-laws.” Osamu nodded, tilting his head after. “I’d say we’re all family now. Yer’ having my niece and nephew, and- yer an aunt slash mom? So-” “Aunt would sum it up.” “Yeah-”

The door slammed open, causing the both of them to jump in alarm. Atsumu came in with wide eyes, practically jumping on his feet as a doctor and nurses came in. “I got the doctor- I’m- im winded-” he doubled over as his hands rested on his knees, panting. 

“Shit- I need’a sit.” “You can play up to five sets of volleyball but ya’ can’t run around to find a doctor. I gotta say, you impress me every passin’ day, tsumu.” “Doctor was in the lunch area, samu!” Atsumu hissed, one of his hazel eyes twitching. 

“Alright, we only want the father- excuse me, fathers in the room so” the doctor looked at Atsumu and then Osamu, a questionable look on his face. Osamu nodded, giving Nana one last squeeze before he let go. He stood straight up, ready to take a step away before Nana weakly grabbed at his wrist, causing him to look down at her. 

She gave him a meaningful look, amber eyes teary looking as she whispered. “Thank you.” Osamu only blinked before he smiled in return, “Don’t worry about it.” With that, he walked away, letting the nurses and doctor swarm over Nana. 

Atsumu stared at him incredulously, “Dude- how do ya’ manage to get on peoples good sides so fast. They still ain’t like me.” Osamu only rolled his eyes as he snorted, shoving his brother forward towards Nana. “Maybe because I’m not stuck up.” “I ain't stuck up. I just- know I’m good at everything.” 

It was a good thing Kiyoomi came in at that moment because Osamu had half a mind to kick his brother backwards. 

It was a cleaning day. The house had been a mess for the last week and Osamu finally decided that enough was enough. If he was going to help out, then he would help out after he had made sure things were in place so no important paperwork would get lost. 

Clothes were left on the floor, the bed was unmade, the restrooms were a mess, the living room had pillows everywhere, and the kitchen wasn’t clean at all. He opted to put up opened boxes he had left out when gathering more paperwork to hand over to Atsumu.

They needed every piece of evidence that might’ve been related to finding out who exactly had been the cause of all of this. He was tired, but he wasn’t going to give up. 

Kiyoomi had been in bed rest for three days, and a part of himself couldn’t help but think that maybe he wouldn’t wake up. But thank god he did, he wasn’t sure Atsumu would be able to go on. 

He himself was in shambles just by losing Ayo and Aya. 

Osamu crouched as he cleaned out his closet, scrunching his nose up in irritation as clothes kept on falling over when he tried to pull out one singular shirt. He slumped down on the floor, propping an elbow on his knee as he lowered his head. 

“Come on Osamu..” he muttered to himself, rubbing his face slowly and then building up the pace to wake himself up. He then got on his knees and pulled out a box with no label, figuring he’d take it to the living room so he’d have more space between the kitchen and the couches. 

He heaved himself up as well as the box with a grunt, blowing out a sigh as his feet met with the cold kitchen tiles the more he walked. He put the cardboard box down on the marbled counter, opening it up to reveal drawings. 

Toys. 

Colors. 

A glassed bear that had a button on his chest. A talking bear. 

Osamu lifted the bear, his tired gray eyes staring at it intently. 

He pressed the button with a small click coming with it, and not a second later did he hear his own voice. “Hey kids, it’s your favorite uncle samu.” 

He raised his nose into the air, his eyes screwing shut with his thick brows pinched together. He didn’t move for a moment, but just a moment- “I just wanted to say Happy birthday, and that-“  he turned quickly and threw the bear against the wall, the figure shattering immediately from the impact. 

“ Shut the fuck up!!” He screamed, resentment booming in his voice. His heart thundered against his chest, fury gnawing at his chest. “ It’s your fault!!” He turned and connected his forearm to the box in a full swing and knocked the box down to the floor. He listened as the colors scattered across the hardwood living room floor, the crash of papers and the cardboard coming soon after. “ They’re gone-!!” 

He cried, tears slipping from his eyes and now running down his cheeks. “THEY’RE GONE !!” He screamed at the top of his lungs, not knowing why he was yelling at his past self. But he couldn’t stop- not at that moment.

“THEY’RE DEAD!!” Osamu directed his scream towards the now shattered glass animal, angry at himself for not knowing better back then. “AND THEY’RE NOT COMING BACK!!” 

He lowered his head as he sobbed, his knees buckling before he slumped down against the side of the couch, “They’re gone..” his voice rasped, throwing the color beside himself weakly. 

He gasped through his tears, cowering behind his knees. His heart ached painfully, his eyelids burning the more he cried. He couldn’t live like this. 

It hurt too much. 

“-may many more come to you rascals. (sigh) ya’ think it’ll ruin the surprise if y'all are here recordin’ this with me?” 

He raised his head, his tear stained eyes widening. 

No.

“Actually, this is good. When y'all grow up, y'all be able to listen back to this. Say hi.” 

No!  

His breath cut short when he heard Ayo babble incoherent nonsense, and a moment later, Aya’s high pitched giggles made an appearance. Osamu stared at the plastic voice box on the ground across from him with a distraught look on his face, mouth gaped open. 

“ Alright, say goodbye kids.” 

Ayo and Aya both babbled again before the voice box cut out, leaving Osamu alone once again. 

“ NO!!” 

Osamu crawled over to the broken pieces, his fingers trying to piece them back together, but of course, they wouldn’t. “What did I do?!” Osamu cried, “I’m sorry!!” 

He had forgotten that was part of the gift he was supposed to give Ayo and Aya on their birthday. He couldn’t believe he destroyed a part of them they had left behind. 

Osamu grabbed the voice box and held it against his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. 

He felt like dying right then and there. 

Alone in his house, a destroyed mess that he was part of. 

“Where is he-” 

Osamu raised his head from his forearm that was formerly resting against the wall. He turned and saw that Kiyoomi’s family came, Nana being at the front of them all. Her eyes were stained red, her thin eyebrows pinched together. 

Osamu straightened up, “Who?” “Who?” Nana demanded, as if the word itself personally offended her. “Your brother. Where is he?” Her eyes finally seemed to scan the room, seeing that Atsumu was sitting in the waiting room chair, his head resting against the wall with empty eyes.

“You.” She hissed, moving to walk towards him but Osamu blocked her way. “He doesn’t need whatever’s going on with you right now.” 

“Whatever?” She snapped, “ Whatever? My niece and nephew are dead!!” “Nana, stop it!” Kenya yelled at her, grabbing her by her shoulder in an attempt to pull her back but Nana resisted, shrugging her off roughly. “ No! Where were you Atsumu?!” 

“Nana!” 

“Where were you when you let Ayo and Aya die?!” She cried, Osamu grabbing her by the shoulders and not letting her move towards his brother. “Stop!” He yelled, feeling anger build up once again. 

“Why weren’t you there?! You promised me you’d protect them!!” 

Osamu looked back over his shoulder just to see his brother craning his neck for his face to look towards the wall, his ears were red. He could tell his brother was crying by the way his jaw clenched. 

Osamu looked at Nana once again, fury causing his expression to change. “Don’t talk to him like that!!” “Shut up-!! None of this would’ve happened if you had been there!! Ayo and Aya are dead , because of you!!” 

“That’s enough!!” Their mother pulled Nana back almost violently, causing the thin woman to stagger. Nana only glared at them until her brows twitched before she broke down, covering her face as she cried. 

“Don’t you dare talk to him like that!” Osamu yelled as soon as the room got quiet, his thick brows pulled together. He wore a deep scowl as he continued, “He doesn’t need this, he doesn’t need any of this!!” 

His lips trembled, muscles tense. He couldn’t believe the pure audacity Nana had. How could she even dare step foot into the room just to yell at Atsumu immediately after he had found his children dead? 

“I can’t believe you out of everyone would say such cruel things to him.” His voice quivered as he whispered, his gray eyes stinging the more he spoke. “He just found Ayo and Aya dead as well as Kiyoomi so close to the brink of death and all you do is blame him? You should be ashamed of yourself!” 

Silence only ensued, nobody said a word to him. Nana only continued crying, Kenya looked to the side with trembling lips as Kato only looked down at the ground with reddened eyes. Kiyoomi’s mother held her face as she cried, Kiyoomi’s father hugging her close as he buried his nose into her straight hair. 

Osamu sniffed, wiping his nose before he set his hands on his hips- staring down at the ground for a moment before he spoke again. “I’m gonna need y’all to step out and give Atsumu a moment to himself. Y’all should visit Kiyoomi, he’s right upstairs- I’m sure someone will give directions.” 

“He’s right, let’s check up on him.” Kiyoomi’s father rasped out, rubbing his wife’s shoulders softly. “A quick heads up, he’s got a lot of injuries. Be mindful.” Osamu warned, only receiving a nod from Kato before they all exited the waiting room. 

Osamu didn’t waste a second before he made his way to his brother's side, not hesitating to wrap his arms around his broad shoulders. Atsumu broke down at that moment, his head slowly turning forward as he bawled. Osamu shut his eyes, his voice wavering as he whispered. 

“It’s not your’ fault- it's not your’ fault, tsumu.” “ It is. I left them- I left them!” Atsumu gasped, only continuing to cry. Osamu shook his head, laying it against Atsumu’s after. “No, no it’s not tsumu. She doesn’t know a thing about what she’s saying.” 

“My kids are dead- they’re gone! I couldn’t save them in time!!” “Tsumu-.” “You should’ve seen them, Osamu! They were tortured because of me!!” “Don’t say that, Atsumu.” Osamu whispered again, only holding his twin tighter. 

“We’ll figure this out- we’ll figure all of this out. Please, try to get some rest. Forget what Nana said, just please rest for a little while.” 

Atsumu only sniffled in response, his sobs turning into controlled cries after a while. Osamu shut his eyes to try and prevent himself from breaking down at that moment, he had to stay strong for his brother. 

If not, then who would? 

“Oji!” Aya shrieked at the sight of him, Ayo turning to look at his sister and then up only to get excited when his brown eyes landed on Osamu. Osamu kneeled down to the ground, opening his arms to receive them. “Look at you guys, yer’ growin’ up so fast!” 

They eventually crawled into his arms, hugging him while giggling. “The hell? They didn’t magically grow over the three days they hadn’t seen you.” Atsumu mused above him, semi amused by seeing his children bombarding his twin. 

“They did and I noticed because I’m an amazin’ uncle.” Osamu grunted as he got up from the floor, carrying the twins in each arm. Kiyoomi walked out of the kitchen, drying his hands. “Hey Osamu, how was work?” 

The taller male greeted, hugging his brother in law. It caused a few giggles from Ayo and Aya from being sandwiched between their chests. Osamu smiled at the sounds, “Tiring, but I’ve got news- I gotta head to a meeting later this month about expanding my branch.” He informed after separating from Kiyoomi.  Atsumu’s eyes widened, grinning. “That’s great!”

“Congratulations.” Kiyoomi said, wearing a small smile.  “Thank you and ain’t it? It’s gonna be a long process but I’m real thankful.” “I bet Ayo and Aya will be even more thankful since they’re such fans of your food.” Kiyoomi semi joked as he attempted to take Aya, but she kicked his hand away with her small foot. 

“Come on, he can’t carry you both.” Kiyoomi chastised his daughter, but she only glared at him with pouty lips. Osamu laughed, shaking his head. “Trust me, if I can carry three bags of rice I can carry my niece and nephew.” 

“Yeah, though one of those is actually more important. Don’t go droppin’ my kids there, samu.” Osamu raised a brow, “I’d drop you in a heartbeat but never sweet little Ayo and Aya.” 

Atsumu’s smirk dropped, unamused. “So whaddya want.” “I didn’t come here just for y’all’s pretty faces- well, ‘cept yours omi.” Osamu teased towards the taller male, who raised a brow. “Charming.” “I sure do think rin would love hearin’ that.” Atsumu bit out, motioning his brother over to the living room. 

Osamu followed suit while Ayo tried to stick his finger in the brunet’s mouth as he spoke, “well, mmf- Speakin’ of Rin, we’ve been goin’ over things and decided we also wanted to take a step further into our relationship.” 

As Atsumu and Kiyoomi sat down on the couch in front of him to the left facing the TV, they stopped their movement immediately. “Holy shit, yer’ havin’ a baby.” Atsumu bluntly spoke, getting smacked on the arm by his husband soon after. 

“The kids.” Kiyoomi hissed, making Atsumu correct himself after. “I mean- holy smokes, yer’ havin’ a baby!” “What? No. We’re movin’ to a house.” Osamu made a face, nose scrunching up. 

Aya grabbed at his face, pulling on his ear. Atsumu sat back once again, rolling his eyes. “Great, a house is amazing.” “Well I’m glad ya’ think so.” Osamu responded to his brother’s sarcasm with his own annoyed voice, wincing when Aya pulled hard at that moment. 

“What Atsumu is saying is that it’s great that you two are moving to a bigger place with more space, but you two have been together for a long time. Since high school, right?” Kiyoomi spoke up, Osamu nodding in response. 

“We just weren’t expecting somethin’ as minor as that would be the next big step in y’all’s relationship.” Ayo tried to crawl off of the couch at that moment, but Osamu stuck his leg out and caught him before he hit the ground, grabbing him by the back of his shirt. 

“Minor? What, do ya’ guys think I’m just gonna pull a baby out of my ass or somethin’?” Atsumu’s corner of his lips pulled down, considering it. “No!” Osamu exclaimed. “Look, just know that it’d be great if Ayo and Aya had a cousin.” Kiyoomi spoke gently, looking over his son in slight concern. 

“No offense Omi, but I’ve had your kids hands tugging on me in the span of the five minutes I’ve been here and I just saved your baby from fallin’. I’ll settle with being an uncle for now.” 

“Fair enough.” 

“Oji, ten!” Aya informed him with her hand stuck out in front of her, nose in the air with her eyes shut. Osamu raised a brow from where he sat, his legs criss crossed behind the small table in front of him on the floor. “Ten is too much.” He disagreed with her, shaking his head. 

She was running her own restaurant with Ayo in the kitchen area. The toddler's idea of cooking was moving the plastic vegetables and meat together on a toy skillet, impressing Osamu with a hint of pride warming his heart by the fact that Ayo was learning from him.

Aya’s gray eyes showed disapproval, her face scrunching up. “Ten!” “Ten dollars for a bowl of rice? That’s absolutely outrageous. I want to speak to your manager.” 

Aya only blinked at him before running out of the room clumsily, and Osamu only had to wait a second before she brought back Atsumu. She held the fabric of his pants, the said man looking mildly confused as he stood through the doorway. 

“What-?” “You’re the manager.” Osamu hissed, Atsumu only made an ‘o’ shape with his mouth before he crossed his arms and made his way to his twin. “What seems to be the problem sir?” “Your server here is sayin’ nonsense. She’s tellin’ me this bowl of rice is ten dollars.” 

“Oh she did, did she?” Atsumu gave Aya a look, who only shook her head quickly. “Sorry for the misunderstanding sir, you’re right about the price bein’ wrong.” “Well I should think so-“ “it’s actually fifteen dollars.” 

“Fifteen dollars?” Osamu exclaimed as he raised his hands to the sides of his head, causing Ayo and Aya to laugh uncontrollably. “Yes, we happen to have the richest and absolute finest rice in Japan, it’s only fair to put down a fair price.” 

“I’m not paying fifteen dollars for a bowl of rice.” Osamu argued, his brother giving him a look. “Have it yer’ way. Yayo, take this criminal to time out.” Ayo, summoned by his nickname, giggled as he made his way over to Osamu- grabbing him by his sleeve. 

“No, not timeout!” Osamu exaggerated his panic, flopping to the ground dramatically. “ Anything but that!” Ayo grunted as he tried to drag him, but soon he tapped his uncle’s arm while whispering. “Oji, there.” He pointed over to the corner, in which Osamu agreed easily. 

“Oh, right.” He pushed himself over to the corner while grunting, Ayo giggling at the sight of Osamu wriggling on his back. Osamu flopped over, shutting his eyes. “I can’t believe this, time out for what?” 

“For not eating our delicious food.” Atsumu said with a huff, Aya looking at him before mimicking her father as she also crossed her arms with a huff. Osamu let out a defeated sigh, turning his head to the side and covering his face with his arm before he looked up at Ayo- the toddler only returning his gaze. 

“Listen here, you and I should team up.” He whispered, a hand cupping the side of his mouth with Ayo leaning his face in closer. “Let’s throw the food at them in five seconds.” Ayo looked between his sister and dad before looking at his uncle now, wearing a huge grin. “E’kay.” He agreed, practically buzzing from excitement. 

“Alright Yaya, let’s turn our backs to those two over there who aren’t whisperin’ suspiciously.” Atsumu and Aya turned away from them, and at that moment, Ayo and Osamu started yelling as they grabbed the plastic food and started throwing it at them. 

It was safe to say that they ended up having a plastic food fight before a very confused Kiyoomi walked in. 

What is this? 

Osamu laid down on the hard ground, staring up at the ceiling with empty eyes and parted lips.

Atsumu had told him and the others that Akinama was the murderer. Somebody he trusted was the murderer. His best friend was the murderer. Somebody Ayo and Aya adored was the murderer. How could he do this? 

“Osamu?” 

Rintarou spoke in a hushed voice, bringing Osamu back from his horrid thoughts. Osamu took a moment before his gaze slowly shifted to his Rintarou, the said tall lanky male staring down at his husband with concern pulling his expression. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked hesitantly, almost seeming regretful by his choice of question. He already knew the answer. Osamu closed his eyes, his chest rising from the slow breath he took in. “Akinama did it.” 

Rintarou stood in silence, the sound of the air conditioner running in the background being the only source of sound in the room. “I know.” He finally responded. 

Osamu laid still, feeling numb in every part of his body. He couldn’t feel a thing. He yearned for the feeling of hatred to run through his veins, he wanted to cry at the very least from the betrayal. But he just couldn’t muster enough strength to do so. 

“I’m done.” Osamu admitted, shaking his head slightly. His eyelids opened, gray eyes focused on the pale ceiling once again. “I give up.” “What?” 

Osamu let out an empty chuckle, the corner of his lips quirking up slightly. “I’m done.” He repeated, sitting up from the ground. “I can’t do anything about any of this. Ayo and Aya are dead. My brother in law was on the brink of death and Atsumu got stabbed and nearly killed Akinama. I can’t do this anymore.” 

“You’re giving up because you’re stressed?” Rintarou demanded, causing Osamu to look at him now. Osamu scoffed, blinking slowly before he answered. “If that’s how you see it, then yeah. I give up because I’m stressed. ” “Osamu, you do realize we’re this close to giving Daichi enough information about Akinama to get him executed, and now you’re saying you’re done?” 

“You mean I have to give information about my best friend to get him murdered, same fate I lost my niece and nephew to.” “Osamu, wake up.” Rintarou snapped, losing the last of his patience. Osamu reeled back slightly at those words, his thick brows pulling together. 

“He’s not your best friend anymore. He probably never was considering what he did.” “Shut up.” Osamu said without realizing, watching as Rintarou’s expression contorted into one of semi surprise. “Excuse me?” “You don’t understand anything about what I’m saying or what I’m feeling. I was close to him, I should’ve known better than to trust him. I basically helped him when I told him what time I’d be there that day! He took advantage of me!” 

“He took advantage of any information he had his hands on! He wasn’t targeting you specifically! We know who he targeted, we have to put Atsumu and Kiyoomi first!” 

“What the hell do you think I’m doing?” Osamu demanded as he stood up, his numbness dissipating at that moment completely. Rintarou only wore a pinched expression as Osamu continued, “I have done nothing but put them first!”

He shouted, causing his husband’s face to wince from the boom in his voice. “Everything I’ve done was for them!! All four of them and for what? Nothing has improved from this moment on!!” “Yes it has. We found out who the murderer was, we caught him and he’s in jail.” 

“No, don’t speak as if he were a stranger. It’s Akinama-“ “Yes! It was Akinama! But he’s not my friend! He never was!” Rintarou raised his voice now, his amber eyes shining with clear frustration. “The moment he did what he did was the moment he was dead to me!! He's not the person you thought he was, Osamu!!” 

“Oh, yeah- you think so?” Osamu demanded obnoxiously, Rintarou scowling at the response immediately. “Cut the shit, Osamu.” “You’re talkin’ to me as if I were an idiot, Rin! The fuck do ya’ want me to do?!” “Don’t curse at me!!” The taller male shouted, stepping closer to the dark haired male. 

“And if I do?! What- what are you going to do.” Osamu whispered at the end, his face inching closer to Rintarou’s at that moment. Rintarou only held his gaze, never wavering. “I don’t need to do anything.” He said with a quivering voice, his lower lip almost trembling. “Osamu, look at yourself. I can’t even recognize you…” 

“Yeah, well, neither can I!!” Osamu spat, his expression pulled back. “Do ya’ think this is easy for me? Huh? Do you think that these last few months have been easy at all?” “No!! But they haven’t been easy for any of us!!” 

Osamu only kept his deep grimace on his face, his heart beating in his ears- feeling hot in every part of his body. Rintarou spoke after a few moments, “All I’m saying is it’d be selfish to give up at this very moment when Atsumu and Kiyoomi need us the most.” 

“Selfish?” Osamu questioned, gray eyes widening. “I didn’t sign up for any of this. I didn’t sign up for Ayo and Aya to end up dead.” 

“Yeah well neither did Atsumu or Kiyoomi! Or Ayo and Aya.” 

Osamu could only stare at his husband at that moment, words lost in his throat. Rintarou’s eyes filled with unshed tears, soon looking to the side before blinking rapidly. 

He took a step back, hands set on his hips now. “ I didn’t sign up for this either. None of us did. But we’re in it now and there’s nothing we can do about it, nothing.” 

Osamu stared at Rintarou’s face, but he wasn’t actually staring at him. He was unfocused. He didn’t dare make a sound when Rintarou stepped away from him, the said male turning his face from Osamu’s view now. “I think it’s best if I sleep in the living room tonight. I don’t want to be around you right now.” 

With those words, Rintarou left the room. Leaving Osamu standing with silence overtaking him once again. He stepped backwards until he hit the end of the bed frame, sitting on the edge of the bed now. 

His tired eyes stared down at the floor, tiredness returning with the adrenaline rush he had disappearing. 

Maybe he was being selfish. 

Osamu fell to the floor with choked gasps leaving his mouth, the heavy rice bag that was once on his shoulder falling on the kitchen tiles and now spreading everywhere. Osamu panted as bewilderment spread through his chest, why couldn’t he carry the rice bag?

Kita, who had been the one to pass him the bag, stared down at him with pulled eyebrows. His amber eyes were empty, never one to give any type of indication on how he was feeling. 

“You’re weak, have you eaten anything today?” Osamu stared up at him for a moment before he sighed and looked down again, hoisting himself up with a grunt. He sniffed as he wiped his hands on his pants, straightening himself up. “Wasn’t hungry.” “Is that an excuse?” 

Osamu gave him a look before he shook his head, lifting the rice bag to sit against the counter. “I’m not doing this with you.” “I was askin’ a question, I’m not intending to argue with you.” “Yeah, well it certainly seems like you wanna stick yer’ nose in my business,” he snapped, but he didn’t intend to. 

“I’m sorry, but you need to eat something. You can’t work in these conditions.” Kita insisted, making Osamu pause his movement. Osamu slowly turned to him, a deep frown on his face. “I’m fine. I just lost footing, that’s all.” 

Kita blinked before he stepped closer to him, resting a hand on his forearm. “Look, I understand that after what happened things would be different and harder for you to manage.” Osamu let out a scoff, wearing an annoyed smile now. “Great.” “I think it’d be better for you to take some time off.” Kita continued, giving him a pointed look. 

Osamu stepped away from him with his hands on his hips, chuckling dryly. “So that’s what this is about? You can say it. What happened was my niece and nephew getting murdered. Was that so hard to say?” 

“It’s a delicate situation.” Kita explained, causing Osamu to nod curtly. “Yeah, be careful, you don’t want to set me off, do ya?” He turned to look at Kita again, scowling. “With all due respect, Kita-san, you don’t have to bullshit me. I know what happened. I’m not some fragile thing.” 

“I’m not saying you are.” Kita cut him off, his soft voice hardening. “I just know you’re hurtin’. Anybody would be and I just can’t bear to see you in this state.” “I get it. But work is all I have right now. I’m not going to sit at home, waitin’ for Atsumu to come tell me he needs me. I’ve done all I can, and the last thing I need to sit at home- wallowing in my own self pity. I don’t need that right now, I need to work.” 

 “You need to take care of yourself.” “I am. I’m earning money and taking my mind off of things. But like everyone around me, you just had to go and remind me again.” “I’m trying to help, Osamu.” Kita tried to convince, but the taller male only shook his head quickly. “I never asked you to.” Osamu lost his patience, irritation seeping into his voice. 

“People swear up and down that they want to help, I get cameras shoved in my face askin’ about the situation and I’m sick of it. You know what happened, so you must know there’s nothin’ to be helped.” “I want to help you.” Kita sounded exasperated now, his brows furrowed together with a frown pulling the corner of his lips down. 

Osamu blinked at him, a brow raised. “Me?” “Yes, you.” Osamu clicked his tongue, “I’m not the one you should be worried about helpin’.” He gruffed out, taking a step back. Kita’s nose scrunched slightly, “It’s not easy seein’ you like this when it’s usually Atsumu that has to be looked after. You’re not okay, obviously you’re not goin’ to be. I’ve seen those kids only a few times but when I saw them with you, it was different.” 

He sighed, holding his gloved hands together. “I could see it in your eyes that you loved them, and you still do. You’re unreachable now, you snap at anythin’ you don’t like and it may be shitty to say but you have to know that it’s time to let go.” 

Osamu eyed his old captain, feeling the corner of his lips twitch before he whispered. “Ya don’t get to tell me to let go when yer not in my position.” “Yeah, I’m not. But they’re not your children Osamu, you’re grieving them like they are. You’re helpin’ your brother and his husband and you’re not givin’ yourself time.” 

His eyes softened, his face relaxed and his expression contorted into one of warmth. “I care a lot about you, more than I want to. I want to help you heal but I can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.” 

Osamu watched as Kita’s hand hesitated it’s movement toward his hand, but it fell back to his side as he continued talking. Kita sighed, his eyelids shutting “Your emotions are affecting your work life and your relationships. Even your health. If this keeps up, you’ll either isolate yourself or kill yourself. I don’t want to be a part of either of those events just by watchin’ you each time I deliver things to you.”

Kita raised his gaze, his amber eyes holding an undetectable emotion as he stared into Osamu’s eyes. “If not for me, then please put yourself and Rintarou first before anybody else. You’re burnin’ yourself out. I get that you want to help your brother and ‘avenge’ his children, but you’re taking your own life as you do so.” 

Osamu breathed out a sigh of discontent, keeping his glare on Kita before he turned tail and started walking away. He untied his apron and took off his hat before throwing them on the ground, anger making his adrenaline rush. “Ya want me to take care of myself? Fine. I’ll fucking go and leave the rest to you.” He spat, his voice loud enough to reach the shorter male. 

He stopped his steps to shoot Kita one more look, the latter only holding a pinched expression as he stared back. Kita raised his chin slightly, his eyes still holding the unknown emotion Osamu couldn’t detect. 

“Are you doing all of this because you want to? Or because you feel obligated solely on the fact that you weren’t able to protect them.” 

Osamu’s glare deepened, his lips trembling before he whispered. 

“Fuck you.” 

“We need to talk about this.” Rintarou started off softly, his slanted eyes tired and puffy. Osamu was sitting next to him on the couch, staring down at his lap. They had only been apart for about close to an hour before Osamu realized he couldn’t stand being apart from Rintarou. He didn’t want to cause a fight between them that they couldn’t resolve. 

“I’m sorry.” Osamu responded raspily, hands placed on his knees. “No, don’t say sorry. I shouldn’t have said such a cruel thing to you.” Rintarou cut him off, Osamu feeling his gaze on the side of his face now. “You’re not done because you’re stressed, it’s because you’re drained. Ayo and Aya were a part of you, it’s no wonder you felt like you couldn’t do this anymore.” 

Osamu bit the inside of his cheek, his nostrils burning. “I just don’t want you to think of Akinama as your friend anymore. You’re not betraying a friend for giving more information on him, you’re helping keep a murderer off the streets. He betrayed you first, please understand that.” 

“I understand now.” Osamu assured with a wavered voice. A moment passed before Rintarou let out a distressed sigh, “Osamu could you look at me?” 

Osamu raised his head to finally look at him, his eyes widening at the sight of Rintarou. He looked almost scared, eyes wide and despairing. “You don’t look at me as much anymore. Even when you do, it’s like you hate me. I’m wondering if you even want to be with me anymore.” 

“I do!” Osamu interrupted him quickly, his head moving closer to Rintarou as if it were reflex. “I’ve just been in my head lately. I should’ve never cursed at you, I don't have the same patience I had before and I’m sorry. Please don’t think I don’t want to be with you. Rin, you’re everything to me.” 

Rintarou started crying, and always a step behind him, Osamu followed suit. Osamu’s eyesight turned blurry as he spoke with a trembling voice, “You’re the reason I have the strength to even get up everyday. I made a promise to you to be by your side and I’ve been failing you. I’m sorry.” He choked out at the end, bumping his forehead against Rintarou’s. 

“I don’t want to fight like this.” Rintarou breathed out, sniffling. “I’ll do everything I can to prevent it.” Osamu promised, bringing up his husband’s hand and pressing a shaky kiss on one of his knuckles. “We can take marriage counseling. We can go out more and enjoy the world, we can do anything, I just don’t want to lose you.” 

Osamu pressed another kiss, feeling warm tears streak down his cheeks. “Not you. Never you.” “I don’t want to lose you either. You’re a part of me, I can’t afford to lose that.” Rintarou rasped out, pressing his body closer to Osamu’s. 

Osamu raised his eyes to stare at Rintarou, the said male staring back at him with an unrecognizable look in his eyes. Osamu leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on his shoulder, and then his collarbone before going up and doing the same on his neck. 

Rintarou sighed and tilted his head slightly, his long fingers brushing through Osamu’s short hair. He nosed Rintarou’s jaw before coming up again, slowly leaning in before they kissed. 

He had forgotten who he was for the past few days, but he was coming to realize that Rintarou was a part of him. He couldn’t bear to lose him. 

“I love you.” Osamu sobbed, muttering against Rintarou’s lips. The said dark haired male hummed, kissing him before responding. “I love you too.” 

Ayo made a fussy sound as he turned his head to see what the good smell was coming from. Osamu had his nephew wrapped around his chest as he cooked, smiling at the sight of the baby scrunching his nose cutely. “What’s this? Tryin’ to get a better whiff of my food?” 

Ayo only yawned in response, his toothless mouth opening before he relaxed back against his uncle’s chest. Osamu kissed the top of his head, realizing that his Ayo’s once straight hair was turning into Kiyoomi’s curly hair. 

“Ya may have tsumu’s looks, but yer gonna look better than him with yer curls.” He paused for a moment, pushing the skillet over so it would cool off. “I should send a picture to Atsumu to show how good of an uncle I am.” 

He took out his phone from his back pocket, swiping the background aside to get to the camera. He angled the phone to where Ayo was resting, Osamu’s proud smile showing slightly with his hand holding on to the side of Ayo’s body. 

He clicked the button only to flinch at the bright flash that appeared, cursing under his breath as his sight readjusted. Looking at the picture, he could clearly see his blurry chin with his mouth midway open and Ayo’s very displeased face. 

The baby had an almost angry expression, and Osamu couldn’t help but think he looked like Atsumu when he was angry. 

Osamu let out a loud laugh at the sight, he loved his nephew so much. 

“Hey, got that recipe down fast, didn’t ya?” “Ah! Yes, Miya-sam!” One of the new cooks he hired responded quickly, wide eyed at the male. Osamu smiled, patting the younger male’s shoulder. “At ease, keep up the good work.” “Yes, Miya-sam!” 

His phone in his back pocket vibrated, catching his attention immediately. Osamu looked over the prep area and then at his phone, seeing that it was Atsumu. “The hell?” He whispered, Atsumu knew he was working around this time of day so he never called. 

Bringing up his phone to his ear as he checked over the food handling, he answered lazily. “Yello?” “Osamu!!” Osamu flinched at his brother's volume, a new grimace appearing on his face. “The hell? What’s up?” 

Atsumu’s rapid breathing was the only response to that, but when Osamu realized those breaths were actually sobs, it alarmed him immediately. “Tsumu? Atsumu, tell me what’s wrong.” 

“Samu! Somethin’ terrible happened!” His twin cried out, his voice cracking near the end of his words. “What, what happened?” Osamu covered his ear to get rid of the sounds of the kitchen, stepping away from the kitchen area to make way to his office. 

Atsumu only let out more cries, yelling nonsense and sounding as if he were trying to talk but his emotions became too overwhelming. “Atsumu, calm down I can’t understand a single word yer sayin’.” Osamu snapped, irritated but only because he was worried. He didn’t know what this could be about, maybe he and Kiyoomi got into a massive argument, or maybe he got into some sort of accident. 

Regardless, he needed to know if he was alright. 

“Osamu, there was a break in- at the house and I left them there. It’s my fault- it’s my fault, they’re gone!” “Left who there? Who's gone?” Osamu demanded. “Omi, Ayo and Aya!!” 

Osamu’s movement halted, his eyes widening. His breath was lost at that moment, the feeling of dread spreading through his entire body. “Tsumu..” he started, his voice shaky. “Where are you..?” Osamu whispered, panic clear in his voice. “I’m at the ——— hospital!”

He didn’t know when, but the call cut. 

Osamu stared at the empty air in front of himself, his face terrifyingly blank with parted lips and widened eyes. 

And then he started running. 

He swung the kitchen doors open and ran across the restaurant, accidentally slamming into one of the servers. He hit the wall beside him, his head spinning from the impact. The sound of plates crashing appeared as well as shocked voices, his worker staring up at him from the floor with an understandable angry expression. It soon melted away when he saw who the culprit was. “Miya-sam? What’s the matter?” 

Osamu’s teeth grit before he pushed himself off of the wall, only needing a few strides before he was out of the restaurant. 

“Miya-sam!” 

He didn’t get it.

Everything was going smoothly. 

He was going to visit them after work and drop off their food at that point of the day, this couldn’t be real. 

“This can’t be real!” He gasped out the more he ran, his heart thundering against his chest. With his phone still at hand, his ringtone drowned in the wind. He answered quickly, not knowing if it was Atsumu. 

“Osamu.” Rintarou, it was Rintarou. 

“Did- did Atsumu tell you?” Osamu felt as if he were hyperventilating, gasping between breaths the more he ran. “Yes, please stay calm.” “Don’t give me that crap!” Osamu suddenly yelled, stopping at the corner of the street. 

He didn’t care if the people around him stared, “You heard what Atsumu said!” He was impatient, he wasn’t going to wait for the cars. He ran across the street, almost getting ran over if the car hadn’t stopped abruptly. 

Osamu stared back at the car before continuing to run. “We need to stay calm, for Atsumu’s sake.” “But Kiyoomi and the kids!-“ “I know.” Rintarou’s voice was hushed at the end, and only did Osamu then realize that his husband was either crying or close to the point of doing so. 

He took in a deep breath, his breath shaky as he sighed. “How close are you to the hospital?” “Should be there in around a few minutes.” If I’m fast enough, he thought. 

“I’ll meet you there.” 

With that, the phone call ended. 

Osamu came to a halt at another corner, panting harshly. He took a step forward before hunching over, hands at his knees. The dark haired male bit his lip, feeling warm tears stream down his cheeks.

He cried harder the more time passed, his voice hoarse as he spoke. “Please God. Please let them be okay.” He silently prayed, lowering his head more. “Please God, protect my family.” He continued, “I’ll do anything you want, please take anything but not them. I’m begging you.” 

He’s never prayed harder for anything in his life. He’s never had to for something like this and he never thought he would. 

Please, just let them be okay. 

He panted and stared widely at his brother as soon as he entered the waiting room, “Osamu.” Rintarou stood up from his seat, his narrow eyes stained from tears. Atsumu didn’t seem surprised from his entrance, he only continued bawling his eyes out. 

Osamu broke down at the sight of it, but also because of the hard truth hitting him at that moment. 

Ayo and Aya are dead. 

With staggered steps, he threw himself at his twin brother. Holding him tightly as they both cried together, Osamu sobbed against Atsumu’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.” He cried, “I didn’t get to you in time!” 

Atsumu only shook his head wordlessly, seeming to not be able to respond through his tears. 

They stood there, letting their cries be the only sound between them. Right now, Atsumu needed him. He needed to depend on somebody and Osamu would be damned if he wasn’t the one to help his brother. 

“How was the trip here?” Atsumu greeted him, hugging his brother with his uninjured arm. Osamu hummed, patting his back. “It was fine, it’s cold as hell though.” “Seriously, light a fire or something.” Rintarou shivered as he held himself, Kiyoomi blinking at him while patting his shoulder unhelpfully. 

“Wanna help me unpack?” Osamu asked Kiyoomi, who nodded mutely. “Why not ask me?” Atsumu asked almost indignantly, huffed up. Osamu eyed his face and then his arm, grimacing. “ I don’t need ya’ freezin’ up out there like a statue as ya’ bring a suitcase inside.” 

“Wha-? I won’t freeze!” “Sure you will. You’re an idiot. Therefore anything idiotic will occur to ya’.” “Omi! Did ya’ hear that, he’s callin’ me an idiot!” Atsumu cried dramatically, but Kiyoomi only wore a similar grimace like Osamu’s. 

“He’s got a point.” “You’re no help!!” 

“Come on.” Osamu chuckled as he bucked his head outside, Kiyoomi nodding and following him soon after. “Start the fire.” Osamu called out to his brother and husband, only receiving words of agreement in return. Osamu rubbed his hands together as he shivered, the sound of Kiyoomi opening the car door distracting him from the cold. 

“I heard it’s only going to get colder in the morning.” Kiyoomi muttered, Osamu exclaiming soon after. “What? I didn’t think it could get worse than this!” “That’s February for you.” Kiyoomi grunted as he took out a suitcase, Osamu soon grabbing it from him. 

“Hey, on the way here ya’ wouldn’t believe the stuff I saw.” “What was it?” “The foreigners are pretty weird! Eating ice cream in this freezing weather? There was a whole line waiting for this weird frozen custard thing.” “I’d say we’re the foreigners here now, but I was pretty freaked out when I saw this older woman walking outside with no sweater on.” 

“Maybe we’re just thin skinned.” Osamu laughed, Kiyoomi only smiling in return. “I’d say so.” Osamu watched as his brother in law got two more suitcases out before he shut the car door. 

Osamu turned his head towards the snow, his face cold and seemingly pale now that he’s seen Kiyoomi more paler than before in the cold weather. He stared at the mount of snow, and for a moment, he could almost picture Ayo and Aya playing around with the snow. 

“They would’ve loved being out here.”

Osamu turned to look at Kiyoomi now, who was smiling fondly at the snow in front of him too. His dark eyes now looked at Osamu, now filled with warmth. “Yeah, they’d complain about the snow melting and getting water through their gloves though. Ya’ like it out here?” 

“Oh, no I absolutely hate the snow. It’s funny how Mr. Miller told us to take some time off and explore the place but I’m worried that the snow will make the car break down or something. It’s a hassle getting the ice off the windshield enough as it is.” 

Osamu smirked, “Way to relax, omi.” Kiyoomi shrugged, “You can’t blame me, I hate being in the city my children’s murderer grew up in. I’m paranoid here.” 

Osamu’s smirk dropped, now frowning. “Right.” Kiyoomi’s gaze moved from the snow again, now staring at Osamu. “Sorry.” “It’s nothin’, don’t worry.” Kiyoomi gripped the handles on the suitcases, his voice low as he started speaking again. 

“You know, I never really did formally apologize for the stuff that happened.” Osamu’s frown deepened, baffled. “Apologize for what?” “About dragging you into all of this. I’m not here to have a pity party, but this incident was my fault mostly. And there’s no doubt about it.” 

Osamu opened his mouth to argue, but Kiyoomi cut him off before he could. “I’m not going to argue about it. If I had rejected Akinama in a different way, things wouldn’t have happened the way they did. If I had checked the cameras and hid the kids, this wouldn’t have happened. If I had known Akinama would be a threat to my family, there’s absolutely no way I would’ve had any of you guys associate with him. His interest in me caused all of our pain, and with that, I’m sorry you had to be a part of this.” 

“Well, I’m sorry ya think ya have to apologize for the stupidest thing ever.” “Stupidest?” Kiyoomi had the gall to actually look offended, wearing a scandalized look on his face. Osamu couldn’t help but crack a smile at that, “Never seen ya look at me like that before.” “Well take it in, because it’s gonna last a while.”

“Look. You married my brother. I was going to be part of this anyway. I regret past choices I’ve made and I know you do too. But you shouldn’t apologize when you’re the one who went through the worst of everything. Watching the footage back made me so mad. I was furious. I couldn’t have imagined what was runnin’ through y’all’s heads durin’ the break in. Atsumu held you guys thinkin’ y’all were dead and now he’s going to have to live with that for the rest of his life. You both are goin’ to live different lives because of what happened.” 

He sighed, “We all have to. I can’t even remember their voices without watchin’ a video and it makes me so mad at myself. I feel like I’ve failed them.” He blinked before he let out an annoyed sound. 

“Point is, stop bein’ fuckin’ selfless. Ya have the right to blame everybody but yerself and yer not, that’s what’s annoyin’ about you.” “Oh, it is huh?” Kiyoomi returned blandly, “ Yes. Now I see why yer with Atsumu. Fuckin’ Yin and Yang the lot of you are.” Osamu grumbled as he turned around, hearing Kiyoomi let out a breathy laugh. 

“I can’t believe you’re upset that I don’t hate you guys right now.” “It’s not funny!” “You’re right it’s not.” 

… 

“It’s a bit funny.” “I hate you.” 

“Samu. I need to talk to ya.” 

Osamu looked at his twin brother from where he sat, raising a brow at him. Kiyoomi and Rintarou were in the living room with him, sitting comfortably with the fire crackling in the background. 

“What’s up?” “Come with me.” His tone was serious, not lighthearted as it was a moment ago. Osamu stared at him for a moment before he sighed and set down his hot chocolate on the small table next to the couch, grunting as he stood up. 

“Ya better hope my marshmallows don’t get soggy when I get back.” He muttered to Atsumu, the latter only patting his shoulder. 

He led them to his and Kiyoomi’s bedroom, the brunet sitting himself down behind the wooden desk. Osamu stuffed his hands in his pockets, wearing a smirk now. “What is this, a conference?” He humored, but to be truthful, he was nervous. 

He didn’t know what this could be about, and knowing that his brother never shut up for a long period of time, his silence was concerning. 

“Kiyoomi and I were talking, and we decided it’d be best if we told you and Rin first before anybody else. If we even decide to tell anybody else.” 

“Y’all ain’t having kids are ya?” He demanded with a scrunched up nose, watching as Atsumu’s expression shifted into one of shock. 

“ What? No!” “Well quit lookin so serious!” “It’s about Akinama’s time. We came to a decision.” 

That shut Osamu up quickly, losing his playful nature in an instant. He was confused, he thought they were going for the death sentence. “I thought y’all already came with a decision?” He questioned, stepping closer to his brother before he stood directly in front of him. 

Atsumu’s hazel eyes stared up at him with an emotion Osamu couldn’t detect, and he couldn’t tell for the life of him if it was good or bad. “We did, but we found one that makes it more satisfying.” 

“Tell me then.” 

He did, and Osamu hated it. 

“Seriously?” He muttered, sat on the edge of the bed with his arms crossed against his chest. His head was slightly lowered, a deep grimace splayed across his face. “That’s what y’all want?” 

“We think it’s for the better. We want to make him suffer.” Osamu raised his head, a huff escaping through his nostrils. His thick brows knit together, displeasure clear on his face. “I guess that’s okay with me.” “It’s clearly not!” 

Atsumu gave him a patient look, “Tell me what’s botherin’ you.” Osamu sat back, shrugging a shoulder. “Nothin’. If that’s what y’all want as the parents, then I understand.” “I can tell you’re frustrated.” “And do you blame me?” 

His voice grew stern, giving his brother a pointed look. “Akinama hurt ya guys, he hurt us. I don’t want to see him even if it were for a short amount of time.” “You won’t. Everythin’ will work out. If anythin’, it’ll make his reaction sweeter.” 

Osamu snorted as Atsumu stood and approached him now, “Forgot what sadists you and Kiyoomi are.” He rubbed his face with both hands slowly before he scrubbed with a frustrated groan leaving his mouth. 

“Alright, I’m on board with y’all, but I can’t promise I won’t kill that fucker the moment I see him.” “Ya can’t with the security around.” “Cant ya just let me have this?” 

Atsumu grinned down at him, grabbing his brother by his shoulder and shaking him. “A week away.” “A week away.” Osamu repeated with his own lazy smile, grabbing under his brother's forearms. Atsumu sighed, “To be honest, I felt like I didn’t want this thing to end in the beginning because it was literally the last thing that kept me connected to Ayo and Aya, but now I feel like I’m ready for the day he's finally in front of me again.” 

Osamu eyed his arm sling, looking over his still damaged arm. “Are ya sure? He seemed to do a number on ya.” Atsumu snorted, sitting beside his brother now. “He looks way worse, trust me. I may have a punctured bicep, but he’s gonna have a crooked nose on his deathbed.” 

“I hate that son of a bitch for hurtin ya.” Osamu muttered, scratching the back of his neck. Atsumu hummed, “You saw the footage, I got him back.”

 “Idiot.” Osamu snapped as he flicked Atsumu’s forehead, the said male yelping at the sudden act. “Ya made me worry. When kiyoomi said he had to leave immediately, I knew somethin’ was wrong.” “You didn’t even know I was at his house.” Atsumu muttered, dramatically rubbing his forehead. 

“But I knew you were up to somethin’ because ya didn’t come over with Kiyoomi and he didn’t do a great job on actin’ as if everythin’ was okay.” Atsumu gave him a reassuring smile, draping his arm over his brother’s shoulders. “Well hey, i'm still alive and kickin’. Ain’t cha proud of me? Come on, say it. Say yer proud of me.” “Shut up.” 

He shoved his cackling brother away, but he couldn’t fight his own small smile. It was good to see Atsumu like this, he had been nothing but serious, angry and at a loss of what to do for Kiyoomi for the past few months, all for the right reasons. 

Osamu got up, staring down at Atsumu. “Come on, let’s go drink.” Atsumu raised a brow, getting up after his brother. “Drink? Thought ya didn’t like drinkin’.” Osamu shrugged, sighing through his nose. 

“It feels appropriate right now.” 

Osamu paced around the hospital hallway, his nerves shot from his anxiety. Was Nana doing okay? Was everything going fine? Giving birth to two babies was life threatening, wasn’t it? Osamu was looking forward to this, he wanted to meet his niece and nephew. 

He knew not to kiss them or make skin contact, he had germ-x in his pocket, he washed his hands thoroughly. But he found himself scared because Nana was making all sorts of painful sounds. 

“Relax Osamu.” Rintarou comforted him with a hint of humor in his voice. “You look like you’re the parent.” Komori laughed, Osamu shot him a look soon after. “I’m the uncle!” “So am I!” “Yer the cousin, I’m the uncle.” 

“Wait, does that mean Rin’s the uncle too?” “Yeah it does.” Rintarou answered, soon receiving a scandalized look from Komori. “That’s not fair!” “It is, those kids are going to be your first cousins once removed.” “Huh? I’m basically their cousin?” “Pretty much-“ “How could y’all be havin’ this conversation while Nana’s in there, givin’ birth to our-“ 

A loud cry caught their attention, the sound of a newborn baby gasping for air muffled through the door. 

The three of them stared at the door before celebrating mutely, Komori and Rintarou punching each other before Komori grabbed Osamu by his shoulders and shook him with his mouth open widely, eyebrows pinched with wide eyes. 

Osamu brought Komori and Suna close to him, all three of them jumping in silence. And then another cry came after a few moments, accompanied by a loud almost relieved sigh from Nana. 

Two of them. 

“Congratulations Mr. Miya’s, one healthy boy and one healthy girl.” 

Osamu wished he could enter at that moment. 

Osamu sniffed as he stared warmly at the two small babies on each of his arms, swaddled in two soft towels. He rubbed his nose on his shoulder, trying to wipe away his tears. He looked down at them once more, swaying slowly to keep them asleep. 

But for the life of him, he couldn’t stop the tears from coming. “You guys are so precious.” Osamu sobbed quietly, holding Ayo and Aya close to him for the first time. 

“Goin’ all soft on us, samu?” Atsumu humored quietly, staring fondly at his children in his brother's arms. Osamu gave him a half shrug, never taking his eyes off of them. “I feel like I could take down a bull barehanded for them right now.” 

“You did such a good job Nana.” Komori praised his cousin, who gave him a weak smile. “Thank you, Mori. It’s thanks to Osamu that I was able to stay strong.” 

Kiyoomi looked at Osamu, giving him a small smile. “Then our gratitude will also go to you.” Osamu shook his head, “I did what anybody would’ve done. I feel different holding them. I'm scared of hurting them just by carrying them, they’re so small.” 

“Atsumu hesitated for a second when offered to hold Aya, he was worried about the same thing.” “I’m very muscular.” Atsumu hissed at Kiyoomi, who always seemed to be wearing a tired expression towards him. 

Osamu had refrain from kissing them, he knew it was frowned upon by parents to make any skin contact with newborns. 

So he did as he was able to do. 

He stared down at them with glossy eyes, a warm smile on his face as he whispered. 

“I’ll do everything in my power to protect you guys.” 

It was court day. After long grueling months of confused emotions and frustration along with painful thoughts and memories, it was finally time to get rid of the cause of all of this. Osamu stared after Atsumu and Kiyoomi, the two talking to their lawyer. He seemed like a good man, he put his faith into him to help Atsumu and Kiyoomi. 

He blew out a sigh to calm his nerves, he’d realized that this would be the first he had seen of Akinama ever since the funeral. Finding out that someone he had considered his best friend had betrayed him led him to believe that he would have trouble being in the same room as him, but he was just excited to see that asshole get what he deserved. 

“Oji.” 

His eyelids widened at the sound of Aya’s clear voice behind him, turning his head just for his eyes to land on Ayo and Aya’s smiling faces. 

Osamu blinked at them before his eyebrows pulled down, his mouth opening and closing before he whispered. “I’m sorry I let you guys down.” 

Aya walked towards him with her still warm smile on her face, grabbing onto his pants as she looked forward towards the huge wooden doors. Osamu looked back at Ayo, who was still standing on the same spot. 

Ayo shut his eyes, his brown curls bobbing slightly as he lowered his chin. Osamu lowered his eyes to see the voicebox that belonged to the broken bear in Ayo’s hands. The toddler walked towards him and placed the box into his hand, staring up at his uncle with kindness in his honey brown eyes. 

Osamu smiled down at him, letting his nephew rest his head against his leg as he held onto the fabric of his pants. He relaxed his shoulders before he shut his eyelids and opened them a moment later, 

The gray eyed male looked forward, determination clear on his face. 

“Let’s do this.”