Chapter Text
Shouta gazes down at his son with worry. His fingers lightly played with the messy purple hair. Hitoshi snuffled in an adorable way that made Shouta’s frown lighten, “My little Hero, what have you done to this heart of mine?” he whispered to himself in a not entirely unhappy tone, “So close to breaking at the sight of you this way. But so very proud of how strong you’ve become.” a soft sigh as Shouta slowly leans away, “No matter what you will do great things. I just hope I’ll be around to see them.”
He was broken from his melancholy by the bell for the door downstairs ringing. Shouta moved without thought. He propped open the door to the stairwell and headed for the bathroom to grab the first aid kit. He would have to try and support his loyal man as best he could. Tomorrow, around 2AM, a flight was scheduled for America. Chad was due to receive the best medical care available. It just happened to be on the other side of the world. It pained Shouta to send such a close allie so far away but it was what was best. They’d just have to live without him for a little while. Exiting the bathroom he heard the end of an obviously enthusiastic story being told by Shuuichi.
“It was easier than I thought to knock that guard out. Just a single hit. Didn't even have to correct the steering all that much afterward.” a laugh of pure joy emanated from the reptilian, “And I thought my impression was pretty good.”
“Using the excuse of allergies was an excellent strategy to avoid detection.” Chad’s voice was weak but his smile was strong. He was being supported between Shuuichi and Hizashi, “I’m very proud of you.”
“As am I.” Shouta said as he placed the first aid kit on his bedside table, “I expect to hear a retelling of that story.”
“Yes sir.” Shuuichi’s smile dimmed slightly when his eyes landed on Hitoshi, “How is Toshi doing?”
“He’s still mentally drained. But he’ll probably wake up if we keep making all this noise.” Shouta frowned
“You promised to wake him when we got back anyway.” Hizashi reminded him softly. Hizashi came over and took Shouta’s hand gently in his own, “I know you’re worried about him but he’ll be pissed if you don’t wake him up.”
“I must admit I’d like to thank him.” Chad said as Shuuichi lowered him slowly onto Shouta and Hizashi’s bed, “Without his help I doubt I would be here now.”
“We could say the same of you.” Shouta came over and looked down at Chad with a serious expression, “You’ve done something I can never thank you enough for. But I’ll start trying by getting you the best medical attention I can.”
“I do only what is good for my family. You have nothing to thank me for Sir.” Chad said sincerely
Hizashi sighed, “You guys can argue over who is more humble later. Let’s wake up the kid so he can stop freaking out about his Uncle.”
"I'm already awake. You guys are loud." Hitoshi opens his eyes and sits up. For a moment he just stared at his lap. Then he turns and offers his Uncle a weak smile, "I'm really glad you're alright."
Chad lifted his good arm without a word. Hitoshi was up and across the small space between them in a blink. The embrace was gentle but loving. Hitoshi buried his head in Chad's shoulder and let out a deep sigh. Chad just continued to smile as he let his eyelids droop in sleep.
A tug on Shouta’s arm by Hizashi leads the dark haired man toward the stairs, “Lets let them rest for now.” he whispered
Silently both Shouta and Shuuichi leave the room and head down the stairs to the cafe. Shouta practically collapses into one of the counter stools, “This job is too stressful sometimes.” he says grimly while letting his forehead drop onto the cool surface
“You just care a lot boss.” Shuuichi reassures. Shouta can hear the clinking of bottles and glasses, “That’s why we have this.”
A clank of something on the counter makes Shouta turn his head slightly, “Sake?”
“Yup.” Hizashi takes his place at Shouta’s right and starts to rub his back, “To calm our nerves and accompany Shuuichi’s story of valor.”
“That feels like a bit of a stretch.” Shuuichi said as his cheeks turned a darker green
“Nonsense!” Hizashi reaches over the counter to awkwardly wrap his arm around Shuuichi’s shoulder. The odd angle looks comical but Hizashi doesn't seem bothered as he continues to gesture dramatically with his free hand, “There we were, on the highway, following the transport van.”
“Hold on.” Shouta opened the bottle on the counter and poured the clear liquid into one of the small espresso cups Shuuichi had chosen. He sips and nods at Hizashi, “Continue.”
Hizashi lets go of the flustered looking Reptilian and continues with his tale, “I had finished the prep on the human catapult. And the Van was just about to veer off the main highway. Our window for success was closing fast. So I, being the genius that I am, take the vehicle off autopilot and make a smooth maneuver around the van to get right in front. Shuuichi loaded himself into the doohickie and prepared for the most dangerous jump of his life.”
“Actually…” their eyes turn to Shuuichi who was pouring himself a cup of sake, “...the most dangerous jump I’ve ever done was off a skyscraper. I had to use my Quirk half way down but the plan wouldn't have worked if I had climbed down like normal.” a chuckle as he sipped at his beverage, “I almost died.”
“So many layers.” Hizashi says cheekily
“Whatever.” Shuuichi snorts but his cheeks are turning that dark shade again, “Just get on with it.”
“Right, right.” Hizashi cleared his throat, “So, once we were in position I popped open the back and Shuuichi went flying!” Hizashi made a sweeping motion before slamming his hands down on the countertop, “WHAM! He hit the front windshield. In a matter of seconds he broke through the drivers side window and took down the cop inside with a single blow!” he mimed a well placed punch, “After I saw our boy had it all under control I sped ahead to the rendezvous. After that it was a cake walk. The Detective, Tsukauchi, surrendered like the smart boy you said he was. We did have to rough up one other officer but that’s because she pointed her gun. Didn't fire it though so I let her off with two broken arms.”
“That was nice of you.” Shouta commented as he poured himself another cup
“I know right?” Hizashi finally reached forward to make his own drink
Shouta turned to look at Shuuichi again, “And you did wonderfully. You’ve really made the Void Organization proud today.”
“Thanks boss.” Shuuichi’s smile was a mile wide
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Shouta opened his eyes when he heard a camera click. A few blinks later and the smiling face of his son comes into view. Almost instantly after that he realizes how damn bright it is in here. Flinching away from the light he realizes there are familiar arms wrapped around him. Memories flash through his sleep filled mind. Drinking, laughing, a tear or two when Chad’s transport had arrived, and then…, “What happened?” he grumbled
“Looks like you guys passed out last night after drinking too much.” Hitoshi sounds far too smug, “You’re lucky I have to go to school now or I’d stay and give you a lecture.”
“I’m the parent here.” Shouta pointed out
“Funny, you look more like a body pillow right now.” Hitoshi snorted at his own stupid joke before heading to the door, “Air the place out. It smells like booze in here.”
Shouta simply grunts before he takes a moment to adjust. He realizes he isn't in their loft. Instead Shouta is laying down on the coffee bar. Oddly enough he did have a pillow. Shouta recognized the breathing behind him. But the breathing below was less familiar. Shouta leaned forward a few inches until he caught sight of pink hair and green scales resting on a rolled up blanket. Seemed Shuuichi would also join the hangover club today. Speaking of which Shouta needed a shot of espresso and some pain medication. He just had to get out of the firm grip wrapped around his chest. Or maybe...he could just go back to sleep. The counter wasn't that hard really.