Chapter Text
"Guys, meet Aomi. My daughter."
*
*
*
*
We didn't get a chance to talk after my big announcement, Shouta and Hizashi's parents finding them and taking them to celebrate, but my mom invited both of them over today to talk through all of this. So, here I am, sitting on the floor with my daughter while I wait for my two best friends to come have an undoubtedly awkward conversation.
A knock sounds at the door and I hear my mom call to let her get it. The butterflies in my stomach start acting up.
"Hello boys, come on in! Oboro's in the living room with Aomi!" Shouta and Hizashi walk in and come to sit by me as I avoid their eyes.
"Hi guys…"
"Hey…"
We sat there awkwardly for a few minutes before Shouta spoke up for the first time.
"Okay, this is illogical! Oboro, we are still your friends. We do have some questions though."
"Of course, ask away!" I give them what I hope isn't too shaky of a smile. I pick up Aomi to help steady my nerves. She happily settles into my arms and munches on a toy.
"Okay, first I guess, where is her mom? Like, is it just you and your mom raising her?" Hizashi looks like he's trying to keep his volume in check and I appreciate the effort.
I sigh, "It's just me and Mom. Aomi’s mom went to America right after Aomi was born. They were ashamed and forced her to sign over her rights to Aomi before shipping her off to live with an aunt or something. But it's okay. I wouldn't trade Aomi for the world." I smile down at my daughter. Her wispy hair is sticking up and seems to float around her freckled face. I can't help but lean down to kiss her nose as she gazes up at me.
"Tell us about her." Shouta breaks the silence and I look up, startled by his request. What do I tell them?
"Where to start? She may not look it, but she's already a year old. She is just starting to walk and talk. She mostly babbles still, but I can understand a few words. She can't sleep if the room is too quiet, but she could sleep through a bomb blast. She only likes to cuddle when she's tired, but when she does cuddle, you better not put her down or she'll turn up the waterworks. Her favorite foods right now are strawberries and broccoli. I know, weird, right? But she can't get enough of them. She's had this blanket," I pick up the polka-dot blanket that's never far away, "since she was born. It was her mother's only gift to her. She refuses to go anywhere without it. She also has a small green bunny that she sleeps with, he's around here somewhere." I look around and find the small stuffed bunny behind me. "Here he is. She calls him Bun-nub." I laugh at my tiny daughter's choice in name, then shrug at my friends as they laugh too.
"You really love her. I can see it all over your face."
"I really do. She's my whole world. Right after she was born, I took on a part time job to try and help pay for all her expenses. I had to quit for UA, but I still help out some places after school for a little side cash."
"He's definitely a very dedicated father." My mom comes into the room to offer us all some snacks.
"Thanks, Mom. I do my best."
"And that's all you can do." She leaves us and I turn back to my friends, waiting to see what they think.
"So… can we play with her or what?"
"Zashi!"
"What?! She's cute and I want to play with her!"
I laugh at my two best friends. I never expected this would go so well. "Of course you can. Here," I set Aomi back down on the floor with her toys and hand a small rattle to Hizashi.