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“Waaaaa!”
Five in the morning, right on cue.
The two parents thought as they reluctantly pulled away from each other, Reo groaning while Mabu simply rubbed his eyes and sat up to tend to their crying daughter. If there was one thing Reo could say he didn’t like about parenthood, it was definitely the fussy baby nights. Saeko was at that age where teething became a big problem, much to the two’s poor sleep schedule. Day and night, the poor child would be up crying for anything to relieve the pain in her mouth, which ultimately started a new schedule for the parents. Reo had been up enough times as it was this evening, between helping Akio get over a nightmare and doing her feeding earlier. So, as Reo tried to get up again, Mabu simply turned to push his frame back down against their futon with a smile.
“Go back to sleep, Reo. You’ve done so much tonight, I’ll get her and bring her back here.”
Mabu whispered, hushing Reo’s complaints before he could even voice them out with a tender kiss. As much as his husband wanted to tell him no, Mabu was already up and on his way towards the spare bedroom. With a huff in defeat, Reo simply watched Mabu slip out into the darkened hallway, falling back like he was told with eyes slipping shut.
Footsteps were quick yet quiet, eyes glancing over towards their son sleeping out in the living room-turned bedroom to make sure he hadn’t been disturbed by Saeko before making his way to his destination. Once inside, his heart nearly skipped a beat at the sight. Saeko, as she usually did, was sitting up and pulling on the crib’s bar, looking for any sign of her parents to give her the attention she so desperately needed. No matter how exhausted he felt, Mabu knew the lack of sleep was worth it if he could ease her fears and cheer her up, especially as the pain was robbing her of her own sleep as well.
“Saeko, dear. Come here.”
His voice cooed, hands gently lifting her crying frame and cradling her close. Much like Sara in the past, simply being in the arms of someone she could recognize seemed to help right away as sniffles and cries died down. Held like this, gently being rocked and met with Mabu’s low humming, surely she could forget about the pain radiating from her gums, even for just a moment. Thankfully, Mabu was already on the task, having been told by Reo and many books on what to do.
With Sara, they thankfully didn’t have to worry about this issue…. Though, would she have acted the same had she not left their lives so soon? His mind wandered at the thought as his body moved on its own towards the kitchen, grabbing the pre-frozen chewing toy from the freezer before retreating back to the bedroom. Reo’s eyes caught sight of the two and holding his arms out, eagerly welcomed them back into the futon with kisses and gentle pets of Saeko’s dark locks. Sure it was horribly early in the morning and he felt like life was drained out of him due to no sleep, but seeing his husband and child gave him enough drive to keep going, hand being toyed with the baby’s own as a laugh escaped his lips.
“Seems like she’s happy with the toy.. Thanks, Mabu.. Is Akio-”
A nod was given in return.
“Still asleep, yes. Though if you want to tuck him back in later, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. He kicked his blanket off again.”
Mabu hummed with his own chuckle, watching as Reo’s expression softened in relief at the news.
Akio, much like he had in the past, suffered from his own demons even as life settled down for the family. The first night it happened, he was worried things would be painful to deal with no matter how determined he was to make their family work. That night, he awoke to the sight of Reo cradling Akio’s trembling frame, inconsolable himself as he kept yelling that he didn’t know what to do. Nothing could’ve prepared the blonde man to face something far too familiar for comfort, no matter how much Mabu reassured him that they could do this together.
It was difficult watching a mirror of himself suffer in ways he knew all too well.
But as both of them knew, time eventually healed most wounds. Even if it reopened, the scar would come back stronger than ever, keeping those who suffered grounded and safe. Mabu had done so for Reo so many times over; Reo was learning to help Mabu’s wounds heal too…. Now it was time for both of them to heal their son.
“Mm, I’ll do that in a minute. I want to make sure my princess is done being so fussy. Aren’t you a fussy one, Saeko? Keeping your dads up all night again.”
Reo playfully cooed, rubbing her chubby cheek in response as Saeko giggled, biting on the chilled toy Mabu held in front of her. By now, the sun was just starting to peek through their blinds, further reminding the two that it was going to be a rough start with sleep not on their side. It’d work out though, it always did. With a rare day off blessing them, Reo and Mabu figured once they put the two kids down for their nap in the afternoon, they could sneak some rest in as well.
“I’m sorry Papa Reo, but I know you can forgive me with my cute smile.”
Mabu called out in return, voice raised purposefully high as he waved their daughter’s tiny arms towards his husband- Clearly Saeko was the one apologizing to her father. The sight alone nearly made Reo snort out, hands slapping over his mouth to avoid waking their other child up. Gosh, Mabu could be so silly sometimes.
“M-Mabu! Don’t use Saeko’s cuteness against me! How cruel.”
His body shifted over as he sat up, arms pulled tightly around the two for a warm embrace before finally slipping away. As fun as it was, he knew he should probably fix Akio’s blanket up before he caught a cold. Such was the life of a parent with two wild kids.
With Saeko finally calmed down and content in her father’s arms, Reo simply excused himself and rose to his feet with a yawn. Since they were both up, he figured it was time to call it a morning and start on their routine, even though Mabu would be a few steps behind with a kid taking priority. It was fine, Mabu always caught up.
Blinds were drawn, lights switched on and after re-clipping his bangs up out of his face, the man set off on his way to get things started. Just as Mabu had said, Akio was half-hanging off of his futon, blanket thrown away from his body due to his fits. More times than not, Reo recalled tucking Akio back in over and over throughout the night, sometimes even sitting close to stroke his hair until the kicks died down. He was slowly getting over the nightmares, much to both of their relief. No matter how long it took, how many nights Reo and Mabu sacrificed in turn to help him through it, they’d be there for him.
Reo reached over towards the blanket and after tucking their son back in with a final hair ruffle, his next task was to put the tea kettle on and get things ready for Mabu to work on breakfast. As much as he wanted to be the one to cook in the morning, he knew Mabu would have his head had he tried using cooking utensils without a proper rest. Though in his defense, his husband shouldn’t be cooking either! Green eyes scanned the organized tea cabinet, searching and debating on what blend suited their needs for the day as fingers tapped against the marble counter.
Normally, the two always settled for barley tea or a basic green tea… though he wondered if they’d benefit from one with a little more caffeine to carry them through. Had it not been a wild night, he would’ve even suggested they visit Coffee Tengoku for Mabu’s favorite pancakes and his favorite coffee. Though, as learned from last time, maybe it wasn’t a smart idea to return while Saeko was still fussy and Akio so full of energy. The last time, much to his embarrassment, nearly made Reo want to bury his head into the menu and pray for the prying eyes to leave his family alone as Saeko wailed and Akio kicked against the booth. For now, it would stay as their date spot when a babysitter could watch the two.
Back to the tea though, he thought to himself before ultimately deciding on their usual barley blend. If they needed something extra, he figured Mabu would pull down their coffee maker for an afternoon cup. Just as the man poured the leaves inside to brew, he was startled by a pair of arms and a mass squishing against his back.
“Ah-! Oh, Mabu. Don’t scare me like that…”
Reo whined, turning around and smiling as he realized his husband went off to get ready for the day. Shirt, pants, and baby harness- Saeko was even sporting her new dress the two had bought earlier that week- sending Reo into a slew of excited hums and scrambling for his phone.
“You didn’t tell me you were going to put her in her new dress! Stay still- you both look so cute. Sara would love to see this.”
Reo laughed, grinning as Mabu smiled back and let his husband do his thing. Pictures for as long as he could remember had always been something special to the other man. From the start of their first dates, even during those painful years, he never stopped taking pictures. Even when Sara was still a baby, Reo was always there with a camera in his hand- wishing to capture all of their lives’ moments. They had always commented how life was fleeting and pictures helped keep the memories alive. Mabu didn’t realize until later in his life just how true those sentiments were. In time, he grew to love pictures too.
The single wedding gift they treasured, that picture of them with young Sara… he never knew how much it meant to have that back after so long until that day.
With Reo finally satisfied with what he took, Mabu gently urged him to finish getting changed as he got to work on the rest of breakfast before it got any later. On top of their own food, he knew he had to get Saeko’s bottle going soon too. So much to do, so little time, he thought.
*
*
*
“Got you, Papa Reo!”
“Ahh!”
A crash, followed by a near instant scolding- Life was certainly back to normal in the Akutsu-Niiboshi household.
“No rough-housing in the dining room. Honestly you two- Reo, I swear if you accidentally let go of Akio and toss him into another room-”
His free hand pushed up his glasses, voice as stern as it was loving.
“We’ll be having quite the talk.”
Caught in the act like two criminals, Reo sat up with Akio held in his arms before shooting a playful pout towards his husband while the child giggled.
“Oooh, Papa Reo is in trouble!”
The boy teased, voice raising into a squeal as Reo dove in to get his revenge for the surprise tackle from earlier, rolling their bodies on the tatami mat in a fake squabble.
“Papa Mabu was talking to you too, Akio! Take this!”
All Mabu could do was let out an exasperated sigh as the two continued on before a wriggling against his chest snapped him out of his thoughts.
Saeko, having finished the bottle, was staring up at her father with wide and expectant eyes and without missing a beat, the young father placed her onto his shoulder to gently pat her back.
“Good girl. At least someone in this house knows how to behave.”
Breakfast had been long finished for the family; Mabu treated them to a wonderful spread of egg toast and various sides, and as the room was cleared out for the day, Reo and Akio fell back into their usual antics. As much as he scolded for their safety, he knew this was something they both enjoyed. Akio liked to play tackle, much like Reo in the past- who was he to deny his own son of something that brought him so much joy? As long as neither of them got hurt, he could only suggest they take it outside.
Thankfully, after Reo settled on tickling Akio to put an end to the battle, the two seemed to calm down and return to their usual cuddling. That is, until a sudden knock against their door sent both men to straighten up.
That was odd. No one came to their apartment without being invited, and it wasn’t like either of them ordered anything recently. Was it a wrong apartment number? No- it couldn’t be. Reo was the first to get up, Akio clinging to Mabu’s side in return as he moved to their door. Peering out, green eyes widening only to nearly rip the door off its hinges and tackle the person on the other side into a tight embrace.
“Reo, what on earth are you-!?!”
Mabu gasped, only for his expression to drop as the person was revealed to him.
“Sara!”
“Papa Reo, Papa Mabu, dish~!”
*
*
*
Mabu couldn’t believe his eyes, even as the family and guests gathered around the dining table after exchanging much wanted hugs and bows of respect. Not only had their daughter Sara shown up unexpectedly, but Prince Keppi had alongside her. Not only that- he thought, eyebrow arching in confusion as the form sitting before him was not one he could recall the prince ever sporting. He wasn’t in kappa or his true form, rather, he appeared human. Too normal, except for the seafoam green hair wisped off to the side like he had been caught in a gentle breeze.
Neither of his vassals could understand why their prince had shown up like that, until Sara finally broke the silence.
“Papas, I simply missed you both too much to remain in the kingdom after hearing your good news. My Prince insisted on staying behind but Sara could never leave her husband alone! So, we came up with this to see you and the children. Isn’t that right, my prince~?”
She hummed, eyes sparkling as they always did as Keppi gulped and shifted against her tight- almost crushing death grip for his answer.
“Y-Yes, my princess. I surely couldn’t let her travel back here alone. She absolutely did not drag me here against my will to see you two, kero. Perish the thought.”
“My prince~!”
The kappa prince bit back a yelp as her hand finally pulled away, mind now focused on the set of eyes peering wary and cautiously from behind Reo.
Since their wedding, Sara had insisted on managing some form of contact with her parents after they decided on not returning to the kingdom. Even with it rebuilt and thriving, her fathers had decided to keep a sense of humanity, returning to the lives they had known beyond the kingdom walls. The least she wanted to do was not lose the connection they had regained. And so, between exchanging photos and words with Reo, she had been informed about their recent adoption.
More than ever, the princess wanted to congratulate them and see her new siblings in the flesh, even if it would be for only one chance. After all, they knew they couldn’t explain the circumstance to human children.
“Akio, it’s ok. This is your big sister, Sara.”
Reo explained, gently coaxing his son out from behind his frame and settling his tense form on top of his lap. He knew it would take time for the boy to open up to strangers, simply letting Akio make the first move to reach Sara’s waiting hand and smiling as her charm worked it’s magic. With time, he had left his father’s side and moved into the princess’ grasp, eyes wide and mesmerized by her warmth. The boy couldn’t explain it, how safe she left and the aura that surrounded her. If this really was his big sister, she surely felt like she jumped out from one of his favorite fairytales.
“Papa Reo, he is so sweet. Akio was it? It’s very nice to meet you, dish~”
Sara chimed, giggling as eyes met her own and Akio responded in his own childish way.
“Big sis Sara, if you’re really a princess… why does your prince have such weird hair? I thought princes were supposed to be handsome.”
The entire room burst into hysterics at that. Sara, unable to keep her composure, simply gasped and looked to her husband. Keppi was beside himself, face in utter shock as Reo lost it with loud, wheezing cackles over his son’s blunt statement.
Yep, this surely was his child.
Mabu on the other hand, looked to appear offended for Keppi’s sake, instantly waving his arms and spouting out.
“M-My prince, forgive him please. He’s just being silly, he didn’t mean any harm- Akio, say you’re sorry. That was not nice.”
At that, the young boy pouted towards Mabu, arms crossed against his chest as he shook his head. He said what he said, and if they didn’t agree with him… so be it!
“But Papa Mabu-”
Keppi was the one to put an end to the chaos, simply raising his hand with a cough to cut the tension, even though it was playful.
“It is quite alright. He is a child, kero. All that matters is my princess knows how handsome I really am.”
He teased, blocking a kick coming from Reo as he told him to shut it.
*
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*
With time, the family finally settled back down and with Saeko being introduced to the royal family, Sara couldn’t help but squeal and point out how similar they looked when she was a baby herself. Keppi simply sat by, preferring to keep his conversations with Mabu as Reo and Sara caught up about the children and pictures. It was nice to hear that the kingdom was thriving, kappas from all over returning and bringing life to their world again.
Mabu knew better than most how difficult it must’ve been rebuilding that trust, having nothing but respect for their prince in resuming his position in the kingdom. To explain to the fellow kappas that part of the reason the kingdom fell into ruin was due to your own desires being unstable- he couldn’t imagine how difficult it was for Keppi to handle.
“It was all thanks to her, kero.”
Was all Keppi said in response to Mabu’s inquiry, warm eyes watching as she bounced the two children on her legs and laughed along with her father.
The day carried on fairly normal after that, until Reo had brought up the idea that they should all have a proper outing around the town to celebrate the two’s return to Asakusa. He figured Sara hadn’t seen her favorite locations in a long time, plus it’d be a good chance to get some energy out of Akio- as he was currently running around and trying to impress his older sister with his collection of toys. At first, Keppi seemed rather apprehensive to the idea, not being one to like being visible to others for such a long period of time. That was Sara’s thing- living amongst humans with a human form. However, there was no way he could explain disappearing from the kids’ sight and having their fathers talking to nothing. So, biting his tongue, he agreed to tag along- much to his wife’s excitement.
Saeko strapped to Mabu’s chest in her harness and Reo holding onto Akio’s hand, the family made their way outside to the busy streets they called home. With Autumn quickly approaching, the weather was beyond beautiful for their walk, easing the brutal sun against their skin as their first stop was the familiar sight of the koban- followed by the old shrine. Bittersweet memories, they all could recall, only being brought back to their reality by a gentle sneeze from their baby girl.
“Ah, must be the pollen in the air. There, there. Shall we keep going?”
Mabu hummed, using his handkerchief to wipe their young daughter’s face before Sara clapped her hands together with a brilliant idea. One she knew the children would enjoy, much like herself. She couldn’t recall the last time she had been there with her fathers, memories long distorted due to her fate.
“Why don’t we spend a day at Hanayashiki? Sara thinks Akio and Saeko would enjoy the theme park, dish~”
The theme park?
Reo and Mabu looked to each other before Akio’s tugging caught their attention. He seemed quite eager to the idea, even going so far as to plead and call their names. How could they possibly say no when the boy was asking so nicely? Giving a nod towards her direction, the family turned on their heel and abandoned the original tour plan. By the time they made it inside, Akio had long ditched holding Reo’s hand and bolted off, followed soon after by the call of his name as Sara, Keppi, and Mabu chuckled. Akio had his sights on what he wanted, not even caring he nearly gave his father a heart attack before climbing up on the plush panda robot.
“Papa Reo! Papa Mabu! Panda!”
He cheered, bouncing about as the blonde male nearly collapsed with heavy wheezes. Akio had too much energy at times, even keeping the young kappa male on his toes to keep up. On top of that, he just loved to run off, causing quite a bit of grief for the two parents when they didn’t keep track of where Akio had gone.
“Akio, please don’t run off from us. But yes, here, I’ll get it running for you.”
Reo scolded with a frown, turning the key on the toy cart as it whirred to life. Akio seemed pretty pleased, he pointed out, watching as their son rode the attraction around in a circle as the rest of them finally caught up. If it wasn’t the rides that distracted the family, it was the various options displayed on the food court’s elaborate signs. One minute Sara was with Reo snapping photos of Akio, the next? She had vanished from thin air, leaving Keppi in the dust and calling her name until Mabu grabbed his husband’s hand and pointed over towards a figure skipping with a tune to her voice.
“Cucumber, dish~ The kappa life is surely the best life~ Sara loves cucumber, dish~ Oh- My prince! Do not worry, Sara is back!”
She cheered, arms raised to show she was holding a collection of light green drinks and salted cucumber sticks for the trip. Of course it was cucumber themed snacks- Sara wouldn’t want it any other way.
“My prince, so you are hydrated as well, cucumber mint tea, dish~! It’s so good, I feel like I’ve flown up to heaven.”
As the two fell into a praise of cucumbers and their own romantic ways, Reo and Mabu simply turned around, a hand covering Saeko’s eyes as Reo coughed at the awkward sight.
Was this how they felt when he and Mabu got overly affectionate too? It just felt so odd watching his daughter kiss the prince of all people, even though he couldn’t judge.
Two could play at that game, Reo ultimately decided as he saw a similar, loving look in Mabu’s eyes. So, with one quick kiss of their own before anyone else caught on, Mabu finally urged the group to continue on lest they wanted their tickets to be wasted. They didn’t have all day, after all.
Thankfully, the rest of the trip went off without a hitch. Reo took turns swapping out the baby harness, holding their cooing girl close whenever Akio wanted to go on a ride that didn’t quite appeal to him. The best moment was watching Mabu, Sara, and Keppi come around on the coaster- his poor husband’s contorted face would be a sight he’d never forget. Especially as they turned the sharp corner and Sara’s long hair almost whipped him in the face. Keppi was in the same boat as Mabu it seemed, not really enjoying the coaster but being dragged on by his thrill-seeking partner. Sara always was one for excitement.
After a day of thrills, the family had settled down for a gentle ride on the ship ride that circled the entire park. It was one of the few rides they could bring Saeko on as well. With Akio held firmly in Reo’s grasp as the ride took off, Mabu pointed out various sights in the distance as the child’s eyes widened in awe.
“See that? That’s Sensoji Temple over there. And there’s Papas’ apartment building. And that-”
The darker haired man’s voice stalled, a feeling of sorrow and pain emerging in the pit of his stomach as gazes met where his finger was pointed. Reo couldn’t bear to even look at it, hand gripped tightly against Mabu’s own. Ah yes… that. Funny, he thought, how long ago it really was since those days. No matter how many times he saw it, that place always made it feel like a fresh wound.
“Skytree. A place that will soon bring happiness to this city.”
Sara and Keppi interjected, faces looking at the two with a knowing warmth as they tried to change the subject into something more positive. Akio and Saeko didn’t need to know the past- the Kappa Royalty knew this all too well.
Nightfall slowly began to dust the sky over in colorful hues, adding beauty to their already wonderful view and as the ride came to an end, Reo and Mabu knew their family outing was nearing it’s completion. Saeko was already struggling to stay awake and both didn’t know if it’d be difficult for the two to make it back to the kingdom if they waited around much longer.
Before they left, the blonde kappa pointed out, there was one last thing to do. For Akio’s mostly good behavior, having passed the vendors earlier in the day, he promised to win the child a plush prize before they returned home. As they approached the prize vendor, Reo quickly placed some yen on the counter and grinned towards the boy, cork gun aimed at the goal.
If there was one thing he retained from those cruel days, it was his sharp shot. The least he could do was use his skill to win his son the prize he wanted. And so, flashing one last cocky smile his lover’s way, a tanned finger pulled the trigger and knocked down the bottle in question. Two more to go, and like with the first, it felt like child’s play to the ex-cop. Bells and gentle jingles went off, signalling his win for the grand prize. Gently urging his son to claim it, Reo stood by his husband and smiled when the usually shy child turned around and flashed the brightest smile they’d ever seen.
Mabu too was taken aback, a flush dusting his cheeks as he looked upon their son cuddling the toy with so much happiness in his expression.
That look…. That brightness- he really did look like young Reo from those days so long ago. Further settling the love in his chest that yes- this was always meant to be. This life, this happiness- Reo seemed to notice too as he nuzzled into the crook of his neck and welcomed Akio back with his free arm- they were deserving of it.
*
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*
“Reo. Mabu. Before we return to the kingdom…. There is something I would like to discuss with you both, kero.”
Back at the apartment, Reo had just returned to the dining table after putting away the spare teacups when Keppi’s voice caught his attention. The children had been put to sleep, though Akio remained close enough to rest against Mabu’s lap as the talk began. Whatever it was, it had to be serious enough for Keppi to use that tone of voice. Attentive and ready to serve as always, Mabu lowered his head towards their prince and spoke back.
“Of course, my prince.”
The kappa cleared his throat, having returned to his normal form as they didn’t have to worry about prying eyes any longer.
“It is about the children. Reo, Mabu… as you know, we are Kappa. They are Human. I feel you both may already know what I am meaning to say.”
Sara avoided her father’s gaze, not wishing to be known that she had been the one to initially bring up this fact to the prince. With her time in the human world, she had seen countless tragedies befall those not of humankind. Connections… they were truly fragile things. With that, a difference in time was at stake. Humans aged much more quickly than they did. In a blink of an eye, a human could go from a baby to an adult. She was worried for their reality- though she never wished to shatter her parents’ happiness.
“...What will you do when the children grow older, while you do not?”
Reo’s heart dropped, the reality of their differences never hitting him until now. Maybe in a way he didn’t like to admit, he’d been so disconnected from his kind that he merely forgot he Was Kappa. He never felt like he belonged with the kingdom anyways. That was always Mabu’s thing… though the news seemed to have struck a nerve with his normally calm husband as well. Knuckles grew white as he dug his hand into his thigh, thoughts going a mile a minute before Reo’s gentle caress of his cheek ripped him from his worst fears.
“I… I do not know, my Prince. I suppose… Reo and I had not thought about such a thing, though perhaps that was foolish of us to do so. It’s as you say. They will grow older as we age much slower. But- I don’t want to leave them behind. I don’t want them to be scared when the truth must come out.”
Mabu explained, watching as the prince and princess rose to their feet. It seemed that was all they wished to talk about, much to Reo’s frustration that the man had the gall to bring up such a serious topic and then just bail when they didn’t have a proper answer.
How could they think of a life-changing decision just out of nowhere?
“We understand, it is a very difficult thing to consider. The dishes are always an option, should you decide on something, kero. For now, Sara and I really should be taking our leave before the gate closes.”
Sara, feeling some regret on the matter, simply lowered her head and replied.
“I’m sure you both will pick something that will benefit you all, dish. Whatever you decide, Sara will support you.”
With that, the two retreated, disappearing much how they always did- a field of dust and questions lingering in the air.
What would they do?
The panic was already rising in Reo’s chest, leaving him shaking his head and gritting his teeth.
His happiness couldn’t be ripped from him so easily. And even though he knew it was selfish, he couldn’t help but blurt out.
“Mabu, let’s wish for them to become Kappa too. I can’t- I can’t lose them. Not before us.”
“Reo-”
“Mabu, I can’t!”
Careful to not disturb the child resting against his lap, Mabu reached out and pulled his husband’s hands against his chest- something the two had started to do to calm the other down at his most vulnerable. The pulse…. Gentle and calm, Reo’s face fell as he struggled to bite back frustrated tears at the truth being forced upon them. Keppi was right… as happy as their lives would be for many years… eventually, that happiness would fade as they got older. It would be hard to explain to two children that they were stuck like this, or worse…. If they were ever called back to the kingdom to serve back their rightful duty. The children wouldn’t understand- they’d be forced to be alone, never to see their fathers until they returned. If they returned.
“Reo… I know how easy it would be to just wish for them to be like us but- we can’t. We can’t…. They’re too young to understand what such a wish holds on their life. We’d be taking their humanity away, Reo. Without them ever having a say.”
Mabu explained slowly, rubbing his ringed finger against Reo’s own as foreheads met in a loving motion.
“Mabu…. W-what is the right thing to do?”
Reo cried, voice hushed as lips met his own, tender and loving… as it was reassuring to his parental fears.
“There is no right answer. At least, not yet.”
A kick and whine caught both of their attention, fears for the future flying out the window as the two fathers fell into routine, petting and hushing Akio’s worries with as much love as they could muster. Mabu was right, just as he always was- Reo thought as the boy settled back down against them both.
“Reo, we’ll let them decide when they get older. They’re our kids… I’m sure they will be understanding when the time comes to tell them the truth.”
Another kiss, Reo initiated himself, holding Mabu close as eyes fell upon their beloved child.
Right… Akio and Saeko.. Surely they’d be ok. For now, they’d approach that hurdle when that day came.
After all, they were connected. For an eternity and more.