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It had been a long day of work, but it was all worth it for Akito since they had won the battle. The best part was that they had completely wiped the competition.
Now they were driving back home.
"Akito," said Ken-san, "why don't you get some rest, you've worked hard today."
Akito yawned. "Nah, I should be fine."
Ken-san grinned. "Really? Your body seems to tell say otherwise."
"It's fine," he paused to yawn, "really."
"Whatever you say kid."
Akito leaned against his seat as his eyes started to close. "Ken-san..."
"Yes Akito?"
"Are... you... proud of us?" Akito said with his eyes closed."
Ken-san hummed. "Very."
"Ken-san... thank you... for everything..."
Ken glanced over. "Ha, I guess sleep gets to even the strongest." He noticed how his usually determined expression softened as he slept.
After a minute of silence, he heard a quiet noise. Was someone singing?
He glanced over again to see Akito singing in his sleep.
Ken let out a breathy laugh. "He won't allow himself to rest even in his sleep."
Let's hope he can properly rest while he's asleep. He really has changed so much. I'm happy I got to see him grow. I'm excited to see them all go beyond.
-
After a long drive, they had finally arrived at the Weekend Garage.
Ken got out of the car to wake up the three in the back.
"Huh, we're here already?" mumbled Kohane as she was shook awake.
"I guess so." said Toya as he slowly got out of the car.
"Geez, I was so tired, I don't even remember getting in the car!" exclaimed An. "Hey, where's Akito?"
"Shhhh." Said Ken as he carried Akito out of the car. "Someone's still sleeping."
"Wow! I've never seen Akito sleep." Whisper-yelled An.
"Same!" said Kohane. "Shinonome-kun looks so peaceful sleeping."
"Yeah! And his cheeks look so squishy!" replied An.
"Shiraishi, please don't bother him while he's sleeping." Toya said with a soft smile. "Although they do look quite squish-able..."
Ken laughed. "Alright, c'mon let's get inside. You're probably hungry, correct?"
As if on queue, Kohane's stomach rumbled. "Ah- that would be nice..."
"Well then, let's go inside."
-
"So this is how Akito sleeps." said An as the three kids crowded around the couch Akito was sleeping on. "Honestly, I thought he would snore like really loud. Like really really loud."
"Hmmm, I think Shinonome-kun would be more of a 'shnoor mimimimi' or he would sleep talk." said Kohane.
"What about you Toya?" asked An.
"Hmmm... I'm not sure. I've never thought about it."
Just as Toya finished his thought, the three heard a noise from Akito.
...
"Is he singing in his sleep?" asked Kohane.
"It's cute isn't it." The three kids jumped at the sound of Ken's voice.
"Cute...?" questioned Kohane.
"Yeah. I think so." An said.
"Yes." said Toya. "It's cute."
"But that's beside the point. Don't you think it's a bit creepy to watch him sleep?" said Ken.
The three reddened a bit at being caught watching their friend.
He laughed again. "I'm just joking, food's at the table. I'll watch over him for you."
"Right," said An still a bit red, "thanks dad!"
As the three walked off, probably discussing the previous incident Ken bent down to look at Akito, who was slowly stirring awake.
"Where am I?" Akito looked up. "... Ken-san?"
"Good morning sleeping beauty, have you enjoyed your slumber." Ken said with a small grin.
"Hey..." Akito said as he reddened. "How long was I out?"
"Hmmm" Ken brought a hand to his chin. "Well, you fell asleep about halfway through the car ride, and we've been here for about half an hour, so about an hour."
Akito groaned. "Why didn't you wake me up? How did I even get out of the car?"
"You looked so peaceful, so I carried you out of the car. You are a very heavy sleeper y'know."
Akito reddened again. "Ken-san..."
"If it makes you feel better, I made pancakes."
Akito huffed. "I guess." He got up and walked to where everyone else was and Ken followed.
"Oh Akito, you're awake." said Toya.
"Yup, now where are my pancakes."
"Haha! Of course that's the first thing you ask for!" said An.
"Oi, shut up." Akito said as he grabbed a fork for his pancakes.
"Y'know Shinonome-kun," started Kohane, "you look really peaceful while sleeping!"
Akito reddened for the third time of the night. "I, do?"
"Ah yes," Ken grinned a bit, "I do recall An and Toya said-"
"DAD DON'T YOU DARE FINISH THAT SENTENCE!" yelled An.
Ken laughed. "As I was saying, they said your cheeks looked squishy."
"Dad!" An whined, "I told you not to finish that sentence!" Her cheeks were quite red.
Akito brought up a hand to his face to hide how red his cheeks were getting. "R-really?"
Toya's face was also flushed. "Maybe... just a bit..."
"And, Akito did you know you sing in your sleep?" said Ken.
"I do?!"
Toya smiled softly. "Yes, although it is still very nice."
"I second that! You really are amazing Shinonome-kun!" exclaimed Kohane.
"You're always on that grind I guess!" said An.
"Alright I get it. You guys can shut up now..." muttered Akito with his head in his hands.
"Of course," said Ken as he began to grin. "but one last thing..." An, Toya, and Kohane's eyes darted to his as the three silently begged him not to reveal their secret. "They thought your singing was cute."
"DAD!"
"Ken-san..."
"No!"
"What the hell..." Akito said with his face fully red.
Ken laughed once more. "I'm sorry kids, but it's really funny seeing you all red."
"You really are merciless." giggled An, still red.
"Yeah... although I wish it wasn't at my expense..." said Akito as he brought his fork up to his mouth.
The four kids continued their conversation as Ken watched them.
They've all grown so much...
Akito asked if I was proud of them, and I told him my honest answer. Honestly, if your kids grew up in so little time, then who wouldn't be.
I'm glad I've seen them grown.
And I can't wait for the future.