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Ryunosuke lay cuddled between Barok and Kazuma. Normally, it would be easy to fall asleep in such a warm, loving embrace. But not tonight. Ryunosuke was much too warm, and when he managed to push the blanket off of himself, he was then too cold, and much too tired to try to get the blanket back. The moonlight outside was somehow much brighter than usual, and even when he shut his eyes tight, it still managed to upset him. And worst of all, was the insistent kicking from inside his belly.
Well. Maybe that wasn’t the worst part. It was definitely the main reason he couldn’t fall asleep, but he could never be mad at his baby. Especially when they had no idea they were causing their tired father this much strife.
Unless they did, and took great joy in ruining Ryunosuke’s sleep. It had been about a week since he had gotten a good sleep, all thanks to the baby’s kicking. Hmm. Maybe it was Kazuma’s baby then. That sounded like something an Asogi would do.
Ryunosuke sighed, running a hand down his face. He definitely wasn't going to be getting any sleep tonight. And he couldn't even get up to read a book, or look through his case files, or even make a cup of tea, as Kazuma and Barok had him locked between them. He could probably get Kazuma to move without waking him, but Barok's arms were wrapped tightly around him.
He knew from experience that trying to extricate himself would only result in Barok clinging tighter, however impossible that may seem.
Wait…
The baby had stopped kicking!
Ryunosuke settled himself against the pillows, trying to breathe as steadily as possible. He shut his eyes, and just as he felt sleep washing over him, a hard kick right to the center of his abdomen woke him up.
Definitely on purpose.
Ryunosuke groaned quietly. Maybe he could get Kazuma’s attention. Ever since they found out Ryunosuke was pregnant, both Kazuma and Barok had been extra protective over him, but Kazuma had really gone overboard. While it annoyed him that he barely even let Ryunosuke do anything on his own, maybe he could use his over-protectiveness to get a cup of tea.
“Kazuma…” Ryunosuke whined.
“Mmm?” Kazuma mumbled. “Ryuu? What's wrong?”
“I-”
Suddenly, Kazuma shot up, eyes wide. “Is the baby coming?”
“Kazuma…” Ryunosuke sighed, “I’m only 6 months along. We won't be expecting the baby for another 3…”
“Oh. Yeah. I knew that.”
“I'm sure.”
“What do you need, Ryuu?” Kazuma brushed Ryunosuke’s bangs out of his face, kissing his forehead. “Can’t sleep again?”
“Yeah… The little one won’t leave me alone,” he lamented.
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Can you make me some tea, please?” Ryunosuke looked up at Kazuma with his best puppy dog eyes.
“Of course.”
Ryunosuke settled back into Barok’s arms, resting his head on his chest.
A few moments later, Barok stirred, releasing his grip on Ryunosuke.
“Ryuu?” Barok said, voice deepened from sleep.
“I’m sorry, Barok… I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“Are you alright, dear one?”
“Yes, just having trouble sleeping.”
Barok reached over Ryunosuke and pawed at the empty side of the bed. “Where’s Kazuma?” he mumbled.
“Making tea.”
“Mmm.” Barok then sat up, blinking his eyes open, looking at the state of the blankets. “Are you cold?”
“A little…” Ryunosuke nodded.
Barok pulled the blanket up over Ryunosuke, and it felt wonderful. Hopefully he’d have a bit of time to warm up before it got too hot again.
Kazuma came walking back in, not even a minute later, carrying a cup of tea with him. “I didn’t realize you were awake, Barok. Would you like a cup too?”
“No, thank you.”
“Alright.”
Kazuma bent down and handed the cup to Ryunosuke, who grinned.
“Oh, one of the Western vessels for infused hot drinks!”
“A what?” Barok asked.
“A Western vessel for infused hot drinks,” Ryunosuke said again at the same time Kazuma sighed, “It’s a teacup.”
“Why– no, I don’t want to know.” Barok shook his head.
“I think it’s the best thing to call it. What else would I call it? ” Ryunosuke shrugged, taking a sip of his tea.
“A teacup, maybe?” Barok and Kazuma said at the same time.
“You two sound like Susato-san. She actually yelled at me when I was talking about the Western vessels for infused hot drinks!”
“Ryunosuke… You know I love you. But you’re making it difficult for me not to smack you right now.” Kazuma buried his head in his hands.
Ryunosuke chuckled quietly. “I love you too, Kazuma.” He then looked between Kazuma and Barok. “The baby’s still kicking, if you want to feel.”
“Is that why you weren’t able to sleep?” Barok asked.
Ryunosuke nodded.
“It seems our baby hasn’t been making things easy for you.” Barok frowned.
“It's worth it,” Ryunosuke said with a small smile. “It's all worth it if it means I get to start a family with you two…”
“Oh, Ryunosuke.” Barok wrapped his arms around him.
“Not fair, keeping him all to yourself.” Kazuma pushed Barok away slightly so he could hug Ryunosuke as well.
“I can’t wait, dear Ryunosuke…” Even though Ryunosuke couldn’t see Barok’s face, he could tell he was smiling.
“Me neither,” Kazuma said, kissing Ryunosuke’s cheek.
“I love you both so much.” Ryunosuke smiled.
“I love you more,” Kazuma grinned.
“I love you the most.” Barok said.
“And yet I still love you both more, explain that.” Kazuma crossed his arms with a smirk.
Barok chuckled, setting his head on Ryunosuke’s shoulder, placing a hand on his stomach.
“Oh! I felt a kick.” He smiled, his gaze full of adoration.
Kazuma placed his hand on Ryunosuke’s stomach as well.
“Hey,” he said softly. “Your father’s trying to sleep, ok? Won’t you settle down for a few hours?”
“I don’t think that’s going to work, Kazuma.”
“You’re telling me that you don’t think our child’s going to listen to me?”
“I’m telling you that our child isn’t even born yet and doesn’t understand language.”
“But I haven’t felt any more kicks,” he smirked.
“I have.” Barok looked so happy.
“Oh, so you’ll kick Barok, but not me?” Kazuma furrowed his brow, glaring at Ryunosuke’s stomach.
Ryunosuke took another sip of his tea, barely suppressing a laugh. Maybe the baby’s kicking wasn’t that bad after all.