Chapter Text
Natassia's eyes sparkled and watered as she looked up at her dad. "But...Why can't I go too!?"
Hyoga felt sweat building at his temples. "It will be a very long and boring trip, and besides, your uncles are very excited to spend time with you."
While this was true to some extent, the reality was that Hyoga had yet to celebrate a honeymoon with his husband. They had been together for several years, plus a few more after adopting Natassia. He couldn't deny he was a sickly romantic man, and the idea of a private getaway to dote on his husband as much as he wanted to was enticing.
Natassia humphed and crossed her arms. "But I want to be with mom and dad..."
Hyoga scratched the back of his head. It was a challenge to explain to Natassia why she couldn't go without feeling a bit embarrassed.
Hyoga knelt to be at eye level with his daughter. "Mom and Dad will only be gone for a few days, then we can spend as much time as you want together." He brought a reassuring hand to the top of her head. "And we'll bring you back all the gifts we can manage."
Natassia beamed with excitement. "You better!"
Hyoga chuckled. He fussed over his daughter quite a lot, not to be regularly outdone by Shun who absolutely loved spoiling her.
Good thing he isn't here right now, because he would be absolutely done in by Natassia's puppy eyes.
Later that night...
"Hyoga, are you not taking any swimming trunks?"
With Natassia asleep for the day, the married couple started setting aside their luggage and making sure everything was prepared for the following day of travel.
Hyoga picked up a pair of shorts from his dresser. "You mean...these?" He held them to his hips to measure the width. "I don't know. I think they're too small on me now."
Shun held back a devious giggle. "Isn't that the point?" He took the shorts from Hyoga's hands and put it away in his own luggage. "If it's no good we can just buy a new one when we get there."
"Right." Hyoga took a seat on the bed, watching Shun put away way more clothes than he was planning to take. "Shun...it's ok to leave Natassia behind with them, right?"
Shun stopped folding clothing, a flash of concern in his eyes. "It'll be ok! They really like to spend time with Natassia, and I think it'll be good for Natassia too." He walked over to sit next to Hyoga. "You know I'll just bring her along with us if you worry too much."
Hyoga crossed his arms. He definitely would've brought Natassia along if he saw how big her eyes got earlier.
Shun's hand trailed up Hyoga's arm, tracing lightly on his skin. "Plus...I know what you want to do..."
Hyoga's face turned red as he cleared his throat. "I know she'll be fine. Let's just make sure the other guys know everything they need to before we leave." Good deflection.
Shun peppered kisses all over Hyoga's neck and jaw, both of them laughing quietly enough to not disturb their daughter's sleep. "Of course dear."
The following morning...
"Ok Seiya, so after you it'll be Shiryu, then Ikki will be here the last few days. We left plenty of detailed instructions but just call us if you have any questions."
Hyoga stood at the doorway of their apartment trying to explain to his friend what to do, though Seiya was too busy playing with Natassia to care. The Pegasus saint picked up the girl in his arms, throwing her into the air before catching her again.
Natassia was absolutely enjoying the acrobatics and didn't seem to even realize her parents were about to leave. "Wheeeeee!!"
Shun leaned in to whisper into Hyoga's ear. "Well, that's good right?"
Hyoga crossed his arms defiantly. "I mean. I don't think he heard anything that I explained to him."
Seiya eventually caught Natassia in his arms for the last time, placing her back on the floor with her ponytails tussled from being tossed in the air. "Don't worry Hyoga, I know what to do!"
Gripping their bags with hesitation, Hyoga and Shun hugged Natassia tightly.
"Mom will be back before you know it, ok?"
Natassia nodded and looked up at her parents with happy and clear eyes. "I know!"
Hyoga covered his mouth to hide his laughter. It seemed that just having Seiya over convinced her that having her parents away would be a lot of fun.
With a click of the door, the apartment became quiet. Both Natassia and Seiya stared at the entrance, before making eye contact for a few moments.
"Uncle Seiya...can we have ice cream for dinner?"
Seiya pumped a fist into the air. "Obviously!"
Somewhere, tucked away in the kitchen, was a note from Hyoga: Natassia likes to ask for sweet things for dinner. She can have a treat during the day, but please don't give her sweet things for dinner.