Work Text:
I was really excited today! Chuu said he planned a trip to the zoo! I kept squirming around and kicking my feet as he tried to get me dressed. He chuckled softly as he reminded me to sit still so he could finish getting me ready. He has me in a long sleeved white shirt, he puts me in some dark blue denim overalls that go down to my ankles. He got me some new shoes recently, they’re light blue with white soles. I giggled looking up when he put on a light yellow bucket hat. Once I was fully dressed, he grabbed some sunscreen and made sure to cover my face. He had made sure to pack a bag full of whatever we’d need. He has snacks, water, more sunscreen, and wipes. He told me the rest of the agency is coming today, and Kouyou. I am really excited now! I crawled to the living room and watched Kunikida setting up my stroller. He told Chuuya they should probably get one so someone didn’t have to carry me the whole time. I sat beside him and watched. When he saw me, he smiled and said I looked very cute.
“Yeah! Chuu said I was cute too. I’m the cutest!” I smiled confidently, puffing my chest out. Kunikida laughed softly then went back to setting up the stroller. As Chuu came walking out, Kunikida looked over at him.
“Good choice, his clothes are light so he won’t overheat yet it covers him up at the same time so he won’t burn.” He said, I think that was supposed to be a nice thing to say? I forgot the big word people use.
Chuuya smiled and rolled his eyes, “Thanks?” He finished putting stuff in the bag for today then zipped it up and set it on the counter. “Alright, I got everything on the checklist in the bag. You just need to finish setting up the stroller and we’ll be all set.” Chuuya said as he checked the last thing he needed on the list. I hummed as I crawled over to the couch and grabbed Guppy. I had to make sure I had what I needed too! I had my bunny around my wrist and Guppy in my arms. Now- we just need…. “Tater!” Chuuya shouts as he scolds the dog. I laughed, hiding my face behind Guppy as I watched him chewing on one of Chuuya’s shoes. “Bad, boy!” Chuuya huffed as he took his now ruined shoe. He sighed as he tossed it in the trash then grumbled how he needs to get more shoes if this dog keeps it up.
“How does he keep getting them? I thought they were in the bedroom now.” Kunikida asked as he finally stood up after finishing setting up the stroller. He brushed his pants off then walked over. “The only ones who have access are me, you and-” He cut his sentence short when he realized what happened. Chuu and Kuni looked over at me. I stopped laughing and just hid behind Guppy. “Dazai…” Kunikida said, warningly.
“Are you giving Tater my shoes?” Chuuya asked, crossing his arms and giving me a stern look. I glanced at Tater then looked down at Guppy.
“Um… Maybe..?” I whispered, picking at Guppy’s fin.
“Minnow, you know better. We talked about this. You can’t give Tater stuff he shouldn’t have. He could get really sick- plus you shouldn’t let him ruin people's stuff.” Chuuya scolds me now, but he was still gentle about it. I still stop myself from getting upset. I sniffled as my eyes sting with tears. I didn’t mean to upset Chuu.
“S’rry…” I whined, wiping my eyes with the back of my hands. I just wanted to make Tater happy. He likes chewing on stuff. I heard someone walking over, I slowly looked up and saw Kunikida kneeling in front of me. He holds a toy in his hand.
“This is what Tater should chew on, or his treats. Okay? If you want to give him a treat you just need to ask me or Chuuya.” He explained, letting me take the toy and hold it in my hands. I sniffled a little more but I understood. I handed the toy to Tater who happily took it. I raise my arms up and do grabby hands. I wanted to be held. Kunikida smiled then picked me and Guppy up. He wiped my face clean when he walked over and grabbed a wipe. “No need to cry, We aren’t mad.” I coughed a little as I held back a sob.
Chuuya walked over and wiped away a stray tear. “You’re okay, Minnow. You don’t want to stay sad right? We still have to go to the zoo.” He reminded me, which made me feel better.
“I- I - not sad… no more.” I sniffled one more time, then let Kunikida clean my face again.
After all that trouble, we were finally ready to go. Chuuya got Tater’s leash and got him ready to go out. He puts his harness on, then his collar. Kunikida put me in the stroller and carried the bag Chuuya filled. Chuuya offered to carry it, but Kuni said it was fine because he had the dog. He asked if Chuu had the dog’s bag. Chuuya nods and shows him the mini backpack that has Tater’s travel water and food bowl. We finally leave and head for the Zoo. It’s walking distance so Chuuya said we should probably just go by foot. It’d be nice to get some sunlight and exercise anyway. Chuu gave me my pacifier as we walked, so he knew I wouldn’t chew on my fingers or Guppy. I giggled as I watched Tater walk beside my stroller, while Chuu and Kuni walked beside each other. I heard them talking but I didn’t care to listen to what it’s about. Probably what they should make for dinner or something. I noticed Kuni had been staying over more, they’re nicer to each other too. I can’t figure out where Kuni sleeps though. He is never on the couch, he’s not in my room. I hummed as I watched Tater wag his tail as he walked around. I giggled and reached over to pet him, he happily accepted. It didn’t take long to get to the zoo, just like Chuuya said. Kuni gets the tickets, even though Chuuya offered- he does have a better paying job according to him. Kuni said it’s fine, he didn’t want Chuu buying everything. I tilt my head, I was confused why Chuuya’s cheeks turned red when Kuni smiled at him. We got inside the zoo area and looked around. Chuu said everyone else is already here. They’re by the lion’s area. This zoo is really big! Kuni said he refused to go to a small one, it isn’t nice to the animals. Chuu said he preferred the bigger one anyways. I looked around more as we walked through the zoo to find everyone else. Tater walked beside me still, he looked happy too! He looks like he’s doing small jumps as he walks.
“Minnow, I think I see everyone.” Chuuya said, his voice going higher as he exclaimed- pointing in the direction of the group. I gasped, my pacifier almost falling out. I smiled and waved excitedly when I saw them.
I see Yosano and Kouyou walking over, Fukuzawa and Mori were handling Ranpo while Atsushi was with Yosano and Kouyou. I saw Akutagawa with Higuchi and Gin. Atsushi likes playing with Akutagawa- but he’s always grumpy. I smiled when Yosano and Kouyou reached us. Atsushi held Yosano’s hand and waved at me with a smile. Kouyou gave Chuuya a quick hug then poked my nose making me giggle.
“How’s the baby doing?” She cooed, kneeling beside my stroller. I giggled more as I hid my face behind Guppy.
“I doing good!” I said louder than I probably should have. I was just really excited today!
“Seem’s like he’s in a good mood. He’s been a lot happier since you two decided to- oh.” I looked back and saw Chuuya making a shush face. He held his finger to his mouth and looked worried. “Does he not know yet?” Kouyou asked softly, but I could still hear her.
“I was hoping to tell him today, I don’t know how he’ll react. I’m sure when he’s little it’ll be fine. But when he’s big- I’m sure he’ll cause issues. I don’t need his annoying behaviour.” Chuuya sighed, then moved when Tater ran around him, getting him wrapped around his leash.
“It’s not like he had feelings for you, aren’t you two just friends?” Kouyou asked, as she petted Atsushi’s head when he started clinging to her.
“Oh- yeah, definitely. He doesn’t seem interested in dating anyone anyways. He’s just annoying. I know he’ll start with the jokes and probably cause issues at home.” Chuuya mutters as he keeps switching hands while Tater walks around. I just look around as I suck on my pacifier.
“I mean, whether he’s little or big- we are always taking care of him.” Chuuya joked, making Kouyou laugh. I wonder who they’re talking about.
After everyone said hello, we started walking around together. I waved bye to the lion, then we moved to the tiger. I gasped, this time my pacifier did fall out. Kunikida sighed as he picked it up. He grabs a wipe out of the bag and cleans it- but doesn’t give it back.
“We can clean this better later, I don’t think he should have this back until it’s cleaned properly.” Kuni told Chuuya who agreed and put the pacifier back in the bag. I waved at the tiger calling out to it.
“Tiger! Hi tiger!” I shouted, kicking my feet excitedly and waving faster. I jumped when the tiger let out a loud roar. Tater barks then hides behind Chuu. I hide behind Guppy and reach for Kuni. He lets me hold his hand as I try not to cry.
Atsushi looked excited, he got so excited his own tiger ears and tail popped out. Akutagawa looked irritated as he watched. Kouyou and Yosano were laughing with HIguchi and Gin. Ranpo wasn’t interested, he was just walking ahead. Fukuzawa had to follow, while Mori stayed with Elise- who also didn’t seem interested. We keep walking, heading to different parts of the zoo. Eventually I had to use the bathroom. I whined and tug on Kuni’s sleeve. He stopped the stroller and kneeled in front of me.
“You alright?” He asked, so I shook my head no. I kicked my feet and whined as I tried to tell him I had to pee. I think he understood. “Chuuya, I have to take him to the bathroom. Are you going to be okay with Tater, alone?”
“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Chuuya answered, then walked over. Kuni stood up, I couldn’t see why they leaned so close to each other due to the stroller. They pulled away then Kunikida started walking to the public bathrooms. Chuuya called out to everyone else, mostly the others in charge of little’s. “Bathroom break, anyone?”
Ranpo and Atsushi had to go too, so I guess we all are heading over now. Chuuya laughed when Kunikida gave him a look. “You could have just told me you were going to ask everyone if they had to go too.” Kunikida pointed out, he sounded amused.
“But then I wouldn’t have gotten my-... you know.” Chuuya said, then laughed a little more as he walked ahead. I hear Kuni sigh then chuckle softly.
We make it to the bathrooms, Kuni takes me in, Fukuzawa takes Ranpo in, Chuuya helps with Atsushi. I can go by myself just like the other two, cause when I have to go to the bathroom my head clears up a little. I’m not ever going to need help with this. Once I got out and had to wash my hands. That’s when Kuni helps me. Ranpo is washing his hands just like Atsushi. Ranpo looked over at me and grins. I was confused why he looked so amused.
“Hey, did you know him and Mr.Fancy hat kissed?” He said in a teasing tone. I frowned and tilted my head in confusion. What’s he talking about? Kuni and Chuu kissed? That’s what people do when they love each other. Chuu told me before! “Yeah! They kissed, now you’re gonna be tossed out cause they’ll get a real baby instead of you.” Ranpo taunted me, which made Fukuzawa quickly grab him and carry him out of the bathroom, quietly scolding him. I quickly looked over at Kunikida and Chuuya. I felt the tears already coming.
Chuuya quickly ushered Atsushi to go find Yosano and Kouyou. I took quick breaths, my bottom lip trembling as I tried not to cry. “I-.. I- can’t stay wiff you no more…?” Kunikida helped me down so he could dry my hands. I yank my hands away and just sit down on the bathroom floor. I choked out a small sob, tears instantly started to fall. “P’ease… I- I wanna stay!” I shouted, in between cries. Chuuya kneels in front of me and tries to calm me down. He wipes the tears away and holds me in his arms. I clung to him tightly and cried louder. I hide my face against his shoulder, my voice muffled now. Kunikida told the rest of the group to go ahead, Yosano said she’d take care of Tater while they walked. Kunikida comes back and kneels beside me and Chuuya. “P’ease! P’ease! No!! I don’ wanna go’way! P-p’ease!” I sob loudly, it was echoing through the bathroom.
“We aren’t getting rid of you, baby. You’re okay, I promise.” Chuuya continued to calm me and tried to explain that Ranpo was just being mean. I whined the word no, and held on to him tighter. “Minnow, I promise, we aren’t getting rid of you.”
“Zai, we could never get rid of you. We love taking care of you.” Kuni said, as he brushed his fingers through my hair. My bucket hat had fallen off so he was holding it in his free hand. “Zai, come on. Can we talk? I need you to listen like a big boy. Okay?” Kunikida said softly as he brushed my bangs out of my face.
“Noo!” I shake my head and hide even more against Chuuya. I hear a sigh, then Chuuya gently moves so we have space between us. He cups my cheeks and makes me look up at him. I coughed as I kept crying. “Chuu! I- I your baby! You a’ways say so! P’ease!”
“Minnow, listen. Okay? You are my baby, I’d never get rid of you. Kuni would never leave you either. Okay?” He spoke slowly and tried to make sure I was listening the whole time. It was admittedly hard due to my loud crying. “You are the sweetest, cutest little baby- ever! Why would we get rid of you? I wouldn’t trust anyone else to take care of you either.” Chuuya said as he huffed, making a playful mad face. I sniffled as my crying slowed down.
“Exactly, we can’t trust anyone to make sure they took care of you properly.” Kuni adds, gently taking me from Chuuya and holding me on his lap. I whine as I cling to him next. I coughed a little from all the crying. Did they really know that much about me? I’m sure anyone can do it. “Like- how you can only drink your formula with a little honey. Or your bed needs to have all your toys on it. But they have to be in a certain order. Guppy must always be by your side. You hate when your hands are sticky after eating, you don’t like certain textures when eating.” Oh- they do know a lot about what I like. I didn’t notice.
“Now do you understand? Why would we ever get rid of you? You’re our baby, no matter what.” Chuuya said softly as he petted my head and kissed my temple. I whined and hid my face again. But this time I wasn’t as upset.
“But- Ra’po said- he said you and Kuni are in wuv. So- you no need me no more.” I choked out, tightening my grip on Kunikida’s shirt. I hear them both sigh. They explain, yes they are together. They wouldn’t say love- just yet. But they’re dating. So- it is different, but it’s not going to change how they take care of me. They said it may be even better actually. They won’t fight as much and I’ll have both of them more now. I slowly looked up at them, I knew my eyes were probably red from crying and my nose was runny. “P’womise?” I whispered. They smiled softly at me and instantly promised they wouldn’t get rid of me.
After all that, Chuuya wiped my face and Kunikida held me so we weren’t on the floor anymore. Kunikida put my hat back on after cleaning it up. They cleaned my pacifier too so I can suck on it to keep me calm. I sniffled a few more times as I rested my head on Kuni’s shoulder. We walked out of the bathroom, Chuuya made sure my face was completely clean before we went to find everyone else. They put me back in my stroller and started searching for our group. I hear Chuuya call Kouyou to see where they are. When he ends the call I hear him tell Kuni that they’re all at the giraffes. I was a little more quiet compared to when we first arrived. I was tired from all the crying. When we made it to the group, Yosano couldn’t hold Tater back. He came running over, barking. I sat up and smiled, laughing when he jumped on me, trying to climb into the stroller. I laughed more and hugged him. Chuuya grabs Tater’s leash and pulls him off me. I kept giggling as I watched tater’s tail wagging fast and didn't stop.
I guess…. Just because things are changing- doesn’t mean it’s always going to be bad.
Also- don’t listen to Ranpo.