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Sanemi puffs out a long, loud sigh, kicking a random rock across the grass as he waits outside of the preschool gates. Ma was too busy with work to pick Genya up today, but that’s okay. Sanemi doesn’t mind walking Genya home—he does it more often than not these days—it just sucks that the preschool lets out a whole hour after Sanemi’s school. Just standing around doing nothing always drives him nuts.
He huffs again, tugging on the straps of his backpack to relieve some of the weight digging into his shoulders. Maybe they could take the train today. Ma gave him a few yen for a snack but if he skips that then…
“Nemiiiii!”
Sanemi’s head snaps up at the sound of his name, his chest tightening as he spots Genya sprinting towards him. His little legs move as fast as they can, tears streaming down his flushed cheeks.
“Hey, hey, hey.” Sanemi drops to his knees on instinct, arms opening wide. “C’mere baby.”
Genya bawls louder, his own arms opening in response. “I wan’ Nemi!”
His small body slams into Sanemi’s with surprising strength, knocking him back onto the grass with a grunt. He doesn’t bother trying to stand back up, instead just wrapping his arms tightly around his baby, holding him close as he sobs into his shoulder.
He tries to focus on comforting Genya, but his mind whirls with questions. What could have happened? Did Dad do something? Another kid? A teacher? If he was hurt someone would have called Ma… right?
It takes several minutes for the sobbing to finally fade into quiet hiccups and whimpers, and only then does Genya pull away from Sanemi’s shoulders, plopping down onto Sanemi’s lap. Sanemi props himself up with one hand in the grass, the other moving to Genya’s mohawk, threading through the dark strands of hair.
“What’s going on, baby?” Sanemi asks gently, heart aching at the sight of Genya’s red, puffy eyes. “Somebody hurt you?”
Genya’s bottom lip trembles, and his next words tumble out all at once in a blur—
“I gave my chocolate to Tanjiro but he didn’t want it a-and then he gave his to Kanao! He didn’t want my chocolate Nemi, means he hates me! Why does nobody like me?”
Sanemi frowns, lifting the hand not in Genya’s hair to wipe away the hot tears still spilling down his cheeks. He doesn’t even know why these little babies are celebrating Valentine’s day anyway…
“Well I like you,” Sanemi says firmly, ruffling Genya’s hair one more time before pulling his hand away. “Do you still have that chocolate?”
“Mhm.” Genya nods, wiping his nose with his sleeve.
Sanemi grins widely. “How about you give it to me, then?”
For a moment, Genya just tilts his head in confusion, a small frown still playing at his lips. But then he shifts, wiggling off Sanemi’s lap and standing up to dig into his back pocket. Sanemi takes the chance to stand as well, brushing the grass off his pants. By the time he’s done, Genya is facing him again with a small, slightly squished chocolate in hand.
“I accept!” Sanemi declares dramatically, plucking the chocolate from Genya’s hand. “Thanks so much, Gen!”
“Welcome,” Genya mumbles, lips forming a small, hesitant smile.
Sanemi holds the chocolate up, putting on a show of examining it closely like some rare, expensive gem. “Wow! This looks so good I’m going to eat it right now!”
Without thinking, Sanemi pops the chocolate into his mouth, chewing once, twice—and then realizes he forgot to take the shiny pink wrapper off. He fights a gag, covering his mouth with a fist to hide his disgust.
“Mmm!” he forces out, trying to think of some way he can spit this out without getting caught. “Delicious!”
The giggle that bursts out of Genya makes it worth it though. His little hands cover his face as he bounces in place, laughter pouring out.
“Sorry it’s all melty,” he mumbles between giggles, “I was holding it all day ‘cause I didn’t wanna lose it!”
Sanemi swallows hard, metallic wrapper scratching his throat on the way down. “It’s fine,” he croaks, “Actually. I have something for you too…”
He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a chocolate of his own and holding it out. Genya’s eyes go wide, shining with excitement.
“For me, Nemi? Really?!”
“Yup!” Sanemi declares proudly.
Genya giggles again, eagerly grabbing the chocolate from Sanemi’s hands. Somehow the kid has more sense than him, because he actually remembers to peel off the wrapper first. He stuffs the trash into his pocket before shoving the candy into his mouth, half of it smearing across his cheek.
“Yay, yay!” he squeals, “Thank you, Nemi!”
Sanemi huffs out a laugh, shrugging off his bookbag and moving it to his front. “You’re welcome, Gen.” he says, squatting down once more. “Now c’mon. Let’s go home.”
Genya happily climbs onto Sanemi’s back like he’s done countless times before, little arms wrapping around Sanemi’s neck as Sanemi locks his arms underneath Genya’s bottom to hold him up.
“I love you, Nemi!” Genya declares, voice muffled as he nuzzles into the crook of Sanemi’s neck.
“I love you too, baby,” Sanemi murmurs, legs already moving towards the train station.
“Let’s stay together forever,” Genya says happily, “And give each other lots and lots of chocolate!”
“...Sure, baby,” Sanemi chuckles, “Sounds good to me.”