Temp just shrugged at that, leaning back into his beanbag, staring at the projected stars as he said, “Couldn’t tell ya what I ‘wanted’ to hear. Just knew it felt weird not to say anything at all. But I’m glad that it’s not like… as bad as the rumors make it sound. It’d suck to be hanging out with an abuser right now. I kept feeling like I should do, I don’t know… something all night. Glad I don’t have to.”

Said accused abuser was still peering down into the crowds, and finally said to Amber, “Are you sure you’re not into women? There’s a lot of tall women here.”

“Vaginas, with full respect to my own… are super nasty.” Amber sighed. “Like, seriously gross. I shudder. Women are beautiful. I can recognize women are gorgeous, but of fucking cooooourse. But nothing appeals to me less than sleeping with one.”

“You and my husband have a lot in common. I’ll never understand it.” Kaito admitted, grinning as he said, hoping this wasn’t going too far, “They’re, ya know….warm. And soft and amazing? Though, to be honest, I can’t get my head around looking at any body part and not finding it appealing in some way. Just not built that way, I guess.”

“Pfff, wow. And here I thought all Luminaries were like… too stuck up for that sort of thing. Oh! Is it true that you guys, like, have to have a priest watching every time you have sex? Like, I heard otherwise, it’s super illegal.”

“...what?” Kaito sputtered, trying to get his head around the sheer absurdity of what she just said, saying again, “...w-what!? How… no?? How would that even work!?”

“I heard you had to like… book sex in advance? And you got put on a waitlist until a priest had time to sit down and make your sex official.” Stacy added in, the two girls giggling a little at Kaito’s shock, though both of them looked a little sheepish as they realized with every look, “So….nooooo then? Not a thing?”

“Of course not, that’s insane! Why would we do something like that?” Kaito asked, trying to understand where the root of the rumor could have come from.

Amber shrugged, “I mean, you hear lots of insane stuff about Luminary. I mean, that’s one of the weirder ones, definitely, buuuut, like, it could have been true, ya know?? Cause of, liiiike, the fact that you’re all sort of a theocracy? Right?? Like your governments based on the Atuan religion, isn’t it?”

“Uh, I mean… yeah, but, Dicean Atuan’s don’t make priests watch them have sex every time… right??” Kaito asked, suddenly uncertain. Did they!?

Stacy and Amber were not helpful in this regard, as Amber’s eyes widened, sounding genuinely shocked as she said, “There are Dicean Atuans!? Really??? I thought that was just totally a Luminary-Only thing?”

“...ooof… this temple opening is going to be rough…” Kaito realized, running a shocked hand through his hair.

“Like, it’s totally fine with me, of course. To each their own, and all that good stuff. Still, wow. Had no idea.” Amber said, looking down at the crowd before scoffing, “Ya know what? Eff this. I am a proud, independent woman who don’t need no booty-call! And also I’m starting to feel bad keeping you guys from your dates. Let’s head back, I’m good.”

“Yeah, alright! Kaito, you gotta tell us more weird Luminary stuff! Like, I heard you cut the tails off all of your cats!”

“Uhhhhhhhh…” Kaito hesitated, as they headed back, trying to think where that one could come from, “...we have, like, a species called bob-tail cats. They’re born with half tails, and they’re really common among strays. Maybe that’s where that one comes from?”

“Ooooooh! Cute!”

Kokichi just nodded a bit, leaning back to look at the projection as well. He didn’t need to be saved… As nice as it was to know all sorts of people who were willing to stand up against injustice...he really wished they could believe him when he said there wasn’t any. That he was fine, and he loved his family. 

...and, yeah, he did know they were a minority, but it was still difficult to keep that in perspective sometimes when it felt like there was someone believing his husband was abusing him at every turn. 

But they were working on it. And if people who were in Temp’s camp felt comfortable enough talking to him about it--sending letters to him about it--maybe that minority would dwindle further and wouldn’t be as loud. 

Kokichi looked over as it seemed Kaito and the girls were coming back, the subject apparently changed from tracking down a tall, hot dude to weird things about Luminary. But...the fun kind of weird. 

“Oh, you guys might know this more than me,” Kokichi pitched in once the others came back. “Apparently there’s this dessert thing called red bean paste in Luminary? I’ve been keeping an eye out in the market for anything like it, but have you guys ever seen it in Dicea?”

Amber and Temp seemed to have no idea what Kokichi was talking about as everyone settled back down, Kaito reaching down to pick up his husband, kissing him on his cheek, before settling back down in their original position on their beanbag, Kaito back to happily loosely hugging his husband, still looking a little exasperated at everything he had just heard, but far more content now. He idly kissed the back of Kokichi’s head as Kokichi asked his question, curious where Kokichi had heard about Red Bean Paste.

Stacy, though, frowned, her nose wrinkling as she said, “Nnnngh… the playdo-like stuff? That’s meant to be a dessert? I thought it was some sort of, I don’t know… weird hard jam or something. I had a friend trick me into buying and eating one when I was kid, from the import market? He said it was strawberry flavored. I don’t know what red bean paste is supposed to taste like, but it was not strawberry.”

“Red bean paste? It’s supposed to taste like...mmmm…” Kaito frowned, struggling to find another food to compare it to, finally settling on, “I mean, it’s just a sweet bean. I have a friend Maki who adores them. They’re alright. But if you were expecting strawberry? Yeah, I bet it didn’t taste great.”

Stacy just nodded, shuddering.

Kokichi perked a bit. “The import market? Might be a limited or seasonal item...but that’s one place with a testimony!”

“...ooooor I could just place a merchant request,” Kokichi sheepishly giggled, lightly thunking his head against Kaito’s chest. “Though I don’t know how many people are making the trip right now. But it’s still wild to think we have free trade between Dicea and Luminary again. You can just...order things from merchants, then on the next route cycle, you’ll get whatever you wanted from Luminary. Like...it’s always been like that with Danganronpa, but it’s still crazy to me since there’ve been trade bans with Luminary for pretty much my whole life.”

“Yeah, trade with Dicea’s gonna help a lot.” Kaito sighed, placing another light little kiss against his husband’s head, “I remember there was this really brave economist who, like… put together this whole presentation about what opening trade up with Dicea would do for the economy? It was a huge scandal, maybe...five years ago? But he got a bunch of economists around Luminary to sign off on it, double-checking his work and refining it, and everyone knew he was coming before he showed up, and people were saying this guy was suicidal. Like, there was no way he was gonna get away with it. People kept coming up to my dad to, like, try to soften the blow before the economist showed up, trying to argue he should keep calm and hear him out and that executing him would only make the scandal worse-”

Kaito paused, looking at the stunned faces of the Diceans around him, and flushing, suddenly murmured, embarrassed, “-um, I mean… he was fine. Nothing happened. Dad just sent him to my mom to do the presentation, so she heard it all. Not sure he even read the report on it. It all ended up being pretty anti-climatic, which was probably for the best… anyway, mom had me and Byakuya read the report. I didn’t understand a lot of it, but like with the crazy trade tax Danganronpa puts on us, and the travel costs of Kimigashine and Rabbito-Doubto, trade with Dicea? In comparison, a lot of really basic material that’s tough for us to get a hold of becomes dirt cheap. Like, food, farmland soil, certain types of fabrics that we could only get from Novoselic and medicine supplies that we were entirely dependent on Danganronpa for… basically, if the economists were right? Luminary should be seeing a huge upswing in the economy the next few years that should, ya know...last.”

“Dad never read the report, like I said, I don’t think anyway. But I’m pretty sure that economist is one of the main reasons Luminary elites started pressuring him to end the war. Like I said, it was a huge scandal, seeing in black and white the sheer toll the war was having on the economy. And that was just showing the benefits of the open trade. It didn’t even account for all the resources we’re not spending on the war specifically anymore.”

“...whoa.” Amber said, blinking at Kaito, “Heavy.”

“I am way too drunk to understand any of that.” Stacy grumbled, while Temp just chuckled, “Like, why would just telling the truth be some big scandal? Like, Kaito, no offeeeeence, but Luminary sounds waaay dysfunctional.”

“And why did it take five years for it to lead to anything?” Temp asked, raising his eyebrow at that. “That’s a long time to do something everyone knew would be for the best.”

Kaito felt a shock of defensiveness, wanting to argue, but… swallowing with that far too familiar feeling of anger and embarrassment on his people’s behalf, he laughed a tad too loudly, saying, “Ahhhh, sorry! That’s not… that was a weird thing to bring up right now! Sorry! I ramble, someone should have stopped me early, I can just go on like that without thinking! It’s not really worth talking about!”

“You don’t have to be sorry? It’s, like, kinda interesting, in a detached kinda way. But still- Luminary’s got issues.” Amber laughed,  “We’d probably have that guy in the paper here, if that happened in Dicea. Like, they’ve started doing that recently? As like a ‘good job’ kinda thing! I don’t know what I’d have to do to get in, but I kinda low-key suuuuper wanna be featured, ya know? Ya think I have to make a jewelry that cures a disease or something, or what?” Amber giggled. “That Seiko chick sounded supes impressive. It’s gonna be hard to follow that up!” 

Kokichi tipped his head back as Kaito talked, a little too drunk to fully absorb it himself, but fascinated to hear the economic side of things. Trade with Danganronpa had been the same as ever, and while Novoselic was allied with Luminary during the war, they weren’t a participant and so on both sides they just had to deal with the tariffs that came from trading by sea. From the reports Kokichi had read, it was looking like Dicea and Novoselic were actually going to continue doing that even with the war over, just because the costs of trading by sea still tended to be better than the travel or handling costs that Luminary put on the goods, at least from how it worked before the war. 

“I was talking about merchant trade, but...yeah. National trade is going to be amazing…” Kokichi sighed happily, trying to soften a little of the blow. “It’s going to get a lot easier to get more varieties of metals, and glassware too. While we have our own forests, I wouldn’t be surprised to see significant trading of lumber too, since different types of trees grow in our countries… I’ve heard there’s some super amazing and diverse clay deposits in Luminary too!” 

There was just...nothing to say about what made that report a scandal. About the culture of Luminary from that standpoint. That...Kokichi was getting the impression that Leon just wanted to keep the war going just because, and it was only the work of everyone around him that got the treaty going. And there was no way to explain that. So Kokichi just rubbed the inside of Kaito’s knee softly. 

Though, at least the vibe was chill enough that it was easy to get out of that conversation. Laughing proudly, Kokichi nodded. “Seiko’s a very good healer, but I think whoever the paper writes about next will wow people too. And I’ll lose my shit if you get into the paper! I know for sure they’re gonna write about artists and artisans, so it could really happen!”

“Oh, helllll yes,” Amber laughed, winking at Kokichi as she said, “You wait, baby! I’m gonna get on there! I’ve been doing, like, the craziest things with glass sculpting lately! It’s gonna turn heads next season, I swear! Kaito! I got earrings too! You need to stop by and take a look, stud, I’ll fucking bling you out!”

Kaito grinned, relaxing a little, only still a little embarrassed, but feeling it fade as he said, “Yeah? Absolutely. You can count on it.”

Amber told Kaito where her store was located, and the group chilled there for another hour, making idle chitchat, the conversation devolving at one point as everyone got the giggles, literally just laughing at every random thing. It was only when Kaito kept feeling Kokichi’s back like...swell. His husband not yawning, but like… clearly through force of effort, rather than not wanting to. He was sure Kokichi was having a good time, but with a bunch of alcohol in his system and sitting so long after dancing so long…

Hugging Kokichi, Kaito said, “Hey, babe? How you feeling? Think it’s time to start crawling back to our Shuichi?”

Just getting to chat about whatever floated through their minds was just about fun as dancing, just in a different way. Meeting people by chance and just...sharing a night together. While he had quite an array of emotion depending on whatever the subject was, Kokichi found himself always returning to a bright smile.

One that became softer as the night went on and Kokichi started leaning more against Kaito’s chest, feeling warm and happy and…

Kokichi hummed, happy with the hug, and while he’d love to stay and keep talking… He sighed. “Think it might be… Would probably be a bad idea to stay up the whole night, as nice as it’d be. You about ready too?”

“Oh, right! You’re like, the prince prince! That means you’re the pregnant princes! Congrats on the baby, you guys!” Amber said, eyes widening, literally only just making this connection now.

“Thanks.” Kaito grinned, shifting out of the beanbag, helping Kokichi up, as he said, “Yeah, I’m getting pretty tired myself. And also, we have, like... “ Kaito chuckled, “A stalker around here somewhere who's probably ready to go home herself.”

“What?” Stacy asked, raising an eyebrow, “Congrats on the baby, annnnnd, sorrrrry about the stalker?”

“Nah, she does it out of love. And Kokichi pays her. It’s all good.” Kaito said, feeling a mischievous humor as this seemed to just confuse their friends more, “It was nice meeting y’all. Feel free to hit us up if you guys wanna do anything, we’re pretty easy to get messages too.”

“...same.” Temp decided, shrugging, “Nice meeting you both. Get home safely.”

Kokichi giggled softly and beamed, feeling a bit more excited to be reminded of their daughter. “Thank you!! Aw...Shuu-chan’s prolly super asleep by now, huh. No listening to baby time…”

With a sigh, he wobbled a bit as Kaito helped him up, just not used to walking after lying back for so long, but his steps were a little more steady than they had been going up the stairs before. 

“Same to you guys! Be safe and responsible! And I hope we’ll run into each other again--this was fun!” Kokichi continued on with a few more rambly goodbyes until he had to focus on the stairs, but that just meant his focus could be transferred over to Kaito. “I had so much fun...did you have a good time? Oh, we need to get our coats, yeah…”

“Oh noooo, do you think it’s, like, reaaaaallly cold outside?” Kaito said, smirking as he put on Amber and Stacy’s accents, snickering a little as he said, “I swear, it’s going to take me days to get ‘like’ and ‘totally’ out of my head. I mean, I already know I say that a lot. But, like…. That was totally a lot.”

Kokichi rolled his eyes a little, nudging Kaito with his whole body. “C’mon, they’re nice. Nothin’ wrong with thinking words. And I bet it’s suuuuper cold out and Kai-chan’s gonna regret not wearing more layers.”

Approaching the coat check desk, the same man that had been there before disappeared off to the back, apparently seeing the number on the ticket Kokichi was holding from afar and going to get the jackets before they even had to ask. Some grade-a service right there!

And, once jacket-ed and caped up, it was time to head out. 

Right into a frigid bluster that sent Kokichi pressing against Kaito and holing up in his cape. “Nnng…”

Kaito’s eyes widened the second they stepped out, finding himself pressing into Kokichi just as much as he whined, “Oh noooooo…. We can’t, no, Kokichi we have to live in the club now. I can’t do this. What is this hellscape, how does this happen??” He asked, referring to the ungodly temperature it was now. 

Out of nowhere, calling over her shoulder, “Later Joey!”, Maki whacked both Kaito and Kokichi over the head and shouted as she bolted forward, “Shut up, stop lingering, it’s too cold! Run!” 

Kaito took Kokichi’s hand and, half out of desperation, half because he was so used to running when Maki said run, bolted. 

Kokichi wasn’t happy about the cold either, but he attempted to move them forward, as much of a failed attempt as it was since he was also unwilling to move without his human heat pack coming with him. But, thankfully, Maki was there to make the difficult decisions for them. 

It took Kokichi a few stumbling steps to get the hang of it, but soon his faster speed made up for the height advantage--and thus leg length--Kaito had, and they were keeping pace as the three of them sprinted to the castle, the shape towering over the other buildings serving as a guide even if they didn’t know the way well. 

Kokichi just managed to chirp a “Cold!” to the night guard watching the gate, trying to allay any concern, before they made it into the hall, their pace slowing as the warmth started to surround them. 

“Mmmmmmm, okay, next time we go out, I don’t care about outfits, we’re gettin’ bundled up. Gettin’ my winter clothes out in fall, holy shit…”

“It’s blasphemy, ‘K-kichi. The worlds not supposed to do th-that.” Kaito whimpered, still trembling, Maki shivering beside him, looking annoyed. “I-it’s not gonna get colder than that, right?” he asked, as they all headed upstairs.

Kokichi let out a deep sigh and gave Kaito’s arm a pitying pat. “I keep telling you, hun. We haven’t seen anything yet. It’s not even winter. It hasn’t even properly snowed. It’s gonna be colder than you can imagine, and there’s gonna be people just saying, ‘oh, it’s a little nippy out, huh?’ And we’ll all freeze in envy for their cold resistance.” 

“It’s really going to get colder…” Maki’s eyes narrowed, her blood-eyes intensifying, hair starting to shift in the heatwaves of her rage as she said, “Unacceptable. I will bully the god damned sun- hey! Kaito!”

“Nooo, stay angry, Maki.” Kaito demanded, draping himself around Maki’s shoulders, burying his head against her shoulder, “‘Kichi, babe, come here, she’s so warm. I’ll take the earring, it’ll be fine.”

Maki twitched. “Do you wanna die??”

“Waaaaarm,” Kaito said cheerfully, in a much better mood now. 

Kokichi giggled softly, a bit more acclimated to the castle’s warmth so not needing to absorb Maki’s rage-heat, but? In the case of an emergency? Her fury looked like a wonderful heat alternative. 

“Really, though… I think we should all just start dressing for winter already. You guys aren’t used to the cold, and I’m really weak to it, despite living here all my life. Wool and fur layers for days, I’m talkin’ ‘bout.” 

“And cuddling in front of the fireplace,” Kokichi added on, giving Kaito a wink.

Kaito hummed happily, walking with Maki, still just draped over her, perfectly content to just stay where he was. Though he grinned happily at Kokichi’s wink, saying, “Gonna be super domestic in front of the fire…” and then his eyes went distant, his face flushed, “...gonna be super a lot of things in front of the fire.”

“Don’t think sexy thoughts while literally on top of me, Kaito,” Maki told him, exasperated.

“Sorry, Maki.”

-

Kirumi Tojo wasn’t sure… what was making her think of old times.

She tried not to.

It was better for her, mentally, she had found. To just not think about it. All of it. 

She had tried therapy. Maybe it had worked, even. She had been too scared to really explain everything that had happened, everything that she had had to do, to the therapist. She had been afraid the therapist would tell on her, and that Aiichi, who had taken her in during the height of the ‘protect Kokichi’ scare, wouldn’t allow someone with Kirumi’s… checkered past, a place on the staff.

Not with a small child at risk.

Maybe that was why old memories kept haunting her these days.

Timothy.

The boy was doing a multi-school spelling bee today. It wasn’t a big deal, the spelling bee was never big news, but considering it was Prince Kokichi’s nephew up at the final competition, and a Luminary child? As the afternoon got later and later, there were little reports coming to the castle, people whispering and gossiping over how it was going. The latest? There were only four kids left, and Timothy was still going strong. Despite apparently it looking like he was gonna vomit the entire time he was up there, it looked like the kid was a strong contender to win.

What a smart, well behaved young man…

...he reminded her of a small Byakuya. He hadn’t before now. But hearing himself handle himself well in an academic atmosphere, representing himself well? She kept getting warm, nostalgic memories of her young charge. Her smart, clever, well-spoken little boy…

And Kirumi had kicked him into a wall.

Kiruimi sighed. She hadn’t known it was Timothy when she had felt someone running at her. She wouldn’t have harmed the child, had she known who it was.

She...didn’t do that anymore.

...but it was hard not to think of the old times, with Tim around now. It made her uncomfortable. Made her worry she hadn’t made as much progress letting go of her old tendencies as she had thought.

...she wondered if she should feel… something.

Guilt? 

Over Kaito. 

But she didn’t. That old anger just came back, when she looked at the man. Perhaps that was an even bigger sign that she had not made progress. Perhaps she should be worried about that. Perhaps she should seek outside help, for those angry, bitter, almost… condescending feelings.

...but that would mean admitting what had happened to literally anyone. Which was unacceptable. If the man himself wasn’t ever going to bring it up? Was going to act like he didn’t know her? Might even genuinely not recognize her?

She’d count her lucky star and move on.

Later, when afternoon was going into evening, Kirumi smiled while sweeping up the main hall, hearing the latest rumor.

Timothy had won. 

-

“Hell yeah! Make way, make way! The champion is coming through!” Kaito called out, Timothy up on his shoulders as the group headed back to the castle, Maki smirking smugly, Shuichi laughing as Timothy looked at the small metal piece in his hands, playing idly with the ribbon. “You did so good, Tim!”

“Yeah… I never want to do that again.” Timothy said, still looking at the medal, though he had a small smile on his face, clearly pleased with the praise. “That took too long.”

“That’s because the competition was fierce. You should be proud that you won when so many capable kids were there.” Maki said, again, just, insanely smug. “That little green-haired girl almost had you, for a moment there. You did exceptionally well. I’m very proud of your effort.”

“It was amazing, Tim,” Kokichi praised. “I was so intimidated watching, but you kicked some serious spelling butt!”

He had been a little worried about showing up at the auditorium, not wanting to make it more of a spectacle than what the bee was on its own...but there was no way he was going to miss his nephew spell his heart out and win the spelling bee nationals! And Tim won! Honestly, he had a feeling Tim could even take on the high schoolers, but he’d already been through enough with his own age bracket. 

But he was just being proved right every day, that Tim could achieve anything he put his mind to. 

Then, because he and Tim were getting more comfortable with each other, Kokichi turned a sunny smile up at the boy. “Did you see that Kimiko and her mom came to watch too? Kimiko looked super impressed too. Do you think you’re gonna wear your medal to school tomorrow?”

Timothy blinked at him, before blushing, looking down at the medal now with more concern as he said. “...should I? I mean… wearing your ribbons and awards outside of mandatory uniform inspections is such a joe thing to do…”

“How about you invite Kimiko and Cali to the castle tomorrow, and you can show them the medal after school.” Maki offered, having a guess that Timothy wasn’t the sort of guy who wanted to appear braggy… but would like the opportunity to brag. “Then we’ll go out and do something fun. Try to think of something you’d like to do by tomorrow. If you can’t think of anything, we’ll brainstorm as a group and come up with something.”

“Kay. Thanks, mom.” Tim said, sighing contently as he leaned on Kaito’s head. 

-

When Kaito went to bed that night, happy and thrilled and so damn proud of Timothy, he had insisted on some baby time with Shuichi. He had listened to that little thump, thump, thump, noting with some adoration (and a little pity) that Shuichi’s belly was showing more and more now. He had pulled Kokichi into his arms and kissed at him and had gushed about his family. 

Happy. 

Considering how close he had been to getting on a horse, not even a week before?

Kaito was so damn happy these days.

He hadn’t been thinking about her at all. Kirumi had stopped the family on their way home and bowed her head politely and told Timothy she had heard and congratulations. She had been one of dozens of people to do so when they got back to the castle. There had been nothing unusual about it, and Kaito had barely thought about it. 

...but later in the night…

He had no idea what the dream was about. Not a clue. When he woke up, he just had this...intense feeling of… terror. 

He didn’t want to fall.

Please don’t let him fall.

And Kaito had woken up with that terrified thought. Had felt how badly he didn’t want to fall ripping through him like a physical presence, so intense and violent that he woke up panting, and felt like he was being strangled by the blankets, had to pull himself out of bed, needed air.

Kaito had quickly gone to the window, pulling himself into the window shelf, past the seat, and opened up the window, ignoring the sheer chill as he just took in deep, terrified breaths. No idea what the dream was about, but covered in sweat, and feeling like his heart was about to beat out of his chest, and mom, dad, please.

Don’t let me fall!

… but it was merely a minute between waking up and him breathing out the window that all memory of the dream, whatever he remembered in those moments, were gone, and Kaito just breathed, letting his air even out as he laughed lightly to himself, a little embarrassed. Weird…

Kokichi shivered, huddling closer to, first, Shuuichi, then...empty space? A large arm around him, legs curled forward almost even into Shuuichi’s space...where was his Kaito? 

Squinting his eyes open, Kokichi looked around with a questioning noise before spotting the figure in the window. “Ai-n? Mrph?”

Kaito looked over at Kokichi, and while his heart was slowing down, his hands were shaking, and he chuckled in embarrassment again, reaching over to close the window as he whispered, “E-everything’s okay, ‘Kichi… g-go back to sleep...”

...his Kaito was upset, was what. Kokichi frowned and blearily made his way out from the tangle of blankets, tottering over to Kaito. If something was up, they should talk about it, and if Kaito just had a bad dream? They could still talk about it. Or just...be together. 

Kokichi hated to be alone after bad dreams, even if that’s what he tried to do once he woke up.

Hugging himself, Kokichi plopped down on the window seat. “...wanna talk about it, or just chill?”

“Awww, babe, I told you it was o-okay…” Kaito grinned at him, opening up his arms, inviting Kokichi in… before realizing this showed off his shaking hand a little more than he would like, and he tucked them against his stomach, chuckling at himself. 

“...just a nightmare, babe. Couldn’t even tell you what it was about. I’m already losing it.” Kaito explained, knowing he didn’t really have to keep his voice low-- Shuichi slept like the dead, almost nothing woke him up-- but not wanting to break the still atmosphere. “I think it was…” 

Kaito frowned, brow furrowed, “...like… I think it was a falling dream. You ever have those? Woke up with my heart pounding in my ear.” Kaito laughed, rubbing the back of his neck, the shaking finally easing up as he said, “It’s been a while since I had a dream that bad. Sorry I woke you.”

As soon as Kaito opened up his body language, Kokichi wormed his way in, hugging around Kaito’s waist even if he brought his arms back. If Kaito was okay with touch, then Kokichi was gonna comfort the hell out of him. 

And, thankfully, it really was just shock from a dream. Gently rubbing Kaito’s side, Kokichi hummed and nodded against his chest. “Oh, yeah… Those can be super unnerving when you wake up from ‘em… I think...I had one once and...there were people falling with me? But they seemed super nonchalant about it. Like everything was fine.”

He shook his head a little, not understanding it, or really having a memory of that dream at all, more just an impression. “But...yeah. If you needed some air, understandable. Just wanna make sure my husband’s doin’ alright.”

“I’m alright…” Kaito promised, nuzzling him, the last of the terror leaving him. “It’s been… an interesting week. I usually get really, really weird dreams the more…”

Kaito frowned, humming to himself slightly, before saying, “Stressed is the wrong word. Busy. Confused? The weirder my days are, the weirder my dreams get. I had lots of weird dreams when I first got here, for instance. Almost every night. And a lot of weird dreams on the trip to here… not the kind that send me rushing to the window, but weird nonetheless.”

“I think you told me once you don’t dream that much… but I feel you get nightmares sometimes,” Kaito told him, kissing Kokichi’s temples. “You get really tense in your sleep, and your hands move. Like your grasping something. You’re actually a really active sleeper, Kokichi. You move around a lot when you dream… what kind of stuff do you dream about?”

“That makes sense I think… Dreams can be, like...nonsensical output of your brain trying to process the waking world. Makes sense the busier your life is, the busier your dreams are,” Kokichi sleepily rationalized, kissing at Kaito’s neck lightly. He was glad Kaito ended up actually wearing pajamas that night, instead of foregoing a shirt or pants. He might’ve needed some air, but the nights had gotten cold.

Smiling a bit at the kisses, Kokichi thought for a moment, trying to actually...explain what sleeping felt like for him. “...mm. Maybe it would be more accurate to say I don’t tend to remember my dreams. I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that everyone dreams if they get into deep sleep.”

“...used to have nightmares where you’re trapped. Like you’re stuck somewhere and trying to find a way out, but no matter what you do it never works… I’m sure I’ve had them, but I haven’t really had chase dreams…” Kokichi closed his eyes, nuzzling against Kaito’s chest. “...I think I might’ve had a dream about a cat recently. Not super sure why I think that, but...you just have impressions after you wake up sometimes, right?”

“Yeah, exactly. That’s what tonight’s dream was like. More an impression than anything. Falling and-”

Kaito hadn’t realized there even was an ‘and’ until he said it, frowning as he said, realizing as he spoke. “...Kirumi?”

He paused, thinking harder about it… before saying more certainly, if not any less confused, “Yeah. Kirumi was in the dream, I think. Miss Toujo,” Kaito elaborated, like Kokichi might not understand. “...maybe.”

Kaito snorted, feeling tired at that thought, as he said, “I think I’d prefer kitties, personally… ya know, I had to catch myself my last conversation with Byakuya? I almost forgot what Shuichi said and mentioned her in passing...thankfully the conversation changed before I remembered she’s apparently a refugee.”

The conversation had changed to Togami and the execution and had resulted in Kaito escaping to his shrine and then a bar. But before that? He had been chatting idly with Byakuya about how he was planning to get the lock to his room, uh, ‘upgraded’, partly because of one nosy housekeeper. Byakuya had interrupted him before he had gotten too far, thankfully, Kaito only bringing it up in the first place so that no weird rumors would spread to his brother about Kaito needing to get his locks ‘changed’.

(He would never tell Byakuya they had no locks in the first place. Kaito really did try to not worry his brother when he could help it. Byakuya was so… reactive. About stuff.)

“Definitely can’t mention any of the refugees to him. Makes things easier for everyone.”

Kirumi? That was...an odd person to pop up in a dream… But maybe not as much as it seemed. She wasn’t close with any of them, but she did still work in the castle--and lived there--so they saw her pretty regularly. And when there were people in your dream, apparently your brain just sorta...picked people that you’d seen before. Didn’t really have to have a deeper meaning than that. 

Kokichi sighed softly. There were other meanings in the waking world, though. “...probably for the best. Even just for things over here, unless the person brings it up themself, we don’t really mention anyone’s refugee status. Most the time, them being a Dicean now is more important than anywhere they might’ve lived before.”

Kokichi reached up to gently scratch at Kaito’s scalp, getting comfy all splayed out in his husband’s lap. “Well...whatever your dream had been about, I hope you have a more peaceful sleep going forward. Sucks when you don’t feel rested after sleep.”

Kaito nodded, kissing Kokichi’s forehead, before sighing. “I think I’m fine now, honestly. Let’s go back to bed babe. I’m sure somewhere deep, deep down, Shuichi misses us.” Kaito chuckled, looking over to Shuichi, who was sprawled out, still entirely dead to the world. 

Kissing Kokichi again, he said, “Thanks for checking on me babe. Come on, let’s go. Sleep time.”

-

For a while after that, life just… happened.

Timothy ended up leaving what his ‘reward’ was to his friends, and it was Cali who recommended paintball. Maki and Kaito took them, and the five of them fell in love with the game. Their first time playing might have been as a reward for the spelling bee, but it quickly became a semi-regular thing for the jock side of the family. 

Shuichi started the process of preparing for the next semester of university. He had been nervous when he started, but found the system was pretty straightforward, and as the days went by, he got more and more comfortable with the idea, and more excited for the idea of going to class again. 

He got a little wider every day too. Kokichi tried not to mention it, and Kaito mentioned it too often. Shuichi wasn’t as… alarmed as he might have been before. But he still had moments where he caught himself in the mirror by accident and...stressed. About it. But otherwise? He was okay.

Kaito hadn’t been expecting to see Amber or Stacy again, if he was honest. Temporary club buddies usually were exactly that. But Amber and Stacy went out of their way to come see them at the castle, and it turned out, the girls’ friendliness and energetic optimism and persistent, welcoming nature was just… them. And not just their drinking selves. And Amber in particular had fallen hard for Kokichi… in a purely friendly way. She was enraptured by ‘baby’ and wasn’t letting that friendship go without a fight.

Maki started going to the dojo, her, Hina, and Sakura bonding over it. She was meeting people there. She seemed to like it, and was finally, to Cali’s endless joy, teaching the kids fighting styles, things she was picking up from the dojo and so decided were ‘Dicean Friendly’ enough to do so.

Kaito was learning how to cook. He didn’t invade the castle kitchens anymore, but he tried to chat with Chako about the things he was learning when he saw her and she had time. He spent a lot of time with Waku. They mostly went back and forth to talking bullshit and philosophy. It was calming to talk to her on Kaito’s end, and Kaito, she had told him once, was interesting enough to keep her attention. He had laughed, taking that as a compliment.

And, for awhile… yeah. 

Life happened.

-

Life happened, and before they all knew it…

“Oh my gosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh!!!”

Kokichi bolted out of bed, launching himself over Shuuichi--who was still trying to get in a few more moments of sleep in that special space between Maki’s alarm and when she’d actually expect him to come down to training--and ran over to the window, practically vibrating in excitement as he looked out over the just barely lightening sky. 

Life had continued, the world had steadily moved forward, and with it, the weather had gotten colder and colder as Kokichi had warned. He’d brought out his winter clothes just like he’d said, actually, layering himself in thicker sweaters and various lengths of socks. But he might have to step it up even more since…

“Kai-chan, Shuu-chan, look!! It’s snowing!”

“Mmmmmmmghs?” Shuichi grumbled, his face completely submerged into his pillow.

“It’s what now?” Kaito asked, peeking his head out of the bathroom, trying to experiment with his still too long hair. He kept meaning to let Kokichi cut it… but honestly, he was a little fond of the look now, and a little nervous about whatever Kokichi was gonna do to it. He was still going to do it at some point. But he was gonna enjoy being, like… not bald for a little bit more.

(He supposed he could just get Denji to cut it to the hairstyle he was used to, but where’s the fun in that?)

Wiping his hands off on the hand towel next to the sink, Kaito walked over to the window, putting his arm around Kokichi’s shoulder as he leaned over him, looking out and saying, “...woah…”

It was light, and Kaito’s eyes widened as the sun beamed over the distant mountains, reflecting against the frost on the window. Kaito had seen snow fall before, once or twice in his life, but it was still a new and strange enough experience that for a second it almost felt fake. Like it couldn’t really be happening… and then it felt almost fantastical. Strange and otherly and- “Shuichi! Get your butt up! You need to see it, bud! It’s snowing!”

“Maki better have gotten a carriage for the trip, because I am not walking in snow.” Shuichi grumbled into his pillow.

Kokichi giggled softly, pleased that Kaito seemed as enraptured with the snow as he was. Oh, soon enough he’d be tired of it, but for the first snow of the season… “We totally have a carriage--sussed all that out ages ago, especially since we’re hitting the waterfall then the hot springs. But it looks like we timed our trip well--this snow isn’t gonna stick, see it melting on the ground instead of clumping up in piles? But if it gets just a little colder and decides to rain? Then we’ll have some real snow on our hands. Better to get traveling done before that.”

“...at least on my level, anyway,” Kokichi laughed self-deprecatingly, though still in good spirits. He finally pulled himself away from the window, though not without a few excited glances back, and crawled back into bed beside Shuuichi, nosing at his shoulder. “Don’t worry. Maki-chan’s gone above and beyond in her usual Maki-chan way to set this trip up. We’ll bundle up properly and then we’ll get to see a real waterfall together! Then by that evening, we’ll get to relax in some real mountain hot springs…” 

“Get to see the prettiness of snowfall without dealing with it sticking yet… Though I can’t wait for you guys to see a perfect snow drift. It’s really like someone pulled a fluffy blanket over the world.”

Shuichi looked up from his pillow, smiling a little at Kokichi’s attention, before reaching out and gasping him, pulling him back down onto the pillow with him as he snuggled closer to him. “Mmmm… that sounds nice… think we can tell Maki that snow day means no training this morning?”

“Hell no.” Kaito said cheerfully, still looking out the window, before pulling himself away, heading over to his men, “You know Maki. You try to tell her the weather’s gotta keep us in, she’ll make us train indoors. No excuses with her. Hopefully Tim and the girls won’t be stuck inside all day. I doubt they will be, the girls are probably used to the cold, but it might be too much for poor Tim.”

Timothy, when offered to go to the waterfall? Had looked so incredibly bored with the idea that eventually Kaito had gone to Haneda and asked her if she’d be willing to watch over a sleepover with Tim and the girls instead. She had agreed, so while the adults went off to go look at the pretty nature stuff, Timothy was staying home and taking advantage of eighty percent of the adults in his life leaving him and his friends under the supervision of the one.

No doubt they’d get into some mischief. Kaito trusted Haneda though, and he was sure they’d have fun. 

Grabbing Shuichi’s arm, he kissed his boyfriends wrist a bit, before starting to pull him out of bed, trying to yank him away from Kokichi as he said, “Come on! It’s time to start the day, and start it right! We have to face the sun, Shuichi! You’ll get to sleep in as long as you want tomorrow at the resort!”

Kokichi squeaked in happiness when the Blanket Monster swallowed him up, wrapping his arms around Shuuichi--which was getting a little harder every day, to Kokichi’s both disappointment and glee--and kissing at any part he could manage to reach. Though, he had to join Kaito in dashing Shuuichi’s hopes. “I kind of wanted to walk for the whole trip, when it was just the waterfall. Maki-chan said it seemed like a doable distance for that. Maybe that can be a future thing, but I think Maki-chan might just consider it more if Shuu-chan tries to skip out on training before we go.”

And, with that, Kokichi tried to squirm back out of the bed, wanting to wash up and get dressed and still have a little time to meet up with Nadya before they headed out. She’d gotten into a flow being able to work mostly on her own when Kokichi got sick or Shuuichi wanted a rest day, but they still tried to touch base as much as possible. 

“Maybe when it’s warm again we can take a trip walking there, and, and have a picnic and go swimming. Or just sitting at the side with my feet in the water for me,” Kokichi fantasized, thinking about future trips somehow just growing his excitement for this one.

Shuichi groaned as his boyfriends conspired against him, not making it any easier on Kaito as he just stood there, blinking sleepily at him. Kaito rolled his eyes, before pushing Shuichi to the closet, guiding him towards his clothes as he called over to shoulder to Kokichi, “When it’s warm out? That sounds kickass, babe. I bet we could even convince the kids to want to go for that. We should invite Ikou to that one too, it’d be a nice family trip!”

“Someone else is carrying the baby. I’m gonna have been carrying this kid for nine months by that point. It’ll be someone else's turn.” Shuichi insisted, yawning as Kaito kissed him on the cheek.

“Get dressed. It’s never as bad as you make it out to be, you’ll be happier once we get down there and start walking. Atta-boy!” Kaito said, pinching Shuichi’s ass (“Kaito!”) before heading out, closing the closet door behind him. Shuichi still, for the most part, preferred to change with some level of privacy, so Kaito left him to it, heading over to Kokichi, wrapped his arms around him and kissing at the side of his face obnoxiously a few times, before kissing him gently against his lips.

“You sound excited. Are you excited?” Kaito murmured against him, kissing him chastly again, “You’re always so cute when you’re excited. Gets me revved up.” he confessed, the next kiss a little deeper. Capturing Kokichi’s bottom lips, bending Kokichi back a bit.

A nice family trip with all...seven of them? Not with Aiichi or his other siblings, but even without them… Kokichi could only laugh at himself even more as he washed his face, his grin making it harder on him. 

And he would totally be up for carrying Baby during the trip. And, like, all the time. They’d talked about it before, but Kokichi was prepared to do every single thing he could for their child, both just because that was, yanno, a parent’s responsibility for bringing a new person into the world, but because he really wanted to be present and there as much as he could for their daughter. Inevitably there would be times in her life he wouldn’t be able to do much for her, so that made it so much more important to him to give her all he could.

Kokichi laughed some more as Kaito came over to grant him with kisses, snorting at his questions. He did kiss his husband back with enthusiasm though, running a hand through the ends of his hair and reaching up over his shoulder… Before he nipped at Kaito’s lip and pulled back, raising an eyebrow. “Hey, we’re all sharing a room at the resort, remember.”

“But of course I’m excited!! We’re going on vacation! We’re traveling--that’s exciting! We’re gonna see a real waterfall today, Kai-chan!!” Kokichi squirmed in his husband’s arms, using the counter to help him pop up to kiss Kaito’s forehead, beaming at him. “We’re going on a trip!”

Kaito sighed. “Maki did it just to cock-block me. I know it. She just hates joy, Kokichi, I swear.”

But he laughed, enjoying Kokichi’s little bite, and finding his little assisted jump fucking adorable, not to mention that comfortable feeling of his hands through his hair. Feeling properly paid attention to, Kaito took one last kiss, before saying cheerfully, “Good! We are! This’ll be fun. It’ll be nice to get out of the castle for a day or two. Go see something nice. A nice relaxing little break.”

Which was good, because Kaito super duper needed one.

Not really due to anything in particular! Life was great right now, actually. Ever since the bar, actually, life had been good and stayed good. It really felt like the time that Kokichi and Kaito had reassured each other was coming over and over and over again for the first few months of their relationship- the resting part- had finally come. The only big challenges lately were Kaito taking care of his son, which Maki helped immensely with (honestly, she and Haneda did the bulk of the work. Kaito tried to help where he could, but those two women had that boys schedule down pat.), and himself and Kokichi taking care of their increasingly pregnant (and thus increasingly hormonal) boyfriend.

And of course there were a bunch of little challenges. There always would be. But all things considered, life was good!

Kaito had to assume things relaxing during the day was at least partially to blame for the sudden fucking onslaught of god damn night terrors he was having.

It couldn’t be nightly. Not really. Kaito didn’t remember having nightmares every night… but it was really starting to feel like he woke up at least once a night with his chest just tightened in terror. Sometimes with some vague memory of what had frightened him? But mostly not. And for the most part, it was really just, wake up, stare at the ceiling for a bit, let the terror fade and go back to sleep.

Other times? 

Kaito’s hidden in the bathroom twice, and actually went to his shrine in the middle of the night at another point. Just because his body wouldn’t calm down, and he didn’t want to wake his partners.

It was getting… silly. 

(And it was kinda fucking with his head during the day, he was pretty sure. His imagination, as active as it's always been, had been…)

(More so.)

(Lately). 

So, yeah… he was hoping a change in atmosphere might get him out of whatever loop his head was in, sleepwise. Hell, maybe having Maki in the same room would actually help? Kaito usually slept easier knowing Maki was there. Kokichi would probably be up to it, maybe he could convince Maki-Roll to join them in a sleep cuddle session. All the people he loved most and longest, all curled near him. It’d be nice.

“This’ll be really good.” Kaito said, kissing the top of Kokichi’s head before releasing him, heading over to knock on the closet door. “Tick-tock, Shuichi! Don’t make me come in there and dress you, handsome! I will get handsy!”

“Five seconds, five seconds!” Shuichi called from inside.

Kokichi snickered a little, but he was thankful to Maki for booking a room for them all. Hot springs would surely be a popular spot with the weather getting colder and...well, he had been excited for them all to have a sleepover finally. Maybe Maki wasn’t so excited for it, but ever since Kokichi had gotten the idea, it’d certainly sat there in the back of his mind. 

“Can’t say I’m too tired out, but it’ll be nice to have a trip like this before the snow comes in,” Kokichi agreed. “Even for someone used to being home a lot, I can get a little cabin fever time to time. This is kind of...like a last hurrah before spring comes, though travel’s possible if you really needed to get somewhere.”

Beaming at that last kiss given to him, Kokichi finished up by brushing his teeth--and trying to dry off his toothbrush as much as he could before wrapping it up and bringing it to the bags they’d already packed--before following Kaito over to the closet, needing to get dressed anyway. 

Kokichi bumped Kaito’s side a little, teasingly. “Extra layers take time, Kai-chan, even for workout clothes. Oh, but when you guys are done, be sure to dry off well, okay? Snow makes you surprisingly wet, and that can just make you colder.”

“Yeah, Kaito. Listen to Kokichi. Gotta…” there was a pause from inside the closet, the high end of a yawn coming through for a second, “...gotta layer up…”

Kaito rolled his eyes, before opening the door and heading in, ignoring Shuichi’s outraged protests as he said, “Uh huh. You tried this trick last week, Shuichi, you’re not taking a nap in the closet. Come on, leggings, sweatpants, sweaters- Let’s get dressed! Let’s get pumped!” 

“Kokichiiii!” Shuichi called out to his fellow ‘didn’t like to exercise’ boyfriend, hoping for support, but Kaito just closed the closet on him, not dissuaded. 

Eventually all three of them got ready, and headed off, ready for the day. 

-

Maki and Kaito were in the front, driving the carriage. Maki, because she knew where to go, and Kaito, to keep Maki company. Shuichi and Kokichi were inside the carriage itself, watching the snow lightly fall and pressed next to each other, chatting idly.

Kaito bumped against Maki, shivering, even while they were both in a blanket, the horse trotting down the path as he said, “So, this waterfall-”

“It’s not what you’re expecting.” Maki told him, Kaito blinked at her… before laughing. “What?” She asked, glaring at him.

“Sorry. I went to look dumbly at you, but got caught up in how the snow keeps catching on your eyelashes. You look really pretty in the snow, Maki-Roll.”

“Don’t flirt with me while your pregnant boyfriend and husband are in the back of this carriage, Kaito.” Maki scoffed. 

“I’m not flirting.” Kaito said easily, laughing again. “Or, if I am, I don’t mean anything by it. You’re my best friend, I think it’s okay for me to notice how breathtaking you can look. Isn’t it?”

Maki just rolled her eyes.

“So, how’s the waterfall not what I’m expecting?”

“They’re not like the waterfalls you and I have seen before. It’s not like Novoselics waterfalls, and not like Luminaries. We won’t be able to get anywhere near it, let along lounge around it or explore it.”

“Why not?”

“It’d be too dangerous. It’s big.”

“...how big?” Kaito asked. He had seen a few big waterfalls in his time. Novoselic was covered in them. How was that different?

Maki just smirked. “You know what… I can’t explain it to you. You’ll see. Just be sure to keep an eye on Shuichi and Kokichi. We have to go up a very high trail to see it. It’ll take us a bit. Kokichi will probably be fine, but Shuichi might need a few breaks.”

Kaito nodded. “Got it. Thanks for taking care of this, Maki. Checking it out beforehand and all that stuff. I know taking care of us keeps you busy...”

Maki just nodded at that… but she seemed pleased by the thanks. 

Inside the carriage, Shuichi looked curiously out of the carriage, and realized, “...are we heading towards the mountains?”

Kokichi would’ve enjoyed spending some time with Maki out on the front of the carriage, but he had to say getting some good cuddle time with Shuuichi while they watched the scenery was pretty sweet too. They were both bundled up and the carriage had pretty good insulation, more than prepared for Dicean weather, but Kokichi had still gotten out one of the blankets they’d packed, making super for sure that he and Shuuichi would be nice and warm. 

Looking out of the window, seeing the mountains getting closer, Kokichi laughed quietly and nudged Shuuichi’s arm. “I mean, unless you’re heading straight south, you’re always gonna be heading towards mountains, but, yeah. That’s how waterfalls even happen, and the hot springs are mountain hot springs. People are always saying that the mountain water cures all ails, and stuff like that. Not really sure why, actually…”

Cuddling against Shuuichi’s shoulder, Kokichi gave him a kiss and a soft look. “...don’t worry, though. We’re not, like, climbing up any mountains, not anywhere the carriage would have trouble. Going to the viewing areas and around the waterfall is the most physical stuff we’ll be doing, promise.”

“...how’s your back doing? Still sore from this morning?” Kokichi gently asked, reaching down to rub against Shuuichi’s lower back a bit, knowing that he’d been eager to come back inside after training, and not just because of the cold. 

Shuichi sighed. He was trying not to be a pain in the ass. He was really, really trying. He didn’t want to be grumpy when his family was trying to go have a good time… but he leaned his head against Kokichi’s and said, “I should have never told Maki my back was starting to hurt me. I should have known her solution would be ‘get stronger’.” he scoffed. “She’s been having me do nothing but situps and planks, and I get it, a stronger back will make it easier as I get bigger, but….nnnnnghhhh…”

Shuichi adjusted his cap a little, before sighing. “I mean, it’ll feel better in a few weeks. I know what the end result will feel like, and I’ll appreciate it when it happens. But for now? I’m really looking forward to the hot springs more than anything. Though I guess the waterfall will be pretty cool too… have you ever seen a waterfall, Kokichi?”

Kokichi nodded sympathetically, keeping up his little massage since Shuuichi hadn’t said to stop. And...he was right. It sucked right now, but having a stronger back would make things easier going forward. Dr. Tenchi had said the same thing about exercise in general, much to Shuuichi’s disappointment. The more he kept himself mobile, the easier it would be as he got bigger, though there was some variance to that, depending on how big Shuuichi got. 

Which they still didn’t have too much of an idea of. By Seiko’s estimations, which Dr. Tenchi had backed up, Shuuichi most likely would be approaching full size in about a month. You could definitely see his belly now, but if it was just going to be another set of how much Shuuichi had grown in the last month? It didn’t seem too bad. 

For Shuuichi’s sake, Kokichi hoped that Baby wasn’t looking at some exponential growth. 

Shaking his head a little, Kokichi dreamily sighed. “Only in paintings… We only have ponds in the city, you know? Since Usot is in a valley, more or less, it’s kind of hard to get stuff like waterfalls… But from the paintings I’ve seen, and some of them were of the one we’re gonna go see! It looks incredible. Majestic. And this one is big enough that it never freezes, unlike some of the smaller ones around. Though, I can’t imagine the spray would feel very good right now…”

Kokichi chuckled lightly, giving Shuuichi a squeeze. “What about you? I know Luminary is kinda desert-y most places, but, like...Novoselic is full of waterfalls. So as you get closer to that coast, things get more plains-y then, like either marshy or rainforest-y, right?”

Shuichi shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been that direction. I haven't been too many places, myself. I’m really only allowed to go where I’m sent, and I’m really only sent to towns near the capital, or near the Dicea border. And that’s only if the guards force in that area needs a really, really serious threat that they need to get it together. Sending a royal detective to investigate shows that towns being seriously looked at for insurrection.”

“Kaito could justify taking me places with him, if he really made an earnest argument he needed protection or something? He and Maki did that a few times. But I never really wanted to go anywhere enough to justify the hassle.” Shuichi watched the landscape change, the carriage bumping as the road became a little rockier, the group getting closer and closer to the start of the trail. “...but it’s nice. Going places with you all. I might never want to go on my own, but I do appreciate you all keep taking me places. That you want to include me, I mean.”

Kokichi sighed softly but...well, it didn’t bother him as viscerally these days, at least. He didn’t exactly enjoy being desensitized to horror, but it was a necessity. The line between upholding your ideals and facing reality...despite knowing that the system was broken, that didn’t make it change. That would only come in time through tremendous effort, and even then it didn’t change the world his friends had grown up in. Nothing would change that. So it was necessary for him to be able to listen. 

But he was happy to find there was plenty of sweetness to ease that horror. 

Laughing lightly, Kokichi nosed against Shuuichi’s cheek before kissing him there. “Aw, c’mon, give yourself some more credit--it was Shuu-chan’s idea to go to the waterfall in the first place. It’d be a real dick move to go without him.”

“And of course I want to include you! You make experiences so much better since I get to experience them with you. You know that club Kai-chan and I went to a while back? One of the first things I was thinking that night was how much you would’ve loved this drink I got--though, a virgin version, since apparently it was super strong and I didn’t taste it at all and got kind of wasted. Anyway…” Kokichi laughed a bit at himself before nosing against Shuuichi’s cheek again. 

“My point! I love you, and I love spending time with you, and by just being there and being you, Shuu-chan makes every experience better. That’s why I wanted to spend my life with you, you know?”

He had said it with all the sincerity he felt it, but just a beat later Kokichi realized what he said and choked on his breath, his face turning tomato red as he tried to backpedal, sinking under the blanket. “I-I mean! Since we’re gonna be parents together and everything!”

Shuichi might not have thought that much about what Kokichi said, at the end, taking it in stride… had it not clearly affected Kokichi so much. Curious, golden eyes looked over at his boyfriend, something small and contemplative in his expression. Kokichi was trying to burrow away from him… he tried to think about what might have embarrassed Kokichi that much, and the only conclusion he could come too was...

“...do you?” Shuichi asked. “Want to…”

He frowned. A conflicted look coming over his features, the question dying on his lips.

The carriage was quiet for a moment. The only sound being the wheels outside against the road. Shuichi staring at his knees as he thought.

“...I don’t think about the future, that much.” Shuichi finally admitted. “My mentor taught me from a young age that if I… if I wanted to be happy, then I needed to think in terms of what’s happening this week, and maybe next week, and that’s it… it was strange, because I know she doesn’t think like that. But she was always giving me advice she didn’t follow herself. I think she just wanted me to have an easier life than she had. At least, that’s what I liked to think…”

Shuichi clenched his hands, looking troubled.

“...my point is, you don’t… have to make any big promises to me. I’ll never ask for them. I know Kaito’s been making big promises, and I… I just don’t want you to feel like you need to do that just because he has. I don’t think of the future like that. It’s really enough to me that you’re here, now…” Shuichi gave Kokichi a small smile. “You don’t have to say anything you don’t mean. Is all I’m saying. I don’t need it. I’m happy either way.”

Kokichi just burned more, sort of knowing from the start that there wasn’t a way to just brush it off. Shuuichi was too smart for that. 

Maybe it was different for the Luminaries, but… Well, he’d told them before. Getting married was just...an excuse to party, or a way to explain things more quickly. What was more meaningful in Dicean culture...what basically what he’d just done. Asking someone, or even just letting them know your own feelings, that you wanted to spend the rest of your lives together. That you cared about someone so much that you wanted to do whatever you could to make them happy forever. 

And Kokichi did feel that way!

But he’d told himself over and over that he didn’t want to pressure Shuuichi, and then...just blurting it out like that...what might be one of the most sincere gestures of love he knew…

Kokichi sighed and...tried to calm down. 

“...I think about the future all the time. Probably too much. Always thinking about where I want to see the country, and what can we do to get there, thinking about what impacts what we’re doing today will have… And personally too. Things I want to do, events I have to get ready for, what I can do for the people around me…”

“...as long as Shuu-chan is happy, I’m happy,” Kokichi decided, hiding his face against his boyfriend’s arm. “I just...don’t want to put pressure on you so that you’re not happy, and just stressed instead. I do feel that way, but...we can take things week by week, if that’s better.”

Shuichi looked down at his boyfriend… before his gaze softened a little. Face turning somewhat pink, not quite flustered, just… warmed. He nodded, leaning over to place a small kiss against Kokichi, just saying softly, “Thank you. I am happy… and it does make me happier that, right now, you…” Shuichi smiled, “You see a future with me in it. That makes me happy too. I love you, Kokichi.”

“I love you too,” Kokichi murmured, his face finally starting to fade a little and, after a moment, he sat back up. ...he still wanted to ask properly one day but...it wasn’t going to be a surprise. And maybe just knowing was all they needed. 

Funnily enough, it was very Dicean of them.

It was probably lucky that Kokichi sat himself up right then, because they soon hit a particularly rocky patch of road, the carriage bouncing a bit and jostling Kokichi anyway. He held onto Shuuichi a bit tighter, trying to stay in his seat, before he turned excitedly to the window. “We must be getting close!”

They were, and it was a mere twenty minutes more before the carriage pulled off the path they were on, parking in an empty area that was clearly designed to hold carriages, a horse shelter nearby, but wasn’t currently being utilized by any other guests. Parking the carriage, Kaito began the process of unhooking the horse and leading it to the shelter as Maki went to open the carriage door, looking in at its occupants as she said, “Alright, you two. It’s still snowing, so if you’ve taken any of your jackets off, put them back on. Did you finish drinking your waters? It’s a decent hike, don’t underestimate how much you’ll sweat just because it’s cold.”

“We drank them, Maki.” Shuichi reassured, pinning up his cloak, bunding up the blanket and asking her, “Can we put this back in your backpack?”

“Give it here.” Maki agreed, stuffing the blanket inside before clearing out of the way.

Kaito unloaded some hay from the storage at the horse shelter, double checking there was water in the slough, before securing it, patting the horses side and saying, “Koh, look after our ride, okay?” before heading back to the carriage. “Hey! We’re here! Man, this place looks beautiful already!” Kaito said, looking around at the tall, oaky trees around them, his eyes looking over to the clear open area cutting through the trees, heading up, as he said, “That’s the start of the trail, Maki-Roll?”

“Mmmhmmm. It’s a bit of a ways, but the path is well taken care of. Beyond the incline, it’s not a difficult walk. Just long. But there are plenty of sitting areas people have made up along the way. It’s not meant to be challenging, so I don’t want to hear any complaining.” she said, looking at Shuichi.

“I’m pregnant. I’ll complain all I’d like, Maki.” Shuichi replied blankly.

“That’s your own fault.” Maki said, heading over to him to readjust the cloak around his shoulders, the fabric looking tangled around the back of his neck.

“No, it was Kaito’s fault.” Shuichi pouted. 

“Hey!...Kokichi helped!” Kaito insisted. “Dr. Tenchi has the blood test to prove it!”

Maki patted Shuichi’s shoulders sympathetically, “If you get whiny, I’ll punish Kaito for it.”

“Thank you.” Shuichi smiled.

“Hey!”

While he did help settle everything, Kokichi could barely wait to hop out and look around the clearing set up for travelers to begin the hike. Thankfully, it didn’t look like the ground was icy, but there were bits of snow that clung to tree needles around them, giving the whole area a definitive winter vibe. The air was different too, thinner, he supposed from a scientific standpoint, but it just felt...sharper. But not in a bad way. Just kind of...refreshing. 

Kokichi adjusted his boots one last time, making sure his socks and leggings and the tucked in part of his pants weren’t twisted or slipping. He knew, theoretically, that the walk to the viewing point over the waterfall was long but…

...he really hoped he wasn’t going to be slowing anyone down. In some ways, he was a little thankful that Shuuichi wouldn’t be sprinting up the path, but...while he didn’t like them, he had still been hiking with Maki before. Kokichi had his active days, but he’d never done serious hiking or sports or anything like this before. Even if the path wasn’t meant to be challenging...he was still a little worried about being able to make it. 

But that just meant he took all of Maki’s advice seriously, and was sure to have an extra water bottle strapped to the pouch around his shoulder, even with Maki’s backpack filled with anything they could possibly need. 

Even still, though, his nervousness couldn’t pat down the utter excitement at getting to walk along a nature trail and go see a waterfall!!!

Snickering a little at his friends, Kokichi came up to his husband’s side, nuzzling against Kaito’s arm. “Don’t worry, love. I’ll take my own punishment if I get whiney, so Kai-chan only has to worry about himself and Shuu-chan.”

“Now, are we ready to go?”

Kaito just groaned at that, just mumbling to himself, “I’m gonna end up with another earring by the end of all this, I just know it.” but the complaint was a playful one, and the four started to head up the path.

The incline was steep, but not ludicrously so, and other than some panting, the four took it at an easy pace, Maki keeping her own pacing to match theirs, Kaito doing the same. Shuichi was in no hurry and personally had nothing to prove, so his own pace was leisurely, and he found himself walking in step with Maki. 

Kaito, in turn, was walking in step with Kokichi, holding his husbands hand, idly looking out at the nature around them from the trail, though there wasn’t too much to see yet as the group made idle chit-chat.

Some time went by, and while Shuichi had thought he’d end up complaining most of the time, he and Maki ended up getting caught up in a discussion discussing hypothetical fights, Shuichi so caught up in it that he sort of stopped thinking about the ache in his back as he said, “There’s no way… okay, even if you could argue that there’s a type of thread strong enough to withstand the cut of a sword, and at the same time versatile enough to manipulate long distance with your fingers, even if that was possible, you still couldn’t catch a crossbow bolt with it. You’re fucking with me, Maki.”

“I’m not. I’m telling you, that’s what this bounty hunter did.” Maki insisted, scowling as she said, “I only got one chance to fight him, and it didn’t go my way. He escaped, and I’ve always wondered since then how I could have beat him… I think some sort of electricity would work…the threads were actually some sort of metal, I think? Maybe if I could somehow electrify my crossbolts, sort of like your tasers?”

“If our hypotheticals are that extreme, you might as well just say you’re carrying a flame thrower with you on your mission and set him on fire.”

“...hmmmm….” Maki hummed, clearly seriously considering the idea.

So caught up in their conversation, neither of them noticed as Kokichi and Kaito started lagging further and further behind…

Kaito watched his friends become more distant, and looked softly down at his husband, squeezing his hand a little. “...you good, babe?”

It really wasn’t that bad a walk, even with the incline, but...it was just...Kokichi had never just walked consistently in a straight line (the path wasn’t totally straight, but compared to zig-zagging his way through the city, it might as well been) before. And as they kept on, Kokichi… Found himself slowing down a bit. Breathing a little heavier. For the first time feeling this sort of strain on his legs and back, though it was more just noticeable than uncomfortable at this point. 

And, slowly, Kokichi did notice Maki and Shuuichi walked farther ahead. At first, he tried to speed up a little when he noticed, but over time even those little bursts weren’t enough to make up how much he was slowing. 

Breathing a bit heavily, Kokichi looked up at Kaito with a sort of guilty expression. “...never done something like this before… m’okay though…” And he was. Maybe they’d need to take a short break partway, but he’d be alright, and then it’d be more restful when they got to the top, able to take in the sights at even a standstill.

“...weird how different the...the air is here…”

“Oh, right. Yeah, I guess it’s a bit thin.” Kaito realized, looking around. The place really was beautiful to look at. Just deep forest in every direction, as they made their way up and up. Kaito hadn’t spotted any animals yet, but that was likely because animals stayed clear the path. If they were still and looked a bit, they’d probably see something out there. 

After a bit, he said quietly, “You know, there’d be no judgement from anyone if you needed to ride on my back or shoulders for awhile. Your husband makes a mighty steed. I wouldn’t mind any.”

It was something Kokichi hadn’t really thought about when they were planning the trip, though it made perfect sense. He supposed he was just glad they weren’t actually going up the mountain for real--the hot spring resort was only about halfway even to the ski lodge he knew was there. A sort of bunny slope-type place for people from the valleys and cities to enjoy mountain sports without the dangers of the taller mountains closer to the border. 

...he wondered if he’d be okay at all at high elevations. If his lungs would be able to handle it… Something to ask Seiko at his next check up, he supposed. This trip would probably provide some good data for her too. 

Kokichi’s shoulders tensed a little, but he just shook his head after a moment. “...I wanna...keep going for a little longer, at least. Won’t get any...anywhere if I never try…”

“...I wanna be able to...do this kind of stuff with you...you guys. Hikes ‘n trips and...stuff…” He’d never be at Maki’s level, but she tired out Kaito and Shuuichi with her prowess anyway, and it would be ridiculous for him to try to compare. But for things like this, going to see landmarks or just go on hikes...he wanted to be able to share it with his family. Not have his health feel like a burden even when he could get out of bed. 

...and, yeah, joining in on training would probably help out with that. ...maybe he’d come join Shuuichi on his laps. 

Kaito squeezed Koichi’s hand again, before nodding. “Alright babe. If you say you can do it, then you can. I believe in you. And we have a super cool end goal! So it’ll be worth it too!

Kaito watched the back of his friends, listening to Kokichi’s little pants, trying to think of something he could fill the air with. Hoping that if he distracted Kokichi, he’d find it easier to keep up the walk, get him out of his body a bit…

Looking out into the woods, he said, speaking slowly at first, and then gaining steam, “I ever tell you about the time I did battle with the watchman of the Underground Empire?”

...he probably wouldn’t be able to make it the whole way in one go, but it was nice to have Kaito’s support. Knowing that if Kokichi did need to stop, then he wouldn’t have to listen to a million ‘I told you so’s and chiding that he shouldn’t have attempted something like this…

...not that his father or any of the guards had done that to him in a long, long time. Not since he was a kid, doing regular dumb kid stuff that any parent probably chastized them for. 

Therapy was...difficult, sometimes. Because it was pretty much what Kokichi had been figuring out on his own--that a lot of things were contradictory or couldn’t be classified. He was right to feel resentment even for the reasonable restrictions that were given to him, but...he needed to let some of it go, and give people the benefit of the doubt when things had changed and Kokichi hadn’t. Sure, there should’ve been at least someone there to help him see it, but...well, he had that now. 

Kokichi sucked in a deep breath, that cold, almost stinging feeling in his nose and throat, and...gave Kaito a disbelieving look for a moment, before he realized what his husband was doing. Offering a bit of a smile before he returned his focus to the walk, Kokichi shook his head. 

“No… Can’t believe you ma...managed to hold onto such...a juicy story…”

Kaito smirked, before saying, “Oh, it’s not that juicy of a story. Just one of those things I did with my summer break one year.”

“School was out, and all of my friends had, ya know… training and jobs and things to do, so I found myself with a lot of time on my hands and nothing to do with it. So, I decided to go out on an adventure for my summer.” Kaito started, glancing to the left, the story forming in his mind as he spoke, “I took a ship out to sea, and was enjoying conquering the ocean and all it’s challenges. I was just minding my own business! But then… this sea pirate captain heard that I was out there from one of their port visits.”

Kaito grinned, and looked at his husband, rolling his eyes, “Apparently, there was some scandalous artwork going around of me, and the second the pirate saw it? Guess he decided he had to have me. Understandable, I make a very handsome picture. So, he got his crew together, and went out hunting for me! And, he found me… I mean, I could have escaped him easily, but…” 

Kaito snickered, blushing a little at the image in his head, “I mean, you know me. I’m a sucker for a handsome asshole. I may have let him chase me more than I needed to, ya know?” Kaito said, winking at Kokichi.

An adventure out on the sea… Kokichi could almost see it. Ocean for miles and the distant call of gilding birds, the smell of salt and fish, the sun out bright with nothing to obstruct it and creating a humid heat all around… 

(It was what he had always imagined with these kinds of stories, at least, though now he actually had an idea of what the ocean looked and smelled like.)

(Even with everything else...Kokichi still treasured the memory of sitting in the shade and burying his feet in the sand, watching Chase run around and play.)

Kokichi managed some breath to laugh, not surprised in the slightest that a story told by his husband would turn out that way. Giving Kaito a cheeky smile, Kokichi squeezed his hand. “I didn’t think it...it was that kind of battle, hun. Seems a bit...one-sided…”

“Oh, that’s not the battle I was talking about. This was hardly a fight.” Kaito said dismissively, still working it out in his head, taking bits and pieces of actual memories he had and making them extravagant and adventurous and fun.

(The erotic images were true. Honestly, Kaito wasn’t sure what had made him think of it, or reference it. He hadn’t thought of Hifumi in years. Poor bastard.)

“I only bring up the sea chase to explain what I was doing in the jungle in the first place. See, I was playing around with this pirate a bit, kind of enjoying the chase, but eventually I got bored with it and lost him by crashing my ship and faking my death. Extreme, I know, but some people just can’t take a hint, ya know?”

“So, I’ve successfully faked drowning, my ship is shattered among some rocks, and I move on to go exploring the jungle!” Kaito continued, “And I’m not nervous, per se, but I had never been in a deep jungle before this point, and-”

“You guys okay?” Maki called back, her and Shuichi stopping, waiting for them to come up.

“We’re fine! I’m telling Kokichi about one of my summer breaks! You guys wanna listen!?” Kaito called up to them.

Shuichi and Maki gave each other curious looks, before Shuichi shrugged, calling back. “Sure! Get over here!”

“Coming!” Kaito looked down at Kokichi, “I’ll keep telling the story when we catch up to them. You still good?”

That only sucked Kokichi in more to the story. Jungle? Faking a sea death and exploring a jungle?! Was there an underground empire in a faraway jungle?!

But Maki calling back brought him back to reality, one where his friends were...now more than a good pace in front of them. Which was kind of embarrassing but...it didn’t matter how slow you went as long as you kept moving. 

Swallowing, feeling that slight burn of exertion in his legs and back, feeling himself trying to get more air on every breath… “...a little more. Wanna try for a little more.” 

And maybe that didn’t mean much, but it meant a lot to him. And it wasn’t like they were passing right by one of the rest stops Maki had mentioned, so he wasn’t being stubborn for stubbornness’ sake. He just...wanted to push himself. Do more than he thought, even if that thought hadn’t come until a bit up the path, since Kokichi hadn’t really realized how much effort just walking uphill could be. 

...still, he was a little embarrassed by his red cheeks, just a little too flushed for the cold, and his panting by the time he and Kaito neared Maki and Shuuichi again. 

Maki and Shuichi both watched their friends approach, both of them glancing at Kokichi… before looking to Kaito. “So? What story is this?”

The group continued on, moving slowly, Kaito still holding Kokichi’s hand, but wrapping his arm around Kokichi’s a little too. A small, voiceless offering of his elbow as he said, “So, I’m telling Kokichi about the time I got lost in a jungle, trying to escape a pirate that was after my booty.”

“...oh.” Maki said, raising an eyebrow. “Okay.” as Shuichi snickered next to her. “You….got lost in the jungle? When?”

“You don’t remember?” Kaito asked, grinning at her, “Oh, well, I guess when you found me in the Underground Empire, I wasn’t ‘lost’ perse.”

Maki blinked. “I found you where?”

“The Underground Empire, Maki.” Shuichi repeated, as if this explained everything.

“Oh.” Maki said, “Of course. Right. When I… found you in the Underground Empire…” she frowned, eyes narrowing, befores saying suspiciously, “Are you roleplaying?”

“Hush, Maki, let me tell my story.” Kaito huffed. 

“So! I’m wandering through the jungle, and I’m enjoying the jungle heat, when all of the sudden, I hear this hissing sound.” Kaito said, mimicking the sound a bit as he went, “Ssss, sssss… and I know it’s a snake. Of course it’s a snake! But I wasn’t expecting to come across this long, beautiful...anaconda warrior woman!” Kaito said, eyes sparkling, his grin all teeth. “She was amazing! She had these incredibly shiny, golden, green scales, and was wearing this amazing heavy, bronze armor, was holding this long, long spear, and had this cape that went all the way around this gate that she was guarding with her life! The gate… to the Underground Empire!”

It took a moment, but Kokichi took the offered elbow, still not ready to call it quits, so anything that would help was welcome. In some ways, Kokichi was reminded of that awful day so many months ago, that had actually started out alright. Where Kokichi had been pleasantly surprised with Kaito sticking to his belief and promise in him, and helped him down to breakfast instead of insisting that Kokichi stay in bed and rest. 

...he’d fought his friends so hard that first month, and they hadn’t deserved any of his ire. Even if none of them had seemed to mind much...maybe he’d apologize if it came up, but until then, he could admit it to himself that he’d been out of line. Kaito, Shuuichi, and Maki had done nothing but support him since they met, and while he was generally grateful for that, he needed to realize the extent of it and let that knowledge fight any doubt that pushed his buttons. 

Kokichi breathlessly laughed at Maki’s confusion but didn’t get a chance to interject before Kaito continued, moving the story more into fantasy with...snake people? “Was...the empire actually underground…? I thought you meant...like...that it was a n-network of...illicit products… That kind of empire…”

“Oh, it was.” Shuichi interjected, Kaito giving him a curious look, as Shuichi continued on, his tone shockingly easy and confident as he explained, “The Underground Empire was a world-wide smuggling ring, hidden on an unmarked jungle island. That’s why me and Maki were there in the first place, after all. The Momota Family had sent us to find the Necklace of Meridan.”

Kaito’s eyes widened, before he grinned wide. “I love that treasure… it’s so beautiful, ‘Kichi. It’s this big, beautiful pink diamond, in this intricately melted and sculpted white-golden chains…” Kaito sighed. “Amazing. Literally priceless.”

“Exactly. So, when it went missing, myself and Maki knew it would end up in the underground smuggling ring, and we went straight to the source.” Shuichi continued on easily, before scoffing a little, giving Kaito an amused look as he said, “We were not expecting to see Kaito there. Not when he was supposed to be cruising on the ocean.”

“Pirates, man. They’re relentless.” Kaito grinned, before continuing on seriously, “So! The anaconda warrior woman! Of course the first thing I did when I saw her was go up to her, hoping to flirt. I was smitten! How could I not be!? But she wasn’t distracted at all, a warrior to her very core! So, she challenged me to battle!”

“It was a long, terrible battle! We were evenly matched, and there were many points where I considered backing down and running, but every time I was tempted, she’d say something that challenged me and stoked my fire! And finally, when we were both battered and bruised and I was ready to either cut her down or fall by her spear! What happened next was so exciting, so compelling, so horrifying-!”

“I came out of the gate and told Kaito to knock it off.” Maki said. “And told the snake woman that I would vouch for him, and she let him in.”

“...yeah!” Kaito laughed, rubbing the back of his neck, as he confessed, “Maki got me in. Guess someone recognized me and knew she was here and went to go get her for me.”

Meridan… The name was familiar. From the context, Kokichi could guess that she was one of the Atuan saints, but...Kaito had told him a story about her, right? Not the mid-wife… The twin? Yeah, that sounded right…

And it sounded like the necklace was actually real. If Kaito had seen it then...it would probably be in the capital cathedral, right? Maybe Kokichi would get to see it one day, then, if it wasn’t blasphemous for non-believers to come into the temple. Much to Amber’s dismay, he wasn’t much of a jewelry guy, but he could appreciate good craftsmanship and design. 

He listened to Kaito talk up the grand battle he’d had with the gatekeeper, glancing up in wonder as he pushed every step forward, but a few breathless laughs escaped him when Maki spoke up. “That’s our Maki-ch...chan...always lookin’...hah…”

Kokichi stopped then, his face not pained and still holding some of the mirth he’d been trying to speak through, but he started heavily panting, not having enough air at this point to talk and walk. 

Kaito frowned for a second, giving Kokichi a concerned look…

Shuichi suddenly sighed. “Maki. Do you know when the next resting spot is? My feet hurt.”

Maki glanced at Shuichi, before nodding. “Let me scout ahead. I’ll be right back. Continue the story, Kaito, but don’t make light of how I basically held your hand the whole time you were there.” she demanded, before she was suddenly running ahead. 

“Thanks Maki!” Kaito called to her back, as Maki bolted ahead, watching her run for a bit before saying, “Right, so...where was I…”

“Maki had just found you and brought you to the Underground Empire, and I was in the middle of investigating who might have the Necklace of Meridan…”

“...right…”  Kaito murmured, thinking, “You were hot on its trail, Shuichi. Kokichi, you’d have been so proud to see it. Nothing Shuichi has done here can really equal how amazing it is to see him investigating a truly impossible case, finding all these little clues and pieces and managing to, almost out of nothing, suss out the truth… it can be really, really incredible to witness. Shuichi’s amazing at it.”

The ex-detective blushed a little, before saying, “Not that this case too much finesse. The necklace had been sold, and it was big news among the underground, but it was the Emperor himself who had bought the necklace from the smugglers.”

“Yeah! The Emperor! In fact, shockingly enough, ‘Kichi! Not only did the Emperor commission the theft of the treasure, but guess who the smuggler was!” Kaito said, excitement in his face as he made the connection in his head, clearly proud of himself as he said, “It was the Pirate Captain that had been chasing me! He had been in the middle of smuggling run when he had diverted his course to try to snag me as well, but when I lost him, he went to go sell the necklace to the Emperor! So, not only did we have to get the necklace back, but we had to get it back from the most powerful man in the underground, while keeping me secret from the Pirate King-”

“-he’s a king now?” Shuichi murmured. 

“- who was being given a celebratory banquet at the Emperor's palace as thanks for the necklace!”

As Kaito was gushing over his own twist, Maki ran back, gong down to a trot as she said to the group, “At this pace? There’s a sitting area fifteen minutes from here. If we quicken our pace a bit, maybe letting myself and Kaito carry some weight? Five minutes.” Maki looked at Kokichi, “Fifteen or five?”

...his friends really were sweet. He didn’t mean to have them give him an out, he really did think he could make it a little farther...but he was glad for their delicate handling of it anyway. 

And while he did pay attention to the story they were all building at this point, Kokichi just focused on getting his breath back. They weren’t going to just stop in the middle of the trail, even if it seemed like they were the only people visiting that day, so he was going to have to keep moving, at least for a little while, and… If he could just catch his breath, he could make it a little farther, enough for a more proper rest. 

...even so, he couldn’t keep himself a fully passive audience for a story like this. 

“H-heist?” he guessed, always excited for a good heist story, though when Maki returned… 

“...fifteen…” Kokichi nodded, picking up his legs again, determined to make it to the rest stop himself. And it wasn’t just his hopes--as long as he didn’t totally lose his breath again, he could make it. Yeah, he’d probably want to flop on the ground when they got there, but...he’d still have made it. Swallowing and trying to keep his breath steady, Kokichi looked back up at Kaito. “You did an...espionage mission to get it back...right? Like...making use of lowered...t-traffic since people were...at the banquet...or banking on the crowds to...to get close…”

“What part are you guys on?” Maki asked, looking confused.

“We just found out that the emperor of the underground smuggling kingdom has the necklace of Meridan, and that he’s hosting a banquet in honor of the smuggler who sold it to him, who was the Pirate King that was chasing Kaito and made him fake his own death.” Shuichi summarized, “And now we gotta get the necklace back.”

“Ah, of course.” Maki said, thinking… “We used espionage. We used cover. And we used spectacle. First of all, we sent Shuichi into the banquet, disguising him as a guest. And his job…” Maki glanced at Shuichi.

“A whisper-campaign.” Shuichi supplied, closing his eyes a little, panting a bit as he thought about what might work… “I spoke to the guests, learning as much as I could about the Emperor as I could, and I found out he was paranoid of poison. So, I started a whisper campaign that some new, almost impossible to detect form of poison had been made specifically for this banquet, and spread it among the guests that someone was going to try it on the emperor. So, by the time the rumor got the emperor himself, all the guests were already coming up with theories of who was doing it, accusing each other, and defending themselves, everyone entirely distracted suspecting each other of this poison scheme.”

“Right! Which made it a lot simpler for Maki to sneak into the treasure room, since…” Kaito glanced at Maki.

“The guardsman were all being called into the banquet hall, security being raised last minute and half-haphazardly, the emperor convinced some sort of coup or treachery was about to take place at the banquet.” Maki explained, “They left their strongest people to guard the treasure room, of course, but were counting on the strength of the massive, metal door that kept treasure hidden away to be the main obstacle from thieves. And…” Maki suddenly smirked, “While I can pick simple locks, like doors and windows? This was above my caliber. Thankfully…”

She glanced at Kokichi, “There was this mysterious, famous phantom thief, small in stature, who always hid his identity, that just so happened to be in the empire at the same time as us, that we met at a pub before we started the heist. We never learned his name, but we paid him to help us. He was an amazing lockpick… but he had this very annoying thing where he wouldn’t let me kill anyone.” Maki said, rolling her eyes, “So I had to knock out the remaining guards, and then keep watch as he worked on the door.”

Kokichi grinned, still focusing on his steps and breaths, but it didn’t lessen his enjoyment of the story any. A world-wide underground network, centered in its own little nation in the heart of a jungle, partially inhabited by snake people. The Luminary’s best team sent to retrieve an important, priceless religious artifact, finding themselves with an extra ally with insider knowledge into one of the pieces they’d been working on who’d shipwrecked purposefully for adventure…

...and then with another ally. 

Blinking up at Maki in slight surprise, Kokichi’s expression softened then quirked up, trying to keep most of his enjoyment to his expressions, but failing as a few quick laughs escaped him. 

“Wow… Sounds lucky for...you all to run into such...a perfect piece for the...the mission. I bet that thief was...really cool…” Kokichi sighed softly, more just regulating his breaths than anything. “...have such cool stories… Don’t have any...summer vacation stories like that...not being kept in the castle...always...like...everyone knows. No way I could’ve been anywhere else…”

Then, with a mischievous look, he squeezed Kaito’s hand. “...don’t suppose I’ve...sh-showed you my collection of...foreign coins…”

“Ha! You’ll have to show us when we go back tomorrow, ‘Kichi. I’m sure you got all of them totally innocently, as is everything you do.” Kaito laughed, leaning over to kiss Kokichi’s forehead. 

“So! Maki and the mysterious phantom thief were breaking into the safe, and Shuichi was causing chaos in the banquet, and my job…” Kaito paused, thinking about it, frowning, “My job… was…”

Shuichi sighed. “He had to save me.”

Kaito blinked, looking over at him, “I did?”

“Oh, yes.” Shuichi nodded, cool, golden eyes flashing pink slightly as they crossed over a bit of a steep, the path evening out a little, the sun reflecting through the mountains, “See, the rumor chain had gotten out of control, and I was careless. I should have left halfway through the banquet once the rumor had really caught fire, but I wanted to stay and keep the emperor distracted as much as I could. And because of that, the rumors started coming back at me. Eventually, the Pirate King pulled me out of the crowd and presented me to the emperor as…” Shuichi chuckled, “An assassin from Luminary.”

“Oh no!” Kaito siad, eyes widening, caught up in the fantasy as he said, “I’d definitely have to have done something!”

“I know! And you did.” Shuichi said, smiling warmly at Kaito, “What did you do?”

“I...I took out my sword, and leapt from the crowds that I had been hiding in, waiting to be backup if anything had gone wrong! And indeed, something had gone wrong! My incredible sidekick and extremely hot future boyfriend was being held by the sword by the dread pirate king, waiting on the word of the emperor to strike him down! So!”

“I leapt onto the banquet table, and challenged the pirate king to a fight for your life! The emperor wanted the pirate king to refuse, but the pirate king agreed to the bargain, under the terms that if I lost, not only would you be executed, but I’d have to become a part of his pirate crew!”

“Nefarious.” Maki monotoned. 

“I’m sure he’d have done terrible, sexy things to me! But Shuichi was on the line, and I couldn’t refuse! So I accepted his terms, and we fought, no one allowed to interfere in the battle!”

“We clashed swords! Swinging on chandeliers and riding the tops of chairs, each step, each swing, full of danger and potential ruin! It was the battle of the century! Shuichi looked like he might faint any minute from the excitement of it all!”

“Yep. I did. Very exciting.” Shuichi smiled, seeing a series of benches not far now, genuinely looking forward to the rest. “Might have fainted in any moment.”

“And just as it was looking like I might be defeated by the pirate king, Shuichi slain and myself taken for sexy treasure-!”

“Myself and the phantom thief swooped in, grabbed Shuichi, knocked out the pirate king, and we all went home.” Maki finished, sighing as they got to the benches. “Honestly. Kaito, you make fights so much longer than they ever have to be. Not every fight is a spar. Just knock him out and move on, we have a long trip home and we can’t spend hours fighting every sexy pirate you meet.”

“Awwww… that’s alright. I got to flirt with that super sexy mysterious phantom thief for awhile instead. Pretty sure he was into me… but a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.” Kaito chuckled, looking at Kokichi, “Right babe?”

Kokichi looked over at Shuuichi in worry, right back into the story and worried for him, caught tangled in his own web. Lovely Shuuichi, too clever and curious for his own good… But had a lot of devoted friends there to help him out of whatever trouble he ran into. Not that Kaito would think twice about getting into a fight to save a friend. 

A very glamorous, story-esque fight that would span the better part of a chapter if written, the thoughts and drives of each participant giving the reader the environmental clues to almost solve a puzzle, figuring out the clever way the hero would win this battle. And, of course, full of witty banter and goading outlining each movement of action. 

Laughing airily, Kokichi gave Kaito a teasing look as he was helped down to sit on a bench, his legs suddenly thankful for the reprieve. “I dunno, hun. You’ve told me about plenty of kisses. But...I think the super cool pha...phantom thief would be better left forgotten in hi...history. I’d get really jealous...hearing you flirt with such a cha...charming character…”

Kokichi shook his head a little with a grin before getting his water bottle out and taking a drink, a certain gratitude shown in the way he briefly bowed his head to his friends.

Everyone settled down, Shuichi sighing contently as he sat down next to Kokichi, Kaito sitting down cross legged in the dirt in front of them, Maki taking his cue and doing the same next to him, looking through her backpack before taking out four bars of fibers, passing them around and insisted, “Have a few bites at least, even if you’re not hungry. It’ll give you energy when we start walking again.”

“Got it, Maki-Roll.” Kaito grinned, taking his bar and eating it right away, not hungry, but not seeing any reason to not eat the whole thing right away, as Shuichi nibbled on his a bit. “Have I told you about plenty of kisses? I don’t think I’ve told about old sexual experiences that much…”

Maki looked at Kaito like he was actually crazy, as she said, “Are you serious?”

Kait looked back at her, confused. “What?”

“Kaito, talking about sex is one of your favorite things to do,” Shuuichi pointed out, still picking lightly at his bar. Not fond of the taste.

“Well, sure, but… I only do that in a general way. I don’t talk about like…specific people and events. I mean…” Kaito grinned sheepishly, “Maybe to you two while I was in those relationships, since it's comforting to talk about them to friends, kind of get a second opinion about stuff going on. But I don’t think I’m in a habit of putting out people's dirty laundry…am I?” Kaito frowned.

Kokichi had to focus on breathing for a little bit before he bit into his bar, but even with just a moment of sitting, drinking, and eating, he was already feeling better. He could definitely make it to the top himself, no carrying needed. And the way down would be a little easier, though he might get winded then too, just from how long the walk was. But then it’d be another short ride to the hot springs~

Hah! Always thinking about the future was too true. 

Working on his bar, taking sips of water in between, Kokichi tilted his head from side to side. “I mean...it’s more events than people. Like, you’ve told me plenty of stories that are “oh, my ex and I did such and such”. Maybe some of them are a bit personal, but...without knowing anything else about the people, I would never be able to make the connection between that story and who the person is. And...to be fair, a lot of the time when the stories come up, it’s when we’re talking about personal things in the first place.”

“I can’t...really think of any story you’ve told that would make someone mad that you told it,” Kokichi reassured, offering Kaito a smile. And purposefully “forgetting” the ex-girlfriend Kaito had talked about who’d shit her pants when she got wasted. She would probably not want stories of that to get out, but...like he’d said. He’d never gotten her name and had never gotten a description, so he’d never make the connection. 

“Yeah, I mean… I try not to do that,” Kaito said, though he still looked a little worried now. “I mean, rumors get around regardless, but I try not to, ya know… I mean, I like talking about my sex life, but like…” Kaito sighed, running his hand through his hair, “I’m not trying to put anyone else’s stuff out there. Though, maybe I’m not always super good at leaving out, like…context clues…”

Shuuichi sighed, readjusting his cap as, an exasperated look on his face, he said, “Well, I know way too much about all of it. It was to different extents, but Princess-Consort Sayaka, Byakuya, and Kaede all had me reporting to them about your romantic life, Kaito. It was a full time job for a while there. Just telling you who was asking and asking for the details was the smartest decision I ever made in my career.”

“Mmmhm.” Kaito agreed, nodding. “Yeah, I mean, I get why they were worried. But honestly… they could have just asked me. Or, like… told me what I wasn’t allowed to do.” Kaito shrugged… before tapping on his knees, frowning… “Shuichi, you know it’s okay to tell me if anyone else asked you, right? I’m not going to blame you or anything like that, it was your job and-”

Shuuichi’s face tightened, a clear look of frustration on his face. “Kaito. We’ve talked about this. Every time you bring this up, I get more and more offended. I would tell you if Tengan was getting the information from me. He wasn’t. I promise you. It wasn’t me.”

Kaito worried his joints a little, biting the inside of his lip...he knew, he knew, that Tengan had information on him that he was certain only he, his partner, and Shuuichi had known… he had gone to his partners and they had sworn they hadn’t told anyone themselves…

...and he sighed. “I’m sorry, Shuichi, I know. I’m just being an idiot. I know you’d tell me if he had made you report anything to him. I just… I swear, sometimes it was like he could read my mind. I don’t know where he was getting his intel, but man…”

“The people you were with were probably spreading locker room stories themselves.” Maki shrugged. Putting the rest of her bar back in her backpack, “Or you had people spying on you. It’s not super outlandish.”

“Yeah, I know… sorry again, Shuichi.”

Shuichi relaxed a little, shrugging. “You’re forgiven, Kaito.”

Perhaps trying to lighten the mood, Maki looked to Kokichi, raising an eyebrow, as she said, “So. Does our Dicean Prince have any kiss and tell stories to share?”

Kokichi frowned slightly, remembering Kaito’s despondent desperation, asking why he was never given a choice. Why no one ever asked him, just deciding to make decisions that didn’t need to be made when they pertained to him. And that feeling only grew when Kaito mentioned that bastard, the look on his face growing dark. He didn’t understand the politics, but at least the others were family. Tengan had no right to know anything about Kaito that Kaito didn’t say himself. 

But he just sighed, letting those dark, angry feelings go to scoff a guffaw at Maki’s question, giving her an amused look. “Oh please, you think I wouldn’t have shared something by now? Nah, Kai-chan was my first kiss; at our wedding. Looking back...that was probably super embarrassing huh?” 

Kokichi looked over at Kaito teasingly, fully willing to be the butt of that joke (and, at least in this case, not finding the concept of embarrassing his partner as world-ending as Kaito usually said it with). “I bet you could tell by how fuckin’ nervous beyond belief I was that I didn’t count the forehead and hand ones.” 

“Hey, come on...I didn’t want to actually steal your first kiss. I was just hoping you’d find the idea of me touching you more comfortable with little, like, test ones on other body parts first.” Kaito explained, looking fondly at his husband, before smirking shuffling onto his knees and leaning over to Kokichi.

“And no. I could tell I was your first kiss because you did this.” Kaito grinned, before closing his eyes tight and puckering up his lips, waiting impatiently for Kokichi to fill the gap.

Shuichi giggled, though he tried to hide it behind his hands, staring at them fondly, while Maki rolled her eyes, “Shame to have missed that. Sounds like it was pretty cute.”

Snorting, Kokichi leaned in. “And then my suave new husband did this,” he filled in the story, bonking his forehead against Kaito’s before rewarding Kaito with a chaster kiss than their wedding one. “And saved me from looking like a total dork. Even if he kissed me right in front of my dad. How scandalous!”

...he wished Shuuichi and Maki could’ve been there. For a lot of really obvious reasons, but...it really had been a great party. He wished they could’ve seen their best friend’s wedding, had gotten to celebrate together and see all the cute moments…

But saying that felt like bringing on too much...baggage. 

Sitting back up, Kokichi sighed dramatically. “Ah, well, what do you know, we re-enacted it anyway, just way later than I thought. Glad I didn’t place any bets.”

“Ah, I’ve told them some stories of our wedding day babe.” Kaito admitted, looked flushed and pleased by the kiss, staring adoringly at his husband, perfectly content to stay kneeling in front of him. “Tango guy? He definitely came up a few times. That guy was wild. And, how weird the wedding ceremony was?”

“You didn’t even realize you were getting married till they pulled the rings out or something, right?” Shuichi filled in, having heard this story months ago and vaguely remembering it, “Like you thought you were just being led to King Aiichi to talk or something?”

“I didn’t know he was officiating it! And there was no, like… ceremony or lines or announcements or anything! Everyone was just standing around talking, and suddenly I was getting married! I didn’t know!” Kaito exclaimed, looking embarrassed. 

“And your binding ceremony was a hot mess,” Maki filled in, “Only, what...four people were even there?”

“...mess is… I mean, I didn’t call it a hot mess, I don’t think...it was just kinda…” Kaito ran a hand through his hair, looking uncomfortable, “It was… weirdly put together. Lots of weird last minute changes, and yeah, no one was… I mean, it was fine… it was just strange. Especially looking back on it. You’d have thought at least some of the members of the party would have been invited, but not even all of my advisors were there. It was... ” Kaito shrugged. “Honestly, it was all a very weird day.”

Ah, the infamous Tangouai. Honestly, Kokichi was half expecting that every time he and Kaito went out dancing he’d have to anticipate that half the time would have to go to Kaito and his dance rival having it off. It was pretty endearing, actually. 

Kokichi laughed sheepishly, taking another swig of water. “I felt kinda bad about that, when I saw how confused you were when we got to the podium. I thought we were just being cheeky about everything, but, no. And even what we did was more formal than anything that happens at normal weddings--it was just a big deal to be able to announce the end of the war, you know?”

And the binding ceremony… Kokichi’s expression softened as he reached over to cup Kaito’s jaw affectionately. “...weird doesn’t even begin to cover it. But...I’ll always be thankful for what you did for me for the binding ceremony. Especially now knowing how extra weird it all was. You were really brave to speak up on the stairs like that, giving me an out. There’s no way I would’ve been able to make it through the ceremony.”

And he wouldn’t have been around to get Shuuichi’s message from Tim. Which wouldn’t have given them enough information for Kokichi to tip Katsuki off where the others were and…

Yeah. Of all the weird and stressful stuff that day, Kaito speaking up to let Kokichi stay upstairs was a proud, courageous moment.

Kaito grinned cheerfully at that, loving Kokichi’s wandering hands on his face, leaning into the touch a little. But he laughed nervously, a weird…

...he didn’t know what to call it.

He really didn’t know what to call it. 

(Imagine the discomfort of someone furiously glaring at the back of your head. You know they’re pissed, and that they’re staring. You can feel it.)

But he looked back at that memory awkwardly and murmured, “Yeah, that was kind of wild, actually. I mean… I wasn’t… it’s not like I was…” Kaitos brow furrowed, and he huffed. Feeling a spark of annoyance at himself. “I wasn’t risking anything. I can argue with the Head Secretary. He can try to shut me down all he wants, and… yeah, he was… way more comfortable pushing the limits of that that day more than… he’s really been since I was a kid, honestly. But I wasn’t in danger. He’s just… good at talking around me…”

“But man, he was taking all kinds of risks that last week with me. Like, again, pulling shit he hasn’t tried since I was young,” Kaito recalled, rolling his eyes a little, again, just kinda frustrated with how all that had gone. “He came into my room in the middle of the night at one point when I was in recovery, saying a bunch of… stupid stuff. He freaking convinced General Juuzo to take a few shots at me on our wedding day. And that was the little shit! The threats against Ikuo and then the actual threat against Shuuichi and I will never, ever be convinced he didn’t have something to do with the aphrodisiac and allll that shit and then he just…”

Kaito ran a hand through his hair, frustrated, as he stared at the ground in fury, “Then he just stopped?? Literally when we signed the treaty the literal last time he spoke a word to me. He did all that crazy shit, didn’t follow up on any of it, and then left without so much a word to me. And now the Luminary Party has disappeared who knows where and it’s like… what was all that!?”

Maki shrugged, “Sounds like the work of a crazy person. If there’s a greater plan or goal there, I don’t see it. It all seems nonsensical.”

“Yeah. Especially considering it looked like the goal was for me to die either way, regardless of what you did, Kaito.” Shuichi pointed out, sighing. “The fact that you never so much as received word from him again after that shows he never bothered following up on his weird ‘deal’ with you.”

“Fucking crazy… I just don’t understand what the point of it was…” Kaito grumbled. “It was like he was fucking with us for just the shits and giggles.”

He might’ve not been risking anything in a literal sense...but it was still something that was difficult to do, Kokichi could tell. For himself, going through that part of a ceremony so important to him alone, and then to stick up for himself against that bastard, which while Kaito could do it...it was hard. So, yeah, Kokichi would be grateful and proud for what Kaito had done, even if he didn’t see the greatness of it. 

Especially among all the other stuff that was apparently going on???

Kokichi’s brow furrowed in worry, the matter done with but...what? Kaito had gotten hurt? When...they were apart?? And everything…

Agreeing with his friends, trying to just...let it be in the past, Kokichi still couldn’t help making a disgusted sound in his throat. “What a loony creep. I’ll never understand that perspective, at least. It’s way more fun to help people so you can have fun together...anyone trying to make things worse not because they have their own real goals needs some serious help…”

Shaking his head, Kokichi took another drink of water and tried, again, to let it go. “Well...even for a stupid reason like that, I’m happy that we’ve all made it past that. And I have a big feeling next summer’s gonna be, like, ten times better.”

“Yeah! Definitely! No weird fucking old guys with weird, indicipherable vendettas!” Kaito cheered, leaning over to give his husband a quick kiss on the cheek. Then he stood up, going around the bench and heading over to Shuichi, putting his arms around his shoulders and kissing against his cheek as well, “And a little bitty baby! It’s gonna be perfect!”

“We will never sleep again.” Shuichi grumbled, though he leaned into the hug.

“You don’t worry about that Shuichi. There’s three of us, we will figure out how to get everyone the sleep they need. And you’re going to be in recovery, so if anyone’s getting the short end of that deal, it’s not gonna be you, okay? Neither of you have to worry about that.” Kaito promised, kissing at Shuichi’s temple. 

Maki rolled her eyes, before looking everyone over, and standing up. “We ready to move again?”

Kokichi sighed as he stood back up, putting his bottle away. “Kai-chaaaaaan, you might be a lighter sleeper, but I’m definitely taking on some baby night duties, alright? You can’t stop me. I know you love Baby a lot, but you’re not gonna be taking on all of her care on your own. And if you try, our daughter’s definitely gonna be spoiled ‘cause I’ll be there too.”

He knew Kaito just wanted to make things easier on them, because he was a sweet, loving partner, but, as he often expressed, Kokichi wanted to be there for their daughter in every circumstance, not just when it was easy. And he was expecting long nights rocking the baby and changing diapers and getting her food and everything that babies needed. In a way, he was almost excited for it. 

Giving each leg a little shake as he took a few steps back towards the path, Kokichi punched an arm into the air. “Alright! We have a waterfall to see! I wonder how far away we’ll be able to hear it before we get to the viewing point…”

The answer to that was, another twenty minutes.

It was Maki who heard it first, but Shuichi was the first to comment on it. As the group talked idly about recipes, the conversation starting from Kaito talking about the first cooking class he had gone to in greater detail the week before. As Maki explained to Kokichi that, yes, they did cook lizards sometimes, and yes, they were far better smoked than anything else, Shuichi went quiet… before saying, “You all hear that?”

In the distance, was a small, but ever steady, rumble.

Kokichi was breathing a little heavier in the twenty minutes they had been walking, but still nowhere near the panting exhaustion that had overcome him earlier, so when he paused, listening to that rumble…

He practically did a double hop in the air, quickening his pace a bit even though they were probably more than just a sprint away. “Oo, oo!! We’re getting close! Aw, I wonder if there’s gonna be, like, fog all over the bottom--it’s really cool in paintings! Probably not many birds out since all the migratory ones are already headed south…”

Doing a little exciting bit of running back and forth, waiting to see the waterfall but always going back for Kaito’s hand, Kokichi chattered about the paintings of the waterfall he’d seen until there was a thinning of the trees, the path starting to widen as they neared its end. And, before long…

Despite his excitement, Kokichi stopped dead, his eyes wide and jaw dropped as before them was the magnificent sight of an over hundred foot high waterfall. 

Funnily enough, for a moment there, Kokichi was ahead of all of them, his excitement over-riding his exhaustion, and Kaito was trailing behind him a few steps, still holding his hand, but Kokichi leading the way. And Kaito had been looking over his shoulder at Shuichi, double checking on him, when Kokichi suddenly stopped. 

“Hm?? Everything good, ba-… woah…” Kaito’s eyes widened. “...Holy shit.”

The waterfall was in the distance, but Kaito could see why the trail took them to this point, and not even closer. And he could see why Maki had insisted the idea of getting close enough to explore it was laughable. It wasn’t a waterfall, like Kaito knew it in Luminary. It was… closer to the man-made falls of the Novoselic capital. It was like an ocean was pouring down the mountainside. 

It was literally looking at a roaring cliffside of water.

There was a strong, metal safety rail on the viewing cliff, and even with their distance from the waterfall, everything was wet, water turning up from the lakeside below, puddles everywhere and the metal dripping consistently at the perspiration in the air. Kaito and Kokichi went up to the rails, Maki and Shuichi following up behind them, Shuichi looking over the railing and swallowing a little, reaching over to hold Maki’s hand, who let him. 

Still, despite his nervousness with the height, Shuichi still looked down, fascinated with seeing the water crash against the lake below, and seeing that lake narrow into a river, curling into the distance around the bend of the mountain. “This is amazing.” Shuichi said, smiling. “It’s so much more than I expected.”

While Kokichi had plenty to say about the paintings he’d seen and what he knew of the wildlife and tourist trends and history of the area… With the waterfall right in front of him? He was speechless. Nothing compared to just...the overwhelming force of nature rumbling in their ears and splattering mists of water over their thankfully waterproofed cloaks (something he’d doubly insisted on when they’d done another big shopping trip for winter clothes. Being able to keep dry not just in snow, but in sleet and hail, and the rainstorms that tended to come whenever the temperature decided to peek out of freezing was so, soooo important). 

This was the awe of nature he’d felt in his times wandering galleries and reading travel journals, sure, but...never to this extent. Never feeling this humbled and amazed and not just wanting to remember it forever, but knowing that this sort of impact wouldn’t leave him if he tried. 

Kokichi could only squeeze Kaito’s hand as they stood at the railing, leaning against his arm to convey what words escaped him for. 

“Wow…”

“This is super cool.” Kaito grinned, leaning over to kiss Kokichi’s head, before leaning against the safety rail, enjoying the view. “...though I still think this should count as a ‘vague body of water’.”

Shuichi reached over and wacked Kaito on the back of the head, the Luminary Prince just laughing.

The group took their time, enjoying the rest of reaching the end of the trail, watching the waterfall, uh, fall, and just enjoying each others company. It was Maki who tapped on Kokichi’s shoulder and pointed to the other side of the cliff, at the forest on the other side of the waterfall, and said, “Look. 7’ o clock, 63 vertical. Do you see? There’s some sort of…” Maki narrowed her eyes, a little uncertain, but saying, “...leopard?”

“Oh, shit, really?” Kaito said, listening in, looking in the direction she was pointing. “Where?”

Shuichi also peered, before saying, “Could be a cougar. Small though.”

Even with time, Kokichi found that he didn’t have much to say, just enjoying the waterfall and surrounding areas, watching the lake and river and surrounding woods. Every now and then he’d catch a glimpse of some animal or another, going about its day likely knowing that the disturbance up on the bluff wouldn’t be any harm to it. 

Like the creature Maki spotted. 

Kokichi looked around for a moment, trying to find the...ah! There! Definitely feline, but… Speaking softly, Kokichi found himself also pointing to the animal. “...I think it’s a lynx. It’s ears are pointed and have tufts, and I don’t see a long tail… Some lynxes are spotted, but more often more of a brown-ish grey to blend into the forest, and they’re long-haired rather than the shorter coat of a leopard. Just as dangerous as one though…”

“...could also be a bobcat. They’re in the same genus, and I don’t really know how to tell them apart well, other than bobcats are supposed to be smaller,” he hummed, eyes tracking the cat as it walked through the edge of the trees. “A long time ago people tried to domesticate lynxes since, yanno, big cats. But since housecats domesticated themselves...like, you can tend to a lynx, but it’s always going to be a wild animal, and the people who don’t remember that can get really hurt. We had to make a ban on keeping big cats as pets a few decades ago as a safety measure. People will try to keep anything as a pet, but at least now there’s procedure for animal handlers to keep folks and the cats safe.”

“Oh!” Shuichi’s eyes widened, “I want a snake.”

“Noooooooo.” Kaito groaned, leaning his head against the wet railing, “I’ve specifically never brought my fish up again, because I was worried it’d remind you that you want a snake…”

“I do. I still want my snake.” Shuichi said, smiling lightly at Kaito, amused at his anguish. “Why? What’s wrong with that? Snakes are very low maintenance, you know.”

“I am not letting a snake anywhere near Baby.” Kaito told him, no nonsense in his gaze, looking over to Maki, “Right? Right Maki? No snakes around babies?”

“Hm? Yeah, I guess so…” Maki pouted, “...I came a few years too late to have a violent, dangerous cat pet, huh… shame.”

“No violent big cats! I don’t even really want snakes! What’s wrong with dogs and fish!?”

Kokichi perked, his eyes widening as he muttered under his breath, “Shit, I totally forgot…” Because he had totally forgotten. Talking at the petting zoo and the total contentment of Shuuichi with the snake over his shoulders, Kaito wanting to get a festival fish, maybe having an aquarium in his shrine--he’d completely forgotten…

(To be fair, what happened soon after those conversations was reason enough to lose focus, but it didn’t make Kokichi feel any better about forgetting.)

Nodding a bit sheepishly at Shuuichi, Kokichi offered an apologetic smile. “We can check out conservation breeders when we get home.” And then for Kaito’s sake, he added, “We can set up a whole room for its terrarium, make sure it’s always nice and cozy. And maybe take a look at non-constrictor types first, though any animal in a shelter or from a breeder is going to be safe to have around. Venom types are gonna be de-venomed, and constrictors don’t tend to, well, constrict when they’re regularly fed. And regularly means every month or few months depending on the kind, when it comes to snakes.”

Offering that same smile to Kaito, Kokichi leaned against his arm. “And I can recommend places to get a fish and all the supplies for you too. Dogs and fish are cool, but there are a lot of animals out there that would benefit from good homes. People have species and demeanor preferences, sure, but they’re all lives all the same.”

And with a deep, shuddering sigh, Kokichi closed his eyes and braced himself to admit, “Even horrible ones like tarantulas and scorpions. They need homes too, the ones in captivity, at least. And I’d much rather they be safe in a nice terrarium than out in the wild doing who knows what…”

“...” Maki’s eyes widened.

“Nope. Veto. Not having it.” Kaito said, crossing his arms over his chest in an X format at her. “We are not bringing bugs into my bug-phobic husband's home. What do both of you want dangerous pets for?? We all already have each other, what more danger do we need!?”

Shuichi laughed as Maki pouted, hmphing, “Hey, Kokichi just made a very compelling argument that my future snake is going to be perfectly safe, and needs a home, thank-you-very-much.” The ex-detective smirked, “And if my snake gets a little hangry? I’ll just feed him the nearest fish.”

“You are not feeding your demon snake my fish, Shuichi! My fish didn’t do anything to anyone! He’s just swimming around in a bowl doing fish things!”

Now it was Maki’s turn to smirk, shaking her head as she sighed, “Honestly, you had a good point earlier, Kaito. What do I want a pet for. I take care of you all already. Not to mention Chase. That dog gets bigger every day. And I’m certain Tim’s been letting her sleep in his bed. I told him…” She sighed, shaking her head. That was a battle she was probably going to lose. She was certain that boy was letting the dog sleep with him at night.

Kokichi shuddered again, looking a little pale. “Maki-chan, I love you, but please don’t get a pet arachnid. I think I’d actually die.” He had been tempted to go to reptile shows before, wanting to see snakes and geckos and axolotls and the like, but considering the people who rescued and kept arachnids for pets tended to be at the same events… One day he’d get to feel what a leaf-footed gecko walking on you felt like, but...probably not at a show like that. 

Sighing a little, moving away from that thought, Kokichi smiled a bit at the mention of the growing puppy. “I don’t suppose pointing out that she’ll start to crush him when she gets to her full size would sway him any, huh. I don’t think he’d mind it. There’s no question to it when it comes to Tim and Chase, but sleeping together is a good social habit for dogs. But, yeah, I don’t think she could love him any more.”

He suddenly laughed. “Oh no, I dunno if we should be scared of a ‘love making her grow’ situation. We’d have to build a special house for a dog that big!” While those storybooks had been fun to read as a kid, the logistics were almost nightmarish. 

Big red dogs were not a thing, in Luminary, and the three gave Kokichi somewhat befuddled looks before Kaito just grinned and shook his head, leaning over to give his husband a side hug as he said, “You say some strange things sometimes, babe. But, yeah, brown labs get to be pretty big, don’t they?”

“Up to seventy pounds.” Maki sighed, “And on her hind legs, she could probably dance with Kokichi.”

“Ah, well… if for safety reasons alone I like the idea of Tim and the girls having a big dog around when they go out to play. Thankfully nothings happened that’s given me any real pause with him, but it is comforting to think Tim would have backup if anyone ever tried anything funny with him… it might keep him from stabbing them.” Kaito sighed.

“We did some knife throwing training yesterday, actually. He’s improving quite a bit.” Maki said, pride clear in her voice, “He lodged two knives in the center of the board, one after another. It actually took some doing to pull them out.”

Kaito grinned, “Nice. At this rate, next time he tries to kill me, he’ll probably succeed!”

Maki rolled her eyes, “Don’t joke about that, I’m certain he feels bad about that after all this time.”

Shuichi raised an eyebrow, “...I’m not certain I’ve ever seen any evidence to suggest that’s true.”

“Nah, he’s apologized for it. He was very brave about it too.” Kaito said, a little fond of the memory. “...alright. It’s a long walk back and the skies gonna be turning colors soon. Everyone got their fill of natures majesty and all that?”

“Hot springs.” Shuichi sighed, sounding rapturous.

Kokichi just raised an eyebrow back at his friends’ confused looks before he sighed. Well, when he read the books to Baby, then they’d get to experience it for the first time too. Those and the whimsical rhyming books, since, er...they could have some pretty heavy handed allegories in them that he doubted made their way to Luminary. Not really something you might notice as a kid, but they were blatant enough. 

Looking pretty proud at Tim’s improvement in knife throwing, it did remind Kokichi of something else that had kind of fallen by the wayside. He’d only had one more knife throwing lesson and...they were just getting hard to schedule. Between if Kokichi stayed late at work or had an art class or had therapy and then trying to match up against Maki’s schedule too… That was par for the course between two working adults, he supposed. Hopefully they’d get some more chances coming up. 

At Kaito’s call, Kokichi turned back to look at the waterfall for one last good moment...before turning with a nod, heading back towards the trail. “I think I wanna try painting the waterfall myself some time… Don’t think I could really do it justice, but it’d be nice to give my own interpretation. Seeing it for myself...it’s really clear that each artist got something different out of the experience. Maybe I’ll paint in a lynx too. Maybe Maki-chan running across the tree branches with her super cool pet lynx.”

Maki snickered at that, looking down at Kokichi… before sighing. “Love you too, by the way.”

Both Shuichi and Kaito looked at her, startled… before Kaito went “Awwwww!” while Shuichi laughed, before whispering to her, “Sap.”

Maki flushed, but squared her shoulders and put her nose in the air and shouted, “Shut up! Do you both wanna die!?”

Kokichi glanced up in slight surprise, not startled like his partners, before a sweet smile came across his face, and he held a hand close to his heart. He’d known without a doubt how much he and Maki meant to each other...but it was still nice to hear something as straightforward as a “love you”. 

And the universe relaxed a little, knowing that its pieces were properly in place. 

-

The trip back down the trail was much easier, as Kokichi had guessed, though he was also spot on about how out of breath he was by the time they made it back to the carriage, thankful for Kaito shooing him and Shuuichi back inside while he and Maki reined up the horse again. They planned to get dinner at the resort, but Kokichi didn’t think anyone was going to complain about him re-filling on the mixed nuts and fruit they’d brought along. 

And, as planned, the ride to the hot spring resort wasn’t long at all from the waterfall. Kokichi had rested, rubbed Shuuichi’s back a little, they talked about the waterfall more and...then they were there!

The first thing Kokichi noticed when he stepped out of the carriage was the smell. Not anything bad, but there was… There was the sharpness of cold, for sure, and up this high there was frost covering the ground, collecting bits of snow as it lightly sifted down from the sky, but there was this...almost earthy… ...it was different than treated water, but this…

Kokichi took a deep breath, trying to place it. “What does this smell like…? I can’t describe it at all.”

“Sulfur.” Maki and Shuichi both said immediately. 

Kaito, in turn, was looking at the resort, grinning at how nice the place looked. It reminded him of his cousin's manor a little, actually. Elegant and cosy. He bet the room was going to be nice. Looking over to Maki, he asked, “So, we check into the room first, right? Than we can go to the hotsprings?”

“Unless you were trying to go in your winter clothes?” Maki pointed out, her and Kaito grabbing everyone's luggage, both of them shooing Kokichi and Shuichi away from it as they hefted it over their shoulders, “Let’s go check in, drop off our luggage, get changed in our suits and robes, and then it’s a short stairway up over there-” she said, gesturing to slightly up the cliffside, “where there’s plenty of hot springs to choose from. The resort isn’t at capacity, we’ll likely be able to find a smaller one to ourselves.”

“Awesome! After a long walk like that? It’s gonna be amazing to soak in something warm!” Kaito cheered, leading the way to the resort.

“Should we eat first?” Shuichi wondered, looking longingly up at the staircase. “What do you guys think?”

Sulfur, huh? Kokichi had always heard that it smelled bad but...it wasn’t bad at all here. Maybe it was just diluted… “Mm...gives more credence to the healing mineral stuff, I guess,” he mused. 

Groaning longingly, Kokichi pouted a bit, though even after his water and snack he was ready for a meal. Guess what they said about exercise was true! “If I get into that water I don’t think I’m gonna come out until I’m about to pass out. For getting food at all, I think we should eat first, then enjoy our full bellies in a hot spring… Sounds nice that way, actually.”

He perked up considerably with that plan in mind and skipped forward to lead the way into the resort (and to hold the door for everyone to walk through). “Rooms, food, then hot springs! Then Shuu-chan and I get to sleep in tomorrow!”

“Yesssss.” Shuichi said, smiling wide at Kokichi, “Perfect.”

“Maki? You want to do any special kind of exercise with me tomorrow morning?” Kaito asked his friend, Maki considering the question as they headed to the lodge.

“Let’s do some climbing tomorrow, Kaito. Do you think you’d be up to seeing the sunrise?”

“Pffff, out here in the mountains? Hell yeah! That should be a good time.” Kaito grinned at her. 

He wasn’t such a jock that he’d prefer to be up and climbing before sunrise, but… he figured Maki would probably end up doing something like that on her own anyway, and he wanted to keep her company. His men could sleep in and be warm tomorrow, and he and her would get some bonding time in. 

While it was completely out of season, Kokichi had actually bought a swimsuit for this trip. It was perfectly acceptable to just wear a towel while you were in the hot spring, but considering they were public...and even if they would likely be able to get a pool to themselves, the comings and goings...yeah. He found he was more comfortable with the idea of wearing a swimsuit under his robe. 

And, to Kaito’s dismay, the suit Kokichi had picked out was of the shorts variety, a bright yellow pair of trunks with a vibrant purple design over top that looked like it was scribbled over in marker. Kokichi adored them and Kaito had done everything he could to try and talk him out of them. 

They somehow looked even worse submerged. 

“Ahhhhh……” And Kokichi looked completely at peace as he sank down in the steaming water, the lightly falling snow melting immediately as it touched the surface. All the slight burning in his legs and back melted just like the snowflakes and… “I could sit here forever...mm…”  

Kaito was offering Shuichi a steadying hand as his boyfriend got into the water himself, careful on the rocks, and while he was paying attention, he couldn’t help but glance sourly at Kokichi’s suit again… “Babe, I just… who picked those out for you? Did you buy those yourself? When? Why wasn’t I there to stop you?”

“Oh, thank goodness… this is what I’ve been looking forward to all day.” Shuichi sighed, sitting down, his hand idly on the side of his stomach, as if he might need to steady it. Maki, in turn, looked around, eyes peering into the darkness… listening for their neighbors (there were a few. The group had passed them on their way to this one, one of the smaller hotsprings near the back.)... and, when she had decided it was more or less safe?

She jumped into the hotspring.

“Gah! Maki! That’s hot! Are you crazy!?” Kaito demanded, shielding his face from the spray of the hot water, watching her reammerge, before Maki, in the center of the water, started moving her legs lightly, swinging her arms… and then laid out on her back. Floating almost on top of the water. 

“Mmm?” Maki hummed, enjoying that weightless feeling for a moment, staring up at the sky, “Can’t hear you Kaito. My ears are in the water.”

“I said, Gah! Maki! That’s hot-”

“Kaito, my ears are still under the water. Be halfway useful and keep an ear out for danger.” Maki said, closing her eyes for a moment, just breathing in the weightless steam of the heat.

Kokichi snickered as he lounged in the water, tilting his head up and watching the snow. They really had timed it perfectly...or Maki had bullied the universe again, getting Kokichi’s wish for snow while in a hot spring while allowing them easy travel. The universe might just be wising up that it was just easier to go along with what Maki wanted than try to fight her. 

“I like ‘em! They’re bright and they make me happy--I was lucky to find swim trunks like these when it’s nearly winter, you know. I was kind of expecting I’d have to settle for some boring, like, beige pair.” Kokichi sent his husband a cheeky grin before quickly shielding his face with a delighted giggle. Enjoying the small wave of hot water that Maki sent out before seeing her emerge, seeming more at peace with everything than he’d seen in a while. 

He returned his smile to Kaito soon enough, a sweeter one this time. “C’mon, the water’s great, I promise. I can practically feel my muscles turning to mush, and if it can do that for me then I’m sure it feels like paradise to you.”

Kaito snorted, rolling his eyes, “I’m coming in, babe, I just wanted to make sure Shuichi got in okay first.”

“I am...a-okay.” Shuichi said, leaning against some of the rocks, sighing contently. He was wearing a pair of simple, black swimming shorts. Maki was wearing a red bikini with more straps than was probably necessary. Kaito was…

Shuichi opened his eyes just in time to see Kaito take off the towel around his waist, and his whole face burnt red as he stammered, “K-kaito!!” 

“Relax, relax, I’m getting in the water.” Kaito laughed, not even so much as bothering to look around, junk hanging in the breeze, shivering as he quickly started to step in, “Man it’s cold out here….oh, but yeah, you guys are right. This water feels amazing.” Kaito sighed, sitting in.

“Kaito, you can’t...Maki’s right there.”

“I have, I will still guarantee, seen him naked more than both of you.” Maki said from the center of the water, hair swishing around her head.

“Wait, so can you hear us after all?” Kaito asked, scooting over to Kokchi.

“Hush, nudist. I can’t hear a thing.” Maki insisted.

Kokichi could only laugh, though there was an undeniable flush to his cheeks that couldn’t be blamed on the weather. He tipped his head over to butt lightly at Kaito’s arm, the longer ends of his hair dropping into the water. “Depending on how long you two dated, I could probably calculate it, but going on ten years of friendship? I would hope Kai-chan was less of an exhibitionist when he was thirteen, but you guys got up to all sorts of crazy stuff.”

“Maybe on our tenth anniversary I’ll come close to beating Maki-chan in the ‘has seen Kai-chan naked the most polls’.” Maybe before then, but he wasn’t underestimating things, even if he saw Kaito naked almost every day while he was changing (at the least). 

Settling down with a bit of a sigh...this type of comfort wasn’t like the awe of seeing the waterfall, and it wasn’t long before Kokichi was opening his mouth again. Looking at the blissed-out expression on Shuuichi’s face, still there under the flustered embarrassment, he could probably guess, but… “This doin’ the trick for your back? I’m sorry I couldn’t really get at the knots earlier…”

Shuichi smiled warmly at Kokichi, taking off his cap and putting it safely on the rock beside him, his cowlick lazily curving over his hair now. “It was still sweet of you to try. And it did help a little. But this... “ Shuichi sighed again, “Maybe its a placebo effect, but I swear, this is the least amount of pain I’ve been in for weeks.”

“Aw, handsome. If you’re really aching that badly, we can make more of an effort to ease it.” Kaito said, giving his boyfriend a concerned look, as he put an arm around Kokichi’s shoulders, pulling him in. “Next time you’re aching this bad? Let’s try using the sauna, or the hot tub, and I’ll massage your back. You want a massage tonight?”

“Mmmm… that sounds really nice.” Shuichi admitted, “If you’re not too tired? I’d like that, yeah.”

“Course. Anything for my Shuichi!” Kaito promised, leaning back on the rocks, following Maki’s gaze up to the sky, singing the springle of stars. “Nice...this trip was a good idea. That food was good, too. No one fall asleep in here though. That’s a bad idea.”

“No promises.”Shuichi sighed.

“I bet I could sleep and float at the same time.” Maki bet...before opening her eyes, looking over at Kokichi. “...you don’t know how to swim, right? Do you know how to float, Kokichi?”

Kokichi melted a little at that smile and returned a sweet one back, though with some regret. Shuuichi had been dealing with varying amounts of back pain for months now and...it wasn’t like their advice had ever been to suck it up, except for Maki’s who’s was to suck it up and exercise more. But...there was only so much they could do. Massages seemed to help a lot, but sometimes...Shuuichi was just stuck with an aching back that would likely just get more uncomfortable as the baby grew. And started moving. 

(Though Kokichi was quietly so excited for that! Their little baby daughter, starting to move her body…)

But they’d still try to ease his pain where they could. 

Turning to Maki, Kokichi sighed a little. “I’ve heard it as just holding air in your body to make yourself less dense. Sometimes in the bath it feels like I’ll start floating, but every time I’ve been in deeper water… I sink like a damn rock. Uncle Hideki thinks it’s more likely for people with lower percentages of body fat, since we’re on the denser spectrum of bodies.”

Maki considered him a moment, before shifting to a sitting position, still swaying her arms, but crossing her legs, holding them still and not sinking at all as she said, “It’s much harder for skinny people, yes. But the only real difference is that you need to make more corrections with your arms and legs. But I’m not really planning to teach you properly how to do it. That would be impossible here… but, with the sulfur…”

Maki lowered her legs, in the very center of the hotspring, it was too deep for her feet to properly lay her feet on the ground, though she could graze her toes against the stone below. Kokichi would have no chance of touching it without completely submerging himself. 

It wouldn’t matter. 

She offered him her hand. “Come here.”

Kokichi raised his eyebrows for a moment but… Well, he had a feeling Kaito was going to insist on teaching him how to swim eventually. Learning at least the very start of floating would only help him. And? If he accidentally found himself in deep water? He would at least be able to keep his head about the water until someone came to rescue him. 

It’s foolish to jump in to save a drowning person when you can’t swim.

…

Kokichi blinked, then moved forward on the rocks, taking Maki’s hand and preemptively taking a deep breath of air. 

Kaito and Shuichi watched with interest, Kaito shifting over to Shuichi a bit now that his husband was off, putting his arm around Shuichi’s waist and watching Kokichi carefully. He trusted Maki, but he still would pull Kokichi back to the safety of the side of the spring if something went wrong.

But, Maki was entirely confident as she took Kokichi’s hand and gently pulled him to where she was, holding him by the hands and, kicking a little harder, holding his weight as she said, “You have no reason to be nervous. It is impossible to drown here. Your friends are watching, for one. And two…”

Pulling him in, she reached behind his back, and just using two fingers, gently tilted him up, putting him onto his back in the water. From his side, she said, “Lay your hand flat, but consider them like fins, not boards. Sway them, small, simple, constant movements. Floating is a bunch of small movements. Small adjustments of your hand and wrists, small swaying of your arms. Same with your legs. Small, slow kicks. Everything gentle, everything slow.”

“Keep all of your weight and balance in your stomach and hips. Your stomach is what’s going to anchor you to the surface of the water. If you dip your weight to your shoulders, chest, or thighs, you will sink your body in that direction. Trust your stomach. It’s your center. Use your arms and legs to make small adjustments back towards your center.”

“In normal water? This would be more difficult. Would take more concentrated effort, and practice. But in sulfur water? You don’t have to be afraid. Your body is weightless, here. The sulfur will carry you. You can trust me.” Maki told him, adjusting him a little more… and then, just keeping on finger on his back as more reassurance she was still there than anything, she let his body go to float. “Stay calm. Stare at the stars. You are perfectly safe. Your friends are here.”

Kokichi did trust Maki, and he knew, logically, that there was no chance he’d drown. Not even a small chance--no chance. If Maki didn’t pull him up in half a second then Kaito would be there in one. 

But knowing something logically didn’t always combat survival instincts the best. 

Almost as soon as Maki turned him onto his back, Kokichi tipped his head up a little, keeping it farther out of the water, and while he was trying to listen and follow her advice, there was a tenseness in his body, like he was ready to straighten out and grab at the rocks at any second. 

Still...he tried. 

Laying his hands right on the water’s surface, Kokichi tried moving his arms like fins, like the rippling, in and out motions of the fish he’d watch for ages in the aquarium. And, at her words, moving his legs too, keeping them straight and just kicking them up toward the surface of the water one at a time. Trying to keep his pace slow but constant. Even if every movement was stiff and unsure. 

Kokichi took a quick breath, just...looking up at the stars, any that he could see through the hazy clouds still lazily dropping snow down on them, Kokichi’s body warmed enough by the spring that they melted on him too, creating little droplets on his flat stomach, ribs still visible but...not as much as they used to be. Not as scary as they used to be. 

And then immediately being enveloped in water as Kokichi sank the moment Maki let him go. 

Maki raised an eyebrow, but just quickly pushed her finger against his back again, pushing him back up. Dipping his stomach back to the surface, she saw him starting to panic, moving his shoulders too much, the water rushing over his face, and she used her other hand to steady his shoulders, making it easier for him to safely keep his head above the water.

“Kokichi. Relax. I promise you, if you breath and relax, the sulfur water will do most of the work for you.” Maki told him, giving Kokichi a mildly exasperated look. “Breath… breath… you tried to shift your weight onto your butt. That’s why you sank. You are not sitting right now. You are lying entirely on your back and stomach. Do you want to try again? You will be safe, I promise.” 

“Should we stop her?” Shuichi quietly asked Kaito, giving Kokichi a somewhat worried look.

“Why? He’ll get it. Kokichi can do it.” Kaito said, looking genuinely bewildered at Shuichi’s concern.

At the very least, he held out on immediately flailing when the water started to come over him. And while the warmth felt nice over his exposed skin...not this way. 

Kokichi sputtered a bit before he took a steadying breath, giving Maki an apologetic look. “Sorry… I trust Maki-chan, but...it’s hard to get my body to do that too. I wanna try again. If this is the easiest I’ll ever have it, I wanna give it more than one try.”

So, slowly, again, Kokichi started moving his arms and legs, trying to relax but also keep air in his body, and this time trying to focus more on his back...but also trying to not overthink everything and sabotage himself. Stars, stomach. 

...again, as Maki let him go, Kokichi immediately started to sink.

“Try kicking your legs a little harder.” Maki said, watching his technique, frowning. “Hmmmm...hold on…” Maki pushed him back up again, not liking the way the water was climbing up his jaw again. “Slightly harder kicks. Wider sways in your arm. Try it. Don’t forget to breathe. Deep breaths, into your stomach. Your center is your stomach.”

It was clear that he was taking Maki’s advice, since his stomach started to rise and lower more noticeably. Deep, steady breaths as Kokichi tried to put more strength into his legs and wider movements into his arms. Breathe, move, relax, stomach…

But as he focused more on one area, another would start to flag, and so he’d have to focus there, all the while trying not to focus because when he focused too hard he started to tense and…

After a bit, all of Kokichi’s movements started to slow down, his kicks getting weaker again. 

Maki watched his movements slow, the water start rising to his jaw again, and frowned. “Try squaring your-”

“Nah. I’m calling it.”

Kaito disentangled himself from Shuichi, heading over to the center of the spring, which he had no problem walking through, his pecks still out of the water as he walked across the stone. Maki pouted at him a little as he reached over to take his semi-floating husband into his arms, letting Kokichi rest against his chest.

“He can do it.” Maki told Kaito, looking frustrated.

“I know.” Kaito shugged, heading back to the wall. “But not tonight.”

Kokichi frowned, something more displeased than the focused expression that had been on his face (that had gotten more and more frustrated and...well, exhausted), but he relaxed almost immediately in Kaito’s arms. He took a breath before letting the frown ease out, sending Maki another apologetic look, though this one was obviously tinged with his disappointment in himself. 

“...I’ll get it one of these days. Maki-chan really is a great teacher, but…” He sighed softly, silently talking himself out of saying certain things. Looking around at Kaito and Shuuichi before offering a small smile. “We did come here to relax. I’ll just have a big leg up next time I try floating. Thanks for teaching me.”

Kokichi let his legs dangle freely in the water once Kaito put him back down, taking a deeper breath as he leaned against his arm, closing his eyes for a bit. The burn in his muscles had returned, but the heat of the water was still taking it away, soothing the exertion while he was still in it. A bit odd. 

...and then because just a few weeks of therapy didn’t undo a lifetime of habits…

“...I’m sorry I’m not very good at the active stuff… I’ll get better, but...I dunno. I don’t wanna drag you guys down because I’m not really strong or...have good stamina ‘n stuff.”

“It’s really nothing extended and consistent training couldn’t help with...what?” Maki asked, raising her eyebrow at Kaito’s open glare. 

“Mai-Roll, I love you. Go back to floating.” Kaito told her, his ex-assassin just rolling her eyes, swaying right back onto her back, the movement so smooth that it was almost like she had laid back into a hammock. 

Looking to his husband, Kaito just sighed. “You’re not dragging anything down, ‘Kichi. At least…” Kaito paused to think about it, before saying, “No more than I would slow down a policy meeting, or Shuichi would slow down a track run, at this point.”

“I am pregnant.” Shuichi reminded Kaito.

“Bud, you were terrible at running before you were pregnant.” Kaito teased, giving him a quick grin, before returning his attention to Kokichi as he said, “And Maki would slow down-”

“Careful.” Maki growled from the center of the water.

“-math homework.”

“Math is witchcraft.” Maki grumbled. “Also, I’m going to cut you for that later.”

“Look, all I’m saying, is it’s not a big deal if you’re not naturally great at this stuff. Yeah, Maki’s right, you can get better with effort, no issue. But like… you don’t even really have too? You’ve gone this long without needing to float, right? And it’s nothing to be embarrassed about that you don’t get something brand new to you, like… immediately. It’d be shitty of anyone to expect you too, and that’s including us, and including you… ya know?”

Kokichi relaxed against Kaito’s arm a little more, sighing softly. They did all have their strengths and weaknesses. And...he needed to stop thinking in exceptions to himself. If he didn’t consider the extra time taken to explain policy to Kaito slowing down, then having to take a slower pace on a hike wasn’t...he wasn’t dragging his friends down. 

You’re not a burden, and helping the people you love is not pity or a task. It’s part and parcel with love. 

After a moment, Kokichi nodded, a soft smile returning to his face. “...I love you guys. Thanks. And...yeah. Learning how to swim, or even to float is kind of a luxury. Just something extra I can do. And...it and...and hiking and all that stuff...it’s just going to take longer for me to get better. I can’t push myself as hard as most people...but that’s okay, since there’s always going to be someone better than you at anything.”

“...still, I think going up that trail might be my upper limit at this point,” Kokichi huffed in a light-hearted gripe, leaning back against the edge of the pool. “It might just be the change in elevation, but it seriously felt like I could barely breathe for a bit there. I don’t think my legs have ever been this tired in my life, yanno, from actual activity reasons. I’m with Shuu-chan--you guys are monsters to be so into working out.”

“See. Told you. I grew up with these nightmares. Their love came with a terrible, terrible price…” Shuichi looked grim. “Pushups.”

“Stop whining, Shuichi. And you have so much stomach now. Come float with me.” Maki insisted.

“Mmmm… yeah.” Shuichi said, kicking off the wall, joining her in the center. “Okay.”

Kaito laughed a little, watching his sidekicks go, before snuggling closer to Kokichi. “I think you did great today, ‘Kichi. I’m really proud of you. I know it was tough. Which makes it all the more impressive that you did it.”

“I have so much more sympathy for small Shuu-chan. A nerd beset on all sides by jocks… Tragic.” Kokichi watched fondly as Shuuichi joined his sister in the middle, perhaps lingering on the round of his belly for a few moments. Maybe they’d teach Baby to swim while she was young. He had heard that kids picked it up quickly. Chances were she’d blow him out of the water in a snap. 

Kokichi leaned into the snuggles, humming happily at the affection, and then at the praise. “It was a lot of fun, and while my body might whine at me for it tomorrow...I liked trying to push my limits. Don’t know I’d be able to do it every day, but...like I said. I want to be able to do stuff like that with you.”

“...Seiko said that I really am doing better,” Kokichi mentioned in a low voice. It hadn’t been something he really wanted to talk about much but...it just sort of seemed like a good time. “I’m still underweight, but… I don’t get randomly tired as much, and, well, you know I haven’t fainted or gotten a nosebleed in a while. Might just be chance but...she said that how I’ve been taking care of myself is probably widening those chances. Haven’t felt numb in my hands and feet in a while too.” 

Kaito looked brightly at Kokichi, idly running his hands through his husbands wet hair. “Yeah? You’re always sexy and beautiful and wonderful and cute… but you have looked better, lately.” Kaito confessed, “Sturdier… and honestly? I think that’s entirely due to your efforts.”

“You’re making better decisions, every day, Kokichi. You seek help when you need it and push through when you don’t. You eat better, you sleep better, your schedule, if even half of what you and other people tell me is true, is way steadier.”

“I know there’s things out of your control. Out of all of our control… but if you’re doing better now? Then you were five months ago?” Kaito grinned proudly at his husband, “I think it’s safe to say that it’s because you are doing better. That it’s your own strength finally shining through... and that makes me really happy, babe… I’m really proud of you.”

Kokichi closed his eyes as he nuzzled against Kaito’s arm, feeling the pinpricks of happy tears that he wasn’t ashamed of, but still didn’t really want to let fall. “...I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do… But let me thank you too, alright? Knowing that wonderful Kai-chan’s in my corner… With Shuu-chan and Maki-chan and everyone I love… It makes things a lot easier.”

“You might try to be all cool and say that it’s all me, but...c’mooooon! You’ve done a lot for me too, whether on purpose or not, and that’s the truth! Kai-chan being here has had an undeniable positive impact on my life, so don’t try to deny it! It’s impossible!”

Kokichi giggled softly, opening up wet amethyst pools full of fondness for the man beside him, and he placed a few kisses to Kaito’s shoulder. “So...thank you, at the very, very least if Kai-chan’s heroic altruism won’t let him take anything else, for being on this ride with me.”

Kaito watched his friends gently float, Shuichi and Maki murmuring quietly to each other as they did, knowing them, probably something that was half-mocking each other, half checking in. His sweet sidekicks… and that affectionate gaze turned to Kokichi, an excited, nervous feeling at Kokichi’s open look of adoration. Kaito was a sucker for open affection… there was honestly no better feeling in the world, to him. To have someone just openly love you.

He put his arm around Kokichi’s shoulder and pulled him into a hug and said, “My heroic altruism? ...it’s funny, babe. Sometimes I don’t notice I’m doing something until you point it out. I know you were trying really hard to compliment me earlier too, and I guess I kinda breezed by it…”

“...I…” Kaito blushed. Geez… when had he gotten this bad at taking a compliment? Come on, man! Tap into it! Just a little bit!

So Kaito swelled his chest, and gave Kokichi a wink, and in his ‘Hero’ voice said, “Facing enemies for your sake? Sacrificing things for the benefit of my loved ones? Supporting my friends? I’m Kaito Ouma Momota, Luminary Prince of the Stars, Dicean Prince-Consort of the Cacti Fields, and Hero of the Fifteen Year War! It’s an honor to do those things! It’s what should be expected of me! And…!”

He chuckled slightly, letting the voice fall, “...it’s worth it to me to do all that stuff. I could say it was easy, but you know better than anyone that it wasn’t. But it was worth it. You’re always worth it.” Kaito leaned in to kiss Kokichi gently, a small, chaste press against his bottom lip, enjoying the soft, intimate moment, before doing it again… and then grinning at him, “I’d do it again in a heartbeat, for all the same reasons I did it the first time, no thanks required…’

Then Kaito laughed, leaning back a little, ”though, it’s super nice to be thanked and complimented and all that good stuff. So you can totally keep doing that! Just didn’t want you thinking I hadn’t noticed or was ungrateful. Have you noticed I’ve been working on my shoulder muscles the last few weeks?? You love touching my chest and shoulders, so I’ve been focusing there! If you want to keep complimenting me, I’d strongly recommend focusing on that next!”

Kokichi scoffed a laugh, but he still kissed at Kaito’s shoulder, appreciating the work his husband put in. “I like touching your chest and shoulders ‘cause they’re at head-height for me. Though…” he laughed a little more, “I remember being surprised by how warm and comfortable you were, the first time we spent the night together. Kai-chan’s chest is all soft and pillowy and no matter how big it gets I can still hear his heartbeat. I had never really cuddled with anyone before, and you tooooootally spoiled me. I gotta work on my game if I wanna compete!”

Rolling his eyes a little, Kokichi moved his hand to run over Kaito’s closest pec, really going for the focus he recommended. “Though, considering how much Kai-chan is always working to bring himself to a new best, I think I’ll be trailing for a long time. You’re such a busy bee… Ugh, I don’t wanna give Aiichi too much credit, but if he somehow knew that you’d be good for me in terms of motivation too… You know I don’t really believe in it, but sometimes it really feels fated.”

Done spoiling his husband with touches that certainly were contributing to him getting riled up, Kokichi sank down in the water to his chin and just leaned against Kaito, enjoying the feeling. “...I really love you, Kaito.”

Kaito fucking preened at the compliment on his chest, grinning excitedly at all of Kokichi’s little appreciative touches, definitely wanting more of that… but he just chuckled when Kokichi stopped. Feeling appropriately paid attention too as Kokichi settled against him. “I know, right? Honestly, I thought your dad was kind of insane for awhile there to have picked me for you. I mean, when I stopped thinking he was evil? You can judge a lot of weird or bad decisions by someone just being an asshole for its own sake, so I didn’t think too hard on it at first, but when we got that cleared up? I couldn’t help but think King Aiichi might be kind of an idiot to have asked for me, not if he was thinking of your well being at all…”

Kaito shrugged a little, not too much, not wanting to jostle Kokichi, but a little. “But considering how quickly you and I clicked? Even despite literally every disadvantage in the world? Fuck, babe, maybe he knows something we don’t.”

Of course, Kaito actually assumed Atua was looking out for him… but even if  part of him believed that, he knew even that likely wasn’t true. Atua loved him, but didn’t interfere. It comforted Kaito to still talk and think like Atua did, but more likely than not…

“-Or maybe he just got really, really lucky.” Kaito laughed, shaking his head, a little exasperated still when he thought about it. Seriously King Aiichi… Kaito could have been anyone. If the circumstances were the same and it was Baby? You’d bet his ass Kaito would have every piece of information in the world on the guy before proposing an arranged marriage, and even then, fuck no was dudebro and Baby sleeping in the same room. The Fuck?? 

Kissing the top of Kokichi’s head, Kaito laughed. “Love you too, babe.”

“I still think my dad’s an idiot. I understood his reasoning of thinking that having a Luminary perspective would prevent future disagreements from sparking another war, but…” ...but with all he’d learned, Leon had started encroaching on Dicean land just because. And without any civil deterrent working...it was either defend themselves or hand it over. No misunderstanding there. 

...but Kokichi didn’t need to say all that. 

“We totally could’ve ended the war without a marriage… So for just taking a chance engaging me to you? Classic idiot Aiichi,” Kokichi scoffed, before he sighed, nuzzling against Kaito’s arm and placing a hand on his thigh. “...but I’m glad my dad’s an idiot. Because I got to meet you, and there’s no one else I’d rather be married to. I’d say he just got lucky, getting the right result with the wrong methods.”

“...I’ve never really felt lucky until I met you.” Pretty much all of his hair was wet at this point, even his bangs getting a dip during a float attempt that lasted a little longer than the others. Kokichi gently moved some of the wet strands out of his face, still surprised when his fingers didn’t snag on anything. “Maybe it’s just the wrong perspective, but it’s nice, feeling lucky.”

“Mmmm..” Kaito looked up at the stars, peeking through the clouds, snow hissing against the water as it fell around them. “...maybe this is a conversation for later. It can be, if you want. But… speaking of perspectives…” Kaito glanced down at Kokichi, “...how’s therapy going? You never really… say much about it.”

Kokichi was quiet for a moment, but not because he was uncomfortable. He just...had trouble describing what his sessions were like. “...I think it’s good, and my therapist thinks that we’ve made some strides, so I think that’s good overall.”

“...it’s a lot of stuff that I was starting to figure out on my own, but...I mean, it’s really different to know something, and then to actually do it, you know?” He sighed, watching the snow on the surface of the water, sometimes bounced for a second from the ripples Shuuichi and Maki were making. “...it’s hard to not feel responsible for other people’s pain and...to stop making exceptions for yourself? Like seeing other people and their situations one way, but having a totally different opinion when you’re in a similar situation. Like…”

Kokichi looked up at Kaito with a teasing, but tired expression. “Like me apologizing for, yanno, not being able to sprint up a mountain path. Not giving myself any of the understanding I’d give to others. ...I also apologize too much, especially for things out of my control…”

He let out another little sigh, almost blowing on the water as he ran a hand through his hair. “...it’s a lot of things. But everyone is a lot of things, and it’s hard to sort through. That’s why therapists exist.”

“...things good for you? I heard you and Miss Crystal moved your sessions inside from the courtyard since it’s getting too cold.”

“Yeah. I mean…” Kaito sighed. He didn’t want to agree with Kokichi that he did all of those things, because it felt like he was just sort of rubbing it in. His husband was working on his stuff, and Kaito felt… weird being like, ‘oh, yeah. You totally do that too much’. Like he’d be mocking him somehow, when it was stuff Kokichi already knew. “...I know that it’s hard. Talking to a therapist and stuff. It’s exhausting, right? I always feel really drained after mine...so, like. If you need, like… support? I mean, you know you can talk to me. Right? Even if you just need someone to remind you that you’re doing great. Cause you are! I’m really proud of you…”

As for his own…

Kaito shrugged again. “Yeah. We’ve started meeting in that study on the first floor? I mean… Maki and I aren’t as worried about her being weird anymore. She’s not another Ford situation. So, ya know…” Kaito shrugged.

“And it’s going okay. I mean…” Kaito sighed, rolling his eyes a little, as he said, “She’s… she extended my time because I’m not being ‘honest’ with her or something… like, she keeps saying my anger stuff is coming from ‘unrecognized emotional trauma’ and that if I want to deal with the anger I gotta deal with the source and bla, bla, bla…” Kaito huffed. “I do all the exercises! I polish the rock and do the ‘meditating on nature’ shit and all of it! And I haven't been in a fight since! I just don’t know what she wants from me?”

Kaito felt the muscles in his shoulders tense, frustrated… before taking a breath. Forcing himself to relax. “If I keep rubbing that damn rock as much as I do, it’s gonna end up a damn pebble.”

Kokichi nuzzled Kaito’s arm a bit, placing a kiss on his bicep. “I know. And Kai-chan’s already been a big help… My therapist said that you did a fantastic job getting me out of my head when it came to that awful shit I was thinking about my family… I will talk to you, but I’m still...kind of still getting to the figuring out how to figure things out part. But it’s a big comfort knowing that you’re here for me. And I hope I bring some of that comfort to you too.”

He knew there was some stuff Kaito wasn’t going to talk to him about, and that was okay. He and Kaito were going to share a hell of a lot with each other, but they were still their own people, and it was important to have things just for yourself. And even outside of those things...there were just things Kokichi wasn’t going to understand. Things that came from Luminous culture or specifically just from Kaito’s family. And while a therapist might not understand the nuances either...it was still important for Kaito to talk about that kind of stuff with someone who actually had the tools to sort through it. 

Sighing softly, Kokichi didn’t want to pry too much, but… “...it’s hard. Like...I knew some of the traumatic shit that happened to me was, yanno, traumatic, but… I dunno. I guess I didn’t realize how much everything affected me until someone with the tools and knowledge to, like, classify that kind of stuff pointed it out. But I guess it’s different for everyone. I’m sure Miss Crystal will figure out something that works for you if going over all the shitty stuff that happened doesn’t help.”

“It’s not that traumatic shit hasn’t happened to me, it’s just… I don’t know. I disagree with her what’s meant to be ‘traumatic’ or not. She keeps trying to get me to talk about dad. I dunno...what does she expect me to say? He’s my king, my father, and he’s only been dead, like… a minute. But she acts like I should be talking shit about him or something. It’s so fucking…” Kaito grit his teeth, “...disrespectful.”

...Kokichi thought back to that awful morning, and the conversation he’d had with Kaito in the observatory. (And that might’ve been the first time he’d ever...triggered Kaito’s conditioning, looking back. Before he even knew what it was.) About how Kaito had just...broken down, talking about how he barely knew his father so how could he know how he’d react?

“...I think she just wants to understand how you feel about him. Those are his relations to you, but...that doesn’t say anything about how you feel. My dad is my dad and the leader of the country I live in, but,” Kokichi cracked a smile, nudging at Kaito’s arm, “I dunnooooo… I might just think, going out on a limb here, that we feel differently about our fathers who have those same relations.”

He laughed softly before shrugging. He wasn’t Kaito’s therapist, and he wasn’t trying to get Kaito to spill his guts. “That’s just what therapy’s for. Not taking any assumptions or anything at face value, and just...talking out your feelings and perceptions. Sorting out how and why you think, so hopefully you can understand yourself and make better and better decisions. Or, at least ones you can stand behind. Even “better” is subjective.”

Kaito sighed and nodded, “Yeah...I know. I just...I wish it was enough for her that I’m physically doing better. I’d take a test if she offered! If she wanted to make certain I’d be able to stay calm under pressure. But when I offered, she tried to turn around and make that more about me having trouble emotionally adjusting again.”

Huffing… Kaito relaxed. Chuckling lightly to himself as he shook his head. “Sorry. I know she’s just trying to help and that all of this is good for me. But, yeah. It’s frustrating. But the stone thing does kinda help sometimes…”

Kaito rubbed his hands up and down Kokichi’s arm, enjoying being close to him. “I’m good, babe. You’re good. It’s all good. We’re both trying our best. I think we’re even succeeding! So that’s nice… and this is nice.” Kaito sighed, letting the last of the tension in his back go.

Shuichi and Maki had both gone quiet. Kaito watched them for a moment… before whispering to his husband. “Are...are they asleep?”

“Physically doing better is just for the court orders, but as a therapist actually caring about your well-being...well. You know all that.” Kokichi let it go too, happy with where they were. It was messy but, yeah, they were all doing their bests, and trying to make that best better every day. And in the end...that’s what mattered. 

Nuzzling against Kaito’s arm, Kokichi peeked over at Shuuichi and Maki, seeing closed eyes and...yeah, their murmuring back and forth had been quiet for a while, huh. Wiggling his toes a bit in the water, Kokichi hummed lowly. “...well...it’s good that they’re floating still. I feel kind of bad waking them up to go back to the room...but as awesome as it is, we can’t spend all night out here. Even if it’s warm, I’m pretty sure that’s a one-way ticket to getting a cold.”

Kaito snorted, kissing Kokichi on the top of his head. “Eh, let’s give them a while. Maki doesn’t get enough sleep as it is. And it’s nice out here. We can do this for awhile longer...”

And they did. The four of them lounged in the hot springs far past when they started to turn pruny, past even where Kokichi could no longer hear the distant sounds of the other group that had been out there, likely them turning in for the night themselves. Waking Maki and Shuuichi up, they patted off (and shivered and cursed at the chill, no longer abated by the spring) and robed up, heading back to the resort. And, after some water and changing into pajamas? It was time for bed.

And maybe there really was something to the calming qualities of the hot spring, because Maki relented to a group cuddlepile on the beds, pushing the two together. 

But, the next morning, even by the time Kokichi started to become aware of the world again, there was only one warm spot by him, Maki and Kaito long gone, off to see the sunrise. 

Making a few quite, grumbly sounds, Kokichi shuffled closer to Shuuichi, holding him close and, if not trying to go back to sleep, then to that hazy, comfortable space in between. 

Shuichi shifted slightly as Kokichi gripped him tighter, nuzzled his face into his shoulder. “Mmm… tell Maki...fifteen more minutes, Kaito…”

Kokichi smiled and tipped his head against Shuuichi’s, rubbing a hand down his back as he murmured, “Not today… Can sleep as long as you want, Shuu-chan. No jocks here to spoil our fun with exercise…”

Shuichi dared to open an eye, looking around suspiciously… before sighing contently, settling back into the pillow. “...did those two weirdos really go climbing the mountain before sunrise...we were up to late last night. What, did they sleep three, four hours?”

“No idea…” Kokichi hummed back, taking his turn to nuzzle into Shuuichi’s shoulder and neck now, since Shuuichi had looked up and given away his spot. “Think I’ll still volunteer to ride up with Maki-chan on our way back, though, so at least Kai-chan can get some rest. I think I can handle the cold better than you guys anyway.”

He’d accepted that there wasn’t any talking Maki out of just letting him drive on his own, but he could give her company. 

“Buuuuuuut, that gives us full, hedonistic reign to lounge in bed for as long as we want. And when Shuu-chan gets hungry, I’ll make the sacrifice to go get food an’ bring it back if you want. Though…” Kokichi was sure his boyfriend could feel his devilish smile in his shoulder. “I did pack some sweets in my bag, if we don’t feel like going for a whole meal yet. And no one to look on all disapprovingly.”

“Mmmmm, candy…” Shuichi smirked slightly at that, the idea of some sugar sounding great, even if he was feeling a little nauseous. Not terribly, but a little. It’d probably fade in a minute though. He always felt a little sick the first few minutes after waking up, these days. Baby stuff, he guessed.

“‘M not really hungry yet, but thanks, Kokichi… though, chewing on a piece of candy at some point sounds kinda nice.” Shuichi admitted. He rested his chin on the top of Kokichi’s head, closing his eyes, feeling a strong desire to just… go back to sleep… 

But he also felt like making chit-chat with his boyfriend, and sleepily, Shuichi murmured, “How’d ya sleep? Any dreams?”

Kokichi hummed in a sort of ‘that’s why I offered’ sort of way, if hums could be so nuanced. He wasn’t that hungry yet either, more interested in just...lying in bed with Shuuichi and cuddling. Lounging around in a half-asleep daze for a while. Giving his legs a rest ‘cause holy shit, even with resting in the hot spring he was kinda sore. But not so sore that he wouldn’t pop up out of bed for anything his pregnant boyfriend needed. 

But, thankfully, it sounded like what they both wanted was a match. 

“I’ve had some problems sleeping in new places before, but I think we stayed up so late that my body didn’t care. Slept real well…” Kokichi nuzzled at Shuuichi’s neck, placing a small kiss in the crook of his shoulder. “...it’s kinda weird though. I usually don’t dream, or remember that I dream but...I dunno. I’ve been getting the sense that I’ve been dreaming more lately, even if I don’t remember them.”

“...and, yanno. Not nightmares.” 

“Mm. Kaito says you move around a lot at night. So maybe you are dreaming a lot.” Shuichi murmured, usually too dead asleep to notice himself. “But, then, Maki insisted I kick in my sleep, and you two swear I don’t. So maybe our jocks are just over exaggerating jerks who just need to let sleeping boys lie.”

Kokichi giggled softly. “Maybe. But sometimes I end up on top of you, or across the bed at the end, so I think Kai-chan might be right.” Though, he’d probably have a harder time rolling on top of Shuuichi going forward. Even right then he could feel the press of Shuuichi’s belly against him, comfortingly solid yet soft. 

“...mm. How about you? I know you’re usually out, but still. Feelin’ okay?”

“Just the…” Shuichi yawned, “...just the usual...or… oh.” 

Shuichi’s eyes opened slightly, blinking sleepily as he said, “...actually, you probably don’t know, do you? I don’t think I’ve ever told you before…”

Closing his eyes again, he said, “I dream about the day. Over and over. Until I wake up. It’s one of the reasons it’s so…” another yawn, “easy for me to remember things. When I’m asleep, my memories of the day replay until I wake up… a technique that was conditioned into me. Make me a better detective, makes info-dumps easier…”

“And yesterday was really nice… it was nice to do it over and over. The snow was really pretty… and you were so excited for the waterfall...”

Kokichi made a small questioning sound before his eyes popped open in surprise, just...absorbing that. “I...guess dreams haven’t come up too often, but...wow. Yeah, you never told me before…”

“I guess it would be pretty nice for good days...to see everything again.” ...but on the whole it just...sounded pretty horrible, honestly. Not just for seeing bad days over and over, but...it just sounded way too overwhelming. Never getting the respite of nothingness, or even the nice surprise of a good dream. Might be better than some nightmares, but...the horrible stuff you saw, unlike a nightmare, were real. 

But...it was Shuuichi’s reality. 

Nuzzling and nosing into Shuuichi’s neck, Kokichi hummed again. “Well, I hope we can have a lot of good days for Shuu-chan to see in his dreams.”

“Yeah.” Shuichi smiled… before shivering, as he said, “I’m so glad I’m going to be out for the pregnancy. Like, the actual delivery part. The way people talk about delivering a baby, like… normally? That might have been...stressful to go to sleep again that night.”

“But, it really can be very useful. I’m fairly good at reading expressions, but I’ve had it in the past where I only realized a witness was lying to me, or only revealing half-truths, after talking to them over and over again through a good nights sleep. I’d wake up, and the first thing I did with my day was writing in my journal every observation I hadn’t noticed the day before. Solving some cases was literally just a result of me ‘sleeping on it’.” Shuichi smirked, before softening slightly, “...Kaito calls it a superpower. We were kids when I told him I did that, but he was so earnest about it… made it really feel like some supernatural ability.”

Kokichi made a little stressed sound before sighing. “Like...I’m sure the numbing way is fine and all...but I’m glad you’re going out too. I’m disappointed I won’t be there for the delivery...but I’m gonna be there as soon as possible, listening to Kai-chan cry about the miracle of life until you wake back up.” There was just...no way around it. Kokichi was still nervous about surgery, but...he’d just faint if he was in the room. They’d all talked about it with Dr. Tenchi, about what the delivery would look like. And they agreed that it’d be better for Kokichi to wait outside until Shuuichi was done and Baby was cleaned up.

He still wasn’t ecstatic about not being there for the first few moments of his daughter’s life...but being unconscious would kind of prevent him from doing that too. 

But they were still months away from that, and Shuuichi’s weird time-loop dreams were much more interesting at the current moment. 

Laughing softly, Kokichi tilted his head back and placed a kiss on Shuuichi’s jaw. “Hey, considering how rare it is to be able to do that? I’d say it’s a superpower. Shuu-chan basically has time powers.”

Shuichi smiled at the kiss, “Heh… any Luminary Detective can do it… the conditioning program is…” Shuichi’s smile fell. He sighed. “...tiring. But they do give the people who go through it amazing abilities. I mean… the process to get there is rough. I wouldn’t recommend it. But the end results are incredible.”

“We were lucky we got Timothy when we did...he had only been through the first round. Some emotional and devotion training. But he turned nine on the trip here. If he had turned nine back in Luminary, he’d have been sent back to the facility for the next round… actually?” Shuichi’s eyes opened, a thoughtful look on his face. “I bet that’s why that commander of his sent him on this trip in the first place. It could just be the kids hope blinding him, but he really makes it sound like his commander was planning to buy him out of the indentured program entirely and just needed more time…”

Shuichi sighed. “I don’t know if he’s lucky or unlucky. Considering the wedding party disappeared on the way back to Luminary… I’d call it strange luck and just be done with it. That poor kid's life is incredibly random, but it ultimately worked out for him, at least… I know I’ve said it before, but I hope him and Baby end up the kind of siblings someday who can rely on each other….nine years is a large difference, but it’ll be less so when they’re both adults...”

...even almost superpower-like abilities weren’t worth it. Kokichi could remember his fury, hearing that the “upside” to the program was supposed to give people, fucking...job prospects. Even now he could feel his anger burning in his chest...but it didn’t change reality. And when you had already been through it, like Shuuichi and Maki...maybe looking at the upsides was all you had to say about the process, because the alternative was just screaming. 

Kokichi sighed, just shaking his head against Shuuichi’s shoulder. He was...working on accepting realities, but...it didn’t mean he would always be ready to have those kinds of conversations. Could talk like it wasn’t horrifying and viscerally disgusting to him. So...he just hummed what he could. That he was happy Tim was out, that Shuuichi and Maki were out. And, with a breath, he focused more on a subject he could talk about without wanting to tear something to shreds. 

“I mean...we have our own problems, but Lake and I are twelve years apart. Even with my shitty brain...it always felt like she was looking out for me. Tim and Baby are already in a better position, so...I think they really will be able to be good to each other. Might help that Tim’s already the protective type. Between all of us, anyone who even thinks about messing with her will have a very horrible storm coming.”

Shuichi laughed lightly at that, before sighing. “Hopefully, it’ll never come to that… just a few years. Just a few years. I just gotta teach her to say a few words, and no one will ever have a reason to target her… just a few years…”

Shuichi said this like a mantra. Like a prayer. It was clear Baby’s ‘princess’ title weighed heavily on his mind. As a royal detective himself? As someone who had been used as a weapon for a lot of political games? He knew what… people were capable of. The lows people would stoop too. The trades they would make, ruining lives for reasons that baffled Shuichi, their motives not even close to good enough for the struggle that pursuing it caused…

There were people out there who would ruin his and his daughters life on nothing more than a gut feeling that it would improve their own ambitions or situation. And if it didn’t? Then it still wouldn’t matter. Chocked up to a miscalculation, or a mistake, and they’d move on, and Shuichi and her would still be left in ruins, if they survived it at all…

Shuichi knew first hand how casually people could destroy each other. He just… wanted to hide from them all… wanted to hide her. Wished he could hide all of his family. Let the world forget them…

He sighed. The shock of nerves running through him waking him up. “...Kokichi? Can we have that candy now? Would that be alright?” 

Kokichi had meant more...childhood teasing, but...there really was more at stake for their family. There always would be, despite the Oumas trying to make their personal importance negligible for centuries. They were just the center of a hub, the people counting the votes. No one special or more important than anyone else. 

...and who knew what the future looked like for the Momotas. 

Kokichi held Shuuichi tightly, rubbing his back in long, calming strokes as he felt his boyfriend start to tense. And he gave Shuuichi’s neck another kiss before pulling back with a sunny grin. “Of course!”

He couldn’t quite hold back a groan when he wriggled out of bed, though, his legs putting up a protest, but he dutifully brought back the small bag of candy he’d prepared for the trip, offering it freely to Shuuichi. And when he did, he put his hand over Shuuichi’s for a moment, his voice plain and serious. “...even before we make that trip to Luminary? No one’s gonna touch you or Baby. You have all of Dicea protecting you, and you have Kai-chan and Maki-chan. And you have me. And no one’s gonna get through that, I promise.”

Shuich smiled softly at Kokichi, taking Kokichi’s offered hand and squeezing it gently. “...yes. I know. Thank you.”

Shuichi… hoped. That everything would be okay. He knew he needed to stop thinking years out like this. His mentor was right. He really was better off just… focusing on the day. Everything was okay today. Obsessing over the ‘maybe’ of the future would only drive him to despair.

And, if he focused on today?

Well, today he was sleeping in with his boyfriend eating candy.

That was the start of a good day.

-

“...Kaito.”

“Hmmm?”

Maki and Kaito were chilling at the edge of a cliffside, both of them a little covered in dirt. The trail had taken them a long way, but Maki had wanted to go further, and eventually they had found themselves off the beaten path, literally climbing rocks and dirt patches, aiming for… something. Whatever Maki was looking for. They found a number of great views along the way, but Maki kept going, and wanting to support her, Kaito followed. 

And, eventually, just in time to see the sun peek beyond the mountain cliffs, they had found it. A spot that satisfied her. A spot worth the climb.

And yeah… it was beautiful.

And they had sat there for awhile, enjoying the colors changing over the skies as light started to dance against the distant snow and flowing rivers below. Kaito was a little cold, but that was okay. Maki seemed happy, and that made it worth it.

But whatever joy she had had, Kaito could recognize the stiffness in her voice, just from saying his name. He resigned himself to whatever difficult thing was coming up as he sighed, and said, “Yeah? Maki-Roll?”

“I love you.”

“...I know. I love you too.” Kaito murmured, his heart sinking even lower. Yeah. That wasn’t a good sign… “What’s up?”

“...did you tell Byakuya I was planning to kill him?”

Kaito closed his eyes.

“No. I didn’t have to. You’re not going too.”

“...would you tell him?”

“You’re not going too.”

“Would you tell him, even if it put me in danger? If it gave him time and preparation to kill me first? If it came down to me or him?”

“It’s not coming to that. You’re not going too.”

“Are you going to stop me?”

“...” Kaito grit his teeth. “...I’m going to believe in you. You wouldn’t… do that to me. You wouldn’t make me choose.”

“I would.”

“I don’t believe that. I know you believe that. But I think you’re lying to yourself. You’re not… cruel. And you love me. You wouldn’t do that to me.”

“Luminary needs to change Kaito.”

“...so let Kaede and Byakuya take care of that themselves. It’s not up to you to do that. You don’t even live there anymore.”

“Kaito.” Maki said, looking to him. “I’m not going to sit here and justify my feelings to you. I’m asking you for a warning. A heads up. If I were to go… would you warn Byakuya that I was coming? Would you put me at risk, like that?”

“...I could ask him not to hurt you… to just send you back home…”

“Kaito…” Maki looked at the sunrise. “I’m asking you not to tell him.”

“And I’m asking you not to go.”

“...”

“...”

“...are you really still thinking of going? Marigold’s offered you your siblings…”

“Yes. And I will have them. But the fact that she offered them in the first place… Kaito. There might be something I could do.”

“You could stay here and live your life and raise our son with me!! Luminary is not your responsibility!!”

“No.” Maki said. “It was yours. And you gave it up.”

“...you can be such a fucking bitch sometimes…”

“Will you tell him?”

“...”

“...”

“... can you just make me a promise?”

“What?”

“Can you… promise that if there’s another way, you’ll take it? That killing my family won’t be your first or only option?”

“...”

“I won’t fucking make any promises if you won’t, Maki.”

“I’m a killer, Kaito.”

“And I know that you’re not. Not if you have choices. And you do. So… a promise for a promise. If you can’t promise me that, then you better go all in on the murder and push me off this fucking cliff, because I’m making a phone call the second we get home.”

“...”

“I’m fucking serious, Maki.”

“...” Maki sighed. “Fine. I promise. For whatever that’s worth.”

“It’s worth my faith… you’re more than a killer, Maki. You’re one of the most dedicated and capable people I’ve ever fucking met. If anyone could find another option, it’s you.”

“...well.” Maki sighed, the sun climbing in the sky. “Here’s hoping we don’t disappoint each other.”

“Yeah.”

-

Kokichi and Shuuichi had munched on candy for a bit, and, eventually, Kokichi left, as he’d said, to get them a proper breakfast--or...brunch, as it turned out, but thankfully the resort was still serving food. They ate, took showers, got dressed… And, honestly, Kokichi was starting to get a little worried, but the moment he did, Kaito and Maki returned, both looking...somewhere between satisfied and contemplative, though Kaito had a layer of sweat and exertion on him. 

The rest of them packed up as Kaito took another shower and then...it was time to go, their nice weekend away coming to a close. In a good few hours, but still. 

And, like he’d told Shuuichi, Kokichi was insisting on sitting in the front with Maki. 

“Kai-chan, you only got who knows how many hours of sleep, and then went on a mountain hike. Stay warm, get some rest.” Kokichi sighed softly, glancing to Maki with a teasing look, though he had a feeling humor wasn’t going to be as appreciated that...er, afternoon. “I would offer to drive myself, but I know that’s a losing argument already.”

“Through the mountain paths? How about this. You start regularly driving down the valley paths, then we can start talking about mountain paths.” Maki scoffed, as she finished tying up the horse, absentmindedly patting its nose before heading to the front.

“But, babe, it’s, ya know...  cold. I mean, I can keep Maki company without needing that much-”

Shuichi put his arms under Kaito’s, before laying his head on his back, before saying simply, “Come spend time with me.”

And, like, how could Kaito say no to that?

So, making Kokichi swear that he’d let Maki know if he got too cold and needed a break, Kaito went to sit with Shuichi in the back, Shuichi curling up into his side and lightly scoffing as Kaito went back and forth between far too sappy and far too handsy, Maki started them down the path. 

After awhile, she asked, “So. Waterfall everything you hoped it would be?”

“So much more,” Kokichi sighed, still a little in awe just from the memory. While he was always cold, living somewhere all your life did grant some form of resistance, so it was cold, yeah, but bundled up in proper winter-wear, Kokichi was pretty comfortable as he watched the road. “The paintings couldn’t compare, and I’d never seen anything like it… I’m really glad we came.”

He didn’t really need to watch the road since he wasn’t driving, but...it still felt like the right thing to do. Two pairs of eyes were better than one, even if they were Maki’s hyper-vigilant ones. But Kokichi did glance over at his friend for a moment. “How was the sunrise? You and Kai-chan were well gone by the time Shuu-chan and I woke up.”

“It was fine. We saw the sunrise come over the valley separating the mountains. It was pretty. The kind of view I’ll show you at some point.” She promised, before smirking slightly, “It’ll be a reward when we successfully get you to float. I’m not giving up on that, by the way.”

Kokichi laughed softly. “I didn’t think you were. I’ll get there eventually, sulfur water or no--it’s just gonna take practice. And with an incentive like seeing a view like that, I’m definitely motivated!”

“...I think I’m gonna try and go to training with you guys most mornings,” he murmured, looking out onto the road while he fisted his hands in his lap. “I know there’s some stuff I’m not gonna be able to do...but I know I can at least do laps. I’m never gonna be a mountaineer, but if I can get more used to walking long distances… And. Well. If I need to stop, I can. Just means it’s a bad day.”

“Oh? Finally come to that conclusion, have you. Good. I was planning to give you another year before I started to insist.”Maki said, not explaining why she had picked a year. “But, yes, obviously. Exercise and training for the already physically healthy is wise, if not redundant. For the ill and the weak? I personally see it as a necessity. It annoys me that you weren’t raised into the practice, honestly.”

“It’s partly why I want to teach you to float, and while I can’t say it’s why Kaito wants you to learn to swim, I'll be disappointed in him if it hasn’t occurred to him yet either.” Maki went on, eyes trained on the road, “When it comes to low-impact exercise that gives you the most benefits for the least amount of effort exerted? Nothing beats swimming. Fifteen minutes of steady, reliable swimming every day would do wonders to your physique, and it would be far more likely that you could actually maintain it, pain-wise. Especially considering your issues? Heart rate, lung capacity, unable to build weight? Ngh…”

Maki scowled, “With your fathers access to resources? A lap pool should have been built specifically with you in mind years ago...you have so much catching up to do.”

“...oh. Speaking of the king.” Maki said, the thought not quite literally just occurring to her, but, well… now was as good a time as any. “I’ve found a group of volunteers for the school transfer project. I plan to go to your father with their proposal, soon… I thought you might like to know.”

Kokichi snickered quietly at Maki’s matter-of-fact nature. He probably would’ve resisted going on some exercise regiment, and...well, his days had been pretty busy between studying then work, then getting time to just be a kid and...bouts of sickness already cut into all of that. He had a feeling, though, that Ikuo probably would’ve gotten him into some sort of activity if he’d stayed. 

“In all fairness, there’s a good portion of people from Usot that don’t know how to swim. We have ponds, but there are plenty of ways to use ‘em to cool off without swimming. And...I mean, even I thought swimming would be tough for me, since it’s really important to be able to regulate your breathing and all that...and if you get tired you can’t really stop immediately.” Kokichi sighed softly. “But I guess that’s what learning in shallow water is for. Hey, maybe a pool’s what my contribution to the castle will be!”

He’d tried to turn things back up into almost a joke, but what Maki brought up was far from a laughing matter. Kokichi turned to her in slight shock before something hopeful gleamed in his eyes. Settling back down, though something more practiced in his movements, Kokichi was quiet for a moment before he spoke up. “...thanks for telling me. All I can think to say is...to be careful, and stuff like that, but I know that Maki-chan’s been thinking about this much more than I have and that she’s not being careless. With whatever you have planned...I’ll be rooting for you. Always. I wish I could be more direct with my support, but…”

He sighed, turning a sad, almost frustrated smile down to the road. “...we know why I can’t. So maybe saying this doesn’t mean much, but...I believe in you, and all those volunteers. We’ll make sure all Maki-chan’s siblings are safe and sound.”

“Mmm.” Maki hummed, nodding her head a little… 

...this next part was harder.

“...I’ve made too many promises to too many people.” She murmured to herself. Suddenly looking tired. “I need… two or three more of me. This is what I get for being sentimental and emotional. Too many promises...”

Closing her eyes, just for a second… she opened them up again. Blood-eyes following the road as she said, “Prince Kokichi. I have every devotion to watch over and protect my niece. That is something I wish for you to know is true. To raise my son and be thoroughly involved in the...development of my wards. And to create a safe environment for my siblings. These are things I have promised.”

Gripping the reigns of the carriage, she paused, collecting her thoughts… “...I think. That it could be argued, reasonably, that a politically stable Luminary would make this continent, overall, safer, and specifically your child, less at risk. Yes?”

Promises were about the last thing Kokichi figured Maki would need more of her for. With everything she tried to do and be, even what she had already accomplished was more than one person could reasonably expect. But...she wouldn’t be Maki if she settled for anything less. 

Kokichi was quiet for a while, probably longer than what was comfortable for Maki. He knew Kaito and Shuuichi had thought, what with Maki’s life here...but she was so much more than that. 

“...if you need to go, then go.”

Kokichi’s voice was quiet, almost overshadowed by the clopping of the horse’s hooves and the clunking of the carriage. But, briefly, he pressed his arm against hers. “...you’re not going to be breaking your promises here. It might take longer for Tim to understand that...but he will. He has a good head on his shoulders, better than I had at his age, and if I eventually got there, so will he.”

“So...be a hero, Maki-chan. But know that you’ll have people back at home waiting for you.”

“...I would really love to see a stable Luminary. Bring our family there and have you guys be tour guides for once and...not because we have to be there for other reasons. For Shuu-chan’s peace of mind and Baby’s safety...to make a place that doesn’t stress Kai-chan out when he thinks about it. To know that all Maki-chan’s siblings are free and safe…” He turned and gave Maki a soft, graceful, hopeful smile. “Go. And I’ll be cheering you on the whole way.”

“...and I’ll cry like a baby when you come back, and make everyone look away so I can give you a hug.”

Nothing but the spinning wheels of the carriage, for awhile… before Maki whispered. “Thank you, Prince Kokichi.”

“Officially, when I am going to request from King Aiichi is to be part of the security team delivering the students to the Luminary capital, and escorting the transfer students-” her siblings, “-back to Dicea. Which I will of course, do... and then, I thought, why not take a vacation once they were safely across the border. Go…’exploring’.” she said. She knew once she was officially ‘missing’ that Byakuya would guess something was up, but she suspected having the lives of her siblings in her hand and needing to get them safely home would seem like a deterrent enough for her not to try anything. That once she was heading out of Luminary, less eyes would be on her. It could all be enough for her to get contact with everyone she needed to and scout the situation out, make a solid plan, before the Momota family could influence her too much one way or another.

And, of course, her siblings lives were a priority. They'd be..more reasonably safe over the border. Maki owed it to them to make certain they got that far before running.

“...I’m not sure when I would be back. I might end up exploring for...a while. I have no time estimates that would be worth anything. I would like to offer to train a replacement for my position before I…” Maki frowned. Ignoring the hurt at the idea. “Resign. If it would please you.”

She suddenly smirked. Something proud in her gaze as she said, “I wish I could recommend Hina. She’s incredibly responsible, skilled, brave, and adequately paranoid… but she and Sakura both signed up for the current semester at University.” she clenched her fists, “They’re two of the student transfer volunteers. They’re putting their wedding on hold for this… all of my volunteers are putting their lives on hold to do this. And all of them are from Luminary.”

And, just like it always did, when this conversation came up, Maki’s eyes reddened a little, “...many of my siblings are alive, Kokichi… and they’re all so big now...grown and brave…” she smirked, bloodlust radiating off her as she said, “and strong.”

A good enough plan as any. There might be other children in the program Byakuya would be willing to bargain with, but...all the children at the orphanage Maki and Shuuichi grew up in, if he was right? Having them safe would be the best chance they’d ever get. 

...officially, he knew that they’d be housing the students with foster families, but...hopefully Maki would get time to explain to them that...this was more of a weird immigration than a visit. And hopefully they’d be able to find long-term families right for them. And hopefully those families would be better equipped to help a child born in Luminary and in the program. 

Since...the people who had gone through it with Dicean ignorance were leaving, it seemed. 

Kokichi smiled, a few notes of a laugh playing in his throat. “That’s...such a sacrifice I’d never be able to ask… But all of Dicea will be behind them too, even if it’s not official. Maki-chan must be so proud, with so many siblings so brave and willing to fight. We’ll be able to help within the means of the exchange program so...even if you all could do it with your grit, don’t count our help out completely.”

He’d talked past it but… He knew it’d just be irresponsible to leave Maki as his security detail while she was on a multi-month vacation. He needed to find someone else. But it still...hurt. 

Resting his head against Maki’s arm for a moment, he sighed. “...I’d welcome you back, if you chose to work for me again in the future. But anyone trained by Maki-chan is someone I know I could rely on. I suppose it was selfish of me, to offer you a job when you barely had any time to explore the world. Gap years can be really important. I’m sure you’ll have all sorts of stories to tell when you come back… But...I suppose I should put up a notice that I’m hiring, huh.” 

Maki nodded. “Yes, that would likely be best. And, when-” if she survived. “-I return, I suppose I’ll just have to fight your replacement in grueling hand to hand combat until one of us perish’s for the right to the position.”

Kokichi snickered, making more horse-y noises than the horse. “Aw, Maki-chan… Maybe I’ll just have to get another job so I can pay both of you. I don’t think having two bodyguards would be a bad thing, especially when the group of us go out. Super especially once Baby’s born.”

Maki thought about telling Kokichi he ought to just ask to be paid for the work he was already doing. There was, after all, a word for someone born into a job that didn’t pay for the labor… but she had a feeling that would be making light of some philosophical idea that Kokichi put stock in. She assumed Kokichi wasn’t the first Ouma to need extra funds for things, so the family probably had some way to make funds. She trusted he would work it out for himself… or, well. Maybe she’d just get a different job when she returned. No one had to pay her to protect her family. She’d do it either way.

As for the baby… Maki sighed. “...I hope Shuichi can forgive me for not being there when she’s born…”

“...” Kokichi sighed. He wasn’t Shuuichi, so he couldn’t answer that. Not with any certainty. Not when...Shuuichi didn’t really understand why this was so important to Maki. He loved his boyfriend, and for most people having your bubble of care centered around yourself was fine but...well, Kokichi just figured he understood this feeling a little more than Shuuichi. Of wanting to fight and build the bigger picture, even if it meant neglecting a few of the details. 

“...no matter what, you’re her aunt. You care about him and her even when you’re not here. Hopefully the future can matter more, in the grand scheme.”

“Luminary, as it is now, is a disease.” Maki said simply. Sincere truth in every word. “And my niece, at least for awhile, will stand to inherit that disease someday...any improvement I can make within it will make her safer. Make her life easier…”

And if her uncle needed to die for that to happen? Maki would make that choice, regardless of her conversation with Kaito. She had always known that this process would harm him, in some way or another. She had made peace with that. He’d survive grief. She could live with his hatred, if that’s what it came down too.

(...though she hoped it wouldn’t.)

“Everything for my family.” Maki vowed, eyes narrowing. “Everything.”

“...I really mean it when I hope Baby will be able to have as normal a life as she can. I don’t want a life of politics for her… To have the lives of millions on your shoulders, to have the responsibility of their well-being. ...it screws a person up, honestly,” Kokichi laughed, taking the sincere jab at himself. “It takes a very particular kind of person to be able to do it, and even then...I don’t think it’s very good for them, even if I don’t think I’d be able to do anything else with my life.”

“But I can hope that it doesn’t touch her. However...there’s some parts of that I’m not going to have a say in, so...anything that can help her, as one of her dads? That means the world to me.”

Kokichi leaned back against the side of the carriage, turning his eyes to the sky for a moment. It had stopped snowing, but he could tell by the clouds that it wasn’t going to be for long. “...sacrifice is a funny thing. But I truly believe the results are worth it. Ideally, I could keep my family happy, but...I can only hope that they’ll understand.”

“It’s not fair that our choices means sacrifices on their part as well-” Maki said, thinking of Tim, “-especially for causes they don’t believe in, or won’t necessarily benefit them in some way… but.” She shrugged. “Life isn’t fair sometimes. Most times. It makes terrible demands of us, and it doesn’t always provide us a way to meet those demands without harming anyone. Enemies. Loved ones. Strangers… sometimes you’re just presented with a difficult situation and have to make the best of it.”

“The only thing that makes it easier is knowing those results are worth the harm. It is worth it. All of it. I believe that with all of my heart.” Maki said… before blushing slightly, looking a little embarrassed at her wording as she said, “Sorry. I’m getting impassioned… it’s nice to talk to someone who really understands what I’m saying. Shuichi doesn’t care, and Kaito can’t see outside of himself. I know you can’t really… help me in my goals. But it’s nice to speak to someone who understands them.”

“Everything is a web. Every choice sends vibrations down the line, affecting things maybe you’ve never even heard of. That’s why even the best intentions can hurt others--there just...isn’t any way to see the whole web at once. I try, it’s what I’ve been raised for...but there’s only so much we can see,” Kokichi hummed. “So we choose a path we can stand behind, and try to account for as many vibrations as we can. Be open to listening to others speak up from the parts we can’t see. And you can never please everyone...but you can get damn close to making things livable for everyone.”

Kokichi looked over with a grin, feeling...at ease, talking like this, despite the subject matter. “I like hearing Maki-chan talk about what she’s passionate about. I wish I could help you in your goals...but we know that I can’t without sacrificing things I’m sworn to protect. But I’ll help where I can.”

“...I know it’s kind of ironic, but sometimes it feels like I’m tip-toeing across a glass bridge when I talk about this kind of stuff with Shuu-chan and Kai-chan… I like being able to talk to you about it.” 

Kokichi suddenly laughed to himself. “It’s kinda weird. It really feels like we’re at our bests when the four of us are together. But...your guys can hold down the fort while you go protect your web. Just means it’s gonna feel all the sweeter when you come back.”

“...because you will.”

Maki huffed, “Tell me about it. Shuichi’s spent the last year trying to talk me out of my goals, and I had to hide it from Kaito entirely. Honestly, I’m relieved he hasn’t had more of a meltdown about this. I don’t envy what you all will go through my first few days away. He’ll get over himself, eventually. But there’s always that spiral first. It can get pathetic… hopefully he won’t put you all through too much of a hassle.”

“...but you are right. Even growing up…” Maki sighed, “...I honestly don’t know what it is. Sometimes… I’m not incomplete. I’m my own person. But sometimes…” Maki paused, trying to think of how to word it, “...it’s like I’m waiting for one of you to finish a thought. If… that makes any sense at all. You, or Shuichi, or Kaito, wil say something that makes sense. That I entirely agree with… but I would have never thought myself.”

“Sometimes, I think that feeling is why I’ve stuck with Shuichi and Kaito for so long. I don’t think I’m saying anything too surprising when I say there were plenty of fights in our childhood together. Morality fights, philosophical fights, relationship fights, just… regular fights, where we were just careless with each others feelings. Even since we’ve been here. Our friendship isn’t endlessly harmonious or peaceful. We’re not always on the same page. Honestly, sometimes I feel like we’re all rarely on the same page. The last four months? That’s been our whole lives, and we’ve had over a decade to learn to talk to each other about it.”

“But… even during the worst of it? Even when sometimes it feels like we’re going to kill each other…” Maki shrugged, “...the feeling of being away from them? Not having those thoughts? It’s not loneliness… it almost just feels like I become worse without them. Dumber, slower, less reactive…” 

“I’m a complete person. But I am… less. Somehow. Without them.”

Maki  went quiet… before saying, “I apologize, if it seems strange I keep insisting on the ‘complete ‘ person thing. It’s extremely silly, but I…” Maki huffed, shaking her head, “The last time I ever tried the vision ritual for Atua week? I…” she laughed. “...I got into an argument with a figment of my imagination and never quite got over it. A…” she rolled her eyes, clearly embarrassed by this whole confession, “... a ‘grim reaper’ tried to tell me my soul was in pieces, and that the gods should be ashamed of what they did to me. Said I was ripped into four pieces. Said it was the freakiest thing he had ever seen… and then had the nerve to try to tell me I had to go start another job, after insulting me to my face!!” 

Maki laughed. “I was sixteen. I took offense. Those hallucinogens are no joke.”

Kokichi could hardly imagine how poorly Kaito would take it when Maki left on vacation, because, obviously, he would know it wasn’t a vacation. He hoped nothing as bad as that night in the memorial garden would happen, but… Well. He knew Maki wouldn’t hesitate in her will against Byakuya’s...but he hoped that there would be a way to solve things without bloodshed. 

(Even if it ended up being the things that made people wish they were dead.)

Humming softly, Kokichi nodded along with Maki, finding that...it wasn’t the same, but he could sort of understand what she meant. “...it’s not that you’re broken or incomplete on your own. It’s like...matching a pair of socks. A sock on its own is a perfectly capable sock, and in the right combinations, it can stand out with its own design against others. But when it’s matched, it becomes a set, and it feels right.”

...he scrunched his nose to the side. “...I dunno if that metaphor works, actually…” But it was something like that. 

Kokichi laughed softly, hearing about Maki’s visions. “I think Kai-chan told me about that once. It’s weird what your mind can show ya. But even without hallucinating a grim reaper calling you freaky...I’ve never really liked the term ‘other half’. The sentiment is nice and all, but...you’re complete on your own. You just find people that complement you, right? You get each other to be your best selves… While it’s not romantic, I feel that way with Maki-chan sometimes, and I’m happy that you get that from Shuu-chan and Kai-chan. Like applying a buff.” 

“Exactly. It’s why I took so much offense to what he said… that stuck up imaginary asshole.” Maki huffed, once again just looking a little exasperated with herself. Getting so affected by a drug-induced daydream...who was she? Kaito? Pathetic. “I’m not incomplete. It’s just… better when I’m around them.”

She glanced over at Kokichi, “Around you too, I guess.” she smirked.

-

Time went on. 

Life continued.

And just like that, the recovery time became… harder. Nothing changed, but the realization that Maki was not only leaving, but leaving soon… added a stress to the family that came and went in waves. 

At one point, Timothy stopped talking to her.

He still obeyed. He came when she called and he listened and he answered politely, yes ma’am, no ma’am, when demanded...but he didn’t talk. He was just blank. A fury he barely knew how to process, let alone express, raging inside of him that he didn’t know what to do with. So he didn’t do anything.

Eventually, Maki woke him up one night, in the start of the night. Said she had something to show him.

They took a horse and they traveled into the mountains. They got to a tower in the woods, on the cliffside. “It’s a guard tower. Designed to spot siege armies from a distance heading to the city.” she explained to him. 

“Why are we here?”

“We’re going to break into it and subdue the guard.”

Timothy’s heart had pounded as Maki showed him how to pick the lock, and when he failed, snapping the pick, reassured him. With her showing him what to do, she helped him scale the wall, heading to the lowest window, before finally getting inside, and climbing the tower. 

They got to the very top of the tower, and there was a figure, sitting in a chair, watching out to the city. “Take out your dagger. Subdue him. Do not give him time to scream. Go for the throat, cut quick, and he won’t be able to make a sound.”

And Timothy, shaking, thinking ‘this is my test to be allowed to go with her, this means she’ll take me with her!’ went to the man, steeling his nerves, lunged to take him by surprise…

..and watched, befuddled, as a sake built up to look like a person fell apart.

“...why-”

“They don’t man guardtowers like these. Apparently haven't in almost a century.” Maki explained, “Apparently they upkeep this place for historical reasons. Come on. Sit with me.”

And Maki sat at the looking point, where they could see all of the city and the fields and mountains past it… and said, “I need you to stay here.”

“I don’t want to stay. I want to go with you.” Timothy grit his teeth. Furious with the trick still, feeling like he had been mocked as he said, “I was ready to kill for you...let me come. I’m your ward.”

“You’re my son.” She corrected. “And you were very brave. And steadfast. And I’m very proud of you...that’s why I need you here.”

“I don’t understand…”

“I don’t trust Dicea.” Maki said. Taking out her knife and looking at it calmly, before glancing down at the city. “They’re a good people. Kind. Intelligent. I trust them to be all of those things… but I don’t trust them to be like us. You and me. I don’t trust them to be brutal. Or ruthless. To put the family first...but I can trust you to do that.”

She looked at Tim, gaze cool. “I have to go save the rest of our family, but that means leaving the ones at the castle here. And the ones here are only going to grow. Your sister is about to be born. Your uncle will be in recovery. Your father will have his hands full, and your other uncles…” she shrugged, “They’re Diceans.”

“And, on top of that? I’m sending a whole group of children, a whole group of our siblings, back here. They’ll be like you, when you first got here. They’ll be strange here. Afraid. They’ll say and do things the people here won’t understand, and it will be hard on them…”

“I need you to stay here.” Maki said, “And take care of our family. I trust you with that. It would mean more to me, for you to stay and protect them, then it would be for you to come and fight with me.”

Timothy gripped his fists….his whole body shaking… “You’re just trying to make me feel better… I’m supposed to be an assassin, like you… I should be with you...”

“You’re my son. Not an assassin. Your job is to do what I tell you, and look out for the family.” Maki repeated. “And staying here and being strong is how you’ll do both of those things. This isn’t a debate. I’m just explaining to you why it’s happening. Dicea doesn’t even use the defenses it put up itself. I’m trusting you to be strong while I’m away, and to be vigilant in their place.”

“...I hate this… you told me you loved me… that you’d make decisions with me in mind...”

Maki sighed. “I do. And I have. You will stay here. You will continue to do well in school, and continue to train with your father, and you will watch over the family in my place. And one day I will return, and I will be incredibly proud of your effort… especially because I know it’s hard. Incredibly hard… but I know you will do well.”

“...you promise you’ll come back?” Timothy muttered. 

Maki stared at the lights of the city.

“...yes.” She decided. “I promise I will come back. For you? Nothing will stop me.”

-

The day her and the transfer students were scheduled to leave, Kaito was trying very, very hard to be optimistic and positive! He was so excited for her trip, and, and, seeing those transfer kids in a few months would be so cool! And, and, Maki would get to see Kaede for a bit, and that was exciting! And, and, she’s be back before they all knew it and-

Shuichi, in turn, much more pregnant, was staring coldly from the castle front doors, as Maki was finishing the last of the packing before she and the students would go. Him and Maki having had plenty of conversations now about her leaving, and none of them changing his mind.

This was so...fucking stupid…

Kokichi was watching the preparations tiredly, but with a small smile, at the tail end of a cold. He’d already wished his well to Hina and Sakura, a few others that he’d distantly known, something knowing in all their gazes that made his good lucks and be safes a little more weighty. 

He’d held Maki’s hand for a good while the night before, promising to keep up his morning walks, and that he’d keep practicing his breathing in the bath and he’d be able to float by the time she came back. And he said, again, that she would come back. 

And...it was harder to be optimistic, standing next to Kaito and Shuuichi. ...but he could only hope that they could forgive her. 

“...it’s going to be exciting, when the Luminary kids come, right? I heard that some of the schools are setting up a bunch of multi-grade seminars on...a whole bunch of things, really. It’s for the benefit of the exchange, but it’ll be fun for everyone, I think, to be able to get out of the classroom, especially this time of year.”

“That’ll be super cool! And, and, Tim, won’t that be exciting!? Too… too be able to show all the other kids cool program stuff when they all get here!?” Kaito grinned, heading over to Maki and, not giving a shit who was watching, took her face in his hands and kissed her on the forehead. Maki bore it quietly, Kaito pulling her into a hug (his whole body was shivering) as he said, “It’s gonna be so cool, Maki-Roll! And, everything’s going to be ready by the time you get back! All the families picked and prepped, the schools prepared, rooms, everything! Everything will be ready! You can count on us! It’s gonna be great!”

Maki looked passively past Kaito’s shoulder for a bit… before putting her arms around him, hugging him back. “Yes. It will be. Thank you, Kaito.”

“Yeah! Yeah! And, and, and…” Kaito let go of the hug, laughing too loudly, “Yuta’s gonna come back with the transfer students! So, so, when Hina’s done visiting… visiting Luminary, she’ll come back, and Yuta will come with her, and all the kids, and you...and it’ll be so fucking exciting when you all get here!”

Maki nodded, reaching up to put a shockling gentle hand on Kaito’s cheek. “Yes. It will be.”

Kaito was still shivering. Shuichi frowned… before saying, annoyed, “Kaito, are you trying to be stupid right now, or--? Sometimes I can’t tell when you’re playing it up or not.”

Kaito’s eyes widened at Shuichi, looking slapped… and Maki glared at him. 

Reaching over to hug Timothy, running ah and through his hair, she said, “Timothy, double check my room to make certain I haven't left any weapons behind. Get it done before I leave. Kaito? Would you help Timothy?”

Kaito tore his eye away from Shuichi, who just stared at him blankly, giving Maki a somewhat bewildered, lost look… before grinning. Nodding. “Sure! We’ll be back in just a minute! Come on, Tim, let’s go help out your mom!”

Timothy nodded, taking Kaito’s hand, inexplicably enough, and leading him back inside. With Kaito safely inside, Maki turned a heated look at Shuichi. “Don’t do that. He’s processing. He’ll work his head around it, he doesn’t need you taking cheap shots while he does.”

“Oh? I’m being cruel? Really.” Shuichi scowled. “I’m not the one leaving us.”

“Shuichi, this is not the last conversation I want to have with you-”

“That’s a shame. It might be.” Shuichi responded coldly. “It’s going to destroy us when we get news you’re next up on the chopping block, you know. I hope you understand that.”

Maki twitched, looking around to see if anyone was listening in on them, before scowling, “That won’t happen.”

“It’ll be a shame about everyone going into these caravans too. Byakuya’s not known for his forgiving nature. It’ll be a tragedy when Yuta finally reunites with his sister, just to watch her d-”

“Shuichi.”

“Oh, but, of course! They know the risks! They’re ready for it, right? They agreed to do this on their own! Because it’s so easy to say no to Maki Harukawa-”

“Shuichi, I will put this whole trip on hold for an hour to spar you if that’s what this will take-”

“-Oh, I’d love to see you try it-”

“Shuu-chan.”

Kokichi interrupted the siblings, something disappointed in his gaze as he said his boyfriend’s name before he sighed. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen this coming, but… “...you know you’re not going to talk Maki-chan out of this. And...trying to make yourself not care isn’t gonna work either. It’s just gonna hurt more. Please, believe me…”

He sighed a little more, rubbing the back of his neck gently. “...of course we’re worried about you, Maki-chan. And, unfortunately, faith doesn’t always make that worry go away… But you’re coming back. She’s coming back. So...we can say a lot of things that we’ll probably regret and not get to take back for months… Or we can reassure each other how much we care and have those memories to keep with us while we’re apart.”

“Who doesn’t care? I care plenty. I feel like I’m the only person in the world who does care…” Shuichi uncrossed his arms, walking past Kokichi, a storm in his face as he walked into Maki’s face, Maki standing her ground, looking up at him as Shuichi said darkly, “You have everyone fooled… Kokichi, Kaito, the people coming with you on this trip, Kaede, Byakuya, apparently a bunch of truly idiotic people back at home...everyone’s convinced you’re… this unstoppable fucking force… this violent whirl of death, this fucking… stupid myth that you’ve let build around you… and look whats come of it!? This is going to get you killed, Maki! You’re…”

Shuichi’s face twisted, and he lunged himself at her, throwing his arms around her neck, pulling her into a tight hug as he said, “You’re just a twenty-two year old girl who knows how to walk into locked rooms and stab people, Maki! You can’t… you can’t...they’re going to kill you, Maki...  you’re just a person...what are you thinking!?”

Maki held him back. A look of..conflict. On her face for a moment. Before she sighed, and it smoothed out. “I’ve been given an opportunity. I have to take it. There's no other choice.”

“You could wait, wait for me to have this baby, recover, I’ll go with you, between the two of us we’ll have a real fucking plan-”

“Heh… now who’s buying into their own legend?” Maki whispered to him, rubbing his back as Shuichi sobbed bitterly into her shoulder. “You’re just a twenty-three year old boy who was half decent with puzzles and guessing when people are lying… neither of us are suited for this…”

Maki sighed, before disentangling herself from him. Looking at Shuichi sternly as she said, “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t try. That’s it. That’s the long and short of it. It would destroy me not to go.”

“It’s so stupid…. This is a mistake…”

“I’m going to prove you wrong.”

“...” Shuichi scoffed, wiping the tears off his face, looking frustrated at her as he said, “...you better. If you die, I’m going to start praying at Kaito’s shrine, and spend every prayer session just asking Atua to tell you that I said I told you so.”

“That’s stupid.” Maki smiled gently. “At least come up with a better threat.”

“I’m gonna tell everyone what your real first kiss was like, and tell everyone how bad a kisser you were.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Then come back alive!” Shuichi insisted.

“...okay. I promise.” Maki said, reaching over to pull him into a hug again, “I promise. I’ll come back. I promise.”

“So fucking stupid…”

He knew Shuuichi was worried, and Maki knew Shuuichi was worried. Kokichi knew he probably didn’t have to intervene...but maybe he managed to reset a fuse or two. 

He had promised Shuuichi he wasn’t going to send his sister to her death. And Kokichi wasn’t, not even on the technicality that he wasn’t in charge of Maki’s decision to do this. Fixing Luminary on her own was an impossible task. No matter if Maki thought she still had to try. 

But she wasn’t on her own. 

For the first phase of the plan, Maki was ensuring the freedom and safety of thirty children in the indentured program, and making sure that the people bargained for that safety were people well-equipped to stand up to Luminary and anything it’d throw at them. 

And for the second part… The revolutionaries in Luminary weren’t just a scrapped together force, barely holding on. It still wasn’t safe by any means...but by the last Kokichi had heard, they were a force to be reckoned with, able to actually make (or starting to, at least) Byakuya and the Luminous elite listen. Maki wasn’t going alone. She was going to be a part of something much bigger than her, with people that believed in her legend and would make themselves stronger to see her there with them, and...she was bringing thirty reinforcements, potentially. People who were both Luminous and Dicean and...would be able to use that understanding to...maybe make policy ideas that would make even more people listen. 

A nation’s power was its people. Maki was going to join them. And maybe it was overly optimistic...but Kokichi believed they could do it. Could make a change that would matter. 

So...Kokichi could watch Shuuichi cry into his sister’s shoulder, calling her foolish and an idiot and...it still hurt to see. But he could stand behind the faith he had in her and everyone piling into the caravans, believing in this cause enough to put their lives on hold and risk everything for it. 

...nothing big was without sacrifice. But Kokichi felt like it wouldn’t be anything devastating. They just had to have faith, and make it so. 

Eventually, Kaito and Timothy came back down, Timothy dutifully informing that they hadn’t found anything, Maki quietly informing him thank you, and that he had done well… before leaning in and whispering things into his ears. He nodded, and she ran a hand through his hair, looking at him as if she was trying to memorize what he looked like…

And then it was time to go.

-

Maki, long before she had left, had gone to Haneda and warned her that Kaito was likely going to get worse before he got better, and when that happened, told the nanny it would be better for her to take on the bulk of Timothy’s needs until Kaito could pull himself out of it. That, at least while he was in ‘hiding’ mode, Kaito wouldn’t be reliable. “He’ll pull himself out of it, ideally within a few days. And once he’s out, feel comfortable to rely on him as much as you need to, don’t let him overly rely on you. But for that period where he’s falling apart? I’m counting on you to be there for Timothy.”

It took two days. And the reason it triggered was actually… honestly, terribly predictable.

Kaito had had his weekly phone call with Byakuya right after lunch, left it, headed straight to his shrine, and now it was dinner, and it wasn’t looking like he was coming out.

Timothy, Chase asleep at his feet, was frowning at his homework, peering at the questions with a look that bordered on suspicious… before saying, “This question sounds like an opinion. How do I answer multiple choice on an opinion… english is stupid.”

She was glad for the heads up, but...Haneda wasn’t pleased with Maki either. The lot of them were weirdos, but...for a while there it had felt like Maki and Kaito were getting serious about being Tim’s parents. Haneda still picked him up from school, watched Chase when he didn’t bring her, but...more often than not one of his parents or uncles helped Tim with his homework, would play a game or work on a project with him. 

Now Maki was gone and Kaito was doing whatever weird shit he was doing, Shuuichi was sour more often than not and Kokichi...still tried to make time for Tim, but was about as successful as he always was, in that he found time maybe once a week, and Hajime was working most afternoons so…

Whatever. It was always better not to place too much hope there. 

Haneda was sitting against the wall next to Timothy’s desk, working on an embroidery project (what was starting to look like a lovely wreath of winter plants) as he slogged through homework, scoffing at his observation. “It is. Subjects that are all about your opinion are kind of stupid to teach...but people will only leave you be about it if you can argue your point well. What’s the question you’re on?”

“The fruit that Sarah eats is meant to represent which member of her family? A. Her Father. B. Her Brother. C. Her Mother. Or, D. The Fruit doesn’t represent a family member.” Timothy frowned, huffing, a pout on his face that was eerily reminiscent of his missing mother now. “...I feel like it’s D, but I’m pretty sure the teachers gonna say that’s wrong.”

“Ah, metaphor shit.” Haneda sighed as she tapped the heel of her boot a few times. “Well it doesn’t mean shit if it’s right or wrong if you can explain why the fruit isn’t a metaphor. Might even get’cha extra points, since Mr. Cendril’s a debate nerd. Maybe you can fight and say that the fruit represents something else entirely, especially since it’s kind of fucked up to eat a member of your family.”

Another few taps. 

“Talk me through it, kid. Why isn’t the fruit her dad?”

Timothy sighed a little, Chase’s body weight against his ankles a comfort. Miss Kawai was right, Mr. Cendril likely would give him credit if he made a good argument for his point… but he had a feeling mom wouldn’t appreciate the idea. She wanted him to do well. She had said one of his jobs was to do well in school, and she’d be proud when she got back… he had to do well so she’d come back and be proud…

Chewing the inside of his lip, he said slowly, thinking about it, “Cause… the story is always comparing him to wood? He’s always… working on stuff. Keeping his hands busy with wood. Chopping it, whittling it. I think he’s meant to be like...sturdy like wood. So it’d be weird if he was a fruit. Right?”

“I agree with that. Good explanation,” Haneda nodded, giving some praise. It was a little weird, but… She felt like praising Tim a lot. For the big stuff, obviously, like his domination at the spelling bee, and when he stuck it to that snotty artist girl who was picking on Kimiko, but just...for any and everything he did well. Reassuring him that he was on the right track. 

...she didn’t know. But it was nice to know where you stood. 

“Write that down next to the answer--teachers love it when you show your thought process. So, why isn’t the fruit her brother?”

Timothy frowned. That one was harder, and he thought about it as he wrote in the father note, “...because he doesn’t seem to matter? He’s not in the story at all… I mean, he is, but not really. He says like two things and mostly Sarah just thinks he’s annoying. I don’t really get why he’s in the story at all...maybe the writer just thought Sarah needed more family? Like decoration.”

Tap-tap-tap-tap. 

“...an annoying lack of presence… Yeah, I think you’re right, I don’t see how that could relate to fruit. Or even like...eating to get rid of him. If that’s the answer they’re looking for, it’s weak reasoning and shouldn’t be used as a teaching example. The mom?”

Timothy gripped the pencil… something guilty flashing across his face…

“...” he mumbled something unintelligible. Then feeling foolish, he swallowed, and tried again.

“...I may have skipped through the paragraphs with her mom.” Timothy admitted quietly. “I don’t know. She said some stuff. It didn’t seem important...”

The tapping stopped. 

“...well, if you don’t think it was none of them, and it’s not the dad or the brother, then it’s probably the mom. No way to know for sure unless you read it, but a close guess might get you the right answer.”

…

“...it’s not my business, but it’s okay to be mad at her, you know.”

“...she’s gonna go save our family and stuff.” Timothy muttered, though he angrily lined out the explanations he had been writing out in the other answers, just circling in the ‘Mother’ answer, “...I don’t really know from what. An enemy, I guess. You can’t be mad at someone for fighting an enemy.”

“You can.”

Haneda blew an annoyed puff of air through her mask, tucking her needle into the side of the fabric. “Believe me, you can be mad at anyone for anything. Whether they deserve it is another question, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re mad. And even if the person you’re mad at meant well, or is truly innocent...sometimes you just have to be mad, and tell them you’re mad, and maybe go punch something or,” don’t tell your kid to do illegal things, “pet an animal for a while. Doesn’t usually change anything, but it feels better, at least to me.”

Timothy looked uncomfortable, still, at the idea of being mad at Maki… but something about hearing the word ‘punch’ sparked something, and staring at the furiously scribbled over explanation to the ‘steady dad’...

His brow furrowed. Frustration sparking in his gut, as he muttered darkly, “...gonna punch Prince Momota… he’s so stupid. Mom wouldn’t have had to go anywhere if the Momota’s could get it together…” 

He scribbled harder at the ‘dad’ word, gritting his teeth. “...stupid… why is he always so stupid…”

Kaito wasn’t reliable right now...but if he tried anything, Haneda would be there to stop it. Maybe getting socked by a nine-year-old would be enough to get his head out of his ass. 

Maybe not, but it might help Timothy feel better. 

Sighing, Haneda tucked her project into her sidebag, rolling her shoulders to stretch them out. “Alright. One dad to punch comin’ up. If your mom was right, he’ll still be in his closet upstairs.”

Timothy’s eyes widened, looking genuinely startled as he looked at Miss Kawai, certain he was misunderstanding her as he asked, “W-what? You’re gonna go get dad?”

Haneda raised an eyebrow back at her young ward. “No, we’re gonna go to him, because I don’t think he’d follow me anywhere. You said you wanted to punch him, right? You got all pissed and mutter-y about it. If you’re angry at someone, let them know.”

Timothy still looked a little alarmed… before nodding. “Okay… hold on.”

Timothy went to his pillow, taking out the throwing dagger and putting it into his pockets. He wasn’t planning to use it, but his dad was kind of a giant. If he was about to pick a fight, it paid to be prepared. “Stay, Chase.”

Chase snored slightly. Timothy gave Miss Kawai a determined look. “Let’s go.”

Haneda huffed a little at the knife, but she knew damn well that Maki had taught Tim weapon safety along with how to use one. She’d still intervene if Kaito started to seriously fight a child, but if it made Tim feel better to carry the dagger, then so be it.

Opening the door for Tim, Haneda walked with him upstairs to the closet Kaito had taken up, giving him a little ‘okay’ nod to knock on the door. Say he wanted to punch Kaito, and maybe that was weird enough for the guy to come out. Maybe Tim would get a hit in, maybe he’d just yell at the guy that was supposed to be his dad for a bit. Hopefully something would come out of this. 

Timothy took a few tense, steadying breaths… before squaring his shoulders and knocking hard on the door. Not quite slamming his fists, because that would be rude. But definitely the firm, bang bang bang that his superiors used when they were trying to get a closed office’s attention.

Kaito, who had finished praying a while ago and was now just sort of sitting there, trying not to… think about anything… glanced in confusion at the door.

“Be out in a minute.” Kaito said tiredly, lifting the bandage on his arm to check to see if the cut was still bleeding. Looked like it wasn’t… that was good… he’d get up and go see who was at the door…

...in just a second… just a second… he’d get up in a second…

Timothy looked in confusion at the door, waiting. Thirty seconds went by, and biting the inside of his lip, Timothy went back to the door and knocked again. BAM BAM BAM!

Kaito stared blankly at the far wall. Maybe he’d just stay quiet and the person would go away. He could leave later. Figure out who was knocking. He’d do it later. He just needed, like… five minutes. Really.

Timothy tried to think of something to shout, and everything stuck in his throat. Just by the nature of how he was raised, stabbing a guy was way easier to get his head around than yelling at a superior… so, with that in mind, Timothy leaned down, pulled out the small lockpicks his mom had shown him how to use at the tower, and while he wasn’t very good at it yet, he started to work on the lock.

Kaito heard the sounds of a lockpick, and looked confused at the door. “...’Kichi?”

He really was in there, huh. Path of most resistance. Maybe Haneda would’ve just watched and waited, but...she wanted the best for Tim. Better than she had, even if she didn’t understand. 

Sighing, Haneda grumbled, “Guess again. And I’d say you have...maybe three minutes to come out yourself before your knocker gets in there themself.”

Timothy swelled with pride at the idea that he could manage this in three minutes. He had only successfully picked a lock once, now, and it had taken him fifteen minutes, and he hadn’t been entirely certain what he had done to finally successfully manage it. But, yeah! He could get it in three minutes. Just you wait, Momot- oh.

Kaito, alarmed to hear the nanny on the other side of the door, did some simple math in his head and guessed- “Timothy? Kid, what are you doing?” Kaito asked, opening the door and looking down at his son, who looked a little bit like a deer caught in...carriage lantern lights. “...who gave you lockpicks!? I told Kokichi not until you were eighteen!”

Timothy shook a little… his dad was so big. Why wasn’t Tim that big yet?? But he steeled his nerves and, shocking his picks back in his pocket, looked up at his father and shouted, “Sh-shut up! I’m...” Timothy had a flash of brilliance, “I’m here to spar you!!”

Kaito’s brow furrowed… “Uh huh…” Glancing up at Haneda, he said, “Excuse us, I need to have a word with my kid here.” Kaito said, putting a hand on the back of Timothy’s neck and pulling him into the shrine, reaching over to close the door.

“No! She’s gonna referee it!! She’s our third!!” Timothy demanded, his face red, fists balled in anger, all in on this idea now.

Kaito felt a vein pulse around his eyes. “Timothy, I’m not sparring you. What is this? What’s happening right now?”

Haneda raised an eyebrow, having passed by it before but--Kokichi knew how to lockpick? To the point hearing it (and even compared against knocks she doubted would ever be the prince’s) made Kaito think of his husband first, and immediately assumed would be the one to supply Tim? Well. That was news. 

As was word of a spar, but the Luminaries were weird that way. 

Haneda put a foot in the door, not about to leave Kaito alone with Tim while he was “unreliable”, and scoffed lowly. “What does it look like? Tim’s mad at you, so we’re here. I thought it was gonna be a punch and done situation, but if it warrants a spar, then we’ll do that. Not outside though, shit’s cold.”

“What? Why was punching in the equation? Why am I sparring my nine-year-old son?? What is happening???”

Timothy grit his teeth, glaring daggers at Kaito, before saying, “You’re the reason mom left.”

Kaito just looked...bewildered for a moment. Giving Haneda an openly confused look, before turning back to Timothy, trying to follow the line of logic as he knelt down onto one knee, trying to get at eye level with Tim as he said, “What… Tim, kid, you have to slow down here. I’m not following at-hnk!”

Kaito’s head whipped to the side, a shockingly decent punch for the small child coming out of nowhere, straight across his face.

There was a very, very brief moment where the hot, flash of certainty came over Kaito as he thought, entirely sincere, ‘I’m going to kill him.’

...but the flash was just that, and Kaito grunted, running a hand over his face as Timothy shouted, “Don’t be a coward!! You and mom sparred all the time, I know you know how to do it!! I’m challenging you to a spar!! You can’t refuse me, Momota!!”

Kaito took a steadying breath… before turning to give Timothy a hard look. “First of all? If you’re too pissed to call me ‘dad’? You don’t use my name like that. If you’re mad, you can call me father, or sir. Not Momota. You understand me, Timothy?”

Timothy trembled a little, but didn’t back down. 

“Second of all, you and I don’t spar, because you are nine. When you come up to my chest? That’s when you and I can spar our fights out. Not before. Till then, you and I just have to talk things out.”’

Timothy shouted, “That’s not fai-”

“I’m not done talking? Who said I was done talking? You wait till I’m done, then you can talk. And I’ll listen to you when it’s your turn to talk. That’s how that’s going to work. Third? You do not hit m-!!”

Kaitos’s word stopped mid lecture, having to move quickly. His arm shot up, just managing to catch Timothy’s arm in time. With a shout, Kaito ripped the knife out of Timothy’s hands, turned around, and with a shout of “Fucking dammit!” he lodged the knife into the wall, the wall cracking around the impact of the blade.

As Kaito huffed, looking at the blade… he heard a sniffle behind him, and sighed. Turning back to the boy and kneeling down again, reaching down to take his wrist in hand and looking over his arm, mumbling, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to squeeze. Did it hurt?”

“N-no.” Timothy said, voice tight, as Kaito checked over his arm. Not hurt, but clearly startled and a little overwhelmed as his chest heaved. There was a furious look on his face...and the look crumbled as he stammered, almost like he couldn’t actually believe it “I-I tried to stab you..”

“Yeah, well, number three was we don’t punch, and number four is we don’t stab.” Kaito grumbled, his fury knocked out of him, mostly just glad to see there wasn’t a bruise on Timothy’s arm where he had grabbed him to wrench the knife away. “Hey, hey, you don’t have to cry, why are you crying? You’re fine, I’m not mad… we’re not sparring, Tim, I just need you to talk to me…”

Was that how Tim reasoned it out? Not in the more common way, where people were in a bad relationship so someone left, but...Maki had left to escort the foreign exchange students in the trade Dicea and Luminary were doing, and, apparently, after that job was done, Maki was taking a vacation to explore the Dicean mountains. Which was probably a cover for something, but if Haneda didn’t know, then she probably wasn’t meant to. 

Something to do with...saving their family in Luminary? But if Luminary was the problem, then...yeah, she could see the road that led back to Kaito. He had the bonus of being someone right in front of Tim to fight. 

And while Haneda could see that this wasn’t going to be a real fight--and she wouldn’t let it be--she still smirked a little, proud of that quick, powerful jab. No duh, considering his mom, but Tim was gonna be a real powerhouse when he got older. 

But cheap blows would only go one way, where Haneda was concerned. 

She lunged into a crouch, aiming to get between Tim and Kaito, but… Okay, Kaito hadn’t lost his damn mind. Haneda settled back on her heels. This father and son needed this moment, but she wasn’t about to abandon her kid. At least someone in his life needed to set that example. 

“...you might not be mad, but he is. Or, he was.” Haneda gave her ward a curious look. “Did that punch do anything for you? Or are you mad at other stuff now?”

Mostly, Tim just felt guilty now. HIs body stiff as a board, glancing up at the knife now lodged into the wall, fists clenched as he chewed on the inside of his mouth, eyes swimming with frustrated tears as he said, “I-I’m not supposed to stab you...m-mom said I had to l-look after you… th-that’s my job now…” He looked increasingly wrecked, as he looked at Kaito, and said, “D-don’t tell her…”

Kaito listened to his, before taking a breath and running a hand through his hair, muttering, “Fucking...really? Maki…” he mumbled, frustrated, imagining how that conversation might have gone and actually getting pretty close, though he couldn’t account for weird ‘assassination trust tests’ that Maki had added to it. “...Tim, Kid… ah geez.” 

Picking his words carefully, not wanting to undo whatever comfort Maki was trying to instill in their kid with whatever their conversation had been about, but annoyed with her decision to put some weird responsibility over his head, he reached over to Tim and grabbed his shoulder, pulling him into his chest and rubbing the back of his neck as he said, “You don’t… it’s not your job to look after me. I don’t know what mom said, but dad looks after dad. And I look after you, for that matter. That’s why we’re not sparring. Because you need to… to be able to come to me about stuff like this without worrying about having to beat me in a fight, okay? That’s not a thing with us. Me and you don’t fight.”

“You just don’t want me to stab you.” Timothy muttered into Kaito’s collarbone. 

“I mean that too, yes. I still get phantom twinges from the last two stab wounds. It’s not a matter of can you fight, Tim. I know you can. But you and I don’t. And even when you get older, you and I only fight for practice or fun. We don’t do what me and your mom do. That’s a rule, which I’m allowed to make, because my job is to take care of you. Not the other way around. Got it?”

“...but mom said-”

“Mom’s not here. I am. I’m saying I take care of you. End of story.” Kaito said, matter of factly. Timothy quieted at that. Not sure how to respond… so Kaito sighed, continuing to rub his neck, “Is Miss Kawai right? You pissed at someone? What’s going on?”

“...it’s the Momota’s fault mom left. She says she has to fix Luminary… why’d you let it get so bad if it meant mom was gonna leave?”

God damn it, Maki… “That’s a question with layers, kid…” Kaito sighed, looking over to Haneda, “Miss Kawai? Can I get some time with the kid alone? I mean…” Kaito huffed, shrugging, “Unless you wanna sit in on this. This just might… take some time.”

...there was something halfway heartening about seeing Kaito take to his responsibilities. Actually giving his kid parenting, and with something difficult too. Not just being around to help with homework or sharing interests. Some of the stuff things Haneda knew she would’ve rebelled against hard as a kid...so it was probably a good indication that he had something right. 

“Fuck it,” she sighed with a shrug. She didn’t have to stay. But there were a lot of things she didn’t have to do, but did when it came to Tim. “Not like I have to head out for home before it gets dark, and I have nothing else to do. Unless you don’t want me here?”

She faced Tim more fully, asking without expectation. Kaito seemed at least a little more stable, but Haneda wasn’t gonna chance anything. And while he was Tim’s dad, and that did hold some sway...Haneda wasn’t hired by him. She answered to Tim and Maki, as his official guardian. Maki wasn’t there, so it was up to Tim. 

Tim hesitated. It was clear his father would actually rather talk to him alone...but he felt weird asking Miss Kawai to leave. Besides, Tim was vaguely worried he might try to kill the man again. Sure, that’d be tricky by this point, since his knife was currently halfway lodged into a wall and Tim was like 4ft something, but Timothy was raised to fight people. He wasn’t raised to seriously consider all the reasons that made it far too difficult for him to do so.

Like being a literal small child.

So, yeah… that was the point of having a third person in a spar! To make certain no one killed each other! And Tim had just tried to stab the man, so...pulling away from him, going to sit on the other side of the shrine, next to the wall, Timothy shrugged at Haneda, saying, “You can stay, Miss Kawai. It’ll keep my dad safe.”

“Oh my god…” Kaito ran a hand over his face again, his right cheek starting to blossom red from where Tim had hit him as he muttered, “Timothy, I am four times your size… no one has to keep me safe from you. God, it’s because Maki’s been raising you, isn’t it. It’s only been a few months and you already have her ‘do you wanna die’ thing. Neither of you are as effortlessly capable of murder as you think, and it’s not just a matter of you deciding if someone’s gonna die or not. Just because you decide to kill someone doesn’t mean it’s gonna automatically work out. Ngh...”

“I’ve already nearly killed you once.” Timothy said, a slight pout.

“Yeah, while my back was turned and I was distracted. You got lucky, and I was still fine later. You don’t need to take care of me, and you’re not a danger to me. I am so much bigger than you.”

“I’ve killed people as big as you.” Timothy huffed.

“There’s a guard down by the gate every morning that proves you haven't.”

“It’s not my fault people don’t die when you stab them.” Tim muttered, looking just plain old put out now. 

“We’re getting off topic… what were we talking about?” Kaito muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I made Maki leave? How did I make her leave again?”

“You ruined Luminary.”

“Ah…” Kaito twitched. “...right.” ...fuck. How was he even supposed to start with that? Fuck. He wasn’t in emotionally a good enough place to just process his relationship with Luminary on his own, and now he had to explain himself to a literal child? This was a nightmare...but Timothy was clearly genuinely affected by all this. He had just tried to stab him, he was so upset. So Kiato couldn’t just brush it off, either. How the fuck was he supposed to approach this… “Um… okay… well, first of all...um…”

Rolling her eyes a little as Tim and Kaito argued over how Tim could totally take down his father, Haneda got settled by the door. She wasn’t worried about Tim hurting Kaito (the pain from the punch would fade) but...well, she’d seen the others wind themselves into these knotted little balls before. Maybe she could help straighten them out, even if she didn’t know what was going on either.

And it looked like she had to get started on that right away. Politics...were difficult in any sense, but if Tim was mad at Kaito directly? Then there was something they could do about that. 

Scoffing, Haneda rested her elbows on her knees and gave Kaito a dry look as he fumbled where to even start. “Yeah, Kaito, explain in great detail how you went over to the king and whoever the fuck else actually makes decisions in Luminary with your great idea to start up a slavery system. How you had a plan to even start it before you were born.”

Kaito stiffened at that, but Timothy looked at Haneda, a mildly… confused look on his face.

“Slavery system?” Tim asked.

Kaito gave Haneda a somewhat sour look, before saying softly to Tim, “She means the Indentured Program… actually, that’s a good point. Tim? Kid, I need you to explain to me what you think is happening with your mom. Like, in detail… what exactly did she leave for? As you understand it?”

Timothy was smart and calm, usually, and it was easy to forget that this was the same kid who had stabbed Kaito because Kaito had ‘sold out’ his country because he wanted to marry the enemy. Timothy’s grasp of the greater world around him was...well. Childish. 

Timothy’s grasped the ends of his shorts, looking frustrated. Worried he was being set up to be told he was wrong or something, as he started to explain. “...Mom… said we could help our siblings. Hers and mine. The other orphan kids. She said we have a responsibility… and that she had to go back to Luminary to save them. Save the family.”

“Right…” Kaito gave Tim a gentle look. “From what?”

Tim bit the inside of his lip. “From Luminary. From the King.”

“Yes, but… why? What’s got your siblings in danger?”

“Luminary is broken and mom needs to go fix it.” Timothy said, clearly just… repeating things he had heard Maki-- and Shuichi, for that matter- say. But the answer was clear. Timothy had no fucking idea why this was happening… which maybe explained why he had come after Kaito.

Mom left to fix Luminary → Luminary needed fixing → The Momota’s were in charge of Luminary → Kaito was a Momota → Dad made Mom leave.

Thus, time to stab.

“...okay.” Kaito rubbed at his goatee. “...so… what’s actually happening is… your mom and Uncle Byakuya-”

“-Mom says she doesn't want me to call him that.”

Kaito twitched. “...fine. Your mom and King Byakuya are having a...disagreement. Over the Indentured Program. And your mom needed to… to…”

This is where Kaito’s mind stuttered.

He...still hadn’t quite allowed himself to...process what Maki had left to do yet. He was in his shrine for a reason. He wasn’t… he needed more time… if he didn’t process this in some way, he was going to flip the fuck out and…

...but Tim was here. He needed to try to keep it together. He needed more time, but he couldn’t send Tim away. So… “She… she left to go escort the students to Luminary and escort some of...her siblings here. And… while she’s there she… may… decide to talk to King Byakuya about their disagreements…” Kaito twitched, starting to sweat, “Maybe.”

“What’s that got to do with the Indentured Program?” Timothy asked. “Why is Luminary broken?”

Auuuuuggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh-- and because Kaito just couldn’t help himself he said, “Well… broken is a … strong term…”

Haneda’s eyebrows raised. Maki was going to assassinate Kaito’s brother? Not officially of course since even she knew that’d restart the war, but...damn. If Kaito had any fondness for his brother--which, by his difficulty talking about this, was true--then...no wonder he was hiding out like a baby. 

She started to tap her heel again. 

“...well, if the...you call it the Indentured Program, huh. If it’s a thing through the whole country,” she waited for Tim’s nod, confirming it, “then that means the king is the person in charge of it. So, if you wanna do anything about that system, then you go to the top.”

“...if your mom said that she’s saving your siblings from the system, then that means it’s a bad system that she doesn’t want anyone in. If the government upholds a bad system, then that means something is broken, so, to fix it, your mom is gonna talk to the person in charge of that program--the king--and make sure it goes away.”

Haneda shrugged a little. “That’s my best guess anyway, since pigs would fly before I actually know what’s going on in your mom’s head.”

Timothy watched Haneda intently, nodding along… all of that made sense. Everyone knew that to get anything done, you had to work your way up the chain of command, till someone in charge decided to change the thing...so yeah. That made sense… but…

Timothy frowned, “But mom doesn’t talk to people. She kills people.”

“She doesn’t have to!”

Kaito bit his lip, putting his hand over his face, telling himself to calm down… do not freak out in front of your son and his nanny. Do not do that. 

Taking some steadying breaths, he dropped his hand and grinned wide at Tim, saying through the grin, “She doesn’t have to! Your mother isn’t an assassin anymore! She’s a Dicean Citizen! And we’ve talked about how the Diceans do it, right? It’s all…” Kaito waved his hand vaguely, “Communication! Talking to each other! So… yeah! That’s…probably….that’s definitely what your mom is doing! She just wants to go… to go talk!”

Timothy watched his father like he was crazy (and he wasn’t far off) but… slowly nodded. “So… mom volunteered for this mission to get a chance to talk to the King?”

“Yes!”

“And… she wants him to change the Indentured Program? Which will help our siblings?”

“Yes? Yes! Luminary isn’t…” Kaito felt another bead of sweat fall from his hairline, “perfect...or anything. It’s a place with flaws, just like anywhere else! So, so… if anyone can fix it, it’s King Byakuya! So… so Maki’s…” Kaito’s face tensed, before saying uncertainly, “...going to go… help him… maybe...”

“... Couldn’t she have just sent him a letter, or used the telephone, to tell him the program is bad?”

“Fuck, I wish…” Kaito rubbed the back of his neck, feeling incredibly drained by this whole conversation as he explained, “Sometimes the King needs things said in… certain ways. And he really is easier to talk to in person...it’s easier to see on his face when he’s about to get… reactive…” Kaito paused...before shaking his head, getting out of whatever memory he was in as he said, “So! Your mom just wants a chance to talk to him in person. And then, when she’s done, the King will fix everything, and your mom will come back, and everything will go back to normal, Tim! It’s just gonna take a little while! You understand?”

Timothy still looked confused...but he slowly nodded his head. “I...think so…?”

...she wasn’t sure if Kaito was delusional or what, but…

Tap-tap-tap-tap.

“Tim, do you remember that game you played in class, where everyone sat in a circle, and someone would whisper a phrase into someone’s ear, and then they’d whisper it into someone else’s, and it went on until the last person? And the phrase was completely different? And you didn’t get why the first person didn’t just talk to the last person directly?”

It wasn’t a perfect analogy, but...it might be enough. “Sending letters or talking through the phone is like playing that game, between your mom and the king. So she’s going directly to the last person to make sure her message gets through clearly.” 

Haneda shrugged, hoping that’d get through to him. “It sucks that she has to go for a long time. But it’s what she thinks is best for you and all your siblings. It still doesn’t mean you have to be happy about it, and when she comes back, you can ask her why she didn’t try other things. Like what we were doing for your homework--finding all the reasons why other answers wouldn’t work. Then, if there’s something else in the future she decides is best? You can help talk it out with her so you don’t have to get left with a situation that makes you feel bad.”

Oh, right...the ‘Rumor’ game (as Telephones have literally only just existed)...’Tyrin has a band and banjo’, for fucks sake, Abetha, of course Tyrin doesn’t play the bango the guy hates country style music, like, keep up, use context clues at least!

But, he supposed all that made sense. 

...he still didn’t like that she had left.  But… if she needed to tell King Byakuya how to run the country in person… then yeah. That made sense. That sounded like something his mom would do.

And, also, it didn’t really sound like his dad had much to do with it either way. Mom was always correcting people. It wasn’t that outlandish that his dad’s family had messed up and Mom needed to go correct them. If King Byakuya was anything like dad? Yeah. Inevitable, really. 

Timothy nodded, much more certainly this time. His anger flowing away as he finally felt like he had a grasp of what was going on. Okay… “I get it.” Timothy said, his whole body calming down…

And, because Tim was a guy who didn’t look backwards very much, he looked above Kaito’s shoulder and said, “Can I have my knife back?”

“Hell no.”

“Why not?”

“What do you mean, why not!? You just tried to stab me!”

“I already apologized for that.”

“WHEN!?”

“Oh… maybe I just thought it.” Timothy realized, before shrugging slightly. “I apologize. May I have my knife back?”

“No You know what? You can pull the knife out of the wall yourself? You can keep it. Otherwise it stays right where it is!”

Timothy frowned at that… but got up, and went to the wall, grabbing the hilt with both hands, and pulling…

“...give me my knife baaack.” Timothy whined, when it didn’t so much as budge out of the wall.

“You come into my shrine, hit me across the face, try to stab me, and now you wanna whine. Unbelievable.” Kaito grumbled, watching his son fruitlessly pull at the knife. 

Haneda looked over fondly at her kid, watching him fruitlessly try to pull the knife from the wall. She had never really liked many people, most folks she found to be endlessly irritating. But Tim was alright. He was a good kid. 

Standing back up, Haneda sighed. “Use it as a strength test, kid. Come by every day until you pull it free. But, c’mon, it’s almost bedtime and you haven’t finished your homework--I can believe that your mom’s gonna look through all your school records when she comes home and will chew us both out if you start skipping assignments. Real hardass, that one…”

Fixing Kaito with a cool look, she asked, “Want me to send some ice up for your face? Tim got you pretty good.”

Kaito licked the inside of his mouth, feeling the sting on his face as he pushed at it with his tongue. He was fine, the ache didn’t bother him any… but, well. Kokichi might stop by at some point or another, and he’d be worried if Kaito just let it darken into a bruise. 

Shrugging, Kaito said, “Yeah, if you wouldn’t mind. I’d go grab it myself, but I got… more praying to do.” Kaito said vaguely, glancing back at the shrine, before grinning down at Timothy, “Miss Kawai’s right homework comes first, but if any point you want to pray with me, kid? Atua loves you, ya know, he’d be up to hearing whatever you want to talk about too!”

“The temple on base used to give out cookies and lemonade if you stopped by for service… do you have cookies and lemonade?” Timothy asked, looking around the shrine warily.

“...Nope! But, if you get your homework done, maybe Miss Kawai can hook you up.” Kaito said, deciding to let that particular argument go. “Goodnight, guys! Let me know if you need anything, either of ya!”

Haneda sighed. It had been less so, since Maki had been putting Tim to bed pretty regularly the last few months, but...it wasn’t a total rarity for Haneda to pass off a treat before bed. Something Maki probably hated, but who cared, kids could have treats. Giving Tim a look, she offered, “...you get started on the last few questions, and I’ll see what they have in the kitchens when I get the ice. If you finish, you can have a treat, but brush your teeth really well, alright?”

Standing in a stretch, Haneda gave Kaito a nod. He hadn’t totally lost his head so...not a total failure of a dad moment. “I’ll come by with ice in a bit. Goodnight.”

Kaito gave the two a wave...before sighing when the door closed behind them, leaning against the wall a bit...before sliding down it. Running his hand through his hair.

...Maybe all of that was true?

Maybe it was. He didn’t know. Maki had… said some stuff about killing his brother, but she wouldn’t do it, he was...certain. She had said some stuff, and now she was...going to Luminary to… to…

...she wasn’t going to kill Byakuya. She wasn’t. He was certain. She wouldn’t. She was going to go do the stuff she had told everyone she was doing, and then she’d come back, and…

...he wasn’t betraying Byakuya by...not telling him the stuff she had said. Kaito wasn’t betraying anyone, because nothing was happening.

...fuck he needed to pray some more…

-

Kaito was always praying when he came by. Which was less often than the first time, even considering that Kaito had been in his shrine for over a week. Kokichi knew that he needed time to work things out in his head, and he was less worried about Kaito destroying himself since he wasn’t being egged on by spores now… But he still worried about all the initial things he’d worried about. 

If Kaito was eating and drinking, if he was warm enough, if he was sleeping alright… Kokichi had come by with blankets that first night, and he knew that if it wasn’t Waku bringing up meals then it was Hajime, and they always took back empty dishes so…

But on the night of the third day, Kokichi couldn’t help himself, and knocked gently on the door, hoping he wasn’t disturbing Kaito’s sleep. “It’s me… I wanted to check in on you…”

Kaito had been asleep, but he was a notoriously light sleeper, and his eyes immediately fluttered open, though he was...a little confused… “Mgha?” Kaito murmured, looking around from the blankets he was drooling on, the bean bags shifting under him as he tried to remember…

Oh. Right. Shrine.

“Who…” Kaito blinked again, before shifting up, going to the door, unlocking it and opening it up, peeking out… “Oh. ‘Kichi… hi!” he said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes…and wincing when it stung. Why did his eyes-

Oh.

Right.

Yesterday had been… No? No, today. Maybe. How long had he been asleep? “What time is it, babe?” Kaito asked, leaning against the door. “...did you want to come in?”

“It’s around ten… Wednesday night.” He wasn’t really sure if he needed to clarify, but… Maki had left last Saturday. 

He was a little surprised to hear Kaito invite him in, since Kokichi never went in the shrine. It was just...it was a bloody place, so not a place for him. Never being able to be around his husband or boyfriend when they needed it…

Kokichi bit the inside of his cheek chastising himself. If he was upset...then he could give it a try. 

“If that’s okay?” he asked, turning the handle. 

...it was Wednesday??

Kaito had offered to let Kokichi in because, to Kaito…he always needed to offer. It was an Atuan shrine, and while his husband wasn’t a follower, the shrine should always be available to him. And Kaito should always offer that.

In practice?

“Oh! Really!?” Kaito asked, blinking through waterlogged eyelids, before glancing over at the table… “One second. One second, babe… ‘course it’s okay, but one second.”

Kaito hurried to the table, taking his knife and lining it across the bowl, and then took the long black cloth napkin that Maki had left in here ages ago to cover the bowl. Then, he looked at the bin of bandages next to the table, pulled out the table, and put the bin behind the table.

Kaito took a step back, looking everything over… It…it was clean. He was certain he hadn’t missed anything… “Come on in, babe!” Kaito called to the door.

Kokichi took his hand off the nob, giving Kaito all the time he needed. There really was something to facing your fears...but his therapist had explained that phobias tended to be a different beast. There likely wouldn’t be anything he could do about feeling frightened and ill at the sight of blood...but he could give it a try for Kaito. To be a part, even in the smallest way of just seeing his shrine, of something so monumentally important to him. 

So, taking a deep breath once Kaito gave the okay, Kokichi came into the shrine, blinking a bit in the darkness, devoid even of the moonlight illuminating the hall. And...he didn’t immediately see anything that set him off so...just don’t try to find any. 

Coming closer, Kokichi half-knelt against one of the bean bags, holding a hand out to ask if Kaito was okay with touch. “Hey...nice place you got here. I’m happy you have a good setup for sleeping.”

Kaito grinned, a warm flutter in his stomach at seeing Kokichi chilling in his shrine… That was neat. That was exciting! Look at that! 

But… “Babe, I love seeing you here. But shouldn’t you be asleep?” Kaito asked, heading over to him, sitting with him on the beanbag as he took the offered hand, a thumb over his knuckles. There was some light in the shrine, but only from the candles on the table, wax half melted down to the plates they were on. Kaito could turn the closet light on, but…maybe it’d be better to keep it dark. Just in case. “It’s late, beautiful…”

“It is,” Kokichi affirmed, gently squeezing Kaito’s hand and rubbing the side of it. It was always...a little shocking, honestly, how much he missed just holding Kaito’s hand when they had been apart for a bit. Bending over, Kokichi placed a light kiss on Kaito’s wrist before straightening back out. “I know you’re coming out soon, but...I wanted to see you.”

“And...I know this kind of stuff is stuff you have to figure out for yourself...but I feel bad not even offering to help. Even if it’s just sitting by you while you think… I worry about you, so I wanna do what I can. Even if it’s just you telling me it’s okay and to let you work on it.”

“Awww, ‘Kichi…” Heh. He wanted to assure him he was coming out, after he got some sleep, probably in the morning...but trying to leave the shrine usually was what triggered the next spiral. He had tried to leave a few hours ago too. Had even gotten out into the hallway…

And he had ended up rushing back inside, overwhelmed, his heart pounding into his ears, and he punched the wall and screamed into his arm and then cried a while…

But he felt better now.

Sort of…

“Well, here, I know it can be a little chilly in here. If you’re coming to keep me company, let me…” Kaito looked at the beanbags, before moving them to the wall, Kokichi still on one, before sitting down, taking one of the blankets and putting it around Kokichi’s shoulders, murmuring, “There we go… little more comfy,” before offering Kokichi to lay against him, grinning at him. “Prince Kokichi Momota Ouma, in my shrine… What a treat…”

Though, why Kokichi was there…

“I’m sorry, babe. I know I’m being… Sometimes it’s hard for me to stop praying when I’m…really bothered by stuff…”

And then, knowing he wouldn’t have, knowing this was crazy, but unable to not ask… “You haven't heard word from Maki, have you?” Kaito asked uncertainly.

He kept having daydreams of her…just coming back, or sending word, a letter, a messenger, something, stating…he didn’t know. Sending some sort of message that… That she had decided to…just do the mission and come back. That she wasn’t going on ‘vacation’...

Kokichi huffed a soft laugh as Kaito rearranged things, going to sit in his lap happily, though he didn’t nuzzle as...ferociously as he might’ve. He trusted Kaito not to overdo it, but he still didn’t want to aggravate any wounds. Still, he leaned back against Kaito’s chest affectionately, holding both of his hands. 

“It’s alright… If you need to process, you need the time. It’s okay. We can hold the fort until you’re ready.” Even if it would be easier with him there. Kokichi and Shuuichi mostly had the kids doing standard exercises in the mornings, and Haneda woke Tim up before she went down for the housekeepers morning meeting, who then knocked on the princes’ door to wake Kokichi and Shuuichi up...which mostly worked. Kokichi had been doing his best not to oversleep. 

Even with Kaito, things were going to be hard without Maki. It was going to be weird for a long time, a piece of their family missing. Kokichi loved Nazumi, but he had been shocked when she had applied for the bodyguard position, and...a weird mix of shock and somehow not at all when Maki had approved her as a candidate. It was going to be different with her looking out for him. With Kaito taking the bulk of training the kids…

Even without everything else, that was a heap to process on its own. But...Kokichi just didn’t want to process the absence of Kaito too. Not extended. 

He sighed softly, closing his eyes. “No. We should get a call from her when the group gets to Valenti, just giving an update, and then another one when the exchange happens, making sure everyone’s okay… Maybe someone will call when they stop by other towns, but it hasn’t happened yet.”

“Right… Right.”

Kaito took Kokichi’s hands, playing with his fingers. Small and thin and cold… Kokichi was always cold. Shuuichi was warmer, but his personality could be downright freezing when he was upset enough… Kaito ran hot, and he had flashes. Flashes where he was boiling over, and he could barely think in the inferno…and Maki could live in that blaze. Could walk around normally, talk evenly, keep her breathing steady, all while her murderous intent came off her like an inferno.

...but that wasn’t all she was.

“...did Maki…” Say anything to you? He wanted to ask. Did she say her intentions? What she planned to do. What…it was likely she was going to do or…

He swallowed hard. Playing with Kokichi’s fingers… “You said it’s Wednesday?” he laughed slightly. There was nothing funny going on. “...gonna have to talk to Byakuya again in two days.”

He winced at the wording, chastising himself as he quickly corrected, “I mean, not have to. Not like that. Just… That’s when he asked to talk to me next. Which is good. It’s good to keep in touch. He’s always checking up on me, making sure everything is alright…heh. We talk way more now than we did back when I was home. It’s kinda nice. We haven't always been super…close, ya know. It’s funny. Kinda feel like moving to another country has finally made my bro wanna…spend time with me and stuff. Weird how that works...”

“They do say that distance makes the heart grow fonder… I’ve heard a lot of stories, though it’s usually with parents and children, that their relationship got a lot better once they weren’t living together. Sometimes you just need space from a person for your relationship to bloom.”

...he really wished that was just the case with Kaito and Byakuya. That Byakuya had always just been...distant, or just snappy in a normal way, and with the move the brothers had been able to get to know each other more and...be good to each other. Not that Byakuya always seemed to treat Kaito like… A pet. Something stupid and incapable. 

Kokichi wished he could spit all over Byakuya’s name, and that Kaito would get to vent and curse about everything his brother had done to him and put him through. But that wasn’t going to happen. And pointing it out… Kaito was already in his shrine. Kokichi didn’t want to push him further. So they pretended. 

They were doing a lot of pretending these days. Kokichi hated it...but unless he wanted to send his husband into a mental breakdown or publicly admit he was in favor of the revolution in Luminary which would spark war tensions… He hated it. 

Kokichi stroked his fingers alongside Kaito’s, warm even in the slight chill of the shrine thanks to his husband’s warmth. “...it will be okay. Maki-chan will come back to us. And...I believe that no one’s gonna have to make horrible, tough decisions. Call me naive...but I have faith. Just like I have faith in you.”

“Yeah. Yeah! I mean… Obviously. ‘Cause…”

‘Cause if that wasn’t the case, then Kaito would have to warn Byakuya that trouble was coming. He’d have to put Maki at risk, and just...hope that Byakuya wouldn’t…overreact. Fuck, fuck, he didn’t want to say something if nothing was going to happen, because then even if Maki really wasn’t going to do anything, then Byakuya would still probably…

“...I don’t like to think of Maki and Byakuya having an argument,” Kaito decided to call it. His eyes distant and far away, another rush of fear running through him, glancing over at his shrine. He should pray again… Maybe if he prayed hard enough, one of the saints would hear… Maybe Atua would do something… 

“I know Maki hates him now, but they were close once,” Kaito said...before frowning. “Maybe. Sort of. I think they were, anyway… Byakuya really believed in Maki. In her abilities. Maki wasn’t always considered a top tier assassin. She was a trainee to a royal assassin, and that made her one of the best among the trainees, but that still didn’t make her the best… Whenever my family needed anything, they went to Mr. Nidai. Her mentor. He was the best. Arguably still is, if only because he’s been doing this so much longer…”

“But back when Maki had just turned fourteen?  And Byakuya was...sixteen, I guess. He’s almost three years older than me… Anyway, Byakuya was really being given, like, a real hand in politics. Mom was bringing him into the fold with her stuff, the head secretary was starting to recommend him on projects that Dad didn’t feel like doing himself, which was…kind of almost everything that didn’t have to do with the war. I don’t think Dad really liked politics that much… Anyway, when Byakuya started getting more and more responsibility? He started making more use of the Indentureds. Putting teams together, picking his own poison taster, his own detectives, housekeepers, everything… He wanted Shuuichi, but Mom was always utilizing him…” Kaito shrugged.

Then he smiled. A fond memory as he said, “But Maki? For a little while there, Maki was constantly by his side. I couldn’t tell you when it started, but for a while, it was almost like she was his assistant, more than an assassin. He said it was for bodyguard purposes, but… Like how she stands in for your court stuff? She was always present at his meetings, closed or open door, and she’d escort him to important parties and trips and…honestly? The way she talked about him, the way they were around each other…it was almost like they were friends.”

Kaito’s smile was still distant and fond...and then he sighed. Looking tired as he said, “And, one day? All of that just stopped. Hard stop. It was like one week Maki was convinced Byakuya was the exception to the elites, intelligent and reliable, and the next week? She hated him. Looked like she was going to kill him. Looked irritated if he so much as breathed too close to her…and Byakuya tried to keep her on as a bodyguard for a little while after that, but it was pretty clear that Maki, if she saw a loophole, would let him die if she could, which made her a danger to him, so…”

Kaito shrugged. “He got different assassins. A few of them. Got new assistants… He basically took on three Indentured and two new members of staff, all to replace Maki. She was still the royal assassin for the rest of the family, but Byakuya stopped talking to her. It was such a complete 180, all in, like, not even a year…”

“She never did tell me what happened.” Kaito said, “Maki gets angry over lots of things, but… I got the impression this one was bad… Sometimes when we’d argue over him she’d gear up like she was about to tell me, to like…shut me up? But she never did it. Guess it was bad…”

It was...difficult, when you found out that someone was going against your ideals, not because of ignorance or ineptitude...but because that was the path to their own goals they had chosen. In the right circumstances, like Kaito was saying...Maki and Byakuya could be an unstoppable team. Hell, maybe there was even some truth to Shuuichi’s guess that they had once dated. With Kaede too? There would be no reason for Luminary not to flourish. 

...the problem was they all wanted different things. Things that put them in direct conflict. And Maki… The original plan was to place her will directly against Byakuya’s. This one...this one was different, and Kokichi could only hope it wouldn’t slide back to the first. 

Kokichi sighed softly, giving Kaito’s hand a squeeze. “...it would be incredible if their goals aligned. But...sometimes the damage is done, you know? From all that, and from what Maki’s told me...not even things, but just how she talks about your brother, I don’t think… Well. It would take a hell of a lot for your brother to ever gain her cooperation again, it sounds like.”

“...Byakuya’s full of logistics. With the right plans, he can find a way to do anything,” Kokichi complimented, almost begrudgingly, though none of it was in his voice. And he truly meant it. If it weren’t for the fact that his goals often trended toward personal profit--because, as Kokichi had learned in the few meetings with him, the nation’s wealth was entirely held by the king--over the people’s well-being--and, unfortunately, goal A didn’t always lead to goal B. He could see Byakuya’s thought process, but...it wasn’t happening in practice--and that he generally had no plan other than force to account for social and emotional factors, he would really be a great king. It just...unfortunately wasn’t enough to fix the problems Luminary had. Was exacerbating some of them, actually. 

“I really think something good will come out of this.” Kokichi’s tone was heavy, confident. A statement that was an opinion, but sounded more like a decree, at least until he opened his eyes and sent a soft look up at Kaito. “And from my Dicean perspective, you know a good thing for me means no one’s gonna die.”

Kaito twitched, but he tried to grin. It was a shaky, uncertain thing…as he murmured, “Yeah… No one has to die. No one’s…” Kaito’s brow furrowed, “No one’s...planning to…”

He swallowed hard, his pupils dilating, fear rushing through him again as he said, “He’ll kill her, he’ll kill her, ‘Kichi… If I say anything he’ll kill her I know he will.”

Kaito took his hands away from Kokichi, panic starting to fill him as he laced his fingers through his hair, pulling at the roots a little. His skin starting to sweat, his pupils pinpricks as he started to shake. “B-but if I don’t, she might, she might… She might. And, and...and literally the only thing that might save her is if he thinks he has power over her. So… So… So long as the kids are there, he’s got power over her, and that might save her. That might save her. But if he knows she’s planning to double back? Without the kids… If I tell him…”

Kaito dug hid palms into his eyelids, curling his knees into his chest. “One of them’s gonna die, one of them’s gonna die, I should tell him, I should beg, maybe he’ll send her back, maybe if I beg-!?”

“No.” 

Kokichi didn’t move, even when he slid off of Kaito’s lap as the older prince curled into himself. He remained relaxed, eyes closed, lounging back on the floor. 

“No one is going to die. Maki’s not going to kill Byakuya.”

“If you tell him that she’s going to go back to Luminary after the kids make it over, then he’s going to do everything in his power to kill her, because he’s not going to listen to you. He’s not going to listen to anyone but whatever ideas he’s got in his head, because it’s a rare moment he sees any person as more than a token on a game board, where he’s the only real person.”

“Byakuya doesn’t believe in Maki, so he will kill her.”

“I believe in Maki, and she hasn’t left to go kill him. Kaede’s plan is flawed, and that is not the best way forward, let alone the only one. Maki has left to be a face in a crowd, to add her voice to the masses to change things. And I believe that can happen without death. It will happen without death, for anything to truly change.”

Kokichi opened his eyes, giving Kaito a cool look. Truly believing every word he said, and feeling...honestly relieved to speak so plainly. 

“Neither of them will die.”

Kaito flinched. Kokichi wasn’t…wrong. He wasn’t wrong. Byakuya…had a hard time…seeing people sometimes. Like Bailsong. They were bad at…people. Sometimes. A lot of nobility were. They were raised that way. Kaito had been raised that way…sort of. At random points in his life. Sure, Tengan hadn’t really cared about teaching Kaito to be nobility, but that didn’t mean there hadn’t been plenty of tutors and adults in his life who hadn’t tried, in their own ways…

Really, had Kaito not so desperately needed friends, hadn’t sought out Maki and Shuuichi and fixated on them as hard as he had…he probably would have a hard time seeing people too. Kaede had actively worked against her teachings, seeing the folly of that thought.

And it was…folly. He didn’t believe in people the same way Kokichi did. He didn’t have it in him, to believe how Kokichi did. But to pretend like people, as a whole, didn’t matter at all? That was also really…short-sighted. How people at a distance were treated mattered because someday, they might not be so distant from you. And how people immediately around you were treated mattered a ton. No matter where on the hierarchy they were…they could still hurt you, if they wanted to. And sometimes, they were brilliant and amazing and wonderful, and just needed a chance…

Yeah. He knew Byakuya had flaws. But it still made his stomach twist to hear it, Kaito looking guiltily vaguely in the direction of his shrine. “...he just…he’s just practical, sometimes… He usually knows better… He just sometimes makes decisions when he’s angry, and, and, he doesn’t like it when people argue with him…and he has these really extreme reactions… He usually knows better, but sometimes…”

Kaito’s brow furrowed, taking his hands out of his hair and running them down his face…sighing.

“Yeah,” he said, the shaking ebbing away. Feeling a little calmer, a little less panicked and overwhelmed as he said, “...yeah… I believe in Maki too… She’s not as murderous as she thinks she is. She’s really not. Maki can be really kind and sweet, actually… She’s so much harder on herself than she should be. She’s not a merciless killer. She just…tells herself she is…”

Kaito sighed, the last of the shakes leaving with that breath as he said, “She won’t… She knows how much it’ll destroy me if she kills him. If she kills him and I…didn’t say anything to save him? That’d destroy me…she knows that. And she’s not cruel. She’s not… I have to believe in her. I have to trust her. I know she wants to stop the Indentured Program. I know that she…she thinks killing my brother will stop the program. That Kaede will stop the program… I know how important that is to her… I know it’ll…make a lot of people’s lives better. Will save a lot of lives… I know I don’t weigh much against all that…”

Kaito deflated a little. Tired. “...but I have to believe in her anyway. I can’t kill her. I can’t. I won’t be the reason she dies. That’d destroy me too… I can’t kill any more loved ones... I can’t tell Byakuya… I have to trust her. I have to believe in her. It’s the…the only thing that makes sense…”

Kaito blinked…before realizing, “Oh, shit, babe, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to push you. I’m sorry. I lost it for a second there, I’m sorry, let me help you up…”

Knowing better meant shit all when your actions contradict it. Kaito knew that better than anyone. But this wasn’t an argument they needed to have. Maybe one day it was one Kaito could have with his brother...but Kokichi wasn’t going to hold his breath. It was enough to help Kaito past the absolute panic states his brother put him in. 

And there was more reasoning to what Kaito slowly worked out. Maki was prepared to have Kaito hate her, was prepared to sacrifice...well. His sanity, honestly. Kokichi understood Maki quite well when it came to sacrifice, but he didn’t go as far as she did. But he knew that it wasn’t what she wanted. Maki could have a one-track mind sometimes, but there were options. And, because she wasn’t going to be alone, those options would be brought up. 

He trusted not just Maki, but all of the volunteers, and all of the brave people mounting the revolution already. They could do this without unneeded sacrifice. 

But if this was easing Kaito’s mind, then Kokichi didn’t want to complicate it. Maki had said that simple worked best. 

Smiling softly, Kokichi sat himself up as Kaito reached out to him, over the hump on this round of panic. “It’s alright, love. It’ll all be alright. But...as much as I’d like to cuddle you some more...I should be getting to bed. I don’t want Shuu-chan to wake up alone, and if I’m not there to encourage him, I think he’d sleep the whole morning away.”

Kaito sighed, hugging around Kokichi…he didn’t want his husband to leave. He missed him…missed Shuuichi too. His roly-poly boyfriend…wanted to hear the baby’s heartbeat…

...it was Wednesday. When had that happened? Had he really been in here three days already…? Kaito glanced up at the knife on the wall. Had Tim just not stopped by to try to take it out of the wall today…why not? What had his son done with his day? Kaito didn’t know…he should know. Right? Fuck. He was supposed to be this kid's father. He had told him he was gonna take care of him…

“...I’ve spent too much time in here, haven't I,” Kaito muttered. Looking a little frustrated with himself. “I don’t know why I do this. I never mean to do it…”

Kokichi smiled at the hug and leaned against Kaito, nuzzling him gently. “Choosing how we respond to stress is...really hard to apply any thought to. It takes a lot of work to get out of a habit...and even then, I mean...I can easily see myself throwing myself into work. Or sleeping for ages. Or sitting down in my closet and crying. And...I think it’s all about moderation. I can focus more on work so I’m not obsessing over things I can’t change, but I won’t let it be the only thing on my mind.”

“We’re all doing our best. And when Kai-chan is ready to come out, I know he’s gonna put all of himself into everything he does, ‘cause that’s who you are. In loving Shuu-chan and doting on him and the baby so much that he says a bunch of sharp things ‘cause he’s flustered but he likes it. In being Tim’s dad and guiding the kids in the morning waaaay better than Shuu-chan and I’ve been doing. In learning to cook and hanging out with Waku-chan and Hajime-chan and reading fantasy that we can talk about for hours…” Kokichi leaned up to place a kiss on Kaito’s cheek. “It’ll be okay. But I’m not gonna rush you to work out what you need to work out.”

Kaito tried to imagine himself leaving tonight. Going back to bed with his husband. Waking up with Shuuichi. Being who his family needed him to be.

...he started to shake.

“Tomorrow,” Kaito murmured, looking ashamed of himself, popping his joints as he looked back at his shrine. Just...just knowing he needed a little more time. Just a little more time. He was starting to get his head around it, but he could still feel the flashes. Of rage. Of panic. Flashes where he couldn’t…control himself. He didn’t want to behave that way outside. Couldn’t afford to. He needed to keep control of himself, and if he left the shrine, and he had the flash outside, where people could see?

...people wouldn’t like it. Wouldn’t like him. Even more than now.

It was important to try to keep your crazy hidden.

“Tomorrow, babe,” Kaito promised. Looking stressed, but giving his husband his best reassuring grin. “I promise, I’m coming out tomorrow morning. Okay? I’ll… I’ll have it back together by tomorrow morning.”

...he couldn’t say he wasn’t disappointed. But he hadn’t come to the shrine in the hopes of convincing Kaito to come out. Just to check on him. 

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” Kokichi hummed, kissing one of Kaito’s hands. “I’ll be looking forward to it… But you don’t have to have it together to come out, you know. I doubt any of us will...well, we won’t be okay-okay until Maki-chan comes home. But it’ll still feel...wrong and weird and grasping for months--my estimation, anyway. You’re not the only person struggling...okay? So don’t feel like...you’re wrong or have to be ashamed. It’s normal, and people are understanding. Want to help.”

“But it’s your decision to come out.” Kokichi sighed softly as he reluctantly extricated himself from his husband’s grasp, turning to place a kiss on Kaito’s forehead. “So...I’ll see you when you’re ready. I love you...sleep well.”

Kaito relaxed a little, leaning into the kiss, relieved Kokichi wasn’t…he didn’t know. Mad. He was glad Kokichi wasn’t mad. Kaito was always waiting for it. The thing that would infuriate his husband. That would make Kokichi...react.

But, this wasn’t going to be that moment. Good. That was nice…

Taking Kokichi’s hand, he brought it up to his lips, kissing gently at his pinky. “Thanks, Kokichi… I love you too, beautiful.”

-

Kaito didn’t come out the next morning. 

But he did come out at lunch, so it’s not like he was super late.

-

Kokichi was...a little relieved, honestly. He knew Shuuichi wasn’t going to skip out of going to university, but...part of him was worried that he wouldn’t want to go out for fun, like...at all. Maybe he was being unfair to his boyfriend, but...well, he was just happy to see that wasn’t the case. 

The three of them were planning on going to a shop on the far side of the shopping district that Nadya had recommended. Apparently they had nice candles and cool rocks and lovely fortune telling decks if you were into that kind of stuff...but its main draw were the employees. Apparently all big fans of stories of magic and wonder, The Magical World of Perry Holten being the big grandaddy, of course, the employees made the whole store into a sort of almost theme park-like living play, even having little events to sort people into the magic school teams--and, of course, having bits of merchandise for each so that you could rep your house. 

And, what was a big draw for Kokichi as well, was an array of gimmicky sweets that he was looking forward to incorporating into his snack drawer. 

So, they had planned to check it out, making it a day of sorts. 

Kokichi was humming excitedly as he tugged on his various layers of leggings and socks, freshly showered after training, for once not lingering under the warm spray. They had something more exciting waiting for them than how terrible going out into the cold was.

As Kokichi was getting ready, Kaito was doing his number one, most important job today!

Keeping Shuuichi in a good mood.

This was, lately…turning into a full time job. According to Seiko--because, the third time Shuuichi randomly burst into tears, and the second time he had snapped at them, Kaito had gone to Seiko worrying that the medicine was losing its effect…and. Nope. She assured him it wasn’t--the medicine was on track, a pool of other patients also taking it proving it.

The guy was just…pregnant. And hormonal. And hormones were a bitch.

...so Kaito had asked if he could give her more money to cure hormones, since she had accepted his last donation deal, and Seiko had rolled her eyes and explained, no, more money wouldn’t solve this one. Sorry, Kaito. You just have to get through this part of having a baby.

So! If medicine would not save him from Shuuichi’s wrath, then it was just up to Kaito! And as Shuuichi pulled at a loose thread on his hat, and his eyes started to redden with frustration, Kaito quickly moved to the desk, grabbed some scissors, quickly went back and grinned brightly as he said, “Let me get that for you, handsome!”

Shuuichi looked like he wanted to refuse, for a second…but sighed and handed Kaito the hat, looking a little embarrassed as he said, “Thanks, Kaito… Sorry, I was just trying to pull it out, and it was just making it longer-”

“Don’t worry about it! Little snip-snip, hat’s good as new! You ready to go for today? You look great, by the way! I love that jacket on you!”

“Yeah?” Shuuichi looked down at himself, frowning at it…before muttering, “Look puffy.”

“No, you look great! Hajime tailored it, I know he did, because he got all your curves just right! I love it! Makes me want to hold ya...put my hands around those curves…” Kaito said, lowering his voice, putting Shuuichi’s hat back on his head as he kissed the shell of his ears…Shuuichi blushing.

That was one nice thing about the hormones.

Shuuichi wasn’t snapping at Kaito’s advances as much these days. The guy was getting horny. Randomly. Not exactly…consistently, or at the best times, and sometimes Shuuichi got a little overwhelmed or freaked out by that. But yeah. Horny. 

Looking over Shuuichi again, the man seeming in slightly a better mood now that he was distracted by Kaito’s affections, Kaito gave him a kiss on the cheek and called out, “‘Kichi? You good, babe? We’re ready to go when you are!”

“Just about! As soon as I’m done getting dressed we can go!” Which wasn’t just a snap, but Kokichi still put some hustle in, layering a long sweater over the shirts he was already wearing, along with his winter jacket over that, making sure to tug on his boots before winding a scarf around his neck, pulling on a hat, and making sure the ends of his gloves were well-tucked into his sleeves. 

Sure, Kokichi had been dressing like that for a while, but now it finally felt warranted, when there was a good layer of snow on the ground. Not even a foot, but it was enough that everyone made sure the treds on their boots were up to snuff. 

Hoping he didn’t take too long bundling up, Kokichi scampered back to his partners, leaning in to press a kiss to Shuuichi’s other kiss, following up on Kaito. “Alright, let’s go! They have that special hot butterscotch drink at the shop, so I wanna hold out on getting a drink beforehand, but there’ll be plenty of places to get stuff on the way.”

He started leading the way, one of his hands happily curled around one of Shuuichi’s--he and Kaito had started giving him the middle more often in their formations--as he chattered. “I know Kai-chan said he did, but did you ever get into the Perry Holten books, Shuu-chan? The whole shop isn’t themed just around them, but I am kinda looking forward to seeing the references ‘n stuff from it. I always thought I’d be put into Rosefeline, but according to Nadya-chan, all the employees are turbo nerds so I guess I’ll see what house suits me. Unless the sorting system they do is totally random, but that kinda feels like a bummer.”

Shuichi smiled warmly, looking loads better immediately. That was the funny thing about being emotional from hormones. They left you alone as often as they didn’t, and he felt calm as he allowed himself to be lead, Kaito taking the rear, closing the door behind them before rushing over to walk on Shuichi’s other side. 

“I have read them, actually. They were a required reading at school, believe it or not. We read the later books as a class in freshman year, so me and Maki had to catch up and read the first few books on our own time so we could understand the context… though, maybe when we grab the kids? We should prep Timothy on all the lore?” Shuichi said, glancing over his shoulder at Kaito, “Somehow, I have a feeling he hasn’t read any of them.”

“Oh, yeah! That’s a good idea, handsome. I told the kids to wait for us at the dining hall with Nazumi, so… yeah! Between the kids, the dog, Nazumi, and all of us? We are going to be a whole group.” Kaito sighed, chuckling as he ran a hand through his hair, looking over Shuichi and Kokichi as he said, “This’ll be fun! This will be...busy!”

This will be their first outing as a family without Maki taking care of the details, and Kaito was feeling the pressure.

Nazumi had the first aid backpack, which was good, but… Kaito still didn’t know Nazumi that well and… she made him a little nervous, honestly. She was a very loud, excited personality, which was fine! But… he didn’t feel as at ease, with Nazumi, as he had with Maki. He felt like...like…

Well. He felt like the only able-bodied adult in a group of chronically ill people, pregnant people, and literal small children, and a few month old puppy that was getting bigger. And he didn’t want anything to go… wrong. 

Kokichi was surprised to hear that fantasy books like that would be part of what he’d heard to be a much more regimented curricula, but...it was kinda cool! And now it was something he could share with his partners in a more immersive way. 

Chuckling softly, Kokichi shook his head. “A whole group certainly is the most literal way to put it. I’m sure the shop is pretty used to drawing crowds as an attraction, though. From how Nadya-chan described it, I think the kids are gonna be pretty entertained, even if Tim doesn’t have the nostalgia for it. Though, he’s pretty practical...I dunno how much he’d be into the whole magic shop thing.”

As they got into the dining room, still pretty busy with people in various stages of their breakfast, Nazumi looked up from where it looked like she was chatting with the kids, giving the men a wave to get their attention. Kokichi was half surprised not to see Lake there, but he knew the two of them were taking workplace professionalism seriously. Much to his dismay, not being able to tease and fluster the both of them with their totally thick-headed flirting. 

“Hey folks, are we ready to head out? Cali and Tim were just telling me about this amazing mermaid drawing Kimiko had made--I’m sure we’ll see a bunch of stuff that’d make good inspiration in the same vein.”

Kokichi had a feeling Nazumi was stretching that Tim was talking about it… But he smiled at the group, giving a nod. “If everyone’s bundled up, I think we are!”

Kimiko smiled wide, looking endlessly pleased as Cali brightly said, “Next time we’ll bring her art journal thing and you can see it for yourself, Nazumi! She’s sooooo good!!”

“She is.” Timothy said, nodding slightly, popping the last of a biscuit in his mouth before bundling up the napkin. “Come on, Chase.”

Kaito grinned, reaching over to ruffle Timothy’s hair, who had the good grace to only look mildly annoyed by this, as the group headed out. As they headed out, Kaito said to everyone, “So! Everyone know where we’re going?”

“Magic shop! Magic shop!!” Cali cheered, literally leaping into the air, looking PUMPED! 

“We’re going to the Perry Holten place.” Kimiko said, spinning in place a little, her steps light and bouncy, while Tim walked stiffly beside her, Chase following at his heels.

“Right! So, for anyone who’s not read the books? All you really need to know is that there’s a magical school named Piglumps, which teaches people with magic powers how to use those powers! And, in Piglumps, the students who attend are sorted by a magic bowler hat into one of the four different houses of the school, based on your personality!”

“Yeah.” Tim said, looking up at his dad, looking confused who he was explaining this for? “Based on if you’re a bad guy or not.”

Kokichi looked confused now, though for a different reason than Tim was. “What? I mean...it’s been a while since I read the books, but I thought the sorting was based on if you had more, like...curiosity, wisdom, faith, and fortitude, right?”

Almost able to see it coming, Kokichi sighed softly, sending a small smile over to Kaito. “...this is totally one of those things where we have the same story but totally different interpretations, huh.”

...he honestly wondered which house Luminary would’ve considered the “bad” house. From what he remembered of the books, there were good and bad people in all of the houses, showing all sides and applications of those traits. 

Looking more to the kids, Kokichi figured it might be better for them to reason it out, rather than him just go on an explanation of how the books seemed to him. “When you were reading, was there any house you thought you’d be in? For me, I always thought Rosefeline--I like learning about new things, and that discovery never gets old.”

Kaito gave Kokichi a look of honest concern, reaching over Shuichi to give Kokichi a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder as he said, “Aw, babe, give yourself more credit than that! You’re not as big an asshole as you think you are, trust me. I’d argue you’re a Roxytine, easy! Smart and sweet!”

Shuichi smirked at Kaito, “I thought I was supposed to be a Roxytine?”

“We can have two! And, obviously, I’m a Bathulix! Rough and brash and ready to rumble!”

“I’ve always thought Callipine suited you more…” Shuichi shrugged, before looking at the kids. “What do you all think you’ll be?”

“If someone else is picking? Probably something random.” Tim shrugged.

“No, Timmy! I’ve heard the Bowler Hat guy here always gets it right! It’s one of the reasons I’ve always wanted to come here! I think it’s really exciting to get sorted for real, you know?” Kimiko said, an excited giggle in her voice, looking positively enchanted as she said, “I can’t wait to see what I get. And see all of the neat magic stuff there… it’s so cool!”

“Heck yeah!! I mean, Tim, you’re probs right, it’s probs kinda random… but I’m looking forward to it anyway!! It’ll be fun!” Cali shouted, before saying, “I bet I get Bathulix too! I’ve got fortitude!!”

“Heck yeah, you do!” Kaito grinned, holding up a high five for her, which she enthusiastically slapped as hard as she could.

...that only made Kokichi more confused. Sure, one of the big conflicts in the book was from a former Rosefeline who found forbidden magic...but they could never have fought against them to save the magical world without other members of Rosefeline and their creative ideas. 

...what a depressing outlook, so see curiosity as the “bad” one.

But Kokichi didn’t say any of that aloud. “It’s always hard to say, right? Because people all have a mix of those qualities. But it’s fun to think of where you lean to. And if the “spellcaster” doing the sorting is pretty spot on, it’s still fun to see what sort of vibes you give off.”

Looking back at Nazumi, who was keeping close to the group but following behind, getting a wider vantage point, Kokichi asked, “Have you ever been to this shop, Nazumi? Did you get sorted?”

“Once or twice, yeah, though not for a while,” the chipper woman laughed before returning her gaze to the people going by. “They have these little stones that change color when you put them in your hand--I tried making some into a bracelet, but, ha, you can say I definitely have more of a green thumb than a copper one. I’m a Callipine girl myself. Wonder if there’s a joke in there since the house color is green too.”

“I’ve always thought the Callipine house was a little… weird? No offense, Nazumi.” Kaito said quickly, rubbing the back of his neck, “But the characterization around the characters in that house was always so random? I always got the idea that the Faith house was just where K. J. Rousing just put characters that didn’t fit anywhere else.”

“I wouldn’t say that…” Shuichi said, shifting his hat a little, shyly avoiding the gaze of a couple that were openly pointing at him, the woman giggling and making a little sympathetic ‘aww’ sound. He was getting a lot of those giggly, slightly pitying looks these days… people who considered his extremely pregnant stage cute-- especially the novelty of it being clearly a pregnant man-- but also, like… aww. Poor dear. 

Sigh… four months of this…

Shaking his distraction away, Shuichi continued, “I always got the impression that the Faith house was meant to hold people that were...ready to put their trust in other people? And in other things. Like… they draw strength from the outside. I think that’s why it felt like it was just ‘anyone’ who could get into that house, if they didn’t fit into the other houses. Cause, like, they’re the kind of people who can utilize the other houses as needed.”

“Oh! So ,like… like leaders? Aw, neat. Maybe you’re a Callipine, Kokichi!” Kaito grinned, looking over at his husband.

Nazumi just shrugged a little, not miffed in the slightest. It was weird seeing her like this. Still friendly and excitable, but more...focused. Taking her job seriously and not just...being there in body, not assuming in the good nature of people. Staying vigilant, while still engaging with the group. Maybe it was hearing guard stories from Lake all the time or...knowing quite well how serious violence and danger could spring up from a seemingly tranquil scene, but...well, Kokichi supposed that was why Maki had recommended her after their interview.

Laughing softly, Kokichi raised an eyebrow at his husband. “Maybe. I really think you can find something in yourself that fits any house--though, of all the ways to look at it, I really don’t think I’d end up in Bathulix. I’m working on it, but I don’t have much physical fortitude, and it’s debatable when you consider my force of will, mental, or emotional fortitude. And if you say that the house is just what first comes to mind, that’s not it for me.”

“Aw, if only there was a house for rapturous enjoyments of sweets~ There’d be no question I’d end up there,” Kokichi giggled before he pressed up against Shuuichi’s arm for a moment. “Though, I am looking forward to seeing all the books they have--it’d be cool to find a fantasy themed coloring book. Depending on what the paper’s like, I think I wanna try using watercolors to fill it in.”

Kaito, personally, didn’t think Kokichi was dumb enough to be in the Bathulix house- everyone knew that’s where you put the thugs- but he just grinned at his husband and nodded along, thinking it was cute his husband had even considered it. “Oooh,  watercolors… that should be cool! You’ll have to let me watch you do that, babe, I’ve never seen anyone watercolor before!”

“Watercolors are super pretty, but they’re kinda tough.” Kimiko admitted, still randomly spinning in place occasionally as they walked, clearly in a dancing mood, while Cali went to jump and smoosh down a particularly large pile of snow next to the path.  Kaito shivered to watch her do it. It was so damn cold…

Eventually they got the store, and it was busy.

It didn’t seem to be busy for any particular reason, not any special events or anything. It was just a popular tourist destination in the capital, and people were making use of the last few travel-capable days there were left before winter stopped everyone’s everything. 

The store itself really was something to see.

The structure of the store itself was quaint, clearly meant to evoke the vibes of a gray, large castle, scaled down into a two story building. And from within the windows, the store radiated color. Color from playful merchandise, not just memorabilia from the K. J. Rousing’s stories, but from a wide variety of popular, recognizable fantasy stories. Color from fantasy-based closed, and magic trick box sets. Color from books, lining the walls like decoration, shelves on ever available surface. Colors from candy, that lined the entire back wall, out of reach from eager small hands, but so incredibly tantalizing to look at.

And, in the far back left corner of the store, was a small stage, where a crowd was eagerly listening to todays ‘Spellcaster’, holding a bowler hat in his hands, explain the wonderful magical world to the eager, likely already knowledgeable costumers, and announce that in a mere twenty minutes, folks! They’d start the sorting! And to keep things fair and tidy, to just go head and sign up here, and when it was your turn to be sorted? They’d call your name, and to come right up!

On the far right corner was not a stage, but another performance going on, as a small magician was displaying some fun, simple tricks to an enchanted crowd. The place was busy. Lively. And the kids, immediately bolted. The three running, Cali leading the charge, as they rushed around to go look at everything and anything there was to see.

Kaito watched them all go and with a slightly flustered look shouted, “Hey, hey guys!... aw, geez. How do they still have this much energy? I need to work them harder in the morning.” Kaito sighed, while Shuichi stared fixated at the back wall.

While he didn’t bolt like the kids, Kokichi’s face lit up as they entered the store, and not just from coming in from the cold. It was...well, magical really was the best descriptor. Everything you could ever think of related to magic, both fantasy and practical, going into more illusion and slight-of-hand stuff, filled the store to the brim, still having plenty of room to walk around, but everywhere you turned you’d have something new to see. 

And while Nazumi wasn’t the tallest woman, not one of Usot’s giants by any stretch of the imagination, she was still tall enough to track the kids wherever they darted off to, finding that they went to go look at the art section first. They would be alright, and they knew better than to leave the store without telling anyone, but she’d keep an eye on them. Maybe suggest checking out the upper level of the store as a group just so no one was out of sight. 

Giggling softly, Kokichi squeezed Shuuichi’s hand. “Wanna go check out the sweets? I’m definitely planning on filling up a bag to take home, but I think we can get away with two if you wanna make one too. I’m kind of interested in seeing those special chocolates that came with the trading cards in the books…”

Kaito frowned at that a little, knowing that because the two shared their candy, all that was really happening was the two were both doubling the amount they were getting… but what was he going to do? Tell them no? “Just keep in mind that anything you get you have to carry, you two, so try not to get too many things immediately.”

Shuichi turned his golden eyes on Kaito, and because he was a cheat, he fluttered them slightly, taking Kokichi’s hand and pulling his boyfriend closer to him as he said, “...you wouldn’t carry them for us, Kaito?”

Kaito twitched.

Kokichi kind of wanted to take pity on Kaito, but he also wanted to buy a lot of candy, so… He put an arm around Shuuichi, now no longer able to reach the other side of his waist, and rubbed his boyfriend’s back gently as he looked up with a concerned expression at Kaito. “You heard Dr. Tenchi, and Seiko said it too--Shuu-chan’s not supposed to carry anything heavy. You’d really make your five-month pregnant boyfriend carry the things he wants to buy, when we came out to a specialty shop? Our first time going out in weeks?”

Kaito twitched again.

Oh, they were both little cheats. 

Give them both a little reproachful frown, to show he knew what they were doing-- and in response, Shuichi just made himself look more fragile and heartbroken, clearly overwhelmed by the possible weight of the candy-- eventually Kaito just grumbled to himself a little before sighing, rubbing the back of his neck as he said, “Fine. But you’re both eating real food tonight. And vegetables!” 

Shuichi smiled (well, smirked) warmly at Kaito, saying, “Thank you, Kaito.” Before turning to Kokichi, “Let’s go see what they have.”

“I swear, those two are gonna be the end of me… Cali! Put that down, that’s glass, that’s not a ball!”

Cali, who was currently holding a far too large fortune telling ball over her head, watching the room change as she looked around through it, pouted before shouting, “Kaaay.” And putting it back, while Kimiko excitedly asked her, “What did you see? Did you see the future!?”

“I mostly just saw everything upside down. Let’s go see what Tim’s looking at.” she said, the two running over to Tim, who was looking idly at the colorful assortment of tarot cards.

Snickering, Kokichi came forward to affectionately press against Kaito’s arm for a moment before walking off with Shuuichi, Nazumi trailing behind, giving the men their space but staying close enough to act if she needed to. And it looked like Kaito had the kids handled. 

The wall reminded Kokichi a lot of the one in Miss Andou’s shop, but while each box or tube in the candy shop was pretty much what you’d expect for, yanno, candy, the ones in the magic shop were far more quirky. Sugar lizards, pumpkin chewy candies, jelly beans of every flavor you never thought of, chocolate cauldrons brewing with sweet potions, even gummy spiders and bugs which Kokichi firmly stayed away from. 

Easily finding the chocolates he’d been thinking of, Kokichi let out a surprised hum, pointing the little information card on the front of the box out. “Oh! They have cards with characters from the books, but also more generic cards about fantasy creatures, and even a line of past Dicean leaders! That’s...really creative.”

There was a beat, before he sighed, slumping over. “...think Kai-chan would be too cross with me if I tried to collect every card?”

“I mean… yes.” Shuichi shrugged, “But I’m also certain you could get away with it. That’s one of my favorite things about dating him, if I’m honest. He’s a sucker for the cute pouty-face thing. I never could have gotten away with that as his sidekick.” he said, smirking a little, clearly amused by the whole thing.

He looked up at the assortment himself, looking at the self-spinning taffy machine… “Wonder how they do that?” Shuichi said, watching the lever that was clearly meant to be hand turned just slowly turn itself. Then glancing at the Dicean Ouma collection, he smirked. “Think you have a card yet?”

Well, that was true. And Kokichi felt far less bad about pouting to get his way than...other things. Maybe if he...metered it out more, he’d be able to get away with it--it wasn’t like he’d be able to get every card on his first try with no duplicates. It looked like there were...he couldn’t even tell, maybe eighty cards in the set? And he had a feeling that they’d keep getting new ones, commissioning artists for new designs. 

Not to mention that time sort of...made new subjects themselves. 

Turning pink, Kokichi looked away from the box and shook his head, laughing sheepishly. “No way, I’m only an heir. Like...I don’t think it’d happen, but nothing’s set in stone until you’re actually the leader, you know? I don’t even know what they’d write on the back of the card anyway--I haven’t really done anything.”

Thinking for a moment, Kokichi’s blush faded as he wrinkled his nose. “Maybe I can skip collecting Aiichi’s card. I don’t need to keep a portrait of my dad.”

Shuichi blinked lazily, before reminding him, “You did end the fifteen year war. That might be worth a chocolate card.”

Kokichi waved him off, looking back at the box before picking a modest three. “I was an accessory of the war ending. I mean...I did help draft some versions of the treaty, but it was everyone who did that who ended the war. And really...I think everyone who fought deserves far more honor than anything than I did.”

Shuichi raised an eyebrow at that, before shrugging. If Kokichi didn’t want to take pride in his sacrifices or accomplishments, he’d let Kaito and Kokichi’s therapist sort that out. God knows Shuichi himself had a probably unhealthy relationship with the concept of self-fulfilment and pride. He had a feeling his advice of ‘What you did was hard, don’t belittle it,’ would really go anywhere.

So, instead, he picked up three of the same chocolate boxes himself, and, smirking a little, picked up three more, before looking around at the rest of the candy and saying, “Kaito’s going to have so much to carry.”

Kokichi snickered as he picked a bag out to fill up on the loose candy. “Poor Kai-chan… Especially if the kids wanna get stuff too. Tim might be more reserved, but I have a feeling Cali and Kimiko will encourage him to pick out something.”

Maybe house merch. Actually… 

Kokichi looked over at the stage, humming lowly. “...do you think you wanna get sorted? Like I said, I don’t really have strong feelings about whichever house, but it could be fun. And I hope the kids remember to sign up before they get too distracted.”

Shuichi was quietly asking the person working the candy counter if he could get some of those… yes, please… and those two… no, a little more than that, thank you… also, what are those things to the right of that? Are they… actually, it doesn’t matter, they look nice. Some of those please. And…

Distracted by Kokichi’s question, Shuichi glanced at the sorting person, before saying, “I think I’d have fun with that. Maybe we can double check the sheet and sign up for everyone on their behalf? Nazumi?” Shuichi looked back at the bodyguard, bowing his head slightly, “Would you like us to sign you up as well? I know you’re working, but it’d likely be not that large of a distraction.”

Nazumi looked over at Shuuichi in slight surprise before she grinned at the man. “Aw, that’s awful sweet of you to think of me, but I’m alright. It would probably be fine, but I’m more comfortable being able to keep an eye on things. Though, Kaito seems to be havin’ a fine time looking after the kids--it was looking like they were gearin’ to create a waterfall of the tumbled stones, but would you look at that, everything’s still in the bin.”

Kokichi looked over, following his aunt’s gaze before his eyes widened, admiring the array of shiny and sparking rocks and crystals. He definitely wanted to get some of those too...but he wasn’t going to go off on his own. They could split into groups, but he didn’t want to leave Shuuichi alone. 

“Aunty, do you believe in, like...I guess you’d call it crystal healing. Like different minerals having different properties?”

The older woman laughed, sending a slightly apologetic nod to the fancily dressed employee still filling out Shuuichi’s order. “Other than some being prettier, or being better for certain things like bein’ carved or set in jewelry? Can’t say I do, but it does help some folks out. There was this young man who helped out in the garden over the summer, polite lad, who swore by ‘em. Carried onyx with him in his pockets everywhere he went.”

“Is that what Kaito keeps around in his pocket, then? The thing his therapist gave him? A healing crystal?” Shuichi asked, paying for the candy before bowing his head to the cashier, who chuckled, tickled by the strange forieng custom. “Or, well, I guess I have one too...I’m actually not sure where I put it. It’s somewhere.”

Nazumi made a small noise of surprise. “Could be. Though I think using healing crystals as a form of therapy wouldn’t be board approved.”

“Mm… Maybe…” Kokichi hummed, putting his own bag in a pocket, truly just joking before with having Kaito carry everything. “I mean, the stones we all got are meant for self-reflection, right? The time to polish them is just meant to get you to think about what you did and why, understanding yourself more. It’s a journaling tool. But...I mean, for the people who believe in it, I don’t see why they can be healing crystals too. Get the proven methods and the belief stuff all in one.”

Nudging the group over to the stage, Kokichi took a look at the sign-up sheet, pleased to see Kaito and the kids’ names already there. He wrote down Shuuichi’s and his own, before they resumed their perusing around the store. “Mine’s on the middle bookcase. I don’t polish it or anything, but I think it looks nice there. Maybe I’ll get some more here to keep it company.”

Shuichi watched, with some amusement, as Kokichi signed them up the spellcaster in charge of sorting playfully argue with some children about how ‘real’ the magic in the shop was. The kid seemed perplexed about what was keeping the spinning mobile up on the ceiling, with it’s assortment of strange, bright lights… up there. When he asked the spellcaster, the man replied simply, “Magic.”

“Okay, sure, but… like, what’s really keeping it up there? I’ve been looking at it and I can’t see strings.”

“Still magic, kid.”

“...is it a form of glass, maybe? Something see through or…”

“Magic.”

“...mmmaaaaagnets?”

“...ya know what? That’s a creative answer. Sure. Let’s say it's magnets. Good job!”

On the other side of the store, Kaito was grinning sheepishly while Tim, Cali and Kimiko were also childishly grilling the performer, Cali folding her arms and tapping her shoe as she said, “Okay, but where am I actually going to go?”

“...you’re going to disappear. When I put you in this box. You’ll vanish…”

“Okay, yeah, but vanish where?”

“Cali, she asked for a volunteer, not a detective…”

“But I have to know, because Tim says he doesn’t want me to get into the box unless we know where I’m going!” Cali huffed, stomping her foot, clearly wanting to get into the box badly… but looking over at Tim, who shook his head.

“Could be dangerous. Don’t like that she won’t tell us where you’ll go.” Tim said, glaring suspiciously at the spellcaster. 

“Look, I’m sure Cali will… go to a different box somewhere else? Right, miss?” Kaito said, trying to negotiate to spare the spellcaster this annoying conversation, and let Cali be a part of the trick guilt free. “She gets teleported to a different box?”

“...nyeh… no.” The spellcaster said, adjusting her hat, looking annoyed. “She’ll vanish. That’s the maaaagic…”

“Oh my god.” Kaito muttered, as Cali stomped bitterly in place, looking at the edge of her self control.

“I’m gonna do the trick, Tim!” she said.

“Not a trick.” The spellcaster muttered.

“Kimiko, don’t let Tim stab anyone!” Cali said to her friend, heading to the box.

“On it!” Kimiko said cheerfully, twirling over to Tim and grasping him around the arm, smiling sweetly as she said, “No knife time for you, Timmy!”

“I don’t have my knife.” Tim muttered, though he watched with clear concern as Cali got into the box.

Sure, Kokichi was curious about some of the things in the shop too...but trying to figure out how it all worked himself was half the fun, while the other half was just enjoying the amazement of something he didn’t understand. Stage tricks always did seem that much more fun when you had no idea how the magician did it.

For the kind of practicality Tim thought with, it probably wasn’t much fun. 

Laughing softly, Kokichi gave his boyfriend a nudge. “How do you think it’ll work? A trap door or a false back, or…? Maybe mirrors. Mirrors can do some pretty amazing things.”

Shuichi smiled down at him, shrugging before smirking. “I liked that one kids answer. I’m just assuming everything is magnets now. Cali’s getting magneted away.”

Meanwhile, while Tim looked around to see what else he could use as a weapon in case he had to rescue Cali, the spellcaster sighed, before drawling out, “Behold… the magic of the vanishing box! Now you see her…”

The spellcaster closed the door, Cali giggling excitedly, before taking out a small wand and tapping on the door three times, Cali’s audible giggling just…. Stopping. And Tim tensed as the spellcaster opened the door, saying with what could technically count as a flourish, though the spellcaster sounded a little slow and exhausted, “...now you don’t!”

The box was empty.

There was cheers and applause from the other costumers, including Kaito and Kimiko, while the spellcaster turned the box this way and that way, even tipping it at one point to show how entirely empty it was. Tim bore this quietly for a moment…

And then Kaito grinned nervously when he felt a strange, familiar heat start to radiate off the boy, and he called out, “Awesome job, Miss Magician! Now, if we could get her back?”

“Ehhhhh… nyeh. You want her back?” The spellcaster said, before pouting a little, “Fine. But I’m not a magician. I’m a Maaaage. The mystical Mage, Himiko Yumeno.”

“Gonna be a smear in the ground in a second.” Timothy growled… before the anger left his face as Kimiko squeezed his arm.

“It’s okay, Timmy! This is just for fun, remember? I bet Cali’s laughing at us wherever she is right now, seeing you all worried about her~.”

“..yeah. Okay.” Tim said, the heat easing off him. 

Kokichi snickered quietly at Shuuichi’s answer, watching the performance from afar. And...he had to say, it was a really amazing feat. Nothing of the answers he’d guessed at, no wires, he didn’t see any employees waiting at the side for whatever they might be doing… He figured that they put in a lot to really making things magical. Even with the tired performance the mage woman put in. 

Kokichi leaned against Shuuichi a bit, watching with pride and interest as the woman prepared to make Cali re-appear. 

Cali stood in the darkness. 

She wasn’t afraid. She didn’t feel nervous. She was just...standing quietly in the dark. A little confused.

It was a little quiet. 

The air felt a little funny…

Cali blinked, and while she wasn’t afraid, she was curious, and hesitantly, she reached out to touch the wall of the box… and reached… and reached… and-

“-Now you do!” 

Cali blinked in the lights, a little befuddled, as again everyone watching the show cheered, Himiko reaching in and gently guiding the girl out. Cali looked around, a little confused, but grinned as Himiko told her to take a bow, and by the time she had straightened up, Cali had dismissed everything she saw as being a little strange in the box before running to her friends, who seemed pleased (and in Tim’s case, mildly relieved) to see her. “That was suuuper cool!!”

“Are you okay?” Tim asked her, looking her over.

“Yeaaaaaah, honestly. You’re a weirdo.” Cali said, but she latched onto him, giving him a hug with a big laugh, “It was cool! Was it cool out here too?”

“It was okay.” Tim shrugged.

On the other side of the room, the other spellcaster called out, “Gather round, gather round! It’s time to sort eager students into their new houses!”

“Woow…” Kokichi softly cooed, thoroughly impressed with the trick as Cali appeared right where she was in the box, no shifting or odd sounds to indicate anything else than just...magic. And, like he’d guessed, Tim didn’t seem particularly impressed...but as long as he was still having a good time, that was alright. 

And hopefully the next event would keep that going!

Leading the way back to the other stage, Kokichi held Shuuichi’s hand excitedly. “It’s kind of only exciting when it’s your turn, but I’m pumped to see Kai-chan, you, and the kids too. I’m totally gonna get a little souvenir for whatever house I’m in after, even if that’s tooooootally the money play. But a pendant or something would be cool!”

Meeting back up with Kaito and the kids, they listened as the spellcaster with the bowler hat did the spiel, almost straight out of the book, explaining the defining traits of the four teams and how every little caster to go to Piglumps would find like-minded friends and rivals among their house. It was theatrical and...almost homey in a sense, and Kokichi could only grin as the shop employee turned to the sign up list, starting to call people up.

It took some time, because the spellcaster was taking his time with all of the happy, excited ‘students’, not wanting to rush anyone through. And, as he got through the list, the pattern became clear. First a little friendly chit chat, then a dramatic hovering of the bowler hat over the students head, making a show of sloooowly lowering it onto the persons head… and then, speaking on the hats behalf, explaining his reasoning for the the choice of house, not listing examples, of course, but naming characteristics he noticed, before pulling the hat away and announcing the house. 

It was fun, and people were excitedly discussing the ‘bowler hats’ choices, cheerfully debating if they agreed with it or not, most people (actually, all of them so far) ultimately deciding they liked their ruling. 

And then, because when Kaito had brought them all up to sign, he had put the kids names down first, the bowler hat guy shouted, “Kimiko Shirogane!”

“Me! Me! That’s me!” Kimiko laughed, heading up.

“Alright! Awww, aren’t you sweet. Hello Kimiko. Are you excited for your house?” The spellcaster asked, giving her a warm smile as she sat on the stool everyone else had sat on for their sorting. “Do you have any preferences? Know what house you’re hoping for?”

Kimiko, who had noticed that anyone who gave a preference, usually got it, determinedly shook her head. “Nope! Give me your best shot!”

“Allriiiight! Love that confidence. Okay! Kimikoooo Shirogaaane…” the man lowered the bowler hat, starting to...concentrate.

And, for the kind of person who would, or, could, notice such a thing? 

There was a small...pulse. Of power.

It was very sweet, seeing all the people go up to get sorted. It was mostly kids, but there were a fair amount of adults as well, a love for fantasy not age-gated in the slightest. Kokichi was really enjoying himself, watching the whole thing. 

It was just…

It was…

...there was something, right before every sorting that just...Kokichi didn’t know how to describe it. But it was like...his mind was saying ‘hey! Pay attention! Something’s happening!’ Something very specific that demanded his attention but...he couldn’t quite focus on what it was. But it kept happening. 

...it sort of felt like the feeling he’d been getting sometimes when he woke up in the middle of the night. It wasn’t too often, and he just went right back to sleep, but Kokichi had always been left with the sense that...something important had happened. And he could never remember what. 

...it could just be his mind playing tricks on him. Stress from Maki’s departure and the whole situation with the volunteers. Him worrying about them and the kids in a less direct way. Maybe. 

Kokichi felt himself looking over the employee doing the sorting. Not the sort of person that gave off danger alarms or anything, and no one else seemed bothered… 

Just a weird sort of...ping. In the back of his mind. 

“Okay...you’re very proud...and kind. You’re aware of how your actions affect others. You’re considerate…” The bowler hat guys eyes widened slightly, before snickering, “You have to be all those things. You have a dark sense of humor, and you know it. Gotta keep that under control, huh?”

“Oh, yeah! I love the scary stuff! How’d you know?” Kimiko asked, looking up in amazement. 

“I Don’t. The bowler hat does.” The spellcaster said, giving her a warm smile. “Considerate, kind, curious, self aware, prideful… lots of different characteristics, lots of different ways… but! You know how to utilize all these traits to do the most amount of good for the least amount of harm. You are incredibly wise. Roxytine!”

Kimiko giggled, super excited, as she cheered, “Yay! I love the color pink!! Roxytine!”

There was a few cheers, especially from members of the crowd also wearing pink. Kimiko, thrilled, jumped off, running back to the group. 

“Next up, Cali Fornia!”

“Heck yeah! Let’s do this!” 

The bowler hat guy chuckled, giving the girl a fond look, before saying, “I have a few guesses already. Let’s see what the bowler hat says though.”

The same routine, and like Kimiko, Cali said, “No! No preference!”

“Got it...hmmm.” A pulse. “Brave. A warrior. Generous. Lots of steadfast qualities, lots of fortitude...buuuut…” The man looked curiously at her, “...when you’re put in the dark, a haze put over you, your first instinct is to reach out. Not fight, not flight. You like to understand. You… are going to get a lot done in your life. It’ll be interesting… be careful with that curious nature of yours kid. Rosefeline!”

Cali looked at the guy like he was crazy, “Really?”

Bowler hat guy laughed. “Yes, really. Do you want to change it? You can, if you want. Preference matters.”

Cali frowned...before shaking her head. “No. Okay. I’ll be Rosefeline.”

“You next kid. Have fun. Be nice to him.” Kaito whispered to Timothy.

“Timothy Harukawa!” 

Timothy sighed, giving his father a dry look, before going to sit down. “It’s nice to meet you. I don’t have a preference.”

“Thank you for your prompt information, Mr. Harukawa.” The spellcaster said, giving the kid an affectionate look, before saying, “We’ll make this quick, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Timothy nodded. Shuichi snickered a little, while Kaito just grinned sheepishly at the boys antics. Chase was sniffing the bowler hat spellcasters legs furiously, tail wagging.

“Mr. Harukawaaaa…. Let’s see…”

There as, a brief moment, where the spellcaster just looked a little… sad. But he pushed it off as he smiled wide, and said, “Another brave one! Very brave. A boy being molded by literal fire… honestly? It’s not easy being someone like you. I’d have buckled under the pressure. You should be very proud.”

Timothy frowned, brow furrowing. “I don’t understand.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m just interpreting what the hats saying. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to us non-hat folks. You are brave, steadfast, goal oriented. You’re also incredibly protective, and you’re actually emotionally incredibly flexible with other people. Anyone in yours hands? Is in good hands. You have incredible fortitude, Bathulix!”

It had taken longer to get there than Timothy had thought, but he nodded, unsurprised. As he got up, he gave the man a respectful nod, who returned it in kind, before heading to his friends, who were beaming.

“We’re all different!” Cali cheered.

“You seem excited. Is that a good thing?” Tim wondered, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s more interesting that way. I like your reading, Tim. Molded by fire. I like that.” Kimiko giggled, causing Tim to blush, while Cali asked Kimiko if there was anything she had liked about her reading!

“Kaito Momota?” The spellcaster looked twice at the name, before his eyes widened, surprised, “...Kaito Momota?”

Kaito grinned uneasily. “Yup, I’m here.”

The spellcaster gave him an almost alarmed look… before smiling wide, “Fantastic! Interesting. Take a seat!”

Kokichi had clapped for each kid, cheering them on with the rest of the crowd. While his mind was kinda...stuck on that weird point, he wasn’t about to let it pull him away from a nice outing with his family and his nephew’s friends. 

Or from...well, it seemed to settle itself. If the spellcaster could get over any sort of surprise from Kaito being there, then...it was probably okay. (Just as long as the spiel--though they had been particularly descriptive for everyone who went through it--didn’t… Wasn’t rude to his husband. Kokichi didn’t want to create a scene, especially with the kids there...but he would call it out. 

It would be better if it all went smoothly, though.)

Catching Kaito’s eye, Kokichi gave his husband a soft, encouraging smile. Hope for the best. 

Kaito, also, had noticed that the spellcaster seemed a little… overly interested in him, which did make him a little nervous. But, well… the guy had been really nice to his kids! And all the other people so far. And Momota was definitely a double-take name. No need to assume the worst, just because he was surprised! Being surprised was totally understandable.

Admittedly, Kaito felt a little silly going to sit on the stool. He was bigger than everyone else that had sat down to do it that day and he felt a little… massive on it. But that was alright. He grinned over at Shuichi and Kokichi, giving them both a wink, as he put his hands in his lap, crossing his legs, putting on a purposefully delicate air. It was a small gesture, but Kimiko, at the very least, giggled at his exaggerated effeminate mannerism, Kaito asking, “Let’s do it, man. Let's accessorize me!”

The spellcaster gave him a little chuckle, before saying, “Alright… our resident prince-consort! Let’s see what you’re made of…”

A little pulse… and there was a brief moment where the spellcaster just looked really, really confused. “Hmmm…” another pulse. A deeper look of confusion. A third pulse… “...okay! Complicated, but we got there! Kaito Momota, you are… loyal. Incredibly loyal. Anyone you take on as yours? Is always yours, long after you’ve lost touch with them. You’ve fit a village inside yourself. Your feelings are busy.”

Kaito blinked, a little surprised… but, well, he supposed it wasn’t that wild to guess that he had a lot of people he cared about. Not bad, spellcaster guy. Very convincing. 

“So… a man with a village inside of him. And while you are also brave, and strong, and fierce and protective, and indeed have quite a lot in common with our previous Bathulix boy… that loyalty to your village? Your trust and dependency on them? That requires an incredible amount of faith! Welcome to the Callipine house!”

“...yeah?” Kaito blinked, genuinely flummoxed, rubbing the back of his neck, “Huh...okay. Neat!”

...maybe the guy hadn’t known where to put him and decided to just settle on that one. Though, his explanation had been super interesting. Getting up, Kaito bowed his head to the man, who again, bowed back… and the spellcaster reached out and grabbed his arm, and real quick, moved in, and whispered, “It’ll get better someday. Just be patient. Someone will help.”

“Um… what?” Kaito asked, looking at him in concern. But the spellcaster just smiled at him, patting his arm.

“I just mean if you’re feeling overwhelmed living in a new place. It’ll get better, friend!” The spellcaster said, before looking to his list. “Shuichi Saiahara? Where do I know that name from… ah, right! Let’s get you off your feet, Mr. Saihara! Take a seat!”

“Here, handsome, I got you.” Kaito said, helping Shuichi up onto the stage.

Oh Kaito… 

...Kokichi really wished that more people could see what he saw in Kaito. He could be oblivious, sure, but there were certain things his husband was really good at reading in a room, and wherever he went, he always tried to...start a party and make friends, like at the gaming stalls at the festival, or make himself approachable and as far from dangerous as he could be. Always trying to set people at ease…

And...it wasn’t Kaito’s actions that was making Kokichi blink and slide the smile off his face. It was...it was...that thing… It was even more than it had been… Why? What was…

Thankfully, Kokichi wasn’t too distracted by...whatever that was, to miss what the spellcaster said about Kaito, and to his relief, it was far from anything bad. A whole village in his heart to protect and cherish… Spot on. A little...weirdly spot on, but the employee had been incredibly close for everyone. Maybe he was just really good at reading people?

Kokichi clapped proudly for his husband’s house, laughing a little at the confusion on Kaito’s face, before he helped walk Shuuichi over. Maybe they were being a little too doting, but...well, he liked being able to show off their relationship. And being full-term pregnant, at least in size, was no joke!

Shuichi flushed slightly as both of his partners were so quick to help him up the stage and then Shuichi had to shoo Kaito away from him to let him just sit himself on the stool… and found himself a little unbalanced as he shifted uncomfortable, trying to find his center. An embarrassed blush spreading across his face… 

But the spellcaster reached out and steadied him, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder as he said, “Congratulations, by the way. You are glowing. You are…” the spellcaster looked at him, did some mental math of when those pamphlets came out, “...much farther along then I would have expected?”

And before Shuichi could frown and look offended, the spellcaster felt it and said, “Oh, but, that’s not my business! I apologize, Mr. Saihara. Just, congratulations again.”

Shuichi relaxed, nodding. “Thank you.. You can call me Shuichi, if you like.”

“Very kind! Please, call me Mikado! Alright, Shuichi, let’s see what we’re working with.” Mikado the spellcaster said, hovering the bowler hat over his head, “...Ha! Ah… all people are multifaceted and complicated, there are no exceptions to that rule. But some people have one characteristic that shines so far above the rest that it’s almost impossible to see anything else!”

“You are reserved, but compassionate. Prideful, lots of pride. Ah, but your pride casts long shadows within you too… but you're resourceful and determined and are making the best of it! You are loyal to your loved ones, but practical in almost everything you do. You don’t give that loyalty away lightly. It needs to be earned.”

Shuichi frowned, looking over his shoulder at the man. “That’s a lot of specific information-”

“I’m basing all of this on your hat and jacket. Fashion gives a lot away.” The spellcaster said quickly, whispering it to him,  Mikado knowing that if the man didn’t feel like he had at least some sort of answer, he’d feel compelled to dig and dig… and while Shuichi didn’t look entirely appeased, he still nodded. “So! Intelligent, resourceful, practical… but more than all of that? Curious. Like… obsessively curious. It’s a huge part of your life… so! Welcome to the house Rosefeline!”

As several Rosefeline’s in the crowd cheered, Kaito nodded, “That was going to be my second guess.” He told Kokichi, smirking down at him, before hopping on stage to help Shuichi up from the stool.

Kokichi snickered a bit, giving Kaito a nod as well, still getting that weird...something in the back of his head, but not as obtrusive this time. Shuuichi’s almost compulsive need to find out information about people? Grade A curiosity. Really, Shuuichi could almost be the poster child for the Rosefeline house. 

Coming forward to help Shuuichi as well, briefly commenting that the dark purple of the house would look great with Shuuichi’s fashion, Kokichi stayed close by the stage, knowing he was next up. 

Mikado glanced at his sign up post, and had he not just had the Prince Consort and the Royal Surrogate here, he might have been surprised to realize that it was Prince Kokichi Ouma in the crowd. But, he was prepared this time, and after the surrogate was safely helped off the stage, he said, “Prince Kokichi? It’s an honor! Thank you so much for visiting our magic shop! We’re certain you will make an exceptional magic student! It’s super interesting to see what house you’ll get!”

The spellcaster meant this. He loved his job. He loved having a fun excuse to explore people. People were fascinating…

And Prince Kokichi specifically? Holy cow. Mikado will have to be very careful when he went looking, because an empath as powerful as Kokichi? He’d probably feel something, but mostly Mikado was worried about triggering a fight or flight instinct in him. He had to make certain Kokichi could feel he meant no harm. Just… was poking a little. Reading the room. No harm intended.

So, smiling warmly at him, Mikado said, “Please, take a seat! Any guesses what you’ll get? Any preferences, your grace?”

Kokichi smiled warmly at Mikado, a little embarrassed but taking the hubbub over his title with grace. “This is such a wonderful shop, I’m a little disappointed I hadn’t come sooner. My family and I have been having a great time.” And, with a little, sheepish laugh as he sat on the stool, Kokichi shook his head. “You don’t need to do the ‘your grace’ stuff. Honestly, I have no idea--it’s too easy to see myself through the lens of any house. Everyone has a little of everything in them, you know?”

Then, because he really was trying to be more friendly, Kokichi gave the spellcaster a teasing smile. “Sorry for not making the hat’s job any easier. Let’s see what I get!”

“Ha! The Ouma family, making the bowler hat work overdrive! Thankfully, you all have made the work so pleasant, so I guess we’ll forgive you for not making it any simpler on us! Alright! Kokichi Ouma! Let’s see what our bowler hat reads!”

And then, carefully… very carefully… Mikado reached in. 

Metaphors do a lot of work for Empaths. People think in metaphors. Both the observer, and for the observed. So, because Mikado was always looking into people with the metaphor of a room in mind? What he saw was a room, stepping in. Looking around.

It wasn’t a very big room, but there was quite a bit in it. It was cluttered, but there was an organization to the clutter. He didn’t have a lot of time. He never had a lot of time to look, even with the way time morphed while he was in here, so he didn’t have a lot of time to look at the details. But this is what he saw while he could. 

There was a large, foreboding portrait of King Aiichi… that was tucked in the corner, leaning against the wall. Hanging on the wall, were many, many paintings, drawn, he guessed, in the prince’s own style. People he didn’t recognize, but he knew the names of, through the prince’s vision. A large picture framed in steady wood of a man named Ikuo. A metal shield with a woman named Lake etched into it, a floral arrangement that looked like a woman named Nazumi placed beside it. A tapestry with a person named Denji, posed eloquently. Near the bottom of the wall, there were pictures, hand drawn, of the kids Mikado had just read, along with many, many many other people... and on the wall itself… painted, wildly, messily, onto the wall itself, were portraits of Kaito, Maki, and Shuuichi. 

That was just one wall though. And while none of the other portraits were as defined as the ones on that wall, there were hundreds of drawings of people, some just vague ideas of a person, some briefly known, some briefly heard of, but the pictured all of the walls. 

“Ha.” Mikado said, outloud in the real world. “Your husband keeps a village of people inside of him, but you? You stuff inside cities. Cities and cities, all in such a small space… you are extremely compassionate, yes, but more than you, you are extremely responsible. You carry cities inside of you, because you see no other way to shelter them, but all at once.”

It wasn’t just a weird ping in the back of his head that time. This time… A feeling like someone was looking at him. At the truest, barest sense of ‘him’ and…

Kokichi froze, barely registering what Mikado was saying, panicked by the feeling. 

(But something told him it was alright. Just sit through it and be normal, and it’ll be alright.)

There was a rumble in the room, and suddenly, there were far less things in the room. Kokichi hiding things, protecting himself. In his mind, Mikado said, “It’s okay… just another moment. I’m not staying long. Everything’s okay. You can hide anything you want from me, I won’t dig…”

Looking around quickly, before Kokichi had time to pull anything else back, what else could he find… Mikado took a step, and he looked down, frowning. He was standing in a model town of the city… but also the country. But also the continent. And also the world. Stretching all the way forward, and all the way back, as if Kokichi was trying to see everything, all the time, and predict every possible consequence of every possible action both he and anyone else could make.

It was… busy. Mikado vaguely worried if he took a step, he’d knock a building down and ruin everything. Also, Luminary probably wasn’t actually on fire right now, right? Mikado would have heard about it. Metaphors. You had to love them. 

“You are a planner, to the point of obsession. You are incredibly organized, and are steadfast and dedicated to the things and people you feel responsible for… which is everyone and everything.” Mikado said aloud, “There is nothing outside of your scope of concern. You take it all in.”

(It’s okay.)

...the feeling was still weird but...for some reason… Kokichi thought of a cat. And for some reason, that cat made him feel a little...just a little more at ease. 

What else, what else… it was fascinating in here, really. Mikado wished he could explore more. This level of control and future telling and possession over the whole of all people...in a different kind of mind? This would be megalomania. Their prince would be a tyrant… but it was all nestled in this air of sincere, passionate compassion for people. For everyone. A beautiful sort of madness… it really was so interest-

“Oh.” Mikado stopped.

“Oh.” Alter Ego said. Tail flicking in annoyance.

“...I’m just looking. It will cause him no harm, surface level emotions. I got permission...sort of.” Midako grinned, stepping back nervously.

“I was called. He was nervous. Finish your business and go, jester.” the cat said, ears starting to lean flat in warning.

“Of course, of course… so nice to finally meet you in ‘person’ Chihiro… or…” Mikado shrugged, “Whoever you are now, these days.”

The cat’s eyes narrowed, but that was alright. Mikado was done. Gently pulling away, he said, “You are a true leader in every sense of the word. You are brave in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, strong in taking on the responsibility of not only your own actions but others, and think deeply and strictly on any and every action you take that could affect your people. For all these qualities, you are correct. Any house would suit you… but the bowler hat says wisdom shines through you, stronger than anything. Welcome to house Roxytine!”

Kimiko laughed, jumping, saying “Yay! Kokichi, Kokichi! We’re in a house together!”

“Ha! I called that one,” Kaito said, chest puffing proudly, as everyone from all houses cheered and clapped.

As everyone happily had fun, laughing and applauding their prince’s house, Mikado leaned down to him and whispered, “Hope that wasn’t too terribly invasive. I really do hope you had fun. And do pay me a visit, if you’re ever looking for someone to… talk to. I sleep most nights, I should be easy to find.” He said cheerfully, before patting Kokichi companionably on the back.

That feeling went away just in time for Mikado to call out the house he was in, and Kokichi, to his credit, managed a damn convincing pleased grin as he started to stand up, hoping he wasn’t shaking. However, as Mikado whispered to him… Kokichi’s eyebrows furrowed for a moment, just...confused. 

That feeling...was it on purpose? What had happened? Why didn’t it seem like anyone else had noticed anything--surely the kids wouldn’t try to hide it?

Still, Kokichi just gave the man a friendly nod before stepping off the stage to re-join his family, hiding his hands in his pockets. He grinned down at Kimiko, taking more comfort in her excitement to shoo away...whatever that had been. “We are! Hey, what do you guys think about looking at the house merch? I’m pretty sure I saw some pretty clip bows--do you think pink would work for me, or should I be looking for some other sort of accessory?”

“Prince Kokichi, Prince Kokichi! We should get matching hair bows! House solidarity!” Kimiko insisted, running up to him and throwing her arms around his waist, looking up at him and beaming. “Mommy will think it's cute!”

“What’s solidarity?” Cali asked, looking at all the purple stuff around the store with a new, intrigued eye, even if she hadn’t thought she’d end up purple today. She was convinced she’d end up red, like Timothy.

“Solidarity is a unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest.” Shuichi explained, looking at a long purple scarf that might be nice to wear out in the cold. “A mutual support within a group.”

“I think pink would be a nice color on you, ‘Kichi. You don’t really have much of anything pink in your wardrobe, do you…” Kaito mused, finding himself looking more at Kokichi’s house stuff than his own, though he’d end up getting something too. He’d never been too much for yellow clothes, yellow clashing with his red hair, but he was sure he could find something. “Here, let’s see what the clips look on you. I doubt they’ll mind you trying it on.”

Grabbing a clip for Kokichi, and then another one for Kimiko and handing it to the girl, who thanked him with a sweet smile, Kaito started fussing with Kokichi’s hair, brow furrowed in concentration… before grinning. “Eeeeey, look at that. That’s cute.”

It was easier to relax when you focused on the present. Kokichi had a soft, fond smile on his face as he took a hand out of his pocket for a gentle touch on Kimiko’s back, hugging her back a bit. If no one else was unnerved...it was just in his head, and it was hard to not get pulled into the kids’ enthusiasm. “House solidarity!”

Leading the kids over to the main area of house merch--just to the side of the stage, actually, being pretty obvious about the marketing technique--Kokichi looked over the pink hair accessories with Kimiko and Kaito, taking off his hat to see if the color would look too weird against his hair. 

“I have some pink things, though it’s usually along with other colors; not really anything solid pink. I might have some shorts though…?” Kokichi stayed still under Kaito’s fussing, surprised as ever that his husband’s fingers didn’t snag in painful knots. You’d think he’d learn after being sat down for hairbrushing twice a day for the past few months, but still!

Looking around for a mirror, Kokichi turned his head this way and that before grinning at Kimiko, then Cali and Tim. “Well, we have a vote for cute. What do you guys think--this a good symbol to show off your house? Of course you always look lovely with your bows, Kimiko--your mom helps you with them, right?”

Kimiko was currently putting her hair up on top of her head, clipping it crookedly above her forehead, before beaming at herself in a mirror, turning this way and that way before twirling in place as she said, “Yep! Mommy loves to play with my hair. She says the way you look is the first form of communication! She says a nice look is the quickest shortcut to trust and influence!”

“...does she?” Shuichi asked, frowning at that outlook. He didn’t like to think something like that was true.

Kaito, though, nodded, kissing Kokichi’s forehead and saying, “I think it’s cute, babe.” before kneeling down and tapping on Kimiko’s back, having her turn to him as he started fixing her hair as well as he said, “I like the ‘first form of communication’ idea. Communication is key, and anything we put on does send at least some sort of message. Here, do you like bangs in your face, or out of them?”

“Bangs, please! Thank you Mr. Kaito!” Kimiko smiled.

“Mmmhm.” Kaito hummed, messing with her hair with a casual skill, before saying, “I know how to make a braid. Want a braid real quick, hanging off the side of your face?”

Kimiko’s eyes sparked at this, nodding enthusiastically, as Cali and Tim looked at Kokichi critically.

“I don’t like it.” Tim finally decided.

“I love it.” Cali decided at the exact same time, the two kids looking at each other with some annoyance. “Shut up, Tim, you just hate pink!”

“I do not. I just think he should get one of the different clips. Like…” Tim looked around, shrugging, “The headband.”

“Nooo! Kokichi, don’t listen to him! Stick to the clips! Tim wouldn’t know cute if it hit him in the face!”

Timothy pouted, looking annoyed at that, before muttering, “I know what cute is.”

“I like the clip. I think it’s nice.” Shuichi said, smiling at Kokichi warmly before going back to look at the scarves. “They have nice pink snowboots too… could be practical.”

Kokichi nodded along with his husband. “As much as I think someone’s actions are the most important thing to judge them by, appearance does say something. Though, a lot of people use it to be misleading--like those dresses with the frills and ruffles your mom used to wear, Tim. Still, even trying to say something else with your clothes can say something about you.”

Laughing quietly at Tim and Cali’s bickering, Kokichi gently extracted the bow clip and grabbed the headband, showing it off as well. And when Shuuichi mentioned the snowboots, Kokichi snickering just got louder. “I think my wardrobe could do with more pink, but I’m starting to feel like you’re all just trying to get me to update my clothes wholesale. Good thing I look good in pink! The bow clip, the headband… I don’t think I wanna get entirely new boots, but I think I’ll get some pink laces too. A nice detail!”

Looking in the Bathulix section, Kokichi found some thin, stretchy, red and black wristbands that he offered to Tim to look at. “What do you think about these?” Crouching lower, Kokichi kept his voice low, making sure his husband wasn’t paying attention. “They’re really good for hiding things under your sleeves. If you can’t use pockets, keeping your pins and tension rods with these can come in real handy.”

Tim glanced over at Kaito, who was still braiding the side of Kimiko’s hair, his mouth scrunching to the side of his face a little as his young mind raced, taking the wristbands from Kokichi and looking at them with a critical eye. “...dad told you he took my lockpicks?” he guessed.

Timothy was planning to steal them back, of course. His fathers room didn’t have a lock, so it was just a matter of waiting for the adults to all be gone and heading in to find them. But once he had them back, it’d be a challenge to keep them hidden…

Putting on the bands, he measured it out with his minds eyes, and… yeah. That could work…

Timothy looked up at Kokichi and smirked. “Thanks Uncle Kokichi.”

Kaito finished up the braid, and told Kimiko to leave the hairclips in, he’d pay for them, consider them a gift from her training coach. Then he went to look for something for himself while Cali showed Shuichi the purple shawl she was considering, mostly because she liked the way it flowed when she jumped up and down. Meanwhile, Kaito…

Kaito was staring at some clothes displayed on the wall with frustration, internally yelling at himself as he knew, knew, knew it was gonna be too expensive for a gimmick outfit that wouldn’t fit with any of his other outfits, but… “Dammit. That cape looks really cool.” Kaito growled.

Kokichi had promised to not teach Tim or Baby how to lockpick until they were each 18. Buuuuuut if Tim was learning on his own--or, more likely, had a beginning lesson with Maki--well...he wasn’t teaching him. But he could pass on some wisdom he’d learned about even just having lockpicks. 

Grinning back at his nephew, Kokichi gave him an affectionate pat on the shoulder. “And just so you know… Other than your mom and me? Ikuo’s the only other person I know knows how to do it; he taught me. So if you’re trying to be sneaky about it, those are the people that’d know best. And your Uncle Shuuichi, of course. Can’t get much past him.” It was a little subtle, but he hoped Tim would catch the drift that if he wanted some help, Ikuo would be a good person to go to. 

Straightening, they all looked around a little more, Kokichi holding his intended purchases in hand, before he found himself by Kaito’s side again, snickering at the predictable dilemma. The outfit on display was very much the image of a high magician or a wizard, fancy and fantastical. Absolutely the sort of thing that would catch Kaito’s eye. 

Rolling his own, Kokichi nudged at his husband’s side. “You have the budget this month? You can always ask if the shop’s gonna have it in stock for a while, if you wanna save up.”

“Nnnngh… the buuudget…” Kaito grumbled, looking disheartened at that.

The budget talk? When he and Kokichi had finally sat down to have it? Had been soooo depressing. It was an extremely necessary sit down, because Kaito had insisted on talking to Kokichi first before he made his offer to Seiko, not wanting to make any promises he couldn’t keep. And he could keep them! He had been thrilled for that! But… even taking into account his allowance from home, and the country allowance? Paying for two new employees long term for Seiko’s business took a significant chunk from Kaito’s monthly funds, and while he was steadfast in that it was worth it, considering how important her work was to his family…

If he wanted to have plenty of money to spoil Baby with? Not to mention that with Maki gone, Kaito was taking up the bulk of the many little expenses that came with Timothy from day to day? What he could afford to spend on just himself, for little luxury or comfort things, was suddenly very restricted. When it was all said and done? Kaito had even less to spend mindlessly than he had originally thought he would.

He knew that. And it was good that he knew that. Better to face the reality of your life situation than close your eyes and hope, right? It was responsible! 

But still.

Nnnnnngh.

...it really was a very nice cape. It had an intricate sort of spiraling design of slightly off-color yellow among the yellow backdrop, and it shimmered. Gah! 

“...yeah. Let’s ask them if they’re restocking these when they sell out.” Kaito huffed, “Maybe if I give it a night I won’t want it anyway. I could just get a yellow earring? I was looking at those, those are pretty cheap. Probably wouldn’t actually wear them though, is the thing.” Kaito shrugged.

When it was all said and done, Cali got her shawl, which she paid for herself, and a bracelet that Kaito got her because he didn’t want her to feel left out from getting a gift. Kimiko got her hair clips, Tim got his arm bands, Shuichi got his scarf, and Kaito decided to wait awhile and see if he could save up for the cape. 

Also, candy.

Like… so much candy. Once the kids saw Shuichi and Kokichi’s candy, they all begged to get their own, and Kaito hadn’t been able to resist their pleading looks. Paying for the candy, Kaito internally sighed. Hopefully he’d wake up tomorrow and not want that stupid, beautiful cape. He really couldn’t afford it, honestly.

Kokichi huffed a small laugh, pressing against Kaito again. In all fairness...if Kaito was an example of how Momotas generally spent their money? Kokichi could start to understand why Byakuya was so focused on it. However, it just further impressed the importance of having your personal wealth be separate from the government funds. You could be a part of the economy with your own money and not have to worry about having the funds for castle repairs or for the food budget or anything else that was bigger than the average person had to worry about. 

(Not to mention that if the Momota/Luminary fortune really was as much as Shuuichi had implied, and the allowance Kaito was getting from his brother supported that, then there really wasn’t a need for worry at all, and it was just unnecessary greed at the end of the day.)

“So responsible,” Kokichi cooed, pressing a kiss to Kaito’s arm. 

They spent a good few hours at the shop, but eventually it was time to go. Thanking an employee nearby the door, complimenting the shop once more, they headed back out into the snow, and Maybe Kokichi was flaunting his ease with it a bit, because he broke into one of the chocolates he’d gotten, munching on it before his eyes widened at the card he pulled. “Oh wow...talk about lucky.”

The front of the card was a small portrait with a name plaque, more information on the person or creature written on the back. The card Kokichi was holding was of a giant of a man, his hair greying but styled into a sort of pompadour, grinning widely, stretching a serious, x-shaped scar across his face. The plaque read “Vander Ouma, the Mercenary King”.

Kaito was only shivering a little bit in the cold, his cheeks reddening as Shuichi walked with the kids, the three of them having fixated on him at some point on their walk home, Timothy holding one hand and Cali holding the other, while Kimiko too the lead, entirely at ease on the snow and ice as she kept walking backwards to talk to Shuichi and her friends.

Kaito, who was walking with Kokichi but kept glancing up at Shuichi and the kids, keeping an eye on them, glanced down at what Kokichi was looking at… before looking surprised. “The Mercenary King…?”

Kokichi nodded with a grin, excited to share some history with his husband--and especially of possibly his favorite predecessor. “King Vander wasn’t the first Ouma, but he was one of our first leaders, back when Dicea was still more of a bunch of...small nation-states, I guess you’d call it. They were still all allied under the Dicean name, and respected the Ouma name as leadership, but they were far more independent. They say King Vander, and his successor, Queen Lydie, were when people really started to band together.”

“Apparently, King Vander was hardly ever at the capital, which really was more like a community hub than a residence. Instead, he traveled the country, picking up mercenary jobs for people all over. Fighting against bandits or aggressive animals, helping out farms, tracking down illegal smuggling rings...name anything, and he probably did it.”

Kokichi watched the snow as they walked, half-brandishing the card to show Kaito. There was a bright, excited grin as he spoke, his entire face lighting up from the subject. “He did take a portion of the payment, ‘cause everyone’s gotta eat, but he sent the majority back to Usot, using it to build the city and create a more permanent home for people. It was barely even a village just even...fourty, fifty years earlier. And with any money they had in surplus, the base of mercs back in Usot would send people to help out in the other nation-states, free of charge--though people still paid them anyway.”

“They say King Vander traveled with a small group of incredible fighters, but there are just as many accounts of him solving problems on his own, just that incredibly strong and resourceful.” Kokichi laughed softly before looking down at the card with admiration. “...when people say stuff like ‘a hero of the people’, King Vander is the standard they’re comparing to. He’s a legend.” 

Kaito listened with keen interest, looking at the image of the guy-- dude was hot, too. Those scars… Kaito probably shouldn’t crush on a long dead founding father figure, but eh, a handsome man was a handsome man. 

“That’s really interesting… sorta sounds like stories of the knights that started the nobility lines back at home. Those stories are always super cool… any stories on King Vander that are your favorite?” Kaito asked, thinking he was hearing hints of a little bit of ‘fanboy’ passion in his husbands voice.

Which surprised Kaito, honestly. He and Kokichi had a LOT of similar interests when it came to fantasy stories and literature and all that, but Kokichi was such a hardcore pacifist, Kaito always assumed stories of real, historical violence would put him off. Maybe it was just a difference in context.

Kokichi chuckled, rolling his eyes a little as he took one last look at the card before safely tucking it away in one of his pockets. “Okay, fair warning, there are a ton of stories about him that are just...they’re basically fairytales. So if you go looking for stories, don’t be caught off guard by that, alright?”

“...there was this one story. Like, all of them are cool, and King Vander did a lot of amazing things...but this one always stuck with me. Apparently, Vander was patrolling the Sorl Woods--the ones kinda southeast of the city--on just, like, regular patrol stuff. Making sure there weren’t signs of dangerous animals near settlements, keeping an eye out for bandit camps, seeing how the wildlife was doing in general, that sort of stuff. When he hears the cry of a wounded animal.”

“Could be nothing, right? Just nature going on as it does. But he goes to check it out, just in case. He’s probably expecting to find a coyote finishing off a kill or something like that, right? Instead, he finds a group of kids, the oldest of the group not more than teenagers, fighting off a giant wolf with, honestly, whatever they could find. Old training swords, big sticks, one of them was even throwing rocks.”

“Of course the Mercenary King would go to help them! It’s what he does!” Kokichi declared, making a grand gesture with his hand before making his movements small, quiet. “But as soon as he gets close, the kids panic. Change formation to defend against both the wolf and King Vander. He tries to explain that he’s an ally, but the kids are too scared, and...there isn’t really time to sit down and have a real chat, is there? Not with a beast of a wolf bearing down on them.”

“...so King Vander decided to just...go into the fray himself. He charged against the wolf and...just took any of the hits the kids aimed at him. Not even defending himself against them, just entirely focused on the wolf.”

“Eventually, coming to the realization that King Vander is not an opponent you can win against, the wolf runs away, and for a few moments, it’s just the kids lashing out at him, while he just...does nothing,” Kokichi sighed. “And...eventually, they back off, but in tears. Begging this huge, formidable, seeming undefeatable man to leave them alone, not take them back… And from the back of the group, he can see one of the younger kids, probably ten or so, shaking and sweating from...a truly awful wound. A wound from a wolf’s bite.”

“But the kids are terrified, so King Vander just takes out medical supplies and leaves it between them, and then leaves. He makes sure to make a lot of noise, becoming super easy to track. At the camp he’s staying in, just outside of the forest, he leaves out bags of food right at the edge, totally unprotected. More medical supplies. Some cloths for blankets or making tarps. Some real knives.”

“And one day, one of the older kids came out of the woods, one of the weapons Vander had left out brandished in their hand, and they ask what the hell he’s doing. They’re not indebted to him, and if he tries anything… But Vander just said that he wanted them to survive.”

Kokichi smiled out into the distance, his hand having found Kaito’s as they walked. “That was the thing, right? People had all sorts of suspicions that it was some...PR power grab. That King Vander was making people reliant on him, making them indebted so he could grow a nation. Make people give up their lives to come to Usot and work for him… But it wasn’t like that at all.”

“The first Ouma realized that people were so much stronger when they worked together, so he allied the nation-states under the banner of Dicea. King Vander knew that was true, but he respected the strengths of individuals too. All he ever wanted was for people to be able to survive. He never asked anyone to join him, to come to Usot, to do anything more than the equal compensation he was owed for his work. It was just...when you’re good to people, they want to be good back. To spread that goodness to others. And that just...coalesced around him, sparking from everything King Vander did for people, just by being sincere and hard-working.”

“If the kids wanted to live in the woods, then that was their right. He just wanted to make sure that they had the supplies to take care of each other. And, since they were trying to be secretive, he wouldn’t tell anyone.”

“But...the kids didn’t want to live in the woods.”

“It took time, but eventually more of them came to talk with King Vander. They had been cast out from their village, and worried about being hunted down, they took to the woods. They never explained why, and Vander didn’t ask. Just thought that it was absolute hogwash--if you were a person, you were entitled to life. And...when Vander packed up camp, time to head out again? All the kids came out of the woods, all their belongings and everything Vander had left for them packed up too. And they said that they wanted to go where he was going.”

Grinning, Kokichi shook his head a little. “A merc’s life isn’t really one for a kid, though, and King Vander knew that, so most of them ended up settling down in Usot, but he did take them under his wing. Taught them how to fight, how to cook, how to be good to each other and the world around them… He ended up teaching a lot of kids that whenever he came back to Usot--it’s why our orphanage is named after him.”

There was a slight pause before Kokichi looked up at Kaito, laughing sheepishly. “Ah, kinda went off there, huh? But, yeah, that’s my favorite story about King Vander.”

Kaito listened quietly, absolutely enraptured as Kokichi got more and more expressive of the story. Kokichi was an excellent story teller, but Kaito was pretty sure this was the first time Kokichi had really dove into a story from start to finish, rather then pieces of a lie or parts of an example for whatever philosophy thing they were discussing last. It was a real, proper story, one that made Kaito think of the first story Kokichi ever told him, watching over a lost little girl at a festival. 

And just like how Kaito had gotten lost in that story, he got lost in this one, a thousand questions on the tip of his tongue as Kokichi told it, but biting them all down, not wanting to ruin the flow of the story. 

There was something specifically about the mental image of the King sitting and taking the blows from the frightened children… It was hard, to do that. Kaito knew how hard that was. To just stand there and face the angry panic and the violence and know that anything you did was going to make it worse, so you had to stand there and do nothing. Had to wait for the fury and panic to ease. He had been on the other side of that, and had been the children himself, more times than he was comfortable thinking of either example. 

She was far from the only example, but, well… befriending Maki growing up had meant being ready to handle the bloodrages, especially during a time of her life where she was nowhere near as good at keeping herself under control as she was now. And sometimes all you could do was stand there and wait for her to calm down…

And it had been worth it, for her. Just like it had probably been worth it for those kids. 

Kaito felt his eyes redden for a second, and he rolled them the second he realized that, sighing. “Sorry. I love that story. Just got emotional thinking how much Maki would love that story. We have to remember to tell it when she gets back. A mercenary King going around saving frightened, strong orphan children banding together against the world? Fuck. That’s an incredible story, no wonder he’s a legend.”

Kaito wondered why the kids had been kicked out. He wondered about their fear of being returned to the village that had cast them out in the first place. Were they being hunted? Why?

...he wondered about a wolf so big and strong that it survived multiple blows by multiple fighters, and how it scratched one of the kids. The size of the coat that he had in his closet, the sheer bulk of it around his shoulders…

(Inside of him, a shard shifted. Growled…)

And Kaito laughed, a little surprised by the random bout of nerves that ran through him as he said, “Dicea’s history with wolves is kinda wild. Wolves are so small in Luminary, they’re like the size of dogs. Your guys wolves are giants, at least your old ones.”

Kokichi grinned, his thoughts moving out toward their friend on the road. She was probably seeing more snow than they were at the moment. He hoped she wasn’t too grumpy. “It is exactly the sort of story Maki-chan would love, isn’t it. We don’t really talk about history that much, but I really don’t know why I didn’t think of telling this story sooner. Something to be excited for when she comes home, I suppose.” 

He wondered if there were going to be stories like that of Maki one day. Sure, she was going to be working with a lot of people...but she was already something of a legend. And Kokichi was sure King Vander wasn’t off traveling the country by himself all the time, but the stories just came to be about him so… There was a chance.

Laughing a little, Kokichi shook his head. “Honestly? I always thought the description of the wolf being giant was, yanno, just a wolf on the bigger side. After seeing the cloak that you got from the (Orchard) family? I think I’m starting to believe that there were some seriously huge wolves that used to live in Dicea. It’s nuts.”

(There still were some huge wolves in Dicea, but unlike the olden days in centuries past, they didn’t stalk about in the woods, attacking travelers and village folk who got a little too close. Perhaps there were some that missed the thrill of the hunt that their elders talked about, but most found they greatly preferred the freedom to run in fields under the moonlight, and then to come back and hang out with their friends at the market the next day.)

The story had taken Kokichi the bulk of their trip back to the castle to tell, and while he wasn’t miserable in the cold yet, it would be nice to get out of his outermost layers and pour over what they’d gotten from the magic shop. Smiling sweetly up at Kaito, Kokichi squeezed his hand with the utmost affection. “What do you think about seeing what other cards I got when we get home?”

Kaito was about to nod, gently squeezing Kokichi’s hand back...before he frowned. Giving his husband a suspicious look as he said, “Would that mean you’re eating all the chocolates that the cards came with? Because that was a lot of chocolate. If so, no.”

Kokichi sighed, putting all his weight against Kaito for a despairing moment. “Damn. Really thought I had a chance. I guess I’ll just have to tell Shuu-chan Kai-chan doesn’t want us eating any more of the chocolate we just bought.”

Kaito narrowed his eyes, giving Kokichi a small, but clearly annoyed grin, crooked and sharp on the edges, as he said, “Nuh uh. You can’t hide behind our boyfriends willingness to tug my strings every time I put my foot down, babe. That’s not gonna work. I’m not that easy.”

Kokichi pouted at Kaito before taking a breath, calling up to where Shuuichi and the kids were walking. “Shuu-chan! Kai-chan said he doesn’t want us eating any more candy today. Just letting you know!”

Shuichi glanced over his shoulder, his golden eyes cool and curious for a moment as he stopped, the kids looking incredibly offended around him at the idea of not having any more candy for the day. Kaito puffed his chest, squaring his shoulders, ready to stand his ground-

Shuichi pulling his hand away from Cali’s grip, putting his hand against his heart as his body language suddenly got shy and demur, Shuichi looking embarrassed as he said quietly, “I...I guess I have been gaining a lot of weight… it’s really noticeable, huh…”

Kaito’s heart sunk as he said quickly, “No, no, no, that’s not what I mean! I just meant-”

“Mr. Kaito! How could you say that!?” Kimiko gasped, reaching over to wrap her arms around Shuichi’s waist, “Shuichi works out every morning with us! Let him eat candy!”

“Let us eat candy too!” Cali insisted.

“I never said you guys can’t… ngh. Cheats.” Kaito grumbled, running a hand over his face, before saying, “You can have a few more candies! After dinner! I expect vegetables on all of your plates!”

Shuichi smirked, immediately relaxing, all the embarrassment gone from his face as he said, “Thank you Kaito.” before taking Cali’s hand again, turning back to keep walking.

Kokichi kept a disappointed pout on his face all the way until Shuuichi turned back around, grinning devilishly up at his husband once it was just the two of them in conversation again. “Thanks, Kai-chan~” he echoed. “Guess we will get to see some more cards today. And you can bet on some more history lessons if I get more Ouma cards. Though, I kinda want the magical creature ones--the art looked really pretty on the examples they had.”

Kaito huffed, “Two of you. That was where I went wrong… convinced myself I could handle two of you. Now look at me. A victim of my own hubris.”

Sighing, Kaito brought Kokichi’s gloved hands up to his mouth and kissed his knuckles, before saying, “Well, if opening those chocolate boxes means I get more cool stories from you? I guess that’s worth you two absolutely wrecking yourself with sugar.”

Kaito was about to threaten to really work them both hard in the morning… but if he said it aloud, Shuichi would likely get him to back down with sad doe eyes and one of those guilt tripping remarks. So…

He’d just have to spring it on them and see how long it took for them to notice.

-

Slowly, slowly, they were getting the hang of things. It was still strange, and half the time Kokichi expected Maki to show up. Correcting someone’s form during training, talking about Tim’s day with him, snarking with Shuuichi about any idle thought they decided to fixate on… But it wasn’t as disappointing to know she wasn’t there. Life would go on, and one day it’d be even better when she returned. 

It was the middle of the night, only the glowing reflection of the snow coming through their window illuminating the princes and Shuuichi’s room. The three of them were curled up in their usual way--at least these days. Shuuichi was on his side, finding that his back tended to hurt less if he wasn’t on it all night, this time facing Kokichi who was pressed up as much as he could be against his boyfriend, thoroughly tucked in under the blankets to ward against the cold, even in their toasty bedroom. Arced around Shuuichi’s back, Kaito had an arm around Shuuichi’s belly, his other arm splayed across the pillows, his fingertips just barely touching the messy curls of Kokichi’s hair, having been running his fingers through it before they fell asleep. 

It was a normal, peaceful night. 

Until a choked off scream broke the scene. 

Kokichi violently jolted, half sitting up against the pillows as he bit back the sound in his throat, his bleary eyes looking at nothing in the darkness before scrunching shut. Just...an overwhelming sense of loss coming over him, making the young prince curl up and break into sobs. 

Kokichi’s crying.

Danger.

Kaito’s eyes shot open, and every muscle in his back was clenched, his mind blank as he pushed against the arm around the pillows, eyes looking at Kokichi, before immediately darting around, looking for the source. Danger. Danger… danger? 

All this only too a few seconds, but Kaito’s mind caught up with his body, noting that there was a… a whole lot of nothing new in the room, but his husband was still crying, and it was the middle of the night and… okay. 

Alright.

 “Kokichi?” Kaito said quietly, moving quickly but carefully, pulling himself from Shuichi and getting up from bed (Shuichi shifted, a small sigh as his back and front was suddenly colder, but still entirely out) as he quickly walked around the frame, giving Kokichi a concerned look over as he went to push the hair out of his face, looking for injury or signs of (fuck fuck fuck) heart stuff as he said, “Babe? You okay? What’s wrong, are you hurt?”

Kokichi cupped his hands around one of Kaito’s, but he couldn’t even speak through the heart wrenching sobs shaking his frame. 

(He wouldn’t even be able to tell you if he’d been dreaming. But everything had been fine...until it wasn’t. Until...part of the whole was just gone, ripped away, echoed with terror and desperation.)

He tried to shake his head a little, but Kokichi could only grasp at Kaito’s hand, sobbing through the utter...devastation and loss he felt. A deep, wounding sadness that made you feel like you were drowning, like you’d never feel the sun again. A hopelessness in the pain felt at that moment.

“Hey, hey, Kokichi? Kokichi, I need you to… okay, hold on, hold on.”

Kaito used his free hand, needing to make certain this wasn’t a heart attack, he placed his thumb against the pulse in Kokichi’s neck, feeling out Kokichi’s heart rate...it was pacing, racing, but not like… not run him to the med ward racing. Probably not a heart attack…. Right??

Taking a breath, sitting down next to him and placing a hand beneath Kokichi’s jaw, gently tilting his head up to force Kokichi to look at him, Kaito said slowly but clearly, “‘Kichi, I need you to communicate. If you need to go to the medward, try to nod your head. If not, shake it. If you can’t do either, we’re going. Do you need to go to the med ward?”

Kaito’s voice was almost like...hearing him at the end of a really, really long tunnel. Distant and...well, not distorted enough for Kokichi to not catch what he was saying, at the very least. He couldn’t really focus but Kokichi managed to shake his head a little as he sucked in shaky breaths, only to let them out in sobs the next instant, surging forward into his husband’s arms. 

It wasn’t okay. It wasn’t even a little okay. But Kaito being there...gave him something to hold onto. 

Kokichi pressed himself into Kaito’s shoulder, holding him almost painfully tightly, if Kaito was susceptible to Kokichi’s strength even a little. Please...don’t you go too…

Kaito sighed, putting his arms around him, rubbing his back for a moment while Kokichi sobbed against him, before tucking his arm under Kokichi’s butt and pulling him into his lap, tucking him against his chest as he whispered, “Okay, okay, we won’t go to the medward. You’re okay, everything’s okay…”

Kaito glanced over at Shuichi, his boyfriend able to sleep through a lot, but maybe this would wake him...maybe that would be okay. Kokichi might take comfort in Shuichi right now. Or, maybe he wouldn’t, maybe he wouldn’t want Shuichi to see him like this…

Grabbing the throw blanket at the end of the bed, he pulled it around Kokichi’s body and, tucking his arms around him again, whispered, “Let’s go sit by the window babe, come on. Here we go, then you can tell me what’s wrong.”

Shifting off the bed, leaning over to grab the edge of the blanket and pull it over Shuichi’s shoulder, he then carried carried Kokichi to the window seat, keeping Kokichi tucked against him as he whispered as soothingly as he could, “Shhh, shhh, you’re okay ‘Kichi… just breath. Deep breaths. You can talk to me when you’re ready, just focus on breathing…”

Kokichi desperately pressed himself against Kaito. He knew deep breaths would help, that it would be best for him to calm down...but even when he gasped in air out of necessity, it all came down over him again a-and, and he couldn’t…

“Please, please, p-please, du, don’t go! Nonono, gone-gone-gone, they’re all a-and no-nothing’s!” Kokichi whimpered and whined into his husband’s chest, broken nonsense leaving him in gasps when he could manage words, but as all things did, he did calm down at least a little. Grasping around Kaito’s neck, Kokichi hugged him close, almost as if Kaito would fade away on a breeze if he loosened his hold. “St-stay, please!”

Kaito blinked, brow furrowing, not having seen Kokichi this worked up since… well. Since he woke up from that one nightmare and went to vomit in the toilet…

Nightmare. Kokichi had another nightmare. Okay. 

Knowing how physically Kokichi could react to his nightmares, the revelation wasn’t as comforting as it might be otherwise, but at least Kokichi definitely wasn’t sick or having a heart attack or some other awful thing. Kaito just had to be patient. Poor Kokichi seemed terrified. Kaito had to be gentle. 

So, running one hand up and down Kokichi’s back, the other wrapped around his waist, Kaito kissed against his head as he answered to Kokichi’s panicked pleas, “No, no, I’m not going anywhere. Kaito’s not going anywhere, your Kai-chan’s right here. I’m not going anywhere, babe, I’m right here, I’m staying right here…”

Carefully, hesitantly, he asked, “Who’s gone, babe? ‘Kichi? Did someone leave?”

Whispering thanks, that at least...brought some comfort to Kokichi. This one. This one wasn’t going anywhere. 

Shaking his head, Kokichi sniffled into Kaito’s neck. “S gone. Missing...c-can’t ever be replaced, can’t be, be fixed… It hurts so much… Scared, a-and feeling li-like everything’s gone, and it’s gone-”

He wasn’t even really sure what he was saying. What had happened. There was just...this feeling, filling his heart and mind that something was...irreparably wrong. There had been a flare of panic and terror before...nothingness. And that was the scariest part. As long as there was something, it could be changed. But nothing was...there was no going back. Gone forever…

“...they’re dead…”

Nightmare. Definitely a nightmare. And a rough one too. His poor ‘Kichi…

He’d wait though. It sort of seemed like Kokichi, at least physically, was still halfway in the nightmare. Kokichi would realize himself what was happening when he calmed down, but for now… “...I’m sorry, babe. I’m sorry. You’re okay, though. It’s over now. Whatever was happening is over now.”

He could feel his husbands tears, pressing into his skin and soaking his shirt, his small, thin body shaking in his arms. Hoping it’d make Kokichi feel more secure, Kaito brought up his knees, tucking his husband in a small cocoon within his body, as he whispered to him, “Breathe… you’re okay…”

Kissing the top of his head, Kaito asked gently, “Who’s dead, Kokichi? Was it anyone you knew? Everyone in the castle is okay. Everyone’s asleep and warm and safe. Shuichi’s right over there on the bed. Everything’s safe here.”

It wasn’t over, not in the way that mattered. It was just the beginning. The sun of the new morning would rise on...nothing. Remains. A world a little emptier than it was moments ago. 

But the more Kokichi breathed and listened to Kaito soothing, kind words, the more that all faded away, just like a dream. And, eventually… “...I...I don’t...know… I don’t…” A shuddering sob, the feelings still lingering, but not as potent. “...I-I’m sorry, I don’t…”

…

Kokichi tilted to the side, pulling away the barest minimum to be able to see Kaito, his eyes miserable and puffy and red and still dripping tears, but a little clearer. A little more awake. “...everyone’s okay?”

Kaito gently ran his hands through Kokichi’s hair, his fingertips soothingly massaging his skull and gently playing with the locks, giving Kokichi’s wet, swollen face a small, sad smile. He didn’t actually know if everyone was okay. Of course not. But for his husbands peace of mind?

“Everyone’s okay. Everyone you love is warm and safe and happy right now… you’re gonna see them all in the morning, when we go to get breakfast at the dining hall. Everyone’s safe. You’re okay…”

Leaning in to place a kiss against the top of Kokichi’s forehead, he ran his fingers through Kokichi’s hair… before whispering, “Nightmare?”

Kokichi let go of a wet breath, his tension-strung body finally relaxing against Kaito, going almost limp in his lap, closing his eyes as he tried to steady the rest of his breaths. Everything...was okay. It was the middle of the night and...he’d woken his husband up. Thankfully Shuuichi slept like a rock. 

Nothing was going on. Things were peaceful, and there were plenty of people making sure that it was. 

(So why did it feel like the world was collapsing?)

“...I don’t...maybe,” Kokichi conceded in a whisper, letting the feeling of Kaito carding through his hair soothe him. “Maybe… Probably.”

“...thank you. For helping me calm down...everything you do.” He could probably stay in Kaito’s arms all night there, perched in the window, cocooned by his husband’s body, letting nothing in the world touch him… He wanted to. But they had a boyfriend waiting in bed for them. “...we can go back to bed. I...I’m okay…”

Kaito glanced at the bed, Shuichi’s face half buried in his pillow, and still gently running his hand through Kokichi’s hair as he placed another small kiss against his head. “You’re welcome, babe, any time. Every time...here. Come on.”

Swinging his legs down, Kaito carried Kokichi back to the bed, before whispering to him, “I think Shuichi would forgive me scootching him over. You had a scary night, you can have your men around you. Give me one second to move him.” Kaito said, kissing Kokichi’s ears and cheeks loudly, whispering into his skin, “Love you, love you, give me one minute.” as he sat Kokichi down on the bed.

Then, pulling the cover back, Shuichi grunted and sighed in his sleep as Kaito kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “I know, I know, I’m sorry, handsome, our Kokichi needs some security. We’re just scooting a little, it’s okay.” he promised, gently moving Shuichi over a few inches, Shuichi’s eyes fluttering open for a second, giving Kaito a dazed, confused look, before sighing and burying his face back into the pillow, clearly not actually awake.

Lifting Shuichi’s arm, Kaito turned and gave Kokichi a little grin, “Tuck in, babe, before our Shuichi wakes up and grumbles at me.”

Kokichi lifted up his sleep shirt with shaky hands, trying to dry his face, even if most of his tears had been soaked into Kaito’s. His eyes would probably still hurt in the morning, but...well, it was the least he could do to mitigate it. 

Smiling wanely at Kaito, Kokichi snuggled himself down under Shuuichi’s arm, waiting for Kaito to follow so he could keep close to him too. It was okay...everything was okay…

(The castle would get a call in the mid-morning. There had been an avalanche in the northwestern mountains, right over a small village. The search parties were still out, but… About 40 people were unaccounted for.)

-

It took Kaito a little while to fall back asleep, every time he started to drift off, he had a ‘check on them’ jolt run through him, and he opened up his eyes to look over his small husband, gently rubbing his shoulder and kissing at his temple, looking over at Shuuichi and (fruitlessly) tucking his hair out of his face before, assured they were both okay, he’d settle in to go asleep again… then starting the process all over again in another twenty or so minutes.

But, eventually, Kaito slept. 

And when Shuuichi woke up the next morning, yawning… he looked in confusion, on an entirely different side of the bed, his arms around Kokichi as he looked over at Kaito, who was in the middle of getting dressed. “Mmm?”

Kaito glanced over at Shuuichi, grinning at him. “Good morning, handsome. Hey, be nice to Kokichi when he wakes up, he had a real tough night last night. He’s probably gonna be pretty worn out.”

“Mmm.” Shuuichi sighed, laying back down, cuddling closer to Kokichi, “Okay… everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine! Again, he just might be a little tired. I’m half thinking maybe you both should sleep in.” Kaito admitted, pulling his shirt on. 

“Mmmmmm.” Shuichi hummed, pleased with that idea, snuggling his head against Kokichi’s.

It took longer than usual for Kokichi to wake up at all, and when he did, he didn’t splay himself out luxuriously under the covers, or pepper the nearest lover--usually Shuuichi at that point--in kisses, or hop up from bed, ready to take on the day. Today, Kokichi just furrowed his brow a little before shifting, burrowing himself into Shuuichi’s neck as he sank under the blankets. More hiding from the cold and light than being affectionate, really, though after a moment Kokichi did press a belated kiss to Shuuichi’s neck. 

And after a few more moments, Kokichi sighed. “...don’ wanna get up today… Can I sleep with Shuu-chan all day?”

“Oh? Think you can get out of racing around the dance room, with your big, bad husband here to lay down the law? Not sure if that’s gonna fly…” Kaito leaned over the bed, placing a kiss against Kokichi’s temple, then again… before saying, “Fine. You’ve convinced me. It’s okay to take mornings to yourself, ‘Kichi. You get some rest… Shuuichi?”

“You can pry Kokichi from my cold, dead hands.” Shuuichi mumbled dryly, squeezing Kokichi tighter.

“Whelp. Gess you’re both sleeping in then. Such brutes, shouting your husband down... but, I’ll check in again for breakfast. See if you guys are up to going down to the dining hall. Kay?”

“Kay.” Shuuichi sighed, snuggling Kokichi... “Kaito says you had a rough night last night… you okay?”

At first, running around in the snow had provided some fun resistance, but when even the kids started to slip on laps, they’d moved morning training indoors. And Kaito still made it pretty fun, either leadering aerobic exercises in the dance room or using one of the rooms that had been covered in padding and equipment for gym classes for more focused efforts. Normally Kokichi actually had a pretty good time zooming around the dance room…

But the thought of moving at any pace faster than a crawl only made Kokichi shrink down under the covers more, his body already whining at him. Everything felt stiff and sore, his shoulders and chest feeling particularly achy while his head buzzed. 

A Bad Day. 

Kokichi murmured something indistinctly about going down for breakfast before he sighed, knowing his loves didn’t deserve his grouchiness. Especially with Shuuichi holding him close with the most loving--or heat-retaining--of snuggles. Kokichi sighed, trying to relax his brow. “Had a nightmare or somethin’... Woke Kai-chan up in the middle of the night and...I don’t remember what the dream was about at all but...I must’ve sobbed against him for twenty minutes. I just remember…”

Feeling like a part of his heart was ripped out.

“...feeling really bad…” Kokichi was quiet for a moment before placing another light kiss against Shuuichi’s neck. “...feelin’ bad now too. Body-wise.”

Kaito, fixing his hair in the mirror-- could he...put his hair in a ponytail? Nooo… but it was getting closer. He had to cuuuut iiiiit-- listened in on his loves talking to each other, and frowned at Kokichi’s last word. Putting down his brush, he headed over to the bed, giving Kokichi a more appraising look… before asking. “Do I need to go talk to hermit guy? Get you some of that oil?”

Kokichi peeked out over at Kaito, physical pain and some frustration apparent in his eyes. He didn’t even find any amusement at Kaito calling Mikaku ‘hermit guy’ like he usually did. “No...thanks, though. We have our usual bottle, and I got a back up when you started givin’ Shuu-chan backrubs more often.”

Poor Shuuichi really couldn’t catch a break with his back…

Kokichi shuffled back under the covers, groaning softly. “Just wanna go back to sleep… Or get my head to stop yelling at me… Such bullshit.”

“Gh, yeah… sleep is best. Definitely should go back to sleep.” Shuichi murmured, clearly halfway there himself. His body wouldn’t start hurting till he shifted. So long as he kept perfectly still as soon as he woke up? His body would stay comfortably warm and unvocal… the second he moved around though? Aches… all the aches… and nausea. Just hold still and hold Kokichi and go back to sleep…

Kaito fussed with his joints a little, now giving them both more concerned looks… before saying, “Okay. You both go back to sleep, and don’t worry about needing to get up for breakfast. We’ll gauge that when I get back. Get some rest, and when I get back, maybe I’ll get food set up and we can make use of all that oil. Alright?”

“Mmm…’right Kaito.” Shuichi said sleepily, closing his eyes. “Have fun with the kids… we’ll be here…”

Kokichi...couldn’t quite just drift off as easily as Shuuichi was. His brain was pulsing in a way that made it so he didn’t want to do anything but lie still and close his eyes, but yet he couldn’t fall back asleep. He was just...stuck with stiff pain and a whirling head. But, at least he could allow Shuuichi to get back to sleep. And, well, resting was probably doing him some good too. 

It was enough that he startled slightly when he felt someone gently shaking his shoulder. Looking over with hazy vision, Kokichi made a little questioning sound. 

Kaito had gone, trained the kids (their tumbles were really coming along! Kimiko especially was really getting the hang of tucking her shoulders), gone back upstairs to his partners… and they were both so entirely out that Kaito had just quietly showered, gotten dressed again, taken the kids to school, and on his way down, asked Hajime to swing up with some breakfast and leave it on the desk if they were both still asleep. 

When Kaito got back, shaking the snow off his shoulders, he went back upstairs, smelling the sweet scent of still warm breakfast as he opened the door… and they were both still asleep. 

Kaito looked at them in concern, wondering if he should insist… they needed to sleep, sure, but food was also important… 

And, hoping he wasn’t about to get his hand bitten off, Kaito reached out to jostle Kokichi awake.

But, before all that?

Alter Ego arched his back, hissed… and leapt. And where he landed was-

Kokichi barely acknowledged the soft sounds he’d come to associate with Alter Ego coming to visit him. It was rude, but...he just continued staring up at the water’s surface, maybe miles above where he laid on the sandy ocean floor. Or maybe it was a lake, or a pond. He wasn’t really sure where he was. Just...somewhere underwater, the deepest you could be.

After a moment, he reached out, opening up his hand for the cat to rub against if they wished. “...did you hear news or...did you feel it too? ...I wonder if we’ll hear today? If it was something big enough for that.”

Knowing the cat wanted to know, Kokichi sighed, flopping an arm over his eyes, trying to keep the tremble out of his voice. “I don’t know where or why or who...but I felt it.”

Alter Ego rubbed their head against Kokichi’s palm, before settling next to his hip, sitting regally as they looked up at what Kokichi was staring at, the shimmering of the surface of the water above them both eerie and soothing at the same time.

After a moment, Alter Ego said, “Whatever you felt? I didn’t feel it. I just felt you. You were… distressed. And you were pulsing. A strong pulse. I thought I should check in.” 

The cat turned his golden eyes up at Kokichi, tail flicking slightly in concern. “Do you know what you did? I haven't looked. I wanted to give you the chance to tell me, before I suggested we look together.”

Kokichi’s expression saddened before he hid his face more in his arm, gently stroking at Alter Ego’s side as if he was trying to protect the cat, and not the other way around as it so often was. 

“I didn’t do anything… I don’t think anything I could’ve done would’ve helped…”

“...I felt something...big. A lot of panic and terror...desperation...and then nothing.” Kokichi took a breath, the waves far above churning violently. “...that means that someone’s dead, doesn’t it. A lot of someones for it to feel like that…”

Another moment, before Kokichi choked out a bitter laugh, sitting up as he held his face in his hands. “I suppose I should be thankful that...it’s not a regular thing for empaths to feel whenever people die.”

Alter Ego purred slightly, not because she was particularly happy, but more because… well. Purring comforted people. Made them feel a little more grounded, the cat had found. 

Her ear twitched a bit… before saying, “...for you? That may be something we need to work on.”

“Empaths can feel when people are in distress idly. They can feel when people are happy, or bored, or annoyed, any time they want, constantly, if they feel like it, idly… if they’re reaching for that person in the first place. But the empath themself has to be reaching...let’s have a visual representation.”

Alter Ego leapt away from Kokichi, walking through the sandy floor, looking up and around for a moment… and around them a bunch of figures, shadowy  and vague, formed around them, people standing around, walking around. Shadows moving through the water. 

And in the center of the figures, was a silhouette of Kokichi. A shadowy version of him, shimmering and rippling through the waters current, as Alter Ego said, “An Empath can feel anyone that want, with… few exceptions. The average person? You can feel.”

As Alter Ego said that, the silhouette Kokichi reached out to touch a passing shadow, and a shimmer of light ran through the shadow he touched, before the light passed through it and into Kokichi. The light rippled until Kokichi let go, and then both shadows went dark against.

“But, if you want too? You can imprint on someone. Think of it as connecting a string between yourself.”

The silhouette Kokichi reached inside of himself, and pulled out a small, red string, and reaching out to another shadow, tied it to their wrist. The second that string was attached, the light started shimmering through that shadow, through the line, and to Kokichi, and this time, it was constant, though silhouette Kokichi went back to where he was originally standing. “And no matter what happens, or how long the string is attached or how far they go? You’ll always have a vague idea what’s going on with them. The good things…”

The shadow took another shadows hand and started to gently dance with them, the light turning a sight pink, going through the line and making silhouette Kokichi slightly pink.

“... and the bad.”

The other shadow suddenly slapped the lit one, sending a ripple of red through the attached shadow, through the line, to silhouette Kokichi slightly red.

Alter Ego looked over to Kokichi, ear twitching… before saying. “If I understand what I’m looking at with you? What you experienced last night? Your issue, for better or for worse? Is that you are doing… this.”

Silhouette Kokichi stayed perfectly still, but within his body, shot out dozens and dozens of red strings, attaching itself to every shadow near him, every shadow in the water suddenly all shimmering light, and all that light channeling to silhouette Kokichi, who was shining brightly, the water around them reflecting that beam.

Kokichi shifted a little, taking his hands away from his face and crossing his arms over his knees, still burying the lower half of his face in his arms, but able to see what Alter Ego was trying to explain. Something about the silhouettes, particularly his own, struck Kokichi...but he brushed it off to focus on the lesson. And...it made a lot of sense. 

“...that guy at the magic shop, the empath. Mikado. He said...that I had cities’ worth of people inside me. I guess...this is that.” Kokichi watched the hundreds of lines connecting him to the shadows with something like...glum amusement. “...it never really feels like I’m getting...all that all the time. Like I’ll be feeling a lot of random happiness or sadness or whatever...but maybe I’m just not thinking about it right.”

He sighed, shifting again to sit cross legged, playing with the sand a bit. “I don’t think...it’s good for one person to feel that many emotions. It’s too much. But...if it comes from me feeling responsible for them…” His expression scrunched in a bit, glancing up at Alter Ego. “...of course I’m responsible for them. Everyone and everything is stretching it, but the happiness of everyone in Dicea...that’s what it means to be an Ouma. I can’t get rid of that… I can’t say I don’t care just to stop feeling it directly--I do care. But...it’s worse for everyone to feel it all, isn’t it.”

Alter Ego listened to this carefully, tail flicking side to side as he thought about what he should say. After a moment, he started licking his paw, before, in an instant, all the silhouettes were gone, as he softly trotted back to Kokichi. 

“My first instinct, as your mentor? Is to tell you that these connections will only get stronger as you get stronger, and those strong feelings will only become more hindering as you get more connected. As your mentor, I want to show you how to sever or mute those connections when you need to… but…”

Alter Ego sighed, “...I have a personal bias. That makes it difficult for me to say these things to you. Because I… all of us. Were raised on strict ideas of what being a leader is? And even if it wasn’t healthy for you? A desire to stay empathetically tethered to your people… makes sense to us. Even at your own detriment.”

The cat sighed again, rubbing his body against Kokichi’s knees, before admitting, “This is a big question. This is a tricky one… especially considering what you might be potentially capable of someday… I feel unqualified to guide you on this…” 

Alter Ego’s ear twitched… their fur bristling slightly… she started to growl… before sighing again.

“I am at war with myself. Would you mind speaking… with my individual shards? They all have different arguments of how to help you. One of their ideas is extremely alarming, but might be invaluable to you. It might be better to let him make his argument to you himself, without the bias of the others coloring my tone.”

While it was certainly different in his circumstance, Kokichi knew he was far from the first person to question where the line was. When you were a leader, how much individuality you could afford to have. How to determine what was an ethical line to draw in the sand, and what was just a personal bias. How to figure out where that mattered. 

Kokichi didn’t think there was a definitive answer either. Just...an unending list of case-by-case scenarios that you might be able to tentatively see a trend in. 

But there was one thing Kokichi knew, and it was that the more people weighing in on an issue, the clearer you could begin to see it. Giving his feline mentor a soft--yet still tired, still carrying the grief of what had started this talk--smile, Kokichi reached out to scritch under their chin. “I wouldn’t mind in the slightest. Whatever any part of you has to say, you have my attention. Even if I ultimately disagree, my decision will have been better made having heard yours.”

Alter Ego nodded, before trotting away from him again. Standing where the shadows had been, he said, “Do not be alarmed. I am still here, merely separated into parts. Some parts of me are a little more naturally abrasive than others, but they are all, at their core, good people who want to help you….”

Alter Ego’s ear twitched, before saying somewhat sheepishly, “I apologize in advance for Mondo.”

And then the cat was gone, and four people stood in his place.

“What the fuck do you mean you apologize for me!? I’m the only one making an fucking sense around here!” said a large man, with a large, pompadour hairdo, with a resting raging bitch face.

“Incorrect! All of us are making very logical counterarguments, and you are simply refusing to hear them! We are all making it our top efforts to contribute, bro!!” said a man, his whole body stiff, with eyebrows that almost shot out of his face.

“Geez, man… I still think this whole thing is crazy. Like, this is above our paygrade, ya know? He’s running a country! What can we say that would help?” A tall, lanky man with bristles on his chin and hair that went everywhere said, looking mildly panicked.

“I… I think that’s th-the argument Mondo’s making...I-I mean, n-not to speak on your b-behalf Mondo… sorry…” A small feminine looking person, petite and as small as Kokichi himself, said, looking on the verge of tears.

Kokichi, despite the warning, still found himself watching with wide, surprised eyes as the four parts of Alter Ego formed to speak separately. And maybe at another time, he would’ve found it amusing to see these four very different personalities work together, to see the people they were and are, maybe drawing connections, like how he recognized the speech pattern the shortest one spoke with… Maybe at another time, he would’ve felt open enough for lighter emotions like that. 

But as it was, he found his eyes stuck to the one they called Mondo, finding that… “I know you. Or...I did.”

But those words weren’t much more than muttered to himself before he stood up, his hair still splayed out and carried along with the ocean current, feeling awkward being the only person sitting. 

“...it’s okay if you want to help, but you don’t have the experience to. I don’t even know if I’m really looking for an answer right now…” Kokichi drew in a breath, making like he was rubbing his eyes though they were dry. Maybe that was a moot point when they were all underwater. “But...if you had an idea, it’s at least worth hearing out.”

“H-he does have an idea, but… I don’t th-think it’s very… s-safe…”

“Look! Out of everyone here, I’m the only one of us who has had an experience leading a group! Okay!? My advice ain’t coming from fucking nowhere or any shit like that!!”

“...dude, are you talking about that street gang you ran with as a teenager?”

“FUCK YEAH I AM, YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT!?”

“It is not comparable to running a country, bro!! It’s admirable to offer strong solutions to difficult issues, but I agree with Chihiro!! It’s unsafe and inadvisable!!”

“Bro, I get that it’s kinda fucked, but I don’t really fucking see how it’s unsafe or any of that bullshit!? If she wanted to fuck with him, she could have done it ten times by now! Besides, it’s unmanly to be afraid of seeking advice from scary assholes! Even assholes as scary as her.”

The small, feminine looking one looked to Kokichi, and gave him a nervous smile. “U-um… sorry… this is why we separated… we couldn’t s-stop arguing… M-mondo may have a point, but I-I still would r-rather you didn’t do it… sorry…”

Mondo sighed, looking annoyed, before looking over to Kokichi. “Alright, Kokichi? Look man, I know what your first instinct is gonna be, and I’m gonna fucking ask you to bite your tongue and fight it. I’ve got more than a point. It’d be fucking stupid as fuck not to do this.”

“Growing up, I took over a street gang in Luminary, right? We were the toughest gang around, no one could fucking step to us! We protected our corners, won our fights, made our money! I was the king of all gangs, where I came from!”

“But, I didn’t fucking get that way overnight, and sure as fuck didn’t do it without help. My brother was the previous fucking king, and I learned everything you could fucking know about anything from him. I didn’t always agree with what he said, or do it like he did, but without getting that advice from someone who did it before? With all the same fucking obstacles? In-fucking-valuable.”

“But you? You’re different. You got a weird fucking thing going on. Weirder than fucking anything. And right now, in all the fucking world? There’s only one person who’s in basically the same fucking position as you, and is already doing it.”

Mondo grit his teeth, looking frustrated, clearly fighting some inner rage at the thought… but after a moment, he spat on the ground, and said, “As the guy fucking mentoring you? I hate her fucking guts, but I’d be a lowly, cowardly piece of shit if I didn’t say you should talk to Junko Enoshima.” 

...he could see why they were arguing about it. Mondo was right--he did hate it. 

It had been...shocking, to say the least, learning what Flora were and that Danganronpa was almost entirely a “purist” nation of them, with Queen Enoshima being one of the oldest and most powerful. In some ways, the only thing that had gotten him through that conversation was thinking about how smug Shuuichi would be to learn he was absolutely right. Being a different species was totally a reason an entire country would be as secretive as Danganronpa was. 

Especially since all Flora were part of a hivemind. 

The idea of it had been repulsive to Kokichi and...he was kind of feeling another wave of it now. But it did help put things in perspective.

“...oh. If this is how it feels to be a Flora all the time...I feel more sorry for them than I already did. I stand by what I said before...it’s not good for any one person to feel this many feelings.” Kokichi sighed, tugging on the floating ends of his hair. “...it’s really easy to care about people without feeling what they feel. I’m not...I didn’t mean to say that I’m scared I’ll lose that. It’s just...I don’t know how to even approach getting rid of those...tethers, I guess, in a conceptual sense. I’m never going to not care about people so...I don’t know any other way to approach it.”

Giving Mondo a soft look, Kokichi attempted to give him a smile. “That idea...is actually kind of perfect if I was struggling with the decision on whether “listening” to tons of people’s emotions was a sound way to lead, or your duty to people, but...I’m not. And since it doesn’t sound like Flora can...seclude themself from their hivemind, I don’t think Queen Enoshima can help me there. Honestly...I kind of feel for her. Feeling thousands of people so intimately, constantly… I imagine it’s hell. Considering her utter disregard for anyone who isn’t Flora, you might say she deserves it...but that’s even farther away from this conversation.”

“Ah, fuck, is that it? Shit, we can teach you how to break or bury the connection. That’s no big fucking deal at all.” Mondo said, shrugging his massive shoulders. 

Chihiro smiled slightly, nodding quickly as he said, “Y-yeah… Alter Ego can sh-show you how to do that. We were just… a-afraid that…”

“Where we come from!!” Taka said, giving Kokichi a hard look, “If the leader feels like something needs to be done!? Then we are not in a position to argue it!! We are of course fully committed to helping you with your empath abilities!! But when it comes to things that would directly affect how you run your country!?”

“It felt like our position as your mentor would, like… kind of unduly influence you? In a decision that’s sort of a… hell, I don’t know.” Hiro shrugged, “Our rulers would probably do it if they could, ya know? Watch everyone, all the time? It’d make it easier to keep an eye on everyone, and hell, maybe it’d actually make things better here. I really don’t know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. Could be both.”

And then, there was a flash, and Alter Ego’s ear twitched, as he said in Chihiro’s voice, but with far more calm and confidence, “We didn’t feel comfortable making that judgement call. I hope you can forgive the theatrics. But we had to get our mindset sorted, or I would have been unable to effectively communicate our thoughts to you.”

Kokichi’s soft expression turned sad, able to make the connection quite easily. Mondo was a guard in the Luminary Party, and Alter Ego had said that one part of them lived in Luminary. It was easy to think the rest of them were from there too. And after all the confusion with his family over how almost alienishly different the ideas of leadership were between the countries… 

...it just made him sad, knowing how removed Luminous people were from the decisions that ruled their lives. 

(He was half tempted to ask what had happened to the Luminary Party, but if what happened had...rendered parts of Alter Ego’s body unfit for a consciousness to return to? And Kokichi wouldn’t remember when he woke up anyway. Without being able to do anything about it...it was probably better to avoid what was likely a painful conversation.)

Sighing, Kokichi crouched back down to the re-grouped cat, giving it a pet. “I appreciate your care in this, and I’ll never mind if you need time or even to speak separately to get all your thoughts across. I really value your insight, Alter Ego. Thanks.”

“...maybe one day I’ll talk to Queen Enoshima about all this, but...well. If she doesn’t care about the insight of every differing Flora, I don’t see how the thoughts of a human would sway her. But maybe it’ll come up. Maybe it’s just important to remember that I’m not the only person like this.”

Kokichi let out a deep sigh, still not really feeling any better about things...but maybe feeling a little calmer. The sea above seemed to think so. “...stay safe, alright? I’ll probably let you know what happened when I find out myself...but the world is pretty dangerous in a lot of places right now. There’s not always something we can do about that...but I can care about my friend.”

“Her politics are…” Alter Ego’s whiskers twitched, “evil. Her racism has radically shaped her culture and her country, and if even half of the rumors of her influence on other kingdoms is true? She is the source of a lot of destruction and pain and unrest. But…”

Alter Ego sighed, the cat looking frustrated with their own words, as they said, “If you had chosen to keep yourself tethered to your Diceans en-mass? Mondo is right. For your own safety and comfort, it would have been a disservice on my part to not suggest you reach out to her for advice or guidance in how to handle that aspect. I have sworn to teach you to the best of my ability. My personal feelings should not distract me from that.”

Alter Ego gave Kokichi a mildly curious look...before their small feline neck bent, bowing his head slightly, as he said, “Thank you. The worst is past for me, I believe. Life is always dangerous, but…” Alter Ego looked at the light above, shimmering beautifully, his fur shifting in the water, “...I am strong in ways I did not know. There is a safety and security, in knowing without a doubt that no matter what comes, I am capable. I will be okay.”

There was a ripple in the water. Alter Ego looked confused for a second, before realizing, “Ah. Your husband calls you… would you be open tonight for me teaching you how to untether your connections? Or do you want tonight to rest? We should still do it soon, but I can wait a few days if you need time.”

Kokichi wondered what it was about being a leader that made so many of them abuse that position to hurt others, when being a leader should put you in the best place to help everyone you could. But...it wasn’t his job to fix other countries. Just to focus on his own. Maybe that would be his folly one day, but...it was all he could do for now. And hopefully he would be strong enough to protect his people from the havoc other leaders wreaked on theirs. 

Maybe that would be enough to change some of their minds. 

Kokichi looked up at the ripple, sighing softly. He’d likely be feeling just as bad when he woke up, with the added strain of his body that he managed to avoid in his mindscape. But life was with the waking, and he’d be remiss to not come when his husband called. 

Thinking for a moment, Kokichi nodded and gave Alter Ego one last series of pets. “Tonight should be alright. Especially if this is something big...people deserve to be mourned when they’re gone, but I can’t put my body through this kind of stress, let alone frighten my family like this. I’ll see you tonight… Thanks for checking on me, Alter Ego.”

With that Kokichi took a deep breath and laid back onto his back, focusing his balance onto his stomach as he slowly rose up towards the water’s surface, awaking in the real world with a start, not having realized he’d fallen asleep in the first place. 

He turned in a slow, bleary motion. “Mm?”

Kaito gave Kokichi a grin, saying gently, “Hey babe! Good morning! It’s still morning.” he laughed, even if it was way later in the morning than any of them usually got up. His eyes darted worriedly around Kokichi’s face-- his husband did… not look rested, but-- before he gestured to the desk, saying enthusiastically, “We’ve got breakfast! Pancakes, hashbrowns, fruits, the works. Hajime dropped it off. You feeling hungry babe?”

Kokichi attempted to return a smile, honestly just...kind of wanting to go back to sleep. Not really, but...it was better than being awake. Than feeling buzzy and achy and just...uncomfortable almost to the point of pain. 

Still, that wasn’t Kaito’s fault. 

Trying to look a little more excited at the mention of pancakes--he was convinced that Kaito listed them first just for that point--Kokichi slowly turned over onto his back, unable to hold back every wince. “Should eat, yeah… Was nice ‘a Hajime-chan…”

“Mmmhm! And, and-” Kaito headed to the bathroom, heading under the sink… yep, Kokichi was right. They still had two bottles left. Kaito had thought they were out with the last bottle he had used. Grabbing both of them, he brought them out and putting them on the nightstand, he said, “While you eat? Maybe I can ease out some aches a bit. And we’ll wait until you're relaxed a little, then wake Shuuichi cause he’s definitely gonna be aching after being in bed this long…”

Kaito was clearly halfway talking to himself near the end there, heading back to the bathroom and grabbing some hand towels, grabbing almost as an afterthought the bottle of painkiller tablets they kept above the sink and bringing them out too, before heading over to the desk and collecting one of the plates for Kokichi, bringing them over to the bed, pulling out a bed tray from beneath the bed and putting it in font of Kokichi and putting down the plate, before going and grabbing one of the glasses they keep in the room and filling it with water, bringing it over and wordlessly putting the painkillers on the nightstand as well, just in case Kokichi wanted them.

He did all this quickly, and almost mindlessly by this point, and the whole time he talked, half communicating to Kokichi and half just filling the space as he said, “We did tumbles with the kids this morning. I mean, not we, but I did with tumbles with the kids this morning. Cali’s still too bold with it, I was half worried she was gonna dislocate her shoulder at one point. She just throws herself! I mean, I appreciate the fact that she’s brave enough to do it, but I have a feeling that girl’s only going to figure out she’s not invincible the hard way.”

Kokichi really did love Kaito. He knew it wasn’t easy, caring for someone ill or with a lot of health concerns. Prone to pain and grumpiness. But Kaito took care of them with a grin and every attempt to make things a little brighter. It made days like this far easier to cope with than they had ever been. 

While Kaito hustled about the room, Kokichi slowly, painstakingly, pulled himself up to sit against the pillows, giving his husband a grateful look when he brought out the bed tray and food. And while he didn’t have much of an appetite...for his sake and Kaito’s, Kokichi started to slowly eat through breakfast, losing his grip on his fork a few times, but making it through. 

“Sometimes that’s just how it goes… You can give her all the tools to keep herself safe, but it’s ultimately her decision to use them. Hopefully if something does go wrong, it’s not too bad. And...during training might be one of the best times, since she’ll have you to make it better.” Kokichi took a brief rest from eating, giving his arm a break for a moment. “Kai-chan makes most things better.”

Kaito was endlessly relieved to see Kokichi eating. He had been halfway ready for a battle on it, honestly, Kokichi usually not super thrilled to eat whenever he was in pain. Kaito understood why, he was pretty sure. Kokichi probably didn’t even notice his body was hungry when he was being overloaded by all the other unpleasant sensations. 

But… his body still was, definitely, hungry, and it was one of those things that Kaito couldn’t just let up on, even when he wanted to give Kokichi a break. He had to eat. There was no wiggle room on that.

So, yeah. Kaito was endlessly relieved.

“I mean, my heart would absolutely break to see her break her little body messing around, but yeah, you’re right. It’d be way better with me than it would if she was, like, messing around in that alley behind the kitchens Tim and them like to go be hooligans in. I swear, when Chako told me he was vandalising the walls… I still don’t know how I’m going to get those carvings out. Sand it? Should we sand it? Maybe I should look into sanding it…” 

Again, Kaito found himself distractedly making plans to himself, heading over to the nightstand and picking up one of the bottles, popping it open… before stopping, looking over to Kokichi curiously as he said, “What’s hurting today, babe? Where am I focusing?”

Kokichi huffed something that might’ve been a laugh, but sounded more like a sigh. He’d gone out to see how Tim had decorated the walls himself after they found out and...it wasn’t like he’d ever carved that deep into the brick. Just surface-level stuff, even with the deepest gouges. It wasn’t going to hurt the structural integrity of the wall or anything, so honestly Kokichi didn’t think they needed to do anything about it, but...well, even if Kaito sanded the carvings out, Kokichi had a feeling Tim would find a way to make new ones, even if less often. Kids were like that. 

Looking up at Kaito dully, Kokichi let out a real sigh. “Everywhere? I guess...my shoulders and chest are the worst, probably not helping the headache any…” He eyed the painkillers, having wanted to get some food in his stomach before even considering them and...historically, they didn’t help much, but he could give them a shot. Very carefully Kokichi took a drink of water before popping the pills, swallowing as he laid back on the pillows. 

“...thanks for last night,” he quietly acknowledged. He still couldn’t remember what about his dream had scared him so badly...but he was able to get through it because of Kaito’s help and...he wanted to acknowledge that. “I’m sorry if I worried you...but I appreciate Kai-chan taking care of me.”

Kaito took a good lather of the oil between his hands, rubbing them between his palms, warming the oil… “Okay! Shirt off! Let’s see your sexy body! Get myself all hot and bothered and you all pain free. Come on now, babe.”

As he got access to Kokichi’s shoulders and chest, starting the process of running his fingers up and through and around his collarbone, shoulder muscles, and then back down to Kokichi’s (nonexistent) pecs, firm around the edges of his thin muscles but light against the bulk of it, Kaito gave Kokichi a warm grin, saying, “Hey, babe, we all have bad nights. And that nightmare seemed brutal. You were convinced, like… a bunch of people were dead, I think. Sounded scary…”

Press and smooth against the skin, let the oil spread and settle, let it soothe, make it a little warm…

Kaito frowned, running his hands over Kokichi’s shoulders again, and noticing a knot tension the closer he got to his husband’s neck… and giving his husband an apologetic grin, Kaito started putting more pressure there, enough that he knew it would hurt, but it’d feel better in a second, just let him work out the knot…

“I mean, you came and comforted me in the middle of the night just… last week? Almost two weeks ago. And I wasn’t even in the same room as you.” Kaito chuckled, shaking his head. “So, ya know… it’s just something we do for each other. All that lovey-dovey married stuff.”

Another little sigh-y huff, but Kokichi slowly tugged his sleep shirt off, setting it beside him. It seemed that Kaito had put another log in the fireplace before he’d left to go train the kids, keeping the room nice and warm for his slumbering lovers. Sure, it was still more comfortable with a shirt on...but getting a massage would soon surge past being clothed on the comfort scale. 

With breakfast but to the side and Kokichi now sitting facing Shuuichi and the middle of the bed- “Mmmn...nm.”

Kokichi groaned softly as Kaito started to massage him, the stiff, knotted muscle forced to relax under his ministrations, giving Kokichi some reprieve. Not a lot, not yet, but they’d get there. He watched Shuuichi fondly as Kaito worked his shoulders over, watching the rise and fall of his big belly. He was gonna be so cranky when they woke him up…

“...I can’t even remember what I was dreaming...but that might be for the better. But if I was able to bring Kai-chan some - nng! - comfort, then...I’m happy. Bein’ good to each a-ah-other.” 

Kokichi tried not to bunch his shoulders as Kaito worked out the knot, but once it was loose he let out a deep breath, leaning back against Kaito’s touch. 

Kaito grinned, as usual that small, relieved feeling of watching Kokichi get to the other side of something that would help him. He knew it hurt. He didn’t like hurting Kokichi. But it was better to do that, and ease up the headache and the muscle clench, then to just let it stay.

Moving back down to Kokich’s pecs, running his thumbs down the middle, before saying, “... do you want to try to explain to me what you were feeling? You weren’t terribly coherent last night. You kept asking me not to leave… I hope I wasn’t being mean to you in your dream.”

Closing his eyes, Kokichi leaned back against Kaito and was just...quiet for a moment. Trying to gather his thoughts. “I remember feeling...loss. Terrible loss. Something...awful had happened and...there was no bright side to look on. Just fear and grief and...misery.”

He opened his eyes with a sigh, looking up at Kaito. “If I had to guess...I just wanted to make sure that at least you were alright. What a cruel trick for a dream to play… But it’s just a dream. Even if I have some bullshit consequences,” he sighed once more, half-heartedly nuzzling against Kaito. 

“I think Shuu-chan’ll be pretty happy to wake up to massage time though. And I don’t wanna give you false hope, but maybe you can both get all warm feelin’ good from it, with how he’s been feeling lately.”

“Auuuugh, from your mouth to Atua, ‘Kichi.” Kaito groaned, leaning his forehead against the back of Kokichi’s head, the chuckle in his voice half desperate. “He’s driving me crazy lately… don’t tell him I said that. Don’t even hint it. But fuck.”

Shuuichi’s on and off spikes of arousal? Had not been… super working out in Kaito’s favor yet. 

Oh, sure! Kaito had found it was easier to flatter and distract Shuuichi from some of his stuff during the day… but usually, Shuuichi felt his spikes during random points during the day. As in daytime. As in, when he and Kaito were either training or working or doing all the little ‘being healthy adults’ things the group had all sworn to do, such as the club things and the cooking things or spending time with Tim or the kids or going out to an event…

Basically, in places where his shy boyfriend absolutely will let nothing happen.

And then! After all day of getting riled up and teased and getting way too eager… by the time dinner came around?

Done. Shuuichi’s mind couldn’t be farther from sex. If anything, he seemed to find the idea more and more repulsive, the closer to nighttime it became. Super horny during the morning and middle of the day. Kinda horny in the afternoon. Night? Could not care less for it.

“He’s gonna kill me. I’m gonna just spontaneously combust one of these days. They’ll find a crater in the garden and I’ll be gone and you will know that Shuuichi killed me.” Kaito groaned.

Kokichi nodded a bit, finding his neck loose enough to do so comfortably. “My lips are sealed. But aww...my poor Kai-chan, slain by a serious case of blue balls. We did everything we could. Baby’s already perfect at cock-blockin’ ya.”

Really, Kokichi was just glad that Shuuichi’s spikes of arousal weren’t more...alarming to him. Didn’t remind him of being on pollen. Sure, he was still uncomfortable at times and had been a bit needy for kisses, but...Kokichi didn’t mind taking a break to go get some snacks from the kitchen with his boyfriend and maybe taking a little longer than necessary. 

He didn’t mention that to Kaito either, knowing how jealous he’d get, while also excited to hear about it. He wanted to spare Shuuichi’s dignity where he could. 

Sighing, Kokichi held strong through Kaito working the outer parts of his pecs, the place where it met his arm feeling quite tight. “I’m not exactly...rearing to go today… But we should plan to do somethin’ fun soon. All for Kai-chan’s health, of course.”

“Pff. What, ‘Kichi, not up to me tossing you around the room while your whole body’s yelling at you?” Kaito teased, kissing the side of his head (incredibly gently. Like, feather soft. He didn’t know how Kokichi’s head was feeling) running his fingers up and down the side of Kokichi’s chest for a moment before, reaching over to the bottle, he poured some more on. “I’m complaining for complaining’s sake, babe, but I’m okay. Also, I know you weren’t complaining about it, but I’m gonna do your lower back real quick. I think that might help with the tension in your upperbody, at least a little.”

As he put his hands down the lower part of Kokichi’s back, making sure to get around his spine. He didn’t feel any knots, but there was a tension there too, and he was worried if he left it alone, it’d knot eventually. 

As he pressed his thumbs into Kokichi’s back… he muttered, “I mean, if I could just convince him to exchange handsy’s in the morning? A little stress relief to start our day? But nooooo, he’s got to sleep till the absolute last minute before he has to get up for training. Mph…”

Kaito paused, a question on the tip of his tongue… but he swallowed it. Shifting slightly uncomfortably.

How do you bring up to your husband: can I talk to your childhood friend about our sex life?

With Maki gone? And Shuuichi his boyfriend? Kaito had found himself in the somewhat… uncomfortable position where there was no one he could really, actually vent to about something that was on his mind a lot. And while it was still pretty rare for them to go out together, Waku was slowly becoming the new… confidant? In his life? Slowly but surely, the two were getting more and more comfortable talking about things that were a little more intimate than Kaito was comfortable talking to any of the other Diceans. 

He didn’t need a Dicean confidant while Maki was there, but now she was off doing things. And Shuuichi, like Kokichi… would probably take his musings and complaints too personally. Would try to solve them, when really he just wanted to vent to someone. 

But… he didn’t want to, like… say anything that would make Kokichi deeply uncomfortable. To know that Kaito had said it to someone, especially someone Kokichi had grown up alongside. Kaito had terrible visions of confiding in Waku, and then Waku proving herself to not be the best person to confide in, and things getting around, or back to Kokichi, and Kokichi looked mortified...

...maybe he’d just… keep that to himself… probably for the best. 

“So! What’s our day looking like, Kokichi? If you need to take it easy today, you know that’s okay, right? Just let me know, I’ll figure out the meals, and we can just take it easy today. I’ve already swung by the office, told Nadya that you might be out for the day. I could do some paperwork stuff if you want to send me in your place? Anything ready to go, that sort of thing?”

Kokichi managed a snort but leaned forward, giving access to his lower back. He’d meant it when he said that everything was hurting, and even if it wasn’t...what, like he’d ever turn down a massage?! Kaito’s hands were seriously magic, and if he was offering, Kokichi would gladly accept. 

And, to a point, he knew Kaito was just complaining for fun. He knew the older prince would never want to put either of them in a position where someone felt obligated to have sex, and while Shuuichi could be a tease, he likely just found his hormonal cycles more annoying than anything. If he felt uncomfortably horny, it was kind of a given that Kaito would be up for doing something. 

Still...with four more months of this, they’d probably figure out a better routine. And then the new wacky stuff Shuuichi’s hormones would do after Baby was born that Dr. Tenchi had briefly warned them of...but they’d get more into that later. 

Sighing softly, Kokichi thought about how he wanted to approach the day, still plenty of it left despite the late start. And while the massage was getting his body to calm down and relax a bit… “...I think it’s gonna be a slow, takin’ it easy day… I had some forms that just needed the archive slips that Nadya-chan was gonna fill out today, so...maybe check in on her later and do a run to the mailroom? Might just be nice in general, savin’ her the trip.”

“...could you leave a book on the nightstand? I think I’m just gonna wanna rest some more, but...when I’m feeling up to it, it’d be nice to have something like that nearby. Anything would be fine.”

Finishing up Kokici’s back, Kaito wrapped his arms around him, kissing him gently again as he said, “Absolutely. I’m all over it, ‘Kichi. You can count on me. And yeah, I’ll grab ya a book…” 

Sighing, Kaito chuckled, “Okay. Shuuichi next. Get food in him, get oil on him. Definitely need to focus on his ankles. They’re starting to really swell lately.  All the little joints. Okay. We got this!”

And they did. Kaito got Shuuichi up next, after grabbing Kokichi’s book, and Shuuichi was very grumpy for a moment... And then for the next few moments. But Kaito had guessed right, and once he had started working on Shuuichi’s legs, the ex-detective started to relax, clearly a tension leaving his body. And as Kaito’s hands went up his legs, Shuuichi’s face had started to go red, eyes hazing…

And Kaito had sighed, making certain Shuuichi was eating well and finishing the massage and telling him it was fine if he wanted to lounge with Kokichi all day and once everyone was set up, he told them he loved them and to not worry about lunch and then he went to go help Nadya.

The residential wing was the same as it ever was, but there was a marked difference in the air as soon as Kaito crossed over into the east wing of the castle. Even up on the third floor it wasn’t that weird to see people bustling about, people rushing to classes or sending messages between offices, or even housekeepers putting a little extra hustle in. But there were...even more people than usual, and instead of looking like they were late or excited or determined… There was a weight in the air, people not stopping to chat as their expressions pinched in, worried and unsure. 

Nadya herself wasn’t actually in the office, just happening to come through the hall on her way back, something...small and afraid in her posture, though it was clear she was making an effort to keep her head tall. She caught sight of Kaito and...clearly attempted something like a smile, though it was far too wobbly to really call it so. Quietly, she beckoned him towards the office. 

Something had happened.

Kaito was tensing, a… touch of paranoia starting to whisper in his ear. He had never seen the Diceans in emergency mode. Like, as a whole castle, rather than just a medical emergency or a ‘The Luminary Prince is kidnapping the Dicean Prince’ emergency. Something had happened.

(...there’s no reason to think it's got anything to do with the war.)

(The war’s over.)

(Luminary hasn’t done anything.)

(Byakuya would never do something while Kaito was still here.)

Kaito dismissed that paranoid fear, and gave Nadya a nervous grin, trotting up to her quickly as he said, “Hey! Hey, is…” he followed her, looking around, watching two people he recognized as being part of the administration team taking in a message from the stairwell, meeting a messenger halfway, reading over it, and one of them not quite bolting towards one of the offices, but still moving way, way too quickly. “...is everything okay, or-?”

Nadya shook her head softly, the attempt at a smile turning into a grimace. “It...will be. We always bounce back, come back stronger, as they say. But for the current moment...not really.”

Inside the office, Nadya took a breath, honestly...half relieved that Kokichi was taking a health day. The prince was stalwart in aiding the Dicean people but from that care came sensitivity. Not a bad thing, but hopefully it would be better for him to find out once they had more information. 

...hopefully they got it. 

“The capital got a call from Genbu--there was an avalanche in the mountains, right over Bern Village. Many residents managed to make it to Genbu but...as of about an hour ago, there a-are about forty people unaccounted for.” Nadya tried to impart the information in her usual way, but there was a slight waver to her voice, her lips tensing. “They still have search parties on deploy, but...the avalanche happened in the middle of the night.”

It was unspoken that people caught up in a disaster in the middle of the night, potentially adrift in tons of snow...wouldn’t fare well almost half a day later. 

Nadya took another careful breath, pulling herself together. “The castle is in a bit of a flurry, as you can see. They are organizing travel parties for those who wish to lend aid in person, as well as putting together supplies. I am...just finishing up the work I have already finished today before shifting my efforts to work under the head secretary today, so...I suppose it is good you caught me.”

Kaito, very briefly, had to keep the relief off his face. Oh. Okay. A natural disaster had happened. Okay. Okay.

Then his brow furrowed. 

Okay.

“...” Kaito frowned, starting to pop his joints, his mind racing as he considered the best way forward… Kokichi was the heir-apparent, and this was a natural disaster. There were probably things he was supposed to do today. Responsibilities, either official or only in his mind. 

Kokichi had barely been able to hold his fork today.

“We’ll put office stuff on hold today. There’s nothing going on that can’t wait till tomorrow. For now? Shit…” Kaito sighed, before shaking his head, “Let me follow you to the Head Secretary. I want to get all the information available and find out what else needs to be done before Kokichi gets wind of any of this.”

He wanted to have a plan already figured out and in motion before Kokichi got so much as a whisper of any of this. Once he had all the information? Then he could go to Kokichi. Not before. 

...god dammit he hated Hideki so fucking much but that didn’t matter right now. He probably had his pulse on all of this. If anyone could help Kaito figure out Kokichi’s duties during an event like this and know the details? It was that asshole.

Grinning at Nadya, he said, “Thanks for letting me know! Let’s go offer our services, yeah? See what we can do.”

Nadya nodded, feeling bolstered by Kaito’s strength. She stood taller than she had earlier, setting to collecting the letters she’d finished. They might not be sent out promptly, but they’d get there sooner than sitting in the office. 

She knew, logically, that Falcon’s Hollow would be alright. Bern was technically in a different mountain range entirely, and even if there was always that danger with living in the mountains, well, she knew that most of the people in her home village practiced natural magic and would be able to feel a disturbance in the mountains around them long before anything shifted. And would likely be able to divert anything away from the village. 

Still, the phone lines hadn’t made it to Falcon’s Hollow yet--it was difficult to get the lines set up properly in the mountains, and considering the village was so remote… She’d left a message with the administration in Genbu and they said they’d check in on the village, send any info they could. Hopefully everyone was alright… 

The main floor of the castle looked almost busier than it had during the arrival of the Luminary Party, more at the peak of frenzy than any festival. There was a line leading into the scribes’ office going out into the main hall, people wanting to call their loved ones, or just wanting to know what the hell was going on. Wanting to hear from as close to the source as they could get how they could help. There were people from administration going down the line, trying to answer the more common questions people had to save time. 

Already there were rosters being made of people volunteering to travel over to the mountains, wanting to help in rescue--the first party already being sent out--and then in excavation, and then in restoration. People loudly declaring their medical skills, hoping to be heard and get sent over as soon as possible, people discussing time and materials for rebuilding efforts, trying to get out ahead of complications. 

It was busy, and in the middle of it, on the other side of the hall, was Aiichi, currently embracing an older woman, speaking quietly as he addressed the tear-stained crowd around him. The logistics of aid were important for moving forward, and thankfully there were many brilliant minds at work on them. But the ability to hear people’s fears and be able to reassure them. To instill confidence where there was only bleak despair...that was the sort of leader Aiichi was, and he was doing his job well. 

Nadya and Kaito passed by the hall, heading down towards the offices where all that frantic energy was being put into planning. Sliding into a room, dodging the people power-walking in and out, Hideki and Mikaku were pouring over a table filled with maps and ledgers and messages, some written clearly, but many obviously scrawled as quickly as possible. 

Hideki was in full form, barely finishing his sentence before launching into giving Nadya her duties, the young woman running off, and he only seemed to take a breath when he turned to Kaito. “Shall I assume Kokichi’s sick? He shouldn’t strain himself then, just focus on getting better. Was there anything else you needed, Kaito?”

Kaito grinned-- or, well… he showed his teeth…-- but he put his hands behind his back and said, “I’m here on Kokichi’s behalf. I’m standing in. I need a debrief of the situation as you understand it now to pass onto him, and my list of responsibilities that I can start working on.”

“And, if you don’t have that information? I need to know who does.” Kaito bared his teeth cheerfully. “Thanks!”

Hideki didn’t even have the time or energy to deal with Kaito’s weird-ass behavior, just giving him a nod as he scrawled out another note, seemingly entirely unrelated to his conversation. “At approximately one in the morning, there was an avalanche in the northwest mountains that went over the village of Bern, population of about 200. Many residents had been away at the time, counting them safe, and more had been able to escape in the early stages of the avalanche. As of the message we received at ten, forty people are unaccounted for, twenty having been rescued by the search parties over the night and this morning.”

“Being a mountain village, this was a known natural risk and thus the infrastructure of the city was built and reinforced to withstand such disasters as avalanches, mudslides, and shifting land. However, reports say that the entire village has been submerged, and most buildings are forecast to have sustained at least tier two structural damage, with agricultural sites likely demolished. The villagers are staying in the city of Genbu until further notice, and anyone found is being evacuated there as well. The first priority of emergency response is sending additional food provisions to Genbu, then medical aid in personnel and supplies.”

Mikaku took over from there, Hideki turning to address someone who had been bursting to ask a question. “As a member of Dicean leadership, people are looking to Aiichi, Kokichi, and you, Kaito, for reassurance and confidence. Everyone here is worried, rightfully so, but it’s our leadership that reminds us that none of us are alone. Everyone is working to help wherever they can so spring can come again. Filling people with that reassurance is one of the most important things you can do.”

“Tangibly, though, if you could help out with medical registration, it’d be huge. Hansuke-kun, the young man with the blond-orange hair, has the current list in the hall, if you’d like to help there. Thank you for coming to help, Kaito-kun, truly.”

Behind his back, Kaito nervously fussed with his knuckles, not wanting either of the secretaries to see his nervous tick. If Aiichi, or Kokichi, had told him to do medical registrations, Kaito would have just nodded and said of course. If that was the best way to utilize him, so be it. 

….but it wasn’t, and neither of these two were above him in hierarchy, so Kaito was allowed to acknowledge that as he frowned, thinking over the debrief. Mountain in the northwest, small village entirely submerged… but the buildings were prepped for it? Then it wasn’t entirely out there to think there were survivors in the buildings themselves, trapped beneath the snow, especially considering it happened in the middle of the night where people likely weren’t out… so long as the building didn’t collapse, they didn’t suffocate, and they had food and water (and, Kaito didn’t know a lot about snow, but that was just… water, right? So that would work) then the real time limit was heat. A village of two hundred? There really could be a significant amount of survivors. 

If the excavators had enough manpower to dig them out in time.

So… if Kaito wasn’t anyone? Was literally no one special. He’d obviously be best utilized as a digger. He had the strength for it. 

And, even if he was just Kaito Momota? He had been trained specifically for two and a half years to lead teams of people in mentally stressful, heavily physical missions. He knew how to lead teams. He knew how to communicate and delegate and motivate and to work through trauma and stress doing it. It was literally going to be his entire job at one point.

And, as an Ouma…

If Oumas were meant to represent and lead, reassuring people with their presence, then certainly the people on site would appreciate that too? Being a rescue worker was dangerous. People were leaving their homes on a long trip to a dangerous spot where there was a real possibility they’d see corpses and blood and horror for the first time in their lives. And it sounded like they were teams mostly made up of civilian volunteers.

The Ouma family had a responsibility to send one of their own to such a dangerous event, if they were ready to ask it of their people, right? Wasn’t that why King Aiichi went down to the kitchens and washed things all the time? To say ‘they were all in this together’? 

(...but he was a Luminary.)

(Maybe Diceans wouldn’t want a Luminary there.)

(How long was the trip? What if Shuuichi of Kokichi needed him? Kokichi was sick and Shuuichi was pregnant.)

(what about Tim?)

(What would Kokichi want him to do? Should Kaito ask permission before offering? When was the next search and rescue team heading out?)

(...what would Maki do?)

“I’m not very good at paperwork.” Kaito said, all these thoughts rushing through his mind in mere seconds, finding it easier to not grin as Mikaku (because if he didn’t grin at Hideki, he was going to end up punching him in the fucking face one of these days), giving him a serious, if somewhat hesitant look. “I went to a military school for mission specs a lot like this, and I can organize teams of small groups through emergencies. And I’m strong. If the next team hasn’t been sent out yet, I think I could volunteer my time to the excavation team instead. Help dig out the village while representing Prince Kokichi on-site.”

He said this all as a statement, but it really was a question. He was trying to portray a confidence he didn’t feel. If either of them said his offer was stupid or unrealistic, Kaito would likely back down. He was wrong so often, and he didn’t want to get in the way of the emergency efforts arguing his point.

Both Mikaku and Hideki looked up in surprise. There was an odd mix of emotions behind that surprise on Hideki’s face, a sort of pride in Kaito’s offer, but also...suspicion. Distrust. Wondering what else was going on here...but he only looked at Kaito with a more appraising stare. 

“...your school records say you’d completed the necessary courses for first aid.”

Mikaku’s eyes were hidden in his hood, but there was a softer smile on his lips. “That’s a generous offer, Kaito-kun. You might not realize how much it would mean to people for an Ouma to come help out… Especially since Aiichi cannot make the trip this time.”

Hideki turned, grabbing a note among dozens and scrawled on it, handing it off to an aide with a few murmurs before giving Kaito a nod, his surprise now gone and returned to business mode. “The next personnel team is leaving the day after tomorrow--we’ll put you down on the roster. If you find you can’t go, just let one of us or another member of the administration team know. I recommend you take today and tomorrow to pack and make arrangements with your family.”

“The full restoration of Bern has a rough estimation of two months’ work, however there should be regular parties heading back within two weeks. Considering the snow and the party sizes, the trip should take about three days. Even in the case of going then immediately returning once the arranged return plans are ready, that is a little over two weeks away--please take that into consideration.”

Whatever Kaito was doing, sincere in the reasoning behind his offer or not, he had his responsibilities at home too. Extra hands would be needed help, and to have an Ouma in Genbu and the rescue of Bern in person to soothe the peoples’ concerns would be… Hideki could only curse Luminary again, the situation there far too unstable to allow Aiichi to be anywhere but the head of operations. But Kaito stepping up was the answer none of them could’ve seen coming, an answer people needed. 

It would just depend on if Kaito could make it work. 

Kaito’s heart sunk, though he didn’t let it show on his face. Five days… that was a long time to be buried in the snow. Kaito didn’t know how long it took to freeze over long term exposure...

Sigh… they’d likely only be digging up buildings and corpses, huh. Anyone not found alive within five days...really, what were the odds...

...that was okay. The buildings still needed to be restored either way, and Kaito meant it when he said he thought he’d be of more use on-site then off. Even if he was only volunteering for restoration work rather than rescue work, it’d still be a help. Kaito could still adequately represent Kokichi to his people. 

What better use of a Prince-Consort?

(...two months… and that was just assuming nothing was off on the estimate. Kaito didn't have to be there until the project was finished… but if not, then why go at all? Two months, three day travel one way, six days both...)

(Fuck, what was he thinking.)

(He’d need Kokichi’s permission. He shouldn’t have offered before talking to his husband about it. That had been reckless.)

Bowing his head, Kaito left with that information, taking a steadying breath as he walked out of that asshole’s office. Okay… okay. You did the easy part. You got the information you needed, you have a plan of action. You have an idea of what should happen next and a report to debrief. Now the hard part.

Reporting it to his prince.

(...and not giving him a fucking heart attack.)

Okay…

Kaito headed back up to the room.

Kokichi had chatted with Shuuichi a bit, but in the time Kaito was gone he’d gone back to resting, actually not asleep this time, but just resting, gently carding his fingers through Shuuichi’s hair as his boyfriend griped about whatever came to mind, for once taking a back role and just...honestly, trying to be like Maki. Just humming small comments to encourage Shuuichi to keep going, trying to be that sort of companion for him. 

He looked over as the door opened, giving Kaito a tired smile, though...it faded, seeing the...hidden stress on Kaito’s. “Hun?”

This time, Kaito kept his hands in front of him, popping the joints as he walked in, though he kept his face as calm and reassuring as he could. Closing the door behind him, he walked in and grabbed the desk chair, bringing it over to the side of the bed and sitting down as he said, “Hey, guys… I have news.”

Shuuichi’s eyes narrowed, his arm wrapped around Kokichi’s waist. He didn’t say anything though. Something was wrong. When something was wrong, it was best to wait for information to be supplied, and then fill in the holes as needed.

Knowing this would affect one of his lovers way more than the other one, Kaito reached out and took Kokichi’s hand with both of his own, rubbing his thumbs soothingly over his knuckles as he said, “First of all? Everything that can be done is being done already. Everyone in the castle is already working on it and there are literal lines of volunteers out there. There is nothing that can be done right now by anyone in this room that isn’t already being done by like two other people. It’s all already being worked on. Okay? An emergency’s happened, but there is no hurry to act right now. Anything you could do today, can be done tomorrow. Okay?”

Everything about Kaito’s demeanor only worried him more. Kokichi’s brow knitted more and more, and when Kaito’s took his hand, he held it firmly for a moment before just...allowing the comfort that Kaito was obviously trying to give him. Volunteers, everyone in the castle working on it, emergency…

Kokichi felt an absolute sense of dread in him, the panic not quite starting to mount...because deep down, there was a part of him that relaxed. Not finding ease, but just...solemn acceptance, bowing its head as it seemed it was finally time to find out. Kokichi’s panic had already happened, though his waking conscious wasn’t aware of it. 

So, far calmer than any of them expected him to be, Kokichi gave Kaito’s hand another squeeze, his other arm instinctively drawing Shuuichi closer. “...okay… What’s happened?”

So, Kaito told him.

He relayed all the information Hideki, Nadya, and Mikaku had given him, as to the point, but gently as possible. He stressed the rescue and restoration efforts that were already in action, and breezed as quickly as he could through the fatality and unaccounted numbers. He explained to Kokichi the plan of actions already in place, and that when Hideki and Mikaku had talked to him, the next big ‘thing’ was helping with medical registrations. “Which, while I know you’ll want to help, I think we can agree that any other volunteers can do. There will still be work tomorrow, and you’ll be physically in a better place to help tomorrow, Kokichi. You’ll be of more use tomorrow if you rest today-”

Shuuichi sighed, uncurling from Kokichi and getting up, mumbling, “I’ll get dressed.”

Kaito’s brow furrowed. “Shuuichi, lay back down, you’re preg-”

“I’m pregnant. And I run laps every morning. I’m fine, I can help. Especially if they’re just asking for help with paperwork.”

Kokichi’s eyes had widened, and his body had trembled, but at the peak he simply hung his head with wet eyes, his heart still aching, but...able to keep moving forward. There were plenty of people hurting right now, and while you needed to hurt...you also needed to act. And he was ready to act. 

Even if what he could do to act was to grimace. 

He should be down there, helping out. Talking to people, at least, and trying to soothe their own fears. ...but Kaito was right. He’d only make more people nervous, seeing him strain, and-

Kokichi looked up, his neck a little unhappy with the sudden movement, but much more accepting of it thanks to Kaito’s intervention before. “Shuu-chan? You…” Shuuichi wasn’t cruel, but a tragedy like this wasn’t going to reach him as much as others. And still, he would help. Kokichi’s expression melted into a small, appreciative smile as he let his boyfriend go. 

“Medical registration… They’ll probably be needing help with resource allocation too. Making sure we aren’t sending more than we can, organizing with other places also sending supplies so Genbu doesn’t end up with a storage problem, or getting too many of one type of supplies… They could use Shuu-chan’s incredible brain for that.”

Looking down at himself, Kokichi sighed. “...I’ll rest. But there is one thing I wanna do. Kai-chan, could you get me writing supplies from the desk? I wanna...I wanna try writing a statement, for the people of Bern. I can’t be there, but...I can send my words.”

“Registrations, resources, organization… got it. I’ll see what they want from me.” Shuichi said, still looking incredibly grumpy about this whole thing. Shuichi didn’t feel much about the tragedy itself, other than a sort of… general sympathy for it. But, if everyone in the castle was working today through an emergency? Shuichi wasn’t going to be the one not pulling his weight. 

His Luminary upbringing wouldn’t allow it.

So as Shuichi quickly got dressed, throwing on his hat and brushing his teeth, Kaito went to the desk to get the writing supplies, his stomach twisting nervously as he grinned wide, bringing the supplies back to him as he said, “Actually! About that! There are… other things you can send too! If you’re worried about… representation?”

In the bathroom, Shuichi stilled. Staring at himself in the mirror, but not really seeing himself. Just...listening.

Kokichi looked up with a bit of confusion before it softened into contemplation. “...telephones really do make this sort of stuff easier, huh. But...at least for the first few days, I’m sure it’d be better to save calls for relaying information...or for people with family in the area getting to talk.”

“Sending like...a care package seems a little...needlessly performative too. The supply aids are what people really need, though…” Kokichi’s expression got a little more thoughtful. “Maybe getting statements from people around the country, writing them down on a card or...something. Giving people a chance to share their inspiration and unity...kind of fitting since Unity’s just around the corner… Setting up a project like that isn’t a necessity, but...it might raise the spirits of the people from Bern.”

“Great ideas! All of those are great ideas! I support all those ideas!” Kaito grinned, sitting back down on the chair.

He popped his knuckles nervously.

“...Kokichi? I won’t go if you say no.” Kaito said. “But I offered to represent you by volunteering for the excavation and restoration efforts on site.”

In the bathroom, Shuichi closed his eyes.

Kokichi just looked at Kaito for a moment, seeming about as surprised as the admins had been before. The pride and hope was much more apparent in his expression, however. 

He didn’t know what Aiichi was planning, but he knew that his father couldn’t leave the capital right now. Kokichi...technically could, but...with the planning and resources needed for his own trip, needing a guard and a dedicated healer...the people would feel reassured by his presence there, he was sure. That was why he was looking at Kaito like this. But logistically...it was too much. Bern needed all the help it could get. 

Kaito could go. 

It would be longer than, like, a week. 

Kokichi’s excitement fell, and while his expression was adoring, he shifted, taking Kaito’s hand into both of his. Strong, caring hands…

“...it means the world that you want to. No matter what, know that.”

“...you have a son that’s already missing one parent for the greater good right now. He has the rest of us...but you know how much you make a difference to him.”

Kaito nodded at that, swallowing. “I know. I was thinking about that on the way here.”

“...Timothy was a soldier. Specifically, he was trained to memorize and send messages in chaotic and stressful situations. He was exceptional at what he did. He was considered one of the best at what he did, and Luminary asks a lot of its soldiers, even the children ones.”

Kaito squeezed Kokichi’s hand a little, before saying, uncertainly, “...I was...thinking of taking him with me. He’s getting two weeks off school soon already, and with that, he’d only be out of school of a month and a half, and I know he wouldn’t want to be left behind, and he could handle the travel and-”

Kaito swallowed again, brow furrowing. “...is that a terrible idea?”

...a month and a half? Was...Kaito planning on sticking around for the whole restoration? Or, at least as long as it was estimated to be, but who knew what the actual amount would be until they uncovered all the buildings… Oh Kaito...Kokichi was so proud of him…

It wasn’t a bad plan, honestly, but…

Kokichi squeezed Kaito’s hand back. “He was a soldier, but he’s not anymore. It doesn’t matter how capable he is. Those sorts of situations...aren’t ones he should have to be in anymore.”

“...if you ask him, you have to ask as his father. Asking your son. If he wants to go help out the emergency situation, not as a trained soldier, but as a kid wanting to help his neighbors.” Kokichi sighed softly, knowing that...that wouldn’t be the easiest distinction for any of his Luminaries to make, let alone Tim. “...he likely wouldn’t be the only kid traveling to help out, by the way. A sense of duty is something you can find in anyone regardless of age.”

Quiet for another moment, Kokichi looked up at the bathroom. “Shuu-chan? What do you think?”

Kaito didn’t think there was a version of this question to Tim that would result in his son not saying yes. By either being asked by his Luminary Prince or by his father. If Kaito asked, Timothy would go. 

...he just didn’t want Timothy to think that every person in his life who swore to take care of him? Was just… going to get up and go someday. Timothy had just dealt with Maki leaving. Kaito couldn’t abandon him too.

His heart sunk as another person in his life he felt like he was abandoning sighed in the bathroom, before coming out, face pissed, and eyes bleeding red as Shuichi didn’t bother wiping the tears on his face away as he came out. He just glared at Kaito, clearly unimpressed with all of this, as he said, “Does it matter? What I think? Kaito?”

Kaito looked at Shuichi quietly. Shuichi’s face twisted, offended by the silence.

“You said you wouldn’t go if Kokichi said no. Kokichi get’s veto power. Kokichi gets to know about the plan and gets asked by you for input and-”

“If you say no, I won’t go.”

“Then don’t go!” Shuichi suddenly shouted, looking furious. “You think I won’t call that bluff!? I’m five months pregnant! Kokichi’s on bedrest! Timothy just lost Maki! We all did! Why did you ever have the audacity to make that offer in the first place!?”

Kaito was up in an instant, rushing over to Shuichi, pulling him into a hug. Shuichi put his hands into fists, his vision still furious, before he reached up and punched Kaito’s arm in the hug. “You have so much to do here! What made you think for a second…” another furious punch against hte arm, “god your so selfish and self important and so fucking stupid and-” another punch, “-I can’t believe you made this an issue at all!”

“I’m sorry.” Kaito murmured. “I felt like I had too. It’s my job.”

“Shut up. You don’t have a job! You’re just Kokichi’s husband!”

“I’m sorry.”

“Shut up… stop making me the bad guy. This isn’t fair. Why did you…”

“I’m sorry. I won’t go.”

“You never listen to me. I said shut up… of course you’re still going to go. The same way she still went. You stupid idiots, feeling like you need too... to do things… why do I keep having to be the person to say no? To be the heartless asshole who doesn’t care? This isn’t fair…”

“I’m sorry.”

“You’re the worst. I wish I had never met you. You’re the worst thing that’s ever happened to me…” Shuichi gripped at Kaito’s arms, growling into his chest… before pushing him off himself. Glaring at him. “You can’t go the full two months. If you’re going? That’s what I’m saying no to. You go, you help whatever stupid thing they ask of you, you come home as soon as possible. You’re not disappearing for over two months. That’s what I’m saying no to. No.”

Kokichi had thought about bringing Shuuichi up himself but...Shuuichi was literally right there. He was his own person, and Kokichi didn’t need to speak for him. And...considering the tears and anger in his voice, Kokichi wouldn’t have done him any justice. 

...Kokichi had been born into a life of sacrifice. Had taken that path himself once he was old enough to understand. He had been ready and willing...but it was so much harder when it wasn’t just him. When he had to ask his family who hadn’t decided on that sort of life to sacrifice as well. He wished he didn’t have to ask them...that they could have the quiet lives that they could be blissfully happy in…

Taking a breath once it seemed like Shuuichi had slowed, Kokichi offered a small, sad, yet still proud smile. “You wouldn’t be letting anyone else down to not stay until the village is back up in running order. There are people leaving their lives to go help...but none of them are going to stay the whole time either. Some will show up later. Some will go back and forth as much as they’re able.”

“...being there as a sign of the country listening to them...you’d bring a lot of people a lot of comfort, Kai-chan. But you bring a lot of important people comfort here too. Try to make it home before the snow comes in, alright?”

Kaito nodded, listening to Kokichi, but quietly wiping the tears from Shuichi’s face as he listened. Gentle thumbs beneath his lashes, a palm against his cheeks, Shuichi just looking at him miserably as he did so.

“...okay.” Kaito told Shuichi. “I’ll go out with the team that’s being sent the day after tomorrow, and stay for as long as that team does, and come back with them. I think Hideki said that they were only doing two week rotations. Worse case scenario,  I’m gone a month. Okay? Do I have permission for that?”

Shuichi narrowed his eyes at him, eyes flashing pink...before he sighed. Huffing a breath as he knocked Kaito’s hand away. “Yes. Fine. You have permission for that. Honestly...you’re still the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Kaito nodded, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“Sure.” Shuichi mumbled, bitterly accepting the kiss… before sighing again. “I need to go get my face less sad and red. Then I’ll go downstairs.”

“Okay, handsome. Let me know if you need help with anything.” Kaito said, wincing a little as Shuichi just snorted at that, closing the bathroom door behind him.

Kaito sighed, running his hand over his face, his shoulders sagging for a moment… before he took a breath, looking back at Kokichi with a strained grin as he said, “Okay! So, that’s one more aspect worked out! Any… any more concerns? Things we should talk about?”

Kokichi watched his lovers sadly before Shuuichi went back to the bathroom. It was going to be a long two weeks...potentially a month. He had to do his best for Shuuichi…

“I think...that’s the most we can do for now…” he sighed, lying back on the pillows, exhausted. But not as much as he otherwise would’ve been. “I’m still going to write that statement...but I would be honored if you would read it to people when you get there.”

“...you should talk to Tim. That would be the next thing… The day after tomorrow, huh?” It wasn’t much time to prepare. It would be the longest he and Kaito had ever been apart, and the farthest too. Kokichi knew he was rather...clingy. Dependant. When it came to Kaito, but...he’d be strong. For Shuuichi’s sake, if not his own. 

“Yeah…” Kaito sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He’d have to get his therapy sessions put on hold, more likely than not talk to Timothy’s school… he looked back at Kokichi nervously, “You said it’s not unusual for kids to go volunteer at stuff like this? He might not be the only kid there? Really?”

Kokichi nodded slightly, a small smile on his face, a pride for his people. “Likely the kids evacuated from Bern, and many who live in Genbu will be helping out where they can, but it’s not uncommon for kids from all over the country to come with their guardians to help out emergency efforts. For this situation in particular...I wouldn’t be surprised to see many children from more rural communities heading over with their folks. Wanting to be handy while the farming season’s over, you know? And since folks have likely come to their communities to help out, whether from seasonal fieldwork, or crowdfunding for new tools or supplies, or barnraising or...whatever, it’s just...good to pass on a good deed, you know? Contribute to your community.”

“...if you’re worried about school, there shouldn’t be any fuss about him missing stuff. He might be offered tutoring sessions to catch him up when you guys come back, but...he’s not gonna get left behind. This is a type of social education too, and school’s respect that.”

Kaito nodded, massaging his knuckles… before going back and sitting on the chair again. Giving his husband a surprisingly somber look.

“Kokichi… I’m supposed to do stuff like this. Right?”

Another gently push against his knuckles, Kaito looking… insecure. Uncertain. 

“... I still haven't figured out what my role here is.” Kaito admitted, looking somewhere vaguely to the right of Kokichi. “And, I know Shuichi is… basically right. That I don’t have one. That I’m just your husband. I’m not even really an Ouma. That’s why it’s my middle name, right? And not my last one? Because I’m not one… I get that. But, I just…”

Kaito bit the inside of his lip. “I love you. I’m committed to you. That’s not got anything to do with what I’m about to say. I just…”

Press against his joints.

“... I came a long way to be your husband? To be your prince-consort. And I think we’ve both realized our marriage wasn’t necessary to end the war… I just…” Kaito shrugged a little. “I get there’s no real purpose for me being here and I don’t actually have a job. But I’m just trying to… is there any value in me going to represent you for this? Does that matter at all? I know it’s just, altruistically, a good thing for me to go. Community and all that, but…”

Kaito got a troubled look on his face for a moment, before suddenly chuckling sheepishly. “I guess I’m just wondering if it matters to you, what I do. I can focus on the family, if it doesn’t. The country has all the volunteers it could need, it seems. If it doesn’t matter to you if I do things like this… then I won’t make offers like this again. I’ll stay here and focus on being what you all need, here. Okay?”

Kokichi gave his husband a curious look, before just sitting back--metaphorically, since he was already lying down--and just letting Kaito speak. There had been...traces of this. Kaito specifically saying that he was going to represent Kokichi. And Kokichi had just...let it go. But if it was something Kaito was uncertain about...insecure? Then he deserved Kokichi to be better and try to fix some of his mistakes when it came to Kaito.

Sighing softly, Kokichi reached out for Kaito’s hand, an adoring, yet apologetic look on his face. “...I keep messing you up because I say dumb shit. With all the times we’ve talked about what the spouse of a leader does… I think the best way to say it, is that a leader is tasked with, yeah, all the day-to-day management stuff, but at the end of it...to make Dicea a better place. And that’s also the job of whoever they marry. The point of having an arranged, important marriage for the leader is to find someone that can make Dicea better in a different way than the leader does.”

“...but how you do that is something only you can decide for yourself, Kai-chan. People go into this sort of partnership knowing that. Having a plan for it. You never got that chance to be prepared or even a say in choosing it.” Kokichi’s face fell into a frustrated frown for a moment. “...I really think our last names should’ve been hyphenated. Should you choose that oath? You are an Ouma. We only made that deal because that dickhole Tengan said that you all wanted me to change my name to Momota, and the middle name thing was the best compromise the admins could think of that wouldn’t cause someone to call the whole thing off.”

He huffed softly, always realized new bullshit that horrible old coot had thrown at them. 

“...because you never had that choice I…” Kokichi clenched his free hand over his stomach. “...I can’t ask any of you to give yourself to Dicea. I was born into it, but I still had a choice once I realized what it all meant. For people that weren’t prepared and didn’t have a choice...I know I’ll still make it hard on you, being a part of your lives, but...I can’t ask you to take on that sacrifice. That burden. It’s something you have to choose on your own. You can’t take it on an expectation.”

Kokichi looked back over at Kaito, for a moment, a long, heavy legacy shining in his eyes. “...I can’t answer your question until you tell me. On your own, independent decision...would you take that oath of leadership? Or are you going to keep your own life?”

Kaito looked at Kokichi.

...he wondered how Miyako had handled this.

If he said, yes? He’d be lying. His family would always matter more to him than Dicea did. If he said no? He’d be letting Kokichi down… Kaito had asked for purpose, and Kokichi was offering it to him, and Kaito had the audacity to say no?

But as he felt a surge of guilt at Shuichi’s tears from earlier… as he thought how desperately he wanted to take Tim with him? As he looked at Kokichi, weak in bed, and wondered if this whole trip was ultimately not worth it for leaving him…

Saying yes would be a lie.

Saying yes would always be a lie.

He didn’t have it in him, to think how Kokichi did.

He stared at Kokichi at moment... Then looked at his knees. “No.” He murmured. “I’m sorry.”

Kokichi smiled. 

Nothing sad in it, just...loving and understanding. Kokichi squeezed Kaito’s hand gently.

He’d known but...he still needed to ask, not wanting to take anything for granted. But from the moment Kaito had looked at him like he was crazy when Kokichi said they were supposed to lead together he’d had a feeling. Still, he wanted to give Kaito time to think it over, to understand Dicea more. He’d known the answer for a while, but there was still something...freeing, in saying it. 

“Don’t be. You have a full life...it would be an awful thing to let go. Knowing that Kai-chan is dedicated to our family...I’m jealous, honestly.” And he was. As much as Kokichi wanted to be there for his family, to be a part of Baby growing up and spend time with his partners and siblings...he would never be able to fully commit with his life promised to Dicea. He would make Shuuichi cry again, he would give Kaito impossible-seeming decisions, and even Maki, who understood being promised to something bigger than yourself, would look on in disappointment, their values too different. 

Kokichi’s smile was a little sad at that, but...he’d made his choice a long time ago. 

“It might just be me unable to let go of my work...but I think, by cherishing your own life...that will still make Dicea better,” he softly laughed, giving Kaito’s hand another squeeze. “But with that decision...no. Don’t do something like this again. Your own goals might change, but I think I know you at least a little well by now, so...family first, okay? And by following your own choice, that will make me happiest. You make me proud.”

Kaito’s eyes widened, genuinely surprised. He had really thought… well. He had thought that would hurt Kokichi, honestly. Being an Ouma mattered so much to him. He had expected Kokichi would want the same for Kaito.

But his shoulders relaxed, and he looked just so… relieved. For a second. As Kokichi gave him a straight answer. He would still go on this trip. He had said he was going too, and he intended to honor that… but he didn’t actually want to. He wanted to be with his family. He wanted to take care of them. Be whatever they needed. Not whatever Dicea needed...

And it was a relief to know that Kokichi knew that, and wasn’t endlessly disappointed in him. That it was allowed.

Reaching over to Kokchi, he took his hand and leaned his head down, kissing Kokichi’s pinky before saying quietly, “Thank you.”

“I love you, Kai-chan. My greatest wish for you is to be happy. Truly happy, not just what I would understand as happiness. As long as that’s true...then I’m happy too.”

-

Kokichi was at the beach, making a sandcastle. It wasn’t super sunny or warm out, but he was at the beach regardless, a frustrated yet determined look on his face as he tried to keep the sandcastle from falling in on itself. 

He’d gotten instructions from Shuuichi, but...he was making it alone. And every time he held one side, another would start sagging, collapsing in on itself. Kokichi wasn’t giving up...but it was clear he was struggling. 

The water lapped at his feet, the tide slowly coming in with every moment. 

When Alter Ego arrived, he was very, very small, which was probably not a good sign.

At first, he thought the scene was happening entirely in rooms made of sand, with the sound of the ocean not far off, and some weird, massive… shifting and thumping sounds. Like a giant making idle movements. Alter Ego had looked around for Kokichi, expecting to see him more or less immediately, but the sand rooms were empty.

Then one of the rooms shifted and Alter Ego realized, oh. Okay.

Walking to the window of one of the rooms, which looked a bit like Kokichi had just half-heartedly put a finger through it and shifted it around a bit, Alter Ego looked up at the massive Kokichi, the ocean to his side, and said, “You’ve been having a lot of water imagery lately. I wonder why that is?”

Kokichi looked down in surprise for a moment before it clicked for him. Sighing softly, Kokichi put a hand under the window for Alter Ego to walk out onto, tiredly smiling at the cat. No longer trying to keep the castle together and just...letting the wet sand do its thing. “I’ve never been good at interpreting dreams. Beats me, really.”

He’d been getting better at manipulating his own dreams. Kokichi could easily make it a nice, warm sunny day, giving him and Alter Ego a landscape to enjoy while they had their next lesson...but he didn’t. The vague light and indiscriminate temperature weren’t uncomfortable so...he just left it. Stretching his legs out to touch the seafoam. 

Alter Ego leapt softly into Kokichi’s hand, and as he moved him away from the window, he steadily and quickly got bigger, till he finally had to leap off his hand and into Kokichi’s lap, kneading a bit against Kokichi’s thigh (The cat urges really did get overwhelming sometimes) before settling in. Watching the current idly.

“I’ve been feeling low key stress from you for awhile now. It’s almost constant.” Alter Ego confessed. And, because the metaphor was firmly planted in both of their minds, a small, golden line from Alter Ego’s tail, to Kokichi’s wrist, appeared, small pulses of light running through Kokichi to Alter Ego for a moment… before the line disappeared, fading, along with the pulses of light. “...are you alright? I haven't probed more than that since it didn’t appear to be dangerous or sparking your abilities. But I am concerned regardless.”

Kokichi pet Alter Ego as the castle collapsed into wet, sandy mush, his attention more out on the ocean now. And, after a moment, he softly sighed. “...it’s hard, with Kai-chan gone. ...there’s been some good news, though--they managed to rescue five people from the avalanche, and that’s just from the last time we got an update.”

The ocean churned a bit, crashing against a grouping of rocks off to the side, though the waves at Kokichi’s feet were still gentle. It was good to hear that people had been saved because...well...it was getting up on the time that they might just...have to assume that everyone else they hadn’t found was… There was always a chance that people escaped but just hadn’t made it to another town. The number of confirmed bodies made that hope slimmer every day. 

Kokichi let out a slow, careful breath. He wasn’t connected to his people at large anymore, but...of course he still felt for them. 

“We’re just...holding things down, for now. I’ve been teaching the girls how to cartwheel, since I don’t know any other things to train them. Shuu-chan and I always have dinner together, and we talk about what we did with our afternoon--he looked pretty impressed with the Unity tree they put up in the hall. It’s prettier than my dad was imagining.”

Kokichi scratched behind the cat’s ears. “...I’m really thankful that Shuu-chan’s still here, and I love spending time with him. But things are...different.”

Alter Ego nodded. “Your life was finally settling into a routine, and then two significant parts of that routine up and left on you. That would be a difficult adjustment for anyone. You and him.”

The cat leaned down and sniffed at the sand with some distaste, before leaping Kokichi’s lap. Before he landed, a cloud, almost cartoonish in nature, and inexplicably yellow, formed beneath his feet, and sitting on the cloud, Alter Ego looked back at Kokichi with a serious, contemplative look. “...there are quite a few things I’d like to explore with you. But I am concerned… use of your power wears you out. I am hoping that practice will make the effects on your body less strenuous, but… even if that proves to be the case, it will not be the case at this exact moment.”

The cat tilted its head a little, before saying, “... can you afford that right now? Forgive my presumption, but it seems a significant amount of your support system in the real world is...unavailable. If your body cannot handle the stress, perhaps we should put the lessons on hold until it's safe. There’s always the possibility you will use your powers by accident, but that’s always a risk regardless. How do you feel about this?”

“They didn’t up and leave…” Kokichi sighed, shifting once Alter Ego leapt off, resting his head on his knee. “Maki-chan was always gonna go. With some plan for some time...but she would never be able to stay in the castle forever while her family’s enslaved. And even if they weren’t...she would never be happy staying in the same place forever. And I’m happy that Kai-chan’s doing this, even if it was out of misplaced duty. It’s not like he’ll be gone that long either.”

There was a part of Kokichi, as he pouted glumly at Alter Ego, that really wanted a lesson. Wanted to take his mind off of everything happening in the real world and just...learn something new he had to put all of his focus in. 

But it was incredibly irresponsible. 

“...I can’t do that to Shuu-chan. I can’t get sick and abandon him like that.” Kokichi sighed and closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Then, after a moment, he peeked over at the cat, still curious about the cloud despite his duty. “...is there anything small we can do? I’ve been doing better with that kind of stuff.”

Alter Ego nodded, licking their paw as they said, “You have been. That’s partly why I feel more confident these days that more practice will affect your body less severely in the future. You are getting more effective with your strength. We’re just early into the process.”

Alter Ego looked mildly to their right, a small, displeased look on their face as they said, “I would have quite liked to work on your defenses today… pushing other empaths out, or only letting them see specific things you’re trying to show them. Being able to break other people's imprints on you… but that does take a bit of concentrated effort and strength, when you’re first learning…”

The cats ear twitched… twitched again… “...maybe if we did something small first…”

“Do you have a favorite color?” Alter Ego asked, “Don’t say what it is. Just do you have one?”

A lot of what the two of them had talked about focused on Kokichi using his powers on other people--seeing memories or reaching out to see how someone’s doing. Using his abilities defensively though… Other than Mikado and Alter Ego, no one had ever...looked at him without Kokichi giving the go ahead. To be fair, he just might not have noticed, since they were the only two empaths he knew about--Flora didn’t count, though there could be empath Flora--but...it wasn’t a useless skill.

If Kokichi could protect himself, he could learn how to protect others. And...what he had decided, at least for now, was that protecting was what he wanted his abilities to be for. And...it looked like they were getting to step one. 

Kokichi thought for a moment, considering if he did have a favorite color and… “Yeah, I do.”

Alter Ego took a breath, before nodding. “Good. I am going to try to take that information from your mind, Kokichi, and you will stop me. That is the goal of the day. I will not… terribly aggressive. More than anything, I want you to get familiar with what it feels like, when someone is prodding into you. Your consciousness…”

Alter Ego looked around at the beach, before saying, “The dreams? The visual ways memories present to us, the way the memories talk to us? All of that is metaphor for what’s truly happening. What’s actually happening is that your consciousness is another limb on your body. Your largest, most complicated limb. This? All of this? Is actually far more physical than you’ve likely comprehended by this point. Your mind is not a metaphor. Your memories are not figments. They are simply how we are interpreting flashes of electricity and flexing of muscles, all of which are concretely, absolutely physical.”

“Energy is a physical thing. And as massive and complicated and nuanced as the energy of our bodies and minds are? You should still be able to feel when damage is being done to it, or pressure is being put on it, and where that damage or pressure is, in the same way you could feel someone dig in their fingernails into a point in your arm.”

“So, that’s the physical side of it. But, so far, you cope better with the metaphorical side of it. So…” a twitch of the tail. “Do me a favor. Imagine for yourself a box. A metal box. With a lock.”

Kokichi frowned slightly, but more because he was trying to absorb the lesson at hand. Everything that made a person a person...it was still them. Consciousness wasn’t some...little orb that could hop from place to place--it was you. It had consequences on your body, whether it be breaking down from stress, or feeling a burst of energy from happiness. And it went both ways. 

So...if someone tried to dig into his mind, while he would see it as a metaphor here, it was causing something physical to happen. He would feel it. Maybe not here, but his sleeping body would. Even more reason to start light until he could start actually defending himself. 

Nodding slowly, Kokichi closed his eyes and, as told, imagined a metal box with a lock. In his lap, was what very much looked like a safety deposit box, just a little smaller than a shoebox with two latches on it, one needing to be squeezed from the top, and one on the front that needed a key--a design meant to prevent people from lockpicking. 

Feeling the box in his lap, Kokichi opened his eyes again. “...I’m gonna guess you’re gonna imagine a key, and then we both just...battle out defences and offences? But in actuality all that happens super quick?”

Alter Ego blinked, “Oh. No?”

And then Alter Ego got bigger.

And bigger.

And bigger.

And after a moment, a massive, panther-like creature, sitting on an increasingly big cloud, was peering down at Kokichi. It’s massive tail flicking in annoyance, its pupils widening as it looked at Kokichi with the excitement of a hunt…

And Alter go said, “You have three minutes.”

“Run.”

Kokichi’s eyes widened as Alter Ego grew, turning into something dangerous, a predator. And then he grinned. It had been a while since he had been hunted, but there was no time like the present to shake the rust off.

Like a flash, Kokichi took off, running off the beach and into a forest, the box in his arms. A forest had plenty of places to hide, but...not from a giant cat, and not from a giant cat who wasn’t actually physically there, and wasn’t in an actually physical location. So...turn size against it. 

The trees began to bend inward, at first just forming arches with each other, but then weaving together, forming a dense, almost maze-like path after where Kokichi ran, gradually narrowing every path. Even with Alter Ego’s size, there would be no easy way to tear the trees up, eliminating any hiding place. 

And to dissuade them, thick, spiny bushes started to grow up the trees, coating the forest in a nasty surprise for the unaware. However, cats had excellent night vision so...there was no reason to dim the light and try to hide in the shadows. Kokichi would only be putting himself at a disadvantage. 

Alter Ego whispered to themselves, “3...2…-”

Their pupils narrowed, and they leapt.

They reached out, a small pulse from their power, and they felt the physical, point focus of Kokichi’s self-awareness-- the version of Kokichi that felt like it was independent and walking around within its own mind-- and followed that presence. They could feel around the manifestation a wall coming up, dangerous and flexible. Metaphorically, the giant-panther could see a forest up ahead. Strange and foriegn and with no obvious path through…

To Alter Ego, anyway.

But very few things conjured in the mind, especially conjured in a hurry and without planning, were ever actually ‘random’. Fantastical, sure. Exaggerated and elaborated, yes. But not born from nothing.

Alter Ego ran into the forest, and the forest shimmered, and Alter Ego was now both there… and somewhere else. Following a memory.

The panther found himself next to a younger version of Kokichi… maybe ten? The boy was determinedly walking through some sort of park, or garden? Definitely not a forest, but the pathways he had learned and memorized clearly what the forest was mimicking. Kokichi seemed to be determinedly running from something, or trying to avoid someone. 

The panther called out to the memory of this Kokichi, and said, “I am lost. Will you show me a safe way through the path?”

The memory of Kokichi didn’t look particularly surprised to see a giant cat, all things considered. Instead, the boy just nodded and held a finger to his lips, silently asking the panther to be as quiet as it could be. It definitely wouldn’t do to be caught here… He’d mustered up his courage for days to sneak out, and while he’d never just abandon someone asking for help, if he was caught by the guards…

Almost silently the boy trotted through the garden, making sure the panther was keeping up, keeping an ear out for any other sounds and occasionally crouching down behind bushes or hiding behind trees. But going through a clear path with a clear destination in mind. 

Soon, for those particularly keen of ear, they’d be able to hear quick, soft footfalls, someone running through a forest. 

The panther followed the boys lead, trusting that since this was the memory connected to the forest, that the boys movements would reflect his older counterparts. And indeed, after a moment, between the layers that were separating the forest current Kokichi was running through and the garden that his memory had run through, there was a sudden, distant running…

“Thank you very much.” The panther politely said, before leaping.

The forest, again, shimmered, a pulse of power moving him up from one layer to the next, and to current Kokichi, it likely looked like Alter Ego had just teleported out of a crack in space, the giant Panther leaping out and landing on the path below, running as hard as it could towards Kokichi.

Kokichi turned back, his eyes widening both in surprise and awe of the cunning of his opponent but...this wasn’t like real life. Kokichi wouldn’t get cornered because of any dead ends, or out-paced because of the limit of his physical speed. Even if Alter Ego was far more skilled, this was still Kokichi’s mind. 

In his next step, Kokichi fell through the ground, a viscous, foul-smelling ooze bubbling up where he’d been, sticky and drawing dirt and plant debris up with it. Meanwhile, Kokichi had fallen into a hot spring, sighing in delight for a moment, appreciating his memory of the warm, soothing water. 

But, the chase was still afoot. 

Getting out of the pool, Kokichi began sliding down the mountain, laughing slightly as the wind whipped by him, almost like the whirl and thrill of a roller coaster.

Augh! 

What the fuck!?

“Mwr-aAAW!” The overgrown cat whined as he fell face first into some gross, smelly mud like substance, growling as he shook his fur fruitlessly. Gross...It’s be ages before he got that mental image out of his fur. Ugh. 

Where did Kokichi… 

Alter Ego reached out, and this time, Kokichi might actually feel him do it, a sort of sensation of eyes on the back of your neck. As Alter Ego looked for him… okay. There. 

Alter Ego jumped from layer to layer, trying to get his footing through Kokichi’s psyche. He leapt through some corner memories, trying to get a grasp of where Kokichi was, leaping through physical memories to do so-- four people in a hot tub, someone saying quietly “Are they asleep?”-- A caravan in a valley bordered by mountains, a vague sensation of a spider crawling up the panthers back-- a painting of a massive mountainside that a young Kokichi was looking up longingly at-- before he landed in the right spot, the panther finding himself sliding down a mountain side.

Kokichi was sliding ahead of him.

Another pulse of power, and Alter Ego reached ahead of Kokichi, taking the distant lower part of the mountain, and with a small grunt, tilting the path upward, towards the sky, the dirt and roots of trees disconnecting with the path below, as Alter Ego curved the mountain side into a half-circle, so that when Kokichi slid down it, he’d end up sliding back into a trajectory right back to Alter Ego.

Maybe it wasn’t the best example, because Kokichi didn’t feel...afraid or panicked to feel eyes upon him. He wasn’t really trying to hide from Alter Ego, and maybe that made this a poor exercise, but...well, it was a lot of fun at least. Kokichi could only giggle in the wind as he more felt than heard Alter Ego pop into this memory, a little amused at watching the giant panther slide down the mountain. 

...it was risky. Alter Ego might easily leap up and catch him...but it might be too difficult for them, considering they were sliding down the mountain too. 

Kokichi braced himself as he neared the ramp, perfectly curled to send him right back down...but angles could be a lot of fun. Right as Kokichi hit the edge of the ramp, he forced the end of it to angle upwards more, meant to send him right into the sky, rather than back at the panther. 

Aw, damn. Kokichi’s getting more bold with physics.

(Good.)

(Chihiro had always thought the sensation of flying was one of the best parts of playing around in a dream.)

(Mondo, in turn, put his hands over Taka’s eyes. The poor guy didn’t handle heights well.)

And, following Kokichi, Alter Ego erupted into wings. 

(...we need to be harder on him!)

(Let him play a bit, man. We can do the hard stuff later.)

(B-but we p-promised to teach him…)

(Just a little fucking longer. Let him get his god damn confidence.)

Kokichi brayed his laughter as Alter Ego didn’t disappoint, coming right after him, almost missing the massive bird just above, but managing to hold onto the ring around it’s great taloned foot. 

Of all the myths and legends about King Vander, Kokichi had always thought the mentions of a great bird that accompanied the man was an odd one, but the red roc powerfully flying through the air as if the winds were at its beck and call was a loving creation, born not just in the moment, but of careful thought put into daydreams. 

Still, though they were out of Alter Ego’s reach for now, they couldn’t just fly forever. As much fun as he was having...this was a lesson. Alter Ego wasn’t after him, they were after the box with Kokichi’s favorite color inside. So...make it so they can’t get to the box. Don’t just keep it out of reach… 

Kokichi smirked. The roc flew higher, cresting over the mountain, heading to the distant, foggy spire of the capital castle. 

The winged-panther followed Kokichi’s roc, letting the wind carry his wings, which was strange. In dreams, it really was more about intention than possibility, but Kokichi’s influence on the dream seemed to insist on following certain rules. Which was fine, metaphors often being used to stretch the realm of possibility, and Alter Ego, with four different minds to draw from, was an expert on metaphor… but it still felt strange to be limited by the physics of the wind, and Alter Ego grunted as he flapped his wings, giving himself lift to catch the next current.

(We should search his insecurities!)

(I don’t want to fucking do that, alright? Let’s just catch him.)

(An Empath trying to invade him won’t be this kind!)

(When you’re teaching someone to ride a motorcycle, you don’t fucking push them off the road while they’re still learning their god damn balance!)

(L-let’s see wh-what he does f-first...he’s heading t-towards a castle…)

Chase had gone with Kaito and Tim, naturally. She was better trained every day, and even if she wasn’t a trained snow rescue dog, she would still be able to bring comfort to people and maybe even alert survivors that someone was coming, long before a human voice would be able to reach. And, of course, Tim didn’t want to be away from her for so long. 

In the real world, Chase was away, but she really was getting bigger every day, and Kokichi bet that by the time they returned…

The ground shook as a giant brown lab puppy perked up, her paws perched on the side of the castle. 

“Chase!” Kokichi yelled, dropping down from the roc. “Greet your new friend!”

(Oh my god.)

(Did this motherfucker just sic a dog on us!?)

(Awwww! She’s huge~! Look at the puppy!!)

(This could prove to be troublesome!!)

And then, deep, deep inside of the group, Alter Ego, who was really more of a cat than anything else… lost her fucking shit. 

The Giant-Panther looked at the approaching, barreling puppy with an almost offended horror, hair turning up on every part of her, as she opened her massive, sharp-teeth mouth, and hissed at this thing, before turning tail and bolting as the confused, cheerful puppy gave her a curious look before, tail wagging madly, it continued its gallop towards her. Alter Ego did not care if it was a puppy, or a memory, she was going to claw the shit out of its face if it got too close-

As the behemoth puppy chased around the hissing, darting giant-panther, Alter Ego was too panicked to even send out a pulse, and lost track of Kokichi entirely.

Kokichi laughed as he floated down from the sky, his shirt ballooning out to slow him, much like a certain princess’ parasol did, and by the time he made it to the ground, it looked like there was no trace of Alter Ego around. A bit of a low play, maybe, but if you were going to play a game of “But Wait!” you had to expect those kinds of things. 

Taking his time, Kokichi walked up through the castle, empty, but not with the feeling of it. There was the vibe that this place was home to dozens, and a favorite place of hundreds, and just...there happened to be no people around him right then. Secluded, but not truly alone. 

Kokichi made it up to his room and walked over to his closet, gently placing the box down in a back corner. And, as far as Kokichi was concerned, nothing could touch that closet. It was a place of safety. 

He walked over to the window and opened it up, letting in a warm breeze, before letting out a loud whistle, calling Chase back home. 

As Alter Ego hissed at Chase, who had the panther up a literal mountain sized tree at the moment, the overgrown cat looked a little surprised when Chase turned around, heading back to the castle. Huffing, calming down her racing, kitty heart, Alter Ego reluctantly followed the massive pup, which got less and less massive, but walked straight forward still, eventually walking through the air as the brown lab ran into an open window of the castle, excitedly licking Kokichi’s cheek.

Alter Ego, hopping onto the window sill, now just a cat, gave the slobbery puppy a mildly disgusted look, her tail flicking in irritation, as she grumbled to Kokichi, “Low blow, human.”

Kokichi grinned as he gave Chase, now the size she was when they left, all sorts of pets, giving the good girl a good reward. And a better one in the dried beef treats in his pocket. What a good girl, greeting a friend and letting him get away. 

Of course, to just invite that friend right back. 

Giving Alter Ego a sheepish smile, Kokichi offered a hand. “Sorry. You’d chase me wherever I went so...the solution is to make you not want to be there, right? Considering I live with a puppy, it all seemed to fit together.”

“...did you wanna see the box?”

“It was a good idea. There are methods you can use to make it more difficult, or in some cases even impossible, for me to see where you are, which means you’d have an easier time losing me. There are methods to kick me out of your mind, or get me horribly lost, going around in circles fruitlessly. There are methods to get me to forget what I was doing in the first place, or where I am, or to trap me somewhere I am convinced I cannot escape…”

Leaping into Kokichi’s arms, she nuzzled against his chest, giving the puppy a dark look, who was so excited her cat friend was back!!... but wasn’t jumping or trying to fuss with her, because she was a good puppy and was currently chewing on treats. “But making the environment something I would avoid? Is an extremely good option, and I’m thrilled you came up with it. It’s intelligent and flexible.”

Alter Ego looked up at Kokichi…and then said, “I would like to see the box. But I’d like you to flex your strength for a moment, not just your intelligence. A battle of willpower.” Alter Ego sighed, “What I’d like to do next might be alarming, but your energy is strong enough to handle it. It’s just a matter of making you flex that muscle. To physically push my influence out of your mind. Not forcing me gone. Just sort of like…arm wrestling.”

“...we don’t have to do it this time. It can be upsetting. Would you like to wait?” Alter Ego asked, “You’ve made improvement already. Either way today’s been a good lesson.”

Kokichi glowed a bit at the praise, pleased that he’d been on the right track. He knew what they’d done wasn’t accurate to what the situation would be like if someone was maliciously trying to find information from him...but it was a first step in understanding what to do in that sort of situation. Outrunning or hiding in different memories would only buy you time, which was still helpful, but a match would only be over if he could convince his intruder to leave. Or any of the other options Alter Ego had said. 

He laughed softly as he found himself with an armful of cat again, giving Alter Ego some pets too, but...he soon sobered. They had already done a lot...but if Alter Ego thought he could do it…

“...how does that work--pushing your influence out, but not you? Would it just be like...believing that you can’t change anything while in my consciousness?” 

“Do you remember when you and I were both resizing a copper piece?” Alter Ego said, certain Kokichi did, of course, but just wanting to bring him back to that memory. “I made it smaller, you made it bigger? And because this is your dream, and you have similar power levels to myself right now, ultimately, you were able to make the copper as big as you wanted, and I couldn’t resize it at all? You remember that force of will that took?”

“It’s like that, but for you. Your conscious, self-aware part of you. Making me stop resizing the copper piece didn’t kick me out of the dream, it just subdued my ability to manipulate things within yours. You essentially overpowered and dampened my abilities over the physical environment of your mind.”

“This will feel like that sort of effort, but...think of it as like that, but I got you a little high before we had our arm wrestling match,” Alter Ego explained, enjoying the pets, but not letting it distract him, “You’ll be confused. Your head will be a little foggy, fuzzy. A truly powerful empath can make you forget entirely who you are and go from there. Me? I intend to make you forget you are dreaming. Your willpower is the ability to think through the fog and force me to stop.”

Alter Ego turned his golden eyes up to Kokichi. “Do you understand? If that sounds like too much, we don’t have to try tonight.”

Kokichi mood dropped, as it always did when he and Alter Ego talked about the more...extreme things powerful empaths were capable of. Some of the points he could even see why someone might be tempted to use it, but...in the end, Kokichi felt himself think about it more and more like the death penalty in Dicea. To entirely re-write a person...it was no better than killing them. You just...happened to be leaving an entirely new person in their place. 

The fact that some people were tempted...it was just all the more important for him to learn how to protect himself. 

Taking a breath, Kokichi nodded. “I wanna give it a shot, at least. I’ll...try to think clearly and stop you from making me forget.”

“...but if… I know failure is a part of learning.” Kokichi’s eyes slid off to the side, his voice quiet. “But if...it seems like I’m straining too much? I want to stop. I can’t get sick when it’s just me and Shuu-chan. There are other people around, but...I can’t leave him on his own like that. Not because of something I’m doing on purpose.”

Alter Ego nodded. “I will be gentle. In fact, I will use a scenario that should make it more obvious to notice something is wrong. And if you put too much force into it, I will drop my end of it. You have my word.”

And with that, the cat, and Chase, were gone, and from the bathroom, Kaito called, “Hey, babe? Have you seen my medication? I can’t find mine or Shuuichi’s anywhere.”

In Kokichi’s mind, came a whisper. 

(You’ve put it in a locked box and hidden it.)

(You wanted it to be safe.)

Kaito came out of the bathroom, wearing nothing but a towel, his hair still wet from the shower, giving Kokichi a mildly nervous grin as he said, “Shit, I’m gonna beat the shit out of myself if I’ve lost it, just to spare Maki the effort. You seen it anywhere, ‘Kichi?”

Like his mentor had said, a sort of fog came over Kokichi’s mind, and he just sat dumbly for a moment before Kaito came out of the bathroom. And, immediately, his heart melted a little bit. His lovely husband… He was always happy to see Kaito.

(But right now, it was more than that. It was Kokichi elated to see Kaito, just wanted to run into his husband’s arms as he cried happy tears and talked his ears off about...everything.)

But as it was...Kokichi just stood up from the window seat, giving Kaito a more regular smile. 

...why would he hide the medicine, even to keep it safe? Kaito and Shuuichi were both more than responsible about taking it, and it wasn’t like they were worried about thieves. 

So, he’d had a different reason. 

“Mm, no,” he lied, starting to look around the room, giving himself more time. “I’ll help you look for it, though. Maybe the bottles fell behind the dresser?”

Alter Ego listened to Kokichi’s reasoning, and felt his stress level… still even. Happy, in fact. He was okay. It would probably be okay to just turn the temperature a little up…

Kaito’s eyes widened, suddenly looking at Kokichi in almost horrified concern, as he glanced at the front door. He stepped closer to his husband, and keeping his voice low, he said, “The dresser? What was it doing on the dresser? ‘Kichi, we can’t just leave that stuff laying anywhere, what if Shuuichi walked in and found it?”

(You locked away the pollen that your aunt and Shuuichi’s doctor entrusted you with.)

(Shuuichi’s going through the worst of his recovery, and you’re starting to worry he’ll really go looking for it.)

Frustrated and worried, Kaito went to the dresser, pulling it out and saying, “Fuck, Maki’s never going to trust me with this shit again if I lose those damn stickers… Fuck.”

Kokichi stiffened, afraid he’d done something horrifically wrong, that he’d set up Shuuichi for failure--his faith was always being let down, proven wrong, given where it shouldn’t be, he was always setting his loved ones up for failure, making them fall into a trap when he was supposed to be protecting them-

(Then why was Kaito asking for his own medicine? He had never taken the stickers, even when he was on pollen.)

Narrowing his eyes a little, Kokichi still looked around the dresser. “I was talking about your medicine, that you and Shuu-chan usually keep on the dresser. Why are you talking about stickers?”

Oh interesting. Kokichi noticed the reboot. Alter Ego’s ear twitched, watching this carefully. Stress levels were up, but Kokichi was more confused than panicked. Should he try another reboot? If it was Shuuichi asking… but no, if Kokichi was noticing the reboots, he’d definitely know something was up if Kaito changed into Shuuichi…

...but if he… merged the two memories…

It wasn’t something Alter Ego had ever tried to do before. But, well, if Kokichi was on the verge of working it out either way, trying something bold wouldn’t harm anything. Kokichi would still get practice subduing him. So…sure, why not. Let’s give that a try.

Kaito suddenly looked up at Kokichi, embarrassed and a little angry, frustrated with how badly he wanted it…but he couldn’t maintain eye contact, ashamed of himself as he grumbled, “Come on, ‘Kichi… You don’t have to be mean about it. I haven't had my dose today… I swear, I haven't.”

Kaito gave Kokichi a tired look and tried to grin. Nervously popping his joints, exhaustion in his face as he said, “Look, I’ll close my eyes, okay? You don’t want me to see where you hid them, right? I’ll close my eyes, and you can just bring me my dose, and I’ll just have the one… Seiko said I could have one a day. It’s allowed.”

(Kaito’s medication is his daily dose of pollen.)

(You are hiding the medication somewhere safe from your addicted, recovering lover.)

(You should bring him his medication.)

Kokichi frowned, feeling...like he had to tread carefully. It was hard, arguing against someone going through withdrawal. Their body was convinced they were dying, and they reacted appropriately to that. 

(No.)

(But Kaito had never been addicted. He had never craved the pollen, spores.)

(...don’t argue with Kaito about that.)

Kokichi suddenly looked around, wary and suspicious. Their room...without the figures Kaito had painted together with Tim. Without Shuuichi’s things. Kaito’s things looking like he barely touched them. 

...Kokichi closed his eyes, feeling around. 

Alter Ego shivered, feeling a gaze on the back of his neck. His fur starting to raise on end… He had to try to distract him…

Kaito’s brow furrowed, his hands tightening into fists, as he said, “Kokichi, come on, please! This isn’t fair!”

(And, because Alter Ego had only ever explored surface memories, they had no idea how entirely wrong this would sound coming out of Kaito’s mouth, didn’t really know much about her other than Kokichi saw her as an aunt and at one point she had been in charge of doses)

Kaito frowned and grumbled, “Miss Nao would have given me my dose by now… she wouldn’t hold it over my head like this.”

The tone of Kaito’s voice had nearly broken Kokichi out of it, his concern for his husband strong enough to distract from most things, honestly, but what he said next… Kokichi could only give Kaito an absolutely bewildered look. No matter the universe, hearing those words come out of Kaito’s mouth...there was something almost inherently wrong with it. 

Closing his eyes again, Kokichi went back to that other wrong feeling he found, almost seeming like he was sleepwalking as he came over to the bed and...reached out…

Shoot, that had made it worse… Where had Alter Ego gone wrong? Kokichi didn’t even really feel confused anymore. He knew something was wrong, and…

“Meow?” Alter Ego sighed, Kokichi’s hands on his head.

Behind Kokichi, Kaito said with some confusion, “When did we get a cat? We seriously got a cat before we got my fish?”

Kokichi opened his eyes, looking down at a golden cat under his hand. For some reason...this cat made him happy. Feeling safe, yet challenged in a fun way. Kokichi smiled, hopping onto the bed himself and pet his hand down the length of the cat’s body. 

“At this rate Shuu-chan’s gonna get his snake before you get your fish, Kai-chan. I really should get you a tank for Unity to light a fire under your butt.” Kokichi flicked his eyes up at his husband, teasing, but a little sad. “...I really hope you make it back before then.”

...this was a dream. A weird mish-mash of wrong memories in a dream. And this cat was the answer, but...it didn’t feel like a problem. This cat felt like a friend.

Kaito suddenly looked…conflicted. The memory struggling with how Kokichi was interpreting him, but also trying to follow what Alter Ego was dictating...and those two things directly conflicted. He wanted to joke that he was waiting for Kokichi to come with him to a pet store, that getting his fish required his lover by his side, supporting him! At the exact same time, he wanted to yell at Kokichi, just desperate for his dose now… Why wasn’t he allowed to have his dose?? What was… what was happening…

Alter Ego purred slightly under Kokichi’s hands, but looked at him. “The memory of your husband is suffering. I’m starting to feel kind of bad… You need to make me stop. Just feel for my power. Feel for my…my energy around him. Like hands on his skin, or strings on his limbs. And with your own power, take them off.”

Kokichi almost looked surprised that the cat was talking but...this was okay. How it should be. And, looking back up at Kaito…

Kokichi sighed and got back off the bed, going up to his husband, frowning at the struggling, conflicted look on his face. His poor husband… 

...always caught in the machinations of others. Never allowed to make his own choices. Stuck with that...despair of not being enough, not being able to change anyone else…

Kokichi’s expression hardened as he firmly put his arms around Kaito’s waist, holding him tight as he growled, “No one gets to mess with you. Not anymore. I promised to protect you, and now...I can.”

Almost reminiscent of a dream forgotten, Kokichi’s body flashed with a bright light, but this time the light transferred over to Kaito’s body too. Not permeating him, but just covering him, like a suit. And then, all at once, the light flared outward like a firework, making all of Kokichi’s knick knacks and the dishes they’d left on the desk rattle gently for a moment. 

Then Kokichi stepped back, again, though missing and landing on his ass, the room looking...much more lived in. More things in it, three distinct styles clashing a bit, but all living together. A warm breeze wafted in through the window.

Alter Ego felt the pressure of Kokichi’s force, coming over his own. He felt Kokichi start to push, and the cat was proud at the immediate strength there was in it…but he let his own side fall immediately, upon the first bit of pressure. He had promised Kokichi he would not risk wearing him out, and he had meant it. It was enough to know Kokichi knew how to start.

As Alter Ego’s influence entirely left the dream, Kaito’s face became healthier, looking less strained and stressed out, like he was going through withdrawal. His expression evened out from desperate uncertainty to general, light confusion, looking mildly startled as Kokichi hugged around his waist. And when Kokichi stepped back…

Kaito looked around the room. Looking pleased and relaxed, a small, confident grin on his face as he sighed, enjoying the breeze. “That’s better…”

Then those magenta eyes widened, and Kaito grinned at Kokichi warmly, before saying with cheer in his voice, “Thanks babe. I know you will. I believe in you.” Kaito suddenly chuckled, giving Kokichi a thumbs up as he said, “A good hero has a good supporting cast! And you’re the best of all of them! I know you won’t let me down!”

Then he relaxed, just looking at Kokichi fondly. “Love you, Kokichi. I’ll be home soon, okay?”

And then he was gone.

Alter Ego watched this all quietly, before saying, “Your view of your husband is very upbeat. He seems nice. He…” Her ear twitched, recent, painful memories of the last year, so hard for her to look at… ”He was nice. I liked him.”

Then Alter Ego sighed, letting the still too painful memories go. Maybe one day he’d be able to look at the last year of most of their lives more fully…but not yet. It was too painful. Looking back to Kokichi, he said, “You did very well. I’m sorry if that got rough there for a moment. I was trying to be obvious about it, but at the same time, I still had to at least try to keep you in the dream…but you were very quick, to realize something was off, and when you were finally ready to take my power away, your force was strong and steady and confident. That was an excellent first attempt. I’m incredibly pleased with it.”

Looking over at the closet, Alter Ego said lightly, “I never was able to get your box… Now I am curious. What is your favorite color?”

Kokichi looked up at the memory of his husband with something...almost edging into rapture. Something relieved and longing and, above all, fond. “You better,” he murmured, knowing that their actual reunion was going to be...a lot messier. Kokichi bawling against the man while he hugged so tight he’d never let go, and Shuuichi hiding tears, still conflicted over why Kaito left in the first place, but so happy he was back, but he’d wait until they had some privacy before showing any of it, scooped up into Kaito’s arms while he whispered apologies and reassurances that he wasn’t going anywhere else…

It hadn’t even been a full week, and already Kokichi’s daydreams had gotten the better of him. 

But even with his own feelings full and thrashing, he didn’t miss that little sigh from Alter Ego. ...Kaito had mentioned that he’d made friends with a lot of the party during their long trip. Again, Kokichi felt the inkling to ask...but it was obvious that it was still...fresh. So, instead he simply reached out to pet Alter Ego a little more, happily taking in the success of their experiment, before he chuckled, heading back into the closet. 

Returning to the cat’s side, Kokichi quirked a mischievous smile as he opened the two locks, slowly opening the lid. “...I wasn’t sure how well enlisting Chase would work, so I enlisted a plan b.”

Inside the box, wasn’t...really much of anything, not even some mystical rush of knowledge. There was just a piece of paper, propped up to be seen when the box opened. On it, was a drawing of Kokichi with cat ears, sticking his tongue out with a wink, with the words, “Nice Catch!!” on it.

“My favorite color is rainbow.”

Alter Ego looked at the box in surprise…before giving out a small, happy little laugh. Realizing he had literally no idea where the original box actually was...

“Good job,” he said. “I’m proud of you.”

-

Shuuichi kept going back and forth from being embarrassed at how pissed off and grumpy he frequently was, to not really giving a shit, to embarrassed again.

He...he knew he shouldn’t be petty. He knew he wasn’t the focus of anyone's world. That was not his issue, that was always Kaito’s beef. Shuuichi was practical and intelligent and understood that this was just how things were and he could deal with it.

But with Maki off to die a stupid death and Kaito running off out of some duty to his title and his mentor still not returning his letters, Shuuichi was just a…little fucking pissed off with the world, okay!??

...and he was...trying not to burden Kokichi with that. It wasn’t fair to be mean and salty to the only person in their group who was even still around.

But yeah. Shuuichi wasn’t feeling that great about things, lately. 

As Shuuichi sat by the window, pre-class study guides he had been skimming through now abandoned beside him, Shuuichi leaned against the window edge and idly rubbed his stomach and bitterly argued with himself if he even really wanted to go to school. What was the point… What was the point of being a detective in a place like this. To be both a detective and a parent, doing, what…? What did detectives do, when they were freelance? He honestly didn’t know, and it scared him that he didn’t know. Detectives worked independent of the guardforce here. Independent of the legal system. So, what…

Shuuichi’s mouth pressed together, and he wondered if he was going to end up being one of those petty case by case detectives, making their next dollar investigating if people were having affairs for their paranoid spouses. He had read a book like that, once. He remembered how baffled he had been, that a detective would have to stoop that low for work… Was that gonna be him??

Nnnngh… He knew this was probably irrational. He should just ask a freelance detective what it was they did. Maybe it wasn’t pointless dribble as he was imagining. It probably wasn’t, honestly…but his mind kept going to the worst case scenarios, and he was having a hard time stopping…

...he wished Maki or Kaito were here… Maki would just force him to face his fears and go find out, rolling her eyes at his hesitation. Kaito would just assure him Shuuichi could make the best of it and be the kind of detective he wanted to be regardless of what detective work was like here.

...and he was afraid if he asked Kokichi, his boyfriend would just confirm that was the kind of work he should be expecting.

Nnnngh…

It was actually a few minutes after it started that Shuuichi realized it was snowing again. Oh… Another flurry…

Kokichi hummed to himself as he climbed the stairs, carefully going back to their room. It was some old Unity song that he heard people downstairs singing, and, as those kinds of songs were wont to do, got stuck in his head just from a few notes. It wasn’t so bad, it wasn’t an annoying song or anything, but he had a feeling he’d start to feel that way after a few hours of it repeating in his head. 

Hopefully Shuuichi would be up to chatting. Kokichi was doing his best to keep the atmosphere up, but...well, he knew Shuuichi couldn’t really help being moody. It only made him wish there was more he could do. 

But this would be one of those things!

Carefully shouldering open their door, Kokichi took a deep breath of the rich hot chocolate he’d gotten from Chako, figuring that they should start off being snowed in right. Seeing Shuuichi curled up next to the window, his study guides off to the side… Kokichi took a breath before coming over. 

“It’s crazy, huh. It just keeps going and going...at some point you’d think the sky would run out of water, but no. It’s gonna keep going ‘til we’re over our heads in snow. But that doesn’t mean we can’t warm ourselves up!” Offering one of the mugs, Kokichi gave his boyfriend a wink. “Chako put in extra marshmallows, just for us.”

Shuuichi watched his boyfriend enter, trying to shake the dark cloud that had started steadily forming him for the last few hours. Again, this wasn’t Kokichi’s fault. Kokichi was the only person who hadn’t abandoned him this month. Tch. Tch. All that fucking talk of…of being there for him during the pregnancy. All that talk of how he wasn’t in this alone…

Shuuichi felt his eyes redden with furious tears for a second, before the feeling left him just as quickly, just leaving him tired and a little embarrassed again. Giving Kokichi a small smile, he took the hot chocolate, saying quietly, “That was nice of her… Thank you.”

As Shuuichi blew lightly on the mug before taking a small, testing sip, he went back to looking out the window. “It’s pretty, when it does this…”

He hoped it wasn’t snowing where Maki was.

Or Kaito and Tim, for that matter.

He hoped those assholes were inside and warm somewhere…

He frowned. Giving Kokichi a confused look. “...over our heads?”

Shuuichi seemed...reserved, but not entirely adverse to company, so after taking his own mug and setting the tray aside, Kokichi climbed onto the other end of the window seat, starting to watch the heavy flurries of snow himself. Nodding a bit, Kokichi watched the growing, untouched blankets of snow fall over the city. “People are sayin’ that this is the big snowstorm of the season. Thankfully, we’ve all been prepared for a while. Usually we’ll get...I dunno, ten feet or so? And no one but snow couriers go outside while it’s that bad. Just gotta wait it out until it’s warm or dry enough that more snow won’t just undo any efforts to clear pathways.”

...he was glad that Maki and the others were likely through the mountains already, avoiding the worst of the snow. Granted, they weren’t really working on a time limit, but being stuck in some random town for a week or two would really suck.

Kaito and Tim on the other hand… The mountains were always weird, the air pressure doing weird things to the moisture in the air. They were likely only getting a little more snow if any change, but...well. He’d just hope that the travel routes could be dug out in time for them to come home.

Giving a slightly teasing, slightly apologetic look to Shuuichi, Kokichi chuckled softly. “Hope you weren’t itching to go shopping tomorrow.”

Shuuichi frowned, sipping at his hot chocolate, as he said, “I didn’t really have any plans, no…”

Golden eyes looked with concern out at the snowy field.  There were already a few inches right now… “But it won’t really. Right? Get taller than the doors… Over our heads? That’s a figure of speech?”

Kokichi wasn’t prone to exaggeration, as far as Shuuichi had ever worked out, but…for it to be ten feet high? It’d have to snow heavily, non-stop. Right? For a long time? Certainly it wouldn’t…actually?

Kokichi raised an eyebrow. He knew his family wasn’t used to snow, but...he’d been warning them for months. “No? I mean it pretty literally. It’s gonna be dumping buckets of snow for...probably a few days, actually, maybe more, and it’s just not going to be worth the effort to dig everything out until it stops. We’re gonna be snowed in pretty literally, though I guess it’s technically possible to force the doors open. Just gonna hit a wall of snow though.”

Shuuichi nodded, as if he understood, sipping on his hot chocolate…and glanced out the window. Already kind of suspecting he’d see the flurry lighten. It didn’t usually snow very hard for very long, so far…

Maybe everyone was exaggerating? A wall of snow? It couldn’t actually…but Shuuichi just nodded again, as if he believed Kokichi. “Oh,” he said, sipping his drink. “Interesting. That will be something to see.”

-

It was Hajime, the next day, who had stopped by and said to Kokichi and Shuuichi, “You guys wanna step out with me and Chiaki? We’re gonna go breath some fresh air before it’s impossible to step up over the ledge!”

He and his girlfriend had both decided to wait out the storm in the castle, rather than their apartment. It was the safer option, of the two, and Hajime had worriedly told his girlfriend that he wanted to be available if Shuichi or Kokichi needed anything. “If Kokichi gets sick and Shuichi gets… more pregnant??” Hajime said, because Shuichi had blown up way too early, he was pretty sure, for a normal pregnancy, and he was worried the guy was just going to keep on growing (“Fuck, what the hell, is he having triplets or something?? Does everyone get that big at five months?? No, right???”), “I just want to be available.”

Chiaki had given him a long, blank look, processing… before smiling, and nodding. They had packed up and gotten a spare room an hour later.

Meanwhile, Shuichi, who had been reading in bed, looked at Hajime like he was crazy. “...ledge?”

“Yeah. Am I not using the right word? Like… before the snow’s too high to step over?”

It was one of the upsides Kokichi had always appreciated about the yearly freeze. Every building was made with the intention of being able to withstand tons of snow, and, at least in Usot, they’d long since transferred away from unreliable pipe heating, but still there were always people who chose to stay in the castle during the storm. It made sense logistically too, since if anyone really did need emergency supplies, couriers would be able to have one stop for a majority of deliveries. 

And since for years it had always felt like Kokichi was stuck in the castle anyway...it was sort of like people coming to him, instead of the other way around. 

He was especially happy that Hajime and Chiaki were staying this year, because he liked them, yeah, but because playing board and card games with Chiaki was always a blast, even if he ended up losing most of the time. 

So Kokichi was happy to take a quick walk outside with friends. “Yeah, totally! Just lemme bundle up first,” he chirped, hopping off bed to head to the closet before rolling his eyes a little, giving Hajime an exasperated look. “Shuu-chan doesn’t believe me when I say the city’s turning into a giant ice cube. I’ve lived here all my life, tell the guy I’ve seen snow block the windows on the second floor before, and he still thinks it’s gonna be a little sprinkle.”

Hajime gave Shuichi a mildly concerned look, before saying, “He’s right, you know. We’re going to be buried before too long. You really don’t believe him?”

“It’s not that I… don’t believe him…” Shuichi said non-committedly, also getting up to go put clothes on, shaking off Hajime’s wordless offer of assistance (honestly, he didn’t need help with everything...sheesh…), “...I’m just having a difficult time imagining it.”

And also having a difficult time believing him.

Sure, the snow still hadn’t stopped but… there was no way it really could keep going like this. It wasn’t practical. At least in Luminary, during the intense heatwaves, all that happened was the sun ruined their crops. It’s not like you literally were trapped anywhere… though traveling became admittedly a lot riskier, even over short distances. But the idea of opening the door and just seeing a wall of anything??

People were prone to telling tall tales. That had to be one.

Still, Shuichi obligingly got dressed, feeling in a slightly better--or at the very least more stable-- mood today, and when they met Chiaki down at one of the side doors to the courtyard, she blankly held up an assortment of…

Shuichi blinked. “...why did you put tennis rackets on boots?”

“So you don’t sink into the snow.” Hajime said simply, accepting his loves offered boots and starting to put them on himself, “They’re easy to use in the snow, but be careful before we walk out there. They can slide on the tiles sometimes.”

Kokichi accepted the snowshoes from Chiaki with a thanks before looking back at Shuuichi in concern. “That’s a point, actually… They can be kind of hard to walk in if you’re not used to it. Maybe Shuu-chan should only strap ‘em on when we get to the door.”

“Sure, you could just trudge through snow, but you’re at a higher risk of freezing your legs and feet if you do, even with protective clothes,” Kokichi explained a little more as the group walked over to the back door. The front was probably tamped down more from latecomers hoping to snag a room in the castle, but that meant there was probably packed ice under the fresh snow, and for people just taking a walk, it’d be more trouble than it’s worth. “But using snowshoes, it distributes your weight on top of the snow so, one, you don’t have to drag your legs through feet of snow with every step, and two, you can stay dryer and warmer.”

Already it looked like the snow was about mid-thigh for Kokichi, and it was still falling. Though, Hajime and Chiaki had chosen a good time, a slight break in the winds, at least, so they could enjoy their time. 

Kokichi giggled softly. “And you get to kinda feel like a snow hare. That’s what snowshoe tracks always remind me of, at least.”

Shuichi frowned, wondering if he could politely back out of this endeavor… but, he knew poor Kokichi had been having a rough time dealing with his mood swings, lately. Shuichi could make an effort here. He didn’t actually feel bad today. It just seemed like this was going to be haaaard.

But, still… Shuichi smiled wanly, “A snow hare, huh? Is that just any hare you see in the snow?”

“I don’t know, man, aren’t you the guy who knows everything?” Hajime asked, entirely meaning it to tease, as he knelt down to help Shuichi put his shoes on, Shuichi entirely unable to bend over, just leaning against the door frame. 

Shuichi pouted a little… before sighing, “No. I don’t know everything. But it’s always been incredibly useful to give the illusion I do. It’s more difficult to pull off that illusion in a different country, admittedly. I know very little about Dicea in general, let alone the details.”

“You’re in the tutorial phase. That’s always a little frustrating.” Chiaki said, double checking Kokichi’s shoe straps, before asking him, “Could you look at mine?”

The little glance Kokichi gave his boyfriend, seeing that pout was kind of...guilty. It was less often these days, but feeling like he was the one responsible for pulling his friends into a place they didn’t understand was something that he’d feel every now and then before it left. It was important to acknowledge it, and know that it wasn’t true, and let it go…

“I’m not actually sure if they’re a different species entirely, or just wild hares with winter coats… But they’re always pure white and have longer, thicker fur, and they make these cute little feathered tracks in the snow, like they’re making Swan Maidens with their back paws with every hop! They burrow in the snow too, making dens where they can.”

Crouching, Kokichi checked on Chiaki’s straps, making sure they were snug and secure, giving her a thumbs up when they were. “You’re equipped and ready to go!”

Carefully, when they got to the door and already there was a big mound of snow to step on top of, Kokichi took a deep breath, enjoying that sharp coldness--even if it made his nose go pink immediately--for the time he could. Though...there was the issue of getting up on top of the snow in the first place…

Using the doorframe, Kokichi hoisted himself up on top of the snow, and...hopefully the others would catch his drift. Kokichi held his arms out to his boyfriend, knowing fully well he couldn’t take Shuuichi’s full weight, but hoping to be enough of an anchor for him. “Lemme give you a hand! Like I said, it’s kinda weird.”

Shuichi looked a little nervous. He had though he’d be able to step high enough to make it, but now that he had the shoes on? Plus the general difficulty of maneuvering around his stomach? This might be impossible…

But he smiled, giving Kokichi an appreciative, if wary, smile as his boyfriend got himself up first, then reached down for him. That was incredibly sweet... and incredibly unlikely. Kokichi was so skinny… maybe Shuichi should just bow out- “Augh!”

“Chiaki, get up there to grab his other hand, yeah?” Hajime grunted, his knees bending a little, and his face a little red from effort, but he had Shuichi laid out in his arms (while Shuichi looked borderline panicked, not having been ready to be swept off his feet at all). But as Chiaki took a second to process what Hajime said, she nodded, quickly making her way up to Kokichi, joining him in reaching out for Shuichi. 

Placing Shuichi’s feet on the snow, Chiaki and Kokichi both grabbing an arm, Hajime called out, “Alright, I’m pushing, you guys pull!”

Shuichi was beat red by all this, so embarrassed… but all of it was happening too quickly for him for him to protest, and Hajime pushed, they pulled--

Shuichi blinked, a little flustered and confused, but now standing in the snow. “Nng...that was weird…”

“I don’t think so.” Hajime said simply, getting up next to him, and that clearly being all he had to say on the subject, “Chiaki, Kokichi! High five?”

Kokichi looked a little surprised that Hajime just picked Shuuichi up--Kaito was right, those shoulders were nothing to scoff at--but there wasn’t time to even comment before he was planting himself as well as he could in the snow, pulling, and-! Kokichi giggled as he fell back into the snow, unbothered by it as he grinned up at Shuuichi, appreciating the image of his sweet, confused boyfriend out in the snow. 

Getting back up onto his feet and shaking the snow off, Kokichi hopped to give Hajime and Chiaki a high five. “Team effort! Reminds me of my dad practically tossing me up onto the snow drifts when I was little.”

His steps were high and a little exaggerated, hoping to convey that to Shuuichi silently as well, as he went over to his boyfriend’s side, claiming his hand. “I bet the girls would still be excited to somehow do laps in this, but I’m looking forward to a nice, leisurely walk while we can still get outside. We can go back when you’re done though, okay? I know you aren’t the biggest fan of bein’ outside while it’s cold as all heck.” Carefully, Kokichi stood as tall as he could to press a quick kiss to Shuuichi’s red cheek before hiding back in the relative warmth of his scarf.

Shuichi now that he wasn’t… quite as overwhelmed, smiled at the little kiss, squeezing his hand back… before laughing softly. “Ah… it’s silly. It’s only been a few days, but I actually kind of miss them?”

The girls had been off for the weekends, as usual, but a message had been sent to the castle yesterday from both of their parents that the girls would be staying home while the storm was going on. Today would make it the fourth day without a training session now, and Shuichi hadn’t realized how… comforting that habit had become. The girls being a very cheerful and enthusiastic start to the day, even if it was difficult to keep up with their energy, really. 

“And I say we take our time out here. I mean… it’s hard to think the snow will get any higher than this. But the fact that it’s already this high? Could be awhile before we come out again…”

At this, Shuichi really looked around and… “It’s so white.” he mused, fussing with his hat with his other hand, and then adjusting his own scarf, “It’s almost kind of scary. The walls around the castle are suddenly so short.”

“I know what you mean. Maki-chan and Kai-chan’s lessons seem way more, like, useful but...it’s been fun, teaching them to tumble an’ stuff. I can already tell Kimiko’s gonna put her ace form at bridging into use--I’m glad Tsumugi has a good sense of humor about it all.” Kokichi was a little more worried about Cali’s parents, but...well, there wasn’t much to do until the storm passed. Then he could at least hope to provide the young girl with an outlet for her energy. 

Kokichi rolled his eyes again at Shuuichi’s complete denial that, yes, really, it was going to get higher than this, but he looked around the backyard as they started their walk, Hajime and Chiaki just ahead, doing their own thing. It almost looked like a completely different place, all covered in snow. 

He laughed softly, leaning against Shuuichi’s arm for a moment. “Yeah? It really is the best time for a clean getaway… Easier to get over the fence--if you’re prepared for the ice--and the snow will cover your tracks if people aren’t immediately following you…” Kokichi’s voice went soft with nostalgia, though he could only shake his head and laugh at the notion. “Really terrible for the actual ‘being away’ part, though. Everywhere’s closed and you’d be a fool to even think about traveling on foot. Any burrowing animals would beat you to the chase in foraging for edible roots if you didn’t pack enough… Home is the best place to be for the winter.”

“Or, someplace that doesn’t really have a winter, I guess,” he hummed. “I can’t imagine Kai-chan would be thrilled to have another Dicean winter after this one.”

Shuichi listened quietly. It sounded like Kokichi knew this from experience. It was still a little… bizarre, sometimes. To equal Kokichi’s life from before they had all gotten here, to now. Shuichi had read the reports of Kokichi’s medical history, of course, he had understood why the restrictions in Kokichi’s childhood had been put on him, but…it really did sound like Kokichi had been perfectly capable of leaving the castle on his own from a young age. Shuichi sometimes wondered how no one else had noticed.

He was interrupted from that thought when Kokichi brought up Kaito’s likely future annoyance at winter, and Shuichi frowned as he remembered, “Ah, right… the trips back to Luminary during the winters. That was something you two were talking about…”

Frowning, Shuichi carefully, slowly, moved with Kokichi, taking exaggerated steps on the snow, trying to keep his balance… before he confessed, “I’m not exactly thrilled with the idea…”

“...I’m not really either…” he sighed. “Like I told him, I don’t think I would ever spend a whole season away, and...admittedly, I am hoping that things would be...better. If Kai-chan wanted to snowbird for the winter.”

Whether better just meant Remnant influence eradicated and the riots ended, however they did, or if there really was a change in structure in how Luminary ran...at the very least, better in that Kokichi wouldn’t be any more worried about his husband being killed than he was over Kaito helping the effort in Bern right now. 

“...you wouldn’t have to go with him, you know. Shuu-chan can choose to be wherever he wants, just like Kai-chan can. You two aren’t prisoners in the castle or in the country...but it will always be a home if you want to hang your hat.”

Kokichi had opened his mouth to say more, but closed it right away, instead lifting a gloved hand to catch fat clumps of snowflakes and see if he could parse any designs in them. 

It was nothing but a fool’s game to plan around a wish, but...Kokichi was hoping that they wouldn’t have a required trip to Luminary ever. That...it wouldn’t matter if Baby was Momota blood, because Momota didn’t mean royalty anymore. It wasn’t something he could ever say to Kaito, and he had a feeling Shuuichi would just think he was being naive again, but...well, it was a wish all the same. And it’d bring the mood down so...he kept his mouth shut. 

“Have you ever made paper snowflakes, Shuu-chan?”

“I know. I just wish he wouldn’t go either. I don’t like the idea of Kaito leaving for months at a time.” Shuichi said plainly, “Especially to visit Byakuya, of all people… I mean, I know there are plenty of other people he could see, with a long visit back. But…” Shuichi shrugged. He just didn’t want Kaito to go.

Shuichi glanced down at Kokichi, looking at the little flakes of snow in his hand, before shaking his head. “No. I don’t think I have. How does it work?”

Yeah. Other than the political climate in Luminary… Kokichi wished so bad they could just cut all ties with Byakuya, but...even if they could regarding his station...he didn’t think Kaito ever would. And that was just...why Kokichi couldn’t argue it more. Because despite how horrible he was to him, Kaito still loved his brother. For all of Kaito’s nerves when it came to how “easily” it seemed that Kokichi forgave people...Kaito’s relationship with his brother was the scariest version of that he’d ever seen. 

Shaking his hand of snow, Kokichi grinned and started to explain. “There are a lot of different types, but the most classic is folding a piece of paper around a central axis, so it’s like you folded up a circle, right? Then, without cutting all the way through the creases, you make all these tiny cut-outs that make a pattern when you unfold the circle. We should make some when we get back! Ooh! And tape them to the ceiling, so we have our own little snowscape inside!”

Shuichi smiled fondly at Kokichi’s enthusiasm, before looking around with a somewhat incredulous look, as he said, “What? All of this isn't enough? You have to bring some snow in our room as well?”

But Shuichi was just teasing, and said after a small laugh, “Sure, we could do that. Though, between the two of us, Kokichi, I am not sure who is going to manage to get onto the ceiling and- Kokichi!”

Shuichi wasn’t a bodyguard in any way, and had been thoroughly distracted by talk of snowflakes and vertical challenges, and so he could only stare in dumb confusion as his boyfriends face was suddeny covered in snow. He did manage to catch him though, steadying his shoulders as he looked at where the snowy assailment had come from.

Grinning in the distance, Chiaki furiously making a wall for them to hide behind still, Hajime laughed and shoute to them, “Sorry about that! Meant to hit your chest! Missed!”

Kokichi snickered. “Hey, if we’re gonna be surrounded by snow, then it’s only fair we save some for everyone to see when they come back! And the snow they’re probably seein’ doesn’t count! Even if the scant amount they’re prolly seein’ is the kind tha--PFFFBTTBT!”

Making a sound more akin to an elephant--though Kokichi had never seen one in real life, and thus would never make the comparison--than a horse for once, Kokichi stood in shock for a moment before he shook his face of snow, looking over at Hajime and Chiaki in wonder. He hadn’t seen it coming at all.

Kokichi grinned widely. 

He’d really wanted to see Maki and Shuuichi in action on a snowy battlefield...but they’d save that for next year. 

Giggling, Kokichi bent down and scooped up snow into his hands, starting to make as many snowballs as he could, as quickly as he could. “Shuu-chan, wanna be on tactics?! Choose our base, I’ll cover you!”

Base? Base?? He was too pregnant for this!

Shuichi looked wildly around, spotting a tree that was partly submerged, then a bush that was almost entirely bare, than… “I’ve got it!” he said, running (or, uh, shuffling earnestly) towards a metal bench that was mostly submerged, really just the top back part still visible. But! 

When Shuichi got there, noticing with annoyed wariness a snowball fly high over his shoulder, he got to the bench, grasped the decorative space between the metal backing, and muttered to himself, “Spores, time to be useful for something.” and hefted as he pushed. 

It wasn’t too often Shuichi was in any position to test his strength anymore, and honestly, this was kind of a silly reason to do so, but… Shuichi felt his shoulders tighten and his back strain, arms flexing with a layer of muscle that had developed during his time on the spores, and after a few seconds the bench pushed against the snow, packing it in further as it fell on its side, and leaving behind it a trench where the snow had been. 

“Kokichi!” Shuichi shouted behind the wall of metal and snow, sweating and looking a little frazzled, but endlessly pleased with himself, “I’ve made a hole!”

Chiaki, in turn, peered from behind her wall at what Shuichi had done, before muttering to herself after a moment of processing. “...note to self. Raise his base strength stats.”

Kokichi, still trying to stock up on ammo as they moved, took potshots where he could, trying to distract the others’ attention away from Shuuichi. And while he hadn’t had much time to practice...his time working on throwing knives with Maki had paid off, allowing Kokichi to throw snowballs across the yard with a force and accuracy he’d never have been able to make a year ago. 

(He wouldn’t have done any of this a year ago, though. Maybe he’d go out on his own to make snowpeople, but...anything with friends? With activity that made him breathe heavily and sweat? It was all entirely new.)

Laughing delightedly, Kokichi hopped down into the hole, offering his arm--and shoulder, mostly--to help Shuuichi down as well. “Here, take what I’ve made so far--Shuu-chan can defend our fort he’s so amazing made with buff dad-strength, and I can be our runner. If Shuu-chan’s got any cool ideas--as if that’s even an if--lemme know! Like I’d ever turn down one of your master tactics!”

Even as he explained all that, Kokichi was still quickly packing together more snowballs, about to head back out of the base to launch a proper attack down on the other team.

Shuichi was still breathing heavily from that bit of exertion (he maaaay have overdone it a little) but he managed to step down into the hole (and realized immediately getting out of it was going to be another team effort. Why had he done this??) with Kokichi’s help. It’s not like it was a massive hole or another, but Shuichi couldn’t lift his legs very high right now, so… yeah. He’d need help out.

Which only made it that more damning when he realized, stepping into it, that between the snow/metal wall and the hole… he was still taller than the damn things! And he couldn’t bend or squat down! Gah!!

Hajime grinned, seeing Shuichi’s head and shoulders peeking out of their fort, and guessed what the issue was as well. Ha! Shuichi was a sitting duck… but when Hajime threw the next snowball, once again it went high, causing Shuichi to duck and flinch, but it coming nowhere near him.

(Hajime was playing with them. The hit to the face really had been an accident, and he had frozen with horror until Kokichi easily shook it off. So far, both the legendarily frail prince and the hopelessly pregnant surrogate were holding up alright. Good!)

Shuichi, in turn, took some of the snowballs Kokichi had given him, and… well okay the first one fell apart in his gloves, no idea how to hold one. But the second one he got a better grip on, wound up for a pitch, threw!...

Nowhere close!

He had never been good at weapon throwing. Where was a baton when you needed one??

Still, the snowballs kept coming, Hajime now aiming for the edge of the bench so that it would shatter and spray them, and Shuichi kept throwing back, mostly happy if it just got near enough to one of them to make them flinch back and cover their heads, just in case, or if it hit their wall. Still, strategy? With this? What could they possibly do here? They didn’t have any resources other than snowballs and a small wall that didn’t fully cover Shuichi, and really only one of them was mobile. Beyond just waiting for them to tire themselves out, what else could they do???

....he could… push the bench forward? Lift it out of the snow and get their base mobile…. No, even if he had the strength for that, he didn’t have the ability to stay behind the safety of it if they moved away from the hole. Would Kokichi have the strength to push it? Shuichi doubted it. No go. What else, what else…

Over at Hajime’s base, Chiako said, “If we get a bunch of snow in our arms, we could probably get over there and bury them with it. Kokichi can run, but Shuichi can’t.”

Hajime gave his girlfriend a wary look, before shaking his head, “Yeah… no. Well. Maybe? Not a lot of snow though.”

“A sprinkling of snow?”

“...yeah, alright. You start making a pile, I’ll keep throwing the balls.”

Kokichi hummed softly once he’d climbed back out of the hole, seeing the problem. Thankfully, they were surrounded by building material! Trying to not be a sitting duck, Kokichi took up an armful of snow and made an extension to the side of their trench wall, making it tall enough that Shuuichi could properly hide behind it, but could still peek around the lower side. And, with his boyfriend properly defended from the other side, it was Kokichi’s turn!

Even in snowshoes he practically pranced around the yard, dodging the incoming balls and throwing his own, even managing to get a few body shots off on Hajime, to his great delight. It was harder to land anything on Chiaki, since she was behind their wall mostly, but he did notice that...hmmm…

He fell back to their trench, hopping in to help Shuuichi make more snowballs, though he focused on taking the snow behind them, hoping that eventually it’d make a sort of ramp so Shuuichi could get back out of the hole. “They’re making a pile of snow--I don’t think Hajime-chan or Chiaki-chan would be mean enough to try and shove any down our jackets but...got any ideas for what that’d be for? Or something we could do to counter?”

Shuichi sighed in relief when Kokichi solved two of the major problems on his own, giving his boyfriend a shaky, appreciative smile as the wall was raised between him and them. The snowballs were still exploding against the edges, Hajime a very good shot, but from the new angle the splash went above both of their heads, though Shuichi still flinched involuntarily every time he heard the ball land. 

“Ummm…” Shichi tried to imagine when he’d do in their position, and his thought process morbidly went to the spears Timothy had very likely trained the most regularly with. “They probably want to use the hole against us. I can’t get out of move very quickly, so it wouldn’t take much for them to get around us and dump snow on us, or just me, if you made a run for it. As for countering…”

Shuichi looked at the legs of the bench, and said, “They’d have to go around us. If we let them get to the other side of us, I could twist the bench so that it’s defending our other side, and you could maybe overwhelm them with a sneak attack? We could keep them pinned on the wrong side, they wouldn’t be able to get back to their base, they’d have to concede or run back to the castle…” 

Shuichi paused, before admitting, “That’s assuming they don’t just barrel through the blows and overwhelm us anyway. Should we try it?”

Kokichi pouted in offense. “I’d never leave you to suffer a chilly fate on your own! Abandoning my pregnant boyfriend...never.”

Considering Shuuichi’s plan, Kokichi kept popping up to throw snowballs over at the other side, his aim going a bit wide at times since he was throwing from lower down now, but still coming close more than not. “Do you think you’d be able to move the bench that quickly? Especially since you’d be moving all the packed snow you made by moving it in the first place… Trying to overwhelm them kinda sounds like the only option if we don’t just concede…”

Kokichi looked over at the other team, trying to think over how much time they had. “...if you moved the bench...do you think I could tunnel over into their base?”

“The snow should only be a problem for a second, since the bench is on its face… I think…” Shuichi mused, looking at the bench more critically. It might be tough, and he’d only have his arms this time, not able to put his full body into it… he might be overestimating himself.

As he mused this over, he blinked… before giving Kokichi a baffled look. “...can you??”

Kokichi shrugged with a sly grin. “I’d have to crawl the whole way, but I think I could do it, just packing the snow sideways. Could pop up behind them an’ fling a bunch of snow--good for a bit of a scare, yeah?”

Shuichi thought that sounded hard, but… Kokichi seemed confident. Nodding uncertainly, Shuichi said, “If you think you can do it, that could be the best way forward… alright. Let’s make as many snowballs as we can, to give me plenty of ammo to distract them. Hopefully neither of them will notice you shifting the snow, or realize you’re missing.”

Quickly, the two got a bunch of snowballs made, ignoring Hajime’s jeers at their lack of retaliatory snowballs, nor the way the snowballs shattered around them as they made as many as they could. Shuichi’s snowballs were more crude than Kokichi’s, and a lot of them collapsed after he set them down, but after some trial and error they came out better, and Shuichi looked over their arsenal and said, “Okay! Do it!... don’t suffocate in a hole, Kaito will never let me live it down!”

Quickly, Kokichi popped over to press his nose to Shuuichi’s. “Hey, even I’ve taken snow safety classes. I’ll be perfectly fine and scare the snowpants off of them. Do me proud, give ‘em hell!”

Unclasping his snowshoes since they’d only slow him down while moving horizontally, Kokichi got down on his knees and started digging out a tunnel in the forward wall, at first just digging out the snow behind him, creating a space to be, before he started pressing the snow against the tunnel walls, both getting it out of his way and making the walls sturdier and less likely to collapse on him. 

...which...yeah, was a concern, even a foot of snow could be dangerous in the wrong circumstance, but Kokichi was sure he’d be fine! He’d made snow tunnels before, it was easy, and he wasn’t even going that far. He’d just have to be careful not to go directly under where Hajime or Chiaki were standing. 

Which he could sort of tell, but mainly Kokichi focused on speed, wanting to make it over before they finished their nefarious pile. 

They had almost finished their nefarious pile! But the other team was suddenly making it a real hassle.

Clearly what had happened was Kokichi and Shuichi had paused to build up their ammo, just taking the blows until they had enough to start just wildly and relentlessly throwing them back. And it was both wild and relentless.

It was almost like it was raining snowballs. Shuichi and Kokichi weren’t aiming at all, neither of them peeking their heads over their walls, though you could see Shuichi’s arm every now and again, the balls just generally thrown in Hajime and Chiaki’s direction. I got to the point where the snowballs, by pure chance, were hitting the pile Chiaki was building, causing it to collapse as she quickly started to reform it. 

Hajime was trying to fight back in turn, but since Chiaki hadn’t been spending that time making more snowballs, he quickly found himself low on ammo as he said, “We’re gonna have to make the run soon!”

“.......One moment.” Chiaki said, her face tense as she built the pile again, “One moment.... Okay! Take it, Hajime!”

Hajime reached over to put his arms around the pile, carefully lifting it up, before going to step around their wall, ready to shout and charge as Chiaki looked on-

Kokichi had scrunched up his body as tight as he could make it, getting his feet back under him, and, welling up all his strength, he braced his forearms over his head and pushed up from his legs. As soon as he felt a break in pressure, he flung his arms out to the side, flinging snow with them as he shouted-

“BOOO!!”

Chiaki could only stare blankly as the pile she had carefully and relentlessly crafted flew from her shocked boyfriends arms up into the air behind him, and down onto her face.

Note to self.

Raise Kokichi’s base sneak stat.

“Oh my god, Chiaki! I’m so sorry!”” Hajime shouted, once he had his senses back, turning away from the snow monster and looking to check on his girlfriend, who was covered in snow and a mildly annoyed expression, “Are you okay!?”

“......fine.” Chiaki said, before looking around him to Kokichi, “Nice move.”

Kokichi giggled sheepishly in the face of Chiaki caught in the collateral, though he beamed at the praise. “You raised the stakes so we had to step up! Trying to trap us in our base was a plan with not a lot of outs.”

However, now with the sneak attack successfully performed, Kokichi looked back down at the...now collapsed entrance to his tunnel, the snow burying his legs. He could...maybe just barrel through the snow to go back down the tunnel...but his head would be freezing. 

Looking back over at their base, Kokichi waved to Shuuichi. “Could you throw my shoes over?! I don’t think I can get back!”

And, of course, Kokichi was naive enough to think the battle was over, just because he pulled off an impressive feat. Not really thinking at all about he was even more trapped than how he and Shuuichi would’ve been in the trench.

Hajime, Chiaki, and Shuichi basically all had the same realization at the same time.

Kokichi was a hostage.

Hajime took a second to think about it, but as Shuichi started to work out how to get out of the hole (there was almost a ramp behind him, maybe he could sort of scurry up?) hoping that maybe Hajime and Chiaki weren’t gonna go that route… but he sighed as he heard a squeal in the distance and a triumphant laugh. Damn.

Hajime, in turn, had swept up Kokichi in his arms, pulling him out of the snow, before literally hoisting him over his head, shouting to Shuichi, “Ours! He’s ours now! We’re converting him to our team!”

Hajime then took Kokichi and deposited him behind the wall, before saying ‘menacingly’ “You’ve got two options, Prince Kokichi! Make snowballs… or be covered in snow!! Muwahahahahaha!”

Not having expected the tide to turn on him, Kokichi’s surprised squeal as Hajime hefted him up in the air was absolutely genuine, and it was only months of Kaito doing the same that allayed his instinct of trying to squirm out of Hajime’s grasp. “Nooooo!!! Never!!”

While now sheltered from Shuuichi’s incoming attacks, Kokichi was just as stuck in this snow patch as he was in the last, and without any of the wiggle room his tunnel might’ve provided. Still, there was no fear or trepidation in the young prince’s gaze as he stood tall. “I will never betray my teammate! Nothing you can do, torture or death, will make me turn my back.”

Starting to frantically make snowballs anyway, though keeping them in his arms, Kokichi--lightly--tossed them the short distance to hit both Hajime and Chiaki, mostly just going around their legs to make extra sure he wouldn’t actually hurt them or, like, get snow in their eyes. 

“Shuu-chan!” he cried dramatically, “I’ll keep them busy! I know you can save me!”

Shuichi was still trying to wiggle out of this damn hole. 

He tried to just walk the makeshift ramp at one point, but it was a little too steep, and after a certain point he just huffed, using both his hands and feet to crawl out… okay. Now to stand. Come on, Shuichi, you can do it. Just get your feet beneath you and push! 

He was pretty sure he’d have the strength to stand, it was just getting the angle… gah! It was so inconvenient to be pregnant! This sucked! Miyako, you better be grateful when you’re older! 

Shuichi blinked… surprised at himself.

Miyako?

...huh.

Shuichi huffed as he slowly brought up his knees, managing to get the tennis rackets beneath him… up! He was up! Yes! 

Augh! Snowballs!

But he was up, and that was what counted! Now he had to go get his boyfriend! Well, more importantly, he had to bring his boyfriend his shoes. But Hajime was relentless with the damn snowballs…

Sigh.

Fine.

Shuichi walked around the wall, softened his face, put one hand on the bench… and whimpered. “H-hajime? Could you give me a hand…”

Hajime’s eyes widened, and he immediately dropped his snowballs, basically sprinting towards Shuichi as he gave him an alarmed look, offering Shuichi an arm to lean on as he said, “Are you okay? Is everything alright? Here let me- AUGH!”

Shuichi just pushed him into the hole before moving on, shoes in hand, shuffling to the other side with determination.

“.......Your boyfriend plays dirty.” Chiaki realized, sounding a little impressed as she prepared to try to pelt him with snowballs.

Thankfully Hajime was ahead of him and Kokichi didn’t give away the ploy, but he could only shake his head a bit as Shuuichi whimpered and turned his body language inward. And, in revenge for Hajime lifting him up, snickered quite obnoxiously as he fell into the trench. 

Kokichi tossed another snowball at Chiaki’s knee as he grinned, his smile proud. “Shuu-chan’s sneaky, you don’t know the half of it. It’s really easy to forget too, and then his super sneakiness just takes you by total surprise all over again.” He sighed, a pretty good lamenting tone in his voice. “I would go check on Hajime-chan, see if he’s alright after being the victim of Shuu-chan’s dirty plays, but I can’t really move. I just have to hope Shuu-chan can make it over and hope it doesn’t take too long--who knows how Hajime-chan’s doing, with a pride injury like that?”

“If he can’t handle the players, he shouldn’t play the game...” Chiaki said, not needing to pause to say this… but she did seem more uncertain as she listened to Kokichi, giving the other base a slightly concerned look… before pouting. “.............Fine. I concede… but I’m still taking two more shots.”

And with that, Chiaki threw one of her snowballs at Kokichi, threw one at Shuichi, and then got out of her base, running off to check on Hajime. Shuichi gave her a smug little nod as she passed by him, before heading to their base, bringing Kokichi his shoes. Going around the wall, Shuichi gave Kokichi a soft small as he handed him his shoes, saying, “Are you alright, Kokichi? Did they treat you well?”

Kokichi just giggled as he withstood the final attack, watching her go after Hajime fondly before the look grew when Shuuichi came to rescue him, just as he believed. He tamped down the already semi-flattened snow behind the wall enough that he could put his snowshoes back on, giving Shuuichi a smile before he sniffed dramatically.

“You wouldn’t believe the inhumanity! I tried to stay brave to keep morale up for my Shuu-chan, but I don’t know how much longer I would’v-- a-CHI!”

Kokichi almost blew himself over with the short, squeaky, but powerful sneeze, having to steady himself on the snow wall. Covering himself and then stranding himself in the snow wasn’t really the best tactical strategy. Without anything to really wipe his nose on, Kokichi offered up a sheepish grin as he tried not to shiver too much. “Uhh...well, I think the battle’s over, anyway. Think you’d mind continuing our leisurely walk back to the castle?”

Thankfully, like the black napkins that Maki carried around, Luminaries in general carried around small, cloth napkins (it was just considered normal in Luminary), and the one Shuichi pulled out of his inner jacket pocket a dark blue handkerchief, passing it to Kokichi as he said, “Let’s stop by the dining hall and get some tea, or hot chocolate. Get warmed up…”

As Kokichi put his shoes back on, Shuichi helped Kokichi up, the two walking back to Hajime and Chiaki, who were waiting for them at their bench, which Hajime straightened back up, before giving the two of them a fond smile, the smile betraying his good mood as he scolded, “That was really cheap, Shuichi. What if I had broken my neck?!”

Shuichi, taking Kokichi’s hand, looked over at Hajime for a moment… before taking his other hand and clutching it to his chest, saying softly and hesitantly, “Oh… I’m sorry… are you hurt? Are…” Shuichi peeked beneath the brim of his hat, looking guilty and nervous, “...are you angry at me?”

Hajime frowned, immediately feeling a little bad as he said, “No, no, of course not! I mean, I’m fine, obviously. Just be careful next time.”

Chiaki raised an eyebrow. Her boyfriend was not, historically, known for his soft, naive side. If anything, he was kind of a no bullshitter kind of guy. Shuichi must have a strange spot in Hajime’s head… she wondered why? Maybe she should ask him. It might be worth knowing.

(... Hajime still worries about the fact that he told no one about what he saw in Shuichi’s room.)

(He had known something was wrong before anyone had.)

(And he just hadn’t… said anything.)

(It weighed on him.)

But she wouldn’t ask him today, just pulling at his sleeve a little, before Hajime smile down at her, saying, “Alright, let’s get inside. Thanks for coming out with us, guys! This was a lot of fun!” he told the two men, before looking back to the door they had come in through and laughing a little, “Let’s get Shuichi back down, huh?”

As soon as Hajime turned away, Shuichi immediately relaxed, giving Kokichi a little smirk. That wasn’t going to work forever and he knew it. But he was enjoying it for now.

Though that little sneeze... Whispering to Kokichi, he asked, “Are you alright?”

Kokichi gave his boyfriend a grateful look before he wiped his nose, sniffling a little and already knowing he’d be doing that for at least the next hour, just from how cold it was. He didn’t think he’d overdone it, but...well, he had been a little careless. Spending some time in front of their fireplace, curled up in blankets with something warm to sip on sounded like the perfect way to spend the rest of the day, and likely his sniffles would be the end of it. 

Raising a bit of an eyebrow at Shuuichi’s continued performance--really, he had a feeling Shuuichi was just enjoying messing with Hajime, in the same way Maki did--Kokichi beamed at the older couple. “Yeah! Thanks for inviting us out! It was a great way to enjoy bein’ outside before things get too gross. Hey, next time let’s invite more people to the battle--I can see it getting preeeeeetty crazy!”

He didn’t know who Hajime and Chiaki would want to invite to their side, or if Kokichi would move over to complete a born/moved Dicean competition, but...yeah. He really wanted to do something like this with Kaito and Maki when they came back. Be able to enjoy every season with his family. 

Kokichi shot Shuuichi a soft look before nodding a bit, leaning in to whisper back. “Just cold… Get me in front of the fire an’ I’ll warm right back up. Would love some company while I do too…” Kokichi’s expression was flirtatious for only a moment before his chill-reddened cheeks went a little darker in sheepish embarrassment. “I always wanted to do something like that--cuddle in front of a fire while it’s snowing outside…”

Shuichi raised an eyebrow slightly… before blushing a little. A genuinely shy smile on his face as he said, “So… guess that’d be a first for both of us? That’s kinda nice… me and you don’t have a lot of firsts between the both of us.”

“Nah, we do,” Kokichi insisted, before matching Shuuichi’s shy smile, glancing down as he squeezed his boyfriend’s hand. “You just have to get kind of specific for them. But...every first, and every experience I get to share with Shuu-chan are things I cherish.”

“...I am going to be very happy when Kai-chan comes home, but...I do like getting to spend one-on-one time with you. I know things aren’t the greatest right now, but I hope Shuu-chan’s having some happy moments too.”

Shuichi was going to answer, but they had to take a moment to get back inside the building. 

Thankfully, getting back down the ledge of snow was much easier than climbing up it had been, and it wasn’t long before they were taking their shoes off, shaking the snow off their clothes and taking their overcoats off. Hajime collected everything, telling them he’d take care of it and go get yourself some hot drinks and dry off. Chiaki followed him, and when the two were along, carefully making their way to the dining hall, Shuichi said, “About what you said earlier… I… I am having happy moments too. I like spending time with you one on one…”

Shuichi looked tired for a moment, before saying softly. “It’s just hard… my feelings were hurt. With Kaito. And I’m worried about Maki… and I’m just angry at both of them. And just randomly throughout the day, something will remind me how angry I am, and it’s so hard to calm down once that starts… I’m just always sad and tired and frustrated…”

“...sorry.” He said softly. “I know I’ve not been easy to deal with.”

Kokichi’s shivering was a little more apparent when they stripped off their outer layers, but being back inside helped, and he assured he’d be fine with exactly what they were planning with the drinks. Still, he did try to hustle a little faster than he may have walked otherwise, his legs starting to feel a little prickly. 

But that all was far from his mind when Shuuichi picked their conversation back up. Kokichi sighed softly, and...well, it was hard. He was worried sick about their friends, felt like...there was something missing when they weren’t around, but...he understood why they left, not just conceptually, but emotionally. It didn’t feel like betrayal to him. 

“Hey...I didn’t wanna date you ‘cause I thought it’d be all sunshine all the time,” Kokichi tried to joke, nudging Shuuichi’s arm gently as he smiled. “I love all of Shuu-chan, and that includes his sadness and fatigue and frustration. It makes me happy that you can come to me with those emotions, and trying to help you work through them, or just being there to listen...it means a lot to me. And when Shuu-chan is happy or inquisitive or playful, that closeness means I can enjoy that all the more. I value you and our relationship so...it’s okay. I get it. Shuu-chan isn’t someone that needs to be dealt with--he’s someone precious to me, so I’m along for the ride.”

Another, softer, sigh. “...I’m sorry Kai-chan left. It was his decision, but...he wouldn’t have offered if it weren’t for...I dunno. The duty he feels in regard to me.” Kokichi frowned down at the ground. He knew why Kaito had gone, and Kokichi would always be proud to see people helping each other, and especially Kaito offering to help and comfort the citizens of Bern… But it was easier to understand Shuuichi’s anger in his case. “...just have to hold him accountable to his promise when he comes back, right? Family first.”

“...it probably doesn’t help, but...I think if you had been closer to your due date, he wouldn’t have left. I think Kai-chan thought we’d be okay for a little while without him so...he wanted to feel helpful.” Kokichi held in another little sneeze before he sniffed and shook his head. “Well...he’ll be back before too long, and Shuu-chan can rightfully chew him out for months.”

Shuichi laughed lightly at that, before sighing slightly. “ Yeah, it’ll be months before I deliver… I think you’re right. And… and it’s not your fault he decided to go. Maki and Kaito are both their own people. They’ll make their own decisions… but I’m my own person too, and I reserve the right to resent them for their decisions.” Shuichi sighed, sounding entirely serious… before he smiled again, giving him a slightly coy, if still a little sad, smile, “But, I also reserve the right to admit that I can be a little irrational with my resentment.”

“And, I think you’re right again… I think if I was closer to delivery? Or if it had been longer than…” Shuichi huffed, still so annoyed, “possibly two months? Kaito wouldn’t have gone, or offered to go. And it’s so ridiculous for me to be so angry that he’s just gone for a month at most… it’s really not that long in the grand scheme of anything…”

Shuichi sighed… before his eyes reddened a little. A sad quiver in his mouth as he said, “B-but it scared me, when I heard him wanting to leave. Asking you permission while I was in the bathroom… I can’t do this on my own… I can’t have a kid with someone who’s just okay with leaving us on a whim. It’s too scary…”

It was fair enough. You could never blame someone for their emotions. What they did with those emotions, sure, but for just...being human, and responding to the world around them? You might as well curse someone for breathing. 

But even that didn’t discount people from wanting to help make things better. 

“Oh Shuu-chan…” Kokichi stopped them for a moment, standing on his toes to pull Shuuichi into a hug, his arms around the taller man’s shoulders. He couldn’t just assume the worst of Kaito, thinking he wasn’t going to ask Shuuichi at all, but… It really hadn’t been the kindest way to...even talk about the volunteer effort. 

They both knew Kaito had some serious problems with authority and hierarchy. Considering how their nation was set up, Kokichi kind of doubted there was anyone from Luminary who didn’t, and it was just...unfortunate that Kaito had all those taken to the extreme. But...with at least one hierarchy matter finally settled…

“He won’t. He won’t leave again. Kai-chan...has some problems. But he has a vow made to you, and...after this? He won’t leave. I believe it.” Kokichi hugged Shuuichi a little tighter for a moment before pressing against his cheek. “And Shuu-chan’s not going through this alone. I know it doesn’t feel like that but...please. You aren’t.”

Shuichi leaned into the hug, thankful for the comfort. He nodded against Kokichi’s shoulder, before sighing. Straightening up, he took Kokichi’s hand, and said, “Come on, you’re shivering. Let’s take care of you before I whine any more.”

When they asked the kitchen to make them up some hot chocolate, before Shuichi shyly requested if they could also have someone bring up a pot of chai tea, please? The two waiting patiently for their cups, Shuichi said softly, “I know I’m not alone. You’re here. I know that…”

But Shuichi felt a small, frightened, hopelessly pragmatic part of him whisper, ‘But long term… how long can you really be here for me? For us?’

Kokichi was doing better every day. Shuichi saw the evidence all the time. But the old medical reports had been clear. There were healers and doctors who were shocked Kokichi was still alive today. Shuichi wanted his boyfriend to stay too, of course. Would be devastated if Kokichi also ran away on him.

...but life may not give Kokichi a choice.

“I know you’re here for me.” Shuichi sighed. For as long as he could be. “Thank you.”

Their drinks being delivered, the chef assuring Shuichi someone would be sent up with a pot of tea, Shuichi bowing in thanks (well, trying too, anyway.), the two walked up the stairs, and as Shuichi blew on his cup a little, wanting to drink it right away, he suddenly scoffed slightly to himself. “Kai-chan has ‘problems’. That’s a way to put it. That man is a random assortment of personality defects dressed up in a cape… well.” Shuichi sighed, smiling at himself a little as he gently shook his head, “Not that I can talk.”

Of course Kokichi was there for Shuuichi! Even if he’d promised his life to his country, Kokichi was determined to see his duty and his family coexist without putting him at odds. 

But Kokichi hadn’t just been talking about himself. 

It was clear that Hajime cared about Shuuichi, about their family, even putting himself in a position to care for Tim, at least socially. Ikuo came by nearly every day, even if to just pop in and check on them, and more often than not, if Shuuichi was complaining about something, Ikuo had a tip or a suggestion to help out. Waku was closer to him and Kaito, sure, but considering they were all in a relationship, that meant she cared about Shuuichi too. And Lake and Nazumi and, well, Kokichi knew that Shuuichi would pretty much never go to him, but Aiichi too. Kokichi had never heard his dad sound so...vengeful, as when he lamented that Shuuichi and Maki hadn’t been citizens until after the wedding--there was a certain gleam in the leader’s eyes that Kokichi knew meant that his father couldn’t wait to bring down the full force of the law on someone. Even before they had been so important to Kokichi, Aiichi had been ready to protect his new citizens with everything he had.

Sometimes it was hard to see out of their group, but...Shuuichi was far from alone.

The hot chocolate really was just the thing Kokichi needed. He could feel it warming his whole body up as he sipped at it, expecting the fire to just be the cherry on top. But...the conversation might be less sweet. 

Kokichi sighed. “...he has been doing better, I think. But...I dunno. I can’t even imagine how frustrating it’d be for the things you need to think about to confront yourself to be...well, things you literally can’t think about. I wish I could just...find him a loophole, a place to start, but...I mean. You guys have known him forever. I doubt there’s anything I could think of that you haven’t already tried or ruled out.”

“Ah, you mean in regards to his conditioning?” Shuichi said, the two getting to their room, Shuichi getting there slightly ahead and opening the door for both of them, sighing happily at the warmth he felt immediately. He wondered who had restocked their fire while they were gone? Normally he’d guess Hajime, but the man had been with them… unless the housekeeper had managed to come up here while they were getting their drinks? That’d be nice of him, if that was the case, though a little… ‘extra’. 

“I’m not sure if we’ve tried that nearly as much as you’re imagining. Not for any of us, really...I wish we had Kaito’s beanbags in here.” Shuichi laughed, looking longingly at the fire, before saying, “Should we just ransack our bedding? Though I think I want to get out of these clothes too. Snow is so… shockingly wet. It’s alarming.”

Putting down his drink, Shuichi headed to the closet, saying aloud as he looked for a change of clothes, “You have to understand...for me and Maki? Getting around our conditioning, for the little bits we managed to do it? Had to be done secretly. Nobody wanted our conditioning to be undone. And if it looked like we were trying too, or had successfully done so, we could expect to be reported. Observed… I was constantly in danger of being sent back to the compound. We talk about it casually here, but back home, my ability to resist obedience training was a dangerous secret known to only a few people. Breaking conditioning put us in danger… so we didn’t try as hard as you might imagine.”

Pulling off his wet clothes, Shuichi continued, “And Kaito? Whatever was happening with him stopped, I’m fairly certain, when he turned into a teenager. Basically, when Tengan lost interest in him. But…” Shuichi sighed, “No one knew what happened. If anything even actually had happened. Me and Maki had our suspicions, but… it’s almost fantastical, the idea of what happened to Kaito. It doesn’t sound real. A member of royalty, being conditioned right under everyone's noses by essentially a servant? A high ranking one, but still… it’s the sort of thing you’d read in a trashy novel. Not something that actually happens… me and Maki didn’t even start seriously talking about it as if it were real until a few years ago. And Kaito’s never admitted to any of it.”

In fresh clothes, Shuichi came out, just shrugging slightly, “So… yes. We’ve tried things to make it easier. On all of us. Have found little tricks… but we haven't spent our whole lives fighting it. That would have been dangerous. We mostly let it happen.”

Kokichi immediately scuttled over to the fire, sighing happily at the warmth. He’d change and set up a nice place for them to sit in a moment...but for now he was warming up. “They are nice beanbags… I kinda just wanna sit on the rug, though, with blankets and all that but...what about pulling the cushion off of the window seat? Think that might be better for Shuu-chan…”

Eventually Kokichi left the fire to do all those things, sniffling every now and then as he predicted, and...he was glad to keep his hands busy as Shuuichi told him more about conditioning. It was always a difficult subject… 

And. Like. He knew conditioning wasn’t just an unfortunate plague that befell some of Luminary’s citizens. It was something the system did on purpose to get unethical labor out of anyone it could. With the system the way it was, there was no reason for it to see anything wrong with - shattering people into little bits and rearranging them as they saw fit - hurting people like that. 

But it still hurt to hear, when you were on the outside. 

Some nice flannel pajamas sounded nice to cuddle in, even if it was the middle of the day. 

Kokichi sighed softly. “Well...guess that gives you more room to see what you can break.” Creating a nice little nest close, but still safely enough away from the fire, Kokichi plopped himself down on one end of the cushion, hiking blankets up around his shoulders. He patted the place next to him, looking up at Shuuichi expectantly.

Shuichi, personally, didn’t feel a strong need to break his conditioning. Sure, compulsively answering questions could be annoying, and like how Togami used it, it could potentially trap him in his body if used as a weapon against him… but beyond that? It wasn’t that big of an inconvenience, if just a little embarrassing sometimes. 

(Sure, the...feeling of being asked a question by an authority and not knowing the answer? Was a little… more uncomfortable. Shuichi would actually be quite pleased to do away with that feeling forever, honestly…)

But for now, he felt okay. Happy and a little worn out from running around outside and spending time with Hajime and Chiaki, and now getting what looked like some very nice cuddling time with Kokichi. Grabbing his hot chocolate, Shuichi gave Kokichi a warm look as he went to go join him in his nest, feeling a little less than graceful as Kokichi’s shoulder helped him to keep his balance as he sat down, but feeling much more comfortable once he was down.

It was much warmer right next to the fire, and Shuichi sighed as he leaned towards a little, reaching up and-- after a brief hint of hesitation-- taking his hat off and putting it beside him. He was more comfortable with it on, but it was still wet from the snow, and some things were impractical. Sipping at his cocoa, he sighed, “This is nice…”

Kokichi adjusted the rest of the blankets once Shuuichi joined him, making sure his boyfriend was tucked in too, before closing his eyes to just bask in the heat from the fire, all the chills in his body settling down and easing out. “It is… Going out to play in the snow, then cuddling with a loved one in front of a fire...probably not in Luminary, but it’s pretty damn cliche here. For good reason, since it feels so good.”

Drinking down his cocoa enough that he could comfortably hold the mug with one hand, Kokichi put an arm around Shuuichi’s waist, holding him close. Putting his cheek against Shuuichi’s shoulder and nuzzling him a little bit, just wanting to be affectionate and close. 

It wasn’t as if they hadn’t touched each other at all in the past week and change, still cuddled in their usual way at night, held hands when they headed places together, shared quick kisses and meaningful touches… But Kokichi still really liked this. Having this time meant for affection rather than weaving in affection in everyday life, though he’d have gone crazy without it. 

“Are you excited for school? You’re starting at the start of late-winter, right? Or later? I know sometimes I get the dates wrong…”

“You’re not wrong,” Shuuichi said, gently tipping his head against Kokichi’s for a moment, leaning into Kokichi’s hold as he held onto his mug. “It’s not much longer now…” Shuichi watched the fire dance, before quietly confessing, “I get a little nervous when I think about it.”

“It’s a great opportunity. It’s not something I ever thought I’d really get a chance to do… I mean, in theory, I could have gone to get a further education after my contract was up in a few years. But… contracts have this nasty habit of renewing themselves. And even if I did get out, I knew I still wanted to be a detective. So what was the point of going to school for a job I was already qualified for?”

“...but now I’m a little worried that...being a detective won’t have the same appeal here as it did at home. I mean.” Shuichi laughed lightly, rolling his eyes at himself, “I got a lot of fun out of officially being allowed to be far too nosy. I like learning things about people, even if those things weren’t usually nice things… but I didn’t notice until recently how much pride I got out of it too. I don’t miss the danger. And I definitely don’t miss the nonsense the royal family had me pull for them...but I do miss that feeling of being important.” Shuichi admitted, shrugging slightly, “That sort of… stress of me and Miss Kirigiri taking on a request from the guards to assist them in some search for a violent criminal, or finding someones lost savings, stolen from under their beds in the night... that wasn’t, officially, the sort of things we were ‘meant’ to be doing. That sort of stuff is below a Royal Detective.”

“But, Miss Kirigiri said taking jobs from the local guard force and cases from the local civilians, even the Indenturdes, was good training, and that the Momota family didn’t keep us busy enough to justify not doing it… those cases were hard, and sometimes awful… but I really got a sense of pride from doing it. Like it was of dire importance, and it really mattered what I did… and I’m worried I won’t feel the same way about being a detective here…”

Shuichi laughed, closing his eyes, enjoying the soft cool of his boyfriend and the heat of the fire and the mug between his hands. “I really am a hypocrite. I know how it sounds, to say that with one breath, and to be furious with Kaito and Maki the next…”

Kokichi raised an eyebrow, his expression curious and a little confused, but he let Shuuichi say his piece in full. And he was glad he did, because it filled in some puzzle pieces, but also...just let Shuuichi express himself, and if Kokichi guessed right, about things that had been mulling over in his mind for a while.

“I don’t think that’s so hypocritical,” he hummed, placing a soft kiss on Shuuichi’s cheek. “It’s not what they’re doing either, but it’s not like...you being nervous about what your role in terms of a career is here is making you want to pack everything up and move back to Luminary. I would hope we’d talk about it sooner than now if that was the case.”

“But...I mean, other than the vague things you’ve talked about concerning Kai-chan’s mom… I don’t know what a Royal Detective was tasked with, but the other stuff that you just said? Like helping out the guards or finding stolen goods? That’s exactly the sort of things detetives do here.”

Kokichi rolled his eyes at himself a little, even annoyed at himself for never being able to leave things without clarification. “I mean, since they’re free contractors, detectives can kinda choose whatever profile of jobs they want. I’ve heard of a few that never take jobs from the government or from businesses, only from individual people. Depends on what you wanna do, I guess… But mostly? Detectives will often be a court resource, searching for whatever happened in a case and presenting the truth of the matter. Or, a lot of the time, actually, they’ll be hired by defendants or defence lawyers to help find evidence that will prove their innocence. Finding dangerous offenders that broke out of isolation, or finding missing persons in general… There are a lot of jobs to choose from, so detectives can afford to be picky.”

Kokichi sighed softly as he rubbed Shuuichi’s side. “I hope you can find what you’re looking for...even if it isn’t up to Royal Detective standards.”

Shuichi supposed Kokichi knew all this from his time sitting in on courts. It didn’t surprise him too much that Kokichi had an in-depth knowledge of this particular subject. Shuichi had to guess that Kokichi had seen plenty of detectives step in and offer testimony to the people who came to King Aiichi for a final judgement call on whatever random thing they had going on. 

Kokichi’s knowledge base made Shuichi want to ask another question that weighed on his mind… but it was kinda dark for ‘sitting by the fire’ time…

Frowning, he said, “...Kokichi? ...do you think it’s wrong for a detective to out a murderer if they did it for good reasons?” Looking uncomfortably at the fire, he said, “Miss Kirigiri thought so. She thinks detectives must be entirely neutral parties. That the truth is the only thing of real importance, to a detective, and that everything else was just evidence to support that truth… I’ve never been as good at holding up that philosophy as she was. And I’m worried that will also make being a detective in Dicea… difficult. Maybe I should… I don’t know.”

Shuichi sighed, running his hands nervously over his mug… before saying, “Kaito told me that Waku told him that the murder of rapists and pedophiles contributes to the highest murder rate in the whole country… I looked it up and it’s true. I can’t help but worry that… I won’t feel good about catching murderers in this country… that maybe that would be the wrong thing to do.”

Kokichi sighed again and just watched the flickering lights from the fire for a moment, idly stroking his thumb over Shuuichi’s hip. “...in terms of policy...that’s why detectives are free contractors. So they can make that decision for themselves and, like...no one can pressure them otherwise. Because...as much as I personally hate it...as much as I think that if you give someone tools and a chance, they can grow and change… Sometimes killing someone is...right. And sometimes...it’s...right for them to skip even the more formality among formalities for consequence.”

The words felt like sludge to even say. He knew for a potent fact that was the general consensus in the country, but...as a future leader? As someone who was one day going to be in charge of every living person in the kingdom, no matter who or what they were...even acknowledging that felt like he was abandoning some of his people. 

Kokichi squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before he took a deep breath. And when he let it go, he was much calmer. “...there was a woman who came to court the last time I went, she was getting the paperwork finished for getting her weapons’ license back. This isn’t the first time, but considering the final verdicts in all her cases, she’s a safe person to be armed. If there hadn’t been a detective working on her case, then she wouldn’t be.”

“...she’s a game hunter, and people have gotten seriously hurt at times while she’s been out. I’ve read the transcripts and...she’s never offered an excuse. She hadn’t maintained a weapon properly or had a misfire or...any number of accidents that, while understandable sometimes, could be avoided with extra care.”

Kokichi smiled a little. “...that’s the official verdict. But detectives have found out that every person that’s ever been injured in an incident she’s been involved with was a pedophile or rapist or abuser. Some that hadn’t been known until the detective looked into it, and those people were given a trial after the fact too. With all that information...it was all the detective’s decision to tell or keep it to themself. So...that’ll be Shuu-chan’s choice too.”

Shuichi looked somberly at Kokichi, not exactly loving putting his boyfriend in a position where he had to say something so clearly foul to him, just to ease Shuichi’s fears. He knew he’d feel bad, turning down murder cases. Murder cases were often the most important cases given to detectives… but Shuichi had been afraid the cases he’d take could be timebombs waiting to happen, him ruining the life of a person that… he didn’t necessarily disagree with…

(And, if he refused those cases, did he have any real right to take the other, high profile cases? He knew his mentor would say no. A detective that refuses to find the truth is an untrustworthy one, and unworthy of their title… thus his fear that eventually all he’d be left handling was petty cases from petty people who thought paying a stalker to work out their love lives was the next logical step...ugh…)

But still…

Shuichi looked at Kokichi sady, before placing a small against his cheek, as he said, “Thank you… and I’m sorry if I ever… disappoint you. With my choices. I know those ideas go against your principles. I never want to be the reason you lose sleep at night.”

Kokichi smiled adoringly, appreciating the kiss. “It’s alright. Different perspectives is what makes the world go ‘round. While that can put people at odds...I think in our case, we respect each other enough to...let it be. And knowing that there’s a Shuu-chan out there protecting people his own way just means I gotta step up my game protecting people in mine.”

“I can’t control what people do, and I would never want to,” he sighed, aware of how much he was maybe tying his arms around his back with how truthfully he meant it. “So...people will sometimes make bad decisions, or even decisions that seem good to them. That’s just...how things are. I take it as my job to make the right decisions things people are incentivized to do, to make kindness a pleasure even for those who aren’t inclined, and to give people who make mistakes a chance. To protect everyone I can.”

Kokichi nuzzled against Shuuichi’s shoulder, not as pained to admit this next part. “...and even I know that sometimes protecting someone means hurting someone else. I’ll always do what I can to prevent those situations from happening but...sometimes it’s worth it. And for doing that, I won’t begrudge you for doing what you think is right.”

Shuichi nodded, listening quietly. He had already thanked Kokichi, though he still felt grateful for his boyfriend's understanding. It did put his head at ease a little. He still had fears about being a detective in Dicea, but honestly, those two were the ‘BIG’ ones, the rest just little fears that Shuichi would probably have about any career decision. 

(well, okay. There was some concern about seeing Nao’s wife, like… moooore regularly than he did now. It hadn’t been nearly as hard as he thought it would be, when he saw her, but it still hadn’t been exactly comfortable.)

(...what if she told people what he did?)

(Who’d trust a whore detective who at one point literaly begged one of the top lawyers in the capital for sex…) 

(Nnnnngh, let’s not think about that right now.)

“I want to talk about something nicer.” Shuichi decided, trying to shake his paranoid fears of the rumor mill, putting down his mug beside him and putting his arms around Kokichi, resting his head on him and sighing. “But I can’t think of anything. Can you come up with something?” Shuichi pouted. 

Kokichi hummed happily, delighted to be in his boyfriend’s arms. “Well, this is a good start...hmmm…” He turned his head to kiss at Shuuichi’s cheek as he thought, even that more serious talk of ethics and policy not dampening his desire for affection. 

“It’s way too early to think about it, but...just like how I’m excited to share every season with you guys, I’m just...so excited to share it with Baby,” Kokichi admitted with a sheepish smile, his hand around Shuuichi coming over to rub at his belly a bit. “Snowsuits for infants and toddlers are always so cute and...I think she might be a little too young still by next winter to really get it, but seeing her experience snow for the first time? Of course, she shouldn’t be out in it for too long, but still…”

Kokichi closed his eyes as an excited, blissful smile came over his face, the thoughts of fatherhood having become more and more exciting and less terrifying as time went on. “I was talking with my dad, and he said at first things are kinda slow, but once the baby’s like...a month old? Or so? Once they start having firsts, it’s just...a never-ending stream of incredibleness. I can’t wait to see all her firsts…”

Shuichi smiled, pleased by the conversation offer. “I’m looking forward to watching you and Kaito endlessly battle over her clothes. Kaito’s going to want to put her in outfits right off the mannequins, and you’re going to absolutely mismatch everything he buys. It’s going to be very funny to watch.”

“As for firsts I’m looking forward too…” Shuichi smiled, stomach warming slightly, “...I never went to elementary school myself. Neither have you, actually. But those young grade schools always seemed so… sweet and exciting. Taking her to her first day of school, meeting her first ‘best’ friend, helping her with her first bit of homework… I hope she’s smart.” Shuichi admitted. “I know Kaito wanted her to be strong, but I hope she’s smart. So few people are both, and if it’s one or the other, I’d rather her be clever.”

Kokichi snickered a bit, knowing how absolutely spot on Shuuichi had pinned him and Kaito. Above all, Kokichi wanted their daughter to be comfortable in clothes, not feeling like...she was being dressed up for other people’s sakes. Maybe she would feel more comfortable in the carefully chosen styles that Kaito eyed, but Kokichi would insist on it being her choice. As long as it accounted for the weather too. 

Elementary school… They were getting a bit of that with Tim, meeting his first friends in Cali and Kimiko, helping with homework, getting to see some of the more special things, in the bee Tim won. But Kokichi would be beside himself all over again, seeing Baby go through it from the start. And she’d have her big brother to show her the ropes too. 

“Every parent wants the best for their kid...hoping for the best. I’d like her to have every positive quality...but I do wish for her to be kind. Maybe that’s kind of a low bar since no one’s just all ‘well, okay’ with the thought of their child being cruel...but still. I hope she’s kind. She has a lot of great examples to pick and choose from.”

Shuichi sighed, before laughing lightly. “One daddy’s gonna want her strong, one daddy’s gonna want her smart, and one daddy’s gonna want her kind…” 

… and then Shuichi said quietly, “And, well, if she’s still around for it, Maki will want her to be fierce…”

The ex-detective sighed again, before saying, “Lots of expectations on poor Baby. I hope she can handle it.”

“Well, no matter the kind of person she turns out to be, we’re going to love her. It’s just...you can’t help wanting the best for the people you love, right? But even if she’s none of those things...we’ll still love her, and help her to be the best within her means.”

Kokichi sighed, setting his empty mug to the side before he shifted, sitting more against Shuuichi and gently running a hand down the arc of his belly. “...maybe I’ll change my wants, because…at the end of it, I just want her to be happy.”

“...I know you get overwhelmed sometimes, but...every time we go to an appointment I’m just...overwhelmed by how relieved I am that she’s okay. That she’s healthy and growing and developing…” There was a slight waver in Kokichi’s voice, perhaps indicating that he was getting a little overwhelmed right now just thinking about it. “...her heart is so strong! And steady… And you’ve been taking such good care of the both of you…”

It was always a little strange when Kokichi or Kaito started getting handsy with his stomach, but Shuichi found that after awhile he liked it. There was almost something comforting in the motion. He was going to be endlessly glad when he didn’t have all this extra weight on him again someday, he really didn’t like most aspects of being pregnant, and he missed his own frame… but, well, there was no guarantees he was ever going to look the way he used too ever again, and, well, there was some nice things about it. 

Like small, idle belly pats. In private, anyway.

Shuichi smiled at that little burst of emotion in Kokichi’s voice, reaching over to take on of his hands in his own, rubbing the side of his hand a little with his thumb as he said, “There’s no reason to think she’ll be anything but perfectly healthy… even if she’s not strong as Kaito imagines, when it comes to strong and healthy? I think she will be. I just gotta do my best to not sabotage her while I’ve got my hands on the wheels, and then she’ll be out and ready to outpace all of us.”

Closing his eyes, Shuichi said softly, “That’s another fun first we’ll see… the first time we’ll end up chasing her around the castle, our toddler, just, determined to escape from bath time… the first time she’ll jump and not fall… the first time she’ll dance…” Shuichi huffed, “Her first full body tantrum. While Kaito’s not here to call ‘not it’? I’m calling ‘not it’ on dealing with her tantrums.”

That was the thing. By all accounts, Baby was going to be a strong, healthy child. Kokichi had never thought he’d have a biological child, all of his thoughts about a future family filled in with adoption, but the moment it came into reality, other than just being shocked, it was the first question on his mind. But...despite all the health issues that Kokichi would never be able to escape from...he hadn’t given them to anyone else. His daughter was going to be healthy.

Kokichi giggled softly, getting a hold over himself again. “I don’t think a little kid having a tantrum will find much use in listening to reason, but I’ll still do my best. I’m gonna hate saying no to her...but I have a feeling Kai-chan’s gonna have an even harder time with it, and she can’t have two push-over daddies. I’m betting already that there’s gonna be a time where one of you guys is gonna have to save Baby and me both from crying.”

He hoped she’d enjoy dancing. Being able to share that joy with him and Kaito…

“...how tall do you think she’ll get? With you two being giants, I think there’s a pretty good chance Baby’s gonna be pretty tall.”

“According to those pamphlets and baby books, we’re all going to be crying until she gets her sleep schedule straightened out.” Shuichi muttered, before furrowing his brow in horror as he said, “And teething. Teething is apparently going to be a monster.”

Shivering a little, Shuichi sighed, before saying, “Can I just hope she doesn’t get taller than me? If I’m going to end up the ‘serious’ parent, I don’t want to do it looking up at her… no offense, Kokichi. We can maybe get you a ladder whenever it’s time to scold her by the time she’s a teenager-”

There was a knock at the door. Shuichi looked at the door with a sudden strike of concern, it being so rare anyone knocked with Maki and Kaito both gone… but then he remembered, right. Tea. 

On the other side of the door, a moment after the knock, “It’s Kirumi Toujo. The chefs said you requested a pot of tea brought up? May I come in?” there was a sound from the other side of the door, like the handle was already turned, and she was just requesting permission to push.

“I wish Kaito would actually get a lock put in instead of just talking about it.” Shuichi whispered to Kokichi. It made him nervous that they couldn’t lock the door. He always got the sense whoever was on the other side of it could just step in at any point. Not that they would, these days, the staff had stopped doing that long before Shuichi had gotten there. But it was still a surprisingly unnerving feeling.

Kokichi shuddered a bit in horror as well. Skin-to-skin contact was apparently super important for an infant and, well...if Baby was going to decide to put her mouth on something, they just had to be prepared. Teething and little baby razor nails. 

(...they hadn’t actually talked about if Shuuichi was going to want to breastfeed. He still used the pump and when they hugged or Kokichi fell asleep on Shuuichi’s chest, he hadn’t noticed them feeling swollen, so… It was something they were going to have to talk about at some point. Kokichi just wasn’t sure who was going to be the one to bring it up.)

Kokichi had just started to roll his eyes a little at Shuuichi’s teasing before he perked at the knock on the door. He had to admit...it was kind of nice not getting walked in on all the time anymore. But he still very much was in the habit of just admitting people immediately, so he had to remember to check in on Shuuichi for a beat before raising his voice. 

“Go for it, Kirumi! Thanks for bringing it up!”

Kirumi pushed open the door, carrying a tray that consisted of a ceramic pot of tea, with two small, square cups that looked curiously like stone, and might actually be stone. Shuichi frowned, that being much fancier than he had meant to request, expecting just a metal pot to be brought up so he and Kokichi wouldn’t have to go down and get it after getting changed and up the stairs… but well… Kirumi was kind of ‘extra’ in everything she did. Housekeeping. Deliveries. Manslaughter. Just a very extra person all around.

And, in the theme of that, Kirumi didn’t hesitate for a moment before bringing the tray to them on the floor, placing it on the floor in front of them, before putting her hands over her waist and bowing her head slightly, asking, “Are you done with your mugs of cocoa, or do you need more time with them?”

“Um… I’m done Miss Toujo, thank you.” Shuichi said quietly, passing her the mug. 

Kokichi let out a little “oh!” as Kirumi came in, more openly surprised with the fancy display, and he gave the housekeeper a friendly, thankful smile. Despite what her history might be, her feelings on Luminary...she was still the kind woman who shared his affinity for tea. And until she gave him a reason to act differently, he wouldn’t hold her past over her. 

“Aw, thanks Kirumi. I was kind of expecting to just re-use our mugs for the tea, but you’ve thought ahead. If you don’t mind, then, yeah, I’m done too.” He didn’t want to make Shuuichi more uncomfortable and he didn’t want to keep Kirumi from her preferred pace of efficiency, but...well, he was himself. So he couldn’t help making some idle talk. “Are you all prepared for the storm? Shuu-chan and I went out with Hajime-chan and Chiaki-chan earlier and it’s already pretty deep. I think today might be the last non-emergency supply day.”

Kirumi nodded, a serious look on her face as she said, “A considerable amount of effort has been made by the castle staff to get more than enough resources stocked within the castle to feed, bathe, and heat everyone should our rooms be at full capacity for the rest of winter. As I’ve been led to understand, almost every healer on staff is occupying a room in the castle for the duration of the storm, and a considerable amount of the housekeeping staff has also volunteered. Between those two department, and a few trusted individuals from our mechanics department, especially who are familiar with the heating and water pipes throughout the castle, I cannot imagine a scenario in which we will be caught unawares or lacking in personnel or resources.”

Looking over to Shuichi, she said, “That said, while I am aware that Mr. Hinata is trying to make up for the lack of your live-in security officer and Prince Kaito’s ability to run errands when you are both pre-disposed, please know that I am also available should either of you need anything, or need additional care. Shuichi, how are you feeling in particular? The healers have assured me you’ll have plenty of access to your drug medicine, and anything for child related complications. Is there anything else you have any concerns for?”

Shuichi...didn’t answer, at first. He was starting to feel uncomfortable… Finally he just shook his head. “I’m fine, thank you.”

Kirumi nodded her head, before looking to Kokichi, “Yourself? Prince Kokichi?”

Under their blankets, Kokichi started to rub Shuuichi’s side again, feeling his discomfort almost in waves… But to Kirumi, he grinned proudly. “Even knowing what to expect, people always treat the winter seriously. But, with careful preparation, there’s nothing to fear. We do what we can to take care of each other, in true Unity spirit.”

“You’re very kind for offering, Kirumi--if we need help, you can be sure we won’t hesitate to ask! But, for now, I think we’re good,” he hummed before offering the older woman an appreciative smile. “I know you like keeping busy, but I hope you can find some nice, peaceful moments while we’re all snowed in too. In turn, if there’s anything I can do for you, I hope you know I’ll do my best!”

Kirumi nodded her head slightly, “Of course. I will endeavor to find a peaceful moment. You both have a good night, now.”

Taking the two dirty mugs, Kirumi bowed her head again, before heading out. Shuichi let out a small breath once she was gone. It was always very strange being around her. She had spared him, let him and his mentor live… and he wasn’t ungrateful for that. 

But a lot of people hadn’t been spared that same day, and Shuichi sometimes had a hard time equaling the reality of that with the extremely formal and polite woman, if incredibly extra woman, that Kirumi always proved herself to be. He was fine with her in doses. Too long made him nervous.

She was gone now though, and Shuichi could smell the tea in the air. Mmmm.. leaning forward, awkwardly reaching as much as he could with his stomach now letting him lean all that much, Shuichi still managed to get a hold of his cup… before snorting a little, blushing as he said, “Kokichi? Could you pass me the pot?”

“I’ll do you one better,” Kokichi laughed softly, reaching out of their little nest to hold onto the insulated handle of the teapot, carefully pouring tea into Shuuichi’s cup for him. He knew Shuuichi would feel a lot better when he had full mobility again, but...he liked being able to do little things like this for him. Even if Shuuichi could reach the pot fine on his own, it was still just...nice.

With a new full cup, Kokichi set the pot back down on the tray, not really feeling like drinking something right now, but probably later. He gathered up the blankets again, shifting to make sure his legs weren’t going to fall asleep. 

“I’m glad you like chai so much--it’s really popular so pretty much everywhere has it. Was it something you liked back in Luminary too, or something new?” Food was always a fun subject to talk about in terms of their two kingdoms. Kokichi might poke fun at how underseasoned everything seemed to be, and a little shocked that lizards weren’t, like, highly exotic cuisine, but...it was fun and lighthearted, and Kokichi loved learning about the things his friends liked. 

Shuichi gave Kokichi a fond, appreciative look, before happily sipping at the tea, enjoying that strange, spicy sweetness… “No, this is definitely a new thing for me.” Shuichi admitted, looking happily at the drink. “You could get Chai tea back in Luminary, but it was more expensive there, and more rare. Sort of a fancy, upper-class kind of thing. Not sure I ever tried it.”

Rolling his eyes at himself a little, he confessed, “I had a bad habit of only drinking… kind of the worse version of everything. Green tea. Black coffee. Simple, straightforward recipes… and I only call it a ‘bad’ habit because I was drinking and eating those things despite not liking them very much. It was just the sort of stuff my mentor ate, and…” Shuichi shrugged, “I wanted to be like her. Took up a lot of her habits. Everything except her color scheme. Lots of pinks and purples. I think she had the same mentality as Maki there. Was just looking to make herself more approachable… or maybe she just really liked pink and purple. I was too embarrassed to ever ask her.”

Looking to Kokichi, he realized, “I’m not sure if I know what your favorite food is? I know you like sweet things, but that’s not the same thing. Do you have a favorite?”

Huh...he wondered why it was more rare. It wasn’t all that expensive to make...unless...huh. Maybe spices in general were just...expensive to import into Luminary, and...the cultural stance against using them in cooking was a way to just kinda...offset that. A ‘it doesn’t matter that it’s hard to get ‘cause we don’t want them’ sort of thing. 

Or maybe he was overthinking it.

Laughing softly, Kokichi nuzzled against Shuuichi’s arm. “Aw, that’s really sweet… I got a lot of things from my dad, but his ravenous love of vegetables was not one, much to everyone’s dismay.” Kokichi rolled his eyes a little before giving Shuuichi a wink. “The first thing Kai-chan ever made for us in bed--cinnamon rolls! Though, I do have a soft spot in my heart for grape juice. I’m pretty sure I’ve told you before, but we only really have cinnamon rolls for special occasions, holidays ‘n stuff, so...they feel all the more special. Getting to start off my birthday with a bit, ooey-gooey cinnamon roll slathering in icing…”

Kokichi sighed dreamily, sagging against Shuuichi’s side. “It’s perfection.”

Shuichi laughed lightly at that, before saying, “Oh, right… I had forgotten about that. Cinnamon rolls… they are very good.” he conceded, shifting slightly so that Kokichi could ‘melt’ more comfortably against him, soothingly rubbing his arm a little. “I’m not sure what my new favorite food is… my tastebuds have changed so much very recently. But I used to be a very big fan of pasta with olive oil, which I would, very fancifully, put a little bit of basil and oregano on, and not a lot else.”

Shuichi laughed again, before saying sheepishly “Before you act outraged, you should know that’s pretty plain for even Luminary. Like I said, my pallet was very basic… but warm olive oil on pasta? Mmmmm…” Shuichi smiled warmly, closing his eyes, “Especially if you had some white bread to soak up the olive oil with? A bit of vegetables, if Maki and Kaito were watching and around to judge… Quick, easy to make, a perfect comfort food.”

Kokichi grinned, watching the dream-like rapture from thinking about good food on Shuuichi’s face. “I don’t think I’ve ever had it with olive oil...but there is a simple pasta dish that’s just the noodles and butter that’s popular here. It’s never been a main dish at dinner as far as I remember, but sometimes when I’ve been in recovery and I can eat a little more than broth… A lot of buttered noodles and mashed potatoes. Toast with butter and jam… Not for everything, but I can see how simple dishes can be the best.”

“Mm, maybe the next time we’re feeling like comfort food we can ask the kitchen about making your kind of pasta--I know I’m interested in trying it now.” Kokichi melted a little more against Shuuichi, getting comfortable in soft thoughts. “It’d be a lot to put on Kai-chan but...I dunno. Us making dinner for ourselves in the kitchens upstairs? Sounds like a nice evening to spend together.”

“Maybe I could stir a pot. Could definitely manage that.”

“How hard could it be? We’re both intelligent, hard working people. Cooking can’t be… that hard.” Shuichi guessed, frowning a little. “People do it for themselves all the time. Kaito’s managing it. He hasn’t burnt anything in ages. We could do it.”

Kokichi snickered, cracking an eye open. “Aw, give him a little credit. Kai-chan hasn’t burnt anything in a long time because he’s putting in the practice, learning and getting better. Same with everyone who cooks for themselves.”

“For us? We’d be lucky if anything was edible,” he scoffed. “Maybe we should just do it chef style and do the prep work that Kai-chan tells us while he does the actual cooking parts. Maki-chan isn’t half bad either, so she could probably contribute more. And...I guess if we needed anything fire-roasted, Tim has that down.”

Shuichi grimaced a little, saying, “Ah, yes, roasted lizards. Kaito got into it because Maki and a lot of our lower class friends swore by it, but I always thought catching lizards from the ground and cooking them was a little… gross. I mean… I know that’s basically just what they’re doing with the ones I buy at the stalls, but I could never get my stomach around watching the things run around and then just eating them. Nnngh. I never want to see my food wiggle.”

Kokichi nodded, sighing. “I could never properly live on a farm. It’s such an important job, but...I’d get way too attached to the livestock. I still don’t even feel great about knowing that an animal died for meat when I think about it too much.”

“...Maki-chan thought I was a vegetarian, did you know? Back when we were headed out to the coast. A pretty fair assumption, but I probably need all the sources of protein and fat and like...B-vitamins I can get. And some dishes are too yummy in a way that non-meat stuff just can’t compare to.”

Shuichi laughed, “Did she really? How did you find out? Did she ask you, or did she just start threatening the kitchen staff to not serve as much meat and you had to stop her?”

Kokichi snorted. “She asked me. I couldn’t sleep our first night out there, so we talked for a while. Said that was why the stew she made was all vegetables. It was really thoughtful of her, but nah. I’m just a meat-eater. Pfff, but I could see her doing something like that, all pissed an’ incredulous that I’ve lived here this long and they were still serving a bunch of meat.”

He laughed a little more before calming, his smile...dimming, just a little. 

...he missed her. He understood and supported what she was doing...but he still missed her. Worried about the things she and the volunteers would have to face. But...Kaito and Shuuichi had known her for so much longer, and were already having a rougher time with her absence so...well, the only person he’d told was his therapist. 

“I wonder if she made that stew again for everyone on the road… I hope the kids aren’t caught too off guard by the weather either. The worst of the snow should be past by the time they come into the country, but even just the temperature might be extreme enough. I know they’re getting a supply of thicker coats closer to the border, just in case…”

“I’m sure the Dicean guards and towns at the border will make sure they travel safely, even if Maki leaves them at the border.” Shuichi mused, a lost, sad, if muted expression, “Hina said it was all a lot easier, once she had gotten past the border. That it was almost like the border towns were expecting her. Guess they had figured out some patterns and habits, for the refugees that crossed.”

Shuichi smiled, if a little more tired, as he said, “Hina said she didn’t make it easy to help her. Took her a long time to trust anyone’s intentions. I’ll admit, it was comforting to talk to her about her experiences here. I’ll still argue I haven't struggled with it as much as Maki or Kaito… but it was nice to talk to someone on the other side of the culture shock. To see her adjusted.”

Kokichi nodded slightly. There was never anything official about it, of course. But...with hindsight? Aiichi had never seemed overly surprised to find children who’d traveled for miles on their own, seeking asylum. It...gave him some pride, to think his people were helping wherever they could to make escape easier for anyone trying to leave Luminary.

“...I’m hoping things will be easier. Not that people coming from Luminary will just...blindly trust people they meet in Dicea. But that...people here will be more understanding about what Luminary’s like so...I don’t know. Some of the rougher shock will be easier.”

“I can’t even tell you how many times Kai-chan and I were nearly in tears trying to understand each other at the start…” Kokichi huffed an almost sort of laugh. “But I think Shuu-chan can guess, ‘cause he’s super smart and he sees all the new things we keep learning still. But...I’m glad that you’re able to find and talk to people who understand things more. Gives me hope that things will turn out alright.”

Kokichi scrunched his eyes and nose up, evidently forcing himself to say this. “...and gives me more ammo to fight the nasty lies that my brain tells me.”

Shuichi had nodded along with all of this, relaxing into Kokichi’s side… but his eyes darted to Kokichi, curious and somber. “...which lies would those be, Kokichi?” he asked, looking back to the fire. He tried not to poke too hard, since by his tone of voice, even just that had been hard to say…

But Shuichi was a curious asshole by nature. And he didn’t add any platitudes to offer Kokichi a way out of the conversation, wanting to know what his boyfriend meant.

Kokichi sighed, something almost mocking in his voice. “That I’m constantly manipulating you all and a burden you have no choice but to stick with, and that I’m responsible for ripping you from your home which you’d be far more happy in than here, and so by that metric I’d be better off having never existed than to keep hurting people just by living.”

Another sigh, and a barely there mutter of, “Ridiculous…”

“...huh.” Shuichi said. “That’s… a lot of burden to place onto yourself Kokichi.” giving his boyfriend a concerned look, now idly rubbing his hands lightly up and down Kokichi’s back, he said, “Have you felt that way this whole time?”

Kokichi was quiet for a moment, thinking it over. If they’d had this conversation a few months ago...well, it probably would’ve been happening while Kokichi was in tears, in one of his lows. But with all his talks with Kaito and his therapist...he felt like he could have a real conversation about it. 

“...it came and went, I think. In waves. Sometimes I wouldn’t be thinking like that in the slightest, and then sometimes I felt it so strongly I wanted to die,” he softly admitted, though there was no sheepishness to his voice. “But especially when there’d be some big new thing of culture shock for one of you guys, or you seemed...frustrated with how things are in Dicea? Or disbelieving...“

“I mean, it’s inevitable that you’d miss home sometimes. Of course. But especially with Kai-chan...sometimes it really felt that I was responsible for every horrible thing that happened and every uncomfortable feeling he had. I’ve...scared him a lot, feeling like that.”

Kokichi watched the fire’s dancing lights, still feeling guilty...but more because of how badly he’d scared Kaito with his suicidal episodes than the thoughts that got him there. “I’ll probably still have low moments where my brain’s gonna win and I’ll believe it...but the goal is to cut down on those moments little by little. And being able to remember that things aren’t The Worst Ever is a big weapon I can use.”

Shuichi hummed at that. He doubted those feelings had started with his Luminaries arriving. In Shuichi’s experience, that wasn’t how depression, or that eerie ‘wouldn’t things be better if I was dead?’ feeling, worked. And, considering how Kokichi had kept all the staff at an arms length, to the point where he had felt like he had to apologize to three of them for that specifically not that long after Harvest…

“...I’m sorry if this is something you’d been dealing with for awhile.” Shuichi guessed. “That’s a terrible feeling to hold onto. Like somehow existing itself is the problem for other people… what an awful way to feel…”

“...” Shuichi gave Kokichi a small smile, “I suppose I don’t have to tell you that I’m not actually worse off as a free man in a place where you don’t have to carry weapons with you everywhere you go ‘just in case. Sure, some…” Shuichi frowned. Looking down at himself. “...some bad things happened to me when I got here… but arguably that was all jumpstarted by Tengan. Dicea and you had nothing to do with it. He could have pulled that shit anywhere, and probably would have someday, regardless of the move. Pretty sure the guys a sadist for sadism’s sake.”

He didn’t mention Nao.

That was in no way Kokichi’s fault either. But Shuichi had a feeling that would be a harder one to argue to him.

Kokichi nodded a bit, still staring out at the fire though he nuzzled Shuuichi’s arm, appreciative of his sympathy. “...what I felt for you guys was kind of a showcase of everything but...just in general… My dad--Aiichi--has always been really...steady with his emotions. He always seems like he never strays far from this calm baseline… And for me, it’d gotten to the point where I was just...convinced he hated me. Resented my life. Wished I’d never been born…”

“...it’s not true if the stories he told me are true, but...when I finally...confronted him about all that? I think that was the first time I’d ever seen him cry…”

And despite being more level himself, Kokichi still had to take a deep breath before he smiled softly at Shuuichi. “I know...but it does help to hear it from you. And while there’s still a part of me that argues that there could’ve been some way to prevent all of the shit that happened to you… Can’t control people. Raging assholes like Tengan. Your desperate play to take the pollen…” A sigh. “...Nao’s...power play, or whatever it was that made her do all that…”

“I know it’s not actually my fault and...it was your choice to follow Kai-chan here. It was my and his family that decided that you guys would come. I didn’t start the war.” Kokichi half shrugged against Shuuichi, sending him a thin smile. “Sometimes it doesn’t matter what the facts are...but they do make it harder to argue against. Even if at the end of the day, it just...still hurts. But you can only move forward.”

“Yeah… I find it’s easier to remember that…” Shuichi shrugged. “We were trying our best at the time? There are things Maki and Kaito have done since we’ve arrived here that have made my blood boil, and made me scream at them. You’ve only seen some of it. We’ve been arguing a lot lately… but I find it’s easier to forgive them when I remember how hard it is, to make decisions in the moment. Things that seem obvious in hindsight? Were entirely out of reach to us in the moment. Because, if it wasn’t? We wouldn’t have done it that way in the first place… we would have taken the ‘obviously’ better option.” 

“That’s a harder mentality to turn inward,” Shuichi admitted, “But the same rules still apply, and when I’m not entirely lost in my feelings, it does make me feel better to remember that. Looking back, I could have… trusted that someone would help us? I didn’t need to think we’d be doomed if me and Maki couldn’t make it home on our own. We could have stopped at a healer… but I was scared and everything felt like it needed to happen immediately, and I didn’t trust any of the strangers around us, so instead I took the pollen.”

“If I was calmer? Smarter? More trusting, or more strategic? Maybe I would have realized that then, before it was all too late...” Shuichi shrugged, “But I wasn’t any of those things. I was just Shuichi Saihara. Doing my best in the moment. The version of me that could have done it differently literally doesn’t exist in any capacity. Because if he did? I wouldn’t be here.”

Kokichi nodded slowly, some of the stuff, like trying to remember that, generally, people always were trying their bests, were things he knew but...just how Shuuichi could phrase things, sometimes. They stuck in Kokichi’s mind and just...made things click. 

“...mm… I...yeah. That makes a lot of sense, actually…” Maybe that was why he always had such a hard time imagining ‘what if’ scenarios. Because...if he’d made different decisions, then he wouldn’t be him. He’d been someone else and...it was hard to relate to others. Worth doing, absolutely, but far from something you could do without any effort.

Scooting up a little from his melted position, Kokichi kissed Shuuichi’s cheek. “We are where we are, and we’re who we are because of it. And...it’s not all bad. Not even close.”

“...you’ve been arguing with Kai-chan and Maki-chan a lot?” Now it was Kokichi’s turn to be inquisitive on the hard things, but...well, likely unlike Shuuichi, he’d let it go if his boyfriend didn’t want to talk about it. “Was it...mostly about Maki-chan leaving, or…? If you wanted to...I dunno, vent or talk it through, I’m here to listen.”

“...no. I mean, with Maki, no more than normal.” Shuichi rolled his eyes, though he turned his head and stole a small kiss from the corner of Kokichi’s mouth after his kiss on the cheek, giving him another fond smile. “I’ve been arguing with Maki about this stupid idea of hers ever since Kaede put it in her head. Since she asked for my opinion, made me swear not to tell our mutual best friend...and then proceeded to ignore my entirely reasonable arguments anyway… I wish she had never told me in the first place. All it did was stress us both out.” Shuichi scoffed.

“...I still can’t see a version of events that would have been better, or easier, if I had told Kaito a year ago, when I first learned what they were planning. But I wasn’t exactly thrilled to keep such a dangerous secret from someone who's so frequently gone out of his way to look after me. Me and Maki have had hundreds of arguments this last year. So you can’t even blame the move to Dicea for our fights either.” Shuichi told Kokichi sternly, smirking at him slightly. “Just normal ‘maybe don’t get yourself killed or psychologically ruin our best friend’ stuff.”

“...as for Kaito…”

Shuichi hesitated.

“...maybe my expectations for Kaito are too high.” Shuichi said...before gritting his teeth and shaking his head, “That’s a lie. Or, if it’s true, I don’t believe it. Kaito’s...been my hero my whole life… I could always count on him… and I’m just… so frustrated by how much he’s let me down lately… again, I remind myself he’s trying his best. He’s not in the same position as he used to be. It’s not as easy for him to just… make problems go away. He can barely keep his own life together right now, I know that, I get it, but…”

Shuichi’s eyes reddened. An angry, frustrated look on his face, as he said, “I just wish I had my Kaito back. The one who always seemed like he knew what to do. He always told me growing up it was okay to rely on him, that he could handle it...and maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much now if before, that hadn’t always been true… but now he’d rather dance at a party then chase after his friends, and he rapes his husband, and he entirely missed that someone had taken the key to my room from me, or that people had forced liquor down my throat, or that I was beaten so hard I couldn’t move for days...then he has the nerve to share me… and I know the stuff on the pollen wasn’t his fault, but none of that felt particularly good either and…”

Shiuichi shuddered, running a hand over his face, embarrassed by his tears. “...sorry. None of this is your fault. It’s not Dicea’s fault. I don’t even know if it’s Kaito’s fault. It’s just...been a tough couple of months. I just… what Maki’s doing I expect from her. It’s in character. Kaito? It’s so disappointing...”

Kokichi had been getting better at cutting his destructive thoughts off but...he couldn’t help the impulse to apologize for...taking Shuuichi’s Kaito away. And he knew that wasn’t true. Even with the...duty stuff, Kaito was his own person, not...molded to only be there for whatever Kokichi needed. 

But for Shuuichi...that only made it worse. Maybe it’d be easier to swallow if it really was someone else’s fault. 

Kaito was Kokichi’s hero too, but...he had always been so human to him. Someone who made mistakes and got stuck in traps and sometimes wouldn’t be able to do much at all. So...the kind of hero he was to him? Was very different from the one Shuuichi was describing. And even if Kaito still was incredible...it was probably still difficult to see it as anything but a downgrade from being invincible. Even if, yeah, Kaito was always still trying his best. It was just...different results. 

Kokichi had wanted to try to defend Kaito, at least a little, explaining what Kaito had told him about their wedding reception at least, but he stiffened as Shuuichi listed something that...he hadn’t known about at all.

“...share you?”

...he...had thought… ...of course asking hadn’t been...because…

Despite the calm he’d had before, Kokichi’s eyes went red as well, and maybe it was just all the time he’d spent with his family, but he bowed his head, deeply enough that his chin was practically curled into his neck. “...I-I’m so sorry…Shuu-chan….I didn’t…”

For a second, Shuichi actually wasn’t sure what Kokichi was talking about.

He had been emotionally ranting, just so… fucking caught up in some of his recent anger with Kaito. Just thinking of their recent arguments. And Shuichi’s fury with Kaito when he had tried to pressure Shuichi into acting out a submission bow ritual with him, along with everything that argument had brought up, was on his mind…

...but he hadn’t actually meant to…

Shuichi wished he could take it back, but, well… as ugly at the thought was, as much as he was certain it’d hurt Kokichi’s feelings… he honestly didn’t feel like Kokichi himself had done anything wrong. Instead of trying to lie the words away, he might as well just try to explain his thought process to him.

So Shuichi put his arms around Kokichi and pulled his head into his shoulder and said, “You don’t have to be sorry. I don’t need an apology from you. I don’t think you did anything wrong… I did find you very attractive. I wanted to be with you. And I love you, truly, now.”

“And everything with the pollen was so... Confusing. For everyone involved. No one really knew what was happening. And I was on medicine, that we all thought was making me coherent...I’m not angry at you. And, when I’m not feeling mean and emotional, I remember that a lot of that was true for Kaito too… neither of you hurt me. You made me very happy. I just...got angry with Kaito for a bunch of little stuff he was doing at the time, submission bow bullshit, that day in the office, you remember? And I just… bundled all those emotions together. But I’m not actually angry about what happened. You didn’t do anything wrong… you took care of me the best you could. I’ll always be grateful for that…”

Kokichi...didn’t feel like he deserved to be hugged and cradled against Shuuichi, but...that was just how this went sometimes. And it’d be far more hurtful to the both of them to pull away. So Kokichi just tucked his face into Shuuichi’s neck and bunched his hands in the ends of his sweater. 

As much as he felt the qualifications didn’t matter...they really did. Kaito and Kokichi had asked for Shuuichi’s consent every step of the way, and even if they really should’ve used a condom, they’d all believed that that consent was valid. And...maybe it really was. But that fear and hurt of possibly having hurt Shuuichi with something so intimate was…

Kokichi sniffled quietly before putting his arms around Shuuichi properly. “...I just wanted to help… I really liked you and...you had tried to drown yourself and j-just tried to hang yourself… You were bleeding and Kai-chan...he said I shouldn’t go into the bathroom… Even he told me about Maki-chan’s idea...I was so scared… I wanted to make you happy and safe and…” He took a shuttered breath, trying to calm down again, though it wasn’t so easy this time. “...I never wanted you to feel like...a duty or a chore...I wanted you to feel loved…”

“I did.” Shuichi said softly, running his hands lightly up and down Kokichi’s back again. “I felt taken care of and impatient to start while we all had a very long talk about boundaries. I liked kissing you… I remember thinking that things like this didn’t happen in real life…”

“People don’t gently take care of you when you’re begging and crazy for sex... Princes’ don’t take Indentured’s into their arms and tell them that you’ll be safe and they love you… I was half convinced I was dreaming. It was too perfect. You were both so gentle with me. You were so kind…”

“...and yeah. The pollen stuff made all of that a little weirder. And there was a moment, later in my rehab, where I wanted Kaito to answer for some of the choices he made… but I was mostly just mad at him for other reasons and wanted to throw that into his face, more than anything.” Shuichi admitted, sighing. “But I was grateful and happy and taken care of when it was happening, and I’m still grateful for it now. You both have…” Shuichi smiled, shrugging slightly, “Retroactive enthusiastic consent? I’d want it to happen the same way again. I don’t regret or resent it… I promise. I love you, Kokichi.”

Your own thoughts were dangerous. Easily twisted into things that could hurt you badly. Solid facts could help you fend off the more absurd and generally more harmful thoughts, but the more nuanced matters became, or if there was anything subjective to them...those gaps the facts left could be terrifying. 

But hearing someone sincerely tell you how they felt? You could ignore them, think they were being manipulated...but then you had no reality, and you would hurt everyone worse than what you’d dream up on your own. Accepting someone else’s feelings...it was a balm for the soul. 

Kokichi sniffled a little more, but felt more in control of himself with everything Shuuichi said, until he almost felt ready to fight and say that things like that did happen, so there! Laughing softly, Kokichi turned away just enough to wipe his eyes before he kissed Shuuichi’s jaw. “I love you too.”

“...man...here I am trying to be a confidant and I just lose it… Thanks for being patient with me, and sharing things even when I become a big crybaby.” Thanks, not sorries, and give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Kokichi squeezed Shuuichi in their hug for a moment before relaxing, just being comfortable cuddled up next to his boyfriend again. “But...yeah. I can understand why you’d be mad at Kaito for the submission bow thing… I was more scared than angry, and...sometimes it still kinda bothers me…”

He sighed, definitely not wanting to meltdown again. “But...he is doing his best. It just...sucks that the results are different here than what you’re used to. As long as he’s always trying to be better...I can’t fault him for being human. And hopefully Kai-chan will be able to live up to your expectations again.”

Shuichi huffed. “The submission bow thing is fine, if you think the other person would ever so much as hurt you, let alone kill you. Lots of submission bows just end with some scarring or maiming...but when you know the other person’s not gonna do anything? Then it’s just an asshole guilt trip… and as much as I get angry with him, of course I’d never actually hurt Kaito. So, ya know… he can just stop doing that forever, thanks.” Shuichi grumbled.

Shuichi relaxed as well, letting Kokichi get comfortable against him again, as he said, “Yeah...he’s doing his best, and again, when I’m not so… emotional? I can remember that. It’s just hard not to say things I don’t really mean in the heat of the moment.”

He was glad Kokichi was calmed down. Shuichi really hadn’t been trying to make him feel bad. It had just slipped out. He didn’t want his boyfriend to feel like Shuichi resented him. He didn’t. He was just… upset sometimes about stuff. And...well, honestly? Kaito was an easy target for a lot of his ire right now. And he didn’t want that to spill over to Kokichi.

...maybe he and Kaito should talk, when he gets back. Like, really talk. Maybe the two just had a lot of apologizing they had to do to each other. Atua knows Shuichi had a few things he wasn’t super proud of himself either…

After a moment, Shuichi laughed at himself. “Do you think other couples talk like this when they’re cuddling in front of the fire? It’s occured to me we’re not very good at relaxing.”

He couldn’t remember his exact thought process, but Kokichi could remember just how...baffled he had been when Kaito went into a submission bow for the first time. How hearing that it was meant to be a gesture of apology only deepened that confusion. Maybe it really was just that deep a culture thing. Even people more...violently physical, he couldn’t imagine them just...dropping an issue that serious if someone went into a bow for it. 

Hopefully Kaito would never need to go into one again. 

Kokichi scoffed quietly, laughing along with Shuuichi, though his cheeks went pink. “I mean...honestly by this point I think most couples would be a little more occupied than to get into serious conversations...but I’m probably biased. Maybe it means we go on emotional rollercoasters all the time, but...we’re people who talk about serious things! It’s not all bad. And I’m feelin’ pretty comfy anyway.”

Shuichi laughed lightly at that: they were a people who talked about serious things… though, the other thing Kokichi said gave him pause.

...oh geez.

Had this been supposed to be a sexy thing??

Okay, now that Shuichi was thinking about it, he could see how… cuddling with your loved one among a bunch of blankets and pillows in front of the fire could lead to… intimacy. But his head really hadn’t been anywhere near that realm, more just focused on ‘need to get warm’ over everything. But had Kokichi been hoping for…

Shuichi felt his face redden, partly in embarrassment, partly in...interest. At the idea.

… he was so god-damned pregnant though…

He and Kokichi had been making out a lot lately. Shuichi just… wanted too. Could feel his body getting heated up and restless throughout the day, and kissing Kokichi had eased that a little. And he had known Kaito was basically ready to go the literal second Shuichi was ready to give him the go ahead, regardless of time or place… and Shuichi had been tempted a few times… had sat in the office re-reading the same paragraphs in his binders over and over as he daydreamed about just finding wherever Kaito busied himself while they were working, pulling him into the nearest room, closet, whatever, and locking it, and--

But Shuichi’s sheer nerves at the idea had kept that a daydream… and again.

He was sooooo pregnant.

...well, they had dealt with obstacles in their sex life before. Maybe the fact that Shuichi wasn’t exactly ‘flexible’ right now wouldn’t be that big of an issue...

...fuck he was so embaressed just go for it.

“Um…” Shuichi lightly ran his hands up and down Kokichi’s side, shifting his sweater beneath the pressure of his fingers, so that some of Kokichi’s light skin was peeking from its ends. Shuichi put feather-light fingertips against the exposed skin, as he said, as suave as he could, “If you were...hoping to also be… occupied? I mean…” he blushed, “...I’m not against it…”

Kokichi’s cheeks went a bit more than pink, but his wide-eyed surprise only lasted a moment before he looked down bashfully, softly laughing as he caressed Shuuichi’s hip. “Now, I don’t want you thinking I set this all up to get laid, alright? I love Shuu-chan cuddle time. But...if we’re both open to it...it’d be another nice first, I think.”

Kokichi leaned in a bit more, chastely pressing his lips to Shuuichi’s, asking for permission for more. Always one to ask, even when enthusiasm was involved. 

...they hadn’t really done anything like this in a while. So...whatever Shuuichi’s desire, Kokichi wanted to do everything he could to fulfill it. 

Shuichi was happy to lean in for more kisses, the fire cackling as the soft sounds of lips pressing back and forth filled the room.

They continued that way for a while, the two finding kissing a comforting, easy way to pass affection back and forth. Shuichi personally loved the small intimacy of it. The gentle way they touched each other. The small tastes, both of their natural scents, and whatever they had eaten last.

Kokichi tasted like himself and the chocolate he had sipped on, and Shuichi chased that sweetness as he placed a small lick against the purse of Kokich’s bottom lip, a small request to get inside. When Kokichi opened up, Shuichi gently poked and explored, small, little intrusions, as he ran his hands up and down Kokichi’s back and around his waist…

After awhile Shuichi broke the kiss, face a little flushed and needing a breath, as he shyly admitted, “I don’t know how well I’ll be able to… move my hips and all that. I don’t think we’ll be able to grind against each other all that well…”

As much as Kokichi could lose himself in the fast-paced desperation of some of their sessions, when it was like this? Slow and deliberate, the connections between their bodies gradually growing as they craved more of each other, and those parts becoming blurred amid sweet kisses and delicate touches. Kokichi adored it just as much. As funny as it was to compare, the intimate time he spent with Shuuichi was always so curious and exploratory. 

Accepting Shuuichi’s request, Kokichi followed his tongue’s tour with his own, one of his hands playing with the ends of Shuuichi’s hair while the other took a slow, meandering path down his curves, just rounding the top of his ass by the time Shuuichi pulled back. And Kokichi could only smile, kissing upon Shuuichi’s cheeks. “S’all right. I want you to be comfortable, and we can figure out fun things to do from there. What position is Shuu-chan most comfortable in?

Shuichi tried to imagine different positions, and all of them were both a little enticing, and a little embarrassing to think about. Leaning in to place small kisses down his neck as he thought, moving until his lips got to the edge of Kokichi’s collar. 

He could… put himself on his back. That’d be comfortable, but… it’d be kind of an embarrassing place to be, if they couldn’t grind, and either way, Kokichi didn’t like topping… 

Maybe they could just sit? Like they were doing? And maybe just... Touch each other a bit? Would it be hard for Kokichi to touch him if his belly was covering over his lap? His dick was probably long enough to not be entirely covered… Shuichi honestly wasn’t sure. He hadn’t been entirely naked and sitting since his stomach had grown. He wasn’t exactly the type to explore his own body 

“Um…” Shuichi blushed, looking down at his body. “Sitting isn’t so bad, like this…. I just don’t know what I’m gonna look like without my clothes on? It might be tough to touch me. Should we get undressed?”

“Mmm…” Kokichi hummed, happy with that answer as he would’ve been with any other (except maybe Shuuichi lying on top of him, mostly because it didn’t seem like it’d be comfortable at all for Shuuichi, and Kokichi would be crushed). He gently tucked some hair behind Shuuichi’s ear, kissing his head before giving his boyfriend a wink. “Well, I can guarantee that, at the very least, Shuu-chan’s gonna look beautiful and sexy with his clothes off, so there’s a little bit of the mystery solved. But, yeah, touching sounds nice--and it means we don’t really have to get up out of the blankets.” Their room wasn’t all that cold, but still. Max coziness was desired. 

Starting them off, Kokichi leaned back slightly to take his shirt off, just going to do it normally but...he could practically feel Kaito’s frustration, teasing them for always surging on ahead. So...feeling a little silly, but wanting to see if Shuuichi was into it, Kokichi slowly slid his hands up from his stomach, lifting his shirt in more of a reveal and showcasing his body in a way he’d never really done before but...well. It was nice to try new things. 

And bringing his shirt up this way covered the red in his cheeks. 

Shuichi didn’t realize Kokichi was doing anything for a moment… but found his gaze lowering, watching Kokichi’s stomach, watching the way his skin pulled against thin muscles, his back bending backwards slightly as he made a very exaggerated pull of his sweater over his head…

And it was when Shuihci found himself staring at those little twist of muscles, and those little pink nipples, over small showings of ribs, that it occurred to him Kokichi was doing this on purpose and…

Shuichi took in a little stutter of breath, his face bright red, and he reached up to lower his cap in embarrassment, only remembering he wasn’t wearing it as his hands grasped bangs. By the time Kokichi could see again, Shuichi was covering his smile with his hand, a little flustered and embarrassed, but incredibly pleased as he said, “Kaito’s going to be so mad he missed that…”

Kokichi giggled softly, a bashful, yet pleased look on his face as he set his shirt aside. “Yeah? I mean...I give Shuu-chan full permission to hold it over his head when he comes back. Ni-hi…” It just...flustered him more that Shuuichi seemed to like it, provoking more little laughs from him. Maybe he’d feel bold enough to do it for Kaito some time, though his husband did enjoy undressing him himself.

Reaching over, gently rubbing the sides of Shuuichi’s belly, Kokichi offered a soft, yet wanting smile. “Can I help you out of this? I know Shuu-chan can do it himself but...I’m too embarrassed to be the only one putting on a show, you know. If I’m shirtless, then Shuu-chan’s right behind, yeah?”

Shuichi laughed, though his gaze dropped, a nervous smile on his face as he said, “Yeah… of course. Give me a second…”

The blue haired boy was far more comfortable, these days, with exposing his top half. Sure, he had worn a shirt in the hot spring, but that was just because Maki was there, and he wasn’t… quite comfortable with the idea of anyone other than Kaito and Kokichi seeing him. But his partners themselves? He was usually fine, if maybe just a little more private than Kaito was (not hard) and a little more restrained than Kokichi (harder) when it came to causally getting undressed. 

Still, there was always that initial mental prep, especially when it came to sexy times… just that little internal pep talk, that Kokichi thought he was attractie. That no one was going to laugh. No one thought he was repulsive…

Shuichi took the edges of his own sweater in hand, and suddenly laughed, looking embarrassed but playful as he said, “I can try to do a sexy shimmy out as well, but I have a feeling it’s going to look a little goofy on my end.”

Kokichi snorted softly and bent to place a kiss at the apex of Shuuichi’s stomach. “Believe me, I felt silly doing it. So, if you liked seeing that from me, then I imagine I’ll be swooning if Shuu-chan tries.”

“Pants, on the other hand,” he sighed, “I doubt have a sexy way to get out of them while we’re sitting, so that’ll be a lull, but the chance to see Shuu-chan all warm and cozy and naked in front on the fire is more than enough to get me going.” He winked again, just...trying to keep things on the up. He knew that his own nerves and affirmations that things were alright could sometimes...echo with Shuuichi’s nerves, and that despite any steam, they’d slow down until they were both too flustered to proceed. So…

Well, he was thinking about what Kaito would do. And endlessly complimenting Shuuichi and his body were easy picks. 

Shuichi laughed again, pleased (if nervous) and he pulled the sweater over his head, the sweater catching on his ears for a second (he laughed again, harder, finding himself snickering at his own lack of grace) before he finally pulled the sweater off, grinning, his hair a little tussled after his fight with the sweater, a shyness as he glanced down at himself, putting his sweater aside as he murmured, “Ta-da…” 

Then he laughed, and covered his face as he said, “The ta-ta’s.” Absolutely embarrassed at his own joke, but entirely unable to hold back once the stupid joke had entered his head. Peeking through his fingers, face beat red, he said, “...um… I know I haven't really let either of you… mess with them yet. And between the two of you, I think you’ll get the least out of them…” Shuichi dropped his hands, huffing and shaking his head, his neck and face still beet red as he rolled his eyes, “But that’s partly why I feel better offering this time, without Kaito around. I’m going to let him at some point, but I know how much he wants to be all over them. It’s a little overwhelming still.”

Looking down at himself, still not really seeing anything… attractive, in the small, sometimes leaking lumps on his chest, especially resting on top of a bulging, rock-hard stomach… but not quite as repulsed as he used to be either. “They feel weird.” Shuichi confessed to Kokichi, lightly reaching up to touch his own nipples, moving them around gently. The confession wasn’t a dramatic one. It was more like… he was just trying to share a strange experience with his boyfriend, the words calm and inquisitive. “Like, on the inside… I don’t know why, but I always assumed the lumpy sides would be more sensitive? They’re not… it’s sort of like touching your arms? But…” Shuichi snorted. “Doughy? I don’t know… it’s like touching your butt. That’s what it’s like. Except for the…” Shuichi blushed harder, “except for the nipples. But, then, you would probably be able to guess that.”

A little self conscious at his own monologue, Shuichi stopped playing with himself, laying his hands on his stomach, as he said, “A-alright, your turn again. Do I get a show for you getting out of your pants, too?” Shuichi challenged, a playful flutter going through his stomach.

Kokichi watched eagerly as Shuuichi took off his sweater, and...yanno, somehow the little bumbles on the way, accentuated with Shuuichi’s lovely laugh...Kokichi felt himself enraptured, loving Shuuichi’s messy hair just as much as the reveal of skin. 

And, of course, that joke at the end. Kokichi snickered in delight, leaning forward to place a kiss on Shuuichi’s forehead, then down to his ear as he caressed his belly again. Just...completely missing his chest just by habit at this point, but… He listened to Shuuichi talk about his chest, finding some comfort in the...just sort of mundane way Shuuichi described his breasts. Far and away from the fear and disgust in months past. 

Kokichi’s gaze softened as he gently reached up to cup one of Shuuichi’s boobs, massaging it a little in the way he remembered from the only other time he’d ever purposely touched them. “Well, Shuu-chan knows how much I like touching his butt. If you’re open to it, then I’m gonna be happy to make Shuu-chan feel loved on his chest too. It’s a part of your body, so I love it--that’s all there is to it.”

Though, he could admit at least to himself, there were parts of any body that he was a little more interested in. 

Rolling his eyes a little, Kokichi stole a kiss and nipped at Shuuichi’s lips before standing up out of their pile, letting the blankets drop off him to avoid tugging them off Shuuichi. “Since you asked so nicely… How could I ever turn down something from my precious boyfriend?”

And, with a face starting to turn red again despite his words, Kokichi started caressing himself back down his chest, swaying his hips a little even as his hands arrived at his waistband. A little pull down in the center, following and exposing a little more of his happy trail, leaving it be just before his dick, then sliding his hands to his hips, working it down as he turned just a bit, showing off his ass little by little. 

He was determined to do this, but Kokichi’s face was a bright tomato at this point.

Okay, the hands were back on Shuichi’s face, another nervous laugh as he watched this from between his fingers. That was… both surprisingly erotic, but also very funny. 

Then, after a moment, feeling incredibly silly, Shuichi forced his hands off his face and clapped a little, giving out a small ‘Woo!’ before curling in on himself, laughing at himself as he put his hands right back on his face, snickering endlessly. 

But as he uncurled himself, looking at Kokichi properly, eyes lingering on his thin hips and that very sweet little patch of dark purple fuzz (Shuichi didn’t really ‘manscape’, but he did cut his own hair when it felt like it was getting long and cumbersome, though the growth of his dick had almost buried the hair down there. He remembered Seiko muttering to herself once about how it was interesting his second puberty hadn’t inspired more body hair growth… but she had seen the nervous look of anxiety on his face hearing that and if she had had anything more to say about it, she didn’t bring it up around him again.), before lingering on Kokichi’s cute, thick(er) cock for a moment…

He got the sudden shame of ‘staring too much’ and he forced his gaze away, looking at other parts of Kokichi’s body. It helped that Kokichi turned himself, showing off his backside, which made Shuichi laugh playfully, before murmuring, “You’re… really, very attractive Kokichi… um… can I grab your hips?”

Kokichi giggled as Shuuichi got into it too, the little show both feeling purposefully sexy and just...kind of fun in a silly way. Something he felt flustered over, but still did with a grin on his face. 

Kaito was going to be so jealous if he managed to get the details from one of them. He could almost imagine his husband whining for his own sexy strip show. (Maybe some time, though...he’d always be glad about doing this with Shuuichi first. Kaito’s enthusiasm could be endlessly encouraging, but it could also be overwhelming, particularly when you were trying something on him.)

Blushing a little more as...well, for the end, Kokichi just sort of ended up kicking his pants and underwear to the side, feeling...happy and desired at the compliment, Kokichi shuffled forward a little, making himself within arms’ reach. “Go for it. As of yet, there isn’t a part of me that I wouldn’t be okay with Shuu-chan touching or grabbing so...feel free.”

Shuichi nodded, explaining, “I just didn’t want to grab, maybe startle you. Come...come here…” 

Gently grabbing Kokichi’s hips, he pulled his boyfriend closer to himself, letting his hands enjoy the feeling of Kokichi’s skin for a second, running his hands up and down Kokichi’s stomach and sides, before resting on his hips again. Then, feeling pretty bold, honestly, Shuichi leaned in, and kissed at his stomach first, before moving on to the curves, thin and angular as they might be, of Kokichi’s adonis belt, running his hands from Kokichi’s hips to to the cups of his cheeks as he kissed at his hips.

And then, because it was something Kaito would do, Shuichi tried biting at Kokichi’s hip… and found himself just sort of awkwardly holding Kokichi’s skin between his teeth. A little… confused, wondering what he was meant to do next. Shuichi liked the little bites Kaito nipped him with during sex, but he wondered what Kaito himself was getting out of them? It just felt a bit strange.

Letting the bite go, Shuichi leaned back, about to apologize if it hurt… before snickering at himself, the skin literally not even turned red, just a little slobbery. “I’m not sure I’m a biter.” he realized, shrugging a little. “I learn something new every time we do this.”

Kokichi watched lovingly as Shuuichi touched and kissed at his hips and the surrounding areas, carding his fingers through Shuuichi’s hair as he let his boyfriend explore and love on him. And, embarrassingly enough, but perhaps expected because Kokichi was always vocal, his breath caught at the just barely there feeling of teeth on his hip and Shuuichi’s hands cupping his ass, the care and affection in the entire gesture stirring something in him. 

But he still laughed softly, tracing Shuuichi’s cheek with his thumb. “I think if both you and Kai-chan were biters, I’d never have clear skin again. I hope my eagerness to kiss all over Shuu-chan’s neck isn’t putting him in that position.”

Maybe Shuuichi wasn’t quite done, but Kokichi knelt back down, going to sit on his knees, both making up for their sitting height difference, and making it easier for him to lean over and do things, like kiss all over Shuuichi’s neck, which he did just to make his point (and because he loved to), nipping gently where his neck met his shoulder. “Still...Shuu-chan’s skin is so soft and glowy these days, I think he’d recover alright.”

Shuichi sighed softly, tilting his head a little and closing his eyes, enjoying the feeling of Kokichi on his neck, his hands on Kokichi’s thighs, just lightly running his fingers over them...before gripping slightly, a small, “Ha-h…” escaping him as Kokichi nipped at him, nothing painful in the bite, but always that startling, difficult to ignore ‘There’ feeling… his body entirely unable to ignore or forget Kokichi’s presence as his boyfriend demanded its attention…

“Mmm… is it?” Shuichi murmured, bringing his hands from Kokichi’s thighs, back to his face, taking his cheeks in his hands, before sliding his palms back, thin, long fingers taking Kokichi’s ears and idly massaging them, following the curve of the shell and rubbing small circles into the lobes, not sure if it felt good, just… wanting to do it. Before he leaned in and started kissing Kokichi again. “If my skin is so nice, Kokichi can enjoy it as long as he likes… I like being open and available for you...”

The words felt natural in Shuichi’s mouth, just a moment of sincere appreciation, too obvious to feel flustered over… but then he broke the kisses and huffed and looked a little sheepish as he confessed, “...I’m gonna need help getting my pants off.”

“Mm...mmnnn…” Kokichi enjoyed the feeling of Shuuichi’s hands traveling around his thighs, and while the little ear massage was unexpected… Kokichi melted a little against his boyfriend, finding relaxation in the motions and adoration in Shuuichi’s words. Whenever Shuuichi could say things like that, smooth and earnest… He supposed he could understand why Kaito got so flustered when he did the same thing. 

Kokichi kissed Shuuichi, a little more passionate than they’d gotten as of yet, though he laughed softly when they remembered it was now Shuuichi’s turn to strip. And while it would be very sexy, Kokichi wasn’t about to make his heavily pregnant boyfriend heft himself up out of their little nest. 

“And it’s help happily given,” he chirped, pressing his lips one more time against Shuuichi’s before he looked at their situation. “Maybe...lie more on your back and lift your hips, and I can pull your pants down?”

Shuichi laughed, both entirely unself-conscious and awfully embarrassed, tapping his forehead against Kokichi’s shoulder as he said, “That is not exactly the ‘sexiest’ thing…” he looked up, giving Kokichi a sheepish smile, “But that would probably be for the best, yes.”

Laying back on the pillows and blankets, his pajamas snug on his hips, Shuichi blushed a little, looking up at Kokichi, his hair sprawled back against the white of the linen, everything about him radiating a sense of sheepishness and arousal, as he said, “I’d love to tease, but be quick, okay? My hips are so heavy… I won’t be able to maintain a lift very long.”

Shuichi sighed, lifting up his hips, and immediately relaxing when his waist band was pulled below his hips, settling back down as he settled into the linen a bit, sighing as he noted, “I can see why Kaito doesn’t like to wear a lot of clothes to bed… the feeling of the blankets and the sheets against the skin? It’s nice…” looking up at Kokichi, offering up an arm, Shuichi smiled, “Help me up please?”

“I think I’ll take a page from Kai-chan’s book here, and say that everything we’re doing right now is very sexy,” Kokichi reassured with a laugh, kissing Shuuichi’s ear before he laid back. And...well. The sight of Shuuichi on his back, his large belly in the air...it was sexy without any qualifications. 

Swallowing, Kokichi adeptly tugged down Shuuichi’s pants, still enjoying the reveal of thick, powerful thighs, and he placed the pants down to the side with his own. Kokichi laughed softly and took Shuuichi’s arm, bracing himself backwards to help pull his boyfriend up. “It is pretty luxurious feeling, huh? Getting out of a bath and into fresh blankets and sheets while you're all naked… There’s not too much that’s like that feeling.”

Kokichi didn’t pull away after Shuuichi got himself sat up again, sticking around in his space to start laying down a flurry of kisses on his face. 

Shuichi closed his eyes, laughing as he turned his face ever so slightly away, the quick cluster of kisses around his face a welcome, if amusing, almost playful tickle across his skin. Shuichi put his arms around Kokichi’s waist, pulling him to be closer besides himself, their hips pressed together, Kokichi’s back to the fire, as Shuichi waited for Kokichi to get his fill of of his light kisses before turning his face back towards him, capturing his lips again, kissing him deeply as he held him.

After kissing him like this for awhile, Shuichi pulled back, looking Kokichi over for a moment… before saying softly. “Kokichi? Could you… lean back on your arms? Like, prop yourself up with your elbows, or hands, or…” Shuichi blushed, his gaze dropping, “I can’t really… ‘top’ you right now. And I can’t bend very well, so if you leaned back, it can’t be very far… but I still want to touch you up and down a bit…”

Kokichi giggled into his flurry, egged on by Shuuichi’s laughs, but backed off when his boyfriend pulled away, only to let out a delighted hum when it turned out the break was just for a deeper kiss. The kind of kiss that could almost be drawing after a while, Kokichi willingly deepening it and enjoying every moment.

And when they parted, he was breathing heavily, trying to get air back into his lungs, feeling that delightfully dizzy sensation. Very successfully riled up, as evidenced when he laid back part way on his hands. Kokichi’s cheeks were red from more than just breathlessness, but his grin was eager. “I love any affection Shuu-chan wants to give me. As long as we can make each other feel good, then this is good.”

“Hmmm.” Shuichi agreed, taking a moment to appreciate what Kokichi looked like. Red face, hair hanging slightly down, pulled by the gravity of the way he was leaning, thin chest heaving slightly as Kokichi smiled up at him.

Very pretty…

Taking, again, the very tips of his fingertips, Shuichi started at the neck, before running his featherlight touch down Kokichi’s chest, his stomach, down his hips before dancing across the skin of his thighs. Then, stopping at his knees, he re-traced his path backwards, his short fingernails lightly grazing the skin, up, up, up Kokichi’s neck, lightly touching Kokichi’s cheek, rubbing his thumb across Kokichi’s cheek bone appreciatively, looking at him with adoration and lust...running his hands back down a bit…

Almost by accident, his fingers caught one of Kokichi’s small, pink nipples, but it completely caught Shuichi’s attention either way. Taking his index and middle finger, he ran small, light circles around Kokichi’s nipple with his right hand, his left hand keeping himself steady as he leaned against the floor next to his hips. Then, he gently grasped Kokichi’s nipple, playing with it, feeling it grow hard under his attention… 

And, feeling a little… lewd in the idea, Shuichi pulled his fingers back, putting his fingers in his mouth, sucking against them a moment… and now warm and wet, he went back to playing and teasing Kokichi’s nipples, warming and wetting them, before moving onto the next nipples, teasing and lightly pinching at them...tracing his fingers down Kokichi’s stomach again and lightly grazing them over Kokichi’s cock…

“You really are very pretty, Kokichi…” Shuichi stomach fluttered, as he murmured, his eyes hazy as they explored the length of Kokichi’s body, fingers still feather-light over Kokichi’s cock, grazing up and down the base of it, “...and you come beautifully undone… I like watching you lose control of yourself...” more feather-light touches, “...when you start to shake, and those involuntary little jerks of your body… it’s very pretty…”

Kokichi sighed happily at the light touches, but his breath caught again when Shuuichi started paying attention to his nipples, playing with them and then- “Nn, oooh…” He trembled slightly, the wet warmth highlighting every touch Shuuichi gave him all the way down…

Kokichi let out soft hums and moans, not bucking into Shuuichi’s touch (yet) but certainly feeling those barely-there grazes like Shuuichi was grasping him firmly, wanting more but also being appreciative of what he was currently getting. 

“Ha… Shuu-chan loves watching people embrace pleasure--makes Kai-chan get all cute an’ flustered...hhn…” Kokichi tipped his head into one of his shoulders, his body shaking a little more as Shuuichi grazed over his head. “Shuu-chan is pretty all the time, but he’s so sweet when he’s feelin’ loved… Focused and flustered and trying to hide his face but embracing us… It’s a lotta fun when we cum together an’ moan at the same time...kinda wish I could appreciate it more, but Shuu-chan takes up all of my attention.”

Shuichi laughed, a little shyly, still keeping up his little touches, but his face reddening at Kokichi’s descriptions of himself. “I’m not always super capable of focusing right then either. I like watching you and Kaito fall apart, but unfortunately, I think Kaito gets the same idea. And he’s much better at controlling the pace of all three of us at once.” Shuichi sighed, a small ‘tsk’ in the sound. “He’s so selfish, keeping our expressions for himself… you know he’s asked me to tie him down? I did a little once, but I didn’t make full use of it… I think the next time I’ll be more experimental with it. Watch him lose it and not be able to turn the tide back in his favor…”

Deciding he had teased Kokichi with light touches enough, Shuichi brought his fingers back up to his mouth again, sucked on them again, warming and wetting them, before reaching down and, whispering, “Spread your legs a little please? Thank you…”

Taking Kokichi’s cock, he started to gently minister to it, twisting his palm little by little, massaging the small limb. He focused on starting to pleasure Kokichi, just playing with it, his own stomach tightening slightly in arousal as his gaze drank in Kokichi, somewhat laid out, flushed and breathing with small, little hitches. He could feel his own cock not… twitch, really, not physically, but he could feel arousal starting to warm him down there, a small, electric feeling of arousal running through him.

“...would you ever like something like that?” Shuichi asked, curious. “Being tied?”`

“I like hearing you,” Kokichi admitted with a sigh-filled groan. “Kai-chan said that talking, mmm, like I do is rare, but...ohhh… I like hearing whatever noises you guys make… Knowing you’re having a good time…” Though, he wasn’t really put out by them holding noises back. It just didn’t come naturally to some, like how Kaito just froze when he came, and Kokichi wasn’t going to force his lovers to do things they found embarrassing for his own enjoyment, if it got to be the bad sort of embarrassment for Shuuichi.

Kokichi spread his legs as much as he could in the tangled blankets, trying to brace himself more on the back of his hips, though there was the temptation to lay himself out when Shuuichi finally grasped him. As it was, his thighs trembled, causing one of those spasms that, apparently, Shuuichi loved so much. 

They really were a group of mish-mashed desires…

Half laughing, Kokichi shrugged a little. “Oh Kai-chan...he really - ng-ohhh, mmm - hhhas no idea what he’s gotten himself into, even still… But… Maybe? I don’t, mmm, think I’d really know until I tried...but…”

“...I dunno...maybe not. I don’t like not being able to move…” Kokichi tossed his head to his other shoulder, trembling more as he stiffened in Shuuichi’s hand. “Like bein’ able to touch back...bein’ a part of what’s goin’ on…”

Shuichi nodded, smiling fondly, another rush of arousal running through him as Kokichi rewarded his teasing and massaging, his throat drying, and funnily enough, his mouth watering… he wondered what caused those contradictory reactions. Was that just him, or a universal thing? Perhaps he should seek some literature on the subject…

Shuichi shook his head a little, internally rolling his eyes at himself. Focus, Shuichi.

“I think I agree… I tried imagining doing it myself, and I think I’d get a little too nervous, honestly. I know neither of you would ever hurt me, but still… there is something reassuring, about the idea of tying someone else…” Shuichi leaned forward, and kissed Kokichi (the reason he had asked him to lean instead of lay), kissing him sweetly on the lips, always fond of that soft wet sound of lips pressing together, his hand still smoothly fisting Kokichi’s cock up and down, as he said softly, “But not you. I’m not sure I’d even get the same feeling out of it on you anyway. You don’t intimidate me…”

Shuichi suddenly laughed, pulling back and giving Kokichi an apologetic look. “Is that a weird thing to say? I meant it as a compliment, but the second I said it out loud, it sounded a little mean…”

Letting go of Kokichi’s cock, running his fingers up Kokich’s stomach fondly again… he sighed. “If you want to sit up, you can. Like I said, I just wanted to touch you a bit…” Shuichi flushed, taking his hand back. “I like the way you look when you’re first getting riled up. I wanted to watch. Thanks for being patient.”

Kokichi giggled, giving Shuuichi a sort of ‘no harm no foul’ grin as he sat back up. “I try not to be intimidating, so I’ll take Shuu-chan’s original intent. So...the fact that you don’t need to feel like you need something extra to be in control with me is...pretty nice by my books.”

Shifting his legs under him a little, Kokichi surged forward for more kisses, feeling up the sides of Shuuichi’s belly, then his breasts, briefly, running his thumbs around Shuuichi’s soft nipples, before trailing down, The Beast definitely something Kokichi would be able to reach around his stomach. 

Trailing his fingers across the gap of where his belly rested on his legs, Kokichi grinned, going to nip at Shuuichi’s neck some more. “Well lucky for you I like it when Shuu-chan touches me, so he gets to watch while we’re both happy. But I like touching you too…”

Shuichi stuttered a small breath,  briefly, mildly alarmed at the touch against his nipples especially, before he reminded himself that it was Kokichi, and it was okay, and it was fine. Besides, it had felt nice. 

Still, he relaxed slightly as Kokichi’s hands moved on, feeling the mildly strange sensation of hands curving to the underside of himself, as Shuichi murmured into Kokichi’s kisses, “I know you won’t take everything, which is why I feel okay offering you anything, Kokichi…”

“Hm… h-hah…” Shuichi felt another small stutter of breath, Kokichi’s teeth nipping playfully at the base of his neck, as Shuichi asked, “Could you...l-leave a mark? So long as I can cover them, I like...hah...s-seeing them… reminds me of nice things...”

Maybe there was more to decipher there, but likely thankfully for them both, Kokichi was a little more focused on the current moment than overthinking the little things Shuuichi said while they were intimate. He knew more than most how words could escape you with not quite the exact intent you would normally mean. 

Giggling softly, Kokichi kissed over the place he’d grazed his teeth. “Birds of a feather, huh? I couldn’t even, mm, tell you how smug an’ happy I was the first time I saw all the marks Kai-chan left on me… I’d be happy to give Shuu-chan some happy memories.” 

With that, Kokichi traveled a little farther down Shuuichi’s shoulder, making absolutely sure there would be no way even a sliding collar would come close to showing off his lovebite to the world. Then, gently, carefully, Kokichi bit down, sucking a bit and laving the sting with his tongue as his hands found their way to Shuuichi’s dick, giving the last bit of his length slow strokes, sure his boyfriend was going to get riled up before too soon. 

“MMMnnnnn h-hah… ah… oh, Kokichi…” Shuichi shivered, his hand on his smaller boyfriends back, sort of forgetting himself for a moment as he craned his neck to the side, giving Kokchi all the room he could need. Then he smiled as he felt Kokichi finally touch him, that funny little way Kokichi’s hands tried to stoke all the way around him, twisting his wrist to get the pressure he needed. “Th-that feels good… I’m gonna do it back, okay?”

Other men jerking each other off was a pretty simple way to go about sex, but for them at this exact moment, it worked well, Shuichi reaching to grab Kokichi’s much smaller dick, his long, thin fingers able to rub up and down Kokichi’s shaft while his palm turned and spun on his head. 

As he felt Kokichi’s hands on his dick get quicker, Shuichi felt a haze come over him, and as he started to breath heavier, he parted his legs further, trying to give Kokichi room. The fire in the room seemed to grow warmer, though Shuichi knew the heat was coming from inside of himself as a small glisten of sweat bubbled around his shoulders and collarbone, and up near the line of his hair. 

“Want you to make me cum, Kokichi.” Shuichi whined, arousal running in waves through him, through his stomach straight to his dick, his cock stiffening, starting to ache. He wasn’t sure when the last time he actually came was, but now that it was coming up? Holy shit, he hadn’t realized how much he had actually wanted this. Fuck.

Kokichi had smirked into Shuuichi’s skin, hearing him moan so beautifully, but that expression was soon wiped from his face as Shuuichi began touching him back. Kokichi squirmed, always trying to get closer to Shuuichi and make it easier for his encumbered boyfriend, moaning and gasping as Shuuichi worked him. 

“Shuuuuu-chan! Wanna make you cum too, gonna - ung - gonna make Shuu-chan feel - ophhh, ha! - so good!” Kokichi tried to stroke The Beast quicker, firmer, trying to slide his hands between Shuuichi’s thighs more to pleasure as much as he could. Or one hand searched, feeling his boyfriend heat up, while he kept the other on Shuuichi’s head, jerking it off in small, quick motions and rubbing the area around his hole. 

“Please, please, please-please-please,” Kokichi moaned out in a sort of muttered mantra, though it wasn’t long before his hips jerked, trying to buck against Shuuichi’s hand as he spilled, his grip on Shuuichi growing tighter for a moment. 

Shuichi smiled loopily for a second, endlessly pleased to feel Kokichi spill into his hands, leaning over to kiss against Kokichi’s shoulders for a bit, wanting that spark of intimacy while Kokichi came. But it wasn’t long before he was distracted with the frustrating need of his own orgasm, which was so close, so close, please-

Shuichi whimpered as Kokichi’s grip got tighter, not disliking it, by any means, but it did hurt for a second, the grip on his head squeezed involuntarily by Kokichi’s grip, Kokichi’s other hand slowing down for a second while Kokichi got lost in his own spill. Sweating a little hard now, Shuichi leaned back a bit, taking his now wet and sticky hands off of Kokichi, and bracing himself on the floor, used his own hand for the rest of his own dick, running up and down quickly near the base while Kokichi still worked his head and the lower part of his shaft. It felt sort of strange and fucking amazing to have three hands on himself, two of them moving in ways he couldn’t predict while he pumped himself, and he said quickly, “Kokichi, Kokichi, please, I wanna, I wanna… fuck, auuugh, f-ffuck, yes, yes, oh-my-god!!”

Shuichi shuddered, his whole lower body tightening and spasming as the long process of his release started, sweat beading down his face as Shuichi stared distantly at the ceiling, small, needy whimpering sounds as he took steadying breath after steadying breath through his orgasm, spilling all over Kokichi’s hands and likely far too much on the bedding below them… “...hah...hah… oh…” Shuichi laughed, running his arm over his forehead, catching his breath as he leaned back on the pillows and bedding, laughing still as he realized, “Oh, I needed that… wow…” 

Kokichi could only pant for a moment, but his hands remembered what they were doing before he managed to get a thought straight. And…

...Shuuichi really was beautiful. All the time, but right now...leaning back to make room for his bulging baby belly, his huge cock straining up underneath it, large enough that Kokichi couldn’t even feel bad about Shuuichi reaching down to stroke himself too, because even with three hands they were in each other’s way…

“...gorgeous… Shuu-chan is incredible…”

Kokichi kept stroking through Shuuichi’s orgasm, helping his boyfriend through, just...gazing adoringly (if a little sleepy now) at everything the man beside him was. And, gently, Kokichi laid a kiss on the top of Shuuichi’s tummy before he grabbed the sheet that had gotten coated the most, using it to wipe up what he could before tossing it aside and pulling the other blankets up as he laid beside his love. 

“Mm...this was cliche for a good reason too,” he hummed, cuddling up to Shuuichi’s side. “Fire’s right here to keep us warm after we cool down… Not that I ever feel left cold with Shuu-chan.”

Shuichi idly ran a hand through Kokichi’s hair after wiping them off as well as he could on said sheets, feeling just the slightest tug between one of the locks that he navigated around… he should take up ‘Kokichi Hair Brushing’ time, now that Kaito was gone… his hair was too pretty to just let gnat into itself…

Laughing lightly, warm and euphoric and a little worn out from running around in the snow and then being taken care of by his sweet, endearing boyfriend, he murmured, “We’re going to hate ourselves in the morning if we fall asleep here… but it’s really nice… cozy. This was a lot of fun… we should get snowed in more often.”

Kokichi hummed happily, snuggling into Shuuichi’s shoulder, not for kisses this time, but just...because he liked to be close in that way. Snuggling into the warmest parts of his lovers and wrapping his arms around them…

Wrinkling his nose a little, Kokichi just snuggled even more. “It’s still pretty early… We could take a nap and still make the bed again later.” Which was the totally irresponsible option, but Kokichi was warm and comfortable and worn out in the best way...and it was okay to be a little irresponsible every now and then. 

Snorting into Shuuichi’s skin, Kokichi pulled the blankets up. “Happens once a year at least, and this is just the start. I hope you’re ready to get your butt kicked in board games when we play with Chiaki-chan over the week--she never gives anyone a free win, even if they start crying. If you end up winning, ya gotta earn it…”

“Mmm… turn all the players against her… the many can defeat the strong… then backstab all of you when my biggest competitor is gone.” Shuichi mumbled, warm and cozy and man a nap really did sound good.

“...not even if you cry huh?” Shuichi opened an eye, not having even realized he had closed them at some point, raising an eyebrow before smirking lightly, “Do you know that from experience?”

“Ah, the ambitious tactician rises,” Kokichi snickered, seeing evidence that he’d won the nap debate in Shuuichi’s lethargic countenance. Not that it was ever too difficult to have Shuuichi agree to nap time, at least when it was shared. The two of them had spent many a good moment together, lounging in bed, sometimes napping for real, but other times just resting, not blessed (or cursed) with the same determined energy as their friends. 

Huffing a soft laugh, Kokichi nosed against Shuuichi’s neck, not minding the cooling sweat. “Absolutely. I enjoy a properly won game these days, but sometimes you just want a win at any cost...or, at least I did when I was younger.” Younger being when he was seventeen and was just started getting to know Hajime and Chiaki. Most tournaments nowadays were held in the game shop he knew Chiaki and Sei went to, but back then they’d have some in rooms the competitors had schedules in the castle. Kokichi had only joined in during the casual freeplay segments, but he’d felt unfathomably lucky just to get to do that. 

“Mm, some people really will just go easy on you if you start crying ‘cause you can’t win. A proper deception for those of us with no honor…”

“Wouldn’t know anything about that.” Shuichi sighed sleepily, “I’m incredibly honorable. Would never fake weakness to get someone to go easy on me. Sounds…” he yawned, “...despicable. You should be ashamed.”

Kokichi mushed his face against Shuuichi’s shoulder, as much of a nod as the sleepy prince wanted to manage. “I am--it took me years or repentance to even show my face again. Next to the shining beacon of above-board strats that is Shuu-chan, I still feel like the lowest of the lows… Maybe one day I can become even a fraction of the honorable man he is.”

“Mm.” Shuichi hummed in agreement, tilting his head slightly, resting his head against the upper part of Kokichi’s head, breathing in the scent of his hair, his right arm idly wrapped around his own stomach while his left arm was trapped in Kokichi’s embrace. “Well, you know what Kaito says…” another, longer yawn. “...impossible is possible, Kokichi. Just gotta make it so… just work real hard and you’ll get there someday…”

“Someday…” he echoed, voice soft and drowsy. “Our Kai-chan is real smart… With ideas like that...just gotta put in the work.”

-

“...Shuichi Saihara.” Kirumi sighed, trying to be patient, but seriously, it had been over five minutes now. “Please close the door. You are making the heating system work harder than it has too.”

Shuichi, hesitantly, reached out and just… tried pressing against it. Still staring in blatant disbelief as the literal wall of snow. Packed so tight that the flacks of snow might as well have been a block of ice… “I just don’t understand.” Shuichi said quietly, “How did this happen?”

“It snowed a lot.”

“Right , but...how??”

“Close the door, Shuichi.”

“It looks fake.”

Kirumi sighed, before turning to go fetch Prince Kokichi. She didn’t get paid enough to deal with Luminaries in denial. As she walked away, she heard Shuichi murmuring to himself, “How did humans even survive in this country long enough to make these buildings… this is a hellscape. This is madness…”

She rolled her eyes. 

Luminaries.

-

Tim was on the phone with Maki, Kaito quietly listening in. She had just hit a town called Sharefire-- which seemed a little ‘on the nose’ to Kaito-- and had basically been calling Tim every opportunity she got, as soon as she had discovered where he now was.

(Holy cow had that been a whole fight between him and Maki. She didn’t like him taking Tim out of school and also wasn’t super thrilled at the idea that he had left Shuichi and Kokichi home by themselves. At one point he had been this close to saying where she got the nerve… but thankfully Maki herself said it at the real boiling point for him, sighing as she said she wasn’t really in the position to judge. The conversation had gone easier after that.)

Tim was currently telling her about the friend he had made (a boy a little older than Tim named Otto, at eleven. He was tall and strong and unfailingly nice, if a little soft spoken… and when Kaito had heard him speak, he got the impression Otto might be a little on the slower side, mental development wise. Still, he was a nice kid and Tim seemed pleased enough to spend time with him, Otto’s parents nice enough folks themselves, if a little on the older side, so Kaito supposed that was all that really mattered.), telling her calmly and patiently about trying-- and mostly failing-- to make an igloo with him. It was a very sweet conversation, and Kaito was pretty happy, but felt his shoulders sag a little as Timothy, with the exact same casual tone of voice, told her the latest confirmed body count and proudly told her he had discovered the foot of a man before the adults hurried him away to dig up the rest of the found body.

As Maki told Tim he had done well, Kaito closed his eyes and thought ‘This poor kid is going to grow up so screwed up’.

He wanted to get going so bad… their two weeks of volunteered service was just about up, and Kaito had been so glad to start preparing to go. The first week had gone really well! They had found five survivors, one of them a story Kaito was actually really proud of. Had really made the whole trip worth it, in his eyes… but that exact same incident had made him desperate to get home and hold Shuichi in particular, just wanting to reassure himself the guy was okay. He had nightmares about Shuichi and Kokichi at night…

And to his endless disappointment today, there were rumors that seemed like way more than rumors that while the trip back was going to still start tomorrow, actually managing to get there was probably going to be delayed by a few days…

He wasn’t the only disappointed by that news. A lot of people were trying to get home in time to properly spend some holiday called ‘Unity’ with their families. He listened to the volunteers, some people he was really getting to know by this point, discussing getting back in time with a serious amount of determination. He guessed the holiday was a big deal…

...Kokichi was probably excited to share it with him and the rest of the family....

Kaito frowned at that thought. Of his husband being disappointed over something he had been looking forward to.

He’d talk to his fellow volunteers over dinner that night…

-

A little gasp. Maybe a few sniffles here and there. 

Kokichi really was glad that Shuuichi slept so soundly during the night. He didn’t want to worry him, and Shuuichi already had too many things to worry about, and before too long Kokichi knew he’d come back to bed. But...he just needed a second. 

Now, without any qualifications, it was the longest he had ever been away from Kaito since they met. He knew the snow storm was going to delay the first set of volunteers traveling back, and...it was a good thing. Even wanting to make it home to friends and family, it was no reason to risk unnecessary danger in traveling through bad conditions. 

But...he missed Kaito. So much that he couldn’t keep his shoulders from shaking and his eyes burning in the most embarrassing way, only saved by the fact that he could save his tears for the middle of the night. He missed Kaito, and wanted to hug his husband tight and thank him for volunteering and ask again that he wouldn’t leave like that again and… He just wanted to be with his best friend again. 

And...he knew it probably meant nothing to Kaito and Tim. But...he hoped that they’d spend Unity in good spirits. 

He was almost impressed with himself, if it weren’t for the fact Shuuichi probably didn’t know to look either. Before the storm, he’d managed to get a small set of nice pens for his boyfriend. He’d thought about getting him a new journal for school, but...Shuuichi’s journal was so personal to him, and Kokichi didn’t want to...step in on that. But he’d need to write a lot once the next semester came, along with how much Shuuichi just usually wrote in his journal, so Kokichi had gotten him some new pens, weighty in all the right places, demurely styled to match Shuuichi’s sensibilities, and able to be clipped onto anything thin. 

For Kaito...he hadn’t been sure for a long time, but that talk about cooking a dinner all together had gotten his mind whirring. Kokichi had found a few different Luminous recipes that the secretaries had put together for the wedding and...he wanted to ask Kaito if they wanted to make them together, Kokichi acting as his husband’s prep cook. Kaito could teach him more about Luminous food, but not be left out to dry when it came to how to make those things and...it could just be something fun to do together, while helping Kaito with his journey to become a primo chef. 

For Tim, well, honestly it was probably a horrible idea, but Kokichi had been getting more and more comfortable feeding his nephew’s bad habits. When you learned how to lockpick, it also tended to give you the sense of just...how privacy was a courtesy, and if anyone really wanted to get to you, there were only so many options you could quickly take. Already Tim had the potential to move heavy objects to block doors that, if he managed at all, would take Kokichi far longer, but...well, it paid to keep your repertoire wide. It was a type of putty that Kokichi had, but rarely used these days. Slapped in the latch of a door and squished in when the door closed, it’d take a good few full-body shoves to get it back open. Enough to buy time if you needed it. 

He had a feeling that gift would backfire on him horribly, but that was uncle-hood. 

He’d made plans or gotten small things for the rest of his family for Unity, but...well, the day itself really was just about...spending time with your loved ones. He was more than happy to spend it with Shuuichi and Ikuo--maybe some time with Aiichi, but even now he could only take his father in small doses. 

...but...he had been excited to spend it with Kaito too. 

Another sniffle, but Kokichi wiped his eyes, getting up from the window seat to head back to bed. Alright, cry-fest over. What will happen will happen, so appreciate what you have. And what he had was a sleeping boyfriend needing cuddles.

-

Kerry Terry was mopping the entrance door. It was something that really had to be done constantly by this point of the snowstorm, the weather outside finally warming up enough that the snow was melting little by little, which meant, of course, flooding through every not entirely waterproof crack. The doors were pretty waterproof already, to mitigate the worst of it, but they were far from perfectly sealed, and so… mopping.

It probably didn’t help that Kerry kind of got a kick out of opening the door before mopping to see how low the wall was that day, letting in more water before closing the door again. Today, the wall was about a quarter down. Kerry could see the sky slightly clearer, and it was blue skies today, which was nice. Not that you couldn’t just look out the windows of the second floor to know that, but still! Exciting! 

As Kerry lightly hummed to themselves, mopping (which was hard to fuck up in the first place, and Kerry was getting better at it every time anyway!), there was a sudden banging sound, and they jumped, looking around in a panic. What had…

...had that been the door?

Terry stared dumbly at the massive wooden doors, immediately trying to rationalize it to themselves. Obviously no one was ‘knocking’, so… had Terry imagined it? Or, maybe something had fallen and knocked itself against the door, or--

“Hey!” Someone called from the other side of the door (the way, way upperpart of it), “Anyone there!? Could you unlock the door!? Hello!?”

Kerry rushed forward, unbolting the door, pulling it open and looking up with shocked eyes as the Luminary Prince, a backdrop of maybe a dozen people peeking over his shoulder, grinned and waved down at them. “Hey!...could you get us a ladder? Or maybe a bunch of pillows to drop down on or…” Kaito looked over his shoulder, listening to someone, before nodding, “Oh, yeah, that’s a good idea, Samantha! Could you open up a second story window for us buddy? Thanks!”

-

The situation in Bern was still on-going, but...well, thanks to the efforts of everyone that first horrible week, everyone meaning people from all over Dicea, it wasn’t something that needed constant scrutiny by everyone who worked in the castle anymore. Kokichi still helped review the supply delivery and stock reports every day, but...other than that? There...wasn’t a whole ton of work to do. 

The phones had changed everything from how being snowed in usually went, so they were still able to do some work...but, mostly? People just expected...things to be completely shut down while the snow was still trapping any but the most determined inside their homes. 

So there was a lot of downtime, which Kokichi had been spending playing board and card games with not just friends and family, but anyone in the castle who happened to pass by, looking for something to fill their time. He’d still drawn a little, even with the workshops all delayed until the snow melted properly, and he’d been reading again, something that he did much less these days, but for the best reasons. 

That day in particular Kokichi was reading, re-reading the Circleworld book that he and Kaito had worked through. They had read through it together but...a lot of those times had ended with Kokichi nodding off, and he wanted to get a fuller picture of the story. He was lounging out in a parlor with a few other people all focused on their own activities of choice, kept warm with a crackling fire in the hearth. It was peaceful…

But Kokichi looked up from the wonderfully mundane and whimsical world he’d been absorbed in, a slightly confused look on his face as he heard...the sound of a lot of people walking quickly together? Sliding in a bookmark, he got up from the comfy chair he’d been curled up in and left to check the commotion out.

There was a general confusion, about the twelve people who had crawled in through one of the second floor windows.

The volunteer party, scheduled to come home roughly a week from now due to the weather, was a little more than thirty people overall. But about four days ago, after talking to the group as a whole, twelve members of the group all agree to go on ahead early, deciding they were hardy enough to make the trip with less numbers, and all of them had personal reasons to want to take the slightly tougher journey to get home a little earlier. 

Most of the volunteers would end up going to their respective homes after stopping in the castle, just needing an afternoon of getting some warmth and heat before getting help to their families that weren’t staying at the castle. 

But, again, the group as a whole was meant to be thirty+, and here a week from now, and so there was a bit of a fuss and concern even more than a general ‘welcome home!’ as people, official and otherwise, surrounded them as they came in, asking urgent questions like ‘where was everyone else’ and ‘what are you doing here!?’

So Kaito, along with a man named Raul, the two defacto leaders of the group (in the organic sense, not in any official way. The group had just found themselves listening to them, as well a woman named Margot, who stayed behind with the rest of the group, when it came to decisions over the last few weeks.) were quickly answering questions as they came, while shaking snow off themselves. Tim was wiping the snow off of Chase, whose tail was wagging furiously for a moment, because everything smelled very familiar! Home? Home! Dad, dad, Look! It’s home! Oh!

Dad! Look!! It’s short uncle!!

Chase, excited to see a familiar face, barked happily and ran to Kokichi, putting her paws on his chest (damn she was getting so big) as Tim called out, “Chase, down! Down!...Hi Uncle Kokichi!”

Kaito blinked, turning away from the secretary he was explaining what had happened too, looking down the hallway for a moment… before a wide grin split his face. “‘Kichi!”

Kokichi had only caught sight of a large group of people before he was stumbling against the impact of...Chase? Just on instinct Kokichi started giving her some scratches behind her head, but the stunned look on his face was open to see, especially when he looked up and saw…

Kokichi had thought probably more than he should’ve about what Kaito’s homecoming would be like when it happened. Quippy jokes around tears and smiles and Shuuichi’s combined frustration and relief and just...a lot of different scenarios that had only made the longing hurt more when it hit him. 

But Kokichi couldn’t even start to enact any of those plans, because the moment he saw Kaito, heard his voice, Kokichi booked it across the hall, his face breaking out into a beaming smile as he launched himself at his husband. 

“You’re home!!!”

“I’m home!” Kaito agreed, opening his arms and catching Kokichi’s leap, rocking on his feet a little as he regained his balance, spinning slightly as he pulled Kokichi’s to his chest. He laughed loudly, his heart fucking soaring to see his small husband, just so fucking relieved. He breathed deeply, smelling that familiar lavender, and just suddenly felt his knees buckle.

“Woah, Kaito, you good?” Raul called, looking over in concern as Kaito suddenly collapsed onto his knees, not seeing Kokichi in his arms. He took a step forward though, getting a different angle, and realizing, “Ah, okay.” he grinned, suddenly really looking forward to seeing his own wife more than he already had been as he said, “Keep it together, man, or I’m telling Margot you cried like a baby the second the group gets here.”

“Mmmhmm!” Kaito gulped, gripping Kokichi to himself, breathing deeply, his eyes burning, “I know, I know! I’m just…” he lowered his voice, burying his face into Kokichi’s shoulder, kissing the side of his head and rubbing his back, “fuck I’m so happy to see you.”

Kokichi had told himself he wouldn’t, but he always knew that was a lie. Immediately he was in tears, holding Kaito tightly as he laughed and cried, beyond amazed that Kaito was...right here! In his arms! Almost, what, a week earlier than what their last estimate had been?

And oh, wow, he needed to ask Kaito about that, and, looking at the scene, that was probably why some of the secretaries were here, and he was going to be furious about Kaito traveling through dangerous snow conditions to make it home to his family that missed him so damn much and was s-so happy he was here- KAIII-CHAAAAAAAN!!!

As it was, Kokichi just laughed and hiccuped phrases of love, kissing Kaito’s cheek over and over for probably an embarrassing amount of time for them both before they calmed even a little. “You’re home! I’m gonna be so fuckin’ worried when you tell me what posessed you to travel during a snowstorm all the - the way home, fuck, Shuu-chan’s gonna be so happy. Kai-chan…”

Kokichi hugged his husband tight once more before even trying to pull back, grinning over the tear tracks on his face as he looked over at Tim. “Welcome home to you too, though I have a feeling you’d wanna skip the dramatic hugs. I am so thankful a-and happy you’re back safe and sound…”

On that note...everyone else there safe and sound too. Kokichi sniffled and tried to wipe his face a little. “You all must be exhausted...and freezing. I’m sure there’s quite the story to tell, but let’s do it in front of a fire with food in our stomachs, okay?” Half talking to the group and half to the secretaries, Kokichi started organizing people, some heading to make up plates from lunch to bring back, others heading downstairs to a meeting room, definitely prepared with its fireplace going. 

However, Kokichi turned back to his family, still something just...amazed in his gaze. “Kai-chan has a lot to debrief too but...let’s make a detour for Shuu-chan? I really… I’m so happy you’re back…”

Under Kokichi’s guidance, things moved along quickly, some of the hecticness as too many people tried to do to many things easing out as Kokichi helped with delegation and providing calm and focus. Kaito watched this with an incredible amount of pride, a big, stupid grin on his face the whole time, before looking over to Tim. Reaching out and grabbing his son by his shirt, dragging him to himself, he kissed the side of Tim’s skull (Tim bore this valiantly, his face only scrunching up a little in annoyance) before saying quietly to him, “Food, kid?”

Timothy shook his head, looking tired. “Nah. Tired.”

“Okay. I’ll make sure one of those plates gets to your room later, take Chase and go get some rest, you did great today.”

Tim nodded, and by the time Kokichi looked back at them, Tim was yawning, saying, “Going to bed, Uncle Kokichi. You and dad have fun being weird and clingy and stuff.”

Kaito rolled his eyes at the boy, watching him head upstairs, before turning to Kokichi, saying with wide, urgent eyes, “Fuck, Shuichi! Where would he be right now babe? I’ve missed you both like crazy. I kept having these dreams… here, come here, let me look at you.”

Kaito headed over to Kokichi, looking him over with a genuinely appraising look, running his hands over Kokichi’s shoulders and arms, looking for any signs of damage as he said sheepishly, “I know you’re fine? Like, I know… but you’re fine, right? Nothing happened while I was gone? You’re...” Kaito sighed, pulling Kokichi into another hug, another shuddering sigh, “...you’re fine?”

Kokichi did get in a moment of holding Tim’s shoulder affectionately, but he just waved goodbye as the boy and dog went off to their room. Going through the snow outside was quite the feat for anyone, and Kokichi was worried for the whole group, relieved they were alright...and Tim had done exactly what they did, but being a kid. It wasn’t like they were having training anyway, but...Kokichi hoped he’d let himself take it easy. 

Just about to answer Shuuichi’s whereabouts, Kokichi was shut up in the face of Kaito’s worry. For the man out digging buildings out from snow and slag to worry about his well-being like this…

Kokichi hugged Kaito back just as tight, leaning back just enough to give Kaito a proper kiss. Chaste, but firm and lasting, affirming to his husband that he was alright before any words. Though, they soon followed. 

“I’m fine, we’re fine… Nothing happened. Other than getting our butts kicked at Catan,” Kokichi grinned, before taking Kaito’s face in his hands, gently turning it this way and that. “...you’re fine? Shit, Kai-chan… You all walked through what people who’ve lived here all their lives mostly never even think of doing. After helping out in Bern, you…”

Kokichi’s eyes watered again, his grip tightening, though still nowhere near a grasp. Not in the realm of being able to hurt. “You… You’d know firsthand how many people died… The last thing we need is more people going missing under the snow… H-how would I be able to t-tell Shuu-chan that you…?!”

Kaito’s brow furrowed, concern aging his face a little, little lines of stress under his eyes and between his eyebrows as he said quickly, running his fingers under Kokichi’s eyes and wiping away the small drops of tears, “No, no, no, babe, I promise, we were being so safe. We had big coats and weird flat shoes and these two old guys brought us the last half of the journey when the carriages couldn’t go any further on these giant sleds with, like… so many dogs, Kokichi, it was a crazy amount of dogs and… ah fuck.” 

Kaito pulled him back into his hug again, guilt racking through him as he said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Kokichi. I took a risk and I know I should have taken the safer, slower route, especially with Tim there, but I wanted to get home so bad and I missed you so much and honestly Raul made a really compelling argument that it would be safer if we went in smaller groups so like really like maybe we could blame Raul?”

Pulling back from Kokichi, giving him a weak grin, he said, “I’ll make it up to you. I promise. I’m sorry for scaring you. I love you… and I’ll plead and beg for forgiveness all you want, but please, where’s Shuichi? I need to see him so badly, and, like, let’s be honest, he’s gonna have me groveling too, so we might as well wait until I can do two in one!”

If anything, Kokichi could at least be relieved he hadn’t broken into these kinds of tears until they were alone. He knew that, as a group, they had done all sorts of planning and risk mitigation and...really, he knew how the drive to see your family again could make the extra week sound agonizing...but shit! It had been so fucking dangerous. 

Kokichi grasped at Kaito’s shirt, a little damp from snow still, and let out the smallest, barest whine before he nodded against Kaito’s chest. “Think he’s in our room...said he wa-wanted to try and get some more studying done…” 

Kaito loved Kokichi and wanted to hear his concerns and wanted to make a thousand promises to him and wanted to be everything Kokichi could ever need--

But Kaito felt a rush of almost desperate excitement as he heard where Shuichi was, and interrupting Kokichi, he swooped his husband up into his arms and said, loud and excited and already giving, “Okay, okay, let’s get to our guy! And you can both take turns yelling at me and I’ll love every second of it because you’re both okay and right in front of me and that’s perfect!”

Kaito ran as he spoke, going up the stairs two at a time, running down the hallway, seeing his door, and calling out, “Shuichi!? Bud!? Handsome!?”

The door to their bedroom opened, Shuichi stepping out and looking shocked and a little freaked out as he stared at the running Kaito and held Kokichi like he wasn’t actually certain what he was looking at for a second...and then a weird twist of emotions ran across his face: shock, frustration, fury, and so, so, so much joy as he shouted, “Kaito!?” 

The older prince immediately closed the gap between them, Kokichi still in his arms as he grabbed Shuichi around the waist, pulling him into a hug and shouting, “There, there, there you are, there you are! Shuichi!”

Shuichi’s arms hung limply next to him for a moment, before joy moved to fury, and yet, somehow, his body language contradicted that entirely as, eyes red, Shuichi gripped Kaito back, Kokichi squeezed between them, as he shouted, “What are you doing here!? What is happening!? There’s a thousand feet of snow out there you idiot, what are you doing here!?”

Kokichi swallowed, his voice watery and wavering though his grip in the hug was solid, everything in his being refusing to be away from Kaito for even a moment. (Tim was completely right. Weird and clingy was the theme of the rest of the day.) “You’re here, safe, with Tim and Chase safe too… That’s all I need...but please… Never do something like that again.”

Unlike where his daydreams centered around his own reaction, Kokichi had predicted Shuuichi’s pretty well, though Kaito showing up an entire week early had certainly put a different spin on things. Still, Kokichi was happy to be trapped between his partners, a frantic, worried giggle escaping his throat. 

“A group went through the snow to c-come back early...i-it’s so stupidly dangerous, right? Bu-but Kai-chan came home to us, a-and they’re safe. You’re safe…” Kokichi’s voice broke as he buried his face in Kaito’s chest again. He was right in what he wanted before...but shit! Add the mindless worry for anyone traveling in this sort of weather to how much he’d missed Kaito and...fuck, Kokichi almost felt like he was gonna loose his mind, the more he thought about it.

Once again, Kaito spent a weird, considerable amount of time explaining that they had made the trip on giant sleds and many, many, many dogs. He went on so long about the many dogs that Shuichi got the impression, after awhile, that Kaito may have had some misgivings halfway through the trip and had been, in fact, convinced based on the number of dogs that the rest of the trip was possible.

Which was stupid! And pissed Shuichi off! And after hugging him tightly and letting Kaito kiss him furiously, Shuichi took Kaito’s face a tad too tightly in his hands and said, “You aren’t allowed to volunteer for anything anymore without running it by us first. Not volunteering to go on random, dangerous travel, to or from anywhere! I don’t like the standards you use to make these decisions! No more! You get a second opinion from people who love you, or you say nothing.”

Kaito grinned shakily and said, “Okay, got it, I promise. But, seriously, Shuichi, it was really safe. There were, like, thirteen dogs-”

“I don’t care how many dogs there were! Call us next time!”

“Dog-sledding is still super dangerous…” Kokichi sniffed, his eyes considerably swollen by the rapid bouts of tears he’d had. “I wouldn’t go so far as to call it miraculous...but Kai-chan and the others are very fortunate to have made it home okay… As much as I love having you back...a week is worth considerably safer travel.”

He sighed, thunking his head down on Kaito’s chest, feeling the effects of going from a calm, lazy afternoon to all the relief and worry and anger and joy in the world. Fuck, he was going to be such a wreck when Maki made it home…

“...you’re still wet from the snow. Change into something fresh, then let’s go get you food and we can join the meeting downstairs, okay?” Kokichi pulled back just enough to offer a shaky smile, though the affection in his eyes was steady. “I was kind of distracted, but...well. You were part of the group. Tim can get out of debrief, but I have a feeling you can’t.”

“Awwww...want Baby time…” Kaito groaned, perfectly content to stay like this, Kokichi in his arms and Shuichi in his hands, putting a thumb across his cheek and looking him over with the same concern and appraisal he had shown Kokichi earlier… they were both safe. Kaito hadn’t left them to have… illnesses and panic attacks and m-miscarriages and all sorts of terrible nightmares that Kaito had woken up half a dozen times half convinced were real… “Can’t Samantha just do the brief? She’s going to spend half the time accidentally talking over me anyway. She doesn’t mean too, but man, even when she has nothing to say, she’s gotta get the last word on everything and…”

Kaito laughed, shaking his head, giving another small shuddering breath, relieved and nervous and… okay, yeah, maybe actually really cold? “Clothes. Clean, dry clothes… that actually sounds amazing right now. Okay. Okay. Give me three minutes, I’ll get dressed, we’ll go down! Three minutes! Promise!’

Fifteen minutes later…

Not that Kokichi was ever anything more than exasperated at Kaito’s inability to “just throw something on”, but...he really wasn’t bothered at all this time. It had been agony, realizing he needed to let go of Kaito in order for him to change, and Kokichi still found himself following his husband around their room like a duckling, reinitiating touch whenever he could. It was...maybe a little excessive, as Shuuichi had even scoffed at his antics, but...Kokichi still couldn’t really...believe he was there. 

Safe and whole and in good spirits, if worried and tired. It...hurt a little to think that he didn’t really need to worry about how Kaito was processing any...of the more difficult things he might have seen in Bern, but...if he was wrong, and there was anything that affected Kaito like that? Kokichi would support him as best he could, as always. Because his lovely husband who always supported him was back. 

They decided on a sort of compromise for going down to the dining hall, at least, Kokichi and Shuuichi each holding one of Kaito’s hands, and while they took up a lot of hall and stair space...it was worth it. And it wasn’t like anyone was rushing about. 

“I mean...if you’re really sure you don’t need to be at the meeting…” Kokichi murmured, looking a bit like a wreck still, but almost glowing with happiness. “But you all traveled together through something so intense… Everyone would be welcome to stay in the castle, of course, but if people are looking to head out...wouldn’t you at least wanna say goodbye?”

“Goodbye? I mean, they all live in Usot… well, actually, no, Boffat lives just outside the city out in the country, but he works down in the market, so kinda whatever, ya know? Raul’s a tailor down on 2nd, Samantha’s kids go to Tim’s school and she’s part of this… like, parents/school club thing?” 

Kaito kept going, eyes incredibly tired, a sort of lazy grin on his face as he gripped both of their hands, watching the steps below them carefully and moving slowly, “Did you guys know there’s a parent/school club thing? I can’t remember what it’s called, I’ll ask her about it, but based on what she said if one of us isn’t part of the club than Tim and Baby’s futures are apparently doomed to academic struggle, so I don’t know, I guess I’m gonna look into joining, and Darion apparently has a seasonal store and that’s over on sixth, oh! Shuichi, Katlyn’s also doing legal classes this week, so I think you guys might have some classes in common? She’s nice, but she’s a little aggressive, but in, like, a ‘nice girl trying to overcompensate in a scary career’ kind of way, she’ll calm down, you’ll love her-”

“Kaito,” Shuichi sighed, “Could you not flood me with a bunch of names right now? I’m going to want to look into all these people at some point, you know that, and you’re really giving me a lot of work right now…”

“Sorry, handsome… how were things while I was gone? You’re both good? Anything new with literally anything, physically, mentally, socially, whatever? You’re both good?” Kaito asked again, looking between them.

Kokichi’s expression softened with adoration even more, hearing Kaito talk about people like this. Having bonded with these fellow volunteers enough so that this was just...a see you around instead of a goodbye. Because even if they did live in Usot...it was a big city. You could definitely part ways with someone and never see them again. A bit harder in their case since Kaito lived in the biggest cultural and governing hub in the city...but still possible if you didn’t put any effort into it. But hearing him talk about what all these people did, little snippets of their lives… It was heartening, to hear Kaito making, if not new friends, then new friendly acquaintances. 

Kokichi squeezed Kaito’s hand gently, sighing. “We’re good… Shuu-chan didn’t believe me at all when I told him how much snow we were gonna get, and I had to pull him away from a door he’d left open just so we didn’t lose any more heat. The day before it got too bad, though, Hajime-chan and Chiaki-chan invited us out for a walk and we had an incredible snowball fight.”

“Mm...I helped set up the Unity tree in the hall, put my wish charm in it. Nadya-chan is in her own home for the storm, but she got a package from her mom early for Unity. Apparently a suuuper old science journal--she and Shuu-chan were pouring over it for hours.”

Kokichi’s gaze fell to the stairs, his smile a little smaller, though he traced the edge of Kaito’s hand with his thumb. “...I know it doesn’t really mean anything...but I’m happy we’ll get to spend our first Unity all together.”

“Right, right…” Kaito stepped off the stairs, keeping his arm steady for Shuichi and swinging Kokichi’s arm playfully as he recalled, “Holiday celebrating the various communities signing the treaty to become Dicea? Right? Am I remembering that right? I may have made that up… but, I do remember it last, like, most of this month, and you give little gifts, and we decorate a bunch… we should decorate, you guys! Darion swears that it’s one of the best parts of the holiday, he’s really sold me on the whole decorations being good for mental health things, he really believes in it.”

“Then you’re going to love when Kokichi and the others have done with the main hall. The tree is really interesting, actually. Let’s take a detour, show him. Kokichi?” Shuichi offered, indicating the Dicean Prince should lead them.

Kokichi looked up, blinking in surprise before he grinned. It...hadn’t been often that his family knew anything he was talking about when he spoke on Dicean culture. “Yeah, you got it. Though, because it’s also during the most difficult time of the year, it’s like...honoring the past that brought us here together, and embracing that will to continue to be good to each other.”

“Though, the gifts are more like...they can be physical. But they’re meant to be, like, things you do to help someone out. Like...helping someone re-pot their plants, or sewing up an old stuffed animal that’s gotten worn, or getting someone a reference book for a hobby they wanna take up. Helping people in a practical way, showing your care.”

“Aaaaaand there’s a lot of decorating,” Kokichi giggled, thinking of all the snowflakes he and Shuuichi had taped up in their room. He sped up a little, taking the lead even though they were going to pass through the main hall anyway. “I never really put together the mental health thing, though. Makes sense since so many people are stuck inside for ages in winter.”

The tree really was a sight, a towering thing right across from the main doors, the first thing you’d see when you came inside. It was strung up with lights and glittering garlands, and absolutely scattered with small wooden charms with little tassels at the bottoms, small slips of paper folded and held onto the backs. And, of course, all sorts of other ornaments, people from the city adding their mark just like their plants in the community garden. 

The trio could already see the tree from the end of the staircase, but Kokichi still led the way with pride, the Unity tree evoking the exact emotional response from him it was meant to. (But also something that made him laugh a little, though Kokichi didn’t know why. It was just...a shadow of a joke, thinking that Aiichi was even dreaming about what the tree would look like. It was...a little weird, but he didn’t mind.)

Kaito really was just… bone deep tired. Now that his fears for his lovers had been appeased, he sort of was just kind of walking around in an exhausted haze. A happy, exhausted haze, but a haze nonetheless.

And in a way? Maybe that made the first time seeing a Unity Tree even the more impressive, because it was so… strange? And ethereal. And fantasy-like…. And incredibly silly. Kaito laughed. Staring up at the massive thing he had totally missed right up until this point, distracted by his loves, as he said, “You all brought a very big tree indoors and covered it in lights and trinkets… and it’s really, really pretty, and so weird, why did you all do this?”

He shook his head, murmuring cheerfully to himself, the very first time expressing this sentiment in a positive way, “Diceans…”

“Mmmm.” Shuichi hummed in agreement, leaning against Kaito’s arm, laying his head on his shoulders.

Kokichi giggled, absolutely able to see how weird the tradition was, even though he’d grown up with it. “I think it’s a pretty fun tradition. Shuu-chan’s learned well this past week--when you’re snowed in, you take the small moments where you can. Even if modern day conveniences make it way less of a monster.”

And standing in front of the Unity tree with his lovers, all safe from harm...it was a very nice small moment. One that Kokichi could happily indulge in for quite a while...but from the look on Kaito’s face, he was in dire need of a meal and some sleep. With a small sigh, taking in one last long look, Kokichi pressed against Kaito’s arm before tugging his hand. “Well...it’ll be up all month. And probably past that and the new year for a while. Let’s get some food in you, then Kai-chan can attempt to tell us about the rescue and restoration effort until he falls asleep in the middle of a sentence. Okay?”

“Who’s gonna fall asleep?” Kaito said determinedly, allowing himself to be lead to the dining hall, extremely slow blinks absolutely betraying him as he tried to grin wolfishly at both of them, pulling Shuichi closer to him as he looked over to Kokichi and saying lowly, “Are you kidding? I haven't seen you two in weeks. If either of you think I’m not absolutely gonna rava-”

Shuichi rolled his eyes, squeezing Kaito’s hand just a tad too hard as he said, “Nope. Veto.”

Kaito’s face fell, a hang-dog look on his face as he turned to Shuichi, “Aw. What? Really?”

“Yes, really.” Shuichi said, opening up the door to the dining hall, keeping his voice low as he shot Kaito a Look. “I’m mad at you. I love you, and I’m happy you’re here, but I am mad at you. So, yeah. Nope. Besides, Kokichi’s right, you’re about to fall asleep on your feet.”

“Fine… then I’ll regale you with stories of my time in the mountains. It was a tale of many brave, capable heroes, working hard in trying conditions and terrible danger, pushing through on sheer tenacity and…” Kaito yawned, the group heading to the nearest table of food, “...yeah, some interesting stories. Lots happened. Was kind of a lot. I get why they only scheduled people for two weeks at a time. I was crazy to think I could do it for two months.”

Kokichi snorted softly, though from his pink cheeks, he was probably glad Shuuichi shut things down immediately. It would be nice to be intimate with Kaito again, but...yeah, obviously not now. Kaito needed rest. 

And...Kokichi wasn’t really emotionally steady enough for something like that. It wouldn’t be fair for any of them. 

Kokichi had already had lunch, but he still got himself a cup of tea, wanting to join Kaito in a meal. “It’s hard, since people in Bern and Genbu are...I mean, it’s just their lives now. But to make sure people can give their best when they help, it’s important to make sure they don’t burn out… And it’s just hard, being away from home for a long time… I’m sure a lot a lot of people have stories of being helped by you, but...I’m happy you’re home much sooner than two months.”

Kaito nodded tiredly, grinning proudly at his husband as he said, “I helped one or two people, yeah. We found five survivors! That was cool. They’re focused on digging up homes right now, but we accidently hit the library at one point. Half of it collapsed in, but a good number of the books looked undamaged when we managed to look round inside a bit, so…”

Kaito shrugged, deflating a little. “I don’t know. That seems good to me. Was weird walking around a half collapsed underground ruin. Kind of pretty, in a surreal sort of way. Felt fake.”

“How was Tim?” Shuichi asked, starting to collect food into his plate.

“Handled himself like a champ. Kid’s fearless. Kept having to drag him away from going inside the building once we unearthed them, since they could collapse if we weren’t careful. Heck, even if we were.” Kaito frowned, adding a huge chunk of asparagus to his plate, as he said, “Might have to… call home and talk to someone about looting practices in our military? I guess there’s a culture of just taking things that interest them when soldiers raid houses. Kept having to explain to the kid that just because the house was in ruins didn’t mean the stuff was up for grabs. He couldn’t really seem to get his head around the concept.”

Five survivors...now that had been a miracle. No matter how prepared the people and the infrastructure were, you always had to be prepared for casualties when it came to natural disasters. It was...horrific...but the truth. If someone was missing after a disaster...it really was kinder to yourself to assume the worst, rather than to feed yourself on the slim hope that missing just meant missing. And then, if they turned up? True miracles…

“It bodes well,” Kokichi quietly hummed. “It’s such a small thing, compared to everything else, but finding books and heirlooms and just...things that meant a lot to you, or just made somewhere feel like home… It’s heartening, to find them okay. Makes things feel a little more normal.”

Kokichi sighed softly, not wanting in the slightest to let his mind go down the rabbit hole of soldiers looting home...especially where it pertained to his nephew. “It’s different, when you’re in a survival situation, and some place has been in ruins for...I dunno, decades. Long enough that the people who lived there aren’t around anymore. But the people who lived in those homes are just, like, a mile and a half away, or helping with the excavation themselves.”

Still, he was happy to hear that Tim had been alright. Sure, he’d been trained for stressful situations, like Kaito had said from the beginning, but… It was like he said too. Tim wasn’t a soldier anymore, and he shouldn’t have to live the same way as one anymore. And part of that was...not having to be calm in the face of tragedy. It was good they weren’t scarring the kid...but it still hurt that that was only because he’d already been scarred. 

But, he supposed, Tim without his aloof nature wasn’t Tim at all. As long as his nephew was alright, they’d keep moving forward. 

Sipping his tea, Kokichi scooted his chair over a little to lean against Kaito’s arm, wanting to be close again. 

Kaito smiled, looking warmly at his husband, not having missed how, well… clingy, his husband was. Didn’t mind it any either. It was nice to have him close again. Shifting his body to make room, adjusting so Kokichi was leaning against his shoulder, Kaito rubbed his husband's back lightly as he said lightly to him, “Missed me? I missed you too… talked about you way too much. Your people love you, but I think a certain group of volunteers might be a little sick of hearing about you, by this point. My bad.”

Shuichi gave Kaito an appraising look, his brow furrowed slightly… before he dug into his own food, asking calmly “Are you alright?”

“Hmmm? Yeah. Just glad to be back. Lots of digging, lots of walking, everything’s freezing.” Kaito grumbled, his face darkening slightly at that, before chuckling, “And, like I said. Missed you guys like crazy.”

“Didn’t miss you back.” Shuichi huffed, “Barely thought about you after you left.”

“Uh huh.”

“Everything was fine. Nothing changed.”

“Yep.”

“...” Shuichi narrowed his eyes, not as fond of this joke now as he said, “Don’t leave again. Or… not like you did. Not with two days notice off to danger and then taking a bunch of stupid risks. You can’t do that to us again Kaito. Yourlife isn’t just yours. You’re sworn to us.”

Kaito nodded, “I am. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. You two come first, I promise.”

Shuichi still didn’t really seem appeased, but he just went back to eating his food, clearly still emotionally burdened, but not really knowing what else to say. Kaito watched him sadly. He had a feeling it’d take awhile for Shuichi to really feel better about things. Kaito… got the sense this trip had filled Shuichi with a lot of doubt. That would be trust he’d have to earn back…

Kokichi laughed softly, flattered that Kaito would talk about him like that. Like he missed him. That hadn’t been something Kokichi doubted but...it was still nice to hear otherwise. Soothed that part of him that cried in the middle of the night a bit, though Kokichi had no inclinations to let Kaito out of his sight, at least for a little while. Maybe that would mean chillin’ out in their room for the rest of the day, but Kokichi didn’t mind that. 

They were still their own people, living their own lives...but Kokichi had found he didn’t like things as much when Kaito wasn’t there. It was going to be nasty if Kaito really decided to spend his winters in Luminary...but they’d figure it out, like all things. 

Nuzzling at Kaito’s arm, happy with how much his husband was indulging him, Kokichi hummed softly. “...I am proud that you wanted to help people--that’s something I’m going to be happy about concerning anyone. ...but it was hard without you here. Missing you and just...having moments and knowing how much you would’ve loved them. But you’ve promised now and before, so...I’m going to place my faith in Kai-chan to decide what he thinks is best for our family. That faith isn’t going to be misplaced.”

Not asking Kaito not to let him down. Not saying that he believes that Kaito will do right by their family. Affirming to the three of them and the universe that Kaito’s capacity for care and love and responsibility will be met. 

The three had an otherwise quiet lunch, a general sort of murmuring both between them, and the many other people who were excitedly talking about the fact that some of the repair effort volunteers had come back a little early. At one point, Hajime came by, asked Kaito if he punched him if it would restart the war, and Kaito looked back at him for a moment before, hesitantly, saying, “...no?”

The Luminary Prince winced as a fist suddenly bonked down hard on his head, Hajime shouting, “Don’t do things like that! It’s good to see you! Happy Unity! Damn, man! What are wrong with Luminaries, freaking trying to dog sled through a ten foot snowstorm, absolutely stupid-”

“Hey! It was mostly Diceans! It’s not my- annnnd, he’s gone.” Kaito pouted. Sighing, he ran a hand over his face, as he said, “I think I’m tired. Like, real tired. I’m gonna go to bed guys. What times is it? Ten, eleven at night?”

“Like, one in the afternoon.” Shuichi said.

“Same dif.” Kaito yawned, getting up. 

Kokichi snorted softly as Hajime came over to gripe and greet Kaito, Hajime managing to sum up pretty much everyone’s feelings on the matter in a grumbling monolog. It was only the fact that Maki wasn’t there that she couldn’t add onto the pile, though Kokichi had a feeling Kaito had gotten it before they’d even left--no way he’d take Tim out of the city without giving Maki a call at least at some point. 

Popping up right as Kaito did, Kokichi collected their dishes to take to the kitchen. “I think I’ll come up in a sec too--gotta get my book from the parlor. Do you wanna be woken up for dinner, or should we just leave you be, Kai-chan?”

Maybe it was a little excessive, but...Kokichi had just been reading in a comfortable room anyway. He could continue that and give himself some peace of mind, being able to just look up from the words and see his husband, back at home. Things would go back to normal soon enough, but for now? Kokichi didn’t want to be away from Kaito for more than a moment.

Kaito shook his head, “Nah, I’ll eat more for breakfast if I’m hungry, I’m gonna sleep like the dead for a week. Or, like, at least ten hours….oh! Hold on, let me go find Hajime, ask him to make certain dinner gets to Tim’s room later. If the kids skipping lunch, he’ll definitely be hungry if he wakes up later. Shuichi, you coming up with me and ‘Kichi?”

“...No.” Shuichi decided, finishing up his own plate. “I’m going to go spend some time in the library. Do some research.”

“Yeah? On what?” Kaito asked, leaning over to hug Shuichi from behind, kissing the back of his hat before leaning his head on him as he said, “You’re not trying to avoid me? You could come take a nap with me…”

“I’m not trying to avoid you. It was what I was going to do today before you dropped back into our day.” Shuichi said, rolling his eyes, “I’m researching some about electricity. The science book Nadya was showing me has some really old school conductor electricity theory in it for some of its research? I knew enough to understand what I was seeing in theory, but I didn’t really understand it, so I told Nadya I’d try to become more familiar with the concept before the snow melted… but I got really distracted with the  concept of researching weather and its effect on urbanization efforts.”

“What… why?” 

“Because how does Dicea exist??” Shuichi hissed, like his research hadn’t quite led to an answer he could accept yet.

“...oh. Okay.” Kaito said, hugging him tighter and kissing him again, before letting him go, “You have fun handsome. I love you.”

“Love you too.” Shuichi said, going to put his own plate away as well.

Kokichi didn’t really have the background to feel this way, but...hearing that Shuuichi was researching things again? Felt okay going to the library? It felt like a weight on his heart had been lifted. He’d only been there for a little bit, hearing Shuuichi ramble on about the Ronpan story he’d been reading… But knowing that that sort of fire was back in his boyfriend...if it was this relieving and pride-boosting in him, he couldn’t imagine what it felt like to Kaito and Maki. 

Before he left, Kokichi gave Shuuichi a squeeze as well, wishing him well on his research, then went back to the parlor he’d been lounging in before the commotion of the volunteers returning. And, thankfully, his book was right where he’d left it, not put away by someone trying to be helpful and returning it to the library or something. There had been many a time he’d had to plead with Nao to search through the return cart to find a personal book that had been brought in. 

...he missed her. 

He could at least acknowledge that to himself. But Kokichi could also acknowledge that if she showed up at the castle tomorrow...it wouldn’t be the same. He’d never be able to look at her the same and...that was because he knew her a little better. She was the kind of person that acted upon the capacity for cruelness and abuse and...even if she worked on that? It still happened. He would be happy for her growing as a person, of course, but...he would still have to view her as all of her parts, and not just the fond memories of his aunt. 

...maybe what he missed most of all was his former perception of her. That was probably something to bring up in therapy…

When he got back upstairs, Kokichi entered the room as silently as he could, not wanting to disturb Kaito if he’d already conked out. 

“...’Kichi?” Kaito murmured from the bed, something weirdly strained in his voice. “Do you still run cold, babe?”

Kokichi looked over in slight concern. Kaito didn’t sound pained, but… 

Abandoning his plan of curling up in a chair by the fire--at least for now--Kokichi came over to the side of the bed next to Kaito. “Yeah, I do. Are...you too warm?”

“Mmmmm.” Kaito whimpered, entirely within the covers, but reaching out to grab Kokichi, pulling his husband into the blanket cocoon, Kaito nuzzling against his husband as he tiredly murmured, “It’s boiling in here… you’re cold and soft and wonderful. Just stay a moment, babe?” Kaito asked, clutching Kokichi to himself.

It was...just kind of pleasantly cozy in the blanket cocoon. Kokichi brought his arms around Kaito, trying to maximize his cooling presence all over his husband. Gently rubbing Kaito’s back, Kokichi kissed his cheek. “I’ll be here as long as Kai-chan wants. Not leavin’ a moment sooner, okay? I’m here with you…”

“That’s good…” Kaito whispered, sighing in relief at the feeling of Kokichi’s cold hands on his neck and back, Kaito having in no way been ready to be in the warmth of the castle again after weeks basically constantly in the cold. “That’s good…”

Still, he had missed the smell of this place. He was cocooning in the blankets because he so desperately wanted to surround himself in that smell of Kokichi and Shuichi. And, look! One of them was here! His Kokichi. Right here, safe and sound, in his arms… not sick and dying in the medward, not weeping over Shuichi, not jumping from the observatory, not-

“Fuck.” Kaito said, his eyes stinging red, clutching Kokichi tighter, circling around him, possessive and protective in every touch, “Fuck… I’m so sorry I left, Kokichi. I’m so sorry. I know it was for a good reason… but I spent the whole time just… worried you’d need me and I wouldn’t be there and… I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay...it’s okay,” Kokichi murmured, using his other hand to gently run his fingers through Kaito’s hair. “We’re both okay. We missed you a whole lot...but we’re okay.”

“...we’re surrounded by friends and family here. If Kai-chan’s not around, we’ll still have plenty of help--we’re not gonna break if you aren’t next to us… But that said...Shuu-chan and I love you, so...we’d prefer if you were. We’re okay, and happy you’re back. I forgive you...I’m so proud of you...I know you can take care of our family.”

Kaito took a breath, blinking sleepily in the darkness of the the blankets, as he whispered “...good. Thanks Kokichi… I wasn’t just scared something would happen to you. I just… missed you. Missed both of you, course, but with you specifically I just…”

Kaito sleepily kissed Kokichi’s temple, as he murmured, “Missed your energy. And your optimism. And that weird, embarrassing little skip thing you do sometimes. I just kept thinking of things that would have definitely made you do that little skip you do when you’re really excited to get somewhere short distance…”

“And I missed brushing your hair… and the way you explain in depth random topics we come across… ‘Kichi? What do you know about, uh…” Kaito tried to think of one of the random topics Samantha had come up with that she had been so smug knowing so much about that Kaito kept thinking Kokichi would wipe the floor with her on… oh! “What do you know about the...? ” Kaito tried to remember the word, “...pavolan effect?”

Kokichi softened a bit, those nights spent crying empathizing deeply with every word Kaito said. “...I loved seeing Shuu-chan’s reaction to the storm...but everything we did in the snow I just...I wanted to see your reaction too. I missed how you get really excited for something and you pick me up just to be close… How we can all go down the weirdest conversation tangents…”

Despite himself, Kokichi nuzzled Kaito’s shoulder with wet eyes, though he laughed softly at his question. “Pavolan? I mean...there’s the concept of Pavlovian association, made famous by the named scientist who got dogs to associate hunger with the sound of a bell ringing...and in the process, made himself think about feeding his dogs every time he heard a bell too. And then there’s the dessert, pavlova, which is a meringue baked with fruit and topped with whipped cream, named for a ballerina that the person who made the dessert was in love with, and compared the light, delicate structure of the dessert to their dancing…”

Kokichi laughed a little more, placing another kiss on Kaito’s neck. “...like that? Knowing stuff like that?”