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Of all the things Shouta had ever expected Oboro to bring home from patrol, a baby was not one of them.
“His name’s Hitoshi! I’ve already called Hizashi to ask him to bring some stuff over- wanna hold him?”
“That is an infant.”
“Observant as ever- here.”
Shouta did his best to cling to the bundle that was suddenly shoved into his arms.
“You know, I expected a cat before kids.”
“We can still get a cat. Who said we had to do things in order?”
Shouta sighed, adjusting the child in his arms before taking a better look at him.
He was tiny. It was terrifying.
“Where did you get a kid?”
Oboro shrugged- as if the fact that there was suddenly a baby was a minor detail.
“I swear, if you stole an infant from someone-“
“Can you chill? I didn’t steal him, something came up on a case and…”
“Oh.” Shouta blinked, glancing back down at Hitoshi. He had a hand rooted loosely in his hair, fascination reflecting in his eyes. Cute, Shouta thought fleetingly, before shaking his head.
“I know, I’m sorry. It should just be temporary, but none of the others at my agency could have taken him and I didn’t want to just stick him with someone we didn’t know, and-“
“It’s okay.” Shouta shrugged. “I get it, you don’t have to justify yourself.”
Oboro nodded, slipping out of his costume’s jacket. Shouta sat at the kitchen table and leaned back. His phone buzzed in his pocket.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS (and Nemuri)
Hizashi - Today at 12:43 pm
I’m outside! :)
Oboro was already at the door, shepherding their friend inside with…
“Did you buy a whole ass crib?”
“Don’t swear around the baby!” Oboro scolded.
“What were you planning to do, Shouta, let him sleep on the floor? He’s not a cat.”
“I know that,” Shouta scoffed, indignant.
“Thanks, Hizashi.” Oboro completely ignored him in favor of whacking the blonde between the shoulder blades.
“God- you sure don’t seem thankful.” Hizashi rolled his eyes. “Whatever- text me how the kid’s doing! I’ve gotta head out.”
“Well- don’t just stand there, babe. Help me put this together.”
When Shouta pointed to the very obvious child in his arms, Oboro rolled his eyes and summoned a cloud.
“Wait- if we can just do that then why did we need a crib?!”
Oboro huffed, letting himself fall back spread-eagle on the floor.
“We’re never doing that again,” Shouta informed him, using the railing of the crib to haul himself to his feet.
“I wasn’t planning on it.”
Oboro was content to lay there for the rest of eternity, but it seemed Hitoshi had other plans.
They had just a moment of peace before the crying began. Groaning, he sat up and lifted Hitoshi.
Shouta was staring at the kid like he was terrified as Oboro cradled him to his side.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know, I can’t read minds!” Oboro chewed his bottom lip, looking down at Hitoshi. “Maybe he’s hungry.”
“Well- how do we feed him?”
“Oh my god, babe-“ Despite the crying baby in his arms, Oboro couldn’t help but laugh. “What do you think we do?”
Shouta blushed, trying in vain to hide it by busying himself with the bags Hizashi had brought by. Leaning over, Oboro reached in the bag and pulled out a container of formula mix.
“Is that how we’re supposed to feed him?”
“Yeah, unless you plan on breastfeeding. Honestly, Shouta, have you never interacted with a baby in your life?” Oboro laughed, pecking his boyfriend on the cheek.
The moment lasted for all of half a second before Hitoshi wailed anew, reminding them both of what they were supposed to be doing. Christ- not even a day in and Oboro was already a horrible parent.
“Here- hold him for a second?”
He was going to have to figure out a better system than just carting Hitoshi off into Shouta’s arms when he needed to do something, but that could wait.
“Imagine crying because you’re hungry,” Shouta murmured, leaning against the counter as Oboro ran his hands under the faucet.
“Don’t be mean! You’re not too different, you know.”
“What? I’m just saying- it’s weird.”
“He’s little, babe. Any discomfort he feels is literally one of the worst things he’s felt in his life.”
“Oh.” Shouta mused as he stared at the bundle in his arms, and Oboro’s heart melted. He soon sobered, though, when he read the directions.
“Oh god- we have to boil the water. This might be a while.”
“The neighbors are going to hate us.”
Hitoshi was finally fed- thank god, because as cute as the baby was, Shouta was going to lose his mind if he had to listen to crying for much longer.
Not that he would ever admit he was cute out loud.
Oboro had taken him to feed him, and now had the kid tucked into the crook of his arm as he scrolled on his phone. Hitoshi was tugging at his hair, entranced.
Shouta sighed, all but collapsing onto the couch. No matter how short the time they were taking care of Hitoshi would be, it was already too much.
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS (and Nemuri)
Nemuri - Today at 1:17 pm
Wait what?
Are you boys planning something without me?
Hizashi - Today at 1:18 pm
No, I was just dropping off baby stuff
Nemuri - Today at 1:18 pm
W
H
A
T
Shouta rolled his eyes, raising his phone to snap a picture of his boyfriend.
You - Today at 1:18 pm
Baby.
*image attached*
Nemuri - Today at 1:18 pm
SHOUTA
What have you been getting up to?
You - Today at 1:18 pm
Nothing
Shouta closed the chat after that, running a hand through his hair.
“Is Nem bothering you?”
“When is she not?” He huffed, leaning against Oboro’s side.
“Aw, babe.” His boyfriend laughed, combing his fingers through Shouta’s hair. He had to stop himself from melting into the couch.
“Seriously, you shove a baby into someone’s arms and you expect them to get all maternal about it.”
“Paternal.”
“Same difference.”
“Nope, you don’t get to go all grouchy on me. Does it bother you?”
Shouta shrugged. “I don’t know. Kind of? Not really, I know I’m being irrational, but-“
“But it bothers you.”
“A little.”
Oboro planted a kiss on the top of his head, pulling him just a bit closer. “Aw- Shouta, you know you’re my favorite boy. We just gotta help this one out for a bit, y’know?”
Shouta huffed, but he knew he couldn’t resist.
“Look- I must be the luckiest man alive. Now I get double the boys. Just look at him, Shou.”
Shouta sat up just in time to see Oboro holding Hitoshi out like Rafiki. He felt panic bloom in his chest out of nowhere.
“Don’t hold him like that, you’ll drop him!”
“Now who’s getting paternal?” Oboro laughed as Shouta took Hitoshi in his arms.
“It’s called common sense.”
Oboro grinned as Hitoshi reached out for Shouta’s capture weapon, eyes wide.
“Aw- he likes you.”
“I have to go, Oboro,” Shouta muttered, trying and failing to hide his embarrassment behind the scarf. “Call me if you need me?”
“Yeah, yeah, I know the drill. We’re gonna have fun, don’t worry!” He waved his hand. “Now go kick some a- some butt.”
“I don’t think he understands you. Can he even talk?”
“I’m not taking any chances! Go on, I’ve got this.”
Shouta nodded, but he lingered in the doorway for just a second longer than necessary. Oboro smiled to himself as he brought the kid back in toward his side.
Shouta sank into bed, rolling in close to his boyfriend’s side with an exhausted sigh.
He had closed his eyes for all of ten seconds before the sound of crying filled the room.
Oboro sat up like he had been shocked, all but throwing himself from the covers to check on Hitoshi. Shouta groaned, sitting up and pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Hey- babe, I’ve got this. You go ahead and sleep.”
Shouta shook his head and climbed from under the blanket. “Can’t if you’re not here anyways. What do I do?”
The grateful look on his boyfriend’s face made up for the unforeseen amount of sleep Shouta would be losing.
Shouta was out on patrol for the night, leaving Oboro behind to take the night shift as per usual. Hitoshi had been sleeping better lately, only waking up once or twice during the night. Oboro was collapsed in bed, dead to the world, when he was woken- not by crying, but by his phone ringing.
“Hey, Oboro.”
Shouta’s voice sounded guilty even over the phone.
“What did you do?”
“Nothing, I just-“
“You wouldn’t be calling me if nothing happened, babe.” Oboro sat up on his elbow, rubbing under his eyes.
“I might have slipped up in a fight and broken my arm.”
Phrases like that never failed to make his heart drop in his stomach, but he was slowly learning to handle it better.
“What hospital?”
“The usual. I’m sorry-“
“No, no, don’t you dare apologize. Let me get Hitoshi ready, I’ll be over soon.”
“Okay. I love you.”
“Love you too, babe. I’ll be there in a jiff.”
He could hear just a breath of Shouta’s laugh before the line cut, ending their call.
Hitoshi was, miraculously, quiet after being woken. Oboro gathered a quick bag with the baby tucked in one arm. Fifteen minutes later, he was driving to the hospital.
Shouta glanced up at him as they entered. “Hey.”
“Hi.” Oboro sighed, smiling as he sank into one of the hospital chairs. Hitoshi reached out to Shouta, eyes wide.
“Sorry I woke you up.”
“I told you not to be! Babe, I’m used to it at this point. I’d much rather be here to take you home than find out you had to stay here overnight.” He sighed, passing Hitoshi over his boyfriend. Shouta cradled him with his uninjured arm, smiling softly.
“Thank you, then.”
“Of course.”
Shouta huffed as he paced a small circle by the couch. Hitoshi watched him, enthralled.
When Oboro had insisted he take some time from hero work to heal, Shouta had reluctantly agreed. They couldn’t rely on Recovery Girl anymore- he’d just have to deal with it.
He was going stir crazy, but at least he could spend more time with Hitoshi.
Sighing, Shouta lowered himself to the floor. Hitoshi smiled, reaching towards him, and Shouta returned the expression. With Hitoshi now held in his lap, Shouta reached for his phone. He scanned a notification from his weather app, raising an eyebrow. “Looks like we’ve got a storm coming in.”
He inwardly cringed- Oboro was always a natural at interacting with their son, but Shouta could never manage the baby talk. Hopefully it wouldn’t hinder Hitoshi’s development- for however long they had him, at least.
The rain started not much later, and Shouta held Hitoshi up by the window to watch the water trail down the glass. He took a call from his agency, bouncing his son on his leg while talking.
The first flash of lightning came, followed a few seconds by a crack of thunder, and Hitoshi promptly burst into tears. Shouta’s eyes widened.
“Sorry to cut this short, but I have to take care of this.”
“Of course. We’ll finish this another time.”
Shouta nodded, ending the call before holding Hitoshi close to his chest with his uninjured arm. He kept wailing, his tiny fists clenched in the fabric of Shouta’s shirt.
Shouta whispered soft reassurances to him, all the while praying for his boyfriend to come home already.
Oboro winced at the sound of the kid crying that carried through the door. He quickly made his way into the apartment, following the sound until he found Shouta in their bedroom.
“What happened?”
“He’s been crying for almost an hour- It’s the thunder, I think.”
Shouta’s voice shook ever so slightly. Oboro wasted no time in joining his boyfriend at his side.
“Aw, poor bud. Here- I can take him.”
“You just got off patrol, though,” Shouta protested. Oboro rolled his eyes.
“I’ve handled worse, babe. How long have you been sitting with him?”
“The whole time.”
“Then go- it’s not good to sit for so long. I can handle him for a little bit.”
Reluctantly, Shouta passed Hitoshi over to him. Oboro looked down at him after shooing his boyfriend.
Hitoshi gazed up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. Oboro smiled softly, leaning down to kiss the top of his head.
“Hey, it’s alright. I’m here.”
“Stealing All Might’s trademark, huh?” Shouta sat down beside him, and Oboro narrowed his eyes.
“I thought you were supposed to be taking a break.”
“I did. I got water and walked a bit- that’s enough.”
Oboro huffed, rubbing circles on Hitoshi’s back as he wailed. “Fine- we’ll do this together.”
“Hi,” Shouta murmured, lowering the blanket from his face to show off his now clean-shaven face.
“Oh my god-“
Shouta’s eyes widened as Hitoshi’s face screwed up. Oboro snorted.
“Aw, kiddo.”
“I didn’t think he’d cry-“
“What on Earth are those-“
Oboro jumped, making to hide the box behind his back, but it was too late.
“Did you buy him crocs?”
“No…” He grinned sheepishly, leaning back against the counter.
“Oboro, I swear to god-“
Oboro laughed and scooped Hitoshi into his arms before making a break for their bedroom. Shouta glared at him as he fled, quirk activated.
“You’re not letting him wear those.”
“Watch me,” Oboro stuck out his tongue before shutting the door. Hitoshi smiled in his arms, oblivious.
“Thank you so much, Hizashi.”
Their friend laughed, patting Shouta on the shoulder.
“Of course. No offense, but y’all look dead.”
“You will too,” Shouta mumbled, sifting through the bag they’d packed for the thousandth time.
“We’ll see. We’re gonna have fun! Isn’t that right, Toshi?”
Hitoshi smiled, grasping a piece of Hizashi’s hair. Oboro patted Shouta’s arm.
“Babe, we got everything. Don’t worry so much.”
Reluctantly, he let go and zipped the bag closed before passing it to Hizashi.
“Okay- we’ll come pick him up on Monday?”
“Sounds good!” Hizashi beamed, shooting a thumbs-up. Sighing, Shouta leaned over to kiss Hitoshi on the top of his head.
“We’ll see you soon.”
“Thanks again, bro! Call us if you need anything.”
As they turned to leave, they heard the tell-tale intake of breath from their kid. Despite the steady arm wrapped in his own, Shouta turned to look back.
“Oh god-“
Hitoshi’s eyes watered as he reached out for them both, and Oboro tugged on his sleeve.
“Shou, come on. He’ll be fine, he’s in good hands.”
That did nothing to stop Shouta’s heart from breaking a little.
“Come on, we have plans.”
“Maybe I can just call to check in-“
Oboro sighed, wrapping his arms around Shouta’s middle and dragging him towards the couch.
“No! Babe, he’ll be fine. Hizashi knows what he’s doing, he’ll call us if he needs to.”
Shouta cast a glance over his shoulder at their phones sitting on the table.
“I promise, Hitoshi is fine. Come on-“
Finally, Oboro managed to get him onto the couch.
“I just want to check in-“
“No. We’ve been planning this for ages- you’re not backing out now.”
Reluctantly, his boyfriend settled in beside him. They didn’t even manage to pull a movie up before they both fell asleep.
“Hey, look who it is!”
Hizashi grinned, lifting one of Hitoshi’s hands to make him wave. Shouta felt a swell of relief in his chest.
“Hitoshi-“
“Da!”
Both him and Oboro froze. Shouta’s eyes trailed from the kid to Hizashi’s shit-eating grin.
“Sorry I didn’t tell you, but I figured you might want to be surprised. I got it on video, so don’t worry.”
Shouta stood shock-still as Oboro promptly burst into happy tears.
“Oh my god- we’re dads.”
“Hitoshi, come on-“
Oboro begged as their son clung to the cat plush.
“You’re not getting that from him,” Shouta mused from his place at the counter.
“It’s dirty- Hitoshi, please.”
Hitoshi hugged the bedraggled plush to his chest protectively. Sighing, Oboro relented and took a seat beside his boyfriend.
Nemuri had gotten the plush for Hitoshi as a gift a while ago, and he wasn’t going to let go of it for the foreseeable future. They had been relatively successful with taking it from him while he slept to wash, but there had been some heavy rains the last few nights and it was just… wrong to try and take it from him.
But that was coming back to bite them now- the plush was rank and Oboro was convinced that it could be classified as some kind of biohazard.
Shouta laughed softly. “Here-“ He bent over, scooping Hitoshi into his arms. The plush was abandoned by him in favor of clinging to Shouta’s capture weapon- which probably wasn’t much better.
Oboro raised an eyebrow. “When was the last time you washed that thing?”
“Does it matter? Go- get the cat before he notices,” Shouta urged.
It had been a few months since he’d brought Hitoshi home.
He had honestly expected this to be over now, but his agency was being flighty with how long this was going to last.
Not that he was complaining.
Hitoshi was growing up rapidly. Oboro knew how cliche it sounded when he said it, but it held true.
And to be honest- Oboro wanted to see it through to the end. But he didn’t know if Shouta felt the same- he was attached to the kid, sure, but he’d been more emotional over alley cats before and gotten over them fairly quickly. Oboro wasn’t sure he could accomplish the same.
Shouta looked up at him as his phone rang, the sound of his agency’s ringtone filling the otherwise empty space.
“Hello?”
“Cloud- great news. We’ve finally got the case with the kid you found cleared up- he can be transferred to the foster system.”
“What- oh, that’s great!” Oboro forced the enthusiasm in his voice, ignoring how his veins turned to ice. “I’ve gotta run, though- keep me posted?”
“Of course.”
Oboro hung up the call and flopped onto the couch. Shouta raised an eyebrow, Hitoshi sitting up in his lap.
“They’re taking Hitoshi.”
“Oh.”
They both sat in silence, watching as Hitoshi reached out for Oboro. His heart felt like it was going to shatter.
“... I didn’t think I wanted kids.”
Oboro looked up, his eyes wide, opening his mouth to protest, but Shouta held up a hand.
“But I guess I thought wrong.”
“You…”
“Call your damn agency, Oboro.”
“Don’t curse around our kid!” He squawked, though he was smiling as he dialed his agency again.