Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Akaza groans as he leaves the exam room and walks over to the nurse’s station. He rubs his shoulders and rolls his neck. 

He hands his nurse the file. “Mrs. Fields is being sent home. I wrote her prescriptions in here.” 

His OB nurse chuckles. “Still giving you a hard time?” 

He scoffs. “Very much, but it’s not like I haven’t dealt with worse.” Birthing parents who are overdue are not the easiest people to deal with. 

She smiles as she hands him the next file. “You have a new patient in room three. According to their intake papers they were referred to you.” 

He frowns. “For?” He opens the file.  

Mitsuri Kanroji  

Now why in the hell does that name sound so damn familiar? 

“She’s thirty weeks, but measuring at twenty.” That is most definitely not normal. 

He frowns. “Scans?” 

She nods and hands them over.  

“They actually drove here from your neck of the woods.” 

“That’s a long way to travel for a OBGYN.” 

His nurse shrugs. “Yes, but you are one of the best.” Okay, fair. 

He looks through them. Baby looks healthy, just tiny. Maybe mom is small? Her weight hasn’t changed very much since she got pregnant.  

“Also...” 

Akaza looks up at the nurse and quirks a brow at the smirk on her face. She reaches below her desk and pulls out a bouquet of black roses. 

Aw shit.  

He blushes.  

“Dr. Boyfriend dropped these off before he left.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “I’ve asked him not to do this.” He smiles anyway as he takes the flowers and smells them. “And it’s Dr. Fiancé.” 

She chuckles. “Oh yes of course.” 

He smiles. “Put these in my office for me?” 

She nods.  

"I apparently have to go find out why a thirty-week-old baby doesn’t want to grow.” 

On his way to the exam room he gets a text.  

He looks at the smart watch on his wrist. 

I’m going to be home late tonight. Don't wait up. Love you.  

He frowns. Boo.  

He takes a breath before the door to the exam room. “Hello, I’m Dr. Kibutsuji. I under….stand…” 

He just stares at the two people in the exam room. Now he knows why that name sounded so damn familiar. There, sitting by the exam bed is his high school boyfriend. The same boyfriend who left him behind and broke his heart twelve years ago. Kyoujurou is just staring at him, a guilty look on his face. Mitsuri, duh, the girl Kyoujurou started dating in college after they broke up, or was it before? Akaza can't actually remember.  

“Is everything alright doctor?” She asks.  

He clears his throat. “Uh, yeah, sorry, I just realized why your name sounded so familiar.” He takes a seat in his chair. “I think we went to school together.” What was he supposed to say? I used to sleep with your husband? No, definitely not.  

She chuckles. “Don’t think so.” 

He smiles. “My mistake then.” 

She turns to Kyoujurou. “Keykey babe, does he seem familiar to you?” 

Kyoujurou shakes his head. “Sorry Mitsy, college was a long time ago, and it was a big campus.”  

Akaza frowns but he probably had the same idea Akaza did. Don’t need her knowing that they slept together. Akaza notices Kyoujurou still has the bracelet that Akaza made him all those years ago wrapped around his wrist. He has no idea how to feel about that.

“Well, let’s take a look at little bit, shall we?” 

She smiles and nods. “Thank you for squeezing us in, apparently you’re hard to get an appointment with.” 

Akaza snorts. “Yeah, that happens when you work at a private practice.” He starts up the ultrasound and then adjusts the bed. “Lay back, shirt up.” He tucks a towel to protect her shirt and skirt. “Any other concerns than little bits growth?” 

Mitsuri shakes her head. “No.” 

Akaza nods. “Gel.” He says in warning. “Do we know the gender or are we letting little bit decide?” 

Mitsuri smiles. “A girl, but when she’s old enough and if she decides otherwise that’s up to her.” 

He smiles. “Love to hear it.” 

She chuckles and nods. “Kyoujurou and I both understand that gender identity is important and the negative impacts it has if we aren’t willing to accept our children for who they are.” 

Akaza frowns. “Yeah.”  Giyuu Tomioka comes to mind. 

“So, do you get celebrities in here?” 

Akaza chuckles. “Sometimes.” 

She squeals.  

“Now you’ll never get her out of here.” Kyoujurou says.  

She giggles and smacks Kyoujurou’s arm. Akaza is definitely not jealous.  Kyoujurou left. Kyoujurou broke his heart. He's married and Akaza has a fiancé. They both moved on a long time ago.  

“I’m not going to stalk the doctor babe, well maybe, that depends who comes here?” 

Akaza chuckles again. “Sorry, that’s confidential.” He winks at her.  

She pouts. "Boo.” 

He chuckles and returns back to the screen, continuing to take measurements.  

“Interesting.” He mumbles to himself.  

“Is she alright?” He hears Kyoujurou ask.  

“By all accounts, yes, she’s moving and active, just tiny.” He turns to look at the file. “We’re a hundred percent sure you’re thirty weeks?” 

She nods. “Based on my last menstruation yes.” 

“Is that always super accurate?” Kyoujurou asks.  

Akaza nods. “It can be a few days off, but ten weeks, no.” He sighs. “You’ve gained only ten pounds, which is also unusual for thirty weeks. Are your periods irregular?” 

She shakes her head. “Maybe one or two days, but definitely not weeks.” 

He sighs. “Okay, well she looks absolutely healthy, but here’s what I’m gonna do. Let’s get some blood work and some 3D scans. Monitor her blood flow, heart, lungs etc. Make sure she’s getting enough blood oxygen and nutrition.” He begins to wipe her belly for her. “You can cover up mom. If she doesn’t make an improvement soon, we may need to induce.” 

Mitsuri frowns. “Isn’t it too early?” 

Akaza frowns but nods. “For her size yes, but we’ll hold off as long as possible. She just might need some extra help growing that we can’t give her inside mom.” 

Mitsuri frowns again.  

“Don’t worry babe, they sent us to Dr. Kibutsuji for a reason, you both are in excellent hands.” 

Akaza nods. “I treat celebrities remember?” 

She smiles. “Okay, thanks.” 

Akaza smiles. “Of course, I’ll send in my nurse for your blood work and then she will schedule you for the scans. We’ll have it sent to the lab right away.” 

He stands.  

“Thank you doctor.” Kyoujurou says.  

Akaza nods. “No problem. It was great meeting you. Have a good night.” He walks out the door.  

Akaza sighs as he walks over to the nurse’s station.  

“You, alright doc?” 

He nods. “She my last appointment?” 

The nurse nods. “Other than Mrs. Fields, no one is due this weekend, so you should be good til Monday.” 

Akaza nods again. “Here.” He hands her back the file. “Draw her blood work for me? Then she needs an appointment for 3d scans.” 

The nurse nods. “Yes doctor.” 

Akaza is physically and mentally exhausted by time he walks into the apartment he shares with his fiancé.  

He puts his bag, shoes and keys by the door and then walks to the freezer to grab an easy microwave meal since Kenji said he’d be home late and not to wait up for him. 

He sits at the kitchen island and pulls out his phone and dials his dad for their weekly phone call. Putting it on speaker while he eats. He knows it’s late, but his dad always answers his calls, and if not, well, he’ll call back in a timely manner.  

As predicted, it doesn’t take his dad long to answer.  

“What’s up kid?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “I’m thirty dad.” 

“And I’m sixty, what’s your point?” 

“That I’m not a kid anymore.” 

His dad snorts. “You’ll always be a kid to me bud.” 

Akaza sighs. “Fine.” 

“Alright, what’s wrong?” 

Akaza shakes his head. “Nothing.” 

His dad snorts. “Not Nothing. Kenji didn’t hurt you, did he?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “No dad, Kenji and I are fine. Just a bad day at work.” 

“Oh.” His dad says. “You lose a patient?” 

Akaza sighs as he plays with his food. “No, just patients being difficult.” And his ex-boyfriend showing up randomly at his practice after twelve years. With his very pregnant wife no less. 

“Sorry to hear that son.” 

“It’s fine. How is everyone else?” 

“Fine, I guess. Douma’s baby is due any day now, Enmu is on tour, Daki’s business is doing well, Gyuarto, as you know, is still with his team. Kai and Koa are enjoying the seventh grade and Elle the sixth. I’m trying to convince Michikatsu to retire. You and Kenji have a date yet?” 

He freaking knew that question was coming. “No dad, we’ve been engaged for only six months.” He sighs. “Plus, we barely see each other since we’ve started the practice, not been a lot of time for wedding plans.” 

His dad chuckles. “Well, if you need help, I know one person who’s been looking at wedding magazines.” 

Akaza smiles. “Yori?” 

“Yes, he’s driving everyone crazy. Little hint, he wants you to ask him to go dress shopping, however, I think he already has one in mind.” 

Akaza smiles. “I’m sure. He does realize this is my wedding, right?” 

“He’s just excited son. You’re the first to get married.” 

Akaza sighs. “I know, I’ll ask him when it comes time.”  

Akaza hears a key being put into the lock.  

“I got to go dad, you still visiting next weekend?” 

The door opens and he smiles as his fiancé enters the apartment. He places his bag next to Akazas. 

“Yep, you two still coming for Christmas?” 

He looks up at Kenji as he approaches Akaza. “Yeah dad, that’s the plan. Where do you plan on putting everyone?” 

His dad chuckles. “The guest house is scheduled to finish construction next week and the inspections the week after.” 

“Hello Mr. Kibutsuji.” His fiancé greets his dad, then leans down to kiss Akaza.  

“Hi Kenji. I’ll let you go son. Love you.” 

He smiles. “Love you too dad.” He hangs up with his dad.  

Kenji leans down to kiss him again. “Hey baby, have a good day?” 

Akaza eyes his glass of wine, eh, bottle rather. 

Kenji snorts. “That bad?” 

Akaza sighs as he stands and wraps his arms around his fiancé's middle. Laying his head on his chest. Kenji wraps his arms around Akaza’s shoulders. Akaza feels a kiss on the top of his head.  

“Better now.” 

Kenji chuckles. “Glad I could help.” 

He looks up at Kenji. “I thought you were going to be later.” 

His fiancé sighs. “Yeah, me too, but uh, my patient died on the table.” 

Akaza frowns. “Sorry babe.” 

Kenji smiles and leans down to kiss him again. “It’s alright baby, I’m better now that I have you in my arms.” 

Akaza sighs and lays his head on Kenji’s chest again. “Hungry?” 

“Not really, was gonna shower and get some sleep.” 

Akaza bites his bottom lip. “Need some help washing up?” 

Kenji chuckles. “Always.” 

Akaza stares at the clock on his nightstand and sighs. Three in the morning.  

He sits up and looks down at his partner. Kenji is passed out, a relaxed look on his face. Akaza smiles down at him. He leans down and kisses his forehead before rising from the bed, grabbing his phone, throwing on one of Kenji’s shirts and heading to the kitchen.  

He peeks in on Azriel, the bearded dragon Kenji got him when he moved in. He’s napping under his black light. Akaza smiles. He wanted a puppy, but Kenji apparently isn’t a big fan of dogs. Kenji likes the fact that he’s always contained, to his knowledge anyway, Akaza takes him out periodically. Mostly when Kenji isn’t home or like right now, sleeping.  

He finishes his journey to the kitchen and starts up the Keurig in order to make himself some coffee. He opens the fridge to grab some blueberries. 

Coffee done he goes to grab Azriel from his tank and cuddle on the couch with his little buddy. He throws the blanket on his lap and then places the dragon down on top of the blanket.  

He takes a sip of coffee before sending off a text.  

You up?  

He puts his coffee down and grabs a blueberry for Azriel. He happily eats it. Akaza chuckles.  

“You like that huh buddy?” 

As predicted his dragon begs for another.  

Akaza chuckles again as he gives him what he wants.  

His phone dings.  

He picks it up and looks at the screen.  

Yes, why?  

He snorts as he gives Azriel another blueberry.  

Can’t sleep  

How is that my problem?  

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

It’s not jerk wad, just figured we could chat.  

Azriel snips at his finger in protest of waiting too long for his snack. Akaza gives him one.  

Fine, oh brother dearest, what the hell do you want to chat about?  

Akaza again rolls his eyes. 

When the hell did you get so snippy?  

He takes a sip of his coffee 

I grew up with you remember?  

Yeah yeah how's the tour going?

Azriel has discovered where his snack source is so he begins the climb towards them. Akaza smiles.  

Suddenly someone is grabbing him from behind. 

Akaza jumps, which causes him to send his dragon flying. Azriel scurries off somewhere. 

“Oh, my god baby. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” 

Akaza places his hand over his chest. His watch letting him know his heart rate is rising, but he can’t seem to lower it or breathe. Kenji leans in front of him.  

“Baby, baby, breathe.” 

He’s trying.  

“Akaza, in and out. Come on.” 

Akaza nods.  

“In.” 

He inhales. 

“Out.” 

He exhales. 

“That’s it, a couple more times baby.” 

He nods and obeys.  

Kenji rubs his legs.  

Akaza hears his heart rate lowering.  

“Good job baby.” He stands and leans down to kiss Akaza. “Do a couple more while I go find the runaway lizard.” If he can. They both know Azriel is good at hiding once he’s lost in the house. Which is why Akaza rarely takes him out. 

Akaza nods. 

Kenji kisses him again and heads off to find Azriel. 

Akaza’s phone rings and he rolls his eyes, already knowing who it is.  

“I’m fine dad.” He wheezes a bit. 

“Try again.” 

Akaza takes a breath. “I’m fine, just a little scare, Kenji calmed me down.” 

“Nightmares again?” 

Akaza takes another slow breath.  

“Got him!” Kenji shouts from somewhere.  

Akaza chuckles as Kenji appears and walks Azriel back to his tank.  

“Got who?” 

Akaza smiles. “Azriel got loose. No dad, I have not had a nightmare in like a month. Kenji accidentally startled me. May I remind you that I am thirty? My dad shouldn’t be monitoring my heart rate.” Kenji joins him on the couch.  

His dad snorts. “After as many heart surgeries and close calls you’ve had, not going to happen.” 

Akaza sighs. “Don’t you trust me or Kenji?” 

His dad sighs. “Of course I do, it’s just still a little hard for me alright? I just can’t help but worry son.” 

Akaza frowns and nods. “Yeah, okay dad.” 

Kenji kisses her shoulder. “Don’t worry Mr. Kibutsuji, I’ll take care of him.” 

His dad snorts. “I’m sure. Get some rest son. I love you.” 

He smiles. “I will dad, love you too.” 

“Actual rest Akaza.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Promise dad. I’m going back to bed now.” 

“Alright, fine.”  

He hangs up the phone and sets it down.  

Kenji kisses his shoulder again. “I’m really sorry baby.” 

Akaza sighs and lays his head on top of Kenji’s. “It’s alright, I’m alright.” 

“We should go get some rest. We’re meeting my parents for brunch in a few hours.” 

Akaza sighs. “Whoopee.” Akaza is honestly surprised it’s been this long. They’ve been officially dating for the last four years and engaged for the last six months. Akaza has no idea why Kenji is just now introducing them. However, he has a feeling Kenji has been avoiding the subject all together on purpose. He never talks about his family and Akaza is pretty sure there is a reason.  

Kenji chuckles. “It’ll be fine babe, they’ll love you.” 

Akaza frowns. “I just don’t have a good track record with parents, and you’re the first boy my dad actually likes.” For the most part anyway.  

Kenji chuckles as they both rise from the couch. “I would hope so, because it would be pretty weird if he gave me his blessing but doesn’t like me.” 

Akaza chuckles again. “Yeah.” 

Kenji wraps an arm around him as they walk back to bed.  

“Azriel okay?” 

Kenji snorts. “He was fine, the little bugger bit me.” 

Akaza chuckles. “That means he loves you.” 

“The hell it does!” 

Akaza raises up on his toes and kisses Kenji’s cheek before climbing back into bed.  

Kenji groans. “That ass looks mighty cute in that lace baby.” 

Akaza rolls onto his back and spreads his legs. Kenji smirks before climbing on top of him and capturing his lips. He moans into the kiss. 

Akaza pushes him off. “Maybe I should take this off before we get another unwanted call from my dad.” Akaza takes his heart monitor off and puts it on the nightstand.  

Kenji smiles and leans back down to capture his lips again. “As much as I don’t enjoy late night phone calls from my scary future father-in-law.” He reaches over to grab the monitor and places it back on Akaza’s wrist. “This is there for your safety. I love you and I’m not trying to kill you with sex.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Kenji, my dad is driving me nuts.” 

Kenji chuckles and leans down to kiss him. “How about we just turn the phones off?” 

Akaza smiles and nods.  

Akaza looks at himself in the mirror and groans. He spots his fiancé coming up behind him. Kenji puts his hands on his hips and kisses his neck and shoulder.  

“What’s the matter baby?” 

Akaza sighs. “I have no idea what to wear.” 

Kenji chuckles. “Clothes.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

Kenji chuckles again. “Fine, why don’t you just wear something comfortable baby. It honestly doesn’t matter; they’ll love you regardless.” 

Akaza pouts. “I’m most comfortable in a skirt and crop top, I can’t do that to your parents.” 

Kenji sighs. “Okay, what about that new romper you got? It matches your eyes.” 

Akaza frowns. “I guess.” 

Kenji groans. “Baby.” He turns Akaza around to look him in his eyes. “You are sexy, an amazing doctor, funny, caring, a hard worker.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes but smiles.  

“It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, they’ll love you. Promise.” He leans down to kiss Akaza, then he smacks his ass. “They won’t like it however if you’re naked, so put something on so we can go.” 

“Fine.” 

Kenji kisses him again. “Hurry that cute little ass up.” He smacks him again.  

He ended up going with the blue romper that Kenji suggested.  

He was finishing up with his makeup when his fiancé came in the bathroom. Also dressed and ready. Simple slacks and a button up.  

“Hell, you make anything look good.” 

Kenji looks up at him through the mirror and smirks. "If I wear my blue blazer will my brown loafers go?” 

Akaza smiles and then nods. “Plain, not stitched.” 

Kenji nods. His phone rings from his pocket and he answers. “Hi mom.” Kenji puts his phone between his ear and shoulder as he puts on his shoes. “Yes, I promise we’re on the way.” Kenji’s face scrunches into one of confusion. “No mom, it was just supposed to be the four of us.” 

Akaza frowns.  

“No mom, I’m not leaving em here just cause Kassie broke up with her boyfriend. She’ll get over it.” 

Akaza sighs and puts in his earrings. Basic blue studs. He grabs his necklace and walks over to Kenji who helps him put it on while he’s still on the phone with his mom.  

“Mom, this is her fourth boyfriend this year. I’m not hiding my fiancé away just because she had a bad breakup. We’re getting married mom, she’s gonna find out eventually. What are you making Kyoto hide her husband or Keith his wife? End of conversation. We’re on our way.” Kenji hangs up and takes a deep breath before smiling at Akaza. “Ready?” 

Akaza frowns. “Are you sure?” 

Kenji nods. “It’ll be fine. Promise.” He kisses his cheek, and they head out.  

For some reason, Akaza does not believe him. 

When they pulled up to Kenji’s childhood home, Akasa's jaw dropped. He thought his house back home was big. 

“House my ass, this is a mansion.” 

Kenji chuckles. “It’s only ten thousand square feet.” 

Akaza rolls it eyes.  

Kenji chuckles again then leans over and kisses him on the cheek. “Come on.” Kenji steps out of the car and Akaza takes a breath before climbing out when Kenji opens the door for him.  

The closer they get to the front door, the harder he shakes.  

“Baby, your heart. Take a breath.” 

He didn’t even realize his watch was going off. He nods as he takes a few deep breaths. His phone dings but knowing it’s just his dad he ignores it as he calms himself down.  

“Okay, I’m okay.” 

Kenji nods before he opens the door and walks them in. Akaza hears commotion coming from somewhere inside.  

Kenji slips off his shoes. “My mom is weird about her floors so.” He motions towards the slippers.  

Akaza nods and slips off his shoes as well in order to put on the plain black slippers.  

“I prefer pink and fuzzy.” He jokes. 

Kenji snorts. “I’ll be sure to let her know.” 

Akaza takes another breath before Kenji takes his hand and he follows his fiancé towards the voices. 

“Sorry we’re late.” His fiancé greets his family.  

Just then Akaza has seven sets of eyes on him. He scoots closer to Kenji. Taking a breath as he hears his watch start to go off.  

Kenji chuckles, but not a happy chuckle, the kind Kenji does when he’s annoyed. “Mom, you didn’t tell me everyone would be here.” 

The mother in question raises her eyebrows. “You said we were meeting your fiancée; I figured why not invite everyone for such a momentous occasion? Especially since you swore, you’d never marry.” Akaza wonders why. 

Kenji clicks his tongue. Akaza can tell this isn’t gonna be an easy day.  

Akaza smiles. “It’s fine Kenji.” 

Kenji sighs and nods. “Fine, everyone, this is Akaza, my fiancé.” 

Everyone just continues to stare. 

Someone who Akaza can only assume is Kenji’s brother snorts. 

Kenji glares at him as they take a seat. Someone brings them plates.  

“Mimosa hun?” The lady asks.  

Akaza nods. “Yes please.” 

“That’s alright Kristine, he doesn’t need one.”  

Kenji clicks his tongue and Akaza frowns at the loss of alcohol.  

Kenji dear.” Kenji groans at his mom’s tone. “A word.” She places her fork down and rises from her seat. “Dear, join us.” She taps the shoulder of the man sitting next to her.  

He nods. “Of course, Katherine.” 

Kenji taps Akasa's thigh under the table and then stands to follow his parents.  

“So, you’re a man.” Kenji’s brother said.  

Akaza frowns. “Yeah?” 

The guy snorts again.  

“Why does that matter?” 

The guy frowns at him, confused. “How much has Kenji told you about our mother?” 

Akaza frowns. “Nothing, why?” 

He smirks. “She’s convinced herself that Kenji being gay is just a phase, and he’ll get over it.” 

Well shit.  

“Which is why I have never brought a partner home.” One of the girls at the table says. “Love your romper by the way.” 

A small smile works its way onto his face. “Kenji got it for me.” 

“Look, it’s nothing against you, I’m sure you're great, but mom is going to do everything in her power to run you off.” 

Right. Akaza knew there was a reason he hasn’t met Kenji’s family yet. 

“Keith, by the way. Kenji’s older brother.” He points to the woman sitting next to him. “My wife, Rachelle.” Rachelle waves. 

Akaza nods.  

“Kyoto, and my husband couldn’t make it. I’m the third oldest, and Kenji’s twin.”  

Kenji never mentioned being a twin. 

“Kanae.” The girl who complimented his romper said. “The fourth, and cutest.” 

Akaza chuckles.  

“Kassie, the youngest.” Ah the one with the boyfriend issues. 

Akaza smiles. “It’s nice to meet you all.” 

“How long have you two been together?” Keith asks.  

“Uh, we met at med school, started becoming serious after I graduated.” 

Keith nods. “When did he propose?” 

Akaza shrugs. “Six months ago.” 

Just then Kenji stomped into the room followed by his mother.  

“Son, we’re just trying to protect you.” 

“No mom, I’m done listening to you.” He looks at Akaza. “Come on baby.” 

Akaza frowns but nods. He stands and takes Kenji’s hand.  

“It was nice meeting you.” Akaza tries but Kenji’s mom just glares at him. Akaza frowns. 

“Kenji.” His dad warns. “If you walk out that door.” 

Kenji shakes his head. “Call me when you’re ready to apologize, or don’t bother coming to the wedding.” 

Kenji ignores the pleas from his parents as he walks Akaza back out to the car.  

The drive home is silent. Akaza has no idea on how to address or console his partner.  

He opens and closes his mouth a few times. He can see how angry Kenji is. His knuckles are turning white with how tightly he’s gripping the wheel.  

He just decides to shut his mouth and stay quiet the rest of the way home.  

 They walk into their apartment and Akaza heads straight for their bedroom in order to change. Once he’s changed, he heads straight for their bed and sits down on the edge.  

“I’m going to head into the hospital.” 

Akaza frowns. “Okay.” 

Kenji sighs and sits next to him on the bed. “I love you and I’m sorry but I’m just so angry. I was hoping she got over it.” 

Akaza smiles. “I know, you need to unwind, and the best way is for you to work.” He kisses his fiancé. “I love you too. I’m probably just going to nap, and binge drag race.” 

Kenji smiles as he stands and leans down to kiss him again. “I’ll be back, promise.” 

Akaza nods. “I know.” He lays down and Kenji bends down and tucks him in. Then kisses his forehead and heads out.  

Akaza wakes to the sound of his phone ringing. He sits up and rubs his eyes as he reaches for it.  

“Hello?” He groggily answers.  

“Mrs. Fields is at the hospital, insisting she’s in labor, again.” The nurse says.  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Alright, admitted?” 

“Yeah, sorry. We monitored her for an hour and her contractions are consistent.” 

He sighs. “It’s fine, I’m on the way.” 

“I went ahead and hooked her up, but I'm just the nurse.” Helen mocks. “She wants the doctor.” 

Akaza snorts. “Actually, Kenji is there, see if he can check on her?” 

Helen sighs. “He’s not answering his pager. I think he might be in surgery.” 

Akaza nods. “Okay, can you keep trying for him til I get there?” 

“Sure.” 

He doesn’t bother dressing up, he’s going to change as soon as he gets there anyway. He grabs a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.  

Once he’s changed, he heads straight for the nurse’s station.  

Helen smirks up at him.  

He quirks an eyebrow. “What?” 

“Her water broke about ten minutes ago.” 

Akaza nods.  

“She wants an epidural, but not from me.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “When are people going to realize we have nurses for a reason?” 

Helen chuckles. 

“Okay, anything else for her highness?” 

Helen chuckles again. “Don’t think so.” 

“Is it wrong for me to wish she’s too far for an epidural?” 

Helen chuckles again and then shrugs. “Maybe, but also maybe we want her to have one so she’s less bitchy.” 

He pales. “Good point.” He turns to go to her delivery room. He takes a breath and then knocks before opening the door. “Mrs. Fields.” 

She groans. “Freaking finally. Please get this thing out of me.” 

“Hun.” Mr. Fields says. “You did go into labor on his day off.” 

Akaza chuckles. “I don’t mind, now I hear you want an epidural.” 

She nods she goes to sit up, but he stops her.  

“I have to check and make sure you can still get one, if you’re past six centimeters, well then you’re SOL my love.” 

She frowns.  

Akaza chuckles again as he puts on some gloves. “Butterfly please.” 

She sighs and does.  

Akaza sits on the bed. “Touch.” He warns her, before inserting his fingers.  

She flinches.  

There’s a knock and then the door is swinging open. “You summoned doctor?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “An hour ago, doctor .” 

Kenji sighs. “Yeah, apologize, had an emergency appy.” He places a hand on Akaza’s back. “What ya need?” 

Akaza sighs. “Prep an epidural for me?” He removes his fingers.  

Kenji nods. “Sure.” He turns to walk out the room.  

“Oh, thank god.” Mrs. Fields breathed a sigh of relief. 

Akaza chuckles. “You’re about four centimeters.” 

She groans. “I’m gonna be here forever.” 

“Not necessarily, each pregnancy and labor are different. Could be twenty hours, could be six, it all depends on little bit.” 

Akaza helps her sit up and then swing her legs over the edge. He instructs dad to stand in front of her. He dawns on a fresh pair of gloves and preps her back.  

“Ready, when you are.” He hears Kenji say as he enters the room. Helen is right behind him.  

Akaza chuckles. “Perfect timing as always.” 

Kenji chuckles and winks at him. “My specialty.” 

God Akaza wants to kiss him right now. He pulls up his chair. “Alright dad, Helen is going to give you a hand. Mom needs to sit absolutely still, this isn’t exactly, pleasant.” He nods at Akaza. 

Akaza preps the spot. Kenji hands him a needle. He gently places it in her back. She flinches and he frowns.  

“You got to stay still hun.” Kenji tells her.  

“Sorry. I was expecting, well more.” 

Akaza snorts. “Well, that was just the numbing medicine, big mamma is coming.” 

She squeals. “Why the hell do you call it that?!” 

Oh yeah, this labor is about to be a pain in his ass.  

Akaza groans as he crashes on one of the beds in the call room.  

Kenji chuckles as he closes the door and climbs in behind Akaza. He wraps his arms around him. “I love watching you work.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes, then he rolls over in Kenji’s arms. “All I did was stick a big ass needle in a woman’s back.” 

Kenji closes the distance and kisses him. “And you did it sexily.” 

Akaza snorts. He closes his eyes and relaxes into his fiancé’s arms. Just a little nap while he waits for Mrs. Fields to crown. He trusts Helen and the other nurses can handle her. He'll just make sure to get them all sorry you had to deal with my bitchy patient gifts.  

“Kenji.” 

“Hmm?” Kenji sounds just as tired as he is.  

“Why didn’t you tell me?” 

Kenji stays silent for a while and then sighs. “I was afraid you’d turn down my proposal. I love you Akaza and I didn’t want my parents position swaying your decision.” 

Akaza frowns. “Oh.” 

“You remember that old boyfriend you told me about? The one that was trans, but his parents disagreed?” 

Akaza opens his eyes and stares into Kenji’s beautiful green eyes. “Giyuu, yeah, what about him?” 

“My parents are kinda like that. Except they didn’t beat me, they took other measures. Until med school I was completely isolated from the outside world, I had a tutor and as part of my education they conditioned me to like girls. I, well, I…” 

“Kenji, babe, it’s fine I get it.” 

Kenji shakes his head. “I gave them what they wanted. I pretended so that I could go to college in person. I’m sorry baby, I should have told you.” 

Akaza feels the tears prickle at the edges of his eyes. “Kaylee wasn’t just your best friend, was she?” 

Kenji sighs. “She was my pretend girlfriend for family events and stuff.” 

“So, all these years being together, all those reasons for not meeting your family were all lies?” 

Kenji sighs but nods. 

Akaza nods. “You sleep with her?” 

Kenji frowns but does not answer.  

Akaza nods and removes himself from Kenji’s grip. “I think you should go home.” He gets out of the bed.  

“Baby please.” 

Akaza shakes his head. “I need to go check on my patient.” Akaza leaves the call room. 

A nurse approaches him.  

“Ah, Dr. Kibutsuji, would you have a minute to check on another parent for me? He’s trans and I figured you’d be able to ease his concerns. His regular OB is on the way, but his BP is rising, and we need him to calm down for the little’s sake.” 

He smiles at her and nods. “Sure, what’s his status?” 

“Been having contractions, but no progress.” She hands him the file. “He’s having multiple, and he really doesn’t want a c-section.” He nods and follows her to the room.  

“Dilated?” 

She shakes her head no. 

Akaza sighs and nods. “Alright.” 

It’s a little after three in the morning by time he puts the key into the lock and swings the door open. He wasn’t on call, so he got to leave as soon as his single patient delivered. He stayed around to help deliver the set of twins and then headed out. The apartment is dark and silent, except for Azriel’s tank. He shuts and locks the door and walks to the kitchen. He places his keys on the island and grabs a couple blueberries from the fridge and walks over to put them in Azriel’s food bowl. 

Akaza chuckles. Azriel is comfortably napping under his black light.  

Akaza turns to head to the bedroom when he spots movement from the couch.  

He frowns at the sight of his six-foot fiancé asleep on their tiny couch. Legs hanging over the edge. Akaza sighs as he walks over and gently rubs Kenji’s shoulder. “Babe.” 

Kenji groans as his eyes flutter open and adjust to the dark.  

Akaza frowns down at him. “What are you doing on the couch?” 

Kenji groans again as he sits up. He leans his elbows on his knees and rubs his eyes. “I was waiting for you to get home. Actually, I wasn’t sure if you were even going to come home.” Akaza has nowhere else to go even if he wanted to. His family is twelve hours away and he has no friends that he could stay with.  

Akaza frowns. “You could have done that from the bed, no way you were comfortable.” 

Kenji frowns. “I wasn’t trying to sleep.” He stands from the couch. “You still mad?” 

Akaza frowns. “I don’t know Kenji, but what I do know is that we’re both tired. Let’s just go to bed.” He turns and walks to their bedroom.  

Akaza is too tired for a shower, so he strips down to his boy shorts and just collapses onto his side of the bed. Pulling the duvet over himself.  

“Can I…?” 

Akaza sighs. “Sure.” 

Akaza feels a dip in the bed before Kenji scoots up to him and presses his chest into Akaza’s back. Wrapping his arm around Akaza’s waist and tucking the other under Akaza’s pillow and neck. He kisses Akaza on the cheek.  

“I love you baby, so much. I’m sorry I lied to you.” 

“I’m tired Kenj.” 

Kenji sighs. “Of course.” He kisses Akaza’s cheek again. “Get some rest baby.” 

Chapter Text

When Akaza wakes, the bed is empty. He gets up and takes that shower he skipped last night in favor of sleep. After his shower he decides to do some laundry, he and Kenji are running low. While the washer is running, he sets up Azriel's playpen and puts him in it, with a few of his favorite toys and his surgical cap, to play with while Akaza cleans his tank. They discovered a while ago that if he isn’t contained, he’ll disappear God knows where for hours. Ninja lizard. He notices the blueberries that he put in there last night are gone and he smiles. They have tried other fruits, but blueberries are his favorite. 

Halfway through cleaning the tank the washer dings and Akaza’s stomach growls. He frowns as he stands. He transfers the laundry and then heads to the kitchen to warm up one of their premade meals. Since Akaza and Kenji both work, a lot, Akaza usually takes the weekend to meal prep for both Kenji and him. He frowns when he opens the fridge to see just how empty it is. He closes the doors and walks to the pantry. Nothing he can grab, just ingredients, and he doesn’t really feel like cooking.  

Akaza walks to their bedroom to grab his phone off the charger. He just decides to order a veggie burger with sweet potato fries and a diet root beer. Then he sits on a bar stool and calls his fiancé. 

“About to head into surgery baby, what’s up?” He figured that’s where he was. Kenji doesn’t really like facing his emotions, so when he’s angry, upset, or any emotion other than content really, he heads to the hospital when the clinic isn't open and works. Kenji is a general surgeon, but he finds ways to help around the hospital. He’ll assist in neuro, cardio, anywhere there’s work to be done. He’ll help with rounds, or he’ll even help the nurses with their tasks. He’s a regular jack of all trades. Super Ken the nurses like to call him. Even though they have the practice, they're also employed by the hospital, but they have a lot more leeway with their schedules. It’s a symbiotic relationship.   

Akaza sighs. “Any way you could pick up some groceries on the way home? We’re running a bit low.” 

“Sure baby, just text me what you need.” He hears Kenji sigh. “We can talk over dinner, yeah?” 

Akaza sighs again. “Yeah.” 

“I got to go, I love you.” 

Akaza smiles. “I love you too.” He hangs up and sighs. Then he hears a crash and Azriel’s little feet scraping across the hardwood. He looks over to where he left Azriel. 

“Shit.” 

He had apparently learned how to climb out and has scurried off somewhere. With his surgical cap. 

Akaza groans. Just perfect. 

By time he finishes cleaning Azriel’s tank, his food was being delivered. He still hasn’t found Azriel, but he knows he’s in the apartment. 

Somewhere. Making sure he doesn’t escape when he opens the door to get his food. 

He gets out the last four blueberries and places them in the middle of the living room floor, hoping to lure the dragon out.  

He sits down on the couch and pulls the coffee table closer to eat his food. He puts on drag race, however his mind keeps racing, lol pun definitely intended, to his fiancé. What the hell is he supposed to do? He loves Kenji like crazy, but he lied to him. Then again, Akaza hasn’t exactly been forthcoming either. His ex was at their practice, and he hasn’t had the courage to tell Kenji about that either. Then again, Kenji doesn’t know about Kyoujurou at all.  

Akaza sighs.  

He takes a bite of his burger and just watches the television.  

When he finishes the episode and his meal, he puts the living room back together and goes to get the laundry out of the dryer. Azriel’s blueberries remain untouched. 

Akaza frowns. He grabs the laundry, and he takes them to the bed to fold.  

He pauses when he hears little claws on the hardwood floor. He drops to the floor and looks under the bed, nothing. Hmm. He takes advantage of the vantage point and scans under the rest of the furniture in the room. Again, nothing. 

“Azriel, where are you buddy?” 

The dragon doesn’t answer, not that he expected him to, but he will sometimes come when he’s called.  

He rolls his eyes and goes back to folding clothes.  

Laundry folded and put away he decides to clean the kitchen. He starts with the fridge and pantry, taking out all the food to wipe the shelves and throw out old food. He hates that so much, but apparently, they had some leftovers that was growing a second habitat in their fridge. How did they not smell that? Gross.  

Fridge and pantry clean, he moves on to the cupboards and counters. Then he sweeps vacuums and mops. He cleans the stove and the dishwasher.  

Akaza once again pauses in his steps when he hears his dragons’ claws. He peeks at the blueberries, still there. He groans.  

He moves onto the bathroom. He bleaches the tub, shower and toilet. He goes through to see if there are any toiletries that need to be replaced so he can include those in the list for Kenji.  

Bathroom clean he moves on to organize their closet. Hopefully Azriel hasn’t found his way in here, it’s the only carpeted area and well, they can’t exactly hear his footsteps in here. He starts with Kenji’s side, putting pants with pants, jackets with jackets and color coordinating. Making sure to hang up his belts and organize his shoes. Then he moves to his side. Go through to see what he hasn’t worn in a while or what still has a tag on it. Then he does the same thing that he did with Kenji’s side, shirts with shirts, skirts with skits, etcetera.  

Akaza finishes the closet and makes sure to watch his step on the way out, then closes the door so Azriel can’t get in. Then again if he’s in there he can’t get out either.  

Akaza moves onto the patio. He sweeps off the leaves and check the plants. He takes off the covers to the patio furniture and throws those in the wash.  

The he moves onto the bedroom, stripping the bed and shampooing the mattress. Organizing the nightstands. Sweeping, vacuuming and moping. Putting clean sheets back on.  

He finishes placing his pillow in the freshly dried case when he hears the front door open and close.  

“Baby? I’m home, got your groceries. Sorry, I didn’t see the text about your shampoo until just now.” 

Akaza sighs as he exits the bedroom to see Kenji putting the groceries on the island.  

“Why are there blueberries in the middle of the floor?” 

Akaza looks up at him and shrugs.  

Kenji rolls his eyes. “The dumb lizard.” 

“He’s not dumb.” 

“Oh yeah? Then why is his favorite thing to hump a surgical cap?” 

Akaza pouts. “Can we not fight about him right now?” 

Kenji sighs. “Sorry baby, I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just teasing.” 

Akaza nods as he sits on a barstool and watches Kenji put the groceries away. “How’d the surgery go?” 

Kenji shrugs. “Easy, in and out, no complications.” 

Akaza nods again.  

“How’d he get out?” 

Akaza sighs. “Apparently he can climb out of the playpen.” 

“Ah, you cleaned his tank.” 

Akaza nods. “You weren’t home so I just, cleaned everything.” 

Kenji snorts. “You do know the cleaning agency is coming tomorrow, right?” 

Akaza sighs and nods again. “I couldn’t help it. I was thinking about our fight and I just, I needed a distraction.” 

Kenji sighs. “You’re still mad.” 

Akaza shakes his head. “No Kenj, I’m not mad. In fact, I haven’t exactly told you everything either.” 

Kenji looks at him and frowns. “What do you mean?” 

“I had a patient come in Friday, while you were in surgery.” 

“Okay and?” 

Akaza sighs. “Her husband is an ex-boyfriend of mine.” 

Kenji frowns. “I thought you only dated the one boy in high school. The one that died.” 

Akaza pouts. “Kyoujurou and I had a pretty bad breakup, and I may have omitted, the entire relationship. Our dads weren’t exactly on board with us dating so we went behind their backs most of the time. One day, when we were...” Akaza clears his throat. “Having sex, I collapsed, and it scared him. He broke up with me because he was scared that he was gonna kill me.”  

“Oh.” 

Akaza pulls out the little note he’s been holding onto for the last four years. He unfolds it and slides it over to Kenji. Along with the only photo of him and Kyoujurou that he kept.  

“He left that for me at Giyuu’s grave four years ago.” 

Kenji picks it up and begins to read it. 

Akaza watches the array of emotions cross his fiancés face as he reads.  

Then Kenji snorts and Akaza rolls his eyes. “My driving isn’t bad!” 

Kenji chuckles. “I’m sorry baby.” He chuckles again. “You’re an amazing driver.” Kenji smirks at him.  

Akaza clicks his tongue. “Whatever.” 

Kenji smiles and continues to read. When he finishes, he folds it back up and throws it in the trash.  

Akaza frowns but lets him. Kenji leans on the counter and takes Akaza’s hands in his.  

“Baby, I’m sorry your breakup was bad, but I’m the one here now. I’m sorry I lied to you about Kaylee, but it was one time, and it was before we were engaged, not that that’s an excuse.” 

Akaza shakes his head. “It’s fine Kenji. We’ve both withheld information, but let’s just agree to be honest from now on. We’re getting married, no secrets.” 

Kenji smiles and leans over the island to kiss Akaza. Akaza chuckles into the kiss. Something behind Akaza catches Kenji’s eye. He breaks the kiss and nods for Akaza to look. Akaza scrunches his face and turns to see what Kenji sees. He rolls his eyes at the sight of Azriel going at his surgical cap in the middle of their area rug underneath the coffee table. 

Akaza stands and goes and grabs the dragon and puts him in his newly cleaned tank.  

“Why in the hell doesn’t he bite you when you pick him up?” 

Akaza chuckles. “I don’t manhandle him like a squeaky toy.” 

“Man…!” Kenji growls and then picks up Akaza and throws him over his shoulder.  

Akaza squeals. “Kenji!” 

“I’ll show you manhandle.” Kenji trots to the bedroom. Akaza giggling over his shoulder.

Akaza giggles some more as he is thrown on the bed. His watch starts beeping and he takes a few breaths. Kenji removes his shirt and climbs on top of Akaza, leaning down to gently kiss him a few times. “Sorry.” 

Akaza chuckles and kisses him back. “I was just surprised, I’m fine.” 

Akaza’s phone begins to ring, and he groans.  

“For the love of my dick, please ignore it.” 

Akaza chuckles. “Okay” Akaza shrugs. “But he’ll just keep calling.” 

Kenji groans as he rolls off of Akaza. Akaza chuckles again as reaches over and answers the phone. 

“I’m fine dad.” He complains.  

“Glad to hear it, but I think you got the wrong parent.” 

Akaza smiles. “Hey papa.” 

Michi chuckles. “Hey kid, so why did you assume I was your dad?” 

Akaza sighs. “Every time my watch hits above a certain bpm he calls.” 

Michi chuckles again.  

“He’s already interfering in my marriage, and I’m not even married yet.” 

“Sorry kid, but you know your dad.” 

Akaza nods. “Unfortunately. So, what’s up?” 

“I was wondering if you and Kenji would be okay if I join your dad this weekend.” 

Akaza smiles. “We’d love to have you.” 

“You sure?” 

“Yes, I’m sure.” 

“Great, we were planning on driving down Thursday.” 

Akaza frowns. “That’s a twelve-hour drive papa.” Alone in a car with Muzan Kibutsuji no less. Well to Michi that probably isn't as bad as it would be for Akaza. 

Michi chuckles. “Yeah, but we’re going to make it a little longer, make a few pit stops on the way.” 

Akaza frowns again. “Why?” 

“Our anniversary is Wednesday but I’m on a twenty-four, so we figured we’d use the road trip to have some us time.” 

Akaza smiles. “How many years again?” 

Michi chuckles. “Twenty-three years.” 

“Well, we’d love to have you.” 

“Great, I’ll let you go. I’ll see you Thursday kid.” Then he hangs up.  

“Babe.” Akaza rolls over and chuckles at the sight. Kenji was apparently more tired from the day’s events then he let on. He’s passed out. Akaza chuckles as he pulls the covers over him and Kenji and cuddles into his side and relaxes with his fiancé. 

Chapter Text

Akaza was sitting at his desk in his office, going over patient files, adjusting prescriptions as needed and seeing who’s due soon in order to kinda have an idea how his weekend is going to look.  

Trying to forget the conversation he had with his dad last night.  

He looks up at his door as it opens and smiles at the sight of his fiancé entering his office with food.   

“One vegan wrap with zucchini fries and a diet root beer.” Kenji chuckles. “Well two, but you only get one.”  

Akaza smiles and drools as the smell hits his nose.   

Akaza drops what he’s doing and clears some space for their food. “Perfect timing, as always.”  

Kenji snorts as he takes a seat across from Akaza. “I knew you were in here brooding. Therefore, you haven’t eaten.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “I’m not brooding.” He takes his food from Kenji.  

Kenji frowns. “What’s wrong?”  

Akaza sighs. “My dad.”  

Kenji’s eye twitches and Akaza chuckles. Kenji clears his throat. “What about him exactly?”  

Akaza opens his wrap and takes a bite. He shrugs. “Does it bother you that I like to dress feminine?”  

Kenji frowns and shakes his head. “No baby, I love that you wear skirts and dresses.” Then he smirks and Akaza rolls his eyes. “Easy access.”  

“Yeah, yeah, ya perv.”  

Kenji chuckles.   

Akaza sighs. “Anyway, some article about the practice found its way to my hometown and my dad called me concerned.”  

Kenji frowns. “What article?”  

Akaza sighs as he places his food down to open his desk drawer and find the article, pull it out and hands it over to his fiancé.  

“Ah, that one.” He hands it back to Akaza and Akaza puts it back in his desk. “Baby, if people don’t like the fact that a gay couple run a lgbtq friendly practice together, that’s their problem.”  

Akaza frowns and nods. “I know, but I think my dad mostly cared about the part that talks about how I dress when I’m not working.”  

“Besides we have two other partners they completely left out, and how you dress doesn’t affect your ability to do your job. Baby, you can’t let one negative review get to you.”  

“I’m not, my dad is.” Akaza learned a long time ago, about tenth grade, to not let people’s words get to him. “I think he’s still trying to protect me from being bullied.”  

“That’s sweet, I guess.”  

Akaza chuckles.   

“What time are they getting here?”  

Akaza shrugs. “They said they’d call when they were half an hour out.”   

There’s a knock on his door before it swings open. “Sorry to interrupt but Dr. Katou, but Rena wanted me to let you know that your two is here.” An hour early, but just on time for Mr. Ren. Kenji rolls his eyes and Akaza chuckles. Helen approaches the desk and holds out some folders to Akaza. “New intakes.”  

Akaza takes them from her.   

“Also, the lab results for Mrs. Kanroji came back, they’re in your inbox.”  

Akaza nods. “Thanks.”  

Helen nods and walks out.   

Akaza opens up his computer and reads over the results.   

Hmmm.  

“Kenji?”  

“Yeah.”  

Akaza turns his monitor so Kenji can see it. “Thirty-week-old little, measuring at twenty, scans and labs all came back normal.”  

Kenji frowns and sits up to get a closer look at the screen.   

“And were just now catching it?”  

Akaza shakes his head, definitely not offended at the accusation. “New patient, was referred to us.”  

“Ah, well does she smoke, drink?”  

“According to her, no.”  

“You suspect?”  

Akaza shrugs. “Not really, but patients have lied in the past.”  

Kenji snorts. “True. Amniocentesis?”  

Akaza sighs. “Not from me, but the one they performed at her regular ob was normal. Do I really want to take that risk again?”  

Kenji shrugs. “She’s thirty weeks, a little further along than normal, so the risk of losing the baby isn’t as high. Besides, it’s mom’s choice, you can’t force her to have the test done. You could also try a doppler.”  

Akaza smiles and nods. He fixes his monitor.   

Kenji stands. “I have to go.” He leans over the desk and kisses Akaza. “I’ll see you at home.”  

Akaza smiles. “Always.” He stands and follows Kenji out. Kenji takes a right, back to his side of the practice and Akaza heads to the nurse’s station.   

“Rena? Where’s Helen?”  

While Helen is his ob nurse, Rena mainly assists Kenji. They have two other nurses that work there as well that assist their other two partners and two nurses who work the front desk.   

Rena looks up at him. “On break, can I do something for you?”  

Akaza nods. “I need to bring Mrs. Kanroji in. Can you call her and see if she can come in next week?”  

Rena nods and moves to Helen’s computer. “Reason?”  

“Just let her know I’d like to discuss her lab results and steps going forward.”  

She nods again and Akaza thanks her and grabs the file for his next appointment.   

“Heads up.”  

Akaza frowns as he looks up at Rena. “For?”  

“Your next patient hasn’t exactly been able to get a word in over her mother.”  

Akaza groans as he rolls his eyes. An umbrella parent, just great.  

It’s almost one in the morning, Akaza is sitting up on the pull out he and Kenji are sharing while his parents are in town, laptop in his lap, just browsing while he waits for his parents to arrive. He finally decided to start looking at dresses. He’s not really seeing any he likes. The TV is on mainly for background noise. Kenji fell asleep over an hour ago. Akaza sort of feels bad. The pull out wasn’t exactly made with anyone over five foot five in mind. They put the coffee table at the end with a blanket in order to give it a little more length. Akaza isn’t exactly short, but he likes to curl up in his sleep so it’s not really an issue for him like it is for Kenji. 

Akaza hears scratching and he looks up towards the tank to see Azriel scratching at the glass, like a cat. Probably begging to be let out.   

Akaza frowns. “Sorry bud, my parents will be here shortly, and I need you to stay there.”  

“You do know that he can’t understand you. Right?”  

Akaza chuckles as he looks down at Kenji. He had rolled over to his stomach and tucked his arms under his pillow. Akaza reaches over and runs his fingers through his fiancé's hair. “I thought you were asleep.”  

“Can’t get very comfortable.” Kenji sighs. “Why did we offer up our bed again?”  

“Papa is six foot three.”  

Kenji sighs and nods again. “Right.”  

“Sorry babe.”  

Kenji shrugs from his horizontal position as best he can. “It’s just for a few nights.”  

Akaza’s phone rings and he picks it up and looks at the screen.  

Papa  

“That them?” Kenji sounds like he is almost out again.  

Akaza nods. “Here?”  

“Yeah, pulling up now.”  

Akaza nods as he moves his laptop to the end table. He removes the covers and stands, making sure to put some shorts on before he answers the door in his panties. He puts a tank on as well to cover up his scar. Azriel is still scratching on the glass and following Akaza’s movement across the apartment. So Akaza decides to grab him a couple of blueberries from the fridge.  

There is a soft knock on the door and Akaza goes to answer it. He smiles at his papa.  

“Your dad is parking the truck; I need the pass.” He walks in and sets some bags down.   

Akaza nods and hands it to him.   

“Kenji asleep?”  

Akaza looks back towards the couch and nods. “He tried to stay up, but he’s working in the morning.”  

Michi nods. “Sorry we’re so late.”  

Akaza shakes his head. “No problem, glad ya’ll made it safely.”  

Michi nods again. “I’m gonna run this down to your dad.” He holds up the pass. “We’ll be up in a bit.”  

Akaza nods. He puts his parents' bags in the room for them.   

A few moments later he is once again letting his parents in. More bags in his dad’s hand. He greets both with a hug.  

“Sorry we’re so late, we took a little longer than we wanted to.” His dad says.   

Akaza shakes his head. “Not a problem, but we can catch up in the morning.”  

Both his parents' nod.   

Akaza shows them to the room. “The bathroom is through the closet, just make sure you lock the door that adjoins to the entryway.” He doesn’t need to see his parents naked and vice versa.  

“You didn’t have to give up your bed son, we could have gotten a hotel.”  

Akaza shakes his head. “Nonsense, what is the point of you visiting from thirty minutes away. I’ll let ya’ll get some sleep, I’m pretty tired myself.”  

His dad nods. “Night son.”  

Akaza nods and heads back to the living room. Azriel is still scratching on the glass. Akaza takes pity on him and grabs him from the tank and brings him back to the couch. Azriel happily tucks himself in-between Akazas collar bone and neck. Akaza’s so exhausted it’s doesn’t take him long to fall asleep.   

“Akaza!”  

Akaza is startled awake by a smack to the face. He quickly sits up. “Fuck Kenj, what the hell was that for!?”  

“Why in the hell is Azriel on my face right now?!”  

Akaza looks down at his fiancé and snorts at the sight. He grabs his phone and quickly snaps a picture. Azriel had apparently moved over to Kenji in the middle of the night. He’s content on the side of Kenji’s face.  

“Get him off please. Then delete that photo.”  

Akaza chuckles as he removes to lizard and rises to walk him back to his tank. Kenji sits up to turn off his alarm that Akaza just now realized was going off. “Never, it’s gonna be my new home screen.”  

Kenji growls.  

“Why the hell are we yelling so early?”  

Akaza turns to see his dad coming out of the bedroom.   

Kenji stands from the couch. “The bathroom open?”  

Akaza’s dad nods. “Michikatsu is still sleeping.”  

Kenji nods. “Can I get into our closet?”  

His dad nods. “Yeah, he’s covered.”  

Kenji nods again and quietly heads into the bedroom.  

“You, okay?”  

Akaza nods. “I’m fine dad, Azriel just startled Kenji, that’s all.” Akaza put’s the surgical cap in the tank to keep Azriel happy with being confined for the next few days.  

“Too bad, was hoping to have an excuse.”  

Akaza frowns and whips around to look at his dad. He quirks an eyebrow at the smirk on his dad’s face. “An excuse for what?”  

His dad shrugs as he continues into the kitchen, turning some lights on and going through the fridge. “Oh nothing.” He pulls out the eggs. “I’m surprised you have these.”  

Akaza nods as he takes a seat at the island. “Kenji picked you guys up a few things for while you’re here.”  

His dad smiles up at him. “We appreciate that, but we’d have been happy to eat vegan for the weekend. Don’t want you to be uncomfortable on our account.”  

Akaza shakes his head. “I’ll be okay.”  

His dad goes digging back in the fridge. “Any bacon by chance?”  

“Uh, yeah, everything for you two is on the top shelf.”  

His dad nods. Then he pulls out the package.  

“You two make a lot of stops?”  

His dad nods. “Pretty much every attraction on the way. Plus, we slept for a few hours at a rest stop.”  

“You drive most of the way?”  

His dad nods again. “His back still bothers him sometimes, plus my truck doesn’t have the special pedals for his prosthetic.”  

Akaza frowns as he grabs and apple from the fruit basket. “Why didn’t you bring his suv?”  

“We were supposed to, but it broke down, in the shop.” His dad sighs. “Honestly I might just replace it, he’s had it forever and it keeps acting up.”  

The bathroom door swings open and Akaza drools at the sight. Kenji, freshly showered, sweats and a t-shirt.   

Kenji spots him staring and smirks and winks but walks right past him.   

Boo.   

“There coffee yet?” He hears Kenji ask.   

“Uh, no, but I can make ya a cup.” His dad answers.   

“Akaza, have you seen my ID and wallet?” Akaza rolls his eyes. Kenji won’t call him baby in front of Akaza’s parents, only by his name.   

“They were on the dresser.” Akaza stands and walks to the bedroom. Michi is still passed out. Akaza grabs Kenji’s wallet and hospital id, along with his car keys. Which don’t belong there. Akaza rolls his eyes.  

He exits the bedroom and gently closes the door behind him. He places the things on the island. Kenji is in the kitchen fixing his coffee the way he likes it.   

“Here.”  

Kenji nods. “Thanks.”  

Akaza knows Kenji won’t kiss him in front of his parents either, so he just sits back down at the island and eats his apple. In the four years they’ve officially been together, Kenji has only met his parents a few times. Kenji kissed Akaza one time and the glare that was thrown his way scared Kenji for life. Now Kenji won’t even touch Akaza if his parents are around.   

“I’ll be home later.” Kenji grabs his things from the island and his bag and heads out the door.   

His dad snorts. “Still afraid of me I see.”  

Akaza sighs. “Very.”  

His dad chuckles. “Good.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Is Kenji the only one you torture?”  

His dad snorts. “For now. Don’t worry when Daki starts dating, I’ll torture her partner too.”  

Akaza snorts. “Like you’ll ever let Daki, Koa or Elle date.”  

His dad chuckles. “True.”  

“Food smells good.”  

Akaza turns to look at Michi as he exits the bedroom and enters the kitchen. He wraps his arms around his husband and kisses his cheek.   

“That’s cause you’re not the one cooking it.”  

Michi smacks his dad’s ass and Akaza gags.   

His dad laughs.   

It’s gonna be a long gross weekend.   

Akaza is prepping dinner, watching his parents on the couch. Michi has his one good leg propped up onto the coffee table, (Akaza’s eye is not twitching) and an arm wrapped around his husband and Akaza’s dad has his legs tucked under him and tucked into Michi’s side. Twenty-three years of marriage and they still look like they have only been dating a few months.  

Akaza wants that with Kenji.  

Akaza walks over to the sink to wash the vegetables. He hears the front door open and close and then keys being hung up. Akaza sees Kenji’s hand place a bag of groceries down on the counter and then Kenji is kissing his temple.   

“I saw that.” Akaza’s dad announces.  

Kenji groans and Akaza chuckles.   

“Remind me again when they’re going home?” Kenji whispers.  

Akaza chuckles again.   

“Babe, leave the poor kid alone, they’re getting married.” Michi to the rescue.   

“Exactly.” His dad says, like that explains why he continues to torture his fiancé.  

Kenji sighs. “Mind if I go in the room?”  

Michi shrugs. “It’s your room kid.”  

Kenji sighs again and walks to the bedroom.   

While his parents are distracted by the television Akaza sneaks to the bathroom and then walks through the adjoining door through the closet and pulls his fiancé in, closing and locking both doors.   

Kenji chuckles. “What ya doing?”  

“Properly welcoming my fiancé home.”  

Akaza pulls him down for a sloppy wet, heated kiss.   

Kenji moans but breaks it. “Don’t think this is such a good idea.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “We are adults, they shouldn’t have a say in my sex life anymore.”  

“And yet I do!” His dad shouts through the door that leads to the bedroom.  

Kenji pales.   

Akaza groans.   

Akaza goes to walk out the bathroom, but Kenji stops him. He points a thumb over his shoulder. “You go that way; I’d rather not die today.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes and walks out the door that leads to the bedroom. Which is actually empty, but his dad is sitting on the patio smoking.   

Akaza frowns but joins him outside. “I’m thirty dad.” Akaza sits on the other chair.   

His dad nods as he exhales and taps the ash off into the tray. He must have brought that from home cause he and Kenji don’t smoke. “I’m aware son, I’m just having a little fun with him.” His dad takes another drag.   

Akaza frowns again. “I thought you quit?”  

His dad shrugs. He exhales again. “Do you remember when you told us that you thought you liked boys?”  

“Which time?”  

His dad looks at him confused. “What do you mean which time?”  

Akaza smirks. “I may have told Yori when I was thirteen.”  

His dad’s eyes widen. “Two years before you told me?”  

Akaza chuckles. “Come on dad, don’t act like you didn’t already know.”  

His dad huffs and then pouts. “Not the point.” His dad takes another drag and exhales. “How could you tell Yoriichi before me, your own father?”  

Akaza snorts.   

“Any way, when you sat us down that day, I was scared. I swore to make sure whoever you ended up dating and ultimately marrying was good enough for you.”  

Akaza frowns.   

“I’m aware you’re thirty son, but as of right now, you’re my only child getting married and you’re my only gay kid. Gyuarto swore he wasn’t even interested in dating, but I think he has a girlfriend, Daki’s disability is keeping her from dating.”  

Akaza snorts. “Sure, blame the eye.”  

His dad glares at him as he puts his cigarette out. “Kenji is a great kid, but so was Rengoku, yet he still broke your heart.”  

Akaza frowns. “Kenji is different dad.”  

His dad nods. “I know son.”  

“So, can you please let up on him?”  

His dad snorts. “Not a chance.”  

Akaza groans and his dad laughs.   

Akaza looks up with the patio door opens. Michi is coming out.  

“Akaza, Kenji needs help with dinner.”  

Akaza frowns but nods. He knows Kenji knows how to cook the stew, so Michi probably wants to be alone with his husband. Probably to talk about Akaza.  

Akaza stands and heads inside.   

“Do I get to live another day?”  

Akaza chuckles. “For now.” Akaza walks into the kitchen and wraps his arms around his fiancé. Kenji is hesitant to hold him back. “I’m not letting go until you kiss me.”  

Kenji sighs and wraps his arms around Akaza before leaning down to kiss him.   

“I love you Kenj.”  

Kenji smiles. “I love you too baby.”  

Someone, his dad, his mind supplies, clears their throat and Kenji groans. Akaza sighs.   

They both slowly turn to look at Akaza’s parents. His dad quirks a brow and Michi is trying not to laugh.   

Kenji quickly let’s go and puts space between them. “I’ll uh, rinse the chickpeas.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes and his dad smirks.   

“Ya’ll need a table.” His dad comments. They’re all eating in the living room. He and Kenji on the floor and his dads on the couch.   

Akaza chuckles from his spot on the floor. He and Kenji usually eat at the kitchen island since it’s just the two of them and they rarely eat at the same time. Hence why Akaza meal preps for the week.  

“We really don’t have a need for one.” Kenji says.  

Michi chuckles. “So, us visiting isn’t a need for a table.”  

Kenji frowns. “Well sure, but this is the first time ya’ll have been to our place. We usually come to you.”   

Michi and his dad nod.   

“So?” Hell, Akaza knows that tone from his dad. Akaza slowly looks up at his dad suspiciously. He’s playing with his food and smirking at Akaza. “I, uh, noticed that you don’t wear the ring.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. Kenji chuckles but shuts his mouth when Akaza glares at him.  

“Something wrong son?” Michi asks.   

Akaza sighs. “No, nothing is wrong, it’s just…” He sighs again and stands to go grab the ring out of his dresser. He walks back in the living room, opens the box, puts it on the table and slides it over to his parents.  

“Wow.” Michi says as he puts his bowl down and picks up the box.   

“That is way bigger than it looked in the photo.” His dad comments.  

“Is that bad?” Kenji asks.   

Akaza smiles at him and shakes his head. Placing a hand on top of Kenji’s. “No, Kenj, I love it. It just can get in the way in our line of work.” Especially his.   

Michi hands Akaza back the box. “You two have bands picked out?”  

Kenji shakes his head. “His came with the engagement ring, but Akaza wants to pick out mine.”  

“Any ideas for where and when?”  

Akaza groans and Kenji shakes his head again. “Not yet.”  

“Speaking of which.” His dad stands and walks to the bedroom. He comes back out with a picture in his hands. He sits back down on the couch and hands over the photo to Akaza.  

He gasps. It’s a photo of a wedding dress. Black bodice with black see through lace over a purple skirt and train. “I love it.” Kenji scoots over to look at it.   

His parents smile. “Yori thought you might.” His dad says. “Which is why we want to get it for you.”  

Akaza frowns. “I can’t ask…”  

His dad holds his hand up to stop him from protesting any further. “We know you two plan on paying for everything, but we really want to do this for you son.”  

Akaza looks up at Kenji and silently asks with his eyes. Kenji smiles and nods. “If that’s what you want.”  

Akaza smiles and looks back at his parent. “Okay.”  

“Great, we go and try it on tomorrow.”  

Akaza frowns. “I’m sorry?”  

His dad chuckles. “We may have already had a hunch you’d agree, so we bought it and had it delivered to a shop nearby.”  

Akaza smiles. “Okay, yeah.”  

“Yori specifically asked that we video chat when you have it on.”  

“Kenji has to stay here.”  

Akaza frowns.   

“Of course.” Kenji agrees. Akaza looks at him confused. “It’s bad luck to see my fiancé in his dress before the actual wedding after all.”  

Akaza smiles.   

“Your dad helping you pick out a tux?” Michi asks Kenji.   

Kenji frowns. “Uh, no. My parents aren’t exactly on board with the wedding. Don’t think they’re gonna be in attendance.”  

Akazas parents’ frown. “Sorry to hear that kid.” His dad says.   

Kenji shrugs. “It’s no big deal.” Akaza can tell Kenji really doesn’t believe that. He wants his parents there, but they obviously don’t want to be. “Don’t need them bringing around their bigotry and ruining Akaza’s big day.”  

Akaza frowns and leans his head on Kenji’s shoulder and Kenji wraps his arm around him. His dad narrows his eyes at Akaza and Akaza sticks his tongue out at his dad. Michi chuckles.  

“Well, while Muzan takes Akaza to try on the dress I’d be happy to take you tux shopping.”  

“Are you sure, I mean, we don’t even have a date yet.”  

Michi nods. “Absolutely.”  

“Okay, yeah. I’d love to go with you.”  

Akaza hands over the photo.  

Kenji snorts. “Match the color, you got it.”  

Akaza practically skips up to the door of the dress shop.   

His dad chuckles. “Excited?” His dad opens the door for him and Akaza hops in.   

“Very.” Then he frowns. “Just wish Yori was here in person.”  

“I know son. He wanted to be, but we really didn’t want to drag the kids away from school, and this is our anniversary trip. Plus, we wanted to snag the dress before it was gone.”  

“Can I help you?”  

Akaza looks up at the lady that approached them.   

“Yes.” His dad says. “I called last week about the dress for the Katou-Kibutsuji wedding.”  

She smiles. “Of course, we are trying it on today?”  

Akaza nods.   

She smiles again. “Alright, let me go prep a room for you.”  

Akaza nods.   

“Thank you.” His dad says.   

In the changing room he squeals at the sight of the dress hanging on the wall.   

The lady chuckles. “Love it?”  

Akaza nods. “My daddy did a good job.”  

She chuckles again. “He sure did. Need help putting it on?”  

He nods. “Please, the train looks longer than the picture.”  

“Absolutely.”  

After a few moments of getting into the dress, Akaza stares at himself in the mirror while she closes his back.   

He frowns.   

“Don’t like it?”  

“No, I love it, it’s just, my scar is still visible.”  

She smiles as she walks around to face him. “Well, we could add a small piece of material to raise the bust a little more. Maybe some of that purple, and in the lace.”  

Akaza smiles and nods.   

“Alright, we ready to show dad?”  

“Yes.”  

Thankfully, she helps carry the train.   

Akaza spots his dad before he spots Akaza. He’s on the phone, probably with Yori. The moment he looks up, his jaw drops.   

Akaza smiles at him as the lady helps him onto the platform and then adjusts the train.   

“Okay dad, what do we think?”  

“Wow.” He stands and approaches Akaza. “Just, wow.”  

Akaza giggles. “Yeah?”  

“Yeah son, you look amazing.” His dad is tearing up.   

Akaza chuckles. “Dad, please don’t cry, because I’ll start crying.”  

His dad sighs. “Sorry son, you just look, wow.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “So you’ve said.”  

His dad chuckles. “How does it feel?”  

Akaza nods. “Perfect, but they’re gonna add a little bit to cover up my scar.”  

His dad nods. His dad gives him a three sixty then frowns when he reaches his back. "Akaza Lee, when the hell did you get a tattoo?"

Akaza chuckles. 

“Are we wanting a veil?” Saved by the stylist. 

Akaza looks over at her. “Actually, I was thinking a fascinator, in the same colors.”  

She smiles and nods. “Let me see what I can do.”  

“God, you are stunning.”  

Akaza chuckles at his dad again.  

“Let me get Yoriichi on the line.”  

Akaza smiles as he looks at himself in the mirror again. He can’t wait to walk down the aisle and marry Kenji.   

Chapter Text

Akaza curses at the sound of his alarm. He hits the snooze and rolls over to his fiancé. Kenji chuckles and wraps an arm around him and Akaza presses his face into Kenji’s chest.  

“I should have taken today off too.” 

Kenji chuckles again and kisses the top of his head. “Yeah, your parents alone in our apartment. No telling what they’ll do.” 

Akaza sighs and looks up at Kenji as best he can in the dark. “Actually, they said they’re going out today. More sightseeing I guess.” 

“Ah.” 

His alarm goes off again and Akaza accepts the inevitable and gets up. “Join me in the shower?” 

Kenji snorts. “Not a chance in hell I’m getting caught by my future in laws pounding into their son.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “The doors have locks for a reason Kenj.” 

Kenji sighs. “I’m aware Akaza, but I’m still going to pass.” 

“Fine.” 

Kenji chuckles. “Love you.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

Akaza is surprisingly the first one in this morning. Usually, Kenji or their nutrition specialist is here before him. They don’t require their nurses in til seven. He leaves the door locked and puts in the code for the alarm. He leaves the lights off as he walks to his office, unlocks the door and enters. He sits at his desk and turns on his computer.  

There’s a knock on his door and he looks up to see Susamaru, their nutrition specialist. “You’re in earlier than usual.” They walk in and take a seat across from him.  

Akaza shrugs. “My parents are in town.” 

Susamaru chuckles. “That bad?” 

Akaza sighs as he logs into his computer. “Not as much for me as it is for Kenji.” 

They chuckle again.  

“I finally got a wedding dress and Kenji got his tux.” 

They smile. “That’s great, you got a date yet?” 

Akaza shakes his head. “Nope.” 

Susamaru frowns. “Come on, you two have been engaged, what, six months. Hurry it up already.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “My dad was engaged a year before he married my papa. We have time. Plus, wedding planning is hard when you both work a hundred hours a week.” 

They snort. “Kenji is loaded, hire someone.” 

Akaza frowns. “Wait, you know about his parents?” 

Susamaru frowns again. “You mean you didn’t? His mom is one of the best neurosurgeons in the world and his dad is the CEO of one of the wealthiest pharmaceutical companies in the world.” 

The hell? 

“Shit, Akaza, I thought you knew.” 

Akaza sighs. “I guess I should have, but I only just met his parents recently and I never bothered looking them up.” Or asking his fiancé apparently.  

“You’ve seriously never heard of Katherine or Kaede Katoura?” 

Akaza’s eyes widen. Of freaking course, that’s why her face looked so damned familiar. She was one of the surgeons he studied in med school.  

Akaza frowns. “But wait, Kenji’s last name is Katou.” 

They nod and sigh. “Yeah, he legally changed it, he doesn’t really like to be associated with them, but I thought he’d at least tell you.” 

Akaza frowns again. “He did not.” 

“Yeesh, well, sorry you had to hear it from me.” 

Akaza shrugs. “No biggie.” Big biggie, they promised each other no more freaking secrets.  

“Well, I’m gonna get to work.” They stand.  

Akaza nods. “Hey, while I have you.”  

They frown and sit back down.  

“I have a thirty week little that’s having some trouble growing, can I send mom your way to see if there’s some dietary issues going on?” 

They nod. “Absolutely, send me her file.” 

Akaza nods. “Thanks.” 

They smile as they stand. “That’s what we’re here for.” 

Akaza stands at the nurse’s station and fills out a few more notes for his last patient. Dreading his next appointment.  

“Helen, is Kanroji alone by chance?” 

Helen shakes her head. “Nope, dad is here.” 

Akaza groans.  

“That a problem?” 

Akaza sighs. “No.” Yes. 

Helen clears her throat. “Kenji came looking for you.” 

Akaza shakes his head. “No thanks.” 

“What did he do?” 

Akaza sighs again. “Withheld information.” Again. “I’ll talk to him later; I just need some time.” Is he being petty? Maybe, but at the moment he doesn't care.  

“Ah. Okay, if he stops by again, I’ll make something up.” 

Akaza chuckles as he grabs the file and heads to face his nightmare. 

Akaza sighs and takes a breath, trying not to set his watch off before knocking and walking in the room.  

When he enters Kyoujurou is standing in the corner of the room, back to Akaza, on the phone. Mitsuri smiles up at him. “Sorry about him, always working.” 

Akaza shakes his head. “No worries, my fiancé is the same way.” 

Kyoujurou whips around so damn fast at that information. “I, uh, got to go. Call me if the situation changes.” He hangs up and nods at Akaza as he takes a seat next to her. Eyeing Akaza’s empty finger.  

His watch starts to go off and both individuals look at his wrist.  

Hell.  

He takes a breath. “Sorry, that goes off randomly.” 

Kyoujurou frowns.  

“That’s alright.” Mitsuri says. “You, Okay?” 

Akaza nods. “Yeah, it just monitors my heart. Anyway.” He sets her file down. “Lay back for me, shirt up. Labs all came back normal, so we have a few more things we can try before inducing.” 

“And those would be?” Kyoujurou asks.  

Akaza begins to measure and feel for her. “She still moving, okay?” He chuckles when she kicks him. “Guess that’s a yes.” 

Mitsuri smiles and nods. “Very active.” 

Akaza smiles. “That’s good. I’m gonna have you sit down with our nutrition specialist, Dr. Susamaru. See if they can help you and little bit gain a little bit of weight. We can try amniocentesis again, and I’m gonna have Helen schedule you for a doppler.” 

Mitsuri frowns. “I’d rather not do the amnio again.” 

Akaza nods. “That’s totally fine.” 

“Why a doppler?” 

Akaza looks up at Kyoujurou. “It monitors blood fl….” 

His ex boyfriend scoffs. “I know what it does, but how does it help Mitsy and the baby?” 

Snippy. Akaza sighs. “It’ll help us see if there are any restrictions in her umbilical cord or any of her organs really. We just want to see if there’s anything keeping her from getting the nutrition she needs.” 

Akaza’s watch dings and he looks down at it.  

Why are you avoiding me and having Helen cover for you?  

Akaza rolls his eyes and ignores him. “Alright, let’s look at her, shall we?” 

Akaza groans as he enters his home to hear giggles coming from his parents.  

Ugh gross. “Please tell me you two aren’t naked.” 

Akaza closes the door and puts his stuff where it belongs. 

“We’re not naked son.” 

Akaza walks further into the apartment to see his parents in the kitchen, cooking something. Being handsy and gross with each other.  

“Kenji home?” 

“Nope.” His dad says without even looking at him. 

Akaza nods and walks to the tank, grabs Azriel, grabbing some blueberries from the fridge and then walks to the bathroom. Ignoring the looks of concern coming from his parents.  

In the bathroom he locks both doors and climbs in the bathtub with Azriel. He begins to feed him his blueberries.  

It isn’t long before there is a knock on the door. “Akaza?” 

He stays silent.  

“Son, what’s wrong?” 

He ignores him. 

“Akaza Lee, you do know that Michikatsu being a paramedic means he can get through any door. Locked or not.” 

Akaza sighs. “I just want to be alone dad, please?” 

“Come on son, we made your favorite. Tofu Ramen.” 

“Not hungry.” 

Akaza assumes he leaves because it goes back to being quiet.  

That is until he hears the key that Kenji hides somewhere for such occasions, being put in the lock and the door opening and then closing again. Akaza doesn’t look up, he knows it’s Kenji.  

Kenji reaches down and picks up Azriel and then climbs in the tub with Akaza, putting Azriel on the bathroom floor to walk around as he pleases in the bathroom.  

“Akaza.” 

Akaza just stares at the tub and their feet.  

“Baby, I can’t fix it unless you tell me what’s wrong.” 

Akaza sighs. “You promised me no more secrets Kenji.” 

Kenji clicks his tongue. “Okay, you going to tell me what exactly I withheld from you?” 

“Katherine and Kaede Katoura.” 

Kenji groans. “Oh.” 

Akaza sighs. “I don’t care about your parents Kenji.” 

“Then why are you pouting in the tub?” 

Akaza sighs. “I just wish I would have heard it from you.” 

Kenji reaches out and begins to rub Akaza’s legs. “You know, Mom wanted me to be a neurosurgeon like her. If you didn’t notice at brunch, she’s in charge. She chose everyone’s career; she chooses who we marry. So as soon as I left for college, I changed my name and put some distance between us. You know about the rest.” Kenji moves his hand to lift Akaza’s chin, forcing him to look at his fiancé. “I love you Akaza, and I’m not about to let my parents influence screw this up. I’m choosing you over them.” Kenji smiles. “Besides, you have enough parents for the both of us.” 

Akaza chuckles. 

Kenji leans in and kisses him. “Now, how about we find doofus and go get some food?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes but nods. Kenji helps him out of the bath. Akaza easily finds Azriel, and they walk out of the bathroom to eat.  

His parents look up at them as they exit the bathroom. 

“Do I finally have an excuse?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes and walks Azriel to his tank, just now noticing the table now sitting in the middle of their apartment. He must have been more distracted than he thought. He had to walk right past it to get Azriel out of his tank in the first place.  

“Uh, dad?” 

His dad sets the salad in the middle of the little round glass table. “Consider it a wedding present.” 

“That’s where you two went today?” Kenji asks.  

His dad shrugs. “Amongst other places.” 

“We were actually wondering.” Michi starts as he sits at the table. Akaza notes he is not wearing his prosthetic.  

“You in pain Papa?” 

“Huh?” Michi looks up at him and them down where Akaza is looking. “Oh, yes, a little. It was just pinching.” 

“He needs to get resized.” His dad says.  

Michi sighs. “I’m just fed-up with doctors.” 

Kenji chuckles as he takes a bite of his salad. “You’re in a room with two of them right now.” 

Michi sighs. “True, but you two aren’t fussing over me like my doctors and husbands.” Michi makes a point to glare at Akaza's dad. 

His dad rolls his eyes. 

“Anyway.” Michi starts again. “Your dad and I were wondering if we could stop by the practice tomorrow. We would love to see what you two have done with the place.” 

Akaza nods. “Fine by me. Unless Helen made some changes I don’t have very many appointments tomorrow.” 

“You’ll have to take the tour without me, I’m spending the day at the hospital.” Kenji digs into his food. 

Akaza dishes himself out some salad. “Kenji.” 

Kenji looks up at him and nods. Mouth full of food.  

Akaza smiles at the sight. “What do you think about hiring a wedding planner? You know since we have both been so busy lately.” 

Kenji shrugs as he swallows. “If that’s what you want ba...” Kenji clears his throat. “Akaza.” 

Michi snorts.  

Akaza rolls his eyes. 

“Why hire someone, I know someone who probably has the whole thing planned out already.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes again. “Yori.” He grounds out. 

Everyone else at the table chuckles.  

“How would he even find the time; doesn’t he work too?” His parents share a look and Akaza frowns. “What? 

His dad sighs and looks up at Akaza. “Yoriichi got laid off.” 

Akaza frowns again. 

“What for?” Kenji asks. 

His parents share a look again. His dad sighs. “They just let go anyone over a certain age in order to hire younger, more able bodies.” 

Akaza frowns again. “Oh.” He has a feeling there is more to it than that, but he drops it. 

“Helping you plan the wedding might make him feel better.” Michi says.  

Akaza nods. “Sure, I’ll give him a call then.” 

They begin to eat in silence. 

“If you don’t mind me asking.” Kenji says. “What exactly is pinching?” 

Michi sighs. “I've had multiple surgeries to retrieve the shrapnel from my back. I just haven’t been the same since.” 

“Which is why he needs to retire.” 

Michi glares at his husband. “Now is not the time Babe.” 

His dad throws up his hands defensively and goes back to eating.  

“So, sciatic pain?” Kenji thankfully interjects.  

Michi nods. “It shoots between my back to my stump. Especially when I’m wearing my prosthetic.” 

“Have you tried a chiropractor or acupuncture?” 

Michi shakes his head. “Like I said I’m tired of doctors.” 

Kenji frowns. “Sorry.” 

“It’s fine kid.” 

“Maybe try massage therapy. No doctors.” 

Michi nods. “That can be an option.” 

“Super Ken.” Akaza mocks. His parents look at him confused. Akaza smirks at the roll of his fiancé’s eyes.  

“What?” 

Akaza chuckles. 

“It’s what the nurses at the hospital call me.” Kenji explains. “If you want, we have a holistic doctor at the practice. He could maybe give you some tips or a referral in your area.” 

Michi nods. “Thanks kid.” 

Akaza is lying in bed, well sorta bed. This is their second to last night on the pull out. He’s lying on his back, staring at the ceiling. Kenji has one arm across his waist and one under Akaza’s neck. Kenji has his head on Akaza’s shoulder face tucked in his neck.  

Akaza sighs.  

Kenji groans. “Alright, what’s wrong?” 

Akaza turns and faces his fiancé. He kisses him. “I know we’re not married yet, but…” 

Kenji kisses him to cut him off. “Can we have sex? Absolutely.” Kenji kisses him again.  

Akaza chuckles into the kiss. “I thought you didn’t want to get caught by your future in laws pounding into their son.” 

“Yes, please don’t do that.” 

Akaza and Kenji jump at the voice. Akaza sits up to see Michi hobbling to the kitchen for some water. He groans as he sits on a barstool. “Shit.” 

“Papa?” 

He shakes his head as he takes a sip of water. “I’m okay kid.” 

It might be dark, but he can see Michi is shaking. Then suddenly Michi is collapsing. Hitting his head on the counter on the way down. 

“Papa!” Akaza shoots out of the bed. Kenji not far behind. He feels for a pulse. It’s barely there and he’s barely breathing.  

“Kenji.” Akaza cries.  

“I got him baby, I got him. Get your dad and call for an ambulance.” 

Akaza nods and does as Kenji instructed.  

At the hospital, Akaza is sitting in the waiting room, feet propped up in the chair with him, watching his dad pace. If he keeps it up Akaza is sure he's gonna wear down the floor. 

“Dad.” 

His dad glares at him. “Don’t Akaza, just don’t.” 

He can tell his dad is on the verge of tears.  

Akaza sighs. “I was just gonna ask if you wanted some coffee.” 

His dad sighs and finally takes a seat next to him. “I’m sorry son.” 

Akaza leans on his dad’s shoulder. 

“I’m scared.” His dad’s voice trembles. “I can’t lose him.” 

Akaza sighs. “How about that coffee?” 

His dad nods. "Yeah, okay."

Akaza stands and goes to get the coffee but doesn’t get very far. Kenji approaches. Akaza's dad shoots out of the chair and joins them.  

“He’s stable. I can take you to him.” Kenji turns and they follow.  

In the room his dad runs to Michi’s side. He’s still under sedation. A nurse adjusting his IV. 

“How bad is it?” Akaza whispers to his fiancé while watching his parents. 

Kenji sighs. “Bad.” 

Akaza looks up at Kenji.  

They make room for the nurse to exit.  

Kenji looks over at Akaza’s parents. “The shrapnel wasn’t the only thing putting pressure on his spine.” 

“What Kenji, you’re scaring me.” 

Kenji faces him and sighs again.  

“Yeah, what?” 

Akaza and Kenji look over at Akaza’s dad.  

Kenji sighs as they walk further into the room. Kenji stops at the end of the bed and Akaza joins his dad on the side of the bed.  

“His MRI showed that a tumor is butted up against his spine. We’re unaware if it’s benign or not yet. I suggest we operate immediately.” 

“Muzan.” 

They all look at Michi.  

Akaza’s dad cups his husband’s cheek. “Hey babe, how do you feel?” 

“Like I was hit by a train. You win; I’ll retire.” 

Akaza’s dad chuckles and leans down to kiss Michi. Bleh. “Fucking finally.” 

“What happened?” 

“We’ll let you two talk.” Kenji says. He reaches out to Akaza and Akaza takes his hand and follows his fiancé out of the room. Closing the door behind them. 

“Call room?” 

Akaza nods.  

“Go, I’ll meet you there. I’m gonna check in with the nurses.” 

“Can you see of one of them can get my dad a coffee?” 

Kenji nods. 

Akaza makes his way to the call room and unfortunately there’s already someone in there, so Akaza quietly enters. He sighs as he lays down on one of the empty beds.  

A few moments later Kenji enters the room. Akaza lifts his hand to show Kenji where he is. Kenji jumps in behind him. Wraps his arms around Akaza and sighs. “I’m exhausted.” 

Akaza chuckles. He kisses the top of Kenji’s head.  

“Keep it in your pants Katou.” One of the occupied beds complains.  

“Fuck you Jackson.” 

Jackson snorts. “I’m married and you’re engaged, don’t think we should go there.” 

Akaza chuckles. 

“Will you three just shut the hell up?! I’ve been awake for thirty hours!” Someone else yells.  

Oops.  

Kenji sighs again. “Hey uh, before your dad collapsed you wanted to ask me something.” Kenji whispers.  

“It can wait.” He kisses the top of Kenji’s head again.  

Kenji yawns. “You sure?” 

Akaza nods. “Yeah, get some rest. You had a long night. And Kenji?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” 

Chapter Text

Akaza walks onto his and Kenji’s shared apartment. He decided to come home for a few hours to get a decent shower. Kenji promised to call him with any updates.   

Unfortunately, the first phone call he got was the one he was dreading.   

“I’m sorry daddy, I thought dad would have called you.” Akaza removes his shoes and then hangs up Kenji’s keys. They took his truck to the hospital behind the ambulance.  

Yori sighs. “That’s alright baby, I’m sure he’s struggling right now, how is Michi?”  

“Resting when I left. They’re still waiting on the results from the tumor.”  

“God, how did we not catch that before?”  

Akaza sighs as he opens the freezer and pulls out a meal to microwave. “Michi’s last surgery was years ago, the tumor could have developed any time after that. Kenji got his medical file and is looking at his past xrays.”  

Yori sighs. “Okay, well keep me updated.”  

Akaza nods as he grabs his food and sits down at their new table to eat. “I will daddy.”  

“How are you doing son?”  

Akaza sighs as he puts the phone on speaker. “Michi collapsing really scared me daddy.”  

“I’m sorry baby.”  

Akaza takes a deep breath. “Thankfully Kenji was there.”  

Yori chuckles. “Aren’t you a doctor too son?”  

Akaza smiles. “Yes, but Kenji and I are in two totally different fields daddy. Kenji is pretty much good at anything he tries.”  

“And you aren’t?”  

Akaza sighs. “No, it’s not that, it’s just...” Michi isn’t exactly his usual clientele.  

Akaza sees an incoming call from Kenji.   

“I got to go, Kenji is calling. I’ll keep you updated, promise.”  

“Thank you, baby. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too baby.”  

Akaza smiles. “I will daddy.” Akaza switches the call.   

“Surgery?”  

“Went fine, no complications.” Kenji sighs.   

Akaza frowns. “It wasn’t benign, was it?”  

“No baby, it wasn’t. The good news is that we got the whole tumor.”  

Akaza frowns again. “But?”  

“But nothing, for now. I ordered a second MRI and some more blood work, just to be thorough, we’ll go from there.”  

Akaza nods.   

“I’ll take good care of him baby, I promise.”  

Akaza smiles. “I know you will Kenj. How’s my dad?”  

“Sleeping for now, he climbed in the bed with Michi. Your dad scares the hell out of me.”  

Akaza snorts.  

“But it’s really sweet the way he interacts with Michi.”  

Akaza smiles. “What are you doing now?”  

Kenji sighs. “Heading home. I have Michi sedated to keep him comfortable, and I am going to take a shower and an extraordinarily long nap. Maybe now that the apartment is empty and we’re not in the call room I can do that pounding we talked about.”  

Akaza chuckles. “I’m in.”  

“Hell yes, be home in ten.”  

Akaza smiles. "Lace?”  

“God yes, hmmm, blue, with the little bow I can untie with my teeth. The one that shows off your abs and the cute little belly ring.”  

Akaza chuckles as he stands to go change. “Such a perv.”  

“Only for you baby.”  

Akaza collapses onto his fiancé and rolls off him in order to cuddle into his side. Laying his head on Kenji’s chest while Kenji rubs up and down his spine. Taking a few breaths to calm down his racing heart.   

“Holy shit that was some of the best sex we’ve ever had.”  

Akaza chuckles. “Well, now I need to wash the sheets before my parents come back.”  

Kenji snorts. “The cleaning service is coming tomorrow and your parents are in the hospital.”  

Akaza sighs. “Fine.”  

Kenji flips them and leans down to kiss Akaza.  

Akaza chuckles.  

“Now.” Another kiss. “What is it.” Kiss. “That you wanted.” Kiss. “To talk about.”  

Akaza sighs. “Promise you won’t freak out, and we’ll talk about it like rational adults.”  

Kenji frowns, looks at him confused, but nods. “I promise.”  

“I want a baby.”  

Akaza is pretty sure he just gave his fiancé an aneurism. Kenji just stays there above Akaza and apparently can’t form any words. His mouth keeps opening and closing and the expressions on his face look suspiciously like a tick.   

Akaza frowns. “But you don’t.” Akaza rolls over and goes to get out of bed.   

Kenji grabs his arm to keep him from going any further. “Baby, wait, that’s not it. You just surprised me, that’s all.”  

Akaza turns and looks at his partner. “Really?”  

Kenji smiles and nods. “Yes baby, yes.” He pulls Akaza in for another kiss. “Yes, let’s have a baby.”  

Akaza smiles and lunges at Kenji.   

Akaza groans when his phone rings.   

“Ignore it.” Kenji starts kissing his neck.  

Akaza moans. “I can’t. That’s Helen’s ringtone.”  

Kenji sighs and lets him go.   

Akaza grabs his phone. “Yeah.”  

“L&O just called me, Kanroji is there, water broke.”  

Shit. “Okay, on my way.”   

He jumps out of bed and begins to dress.   

“Want me to meet you there?”  

Akaza shakes his head. “I need you at the practice.”  

“Okay, let me know if you need anything.” She hangs up.   

“Baby?”  

He looks at Kenji. “Remember that thirty week little?” Well thirty-one now.   

Kenji gets out of bed and starts to dress.   

“Babe.”  

“Don’t try to stop me Akaza. I have to check on your dad’s anyway.”  

Akaza sighs. “You sure you’re not too tired?”  

Kenji smiles and walks over to Akaza to kiss him. “Those orgasms refreshed me.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Great you’re driving.”  

Kenji chuckles and smacks his ass as they walk out of the apartment.   

When they walk through the hospitals sliding glass door Kenji kisses him.   

“I’m gonna go check on your dad’s.”  

Akaza nods and heads up to labor and delivery.  

He changes into scrubs and heads to the room.   

“Hey mom, how we doing?”  

Mitsuri is full on crying and hyperventilating. Kyoujurou is holding her hand and rubbing her back. “Scared as hell.”   

Akaza smiles. “I know, but she’s way past viable, so I’m gonna do everything I can for her okay?”  

Mitsuri nods.  

“She gonna be, okay?” Kyoujurou asks.   

Mitsuri groans. “Hell, that hurts.”  

Akaza chuckles. “So, I’ve heard.”  

He looks at the nurse. “Corti?”  

She shakes her head. “Mom has been kinda, panicky, so we wanted to wait for you.”  

He nods. “Prep it for me?”  

“Already done.”  

“Corti?” He hears Kyoujurou ask.   

Akaza sighs. “Corticosteroids, it helps her lungs since she’s only thirty-one weeks.”  

Mitsuri whimpers. “She won’t be able to breathe?”  

Akaza sighs as he puts on a clean pair of gloves and preps her arm with an alcohol wipe. “She’ll need a little help once she’s born. Pinch hun.” He gives her the shot.   

“How much help?”  

Akaza looks up at Kyoujurou and shrugs as he discards his gloves. “All babies are different. That’s up to her. At thirty-one weeks she’ll need a minimum of five weeks on oxygen, but again, every baby is different.”  

Kyoujurou nods.   

“Key, I’m scared.”  

“Don’t worry Mitsy, she’ll be alright.”  

Akaza frowns. “Did you get the doppler done?”  

Kyoujurou and Mitsuri shake their head. “We were scheduled for tomorrow, but your nurse at the practice told us that you were out, so we we’re going to reschedule.”  

Akaza snorts. “Yeah, family emergency, and I’m not the only OB in the hospital.”  

Mitsuri shakes her head. “We drove almost fifteen hours and have spent over a week in a hotel for you. I’m not trusting another ob.”  

Akaza’s jaw drops. “You two have been staying in a hotel?”  

Kyoujurou frowns and Mitsuri nods. “We weren’t leaving without answers.”  

“Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence I guess.”  

“We were hoping to be back before she was born.” Kyoujurou explains.   

Mitsuri groans again. “Any chance to get an epidural?”  

Akaza chuckles. “Sorry hun, but an epidural in mama’s who are in premature labor are not recommended, too many complications.”  

Mitsuri frowns but nods. Rubbing her belly and breathing through the pain.   

Akaza puts on a new pair of gloves. “Lay back for me hun.”  

She sighs but does.   

“Butterfly.”  

Akaza runs through his usual routine to check her dilation.   

There’s a knock on the door.   

“Akaza, I just…fin...ished”  

Shit, Kenji.  

“You’re uh... you’re um…”  

Kenji can’t seem to form words.   

Akaza can see the confusion on Kyoujurou’s face. “Do I know you?”  

Kenji chuckles and Akaza knows he’s annoyed. “Dr. Kibutsuji, a word.”  

Akaza sighs as he removes his fingers. “You can relax hun.”  

“I’m a little busy, Dr. Katou.”  

Kyoujurou looks at Akaza and quirks a brow.   

“Aiden can handle her for a moment, outside now.”  

By the look on Kyoujurou’s face he isn’t too happy with the tone Kenji just used. But it’s none of his business anymore. Akaza stopped being his business when he broke Akaza's heart twelve years ago.  

Akaza sighs and looks at Aiden. “She’s three, you watch her like a hawk.”  

Aiden nods. “What ya do?”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Kenji is just being, well, Kenji.”  

Aiden snorts. “Ah.”  

Akaza follows his fiancé out of the delivery room and into a random empty room.   

“Before you start yelling. One, I already told you that he was in town. Two, I’m treating his wife not him.”  

Kenji sighs. “I wasn’t planning on yelling baby, just, expressing my concerns.”  

“Kenji I’m fine. I got over him a long time ago, my heart only belongs to you now.” Akaza approaches Kenji and wraps his arms around him.   

Kenji reciprocates the hug and starts rubbing his shoulders. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt baby.”  

Akaza reaches up and cups Kenji’s face. “Kenj, I’m fine. More than fine. I have an amazing fiancé, a job I love, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. You are it Kenji.”  

Kenji sighs again. “I know baby, I guess I’m just a little overprotective.”  

Akaza chuckles. “Something I love about you.” Akaza walks to the door and locks it than walks back over to Kenji. He pulls him down into a kiss.   

Kenji moans.   

“Want me to show you just how much?”  

Kenji nods.   

Akaza smirks and locks eyes with his fiancé the whole way down to his knees.   

“Shit baby, that’s so hot.” Kenji rubs his fingers through Akaza’s hair.   

Akaza chuckles as he lowers Kenji’s scrub bottoms just enough to free his goal. Akaza keeps his eyes locked on Kenji’s as he takes him in his mouth and begins to please him.  

“Shit. Just like that baby, don’t stop.”  

Like he has a choice, Kenji has a death grip on the back of Akaza’s head. No way Kenji is letting him off til he cums down Akaza’s throat.  

Akaza continues to work on Kenji as Kenji encourages him, mouth dripping with curses.   

“Baby.” Kenji warns right before he’s holding Akaza in place while he cums.   

Akaza swallows and then gives Kenji’s tip one last kiss before adjusting his scrubs and standing backup, pulling his fiancé in for a wet kiss full of tongue so Kenji can taste himself on Akaza’s tongue.  

 “You’re filthy and I love it.”  

Akaza chuckles. “Only for you.”  

Kenji leans down to kiss him again.  

“I love you Kenji James Katou.”  

Kenji smiles. “And I you Akaza Lee Kibutsuji.”  

Chapter Text

Akaza was helping his dad pack their bags for their trip. 

“Are you sure driving home is such a good idea?” 

His dad sighs. “For the hundredth time Akaza, we’ll be fine.” 

Alaza frowns.  

His dad sighs again. “Son, Michikatsu will be fine, okay? Thanks to Kenji we caught it early and Kenji got us a referral to an amazing oncologist back home. We can’t stay forever; this is your home and I’m sure you two would like to have your bed back. Michikatsu and I both have responsibilities back home.” 

Akaza sighs and sits down on the bed. Mindful of Michi who’s passed out sideways. His pain meds have been making him drowsy. His dad sits next to him. “Son?” 

Akaza shrugs.  

His dad sighs and wraps an arm around him. “Michikatsu will be fine son.” 

“Cancer dad.” 

“I know son.” 

Michi groans behind them before they hear him vomiting.  

His dad stands and walks over to help his husband. Akaza turns to face them.  

“Shit, sorry.” 

“Nothing to be sorry for babe. That’s why the can is there.” His dad is putting Michi’s hair up for him.  

“Mr. Kibutsuji?!” Kenji calls out.  

“In the room kid.” His dad calls back.  

Kenji enters the room, walks over and hands his dad a bag. “That should be enough to get ya’ll home and then the doctors there can refill as they see fit. I put a copy of all our findings for them and the copy of the referral in case they need it. Sometimes computers don’t always do what we ask.” 

His dad nods. “Thanks kid.” 

“What time ya’ll heading out?” 

His dad shrugs. “As early as possible.” 

Michi vomits again. “Shit.” He starts to cough. “Now I know what Yoriichi went through with his IVF.” 

Akaza’s dad snorts. “Except you’re not trying to get pregnant, you’re sick.” 

“Vomit is vomit.” 

“Just wait til the radiation starts.” 

Akaza’s dad glares at Kenji. "You do know I’m licensed to carry.” 

“I think dinner is burning.” Kenji swiftly makes his exit.  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “We ordered food Kenji!” 

“Then the delivery man is on fire!” 

Akaza’s dad laughs. “He’s still scared of me.” 

Akaza sighs.  

“Babe, maybe go easy on him. He did save my life.” 

Akaza’s dad clicks his tongue. “That was me going easy.” His dad stands. “I’m going to shower.” He leans down to kiss his husband’s forehead then heads to the bathroom.  

Michi sighs as he rolls onto his back. Akaza cuddles into his side. “I’m okay kid.” Michi wraps his arm around Akaza.  

“The last time you said that you collapsed.” 

Michi sighs again and squeezes his shoulders. “I’m sorry bud.” 

“You’ve known something was wrong for a while, haven’t you?” 

“Yeah kid, I did.” 

Akaza frowns. “Why didn’t you say something?” 

Michi sighs again. “You know your dad kid, always worrying and fussing over the smallest things; besides I think he had a feeling that something was wrong anyways, I think that’s why he was pushing so hard for me to retire.” 

“I mean, you are sixty-three.” 

Michi snorts. “Who the hell cares about my age, you think your dad plans on retiring when he’s told too?” 

Akaza chuckles. “Okay, point proven.” 

Michi kisses the top of his head. “I’m sorry I scared you kid.” 

Akaza smiles. “You want to know a secret?” 

Michi scoffs. “Uh, duh!” 

Akaza chuckles and sits up to look down at Michi. “Promise you won’t tell anyone until Kenji, and I are ready for them to know?” 

Michi’s face lights up. “Oh, it’s a juicy secret.” 

Akaza chuckles again and nods.  

“You picked a date finally?” 

Akaza shakes his head. “No.” 

“You eloped?” 

Akaza snorts. “No.” 

“You and Kenji are moving back home after the wedding?” 

Akaza chuckles. “No.” 

Michi frowns. “Okay so?” 

“Kenji and I are gonna have a baby.” 

Michi chuckles. “You two can’t choose a wedding date, but you both agreed to have a kid?” 

Akaza shrugs his shoulders.  

Michi smiles. “Well, I’m happy for you two, just promise you’ll start actual wedding planning.” 

Akaza nods. “Yeah, we will call Yori soon, promise.” 

Michi nods before rolling over and vomiting again. 

There’s a knock on the door and Akaza looks up to see Kenji peeking in the room. “Food is here.” 

Akaza nods and Kenji heads back out to the main area. 

“And if you do elope, your dad will actually kill Kenji.” 

Akaza snorts. “Noted Papa.” 

Akaza is lying awake, staring at their living room ceiling. Kenji is in his usual sleeping position, stomach, arms tucked underneath his pillow, snoring softly. Akaza can hear the heater and filter running on Azriel’s tank. The hum the fridge gives off and the ice machine filling up every now and then.  

A baby, they agreed to have a baby.  

Akaza sighs. 

Is that really what he wants? After his residency he just happened upon neonatal and pediatrics. He’s been delivering babies for two and a half years, so maybe the job is just putting ideas in his head. He sees how happy the parents are once they have their baby in their arms, well most, postpartum can change that. He wants that too. Akaza plans on marrying Kenji and spending the rest of their lives together, do they really need a baby so soon? They have their whole lives ahead of them.  

Akaza sighs again as he sits up and exits the pull out. He puts on a t-shirt and a pair of sweats, grabs his phone, headphones and puts on a pair of tennis shoes in order to head down to the gym. Thankfully the gym in their building is open twenty-four seven, the pool too.  

In the gym he walks to the treadmills. He sets the machine to a pace he knows isn’t too hard for his heart and begins to run, well more of a speed walk. Maybe a good run will clear his head, and he’ll know for sure what he really wants. Maybe. 

‘Incoming text from Kenj. Where are you? End text.’ His headphones announce. 

Akaza sighs as he slows the treadmill down and pulls out his phone to reply.  

Gym  

It isn’t long before he gets a reply. 

Baby, it’s freaking two in the morning.  

Akaza rolls his eyes. I know what time it is Kenji.  

Instead of another text his phone starts to ring. 

Akaza sighs as he answers. “What Kenji?” 

“What wrong baby?” 

“Nothing.” Akaza turns off the machine and walks to bench. He puts his phone on speaker while he adjusts the weights.  

“Something, or else you wouldn’t be at the gym at two in the morning.” 

Akaza sighs as he picks up his phone and sits down. “I’m scared Kenj.” 

“Oh, Michi.” 

Akaza rubs his hand through his hair. “I’m just going to do a few reps on the bench then I’ll come back up.” 

Kenji moans. “Need a spotter?” 

Akaza chuckles and rolls his eyes. “No, ya perv.” 

“Damn.” 

Akaza chuckles again. “Bye Kenji.” 

Kenji sighs. “Fine, but if you’re not back up here in an hour, I’m coming to get you.” 

Akaza nods. “Sure babe.” 

“I love you baby, Michi will be okay.” 

Akaza frowns. Kenji can’t promise that. Michi has cancer, there are no guarantees. “I love you too.” 

After thirty minutes of reps, he decides to head back up to the apartment. It’s quiet but he can see the light coming off of Kenji’s phone. 

“Feel any better?” 

Akaza shakes his head. “I’m gonna hop in the shower.” And before his fiancé can ask to join him. “Alone.” He adds.  

“Boo.” Kenji probably had a feeling anyway; he hasn’t moved since Akaza walked back in. Just staring at his phone, scrolling.  

Akaza rolls his eyes and heads into the bathroom. 

By time he gets out of his shower his dad and Kenji are up and about. Kenji is making coffee, and his dad is gathering their bags by the door.  

“Akaza, I’m gonna help your dad walk their bags down. Think you can make them a couple omelets for the road with the leftover eggs? Michi needs a full stomach with his meds.” 

Akaza nods. “Sure.” Akaza walks to the fridge and grabs the eggs, tofu, spinach and peppers. His dad likes lots of peppers.  

“No peppers for me.” Akaza looks up to see Michi approaching the counter. He takes a seat. “Not in the mood for heartburn on top of nausea.” 

Akaza frowns but nods. “You sure you’ll be, okay?” 

Michi nods. “I’ll be fine kid. It’s only a twelve-hour drive.” 

“A flight would be faster.” 

Michi sighs. “I know son.” 

The front door opens, and Kenji and his dad walk back into the apartment. 

His dad walks over to Michi and kisses him and rubs his back. “You ready to go?” 

Michi nods. “Kenji, before we go can you do that thing with your hands?” 

Akaza’s dad looks offended as hell and Kenji snorts. “Sure.” He looks at Akaza’s dad. “Maybe I can show you how so you can do it for him at home?” 

Akaza’s dad frowns but nods.  

Michi chuckles. “It’s just a massage babe, I promise I’m not in love.” 

Akaza chuckles.  

Kenji looks back at Michi. “Oil?” 

Michi nods.  

While the three of them head to the bedroom, Akaza finishes making their breakfast.  

His parents have been on the road for hours and all he’s been able to do today so far is watch the clock. 

“Baby.”  

Akaza looks up at Kenji as he enters Akaza’s office.  

“Staring at that clock isn’t going to make them get home any faster.” 

Akaza frowns. “I don’t know what you mean.” 

Kenji sighs. “Baby, why don’t you go home for the day? You’re obviously too distracted to work.” 

Akaza sighs. “What if something happens?” 

“There are plenty of hospitals on the way and your dad knows how to dial for an ambulance. They’ll be fine baby.” 

Akaza nods. “Yeah okay.” He logs out and turns off his computer. “I guess I can go home.”  

Kenji nods. “I’ll take your appointments for the day.” 

“Can you swing by the hospital and check on the ones there too?” 

Kenji nods again. “Yes baby. I got it, Super Ken remember?” 

Akaza chuckles as he walks around his desk and meets his fiancé at the door. He hugs and kisses him. “Okay.” 

At home, it’s way too quiet. He never thought he’d miss his parents the way he does now. Not knowing how they are. It doesn't matter that it’s nine in the morning, Akaza grabs a bottle of red and sits at the bar.  

He pulls out his phone and dials his dad. 

“Son, everything okay?” 

Akaza takes a sip of his wine. “I was going to ask you that.” 

He hears his dad sigh. “We’re fine son. We just stopped for gas and food.” 

Akaza frowns. “The truck needs gas already?” 

His dad sighs again. “No, but we were hungry so might as well fill up. Akaza we’re fine.” 

Akaza pouts. “I know that.” 

“Do you?” 

“I’m scared dad.” 

His dad sighs again. “I know son, so am I, but we’ll be okay for eight or so more hours. Promise.” 

Akaza nods. “Promise you’ll call me the moment ya’ll make it home?” 

His dad chuckles. “I promise kid. May I remind you I’m the parent here?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “I’m the doctor.” 

His dad snorts. “Neonatal, and Michikatsu is not pregnant.” Akaza hears Michi laugh in the background.  

Akaza clicks his tongue. “Fine, I yield.” 

Michi chuckles. “Son, I appreciate the concern, I do, but I’m fine.” 

“We need to get back on the road. We love you kid, and I promise to call as soon as we get home.” 

Akaza sighs. “Fine, I love you both too.” 

The clock keeps creeping closer and closer to midnight and he has yet to hear from his parents, and Kenji is still at the hospital.  

Akaza sighs, he can’t take it anymore. He pulls out his phone and dials. 

“Hey baby, everything okay?” Okay, he feels like shit now. He probably woke him.  

“Daddy, are they there yet?” 

Yori sighs. “No baby.” 

Akaza groans. Where the hell are they?  

“Your dad called about an hour ago said they had about two hours left. They had to stop, a lot.” 

Akaza frowns. “Michi?” 

“He’s fine, just your dad drove the whole way.” 

Akaza hears keys jangling and then the front door opening and closing. “Baby, why you still up?” 

“Get some rest son, I’ll have them call you in the morning.” 

“But?” 

“Akaza, baby, it’s midnight.” Yori sighs. “I know you’re worried, I am too, but you cannot exhaust yourself over this. We’ll keep you in the loop and updated the whole time.” 

Akaza frowns and sighs. “Fine.” 

“How about I at least have them text you?” 

Akaza nods. “Sure.” 

“I love you son.” 

Akaza smiles. “Love you too daddy.” 

Yori is the one to end the call.  

Kenji helps Akaza stand from the couch and walks him to the bed. He tucks the covers around him. Kenji disappears out of the room and then reappears a few minutes later with Azriel and his surgical cap. Kenji tucks Azriel in with Akaza.  

Akaza smiles as he rubs his fingers along Azriel’s back.  

Kenji chuckles as he leans down and kisses Akaza’s forehead. “Better?” 

Akaza nods. “For now.” 

“How about you take tomorrow off again?” 

Akaza frowns. “I can’t ask you to cover for me again.” 

“Baby, you’re not asking, I’m telling you to take tomorrow off. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything.” 

Akaza sighs but nods. “Okay.” 

Kenji smiles and kisses him on the lips this time. “Get some sleep baby.” 

Akaza nods and closes his eyes and relaxes into his pillow. 

The next time Akaza opens his eyes he chuckles at the sight he’s greeted with. Azriel is humping his surgical cap in the middle of the bed. Kenji is gone so he must already be at work.  

Akaza rolls over to grab his phone and check to see if his dad actually texted him.  

Dad: Home  

Guess that counts. 

He also got a few texts from Kenji about patients that he replies to before getting out of bed, walking Azriel to his tank and heading to the shower.  

Showered and dressed he goes to the kitchen to go through their groceries, clean out the fridge and meal plan and prep. While he does that, he pulls out his phone and calls Yori. 

“Yes, they’re home.” 

Akaza chuckles. “Thanks, but I’m not calling about that.” 

“Oh?” 

“Did Michi send you a picture of Kenji’s tux for the wedding?” 

“Yes, why?” 

“Does it match my dress?” 

Yori chuckles. “Yes.” 

“Know any flowers that’ll match?”  

“Son, what exactly are you asking of me?” 

Akaza sighs. “Help me plan the wedding?” 

Yori squeals, actually squeals. “Absolutely!” 

Akaza chuckles.  

“What the hell are we yelling at so early in the morning?” Akaza hears Michi complain in the background.  

Akaza frowns. “Michi okay?” 

“Yeah, just being a grumpy old man.” 

“Old?!” Michi shrieks.  

Akaza chuckles.  

Yori begins laughing through the phone. “Mich, Mich, stop it!” He just continues to laugh. Akaza assumes that Yori is currently getting tickled. Akaza shivers just thinking about it. He, like Yori is extremely ticklish.  

“I’ll show you I still got it baby!” 

Akaza rolls his eyes and throws up in his mouth a little.  

“Sorry son, Yori will have to call you back.” Michi says before hanging up. 

Gag.  

Akaza dials Kenji next. 

“Yeah baby?” 

Akaza smiles. “Just wanted to hear your voice.” 

Kenji groans. “Any reason in particular?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “No, ya perv. I’m just cooking.” 

“Boo, was hoping for office phone sex.” 

Akaza chuckles.  

“Heard from your dad?” 

Akaza nods. “Yes. Yori and I started talking about the wedding.” 

“Oh? Make any progress?” 

Akaza shakes his head. “No, we got interrupted. However, I was thinking we could talk about dates?” 

“Sure baby, have one in mind?” 

Akaza nods. “The day we met for the first time.” 

“I think that’s perfect baby. That gives us plenty of time.”  

Akaza nods again. “Think Michi will be okay by then?” 

Kenji sighs. “Baby, we caught it early and his type has an eighty percent survival rate, he’ll be fine.” 

It was Akaza’s turn to sigh. “I know.” 

“Then what’s really wrong baby?” 

Akaza shrugs. “My grandma passed away from cancer when I was little. I’m worried my dad has to watch someone he loves die that way all over again.” 

Kenji sighs. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know. Baby, Michi is a fighter. I mean he was blown up and lost a leg and he still chose to do a physically demanding job. I don’t see Michi giving into cancer so easily. He’ll get through this.” 

Akaza smiles. “I love you so much.” 

Kenji chuckles. “I love you too baby. Feel better?” 

Akaza nods. “Yeah.” 

“Good. I have to get back to work since I’m handling two people’s workloads.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

“I love you baby, I’ll see you at home tonight.” 

“Love you too.” 

Akaza just continues to cook, and meal prep. Kenji is right, but Akaza still can’t help but worry.  

He sighs. 

After he’s done with the food and the kitchen is cleaned, he just decides to waste the day away reading and binge watching on the couch. A lazy day to try and calm his mind.  

Halfway through his vegan taco salad the doorbell rings.  

Akaza frowns wondering who in the hell that could be. He wipes his fingers, takes a sip of his water and stands to go answer the door.  

When he opens it, he comes face to face with the last person he expected to see.  

“Kathrine?” 

She rolls her eyes and forces her way inside. 

Akaza sighs. “Come on in.” 

Akaza closes the door and follows his future mother-in-law into the apartment. She’s standing in the middle of the apartment looking around. “Where’s Kenji?” 

“Work.” 

She nods as she turns to face him. “Let’s get to it then.” 

Akaza quirks a brow. “Get to what exactly?” 

“How much will it take to make you walk away right now and never speak to my son again?” 

The hell? 

Chapter Text

Akaza just stares at Kathrine, dumbfounded. He can’t believe the words that just came out of her mouth.   

Akaza scoffs. “You’re not serious?”  

She crosses her arms and clicks her tongue. “One hundred percent. Kenji needs to be with someone who’s not...”  

“A man?!”  

She rolls her eyes. “Yes, but what I was going to say was not a distraction to his career.”  

Akaza frowns. “How is getting married a distraction to his career?” He really doesn't care what she says or thinks but color him curios as to what excuse she’ll use.  

“Getting married is not the problem, the problem is he plans on marrying an individual who is obviously holding him back from his true potential. Kenji’s talents are wasted as a general surgeon, he can do so much more.”  

Akaza takes a breath before he gets too upset. “So, starting a practice, working over a hundred hours a week in almost every department isn’t good enough for you?”  

She rolls her eyes again. “That practice is a fucking joke, and I don’t want him working as a gopher, he’s supposed to be...”  

“A neurosurgeon, yeah I heard.”  

She nods. “Great, then we understand each other.”  

Akaza scoffs. “No, the hell we do not. Kenji and I are getting married, end of story. You don’t like it then that’s just too damn bad. We’re adults, we can make our own decisions.” He steps off to the side and points to the door. “Now get the hell out of our home.”    

She growls, reaches into her purse and slams a check size piece of paper on the island. “Just pick a freaking number, or I make your life a living hell.”  

His blood is boiling. “Go to hell.”  

She grins evilly. “You first bitch.” Then she leaves and Akaza slams the door behind her.  

Akaza needs to clean.  

Akaza has cleaned the apartment five times, and he still doesn’t feel any better. He decided to go ahead and call it quits and just watch his show again.   

He hears the door open but ignores it. He’s staring at the television, not paying attention, nibbling at his thumbnail.  

She freaking bribed him to leave Kenji, what kind of person does that?  

“Baby?”  

Akaza jumps at Kenji’s touch, but thankfully it didn’t scare him enough to raise his heartrate too high.  

“Hey.” Kenji kneels down in front of him. “What’s wrong?”  

Akaza shrugs.   

Kenji frowns. “Akaza.”  

Akaza points to the coffee table where he moved the offensive piece of paper. He’s tried to throw it away, but for some reason he can’t. Is he considering it, hell no! Does he want to shove the dreaded thing down Kathrine’s throat and watch her choke on it, maybe.  

Kenji turns and grabs it and looks at it. Kenji looks up at him. “This is a blank check.”  

Akaza nods.  

“From my mom.”  

Akaza nods again.  

“Baby, did my mom threaten you?”  

Another nod. Akaza sniffles. “She wanted to know how much I'd leave you for.”  

Kenji closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before pinching the bridge of his nose and mumbling a couple curse words.   

“Did she hurt you?” Kenji begins to rub up and down Akaza’s thighs. Kenji knows it calms him down.   

Akaza shakes his head. “No.”  

Kenji nods. “Have you eaten dinner yet?”  

Akaza frowns and shakes his head. “No, been too upset.”  

Kenji nods again. “I’m gonna go make a phone call, how about you go get changed and we’ll go to your favorite place for dinner.”  

Akaza nods. Kenji stands and helps Akaza off the couch. Kenji wraps him in a hug and kisses the top of his head. “I’m sorry she did that to you baby, I love you so much.”  

“I don’t care about money Kenji.”  

“I know baby.” He kisses him again. “Go, I’ll be quick.”  

Akaza nods and heads to the bedroom to change. He sees the moment Kenji enters the patio and hears the moment the yelling starts. Akaza sighs and just decides to dress comfortably. Leggings, one of Kenji’s old college t-shirts and easy slip-on shoes. No make up, no jewelry. He walks out of the bedroom and grabs his shoulder bag and Kenji’s keys. While he waits for Kenji to finish up on the phone, he throws a couple mealworms in the tank for Azriel.   

Akaza hears the patio door slide open and close. He turns to see Kenji walking towards him. “You look cute.” He kisses Akaza’s forehead when he reaches him. “Ready?”  

Akaza silently nods. He walks hand in hand with Kenji to the restaurant. It’s not very far so no need to drive. Their regulars so the hostess easily spots them.   

“Your usual table?”  

Kenji nods. “Yes please.”  

She nods and they follow her to their table. Akaza gets in first and Kenji behind him. Once Kenji is settled Akaza immediately cuddles into his fiancé's side. Kenji wraps an arm around him.   

“Two waters, one coke and a diet root beer?” Their waitress asks.   

Kenji chuckles “Yes thank you.”  

She nods and leaves to go get their drinks.   

“Baby?”  

Akaza sighs. “I just need a moment Kenj.”  

Kenji kisses the top of his head. “Take your time baby. Want me to order for you?”  

“Please.”  

Kenji kisses him again. “I love you so much.”  

Akaza nods. “I love you too.”  

They just sit there in silence. The waitress brings by their drinks and Kenji gives her their order.   

Akaza just closes his eyes and takes in Kenji’s scent and warmth to calm him down.   

“Baby, food.”  

Akaza opens his eyes to see the waitress approaching with their food. He must have zoned out longer than he thought. He sits up as she puts his food in front of him.  Vegan green enchiladas with brown rice and refried beans. Yum.  

  “So...”  

Akaza sighs. “Kenji, please think very carefully about what’s about to come out of your mouth.” He does not want to listen to his fiancée defend his mother right about now, or ever actually.   

Kenji snorts. “I was just going to ask if you and Yori made any further plans with the wedding.”  

Akaza smiles as he takes a bite, but he shakes his head. “No.”  

“For the venue, what do you think about the Hoko gardens?”  

Akaza frowns. “But you don’t like outdoors.”  

Kenji nods. “Yes, but you do, and you love that place.”  

Akaza smiles. “I do.”  

Kenji leans over and kisses his temple. “Besides, it’s your wedding baby, I’ll do whatever makes you happy.”  

Akaza smiles as he turns his head to look at his fiancé. “Thank you, but it’s your wedding too, I want you to be happy too.”  

Kenji smiles. “I will be, because I’ll be marrying the love of my life.” He leans in to kiss Akaza.   

Akaza smiles into the kiss. “Okay, then yes I’d love to get married at the garden.”  

“Great, you better let Yori know.”  

Akaza smiles as he sends off a quick text to his dad. He also lets him know what date they decided on.  

They spent the rest of dinner, eating, talking and just enjoying each other’s presence. Akaza lets Kenji ground him, reminding him that Kenji loves him and no amount of money or influence from his parents is going to change his mind.   

Back at the apartment they just decided to go straight to bed. Akaza couldn’t sleep, so he was just lying wide awake, cuddled into Kenji’s side, head on his chest, listening to his calm heartbeat. When they first came to bed Kenji was gently tracing circles in Akaza’s back with his fingers. His hand stopped a while ago, so Akaza assumes he fell asleep.   

“Kenji?”  

“Hmm?”  

Akaza smiles, not asleep but very close. “Would you be mad if I got a restraining order?”  

Kenji sighs. “Against my mom?”  

Akaza nods.  

“No baby, if that’s what you feel you need to do.”  

Akaza sighs and props up on his elbow to look his fiancé in the eyes. Kenji is definitely tired. His eyes are droopy, but he still manages a sweet smile at Akaza. “You sure it wouldn’t hurt your feelings?”  

Kenji snorts. “I’m not five Akaza, my feelings aren’t so easily hurt anymore. Besides, she offended and disrespected both you and me. I told you before babe, I love you and my mother is not going to come between us.” He reaches up and cups the back of Akaza’s neck and pulls him down for a kiss. “Promise.”  

Akaza smiles and kisses Kenji again.   

“Get some rest baby.”  

Akaza lays back down on Kenji’s chest and sighs. “I don’t know if I can. My emotions are still kind of wired.”  

Kenji chuckles. “Well, try.”  

“Azriel might help.”  

“No.”  

Akaza frowns. “Boo.”  

Kenji chuckles. “I only have enough patience for him once a week.”  

“You do know that a baby is much more demanding?”  

“I do, but our baby will not be humping a surgical cap in the middle of our bed.”  

Akaza clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes.   

“Speaking of which, did you know what route you wanted to take?”  

Akaza frowns. “What do you mean?”  

“Well, do you want to adopt or find a surrogate?”  

“I don’t know, I hadn’t really thought about it, just that after years of delivering and treating them I want one of my own.”  

Kenji sighs. “Well, we can talk more about it later. Let’s get some sleep.”  

Akaza nods and closes his eyes and once again allows the steady beat of Kenji’s heartbeat to relax him.  

Akaza wakes to a hushed voice. Kenji’s his mind supplies. Who else could it be honestly? It's not like Azriel can suddenly talk.  

“I don’t give a shit dad.” Kenji whispers. “She violated my trust, went behind my back, threatened and bribed my fiancé. You do what you have to do, but I want nothing to do with her.”  

Akaza frowns.   

“So cut me off, see if I care. I don’t need your money, and I don’t want it.” Kenji ended the call, growled and threw his phone at the wall. If Akaza wasn’t already awake he’d be now.  

“Kenji?”  

Kenji sighs and looks back at Akaza with concern. “Sorry baby, I didn’t mean to wake you.”  

Akaza shakes his head as he sits up and scoots over to lean his chest on his fiancé's back. “That’s alright. You, okay?”  

“No Akaza, I’m not okay.” He stands causing Akaza to almost fall out of the bed. “I’m going to head down to the gym for a bit. Clear my head.”  

Akaza sighs. “Okay.”  

Kenji doesn’t say another word, just grabs some clothes to workout in and leaves.   

Akaza frowns. He gets out of bed and walks over to where Kenji threw his phone. He leans down to pick up the pieces. Yeah, he’ll definitely need a new one. Well, he’s definitely not getting back to sleep, so he walks over and puts the pieces on the nightstand, dresses, grabs his own phone and heads to the kitchen to make breakfast. Kenji will be gone a while, so Akaza pulls Azriel out and places him on his shoulder.   

He’s in the mood for banana nut pancakes with chocolate chips. He puts his phone on the counter, dials his dad and puts it on speaker. While he waits for his dad to answer he grabs the ingredients.   

“Son, everything alright?”  

His dad sounds tired. “Sorry, did I wake you?”  

“No kid, but I did just get up. Michikatsu has an early appointment. What’s up?”  

“Appointment for?”  

His dad sighs. “Chemo starts today.”  

Akaza nods. “I called because I need some advice, legal advice.”  

“Oh? What’s up kid?” Akaza hears shuffling in the background.  

“Well, two things actually.” Akaza puts the bananas in the bowl.   

“Akaza, what’s wrong?”  

Akaza frowns. “Can someone cut off their child financially because of their sexual identity?”  

His dad sighs. “Well, that depends.”  

“On?”   

“A lot of factors can come into play. What’s this about son?”  

Akaza frowns. “Kenji’s mom bribed me to leave Kenji, and because I turned her down, now his parents are threatening to cut him off if he doesn’t leave me.”  

“Shit kid.”  

He began to chop the walnuts. “Kenji and I obviously aren’t hurting financially, but...” But what? He’s not sure.   

“What does Kenji want to do kid? Sue?”  

Akaza frowns. “I don’t know, he’s kinda angry right now. He’s at the gym.”  

“Well, you two should talk about it first, then call me back when you’ve made a decision.”  

“Mu?” Akaza hears Yori mumble in the background.  

“Sorry to wake you baby.”  

“That’s alright, you two heading out?”  

“Yeah. I got to go kid. What was the other thing really quick?”  

Akaza sighs. “I need a restraining order.”  

His dad growls. “Did she hurt you?”  

Akaza shakes his head as he mixes in the chocolate chips. “No, but I don’t want her around anymore.” Especially if she could be a danger to their baby.  

“Okay, I’ll take care of it. I really do have to go kid. I love you.”  

“Love you too dad. Give everyone my love.”   

“I will son, bye.”  

Akaza hangs up with his dad and finishes cooking up with his pancakes.   

Right as he takes his last bite the front door swings open.  

“Mmm, something smells good.”  

Akaza smiles. “I made pancakes. Yours are in the microwave whenever you’re ready for them.”  

Kenji walks over and leans down to kiss Akaza.  

Akaza scrunches his nose. “Gross.”  

Kenji chuckles. “What’s the matter baby, don’t like my sweat?”   

Akaza squeals when Kenji grabs him and begins to rub his sweat covered face onto Akaza’s. “Kenji quit it! That’s gross.”  

Kenji laughs. “Well, guess you got to join me in the shower now, don’t you?”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Fine, fine.”  

“Victory.” Kenji declares as he lets go of Akaza.  

Akaza chuckles and shakes his head as he stands and walks Azriel back to his tank. He cleans up his plate and then follows Kenji to the shower.   

Kenji has him pinned to the wall; his legs wrapped around Kenji’s waist as they make out. The hot water streaming down from above. Akaza moans when he feels Kenji’s tip press up against his ass.  

“Hell, I love the noises you make.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Just get inside me, right the hell now.”  

Kenji chuckles as he begins to push in. “Yes sir.”  

Akaza throws his head back against the shower wall as Kenji begins to stretch him open. Kenji gives each of Akaza’s nipples a little bite, causing Akaza to moan some more.    

“Yes, Kenj, just like that.” He enjoys every second of Kenji worshipping his body. Stretching him open, sucking on his nipples, playing with his belly button ring, hands roaming his body. Kenji knows Akaza’s body like the back of Kenji’s own hand. He knows what he does and does not love when it comes to sex. Kenji is kind and considerate in bed, or in thais case, shower. He knows how to drive Akaza crazy without exploding his heart. Kenji bottoms out and gives Akaza a second to catch his breath.  

“You good?”  

Akaza nods and leans down to kiss his fiancé. “I’m amazing, move.”  

Kenji kisses him as he begins to move inside Akaza. “I love you baby. So fucking much.”  

Akaza nods. “I love you too.”  

Kenji just continues to please the both of them. Filthy noises dripping from their mouths with each thrust, a couple curses as well. Kenji may be a perv, but he’s Akaza’s perv, and he loves it about Kenji. Kenji adjusts Akaza so he can wrap his hand around Akaza's shaft, causing Akaza to moan.  

“Shit baby, I’m so close.”  

Akaza nods again, unable to speak from his sex high.  

It isn’t long before they’re both cumming together.  

Kenji gives him a moment to catch his breath before he retracts from Akaza and gently lowers him to his feet.  

“You good?”  

Akaza chuckles. “Yes, just...a little...out of...breath.”  

“Okay, well let’s get washed up before the water gets cold.”  

Akaza nods and lets Kenji wash him up.  

In their bedroom, Kenji was just lying naked, spread eagle on the bed while Akaza got dressed.  

“Are you going to put clothes on any time soon?” Akaza slips on a pair of black boy shorts. 

Kenji chuckles. “Why? Is my nakedness bothering you baby?”  

Akaza shakes his head. “No, but I was thinking.”  

“About?”  

“We both have the day off, why not go out somewhere?”  

Kenji hums. “Sure, have a particular place in mind?” Kenji sits up.  

Akaza shrugs. Then his phone is ringing from, Akaza looks around, somewhere.  

Kenji chuckles. “You left it in the kitchen.”  

Akaza nods. Right. Akaza walks out of the room to see his phone lighting up from the kitchen counter. He picks it up.  

Yori  

He answers. “Yes daddy?”  

“September Akaza? Really? Do you know how far away that is?”  

Akaza nods. “Ten months.”  

“Can’t you two pick something sooner? You’ve already been engaged six months, why are ya’ll putting it off?”  

Akaza sighs. “That was the day we first met daddy, we thought it would be perfect for our wedding day.”  

“Oh.”  

Akaza chuckles.  

“But still, ten whole months.”  

Akaza smiles as he walks back into the bedroom. He moans at the sight. Kenji had apparently decided to get dressed. He has on a pair of black slacks and a black button up shirt.  

“Uh?”  

Akaza clears his throat. “Sorry daddy.”  

“Uh huh, please no sex noises while I’m within ear shot.”  

Akaza chuckles. “Sorry, I can’t help that I’m marrying a drop-dead gorgeous man.”  

Kenji looks at him and smirks, then winks as he adjusts his sleeves. Hell, he's hard again.

“Yeah, well keep it in your pants, eh skirt.”  

Akaza chuckles again. “I’m sorry daddy. Anyway, yes, Kenji and I picked that date for a reason. We just, I don’t know, really want to get married, but aren’t really in a hurry. I don’t know how else to explain it.”  

Yori sighs. “No, that’s fine, I understand, sorta.”  

Akaza chuckles again.  

Kenji appears from the closet and holds up two skirt options for Akaza, he picks the solid black one.  

“Anything else daddy, Kenji and I are actually about to head out.”  

“Oh, where you going?”  

Akaza shrugs as Kenji leans down to help him into the skirt. “Just out.” Kenji starts to get handsy and Akaza slaps his hand away. Kenji chuckles as he stands and heads back into the closet.  

“Oh, well have fun, and let me know if ya’ll make any other decisions.”  

Akaza nods. “We will daddy.” Akaza hangs up and then follows Kenji into the closet to finish dressing. Kenji had apparently continued through the closet and is not in the bathroom freshening up.  

Akaza also wears a short sleeve button up blouse with a sweater vest on top. Akaza grabs a pair of platforms and also goes to the bathroom do put on some light makeup. He decides to just put in some simple studs.  

“Ready?”  

Akaza nods.  

“Decided where we’re going yet?”  

“Actually, I was thinking about another tattoo.”  

Kenji snorts. “You got it.”  

“Matching?”  

Kenji chuckles. “Sure baby.”  

“Yes!” Akaza jumps excitedly.  

They ended up going with matching anatomical heart tattoos on their left wrists, with the date Kenji proposed on the superior vena cava to represent the myth of the vena amoris. After the tattoo shop, they decided to go out for lunch.  

“Tofu curry or mushroom lasagna?” Kenji asks as they’re looking over the menu.  

Akaza frowns. “Is both an option?”  

Kenji chuckles. “Sure, we can just eat off each other's plates.” Kenji sets the menu’s aside.  

“Do you think our guests will care if we do an all-vegan menu for the wedding?”  

“No, but who gives a shit, it’s our wedding and if they don’t like it, they can starve.”  

Akaza chuckles as he sips his root beer. Fair enough.

“I think we should do a surrogate.”  

Akaza looks up at his fiancé. Kenji is looking down and fiddling with his drink.  “Yeah?”  

Kenji nods and looks over at Akaza. He smiles. “Yeah, I think you’d make a cute baby.”  

Akaza smiles and rolls his eyes. “If anyone should sire a baby it’s your gorgeous genes.”  

Kenji chuckles. “Well, how about we don’t know?”  

“As in?”  

Kenji shrugs. “We both donate, and we don't know who’s they use. They’ll be our kid; it doesn’t matter who sire’s them as you say.”  

Akaza smiles. “Yeah okay. Surrogate it is.”  

Kenji smiles and leans down to kiss Akaza. “I love you.”  

Akaza chuckles. “I love you too, daddy.”  

Kenji groans. “Please don’t call me that.”  

Akaza laughs as he separates from Kenji, grabs a chip, dips it in the salsa and pops it in his mouth.  

“Besides, I think you should be daddy, I’ll be dad, dada, or papa.”  

Akaza chuckles. “Maybe our kid should decide that.”  

Kenji shrugs. “Sure.”  

“Kenji.”  

Akaza and Kenji look up at the voice that just called Kenji’s name. It’s Kenji’s older and only brother. His wife Rachelle is with him.  

Kenji frowns. “Keith, what, uh, what are you doing here?”  

Keith eyes Akaza and sighs. “Can we talk, alone?”  

“Oh, mom sent you.” Kenji sighs and stands. He looks back at Akaza. “I’ll be right back baby. Order for us?”  

Akaza nods. “Sure.” He looks at Rachelle. “Want to join me?”  

She smiles and nods. She takes a seat on the opposite side of the booth. Kenji and Akaza always sit together. They like to be close, sue them.  

Kenji follows his brother out of the restaurant.  

“So, uh, how’ve you been?”  

Akaza snorts. “Peachy.”  

She nods.  

“So, everyone has heard, have they?”  

She chuckles. “Kathrine isn’t so secretive about her disapproval of y'all's engagement. They’re threatening to cut Kenji out completely, not that I’m supposed to know this, but Keith and I don’t keep secrets.”  

Akaza nods. “I’m not leaving him.”  

Rachelle helps herself to a chip and some salsa. “I’m not saying you have to. What you and Kenji do doesn’t affect me and Keith, well, except Kenji’s part of the Last Will and Testament will be split among the remaining siblings.”  

Of freaking course. “Kenji and I don’t need their money.”  

She shrugs again. “None of them do really, well except maybe Kassie, she hasn’t exactly picked a career yet.”  

Akaza nods again. The waitress comes by and Akaza puts in his order. He insists Rachelle order something as well, but she declines, positive Kenji isn’t going to want them to stay after his and Keith’s talk.  

She ends up being right. Kenji is heated by time he and his older brother return. Akaza bids Rachelle farewell and the two of them leave. She did end up giving Akaza her number so they can talk, but he's not sure how often he’ll use it.  

Once their food comes, they eat in silence, Kenji is trying to keep his anger in check, so Akaza lets him be.  

Back at the apartment Kenji storms to the room to change. Akaza sighs, knowing exactly where his fiancé is about to head out too.  

Akaza just follows him to the bedroom, changes into some lounge clothes and cuddles on the couch with Azriel and a blanket, deciding to binge his shows.  

Kenji doesn’t say a word as he exits the room, gives Akaza a kiss and leaves the apartment.  

Akaza sighs. “Guess it’s just you and me tonight buddy.”  

Akaza swears Azriel smiles and wags his tail.

Chapter Text

Akaza decided to head into the hospital and check on patients before heading into the practice. He actually got up before Kenji. He felt bad but because Kenji broke his phone and has yet to replace it, Akaza had to wake him to let him know.  

“Okay.” Kenji mumbled, still half asleep. “Have a good day, see you later and all that.”  

Akaza chuckled as he leaned down to kiss Kenji on the cheek. “You need to get a phone, today.”  

Kenji sighs. “Yes dear.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “I’m serious Kenji.”  

Kenji sighs again and sits up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “I got it Akaza, I promise I will stop by the store as soon as I can and pick up a new phone.”  

Akaza frowns. “I’m not trying to nag Kenj.”  

Kenji sighs. “No, I know baby, I just am still frustrated with the whole situation.”  

Akaza sighs and sits on the bed next to his fiancé. “I’m sorry babe.”  

Kenji sighs again. “Nothing to be sorry for baby, I’m starting to think that restraining order isn't such a bad idea.”  

Akaza nods. “Well, dad said he could help with that if needed.”  

Kenji groans and Akaza chuckles. He leans in and kisses Kenji. “I have to go to work. I love you so much.”  

Kenji smiles and kisses Akaza again. “I love you too. Go, take care of tiny humans.”  

Akaza snorts. He stands and heads out. Making sure to check on Azriel on the way out.  

Akaza walks into the NICU and groans at the sight at the end of the room.   

Kyoujurou is there, standing over his daughters’ incubator.   

Akaza decides to start at the other end of the room, hoping he’ll be gone by time Akaza makes it to her. He takes his time with each baby, he double checks, even triple checks them. He keeps peeking at the end and, well, Kyoujurou is still there.   

He groans and then sighs. He takes a deep breath before approaching her incubator. Kyoujurou is just staring at her.   

“Sorry, I have to check her.”  

Kyoujurou nods.   

Akaza takes a good look at him and realizes he looks like shit. “When was the last time you slept?”  

Kyoujurou shrugs. “We’re literally living out of a hotel and our daughter is stuck in a box, would you sleep?”  

Akaza sighs as he puts on a new pair of gloves. “I guess not, but what good are you to her if you put yourself in the hospital?”  

Kyoujurou sighs. “What the hell do you want from me Akaza? She could die; I cannot leave her. She needs to get better, for Mitsy, or I’ll lose her too.”  

Akaza sighs but just stays silent as he starts to examine the infant.   

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped.”  

Akaza shakes his head. “Nothing to be sorry for, you’re worried about her, I get it, well, I don’t have a kid, yet so I sorta get it.”  

“You and uh…” Kyoujurou waves his hand in attempt to find the word, or name rather, he’s looking for.   

“Kenji.” Akaza supplies.  

Kyoujurou nods. “Kenji, right. You two want kids?”  

Akaza smiles. “We do.”  

“Three still?”  

Akaza chuckles. “You remember that?”  

Kyoujurou chuckles. “Of course, you were the love of my life, I could never forget anything about you.”  

Akaza frowns.   

“Sorry, again.”  

Akaza sighs. “No, it’s fine, it’s been twelve years, I’m over it.”  

Kyoujurou snorts. “Is that why you’ve been taking your sweet ass time from the moment you walked in here?”  

Akaza clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes as he preps her toe with a sterile wipe. “I don’t know what you mean, this is the NICU, we have to check all babies thoroughly.”  

“Uh huh.”  

Akaza pricks her toe, and she begins to cry. “I know kiddo, that sucks, I’m sorry.”  

“So why babies?”  

Akaza snorts as he sets aside the test strip and bandages her toe. “To spite my dad.”  

Kyoujurou laughs.   

Akaza smiles. “He wanted me to be a neurosurgeon and well I was mad at him, for something stupid I can’t even remember. Picked the one field I thought would piss him off the most.” Turns out, he loves it more than he thought he would.  

Kyoujurou laughs some more. “Sorry, sorry, I just, your dad is still scary as hell and I’m no longer dating you.”  

Akaza chuckles. “He gives Kenji more hell than he ever did you.”  

“Does he not like him?”  

Akaza shakes his head. “No, he does he’s just being, well, a dad.”  

Kyoujurou hums.   

“Can you picture her getting married?”  

“Hell no.”  

Akaza chuckles. “Well, that’s how my dad feels right now.”  

“Ah.”  

Akaza sighs. “Well, she looks good. She’s gained three ounces since last night which is amazing, and her blood sugar and jaundice are getting better. She just needs to be able to breathe on her own and when she’s big enough pass her carseat test.”  

Kyoujurou hums again.   

“Seriously Key, get some rest if you can. I have to head to the clinic, but the doctors here are amazing.”  

Kyoujurou nods. “We’ve been here a few weeks, I’m aware.”  

Akaza nods. “Right, sorry.”  

Kyoujurou shakes his head, then smiles. “No worries. How often do you get here?”  

Akaza sighs. “As often as I can. Kenji and I started the practice in order to have more control over our hours.”  

Kyoujurou hums. “Congratulations by the way.”  

Akaza quirks a brow.   

Kyoujurou nods towards his hand, even though there’s no ring there. “The engagement.”   

Akaza smiles. “Thanks, I’d invite you, but, well, Kenji doesn’t like you.”  

Kyoujurou chuckles. “Figures, I saw the way he looked at me that day. I wasn’t expecting an invite anyway, you know after I broke your heart and all.”  

Akaza nods. “Right. Look if she needs me, just have them page me, or Kenji. He may not like you, but he’s still a doctor.”  

Kyoujurou nods. “He neonatal too?”  

Akaza shakes his head. “No, but Kenji can do just about every job at this hospital like it was his own.”  

Kyoujurou nods again. “Thank you.”  

“Yeah. Of course.” Akaza takes his leave but not before stopping by the nurse's station. “The Rengoku baby.”  

The nurse nods.   

“Keep an eye on the dad, he looks dehydrated, malnourished and sleep deprived.”  

She nods again. “Yeah, he won’t leave her.”  

Akaza hums. “Order a meal for him, and if they ask, it’s on me.”  

She nods again. “Yes doctor.”  

“Maybe slip him a melatonin.”  

She chuckles. “You got it.”  

Akaza smiles as he exits the NICU and heads to the labor and delivery floor.  

“Helen.” He greets his nurse.   

She smiles at him. “Figured Kenji would be here, not you.”  

Akaza sighs and nods. “I think he has a surgery later, but I just wanted to check in before I headed into the clinic, I’m pretty sure I only have afternoon appointments today.”  

“Well actually we have one at nine.”  

Akaza nods again.   

“Dr. Kibutsuji.”  

Akaza looks over at the doctor that just called his name. “Yeah?”  

“Wanna scrub in on a c-section?”  

Akaza nods. “Sure.”  

“Great, OR1, see ya in there.”  

Akaza nods again and looks back at Helen. “Quick question, you and Jack, you two ever think about kids?”  

Helen sighs. “Not really, why?”  

Akaza shrugs. “Kenji and I have been talking about it.”  

Helen snorts. “You don’t even have a wedding day yet.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes. “We actually decided that over the weekend thank you very much.”  

She quirks a brow. “Oh?”  

Akaza chuckles. “Need to know. Guess I better head to the OR.”  

Akaza sighs as he walks into their apartment after a long ass day. Azriel immediately starts scratching on the glass of his tank and Akaza chuckles.   

“Babe?” Akaza calls out as he places his things down.   

No answer.  

Akaza grins as he skips over to Azriel’s tank and takes him out. He puts Azriel on his shoulder and closes the lid.   

When he turns around his smile drops. He comes face to face with a figure in a mask, but before he can say anything he’s being hit over the head and everything goes black.   

Akaza groans as his eyes slowly open, he looks around to see he’s in a hospital bed. Kenji is cuddled into him and so is Azriel who also has a little bandage wrapped around his little torso, and by the looks of it, Akaza isn’t really sure, he’s missing a limb.   

Akaza frowns. Poor little buddy. Akaza reaches a hand up to give him a little pet.   

He sighs.  

“Kenji.”  

Kenji groans as he slowly flutters his eyes open. He sits up quickly when he realizes Akaza is awake.   

Kenji lunges forward and kisses Akaza, hard. Akaza chuckles into the kiss. “Hey baby, how you feeling?”  

Akaza shrugs. “Sore, what happened?”  

Kenji sighs. "You don’t remember?”  

Akaza shakes his head. He pouts as he pets Azriel again. “What happened to him?”  

Kenji sighs again. “You were knocked out and whoever did it ransacked the apartment. They smashed his tank and when he ran away, he sliced his chest and surrounding area open. By time I found him the vet couldn’t save his limb. Sorry baby.”  

Akaza frowns. “I was out a while?”  

Kenji nods. “Almost a whole twenty-four hours, and you really don’t remember?”  

Akaza shakes his head. “No.”  

Kenji sighs.  

A nurse comes in not a second later. She smiles. “Good to see you awake doctor.”  

Akaza nods. Kenji gets out of the bed so she can look him over.  

“How you feeling?” She proceeds to check his IV and vitals.  

Akaza sighs. “Sore and tired.”  

She hums. “Okay, well, I’m going to check your head wound and then I’m going to take you for an MRI.” She looks at Kenji. “I assume you’re joining.”  

Kenji nods as he takes Azriel and puts him in a little makeshift tank. “Yeah.”  

Azaka flinches as she removes his bandages.  

“Sorry hun.”  

“It’s fine.”  

Kenji leans over and kisses him on the cheek. “I promised your dad I’d call the moment you woke up, so I’m gonna step out for a minute.”  

Akaza frowns and nods.  

“How bad is it?” He asks his nurse when Kenji is out of the room.  

She sighs. “Only eighteen stitches.”  

Akaza snorts. “Only eighteen?”  

She chuckles. “Don’t worry, your hair should grow back before you walk down the aisle.”  

Akaza closes his eyes and sighs as she rebandages his head. “I’m not worried about that. Has Kenji eaten or drank anything since I’ve been here?”  

She chuckles again. “Yes. I told him if he didn’t, I was hooking him up to his own IV.”  

Akaza snorts. Despite the fact that both he and Kenji are doctors, they both share the same dislike for IVs in their own arms.  

“Also, some officers have been hanging around, waiting for you to wake. I won’t let them in until you’re ready.”  

Akaza nods. “Thanks.”  

Kenji comes back in with the phone in his hand. “He good to talk to his parents?”  

His nurse nods. “Yeah. I’ll have the doctor come in shortly.”  

Kenji nods and hands over the phone. Akaza's phone he notes.  

Akaza frowns.  

“Sorry baby, they insist.”  

Akaza sighs. “It’s fine.” He takes the phone off mute and answers. “Hello?”  

“Hey son, how you feeling?”  

“Fine dad.”  

“You sure?” Yori asks.  

“Yes daddy, just a couple stitches.”  

Kenji rolls his eyes.  

“What happened son?”  

Akaza shakes his head. “I don’t remember.”  

“Like anything at all?” Michi asks.  

“No, I just don’t remember anything about the attack.”  

Kenji flinches and Akaza quirks a brow.  

“Attack? What do you mean attack? Kenji just said you fell.”  

Hell.  

Akaza sighs. “He was probably just trying not to worry you guys.”  

“Son.”  

“I’m fine dad, I swear.”  

“You’re not fine if someone purposefully attacked you. I’m flying down.”  

He was afraid of that. “No dad, Michi needs you there and I have Kenji.”  

“I’ll be fine kid; I have a second husband to help me get to appointments.” Michi says.  

Akaza internally groans. “Okay.”  

“Our apartment is a crime scene, so you’ll need a hotel.” Kenji says. Akaza glares at Kenji who just shrugs.  

“That’s fine, I’m on the way. I’ll be there in a few hours.”  

Akaza sighs. “Okay.”  

“Want me to text you what hotel we’re staying at, and you can see if there’s a room for you there?” Kenji suggests.  

“Yes please.” His dad says.  

Akaza groans. Out loud this time.  

After his MRI, which was clear, while they were waiting on his doctor and for Akaza's dad to land Azaka was holding Azriel, trying to keep him warm. Kenji has been warming up the little heating pad they have for him for vet visits and Akaza has it and Azriel tucked together in a newborn blanket.  

“I should probably take him back to the hotel soon.”  

Akaza frowns.  

“Sorry baby, but he needs his heat lamp.”  

Akaza looks at Kenji and gives him his best puppy eyes. “Maybe you could snag a heater from L&O?”  

Kenji snorts.  

There’s a knock on his hospital door and he and Kenji look up to see two officers entering. “Sorry to bother you but now that you’re awake we need to get a statement.”  

Akaza nods. “Not sure how much help I’ll be, I don’t really remember anything.”  

The officer frowns. “Nothing?”  

Akaza shakes his head.  

The officer sighs. “Well, do you remember anything leading up to the incident or who may want to do this to you?”  

Akaza sighs. “I just remember going to work. I know I did rounds in the NICU, a couple c-sections, deliveries and then regular appointments. I think I remember going home and pulling Azriel out of his tank, but it’s fuzzy after that.”  

“My mother.” Kenji blurts and everyone turns to look at him.  

Akaza frowns.  

“What, uh, makes you say that?” The second officer asks.  

Kenji sighs. “She disapproves of us getting married and she bribed the both of us to leave the other. Do I think she did it herself? No, but she probably hired someone.”  

Both officers nod. “Sure, we’ll put her on the list, anyone else?”  

Akaza and Kenji both shake their heads.  

“No.” Akaza says. “We both get along with our staff and don’t have many friends outside the hospital or practice.” In fact, all their friends are at the hospital or practice.  

“What about a disgruntled patient?”  

Akaza shrugs. “I deliver babies for a living; you won’t find many.” Then a weird thought hits him. “My dad is a criminal defense attorney, maybe one of his clients holds a grudge, but that would be a stretch.”  

“Why?”  

Akaza shrugs. “I’m the second oldest of eight children, why would they only target me? I don’t even live close to my parents anymore.”  

The officers nod again. “Well, it’s still something to consider.”  

Akaza nods.  

“Could it have been just a regular old robbery gone wrong?”  

The officer sighs. “Sure, but usually when someone spray paints a threatening message on the walls, we can easily rule out random robbery.”  

Akaza frowns. “Message? What message?”  

The officer sighs again. “Whoever did this, not only destroyed the place, but spray painted, and I quote, ‘I warned you bitch’ , on the walls, like everywhere.”  

Kenji groans. “Yep, that’s my mother.”  

The officers frown. “How can you be so sure?”  

Akaza sighs. “The day she bribed me she called me a bitch and told me that if I didn’t leave him, she was going to make my life a living hell.  

“I see, well, here is my card.” The officer hands his card over to Akaza and Akaza hands it to Kenji. “If you two can think of anything else we might need to know, feel free to give me a call.”  

Akaza nods again.  

“What about the building’s security cameras?” Kenji asks.  

“Unfortunately, the person avoided them easily.”  

Suddenly a commotion can be heard outside his room.  

“I don’t give a shit what the cops say, that’s my son and I demand to see him!”  

Akaza groans. Guess his dad is here.  

Kenji chuckles. “I’ll go take care of that.” He gets up and leaves the room. Hopefully before his dad murders someone.  

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

“We’ll go ahead and head out. Give us a call if you can think of anything else.”  

Akaza nods.    

As the officer's exit, Kenji and his dad enter.  

“I present one overprotective dad.” Kenji says.  

Akaza chuckles and his dad rolls his eyes.  

Kenji takes Azriel and places him in his little carry case. “I’m gonna run him back to the hotel and probably shower. Give you two some alone time.”  

Akaza pouts and Kenji and his dad chuckle.  

“He’ll be fine baby, and so will you.”  

Akaza’s dad raises an eyebrow at the word baby and when Kenji realizes what he said, out loud, in front of Akaza’s dad he begins to sweat.  

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

“I'm just gonna go.” Kenji grabs his things and Azriel and leaves.  

Akaza’s dad chuckles.  

“Dad please lighten up on him.”  

“Never.” His dad takes a seat in the chair Kenji was just in a little bit ago. “Look son, I’m not just here as your dad, but as your lawyer as well. The cops have an idea who’s behind it?”  

Akaza shakes his head. “No, they literally just questioned me.”  

His dad nods. “And? What did you tell them?”  

Akaza shrugs. “Katrine has threatened me in the past, you defend criminals.”  

His dad rolls his eyes. “Again, with my job son?”  

Akaza sighs. “No, just being honest. I honestly have no idea who or why this happened dad, I just couldn’t think of any other reason.”  

His dad sighs and nods. “Fine, I’ll talk to them about my clientele.”  

“Dad, I got over that a long time ago.”  

His dad nods. “I know son, I guess I just still feel like you hate what I do.”  

Akaza clicks his tongue. “I do, but it’s not my decision, it’s yours.”  

His dad nods.  

Akaza chuckles.  

“What?”  

Akaza shakes his head. “I just remembered why I chose neonatal.”  

His dad frowns. “What do you mean?”  

“Someone asked me recently why I chose to work with babies, and I couldn’t remember other than just to spite you.”  

His dad clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes.  

“But it was because of Kenji.”  

His dad frowns. “I don’t understand.  

Akaza smiles. “We were on a date when a lady’s water broke in the restaurant. While they waited for an ambulance Kenji helped the mother through contractions and doing his best to keep her calm while they waited. I just knew. When we finally got around to those classes I knew that’s what I wanted to do, so I switched from neuro to neonatal. It didn’t hurt that I was mad at you at the time.”  

His dad rolls his eyes again.  

Akaza chuckles. “I love what I do dad.”  

His dad sighs. “I know son. Do you even remember what we were even fighting about?”  

Akaza nods. “Kenji.”  

His dad chuckles. “Of course.”  

Akaza smiles. “You were worried I was moving too fast with him.”  

“Still am.”  

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

His dad chuckles. “Kidding son. Kenji is a good kid and I’m glad you found someone to love and take care of you. Someone who loves you for you.”  

Akaza smiles. It feels so good to hear him say that out loud finally. He loves Kenji and he wants his dad to love him too. 

Chapter Text

Akaza groans as Kenji helps him into their hotel room and then sit down on the bed.  

“Need anything?” 

Akaza sighs. “Food.” 

Kenji nods. “You got it baby. Anything in particular?” 

Akaza shakes his head. “No.” 

Kenji nods again. “Okay, I’ll order something. Anything else?” 

Akaza shakes his head. “When can I go back to work?” 

Kenji scoffs. “No Akaza, you need rest.” 

Akaza groans. “I need to work Kenj.” 

“No.” His fiancé says sterner this time. “You need to rest.” 

Akaza groans louder this time. “Damn it Kenji, I can’t just lie around and do fucking nothing.” 

Kenji sighs. “Babe, please?” 

Akaza frowns at the desperate plea from the man he loves.  

“I could have lost you, so please, please, just take it easy for a few days.” 

Akaza sighs but nods. “Fine.” 

“Thank you.” 

“You know what will tire me out?” 

Kenji glares at him and Akaza chuckles.  

There’s a knock on the conjoining door of their hotel room. 

Akaza groans. “Don’t answer it.” 

“I heard that!” His dad yells from the other side. 

Kenji chuckles as he unfortunately stands to let Akaza's dad in. 

“You’re lucky you have that head injury.” His dad says as he enters their hotel room. “Otherwise, I’d smack you.” 

Kenji tries and fails to hide his amusement and Akaza rolls his eyes.  

“I have some things for you two to sign. One restraining order against Katherine K. Katoura.” He places the stack of papers on the bed. “I highlighted where you two need to sign. Akaza’s are highlighted pink, and Kenji’s blue.” 

They both nod. 

“And for Kenji one petition to sue for discrimination, only you need to sign that one and then again for both these are to press charges for assault and damages to the apartment. Again, Akaza sign where I highlighted in pink and Kenji in blue.” 

Again, they both nod. 

“Now, I’m having you sign it, but we can’t file it unless she’s found guilty, otherwise we can only press charges against the person held responsible.” 

Another nod from the both of them.  

“Take your time looking over them and signing them, I can stay as long as you need me to.” 

“Thanks Mr. Kibutsiji.” 

“Not a problem kid. Now, what’s for dinner?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

“I was just about to order something.” 

“Shokubutsu?” Akaza asks. 

Kenji nods. “Yes, but they don’t deliver, so I’ll have to go pick it up. What you want babe?” 

“Tofu Ramen.” 

Kenji nods. “Mr. Kibutsiji?” 

His dad shrugs. “Whatever you think I’ll like.” 

“Well, it’s all vegan so...” 

“The eggplant parm, dad will like that.” 

Kenji nods again. “Sure. Let me just call this in really quick.” Kenji ducks onto the patio. 

“How’s Michi?” 

His dad sighs. “Good, stubborn s always.” 

Akaza hums. “And Yori?” 

His dad sighs again. “Yoriichi has been busy with wedding planning, so thanks for that.” 

Akaza chuckles. Then he frowns. “Dad, why was Yori really let go?” 

“His company requires all employees to do a health check once a year, and they apparently had a problem with his first gender. Said he lied on his application, something stupid like that.” 

Akaza frowns.  

“They didn’t care about the fact that he was a retired MP and more than able to handle security, no, they had a problem with the way he identifies.” 

“Sorry dad. Can’t you, I don’t know, sue for discrimination or something?” 

His dad snorts. “You really think Yoriichi would let me, even if I wanted to?” 

Akaza smiles. “No.” 

His dad nods. “Exactly. I married a badass soldier who hates confrontation with anyone who is not his husbands. Now Michi and I he’ll happily argue with.” 

Akaza chuckles. “Wasn’t he a cop in the Army?” 

His dad nods. “Criminals he has no problem being confrontational with either.” 

“Didn’t he retire before you got married?” 

His dad nods. “Yeah, but only because he got pregnant. He wanted to re-enlist, but Daki and Gyu made him change his mind.” 

“Okay.” Kenji says as he walks back into the hotel room. “I’ll be back.” He grabs his keys and heads out without a kiss to Akaza. 

Boo.  

His dad chuckles knowingly.  

Akaza rolls his eyes.   

“So, I was thinking.” His dad says. “If you’re up for it, while Kenji works, you and I can hang out.” 

Akaza smiles. “Sure.” 

“The shop called, and the dress is ready for another fitting.” 

Akaza's smile gets even bigger. “Really?” 

His dad nods. “Yeah.” 

“Yay.” 

His dad chuckles.  

After dinner and his dad decided to call it a night Akaza laid in bed with his fiancé, just enjoying his warmth. Kenji was doing something on his tablet while Akaza tried to sleep. 

“Don’t you work in the morning?” 

Kenji sighs. “Yes.” 

“Then shouldn’t you be the one trying to get some rest?” 

Kenji sighs again. “I want to, but I can’t seem to shut off my mind.” 

Akaza hums. “Your mom?” 

Another sigh. “Yes.” 

“Sorry babe.” 

Kenji kisses the top of his head. “Not your fault baby.” 

“You knowwww.” 

“Not a chance in hell am I having sex with your dad on the other side of that wall.” 

Akaza clicks his tongue. 

Kenji chuckles then kisses his head again. “Besides, no sex while you have a concussion.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

Kenji sighs and shuts the tablet off. He adjusts their position to where he’s spooning Akaza. He kisses Akaza’s cheek. “Get some rest baby.” 

Akaza is hanging on his dads arm as they walk into the dress shop the next morning. Kenji made sure to pack him his favorite cozy clothes for their stay in the hotel while they waited for their apartment to not be a crime scene anymore. So, he’s currently wearing a pair of black leggings and one of Kenji’s t-shirts.  

“Feeling okay?” 

Akaza nods. “Just my body feels heavier than normal.” 

His dad hums. “Sure, that you’re up for this?” 

Akaza smiles. “Yeah.” 

His dad hums again as he opens the door and they head inside.  

“Here for another fitting?” 

“Yes, we got a call that his alterations were done.” 

“Of course, let’s get you in a room.” 

After he has the dress on, with help, he leaves the fitting room to show his dad.  

“Okay dad, how’s it look?” 

Akaza watches his dad smile in the reflection of the mirrors. “Perfect, son, you like?” 

Akaza smiles and nods. “I love it.” It covers his scar, and the fascinator is exactly what he wanted.  

“Okay then, we taking it home?” 

Akaza smiles some more and nods. “Yeah.”  

Back at the hotel, Akaza is once again hanging on his dads' arm while they walk towards their rooms.  

“I’ll keep this is my room, don’t need Kenji seeing it.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Kenji can see the dress dad, just not me in it.” 

Suddenly a door opens and a figure appears that causes his dad to stop in his tracks. Kyoujurou pales and tries to duck into his room really quick. Akasa's dad growls and unfortunately for Key is a lot faster. He grabs him by the collar and drags him back into the hall.  

“Mr. Kibutsiji, what a pleasant surprise.” If Kyoujurou’s life wasn’t currently in danger that would be funny.  

“Dad!” 

“What the hell is he doing here?!” 

“It’s not what you think dad, please, let him go!” 

“Akaza Lee, explain.” His dad growls again. “Now.” 

“His wife had a baby.” 

Kyoujurou frowns. 

“At our hospital. That’s it, she’s just a patient.” 

“Oh.” His dad lets Kyoujurou go. “Because I thought you were having an affair.” 

Akaza rolls his eyes.  

“I was actually on my way to see her.” 

“A daughter, congrats I guess.” 

Key straightens out his clothes. “Thanks, and it’s fiancée.” 

Akaza frowns. “Oh.” 

“We’re getting married when we get back home.” 

“Oh, well congratulations.” 

Kyoujurou hums. “Thanks. I’ll um, just go now.” He turns and leaves.  

“Why do you look sad at those words?” 

“I’m not, I’m happy for him.” Akaza turns and heads back to the room with his dad. 

When Kenji got back Akaza told him what happened and his fiancé wouldn’t stop laughing. Akaza rolls his eyes. 

“Oh man, that would have been great to see.” 

“It wasn’t funny, my dad almost killed him because he thought I was having an affair.” 

Kenji quirks a brow. “Are you?” 

Akaza rolls his eyes. “Oh my God.” Akaza makes his way to the bathroom to shower.

“I’m kidding!" Kenji calls back. 

They spent two more weeks in the hotel before they were finally allowed back in their apartment. His dad said goodbye at the hotel and caught a ride to the airport. 

Akaza frowns at the wall. It’s obviously had work done, but he knows what it said. The cops told him after all. Thankfully Kenji got Azriel a new tank and it’s already set it up so Akaza puts him in it with his cap and some blueberries.  

“I went shopping yesterday and got all new groceries. His food is in the fridge as well.” 

Akaza hums and nods.  

A set of arms wraps around him. “You okay baby?” 

Akaza frowns. “If we’re going to have a baby, I think it’s time we think about a bigger place.” 

“Okay, if, you’re sure.” 

Akaza closes his eyes. “I can’t be here Kenj, It’s not safe. We need a place that your mom doesn’t know about.” 

Kenji sighs.  

Akaza turns in his fiancé’s arms and wraps his own around Kenji’s neck. Kenji touches their foreheads. “Your mom is already against us getting married. What happens if she finds out we’re trying to have a baby? I cant take that risk, can you?” 

Kenji sighs again. "No, you're absolutely right baby."

"In the meantime, I don't want to be here."

"Okay, I'll call Helen and Jack. They offered their spare room if we needed it."

Akaza nods. "Azriel?"

Kenji groans. "You're about to make me move that whole tank again, aren't you?"

Akaza grins and kisses his fiancé. "You're the best."

"Uh huh. Now that you're concussion free, I require payment first."

Akaza bites his bottom lip. He jumps and Kenji easily catches him and connects their lips again. "I'll pay any price you want."

Kenji groans. "Shit, that's sexy as hell baby."

Akaza grins. "So, you gonna collect or what?"

"Damn straight I am." Kenji carries him to the bedroom.