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With each step he takes towards the elevator, a squelch echoes around, wet socks struggling to hold their own weight, doing the exact opposite of keeping his feet warm. When he enters, the empty silence around him is mildly comforting. He shakes his head, his reflection in the adjacent mirror reminding him of dogs shaking off the wetness from their furs. Oikawa would've whined about him being gross if he'd done this beside him. The thought makes him smile, the cinnamon in his scent burning just a tiny bit softer. By the time he reaches his floor though, life weighs heavy on his shoulders.
It was a long day. A long, gloomy and ridiculous rainy day. He cannot wait to be inside of his little apartment, one that now smelled like baby powder and something unknowingly sweet. He knows the undying warmth would cradle him close, knows that the moment he sees his two treasures, the day's claws would retract from his bleeding body.
He isn't surprised to wait for two whole minutes before the door opens. Tooru can take all the time he needs, so long as he opens the door. Hajime can move the mountains, fish for the stars at midnight and prepare a Michelin star breakfast by the time the sun rises but currently, all he wanted was a moment to breathe-
The door opened to a very normal sight, their new normal, to be precise.
"Haru was about to fall asleep so I- fuck, you're soaked Iwa-chan, I told you to take your umbrella-"
Tooru's soft blue button down sweater is hanging off one shoulder and-
Is that dried drool over his collar?-
Hajime walks inside and closes the door behind him with a soft click.
"Calm down doll, I'm fine, see?"
His rough voice suggests anything but comfort and yet, seeing Tooru's state, the bags that grow darker every passing day, the scent that wafts in waves of stress, his brown hair that sticks in weird directions–fuck, Tooru's gonna have a breakdown if he sees that–the way he carries his body, exhaustion written into his very posture, Hajime thinks he can endure the cold seeping into his soaked body a little longer.
Tooru only sniffs twice and frowns, "hang your coat and go straight to the bathroom, you reek and if Haru smells all those unfamiliar scents he might get overwhelmed," he mutters and slowly walks back to where Haru, their 2 week old baby rests in the crib. He sits on the couch very gently and winces when he brings his feet up to lie down.
"Does it hurt bad?" he asks as he removes his shoes and socks, stepping into their living room. Tooru looks up at him then. The arm draped over his stomach is trembling, Hajime notices.
"No, just the routine, it'll go away soon"
The shakiness in his voice and the muted bitterness in his scent contradicts everything he said but Hajime decides not to push. He yawns, long and tired. His eyes burn from looking at stupid screens all day and his shoulders hurt so bad, a scalding hot shower might just be the remedy. He walks towards the bathroom, his steps light and heart heavy, "okay, I'll be right back."
Tooru simply hums and Hajime shuts the door behind him. As he peels the clothes away from his cold skin, he is reminded of the time when they were kids, carefree and stupid. Tooru used to drag him out of his house when the rain was the heaviest. They'd splash and jump and laugh like maniacs because they knew the sound of the rain was too loud for anyone to actually hear them. They'd both suffer from a bad case of runny nose the very next day but they couldn't care less. He groans when the water finally runs warm over his aching shoulders. Good times, huh.
It only takes him 10 minutes to step back into the living room, wearing a worn out t-shirt and shorts because although it's not freezing cold outside, their heater is running because Tooru gets cold easily. Hajime refrains from letting out an exasperated sigh when he sees Tooru's feet bare and as he steps closer, he's concerned.
Tooru hasn't moved from his place on the couch and yet, Hajime knows he isn't asleep. He can see it in the tight frame of his body, the controlled exhales, the way Tooru's face is pinched in that fake-relaxed expression that's usually reserved for outsiders and most importantly, his scent, that isn't muted now. The bitterness in his usually sweet vanilla scent flows freely, as if for all that he's trying to act normal, he forgot that he isn't using scent patches anymore. It's as if Tooru hasn't even realised that he'd ditched scent blockers since Haru was born two weeks ago.
"Tooru, you're shivering"
Hajime grimaces as Tooru jerks awake from the half dazed state and immediately sits up to check on Haru, as if his body was wired for the impromptu crying sessions from their baby. He watches his husband sigh in relief and lay back down, once again pausing to take a deep breath before lying down with a huff. He massages his own stomach with gentle presses and Hajime feels a pang of undeserved guilt.
"You need to tell me when the pain gets bad Tooru," Hajime walks around the crib and sits next to him on the couch, gently bringing Tooru's cold, swollen feet in his lap and massaging them, mindful to keep the pressure light. When Tooru's body melts into the couch, he knows he's doing it right.
"Well.....??"
Tooru's voice trembles as he responds, "it's bad Iwa-chan..."
Hajime frowns, it's been 2 whole weeks, the pain should be easing away, not worsening.
"Did you-"
"Yep, called the doctor, she said it's normal cramps, might continue in short bursts until the bleeding fully stops," he grumbles the last part.
Hajime hums, continuing to massage Tooru's feet. The knot inside his stomach loosens, Tooru was okay. Of course, pain exists, but he wasn't in danger. Hajime recalls the way he'd studied so much about pregnancy and its complications during the first few months of Tooru's pregnancy that he'd ventured into the rarer, life threatening conditions. He'd wanted to slap himself afterwards because horrifying images of Tooru lying in his own blood, Tooru screaming for help, Tooru choking on air had filled his head for a week after reading those articles. He'd wake up almost every night due to nightmares and it would result in Tooru getting disturbed from the little amount of sleep he could get due to his nausea. Tooru hadn't talked to him for an entire day after the fifth time he woke them up at midnight. And he was rightfully upset too, because Hajime still feels like his heart would've jumped out of his throat if Tooru hadn't cut him off and relayed the information from his doctor. His thoughts are interrupted by the omega whimpering, eyes shut closed, legs trembling, toes curling inwards. Hajime's hands automatically halt their movements.
"What happened..?"
"I'm- I'll have to- washroom, please," Tooru's voice wobbles towards the end and-
Oh.
Oh.
Hajime understands now, helping Tooru get up. Tooru whines once they start walking, his legs trembling and Hajime is tempted to carry Tooru bridal style but he fears hurting him more so he quietly shuffles them towards the bathroom.
"Do you want me to-"
He remembers the day he'd reached the hospital way too early during Tooru's stay and he'd giddily went into Tooru's room, hoping to surprise him, only to be greeted by the most painful sounding retches from the bathroom. The nurse had later explained that postpartum bleeding usually isn't a pretty sight and drastic hormonal changes resulted in symptoms like that so Tooru often suffered from nausea while changing, his body gagging and convulsing against his will until he got a hold of himself and managed to ignore the blood and the metallic smell that accompanied it.
"I'll manage, just stay right here please"
Hajime places a soft kiss on his temple, before letting go. The door closes with a soft click and Hajime swiftly scans the living room. The floors are clean and although there's a pile of clean laundry sitting on the loveseat, everything else is perfectly in its place. He walks to the kitchen and fuck- no dishes in the sink. Infact, the kitchen is sparkling. There's evidently no food though, they'd decided to order in for today so he's not surprised. Damn Tooru though, Hajime had warned him to not overexert himself. He sighs and walks back just in time as Tooru emerges from the bathroom, looking more sullen than before. He helps them to the couch once again and Tooru sighs when the pressure lifts off his feet.
"Hajime...."
Hajime hums, helping him lie down once again. The muted vanilla spikes into something closer to resentment, bitter and stale.
"I look so shitty..."
"You don't-"
"Stop lying, have you seen my hair-"
"You've been dealing with a lot and simply forgot to dry your hair properly this morning, it's fine"
"My eye bags are fucking purple-"
"Because you're not sleeping well, haven't been sleeping well since the last few months because your feet keep hurting"
Tooru stays quiet after that, closing his eyes, trying to reign in his scent. It's not easy and he fails but before Hajime could say any more, small cries fill the space between them.
Tooru brings a hand over his face, sighing tiredly and Hajime shifts to pick up Haru. He holds the tiny boy close to him and gently hums a lullaby, letting out his cinnamon scent in soothing waves, hoping to comfort Haru. It takes two minutes and Haru is fast asleep once again, tiny hiccups fading into soft, steady breaths. All the while Tooru stares at him with a mix of gratitude and envy.
Hajime grins, "what, you think I can't handle Haru when I've been handling someone named Oikawa Tooru?"
It brings a giggle out of Tooru so he continues, "trust me, I've got the required work experience"
"Nah, lemme see you handle him when he's hungry," Tooru looks at him in challenge, his scent turning lighter.
Hajime frowns, "uhh that's unfair, also, he's just like you damn, look at his face, he's drooling-"
"Hajime, I've got an entire folder of pics where you drool in your sleep-"
"Lemme put the tiny guy in his tiny bed and order dinner yeah?"
"Fucker-"
"Language!"
Tooru sighs but sinks further into the couch, rubbing slow circles on his lower stomach. Hajime leaves a feather-light kiss on Haru's forehead before carefully placing him inside the crib. He then kneels down on the carpet, now face to face with Tooru and brushes aside the bangs from his forehead.
"Be honest, how do you feel?" He leans in to scent Tooru, nuzzling his nose into the crown of his head.
"Like shit-"
"Tooru," he starts raking his fingers through the brown locks, gently untangling the knots.
"It's a mess down there Hajime," Tooru laughs, humourless.
"It's normal though, right?"
Tooru turns his face away, letting Hajime work his magic on the other side of his head, "yeah, the flow's turning lighter and it'll eventually stop but fuck, I'm tired of the constant bathroom trips"
"I wish I could help you skip this part..."
"I almost bled through the sheets yesterday and it would've been such a disaster Hajime, I felt like crying"
Hajime gently grabs Tooru's chin to look him in the eye, "not a big deal even if that happens, your comfort is the most important thing right now"
Tooru averts his eyes, "the pain has been easing up though, except for today..."
"Bad day, huh"
Tooru gently smacks his shoulder, "the biggest problem though..."
Hajime's scent spikes in worry, the cinnamon burning sharp and Tooru cannot help but feel warm.
"My...um..."
Hajime simply stares at him, "Tooru you're worrying me"
"My chest hurts..."
Hajime's eyes involuntarily move down his chest and Tooru giggles, shy.
"What are you giggling for...?"
"You're just- it's so weird to see you like this, all concerned eyes and shit-"
"I've always been concerned for you, you stupid piece of-"
Tooru giggles, "language, Iwa-chan-"
Hajime easily shuts him up with a soft kiss and rests his forehead against Tooru's, "you worry me all the time, doll"
His sharp scent mellows out and engulfs them in warmth, mixing beautifully with Tooru's own vanilla sweetness. He licks Tooru's ears, "what do you wanna eat?"
Tooru squeaks at the sudden gesture, "w-wait, that tickles- miso soup!-"
"Alright, lemme order it"
Hajime reaches for his phone from the table and places a quick order before turning his attention back to Tooru.
"So...do you want me to help...?"
Tooru looks at him in question.
"Your, umm-" he looks down at his chest and Tooru blushes, looking away.
"How exactly are you planning to help me, Hajime?" He's teasing and yet, Hajime can't help but notice the tiniest hint of vulnerability peeking through.
He places a kiss on his forehead, "I've read that gentle massages help"
Tooru's face scrunches up and Hajime rushes to explain, "warm oil, it wouldn't hurt and the pain would lessen considerably"
Tooru looks torn, "Haru-chan needs to feed though..."
Hajime looks at the clock and it's very probable that Haru would wake up soon.
He sighs, "after dinner?"
Tooru nods and whimpers when Hajime starts placing tender kisses across his neck. They spend a while just like that, Hajime pumping out his scent in mellow, soothing wafts as he adores Tooru. Their combined scent blooms in waves and soon, the apartment is filled with warm cinnamon and soft vanilla. Tooru's body turns into jelly, boneless and limp as if he's sinking into the couch. It isn't long before the doorbell rings and Hajime gets up from his place on the floor, knees protesting. Tooru whines at the loss but Hajime simply ruffles his head. He checks on Haru–still asleep–and makes his way towards the entrance.
When he comes back, Tooru is already in the kitchen, waiting for him. He hands Tooru his miso soup and starts unpacking his own tonkotsu ramen. They spend their dinner in small talk and when Tooru reaches for a piece of deep fried pork from Hajime's meal, they swap their bowls. At one point, Tooru whines about suddenly craving ice-cream and Hajime proudly pulls out the tub of butterscotch ice-cream he'd hidden inside their fridge yesterday. He'd actually wanted to surprise Tooru but the latter was already asleep by the time he'd reached home last night. Seems like it all paid off though, because Tooru almost cries when he eats it, saying that he didn't even realise there was ice-cream in the fridge but Hajime manages to prevent a stupidly adorable breakdown. They're cleaning up the dining table when soft hiccups fill the room.
Tooru walks out into the living room and picks up Haru, cradling his tiny head with utter softness and gently patting his back. When the cries don't stop, he sighs and turns to Hajime.
"I'll be in our room, can you bring the crib with you when you're done here?"
Hajime nods, "be there soon"
Hajime cleans up what little mess exists from their dinner and goes to the entrance to lock the main door, simultaneously switching off the lights. He then picks up the crib and walks towards their room only to be greeted by the most heartbreaking sight, Tooru smiling down at their pup while feeding, whispering what Hajime guesses are half-hearted scoldings.
"You're such a greedy little thing Haru-chan, sooo hungry aren't you?" Tooru's voice is soft and teasing, Hajime had heard this tone for the first time when Tooru started talking to Haru during the 4th month of his pregnancy.
"Haru's my sweetest little pie, isn't he? My pretty little muffin, you're so noisy too, did you learn that from me? hmm?" His voice turns adorable, as if he's trying to match Haru's little hums and whines.
"Iwa-chan's got two yappers now huh, we're gonna be soooo noisy together, he's gonna have premature grey hairs" Tooru's whispering now, using that stupidly adorable suspicious voice, as if Haru actually understands a single word, as if Hajime would ever want anything else but his two yappers talking his ears off beside him. The sight in front of him makes him want to bite Tooru's cheeks. Or kiss them. Both.
Haru moves his face away from Tooru's body right then and coos the most heartbreaking tiny coo, as if affirming Tooru's sweet-talk. Tooru laughs and kisses Haru's cheeks, wiping Haru's tiny mouth with his sweater sleeve-
Hajime really needs to buy more burp cloths (though with Tooru being Tooru, he doubts they'll actually be used).
He watches as Tooru brings their baby's face closer to his chest once again, this time on the other side, letting him feed some more. Tooru keeps his hand cupped under Haru's head for support as he feeds. Haru has one hand clenched on Tooru's pinky, tiny fingers struggling to fully wrap around the digit while the other rests on Tooru's bare chest.
He regrets not bringing his phone with him, he desperately wants to capture this tender moment but oh well. He sighs, rueful, and places the crib next to their bed. Tooru looks up at him and Hajime cannot help the way his heart tugs painfully inside his chest. Tooru looks so devastatingly beautiful and yet, there's no fireworks going off in the background, just the soft sounds from Haru's suckling that fill the space between them and it couldn't have been more perfect. He walks around and sits beside Tooru, gently caressing Haru's small head. The soft, wispy strands of brown hair fill Hajime's eyes with tears and all of a sudden, he feels embarrassed because what even is wrong with him?
Tooru looks at him and scoffs, "your scent right now, it's so sweet Iwa-chan, one would think you're the one who birthed Haru"
Hajime kisses him on the cheek, "nah, that'd be you, I'm nowhere near as ridiculously sweet as you"
Haru makes a loud whine at that and Tooru giggles as leans his weight onto Hajime, "I feel like I'm trapped in a liminal space...like time is moving too fast and yet, Haru's right here"
Hajime understands, wrapping an arm around Tooru's body, though what he feels might be comparatively easier to grasp than what Tooru feels as an omega. Two weeks ago, Haru was just a name, a scanned image, a swell of Tooru's belly and now, Haru is right here, taking up space, holding Tooru's pinky finger and making soft noises.
He shifts so that Tooru's more comfortable and kisses him on the forehead, "I think I understand that feeling, it's overwhelming sometimes"
Tooru hums and doesn't get to say more because Haru starts shifting restlessly. He's had his fill and Hajime volunteers to help him burp. Tooru hands him over, wipes his drooling mouth with his sweater sleeve and places a burp cloth on Hajime's shoulder.
"The burp cloth's right there and you still resort to using your sleeves," Hajime chides half-heartedly as he gently pats Haru's back until he burps and the soft noises fade into softer yawns.
"I keep forgetting, sorry," Tooru doesn't sound sorry at all, infact, he sounds teasing.
"Sure you are," he walks around the bedroom until Haru burps again, yawning right after in the tiniest exhale, face scrunching adorably.
"Think he's done for the day, huh"
Tooru whines, "not really, he's gonna wake me up at the ass crack of dawn"
"Well, that's his job for now"
Tooru snorts, "his job is to be tiny and cute and pretty, not paint eyebags on my face"
Hajime laughs then, "come on, let me tend to him then"
His tone is light but Tooru knows there's truth in there. But the thing is, his body is simply more attuned to Haru's cries. He's constantly on edge since Haru was born and always wakes up right before Hajime does, so he usually tells Hajime to go back to sleep. Of course, it's taking a toll on him.
"I'll try tonight..."
Hajime's shoulders relax as he places Haru in his crib, "you're improving at this.."
"What?"
Hajime returns to the bed once Haru's settled, "getting better at accepting help," he ruffles Tooru's hair.
Tooru doesn't respond, closing his eyes as Hajime helps him lie down, fluffing up the pillows so that he's as comfortable as possible. If Hajime notices the way Tooru's vanilla blends into melancholic sour notes, the way his breath hitches as if he's about to cry, he doesn't mention it.
"I'll be right back," he kisses Tooru on the forehead and walks back out.
When he returns with a glass of water, some pills and a tiny bottle of sweet almond oil, Tooru looks half asleep, eyes dazed and body limp. He closes the door behind him and places the items on the bedside table.
"Hey, I hope you remember your appointment with Mr. Iwaizumi, a light massage session was it?"
Tooru grins sleepily but plays along, "oh thank you so much, I almost forgot about it"
Hajime sits beside him, "trust me, he doesn't do refunds"
"Oh yeah? good thing I've got my own Mr. Iwaizumi then, huh?"
The tips of Hajime's ears burn, warmth rushing throughout his body but he survives, "you're one lucky piece of shit, Tooru"
Tooru smiles then, genuine and tender, "I sure am"
Hajime doesn't respond, helping Tooru out of his sweater. When Tooru whines, hands coming up to hide his body, Hajime tuts, "don't hide yourself, doll"
Tooru looks away, "I don't know Iwa-chan...I don't really feel-"
Hajime doesn't wait to hear anything else, he gently tugs on Tooru's arms and places tender kisses on each palm. Tooru's scent turns mellow and sweet as Hajime starts trailing soft kisses up along his arms. He shudders when Hajime places wet, open mouthed kisses on the inside of his wrists and feels floaty by the time Hajime reaches his shoulders, nuzzling his face into the crook of his neck, coaxing more of the milky vanilla from his scent glands.
Tooru whispers, "Hajime..."
Hajime keeps licking over his swollen glands, "hmm?"
"I'll fall asleep...and I want my massage before that"
Hajime snorts, lightly biting on his ear, "look who's all excited now"
Tooru pinches Hajime's arm, reveling in the soft gasp that echoes after.
Hajime gets up with a huff and reaches for the oil, rubbing a few drops between his palms to warm up.
"Insufferable, you're insufferable, Tooru"
"And you love me"
Hajime nods, "I do, how's the pain there?" he motions at Tooru's stomach.
"It's better now, the soup helped"
Hajime hums and starts lightly, rubbing the sweet almond oil all over Tooru's neck and collarbones first, letting him get used to the touch. Once Tooru turns boneless, he actually starts massaging his neck and chest, gently rubbing the oil into his skin and is satisfied when Tooru sighs in relief. Tooru still isn't used to holding a baby's weight so he often causes himself strains and sore spots when his body involuntarily tenses up. Hajime knows this because he's read about it, sue him.
He then moves lower, feels the swell of tissue gradually thickening into soft mounds. Tooru's sighs turn into soft whimpers when Hajime tilts the bottle above his chest and the oil trickles, goosebumps blooming across his skin. Hajime rubs the oil in small circles, now extremely careful about the pressure. He can almost feel the tight soreness beneath his fingers as they wander near red, chaffed nipples. Tooru whines when Hajime's finger slips over one of the swollen buds, body jerking away from the touch.
"Hajime- gently please"
"Sorry, I'll be careful"
Hajime is extra careful as he massages both breasts, mindful to keep the pressure light. Some drops of milk leak out and Tooru giggles, shy and bashful, when Hajime leans down to lick.
"Shameless, Iwa-chan"
"Fuck, you're so sweet Tooru," Hajime groans as he sucks gently on one of the buds and Tooru whimpers, tugging on Hajime's hair.
"Hajime- ah, fuck-"
Hajime's mouth leaves his swollen nipple and all of a sudden, Tooru is being kissed. His own milk, warm and mildly sweet, mixed with the nutty flavour of oil and the barest hint of cinnamon trickles into his mouth and he cannot help but moan brokenly into the kiss, hands trembling where they hold onto Hajime's shoulders. His entire body is engulfed in Hajime's scent, every single thought disappearing until all that's left is Hajime, the syllables of his name echoing throughout his soul.
When the tremors don't stop, Hajime gently rubs Tooru's arms, letting him take his time, "shh, you're so perfect doll, so pretty"
"H-Hajime..."
"Relax for me Tooru"
He keeps massaging Tooru's trembling arms, coaxing him to release his hold and Tooru's body soon relaxes once again, soft sighs leaving him.
"It's better now..."
"Yeah?"
"Hmm..."
Hajime's continues the same motions for a while, gently massaging his neck, chest and arms until Tooru looks on the brink of sleep, body exhausted and mind ready to float in dreams.
"Hey..."
Tooru slurs an affirmation, one hand coming up to hold Hajime's.
Hajime huffs, reaching over the bedside table to grab a few wet wipes, "you gotta take your meds, doll"
He gently cleans the oil from Tooru's body and Tooru whines, "don' wanna..."
He coaxes Tooru into his sweater once again and helps him sit up, "nah, you do"
He pops out one pill from each packet and hands the glass of water to Tooru, who immediately takes a sip. Hajime places the pills in Tooru's waiting hand and watches as the omega gulps down each tablet one by one. When Tooru's done, he starts slumping back down on the bed, reaching for the covers but Hajime stops him.
"Go to the washroom or else you'll have to wake up later"
Tooru's face scrunches up but he holds out grabby hands, prompting Hajime to help him down. Hajime loves when Tooru gets like this, loves when his inner omega comes to the forefront and Tooru is all clingy and pliant, no hint of snarkiness, only Tooru's adorable self shining through. He wouldn't admit it out loud but his inner alpha practically dances when he gets to pamper Tooru, giddy and stupidly happy. Hajime helps him down and towards the washroom. When they return later, Haru's still dozing off and Tooru sighs when his feet are relieved from the pressure, swiftly lying down on the mess of blankets. By the time Hajime switches off the bedside lamp, Tooru is out like light. He tugs the blanket from under the omega and drapes it over his body instead, making sure to tuck his feet in warmth. He'd stopped trying to convince Tooru to wear socks when he was met with a meltdown during his 4th day in the hospital. His feet are prone to cold and the compression socks would've helped with the pain too but, well.
And although Tooru usually has the upper hand at getting what he wants, Hajime isn't one to back down from a challenge either. He'll massage his omega's feet when they hurt, make sure Tooru's engulfed in warmth–as he's supposed to be–and let Tooru use his sleeves to wipe Haru's drool so long as he's sure that Tooru doesn't struggle alone. He scents Tooru under the blankets, rubbing his nose and mouth over Tooru's cheeks and Tooru unconsciously shifts closer to him. Once again, there's this persistent, all consuming feeling inside his chest that's yearning to break through. His babies are right here, Tooru in his embrace and Haru right beside them in his tiny crib. The room smells safe and happy and so utterly soft, Hajime feels it is unfair that he cannot trap scents into a tiny jar. He wants to capture this serene night into a forever he could always come back to. It's unfair-
Tooru murmurs something in his sleep, whiny and incoherent and Hajime holds him tighter, tenderly kissing his forehead.
｡.ﾟ｡･ω･｡.ﾟ｡
When Haru wakes them in the dead of the night, soft whimpers filling the room, it's Tooru who wakes up first, as usual. But before he's able to get up, Hajime's arms tighten around him.
"Lemme check on him..." Hajime's deep voice startles Tooru as he sits up.
"Iwa-chan...you gotta go to work tomorrow-"
"Sleep, Tooru"
It sounds funny, because Tooru can hear the utter sleepiness in Hajime's voice but there's something about Hajime's eyes. Even in the dark, Tooru can feel Hajime staring at him, as if daring to challenge him. So he lays back down, his instincts screaming at him to hold Haru in his arms. Haru's whimpers haven't turned to full fledged cries yet but Tooru knows they soon will.
Hajime switches on the bedside lamp and gets up, his joints cracking. He picks Haru up once he's sure he doesn't need a diaper change and walks back towards the bed, handing Tooru the swaddled bundle of their baby. Tooru is confused but holds Haru close, whispering sweet nothings to him.
"Do you think he's hungry?" Tooru asks as he pats Haru's back.
"Nah, I think he's just unable to regulate his body temperature, he quiets down when you hold him, right?"
"Yeah..."
Tooru kisses Haru's head, continuing to gently rub his tiny back. Hajime takes out the crib mattress and places it beside Tooru, who hums in approval, understanding where this is going. He also brings the burp cloths and an extra swaddle cloth, placing them on the bedside table before climbing the bed. Tooru places Haru on the tiny mattress between them, careful about the position of his neck. Haru's whimpers have softened down to tiny hiccups and Tooru knows he's alright. Hajime cups Haru's head and scents him, rubbing his nose over Haru's tiny cheeks. When he's done, he finds Tooru looking at him with an unbearable fondness in his eyes.
"Why did I never think of this..."
Hajime smirks, "I mean, I do believe I'm the brighter flame between the two of us so," and giggles when Tooru smacks him on his shoulder.
"Seriously though, I'm so happy right now," Tooru's voice wobbles at the end as he kisses Haru's tiny palms and Hajime cannot believe he's about to cry in the middle of the night-
So much for a peaceful night for the three of them.
"Haru-chan's right here Tooru, go to sleep," he gently coaxes Tooru to return back to his much needed, well deserved sleep.
"Iwa-chan's right here too," Tooru's voice is simultaneously thick with sleep and emotions.
"Always right here, doll"
He leans over to kiss a dazed Tooru's forehead and then does the same for a sleepy Haru before switching off the bedside lamp.
Haru's steady breaths sing a lullaby between the two of them as they venture into the dreamland. The sweet scent of vanilla and the cinnamon warm that engulfs them is a soft reflection of their tiny, safe bubble, Haru blooming like a spring flower right in the center of it.