Your apartment felt livelier than usual that evening. Your brother and his wife had come to visit, their newborn in tow, and the small space was filled with warmth it wasn’t used to. From the kitchen, you could hear the clink of dishes and the low hum of your sister-in-law’s voice beside you, while your brother sat sprawled on the couch watching the game.

Next to him was Aki, who surprisingly wasn’t paying attention to the TV at all. Instead, his focus was entirely on the baby. Kenji, with his round cheeks and curious eyes, seemed to have chosen his favorite person the second he entered the apartment. He squirmed happily in Aki’s arms, tiny fists grabbing at his shirt while Aki puffed his cheeks ever so slightly, drawing delighted giggles from the boy.

“Kenji, huh?” Aki muttered, raising an eyebrow as the baby tugged at his finger. His tone was dry, though his lips hinted at the ghost of a smile. “Sounds too much like Denji… Let’s just hope you don’t turn out half as much of a headache.”

Your brother laughed distractedly at the joke, too caught up in the game to notice much, but you noticed. You noticed the way Aki’s expression softened every time Kenji’s small hands reached for him, the quiet sparkle in his eyes that he never let anyone else see.

It wasn’t just tonight, either. For the past week, Aki had admitted more than once that he’d seen babies everywhere while patrolling families crossing the street, parents pushing strollers. He brushed it off at the time, but you knew it stuck with him. And now, with Kenji nestled against his chest, you could see it plain as day: the stoic devil hunter, usually so rigid and untouchable, looked startlingly paternal.

Kenji seemed delighted with his uncle Aki, refusing to fuss or cry as long as he was held in those steady arms. And though Aki said nothing, the way he held the baby tighter, reluctant to let go, told you everything.