It’s been nearly a year since Megumi was born and Toji finally feels like he’s starting to catch up with everything.

Megumi’s almost a toddler now, finally able to do most toddler things. He walks, babbles out a “yes” or a “no” when asked a question, he doesn’t need a bottle every five minutes, he can sleep through the night alone, etc etc. Everything seems way easier now that Toji doesn’t have to play guessing games to figure out what the kid needs or wants in the moment.

It had been you to suggest taking Megumi out for the day. Your apartment was only so big, and with his newfound mobility, Megumi was beginning to scale things to satisfy his curiosity. After a successful climb to the top of the fridge, you and Toji both agreed it was time to get out of the house.

Despite being so small, Megumi has enough energy to power a small city.

Toji has had to run after Megumi’s little legs each time they began to drift too close to duck ponds or stranger’s leashed and growling dogs. On the other hand, with no concept of danger, Megumi was having the time of his life.

You had finally found the play area after nearly an hour of walking. There were other children there, but none seemed to keen to approach Megumi while Toji was around.

“Higher!” Megumi demands, hands gripping the swing’s reigns like a lifeline.

“If you go any higher you’re gonna fall out,” Toji huffs. Megumi’s cries grow repetitive and Toji sighs as he pushes the baby swing a little bit harder.

Toji glances back at you sitting pretty on the park bench. Your focus is on the camera in your hands and Toji’s almost embarrassed he’s dressed in a simple shirt and jeans today while you’re in one of your nicer dresses, but you had insisted you wanted authenticity with the photos. Authenticity sometimes means snapping a pic of him when he first opens his eyes, but Toji lets you have your fun. He just hopes you got his good side.