it had started, they noticed, with small looks.

taking in megumi and tsumiki when they were both in their teenage years was a bold decision, but they understood satoru’s reasoning behind it. time had passed soon enough, and they had become quite used to their life together with satoru and the kids. but it seemed like satoru was starting to have different thoughts.

it started with fleeting looks at baby stores when they’d go out for errand runs. then it started becoming longing looks at families walking by in the park when they’d take megumi and tsumiki outside. soon enough, their day was filled with satoru’s puppy eyes and small murmurs of how cute a baby would look around their house.

they’d even caught him conspiratorially whispering to megumi and tsumiki about whether they’d act like good elder siblings, or think he’d be a good dad. he really was obvious when he wanted something.

it was one late evening after putting the kids to bed, where they were cuddled on the couch, a random movie droning on in the background. they were feeling warm, comfortable in his arms and just about ready to slip off to sleep, when he spoke up, voice low with sleep. “I really think we’d make great parents... again.”

they could feel his smile against their shoulder, warm and sincere, as he whispered, “just imagine—a tiny version of you running around…or maybe me, but cuter and less trouble.”

maybe that wasn’t quite a bad image.