Love and Other Surprises – Love Through the Seasons

Chapter 1: Autumn Love

#

Noise awoke Yokozawa from deep slumber, something that he'd not had in a long time. Well, not since he met the Kirishima's that is. For years Yokozawa could rarely sleep well, a million thoughts floating about his head, whether it be work or personal. Now though, these two Kirishima's had wriggled their way into his heart, finding cosy spots which no amount of bickering between the two men could break their hold on him. It made ridiculously fuzzy feelings build within Yokozawa's stomach on a daily basis.

Letting off a yawn, his body telling him it was time to rise and shine for the day, the salesman turned his steely blue gaze onto the spot beside him and an eyebrow raised when he realised it was vacant. His hand went out, the sheets cold to the touch. Kirishima had clearly not been in bed for some time now. That in itself was insanely weird. If Kirishima had to go to work, even if it was a precious Saturday or Sunday off, the man would rouse him from slumber for a few moments, telling him where he would be going and then give him a sensual kiss, morning breath and all, before leaving him alone.

Thoughts suddenly left Yokozawa when he heard thudding footsteps, knowing exactly who had made them and he rose from the comfort of the warm bed, picking up his partner's long sleeved shirt which he, most embarrassingly, liked the feel of and wore it often on the weekend. It was a lazy Sunday, one he hadn't had in a long time, doing a lot of overtime in the office, whilst Kirishima had been having rare Sunday's off...not that he was jealous or anything...

Ok, he was.

As he was going here, there and everywhere to do with work, frustrations mounted and could clearly be seen by glancing at the creased eyebrows and the scowl on his face. However, these days Yokozawa was rare to explode, since he mainly worked overtime on his own, or he was on business trips trying to figure out better sales pitches and bookshelf designs for manga which were not doing as well as Marukawa higher-ups hoped. And when the senior sales rep was away on business, he needn't worry about a thing as his phone would be littered with messages, photos and video clips, the Kirishima's and his son having a great time together.

Of course he was a little jealous not being there, but Kirishima would always tell him that eventually the holidays would come around and the four of them would be off on adventures together. Just that thought made Yokozawa work harder and faster.

#

After visiting the bathroom and washing his hands and face, Yokozawa ruffled a hand through his dishevelled hair and thudded down the hallway, making his way into the large open plan living room and came upon one of the most adorable scenes in his entire life to date.

"Papa Zen, Papa Zen! I'm ready!" Yokozawa was gazing at his young son, dressed in a black shirt and a pair of denim overalls. A baseball hat was on his head, Yokozawa noticing it was Kirishima's favourite baseball team. A pair of white socks were on Sora's feet, and he held a plastic rake and bucket in his tiny hands. His gaze, which had been fixated on his little boy instantly moved to the smiling face of Kirishima Zen, who was affectionately known as Papa Zen by Sora these days.

Within the first week that the four of them started cohabiting together, Yokozawa wasn't sure if Kirishima had convinced his boy to call him that or whether Sora had done it himself. Either way, his child was smitten with his lover and the feeling was mutual for sure. And since Hiyo had stopped referring to her own father as Papa there was no way Kirishima was going to stop the adorable boy from calling him that. It did, after all, always bring a massive smile to his face which Yokozawa usually rolled his eyes over, but of course the man did look insanely handsome with such a blissful expression on his chiselled face. And to think it was his young son who did it.

"Well take a look at you." Kirishima grinned down at the energetic Sora. "Are you sure you are ready for this Little Man?" Yokozawa couldn't help but smirk as Kirishima, dressed in ripped jeans and a stained shirt, squatted in front of his son, straightening the baseball cap on the youngsters head. Whilst Sora had given him a nickname, his lover had done the exact same thing.

"Hai!" Sora beamed a winning smile, laughter bubbling from him as Kirishima lifted him up and then headed off on their secret mission outside.

"Aren't they cute?" The salesman jolted, eyes glancing down to another beaming smile.

"Hiyo-chan," She took his hand, leading him out onto the back porch, the two of them watching on as Kirishima began raking leaves! Chores was never his strong point, but with the medium sized yard and with autumn in full swing, there were red, brown and yellow leaves everywhere.

"Otousan has grown a fondness for raking leaves." Yokozawa remained silent, watching the duo in front of him. "I think it has something to with his adorable little helper there." Hiyo beamed another smile as she slipped her arm around her beloved Oniichan's waist while the both of them watched as Sora sunk his tiny hands into the dry leaves and began to fill his bucket up, pure concentration on his face and his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth. Yokozawa was in awe that even though he and his son had only just begun to live together, his little boy was doing exactly what he did if he were concentrating hard when he were a youngster.

When Sora had agreed to live with him, he had every intention of moving the youngster into his one bedroom apartment, but in the end, the two Yokozawa's moved in with the Kirishima's instead. He was still amazed that the Kirishima's were not phased at all at him having a child. In fact, it only took mere seconds before Hiyo and Sora became best friends, she having matured even more in such a short period of time as she took on the role of big sister with great enthusiasm and delight. So much so that she was slowly getting Sora to help her make bento for all of them these days. At first Yokozawa was a little saddened that his own son seemed to be taking his place, but it turned out that Hiyo was just teaching Sora some responsibility, even at his young age, which both men grinned at and she still loved making breakfast, dinner and desserts with him a lot. And whilst he and Hiyo had their moments together, the salesman was silently thrilled that Kirishima was taking his role as Papa Zen very seriously (most of the time) and had a lot of one on one time with his new little man.

And even though Yokozawa was still shit scared about being in a relationship again, the fact that he was loved in good times and bad, and they were going so strong too, he was determined to make this work by hell or high water. And when he saw how happy his little boy was with his new extended family...what more could Yokozawa ever ask for?

"I hope Sora hasn't taken Hiyo's place in helping with raking leaves."

"Well, Otousan and I have never had a yard big enough to do something like that." Of course, the only place Hiyo had known was the apartment that her father had bought with her dearly departed mother. "I don't mind at all, and anyway, my little brother is so cute!" Hiyo gushed like an adoring big sister which the salesman grinned at her for, placing his hand atop her head before pressing a light kiss to it. God he was so damn lucky to have them.

"Hiyo-neechan, come play!" Sora waved gaily over at them and whilst Yokozawa took a seat on the covered porch, watching on with a tiny goofy smile on his face as Hiyo's maturity all but evaporated, even if it was just for a moment, as she jumped into the leaves with her little companion who was laughing hysterically at their antics.

#

Over two months ago, when Yokozawa had met the Kirishima's half way in the park, wanting to introduce them to his little boy, he had felt sick to his stomach, thinking it was all a dream and he would wake up and realise he was still alone and Sora wasn't with him. However that just didn't happen as Yokozawa presented his little boy to the awestruck Kirishima's. He watched on as Kirishima took hold of Sora's small hand, holding it so gently like the youngster was going to break before him. When he watched such a serene smile spread across the man's face, as Sora gave him a massive smile of his own, the tension in his shoulders instantly vanished.

"Hi Sora, my name is Hiyori." Hiyo gushed sweetly, Yokozawa placing his little boy on his feet and watched the two youngsters clasp hands. With a deep breath the salesman took the Kirishima's over to his sister, introducing her and then the three adults sat down to chat while Sora took Hiyo over to the play equipment to entertain each other and to also introduce her to his cousins.

An unexpected rain shower had hindered the outing, but there had been promises to meet again for more family outings. And whilst Yokozawa had blushed awkwardly at the 'family' comment, the dashing Kirishima took it in his stride and agreed for more outings to occur and he'd be sure to bring along his extended family as well. That of course had surprised Yokozawa as he felt it was still early days for Kirishima's parents to be subjected to them when they were together. But Kirishima was never phased and whilst the man's parents had been shocked by their relationship, they had accepted him like family as he of all people was making the adorable duo happy.

"Papa Zen that tickles!" Yokozawa broke from his thoughts and gazed upon his giggling son who was in the middle of receiving a tickle torture from his lover.

He was still yet to introduce the elder couple to his little boy, even if he and Sora had been living with the Kirishima's for over a month now. The Editor-in-Chief pestered him non-stop, but he respected Yokozawa's wishes and although he would pout, he was sure that his adorable lover would soon come round to the fact that his laid back and sweet parents would fall in love with Sora just like he and Hiyo had. Plus he was certain they would be excited to have another grandchild they could spoil as well. Kirishima's brother and sister did not reside in Tokyo with their families so Hiyo generally always did receive the most attention from his parents. At constantly hearing those very words of encouragement from Kirishima, it made Yokozawa begin to ponder the very concept.

When the outing in the park was interrupted by the rain that day, it had been a quiet taxi ride back to the suburbs. Yokozawa had felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and pulled it out, reading a message from his sister. She had approved of the Kirishima's in an instant and boldly brought up the taboo topic of their parents, far too lightly, and suggested that he get back in contact with them, to introduce them to their grandson which she always passed off as a friends son if they ever saw him in photos and such. It appeared their parents had accepted such a lame excuse and even that made Yokozawa furious that they had completely forgotten all about him since they were blind to see the similarities between Sora and their own bloody son! Albeit a disowned one at that!

Yokozawa had shaken the thought from his mind as he turned his attention to Sora and Hiyo, both were snoozing in the back of the taxi next to him, leaning adorably against each other as Sora had not once let go of Hiyo's hand when they had met. Yokozawa had sneakily taken a photo of the adorable duo and then sent it to Kirishima who grinned like an idiot once he saw it, which wasn't until after he paid the fare and then the two men carried their children into the house.

The salesman blushed terribly when he was toeing off his shoes and glanced up, just in the nick of time as Kirishima had locked lips with him, mumbling welcome home. Although he hadn't agreed to move in right then and there, it was like Kirishima had a sixth sense to know that eventually he would cave. It of course happened two weeks later, Yokozawa needing time to place his apartment up for sale and box up his belongings and sell anything he didn't need.

He had followed his older lover through the home as Hiyo was the first to be tucked into bed and then Kirishima directed Yokozawa towards another bedroom, surprise on his face as he noticed Sora's name was on the door. Kirishima opened the door and flicked on the light, watching eagerly for the salesan's approval. The bedroom was a mass of toys from dinosaurs, transformers, blocks, books, glow in the dark stars on the ceiling and a massive bed for him to grow into. It was utterly perfect.

"You really spoilt him."

"I spoil what I love." Again Yokozawa's lips were stolen from him and then he watched on as Kirishima took his son from his arms and with little effort and without waking him, tucked him into bed and turned on a night light which shone even more stars about the blue walls. The two men tip-toed out of the room, keeping the door slightly ajar and the hallway light on so Sora would not get scared if he awoke during the night.

Placing the rest of the house into darkness, it was now time for Kirishima to drag Yokozawa to their bedroom for the evening.

#

"Tochan, you come play too!" Yokozawa was snapped from his thoughts once again and turned his full attention to his little boy who had come running up the back porch steps, hands patting his knees excitedly, cheeks a rosy red as a cool breeze swept through the neighbourhood.

"I should be..." The salesman stopped, his gaze moving up and over to glance at Kirishima and Hiyo, they both had identical hopeful facial expressions, wanting him to drop his serious and mature character and come play with them...all together...just like a family should on days like this. "Actually, I'd love to." Yokozawa picked up his giggling boy, and made quick work to the Kirishima's and the rest of the morning was filled with laughter and autumn leaves flying everywhere.

#

"Father, Oniichan, can Sora and I go pick up dinner together?" Both men turned their gazes to their children to see them standing in front of their seated selves, hand in hand and hopeful looks on their faces. "We won't be long, after all, its only just down the road."

"I'm alright with it, what about you Takafumi?" Kirishima handed over some money to his daughter. He loved how much she adored Sora. And he figured he would try and make such a simple routine seem very easy indeed, which it totally was, if not for the adorable worried look on his lovers face.

"Don't talk to strangers." Hiyo grinned as this was a big step for her beloved Oniichan to allow her and Sora to undertake an errand on their own. "No stopping in the park either." Hiyo's brown orbs glanced down to the pouting Sora.

"I'll take you to the park after school tomorrow." And the youngsters grin was back in full force.

"You have to be back in half an hour." Yokozawa voiced sternly.

"What if our order is not completely ready though?" Hiyo replied back.

"45 minutes maximum. If you aren't back by 7, your father and I are coming to look for the both of you." Both kids squealed in delight, their feet pounding towards the front door. "Take your coats, its getting colder out there." Yokozawa followed them to the entrance, watching as Hiyo buttoned up Sora's jacket and then did her own.

"Bye!" They voiced in unison, the front door clicking closed behind them, the sensor light clicking on automatically as the gate opened and closed and then there was silence.

A grunt burst from Yokozawa's lips as Kirishima encircled him within his strong arms, chin dropping to rest against his left shoulder. "Are you alright?" The Editor-in-Chief mumbled against his ear, turning it slightly pink as he decided to turn his head and press his lips to the side of his very sensitive neck.

"I-I'm fine..." Kirishima let out a chuckle as he pulled his dear companion back into their living room.

"Whilst I can see straight through your lie, I'll let it slip for now and just comment on that being a major step as father for you." Kirishima found a curious gaze upon him. "Come on, you hated the very idea of Hiyo being stuck at home on her own and yet you've just allowed the both of them to venture off, right on sunset, on their own together."

"Ma-Maybe I should go after them." A gasp broke from Yokozawa's lips as Kirishima pulled him onto the couch, holding him against his lean body, his back to Kirishima's lean and muscular chest.

"Don't be such a worrisome Tochan. They'll be back before you know it. And besides, this is my moment to have you all to myself." Yokozawa was unable to respond in a scathing tone of voice as his head was turned and then lips enveloped his own. Kirishima's hidden passion was awakening his body, advising him that it had been quite awhile since he'd felt those strong hands glide up his shuddering skin.

"St-Stop it..." Yokozawa mumbled, face reddening as a groan burst from his lips.

"I know, I know, the kids will be home soon." The Editor-in-Chief laid back on the couch, pulling his adorable salesman flush over his lean body. "At least let me hold you until they get back." Kirishima requested and the two men fell silent until,

"Zen," The fingers which were gliding up and down his back immediately stopped. Calling the man by his given name was still relatively new for Yokozawa, but he enjoyed how much his lover adored it.

"Mmmmm?" The handsome Editor-in-Chief drawled back, remembering the sound and vibrations of his name rolling off Yokozawa's lips.

"As the end of the cycle has finished for Japun, for now in any case, do you think you'll be free next Saturday?"

"Are you asking me on a date?" Yokozawa raised his upper body away, peering into the man's sparkling almond gaze. He knew he was being teased and he vowed not to take a bite.

"Lets celebrate the end of autumn with the kids and have a picnic."

"Sounds like a great idea." Yokozawa watched a look flash over Kirishima's face and waited for the man to voice what had just popped into his head. He was, after all, getting used to what looks meant what with this handsome man. "I just remembered there is a community festival happening in the park down the street. Hiyo was raving about it earlier and asked about going to it but it had slipped my mind with all the stuff that's been going on at work."

"Sora would like that."

"Mm, so how about it, want to make an evening of it? Head for the festival and have a picnic as well?"

"We'll discuss it with them when they get back." Kirishima grinned as Yokozawa gazed down at the time on his watch.

"No, its not time yet."

"Sh-Shut up..." Yokozawa grumbled. Even he knew he was being worrisome, but he couldn't help it. They had the cutest kids (he didn't mind acknowledging that himself) in the world and he would hate for anything to ever happen to them.

"Oh, Hiyo made mention of wanting to wear yukata as well, so want to give it a go?"

"Err... I don't think I've worn attire like that since my coming of age."

"I've a couple yukata in my cupboard, we can mull over it when the festival comes closer, yeah?"

"Mm... I'll have to get Sora one too."

"He's going to look so freaking cute." Yokozawa chuckled at the comment.

"You say that about him a lot you know."

"Well, he's a mini you, I was in love the moment I saw him." The room went dead silent. "Ah, are you blushing?" Kirishima tried bending his head to check but Yokozawa was quick to duck it out of sight and then quickly composed himself.

"I was thinking we should make it an extended family event."

"Oh sure, I'm cool with you bringing your sister and her family along. Hiyo and Sora will be really excited to see them again, its been awhile after all."

"Oh, well, sure I can invite Midori and the family to come along, but what I was really trying to say is...could you invite your parents?"

"Seriously? You're ready to introduce Sora to my parents?" Yokozawa gave a jerked nod of the head and was once again engulfed in a Kirishima bear hug and a passionate kiss.

"They're going to love our boy." And the salesman flushed once more at Kirishima's response.

Both men remained in the embrace until their was noise from the front door, both Hiyo and Sora returning safely which meant Kirishima had to finally let go of his lover (for now) and watched him straighten out his clothing and hair before heading into the kitchen to begin setting the table, a tiny smile on his lips as Kirishima went about telling them both about all of them going to the festival and having a picnic as well.

#

The working week went by in a flash and it was now Saturday afternoon and the Kirishima-Yokozawa household was getting ready for their outing. Early morning had seen the salesman off on his errand with Sora to pick out a new yukata and in the process the businessman had sneakily bought one for Hiyo, Kirishima and himself. They'd returned home with their gifts, both Kirishima's surprised at the offerings and Yokozawa had mumbled something along the lines of wanting everyone to have new clothing for new family traditions. He was soon smothered in hugs which was way more embarrassing.

"Is everyone nearly ready?" Yokozawa called from the kitchen, placing on the last lid of the food that he and Hiyo had been cooking once he returned from his outing. He was dressed in a plain black yukata which had thick navy blue and white stripes on it. He wasn't all that fussed with the amount of patterns there were and had chosen plain and simple for himself and for Kirishima.

"Have I got this right? Its been ages since I wore a yukata myself." Yokozawa turned his gaze and felt his breath catch at the sight of the older man. Kirishima's black yukata with thick brown and white stripes on it accentuated his broad and handsome features perfectly. The man looked ravishing.

"Of course its fine Father, I helped you tie it. Obaachan taught me years ago." Kirishima pinched his daughters cheek.

"Hiyo..." Yokozawa muttered as he looked upon the 11 year old.

"What do you think?" The youngster did a twirl in front of both men. She was adorned in a yukata with a maple leaf design in reds, oranges and whites. She looked utterly adorable. Yokozawa had helped curl her hair and placed some of it up with her hair clips prior to her getting into her yukata.

"Where has my little girl gone!" Kirishima whined as he pulled Hiyo into a hug, which of course made her blush and giggle...and roll her eyes as well.

"What about me?" All eyes focused on Sora as he puffed out his chest, awaiting everyone's response to his attire too. The youngster was in a white yukata with a blue sea creature design on it.

"Well look at you Little Man, all grown up." Kirishima scooped down to pick up the beaming Sora while Yokozawa still had a lump in his throat looking upon his little boy...or more or less looking upon all of them as they were about to venture out together as a family.

"We need a photo." And even though he was not one for photos, it had popped out of his mouth before he could even control it.

"What a great idea Oniichan!" Within her tiny bag, which matched her yukata, Hiyo pulled out her pink phone, handing it to her father as they all sat on the couch together, Sora latching onto Kirishima and Hiyo sitting in her beloved Oniichan's lap and with cheesy grins on their faces (and a tiny one on Yokozawa's) the Editor-in-Chief snapped a group selfie. "Lets take lots more when we get to the festival!" Hiyo requested excitedly.

"And when we sit down to our picnic dinner with Takafumi's sister and her family. Oh and Obaachan and Ojiichan too." Kirishima offered up as he handed Sora off to Yokozawa and headed into the kitchen to collect the bags of food and drinks with his ever helpful daughter.

"Obaachan and Ojiichan?" Sora repeated.

"Sora is going to meet Papa Zen's mother and father tonight. They are Hiyo's beloved Obaachan and Ojiichan." The youngster titled his head as he gazed upon his father. "I hope they will become close with Sora too."

"Of course they will, because our Sora is just like our Hiyo – utterly adorable." Kirishima watched as his daughter and lover rolled their eyes simultaneously while Sora let out a burst of giggles as he was tickled.

"Shall we get going?"

"Hai!" The children voiced together and the combined family of four headed off.

#

"Wow!" Both men gazed upon the excitement held within their children's eyes.

"Hiyo-neechan, look over there!" Sora shouted, which he really didn't need to, but his tiny brain was trying to process all the sights, sounds and smells happening around him. Both men followed quietly behind the kids as Hiyo held onto Sora's hand tightly and pulled him over to look upon the fish. They watched as a teenage boy tried desperately to catch one for his blushing date. He failed.

"Father, can we try and catch a goldfish?"

"How about we go and have dinner first, then you and Sora can play any game you want."

"Mm!"

The four headed further into the park and they needn't look far for their extended family as three energetic children found them first and came rushing over, arms wide as the five children had a group hug together. It appeared a month apart was far too long for them. Yokozawa was about to comment about needing to organise regular outings for the kids but he found Kirishima taking pictures of them instead!

"Hiyo and I have not been on a family outing like this in a long time. I want to remember everything!" And although it was a little corny, Yokozawa couldn't help but feel happy about it too. "Oh! Otousan, Okaasan, over here!" The moment was short-lived as he felt himself tense up as Kirishima waved his wandering parents over, they too were laden with a couple of bags which were sure to be filled with delicious food (and probably a bottle of sake or two). And like them, they were dressed in yukata as well.

"What a popular community festival." Kirishima's mother commented. "I was worried we wouldn't find you."

"Its great isn't it? We've moved into an amazing neighbourhood." Kirishima voiced as he gave his mother a hug before clasping hands with his father who in turn slapped him heartily on the back and made mention of having purchased a couple of pricey bottles of sake that he'd like him to try.

"Ah, Ojiichan and Obaachan are here!" Hiyo disentangled herself from her new friends and rushed to her adoring grandparents for hugs.

"Ah, Ojiichan and Obaachan are here!" Yokozawa froze, much like the elder Kirishima's did as Sora was copying Hiyo and raced after her, his tiny arms encircling around the grandmothers legs while Hiyo's were around her waist.

"E-Eh?" Her gentle brown orbs gazed down at the little boy grinning up at her and then down at her granddaughter who burst into fits of giggles before hugging Sora close.

"Obaachan, Ojiichan, this is Sora!" She introduced the 4 year old. Yokozawa gulped down the lump in his throat as he watched the elder woman squat down to have a good look at him in the dull lighting of the park.

"Your eyes..." She voiced softly, fingers resting against Sora's cheek, before lifting her gaze to her dear son and his companion who was being dragged closer to her and her husband.

"Okaasan, Sora happens to be..."

"My son..." Yokozawa finally found his voice, lifting his son up and then his hand went out to assist Kirishima's mother to her feet. "Sora is...my son." He confirmed once more.

"This is...your son...?" She repeated, her gaze turning to look at the surprise held on her husbands face, but then soon after, a grin formed.

"He looks so much like you Takafumi-kun." The salesman let out a rush of air he didn't realise he was holding as Kirishima's father shook his son's hand as laughter bubbled up from the pit of his stomach.

"Isn't it awesome Obaachan? I've got a little brother!" Hiyo squealed happily, just like Sora did as she pulled him from her beloved Oniichan's arms and gave him a piggy back ride, the two of them rushing off as Ame-chan was calling them over to play.

"Ah, um, you see..." To think at work he never fumbled his words, he was a straight arrow there, but right now he just wasn't sure what to say.

"Its alright Takafumi-kun." She could tell he was trying to explain himself, but truly he needn't have to. For if their son accepted this little boy and Hiyo was that ecstatic about being a big sister, nothing her or her husband could say would change that. Not that they had much of an opinion on the matter, other then the fact it was a surprise of course. "He's very cute." Kirishima's mother voiced softly. "And we're very pleased to meet him." Her very words seemed to place the young charming man at ease.

"Like father, like son I say." The handsome Editor-in-Chief voiced, knowing Yokozawa was now glaring at him for the cute comment, but quickly got under control when he could see his sister waving at him in the distance.

"Ah, um, please, would it be alright if I introduce the both of you to my sister and her family?" Again the man was a bundle of nerves but when he saw Kirishima's mother smile that gentle motherly smile at him, and her slender hand slipped into his, any negativity he was thinking was washed away once more.

"We'd loved to meet them." The four adults headed on over and introductions were made.

The start of celebrations and eating began soon after.

Yokozawa was spending a lot of time making sure everyone got enough food (and drinks) and was about to help Sora when surprise of all surprises, Kirishima's father plucked his little boy from his seated position, positioning him in his lap as he began asking him a bunch of questions, which mainly revolved around what his favourite movie was, his favourite toy (or toys) and also to gauge just how much the youngster loved Hiyo-neechan and Papa Zen as they had found out what Sora called them. And according to Sora, it was a lot as he spread his arms wide, voicing "thiiiiis much!" which got all the adults laughing.

"This is the best end of autumn celebration ever." The light haired Editor-in-Chief voiced as all eyes shot to the sky as a bunch of fireworks went off. All children in the park squealed in delight at the display.

"Ojiichan, look at that!" Sora was up on his feet, arm around Kirishima's fathers neck as he pointed to the sky in pure excitement.

With the fireworks blasting away in the sky, it gave Kirishima a moment to catch Yokozawa's attention, hand going out to squeeze his for a moment – a smile of absolute happiness spread upon his lips. And of course that smile was infectious as Yokozawa did the same, his hand turning over as he clasped Kirishima's.

Both men didn't realise that eyes were watching them, but they were soon distracted as the ball of energy known as Sora soon stole everyone's attention.

"Obaachan, lets go catch a fish together!"

"I thought Sora wanted to catch one with me?" Hiyo teased, turning her gaze away and folding her arms over her chest. Her "little brother" came rushing to her side, arms securing around her neck as he shouted he wanted to catch fish with her as well. She immediately giggled with glee, tickling Sora before heading off with her Obaachan who was more then happy to play grandmother to all five children as Midori's brood rushed after them as well.

"How about a toast?" Kirishima's father voiced as he poured a cup of sake for everyone.

"What should we drink to?" Midori voiced.

"Family," Kirishima's father instantly responded, a gentle smile on his lips as he gazed upon his youngest child and the very man who made him the happiest person in the world. "Let's toast to our families."

"Definitely!" The Editor-in-Chief agreed, he finally relinquishing his hold on Yokozawa's hand as he accepted the cup of sake from his father. "To Family!" He raised his cup, everyone doing the same and then the sake was downed in one gulp.

"Oh my god..." Midori and Hatsuharu coughed, which brought a laugh from the older man.

"Not used to sake, eh?"

"Not at all."

"You two need to learn a couple things from Takafumi-kun." Kirishima's father was already pouring the salesman another drink. "Oh, how about a game?"

"You brought your travellers set?"

"Of course! I vow to win against you one day young man." Yokozawa moved to sit next to the elder man, he pulling out a familiar shogi set and the two men were lost in their own little world. It of course made Kirishima insanely happy at the relationship his lover had with his father and it also made it pretty handy for him as he moved to sit closer to his new "sister-in-law" and her husband and they began to converse, getting to know each other better whilst Yokozawa was distracted with drinking and playing his father's favourite game.

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During the evening, Kirishima had been very effective with the camera and also charmed various strangers to take numerous family photos of them too. He promised to email them (well the good ones that turn out) to everyone when he had a chance to look upon them over the next couple of days or so.

As the festival began to wind down, it was time to get sleepy children to bed as it had been a very exciting and eventful evening for all five of them. And the best part of all for Yokozawa, was how much Sora latched onto Kirishima's mother. So much so that about half an hour earlier, he'd been yawning his little head off and she'd wordlessly picked him up and placed him in her lap, rocking him gently to sleep. His young son was now securely within Kirishima's strong embrace as he leaned forward to press a kiss to his mother's cheek before shaking his fathers hand once more. The Editor-in-Chief shook Hatsuharu's hand and gave the blushing Midori a kiss as well.

"If you ever need us to babysit Sora, just let me know, he's so adorable." Yokozawa gave a nod before he was pulled into a hearty hug by Kirishima's mother. He had to constantly remind himself that they were a very affectionate and hands-on kind of family too. He farewelled his sister and the rest of the family, everyone piling into their respective vehicles and heading off whilst they were fortunate enough to just walk a few houses up the street to their home.

"You seriously need to get used to how affectionate we are." Kirishima muttered, receiving an adorable glare from his lover who took hold of Hiyo's hand as they crossed the quiet street and stepped through the gate into their front yard.

"Father was right Oniichan, this was the best end of autumn celebration ever!" Hiyo repeated exactly what her father stated earlier in the evening before giving off a yawn of her own.

"I hate to admit it, but I have to agree with him." Yokozawa grinned at the pout on the older man's face before ushering everyone inside, locking the door behind them.

He was certain he'd be in for it once he reached the confines of their bedroom, but instead of feeling any sort of dread for the strain Kirishima sometimes placed on his body, he actually felt excitement instead. It'd been awhile since they partook in sex...and even if the man was tired, perhaps he'd bring forth some surprising boldness and catch the man off guard instead.

It would, after all, round out their successful evening.

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To be continued...