Just a little piece of fluff – for Gakuhou's birthday. xD

I had to write this when I realized exactly what day his birthday is. This takes place right after my previous fic, (strength; the meaning of) but there's no need to read it first.

birthday; the meaning of

"So you're born on the first day of the first month," Karma states flatly. "You just have to be the first in everything, don't you."

They're lying on Karma's bed having a break from studying, both of them fiddling with their phones. Karma is playing a game while Gakushuu, who uses his shoulder as a pillow, is examining thoughtfully his schedule for the first term of high school which has just begun.

"When's your birthday?" Gakushuu asks, ignoring Karma's comment.

"Exactly one week before you."

"Oh, that's… wait, what? Seriously?" He glances up from his phone. "You're born on Christmas?"

"Yep! The miracle of Christmas night, that's me."

Gakushuu just rolls his eyes and continues checking the extra-curriculum activities.

"It's funny, though," he says after a while. "Sakakibara is born on Valentine's Day."

Karma snorts. "Want to know what else is funny? Nagisa's birthday is the Marine Day."

Gakushuu pauses and lowers his phone to his lap. "…this is getting weird."

"Mmm. Afraid to ask, but… what about your dad? When's he born? Halloween?"

"Nah. Today."

"Really? That's… wait. Today?" Karma stares at the ceiling, eyes a bit wide. "You're right. This is getting kind of freaky."

Gakushuu makes a noncommittal sound.

"Think your dad is his reincarnation?"

"No more than I think you're the second coming of Christ."

April 12: the Shingen-ko festival. The anniversary of the death of Takeda Shingen, a daimyō from the feudal times, who was a great warlord and a competent military leader – and a complicated figure, at times utterly cruel.

Karma spends a moment thinking of the principal – the ex-principal – in the attire of a samurai, a horned helmet on his head and a bloody sword in his hand, and shudders. His game ends and he doesn't start a new one.

"Your dad's birthday, huh?" he says, deciding to move on from that image. "So what did you give him?"

"We… don't really do gifts."

"You mean he doesn't give anything to you either?" Karma frowns. "That's sad. I mean, even I get gifts from my parents. Though usually it's a combined birthday and Christmas gift, so does it still count?" He thinks a moment. "They sure must be happy about this, though. Imagine if my birthday was just some random day they'd have to try to remember. Now they can just give me a Christmas present and then wish happy birthday too… does he at least give you otoshidama?"

Karma's sudden question makes Gakushuu blink. "I don't even remember when I've got New Year's money last time. Besides, that's for kids. I have a credit card, you know."

"Well, yeah, but it's tradition…"

"So do you get any?"

"…hardly."

They fall silent again. Karma stares at the ceiling, Gakushuu keeps on fiddling with his phone.

"Is your dad really going to therapy?" Karma suddenly asks.

"He promised so," Gakushuu says, fiddling on.

"Hmm." Karma sits up and looks down at Gakushuu, who frowns at him, having lost his pillow. "You should give him something."

"Why?"

Karma shrugs. "To mark a new beginning? Show him you're willing to be a good son if he's a good dad? Or just… guilt trip him a bit?"

"I don't even know what I'd get him," Gakushuu sighs. "He's got everything he needs, and the money to buy whatever he wants."

"Maybe a book," Karma ponders. "Something like… Fatherhood for Dummies?"

"…so was the point to make this a peace offering or try to piss him off?"

"Whichever you prefer!" Karma says happily. "I could help with the latter."

"I'm sure you could," Gakushuu says flatly. He sighs again, staring tiredly at the ceiling, and Karma lies down, snuggling close and burying his face into his neck. (As it turns out, the redhead truly loves cuddling much more than either of them would have ever guessed.) "I've no idea what I'd want to give him. I… I don't know. We've not been a real family for so long that… I'm not sure if we could start now."

"Would you want to?" Karma murmurs against his neck. Gakushuu says nothing.

After a while Karma raises his head and looks Gakushuu into eye, grinning. "I think I got it."

"Yeah?" Gakushuu asks, suspiciously.

"Yep!" Karma leans down to whisper into his ear. Gakushuu gives him a look.

"Seriously? I didn't know you were so cheesy."

"Blame my current mood," Karma says and places a soft kiss on the line of his jaw. Gakushuu smiles and hugs him closer.

.

When Gakushuu returns home later that evening, he finds his father in the living room, doing nothing, which is hardly normal. The man just stands there, staring out of the window. He notices Gakushuu and nods at his son, looks like he might want to say something but in the end remains quiet.

Gakushuu pauses. He was about to go straight to his room, but…

"So." He clears his throat. "Did you…"

He doesn't finish the question, but his father knows what he's talking about. He looks ill at ease, but answers still.

"Yes. I… I'll have the first appointment next week."

"Good." Gakushuu nods. He should move on, go to his room, but he remains standing where is. His father stands by the window, and they watch each other in silence.

"Were you—" his father starts at the same time as he says, "I—"

His father coughs. "You first."

"I… just…" Gakushuu pauses.

He has been thinking of Karma's suggestion all the way home, and the conclusion is clear: it is best to forget all about it. It is not a good idea, not in their family. There is no way to know how his father would react… in fact, he isn't sure how he himself would react. Is this something he would want to do in the first place? The whole idea is sort of ridiculous… though what else did he expect, from Karma? It's best to keep on acting as they always do. A birthday is simply one day among the others, no need to make a big thing about it.

His father raises his eyebrows a little. "Yes?"

Gakushuu takes a deep breath. The conclusion was clear, but…

What the hell. Just go for it. What's the worst that could happen?

…no. Don't answer that question…

Feeling quite self-conscious he walks to his father. The man looks at him with a questioning expression, but Gakushuu doesn't say anything, just stops in front of him and awkwardly puts his arms around him.

His father tenses, and Gakushuu feels a blush creeping on his face as he presses his cheek against his father's chest. This is stupid. The worst idea ever. Hugs aren't a thing in their family, for a reason. His heartbeat speeds up, a chill goes down his spine, and he is about to let go in embarrassment, when he feels his father's arms wrap around him and pull him into a tighter hug. A little breath escapes him and suddenly he feels oddly like crying.

"Happy birthday, dad," he mumbles quietly against his father's chest.

.

.

A hug from you, Shuu. That's something he can't buy for any money.

Gakushuu: I can see the connection between Sakakibara and Valentine's day, Nagisa and Marine Day, myself and the first of first… and yeah, even my father and the Shingen-ko festival… but what the hell is your connection to Christmas? You are not the savior of mankind. Is it your red hair? It's quite… festive.

Karma: I refuse to comment.