Tohru awoke with a start. She didn't even remember falling asleep. Immediately, her mind was in overdrive. What time was it? Was Kyo home yet? Where was Hajime?
Only when she moved to get up and find her son did she notice the blanket draped over her shoulders. She couldn't have put it there, and Hajime was too little to open the closet where it was kept. Her heart warmed knowing Kyo must have found her asleep and covered her with the blanket.
Now, where was he?
Moving through the house, she found a series of open doors and the kitchen was a bit of a mess. She shook her head fondly and moved to clean up when she heard laughter from down the hall.
Looking around the corner, she found her husband and son in the nursery. Kyo lay on the floor on his side, one arm propping up his head, the other supporting their baby boy as he stood in front of him. Hajime's tiny hands were holding Kyo's face, grabbing his nose, mouth, and pulling at his hair. Tohru knew from experience how painful that could be, but Kyo never showed any signs of discomfort. His eyes shone with pure adoration for the miniature version of himself.
Tohru's heart positively soared at the site, and she wished she could pause this moment forever. She didn't know what she'd done to be so lucky, but she wasn't going to take any moment for granted. Hesitant to disturb the two, she turned to go clean up the kitchen. But she had to take one last look.
Hajime had turned away from Kyo now, and Kyo's hands hovered at his sides, ready to catch him at the first sign of tumbling. Hajime's legs wobbled a bit as he fought for balance. Slowly, carefully, he took a step. Then another, and another.
Tohru was frozen, watching her baby walking. It wasn't the first time, but it never ceased to amaze her. Kyo, had a different reaction.
"YOU DID IT!" He exclaimed, jumping up and grabbing Hajime as he tumbled back onto his bottom. Excitedly, he lifted his son up into the air, a grin on his face. "Way to go! You did so good!" He held the boy close to him, placing a kiss on his head. Then he turned to the door. "Tohru! Did you see? Did you see that?!"
Tohru couldn't hide her smile as she watched her husband, the usually stoic Kyo Sohma, dance around the room with a grin on his face. Hajime was lifted into the air and he giggled happily.
"Oh, that's my boy!" Kyo continued his praise, then set Hajime back on the floor, facing Tohru. "Now, walk to Mommy! There's a good boy. You can do it!"
Step after step, Tohru watched as her baby walked towards her. Hajime's eyes were on hers, and his fist in his mouth. She held her breath as he nearly lost what little balance he had, but he righted himself, and continued on. He made it to her outstretched hands, then toppled backwards. A grin revealed four tiny teeth.
Anyone looking in on the scene would never guess the hardships this small family had gone through. But here they were, on the other side of pain, heartache, and trauma, enjoying the tender moments of a quiet life with their son. However, this wasn't the end of their story, it was just another beginning.