L-elf and Haruto had become comfortable around each other. Very comfortable. "Taking showers and washing each other's hair" comfortable. Well, L-elf washing Haruto's hair. L-elf didn't allow his guardian to do such a thing. Haruto wasn't sure how to take it all. L-elf was attractive. There was no denying that. But what did it mean? What did they mean?

Haruto pondered this as he drove to Inuzuka's mansion with L-elf in the passenger seat. Q-vier was turning fifteen and of course, the only other friend he had was invited. If they could be called friends. Haruto didn't really know what they were. But you didn't fight in an army without getting close with someone. This would be the first time they met again since being adopted.

He drove up to the open gate and followed the line of cars. At the door, a valet took care of the rest while he and L-elf were led by a maid to the backyard. Outside, there was a crowd of people neither of them knew. Inuzuka found them quickly and welcomed them.

"Make yourself comfortable. Oh, L-elf, if you want to find Q-vier, he's over there, making some friends", he pointed to a small crowd of adolescents.

L-elf nodded and walked over. Haruto looked around. "Who are all of these people?"

"Well, you know Q-vier doesn't have anyone besides L-elf. Especially here in JIOR. So I invited some business associates and their kids."

"And the cameras?"

"They still want a glimpse of the kid I'm raising. Q-vier doesn't mind it, so I let 'em in. But later on, he'll make some friends and he can decide what to do on his birthday."

"You've really done a lot for him", Haruto said. "I wish I could be like that." At this point it felt more like L-elf was taking care of him than the other way around.

Inuzuka wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "Oi, oi, where's your confidence? L-elf looks like he's doing just fine. Which means you're doing fine."

Haruto sighed. "I hope so. I don't even know what he wants to do when he's no longer a minor."

"You should talk about it soon. It's probably on his mind. I need to go and mingle." Inuzuka detached himself from Haruto and walked off.

"Haruto!"

He was greeted with a wide smile and brown hair. "Shoko! Hi! Where were you?" One look at her and he realize he didn't need to ask. In both hands she had plates full of buffet food. He led her to a table before she spilled over and they talked about L-elf and some other things.

"I'm really glad you're getting along. He was really cold before and didn't really connect with anyone. Except for Q-vier."

"Wasn't there anyone else? What about the other child soldiers?"

Shoko shook her head. "As far as we know, they weren't in the same squad. L-elf and Q-vier were in a group with three others but they got away before we could get to them."

"Got away?",Haruto didn't know what to make of that. "Why wouldn't they want to leave a war torn country?"

"I don't know. L-elf and Q-vier never said anything about it. They're pretty tight lipped. But maybe you and senpai can do something about that."

"I'll do my best. I want L-elf to be happy." And Haruto was completely sincere about that as he gazed at the silver haired young man across the lawn. He wanted L-elf to be able to make it in this world and smile.

Inuzuka called the guests together as the birthday cake was carted out. It was a tall, four tiered cake. Shoko looked up in awe.

"What flavor is it?", she asked with sparkling eyes.

"One layer is blueberry, another is lemon, the third is vanilla, and the fourth is white chocolate", Q-vier explained. "Doesn't it look good?"

Shoko nodded excitedly. Haruto knew if the cake wasn't cut soon, she'd probably dig into it herself. They sang 'happy birthday' and you could just see Q-vier eating up the attention. Everyone got a slice of cake and ate it happily. Q-vier and Inuzuka sat at a table with Haruto, L-elf, and Shoko.

"Stop being so messy", L-elf scolded firmly.

"I'm not!", Haruto denied.

Despite his protests, L-elf took a napkin and wiped some frosting from the side of Haruto's mouth. Inuzuka and Q-vier were watching with gears turning in their heads.

"Um, Haruto, can you and I talk alone for a sec?", Inuzuka asked.

Haruto barely stuttered out an answer before the elder grabbed his elbow and pulled him along. L-elf watched them go then turned to his fellow ex-soldier. Q-vier chewed while grinning almost knowingly.

"Sashinami, I believe the chefs have brought out more food", L-elf said.

"Really? I'll get some plates for the rest of us", she offered. Shoko left and they were alone.

"So what is it that you wanted to s-"

"You and that JIORan are dating?!", Q-vier exclaimed.

"We are not."

"But you were actin' a lovey-dovey with him before. You didn't even do that with A-drei."

"A-drei has nothing to do with this. I was not treating Tokishima in any particular way."

"Liiiiiaaaaar~", Q-vier sang.

On the other side of the yard, the was an open bar for the adults at the party which Haruto was led to. They sat down and both ordered drinks before Inuzuka got into it.

"Haruto, are you sleeping with your foster kid?"

His lips pressed together tightly to keep from spitting. He didn't know what Inuzuka had ordered for them but it looked expensive. Haruto swallowed heavily and coughed.

"W-what? I-ack. I would never do that. I hardly know L-elf anyway. Besides...", Haruto's voice got quiet as he looked around and leaned in. "You know how I feel about Shoko. I would never..."

"It's just, Q-vier he...Forget it. I just know that Shoko's been here, but your eyes haven't left L-elf this whole time."

"Tokishima", L-elf addressed, standing right next to Haruto. "We need to return."

"Return? Why? The party's not over yet."

L-elf glanced at Inuzuka. "I'm tired."

"I see. We should get going then. Thanks for inviting us, senpai."

"No problem. You know you're welcome any time." Inuzuka showed them to the door before returning to the party and acting as host for the remainder of it. Once it was all done and the servants were cleaning up, he allowed himself to relax.

"I'll be retiring for the night", he relayed to one of the butlers. Inuzuka went up to his bedroom and plopped onto his bed. He lied on his back and sighed. All in all the birthday party was a success. He hadn't done anything like that since he was a kid. When he became a CEO parties were a mostly formal affair. And he never imagined having children of his own...at least not for a while. His eyes slipped close and his mind told him to get up and change for bed but he almost couldn't be bothered. As he was still debating with himself the door opened.

His brow furrowed in confusion. Who would be up here at this time? It could only be Q-vier. Inuzuka opened his eyes and saw the birthday boy, standing at the door in a bathrobe. Q-vier closed the door behind him and locked it.

"I was wondering where you disappeared off to once the party ended. What's up?", Inuzuka asked as he sat up.

"Claiming my birthday gift." Q-vier slipped off the robe and revealed the only clothing he had on was the bandana around his head.