Check Me Out

by CrypticBeans

Raising one child, fostering another and running a book store is no easy feat. Especially when Hizashi has to balance his two other jobs but he's doing it! Or so he believes. It's only when he finds himself meeting Shouta Aizawa that his world seems to flip over and spin on its head.

10. A Day In The Park

Shouta: hey i just wanted to thnk u again

Shouta: 4 helpin me with Eri last Sunday, idk wht i wuldve done on my own

Hizashi: Shouta! 😀 Hey, it's no big deal! I loved holding Eri for once! She's such a sweet, even tempered baby so it was no big deal at all!

Shouta: still i rlly thnk u 4 helpin with her & dealin with me again

Hizashi: It's no problem! If anything, I'd love to see you and Eri again! How old is you lil' bug anyways?

Shouta: she just recent turned 1

Shouta: ive been weaning her off of bottles & now im working on pacifiers but it might be a bit much w her teething 2

Hizashi: Awww well I'm sure it'll work out! Just keep an eye on her, use that medicine, and make sure she has plenty of teething rings! And the cool bath, cool wash cloth if she runs another fever! What did the doctor say about that by the way?

Shouta: oh she had a little teething fever he said. its rare but apparently, she had it & he gave me teylenol but her fever went dwn tht afternoon

Hizashi: You'll get through the teething soon! It's all about patience! I know Toshi was at the end of teethin when I adopted him, and it was ROUGH for him

Hizashi: Now he's losing his baby teeth left and right along with Izu and I'm burning through ones like you wouldn't BELIEVE

Shouta: oh i can imagine lmao

Shouta: but it was thinkin i shuld repay u somehow'

Hizashi: You don't gotta! If anything, you made lunch AND helped with the bulk of cooking dinner for me, you, Nem, Oboro and the kids! I'd say you've repaid your "debt" if that's what you think

Hizashi: But hey, you know the group you're a part of? You should come to a meet up! Eri's young to run around with the older kids but a new woman recent joined the group and she has a baby Eri's age! Why not come next time?

Shouta: idk… i don't wanna make it awkward bringing a baby, u know?

Hizashi: I'll be there! And besides, you should SEE how women swoon over a single dad with a cute baby like yours! You'll make some good friends, have more support, and you won't feel indebted to me when I help!

Hizashi: I mean, I know I wouldn't mind seeing you and the boys have been talking about how good you are at identifying rocks nonstop asking when you'd be back lol

Shouta: i see its not hard to impress children whn it come sto rocks lol

Shouta: but i'll think about comin to a meet up 😌

Hizashi: That's all I ask for! So, what are you doing today? Things on my end are pretty quiet! I had a bit of a rush before my lunch break so I'll definitely be having fun counting the till tonight

Shouta: oh im on my own lunch break atm

Shouta: i was thinkin of popping out to get a coffee Oboros

Hizashi: Oooh, you should! I know he does pick ups so you could stay in your car! How is work going for you, by the way? What's going on with the gossip circle of young students?

Shouta: ugh, dont get me strted on all the gossip i DONT want 2 hear. i cant even understnd hlf of wht they say

Shouta: i heard some1 say "the vibes are lowkey off" & "pop off my liege" & i heard some1 say tht some1 else was "mid"? then i heard someone call me thick? but like with two c's? it was from another teacher & im so confused 😩

Hizashi: Okay, no offense, but this is the funniest, cutest fucking thing ever that you don't understand young people lingo! 😂

Shouta: i just want 2 know what it MEANS but no one will explain 😫

Hizashi: I can't explain how HILARIOUS I'm finding this, Shouta, you have no clue 😂😂

Hizashi: You can be so cute without meaning too, you know? I can help you understand a few points, okay? I'll draw up a whole lesson plan on terms and you can be a student for once! 😂

Shouta: its the fct i read all of tht in such a condescending manner, hizashi, tht disappoints me 😒

Shouta: how cn i trust u 2 teach me ANYTHING whn u delight in my confusion?

Hizashi: I just find it cute! I'll help you if you really want me to! I'm probably more knowledgeable than you given my radio show REQUIRES me to be up to date on it with all the young callers I get sometimes!

Shouta: oh ya i forgt u do tht on friday nights, rihgt? or did i get tht wrong?

Hizashi: Yup, Friday nights! I get some young callers sometimes and the listeners always seem to eat up the drama of it!

Shouta: u make it sound like u run a tlk show lol

Hizashi: I might as well be! Anyways, do you want me to give you a run down on lingo? I could explain a few of them now if you want!

Shouta: if u have time i would very much apprecite tht

Hizashi: Lol, okay, so "the vibes are lowkey off" means that subtly, the mood of the situation is off. Like, say someone is super happy but the mood around them isn't

Hizashi: And then "pop off my liege" is like the gender neutral version of "pop off king/queen" which just means to vent. To get mad and talk it out but said in a funnier way

Hizashi: And mid just means that you or something is mediocre or average! But thicc, with two C's, means simply that you have an attractive, curvy body!

Hizashi: Did that help at all? Is there anything more that you'd like a brief lesson on, Mr. Aizawa? 😉

Shouta: i hve so many more i'd need u 2 clarify but do u think tht?

Hizashi: Think what?

Shouta: tht i'm thicc?

"Oooh! Who are you texting that just made you blush?" Hizashi jerked with his eyes raising from his phone to find Nemuri and Oboro standing in the doorway of his shop. The crowing shout of Nemuri's voice filling the space had a few lingering people in his shop glancing up when the woman rushed over to him. This time, rather than coffee, a cup of tea was being put down on his counter with a sparkle to sky-blue eyes with Oboro rushing after her. "Who's got you blushing', Zashi?"

"None of your bee-wax! And I'll kindly ask you to refrain from shouting in my shop like that, Nem!" He tried for a huffy tone despite the heat he could feel burning in his face when he turned his phone screen off to keep eyes from reading hsi chat with Shouta. He slid his phone into his pocket when he reached out for the tea; the warmth of it soaking into his hands that he hadn't been aware were so chilled. He then let his gaze flick from the customers to Nemuri. "So, what are you up to? Are you on lunch break?"

"She is, yeah! I thought I'd pop over with her this time." He smiled at Oboro when the blue-haired man held out a small bag for him. He took it with a wide smile curling over off-kilter lips; a fuller top lip and a thinner bottom lip that always made itself painfully clear with such wide smiles. A sparkle formed in blue eyes when Oboro leaned forward with a tilt to his head that had his blue ponytail swaying against his upper back. "But who are you talking too that has you so red? Or is it my wife's blatant observation that did it?"

"Your wife." He smirked when Nemuri's eyes narrowed at him with a pout forming on her lips when he then waved his hands at the couple for them to move to the side which, thankfully, they did. The lingering customers came forward to place their books on the counter which he rung up with a quick scan. Naming off the price, offering a bag, tearing off the receipt. All going far faster than he thought when he found himself smiling at the two women. "Have a nice day!"

Their soft spoken replies had him smiling when the tap of shoes over the wooden floor of hsi store rang out with the bell swaying cheerfully as the women stepped out onto the sidewalk leaving the three of them alone again. He could catch the scent of eggs wafting from the bag which he tore open to find an omelet sandwich waiting for him. His stomach twisted with a deafening growl when he tugged it out and lifted it up to bite into it. God, it was so good. "Damn, Zashi, what would you do without us?"

"Sta've cl'rly." He mumbled around his mouthful when Oboro snickered when he chewed at his mouthful with a sigh through his nose. He really did appreciate the couple bringing him lunch the way they did. Drinks. He had a never ending tab that the swore they would "make good on" yet they never did. Always bringing him some new recipe or sandwich they had created for him to try during his lunch break. Swallowing hsi mouthful, he reached for his tea. "I really appreciate you bringing me food though!"

"No problem! Honestly, it wouldn't be the worst thing if you did started packing a lunch for yourself!" He felt that heat burning in hsi cheeks dissipating slightly when he took another mouthful of his sandwich with a low hum. Oboro had always been an amazing cook in their youth. The blue-haired man had all but supported the three of them with meals throughout their college days. He was sure without Oboro and Nemuri he would've starved. "I mean, you do Toshi and Izu's lunches, right? Or do they get school lunches?"

Chewing at his mouthful, he swallowed only to wince at the large bite slowly making its way down his throat to his chest. Lifting his tea up, he sipped at the hot liquid to aid that lump downwards with a shiver running down his back at the hot path it took down to his stomach. He licked his lips with a sigh through his nose; God, he loves a good hot hibiscus tea. "I pack Toshi and Izu's lunches sometimes, but I always forget about my own because the next morning is always so hectic, you know?"

"I know but you should pack your lunch! Ooh! Let me buy you a new bento box, Zashi! Something nice, something chic, that you won't miss! You're still using the same one from college, right?" He let his gaze flick away from the woman who then leaned against his counter when he took another large bite of his omelet sandwich. The quiet crunch of the bacon deafening when Nemuri bounced on her toes. "I'll get you something new! And you can set a reminder on your phone to pack your lunch too!"

"I think that's smart, Zashi, you should do it! As much as I love bringing food to you, Nem is constantly fussing over how much you eat out rather than pack your own lunch." Oboro took a pull at his coffee then lowered his cup with a sigh as he rubbed at his damp lips before speaking again. "I'd say start making a little extra at dinner if you want it for lunch the next day. Or, if you're packing Izu's and Toshi's, you can grab your own box and pack all three of you the same thing if need be! Easy peasy!"

"Mmm." He swallowed again at the lump before sipping at his hot tea. The sweetness of it had his shoulders relaxing when he placed the cup down before turning his sandwich over in his hand. Contemplating another bite when he sighed out at the light drumming tap of nails on the counter. "I think that'd work. Honestly, I just forgot that I need to eat to function, you know? I just get so busy but with those new hire's starting next week, I'll have more time to properly pack a meal. By the way, thank you for helping me with all that!"

"Of course! I think it's all going to work out just fine! You won't believe the down time that you're going to have by hiring them!" Nemuri then smiled when she leaned her chin into her hand with a sparkle to her gaze. "I know you don't like the idea of hiring teens, but they'll work out perfectly! Plus, so long as they have their work permits up to code, they'll do good! And plus, I know that Taishiro is looking for some work too and I can float him your way if you want? He works as a chef for us, but he said he's been looking for extra work!"

"Well, send him by and I'm sure that I can work out something with the four of us that's fair for his age given how much older he is than my other workers will be." He then shifted slightly on hsi feet with a groan when he arched his back lightly only for it to pop. Cracking with Nemuri wincing when he sighed out through his nose. "I'm twenty-six and I have back problems of a thirty year old! I really do appreciate all the help you're giving me, Nem and Oboro. You've been carrying my ass for years."

"Of course! Besides, Oboro doesn't mind, do you, baby?" Oboro shook his head with that soft smile curling over his lips when Nemuri then smiled at him with that same warmth. That soft curl to her lips when she gestured for him to take a bite of his sandwich which he lifted up to do so. Taking a bite, he chewed quickly with the dark-haired woman smiling softly at him. "We care about you, Zashi. You're our best friend and I speak for Oboro, but we see you and the boys as family. We'll always take care of you."

"Any time you need something we can help, Zashi. We may be child free by choice but that doesn't mean we wouldn't mind having Toshi and Izu over for a weekend sleep over if you wanted time to yourself." Oboro then chuckled with a click of his tongue when he gave the blue-haired man a pointed look. "It's true! Child free doesn't mean we hate children, Zashi. Just because you chose to have children and we didn't doesn't make a lick of difference. We're more than happy to spend time with our adoptive nephews."

"And we'll always be willing to help you out any other way you need! You're a good man, Zashi, and we have not a problem with helping you out when you need it! Why not take the help and use it to better yourself?" Chewing then swallowing his mouthful, he followed it with a sip of his hot tea when the dark-haired woman pushed herself off the counter. Standing up right, he flinched when she tapped his nose lightly. "We'll always be here to help you if you need it! You'll make it through all of this!"

"Thank you! You guys are the best, you know that? Should have you come over again for dinner or go to yours for it! Let me know how much that new bento is, and I'll happily pay you back!" His phone vibrated against hsi thigh then when he licked his lips before lifting his half eaten sandwich up when Nemuri's phone began to chime. He took a bite of his sandwich before shifting the bite over into his cheek. "Is your lunch break up? You should get back to the shop if that's the case."

"It's actually the time limit I set for letting himself come over because I have some budgeting to do during my break! But I love you, Zashi, and you are positively glowing now that most of your stressors are off your shoulders! I'll be listening to your show tonight too so give me a shout out!" She then leaned in to kiss his left cheek with hands propping her up onto the counter before she dropped down and taking Oboro's arm. "We'll be seeing you, Zashi! Pass our love on to the boys when you see them!"

"Will do! I'll hit you up later, Oboro, okay?" The blue-haired man nodded as his wife tugged at his arm before coaxing him to spin. His blue ponytail swaying when he began chewing his bite when the couple made their way across the floor of hsi store. Shoes tapping over the wood loud in the quiet when Oboro and Nemuri made their way out his front door with a cheerful chime of the bells above it. Swallowing his mouthful, he took another when his phone vibrated again, to which he put his sandwich down and pulled it out.

Shouta: ah, did i ask the wrong qustn? is tht 2 far?

Shouta: eith way tht was uncalled 4 & i hope u dont feel uncomfy

Hizashi: No, I'm fine! Nem and Oboro stopped by to give me a drink and food and I just got caught up with them!

Shouta: oh, ok i thoght i made u uncomfortable

Hizashi: Nah, you'd have to ask worse than that! It's a genuine question to ask, especially if you hear people calling you it!

Shouta: lol i suppose so. what did u have planned 4 after work?

Hizashi: Oh, I'm taking the boys to the park when they get off the bus! I always take them to the park on Fridays! I get the boys in bed, and someone comes over to watch the house til I get off work!

Hizashi: You should come! If you want too, I mean, and if you're not busy!

Shouta: u mean 2 the park? i guess i culd swing by if u want

Shouta: ik eri LOVES the swings there

Hizashi: That's awesome! Then we can meet up there! Do you want me to bring any snacks? I normally do a little afternoon snack picnic thing with the boys since they usually get their afternoon snacks before we head out!

Shouta: u dont gotta buy me anythin, i'll be good bringing my own snack lol

Shouta: but thnk u 2 offering regardless

Hizashi: It's no problem! By the way, what's your idea of a snack?

Shouta: oh i normally have a bar of chocolate & a Dr. Pepper 😁

Hizashi: Okay, can I say this without you getting offended?

Shouta: go ahead

Hizashi: That sounds utterly DISGUSTING How the hell do you EAT that combo without it being so gross?

Shouta: i eat it perfectly fine it's my fav combo 😁

Hizashi: And I have to subject myself to that when I see you at the park?

Shouta: ur the 1 whos inviting me 2 come 2 the park 😏

Hizashi: Ugh, you just gotta be thankful you're so pretty otherwise I wouldn't be able to spend the afternoon with a man who eats CHOCOLATE and drinks Dr. Pepper.

Hizashi: That just sounds so GROSS. I can't believe the things I do to strengthen our friendship 😩

Shouta: LMAO

Shouta: u think i'm pretty?

Hizashi: Maybe I do! However, chocolate and Dr. Pepper are canceling out your attractiveness points for me because that's just FOUL, Shouta

Shouta: dont knock it til u try it lol 😁

Shouta: but hey i gotta go. my lunch break is almost up, and kids are gonna be headin back to class but i'll see u l8er?

Hizashi: I'll see you later! I hope the rest of your day remains uneventful! I can't wait to see you and Eri again!

Shouta: right bck u 😌

---

"Dad, can we go to the big kid side? I wanna go on the big slides!" Hizashi smiled at the chirping question leaving Izuku when the small hands in his tightened. Izuku danced on his toes before rushing forward to keep up with him. Green curls brushing at pink cheeks when he squeezed at the small chubby hand in his when he then glanced down at Hitoshi was trotting along delightedly when the large purple eyes were looking up at him. And a wide smile curled over Hitoshi's face when his tiny hand tightened on his.

"We can go on the big kid side if you want! But just know that we can be running from side to side today because it's a short visit, remember? I have to get dinner started for you both and I have to get ready for work tonight." Heads bobbed in a nod when they approached the fence surrounding the park when he let go of the small hands in his. They took off like small rockets down the winding path, rushing past the play structure in favor of running down the winding path. "Be careful, please! I don't want you to trip!"

"We won't tri-!" Hitoshi then flew forward into the grass with a scrape of his shoes over the asphalt of the winding path. Izuku stumbled over his feet to turn towards his brother with worry pinching at his face when Hitoshi rolled over to push himself up on his feet. He looked utterly surprised, a bit disgruntled, when the boy blinked as he looked at his surprised yet worried brother then to himself when he brushed his hands off. "I'm okay! I'm okay, Dad! Let's go, Zu!"

"You can run, just pick your feet up! And watch where you're going, Toshi! I don't want you to scrape up your hands!" And then the indigo-haired six year old was running again to catch up with his brother who began to trot with when he put a pep to his step with the bag bouncing lightly against his back as he took longer strides. Brisk with the scrape of his shoes over the asphalt as he put a little pep to his steps to keep the boys in his view as followed them along the winding path.

Sighing out to himself when the boy's flew down the rest of the winding path onto the playset where they ran for the rubber covered net to climb up onto the first level of the playground structure. Sighing out as he kept up his brisk strides towards the park with his bag bouncing against his back lightly. He tugged his phone out of his pocket with a quiet hum when he made his way towards the park bench. "C'mon, Zu! Come up here! Dad, watch us! We're goin' all the way to the top!"

"No, you're not! If I see either of you on that roof, then you'll be sitting out in time out!" He called out watching the boys running along the wobbling, swaying bridge with squeals of delight when he shuffled up to the park bench. Shrugging his bag straps off of his shoulders, he sat the bag down on the ground when the thud of shoes over the structure rang out. Giggles and laughter had between the boys running over the larger play set. "Be careful, okay? I don't want you guys falling down and getting hurt!"

"Okay, Dad!"

He smiled at the chirruping response by both boys as they ran over the bridge again to touch the toy set up along the wall of the structure. Steering wheels began to spin as fast as they could. The buckling rattle of the old wheels had him smiling when he turned his attention to his phone. Shouta hadn't said when he'd be getting off, but he had to assume that being a high school teacher would mean it'd take a bit longer than elementary school let out. He'd tried to prolong leaving the house as long as he possibly could.

To buy more time after picking up the boys from the bus. He'd stuffed the bag full of enough snacks for himself and the boys along with a thermos of vanilla milk that he wanted to give Shouta. The black-haired man had said the warm milk had never put Eri to sleep faster than it did that afternoon. She'd conked out in the pack and play after drinking half a cup of the mixture and he was happy to have found a tonic to help Shouta. To help Eri sleep better. Shouta had claimed he was no good at cooking with milk.

That he'd scald it on the stove and so he took it upon himself to hand out his thermos. He could always have it returned if need be. Was it too much? He hoped not. He just wanted to do something nice for the black-haired man that would help him with bedtime for the young girl. He could reheat the vanilla milk, if need be, to get it hot again. He smiled to himself with a quiet hum when he put his phone down on the bench next to him after checking his texts. He was sure when he was able to that Shouta would be there.

He hummed quietly when he pulled his water bottle from the side pocket of his bag where he popped the cap to lift it up. Sticking the thick straw between his lips to suck at the water as ice swirled against the sides of his bottle. A light, playful breeze tugged at his coat and hair causing it to flutter against hsi neck and cheek. The leaves rustled together with a few yellower leaves scuttling along the ground. It seemed like there were more leaves for the time, but he knew in the next few weeks it'd explode.

That the closer they got to late September to early October that more leaves would be falling before he knew it. He'd be raking the yard with Izuku and Hitoshi asking to jump in the piles. It put a soft smile on his lips when he looked up to find Hitoshi flying down the pole on the playset. His legs wobbling when he hit the ground harder than intended but it had Izuku smiling down at him when small hands reached out to grab the pole. There was a squeak of clammy palms on the metal as both boys took their turns going down it.

Izuku flew down after Hitoshi who was running towards the back of the playset. The little rock wall it had to climb back up onto the structure. Feet hit the pebbles beneath him with dirty twisting under his feet when Izuku ran after Hitoshi on shaky legs. Today, surprisingly enough, had gone better for him than he thought. After draining his tea and devouring his sandwich, he'd found himself with a decent number of customers entering his store. Like a swarm waiting for him the second he flipped the sign back to open.

It had been a pleasant surprise that kept him busy while making mental notes of books and series that were being picked up. Making a mental note to get the next sets out on Monday morning when he got into work. To unpack the boxes, he kept in the back packed up waiting to be shelved. The least he could do is make it easier on his workers for their first day of work by making it a simple stacking. Cashier work. He was worried about putting too much work on his employees before they were ready for it.

While they were indeed teetering on young adulthood, he still didn't want to give them more than they could possibly handle. Teenagers didn't deserve to have the same work stress as an adult man like himself. There were little ways he wanted to make sure that they were good to go. To make their job in the small shop go smoothly. Perhaps it was simply because it was a Friday but it really was a surge of customers today that he hadn't been expecting. He'd made a mental note to stop by tonight after work to make sure he got the till counted out.

Or perhaps he could save that for Saturday morning? He could have Nemuri and Oboro come over to make breakfast and ensure the boys had someone at home. Just to make sure the till was counted properly. He'd never had so many customers in one day, but it had been a pleasant surprise. Maybe the fall weather had people clamoring to get books from lesser known areas. He had not a clue, but he appreciated every person that had come in and bought something from him when there were bigger companies.

Bigger stores like Barnes and Noble that they could go to. His business wasn't doing awful but it was still a worry that someday he might go under. Having to declare bankruptcy but with time and dedication, he hoped he would provide a comforting atmosphere. Hell, he was thinking of making a deal with Nemuri and Oboro to put window seats along his from windows for customers to bring coffee or food in and read their books after purchasing. It wasn't a half bad idea, but he had yet to tell the couple.

He didn't want to possibly steal business. It was the last thing he wanted but he couldn't stop himself from humoring the idea of putting some counters in with bar stools. Something small but inviting for his own customers to sit, eat, and have a place away from home to read. It wasn't an awful idea, and he was sure that the couple would support his little idea to make his shop more welcoming. Like their coffee shop was. God, it was a comfort stepping into the space even after all of these years spent visiting each other shops.

It was like stepping into an apartment rather than a café and he adored curling up in their window seats with a book of his own while Hitoshi and Izuku colored quietly at a table with muffins being snuck to them. He loves afternoons spent there but what if he could do the same for his shop? He was sure he could work something out and have Oboro make good on a few offers and help him set something up. He was sure it'd be a cute play, something nice, and he hoped it wouldn't be stepping on the couples toes.

However, with the business in between him and their shop, why not? So many customers often left his shop to go over to Nemuri and Oboro's to get coffee. To sit in their few booths, tables and window seats. Why not do the same for his shop? He sipped idly at his water again before capping it when Hitoshi and Izuku came barreling over the wobbling bridge. Buckling and swaying under they feet when they ran back and forth with hands thrown out to swipe at the wheels. Causing them to rattle deafeningly in their wake.

He smiled as they disappeared over the bridge again with another buckling sway of the thing when another light breeze fluttered over them. Leaves rustled with his hair brushing annoyingly at his cheek to which he reached up to tuck his hair behind his ear with a shiver. It wasn't cold yet, but he was glad to have insisted on hoodies for the boys. The humidity from a few weeks back was surprisingly dissipating rather quickly. Soon enough when they entered late September that they'd be breaking out the scarves and sweaters.

Hot chocolate will be the demand from his boys and tea for himself. It had him shifting in his spot with a creak of the bench beneath him when he turned the bottle of water around in his hands when Izuku came barreling down the slide with a squeal of delight. Hitoshi coming down the other side of the dual slide with a shout of laughter when both reached the bottom of the slide before flipping off. Running over the pebbles to the mushroom top steps he caught through the bars of the bridge. An awkward view but one he had nonetheless.

It had him smiling when the boys began to climb up on them. Fussing with his water bottle, he pressed the button to bring it back up as he stuck the thick straw into his mouth. Pulling at the frigid liquid to soothe his throat with another breeze ruffling over them with leaves rustling together. They were lightening to light greens, pale yellows, along the edges with holes being eaten into them. They were only into early September and yet fall seemed to be creeping in steadily but slowly. It had him clutching his water bottle.

Was he doing something wrong with Shouta? He was texting the black-haired man all the time since that night on his back porch; texting him day in and day out. Talking to him when he could with memes being shared between the both of them. Establishing their inside jokes together. But was it going in the wrong direction? He wanted to be friends with Shouta. Would love nothing more than to be friends which he hoped was working in his favor. But he couldn't shake that old worry that certain things would be a problem.

That their jokes, the certain things they said, could be mistaken in the wrong way by one another. It'd happened in the past, after all. He worried that calling Shouta pretty or the black-haired man questioning if he was "thicc" could be seen as flirtatious. If there was something wrong with two friends asking that for Shouta had seemed genuinely clueless. However, he believed Shouta had a good head on his shoulders and he didn't think the man was one who would mistake harmless fun for intentional flirting.

Hell, he had a good head on his shoulders, and he knew better than to blur the lines. He was friends with Shouta. Nothing more and nothing less and so long as he knew that then what did it matter how they joked with one another so long as they kept their boundaries in line? Who cared if they made jokes like that? If they knew it was all in good fun, then did it matter? He just didn't want Shouta to somehow get the wrong message about where they stood. He'd always been comfortable with his friends.

He'd done his bouts of light, playful joking that could be seen as flirting. He wasn't with any of them now, was he? And yet he couldn't shake the feeling that it was different with Shouta. As if he had to proceed with caution when it came to joking like that. At least until it was clear where they stood with one another. Fussing with the cap of his water bottle, he looked up again at the sound of shoes over the plastic of the slide. Blinking when he watched Hitoshi and Izuku racing down them rather quickly.

Jumping off at the bottom with rocks and dirt twisting beneath their shoes before they were running around the play set to climb up the stairs of it. Dashing over the bridge with another buckling sway when he placed his water bottle down on the bench beside him when his phone pinged. A text from Shouta apologizing for running late but that he was driving over now with Eri. He happily sent a text back assuring him it was fine. That they had an hour or two before he needed to head out to get dinner on the table before work.

Putting his phone down after receiving a reply from the black-haired man, he slid his feet over the asphalt with dirt grinding under his shoes. He curled his fingers to his palms where he felt a light chill to the tips of them that had him shoving his hands between his thighs with a hum. Watching Hitoshi and Izuku flying over the playset like balls of energy and color. Shouting some made up nonsense story between one another in their game of make-believe. It had him smiling when Hitoshi and Izuku giggled before rushing forward.

Going down the tube on the other side of the structure where he jumped for the swaying monkey bars. He held his breath with his legs tensing to jump up when his son dangled precariously with a hand on the bar when he swung forward to the other. Then the other. And the other. It wasn't too long ago that Hitoshi needed help on the monkey bars and yet the six-year-old was clearing them without batting a lash. Izuku watched Hitoshi with awe before he stepped backwards then running forward over the small platform.

Leaping with his small hand grabbing the monkey bar with a wild swing that again had him tensing. Ready to jump up when Izuku reached for the next monkey bar and the other. Another. Hitoshi jumped off the last bar he held with purple eyes sparkling before looking to his brother swinging precariously from one rung to the other. He let out that held breath on a rush when the green-haired boy was dropping down to the pebbles. Then both were running beneath the second set of monkey bars with pebbles flying.

He watched both boys running over to the swing seats breathlessly. Jumping onto their swings where they settled on the seats with small hands grabbing onto the chains. Leaning back and forth to gain momentum while their legs began to pump with feet trotting on the dirt beneath them to aid in their swings. He rubbed his hands between his tightly squeezed thighs before pulling them free to stuff into his pockets. The boys were having an absolute blast. They'd go down easily tonight, that much he was sure of if they kept on like this.

They both had flushed cheeks with wild locks brushing against them with the light rustle of their swinging. The groan of the bolts up above holding it into place. It had him smiling at the boys trying so hard to get themselves going when he found himself scanning over the other end of the park. There was another family pulling into the lot with small children of their own toddling to the smaller side of the park. He tore his gaze away when he looked to Hitoshi and Izuku swinging higher with the wind tugging at their hanging open hoodies.

Flapping in the wind with wild locks of hair rustling in the breeze when he found himself looking to the parking lot closest to them. At the other end. He blinked at the sight of a black car pulling into the lot. He hummed quietly to himself before rubbing his fingers together in his pocket while Izuku and Hitoshi continued their game of make believe. Shouting breathlessly to one another about reaching all the way up to the moon together. To find the first star in the sky as they swung higher, higher, higher.

God, what he'd give to have a night of that childish imagination. He smiled at the squeals of his sons and the squeals of the children on the teeter totter on the other side of the park. He shifted in his seat with a quiet sigh when he glanced over at the thuds of a car doors where he found himself perking up at the sight of Shouta. Opening the back door and trunk of his car, he watched as a stroller was tugged out. Watching as it was then popped open rather quickly with a sense of meticulous familiarity.

He tore his gaze away when he tugged his hand from his pocket to grab at his water bottle where he took a sip to drown that odd fluttering in his stomach. The butterflies that were daring to form there. He gulped at his water before forcing himself to stop. God knows the last thing he wanted was to use the porta-potties here. He'd rather walk to the gas station to take a piss, if need be, but he didn't want to spend the next two hours worrying about it. He capped his water again when he watched Hitoshi and Izuku swinging higher.

Hair ruffling in the breeze as their legs kicked out to pump themselves up higher with squeals of delight leaving the both of them. He let his gaze flick through his hair when he heard doors slamming. Watching Shouta putting Eri into the stroller with the one year old squirming as he did so. He tore his gaze away again when Shouta pocketed what he assumed to be his keys before walking around with the stroller. He tore his gaze away from the approaching man when Hitoshi shouted when his gaze locked onto Hitoshi.

His heart damn near stopping in chest when the boy threw himself off of the swings. Soaring through the air with Izuku not far behind him with a shout of his own. He jumped up to his feet then stumbled forward a few steps when Hitoshi hit the ground with Izuku sliding over the rocks. Green and purple eyes blown wide with a look of startled bewilderment when Hitoshi turned to his brother who looked at him with wide eyes. And then they were jumping to their feet again with pebbles imbedded lightly in skin being swiped at.

Wiped away without so much as a second glance before they ran for the swings again. Shrieks of delight leaving them as they flew to their seats again and caught them in their wobbling sways before they sat down with the chains squeaking deafeningly. The bolts groaning when they began to pump their legs quickly with a renewed flush to their faces when he sighed out before pushing his glasses up. He turned his head with a smile at the sound of the stroller wheels on the gritty asphalt approaching him.

A crowing squeal of the baby within when he smiled at Shouta who smiled at him in that slow, shy manner. As if he were bashful to be caught seeing him in such a public space when Eri leaned forward in her seat. Squealing with her tiny hands grabbing at the hood of her stroller when she shoved it back. She had a pin in her hair the shape of a bumble bee that was utterly adorable when she bounced with hands reaching towards him. In their one afternoon together, the young girl had really warmed up to him.

It was sweet to not only be recognized by the baby but to be sought after as she stretched forward. Her small hands doing that adorable grabby motion towards him with a sparkle to her red eyes. Her hair bobbed lightly against the tips of her ears adorable in loose curls. Would they be curly like Shouta's? Or were they merely wispy baby hairs? He didn't know but God if it didn't have his smile widening at the sight of the bouncing baby girl who was babbling nonsense at him already with a wide smile curling over her lips.

Flashing off the three bottom teeth and two tops that were new given he hadn't seen them on Sunday when she'd been over at his. He smiled then when he tore his gaze away from the babbling baby to Shouta whose own smile widened. There was a sparkle of that curious surprise at his daughter's actions no doubt. He was dressed nicely; a black short shirt with an open, button down gray plaid shirt with tawny buttons. Jeans with black combat boots and his hair was pulled back in a ponytail that held them away from his face.

Curls swaying lightly in their up-do from the light breeze. The bags under his eyes no longer as severe but his eyes were bloodshot; as if he had spent a night up tossing and turning. He smiled when he stepped back towards the bench to which he gestured with his head to follow which Shouta did. The rubber soles of his boots scraping over the asphalt as he turned to shove his phone into his pocket. Moving his water bottle down into the side pocket then moving his back to his left side rather than the right as he sat down.

Shouta then joined him when he spun the stroller to face them with Eri reaching towards him again. He happily opened his arms up while the boys crowed on the swings. Shouta unbuckled the baby when she slid into his arms where she beamed up at him with such unbridled joy. As if she had been waiting all day to see him rather than him virtually being a stranger from the few times, he'd met her. Or did those times count? He had not a clue, but he held the baby close to his chest as she twisted small hands into his shirt.

"You know, it's shocking how well she's really taken to you." He smiled when Shouta grinned with fingers brushing over her hair which she hummed at with tiny hands playing with his shirt. "I've never actually seen her take to anyone like that. You must have a way with babies, don't you? She's normally so shy you can't even get her to let go of me but here she is acting like she's known you all of her life rather than it being me."

"I'm a baby-whisperer, what can I say?" He shrugged then when he lightly bounced Eri who hummed up at him with a light sway as her tiny hands tugged at his shirt when he smiled down at her. Fighting that urge to shower her white curls in kisses or her pink cheeks. Not his baby, not his rules. He held her securely, however, when his gaze returned to his sons swinging on the swings. "I made some vanilla milk for you, by the way! You can take it with you if you want! I wish I could play with them like that but I gotta save my energy."

"I don't know how the hell you're doing that. Running from working on your feet all day long and then you go to another job where you stay up all night long. Where the hell do you find time to sleep, Zashi?" There was a playful lilt to the black-haired man's voice that had his smile deepening into a grin at the black-haired man who let his gaze flick away to the boys when Hitoshi launched himself off again with a cry. "I just don't understand how you can do it and still look so put together the way you do."

"I sleep in tomorrow! I sleep in real late and so do the boys which is fucking amazing when I don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to make breakfast!" He sighed out then poked at Eri's adorable button nose causing her to giggle with small hands darting up to catch his fingers. "But work is work! I gotta make that money somehow, you know? So long as I catch up on my sleep then I can maintain everything! But with some new employees, I'll hopefully be catching some more breaks here soon."

"Oh, yeah, that's right you were talking to Kayama and Oboro about that the afternoon I was over. I'm glad that you've managed to work that out with them." Shouta shifted then with the bench wobbling lightly while he kept his fingers away from Eri's mouth and her shiny new teeth of hers which merely had her giggling. A stark contrast to the times he'd seen her inconsolably fussy. "How was work for you today? I know my day could've been much better but there's no real high standards when it comes to teenagers."

"Oh, ouch! You'd have hated me if I was one of your students!" He nudged at the black-haired man who smirked at him in that manic manner he had that Wednesday night two weeks ago. He found himself grinning wickedly back when he adjusted Eri in his lap slightly when she giggled with fingers gripping fiercely onto his when he let his gaze flick to Izuku who launched of the swing with a cry. "I was such a know-it-all and such a smarty pants I hardly let others answer when I knew the answers."

"God, I bet you'd be the first to put your hand up, weren't you?" He let his smirk widen at Shouta who chuckled then when Eri tugged at his hand with a squealing giggle when Hitoshi and Izuku ran for the play structure again with the bridge buckling and swaying as they ran over it. He smiled as they disappeared up the steps into the small castled off room with shrieks of laughter. "I was the quieter kid in school. Obviously, if I stood out more, we'd have met sooner but it was easier at the time to keep my head down, you know?"

He got it. He really did. Back when he'd first begun his transitioning, he'd been picked on relentlessly for wearing a binder. For switching his pressed skirt for slacks and a masculine outfit. The only thing he failed to change was his hair after he cut it for the final time. Choosing instead to let it grow out but there had been a time in high school he considered being quieter. Keeping his head down just to make it through it. "Yeah, I get that. Honestly, I was toeing the line of keeping my head down at one point."

"You? What a shocker!" He snorted at the black-haired man when he rolled his eyes playfully at the man when Eri managed to tug his fingers closer to her mouth when she let out a victorious squeal only to giggle when he tugged his hand back to instead poke at a chubby pink cheek instead when Shouta hummed. "But I suppose everyone has their reasons for blending in and for standing out. I mean, I never thought I'd be going to school with Tensei to be a teacher but here we are. I work in the very place I used to dread."

"Your life has come full circle!" He loved the eye roll it got him from Shouta. Black lashes fluttering with dark eyes rolling at him with that crooked, manic smirk curled over full lips. Wisps of curls fluttering against hsi cheeks with the sunlight breaking through the clouds cast the black-haired man in a light that had him breathless. Handsome. He looked away with heat gathering in the back of his neck when he squeezed Eri gently. "We should do this more often before it can get too cold out. Eri will be toddling around soon, right?"

"Oh, absolutely, she tries at least five times a day now. She mostly waits for me to be busy with grading essays and only then when I'm not paying attention does she try to walk around the house." The warmth to that smile when Shouta looked at his daughter melted his heart. All the adoration of a father for one small girl. Whether she knew it or not, Eri was going to be spoiled rotten by Shouta. "She's a little menace already but I suppose that makes her my little menace, doesn't it?"

"It absolutely! Just like my boys are my own twin terrors!" A thud had him glancing over to find Hitoshi throwing himself towards the pole with a squeal of his palms over the metal. A shout of delight leaving him when Izuku came running after him only to throw himself down onto the slide with a laugh. He smiled at the sight of both boys running off with the green-haired boy in hot pursuit of his brother. "It's amazing how much I can love two boys the way I do with them. They'll be terrors when they're teens."

A chuckle left Shouta then when he tore his gaze away from the two boys running up those mushroom steps again with squeals leaving them. He shifted Eri to sit in his lap properly with her little back and head pressed to his stomach and chest when he offered up both of his hands before her. She squealed with small hands slapping down into his palms when Shouta chuckled beside him to which he peeked through his hair at him. "They will. All teenagers are the worst but there's good, neutral and bad apples in every group."

"True! Hey! What did I tell you boys before we came! No climbing onto the roof! Get down!" Izuku pouted as he balanced on the wall precariously with Hitoshi holding his feet into place. He hopped off with both running then sliding down that enclosed tube again to which he sighed out as Eri scratched at his palms. "God, they'll be the death of me! I'd like to say that you're lucky being a girl dad with a baby to take care of but then I remember she is a baby. And I'm sure that has all types of challenges of their own!"

"Oh, they do! I'd probably be a mess if I had to take care of not one but two six-year-old boys the way you do. That's impressive, Zashi." He smiled at the compliment when he got a wide smile back from the black-haired man with the corners of his mouth twitching slightly. A sparkle to dark eyes when they locked onto him then down onto Eri slapping at his palms. "Like I said over text, you have a bookstore. You have a substitute teaching certificate, run a radio show, and take care of two boys? It's fucking hero work."

"And you teach all damn day long, I'm sure you have a side gig of some kind and look after an infant. You're a damn near super hero father too, you just need time to find your bearings and reach out for more help is all!" He nudged his shoulder against the black-haired man when he saw a warmth creeping into that smile of his with black lashes fluttering when he looked away. "But I don't know about you, but I'd love to do this more often! I come down here with them on the weekends sometimes."

"Hizashi Yamada, are you asking me to attend playdates at the park in hopes of luring me to the mom group?" There was a playful, sarcastic lilt to Shouta's voice that had him snickering when Eri's tiny hands curled into fists against his fingers with a squeal when she lifted them up and slapped them down. He jiggled his knees lightly to get her feet kicking as she giggled again. "You're a clever, not quite sneaky man, you know that? What a horrible friend you are trying to trick me into things!"

A laugh burst out of him then when he gave a playful bounce of his knees that had Eri laughing with him. A peal of bell like laughter that had him squeezing the girl close to him. He could still remember how Hitoshi's laughter sounded when he was this young; like bells. Eri's was no different with that unbridled joy of hers when he gave another bounce of his knees that had her little feet swaying. "I suppose I'm awful, devious, two timing friend who only wants his other friend to make other friends. Sue me!"

"I just might! I do have friends that are legal attorneys I'll have you know!" Sarcastic. Dry. It was a tone that had him chuckling when Hitoshi and Izuku ran down towards the pole where Izuku leaped first to slid down the pole before running to the swings again with a shriek of laughter. Hitoshi launched himself onto the pole and down it before taking off after his brother who jumped onto the tire swing. "I'll consider it. Let me know if that other mother, the one with children Eri's age, shows up. It'd be nice, I suppose."

"Just keep in mind they're like rabid mother hens! I was sick with the stomach flu a few weeks back before the dinner party and they were pushing their food onto me so I wouldn't cook!" He then lifted Eri's hands up coaxing her arms to lift as her head tilted back against his chest with a giggle. Drooling. Shouta reached into his pocket when she gurgled up at him with feet kicking adorably when Shouta pulled out travel tissues and pulled a few out. "They'll take good care of you as your friend, Sho."

The black-haired man hummed before reaching out to wipe up the drool running down Eri's chin carefully before balling it up when he lowered Eri's arms. Gurgling cheerfully at him again before grabbing tightly onto his fingers with such strength it warmed his heart. He happily bounced and swayed their hands lightly to get her giggling when Shouta stuffed the tissues into opposite pockets before smiling. "I suppose it wouldn't kill me to be mother-henned once in a while. I know you've been doing it enough for five women!"

"Oh, shut it! I'm being a good friend to you, and you can't deny that now! We talk day in and day out, I've known you personally for two going on three weeks! I knew of you for three weeks before that so a month! I'm only making up for those weird weeks where we met those first three times, and I bought you a chicken sandwich!" He put on that haughty tone that had dark eyes sparkling when he caught them as that sunlight played off frizzy black curls that fluttered in the light breeze.

His own hair fluttered against his cheek when Shouta snickered before reaching up to pinch that lock. And just like that night on his back porch, Shouta coaxed it behind his ear while being mindful of his hearing aid. Fingertips brushing lightly against the shell of his ear as that hair was tucked away. It had the heat in the back of his neck burning when he found himself looking away with- No. No, he didn't get shy. Not him. But here he was feeling that shyness rearing up. "You make it sound like a 'that's how I met your dad' story, Zashi.'

"Shut up! You know what I'm saying! It's the start of our friendship! A 'that's how I met my best friend' type of story, you idiot!" He then nudged at the black-haired man who dropped his hand from its hovering position near his ear with a snicker when he found himself keeping his gaze down with heat threatening to rush up to his face when he squeezed the babbling, gurgling baby in his arms to his chest causing her to grunt lightly when he lifted his gaze. "You're a fucking douchebag, you know that?"

"Kayama likes to remind me of that quite often so yes, I do know that." That grin curled over Shouta's lips with the playful sparkle to dark eyes that had him scoffing before tearing his gaze away from the man to Hitoshi and Izuku swinging with looks of concentration on their small pink faces. And then a knee was bumping against his prompting him to look at the black-haired man again. "I do apologize if that joke was in poor taste. I didn't mean to make it, like, a flirty thing or to make you uncomfortable. Honest."

"No, I know! Just- You seem like the type of dude to get off on embarrassing others and I'd rather not sit here all blotchy, you know?" Shouta nodded at him when he then huffed out before smiling at the man who was trying his best to look solemn. Remorseful even. He then touched his knee to Shouta's in a nudge which had him looking up through his lashes at him. "But I can forgive a joke like that now and again. So long as your poor taste jokes don't happen too often, and it becomes a problem."

It had his heart fluttering when he felt Shouta's knee pressing back against his in a nudge identical to his own. Full lips parting slightly to speak when the crunch of dirt and pebbles gained his attention prompting him to look over when Hitoshi ran over where he hovered by the end of the gravel filled playground with wide purple eyes on him. "Dad, can we have our snacks now? Zu's stomach is growlin' and I'm thirsty! Can we have our juice and snacks now?"

"Of course you can! Go get your brother and we'll go lay out the blanket, yeah?" Shouta looked at him curiously when he said so when he then shifted Eri off his lap to the black-haired man who took the baby. He stood up and grabbed at his back to unzip the large back part to tug out the deep red blanket of his that he'd brought with him. The juice bottles, the thermos, and the snacks along the bottom beneath it. He shuffled around the bench to walk out into the grass.

Taking six steps out before laying out the blanket, he placed the bag down on it with Shouta standing up with Eri balanced on his hip as her small hands tugged at his shirt playfully. He watched the black-haired man bend down to grab a bottle of doctor pepper and chocolate with a wicked grin on his lips. And then Hitoshi and Izuku ran over to him when he sat down on the blanket with a hum. Both boys rushing over with Izuku throwing his arms around his shoulders. "Hi, Dad!"

"Oh, hi, Izu! I didn't see you there!" He loved the sparkle to green eyes when he replied in that casual tone when the green-haired boy joined his brother. Sitting down before him as he dipped his hands into the back to grab juice bottles that he handed to Izuku then to Hitoshi. He reached in for the baggies of goldfish when Shouta joined them with Eri squirming on his hip. He sat down next to him, his knee pressing tightly to his with the proximity. "Did you bring a snack for Eri? If not, I can give her some of mine."

Shouta held up a canister of that puff cereal for Eri who squirmed with tiny hands reaching for it with a whine. He smiled when he hummed as he pulled his container of water out from the side pocket while Izuku and Hitoshi tore open their bags of goldfish. Shoveling fistfuls into their mouth without a moment of hesitation when he winced as his fingertips brushed over the pack of wipes. Guess he should've taken them out sooner. "So, this is nice. I never thought of having a picnic in the middle of the park like this."

"Dad always takes us for picnics when it's nice out! One time, he took us to the beach with Auntie Nem, Uncle Oboro, and Auntie Aimi and Auntie Hana! And we got to spend the day with Grandma and Grams!" Hitoshi babbled off breathlessly when he opened the top to his juice before lifting it up to gulp at it while Izuku nodded along with his words. He hadn't been there for that trip, but Hitoshi spoke of it so often the green-haired boy had taken that memory as one of his own. A memory he planned to recreate with Izuku.

"I take it picnics are common with you, huh?" He nodded at the black-haired man in unison with Hitoshi and Izuku who beamed with the crunching of their goldish ringing out while he pulled a baggie of apple slices for himself that he snapped into while Eri was given a fistful of puffs that she was chewing on delightedly. Shouta opened his Dr. Pepper to take a sip at it before opening his chocolate bar to which he groaned at. "Hey, like I said, don't knock it 'til you try it, Zashi! Chocolate and soda can go together!"

"Maybe in hell where criminals like you are definitely going to go!" It had Shouta barking with laughter when he watched the man gulping at his Dr. Pepper before popping one, two pieces of chocolate into his mouth with dark eyes locked onto him. Challenging him to say something more on it to which he rolled his eyes before popping the rest of his apple slice into his mouth which he chewed quickly before swallowing. "Hey, at least the Dr. Pepper isn't flat. I think that'd take points off of you."

God, it had his stomach fluttering the wide, wicked smirk shot at him by Shouta. A playful sparkle to dark eyes that had his heart skipping in his chest when he put on a groan only to get Shouta laughing again with Izuku and Hitoshi joined in with it this time round. It had Eri giggling in Shouta's lap around her mouthful of puffs. And as Shouta's knee pressed firmly to his he found that he didn't hate it. The sound of the laughter of his sons and Shouta didn't sound so bad when Shouta smirked. "I mean, it is bett-"

"If you want to stay friends you won't say what I think you're going to freaking say!" It had the black-haired man throwing his head back on another bark of laughter when that knee pressed firmly against his in another nudge to which he scoffed at the tingles of that touch. He didn't hate it at all, sitting here on this picnic blanket with his sons and friend laughing at his expense. If anything, he likes it. And it had that blush that he ducked his face away to hide it away when Shouta grinned at him. He likes it a lot.