"Thanks, Ma, for taking the boys for today! I really appreciate it! You have no clue how far behind I am on wrapping presents for everyone." Brown eyes sparkled at him playfully when he pulled back slightly from the hug with his mother, Yuki, who squeezed his waist gently before sliding her arms away when his other mother, Kimiko, appeared behind her. Blue eyes sparkled at him when he then reached out to receive a hug from her as well. A nice, tight squeezing hug that he needed desperately.

"Of course, hun! We don't mind taking the boys from you at all! In fact, I want to see more of you and the boys, you hear me? I don't want to be a holiday visits Grandma!" He smiled when he pulled back from his mother's embrace to meet those brown eyes. There was a playful pout on her lips, but it had him chuckling softly in response when the brunette then beamed. "I want to see how my boy is doing from time to time, you know? You may be twenty-six, but you're still our first baby, after all."

"Ma, I promise that I will come by more often if you stop saying embarrassing shit like that!" He poked her nose then which had her swatting at his hand with a hand shooting up to rub his hat covered head much to his amusement. Yuki had always been the more playful mother while Kimiko had been more of an authoritarian mother. However, both could crack down on him like no one else if they felt he was wrong. "But how about I have dinner with you guys tonight before I take the boys back?"

"Will you have enough of the wrapping done by then?" Kimiko questioned with glasses slipping down her nose slightly when she tilted her head. Those silver streaks in her hair glowed against the dark brown hue of the rest when she crossed her arms over her chest with brows raising at him. He nodded when she sighed out with a smile curling over her lips when she leaned against the doorframe. "Well, don't push yourself, darling. I don't want you stressed before the holidays."

"I won't lie, Mom, I'm pretty stress free! Izu just had a check up on his arm and according to the doctors it's healing beautifully. I had a sit-down talk with a friend, I just finished up my temp job at the school, and now I'm back to my store! I'm so stress free I think those gray hairs of mine are going to go away! You, on the other hand, might not be so lucky." He smirked then when his mother gasped in that faux, playful manner when Yuki shoved at his shoulder.

"Hey, don't be mean to your mother! She is aging beautifully, gracefully, and she is distinguished!" Yuki shouted playfully when he laughed only to have his other mother join in with his laughter. A delightful sound that had Izuku and Hitoshi appearing in the hallway behind his mothers' looking on with that glint in their wide eyes. His mother looked over her shoulder before smirking when she turned on her feet to approach his sons. "Listen to me, don't be a wise ass like your father, okay?"

"Okay!" Hitoshi chirruped when he was squealing as he was heaved into Yuki's arms with Izuku staring with wide eyes. A sparkle to them when the woman then bent down to scoop him up. His cast arm cradled to his chest when he was settled on her hip. Small hands held onto her sweater when Hitoshi's gaze flicked over to him again. "You're gonna come back, right, Dad? We still gonna decorate the tree tonight?"

"Of course we are! We'll do it as soon as we eat dinner with Grandma and Grams! You wanna eat here tonight?" Head bobbled excitedly with sparkles to their gazes that had him smiling widely at his sons. His mother, Kimiko, merely raised her brows at him with her own smile widening when his other mother carted the boys off to the living room as they squealed out with laughter. He chuckled then when he jiggled his car keys. "Well, I think that solves that. I love you, Mom, I'll see you in a few hours, okay?"

"Okay but you'd better get to that car before you freeze your ass off, you hear?" He smiled when hands came up to fluff up his scarf then up to fix his hat. Actions that were as familiar as his mothers perfumes when he was close enough to get a hint of it. He leaned forward to kiss his mother's cheek which got him a cheek kiss back from her. "Drive safe, alright? There's plenty of black ice that can slip you up and I want you to be safe. I dare say I'd have you spend the night, but I know you have animals to care for."

He got another cheek kiss then that had him smiling widely at the woman, but he couldn't deny there was a small temptation to spend the night at hsi family home. To spend the night in his old room. It would be like touching grass; to be in a different house than his own where so much had been going on. But he found himself shifting backwards to step back as he twirled his keys idly around his fingers as that cold wind blasted over him. "I'll be fine! But I'll see you later for dinner!"

"Of course you will! And you drive safely, darling, alright? Black ice! And other drivers can be such idiots now a days so be mindful!" His mother replied as he stepped back again before turning to walk down the small steps of the doorstep before walking down the front walkway with brisk steps as he shuddered. That cold wind whipped right through his jacket as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. "And remember, buy extra tape at the store! I know how you get with wrapping! And don't forget to do the nametags!"

"I got it, Mom! I'll be safe, I'll get the wrapping done, and I'll buy extra tape! Black ice! All that jazz!" He shouted back with his breath pluming out in a silver cloud as he made his way down the walkway to his car as he mashed his gloved thumb into the button. Unlocking the doors, when he stepped onto the sidewalk. He tugged his car door open awkwardly when he then turned to find his mother staring at him worriedly to which he sighed out. "I love you, Mom! I'll see you later!"

"I love you too, darling! Just be safe!" She shouted back with a weak plume leaving her lips from the cold air no doubt surging into the house. He waved at the woman as he then slid into his car where he jammed the keys into the ignition before shutting the door shut with a thud. His car rumbled to life as he shuddered at the cold air blasting his face when he turned his head to find his mother on the doorstep. Worried. He rolled his window down then leaned into the door.

"I'll be safe, Mom! Now get inside! No point in both of us being cold!" He shouted out, which gave him a smile in response, but it didn't erase that worry. He knew it wouldn't. She'd worry, fuss, and overthink until he was driving back up to the house later this afternoon for dinner. Rolling his window back up, he leaned back then grabbed his seatbelt tugging it across his chest. The air was slowly but surely warming up much to his delight. Now, all he had to do was get home and start wrapping.

How hard is that going to be?


Hizashi was going to go insane. Sitting on the bed with wrapping paper strewn out on the bed with tap stuck to his fingers in tabs with his other hand holding the flap of the wrapping paper together. He felt ready to rip his hair out from the mundanity of this as he tried to line the tape up properly. Trying his best to tape them together when he let out a slow breath as he folded the ends then flipped them up onto the box. Tapping one side down, he spun the present to fold up the other side.

Bringing the flap up to the bottom of the box, he tapped it into place then stretched his arms up over his head. Arching his back with a low groan when his back popped lightly with his shoulders popping lightly. He then dropped his arms down to flip the present over. Reaching for his small book of nametags. Picking at the first one his eyes fell on, he peeled it off then stuck it on the box. Picking up his pen, he quickly filled out the to and from parts on it before sliding the box over.

For two hours he'd been wrapping but it felt like there was no end. There was no ending to the presents that seemed to do nothing but pile upwards before him. He didn't hate having so many presents for his family or the kids but damn if he wasn't tired of wrapping. He was making a decent chunk in the work load of it but his mother had been right. He was going to burn himself out with all of this wrapping, but he knew he had to get it done.

He had to get the presents wrapped with Christmas looming mere days away. He had exactly six days to get this wrapping done. He fought down the yawn bubbling up his throat when he turned his gaze to the window where the light was dimming. He had another two hours before he was required to go to his mothers' home for dinner. Two more hours of wrapping. There were scraps of paper sprawled over the blanket and floor with trash bags filled with toys waiting to be wrapped up.

Sighing out to himself, he rolled his shoulders back when he then grabbed the next boxed toy. Laying it on the wrapping paper, he then grabbed his scissors. Gliding through the paper quickly, he hummed softly to himself the quiet Christmas carols that he had playing on his phone. It was the one thing keeping him from going insane. His green and red nails glowed up at him with their festive colors when he grabbed at the tape dispenser.

He was glad that his mother had told him to grab extra tape at the corner store. He was delighted to say he had more tape than he knew what to do with. Flipping the wrapping paper over the box, he tapped it in place with a piece of tape then tearing off two more strips that he quickly lined up along the seam of the paper. He then twisted the box to begin folding up the excess paper. Folding it into a triangle before bringing it up where he held it in place while trying to use one hand to get the tape ripped off.

Awkwardly getting it done, he brought it up then placed it over the tip of the triangle paper. He sighed out softly to himself when he spun the box to repeat the process for the other side. The quiet crinkle of the paper was deafening over the soft music he had playing. He was utterly exhausted from his wrapping but at least it was giving him something to do. It was giving him something to do while his boys spent the day with his mothers'.

Knowing them, he was going to go there to two hyperactive children high on sugar, cookies and hot chocolate. He groaned quietly at the thought of putting two hyperactive children to bed tonight. Did he just let them run it off? Did he let them burn out and crash from the sugar? Or did he insist they go to bed right away? He didn't know what he was going to do but he swore he was going to lose his mind if his sons were given dessert.

If they were given more sugar on top of the treats given throughout the afternoon. He knew he could effortlessly tell them not to give his sons any candy or cookies. Knew he could but he hated the sadness he caught in both his mothers' and sons. It was unfair. He was a damn push over, but he knew that his mothers' would respect his word if he said no treats were to be given to his sons. He didn't think before leaving today to say something to his mothers'. Oh, well.

Ripping off a piece of tape, he flipped the carefully folded paper up and tapped it down in place. Flipping the box right side up, he once again grabbed his little booklet of name tags. Peeling off another, he slapped it down on the bright red wrapping paper. It was easy to keep the toys and presents color coded. Bright red for Hitoshi, shimmering gold for Izuku, plaid for his mothers', snowmen for Hana's eldest and stockings for Haru's two kids.

And then there were the presents he got his siblings. Stripes for Aimi, Santa for Haru, and sleds for Hana. All color coded. All ready to be open and handed out accordingly. All he had to do was work through getting the wrapping done. Pushing his sleeves up as he placed the box over with the other towering packages on the right side of his bed, he let out a sigh at the remaining boxes in the trash bag. There were so many left and Christmas only a handful of days away.

He couldn't deny he was a bit melancholic. Wanted to get the holidays over with. He was disappointed when Shouta had gently suggested he didn't come to Christmas. He'd been half excited, half anticipating spending the day with a wine of glass in hand and witty conversation with the black-haired man. Something playful. He'd been looking forward to showing of the "new friend" of his that his mothers' had questioned him about a few times.

The playful suggestions of his siblings implied they were something more when they weren't. But he can't force Shouta to be there if he doesn't want to be there. They were treading on a new, shaky ground together with the air cleared between them. He'd be lying if he didn't admit to himself that it had gotten his cheeks burning to recall how Shouta had said he wanted to kiss him. That it didn't have him blushing like a fool that Shouta had called him beautiful. Stunning.

That it didn't have his heart jumping in his throat to recall that rough palm pressing against his. Calloused fingers weaved between his or the warmth of him in his arms. He was more than happy to air everything out with Shouta, but he was a bit saddened the man wouldn't be there on Christmas. And as much as he was saddened by it, he understood it. It was better to give Shouta space while he thought on everything.

Thought about his confession of his transgender status while he considered if he could forgive the black-haired man. It had only been two days, but he found himself longing for that witty conversations they used to have. The playful conversations that, with a new eye, proved to be rather flirty if he was honest with himself. But it was for the best that they took their time to debate. To think. And as hurt as he had been, he found himself toying more and more with the idea of forgiving.

There was a difference between forgiving and forgetting and forgiving but not forgetting. He could forgive Shouta for what he did, but he wasn't going to forget it. Not for some time. As Shouta had said during their dinner that night, he had all the rights in the world to continue being mad. Upset with him. That there was no rush in forgiving him and he wanted to believe that there was more than enough time to work on that forgiveness. But now that he had a two additional days to sit on it?

To think about it? His answer became clearer to him the longer he thought on it. He wasn't going to jump at the chance to tell Shouta he forgave him. Not until he got the answer about what Shouta thought about him being transgender. It was another talk they'd need to have about it, but he was hopeful that they could move on together into the new year as friends. Best friends. Even if it made his chest ache strangely at the thought of continuing to label himself as a friend.

As a best friend. It was an ache that had him pinching his lips. Had him restless at night. It wasn't that he was unhappy being friends with Shouta. Not at all. but there was a sour taste when he thought of himself as merely best friends with Shouta. When he shoved himself into the friend zone without Shouta having breathing a word simply because he feared he'd be judged. Shouta hadn't once established the friend zone but rather, he was shoving himself into that area insistently.

He didn't know how Shouta felt properly about their talk but he wanted nothing more than to ask. To beg for the answer, he was waiting for, but he couldn't do that. He couldn't push Shouta to give him an answer if he wasn't ready yet. If he didn't have one yet. He couldn't be impatient. He couldn't demand for an answer from the black-haired man. And so, with that in mind, he had decided to throw himself into the festivities.

Throw himself into playing with his sons who ate up his day yesterday. Oh, he'd spent hours playing with them inside, in the basement, and then inevitably outside. It was hard to think when he was so cold he could hardly feel his legs. And the shriek of his children? The delight in those purple and green eyes? The way they grinned hard at him with scarlet cheeks flushed from the exertion, cold and delight? It had wiped away his worry about Shouta. His worried patience.

He'd lost a day playing with his giggling, shrieking sons the way he wanted too. They'd even insisted on sitting together on the counter like a pair of birds watching him make dinner for the first time in a long time. He'd been all too adoring in pinching cheeks, noses and chins. Kissing foreheads and the tops of heads. Squeezing them to his chest until they were squirming, giggling and protesting playfully as he hugged them tightly. Kissed at pink cheeks. He adored his sons.

Adored them more than life itself. If he wanted, he could have let the boys stay with him this afternoon while he wrapped. But God knows the last time he left the boys alone to do anything on their own Izuku had ended up with a broken arm. He wasn't going to take his eyes off of his sons if they were at home. He would check intermittently on them, and they couldn't see the presents he was wrapping. It would make wrapping go all the longer and it would make it a task that lasts days.

Much longer than a simple afternoon and night. He was determined to get Izuku's presents done tonight. Then tomorrow he'd work on the other presents for his sisters, brother, mothers' along with his nephew and nieces. He'd make sure it was done quickly but he couldn't deny it was tempting to have some help. He was truly debating having Nemuri and Oboro come over to help him with his wrapping. To see if maybe two people could work faster than he could on his own.

Humming under his breath, he reached down into the trash bags closest to him for another toy onto the wrapping paper and picked up his scissors. After centering it properly, he then began to cut the wrapping paper. Scissors gliding effortlessly through it much to his delight when he dropped his scissors down then picked up the table. Tearing taps off onto his fingers as he brought the ends together then tapped quickly in place.

He was sure if he called Nemuri and Oboro they might not be unwilling to do so but they had presents of their own that they needed to get done. If he was honest with himself, he should have made the time to get all of this done rather than waiting days beforehand. It had his fingers twitching slightly when he began working on folding up the ends. Making a triangle then bringing it up to tape into place. Spinning it to get the other side folded up into a triangle then pressed to the toy.

Tapping it into place, he then flipped it over and he reached for his book of tags. Writing down on it quickly, he turned to grab the trash bag of Hitoshi's remaining presents only to find two more resting in the bottom of it. He giddily tugged them out quickly and made quick work to place a box down in the center of the wrapping paper that he spread out. Making sure it was centered properly before gliding his scissors into the wrapping paper rather quickly.

Cutting effortlessly through the paper and then dropped them down for the tape. He was more than eager to get Hitoshi's done. Tearing off strips, he made quick work bringing the sides of wrapping together then tapping them into place. Folding ends into triangles that came up and he tapped into place. Both sides done quickly, he flipped the box over then placed it to the side and grabbed the last present. Rolling out the wrapping paper, he was surprised when the tube rolled off the bed. Empty.

Well, it was a damn good thing that this was the last one, now, wasn't it? He trimmed the paper then grabbed his tape. Bringing sides together to cover the present, he tapped down the seam of the overlapping paper. Folding the ends into triangles that he brought up to tape into place quickly. He flipped it over and he reached for his book of tags. Tearing two out, he placed the one at a time on the presents then picked his pen up to fill out the to and from on them.

Then he picked up his trash bag and began to slid the wrapped presents carefully into it. Humming with a note of delight this time he made quick work getting the presents stacked neatly into the bag once more. After sliding in the final present, he tied the bag off then sat it down gently. Then he dragged Izuku's presents closer to him. Time to get cracking on those! It was working out in his favor how quickly he was getting these presents done.

In the next two hours he was sure he could get Izuku's presents started. Then he'd just need to work on the few presents for his sisters, brother and mothers' along with spouses. It was honestly easier wrapping if he just kept his attention on it. He was sure that if two hours had Hitoshi's presents done then Izuku's would take up that time. Then he'd spend half an hour getting to his mothers' where he would have dinner at theirs. It was honestly a relief.

That he wouldn't have to run around the kitchen trying to make dinner tonight. God knows he has plenty of cooking to do Christmas Eve and things to refrigerate to be reheated on Christmas Day to make dinner easier. He sighed out at the thought when he rolled his shoulders before opening up Izuku's bag. He had gone overboard this year, yes, but he wanted to make it a good Christmas for his sons and his niblings. He knew the twins were easy as they were still babies, and Hana accepted any baby toys.

His elder niece, his nephew from Haru, however were also getting a decent bit from him as well. The fact he'd found time over the past two months to shop was insane. He was happy he'd gotten it done but now that he didn't have to worry about his substituting job, it was easy to relax. To feel that he can breathe. Opening the top of the bag for Izuku's bag, he reached for the first present on top. Then he leaned forward to snag the glittering gold tube of wrapping paper.

Just a few more years would he write Santa down on their name tags before he told them the truth. Three more years. Nine years old was a good time to tell them Santa wasn't real, right? He chewed at his lip, uncertain, before he focused instead on getting the plastic covering off of the golden wrapping. Tossing it in the small trash barrel next to him he rolled out the wrapping and placed the toy down in the center. Making sure it was perfectly centered, he then grabbed the scissors to cut through it.

The comforting snips ringing out before his scissors were gliding through. He hummed as they finished up their way through then he dropped them down to grab the tape to begin ripping strips off. Tugging the sides together over it, he taped the seam of it when his phone vibrated. He glanced over to find a notification glowing on his screen from Facebook. He hummed quietly to himself before turning his attention back to the present before him.

Folding up the end into a triangle, he brought it up then tapped it into place. Spinning it around to do the same to the other side when he found his mind wondering. Growing fuzzy with the mundane task. He couldn't help but wonder what Shouta was going to do. Was he going to cook for Christmas? Was he wrapping presents? Was he going to decorate? He'd still remembered the picture of his apartment due to the picture he sent of Eri that night.

If he remembered right, the place looked like a child's dream with toys on the floor but the rest of his apartment had looked classy. Black furniture? Or had it been mahogany? A rich hue that had been the wood makeup? He couldn't imagine what it'd be like to see a well put together home decorated for Christmas. He wished Shouta would come over on Christmas. But he understood the boundary that the black-haired man had put into place. He wasn't going to trample over it now.

If Shouta didn't want to come, then Shouta didn't have to come. But could he do something nice for him? He'd already bought the black-haired man a present; something simple. A pair of gloves that had kitten pads on them; a design that he knew Shouta would adore. The black-haired man seemed riveted with the cats and seemed to adore them more than anything. He wanted to get him something cat themed and the gloves might just be enough. He hoped.

He didn't know what cologne he had but he didn't want to buy a new one and missed that musky vanilla scent that had very much become his favorite. If Shouta wasn't cooking dinner, then would it be too far, too friendly, if he made a container for him? Or would Shouta appreciate having a plate made? He could set aside some easier foods for Eri to eat too if that were the case. God knows he's going to be up his ass in left overs so why not share it with the black-haired man?

If it was too far, he was sure that Shouta would say something to him about it. After all, they both agreed to be more honest with one another. He'd given Shouta the greenlight to be blunter with him as he can be a bit clueless at times. He just hopes that Shouta would do that. That he would be blunt with him. He'd been ambiguous twice now; about asking for more time. To figure out if he had feelings for him. If Shouta liked him. It was driving him crazy.

It was hurting his heart like pricks each time he asked but he knew that sometimes others needed time. He was crushing on the black-haired man, but he hadn't said anything yet. He couldn't judge too hard for he knew how embarrassing it was. To be asked if he liked someone. He knew how embarrassing that was and he knew if he confessed then maybe, just maybe, if Shouta felt anything he'd confess too. Maybe that was the key after all. It had him hesitant; after all, confessing a crush was a hard thing to do.

How did he even go about it? Confessing that he'd liked him for the past two months? Three if they counted how quickly January was upon them? It had him nervous, but he didn't know what to say to the black-haired man. Had he been crushing on Shouta longer? Maybe. He knew he was definitely getting those butterflies around Halloween when Shouta had taken his shot. He'd been feeling something in September too, hadn't he?

He'd thought he'd been content with friendship, and he was. He was happy to be Shouta's friend, but he was feeling more wasn't he? He didn't want to confess and tell Shouta he'd been crushing on him the whole time when he wasn't sure if that was true. He just had to feel it out. He had to do something about it. He knew he'd definitely been interested in Shouta from the beginning but surely it wasn't romantic, was it? It's not like this was a fairy tale.

He wasn't going to be some princess with long blonde hair longing for his prince. Shouta wasn't the dashing prince who'd come along at the right time to save him. This wasn't some fairytale where he was swept off his feet into a whirlwind romance. Shouta hadn't even admitted to feeling anything for him. He hasn't admitted how he felt. Life isn't a fairytale. Sighing out to himself, he forced his hands to move. To continue on with his task.

Dragging three presents onto the bed, he spread out the wrapping paper once more then laid the present on it. Picking up his scissors, placing the tape in his lap, he began to cut the paper quickly with his scissors gliding through quickly. Once it was cut, he began to fold it with the seam overlapping in the middle. He grabbed the tape to awkwardly rip a tab of then using it to tape the middle. Once it was tapped down, he picked up the dispenser to tear off two more strips that he placed down.

He didn't need to overcomplicate things. He could ask Shouta if it was alright to give him food. Or maybe, because he left his thermos, he could mention the left overs and see what the black-haired man had to say about it. He wanted him to have some semblance of a Christmas meal and not some frozen meal picked up at the corner store. Shouta had told him he lived a twenty minute drive from his home but he often visited his corner store because there were more options there.

It had him curious, but he didn't dare breathe a word or ask what building the black-haired man lived in. There were many apartment buildings twenty minutes away from him making it hard. Either way, it was nice that he was so close. It explained how his friend could shave off time if he sped while driving to get over here. It explained why it was always like magic when the black-haired man appeared on his doorstep. He'd talk to him next time about receiving some left overs.

Folding wrapping paper into a triangle and tapping it into place, he quickly spun the present to do the same to the other side. He was damn good at wrapping, but he couldn't deny he was losing his mind. He had to work faster. Had to be faster. Three presents at a time from here on out if he wanted to finish half the bag of Izuku's. And then tonight after he got the boys to bed, he could continue wrapping until he was tired. It had him nodding to himself when he grabbed the next present.

Spreading the wrapping paper out and centering it. Picking up his scissors, they glided through the paper that shimmered beautifully as the ends curled. Placing his scissors down, he did quick work ripping three tabs of tape off then bringing the sides of the wrapping paper together to cover the toy. Placing down three lines of tape along the seam then he began working on folding the edges. Curling the triangle up, he tugged a tape off the dispenser then tapped it down.

Flipping it to the other side quickly as he could with his hands trembling lightly. Why? Was it nerves? Was it from simply thinking of Shouta? He had not a clue but God, he was tired of wrapping but he had so much to get done he knew he couldn't stop now. At least in two and a half hours' time he'd be eating dinner at his mothers'. From there it would be about winding the boys down on the way home after a few additional hours spent there.

He knew the car ride home would get them sleepy if they ran out of steam at his mothers'. And then for the rest of the night he would finish wrapping Izuku's presents then work on the others. If he worked at this pace, then he should be done and ready for Christmas. He hummed to himself as he placed the wrapped presents to the side and grabbing the third. Rolling out the paper, centering it, then grabbing his scissors was becoming a routine that had him falling into a haze.

A familiar one that had him threatening to yawn as his scissors glided through the paper. Grabbing the tape dispenser to rip three strips off, he then brought the paper together. Wash, rinse, repeat. He was quicker at it at least even if he was only starting out with Izuku's. His boys were going to be spoiled rotten this Christmas, but could anyone blame him for doing some additional splurging? He wanted his sons to have a good Christmas this year.

Plus, it didn't hurt that he had been paid rather handsomely for his substituting job. He was eager to do some extra splurging on his sons, on his family, and he'd made sure to save some aside for all the food shopping. To put any final touches on what he was going to have to do for Christmas. God, he didn't know where he was going to put it all, but he was going to cook the night before and put it all in the fridge.

Reheat it tomorrow for everyone then focus on cooking the pies that they'd request for dessert. He sighed out to himself as he taped a triangle down then flipped the present around. Quickly folding that side before tapping it into place as he flipped the present up. He grabbed his book of name tags and pulled two off, sticking them on the presents, then grabbing a third for the third present. Picking up his pen, he quickly scribbled in the familiar names before placing them to the side.

Reaching down for the bag of presents he tugged out three more before placing his pen, scissors and tape to the side. Sliding to the edge of the bed carefully, he made his way around the bags of presents. He needed a breather. Just one moment to grab a water that he could sip at while he wrapped. Making his way across the bedroom with brisk strides, he reached out to touch the double doors. Tugging them open just enough to slip out, he shut them behind him with a light thud.

Then a chirping meow got his attention. Looking down to find Cappella, Sterling and Twix waiting for him. Reese sat in the doorway of the kitchen with her large orange eyes staring intently. He'd open his doors to them soon; it was a pain in the ass to wrap with cats around. Clicking his tongue, he made his way forward with three cats springing into movement which had Reese, their newest addition, jumping to move out of the way. He made his way down the small hallway into the kitchen.

And then Twix was meowing with hsi famous "crunchy" meow as the cats paced impatiently by their food bowls. It was much too soon for dinner, but it had him smiling softly as he stepped into the kitchen. He made his way across the room to open up a cabinet before reaching up to grab a cup. Shutting the door, he spun on his feet then made his way forward to the freezer. Sticking his cup underneath, he chose crushed ice this time round.

It rattled into his cup deafeningly before he changed it over to the water setting. The quiet hiss of the water was deafening in his kitchen when he rolled his tense, aching shoulders again. He'd been hunched over for two hours now, and his hands ached from the scissoring. But he'd ignore it. It was only faint aches that he knew would go away the second that he jumped into the bath or took a hot shower. Rolling his head side to side lazily, his neck gave pops that had him groaning quietly when he pulled his cup away.

Putting a stop to the water when he made his way forward quickly. Putting a pep to his step while he slurped at his water with jingling cat collars chasing him. Faster. He took a gulp of his water as he rushed down his hallway then reached out for his door. Nudging it open just enough for him to get in, he felt a stab of guilt when he shut the door in Sterling's face. Just a little longer than he'd bring them all in for the cuddles they deserved.

Until then, he needed to get as much wrapping done as he possibly can. He knew they were vying for attention given the boys were gone and couldn't give love to the cats while he was wrapping. Sighing out, he made his way forward as he navigated around the bags of presents and placed his cup on the bedside table next to his phone. Lifting it up quickly to grab his coaster, he slipped it under his cup before he opened the drawer.

Reaching inside for a ponytail that he spotted quickly in the center of the drawer. He snagged the black ring then shut the drawer when he gathered his hair up into a ponytail. Scraping his hands over his hair then tying his hair back out of his face was nice. It had air attacking his neck sending a shiver over him when he then climbed onto the bed carefully. Grabbing his tape, pen and scissors, he curled his legs beneath him when he glanced at the tape. There wasn't much left.

He leaned forward near the other tubes of wrapping where he had a fresh roll of tape. Snagging it with his fingers with a quiet grunt when he then settled back. Alright! Alright, he can do this! Easy peasy! He just needs to get at least six more of Izuku's wrapped to feel like he'd made some progress. He reached down into the back that held Izuku's presents to grab three presents. Rolling his head slightly with his shoulders shrugging back, he grabbed his scissors.

Placing the new roll of tape down against his thigh. Swallowing down a yawn, he then rolled out that shimmery golden wrapping paper and placed a toy down. A stuffed animal this time round. He had gotten Izuku, another octopus; the boy seemed to have a love for marine life, and he loved his octopus shaped stuffies the most. He had decided to get him a reversible this time; a happy and angry side. He hummed as he cut out a small section of the paper.

And much like how his mothers used to wrap them, he twisted the ends. Like a giant candy. Using a few strips of tape to keep the seam shut and to hold the twisted ends, he placed the present to the side. The next one was a Lego set that Izuku had been eyeing in the store; he'd yet to do a Lego set but he bet anything Izuku could do this. It was a simple one for six year old's with big pieces and it had him curious on how Izuku would complete it.

He slides the scissors through the wrapping paper, he blinked when his phone vibrated again on the bedside table. People seemed to be busy on Facebook today, weren't they? He knew his sisters would text him if they really needed him. Tomorrow, they were taking out all the kids to go see Santa while he continued wrapping. Oh, Izuku and Hitoshi had been absolutely thrilled when he told them that they were going to go and see Santa tomorrow at the mall.

They wouldn't stop shrieking with joy over it while dancing in place much to his delight. Finishing off the roll of scotch tape, he placed it along the seam quickly before turning to rip open the packaging of the new tape roll. Pulling it out of the plastic, he tossed the empty packaging into the trash then tugged at the tape to remove it of the starter. The little place marker. He then ripped off two new pieces then worked on folding up the side into a triangle then bringing it up to be taped into place.

He'd done his best to get every single thing on the boys list within reason and then a few splurged presents. It was going to be a damn good Christmas for the children this year and he still hadn't begun to worry about the stocking stuffers or where he'd hang the stockings for everyone. It had him groaning at the thought but he knew it would need to be done quickly the night before so he could hang them all up. It would take him, his sisters and brother to haul out all the presents.

To bring in the ones that they bought. He didn't know how they'd all fit in the living room with those presents but he was sure they'd make it work. He flipped the present around to begin folding the other side. Tapping it into place, he flipped the box in his hands when he grabbed his booklet of name tags. Flipping past the empty pages, he settled on a new page and worked out two name tags. Pressing them to the tootsie-rolled present and the Lego's, he added them to the others.

While wrapping wasn't all time consuming, it was proving to give his hands something to do. He didn't know how he focused so consistently on one task like this, but he was determined to make a sizeable dent in his wrapping this afternoon. That way when he brought the boys home, they could either decorate the tree or put them to bed. They already had the lights strewn around it, so it lit up the living room softly in a festive glow that he adored.

One that reminded him of his own childhoods when he would sneak down the stairs at four in the morning to find stacks upon stacks of presents waiting for them. He could still recall the childlike joy in running to his siblings who woke bleary eyed only for the four of them to run to their parents room. To poke and prod until one of their mothers woke and they were forced away with the insistence of later in the morning.

Of course, it didn't stop them from gathering in one siblings room to watch TV together. He wondered how Hitoshi would handle this Christmas with Izuku with them. It was the first one, after all, and he planned on making it a damn good holiday for the both of them. Especially if he was to adopt Izuku, he needs to make sure that this Christmas goes off without a damn hitch. Nothing to screw it up. He just needed to make the day as perfect as he possibly could with the help of his family.

He knew that all he had to do was make sure the tree was decorated, the presents wrapped and labeled correctly. To make sure that dinner was going to go alright. He couldn't do that if he was mooning over Shouta. He found himself biting his lip slightly with his teeth dragging over it as he chewed on it. He forced his hands to move as he grabbed a few presents from the bag. Rolling out the wrapping paper and lining up the first one in the center the best he could.

Grabbing his scissors to glide through the wrapping paper with a low hum to himself. While he didn't want to, he knew that there was no helping it. He truly did wish that Shouta had changed his mind. He wished that he would somehow, someway, show up on his doorstep with Eri in his arms. He wants nothing more than to share the holiday with his best friend. They'd been friends for five months even if there had been quite a few hiccups along the way. But did friends kiss one another?

Did friends give lingering hugs? Lingering touches? Longing glances? It had him groaning lowly under his breath as he ripped tape off of the dispenser with hands folding the paper over the small book series he had in the middle. Something Izuku had been begging for and wrote down on his Christmas list. He lined the tape along the seam of the present then sighed out to himself. Fuck, he hoped the boys weren't expecting Shouta to show up.

They'd been asking about the black-haired man for a bit. Asking why he didn't come over. Why didn't he have dinner with them? Why didn't he come over to play with them? Where Eri was. It tore his heart out of his chest with each innocent question of his sons, but he didn't want to drag them into anything. He didn't want them to feel like he was dragging them into anything. Instead, he merely waved it away as Shouta being busy. There was nothing more he could say other than that.

It was easy to distract himself from Shouta, but his own mind wouldn't shut up. It wouldn't stop chugging and thinking of the black-haired man. Going over moments they spent together that he deciphered into tiny little pieces. Tearing it apart again and again in his head trying to find something that was rendered to meaning nothing. He sighed out softly with his hands moving to fold the wrapping paper up into triangles and tapping them into place.

He was honestly relieved they had the talk that they'd had. They'd had a few extra hours to hash out a few smaller things together before Shouta had gotten the text that his sister had to head out. They'd said goodbye at the door and God knows he wanted to drag him back. He wanted to hug him tightly, but he held himself back. He'd waved him off instead before shutting the door on the interaction. Leaving himself alone with nothing but his thoughts.

God, he didn't know what he would have said but he was at least glad that they got some of it out of the way. At least they were mature enough to come together to have an open and honest talk with one another. To explain what they wanted from one another and how the kiss had impacted them both. Shouta had turned red quite a few times when he tried teasing him, but he was the damned fool who turned red when recalling how beautiful Shouta called him. Did that still count?

Did Shouta still think of him as a beautiful man despite now knowing the truth? Would Shouta understand that he was indeed a man? Or had he merely been trying to comfort him and come back with a different opinion? It scared him. It truly, well scared him that somehow, someway, the black-haired man would have a problem with the situation. That he would suddenly have reservations. It was a scary thing coming out to someone. Absolutely nerve-wracking if he was honest with himself.

Even with the knowledge everyone had their preferences it was still scary. He tapped down that triangle then spun the gift to quickly work on the other side. Getting it folded neatly then tapped into place when he grabbed the second present. Rolling the wrapping paper out once more and placing it down when he found himself lingering. Hesitating with his fingers tracing the edges of the box resting in the middle of the wrapping paper.

He bit his lip with teeth dragging it over shallowly when he let his head fall backwards. It wasn't a fairytale. This wasn't going to be a fairytale. And yet some part of him was secretly hoping that Shouta would show up. That he would appear on his doorstep at any given moment with his heart in his hand and a love profession. He didn't know what he'd do in response, but he knew he'd accept it after a moment. He knew he'd be ready to act on his crush.

To act on the desires that only welled up each time he touched himself beneath the blankets on nights when he couldn't sleep. When his mind wouldn't shut off. Porn did nothing. All it did was make him fantasize about it no matter what he watched whether it was a straight couple or a gay male couple. It didn't matter what he did, what he watched, it was too easy to imagine it as himself and Shouta. And when his eyes shut? When his fingers were wondering?

It was only Shouta that came to mind. It was driving him up the wall, but he knew he needed to focus on the here and now. He needed to focus on making it through the hellish holidays and make them the best for his children. It was the least that he could do after being so busy for the past couple of months. He wanted to give Izuku the best holiday that he possibly could just like he had on Halloween when he took them trick or treating. On their version of Thanksgiving.

He wanted nothing more than to provide a happy home for the green-haired child. For his other son, Hitoshi. All he wanted was to see their little faces light up with delight on Christmas. And so, if Shouta wasn't going to show up then he was going to put him off of his mind the day of. He'd make him a plate and bring him his presents if he wanted but he wasn't going to obsess over this man on a holiday meant to be spent with friends and family.

He hated the idea of not spending it with Shouta but if the man was firm in not coming over then he wasn't going to strong arm him into coming. He'd miss him but there were things he couldn't change. And he wasn't going to violate a very clear boundary set by the black-haired man when he had suggested himself not coming. He wasn't going to disrespect him like that. He forced his hands to move to bring the wrapping paper together when he grabbed the tape dispenser.

Ripping off three strips. Lining them along the seam of the paper when his phone rang out with a different notification sound that grabbed his attention. A text message. From who? He then reached for his phone with a sigh. If it was Nemuri again, he was going to lose his mind. He knew coordinating with everyone was a must, but the woman mostly tried prying about how he felt. How he was doing. And he didn't want to think about it at the moment. Didn't want to think about himself.

Not when he had more important matters to think about. Pressing his thumb into the power button, he felt half-ready to call Nemuri up and just have a conversation about Christmas. About what she needed to do. But instead of a text from Nemuri, his heart was jumping into his throat where it then beat wildly. His breath rushing out of him as his lips twitched. Shouta. It had been two long days since they talked on top of the six days of silence, and he didn't like it.

Rather than being the one cutting contact for six days, it felt like someone outside of them had made that call. It was saddening but he found himself unlocking his phone screen eagerly. He wants to talk to Shouta. Even if it meant texting like middle schoolers. He placed his phone down into his lap, reached for his water to take one, two gulping sips before placing it back on the coaster. Taking a deep breath as that water soothed the fluttering of his stomach slightly.

He then picked his phone up with his thumb sliding down from the top. Pulling down his notifications to find a text waiting for him from Shouta that he tapped on eagerly. Texting wouldn't be too distracting, now, would it? It's not like it would kill him to do some texting while he was wrapping when he was doing good work so far. Just one. One moment to text with Shouta even if it was just to see how he was doing. He wiggled in place, shifting his weight, when the chat loaded up.

Shouta: hey zashi how r u doin? nem told me u were wrapping?

Hizashi: Shouta, hey! And yeah, I'm up to my NECK wrapping up presents 😅

Shouta: jeesh tht sounds rough having 2 do so much wrapping

Hizashi: Eh, I'm chipping away at it! Oh! Since you're not coming to Christmas I was wondering if you wanted me to drop you and Eri's presents off at your place?

Hizashi: Or did you want to swing by here afterwards to pick them up?

Shouta: how busy will u b? i mean i dont mind comin by but not when ur busy, u know?

Hizashi: Oh, I get that! Um, so my family does after Christmas stuff, so I'll be going to my mothers'' house the day after Christmas. But I can find time to swing by yours if you're comfortable with that?

Shouta: zashi ive been 2 ur house MANY times

Shouta: i dont mind if u come over 2 mine 2 bring the presents

Hizashi: Awesome! And I wanted to ask, if it's not too much, did you want me to make like a container or a plate for you and Eri? I'm going to have extra for WEEKS, and I don't mind giving any out!

Shouta: it might b nice

Shouta: i was honestly plannin on making a lil ham or somethin simple, u know?

Shouta: but i wont stop u if u wanna bring me some extras

Hizashi: I'd love to bring you extras! I'll be making a FEAST of stuff and I'll bringing you and Eri a bit of everything! Oh, by the way, you left your thermos here, so it'll give me the chance to swing by!

Shouta: u say it like uve been dyin 2 see my place 😅

Hizashi: Can you blame me? You live so close, and I've never been over once! I have you over here all the time, you know! It's only fair 😝

Shouta: maybe it is lol

Shouta: i wanted 2 ask btw but could i call u like tmrrw?

Hizashi: Of course you can! You know you don't gotta ask before calling but I appreciate you being polite! Is there a reason that you need to call tomorrow?

Shouta: ive been thinkin about our tlk a lot

Shouta: and about u being trans

Hizashi: Yeah? What about it? You're leaving me in suspense, Shouta. 😟

Shouta: i dont intend too but

Shouta: i dont belive its somethin 2 say over text, u know?

Shouta: i want 2 say it 2 u

Hizashi: Alright, I guess it's dirty of me to say that but I just

Hizashi: I really wanna know now if you want to stay friends, you know? Because I've had friendships where me being transgender has ended things before

Hizashi: And I don't really want to spend a day wondering and have my heart broken before the holidays, you know?

Shouta: i do

Shouta: and i promise i still want 2 b friends wit u

Shouta: nothin is gonna change tht

Hizashi: Oh

Hizashi: Oh, well that's a bit of a relief! But I'm guessing there's more to what you want to say, isn't there? Is that why you're asking a whole day in advance to talk? Do you want to schedule a time too?

Shouta: u know wht? yea

Shouta: lets schedule a time 4 me 2 call & we can talk then

Shouta: it'll make it less nerve wracking

Hizashi: You are such a DORK, you know that? Normally I think I'M the dork who always likes to schedule things out and plan for times and stuff like that, but it seems like you're just as bad as I am, haha!

Hizashi: And just know I say dork affectionately! 😊But what time would you wanna call? Do you want to call in the afternoon? Or would you rather call later at night? I can talk while I wrap, you know, and Hitoshi and Izuku want to decorate the tree tonight, but I don't mind talking after they're in bed if you don't?

Shouta: it might b better 2 call after they're in bed so just tell me wht time u think is best, ok?

Hizashi: Well, I typically get the boys to bed at around 8:00-8:30

Hizashi: So how about we aim for 9:00? I can text you once I have the boys in bed if that works with you?

Shouta: thts a smrt idea honestly

Shouta: i wuld say it NOW but i just feel its bttr 2 say it over the phone or face 2 face, whichever is easier

Hizashi: We can talk over the phone! I'd like to say I want to see you and I do but we can use FaceTime? If that feels better than just talking over the phone?

Hizashi: Whichever is more comfortable for you! I just don't know when I could squeeze you in with how busy I am getting ready, you know? And I feel AWFUL about it, Sho

Hizashi: Because I really do!

Hizashi: Want to see you, I mean!

Shouta: i want 2 see u 2

Shouta: but we can facetime if tht is more preferable 2 u?

Hizashi: I think whatever makes us both comfortable we do! I'd have to add you on FaceTime, but I don't mind that!

Shouta: then tomorrow we will add each other on thre

Shouta: if its ok wit u id like 2 text more?

Hizashi: Oh, we can text however long we want! Honestly, I'm making good progress on the wrapping, but I'll have to return to it soon

Hizashi: But first tell me how you're doing, seriously. And how is little Eri doing? Her birthday is coming up, right? 😀

Shouta: her bday is on the 21st so its coming up in a few days

Shouta: god i cant believe shes turning 2

Hizashi: I was the same way when I first adopted Toshi! He was only a baby still, only three years old, but I couldn't believe it when he turned four! I was a mess!

Shouta: oh i can imagine wht a mess u were

Shouta: u seem like the type of dad who cries easily 😁

Hizashi: Oh, shush! I'm an emotional man, what can I say? It's like my mothers' used to say, I just feel big emotions!

Shouta: i believe it trust me

Hizashi: Shush! Besides, you'll be crying like a baby when you're placing a cupcake or small cake with a candle for Eri to blow out! 😜 You're going to CRY because she's becoming a tiny toddler rather than the baby she was when we met

Shouta: r u tearing up?

Shouta: id bet anyhtin u have TEARS in ur eyes rn 😂

Hizashi: I do not! And even if I did it's nona your beeswax! I love Eri too, you know! She's an adorable little baby and I adore your daughter!

Shouta: shuld i tell her uncle zashi is getting sad bc shes getting older? 😁

Hizashi: You are AWFUL! Just like your texting 😝

Shouta: my textin isnt THT bad

Hizashi: From an English teacher standpoint, it's fucking AWFUL, Shouta. And from a regular texter, it's the worst fucking thing I've ever SEEN. It's like having a stroke trying to read all your abbreviations!

Shouta: oh is tht wht u think?

Shouta: srry if my textin is awful but u can still read it nough 2 understand me, cant u? 😉

Hizashi: You are the WORST, Shouta Aizawa! It won't kill you to learn proper spelling and grammar! The way you say that makes it sounds like you KNOW you can type like me, but you won't!

Shouta: and thts a secret i'll never tell 😜

Shouta: ur such a DORK, Hizashi Yamada

Hizashi: Ah! There it is! Capitalization is the first step! Same with commas! Come on, Sho, I know you hate texting like a teenager in the middle of the early 2000's in chat rooms!

Shouta: how bout u quit pickin on me & my texting u dork?

Hizashi: I may be a dork but at least I can spell properly, you ass! 😆

Shouta: ud miss me & my awful spelling & u know tht u wuld! dont go actin all high & mighty just bc u have an english degree

Hizashi: I don't know about THAT, but I guess I might miss your god awful spelling and grammar if you suddenly stopped but I don't knowwwww you'd have to actually CHANGE your writing

Hizashi: Are you willing to do that? 😉

Shouta: just so u know ive been texting like this 4 YEARS

Shouta: and Oboro neer coplained about it

Hizashi: Because he's too NICE to say that you're writing is God awful but I'm here to tell you the truth! Just like your sweet preferences!

Shouta: whts rong wit my sweets?

Hizashi: The fact you admitted you let Dr. Pepper go flat and you drink it while you eat CHOCOLATE? It's an abomination against GOD

Shouta: oh i see wht this is! im being TEASED

Shouta: im being BULLIED

Hizashi: I don't know, are you being teased? Are you being bullied? I'm only pointing out the fact that your spelling, punctuation, and grammar are fucking AWFUL

Hizashi: I'm just trying to keep it real for you, Sho 😊

Shouta: you, hizashi yamada, are an ASS imposin ur "proper" spelling & grammar!

Hizashi: Oh, hush, where was this indignation when you were PICKING on me for being emotional over Eri turning 2, huh?

Hizashi: You're like my cats when they get wet; so huffy and puffing up on me!

Shouta: wuldnt need 2 if u werent so MEAN 2 me, your best friend

Hizashi: You are my best friend, and I care which is WHY I'm technically being mean, but you love it when I tease you a little bit, don't you? 😉

Shouta: ur nothin but an ASS, zashi 😤

Hizashi: Maybe so but you'll thank me for it later! Now, as much as I'd love nothing more than to keep texting, I have to get back to wrapping! Do you care if my responses are a bit laggy? I just really need to get cracking on it

Shouta: nah i dont mind tht at all

Shouta: if anything u gotta LOT of presents accordin 2 Oboro

Hizashi: Yeah, I do have a lot I need to get wrapped but I'm also going to my mothers'' house for dinner so I have to crunch as much as I can in the next two hours and then I gotta keep on later tonight

Hizashi: Lots and lots of wrapping is in my future 😅

Shouta: i can see tht

Shouta: well not rlly seeing but i can only imagine all the wrapping u gotta do

Hizashi: It's a lot but I don't mind! I'll keep yours and Eri's presents in my closet and when I bring your thermos and the food over then I'll give it to you! It'll be like another little Christmas for you two! 😊

Shouta: u didnt hve 2 do tht

Shouta: ur lucky i managed 2 find somethin 4 u lst min

Hizashi: Awww, you did? That's so sweet! 😊

Shouta: mhmmm, & i grabbed a few gifts 4 toshi & izu

Hizashi: That's so sweet, Shouta, seriously! Do you want me to bring the boys over to open them at yours? Or would you rather I pass the gifts on to them?

Shouta: we'll figure it out theres no rush 😌

Shouta: now focus on ur wrappin! get it done mister!

Hizashi: Yes, sir! 😆

Putting his phone down, he took a deep breath. Anything to soothe the wild fluttering in his chest as his heart stumbled over its beats. His stomach fluttering wildly when he turned his phone screen off then turned to place it back on the bedside table. Tomorrow they were having another talk but this time it would be about his transgender status. Did he forgive Shouta for what he did? He does. He doesn't want to be a push over and forgive him depending on what Shouta said about him being transgender.

Regardless, he planned on telling the black-haired man the next time they were faced to face that he forgave him. There was no reason for him not to. Whether Shouta liked him or didn't, he forgave the black-haired man and that was that. He was more than happy to forgive him for what happened now that their wild ranging emotions had settled down. Especially his own. He was more than willing to FaceTime with the black-haired man tomorrow.

To listen to what it is that he has to say to him. What he had to say was always going to be important to him. Grabbing his glass of water, he lifted it up to gulp at it quickly in the attempt to drown the butterflies he felt fluttering in his stomach. He wanted nothing more than to spend the next two hours texting the black-haired man. In indulging the playful conversation of theirs with the light teasing but he had to get this wrapping at least halfway done for Izuku.

He had been doing something beforehand and he wasn't going to drop everything just to talk to a man. Lowering his glass with a sigh, a droplet of water dribbled down his chin which he rubbed at with the back of his hand. Placing his water glass back down, he swallowed then grabbed that third toy. Spreading the wrapping out, he placed it down in the center and fussed with its placement before reaching for his scissors.

He can't deny that despite his best intention, those butterflies continued to flutter. They were driving him insane. He didn't know what to think but he knew that whatever Shouta had to say would be important. Very. After all, the black-haired man could still want to be friends. Could still be comfortable around him but romantically is where things might differ. Even if Shouta didn't say it directly, he knows that despite his words from that afternoon that a romantic connection might not be possible.

And he accepted that. It was all a matter of preference and if Shouta didn't want to be with him that way? Well then there was nothing he could do to change his mind. He wasn't going to chase after a man that didn't want him. He wasn't going to drop onto his knees and beg for the man to want him if he didn't. The last thing he was going to do was shame or embarrass himself by chasing after a man who didn't or couldn't be with him sexually.

He was sure that if Shouta came out and said that then there'd be time to find someone new. To find someone who wanted him. There was no point in begging for love. For begging another man for his time and attention. He wants Shouta. He has a big fat crush on the man. But if it turned out that Shouta didn't or couldn't be with him then he'd take it with a grain of salt. He'd take it and be hurt but he would find someone else.

He hoped that Shouta was going to say what he was hoping that he was going to say. He hopes that the black-haired man was going to tell him the very thing he hoped for. He knew he had to keep his hopes low. Keep them guarded. Anything to make sure that he was still fine after what was said was said. That's all he can hope to do. All he can hope for. He knew that Shouta was rather open minded given how he had failed to blow up at him.

Had failed to call him anything but that didn't make him okay with it. If anything, Shouta could have been hiding it all this time and when they called tomorrow it would be the very thing he feared. That the black-haired man would call him every name under the sun when he was on the phone. That he would put an end to their friendship. He didn't know if he could look him in the face if he did that. But reality was proving to be more of a fantasy than the fantasies that lived in his head.

If anything, it was rather nice how Shouta kept proving him wrong. How he kept him guessing as to what the black-haired man was going to do next. That he kept him on his toes. Even texting now, he was kept on his toes with the black-haired man, but he felt that familiar warmth. The joy he got when it came to texting the black-haired man. It was something he'd missed in the days after their disastrous kiss.

It had him sighing out to himself as he forced his hands to move as he began to cut the wrapping paper. His scissors gliding intermittently through the paper seamlessly much to his delight when he snipped off the end. He grabbed his tape, three strips, and folded the paper over the toy. Placing the tape along the seam, he then began to focus on those triangles. Tapping them. He flipped the present over, grabbed his little book of labels, and peeled one out.

If his night was to be filled with wrapping, then he wondered what Shouta's night would look like. What the black-haired man was going to get up too. He wanted nothing more than to ask the black-haired man what he was going to do with his night. What he was going to have for dinner. He knew it wasn't his job to fuss and worry over his friend, but he couldn't stop himself from doing just that. Placing the present with the others, he reached down for the trash bag of toys to grab three more.

Two softer ones and another Lego set. He spread out the wrapping paper and laid out the squid and starfish plushie. His son was going to lose his mind over them as he had pointed them out in the store to him with that longing look to his green eyes. He smiled softly to himself as he worked the wrapping paper together before twisting the ends in that tootsie-roll manner as he tapped it in place to keep it from unraveling.

He then spread the paper out again and placed the Lego set down on the paper. Centering it then grabbing his scissors. He wondered what Shouta was doing right now. He wished he could see the black-haired man. That he could have Eri's babbling in his ear the way he normally did when he visited. It had his heart aching, but he knew eventually he would see Eri again. That he'd see Shouta again. For now, he needed to merely get his task done and then later he'd text the black-haired man again.

After he got the boys in bed, he'd worry about texting him again. He hadn't texted back yet, so he had some time, didn't he? He just wished he could call him up now. So, he could hear that deep voice over his speaker talking to him in that rather apathetic manner only to grow more playful. More knowing. As if he knew him. And in some way, Shouta did know him, didn't he? He's known him for five months now. Five long, arduous months and he knew that January wasn't going to be any different for them.

Six months of knowing one another would only provide an anniversary of some kind for their friendship. He knew that until he confessed to Shouta that nothing on the romantic front was going to change. But weren't they being the smallest bit immature? Neither admitting their true feelings? Neither wanting to take that step? Or was it just him? Was it clear to Shouta that he had a crush? Or were they both simply wearing blinders?

It had him sighing out to himself as he tore tape off quickly, brought the wrapping paper together and taped along the seam. Covering the box. He then worked on folding the edges with his fingers trembling slightly with the exhilaration that came from merely talking to the black-haired man. He'd have to control himself. To react better. But there was no one around to judge him, was there? There was no one who would scold him for his crush that was fluttering in his chest making his breaths shake?

His lips twitched slightly when he let his head hang forward with a sigh. He wished he could be more anxious than happy he talked to Shouta, but he knew there was no changing it. He merely flipped the folded edge up and taped it down. Spinning the box to fold the other side then tape it up. Peeling two stickers from his book. Placing them down then using his pen to fill it out. He'd worry about the talk tomorrow. He'd worry about Shouta's answers tomorrow.

For now, he wanted to focus on getting these presents ready. For now, he wants to relish the fact that Shouta had texted him back in any playful way. It felt like before they'd been thrown off kilter. It had smiling to himself as he reached down for three more presents from the bag. He knew that for now he could be happy. Happy that they were texting to something semi-normal. It was something that warmed his chest but he knew tomorrow would be another pivotal talk. Small but one that would need to happen.

Tomorrow.