Little Moon

Kuroo was curious about any number of things concerning Kei and little Eru, but the scene unfolding before him hadn’t been one of them. Naturally, the team surrounded the quartet as some sort of barrier, spreading out to give them space and a semblance of privacy, but they also seemed to give him enough room to see what was going on.

Kei was seated on the sofa, across from the Tanakas on the love seat. Eru, being her cheerful and happy little self, went between them like a pint-sized messenger. Things were a little tense between the adults, but they hid it from the little girl. If Kuroo had to guess, this was almost like some sort of supervised visitation, but… not…

Eru was talking a mile a minute, showing them her dress, her hair ribbon, and telling about when her Daddy bought her favorite pair of shoes, which she promptly ran off to go get. While she was gone, they asked Kei questions, no doubt about how her health was and if she was happy. “As if they couldn’t tell just by looking at her,” Kuroo murmured. This wasn’t really the sort of meeting he should be witnessing, so he tried to think of something else. Up until Eru bumped into him, dropping her shoes.

“Oh, sweetie, here. Let me help you,” he said, bending down to pick them up for her. “I like your shoes! Very sparkly!” Kuroo smiled at her.
“Daddy bought them for Eru!”
“Did he?”
“Daddy loves Eru!”
“He loves you very much.”
“Daddy likes you too!”
“Yes, he told me so.”
“Eru show shoes to Aunt Koko and Uncle Tanka now.”
“Okay, sweetie.”

She took them from him and then tippy toed to kiss him on the chin. Kuroo had been left stunned so many times tonight, he wasn’t sure how much more he could take. He slowly stood up, brought his hand up to the spot where she kissed him, and his eyes found Kei’s. Amber eyes that were filled with happy surprise and tenderness.

The oddly tense meeting went on for a little while longer, until it looked like Eru was getting bored. Kiyoko bent and said something to Eru, and she bounced up and down and ran to Kei.

“Daddy! Aunt Koko said Eru could play with Aya and Reo!”

Kei smiled at her, kissed and hugged his daughter before she scampered off to where all the other kids were playing. When Kuroo looked back, Kei and the Tanakas had stood up, and Kiyoko was hugging Kei. They parted after Kei shook hands with Tanaka, so did the rest of the team, and Kei’s eyes met his. With a subtle head tilt, Kei wordlessly suggested they meet out on the patio and then started walking in that direction.

“I wouldn’t make him wait too long,” Koshi said quietly from behind him. Kuroo jumped and turned to face the team mom, who shrugged nonchalantly. “You’re the only one not on our team who knows about Eru. You’re also the only one here who doesn’t know everything. I’m willing to bet Kei wants you to know, especially after what you just witnessed.”
“Oh! But if it’s not something I should know…”
“It’s too late, don’t you think? Besides… well, I’ll let Kei tell you.”

Koshi moved away, a crafty sort of smile on his face. Kuroo knew Koshi could be chaotic, and just as much a schemer as himself, but still, to be on the receiving end of that was almost terrifying.

After he finished his drink, Kuroo made his way out to the patio, sliding the glass door shut behind him. He didn’t fail to notice several members of the team gravitating to the door, turning their backs, and looking very much like guards. It was a lot like what they did earlier for Kei and the Tanakas. No one would disturb them, and no one would dare to even try. Not that he was worried about it, really, but clearly they thought privacy was needed.

Kei was seated in one of the patio chairs, his elbows on the table. His hands were near his face, almost as if he was praying.

“This isn’t bad news, is it?” Kuroo asked as he took a seat across from him.
“Depends.”
“On?”
Kei sighed and smiled a little. “You’ve always had a way of making me talk, didn’t you?”
Kuroo shrugged. “Figure you won’t say anything if I don’t.” He twiddled with his fingers and shrugged shyly. “Besides, I like hearing you talk.”
Kei’s smile brightened for a brief moment. “I like listening to you, too.” They shared the moment, before Kei’s smile faded. “Eru’s not really mine. Not by birth.”
“Oh?”
“Before I tell you anything further, she’s mine in every other way. I’m the one who’s raised her, taken care of her, held her when she cried and…”
“Whoa, Kei! I’m not going to take her away from you.”
Kei blinked. “Sorry. I just… I get defensive…”
“Only natural to want to protect your child.”
“Right. Well…” he paused and straightened up in his chair so that he could look Kuroo dead in the face. Kuroo sat waiting, silently encouraging him. “Eru was my brother’s baby. But, from the moment I met her, we had this… bond. I was the first one she ran to when she was hurt, the first one she ran to when she wanted cuddles, the first one she ran to with any little discovery she made. They handed her over to me when she wasn’t falling asleep no matter what they tried, and somehow, it was only me who could calm her down enough so she would sleep. It was as if she were really mine, just born from different parents.

“Then, one day, I was babysitting her, and my phone went off. There was… an accident. No survivors. She wasn’t even two years old, yet, and lost both parents. From that moment, Eru truly became mine. No way was I going to let her go to anyone, or anywhere, else. It wasn’t until later that we found out Akiteru had made a codicil to their will: In the event that anything ever happened to them, they wanted Eru to be mine. They didn’t want the bond to be broken. It was signed by both Nii-san and his wife.”
“And the Tanaka’s?”
“Tanaka’s older sister, Saeko, was Nii-san’s wife,” Kei confirmed. “Naturally, Kiyoko and Ryu thought Eru would come to them. They were already parents, so they’d know how to take care of her best. They tried to convince me that it would be better for her. ‘You’re too young; You have your whole life in front of you. A sophomore in college couldn’t possibly have the time to study, take classes, and care for a young child, too.’ They couldn’t see what losing Eru would do to me, what it would do to her.”
“So, there was a fight?”
“Not in the exact sense of the word, no. They did try to contest the will, but it was pretty much set in stone. It was the final wish of Nii-san and Saeko that Eru be mine, and if they fought it, well, the law was on my side. So we set up visitations, because Eru was their niece, too. I couldn’t be selfish. I couldn’t come between them, it wouldn’t be right. Still, each time they saw us together, they’d see her run to me, no matter what. Eru was already calling me ‘Daddy,’ so they stopped contesting. I’m sure you noticed how things are between us?”
“Yeah. Strained. Not like it was when you were in school together.”
“Right. Well, call me a little paranoid, and I really do trust them in most other ways, but… I just can’t leave her alone with them. And I hate feeling that way.”
“Understandable. I’d be the same way.”
“I did everything I had to do to make her legally mine.” Keii looked away from him for a long moment, and then looked back. “Now you know the story of how my niece became my daughter.”
Kuroo nodded and smiled. “Sounds like she was always your daughter. The paperwork was just a formality.”
“It really was,” Kei agreed.
“Will you ever tell her?”
Kei shrugged. “I won’t lie to her,” he replied quietly. “But unless, or until, she asks me…”
“Right.”
“Everyone understands this, and promised not to say anything, either.” Kei looked at him expectantly.
“Sworn to secrecy,” Kuroo said, crossing his heart. “I won’t say anything, either.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”

They sat there for just a little while, listening to the quiet noises from inside, mixed with the sounds from crickets and other night insects. Kei stood up and walked a little way into the yard. Kuroo watched him, watched the way he stood alone, watched the way the light from the moon illuminated his hair. Kuroo knew then that he didn’t just have a crush on Kei, but that his feelings were very much deeper than that. Kuroo loved him.

But as he rose from his seat, he heard the sliding glass door open, and he turned to see Eru run through. She stopped for a moment, her amber eyes searching for her most important person in the world. Not seeing him right away, he could see tears welling up in her eyes. With a glance, he noticed Kei hadn’t heard the door opening, so he took a step in Eru’s direction. She saw him, but for once, didn’t look like she wanted anything to do with him. Still… he crouched down and waited until she looked at him again.

“Eru, may I ask you a question?”
She nodded shyly. Not like her at all.
“I know where your daddy is. Will you let me take you to him?”
“Where Daddy?”
“Do you want me to take you to him?”

She nodded, this time a little more enthusiastically. Smiling, Kuroo held out his arms and Eru raised hers, wrapping them around his neck. Holding tight to the little girl, his heart melting, he rose and turned, walking slowly off the patio and toward Kei. The closer he got, the more Eru smiled, and as soon as he was close enough, he gained Kei’s attention.

“Someone wants to see you,” he said quietly.
“Daddy!” Eru cried, letting go of Kuroo and holding her arms out to Kei.

Kei didn’t hesitate and took Eru from him, holding her close, one hand gently holding the back of her head. She snuggled as close as she could get. Neither of them spoke. If Kuroo, or anyone, had any doubts before about Kei being Eru’s father in every way, there were none now. Perhaps it was a good thing Kuroo never doubted it. Still… he backed away a few steps, and turned away, thinking to allow the two of them some father/daughter time alone.

“Tetsuro Kuroo,” Kei’s voice followed him, soft, and yet using his “Dad” voice. Kuroo grinned and stopped. “Don’t you dare leave.”
“I wasn’t going to leave the party…” he started to say.
“Not what I meant.”
“What did you mean?” And he turned back to look at Kei, who was looking at him. As was little Eru.
“Kuroo-san stay,” her little voice reached him, reached his already racing heart.
“You heard Eru,” Kei said with a soft smile.
Kuroo walked slowly until he was right in front of Kei. “And what does Eru’s father say?”
“Don’t leave. Stay with us.”
Kuroo couldn’t help himself. “How long do you want me to stay?”
Kei huffed, and then smirked. “How long do you want to stay?”
“Stay forever!” Eru chimed in, reaching over to pat his face.
“Forever, huh?” His face hurt from smiling so much. “I think I can do that. How about as a start, I take you two home?”
“Sounds good,” Kei agreed. “I think someone’s tired, anyway.”
“Eru not tired!”
“She’s not?” Kuroo asked her, eyes wide, earning a sweet little giggle. “I thought I saw Eru yawning.”
“Eru not yawning!” she protested, but lost the battle against one very large yawn. For a five year old.
Kuroo chuckled and leaned close so he could whisper in Kei’s ear. “I’ll go the long way, if there is one.” With each word uttered, his lips just grazed the shell of Kei’s ear, which earned him a shiver. When he leaned back, Kei nodded slightly.
“Oh, wait. I don’t have a child’s car seat…”
“We can borrow one from Koshi and Daichi.”
“Good. When do you want to leave?”
“I’m good with now.”
“I’ll go get the car ready.”
“We’ll meet you out front.”

They walked back in and split up, Kuroo saying his goodbyes, and then going to get his car ready for two Very Important Passengers. Meanwhile, Kei put Eru down so she could tell the other children goodbye, and he gathered her stuff. He picked her up when she came back, and went around to everyone saying goodbye and promising to see them all next month.

Once they were done, and Koshi handed Kuroo one of their kids’ car seats, they all waved goodbye and left the party together.

“How long do you think before they are officially a family?” Koshi asked his husband as they watched the car drive away.
“With or without your… help?”
Koshi lightly smacked Daichi on the arm as they went back inside. “Does it matter?”
Daichi laughed. “Probably not. I doubt it’ll take that long at all.”
“Yeah, me either.”

~*~

They didn’t need to go the long way after all. Eru was out cold within minutes of their departure from the Sawamura’s. It was also a good thing Kei had the forethought to put his address into the GPS before they left; Kei was barely awake himself, reaching for Kuroo’s hand before he dozed off.

When they finally made it to Kei’s apartment building, Kuroo leaned over and kissed Kei’s forehead to wake him, and then went to get Eru out of her seat. She woke up just enough to put her face in his neck and grab a tiny fistful of his shirt. And then she fell asleep again.

“Looks like you’re stuck,” Kei said quietly, rubbing her back and giving her a little kiss.
“You should take her.”
“Why? I don’t want to wake her up.”
“Well, I mean if she wakes up and finds out it’s not you holding her…”
“Kuroo…”
“You can call me Tetsuro, you know.”
“Fine, Tetsuro.” Kei smirked. “If Eru wanted me to hold her, she’d have already asked for it. She knows it’s you.”
Tetsuro wasn’t sure how to feel about that. “O-okay. What should I do?”
“Well, for starters, why don’t we go inside? She’s done for the night, so all we need to do is get her into her pajamas, and tucked in bed.”

Kei smiled at him , turned, and started walking to the main entrance. When he realized Tetsuro wasn’t beside him, he turned back… and tried so hard not to laugh at the expression on Tetsuro’s face. He looked stunned, happy, maybe even a little scared.

“We?”
“Well, yeah,” Kei replied, walking back to him. “Eru likes you. She always has, ever since she saw you in a picture. She even figured out that I like you, too. Let me show you something,” he said as he reached up and gently put his hands around Eru. He tried to lift her up, to take her from Tetsuro, but Eru wasn’t having it. She whimpered and grabbed his shirt with both hands, and held on tight.

“No! Eru stay with Kuroo-san!”
Kei smiled at Tetsuro as he let go of Eru. “See? She likes you. She’s also volunteered you to help her go to bed.”
Tetsuro held her just a little tighter, still looking stunned, but also like he’d protect her from anything. Kei chuckled. “Come on. I’ll show you what you need to do.”
“Alright.”

~*~

When Kei came back upstairs, carrying two mugs of coffee, he found Tetsuro sitting on the floor beside Eru’s little bed, just watching her as she slept. It looked like she’d finally let go of him enough for him to tuck her in. It had been a trick to get her out of her little dress and into her night shirt while he held on to her, but they managed it.

“Finally let you go, huh?” he asked from the doorway.
“Yeah. I tried to leave, but she woke up right as I was at the door.”
“Lemme guess: begged you to stay and her eyes filled with tears?”
“Yeah. How do you…?”
“It’s hard, but sometimes I just let her cry. Eventually she’ll go back to sleep. I have to sleep, too, and lying on the floor isn’t an option.”
Tetsuro nodded, and shifted so he could look up at Kei.
“You’re a good dad,” he said quietly.
“I try. I think of it as a neverending lesson on parenting.” He held up one of the mugs. “Let’s go downstairs. We can talk normally.”
“Even if she cries?”
“Even if she cries.”
Tetsuro grinned and levered himself up off the floor. He was as quiet as he could be, but still managed to make a little bit of noise, and just enough that Eru woke up.
“Don’t go…”
Kei handed Tetsuro the mugs and knelt beside her bed.
“Time for sleep, baby.”
“Kuroo-san can’t go.”
“He has to, Eru. Do you want him to kiss you goodnight?”
Her eyes were already staying shut longer than they were open, and she yawned a great big yawn, but she nodded once. Kei chuckled and leaned in to kiss her forehead, running his fingers through her hair. Then, he stood up and made room for Tetsuro, who knelt and gently kissed her cheek. Her sleepy smile was entirely too adorable, but she was asleep in seconds.

Downstairs, they sat at the table, a plate of snacks between them, and a second mug of coffee being savored. They took turns telling each other stories from their pasts; Tetsuro told Kei about his travels around the country for the JVA, but now he’s more localized and keeping track of the rising stars of their generation. He had an idea for a major event in the future, but it was going to take a massive amount of planning, so that’s what he was doing now.

Kei told Tetsuro more about becoming a father, and raising little Eru.

“I tried to stay in college, but even with the reduced class load, I couldn’t do it. I wasn’t able to keep Eru with me in class, she’d get bored too fast, and she’d distract my classmates,” he said with a tender smile. “But leaving her for a full day, plus study time, was nerve-wracking for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust my mom, or Daichi and Koshi, but… I wanted to be with my daughter. Learn with her, play with her, watch her just be Eru. I finished my sophomore year, but dropped out before my junior year started, against my advisor’s suggestions.”
“Sounds like it wasn’t a very tough decision to make,” Tetsuro said quietly.
Kei put down his empty mug. “It really wasn’t. Eru has a trust fund from her parents and grandparents, so with careful budgeting, her needs are met. I have an inheritance from my grandparents, and Nii-san’s portion was awarded to me, so all I really needed to do was take a part time job.”
“You’ve managed it amazingly well.”
“It wasn’t easy.”
“Maybe not. Still, though, from all I’ve seen so far, you have everything under control.”
“Well, not everything,” Kei admitted quietly.

He stood up and took his empty mug, and Tetsuro’s, to the sink. He returned for the empty plate of snacks, but Tetsuro stopped him, a gentle hand on his wrist.

“What do you mean, ‘not everything’?”
Kei shrugged. “It’s hard to explain,” he replied. “It’s just been Eru and myself for a while now. I’d grown used to it. Life was comfortable. I was content. Or so thought…”
“What changed your mind?”
Kei huffed, and managed to look both shy and annoyed at the same time.
“You did, Tetsuro Kuroo.”