volkamenia | a strong wind at my back [semi/shirabu, single dad au]

[ As apathetic as he gets at times, if Kunimi could get away with murdering Semi's wife, he would in a heartbeat. Anything to help Semi get through this. Ever since he moved in with his older brother to help raise his (beautiful, precious, darling) son, he's watched the stress chisel away at him, piece by piece breaking off and manifesting in late nights, frantic pacing, excessive worrying.

He hates seeing his brother like this but god, he'd hate more to not be by his side, supporting him in the minuscule ways he can. ] I'm sure, Eita. [ Of that, he'll reassure him a hundred times more, just to make it sink in.

Rising to his feet, he makes his way over to Semi and gives him a (gentle, but still) smack on the back, followed by a kiss on his cheek. While close, he mumbles: ] Remember to breathe.

I'm fine. [He is not fine.

Semi will still give him a kiss on the cheek in return. That'll at least make it a little convincing, right?

Before Kunimi can even begin to see right through him, and because he can't leave without giving his baby a kiss too, he slides by to scoop Rui into his arms. He peppers his face with little kisses, even blowing the tiniest of raspberries against his cheek. Which Rui pouts and is generally adorable about.] Dad's gonna gone for a little bit, okay?

Text me if you need anything, and I'll probably bring back dinner.

[With another deep breath, Semi is out the door. To meet the divorce lawyer who's name he can't fucking remember.]

[ It'd been years since Shirabu had heard his name. Semi Eita. He'd be lying if he said he made great efforts to keep tabs on his senpai after graduation (he only did with Ushijima, which wasn't difficult because it's Ushijima for god's sake), but it'd also be a lie to say that part of him, deep deep down, was maybe just the tiniest bit happy to be seeing him again. Definitely not because of the circumstances, but it is what it is.

But he wouldn't let that get in the way of his duty. What Semi's hiring him to do. Oh, no. He didn't work himself to the bone through years of law school and studying for bar exams to get so easily distracted by a familiar face from the past. He's much, much better than that.

Shirabu takes one last glance over the documents he has piled on his desk, absorbing the last bits of information he needs to get the process started (divorces were always so messy, so many little details to figure out), before rising to his feet and stepping out of the office and into the firm's lobby.

There he is. And his hair's just as awful as it was in high school. Not that Shirabu has much room to talk with his signature (infamous) bangs still cut at a ridiculous angle, but still, some things just don't change.

He clears his throat. ] Hello, Semi-san.

[At what point did the gods decide to make Semi's life a cruel joke? When did that happen? And what on earth had he done to deserve it?

As he sits in the firms lobby he's been twiddling his thumbs and his legs been jumping nervously but he's been trying to keep a smile on his face. He is ready to greet the lawyer with a smile and hopes it will start a good relationship with them. But his smile drops the second he sees it's Shirabu who just called for him.

It's not that he's unhappy to see the shittiest, probably most judgemental of his kouhai. It's not like he was also curious about how any of his kouhai had fared after high school. But the circumstances. And the particular kouhai. He's like - kind of unhappy. A little unhappy. He can't help but mutter under his breath, quietly but with purpose.] What the fuck...

[But he's quick to get to his feet.] Shirabu ........ san? [What?? The?! Fuck!!] Are you....?

[ i could write some description of his face but really just. this icon. this fuckin icon. ]

You were the one that hired me, Semi-san. [ Shirabu just. Can't believe this. Why is he acting so surprised? Is his life really that much of a mess that he forgot who was taking care of something so important as his divorce????

Probably. Which Shirabu is simultaneously surprised and not at all surprised about.

He takes a breath, then gestures to the office he just emerged from. ] We'll talk inside. [ Clients first!

His office is a bit out of the ordinary, if only because it's so impersonal. No photos on his desk, or even a plant by a windowsill. Just his credentials framed by the door and floor to ceiling shelves along the walls jammed full with folders and heavy law books.

Once they're both inside, Shirabu closes the door behind him and takes a seat behind his desk, then wordlessly gestures to the seat across from him. Sit down, Semi. ] What are you hoping to get out of this? [ With others, he might be a little less blunt. But this is his former senpai, and it might be too weird to act Entirely Professional with him. (Also he's clearly a mess.) ]

[Semi starts to sputter a weak explanation of how - well - there was a referral service and -- and how perhaps he did see "Shirabu" on the final paperwork but he never bothered to look past the family name because that was the least of his worries as long as his lawyer had a good reputation. Shirabu whoever the fuck met his criteria of having the credentials, being divorce lawyer, handling family cases - specifically custody battles, and winning the majority of them.

Instead Semi stops himself and follows Shirabu into his office like a dog with its tail between it's legs. He's experienced too wild a ride of emotions in the past couple hours to bother.

Today's filled him with dread, panic, and a pinprick of confidence he had hoped to carry with him into this conversation. That confidence has been promptly shattered by shock and now shame. He is a mess. He's at his very worst right now. And it doesn't matter which kouhai it is, a kouhai is seeing him like this. Shirabu's gotten a good look at his life and probably knows all the messy details of it besides why he's getting divorced in the first place. He trusts Shirabu can get the job done but it's still a little... Semi has never felt so small.

He wrings his hands in his lap, hoping that they're hidden enough behind the desk so Shirabu doesn't see that at least.]

Right. I know realistically I should be asking for more money or whatever, but my main priority is getting custody of my son. That's all I want from this.

[ Shirabu nods slightly and jots that down on a notepad. "Main priority: custody." ] ... I'm going to ask you a few questions - take your time answering, for it'll shape how I approach your case.

[ He has never been the best with people - being a lawyer has taught him a lesson or two about empathy, but he's still very much the cold, blunt kid he was back in middle and high school. Which is why he doesn't focus much on Semi's outward appearance - the way he sits in his chair, the restlessness in his limbs - and instead hones in on his words, what he says, what he wants.

Semi won't find much sympathy in Shirabu's eyes, but also not an ounce of judgement. ]

Are you seeking sole custody of your child, or do you have another arrangement in mind? Has your partner expressed wanting custody as well? What assets are there in you and your partner's name? And will you be seeking child support from your partner? [ ... shirabu would it kill you to sound just a little less textbooky ]

[Shirabu's bluntness is actually a huge relief. It'll take a bit longer before Semi relaxes and gets that he's not being judged but it's reassuring that as of now, Shirabu's only getting down to business.]

Um. Sole custody. My partner - [Semi can't help the dry snort that comes from remembering the argument he had with his wife over this. It wasn't pretty but he's glad he's not giving her the chance to half-ass her relationship with Rui.] Last I spoke with her she was fine with this. I'd have to look into assets, sorry. And ideally, yes, but she might fight me on that since I want sole custody.

[He slumps just a smidge.]

What else?

[ Shirabu nods slightly, and adjusts his notes as Semi talks.

"Main priority: sole custody. Child support desired. Unsure about shared property."

The assets can be worried about later - ideally, the more he can get Semi in the end, the better - but for now he just looks at Semi thoughtfully. There's a lot that he can ask, a lot that he needs to figure out to build a solid case for his senpai, but one step at a time.

He takes a quiet breath - he always hates asking his clients this question. ] Tell me about your partner. Anything you think would be important for me to know. For example, how long you've been together, and what kind of person she is.

[Semi's starting to get a twitch in his eye for every time they call her his "partner."]

Her name's Aiko. We've been together seven years; met in our second year of college and got married pretty much right after college. She had some decent work lined up so it felt... comfortable. For her. I guess. [Ugh, he might actually hate talking about this.] We had Rui - my son - a little after a year? He's three years old.

Aiko's ..... [He makes some wild hand gestures because how does he even begin with her.] She's the type who, you know, gets what she wants. But when she's done with it she's done with it. [And he thought he would be the exception to that but. Here he is.] So some things will be easy to get from her, but others not so much.

[But, again, he's hoping Rui will be easy.]

[ As Semi describes her, Shirabu doesn't write anything down. Doesn't say a word. It's only after he finishes and shows some hesitancy that he breaks the silence on his end. ]

I've dealt with stubborn opponents before, Semi-san. [ That is to say - ] I haven't lost a custody case yet, and you won't be my first.

[ After that positive affirmation, though, Shirabu keeps their meeting tightly on track. He asks Semi more questions about, well. A lot of things. Related to his relationship, his son, Aiko's family... anything relevant that he feels he needs to know sooner rather than later.

Eventually, he runs out of things to say, so Shirabu puts the cap on his pen and sets it down on the desk. ]

Thank you for your time, Semi-san. [ He rises from his seat, ready to see him out. ] Do you have any questions for me?

[Semi rises from his seat as well, feeling a thousand times better than when he first came in. It's hard talking about Aiko when everything is still so fresh but it's necessary and he knows it'll be worth it in the end. His heart will heal. And with how confidently Shirabu speaks, Semi thinks he'll sleep easier tonight too. He bows, half mast, politely.]

Not right now. [He could certainly think of some questions but they'd have nothing to do with his divorce.] But thank you. I'll see you next time.

[Semi does indeed sleep easy that night and the following nights. Even on the nights where he crawls into Akira and Rui's cuddle puddles on the couch after returning from work late. Life is proceeding as normal and he and Shirabu have been making decent progress on their case before the official hearing. Everything's going as planned until - well.

It's nothing serious. But something comes up and suddenly Semi is forced to tote Rui into the law firm's lobby. He can only give the receptionist a sheepish smile as they eyeball the child gripping his hand tight. This can't be the first time someone's had to bring their kid to a meeting but it's still not the ideal.

Luckily Rui's a fairly quiet child. He'll keep quiet and entertain himself for as long as daddy needs him to, and Semi made sure to bring something for any possibility (juice boxes, snacks, rui's favorite plush, crayons but no paper oops) but Rui is still a child. Semi will be keeping an eye out for the eventual fussiness and hope it wont disturb the meeting too much.

He hefts Rui into his lap while they wait. With his arms around his waist, he teases Rui by blowing into his hair, the both of them giggling quietly.

He isn't sure what to say to Shirabu when he does eventually come to greet them. But first things first.] Uh. Sorry about this.

[ It's not the first time a child's been brought to the firm, nor the first time Shirabu himself has had a client bring a kid to his office. But something still catches him just a bit off-guard. For as much as they've talked about Rui - or, more specifically, the legal business involving Rui - seeing Semi so... happy with his child is just A Lot. He would be lying to himself if he said it didn't give him a little extra motivation to do his job right.

Shirabu shakes his head at Semi's apology and, as usual, gestures to his office. ] It's alright, Semi-san.

[ And, once they're inside, he'll keep addressing Semi because as much as he's worked with kids, what is holding a conversation with kids the kids aren't his clients????? ] ... Does he. Need anything? [ what the fuck is talking about kids!!!!!!!!! ]

[Ha ha ha ohmygod Shirabu. Semi sneaks him a bit of a wry smile because he can just tell how hard this is for him. Otherwise, he's taking a seat with Rui half draped over his legs and becomes preoccupied looking through his bag for Rui's things - which is when he realizes he forgot paper. Honestly, he's beginning to think he'd lose his head without his brother around; he's sure Kunimi would have remembered.]

He'll be okay. Though, do you have any scrap paper? We kinda, uh, rushed out the house. [He brandishes the crayon box in his hand, giving it a little wave. Rui, who's been sleepily looking around the office, immediately becomes interested in them. He makes a grabbing motion for them ("Daaaddy ...") and Semi hands them over.] It'll keep him entertained for a while.

[He says it so incredibly fondly. Maybe it's just because Rui is his child, but he's having the exact opposite reaction of Shirabu. Rui makes him feel so much more relaxed, comfortable, even in this space.]

[ Shirabu nods stiffly at the request, hoping that while his awkwardness is clear as day to Semi, it's not so apparent to the small child in his lap. ] Of course.

[ He turns to the giant printer behind his desk and just. pulls out a very small stack of paper for Rui. Incredible. (In his defense, he has a paper shredder that gets a lot of use, so not a lot of paper laying around otherwise...) ]

Here. [ A piece of paper for Rui to start with, and then rest with Semi to hand over as he pleases. Shirabu even clears a portion of his desk just for Rui to get comfortable with his crayons, should he decide to stay in Semi's lap. Not that Rui has to, just. Kids. What the fuck.

And with that, the incredibly boring and soul-sucking meeting begins. Good luck, lil bean. ]

[No offense to Shirabu, but he can keep his desk space. Rui settles down on the floor next to his dad's feet for the rest of the meeting. Lil bean does his best to keep himself entertained and focused on coloring. Only occasionally does he tug on Semi's pant leg to get a juice box or snack from their bag and Semi's so proud of him.

But he's also not surprised when a little into the potential second half of the meeting, Rui starts getting fussy. It's a slow process; first he abandons what he's drawing and only makes stray marks on the page. Then he leans with almost all his weight against Semi's legs. And finally he starts nuzzling, rubbing his face into Semi's pants and tugging more. It's a quiet fuss but a fuss nonetheless.

Semi gives Shirabu a similar wry smile, though this one is a bit more apologetic than earlier.] Er, sorry. Again. Can we take a little break? I think if I take him outside for a bit he'll be fine.

[He takes a look at the watch on his wrist.] We're about done anyway, yeah?

[ Given the size of his desk and how In The Zone (tm) he gets during these kind of meetings, Shirabu is initially a little off-put by his request. ] Huh?

[ Don't mind if he just. rises up from his chair so he can actually see the floor by Semi's feet and ah. Ah yes. He may not be a parent, but he surely knows what a fussy child looks like. ]

I have another client I'm meeting with after you, Semi-san. [ But he still reaches into his desk drawer and pulls out a set of keys. ] We can continue our conversation another time, if we must.

[ translation: yeah sure let's go outside until your kid settles down semi-san. After giving a heads up to the receptionist that they'll be stepping out for a bit, if his next client shows up please let them know he'll be back in his office shortly, he apologizes, Shirabu leads them outside to a little area where Rui can run around and release the pent up energy.

He'll just be over here. Out of the way. While he does that. ... Yeah. ]

[Semi's thought it every time he's come into the office; the outdoor area is really nice. As expected of a legal department building, it's well kept, open, light filtering perfectly through very well placed trees, and most importantly it's not terribly close to the street. Which means Semi can let Rui play on his own while he chats up Shirabu. He'll be keeping a Hawk Eyed Watch on his child but -- yeah. Shirabu looks so lonely and awkward on his own like he is.

So Semi gives Rui the rundown (don't go too far, stay in sight, scream as loud as loud as you can if you get scared of anyone or anything) and moseys on over to Shirabu's side.] So.

Shirabu-san.

[Ahem.] I haven't gotten a chance to say it yet with everything going on, but it's. Nice to see you again [Really.] Nice to see you survived after we graduated.

[ While Shirabu is, by all means, a legitimate adult with a respectable job, there's still something odd about his former senpai addressing him so formally. Especially in private. ]

You don't have to call me Shirabu-san, Semi-san. [ Shirabu doesn't look at Semi as he speaks - instead, his gaze falls to Rui. The child Semi's fighting tooth and nail to keep close. The entire reason they've been reunited in the first place. ] But it's good to see you, too.

[ He won't admit it aloud, but he missed Semi. Or, maybe more truthfully, he missed connecting with someone on a personal level. Because as put together as his life may appear, some things haven't changed since their days at Shiratorizawa. Shirabu's still awkward, still too hardworking for his own good, still lonely by self-isolation.

But, just like before, Semi's still stubborn, still kind-hearted, still cracking at his shell to get him to open up. And this time around, Shirabu's more ready for it. ] I would ask how you've been, but I know about that. [ mood: will be better once they fuckin win the case ]

[Semi snorts, loudly.] Yeah, haha, I've been better.

[He takes a moment to really look at Shirabu. His underclassman has really grown into something good, he thinks. Made something of himself. And he's become handsome, despite the stupid haircut. Semi's glad things have seemingly worked out for Shirabu, and feels a little guilty now for not trying to reach out to him sooner. After his first year of college, everything had happened so fast and he'd really only kept in contact with Tendou who sometimes served as a proxy for Ushijima, Reon, and Goshiki.

He had definitely thought about Shirabu a lot, considering their prior relationship. But...] All we've done is talk about me, though, so let's... I really want to hear more about you, to be honest.

Did you keep playing volleyball in college?

[ Thankfully, Semi gave Shirabu an easy talking point, because if he was straight up asked to talk about himself he'd have no idea what to say. ]

I played during my first semester, but I stopped after that. I knew I wanted to pursue law, so I didn't have time for it anymore. [ He pauses, because it feels awkward to say, but: ] It... was hard. I didn't sleep much during those years. All I did was attend classes and study.

But passing the bar examination was worth it. [ There's a shimmer in his eye when he says it - one that Semi didn't see much of in high school, given his self-imposed role of nearly forgettable supporter to a superstar ace.

It's pride. Pride in himself, in all that he's accomplished. ]

Ah ha geez, maybe it's a good thing we weren't in contact then - I would have been trying to mother you the entire time. But --

[There's no denying that look though. Seeing that look in Shirabu's eye makes Semi's heart swell with his own pride. He's so happy for Shirabu - that he's come this far from, yes, the supporter (there was no way he was ever forgettable). And that he did this for himself.]

I'm happy for you, Shirabu. You've grown up a lot since high school.

[Uuuuu doting over his kouhai!!!!!]

[ Uuuuugh senpai doting over him!!!!! ]

You're not my mother, Semi-san. [ In high school, those words might've had more bite to them. A verbal eye-roll because who does Semi think he is, telling him, the team's official setter, what to do and not do. But now he's just amused. ]

But thank you. It feels good to hear that. [ Even during his lowest days, Shirabu's never doubted this path he's chosen for himself - but with it leading to Semi, to helping him in this real and tangible way, it feels... right.

So he's going to win Semi's case for him. That's all there is to it. ]

[Shirabu won Semi's case.

Shirabu won Semi's case.

He has sole custody of Rui and some other extra details that are equally as important but Semi's priority had always been Rui and he has him now. Aiko, of course, has visiting rights and all that (he's not that bitter) but he doubts she'll take advantage of that so really --

Semi can finally breathe a little easier. And when he does, his shoulders sagging, it's promptly followed by a sob of relief.

Don't, uh. Don't mind him.]

[ Shirabu's never been good at handling tears of relief from his clients - the fact that it's Semi crying makes it all the worse.

As court's adjourned and people start shuffling out, Shirabu looks away awkwardly. ] I'll go grab your brother.

[ because clearly semi would want to be Emotional with him, right??? EXIT STAGE LEFT- ]

[NOPE. Semi honest to god grabs onto the back of Shirabu's shirt as he turns to leave and drags him back. He is not getting out of this without some gross tears on his shoulder because he!!!! did this!!!!!

He is getting pulled into a hug promptly.] Don't you dare - Shirabu, you -- god--

[ urk- Shirabu won't fight against the sudden embrace but it doesn't mean he's comfortable or knows what to do!!! His hands hover uselessly for a moment before just. awkwardly patting his back. ] I told you I wouldn't lose.

[ He won't admit it now, or really any time soon, but somewhere down the line he'll tell Semi that his case was (is) his most important case of his career. That he spent any second of his free time making sure Rui gets to stay with the parent that loves him so much. So this all comes as no surprise to him - but he's relieved all the same. ]

You're ruining my suit, Semi-san. [ stop crying maybe??? ]

I don't care. [But Semi does, at least, release half of his vice grip to wipe at his eyes when his sobs simmer down to small sniffles. There's no way he'll stop crying completely until he has some time to himself, he's still too emotional, but this is the best he can do for now.]

I never doubted you, Shirabu. But still.

I don't know how to thank you enough. Nothing would feel like enough.

[This was So important to him.]

[ While Shirabu knows how important this all is to Semi, as an emotionally constipated person this is very difficult to navigate. ] Just saying “thank you” is enough for me. [ please don’t do more....................................... please.......... ]

I'll think of something. [And he means it. Dinner would be easiest. But he'll think about it more later. He has a brother and child to hug the ever-loving crap out of right now. He'll probably take Rui out for ice cream today to celebrate.

... Which he'd invite Shirabu to if Semi thought he'd be into that sort of thing. He can just imagine the look on his face if he actually asked. "Ice cream? Really, Semi-san? I'm an adult."

Semi SNORTS.

And finally let's go of Shirabu.] Sorry.

[ ???????????????? Shirabu gives Semi quite a confused look because really? What in the world was that snort for?? But he doesn't say anything about it. ] I should get going. [ Instead he's just. Going to awkwardly bow to Semi. And then more awkwardly make an escape so said brother and child can hug the ever-loving crap out of Semi, too. Because what else is he supposed to say in this situation? "See you later"? With the case done and over with, he might not see Semi again. He surely doesn't have the excuse that comes with weekly meetings to spend time with him.

It doesn't hit him until he gets home after the trial how much the thought bothers him. So sometime in the evening, Shirabu sends him a text. ]

Semi-san,

I was serious when I said a "thank you" is enough for me. You don't need to do or say anything else.

How is Rui handling everything?

- Shirabu

[Semi's in the middle of cleaning up dinner (take out because fuck putting effort into anything after today) and organizing some stuff to be packed away when he gets Shirabu's text. It's a pleasant surprise because Semi honestly didn't expect a text from Shirabu ever and especially not after the case. The formal tone doesn't surprise him at all but it's still hilarious.

He settles down on the couch to reply.]

the first part of your text is super glitched i can't read it lol

[in other words: nice try, shirabu.]

i don't think rui's even realized anythings happened yet but we'll see when we finally move. i think he'll be okay tho.

[ If only Semi could see Shirabu now, in the comfort of his small studio apartment, making such a face at his phone as he reads his response. He sets down the book he buried his nose in and types. ]

Semi-san,

To repeat myself, since you seem intent on acting like you can't read: you've done enough to thank me, and you've paid all the necessary costs. I insist that you don't need to do anything else.

In regards to Rui: I've heard from former clients that so long as you're okay and you're open with your children, they will be okay as well. So I don't think you have to worry.

- Shirabu

no, seriously, your text is all weird and it keeps adding a nerdy signature at the end??? i think you can fix that in settings.

[There's a pause between replies while Semi laughs.]

anyway. so you're coming over to dinner after we move in, right?

[Also, he caught that nod to him at the end of Shirabu's text. He'll be okay. He and Rui will be okay and Shirabu thinks so too. It makes Semi happy to think.]

[ Shirabu's going to casually completely ignore the first text, fuck you Semi he's not a nerd. ]

Semi-san,

I wasn't aware that I had agreed to that. You know I am busy.

But ask me again after you've moved.

[ He puts his phone down on the table in front of him in a huff, but picks it back up after a few seconds because he forgot something very important. ]

- Shirabu

[ He's going to go avoid his phone for a very, very long time now, thanks. ]

[ Semi's only going to send a LMAO after that anyway so it's probably a smart move on Shirabu's part.

About a week later, though, Semi does call Shirabu to let him know that they're as moved in as they're ever gonna be (Rui's still fine. Kunimi's living with them now and Rui adores him so. Crisis averted.) and how about that dinner he mentioned before? Whenever Shirabu has an opening in his schedule, he's officially invited over for dinner. If he really wants to fuss about not needing to be thanked again, it can be called a housewarming dinner. Geez.

And come time for the dinner, Semi has thrown all his free time into preparing the best dinner he can manage. Which.. boils down to a lot of Kunimi and Rui's favorites since he knows how to make those best. But there are some other odds and ends in there, including shirasu which he thinks Shirabu will enjoy very much. (He won't be saying how or why he knows that's Shirabu's favorite dish).

SO!!! Whenever Shirabu's arrives, Semi's ready!! Ready to be the best host!!!]

[ In all honesty, Shirabu isn't quite sure how to handle all of this. He never thought he'd be close enough to Semi that he'd be invited over to his new place for a housewarming dinner but, well. Funny how things turn out sometimes.

Semi's determined to be the best host, and Shirabu in turn is determined to at least not be an entirely shitty shitty guest. But he's overdressed with his stiff suit and tie (in his defense, he didn't have time to change after work), a little tired from his day (despite having a free evening, he still has probably been in his office too many hours in a row), and awkwardly cradling a bottle of wine and fancy as hell grape juice in his arms.

Once Semi answers the door, he unelegantly hands off the wine. ] A housewarming gift.

[ ... .................. and then the grape juice, an awkward moment later. ] And for Rui. [ That small child is not getting any alcohol, thank you very much. ]

Wh- wow, Shirabu. You didn't have to, but thanks. [This is kind of partly (mostly) a thank you dinner for Shirabu after all. But the gesture makes Semi's heart warm and he hums while bringing both bottles into the kitchen. They haven't had wine in the house for a long time; this will be nice.

Meanwhile, Kunimi and Rui are in the living room just a short distance away from the kitchen and Semi gestures towards them.] Dinner will be ready in just a minute so if you want to just hang out a bit.

[Rui's at it again, drawing on the coffee table, but Shirabu gets his attention easily. "Shiwabu! Shiwabu draw!"

You heard the man. Draw, Shirabu.]

[ First Semi betrays him by not letting him subtly low-key latch onto him by helping him with whatever he's got cooking in the kitchen. Then as Shirabu sits down at the coffee table, Kunimi gets up to get the dining table set, leaving him alone with a three year old that, despite how many times he saw him at the office, he still has no idea how to interact with.

This is it. This is how he'll die. With a crayon in his hand and a small child staring at him expectantly.

He takes a deep breath, stares down at the blank sheet before him, and touches the tip of the crayon to the paper. Several awkward seconds pass before he turns to Rui. ] I don't know what to draw.

[ From the kitchen, Kunimi snickers. ]

[If Shirabu can hear Kunimi snicker, then he can probably hear Semi laugh a little too, followed by him whispering. "Don't be mean, Akira."

Rui doesn't seem to think much of it. He sticks his fingers in his mouth, as three year olds tend to do, and goes back to his own drawing.] Draw.

[A pause before he speaks again.] Daddy!

[Okay, now Shirabu should probably definitely hear Semi laugh. Oh, lord.]

[ Right now, Shirabu regrets accepting Semi's invitation for dinner. He shoots a glare in the general direction of the kitchen before turning his attention back to Rui and trying his best to give him a less narrowed-eyed look. Rui's not at fault for this - Rui's just a child. No reason to direct any grumpiness at him. ]

... Okay.

[ And then he gives it his best shot. Which isn't very great and he knows it but he didn't go and study art like some people. ]

[Perish, zura.

Shirabu can rest easy, though, because Semi meanders over to them sooner rather than later. He takes a peek at Shirabu's art first and laughs.] Wow, you really captured my eyes. That one's going on the fridge.

[The grin he gives Shirabu is absolutely the worst. Because he means it: it'll have a special spot next to some of Rui's other art. But speaking of Rui...] What did you draw, kiddo? Oh.

[Guess Shirabu can't quite relax yet. Semi doesn't know how much attention he's paid to what Rui's been drawing but - it sure is Shirabu himself, Semi and Rui. Shirabu's drawn the biggest but also kinda halfway through a block that might be a house. Adorable......] Is that for Shirabu?

[Rui nods, slow and deliberate. He's not quite done yet, though, so don't distract him!!!!]

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shitabu - 2018-07-03 03:28 (UTC) - Expand

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zemi - 2018-07-03 22:37 (UTC) - Expand

[ Shirabu doesn't hear Semi, honestly - he's a little too in his own head as he takes the drawing carefully in his hands, holding it delicately, like it might break with the wrong touch. ]

Rui... [ He. Really doesn't know what to say. The logical, callous part of his brain would say this is just a child's drawing and doesn't mean much of anything, but... it's Rui. Not just any child. And he drew it specifically for him, drew the three of them together like a family and it's sweet and he's never felt as connected to another human being as he does right now, right in this moment.

He wraps his arms around Rui and squeezes. ] Thank you.

[For a split second, Semi stops breathing.

He can't believe his eyes and his heart absolutely cannot handle it. This is Shirabu, right? The same shitty Shirabu from school who only gave a fuck about Wakatoshi, and the same Shirabu who couldn't handle when Semi was crying at the end of their trial? That Shirabu is hugging his son and (Semi assumes) is experiencing human emotion?

Let this be the last thing Semi ever sees in his life and he could die happy.

He's not going to ruin the moment. He wordlessly gets up from his spot and goes back into the kitchen with Kunimi. Kunimi's not allowed to say anything if Semi covers his face with his hands for a moment.

Rui is delighted. He squeals and clumsily squirms onto Shirabu's lap, where he will hug Shirabu back as tightly as a three year old can, and also stay for the remainder of the time that Kunimi and Semi are setting up the table.]

[ sorry semi he may have won your case for you but this is his child now? his tiny bean.

But seriously. Shirabu doesn't make a fuss over the fact that a child's in his lap (though he's really not sure what to do other than to keep holding him, and let him turn around so he can keep coloring as he pleases), and sits patiently until the table's set and dinner's ready.

Important question, though: will Rui actually let Shirabu get up when it's time to go to the table? Or is going to have to take some drastic measures to get over there, a la trying to pick him up and tote him over (and therefore kill his dad more)? ]

[Turns out Rui does not want to move once dinner is ready. He's gotten quite comfy in his new friend's lap. Semi's pretty apologetic but also kind of getting a kick at how stubborn Rui is being about it. "No!" But only because he doesn't realize the terrible doki death he's about to suffer.

Shirabu, please pick Rui up.]

[ Shirabu tries his best to reason with this stubborn child ("Rui." "Rui." "Rui.") but since he really won't budge, he has no other option. It takes a bit of shuffling and adjusting on his part, hefting Rui up higher so his legs can be free, but he absolutely will pick up Rui and carry him toward the dining table. Even though he retired from volleyball years ago, he's definitely not a weak noodle. ]

Where does he sit, Semi-san? [ perish zura ]

[Oh. God.

Semi gestures to the high chair that's next to one of the seats (Semi's) on the long side of the table.] Right here.

Excuse me, I'll get the drinks.

[Aka he needs to escape into the kitchen to cover his face with his hands again. aaAAAAGHGHD WHY IS THIS SO CUTE???? WHY IS SHIRABU HOLDING HIS CHILD ADORABLE FUCK!!!]

[ Shirabu only gives Semi a nod before, by some miracle, probably working through some more kid stubbornness and having to promise more hugs and lap time after dinner, he gets Rui situated in his seat. He lingers a moment longer, just to be sure he's not taking some designated seat before taking the chair across from Semi's.

(Later, he'll think how this whole dinner was a lot less awkward than he ever thought it'd be - how, in a weird way, it almost felt like a family dinner.)

He claps his hands together and politely bows his head. ] Thank you for the food. [ And then it's time to eat! He won't say as much out-loud (he's always been a quiet eater) but he's especially pleased that there's some shirasu on the table. But everything is!!! really good!!! what the fuck!!!!!! ]

[They're all fairly quiet eaters save for Semi occasionally having to coax food into Rui's mouth.

But he does take a moment to point his chopsticks, a bit rudely, in Shirabu's direction. A proud look on his face.] How about it? The food is good, right?

[Years of making meals for Kunimi, later Aiko and Rui, have refined Semi's cooking skills. He'd like to think he can make something that even the pickiest eater will like. Not that he even knows if Shirabu's a picky eater but he sure seems like the type.

Rui takes a big ol gulp of that fancy grape juice from his sippy cup.]