twenty-two years young [yaku/sugawara, single dad au]

[libemom]

[ There's a feeling of exhaustion that's long since settled deep in Yaku's bones and leaves him wondering just how he could have aged so much in the years since graduating from Nekoma High School. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday he was playing as their volleyball team's libero, and the most he had to worry about was how to best keep the underclassmen (and Kuroo, sometimes) in line - and sometimes he finds himself wishing that it were just yesterday, that his life since graduation was just one giant stress dream and he'd wake up to a phone call from a teammate telling him to get to the gym, he's thirty minutes late and counting. But he's here, not there, with a little girl tugging softly on his hand and leading him toward a building that, despite its kid-friendliness, leaves little knots forming in the pit of his stomach.

After all, who would expect to enroll in a university to get a degree and come out a parent of a young child? Maybe it'd be less shocking for someone less responsible than he was (is, continues to try to be), but this is Yaku's life since then - a life he's kept secret from most (Kuroo and Kai were reluctantly let in, and even that he regrets), under control, for the sake of his family, his now ex-wife, himself.

(not that there was anyone to blame but himself for everything that happened during those four years - he should've been more careful, should've been a better boyfriend - a better husband, for the little amount of time that lasted - should've should've should've

should've done so much more

could he have saved the sinking ship that was his relationship if he could've been more than he was?)

He's done his best to raise Kaori on his own - his parents frowned upon him the moment he and his then fiancee bowed before them, announcing their engagement, and he's far too proud to ask for help otherwise - but with work getting busier and Kaori getting more anxious to meet people her age, well. All-day daycare's one of the few options he has, and the most appealing.

He squeezes Kaori's hand gently - a gesture he tells himself is for her benefit, but is actually for his own, for a father not eager to let his child leave the nest. ] Here we go... [ Yaku slides the door open and steps inside the daycare. ]

Hello?

Comments

[settermom]

Oh! Oh, no, no, of course! [He waves his hands in dismissal of Yaku's apology.] Sorry, I - No, it's okay. Get going; I'll see you later, then.

And I'll take good care of her. [He beams again, in reference to Kaori. It's implied that he would since it's his job, but he wants to say it aloud for Yaku. It's more important that Yaku knows his precious girl will be in safe hands. Neither he or Kaori has anything to worry about.

Speaking of Kaori. Now Suga takes the opportunity to offer his hand for her to hold.] What do you say, Kaori-chan? I can show you where everything is and we can meet everybody else.

[And they all can really start their day.]

[libemom]

[ While implied, it's reassuring for Yaku to hear those words - for someone who worries a little too much about his child, who, above all else, doesn't want to make any more mistakes, the last thing he needs is a reason to doubt something like this.

He offers a small, relieved smile in return. ] Thank you, Suga-kun. [ ... ugh, stop dwelling already and head out!!! ] Have a good day, Kaori.

[ Once her dad's out of sight, the shyness returns full-force but Kaori nods quietly and wraps her hand around Suga's ring and pinky fingers. She'll break out of her shell soon, promise!! ]