Love Persevering

[Lights up on Daichi & Suga’s Living Room]

Their living room could only be described as an explosion of color. Blue sheets draped over yellow and red couches, vibrant green plants growing wildly in every corner, and brown boxes scattered throughout the space. Koushi hunched over a large box, his silver hair tied half up, and pulled out various pieces of cherry wood that would make a frame for their new crib.

“How’s the first one coming?” He called to Daichi, who was in the other room assembling the first crib. Koushi wiggled his fingers to lift his own crib pieces in the air. Silver tendrils carefully wrapped themselves around the dark wood like ivy as he gestured for them to move into the new nursery. With another flick of his hand, screws quickly followed the crib. A satisfied smirk played on Koushi’s lips.

They would be done a lot quicker than anticipated.

“Coming along just fine,” Daichi said, looking up at his husband and brandishing multiple tools with a wide grin. He moved faster than Koushi could see him, placing parts, screws, and beams in their proper places. The synthezoid had no need for directions.

‘I have it all up here’ Daichi said earlier, tapping his head for emphasis. Koushi merely shook his head and laughed as the two practically waltzed around each other preparing the nursery for the arrival of the children they were adopting. Paperwork was signed, and within a few days the two would be parents. Koushi could barely keep a grin off his face over the past several days. Soon enough, their home would be filled with children’s laughter, tiny footsteps, and countless numbers of toys, but for now they still had a lot of prepping to do.

The nursery was nearly finished and greatly contrasted the organized chaos that existed in the rest of the house. The walls were left white, but Koushi had diligently painted a few murals on two of the walls. His careful brush strokes created a finely detailed overview of a small town as if one were soaring through the crowds and the other was the sky itself all blues, whites, and grays.

Excitement bubbled in Koushi’s stomach with each finishing detail. The stork seemed almost lifelike in his painting. Taking a step back with his hands on his hips he gave the mural one last once over.

“Do you think this is good enough?” He asked, turning to his husband who now sat in the rocking chair, thumbing through a book on pregnancy. Koushi held in a snicker.

“This entire process just sounds awful. Morning sickness that’s actually all day sickness. Aching back and feet. And don’t even get me started on the birthing process.” Daichi peered over the edge of his book.

“Why are you even reading up on pregnancy?” Koushi laughed, although not without genuine curiosity.

Daichi gave a half shrug. “Curious, I suppose. Once I get past the actual pregnancy section I’m hoping it has some advice on taking care of newborns.” He continued to read, quicker than before as he tried to find the section he was looking for.

“Will you look at the mural first before you continue? Is it centered? Detailed enough? I just want it to be the best.”

Snapping the book closed with a grin, Daichi stood from the rocking chair and sauntered over to his husband, wrapping his arms around him from behind. “It’s perfect, Koushi darling. Never fear the baby will love it.” He pressed a kiss to Koushi’s cheek and held him close.

The two were filled with giddiness and excitement as well as overwhelmed by the idea that parenthood was right around the corner. No one is ever ready to be a parent, but Koushi was certain that this was the best next step for them in their happy life. It was all he wanted. A home with Daichi and their children. What more could one ask for?

The nursery came together quickly due to the pairing of telekinetic abilities and a walking supercomputer. A pale blue crib sat in the corner and next to it white wooden rocking chair where Daichi or Koushi could hold the baby while he slept or watchover the bundle of joy in the evening. Children’s books were stashed in a small bookcase decorated with small painted zoo animals. Koushi’s appreciation for the sky and life was reflected in every mural and picture on the wall.

“It’s perfect,” Koushi sighed, slumping against the wall in exhaustion. Sweat beaded along his brow, but a smile touched his lips.

“Divine, darling.”

Koushi gave his husband a prideful grin. “I think Adrian is on his way up?”

“How do you know?” Daichi gave his husband a curious look, slipping into his human disguise.

“I just do.” Koushi wiggled his fingers, sparks dancing between them as he strode from the nursery and into the living room just as the doorbell rang. “See.”

The door pushed open, revealing Adrian’s wide grin. “Hope you don’t mind me dropping in.” He stepped inside the house, arms overloaded with gift bags sprouting multi-colored tissue paper.

“Not at all!” Koushi exclaimed.

“Here let me help you with those.” Daichi helped relieve Adrian of his bags.

“Thanks so much, Dai, you’re a lifesaver.” Adrian winked and blew a bubble in his gum letting it pop with a satisfying sound. “A little birdie told me that you were expecting a new addition to your household and didn’t even tell me.” An offended look flashed across his face before he turned it into a laugh.

Daichi set the bags on the couch, letting out an awkward chuckle as he poked through the bags and cast a panicked look at Koushi.

Koushi waved him off and ushered Adrian deeper into their home. “It wasn’t meant to be a secret, but we’ve been so busy preparing for the baby that we’ve had no time to tell anyone at all.”

“I’ll try not to hold it against you then as long as I’m the kid’s godfather,”Adrian teased, sprawling himself on the couple’s couch with a wide toothy grin.

[Cue Audience Laughter]

Daichi let out a warm laugh, diligent finger rifling through the gift bags as he took a peak at the presents.

“I’m sure something can be arranged,” Koushi snickered. He took a seat next to his friend and began pulling the tissue paper out. Koushi aimlessly tossed the white paper to the floor, and his face lit up as he caught sight of the first gift. “A mobile.” He slipped it out of the bag and gave the small stars and moon a tug before spinning the wheel.

“Made it myself.”

“Did you now?” Daichi raised a brow.

“You doubt me?” Adrian tipped his head to the side, gaze hardening for a moment before it was replaced with the familiar mischievous glint.

“Definitely not.” Koushi gave his husband a warning glance, who in turn shrugged and returned to the gifts, revealing a few stuffed animals and a small rocking horse.

Adrian rubbed his hands on his brown corduroy clad thighs. “Are you guys ready? The baby is coming today right?”

Koushi nodded in confirmation. “We just finished up the nursery right before you showed up actually. Everything should be perfect for when he gets here. Our little Tobio.” Warmth lit up Koushi’s face as he reached to take Daichi’s hand, thumb brushing over his husband’s knuckles.

“It’s exciting.” Daichi raised Koushi’s hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to his fingers. “Nerve-wracking but exciting.”

Adrian gave a nod. “I don’t have kids but I hope that you know that you can count on me if you need it.” His honey gaze locked with Koushi’s darker gaze, the two coming to an understanding. “I’ll get out of your way, though. You’ll need some private time before the kid ruins it,” he teased with a wink.

Adrian heaved himself off the couch and patted Koushi on the back. “Seriously, don’t be afraid to pop on over if you need anything.” He was uncommonly serious as he left the couple’s home, leaving both Koushi and Daichi somewhat dumbfounded.

[Black Out]

[Lights Up on Daichi and Koushi’s Living Room]

“Daichi, Tobio is almost here, come one!” Koushi hollered up the stairs, throwing miscellaneous clutter into the kitchen where the social worker wouldn’t see it.

“Should I wear blue or red!” Daichi asked from upstairs, quickly zipping downstairs in both shirts to show them off to Koushi.

“Blue. Blue is good for babies. Hurry up!”

His cheeks were flushed with anxiety. Were they ready? Did they have everything? There was no way to know. They were ready. They had to be. There was no other choice, not when the baby was on the way. Not when they’d signed the paperwork and prepared the nursery. They had to be ready.

Koushi’s dark gaze looked to the door. “Someone is here.”

The doorbell echoed through the house.

“Is that them?”

“I don’t think so, Dai?” It didn’t feel like the social worker or a baby. Silver brows furrowed in confusion, but he moved to open the door. “Hello?”

“Oh hey! Thought I would drop by!” Howard pushed past Koushi with a grin, bright green eyes alight with excitement. “Are the babies here yet?”

Koushi cocked his head to the side, confusion clear on his face before it turned to joy. “The baby,” he corrected, “isn’t here yet. We thought you might be the social worker.”

“Who is it, darling?”

“Just Howard!” Koushi called back up the stairs. “What are you doing here, Howard? Not

that I’m not happy to see you.”

Howard strode into the house with an excited grin. “I wanted to see the baby and I had exciting news! You know how you encouraged me to apply for that temp job at the office.”

Koushi, in fact, did not remember but nodded anyway. He was certain it just slipped his mind.

“Well—” Howard settled on the couch, crossing one blue bell-bottomed clad leg of the other. “I’ve been working there for about two weeks now and it has been a breeze,” he laughed, talking a million miles a minute. “I don’t know why people think office work is so hard. All I do is file papers and solve all my boss’ problems and when I tell you that man can’t tell his feet from his head I'm being dead serious.”

Koushi perched himself on the edge of the sofa’s armrest and nodded, listening attentively. He was glad that this job was finally working out for Howard. It was about time that something stuck for him.

“You will never guess what he did! He got his HAND stuck in the copier. I’ll never understand how the old guy managed it, but there he was, limb in the copier, crying out for help and yours truly saved him.” A self-satisfied smirk filled his face as he wiggled his eyebrows at Koushi, who giggled in response. “He was so grateful that he offered me a full-time gig!”

Koushi let out an excited shout! “Howard, that is great news! Congratulations!”

“Isn’t it? I quit right after though.”

Koushi’s jaw dropped.

[Cue Audience Laughter]

“Why would you do that?” Koushi stared at his friend in disbelief.

Howard shrugged. “I couldn’t put up with his stupidity anymore.”

“I guess that—”

Something was at their door again. He could feel it. The hair on the back of his neck rose. Was this the time?

“Dai! I think they’re here?”

“Who— the baby?” Howard asked excitedly.

Daichi thundered down the stairs, breathless and panicked. “Are you sure? It’s too soon. We aren’t ready. We don’t even have child safety locks, Kou!”

Koushi held up his hands in a reassuring gesture, a warm smile spreading across his face. “We’re ready, Dai. We have to be. Come on.” He held out his hand to his husband.

Daichi took a calming breath and took Koushi’s hand. “We can do it.”

“Of course we can. This is small compared to everything else.” Koushi’s smile slipped for a moment.

Howard twitched.

“Everything else?” Daichi’s terrified excited expression faltered, turning to confusion.

Frown lines deepened on Koushi’s face, his grip tightened on Daichi’s, and shining eyes dimmed as unshed tears filled once warm eyes. “Yeah— everything else. Life,” he forced out a chuckle just as the doorbell rang once again, conveniently saving him from further explanation. “Come on.”

Howard slowly rose from his spot on the couch, gaze locked on Koushi’s back as he confidently strode to the front door with a plastic smile on his face, husband in tow. The couple easily pushed away their uneasiness which still clung to Howard. He clutched at a sword-like necklace hanging from his neck, but he too tried to force away the uncertainty and weight that lingered over him.

Koushi and Daichi slowly opened their front door, nerves clear on their faces as they prepared themselves for this next step in life. No smiling social worker greeted them, only the faint gurgling of the babies at their feet, each in their own carrier.

“Babies… two?” Daichi stared down in disbelief at the two newborns on their doorstep, one with raven-dark hair and the other the shade of the setting sun. “There’s two.”

Koushi knelt down on their porch, a warm content smile spreading across his face as he wiggled his finger at the orange-haired baby. The baby let out a squeal of laughter and wrapped his tiny fist around Koushi’s finger. Koushi let out a soft chuckle.

Precious.

“His nametag says Hinata Shoyou on it,” Daichi noted, kneeling down next to his husband and rocking the carrier of the other baby. “And this little guy is Kageyama Tobio.”

“Two babies.”

“We were only ready for one but—”

“We can handle twins.”

“Of course we can, darling.”

Daichi and Koushi turned to one another, earlier thoughts of sadness far from their minds. Tears pooled in the corner of their eyes, tears of joy.

“Welcome to the family, Tobio and Shoyou.”

[A Few Days Later]

[Lights Up On Front Yard]

Daichi was over the moon, practically humming as he passed the day and tended to the yard. The twins were perfect, everything he could have wanted, and while initially he was not prepared to become a father to two babies he could say that without a doubt it was as it should be. The synthezoid, wearing his human disguise, pushed the lawnmower around the yard, a bright smile present on his face with each passing minute.

“Hey there neighbor!” Adrian called, pulling up into the driveway on his bike. The blonde waved enthusiastically before he hopped off the red-rimmed bicycle. “How’s fatherhood treatin’ ya?”

Daichi promptly turned off the lawnmower and clapped his hands together, brushing off any grass that might have lingered on his pants before as he strode over to his neighbor.

“The twins are a delight,” he laughed heartily. “They may keep us awake at night, but honestly it is well worth it.” And truly it was. When Daichi held Tobio close to his chest he was overwhelmed by a sense of devotion, something akin to how he felt for Koushi but altogether different. “Koushi is a bit more worn out though.”

“I bet he is.” Adrian leaned against the fence and stared off at the house for a few moments, wearing a calculating expression. “Is he alone right now? Taking care of both the babies?” His amber gaze turned back to Daichi and seemed to regard him with disdain before turning bright once more.

“Oh… no. Howard is with him right now, keeping him company while I try and get some work done. Can’t exactly let the yard get out of hand. Dotty would never let us live it down,” Daichi chuckled, but it turned hollow when Adrian’s appraising gaze was once more turned to the house.

“What do you know about Howard?” Caution filled Adrian’s warm timbre.

“Howard?” Daichi blinked and turned back toward the house, something was not right. “Not much...just that he and Koushi are friends.”

Adrian hummed in acknowledgment. “Right… close friends?”

“Close enough yes.”

The blonde closed himself off, eyes hardening as he continued to stare at the house. “Do you know where Howard lives?”

Daichi tensed. “No. Why are you asking?”

Adrian shrugged. “I don’t think he’s from here. He doesn’t— he doesn’t belong here.” His expression slackened and turned almost fearful as he turned back toward Daichi, lips quivering and voice shaking. “He doesn’t have a home here, like the rest of us. He’s not— he’s not one of us.”

“One of us?” Daichi stepped closer to Adrian. “What do you mean? Adrian?”

“We’re all— he’s dangerous, Daichi.”

A frown tugged at the corners of Daichi’s lips. “That doesn’t make any sense. He’s our friend.”

“No he isn’t! He’s not from here! We know everyone and we’re all… we’re all…”

“We’re all what?”

Adrian let out a wet laugh and blinked rapidly, the fear quickly evaporating and shifting to a wide grin. The man ran his fingers through platinum waves and laughed heartily. “Oh nothing— nothing at all.” He rang the bell on his bike and chuckled again. “Hate to leave ya on your own, but this ham isn’t gonna cook itself.”

He gestured to meet in his bike basket with a sly wink. “Best of luck with the babies, neighbor. Congrats!” Adrian wiggled his fingers at Daichi, cheerful disposition back to where it should be as he hopped up in his bike and pedaled away.

“Bye Adrian…” Daichi waved back, absolutely dumbfounded by what had transpired but filled with a sense of foreboding when he turned back toward the house. “Koushi—” He burst into a run toward the front door, hoping that nothing would be wrong when he entered.

[Black Out]

[Lights Up on Living Room]

Koushi stroked Tobio’s delicately soft skin on his chubby cheeks, the baby sleeping peacefully in his bassinet as Adrian’s mobile spun overheard. Shouyou was a bit more active, gurgling as Howard watched over him with a soft smile. The twins brought so much warmth to Koushi’s heart and livened up the home with their presence.

“They’re perfect,” Howard commented, poking Shoyou’s nose, who in turn let out a happy little giggle.

“Yeah,” Koushi sighed, his smile broadening when he looked down at his son. “They’re definitely going to be a bit of a handful when they get older. Twins always are. They’ll get into trouble, protect one another, and drive their parents up a wall.” He was not unhappy with the thought, but rather he reminisced. “They’ll be devoted to one another.”

“Like you were to Eita,” Howard finished.

“Yes exactly.”

Eita.

His cousin turned into a twin brother.

“He was killed by Thanos right?”

“Yes—” Koushi’s brow furrowed and his lips trembled. His throat began to close with the thoughts of Eita. “He died protecting me… how did you?”

That wasn’t supposed to happen. That couldn’t happen here. No one knew that. No one knew anything about Thanos. They weren’t supposed to know who he was.

He clenched his jaw and slowly turned to Howard, eyes burning with unshed tears and hazel iris turning a bright silver. Energy crackled at his fingertips.

He did not what to think about Eita.

Did not want to recall the cracking of a spine, the pools of blood, or the screams that ripped from his throat. He couldn’t remember the unspeakable that burst from him incinerating whatever it touched. It was a nightmare. It wasn’t real. It couldn’t be real.

There was no pain in Eastview. No death. No despair.

That’s how it should be and Howard was ruining Koushi’s peace.

Any kindness and softness drained from Koushi’s face, his image flickering between a man in brightly patterned shirts and corduroy pants to an individual dressed in black with a billowing cloak.

“How do you know that? You’re not supposed to know that?”

The deadly seriousness in his voice reverberated through the room sent a chill down Howard’s spine.

A small cry came from Tobio’s crib. Relief flooded Howard’s body. “I can take a shift, Koushi, no worries.” He plastered a smile on his face and side-stepped toward the babies only to be intercepted by the other man.

“No, I think you’ve done enough.”

“Don’t be like that, Koushi,” Howard snapped, expression slackening. “Do you want me to take it from the top?” He strode over the couch and sat down, waiting for his cue.

“What are you doing?” Koushi's gaze threatened to burn the other man.

“I’m only trying to—”

Koushi turned deadly calm, striding toward the other man and keeping him away from the children. “How did you know about Eita?”

Iwaizumi slowly backed away from Koushi, gaze fixed on the molten silver of his eyes. “I’m your friend Koushi. I’m your friend.”

“You are not supposed to be here. You are an outsider.” Koushi lifted his arms, tendrils of black and gray dancing between his fingers.

“I’m not, I swear.”

“You’ll ruin everything.” Righteous fury lined each word. Shadows darkened as he stared down the interloper that dared defile his home. His heated gaze finally saw the symbol on Howard’s necklace, a sword. A damned sword. “What is that symbol?” He spat out the words.

“Koushi— I,” Howard stammered, backing up into a table and flinching. He visibly paled as the other man transformed from his kind neighbor and into something else.

“What is it!” Koushi shouted.

“I’m sorry.” Fear struck Howard to his core. Fear and confusion. “I’m sorry.”

“I don’t care.” Bringing his hands together, the tendrils wrapping around him became a solid sphere that glowed silver. “You’re not my friend.”

[BLACK OUT]

“Koushi!” Daichi burst into the house, panicked and bewildered. He shifted into his normal appearance and rushed toward his husband.

Koushi gently rocked the two cribs and hummed under his breath, staring down at them with adoration.

Daichi slowly approached him “Darling, where’s Howard?”

“Oh he left, honey. He had to rush home.” He continued to watch the children with an odd smile, satisfied with the life he’d made.

[BLACK OUT]

On the outskirts of Eastview, beyond the hedges, the houses, the farms, and at the end of a very long road a boundary shimmered from grass to sky. It was a faint shimmer, but a shimmer altogether faint enough that it would typically go unseen if one were to travel to the outskirts of Eastview. Very few ever travel to the edges of town and if they do, well, it’s never for a good reason, and the shimmer is nearly impassable unless one is shoved through it.

Howard was being ripped apart. Every inch of him was rewritten as he passed through the barrier. Screams ripped through his throat, but the agonizing sound never reached his ears. Impossible images flashed before his eyes. Koushi, Daichi, space, time. There was no telling when and where he began. Monster, friends, family. Did he have a family? He couldn’t remember. Smiling faces, award ceremonies, a sword.

There was no telling when it would end. The pain was too great, shattering and piercing. He needed it to end. He was begging for it to end, crying out to whatever beings could hear him. Howard didn’t know how to pray. He never prayed before and yet here he was being thrown through space and time and praying.

“Can you hear me? Sir, can you hear me?”

Howard let out a sharp cough. His back was firmly pressed to dew-tipped grass. Slowly, he cracked open his eyes. Bright lights greeted his gaze. The loud whirring of a helicopter consumed his hearing.

“Sir? Can you hear me?” Familiar brown eyes came into view. “Answer me.”

“Yeah,” he groaned, pushing himself up off the grass.

Gentle hands pushed him back to the ground. “What’s your name? Can you tell me your name?”

“Yeah— Captain Iwaizumi Hajime. What the fuck just happened to me?”