21st of January, 1999

Two identical babies were fast asleep next to one another in the carrier placed on the backseat of Kaito's car, as he parked it in the garage of their home. He turned off the ignition, and looked back at both of them. Hayate wore a green winter outfit, complete with a hat that had his name embroidered in front, whereas Hibiki wore a blue outfit. A little bracelet on their wrists made doubly sure they wouldn't be mixed up.

He smiled at the sight, as even after two and a half months he was still completely bewildered in the best way possible that these really were his sons. Despite the sleepless nights, and Hayate's nearly constant crying, he didn't regret a single thing about it. Leaning in, he made sure to let them know by softly caressing their cheeks as they slept. They'd grown quite a bit, but were still so small compared to his hand.

He lifted up the carrier, and made sure to quickly bring them into the house where it was warmer. Even though he could have gotten one of the personnel to get them checked up, he didn't want to. It wasn't widely considered necessary for him to be so involved, and he knew that Suzume was meant to do most of these things as their mother – but these were his boys, and he felt responsible for whatever happened to them. He'd much rather be their father whenever he had an excuse to, than slave away at the company all day for no particular reason.

As he carried them inside, he put the carrier down on the sofa and took out two blankets that matched the colour schemes. He took out Hibiki first, since he was the easiest to handle. Sitting him down on the blanket, he took off the gloves and worked him out of the thick jacket. As he leant in to take off the tiny shoes, two hands grasped his hair. He smiled as he felt a tug, and then heard a loud giggle.

「You think that's funny huh?」He said as he glanced up. Two big black eyes looked back at him, stunned silent for just a second, before bursting out in even happier giggles. It was impossible not to smile, and two tiny hands gladly took the opportunity to feel up the stubble on his cheeks whilst he slipped both shoes off.

「That's a beard little one. One day you'll grow one just like daddy.」Hibiki looked at him as he talked, half-stuck between listening to the strange noises and giggling at them. He took off the little hat, and planted a soft kiss atop Hibiki's head.

A sudden, loud wailing told him that Hayate had woken up, and he quickly secured Hibiki back into the carrier so he could take Hayate out.

He lifted Hayate up, and held him close to his shoulder to shush him.

「Hey, nothing is wrong.」He said, trying to stop the crying. 「I'll just get you out of these clothes, and then I'm sure mommy will let you eat as much as you'd like. Deal?」He rubbed the back of Hayate's head in an attempt to keep him from crying but he knew well enough that there was no negotiating with his insatiable hunger. Since it didn’t help he put Hayate down, and took off the winter clothes despite all the crying.

「Would you like me to take over?」He heard Suzume's voice behind him, and looked back to see her standing in the doorway that led to the stairs. She wore a loose, comfortable gown, and was barefooted. He smiled at the sight.

「It's okay. Just his shoes...」He mumbled as he proceeded to take off Hayate's shoes too throughout all the kicking. Beside him he heard bare feet step closer, and she placed a hand on his shoulder before leaning in to pick Hayate up.

She sat down on the couch, and loosened one side of her dress so Hayate could eat. Things went quiet again. Sleeping and eating truly were the only thing that managed to put a stop to his crying.

Kaito let out a sigh, and sat down next to Suzume, running his fingers through her hair and giving her a kiss on the cheek. He caressed Hayate's cheek too, just for good measure, before focussing on Hibiki. He pulled the boy onto his lap, and tried to stand him up by his waist. Hibiki grabbed his sweater and clumsily moved about.

「The doctor said they’re growing very well.」He relayed the information with a smile, right as Hibiki bumped down onto his butt and he had to lift him up onto his feet again. 「But we have to make sure this little one eats enough too.」He gave Hibiki a few bounces up and down on his leg, causing him to giggle as per usual.

Suzume leant in and laid her head on his shoulder, stretching one hand out towards Hibiki and rubbing the short black fluff on his head.

「We’ll make sure he gets anything he needs too.」She said, before pulling back to hold Hayate. Kaito glanced down, his cheek atop her head as he took in the moment and contemplated what exactly those needs would become. He wasn’t entirely sure how things would go, but he knew that he’d do his very best for all of them.

「We’re going to be good parents, birdy.」Despite his doubts of how to achieve that, he still smiled and nodded to himself. Looking down he pulled Hibiki a bit closer with one arm, and held him against him whilst two small hands firmly clung onto him.

「I think we already are.」Suzume said, as she looked down at Hayate who’d finally had his fill. She held him against her bosom and gave him soft pats on the back. 「See, even he’s happy.」Hayate, finally satisfied now he'd eaten, opened his eyes to look around.

「Hey there...」He said with a smile, which prompted Hayate to smile back and respond with babbling noises. Unlike Hibiki, he was more talkative and less giggly – undoubtedly linked to his penchant for being demanding. 「How about we give you your little brother back.」

Carefully he pried Hibiki from his sweater, which prompted a wide eyed and confused look. Only for him to settle down again as he was handed over to his mother. Although he wasn't as vocal about it as Hayate, when offered he ate just as eagerly.

「I have to go to the office.」Kaito sighed, not particularly keen on it, but there was still a lot to be done to make sure he secured their future. 「I don't think I will return before dinner, but I'll do my best tomorrow.」

He kissed Suzume on the forehead, and gave both Hibiki and Hayate a loving rub on their heads.

「Don't drive too fast.」Suzume warned him.

「I never do.」He lied with a confident grin.