Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun was shining over the Borderland, but that didn’t stop Aguni and Hatter from arguing over the logistics of their weekly family barbecue.
“Aguni, I swear if you burn the steak again, the girls are going to riot,” Hatter said, flipping his long hair dramatically as he placed his neon-pink sunglasses on the bridge of his nose.

“It’s not my fault our grill is garbage” Aguni growled, crossing his arms as he leaned against the patio railing. “Just because you make everything look like a nightclub doesn’t mean it works properly.”

Hatter sighed. “I didn’t choose to be fabulous Darling, it chose me. Anyway, this isn’t about the grill; this is about family, Aguni. Our girls deserve a perfect afternoon.”

Inside, their three daughters were anything but concerned with barbecue perfection. Kuina was sprawled across the couch, eating chips and half-heartedly showing Usagi a new martial arts move. Heiya was scrolling on her phone in the corner, pretending not to care about anything but secretly listening to the conversation.

“Do you think Niragi’s gonna show up this time?” Kuina asked, crunching on a chip.

Usagi rolled her eyes. “If he does, it’ll only be because Chishiya dragged him here. I swear, without Chishiya, Ragi would’ve set half the Borderland on fire by now.”
“I like Niragi, but only in small doses,” Heiya said, glancing up. “Like, really small doses. Chishiya’s the Niragi whisperer. They should never be separated.”

Just then, the door slammed open, and in walked Niragi, dressed in his usual black Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses, with Chishiya trailing behind him like a very bored but incredibly patient chaperone.

“I’m here Fuckers!” Niragi announced, throwing his arms out like he was making an entrance at a rock concert. “Time to bring the chaos!”
“No,” Chishiya said flatly, grabbing Niragi by the collar and pulling him back. “You’re here to sit quietly, eat some food, be a good son and not start any fires. Got it?”
“Ugh, fine,” Niragi grumbled, pouting like a scolded child. “You’re no fun, Chish.”

Just then Hatter appeared, clapping his hands together. “Ah, my chaotic son and his angelic boyfriend! Welcome, welcome! Niragi, remember the rule: No guns at the table.”
Aguni groaned. “Why do we even have to say that?”

The family eventually gathered around the table in the backyard, which was decorated with a mix of Hatter’s flamboyant taste (bright lights, disco balls, and neon decorations) and Aguni’s more minimal approach (a single folding table with plain chairs).

Kuina and Usagi were deep in conversation about who would win in a fight between a tiger and a gorilla, while Heiya side-eyed Niragi, who was poking at his burger with a knife.
“Stop stabbing your food, Niragi,” Chishiya said without looking up from his plate.

“Don’t tell me how to live my life!” Niragi snapped, before immediately shrinking under Chishiya’s unimpressed glare. “I mean… okay, fine.”

As the evening went on, the family started to relax. Hatter and Aguni shared a rare laugh as they watched their daughters argue over who got to eat the last piece of pie. Niragi, surprisingly, behaved himself—though only because Chishiya had promised to let him pick the movie later if he didn’t set anything on fire.

By the time the sun set, the chaos had mellowed into something resembling peace. Hatter raised his glass dramatically. “To family! Dysfunctional, wild, and entirely too good-looking for its own good!” Aguni rolled his eyes but raised his glass too. “To surviving another barbecue without anyone getting hurt.”

“And to me being the best one here,” Niragi added, earning groans from everyone except Chishiya, who simply smirked and gave his boyfriend a patronizing pat on the shoulder.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs. And in the Borderland, that was enough.

Chapter Text

It was a quiet morning in the Borderland, which meant something was bound to go horribly wrong by noon. Hatter was sitting on the couch, polishing a pair of sunglasses that were already clean, while Aguni stood in the corner doing push-ups for no apparent reason.

“Do you have to do that here?” Hatter asked, throwing a pillow at Aguni’s back.

“Do you have to breathe this loud?” Aguni retorted without looking up.

Before Hatter could fire back, Usagi came bursting through the front door, her face red with a mix of excitement and dread.
“Guys! Family meeting!” she shouted, waving her arms around.

Kuina poked her head out of the kitchen, a cookie in her hand. “Is this about Niragi stealing my headphones again? Because I swear I’m going to—”
“It’s not about Niragi,” Usagi interrupted, looking over her shoulder nervously. “This is… something else.”

Heiya wandered in, sipping a soda and raising an eyebrow. “Wow, this better be good if you’re this freaked out.”
Hatter stood dramatically, tossing his sunglasses onto the coffee table. “Usagi, my sweet girl, what has you so frazzled? Did you fight a bear again? Did someone challenge you to a race? Did—”

“I’m bringing my boyfriend to dinner tonight,” Usagi blurted out, cutting off Hatter’s increasingly absurd guesses.
The room fell silent. Aguni stopped mid-push-up and stood up, his arms crossed. “Boyfriend?”

Kuina choked on her cookie. “Boyfriend?”

Even Heiya lowered her soda. “Wait… Usagi has a boyfriend? Like, an actual human boyfriend?”

“Yes, and his name is Arisu,” Usagi said, standing tall. “He’s smart, kind, and I really like him. So… please don’t scare him off?”
Hatter gasped as though Usagi had just told him she was moving to another galaxy. “My baby girl has a boyfriend! This is monumental! Aguni, break out the good wine!”

Aguni looked unimpressed. “No one’s drinking wine. We need to interrogate this kid first.”

“He’s not a kid, he’s my boyfriend!” Usagi shot back. “Please just… be normal. For once.”

The family dinner that night was anything but normal. Hatter had turned the backyard into a romantic wonderland of twinkling lights and floral centerpieces, claiming it was for ambiance. Aguni sat at the head of the table, sharpening a knife for no reason other than intimidation. Kuina and Heiya were whispering to each other, trying to guess what Arisu would be like.

Niragi, of course, wasn’t invited, but Chishiya showed up anyway, dragging Niragi along with strict instructions to “sit in the corner and be quiet.”
When Arisu finally arrived, he looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“Hi, uh… I’m Arisu,” he said, awkwardly adjusting his shirt as Usagi pulled him toward the table. Hatter immediately stood up and shook Arisu’s hand with excessive enthusiasm. “Ah, the man of the hour! Welcome to the family barbecue! I’m Hatter, the fun dad. That’s Aguni, the scary dad. Don’t take it personally; he’s like that with everyone. Aguni glared but didn’t deny it.

“Uh, hi,” Arisu said, his voice cracking slightly as he glanced at Aguni.

Heiya leaned over to Kuina. “He looks like he’d pass out if Dad even sneezed.”

“Quiet,” Kuina whispered back. “I kind of like him. He seems harmless.”

After introductions, the interrogation began. “So, Arisu,” Aguni started, his tone deadly serious, “what are your intentions with my daughter?”

“Dad!” Usagi hissed, mortified.

“Uh… I, um…” Arisu stammered, his eyes darting to Usagi for help.

“He’s my boyfriend, not a business proposal,” Usagi said, glaring at Aguni.

Hatter, sensing Arisu’s discomfort, jumped in to defuse the situation. “Aguni, relax! Let’s talk about something lighter. Arisu, tell us—what’s your favorite color?”

“Uh… blue?” Arisu answered, clearly confused.

“Excellent choice,” Hatter said, nodding approvingly.

The rest of the dinner was a mix of awkward silences and chaotic interruptions. Niragi tried to throw a chicken leg at Arisu, but Chishiya smacked his hand before he could. Kuina made Arisu arm wrestle her, claiming it was a test of character, and Heiya kept asking him weirdly specific questions about survival tactics.

Despite the chaos, Arisu held his own. By the end of the night, even Aguni seemed to begrudgingly accept him, though he did warn Arisu that if he hurt Usagi, “no one would ever find the body.”

As Arisu and Usagi left together, Hatter raised his glass once more.n“To love! To family! And to not completely terrifying Usagi’s boyfriend!”

“I still think we should’ve interrogated him more,” Aguni muttered.

“Oh, hush,” Hatter said, grinning. “This is progress.” For the Borderland’s most dysfunctional family, it was indeed a step in the right direction.

Chapter Text

The Borderland house was unusually quiet that afternoon, which usually meant something big was brewing. Hatter was in the backyard trimming his bonsai tree (“It’s a metaphor for life, Aguni!” he had explained dramatically), while Aguni sat nearby, sharpening a machete that no one had asked him to sharpen.

Inside, Kuina was pacing the living room, muttering to herself. Usagi and Heiya watched her from the couch, exchanging glances.

“You think she’s finally lost it?” Heiya asked.

“Nah, she’s probably just overthinking again,” Usagi replied, tossing a popcorn kernel into her mouth.

Finally, Kuina stopped pacing and let out a frustrated groan. “Okay, fine! I’m just gonna say it!”

“Say what?” Usagi asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Kuina ignored her and marched out to the backyard, where Hatter and Aguni were enjoying their rare moment of calm.

“Dads,” Kuina said, hands on her hips. “I need advice.”

Hatter immediately dropped his bonsai clippers. “Of course, my darling daughter! What’s troubling you? A fight? A secret mission? A bad haircut?”

Aguni raised an eyebrow. “This isn’t about Niragi borrowing your clothes again, is it?”

“No, it’s not about Niragi,” Kuina said, rolling her eyes. “This is… different. It’s… personal.”

Hatter gasped dramatically. “Personal? Oh, Kuina, you can tell us anything! Spill it!”

Kuina hesitated, glancing at Aguni, who nodded slightly as if to say, “Go on.” She sighed. “Okay, so… I think I have a crush. On someone.”

Hatter clutched his chest like he’d been struck by lightning. “My little Kuina has a crush? This is the best day of my life!”

Aguni, meanwhile, was unfazed. “And?”

“And…” Kuina shifted uncomfortably. “It’s Ann.”

Hatter froze mid-celebration, blinking in surprise. Aguni paused his sharpening and gave Kuina a look, though it wasn’t a judgmental one.

“Ann?” Aguni repeated, as if testing the name.

“Yeah,” Kuina said, crossing her arms defensively. “She’s smart, and cool, and, like… really hot. I don’t know what to do about it.”

Hatter’s initial shock quickly melted into delight. “Ann! Oh, she’s wonderful! A total queen! Great taste, Kuina!”

Aguni tilted his head thoughtfully. “She’s competent. Resourceful. And she can hold her own in a fight.”

“I know, right?” Kuina said, her defenses dropping. “She’s amazing, but I don’t know how to talk to her without sounding like a complete idiot. Every time I try, I either freeze up or start rambling about something dumb.”

“Well, step one,” Hatter said, wagging a finger, “is to be confident. Ann is a woman who appreciates strength, both in character and in presence. You can’t go in there all wibbly-wobbly!”

Aguni nodded. “Be direct. If you like her, say so. Ann doesn’t waste time on games.”

Kuina bit her lip. “But what if she doesn’t like me back? What if I make things weird?”

Hatter placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Oh, my dear Kuina, that’s always the risk with love. But if you never try, you’ll never know. And who wouldn’t like you? You’re charming, capable, and have the best dads in the Borderland.”

“And if she says no,” Aguni added, “you’ll deal with it. You’re stronger than you think.”

Kuina smiled, feeling a little braver. “Thanks, guys. I’ll… I’ll try.”

“That’s the spirit!” Hatter cheered, clapping his hands. “Now, let’s talk strategy. What’s your approach? Compliments? Gifts? A dramatic declaration of love?”

Aguni groaned. “She doesn’t need to stage a musical number, Hatter. Just be yourself, Kuina. Ann will respect that more than anything.”

“Or I could stage a musical number,” Kuina joked, smirking.

“Now you’re thinking!” Hatter said, beaming.

Later that day, Kuina found herself standing outside Ann’s workspace, her heart pounding. She took a deep breath, remembering her dads’ advice. Be confident. Be direct. Be yourself.

“Hey, Ann?” she called, stepping inside.

Ann looked up from her microscope, her usual calm expression softening slightly. “Kuina. What’s up?”

“I, uh…” Kuina scratched the back of her neck, her confidence wavering for a moment. But then she remembered Aguni’s words. You’re stronger than you think.

“I like you,” she said quickly, before she could chicken out. “Like, really like you. And I was wondering if maybe you’d… want to grab dinner with me sometime? Or something?”

Ann blinked, clearly surprised, but then a small smile tugged at her lips. “Dinner, huh?”

“Yeah,” Kuina said, her cheeks burning. “But no pressure or anything! If you’re not interested, that’s totally cool, and—”

“I’d like that,” Ann said, cutting off Kuina’s rambling.

Kuina’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Really,” Ann said, her smile growing. “Pick me up at seven?”

“Seven! Got it!” Kuina said, practically vibrating with excitement as she left.

Back at home, Hatter and Aguni were waiting eagerly.

“Well?” Hatter asked, bouncing on his heels.

“She said yes!” Kuina shouted, grinning from ear to ear.

Hatter whooped with joy, pulling Kuina into a hug. “That’s my girl!”

Aguni smirked. “Told you. Be yourself.”

Kuina smiled. “Thanks, dads. You’re the best.”

And for the first time in a while, Kuina felt like everything was falling into place.

Chapter Text

Valentine’s Day in the Borderland was a strange affair. It wasn’t exactly a holiday anyone had time for, but this year, Kuina, Usagi, and Heiya decided to do something special for their dads. After all, Hatter and Aguni had somehow managed to keep the family together—no small feat considering Niragi was part of it—and the girls thought they deserved some appreciation.

The three of them gathered in the living room, surrounded by a chaotic assortment of craft supplies, snacks, and what could only be described as “questionable” decorations that Kuina had found in a storage closet.

“Alright,” Kuina said, clapping her hands together. “We’ve got one day to pull this off. What’s the plan?”

Usagi tilted her head, holding up a glitter-covered heart she’d been working on. “I thought we’d just… make some stuff, maybe cook dinner, and call it a day?”

“That’s boring,” Heiya said, lounging on the couch and scrolling through her phone. “If we’re doing this, we should go big. Like… fireworks or something.”

“Fireworks?” Kuina asked, raising an eyebrow. “Do you want Niragi to get involved?”

“Good point,” Heiya muttered, tossing her phone aside.

“What about a treasure hunt?” Usagi suggested. “We could leave clues around the house, and at the end, they find the surprise!”

“Ooh, I like that,” Kuina said, nodding. “But what’s the surprise?”

“The treasure is the surprise,” Usagi replied.

“That doesn’t answer the question,” Heiya pointed out.

Kuina groaned. “Okay, let’s focus. Hatter loves flashy stuff, right? We can’t go wrong with sparkles and lights. Aguni… he’s more low-key, but he’s big on meaningful gestures. What if we do something that combines both?”

“Like a family dinner,” Usagi said, “but we make it really fancy. Decorations, speeches, the works.”

“And we don’t let Niragi near the kitchen,” Heiya added.

“Agreed,” Kuina said. “Alright, let’s split up. Usagi, you’re in charge of decorations. Heiya, you’re on dinner duty with me. Let’s make this the best Valentine’s Day ever.”

By the time evening rolled around, the girls were in a frenzy of last-minute preparations. The dining table was covered in a mix of candles, paper hearts, and shiny confetti that looked suspiciously like it had been stolen from one of Hatter’s party stashes. Kuina and Heiya were in the kitchen, trying to plate the food without setting anything on fire.

“Does this look fancy enough?” Kuina asked, holding up a plate of pasta that had been carefully arranged with basil leaves and grated cheese.

“Looks fine,” Heiya said, sprinkling more cheese on her own plate. “Honestly, they’ll just be impressed we didn’t burn anything.”

“Fair,” Kuina said, setting the plate down.

Meanwhile, Usagi was busy stringing up lights around the backyard. She stepped back to admire her work, accidentally tripping over a box of decorations. “Okay, not perfect, but it’ll do,” she muttered, brushing herself off.

Finally, everything was ready. The girls called their dads outside, where the table was set under the glow of twinkling lights. Hatter and Aguni stepped into the yard, both looking genuinely surprised.

“What’s all this?” Hatter asked, his face lighting up as he took in the decorations.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!” Kuina, Usagi, and Heiya shouted in unison.

“We wanted to do something special for you guys,” Kuina said, gesturing to the table. “You’re the reason this family works, and we thought you deserved a little appreciation.”

Hatter immediately teared up. “Oh, my sweet girls! This is the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever done for me!” He threw his arms around them, pulling them into a dramatic group hug.

Aguni, ever the stoic one, simply nodded, but the slight smile on his face said more than words ever could. “Thank you,” he said gruffly, taking a seat at the table.

As they ate, the girls took turns sharing what they loved most about their dads.

“Dad,” Kuina said, looking at Aguni, “you’re always there when we need you, even if you don’t say much. You’re, like, the rock of the family.”

“And Hatter,” Usagi added, “you make everything fun, even when things get crazy. We’d be lost without you.”

“You’re both the best,” Heiya said, raising her glass of soda. “Even if you drive us insane sometimes.”

Hatter raised his glass dramatically. “To family! To love! And to the best daughters anyone could ask for!”

Aguni raised his glass as well. “To surviving Niragi.”

Everyone laughed, and for a moment, it felt like the Borderland wasn’t so bad after all.

As the night wound down, Hatter and Aguni sat together, watching their daughters argue over who got the last piece of pie.

“They did good,” Aguni said quietly.

“They really did,” Hatter agreed, smiling. “We’ve got a good thing here.”

For once, Aguni didn’t argue. Instead, he clinked his glass against Hatter’s, and together, they toasted to their perfectly imperfect family.

Chapter Text

The morning started out like any other in the Borderland household. Aguni was cleaning his weapons (again), Hatter was humming to himself while caring for his bonsai tree, and Niragi was loudly yelling at the microwave because it wasn’t heating up his breakfast burrito fast enough.

“Just eat it cold, Niragi,” Kuina yelled from the living room. “It’s not that deep.”

“You’re not that deep!” Niragi shot back, which made absolutely no sense, but he seemed proud of it.

In the middle of all this chaos, Chishiya strolled in like he always did: calm, unbothered, and vaguely amused by everything. He dropped his bag by the door, kissed his boyfriend then headed straight past him to the backyard, where Aguni and Hatter were enjoying a rare moment of peace.

“Ah, Chishiya!” Hatter greeted him warmly. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your company today?”

Chishiya smirked faintly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Aguni raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything, waiting for Chishiya to elaborate.

Chishiya hesitated for a fraction of a second—a rare occurrence for him—before finally speaking. “It’s about Niragi.”

“Oh no,” Hatter said, immediately placing a hand over his heart. “What did he do this time? Did he set something on fire? Start a fight? Challenge someone to a flamethrower duel?”

“No, nothing like that,” Chishiya said, holding up a hand to stop Hatter’s increasingly wild guesses. “It’s… more serious than that.”

Hatter's face filled with worry "Did you two fight? Did he hurt you? If we're picking sides don't worry we'll pick you!"

Aguni put down the knife he’d been cleaning and placed his hand on his husband's shoulder to relax him before turning his full attention now on Chishiya. “Go on.”

Chishiya took a deep breath. “I’m planning to propose to him. And I wanted to ask for your blessing first.”

For the first time in his life, Hatter was speechless. His mouth opened and closed a few times before he finally managed to blurt out, “You want to marry Niragi?!”

“That’s the plan,” Chishiya said calmly, as if he were discussing the weather.

Aguni blinked, leaning back in his chair. “You’re serious?”

“Completely,” Chishiya said. “Look, I know Niragi’s… a lot. But he’s also the most passionate, fiercely loyal person I’ve ever met. He’s grown a lot since we met, and I’d like to think I’ve helped with that. I want to spend the rest of my life with him, chaos and all.”

Hatter’s face melted into a sappy smile. “Oh, Chishiya, that’s so romantic! Of course you have our blessing! Right, Aguni?”

Aguni crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at Chishiya. “You really think you can handle him? Forever?”

“I’ve been handling him this long, haven’t I?” Chishiya replied with a small smirk.

Aguni considered this for a moment before finally nodding. “Alright. You have my blessing. But if you hurt him—”

“I know,” Chishiya interrupted. “You’ll bury me in the woods. Got it.”

Hatter clapped his hands together excitedly. “This is so exciting! A proposal! A wedding! Oh, we have to help plan everything!”

“I don’t think Niragi would appreciate you turning it into a circus,” Chishiya said dryly.

“Fine, but I am picking out the flowers,” Hatter declared, already making a mental list.

“Do whatever you want,” Chishiya said, turning to leave. “Just don’t tell Niragi. I want it to be a surprise.”

“Your secret’s safe with us,” Hatter said, giving him a thumbs-up.

As Chishiya walked back inside, Aguni shook his head. “Niragi getting married. Who would’ve thought?”

Hatter grinned. “Love is a beautiful thing, Aguni. Even for chaos gremlins like Niragi.”

Inside the house, Chishiya found Niragi sprawled on the couch, arguing with Kuina about the TV remote. He leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene unfold with an amused expression.

“What are you staring at?” Niragi asked, noticing Chishiya’s gaze.

“Just thinking about how lucky I am,” Chishiya said casually.

Niragi snorted. “You’re such a weirdo.”

Chishiya smirked. “You have no idea.”

As Niragi went back to yelling about his favorite TV show, Chishiya slipped his hand into his pocket, feeling the small velvet box he’d been carrying for weeks. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Niragi’s face when he finally popped the question.

Chapter Text

It was a rare calm evening in the Borderland household. Hatter was in the kitchen humming to himself as he prepared tea, Aguni was polishing a machete at the table, and the girls were in the living room, arguing over what movie to watch. Niragi was unusually quiet, lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

Chishiya, as always, observed everything from a distance, waiting for the right moment. Tonight was the night. The ring was tucked safely into his pocket, and while he wasn’t one for nerves, he could feel the weight of the decision he was about to make.

He walked over to Niragi, casually plopping down on the couch next to him.

“What’s up?” Niragi asked without looking up from his phone.

“Nothing much,” Chishiya replied. “But I was thinking we should go out tonight. Just the two of us.”

Niragi raised an eyebrow, finally looking at him. “You hate going out.”

“I hate going out with them,” Chishiya said, nodding toward the chaos in the living room, where Kuina and Heiya were now wrestling over the remote. “But I think you’ll like where I want to take you.”

“Hmm.” Niragi gave him a suspicious look. “This isn’t one of your weird schemes, is it?”

Chishiya smirked. “Trust me.”

An hour later, Niragi and Chishiya were standing on a rooftop overlooking the city, the view glittering with a sea of lights. Chishiya had planned everything meticulously: a quiet spot away from the chaos, with a blanket spread out and a small picnic waiting for them.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Niragi asked, glancing around. “This is way too romantic for you. Are you dying or something?”

Chishiya rolled his eyes, sitting down on the blanket and gesturing for Niragi to join him. “I’m not dying. Can’t I do something nice for my boyfriend without being interrogated?”

Niragi sat down, eyeing the setup warily. “This is weird, even for you.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, sharing snacks and watching the city below. Niragi leaned back, letting out a contented sigh.

“Okay, I’ll admit it,” he said. “This is kinda nice.”

“I thought you’d like it,” Chishiya replied, his tone unusually soft.

Niragi turned to look at him, his usual smirk replaced with something softer. “You’re acting weird tonight. What’s up?”

Chishiya took a deep breath. This was it. He reached into his pocket, pulling out the small velvet box.

“I have something I want to ask you,” he said, holding the box out.

Niragi froze, his eyes darting between Chishiya and the box. “No way. You’re not—”

“I am,” Chishiya said, cutting him off. He opened the box, revealing a simple yet elegant ring. “Niragi, you’re chaotic, impulsive, and downright infuriating. But you’re also passionate, loyal, and the only person who can make me feel alive. So, what do you say? Want to keep driving me insane for the rest of our lives?”

Niragi stared at him, his usual cocky demeanor completely shattered. For once, he was speechless.

“Are you crying?” Chishiya teased, smirking.

“No, fuck off,” Niragi said, quickly wiping at his eyes. “You’re just being really fucking sappy right now.”

“Well?” Chishiya prompted, raising an eyebrow.

Niragi let out a shaky laugh, finally grinning. “Of course, you idiot. Like I’d say no to that.”

Chishiya slipped the ring onto Niragi’s finger, his own smile widening just a fraction. “Good. I was hoping you wouldn’t make this awkward.”

“Awkward?” Niragi said, tackling him to the ground with a kiss. “You just proposed to me on a roof with snacks. This is the best night of my life!”

“I aim to please,” Chishiya said smirking, before kissing his now fiancé again.

By the time they got back to the house, the entire family was waiting for them in the living room.

“Did he say yes?” Hatter asked, practically vibrating with excitement.

Niragi held up his hand, showing off the ring. “Fuck yeah, I did!”

The room erupted into cheers, with Hatter immediately pulling both of them into a hug. “Oh, this is wonderful! We have to start planning the wedding right away!”

Aguni smirked from his spot by the wall. “Congratulations. You’re officially Chishiya’s problem now.”

“Like I wasn’t already,” Niragi shot back, grinning.

Kuina, Usagi, and Heiya swarmed Niragi, teasing him about how Chishiya managed to make him cry.

“I wasn’t crying!” Niragi insisted, though his reddened eyes betrayed him.

As the chaos unfolded, Chishiya leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene with a rare look of contentment. He had a feeling life with Niragi—and this ridiculous family—would never be boring. And that was exactly how he wanted it.

Chapter Text

The living room was alive with noise and laughter as the Borderland family hosted one of their infamous get-togethers. Aguni had reluctantly fired up the grill in the backyard, while Hatter pranced around in a pink apron that read “Grillmaster of Hearts.” The girls were huddled around the kitchen, setting up snacks, and Niragi was loudly complaining about someone knocking over his soda.

“Where’s your cat?” Hatter suddenly asked, his head popping into the living room. “I want to give her this new bowtie!”

“She’s probably hiding from you,” Chishiya replied, lounging on the couch with his legs stretched out.

“I don’t blame her,” Kuina added, smirking as she walked in, hand-in-hand with Ann.

Ann, ever the cool and collected one, just smiled. “She did look a little scared of the sequins.”

“Excuse me,” Hatter said, placing his hands on his hips, “my bowtie is elegant.”

“Your bowtie is terrifying,” Chishiya deadpanned.

"And your not putting it on our child" Niragi added laying practically on his fiancé. No one remembers exactly when they started referring to the cat as Chishya and Niragi's child but that's exactly what she was.

Before Hatter could retaliate, Usagi and Arisu entered from the backyard carrying plates of grilled vegetables and what appeared to be Arisu’s fourth attempt at kebabs.

“Look who finally decided to bring food,” Niragi muttered, narrowing his eyes at Arisu. “Took you long enough, Nerd.”

“Chill out, Niragi,” Kuina said, rolling her eyes. “Not everyone has to move at lightning speed like you.”

“Lightning speed?” Ann quipped, leaning on the counter. “Last I checked, Niragi was only fast when it came to running out of arguments.”

The room erupted in laughter, and Niragi threw his hands up in mock outrage. “Wow, Ann. I thought we were friends.”

“She’s dating me now,” Kuina said smugly, sliding an arm around Ann’s waist. “She’s on my team.”

Chishiya smirked, his eyes lazily tracking Niragi as he huffed and went to check on the cat, who had wisely retreated to a safe corner of the house.

A few minutes later, everyone finally settled into their seats around the large dining table, the spread of food surprisingly impressive given the chaotic prep.

“To family!” Hatter announced, raising his glass dramatically.

“To family,” everyone echoed, though Aguni muttered something about “barely surviving” under his breath.

As the meal went on, the conversations turned louder and messier.

“So,” Ann said, turning to Chishiya with a raised eyebrow, “what’s it like living with Niragi and a cat? I’m guessing the cat’s the easier roommate.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Chishiya replied without missing a beat. “She doesn’t set things on fire when she’s annoyed.”

“I don’t do that!.. Anymore!” Niragi protested, pointing a fork at him.

“You tried to light the toaster on fire last week because it burned your bagel,” Chishiya countered.

“Okay, but that’s different!” Niragi grumbled.

Arisu chuckled awkwardly. “Living together sounds… fun.”

“You’d know,” Kuina teased, elbowing Usagi. “How’s it going with this guy?”

Usagi smiled, squeezing Arisu’s hand. “It’s going great. He’s sweet, and he’s finally learning how to cook.”

“I made scrambled eggs the other day!” Arisu said proudly.

“They were a little burnt,” Usagi added, laughing.

“That’s progress,” Ann said with a small smile.

Kuina looked at Ann and gave her a playful nudge. “Maybe I’ll teach Arisu a thing or two. I’ve been perfecting my cooking skills.”

“Perfecting?” Niragi said, snorting. “You set a pot of water on fire last month.”

“It was one time!” Kuina snapped, throwing a napkin at him.

Anne looked at her girlfriend concerned "How?"

Hatter leaned back in his chair, watching the chaos unfold with a satisfied smile. “This is what family dinners should always be like,” he said, sighing contentedly.

“Loud and dangerous?” Aguni muttered, though there was a faint smile on his face.

“Exactly,” Hatter replied.

As the evening wound down, everyone moved to the living room, where Hatter had insisted on pulling out an old karaoke machine.

“Alright, couples’ duets!” Hatter announced, pointing at the group.

Arisu and Usagi exchanged nervous glances but eventually agreed to sing a shaky version of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

Kuina and Ann were up next, their cool demeanor earning applause as they nailed a soulful rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

When it was Niragi and Chishiya’s turn, Chishiya flat-out refused. “I don’t sing,” he said, crossing his arms.

“Oh, come on!” Niragi whined, tugging on his sleeve. “Just one song! For me?”

Chishiya sighed, clearly regretting his life choices, but eventually relented. Their duet was a mess of Niragi singing off-key and Chishiya half-heartedly mumbling the lyrics, but it ended with a round of applause nonetheless.

“Now that was entertaining,” Kuina said, laughing. At some point she had laughed so hard she fell off the couch but instead of getting back up she resigned herself to sitting on the floor between Anne's legs .

The night ended with everyone sprawled out on the couches and floor, full and happy. The cat, finally brave enough to emerge, hopped onto Chishiya’s lap, much to Niragi’s annoyance.

“She likes me better,” Chishiya said smugly, scratching behind the cat’s ears.

“Only because you don’t yell at her,” Niragi muttered, though he leaned over to pet her as well.

Hatter looked around the room, his heart swelling with pride. “This is the best Valentine’s present ever,” he said, even though it was in fact no where near Valentine’s Day.

“It’s January,” Aguni pointed out.

“Love doesn’t need a holiday!” Hatter declared, throwing his arms wide.

And for once, no one argued. Because in their perfectly chaotic way, they were all exactly where they belonged.

Chapter Text

Kuina had spent the entire morning pacing the living room while Heiya and Usagi watched from the couch, looking both amused and slightly concerned.

“Will you relax?” Heiya finally said, tossing a pillow at her. “It’s just a date.”

“It’s not just a date,” Kuina snapped, catching the pillow midair. “It’s Ann. She’s, like, perfect. What if I mess this up?”

Usagi leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. “You won’t mess it up. Just be yourself. Ann likes you for a reason.”

Kuina sighed, flopping onto the couch. “Being myself is the problem. What if I accidentally talk about setting water on fire again?”

“You could always talk about literally anything else,” Heiya suggested dryly.

Before Kuina could retort, there was a knock on the door. Kuina felt like her heart was trying to break out of her chest. She walked towards the door with shallow breaths and reached a shaky hand up to turn the handle. Her breath got caught is her throat when she saw the sight on the other side of the door. Ann looked effortlessly stunning in her casual yet elegant outfit: a crisp white shirt tucked into high-waisted jeans and a pair of boots that somehow looked both practical and stylish.

Kuina froze, her heart skipping a beat. “Uh, wow. You look…”

“Thanks,” Ann said with a small smile. “You ready to go?”

Kuina nodded, quickly grabbing her jacket. “Yep! Totally ready. Let’s go.”

The date started with Kuina’s idea of a fun outing: an outdoor arcade near the park. The place was buzzing with activity, with flashing lights, the sound of pinball machines, and kids laughing as they raced around.

“This is nice,” Ann said as they walked through the rows of games. “I haven’t been to a place like this in years.”

“Yeah, I thought it’d be fun,” Kuina said, scratching the back of her neck. “Plus, I might have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

Ann raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Are you planning to impress me?”

“Absolutely,” Kuina replied, grinning.

They started with a basketball shooting game, where Kuina immediately tried to show off, only to miss her first three shots. Ann, on the other hand, scored effortlessly on her first try.

“Okay, so you’re secretly a pro,” Kuina said, laughing.

“I’m just good at aiming,” Ann replied with a wink.

Next, they moved to the claw machine. Kuina spent an embarrassing amount of tokens trying to win a stuffed bear for Ann, each attempt ending with the claw barely grasping the toy before dropping it.

“You don’t have to do this,” Ann said, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice.

“No way. I’m getting this bear,” Kuina said, determined. On her final try, she managed to grab the bear, pulling it out of the machine with a triumphant shout.

Ann chuckled as Kuina handed it to her. “Thanks. It’s cute.”

“Not as cute as you,” Kuina blurted out, immediately turning red.

Ann smirked. “You’re adorable.”

After the arcade, they grabbed food from a nearby stall and walked to the park. The sun was beginning to set, casting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

“This is nice,” Ann said, taking a bite of her skewer.

“Yeah,” Kuina agreed, glancing at her. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Ann stopped walking, turning to face her. “I’m glad too.”

Kuina felt her heart race as Ann stepped closer, her expression soft.

“Hey,” Kuina said nervously, “I know I’m not, like, super cool or anything, but I really—”

Ann cut her off with a kiss, pulling back just enough to see Kuina’s stunned expression.

“You’re perfect just the way you are,” Ann said simply.

Kuina blinked a few times before grinning. “Okay, that was way cooler than anything I could’ve said.”

Ann laughed, taking Kuina’s hand as they continued their walk.

By the time they returned to the house, the living room was in its usual state of chaos. Niragi and Chishiya were arguing over a board game, Hatter was trying to mediate, and Aguni looked like he was about to leave the room entirely.

Kuina and Ann exchanged amused glances as they slipped through the door unnoticed.

“How’d it go?” Usagi whispered from the couch, clearly waiting for details.

Kuina gave her a thumbs-up and a big grin. “Best date ever.”

Ann leaned in close, whispering, “You forgot to mention your family is part of the package.”

Kuina laughed. “Yeah, but they grow on you. Eventually.”

Ann smiled, squeezing Kuina’s hand. “Good thing I like you enough to deal with them.”

“Good thing I like you enough to make it worth it,” Kuina replied softly.

And for the first time in a long time, Kuina felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be

Chapter Text

The kitchen was unusually quiet for once, save for the soft hum of the coffee machine. Chishiya, Ann, and Arisu had claimed the table, each nursing their chosen drink as they exchanged knowing looks.

“We should form a support group,” Ann said dryly, taking a sip of her tea.

Chishiya smirked. “We already have. This is it.”

Arisu looked between them nervously. “Is… dating someone from this family always this chaotic? Or is it just me?”

“Oh, it’s not just you,” Ann said with a chuckle. “It’s all of us.”

Chishiya leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I mean, you’re dating Usagi. She’s arguably the most normal one.”

“She made me run a 5K at 6 a.m. once because she thought it would be a fun bonding activity,” Arisu said, looking exhausted just from the memory. “I almost died.”

Ann raised an eyebrow. “I heard about that. Didn’t she make you smoothies after?”

“They had kale in them,” Arisu said with a grimace. “I’m still recovering.”

Chishiya chuckled. “That’s nothing. Niragi decided to rearrange our entire apartment one night because he was bored. I came home to find the couch upside down and the cat trapped in the bathroom.”

“Why was the couch upside down?” Arisu asked, confused.

“He said it gave the room more ‘edge,’” Chishiya replied, rolling his eyes. “As if the apartment wasn’t chaotic enough with him in it.”

Ann smirked. “Kuina once tried to impress me by fixing my bike. She ended up taking it apart and couldn’t put it back together. I had to ride the train for two weeks until she convinced Aguni to help her fix it.”

Arisu laughed. “She tried to fix a bike? That’s… ambitious.”

“She’s nothing if not determined,” Ann said, though there was a fondness in her tone.

“Determined is one way to put it,” Chishiya muttered. “Like the time Niragi decided he was going to cook dinner for us. I walked into the kitchen, and it looked like a scene from a disaster movie. There was flour on the ceiling.”

“Flour?” Ann repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“He was making pasta,” Chishiya deadpanned.

Arisu winced. “That sounds… intense.”

“Intense is his default setting,” Chishiya replied, though there was a faint smile on his face.

“What about Kuina?” Arisu asked, turning to Ann.

Ann leaned forward slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “She’s got her quirks, but she’s sweet. She once stayed up all night making me a playlist of songs she thought I’d like, just because I mentioned I was having a rough week.”

“Okay, that’s cute,” Chishiya admitted. “I’ll give her that.”

“She is,” Ann said, her expression softening. “But then she also tried to convince me to watch an entire martial arts documentary series in one sitting.”

“Let me guess,” Chishiya said, “she fell asleep halfway through?”

“Of course,” Ann replied, laughing.

Chishya smiles "Yeah shes done that to me before. I didn't complain though, it gave me time to sneak off and see Niragi. This was back when we were trying to keep our relationship a secret"

"Niragi can keep a secret?" Arisu asked skeptically "I can't imagine him being subtle about anything"

The blonde laughed "Yeah we came close to being caught so many times"

Arisu smiled, though his face turned thoughtful. “It’s weird, isn’t it? As chaotic as they are, they’re all… really great in their own way.”

Ann nodded. “They are. It’s exhausting sometimes, but they’re worth it.”

Chishiya smirked. “Speak for yourselves. I’m just in it for the cat.”

Ann and Arisu both gave him a look, but Chishiya just shrugged. “Fine. Niragi’s alright, too. Sometimes.”

“I think that’s the closest thing to a compliment I’ve ever heard you give him,” Ann said, amused.

“Don’t get used to it,” Chishiya replied, though his smirk betrayed him.

The three of them fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the quiet punctuated only by the distant sounds of laughter and chaos coming from the living room.

“I guess it’s not so bad,” Arisu said finally, smiling faintly. “Being part of this family, I mean.”

Ann nodded. “Not bad at all.”

Chishiya raised his coffee cup in a mock toast. “To surviving the chaos.”

“To surviving,” Ann and Arisu echoed, clinking their cups against his.

And as the noise from the living room grew louder, they couldn’t help but laugh, knowing full well that life with their partners would always be unpredictable—but never boring.

Chapter Text

Arisu sat at the dining table, his head buried in his hands, surrounded by crumpled papers and a laptop with a dozen tabs open. A list labeled Usagi’s Birthday Plan was scrawled across the top of one sheet, but the bullet points were a mess:

- Picnic?? (it's supposed to rain)
- Bake a cake (learn how to bake)
- Fancy dinner (but $$$)
- Surprise party??? (too much???)
- Skydiving (what was I thinking?????)

Hatter waltzed into the room, stopping dead in his tracks when he saw the chaos. “Arisu, my dear future son-in-law, what is this disaster zone?”

Arisu groaned. “It’s Usagi’s birthday tomorrow, and I have nothing planned. Everything I’ve thought of is either impossible, too expensive, or just... bad.”

Hatter’s eyes lit up. “A birthday, you say? Fear not! I, the King of Celebrations, will assist you!”

“Please don’t call yourself that,” Aguni said, walking in with a mug of coffee. He took one look at the table and sighed. “What’s going on now?”

“Arisu here is trying to plan a surprise for Usagi’s birthday,” Hatter explained. “But clearly" he motions vaguely to the chaos surrounding the poor boy "he’s drowning.”

“I’m not drowning,” Arisu mumbled, though it was clear he absolutely was. “I just… I want it to be perfect, you know? She’s always doing thoughtful things for me, and I want to do something special for her.”

Aguni raised an eyebrow, setting his coffee down. “Special, huh? Let me guess, you’ve overthought it.”

Hatter clapped his hands together. “Well, lucky for you, you’ve got two girl dads who excel at surprises. Let’s whip this into shape, shall we?”

Arisu blinked. “You’re... really going to help me?”

“Of course,” Hatter said, throwing an arm around him. “Usagi deserves the best, and I live for grand gestures. And Aguni, my love" He gives his husband a look that lets the military man know he's not getting out of this. "will keep us grounded so we don’t accidentally book a marching band.”

Aguni rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. “Alright, let’s hear your ideas first.”

Arisu explained his plans, starting with the failed picnic idea (“What if it rains?”), the cake debacle (“I’ve never baked anything in my life”), and the fancy dinner dilemma (“Do you know how expensive those places are?!”). By the time he finished, Hatter looked both horrified and delighted. “Okay, first of all, skydiving? Really?”

“I panicked!” Arisu admitted.

Aguni shook his head. “You’re overthinking it. Usagi doesn’t need something extravagant. She’ll appreciate the effort more than anything else.”

Hatter nodded. “True, but we can still make it fun. How about this: a simple, heartfelt day with a sprinkle of surprise? A little excitement never hurts.”

Arisu perked up. “Like what?”

Hatter grinned. “Let’s start with breakfast in bed. Aguni and I can help you make it—you can scramble eggs, right?”

“Uh, mostly,” Arisu said sheepishly.

“Good enough,” Aguni said. “Then you take her somewhere she loves—like the park. Keep it simple.”

“And for the surprise,” Hatter said with a flourish, “we’ll set up a mini party at the house while you’re out. Just a few close friends, some decorations, and maybe a cake—store-bought, obviously.”

Arisu’s eyes lit up. “That... actually sounds perfect. Thanks, guys.”

“Don’t thank us yet,” Aguni said. “We still have to pull it off.”

*The Next Morning*

Usagi woke up to the smell of something... burning. She sat up, confused, as Arisu walked into the room carrying a tray of toast, scrambled eggs, and what looked like a slightly charred pancake.

“Happy birthday!” Arisu said nervously, setting the tray down.

Usagi smiled, trying not to laugh at the chaotic breakfast. “Did you... make all this yourself?”

“Aguni helped,” Arisu admitted, scratching the back of his head. “Okay he did most of it.But, uh, I made the pancake.”

She picked up the pancake and took a bite, grinning. “It’s perfect.”

Arisu relaxed, sitting beside her. “I have more planned, but it’s a surprise. You’ll just have to trust me.”

“I always do,” she said, kissing his cheek.

*The Surprise*

After a relaxing morning at the park, Arisu brought Usagi back to the house, where the living room had been transformed. Streamers hung from the ceiling, a banner reading “Happy Birthday Usagi!” stretched across the wall, and the table was covered in snacks and a small cake.

Kuina, Ann, Niragi, Chishiya, Heiya, Hatter, and Aguni all popped out, yelling, “Surprise!”

Usagi laughed, her eyes wide. “You guys did all this?”

“Arisu planned it,” Hatter said, winking. “We just helped a little.”

Usagi turned to Arisu, who looked both nervous and proud. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

“It’s not much,” Arisu said, rubbing the back of his neck. “But I wanted to make you happy.”

“You always do,” she said, pulling him into a hug.

As the party went on, Hatter and Aguni watched from the corner, sipping drinks and observing the chaos as Niragi attempted to “help” cut the cake, only to be stopped by Chishiya muttering something about taking someone's eye out. They were already such a married couple and they weren't even married yet.

“You think he pulled it off?” Aguni asked.

Hatter smiled. “He did. Kid’s got potential.”

And as Arisu laughed with Usagi, who was clearly having the time of her life, it was hard to argue with that.

Chapter Text

For the first time in years, the house was eerily silent.

Aguni sat at the kitchen table, his coffee mug in hand, staring at the empty chairs around him. Hatter was sprawled on the couch in the living room, scrolling through his phone absentmindedly. The house felt empty—in a good way.

“Did they really have to take everyone out?” Aguni asked, glancing at Hatter. “I mean, I get that they want to spend time with their partners, but it’s... quiet without the kids here.”

Hatter didn’t answer right away, too lost in his own thoughts. The constant noise, the mess, the drama—he’d gotten so used to it that the stillness almost felt unnatural.

“I’m starting to think I forgot what peace and quiet even sounds like,” Hatter said after a long pause.

“Me too,” Aguni muttered, sipping his coffee. “But I’m not complaining.”

There was a long, comfortable silence as they both enjoyed the calm. But after a while, Hatter set his phone down and stared off into space.

“Hey, Aguni,” he said, his tone quieter than usual.

“Hm?” Aguni grunted, not looking up from his mug.

“We... haven’t been on a proper date in... forever, have we?”

Aguni blinked, lowering his mug. “What?”

Hatter looked at him, a little sheepish. “I mean, with everything going on—work, the kids, family stuff—we haven’t had a moment just for ourselves. Not since... well, before all the chaos.”

Aguni frowned, his mind spinning for a moment. “You’re right. It’s been a while.”

The realization settled in like a weight. Life had been so full of family drama, kids' activities, and constant distractions that he and Hatter hadn’t even thought about what it meant to spend time together, just the two of them.

“I didn’t realize how much I missed it,” Hatter continued, his voice soft. “You know, having time to actually... talk. Like we used to.”

Aguni’s frown deepened as he considered it. “Yeah, I get that. It’s been... nonstop. We’ve been so busy making sure everyone else is okay that we forgot about ourselves for a bit.”

Hatter smiled, his usual mischievous glint returning. “Well, now we’ve got the place to ourselves. You know, we could—”

Before he could finish, Aguni held up his hand. “Wait. You’re not suggesting... are you?”

“No not that. I mean... after maybe... but first I’ve got an idea!” Hatter said, standing up. “We’re going out. On a real date. No distractions. Just you and me.”

“Really?” Aguni raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s the catch?”

“No catch,” Hatter replied, already grabbing his jacket. “I’m taking you out. To a place where no one will interrupt us. Just like old times.”

Aguni stood up, feeling a little surprised at how excited he suddenly was. “Alright, lead the way, then.”

Hours later, the two of them found themselves sitting at a quiet, cozy restaurant on the edge of town. The soft hum of ambient music filled the air, and candlelight flickered between them on the table. Aguni felt a little strange at first—almost like they were pretending to be someone else, a couple without the chaos of kids and family to occupy their thoughts.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Hatter asked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “I mean, you don’t look convinced.”

Aguni shrugged, stirring his drink. “I’m just getting used to the idea of... being out with you without someone screaming for attention every few minutes.”

Hatter’s grin softened, and he leaned back in his chair, studying Aguni. “Yeah, I know what you mean. But I like it. The quiet. The chance to just... be with you.”

Aguni met his gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Me too.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, just enjoying the moment. When the food arrived, it wasn’t the usual rushed meal between family activities. There was no pressure, no time crunch. Just two people, sharing a meal.

“So,” Hatter said, breaking the silence as he picked up his fork, “tell me something. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance because we got so wrapped up in everything else?”

Aguni thought for a moment, then shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess... I always wanted to go on a road trip. Just the two of us. Drive somewhere, no plan, no agenda. Just see where the road takes us.”

Hatter’s eyes twinkled. “I like that idea. We could do that, sometime. Just take a week, leave everything behind.”

Aguni raised an eyebrow. “A week?”

Hatter smiled. “Why not? We could find a place where no one knows us. No kids, no interruptions.”

"Are you sure we can leave the kids that long" Aguni asked a look of concern on his face.

Hatter laughed "We need to remember most of them are adults now and Niragi and Usagi both have their own places which they should probably use more, at this point they're at our place more then their own." Hatter was grinning he didn't mind it at all, he loved having his children around... even Niragi. "Come on lets take a road trip!"

Aguni leaned back, a slow smile creeping across his face. “A road trip, huh? That could be fun.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight of the world seemed to lift. There was something comforting about just being able to talk to Hatter, to make plans without the pressure of their chaotic lives hanging over them.

As the night wore on, they shared stories, laughed, and even teased each other the way they used to. And for a brief, beautiful moment, it was as though everything outside of this restaurant didn’t matter.

When the check came, Aguni picked it up without hesitation. Hatter gave him a playful scowl. “What, you think I can’t pay for dinner?”

“I just figured it’s my turn,” Aguni replied with a grin.

“Fine, fine,” Hatter grumbled, clearly pleased.

As they walked out into the cool night air, Hatter looped his arm around Aguni’s, pulling him close. “This was nice,” he said quietly. “Really nice.”

Aguni nodded. “Yeah. It was.”

They walked in comfortable silence back to their car, knowing that they hadn’t just reconnected with each other, but with themselves. The future was still chaotic, still full of family and responsibilities, but for the first time in a long time, they remembered who they were together—and that was enough.

Chapter Text

The car was packed and ready to go, but Aguni and Hatter sat inside the vehicle, staring at the road ahead as if trying to prepare themselves for what was about to unfold. This was supposed to be their trip—a quiet getaway, just the two of them. It was supposed to be simple. It was supposed to be peaceful. It was supposed to be perfect.

Hatter adjusted the rearview mirror for the third time. “You sure you don’t want to check again? Make sure no one is following us?”

Aguni shot him a look. “You’re being paranoid.”

“I’m just saying, I did tell everyone we were going on a road trip alone. What if they show up?” Hatter asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

“Relax. We’ll be fine.” Aguni gripped the wheel and started the engine, pulling out of the driveway. The open road awaited them, and for a moment, everything felt just the way it should.

This was how it was supposed to be: no kids, no interruptions, just the two of them. They cruised down the highway, leaving the city behind, and for the first time in ages, Aguni felt the tension in his shoulders begin to melt away.

“See?” Aguni said with a grin. “This is exactly what we needed.”

Hatter smiled, leaning back in his seat, content. “Yeah, I know. A little peace and quiet.”

The next few miles passed in relative silence—just the hum of the engine, the occasional passing car, and the distant sound of birds chirping. Everything was perfect... Too perfect.

Then, just as they were getting into the rhythm of the drive, Aguni’s phone buzzed on the dashboard. He glanced at it and sighed.

“Who is it?” Hatter asked, eyebrow raised.

“It’s Usagi,” Aguni muttered, unlocking the phone.

“Don’t answer it.”

Aguni stared at the screen for a moment, but then he sighed, hitting the answer button. “What?”

“We were just talking, and we thought—” Usagi’s voice came through the speaker, cheerful as always. “Maybe we could all join you on your road trip?”

Aguni’s foot hovered over the gas pedal. “What?”

“Yeah! We’ve got a whole thing planned now. We’re all packed and ready, and we thought, ‘Hey, why not make it a family road trip instead?’”

Hatter shot Aguni a look of pure disbelief. “A family road trip?”

“Uh, yeah. It’ll be fun!” Usagi continued. “We can all meet you at the first stop, okay? We’ve been looking forward to this!”

The line clicked, and before Aguni could process the shock of what had just happened, his phone buzzed again.

“It’s Kuina now,” Aguni groaned, answering the call immediately.

“Dad!” Kuina’s voice was filled with excitement. “We’re on our way, too! We heard about the trip, and we’re totally crashing it! We’ll bring snacks!”

Hatter buried his face in his hands. “This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell them.”

“Don’t worry!” Kuina added, her voice cheerfully oblivious. “We’ll meet you guys on the road!”

The sound of an incoming message from Usagi pinged on Aguni’s phone. “Group chat. They all heard. They’re coming, too.”

Aguni glanced at Hatter, his expression deadpan. “I think this just became a very different kind of road trip.”

A few hours later, Aguni and Hatter pulled into the first rest stop. Their quiet getaway was officially over.

Usagi, Kuina, and Ann were already there, standing in front of a car packed to the brim with bags and supplies. Behind them, Niragi, Chishiya, and Heiya stumbled out of a van, all of them looking like they’d just returned from a war zone.

“I thought it’d be a smaller group,” Aguni muttered under his breath as he pulled into a parking spot.

“You thought wrong,” Hatter sighed.

The moment Aguni and Hatter opened the doors, they were bombarded by the sudden presence of their kids and partners.

“Hey, Dad! We brought fruit!” Usagi said, practically skipping over to their car.

“Is it organic?” Aguni asked, immediately regretting the question.

“Of course it’s organic,” Usagi said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Chishiya wandered over to Hatter, eyes half-lidded and clearly unimpressed. “You know, this was supposed to be your thing. Why did you have to tell them? Now we’re stuck with this family trip nonsense.”

“You’re not stuck with it,” Hatter said dryly. “You can always leave.”

"You want to suffer through my fiancé in the woods, near fire, without me to keep him in check?" Chishya smirked hands causally shoved in his pockets.

Hatter's eyes widedend "No! No! No! No thank you! NO!" Chishya just chuckled and walked away to sling his arm around his pyromaniac future husband.

Kuina appeared at Aguni’s side, holding up a giant bag of chips. “We brought snacks! I figured you guys wouldn’t want to miss out.”

Aguni raised an eyebrow. “We were just fine without them, actually.”

“Yeah,” Hatter muttered, “but now we’ve got to share our peace and quiet with the rest of you.”

Niragi and Chishiya were already bickering about who got to drive next. “I get shotgun!” Niragi yelled, but Chishiya was already pushing him aside.

Ann came over to Aguni and Hatter, looking unfazed by the chaos unfolding around them. “I told them not to do this,” she said, smiling faintly. “But here we are.”

Hatter sighed deeply, casting a glance around at the gathering crowd. “This was supposed to be a romantic getaway.”

Aguni snorted. “What was I thinking?”

“Well,” Ann said, “at least you’ve got everyone with you now. A nice... chaotic, family road trip. Think of all the memories you’ll make.”

Hatter shot her a look. “Great. A road trip full of memories... and stress.”

“I’ll make sure it’s a fun road trip,” Kuina chimed in, tossing a bag of chips in the air like she was about to host a party.

“Alright, fine, we’ll make the best of it,” Aguni said, resigned. He looked at Hatter, who was already rubbing his temples. “This is what we get for trying to have one moment of peace.”

As the rest of the group rallied around, the noise and excitement growing louder by the second, Aguni and Hatter exchanged a look.

“Well,” Hatter said, raising his hand, “I guess there’s no going back now.”

“I think we’re already too far gone,” Aguni replied, exhaling heavily.

The kids and their partners all piled into the cars and vans, ready to hit the road. And though Aguni and Hatter had imagined a quiet, relaxing escape, they found themselves laughing together, the chaos somehow comforting. After all, this was their family—wild, unpredictable, and loud. But in the end, it was just the way they liked it.

Chapter Text

It was official.

Chishiya and Niragi were getting married. Well, trying to get married.

The whole process had been nothing like they expected. Chishiya, with his cool, collected demeanor, had assumed that planning a wedding would be a simple task. A few decisions here and there, a venue, some food, maybe a few decorations... easy, right?

Niragi, on the other hand, had zero interest in any of it. He was all about the big day, but when it came to the planning? He was a mess.

"I don't get why we need a venue," Niragi grumbled, pacing around the living room of their apartment. "I mean, we're just getting married, right? Why can't we do it at the bar? You know, the one where we met. Get some drinks, sign the papers, and call it a day."

Chishiya sat at the kitchen table, scrolling through a wedding planning website on his tablet. He raised an eyebrow. "You think your family is going to let you have a wedding at the bar? You know how they are. Someone's going to end up singing karaoke, and then we'll never hear the end of it."

Niragi shrugged nonchalantly. "Who cares? I mean, it'll be fun, right?"

Chishiya rubbed his temples. "We’re not having a wedding where your sisters get drunk and start a food fight."

"But it'll be memorable," Niragi said, a mischievous grin creeping across his face.

Chishiya shot him a look. "We’re having a classy wedding. No karaoke, no food fights, and definitely no drunken dancing."

Niragi’s grin widened. "So no fun, then?"

"Exactly," Chishiya deadpanned.

Later that week, they met with a wedding planner, who immediately regretted taking on this particular couple.

The planner, a young woman with a forced smile, held up a clipboard as she nervously addressed them. "So, what kind of theme are we thinking for your wedding?"

"Something elegant," Chishiya said smoothly, glancing over at Niragi.

Niragi’s eyes lit up. "How about a circus theme? We could have clowns and acrobats! Maybe even a fire-breather!"

Chishiya’s eye twitched. "I said elegant, Niragi. Not... whatever that is."

Niragi rolled his eyes. "I was just suggesting something fun. You know, spice things up a bit."

The planner was frantically jotting down notes, her face flushed with the stress of keeping up with the chaos. "Okay... so maybe no circus... What about the color scheme? Are you leaning toward something traditional, like white and gold?"

Chishiya glanced at Niragi, who shrugged. "I don’t know. Gold is fine. But can we get a deep red, too? Red’s a good color for a wedding, right? It’s, like, passionate."

"Red it is," the planner wrote down quickly.

Niragi leaned forward. "And we need fireworks. And a giant cake. Like, a huge cake. I want it big enough to feed everyone and still have leftovers."

Chishiya sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "We’re not ordering a cake the size of a car, Niragi."

"But it’ll be awesome!" Niragi insisted. "Like, we’ll cut the cake in front of everyone, and it’ll be legendary!"

The planner spoke up quickly, trying to steer them back on track. "Okay! And how about your wedding attire? Are you looking for anything traditional, or something... more modern?"

Niragi’s eyes gleamed. "I want a leather suit. Something dark and sleek, like a rock star."

Chishiya blinked at him. "A leather suit?"

"Yeah!" Niragi said with excitement. "It’ll be epic. And maybe I can get a cool mask, like the one I wore for that heist we did."

Chishiya slapped a hand over his soon to be husbands mouth his expression a mix of confusion and dread. "We’re not doing that."

The planner, who had been writing notes furiously, paused. "Okay, so... leather suit? And a mask?" She hesitated. "Is this... a joke?"

Niragi grinned. "It’s gonna be so cool."

Chishiya finally gave up. "Fine, whatever. Leather suits. But I am wearing something sharp and well-tailored, and I will not be matching your ridiculous outfit."

The wedding planner nodded, her smile more of a grimace now. "Got it. No matching outfits. Anything else? Flowers, maybe? Music?"

Niragi perked up again. "Can we get a live band? I’m thinking something with heavy metal vibes. Something that really gets the blood pumping!"

"Heavy metal," Chishiya repeated, unimpressed. "How about something with a bit more... class? I’m thinking something elegant. Maybe a string quartet, or a jazz band."

"Jazz?!" Niragi nearly choked on his own laughter. "We’re getting married, not attending some boring gala!"

"Jazz is classy, Niragi," Chishiya said, barely containing his annoyance. "Not everything has to be about chaos."

"Well, it’s my wedding, too," Niragi shot back. "And I say we get a metal band!"

"Okay, okay," Chishiya said, exasperated. "We’ll figure out the music later."

The rest of the meeting continued in a similar fashion: Niragi suggesting outrageous ideas while Chishiya calmly vetoed them, only for Niragi to throw in another wild request. In the end, they somehow managed to settle on a theme—sort of elegant, with a hint of wildness. They were getting a giant cake, matching white suits one normal one leather, and a jazz band—though Niragi would probably try to sneak in a metal song or two.

As they left the meeting, Chishiya turned to Niragi, his voice low but laced with fondness. "I’m not sure if we’re going to survive this planning process."

Niragi slung an arm around his shoulders. "We’ll make it work, babe. And once we’re married, it’ll all be worth it. Plus, think of the chaos—it’s our chaos."

Chishiya rolled his eyes. "We should’ve just gone to the courthouse."

Niragi grinned. "No way. You’d miss all the fun."

"Yeah, well," Chishiya muttered, "if this wedding gets any crazier, I might just elope."

Niragi stopped him, pulling him back with a teasing smirk. "And where’s the fun in that?"

Chishiya smiled despite himself. "You’re impossible."

Niragi’s grin widened. "And that’s why you love me."

Chishiya sighed but leaned in, planting a quick kiss on Niragi’s cheek. "You’re lucky I do."

And despite all the madness that came with wedding planning, they both knew that it would be the beginning of something much bigger: a lifetime of chaos, love, and everything in between.

Chapter Text

Niragi paced around the living room of this and Chishiya's apartment, holding his phone in one hand and muttering to himself. Chishiya sat on the couch, flipping lazily through a wedding catalog, completely unbothered by Niragi’s obvious distress.

“This is ridiculous,” Niragi grumbled. “Kuina was the perfect choice for my maid of honor. She’s cool, she doesn’t take shit from anyone, and she’ll totally keep me calm if I start freaking out.”

Chishiya raised an eyebrow but didn’t look up. “Which is exactly why I picked her first. You should’ve called dibs faster.”

Niragi glared at him. “You knew I was going to ask her!”

Chishiya smirked, finally meeting Niragi’s eyes. “Exactly. That’s why I acted first. Anyway she's my best freind”

"SHE'S MY SISTER" Chishya swore he heard his husband to be's voice raise multiple octaves.

"and?"

“Unbelievable,” Niragi muttered, throwing himself onto the couch next to Chishiya. “Now what? Who am I supposed to ask?”

“You have other sisters” Chishiya drawled, turning the page of the catalog. “Usagi’s not a bad choice.”

Niragi blinked. “Usagi? Seriously? She’s... too nice. And she’s always so cheerful.” He gestured vaguely, like he couldn’t even comprehend how anyone could be that upbeat. “How’s she going to handle me having a meltdown if something goes wrong?”

“She’s deals with Arisu on a daily basis” Chishiya said flatly. “And she's been dealing with you since you were kids.”

Niragi frowned but didn’t argue. He tapped his fingers against his phone, considering it. Usagi was reliable, and she’d been in plenty of chaotic situations. Plus, she was family— honestly she was probably his closest family their dads adopted them around the same time and for a few years it was just the two of them... before kuina came along a couple years later followed by Hiya.

“Fine,” he said, standing up suddenly. “I’ll ask her.”

Niragi found Usagi at a café downtown, sipping on a green tea latte and scrolling through her phone. She looked like she had just come back for a run. How she ran miles every morning was a mistery to her brother. Honestly she scared him... only slightly. He would never admit it to anyone but he knows Usagi could beat his ass if she wanted to. She smiled when she saw him, waving him over. “Ragi! What’s up?”

He slouched into the chair across from her, arms crossed. “I need to ask you something.”

Usagi tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “Sure. What is it?”

He hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “So... Chishiya stole Kuina from me.”

Her smile faltered. “Wait, what? Did something happen between them?”

“No!” Niragi said quickly, shaking his head. “I mean for the wedding. He already asked her to be his best man, woman? person or whatever.”

“Ohhh,” Usagi said, nodding in understanding. “And now you’re looking for a maid of honor?”

“Yeah,” Niragi muttered, avoiding eye contact. “And... I guess you’re my next best option.”

Usagi blinked, her expression blank for a moment. Then, she burst out laughing. “Wow, thanks for the glowing endorsement.”

“Look, do you want the job or not?” Niragi asked, his tone defensive.

Still laughing, Usagi set her latte down. “Why me? I thought you’d pick someone like Heiya.”

“Heiya?” Niragi looked at her like she’d just suggested he pick a cactus. “She’d turn the whole wedding into some extreme sports competition. I’m not trying to have a zipline entrance, okay?”

Usagi giggled. “Fair point. But why not Kuina? You guys are so close.”

“I already told you I would’ve picked Kuina,” Niragi grumbled, “but Chishiya stole her first.”

“Ohhh,” Usagi said, a knowing smile spreading across her face. “And now you’re stuck with me?”

Niragi groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Look, you’re not that bad. You’re responsible, you know how to handle stress, and you’re, like... nice to people. Which balances me out, I guess.”

Usagi stared at him for a moment, her smile softening. “Wow, Niragi. That was almost a compliment.”

“Don’t get used to it,” he muttered. “So, what do you say? Will you do it?”

She leaned back in her chair, pretending to think it over. “Hmm... I don’t know. It sounds like a lot of work. And you’re not exactly the easiest person to deal with.”

Niragi narrowed his eyes. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“A little,” Usagi admitted with a grin. “But seriously, of course I’ll do it. I’d be honored.”

He blinked, surprised by her sincerity. “Really? You’re not just messing with me?”

“Nope.” She smiled warmly. “I know how much you love Chishiya, even if you don’t always show it. And I think it’s really sweet that you want me to be a part of it.”
Niragi shifted awkwardly in his seat, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, well... don’t get all emotional about it. I’m still not doing any of that sappy stuff during the wedding.”
Usagi laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll save the sappy stuff for my speech.”

“Great,” Niragi muttered sarcastically, but there was a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

As they left the café, Usagi threw an arm around his shoulders. “Don’t worry, Niragi. I’ll make sure your wedding is perfect. You can count on me.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he said, rolling his eyes but secretly grateful. “Just don’t turn it into one of those mushy rom-coms, okay?”

Usagi grinned. “No promises.”And though Niragi would never admit it out loud, he knew he’d made the right choice. Usagi might have been his second pick, but she was the perfect maid of honor for a wedding that was shaping up to be as chaotic and unpredictable as the family itself.

Chapter Text

Heiya sat at the corner of the family’s favorite café, her head in her hands and her usual sharp, confident demeanor replaced by a cloud of quiet frustration. She was barely touching her iced coffee, which immediately raised red flags for Kuina, who had been the first to arrive. Heiya never ignored her coffee—it was her lifeblood.

Kuina slid into the chair across from her, her brow furrowed. “Okay, what’s going on? You look like someone ran over your bike.”

Heiya sighed, her fingers fidgeting with the straw. “I... don’t want to talk about it.”

Kuina leaned forward, not letting her off the hook. “You texted me to meet you, so clearly you want to talk about something. Spill.”

Heiya hesitated for a long moment before finally blurting it out. “Shun cheated on me.”

Kuina froze, her eyes wide with shock. “What?”

“You heard me,” Heiya said bitterly. “I found out last night. He’s been seeing someone else behind my back. For weeks, apparently.”

Kuina’s jaw clenched, her usual laid-back attitude giving way to quiet fury. “That jerk. Are you okay? What happened when you found out?”

“I confronted him,” Heiya said, her voice shaking slightly. “He didn’t even try to deny it. Just said he ‘wasn’t ready for something serious.’ Like, what even is that?!”

Kuina’s fists curled on the table. “He’s an idiot. A complete idiot. You’re amazing, Heiya. He doesn’t deserve you.”

Before Heiya could respond, the bell over the café door jingled, and Usagi and Ann walked in, followed closely by Arisu and Chishiya. It only took one look at Heiya’s face for them to realize something was wrong.

“What happened?” Ann asked immediately, taking the seat beside Kuina.

“Who do I have to fight?” Usagi added, half-joking but already rolling up her sleeves.

Heiya groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Great. Now the whole family’s here.”

“Not yet,” Kuina said darkly, pulling out her phone. “I’m calling Hatter and Aguni.”

“Wait, don’t—!” Heiya started, but it was too late.

Kuina stood, stepping away from the table as she made the call. Meanwhile, Usagi sat down beside Heiya and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Seriously, what’s going on?” Usagi asked gently.

“Heiya’s ex cheated on her,” Ann answered, her voice cold and sharp as a blade.

The table went silent. Even Chishiya, who usually stayed aloof during family drama, raised an eyebrow. “Cheated?” Arisu repeated, his tone incredulous. “That’s... horrible.”

“Yeah,” Heiya said, her voice thick with frustration. “And now everyone’s making it a thing, when I just wanted to vent to Kuina.”

“Too bad,” Usagi said firmly. “We’re a family. That means we deal with things together.”

“Exactly,” Ann added, her expression steely. “And if anyone hurts one of us, they don’t get away with it.”

...

By the time Hatter and Aguni arrived, the café had turned into a full-blown war room. Kuina had filled them in over the phone, and they both looked ready to march into battle.

“Who is this guy?” Aguni asked bluntly as he sat down, his tone low and dangerous.

Hatter, on the other hand, leaned against the counter with an air of calm, but there was a glint in his eye that suggested he was just as furious. “I assume we’re not sending flowers.”

“Shun,” Kuina supplied. “Some jerk Heiya’s been dating for a few months.”

“He’s not worth all this,” Heiya muttered, slumping in her chair.

“That’s not the point,” Aguni said firmly. “He betrayed your trust, and that’s not something we take lightly.”

“Exactly,” Hatter said, his usual playful tone laced with seriousness. “No one messes with one of ours and gets away with it.”

Niragi walked in at that moment, fashionably late as always. “What’s going on? Why does everyone look like they’re planning a heist?”

“Heiya’s ex cheated on her,” Chishiya said matter-of-factly.

Niragi stopped in his tracks. “Oh, hell no.” He turned to Heiya, his expression unusually soft. “You okay?”

Heiya shrugged. “I’ll survive. Just wish I’d seen it coming, you know?”

“He's a dead man,” Niragi declared, cracking his knuckles. His voice dangerously dripping with venom.

“We’re not committing murder,” Chishiya said flatly, though he didn’t seem entirely opposed to the idea.

“Not murder,” Hatter agreed. “But maybe a strong reminder that actions have consequences.”

After much debate (and some creative planning), the family decided on a more... subtle form of revenge. Shun’s social media accounts mysteriously started posting embarrassing photos and overly cheesy captions, courtesy of Chishiya’s hacking skills. Kuina and Usagi “accidentally” ran into him at his gym and made sure everyone within earshot knew what he’d done.

And Niragi? He just happened to bump into Shun at a coffee shop, giving him a cold, menacing glare that made the guy spill his drink all over himself. Heiya didn’t ask for details. She didn’t need to. The family’s actions, chaotic as they were, said everything she needed to know: they had her back, no matter what.

By the end of the day, as they all gathered for dinner at Hatter and Aguni’s house, Heiya couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. Her family might be a handful, but they were her handful—and when it came to protecting their own, they were unstoppable

Chapter Text

It was supposed to be a quiet family dinner. Hatter and Aguni had invited the kids and their partners over for one of their infamous “low-key” meals—which, in this family, usually meant chaos. But tonight, Arisu had brought along a guest: his longtime best friend, Tatta.

The moment Tatta walked through the door, Hatter lit up like a Christmas tree. “Who’s this?” Hatter asked, his voice full of excitement as he clasped Tatta’s shoulders in a warm, overly enthusiastic greeting.

“This is Tatta,” Arisu said, looking a little nervous. “We’ve been friends since high school. He’s, uh... kind of like family to me.”

That was all it took for Hatter’s interest to pique. “Family, huh?” He stepped back, giving Tatta an appraising look. “Well, any friend of Arisu’s is a friend of ours! Right, Aguni?”

Aguni, standing stoically in the kitchen doorway, nodded once. “Sure.”

Tatta, overwhelmed but smiling politely, gave a small bow. “Thank you for having me. It’s really nice to meet all of you.”

“It’s nice to meet you!” Usagi said, already pulling him into a hug. “Arisu talks about you all the time.”

“Does he?” Tatta asked, surprised.

“Constantly,” Kuina chimed in with a grin. “I’m pretty sure he thinks you’re some kind of saint.”

Arisu blushed, scratching the back of his neck. “I don’t—”

“It’s true,” Usagi interrupted, linking arms with Tatta. “And now that we’ve met you, I can totally see why. You’re adorable.”

Tatta blinked. “Uh... thanks?”

...

As the evening went on, it became clear that Tatta was not just a guest—he was the center of attention. Hatter was already brainstorming nicknames for him (“T-Man” was the current frontrunner), while Usagi kept piling food onto his plate despite his protests. Kuina, meanwhile, had dragged him into the kitchen to teach him how to make her famous dumplings.

“You’ve got good hands,” Kuina said, watching as Tatta carefully folded the dough.

“Really?” he asked, clearly flattered.

“Yeah,” she said with a nod. “I can tell you’re a hard worker. That’s rare these days.”

Tatta smiled shyly. “Thanks. I guess I’ve always just tried to help where I can.”

Kuina paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Wait a minute... Do you need a job? Hatter’s always saying we need more people at the shop.”

“Hey, that’s a great idea!” Usagi said, popping her head into the kitchen.

“Wait, what?” Tatta looked between them, confused.

“You’d be perfect,” Hatter said, appearing out of nowhere. “I could use someone like you around—reliable, kind, a good listener.”

“Um,” Tatta stammered, clearly overwhelmed. “I—I have a job, actually...”

Hatter waved this off. “Well, if you ever need a career change, you let me know.”

Tatta glanced at Arisu, who was sitting at the table with Chishiya, Niragi, and Ann, looking both amused and horrified. “Is this normal?”

“For them?” Arisu said. “Yeah, pretty much.”

...

By the time dinner was over, the family had fully adopted Tatta in their hearts. Hatter was already talking about taking him on a fishing trip. Usagi had invited him to join her for her morning runs. Kuina had handed him a box of leftover dumplings “for the road.” Even Aguni, usually the quiet one, had patted Tatta on the back and said, “You’re alright, kid.”
As they all gathered in the living room, Tatta leaned over to Arisu and whispered, “Your in-laws are... intense.”

“They mean well,” Arisu whispered back.

“Yeah, I can tell,” Tatta said with a smile. “They’re great. You’re lucky to have them.”

Arisu blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in Tatta’s voice. “Thanks. That... means a lot.”

Across the room, Hatter was watching the exchange with a soft smile. “We’re keeping him,” he declared, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Hatter, we can’t just keep people,” Aguni said, though he didn’t sound particularly convincing.

“Why not?” Hatter countered. “He’s perfect! And I’m calling it now: if he ever needs a place to stay, he’s moving in with us.”

“Agreed,” Usagi said, raising her hand like it was a vote.

“Seconded,” Kuina added, grinning.

“Guys,” Tatta said, his face turning red. “That’s really sweet, but I’m fine! I promise.”

“Fine for now,” Hatter said ominously. “But the offer stands.”

Chishiya smirked from his seat, nudging Niragi. “Looks like you’ve got competition for favorite son.”

Niragi scowled. “I’m still the favorite.”

“Sure you are,” Chishiya said with a chuckle.

...

As the night wound down, Tatta finally said his goodbyes, thanking everyone profusely for their hospitality. “You’re coming back next week, right?” Usagi asked as he slipped on his jacket.

“I—uh, I don’t know?” Tatta said, looking at Arisu for help.

“He’s coming back,” Hatter said firmly.

“Definitely,” Kuina agreed.

Tatta laughed, shaking his head. “Alright, alright. I’ll come back.”

As he and Arisu walked out into the cool night air, Tatta looked over at his best friend. “Your in-laws are something else.”

“They’re a lot,” Arisu admitted.

“No, I mean it in a good way,” Tatta said. “They’re... amazing. I kind of feel like I just joined some weird, wonderful club.”

Arisu smiled. “Yeah. That’s pretty much what it’s like.”

And as they walked down the street, Tatta couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he truly belonged.

Chapter Text

Niragi paced the living room of his and Chishiya’s apartment, scowling. He tugged at the collar of his black button-down shirt, which he begrudgingly put on after Chishiya had threatened to withhold coffee until he “made an effort.”

“This is stupid,” Niragi grumbled, shooting a glare at Chishiya, who was lounging on the couch in his usual laid-back style. “You agreed to it,” Chishiya replied, not even looking up from the book in his hands.

“Under duress,” Niragi snapped. “They’re calling it a bachelorette party! I’m a guy, Chishiya. A bachelor! Why can’t it just be a normal bachelor party?”

“Because your sisters don’t do ‘normal,’” Chishiya said with a smirk, finally glancing up. “And because they love you, which you’ll pretend to hate but secretly enjoy.”

Niragi huffed, crossing his arms. “I hate you for making me do this.”

“No, you don’t,” Chishiya said simply.

Before Niragi could fire back, a knock at the door cut through the tension. When he opened it, he was greeted by Kuina, Usagi, Ann, and Heiya—all dressed to the nines and grinning like they were about to cause trouble.

“Ready for the best night of your life?” Kuina asked, shoving a sparkly pink sash into his hands.

“What the hell is this?” Niragi asked, holding the sash at arm’s length like it might bite him.

“It says Bride-to-Be’s Favorite Diva,” Usagi explained proudly. “We made it just for you.”

“I’m not wearing this,” Niragi declared, tossing it onto the couch.

“Oh, you’re wearing it,” Ann said firmly, stepping past him into the apartment. “We’re not leaving until you do.”

Chishiya, watching from his seat, snorted. “Better just give in, Niragi. They look like they mean business.”

Niragi shot him a death glare before snatching the sash off the couch and grudgingly draping it over his shoulder. “Happy now?”

“Very,” Kuina said, snapping a picture before he could stop her.

***

The first stop on the night’s agenda was a karaoke bar that Hatter had apparently recommended. Niragi, still sulking, tried to stay in the corner, but the girls weren’t having it.
“Come on, Niragi!” Usagi called, holding up the song list. “What’s your go-to karaoke jam?”

“I don’t do karaoke,” Niragi grumbled.

“Oh, you do tonight,” Kuina said, grabbing his arm and dragging him toward the stage.

As the opening notes of a rock ballad filled the room, Niragi glared at the screen, then at his sisters, who were cheering him on like this was the Olympics. He finally grabbed the microphone, his scowl melting into something closer to begrudging amusement.

By the end of the song, Niragi was belting out the chorus with surprising enthusiasm, and the girls were screaming in delight.

“See?” Heiya said, throwing an arm around his shoulders as he stepped off the stage. “You’re having fun.”

“Whatever,” Niragi muttered, but there was a faint smile on his face.

***

The next stop was a fancy rooftop bar, where the drinks were as extravagant as the view. Usagi ordered a round of neon-colored cocktails, insisting that Niragi’s came with an extra umbrella and a cherry on top. “I’m not drinking that,” Niragi said, eyeing the sugary concoction suspiciously.

“Yes, you are,” Ann said, sliding it toward him. “It’s your night. Embrace the chaos.”

With a resigned sigh, Niragi took a sip—and then another. “Okay, fine. It’s not terrible.”

“You’re welcome,” Usagi said with a grin.

As the night went on, the group swapped stories about Niragi—much to his chagrin.

“Remember the time he tried to give himself a tattoo and ended up passing out halfway through?” Kuina said, laughing.

“I was tired,” Niragi argued.

“And then there was that phase where he wore eyeliner every day because he thought it made him look edgy,” Heiya added.

“It did make me look edgy,” Niragi shot back, though his cheeks turned slightly pink.

***

By the time they reached the final stop—a dance club blasting pop music—Niragi had officially given up on pretending he wasn’t enjoying himself.

He let Kuina and Usagi drag him onto the dance floor, where he surprised everyone by actually knowing how to dance. Ann stayed at the bar, sipping her drink with a small smile as she watched the chaos unfold.

“This isn’t so bad,” Niragi admitted, his voice just loud enough for Kuina to hear over the music.

“Told you,” she said, nudging him playfully.

***

When the night finally wound down, the group piled into a cab, still laughing and buzzing from the energy of the evening. Niragi leaned his head against the window, feeling a strange warmth in his chest.

As annoying as they were, his sisters—and Ann—had gone all out to make sure he had a good time. When they pulled up to the apartment, Niragi turned to them and mumbled, “Thanks. For, you know... this.”

“You’re welcome,” Kuina said, ruffling his hair.

“Anytime,” Usagi added.

“And don’t worry,” Heiya said with a smirk. “We’re already planning the after-party for the wedding.”

Niragi groaned. “You’re the worst.”

But as he walked into the apartment, still wearing the sparkly sash and holding a bag of leftovers from the rooftop bar, he couldn’t help but smile. He might have been dragged into the bachelorette party against his will, but deep down, he was glad he had a family who cared enough to do it.

Chapter Text

The family had just settled into their usual spots at Hatter and Aguni’s house when Chishiya walked in with someone new. A sort young guy with a nervous smile and shaggy hair followed close behind him, clutching a small gift bag like it was a lifeline.

“This is Ippei,” Chishiya said simply, waving a hand toward the newcomer. “He’s kind of like a little brother to me.”

“Hi,” Ippei said shyly, bowing. “It’s nice to meet you all. Chishiya’s told me a lot about everyone.”

Niragi, sprawled on the couch with his usual air of nonchalance, perked up immediately. “Little brother, huh?” He stood and sized up Ippei, circling him like a hawk. “What’s your deal?”

Ippei blinked, glancing nervously at Chishiya, who sighed. “He’s not a stray dog, Niragi,” Chishiya said dryly.

“I’m just making sure he’s cool,” Niragi replied, crossing his arms. He paused, then added, “You into video games?”

Ippei nodded. “Uh, yeah. Big time.”

“Nice,” Niragi said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “You’re in.”

“In... what?” Ippei asked, looking confused.

“The family,” Niragi said, like it was obvious. “You’ve got little brother energy. I’m adopting you.”

Chishiya pinched the bridge of his nose. “He doesn’t need adopting, Niragi.”

“Too late,” Niragi said, grinning. “It’s already decided.”

***

Hatter, who had been watching the interaction with growing amusement, finally stepped in. “Well, well, well,” he said, strolling over with a teasing smile. “Look who’s caught the family expansion bug.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Niragi asked, narrowing his eyes.

“It means you’re turning into me,” Hatter said, draping an arm around Niragi’s shoulders. “First, it’s one kid—Ippei, in this case. Then it’s two, then three. Before you know it, you’ve got a whole house full of chaos and you’re holding family dinners every weekend.”

“I’m nothing like you,” Niragi said, shrugging off Hatter’s arm.

“Sure, sure,” Hatter said, clearly unconvinced. “But you’ve got the look. The spark. Trust me, I’ve seen it before.”

Niragi crossed his arms, his scowl deepening. “I’m not building a family. I just think Ippei’s cool, okay?”

“Whatever you say,” Hatter replied with a knowing grin.

Aguni, who had been quietly observing from the kitchen, finally spoke up. “Just let it happen, Niragi. It’s easier that way.”

***

As the evening went on, Ippei quickly won over the rest of the family.

Kuina taught him how to fold dumplings (a family tradition at this point), Usagi challenged him to an arm-wrestling match (which he lost spectacularly), and Ann grilled him about his future plans in a way that was oddly comforting rather than intimidating.

By the time dessert rolled around, Ippei was laughing freely, his initial nervousness gone. Niragi, sitting beside him, couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of pride.

“See?” he said, nudging Chishiya. “Told you he’d fit right in.”

Chishiya gave him a sideways glance. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Yeah, but you love it,” Niragi shot back with a smirk.

***

When the night was winding down and everyone was saying their goodbyes, Hatter pulled Niragi aside.

“You know,” Hatter said, his tone unusually sincere, “it’s not a bad thing, wanting to take care of people. Even if you don’t think you’re the ‘dad’ type.”

“I’m not,” Niragi insisted, though his voice lacked conviction.

Hatter smiled knowingly. “Maybe not yet. But give it time. You’ve got a good heart, Niragi. Whether you want to admit it or not.”

Niragi scoffed, but there was a faint blush creeping up his neck. “Whatever, old man.”

As Hatter laughed and clapped him on the back, Niragi couldn’t help but glance over at Ippei, who was chatting animatedly with Kuina and Usagi by the door. Maybe Hatter was onto something, after all.

And maybe, just maybe, Niragi didn’t mind so much.

Chapter Text

The wedding preparations had gone about as smoothly as one could expect for this chaotic family, which meant there had been a healthy dose of disasters, arguments, and laughter. But now, on the night before the big day, everything was finally quiet.

Chishiya and Niragi had escaped to the balcony of their hotel suite, the cool night air brushing against their skin as they leaned against the railing. Above them, the stars were scattered across the sky like flecks of silver on black velvet.

“This feels weird,” Niragi muttered, breaking the silence.

“What does?” Chishiya asked, his voice calm as always.

“Tomorrow,” Niragi said, fiddling with the cigarette in his fingers, though he didn’t light it. “Getting married. I never thought... I mean, I never really pictured myself doing something like this.”

Chishiya tilted his head, his sharp eyes softening. “Why not?”

“Come on,” Niragi said, gesturing vaguely. “You know me. I’m not exactly husband material.”

Chishiya smirked, leaning his chin on his hand as he regarded Niragi. “You think that, huh?”

“I know that,” Niragi shot back, though his tone lacked its usual bite. “I’m loud. I’m messy. I’m a pain in the ass—your words, by the way.”

Chishiya chuckled. “You are a pain in the ass. But you’re my pain in the ass.”

Niragi blinked, his grip on the railing tightening slightly. “You’re not gonna let me off the hook with a line like that, are you?”

“Not a chance,” Chishiya said, his smirk growing into a small, genuine smile. “I knew what I was signing up for, Ragi. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing about you.”

Niragi looked away, his jaw clenching as he tried to process the weight of Chishiya’s words. After a moment, he exhaled deeply and muttered, “You’re such a sap.”

“Says the guy who’s still holding onto the first love note I wrote him,” Chishiya replied smoothly.

“That’s... that’s different!” Niragi stammered, his ears turning red.

“Oh, sure,” Chishiya said with a soft laugh. “Completely different.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, the sound of the waves from the nearby beach filling the air.

“You’re not nervous?” Niragi asked quietly, his voice barely audible over the breeze.

“Not even a little,” Chishiya said without hesitation.

“How?” Niragi turned to face him, his brows furrowing. “How can you be so sure about... all this?”

Chishiya met his gaze, his expression unusually serious. “Because it’s you,” he said simply. “You drive me crazy, you push every button I have, and yet... you’re the only person I’ve ever wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

Niragi stared at him, his usual bravado slipping away. For once, he didn’t have a snarky comeback or a deflecting joke. All he could do was nod, his throat tight with emotion.

“You know,” Chishiya added, his tone lighter now, “you’ve always been my star.”

Niragi blinked. “Your what?”

“My star,” Chishiya repeated, gesturing to the sky. “You’re loud and bright and impossible to ignore. But you’re also constant. Reliable. Even when everything else feels chaotic, I know you’re there.”

Niragi looked away, his fingers brushing against Chishiya’s on the railing. “You’re gonna make me cry if you keep talking like that,” he muttered.

“Wouldn’t be the worst thing,” Chishiya teased, leaning closer.

“Shut up,” Niragi said, but his voice was soft.

They stood there for a while longer, watching the stars and letting the silence speak for them.

Finally, Niragi broke the quiet. “You’re stuck with me, you know.”

“I know,” Chishiya replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As the night deepened, they stayed side by side, two mismatched souls perfectly in sync. Tomorrow, the chaos of the wedding would begin, but for now, they had this moment—and that was more than enough.

Chapter Text

The day had finally arrived, and the energy was electric. The family and their closest friends gathered in a sprawling garden venue overlooking the ocean. Rows of white chairs were adorned with lavender and silver ribbons—Niragi’s secret favorite color and Chishiya’s favorite plant, lavender. The altar, a simple yet elegant wooden arch draped with soft fabric and twinkling fairy lights, stood as the centerpiece.

The air buzzed with excitement, laughter, and just a hint of chaos, as one would expect when this family was involved.

-The Preparation-

In the bridal suite (dubbed the “groomal suite” for the occasion), Niragi stood in front of the mirror, fidgeting with his suit jacket. It was a sleek black tuxedo with a lavender pocket square. For once, his hair was neatly tied back, though he’d already threatened to undo it if anyone teased him about looking “too proper.”

“Stop squirming,” Usagi said, gently swatting his hands away. She was adjusting the sash on her flowy lavender dress, her smile warm. “You look amazing.”

“You think so?” Niragi asked, trying to sound indifferent but clearly fishing for reassurance.

“You’re going to knock Chishiya off his feet,” Usagi said.

Ann, standing nearby in a matching lavender dress, nodded. “Not that he’d show it, but yes. He’ll be speechless.”

“Good,” Niragi said, smirking. But there was a nervous edge to it. “I just... I don’t wanna screw this up.”

Usagi softened, resting a hand on his shoulder. “You won’t. You love him, and he loves you. That’s all that matters.”

Before Niragi could respond, the door burst open, and Kuina strode in wearing a sharp charcoal gray suit, her tie slightly loosened for flair.

“Chishiya’s ready,” she announced with a grin. “He’s surprisingly not grumpy today.”

“Give him time,” Niragi quipped, but the nerves in his eyes faded ever so slightly.

-The Ceremony-

The procession began, and it was nothing short of heartwarming chaos.

Tatta and Ippei, dressed in adorable suspender outfits, walked down the aisle first, scattering lavender petals with wild enthusiasm. Ippei occasionally tossed handfuls of petals directly at guests, earning delighted laughter.

Next came Heiya, the ring bearer, strutting down the aisle with a tiny box in hand. She winked at the crowd, clearly enjoying the spotlight.

Then it was Chishiya’s turn. He stood at the altar, looking effortlessly cool in his tailored gray suit, his signature stoic expression betraying just a hint of emotion. Kuina, his best woman, walked confidently beside him, with Arisu following as his groomsman.

And then, the moment everyone had been waiting for.

All eyes turned as Aguni and Hatter appeared at the top of the aisle, walking arm-in-arm with Niragi between them. Aguni, stoic and protective, rested a hand on Niragi’s shoulder, while Hatter, grinning like a proud dad, whispered something that made Niragi snort.

The sight of Niragi—usually so brash and rough around the edges—walking down the aisle with his dads by his side was enough to bring a few guests to tears.
Chishiya’s gaze softened as Niragi approached, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles.

When Niragi finally reached the altar, Aguni and Hatter each gave him a pat on the back before stepping aside.

“You made it,” Chishiya murmured, his voice low enough for only Niragi to hear.

“Yeah,” Niragi replied, his smirk returning. “Try not to cry, yeah?”

Chishiya rolled his eyes, but the warmth in them was undeniable.

-The Vows-

The officiant, a no-nonsense woman who seemed unfazed by the group’s lively energy, guided them through the ceremony.
When it came time for the vows, Chishiya went first.

“Niragi,” he began, his voice steady but softer than usual, “you’re chaos. You’re loud, stubborn, and impossible to ignore. And somehow, you’re also my peace. You make me feel seen, even when I don’t want to be. You’ve taught me what it means to care about someone, even if I’d never admit it out loud. I promise to stand by you, to argue with you, and to love you—always.”

There was a beat of silence, then a loud sniffle from Hatter, who dabbed at his eyes with a tissue.

Niragi’s turn came, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Chishiya... I’m not good at this kind of thing,” he admitted, his voice uncharacteristically quiet. “But I know one thing: you’re the only person who’s ever made me want to be better. You put up with me when no one else would. You... you make me feel like I’m worth it. So, yeah. I promise to love you, even when you’re being a smug little—”
“Niragi,” the officiant interjected with a raised eyebrow.

“Right. Sorry.” Niragi cleared his throat. “I love you. That’s all.”

Chishiya smiled—actually smiled—enough to draw a collective gasp from the crowd.

-The Aftermath-

The ceremony concluded with the exchanging of rings, which Heiya proudly handed over with a flourish, and a kiss that left the audience cheering.
At the reception, the family let loose.

Tatta and Ippei took over the dance floor, showing off moves that were both endearing and slightly ridiculous. Hatter gave a heartfelt (and slightly tipsy) speech about how proud he was of Niragi and how Chishiya was “one of us now, whether he likes it or not.”

Aguni kept his toast short but meaningful: “Take care of each other. That’s all that matters.”

Kuina and Usagi orchestrated a wildly competitive bouquet toss, which Heiya won by leaping over several chairs.

As the night wore on, Niragi and Chishiya found themselves back at their table, watching their chaotic family with matching expressions of quiet contentment.
“You’re smiling,” Chishiya teased.

“Yeah, yeah,” Niragi muttered, leaning back in his chair. “Don’t get used to it.”

Chishiya smirked, lacing his fingers with Niragi’s under the table. “Too late.”

And for once, Niragi didn’t argue.