ᴄʀᴀᴠɪɴɢ ᴅᴇsɪʀᴇs, | ᴛᴏᴊɪ ғᴜsʜɪɢᴜʀᴏ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇsʜᴏᴛs ||

A Blessing

His commanding figure cast a shadow in the doorway as the dimming sunset bathed the room in shades of burnt orange and gold. With each step, there was a palpable sense of power emanating from his well-built frame. His dedication in the gym had molded him into a symbol of sheer might, causing many to instinctively make way whenever he drew near, misinterpreting his reserved demeanor as aloofness.

However, within the sanctuary of their home, a different facet of Toji shone through. His formidable presence contrasted starkly with an underlying tenderness, particularly when he was with you, his wife. Your infectious zest for life, melodious laughter, and effervescent aura, reminiscent of the sun rays filtering through the curtains, anchored him. Your anguish was perhaps the only chink in his armor.

He approached you cautiously, noticing the tremors in your posture, signaling a pain he couldn't instantly grasp. "Y/n?" His voice, profound yet imbued with a gentleness you alone could invoke, sought to understand your plight.

Facing him, your eyes glistened with both tears and an indefinable emotion. "Toji," you began, drawing a steadying breath, "We're expecting."

He was rooted in place. The gravity of your revelation lingered in the silent space that separated you. After numerous consultations, examinations, and heartaches, they had been warned of the unfavorable odds. Toji had come to terms, though with a saddened heart, with the possibility of it remaining just the pair of them. But now...

A deluge of emotions washed over him. His typically stoic expression gave way. Tears threatened to spill, clouding his sight, but clarity wasn't needed to envelop you in a heartfelt embrace. His voice, choked with sentiment, murmured, "Thank you, Y/n. Thank you." He uttered the phrase repeatedly, as though those simple words might communicate the boundless gratitude and affection surging within him.

They stood close, rocking gently, two spirits deeply connected, heralding the bright prospect that their impending parenthood symbolized. Their adventure was just commencing, and the horizon promised limitless potential.

—

In the serene atmosphere of their kitchen, the faint hum of the refrigerator provided a steady background noise. Seated on a bar stool, you cradled your face in your hands, occasional sniffles breaking the silence. With your emotions teetering from one extreme to another within moments, Toji, nearby, was working hard to identify the root of your distress.

"Y/n?" he inquired softly, a depth of concern evident in his voice, "Is everything alright, dear?" As you lifted your gaze, tear tracks evident, you blurted, "I just... really wanted some orange juice, and we're out!" The strain in your voice underscored your dismay.

A hint of a smile danced on his lips, a blend of endearment and mild amusement. "Let me take a look." He delved into the fridge, rearranging items in hopes of discovering the desired beverage. "Seems we're truly out. But if you'd like, I can make a quick trip to the store?"

However, before he could reach for his keys, you interjected, your voice carrying a different nuance. "Actually... I'm suddenly craving a cheese and jam sandwich."

He paused, shooting you a quizzical look. "Cheese and... jam?" With a nod and a slightly embarrassed expression, you confessed, "I know it's odd, but I genuinely want it. And now I'm getting emotional because the idea feels so ridiculous, and I'm not even certain it'll be good."

A soft chuckle escaped him. Closing the distance, he tenderly dried your tears. "It's not ridiculous," he murmured, "Pregnancy has its quirks, doesn't it? I promise to craft the finest cheese and jam sandwich you've ever tasted."

Watching him tend to your peculiar desire, you felt a swell of affection and gratitude. Toji, ever patient and gentle, was handling your unpredictable moods with admirable elegance. It dawned on you that as a team, they were prepared for any challenges the future might bring.

—

The room was bathed in a gentle lunar luminescence, the outside nocturnal whispers their sole accompaniment. Their synchronized breathing signaled profound rest until a subtle movement disrupted the tranquility. A parched sensation had jolted you awake, and as you attempted to sit up, you were reminded of the cumbersome nature of your pregnant form.

Unnoticed by you, Toji had been alerted by your movements. With a sleep-filled voice, he murmured, "Y/n? Everything alright?"

With a mix of exhaustion and mild annoyance, you responded, "I just want some water, but getting up feels uncomfortable with this belly."

Silently, Toji rose and navigated his way to the kitchen, the sound of water cascading into a glass resonating in the stillness.

Upon his return, he was greeted with a sight that drew a smile: you, having achieved an upright position, were shuffling toward the bathroom. Your shadow, highlighted by the moon's rays, accentuated your charming, penguin-like shuffle.

Suppressing a laugh, he commented, "That walk of yours? It's reminiscent of a delightful penguin." You shot back with a playful scowl, amusement gleaming in your eyes. "Be quiet! This is tougher than it looks."

He smiled, placing the glass of water on the nightstand before moving to your side. "Let me help." With an arm securely around you, he gently guided you to the bathroom door.

Pausing for a brief second, you tilted your head to look up at him, your expression tender, "Thank you, Toji."

His lips curved in response, as he leaned in to gently kiss your forehead, "All for you and our soon-to-be penguin."

---

The endless corridor of the hospital, with its gleaming white tiles, seemed to stretch infinitely as his steps echoed in restless pacing. The anxiety was evident in his stride, each footfall weighted with concern. Your distant sounds of discomfort exacerbated the furrow of worry that marred his usually composed face. The man, who was often an unyielding rock, was currently in the throes of overpowering emotions.

A nurse, seeing his distress, approached with an empathetic glance. "Mr. Toji, take a deep breath. All is progressing as it should."

Attempting to regain his composure, Toji exhaled deeply. "I trust them. It's the feeling of helplessness when I hear her... and can't do anything." The nurse offered a comforting touch to his arm. "Childbirth is as old as time itself. Your wife is resilient and in capable hands."

Time trudged on, feeling more like an eternity, amplifying his unease. However, the eventual creaking of the doors and the emergence of a visibly fatigued doctor with a smile signaled good news. "Mr. Toji, congratulations. You've become a father."

Without any delay, Toji hastened into the room. The scene that greeted him was a balm to his frayed nerves. There you were, cradling a tiny life, the embodiment of your shared journey and love.

Approaching the bedside, emotion evident in his voice, Toji murmured, "He's so... perfect." Your tired eyes met his, gleaming with tears of joy, "We did well, right? Have you considered a name?"

Without a moment's pause, he responded, "Megumi. I wish to name him Megumi." A slight look of confusion crossed your face. "Isn't Megumi a girl's name?"

He nodded, "Yes, but he represents our blessing, doesn't he?" Your eyes shifted between their newborn and Toji, warmth radiating from them, "Megumi it is then."

In that tranquil atmosphere, punctuated only by the soft hum of medical equipment and the distant cries of other newborns, the bond between the couple deepened. Your precious Megumi, the embodiment of hope and boundless love, marked the beginning of a new chapter in your lives.