kiyopapa x mamasuzune

getting better

The morning light filtered gently through the curtains of Kiyotaka and Suzune's home. The atmosphere was serene, but there was an undercurrent of bustling energy as the household came to life. Aiko and Saya, having spent the night, were already up and chatting quietly in the kitchen while preparing tea. Suzune, calmer now but still protective, peeked into the bedroom where Kiyotaka rested. His face had regained some color, but he was still recovering from the sickness that had shaken her more than she cared to admit.

"Good morning," Saya greeted softly as Suzune joined them. "How's dad doing?"

"Better, I think. He's sleeping peacefully now," Suzune replied, though her tone betrayed lingering worry. She turned her attention to the tea. "Thank you for staying over. It's been... helpful."

Aiko smirked and leaned against the counter. "Of course. Besides, I wouldn't miss a chance to keep an eye on you. You've been glued to him so much that I'm surprised you even let him out of your sight."

Suzune's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink. "He's been sick. What did you expect?"

Aiko's smirk widened. "Oh, I expect a lot. How have your nightly bath sessions been?"

The teacup Suzune held rattled slightly as she nearly dropped it. Her face turned a deeper shade of red. "I... That's none of your business!"

Aiko laughed, delighted by the reaction. "I'm just saying... it must have been tough for you with him not being at his best. You've probably been missing something pretty important, haven't you?"

"Aiko!" Suzune's voice hit a high-pitched note, and she quickly turned away, focusing intently on preparing breakfast.

Saya intervened with a gentle smile. "Aiko, stop teasing her. You know how she gets."

Aiko chuckled but relented, taking a seat at the table. "Fine, fine. But it's so much fun."

Moments later, footsteps pattered down the stairs. Suz and Kiyo entered the kitchen, still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

"Good morning, Mom," Suz mumbled before running over to Suzune and hugging her legs. Kiyo followed more sedately, but when Aiko swooped him into a bear hug, he didn't resist.

"You're up early," Suzune said as she gently stroked Suz's hair. "Did you sleep well?"

Suz nodded and then noticed Kiyotaka entering the room, his steps steady but slower than usual. Her face brightened immediately. "Daddy!" she called out and ran straight to him, clinging to his leg.

Suzune hurried to his side. "You shouldn't be up yet. You need to rest."

Kiyotaka gave her a small smile. "I'm fine. It's just a cold. Besides, I couldn't let you handle everything alone."

Suzune crossed her arms but didn't argue, though the worry in her eyes was evident.

Later that morning, Gojo arrived with Lori. They both looked slightly flustered as they entered the house.

"We need to talk," Gojo said, a hint of embarrassment coloring his tone.

Suzune raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Lori hesitated before blurting out, "We... we have to go on a work trip."

Aiko immediately burst out laughing. "Oh, a work trip? Is that what we're calling it now?"

Gojo's face turned red, and Lori swatted at Aiko, who dodged playfully.

"It's nothing like that," Lori insisted, though her own blush betrayed her.

Suzune shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You haven't changed at all, Lori."

"Why would I?" Lori replied with a grin. "Life's more fun this way."

After Gojo and Lori's "work trip" announcement, the morning settled into a routine. Breakfast was a lively affair, with Suz insisting on sitting on Kiyotaka's lap while Akari climbed onto Suzune's lap. Aiko joined the table with a teasing comment about how crowded it was, earning a sharp but good-natured look from Suzune.

Later in the day, Suzune and Kiyotaka took some time for themselves, retreating to the bath. The warm water enveloped them as they leaned against the edge of the tub.

"You've been quiet today," Kiyotaka remarked, glancing at Suzune.

She let out a small sigh. "I'm just... relieved. You scared me, you know. You never get sick, and then this happened. I thought..." Her voice trailed off.

Kiyotaka reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm fine now. You don't have to worry so much."

She gave him a faint smile but leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder. "I can't help it. You're... important to me."

He turned to her, his gaze soft. "And you're important to me."

They stayed like that for a while, letting the quiet intimacy of the moment envelop them.

As the evening approached, the family gathered in the living room. Suz and Akari snuggled against Kiyotaka, while Aiko and Saya joined Suzune on the sofa. By the time night fell, everyone was settled in various states of comfort, their laughter and teasing creating a warm, loving atmosphere.

When it was finally time for bed, Suz and Akari insisted on sleeping with Kiyotaka and Suzune. The four of them lay together, Suz nestled against Kiyotaka's back while Akari curled up between them. Suzune watched them with a contented smile, her hand resting on Kiyotaka's shoulder.

"You're smiling in your sleep," she murmured softly, her heart swelling with happiness. "This is everything I've ever wanted."