The Life Game

Many Hugs (much to Maeve's Dislike)

AN: Maeve is my best friend, my pal, my homeboy, my rotten soldier, my good time boy

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Maeve doesn't have many happy memories. He was 11 when everyone else was sent away from home, and he can't remember much from before. But he remembers being loved, having fun, and feeling happy. But those tiny memories of happiness could never compare to this moment.

It's been so long since he felt such warmth-- it was almost suffocating. There was so much happiness inside Maeve that he almost didn't know what to do with it. His body decided for him as he spontaneously rushed into Hiraya's arms again and started bawling.

He doesn't remember the last time he cried either. After all, growing up in a house where his emotions either got him in trouble or were completely ignored wasn't exactly the best place to learn to express himself. But- god- he was just so overjoyed that tears escaped before he could even try to stop them.

"Oh baby," Hiraya whispered into his ear, "I missed you Maeve."

Maeve could feel himself trembling in Aya's arms.

"I missed you too," Maeve managed to choke out between sniffles, "sorry. I'm making a mess of your shirt."

Aya cooed and brought Maeve's face out of his chest where there was now a small wet patch. The two were so close that Maeve could feel Aya's warmth against his face. Maeve swore Aya's eyes were the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen- though he would probably say that about all of the men of this house.

"Don't worry babe. You can ruin anything I own, and I'd still adore you no less." Aya had happy tears in his eyes as he looked into Maeve's running eyes. God- he must look like a mess.

"Yeah, you can ruin me any time you'd like!" Ali spoke up from beside Morgan. Yep- still childish.

Kane smacked his head. "Read the room idiot!"

"What are you gonna do, Mother? Put me in time out?" Kane looked so done with his nonsense; this seemed like a common occurrence. Maeve chuckled with Hiraya's arms still around his middle. Kade made eye contact with him as he rolled his eyes at Ali's jokes in an attempt to apologize.

"I haven't got a hug yet Maeve," his deep voice saying Maeve's name made him shiver, and he was sure Hiraya felt the tremble.

"Seems Maeve really wants a hug," Hiraya shot a glance at Ali and smirked. Maeve felt his face grow red as everyone looked towards him. Maeve didn't know how much longer he could stay under their attention without passing out.

Ali whispered something under his breath which prompted Kane to smack him in the head again. Kane made his way over to Maeve, and Hiraya unwrapped his arms from his waist.

Despite Maeve just escaping from a hug, Kane's thick arms wound around him. Muscles were definitely Maeve's weakness. Kane was taller than the rest and his chin sat right above his head.

He smelled good. Gosh-- I sound like a perv.

"Sorry about them. They are just like excited dogs." His chest rumbled against Maeve's own, and Maeve's face heated up even further from the vibrations.

Ali and Hiraya gasped, sounding offended. "I am no dog. Excited? yes. A dog? no." Ali sounded proud of his statement.

Morgan stared at him with bored eyes. "Well you could have fooled me." Ali shot a look at him that Maeve couldn't understand.

"Oh yeah?" he took a step towards Morgan, "then you'd better run because this dog is gonna bite you!"

Morgan jumped behind the armchair while Ali barked and tried to grab him. Kane sighed and let go of Maeve. He walked towards Ali and grabbed him by the collar.