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Shinnosuke’s first birthday at Special Unit had been memorable for all the wrong reasons.
He’d been so excited when he thought Kiriko was inviting him out for dinner that he’d asked Chase to put their fight on hold so he could go to meet her, only for it to turn out to be the office Christmas party. That was what he got for being born on December 24th - it was Christmas Eve, and his birthday was an afterthought. But his life had changed a lot since then. Now, he got to go on a real date with Kiriko every year.
A little bit of paperwork held him up at the police station, so by the time he got to the restaurant they’d booked, she was already waiting for him. He was pleased to see it was much less busy at lunchtime than it would probably be by that evening. They’d be having dinner at home with their family later, then going out for drinks with the rest of Special Unit, who still had a Christmas party every year even though they all worked in different divisions now.
He kissed Kiriko’s cheek and said, “How’s Eiji doing?”
“He’s fine. He was having his nap when I left … so Gou should be able to handle him.”
Shinnosuke began talking about his morning at work, but she reached for his hand and said “You can worry about that later. It’s your birthday, isn’t it?” That suited him. The Christmas lunch set was tasty, and then they had coffee; no sweets, because Kiriko had already ordered a birthday cake for him.
Afterwards, they went for a walk by the river. Shinnosuke thought the Christmas illuminations this year were outstanding, but they couldn’t compare to the glow of the sunset over the water. He and Kiriko held hands and looked at the view across the city.
“I missed this,” she said. “When Eiji wasn’t old enough for us to be able to go out.”
Shinnosuke nudged her shoulder, “We spent Christmas together last year. And the year before that, Rinna offered to babysit, but you said no.”
“She was in the office. She gets distracted when she’s working … and I don’t trust that Karizaki guy,” said Kiriko.
Shinnosuke chuckled at the thought of Karizaki dealing with a baby. Kiriko smiled, “What’s so funny?” she said.
“Nothing. Did I ever tell you your smile is amazing?”
--
“Daddy!” Eiji got up off the sofa and went to give him a hug. Even if Shinnosuke had nothing else for his birthday, he’d be happy just to have their son.
“Hey, sis. How did the date go?” said Gou. Eiji went back to the sofa and snuggled up with his uncle. They were watching a movie, which appeared to be about schoolgirls covered in blood and hunting zombies with enormous weapons.
“Um, Gou. I really don’t think this is …” said Shinnosuke. He’d have to talk to Gou later, but first, he should probably change the channel before Kiriko noticed anything -
Too late. She turned on Gou at once, “GOU! How dare you let him watch this trash? He’s THREE!”
“He doesn’t mind. Right, Eiji?”
Gou ruffled Eiji’s hair, and Eiji smiled and said, “I want to watch the movie!”
“I’m gonna destroy you! Shinnosuke, talk to him!”
Shinnosuke could have pointed out that she was the one Gou was much more inclined to listen to. But it was his birthday, and he wanted to keep the peace – “Gou, please find something more age-appropriate next time.”
“Sure,” said Gou. “Eiji, how about Super Action Battle Robots?”
“YEAH!”
Kiriko stormed off into the kitchen, and Shinnosuke went after her to try and calm her down. She promptly sent him out again so she could get started on dinner; and he sat with Eiji and Gou until it was time to eat. As always, they saved a seat for Chase at the table.
“Next year, he might be back with us,” said Gou, as he put Chase’s driving licence down on the empty chair.
Gou had been saying that for a while now. Shinnosuke didn’t want to get his hopes up too much, but then, Gou had managed to revive Heart for a short time. Maybe one day they really would see Chase again.
Kiriko brought the cake out, and everyone sang happy birthday. She’d got him a Christmas cake, again, because she knew he liked it even though she said every year he could have something else if he wanted it.
“Daddy, make a wish!” said Eiji, as Kiriko leaned over the table to light the candles on the cake.
Shinnosuke already had everything he could want, but he closed his eyes and wished to always have his family.
--
“Merry Christmas! Or should I say, happy birthday?” Otta said.
Shinnosuke and Kiriko were a little late to the pub, because it had been tough to get Eiji to bed. Kiriko had threatened Gou with the severest consequences if Eiji had nightmares. Almost everyone else was already there, except for Chief, who was apparently stuck in traffic.
Rinna was snuggling up to Otta; evidently, they were doing well for now. They’d cancelled their wedding twice this year but she cheerfully informed Shinnosuke that it was going to be in May now.
“That’s great,” he said, privately thinking that he wouldn’t save the date just yet.
“And it’s going to be at the most amazing hotel –”
“Now then, we have to watch the budget,” said Otta, quickly adding “… darling,” as she narrowed her eyes at him.
Kyuu came across and led Shinnosuke over to the bar, “Come and get a drink! And put your names down for karaoke. We’re all gonna sing.”
“Um –”
“You too, Kiriko! How’s your little boy?” asked Kyuu.
As Shinnosuke tried to think of a polite way to say he hated karaoke, Chief finally arrived. The others all went over to say hello, and Shinnosuke breathed a sigh of relief.
“Tomari! Kiriko! How are you two doing? Let’s have a round of drinks,” Chief called out to them. “Unless you’re driving? I could book a taxi.”
“And then we can sing! Right, guys?” Kyuu said.
As she and Shinnosuke headed to join the others, Kiriko smiled at him and said, “Are you enjoying your birthday?”
“Of course,” he said, and after so many years, he meant it now.