Written for Anyjen.

Doumeki can't help but notice the look in Watanuki's eyes when he's watching Maru and Moro.

There's so much affection in his gaze, even when he's scolding them. When they come running up to him laughing, he spreads his arms wide and welcomes them into his embrace, smiling and laughing along with them. When they cry, he holds them tight and whispers soothing words.

He loves them with all of his heart. He takes care of them as best as he can manage. But sometimes it seems that they take care of Watanuki just as much, if not more.

They haven't changed a bit in all this time. While everything around them changes, they remain as they always have been. Just like Watanuki.

The three of them seem to have formed a family. That's what he thinks when he watches them. Almost picture perfect. Almost. But something seems to be missing from the picture, and for a very long time he can't put his finger on what.

He watches over them in silence, something tugging at his heart.

One night as he is getting ready to leave he notices them curled up on the floor near the sofa where Watanuki had spent most of the evening. As he watches Watanuki lean down to lift Maru, he steps forward without much thought and bends to scoop up Moro.

Mismatched eyes gaze at him steadily as a near-smile pulls at the corners of Watanuki's lips. The two don't speak as they carry the small girls to their room. Watanuki places Maru on the bed and moves aside so that Doumeki can do the same for Moro.

As he's tucking the covers around their bodies, the two girls move closer together in their sleep, tiny fingers intertwining as they find each other's hand. Doumeki feels his lips curling up into a smile. And then weight on the upper right of his back. Turning his head slightly he sees Watanuki leaning in against him, exhaustion evident in his features.

The contact is unexpected, but he doesn't let his suprise show as he hesitantly slides his arm around the smaller man's waist. Watanuki's face turns, pressing into Doumeki's arm as he releases a small sigh.

After a few moments, Watanuki tilts his head back. He smiles, and it's the type of smile Doumeki has wanted to see aimed at him for years now. Watanuki trails a finger teasingly over Doumeki's jaw. And the words spoken give him a warm feeling in the pit of his stomach while simultaneously giving him a chill down his spine.

"Now it's a picture perfect family."