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Kisaragi Shintaro

"I'm home."

No answer. This is strange, he thought. It was unusual, where were the usual welcome back hugs? Where were the lingering pecks on his cheek? Where were the warm radiating smile that made him feel at home?

Where is she?

His breath hitched, a rush of adrenaline running through his veins as he threw his shows off, not even bothering to put his slippers on. He ran a s fast as he could, brown eyes searching every corner of his house. His brain setting itself into panic mode. No, he couldn't afford to lose her. Not after all they've been through. Where is she? Where is she? WHERE IS MY GODDAMN WIFE?

But as he opened the door to the living room, a bright light pierced through his eyes as loud and peppy cheers greeted his arrival. Popping sounds were set off and he felt small strands of confetti falling slowly on his head. His eyes looked up as he felt nothing but pure shock running through his mind.

Everyone was there.

Shuuya, Tsubomi, Kousuke, Mary, his little sister, Takane, Haruka even little Hibiya (well, maybe not so little anymore). They stood there, presents in hand and warm cheery smiles on their faces. One by one, they congratulated him, slapping his back and occasionally giving small hugs as a sign of courtesy. He didn't even plan this. Not this year, no. This year though, he got a boasting promotion from his boss which resulted in late nights of work and extra labor on weekends. But a birthday party never crossed his mind, at least not this year. There could be only one answer.

"Happy birthday, Shintaro-kun!" a voice squeaked from behind him. He turned his head around, but found his neck wrapped by petite arms around it. He smiled.

Ayano. It was her idea. She sure knows how to give him a heart attack, he thought.

"Yeah," he slowly replied, returning his wife's warm hug. "I'm home, everyone."

A/N: Happy birthday Shintaro. Sorry for the late gift and no sense in writing things.