Chapter Text
It was the most magical car ride home. The music from the playlist he and Nick had created from the first moment they got together, softly filled the car. They had sent each other songs that reminded them of the other, and Nick had made it into a playlist. After a while songs had also been added that were linked to memories with their sons, so the list now reflected their journey as a family. Charlie looked at the back seat and smiled quietly. It was inevitable the list was playing now. Nick had even added a new song this morning to mark this special day. Charlie placed his hand gently on Nick’s thigh. Nick peeked at him, his eyes sparkling with bliss and some tears.
Charlie reflected back on the last couple of years. A lot had happened, big choices had been made, but their universe had only become more wholesome and the connection between the four of them was unbreakable, so this step had made so much sense.
He couldn’t wait to get home to let the glow spreading through his body fully shine, to be encircled by the warm comfort that held so much positivity, the home that shone with promises of their future together, of their expanding universe.
Finally, they parked the car. Nick, as gallant as ever, opened the car door for him and unloaded the car with the utmost care. Charlie recognised that Nick wore a matching glow, providing a security blanket that seemed to cover their souls. It was the most warm welcome he could think of.
After everything was in its place Charlie sat on the sofa, smiling softly, deeply enjoying all his feelings, love enclosing the room, as he heard voices outside. “Do you have the key? Hurry. Let me in!” Little Aaron’s voice was high pitched, filled with eagerness and enthusiasm.
Big Aaron’s dark voice sounded equally enthusiastic. “Just a sec, I want to get in, too. Move over, so I can actually reach the lock.”
Charlie looked over his shoulder at Nick, standing behind him, with a meaningful and happy glance. Nick removed his warm hands from Charlie’s shoulders, where they had been lovingly resting, to walk to the front door as they heard Sarah’s reassuring and warm response. “Boys, shh, be quiet. You can’t barge in like that. Please, hold your horses.”
Charlie saw the door carefully being opened, and the two Aarons walked into the living room gingerly, their faces flushed, their bodies almost vibrating. Nick led them to the sofa and made them sit next to Charlie. “Meet your little sister: Ilja.”
“Can we touch her?” little Aaron whispered.
“Of course,” Nick replied, “You can even hold her.” The two boys leaned in and stroked their little sister, lying peacefully in Charlie’s arms with one finger; their eyes glistening, holding their breath. Charlie felt tears streaming down his cheeks as everything fell into place. There wasn’t a place in any universe he’d rather be than where he was right now. Nick’s loving hands covered his shoulders again and the world fell silent.
After what could be forever or just a second, he noticed Sarah taking out her phone and shooting a pic whilst sobbing and smiling. Nick gestured to her. “Come here, Mum, and meet your granddaughter.” Big Aaron shifted a bit, and Sarah took his spot and stroked the little head with warmth and tenderness, taking one little hand in hers. Nick hugged her and big Aaron from behind the sofa. Charlie slowly got up and handed the precious bundle to little Aaron. His face was a little shocked but also full of anticipation. He murmured sweet nothings to her, as Ilja took his finger. Charlie walked to Nick and melted into his hug.
After a while Nick lifted Ilja from little Aaron’s lap, kissed her on the head with warm heart eyes and handed her to big Aaron. His face softened, and whilst he leaned forward, his long hair surrounded his little sister like a soft protective armour. He was totally mesmerised by the little girl in his arms, silent in this fragile moment. When he heard quiet sobs next to him, he stood up and laid Ilja in Sarah’s arms; the arms of a woman who had caressed her sons with so much love, so her muscle memory took over as she cuddled with her granddaughter.
Nick and Charlie embraced each other and felt embraced by the love of their family. Charlie realised this was just a lull before the storm, the one that would start with paternity visits and develop in their life’s hurricane. But it would be a magnificent storm, and he knew that wherever they’d been blown, they belonged.