Chapter Text
A Few Months Later
"What is the point of me earning so much if I can't even spoil my nephew? You both keep quiet. Let me just. Okay?"
Phuwin unloaded a car trunk full of toys, crib, car seat. He even bought diapers.
"Phuwin, these diapers are not even of the right size. They are for babies more than a year old. A newborn can't even use this." Arunee voiced out while inspecting what he had bought.
"What?" Phuwin asked dumbfounded.
He really bought every other item from the baby store.
"How was I supposed to know diapers had sizes? It is not common knowledge."
"Yes, it is not common knowledge, but the sizes and age groups are written in bold letters on the package Phu." Pond pointed out.
"And besides who asked you to buy all these? The baby would not even be able to play with half these toys for a really long time."
"They are important for development and happiness." Phuwin retorted back. "Nothing can stop me from spoiling my nephew."
"Point 1, we don't know if it is a nephew or a niece yet. And, point 2, I am the baby's father."
"Your point?" Phuwin asked, looking genuinely confused. Pond was ready to answer him back. To ask him to not spend of his earnings just yet. But Arunee put an end to this meaningless conversation.
"Let's just get these inside, I am tired." Arunee said being done with their bickering.
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Pond found Arunee sitting on the garden, with her daily cup of tea. Deep in thoughts.
"What is my baby thinking about?" Pond sat down beside her, pulling her close and placing a kiss on her forehead.
"What should we name the child?"
"Oh, I think we should name them something that rhymes with your name. That would be really cute. I hope we have a mini you running around the house." Pond wished out loud.
"But, I want a mini you running around." Eyes immediately filling with tears, Arunee replied. She pulled away from Pond.
Pond panicked.
"Why are you crying? We can have mini me running around. That's okay too. I will still love them no matter what. Oh my god, come here."
"I want a mini you running around." She said with much conviction.
"Okay! I promise you that it would be a mini me running around."
An empty promise. He very well knew that this is not even something remotely in his control. But who was he but a love stricken mad man.
He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. And another. Her tears turning into sniffles.
"Oh love, you are so adorable." A small peck to her nose earned a small smile from her.
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"So I have booked a weekend vacation for you both."
Phuwin announced while he barged into Pond and Arunee's living room. He carried 2 big grocery bags. Ever since he got to know about the pregnancy, he was over at their house every weekend. Brining groceries, gifts for the baby. Teaming up with her to nag Pond when he tried to construct a crib for the nursery. It is a habit of law.
"What?"
"You know vacation? Something called baby moon. I don't know the specifics, but I read it on the internet. Apparently it is supposed to help you relax."
"Phuwin, we both have cases to wrap up before our parental leave. We can't just drop everything." Pond voiced out his concern.
"Yes, and that's where I come in, I am gonna help your prepare for it. And it is not a long vacation. Just a resort staycation for 3 days."
"No", Arunee spoke up, her voice containing both anger and determination.
"This is just straight up stupid. Phuwin, you need to stop throwing your money around like this. You have been constantly buying random baby stuff, the nursery is so full. This is so insensible, careless, and irresponsible of you. Maybe start becoming an adult for once."
Only when she had spit out everything, she actually realized what she had actually said out loud.
Phuwin's head hung low, his eyes filled with tears.
"I.... I am sorry."
He immediately rushed out of the room.
Only when he reached his car, he actually realized that his keys were inside the house.
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Pond was stunned with whatever Arunee said out loud.
"Hey! What was that?" He was polite in his question, but it still held some anger.
"I... I didn't mean to. I swear, I was just stressed, I didn't mean to take it out on anyone. Oh God! What have I done?" Her breathing was irregular.
"Pond, I swear I didn't mean any of it."
Pond eventually moved and reached out to her. He pulled her into a hug.
"I know, I know. Don't cry."
All Pond could do was hug her, and provide her with comfort.
"I didn't meant to."
Her voice turned into hiccups. Pond moved around to seat her on the couch and bring her a glass of water. Only then did he notice the car keys lying on the coffee table.
Phuwin must be still waiting outside then.
Pond unconsiously was rubbing his hand back and down Arunee's back. She slowly sipped the water from the mug. Her face was now puffy with tears, cheeks looking red.
"I think Phuwin is still outside, his keys are lying here."
"I will go and apologize." She tried getting up from the couch, but Pond kept her seated.
"No. You should wait. I am gonna go talk to him. Let him calm down, and you should also breath for a moment."
Arunee tried to argue, but Pond shut that down quickly. He grabbed the keys from the couch and went outside.
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"Fuck, my keys!"
Phuwin frantically searched for the keys in his pocket.
He gave up eventually, resorting to sit on the side walk. His elbows rested on his knees.
The words echoed his mind.
Did she think that I was irresponsible and stupid as well? Were my parents right?
The tears were there again. He angrily wiped at them.
Footsteps. He noticed a familiar pair of shoes.
Pond slowly sat down beside Phuwin. He handed him the keys.
"Thanks." Phuwin answered back.
Phuwin got up to leave. Pond held back him, holding his wrist.
"Sit."
Phuwin simply sat back. The tears were back again. His shoulders fell, the words circling his thoughts again, the weight of them crushing him.
Pond pulled him into his embrace, by his shoulder. Phuwin covered his face with his hands.
"I just wanted you guys to enjoy some time off. I didn't realize I was overstepping." Phuwins words were a mumble. His sobs continued, as Pond continued to hold him.
"I know, Phu. You did good." He whispered back.
He let Phuwin cry it out. There were no words from him, that would comfort him now. He could just hold him now.
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Phuwin's sobs eventually subsided. The faint horn sounds bought him back to reality.
"Fuck, my white pants." Phuwin realized that they had dust in them, as he pulled himself.
Pond chuckled at that, he got up himself.
"Come inside." Pond's words caught Phuwin's attention.
"I am not sure about it."
"She would like to clear the air as well Phuwin. Come in, please."
The 'please' always gets to him. How could he not oblige when Pond is this polite with him.
"Sure!"