Chapter Text
It’s not the first time he’s held her, but it’s the first time he’s held her as his daughter.
Tio.
There had been a hesitation initially. Back when they were travelling with her, but merely transporting her. He hadn’t wanted to properly embrace her.
He’d been… afraid.
Scared of what he could already feel happening, the quick and almost immediate affection and protectiveness he’d felt for this little one.
So alone in this world.
He’d tried to steel himself, to hold back, but seeing Rayla holding her, holding a tiny halfling baby… he’d dared to hope.
But he’d learned restraint over the years, especially when it came to Rayla and this.
That night on the road to Katolis, when she’d left the tent to relieve herself, he’d honestly tried not to indulge, not to melt into the sweet little child making funny, adorable noises as she clumsily gripped his fingers, but how could he not?
She so was cute and tiny and perfect.
What if Rayla hadn’t wanted to keep her like he did? He could see she clearly cared for the little one, but perhaps it was all a little too raw?
Maybe a halfling child was too much of a reminder of the fact they didn’t seem to be able to have a child together?
What if this little one’s presence jarred painfully at the intangible fantasy of what they couldn’t have for themselves.
He knew Rayla blamed herself for that. That she assumed the fault lay with her, her body. It wasn’t exactly new that Rayla found a way to blame herself for things outside of her control or circumstances she could do nothing about. Even human and elven couples sometimes didn’t have children. There was no way of knowing why they didn’t seem to be able to conceive a child.
And he didn’t care. The why never mattered to him. Not that he wasn’t curious, of course. He was curious about many things, but smarter people than him had tried to puzzle out such matters and come to nought.
The why ultimately hadn’t mattered, because the who clearly bothered Rayla more, when he knew in his heart they’d never know, and it never would matter. Not to him.
Even if he’d known before they got together, knew ultimately and completely, they could never have a child together, he’d have chosen Rayla.
He chose her over the world, over everything.
He’d do anything for her.
And he knew if he suggested they take in the baby, she’d agree, she’d do it for him, even if it hurt her. He didn’t doubt she’d be a wonderful caring mother to her, not for a second, but he didn’t want her to do it for him. To appease his feelings. Or her perception of his feelings.
She’d agree to make amends for some deficiency she saw in herself.
He wanted her to be the one to suggest they keep Tio because it was what she wanted to do. Because it would make her happy.
Because she could see them as a family.
Because she wanted to raise this child.
Because she, Rayla, wanted this.
And so, when she’d tearily admitted she didn’t want to let her go, he almost collapsed with relief.
He’d wanted nothing more.
“You don’t mind she’s not… yours?” Rayla had said… and all he’d thought was she was his. Theirs. From the moment he’d laid eyes upon her he’d known. He’d felt it.
This was their child.
He’d do anything for her.
Tio yawned, making a funny little squeak and he laughed, swaying his body back and forth in an effort to lull her back to sleep. She blinked though, her bleary eyes moving around lazily for a moment before they found his.
“Hi, Tio,” he whispered, smiling at her. “Dada’s here.”
She blinked slowly at him, eyes focusing a little as she held his gaze.
Callum swallowed, a lump forming in his throat as he held her that little bit closer, stroking her tiny cheek as she continued to look at him.
Even with her little body held tight against his chest, it was hard to believe she was real.
Theirs.
This perfect little thing, so small and defenceless. So in need of love and care.
And how incredibly lucky they were to find her, to happen upon her at that precise moment. When she needed them.
He’d told Rayla over and over he didn’t need children, that his life with her was more than enough and he still knewthat was true, but he couldn’t help but think that perhaps some cosmic being blessed them in that moment.
Maybe the universe smiled upon them.
After everything they’d been through, all the pain and the suffering, perhaps it had in some way been worth it if they could have this sweet happiness now.
“Hey,” Rayla spoke softly as she peered around the door, a tray in her hand. “Barius only had-” she started, dropping the tray on a table by the door as she hurried over to him. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
She reached for his face and it was only then that Callum realised he was crying.
“Yeah,” he breathed, smiling and laughing softly as he leaned into her touch. “Yeah, just… happy,” he sighed, nodding at Tio. “So happy.”
Rayla smiled, leaning forward to kiss him softly, her fingers caressing his cheek as she leaned against him, turning to look at their daughter. “Me too.”