Work Text:
Pastel walls - baby blue with pink stars everywhere. Danglers. Charms. Ikari lamps.
Child proof furniture.
Chan had a lot of dreams while growing up. Having a family of his own was one of them.
It did come to him, but after a lot of struggles and tears. Multiple relationships, breakups. Broken heart. Ups and downs.
Then he met Minho.
They did not start smoothly. Conflicting personalities. Headstrong Minho. No nonsense Chan.
Two years of University rivalry. Unspoken lines. Different dreams. Different hopes. Different approach.
A night of soju, bonding, even more conflicts. Then attraction that bubbled into something more.
The marriage came years later. Six years. Different work fields, locations. But distance does make your heart grow fonder. It was tough work, but they made it through.
Now, two years later, they are fathers.
Chan is so happy he could cry.
Them moving to Seattle was the best decision ever. Even if that meant disagreeing parents and a judging society. It is his family that he has to protect.
Minho, him, and Roxy. Their now two year old husky. They had adopted him when he was one month old and had so much energy.
He is still the same. Energetic. But so much bigger.
Chan sometimes feels Roxy is not aware of his size and strength. He loves to cuddle them when they are back home from work. And sleeps between him and Minho sometimes.
Like a lapdog.
But ten times bigger.
He vividly remembers the day when he dragged a poor pigeon across the hallway. Chan knows Roxy had just wanted to play. But the poor pigeon had died of shock.
Roxy is very much their baby. Their firstborn.
But now Roxy has his own little brother to play with.
Haein.
Chan is so happy to have his whole family with him now. Being a parent was another of his dreams that he was able to achieve.
A long process. Struggles to find donors. Surrogacy. A long wait. Breakdowns. Financial stress.
It was worth it. Everything was worth it.
And he did not have to endure it alone.
He is happy to have Minho in his life. A supportive partner. The rational one. Who holds his hand and tells him that 'Hey, it's gonna be fine. We are getting closer to what we want."
The same Minho who is now fixing the baby gate up in the doorway of the nursery. A precaution.
Rest of the room is almost prepared for the big day.
Tomorrow.
They are bringing Haein home tomorrow.
He is now a week old and healthy. Chan and Minho had witnessed the birth. In tears. Holding each other's hands. An experience of a lifetime.
Haein is tiny and so so so beautiful. All pinks and cuddly with little fingers and toes.
Their baby. Haein is their son.
Second son.
Minho had made sure to make Roxy get familiar with Haein's scent. He is playful and Minho is afraid he might accidentally hurt the baby. Blankets, onesies, baby powder. A dash of everything Haein.
Just under 24 hours.
"Min, go get some sleep. You had a night flight."
"Naah, just done. There's the closet left and then the room will be ready."
"I still can't believe….."
Minho stops hammering and turns to look at Chan. Still crouching on the floor. Chan is folding baby clothes while sitting on their easy chair. It's going to be their second bed for a long time. Chan had made sure to select the fabric and comfort they preferred.
Roxy is on the other side of the gate. Looking with curiosity. But not daring to step a foot closer. He is a good boy indeed.
Minho's eyes are softer now.
"Channie.. Hey, we got this okay? It's going to be amazing. We are parents now."
"I'm sorry you had to resign from work."
"I would do anything for you. And for Haein. And Roxy. It's just a job. I'm sexy, I will find another one in no time. For now, you both are my priority."
They both laugh at that.
Minho might seem nonchalant but he loves what he does. A commercial airline pilot. Minho loves to fly, visit new places, and meet new people. But all this meant less or no time for Haein. So he resigned.
And that pains Chan to no end.
He himself is not that significant in his industry and can work from home with no problems. He is a Korean to English translator. Gets scripts sent to his email with deadlines. And paid through PayPal. Ordinary. But Minho is known. And loved.
But for both of them, their family comes first.
The nursery is ready now. And Chan honestly cannot wait anymore.
Tomorrow is going to be the third best day of his life. After their marriage and Roxy's welcoming.
It's going to be beautiful.
-----------------
"Wait...Let me go in first. Hold him for a second."
"Why?"
"I don't want Roxy to be surprised. He is nice but I want to be careful."
"No, you are right. Ah, I will sit on the porch then. Take the bags in. Call me when you both are ready?"
"Sure. Channie?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
"So sudden? Haha what's wrong with you."
"No...haha. It's so awkward to say just outside your home. But I'm...I'm just so happy. And I feel I don't tell you how much I love you anymore."
"Say it a bit louder. The neighbors should hear it. They probably think I live here with Roxy only."
"Shut up!"
"Haha, I am kidding. Now go. I need to sit."
"You are just going to stare at Innie."
"Valid."
"Haha..I will call you."
"Bye. Also, Minho?"
"I love you too."
"I know haha."
Haein is sleeping soundly in his lap. Unaware of the whispers. Bundled with lots of warm blankets. The weather is not chilly but they had to be careful.
He is ethereal. Less pink now. Creases on his face. He sleeps most of the day.
"Innie? I'm so happy to have you here. You are going to meet your brother soon. And your room. Hope you like it."
Haein cannot understand a word he says. But Chan hopes he is able to pass on his feelings to the baby. He is near tears again. What's wrong with him?
He receives no calls but Minho steps outside. On the porch.
He is not alone.
"I thought it would be the best way. Stand away from the steps. Let's move to the front lawn."
Chan leads the way. Turning his head to check if everything was in place. Nothing dangerous in sight.
The moment jolts Haein awake. And he doesn't cry. Thankfully. He is just looking at the sky and every other thing he can see. Curious eyes everywhere.
"Oh, he is awake? Perfect. I'm getting Roxy."
"Yeah."
Chan wipes a bit of drool from the baby's lips. Wipes handy. They are now parents, they need to be prepared for everything.
Woof.
Roxy arrives first. First active, then curious. He stops a good distance away from Chan who is holding Haein tightly in his arms.
"Roxx, wait..Stay put. Down."
Roxy follows Minho's voice. Peeking curiously but not making any movement.
"Rox, baby. This is your brother. Isn't he beautiful? You can say hello."
Minho's calm words encourage Roxy to come closer. He can comfortably reach Chan's arms if he stands on his hind legs. But he chooses to circle around him first.
Excited. Happy.
Roxy is sniffing Chan's jeans now. Then higher. And higher.
Chan lets him sniff Haein's blankets first. For comfort. For assessment.
He tilts the blanket a bit to show Haein when Roxy does not show any signs of aggression.
That sure makes Roxy happy. He is smiling bigger, tongue lolled to his side.
"Your brother, Rox. Haeinnie. Don't be too loud in front of him okay? Innie likes to sleep."
Shutter.
Minho is taking pictures now. He was probably recording earlier.
Their precious moments.
"You, you come here."
Minho smiles and jogs to where Chan is. Dropping down to hold Roxy in his arms.
Happy family.
This is more than Chan had ever wished for. Minho, Roxy, Haein, and him.