Work Text:
“Gelo, how many times do I have to remind you that the purple toothbrush is mine? Ayan yung sa’yo oh. Yung red.”
A whining Mikki chastises the older one who had just woken up from his slumber. It’s been a long day for Gelo who met with several clients and spent almost half of his day reviewing legal documents. And because there’s a special occasion he can’t miss for the world, he made sure to work double time no matter how taxing. Mikki understands the demands of his job as a lawyer and makes sure he has a lovely house to come home to. He never fails to tend to his husband — from running him a bath, preparing his meal, having his loungewear ready, to even learning a few massage techniques to soothe his body pains. Needless to say, Gelo is loved.
“Para namang ‘di tayo nagkikiss araw-araw,” Gelo answers, slurring his words as he continues to brush his teeth using, apparently, his husband’s toothbrush.
Mikki frowns and pouts in response, and Gelo tries to kiss him with toothpaste still on the sides of his mouth. He successfully escapes though, leaving Gelo laughing at his annoyance.
Gelo taps the toothbrush on the sink and rinses it with hot water. He also makes a mental note that the red one is his.
He quickly wipes his face with a towel and gets out of their bathroom to find Mikki making birthday pancakes for their baby boy, Mikee. It’s already half past eleven in the evening and they are waiting for the clock to strike twelve so they could surprise their little one with a birthday salubong.
Memories from when they first had him flash through Gelo’s mind.
After two years of marriage, Gelo and Mikki have decided to pass a petition and go through the process of legally adopting a child. It was Gelo who brought up the idea, but all along, Mikki silently wanted it, too. The young couple deemed themselves ready to welcome another member to their family.
“Babe, malinis na ba lahat? Ano pa kulang?” Mikki asked, fidgety hands clearly palpable as he sits idly on their couch while swinging his legs.
To say that they were nervous is quite an understatement. Gelo could feel his rib cage ripping off his chest as he moseys back and forth, mentally rehearsing his answers for later.
He looked at Mikki and his heart melted at the adorable man biting his nails. He took a deep breath before slumping on the couch next to him.
Gelo took Mikki’s hands in his and held them for support.
“Hey. They’ll like us, okay? Kaya natin ‘to,” he cooed, giving Mikki a chaste kiss on the lips.
They were expecting the arrival of the social worker who will be conducting a home study to determine if they were capable of adoptive parenthood. As lawyer and director, interviews are nothing new to them, but to be sitting on the receiving end was quite nerve-wracking and intimidating.
Mikki badly wanted a child and he knew they’re ready for the responsibilities it entails.
After a string of assurances from each other, a knock was finally heard on their front door. Gelo squeezed Mikki’s hand before they stood together to welcome their guest.
“Good afternoon po. I’m Gelo po and this is Mikki.”
The couple exchanged pleasantries with the woman who was seemingly in her forties. Unlike what Mikki thought, she was surprisingly warm. He had expected whoever it’d be to be uptight and give only terse replies, but Mrs. Tarrazona seemed okay. He took it as a positive sign and heaved a sigh of relief.
“This way po to our living room. Would you like some juice or water, Ma’am?” Mikki offered as he placed the sandwich he had prepared for their visitor.
“Water’s fine, Sir. And please relax,” she said, and they all shared a laugh.
As soon as they’re all seated, the social worker began with the interview. They expected most of the questions thrown at them and Gelo mostly took the lead, occasionally nudging Mikki to speak as well and gently tapped his back when he gave a good answer.
“What are your hopes for your child?”
All Gelo has been thinking about throughout their preparation process was how they could be good parents to the child they will be soon adopting. It didn’t matter what their gender is, what they look like or what their characteristics are, as long as they can finally have someone they can call their own. He realized he hasn’t given much thought on what he wants their child to be, and was disappointed at how he could have possibly missed that.
His voice faltered and Mikki noticed, so he decided to take over.
“We just simply want our child to be happy. We’ll make sure their basic needs will be provided, but more than that, we just want them to feel safe, secure, and loved.”
He gave Gelo a reassuring squeeze and smiled at him.
Mrs. Tarrazona asked a few more questions about their preferences and wrapped up moments later, informing them that office visits are next on her list.
Several months passed, and they willingly complied with what was needed to further their adoption process.
Mikki was the happiest when he received a call that the agency has found a match for them. The baby is a boy a little over one year old, and that alone excited him. He hurried to relay the message to Gelo who was just as ecstatic when he heard the news that they could pay the child a visit and see if he’s the one for them.
It was love at first sight. The moment they met him, they were sure he’s theirs. And just like two hearts beating as one, they already knew he’s going to be Michael Angelo. Their own Michael Angelo.
They gladly accepted the match and eagerly proceeded with the next step. Mikee was allowed to live with them under supervised placement for six months before the adoption is finalized.
To avoid too much attachment and unwanted pain just in case the results don’t favor them, they’ve decided to let the child call them Tito Gelo and Tito Mikki for the time being. Little did they know that they’re only a few papers and court hearings away from officially becoming parents.
It was on the tenth of December when they received the call that changed their lives forever.
“Hello, Atty. and Mr. Rivera-Claver. I’m pleased to inform you that we have reached the final stage of your adoption. Today we will be issuing your adoption decree and Mikee’s amended birth certificate. Congratulations! Official parents na kayo. And coincidentally, second birthday din ni Mikee ngayong araw. It’s a double celebration!”
With tears flowing from his eyes, Gelo rushed to carry Mikee in his arms. He got heavier compared to the first time he carried him, but Gelo’s heart has never felt lighter.
It took Mikki a while to absorb everything. It’s as if he was in a trance. When he married Gelo, he was sure nothing could feel better, but this moment could definitely hold a candle to it.
He pressed his lips against his husband’s forehead and now his son’s chunky cheeks as unshed tears fell from his eyes. Gelo noticed Mikee’s confused and clueless expression and couldn’t help but giggle at it. They were laughing-crying and they knew they looked stupid but they were so happy.
“Mikee,” Mikki crouched down to meet his son’s eyes, his trembling voice very much obvious it makes Gelo’s heart melt. “I’m Daddy Mikki. And this is Papa Gelo, okay?”
The little boy could only grin at them, entirely clueless of how lucky and blessed he was to be loved this much.
It was a beautiful sight to behold — just their family of three entangled in a tight embrace, as if the whole world was theirs. As if no one else existed. For a moment it felt like that.
Christmas came early for them in the form of Mikee and he was the best present they’ve ever had the pleasure of receiving.
“Pst. Baby. Tulala ka diyan,” Mikki snaps Gelo out of his reverie.
“Seven layers for our baby’s seventh birthday. How does it look?” He wiggles his eyebrows, evidently proud of his hard work.
Gelo gives him a smile and a thumbs up. “Good, love. Galing mo ah! Do you have the sprinkles and the candle? Tapusin na natin para maprepare din natin yung iba pang props.”
They work in silence for the next few minutes, with Gelo absentmindedly scattering sprinkles across the cake while a hundred thoughts are racing through his head.
“Do you want another baby?” he blurts and almost regrets doing so the moment the words left his mouth.
Mikki gives him a scrutinizing look, probably trying to gauge if he really meant to say it or was only done on the spur of the moment.
He hugs him from the back and rests his chin on Gelo’s shoulder. Gelo caresses his hair and cranes his neck to kiss him on his temple. “Sus. You alone nga are a handful na. Another baby na agad?”
Gelo jokingly pouts and sulks, but he drops the subject before Mikki could speak.
“Tara. Nasaan na yung mga party hats?”
Mikki hands him the seven-layered pancakes and puts the anime-themed party hat on him. He pauses to admire his husband’s features and kisses the tip of his nose.
“Gwapo,” he murmurs just enough for Gelo to hear and smirk.
“In love ka na naman sakin,” he jokes.
Normally, Mikki would fire a witty comeback and start a banter, but this time he doesn’t bother.
“Kailan ba hindi?” he shoots back, winking.
A wave of nostalgia hits Gelo. This Mikki was reminiscent of their college days. He was the flirtiest guy in town, the life of every party. At first Gelo thought he was a bad idea. But he kept proving him wrong. Until he didn’t have to, because Gelo willingly gave him his whole heart.
The older guy feels a stir of arousal in his gut, and if they weren’t in such a wholesome setting he would’ve pushed him down onto the bed there and then.
Mikki clearly knows the effect he has on his husband so he decides to tease and provoke him a little more. Gelo’s already clad in his ugly sweater while he was still wearing his dirty home clothes.
“Babe, can you get my ugly sweater from my cabinet, please?” He’s mastered the art of pulling his pa-cute card and knows exactly when to use it.
Gelo puts the cake down and obeys his order. He figures Mikki could use a towel so he grabs one as well.
His breath hitches when he laid his eyes on a topless Mikki. The latter plays it cool, totally aware of what he was doing. “Punasan mo pawis ko, please.”
Gelo bites his lower lip, reminding himself that now’s not the best time to cave in to what Mikki’s been trying to make him do. Not when they’re on the verge of surprising their son.
He glances at the clock to check if they still have time, and they certainly do not.
He tosses him the towel and Mikki misses it, making himself chuckle.
“Style mo bulok, babe.” He rolls his eyes when Mikki laughs louder.
Soon they finally make it to Mikee’s room, extra careful with their footsteps so as not to wake him. Mikki holds the cake while Gelo has the balloons. As soon as the clock strikes twelve, they crawl into his bed and start singing the Happy Birthday song. Mikee rubs his eyes and slowly adjusts to the light. As soon as he sees his parents he gives each of them a hug and he couldn’t stop gushing over his dad’s seven-layered pancakes.
One thing about Mikee, he’s very appreciative of everything and Gelo takes pride in raising him this way. He always says thank you, gives out compliments, offers help despite not being needed. He only says kind words to strangers and knows how to refuse politely when he doesn’t like what he’s told to do. Full-grown adults can definitely learn a thing or two from this kid.
“Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Papa!” He claps his hands, looking adorably cute while grinning widely despite missing two front teeth.
Gelo wrenches him into a bear hug and Mikki follows suit, throwing himself onto them, causing everybody to fall over. They stayed like that for a while, bathing in the warmth of one another’s embrace, before Mikee broke the silence and requested them to sing him a lullaby. If Mikki’s the boss of Gelo, Mikee was definitely theirs. And really, who were they to turn him down?
For their son’s seventh birthday, Gelo and Mikki had decided to throw him a grand party. Their ever tight barkada grace the event, of course, with Jao and Franz even helping them with their preparations. They had invited their families, colleagues at work, Mikee’s classmates and friends from the orphanage. They were also thrilled to meet Nate and AC’s baby girl, Noelle, for the first time, who probably got so overwhelmed with the number of people crowding her she started crying. They each tried their best to get her to calm down and warm up to them so they could take turns in carrying and taking pictures with her.
Mikee definitely took after Mikki with his love for anime. Everyone showed up in their cosplay costumes and Vince didn’t come to play, forcing Gelo and Mikki to give a best dressed award for the adults as well, which was only ever meant to be for the kids in the first place.
Several games and performances later, it was time for Mikee to blow his candles. Everybody gathered around him and his family, singing and clapping and taking pictures and videos of them.
The joy and excitement on Mikee’s face was palpable and for his parents it was all that ever matters.
“What are your hopes for your child?”
“We simply want him to be happy.”
And as long as they live, they are committed to doing just that.
Christmas Day is Mikee’s favorite day of the year because that means he gets to open a lot of presents. They did a little countdown and kissed and greeted each other when the clock struck twelve.
“Presents!” Mikee screeches and dives towards their Christmas tree, scrambling over to his gifts.
Gelo and Mikki watch as their son opens each one with equal excitement and enthusiasm.
“Okay, now open Daddy and Papa’s gift,” Gelo says, joining him on their carpet.
Mikee immediately grabs the largest present sitting under their tree and he attempts to shake it so he could guess what’s inside, but it was too heavy. Mikki laughs at him fondly as he makes his way to them as well.
“Open mo na lang, anak.”
Without another word, Mikee tears it open, struggling a little since it was so bulky. Gelo and Mikki let him do it alone anyway, absolutely sure he’d be thrilled to see what's inside.
True enough, Mikee turning google-eyed confirms it. It was a life-size doll of his favorite anime character and now he’s screaming and jumping out of sheer happiness.
His reaction managed to capture Gelo’s signature gummy grin and Mikki’s rare open-mouth smile, something that’s only reserved for the most precious moments. And really, what could get more precious than this?
After opening their presents, they go back to the dining table. It has become a tradition for the family of three to share their Christmas wish over noche buena every year.
It was supposedly Mikki’s turn to speak when Mikee cut him off.
“I know what Daddy’s wish is,” he says with a mischievous look on his face.
Gelo peers at Mikki inquisitively as he drinks his wine.
“Ano wish ni Daddy, baby?” he asks.
Mikee looks at Mikki first, as if silently asking for permission (albeit the latter having no clue what he was pertaining to), then turns to Gelo.
“Daddy and I want me to have a baby sister,” he blurts.
Gelo almost chokes on his wine and Mikki’s cheeks have never turned this shade of red before.
“Y-you what?”
Mikki hides behind the fleece blanket he received from Akira, too flushed for words. He thought he’d be the first one to get Gelo to say it… to express his desire for a second child, considering how the older guy had brought this up the night before Mikee’s birthday, but apparently Mikee had other plans and blew it for him.
He plans on telling Gelo sooner, but he first had to make sure that they were on the same page since he doesn’t want to pressure his husband into having another child just because he wants one.
But now, well, there’s no escaping it.
Mikee looks at his parents alternately, giggling and silently enjoying their reactions.
Gelo places his hand over Mikki’s and lifts his chin so he could see his eyes. “He is so fucking cute” probably forms part of Gelo’s thoughts 24/7.
A smile tugs at his lips. “Do you want a baby girl?”
Mikki pouts, looking adorably fucking cute, and he relents. There’s no point in denying it anyway. “Thought you’d never ask.”
Mikee claps vigorously, “I’m going to have a baby sister!”
Gelo shakes his head, chuckling, while Mikki tousles their cheeky son’s hair. They seal the deal with a kiss before encasing Mikee with a peck on either side of his face.
Could Christmas get any merrier? The Rivera-Claver family wasn’t sure.