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A baby on their doorstep was not something Sebastian expected to find that Tuesday morning.
Him and Ominis had only recently moved into their modest two-bedroom house a couple of months ago, soon after their wedding. They had ordered a variety of things to help them furnish and decorate their new home, but Sebastian was sure he would have remembered them ordering a baby.
A brief thought of whether or not that was actually a legal idea for a business crossed his mind before he shook his head and knelt down in front of the baby.
It was a small thing, as most babies generally are, with wisps of dark hair and wide brown eyes. It was wrapped in a green blanket and situated within an ornate-looking basket. There was an envelope sitting precariously atop the infant.
Sebastian sighed to himself as he gently took the envelope from the basket and opened it, the baby watching him curiously.
Dearest Ominis,
This is Tom Marvolo Riddle. He is my son.
For reasons I cannot disclose, I am unable to keep him, and his father is no longer in the picture. I know I have absolutely no right to ask this of you, but if I ever meant anything to you, please. I beg you to look after my son.
I know you are married now, and may not even want children, but he is your nephew, and I know you would see him to a good future. You would keep him safe.
You will not be hearing from me again, so please, my dear brother, know that I love you terribly. Let Tom know that I love him also. I would not give him up if I had any other choice.
I owe you a debt that I will never be able to repay, but know that I am forever grateful.
His birthday is August 5th.
Yours,
Fortuna Gaunt
Sebastian ran a hand over his face as he glanced down at the baby once more. This was his husband’s nephew. This was the baby they were going to raise together. He still had to explain it all to Ominis, of course, but he knew what his partner’s decision was going to be. Despite how strained his relationship with his family was, he did love his sister, and would never let an innocent child be condemned for actions outside of their control.
He gently picked up the basket and carried both it and the letter inside.
…
Ominis was understandably distraught at the situation, but immediately moved to pick up the baby. Tom was an eerily silent child, not crying once since Sebastian had discovered him outside. He watched Ominis with wide eyes as he cradled him, and merely blinked at Sebastian when he stood beside his partner.
“What should we do now?” Sebastian asked curiously.
Ominis stared straight ahead as he rocked Tom slightly in his arms. “Well first, we need to go shopping. We don’t have anything a baby needs, so we need to go and buy some things. Poppy’s sister had a baby a couple of years ago, so maybe we can call Poppy and ask her to see if they have any things they can spare. Then we’ll need to buy a crib, and nappies. Oh, we’ll need to move everything out of the spare room, and start making it more suited for Tom.”
Ominis sighed heavily before continuing. “We’ll need to file some sort of form as well, adopting him, or whatever the correct course of action is with that.”
Sebastian wrapped his arms loosely around both Ominis and Tom, bringing them into a family hug. “We’ll figure it out. He’s ours now, and I know you’ll be a great father.”
Ominis offered a small smile. “I think you are the one more suited to that title. I’m not sure I have a parental bone in my body.”
Sebastian bit back a grin. “Darling, you’re literally swaying with him automatically. If that’s not motherly instincts right there, I don’t know what is.”
“Why am I the mother?”
Sebastian shrugged playfully. “Well, you can be Dad, Papa, Father, Padre, Mister Potato Head –”
“I refuse to be Mister Potato Head.” Ominis immediately interrupted.
Sebastian laughed. “Okay, so Mister Potato Head is out. What about the other ones?”
Ominis was silent for a long moment before speaking. “I believe I quite like the sound of Papa.” He replied softly.
Sebastian smiled fondly at him before leaning forward to press a kiss to the side of his head. “I think that suits you perfectly, darling. If you’re Papa, I’ll be Dada.”
A brilliantly warm smile overtook Ominis’ face, and Sebastian leaned forward to kiss him again.
He glanced down at Tom and noticed he had nodded off to sleep at some point during their conversation.
“Little guy’s asleep.” He muttered softly.
Ominis nodded. “I don’t particularly want to put him down.”
Sebastian bit back a smile at that. “Well, how about you go sit down with him for a little while, and I’ll run to the store to get the essentials. We can go for a more thorough shop either later today or tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?” Ominis asked.
“Yes, I’m sure, my darling. You go sit down, and I’ll be back within the hour.” Sebastian kissed him on the mouth this time before moving over to the kitchen counter to grab his keys.
Ominis sat down on the couch and leaned back against the cushions, cradling Tom safely in his arms.
“I’ll be back soon, okay? I love you.” Sebastian called just before he opened the door.
“I love you, too.” Ominis replied, fully settled down with Tom.
Sebastian smiled softly at the sight before walking out the door.
…