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Growing up in a calm and quiet household, Pond had always been used to having peaceful mornings. He would always wake up with gentle nudges and calls from either his mom or grandma. No shouting, no loud music coming from the next room, and especially no obnoxious laugh from the outside.
Hence, he’s always been a light sleeper. And right now, along with the golden rays peeking from behind the curtains, the soft giggles and whispers from next to him instantly wakes him.
“So, what do you think we should cook for Dada?” Phuwin whispers from his side of the bed, barely audible if not for the quiet surrounding them.
“Hmmm…” a softer voice starts, “Maybe omelette?”
“Again? You two with your omelette obsession!" Phuwin then nuzzles his child’s cheeks and plants kisses all over his face. Permpoon lets out soft giggles in response.
“Papa! I thought you said quiet because Thun Pond is tired?” The toddler voices out, a gentle reprimand.
“Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry.”
Pond watched his son and husband lie in their bed, cuddling each other while talking about…everything, really.
This has been their morning routine for some time now. Every morning upon waking up, he struts over to his parents room with his dragon plushie in tow, and wakes them up with soft kisses on each of their cheeks. And then he proceeds to talk about anything—the dream he’s had, a new song they taught him at daycare, his friends, their pets, literally anything. As if he’s been away from his parents for months and not just eight hours. Only this time, Permpoon had foregone waking him up and let him rest longer.
A couple minutes have passed and yet his husband and child were still unaware of his presence, probably still thinking he’s asleep, and were still so engrossed in their conversation. It was then that Phuwin noticed the time on their bed side table and spoke up, “Darling, how ‘bout we get up and prepare our surprise for Dada?”
Permpoon eagerly nodded and grabbed his dragon plushie, ready to step down from the bed when Pond suddenly spoke up, “What surprise, hm?”
Instantly, the two turned to him. Permpoon peeks over his Dad’s side of the bed, before he climbs over his Papa and the pillows around them to get to Pond. The parents watch as their son's face lights up, his gummy smile (with a missing front tooth) on display. “Thun Pond! Good morning,” the kid greets with a gentle voice. Permpoon nuzzles his face in the crook of Pond’s neck before placing two sweet pecks on both his cheeks.
“Missed you so much, Dada,” the toddler added in a whiny voice. “You’ve been away for so long.” Pond chuckled at his son’s remarks.
“I missed you, too, little one,” Pond wrapped him in a tight embrace and started peppering his face with kisses. Permpoon’s sweet giggles echoed in their quiet room. “I’m sorry but you know I had to be away for work.” Pond tried to appease his sulking son.
“Next time maybe you can ask them to allow us to be with you when you go,” Permpoon suggested. “You tell them that you can’t be away for too long because P’Perm and Papa will miss you, okay?” It was obvious that this was a serious matter to the little three-year old. So Pond tried to hide his grin by nuzzling his son’s cheeks again.
“Okay, I’ll tell them that next time. Hopefully they’ll listen,” Pond answered, sincerely.
“Promise?” Permpoon held out his pinky finger in front of Pond, waiting for him to link it with his own one. Pond reached out, and sealed their promise, “Promise.”
On the sidelines, Phuwin was just quietly listening to the both of them. He stares at his husband and son, warmth spreading in his chest as they cuddle before him. Sometimes Phuwin wonders what heroic deed he’s done in his past life to deserve to witness this view every morning.
Before he gets too emotional, he decides to join in on their cuddle. Phuwin scooted over them, arms reaching towards his husband, and gently squishing their little boy in between them, “You’re just saying that because you wanted to go on that trip too”, Phuwin teased his son.
“No! I really did miss Dada so much!” Permpoon replied, dragging out the vowels in his sentences to emphasize his point.
“Hm? You’re even acting cute so your Thun Pond will bring you along next time. You only ever call him Dada when you want something,” Phuwin pointed out with a smirk.
“That’s not true! I call him Dada plenty of times.” Permpoon whined, his lower lip jutting out in a small pout, as he tried his best to defend himself from his Papa’s accusations.
“But not as often as you call him Thun.” Phuwin will never get tired of teasing his baby boy. The aggression he gets whenever he sees his chubby cheeks puffing out when he can’t think of any rebuttals, or his voice turning an octave higher whenever he whines is enough motivation to do it over and over again.
“Dada, help P’Perm! Papa’s being mean again.” Permpoon turns his back from Phuwin and settles at Pond’s side. Pond just chuckles at his family’s antics.
“Love, don’t tease him,” Pond spoke after a while.
Phuwin laughed, and proceeded to gather Permpoon in his arms, “Papa’s just joking, darling.”
After another round of cuddles, Phuwin spoke up. “Okay, we really need to prepare breakfast now.” Phuwin reluctantly let go of the toddler and slowly got up from the bed. “Go get ready in your room before heading downstairs. Let your Dada help you.”
“Okay!” The toddler replied, enthusiastic as ever, then finally got up from the bed to drag his Dada with him. “Papa, you need to wait for me before you start cooking, okay? We do it together.”
Phuwin chuckled. “Of course. I’ll wait for you two in the kitchen.”
The two headed out of the room hand in hand, the sound of footsteps dissipating along the quiet corridors while a tiny voice echoed through the peaceful household.
***
Phuwin heard his presence even before he appeared before him. “Papa! P’Perm’s here!” The little boy’s voice broke the silence in the kitchen. “Let’s go make Thun Pond’s omelette!”
Phuwin chuckled at his enthusiasm. With a small nod, he reached out his hand and called the little boy to his side. He guided Permpoon over his step stool before instructing, “Wash your hands first before we start, okay?”
Pernpoon had always been an obedient child. Every instruction his Papa gave, was met with diligence. The little boy washed, sliced (with Papa’s help using his toddler knife), and mixed according to his Papa’s instructions.
But Permpoon is also a curious child. And he’s now at an age where everything around sparks wonder. So despite cooking this particular dish with his Papa for several times now, he still finds new things to ask about it somehow. And Phuwin answers all of them.
“Papa, are we going to put tomatoes in them?” Permpoon suddenly asked while he was busy beating the eggs in the bowl.
“Yes, darling.”
“Okay, Papa,” he replies with a wide smile. “I really like tomatoes, you know?”
Phuwin chuckled at the random declaration. “I sure do. You’ve been eyeing them since I’ve started slicing it.”
Permpoon giggled, caught. “Can I have a bite, please?” He pleaded. “Just a tiny bit, I promise.” He turned to Phuwin, flashing him his doe eyes.
Phuwin chuckled. Of course his son knows his weakness. “Fine,” He gave in. “But only a few, okay?”
“Yay! Thank you, Papa!” With that, Permpoon picked a small diced tomato, and ate it.
They continued preparing their breakfast like that—with Phuwin busy with the actual cooking, and Permpoon helping out in the small tasks his Papa assigns while telling him random stories and anecdotes he remembers.
“Thun Pond! We can eat now!” A little while later, Permpoon’s voice rings through their house. Phuwin hears shuffling from the adjacent room, and after a while Pond appears in front of them.
“You finished cooking?” Pond gets down on Permpoon’s level, and asks in a gentle voice. He gathered the little boy in his arms and started sniffing his cheeks.
“Yes! It tastes so good, Dada.” Permpoon replied with a proud smile painted on his face. “Papa cooked it perfectly. P’Perm helped as well!”
Pond hummed in acknowledgement, fighting the urge to bite his son’s cheek. “Thank you so much, little buddy. Let’s go help Papa set the table.”
Breakfast went on as peacefully as it could by their standards—with them enjoying the food while Permpoon excitedly suggested meals they could cook the next day.
***
Pond cruises through the busy roads, softly humming along to the song playing through the speakers. After a few minutes, he sights the familiar building, and proceeds to the pick up area to wait for his son. He parks the car and carefully gets out, eyes already trailing on the playground by the school garden. There he sees Permpoon, running around with his friends, laughing so hard he almost tripped.
A smile tugged at his lips when Permpoon finally noticed him and started waving excitedly. The little boy ran towards his teacher and then gestured towards his Dada. Pond bowed slightly in greeting and waited as she escorted Permpoon towards the pick up area.
“Thun Pond!” Permpoon excitedly ran towards him, his tiny Spiderman backpack bouncing over his back, arms stretched out anticipating a hug.
Before having Permpoon, he and Phuwin often discussed how they would raise their future kids—which schools they plan on sending them to; how they’d discipline them; and how they’d spend their days with them. Though their outlook varied, one thing they’d always agreed on was to always show up for their child, to be as involved in their lives as much as possible.
That’s why despite their erratic schedules given the industry they are part of, they always dropped him off and picked him up from school. They never wanted him to feel like their jobs are more important than him.
And besides, being greeted with a tight hug and a kiss on the cheeks is definitely much better than lounging in a cramped dressing room if you ask Pond.
“Hi, little buddy,” Pond crouched down and gladly received the hug. “How was your day?”
Permpoon let go of the hug and held Pond’s hand as they made their way to the car. “It was fun! We learned a new dance today. I wanna show Thun Pond the steps so we can dance together later.” The toddler replied in one breath.
Pond carefully lifted up the kid and settled him into the car seat before replying. “Is that so? Don’t be too harsh on me when you teach me the steps, okay?” He joked.
Permpoon giggled, “Silly, Dada. P’Perm’s not gonna scold you.” He then takes Pond’s face in his tiny hands before speaking up again with utmost sincerity, “and besides, P’Perm teaches dance really well, right?”
“Of course. Silly me for forgetting.” Pond replied, endeared by his son.
After making sure the toddler is secured in his place, Pond finally started driving. The entire ride was filled with chatter and laughter, with Permpoon recalling the events of his day—who shared snacks with whom during recess; the lessons he liked and disliked; and whatever kindergarten gossip his little boy deemed worthy to be shared to his Thun Pond.
“Baby, are you too tired? Do you wanna go home already?” Pond asked Permpoon after a while.
“Not tired yet, Dada. Why?”
“Do you want to come along with me and pick up Papa? I think his shoot will be done in a few minutes,” Pond replied.
“Yes! Let’s go see Papa!” Permpoon nodded eagerly. “Oh! Dada!” He exclaimed after a brief pause.
Pond looked back, slightly worried.
“Is the place close to that ice cream shop we went to last time? You know the one, with the banana and bruy–” Permpoon pouted, trying to remember how to say the word. “I forgot the name, Dada.” He gave up eventually.
Pond smirked. God, his baby is so cute. “Creme brulee?”
“Yes! That one!” Permpoon cheered, glad his Dada understood. “Can we get some, please?”
“We should ask Papa first, okay?” Pond explained. In his head, he’s already trying to formulate a plan on how to make Phuwin give in to their son’s request.
“Okay, Dada.” Permpoon replied, still cheerful despite the uncertainty of his request to be granted.
***
Phuwin was at his table in the shared dressing room getting his make-up removed after a long day of performing when he heard the familiar tiny voice from outside. He ignored it, putting it off as white noise. His manager noticed the slight shift in his expression and asked him what the problem was. “I think I miss my son too much. I'm hallucinating hearing his laugh outside,” Phuwin replied jokingly.
With that said, he reached for his phone to send a message to his husband to check up on them. He wasn’t even able to put away his phone before the tiny voice from outside started to feel closer. And then he heard it clearly, “Hello aunties! Hello uncles!” It was no doubt Permpoon. “Long time no see!”
Phuwin turned around in his chair and watched as his little three-year-old strutted in the dressing room as if he owned the place. Behind him was Pond, a proud smile painted on his lips, while greeting the staff around them.
When Permpoon finally spotted him, he walked faster towards his direction. “Hello Papa! Thun Pond and P’Perm’s here to pick you up!” The toddler announced when he got closer, but still at a respectful distance from him, careful as to not disturb other people.
The staff around them, obviously endeared by the boy, cleared a path and signaled him to get closer to his Papa. Permpoon, then, cautiously made his way towards Phuwin and eventually got on his lap. “Hi Papa. Missed you so much.” He said in a sweet tone.
Phuwin raised one eyebrow at Pond after hearing Permpoon’s words. “What did you two do this time?”
“What? We didn’t do anything!” Pond defended.
Phuwin was about to ask him again but was cut off by Permpoon. “Papa, you know we learned a new dance in school today. I taught it to Thun Pond. Wanna see?”
“Sure, darling,” Phuwin replied, placing a kiss on Permpoon’s cheek.
After getting the go signal, Permpoon went down and stood right beside his Thun Pond. In a cheerful voice, he counted, “One, two, three.”
Pond and the toddler then started bouncing on their feet, arms flailing around, hips shaking side to side—doing the dance steps Permpoon taught.
Phuwin bursted out laughing while watching them. After the small performance, Phuwin gathered Permpoon again in his arms and settled him on his lap. “My baby’s so talented,” Phuwin praised him while planting soft pecks on his chubby cheeks.
“I’m good, right Papa?” Permpoon snuggled closer to him. “You think I deserve a reward?”
Phuwin chuckled. Of course this was part of their plan. “Hm, that depends. What reward are we talking about here?” Phuwin asked the little boy.
“Can we go get ice cream, please?” Permpoon pleaded with fluttering eyelashes for added effect.
Pond eventually moved his face closer to Permpoon’s, flashing puppy eyes at his husband, backing up his son in his quest to get ice cream. It’s not everyday that Permpoon asks them for something so he’s determined to give just what he asked for.
“Please, love?” Pond joined in convincing him. He knows that though Phuwin may be strict sometimes, he still has a soft spot for him and their baby.
Phuwin stares at the two faces in front of him—almost identical sets of deep brown eyes, same tall nose, and plump lips. Permpoon really resemble Pond so much. And that alone is enough to break his resolve. Because, honestly, how can he ever deny his boys anything?
“Fine,” he gave in. “But only a small one, okay?” Phuwin continued.
“Yay! Thank you, Papa!” Permpoon slowly leaned in and planted a very loud and wet kiss on his cheek.
“Thank you, love,” Pond whispered as well while leaning down and kissing his husband on the other cheek.
Phuwin nodded. He then carefully got up, still holding Permpoon in his arms and settling him against his hips. “Let’s go?”
Pond gathered Phuwin’s bag in one hand, and reached out for his free one to clasp them together. They walked out hand in hand, while listening to Permpoon recall his day at school.
***
One afternoon, after having Permpoon picked up from daycare, was when Phuwin sensed the shift.
It was a little after lunch time yet Phuwin was still preparing a meal for his family to eat once they returned. He moved around the familiar kitchen, stirring, slicing, and mixing the ingredients he prepared while humming along to the song playing from his speakers. Phuwin was not an expert in this field. He knows how to cook a few decent meals—a necessary survival skill from when he used to stay at his dorm back in his uni days—until Permpoon came along. He learned how to cook various dishes, especially focusing on ones that appeal to kids more. Permpoon is not a picky eater. On the contrary, he likes almost every dish his Papa makes. And somehow that makes it even more challenging for Phuwin.
By the time he turns off the stove, he hears the car pull up outside. He turns around and heads for the front door, anticipating the enthusiastic “Papa! P’Perm’s home!” that always greets him. But it never came. Instead of the hurried thump of footsteps and arms reaching towards him for a tight hug, slow and careful steps and a soft “Hi Papa” was what welcomed him.
“Hi, darling.” Phuwin stepped closer to the child, subtly exchanging looks with Pond who was standing behind his son. Pond just shrugged, answering the unspoken question. And yet there was worry clear in his eyes, “Everything okay?”
“Yes, Papa,” Permpoon replied curtly then quietly walked towards the dining area for their lunch.
Both parents stood silently, watching the little boy before Pond spoke up. “He’s been really quiet the entire car ride home. I don’t know what happened.”
Phuwin glanced towards where Permpoon was, mentally listing down possible scenarios that led to his ever enthusiastic and chatty boy to be this quiet. He was growing more anxious by the second as his brain supplies him with unpleasant ideas and Pond noticed that.
“I don’t think anything terrible happened at school today,” Pond reassured his husband. “When I picked him up earlier, he was still laughing and playing with his friends.”
Phuwin nodded, but still worried. “Maybe he’s just tired.”
“Papa? Dada?” They heard Permpoon called out after a while. “Let’s eat?” Permpoon continued, voice slightly scratchy. It was barely noticeable but Phuwin heard the difference. That should have been his first sign.
They proceeded to eat in silence, which was deeply unnerving for both Pond and Phuwin. But neither of them let it show.
They gave him space, letting him be quiet if he wanted to despite the uneasiness. Time and time again, they’ve reminded their son that he can always talk to them about anything as long as he’s comfortable doing so.
“Little buddy, it’s Friday today,” Pond spoke up suddenly. “Do you wanna go to the park?”
Permpoon lowered his utensils. His forehead slightly creased, seemingly deciding if that would be a great idea. “Maybe not today, Dada,” he said. “P’Perm feels really tired today.”
It was so unlike Permpoon to skip visiting their local park, especially on a weekend—during when the place is filled with various performances and shows, and the streets are littered with multiple food stalls.
“Okay, baby. We can just stay inside, then,” Phuwin suggested.
“Should we just watch a movie?” Pond offered.
“Okay, Dada.” The toddler accepted, a tiny smile forming on his lips—still evidently tired, but still a smile nonetheless.
***
A few hours after the sun has set, and after all their errands have been accomplished, Pond decided to turn their living area into the comfiest fort he can come up with. He surrounded the sofa with all of Permpoon’s favorite plushies along with his favorite blanket. Pond also made sure that his favorite snacks and flavored juice drink were within reach. He was determined to make his baby feel better.
After setting up the place and preparing the snacks, he made Phuwin double check everything before he called Permpoon. The little boy was quietly seated at the dining table with his crayons and coloring books sprawled in front of him.
Pond walked up to him quietly before asking if he’s ready for their movie night. Permpoon nodded, slowly putting away his books and proceeded to go with his Dada to the living area.
The warm light from the fairy lights hanging overhead reflected the sparkle in the toddler's eyes once he stepped foot in the living room. Pond stood at the doorway holding Permpoon’s hand while he quietly took in the view before him. His favorite dragon plushie was nestled among the cushions, colorful sheets hung above the sofa as makeshift canopy, and his Papa sitting comfortably on one end of the sofa while holding his cup with dinosaur prints. Pond noticed how Permpoon’s eyes grew wider with each swipe of his gaze around the room and silently hoped that this would make him feel better soon.
While still deep in thought, he felt Permpoon’s tiny fingers squeeze his. They locked eyes, before Permpoon led the way towards where his Papa was seated. They sat snugly next to one another with Permpoon in between them.
“Can we watch Cars, please?” Permpoon asked sweetly while making himself comfortable on the sofa.
“I already had it on queue, baby.” Phuwin answered, tucking the little kid closer to his side. He reached for the remote and hit play.
Time passed peacefully for all of them. They were half way through the movie, and yet their little boy still hasn’t uttered a single word (aside from his soft giggles). Until eventually, Permpoon’s favorite scene is playing, and Pond knows the kid loves re-enacting the dialogue with them. He was raking his brain for the words to the next scenes, in hopes of making his little boy laugh but his thoughts were interrupted when he felt a gentle nudge on his arm. Permpoon had fallen asleep.
Pond wrapped his arm around the kid’s shoulder, careful not to wake him up, before calling out in a low voice, “Love.”
Phuwin glanced at him, eyes glassy from trying to hold back sleep. When he saw Permpoon pass out, leaning on his Dada’s arm, he immediately stood up and turned off the movie. “I can’t believe he fell asleep while watching Cars,” Phuwin remarked.
“I know,” Pond nodded. “That’s his favorite, he never tires of it.” He pondered while carrying the toddler to his room.
When they reached the room, they immediately tucked Permpoon into bed, putting his dragon plushie beside him. Before turning off the lights, Phuwin planted a soft kiss on his forehead. “My poor baby,” he said while gently stroking Permpoon’s hair.
“Don’t worry too much, I bet he’ll be okay tomorrow.” Pond reassured him while wrapping one of his arms around Phuwin’s waist. He was hopeful, yet his eyes carry the same amount of worry his husband’s held.
“I hope so.” And with that they both carefully stepped out of their child’s room, and headed to theirs.
***
The following morning, Phuwin was awakened by the shrill ringing of his alarm and the bright rays of sunlight casting through their bedroom windows.
Phuwin turned around in his husband’s arm, trying to snuggle deeper and bury his face in the crook of Pond’s neck in his attempt to ignore the offending sound coming from his phone. He felt Pond’s grip on his waist tighten, which almost lulled him back to sleep. That is until he realized something.
Permpoon wasn’t there.
He scrambled up, untangling his limbs from his husband’s, and immediately went straight to his son’s room.
When he reached Permpoon’s room, he quietly peeked inside, careful not to disturb his slumber. The little boy was still sound asleep. His messy hair fanned out on his pillow and tiny arms clutching his plushie to his chest.
Phuwin moved closer quietly. His worry from last night multiplied with every step he took. Permpoon have always woken up before them, always strutting to their room and greeting them good morning. Seeing the child still fast asleep now, and considering how he was acting last night only troubled Phuwin more.
Once he reached Permpoon’s bed side, he gently stroked his hair. He was quite warm. Phuwin carefully placed the back of his hand on Permpoon’s forehead again to check. Suddenly, Permpoon stirred awake.
“Hi, baby,” Phuwin greeted him with a small smile tugging at his lips, yet his eyes were still filled with worry.
“Papa,” Permpoon rasped out, voice gravelly and hoarse. “P’Perm’s throat hurts. And my head too.” The little boy complained instead of giving out his morning greeting to his Papa.
When Phuwin heard that, he immediately cradled Permpoon’s face in his hands. “You are quite warm.”
Phuwin let go of his face, “Wait for Papa, I’ll be back quickly.” He then stepped out of the room and into the master’s bedroom straight to where the medicine cabinet is. He was so agitated that he didn't notice his husband rise from their bed and followed to where he was headed.
“How is he?” Pond immediately sensed Phuwin’s panic and placed his hand on the small of his back to ground him.
Phuwin took a deep breath, calming himself, “He says his throat and head hurts. And it looks like he’s running a fever.” Phuwin faced Pond, forehead creased and eyes filled with worry. Immediately, Pond weaved his arms around his husband.
“He’ll be fine.” Pond whispered while his hands soothes Phuwin’s back. “We’ll take care of him together.”
It was like Pond’s words and touches are magic. Phuwin’s distress, though still present, somehow lessened. He buried his head deeper into Pond’s neck and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Eventually, they had to separate to tend to their sick son.
They walked hand in hand towards Permpoon’s room, the medicine box still in one of Phuwin’s hands. When they entered, they saw the little kid still in the same position as how Phuwin found him earlier—eyes closed and tightly clutching his toy, the difference this time is how the discomfort is evident on his face with how his forehead is creased.
“Baby, Papa’s back. Let’s get you changed, hm?” Phuwin glanced at Pond who was silently watching by the doorway. Pond, then, made his way towards his son’s bed and helped him to sit.
“How are you feeling, little buddy?” Pond asked while lifting his son up from the bed. He gently unbuttoned the kids pajama top to let Phuwin wipe off his body with a damp cloth.
“Dada, my head really really really hurts.” Permpoon whined, squirming when he felt the wetness from the cloth. “I just want to sleep today, Dada.”
Pond sat down by his side on his bed and tucked Permpoon’s head on his shoulder. He felt the warmth radiating off of his body.
“Okay, baby. We’ll rest today. Me and Papa will stay with you.” He planted a soft kiss on his forehead before helping Phuwin change Permpoon into fresh sets of clothes. After cleaning him up, they tucked the kid back to bed so he can rest while they prepare a meal for him.
“You just rest here, okay, baby? Me and Dada will bring you food in a while. Call us if you need anything.” After that they left the kid in his room to rest for a while.
After a few minutes, they came back with a tray full of warm soup, fruits, and Permpoon’s favorite juice. They successfully fed him–albeit the occasional whining–before tucking him back to bed. Phuwin was carefully straightening out imaginary creases from his child’s blanket when he heard Permpoon’s tiny strained voice ask, “Papa? Where’s Dada?”
“Dada just went down to the kitchen to put away the dirty dishes.” Phuwin explained, his hand reaching out to caress his son’s head. “He also went to get you water. He’ll be back quickly. Why?”
“Papa, P’Perm really really really wants to sleep.” The toddler shot a pleading gaze to his father, a small pout also playing on his lips.
“You can sleep, baby.”
“Can Papa and Dada sleep with P’Perm, please?” Permpoon’s tiny hand caught Phuwin’s much larger one and clutched it tightly. The little boy gently patted the empty space beside his tiny bed, while looking at his Papa with pleading eyes.
“I don’t think the three of us will fit there, baby.” Phuwin explained, his voice deeply apologetic. “The space is too cramped.”
Permpoon let out a high-pitched whine, “Please Papa.”
Phuwin let out a sigh, “Baby, you won’t be able to rest properly.”
Permpoon lightly tugged at Phuwin’s hand, still trying hard to convince him to give in to his request. Eventually, Pond returned to their son’s room and found them in that position.
“What’s wrong?” He immediately asked after stepping inside the room. With a few quick strides, he went straight to Phuwin’s side to check on them both.
“He wants us to lie beside him when he sleeps. I told him we won’t fit in his bed so he started sobbing.” Phuwin explained.
Upon hearing that, Pond sat down on the bed, making sure he’s eye level with his son before he spoke, “You want us to hug you in your sleep, little buddy?”
“Yes, Dada. Please.” Permpoon’s voice was soft, still a bit hoarse, but you can clearly hear the frustration dripping from it. He wasn’t a stubborn child. Nor did he act like a spoiled one, too. His parents prided him for being well-behaved. But Permpoon was still only a child. Sometimes he throws fits to get what he wants. And what he wants right now is to be held by his fathers while he sleeps.
“Okay, buddy,” Pond quietly gets up from where he was seated, and lifts one side of the blanket. He slides into the empty space beside his son, weaving his arm around Permpoon’s torso.
“Pond,” Phuwin’s voice was stern. He was left standing over the two with worry still painted on his face.
“Just until he falls asleep, love.” Pond pleaded.
“Fine,” Phuwin resigned. He slowly lifted the other end of the blanket to settle beside his son. He slowly faced his son, careful not to crush him, and then settled his arm on Permpoon’s torso right above Pond’s hand.
They lay in silence for a few minutes, waiting for Permpoon to fall into deep slumber. When they finally heard the even breathing and faint snores from the little boy, Phuwin spoke in a hushed voice, “If his fever won’t go down by tonight, I think we should bring him to the clinic.”
“Okay,” Pond replied softly, careful not to wake the sleeping toddler beside him. He watched as Phuwin gently stroked their son’s face. He examined his husband’s face: forehead creased, a small frown on his lips, and gaze unfocused. Phuwin was a clear picture of distress.
Pond reached over and caught the hand which was patting their son’s head a few moments ago. He intertwined their fingers, his thumb gently caressing the back of Phuwin’s hand, before he spoke, “Don’t worry too much. He’ll get better soon.”
Phuwin stared at him, his lips now upturned into a sheepish smile. “Can’t help it. I don’t like it when my baby is hurt.”
Silence reigned over the small room. The only sound that can be heard was the low hum of the diffuser, and the soft snores of the little boy between them. Every now and then, Permpoon would shift in his sleep, and the two would gently squeeze him tighter in their embrace. It was a silent reassurance—We’re here. We won’t leave your side.
Eventually, the two needed to get up and actually get things done. Both tried to clear their schedules as much as they can in a short notice—postponed shoots, cancelled rehearsals, and in person guestings turned to virtual ones. They felt bad, but Permpoon will always be their priority.
By the time the sun was setting, Phuwin and Pond were both spent. They were both lying on the sofa, half sprawled on top of each other. There are lukewarm cups of coffee sitting beside their opened laptops on the table from the work they just finished. A tiny notepad with dinosaur borders lay around the coffee table with messy handwriting of time and temperature–the latest entry just mere minutes ago after Phuwin came back from Permpoon’s room.
Needless to say, the constant worrying about their son while completing their work really drained the both of them. Phuwin tried to snuggle closer into Pond’s side, chasing after the warmth radiating off his husband’s body. He slotted his head on the crook of Pond’s neck and inhaled the familiar scent that had always calmed him. Phuwin felt Pond’s arm wrap around him tighter, with one hand gently rubbing circles on his back. If it were any other day, Phuwin would’ve instantly fallen asleep by now—right in his husband’s arms, crick neck and sore back be damned. But he couldn’t. Not when his son is unwell and may need him any minute.
Every now and then he will feel Pond drop a kiss on his head, and he will repay with the same tender kisses on the older’s neck or shoulders. “You can sleep, love.” Pond whispered when he noticed Phuwin close his eyes and burrow deeper into his side.
Phuwin, then, reached for the hand travelling on his back and gently grasped it. A small smile crept into his face when he felt the ring on his husband’s finger. He shook his head, “I can’t. I need to prepare Perm’s dinner in a while.”
Pond frowned, “It’s just a few minutes.”
Phuwin chuckled. He can clearly see the pout on his husband’s face despite his closed eyes just from the sound of his voice.
“No, it’s okay,” Phuwin continued playing with Pond’s finger. “Let’s just stay like this for a while.”
“We can stay like this for as long as you want, love.”
****
Pond deliberately set his alarm a good 10 minutes earlier than Phuwin’s. He wanted to be the one to prepare his son’s breakfast, check on his condition, and to tend to him this morning just to let his husband get his well-deserved rest. His plan was fool-proof: Wake up earlier than Phuwin, turn off his husband’s alarm, then go to Permpoon’s room.
What he wasn’t prepared for, however, is to hear their bedroom door open slowly. Suddenly, his son’s fever patch-laden head peeked from behind the opened door and quietly scanned the room. When Permpoon met his gaze, the child excitedly trudged towards their bed.
The toddler stood quietly by Pond’s side of the bed and in a soft voice, greeted, “Thun Pond, good morning.”
Call him dramatic and all, but he almost teared up hearing those words from his son.
Pond can still hear the faint scratch of his voice. He gently scooted towards Phuwin’s side, careful not to wake the other up, “Hi, little buddy. Wanna go up?”
The little boy nodded before climbing up his parents bed. Once he’s settled, Pond got to finally examine his child’s face. Permpoon’s face was more relaxed and finally flushed with color again. He gently cupped the child’s chubby cheeks and noted how his temperature seemed to finally go back to normal. A wide smile crept onto his face before leaning in to plant a kiss on his son’s cheek. “Good morning, little buddy. How are you feeling?” Pond asked quietly.
“P’Perm feels all better now, Dada!” He excitedly announced.
Phuwin jolted up at the sound.
“Perm,” Pond belatedly warned him, gesturing a shushing motion and pointing at his husband.
“Oops, sorry, Papa and Dada.”
Phuwin forced himself to wake up despite the exhaustion. He looked at his son and beamed when he saw him settled on their bed.
“Hi, baby,” Phuwin opened his arms, and waited for Permpoon to climb into his arms. It was like all of Phuwin’s anxiety was flushed out from his body as he held his son.
“Papa, P’Perm feels so much better now,” the little boy repeated.
“Really?” Phuwin asked before he started nuzzling his son’s cheeks.
“Uh huh,” Permpoon started squirming out of his Papa’s arms, and settled between his parents. “Papa and Dads did a good job taking care of P’Perm.”
Pond caught his husband’s eyes, noticing how glassy they’d become. He smiled at Phuwin, clasped his hand on his own, and squeezed it tightly.
The little family of three settled back into the bed, arms wrapped around each other, while listening to the little kid ramble. Suddenly, Permpoon sat up and moved over to his Dada and kissed his cheek. Afterwards he turned to his other father and did the same to him.
“Thank you, Dada and Papa. P’Perm got better instantly because of your hug. It was definitely magic!” The toddler beamed and then proceeded to wrap his fathers in an embrace.
The two laughed at the kids' antics, while sharing a meaningful look with each other. Maybe hugs are magic after all.