#Thank you vylad for tagging me!

[chiquitafresa]

Nine fandom facts to get to know better:

thank you @vylad243 for tagging me!

3 Ships You Like: Giyuu x Rengoku, Caine x kinger, and America x Mexico (THE ONE FROM HETAILA!!! NOT COURTY HUMANS)

3 (Hazbin/Helluva) Ships You Like: staticdoubleapple! (That one fanfic forever corrupt me) staticmoth and staticradio (Vox obsession go brrrrrrr)

First Ship Ever: Undyne x Alphys??? The earliest I can remember maybe Red x Blue??? (From Pokémon)

Last Song You Heard: “there am I, there am I again” ( hint: upcoming project for this song)

Favorite Childhood Book: the Pokémon mangas! (That’s how you spell it right?)

Currently Reading: A month in rut, chapter 18! (Please I need more fanfics like this-)

Currently Watching: stay gone in the background (Vox obsession?? What noooo)

Currently Consuming: steak with rice (every yummy)

Currently Craving: brownies! (The tiny ones)

@kevin-ibw @kadethechaotic @inkynull @mistersillyyy @mi1es @eppipensupply @teamfortresstwo @goofyroxy @ashenburst @theflatpancakes @theramusen

I hope I got everyone :D

[undercovermcdfan]

nefelibata || travlyn, Mercenary AU

AU: mercenary AU

a/n: HBD to one of my best friends that given me the pleasure of befriending. Things this year been up and down, confusing and just… (gestures) the way things be on this bitch of an earth. But what hasn’t change is that I love you dearly as a friend and you still a strong inspiration for me. Mel, this fic is for you. I kept it kinda open-ended with a lot of room to develop but man I had fun writing various of scenes and I had even more ideas but yknow. The fic had to end.

warning(s): mild hints at adult relationship

dedicated to: @sonhabem

“I still don’t know how I feel about this,” Laurance said quietly, inclining his head towards him and Travis could see the exhausted way Laurance always looked at him when he made an especially impulsive decision.

Which was often.

Travis elected, stubbornly, to ignore the look. He rolled his eyes, testing the weight of the blade. “Is trusting me that hard?” The balanced ease and effortless swings made him smile, confirming that dumping five weeks’ worth of errands and odd-jobs into a pricey commission for Cadenza’s expert hands to repair the blade was an excellent choice. The blade shined underneath the afternoon sun, sharpen double-edges practically begged for him to chop something other than the test fruits Cadenza made him practice on. His wide-grin grew even larger, excitingly looking at Laurance as he rubbed circles into his temple.

“You got to admit—it suits me,” he struck a familiar pose, awkward because it was a stance that didn’t suit the sword, but the sight made Laurance’s grimace crack a little.

Laurance shook his head with a defeated chuckle, “I guess so.”

Travis beamed, sheathing the sword.

“But—” Laurance started, holding eye contact for a moment before breaking away. His mood dampened as the tension rolled in, his hand gripping his blade as he braced for Laurance’s newest lecture on him reconsidering. Your mother’s wish wasn’t this, Travis. “Promise me one thing,” a sad smile was on Laurance’s face, as he placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a small squeeze, “you’ll remember you have a home to come back to. Freya is a woman I never want to cross, and I don’t doubt her ability to curse me beyond the grave.” He grunted, Laurance’s smile grew a little wider, “At least look into finding Katelyn. I promise you—it’s better to have a friend in this sort of journey.”

Travis kicked the dirt, shrugging, “Glorified Babysitter, huh?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that to her face,” Laurance mused, patting his back, “She’s fulfilling a favor and only going to stick around enough to show you the ropes. Her father’s an old friend and I been hearing she’s bit of a superstar in the mercenary business.” He then threw his arm around Travis’s shoulders, pulling him into a half-hearted hug and leaned even closer, “Don’t piss her off, alright? Her help is my gift to you—”

“—And you don’t want me embarrassing you.”

“Oh, I don’t care about you learning some life lessons,” his smile faltered into a grimace, “I just don’t want her banging on my door because you managed to say the wrong thing.”

Travis slipped from under his arm, waving him off with a dismissive acknowledgement. Laurance shook his head, trailing behind as the two headed back inside. “Don’t worry. I’ll look for her at that guild you told me to go to.” He pulled out his sword, grinning, “Don’t worry, old man. I’ll take your advice for now, but I’ll assure you, this ‘Katelyn’ is going to be sending her thanks instead. Once she gets to witness my awesome swordsman skills, I guran— AH!”

His sword clattered to the ground as Laurance’s hand grabbed by the collar, prevent him from meeting the same fate: fall via tripping over pesky stone jutting out from the beaten down path to the house.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you, kiddo?”

Travis, flustered, glowered at him. “Shut it.”

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Laurance.

What have you done.

Travis.

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He didn’t see her smirking, but he could feel it.

When he looked up, however, she didn’t greet by the sight of haughty smile amused by his suffering. Rather, he saw a schooled expression, her eyes coolly watching him as he struggled to get back on his feet.

“You’re too slow,” she said curtly, raising her fist again as she fell back into her position. She barely looked as if their sparring displaced a single hair on her head. She also was scarily lacking sweat from the exercise too. Rolling onto his back, he directed a glare her way as he mumbled, “Are you even human?”

Everywhere ached. He knew the necessary and all, but the unrelenting force known as Katelyn was… to say the least… made him almost second-guess his decision. But he wasn’t a quitter and though he wasn’t sure, he started to think he was earning her respect because of this.

She nudged him with her foot, and a ghost of a smile appeared on her lips.

“I’m not. Now we’re either going to get this move down now or I’m putting you through some more stamina training,” she then squatted down, grabbing him by his nose. He squawked indignantly while she continued, “C’mon. Most guilds have the rigorous vetting process. Even if I and Laurance are already vouching for you—you need the skills backing it up.”

…. he sighed. “Which position are we starting from?”

Now a genuine smile, a glint of amusement—a stark change from moments before. “I can’t believe that work.” He heard her mumble under her breath but before he could question her, she helped him up and instructed him what fighting position they were starting from.

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Hey, Laurance (and everybody else).

I know I’m a little late on this. Katelyn has been working me to the bone—you weren’t kidding about her being a professional! Better partner than teacher though. She took me on my first couple of assignments and stopped me from losing a couple of fingers. I got way better at this sword stuff; it isn’t like yours and it felt a little weird to find my own style, but she gave me some pointers, which is cool.

I think I’ll visit you soon after this next assignment. Katelyn is tagging along again, which is nice. She’s really nice if you get past the ‘Don’t mess with me’ vibes; I don’t think she’s actually that selective as people make her out to be. She just doesn’t like slackers. I think we make a pretty good team.

Anyways, tell everybody I said hi. Tell them I’m alive and in all one piece.

– Travis

P.S. There’s this Vylad dude who says he knows you. He didn’t stick around long though. Kinda nice in a… weird way.

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Katelyn’s mirthful laugh melted into a look of horror.

Travis, on the other hand, only brighten as his laughter climbed in volume as he pulled her hands away from her face. “No, no you don’t get to hide from this. I heard it—Katelyn, I heard it.”

“Shut up, shut it,” she said insistently, changing her tactics as she instead tried covering his face— forcing him to his back but it’s too late. He saw and with this knowledge, there was nothing she could do about it.

Without her bulky armor or enchanted gauntlets, Katelyn was still natural at intimidating people despite her shorter stature. But a year into this team up, Travis discover something: she was only intimidating if he only regarded her by the persona she put out. There was nothing intimidating by the furiously blushing person who sat opposite him; she was shuffling the cards they were playing until… she laughed a little too hard and let out an embarrassing snort.

And he wouldn’t let this go. She knew this—it was that moment, he could see it in her eyes, the realization of I lost all control. He knew her well, however, and if she was anybody else, she might’ve sulked at this knowledge of she no longer silence him with a look. If he was anybody else, she might’ve just walked away from the sight of him trying to calm down but failing every time he glanced at her and the memory of abrupt snort, her reaction, etc. came back.

“Is this why you only ever give cool smiles or just chuckle? I can’t believe—” She pinned him down onto the bed. “—you have a ridiculously—” She grabbed a pillow, lifting it above her head. “—cute laugh. The truth has been revealed.”

This was childish.

She was acting childish.

And he loved that.

Defending himself from the feathered blows of the pillow, another thought appeared.

“I love you,” he blurted between hits as he held his arms up to block the direct hits.

She paused. He froze.

A moment passed.

“Did I say that out loud?”

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Hey Laurance.

I’m thinking about telling Katelyn everything. I mean, everything.

I know I’m spouse to keep hush-hush, but it’s been a while now and I trust her. I don’t want to keep this a secret forever.

By the time you get this, I probably did so already. Depending on the follow-up letter, it might’ve gone well or I’m coming home a little sooner with a broken heart. Hoping more for the former than the latter.

Best regards, Travis

Also hey Isabel been telling me that something up between you and Vylad. Something as in not really ‘just friends’.

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Hesitation flickered in her eyes for a moment, but then she surprised him.

She pushed aside his offered palm, her hands instead opting to cradle the sides of his face.

It wasn’t the prettiest sight, nor this being the way he wanted her to see him. His gangly arms ended in sharpen claws. The way his horns twisted and stretched out. A muscular tail that swiped anxiously at the ground in anticipation. She knew bits and pieces of what he told her: about his mother, about his actual heritage, about the deal—but he didn’t tell her everything.

He considered it but every time, he chickened out.

She didn’t flinch when his eyes turn an unnatural purple. She would touch his jagged horns when it started to protrude out of his head. Laugh at the way his tail clings to her after a long evening spent together. But he didn’t look threatening then; he still looked like his ‘normal’ self, just… with an unnatural twist.

He looked threatening now.

He knows he looked threatening.

She pulled his face closer to hers', her eyes shut as she lightly pressed her lips to his. And when she pulled away, he could only warily study her form as she looked on softly. They were both in pretty bad shape after the ambush—the reason why he was even about in his form was his body’s way of recovering the immense damage he took after entering a flight or fight response. He could shut his eyes and still picture the faces of those men who looked at him in horror, the words ‘demon’ and ‘monster’ in their shouts as they directed their blades to him.

In the situation, he could only do one thing: run. Like how he did when he was young.

But unlike the time back then, where he would leave everything and everybody behind in his wake, he grabbed the one thing that mattered: Katelyn.

“Travis,” her voice was soft, a sort of tenderness she reserved for private moments. He met her gaze, albeit meekly, and she held it strong.

In a grating voice, one that he hated in this moment, he responded: “I haven’t been honest…”

“You saved my life, I don’t think I can get angry about…” she shook her head, leaning her head against his shoulder. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” she asked, “That’s all that matters.”

“I’m… okay. The cuts weren’t that deep—I’ll eventually go back.”

“So, we wait this out? We should take some sort of cover until then,” she looked around, “maybe a cave or—”

“—You don’t have to... wait… um…” he shrunk against her glare and fell silent as she stood.

She placed her hands on her hips, lips pinched as her eyes narrowed, “We’re partners. We’re guildmates. I love you.” She placed a hand on his bowed head, running her fingers through his unruly curls, as she continued, more gently, “I’m staying with you. You’re hurt. I’m going to help. There’s no way for you to convince me otherwise.”

He shut his eyes, leaning into the touch, sighing.

“Fine,” he said. He felt drained, but relief thrummed in his heart, “Just… you don’t find this scary?”

She raised a brow, then quirked a small smile. “You know it takes more to scare me.”

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Hello Laurance,

So, a little birdy told me that Vylad retired and moved in with you recently. As well as the fact you two eloped it. I feel kind of betrayed, and I’m sending this letter to inform you that when I tie the knot with Katelyn, you ARE NOT going to be my best guy or whatever. Man. Best man. That’ll go to uh… somebody else. Not you. Probably Zenix if I bribe him with some food.

Anyways, I wanted to say, that I’m bringing Katelyn to the town and this will probably reach you before we get there.

See you soon, Travis

P.S.  By birdy, I mean it was Isabel.

P.S.S. Don’t tell her I told you that she told me.

P.S.S.S(?) Hey also Katelyn congrats.

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He woke up to her humming. Underneath her breath, barely audible humming—but it was there.

“Hey,” she whispered almost when she noticed his eyes were trained on her now, watching curiously as she traced her fingers along the cluster of freckles that dusted his shoulders.

He smiled, matching her tone with an affectionate, “Hey.”

It’s strange, to lay in the quietness of their house.

But as sunlight crept in through the window, they couldn’t stay there forever.

As much as they wanted to.

“Hm,” Katelyn splayed her hand against his chest, and caught his eyes, murmuring, “We should head in today for another contract. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Uh, yeah it has been.” He paused, squinting as he tried to jog his memory. “Four months?”

“Well, the last one was a bit of a… let down,” her fingers tap against his chest, as she mulled over it as well.

“Not necessarily,” he yawned, gathering her close as he turned more towards her and embracing her warmth, “We got paid for our troubles and got to exact a bit of revenge with Ivy. It just wasn’t as exciting as the usual.”

“Hard to get excited when you nearly died.”

He let out a bark of laughter. “I didn’t die—it was a couple of scratches, love.”

She scowled at him, “I hate it when you’re so…” He grinned, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She sighed, and tucking back a loose curl back behind his ear, she said in a serious tone, “I love you. You know that, right.”

He nodded, giving her another kiss on the crown of her head. “Of course, I do. If you’re willing to kiss me like a big ugly monster, I think you earn that.”

There’s a pause. “…Why do you call yourself ugly? I mean… you shouldn’t assume I would find it as such, Travis. I can make my own opinions.”

He blinked. She glanced away, a tinge of pink on her face. He opened his mouth, then shut it.

“Do you have—”

“Actually, can we go back to talking about love—”

“—a thing for—”

Covering his mouth with her face turning bright red and she said, a little too loudly, “Don’t think too deeply into that—it’s too early for this conversation, hahaha.”

He grinned behind her hands.

“You’re my partner—a little less judgment, please.”

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Hey Laurance.

Actually, I was kidding before. Do you still want to be my best man?

From kiddo himself,

Travis.

[undercovermcdfan]

1/Travyln

First kiss

title: in the space between

AU: dads au

summary: he has to make it count. Travlyn.

a/n: I finally wrote a piece about thesetwo in this AU—which, technically doubles as a ‘childhood friends to lovers’ aufor travlyn lmao. I had fun writing this. If you want to know the timeframe(it’s after)/more about Travis’s confession, clickhere! I co-made this AU with @crybabytime, so please check out and rb heramazing art in her Dads AU tag!

warning(s): travis anxiety takes the wheel; helphim, fluff, smooch

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There’s notreally a ‘how to’ book when it came to dating.

Even less soto dating your best friend-slash-next-door-neighbor-who-been-in-your-life-since-forever.

For starters,the line of being best friend and being boyfriend was much moreblurred than he realized; frankly, there wasn’t even a line! The before andafter—though yes the confession being lifted off his shoulders was a weight that hewas happy to get rid of—was almost indistinguishable.

The holdinghands to the bus wasn’t too new; up until middle school, the two of them werealways seen hand-in-hand. And their goodbye pecks on cheeks came naturally,there wasn’t much of an awkward shuffle about it; but he’d admit, thefluttering feeling of happiness when she did take his hand or press a quickkiss to his cheek before running off to catch her bus was an added bonus now.

But theirparents or families didn’t bat an eye, there was a sense of finallycoming from their friends—or utter casual ‘ew’, counting Ivy in the reactions.

“Well, do youwant to feel something different?” Vylad asked him, looking up from his laptopwith a brow raised.

Travis sighed,a tad bit dramatically as he buried his face in his hands, then whined, “That’sthe thing! I’m not sure if I’m suppose to feel differently. I alwaysthought she was pretty. Cool, y’know. I always loved her as a best friend…” hishands dragged down his face, voice more muffled as he lowered his eyes, “a-andI’m pretty sure I love her as the other love too.”

“I don’t seethe problem then…” Vylad returned to his screen, musing, “It’s quite lucky foryou to find that sort of love so young.”

“You’re notbeing really helpful,” Travis huffed.

Vyladshrugged. “You’re the only one who knows how you feel, Travis,” he glanced upagain, the corners of his lips curling into a small smile, “But take it easy.Love is messy and confusing—it wouldn’t matter if it wasn’t. You don’t need tofigure out right away.”

And hisfather, Vylad, did offer sound advice. Because what he felt wasn’t weirdnessabout their relationship but the fact it felt almost too simple.

But it wasn’t quiteeasy—he wasn’t the type of person to make anything easy for himself,considering his run around before confessing to her.

He never knewwhen it was a date and when it was just them hanging out; between their extracurricularactivities, jobs and responsibilities, when they find time, it was late nightwith a greasy pizza and streaming some show to binge into unhealthy hours.

His otherdad listened to his dilemma… but like Vylad, he seemed amused by theself-inflicted predicament.

Laurancehummed, switching off the running water as he looked over his shoulder inTravis’s direction. “Has she said that you are her boyfriend?” Travis nodded. “Andyou call her your girlfriend?” Again, he nodded. “Then I don’t see what’seating you up.”

Travis slumpedin his chair, letting out a loud groan. “That’s the problem—I don’t see iteither! I feel… no different. Well, a little happier but I’m not sure if it’sbecause I got my best friend back or because she’s my girlfriend or…”

His fatherturned to him, drying his hand on his shirt as he had a considering expression.“Have you talked to her about it?”

Travis paused.“…no. I kind of forget to?”

Laurancenodded. “And have you ever told her, when out together, that you want this tobe a date? An actual date.”

Travis shrunka little, his voice getting softer. “…no.”

Laurance noddedagain, before he paused. Strangely, his expression flickered, averting his eyesfor a moment. “Um, this would be a little awkward to ask but… have you.. um,you know?” He makes a gesture with his hands. Travis squinted at him. Hisfather laughed awkwardly, “Well, kissed. It’s none of my business, I know butmaybe your frustration is… lack of—“

“Dad you can stop,”Travis interrupted, his hands on his face again.

“Thank you,”his father breathed, before turning away, “But I guess your problem still isyou… don’t communicate. Tried that.”

“I.. um… Iwill.”

And he did.

Well, actuallyhe did more just talk. His legs wouldn’t stop their fidgeting, arms crossed ashe leaned against the wall of Katelyn’s gated school. If he’s going on thewhole relationship deal blind, grand gestures worked for him so far. Was theflower too much? He snuck some from his school’s gardening club and really itwas a simple rose—basic but reliable romantic flower.

Safe to say,it surprised Katelyn.

She curiouslylooked at him, brows furrowed as Ivy gave him a cautious look and Teony nudgedher when she muttered “Great. Why is he here?”

Travis’s smilefaltered a moment, taking Katelyn’s hand and placing the flower in her hand. “Ilike to ask you out. L-Like on a date.”

When she gavehim a bemused expression, he illustrated it more. “We… haven’t had a properdate yet. And we need to fix that. I have forty bucks in my pocket, my bike andthere’s a nice diner about a few blocks away,” he held out his hand, “So, wouldyou do me the honor?”

She laughed, affectionatelyso and asked, “Why are you like this?” but… she still took his hand.

Like how theydid middle school, Katelyn carefully took spot on the seat, placing a hand hisshoulder while the other waved to her friends and wishing them a nice weekend.

True, he sort’veunderestimated they weren’t preteens anymore but between her worrying glancesand his ego, he didn’t let up. Arriving at the diner out of breath butprideful, he decided her soft smile was worth all this trouble.

***  

Safe to say,though, riding back home was out of the question. It felt a little lame but asthey found a park to wait in while Katelyn dialed for her father to come pickthem up, he was thankful that she spoke up when she did.

The park wasempty, but considering it was already past sunset, that was understandable.They sat side by side on the swings, idle chatter as they looked up at thestars.

“Thank you,”Katelyn said after a moment of silence. Travis turned his head towards her,finding her looking right back, eyes soft and smile genuine. In the lowlight,he couldn’t tell if she was blushing or not, but by tone of voice, he couldtell she was a little flustered. She stuck her hand out for him to take,squeezing his hand when he did. “This was… nice. I know I said you shouldn’tmake a habit of surprising me but…”

“Everybodylikes to be wooed now and again, Katie. You’re still human.”

She laughed,letting go of his hand and instead starts to swing, “Well, I’m a lot of things.I guess it’s nice to be reminded of that too.”

“I’d be happyto remind you of that any time, babe,” he turning his eyes to the stars,“I’m happy we finally went on a date.”

“I know,” shesaid, “I still prefer comfy time with Netflix but this was nice. Next time, I’llpay though.”

Travis rolledhis eyes, “You won’t let me have this?”

“Nah. Beside,remember?” she came to stop, now smirking, “I make more money than you. Plus Iquite a bit saved up. Named the place and I’ll take you there.”

“Aw shucks,”he pursed his lips, cupping his chin in a thoughtful, “Actually, it would benice if we switch out every now and again. It doesn’t have to be often, though.Could be a monthly thing.”

“What aboutbi-monthly?”

“That worksfor me.”

Katelyngrinned, “Does this mean I get to show up at your school? I seen your plays, Ican do a mean dramatic monologue about how I wish for your hand to take minesand blah blah blah.”

They both thenlaughed, hearty and Katelyn’s snorts making him laugh even harder.

Really, thiswas perfect. Laying his heart bare over some of burgers, fries and shakes abouthis insecurities—and finding Katelyn wondering the same thing left him feelinglighter. Though Laurance’s sound advice and Vylad’s amused vagueness pushed himalong the right direction… it really did fall on them to figure it out.

But… there wasone thing left to do.

Katelynnoticed his shift, but she didn’t call it out, nor asked why he got up, pullingher out of her seat as well. Travis felt the familiar nervousness of when hefirst confessed to her, that night a couple of weeks ago. “You know, we forgotto do one last thing,” Travis murmured, touching her cheek and brushing her hairaside. Understanding lit her eyes, and she placed a hand on his chest, slidingup to his shoulder, as she smiled.

“And that is…?”

“Well,” hestarted to lean closer, and she slowly closed her eyes as he whispered, “A veryimportant thing. A first kiss.”

And with that,he confirmed one thing he always thought: yes, her lips were as soft asthey looked.

[undercovermcdfan]

the right impressions | vylance

summary: Dad AU. First introductions is everything. Vylance. Ensemble piece.

a/n: so y’all know the Dad AU—either from my own yelling/fics or @crybabytime’s beautiful comics (click here to go through her tag!), and honestly? I want to make a full-fledged, multi-chaptered fic of  it one day. For now, here’s a fic featuring Laurance reintroducing Vylad as his partner to the kids and their reactions. Lowkey, I’ll probably will write a drabble about Zenix & Laurance’s talk

warning(s): divorce ment.

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Laurance’s reassuring voice did little to ease his nerves.

“Just act as you normally do—Vylad, they love you,” Laurance said, albeit a little distracted as the clanks and shuffling of the kitchen in the background, “Maybe even more than me.”

Normally, the little statement at the end would make him chuckle and rolled his eyes affectionately. Though the sincerity of Laurance’s tone tempted him to believe in it, believe his reassuring lie… Vylad felt his cynical side jab at the misuse of love in this situation.

Did Laurance’s kids like him? Maybe. But love, he wasn’t sure.

They saw him now and again, though his travels thanks to work kept him from being a constant visitor in the household. They knew him as Uncle Vylad—to the three younger children, he was called this because he was a friend of Laurance; Zenix, the eldest, knew he was their other father… ex-father…? err, Garroth’s youngest brother and was their actual uncle. The friendly face who helped occasionally and had dinners whenever spare time allowed it; he honestly wondered if they could see him as something, something more.

Travis’s eyes always lit up joyfully when he came around, but curiosity and soft-hearted was his nature.

Isabel, while warming up to him slower than Travis, looked to him with admiration and didn’t hesitate to greet him now with open arms.

Malachi was only a baby, and he wasn’t sure if babies really have the “hate” and “love” idea down pat; but even with his little experience, the mild-mannered child still smiled and felt at ease with his presence, so that must’ve meant something.

Only child who looked to him with suspicion, keeping his distance… was Zenix. Though the nature of his and Laurance’s relationship wasn’t revealed yet, with how Zenix acted around him almost made Vylad wonder—did he know already? When the other children expressed their approval in their own way, Zenix’s judgmental eyes were the ones who reminded Vylad that the statement of ‘They love you’ was faulty.

But he couldn’t drag his feet forever.

This was long overdue— and it would be a strange to admit to his boyfriend of the past year that the only reason he’s having cold feet was thanks to his perceptive son.

If it weren’t for genuine nervousness and anxiety feeding thoughts of ‘is this too big of a change? Maybe it’s too soon.’, he’d almost laugh at the absurdity—wasn’t it in most relationships, the parents were the nerve-racking obstacle one would fret over? Not a seven-year-old child with eyes that almost feel although they could pick apart his weakness.

He breathed in, shifting the flowers in his hands as he reached to press the doorbell.

He breathed out.

Laurance’s voice echo in his mind: Just act as you normally do.

Safe to say the flowers didn’t lasted so long.

Travis and Isabel immediately asked for them after they shouted hellos and hugged his legs, nearly knocking him over; they greedily reached up, blues and greens brightly shone with wide smiles—and in truth, Vylad was a weak man and quickly conceded the flowers to the kids.

The house was filled with a delicious smell—which meant, as usual, the dinner won’t disappoint. Eventually, Laurance poked his head into the hall way, hair tied into a bun and bangs pushed back by a headband as he wiped his hands onto his apron; his face, similarly to Travis and Isabel, lit up, though with a little relief mixed in.

“Always one for punctuality, huh,” Laurance mused, stepping into the hall and halfway meeting Vylad for a tight hug, “I’m going to put the finishes touches to dinner—make yourself comfortable, the kids already set the table.”

“Oh, I-I’ll do that, um,” Vylad then sighed, “I’m sorry, though.”

“Hm?” Laurance pulled away, brows furrowed.

“I brought flowers but…”

Laurance nodded in understanding, “You let Isabel and Travis bully them away from you.”

Vylad wrinkled his nose, his frown turning into a slight pout as he muttered, “I wasn’t bullied… they’re simply convincing.”

Laurance laughed, almost leaning in to press a kiss to his forehead but a sudden ringing sounded and he straighten. “That’s dinner timer— can you tell Isa and Travis to wash up, and head for the table after?”

Vylad nodded, faltering slightly as he watched Laurance disappeared back into the kitchen with hurried steps. I wonder which way those two we—

His eyes locked onto another gaze, one that was watching from the stairs. No, not just watching. Glaring. Zenix, who pressed his lips into a thin line, sat on the stairway with arms crossed. Like his siblings and father, he was dressed nicely in a clean button up and black pants; he didn’t say anything and continued to glare for another moment.

“Um, hello Zenix,” Vylad started awkwardly, offering a small smile, “I… um… You should probably head to the dinner table. I’ll handle Isabel and Travis.”

Nothing.

Zenix simply avert his eyes to his feet, brows furrowed and simply ignoring him. Vylad sighed.

He didn’t know what to say—what could he say? He could only leave Zenix to his thoughts, making a mental note of the behavior. While Zenix never expressed overt liking of Vylad’s presence, the upset sight of him was… worrying and maybe his theory of the eldest already being aware was true.

But he can’t dwell on it for now.

Tracking down the little rascals was easy, as the two didn’t go far—they took apart the bouquet in no time, so that was a lost cause. He found Travis and Isabel giggling as they slowly bending the stalks of the flowers into a flower crowns (or rather, attempting to). Vylad smiled and patted their heads as they proudly showed off their half-made crowns, but the two hungry enough to abandon their project when he said Laurance wanted them to wash up before dinner.

Zenix wasn’t on the stairs when the three walked by again. Instead, Zenix was waiting at the table, a seat closest to Malachi’s highchair as the elder fussed over the baby’s bib… and acting a little more subdued than usual. Vylad’s eyes narrowed for a moment. Strange.

He didn’t meet with his eyes, hopping off to the kitchen without even a word. Vylad tried to search in recent memory—either from his own actions or events that Laurance told him, what would be upsetting Zenix.

But as he tried to get Travis and Isabel settled, he came up with nothing.

Dinner with Laurance was always an eventful fare—but with his children, it went from a sweet gesture they rarely could took delight in to a display of what a warm family was.

From Travis’s need to tell Vylad everything about what he missed since the last his visit and what his best friend from next door, Katelyn, showed him recent, to Isabel proudly showing off the fact she could count farther than her brother despite being the younger of the two, to Malachi’s babbles and absolutely destruction of his food as he mushed it against his face (which got the entire table laughing).

Even Vylad told some stories, interrupted every few minutes about questions of the places he visited and sometimes going off in tangents such as: “Wait, they have elephants in Asia too?” “But he said they’re itty-bitty small kind.” “So, like baby elephants.” “No, no—they’re not babies!” “I feel like I know what itty-bitty means; they’re baby ‘phants!”.

Yet Laurance nor Vylad missed the fact there was one voice who didn’t join in the conversation as much as the rest. Zenix sat at his seat, pushing around the food quietly—and though Laurance kept the smiles up, it would slip away every now and again, a worried gaze landing on the quiet eldest.

Eventually, dinner wrapped up and the table was cleared with the help of Vylad—it was a few moments they had, while Laurance told the kids to wait at the table rather than running off immediately for their hour of freedom before bed.

“Are you ready?” Laurance whispered to him, taking his hand gingerly and Vylad intertwine their fingers, giving the hold a squeeze.

“Yes, but,” Vylad frowned, “Do you think they’ll understand?”

“Well, we waited a year… and I know neither of us think this is a fling, Vylad,” Laurance softly smiled, placing a kiss on his knuckles, “Relax. They’re smart cookies—they’ll understand.”

They returned, hand in hand, neither Travis or Isabel noticed at first… but Zenix did, and frowned immediately.

“Da-ad, can we go?” Travis, slouching and slowly slipping out of his seat, started to whine.

Isabel shushed him, with a quick berate, “Don’t sit like that, you goof!”

“I’m not a goof! You are!” Travis immediately retorted, an offended look written on the child’s face.

“Nu-uh! You’re the one who’s sitting like that—Dad said we have to wait!” Isabel chided him.

“Goody two-shoes!”

“Goofy bad boy—“

“Isabel, Travis—please. What did I say about calling each other bad names?” Laurance looked at the two, who immediately lowered their eyes in guilt, “This is a special night— one that’s almost finished. So please, say sorry to each other.”

Both glanced at each other, shoulders slumped, as they give a unison “Sorry.”

“Hmm, we’ll work on apologies later—both of you owe a hug to each other for the bad names,” Laurance mused while the two kids nodded, pouting a little now but their mood not completely soured, thankfully; instead they turned their eyes to their father and himself, curious.

Laurance shifted back into a bright smile, “I have special news,” he wrapped an arm around his shoulders, carefully looking from child to child—both Isabel and Travis met with their father’s eyes while Zenix distracted himself while holding Malachi. Laurance paused at this, only for a moment, before he pushed on—“You know, Uncle Vylad is a really good friend, very nice and sweet one at that.”

Travis nodded, while Isabel tilted her head. Vylad carefully watched Zenix, who tensed a little as he frowned, keeping his eyes on Malachi.

“And… well, for a while, Uncle Vylad been more than that. I love him a lot—“ “—And I love your father—“ “…yes. We love each other very much, and we been more than friends. A special friend, even.”

Isabel immediately raised her hand, calling out excitedly, “So you’re dating?”

Laurance’s brows raised immediately, his voice not hiding his surprise, “Isabel, where did you learn that word?”

“From Granny Zianna’s TV shows!”

Travis then raised his hand, interrupting Laurance before he could think twice about that statement. “Does this mean Uncle Vylad is our papa too?”

“It’s complicated… but…” Laurance glanced at Vylad, who returned his searching look with a soft smile. “I’m fine with it. But I’m okay if you still want to say uncle as well.”

“Do you kiss?” Isabel called out, squinting at the two.

Laurance sputtered, “Isabel, no. I’m going to have a talk with Granny about what you’re watching, missy.”

Vylad chuckled, winking at Isabel as he nodded. “Your dad is shy, forgive him.”

Travis then waved his arm excitedly, “Will you get married?”

There’s a pause. Laurance glanced at him while Vylad’s brows immediately shot up; well… the question wasn’t a new one, when they passed the one year mark, his own mother asked curiously if they were. But before either could open their mouths to answer, Zenix spoke up finally.

“They can’t!”

The table fell silent as all eyes were on Zenix, who bristled under the attention. “Dad can’t! He has us—he doesn’t need to get married again, or need you!” His arms shifting Malachi, pointing an accusing finger at Vylad, and though the kid’s words stung, nothing was worse than the glassiness of Zenix’s gaze, his voice shaking a little, “Dad is just fine, we’re fine! We don’t need a second dad, w-we already… have…” Zenix’s voice started to die, and Isabel’s hand reached out in concern but he jerked away. Sliding out of his seat and placing Malachi on the floor (who let out a whine), they watched Zenix dart despite his siblings and father called out for him.

“Vylad, I—“

“Go. I’ll watch the kids, don’t worry.”

Laurance shot him a thankful look, before removing himself and chasing after his eldest. Travis and Isabel looked worriedly in their direction while Vylad picked up Malachi, rocking the gurgling child with a sinking feeling in his stomach.

Despite the fact… he didn’t have anything to feel exactly guilty for, part of him thought: I should’ve guessed what Zenix was moody about.

He was a smart kid after all—smarter than most would give the child credit. Ushering the kids upstairs, they changed into something more pajamalike and settling in Malachi’s room, as they wait…

Vylad sighed, watching the clock pass the twenty-minute mark. The children—apart from Malachi, of course—were as antsy as him, because Laurance or Zenix haven’t made an appearance.

Zenix’s outbursts weren’t a common thing seen by Travis or Isabel; at least to a serious degree, where he was driven to tears. But then again, Vylad was perfectly aware the tough and protective big brother role the eldest inhabit.

He put Malachi down into his crib, as the child started to drift while an hour almost pass; and when he turned, there stood Travis behind him, slightly hiding behind a big picture book in his hands as he nervously looked up.

“Um…” Travis turned to him, holding a book in his hands, “Dad usually reads but... could you?”

He smiled a little, taking the book from his hands. “Of course,” Glancing at the cover, he recognized the familiar tale, “The Ugly Duckling?”

“Yeah. It’s my favorite,” Travis answered, settling on the floor and Vylad sitting down beside him, “I like the ending.”

“He likes happy endings,” Isabel corrected, abandoning the toys she was playing with and settling on one side and Travis shot her scowl.

But before he can retort, Vylad interrupted the brewing fight with a “Well I like happy endings. There’s nothing wrong with liking them.” Travis gave a look of triumph and Isabel shrugged, looking rather unbothered.

“So I’ll read this and you two promise to go to bed after? It’s almost your bed time.” Both children nodded, snuggling closer to get a good view of the pictures. Vylad began the tale, letting himself get lost in the fairy tale as well.

It was only when Vylad came down, after putting Isabel and Travis in their respective beds, did he find Laurance and Zenix.

Or rather Laurance and fast-asleep Zenix, held by his father.

Both look drained, but when Laurance caught his eye, he gave a victory look as he rubbed Zenix’s back. “He doesn’t hate you.”

Vylad nodded, sitting down beside him on the couch. “I know that.”

“He’s just confused… he’s not as open to the idea because he remembers Ga.. your brother as his other dad,” Laurance said softly, “And he’s afraid.”

Vylad scooted closer and leaned against Laurance as he shut his eyes. “Afraid?”

“He doesn’t want me to get hurt, if you want a summary,” Laurance mused, looking down at Zenix with a gentle expression, “He acts carefree, but deep down he’s soft-hearted kid.”

“Like father, like son, I suppose?”

Laurance chuckled, nudging Vylad slightly before leaning his cheek against Vylad’s head. “I’m not that soft.” Vylad’s brow twitched for a moment and Laurance laughed again, insisting now, “You see me get emotional one time—“

“One?”

“A couple of times, and now I’m stuck with these labels,” he sighed mockingly, “Even though I let you get away with it every single time.”

“It’s because you’re soft,” Vylad pointed out, and Laurance’s nose wrinkled as he frowned.

Silence fell, though comforting and only sounds was the occasional mumbles from Zenix’s sleep.

But it didn’t last long, Laurance’s tone changing to worry as he absentmindedly rubbed soothing circles. “He needs some time, Vylad. He gone through a rough two years and… it being hard for me, I can’t imagine what he’s feeling,” Laurance softly said. “Garroth hasn’t been keeping up lately with his end of the deal, now this? It’s overwhelming.”

“…Should we… you know?” Vylad felt his heart tighten for a moment, his eyes opening and he started to pull away but Laurance’s hand stopped him.

“No! No, no—I’m not going to break up with you,” letting go of his arm and instead touching his cheek, Laurance’s eyes had determination in them, “Zenix is afraid but we just need to reassure that this change isn’t bad.”

“What if he doesn’t… well, like me?”

“He likes you, he’s just… shy about it,” both glance at the sleeping boy, and Laurance pressed a kiss to his forehead, “He always been a grumpy child, but I know him and he talks about you when you’re not here.”

Vylad pursed his lips, the corners curling up, “I hope good things.”

“It’s good things,” Laurance nudged him again, “He likes your pancakes. And your cool hair.”

“Don’t you like those things too?”

Laurance laughed, “Well, maybe you’re just a cool hair and pancakes kind of guy? It’s a very charming point, I must say.”

Vylad then laughed. “Of course you would.” And Laurance joined him.

Maybe they don’t have everything figured out now—but a step forward was a step forward. And surprisingly… he wasn’t discouraged.

“You know, I do have a question.”

Vylad hummed, prompting for Laurance to continue.

“Are you really alright with the kids calling you Dad too? I know you said it’s okay but… if it isn’t comfortable…”

Vylad lowered his eyes, feeling his cheeks grow warm—well he almost forgotten he gave his okay to that. “It’s… nice. I don’t mind,” he admitted, “They’re good kids, and if we’re taking this further… it’s a logical next step.”

“Vylad, technically they don’t have to call you dad unless we’re married.  You’re skipping a few steps,” Laurance gave a teasing grin, “Unless you were planning on purposing right this moment.”

There’s a pause. Laurance’s smile faded for a moment, him fully turning to face him properly but then huffed when he noticed the sparkle in Vylad’s eyes.

“Vylad.”

He chuckled as Laurance pinched the bridge of his nose, heaving a sigh. “I’m sorry. But… it’s reassuring to see you a little excited.” Laurance shot him a side-long glare, shifting Zenix in his arms. “That was a mean-spirited joke,” Laurance whined, standing up, “I know I said it was too soon for marriage… I wouldn’t have... um…”

“You wouldn’t have turned me down?”

Laurance avoided his amused stare, and stammered out, “I-I’m going to put Zenix in his bed. You earned yourself dish duty for that joke.”

“Alright,” Vylad stood, rubbing his neck, and Laurance shook his head, turned to head up the stairs; he smiled, “I wonder if it’s a joke if a part of it was true.”

The stairs creaking stopped for a moment. Though Vylad couldn’t see his expression, he knew Laurance heard him. And he knew Laurance wouldn’t want him to see the fact he gotten him, as he hurried up the rest of the steps.

Truthfully, if Zenix didn’t have the outburst, a part of Vylad knew he would’ve answered Travis’s question Will you get married with a “I hope so.”

Because he did.

Just as he worried over the kids liking him, not as an uncle, but as a potential person to… well… join their family, Vylad saw marriage was already on the table. And as he headed to the kitchen, with Laurance’s reaction… it’s reassuring to know it was on his as well.