#flavier

[xaviernottheprofessor]

Spring Breakers Who: Xavier and Fletcher ( @fletchervanhall ) with mentions of others. What: Xavier spends the week with the Van Halls while Winter and Henry attend Spring Camp. Where: Van Hall Residence When: Week of 4/8 A/N: A glimpse of Flavier being domestic and Xavier makes a big confession.

Fletcher

Because of it being Spring Break for Xavier's kids, Fletcher decided to extend his usual days off into Tuesday and Wednesday. Not only was he able to spend more time with his daughter, uncle and boyfriend but it gave Emiliana more time to herself or to focus on her food truck. Fletcher had even taken Xavier on a date--which included Phoebe but he'd taken them out for lunch and a walk through one of the local parks.

Today though, Fletcher had appointments and had gone into the shop. He'd continued the second session of a client's back tattoo and had given someone a septum piercing before going into his office to get some logistical work done. During this, a walk-in customer booked an appointment with him for new ink and Fletcher drafted the shop schedule for 2 weeks out. Having been there since an hour before opening, he headed home late afternoon, parking in the driveway next to Xavier's McLaren. He smiled to himself on his way to the front door, and then unlocked it and let himself in with his mind already on his boyfriend and daughter. Unsure if Phoebe or Drew were napping, he didn't loudly announce himself but instead looked around, toeing his boots off and hanging his keys on the hook beside the front door. "X?" He spoke at his normal voice, heading for the living room.

Xavier

Being asked to stay at Fletcher’s home while his kids were away at camp shouldn’t have been surprising especially with Xavier wanting to find more time to spend with his boyfriend and daughter. However, he was pleasantly surprised and had quickly accepted the invitation.  He didn’t think he’d be so emotional dropping Henry and Winter off at the bus stop with the rest of their camp mates but the kids were more than excited to head off for the week.  He had changed his schedule so that he could work from home, sending in pages from California and letting Lorne know he wasn’t going to be in a sketch this week anyway. He had already explained he wanted to be in the same state in case his kids needed him. Xavier had fallen into routine already while staying with the Van Halls. He had to admit it felt really good having someone to sleep next to and getting ti know Drew and Phoebe was a giant plus.  Going on a date with his boyfriend and his daughter was also a kind reminder of how easy things were between them especially when they weren’t even trying.

Xavier has promised Fletcher that he would be okay with Phoebe and would do fine with Drew. Drew seemed to enjoy Xavier’s company and Xavier really loved to make him laugh.  He had prepared a nice early lunch for the two of them and Drew had let Xavier know he was going to rest in his bedroom. With Phoebe on his shoulder, the comic made sure Drew made it with some of his aid and reassured the patriarch of the house that he would take good care of Phoebe until Fletcher came home from work.  Once Drew had drifted off to sleep, he smiled at little Phoebe and whispered, “looks like it’s just us two little sprout.” Xavier had already given her a bottle before Drew fell asleep so he figured he’d get Phoebe’s carrier on so he could wear the baby while he washed some dishes and started on dinner for later. He had started on some Briyani rice and a mild coconut chicken curry while having full conversations with the newborn.

“Daddy will be here soon and then he’s going to cuddle you like crazzzyyy and you’re gonna love it. “ he grinned, putting the rice on and curry on low heat. He knew Fletcher would be arriving soon and having dinner somewhat ready would give him time to unwind with his daughter and Drew time to do what he needed to do before dinner needed to be served.

“Wanna do some tummy time, my darling ?” Xavier glanced down at the baby who had been awake and cooing against his chest. “Is that a yes?” He chuckled and washed his hands, wiping them on a kitchen towel before deciding to go upstairs with Phoebe to her nursery. He checked on Drew once more who was still fast asleep and then pulled the baby’s yummy time blanket onto the floor. “Okay, beautiful. Let’s get those baby muscles to work.” He chuckled gently knowing the curry and rice had about 45 minutes.

He picked Phoebe up and out of the carrier before delicately placing her on the floor and then removed the carrier so he could join her also on his stomach. Xavier reached from a sensory baby toy that was in the shape of a sphere. It had rattles and little flags so she could tug. Visually, it was perfect for tummy time. “Heeeyyy!” He chuckled, face to face with Phoebe, his cheek basically against the floor so they were at eye level. “Hey, little sprout! Do you like that? Yeahhhh that’s really good!” He placed the rattling toy between and them and grinned widely, happy to be playing with the little one. “So, I was thinking that we should do this often. Tummy time with little sprout and Xavier. I think you enjoy it a lot. What do you think, huh? Yeah, I knew it.”

Fletcher

Although Fletcher found the living room empty, his nose led him to the kitchen next. The food cooking on a low simmer smelled heavenly; he'd only lifted the lid for a few seconds before letting out a dreamy sigh and setting everything back as it was. As he went to the stairs, he heard the muffled sounds of an all too familiar British accent coupled with the sounds of a rattle. Both made him tug his lips up and smile again, taking to the stairs. He'd poked his head in on Drew, finding his uncle snoring in his bed. And then he went to Phoebe's room. Pushing the slightly ajar door open. The sight of her and Xavier having tummy time together touched Fletcher's heart. Another crooked smile tugging at his lips, he lightly tapped Xavier's foot with his own. "Hey," he said, making his way into the room and finding some space on the floor so that Phoebe was between the 2 men. Once he was settled on the floor in something of a push-up position, he leaned in and kissed Phoebe on the cheek, "Hey there, Tree Frog. Were you good for Xavier?" to which Phoebe gurgled and cooed. "You gonna tell me all the silly things he did to try and get smiles from you?" He pretended to turn his ear to his daughter and then grinned to his boyfriend. "How'd it go? I missed you guys today."

Xavier

Xavier had been invested in the conversation he was having with the newborn when he felt Fletcher’s foot tap his. He looked up at his boyfriend and smiled, letting the feeling he had whenever he saw him take its course. “Hey, you. Welcome home.” Xavier continued rattling the toy and watched Fletcher join them on the floor. He chuckled at Fletcher’s question to his daughter. “She knows I’m her entertainment.” He smiled back, shifting slightly so that he could keep his head up with his elbow on the floor. “It was great! We had lunch. A couple hours ago. Made a salad and a chicken soup. Super hearty which Drew really liked. The baby is probably due for a bottle in a few minutes. Drew and I watched some television while she napped before he decided it was his turn and then Phoebe and I started hanging out, did the dishes and started on dinner.” He smiled at the little one. “And now we’re here… we really missed you too. Right , little sprout? Missed your daddy so so much?” He smiled so happily seeing her coo. “How was work? Did you make some big bucks so you can take us to Disney?” He teased his boyfriend. “Tired?”

Fletcher

"Thanks," Fletcher replied to the welcome as he joined Xavier on the floor. He chuckled a little at Xavier and then listened to the day that he, Drew and Phoebe had together. And he enjoyed the little noises that Phoebe was making more and more often these days. It wasn't constant but it was a clear showing of her growing up, since she didn't make too many noises outside of crying. "Dinner smells good by the way. And I'll make sure to prepare some lunch for tomorrow before I go in." He didn't want Xavier to have to fix lunch and dinner each day he stayed over. While listening to his boyfriend, he watched Phoebe do a semi-pushup, lie flat and turn her head in Xavier's direction. Fletcher stretched a finger out to Phoebe last tiny palm where she automatically gripped him with ferocity.

"Damn, way to spoil the surprise, babe," he teased back with a lazy smile. "Yeah it was a good day. And haven't I told you already? I'm always tired but I feel fine." He pulled himself across the floor until he was close enough to tenderly kiss Xavier on his lips. "Do you wanna finish tummy time while I go get her bottle ready?"

Xavier

"Yeah? I hope you like it. It's coconut chicken curry and Briyani rice." Xavier had made sure he had gotten some groceries before heading to the Van Halls for the week and had been excited about surprising them with a meal here and there. "Okay but it doesn't bother me. I'd be cooking for myself if I were home alone anyway."" Xavier watched Phoebe and couldn't help but smile at her movements. He waved at the newborn and shook the toy gently. "Hey, you. Look how good you're getting." Xavier loved children. He did well with his friend's kids and his brother's kids but he always thought his future would be with older fostered kids he'd assist in aging out and while doing so for Winter was fulfilling, he couldn't help but think on how drastically different things were now that they were unfolding. He should have known he'd fall in love with his kids and want to adopt them but another big surprise for Xavier was how much he wanted a life with a little  itty bitty angel like Phoebe in it. He had quickly grown to adore her as much as he had grown to adore her father. Those were his thoughts as he shook the sphere and watched Fletcher play with his daughter. His smile widened some more, meeting his eyes as Phoebe's grip took hold of Fletcher's finger. "Aw."

"And I'm sorry! But we're on to to you."  Xavier nodded, "Yeah, yeah but I'm hoping one day you're like today, I feel super rested and less tired than yesterday..." Xavier smiled at their kiss and chased another quick peck. "Yeah, we'll be here." He laid back down on his stomach and then looked up at Fletcher adoringly and with a gentle smile before placing all his energy and attention on the baby. There was more of that lately, smitten glances full of adoration for his boyfriend that it made Xavier think probably more than he should. "Okay, angel. Daddy's getting some milk ready and you and I are going to finish here, change your nappy."

Fletcher

"It sounds as good as it smells and I already know that you know how to throw down in the kitchen so I'm sure I'll enjoy the hell out of it. And I know you're not bothered. You're so damn giving, but that doesn't mean you should." He wasn't the least bit surprised that Xavier had no problem with preparing meals while at his home. And while Fletcher was glad he'd been comfortable there already, he wanted Xavier's kindness reciprocated whenever possible. "Besides, I'm used to preparing meals sometimes so that Emiliana wasn't always having to handle them."

He adored Xavier's ease with Phoebe and loved listening to him interact with his daughter. He already knew Xavier was a great father so it didn't surprise him in the least. "Well we're that much closer to Disney. And then I can save up for Dole Whip and a few good souvenirs." He smiled and said, "I'll get there again, probably when this little girl starts sleeping through the night. We're getting close but not consistently." He pecked the top of Phoebe's feather-soft hair and then got to his feet with a mild groan. "Thanks, sweetheart. I'll be back soon." He left the room and back downstairs, turning on the electric kettle and preparing a bottle with easy familiarity. He stirred the curry on the stove for a few seconds out of habit before leaving it alone again. And after shaking the formula and water, and checking the temp on the inside of his wrist, he went back upstairs to Phoebe and Xavier. "Alright, dinners up for you, Princess." He looked to Xavier and said, "Drew'll probably wake up right before dinner's ready."

Xavier

Xavier was happy to help around the house. He understood he was a guest and all of that but it made him happy to be available for Drew and Phoebe and Fletcher. It also helped knowing it that Emiliana would benefit from the extra help too. Everybody wins. He smiled softly, listening to Fletcher. "Well, I love your cooking so any chance I can get to try it, I'm happy." He was also happy that in three months, the two of them had grown this comfortable around one another.

"Oh no why would you mention a Dole Whip. I need one now." He chuckled. Xavier had only been to Disney once but he hoped to go back someday and with the kids.  "You will get there. Give her a couple of months." He stood up and then bent to pick up the baby, chuckling at how cute she looked. "Okay, let's get you out of this nappy so you can have your dinner. He carried her to her changing table, carefully unbuttoning her sleeper so that he could chance her diaper. "Ah yes, there we go...look at your little legs!" He smiled and changed her, cleaning Phoebe with a few wipes. Xavier dressed her again and was placing her foot inside the sleeper when Fletcher came in again. "Yay! looks who's back!" He finished up and discarded the soiled diaper and wipes into the basket beside the table. He picked Phoebe up and handed her to Fletcher so that he could spend time with her. "Okay, perfect." He looked down at his watch. "I have a couple of minutes before dinner is done." He leaned against the table and folded his arms at her chest, admiring the sight before him. "You know, I think she got your appetite."

Fletcher

"Good, and thanks to Rodrigo and Jade's jazzy New Orleans-themed wedding, I've been wanting some more shrimp and grits. So don't be surprised if that ends up being a thing soon." When the weather was nicer on a more consistent basis, he would start grilling and barbecuing more often. He mostly did in the summertime and was ready to cook some more on the grill as it was his favorite when it came to him cooking.

"Maybe it's a trip we can plan on taking over the summer," Fletcher suggested. It wasn't like him to suggest trips, let alone far away trips, but it honestly *had* sounded like something that Henry and Winter might enjoy. He and Xavier would probably have a good time too, and he could plan for  a wheelchair for Drew and a stroller for Phoebe. He knew Xavier had been joking around but Fletcher found himself seriously thinking about it.

When he came back up and rejoined his daughter and boyfriend, Fletcher grinned at the little cherub face staring at him and accepted her from Xavier. Cradling her in one arm, he held her bottle to her lips and watched her take to it immediately. "I stirred the curry a little while I was downstairs. And yeah, if Drew's not up soon, I'll wake him so he's not eating too late at night." His gaze went to Phoebe who kept drinking her milk and made tiny little noises, a little of the milk dribbling from the corner of her mouth. He bent his head to steady the bottle with his chin so he could wipe the milk and then held the bottle properly with a smirk, "If she's lucky, she'll have my metabolism to go with it." He hadn’t fixed her a full bottle, knowing she would end up wanting another in a couple of hours. "But once she's done, I can take her with me to wake Drew and meet you downstairs?"

Xavier

“Ohhhh a man after my heart. That sounds delicious. I know I will enjoy anything you make.”  Xavier smiled, excited to try whatever Fletcher plans to make next.

Xavier was pleasantly surprised after the suggestion of a trip over the summer. He looked up from what he was doing and nodded. “Yeah. Absolutely.  We could do that. In fact, I would love that and I know the kids will too. We’ll take Drew and Phoebe who will low key be around 6 months or so by then. It’ll be a nice family trip.” The fact that Fletcher has brought it up at all was really nice and now that it was a possibility, Xavier was thrilled.

Xavier watched as Fletcher fed his daughter, smiling at the little noises she was making. “She probably will.” He pushed off from leaning on the changing table and moved to kiss Phoebe on the top of her head before kissing Fletcher on the lips. “Okay. I’ll get the table ready and all of that.” Xavier made his way downstairs and into the kitchen. He pulled the lid off the rice and then mixed it a bit, leaving it uncovered. Xavier pulled three plates from the cabinet and all the necessary utensils before placing it all on the table. Suddenly, a brief period of sadness fell over him thinking how at some point he’d have to go back home and he would miss everyone.  It was bittersweet as he was looking forward to seeing his kids and spending time with them too. Once the table was set, Xavier turned the heat down completely on the curry and pulled the lid off half way, letting it settle there until everyone was back downstairs to eat. Xavier pulled his phone out of his pocket to check on Winter and she had responded with ‘having a blast, dad. Hope you are too! Can’t wait to see Phoebe again!’   Xavier smiled at her words and then pocketed his phone. He got three cups from the cabinet and placed those on the table as well, figuring he’d let everyone choose their beverage. He was excited to have Drew and Fletcher taste their meals.

Fletcher

Fletcher hummed in agreement and said, "Yeah, exactly. I know Phoebe won't remember it but it's not all about her." He looked down at his daughter and then said, "And if it all goes well, we can always plan to go back when you're older." It was good that Xavier was on board wit the idea of the trip. Sometimes it still caught Fletcher off guard how quickly he'd come to consider Xavier, Winter and Henry as a part of his family. Blunt and straightforward as he was, wasn't easily trusting or accepting of others being so close to him or Drew, and now, Phoebe. But Xavier and his children had been unexpected exceptions.

After returning Xavier's kiss and watching him leave the room for the stairs, he turned his attention to Phoebe, watching her finish her bottle. He tugged it from her lips before she could start sucking on a lot of air and then shifted her position for burping. As he shoved the bottle halfway in his pocket, he began patting her back on his way to Drew's bedroom. Once at his uncle's bedside, he lightly nudged the slumbering man and said, "Drew, hey. Dinner's ready. Hungry?"

Drew stirred awake, blinking sleepily. "Hey," he yawned, which was punctuated by a burp from Phoebe. Both men smirked and Drew went on, asking what was for dinner. Fletcher told him Xavier cooked curry and rice and Drew sat up a little more. "Alright. I'm not all that hungry but I'm not gonna be an asshole when Xavier cooked for us." Fletcher offered to bring his uncle a plate up to him and Drew protested, moving his legs to the side of the bed. "Just help me downstairs."

After his uncle had his house slippers on, Fletcher walked with him and held Phoebe to his chest with one hand and supported Drew down the steps with his other hand. He let Drew walk ahead of him to the kitchen and pulled a seat out for his uncle. "Still smells like heaven in here," Fletcher told Xavier, rubbing Phoebe's back. "Thanks for setting the table too."

Xavier

Xavier thought that with Phoebe being about 6 months or so, it would be easier and while she won't remember it, it would be visually a great experience overall. "We'll take so many photopgrahs so that she can look back at them when they're older. And when she is older and we go back, she'll remember those pictures." He didn't even hesitate or think on the fact that future plans were being made already. Instead, Xavier felt the excitement of being able to take his kids and Fletcher's daughter to Disney. They had made their own little family in a way.

Xavier was pulled from his thoughts when he hard Drew, Fletcher and the baby appear. A smile tugged at his lips at Fletcher's comment. "Thank you. I love when a ktichen smells like homemade food too. It's the best feeling." Xavier then nodded, "You're welcome. Also, I didn't know what everyone wanted to drink. Did Phoebe have her dinner?" He rubbed her cheek with his finger and smiled.

"And! my man, Drew! Did you have a good nap? I paused our show so we can catch the rest later." Xavier chuckled and brought the pots to the table on top of the heat resistant mats. Xavier would have the curry sauce with the rice since he didn't eat the chicken.  "Bon appetit!"

Fletcher

Fletcher knew he and Xavier would be able to talk about the Disneyland trip some more soon, working out dates and all the arrangements. And he'd thought about this a bit while Phoebe finished her bottle and he carried her to Drew's bedroom.

Once all of them were in the kitchen, Fletcher agreed, "Yeah. As much as I like some places around the city, nothing beats a good homemade meal." He went to the fridge as Drew just asked for water; Fletcher took out a Brita pitcher and poured the water in his uncle's cup. He'd poured some for himself but also took out a beer to set beside his cup. "Yeah, she polished off the bottle," he replied to Xavier, remembering to pull the empty bottle from his pocket and setting it in the sink. "If she doesn't fall asleep on her own soon, she'll likely fall asleep later when I make her the other half a bottle later. What did you want to drink?"

He got Xavier's drink and then joined them at the table as Drew chuckled, "We'll see. I'm pretty tired still. Don't wanna doze off and miss something."

"You two have a show now?" Fletcher asked, reaching for Drew's plate to fix first. "Thanks, babe," he said to Xavier, putting a small portion of rice down and pouring the chicken curry directly on top of it. He placed it back in front of his uncle and then tended to Phoebe who started fussing a bit. He stood from the table and lightly bounced her in his arms to calm her. Over the top of Phoebe's little head, he said, "I'll eat in a sec. I think she might've eaten too fast or something." He adjusted his hold on her so that she was lying across his forearm on her tummy and gently, he bounced her there.

Xavier

With the amount of traveling he did for work, Xavier spent a decent amount of time eating out but spending time at home more and being able to cook for people he cared about took him back at how food was it's own love language. He smiled at Fletcher's words, humming in agreement to the comments on homecooked meals versus eating at a restraurant. He looked over to Phoebe and Fletcher, glad to hear she had finished her bottle. "Good. And I'll also just have water. Thanks, love." He joined Drew at the table and smirked at the older man's words. "We can always catch up tomorrow." he winked at Drew knowing full well that his rest was important.

"These true crime series divided into chapters. Captivating stuff." He chuckled and served himself some rice before pouring the sauce over it. When Phoebe began fussing, he looked up at Fletcher as he stood up and hope the little one was okay. Seemed like maybe it was just gas or like Fletcher said, she had just eaten too fast. "Okay." Xavier nodded once and then looked over to Drew. "I know I said this when I got here and all but thank you so much for opening your doors to me and letting me stay here this week. I've really enjoyed getting to spend time with you all."

Xavier wanted to be sure it was known how much it meant to him that he wasn't alone at home and with people he truly cared about. He gathered some rice and sauce onto his fork before bringing it to his mouth and then looked back up at Fletcher and Phoebe. "How's she doing?"

Fletcher

When Xavier joined them in drinking water, Fletcher poured the Brita pitcher and softly smiled. "No problem." He listened to Drew and thought about helping his uncle back upstairs after dinner, knowing that some days were tougher for him than others. He listened to what his uncle and boyfriend had been watching and chuckled. "Are they the kinds that have the dramatic reenactments? Like *I Almost Got Away With It*?" 

Fletcher lightly patted Phoebe's back while the little girl whined and drooled on his forearm. He'd been unbothered by the drooling but hoped whatever was upsetting her would pass soon. "We're glad to have you here," Fletcher told him. And thank you for making us all dinner."

"Yeah, as long as you're in Fletcher's life, you're always welcome here, Xavier," Drew added, gathering some food on his spoon.  Fletcher smirked softly to his uncle and with impeccable timing, when Xavier asked how Phoebe was doing, the little girl scrunched her body up and passed a loud fart. Fletcher laughed, "I guess that's her answer. Excuse you, little miss." He lifted her while bending his head and kissed her head, still chuckling, and then shifted her to rest against his chest and shoulder again. Her light cries lessened to coos and gurgles again as she kept herself curled up against him. Taking his seat again, Fletcher fixed his own plate but occasionally stopped to pat Phoebe's back. "Who taught you how to cook?" he asked Xavier, wondering where his culinary skills had come from.

Xavier

"Exactly like that. I can't believe how addictive they are. Drew got me into them and now here we are." He chuckled, reaching for his glass to take a sip of his water. He was glad that for the most part, Drew got to relax today. He should have known that he was feeling a little extra tired. "I usually have things on in the background while I'm working on sketches but I never actually pay attention to anything so it's always nice to get pulled into a show."

Xavier smiled and continued eating his food. His smile met his eyes when Fletcher thanked him for dinner and told him they were glad to have him. "Well, that's good to hear and anytime! Really.  I like taking care of the people I care about."

He then glanced over to Drew and smiled at the older man as well. He hoped that he'd be in Fletcher's life for a long time but he kept that part to himself.  Phoebe's passing gas had him cracking another smile and then burst into soft laughter. "Way to go, little sprout! She's good." He let his laughter melt into a smile and then sighed thinking how even that was adorable. He was glad to see  them both sitting at the table now. Xavier would have fixed Fletcher a plate but figured it'd remain warm in the pot. At Fletcher's question, he leaned back and wiped his mouth. "Even though we're twins, I really took the older sibling label seriously. When Clayton and I were being bounced from one foster home to another, I had to learn a couple of survival skills along the way. I started by watching my foster parents at the time, making notes of their recipes and trying them on my own, correcting them as I tried them out. Then I became obsessed with cooking shows especially Ramsay and I would watch them when I had the chance. Finally, when we ended up with our parents, my mum and dad taught me more. The Briyani though, that's my sister-in-law's mum's recipe. She's a phenomenal cook, has an amazing Indian restaurant in East London. So,I sorta picked it up wherever I ended up."

"Till I got to a stable place in my life where I can cook for others." Xavier reached for his glass of water and took another sip. "It's like uh, a love language of sorts. Spoil the people that mean a lot to me."

Fletcher

"I'm surprised it wasn't Winter who got you into them," he chuckled, knowing of Winter's affinity for the macabre. "Did you end up working on any sketches today?" he asked and then began eating once he was settled in his seat. He smiled from Xavier's smile, which really was about as contagious as his laugh.

And with Phoebe unintentionally causing the trio of men to laugh, Fletcher caught her entirely innocent and unaware expression and laughed some more. "I love you, little girl," peppered her cheek with a few kisses and then settled her against him so that he could eat his food. He listened to Xavier's response to his question about learning to cook and nodded here and there to let him know he was listening as he ate. "Your family playing a big role in what you've learned makes sense on both ends of it." He could understand the survival side of it and he knew Xavier's family meant a lot to him, so learning from his mom and in-laws hadn't surprised him.

With a soft smirk, he said, "Acts of service and gift giving are all you when it comes to expressing a love language or two." He'd picked up on this pretty quickly in the few months they'd been growing close to each other. "And you're not allowed to do the clean up after dinner tonight. I'm putting that out there right now."

Xavier

He chuckled at the comment about Winter. "She's gotten me more into horror films which tracks." Xavier smirked, taking another bite of his food. He nodded at Fletcher's question. "I did. I got to get a few drafts done and sent some off earlier this afternoon. So all in all, it was a productive day. I think if I send over some more pages tomorrow morning, I'm done for ther week. And then next week it's back tot he east coast for yours truly." Hopefully, it'd be for just a few days to film. Xavier would fly in for half the week and come back home for the other half.

Xavier felt the tug at his heart strings when Fletcher gave Phoebe some kisses and the fluttering in his chest settled nicely as she continued eating. He nodded, taking another bite and leaning back a bit. "Yeah, I also love to learn about different cultures so I try out new recipes often. Xavier was enjoying this, sitting at a table with Fletcher, Drew and Phoebe. Only thing missing was Winter and Henry. When his kids joined his side, he had realized how lonely he had been and for so long. Being away from everyone in London had been rough at first. This feeling of togetherness was important to him.

"That's right." He loved that Fletcher paid attention. It didn't surprise him considering Xavier had really taken the time to get to know Fletcher. He was glad he did as Xavier would have never known what kind of man he was or what his passions were. One thing was to be physically drawn to him but the other was to form an emotional connection. "I'm not allowed?" He smirked at the words and then laughed softly. "I guesssss." He checked on Phoebe, smiling at her as she looked out over Fletcher's shoulder.  "I'll be good. Right, Phoebe?" He chuckled and then dropped a kiss on Fletcher's shoulder. Xavier glanced over to Drew and asked, "More water, Drew?"

Fletcher

"Yeah, having spent time around her, that doesn't surprise me," Fletcher agreed with a smile. As he listened to Xavier, he ate some food and took a few pulls from his beer. "Do you like the writing part more or acting more?" he asked, following his beer with water and then tended to Phoebe with some kisses.

As Phoebe took to periodically lifting her head and then harmlessly letting it drop onto Fletcher's shoulder, Fletcher listened to Xavier and kept eating. It was almost like Phoebe was unknowingly playing her own version of peekaboo. "Have you had a favorite cuisine that you've learned so far?" he asked and then took another bite, already more than halfway done with his plate.

He'd been enjoying having Xavier there with him, Phoebe and Drew during the week and was sure he would've enjoyed it just as much if Winter and Henry had been there too. But he was also glad for the two teens getting to have fun at camp for the week. He'd be sure to ask them about it when he got a chance, after they got back. But for now, he'd soak up all the time he could get with their dad. Even times of sassing him about the dishes. "You heard what I said. You're not allowed," he repeated, leaning in close to his boyfriend as he said the words. While finishing off his plate, he eyed his uncle who had eaten most of what was on his own plate.

"No thanks, I'm alright with what I've got for now. Thanks, Xavier," Drew replied, stifling a yawn.

"Ready to go back upstairs?" Fletcher asked his uncle, steadying Phoebe with his hand on her back.

"In a minute. And thanks again for making us dinner, Xavier. I'm sure I'll attack the leftovers tomorrow if this guy doesn't first."

Fletcher playfully rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. "Anyway," he looked to Xavier, "You wanna watch a movie tonight or channel surf?"

Xavier

He chuckled thinking about Winter.  He liked that his kids really liked Fletcher and his family too. "Ooo another good question." Xavier grinned and took a sip of his water before he could answer. "I feel like writing will always be my first love but I do like the acting and now that I'm being considered for some serious roles, it's pretty great. It's been nice and a little surprising considering how I started at SNL."

Xavier couldn't help but chuckle softly at Phoebe just being an adorable infant. It really made his heart sing. He took another forkful of his dinner and took a bite. He enjoyed seeing Drew and Fletcher enjoy his food. Xavier thought about the foods he had learned to cook over time. "Oh, yes. Definititely Nigerian food and Carribean food. Probably my favorite. "

He grinned as Fletcher leaned in and sassed him about doing the dishes. Xavier held his hands up in surrender and chuckled before finishing off his plate. "Fine, fine.  I won't touch them. Maybe help you dry them? No?" He smirked, and lightly leaned into Fletcher, placing a hand on his thigh and rubbing his leg a bit. "And you're welcome, Drew." He could tell the patriarch was tired. "I've made enough so that there's a decent amount of leftovers for both of you."

Xavier nodded."Yeah, I'd love a movie, actually. What time is work tomorrow?" He wondered if they'd be able to stay up a little to enjoy a movie but Xavier also knew that Fletcher needed his sleep. He had to admit that his top favorite thing about staying over was waking up next to Fletcher whether it was in his arms or just beside him, it had quickly become Xavier's best memory.

Fletcher

"I come up with those once in a while," Fletcher dryly joked and then listened to Xavier's answer to his question. It was nice to hear Xavier talk about his career and Fletcher was happy he was so passionate about what he did. Having watched Xavier on SNL now, he didn't have a problem admitting to being wrong about the current show as a whole.

"You should teach Fletcher how to cook those," Drew suggested, pushing some rice around on his plate.

Fletcher gave Xavier a sidelong glance after sitting more upright in his chair. "*No*." He was now shifting Phoebe into a sitting position on the edge of the table, sliding his empty plate back and then holding her at her sides with both hands but he smiled when he felt Xavier's hand on his thigh, and grinned when Phoebe stared wide-eyed as though full of wonder. He leaned in and blew raspberries on her tummy.

"Careful," warned Drew, "Or she might let another real one go on the table."

Fletcher snorted, "You hear that, Phoebe? Pop Pop has no faith in your table manners." He lifted her to him to blow one more raspberry, pulling a gummy smile onto her face.

He stood and held Phoebe with one hand while clearing his plate with the other. "I was planning to go in at eleven. My first appointment is at noon though and I'll be off at four again." After setting his plate and fork in the sink, he repositioning his hold on Phoebe so she was laying horizontally and, with her butt intentionally in Drew's direction, Fletcher playfully tugged her ankle a little and made noises like he was releasing cannonballs with each tug.

Drew narrowed his eyes, "If you weren't holding my baby girl, I'd slug you in your crotch right now."

Xavier

“"Surprise me everyday," Xavier quipped and then chuckled. He liked how much Fletcher wanted to learn about him and the things he loved. It was nice that there was always a story to tell or something to talk about. Things were never awkward even when there was silence between them.

"That's a good idea. how about tomorrow, then? When you get home, we'll cook together. A delicious Nigerian dish." Xavier smiled at Drew, excited about it.

Fletcher's response to Xavier offering to dry the dishes made him laugh and he gently cupped the man's chin with his free hand. "Fiinneee." he then let go with a smirk and pushed his now empty plate back. Xavier leaned in to watch Phoebe , smiling at how adorable she was. He couldn't help the hearty laugh that escaped his mouth at Drew's words and continued to laugh at the uncle and nephew banter.  "Even if she did, it'd be cute as hell anyway." He smiled and finished off his water.

"That's not bad! Get to sleep in a little and then get back at a decent hour."  Xavier stood up and gathered his plate and utensils along with Drew's once he had finished. He settled them in the sink and leaned against the counter, watching Fletcher tease his uncle. He folded his arms across his chest, laughing and shaking his head at the scene before him. He loved their interactions and dynamic. He had said it before but the two of them were lucky to have one another. "I'm sure this guy over here has driven you to madness many times before, hm?" He gestured to Fletcher with his thumb and then walked up to him to kiss his shoulder once more. He held his finger out for Phoebe who wrapped her little hand around it. "I ask with love of course."

Fletcher

"Gotta keep things interesting," Fletcher said, giving Xavier a wink. And at the suggestion of he and Xavier cooking together, he nodded, "Yeah, sure. Let me know if there's something you want me to pick up on my way home tomorrow."

He playfully made like he was going to bite Xavier when the younger man cupped his chin, only for him to smile at him and then proceed to entertain Phoebe for a bit. "Cute yes, but the smell would be heinous, I know it. This girl has two gas types, I swear."

After he made his way around the kitchen and talked about his hours, Fletcher said, "Yeah, it's not bad with these half day shifts." He'd been fooling around with Drew and smiling at the sound of Xavier's laugh just behind him.

"You have no idea, Xavier," Drew replied, shaking his head at his nephew. "I'm crediting halfway decent genes and not this twerp for the reason most of my hair hasn't gone gray yet." He smiled and then made to stand as Fletcher turned a little for Drew slowly lean in to give Phoebe a kiss on her cherub cheek. "You be good, little lady. Maybe tomorrow while your daddy's at work, we'll revisit some of that Baby Mozart stuff, huh?"

Knowing Drew would be ready to go back upstairs now that he was on his feet, Fletcher turned to Xavier, "Would you mind holding her while I help him get back to bed? And I'm gonna run her a bath while I'm up there."  He'd rinse the dishes off and get them loaded in the dishwasher once he came back downstairs.

Xavier

A smirk formed on his lips in response to Fletcher's wink and he nodded as he thought about which dish they could try tomorrow. "Great, I'll send you a little shopping list. Shouldn't be too many things."

He laughed at Fletcher's plafulness and then looked up at Phoebe. "Is that right, Phoebe or is daddy exaggerating?" He knew the answer, just wanted to tease Fletcher some more. "...it sounds like Phoebe has a bit of a weapon." Xavier then shifted his attention to Drew.

Laughing some more at Drew's words, he rubbed Fletcher's back. "Oh, you little troublemaker." Xavier smiled as Drew got up on his feet. He loved how amazing he was with Phoebe and when Fletcher asked him to take the baby from him after Drew said his good night to her.  Xavier nodded and took hold of the infant. "I never mind. Go ahead. Good night, Drew. We'll talk more about Fletcher driving you crazy in the morning." He offered the older man a smile.  When Fletcher mentioned the bath for Phoebe, Xavier bounced the infant gently in his arms. "You hear that? A nice bath sounds so good." Xavier let the two men go upstairs and after some baby talk and tiny tickles, he began to bring Phoebe upstairs for her bath.

Xavier stopped at Phoebe's room and gently laid her down on her changing table to remove her sleeper, leaving her in her diaper. He played with her little toes before picking her up again and bringing her to Fletcher. Xavier knocked on the bathroom door and smiled.  "I've come to deliver a package..."

Fletcher

Fletcher nodded while already thinking about the next day and if he would be stopping at the grocery store or the international market. Either would be fine by him. And when Xavier spoke to Phoebe he spoke in obvious mock offense, "How dare you."

He listened to his uncle and Xavier, smirked, "Oh I know I was a little shit but Drew gave as good as he got. So, sometimes it  led to me getting more creative. Most of the time though, he put me in my place." As he handed his daughter to Xavier, he concluded, "And now I'm a delight."

Drew snorted and teasingly retorted, "Says you."

Fletcher responded with a, "Damn right, now come on, old man."

Drew threw Xavier a quick wave and a 'goodnight' and walked out of the kitchen ahead of his nephew. Fletcher helped him upstairs and offered to help him into his pajamas. Drew declined while getting himself undressed. Fletcher pulled some clean pajama pants and an old Giants t-shirt from his uncle's pajama drawer, setting on the bed for him. "I'll come through after Phoebe's bath," he promised and then left the room with the door shut.

On his way to the bathroom, he stopped inside Phoebe's room to get pajamas out, and a hooded towel and wash cloth to bring to with him. Inside the bathroom, he arranged her tub and tested the water temp with his hand. He pulled the Baby Magic hair and body wash from the built-in shelf and stood just in time.

"A package for me?" He smiled at the sight of his daughter and boyfriend again while pushing his sleeves to his elbows. And after checking that her diaper was still dry and still okay to reuse, removed it and got her settled in the tub. While running the wet towel along her body and watching her smile and kick and splash, he told Xavier, "She *loves* the water for bathtime. It's the whole getting out to get dressed part that brings on the tears."

Xavier

"I dare." He answered his boyfriend and chuckled. Phoebe's little innocent face made it even funnier to him because she was so darn squishable and her dad was being funny with him.

"I believe he dished it right back. Which is what you needed." Xavier grinned and continued rubbing Fletcher's shoulder. He chuckled as he took Phoebe into his arms. "A delight he says." And then winked at Fletcher as he teased him.

Once again, Xavier laughed at Drew's words and waved as he went up the stairs with Fletcher. After everyone was settled doing their own thing, Xavier had finished up in getting Phoebe ready for her bath. When he walked into the bathroom, it already smelled so nice. He loved the smell of baby products. "Fed Ex, same day shipping." He smiled back at Fletcher. He leaned against the bathroom wall, watching Fletcher bathe his daughter. "Oh my goodness. She's a little guppy then. She'll love swim lessons." Xavier chuckled as she splashed away. "Look at you go! Like a Litle Mermaid!" He cheered her on and then crouched down beside Fletcher. "She's such a great kid, babe..." Xavier admired his boyfriend as he tended to his daughter and then quickly kissed his cheek before standing up again.

"I put out some jammies for her and lotion, her little hair brush..." He tried to think back and make sure he got everything. He didn't know when he had gotten so invested in Fletcher and his family but there was no doubt he'd do anything for them.

Fletcher

With Phoebe in the water, Fletcher watched her while getting her body wet first and then squeezing some of the hair and body wash into the small, soft towel. "Yeah, swim class would be kinda cool for her when she gets a little older. I'll have to see  how early she'd be able to start that kinda thing." He gently washed Phoebe's body while the little girl splashed her hands a bit and happily gurgled and cooed. He smiled at Xavier's comment and said, "She really is. Not sure how I got so lucky." He lightly massaged the towel over her head to wash her hair and then dunked the towel in the water to rinse it and the soap from her body. With a glance to Xavier he chuckled, "I got her pajamas out too. We can let Phoebe decide which one she wants to wear tonight." Leaning over, he pecked Xavier's lips, "Thanks," and continued rinsing all the soap and suds off of Phoebe. Once she was all clean, he draped her hooded towel across his chest and lifted her out of the water and held her to himself, wrapping her up in the towel. And after she was bundled up, he turned the tub upside down to drain and got to his feet, picking up the dry diaper from the counter.

Sure enough, before reaching the nursery and the changing table, Phoebe started winding up on her cries. Fletcher shook his head and smirked a little, "Sorry, Tree Frog. As much as you'd like to live naked in the water, it's not happening." And she cried all through being dried off, having lotion rubbed into her skin, her diaper put back on and being zipped into her pajama onesie (Fletcher dressed her in the pajamas Xavier picked out). It wasn't until she was completely dressed and held against her daddy that Phoebe began to settle down. Fletcher ran her brush along her brown, feathery soft hair and kissed her head, "I know, Daddy's just a sadist putting you through bathtime, huh?" He set the brush down and rubbed her back as she whined and continued to settle down, having only squeezed out a couple of tiny tears.

Picking up a blanket from her crib and a burp cloth, and draping both over his opposite shoulder, he looked to Xavier, inviting him to lead the way out of the room. "What movie do you feel like watching? We can go back downstairs and watch something. I'll get the dishes in the dishwasher and prep Phoebe's second bottle while you relax on the couch. She'll probably fall asleep a little after that bottle, and then it's just you, me and whatever movie you choose."

Xavier

Xavier smiled, watching his boyfriend and agreeing that he was lucky but there was no doubt in his mind that Phoebe happened for Fletcher at the right time and because it was supposed to happen. He deserved that streak of luck. He chuckled at all the cooing and gurgling suddenly understanding what people meant by 'baby fever'. Xavier was just as smitten with the infant as he was with Fletcher. He smiled at their kiss and watched intently at how he got Phoebe dry and out of the tub. He has never had to watch an infant for so long and do so many of the things he's now learned. Even when he was in London, his brother was too neurotic to let Xavier do anything outside the usual playing and babysitting. This was nice, learning new things and feeling like he was a part of Fletcher and Phoebe's life.

Seeing how much Fletcher has already done before even getting any time to wind down from work, he could see and truly appreciate just how tired his boyfriend was. He sympathized and it was one of the main reasons why Xavier made himself available to help in any way he could while staying with the Van Halls. It touched his heart taking in all the work Fletcher puts in not only in his professional life but at home too. Watching him look after Drew and Phoebe had truly given him the experience he didn't have before. He has known details of what his life was like but now he was there with Fletcher, watching and helping. It made his admiration for him grow even more. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't even notice the baby crying. He was too invested in thinking about the life his boyfriend had and how he could continue being a support. Xavier smiled when Fletcher looked at him, coming out of his deep thoughts to lead the way back to the nursery. Maybe it was best Fletcher was doing the talking because Xavier, at this point, felt even more drawn to the older man and he'd probably make no sense if he tried to put words together.

"I'm down for anything. Are you thinking of classic or new?" He cleared his throat a bit as his mind tried to settle on the current question and not what he had been thinking of prior. "Let me know if there is anything I can do though. Seriously. I like helping." He smiled at Fletcher and then rubbed his back before leaving a tender kiss on his shoulder. "I'll go get the television set up and the Roku. We'll find something." He ran a hand through his tiny curls and then gestured toward the hallway. "I'll meet you downstairs, okay? You too, sweetie." He chuckled at the infant and then went downstairs to set up the television as promised. He stood in front of it, remote in hand as he browsed through the streaming apps. Xavier walked to the bottom of the stairs and went up a few steps to gently yell out, "Want to do a Marvel rewatch? How about Deadpool? We'd have to wait for the baby to be completely out though" He laughed softly, waiting for an answer.

Fletcher

Fletcher snagged a diaper and the pack of wipes just in case, and followed Xavier out of the nursery. He took to the stairs with care, carrying Phoebe down in his arm. After a brief stop in the living room to set Phoebe's things beside her living room bassinet, he shook his head on his way to the kitchen, "You choose, babe. I'll be back in about ten minutes." He gave Xavier's butt an affectionate grab in passing and then headed back to the kitchen. After rinsing then plates and utensils with one hand and loading it all in the dishwasher, he began prepping Phoebe's bottle. He put the leftovers in containers to go in the fridge and rinsed the pot and pan to go in the dishwasher too, and then finished Phoebe's bottle. While shaking it up, he returned to the living room. "Deadpool works for me. Phoebe's not gonna take anything from it. She won't be watching and I'm sure she's heard Drew and me say the same shit." He'd already decided he would wait until she was a little older before being careful about what he said and watched around Phoebe. For now though, he sat on the couch beside Phoebe's bassinet and positioned her in his arm for her to drink her bottle. "Now come sit down and press 'play'," he said with smirk to Xavier.

Xavier

Xavier smirked when Fletcher grabbed his ass. "Hey, now. I'm a good English boy, remember?" Xavier laughed and winked at Fletcher, watching him walk past.  He went into the Disney+ application, search and then chose the first Deadpool movie. "Gotcha."He chuckled hearing Fletcher say that Phoebe must have heard the same from him and Drew. "Well, that's true. There's not much they can capture now anyway," Xavier agreeed and then smirked at the command. "Yes, sir" ! Once everyone was settled, he sat beside his boyfriend and got comfortable, folding one leg under the other and waving at Phoebe with a giant grin on his face before pretending to bite her little feet. Xavier pressed play and started the movie, happy to have this time to spend with Fletcher. He raised his arm to wrap it around the other's shoulder and he leaned in to kiss his cheek. He had been wanting to do a Marvel rewatch of certain movies for a while now so he was pretty excited. He smirked at the "Angel in the morning" intro, humming along to it and laughing at the "A hot chick" and "a moody teen" credit opening. "Produced by Asshats..." He laughed again. "Genius."

Fletcher

"Yes, you are and I remember. But I'm *not* a good English boy," he replied and grinned in response to Xavier's laugh and wink. He sat down on the couch with Phoebe's head resting near the bend of his elbow while he gave her the bottle. "Exactly. We're good." He smirked when Xavier took a seat next to him, "'Sir', huh? In the right setting, could be turned on by that coming from you." He chuckled a little st himself and then glanced down at Phoebe, watching her stare up at the ceiling as she drank. He smiled again from Xavier's affectionate displays to her and to him, and then leaned in to his boyfriend a bit as the movie began. "This opening really was the best for a couple reasons. It's hilarious, and it got people paying attention to opening credits for once." When he looked down to Phoebe again, despite her consistent consumption of the bottle, her blinking was slowing significantly.

Xavier

"Oh, I know. That's why I like you so much." Now settled beside Fletcher and the baby, Xavier shifted his gaze from the movie to his boyfriend and his daughter a few times here and there. At Fletcher's words, Xavier grinned. "Time and place, love. I'll make that happen." He moved his hand to mess with Fletcher's hair knowing that his boyfriend knew that Xavier's word was always good. "Yes! I agree. I think I've watched this movie like 10 times now and it's never not funny or it never feels like I've watched it too many times. And the best is finding something funny at a rewatch that I didn't catch the first time around." He bit his bottom lip, letting his excitement show a bit. Xavier was more than comfortable showing how dorky he could be and how little things excited him. Some might have called it foolish or child-like but he felt like he could be himself around his boyfriend. After three months, there really wasn't much Fletcher didn't know about him. He could see the milk forming around Phoebe's little mouth and he practically melted before reaching for a baby cloth to wipe the corners. "Looks like your tree frog is partied out..."

Fletcher

"I knew. The bad boy label's finally paid off." He continued to wear a crooked smirk at Xavier's response to calling him 'Sir' and then said, "I hope so." He listened to Xavier while glancing at Phoebe and then watching the movie. With a nod, he told him, "It’s a good one to rewatch and I can't wait for the third one to come out. Still wanna plan on seeing it together?" He watched Xavier reach for the burp cloth and removed the nearly finished bottle, chuckling at her lips and tongue still working as though the bottle was still there. "It always gets me when she does that," he commented in a low voice. And after the corners of her mouth were cleaned, Fletcher set the bottle aside and shifted her position for some burps. When he tilted his head to look in her face to find she was early into her sleep. "Yeah, she's down for the count. At least for now." He rubbed her back while watching the movie progress with Wade appearing in a mark's apartment and eating their pizza. "If you could have a super power, or become someone from DC or Marvel, who would you be or what would you have?"

Xavier

“Sure did.” Xavier smirked at Fletcher all the while playfully brushing his fingers through his boyfriend’s hair. “I promise.” He smiled, watching the movie. Xavier nodded at Fletcher’s question about seeing the third installment of the movie when it came out. It felt easier now to make plans farther out in the future. Felt like it was definitely possible. “Hell yeah we’re watching the third one together. I’m already hearing so many great things.” Xavier let his attention fall on Phoebe for a little, completely smitten with how she continues to try to eat even when she’s pretty much asleep. “That’s so adorable. I melt every time.” Xavier was going to have a hard time not seeing that face everyday. He watched as Fletcher positioned the infant so that he could burp her and then mused over Fletcher’s question. “Oh that’s a great question. Probably the power of flight or being able to heal myself and others. Imagine just being able to see the world from up there and all the good I can do if I could help people heal. What about you?” Xavier glanced over to Fletcher after he posed the question on him.

Fletcher

He nodded a bit, feeling happy that Xavier was still on board with the 2 of them seeing the movie together. "Good, yeah I think it's gonna be a good one. The trailer that dropped Super Bowl Sunday was the best thing on TV that day. Damn Chiefs." He'd grumbled that last part but moved on, setting his attention back to his daughter. "Yeah, that's one of those things I'll miss when she gets older and stops doing it." He alternated patting and rubbing her back while listening to Xavier answer his question. "Y'know, neither of those answers from you surprise me at all. Neither of them are selfish when you think about it. Especially the healing one." When asked the question back, Fletcher said, "Deadpool's always been my favorite comic book character. I wouldn't want to be him even though he's a badass merc with a mouth who virtually can't die. But I'd go with telekinesis if I could have a superpower. Maybe the regenerative healing too if I could pick a second one." Phoebe burped and gently squirmed a little in Fletcher's arms before settling back down. He would wait for her to get into a deep sleep before setting her in the bassinet. "Telekinesis would be a gamechanger though."

Xavier

"Agreed! I feel like Ryan Reynolds never misses and getting Hugh on as Wolverine will be such a delight. Ugh, damn those Chiefs." Xavier shook his head, his attention still on the movie. He laughed here and there, also focusing on Fletcher's words. "I don't blame you. She looks so cute when she does it. He sat up a little and pulled his phone out of his back pocket to take a candid picture of Fletcher holding his daughter. "I have so many of these. I'm going to send them to you. I know you probably don't get too many with her since you're holding her." Xavier wanted to make sure Fletcher had the memories of when Phoebe was this small. Especially since time was such a thief. "Deadpool is great so I don't blame you. Telekinesis though? That's a solid power right there. And regenerative healing would be dope. Good choice!" He was enjoying the conversation and the movie playing in the background as he cropped the picture. He smiled gently as he admired how calm and peaceful they both looked. Xavier already knew their relationship would be a special one. "Look how cute you both look." The comedian then added, "Aww I just love you guys.." And then he paused for about ten seconds before he quickly sent the photo to Fletcher's phone number and left the phone sitting at his side. It wasn't like he was going to take it back. It was true. He loved them both. "I wonder what Phoebe's power would be?" His pulse picked up slightly and he hoped he hadn't made things too awkward. For Xavier, it was important to say things as they came to him. He didn't need to hear it back. He just really wanted to say it.

Fletcher

"Yeah, he's one of those actors who was born for the role. And he's great at making fun of himself when breaking the fourth wall." He gave Xavier an agreeing smirk about Phoebe and simply held her as she fell deeper into her sleep. He'd managed to get one burp out of her which he hoped would be enough to keep her from having an upset stomach while she slept. For a moment, he shut his eyes and was unaware of Xavier taking their photo but when he opened his eyes again and glanced from the TV to his boyfriend, he arched his brows a little. He heard him and asked, "You took a picture, huh?" It was something he would value; Fletcher was indifferent to having his own photo taken but he would treasure the photographic memories of Phoebe, especially as she continued to grow and change. "Thanks," he replied with a small chuckle, responding to the superpower question. "I'm pretty sure I've thought about it while high before. Among other things that'll never actually happen." Rather than picking up his own phone, he leaned over to look at the photo Xavier took. "Thank you for that," he said. "I'm glad you took that." After a little while, he kissed the little girl's head and moved her to the bassinet. Fletcher pulled the blanket he brought from the nursery off the back of the couch and draped it across his daughter's body from the chest down. With her lying on her back, he watched her for a moment and then moved to lay on his side, knees bent with his head resting in Xavier's lap. "I honestly don't even know. At this point, she's a super charmer so she'd have the power of persuasion." After a moment of seeming to watch the movie, Fletcher casually broke the quiet between them to ask, "So. You love us, huh?"

Xavier

"Yes, agreed. And I hear he is such a nice person, great to work with. His wife too." Xavier smiled softly at his boyfriend as he watched him with Phoebe. It looked like she wasn't the only one who needed the rest. "Do you want to lie down?" He continued brushing the back of his hair with his fingers. At the question, Xavier nodded, an innocent little smirk pulling at his lips. "Like I said, I have a couple now. I want you to have some memories when she was this tiny and sleep wasn't a thing." He chuckled softly and then showed Fletcher the phone so he could get a good view. "Anytime." He pulled away a bit so that Fletcher could get Phoebe into her bassinet. She looked so content. When Fletcher shifted to his side and rested his head on Xavier's lap, the comedian continued playing with his boyfriend's hair as he watched the movie and listened to the other. "Power of persuasion tracks for that little one." He smirked, glad in a way, there was no awkward silence just the movie playing in the background. Even if Xavier was thinking about his confession more, the movie did have a way of keeping him entertained and helping the flow of conversation. And then Fletcher spoke again and Xavier looked down at his boyfriend's face with the messy hair and he grinned. "I do. Love you. Both. I love Phoebe. And I love you. I'm more like *in* love with you but you feel me, right?" Playing it casually cool was making him a little anxious and so Xavier looked up at the movie once more so he could take some slow, deep breaths as subtly as possible.

Fletcher

"I believe that about both of them. And it doesn't hurt that they're both hot on top of that." Fletcher responded, knowing full well it had nothing to do with either of their personalities. When asked if he wanted to lie down, Fletcher answered, "In a bit," making sure Phoebe was taken care of first. There had been times on his days off where he would nap with her on the couch or in his bed but at night, he tried to make a point of laying her down in her own space. And after he had her down for the night or the time being, he made himself comfortable on the couch and on his boyfriend's lap.

Fletcher listened carefully to Xavier answer about loving him and Phoebe. He gave himself a moment to let it sink in that Xavier was in love with him and then he sat up so he could look at him properly, keeping himself close to the younger man while running a hand through his hair. Ignoring the movie for the time being, he said, "Yeah, I feel you," with a small twitch of his lips. He cupped a hand to Xavier's face and said, "It feels nice, really nice to hear that from you. Thank you for telling me." His sweetly stroked his thumb along Xavier's cheek, and then leaned in to kiss his forehead. "As soon as I feel ready to, you know I'll tell you back." He didn't have to declare a promise with it, knowing Xavier knew he would. He gave him a light kiss on his lips and then added, "You'll have to wait longer to hear the words back from Phoebe though." With a gentle grin, he drew back to look in his eyes and said, "But it won't be that long from me." Fletcher knew he wasn't there yet but his feelings for Xavier already ran deep in a short amount of time.

Xavier

“Being hot and unproblematic is great when in Hollywood.” He smiled a bit and allowed himself to become comfortable with Fletcher on the couch.

When Fletcher spoke, Xavier was all ears and he positioned himself so that he could hear what his boyfriend had to say. By now, Xavier knew Fletcher well enough to know he wouldn’t be cruel or dismissive or anything of the sort.  He fully expected the reaction and words that were currently coming from the other. He kissed the side of his boyfriend’s hand when he cupped Xavier’s cheek and nodded at the words. “I know.” He then laughed at the mention of waiting for Phoebe saying it following by another gentle nod at Fletcher’s reassurance.  Even if it never happened, Xavier wasn’t a man that lived with regret. “I’m a patient man.” He smiled and pressed a soft kiss against Fletcher’s lips. Perhaps, it could have been more romantic and less out of the blue. Xavier quietly wondered if maybe he should have waited just a bit longer. No regrets about what he said just wishing he’d have made it better. “I’ll be here.” And for some reason, those words carried more weight. Xavier would be there. One way or another he’d always be there and in that moment, he’d made a full realization of that. He pressed his forehead against Fletcher’s forehead and chuckled, reaching to massage the back of his neck before pulling back once more. He positioned himself so that he could tap his lap, inviting his boyfriend to lay on it again. “As we were?”

Fletcher

Fletcher snorted and sarcastically quipped, "Yeah, the best." He still wasn't avid in following celebrity news and gossip--Tanya kept him up to date the most--but he also didn't live under a rock.

While he and Xavier had their moment together, Fletcher largely kept his eyes on his boyfriend's dark brown pair. It was only when they kissed or rested their foreheads to each other that he'd broken contact. "Good, on both accounts. I need you to be patient with me. And selfishly, I want you here. I might be rusty on the meaningful relationship front but I know I adore the hell out of you and your kids, and you make my life better." He saw Xavier invite him back to his lap and after glancing at his thighs, Fletcher shifted on the couch, swinging a leg over to sit on his lap, facing his boyfriend with his knees pressed in the cushions. "Not quite as we were but still nice." And he kissed him deeply, wrapping his arms around the back of Xavier's neck and across his shoulders.

Xavier

“That’s a very good start.” He hummed, pressing his lips into a gentle smile. “I literally have no where else to go. Where am I going to find another you?” Xavier watched as Fletcher straddled him and he opened his arms as he laughed softly so not to wake the baby. Before he could say anything back, he had wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, letting his fingers trace Fletcher’s spine down to his waist before he could tighten his embrace as they kissed. There was some humor in the fact they never quite finished a movie but it didn’t matter when Xavier preferred this more.  He’d take anytime he could get with Fletcher.

Fletcher

"Glad I'm on the right track with you then." His lips formed a broad smirk. "You got me there. But you know damn well there are better people out there than me." His arms stayed where they were for the initial kiss but he slid them apart to rest his hands gingerly along the column of his neck. "I just want you happy for as long as youll have me. And I'll do my best to add to your happiness and contentment,  and to bring you and your kids whatever love I can give."And he *did* love Xavier as well as his kids. He just didn't know how to get himself in a place where he was ready to say it yet. "We'll get back to Deadpool in a minute," Fletcher muttered against Xavier's lips. "Maybe two," he added after making out for a few seconds more. He would never get tired of his boyfriend's kiss or his touch and decided to enjoy the moment of spontaneity for a little while.

And after that little while passed, he drew back to let them both catch their breath. "You're one of the most incredible people I know, X." He pecked his lips a couple of times and reached around to take hold of Xavier's hands, bringing them to his lips to kiss one at a time. And after another tender kiss to the younger man's addicting lips, he shifted off of his lap and moved to lay with his head there. This time, however, he was laying on his back so that he could easily look ho at Xavier, or turn his head to watch the movie. But currently, Deadpool wasn't holding his attention nearly as much as the man he was resting on.

Xavier

Xavier looked into Fletcher’s eyes as he spoke, the tug at his heart making it just a little harder to breathe. “Mmm. Perhaps. And there are better people than me too but I don’t want or love them. It’s what makes you you that I need and want. All the big things like your dedication to your family and your profession. How you handle it all well even though I know you’re tired and sometimes you need a hand.  It’s how you would drop anything for Rodrigo and the people you love like that time at the bridal shop. The way you’re so gentle with Phoebe and how you tend to her even though you try to convince me and yourself that you’re just trying. Nah. You were meant to be her daddy and you do it so fucking well. It’s how you push Drew even on his low days but you’re patient and loving about it. It’s how you’re so worried about inconveniencing other people so you prepare lunch ahead of time or try not to be in their way. It’s not that people who love you do things for you because they feel in debt to you. It’s because they want to. Because they know that the moment they need you, you’re going to get in your car, drive to where they are and put their crazy monster in law in a hold until the police arrive. I’ve never quite met anyone like you so better or not, you’re who I choose to want and love. Those folks ain’t got nothing on you, love. Don’t sell yourself short. I don’t think I’m willing to allow that.” He smiled and took a deep breath. Maybe that was better than a sudden I love you. “And you obviously make me happy. So much that I can’t even think about leaving Sunday. I like being a part of your life.  I’m proud to be your boyfriend and show you off and get to do this, all of this with you. I’ve never had that kind of tranquility with someone before. So I guess that’s probably why I’m so smitten. It’s new and fun and also painful because sometimes my heart just leaps and I’m like hey I’m I having a heart attack. No it’s just Fletcher.”

He smiled at his boyfriend not really knowing how to recover from the word vomit.  How did he even get here ? Who knows. His therapist always told him he was good with his emotions but Jesus. He did invite the kissing and the making out, enjoying every taste of his boyfriend. Sometimes he did it like it was his last.  He didn’t know why or maybe he did maybe that’s just how he wanted it to always be, leave behind some sort of everlasting memory. And when they broke their kiss, Xavier framed Fletcher’s face with his hands. “And I love that you love my kids. I don’t think I could have done this relationship at all otherwise. It’s been important to me. I need to have someone in my corner and theirs that I can trust and know that they’re loved.” He cleared his throat gently and listened to Fletcher calling him  incredible. “I’m glad I could be that for you. “ he knew that probably wasn’t the same for everyone but oh did he want it to be that way for his boyfriend. “It means I’m doing something right.”

Xavier chased every kiss over and over and over until Fletcher lied back on his lap. He delicately went back to running his fingers through his boyfriend’s hair and let his gaze momentarily on the television. “You know when you look at me like that I just fall deeper and then I get this stupid little smile. Oh no oh no there it is…” he pointed to his mouth. “Dammit, Van Hall.”

Fletcher

Fletcher was overcome by Xavier's response--not because what he said was a lot. Xavier had truly seen him for who he was. Sure, Fletcher had his flaws. His mouth could turn people off or rile them up. Sometimes he engaged in casual self-depricating comments. Although he hadnt partaken sincs Phoebe was born, he got high from time to time which he knew was a turn-off for some people. As much as he exuded an intimidating calm now, he still had hairpin triggers and his temper had the ability to get the better of him in violent or hostile manners when he was truly angry. And as giving and caring as he'd been characterized, Fletcher knew that he was very selective in who he gave his time, energy, love and attention to. Because most people didn't get let in to the depths of who he was, they didn't really know him, and that suited Fletcher well enough. But Xavier was different. He seeped in past the surface and Fletcher let him in. As a result, he was seen by the wonderful man before him. And he was loved by him, in every sense of the word.

Fletcher wished he had something equally profound to respond with but in that moment, he didn't.  He sat there speeches and blushing, enamored and awestruck all at once. When he managed to respond, all that came out at first was. "Well shit." He smiled a little and then said, "You do a lot of things right, Xavier. More than you give yourself credit for. And you've got me. You, Winter and Henry have in your corner for however long you have me in your lives." That was a promise he could make right then and there. He'd already felt that way but he would say it aloud if it held more meaning. And after settling back on the couch as he was before, he listened to.Xavier while gazing up at him and chuckled, sarcasm heavy as he said, "Oh, no. I made you smile. Shame on me. Damn me to the seventh circle of hell." He grinned and reached for Xavier's hand to weave there fingers together. "Never apologizing for doing that by the way."

Xavier

Xavier noticed the tint in Fletcher’s cheeks and he ran his thumbs over them, whispering “as if you couldn’t get any cuter.” And then he smiled back. “Thank you.” He wondered if Fletcher knew just how much those words meant to him. In truth, he had come to terms that maybe finding someone romantically wouldn’t be in the cards for him especially with having two kids and an adoption process and how intense his work schedule was. Somehow he had found someone that understood him and his situation and still wanted to stick around.  He smirked at Fletcher’s sarcasm and then laughed. “Oh no.” Xavier tore his gaze away from the television and look e down at his boyfriend, taking his hand in his and bringing them up to his lips so that Xavier can kiss his knuckles. “Good. You shouldn’t.” He pressed their joined hands to his cheek. He was glad to have made Fletcher this happy in telling him how he felt. Waiting for Fletcher to say it back didn’t have to be now. “I love when you make me smile and laugh.  You’re pretty good at it you know?”

Fletcher

With a slight narrowing of his eyes, he said, "I'm not the cute one in this relationship." He pecked Xavier's lips, adding, "That's all you, thanks."  And then he got himself settled back on the couch. And then he met Xavier's eyes as their hands were lifted for a kiss. And then he said, "And so, I won't." He smiled a bit and turned his head to watch the movie. He listened to Xavier with a soft smile. "I love it too because your laugh is one of my favorite things to hear. So the fact that I'm good at it? Big-ass bonus for both of us." He squeezed their intertwined fingers and watched as Wade fought Ajax in a paper thin hospital gown.

Xavier

Agree to disagree," Xavier mumbled against his boyfriend's kiss then scrunched up his nose before pulling away. He listened to Fletcher as he spoke, looking down at him to capture his words and take in his features. He knew the movie by heart so he wouldn't be missing a lot by pulling his attention. Xavier reached for a throw sitting on top of the couch and he pulled it over Fletcher with a gentle smile.  "Is it really?" He asked in a tone mixed with curiosity and delight. "Mm good to know." He was watching the movie, playing with Fletcher's hand, letting his digits brush against his boyfriend's and then intertwining their fingers once more. Everytime their fingers touched, Xavier smiled to himself, his gaze still on the screen.  He was glad that he got to tell Fletcher how he felt and had been feeling.  Spending the last couple of days with him and his family had been nice. He had gotten the chance to get to know everyone better and to fall in love with Phoebe and Drew. Even though they weren't far from one another, Xavier was already dreading leaving. He still enjoyed the movie and enjoyed the company more. Xavier laughed at all the parts that were funny as hell. He kissed Fletcher's knuckles once more before letting their joined hands settle.  Xavier stole a few glances, smiling down at Fletcher every opportunity he got. And as the movie reached it's end, he checked on his boyfriend again. "Want to go to bed?" Which meant they'd get ready for bed or the next day or catch a few winks before Phoebe woke up for a few before it was time for her long stretch. "Or would you like a massage and theeennn get ready for bed? orrr a late night snack? What are you in the mood for?"

Fletcher

"What if I wanted to argue it with you, huh?" Fletcher asked, a challenging smirk gracing his lips. And although he'd set his sights back on the movie after lying down again, he glanced up feeling the blanket being draped over him. "Thanks, sweetheart." And he affirmed his own comment about Xavier's smile and laugh with an, "Mmhm," knowing how contagious he'd found both from Xavier. Other than little things from Phoebe, Fletcher couldn't remember smiling so often in his life before.

Finishing the rest of the movie with Xavier, Fletcher sat up, glanced over to slumbering Phoebe and then leaned against his boyfriend a bit. He thought about the options and then said, "I think a massage would be a first for me." He thought back, squinting a little as he did so and then mused, "Yeah. I've had shoulder rubs but that's about it." His eyes fell on Xavier again. "Let's get something to drink and head upstairs." He'd move Phoebe to her cosleeper once they were all up in his bedroom so that he wouldn't have far to go or disturb Xavier much if Phoebe woke up during the night. He folded the throw blanket and set it on the back of the couch again before standing and offering Xavier a hand to his feet. Then he bent over Phoebe's bassinet and carefully lifted the little babe up, startling her a little but not enough to wake her. He cradled her to him with one arm and padded to the kitchen to get a bottle of water, offering one to Xavier and then taking one for himself to bring upstairs.

Xavier

"That's fine. I'm sure the makeup sex would be fire." He chuckled. "I enjoy a good fight, don't you?" Xavier couldn't help but laugh softly as his gaze went back to the movie. Xavier was happy to be with someone as amazing as Fletcher. These last couple of days have confirmed that he found someone who matched him so well and challenged him enough to keep him on his feet.

"What?" Xavier asked incredulously. "No, no. We're fixing that tonight. I'm going to give you a nice, full body massage, get you all relaxed and happy." Xavier nodded and stood up with his boyfriend's aid, following Fletcher into the kitchen. He took the bottle of water from him and thanked Fletcher. Xavier helped by turning off the lights and making sure everything was off. He then made his way upstairs with Fletcher and the baby, opening up the bottle for a little sip.  Xavier pulled Fletcher's nightstand drawer where he was pretty sure he saw him put away the massage oil from Valentine's Day and when he found it, he tossed it on Fletcher's bed. "I'll be right back. Just undress for me." He went to the bathroom to wash his hands and face and remove his contacts. After a few blinks, he felt so much better and Xavier placed his glasses on his face before he headed back to Fletcher's bedroom. "Hello, I'm Xavier Mitchell and I'll be your massage therapist tonight. We have a variety of services we offer. Deep tissue, Sweedish massage, Aromatherapy...I should warn you I am not licensed for this however I do watch a lot of Youtube.."

Fletcher

Fletcher arched his brows as Xavier's quick response and then after a beat said, "In that case, I will always argue me not being cute whenever you bring it up." He grinned and then answered, "See that right there's the problem because most fights I've gotten into aren't 'good'. They're just stupid and give me a headache. Especially back in my bouncer days."

With the movie over and them deciding what to do next, Fletcher half expected Xavier's response to him never having had a massage. He chuckled a little and couldn't resist asking, "Happy as in happy ending? I've heard those are a thing." He shut off the TV after helping Xavier to his feet and picked up Phoebe, and on as they were in the kitchen, he decided to lie Phoebe down in her crib instead. He kissed her forehead and settled her down in the crib's middle once they were upstairs. After turning on her monitor and lullaby sound machine, he quietly left the room with the door just a few inches ajar. But as he entered his bedroom, he watched Xavier go, brows sloped. "Where are you... okay." He pulled his shirt over his head and undid his belt to take off his jeans and underwear. Out of habit, he took a pair of pajama pants out but left them on the foot of the bed where he was seated when Xavier returned. He was taking his socks off but smiled seeing Xavier's glasses on his face. His greeting made Fletcher grin and he laughed at the ending disclaimer. "Good to know. Where do you want me, Mr. Mitchell?"

Xavier

"The consent is both sexy and appreciated." Xavier grinned and then laughed softly at Fletcher's playful words. "Nah, are you kidding? Valentine's Day was my Spring Awakening. A little late in life but that's okay." He chuckled, feeling his cheeks burning. "Uh, this is about you tonight. You had a long day, you come home to me and a nice meal and an excellent movie and now I'm going to give you a massage and whatever comes with that."

"You love it." He grinned confidently as he positioned himself. "I'll give you that. You're pretty hard to resist. Damn my difficult career." He smiled at the fact that Fletcher kept on with their ruse. "Already? It's my glasses isn't it? My boss tells me it makes me look smarter but it packs on the sexiness a little too much. Then there's the accent and now my hottest client is possibly falling for me." Xavier chuckled into Fletcher's neck and nipped it a bit before pulling back only slightly. "I think you can just, gotta let him down easily." Xavier smiled at the kisses on his palm. "Now I'm the one who's falling..." He smirked. "Close your eyes, baby." With his thumbs, Xavier began to massage his boyfriend's brows, gently pressing the skin. "This stimulates the muscles and tissues beneath. Or that's what Youtube tells me." He continued on, massaging the sides of his neck after doing his cheek bones and jaw. Xavier leaned in to kiss his boyfriend's lips and smiled as he lingered closely. "Why don't you lie down on your tummy and relax your shoulders?" He shifted so that he could climb off of Fletcher and let him get comfortable.

Fletcher

Always, sweetheart. I promise," Flstcher replied knowing full well he would never pursue any unwanted advances and simultaneously, he welcomed Xavier's pursuits. He chuckled and coolly assured, "Late is better than never at all when you're wanting one. But he listened to Xavier and said, "I appreciate that, but I mean it. However you want tonight to go is just fine by me. I'll be happy and a willing participant either way." Xavier had been good to him, Drew and Phoebe the whole week he'd been with them. The meals made, the attention paid to Phoebe and Drew, on top of him staying over night after night--going to bed with him and waking up beside him--all was making it out to be one of if not the best week for Fletcher.

With a dramatic sigh, he admitted, "I do. Goddammit," and then he grinned a bit, continuing to glide his fingertips up and down Xavier's sides. "The glasses, the accent, those lips that I could just kiss all night if you let me..." He trailed off, tilting his head to offer more of his neck to Xavier. His eyes shut as he added low, "He'll be alright. You and me? We're a thing now." His eyes opened again as he "signed" for Xavier and after looking into his eyes, he listened to the instructions given and closed his eyes again. He leaned back to rest his weight against his hands again and tried to keep his expression neutral the moment he felt Xavier's fingers at his brows. His lips twitched into a smile at the YouTube lessons reminder but he stayed quiet and focused on each area of his face as Xavier touched caressed it. The kiss caught him off guard but he relished it and kissed him back in no time. Again his smile returned as he opened his eyes following Xavier's next instructions. "See? This is why you get the cute label and not me. You're calling a grown man's stomach--your boyfriend's stomach his tummy.

As he made to turn over, he reached to bracket Xavier's chin with two fingers and pulled him in for another tender kiss. "Absolutely the cute one here," he grinned and then laid on his stomach--his tattooed back, bare ass and two calf tattoos on full display for his boyfriend. He was about to rest his arms on either side of his torso but with his head turned in the direction of his nightstand, he eyed the baby monitor and reached out to turn it on, and then resumed the position Xavier wanted him in. His head remained turned to one side as he randomly said, "You know, there was a time where I thought that, on a dare, I was going to end up with 'Kiss It' across my ass cheeks." He chuckled, thinking back to the memory. "Not the worst almost-tattoo but I sure as shit prefer Scrooge McDuck."

Xavier

"Jesus, every time you call me that, I'm putty. Is that one of your techniques? It just really rolls off your tongue." Xavier, while slightly embarrassed at the current admission, was beginning to realize that he'd never tell any other partner something that personal. He figured, it just made the words confessed in the living room even more realistic. He didn't have to worry about any of that with Fletcher. He smiled at his boyfriend's words. He did *want* one but he also hadn't realized that he didn't have one. Xavier had been clueless in a way at what an awakening like that would have felt like. It wasn't until he experienced that Xavier felt things he had never felt. "Well, now you have me thinking of that night and while we've had many like that before...you've tainted my mind for the night." He grinned, rubbing his nose against Fletcher's.

A soft chuckle fell from his lips. "I'm glad. I love making you smile." He felt the goosebumps forming against his skin at Fletcher's touches. "I'll let you..." He kissed more of his boyfriend's neck. "Oh? I love your confidence." Xavier continued his facial massage, smiling when Fletcher kissed him back. "Mm mm. I'm allowed to think my man is cute. And yes, it's a tummy--my tummy. My man." He grinned, about to move off Fletcher only to stop when he kissed him again. "You're so romantic tonight." He smiled widely, so wide it met his eyes. He liked seeing Fletcher so happy, so relaxed. It was even nicer knowing that Xavier had something to do with it all. After he chased another kiss, Xavier waited for Fletcher to get in position and then moved to straddle him again, stopping to give his butt a little smack. When the baby monitor turned on, Xavier smiled at the peaceful, sleeping baby on the screen. He gathered a generous amount of lavender oil onto his palms, rubbing them together before delicately applying it against Fletcher's shoulders and shoulder blades, rubbing the sensitive areas with his thumbs and then palms.

"You're so tense here, baby..." He whispered but continued listening to his boyfriend while he was being massaged. He laughed at the ass tattoo comment. "Well, it could still happen. I wouldn't be surprised if that's in Rodrigo's arsenal so you better be ready. " He smirked and nodded in agreement, keeping his posture propped so that he could be generous in his kneading. "I like Scrooge McDuck. For yoru ass maybe we could do like.. hmm... Property of X or X gonna give it to ya. Working in progress." He laughed, shaking his head some.  Xavier proceeded to massage down Fletcher's sides, stopping at his ribs to rub another usual sensitive spot. "How's that, darling?"

Fletcher

The smack to his ass made him perk up a little and glance over his shoulder as he said, "Hey, watch it. That thing's already the size of Pluto--you'll end up smacking it right off me. Then I'll be all back and legs." He let out a tiny, sorrowful sigh, completely joking as he turned on the monitor and settled in for the next part of Xavier's massage. Feeling Xavier's hands and the oil on his skin had been nice but the attention paid to his muscles? It was heaven. He rolled his eyes shut with a satisfied groan and admitted, "I hadn't noticed," in regard to how tense his muscles were. Without opening his eyes again, he smirked a bit, listening to Xavier. "Mmm, no, he spent that dare already. There's not a ton of dares I won't do from him but he can't keep on daring me to get random tattoos or else I'd be covered by now." A mischievous grin graced his lips after a beat, "But I can dare him." He chuckled at the ass tattoo ideas Xavier pitched, "If i was gonna get a tattoo for you, I could think of better places and ideas than on my pancake ass. Also, speaking of dares, before or around the time we became official, he dared me to ask you if I give you the warm and fuzzies or some shit like that." Even behind closed eyelids, he'd rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure I told him I hated him for that dare."  Drawing in a deep breath and slowly letting it out, Fletcher responded, "Amazing. You're very good at this. I'm gonna have to try and not fall asleep yet."

Xavier

Xavier couldn't help the growing smile forming against his lips as his boyfriend spoke. It was nice, feeling like they were miles away from that first awkward kiss,  and while their attraction to one another was so instantaneous, building their emotional connection was the journey Xavier appreciated.  he wondered if it all had a lot to do with his absence due to work or their inability to seeing each other because of their demanding schedules. All those questions were gone now that he's spent time in Fletcher's home for a couple of nights. Xavier already knew he was smitten but a lot was cemented with him staying the week. With every kiss, and every gesture, Xavier felt the gravitational current course through him. "Your fault. For being so irresistible."

He laughed softly, some bashfulness peeking through as Fletcher went on. Knowing that his boyfriend had learned early on how much Xavier enjoys praise and the occasional compliment made him beam even more. They both had their ways of tending to each other's love languages, which was extremely important for Xavier.  To know that things he did and said to and for Fletcher made the other happy, made Xavier even happier. "I'm not telling you to butter you up but you should know that you make it easier for me to do so. Firstly, your smile alone is worth a million bucks but also, the way you've let me in and opened up..." He shrugged and framed his boyfriend's face with his hands. "Makes me want to do all the good and bad things to you. Also your brand of confidence is hot as fuck." Once Fletcher had rolled over and Xavier was on top of him massaging his shoulders, he laughed at the mirrors comment. "Stop..." He chuckled and shook his head.

Again, Fletcher had him laughing at the small ass jokes and Xavier shook his head before leaning into his boyfriend while on his back and whispering in his ear. "I think it's a great ass. But you can have some of mine. I've got enough junk in this trunk for the two of us."

It filled Xavier with so much pride and happiness hearing Fletcher's reactions to the massage. Considering his boyfriend never had one and how much Xavier wanted him to relax tonight, he was glad that it was working. He smirked listening to Fletcher talk about Rodrigo and then laughed at the mention of him being able to dare the Middle school teacher. "Make it a good one. Maybe like a Pokemon or something."  He loved their relationship and Xavier had grown to love both Rodrigo and Jade even more now. He'd take the shirt off his back for them because not only were they good people but they were good to Fletcher and his family. "Pancake ass." He hollered and let his laughter naturally fade. "You're killing me tonight..." Xavier then added, "Maybe you should be a comedian too." He listened to Rodrigo's dare and chuckled, his belly full of amusement tonight. "Oh well, since you're asking. You can tell him that yes, you give me all the warmth and fuzzies and I kinda knew you would early on but I was yours probably somewhere between Valentine's Day and the Sip N' See. Now you just give them to me everytime you look at me in certain type of way or kiss me or touch me. It's unavoidable, sometimes unexpected but overall the best feeling." As extroverted and open as he was, this was probably the first time in their relationship he's been so vocal about how he feels about well, everything. "Hey...if you're tired...fall asleep. I can give you your happy ending in the morning?" It was nice knowing he could be there when they both woke up. He leaned in again and kissed Fletcher's cheek. "Want me to do you butt and legs?"

Fletcher

"Fair enough. But that side of me only comes out when it's warranted," Fletcher replied with a pointed gaze to Xavier. And he was happy to hear Xavier's different laughs. It had him smiling as the two of them fed off of each other. "You're an easygoing person. To me, anyway. You're a whole lot of things that I've enjoyed learning about and experiencing when being around you. So I'm happy to have you do all the things." He grinned a little and even chuckled a bit with Xavier. Hearing his whispered words made him smile again. "Listen, I'm not messing with perfection. Your ass is glorious as-is."

While fully engrossed in thr massage--in Xavier's welcomed touch and kneading into his body, he smirked. "A Pokémon's not a bad idea. I'll have to look up a ridiculous one though. I dont know a lot of them but he can't be getting something cool or popular like Pikachu." Making Xavier laugh harder cause Fletcher to chuckle beneath him. "Hell no, I have stage fright," he joked. "I'll leave that profession to you." His eyes were still shut as he listened to Xavier respond about the warm and fuzzies. "You sure as hell are being more romantic than me tonight. I like hearing these things from you though." He moved his arms to rest his hands under his head and stayed that way, while thinking over Xavier's offer. But he opened his eyes at his last question. "Do my butt and legs? Well that woke me up," he chuckled. "I like what you're doing to my back and shoulders. But I was today years old when I learned butt massages are a thing so thanks for that info."

Xavier

He caught Fletcher's look and smirked. "Consider me lucky, then," Xavier added some more lavender oil to the palms of his hands before  he applied his hands to Fletcher's lower back, gently massaging that area, and moving his hands around his hips.  He loved all sides of Fletcher but this playful side was his favorite. The air felt light and they were able to be themselves. "Why, thank you. I'm glad you enjoy it." He couldn't help but laugh softly. "I'll make sure to give it an extra shake when I'm around you or when I walk away."

"Oh my God." He thought it was funny that he had given his boyfriend this idea. "We'll take a look at a couple. Oh! Henry's biggest obsession is Pokemon. He has an album full of cards. He can be your consultant." Xavier laughed, leaning in to press a few kisses against Fletcher's back. "Stage fright. Really?" He smiled and then sat back up again to continue. "I don't know...I think it's a tie tonight." Xavier stopped mid-massage when Fletchr spoke again. "Uh, yes of course. Your butt muscles hurt too! And I will take a bet that yours are sore from work since you're sitting for hours at a time during a session." Xavier finished off Fletcher's hips and then climbed off of him, positioning himself between his boyfriend's legs and spreading Fletcher's legs apart so he could sit there on his knees. Xavier then rubbed some oil on his hands again and gently pushed Fletcher's glutes upwards before rubbing the area with his thumbs. His hands splayed against his boyfriend's buttocks and he added pressure as he massaged. "Tell me that doesn't feel amazing?"

Fletcher

"I already do. Micro-horseshoes running through your veins and everything," Fletcher replied. He relished the massage and thought aloud, "I don't know how I managed to miss out on this for forty years but goddamn it's good." He grinned hearing Xavier talk about his own ass and said, "Picturing you just randomly shaking your ass without anyone understanding why is hilarious to think about. And just to take the mystery out of it, I *do* stare at your ass whenever you walk away, even if it's just for a couple seconds."

Fletcher chuckled, "Is he? Yeah, I'll enlist his help then and gear up for this dare. Catch Rodrigo off guard sometime and tell him I've already got him booked for the session." He then rolled his eyes, "It's not a tie. You won by a landslide. One of these days you're gonna have to accept that you just win some things between us. Cute is yours and tonight, romantic is *yours*. If I can accept it, I know you sure as hell can." He smirked a bit and then felt Xavier's hands leave his body, only to return directly on his ass. "Well damn, babe. And here I thought you were just gonna stick to my back. But I'd be lying if I said that didn't feel nice coming from you and those skilled hands of yours. Tell me YouTube didn't teach you that."

Xavier

Xavier chuckled at the thought of littlle horseshoes running through his veins and then shook his head. "You have away with words." HE agreed that Fletcher was missing out and sighed. "I don't know how either but you never had me as a boyfriend and I think that's got a lot to do with it." He smirked. "But I'm glad I can do this for you. Especially after a day of work." Xavier laughed as the ass shaking topic lingered. "They don't have to know. Only you. But no free shows for them so I'l sshake my ass in the corner or something." He loved hearing that Fletcher did check him out and it made his smile widen. "Oh yeah? Checking me out...I like that."

"Henry will literally talk your ear off and will be happy you listen. He'll find a ghastly  Pokemon for you. Wait, I think there's one named Ghastly actually." He laughed imagining it all. " He feigned defeat and sighed. "I suppose tonight I will take these roles of cute romantic. I t's a special night after all." He pushed Fletcher's glutes upwards and continued massaging his ass with pride. "Naw. I just know the human body but also, I've gotten to know yours." Xavier finished up the massage and sat up completely. "How'd that feel, sir? Was it to your liking? Do I get a good Yelp review?"

Fletcher

"That's me, poetic to a tee," he joked dryly, knowing full wll that sometimes he was great with descriptions while other times, he was downright crass and basic. "I think you're right about that. Made all the difference having you. Thank you for all this. I feel like I haven't thanked you yet and I'm a dick for not doing that sooner." He lifted an index finger in warning, "Don't argue with me on that by the way." He then lowered his hand to rest and smiled a bit. "Just free shows for me? I'm honored. And yeah, I've liked the view. Not as much as that gorgeous face of yours but still. It's nice eye candy."

Fletcher chuckled some more, "Is there? That's great. And if I had him get that one on or near his ass, it'd be gold." He heard Xavier's playful sigh and then quipped, "Damn right you will." With his head turned and rested to one side, Fletcher continued talking to his boyfriend while having his butt massaged. "This ass massage is one of the strangest things I've enjoyed. If I ever end up going somewhere to get a massage though, I'm having them stick to just my back and shoulders." When Xavier finished and sat up, Fletcher shifted a little to lay on his side and turned his head to look at Xavier fully. "First of all, fuck Yelp. I hate that site." He chuckled a bit, "And second, you, sir, were incredible." Turning and sitting up, he reached forward for his pajama pants but kept his eyes on Xavier. "How can I leave a tip?"

Xavier

He was about to protest. Something about not needing a thank you and how he probably has been thanked already when Fletcher told him not to argue with him on that. His mouth closed, thinking it was comical how his boyfriend knew him enough to say such a thing. Xavier donned a tiny smile as he continued his massage.  Fletcher’s compliment had him beaming again. “My face is going to be permanently fixed this way if you keep that up.”

“Yeah and I’m pretty sure he isn’t cute at all. The things I’ve learned with the kids in the house…” from Olivia Rodrigo to Pokémon facts, Xavier had a lot of facts in his arsenal that weren’t there before. He chuckled at Fletcher’s words. “If you get a deep tissue massage just tell them no butt. They’ll definitely ask like I did.” He then gently began to rub Fletcher’s buttocks before he finished. He met his boyfriend’s gaze and laughed. “Google reviews?” He smiled at the compliment. “Good.  There’s more where that came from whenever you feel like you need one.” Xavier shifted so he could then plop beside Fletcher and also laid on his side, propping himself up with his elbow. “I accept all tips. I’m all about equal opportunity.” He grinned and leaned in for a kiss before his boyfriend could get a hold of his pants. “Sleepy?”

Fletcher

"Then I'll stop. Thinking about a permanent smile gives me Joker thoughts," Fletcher replied, pretending to shudder followed by a smirk. "But I do like your smile a lot. About as much as your laugh." And with the talk about Pokémon, Fletcher snorted, "Even better. If nothing else, I'll end up Googling weird or ugly Pokémon and set up the dare from there." He loved Rodrigo and knew the two of them lovingly fucked with each other here and there. But for the time being he was deeply focused on the massage Xavier was giving him and how great it felt. "Good to know. You've spoiled me tonight, sweetheart." With them finishing up there and facing each other, Fletcher returned Xavier's kiss. Gripping the shoulder of his boyfriend's shirt, he let his lips linger for a bit and gave a satisfied hum before the two parted. As he grabbed his pajama pants to put on, he answered, "You're giving me a night of firsts because I don't think I've been sleepy, relaxed and turned on all at once." And as much as he wanted Xavier then and there, Fletcher had a thought while adjusting himself in his pajama pants and said, "You know, I've noticed I'm always falling asleep before you. Maybe I should see about getting you on my level of sleepy and relaxed and all that tonight."

Xavier

“No,  stop why’d you say that now I’m going to have nightmares. Thanks.” Xavier chuckles softly, his cheeks all warm from his boyfriend’s words. “These are things that make you irresistible. And I guess you did fall for me so now this contract is null and void.” Xavier grinned and as the conversation continued and they discussed the potential Pokémon tattoo, Xavier couldn’t help but laugh. “I am so glad I have low key become a part of this hot mess.” Instigating this future tattoo was already making his night. Once he was face to face with Fletcher, Xavier flashed him a smile before they were both lip locked. “Mm you deserved to be spoiled.” Xavier loved to do it so for him, it was a win-win. He tilted his head slightly as he listened to Fletcher, a soft laugh falling from his lips.  Already wearing lounge clothing, he laid back completely, sliding beside Fletcher and looked up at him. “That sounds nice.” He reached up to cup Fletcher’s face. “Do what you like, love.”

Fletcher

"I said it because--" He cut himself off and then asked, "Tell me you've seen the Batman movie with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson? Or the. Batman animated series from the nineties?" He laughed a bit when Xavier brought up the contract. "Good thing we didn't get anything in writing or you might be able to sue me." He was just as amused at Xavier engaging in his and Rodrigo's antics. "Now we'll have to see if he actually good through with the dare or not, once I pick a Pokémon for his ass." He playfully rolled his eyes at Xavier telling him he deserved to be spoiled but didn't voice an argument. "What I want, huh? I'm pretty sure you were the one who was gonna dole out a happy ending at some point and I told younthe same thing." After flipping back the comforter and blanket underneath it, he wrapped an arm around Xavier and pulled him to his chest. "But I also got your permission to kiss you all night, so... I'd like to make good on that until I can't anymore."

Xavier

“Excuse me who do you think you’re talking to?” Xavier laughed. “Yes of course and that’s why I said I was having nightmares. Especially the end scene in the first Batman. Oh my God that should be our next movie rewatch.” Xavier grinned at Fletcher’s response to the contract being null and void. “I would never.” Xavier was now invested in Pokémon ass tattoo gate. “I want all the updates.” He nodded at Fletcher’s question. “That’s right.   And look at us being equal opportunity boyfriends.”Xavier grinned. “The offer is still on the table but I know you’re also tired, baby…” he chuckled when he felt Fletcher pull him to his chest. He happily rested his head there as he splayed his fingers against his skin. “I like the sound of that.” He looked up at his boyfriend’s face and smiled.  “And tomorrow before you go to work I’ll make good on that happy ending…”

Fletcher

"What, you want me to just assume I know every movie you've seen?" He asked with raised brows and a smirk. "You're worried about having nightmares but wanna make that our next movie we watch together? Make it make sense." He chuckled and shook his head. "You'll get updates, that's a given. Although I dunno how I feel about possibly sending a pic of Rodrigo's asscheek to you. I know he calls you 'our' boyfriend but I'm possessive and only want you looking at my non-ass." He'd been largely joking of course when he said this. And then as he listened to Xavier, he stifled a yawn, punctuating his own fatigue. With the two of them cuddled close, Fletcher bent his head and began on those kisses. "Thanks, sweetheart." His fingers stroked Xavier as he asked, "Did you want to get pajamas on or are you sleeping in what you've got on?" He gave another tender kiss, "And, tell me... do you have trouble sleeping?"

Xavier

"Yeah, I guess you're right but that's a classic movie and the Animated Series was everything, let's be real." Xavier chuckled. "The joked always scared me a bit but I still watched the movie. I'm a masochist, what can I say?" He grinned, knowing that his backwards logic would amuse Fletcher and that in itself made him happy. "Good and oh no ass cheek photos. I'm okay. You can just let me know the dare has been done and then I can cackle with my champagne flute and fur coat like some villain." He laughed. "Your ass is the only ass I want to see. You can let Rodrigo down gently for me and not in front of Jade." He laughed again. "do you have a little possessive streak? Kinda hot." He scrunch up his nose as is smiled mischievously.  "I can sleep in this..." He muttered against Fletcher's lips. He was wearing light lounge pants and Gargoyles T-shirt. "Yeah..I do. That's been going on since end of secondary school though..." He kissed Fletcher's chin. "But this cuddling? It does the trick," Xavier offered his boyfriend a lazy smile. This was his favorite part.

Fletcher

"True for both. I'm glad to know you're into them both," Fletcher replied. He chuckled a bit and teased, "Yeah I guess so. But you're a self-aware masochist so that's gotta count for something." At the talk of the prospective tattoo dare for Rodrigo, Fletcher lightly snorted at the image Xavier painted of himself as a villain. "I'm having a hard time picturing you as a villain. Sounds more like you'd be a pimp to me. But hell yeah I'm possessive. It's a very broad streak." When he was single, he was passive about the flirtatious customers he encountered but since his and Xavier's relationship blossomed, he was very swift in shutting down anyone else's advances and would have no problem letting anyone else know that he and Xavier were exclusively one another's. He'd given lazy kisses around Xavier's face and listened to him share that he'd had sleep troubles for more than a decade of his life. Kissing him full on the lips, he stroked a thumb near Xavier's hairline and then told him, "I'm glad this helps." He'd made sure the covers were pulled up on the both of them but underneath it, he was drawing slow circles along Xavier's side and occasionally leaning in to kiss Xavier on his forehead, his hair, his temple, anywhere his lips touched, right up until he'd succumbed to sleep.

Xavier

"It's gotta." Xavier chuckled softly as he stifled a yawn. He wrapped his arm around Fletcher's middle and nudged his boyfriend's feet with his own. "A pimp?!" Xavier laughed quietly before pressing a kiss against Fletcher's cheek. "I don't know why I'd even be considered for Kang but I suppose I can *act* like a villain." He listened to Fletcher talk about being possessive and smiled a bit. "I don't think I've ever been jealous before you so there's that. I guess it's because I like ya so much." He then yawned once more and closed his tired eyes a bit. "But not toxic...never me." He relished in all the kisses  and hummed at Fletcher's words. The more his boyfriend continued, the more he cuddled up, squeezing him before relaxing his body against the other's. He reopened his eyes to catch his boyfriend's beautiful dark ones right before he dozed off. Xavier kissed his lips and then shifted enough to rest his head under Fletcher's chin. "good night. love you, " He murmured into his boyfriend's shoulder, and after a few silent minutes, Xavier fell asleep too.

[fletchervanhall]

A Flavier Father's Day

Featuring: Xavier Mitchell & Fletcher Van Hall with Winter & Henry Mitchell, and Phoebe & Drew Van Hall Location: The Mitchell Home; San Francisco, CA Time Frame: Morning, Father's Day 2024 Notes: Plenty of feels, funnies, and whole lotta family!

FLETCHER

Fletcher had fallen asleep spooning Xavier and woke up the same way. In addition to being a very light sleeper, he was a relatively still sleeper in that he didn't toss and turn much when he slept well. But over the months, even with most of that time being Phoebe's infancy and not sleeping fully through the night, he found he slept very well when Xavier was in bed with him. For Father's Day weekend, they'd been at the Mitchell home. The night before, he and Xavier harmlessly argued over who would make breakfast in the morning. Fletcher was determined to be up before him and so far, it seemed like that had been the case. It was relatively quiet from what he could tell and since there was no sounds coming from the baby monitor to indicate Phoebe was awake yet, he'd had a triumphant feeling surge through him as he carefully lifted his arm from around Xavier and slowly rolled to the edge of the bed to get out of it. When he stood, he stretched his arms far apart and quietly yawned before padding around the foot of the bed. But as he reached the door, he felt and then sensed that he no longer was the only one awake in the room and stilled. Eyes narrowing a bit, he turned around and looked at his boyfriend. "Good morning sweetheart. And before you pick up where we left off last night...well, words-wise, I'm already up so I'm making breakfast for us. So there. Stay there and I'll be back soonish with food. And maybe a morning delight if the kids aren't already up and about too."

XAVIER

Sleeping in or sleeping for longer than four hours at a time was a foreign thing to Xavier. He didn't have a newborn that kept him up like Fletcher but he did suffer from bouts of insomnia from time to time. He had tried different alternatives to try to get him to sleep from anxiety meds to melatonin to cherry juice to warm drinks at night to CBD oil but nothing seemed to do the trick. His mind was always awake and while he was still young and actively working on new projects, it suited him well but in the back of his mind he knew that sleep was important and he didn't want to spend his later years burnt out. After meeting his boyfriend, he'd often joke that Fletcher would wear him out and while some of that was true, it was more than just the intimacy getting him to sleep peacefully, it was their closeness. The nights they spent together were the best ones and Xavier would always find himself missing Fletcher's presence and his warmth. With his boyfriend's arm draped around him, he'd favor holding the older man's hand until they both drifted and Xavier was starting to realize why sleep was so damn important. Xavier wasn't one to let go of anything and in the back of his head, before falling asleep the night prior, he reminded himself he'd have to beat Fletcher to the clock to make breakfast for Father's Day. It was an important day for obvious reasons but it was also their first Father's Day together and separately. There was something very special about that. When he felt Fletcher moving beside him, he kept his eyes closed to give off the illusion that he was still asleep. Xavier tucked his lips in as soon as he felt Fletcher roll off the best, trying his best not to snicker and with his boyfriend's back turned to him, he quickly and very quietly climbed out of bed, slowly creeping up behind him. And that's when he was caught. "Oh hiii, baby." He grinned widely. "look, I love it when you're so demanding but I fear that I will be winning this round." Xavier leaned and tip-toed to kiss Fletcher on the lips. "Morning delight included. I already have a menu in my head." He tapped his temple and smirked.

FLETCHER

Fletcher laughed, "It’s cute you think you're gonna win." He dipped his head to meet Xavier's lips and then smiled as he listened to Xavier. "Good. In that case," and he bent his knees, wrapped his arms around Xavier's thighs and lifted him off the ground, walking back to the bed where he deposited him. He climbed onto his boyfriend and pinned Xavier's hands over his head, looking down at the man with a smile. "Now stay here, sugar," Fletcher insisted, his voice low and demanding. He lowered his face enough to kiss Xavier's full lips, thoroughly and deeply and hadn't parted until they needed air. He brushed his nose across Xavier's as he sweetly murmured, "Let me make you breakfast, X."

XAVIER

"It is really cute, right?" Xavier replied with a mischievous grin before kissing his Fletcher. The night before had been amazing as always and he wouldn't mind a repeat as everyone slept as long as Xavier could make everyone breakfast and spoil the shit out of Fletcher. When they broke their kiss and Fletcher bent his knees, Xavier watched with a puzzled expression. "What are you--oh my God. How're you so insanely strong?!" He laughed when he fell back onto the bed, an amused smile spreading against his lips. "You're man-handling me." His smile only widened when Fletcher pinned his hands. "Not fair..." Before he could say anything else, Xavier was kissing his boyfriend, already giving up on this battle. When they broke their kiss, he chased another quick one and grinned at his boyfriend's antics. "I hate you." He stole one more kiss. "No, no kidding. I love you. Okay, you can make breakfast. I'll clean the dishes." Xavier looked up at Fletcher. "Happy Father's Day, baby."

FLETCHER

Fletcher chuckled, "I mean I know I'm not built like The Rock but you make it sound like you weigh a metric ton or something." He smiled and gazed down at Xavier as he climbed on him. "Mmhm, sure am," he confirmed of man-handling his boyfriend. "Completely fair," he casually argued, an impish smirk appearing on his face before he'd started kissing Xavier. He gladly accepted the stolen kiss and grinned back. "If this is your brand of hating me, I could live with it." He kissed him back again and then kissed his nose and forehead. "Happy Father's Day, sweetheart." And as he sat up, releasing Xavier's hands to tug his ribbed tank off and toss aside, he asked, "We might've worked up our appetites a little last night but how about a little sampling of what's to come later?" He reached to trace a thumb along his lips and then glided his fingers down Xavier's chest. While slowly scooting down Xavier's legs, Fletcher leaned forward and stamped kisses across his chest, giving plenty of attention to each pec. His fingers roamed to the elastic waistband of his boyfriend's pajama pants, all the while keep his eyes locked on the man before him. Just as he was about to climb off of Xavier and rid him of his pants at the same time, he heard eager knocking on the front door. Completely caught off guard, Fletcher jolted, lost his balance and fell backwards off the bed with a solid thud, accompanied with a loud, "Shit!" from him.

XAVIER

“Still pretty strong.” He grinned, looking up at his boyfriend, completely amused and turned on at the same time. Breakfast did sound nice and he was plenty hungry but Xavier was enjoying Fletcher’s attention and when the question of sampling what they’d be doing later was posed, he used his now free hands and arms to prop himself up and watch his boyfriend. “That sounds like a good idea.” Xavier’s teeth raked across his bottom lip as the anticipation grew along with other things. “Only a sample?” His grin pulled at the corner of his lips and as he was going to lift his ass to assist Fletcher, he heard the door and his gaze snapped in that direction. He could have sworn everyone was still sleeping. And that’s when he realized Fletcher had lost his balance and as he was about to reach for him, Xavier missed and his boyfriend fell back. “Oh no.” He whispered, sliding down to the floor to help Fletcher. “One minute!” He called out toward the door and then let out a small laugh as he rubbed Fletcher’s arm. “Are you alright?” He asked him and made sure that he wasn’t hurt. As he got up and helped lift Fletcher up, Xavier noticed his other problem in his pants and turned around. “Dammit uhhh…” he closed his eyes and began thinking of all the unsexy things he could. The 96 year old crossing guard at the kids school completely naked with the exception of whipped cream anything. “Come in!” He sat at the edge of the bed and placed a pillow on his lap, pulling Fletcher down beside him. “It’s about time! Are you guys okay?! We heard a crash.” Henry came in with a platter of breakfast foods and Winter followed with another platter. “Henry, I told you not to ask questions. We made you both breakfast! We made some for grandad Drew but he’s still asleep sooooo once everyone eats and is ready, we’d like you to join us and Phoebe in the living room for presents!” Winter smiled at both the men sitting beside each other. “No seriously are you guys okay?”

FLETCHER

Fletcher was flat on his bare back at the foot of the bed, eyes squeezed shut as he slowly rolled to one side, rubbing the back of his head. “Ugh, goddammit,” he hissed. He was sure he wasn’t seriously injured but he certainly didn’t want to repeat this again. As he accepted Xavier’s help and they got to their feet, his back stung a little but he momentarily ignored it as he noticed the tent pitched in his boyfriend’s pants. Nothing and everything about their situation had been funny and, oh how he wanted to take care of that ‘problem’ for Xavier. But the kids were just on the other side of the door and likely weren’t going to wait too long for them to get themselves together. He considered sitting in front of Xavier between his legs but thought it would probably make matters worse for his boyfriend. He’d been pondering this with a hand still on the back of his head and his eyes on Xavier’s crotch until the younger man pulled a pillow there. Fletcher was momentarily taken by surprise from Xavier’ pulling him down beside him on the bed but he was trying to put the turn-ons out of his head for the time being and not work himself into the same problem his boyfriend was currently concealing. Looking to the door, Fletcher watched Henry and Winter enter the bedroom, brows lifting at the platters that each of them carried in. “Wow, guys. Yeah, everything’s okay, but wow. You two must’ve been up really early. What time is it?” He looked around for a clock or one of their phones to find out but listened to Winter. “Presents, huh? Well thanks, both of you. We’ll eat our breakfast, get some clothes on and meet you downstairs. Is Phoebe already up? I can get her diaper changed and I’ve got a bottle ready for her in the fridge. It just needs to be warmed up.” Hearing Winter check up on them again, Fletcher said, “Yeah, we’re okay. Promise, kid.”

XAVIER

Xavier began rubbing the back of Fletcher's head and then moved to his back, pouting a bit as he did so. "That sounded so rough, baby. Happy Father's Day, you have a goose egg." Xavier watched as Fletcher's gaze settled on his problem and then pointed to his eyes. "Hey! eyes up here!" He shook his head and grinned at Fletcher. "Stop looking at it like it's a meal! We have to behave. For a little bit." He then smiled as the children walked in, bearing all his teeth like he didn't just chastise his boyfriend for staring at his boner. Their gesture touched Xavier and he watched as the kids placed both platters on the dresser. "This all looks amazing! Wow! And it smells great! Thank you." "Happy Father's Day!" Henry chimed in and then glanced at his watch for Fletcher. "It's 7:22 a.m. Winter woke me up at 6:30 a.m. and we started. We even made the French Toast from scratch. You will be pleasantly surprised at the lack of egg shells." Winter smacked her brother on the arm and smiled when he rubbed it. "Don't listen to him. He makes fun of my cooking skills but he knows he loves it so...enjoy, guys! Phoebe is not up yet but once she is, I'll get her ready and give her the bottle! And then you can snuggle her on the couch and spend some very important daddy/daughter time while we set up the presents!" Winter was so excited about the surprises. "I'm really glad you're okay! Now eat up! We'll see you two in a little bit!" She was about to lead Henry out but then rushed to hug Fletcher tightly and then her father. "Love you, bye." "Peace out, fathers!" Henry threw up the peace sign and exited with his sister. "Peace out, children..." Xavier laughed and glanced over to Fletcher. "They love you."

FLETCHER

Fletcher softly snorted, "God, I hope it won't be that bad. My back hit the floor before my head did..." His comment trailed off as his eyes stared in the direction of Xavier's crotch. But he quickly snapped his gaze up to his boyfriend's face and cast him an unabashed grin. "But it was supposed to be my morning snack." He let out a dramatic sigh and then took a seat beside Xavier at the food of the bed. Henry and Winter's appearance with 2 trays of food really had surprised Fletcher but he was also warmed by their gesture and thoughtfulness. He smiled at them and listened to Henry, chuckling a little. "French toast without eggshells is the best way to have them. Thanks, Henry. Thanks, Winter." He was about to open his mouth again to protest Winter and Henry taking care of Phoebe when she first woke up but reminded himself that it was Father's Day and the kids were wanting to do some nice things for them and Drew. Drew was likely to be the last one up in the house but that was typical. He stood up, partly in front of Xavier to help it not look odd that he was resting a pillow across his lap, and shortly after he'd done so, he received Winter's hug. "Thanks, kid. Love you too. You too, Henry." Henry's departure made him chuckle a bit and after the door was shut again, he went to the dresser and plucked a strip of bacon from one of the trays. "Nice to know since I love 'em too," Fletcher said while munching on the bacon. He strode to the bedroom door and quietly locked it before going back over to the trays of food. "They really outdid themselves with all this. Come look."

XAVIER

You're welcome, dad--and Fletcher!" Winter added quickly, catching herself before saying the D word plurally. Would Fletcher even like that? Would Dad get mad at her considering it took her so long to call him the D word? It was different with her dad. Winter didn't understand why a celebrity would want to adopt her and Henry. Why would he want to add more pressure to his already crazy life? Was he trying to be another Daddy Warbucks? Were they just an Instagram post? Were they just meant to make Xavier look good? It didn't take long for those concerns to disappear and while Henry was convinced a week into being fostered, Winter knew she had to keep her guard up. She never imagined a life like this one in a million years and since Fletcher came a few months after they did, it was easier to include him into their unique family. In fact, Winter was thrilled that her father had found someone and that welcoming two kids into his life didn't keep him from falling in love. Everything that came after, meeting Drew, Phobe, and Emiliana cemented the feeling of family that she had yearned for. Even though she was only a few years older than Henry, it was a big enough gap for her to see herself as his sole caretaker. She couldn't believe her luck. "Come on, let's get Phoebe and you can finish setting up the living room, okay?" She messed Henry's hair and smiled as he skipped away to place everyone's gifts on the couch. Meanwhile, Winter quietly entered the nursery they had set up for Phoebe and she chuckled softly when she noticed Phoebe stretching. "Hey, Wiggleworm! Good morning!" She reached into the crib and picked the baby up. "Henry warmed up your bottle so we're going to change you into your Father's Day outfit and then get some food, ok?" Winter went to work, tickling the baby's toes every chance she got.

Xavier stood up, tossing his pillow to admire his kid's work. He smiled as he took in their gesture before plucking a grape off the vine. Xavier tossed the fruit into his mouth and snaked an arm around his boyfriend. "They really did outdo themselves." He reached for a fork with his free hand and gathered some scrambled eggs onto his utensils. The syrup from the French Toast had trickled down onto the eggs a bit and it tasted delightful. "Oh my God, try the eggs. They remembered the trick I taught them that keeps them fluffy." He gathered some more onto his fork and raised it to Fletcher's lips so that he could have a taste. "Mm before we get ready and go out there, let me give you my gift." He tiptoed for a kiss and then opened his closet to pull out a large-sized gift with various objects inside. He opened his top drawer and pulled out an envelope with two Father's Day cards and handed that to Fletcher first. "Okay, first gif is in there and the resttt...in here." He placed the bag on the dresser before reaching for more fruit.

FLETCHER

When the kids left the bedroom and Fletcher got to munching on some bacon, he leaned against the dresser to watch Xavier ditch the pillow and chuckled. He leaned over to drop a kiss on his boyfriend's shoulder and then hummed a little before accepting the offered bite of eggs. He licked his lips and nodded, "Mhm, those are great," and then he raised his brows. "Gift, huh?" Initially, he'd folded his arms and watched Xavier make his way to the closet. "Uh. That looks like gifts as in plural, sweetheart." He stuck the remainder of bacon into his mouth and dusted his fingertips along his pajama pants before taking hold of the envelope. As he chewed, he opened it and read the card, a soft smile appearing on his face. When he flipped the card open, however, he saw two strips flutter out and bent to retrieve them. "Holy shit, the Foo Fighters? I haven't seen them live before." Playfully, he tapped the corners of the tickets to his bare chest and stared up at the ceiling. "Now to just figure out who the hell I'm gonna go with..."

XAVIER

“I haven’t seen them either but I hear they’re amazing live and I figured you’d really like the show. We’re right at the front so the seats are incredible.” He heard what Fletcher said and raised a brow. “No sexy short kings come to mind? None? Damn, just when I thought we were getting hella serious.” Xavier sighed dramatically as he started cutting up his French Toast and then took a bite. Henry was right about Winter getting the recipe right. Everything tasted delicious. “Mmm Phoebe got you a present and a card too by the way.” A gentle smile pulled at the corner of his lips. “And I got a couple of gifts. Plural, yes but I can’t help myself and I wanted to spoil you.”

FLETCHER

"This is incredible, babe," Fletcher said, staring at the tickets in awe. He was already looking forward to going to the concert with Xavier but easily joked, "Mm. Do you know James McAvoy? He seems like he might enjoy Foo Fighters." He glanced up from the tickets and smirked before kissing Xavier's cheek. And then he moved from leaning on the dresser to standing behind Xavier and sliding his bare arms around Xavier's waist. He kissed the groove of his neck a few times and then reached around Xavier for some grapes and some bacon. "Are you compensating for not getting to be my sugar daddy before?" he teased in between bites and then shifted to his boyfriend's side to open the card from Phoebe. "I know you had to have had a lot of fun picking all this out," he commented, eyes lowering to read the card. His smile returned when he finished reading it, and then he propped both cards on the dresser. Setting the tickets down, he reached into the gift bag. Before taking the items out, he asked, "Do you want your gifts now or later? Fletcher had flowers being delivered after remembering how much Xavier liked getting them for Valentine's Day but he didn't know the exact time the bouquet would be delivered. The matching outfit with Phoebe made him chuckle. "This is cute. Maybe we'll rock these today." He had his and Phoebe's clothes for the week in his duffle still but thought it would be nice for them to wear the new attire. He grinned at the Foo Fighters shirt, as well as the tumbler, commenting, "New favorite cup." But when he took out the framed image, Fletcher's expression softened completely. "X... this is more meaningful than you know." He lifted his gaze to his boyfriend and after placing everything back in the gift bag, he gathered his boyfriend in his arms and kissed him full on the lips. Taking his time, he put as much of his appreciation into it as possible, tasting vanilla, cinnamon & syrup from Xavier by the time he pulled away. "Thank you, sweetheart."

XAVIER

Xavier loved seeing Fletcher so happy. There was something wonderful about how his face lit up when it did. He saw it often when he was with Phoebe, making him fall in love with his boyfriend repeatedly. At the question about James McAvoy, Xavier pretended to be in deep thought. "He does seem like the type, you're right. I could give him a ring tonight? See if he's available?" He grinned and looked back up at Fletcher when he situated himself behind him. Xavier enjoyed every kiss and let out a soft chuckle as Fletcher's facial hair moved against his neck and tickled him. He reached behind him, his fingers walking up his boyfriend's neck and they settled at the nape, gently caressing the skin as they buried themselves into his hair. "I am. Just wait until your birthday. Took everything in my power NOT to give that present to you today. But I'll behave." He wasn't lying. Xavier had ideas and since he preplanned most things, he was already getting that prepared as well. "Oh! before I forget, I got us tickets for the Deadpool and Wolverine grand opening fan event next month on the 25th. I actually got those last month because I wanted to make sure we had tickets to go see the movie. As soon as I heard about Fan events and presales, I knew it had to be done." When Fletcher moved to the side, Xavier's arm dropped and he leaned against the dresser to continue eating, stopping after having a healthy portion to wipe his hands and mouth. "That's completely up to you. You can give them to me when we all do presents or now. I did have a lot of fun picking them out. I got Drew a few things too and that was so much fun. One's back at his house and set up. I hope he likes it. " Xavier smiled as Fletcher admired the matching outfit, happy to hear they'd wear them today. "I'd like to see that." He was enjoying each and every reaction to his gifts, grinning at the favorite cup mention.

When Fletcher stopped at the frame, Xavier leaned in, biting his bottom lip as he stared at it too. "Yeah? I wanted you to have something special. Your first Father's Day and I wanted you to have something from when she was born. That's so important, those memories." It's why he had put together an album for Fletcher and the Sip N See. Xavier wanted those moments available for Fletcher always to look back on. He reached to wrap his arms around Fletcher's neck once Xavier was in his arms and looked up at him lovingly before their lips locked. Xavier closed his eyes, taking in the feeling and keeping Fletcher as close as possible. When his boyfriend pulled away, Xavier sighed. "You're very welcome, baby."

FLETCHER

"Yeah, maybe you can pull some strings. Get me a hot date for that night." He grinned and playfully squeezed Xavier's butt before wrapping his arms around him from behind. He'd closed his eyes while affectionately tending to his boyfriend's neck and shoulder, simultaneously enjoying the feel of the other man's s fingers wandering into his hair. He grinned and chuckled, "Are you sure you're gonna be able to wait another couple of months?" He couldn't even imagine what Xavier had in store for him for his birthday but he was sure it was going to be both thoughtful and plentiful. Gift giving and acts of service really were love languages Xavier most often expressed. And throughout their relationship, Fletcher adapted to understanding that about him and loving him for all his sincerity. He kissed his neck and shoulder a few times before halting abruptly, the moment he heard Xavier mention tickets for the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. "Shut the fuck up," Fletcher blurted out in amazement. "Jesus, X, this is too much." He'd never been this spoiled in his life before; Drew gifted him things from time to time but like Fletcher, there typically weren't many or too extravagant, with the exception of The Ink Tank. Fletcher knew Xavier enjoyed doing things like this. He was about to answer Xavier but then asked, "Set up? What'd you get him?" And after finishing with the gifts and kissing Xavier, he said, "You are my sweetheart." Once he gave a few more tender pecks, Fletcher turned to the platter while remaining in Xavier's arms to take a few bites of the French toast. After licking his lips, he agreed, "Mhm, you were right. Winter killed it with the French toast." He enjoyed some more of the breakfast with Xavier before going to his duffle and taking out the card he'd gotten for him, along with a square gift box. "I've got a couple other things but they're supposed to be delivered sometime today."

XAVIER

“I’ll do my best. I just hope McAvoy can do that thing I do with my tongue you like so much.” He loved being in Fletcher’s arms. His smile remained on his face as he felt his boyfriend’s lips brush against his skin and he laughed when he was asked if he would be able to hold on to the surprise he had planned for Fletcher’s birthday. “I’ll definitely try my best.” Xavier would be the first to admit that spoiling others was his favorite thing to do. He didn’t feel like he needed to do that to buy anyone’s affection, it just came naturally. Coming from nothing, it meant a lot to him to be able to do big gestures for others especially those he loved. When he felt Fletcher stop his kisses and he told him to shut up, Xavier laughed again and shook his head. “Not shutting up but that’s not even a Father’s Day present. It was honestly something I meant to do anyway and had forgotten to mention to you. I already knew I wanted you to go to the premiere and the fan event is going to be so sick with the popcorn buckets and the giveaways and with it being in laser IMAX 3D, well, I really wanted to go with you. I know Deadpool is your favorite so…” he shrugged a little and then kissed Fletcher’s cheek. “It’s a garden bed!” He smiled so widely that his teeth shined. “Baby, it’s so beautiful and it has a little set up for his tools and for extra pots. I got pots and soils too and I figured I’d take him to the nursery when he has time so he could pick out the seeds for it. He won’t have to bend too much to tend to it and I could help him paint it if he doesn’t want the wood finish. And if he likes it, I can get him another. I’m not saying he can’t tend to his garden but I figured something more accessible would make him feel good about it.” Xavier knew that the garden meant a lot to Drew and he had done a lot of research on Parkinson’s by now to know that he didn’t want to Drew to feel less than by taking away his hobbies. What he needed was accessibility.

He chuckled at all the kissed and his cheeks warmed up from Fletcher calling him his sweetheart. Being someone’s anything, being his something made Xavier feel so complete. He reached for the last piece of his French toast. “Right? She’s a good kid. “ he already knew what Winter and Henry had gotten both Drew and Fletcher and was looking forward to see both their faces. When Fletcher walked off and came back with a card and gift, Xavier, very excitedly, opened the card with a giant smile. His first Father’s Day. He really couldn’t believe those were words used to describe today. Xavier was a dad. A dad to the most incredible children. He pressed the card against his chest and looked up at Fletcher with a thankful expression. “Love you.” He was so genuinely touched that he had a partner to share this day with, one that was also celebrating his first. He then set the card beside the others before opening the box, his eyes twinkling at the sight of the bracelet with the names of both his kids. “This means so much to me. It’s gorgeous. Here, help me put it on, then.” He smiled, removing the bracket from the box before handing it to his boyfriend. “Ya know, you’ve made me so happy today. And you’ve made my kids happy too. I don’t know if you realize how much I love you. It’s bloody amazing. you’re bloody amazing.”!

FLETCHER

"Hm... but is that appropriate concert-going decorum?" Fletcher pretended to ponder before grinning at Xavier. He chuckled at Fletcher planning to try his best at keeping whatever plans were being made for his birthday under wraps for the next month and a half, and then relished the moment of the two of them being physically affectionate towards each other. He then plucked a few grapes and after giving Xavier the gift and card, he moved to the bed where he sat and watched him open the card and then the bracelet. "Love you too, he said back and took in Xavier's reaction to the bracelet. He smiled and then held his hand out to take the item, undoing the latch and holding it out before guiding it around Xavier's wrist and hooking it shut again. "Thank god it fits," he smiled, glad he'd chosen the right size range for the bracelet. "I feel like you could be standing in front of a mirror saying that." He smiled warmly and twined his fingers with Xavier's before pulling him onto his lap and wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. "You, Henry and Winter have added so much light to my life. Mine, Drew's and Phoebe's lives are worlds better with you three in it." He kissed Xavier's chest and then rested his cheek there. "And now it's damn near impossible to even try to imagine not having you and the kids as a part of it." His fingers ran slowly up and down Xavier's back "Thank you for loving us, sweetheart."

XAVIER

"For me it is." Xavier teased. He looked over to the monitor, smiling as Winter was getting Phoebe ready. He was glad that the kids had really grown to love Fletcher's family like their own. There was something really special about how well everyone gelled together and how much they all cared for one another. Sometimes it felt like it's always been like this. Xavier smiled as Fletcher hooked the bracelet on. He turned it around so that he could admire the names on it again and then tapped the empty spot beside Henry's name. "And that spot is for my munchkin." He smiled even wider, letting that thought set in. If things continued going in such a positive direction for Fletcher and him, he hoped that they'd become a unit, a little family. "It fits perfectly." Xavier joined Fletcher, sitting on his lap, and wrapped his arms around his neck. He listened to his boyfriend's words and he swore he felt his heart swell at that moment. "We feel the same about all of you. Henry is obsessed with Drew. Winter thinks we were all connected in a past life somehow and she thinks Phoebe is like her little doll." He chuckled softly, dropping his arms when Fletcher moved to rest his head against his chest. Xavier began massaging his boyfriend's hair and he kissed the top of his head. "Thank you for making it so easy." They remained close in that position for a while longer with Xavier picking up his boyfriend's chin, framing his face gently so he could capture his lips. When he heard a few knocks, he smiled and looked up at the door. "Come in!" He didn't get up from Fletcher's lap but waited to see who was there. Henry poked his little head in and waved. "Uh, sorry dads--dad. Dad and Fletcher? I'm working on it. Drew is up and ready and Phoebe is finishing up her bottle. We have some light tunes on Spotify and presents galore! I'll see you lovebirds in the living room!" Xavier could hear Henry's giggle and shook his head. "Let me throw on a shirt."

Xavier got up but not before kissing his boyfriend again. "If you behave, I'll show you some of that concert decorum a little later."

FLETCHER

Fletcher glanced down at the space on the bracelet Xavier tapped at and smiled a bit. He'd considered a charm for Phoebe but he and Xavier hadn't yet talked about the blending of their families or if he'd felt like a second father to Phoebe, the way he was surprised to find himself already feeling like a stepfather to Winter and Henry. But Fletcher had saved the name of the business he'd ordered the bracelet from and would be able to add to it someday. His arms stayed wrapped around Xavier's lower back while they talked and kissed. It wasn't until there were knocks at the door again that his lips parted from his boyfriend's. He looked to see who was there and then let out a low chuckle from Henry's greeting. "Thanks, Henry. I'll get my shirt on too and we'll be down in a sec." He'd have to grab Drew's meds on the way down but appreciated the kids giving him and Xavier a somewhat later start to their morning than usual. Fletcher met Xavier's lips and spanked his ass shortly after he'd gotten off of his lap. "Behave like that? Or behave like a monk?" He smirked standing up and looking around the floor for the shirt he'd discarded the night before. He picked up the ribbed tank and pulled it on over his head. As he consolidated the few bits of food onto one tray and then stacked them, Fletcher added, "I'll keep Phoebe in my hands so I won't be tempted. How about that?" He smirked, carried the trays out on his way to brush his teeth and then stopped by Drew's room in the Mitchell home so that he could check his daily medicine container. The Sunday A.M. medication was already emptied out and out of habit, Fletcher looked at each spot to make sure the correct ones were either empty or still filled. And then he made his way to the living room to join his uncle, boyfriend and then kids.

XAVIER

“Somewhere in between both?” Xavier chuckled, getting his shirt on and plucking Drew’s card from his dresser. He knew his kids had the sunglasses case wrapped in the living room and the garden bed would be a surprise in the form of a photo inside the card so that Drew would know what was waiting for him back home. Xavier quickly washed his face and brushed his teeth before stopping in the kitchen to get the Brita filter and some glasses out for everyone. He started a fresh pot of coffee in case Drew or Fletcher wanted more and then helped put away some of the perishable items that had been used to make breakfast. “We made grandpa Drew breakfast too.” Henry appeared like a ninja, giving Xavier a fright that made him chuckle. “You gotta teach me how to do that.” Henry smiled at his father and then gave him a hug. “Happy Father’s Day, dad. Did you like breakfast? Did Fletcher?” “Mm hmm. We loved it. That French toast was to die for and by the looks of it, you two made bacon just the way Fletcher likes it.” “Good!” Henry led his father into the living room and Xavier trailed behind carrying the Brita Filter and a few cups. “Good morning! There’s a fresh pot if you want more coffee, Drew. Or I can make you some tea. Whatever you’re in the mood for.” He went up to the older man and hugged him. “Happy Father’s Day. Sleep good?” Winter was sitting on the floor with Phoebe, showing her a couple of toys. “Don’t do any dishes! Fletcher! I can hear you!” She smirked and chuckled when Xavier messed with her hair as he passed her to sit down on the couch. “Okay! There are presents that I will now hand to you. These ones are from Winter and I” he went up to Drew and hugged him, Winter handed Phoebe to Xavier so he could hug him too. Xavier smiled when Phoebe was in his arms and he blew a few raspberries onto her tummy before he let Fletcher take her. “Check out her outfit.” The kids then handed Fletcher his bags and Xavier his. “Okay! Open them!!” Winter beamed

FLETCHER

“Hm… I don’t think I’ve ever actively tried to be monk-like. In fact I don’t even know why I asked. But I’ll give it a try. I guess,” Fletcher sighed, pretending to be disappointed that he wasn’t given the go-ahead to give more smacks to Xavier’s ass while they were downstairs. After the two of them finished getting ready and going downstairs, Fletcher was rinsing off some of the dishes but paused when Winter called him out. He chuckled a little and shook his head. “Alright, alright, Oh Pyschic One,” he called back, turning off the faucet and drying his hands. He made his way into the living room and took a seat beside his uncle. “Happy Father’s Day, old man,” he said with an affectionate jostling of Drew’s knee. “Thanks,” Drew replied and a beat later, he nudged his nephew and nodded in Henry and Winter’s direction. “These’re some great kids."

“Yeah, they are,” he murmured back, already knowing that Xavier hit the jackpot when he and the foster agency arranged for Henry and Winter to come live with him. He then watched Phoebe be passed from Xavir to him; Fletcher extended his arms and accepted his daughter, immediately holding her up high and looking up into her face. “Good morning, tree frog,” he said with a warm smile and then glanced down at the tutu onesie she had on. With a grin, he brought her close so that he could repeatedly kiss her cheek, “My first one thanks to you,” he whispered to her, sitting his daughter in his lap. He looked at Xavier, “Did you get her this outfit?” He wouldn’t put it past his boyfriend, but he also wouldn’t put it past Winter and Henry either. Or Drew for that matter, but he started with asking Xavier. And then the gifts came. “Wow, guys,” he started, brows shooting up without having opened them yet. With one arm secured around Phoebe, he started with the gift bag that held temporary ‘dad’ tattoos and a bracelet. The tattoos made him chuckle, “I can rock a couple of these today.” And the bracelet was on that he started to put on but paused and read the tag with it, instructing him to look inside the stand-out charm. Squeezing on y shut, Fletcher held up the bracelet and looked, only to find himself gazing at an image of him and Phoebe. She’d been scrunched up to his chest, fast asleep and he was staring down at her, serenely watching her sleep. The bracelet immediately went on his right wrist. “Thanks, you two. This is…” He gestured to the bracelet and then gave a few shallow nods, unsure of how best to say how meaningful it was. “Yeah…” was all he could manage before reaching for the wrapped square. In truth, he didn’t know what he was looking at but surmised enough that it would get hung up somewhere. “This looks pretty cool… are those sound waves?” he asked, looking from Henry to Winter.

XAVIER

Xavier chuckled at Fletcher's words and shook his head as they both got ready. Once they were downstairs and reprimanded by Winter, he moved into the living room to take his appointed seat. He smiled at the gentle interaction between Drew and Fletcher and also at how much Henry enjoyed having Drew around. He knew Winter loved him too but Henry had already grown an attachment. Once Phoebe was in Fletcher's arms, Xavier looked on with admiration and he smiled at his boyfriend's words to his daughter. "I sure did. That tutu had her name on it." He tickled Phoebe's side a little and then let Henry sit beside him. "You two did such a good job with all of this." "Winter would have gotten the black tutu but dad was like, red suits her well too. We wanted everyone to have a great day. It's our first Father's Day with like, a real dad and all." He smiled at his dad and Xavier wrapped his arm around the younger boy. "Well, it's all very special." Xavier winked at his teenage daughter who smiled back. She was busy waiting to see everyone's reactions. Xavier had opened his gifts, feeling very touched by all the details. He promised his kids he'd hang the family frame and tell them how much he loved his mug and personalized Pokemon cards. When he was finished, Xavier handed Drew the card which contained the photo of his new garden bed and the leather Gucci case for his new aviators. While Fletcher tried to come up with something to say after placing the bracelet he got from his kids on his wrist, Xavier massaged his back affectionately. Winter stood up and walked to Fletcher, turning the sound waves around to reveal the QR code. "Yeah. take a picture, it'll take you to a Spotify....you'll see!" Winter explained as Xavier took in his daughter's excited expression. She was beaming and it wasn't hard to notice. "Go ahead, Fletcher!" Henry smiled widely, waiting for the older man to follow the directions.

FLETCHER

Fletcher smiled, knowing his boyfriend well enough to have correctly guessed that he was behind Phoebe's outfit. "The red looks good on her." And when Xavier tickled her side, she squirmed a little and made her gasping laughs that Fletcher loved so much. She'd only recently been responding to being tickled but she'd been laughing at things for the past few months. His smile softened at the information Henry supplied about the black versus the red and Fletcher nodded in agreement about the red suiting her. "The day's early but I think you two already did a great job with making today special for all of us." "Damn right," Drew agreed. "You kids are very thoughtful. All of you," he said, shifting a pointed gaze to Xavier and Fletcher. He was content watching the two men open gifts from the kids and was happy seeing his nephew not only touched by the gifts that were given but that he was in love with someone who clearly loved him back and had a couple of kids who loved him and his family as well.

He hadn't expected to be gifted anything but when Xavier handed over a card and a glasses case, he gave the young man a harmless look of reproach, "I shoulda known better than to think you saying 'Happy Father's Day' would be enough." He saw the Gucci label and shook his head before setting the container in his lap to open the card. Chuckling at the card's front, he then opened it and just barely caught the picture that slipped out into his lap. He finished reading the card first and then picked up the picture. "What in the...?" He recognized the garden bed right away and said, "Thanks, Xavier. This is gonna be great on the old knees." He chuckled a little while patting one of his kneecaps and then he flipped open the sunglasses case. "And you're gonna have me looking like I should be in some kinda gardening magazine with these bad boys on." Though his hands were unsteady, he took out the sunglasses and decided to slide them on his face before sitting back in his seat and going back to watching the happenings in front of him. His son had texted him before he'd woken up, and his daughter was likely to call later, but the present company held his full attention. Fletcher was looking at the framed sound waves and listened to what Winter explained after turning it around. Keeping am arm around Phoebe, he shifted to take out his phone from his pajama pant pocket and tapped for the camera. Scanning the QR code, he was immediately taken to Spotify. His brows furrowed until he tapped the "play" button and heard a series of Phoebe's very young laughter. While the bracelet rendered him mostly speechless, this present very nearly made him cry.

His eyes misted up and while no tears spilled over, he was deeply touched by how priceless this gift was. Phoebe would continue to grow. Her laugh would change as she did. And now Fletcher would have this memory to cherish. Setting his phone back on the couch, he stood up with Phoebe still in his arm and moved to hug Winter tightly in his free arm, and then he did the same to Henry. "You guys are the best. Hands down."

XAVIER

"It really does. And it's not pink!" Xavier looked over to Drew and laughed, enjoying that they both were on the pink train when it came to Phoebe but Xavier did try to include other colors. He adored hearing the baby laugh and it made him melt. Xavier always loved children and knew that someday, someway, he'd end up with a house full of them. It was nice to see some of that happening already. Henry felt a sense of pride at Fletcher's words. They felt important to him. He really wanted to impress Fletcher and Drew and he wanted to have a big family so badly that this most felt like a dream to him. "You're welcome." When Drew spoke, Xavier grinned, his gaze shifting from one man to the other. He continued rubbing Fletcher's back, feeling how emotional he was getting and he felt lucky to have such incredible kids who had quickly grown to love his boyfriend and his family. When Drew opened the card, Xavier watched eagerly, glad that he liked the content of the card and that he seemed to like the gift. "You're welcome! If you like it, we can add more here and there. And looking stylish there, Drew! Gotta get you on a gardening dating app or something." He winked at Drew and chuckled. Henry and Winter quickly placed the giant box and gift bag that belonged to Drew at his feet and hugged him again. "Happy Father's Day!!" They said it in unison. Once Fletcher figured out the QR code, the two of them beamed. Xavier, unaware of the contents of these gifts, watched his boyfriend in anticipation, curious as to what would play for Fletcher. When he heard Phoebe's laugh, he smiled, looking up at a smiling Winter and Henry, and watched as Fletcher stood up to hug them both. "You guys...that's very special." He felt his own tears forming but he wiped them away. His kids hugged Fletcher tightly and Xavier welcomed his boyfriend back to his spot, gently massaging his knee. "Alright, Drew! Let's see what you've got!"

FLETCHER

"That's the biggest surprise," Fletcher dryly quipped, a soft smirk on his lips. He saw his uncle shake his head at him but he gladly shared a look with Xavier who knew of his fondness for pink. The gifts from Henry and Winter had been deeply meaningful to Fletcher. The bracelet was something he was going to wear as often as possible, and he already decided that the soundwave frame was going to go in his bedroom. Henry and Winter were true treasures of children, that much Fletcher was sure of. Xavier had been the perfect person to have been chosen to foster them. And the day that the children legally became his, Fletcher truly was happy for all 3 of them. Winter and Henry had constant and unconditional love from Xavier. And Xavier had his compass in the two of them, guiding him back home any and every time he needed it. For Fletcher,.it was a sight to witness and a pleasure to be enfolded into,l their family, along with Drew and Phoebe. After Drew learned that Xavier purchased him a new gardening bed, he listened and then laughed, "Hell no. I'm not looking to date anybody." "You sound like me now," Fletcher teased. "Now look at me."

"Yeah well you're still plenty young for all that and had the love to give. Any love I've got to gives for you guys and your kids." It went without saying that Drew included Rodrigo and Jade with that, and to a lesser extent, his own children and his son’s children. He'd then looked at the gifts the kids placed at his feet and looked at them in disbelief while returning their hugs. "Alright, Mitchells, this is the last time you get to spoil me without any fussing, you got it?" He got to opening the gifts, slowly, while Fletcher learned about the audio that went with the soundwave frame. The sound of Phoebe's innocent, sweet laugh seemed to have touched everyone who hadn't already known about the audio. And after Fletcher stood and hugged the kids with gratitude, Drew agreed with Xavier. "Yeah, you kids really knocked it outta the park with that one." He enjoyed the moment a little while longer, and then finished opening his gifts from Henry and Winter. The shirt with Phoebe's face all over made him laugh and the whiskey glass had him smiling from seeing the 3 kids' names engraved beneath handprints. When he finally reached the large box and unwrapped it, he gave an astounded chuckle, "This is gonna be a gamechanger for my old ass. Thanks for this." His smile was genuine as he looked between Winter and Henry. "Between thie anr the flower bed your dad got me, I'm gonna be growing the hell outta my herbs, veggies, fruits and flowers."

XAVIER

"Last time spoiling you without any fussing? Hard ask." Xavier chimed in and the kids laughed a bit. Phoebe had been reaching for Xavier's face and pretended to gobble her little hand up. As she grew, he was starting to see more of Fletcher in her, and Xavier couldn't help but adore her little features. He couldn't believe he had the privilege to witness a lot of her development already. Xavier continued playing with her as the kids looked on to watch Drew open his gifts. "You got your little teef coming in? Daddy told me!" He whispered in sing-song, trying to get the baby to smile as much as possible. "Mm, I don't know. Dad may be on to something with a dating app." Winter grinned as she watched Drew admire the gifts, gently pushing in the aviators on the older man's face. She was so proud of Henry for budgeting his allowance and getting some sincere gifts and Winter felt so much pride in herself for doing the same. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so full of love for so many people. She and Henry stayed silent after their gift-giving abilities were complimented. Once Drew was done, Henry beamed and said "You're welcome." Xavier smiled at Drew's words and then added, "Just let me know when and we'll get some seeds. I got a call that they want to do some comedy special back in New York City next week so I'll be there for that just for a week but once I'm back, we're all spending a lot of time together. I have some ideas. It's going to be a great summer. " He sighed contently, "Thank you so much for letting us into your lives. We love you guys so much." He then glanced over to his boyfriend. "You're gonna get sick and tired of me." He chuckled and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

FLETCHER

"I think you're up for the challenge," Drew told him with a deadpanned expression. He then shook his head when the kids laughed. "Don't encourage him you two. I mean it," he added with a wag of his finger. "If it helps," Fletcher said to his uncle as he passed Phoebe to Xavier, "I can try to rein him in. I'm not attached to his hip so there's no guarantees but I can try." He smirked to his boyfriend and found himself gazing a while longer at him and Phoebe--a sight he wouldn't ever get tired of. He loved them both and knew Phoebe loved Xavier. And as much as Xavier praised him as a father, Fletcher felt equally about Xavier whenever he witnessed it with Henry and Winter as well as the way he was with Phoebe. He listened to Xavier and Drew and while he was mildly bummed about Xavier's upcoming trip to New York, Fletcher wasn't one to express it or say anything unless asked. Settling down next to Xavier again, he glanced about at the family, their family and let his eyes linger on Xavier's face. "We love you too. All of you." He shut his eyes when Xavier's lips pressed to his cheek but when he opened them again, he dead-eyed his boyfriend. "I will not get sick or tired of you. Not seriously anyway." He cupped the back of Xavier's head and kissed him full on the lips for a few seconds and then told him, "Put that outta your mind today," while offering Phoebe his index finger to grip and shake. After a moment, he asked Winter and Henry, "Did you two eat breakfast?"

XAVIER

"Always, sir." Xavier chuckled but then let the moment pass between Drew and the kids. They were so drawn to him. He had learned it had a lot to do with them never having a family. They didn't know what a grandfather was or an aunt or a cousin. They survived together without the kind of exposure. Henry had stories to tell and awards to show off. Winter just needed a nudge, a protective figure, someone to talk to when teenage life got to be exhausting. "Okay. No app." Henry giggled and Xavier felt his eyes well up. It's not like the kids didn't have his parents, it was just that he had also been a kid that wished for a big family. Xavier happily accepted Phoebe into his arms and she smiled, stuck her tongue out, and squirmed and giggled; he enjoyed every part of it. "He can try but I'm so cute..." Xavier continued playing with Phoebe , cherishing every coo and giggle. The kids were helping with cleaning up and Winter had gotten quiet as she text someone which made Xavier's brows shoot up. He watched from the corner of his eye but knew Fletcher would soon get him to well, reign it in. Xavier let the tears fall from his eyes, making sure only Fletcher saw them and he smiled at him, pressing a finger against his lips before letting his boyfriend kiss him. "Good. Feeling is mutual." At Fletcher's question, Winter pocketed her phone and nodded. "Why don't you tell Fletcher, Hen?" Winter smirked and Henry rolled his eyes. "I ate 10 slices of bacon and two pancakes. I kept eating it like a snack until it was too late to realize I had gone through half a package." Xavier's eyes widened. "Son, you better be kidding." "Meh, he'll be fine." Winter laughed. "But yes, we ate but it won't be long before lunchtime rolls around so everyone figure out what we're ordering and go get dressed or whatever adults do on a day off. We meet back here in 1200 hours."

FLETCHER

Their family dynamic was relatively new, and it was unique but it was beautiful and it was theirs. Fletcher was truly happy about that fact, especially given his own upbringing and how, for a large part of his life, it ended up feeling like him and Drew as their own family unit. Drew's kids separated themselves as swiftly as possible thanks to Fletcher. Drew never told him as much but his cousins certainly did. And while he used to have bouts of guilt for Drew about this, he'd since gotten over it and kept himself out of their dysfunction unless it was something directly affecting Drew. Rodrigo and Emiliana entered their lives in an unexpected way and were now family just as much as Phoebe was his blood. And now, they had Xavier, Winter and Henry whom he hoped would forever be in their lives. He chuckled at Xavier commenting on his own cuteness and then quickly said, "I want all of you to remember this moment with Xavier calling himself cute." He grinned to his boyfriend and their occasional "cute" battles with each other in private. And a few moments later he saw the tears form and spill over Xavier's eyes. While a bit curious and concerned, he hadn't fussed and just quietly wiped his tears away following the kiss on Xavier's lips, he gently kissed each eyelid and then slipped an arm around Xavier's back. He briefly Winter's expression but hadn't called her on it, thinking that he or Xavier could ask her about it later. His brows raised upon hearing how many strips of bacon Henry had eaten. "Maybe cut back to four next time, huh, kid?" He chuckled a little and then said, "But I'm glad you two ate. And hey, thanks for cleaning things up." He listened to Winter and quietly muttered so only Xavier could hear, "Not sure they wanna know what these adults do on a day off." Quickly though, he spoke normally and asked, "1200 hours? Are you prepping to join the military?"

He checked the time on his phone and leaned into Xavier's side for a moment. "Phoebe's gotta go down for her first nap in a little while, probably by the time we're done showering and getting dressed for the day." And by that time, she would also likely need her diaper changed again. Still wearing the aviators, Drew told the bunch, "I was thinking of taking a little walk around the neighborhood after I got dressed if either of you kids wanna join me." While he napped about as much as Phoebe did throughout the day, Drew knew that staying active was important. He raised from his chair and reached for his cane. "We can all figure out something for lunch later on, yeah?" Fletcher suggested, gathering the gifts to consolidate in the gift bags. It would be easier to figure out where to put certain things once he was back at Drew's house. For the time being, he left them at the center of the coffee table and went over to his uncle. "You need anything?" Drew knew he was asking if he needed any help and waved him off, "No, no. I can dress myself. If I come back out with underwear on my head and my shirt hanging off my arms, then I might need something." Fletcher rolled his eyes at his uncle, "Smartass," and then watched after the older man taking to the stairs with one hand on the railing and the other holding his cane. Drew going up and down stairs always made him a little apprehensive but he knew that giving his uncle some independence where possible was important. As soon as Drew was out of sight though, Fletcher asked Xavier, "You ready to go up and get ready for the day?" He hadn't forgotten about his morning delight promise to Xavier but figured if the kids ended up going on a walk with Drew, that they could take advantage of that moment.

XAVIER

“Yeah yeah. Remember it because it’s not often.” Xavier laughed and his expression softened at his boyfriend’s gentle gestures. He smiled, nuzzling Fletcher’s neck for a few seconds and leaving a kiss against the inked skin there before pulling back. When Fletcher leaned into him and made the comment about what they do on their day off, he chuckled softly and shook his head. “Don’t think so,no.” Winter rolled her eyes playfully and shrugged. “Can you imagine me in the military ? The school has a this junior ROTC and while the uniform is nice I doubt I’d survive.” She grinned and stood up in case Drew needed help. She noticed that Henry did the same thing. They both volunteered to go on the walk with Drew and agreed to meet back in the living room once they were ready. Xavier stood up as well, swaying Phoebe gently in his arms and noticing that she was already trying to doze off. “Okay.” He kissed her cheek and handed her to her daddy. “Let’s get the munchkin ready for her nap and we can sort our morning out then. Winter, Henry listen to Drew please.” They both nodded and Xavier pointed to his eyes and then up the stairs indicating that Winter also keep an eye on Drew to which she silently nodded. Once upstairs, he yelled out a ‘Have Fun!’ To Drew, Henry, and Winter once they yelled that they were leaving. He turned around to face his boyfriend and grinned. “Want to take a shower with me after the baby falls asleep? I’ll make it worth you while.”

FLETCHER

"Reminders like that don't need to be made often. Just as long as you know it like the rest of us," Fletcher replied with a cheeky wink to Xavier. He did his best to dry his boyfriend's eyes and then shut his own when eyes upon feeling the kiss against his neck. When muttering about their day off, he grinned, and then Winter's response made him chuckle. "Who knows? You could've and some secret ambition just now coming to light." He was glad that Henry and Winter were going to join Drew on his walk, not liking the idea of his uncle going out alone. If anything happened, he knew Winter and Henry would call or one of them would come back to get him and Xavier. When he glanced over to Phoebe, he saw her resting her head against Xavier's shoulder and her small lips part for a yawn. He smiled softly when Xavier handed her back to him and once he had his arms around her, Phoebe rested against him in a similar fashion, head tucked under his chin. He caught the exchange between Xavier and Winter and gave his boyfriend a grateful smile. After a little bit or swaying and dropping a couple of kisses to the top of Phoebe's head, Fletcher followed Xavier upstairs and went in the direction of the nursery Xavier set up for her. He quietly began to sing Rascal Flatts' "My Wish" to her and took slow strides around the room, all the help further lull her to sleep. When he heard Xavier's question, he nodded and then grinned at his boyfriend's last remark as he continued softly singing Phoebe to sleep. It had been a good ten minutes before he felt his daughter was in a deep enough sleep to lay her down in her crib. Once he felt assured she wasn't going to wake right up again, he kissed her forehead, laid her in the middle of her crib and pulled a light blanket over her, up to her chest.

With the monitor on, Fletcher left the room with Xavier, twining his fingers with his boyfriend. "Now about that shower. I'm pretty sure I'm the one who promised morning delights first. You and the kids gave me a lot this morning. I'd like to return a little of that to you while we have some time to ourselves." Passing the bathroom, he led Xavier back to the bedroom saying, "We'll shower. Later." And when he pulled Xavier past the threshold and into his arms for a passionate kiss, Fletcher reached over his boyfriend's head to shut the door, intending to pick up where they left off earlier that morning.

[jade-escobar]

Game Night | Jadrigo+

Featuring: Rodrigo & Jade Escobar with Xavier Mitchell & Fletcher Van Hall; mentions of Emiliana Escobar and others. @rodrigo-esc Location: The Escobar home + CPMC Van Ness; San Francisco, CA Time Frame: Nighttime, August 4, 2024 Notes: A little game night/belated b-day fun takes an unexpected turn for Jadrigo and Flavier

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade stood at the kitchen counter, putting the final touches to the charcuterie board she prepared for Rodrigo, Fletcher and Xavier. She popped a grape into her mouth and arranged the final cheese cubes for them before lifting the board and bringing it to the living room where the boys were. Her back had been aching over the few days, on and off more so than usual. She'd also been less patient than usual but was doing her best not to bite heads off. The game night sounded like a good idea for spending time with some lived ones without having to do a lot of physical activity. She'd already been doing some light workouts in the mornings at Dr. Ellison's suggestion, and her previous routine of running or jogging had long turned into brisk walks a little more than halfway through her pregnancy. They has grown shorter during the tail end if her pregnancy but she'd been consistent. The past few days though, it felt like both the twins and her body was retaliating against so much movement.

Setting the board down on the coffee table with the drinks that were already there, she massaged both sides of her lower back a bit before taking a seat on the couch. "Okay," she huffed out with a light smile. "What game is up next?"

Fletcher was shuffling half a deck of Uno cards as he said, "Well, I think it's either Uno, Charades or Pictionary but Rodrigo went upstairs to get something. Said it's to up the ante for whoever loses." He looked to Xavier questioningly in that he might know what Rodrigo went to get since he didn't get a hint before. But in the meanwhile, Fletcher had taken to shuffling the Uno deck in preparation, and then set it aside to grab some salami slices and cheese cubes to snack on.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier had been feeling so much better the last week or so. He had left his cane behind at Fletcher's house and was finally feeling like himself. A game night with his and Fletcher's friends sounded like a great way to spend the night. He had learned through Rodrigo that it was best if they stayed local now that Jade was in the tail end of her pregnancy. He didn't mind that at all especially with wanting to be a homebody as much as possible before he was back at work. He was making room on the table for the snacks that Jade was preparing when Rodrigo excused himself. After cleaning up, he sat next to Fletcher and smiled when Jade returned, noticing how much she was struggling to sit.

"I'm down for whatever but your husband might have other ideas." He caught Fletcher's expression and shrugged. "I promise you both I have no idea what that man is up to." He reached for a cheese cube and tossed it in his mouth as his attention went to the man in question who was now strutting down the stairs smiling. "Well, well, well. Mr. Sneaky has come to grace us."

"It is I. Mr. Sneaky in the flesh." Rodrigo hurried down the steps and presented to the audience what he had gone upstairs for. "This right here is a sympathy belly and what the loser of the next round will be wearing until the following round ends. Am I a genius or what?"

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher could only imagine what his best friend was doing upstairs. He half expected him to come back downstairs with half of Jade's makeup pilfered for makeovers as a condition for losers to the games. But when he turned in his seat upon Rodrigo's announced return and saw what he now had, Fletcher stated honestly, "I...did not see that coming."

Jade glanced up, mid-sip and ended up coughing some of her water back into her glass, quickly covering her mouth. "Oh my God, honey." Her hand was still over her mouth as she laughed a bit. "Let it be known right now that I will not be wearing that if I lose. I'm already carrying plenty and can't take these two off." She rubbed her large belly to indicate the twins, and then glanced to her bump, "You two are in for a treat when you learn how silly your daddy can be." Her due date was still another week away and she knew her doctor wouldn't want her to go on for too long before inducing labor. And while the labor itself still scared her, it was also something she ess.looking forward to more and more as she and Rodrigo got closer to meeting their children.

Fletcher chuckled and shook his head before looking to Xavier, "Still game to play tonight?" And then he looked to Rodrigo, "Since you picked the loser prize, I'm choosing the next game." He reached for the Pictionary box and gave it a little wiggle before adding, "But we better not let this master shuffling job I did on the Uno cards go to waste."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier pressed his lips together, stifling his laughter but when Jade laughed, he lost it and did the same. "No, girl you are not wearing that." He smiled at the interaction between Jade and Rodrigo and then shifted his gaze to Fletcher, nodding in response to his question. "Still game to play. Don't mean to trash talk, Rodri but the only lad that'll be wearing that tonight will be him." He listened to his fiance and smirked.

"Two trash talkers. You're perfect for each other." Rodrigo laughed and jogged over to his wife to kiss the top of her head. "I don't know, it's had to beat the dynamic duo that is us. Right, honey?" He slid beside her and placed the sympathy pillow down. "Pictionary first and then Uno? Does that sound fair? I know Uno is your game, Fletcher."

"It's alright. I'm pretty good at Pictionary so we've got this." Xavier nudged Fletcher with his shoulder.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade gave Xavier an appreciative smile as she settled down from her amusement seeing the empathy belly. She sipped some more water while listening to Fletcher, Xavier and her husband. Competitive as she certainly could be, she knew she didn't hold a candle to the men in the room for games, especially Fletcher and Rodrigo in her experience. Still, she couldn't help pointing out Fletcher's strategic movements already as she said, "I'm guessing that Pictionary is his game too? With him being a tattoo artist, he's probably really good at the drawing part..."

Fletcher's lips formed a devious grin, "Jade, you're being way too observant right now. That said... good luck." He gave Xavier's thigh an affectionate squeeze while holding unspoken confidence that the 2 of them would ultimately win this game while Uno leaned more on luck of the card draw than this game did. He handed over a tablet of paper and a couple pencils to Rodrigo, and then said, "You guys can go first."

Jade arched her brows a bit and then leaned over a little to ask Rodrigo, "Is this a trap? Us going first?"

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier was about to do a handshake with Fletcher when Jade had figured Fletcher's strategy out. He chuckled and chose to reach for another cheese cube instead before wiping his fingers onto the napkin sitting on his knee. "Oh, you're good, love." He enjoyed a little competition but that was no match for the two best friends in the room which meant this game was going to get interesting quick. He grinned when Fletcher squeezed his thigh knowing that it shouldn't be too hard to beat Jade and Rodrigo and then rubbed his hands together. "Good luck."

Rodrigo was watching Fletcher and Xavier, eyes narrowing as he did. "I don't trust them." He whispered even though he knew his friends could hear him. He leaned into his wife to listen to her observations and then huffed. "It's always a trap with Fletcher. But that's okay. We've got this"

Xavier tried to match Rodrigo and leaned into Fletcher. "I'm only doing this because he is."

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher was chuckling at Jade and Xavier. He was more than ready to get started on the game and he enjoyed showing his competitive side from time to time. Game night was one of those times. He cocked a brow at Rodrigo and Jade, and then looked to Xavier, snorting at his comment. "It’s a contagious vibe, babe," he assured. "Alright, Escobars, start us off."

Jade heard Rodrigo's whispered comment and poker faced her amusement. "Now if the tables were turned, should he trust you?" She started letting her smile show but the aches in her back were flaring up. Deciding to go first with drawing, she scooted to the edge of the couch and after setting her water down, she massaged one side of her lower back while drawing a card. She rolled the dice and moved the game piece, landing on the "difficult" color square. Looking over the word with a stern, concentrated expression, she decided, "Okay, I'm ready." And after setting the card down so Rodrigo couldn't see, she held her hand out for the paper tablet and readied to draw.

Fletcher picked up the hourglass and after a, "Ready, set....go!" He flipped it over on the table and watched Jade start drawing on the pad of paper. While reaching for some more snacks, he picked up the card to see what the word was and then showed it to Xavier as well, his thumb nail sitting right below the word "juice". He then smirked a little as he quietly told his fiancé, "When Rodrigo and I are on opposite teams for this, I usually shout out random guesses to throw him off. Watch this." He looked to his brother and started calling out, "Telephone! Alarm clock! Headlight! Sign! Radio!"

RODRIGO/XAVIER

"Oh is it?" He grinned knowing that tonight would be memorable. He kept an eye on Jade and Rodrigo but his ears peeled for anything Fletcher had to add.

Rodrigo didn't even hesitate when the question was turned on him. "Hell no!" He had known Fletcher for years now and when it came to board games and such, they both played dirty. When Jade was up, Rodrigo readied himself to answer. He knew Fletcher was going to be shouting out random things eventually so he already had a plan to tune him out. As Jade began, he already started with random words. "Lampost, uh, stop sign! um...hmm..." He looked over to Fletcher and shot him daggers before tossing a few popcorn kernels at him.

Xavier couldn't help but chuckle at the antics coming from the two men. He had looked at the card and wondered how long it'd take Rodrigo to get it. Before the hourglass was done, the teacher then shouted and snapped his fingers, getting Xavier to sit at the edge of his seat.

"Traffic light!!" Rodrigo stood up and yelled. "Am I right?"!

JADE / FLETCHER

"You'll see," Fletcher assured, sticking a cracker and some rolled up salami into his mouth at one time.

Jade laughed at her husband's quick response to her hypothetical and said, "I didn't think so. We'll be on our guard then." And when the timer began, she tried to draw a juice box to symbolize the word 'juice' but briefly glanced up at Rodrigo with a puzzled and disbelieving look when he went from guessing a lamppost to a stop sign. Still, she didn't want to waste time and kept on drawing.

"Car fob! Photograph! Ironing board!" Fletcher continued, only pausing when popcorn was thrown his way and landed on the couch next to Xavier. "Damn, man. With twins on the way, I thought you'd have better aim than that." He grinned, reaching for the popcorn kernals on the couch and flinging them back with aim at Rodrigo's thigh so not to accidentally felt Jade.

She tried to scribble in a straw to her juice box which now had an apple drawn on the center of the elongated cube and urgently tapped on her drawing in hopes her husband would say the word. But she shook her head quickly and circled the whole drawing just as Fletcher called out to the group.

"Time's up!"

Jade groaned, "It was juice!"

Fletcher laughed, "A for effort, Jade," and then reached for the dice, followed by a card for his and Xavier's turn. He cackled when he'd drawn a card and saw the word on the coordinating color with his spot on the board. "Okay, babe, don't overthink this one." It was as close to a hint as he could give as he readied himself on the drawing pad for either Rodrigo or Jade to turn the hourglass. As soon as they let him know he could start, Fletcher drew a circle with a smaller circle in the center, and a few tiny dash marks facing different directions in the space between the 2 circles.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Watching Jade and Rodrigo play did make Xavier feel incredibly competitive. "Come on, man!" he threw his hands up when Rodrigo ultimately failed at guessing and shook his head. "Traffic light..." He shook his head again in faux disappointment, a grin slowly forming on his face. He took a cracker and bit into it, leaning into Fletcher once more. "Ok, I see it now."

When it was their turn, Xavier smirked as Rodrigo prepped the hourglass. "Oh don't worry, mate. I won't need that much time." He shifted his complete focus on Fletcher.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo stared at the drawing that Jade has just made and sighed. "Okay. huge oversight." He whispered and then let his gaze fall on his best friend's drawning. "He's literally an artist! And where'd you go to school? Oxford?" He looked at Xavier who didn't give him any mind. "You're like two sides of a brain."

Xavier rubbed his chin with confidence and then smiled at Fletcher. "Donut!" With plenty of time left on the timer, he hoped he got it on the first try.

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher was quietly snickering as he noticed Xavier get into the game and his competitive side emerge. It wasn't until Xavier acknowledged it that he chuckled out loud. And then he cackled once at Xavier getting cheeky about the timer. "Damn right you won't."

While Jade was modeling prime resting bitch face at Rodrigo for just a few more seconds, she also felt more those aching flare ups spreading around to her hips. She leaned forward from the edge of the couch and used the armrest to heave herself to her feet, deciding to walk a little bit around the living room, hands pressing into her lower back.She made her way over to Fletcher's other side, looking over his shoulder to see what he was draw and rolled her eyes at the exact moment Xavier correctly guessed "donut".

Fletcher dropped the pencil and raised both hands in victory, "That's that Oxford brain half doing the work of a winner, baby!" He grinned and victory pecked Xavier's lips.

Fletcher loved to do some trash talk with game night especially. He could be that way about football and the 9ers too, which he entirely credited Drew for him being that way. And while he and Xavier didn't get through all of Pictionary that night on a complete winning streak, they ultimately beat Jade and Rodrigo at the game. "Get that belly on, Escobar! I think your wife could use some empathy right now anyway," Fletcher teased, gathering up the pencils and paper tablets to help clean up the game. While getting the cards and the game board back in the box, he asked, "What are we playing next? Uno? Charades? Cards Against Humanity?" They had more games than that to choose from but Fletcher figured those ones were the easiest to play with the 4 of them and without complex rules.

"Let's do a card game. I don't think I can handle Charades tonight unless I'm just guessing," Jade requested, having already gone to the bathroom twice and sitting back down on the couch by now.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo had noticed the uneasiness in Jade's body language. He had even followed her to the bathroom to wait around for her and walk back to the game night with her. "Doing ok?" He whispered, gently massaging her back. He knew the babies wouldn't come now but it didn't make him any less concerned. "I agree on the card game. Uno?" Rodrigo, while still worried about his wife, knew that Uno would be as competitive as it came especially when the rules changed constantly depending on who you were playing with.

Xavier had settled against Fletcher's side, snuggling there, having wrapped an arm around his waist. He let his chin sit on the older man's shoulder as he curiously observed Jade. "Hey, let me help. I do yoga and don't worry, I'm not going to make you pose but I can help relieve some of that pain. It's your lower back, right?" Xavier walked over to Jade. "Baby, deal the cards. I'll just massage here for a bit to make her a little more comfortable. Is that okay? I just need your back to me and I'll do the rest quickly." He had spent some time with Jade before but it felt like they were really bonding while the boys agreed on a set of rules. "If you agree, I'm going to rest my knuckles against your ribs and squeeze your lower back just a little to release that pain, yeah?"

JADE / FLETCHER

When Jade emerged from the bathroom a second time, she was only mildly surprised to find Rodrigo waiting there for her. At his question, she quietly answered back, "I have never been more grateful for a downstairs bathroom before becoming pregnant," while her cheeks took on a reddish undertone. His massage to her back felt really good though as she added, "I'm okay, just uncomfortable."

When Rodrigo decided on Uno, Fletcher smirked, "Good." And while he'd looked to Jade and wondered if she was alright, he'd been momentarily distracted by Rodrigo wearing the empathy belly. He'd picked up half of the Uno deck again and started shuffling again while enjoying Xavier's closeness but understood his offering to help Jade. He could only imagine what it must have been like to carry 2 babies for months and to try and find relief in a comfortable way of sitting, standing or laying down. He agreed, "Alright, babe," to Xavier and began dealing four sets of cards for everyone.

Jade nodded to Xavier, not having sat back down just yet. "Yes, that's okay." She turned her back to the men, facing the television and moved her hands to cradle her bump. "That works, and thank you in advance, Xavier." She shut her eyes and just thought about taking slow, deep breaths and when Xavier finished, she did feel the pain lessen.

"That's a lot better, thank you," she said, turning to Xavier with a grateful smile and then accepting her Uno cards before sitting down. "Alright, guys. Let's get this game going."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo did not like that Jade felt uncomfortable but was still confident this was all normal for her at this point in her pregnancy. He tightened the pregnancy belly and sat beside his wife, happy to start Uno because that was another thing he was confident about. “These guys are good.” He leaned in and whispered as if this was the first time meeting Fletcher and Xavier.

Meanwhile, Xavier went to work when Jade gave him consent and he kneaded her lower back to release some of the pain and pressure there. “They taught us this in yoga. When the babies arrive and you’re up to it,you can join me sometime,love.” Xavier nodded at her gratitude when he had finished and then sat up to take his Uno cards and sit beside Fletcher. “Let’s do this.” He grinned, ready to win yet another round and he caught Rodrigo’s playful stare down before laughing. “Lord.”

The game was going well for team Fletcher and Xavier and Xavier was pretty sure Rodrigo would end up wearing the belly all night until he drew 2 and Rodrigo drew the same on top of his. He realized then that he had lost and instead of arguing the rules, Xavier had already reached for the belly that Rodrigo had given up immediately. “Babe help me with this?” He didn’t notice Fletcher’s look of concern until their eyes met. “What? It’s fine, I promise.” He whispered to his fiancé even though he knew the two best friends were about to quibble.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade chuckled mildly at Rodrigo and said, "Well then you and I will have to be better," in the same hushed voice as her husband. But she was grateful for Xavier's help to try and relieve some of the pain she was having across her lower back and hips. It really had felt better through the brief increase of pain and she almost missed it a bit when he'd stopped but the pain seemed to also be lessening at that time. "I usually run or jog pretty regularly but I might have to take you up on that." She picked up her cards and was looking at what she had, but Xavier's laugh and comment made her lift her gaze and then land on her husband. "Now that's a game face if I ever saw one."

Fletcher rolled his eyes. "All that mean mugging's not gonna get you a win, Escobar." Since he dealt the cards, he let Jade start them off and they they went around clockwise allowing each half of the two couples to alternate on turns. Fletcher had been feeling confident during the game but noticed that Rodrigo's cards were dwindling down. He was looking amongst his few remaining cards to see if he could reverse the direction of play again when Rodrigo called out 'Uno'. A bit disbelieving, he rifled through the most recently played cards. "Hold up, that's not a win. You can't play a 'Draw 2' on top of another one like that!" Fletcher insisted, staring down his brother. He vaguely heard Xavier but when he realized his fiancé was holding that damn empathy belly, hime did a double-take and hardened his gaze. Xavier clearly knew why and Fletcher was determined not to let him declare himself the loser for this. More than that, he was still wary of Xavier wearing the weight when his ribs were still healing. "You're cheating for a win, Escobar," he accused, picking up the offending card to hand back to Rodrigo. "Xavier's still in the game."

Jade also knew where this was going and let out a small sigh, "I'll help you, Xavier, if you're sure you're okay to wear it?" She doubted either Rodrigo or Fletcher was paying them any attention right now. Using the armrest again, she got to her feet and waved Xavier over so that she could fit it properly on him with the straps and buckles. "You know you really don't have to wear this either. They're probably going to have some one-on-one showdown from here and insist on some other game." When she finished securing the empathy belly, she suggested, "But if you're going to wear it until the next loss happens, why not take a look in the bathroom and make sure it looks like it's sitting evenly on you?"

The pain was creeping back up for a second, or maybe a third time since they'd begun Uno. Jade wasn't exactly sure which but she drew in a slow, quiet breath while buckling the empathy belly on Xavier's sides, being mindful of his ribcage when it came time to adjusting the straps. But as she finished with the second one, something about the pain she'd been experiencing made her think on it more. It had come and gone a bit throughout the afternoon earlier that day, but tonight, it was happening more frequently and the pain had been growing. She wasn't entirely sure if she was in labor but she knew that this was not Braxton Hicks. Those felt differently according to everything she'd read and been told about. She steadied a hand on the armrest with her body slightly bent forward and drew in a slow, deep breath, finding it difficult to speak through this bout of pain. More and more, she was convinced that she was experiencing contractions all along and now that they were intensifying, it would be a good idea to go get checked out at the hospital.

"Rodrigo? Honey?" She managed to exhale through clenched teeth. Her grip on the armrest was firm while her other hand held her large belly. "Rodrigo?" She spoke a bit louder, aware that he and Fletcher were engrossed in their argument.

"Bullshit!" Fletcher barked. "You know damn well you can't do that!

Jade's brows furrowed and her grip on the couch fabric tightened. Irritation was clawing through the contraction that seemed to be going on for forever. Unable to wait for Rodrigo and Fletcher to quit their squabble, she snapped, "Fuck the stupid game, dammit!" She was outright glaring as she heavily breathed, "Rodrigo. Emiliano. Escobar. It's time. We need to get to the hospital. Now." Saying this aloud made some panic bloom inside her. It was early. Maybe not dangerously so but still earlier than the twins' due date.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo stood up when Fletcher did and held up his card. "Read it and weep, Van Hall. That was a fair play! Rules don't change just because we're grown now!" He knew he sounded a bit childish but he was so glad to get rid of the belly and practically handed it off to Xavier. "See? he's a good sport! Xavier is out. Sorry, X." Rodrigo looked over to the comedian who had already shaken his head and chuckled when Jade called him over. He continued his argument, face to face with his best friend.

Xavier was thankful for Jade, feeling comfortable with the empathy belly as she had adjusted it. "Yeah, I'm okay with it, I promise. If it gets annoying, I'll take it off but for camaraderie, I'll try to avoid that. Thanks, love. I'm going to check myself out, take a few selfies, etcetera until the boys are ready for us again." He made his way to the bathroom to make sure the belly was sitting against his frame properly and without pain. "I've said it once and I'll say it again, Women have all my respect." He whispered to himself and exited the bathroom so that he could join the game again. He came out, holding his back and strutting when he realized Jade didn't look so good so he rushed to her side. "Hey...you alright?"

Rodrigo rolled his eyes at Fletcher. "That didn't apply when we used to play. As a matter of fact, you taught me that move! I can do whatever I want!"

"Hey, guys..." Xavier held on to Jade, trying to get their attention as well and was about to whistle when Jade cursed and his eyes widened. once Rodrigo had snapped out of it and placed his entire attention on Jade, he slid back over to his fiance.

Rodrigo's focus was now on his wife and he immediately grabbed hold of her. "What? Now? NOW? Oh my god! oh My God! What do we do? What do you need me to do?"

"Rodrigo, tell me where her bag is and just get her outside ready and out the door. We can take my car. Baby, can you drive? My keys are by my wallet on the table." Xavier pointed to the keys.

"The bag is by the door. Jade, honey, let's go. We've got this. Just breathe in and out like they taught us!" Rodrigo was trying to be as supportive as possible as he helped his wife out the door, grabbing a sweater from one of the hooks.

JADE / FLETCHER

"The hell I did, I told you that stacking reverse cards was just like playing a skip!" Fletcher argued and then narrowed his eyes at Rodrigo. "You are chaos personified, you know that? You can't do whatever the hell you want, it's Uno!"

Their arguing continued and while Fletcher heard Xavier, he just assumed he was trying to placate his and Rodrigo's argument. It wasn't until Jade's outburst that he stopped and whipped his head in hers and Xavier's direction. He would've uttered a low, impressed, "Damn," if it wasn't for the fact that she was in labor. He'd seen this kind of posture in-person from a heavily pregnant woman only once before but he wasn't going to draw himself back into that particular memory. Right now, he, Rodrigo and Xavier had to get Jade to the hospital. And thank fuck for his fiancé being level-headed because he was about to stride over and shake Rodrigo for all of his questions.

"Got it," he said, swiping up Xavier's wallet.

"I need my purse," Jade groaned through clenched teeth. And Fletcher's head went on swivel until he spotted a tote-like bag and went over to pick it up. He held it up and Jade nodded, affirming that it was the right bag. Thankfully she had some slip-on shoes near the door. She walked with her husband, stopped long enough to slide her feet in, and then went out. "Lock the door, honey," she reminded, breathing a little harder than usual. She waited for him, hands pressed into the back of her hips, and then continued waddling to the car. She saw Fletcher open one of the rear passenger doors and then the other before getting inside the driver's seat to start up the car.

Once everybody was in and Fletcher noted everyone was buckled up, he pulled away from the curb, "Which hospital are we going to, Rodrigo?" He knew his way around the city and could get them where they needed to go as quiclly and safely as possible. And then he said to his fiancé, "You might wanna call home and let 'em know we're gonna be late getting back."

Jade meanwhile was rubbing slow circles on her stomach while trying to remember the deep breaths taught in lamaze. She was trying her best to stay calm but the panic was still lingering. "They're not supposed to come yet," she whispered worriedly, head turning to her husband. "It's too early, isn't it? And the car seats are set up in the van."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

"Uh..." Rodrigo knew the answer to Fletcher's question but he was currently stunned. He was trying to breathe with Jade and make sure that they hadn't forgotten anything but it seemed like they probably forgot everything and his mind was beginning to spiral. "Van Ness!" He answered and then turned his focus back onto his wife. He made sure she was watching his face and following the breathing exercises. At his wife's concerns, he reached over to place his hand over her belly. "It's going to be okay, honey. Twins tend to come early, remember? We have a great team and are in good hands, you're in good hands. Rodrigo tried his best to reassure Jade, leaving his worries behind.

Xavier had been looking over his shoulder and extended his hand to reach for Jade's hand to give it a gentle and quick squeeze. "Fletcher's an amazing driver. He's going to get you there in no time and Rodrigo is a Lamaze pro, I see. Right, mate?" Rodrigo nodded and Xavier let go of Jade's hand to pat Rodrigo's arm before he turned so that he could call the family. He dialed Drew to let him know what was happening. "Right, yeah. Thanks, Drew. Winter will help if anything. Alright, I'll tell 'em. You got it." Xavier ended the call and glanced over to Fletcher. "The baby is down for the night. Winter is hanging with her in the nursery. Emiliana will meet us at St. Francis. Winter will help Drew and so will Henry."

"Oh, good. Mom will meet us there, honey." Rodrigo let Jaed squeeze his hands as much as she needed to. "Don't worry about the car seats. We won't need them until they get discharged and someone'll drive the van to us."

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher glanced at Rodrigo from the rear view mirror and then back to the road again. Once heard the hospital, he nodded, "Got it," and set his mental road map for getting them to Van Ness Hospital quickly but safely.

Jade fixed her eyes on Rodrigo and focused on her breathing while the contraction pain subsided again. She listened to Rodrigo’s reminder and nodded, trying her best to be assured. He was right, and she had to remember that. Her free hand kept circling her stomach while she slowly exhaled--lips forming a small "o" shape. When Xavier turned around in the passenger's seat she glimpsed his direction and then met his hand with her free one. Her other hand was holding Rodrigo’s and she gave a brief smile. "Thank you, Xavier." She was in good hands.

While driving the not-too-lengthy distance, Fletcher was glad that Xavier got a hold of the family and that he'd been a comfort to Rodrigo and Jade. He listened to Xavier's half of the phone call and then when the call ended, he listened more intently to Xavier. "Okay, good. We can check in a little but later." He wanted to be there for Rodrigo and Jade, especially until Emiliana showed up; overhearing his brother and his sister-in-law talk about their car and car seats for the kids took him back again but before he could get sucked into his own past, he spoke up, "We can get the van to you guys in the morning, Jade."

Jade nodded from the back seat from Rodrigo and Fletcher's words. Her hand remained in Rodrigo’s the entire ride to the hospital. All in all, it had been about a 10 minute drive, during which Jade had another swell of contractions. Once Fletcher pulled up to the hospital, Jade had been okay enough for getting out of the car. "Thank you both for getting us here," she said, looking ahead to Fletcher and Xavier.

Fletcher parked the car and hit the hazard light button. "X, you wanna help get their stuff from the back? I'll park the car and meet you guys inside."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo was finally feeling confident as they approached the hospital. He was glad that he was in a car with his brother and Xavier. They definitely knew how to help his nerves. He kept walking Jade through her breathing, letting her squeeze his hand when a contraction would come on. “That’s it, honey. You’re doing amazing. Hang in there babies, we are almost there.” Xavier looked ahead and placed his hand on Fletcher’s thigh to give it a little squeeze and then smiled. He felt so honored being a part of this.

Once they arrived, Xavier nodded at Jade’s gratitude and then quickly gathered all their belongings. He shouldered Jade’s maternity bag and completely forgetting the belly he was wearing, he rushed inside the hospital, looking over his shoulder to make sure Rodrigo and Jade were behind him. “Excuse me! Hello! Yes, I need a wheelchair!”

The nurse that had spotted Xavier and recognized him, smiled wondering if this was some sort of live skit. “Let me guess, you’re expecting?”

“What?” Xavier’s puzzled expression fell over his features. “No. My friend. She’s expecting twins oh there they are!” He pulled a nearby wheelchair and wheeled it to Rodrigo.

“Thanks, X.” Rodrigo helped Jade into the chair and the nurse shook off her initial amusement to help them by taking the wheelchair and directing them to Labor and Delivery. Rodrigo explained that the babies were early and when a Jade began to feel like she was going in labor.

“Dad, I’m going to need you to take care of registration while we get Jade ready. Jade, how far along are your contractions?”

“Can I handle that later? I don’t want to leave her now…” Rodrigo protested to which the nurse nodded and agreed.

Xavier took a couple of steps back after giving the nurse Jade and Rodrigo’s things and was glad to see Fletcher come inside. “They’re just triaging her.” He updated his fiancé and then rested his hands on his fake belly.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade just nodded to acknowledge Rodrigo through the contraction, and once they arrived at the hospital and she was out of the car, the reality of it all was sinking in even further. There was no doubt in her mind that she was in labor, which meant that when she left the hospital, it would be with hers and Rodrigo's children.

Spotting the wheelchair Xavier was bringing over, Jade cast him a grateful smile and took a seat. "Here I can take the bag. Or the pillow," she offered, reaching to Xavier to relieve him of the items he'd brought in for them. She looked up at the nurse, her expression turning to a bit of worry as she thought about the question posed to her. "Um... I'm not really sure. I think they've been happening for a while now but they only seemed to become really intense over the last couple of hours or so?" Prior to now, she'd told herself that she was going to document this but of course, in the actual moment, she completely forgot.

Reaching back, she gave Rodrigo's hand a squeeze when he asked the nurse about not leaving; she didn't want him to leave her either and was glad that the nurse hadn't pushed back on the paperwork. They were then wheeled away to a triage room, sure that once they confirmed she was in labor, that she would be taken upstairs to a Labor and Delivery room.

Not long after she and Rodrigo left with the nurse, Fletcher strode in with purposeful strides, pocketing the car keys. He nodded at Xavier's update and then followed his fiancé's hands. "Alright... did you wanna leave that in the car or are you feeling some kinda added closeness to Jade by having it on?" He asked this while pointing his index to the empathy belly, a single brow raised.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo made sure to stay close to Jade, remembering from his reading that they might be sent home if her contractions were too far apart or they’d be forced to wait until she’s closer. He knew that wouldn’t be the case as Jade’s contractions seemed closer. He waited patiently, watching the nurse place a band on Jade’s wrist and take her vitals. “Okay, Jade. You are definitely in Labor.” She smiled at the two of them. They’re going to get a room ready upstairs so that we can monitor the babies heart rate along with yours. Dad, you can stay in the room and one more person. Is there someone else that will be joining us? And we will make sure your friends get bands too so they can wait in the waiting room upstairs.” Rodrigo looked down at Jade and kissed the top of her head.

“Oh my God they’re really coming…”

Xavier looked down at the empathy belly and then shook his head. “Oh lord. I forgot. Come on, I look cute.” He chuckled and began removing the belly. “I know exactly when the little nugget was conceived too.” He winked at Fletcher and removed the belly, sliding his hand into his fiancé’s pocket to fetch the car keys. “Be right back.” Xavier jogged to the parking lot to drop off the empathy belly, laughing at the onlookers that looked somewhere between confused and amused before he had run out.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade was cooperative with the nurse while items were placed on her and monitoring was done to help determine that she was, in fact, in labor. She felt like her heart leapt a little in her chest once the nurse spoke the words but outwardly, she smiled back a little weakly. The contractions had grown painful and she knew the were only going to worsen from here until the babies were born. Her hand reached up and she brushed Rodrigo's arm as he kissed the top of her head.

"They're really coming," Jade echoed and then followed the nurse's instructions while they prepared to get them upstairs to a room. "Oh, um, my mother-in-law, Rodrigo's mom is on her way. But for the birth, I'd like it to just be he and I in the room. So if there's special access needed for our family to be in the waiting room upstairs, or for them to come in and visit in the room before the delivery, please let them have that." Jade then asked Rodrigo if he could contact Jasper and her dad once they were settled upstairs, not wanting them to be left out from the news.

After pointing out the fake belly to Xavier, Fletcher laughed a bit with his fiancé, "Should I be worried that you forgot?" And then he snorted, "Oh Jesus, do I wanna know what story you concocted? You know what? Tell me later." He helped Xavier take the empathy belly off and then stuck out his hip a little when Xavier reached for the car keys. He waited for him and as he did, Rodrigo and Jade passed by to the elevator, accompanied by a nurse. The nurse paused long enough to hand him three wristbands and inform him that they were going upstairs to Labor and Delivery, and that they'd need those in order to wait upstairs. Fletcher put one on and then explained to Xavier when he returned, pocketing the third one for Emiliana. "Let's go wait upstairs. Maybe there's a vending machine up there too and we can a snack while we wait. Might be a long night here."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

The nurse listened to Jade's requests and nodded as she memorized what the patient told her. "Of course. We will ensure your family is in the waiting room for visiting. Regarding the labor, only you and Mr. Escobar will be allowed inside." She smiled at the young couple and then took the wheelchair from Rodrigo to push Jade. Rodrigo thumbed through his phone for Jasper's contact information so that he could easily text him when they were settled upstairs. Once they were upstairs, he texted his brother-in-law and advised him to let their father know about Jade being in labor as well.

He followed everything the nurse was preparing him for and gowned up as well, readying himself to help his wife through this. Rodrigo hoped his stomach was better today than when he first discovered they were expecting twins. He watched as Jade was comforted and hooked up to a monitor and immediately took his spot beside her when it became available.

"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Escobar! Are we ready?" The nurse smiled brightly at them before excusing herself to get a doctor and team ready.

"Probably a little worried, not gonna lie," Xavier smirked and after returning to join Fletcher again, he was glad to hear that Jade was in labor and that she'd be taken upstairs with Rodrigo. "Okay, good idea. I love a good snack. Do you think they'll have Doritos or something? I'm starving, love." he grinned as they followed others into the elevator bank. "Are you alright? Excited?" Xavier nudged Fletcher and then took his arm, cuddling up beside him as they rode the elevator up.

JADE / FLETCHER

"Thank you," Jade said to the nurse and after being given a gown, she changed in the bathroom in the room, moving as quickly as she could in order to avoid bring caught up in a contraction amidst changing clothes. Once she was settled on the hospital bed, she worked with the nurse who got her hooked up to an IV and monitors. She experienced another contraction during this and was grateful that the nurse didn't try to finish with the monitors until the worst of it had passed. She was also relieved to have a moment's rest on the hospital bed, shutting her eyes, only to snap them back open, "Ready? Wait, it's not time already, is it?" Jade asked, a little panicked again.

Fletcher walked with Xavier to the elevator and pushed the elevator's "up" button and then the 2nd floor button once inside. "I hope so. If it's a good vending machine, it'll have Doritos. We should've brought that charcuterie board Jade made. But if the vending machine snacks don't hold us over, I don't mind going to get something or we can Doordash something." He was fully prepared to be there as long as possible but also didn't want to leave Drew and the kids alone impromptu through the night and the next day.

[to be continued!]

[eggs-mushrooms-moths-and-gay]

yalls have never followed a crack acorn and if shows like they just say ramdon shit and ur like Tahts hilarious because i hate my self hhahahahahah and theyre like hahahahaha me to do u want to see a racoon tatoo on being tated (whats the vebbof that what is a verb verbbbbbbbbbb FERB) on barty while he's crying and eating puckle flavored sour punch starws

ONMG i was on a road trip the other day and we went to this has staion in the middle of nowhere and we saw there pickle flavieres sour punch straws but it was like a rulet thimg ( sound rulet out becuase i cant spell) so there would be other flavors liek watermelon or apple and stuff so we bought it and we alll were like this is crazy and one of my sibs was like im not doing this ok so we r a cuoe rohnds in noone has gotten one yet and my sibling who didnt want to play said fucking give me a straw

so now where there ny brother counts us down and then we all eat the straws but the straws have like a very heavy cotian ( cockinv coting COATKNG ) or suger or sour or what evet and then we all like fuckknv spit it out at the same tome BECUASE ALL OF US GOT PICKLED ( hehehhehehe pickled) and yall dont understand it was like straight up pivkle juice i dont mniw how it happened but it was crazy

then later on that drive we llayed a random game of dnd where i was a nija turltle with a daughter who didnt love me anymore and a weird thing for violence, my brother was a rando with a wife who got turned into a worm ( and then died later)who also had a thing with violence and my sister who was a therapist ( she was goong thro some shit becuase the later it gets the fucking higher j actanf my brother always acts kinda high) we all wnded up running a pizza shop and j got to talk to my faughter agian and j also had the powers to have a random slice of pizza at all times LIKE SUEZU FROM GRAITY FALL s

[robbiemd]

Log #389

The day the Health Secretary Vergeire visited our hospital.

She was intimidating at first, biased on the fact that she is the highest ranking doctor under government service. She’s in the ranks with Francisco Duque and Juan Flavier, as I thought. However, after a few minutes, I realized that it doesn’t take an ocean to be able to talk to her and approach her. “She has the vibe of an IDS (Infectious Diseases Specialist). Mukhang masungit pero mabait pala.” I told Ejii-chan. She listened to our concerns, visited every patient, and expressed her support to our plans to upgrade and expand the hospital.

I usually see her on TV or the internet. But today, I encountered a rarity with matching tapik-tapik pa sa likod ko as we talked about the hospital’s future. “Sobrang linis at aliwalas ng hospital n’yo. At walang amoy ospital. We’ll work altogether to make further upgrades and expansion to this hospital.” It was a proud moment for the father of the hospital.

After the visit, I told all my staff thru our Facebook GC, “Proud ako sa inyong lahat. Good job, everyone!”

I then proceeded to the munisipyo to represent our hospital in an inter-agency meeting with the DOH OIC Secretary, the Mayor and Vice Mayor, representatives of some Congressmen, and the Municipal Health Office to tackle an undying issue of El Nido: the sustained cases of Acute Gastroenteritis and Amoebiasis in the municipality.

I was driven back by our driver, sir Dan, together with the chief nurse Armel, and staff nurse Gretchen, who bought groceries from a nearby talipapa before heading back to the hospital.

The week long prep finally bore its fruits! Now I have to try to sleep because Sec Vergeire is requesting us to be at the airport by 5:30 AM for a photo op prior to their flight back to MNL. Apparently, she forgot to take pictures with us during her visit. Lol.

13 May 2023 1:26 PM El Nido, Philippines

[777wave]

"International Men's Day"

November 19, 2024

September 3, 2024 - November 19, 2024

77 days to go.

11 weeks to go.

—

Men of Honor:

True statesmen are those who consistently uphold integrity, courage, and respect in every action.

"The Original 3Js"

Senator Jovy Salonga

Senator Joker Arroyo

Senator Juan Flavier

—

Let us bring back the glory days and relive the moments of triumph and joy that defined us.

—

Photos:

CTTO

—

#RediscoverTheGlory

#LegacyOfHonor

#UpholdingPrinciples

#LeadershipWeMiss

#HonoringTheGreats

[444names]

Names generated from Spanish forenames, forced to end with "S"

Abarces Ablos Abunicios Aburedebas Adades Adelles Adenes Adides Adiolas Adios Adomas Adres Adridoles Adris Adrores Adros Afanes Agregides Agros Aguaribas Aguncios Agustonsus Aimermas Aimons Ainatenes Airos Aitanes Albares Albas Alberes Alenis Alenjaces Alenjas Alias Alinarbas Alios Alises Alodes Aloros Alotalias Altagres Alucasios Aluis Alvarampas Alvicis Amandros Amarlos Amasus Amilas Amirenes Amons Ampaquines Ampaures Anacisores Anatines Ancias Ancios Ancorieves Andislas Andridios Andros Angenes Antseros Anuelipas Arbas Arcias Arcielas Argaros Aricas Aricios Arlas Audianias Audis Aulas Aulines Aulios Aurafres Aures Aurilvanis...

Bablarcos Banteres Baris Becios Belens Belines Belislas Bencas Bencedes Benes Bergines Berions Bermines Bermons Bernes Beros Bersus Bertomias Blalens Boricecios Brayes Caeles Camasidios Canias Carcens Cardes Caris Carlonsios Catades Cayes Caytens Cedos Ceduanes Cenehayes Ceses Chayes Chectomas Chedes Chemiros Clasus Clotefres Cobas Coldes Conias Coros Coswaloros Covades Crialornes Crildes Cruthipas Dades Dadricas Damas Debalis Debonces Denaimas Denis Dermas Deses Didos Dores Dortomedes Dosarces Ecardes Edades Edados Edamuros Edides Edolas Edres Edrinayes Eguis Elanes Elicens Elions Ellos Eloros Emacundros Emagros Emelas Emines Emirenes Enjas Ernes Erteodolas Erturos Esaulbas Esticiosus Eufedines Eufelias Eufernes Eugons Eugunarmas Eulanes Eulas Eulbas Eulcalbas Everquis Evesarces Ezequis Fabas Fabigus Facitlas Fadres Fandos Fanes Fanicedes Fedeses Felalbas Felas Feles Felidales Felines Felisodes Femas Femines Feracises Feremens Feres Fermas Fernaros Fernes Ficias Fildoros Filvanes Fines Flavieres Flaydes Flodes Flomas Florenrias Flores Florieves Floros Frandres Friternes Frordos Fulas Fulbarcos Fulbas Fulenes Fulisebas Fulmatanis Gaildos Garnelis Garogelas Garos Gelargens Gelipas Gemayaguis Genes Geracobas Gilos Ginarias Gioncias Granes Gregines Gualias Guelas Guelias Guines Gunayes Gusardes Hayes Hedes Heres Hilas Hilderos Hipas Hipaulines Hisios Hisons Hores Hugus Iguades Ilorebas Inaricos Inmas Irandos Irenehis Iroseros Isalbernes Isamodes Islas Ismas Istinteons Ivades Ivicias Iviros Jacialos Jacines Jacis Jacislasus Jacos Jacquises Jaimerenes Jairens Jamires Jandadomas Jimons Jonias Jores Jorgens Joros Joses Josus Juadelias Jualises Juandores Juantses Julbandos Julbas Julias Jusandos Kebabas Kebales Kebehias Kebons Ladribeles Laudesus Ledmudes Lejas Lenes Leodes Liandorens Licas Licianices Lomines Loses Louros Luces Lucias Luilas Luilioncas Macalias Macidaydes Macuanes Macundros Mandolis Mandoros Mandres Manoelas Marcelas Marcobas Maregus Mares Marnes Marnesus Maros Maximenes Maximons Mayes Medines Mencas Mernes Milinicos Mines Minesus Miramas Mirencas Mirens Miros Modernes Modes Moilomilas Motivios Muelipas Nanuelas Nebas Nelicas Nibas Nielagus Nitalvades Nitoletons Noemas Nueles Nutoles Osantses Oscas Oswalvicas Pabas Pabramires Pabursus Parcos Parieves Pascas Paulbas Paulbegus Pauris Pedes Pildelias Pildos Pililvanes Pilourobas Piolices Puraximas Purens Pures Puros Racistias Randos Redernes Renes Reses Rines Riniolons Rocines Roildes Roillas Ronsildes Rorenes Salios Salisilas Sanes Sefides Sefres Segilias Segoreias Selinesus Sercens Sermaracas Sermires Sernes Sildalises Silis Sodampas Soledes Sonis Tagros Tahipas Teopedes Teros Tertorias Tinacundis Tingensus Tivicas Toloricas Tracias Trias Trinagros Trios Triscas Trisides Ulbertores Ulias Urenes Urices Vadernes Vades Vadions Valens Valtrilos Vanances Vangens Vicas Vicias Vides Vidis Vielas Vielleons Vieves Virens Vires Virgios Ximenricas

[deerwrithing]

planetes code 414

in somnis veritas

cp: ryo kawamura x avery flaviere started: 2010 series: cael mythos status: on-hold

Darkness was, once more, returning to Somnus to prey upon all that is light. As the world slowly falls into a perpetual darkness, the only thing that stands before it was the last Hymmnos—the only left being in Somnus that could call upon the Sefirot—the power that created this world.

this is, the song of dreams

[ info ] [ notes ]

memoriae et illecara

cp: elliot x raki started: 2015 series: cael mythos status: on-hold

A world doomed for destruction and the desperation of its inhabitants, Somnus. Since the war with the Daemons ended in failure, the abandonment of Gods, the Hero of Redemption turning to the dark side, its inhabitants have been struggling to revive their crippling home.

Thus, the Gods Project came into progress overlooked by overlords. Unstoppable calamities has cause the old knights of the old Four Kingdoms to come out of seclusion and take up arms.

This is the story of a fallen entity belonging to the old Knights’ faction, stuck in an accursed being’s body and a young mortal’s desperate attempts at keeping his only family alive.

An otherworldly partnership, step by step, they will change the fate of this world.

chasing after the devil

[ info ] [ notes ]

falsum veritas

cp: sol x lune started: content series: cael mythos status: arc 1 done;on-hold

Lune was the next Moon Anima; the one who would bring upon light in one's darkest moments. Seduced by the darkness and she fell down to Veritas Mortalium; the realm of the Mortalis. Her presence created a crack in the dimensions causing an imbalance between time and space. Here lies her mission to return home and restore balance lest the First and Second meets an apocalyptic end.

forgetting, lest forgotten

[ info ] [ notes ]

冬日月季 Winter Rose

cp: xu ningyan x song wenyue started: 7/2019 series: cael mythos status: ongoing

Third young master of the renowned Xu Family was a genius cultivator that suddenly emerged in the ranks the cultivation society of Listeria. He was a young man whose future seemed to be filled with light and limitless potential, plus the backing of a powerful sect. A little demon, some would call him, with highly volatile mood swings – befitting of his noble, pampered status. No matter how great and talented he seemed, no matter how much a person envied him, nobody would want his life in exchange for their own. They said he was cursed. The day he was born, his mother and his aunt, including the baby he was went missing. And for a fortnight since his birth, his family suffered endless strife and it rained blood continuously. It was like a calamity that fell onto the mortal realm.

living, only in your presence

[ info ] [ notes ]

[lebjaperal]

Two Severino Flavier Pablo portraits: Don Paterno Molo (1836) and that of a Mestiza Woman (1800s) (at National Gallery Singapore) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkDi9Tvp8Tc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[havenesc]

#notmyderbywinner

[xaviernottheprofessor]

Concrete Jungle (where dreams are made of) | Flavier

Featuring: Xavier and Fletcher ( @fletchervanhall) with mentions of others Location: NYC, Empire State Building, Millenium Hilton Hotel Time Frame: Afternoon, April 25, 2024 Notes: Fletcher surprises Xavier in NYC and tells him something really important!

FLETCHER

Fletcher shouldered a duffle bag while walking into the hotel DJ told him Xavier was staying at. There was a small prickle of anxiousness sitting in his chest--partly because he had never done something this grand for someone he was in a relationship with, partly because he was literally across the country from his daughter and uncle, and partly because it was the first time since he was a teen that he was back in New York. Fletcher had yet to tell Xavier that he was from The Big Apple or that his parents lived here. As much as he'd let Xavier in, there were still a few things he hadn't shared about himself. Most were just talents of his but these intertwined facts of his hometown and parents were the biggest ones. While Fletcher knew that would change sooner or later, for now, he was focusing on surprising Xavier. He'd been doing his best not to give the prickling much attention if he could help it because he wanted this. He wanted to come and surprise Xavier, and he knew that his boyfriend deserved thoughtful gestures like this.

While he knew the front desk clerk wouldn't give him a key card--least of all to the room of someone of significance like Xavier--DJ told him the room number. So after giving a call home in the lobby to Drew and Emiliana to check in, Fletcher proceeded to the room. Taking the elevator up and walking to the door, Fletcher knocked, placed an index finger over the peephole and said, "Room service, Mr. Mitchell," in a voice entirely different from his own.

XAVIER

Xavier was half-way through a big writing week for the season finale of SNL. He wouldn't have an entire summer to do nothing but he'd have more time at home which made him happy. Even with that known, this week *felt* difficult. Being away from his kids, his boyfriend and his friends was a lot at times and while this would be his last week for a while, Xavier still hated it.  He was glad that he was honest with his director about his plans to be home more but it still did create such a void when he had to get on that plane. He had spread out some sketches he had written along with index cards containing cast members names. He wanted to distribute material fairly but also wanted to keep in mind who was more popular. Marcello was deserving of more sketches because of that. He stacked up the remaining cards and left them to the side before moving his papers to join them. His eyes had been burning from staring too long at his pages that Xavier needed a break. Winter had sent him a playlist to his Spotify and he pressed play as he plopped down on the couch. He had a nice Facetime conversation with kids a few minutes prior to start his writing. Xavier hadn't heard much from Fletcher but he assumed his boyfriend was probably working. Wondering if he should order something to eat, Xavier began to aimlessly scroll through Reels when he heard the knock on the door.

Hearing the odd voice on the other side of the door, Xavier wondered if this was some hoax. His co-workers tended to do things like that. "Room service?" He muttered and stood up, making his way toward the door. "I didn't order any..." He tried looking through the peephole and when he couldn't see who it was on the other side, he unlocked his door and opened it.  Nothing could have prepared him for seeing Fletcher standing there and happiness quickly replaced his perplexed expression. He smiled brightly as he opened the door wider for him. "Baby...I--what are you doing here?"

And before he could get an answer, Xavier practically tackled Fletcher, pulling him in for a warm embrace as he showered his boyfriend with kisses. "Wait, are you ok? Everything ok?" He took his hand to guide him inside the room. "You're--here!" Xavier chuckled and pulled him back to his frame.

FLETCHER

Fletcher hadn't dropped his hand until the door swung open. His lips tugged up in his crooked smirk and then a toothy grin. "Hi. Hello. Greetings. Hola. Salutations," Fletcher replied to Xavier's shock. He stumbled back when Xavier threw himself at him and chuckled from all the kisses. "Damn, I should find ways to surprise you more often." He hadn't gotten past the doorway but held Xavier's hand and squeezed it. "Babe, yes, I'm fine. Everyone's fine. I just came to spend a couple days with you. I thought I'd surprise you." He slipped the duffle bag off his shoulder and let it set on the floor so he could properly hug his boyfriend. Fletcher kissed Xavier on his forehead and then said, "I missed you, and you looked so sad when you left. So I'm just here for two nights and then I fly back. I know you're working so I wont be bugging you with going places and doing a lot. I figured it would be nice to just be near you when I can, and maybe sleep or bum around here when you have to go to any meetings or anything like that."

XAVIER

Xavier let out a quiet laugh, still completely shocked by Fletcher's appearance. All he could do is attack him with kisses as he had done and stare at him incredulously. "You've got to give me a second here to make sure I'm not dreaming or hallucinating because anything is possible on the little sleep I've gotten out here." He loved surprises and he loved it even more that Fletcher had been the one to do this for him. He sighed out of relief learning that everything was fine and his smile returned quickly as he relished in his boyfriend's embrace. He pulled back a bit so that he could cup Fletcher's face and her smiled widely. "I missed you too and consider me pleasantly surprised. No one's ever...well I...I'm just speechless that's all." He listened to how long Fletcher would be in New York, feeling even happier knowing he'd be flying out to California a day after. "Thank you. This is...I rather like this." His cheeks were burning at the confession. He was usually better versed than that but Xavier was still happily taken aback by the gesture. He kissed Fletcher's lips and smiled. "Sleep. Sleep is so good." He beamed at the thought of Fletcher getting some rest while he was out here too. "I'm so happy to see you. I *was* sad. How transparent of me..." With a smile pulling at the corner of his lips,  he remained in his boyfriend's arms before taking his hand. "Come in. I'll show you around my boring room which just got a touch of glitz with you here." he pulled Fletcher inside, taking his duffel bag and placing it on the couch. "This is it. Where the magic happens. It's why I get paid the big bucks. I get a microwave and telly too. Oh, and a fridge for leftovers." He chuckled. "The bathroom is to the left and a little kitchenette over to the right over there. Are you thirsty or hungry?"

FLETCHER

"I could pinch you if it'd help you believe I'm really here," Fletcher said, bringing a hand low on Xavier's butt, priming to pinch him there. He listened and planted a kiss on Xavier's temple and then his lips, slowly returning some of the kisses Xavier showered him with a moment ago. He caught what Xavier stopped himself from saying and then gently pressed his nose to Xavier's cheek, whispering, "If the roles were reversed, I know you'd do it for me." He felt the growing warmth on his boyfriend's skin and smiled before kissing him there too. He held him  for a little while and then walked with him to look around the hotel room. He chuckled a bit as well and then said, "It’s a nice room." He took a seat on the edge of the bed and said, "I ate a sandwich on the way over here, but I ate it within the first hour of my flight. Are *you* hungry? Have you taken a break to eat?"

XAVIER

"I say you pinch me anyway." He grinned playfully, his smile never leaving his face as he relished in all the kisses given to him. Xavier places his arms on Fletcher's shoulders and when his boyfriend whispered, he nodded. "Definitely." And while that was true, that Xavier would do the same for Fletcher, it still meant so much to him that he had done this for him. As Xavier showed off his boring room, he smiled listening to Fletcher. "Uh..." He looked over to his work, realizing he only had hotel coffee and some eggs in his stomach. "Don't kill me." He moved to gather his pages into a pile and hide them in book bag before throwing that into the closet. "I've had some awful coffee and some off my omelette from this morning. I should really take a break now and since the most amazing, gorgeous, man has stepped into my hotel room, I really want to take a break with him. Want to grab something at the deli? We can walk around. I'll take you to the Empire State. Let you have your way with me later, you know the usual." He grinned as he looked in the mirror to make sure he didn't look like hell and applied some lotion to his face, hands and arms followed by a spritz of cologne.

FLETCHER

Fletcher didn't wait for Xavier to backtrack before he closed his thumb and index on his boyfriend's ass. He tenderly pecked Xavier's lips a few times and then moved to the bed. He heard the hesitant response and lifted his brows at his boyfriend. And then his face fell to non-amusement while watching Xavier hurriedly gather up his papers. "Oh I'm not gonna kill you. But I *am* gonna make you take a break now. A proper one as you'd say." His eyes stayed on Xavier, following him about as he freshened himself up. Fletcher stood and stretched his arms while walking up to stand behind Xavier. "That sounds like a good idea to me. All of it. Hell, I'd even be fine skipping the trip to the Empire State and going right to the usual," he half-joked, wrapping his arms around Xavier from behind and bending his head to inhale the freshly-applied cologne. "Maybe even skipping the walk too now..."

XAVIER

A soft chuckle fell from his lips from the pinch and Xavier's smile widened at Fletcher's words. "A proper break it is. I'm done with writing for the day anyway. My eyes are going to fall out at this rate." he watched his boyfriend from the mirror and smirked playfully. "Empire State? What's that? Never heard of her." He smiled at the reflection that now included Fletcher and lowered his arms to pull Fletcher's and tighten the grip on his waist. "Mm, boy if you don't stop..." He chuckled and lolled his head to the side so that his boyfriend could get better access to the new scent. "I am as incorrigible as you are, you know that..." He turned slowly, still in Fletcher's arms. "There's always room service...and you're *soo* tired from your flight to walk, I'm sure."  Xavier reached up to run his fingers through Fletcher's hair.  "It's only been a couple of days but I've missed a lot about you, love."

FLETCHER

"Well we don't want that," Fletcher replied of Xavier's eyes falling out. He held his boyfriend from behind and smiled, kissing his neck and enjoying the enticing scent of his cologne on his skin. He smirked at the way Xavier spoke of the Empire State Building and then shamelessly grinned despite his, "What?" full of false innocence. "Mm, no you're definitely worse, but believe me, I'm not complaining in the slightest." He righted his bent head when Xavier turned around to face him. "I've missed you too. And truthfully, I wouldn't mind a little walk. I'm sure you'd like to get out of this room since you've been working so hard. I disrupted your day so whatever you wanna do today, count me in." He shut his eyes, drawing in a deep breath while enjoying the familiar feeling of Xavier's fingers in his hair, and then he let out a content sigh. "Yeah... whatever you want to do."

XAVIER

“Definitely not,” Xavier laughed softly, watching his boyfriend through the mirror as his eyes rolled back for a moment while Fletcher kissed his neck.  He then smirked, his eyes opening again. “Mmm I don’t know. You’re pretty bad too.” He chuckled thinking how they both had a tendency of indulging in one another whenever they wanted caring very little about where they were. They’d always find a way. When they were facing each other, Xavier snapped out of his naughty but pleasant thoughts and smiled. “We’ll go for a walk and we’ll order some room service for supper.” Xavier grinned , watching Fletcher’s reaction. God, he loved this man. He took advantage of his boyfriend’s eyes being closed and kissed his lips. “When we get back I’ll do what I want to do.” He murmured against Fletcher’s mouth and then kissed him again. “See? I have some kind of restraint. It’s quite hard but…” he laughed. “It’s there.”

FLETCHER

“Not as bad," Fletcher argued in between kisses. He certainly did lean into his emotional, intellectual and physical attractions to Xavier. And unless he was absolutely dead on his feet, he never turned his boyfriend down. Hearing what Xavier proposed for them to do, Fletcher nodded, "Sounds good," and then pecked Xavier's lips. While enjoying the small caressing of his hair, he'd been caught by surprise at the kiss but responded in kind in a split second. "That type of restraint will get you into some trouble," he chuckled after opening his eyes. He grinned a little, his lips tugged up a little higher on one side. "Get your shoes on, babe. Let's go take this walk."

XAVIER

“Ehhh you say tomato…” he laughed, teasing his boyfriend, still in some disbelief that he was there with him.  He grinned at Fletcher’s reaction to the surprise kiss. “I’m a troublemaker but you love it.” Xavier pressed a quick kiss against Fletcher’s neck and then reluctantly pulled away to grab his sneakers from his bed side. He slipped them on and then grabbed his jacket and wallet. “In the spirit of surprises, I actually have one for you. I was going to save for when I got home but since you’re here, I can tell you.” He took Fletcher’s hand in his opened the door to the hotel room. As they walked out, Xavier gave his boyfriend’s hand a gentle squeeze. “This is the season finale we are working on which you knew but what you didn’t know isssss drum roll, babe…” he grinned and began walking backwards so that Xavier could look at Fletcher. “I’m going to be home for six months.” He smiled widened and he stopped to lean against the wall beside the elevator. “I just have to be in NYC for a special in June and that’s it. I have no big jobs here and I’ll be focusing more on little things coming up domestically. So…” he stood up straight when the elevator arrived, “you’ll get to see this mug more often.”

FLETCHER

"And you say 'toe-*mah*-toe'," Fletcher quipped with his version of a British accent on the produce item. "Damn right you are. And yes, I do." He lifted his brows at Xavier saying he had a surprise for him. Fletcher was about to open his mouth to say something ahead of this, but he closed his mouth and walked out of the hotel room with Xavier--his own phone and wallet still in his pockets. He listened to his boyfriend and glanced just ahead of them to make sure the hallway stayed clear for his backwards strides. His blinked twice as a smile slowly spread across his lips. "No shit?" Reaching past Xavier, he pressed the 'down' button on the elevator and then said, "That's the best news I could've gotten today. Next to my flights all being on time." He flashed a grin at his little joke and then wrapped his arms around Xavier. "I'm glad you'll be around more for a long while, sweetheart." As he drew back to look into Xavier's eyes, he said, "It'll give me more chances to not only show but tell you I love you."

XAVIER

“Are you making fun of me, Rizz?” He smirked, super excited about the news he just broke out and even more excited about Fletcher’s reaction.  “Yes shit.” He chuckled and shook his head at his own words. Getting to see his kids and Fletcher and his friends more made him so happy. “I’m glad you like the news. And when I get back, you can help me look for a family car. Something we can put a car seat in and that Drew will feel comfortable in so I can take him places too.” He already had so many plans. He wanted to help Drew with his garden, help his boyfriend more with the baby, take Winter and Henry out more and spend time with everyone. “Me too.” His lips pulled up into a wide grin upon hearing his pet name and at the little joke his boyfriend made. He’d never grow tired of any of this. He was convinced. He wrapped his arms around Fletcher too and Xavier kept his gaze on Fletcher, looking up at him full of joy. His grin melted into a small smile, his lips twitching slightly before he let a soft chuckle fall from him. “You love me, huh?” Xavier  whispered before the ding of the elevator went off. He was all smiles, his teeth taking across his bottom lip as he walked into the elevator with his boyfriend. “I love you too. *so much*.”

FLETCHER

"Some people are so touchy," Fletcher easily fired back with the movie quote. He laughed a bit with Xavier and listened some more. "A family car, huh?" Hearing some of the reasons Xavier wanted one had a warmth spreading from Fletcher's hart, out to every orifice of his body. The way that their two worlds were melding was somthing Fletcher hadn't expected and not at the pace it was happening. But he didn't want to fight it. He had no real reason to. He knew how he felt about Xavier and his kids, and he knew Xavier's feelings for him and his family. When the elevator doors slid open, Fletcher headed inside the lift with his boyfriend. "I love you," he clearly repeated, pressing the first floor button and then taking hold of Xavier's other hand as well. "I know you do. I couldn't be more humbled to be loved by you, X." His eyes were fixed on the younger man as he said, "I guess I could've waited until we were on our walk to tell you - make it a little more romantic like you deserve. But I promised I would tell you as soon as I knew." It was a promise he'd largely made to himself and he was committing to it. He kissed Xavier's forehead and then dipped his chin to kiss his lips. "I love you, Xavier Mitchell."

XAVIER

Xavier laughed at Fletcher's quick response, loving the fact that his boyfriend knew the reference. "A family car. If I can get a 7 seater, imagine all the trips we can all take over the summer." He didn't know how to express the fact that Fletcher's confession had made his entire body light up and that he was feeling a pleasant warmth course over his body. He took his boyfriend's hand and listened intently. He has never felt this way toward anyone. Xavier found himself feeling excited about future plans. Long-term future plans that might have scared him to even think about in the past. He smiled as his boyfriend spoke with great vulnerability and genuine intent. Xavier appreciated the openness and the fact that Fletcher had waited until it felt right for him. "What do you mean? This is romantic. It's coming from you and I know it's from the heart and that is what makes it memorable and romantic to me." His heart literally soared and Xavier returned his boyfriend's kiss. "I love you. I could hear that over and over again, you know. I don't think it'll get old. I'll take care of you, Fletcher. I'll take care of your heart." He'd never hurt him. Xavier was his. Glad that no one decided to get on the elevator, Xavier kissed his boyfriend on the lips once more before they got to the first floor. As they walked out, he kept his hand in Fletcher's. "You know, it's funny. Going back to when I first kissed you and how we had our reservations because of our personal lives and everything...now all I can think about is how we came into each other's lives for a reason." He held the door for Fletcher and smiled as he walked out after him. "Thank you for telling me. When it felt right for you. It makes it even more special." They walked hand in hand.

FLETCHER

"You're adorably thoughtful, you know that? A seven-seater sounds like you're gonna be looking at a minivan or a big SUV. Do either of those seem like something you're interested in?" Fletcher knew they'd talked about Disneyland already and figured that was going to be quite the trip in itself for the summer. A new car and a trip for both of their families sounded like a full Summer to him, but he could be wrong. But he and Xavier had time to sort out Summer plans for themselves, their kids and Drew. For now, h was letting himself feel the bit of jitters that he wasn't showing but came with him telling Xavier out loud for the first time that he loved him. He meant it and he was glad that he'd said the words to his boyfriend. "You give me a lot of leeway, sweetheart," he replied, gently disagreeing on how romantic a gesture he'd executed with his first time telling Xavier that he loved him. "Well you're going to hear it over and over from me. Taking care of my heart's more than I could ask for. I love you and I'll do all I can to take care of yours. You're nurturing to me and my family and I can only hope to be that to you and yours whenever you guys let me." Fletcher walked through the door, smiling as he thought back to their first kiss--how unexpected it was, how it completely caught him off guard and how he  may have had mixed feelings at the time but was quickly drawn to how kissable Xavier's pillowy lips were. He continued holding Xavier's hand as they walked out of the hotel and down the street. His eyes went to the younger man, and then the building he pointed out - a small smile appearing at the kiss to his knuckles, followed by the sight of the NBC logo and knowing what it meant. And then he circled back to Xavier's question. "I knew before I got here. I've never jumped on a plane for someone before in my life. Booking that flight? Yeah... I knew you had my heart and I wouldn't be leaving San Francisco to come here if I didn't love you."

XAVIER

"Stahppp Adorable I am not but yeah! I'll even get a pair of New Balances and a plaid shirt with cargo short. I gotta get a hat that says *ask me about my dad jokes*." Xavier squeezed Fletcher's hand and chuckled. "What do you think? I can make an SUV sexy." Xavier was already enjoying the idea of being able to mesh both families together for a trip. Ever since Disney was mentioned, he had been filled with excitement. "We're going to have these little fights all the time, I think." Xavier smiled widely. Thinking back to their first kiss, it was one of those times when his extroverted confidence paid off for him. At the moment, Xavier felt that if Fletcher decked him, he'd be valid but everything that happened after continued to pleasantly surprise him and it was pretty clear that they couldn't get enough of one another. "Well, now that I'll be home more, maybe we can arrange our schedules so that I can bring the kids with me to your home and you guys can come by more often like we had discussed. We can stay at each other's places here and there as long as Drew is taken care of. He's important to me so I'm always going to consider his safety, time, and feelings. And Winter and Henry already love Phoebe and spending time with all of you. It's very humbling to see how easily our families do that." Xavier continued walking toward the Empire State. There was a grill and deli shop a few stores down and he was hoping to get some food and goodies on the way back to add to whatever they wanted from room service. Fletcher's explanation made Xavier smile and even blush all over again. "And you say it wasn't romantic. I don't care what we were doing at the time, that's pretty grand gesture of the Rom Com variety. Look out Ryan Gosling...my man's got them all beat." He glanced over to Fletcher and winked. "No one has ever done anything that big for me. Ever. I'll never forget it."

FLETCHER

"Oh Jesus, yeah way to suck all the adorable out of it with that mental image," Fletcher joked. "And if you get that hat, just know it's not one I'll be buying for you. But you *are* for damn sure adorable. Period. End of story." He chuckled a little, "I think it'd be more of a challenge with a minivan than an SUV but in this case, the man's gonna make all the sexiness - not the car. And yeah, we probably are gonna have these little fights. You'll be wrong each time you're denying that you're adorable or cute or anything else that's true about yourself." Time had flown so quickly from when their first kiss occurred. And so much had changed between them from before then and after it as well. He was glad for the changes that followed their first kiss, namely because it led to them being where they were now.

"I like the sound of that. And I love you for taking Drew into consideration. Phoebe too, but she's more adaptable to whatever we decide to do." He smiled a little while thinking of his little girl being back home, and he hoped that she wasn't giving Drew or Emiliana too much trouble. "When I get back, I'll get the spare room arranged. If Winter and Henry don't mind sleeping in the same room, I can put an air mattress in there, or I can set one of them up in the living room so they don't have to worry about sharing space with Phoebe and think on being quieter or shit like that when you guys are over." He thought about investing in a cot or something that might be more comfortable than an air mattress. He was thankful as well for how well their families blended already. His eyes only briefly wandered around their vaguely familiar surroundings before they landed back on Xavier. "I'll hav to add some sorta comedy to it to make sure I cover the 'com' part of this rom-com you've got us in." He snorted at the mention of Ryan Gosling. "You're more than deserving of the gestures, big and small, sweetheart. Don't ever forget that either."

XAVIER

"Gotta get the daddy look going!" He smirked at Fletcher's words and feigned disappointment, placing his free hand on his chest. "I'd have to get it stitched at one of those places at the mall because no way that hat exists." Xavier chuckled, unable to keep his happiness hidden. "I won't argue with you because you're in love with me so you'll probably win most arguments." He laughed, every so often leaning into his boyfriend as they walked. "Well, I want you to go shopping with me next week . I trust your taste and I'm super impulsive so you'd be my anchor." Xavier smiled. He knew that they balanced each other well that way. "So I'll be a sexy daddy in my SUV dating the sexiest daddy. I love how confident you are in my erroneous behavior." He kissed Fletcher's cheek quickly. "We should go to the Brooklyn Bridge tomorrow after I drop off my pages to Lorne and I give you a tour. You'd love Brooklyn. We can hit up some food spots."

"Of course. I know you are a big part of his life and betterment, and I wouldn't take you away or anything like that. If anything, I want to help you and him as much as I can especially now that I'm free as a bird for a few months." He smiled when Fletcher spoke. They were nearing their destination and Xavier had to add, "You know, darling. Your face just lights up every time you talk about her. It's the sweetest bloody thing. I adore it. And Winter and Henry won't mind it at all. The first few months they moved into my house, they shared a room because it felt safer for them. They share a very unique and precious bond. They're super adaptable so whatever I can do to help you figure it out, I will. I have two spare rooms now so I can make a mini nursery for Phoebe for when she comes over with you. Winter will have a field day with that. She's really into interior design like my mum. " He chuckled after Fletcher spoke. "I think you've got the com part covered. I think you're pretty funny."

Once they arrived at the Empire State, Xavier pressed another kiss against his boyfriend's cheek once more. "Thank you. I don't know if you know how much that means to me. You being so thoughtful and all. I'm very lucky." They entered the building and Xavier showed off his City Pass and SAG ID. The young man at the ticket booth seemed thrilled to see a celebrity come up to the booth but kept himself as reserved as possible. "Enjoy your afternoon at the Empire State Building, sir." Xavier nodded and tucked away his pass and ID into his wallet before taking Fletcher's hand again to walk toward the elevator "This is my first time going to the top. I've done the exhibits and I've eaten downstairs. I hear the view is phenomenal."

FLETCHER

"Next thing I know, you're gonna be walking around in sandals with socks on. And we both know you've got better fashion sense than all of that." Fletcher wouldn't consider himself the most fashionable person in the world but he knew how to dress well enough when the occasion called for it. Xavier, on the other hand, regularly had impeccable fashion which was something Fletcher found attractive about him. "Well there's no fun in you already deciding I'm gonna win the arguments. Besides, now that just makes me wanna start stupid shit I know isn't true to see how far you let that go." He smiled a bit and then said, "I can do that. Whether you just wanna look and do some behind the wheel tests or if you wanna drive off the lot in something, I'll be there to help you make sure it's not some suburban-type of car." He chuckled, "I'm gonna remember you said that you love that. And it's not erroneous, it's facts." He listened and nodded a bit, "Whatever you wanna do, as long as I'm not getting in your way."

Fletcher knew one of the other things he loved about Xavier was how understanding he'd been when it came to Drew and the role Fletcher played in his life. And he was grateful to Xavier wanting to help him, even if he himself didn't know what that looked like just yet. "Thank you," was all he could tell him for the time being, and he did. So after lifting their joined hands and planting a kiss on the back of his boyfriend's. Fletcher listened to Xavier some more and cracked another gentle smile. He'd also been happy to hear that the arrangement of them dividing their time between each other's homes seemed doable. "Is that what Winter wants to do when she graduates? Interior design?" He gave Xavier a light and good-natured nudge when complimented that he thought he was funny.

Walking inside of the building had Fletcher glancing around but his eyes caught sight of the badge and then arched a brow. He'd still been following Xavier to the elevator when he asked, "Uh-huh. So, uh, wait, the badge you showed. Is it also some Empire State VIP pass here?"

XAVIER

““Oh no I stop at sandals with socks. “ Xavier grinned, glancing over to his boyfriend. Looking good helped with making him feel good and Xavier did his best to live by that. He was smiling the whole time Fletcher spoke knowing damn well that he was going to let him win arguments easily and was simply teasing. His smile turned into something a little more devilish and he wiggled his brows as if challenging or taking the challenge of keeping it up only to chuckle. “Don’t worry, we will still argue.” Xavier glanced over lovingly every chance he could. He still couldn’t believe that Fletcher had come out to see him. This was a grand gesture in Xavier’s book and he’d always remember this. He was glad to hear that Fletcher was willing to go with him to start some car shopping. In truth, he knew he wanted the McLaren but a family car would be incredibly different and he was excited to shop with Fletcher especially when he wanted him to have a set of keys in case he needed a bigger car.  “Thanks, babe. Well got to Volvo for starters when I get back.” He chuckled, loving Fletcher’s feisty spirit. It was just one of Xavier’s favorite things about him. “You’re not getting in my way. You’re saving me from boredom” he had already finished most of his pages and was ready to assign skits. The rest of his stay would be easy and then he’d be home free.

He smiled at his boyfriend, wanting nothing more than to always reassure him that he was going to be there not only for Fletcher but every aspect of his life and that included Drew and Phoebe. His kids also loved them and that made Xavier so happy. “Always.” He smiled at the kiss against his hand. “I think she wants to get into design at some capacity whether it’s interior or fashion. She keeps telling me she wants to look into fashion and design schools so that’s what we will be doing next year.” He chuckled at the nudge, genuinely thinking Fletcher was hysterical and loving that it was just for him sometimes.

Xavier smiled and handed him the city pass and SAG ID unsure which one Fletcher was talking about. “Most people come to the 82 floor. You need reservations for the top deck and an Express Pass to skip the lines.  The City Pass is to get easy admission and the ID helps with skipping the lines without a reservation. Usually it’s insane but we’re going to the 102 floor and we will get a panoramic view of New York City. Also, it’ll be more private.” Xavier pressed a kiss against Fletcher’s lips and headed toward the elevator to the top deck where someone was waiting for them to take them up.

FLETCHER

"Well thank fuck there's a line," Fletcher quipped and smirked to his boyfriend. He'd probably float the idea to Henry and Winter to get him some sort of 'dad'-related baseball cap for Father's Day though. "I'm sure we will. Besides, wasn't there a talk about great makeup sex when it came to arguing?" He gave a tiny grin at that and briefly thought about his and Xavier's relationship, mostly about how loving Xavier was in every way possible. While Fletcher didn't have much in the way of meaningful dating history, he'd been with enough people to honestly say that Xavier was the sweetest person he had ever met. He was both strong and gentle at the same time, funny and emotional, thoughtful and easygoing. He was a devoted friend, a wonderful lover, and he made Fletcher feel like it was a true honor not only being in his company but being his boyfriend. He thought about this as they walked and conversed with each other. "Volvo huh? Alright, sticking with the speedy, foreign luxury cars, I see." He winked, knowing full well that while Volvo was foreign to both of them, the McLaren cars were very much British. He chuckled a little, "Boredom? Do you have some other kind of meeting or something before you have to fly back?" Fletcher would only be there for one more night after this evening, but he'd come in the middle of Xavier's NYC stint.

Listening on some more, he took in what Xavier was saying about Winter's design interests. "As long as she keeps knowing she can do anything she sets her mind to and puts in the work for. She'll be great regardless, and she's got plenty of time to explore her options." And when Xavier handed over the two cards, Fletcher realized he'd seen the SAG ID and thought it was what Xavier had shown to gain them access inside. He'd been vaguely familiar with the city passes from his childhood but hadn’t seen one, let alone held one since he was a kid and his class had taken a field trip to the American Museum of Natural History. He remembered his dad being convinced Fletcher would need one while his mom argued that they would just need to send Fletcher with a one-time discounted payment along with the permission slip. Fletcher's dad bought the city pass anyway, only to learn that in the end, his wife was right. Fletcher had been listening to Xavier while staring at the city pass and thinking on the memory, only to mentally swat it away. Returning fully to the present, he handed both badges back to his boyfriend as they rode the elevator up. He met and returned the kiss and stared around at the elevator's interior. "How many times did you say you've been here before? This is your first time to the very top, right?"

XAVIER

"I mean, even I have limitations." Xavier chuckled knowing his line existed way before sandals and socks. At the mention of makeup sex, he couldn't help but smile wider and give his boyfriend a playful sideways glance. "Uh, yes. Main reason I'll pick arguments with you so can have your way with me after and vice-versa." He kept his voice low just for Fletcher. He wasn't argumentative at all and while he didn't mind conflict, it rarely came looking for him. Jeremy was probably the most troublesome person he had met. Going to therapy has helped Xavier with effectively sharing his feelings and conflict resolution. While arguing was healthy and he agreed that is was, he didn't think it would ever get to the point of being explosive however if it did, he had the tools to resolve things. He loved Fletcher and with that came understanding and patience that would help their relationship flourish. He laughed at the Volvo comment, nodding at Fletcher. "I love nice things, what can I say?" he then added, "And it's a super safe brand so I feel like it would be perfect with all the precious cargo I'll be carrying." He smiled, thinking on his work week. "I mostly have to make sure I write all the pages assigned which I have and assign them. I'm due to perform on Saturday obviously but from tomorrow until then, I'm free after I drop off my pages unless I'm pulled into a meeting to discuss anything."

"I want Henry and Winter to follow their dreams, whatever they are and I want to help them accomplish that. Winter has a lot of potential. She's so bright and so good at what she does. She plays around with her school uniform all the time. She tells me how her classmates constantly ask for a 'Winter Original'." Xavier beamed proudly as he thought about his daughter and son. "I think Henry is going to be a Pokemon master. Haven't told him that isn't an actual trade but that's okay." He chuckled once more. He watched Fletcher go somewhere else in his thoughts and tilted his head.

Taking the badges back, Xavier smiled at his softly as he tucked them away into his wallet. "Are you alright, baby?" When they went into the elevator, Xavier greeted the operator and then responded to Fletcher, "It is my first time at the top. I've been here a couple of times since I'm right down the block . Usually to get my mind off things or wake up and get some coffee. The restaurants are nice and the shops too. There's so much here. They even do a movie night. I think Mama Mia is happening tomorrow? It's magnificent how much operates in just one building. I'm glad I'm going to the top with you though. It seems right."

FLETCHER

"And thank god for that," Fletcher quipped even though he had full confidence in this already, given Xavier's fashion sense that was always on display. He grinned at the look on the younger man's face as well as his response about make-up sex and murmured a, "Good," as they continued walking. And while Fletcher knew he could be stubborn and was often blunt, he was grateful for Xavier's maturity as well as his own, particularly when it came to things that truly mattered. He wasn't bothered in the least by Xavier liking nice things. "I like them too sometimes, I just can't always afford them," he replied with a single, light chuckle. It wasn't meant as any sort of dig or even to comment on the difference in their finances and income. Fletcher was just very matter-of-fact when he wasn't being so obviously sarcastic.  "I'm looking forward to us taking a look around." And when he heard what all the rest of Xavier's week was likely going to be, Fletcher nodded a bit and then said, "Look at you, getting ahead on your work. Good job, X. And if you end up in meetings or something while I'm here, I can nap it out at the hotel."

One thing he’d quickly grown to love about Xavier was how caring a father he was. Winter and Henry were his children in every way that mattered and he’d been a loving, doting and nurturing father to them which from what Xavier had told him, both children had been lacking–Winter in particular. “You will help them, and because you will, they’ll be great in their paths in life.” He’d really had no doubt in that and knew the two kids were just as lucky to have him as he was, them. He smiled a bit, “Maybe he’ll be able to channel that Pokemon mastery into a career path. Hell, if I knew as a kid that people made money from playing video games, maybe I would’ve gotten into them more than I did.”

When asked if he was alright, Fletcher glanced down at Xavier, “Yeah, just thinking is all but I’m listening.” He leaned over and pressed an assuring kiss to his boyfriend’s forehead and then heard him answer about the Empire State Building. “A movie night, huh? I didn’t know that.” He cracked a small, crooked smile about it seeming right for Xavier and him going to the top together. “Another first with me, huh?” He’d looked to the doors as the elevator slowed to a stop but spoke to Xavier again. “I’m glad we’re doing this together too. The view’s gonna be wild, I’m sure.”

XAVIER

Xavier let a light-hearted chuckle fall from his lips as he walked hand in hand with his boyfriend. He enjoyed all of Fletcher's reactions to his responses and the banter they partook in was just one of Xavier's favorite things about their relationship. A gentle smile appeared against his features at Fletcher telling him he liked nice things too but couldn't always afford them. Xavier was just happy with the chance to spoil him and his family. "Yeah, and this economy is bonkers too but I hope you'll let me continue spoiling you." He nudged him with a grin. He would never want to make his boyfriend uncomfortable but he'd try to do little things here and there for him. "Me too! And I must get a car seat for Phoebe too so you can help me with that since I'm clueless about those things." He did feel very accomplished with his work in his last week in New York City but he owed it all to wanting to get home and spend all the time he could with the people he loved. "Thank you, thank you. A nap sounds nice! You need it, that's for sure, baby."

Thinking about the future of his children worried Xavier but he also looked forward to seeing them grow up. They have only been in his life for such a short time but he felt like they have been a family forever.  Imagining Winter going off to university and Henry starting high school often got him teary-eyed. They meant so much to him. "Thank you for saying that. I plan on making sure they get where they want to be." He smiled at Fletcher's comment. "Yeah, I mean look at Riley but what you're doing now, you're incredible at it. You have such a talent. I know I'm biased here but I mean it. I've seen your Instagram, and seen the comments from people who admire your work. Now that you've mentioned it though, I'm curious about Fletcher as a kid. When you were Henry's age, what were you into?"

Smiling at the kiss, he then nodded in response to the movie night. "Yeah, it seems nice." Xavier laughed and waited to be out of earshot from the elevator operator and murmured, "Always popping my cherries." When they stepped out, Xavier's smile widened immediately. There weren't too many people at the top mostly because it was mid-week in the middle of the day and because reservations were hard to get but man was it breathtaking. "Oh, wow. Take a look at that."

FLETCHER

"Tell me about it," Fletcher agreed when Xavier commented about the economy. But he squeezed his boyfriend's hand. "As long as you don't go crazy with it, you can still be my lowkey sugar daddy," he teased a bit. Considering much of the spoiling had been for his family and not him directly, Fletcher had been fine with it. The fact that Xavier was keeping his uncle and daughter in mind while talking of car shopping for his own family was spoiling for him. And Xavier organizing the sip and see for Phoebe was extremely sweet as well. He knew the gift giving was a love language of Xavier's as well and since Xavier wasn't taking away from Fletcher still being able to do things for himself and his family, he wasn't bothered. "Don't worry, babe, I'll help you out with the car seat."

He'd gone from thinking about a nap to thinking about Winter and Henry and he smiled a bit, listening to Xavier. "I know you will." He nodded a bit, "Yeah, although Riley makes money from designing the games, not playing them, right?" And when Xavier turned the conversation to him, Fletcher took the compliments in humble silence but raised a brow when he asked about him when he was younger. "Young Fletcher was a little shit. Just ask Drew," he snorted and then abruptly stopped. "Actually, don't ask him. He's got too many stories." He glanced up in thought and let out a pensive sigh, "Let's see, when I was around Henry's age, I was into the Niners, *Xena: Warrior Princess*, *Street Fighter* and *The Legend of Zelda*, and being a little shit to anyone who criticized or made fun of me. What were you like?"

He grinned at Xavier's cherry-popping comment and then quipped, "And what an honor it is." He stepped out of the elevator but his gaze had been on Xavier until the younger man indicated the view. Fletcher looked out and gently parted his lips. He'd never seen NYC like this before and all he could manage to say then was, "...Shit..." at the seemingly endless skyline. "What a view."

XAVIER

"Oh, yeah? I kinda love that." He grinned at his boyfriend's words, glad that he was open to him getting him a few things here and there. He brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed Fletcher's knuckles. "Thanks, love." Xavier smiled at the other, keeping his gaze on him when Fletcher wasn't looking. It made him incredibly happy having the older man in his life and to hear that he felt the same as Xavier did had put him on cloud nine. He felt so lucky to have found someone to share all the big and little things with and was even more grateful that it seemed to have happened at the right time for both of them. It was one of those times where the stars really did align.

"That's right. Luna does the playing." He chuckled, finding it curious his best friend and Khamani's wife found each other on that island. It really was wonderful how they were all in each other's lives now. "He started telling me a few things but hasn't gone to deep into stories. I'll get some from him soon though. I'm sure you were a little shit though." He laughed. "Oh no, no. You've activated curious Xavier and you know I'm relentless." Xavier bit his bottom lip as Fletcher went on. "Oh! Xena! I love Xrna and Hercules too! All the greats I see and of course you were dishing it out even then." Xavier flashed him an easy-going smile. "Me? I was bossy. Always telling Clayton what to do and just wanting things a specific way. My dad insisted I was a perfectionist but I'd say I just liked things a certain way." He smirked. "Had a great deal of anxiety so I joked around a lot to get over it. Was the class clown, loved to hear people laugh. There was always something electric about it all. I was obsessed with Toy Story especially Buzz Lightyear. Power Rangers were everything to me aaaanddd I had a giant crush on the pink ranger."

Xavier then laughed again. "And the green ranger." He sighed softly and then let his gaze fall on the scenery before it shifted toward his boyfriend. "Yeah...shit." He walked  over to get the best view of the city line and beyond. "This is truly stunning. I see why it's considered so romantic." He wiggled his brows comically and chuckled. After a few minutes of taking it all end, he added, "Thank you for coming here. Grand gestures...they're kind of my weak spot you know." He gave Fletcher's hand a squeeze, "thank you, my love."

FLETCHER

"Want me to start calling you 'Sugar' or 'SD' for short?" he joked although he wasn't totally opposed to calling Xavier 'sugar' when he already called him 'sweetheart'. Both were fitting pet names for his boyfriend in his eyes. There were moments where being there in NYC with him felt absolutely surreal. But the hand squeezing and kissing with Xavier grounded him all over again. Eventually, he'd end up telling him how this wasn't his first time in the big apple and how he'd actually been born here and still remmwbered parts of it from childhood. But now wasn't the time to open that Empire State-sized can of worms.

"Ugh. Yeah I'm sure it won't take much for you to get those stories from him," he replied with a faux soured face. "But yeah, I was. Drew and the assistant principal knew each other on a first name basis when I was in middle school, and I wasn't much better for most of high school." He wasn't necessarily proud of it now but back then, it took him time to grow up and mamage his anger and resentment in ways other than mouthing off to people and getting into fights. He smirked and raised his brows, a bit surprised hearing that Xavier was bossy. "Really? That's hard to picture, you being bossy. But how much did your brother actually listen to you?" The organization made sense. He knew Xavier kept a clean home and car, and when he cooked, he was good at cleaning as he went. "Class clown doesn't surprise me but Toy Story, huh?" He liked learning these things about Xavier, including the Power Ranger crushes. "I mean, who *didn't* have a crush on Kimberly?" he chuckled a bit and then grinned when Xavier added the green ranger to his crushes.

He took in the view around them, still keep his hand in Xavier's while committing as much of the moment to memory. Not just the sight but being up there with someone he loved and felt glad to be sharing this moment with. He looked to Xavier, really looked into his eyes and smiled warmly. "I'm learning that. And I'm glad we did this." He kept his eyes on his boyfriend for a bit longer before leaning in and kissing him on his full lips. His free hand came up to cup his jaw and cheek and when he drew back, he told him, "I love you," followed by another brief, tender kiss. "Do you want to take a couple pictures up here before we head back down?"

XAVIER

Xavier smiled at the pet name. “Sugar reminds me of Rogue from X-Men.” His smiled widened a bit more at the thought. “I’ll just call you mon amour.” Xavier adored the idea even though every time Fletcher called him ‘sweetheart’ , it did something to him. He couldn’t explain it but he knew he loved it.

Xavier listened intently, smiling as Fletcher spoke. He knew that the other had been a trouble maker when he was a lot younger and knew that Drew was responsible for his turn around. “And look at you now. Still a trouble maker but in a hot way.” His smile grew some more. “But seriously, thank goodness for Drew. You just needed the right guidance and he made sure you got it. I wonder if we would have been friends. Like, if the age gap wasn’t a thing. And yeah really! I was bossy but Clayton never listened.” He laughed and shook his head thinking about growing up with his twin and with Riley and Athena. “He fell in loved when he was 12 and never looked back.” Xavier smiled. “Look, Toy Story was all the rage. I really wanted to go to Disney World and meet Buzz and get all the merch. We never go to as kids but my parents threw me a Toy Story birthday party and got a character for it and it was delightful.” When Fletcher made his comment about Kimberly he laughed and nodded. “Right?! And Tommy was a crush no one knew about. Not even Riley or Clayton.  Tommy and Prince Caspian are responsible for my bisexual awakening.” He shook his head at himself and then directed his attention to the view. He was sure that he had never felt this way about anyone.  Xavier loved Fletcher fully and wanted to have more memories like this one with him and their families too.  There was nothing in the world that seemed more special.

“Me too.” Xavier whispered, his gaze flickering up to meet Fletcher’s. The slight breeze gave him a little chill down his neck as he returned his boyfriend’s kiss, raising his free hand to rest against Fletcher’s.

He smiled hearing the proclamation for the third time that afternoon and Xavier knew he’d never grow tired of hearing it. “I love you too.” More than he’s ever loved anyone romantically. “And definitely. I’ll make it one of my lock screens and put it on my desk.” He smiled as he pulled his phone from his pocket before accessing the camera and turning it to selfie mode. “You have longer arms, you do the honors.” He handed Fletcher the phone and then pressed a kiss against his cheek as one of the poses.

FLETCHER

"I mean, I could say it in a raspy, Southern accent whenever I say it if that does something for you," Fletcher replied seriously, despite the twitch of his lips.

Hus lips did end up forming a sly smirk though and he quipped, "No regrets," at being called a troublemaker by his boyfriend. "Yeah I owe Drew more than I could ever say or do for him." Fletcher knew it wasn't the first time he'd said something like this to Xavier but it was no less true then as it was now. "It's hard to say if we'd be friends or not. I wasn't the kid who gave other kids the 'let's be friends' vibes. I could probably count on one hand the number of people who were friends back then. Weirdly, even though I wasn't the most openly friendly, it didn't really seem to stop people from trying to talk to me or be friends or whatever though." He remained a tentatively listener to Xavier and softly grinned. "Your love for Toy Story's adorable. Are there pictures somewhere of you from this birthday party? But Tommy and Prince Caspian, huh? You like your brunettes, don't you?" He chuckled and kissed the side of Xavier's head, and then got to looking at the view with his love.

While he prepared to take his phone from his back pocket, he listened to Xavier and chuckled, "Oh is that all?" He smiled and then chuckled again, accepting Xavier's phone. "Sure thing, sugar," he answered with his best Rogue impression, positioning the camera and  smiling softly as Xavier kissed his cheek. He took the picture and then turned his head to nuzzle Xavier's temple for another picture before muttering, "C'mere," tilting his head to meet his lips for a kiss. He remembered to tap the camera button a couple of times before drawing back and then asked, "Should we take one where we're *both* looking at the camera?"

XAVIER

Xavier glanced over at his boyfriend with a smirk and then chuckled softly. "You do that and we're not leaving the hotel room after we eat."

"hm, I bet." Xavier kept his smirk. "Bad influence is what you are." He replied playfully thinking how much he loved Fletcher for who he was. He then smiled gently at the mention of Drew who had become someone Xavier respected and appreciated in such a short time. "Remind me to thank him a million times for everything." He was a rock for Fletcher. He was his boyfriend's anchor and he'd go as far as saying he was his savior and if not for him, perhaps Xavier would have never met him and his boyfriend wouldn't have had the opportunity to know what true parents were like. "I could see that. All of that. I was a little awkward. A lot went into that with being one of the only black kids in my class raised by a white family. So comedy...that's how I made friends. But I probably would have been one of those trying to be your friends." He sighed, holding on to Fletcher's hand, enjoying the easy conversation. He felt his cheeks flush at being called adorable for liking Toy Story. "Aw shucks, thank you." He then nodded. "I know my parents have tons. I'll have them send me some to show you. Also, just remembered their Facebook has photos. And you know what? yeah, I do—troublemakers with a big-ass heart brunettes. I'm a giant sucker for those." He laughed as well, completely engrossed in their moment.

"Yeah, that's all." He chuckled too and then bit his lip as he smiled at Fletcher's Rogue impression. "Oh, you're in trouble now." Forgetting they were taking pictures, Xavier closed his eyes momentarily as his boyfriend nuzzled his temple, letting a soft laugh fall from his lips before they were met with Fletcher's pair. He nodded at the question that came next and Xavier softened his gaze, admiring his troublemaker before looking at the camera with a giant smile.

Once the photos were taken, he pocketed his phone and continued admiring the view. "We'll get our sandwiches to go and then you can do whatever you want with me." His gaze flickered up to meet his boyfriend's eyes. "Make some fantasies come true. Anything." He reached up to gently run his fingers through the side of Fletcher's hair. "Proper thank you for coming out here for me, mon amour."

FLETCHER

"You say that like it's a threat, but all I hear is a challenge." Fletcher met his boyfriend's smirk with one of his own and started thinking about Southern accents.

"Moooi? A bad influence?" He said, faux shock with his free hand pointing to his own chest. "Well that's just painfully accurate." He knew as much and didn't actually have a problem with this description of himself. And he listened to Xavier, speaking kindly and highly of his uncle while not knowing the full extent of how much Drew deserved all the thanks. One day, Fletcher would tell him about his parents and why he ended up I'm Drew's care, but today wasn't that day. He was far too happy and had plenty to relish about their time and having told Xavier he loved him. He listened to the younger man and sobered a bit hearing some of the reason behind Xavier leaning into comedy and being the class clown. Fletcher squeezed his hand, "I can't imagine what that had been like growing up especially. The fucking stupidity of some people." He lifted their joined hands to kiss Xavier's, and then let their hands remain held at their sides. A small grin appeared at Xavier's "type" and then he chuckled, "A half dozen tattoos might be a bonus to that, hm?"

He'd taken a few more pictures for them and then arched his brows, "No, no, I'm the trouble-maker, not the trouble-getter." He kissed Xavier on his lips and had taken a couple more pictures before handing the phone back to his boyfriend. "Oh really? Hot damn, sweetheart. Say less." He smirked and pressed another, lingering kiss to Xavier's lips, his free hand cupping Xavier's neck while gliding his thumb along the Brit's jaw. "We better get outta here or we'll never make it to getting sandwiches."

XAVIER

"Take it as you will." Xavier shook his head all the while stealing a glance at Fletcher's smirk only for his lips to do the same.

"Uh yes! But I kinda sorta love this bad influence so I guess it's okay." Xavier teased Fletcher. He loved the way his boyfriend challenged him and taught him new things. He had become open to exploration he wouldn't have known about if not for meeting him and it was just one of the reasons Xavier had fallen for the other. He smiled softly at Fletcher's reaction to how and why Xavier had chosen comedy. "Mm. I blame the parents. I always said if kids are out there spewing unkind things, what are the parents teaching them? It's okay though look at me now, bitches!" He laughed. "Kidding. Kind of. Nah, eat shit." He laughed again, his expression melting at the sight of Fletcher kissing their joined hands. Little gestures were just as incredible as the big ones. "The tattoos were definitely a bonus. I got myself a baddie." He playfully nudged Fletcher with his shoulder and grinned.

"I think you can be both." He laughed and kissed his boyfriend. If he could, he'd devour him there. Xavier took the phone from Fletcher and quickly sent them to him, a smirk landing on his face at Fletcher's words. He looked up at him and returned the kiss, turning to face him completely, a sly little smirk playing against his lips. "We need to eat. Sustenance. I saw my trainer this morning so I have a lot of energy..." He chuckled and went back to taking Fletcher's hand, gesturing toward the elevator. "I need you to wipe me out."

FLETCHER

"You know I will," Fletcher quipped. And then he gave Xavier a questioning glance, "You *kinda sorta* love the bad influence thing?" He pecked Xavier's temple and then gazed out at the skyline as the two of them continued to talk. But his eyes fell back on his boyfriend when they got back to talking about what kids were like when Xavier was growing up. "Eh, yeah parents can be a big part but other dumbass people are influences too. Peer pressure and shit like that. I'd had idiots I'd gotten into fights with because their friends were idiots too and they were just copying what the other was saying or doing." After squeezing Xavier's hand, he said, "Yeah you better own that. You're amazing, smart, handsome, loving, sexy, successful, and funny." When he lowered their hands between them, he chuckled, "The baddie and the zaddy," pointing between the two of them.

"Eh, I can be and I have been. But in this case, I just wanna make a little trouble." He kissed Xavier deeply, only reluctantly lightening the kiss to mutter against his lips. "Didn't you say room service was a thing?" He kissed the corner of his mouth and to his jaw, heading to his neck where he murmured, "You need that, huh? Well I've been sitting on an airplane for hours so I've got plenty of energy that needs to be used up." He nipped Xavier's ear and then lifted his head, "Let's go. You've got me wanting to show you how much I love you, and wanting to fulfill that need of yours all at once."

XAVIER

Xavier loved the banter. Fletcher never had a problem keeping up and conversations were always easy even when they were teasing one another. "Okay, I really fucking love it." He smiled at the kiss against his temple, sighing contently. Even amid heavier topics, Xavier and Fletcher found ways to support each other and still find some levity. He nodded in agreement to Fletcher's response. "You're right. There was plenty of that growing up. Sorry that you had to deal with it too." Xavier listened intently, a smile forming on his lips, the warmth rising in his cheeks. If he smiled any harder, his cheeks would begin to hurt. "You're complimentary today." He grinned once more. "Ohhh I like that. The baddie and the Zaddy." Xavier knew he had struck gold with Fletcher and he'd make sure his boyfriend was reminded of that as often as possible.

"Only a little?" Xavier closed his eyes, returning the kiss as a part of him wondered if there was anywhere they could run off to but thankfully the hotel wasn't too far away. "Room service is always a thing..." He bit the inside of his cheek and then the corner of his lips as he tried to focus. By now, Fletcher knew exactly where his weakest spots were and he was hitting some of them now. "Mm hmm. Desperate." He barely got the words out secretly wishing there was no elevator operator. "There are better things you can do for hours." He chuckled, grabbing his boyfriend's hand and pulling him toward the elevator to leave for the hotel.

[fletchervanhall]

Big Talks | Flavier

Featuring: Fletcher Van Hall & Xavier Mitchell; mentions of other Van Halls and Mitchells. Location: Millennium Hilton Hotel; NYC, NY Time Frame: Early morning, April 26, 2024 Notes: Flavier have an important talk, the same morning that this took place. @xaviernottheprofessor

XAVIER

Waking up with the biggest smile on his face, Xavier’s immediate reaction was to wrap his arms around Fletcher but to his surprise, he wasn’t in bed with him. He rubbed his eyes and reached for his glasses before reaching for his phone and when he read his boyfriend’s text message, he smiled and stretched his arms. He had a slow day considering he’d be performing tomorrow which would give him and Fletcher time to be touristy. Xavier stood up as he checked his emails and made sure he had finished his work. He had one meeting in a couple of minutes and he figured he had enough time before Fletcher got back. Feeling a little sore but in the best way, Xavier practiced a few yoga poses before throwing on a t shirt and joining the quick Zoom call. Once he had finished, he looked at the time, getting slightly worried that his boyfriend was still out. Maybe it was just a busy morning at the store. He waited, wanting to take a shower with Fletcher and not alone and as he was about to text him, Xavier heard the door and smiled. “Hey! I was getting worried. Packed store?” He went to help Fletcher with the drinks and pressed a kiss against his lips. He noticed something off almost immediately and looked up at him. “Everything okay?”

FLETCHER

Despite his best efforts, Fletcher was still fuming from the encounter with Gerry. He'd stopped in the hotel lobby and set the bagels and drinks down to flex and straighten his fingers about a dozen times over. On impulse, he reached for his pho

ne to call his uncle now, but somehow, amidst his upset, remembered the 3 hour time difference and the likelihood that Drew was probably still asleep. So, after a few more deep, deep breaths, Fletcher picked up the breakfast items and strode to the elevators. Once he reached Xavier's hotel room, he arranged everything to one hand and opened the door with the key card. His expression was stony even though he'd wished it was calm and relaxed like it'd been when he left. He returned Xavier's kiss with little gusto and said, "No, not really," about the bagel shop being packed. He'd let Xavier take the drink tray and then set the bag of bagels down so he could pull his hoodie off. Tossing it to a chair, Fletcher stepped out of his shoes and sat down on the bed, running a hand down his face in an effort to wipe the tension away. "It will be. I'm just pissed. Kinda." He didn't even know how to start this conversation considering he never talked about his parents with anyone. He didn't even talk about them with Drew anymore.

"You should have your coffee before it gets cold. It should still be close to hot at least. And there's bagels in the bag. We've never had 'em together before so didn't know what you'd like and got a few different ones." Half naked in just his sweats, Fletcher leaned forward with his elbows on his thighs and his forefingers deliberately pressed against the corners of his eyes. "I know I should tell you what's up. I just don't know how." He sighed, almost never being one at a loss for words.

XAVIER

Xavier set the drinks on the table but kept his gaze on Fletcher. Something was definitely off about the other. "Well, that's good. Friday mornings shouldn't be too bad and rush hour is basically over." This was all filler conversation, of course. Xavier hoped Fletcher would take a moment to shake off what was bothering him enough to talk about if he needed to. When Fletcher said he was pissed, it got Xavier's attention. He could care less about the coffee, especially with how bothered and annoyed his boyfriend looked. "Alright, just take your time." He walked over to Fletcher and sat beside him, letting his hand settle on the other's back to massage small circles. "Don't worry about the coffee. I'll put it in the microwave if it gets too cold. I'm more worried about you."

Xavier glanced over to the bag of bagels and a small smile appeared on his face. He was grateful that Fletcher had gotten them breakfast. "Thank you. I like all bagels so I'm sure they're all great." He watched Fletcher, his smile slowly fading. Whatever was bothering his boyfriend, it was serious and he hated seeing him like this. "Whatever it is, I'm here to listen. Judgement-free zone and with an open heart and mind." He leaned in to press a kiss against Fletcher's temple. "What's going on?"

FLETCHER

He nodded, hearing but not fully listening to Xavier's comment about the busyness of the morning. And shortly after he felt Xavier approach, he moved his fingers from his eyes, rubbing them slightly to help clear his vision. He brought a hand down to rest on Xavier's thigh and finally said, "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Just..." He trailed off and leaned into Xavier's words of comfort. His shoulders slowly rose and fell, and his back expanded and contracted as he drew in a deep breath and sighed it back out, deciding to start somewhere and just go with it.

"I've never told you about... my parents. And it was on purpose because they're mostly irrelevant in my life now. Drew talks to them from time to time and that's about as much of a tie to them as I still have. They seem to have no real problem being a brother or a sister-in-law but being a parent? That was too much for them to handle. I was too much for them. They had me when they were close to 40 and back then, they were the oldest parents of anyone my age. I was born here, in New York, and I had a lot of energy as a kid. Like most kids. And like most kids, I wanted to ask every question that came to my mind which exhausted and annoyed them. I wanted to go everywhere and do everything. They didn't." He thought back for a moment, remembering times where he argued with both of his parents until his dad shut the entire conversation down--usually with threats of a belt whooping. He remembered them arguing with each other about him and on rare occasion, one of them was in support of him being who he was.

"But neither of them could really be parents. It just became more and more obvious as I got older. And when they couldn't take it anymore, they sent me to live with Drew. There's an age gap between him and my-... than Gerry." He wouldn't call the man his father. Not out loud and not in his head if he could help it. "At first it was just during the school year and I'd come back home during the Winter and Summer breaks. And then, after a few years, it was permanent. They didn't want me getting my hopes up of coming back to New York for good anytime soon, which at the time, was what I wanted." He cracked a brief, mirthless half-smile Xavier's way, "So when I say I was a little shit to Drew when I was a kid, now you know why. He was kinder to me and more patient with me than my parents ever were, but I didn't want to be in California with him. I wanted to be back home. It didn't make sense then but it was what I'd wanted. And when that wasn't an option to even come visit, I got angry. I acted out at home--namely towards my idiot cousins who resented me being there. And I acted out at school, got into trouble for it and acted like I didn't care. I'd cuss out my parents if they tried calling to talk to me, so eventually, they stopped trying. First Gerry. And then Shirley." He took another deep breath and balled his fingers into knuckle-white fists. "I hadn't seen or heard from either of them directly since high school. Drew tried to keep me in the loop on their lives but he learned pretty quick that I didn't wanna hear about them.

"But he must've talked to Gerry recently because the old man knew I was in town. And he knew I was here because I ran into him when I was coming back with breakfast."

XAVIER

Xavier shook his head in response to never being told about Fletcher's parents. There were a lot of conclusions that Xavier had made on his own based on conversations with Drew and things he had picked up along the way but nothing seemed concrete and he figured, it was a topic Fletcher didn't like to dive into. The mere fact that Drew was constantly praised and given credit for Fletcher's upbringing and the man he is today was enough evidence that Fletcher's parents weren't people worth mentioning and the more Xavier listened, the more he realized that was correct. It saddened him knowing his parents didn't want him and had made a big effort to push Fletcher away. No kid deserved that no matter the intention. Even if sending Fletcher to Drew was best for him, it didn't mean that as a boy he didn't feel neglected. Xavier listened intently, his heart hurting for Fletcher and the little boy that once existed and was forced to live a different life. While Drew was an angel and did right by Fletcher, he still had to go through the feeling of not being wanted or loved. He was starting to understand the barriers and walls that his boyfriend sometimes held up.

Learning that Fletcher was from New York wasn't so much a surprise. There were certain times that Xavier had picked up on an accent but didn't really think much of it. He continued massaging his boyfriend's back as his gaze remained fixated on Fletcher's eyes. When he had mentioned that he had run into Gerry, Xavier frowned and shook his head. He couldn't imagine what that encounter was like. "You wanting to be here as a child does make sense. This is what you knew and no matter how terrible your parents made you feel, they were still your parents and at that age, there was some part of you that wanted to belong to them. Also, this was your life. I'm sorry that this all happened to you but I'm so glad that Drew had the patience and love to give that they did not."

"That was all you really needed at that time. Like you said, you were like most kids full of energy and wanting to do things. None of that was your fault. I empathize with them maybe feeling older or too old to do it but that's life. There were other ways to go about things and you were the child not them. However they wanted to go about it, they didn't handle things the way a parent should. You didn't deserve that. You got a little surprise with Phoebe and you are about the age your parents were when they had you and you stepped up for that baby by yourself. I know you have a giant village behind you but you made that decision on your own. That's what I mean by that. You have given Phoebe a chance and that makes you --you're not your parent's child. Whatever your father said to you or tried to tell you, if it was negative which by the looks of things, it was--well then...fuck him. He has no right to come into your life so many years later and try to fuck you over." He kept massaging his back. "Do you want me to go saran wrap his toilet? I can change your mom's shampoo and add Nair or something?" He sighed. "Tell your inner child that you're incredibly loved and wanted."

FLETCHER

When Fletcher paused to let Xavier take everything in, he wasn't the least bit surprised to find his boyfriend not only empathizing but coming to his defense for the way he was brought up and how his parents went about things. He gave Xavier's thigh a gentle squeeze, and then a low, "Sweetheart," as Xavier kept going. And then he turned his head to look directly at the younger man. "X." Taking a beat, he raised a hand to the back of Xavier's neck and leaned over to kiss his forehead. "Thank you. I know. And believe me when I say that I've already worked through a lot of this. Drew's a great mentor, plus I've gone to therapy before and I've had a long time to come to terms with how things turned out. Yeah, once in a while I get worried when I think about how I'm forty and Phoebe's not even one yet, but it's okay. Deep down, I know it's okay and that if I fear anything now--you know, aside from that typical parental fear of fucking up your kid--I only worry about missing important things later in her life. But I'm making the best of all the time I have with her. I know damn well I'm not and never will be anything like my parents when it comes to her or any kids in my life. Trust me, if you had seen me when I found out April was having my baby and nearly cost me the chance at being her father?" He shook his head and resumed looked to the floor. "It wasn't a pretty side of me. I'll leave it at that."

He reached for Xavier's hand that had been rubbing his back and held it in his instead. "I don't want you to do anything to them. I don't even want you to meet them. It'd be an honor they don't deserve." Fletcher squeezed his boyfriend's hand and said, "I just wanted you to know what I hadn't told you before, and what I don't really tell anyone for that matter, so you'd understand why I was pissed because yeah, I did run into Gerry just before coming back up here." After another deep breath, he went on with a sense of finality in his voice. "He came by to be nosy among other things. Nothing innocent or polite about it either, and without flattening him on the sidewalk, I told him he can go back to staying the hell outta my life." He wasn't interested in giving a play-by-play of the conversation with Gerry or what the older man said and almost said since it was what pissed him off to begin with.

"Thinking about you, Drew and the kids was what kept me from probably getting arrested on battery charges this morning," he admitted, giving Xavier a sideways glance to take in his reaction to this admission. And then he reminded, "I just... wanted you to know what happened. And to say sorry for the delay with breakfast. I was planning to be back before you woke up. Let the coffee smell wake you and all."

XAVIER

He could hear Fletcher saying his name probably in an attempt to get Xavier to stop fretting and to listen to him but Xavier was too wound up. In fact, the more he built himself up, the more he wanted to reassure his boyfriend that was amazing and all the positive things he had learned about him over the last couple of months. It had felt like someone had pushed a knife into him when he heard of what Fletcher had dealt with as a child. "yeah?" He was just getting started but listened as Fletcher continued. "That's good." It gave him some satisfaction hearing that his boyfriend had already worked through a lot of the trauma inflicted on him. "Well, I'll just have to keep you healthy so you don't miss too much and you're here for all the important things." In his mind, there was a strong emphasis on him being one of the people to keep Fletcher healthy for his daughter. Xavier didn't mean to be presumptuous. If anything, he was being hopeful. He rubbed the back of Fletcher's head, letting his fingers run through his dark tresses. "You two are so lucky to have each other. I am so glad you both got the chance to be in each other's life." He didn't want to think of Fletcher being in a state that wasn't a 'pretty side'. Xavier had become extremely protective.

When Fletcher took his hand, he smiled softly, chuckling a bit at the thought of doing anything to Fletcher's parents. "Just say the word, okay?" He'd never hurt anyone. Most people would probably say he's incapable but thinking of Fletcher having to deal with his parents again especially knowing his father was unkind made his blood boil. "Thank you for telling me. No secrets here, okay? Whatever you or I have to say to each other, we should feel like we can in a non-toxic, loving way." He squeezed Fletcher's hand lovingly. Hearing that thinking about him, Drew and the kids anchored Fletcher made him smile again. "Well, good. We need you here and now in some orange jumpsuit. It'll drown you out..." Xavier chuckled, moving his hand over his face. "Nothing to be sorry about. That's incredibly sweet of you though." He leaned in to kiss Fletcher's cheek. "I am so proud of you for not decking your dad and for being you and for telling me all of this. I know it wasn't easy."

FLETCHER

He gave a smile that didn't touch his eyes when Xavier spoke of keeping him healthy. He'd been working on it already with smoking less weed to be mentally present, and drinking less. And although it wasn't as frequent as before, he was back to going to the gym. His boyfriend's support meant a lot to him. He murmured a, "Thank you, sugar," to himself and lowered his head to rest on Xavier's shoulder.

"Sure thing," Fletcher told him, shutting his eyes as more calm came over him, the more he stayed close to Xavier. "No secrets," he echoed. "Like I said, it just wasn't something I talk about. Drew and I don't even talk about them together anymore. But you know all the significant parts of my life now." His eyes opened as he let out a small, short chuckle. "No, I won't land myself in an orange jumpsuit. Not on purpose anyway." Fletcher lifted his head in time to receive Xavier's kiss to his cheek. In turn, he lifted their joined hands and kissed the back of his boyfriend's. "It wasn't. But you needed to know. I love you for listening, and for caring so much about me." As he tenderly released Xavier's hand, he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and held him tightly. He loved him for so much more than that but in the moment, it was what he'd said.

XAVIER

Xavier loved the new nickname. Sugar and sweetheart were words he loved hearing it come from Fletcher. Gently, he placed his head on top of his boyfriend's and smiled. "Anytime, mon cher. I'll take care of you." He'd be sure never to let Fletcher down in that promise.

"I know. It was just not relevant. Drew probably wants there to be some sort of relationship between you and your parents. Thank you for telling me. And good! I'll bail you out every time but let's not." Xavier teased with a soft chuckle. He leaned into the embrace and wrapped his arm around Fletcher, attacking the side of his face with a few kisses. "You can't blame me. I'm a sucker for you." He murmured against Fletcher's cheek and then pressed his forehead against his temple. "You're so special, Fletcher." Xavier didn't have to say the rest of the sentence but he hated that his boyfriend's parents couldn't see that. 'Want me to get your bagel ready?" He kissed Fletcher's temple. "Are you originally from Manhattan or somewhere else?"

FLETCHER

"I'm sure Drew wants that. He's a good person like that but it's not going to happen. And I'm gonna talk with him about not sharing all my business with them anymore. I used to not care but after today, no more." He knew Drew would respect those wishes, especially if Fletcher repeated even half of what little Gerry had said. He smiled a little more genuinely for the first time since returning to the hotel room, thanks to Xavier's words and affection. He held his boyfriend for a while longer and then drew back, kissing him on the lips for a moment. And then he pulled apart with a small shake of his head, "It’s okay, I got it. Actually, why don't you tell me what you want and I'll bring you breakfast in bed?" He pecked Xavier's lips and then stood, grabbing the coffee cups to heat up for the both of them. As he fiddled with the microwave, he said, "I was born in The Bronx and my parents moved to Manhattan when I was two." He opened the bagel bag and said, "There's just plain cream cheese and then with the bagels, I got plain, everything, sesame and blueberry."

XAVIER

“He really is a good person.” Xavier agreed with that statement knowing that Drew probably wanted to aid in Fletcher and his parents talking again. “But I am proud of you for wanting to place some boundaries and I know Drew will be receptive and understanding of that. Quite frankly, your parents don’t deserve knowing the happenings in your life especially with your dad trying to come at you.” He returned the kiss and was glad to see Fletcher come down from his initial anger. Gerry didn’t deserve an ounce of it. When his boyfriend stood up to prepare the bagels and heat up their coffee, he smiled, pushing himself back on the bed. “Ooo la la breakfast in bed. And they say romance is dead.” He chuckled, and reached for Fletcher’s hand to kiss it before he went off to get breakfast ready. Xavier listened as he spoke with a small smile on his face. “The Bronx! Ohhh that explains the toughness. I went to the Bronx last year for a show and it the crowd was tough but in the end they had the best laughs, I swear.” Xavier listened to the options with a grin. “Sesame please. What is your favorite kind of bagel?”

FLETCHER

Fletcher knew Drew had good intentions but if Fletcher had the chance to do a trip like this again, he'd have to make it clear to Drew that he didn't want or need either of his parents seeking him out in the city. He'd nodded in agreement with Xavier and had taken another deep breath before kissing him, quietly thankful that the anger he'd felt had dissipated. Xavier had a lot to do with that, he was sure of it. He'd gotten up but paused and looked back at his boyfriend just as his hand was kissed. His eyes said the 'thank you' that his mouth didn't need to voice, just before he resumed readying their breakfast. He chuckled at Xavier's reaction to him being born in The Bronx and joked, "Yeah that's it. They baptize all the babies born there in toughness water, found only in that borough." Taking out the plastic knife and the semi-sliced sesame bagel, he sliced it in half all the way and then opened one of the cream cheese cups to smear on both halves. "Damn, yeah that doesn't surprise me that you won the crowd over in the end. Or were you at that show as part of the audience?" He lightly closed the two halves back on themselves and left it on a napkin while returning to the microwave to take out their coffees and fix them how they both liked theirs. As he did so, he said, "No surprise here but I'm an equal everything bagel fan. Best of all worlds." He set his coffee down in exchange for Xavier's bagel and napkin, and walked over to the bed to present him with his breakfast. "So I guess we'll both be guilty of getting seeds in the bed." He smirked a little and went back to fix up his own bagel and then join his boyfriend, sitting next to and facing him--one leg bent and resting on the bed while the other hung over the edge--and knowing that any mess would be easy enough to brush away or shake off of the bed linens.

XAVIER

Xavier watched as Fletcher prepared his bagel, chuckling at the thought of babies being baptized in 'toughness water'. "I wouldn't be surprised if any of that were true but it all makes sense now. Look at me dating a Bronx boy. What I've learned in my time in New York City is that you're not really from New York if you're from upstate. Bronx people are tough as nails and they have the best Dominican food. Brooklyn is great for authentic Italian and people who think they're tough but are sawft." Xavier chuckled as he tried to imitate the accent. "Queens people are pretty friendly and if you want a good diner, that's where to go and finally Manhattan has some fancy folks who love a good slice of pizza and wine. And we don't talk about Staten Island. Did I get that right?" Xavier smirked and then nodded at Fletcher's question. "I was doing some standup. It's been a long time since I've done any but when I had the chance, it was a lot of fun." He listened to Fletcher with a smile on his face. "Good choice. I like them all but Sesame Seed is a fan fave. Oh, why thank you, sir." He grinned at Fletcher as he took the bagel from him. "It's alright. When do we get to do this anyway?" He took a bite of his bagel and chewed as he happily sat beside his boyfriend. He sincerely hoped that his run-in with his father hadn't ruined the good time they were having. "Mm, this is so good. Nothing like a New York bagel that's for sure."

FLETCHER

Fletcher listened to Xavier while he worked on the breakfast. He chuckled a little bit, "Yeah, I mean geographical stereotypes are a thing. But they exist because there's some level of truth to them." Once he had his own bagel together, he grabbed his coffee, added several packets of sugar and a couple cream cups, and then brought his breakfast over. He sipped on the hot beverage after making himself comfortable, and then said, "Yeah we never do. But we should start trying to make it a thing. Maybe on Sundays." Phoebe wouldn't allow herself to be left out but if they were up early enough, they could possibly get away with a cup of coffee in bed together. He set the cup down on the ground beside the bed and then bit into his bagel, feeling like he was biting into an old memory. He enjoyed it and the bites that followed, and then licked a couple of poppyseeds from his lips. "This is nice." He eyed Xavier for a moment and then leaned forward to peck his lips a few times. "Mmm, and so's this." Stealing one more kiss, he sat up a little straighter and took another bite of his bagel. "Thank you for being the best boyfriend in this relationship." He winked, knowing Xavier was likely to argue and then picked up his cup for another drink of his coffee.

XAVIER

"Amen to that." He licked the cream cheese off his thumb and took another bite of his bagel. Xavier set the bagel down on his thigh and reached for his coffee, blowing on the lid and smiling at the warmth sitting between his hands. "I like that idea. Making Sunday morning breakfasts our thing sounds nice. That would mean more sleepovers which I'm always down for." He smiled at his boyfriend. They had already discussed seeing each other more especially now that Xavier would have more time. They were both going to work on accessibility for their children so they could do a week on and off here and there at each other's home and he loved the idea. Xavier chuckled at the kisses and licked his lips after Fletcher stole another kiss. He then leaned in for another, swiping his tongue against the corner of his boyfriend's lips. "You missed a seed." He sat up and reached for his bagel again. "Don't start that..." His smile grew as he pulled a piece off to toss into his mouth. "You just want to fight so you can have your way with me after. I'm on to you." He then took another sip of his coffee. "Not that I'm complaining but I think we're both pretty solid in this relationship mister let me surprise Xavier with a trip to New York City." He set the half of the bagel that was left and his coffee on the end table and shifted to face Fletcher. "And knowing what I know now about you and your past and the memories that come with being here and you still came here to see me and surprise me to not only see me but tell me you love me..." His gaze lingered. "Well, I'm sprung. If that wasn't already obvious. I could do this for a very, very long time."

FLETCHER

"More sleepovers was always the plan, right?" Fletcher took another bite of his bagel while thinking about them alternating time in each other's homes. He thought about Drew and how a change of environment was good for him. He had his physical therapy appointments, and he was extremely fond of his garden. Fletcher would make sure Drew still got to come back to tend to it whenever they were staying at Xavier's. It might not be a long term plan but it was what he and Xavier were going to explore soon. After a few kisses, he'd taken another bite of bagel and lightly smirked as Xavier came close to his face, expecting another kiss and ending up pleasantly surprised by the quick lick. He smiled and sipped his coffee, only to raise both of his brows in faix innocence, "What?" only to listen to Xavier call him out on exactly what he was doing. "I'm just telling the truth is all. Sheesh. Bite a guy's head off why don't ya?" He grinned a little and set his cup back down, along with what was left of his bagel. After seeing that Xavier's hands were free, Fletcher drew his leg up on the bed and shifted so that he was situated in between Xavier's legs. "I had a compelling reason for coming here. You were more than enough for me to return." His eyes were on his boyfriend's and his hands were running up Xavier's arms as he spoke to him. And then he kissed his forehead and trailed slow kisses to his jaw, neck and throat as he muttered, "Now when you say you could do 'this' for a very, very long time..." Fletcher nuzzled his love's neck while guiding his hands back down Xavier's arms and threading their fingers together. And then he raised his head to meet his gaze again. "Tell me what you mean, exactly."

XAVIER

"Sure are." Xavier was looking forward to this new step in his relationship with Fletcher. Being home meant spending more time with his kids and friends and hopefully his family in London too. He was excited about seeing his boyfriend more often and getting to know Drew better. Xavier had already promised to help Drew with his garden whenever he had a chance and he also wanted to get the opportunity to watch Phoebe grow. It would be an adjustment but he knew it would be for the best for everyone. His kids already adored Fletcher, Emiliana, and Drew and Xavier wanted to see more of that flourish. He grinned at his boyfriend's coy behavior, wondering if he'd ever stop falling in love with him. Was it a perpetual thing? Would he always find new reasons why he keeps falling for the other? Was that the norm when it came to being in love? It sounded almost childish in his head but the questions still existed. He'd never felt this way not even for people he swore he'd marry as a teenager. Everything seemed like child's play in comparison. It was exhilarating and quite frightening. He'd do it all for Fletcher. He'd fight his demons, yell at his probably very terrifying father, help raise his child, and install every necessary accessible feature for Drew in his house and in the Van Hall's. He'd do it out of love and appreciation. He'd fallen harder than he expected. "Just being observant." Xavier laughed but his eyes remained softened as his gaze fixated on his boyfriend. Fletcher's gentle touches and kisses relaxed him, turning him into a puddle of putty. A content sigh escaped his lips as he enjoyed the kisses against his skin. Xavier closed his eyes as he smiled when he felt Fletcher's lips against his throat. It was one his weak spots and his boyfriend knew that. He'd already lost his train of thought but recovered the moment Fletcher looked up at him again. He laughed, bowing his head bashfully before raising his gaze again. There were many ways he could answer such a simple question. "This. For starters, all of that." He couldn't help but laugh again at how little sense his answer made. "Everything. Us, this, life. I could do life with you for a very, very long time." Xavier took one hand so that he could cup Fletcher's face. His thumb grazed the grooves of his nose and then his cheekbones, settling at the apple of his cheeks. "Sleepovers, finding new places to fuck, making you laugh, making you happy. Taking away the bad shit and parking it elsewhere in return for a lot of good shit. You marking me with your bites and scratches and yes, tattoos." He leaned in to kiss him. "Waking up next to you, breakfast together, Drew telling me stories, the kids making fun of their very much in love dad, Phoebe laughing at my jokes that she doesn't understand. I think she thinks my face is just funny." He kissed Fletcher's temple and then nuzzled his face for a bit. "I don't want to do this with anyone else. I'm reaalll good here."

FLETCHER

A throaty chuckle rose from Fletcher when he heard Xavier's answer to his question. And he continued to listen to him. His words penetrated his heart and pumped it up to where it filled his rib cage. He rested into Xavier's hand on his cheek and met his kiss. The way Xavier described their relationship and their lives together--the way their families were melding so beautifully together really had been such an incredible thing. "Funny because I don't want you to do this with anyone else either." Grinning softly, Fletcher's arms slipped around Xavier to hold him close, and then his lips relaxed as he let out a content sigh. "I'm good here too. I love you so much, it's wild. And I love the life we're building together. Everything you said about us and our families? That's exactly how I feel. You, Winter and Henry make my life better. I know you all do that for Phoebe and Drew too. And I know Emiliana loves and adores all of you too." He kissed Xavier's shoulder and then lifted his head, loosening his hold a bit to meet Xavier's eyes again. "But I love and adore you the most. I don't have the poetic words that you do but I'm glad you kissed me that night at the gala. You put yourself on my mind from that night, on, and you planted yourself in my heart."

XAVIER

This closeness to Fletcher felt right. Xavier had always wanted this with someone even when he joked that he didn't before going on the island. He had admired his friend's relationships, seeing how happy everyone was and how they all supported one another. To have one of the only relationships that had failed out of his reality television stint stung and while he wasn't purposely looking for someone when he decided to kiss Fletcher, he was glad he did. Thinking back on it, he couldn't remember why he felt bold enough to do it. For whatever reason, it made sense. "Good. I'm yours for as long as you'll have and want me." Hearing that Fletcher loved him again and again and with such confidence and conviction made his heart soar. He felt mushy all over and was glad that he had succeeded at making Fletcher feel better. "I love the life we're building together too. I know it's been a short couple of months but it feels longer yet not. I love the feeling of being comfortable with you and still having the opportunity to learn new things about who you are. I end up falling in love with all of you and I've never felt that way about anyone before." He laughed softly and shook his head before pulling his boyfriend in for a tight embrace. "You say I'm the poetic one. I told you, I think I've had a crush on you for a while now probably before that boo bash if I'm being honest. I don't know what gave me any courage to kiss you that night but I had to. I'm glad I did too." He pulled back and smiled at Fletcher. "I said for a very, very long time. I mean forever. I know that's a scary thought but that's how I feel and hopefully, that's how it'll be." It was a tiny promise that could be translated into many things. Xavier wasn't trying to frighten Fletcher or talk about major future life plans but he simply wanted it known that no one else could exist for him or take Fletcher's place.

FLETCHER

Fletcher listened to Xavier some more and gladly returned the embrace when he was pulled toward his boyfriend. Loving his daughter and his uncle had been one thing. Falling in love with Winter and Henry had been special. But finding love with Xavier was something else indescribable, even though he'd tried putting it to words just a moment ago. While they were close, he'd kissed him on his neck again and then met his eyes again once Xavier pulled back. He smiled lazily as he told him, "And you're still the poetic one here. One of these days I'm gonna pay you a compliment or just say something flat out true about you and you'll accept it for the truth that is is." He stole a peck on Xavier's lips and then listened to him some more. His heart leapt in his chest while he threaded their fingers together. His gaxr turned languid as he echoed, "Hopefully, that's how it'll be." He gently squeezed their interlocked fingers and leaned in to rest his forehead to his boyfriend's for a bit of comfortable silence. When he spoke up again, Fletcher had tilted his head and nuzzled his nose along Xavier's cheek. "I hope you're done with your breakfast because I really want to make love to you right now." They'd done tons of fucking the previous day (and night) but he wanted to go slow and be more attentive to Xavier's entire body than usual.

XAVIER

He never wanted to hear of anyone hurting Fletcher again and while that was a naive thought, Xavier knew that just meant he was hopelessly in love with his boyfriend. Knowing that the conversation that had started sour was turning into something positive and loving gave him relief and made him happy. He wanted nothing more than to kiss Fletcher everywhere, thank him a million times for surprising him in New York City, for getting them breakfast, for letting Xavier in. That meant more to him than anything else. "I do accept it I just want it known that you're also those things and I love you for it." So much had changed for him in a year. He had left a toxic relationship, had fostered the most incredible children, and was now promising forever to a man he had kissed impulsively one night. He closed his eyes when Fletcher nuzzled his cheek and he smiled softly at the intimacy. He wondered for a few seconds what that'd be like. Making love sounded so beautiful coming from his lips. "I'm done with breakfast." He grinned at his boyfriend, having searched for something sweet or adorable to say and coming up with nothing. Instead, Xavier leaned in to kiss Fletcher's cheek before murmuring. "I love you." He kissed his earlobe and then whispered, "Je t'aime" before cupping his face and pulling him down on top of him.

[aradeia]

Annetta Alexandridis, “The Other Side of the Coin: The Women of the Flavian Imperial Family” in Tradition und Erneuerung: Mediale Strategien in der Zeit der Flavier, p. 223.

Why Flavian women suddenly appeared so prominently in Flavian iconography can be explained by looking at their family tree. Titus and Domitian were increasingly pressed for heirs. Titus had only a daughter Julia (and so potential grandsons) as well as his brother Domitian (who eventually succeeded him). Domitian had only his niece Julia, his wife Domitia, and the hope that either one of them could produce a son. In other words, he had no heirs. 

Hence the increasing need to prop up these two women: the dynasty’s heirs would come from them. Showcasing Julia and Domitia on coinage announced that reality to the empire (and especially to the elite). Their sons would only have the right to rule because of their mothers, because of whom their mothers connected them to. Julia and Domitia, then, were of utmost importance.

Vespasian on the other hand had two adult sons-- two suitable heirs. That’s a real luxury, by Roman imperial standards. Also, Vespasian did not inherit the empire from a family member, and his wife had died. Because his wife was an average noblewoman who had died before the family had seized power, she could not strengthen their family’s legitimacy, and nor did she provide that justifying link to rule for either her husband or their sons. Hence why she is not nearly as prominent in Flavian iconography as her granddaughter and daughter-in-law.

The more a hereditary monarchy needs heirs, the more prominent the women become (at least in propaganda). 

[katiesclassicbooks]

Review: Vertigo by Boileau-Narcejac

Synopsis:

Vertigo was written by the French writing duo Boileau-Narcejac and was published in 1954. The novel follows an ex policeman who’s friend asks him to follow his wife. She has been acting strange and has an obsession with her dead relative. Flavieres, the ex policeman, becomes intrigued by the the mystery of this woman, so much so that he ends up falling in love with her. What follows is a bizarre, hallucinatory story of deception, murder, and obsession. 

Storyline: 

I enjoyed the story for the most part. The novel is split into two sections and they both had a different feel. The first half was my favorite as it was the slow introduction to the mystery and what was happening and it ended with a dramatic climax. The second section happened after the dramatic climax and after some years had passed. This section was very intense and I read it all in one sitting because it was so gripping and filled with madness. It wasn’t as pleasant to read and I felt like I wasn’t going to get a straightforward answer. I thought I was going as mad as Flavieres. I am happy to say though that it ended with an explanation, so that was a relief! Besides the typical crime aspects of this book I found it to be an interesting exploration of certain topics like fear of death and the harm of being obsessed with a person and how that differs from actual love. Also the inclusion of the myth of Eurydice was fascinating. 

Setting:

Vertigo is set in France. The first section is set during World War II and the second section I believe is set after (or at least very near the end). I thought the War was an interesting backdrop to the story and the fact that what  was going on went well with one of the themes of fear of death that the main character Flavieres seems to have. 

Characters:

The two main characters were quite interesting in this novel. Flavieres the ex policeman and the woman he is following, Madeleine. Flavieres was a shock for me because I expected the calm, cool and collected type of detectives I’m used to in English mysteries like Sherlock Holmes or Poirot. Instead he was very passionate! I partly sympathized with him and then he got kinda crazy and I didn’t like him all that much. What an interesting detective! Madeleine was very mysterious the whole time and I pretty much just felt bad for her, although she had a bad side too. 

Did I lIke It?:

Yes, this was a very interesting crime novel. If you’re wondering, yes this is the book that inspired the Hitchcock film, which I’ve seen. Luckily I forgot the outcome of the film, so I was still super surprised. The book is quite different from the film however, but they are both interesting in their own right. 

Do I Recommend It?:

Yes! If you like classic crime/mystery novels, if you are looking for a french modern classic of interest or are a fan of the Hitchcock film I think you should check this out. 

~Katie 

[diwangpalaboy]

DS 121 (same instructions, due tonight, hard copy submission on Tueaday)

1. fourth-hand smoke 2. geophagia 3. pica 4. In defense of food; Food rules 5. atake sa utak 6. umbilical hernia 7. disease of the empty granary 8. Flavier 9. Local bone-setter research 10. needle exchange a. harm reduction program b. Dr Josefina Tayag c. "Let's DOH it!" d. food poverty e. Michael Pollan f. avoid using binder g. hair, chalk, finger nails, paint peelings h. CVD i. GW j. "exposure resulting from being in the presence of somebody who was in the presence of a smoker"

[kardashiibrand]

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