Flat: Dreamer & Melo

[Chelliephone]

Welcome to the flat of Dash Dreamer and Rafael Melo, with their son, Diego. Located above Eeylops Owl Emporium!

As you open the door to the 3 bedroom flat, you are greeted with the sight of a long hallway, where moving portraits of their most beloved family, friends and persons of interest hang. Once you have had a chance to take in the site, the door immediately to the right opens to the first bathroom of this particular floorplan.

A little farther down the hall and on the left side of the wall, is the first of the three bedrooms. This is Diego's bedroom. While this room is smaller than the master, it boasts a walk-in closet and an access point to the deck, where one can sit and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the alley below safely through the invisible barrier. Making this the perfect exit to re-enter through the living room and avoid the hall altogether.

The living room and dining/kitchen are the next places of interest you would see continuing down the hall, or as established before - going through the deck entry. Large double glass doors for the deck entrance lend to lots of natural light in the room, which is helpful as opposite the living area is the dining room. The hallway remains widely opened here, giving this area of the flat the feel of an open floor plan. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable spaces, this can be used for plants galore, a family dining/entertainment space, or perhaps even the perfect area to set up a game room of sorts. The room is your oyster! While the kitchen is blocked off from the open feel by hall wall, you can enter through the dining room and still have plenty of space for the whole family to be in there at once making a meal together - if that is perhaps one of your methods of bonding.

Once you are done surveying this part of your new home, move along further down the hall and you will locate a storage closet - perfect for whatever you may need to hide away out of sight. And just a hair further than that, you are met with two doors on either side of the hall. The door on your left leads to Dash & Rafael's master suite - equipped with a private bathroom, and walk in closet accesses through the en suite. On the right side of the hall, is the room where their nephews occasionally stay at. This is the smallest of the rooms and the only without a walk in, serving as the guest room but is large enough for any young kids to grow into.

While perhaps varying in sizes, all rooms have plenty of windows for natural lighting, and in the kitchen there is a little booklet provided by Nesting Occamy with phone numbers for leasing agents and maintenance for any issues that may arise. Welcome home!

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[Charely Potter]

Dash already felt right at home when he came in with his bag. The movers did great for once with all of his-ahem, their furnishings being placed in without damage. Dash took a moment surveying the space they have and the view outside. No longer sharing a space with his brother and nephews. As much as he loved entertaining them and all, it was about time he had his own space again. And this space in particular he wanted to share with a special someone.

"Well, we did it," Dash looked over at Rafa his boyfriend now roommate. They had a whole lot more memories to make together in here. They at least had a spare room for when his brother, nephews, and anyone else wanted to stay for a visit. Right now? "Last one to the room has to treat for dinner," And there went Dash, making use of his name as he dashed over to jump on top of the bed. Beds were always made for jumping.

[FearlessLeader19]

This was a huge change, Rafael reflected silently as he surveyed his new home. Aside from the occasional share with his family members, there hadn’t been anyone he had shared a space with full time. The last year or so had just seen him back and forth between his and Dash’s respective apartment, and vice versa. He always felt that should this moment actually happen in his life, he would be uncomfortable and reluctant about giving up his space. Yet when he and Dash discussed taking a flat, there had been no hesitation on his part in saying yes.

Dash’s voice brought him out of his thoughts. “We did.’’ A slow, happy grin slid onto his face as, what he felt was the first time, the full weight of what they had done sunk in. This was going to be one of the best decisions of his life, and hopefully Dash thought the same. Pondering on that would have to wait though because dang. That boyfriend of his could run like The Flash!

When Rafael caught up, Dash was already having his fun. “Ever heard that Muggle rhyme? Something about monkeys jumping on the bed?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe and watching Dash with admiration. There was a tiny smirk playing his lips, because yes. He was totally teasing his boyfriend about being a monkey. A very cute one at that.

This had been a right decision; Rafa absolutely did not regret them moving in together.

[Charely Potter]

Like the Flash who was dashing across the floor, Dash was expecting some fighting along the way. Their races often ended early a few times with some friendly tackling. But this was almost too easy as his shoes were ditched before reaching the bed to jump on. Looking down as he hopped up and down.

"Looks like I win," Dash beamed down at Rafael who decided to stand against the doorframe. He was earning that knowing look that prompted more of their physical games. "I think I'm in the mood for.... some steak," Dash continued jumping at the question he was asked. Normally, he detested being compared to a monkey and it would have earned a nice bat-bogie hex but this was Rafa, who was too sweet to ever think of wanting to upset him. And Dash understood the harmless context which had him laughing now. "It's been a while since I heard of that rhyme," Something about them falling off and landing on their head, one by one. "Sooo are you going to join me in some monkey business or shall I add more to my main course you're prepping?" Some appetizers would be lovely, wouldn't it? "Or did you have something better in mind?"

[FearlessLeader19]

True.

Rafa would have more likely put up a great playful fight with his boyfriend. After all, they were always bantering good naturedly {which in Rafa’s opinion was part of which kept their relationship so lively}. However, he was very much content in admiring Dash being so child-like. It was cute, it was endearing and Rafael Melo was quite turning into a humongous pile of goo.

A smirk played his lips as his eyes followed Dash’s bouncing. “Only because I let you.” No need to get tooooo cocky, lover boy. Puh-lease. As if Dash would ever hex him; Dash was too much in love. That and the curly haired man was always able to deal with teasing. “Hmmm, what to do, what to do…” Still smirking, he pushed himself off of the door’s frame. “What main course? I’m too lazy to cook right now.’’ Rafa made his way over to their bed and easily sprang onto it, reaching for Dash’s hands. “I can think of something else,” the owlkeeper began, smiling impishly and matching pace with the jumps. “You can help me prepare that meal you seem to want so badly.”

There was a proverbial halo over Rafael’s head, because yes. He understood all the underlying meanings to the words but chose to play an angel.

[Charely Potter]

In the kitchen if one were in the apartment they could hear the water running with the sounds of dishes being scrubbed and cleaned. Dash was in front the sink as he charmed the dishes to clean themselves wordlessly. He couldn't help smiling as his index and thumb rubbed the newly dawned jewelry on his left hand.

Well, he wasn't alone for sure. His brother, Denzel, had something important going on and that left him back to babysitting, with the boys napping in the other room. And his partner in crime somewhere in the place too.

Dash continued thinking about the past events, smirking at the memories before his distraction resulted in one of the dishes shattering from landing too fast on the counter to be dried. "Whoa," Dash made quick work to pick up the pieces from the floor before the young ones came running in if they happened to wake up.

[FearlessLeader19]

Rafael had actually been in the sitting room with a crossword puzzle on his lap. He rather enjoyed crosswords as they put his knowledge to the test and he was quite absorbed in the remaining clues when the shattering sound came out of nowhere. He quickly looked up, looked around then back down at the crossword as he wondered if he had imagined the sound. Sometimes, after being abruptly jolted out of his world, Rafa had trouble deciding if he had imagined the sound that initially brought him out of it. He decided this wasn’t the case when the new sound of glass pieces moving around reached his ears. His immediate concern was his husband injuring himself so naturally Rafa hurried to the kitchen.

“Didn’t injure yourself, did you?” he asked as he surveyed the kitchen and Dash while tucking the pen he’d been using behind an ear. Naturally he also spoke softly so as to not disturb the little humans left in his and Dash’s charge. “Need some help?”



Too late!

The sound of something breaking had already awoken four year old Devad from his nap. Not that he had been napping for too long. He had only just trailed into the kitchen shortly after Uncle Rafa and now stood behind the man; Dev was rubbing his eyes, trying to get the sleep out of them. Now that it was {kinda}, he silently wrapped his arms around Rafa’s legs then peered out at Uncle Dash from behind.

Hi.

Devad was here.

Don’t mind him.

[Charely Potter]

Diallo didn't like naps. They were for babies and he was in Year 2 now. But after the last visit, he learned it was no use fighting naps. Especially with how quick, big, and strong his Uncles were on keeping him in place. So he would pretend to nap.. until he actually was napping. He thought he heard something, but before he could think about it, that was when he heard the little footsteps only belonging to his younger brother so he rolled over out of bed. He always had to keep an eye on his little brother.

"What's wrong Dev?" He murmured. Rubbing his eyes he followed the sounds not fully paying attention as he bumped into one of his Uncle (Rafa)'s legs into the kitchen that he stopped at the sharp pain at the sole of his foot.

Owww....

Dee could feel the tears starting to form as he lift a foot up, revealing a very tiny piece was stuck. He immediately sat down sniffling, he would not cry. He would not... cry. Why is everything blurry? As he rubbed his eyes even more trying to ignore the piercing pain.



Dash did get most of the big pieces of the plate. He was on fours checking for the tiniest of pieces leftover with the trash bin next to him. He could summon them, but he didn't want to summon more than he could handle in his own hand without greater risking a cut or two.

"Nope, I'm good," Dash said. His face turned to see one already awaken. Now two and.. his vision shaped as he saw a piece just as the oldest nephew came waltzing in "Diallo-" Nope too late. He could curse his inner self as he dropped the remaining pieces into the trash. Fortunately, this was the last piece of the plate.

"Oh, I'm sorry Diallo," Dash said, taking a clean cloth from one of the drawers he dashed on over. "Devad stay right there," Having two injured nephews was going to sentence him to death by his own brother. As he sat behind Diallo to keep him steady, "Rafa, can you get the dittany?" It was in one of the cupboards.

[FearlessLeader19]

Rafa didn’t need his husband getting any form of injury, thank you very much. And he had no doubt that Dash had the situation under control. The other man was great with taking care of kiddos and making safe spaces for them.

If there was one thing that Rafa would constantly tell these small humans is that naps were important. Not just for them to be restful but because someday, when they were adults, they were going to wish they had taken advantage of all their nap time. Adulting was no easy feat, after all. While Dev seemingly didn’t mind naps, even if he was a light sleeper, he knew that Diallo disliked them. So, for those reasons, the man was unsurprised to see both boys already there, with one bumping into him. “Up all ready, little guys?” But there was no answer from either. Like Dash, Rafa unfortunately failed to stop the older guy from stepping into all the fray that were residual pieces of glass.

“Glass,’’ Devad simply replied to Di, pointing to the floor. But Diallo didn’t seem to hear him. His big brother had gone silent and as he lifted his foot, Dev was able to see the shard sticking in his foot. Dev cringed and clung to Uncle Rafa’s legs. He too wanted to cry because he suspected something bad had happened.

Accidents were a must in life. Still, Rafa had come to understand that he hated it whenever one of the nephews got hurt. With Dash already taking care of Diallo, his instinct was to take care of Devad. He gently pried Devad’s hands from around him then scooped him up. “I’ve got him, Dash.” Balancing the younger brother in an arm, he rummaged through a nearby cupboard. In no time the dittany was located and he held it out to his husband. “Here.” Then Rafa gave his full attention to Dev. “He’s going to be okay, little man,’’ he reassured. “See? Uncle Dash is already taking really good care of him.”

[Charely Potter]

While it wasn't the first time Dash took care of the injuries on the young ones. The Primary School was always the place for minor accidents to occur. He smiled with a 'thanks, love' as Rafa handed him the dittany. Taking a cotton to apply a simple drop's worth over Diallo's sole before dabbing it to close the little wound. Meanwhile, he looked up and he could just feel a blanket of warmth over him as he saw Uncle Rafa in action with comforting their nephew.. Certain thoughts came to his mind, but was it too soon to bring them up?


Diallo didn't like naps, no matter how good they were for him or how nice they felt. They were for OLD people. He's young and up. Well, not now as he was being held down while he quietly removed the wet blur that was obstructing his view.

"...thank you," He muttered feeling the pain disappear immediately. But why was he still getting dabbed over and over his entire foot. "Um, Uncle Dash. I'm okay now." Looking up to see him staring, "I don't think Dev is hurt," So why was he staring at Uncle Rafa? Grown ups were funny sometimes. Maybe they needed a nap.

[FearlessLeader19]

Devad had now buried his face in Uncle Rafa’s shoulder, his small hands dripping the man very tightly. Despite trying not to be a big baby, the tears spilled over. They tricked down his cheeks and onto Uncle Rafa’s shirt where they pooled in small patches. Could he go back to sleep? Maybe he would wake up and find that this was just a bad dream, a nightmare.

Rafa did his best to keep Dev distracted, but he knew Di’s discomfort would all be over soon given how quickly Dittany acted. He continued to softly reassure Devad, suspecting that he might be silently crying. It was at the point, the point that Diallo said a word of gratitude that Rafa looked in his and Dash’s direction. Only to find Dash already staring up at him. Not having a single clue about what was going on in his husband’s head, Rafa smiled and tilted his head questioningly.

“Dev definitely isn’t hurt,’’ he confirmed, his gaze drifting to his other nephew briefly. “Dev, look. Diallo is all better. Uncle Dash definitely knows all the remedies, doesn’t he?” Rafael’s gaze moved back to Dash because knowing the other man so well, he could tell there was something on his mind. And Rafa, being the good listener that he could be, wanted to know whatever it was that Dash was thinking.

Devad finally lifted his face from Uncle Rafa’s shoulder to peer down at his brother and other uncle. His face was tear streaked but it was clear that it instantly lit up when it registered that Diallo was okay. “Uh huh. He does. He's da best.”

[Charely Potter]

What was on Dash's mind? Seeing how adorable Rafa was with their youngest nephew. Before marriage was even on the table, he was content with being the fun uncle and Rafa's stance on children, he had no problem working to limit his time with them. Especially when Dash's work and home life involved kiddos. But occasionally, little moments like these makes him reconsider only being an Uncle... could there be a talk in the future? Especially with that look he was getting back. Well, he couldn't think that now, especially when the little hands from Diallo swatting brought him back to Earth.

"Sorry, Dee," Dash chuckled, "Have to make sure you weren't injured anywhere else," As he lightly tossed the used cotton swap into the bin. "Now you know how important it is to always look where you step," There had a lesson with every action, "Just like I have to be careful so I don't drop things again," Though knowing Dee, only a part of what he said would remain. But he at least could say he did warn them. Giving him a little hug before patting his upper back, "You understand? Now you're free to go,"


Finally! He was starting to feel sticky from where the other ditanny wasn't needed. Until he was cleaned off. Diallo knew from his own daddy that he had to be quiet when adults were giving him a lesson. Even if he didn't like it. Unless, it was very very important then he didn't have to listen. Well, seeing Dev crying did make him feel bad enough to miss out on the other half of what Uncle Dash said. "Okay.." What did Uncle Dash say? Something about being careful and looking. Easy. He was doing that right now, "Can I go now? I wanna play with Dev," Not waiting for permission before he ran over to Uncle Rafa as soon as he felt the arms release from him.

Running over to tug on Uncle Rafa with his head craned to look up at him holding Dev close. "I'm okay Dev, see." Tugging his pant leg lightly again, "Uncle Rafa, can I take Dev back to our room so we can play?"

[FearlessLeader19]

Dash had always known where Rafa stood when it came to kids but it had only been lately that Rafa’s resolve to not having any of his own had started to wane. It was due to a combination of having to deal with so many kiddos at Eeylops and being friendly with Dash’s students. Mostly? Mostly it had been because of Diallo and Devad. There had been a few times when the thought crossed his mind about him and Dash having at least one. Though he knew Dash would make an excellent father, Rafa wasn’t sure what sort he’d make. He often envisioned himself being awkward and unsure of how to tend to said child, so that was all it had been: fleeting thoughts and nothing more.

Devad scrubbed at his face to remove the residual tears. Now that all was right with his little world, he was bright and bouncy again. He peered down at his brother, leeeaning over Uncle Rafa’s side in an attempt to reach his brother. “All good,’’ he echoed happily after surveying Diallo. He was quite ready to play, all thoughts of going to sleep successfully vanished from his head.

Rafa chuckled as he quickly adjusted his hold on Dev as the little one leaned over his side. Kids. They did not care about their own wellbeing and often manoeuvred themselves into doing weird things. Luckily Rafa was able to hold Dev properly until he was ready to set him down a short while later. “Sure, Di. Here he comes! Devad Airline, ready for landing!” With that, Rafa zoomed the younger boy around in his hold like a plane heading in for landing, bringing Dev to a halt just outside of the kitchen where it was safe from any stray glass flakes. “Dev’s all yours, Di.”

Giggling, Dev obliged by making aeroplane sounds and even stuck his hands out so that they acted as wings. Once he was on his feet again, he shouted, “Last one back to the room is a rotten Occamy egg!’’ Off he sprinted, hoping to leave Di a short way behind.

Now that it was just Rafa and the incredibly hot hubby again, Dash got all of his attention. “You never cease to amaze me with how great you are with kids, Dash.”

[Charely Potter]

Diallo wanted to pout at seeing Dev get to be a fun aeroplane. He wanted to fly too. But he knew as the older brother, he didn't want to seem like a baby asking for the exact same thing after his little brother. He can ask later anyway, as he giggled in delight. Until Dev got an unfair head start, "Hey, that's cheating!" He shouted, darting after him. "Wait for meee!"


It was a good thing Dash was kneeling already, since he was sure likely to buckle over from the sight on how adorable all three were together. Who knew family would be one of the quick ways to his heart? Oh right, that was how he nabbed Rafael as he grinned at the memory of their plan and now seeing him play with the boys. "Play nicely, you two!" He last said to them as they disappeared into their staying room.

Dash grinned as he sat down with Rafael, "Hah, me? I had years of practice. You are a natural Uncle Rafa," Giving his side a very light jab. "You've been great with my students and well, let's just say seeing how you are with the boys here, I got a craving for Olive Juice," Winking at their former line. "I do love you-" Leaning in to meeting his lips with his own quickly. "and I'm glad you agreed to marry me,"

[FearlessLeader19]

As the nephews departed in a flurry of hurried footsteps, and with Dash’s light warning trailing after them, Rafael was left grinning in their wake. “They’re a great pair,’’ he mused after a while. And he loved them with all his heart. Who would have thought he, Rafael Lucas Melo-Dreamer would love a kid as much as he did, much less two of them?

His smile grew. “Am I? I always figured I was awkward with kids. Like… I overthink about doing and saying the right things when they’re around. It happens a lot at work… sometimes with your students. It happened a lot at first with Dev and Di.” Rafa wasn’t trying to be modest; he was being truthful. He had just tried his best around all the tiny and young humans because they were important to Dash. A wicked grin suddenly formed as the Olive Juice mention. Rafa loved that this was just something between the two of them. A tender kiss was returned to Dash though he forced himself not to drag it on, knowing that things usually got heated between them quickly and there were the nephews close by. “I love you just as much but I think your memory’s failing. It’s you who agreed to marry me.” Grinning cheekily, Rafa prodded the other man playfully in that sturdy chest. "Though I can't say I blame you for saying yes."

[Charely Potter]

One of the many things Dash loved about Rafa besides his edible face was his ease of mind and how open and vulnerable he allowed himself. His hand reaching over to rest by his cheek as he listened and nodded. "I totally get it, especially in class, I still get a little nervous before each lesson no matter how much I plan," He said. "Not a lot of time to think when they're unpredictable at times and can only just roll with it,"

Before adding, "I think that's one of the many things I love about you Rafa, you try in every situation.. I-" He couldn't help hesistating, after what Rafa shared in his hesitation. But he couldn't, if Rafa was able to push through the uncomfortable feeling, "It makes me feel like we could take on anything together... even if we became parents," And there it was. He couldn't help lightly biting his own lower lip as he wondered how Rafa would take to the idea. Could he be more than just an Uncle?

Dash laughed, "You got me there. Maybe my mind declared us married as soon as you said yes to me asking you on a date," It was a neverending ride for him. "Why yes, you picked the best ring, how could I say no?" Lightly flexing his arm out to admire the ring, before turning to wink. "But even if without a ring, my answer still would've been and will always be yes," Leaning to lightly meet his forehead against his before lying back again. The distant sounds of his nephews playing always kept them in check.

[FearlessLeader19]

Rafa and his edible face found it easy to be that vulnerable with Dash in a way he wasn’t with his own family. Yes, this included his twin brother. He knew that he could confide whatever he wanted to and Dash would never judge him, or make him feel bad for any choices he made or would make in life. Rafa leaned into that warm hand. “You? Get nervous? You could fool anyone, you know. You’re so confident with those students, and with any little human, honestly… I admire that.”

His husband’s compliment left him smiling. It was wonderful that his efforts were noticed and appreciated. It was on the tip of his tongue to give a reply but it was Dash’s hesitation that made the words fade out. Because Rafa knew the other man so well, it became quite obvious that there was something on his mind. “What is it?” It was known to each other that they could always discuss anything, no matter if it was a difficult topic. And then Rafa found out exactly what it was. Absently thinking of being a father had been one thing but to have those thoughts voiced by Dash was another. The words seemed to drill into his brain this time, stunning him into momentarily silence. To buy time more than anything else, Rafa reached out to Dash and attempted to pry his lip from his teeth. “The thought has crossed my mind at times,’’ he began. “Being around kids, especially Dev and Di, and teens so often means I’m not opposed to the idea as I was before I met you. But Dash, you have no idea how much I wonder if I’ll be all that you need as a co-parent.” Like… what if he FAILED horribly to live up to Dash’s expectations???

Okay, that was funny and it made Rafa laugh affectionately. “Your mind knew exactly what you wanted, didn’t it?” And being asked out by Dash had been huge for Rafa, not just because his life with the other man had started then but also because it had been the first time had been out on a date with another guy. Yup, the hubster had had that honour. “What can I say other than I have sublime taste. This does not just extend to rings.” Here, Dash was given a smirk since Rafa was absolutely flirting with him. “It looks best on your hand.’’ Still flirting? Yep. Smiling, he allowed his forehead to rest briefly against the other’s. “Too bad I hadn’t known that before. The anxiety of proposing to you nearly made me pass out. I don’t think I’d have been able to stand it if you had said no.”

[Charely Potter]

The more Dash heard from Rafael's husky voice, the comforting blanket seemed to envelop him with his smile. The complimenting was a bonus, "You being so honest is something I also admire," he replied.

Dash never wanted Rafael to feel like he had to hide or temper his own feelings. While he had been honest about not needing his own set of children with his own nephews filling the void. However, these years with his now-husband seemed to widen his heart, "I.. I had no idea you thought so highly of me, I mean. I know I'm all that, but having me as the beacon for parenting is-" His face was feeling incredibly warm at the words, "I appreciate it, but I had years learning and making mistakes with the kiddos. Could ask Denz about some of them, but please don't," He chuckled at that with how Denzel could exaggerate events.

"I don't think you even realize how much I look to you. You've made me feel more sure of myself and my strengths that I just want the best and try my best for the kiddos, that could be why it looks like I'm having an easy time," Grasping one of his hands, "I'm not asking you to be perfect, you are already everything I need as a partner and love.." Then adding, "I just feel so sure that with your love and my love we can share them with our own kiddo, if we decide to take that step," Then adding, "Just like how you pick up where I fall, and I pick up where you fall, we'd be a team. And.. I think we're already a perfect team if that makes you feel better about the idea,"

"Of course," Dash said. Was it love at first sight.... well.. that was debatable. But he definitely knew he wanted to find out more about him at first sight. "It just took you a moment to realize the same," Winking. "Of course, you always have the best taste," Proposing was the killer? "At least you didn't have to stand, I nearly fell over seeing you bend down to ask. I nearly passed out before saying yes," Chuckling. It was the most pleasant surprise of his natural life. Also explained his enthusiasm to hold him in the moment.

[FearlessLeader19]

“It’s a good thing I’m always honest with you.” Which, if one looked at Rafael’s track record with Dash on the topic, it was quite true. He believed that honesty was one of the foundations of relationships, no matter how bitter the truth could occasionally be.

The owlkeeper never felt that way with Dash and he doubted that would ever change. Dash was his safe space. “Husband dearest, I think the world of you in every aspect.” Rafa’s lips curved in a smirk; it was true. “I suppose I should have told you earlier about your excellent parenting skills but…” Here, he took a deep breath. “I was always afraid this topic would come up. The one about us having our own kids, I mean. I didn’t want to disappoint you more than I probably already had.” It was obviously the first time those thoughts had been voiced but Rafa hadn’t realised that they had been weighing on him until now. “Oh, just you wait! I’ll be sure to ask him for all the tiny details.” He flashed the other man a cheeky grin.

Cue a slight head tilt at Dash, a moment which also had him smiling tenderly at him. “I hadn’t, no. I suppose that’s because you’ve always been sure of yourself and confident about what you want. But it makes me happy that you think that highly of me too.” Rafa curled his fingers around Dash’s, loving him even more {if that were possible}. “And you’re more than everything I needed and wanted. I do think we made a pretty great team in whatever we do, especially with Dev and Di…” Mulling everything over, he pressed Dash’s hand to his lips. “We should take that step then.” And saying those words brought him a high level of happiness knowing that he would not be denying Dash the title of being a father. And because, of course, Rafa himself wanted to go on this new journey with him.

“A rather long moment I should think,’’ came the admission. But Dash had a way of holding Rafa’s interest back then just as he had now. Then he was cracking up with laughter. “I thank the stars that you didn’t pass out. I imagine that would have ruined the moment. That and had you said no.”

[Charely Potter]

Nervous. That was how Diego felt taking in the sight of his new home. Home. It still didn't feel real thinking and seeing it in person. The nine-year old had been through enough disappointments to be ever so hesitant, as he gripped the hands of both of his parents. The words of his new dads went in one ear and out the other, words were one thing, actions were convincing. That was three months ago. Time, nightmares, and some struggles had passed before it got even better. It had been official. He was here to stay and the good continued to sweep in since then.

Standing in front of the door, Diego gripped the straps of his bag. He just walked home from St. Woboldo's, his first day in Year 5. He stared for a moment, thinking about how the day went. His daddy, Dash, being a teacher wouldn't be home for another hour so he had to remember the way home. He did, spoiler alert. But the key... where was the secret spot for the key. He checked the doormat, nothing. After a moment, he felt nervous about what would happen. Hopefully, Papa was there and if not, there was always the owls below where he was sure to be. That was when it kicked in. Oh yeah! Diego checked the owl emblem by the door, tapping the wall around it before the familiar jingle and clank sounded of the key falling to the floor.

Smiling, he twisted the handle entering inside, "...Papa?" He called out tentatively.

[FearlessLeader19]

How was it three months already since Diego had come to live permanently with him and Dash? Rafael hardly dared to believe that the initial fears he’d had of becoming a father was slowly dissipating. His dislike for kids in general was slowly fading, helped along already by his husband and nephews, and now by his son.

S-O-N.

Rafa had a son.

The reality still sometimes felt like an out of body experience.

Now, Rafa would have liked to be responsible and all by heading to St. Woboldo’s in time to be able to walk Diego home {and to see the hubby and his class, of course} but today, like most days, had been busy. It didn't help that one of the other owlkeepers had reported ill that day. The man had only enough time to grab a shower plus get dressed when he heard the door to the apartment opening and Diego’s voice.

He came into view from his and Dash’s room, towelling his damp hair. “Hi, Diego.’’ Grinning, Rafa slung the towel over his shoulders. “I knew you’d be able to find your way home but I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.” Did this count negatively of him as a dad? Hopefully not. “Tell me every detail of your day while we fix you a snack.” Rafael motioned his son towards the kitchen.

[Charely Potter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

How was it three months already since Diego had come to live permanently with him and Dash? Rafael hardly dared to believe that the initial fears he’d had of becoming a father was slowly dissipating. His dislike for kids in general was slowly fading, helped along already by his husband and nephews, and now by his son.

S-O-N.

Rafa had a son.

The reality still sometimes felt like an out of body experience.

Now, Rafa would have liked to be responsible and all by heading to St. Woboldo’s in time to be able to walk Diego home {and to see the hubby and his class, of course} but today, like most days, had been busy. It didn't help that one of the other owlkeepers had reported ill that day. The man had only enough time to grab a shower plus get dressed when he heard the door to the apartment opening and Diego’s voice.

He came into view from his and Dash’s room, towelling his damp hair. “Hi, Diego.’’ Grinning, Rafa slung the towel over his shoulders. “I knew you’d be able to find your way home but I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.” Did this count negatively of him as a dad? Hopefully not. “Tell me every detail of your day while we fix you a snack.” Rafael motioned his son towards the kitchen.

Diego felt a little nervous. He didn't admit it, but being alone did bother him. He was sure his dads picked up on that. It was nice walking home though as there were people he saw along the way and sights to distract him. But an empty home did make him remember bad things. Things that faded as soon as he heard a voice, the thud of his belongings landing before being replaced with rapid footsteps.

"Hi Papa!" Wrapping his arms around into a hug before he walked into the kitchen to have a seat, "Daddy said he was sorry too, but I'm okay! Do we have any more macaroni?" Grinning, "It was fun today! They didn't give us any homework. I saw Diallo earlier, oh, he showed me a cool trick he learned. Making some paper light on fire in his hand! We got caught by the Headmaster, and he got a warning and uh... there was this girl in my class," Suddenly he felt shy. That was new. He couldn't help the urge to look away while his feet idly kicked against the counter. "I've seen her around, but she's never been in my class before.. I don't hate her, but I felt like running when she looked my way." Which he did... a couple times. "She must think I'm weird for doing that.."

[FearlessLeader19]

It was true: Rafael did sense that being alone bothered Diego. He felt that he and Dash had done well so far, however, to help ease that. He hoped. There wasn’t any guarantee that their son would outright let them know how he felt one hundred percent of the time but Rafa always hoped that eventually Diego would see that he could confide in his parents. Since coming home to someone was so important to Diego, then it was a proper thing that Rafa had run late. Maybe someday this fact would come to light.

Rafael was rendered speechless for a bit. All the affection from Diego still {and always will} melt his heart. He thought that he got all gooey with Dash but man, Diego did the same! That hug was returned, with him even throwing in an extra squish. “I can see that you are.” He was beaming, just so thrilled that the younger human was so happy and content. “You know what? I think we just might…” A quick rummage through the fridge to retrieve the huge helping of leftover macaroni. “Here we are.” While Rafa plated food for himself and Diego, he fell silent so that each word of Diego’s chatter. Yes, he was a good listener, listening to comprehend and simply not to just reply.

“No homework makes you pretty happy, right? Got time for some board games tonight then?” Maybe when Dash got home they could make it a family event. “Di’s being mischievous, is he? I’ll have to have a word with him.” He meant that. Rafa had gotten a little extra protective with the nephews but it couldn’t be helped; he loved them too much. As he set the plate of now heated food before Diego and handed him a fork, he fought the urge not to panic. This sort of talk? How did he handle it? What did he say? Why wasn’t Dash here, Dash who would surely know what to do and to say?

“Don’t worry about it. I think that we all say or do silly things when we meet someone new.” He did and said some silly things to Dash when they met initially. And those probably increased when they started dating. An assortment of condiments were slid across the counter to Diego so that he could have his pick. “Why do you think you have the urge to run from her though?” Rafa continued, now pouring them both tall glasses of juice. “Has she tried speaking with you before?”