Chapter Nine (1/1)

Two weeks pass by, making the weather even colder.  Jeonghan wrapped Joshua up in a blanket and put him in the little crib he put together.  He emptied his old toy bin out and lined the bin with blankets and toys for the baby to play with.  He removed the lid for no chance of suffocation.  Today, Jeonghan's mother is taking him to the post office where he will send a letter to Seungcheol to inform him about the baby and that they will never see each other again. His mother sent a statement to the store the two weeks prior saying he had an unexpected happening and is quitting.  His parents dropped him out of his classes since he wasn't making any money.  He hasn't stepped foot out of his bedroom in the two weeks, just like his mother told him.  He ate what his mother prepared for him, when she remembered to make anything for him.   He wrapped himself in the warmest jacket he had in his closet as he entered the post office.  He sighed and picked up a pen as his mother gave him a piece of paper.  Why was he in the post office?  Why couldn't he just send it through the mail box?  Because Jeonghan wanted to make sure the letter would actually be sent.  He wants to watch the clerk put it in the back out of his mother's reach.  She could be going behind his back and paying the worker to not send it, but this way lessens the chance of the letter not being sent. "Seungcheol.."  He started the letter. The bell to the post office rings, making Jeonghan's reflexes turn him to the door.  There he saw Seungcheol with an old woman.  She had his lips and his eyes for sure. He heard his mother let out a frustrated sigh, but Jeonghan went to the door immediately. "Seungcheol."  Jeonghan said, gaining the older's attention. "Jeonghan?"  Seungcheol kept hold of the woman's arm.  Seungcheol looked down at the woman for a moment.  "This is my grandmother,"  He introduced, "Grandma, this is my boyfriend, Jeonghan."

Jeonghan bowed, ignoring his mother's burning gaze on them.  "Nice to meet you, Grandma."  He smiled when her eyes sparkled. "Seungcheol.. I.."  Jeonghan turned back to Seungcheol.

Seungcheol saw the younger's mother not too far behind him and nodded.  "She figured out,"  He pieced it together, "I know you wouldn't ever abandon me."  He finally let the woman's arm go to cup Jeonghan's cheeks. "You're so cold.."  He muttered with a pout before putting their lips together.  Other people in the post office began to notice them.  "Jeonghan.."  His mother said angrily, breaking their kiss up.  "Forget about the letter.  Just tell him and you're going straight back into your room."  She held his arm strongly. He broke his arm free and looked at Seungcheol with a big smile.  "Oh it's so magical!  I have to show you something."  Jeonghan said, holding Seungcheol's hands. Seungcheol looked down at his grandma who just sent him a smile.  "Go child, I have a few things I need to do here."  She permitted.

Jeonghan bowed to the woman and excitedly ran Seungcheol out of the post office.  He ignored his mother's rant and started on his way down the sidewalk, forgetting about Seungcheol's car.  "Come on!"  He said as he looked back at Seungcheol. Seungcheol could tell that the younger was more than excited.  He kept quiet and tried to keep up with Jeonghan's fast pace.  Even though the younger hasn't attended track in weeks, his legs took him where he needed to be within minutes.  He knocked on the front door and his sister let him in. "Hey, Jeong-oppa,"  She said casually, letting the two go upstairs even without taking their shoes off. Jeonghan opened his bedroom door and took his jacket off.  Seungcheol looked around, wondering what was up in the room.  Jeonghan finally took his shoes off and set them against the wall, and Seungcheol followed suit.  He watched as Jeonghan bent down to reach inside a broken toy bin.  He was surprised when he saw a small creature in Jeonghan's arms. "Come here,"  Jeonghan whispered as he lay the baby on his bed in the center.  Jeonghan lay next to the child while Seungcheol lay on the opposite side, confusion all around his features. "Seungcheol,"  Jeonghan smiled brightly, "look at him.  Isn't he adorable?"

Seungcheol looked at the baby and saw those big eyes looking up at him.  His lashes are thick and his little lips are full.  His cheeks are soft and his chin is on the sharper end. "Here,"  Jeonghan took a book from under the bed. Seungcheol read the title as a baby book.  The outside is decorated with cute stickers and little squiggles that he guesses the baby made.  He opened the book and instantly saw the letter that Joshua came with.  He looked up at Jeonghan with surprise after reading it. "He's our baby, Cheol.."  Jeonghan said sweetly before looking at Joshua.  "Say hi to daddy-Cheol, Joshua."  He cooed before tickling the baby's stomach. Seungcheol went from the baby to the book to Jeonghan's name so many times.  He turned a few pages, seeing what all Jeonghan had written.  He felt like he finally caught up after reading what all Jeonghan has written so far.  He put the book down and looked at Joshua.  "My baby..?"  He whispered, cupping the child's cheek ever so gently.  "Our baby,"  Jeonghan corrected, "Cheol, he's our little life."  He looked at Seungcheol with a big smile. "Joshua.."  Seungcheol smiled while looking at the baby.  "It's nice to meet you.."  He said before kissing Joshua's cheek.  Joshua started giggling, making Seungcheol's features become softer and baby-like too.  Jeonghan couldn't help but feel warm seeing the two having a small wrestle.  Seungcheol's big had tickled lightly around the baby's chest, meanwhile Joshua tried holding Seungcheol's wrist.  "Seungcheol,"  He got the older's attention, "he was made with love.. our love.."  He reminded.

Seungcheol sat up and cupped Jeonghan's cheeks.  "I love you so, so, so much!"  He wanted to continue on, but he kissed Jeonghan instead.  Jeonghan happily kissed back and Joshua clapped his hands while the two were in their romance daze. "Seungcheol.. I missed you so much.."  Jeonghan whimpered as their lips separated.  "Seeing Joshua all day every day reminded me of how happy I am with you." "I'll take care of you two, I promise."  He stroked Jeonghan's hair.

Before they could kiss again, the door slammed open.  Jeonghan instinctively picked up Joshua and held him close to his chest.  Seungcheol noticed this and looked at the mother who was practically on fire at this point. "You.."  She pointed at Jeonghan. "Mrs. Yoon,"  Seungcheol stood up and bowed respectfully, "before you say anything, I want to say something."  He indirectly asked for permission. She held her hips and looked at the tall male.  "Go on."  She permitted, ignoring Jeonghan's worried glare on the bed. "It's been two weeks since I've seen the love of my life,"  Seungcheol turned back to glare at Jeonghan for a moment, "I felt so empty and I feared that something bad happened to him.  Maybe Minhyuk got out, or he hired someone to hurt him.  But seeing him today made the burden go away. "However, something new came."  He looked at the woman.  "I have a son here and I haven't done one thing to help out.  I might not have a job yet.  I might not have my own house or even a degree; however, I made that life with Jeonghan.  I should take care of the child too."  He said with furrowed eyebrows.

"And if I'm not allowed here, and Jeonghan's not allowed out, then I'm just going to have to take Jeonghan and Joshua with me."  He said firmly.  "Look at Jeonghan, he's pale and his bones are practically poking out of his skin."  He showed the adult male to the woman.  "How is this right?" She folded her arms.  "So you want Jeonghan to move in with you?"  She raised an eyebrow. "If that's what it takes to make sure Jeonghan and Joshua are healthy, yes."  He looked back at Jeonghan.  "Jeonghan,"  He held Jeonghan's hands. The younger just looked at Seungcheol with shock.  "Love, please marry me?"  He asked desperately.  "I know I have nothing to offer, but I can't go on knowing how poorly you're surviving here.."  He said honestly. Silence was between them for a few moments until Jeonghan sat the baby down.  He began punching at Seungcheol's chest weakly.  "You idiot.."  His tears started up.  "You wanna put your family in financial risk for me?" "It won't be long, I'll get a job or a few."  Seungcheol said as he took the punches.

"Do you even realize reality, Seungcheol?  Homosexual marriage isn't legal.."  He started heavily crying.  "This isn't a fairytale, Seungcheol.  We're not allowed to be married." Seungcheol held Jeonghan's hand.  "I know, but I want us to be together for when we will be allowed to be married."  He whispered.  "Other countries have legalized it, we'll be there soon."  Jeonghan nodded and looked back at Joshua before looking at his mother.  "You going or not?"  She asked angrily.  Jeonghan looked back at the older male, searching his eyes.  "And your parents will be okay?"  He whispered.  Seungcheol sighed and nodded.  "As long as we get serious with getting our own funds, they'll accept us for a short while."  He assured.  "I started dating you because I wanted us to be together forever, not for a short time."  He explained as he kissed Jeonghan's hands. Jeonghan smiled sadly before putting his arms around Seungcheol.  "Take me with you then.."  He held the man tightly.  "Start getting packed, I'll go get my car from the post office.. and my grandma."  He chuckled at the end.  Jeonghan laughed and pulled away.  "Oh yeah, grandma..  Don't make her wait too long."  He smiled while letting Seungcheol loose. Seungcheol walked past the mother and went down the stairs.  Jeonghan looked at the woman before turning to his possessions, the things he must have.  He picked up the toy box and the blanket outside it.  He then took a bag from his closet and put a couple sets of clothes inside, the ones he bought with his own money.  He then put a few toiletries inside before the diapers and formulas for Joshua. "This is all I'm bringing,"  He said to his mother, "oh yes, and my wallet and phone please?"  He asked. She rolled her eyes and left for her bedroom to retrieve the items.  He paid his own data on the phone, and he needs his wallet for obvious reasons.  "Okay, Joshua, we're all ready to go."  He whispered as he put the infant in the toy box. Joshua didn't know what was happening but just gave excited squeals.  Jeonghan smiled and put the baby book in the bag as well.  He put the bag on his shoulder and picked up the box.  He carefully walked down the steps and set the box by his feet.  "Oppa,"  His sister walked up to them, "I'm going to miss you.."  The short girl said.

He nodded.  "I'll miss you too, Princess."  He put his arms around the girl. "That's enough,"  The mother started, "he's not part of the family anymore, and you better not bring that thing back in this house."  She pointed at Joshua. Jeonghan let his sister go and smiled at her.  "Be a good girl, okay?"  He ignored his mother.  "Do better than me." "You did just fine, Jeonghan."  She said in a small voice, holding his hands.  "Seungcheol will take care of you, I know it."  Jeonghan leaned down and kissed his sister's cheek.  His mother opened the door and pointed at it.  "Leave now."  She commanded. Jeonghan sighed and took his jacket off.  "It's frozen out there,"  He muttered and wrapped Joshua in it, making sure his little face could breathe.  He picked the box up and kept his bag on his shoulder as he walked out. The door closed even before he walked fully out.  He whimpered and looked around at the snow.  "Daddy will be here soon, Joshu-ji."  He whispered to the baby as his knees started shaking.

Joshua started crying as the mid-January breeze passed by.  "No, no, shh,"  He tried to calm the child down.  He opened his bag and took out a toy for Joshua.  "Look at the Plankton.  See?  He'll make a weapon to try to get the secret formula, but it'll just make you smile instead~"  He waved the plush at Joshua before putting it beside the baby. He sighed in relief as the child stopped crying.  He sat by the garage door as he waited for Seungcheol's silver car.  Please come.. please come..  He started crying as his bare arms started shaking.  He finally looked at his arms and shoulders, seeing a perfect outline of small muscles and bones.  He then looks at Joshua who is nice and warm.  He smiles.  That's all that matters, you're healthy. He watched as the younger squeals and giggles at the plush toy.  He bit his lip and closed his eyes as another breeze came by.  He used his body to cover the box but his face got hit with some snow.  I should have had him drive us here..  it didn't seem that far away when we were running..  Each minute that passed felt like an eternity.

The snow brushed past his face and bare arms, making the male shudder but the baby clapped.  Please come.. Please don’t leave us..  He begged inwardly while holding the box tighter.

He finally felt the warmth of a vehicle approaching them.  He opened his eyes and lifted his head to see Seungcheol getting out of the car in a hurry.  "Jeonghan!"  He ran up to the younger.  "Are you okay?  I'm so sorry, the traffic was a mess!"  Seungcheol helped Jeonghan stand. Jeonghan picked the box up with him and went to the back seat.  There, he saw the grandmother in a jacket and gloves.  "Oh dear, you poor thing!"  She took the box with Joshua inside and traded her coat and gloves for him. "No-no, y-you.."  He saw how frail the old woman was.  He couldn't take something from her. "I'll put the temperature higher."  Seungcheol said from the driver's seat as he put Jeonghan's bag in the passenger's seat. Jeonghan accepted the garments finally and put the seatbelt on.  "Oh, he's so cute~"  The woman cooed at the baby.  "I'm a great grandmama~"  She poked the boy's nose. Jeonghan smiled as Joshua reached to hold the finger.  "Can I hold him?"  She asked. "Of course, Grandma.."  Jeonghan said weakly.  "It's almost his feeding time."  He reached for the bag, even though it was definitely not safe to do it while Seungcheol was driving.

He took out the bottle and the tub of formula along with a bottle of water.  "Look, Joshua, Jeong-daddy is preparing your meal.  Yes~"  The woman said while playing with Joshua's short hair. Jeonghan mixed the items and shook the bottle.  He made sure that it wasn't too cold and looked at Joshua.  "Do you want grandma to feed you?"  He whispered. "You trust me, Dear?"  She laughed a little. Jeonghan laughed along.  "Any family of Seungcheol's is family to me.  The fact Seungcheol is here with me gives me the feeling that you were a great parent your own self."  He said with a weak smile. Seungcheol couldn't help but smile as he took glances in the rear view mirror.  "We'll be home soon,"  He commented, "the traffic's still pretty packed." "Take your time, Love.."  Jeonghan said as he watched Joshua drink his formula. He smiled when Joshua burped well and put his arms around the woman's neck.  "Oh he's so adorable!"  She patted the boy's back gently. "He likes soft songs.  Please sing for us, Cheollie."  Jeonghan teased. "Out of nowhere?"  Seungcheol laughed while watching the road.  "But what to sing?" Jeonghan laughed and put his head back against the headrest.  "Sing a song that you liked hearing growing up."  He suggested.  "He likes the little tunes from the cartoons."

The grandmother listened to the two teasing back and forth with a smile.  This child is going to grow up well..  She didn't have a doubt.   

Seungcheol will keep Jeonghan and Joshua happy~ We all know it haha

I'm sorry that I missed the update last week.

Some things at home and school had me down, but I think I'm feeling a little bit better.

<3