Lost in Time

Chapter 13: Family Reunited

"STOP!" Alan's shout cut through the chaotic noise, drawing confused and wide-eyed looks from everyone around him.

"Aye! Lung's about to rev the car!" Babe's voice rang out, prompting cheers that resumed the bustling scene. Alan stood bewildered, taking in the familiar faces around him. He wasn't entirely sure what had just happened, but it seemed he was back—back to his reality, his true reality. Back where Tony no longer existed, back with his X-Hunter team, back with his own family, including Jeff and their three beautiful kids.

"Jeff...wait, the kiss? Did it work? Am I back?" Alan's thoughts raced.

"Phi, are you okay?" Jeff's worried voice snapped Alan out of his thoughts, and he saw his husband gently handing the kids over to Charlie to take them away from the commotion. Alan walked slowly towards Jeff and embraced him tightly as if reuniting after an eternity apart. Jeff yelped in surprise but returned the embrace, letting Alan hold him close.

"Jeff..." Alan pulled back slightly to look into Jeff's eyes. "I've never been better," he said, a cheeky smile spreading across his face. Jeff couldn't help but smile back, the relief and happiness evident on his face. It was a magical moment, finally back with his family.

Their attention turned to the sound of their children playing, imitating a car revving as they teased each other. Alan and Jeff watched with contentment and happiness as their kids played joyfully. Unable to contain his joy, Alan released Jeff and went over to his children.

"Happy Birthday, Jed!" he exclaimed, gently caressing his son's head, eliciting giggles from the baby.

"Happy Birthday, Jet!" Alan continued, as their adorable toddler mimicked a loud rev, bringing a smile to Alan's face.

"And Happy Birthday, Jade, sweetheart..." Alan reached into his pocket and pulled out a doll, presenting it to his daughter. "I believe this is yours." Jade's eyes widened in delight as she took the doll, hugging it tightly. "Thank you, Dada," she said sweetly, her smile melting Alan's heart.

Alan gathered all three kids in his arms, and Jeff joined them carrying one child to help Alan, completing the picture of their reunited family.

"P'Alan! How about a quick spin in the car?" Babe challenged Alan with a mischievous grin. Alan glanced at Jeff, who returned the smile with a nod, but Alan shook his head gently and planted a kiss on his husband's cheek.

"Maybe next time," Alan replied warmly. "It's the kid's birthday today. I want to make it memorable for them." He looked around at everyone with a sense of contentment, and Jeff couldn't help but swell with pride for his husband.

After a tender reunion with his family, Alan found himself fully immersed in the warmth and joy of being back home. "You know, Jeff, I always thought I was the one who rescued you from the foundation," Alan said, gazing admiringly at the man who met his eyes with a soft smile.

"You did," Jeff chuckled a hint of confusion in his voice, yet his smile never faded. "You beat up the guards and whisked me away."

"No. It was you who saved me," Alan countered, his eyes reflecting deep affection and gratitude towards Jeff.

In reality, it was Jeff who saved them all. He had a vision and meticulously planned everything. Thanks to him, everything fell into place. However, for Alan, Jeff's role went beyond that — he provided comfort during their toughest times and gifted Alan something irreplaceable: their family. Jeff had given him love and happiness that Alan cherished above all else. Now, he was determined to protect it, never taking it for granted.

Jeff and Alan spent the rest of the day wrapped up in joyous moments with their kids. Despite the challenges that came their way, Alan found himself unfazed. With Jeff by his side, every hurdle seemed conquerable. His husband's unwavering support was a constant reassurance, a beacon of strength that never faltered.