Chapter 42: Family All Around

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The following weekend, Fourth and Gemini’s home felt warm and inviting, the smell of fresh cookies wafting from the kitchen. Orion was napping peacefully in his bassinet, while Gemini fussed over the living room cushions, ensuring everything was perfect. Fourth stood nearby, trying not to laugh at his husband’s determination to impress.

“They’re family, Gem,” Fourth teased. “I don’t think they’ll care if the pillows are perfectly fluffed.”

Gemini gave him a look but smiled. “I know, but this is their first time visiting since Orion was born. It has to be perfect!”

Before Fourth could respond, the doorbell rang. Gemini straightened up, smoothing his sweater before hurrying to the door.

When he opened it, Phuwin was standing there, a bright grin on his face and a bag of baby clothes in his hand. Pond stood just behind him, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“Surprise!” Phuwin exclaimed, stepping inside and pulling Gemini into a tight hug. “Where’s my nephew? I need to see him!”

“Hold on, hold on,” Gemini laughed, letting him in. “Orion’s just waking up. Be gentle, okay?”

Pond followed quietly, giving Gemini a smaller but just as genuine hug. “Congratulations, Gem. He’s lucky to have you two as parents.”

---

As the group settled in, Phuwin immediately made a beeline for Orion. The baby had woken up and was now looking around curiously from his bassinet.

“Hi, little guy,” Phuwin said softly, reaching out to gently stroke Orion’s cheek. “I’m your Uncle Phuwin, the fun one.”

Fourth chuckled from where he stood nearby. “Pretty sure that’s debatable.”

“Don’t listen to him,” Phuwin whispered to Orion, causing the others to laugh.

Pond, meanwhile, had taken a seat on the couch, watching Phuwin with a fond smile. Gemini noticed and smirked.

“You’re awfully quiet today, Pond,” Gemini teased. “Feeling shy?”

Pond gave a half-smile but said nothing, his gaze softening as he watched Phuwin fuss over the baby.

---

Eventually, Phuwin handed Orion to Fourth, who cradled the baby with practiced ease. Phuwin flopped onto the couch beside Pond, pulling him onto his lap without hesitation.

“Phuwin!” Pond hissed, his face turning red as he glanced around the room. “What are you doing?”

“Sitting,” Phuwin said innocently, wrapping his arms around Pond’s waist. “Comfortably, I might add.”

Gemini snorted, clearly enjoying his brother’s antics. “You two are so cute it’s almost disgusting.”

“You’re one to talk,” Phuwin shot back, smirking. “I’ve seen you and Fourth being all lovey-dovey when you think no one’s looking.”

Fourth raised an eyebrow but didn’t deny it, instead focusing on Orion, who had started to fuss.

---

The conversation flowed easily after that, filled with laughter and shared stories. Phuwin recounted a particularly dramatic incident from work, while Pond occasionally chimed in with dry, sarcastic comments that had everyone in stitches.

Gemini felt a warm glow in his chest as he looked around the room. This was what family was all about—love, chaos, and moments of pure joy.

As the afternoon wore on, Phuwin eventually scooted off Pond’s lap, much to the latter’s relief. But it wasn’t long before he was pulling Pond close again, resting his head on Pond’s shoulder as they watched Fourth feed Orion.

“He’s going to be so spoiled,” Phuwin said, his voice soft.

“Only in the best way,” Gemini replied, smiling at his brother and Pond. “Just like we were.”

---

When it was time for Phuwin and Pond to leave, they lingered at the door, reluctant to go.

“Call us if you need anything,” Phuwin said, giving Gemini one last hug.

“Don’t worry,” Gemini replied. “You’ll be sick of us soon enough.”

“Never,” Phuwin said with a grin. “We’re family. That’s not how it works.”

As the door closed behind them, Gemini turned to Fourth, who was rocking Orion back to sleep.

“They’re a handful,” Gemini said fondly, resting his head on Fourth’s shoulder.

Fourth chuckled. “And we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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