D&B5

29

Day and Brick work together to raise their child. There are no fixed roles for who does what; they simply help each other out. It can be tiring, but both are willing to take on the responsibilities. It primarily falls to Brick to care for the child since Day has to go to work occasionally, but on days when Day is off, he helps Brick, allowing him to rest.

"What's wrong? You look unwell," Day asked as he came downstairs after taking a shower and getting dressed to go to the shop. He noticed Brick, appearing pale, was feeding their baby son.

"Really?" Brick replied. Day nodded in affirmation. Brick rubbed his own face lightly, prompting Day to place the back of his hand against Brick’s forehead and neck.

"You feel warm, Brick. Are you getting sick?" Day asked seriously, concern evident in his voice.

"It's nothing. Maybe I just woke up," Brick responded.

"Brick, if you feel like you're getting sick, you need to tell me right away. Don’t forget we have a baby. If the baby gets sick, it won't be good for either of us," Day said straightforwardly, causing Brick to pause as he realized the truth in those words. He himself wasn't entirely sure, even though he felt a bit of a scratch in his throat. He didn’t want to ask Day to stay home with him because today, Day had meetings regarding the contract for importing wheels.

"I'll call Nick to come and keep me company for now," Brick replied. Day nodded in agreement.

"Go ahead and call to see if he can come. If he can't, I'll go pick him up to stay with you," Day responded. In truth, he didn't want to bother Brick’s parents too much. Brick picked up his phone and called Nick, who agreed to come over, which eased Day's mind a bit.

"You don’t have to wait for Nick to arrive. Go to work. Traffic might get bad," Brick said, knowing that Day might want to stay with him until Nick got there.

"Okay, if anything comes up, just call me. Even if I’m busy, I can still answer," Day told him. He prioritized family above everything, especially with a little one to care for; he was even more worried than before.

"I know," Brick replied briefly. Day leaned down to kiss their son before kissing Brick on the forehead as well.

"I’m off to work now," Day said to Brick before getting up and leaving, with Cotton following him to see him off. Day played with Cotton for a short while before getting in the car and driving away, while Brick continued to take care of their child, keeping an eye on his own condition.

Day drove to the shop. Today, the owner of the factory importing wheels, Pat, and his representative were coming to meet at the shop to discuss a contract for ordering various designs of imported wheels. They had scheduled the meeting for around 11 a.m. since Brick’s father intended to invite Pat and the representative to lunch as well. So, that morning, Day would clear his work first.

"How's the little one doing, Day?" Brick’s father asked as he entered, inquiring about his grandson.

"He's still eating well as always," Day replied with a smile.

"Is his weight still on track?" Brick’s father continued. Day chuckled quietly before nodding.

"Yes," Day answered, and shortly after, Brick’s father started discussing the shop and the contract for a bit before Pat arrived. Day then called Brick.

("What?") Brick’s voice came through.

"Has Nick come to keep you company yet?" Day immediately asked.

("He’s here now. The baby is asleep, and I’ve let him play with the baby while I’m in the shower.") Brick responded.

"And how are you feeling?" Day asked further, but Brick fell silent for a moment.