Opposites Attract (Marcel&Louis Stylinson)

Chapter 48

Marcel's POV - One Month Later, May 11th, 7:45 A.M.

Zayn was let out of the hospital 2 days ago. Lots of deep talk and long conversations were held at the apartment before he left with Perrie. He insisted on staying to take care of Ani and drive her to school for Louis and I since Louis' busy with practice every morning and I have morning classes. I told him he's too absurd. Zayn's too nice and humble. Even after he took a bullet for Louis, he still wants to stick around to babysit Ani for us. What a true mate.

Oh! And the proposal you ask? Well, Perrie said yes. After that, he fell asleep. It was sort of funny but very, very sweet. They're starting to plan it out with Perrie's mum. Zayn doesn't live with his family or stay in contact with them. We don't really know why. Louis knows but he said it's not something to be discussed. I hope Zayn will tell me one day.

"Good morning, Mr. Marcel."

I turned to see Ani with Louis standing beside her. They were both dressed in denim buttoned up shirts and black jeans that rolled up a bit at the end. Completely matching with their white converse shoes and winning smiles.

"You guys match," I smiled before kneeling down to Ani's level.

"Mr. Louis bought me this outfit," She smiled back.

I looked up at Louis and winked, "I love it."

"Yeah," Louis laughed, "I wanted Ani to be my mini me."

I stood up at and put both of my hands on my hips, "Why can't she be MY mini me?"

He copied my pose with a playful, sassy attitude, "Because I'm the swagma-"

"Swagmaster of Doncaster yeah yeah yeah we get it," I brushed him off and laughed before looking down at Ani, "Are you ready for school?"

"Yes sir," She nodded, "Are you ready for school too?"

I searched around for her grey beanie as I answered, "I sure am. I'm getting my internship as a teacher next month, it's gonna be great!" I found the hat and walked back to put it on her.

"I should wear my beanie too!" Louis ran back into our room.

"You look super cute sweetie," I softly pinched her cheek.

"Thank you sir," She giggled.

"Alright," Louis came back out in a similar grey beanie, "I gotta get you to school, Ani."

"Okay," She nodded.

Louis walked up beside her and held her small hand before giving me a quick kiss. I found myself reaching behind his back to pull him back in for another one. Louis smiled into it, making me feel flustered. I finally pulled away but kept our distance fondly close.

Louis' eyes focused on my lips as he spoke, "You really want me, don't you?"

I pushed him away and smirked, "That's not something you should say in front of our daughter."

Louis and I both looked down to see Ani smiling with rosey pink cheeks.

"You don't mind us kissing in front of you, right?" Louis asked courageously.

"Of course not," She looked up at him, "I would never mind."

"Thanks cutie," I patted her head.

"Alright let's go," Louis pulled on her hand.

He gave me a small smirk before leaving.

"No hug?" I asked Ani.

She let go of Louis' hand and ran to me for an adorable hug. She's very small compared to me so her head only reached below my belly button and her arms wrapped around my thighs. I bent down a bit to rest my hands on her back.

"Have a good day banANI," I giggled.

"Oh god," Louis commented by the door, "Banani?"

"It's my nickname for her," I explained, "Last night I lied in bed thinking of nicknames for you, Ani. So I came up with banani because all I could think about was bananas."

Ani chuckled adorably, "I love it, Mr. Maz."

"Maz?" I smiled.

"I just came up with that nickname for you," She pulled away from the hug to look up at me, "Do you like it?"

I booped her nose and nodded, "I love it."

_____________________________________________________

12:36 P.M.

I made my way back to the apartment from school. Classes were tiring and long. As soon as I got home, I got a call from the police station.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey Marcel, it's officer Tes. I just wanted to tell you that the case was successful. Ani's birth parents are put to prison and their relatives are going to pay the fine. The fine for kidnapping and shooting."

"Thank you officer," I sighed in relief, "Thank you so much."

"Of course, Marcel. Oh, is Ani there?"

"She's at school, why?"

"Just wanted to wish her a happy birthday. Tell her for me, yeh?"

What? Birthday? It's.. it's not her birthday... is it? Oh, no.

"Oh.. um of-of course."

"Thanks, have a good day!"

I hung up and dropped my phone on the floor.

"It's her birthday?" I whispered to myself.

I ran to my room and rummaged through the drawers until I found her adoption papers,

"Ani Zayn Tomlinson, 8 years old, birthday.. May.. May 11th."

I put the papers back and lied on the bed in frustration. I massaged my own head as I tried to think. I ran back out to get my phone then returned to my lonely position on the bed.

I rang Louis.

"Hey babe," He answered.

"Louis.." I mumbled, "I'm a horrible father."

"Marcel? What's going on? Why are you saying that?"

I let out a few tears and groaned, "I forgot.. I um.."

"Forgot what, baby?"

"Ani's birthday," I sat up, "Today is Ani's birthday."

"WHAT?!" He shouted.

"Yeah."

"Why didn't she say anything? Damn it," He sounded really upset.

"What are we gonna do?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

Louis was quiet so I guessed he was thinking.

"Party."

"Party?" I questioned.

"A surprise party."

"A surprise party?"

"Are you just gonna repeat everything I say?" He chuckled.

"Sorry," I cracked a smile.

"Surprise party. I'll be out of this meeting in like 10 minutes. That's when she's going to lunch with her class so I'll stop by her school and talk to her teacher. I'll ask for the numbers of the students' parents so I can invite the kids to the party. Meanwhile, you go to the bakery for some sweets and a cake then go to the supply store for some decorations. Sounds good?"

Louis. What a smart and adorable hubby.

"You're incredible," I blushed, "Perfect plan."

Louis laughed before speaking, "What can I say? You married a great man, Marcel Tomlinson."

_______________________________________________________

Louis' POV 2:52 P.M.

"No no no," I shook my head, "Her favorite color is sky blue. That's too dark to be sky blue."

"I'm sorry sir," The worker apologized, "I'll try again."

She went to the back storage room.

I'm trying to find the perfect gift for Ani and it's beginning to get me frustrated because I have no idea what exactly she would want.

I looked around the store and something caught my eyes.

"That," I pointed.

A sky blue kids' swimsuit. It was a one piece with little ruffles that made it a little skirt. It would look so cute on her.

The girl walked back out with another wrong shade of blue for the sweater but I brushed it off, "I don't want that anymore," I walked over to the swimsuit and grabbed it but another hand rested on it as well.

I looked up to see a familiar face, "Travis."

"Louis," He smiled.

Our hands still gripped the swimsuit.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Um.." He looked at his hand.

"Oh, right," I spoke.

We stayed their, unaware of what we should do.

"Um," The worker interrupted, "That's the only one left. More of them will arrive in 3 days."

"So this is the only one left..." He murmured.

"I touched it first," I replied.

"We touched it at the same time."

We gave each other enemy eyes as the worker awkwardly waited for us to decide who will get it.

"Today's my sister's birthday and this is a last minute gift," He admitted.

I laughed and rolled my eyes, "Today's my daughter's birthday and it's also a last minute gift."

"Wait a minute," He let go of it and I instantly grabbed it closely to my chest, "You have a daughter?"

_________________________________________________________

Marcel's POV - 3:00 P.M.

I ran out of the supply store to hurry home.

My phone buzzed and I nervously answered, "Hello?"

"Babe. Did you decorate yet?"

"No!" I answered, "I'm on my way home. I need more time."

"Well I'm picking her up right now," Louis stated.

"Take the long way home," I begged.

"Alright, alright."

"Wait, Lou!"

"Yeah?"

"Did you get anyone to come to her party?"

"Yeah, about 6 kids' parents said yes."

"So 6 kids are coming?"

"Mmhm," He answered.

"Alright then I got more than enough food," I laughed.

"Someone's gonna come help you set up," He suddenly announced.

"Who?" I questioned curiously.

"You'll see. Drive safely, yeh?"

"Alright, love you," I smiled.

"Love you too," He hung up afterwards.

I rushed up to the apartment after parking with all the food and decorations I bought. A knock on my door interrupted my quick pace.

I opened the door to see Travis.

"Hey," He smiled.

"Uh.." I mumbled.

What in the world is he doing here? How did he even know I live here?

"Can I come in?" He asked.

"Oh, yes of.. of course," I broke out of my thoughts and let him in.

I closed the door and went back to decorating.

"Louis told me to come here and help you," He explained as he picked up the beach decorations to hang up, "I had no idea you guys moved here and adopted a little girl. You sort of stopped talking to me."

"Oh," I set out the food and sweets on the dining table, "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," He said quietly.

I turned up some music as we both set up. The whole living room felt like good vibes at the beach. Dolphin stickers on the wall made it seem very cute. A cool net with starfish and shells stuck to it hung greatly on the plain wall.

"Wow," He stood next to me and looked around, "She's gonna love it."

"You think?" I smiled.

He looked over at me and we locked eyes, "Definitely."

I shifted uncomfortably and scratched my head, "Um, thank you for helping me."

"Of course."

I went over to the food table to check if I had everything.

"Dolphin cake?" He chuckled.

"Yeah," I smiled, "Ani loves dolphins."

Cupcakes, fried chicken, french fries, fruit punch, water, sodas, cups, napkins, plates, straws, and forks. Very much American food.

"Are you hungry?" I asked him.

"It's fine, I should get going," He checked his watch.

"Oh, why?"

"My sister's birthday is also today."

"Annabelle?" I questioned.

"Yeah," He nodded, "You remember her?"

"Of course," I smiled, "She's adorable. How old is she turning?"

"Ten," He answered.

"Ani's turning 9. They're only one year apart!"

"Oh," He smiled, "That's cool."

I grabbed his arm, "Travis."

"Yeah?"

"Let's have Ani and Annabelle celebrate together."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," I nodded, "Of course."

"Alright um I'll go get Annabelle. Mum just dropped her off at my apartment."

"You're mum's welcome to come too," I insisted.

"Oh, no," He laughed, "She has some friends here that she wants to see so I'll just bring Anna."

"Alright," I smiled, "I'll see you soon then."

______________________________________________________

3:32 P.M.

The kids arrived before Ani and Louis got home so that was good. They're all really respectful and didn't mess around. I gave them each balloons and a party buzzer to blow when Ani gets home.

From: Hubby<3
3:33 P.M.

On our way up!!! xx


"Alright everyone!" I gathered them, "She's almost here so get ready!"

They all giggled quietly and I turned off the lights, closed the curtains to block out the sunlight, and stood ready.

The door soon opened and we all shouted,

"SURPRISE!"

Ani's face brightened with a wide smile. Louis took the backpack into her room then came back out to hug me, "You did well."

"Thank you," I smiled before kissing his soft lips.

"Mmm," He smiled as he ran his hands up and down my waist, "Can it be my birthday too?"

"Shhh," I giggled, pushing him away, "There are kids around."

"Sorry," He pouted adorably.

We watched Ani socialize with her pals as they started to dance and laugh.

"She's so cute," I stood behind Louis and held him.

"She sure is," He nodded, "And she has the best daddies in the world, wouldn't you agree?"

"Daddies who forgot her birthday?"

"We didn't forget!" He laughed, "We just didn't know."

"I guess," I mumbled.

"Mr. Louis?" She came up to him.

I don't know why she calls us Mr. Louis and Mr. Marcel. It's quite odd having my daughter call us that. I wouldn't want to urge her to call us dad or anything, though. I know it must be hard to accept someone as family sometimes.

"Yes sweetie?" He answered.

"My friends want to see your football moves. Can you show us?"

"Of course!" He flexed his muscles, making me laugh.

I unwrapped my arms from him and he took Ani's hand to be led to the middle of the living room. She got him his ball and he began showing the kids.

"Woah!" They were all mesmerized by his charm and skills.

I turned around to see a ginger boy sitting all alone at the food table. I walked over and sat down beside him.

"Hello," I smiled.

"Hello," He smiled back.

"Why are you sitting all by yourself?"

He looked down and shrugged. A box rested on his lap.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Ani's birthday gift," He answered.

"Do you want me to put it over there with the other gifts?"

"No," He nervously replied, "It's- it's okay. I- I want to give it to her myself."

"Oh," I nodded, "Okay. Well, what's your name?"

"William," He answered, "William Sheeran."

"Well, William. Your first name is my husband's middle name."

"Really?" He smiled.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"That's awesome."

"Mmhm," I chuckled.

He's a sweet kid. Very nice and respectful.

"Will!" Ani said loudly as she ran towards us, "Don't you wanna play with us?"

His face grew red as she got closer, "It's okay, Ani."

"Come on!" She touched his arm.

He tensed up and looked down at the present, "I um.. I.."

She backed away and apologized, "I'm sorry. You don't have to play with us if you don't want to."

He got so shy by her touch. Hmm.. interesting.

"Don't worry sweetie," I smiled at her, "I'll keep Will company."

"Thank you sir," She smiled brightly before running off to play.

I looked over to see all the kids piled on top of Louis as they shouted, "We got you! We got you!"

"NOOOO!" He groaned, "I never admit defeat! I am a warrior!"

I laughed at the image. He's so cute with kids. I melt whenever he plays with them.

"Do you love him?" Will suddenly asked me.

I turned to look at him, "Louis? You're asking if I love Louis?"

He nodded innocently with big green eyes.

"Of course I do," I glanced at Lou and smiled, "You have no idea."

"Well..." He mumbled, "Does he know you love him?"

"Mmhm," I nodded, "I tell him everyday."

"Oh.. well... is it easy to tell someone you love them?"

"Well.. it depends, Will. You can tell your parents your love them pretty easily, right?"

He nodded.

"But when it comes to telling someone that isn't related to you.. I guess it could be a bit hard at first."

"I wanna tell her.." He almost whispered.

"What?"

"Nothing!" He shot up, frightened, "Um, may I please use the toilet?"

"Yeah," I showed him where it was, "There you go."

"Thank you, sir."

Is he trying to tell me something?

Travis and Annabelle arrived and I greeted her with a long hug.

"How are you?" I asked as soon as we pulled away.

"I'm great!" She replied spendidly, "How are you?"

"Fantastic!" I answered before turning around to call out, "Ani!"

Ani ran up to me and smiled, "Yes sir?"

"This is Annabelle. Today's her birthday as well," I explained.

"Wow! That's so cool. Happy birthday, Annabelle. It's really nice to meet you," She held out her hand for Anna.

Anna took it and pulled her into a hug, "Thank you! Happy birthday to you too."

Ani looked pleasantly surprised as soon as Anna pulled away, "Thank you!"

They both ran off to play with the other kids.

"Seems like they get on right away," Travis smiled.

"Yeah," I nodded, "They're best friends already."

_______________________________________________________

Louis' POV 9:12 P.M.

The party ended 2 hours ago. Travis stayed to help us clean up, giving Annabelle more time to hang out with Ani. They just left 10 minutes ago.

Ani took a shower and came out in her cloud patterned pajamas. Marcel and I both climbed into bed with her. Her bed is very small compared to us so it was a bit stuffy but perfect at the same time. She lied in the middle of Mar and I, tucked cozily in her blanket. My arms rested lightly on top of her stomach to hold Marcel's hand. Her head rested on Marcel's arm instead of the pillow. Mar and I cuddled her as we lied silently.

"Thank you so much," She smiled, "That was the best birthday I've ever had."

"You're welcome, baby," I replied.

"We're sorry we didn't know about it," Marcel spoke.

"Yeah, why didn't you tell us about it this morning? You didn't say anything about it," I added.

"Um," She began, "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry about a party or presents or anything. I didn't want you to have to waste your money or waste your time. I know you both are really busy and I understand if you don't have time for celebrations and stuff. You've been busy with school and you've been busy with practice. I know how tough it is to have to take care of yourselves so I'm really thankful you took me in and cared for me. You've done so much for me, I can't ask for anything more than that."

Again, she's the sweetest and wisest.

"Ani," Marcel whispered, "Birthdays are important. Especially yours. You deserve to be celebrated."

"Yeah," I agreed, "We'd do anything for you."

"Thank you," She blushed, "Thank you so much."

"It's getting late," Marcel sat up, "You have to get good rest for school tomorrow, birthday girl."

I got up as well and we climbed off her bed to stand on our feet. We tucked her in again.

"Goodnight sweetheart," I smiled.

"If you need anything, you tell us alright?" Marcel stated.

"Alright," She nodded.

We both began to walk out of the room but her voice stopped us, "Um.. wait."

We turned around, hand in hand, and said, "Yes?"

She sat up and nervously moved her hair behind her ears before looking up at us and saying,

"I love you, dads."