Dream Daddy One-Shots

Better Late Than Never (Craig x Robert)

"Are you sure this is a good idea, babe?" Robert asks, eying the door of Craig's home.

"What do you mean, bro?" Craig replies, head tilting to the side in confusion.

"Things have been great the way they are. Why change it?" Robert says to hide his fear.

"Robert. Bro. We can't keep this from them forever." Craig rationalizes.

"Yes, we can." He's still trying to hide it.

"Hazel's already suspicious. She'll start prying soon enough, bro." Craig's here to rationalize the situation.

"Damn that kid."

"Robert."

Robert refuses to look his boyfriend in the eyes. He knew this day would come eventually, as much as he's been dreading it. He and Craig have been dating for three months now. It won't be long until Craig's kids start asking questions and demanding answers. Well, the ones that can talk, anyway. Robert's pretty sure little River won't be asking him any questions.

"Rob, it'll be fine. They'll love you." Craig's voice softens in a way that he hopes is comforting.

"You don't know that." Robert grumbles in response.

"I wouldn't say it if I wasn't 100% sure." Craig says this more to calm Robert's nerves than anything else.

"I'm not exactly the best role model for children." Robert can't imagine any child being happy to discover that he is at all involved with their father.

"You're getting better, and that's all that matters."

Robert sighs, realizing that he's not escaping his fate. He feels a slight pressure on his right hand, and looks down to see a familiar hand gently grasping his own. Finally meeting his boyfriend's eyes, he can't help but smile at the warmth radiating from them. If Craig believes his kids will like him, then who is he to argue with him?

"You ready?" Craig asks, smiling at the older man.

"As ready as I'll ever be... Bro." Robert tries not to grimace at what he just said.

Craig's smile widens, so Robert believes that his temporary pain was worth it. Using his free hand, Craig opens the front door and drags Robert in after him.

"Briar! Hazel! Get your butts in here!" Craig calls out to his twin daughters.

Two middle school girls hastily make their way to the living room, seating themselves on the couch.

"What's up, dad?" Briar asks, watching Craig and Robert move to stand in front of the TV.

Hazel says nothing, but her smirk tells Craig all that he needs to know. Craig clears his throat before addressing his oldest daughters.

"Briar, Hazel, you know Robert." He decides to start off with an introduction.

Briar notices the men's linked hands.

"Robert and I have been dating for three months now, and thought it was time you finally knew." Craig normally would've gone into an over-the-top explanation for his girls, but decided against it to spare Robert the suspense.

"I knew it!" Hazel exclaims, fist-pumping.

Robert laughs at the unexpected reaction.

"So, does this mean we'll be seeing you more often?" Briar asks Robert, staring at him curiously.

"Only if you want me around." Robert answers, surprising the twins with his nervous demeaner.

"Well, duh! We can't make sure you're good enough for our dad if we never see you." Hazel playfully retorts.

"I guess I don't have a choice, then." Robert replies, relief hitting his body in waves.

"Does this mean Robert's gonna come to our games from now on?" Briar asks.

"If he's not busy, yes." Craig replies.

"Oh, I'll make time." Robert states.

Craig stares wide-eyed at his boyfriend's reply. The twins cheer and hug Robert from both sides, nearly shoving their dad to the side. Robert awkwardly wraps one arm around each girls' shoulders. Craig couldn't help but beam at the display. Suddenly, Hazel realizes something and runs off.

"Hazel! Where are you going?" Briar calls after her sister from under Robert's arm.

Instead of replying, Hazel comes back holding baby River in her arms.

"There's one more person you need to get approval from if you're trying to be a part of our family!" Hazel exclaims.

Craig stares on with amusement as Robert just stares at the youngest Cahn. Before he can say anything, Briar escapes from under Robert's arm and approaches little River.

"River, this is Robert. He's been spending lots of time with daddy lately, and wants to spend more time with us. Would you like that?" Briar asks in a bubbly tone.

River makes an assortment of happy baby noises that make Robert's heart melt. Craig smiles widely as he sees Robert's fears wash away.

"So, who's up for a movie night?" Craig asks with a smile.

Everyone agrees, and crams themselves onto the couch after putting River to bed. Halfway into the movie, both girls have fallen asleep with Briar leaning on Robert's shoulder and Hazel on Craig's. Robert manages to last a bit longer, but ends up passing out not too long afterwards. Before passing out himself, Craig stares at the mess on his couch feeling happier than he's been in a long time.