PHILOPHOBIA || lgbtq+ / manxman ✔️

twenty.

He awoke with the kid on his shoulder, while his boyfriend was holding his hand. They had landed in Shanghai and were ready for their few days of adventure. Zane was still getting comfortable around some of the friends, but had grown very close to Noah, Yuna, Jake, and Caiden.

He wanted to tell himself this wasn't strage, finding comfort in someone other Wei and Mina and being so welcome by people who have been friends for years; being invited with open arms into a makeshift family consisting of two unmarried men, who clearly love one another. But, Zane had the back of his mind keep attacking with the scattered thoughts of this being temporary.

Why would they really want a random twelve year old around, when they could be enjoying themselves, as they were basically newly living together.

"Hey, Z, can you hold on to Lo, while we grab the bags?" the smiling voice startled Zane, taking him out of his thoughts.

"Uhh... Sure, Jake," Zane smiled, taking the sleeping toddler and placing him on his chest.

Noah could sense something was off, watching the younger kid take a seat on a random bench, while the others grabbed bags and laughed between them.

"Mark isn't the type to just leave you behind, son," Noah's voice was soft, taking a seat beside Zane, while Yuna headed to a small shop for some cookies or something, as she felt dizzy. "I know this is new and strange to you, being around so many people. Wei told us you're quite accustomed to being on your own. Except for the moments he and Mina would check on you, of course."

"I don't know how to shut off the voices that hurt me," he said, feeling the boy in his arms stir in his sleep.

"How about we come up with a signal, when you hear them? Like we can make some sort of signal with our fingers, which can let me know you need a few minutes of fresh air. Or, you can pull one of us aside to talk; whatever you'd like, Zane," the older man smiled, as Logan woke up from his nap.

"I don't know how to talk about what I feel," the child responded, honestly, being met with hazel eyes, as Logan looked up at him, "I'm okay with a signal."

"You pwetty," Logan randomly spoke, looking at the boy who had been holding him. "Gwanpa, he pwetty," Noah pulled him on his lap, hugging his little grandchild.

"Yes, Lo, he is," Noah chuckled, a pink flush graced Zane's cheeks. "How about you send me the little siren emoji when you feel like you need me?"

The kid nodded, handing Noah his phone so he can add his number. "Thank you."

"What do you do when you hear the voices, babe?" Wei's voice surprised the three on the bench, with Mark beside him.

"I wanted to learn to play guitar, but they burned my guitar," he mumbled, looking towards the floor.

"Who's they, babe?" Wei crouched down, his eyes meeting with the child's.

"Love, maybe we should get some ice cream. Would you like some, Zaney?" Mark suggested, as more of the friends were beginning to join them.

"The kids from the school. They said I was a mistake and I was going to be alone, because mama left and grandma passed and I was on my own," he responded, his eyes darting away from the chocolate brown ones, and towards the floor, once more.

"Look at me, babe," Wei's eyes stared directly into the broken eyes before him, "You are never alone; you've got an entire army right here behind you ready to fight for you and with you no matter what."

The brown haired man stood up, taking the kid's hand in his. He walked with him into a small little store within the airport, with Mark right beside him, to get a few popsicles. Seeing how excited he had been when choosing a flavor had Mark's heart burst with happiness.