Remy

It was Tuesday. 

The alarm sounded at six sharp. 

Logan headed into the shower while Roman made the bed. 

Roman set out two sets of slacks, button ups, dress socks, and ties. Then he shaved, fixed his hair, buttoned his shirt, and left his tie draped around his neck before heading to the kitchen to make breakfast. Logan joined him a few minutes later, started the coffee, packed both of their lunches, and fixed their travel mugs the way each of them liked.

They ate breakfast, checking their email. 

Logan fixed Roman’s tie before he left, them sharing a quick kiss before they got into their cars. 

“Love you.” “Love you too.”

Roman got home from work first, placing his lunch bag beside the sink as he began working on dinner. 

He sang to himself as he cooked, not stopping until he felt eyes on him, glancing over to see Logan in the doorway, watching him.

He stopped himself, turning to him. “We’re running low on butter.” Logan hummed, pulling out his phone to add it to the grocery list before moving to the sink to empty both lunch bags and begin loading the dishwasher.

Roman didn’t start singing again.

They ate dinner at the dining table, chatting idly about work. 

Logan washed the dishes while Roman took a shower.

They sat together on the couch while some show played on the television, neither of them actually watching it. Roman read a novel, Logan did crosswords from a book he kept in the drawer of the coffee table.

They went to bed at ten, sharing a kiss as they settled in.

“Love you, good night.” “Good night, love you too.” 

Wednesday. 

Alarm at six. 

Roman made the bed, set out the clothes, made breakfast.

Logan showered, made coffee, packed lunches.

Breakfast, emails.

Logan fixed Roman’s tie. 

A kiss.

“Love you.” “Love you too.”

Roman made dinner. Eating, idle chatting.

Roman took a shower. Logan did the dishes.

They sat on the couch.

Logan asked Roman for help on a crossword answer. It was about music.

Bed at ten, a kiss.

“Love you, good night.” “Good night, love you too.”

Thursday was different.

It was trash day.

Logan reminded Roman it was trash day.

Roman hadn’t forgotten.

He rolled the trash cans out before he left for work.

He brought them in when he returned home.

Friday.

Mid-afternoon, while Roman was still at work, his phone rang.

Logan.

That was odd. He honestly couldn't remember the last time Logan had called him, especially at work.

“Hello?” “Roman. I- There’s a, uh… I just heard from-” “Logan, breathe. What’s going on?” Logan brought in an audible breath. “I just got off the phone with my brother-in-law. My sister was in a car accident. She should be okay, but she’s in surgery. He had to rush to meet her at the hospital.” “Oh my god. …I’m sure she’ll be okay. We can do what we can to help if they need…” Roman trailed off, the gears turning in his head as he processed. “...Which sister?” “Evelyn.” “So, where are the boys?” 

“Still at school. But their school is on the other side of town from my office and they get out at three, and I’m still here and-” Logan was frantic in a way he hadn’t heard in years.

Roman was already shutting down the computer, his keys in hand.

“Logan, honey. It’s okay. I can leave now and make it in time. I’ll pick them up. Where should I take them?”

“He asked if we could watch them for the night. He can’t leave the hospital. But… Ro, we don’t have anything suitable for children.”

“Our place,” Roman drew in a breath. “...Okay. I’ll get them home. Then we’ll figure out dinner. Then we’ll check on Evie and see if they need anything else. Just one thing at a time. It’s all going to be okay.”

“...Okay. Thank you. I’ll be home as soon as I can.” “I know. Be safe, okay? I love you. I’ll see you soon.” “I love you too. I’ll see you soon, love.”

Roman was immediately on his feet. A quick check-in with his manager, a brief explanation of a family emergency, and then he was striding toward his car.

He’d been to the boys’ school once or twice before for little events and awards ceremonies. He could find it again.

After that…

Well. He’d at least get them home.

Logan had a point. They didn’t have anything really meant for children.

They loved their nephews dearly, but they only really saw them at birthdays, holidays, and occasional family gatherings. The boys had never really spent time at their uncles’ house.

Maybe he’d drop by the store on the way home. Toothbrushes, cereal… Maybe some games? Having a few things at their place certainly couldn’t hurt.

He parked outside the boys’ school and headed for the front office. He was pretty sure he was on the list of family allowed to pick them up. If he wasn’t, that was going to be a whole different ordeal that he’d have to deal with when it happened.

A little voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“Uncle Ro!” 

His eyes immediately found his younger nephew. Patton, six years old. 

Roman crouched down out of habit. Moments later, the small boy had barreled right into his chest. Uncle Roman was always there for a hug. He only hoped that Patton didn’t notice he held him a little tighter than usual. Evie wasn’t his sister by blood, but he’d been around Logan’s family since he was young. They were his family too.

“Hey, Patty. Been a while.” Roman said, keeping his voice light. “Where’s-” “Hi, Uncle Roman.” Roman smiled, looking over Patton’s shoulder to find his older brother standing a few feet behind him.

“Hey, J.” He shifted one arm to offer the eight-year-old a hug as well. Janus wasn’t always one for physical affection, but it never stopped him from offering.

Today was a hug day, apparently. Janus tucked right in and Roman wrapped his arm around him as well, each hand softly coming up and cupping the backs of their heads. 

They were safe.

Everything was going to be alright.

Roman let the two boys pull away on their own time but he remained crouched for a moment longer. “I missed you two! What do you think about a sleepover at Uncle Logan’s and my house tonight?”

“Sleepover! We’ve never sleeped over at your house!” Patton said excitedly, bouncing on his toes before he looked to his older brother.

Janus wasn’t much older than his brother, but he’d always seemed wiser than his years. There was something in his expression that made Roman think he knew more was going on.

But if he did, he didn’t mention it. So he either didn’t, or he was keeping it to himself. Maybe even for Patton’s sake.

“...Do you have fun stuff at your house?” Janus asked, looking back at his uncle.

“We do have a bunch of movies. But I was thinking we could stop by the store on the way there for some snacks you two like. And maybe, I’ll even let you both pick out a new game or toy for our house, how about that?” 

Was he bribing children?

Maybe. 

But he was the fun uncle. That might as well have been in the job description.

That was all it took to get Janus on board, and thankfully all Roman had to do was show his ID to the office aid and he was able to take one small hand in each of his and lead the boys out to his car.

They made it to the nearest big-box store before Patton managed to finish telling Roman about everything that had happened at school that day in the level of detail that really only a six year old could manage.

He pushed the cart while making sure each boy kept one hand on it as they wandered the aisles, getting their opinions on snacks and foods they liked as he tried to figure out what he could possibly make them for dinner. He and Logan normally ate pretty healthy - balanced breakfasts, meal prepped lunches, dinners that hit at least three food groups - but these were special circumstances. 

So if Patton and Janus really wanted mac and cheese, he would make it happen. He knew he had his mother’s recipe written down in a cookbook at home, so he could make them something much tastier than what came in a blue box. 

Even so, he picked up a box. Not because they needed it, but because his mother’s famous cheese sauce would taste even better over cute star and rainbow-shaped noodles.

He’d said they could each pick one thing, but it didn’t count if he was the one picking. 

So, obviously, the crayons and sidewalk chalk didn’t count.

Neither did the coloring books.

Or the little science kit.

Or the two fuzzy blankets. That last one even Logan couldn’t blame him for, one was snake print and the other had cats all over it. 

He had to. 

Oh, wait. 

There was a starry one.

Okay, three fuzzy blankets.

Patton ended up pointing out a board game.

“Oh! Can we play that?” he asked, pointing.

Roman followed his gaze. 

Catan. 

From what he understood, it was at least somewhat complicated. Something about… Sheep? That didn’t exactly sound right, but whatever.

“Ooh, what makes you want that one, buddy?” he asked, looking back at Patton.

“Daddy has it! He says he’ll teach us to play when we’re older, but we could surprise him!” 

Ah. That made perfect sense. Evie had married someone she met through Logan - another genius from his fancy classes back in their university days. Of course he had board games that were much more in the “Logan” category.

“Umm…” Roman glanced around, trying to find a pivot. His eyes landed on the perfect thing. “Oh! How about this one?” 

He grabbed the box and crouched down closer to Patton’s level to show it to him.

“It’s the same game, but the junior version. Would that be alright? I don’t know if Uncle Roman is ready for the big one just yet.” he said, flipping the box over to show him the pictures on the back. “But maybe with this one I’ll actually have a chance against you and Jan.” “Okay! This one looks funner anyway.” Patton said with a smile, leaning in to look at the box.

Roman let his eyes roam over the box one more time. Patton honestly made a pretty good point.

So, Catan Junior went into the cart. He turned to see if Janus had made a choice, and there the eight-year-old was, completely enthralled by the big sets of LEGOs.

Hopefully they’d at least manage to keep this from being too wildly expensive.

“Find something you want, Jan?” Roman asked, walking over to his side.

Janus immediately pointed to a box.

Roman noticed the decisiveness first.

Janus wasn’t just looking at it. He was locked in on the box, taking in every picture, the want written plainly across his face.

Then Roman found the box. 

And the price tag.

It was seventy five dollars worth of LEGO based on a children’s show he’d never heard of.

…He was definitely the fun uncle.

It went in the cart.

As they left the aisle, Roman reached back and grabbed one more box - a smaller set of just assorted bricks. 

Janus struck him as the sort of kid who’d happily spend an hour following the instructions piece by piece to get the exact outcome he wanted. Patton…

Patton would probably dump every brick onto the floor and confidently declare he was going to build a kitten dragon helicopter. Roman, admittedly, would probably be much more helpful when it came to the kitten dragon helicopter.

Anyway. Essentials.

Toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash for kids - the kind Logan usually bought was a little intense even for him, and some pajamas.

Then they were off toward the house.

It wasn’t until Roman was unlocking the front door with all the bags in one hand that he remembered child-proofing was a thing. Did they have things they should move out of the way? He was pretty sure Patton and Janus were old enough not to stick forks into electrical sockets.

Most of the decor he and Logan had originally compromised on when decorating their house was up on the walls. They didn’t have many “superfluous trinkets” as Logan called them. So as long as he scooted a vase or two further from the edges of what they sat upon, it shouldn’t really be a problem.

The kids were right at his heels as he got the door open, following as he automatically began walking to the kitchen to set the bags down.

He started unloading the bags before realizing he was doing it on autopilot. These weren’t weekly groceries. Most of it didn’t actually have a place yet.

“Umm…” He began, mostly to himself. “How about I show you two where you can sleep tonight? There’s only one bed in there, but it’s plenty big enough for both of you.” He looked up.

Both boys were simply watching him, backpacks still on.

He should probably be a bit more decisive, he realized. He was The Adult. 

“Alright, come with me this way.” he said, leading them down the hallway to the guest room and grabbing some extra pillows from a hall closet on the way. 

He set the pillows down at the foot of the bed, turning toward them as they more tentatively followed him inside. “You can set your stuff down in here, then we’ll figure out something fun to do while we wait for Uncle Logan to get home.”

The boys slipped off their backpacks and dropped them next to the bed before looking right back at him.

Right. 

He was in charge.

“...How about a snack?” “Yes!” Patton answered immediately and Janus nodded in agreement.

Alright. Snack time it was.

Roman led them back through the house to the kitchen, remembering this time to point out where the bathrooms were. 

The boys climbed into chairs at the dining table while Roman located the crackers they’d picked out. He washed and sliced a couple of apples to go with them before setting everything in the middle of the table.

While the boys happily worked on their snack, Roman went back to sorting through the shopping bags, trying to decide where any of it was supposed to live.

“What's that?” Janus asked.

Roman looked up.

The older boy was pointing at the large box of crayons Roman had absentmindedly pulled out while digging through one of the bags.

“Oh.” Roman glanced down. “I grabbed some crayons and coloring books while you two were picking out your things. Do you want to color?”

They both nodded eagerly, and then Roman was showing them the small stack he’d grabbed. Patton immediately took the one full of baby animals, and Janus went for the dinosaurs. Roman set out the crayons between them and then turned to go back to cleaning up.

“Are you going to color with us?” Patton asked.

Roman turned back, surprised. “...Would you like me to?” “Yeah!” Patton nodded enthusiastically. “It’s more fun!”

Roman couldn’t really argue with that.

Smiling, he slid the shopping bags out of the way and settled into the empty chair beside Patton.

He was tempted by the Disney one, but in the end chose one full of people doing seemingly random activities.

He let out a slow breath as he chose a page to color alongside them. His shoulders eased as he picked up a crayon and settled in, letting the boys lead the conversation.

Logan came home a short while later, Roman hearing the key in the lock moments before his husband hurried through the front door. He was on his feet immediately, popping up to greet him and pull him into a hug as soon as he shut the door behind him.

“Welcome home, love. How was the drive?” he asked, squeezing him into his chest, one hand coming up to cup the back of his head.

Logan wrapped his arms around Roman’s waist and tucked himself into Roman’s shoulder. Roman felt the shaky breath he let out against his chest.

He cleared his throat as subtly as he could before he answered. “...It was fine. Just... A lot of traffic.” “Well, you’re home now. Let’s get you comfy so you can relax, okay?” Roman said, shifting to give him a kiss. 

Logan’s shoulders loosened just enough for Roman to notice. The corner of his mouth twitched upward in a subtle smile only his husband really knew.

“Ewww.”Roman turned to see Janus standing in the kitchen doorway, making a face as he watched his uncles have a moment.

“Uncle Lo!” Patton appeared only a moment later, rushing for Logan in the same way he did Roman earlier. Roman scooted out of the way so Patton could rush forward and wrap his arms around Logan’s waist.

“Hello, Patton. Have you been having a good day?” he asked, leaning down to hug Patton around the shoulders.

“Yeah! Uncle Ro said we’re gonna have a sleepover!” Patton answered, bouncing excitedly.

“We are. I think we’ll have a lot of fun.” Logan agreed, then looked over to Janus. He offered an arm to him as Patton disentangled himself.

As always, Janus gave no indication of what he intended to do until the last second, but ended up choosing a greeting hug for the second time that day. 

“Hello, Janus. How has your day been?” Logan asked, leaning in once again to hug his nephew.

“Good.” Janus answered simply, giving Logan a quick hug before letting go.

“I’m glad.” Logan nodded, then looked back up at Roman. “What have you three been up to?”

“We stopped by the store for a few things, then the boys convinced me to do a little coloring with them.” Roman explained, slipping his arm around Logan’s waist again and gently tugging him in against his side. “But now that you’re home, I can get started on dinner.” 

Logan gave him a fond eyeroll. “Oh, I’m sure they had to twist your arm to get you to agree to that.” “Alas, I am simply no match for their powers of persuasion.” Roman agreed, dramatically draping the back of his free hand across his forehead.

Logan opened his mouth with what was undoubtedly going to be a witty retort, but the boys’ giggles beat him to it.

Roman beamed. Taking their laughter as a victory, he pressed a quick kiss to Logan’s temple before finally letting him go and heading back into the kitchen.

The other three followed after him, the boys returning to their seats as Roman began pulling out pots and a handwritten cookbook he hadn’t touched in ages.

Logan watched the three of them settle in before his attention drifted to the coloring books on the table. Even if the boys hadn’t immediately returned to their own pages, he would have known at a glance which picture belonged to whom.

Patton’s was a burst of bright colors, enthusiastically scribbled both in and outside the lines. Janus’s was just a bit neater, mostly due to the fact he was coloring a bit more slowly, but also seeing as his motor skills were just that bit finer.

And then there was the third page.

A generic princess in an elaborately colored gown, the folds of the skirt shaded with beautiful gradients that almost didn’t look possible with mere crayon.

Logan couldn’t help but smile fondly.

Roman had always been so talented.

…When was the last time he’d drawn anything?

Logan couldn’t recall.

He moved onto the unpacked bags, removing items and setting them on the table so he could  see what Roman had purchased.

Sidewalk chalk. Toothbrushes. Toothpaste. Mouthwash. A science kit. Children’s pajamas.

He hadn’t been expecting the LEGOs or Catan Junior. But those weren’t what he chose to comment on.

“You bought blankets?” Logan asked, lifting them from the bag and folding them as he set them on the table.

“Oh, yeah.” Roman glanced over his shoulder. “They’re crazy soft. Besides, look how perfect they are.”

Logan couldn’t deny that.

The light blue blanket covered in cats suited Patton perfectly. The yellow one patterned like snakeskin was so obviously for Janus that he was mildly surprised it had been mass-produced in the first place. 

But it was the navy blanket covered in stars that made him pause.

“What about this one?” Logan asked.

Roman glanced back once more before returning to the stove. “What do you mean? I’ve never seen anything so you. I thought you’d like it.” “I do.” Logan said. “I just- where’s the fourth one?” 

“The fourth one?” Roman asked, finally actually turning to face him, his expression puzzled.

“There should be a red one.” Logan said.

Roman’s expression went completely blank, the gears in his head visibly turning. “...I only got three. I didn’t think to look for a red one.”

Logan exhaled through his nose, something halfway between a sigh and a fond laugh, then stepped in to press a quick kiss to his cheek.

“Of course you didn't."

Roman gave a playful huff, but left it there.

Logan moved the essentials - the bathroom items to the bathroom, the pajamas to the spare bedroom - and set the toys on the coffee table in the living room. He didn’t know where they would live long-term, but getting them out of the way before dinner was the priority.

He then took a moment to change into house clothes before returning to the kitchen and smoothly slipping the spoon out of Roman’s hand.

Roman turned to him, surprised.

“Go take your shower. You’re still in your work clothes.” Logan said simply. “I’ll watch the stove.” 

Roman glanced down. 

…He’d really done everything that afternoon - shopping, coloring, cooking - with his tie still on, and he hadn’t even noticed.

“Thanks, love.” he said with a bashful smile. “I’ll be right back.”

Roman wasn’t gone long, and by the time he returned dinner was nearly ready.

He and Logan hadn’t eaten mac and cheese for dinner - especially only mac and cheese - since college, but the boys were absolutely ecstatic. 

One night of indulging them wouldn’t hurt anyone.

Patton and Janus talked basically the entire time they were at the table, only getting in bites when the other was taking a turn to speak. They both ended up managing to eat most of the portion Logan set out for them, so all in all, dinner was a success. Roman made a mental note to call his mother and let her know her famous cheese sauce was still a hit with the younger generation.

Logan began on the dishes while Roman took the boys to get their teeth brushed and them changed into pajamas, then relented after both boys pleaded for one movie before bed. Disney, of course. He hadn’t pulled out his collection in a long time, but he was especially glad he had it readily available.

Logan was coming out of the kitchen just as Roman was getting the movie set up.

“Is it time for the new blankets?” Logan asked, the folded stack in his hands.

“New blankets?” Janus asked, looking over.

“Uncle Roman picked these up while you were at the store earlier, did you not see them?” Logan asked, walking closer. 

“I think they were a little too distracted by all the games. But now is perfect! You can’t watch a movie without blankets!” Roman smiled, turning to Logan and grabbing the top one off the stack - the light blue one.

“Stand up, Patty.” Roman said, holding a corner in each hand.

The six-year-old scrambled to his feet, already giggling before his uncle even reached him. Roman swooped the blanket around him in a dramatic flourish, lifted him clean off the floor, and deposited him back onto the couch with only his face peeking out.

“Your turn, J.” Roman smiled, grabbing the next one. It was about a 50/50 on if Janus would let Roman pick him up like he’d just done with Patton. 

But the whimsy won out yet again. 

Janus stood and couldn’t keep the laughter in as Roman scooped him up in his new yellow blanket and then sat him next to his brother - equally burritoed. 

“What about the last one?” Patton asked, noticing the blanket still in Logan’s hands.

“I picked that one out for Uncle Logan.” Roman said, smiling.

“Uncle Logan’s turn!” Janus called out.

“Yeah! Uncle Lo’s turn!” Patton agreed. 

Roman turned on his husband with a gleam in his eye, taking the navy blanket and holding it out as well. “You heard them.” Logan sighed. 

Roman had nearly always been bigger than him. Even now, he was fairly certain Roman could still pick him up if he wanted to.

And, apparently, he very much wanted to.

Logan stepped forward, his feigned exasperation not fooling a single person in the room.

Before he could protest further, Roman had him bundled up neatly into the blanket, scooped him off his feet, and deposited him onto the second couch.

The boys dissolved into delighted laughter, nearly tipping sideways as they giggled uncontrollably.

“Perfect!” Roman declared, hands on his hips as he admired his handiwork. “Alright boys, movie time.” He picked up the remote and dropped himself beside Logan, wrapping an arm around his thoroughly burritoed husband before starting the movie.

Logan leaned comfortably into his side.

“...It is a nice blanket.” Roman smiled, pressing a quick kiss to the side of his head. 

“I’m glad, love.”

The movie didn’t take long, but it was more than enough time for two very comfortable little boys to start nodding off. By the time the credits rolled, the main reason they were still upright was because they had slowly leaned against one another, each keeping the other from toppling over.

Roman leaned over, lowering his voice. “I’ll get them tucked in. Why don’t you call Michael?”

Logan nodded. “Good idea. Thank you, dear.”

Roman crossed to the couch, quietly warning the boys before scooping them both into his arms. Patton wrapped himself around Roman’s neck without protest, while Janus sleepily rested his head against his shoulder as Roman carried them toward the guest room.

Once they disappeared down the hall, Logan slipped his phone from his pocket and called his brother-in-law.

Thankfully, the news was good.

Evelyn was out of surgery. She was stable, awake for brief periods, and expected to make a full recovery. They wanted to keep her in the hospital for observation through at least the following day, if not the one after.

Which meant this impromptu sleepover had just become a weekend visit.

Michael apologized more times than Logan could count, insisting he would understand if Roman and Logan weren’t prepared to keep two young boys for multiple days. Afterall, they’d decided to remain childfree years ago.

Logan assured him there was nothing to apologize for. The boys were safe, they were happy, and Roman had already managed to turn an emergency into what would probably become Patton’s favorite vacation ever. Maybe even Janus’s too.

They said their goodbyes, promising to check in again in the morning. Logan slipped his phone back into his pocket and headed toward the guest room.

What he had expected to find was the lights off and the boys asleep, Roman having long since retreated to their bedroom.

Instead, what he saw stopped Logan short in the doorway, one hand braced against the wall.

The lights were dim. The boys were tucked in side by side, still wrapped in their new blankets, watching Roman with rapt attention as he acted out an entire bedtime story.

“-and you’ll never rescue the Princess!” Roman growled, dropping his voice into something deep and gravelly.

“Please, save me, brave knights!” he squeaked a moment later.

“So the two brave knights rode their horses toward the castle - right toward the dragon! And just when they thought they-” Roman cut himself off with an exaggerated gasp before making an impressively convincing dragon roar that earned him two sleepy giggles.

Logan found himself lingering in the doorway.

Every few moments, his gaze drifted to the boys. Their eyelids grew heavier by the minute, yet neither of them seemed willing to look away.

He didn’t know when the shift happened.

One moment he was watching his husband. 

The next…

He was looking at his college boyfriend.

He was watching Roman in their cramped college apartment, pacing barefoot across the living room while rehearsing for an improv show with a handful of theatre friends. They would shout random words or phrases at different intervals, and Roman would seamlessly incorporate each one into his performance as he went.

No one could ever look away from him. 

Roman commanded a room even when he was being utterly ridiculous. He loved performing. More than anything, he loved entertaining people. He loved making them laugh. He loved telling stories.

When had he stopped? Logan’s gaze drifted back to the boys. They still hadn’t looked away. Not once.

…When was the last time he’d given Roman an audience?

“Babe?” Roman’s quiet voice brought Logan back to the present.

He hadn’t even realized the story had ended.

“Come on,” Roman whispered, slipping a hand into Logan’s and giving him a gentle tug into the hallway before switching off the light and closing the door behind them.

Logan followed him down the hall to their bedroom, closing that door behind them as well.

Roman let go of his hand and stretched his arms overhead.

“Did you get a hold of Michael? Sorry if I was a bit loud. I was trying not to be.”

Logan simply looked at him.

Roman blinked. “...What?” 

Logan shook his head, almost like he was trying to physically dislodge his thoughts, forcing himself to remember the call.

“...You weren’t, I didn’t hear you until I was down the hall,” he said slowly. “And yes. Evelyn is doing well. She’s out of surgery and expected to make a full recovery.”

“Oh, thank goodness. I was so worried.” “They do want to keep her for observation through tomorrow. So we’ll have the boys until at least Sunday.”

“Oh.” Roman shrugged. “Alright. We can make that work.”

“...Yeah.”

Roman raised an eyebrow. “Are you alright, Lo?” Logan turned to him again, studying his face for a moment. 

“...Yes,” he said. “Just…tired.” Roman’s expression softened immediately. He stepped forward without hesitation, drawing Logan into his arms. 

“Then let’s get to bed,” he murmured. “It’s been a long day.” 

They fell into a modified version of their usual routine.

Brushing their teeth, getting in bed, sharing a good night kiss. 

“I love you, sweet dreams.” “Sleep well, I love you too.”

Saturday actually was different. 

Usually, Saturday meant breakfast, grocery shopping together, then splitting the chores - Logan cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms while Roman handled the yardwork.

Waking up and remembering they had two little guests meant things needed to pivot.

The moment they were both awake, they looked at each other, already silently adjusting their plans around the boys. Cleaning and yardwork could wait, but they still needed groceries. 

“Do you want to stay here and get started on breakfast while I go to the store?” Logan suggested.

“That sounds good to me.” Roman agreed.

“What do you plan to make for breakfast?” Roman hummed. “...Pancakes?” Logan nodded, and then they got out of bed.

They moved efficiently, as always. Roman made the bed while Logan pulled out weekend clothes for the both of them. 

A quick kiss goodbye later, Logan was out the door, and Roman was settling into the kitchen with his mother’s cookbook again.

He was sure there was a pancake recipe in there somewhere.

Thankfully, they did have enough butter for him to make the batter. He just needed Logan to get home before he started serving them.

Oh, they probably needed a few other things too. 

He pulled out his phone. Can you grab syrup?

Only a moment later:

Already in the cart.

Roman smiled faintly.

Whipped cream too?Also in the cart.

Of course they were.

The batter came together fairly quickly, so he scrambled some eggs while he waited. 

Once that was done, he glanced at the clock and decided to start on the pancakes. Logan shouldn’t be much longer, and he was sure the boys would happily wake up for something tasty. And, like he tended to do while cooking, he started singing to himself without really noticing. The movie from the night before had lodged itself firmly into his head, so the song of the morning was a Disney classic.

He continued until he heard a small gasp from the doorway. He looked up to find Patton and Janus standing there in their pajamas. “You sound just like the movie!” Patton said, delighted.

Roman smiled, laughing quietly as he turned back to the stove. 

“Thank you, buddy. That’s very nice of you to say.” 

“No, really. You sound like a prince!” Janus insisted.

Roman gave a bashful little huff, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just like to sing.” “Do you do it a lot?” Patton asked as he climbed into a chair. 

“Uh… I used to. Not so much anymore.” “Why?” Patton asked immediately.

“Um…” Roman shrugged. “I guess I don’t want to make so much noise.”

“Why?” Patton pressed again. 

Roman sighed lightly, still focused on the pan in front of him. 

“I think… Uncle Logan’s job is really important, and it can make him tired. I don’t want to be loud when he’s trying to relax.”

“That’s why you always stop singing when I get home?” 

Logan’s voice startled all three of them. 

They turned toward the doorway to find him standing there with grocery bags in both hands.

He was staring at Roman, his eyebrows pinched together in a way only his husband could correctly interpret. Anyone else might have mistaken it for frustration. 

Roman knew better. 

It was shock.

Roman held his gaze for a moment before realizing he should probably answer. “Uh, yeah? I know I’m loud. My voice carries.” He shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t want to give you a headache after a long day. You come home stressed a fair amount of the time.”

Logan studied him for another long moment before crossing the kitchen and setting the bags on the table.

Roman barely registered that they were from the same big-box store he’d taken the boys to the day before, rather than their usual grocery shop.

Logan pulled something red from one of the bags and walked over without a word.

He draped the throw blanket over Roman’s head like a hood, then wrapped it around his waist, holding it in place by pulling him into a hug from behind and resting his chin on Roman’s shoulder.

“Roman.” Logan’s voice was quiet. “If I didn’t enjoy singing in my home, I wouldn’t have married you.” 

A small smile tugged at a corner of his mouth. 

“I don’t merely tolerate it, dear.” His arms tightened just slightly. “I prefer it.”

It didn’t happen often, but Logan had accomplished something very few people ever managed.

He’d left Roman completely at a loss for words. 

Roman slowly lifted his hands to rest over the arms wrapped around his waist, turning his head just enough to look at Logan.

It was clear he didn’t currently have a response to that, so instead, his eyes drifted down.

Soft red fleece, trimmed in gold satin.

“...You went back to-” “I knew they’d have a red one.” Logan said simply.

Roman felt warmth rise all the way to his ears, fixing his gaze on the pancakes as though it would hide the dopey smile threatening to surface.

“...Charmer,” he muttered, barely audible.

Logan hummed, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before letting go - making sure the blanket would stay in place - then turning back to the boys.

Patton and Janus were both still watching them, clearly expecting the adults to determine what was going to happen next.

Logan moved to the grocery bags, retrieving the syrup, butter, and whipped cream and setting them beside Roman before beginning to put the rest of the groceries away.

It was only a couple of minutes before Roman turned back around with two plates of pancakes arranged in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s face, complete with whipped cream smiles.

“Breakfast is served!” he announced, placing a plate in front of each nephew.

“Thank you!” they called in unison before immediately digging in.

Roman smiled, pleased to see yet another success, and made another mental note to add this to the text to his mother.

Logan moved back to Roman’s side. “Are we also going to be eating mouse faces, or might I request mine in a stack?” Roman laughed, moving to fix his husband a plate. “I suppose I can do that - but only for you.” “My hero.” Logan deadpanned, though the quirk of his lip betrayed his fondness.

The two of them joined the boys at the table moments later, Roman having decided to make himself a Mickey Mouse face as well, though his was double-stacked and made of somewhat larger pancakes.

The boys, as they had done so the night before with dinner, took turns filling the air with words between bites, the adults content to sit back and ask the occasional question to encourage them to continue.

It wasn’t until their plates were nearly empty that Patton asked the question neither adult had quite gotten around to answering just yet. “What are we doing after breakfast?” 

Roman and Logan glanced at each other.

A silent conversation passed between them.

Logan tilted his head slightly. Roman’s brows lifted in response. Logan pursed his lips. Roman smiled just a touch wider. Logan exhaled through his nose and adjusted his glasses.

Another moment passed.

They turned back to the boys. 

“I picked up that science kit yesterday,” Roman said. “why don’t we check it out?”

“Ooo, okay!” Patton agreed excitedly.

“What’s it do?” Janus asked.

“I think…” Roman trailed off. “I think it’s a volcano?” 

“Is it gonna explode?!” Patton gasped.

“Do we get to make it explode?” Janus asked, interest immediately piqued.

Roman grinned as he stood up from the table. “Only one way to find out!” 

Logan rose as well. “One of you go get the box from the living room. We’ll clear the table.” 

Both boys darted from the kitchen, the adults sharing a fond look as they gathered the breakfast dishes. 

They were back almost immediately, setting the box on the freshly cleared table before looking expectantly up at their uncles. Logan picked it up first, turning it over to read the back while the other three returned to their seats.

Once he’d finished, he looked up to find all three pairs of eyes fixed on him, waiting for instruction.

“...Alright.” He nodded once. “There are two main parts to this. The creation of the volcano itself, and then the chemical reaction.” He looked up and was met with three blank stares.

Logan paused, then tried again.

“...Patton.” He tried again, turning to the youngest. “Would you like to build and paint the volcano with Uncle Roman?” “Yes!” “And Janus,” Logan continued, turning toward him. “Would you like to help me with the eruption?” “Yes!” Logan nodded once again, then sat down and opened the box, dividing the contents between the two halves of the table. He passed the paints and the volcano pieces to Roman, keeping the packets, measuring tools, and instruction booklet for himself. 

The volcano came in only a few pieces. Roman could have snapped it together in seconds. 

But that wasn’t what he was here for.

He laid the pieces out in front of Patton instead. “Do you think you can build it for us?” he asked.

Patton nodded enthusiastically and immediately got to work, tongue peeking out as he tried to line the pieces up.

While Patton worked on assembling the volcano with all the intensity he could muster, Logan opened the instruction booklet beside Janus, explaining what each packet contained and what order they’d go into the volcano once they were ready for the eruption.

It took a few minutes before Patton proudly announced, “Done!” Roman inspected it with exaggerated seriousness before nodding. “That,” Roman declared, “is one spectacular volcano.” Patton beamed, and then Roman handed him a paintbrush. “Let’s get to work.”

Roman’s attention drifted in and out as Logan explained the instructions. He was far more focused on helping Patton paint their volcano shades of brown and gray.

But then Janus asked the question that Roman had heard dozens of times since the boys arrived. The question that never seemed to tire Logan.

“Why?” 

Roman’s hand stilled. His eyes lifted to Logan automatically.

Logan had been a bit understated their entire lives. They complemented each other perfectly in that regard. But there were a few things that made his eyes light up in a way Roman had never understood how others didn’t see.

Curiosity. Learning. Teaching. Put someone in front of him who genuinely wanted to understand, and something in Logan came to life.

Logan drew in a breath, and Roman immediately smiled before he’d even said a word.

Roman didn’t follow the explanation nearly as closely as Janus did. Watching Logan was bringing a memory back to the forefront that he hadn’t thought about in far too long. 

The boy in high school he had just the biggest crush on.

The one who’d been assigned as his science tutor against Roman’s will because, honestly, if the teacher couldn’t make him understand, what chance did some other teenager have? 

The one who’d shown up to the library with the prettiest eyes Roman had ever seen.

The one who’d somehow made science make enough sense for him to pass.

The one he’d been falling in love with over and over for decades.

When was the last time he’d seen Logan explain something so passionately? 

Roman’s eyes drifted to Janus for a moment. The eight-year-old hadn’t looked away for a second.

…When was the last time he’d asked Logan why?

“Uncle Ro?” 

Roman blinked, his attention dropping down and finding Patton looking up at him.

“Huh? What’s up, Patty?” He asked, remembering what he’d been doing.

“Can we add the red to the top?” Patton asked, pointing to the picture on the box. “...Sure thing, buddy. We can do that right now.” 

Roman grabbed the small container of red paint and passed it over so Patton could make a very endearing mess across the top of the volcano. While he did that, Roman added a little definition to the sides, just enough to give it some texture.

Thankfully, it was very quick drying paint - which Roman made a mental note to ask Logan about later - and it wasn’t long before Logan was helping Janus pour the powders into the volcano. Patton was perched in Roman’s lap, both of them leaning in to watch.

The volcano erupted exactly as Logan had described it would. Red colored foam spilled down the sides in a fizzy rush, delighting both boys.

Patton let out a loud, delighted gasp, leaning so far forward Roman had to tighten his hold on him so he didn’t slip off the chair. He didn’t seem to notice, just excitedly clapping his hands. “It’s so bubbly!” 

“That’s the ceeohtoo.” Janus said matter-of-factly to his brother before looking to Logan for confirmation.

Logan quirked a smile and nodded. “Exactly. The CO₂.”

Janus beamed, putting his hands on his hips.

“See, he’s already smarter than me,” Roman lamented dramatically. “How am I supposed to keep up when we play games later?”

“We could play in teams,” Logan offered. “If Janus is willing to help you, you might stand a chance against me and Patton.”

Janus immediately looked even more proud of himself. “Yeah, I’ll help you, Uncle Roman.”

Patton gasped. “Oh! I can help Uncle Lo!” Logan smiled. “Thank you, Patton. But first, we do need to get cleaned up.”

“At least that I know I can help with.” Roman laughed, carefully setting Patton down from the chair.

The foam had mostly settled into a gentle fizz by the time they were getting up, the volcano now just a colorful, messy reminder of their success.

Thankfully, Logan had had the foresight to set it up on a sheet tray, so the clean up didn’t take long.

Patton had been watching from nearby, eyeing it like it might surprise them again if he stopped looking at it.

Janus, meanwhile, was flipping through the instruction book again, looking at more of the example pictures.

Roman watched them for a moment before stretching his arms over his head with an exaggerated yawn. 

“...Does anyone wanna watch a movie with me?” he asked, voice light. “All that excitement has me tired already. We can always play some more after lunch.” Patton spun around immediately. “A Disney one?”

Janus looked up. “Can we watch Hercules? “I knew good taste ran in this family.” Roman nodded, watching as the two boys raced off toward the living room. “They get it from me.”

Logan playfully rolled his eyes. “How do you figure that?”

Roman looked at him over his shoulder, smirking like Logan had walked right into his trap. He simply lifted a hand and tapped the wedding band on his finger.

“I make excellent choices.”

Logan groaned, rolling his eyes again despite the warmth creeping into his cheeks. As he walked past, he gave Roman a light shove to the shoulder, muttering under his breath.

“...Incorrigible flirt.”

The rest of the morning slipped by without much notice.

Hercules ended somewhere around lunchtime, and Roman whipped up something simple and tasty: grilled cheese and tomato soup. It kicked off an unexpected debate over what the “tastiest shape” was, which ended in a draw. Logan couldn’t pick a side - because all the bread had come from the same loaf - and the other three were deadlocked between squares, triangles, and rectangles. In the end, he simply cut each sandwich into its preferred shape and was relieved when everyone finally moved onto the board game.

In any other situation, Logan could have won with his eyes closed and one hand tied behind his back. This time, however, he had a teammate who insisted the only resources with any real  value were the “sheepies.” Team Janus and Roman ended up claiming a decisive victory.

There was another round of coloring while Logan answered several questions about real volcanoes, and Roman once again managed to make crayons create art that they were almost certainly never intended to create.

By the time amber evening light began spilling through the windows, two small boys - sleepy and absolutely full of spaghetti - insisted on one more movie. 

“Pillow fort!” Patton declared as they made their way back into the living room, surprising the adults mostly by how awake he suddenly seemed.

Roman and Logan made a very good team, even if the activity at hand wasn’t one they’d encountered before. It wasn’t long before they’d constructed a fort large enough for all four of them - provided the adults let their legs stick out.

By the time Kiss the Girl drifted softly through the living room, both boys had fallen asleep.

Roman and Logan ended up on opposite sides of the fort, both leaning comfortably against the couches that held its sides upright. Each was settled mostly on one hip, shoulders supported behind them, facing inward toward the center.

Patton and Janus slept between them beneath a borrowed comforter, as the four colorful new throws were serving as the fort’s roof and walls.

Roman rested the side of his face against his fist, quietly watching the boys. 

Across from him, Logan’s gaze drifted between the movie and his husband before finally settling somewhere far away, the quiet warmth of their little fort drawing another buried memory to the surface.

“Do you remember…” Logan began softly, drawing Roman’s attention. “Back in our dorm, when that-” Roman smiled immediately. 

“That huge thunderstorm that knocked the power out?” 

Logan nodded. 

“Yes. You insisted we ’snuggle up for warmth.’” 

Roman laughed under his breath.

“Oh… now that I had forgotten.” He shook his head. “I was thinking about how Mr. Serious Science Major nearly jumped right out of his skin and into my arms when that crack of thunder practically shook the building.”

Logan rolled his eyes, though the faint blush on his cheeks betrayed him.

“You just…” He glanced down for a moment before meeting Roman’s eyes again. “You always made me feel safer.” Roman blinked, visibly caught off guard. 

“...Even then?”

Logan’s brow lifted slightly. “Long before then. Since…” He paused, thinking. 

“Since we were fourteen.”

Roman frowned thoughtfully, searching his memory.

“...Was that when the kid who used to bully everybody came back from summer break a foot taller than everyone else?” 

Logan nodded, humming. “That was before you suddenly shot up and became the tallest in our grade. You were still smaller than me then.” His smile softened. “But the first time he tried anything physical…” He let out a quiet laugh. “You nearly got yourself expelled defending me.”

Roman smiled despite himself. 

“And I’d do it again.” His expression softened. “Tomorrow. Forever. And every day in between.” He reached across the sofa to take Logan’s hand in his. “You’ve always given me a reason to be brave.”

Logan laced their fingers together, smiling softly for a few moments until his lip quirked up in a small smirk.

“...I’m just glad you eventually grew into your hero complex.” 

Roman’s smile immediately spread ear to ear, completely undermining his whispered, “Hey!” 

“And that it was about a week after you finished your on-campus detention that you finally asked me out.” Logan added.

“Finally, he says.” Roman playfully rolled his eyes. “Like you were waiting on me.”

“Who said I wasn’t?” Logan asked, still smiling. 

“Oh absolutely not.” Roman narrowed his eyes. “There’s no way you liked me before I liked you.”

Logan hummed. “Didn’t I? I remember watching your sophomore talent show. You had the best voice by a mile.” “I saw your debate competition that year,” Roman shot back. “You made me care about cursive. Cursive.”

“You write in cursive.”

“And who’s fault is that?” “...I went to the school play just to watch you as Toto in The Wizard of Oz.” Roman hesitated, then leaned in slightly. “...I thought you were cute the day we met. When you had to tutor me because I didn’t know the difference between mitosis and meiosis.” Logan blinked, taken aback. “Really?” 

“Of course. …One of those has something to do with water, right?” 

“That’s osmosis.” “Fu- …Fudge.” Roman said, eyes darting down to make sure the boys were still asleep.

Logan’s hand came up to cover his mouth, barely containing his laughter until it faded.

“...Did you really think that?” He asked softly. “About me. Not osmosis.”

Roman smiled, less teasing.

 “Of course I did,” he said. “You had - no, you still have - the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen. I love how they light up when you talk about something you care about.” “...I always thought I droned on too long.” “Never,” Roman said immediately. “Not to me.”

Logan rolled his eyes, looking away for a moment to collect himself. It was a habit Roman had learned meant he’d just said something extremely sweet and completely disarming. Which was to say -

He’d succeeded.

He flicked his gaze back to meet Roman’s, seeing his husband still watching him with the same fond expression. “...You can’t possibly say something like that so genuinely-” Roman took a breath in like he was going to interject, but Logan didn’t give him the space. “-And then sincerely believe I don’t want to hear you sing around the house.” 

Roman blinked. “Or tell your stories. Or do all those things that make you you.” Logan gave his hand a soft squeeze. “The house doesn’t… Feel right when you’re quiet.” 

Roman blinked several more times. “...sir, you are going to make me cry.” 

“It wasn’t my intention.” “And yet, here we are.” Roman said, smiling as he leaned closer so he could press a kiss to Logan’s knuckles.

“...I love you, Roman.” “I love you too, Logan.” 

They sat there for a while, simply looking at each other. They’d spent decades memorizing every version of the other’s face. But somehow, they always found something new to love.

“...Hey, Lo?” “Yes?” “After I put the boys in bed,” Roman began, seeming almost bashful. “...Will you explain mitosis and meiosis to me again?” Logan blinked. 

Then he smiled. 

“Only if you promise you’ll sing in the shower.” 

“Deal.”

They lingered together for a few more minutes, neither of them in any hurry to leave the little fort they’d never have imagined building only two days ago.

Eventually, Logan nodded toward their sleeping nephews.

“Shall we?”

Roman smiled.

“Yeah, I think it’s time.” Without another word, Logan stood and scooped Patton gently into his arms, not bothering to suppress the fondness on his face as the small boy immediately curled into his chest. Roman rose as well, carefully lifting the slightly larger Janus and adjusting him until he was settled securely in his hold before looking back to Logan. 

They shared one last smile before ducking out of the blanket fort together.

—

Sunday.

Sunday passed much like Saturday had - with another homemade breakfast, another round of Catan Junior, and another hour spent coloring before Evelyn called to let them know she had been discharged from the hospital and was on her way home.

Roman and Logan promised the boys another sleepover again soon, and before long they’d returned home - cleaning up blankets and pillows, finding a spot to keep their new board game, making sure their volcano was safely stored for future use.

Roman was making dinner, singing to himself a little louder than he had in a long time. Logan sat at the table, chin in his hand, watching him with a fond smile on his face. 

He had just put a loaf of bread in the oven when he suddenly stopped, turning around to find Logan sitting there at the table.

“Don’t stop on my account,” Logan said, looking at him with a somewhat puzzled expression.

“Oh, no.” Roman smiled, a little bashfully. “I’m not.” 

He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck before finding Logan’s gaze again. “I was just wondering, uh… Why does yeast make bread rise?” Logan smiled, sitting up a little straighter as he adjusted his glasses and drew in a breath.