Host keeps hidden in his library while finishing Tim, making sure that he won't fall apart or become corrupted or anything. The boy looks around 5 or 6 and is generally pretty happy to sit and read as Host works and Host greatly appreciates this. Eventually Edward makes his way into the library a few days later only to see Tim sitting in Host's lap while reading to him, Host is on the edge of falling asleep but the sound Edward's gasp wakes him. Edward doesn't know what to say.
Edward starts sobbing, and Host panics he’s done something wrong. He can’t tell if Edward’s happy or hurt that he’d do this after his heavy denials and not even tell him- but then he hears Tim doing the speaking for him.
“Maman?”“I- oh- sweetheart I’m-” Edward is gasping out his words, and Host gently ushers Tim out to bring Edward over.
Edward settles easily into the chair with him once Host “encourages” the chair to be bigger. Tim climbs into Edward’s lap this time, but Host feels his small feet plop onto his own lap.
“The Host is-”“Shh” comes from his son and his husband, and Host can’t help the wry smile that curls onto his face.
“What were you two reading?” Edward asks when he trusts his voice, and Host feels him moving to hug Tim close.
“We were reading Alice in wonderland.”“Oh?”“It’s Tim’s favorite.”
Host hears a giggle, followed by another as Edward kisses Tim’s head. “Well, why don’t we continue?”
Tim and Host are asleep by the time Edward finishes the story, and the doctor grins like an idiot.
Host wakes up to his husband and son curled up with him in the library, and despite his lack of want for a child he finds himself beaming.
Maybe this whole parenthood thing won’t be so awful after all.