Work Text:
1/
The first time it happens, they are in a small kids cafe and it’s also the first time ever that Jake was meeting his— potential, not yet confirmed back then —boyfriend’s son.
Jungwon is a shy little one, hugging his father close when Jay introduces them and Jake greets him with a warm smile. He barely talked, only ever peering over at Jake from time to time.
It was only when Jake had pointed at the clip on his hair and called it cute did Jungwon finally meet his eyes. “It’s a ladybug! Miss Purple!” His excitement showed in the way he squirmed in Jay’s lap, eyes wide and sparkling, a smile too wide to show his round little pearly whites and deep dimples.
Jake’s heart melted right at that sight. “Miss Purple is a cool ladybug.” He hummed and Jungwon giggled, crawling over to where Jake was on their table playmat as he ranted off about all the other clips he had back home, who were also Miss Purple’s friends.
When Jake had looked over at Jay with a huge relieved smile, Jay had replied to him with a laugh and proud slow claps. Jake had been too nervous to meet this little one and the way Jungwon snuggled closer to him as he ranted off about the family tree of his insect hair clips made him feel accomplished.
“Ah, so Pink Butterfly is her sister?” He lets out a gasp, making the little kid giggle and nod. Jungwon spoke with a lisp, and it was so cute Jake couldn’t help but want to cuddle him all day.
“I’ll go get our orders. Anything specific you wish to order more, babe?” Jay asks him, over his son’s shoulders and Jake pauses for a moment. Jungwon doesn’t seem to give any mind to what his father had called him. He smiles and shakes his head. “Bring whatever we’ve already ordered.”
Jay nods, smiling cheekily. “Okay, babe .” He stresses the endearment this time, deliberate and it makes Jake swat his arm playfully, cheeks heating up. Jay laughs, turning to Jungwon now. “And anything you want, Wonie?”
Jungwon, in Jake’s lap, shakes his head too, barely looking at his father as he continues to speak about his collection to Jake. Jay playfully pouts at the lack of attention, making Jake giggle before he laughs too, leaving for the counter.
The rest of their little play date is pleasant. Jake plays with Jungwon, shows him pictures of Layla on his phone and tells him all of her little stories. Jungwon is a sweet lovely thing too, happy to hear more funny stories and showing his dimples whenever he’s complimented.
Jake didn’t think he’d ever feel this connected to a child before. Sure he had his own nieces he often visited but it felt different to be on the receiving end of Jungwon’s attention. Or maybe it was because Jake loved how their first encounter bloomed, erasing all of his worries about not being accepted by Jay’s foremost special family.
After their meal, he gently puts the little boy down from his lap in favor of going to the washroom. Jungwon gives him those wide eyes as he’s let down, looking from under his bangs. “Where you goin’?”
Jake coos internally at him, crouching down to give him a head pat. “I’m going to the bathroom, little one.” Jungwon melts under his palm as easily as Layla does and it also reminds him of how a certain someone melts under his touch too.
He meets Jay’s gaze when he looks up and the latter sends him his usual cheeky smile in return. Jay catches his son, pulling him on his lap. “Go ahead, babe. We’ll be waiting.”
Jake hates how hearing the nickname from Jay’s mouth continues to make him so warm and giddy. He flushes deep but stands up, speed walking away as he hears Jay’s amused chuckle from behind.
The cafe staff gives him a full open smile when he returns from the bathroom, and Jake feels dizzy by the attention. He wonders what they looked like to everyone in here. If these people thought Jake was a part of Jay and Jungwon’s family too. Jake knows it’s still too early to be thinking of that but he realizes he actually likes the thought of being someone close to them in the future.
When he approaches their table, Jay and Jungwon look like they’re in a deep conversation, both of their eyebrows comically screwed together and mouths moving in hushed tones.
Jake smiles to himself in amusement, watching them.
“That’s why, Daddy!” Jungwon says, too loud to be a whisper and lips protruded into a cute pout. Jay notices him coming, but doesn’t stop his son from continuing and Jake soon realizes why. “Uncle Babe is really really nice. And I really really like him!”
Jake freezes in his spot, eyes wide. Jungwon looks determined with his words, believing they’re factual as he looks at his father with pursed lips.
Jay cracks a smile, eyes flitting from his son to Jake as he nods. “Yes, I think I really really like your Uncle Babe too.”
2/
Jake meets Jungwon often afterwards, sometimes after the dates that his father takes him to and others when Jake decides to tag along with Jay to pick up his son from school.
It’s fun. Jungwon’s face always lights up in recognition when he sees Jake beside Jay and runs to where he is with open arms and a bright grin. Jake had never thought of himself as a kid’s person, but he thinks he might be when he trails behind Jay who has an armful of little Jungwon in his arms and listens to the kid’s time in class.
“And, and then Riki colored his skies pink! Pink! I told him they are blue but he didn’t listen!” Jungwon pouts, frowning. His feet kick in the air, bumping Jay’s hips and Jake catches his ankles with gentle hands. “Dummy Riki!”
“Is he now?” A voice calls and when they turn around to check, Jake finds himself face to face with a familiar face.
“Heeseung hyung!”
Heeseung smiles at him. His gaze goes from him to Jay, giving the latter a smile too before falling back on Jake again. His smile soon turns into a more teasing one. “And I thought I’d be the only hot DILF in your life.”
Jake smacks his arm, making the elder grin. Jay looks between them curiously and Jake prays that he isn’t as flushed as he feels right then. “Ah, hyung this is Jay. Uh my…”
“His boyfriend.” Jay introduces, shoulders squared and extending a hand out from under Jungwon’s weight to shake. Heeseung chuckles and Jake flushes even more when he catches the elder’s knowing look. He smiles to himself shyly, pleased at the tag Jay had used.
Heeseung gives them a grin, shaking his hand. Jake steps in to introduce him this time. “This is Heeseung, our team manager.”
“And Riki’s dad.” Heeseung adds, making all of them finally look down to notice the small kid stuck to his legs. Jake watches in amusement as Jungwon’s frown deepens at the sight of his classmate, making little Riki frown too.
Jake giggles, crouching down to say hi to the new kid. “Hello Riki, it’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Riki blushes, nodding in greeting. He’s just as adorable as Jungwon and Jake coos softly, shaking his small hand.
“H-hello uncle—” The poor boy couldn’t even finish his greeting as Jungwon’s voice calls from behind.
“Hey, no!” Jake turns slightly to find the little boy wrestling to get down from his father’s arms. He has that upturned frown still as he stomps over to where they are and grabs Jake’s hand to bring him away with all the strength his little body could possess.
Jungwon trills at Riki, giving him a glare that doesn’t match at all with his pout. “Stop touchin’ him. He’s my Uncle Babe!”
Now this, Jake isn’t sure if he’s horrified or amused. Jay’s booming laughter mixes along with Heeseung’s barely stifled giggles in the background. Jake flushes pink, holding Jungwon back so that he doesn’t pounce the other young boy.
“Wonie, that’s not how we should talk to friends.”
Jungwon gives him those same wide eyes again, feeling chastised. Jake smiles, running hand over the kid’s hair before turning him to Riki. “C’mon say sorry.”
Riki looks both spooked and annoyed as he hides behind his father’s legs. Jungwon harrumphs but Jake gives him a stare that finally makes the boy hang his head low and shuffle closer to his friend. “I’m sorry.” He says.
“For what?”
Jungwon whines, “I’m sorry for yellin’ at you, Riki.” Jake pats his back.
Riki looks as conflicted as a young six year old can look before he nods his head, still frowning. “It’s okay, Jungwonie.”
When Jungwon turns to Jake for approval, Jake smiles at him and nods. He gives the kid’s hair another ruffle before standing up. Heeseung’s annoying face is what greets him first.
“Uncle Babe huh?”
Jake groans, hiding behind Jay. His boyfriend chuckles as he grabs his hand, pulling him close.
“It’s one weird nickname that Wonie came up with.” Jay tells, teasing as well. Jake pinches his boyfriend’s side, making him laugh. “But it’s cute, babe! Admit it.”
“Absolutely.” Heeseung answers in his stead, and Jake rolls his eyes. “Don’t you dare tell this to anyone at work.”
“Oh, but it’ll be a fun little gossip for the week to know that our maknae is in a committed relationship.” Heeseung teases.
Jake blushes, looking down. Committed relationship. They’ve only been dating for two months now and he’s known Jungwon for one. He wonders how committed they can be in the future. But he likes the sound of it, more so when Jungwon scoots closer to them, grabbing Jake’s hand with a cute little grin.
Jake smiles, giving the tiny hand a squeeze.
“Well, it was nice meeting you guys here though.” Heeseung says, picking up his son in his arms. Riki clings to his father immediately. “Meet you in the office.” He tells Jake, and then to Jay, “It was nice meeting you too by the way.”
Jay gives him a nod. Heeseung looks down at Jungwon, grinning. “And it was nice meeting you too, Jungwon.”
Jungwon gives him a big smile, showing his dimples. He looks at Riki and waves. “Bye bye.” He looks more happy to bid them goodbye and it makes Jake snort.
Heeseung grins, waving along with his son before turning around to leave.
Jake hears two simultaneous sighs of relief leaving the two boys in his life. He rolls his eyes, fond. “You two are both ridiculous.”
“But he smiled a little too much at you.”
“Dummy Riki can’t be your favorite Uncle Babe!”
Jake raises an eyebrow. “He’s my superior at work.” He tells Jay first, giving his boyfriend’s arm a comforting rub. “Besides there’s rumors that he’s dating his secretary.” Jay deflates beside him, giving him a look when Jake bursts out giggling.
“You’re so cute.” He kisses Jay’s cheek making his boyfriend smile. Jake hears a giggle from below and he looks down to find Jungwon hugging his legs with a grin on his face.
He smiles, leaning down. “And you.” He starts, giving Jungwon’s ears a rub that makes the little boy squirm. “We shouldn’t be rude to our friends, okay?”
Jungwon pouts at him. Jake rubs his cheeks next, pressing a finger on where the dimple would show. “And don’t worry about other people.” He tells both the father and son, smiling shyly. “You both are my favorites.”
The grin that Jay sends his way is so warm and fond, Jake feels himself heating up significantly again. He giggles as Jay plants a kiss on his temple, his boyfriend’s arm going around to grab his waist.
Jake looks down to Jungwon again who watches the both of them with wide eyes and a blush on his cheeks. Jake smiles, biting his lip. “Is it okay to have you both as my favorites, Wonie?”
Jungwon blinks and then nods eagerly, hugging his legs again. “Yes! Yes!” He bounces on his feet, going to grab Jake’s free hand in his own as he smiles. “Uncle Babe is Wonie’s favorite too!”
It makes his heart swell. Jake crouches slightly to make himself eye level with the kid. “That’s great, I love to be your favorite, Wonie.” He says, making the kid smile wider. “But my name isn’t babe, dear. It’s Jake.”
Jungwon frowns. “Jake?” He tilts his head, “But Daddy calls you babe.”
Jay snickers beside him as Jake flushes pink again. He shushes his boyfriend before looking back at Jungwon. “Yes, he does. But it’s just a nickname. My name is Jake and you should call me Uncle Jake instead.”
“Oh.” The little boy says, nodding. Jake doesn’t fail to catch the disappointed pout on his face at the reveal of his real name. Jake finds it funny and endearing, and as much as it was an embarrassing feat to be called Uncle Babe—he thinks he might make an exception for Jungwon.
Especially when Jungwon gives him another nod, this time more determined as he looks up. “Okay, Uncle Babe.”
Jay laughs as Jake closes his eyes and sighs. This would be harder than he thought.
3/
After that, the name just sticks.
Jungwon doesn’t call him that often though. He starts calling him uncle Jake afterwards miraculously, giving into Jake’s words.
But there are still times when the name would pop up once in a while, making heads turn in their direction and amused chuckles to echo around them.
Jake finds all and every incident as embarrassing as he finds them endearing. The name just sticks to Jake and the little relationship they have created with their frequent meet ups and play dates now. He meets Jungwon more often, sometimes out and sometimes in their home.
And it’s always fun whenever they are together.
In the time he spends with Jay and his son, Jake realizes there are a lot more layers to these two than what they show to others. Jake never thought the sight of a father-son cuddling or just plain eating their food together in one small table would evoke this much emotion inside him.
Maybe Jake is just getting too attached. But he realizes he doesn’t mind it too. He loves the sparkle and warmth in Jay’s eyes when they fall on him and his son, and Jake absolutely adores the dimples and love that Jungwon continues to shower him with.
Jake wonders how he got so lucky to become a part of their life. Certainly this wasn’t what Jake had expected when he’d said ‘yes’ to Jay asking him out on a date two months ago.
“So you two met through work?”
Jay is rigid on his knees, barely moving a muscle. Jake pities him just as much as he finds it funny. “No, Ma’am we met through mutual friends.”
His mom gives Jay an once over and Jake gives her a look when their eyes meet.
He didn’t expect his mom to make a sudden appearance on his doorstep today, Jake swears. It perhaps didn’t help that Jay and Jungwon were both staying over for the weekend too. But it’s become a weekly ritual now and none of them really expected the turn of events this time.
He’s just glad Jungwon is still sleeping inside right now. It’s a little too early on a Sunday for him to wake up.
But it also doesn’t help how the seven a.m dot on the clock with Jay’s disheveled hair and sleep-worn attire makes it evident about the sleepover. And as Jake predicted, his mother comments on it immediately. “You two look too close now, already staying the night.”
Jake elbows his mother. “Mom…”
“Ah um—we just…it’s a—”
“Daddy?” Jay and Jake both still, eyes wide and blinking as Jungwon's voice echoes from down the hall before his small, sleepy form makes its way out.
The little boy doesn’t even bat an eye at the new person in the room before he makes his way to Jake and climbs his lap. Jungwon sighs against his neck, nuzzling in. “Sleepy.”
Jake rubs Jungwon’s back, turning to his mother. Her mouth is hung open and Jake has no idea what she’s thinking.
“Y-you…you—” She turns to Jay, then to him again and his boyfriend scrambles to explain.
“He’s my son. My son.” He repeats, placing a hand atop Jake’s on Jungwon’s back. “His name is Jungwon. And he’s my son from my previous relationship.” Jake maneuvers their hands so that he can touch Jay’s hand and squeeze it as his boyfriend continues. “You don’t have to worry though. That chapter of my life is over and the only thing I keep with me and cherish from then is Jungwon. My past won’t affect your son, I promise.”
Jay squeezes his hand back and Jake finds his heart swell inside. He turns to his mother, analyzing her expression.
He fears she is going to explode with the way her face turns red and she keeps blinking between the three of them, struggling to find words. Jungwon snuggles and squirms in his hold, turning his head to the side and finally sees her.
They both blink at each other and Jake hopes, really hopes…
“Ah,” Jungwon says, pointing a finger. “You look like Uncle Babe.”
His mother finally snaps out of it as Jay scrambles to make his son shush. Jake burns pink under her eyes.
“Oh…” She starts, “Oh—I’m like Uncle who?’
Jungwon wrestles out of Jay’s arms and crawls down to sit in front of her. His knees bent awkwardly, in the way only little kids can bend them. “Uncle Babe!” He repeats, patting his small hand on Jake’s thigh. “You look just like him!”
His mother raises an eyebrow. “And what is Uncle Babe like?”
Jungwon giggles at her. “He’s very nice and very sweet! And—and he’s also very pretty of course.” Jake gives Jay a look but all his boyfriend does is watch and gape as his son continues to speak without any fear. “Daddy always calls him pretty too! Pretty babe and every—”
“Ahaha,” Jay grabs his son again, pulling him back. Jungwon whines and thrashes in his hold, but settles when his father turns him in arms to make him sit on his lap. “He’s just…”
Jake wishes the ground would just open up and swallow him whole. His mother raises her eyebrows at Jay and Jungwon, looking amused. Jake hopes it means good.
“He just what? Is that not what you think of my son? That’ll be a problem if it’s not.”
“What?” Jay gapes, shaking his head. “No, I mean yes—of course, yes—I do, I mean…”
He looks at Jake, desperate and panicked and Jake is ready to jump in when his mother lets out a laugh. It startles them both, only Jungwon seems unphased until he thinks it’s funny and starts laughing with her.
His mother’s laughter doubles over as Jungwon joins in. “Oh dear,” She wheezes, meeting Jay’s panicked gaze. “Don’t be so stressed. I was just teasing.”
Jay slumps beside him, body deflating and Jake catches his shoulders before he falls. Jake turns to his mother with a whine. “Why’d you have to scare him like that?”
“I was just testing him.” She defends, smiling when Jungwon, fearless and clueless Jungwon who probably just thinks of her as a funny lady—crawls out of his father’s lap to meet her again. “Jungwon, is it?”
Jungwon nods, holding a hand out. “I’m Jungwon and I’m six.” His mother shakes the hand with a smile and Jungwon smiles back, dimples showing. “And you?”
“I’m—” She looks up at Jake, who’s holding onto Jay still as they both watch Jungwon interact with her. She smiles again, wider and teasing. “I’m your Uncle Babe’s mother. You can call me Grandma, dear.”
“Grandma babe?!”
Her sudden burst of laughter drowns the groan that Jake lets out. He hides his face in Jay’s shoulder, finding comfort in knowing that his boyfriend is perhaps just as horrified by this first encounter with Jake’s mother, or maybe even more.
4/
Things move quickly for them.
Or so Jake thinks. He didn’t expect his mother to meet his boyfriend and his boyfriend’s son on the same day out of nowhere, only four months into the relationship.
But Jake guesses that’s how it is. His mother leaves that day with a smile on her face and a messy crayon drawing of her that Jungwon makes. At night, she calls him to say that she wants Jake to be happy, and Jake realizes he’s never been happier than he is now.
When he tells her that—she cries and Jake cries too, stifling them under his palms until he feels the warm presence of his boyfriend beside him. Jay hugs him through it, kissing him and telling him he loves him. Jake only cries harder when Jungwon joins them, sleepy and cuddly as he crawls his way between his father and Jake, unaware of how his actions help Jake a lot at that moment.
When Jay kisses him goodnight and holds both him and Jungwon to sleep, Jake feels a newfound amount of love for the both of them that night.
And he wishes he can give the same amount and more back.
Next time it happens, Jake is there to pick up Jungwon alone because Jay is busy at work. His boyfriend apologizes again and again but Jake just tells him it’s fine. And, “You’re underestimating how much your son likes me.”
Which is bold coming from him so directly and Jake mildly panics a little before he hears the amused, endeared chuckle of Jay and affirmation. “Yes, yes of course he does. He’s my son after all.”
Jake scoffs, rolling his eyes and a giggle spills from his mouth when he hears the teasing lilt of Jay’s laughter from the other line again. Jake had never felt so loved and spoiled by anyone in his life before.
When he had showed up to pick up Jungwon after school, the latter had only lit up significantly at the sight of him and hugged him tight, any questions about his absent father out of his mind. Funnily, it had made Jake laugh and he tucked it away to tease Jay afterwards.
Jungwon speaks miles per minute as they make their way down the familiar roads away from the daycare. He speaks of his classmates, the drawings he made, the addition they just learned and also Dummy Riki who never fails to make an appearance on his recounts.
Jake laughs through it all, happy to listen. Jungwon grins at him, soaking the attention and he grabs Jake’s hand tighter in his. The skip to his steps is cute, Jungwon bounces on his heels and hums happily as they walk.
“Can we get ice cream too?” He asks when they are near the marketplace. It’s small and the ice cream parlor is a quaint little thing tucked in the middle of the highrise buildings.
Jake contemplates, wondering if it’ll be okay but one look at Jungwon’s wide eyes is all it takes for him to melt and say yes. The rewarding grin he gets makes him snort. Persuasive, just like his father.
The girl at the counter greets them with a wide smile when they enter, Jungwon lets go of his hand to skip over immediately and Jake chuckles when he realizes the little boy trying to look into the glass countertop for the flavors. He barely makes it, small hands curving around the edge and peering inside, on his tiptoes.
Jake picks him up so that he can have a better view. “What do you feel like having?”
Jungwon contemplates, looking at the variety of flavors in awe. He points to the glass top. “Strawberry.”
“Two scoops of strawberry and one vanilla.”
Jake tells the girl, who nods back at him and asks, “Any toppings?”
“Sprinkles.” Jungwon’s fast reply comes. “I want rainbow sprinkles.”
Jake can barely contain his smile as he turns to the girl again. “Rainbow sprinkles.” He affirms.
“Lots of! And, and—chocolate chips?”
“You’re gonna get cavities if you eat too many sweets.”
Jungwon pouts, frowning at him and his sticky sweaty hands on Jake’s cheeks. “But it’s good!”
Jake narrows his eyes. He doesn’t mind it, honestly. Jungwon can get any treats he wants but he also wants Jungwon to consider the aftermath of his sweet tooth.
“I’ll add the choco chips,” The girl chuckles at them, already starting with the ice cream. Her eyes flit up from the making counter to Jungwon, smile making her eyes crinkle. “But you should also listen to your Appa , sweetheart. He’s not wrong.”
Jake’s eyebrows shoot up. He feels a flush taking over his face immediately. Oh my god. “Oh um—actually…”
“Appa?” Jungwon cuts him off, tilting his head at the girl. He has a frown on his face and he looks like he’s considering the word. Jake finds his heart in his mouth at the anticipation of what’s to come out of the little kid. “But he’s my Uncle Babe.”
The girl looks at them, really looks at them and then her face pales. “Oh, I’m sorry I thought—”
“Uncle Babe is my Daddy’s boyfriend.” Jungwon speaks over her panicked words, still frowning. He pats his hand on Jake’s cheek, showing him off. “Uncle Babe is our favorite. Does that make him my Appa?”
The girl is stumped. And so is Jake. He shushes the kid, eyes darting from the girl to Jungwon. “Wonie, let’s just go and sit over there while we wait? What about that? Didn’t you say you wanted to show me your drawings?”
This seems to successfully divert his attention from the topic and Jungwon brightens up immediately, nodding. “Yes! Let’s go! Have so many to show, Uncle Babe!”
Jake throws an apologetic look to the girl behind the counter who looks shell shocked and apologetic herself. He smiles, barely. “Can we get it delivered to our table?”
The girl blinks and nods, looking down at the half-made ice cream. Her cheeks are crimson and Jake doesn’t think he looks any different too.
Jungwon forgets everything about it afterwards. Or so Jake hopes. The little one doesn’t speak of it anyway, not while they sat on one of the tables in the ice-cream parlor and enjoyed their ice-cream, and not even when they reached home and started doing his homework.
Jungwon seemed completely content with the day. He launched himself at Jay when his father came home, giggling and mimicking Jay’s antics—like patting his little small palm on Jake’s bum, like Jay does, when he puts their food on the table. Or snoring into his pillow to tease his father when they cuddled on the couch.
It was a pleasant night for all of them. Jungwon barely even spoke about the ice-cream situation except for when he told Jay what flavor they ate, and how it had been so good.
Jake isn’t sure if he’s relieved or disappointed. And somehow, it makes him stay up after everything, leant on the headboard of his bed and Jungwon sleeping in his lap. Jay is out there in the living room, wrapping up his work and Jake could barely stop thinking what the possible outcome of their relationship would be in the future.
Would he continue to be Jungwon’s Uncle Babe forever? Or will he be his Appa? Jay has never mentioned it and so hasn’t Jake himself. It’s not even like the possibility hasn’t crossed his mind. Jake had watched parents pick up their kids and talk to them with pride in their faces whenever their children would call them Dad, Appa, Eomma or Mom.
Jake had yearned for it too before. When he saw the way Jungwon called Jay Daddy and Riki called Heeseung Dad. When both the kids had then turned to him and called him Uncle Babe simultaneously, the yearning had broken into amusement then the thought had just dissipated from his mind.
Until now, that is.
Jungwon mumbles something in his sleep, snuggling closer until his face is squished against Jake’s stomach and Jake giggles quietly, running his hands through the little one’s hair.
He wants. He wants to be Jungwon’s Appa. But he wonders if it’ll ever happen or if it’s even okay to wish for.
When Jay slips next to him on bed, it’s much later in the night and Jake is already halfway into falling asleep himself. But he stays up, blinking his bleary eyes as he gives his boyfriend a hazy smile, relishing on the smile that Jay presses like a kiss on his mouth afterwards.
“You shouldn’t have waited.”
“I like to wait for you.”
Jay hums, tucking them all under the covers. Jake carefully supports Jungwon’s head as Jay stretches his arm out for the both of them to lean on. Jake sighs, snuggling close and pushing all three of them together. It’d be suffocating, but it isn't. It feels more warm and cozy instead.
He feels Jay’s fingers play with the hair on his nape and Jake smiles softly, turning his head to kiss Jay’s arm. “I love you.”
“I love you too, babe.”
Jake smiles wider.
+1
It’s thanksgiving. And with Jake’s insistence and willingness to host a small family dinner, Jay had agreed to inviting his parents over. This would be the first time Jake is meeting them, first time ever they are finding out about Jake. Sans the times they’d probably heard him in the background of their phone calls to their grandson and details from Jay.
And Jake is nervous. He doesn’t want to fuck up. He knows it's his own idea to hold this dinner but he wants it to be perfect. He wants to be accepted, he wants Jay’s parents to accept him and deem him worthy to become a member of their family.
“You don’t need to overdo things.” Jay’s gentle hands pry his incessant ones away from the vegetable chopper. Jake exhales, looking up at his boyfriend. Jay gives him a small smile, caressing his cheek. “You’ve already done enough. Don’t stress.”
“I can’t help it.” He truthfully answers, sagging forward to lean his forehead on Jay’s shoulder. His boyfriend wraps an arm around his waist immediately, pulling him close. Jake sighs. “I don’t want them to think I’m not good for you two.”
“You are more than good for me.” Jay tells him, gently. “You are more than what I deserve already, Jake.”
Jake sucks in a breath, eyelids falling shut. Jay barely calls him by his name but when he does, it feels different. Jay’s sincerity is always palpable in his actions and words, but it seems richer when Jay does things like this—hold him so close and showers him with affirmations.
“Don’t say that.” He weakly protests, only to fall silent under Jay’s embrace and kisses against his temple. “Just let me love you.”
Jake sighs, nodding. It’s a good feeling, to be in Jay’s arms and hear his heartbeat, and listen to him. And give all his trust to him. Jake has never doubted Jay's love.
“Thankyou.” He whispers, and Jay squeezes his nape. “Anything for you, babe.”
Jake laughs, pulling away and Jay grins at him, hands slowly falling from his body. “Are you ready to go out now?”
Taking a deep breath, Jake nods. “Yes, yes I am.”
They pick the salad and banchan they’d been preparing for so long finally out to the dinner table. Jungwon is sitting on his regular high-chair at the end of the table, eagerly chatting with his grandparents who sit on either side of him.
“Did you make these?” Jay’s mother asks him as she takes a spoonful of the stew to her mouth, eyes wide. Jake shyly nods under her gaze. “Oh dear, it’s really wonderful.”
“You have a good hand at cooking.” Jay’s father adds and Jake just blushes, brushing the compliment off.
“Jay helped.” Which was true. Jay had helped a lot while he prepared the dinner.
“I did too!” Jungwon’s voice comes and the table erupts into laughter.
“Oh, did you too?” Jay’s mother asks, chuckling and Jungwon nods, puffing his chest out. His tiny hands are tight around the spoon he’s holding and chin smeared orange with soup. “Uncle Babe said I peel peas good.”
Jake blushes deeper. Oh god. He looks around the table in panic, scared to see their reaction and only finds himself surprised as the elder couple just laughs, amusement clear in their faces.
“That’s a lot of help you offered, buddy.” Jay’s father says and Jungwon puffs up in pride. He smiles and goes back to his food. And Jake is a blushing mess again when Jay’s mother looks at him.
“Everything is really good, dear.” She says, smiling softly.
Jake nods shyly. “Thankyou, Ma’am.”
“You don’t need to be so formal with us. You’re now family.” And Jake finds tears sting his waterline almost immediately. He nods again, biting his lower lip.
Jay’s mother’s smile is warmer as she regards him, picking up a piece of braised pork to place it on top of his bowl. “Eat up. You worked hard.”
Jake feels Jay’s hand on his thigh, the touch comforting. Jake just nods again but this time with a wide smile on his face and finally picks up his own chopsticks. The pork is a bit too salty but he just finds comfort in the food in his mouth.
The dinner table is full of chatter. Jungwon’s loud bouts of happiness as he sings amidst his feast once in a while, pokes fun at whatever and then goes back to eating happily.
Jake has never felt as welcomed as he does while in the same table as the Parks and sharing the same pots of food. He can’t control his bashfulness when the couple compliments his cooking again, and barely stifles his laughter when they tell him about Jay’s embarrassing childhood.
Jake feels at home. He feels like he belongs.
They migrate to the living room after dinner, Jay and his father busy playing cards with Jungwon while Jake cleans up the table. Jay’s mother offers help and no matter how many times he says it’s okay, she insists with a smile and Jake can’t say no to that one. It’s so similar to both Jay’s and Jungwon’s, how is Jake ever supposed to become immune to this?
“Thankyou for inviting us.” She tells him, handing him the wet plate she just washed. “It was a very pleasant dinner.”
Jake takes it, wiping with the kitchen towel. He smiles, looking down. “I’m glad.”
They fall into the rhythm of the work. Side by side.
“Thankyou for giving my younger ones a chance too.”
Jake looks up, blinking. “I should be the one thanking instead. They—everyone has been nothing but accepting towards me, showering me with love.”
She smiles. “That’s why. I’m glad they have you to give love and receive love from. You are a blessing for them as much as you believe they are for you.”
And Jake thinks he might cry. But he doesn’t. He gives her a slow nod instead and lets out a watery chuckle. “Thankyou—thankyou I’m,” He doesn’t have words. Jake feels a wet hand on his shoulder, squeezing it and he leans against her embrace.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Welcome to the family.”
Jungwon doesn’t forget the Appa thing.
And he drops the bomb in a very unexpected way on that day.
After they’ve finished the dishes and walk back out to the living room, Jake finds a happy, excited Jungwon running at full speed towards him. He huffs, chuckling as he crouches down to catch the little boy.
Jungwon climbs his arms effortlessly, attuned to how he likes it there.
“What’s gotten you so excited?” Jake asks, running a hand over his fringe. Jungwon preens under his touch and then smiles, giddy. “Appa.”
Jake’s eyes bulge out. “Hah?”
“Like the lady in the parlor said. You’re gonna be Appa. Isn’t that right?”
Jake looks at Jay’s mother, shocked and scared of what she might think. She just welcomed him not a few minutes ago. What if this throws her off?
But instead of a frown, she has a smile on her face instead and she looks completely at peace with her grandson’s mouth babble.
Jake looks back to Jungwon, walking further into the living room. “Where is this coming from?” He barely notices that only Jay’s father is there, sitting on the couch.
“From here.” Comes a reply, and when Jake turns, he finds the breath knocked out of his lungs. Jay is on his knees, hands cradling a blue box.
Jake’s eyes dart around the room, from Jay’s mother to his father to Jungwon. They give him a coy stare, something that makes Jake feel funny in his tummy. It’s not making any sense. He looks down at his boyfriend, letting out a dry chuckle. “Jay, what are you—”
“Don’t worry.” Jay quickly says, scooting closer and Jake wants to hit him because why wouldn’t he worry? His boyfriend gives him a smile, fond and soft, as he opens the box. “It’s not a marriage proposal.” The box opens to reveal a bracelet, thin and shiny. Jake’s throat constricts, heart hammering inside his chest. “But it’s a declaration of our love instead.”
“Jay…”
“Maybe one day, for sure this would be a ring. But for now it’s just this. A token of not only mine but Jungwon’s love too. Our love for you .”
Tears prick his eyes immediately. Jake exhales, shakily. Jay continues, smile softer. “Will you be Jungwon’s father with me, Jake Sim?”
“My Appa?” Jungwon adds.
And Jake isn’t sure if it’s a sob or snort that comes out first from his mouth. He slaps a hand over his face, blinking his misty eyes. He can hear the amused chuckles of Jay’s parents and Jake finds the flush of silly embarrassment wash over him again.
But Jay is serious, eyebrows drawn together in anticipation and so is Jungwon, as they both look at him with wide hopeful eyes.
Jake thinks he can never say no. Not only because he’s weak to both father-son. But because he doesn’t want to. And he doesn’t have any reason not to as well.
He nods. Eager. And tears fall down his cheeks too fast. He feels Jungwon’s palms on his wet cheeks and Jake laughs when Jay grunts as he stands up to slip the bracelet on his wrist. It’s such a mess. The proposal is a mess. But it’s not too.
He laughs and giggles, and although he flushes deep when Jay surges forward to kiss him in front of his parents, Jake feels happy.
Too happy.
Jungwon giggles in his arms, hiding himself between his father—no, fathers . He’s a father too. Jake smiles, kissing his son’s cheek and Jungwon giggles some more. His palms feel sticky on skin but Jake doesn’t mind it one bit.
“Appa?” Jungwon asks.
And Jake grins, nodding. “Yes, Wonie?”
Jungwon smiles at him, cheeks dusted pink as he leans forward to rest his head on Jake’s shoulder.
“Appa Babe.”
Jake sighs as everyone just bursts out laughing.