Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 1

Rain was not sulking.

He absolutely was not.

So what if he was curled on the couch in a hoodie too big for him - Phayu’s, obviously - with the hood drawn so far over his face it practically ate him alive? So what if he hadn’t touched his sketchpad all afternoon and was currently stabbing his fourth marshmallow into a mug of lukewarm cocoa like it had personally offended him?

That didn’t mean anything.

He just… didn’t feel like talking.

Not to Phayu, not to Sky, not to anyone.

The studio lights overhead buzzed quietly, the sound blending into the low hum of Phayu’s voice as he worked in the adjoining kitchen. Rain could hear the familiar clinks - pan on stove, spoon against ceramic - and his boyfriend’s soft humming to some old rock song. Normally, it would’ve soothed him. Normally, Rain would’ve wandered over and started poking at Phayu’s ribs until the man growled and hoisted him onto the counter like a sack of flour.

But today, everything felt… off.

"Baby," Phayu called, not turning around, "did you eat anything real today? Or is it just sugar and spite again?"

Rain didn't answer.

He dug the spoon deeper into the cocoa, his lips pursed.

He didn’t want to be babied. He wasn’t in the mood to joke around either. And yet, when Phayu turned off the stove and crossed over to him, the familiar heaviness of his footsteps tugged at something in Rain’s chest.

"Rain."

A pause.

"I know you’re in there somewhere under all that grumpy."

The couch dipped beside him. Rain’s hoodie hood was gently tugged back just enough to expose a glowering pair of eyes and a stubborn pout. Phayu smiled - not the teasing smirk Rain was used to, but the one that was all fondness and patience and maybe a little bit of worry.

"You wanna talk about it?"

Rain shook his head.

“You want me to leave you alone?”

A second shake, smaller this time.

Phayu didn’t push. He just slid closer, one arm draping over Rain’s shoulders, letting the silence stretch in the safest way possible.

Rain let out a breath, small and shaky. His mug tilted dangerously in his lap, and Phayu steadied it with one hand before it could spill.

“You’re usually louder than this,” Phayu murmured, “especially when you're mad.”

“I’m not mad,” Rain grumbled, more to his mug than to Phayu.

“No?”

Rain sniffed, wiping his nose on the inside of the hoodie sleeve. “Just… stupid day. Sky was being annoying. My professor didn’t like my render. Everything sucks.”

Phayu nodded slowly. “Okay. That’s allowed.”

Rain blinked at him. “It is?”

“Course it is. Everyone has off days. Even architecture prodigies with marshmallow addictions.”

Rain tried to huff, but it came out as more of a half-laugh. He leaned his head against Phayu’s shoulder, the tension in his posture beginning to loosen.

"Can I just stay like this for a bit?"

“You can stay like this forever if you want,” Phayu said simply, dropping a kiss to the top of his messy hair.

And Rain - without even thinking about it - shifted so that his knees tucked up onto the couch, his body curled into Phayu’s side, hands still wrapped tight around the cocoa like it was his anchor.

Phayu’s hand found the back of his hoodie, rubbing gentle circles.

Rain didn’t realize it, but something inside him sighed in relief.

It felt… right to be small here.

He didn’t have to be the loud one. The energetic one. The flirty mess everyone expected.

He could just be Rain.

Quiet. Tired. Needing.

Phayu didn’t say a word.

He didn’t need to.

Because somewhere deep in that quiet moment, nestled against his boyfriend’s chest and sipping cocoa that tasted more like comfort than chocolate, Rain missed the first subtle shift - the softest tug at something deep inside himself that had always been there.

He just didn’t have a name for it yet.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Rain was barely awake when Phayu kissed his temple the next morning.

“Baby, I have to go in for a few hours,” his boyfriend murmured against his cheek. “Come with me to the garage?”

Rain mumbled something into Phayu’s shirt, clinging like a koala. Phayu chuckled, trying to pry him off gently. “You can work on your project there. I’ll set you up in the office.”

That got Rain’s eyes half-open.

“I don’t wanna deal with people,” he muttered.

“You won’t. It’s just Saifah today. And you’ll be in the back room with the big table. I already set it up.”

Rain hesitated before sighing. “Fine. But only ‘cause you’re making coffee.”

“You’re so spoiled,” Phayu teased, brushing back his hair. “Get dressed. Hoodie optional, brat mandatory.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The garage was quiet except for the faint scratching of colored pencils. Rain sat cross-legged on a low workbench, a spread of his architectural project sketches in front of him. Bright blue and green streaks bled onto a blueprint, not quite the conventional medium for a model layout, but Rain insisted colors helped him “see the vibe.”

Saifah was lounging nearby, feet propped up on an overturned toolbox, flipping through his phone with that usual smug grin plastered across his face.

“Gonna turn on the TV,” Rain mumbled, mostly to himself, grabbing the remote with a distracted hand. He flicked through a few channels, pausing on something that looked like an old cartoon rerun. The bright colors and soft giggles of animated animals didn’t register as strange. Rain just wanted noise - something gentle to fill the space while he sketched.

But then his hand stilled. The sound faded away. His crayons slipped from his grip.

Something in his brain clicked.

It wasn’t like passing out. More like… falling softly. The garage around him seemed to blur, colors getting brighter, louder. The sketchpads and pencils didn’t matter anymore. The project was gone. Grown-up stuff - gone.

He blinked up at the screen with wide, glassy eyes, and then turned slowly to Saifah.

“Fai-fai,” he babbled, voice high and slurred like a toddler’s. “Rainie wan’ juice…”

Saifah blinked once, then twice, lowering his phone. “What the hell…”

Rain’s eyes welled up - not from sadness, just sheer overwhelm - and he rubbed them with his fists. “An’ I wan’ Teddy… an’ snacks… pwease…”

Saifah stood slowly, unsure whether Rain was pranking him or maybe heat-stroke was a real thing today. “Uh. Okay, buddy. You’re… uh, you okay?”

Rain just giggled and rocked back on his heels, clapping his hands. “Fai-fai funnyyyy,” he said like it was the best compliment ever.

Saifah rubbed the back of his neck. “Phayu did not pay me enough for this. Wait - he didn’t pay me at all. I’m doing this out of the kindness of my heart.”

Rain waddled over and tugged on Saifah’s shirt. “Daddy said no climbie on table but Rainie did anyway. Uh-oh.”

Saifah froze.

“…What did you just say?”

“Daddy gonna be mad,” Rain whispered, eyes wide, then suddenly brightened. “But Daddy gimme cuddles after. He nice! He smell like rain and tools and- ”

“OKAY, OKAY - STOP.” Saifah held up both hands, eyes squinting like he was in pain. “Too much info, kid. I do not need to know your… whatever the hell that was.”

Rain tilted his head. “Fai-fai no like Daddy?”

“I like him fine! Just not when you call him that while babbling about cuddles and smells, okay?” He groaned, looking around helplessly like a manual on “How to Deal With Unexpected Toddlers” would appear from under the workbench. “Where’s a cartoon when you need it?”

Rain beamed and pointed at the TV. “Bunny Bunny Adventure Hour!”

“…Of course,” Saifah muttered. “Alright. We’re gonna sit down, you’re gonna watch your bunnies, and I’m gonna text your daddy - ugh, I hate that I have to type that - and tell him his boyfriend is broken.”

Rain giggled and hugged Saifah’s leg, completely content in his little bubble. “Fai-fai bestest!”

Saifah sighed dramatically but gently ruffled Rain’s hair. “You’re lucky you’re cute, gremlin.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Saifah was half-sitting, half-slumped on the couch in the garage, one eye twitching as Rain cheerfully stacked lug nuts into a “castle” on the floor. The cartoon bunnies sang a cheery goodbye song on the TV. Rain sang along, completely off-key, clutching a dirty rag like it was his favorite blankie.

Saifah had texted Phayu exactly 17 minutes ago, and he was already regretting every decision that had led to this moment.

Just then, the garage door creaked open, and Prapai strolled in, a grocery bag swinging in one hand, his shades perched lazily on his nose.

“I brought iced coffee and- ” He paused, blinking at the scene in front of him. “Why does Rain look like he’s trying to summon the Teletubbies with engine parts?”

“Don’t. Start.” Saifah pointed at him like a war veteran would a minefield. “He turned into a baby. I don’t know what happened. One minute he’s coloring for his project, the next - boom. Juice, cartoons, cuddles, calling Phayu daddy - which, by the way, ew.”

Prapai blinked again, then set the bag down and crouched beside Rain. “Hey, sweetheart.”

Rain looked up and immediately clapped. “Pai-Pai!! Lookie, castle for Mr. Bunny!”

“Ohhh,” Prapai cooed, instantly switching to a soft tone. “It’s beautiful, baby. You’re working so hard, huh?”

Saifah stared like Prapai had grown a second head. “You’re not freaking out?!”

“Why would I? He’s in little space,” Prapai said simply, brushing a curl from Rain’s forehead. “It happens. Some people regress to a younger mindset when they feel overwhelmed, safe, or just… need it. It’s a coping mechanism. Emotional reset button.”

Rain babbled something about “car dragon guards” and shoved a wrench into the lug nut tower with pride.

“That is not a safe tower,” Saifah muttered under his breath.

Prapai just laughed. “It’s a creative one. Look at him. He’s happy. Calm. Probably didn’t even mean to slip - sometimes littles don’t know they’re littles until it happens naturally.”

Saifah’s expression softened slightly, though he still looked like he needed a nap. “He asked for juice and called Phayu daddy. I thought he was overheating.”

“Nah.” Prapai looked fondly at Rain, who was now trying to convince a bolt it was a cookie. “He’s just trusting you to keep him safe. Even if you’re absolutely terrible at babysitting.”

“Excuse me - I kept him alive.”

Prapai grinned. “Barely. Go grab the juice from my bag. He’ll need a snack soon.”

Saifah muttered something about emotional landmines and sugar crashes but did as told.

Meanwhile, Prapai settled down fully next to Rain. “You wanna play a game, baby?”

Rain nodded, curls bouncing. “Hidey bolts?”

“Ooh, that sounds like fun,” Prapai whispered like it was the most exciting thing he’d ever heard. “But you gotta count while Pai-Pai hides them, okay?”

“Otay!” Rain squished his eyes shut and began counting in baby slurs. “One… twooo… f-fwee…”

Prapai winked at Saifah, who stood at the edge of the room holding a juice pouch like it was a live grenade.

“Help me hide these before he hits five,” Prapai said.

“He’s stuck on ‘fwee.’ We’ve got time,” Saifah deadpanned, tossing him a bolt. “But I swear to god, the next time someone calls Phayu daddy in front of me, I’m calling a therapist.”

Prapai just chuckled, hiding a washer under the couch cushion. “Oh come on, you love the chaos.”

“…No,” Saifah muttered. “I love peace, caffeine, and plausible deniability.”

From behind his tiny hands, Rain giggled loudly. “Fwee… SEBEN… umm… TACO!”

Prapai beamed. “Best number ever. Okay, baby - time to find your hidey bolts!”

Rain squealed with joy, crawling on all fours in pursuit of shiny treasures while both adults kept careful, affectionate eyes on him.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Rain was on his third round of “Hidey Bolts” and had completely abandoned the idea of finding all of them in favor of clambering over Prapai’s lap and planting wet, giggly kisses all over his face.

“Pai-Pai smell like cake!” Rain giggled, pressing his nose into Prapai’s cheek before attacking again with another sloppy mwah.

Prapai wheezed, laughing uncontrollably as he tried to dodge. “Rainie - baby - have mercy! My face is not a dessert platter!”

Instead of showing mercy, Rain squealed and smooshed his cheek against Prapai’s again, hugging him tightly like a clingy octopus. Saifah, seated nearby with juice in hand, just watched the chaos unfold like it was free entertainment.

“Please tell me you’re recording this,” Saifah deadpanned.

“Oh, I’m recording,” Prapai said gleefully, blindly pointing his phone toward Rain’s clingy affection and hitting the shutter over and over. “This is gold. This is blackmail. This is the birth of an empire- ”

He cackled maniacally as he fired off the photos and video to Phayu with absolutely no shame. “Your boyfriend has melted, and it is adorable,” he narrated through his laughter, sending another burst of Rain’s babbling as he proudly declared his bolt collection “snacky treasure.”

Rain, naturally, burst into laughter too, not even knowing why but loving the sound of Prapai’s joy. “Maniacky laughie!” he shouted gleefully and tackled Prapai with a full-body hug.

“Oh god - he’s learning my evil ways,” Prapai chuckled, phone nearly falling from his hand.

And then-

The garage door slid open with a metallic grind, and Phayu stepped in, face shiny with grease, sleeves rolled up, hair tied in a messy bun, dark uniform clinging to his frame.

He froze at the sight of Rain practically sitting in Prapai’s lap, raining kisses on his cousin’s face while Prapai was red from laughter and doing absolutely nothing to stop the assault.

“…What the hell,” Phayu said flatly.

Rain blinked, then shrieked with delight. “DADDY!!”

Prapai tried to sit up straight but Rain immediately latched back onto his neck. “Oh hey - ow - you’re early!”

“I got your texts,” Phayu said, eyebrows raised. “I thought someone was dying. Not…” He gestured vaguely to the cuddle pile. “Whatever this is.”

“Your boyfriend turned into a four-year-old,” Prapai said through fits of laughter as Rain smooched his ear. “And he’s in full cling mode. Like a baby sloth. With extra drool.”

Phayu walked forward slowly, taking it all in. Rain had glitter on his cheeks, a crayon tucked behind his ear, and his shirt was buttoned wrong. He looked happy. Absolutely glowing. But also clearly not in his usual mindset.

Rain wiggled off Prapai’s lap and scampered toward him with open arms. “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy look! I make castle! Fai-fai help, but I do most!” He tripped over his own foot and bellyflopped onto Phayu’s boots with a giggle.

Phayu blinked, then crouched and gently picked him up, resting him on his hip like he weighed nothing. “Hey, baby,” he murmured, instinctively smoothing Rain’s hair back. “What’s goin’ on in that head of yours, hmm?”

Rain just beamed and patted Phayu’s cheek. “I love you, Daddy. You smell like oil an’ hugs.”

“…Well, that’s new,” Phayu murmured, lips twitching.

Prapai grinned from where he still sat on the floor, looking like he’d just survived a tornado of affection. “Told you. Little space. Your boyfriend’s brain flipped the cozy switch. And now he’s obsessed with you. More than usual.”

Phayu huffed a soft laugh and looked down at Rain, who had started playing with the zipper on his coveralls. “You okay, baby?”

Rain nodded seriously. “Uh-huh. Bunny Bunny said hug time is ‘portant.”

“Oh,” Phayu said softly, pulling him in tighter. “Then let’s make sure we don’t miss it.”

Rain melted against him with a sigh, happy and small, while Prapai finally stood up and brushed himself off. “I have at least seven blackmail videos now.”

Phayu raised a brow. “Try posting them and I’ll change the lock on the garage.”

Prapai winked. “Worth it.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The ride home was filled with the sound of Rain’s nonstop babbling. He sat in the passenger seat, buckled in safely but twisted sideways in his seat so he could talk to Phayu the entire time, waving his hands for emphasis.

“An’ then the bunny - no, wait - no, it was the dragon bunny, he say, ‘No touchie the spaghettis,’ but the other bunny, he touch it anyway! An’ BOOM! Now the castle gots jellybeans everywhere! Like… everywhere, Daddy!”

Phayu glanced at him, a lazy smile tugging at his lips. “Wow. Jellybean explosion, huh?”

Rain gasped dramatically. “YEAH. Boom! An’ then they have to use the mop dragon, who go swish-swooshy all over. It was soooooo messy, Daddy. Worse than when I try make pancakes!”

“Pancakes, huh?” Phayu chuckled, eyes back on the road. “Guess I’m lucky the garage is still standing.”

Rain kicked his feet gently, humming. “I do good tho! P’Pai say Rainie’s so cleber! An’ I gived him kisses. He all red like tomato!”

Phayu snorted, clearly picturing the scene again. “Bet he cried a little.”

“He squeak-laughed!” Rain said proudly, then giggled so hard he hiccuped. “Like a puppy!”

Phayu just nodded and hummed along to Rain’s nonsense, occasionally tossing in a “mhm” or “no way!” like he was getting the most important story of his life. And in a way, he kind of was. Rain hadn’t stopped smiling since the moment he regressed. Whatever happened earlier in the day that made him crack a little… this was healing it.

When they pulled into the driveway of their big house - a sleek modern build with warm brick walls and large glass windows - Rain let out a soft “ooooh,” like he was seeing it for the first time.

“We home?”

“Yeah, baby,” Phayu said, hopping out and circling around to help him out of the car. “Let’s get you inside, yeah?”

Rain immediately held his arms up, a clear request to be carried.

Phayu smirked, but didn’t hesitate. “You’ve been spoiled today, huh?” he teased, lifting Rain effortlessly and balancing him on his hip. Rain buried his face in Phayu’s neck, mumbling nonsense again.

“Rainie sleepy but not sleep,” he mumbled. “Cuz if I sleep then bunnies might miss me an’ Daddy no readed me story yet- ”

“I’ll read to you,” Phayu murmured, pressing a kiss to Rain’s temple. “Whatever book you want, baby.”

The front door creaked open before they even got there - Saifah leaned against the frame, sipping from a protein shake with one eyebrow raised.

“So. We keeping him like this now?” he asked dryly.

Rain peeked up from Phayu’s shoulder and smiled sleepily. “Fai-fai! I builded a castle wif shiny wheels!”

“Yeah, I was there for that,” Saifah said, though his mouth twitched into a smile. “You gonna share those wheels next time, gremlin?”

Rain shook his head solemnly. “Nope. Mr. Bunny guard them now.”

Saifah laughed, stepping aside so they could come in. “Yeah, okay. Good luck with that, Phayu.”

“I’ll be fine,” Phayu said confidently, gently bouncing Rain as they walked in. “He’s sweet like this.”

“He’s feral,” Saifah corrected. “You’re just in love.”

“Same thing,” Phayu tossed back easily, earning a soft giggle from Rain.

They settled inside, Rain already wriggling in Phayu’s arms toward the living room. Phayu carried him over to the couch, then sat down with Rain in his lap, little limbs curled around him like a baby koala.

“You comfy?” Phayu asked.

Rain nodded and yawned, snuggling close. “Uh-huh. I like you, Daddy. You warm.”

Phayu kissed the top of his head. “I like you too, baby. Want me to read now?”

Rain nodded sleepily, pressing a stuffed bear that somehow reappeared into Phayu’s hand. “This one pick story.”

“…The bear picks the book?”

Rain blinked slowly. “Yeah. Cuz he smart.”

Phayu laughed softly and reached for one of the storybooks they kept nearby from when Sky and Prapai visited with chaos. He opened it, Rain’s breathing already starting to slow.

Phayu read in a low, soothing voice, rubbing Rain’s back with slow circles.

He didn’t know what this all meant yet, not really. He just knew Rain needed him right now - not as a boyfriend, not as the dominant in their usual dynamic - but as his Daddy.

And that?

That, Phayu could do.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Rain stirred slowly, blinking his eyes open as the last rays of sunlight filtered in through the living room windows. The soft weight of a fuzzy blanket was draped over him, and he could feel strong arms around his waist, holding him securely.

“Mm… wha…” he murmured, voice rough from sleep.

Phayu’s voice came softly, close to his ear. “Hey, baby. You’re awake.”

Rain blinked up, frowning slightly. “What… happened?” He looked around, realizing he was curled in Phayu’s lap like a sleepy cat. “Did I… fall asleep on you?”

Phayu gave a quiet laugh. “Yeah. You were pretty tuckered out.”

Rain sat up a little, rubbing his eyes. “I remember cartoons. And juice? And I think I was talking about jellybeans? And a mop dragon?” He looked embarrassed. “Wait - did I dream all that?”

Phayu shifted so he could face him better, one hand gently brushing Rain’s hair back. “No dream, baby. That all happened.”

Rain’s brows knit together. “Huh?”

“You regressed, Rain,” Phayu said gently. “You went into little space. That’s what it’s called.”

Rain blinked at him. “I… what?”

“You kind of slipped into a childlike headspace,” Phayu explained slowly, voice careful and warm. “Your mind went younger. You were about four, I think. You were babbling, watching cartoons, building castles, giving Pai kiss attacks…”

“I did what to P’Pai?” Rain groaned, already hiding his face in his hands.

Phayu chuckled and pulled him close again. “He loved it. Don’t worry.”

Rain peeked up at him, still unsure. “But… I don’t get it. Why did that happen? I’ve never done that before.”

Phayu tilted his head slightly. “Pai explained it to me. Sometimes, people go into little space without realizing they’re littles. It’s like your brain just… needs a break. A reset. It doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It just means you feel safe enough to let go.”

Rain frowned. “But… I wasn’t doing it on purpose. I didn’t even know I could.”

“That’s okay. A lot of people don’t know until it happens.” Phayu rubbed his back gently. “Have you ever had any trauma when you were a kid?”

Rain shook his head slowly. “No. Not really. My parents were… good. Busy, but good.”

Phayu listened quietly, letting him talk.

Rain leaned his head against Phayu’s shoulder. “They worked a lot. I mean, a lot. Most days I’d come home to an empty house. I had nannies, tutors… but not them. I’d only get their full attention on holidays or school breaks. I didn’t really know I missed it until I got older.”

Phayu’s chest ached a little. He tightened his arm around Rain.

“So you were lonely?”

Rain gave a small nod. “Yeah. I guess I got used to pretending I was fine. Being loud. Being goofy. It kept me from thinking too much about it. But sometimes…” He swallowed. “Sometimes I do wish I could just… go back. Be little. Safe. Have someone care about me all the time. Dumb, right?”

“Not dumb at all,” Phayu said, voice firm and soft. “That makes sense. You didn’t get the kind of attention and comfort you needed as a kid. That doesn’t mean your parents didn’t love you - but that kind of emotional closeness? That matters.”

Rain blinked fast, his eyes a little shiny. “So that’s what this is? That’s why I - went all… baby mode?”

Phayu nodded. “Your brain felt overwhelmed and safe enough to finally let go. And baby mode, as you call it, is just another part of you. And I love every version of you. Bratty Rain, sleepy Rain, little Rain - all of them.”

Rain snorted through his nose. “Even jellybean castle Rain?”

“Especially jellybean castle Rain,” Phayu said with a grin, pressing a kiss to his temple. “You were so proud.”

Rain gave a little laugh and sighed, resting against Phayu again. “So what now?”

“Well… we figure it out together,” Phayu said simply. “If you ever feel that way again - if you ever need to slip, or be small - I’ll be here. I can be your Daddy, for real. Not just in the… you know.”

Rain choked out a laugh. “Yeah. Not just that kind of Daddy.”

Phayu smirked. “Though I am very good at that role too.”

Rain rolled his eyes playfully, but his voice was quiet when he said, “I think I’d like that. The other part. You taking care of me.”

“I already do, baby,” Phayu said. “This is just another way.”

Rain curled back into him, heart a little lighter. “Thanks, Daddy.”

Phayu kissed the top of his head, holding him close. “Always, baby.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 2

Rain’s pencil scratched furiously against the tracing paper, the lines increasingly jagged. He’d redrawn the same stair section five times, and each attempt looked worse than the last. The render on his laptop refused to cooperate. The overhead light buzzed faintly.

Sky sat on the edge of his bed, watching Rain spiral with mild concern.

“Rain,” he said cautiously, “maybe we take five. You’re chewing through your eraser like it owes you money.”

Rain didn’t answer.

Sky stood and came closer, catching a glimpse of Rain’s trembling fingers and clenched jaw. His shoulders were hunched. His breathing - too fast.

“Hey,” Sky tried again, softer now. “Breathe. It’s not due tonight. You can take a break.”

Then Rain dropped the pencil and curled in on himself on the floor.

“I can’t… I can’t do it,” he whispered.

Sky crouched down, alarmed now. “Okay, hey - don’t freak out. It’s just a project. We’ll figure it out.”

But Rain’s body trembled and he whimpered, voice small and almost slurred. “I want my Daddy…”

Sky blinked. “Huh? Uh… you mean P’Phayu?”

Rain just rocked back and forth, arms wrapping around his knees.

“I wan’ my Daddy…” he mumbled again, eyes glassy and faraway. “Tired… can’t…”

Something in him had changed. His words were slower, softer - more like a little kid than the snarky Rain Sky knew. His big eyes blinked at Sky like he wasn’t sure what was happening either.

Sky’s throat tightened. “Okay. Okay, buddy. Let’s, uh - let’s just sit down. Here.”

He gently pulled Rain up and onto the bed, grabbing a soft blanket from the corner and wrapping it around his shoulders. Rain leaned into him immediately, resting his head on Sky’s chest like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Sky sat stiffly at first. This was… not how their nights usually went. But Rain was clearly not okay, and Sky wasn’t about to push him away.

“You’re safe, alright?” Sky said, softer now, rubbing his back awkwardly. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I got you. Just breathe.”

Rain sniffled and mumbled something that sounded like, “Miss Daddy,” and Sky’s stomach dropped a little.

“This is above my pay grade,” he muttered to himself, before grabbing his phone. One name came to mind: Prapai.

Sky hit the call button and whispered, “Come on, come on…”

“Yo, Hot Wind on the line,” Prapai answered casually.

Sky didn’t waste time. “Something’s wrong with Rain. He’s acting weird. Like… like a toddler. He’s babbling and saying he wants his daddy and I don’t -  I don’t know what to do.”

There was a pause. “He what?”

“He was freaking out over the project, and then he just… switched,” Sky said, voice tight with concern. “He’s not talking like normal. He’s talking like a little kid.”

“I’m coming,” Prapai said immediately. “Ten minutes. Stay with him. Don’t panic.”

Sky hung up and looked down at Rain, who had now curled up tighter and was clinging to Sky’s hoodie like a security blanket. His eyes were fluttering like he might fall asleep.

Sky exhaled slowly and reached up to smooth Rain’s hair down gently.

“You’re okay, Rainie. I’m right here. You’re not alone.”

Rain mumbled something that sounded like, “Sky-Sky good…” before curling even closer, letting out a soft sigh.

Sky blinked, confused but warm in the chest. “I have no idea what’s happening right now, but… I guess I’m doing okay?”

Ten minutes later, there was a sharp knock on the door. Sky opened it to see Prapai standing there, eyes scanning quickly.

Rain looked up the moment he heard the voice. “Pai-Pai!” he cried, instantly brightening as he reached his arms out.

Sky stood back, stunned, as Rain launched himself into Prapai’s arms like a little kid greeting a favorite uncle.

Prapai caught him easily, holding him close. “Hey, sunshine. You having a rough day?”

Rain buried his face in Prapai’s chest, nodding and mumbling something about stairs and loud computers.

Sky folded his arms, eyebrows raised. “Okay, seriously. What the hell is going on?”

Prapai smoothed Rain’s hair and answered calmly. “He’s in little space. It’s a kind of regression. His mind’s taking a break and going back to a time when he felt safer. It happens sometimes when people are really overwhelmed.”

Sky looked at Rain, who was snuggled and babbling softly. “So he’s… four now?”

“Emotionally, yeah. Doesn’t remember everything. But he knows who he feels safe with.”

Sky blinked. “He clung to me like a baby penguin.”

Prapai smiled. “Then congratulations. He trusts you.”

Sky sat down again, trying to make sense of it all. “Okay. Wow.”

Rain peeked up and smiled at Sky. “Sky-Sky nice…”

Sky smiled faintly. “You’re lucky I like you, Rain.”

Prapai pulled out his phone and dialed Phayu.

It barely rang twice before Phayu answered, still in his work clothes. “What happened?” he asked immediately.

Rain gasped. “Daddy!!”

Phayu’s eyes softened the moment he heard his baby’s voice. “Hey, baby.”

Rain reached for the phone with a pout. “Come home…”

“I’m already on my way,” Phayu said, grabbing his keys. “Don’t worry, baby. Daddy’s coming.”

Rain smiled sleepily and cuddled deeper into Prapai’s arms while Sky watched from the side, still stunned but now protective.

“…Okay,” Sky mumbled. “Guess I am his babysitter now.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Rain was still nestled in Prapai’s arms, half-asleep and babbling something about clouds and sandwiches, when the sharp knock came at the door again.

Before Sky could even get up, the door opened and Phayu strode in - grease-stained jeans swapped for his office slacks, hair messily tied back, eyes wild with worry.

“Rain-!”

Rain’s head popped up immediately. “Daddy!!”

Phayu didn’t even pause. He crossed the room in three long strides and dropped to his knees right in front of Rain.

“Oh, baby,” he breathed, cupping Rain’s cheeks. “Daddy’s here, I got you. I’m here now.”

Rain squeaked with delight, reaching out with grabby hands. “Daddy! Missed you so so so-” He didn’t even finish before Phayu leaned in and pressed a dozen kisses all over his cheeks, forehead, nose, and even the tip of his chin.

“Missed you too, baby,” Phayu murmured between kisses. “My sweet boy.”

Rain giggled, wriggling in Prapai’s lap as Phayu completely smothered him with affection. “Stooop! ‘Chu ticklin’ me, Daddy!!”

“Never,” Phayu teased, kissing him again and again, now peppering soft ones down Rain’s neck. “You scared me today, baby. You don’t get to leave Daddy kisses-deprived after that.”

Rain was squealing with laughter now, wiggling like a hyper puppy as Phayu scooped him right out of Prapai’s arms.

“Up we go!” Phayu lifted him easily, cradling him against his chest. “There. Right where you belong.”

Rain wrapped his arms around Phayu’s neck and gave him a big smooch on the cheek. “I wuv you, Daddy.”

Phayu melted right there. “I love you too, baby.”

Sky, still seated on the bed, slowly blinked and then deadpanned, “Are you serious right now? PDA? Right in front of me? In my dorm room?”

Prapai, still sitting on the floor, snorted into his fist.

Phayu didn’t even glance back as he kissed Rain’s temple again. “Close your eyes if you’re jealous, Sky.”

“I’m not jealous-” Sky began, before Rain twisted to look at him with big, adoring eyes.

“Sky-Sky, Daddy’s da besstest!”

Sky gave him a flat look. “Yeah, yeah. Daddy of the year. Don’t let him spoil you too much or you’ll forget how to function.”

Phayu smirked. “Too late.”

Prapai got up and stretched. “Well. Now that the emergency has been kissed into submission, I’m gonna go steal snacks from your kitchen.”

“Don’t touch the gummy worms,” Sky called.

Phayu turned to the door, still rocking Rain gently in his arms. “Alright, baby. Let’s go home, yeah?”

Rain nodded sleepily. “M’kay. Home with Daddy…”

Sky shook his head, grabbing a pillow and tossing it dramatically. “Disgusting. Take your cuteness elsewhere.”

Rain giggled the whole way out, babbling nonsense into Phayu’s chest as his Daddy carried him away - safe, warm, and loved.

_________________________________________________________________________________________


By the time they got home, Rain was dozing lightly in Phayu’s arms, thumb halfway in his mouth, cheek squished against Phayu’s shoulder.

The big house was quiet, save for the hum of the AC and the soft jingle of Phayu’s keys as he unlocked the door. Saifah was on the couch, gaming headset pushed halfway off his ears as he glanced over and did a double take.

Phayu shot him a look that said not now, but Rain stirred just then with a sleepy hum.

“D’dy…?”

“I’m here, baby,” Phayu whispered, kissing his hair. “Let’s get you cleaned up, okay? You were a very messy little artist today.”

Saifah blinked. “Wait - hold up. Is he…? Is he in little space again?”

Phayu gave a short nod, already carrying Rain toward the bathroom. “Mhm. Long day. Got overwhelmed.”

“Right. Okay. Cool. No judgment,” Saifah called after them.

Phayu rolled his eyes and started the bath. He set Rain gently on the plush bathroom stool while the tub filled, checking the water with practiced ease.

Rain looked around the room with wide, soft eyes, watching the bubbles rise with fascination.

“Bubbles!” he gasped, pointing.

“That’s right,” Phayu said, grinning. “You’re getting the deluxe bath today.”

Rain kicked his little feet happily as Phayu undressed him and guided him into the warm water. He immediately started splashing, giggling at the foam and making a crown out of bubbles on his head.

Phayu crouched beside the tub, chin in his hand, just watching him fondly.

“You’re really something else, you know that?” he murmured.

Rain blinked up at him. “Somethin’ silly?”

Phayu chuckled. “Yeah. My silly little star.”

Once he was clean, dried, and wrapped in the fluffiest towel they had, Phayu carried him to the kitchen where he’d already prepped a bowl of soft rice, some tiny pork meatballs, and cut carrots in the shape of stars.

Rain’s eyes sparkled like he’d just been handed treasure.

“Is dat for me?!”

“Of course it’s for you, baby.” Phayu sat down, letting Rain settle in his lap as he fed him spoon by spoon. “All made just for my little one.”

Rain chewed happily, kicking his feet with every bite. “Yummy!”

Saifah finally wandered into the kitchen, eyes wide as he took in the scene: Rain wrapped in a fluffy yellow towel like a duckling, sitting on Phayu’s lap, being hand-fed like a prince.

He whistled low. “Wow. He really is in little space again.”

Phayu gave him a look. “Be nice.”

“I am being nice!” Saifah approached a little more carefully this time, crouching near Rain with a crooked smile. “Hey there, tiny. ‘Member me?”

Rain turned, blinking at him.

“…Unca Fah,” he said slowly.

Saifah’s jaw dropped. “Uncle Fah?! I’ve been promoted!”

Rain nodded seriously, then leaned in… and planted a big, exaggerated smooch right on Saifah’s cheek.

Saifah froze.

Phayu choked on a laugh.

“…He kissed me,” Saifah said in a stunned whisper, as if the Pope himself had just blessed him. “He kissed me. Voluntarily. I am never washing my face again.”

Rain giggled, grabbing for another spoonful of food. “Unca Fah funny…”

“I am funny,” Saifah said proudly, sitting on the floor like he had just ascended to godhood. “I’m the cool uncle now.”

Phayu just shook his head, smiling down at his little one curled up in his arms.

The kitchen was filled with warmth, soft giggles, and the clinking of a spoon against a ceramic bowl as Rain babbled contentedly between bites, safe in the arms of the people who loved him most.

After dinner, Rain waddled back to the living room in his ducky towel, only pausing to scoop up his favorite stuffed bunny from the hallway. Phayu followed close behind with a clean pair of soft pajamas - pale blue with little stars and clouds all over - and dressed Rain gently, helping him into the cozy cotton shirt and pants before ruffling his still-damp hair.

“There,” Phayu said, kissing the top of his head. “All snuggly.”

Rain clung to him immediately after, bunny squished between them.

“Wanna watch toons…” he mumbled sleepily, eyes already drooping.

Phayu chuckled. “Of course, baby. Come here.”

He sat down on the big couch and settled Rain onto his lap, blanket tucked around them both as he reached for the remote. A colorful cartoon filled the screen a moment later - soft voices, cheerful music, round little characters hopping around some imaginary village.

Rain sighed contentedly and snuggled deeper into Phayu’s chest, bunny nestled under his chin.

“Dis da best…” he murmured.

Phayu just smiled, one arm around Rain’s back, the other gently stroking his hair. “You’re the best.”

The room slowly dimmed as the sun set outside, casting a warm glow through the windows. The cartoon carried on in the background, but Rain’s eyes fluttered more and more with each passing minute.

By the time one episode ended, Rain had fully slumped against Phayu, his breathing soft and steady.

Saifah wandered back into the living room, biting into a granola bar and stopping when he saw them - Rain completely knocked out in Phayu’s lap, clutching his bunny with drool pooling on Phayu’s shirt.

He didn’t say anything at first. Just grabbed a blanket from the nearby recliner, draped it carefully over the two of them, then tossed a pillow beside Phayu.

“You’re not moving tonight,” Saifah said under his breath.

Phayu looked up at him gratefully. “Thanks.”

Saifah shrugged. “He’s cuter when he’s not sassing everyone. I’ll allow this.”

He ruffled Rain’s hair softly before walking back to his room.

Phayu leaned back against the couch, tightening the blanket around them both. Rain stirred faintly, sighing.

“Daddy…”

“I’m here, baby,” Phayu whispered, pressing one last kiss to his temple. “I’ve got you.”

And in the quiet of the night, wrapped in warmth and cartoons still playing softly on the screen, they drifted off together - safe, full, and completely at peace.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunlight streamed through the living room curtains, warm and golden, casting a soft glow over the quiet room. The TV had long since turned off on its own, leaving behind a calm silence, save for the faint sound of birds chirping outside.

Phayu stirred first, his back aching slightly from a night spent on the couch, but his arms still securely wrapped around the warm body nestled against him. Rain was curled up like a cat, legs tucked close, cheek smushed into Phayu’s chest, clutching his now very well-loved bunny.

Phayu smiled sleepily.

Then he blinked.

Then he realized something was off.

There was whispering. Two voices. Not Saifah’s.

He slowly cracked one eye open.

And froze.

Pete was standing a few feet away with his phone up, clearly taking pictures with the gentlest expression imaginable, whispering, “Look at them. That’s adorable. He’s just a baby boy in his arms. They’re so - aww, look at the little bunny…”

Standing beside him was Vegas, arms crossed, expression unreadable as always - though there was a very faint upward twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Phayu nearly had a heart attack.

He jerked up slightly, enough to jostle Rain, who groaned groggily and opened one bleary eye.

“…Wha-? Daddy?”

That made Pete coo even louder.

Phayu, now wide awake, flushed red as he whispered frantically, “Rain, sit up. My parents are here.”

Rain blinked at him, then turned to the doorway and blinked again.

“Oh.”

Pete beamed. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

Rain waved awkwardly from where he was still tucked in Phayu’s lap, now fully aware he was in rumpled pajamas and bed hair in front of his boyfriend’s parents.

“Um. Morning?”

Phayu was trying to sit up straighter without dropping Rain off his lap. “I - I was going to introduce you properly, I swear, I just - this wasn’t-”

Vegas cut in smoothly, voice calm and low. “We know.”

Phayu blinked. “You… know?”

Vegas raised an eyebrow. “Of course. We’ve been keeping tabs on you.”

Pete nodded, completely unbothered. “Social media, security cameras near the garage, that one dinner reservation you made two months ago - oh, and Saifah gossips when he’s sleep-deprived.”

Rain choked. “Wait - security cameras?!”

Phayu looked like he was experiencing internal combustion. “You spied on us?!”

Vegas didn’t even blink. “We’re your parents. Of course we did. Rain is important to you. That makes him important to us.”

Pete walked forward and knelt beside the couch with a warm smile, brushing a bit of hair from Rain’s forehead. “You don’t have to be nervous, sweetheart. We already love you.”

Rain blinked. “You do?”

“You make our son this happy,” Pete said softly. “That’s more than enough.”

Phayu looked like his soul had just left his body.

Rain turned, still wrapped in blankets, and whispered, “Are they always like this?”

Phayu groaned into his hand. “Welcome to the family.”

Vegas gave him a perfectly neutral thumbs-up.

Pete beamed. “Now who wants pancakes?”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Rain sat at the long, polished dining table in Phayu’s house, shoulders tense and face already a bit pink. The smell of pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit filled the air, and Pete was humming as he flipped another golden stack in the open kitchen while Saifah raided the fridge for juice.

But Rain couldn’t focus on the food.

Because Vegas - tall, intense, annoyingly attractive Vegas - was sitting directly across from him, perfectly calm, sipping coffee with all the energy of a mafia boss on his day off. His dark eyes were locked on Rain like he was trying to solve a puzzle.

Rain fidgeted with his fork.

Vegas still didn’t blink.

Rain cleared his throat. “Um… morning?”

Vegas took another sip of his coffee.

Still watching.

Rain glanced to the side helplessly at Phayu, who was sitting next to him. “He’s staring at me.”

“I know,” Phayu muttered, half-glaring across the table. “He’s always like this.”

Rain turned back to Vegas.

Still watching.

Rain turned very pink.

“Why are you staring…?”

Pete’s voice drifted in from the kitchen. “Vegas, stop. You’re making the poor boy turn into a tomato.”

“I’m just observing,” Vegas said innocently, though the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips betrayed him.

Then, with the smoothest motion imaginable, he reached forward with the spatula, scooped a fresh, fluffy pancake from the warm tray, and gently placed it onto Rain’s plate.

Rain blinked.

“Oh,” he said dumbly. “Um. Thank you.”

“You didn’t take enough,” Vegas replied casually. “You need energy.”

Rain opened his mouth to respond, closed it, and looked at Phayu like your dad is scary and handsome and I hate this.

Phayu side-eyed his father, unimpressed. “Can you not flirt with my boyfriend over pancakes?”

“I’m not flirting,” Vegas said smoothly. “I’m bonding.”

Pete snorted from the stove. “You’re impossible.”

Rain, meanwhile, took a very careful bite of the pancake, face still glowing, and tried to act like he wasn’t melting inside. It was fluffy. Of course it was. Because this was Vegas and somehow everything he touched was perfect.

Saifah dropped into the seat beside him and passed him the syrup. “Don’t worry, bro. You’ll get used to it. It’s like living in a dramatic soap opera, but with better food.”

Rain groaned and buried his face in his hands.

Phayu reached under the table and gave his thigh a reassuring squeeze.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “They’re weird, but they’re ours.”

Rain peeked up at him, smiling just a little. “Yeah. Yours. I guess that makes them kinda mine, too.”

“Exactly.”

Across the table, Vegas was watching again.

Rain immediately ducked back behind his hands.

Pete laughed. “Leave him alone, you menace.”

Vegas finally cracked a proper smile and picked up another pancake.

“Alright,” he said, placing one on Phayu’s plate this time. “I’ll behave. For now.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

“Alright, boys,” Pete announced, hands on his hips and spatula still in one hand like a sword. “You made the mess, you clean the mess.”

Phayu blinked. “But—”

“No ‘but,’ sweetheart,” Pete sang sweetly, already pulling Rain by the arm into the living room. “Rain and I are going to bond. You and Saifah? Dish duty.”

Saifah snorted and grabbed a sponge. “You’re the one who raised two gremlins, this is on you.”

“I did my time!” Pete called over his shoulder. “Now I get to traumatize your boyfriends for fun.”

Rain blinked up at him as he was gently steered onto the couch. “...I’m scared.”

“As you should be,” Phayu muttered as he passed with a stack of plates.

Vegas sat in the armchair with a mug of coffee, crossing one leg over the other and smirking silently like he was about to enjoy a five-star performance. Pete plopped beside Rain, curled a leg underneath himself, and leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper.

“So,” he began, eyes sparkling, “how’s it feel babysitting a man who once threw a tantrum because his dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets were facing the wrong way?”

Rain choked. “He did what?”

“Oh, that’s nothing,” Pete said, eyes glittering. “He used to hide under the bed when he didn’t want to do chores. One time we found him with a bag of gummy bears, a flashlight, and a note that said, ‘If you find this, don’t tell Dad. I’m at war.’”

Rain wheezed, hand over his mouth. “No way.”

“Way,” Pete said proudly. “And let’s not forget Mr. Stuffie.”

Rain perked up. “Mr. Stuffie?”

Vegas raised a brow, clearly amused.

“Oh yes,” Pete nodded solemnly. “A little tan teddy bear with only one eye and a bow tie. Phayu couldn’t sleep without him. That bear went everywhere. Family vacations, doctor appointments, even one of our anniversaries. Vegas and I had to sit through a five-course meal with Mr. Stuffie in a high chair.”

Rain was cackling now. “Oh my god-”

“Don’t let him tell you he was some cool rebel kid,” Pete added, voice dropping to a whisper. “He slept with Mr. Stuffie until he was thirteen. We tried to wean him off, but no. He said, and I quote, ‘He guards my dreams, Papa. If he goes, I might never sleep again.’”

Vegas chuckled into his mug. “He was very attached.”

Rain was bright red from laughing too hard.

Pete leaned closer. “And then there was The Incident.”

“Oh no,” Vegas murmured, now very interested.

“Which one?” Rain giggled.

Pete grinned. “The day I walked in on him - uh, let’s just say... discovering himself. We walked in on him with his hand in his pants while watching some really explicit stuff.”

Rain gasped. “No.”

“Yes,” Pete said dramatically. “I was horrified. Vegas nearly laughed himself to death. I told Phayu I was going to put him in a cage and throw away the key. He screamed, and then cried because he thought I meant it. Vegas had to explain what sarcasm was again.”

From the kitchen, there was a loud clatter.

“PAPA!!” Phayu's voice roared.

Pete grinned devilishly. “Oops. Guess he heard that.”

Rain was bent over in laughter, face flushed and eyes sparkling. “Oh my god, I love you.”

Pete beamed and patted his knee. “Thank you for putting up with him. Really. He’s intense. Moody. Stubborn. And a brat.”

“He’s also very soft,” Rain said softly. “Loving. Protective. Kind.”

Pete smiled, gentler now. “I know. That’s why I’m glad he has you.”

Vegas nodded in approval, adding, “He’s better with you.”

Rain beamed, heart full.

From the kitchen: “I swear to god, if you told him about Mr. Stuffie, I’m moving out.”

Pete yelled back, “He deserves to know what he’s getting into!”

Rain just laughed harder.

And in the warmth of that morning - filled with pancakes, soft sunlight, and endless stories - Rain felt like maybe, just maybe, this chaotic, affectionate family was exactly where he belonged.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 3

Rain adjusted the collar of his shirt for the fifth time in the passenger seat of Phayu’s car, his leg bouncing anxiously. “Are we sure I can’t, like, suddenly get food poisoning or something?”

Phayu glanced at him with a soft smile as he pulled into the long, gated driveway of the Theerapanyakul compound. “Baby, we’ve already confirmed twice, and my dad sent us the location with a heart emoji. We can’t back out now.”

“I still think that heart emoji was a threat,” Rain mumbled under his breath.

Phayu reached over to give his thigh a gentle squeeze. “They already love you. You’ll be fine.”

The compound was even more intimidating in person. Grand gates, sleek architecture, luxury cars parked in precise rows, and well-dressed staff waiting by the front doors. It didn’t scream family dinner so much as secret government meeting. Rain shrank in his seat.

The car rolled to a stop and, within seconds, a guard had opened Rain’s door. “Welcome, Khun Phayu. Khun Rain.”

Rain stiffened as he got out, trying to smile and whispering, “Why does everyone here talk like a Bond villain?”

Phayu just took his hand and guided him up the steps.

Inside, the house was breathtaking - high ceilings, marble floors, modern and sharp in its elegance. The place felt like a museum where you weren't allowed to touch anything, let alone breathe on it.

Pete greeted them the moment they stepped in, arms wide and smile even wider.

“There’s my baby and my Rain!” he sang.

Rain blinked. “You... my?”

“Temporarily mine for the evening,” Pete said sweetly, wrapping them both in hugs before adding in a lower voice, “Don’t worry. I already told the staff to cook mild food and to hold the weird stuff.”

Rain tried to laugh, but it came out as more of a nervous wheeze.

Vegas appeared a moment later, dressed impeccably as usual, sipping wine with the air of someone who owned the world. He nodded once. “You’re late by three minutes.”

Rain flinched. “S-sorry-”

Phayu frowned. “Traffic.”

Vegas waved his hand. “Relax. I just like messing with you.”

Rain internally screamed.

They were led to the massive dining room, where the table was already set - gleaming silverware, crystal glasses, food that looked like it came from a five-star hotel. And a lot of it.

Pete pulled Rain gently toward the head of the table and whispered, “Sit next to me. I’ll protect you.”

Rain didn’t argue.

As they all settled into their seats - Phayu on Rain’s other side, Vegas across from him with that ever-present mysterious glint in his eyes — Rain tried not to fidget too much.

Pete clapped once. “Let’s eat! And Rain, don’t worry - this is just a regular family dinner. No pressure. Right, Vegas?”

Vegas took a long sip of wine. “Sure.”

Rain gulped and reached for his water.

Dinner was, for the most part, surprisingly smooth. Rain relaxed as the food kept coming, each dish more delicious than the last. Pete kept the energy light and bubbly, and soon Rain found himself chatting comfortably, even laughing.

That was, until Pete leaned in, chopsticks poised, and said very casually-

“So, Rain, how’s the sex?”

Rain choked on his water.

Phayu dropped his spoon.

Vegas blinked once, hand still mid-pour with the wine bottle.

Pete smiled like he’d just asked about the weather. “I mean, Phayu’s a lot to handle, right? He always had so much energy. Like a little rabbit. When he hit puberty, I swear to God, I thought he’d burn a hole through his mattress.”

“PAPA!” Phayu groaned, slapping a hand over his eyes.

Rain turned crimson, half-laughing, half-dying inside. “Wh - You can’t just - ask that - at dinner!”

Pete shrugged, undeterred. “Sweetheart, I’ve raised that boy. I have the right. And don’t even get me started on Vegas. That man nearly gave me spinal trauma when we were younger.”

Vegas, for the first time ever, visibly choked on his wine.

Phayu, muffled behind his hand, groaned louder. “I’m going to die here.”

Rain stared, open-mouthed, then let out a helpless giggle. “Oh my God.”

Pete turned to him with a wink. “Trust me, Rain. The Theerapanyakul blood is intense. You’ve gotta stretch first.”

Rain let out a wheezy laugh. “Please, I’m begging you - my lungs can’t take this.”

But then - something snapped. Embarrassment gave way to sheer amusement, and suddenly Rain was gossiping.

“Oh my god - right? Like, I told P’Phayu once that I needed a nap and suddenly I woke up sore and mad because he woke me up like that. And he just smiled like he was proud.”

Pete cackled. “That’s my boy!”

Phayu was seconds from combusting. “Baby, please! Not in front of-!”

Rain was in too deep now. “And don’t get me started on his neck kisses-”

“I have regrets,” Phayu muttered, sinking lower in his seat.

Across the table, Vegas had gone completely still. Then, slowly, he set his wine glass down, cleared his throat, and looked away.

Pete noticed immediately. “Oh? Is the great Vegas Theerapanyakul embarrassed?”

“I am… considering my life choices,” Vegas said flatly, still not making eye contact.

Pete was delighted. “Victory! Write it down, Rain. You made him flustered.”

Rain laughed so hard he nearly fell sideways.

Phayu gave up and rested his forehead against the table. “Kill me. Please.”

Saifah wandered in from the hallway, munching on a donut. “Did I miss something?”

“Just our fathers trauma-dumping their sex lives,” Phayu mumbled.

“Oh. Gross,” Saifah said, then walked right back out.

Rain wiped tears from the corner of his eyes. “Okay. Okay. No more. I surrender. You win, P’Pete.”

Pete raised his glass proudly. “To dinner, dysfunction, and delightful gossip!”

Vegas just drank silently.

Phayu shook his head but couldn’t stop a smile. Because somehow… this was their version of normal.

And Rain? Rain fit in just perfectly.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Dinner had finally mellowed down, with the adults nursing their drinks and Rain happily curled into Phayu’s side on the plush living room couch. The lights were softer here, golden and warm, and someone had turned on lo-fi jazz in the background. Pete was lounging nearby, playing on his phone while half-listening to Vegas and Phayu debate over architectural materials.

Rain was still smiling, cheeks flushed from laughter, but he was getting quieter by the minute, clinging to Phayu’s sleeve like a sleepy kitten.

Vegas noticed first.

He tilted his head slightly. “Rain,” he said softly, in that calm, smooth voice of his. “You doing alright?”

Rain blinked slowly, eyes hazy. “M’fine…”

Vegas sat down next to him without a sound, eyes narrowing slightly in that assessing, fatherly way he always had. Then - gently, tentatively - he reached over and brushed a few strands of hair from Rain’s face. “You look tired, little one.”

Rain blinked again, slower this time. Something in his posture changed - his body relaxing, his grip on Phayu’s sleeve tightening slightly, his lips parting in a confused pout.

“Little…?” Rain mumbled.

Phayu stiffened.

Vegas noticed it too. His brows furrowed and he looked at Phayu, voice low and controlled. “Wait. Is he a little?”

Phayu exhaled slowly. “Yeah. He is. It just… happens sometimes. Especially when he’s tired or overwhelmed.”

Pete perked up from across the room. “Wait, what? How did I not know this?”

Rain, still blinking slowly, turned to Vegas with wide, glassy eyes. He reached out clumsily, patting Vegas’s sleeve like a curious toddler trying to get attention.

“D… Dada?”

The entire room went silent.

Phayu’s jaw dropped.

Pete choked on his own spit.

Vegas blinked once.

Then smiled.

A soft, warm smile that reached his usually stoic eyes.

“Yes, baby?” he answered without missing a beat.

Rain giggled shyly and reached up again, suddenly not shy at all about climbing into Vegas’s lap like he belonged there.

Phayu looked like he’d just witnessed a spiritual event. “What the hell-”

Pete was grinning ear to ear. “I knew he had it in him! Vegas, you’re a natural!”

Vegas gently adjusted Rain in his arms, supporting him with the kind of confidence that came from experience and instinct. “He’s warm,” he said softly, running a hand through Rain’s hair. “And small.”

Rain nuzzled into Vegas’s chest like a sleepy kitten. “Dada smells nice…”

Phayu let out a broken sound. “Okay, that’s my boyfriend.”

Vegas smirked over Rain’s head. “I’m just borrowing.”

Rain mumbled something incoherent against his chest, already half-asleep.

Pete leaned closer to Phayu and whispered, “I think you just got replaced.”

Phayu rubbed his face and groaned, “First he flirts over pancakes, now this?”

Rain let out a sleepy giggle from Vegas’s lap. “Dada funny…”

Vegas looked down at the bundle in his arms, eyes warm.

“Yeah,” he said softly. “My baby’s funny too.”

Vegas had fully claimed the couch.

Rain, now nestled securely in his lap, was babbling softly about how soft Vegas’s shirt was and how "Dada smells like clouds and sleepy time." He was deep in little space now - giggly, calm, and completely relaxed with a sleepy smile on his face and a bunny which Pete gave earlier tucked against his chest.

Vegas, ever the composed one, held him with a gentleness that felt almost out of character. One hand supported Rain’s back while the other gently combed through his hair, untangling it as if he’d been doing this for years.

“You’re very good at this,” Pete said, arms crossed with a proud little grin. “I mean, I always suspected, but look at you. Melting.”

Vegas didn’t respond, just adjusted Rain’s head so it rested more comfortably against his shoulder. “He’s small,” he murmured. “And warm. He needs this.”

Rain murmured, “Dadaaa… y’voice is sleepy too…”

Vegas hummed softly, a low rumble in his chest. “Go ahead, baby. Dada’s got you.”

Phayu, sitting on the armrest of the nearby chair, stared in growing disbelief.

Rain - his Rain - was melting in someone else’s arms.

Yes, that someone was his father. And yes, Rain was in little space and needed gentle care.

But still.

Phayu crossed his arms, then uncrossed them. Then leaned forward a little.

“…Rain? Baby?”

Rain didn’t even flinch. He was twirling a string on Vegas’s sleeve, utterly absorbed.

Phayu scooted his chair closer. “Rain… don’t you want Daddy?”

Rain blinked up slowly, still dazed. “Dada here…”

Phayu tried to keep his voice neutral. “No, I mean me. Your Daddy. Remember?”

Rain stared at him blankly for a moment. “Daddy…?”

Vegas gently rubbed Rain’s back. “It’s okay, baby. You’ve got two now.”

Pete howled with laughter. “Oh my god, two daddies? I’ve seen enough to know where this is going.”

Phayu glared. “Can you not?”

Rain suddenly perked up, twisting to reach toward Phayu with one grabby hand. “Daddy! Up!”

Phayu immediately lit up. “Oh now you want me - okay, yes, baby, come here.”

Vegas chuckled lowly but lifted Rain with ease and passed him over, Rain giggling in the transition as he flopped happily into Phayu’s lap.

“Got you now,” Phayu whispered into his hair, clinging to him like he’d won a battle. “Daddy’s turn.”

Rain nodded sleepily, nuzzling into his chest. “Dada was nice… but Daddy’s warm.”

Pete snorted. “Wow. The favoritism is palpable.”

Vegas gave the smallest shrug, still smiling faintly. “I don’t mind sharing.”

Phayu smirked. “He’s mine, remember?”

Rain hummed between them. “I haz two daddies…”

Pete winked. “Greedy boy.”

Phayu just tightened his arms around his little one and pressed a kiss to his temple. “Only because he deserves it.”

Rain beamed sleepily and mumbled, “Love my Daddies…”

Both Phayu and Vegas froze for a second.

Pete clutched his chest dramatically. “Someone put that on a t-shirt right now.”

Rain was already halfway asleep again, drooping heavily against Phayu’s chest, thumb in his mouth and his bunny squished between them. His quiet babbling had faded into soft hums, every breath growing slower, deeper, dreamier.

Phayu stood from the couch and adjusted his hold, cradling Rain like he weighed nothing at all.

Pete tilted his head, watching them fondly. “You taking him home?”

Phayu glanced down at the warm bundle in his arms, then back at Pete and Vegas - both still lounging in the massive Theerapanyakul living room.

“…No,” he said after a beat. “He’s already drifting. We’ll stay the night. If that’s okay.”

Vegas nodded. “Of course.”

Pete perked up. “Ooh! Sleepover. I’ll have staff prepare your old room.”

“Still mine?” Phayu asked, raising a brow.

“Everything’s still yours, baby,” Pete grinned. “Now go get your little one into bed before he melts all over you.”

Rain gave a tiny sigh. “Melty…”

Phayu chuckled, kissed his forehead, and carried him gently down the familiar hallway - passing the portraits of the family, the quiet hum of expensive lights, and the warm scent of clean linens lingering in the air.

When they reached his old bedroom, it looked untouched - sleek and modern, but familiar. Pete had already texted staff, because the lights were dimmed and the bed had been freshly made.

Phayu placed Rain down gently on the mattress, moving slowly so as not to disturb him. Rain stirred a little, one hand reaching blindly.

“Daddy…”

“I’m right here,” Phayu murmured, sitting beside him. “Just changing you real quick, baby.”

He helped him into a soft oversized shirt from the guest drawer and tucked the blanket around him like a cocoon. Bunny was placed under one arm. Phayu lay down beside him after, letting Rain roll into him, face hidden in his chest.

Rain’s voice was a muffled whisper. “Dada too?”

Phayu hesitated.

“…You want Dada?”

Rain nodded sleepily, already slipping deeper.

Phayu leaned over and called for Vegas. “Dad?”

Vegas was already standing in the hallway, as if he expected it.

“He asked for you,” Phayu said quietly.

Vegas stepped in, silent as ever, and crossed the room with unhurried calm. He didn’t say anything - just sat on the opposite side of the bed and smoothed Rain’s hair gently.

Rain immediately wriggled toward him with a sleepy smile.

“Dada…”

Vegas leaned down and kissed the top of his head. “I’m here.”

Phayu settled back in place, now with Rain sandwiched between him and Vegas, and let his hand rest over Rain’s waist protectively.

For a long moment, none of them spoke.

Just the soft sound of Rain’s breathing. Safe. Loved. Home.

Then Pete peeked his head in.

“Move over,” he whispered.

Phayu groaned. “Papa - seriously?”

“I want cuddles too.”

Vegas scooted slightly without a word.

Pete slid in, flopping dramatically over the blanket and curling around Phayu’s back.

“Now this is family.”

Phayu sighed. “This is chaos.”

Rain murmured, “Best chaos…”

And then - finally - the room fell into peaceful silence, the soft lull of breathing and the weight of love cocooning them all into sleep.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The morning sunlight poured in through the tall windows, delicate and golden, casting soft lines across the pale sheets and rumpled blankets.

Rain stirred first.

A soft, slow blink. Then a stretch.

He yawned, bunny tucked under his arm, warm blankets over him, body nestled against-

Wait.

This was not Phayu’s chest.

This was broader. Firmer. Smelled faintly like cedar and control issues.

Rain blinked again and tilted his head slowly upward.

Vegas Theerapanyakul.

Vegas.

Still sleeping. One arm around Rain protectively, expression perfectly calm, mouth slightly parted. Like he hadn't just stolen someone's boyfriend in the middle of the night.

Rain froze.

Then slowly turned his head the other way.

Phayu was… on the other side of the bed, turned toward him, cheek mushed into the pillow, hair a mess, snoring quietly.

Between them, Rain was tucked like a sandwich.

And behind Phayu - Pete, who had apparently stolen half the blanket and was now using Phayu’s back as a pillow.

Rain stared at the ceiling.

“…What the hell,” he whispered.

Vegas stirred first.

His eyes cracked open slowly, still sharp even through the haze of sleep.

“…Good morning,” he said, voice low and calm.

Rain blinked at him in panic. “I – Hi – Why - Why am I on you?!”

Vegas raised an eyebrow. “You asked for me.”

“I - I did not-” Rain tried to sit up, but Vegas’s arm instinctively tightened for a moment before releasing.

“You called me Dada,” Vegas said calmly.

Rain flushed immediately.

“I was regressed! That doesn’t count!”

From behind, Phayu grumbled, voice muffled by the pillow. “Baby, you betrayed me in your sleep.”

“I didn’t know!”

Pete let out a loud yawn behind them. “Aw, baby’s first Theerapanyakul cuddle pile. You grow up so fast.”

Rain groaned, face buried in his hands. “I’m never going to emotionally recover from this.”

Phayu finally sat up, rubbing his eyes. “I’m emotionally damaged. That’s different.”

Vegas sat up as well, unbothered, smoothing his hair back. “He was warm. He likes chest pillows. You were snoring too loud.”

“I don’t snore!” Phayu snapped.

Pete raised a hand. “You do, sweetheart. Rain rolled toward Vegas because you were wheezing like a dying chainsaw.”

Rain muttered into his hands, “This is the weirdest morning of my life.”

Phayu leaned over and finally pulled Rain into his lap with a satisfied hum, glaring at Vegas like he’d just reclaimed a prize.

“My turn,” he said smugly.

Rain flopped against him, still pink. “…You’re all insane.”

Pete grinned. “And now you’re one of us.”

Rain groaned again - but didn’t move from Phayu’s lap.

After the morning madness of tangled limbs and stolen cuddle rights, Pete finally clapped his hands loudly, standing at the edge of the bed like a camp counselor.

“Alright, everyone up! Time for breakfast! I’m not running a hotel with late checkout.”

Phayu grumbled something unintelligible and flopped back down with Rain still on top of him. “Five more minutes…”

Pete narrowed his eyes. “Nope. You lost cuddle privileges when you let your boyfriend call my husband Dada.”

Rain buried his face into Phayu’s shoulder, muffling a squeaky laugh. “It wasn’t on purpose…”

Pete smirked. “Still happened. Now come on, baby boy. What do you want for breakfast?”

Rain blinked sleepily, lifting his head just enough to say, “Waffles… with chocolate syrup.”

Pete’s eyes sparkled. “Oho, sweet tooth, I see.”

Before anyone else could speak, Vegas stepped forward and rolled his sleeves up. “I’ll make it.”

Phayu sat bolt upright. “Excuse me?”

Vegas didn’t even blink. “He’s my honorary child now. I’m making him breakfast.”

“He’s my actual boyfriend,” Phayu snapped, gently lowering Rain to the bed and standing. “I was literally about to say I’d make it!”

Vegas was already halfway to the kitchen. “Too slow.”

“You’re slow!”

Rain blinked at both of them, then looked at Pete.

Pete just sipped his coffee, completely unfazed. “Here we go again.”

The kitchen lit up with the sound of drawers opening, waffle iron warming up, and two Theerapanyakul men elbowing each other in front of the batter mix.

“I’m putting bananas on top,” Phayu said.

“He asked for chocolate syrup,” Vegas replied flatly.

“You can have both, genius!”

“You’re holding the whisk wrong.”

Rain waddled sleepily into the kitchen in Phayu’s old oversized hoodie, bunny tucked under one arm, and climbed onto a tall chair at the counter. He kicked his feet as he watched them bicker, smile growing wider by the second.

Pete sat beside him, sipping his espresso. “This is better than cable.”

Rain giggled behind his hand. “They’re like children.”

“Vegas is a child,” Pete muttered fondly. “A terrifying one. But a child. Just imagine a tiny little Vegas threatening his kindergarten teacher with a scissors.”

Rain snorted a laugh at the image of it.

In the kitchen, Phayu and Vegas were still at it.

“I swear to God, if you touch my batter-”

“It’s not your batter. It’s community batter.”

“There is no such thing as community batter in a boyfriend breakfast war!”

Rain suddenly let out a high, bubbly laugh - the kind that made his shoulders shake and his eyes scrunch.

Both men froze mid-fight and turned to look at him.

Rain covered his face. “You two are so crazy, oh my god-”

Phayu blinked. Vegas raised a brow.

Pete leaned forward, whispering conspiratorially to Rain, “Tell them whoever wins gets to sit beside you at breakfast. Watch the stakes double.”

Rain snorted. “Nooo. That’ll make it worse.”

“I live for the drama.”

The kitchen smelled divine - warm vanilla, melted chocolate, golden batter crisping just right in the waffle iron. Both Phayu and Vegas had gone all in, practically transforming the countertop into a battlefield of toppings, plating, and silent intimidation.

Rain watched from his perch at the counter, bunny in one arm, chin resting on the other as he giggled into his sleeve.

Phayu carefully plated his creation: a perfectly stacked set of waffles drizzled with chocolate syrup, adorned with strawberries, blueberries, and a neat fan of banana slices along the edge — a crown of whipped cream and just a dash of powdered sugar dusted like snow on top.

Vegas? His was cleaner. More minimal. Dark chocolate drizzle only. A small mint leaf. Artisan vibes. It looked expensive.

But when Rain took a bite from both…

He chewed slowly, thoughtfully. Everyone in the room held their breath.

Pete even paused mid-coffee sip.

“…P’Phayu wins,” Rain declared, kicking his feet.

Phayu threw both arms in the air. “Yes!” he grinned, turning to Vegas. “In your face.”

Vegas didn’t flinch. “Taste is subjective.”

“You’re sulking.”

“I’m not sulking.”

Rain peeked over and immediately caught the tight line of Vegas’s jaw, the subtle way he was definitely sulking, even if he’d never admit it in court.

“Aww…” Rain scooted closer with his plate and cut a little piece of waffle with extra fruit on top. “P’Vegas, open up.”

Vegas blinked. “I’m not-”

“Aah~” Rain insisted, holding the fork up expectantly.

Vegas hesitated, then sighed… and opened his mouth.

Rain popped the bite in, beaming.

Vegas chewed silently.

Then smiled. Just a little. But real.

Phayu, watching this, narrowed his eyes. “Wait - what about me?”

Rain giggled. “Jealous?”

“Yes!” Phayu cried. “You’re my boyfriend! Feed me too!”

Rain rolled his eyes fondly, cut another bite, and turned to him. “Aah~”

Phayu immediately leaned forward like a puppy and accepted it with a triumphant grin.

Pete, now holding his mug with both hands like a tired schoolteacher, muttered under his breath, “I swear, mafia men are just children with deeper voices and better suits.”

Rain, still giggling, reached over and fed Pete a bite too.

Pete blinked. “Oh. I wasn’t prepared for that.”

Rain winked. “Now no one can be jealous.”

Phayu side-eyed Vegas.

Vegas calmly wiped his mouth. “Still won in style.”

Phayu smirked. “Still lost the waffle war.”

Rain just laughed, mouth full of sweetness and heart full of warmth. Maybe he’d woken up in the arms of a mafia dad instead of his boyfriend… but honestly? This wasn’t so bad.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The sun was already high by the time Phayu and Rain were getting ready to leave the Theerapanyakul compound. Rain stood at the doorway, bunny under one arm, shoes half-on, while Phayu tugged gently at his sleeve.

“Come on, baby,” Phayu said, holding his keys. “We gotta go before traffic traps us again.”

“I’m comin’, I’m comin’…” Rain muttered, eyes still trailing around the grand living room like he was trying to memorize it. Or maybe… just not quite ready to leave yet.

Pete wandered by with a cup of tea, humming to himself. Saifah had long since disappeared back to wherever he hid when the house got too weird. And then-

“Wait.”

Vegas’s voice cut gently through the air. Calm, quiet, but with a weight that made both Rain and Phayu pause at the door.

Rain turned to see him standing there, hands in his pockets, shoulders strangely tense. There was an unfamiliar softness in Vegas’s face - not guarded or unreadable like usual… but something fragile, like a question that needed answering.

He walked toward them and stopped in front of Rain.

Then, very gently, he opened his arms.

Rain blinked, surprised - but didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward and was enveloped in a rare Vegas hug. Warm, secure, and real.

Vegas closed his eyes briefly and murmured, just for Rain to hear, “You… stole my heart, little one.”

Rain peeked up at him, blinking.

Vegas pulled back slightly, brushing a hand over Rain’s hair. His voice was quieter now, less sure, maybe even a little… nervous.

“I mean… if you ever wanted me to be your Dada again. I’d… like that. If you’d want that. You don’t have to, of course. But I’d… love it if you visited again. If that’s something you’d like.”

Rain’s eyes went wide.

And then lit up.

He bounced on his heels and nodded so hard his hair flopped over his eyes. “Really?! That sounds so fun!”

Vegas smiled - the tiniest, softest one, but it reached his eyes in a way Rain hadn’t seen before.

“Okay,” he said, voice low. “Then it’s a deal.”

Rain threw his arms around him again. “Thank you, Dada!”

Phayu, watching the entire thing, crossed his arms with a huff. “He gets hugs. He gets nicknames. He gets the ‘you stole my heart’ treatment. I’ve been your son for years and I’ve never even gotten a pat on the back.”

Vegas didn’t even blink. “That’s because your ass is too bossy.”

Pete, now sipping his tea nearby, snorted into the mug. “Like father like son.”

Phayu glared at both of them. “Unbelievable.”

Rain just giggled and hugged Phayu from the side, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Don’t worry, Daddy. I love you the most.”

Phayu immediately lit up, proud and smug. “I knew it.”

Vegas smirked faintly. “Enjoy it while it lasts.”

Rain looked between the two men - one sulking, one smug, both absolutely ridiculous — and beamed.

“Next time I come,” he said brightly, “can we make waffles and have a cuddle pile?”

Pete raised a brow. “You’re officially part of the family.”

Vegas just nodded. “Anytime, baby.”

And with one last round of hugs and promises of future visits, Rain and Phayu headed out - hearts full, arms linked, and Rain already rambling about the next sleepover.