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Charely Potter · 07-10-2024, 01:47 AM

As Diego looked up into his Papa's eyes, he was filled with a special comfort. He didn't have a reason to think about his former life that often after enough time. What did say from his former upbringing was how cool his new parents were. The few times Papa was visiting his Daddy's classroom to assist with things. Class got more lively and he was always such a cool grown-up.

"Yeah, that's it," Monopoly. Diego nodded. "It's funny seeing you and Daddy fight over the blue spaces. Pork Place, right?" Okay, he didn't remember everything but some of the spaces had a funny name." He blinked rapidly at hearing his Uncle get beaten by plants. "Really? What did Uncle Gabriel do to you?" He certainly didn't want to make his Papa mad. What if he got plants charmed to beat him? Though he did say he wasn't proud and he didn't have control at eight. "That's good, does Uncle Gabriel hold that memory against you?" He now had a lot of questions to ask. Stuff he never knew about his fathers until recently.

Sholving more mac and cheese into his mouth, Diego thought about it. "I don't know." Smiling, "Maybe we could find out?" Cause he did love mac and cheese. Among other dishes. "I know you and Daddy don't want me to eat unhealthy food much, but could we go for pizza next time?" He could just imagine the taste of it. His legs kicked idly in his hair not noticing his Papa's signs of realization of his crush. Diego's smile returned hearing how his Papa talked about his Daddy. His original mum didn't talk much about his original dad, since he wasn't around to see him, he was left to his imagination.

"How did you and Daddy meet?" Diego asked while the blush subsided.. "Did you think about running away when you realized you liked Daddy that way?" He wondered if maybe that's why his original dad wasn't around. Even though the truth wasn't so simple of an answer. When the question came back to his crush. He suddenly noticed his bowl was nearly finished as his heels clicked together a few times. "Her name's... Zen. Zen Feirgrund. I have her in a few of my classes." He could feel his face warming again. "Erm... okay.. I do want to at least say hi to her without being afraid." It was scary, he didn't have problems talking with his other classmates usually.

FearlessLeader19 · 07-20-2024, 01:42 AM

Rafa would have been so, so pleased to know that Diego felt even more comfort in that moment. That’s exactly how he hoped the little guy would feel with him and Dash. As for the couple being cool, well… the owlkeeper would say that the husband was far cooler since Dash had so many years of experience with kids and Rafael… he spent a great deal of his life disliking them.

The man chuckled. “We’re happy to entertain you,’’ came the reply along with a hand reaching out to ruffle Diego’s hair. “Close. It’s actually Park Place. Though I suppose we could stick some tiny pig toys there and call it Pork Place.” Really, Rafa wouldn’t mind diving into such a silly shenanigan to make Diego laugh. “Your uncle Gabriel accidentally knocked over my favourite potted cactus. This one had a little yellow flower on top… anyway, before I knew it, he was swarmed by the leaves of one of Abuela Juniper’s plants was whacking him. Not to worry, he wasn’t hurt but I was mad at him for weeks.” It was probably the only time Rafa had lost control in that manner. “Nope, he didn’t. Siblings can get really mad at each other but they’re able to work it out after some time.” He loved his twin a lot. “Gabriel’s the reason I moved to the UK. There was erm… a situation where he got taken along with a few others.” AKA taken by the Merpeople. “I couldn’t leave your Abuela and tía Isabelle alone. And tío Brody definitely needed a friend during the time. When Gabriel returned, I just decided to stick around.” And that, adorable little Diego, was the story of how Rafael moved to this country.

His son did have a healthy appetite, didn’t he? “We can. It’s always nice to have a host of favourite foods. As long as you don’t eat too much unhealthy foods, you’ll be fine.” Rafael did not see the need to restrict Diego completely and he knew Dash would agree. “Pizza it is.” He stood up straight, holding an imaginary pen and notepad - like a waiter. “Would the young señor like to place his order of toppings?”

Then Diego had better buckle up! Because Rafael loved talking about Dash. Four years on and he was still very much in love with that man; one could even say he fell for him further each day. “At the Leaky Cauldron. We were having lunch - at separate tables - but we eventually got into a friendly banter.” Rafa paused, smiling fondly at the memory

“No,’’ he replied, gazing back at Diego. “I… well, your daddy agreed to be my boyfriend to tío Gabriel’s wedding because Abuela Juniper kept asking me about settling down. It was just pretend but I started liking him around that time. When the wedding was over, I really thought that we wouldn’t see each other again and that… was not a nice feeling.” It had hurt his heart, actually. “So no, I actually wanted to see him everyday. I think it's important to remember that our reactions to the people we like can vary and that's okay.”

But this wasn’t all about Rafa!

He made a mental note of the name because he was going to be relaying all details to hubby dearest. Choosing to continue ignoring Diego’s blushing face, he said cheerfully, “That’s a lovely name.” Then he said a silent prayer to the God of Dating {whomever that may be} and launched into his advice. “Stand with confidence for starters. No slouching, droopy shoulders, that sort of thing. When you see her, make eye contact and give her a friendly smile. Let’s not overshoot and give her a big creepy one.” Diego did not need to mimic The Joker with one of those. “Hmmm… you up for a little practise? Give me your best ‘hi, Zen! I’m not afraid to talk to you’ smile.”

Charely Potter · 12-09-2024, 10:00 PM

Dash couldn't help but feel misty in the eyes as he took a long look at the rooms. After he packed the last box in one of the rooms, many emotions ran through his mind. Their space had been lovely, but with the growing plans in their family, the move was inevitable. But the memories would never go away.

The conversation leading up to him and Rafa moving in together. Making memories in each room. Having his brother, their partner, and nephews staying over. Diego... where was he? "Diego? You all set?" He got up to make sure his little eleven-year old had done what he and Rafa asked in leaving the room spotless after packing. The deposit money could be used to decorate the new place. "Rafa! Where you at?" He asked after peeking into the boy's and his own former room and found them empty as expected.

Diego was nervous about the whole ordeal. Moving to a new place. Sure, his papa and daddy were going to be by his side, but moves were always a big deal. He had to move from his... former home to this one. Now he would have his own space but also would be living elsewhere in a few months.

He just graduated from St. Woboldo's. So that meant he was Hogwarts bound. The good thing was he'd joined his best friend Vi at Hogwarts and with his new friend Zen. "I'm in the kitchen, with Papa!" He called back while sitting on the counter. He was taking a little rest after he helped pack up the silverware and other small items that he could reach and handle safely.

"So Papa, tell me again. How big is the room I'm going to be staying in?" Diego hadn't seen it, but was told it would be bigger than his current... well, old room now.

FearlessLeader19 · 12-13-2024, 01:41 AM

Rafa from back in the days {that is, the Rafael Melo that existed before Dash came into his life} would not necessarily have been this sentimental about his move to someplace new. Not even when he had relocated from Peru permanently to be close to his family after Gabriel had been mernapped had he felt this way. Yet, here he was, fighting back a wave of emotions while using magic to box up the last of the kitchen utensils.

The Owl Caretaker was spared answering his husband since Diego took care of it. He instead absently glanced towards the entranceway to the kitchen, expecting Dash to join them soon enough. Rafael was soon grinning and pushing the now full box on the counter towards his son, his little helper. Then again, not so little since Diego was about to commence a new chapter of his life - his Hogwarts education. {“You can go ahead to tape this box for me, Di. As for your room… very huge,’’} Rafa replied, conversing in Spanish. {“Which is a good thing because a growing boy needs his space for his new belongings.”} The man ruffled Diego’s hair. {“Are you looking forward to the move?”} He tilted his head, studying Diego. Rafa and Dash had always reassured him that he could always speak to them about anything that may be bothering him, after all.

Charely Potter · 12-15-2024, 05:25 AM

When was the last time Dash melted? Last night? This morning? Well, he was going to do so again mentally at the sight of Rafa being so tender and loving with their son. Plus, his Spanish was a nice touch. He thought back to their early dating years, how Rafa was against kids in general. Which was fine. Dash always tried to accommodate and keep Rafa's interaction with kids short when he offered to help with his school classroom. It was the least he could do for Rafa deciding to date a Primary School teacher. But somehow, whether it was his or even little Diego's influence that led to their eventual decision to adopt.

Dash couldn't be anymore happier. But he was also feeling emotions. He normally wasn't this weepy in general. But combining all the good things and leaving a place with deep memories was moving him. Ahem.

"Rafa," He said, leaning to plant his lips softly on their cheek. "Diego," Rubbing his hair affectionately. "How's it coming along?" He wasn't rushing. He in fact wanted to watch and taken in their final moments in the apartment before the disapparated to their new home.

"Okay," Diego replied as he pulled the tape over the box and wrapped it nice and good. He smiled at the head rubs. He was nervous but the physical touch from his parents made everything easier to handle. Was he looking forward to it? "Well... as great as that sounds.. I really liked my room here. It was so close to you and Daddy. And I could always just walk down to your shop if you weren't here." How would he know where to find them now in the new place? Maybe that's why they waited until he was headed to Hogwarts. There was only one place to call home. "You won't be leaving me alone that often there, right?" He felt bad for always asking, but it had been a long time since he asked. Surely, they'd understand why he's now asking again.

That was when Daddy Dash came in. He felt just as relieved again with the hair ruffle. "Hi Daddy it's going great.. Papa was telling me about the new place. Erm, are Uncle Denz, Bowie, Diallo, and Devad going to be visiting? Or even Uncle TJ?" If they were going to be closer, then that was a big plus. "Oh! Did Rafie come back yet? I sent a letter to Vi about our new address." He looked wildly around. "Do you think he'll know to check our new place if we're not here anymore?"

FearlessLeader19 · 12-21-2024, 10:49 PM

Rafael smiled, watching Diego get to work. Di was such a great kid, he thought. How lucky he and Dash had been to be lucky with having him as a son? “I know you do, kiddo. We could keep some features of your old room when we redecorate the new one. How does that sound?” It was something that could easily be done and even if it wasn’t, Rafa would be determined to see it a reality anyway. “I know. It’s a big change but I promise your daddy or I will not be leaving you alone there. We’ll work something out whenever you’re home from Hogwarts so that at least one of us will be with you.” The owl caretaker welcomed the fact that Diego was comfortable enough to voice his fears and thoughts; it was much easier to address them once they were out in the open.

Rafa would be modest and say that it was all Diego’s doing, all that little guy’s fault that led him to be so tender whenever they were interacting. Being in his son’s presence was absolutely one of his favourite daily moments. Funny how life had turned out for him, in terms of falling in love with Dash - the only guy he had ever dated - and now having a son - when he had been kiddo-averse all his life prior. But there was nothing to complain about; his life was perfect.

And it had been both Dash’s and Di’s influence that led to him wanting Diego permanently in his and Dash’s life together. Rafa had recognised how much he had liked his then boyfriend, which was why he helped out at the Primary School that often. In his mind, having to interact with the inquisitive students was a small price to pay when it came to being around Dash so much. It was also then that he had begun taking a strong liking to Diego and his dislike for children in general began mellowing. His significant other had changed him for the better.

There was another smile as Dash joined them. Rafa slid an arm around his waist and held him close. “You okay, babe?” Of course Rafa knew Dash was being sentimental about their apartment; there were so many great memories that had been made here. Then there were more questions from Diego, which only made Rafa grin. He enjoyed putting any misgivings Di had to rest. “They’ll visit for sure. Do you think they’d be able to stay away from you?” The little guy was obviously well loved. He now threw a glance at Dash. Did he see Rafie while he was out and about the Flat? “I think Vi will find you without trouble.” Rafa was grinning broadly. “He lives within walking distance of our new place. You'll be able to see him everyday when you're on vacation from Hogwarts.” How was that for a surprise, Di?

Charely Potter · 12-30-2024, 03:20 PM

Dash couldn't help the desire to melt, between many other reasons, the family they built together stood out the most. "I feel wonderful," He said as he leaned more into Rafa. "What about you, hun?" Because he knew Rafala was being strong for the two of them, which he appreciated.

"Well, that's the last box in here... You both ready to go?" He was mighty tempted to change his mind and maybe request they move up another floor with the extra room. But that would've been a temporary fix, they would need more than another room. His parents always told him growing up to never be afraid of change. "Oh, by the way, Diego. I found Baba." Withdrawing from his expandable pocket was the stuffed Raccoon they've been missing during the packing the past week. Holding him out ready to reclaim. "Your Papa's right. You'll have more space in your room for us to redecorate and add anything extra." Pulling them into a hug. "You'll never be left alone, kiddo. Not without you knowing ahead of time." And it would take Merlin to keep them apart for too long.

Dash chuckled, "No worries, both Vi and Rafie will know where to find us. I think it's also time we get Rafie a new friend. An owl of your own, Diego, so you can write to us without worrying about Rafie being too busy. How does that sound?" Their boy was finally heading to Hogwarts. He could just cry again from this fact. "Is there anything else on your mind, Diego?" They weren't leaving without him feeling secure enough to go.

Diego loved seeing his parents together. Sometimes he thought about his original parents and if they were like that too before things... changed. He liked to think so. Which made him smile, "Okay.." They didn't mind the change. It had been a few things though that had him uneasy. When the apartment was empty, he knew that meant his Papa was downstairs in the Owl shop. Always. Then Daddy Dash came home after work and he could play with them. He loved the routine.

But it was summer, so him being next door to Vi meant he could walk to Vi's and have fun until his parents came home. Before Diego knew it, it was in fact the last box he packed up. He could feel his eyes starting to leak when he saw. "Baba!" He exclaimed, hugging it as soon as it was handed over. Yep, the tear faucet was turned on. "Yes, I'd love that...Thank you!" His body shook a little as he hugged both Daddy and Papa until the tears were through. Bigger room, next-door to his best friend and cousins. An owl of his own and... it was a lot.

Diego was sooo thankful and relieved that all the feelings just came out through his eyes. "I know and I believe you both." Maybe when he's older he could fully express just how thankful he is of them as he tried multiple times but could only show a fraction of it through his hugs. "Don't worry about me. I'll be okay." Standing back to wipe his eyes fully. He then placed Baba into the backpack before putting it over his shoulders. "No.. I'm ready to go now." He took both their hands, ready to make the next step. Their new home was waiting.

FearlessLeader19 · 01-01-2025, 11:14 PM

Rafa gave Dash a fond squish, loving him even more {how was that even possible?} as he yet again thought about how all of this - the apartment, Diego being adopted, their life in general - had come into existence because of the man at his side. Rafa had gotten everything in life he hadn’t known he needed. “I do too. A little sentimental but we’re going to be making new memories. So there’s that to look forward to.” It was a given that later on he would succumb to all the feelings.

The owlkeeper cast a look around the kitchen, his heart constricting. Who knew moving could be this tough on him? It gave him an excellent insight into how his husband and son were feeling. “All set.” Why did his voice crack? It was a welcome distraction when he was distracted by Diego’s enthusiastic reaction to finding Baba. It pleased him immensely that Di loved that raccoon so much; there would definitely be more of the sort in the future so the collection could continue to grow. With added reassurance from Dash, Rafa hoped that the youngest Melo-Dreamer fears were put to ease.

When Rafa said that he and Dash would do everything possible to make sure Di wasn’t left alone, he meant it. Their new routine would just take some time for them all to get the groove of but they’d settle in nicely; this much he was confident of. Having Vi and his brother-in-law & his family close by would certainly help. The moment Diego erupted in tears, Rafa gave Dash a soft look that said ‘we overwhelmed him again’ {obviously it was the good sort}. He rubbed Di’s shoulder, approving yet again that the boy didn’t keep his emotions hidden. “You deserve every bit of happiness, Di. Don’t you ever forget it.” Then he quickly conjured some tissues and handed them over so Di could wipe any tear streaks away. “We know you’ll be okay. You’re our resilient little boy.” Smiling happily, he curled his fingers around Diego’s hand then looked over at Dash once more. “Off we go then.”

This was the beginning of a new chapter!

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