《The Lerone-Bradley Household: the morning of Monday 18th December 2017》

The pitched ringing of a cell phone broke the man out of his routine. He stumbled over to the countertop it rest upon, glancing quickly at the caller ID. "Lewis" could be read in bold, white letters. The man quickly slid to accept the call and held the phone up to his ear.

"Hey Lewis, could I call you back in a little bit? I'm just about to leave to get Eth to daycare." Said little boy came racing into the main room of the apartment, giggling obnoxiously as another man chased after him. He was calling out the young child's name, a coat outstretched before him. The ginger boy quickly slid behind his father's legs, hiding from the other man.

"I suppose you could, but I think you'll want to know about it as soon as possible," Lewis spoke, his tone solemn and disturbing upset. Lewis was a man to always stay positive, mainly because he always won his cases.

"Lewis, what's wrong? You sound, upset." The small ginger behind his father perked up at the familiar name, asking his dad if Mr. Lewis was on the phone. The other man used this moment of distraction to quickly slide on the jacket, throwing up the zipper and carefully snapping all the buttons into place. He then looked up at his best friend of many years now, not oblivious to the somber tone of the call.

"Well, in all honesty, I am a bit upset, Josh. Ms. Nightingale went to the courts without informing us, and won rights to having Ethan from December 20th to the 24th. You will technically have him on Christmas, if you're willing to show up to her house Christmas morning to take him back home." Silence filled the call momentarily, before the man continued, "I swear, if I had known this was happening, I would have been there in an instant to fight this. But now, unfortunately, we don't have enough time to fight this." Lewis now remained silent, allowing the other man to sort through his thoughts.

"Isn't she required by law to inform us of all court dates?" Josh's words were mumbled, barely audible on either side of the phone. But the other man in the apartment heard, and his heart dropped at what that could insinuate. He locked eyes with the ginger's father, noticing the sadness now pooled within them.

"Yes, she is. And believe me when I say I am going to cause a ruckus about how we were not informed of the court date. But, it won't process fast enough to change the court's decision. I'm so sorry, Joshua. I wish there was more we could do."

"No, no. Please don't blame yourself. It's not anywhere near your fault," Josh's sentence was broken apart by a deep sigh. "I'll call you back later, okay? Once I get on break at work. For now, I gotta get Tobes and Ethan to school."

"Yes, of course. Call me once you have time, and I'll free time to talk to you." Lewis and Josh shared goodbyes, before they both hung up the call. Joshua ran his fingers through his hair, letting out a shaky breath.

"Alright, my little bundle of giggles, let's get you off to school." The ginger boy smiled widely up at his father, opening his arms in a plea to be picked up. The chubby preschooler was airlifted into his father's airs, cheering with delight that his request finally worked. Josh turned to face the other man within the apartment's main room, looking at him with a sad smile. "I'll update you in the car," he said to the younger as he adjusted his son on his hip and set out of their apartment.

《Olatunji-Minter Household: the morning of Monday 18th December 2017》

"Harold! Vikram! If you're not down here by the count of three, I am going to eat all your pancakes!" the young man called up the stairway, listening to the small gasps that followed.

"You couldn't! You'd get a tummy ache!" the younger of the two boys shouted back, his head peeking over the railing atop the stairs.

"I could! I'd purposely give myself a tummy ache, just to make you suffer!" the man responded, earning yet another gasp as little feet began racing around upstairs. "1! 2!"

"Jide, I'd laugh my ass off if you made yourself sick trying to prove a point." This was the oldest of the house, the father of the two boys who were finally storming down the steps. The older boy came into the kitchen first, his younger brother stumbling in after him. "Don't worry boys, I distracted the Pancake Monster so he wouldn't get to the number three."

"Thank you Daddy! You said our pancakes from Evil JJ the Pancake Monster," the youngest exclaimed as he took his plate of pancakes from his father and to the table. The older took his plate second, smiling thankfully at his father before teetering over toward the table. He may have been a year older than the other boy, but his development had been stifled when he was first born. He was adopted, as was obvious when you compared the dark tone of the child to the pale tone of his father. The man shook his head, trying not to think anymore about the horrible state of his baby when he was first adopted. He handed a plate of pancakes to the man now dubbed Evil JJ the Pancake Monster. The two had been best friends since year 8, and the father of the two boys couldn't be more happy for his best friend's existence.

"Yeah, thank you Daddy for saving the pancakes," the younger man teased as he scooped up his plate of pancakes and scurried over to the table. The older man laughed, serving himself some pancakes before seating himself at the table. He smiled at his two little angels, watching as they joke with the man who housed them. The younger man looked up at the older, the two sharing sweet glances and brilliant smiles. The older broke the gaze to cut up his pancakes, laughing at a joke Harold made. Here his father laugh at his joke brought a bright smile to the youngest's face, knowing how important he is to his father. All the three-year-old had been told was that his mother had gone to be with the angels, and that she wouldn't be able to come back. That meant that all he had was his father- well, other than Vikky and JJ. He never understood why JJ was around, but he loved him nonetheless. He made his Daddy happy whenever he was sad, and that made JJ a good guy in Harry's book. The little boy couldn't help the large smile that made his cheeks burn as he looked around at all his family happy. This is all he really cared about. The laughter and jokes were calmed down by the quiet ringing of a cell phone. JJ looked down at his phone, groaning at the name on the screen. "It's my label, do I have to answer?" the man whined, earning giggles from Harry.

"If you want to keep your job, I'd suggest you do," the boys' father suggested to the younger man. He sighed, knowing the older blond was correct. He excused himself and wandered off down the hall to talk.

Harry turned to look at his father before asking, "Does this mean JJ's going to have to leave?"

"I don't know Harry," the man started, earning a pout from Harry. "There's no need to pout, Haz. Even if he does have to leave, you know we'll Skype him plenty," his father comforted.

"I know, it's just..." the young boy paused, not sure how to say what he wanted to.

"You get sad when he leaves," Vik stated bluntly, Harry nodding excitedly at what Vik had said. The older boy, while he didn't speak much, always knew what to say. Their father frowned slightly, not knowing what to say to this. It was true, what Vik had said about him growing upset whenever JJ would go on his trips for work. JJ had become a major element of Simon's support system ever since he had lost his wife. He smiled at his children once more, realizing what to say.

"I know I get upset, and I'm sorry about that. I'll try to be better and be happier, even when JJ is gone. Is that alright?" the man asked his two children, looking between the two preschoolers. Harry nodded, that promise being enough for his young mind. Vik, on the other hand, would require more. He would ask later, however, when Harry wouldn't hear his questions. They were quick to finish their breakfast after that, cleaning up their plates and putting them into the sink. When they turned around from doing so, they noticed JJ in the doorway to the kitchen.

"Hey boys, could you run upstairs to brush your teeth and grab your backpacks? I need to talk to Si for a bit," JJ said as he locked eyes with the older man. He shooed off his children towards the stairs, before looking up at JJ. "They asked me to go to LA for a little while, something about needing to record one of my songs over." Simon's face dropped slightly, JJ immediately moving over so the two were close. "I know I promised you I would be home for Christmas, but they promised me that they wouldn't need me again." Simon looked down at the floor, only shifting his gaze when JJ intertwined their hands. Simon sighed, looking up at the younger.

"I know it's not your fault. I'm just, I hate being alone. And, I dunno..." the older trailed off, his eyes falling back to their intertwined hands. JJ grabbed his chin, turning his head up so they could lock eyes.

"I promise you, if I'm not home for Christmas, I will Skype you the whole day long. I know it's not nearly the same, especially since I can't hold you at night, but I can only do so much. I love you Si, you know?" the older let out a sad chuckle, leaning forward to rest their foreheads together.

"I love you too Jide, so much more than I can explain. Thank you so much, for everything you do for me and my boys. Most people wouldn't even give me a moment's thought."

"And I wouldn't think twice about taking you in all over again. I'll do anything, so long as you and both our little angels are happy."

《The Happy Cubs Daycare: afternoon of Monday 18th December 2017》

"Daddy! Look at what Hazza made for me!" the buddle of giggles cheered as he ran toward his father. The man could barely react in time to scoop up his little boy who came rushing over to him. Josh looked down at the picture within his boy's hand, two bundles of scribbles with a heart in between them. You could tell which was which because one scribble was topped with red while the other was topped with yellow.

"That's beautiful. Did you thank Harry for the picture?" the man asked as he placed the boy back down and finished signing him out for the day.

"Of course I did! Me and Harry made a picture for Vikky too, so that way he wouldn't be upset he didn't get one. Come look, Vikky still has it!" the ginger boy giggled as he dragged his father away. Josh managed to send a quick thanks to the secretary of the center before entering through the doors to the playroom. Inside, Ethan guided him right over to three people. "Look, Mister JJ is here as well! He's bringing them home today because their Daddy's still at work." Josh raised his eyebrow slightly, wondering how the preschooler had gotten so much information.

"Hello, Josh. Ethan and I had a nice little chat while we were waiting for you to show up. Boggy here didn't want Ethan to be alone for too long, even though he has his teddy to keep him company," JJ explained as Josh was dragged down onto the floor. The older man nodded, understanding the situation better. He looked at the little blond mess who cared so for his little boy, noticing Ethan's teddy within his grasp. He was make the stuffed bear dance around his lap, laughing all the while. Ethan folded Harry's legs so he was cross-legged, sitting after so that their knees touched. Harry giggled happily, dancing the teddy across his legs and in Ethan's lap as well. Ethan had completely forgotten about the reason he had originally dragged his father over, completely wrapped up in his play with Harry. Vik moved over to Ethan's dad, showing him the picture.

"I know Ethan said he wanted to show you this," the little boy said as he placed the paper in his lap. He smiled at the small boy, admiring the picture before him. He could see the scribbles that Harry had drawn, as well as the star Ethan had oh so slowly drawn on the paper.

"It's beautiful. How are you doing, Vik? I don't get to talk to you much." The little boy shrugged back, looking at his younger brother. He smiled at the duo, playing and laughing together.

"They make each other happy, like Daddy and JJ," Vik spoke softly, so that Josh would be the only other one to hear. Josh smiled, agreeing completely with the young boy. He rarely saw JJ and Simon in the same room, but whenever he did they would be wrapped up in each other. He found it hard to believe that the two weren't together, but he never dared ask about the topic. He was blessed by the fact that they would take Ethan in for "play dates" whenever he or Tobi couldn't watch his bundle of giggles, and so he pushed his luck no further than that.

"They do, don't they?" Josh asked quietly, looking away from the playing duo and instead glancing around the room. Most of the children were gone by this time of the day, only two others were left playing together. If Josh's memory serves him correct, the children's names were Josh and Cal. They belonged to two separate couples, both of which Josh was well aquanitenced with. Happy Cubs Daycare encouraged friendships among parents as much as it encouraged them among the children. Josh had always tried his hardest, to like everyone and know all their names, but Tobi was much better with that part of the daycare experience. The only reason he could recall the two children's names was because of Ethan's stories about class. That, and his old house was right next door to the little Josh's parents. If memory would serve Josh right for once, he swore that the children in the center always called the young boy Chip, after a chip-related incident.

While Josh had lost himself in thought, a blond woman had wandered over and talked to Chip and Cal. Josh recognized her immediately as one of the teachers here, although he struggled to remember her name. He had just emailed her that afternoon as well, updating her on the fact that Ethan may not be attending daycare during Freya's kidnapping of the boy- he managed not to call it that in the email, however.

"Hello Mr. Bradley," the younger woman spoke as she walked over to the group. She crouched down to Josh's level before she whispered "I got your email earlier, and I'm so sorry to hear that. Ethan'll be missed here." Josh nodded to her, looking at his little baby.

"Ethan's Daddy! If I get the okay from my Daddy, could you and Ethan come to our Christmas this year? You could probably bring Mister Tobi as well," Harry interrupted as he wandered over between the two talking adults. The woman chuckled lightly, shaking her head at the excitable boy. Josh smiled at the young boy, before the question really sank in and he frowned.

"I'm afraid Ethan won't be able to. He's going, somewhere else for Christmas this year. I'm sorry, Harry," Josh explained to the hyper boy in front of him. Harry tilted his head, looking at the bearded man curiously.

"Where's he going? I didn't think he went anywhere except home and here," Harry questioned. Josh found himself unable to look the little boy in the eyes as he answered.

"I'm afraid here isn't a good place to talk about that, Harry. Ethan doesn't even know where he's going yet, either. I haven't gotten to talk to him about it yet."

"Daddy? Where am I going?" Ethan asked from beside Harry. Josh was quick to glance over at his little blessing while replying.

"Listen, Eth, I don't think now's a good time to discuss this-"

"Daddy, where are you sending me?" Ethan interrupted, knowing his father was trying to push off this conversation.

"Eth, I'm not sending you anywhere. I don't even want you to leave, but I don't have much of a choice-"

"Daddy, where am I going?" Ethan questioned worriedly, taking note of the pained tone his father had taken on. His father's voice only got like that when he was worried about Ethan's safety, and he only ever heard it in relation to one individual. Harry gently worked his hand into Ethan's, feeling the anxiety that now radiated off the boy.

"Eth, please-"

"Daddy." The tone of the young boy's voice was strict, something he had picked up from his own father. Vik watched on fearfully, not knowing what was going to happen between the father and son before him. He glanced over at his teacher who was stood back now, a sad expression on her face. He could tell something was really wrong.

"You'll be going to Freya's this year for Christmas." Ethan remained frozen for a few, long moments following the admittance by his father. When the words had completely sunk in, however, he became animate.

"What? Daddy, I thought you loved me! Why would you ever send me back there, ever send me back to her!" Ethan yelled as he tried to break away from the group of people. As Harry tightened his grip on the distraught boy, Ethan screamed "No, let go of me Hazza! I hate you Daddy!" Ethan finally ripped himself away from Harry, most of the small group at some level of tears. JJ was the one who caught Ethan before he could run off, having the greatest handle on his emotions at that time. The little boy fought and struggled in the arms, especially as JJ forced him to look at his father.

"Please, Eth. She didn't tell me or Lewis about the court date. She wouldn't even let me fight to keep you here. Lewis has been working nonstop to fight it, but the courts won't get around to it fast enough. I'm so, so sorry my baby. I swear, I really am. Please, you have to believe me," Josh begged and pleaded his child, the young boy finally looking at the bearded man.

"Don't make me go to her, Daddy. She'll hurt me again," the poor child begged, finally being released from JJ's grasp and flying into his father's arms. JJ collected Harry and Vik into his arms, holding the now sobbing youngest close.

"I wish I could stop her, Eth. But it's court ordered. If I don't let her take you for Christmas, they will take you away from me for good. They wouldn't let you see me or Tobi, do you understand? That's why you have to go, because otherwise she might take you away forever. I never want that to happen; I love you too much." Ethan sobbed into his father's chest, Harry separating himself from JJ. The youngest boy walked beside Josh, lifting up the small teddy bear that still hung from his hand. He grabbed the teddy's other arm, so it was held taut between his two hands. He slowly walked the bear to Ethan's head, having both the bear and himself kiss the crying boy's head.

"It'll be okay, Ethan. I promise you that."

《The Happy Cubs Daycare: morning of Monday 19th December 2017》

Josh would argue that dropping Ethan off the next morning went almost without a hitch, his little bundle of giggles giving him few problems with the process itself. The difficulties occurred when Harry and Vik came in soon after the father-son duo, sparking within the young boy an emotional reminder of the day before. Tears nearly began to burst from Ethan's eyes, clinging tightly to his father's leg. The man sighed, barely holding himself together as he tried telling his baby that he desperately needed to get to work. He kept reminding the small child that he would still come home that night, and they would get to see eachother soon enough. None of the soft promises worked to calm the young boy, however, who refused to release the tight grip he held. Josh attempted to kneel down so they could be at eye level with each other, but he would end up hurting Ethan if he tried to force that. Even Harry trying to coax Ethan into a hug did not help, which slightly hurt Harry's feelings. Vik had to tell Harry to stop trying and wait it out, Simon in the midst of signing in his two boys for the day. Once the blond was freed from his daily task, he turned himself to look at the scene that had formed beside the welcoming desk. Simon knelt down so he could reach close to the same height as Ethan, his long legs making it impossible to reach the exact height. Simon carefully interlaced his own fingers with Ethan's, forcing his grip to lessen on Josh's poor work pants. Josh looked down at the slightly younger blond thankfully, stepping back so Ethan couldn't latch back on. Ethan's mind caught back up with the situation, crying out and going to lunge for his dad again. Simon quickly spun the boy around, so his forward jump landed him into Simon's awaiting arms. He held the young boy close, smiling at Harry and nodding him towards the pair.

"Hey Eth, would you mind hugging Hazza for me? He's a bit upset, and I need to head off to work. Do you think you could help cheer him up for me?" the blond asked skillfully. Ethan carefully nodded, removing himself from Simon's warm hug and turning to look at his friend. Harry gave him the slightest hint of a sad smile, and Ethan was immediately wrapped around Harry's torso. The two friends embraced, Vik watching them carefully after waving off their parents. Simon and Josh were quick to sneak out, both heading to their cars. "Hey Josh, do you have a moment real quick? I don't want to make you late, but I do want to talk to you."

"Yeah Simon, I have at least ten spare minutes if I were to leave right now. What's up?" the brunet called from beside his car, watching as Simon quickly walked up to him.

"JJ told me, about yesterday afternoon and how you won't have Ethan for Christmas. I can't imagine not having your kid home for Christmas, and I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you. If you and Tobi would like, you are more than welcomed to spend Christmas at mine. JJ won't be around, and I could always use some extra eyes to watch the boys. They are quite the handful, especially when they get excited," Simon ended his speech he had been practicing with a slight chuckle, more than happy to hear the same noise from Josh.

"I'll think about it, but it will probably only be me and I'd hate to intrude," Josh sighed out. Every year Tobi would go home for Christmas, and Josh refused to let this year be any different.

"Intrude? You wouldn't be intruding. Besides, with the way that Harry and Ethan treat each other, we may end up being in-laws soon enough anyway. Might as well start spending the holidays together now," Simon joked, earning a true laugh from Josh. Cheer entered Simon's heart at the sound, glad that he could even just temporarily brighten up the breaking man.

"Well, I will think about it and text you later. Tobi has your number, right?" Simon nodded in response to Josh's question, and the two wished each other goodbye. Josh sat in his car and started it up, chuckling to himself as he did so. "In-laws. God, I'm not ready for that yet. He's only four and I think I already have in-laws."

《A Recording Studio: the afternoon of Sunday 24th December 2017》

The young man sighed, sinking back into the uncomfortable plastic chair he had collapsed into. He was exhausted, having worked long hours in hopes of getting home for Christmas. That was seeming less and less likely, however, as the clock upon the wall pointed out harshly that it was now nearing 2pm Christmas Eve. He ran a hand through his long hair, readjusting the headband that held it back. Around the room sat multiple people from his label, working slowly to put together the session they had just recorded. The man took a sip from his water bottle, pulling his phone from his pocket to check his notifications. A text from Simon made him smile, the man quick to unlock his phone to read it.

New Message from Si ♡!

>Hey Jide, how's it going?

The younger didn't even have to see the blond who had texted him to sense the sadness within the message. It was no secret- especially since the boys reminded him often- that Simon missed him immensely whenever he needed to leave on these trips. He planned on switching to a British record as soon as this deal was up, so that way he could stay close to those he loved so dearly.

Message to Si ♡!

>Hey Si. It's going pretty well, but it could only be amazing if you were here with me. How are our little angels treating you?

"Alright JJ, that bit looks great. We just need one or two more today, and then you should be good," one of the men in charge stated to the distracted man. JJ locked his phone screen, returning the device to his pocket. He pulled himself out of the chair, listening to his back pop as he stretched. He looked around the studio, thinking about Simon and the boys at home in order to put himself in a better mood. As he began over toward the microphone, his manager suddenly spoke up.

"Alright, I can't do this anymore. Do you wanna go home and see your boys?" The older man asked, confusing JJ. He turned toward him, tilting his head slightly.

"Well, yes. Absolutely. But we-"

"Ah, boyo, this album can wait. Your boys are at home waiting for you, and that's much more important. Especially during the holidays. I'll even let you take my private jet, so that way it's quicker and doesn't cost you a dime. I'll be telling my pilot to set off at 3 o'clock sharp, so you better rush to your room and rush right to the airport," his manager explained quickly, pushing JJ toward the door.

"Wait, like really? I get to go home?"

"Yes, now leave before I change my mind." JJ smiled, shouting a thank you behind him before rushing to the elevator. He pressed the proper button for ground level, grabbing out his phone to order an Uber. While he did so, he couldn't help but notice a text from Simon.

New Message from Si ♡!

>I wish I was there with you, or that you were here with me. And the boys are doing great, they're loving having Josh over.

"Don't worry babe, I'll be home soon."

《Olatunji-Minter Household: the evening of Sunday 24th December 2017》

"Alright you two, you heard your father. Time for bed, or else Santa Claus can't come. Do you know how sad he would be if he got you boys all these amazing presents and couldn't bring them to you?" Josh told the rowdy little boys peeking around the banister of the grand staircase. Vik was quick to scramble to his feet, dragging his younger brother up the stairs.

Simon joined Josh at the bottom of the steps, yelling up after the young boys "Make sure you brush your teeth and change into pajamas, boys!" The taller blond then turned to the bearded man beside him, smiling brilliantly at him. "Thank you so much for spending the night here, with me and the boys. I don't think I could keep them in line without any help. JJ would usually help, but ya know..." the younger man trailed off as he thought about the missing man. Josh smiled calmly as he placed his hand on the other man's shoulder.

"Don't worry Simon, I get the feeling. I doubt this was his own choice, because he's probably feeling just as empty as you do without him here," Josh whispered to the taller male, raising his stare from the floor so he'd meet his smile. "I'm more than happy to spend the night here, and the whole day tomorrow if that's what you need. I have no one to go home to right now, and not for a while longer. Tobes off with family and Eth's, well, he'd have better luck if he was in Hell right now. But worrying will do us no good."

"Is it bad," Simon began, voice barely audible. "How, how much I depend upon him? JJ, I mean. I mean, you rarely see us together, but surely you've noticed. He's my crutch, my life source. And he's so much more, in a way I can't explain. I dunno, maybe it's just stupid but..." Simon quickly glances up to see that his boys were racing down the steps. His disposition changed immediately, a smile breaking out across his once thoughtful expression. He steps away from Josh, instead scooping up Harry as he hits the bottom step. "What is up, little boy? I thought you were meant to be going to bed for Santa," Simon stated as he spun Harry quickly and booped his nose. His baby giggled happily in his father's arms.

"I want to, but you and Ethan's daddy have to tuckle me into bed! Or else I won't be able to sleep," Harry reminded his father as he let out a loud yawn. Simon smiled brightly, adjusting the boy on his hip.

"Well then, Josh. I believe we have a job to do."

《Nightingale Household: the early morning of Monday 25th December 2017》

A young man stood attentive outside the door to the house. He took in a deep breath, hating all the disgusting and horrid memories this house brings. Nonetheless, he took another step forward and knocked upon the heavy oak door. He could still see the crack that ran up from the bottom of the door, when a foot had been slammed in the door years ago. He shook away the memory, knocking harder this time against the wood. He vaguely heard footsteps from within the house, perking up despite the bone chilling temperatures surrounding him. A familiar blonde swung open the door, a scowl on her face. Recognition flashed through her eyes, and her anger flared.

"Tobi? What the fuck are you doing here, especially this late at night?" The woman asked, going to slam closed the door. The addressed man was quick to wedge himself between the door and the wall.

"It is officially the 25th, as of four minutes ago. Ethan is Josh's now, Freya. I'm here to take him home," Tobi explained coldly. His face was set, the beginnings of a frown curving his lips.

"What? No, you psycho. He's still mine, until Josh gets here to pick him up. You have no right to take him away from me," Freya exclaimed, trying to shove Tobi away from her doorway so she can close the door again.

"Your boy-whatever didn't have the right to pick up Ethan either, but we didn't fight that. Not to mention, I do have the legal right to. As far as any of Ethan's files go, I am his secondary legal guardian. In fact, that puts my right to take him home over your right to have him. Now hand him over, Freya. Before I have to go over and take him myself."

"This is breaking and entering!"

"It's not breaking and entering if you opened the door for me."

"Freya, baby, what's wrong?" the familiar voice of her boyfriend spoke out from behind the woman. He moved so his face was right behind her shoulder, allowing for him to see Tobi outside the door. "Oh, hello Tobi. Are you here to pick up Ethan?" the man asked kindly. Tobi nodded, going to answer when Freya interjected.

"No, he cannot take Ethan yet. Josh has to come here himself and get Ethan." Freya's annoyed phrase fell on empty ears.

"Oh shush," the man quickly silenced Freya before telling Tobi "come right on in to grab him. I'm actually a little surprised Josh didn't want to pick him up himself."

"Actually, Josh doesn't know about this yet. I didn't have money to buy Josh a Christmas present, and I figured what would be better than waking up to see your kid back home?" Tobi explained to the man as he was guided past Freya and down their hallway. The duo tried their best to ignore the obnoxious blonde, her screaming at the two muffled the further away they walked. The man opened the door to their spare bedroom, where Ethan had been staying during his time there. When he was greeted by an empty bed, his face drew up into one of confusion.

"Where the hell is he? I wasn't here when Frey put him to bed..." the man trailed off until suddenly his body froze up. "No." The man moved Tobi over and rushed to the bathroom door. He tried it once, finding it locked. "No!" He quickly grabbed the spare key from atop the door jam, shaky hands desperately trying to unlock the door. When he finally succeeded, a weight was pushing back against the door. The man turned to Tobi, a look of horror upon his face. Tobi had remained silent during this whole panic, knowing what was going to come. This man didn't know the half of it, however, based on the terrified expression upon his face. Tobi stepped forward at this point, lightly moving the man away from the bathroom door. He slowly creeped the door open, slipping in as soon as the gap was large enough to fit himself through. He crouched down before the small child, who had propped himself against the door before falling asleep. Tobi fluently scooped up the small, sleeping bundle, kicking the door to indicate for the other man to open it. When he swung open the heavy wood, he let out a sigh of relief as he saw the young boy cuddled into Tobi's chest. He helped Tobi to secure the boy further in his grasp, guiding the pair towards the front door. They all halted, however, as they heard a young voice speak.

"Tobi? Please, is it really you?" the young ginger asked hopefully.

"Yes, Eth. It's really me. Where is all your stuff?" Tobi asked, aiming his question at both the man before him and the small child within his hold. The man shrugged, but the boy had an answer to the question.

"She burned him. She burned my teddy, and all my stuff. She made me watch as she killed him," the young boy sobbed as he hid his face deep into the familiar man's shoulder. He smelt just like his dad did, which was so comforting at that moment in time. This was the smell of home, the smell of safety. A vague aroma that existed just enough to be detected up close. Tobi hugged the boy tighter, quickly moving through the house and sneaking out the front door as Freya's boyfriend distracted her. Tobi rushed over to the neighbor's house, seeing a face he recognized quickly. The man unlocked Tobi's car which had been parked in the driveway, taking the child from Tobi's hold. Ethan nearly screamed and panicked, until a well known voice spoke.

"Hello there, you little one. I'm just getting you into your seat for Tobi. Then you lot can head home," the younger man spoke as he quickly opened the back door and buckled the child into his seat. He closed the door, moving to rest against Tobi's open car window.

"Thank you again, I owe you so much Will," Tobi told the other man as he desperately looked for his keys. The younger chuckled, handing over the keys he still held.

"No need to thank me mate. I know how horrible she is, and I couldn't stand the thought that he even had to be back there so long. I kept hearing screams and cries, but I knew calling the cops would do no good. I'm glad to see he's not too bruised up," Will spoke. He stood up from where he leant, turning to his left with a slight scowl. "What can I do for you, mate? Need I be reminding you that this is my property?"

"No, there's no need for that," Freya's boyfriend spoke as he walked up from the back of the car. "I just wanted Tobi to know that when they go to court, I'll be going as well. And I will not be on Freya's side in this." Tobi smiled as he heard this, turning to nodded appreciatively toward the man. "Best of luck to you on your drive him, and tell Joshua that I am looking forward to seeing her pay for what she's done to Ethan." With those final words saved in his brain, Tobi put the car into drive and set off for Josh.

《Olatunji-Minter Household: the early morning of Monday 25th December 2017》

JJ opened the door of the taxi, wishing the driver a good day and merry Christmas. He smiled up at his beautiful house, knowing very well that he couldn't wait to get inside. His smile faltered, however, as he saw someone standing at the front door rummaging for their spare key.

"Hey!" JJ shouted, startling the stranger but not scaring them off.

"JJ? Is that you?" the familiar voice of Tobi called back to the vague figure at the bottom of the driveway. JJ laughed happily at the man he knew well, quickly rushing up the drive to meet the man. Once closer, he noticed a small bundle wrapped in blankets being held to Tobi's shoulder. JJ assumed it was a last minute present, smiling as Tobi moved aside so he could reach the door.

"Is it Mister JJ?" the bundle spoke, causing JJ to pause in the middle of opening the front door.

"Is that a little Behz I hear?" JJ questioned back, urging Tobi in the front door. The bundle wiggled slightly, so JJ could vaguely see the distinct hair of Josh's little boy. Ethan smile was lopsided, as exhaustion seemed to slow his ability to function. JJ couldn't help but chuckle, bopping the boy on the nose. Ethan let out a small breath akin to a laugh, snuggling further into Tobi's shoulder. "Let's take him up to Harry's bed. It'll make Boggy's day if he wakes up with Ethan by his side," JJ suggested as he heaved his bags over his shoulder. He began up the stairs of the house, making sure to step as softly as he could. The three slowly worked their way to the second floor, JJ inching open the door to Harry and Vik's room. Tobi entered first, untangling Ethan from the blankets around him before slowly placing him on the empty half of Harry's bed. He put one of the many blankets back on top of Ethan, watching happily as Ethan instinctively held Harry in his arms. The sleeping boy nuzzled his face into Ethan's chest, causing Ethan to smile himself.

"Goodnight, Eth. You'll see Daddy in the morning," Tobi whispered before kissing Ethan's head and leaving the room.

"Hey, are you okay with sharing a bed tonight? Something tells me Simon convinced Josh to cuddle with him tonight. He's really good at that." Tobi chuckled and nodded, following JJ down the hallway.

《Olatunji-Minter Household: the morning of Monday 25th December 2017》

"Daddy! Daddy! Ethan is here! Come on, Eth, we gotta show our daddies that you're here!" Harry screeched throughout the house as he dragged the still tired boy throughout the house and over to his dad's bedroom. His tall, blond father was just beginning to wake up when Harry threw open the door and raced to his side of the bed. He held Ethan in front of him, so his daddy would be sure to see. "Look, Daddy! Eth is here!" Simon finally peeled his eyes open, surprised to see the little ginger boy stood before him with an odd smile and tired eyes. He quickly sat up, forgetting that he had slept shirtless the night before. He spun so his legs dangled off the bed, hopping down so he could kneel before Ethan.

"Ethan, how'd you get here? Oh god, am I so glad to see you. We all missed you so much, especially Harry and your dad. Speaking of which..." Simon trailed off as he spun around slightly and smacked the other man that was in the bed. Josh groaned, flipping over as if to yell at the blond. Before he could find Simon, however, his eyes locked onto those of his little bundle of giggles. Ethan cooed happily, climbing up on the bed and throwing himself into his father's arms. Josh pulled the boy into a tight hug, trying desperately not to cry from his happiness.

"My baby. Oh, you're home. You're safe. My baby is safe." Josh mumbled these phrases and others like them into Ethan's hair as tears broke free from his eyes. Simon watched happily from where he now stood, Harry held tight in his arms.

"Well, I guess Harry kind of spoiled my surprise. It's fine, though. I was kinda hoping he would," Tobi spoke up from the doorway. He walked over to where Josh and Ethan were still wrapped up in each other, reaching a hand down to run his fingers through the ginger hair. Josh turned to his lifelong best friend, joy clear in his expression. "I picked him up from Freya's at four past midnight. I wanted to bring him home, as a sort of Christmas present," Tobi explained carefully.

"You're too good to me."

"Eh. This wasn't for you. I'm sick and tired of having to deal with you alone. I figured now Ethan could help me keep you in line again." Tobi's tease earned laughter from everyone in the room. Vik stumbled in during the silence after, smiling as he saw the scene before him. He was happy to see everyone else so happy. But, there was something very important they all were forgetting.

"So, when do we get to open presents?"

A good two hours later, the final gift had been opened, at least that was underneath the tree. Simon smiled happily from the couch he was on, watching as the three little boys played with their brand new toys.

"Harry, actually, I think there's one present left. Do you want me to go get it?" Simon asked the young boy, watching as his head snapped toward his father and he began nodding enthusiastically. "Alright, I'll be right-"

"Hold on one second," Tobi interrupted the older man before he could leave the room. Simon turned toward Tobi, a curious look on his face. "I do believe there is one present left for you, first." Simon's confusion grew, Tobi signalling for him to sit back down. Tobi walked over to the staircase, moving so he could call up it. "I think Simon is ready for his present now!" Footsteps began to creak down the stairs, everyone in the room except Tobi and Ethan looking curiously at the stairway. Ethan and Tobi shared a glance, Ethan winking at the other. Tobi winked back, stepping out of the way of the stairs.

"Tobi, what are you..." Simon trailed off as his eyes locked onto what was descending the stairs. Or, rather, who was descending the stairs. "Jide!" Simon cried out, pushing himself away from the couch and throwing himself into the younger's arms. JJ chuckled deeply, caging in the blond with his own tight hold.

"Hey Si, does this count as making your wish come true?" the man referenced as he held Simon close to him. The blond pulled his head away from JJ's shoulder, joyful tears sliding down his cheeks.

"You're such a dork," Simon chuckled through his tears, leaning his forehead against JJ's with his eyes shut. Two more sets of arms wrapped around JJ, one claiming each leg.

"We missed you too, JJ." JJ couldn't necessarily tell which of the boys had said this, mainly because his focus was on the tall blond he held tight to his chest.

"I missed you boys, too. All three of you," JJ replied, earning a giggle from Harry. "What's so funny, Bog?"

"Daddy's not a boy anymore, JJ," Harry corrected, causing the adults in the room to laugh. "Why are you laughing? It's true!"

"You're absolutely right, Harry. My apologies," JJ spoke almost sarcastically to the young child. Harry didn't notice anything off with the apology, so he returned to nuzzling JJ's leg. Silence filled the room for a peaceful moment, aside from Simon's slight gasps for breath and quiet shuffling. Josh, Tobi, and Ethan all included themselves into the hug, clinging closely to each other. Tranquility followed, until it was broken by Simon.

"As much as I'd love to stay here all day, I have a very important present for Harry up in my room that I think he would be glad to see," Simon explained as he opened his eyes to meet JJ's. He smiled at the younger man, grateful that the other was in his life. JJ matched his expression of happiness, moving his hands so he could wipe hopelessly at the dried tears upon his best friend's face. JJ then moved his hands so one was on each of the little angels' heads. He slowly guided them back from his legs, the outer shell of people having already broken away. Simon effortfully dragged himself away from JJ's familiar scent and warmth, beginning up the stairs to retrieve Harry's final present. JJ crouched down so he was even with the two babies of his best friend, asking them both how it had been.

"Well, it was really super duper extra boring and sad when both Ethan and you were gone. I had to play all the time with Daddy and Vik, at least until Ethan's Daddy came so I could play with him," Harry explained first, dragging out exactly how boring his life had been.

JJ went to respond, but Vik chose to speak first with "Ethan's dad made Daddy a little happier while you were gone, but he was still very sad without you. He missed you, much more than me and Harry ever could." The admittance left JJ at a slight loss for words, looking at Vik with a saddened glance.

"I'm sorry, I can only imagine how hard that was on all of you. I wish I could promise that I will never leave again, but both you boys understand I have to leave so I can work."

"We know JJ. We all just miss you a whole lot. You make Daddy really happy," Vik began, mumbling the last part so only himself could hear. All JJ could catch was something that sounded like "Mommy", which summarized the boy's thought well enough. JJ went to reply when a blond came stumbling down the steps.

"And here, my little Hazza, is your very last, and very special, and very important gift," Simon introduced the box as he handed it over. The boy plopped to the ground right there, beginning to rip open the baby blue paper. Harry squealed as he recognized what lay inside, tearing away the rest of the paper to showcase his present.

"It's a teddy! Just like what Eth has!" Harry cheered as he snuggled it close. He leapt up from where he sat, bounding over to the ginger child. "Where's your teddy, Eth? I want them to be friends, just like us! I'll call him Behzy Bear, since JJ calls you Behz sometimes, so that way it's just like you! Oh Eth, why are you crying?" Harry rambled on, slowing down and calming down as he asked his last question. He quickly wrapped his arms around the other boy, the new bear left dangling precariously from his hand behind Ethan's head.

"My teddy isn't with me anymore, is all." Ethan's answer was short, barely making it out before he began crying too much to speak. Most of the faces turned toward Tobi, the man who was responsible for bringing Ethan home.

"What does he mean his teddy isn't with him anymore?" Josh asked the other man, turning toward him completely. Tobi tried to ask him to calm down, but Josh simply wouldn't listen. "No, Tobi. Why doesn't Eth have his bear?" Tobi tried again to calm him, only to be shut down by an angry Josh right in his face now. "Tobi. What. The Hell. Happened," Josh mumbled so the young ears in the room were less likely to hear his inappropriate language.

"Freya, she-"

"She killed my teddy and made me watch. Said I was too old for a baby's toy. She burned everything in her fireplace, and then the whole house smelt all gross," Ethan stated before burying his head in Harry's shoulder. The other boy gasped, clinging tighter to the oh-so-special ginger in his arms. Josh remained silent for a few moments, letting the information process. His anger faded away, and an even stronger emotion filled his features. A sinking feeling settled into Tobi's stomach.

"Later, I will call Lewis and make sure he is aware of this incident." It was all Josh said, even as Tobi softly pried to see if he was okay. Simon and JJ both kept their eyes on the three children, seeing as Vik had now wandered over and wrapped them both into a hug.

"Ethan, do you want Behzy? I wouldn't mind, since you need a teddy much more than I do. I always wanted one so I could be like you, but if you don't have one then I'm not like you and then it doesn't serve a purpose," Harry rambled into the ginger hair of his best friend, trying to comfort the crying boy. Vik was quick to snatch the small teddy bear and place it between the two close friends.

"No, I can't take your bear. You keep it, and I'll just cuddle it whenever I need it when I'm with you. Like at school, if I need cuddles or comfort, I will just come to you and Behzy."

"Are you sure? I wouldn't mind," Harry offered again, pulling back slightly so he could meet the older boy's eyes.

"I'm sure Haz. So long as I have you, I don't need a teddy to make me feel happy."