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be-ready-when-i-say-go · 4 years

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Just A Phone Call Away

Being a single father to a young child is never easy. And it hurts more when being a rockstar has to take Calum away from his little boy.

Enjoy my masterlist.

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“What do you have there, buddy?” Cal laughs, noticing his four year old, attempting to hold his hands behind his back. Calum can see it’s some kind of toy. He’s not even sure how Jaiden got his hands on it.

“Nofing,” he replies, trying to hide the small trinket he found sitting on a shelf.

“Jaiden, give it to Daddy,” Calum can feel the small smile on his face. The little boy is generally very sweet, but occasionally has his stubborn streak. Jaiden pouts, lower lip jutting out, before handing over the small green alien keychain. When Cal takes hold of the toy, he inspects it. The tag is still attached. It’s not something that what left behind someone else. “Where did you find this?”

Jaiden points to his left. Calum nods, knowing he paused at a rack near the jewelry after spotting some earrings he thought his mom might like. “Do you want it?” Cal asks.

“Yes, pwease, Daddy?” His son nods vigorously.

After double checking the price, Cal agrees, handing it back to his son. It’s only a few bucks. “Next time, please ask.”

“Okay.” Calum stares at his son, his black curls and chubby cheeks. A spitting image of himself, except for the eyes. They’re blue like his mother’s. Calum still has to fight the urge to send her a photo, call her, ask her why she’d abandon the sweetest boy he’s ever known. But he knows he shouldn’t do that. She left for a reason; she wasn’t ready, not like she thought she once was. Calum can’t fault that. Parenthood is not easy at all. He just wishes she stuck it out for Jaiden’s first word, the first wobbly run, the pleases’s and thank you’s that always fall so easily from his lips. That would change her mind, maybe. That would make her realize what she gave up on.

Jaiden kicks his feet a little, playing at the keychain before looking back up to his father. He smiles, showing all his teeth. Calum presses a soft kiss to his forehead, before rustling his hair. He hates this; Calum knows well enough. But sometimes Cal can’t help just a quick tussle of his curls. Jai likes to return the hair tussle when he can, their way of showing affection.

“Daddy, stop!” Jaiden cries, trying to dodge his father’s hand. The two of them laugh before Calum finally stops, double checking that he’s added the soap to the basket. Positive that he has, he starts pushing the cart down the aisle before hooking a right. He grabs his shaving cream and a new set of razors.

Jaiden points out the dog food as the pass by the section. “Duke?” he questions.

Cal nods, grinning down at his son. “I got him a new bag last week. He’s covered.”

With a satisfied nod, Jaiden glances around the Target. Calum pauses at the produce. “Green apples or red ones?”

“Red, pwease.” With a hum, Calum finds a good bag and holds them to his son. Jai gives them a look over too before putting up his thumb.

Grocery shopping is fun for them. Cal tries to get Jaiden to make choices about the foods, so he’s more inclined to eat the new stuff. It’s a challenge when it comes to vegetables. The staples like carrots, broccoli, and corn Jai will eat. But peas, cauliflower, and string beans have been a tug of war. Calum finally got brussel sprouts on the okay to eat list and he’s been working on that for a year now.

Jaiden inspects the bag of brown rice. “What makes it brown?”

Calum pauses, twisting his lips up. “I don’t know actually. Let’s look it up,” he suggests pulling out his phone. Cal place a foot on the bottom rack, typing in the passcode to unlock his phone. He brings up the safari page and types in the question while speaking out loud. “What makes brown rice brown?”

Jai watches his father type deftly on the screen. “What it say?”

Calum scans over the results. “So, it looks like that with brown rice only the first layer is taken off. White rice has the first three layers peeled off when it’s collected and processed.”

Jai nods. Calum knows he doesn’t quite understand, so he attempts to explain it down further. But this leads Calum down a spiral that not even he knows not much about. “I’m sorry, bud. I’m probably confusing you even more.”

“It okay.”

“Excuse, I’m sorry. I hate to be a bother,” a soft voice starts. Calum looks up to his left, a woman standing in the middle of the aisle. She grins. “Don’t mean to interrupt a very cute moment. I just need a grab a bag of rice too,” she laughs.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Calum rushes out.

“Brown or white?” Jaiden asks looking at the woman.

She laughs. “What do you suggest? Looks like you like brown.”

Jaiden nods. “It my favorite.”

“Then I think I should go with brown, yeah?”

With a toothy grin and nod, Jaiden stretches to reach it. His fingers don’t quite reach, so Cal scoots it closer until he can grip it. He hands it over to the woman. “Thank you. Sorry again for interrupting,” she says.

“No, I probably should’ve moved out of the way,” Calum says, a blush heating up his cheeks. “He asked what made brown rice brown and I got too invested answering the question.”

“That’s so sweet. Don’t worry; I heard the whole lecture. Would’ve said for a lot longer but I’m on a bit of a time crunch.” She starts pushing her basket away, still smiling at the two them as she walks. “I hope you’re little man was taking notes. It was a great lecture.” She turns back around, keeping on down the aisle.

Calum watches the sway of her hips before he turns attention back to Jaiden. “What’s up next?” the little boy asks.

Calum thinks for the first time in history, they’re going to make it through a Target run without making a detour through the toy aisle, considering how enamored Jaiden is with the alien keychain. But Calum remembers he needs to get another pillow, his is starting to go flat. Now he can go down towards bedding, which is right across from the toy section. Or he can sleep on a flat pillow for a couple more days until his mom takes Jai for the weekend. He’d rather not sleep on the flat pillow. However, the second Jaiden sees that toy section he’s going to beg to at least see what’s new. If he asks for a new toy, Calum’s not going to be able to say no. He can’t ever say no to his little boy.

His neck is killing him. He refuses to go another night on that godforsaken pillow. With a sigh, he pushes the cart to bedding. If Jaiden asks for something, he’ll just have to say no. Calum can do that. Is it fun? No. But he can do it this time. Jaiden’s birthday is coming up soon. Patience is a virtue, or so that’s what he’s always been told and learned. “Can we look, Daddy?” Jaiden asks, craning to look at the toys.

Calum glances over the plastic covered pillows, before he finds the one he’s looking for. “Only look, alright.”

Tossing the pillow into the full cart, Calum starts towards the toy aisle. Jaiden starts to get a little antsy so when Calum stops, he pulls the boy out the cart and holds him to his side. He likes being up high to see everything. Slowly, Calum walks them through the aisle.

“We meet again,” comes with a laugh. Cal looks over to see the same woman before, the one on the rice aisle. “Can I pick your little boy’s brain about which water gun is better?” she asks.

“I help!” Jaiden responds eagerly. “Can I?”

Calum nods, setting his son down. The lady approaches holding out two different kinds of water guns. She squats down to Jaiden’s level. “My nephew is little older than you, if I had to guess. And I’m trying to be the cool aunt, but I feel like I’m failing miserably. Which one you think is cooler?”

Jaiden purses his lips, looking between the two toys in front of him. The green and blue one is big and cool. But the white and green one has the little pump to it. “This is hard,” he mutters to himself. Calum chuckles, hearing his son take choosing the right toy so seriously.

“Take your time, sweetheart. Thanks for helping me,” the woman encourages. She looks up to Calum again. “Thanks, again.”

He nods, leaning into his cart. “Don’t worry about it.”

“This one,” Jaiden concludes tapping the one with pumping action.

She grins down at Calum’s mini me. “Thanks so much. You’re a rockstar, you know that? Got me my rice and helped me pick out a toy. You’re dad should be really proud of you.”

“Thanks,” he blushes, walking back to his dad, wrapping his arms around Calum’s legs. Calum can’t resist the urge to pick up his son. A grunt falls over his lips.

“You’re getting big,” he mutters to Jai, straightening out his t-shirt.

“Have a great days you guys,” the woman smiles one last time before exiting the aisle.

It takes Calum another ten minutes to get Jaiden satisfied with his tour of the toy section. As the check out, he piles his items onto the conveyor belt, glancing back to Jaiden, to make sure everything’s alright. The drive back home is filled with Calum singing, on and off key, and Jai in the backseat dancing, doing his grandma’s finger wag of a dance. Cal remembers seeing Jaiden do that dance for the first time after coming back home after a weekend away. He took a video, laughing and sent it to his mom. She replied with a smiley face. Of course she’d not say anything else.

Home, Calum gets Jaiden inside with a couple bags of grocery. Jaiden follows his dad back outside. “I help, Daddy.”

“Head back inside. I’ll be done soon, Jai.”

He shakes his head. “No, I help. I’m strong.”

A sigh falls over his lips and then looks down to his son. Yeah, Calum could never deny him. He finds the lightest bag from the trunk and hands it over to the boy. “Wait for me before you go inside.” Jai nods, holding the bag of chips with both hands. Calum grabs a few more bags into his second hand and then nods as he starts towards the front door. Jai walks in front of his dad, putting his bag down next to all the other ones.

Jaiden walks behind Calum, helping him unpack things until Duke distracts him asking for pets. Calum watches the two of them play around a grin lifting his cheeks. For all the craziness that has happened since Jaiden came into the world, watching him grow up is the best thing to ever happen. Calum moved back to Sydney after Jaiden was born and his mother walked away. He wanted to raise a family back at home anyway. But Jaiden’s mother thought staying in the States would be a good idea. Calum, not one for arguing, decided to give it a shot. But a year after Jaiden’s birth, she left. She wasn’t ready nor did she think she was fit to be a mother at that point in her life.

Calum tried to talk her, get her to realize that like no one’s really ready to be a parent, but the only thing they can do is give it their best. She was convinced it would be best for the both of them if she left. Calum cried to his mother. He had never imagined his child being motherless; how would he raise a kid as a single parent? Would Jaiden resent his mother? Would he ever think himself different and grow sad about it? How would Cal explain that his mother walked away and never called? She said she would but he knew that her promise to call was more for his sake than Jaiden’s.

How would Calum explain that he never reached out to her because he didn’t want to hurt her further even though that means potential pain for him? How does Calum juggle caring for both feelings of the mother of his child and his child when they inherently conflict? “You okay, Daddy?”

Calum snaps from his daze, eyes focusing on the concern pulling at his son’s face. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure, buddy. Don’t worry. I was just thinking for a second.” Calum walks over, tussling at Jaiden’s hair. “What should Dad fix for lunch, huh?”

“Dinosaurs!” he exclaims, referring to the dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets.

“Dino’s coming right up.”

The second Calum mentions a nap, Jaiden flees. Calum knows where he always goes, under the sheets of Cal’s bed. It’s where Jaiden goes to when he wants to avoid something or he’s scared. Many times when it storms, thunder booming outside, Jaiden will knock on his father’s door, tiny hands clutching his favorite blanket, blinking up at Calum with tears in his eyes. Calum always does the same thing, scoops his little boy up, shushing him with gentle back rubs. He settles into bed, Jaide pressing into his side, head resting on his chest. Jaiden falls asleep to his father’s voice singing in low hums to his favorite lullabies.

Now Calum watches as Jaiden zips down the hallway, shouting no to nap time. “Jai you know you need a nap,” Calum calls out to the little boy.

Here we go, Calum thinks to himself pushing away from the table. He slows his gait, giving Jaiden enough time to curl up under the sheets. “Now where has my son gone?” Cal says loudly into the house. “He was just as the dining room table. I make mention of a little thing called a nap.” Jaiden giggles; Calum can hear it as he closes in on his bedroom. “And Jaiden has run away. Oh what am I going to Grandma and Grandpa?”

Calum closes in on the bed, kneeling on the floor. “Is my tamatāne...under the bed?” Calum looks under the bed. Jaiden giggles from under the sheets. Duke fights to under with the boy too. “Is he….in the closet?”

“No, I’m right here, Daddy!” Jaiden pulls down the covers to reveal himself.

“Ah there he is!” Calum laughs, “A silly little bug, aren’t you? You still have to nap though.”

Pouting, Jaiden looks up with his blue eyes, wide and blinking slowly. “Can I sleep in your bed?”

“Yes, yes you can sleep in my bed. But no silly stuff, mister.”

Jaiden nods, settling his head on the new pillow. Duke settles in near his feet. Calum tucks the sheets in around him, brushing his hair back with his palm. “I love you,” he whispers.

“Love you too, Daddy.”

Positive that Jaiden’s fast asleep, Calum slips up front. He’s phone has been lighting up with messages for a while now. But he didn’t want to talk about work until he was sure he’d have a big block of time. Tour’s starting up in the next six months. Jaiden should be enrolled into school by that point and it terrifies Calum that he has to leave for so long. But his mom doesn’t think taking Jaiden out on the road is a good idea. Not that Calum is angry at her logic. But he’s worried he’s going to miss so much. He’s worried Jaiden will never forgive for leaving him. He’s wondering if he can hire a teacher who has some experience nannying to go on the road with him. So he doesn’t have to miss so much of his son’s life. Some days that feels like wishful thinking, a dream that will never materialize.

When Calum first became a single parent, the boys were very willing and understanding to take a break. They helped him immensely when he felt too embarrassed to go to his mother for the thousandth time over the same concern. All he’s known for the last three year is living everyday with Jaiden, waking up to him, carting him around on adventures and Duke’s walks. All he’s known are the play wrestle matches, and building rockets out of legos and singing to along to every Disney movie. The last few years have just been daily lessons at the kitchen table in Maori and in English. Can Calum give all that up? Can Calum subject Jaiden to the constant shuffling of tour?

Calum dials his mother’s number. He knows her stance on the issue; he just needs someone to talk to, someone to listen to his fears. “Hello?” she answers.

“Hey, how are you?” he starts.

“I know that tone. Talk to me.”

“I can’t leave him.”

“Hey, it’s going to be okay. Jaiden’s going to be alright.”

“How do I bring that up to him? He’s going to want to come along. He’s never been away from me for that long.”

She listens; she hums, she waits. Waits for him to spill his guts, spill every ounce of fear in his flesh. She knows that it’s not that Calum doesn’t trust her, or is concerned about her ability to watch after Jaiden. He’s afraid about what the distance will do to his child. He’s afraid that Jaiden will get mad, afraid that he will start to question why Dad left and why Mom’s not around. Calum’s terrified that Jaiden will compare him to his absent mother.

It ultimately has to happen. Calum has to leave Jaiden. They have spent the months leading up to this, talking about what it means that Calum’s leaving. That Grandma will be staying at the house with him, that he’ll be won’t be going to daycare anymore but school. The first few days of school are thankfully a smooth transition. The week before Calum leaves, his mother stays over to help transition. This what he’s been dreading, being absent. He’s never wanted to be absent.

Leaving for that flight is the toughest part of the morning. Jaiden cries into Calum’s shoulder. “Please don’t go Daddy.”

“I’m so sorry, buddy. I don’t want to leave you.”

“Take me with you.”

“You can’t miss school.”

“I don’t want to miss you, Daddy.”

That declaration breaks Calum’s heart; all the air presses out of his chest. The tears sting behind his eyes, hot and fast. He buries his face into Jaiden’s tiny shoulder, hugging his boy chest to his body. “I love you,” he whispers. “I love you so much. I’ll call everyday; I promise.” This is a promise he will not break. “When we come back here to play, Grandma’s going to bring you to the show.”

Security try to keep the schedule as best as possible. They don’t want to interrupt the tearful goodbye, but the boys need to get kicked in. So Calum place his boy on the ground, squatting in front of them. Calum’s mother stands behind her grandson; she didn’t think it’d be this hard. Calum wipes Jaiden’s face on the sleeve on his shirt. “Daddy’s going to be back real soon. Be a good boy for Grandma, okay, please? I’m only a phone call away.”

Jaiden steps into his father, hugging his neck. “I love you, Daddy,” he cries into Cal’s shoulder.

“I love you, Jai. I love you so much.”

As the boys walk through the airport, they notice fans lined up. Calum can’t stop to talk to them, still wiping tears and fighting the sobs in his chest. He risks a glance back through the glass doors and see his mother picking Jaiden up. He pauses, legs desperately wanting to turn him around and run back to his son, that’s his whole life gone from his fingertips.

“Guess what, Daddy?” Jaiden shouts, settling down in front of the laptop.

“Oh, look at you!” Cal coos, looking at his son. He’s shot up it feels like over night. “You’re getting so big.”

“Grandma’s going to measure me tomorrow!”

“Make sure to do it when I call. Now what did you want me to guess?”

Jaiden shakes his head. “No, you have to guess!”

“Hmm,” Calum thinks for a second. “You got recess today?”

“We get that everyday, Daddy.”

“Okay, uh, you kissed Grandma today?”

Jai rolls his eyes. “You’re bad at guessing.”

Laughter bubbles out of Calum. “Help your old man out. What happened?”

“I got a new teacher today!”

“He had a substitute,” his mother clarifies from the background, fingers working out peeling something just off screen.

“Yeah, but she’s the lady that I helped pick out a toy!”

“Oh!” Calum remembers her. She was very sweet. “Is she nice?”

Jaiden nods. “Yeah, and she remembered me too! I like her a lot. I wish she was my real teacher.” They talk until dinner is made for Jaiden. Jaiden drops his head. “How much longer?”

“Soon, I’m coming back soon. Another month.”

“I miss you,” he finally admits looking back to the screen with his eyes swimming in tears.

“Oh, Jai, bug, I’m always a phone call away. I miss you too. You should be getting something in the mail from me soon, okay?”

He nods. “Okay.”

“I know it’s the same as me coming back home. But it’s only a little bit longer.” When the call ends, Calum rests his head against the leather couch. Why did he have to be so far away when his child only wanted him close?

The last four weeks feel like the drag on, Calum counts the seconds until he can get back to his son. He loves playing shows to fans; he wishes when he crawled into bed, he had Jaiden’s knocking on the door to get in with him. He wishes he could kiss him on his forehead, tussle his hair. His body ache just to hug his little boy. What he wouldn’t do to hold his son?

As the plane lands, Calum fights to keep his knees from bouncing. He grabs his carry on and follows behind Luke out the plane. Fans are lined up and Calum takes a few pics until a voice cries out for him. “Daddy!”

He snaps his head in the sound of the voice. Jaiden waves behind the barrier. Calum rushes over, sliding his carry on bag over his head and drops it to the floor. He sinks to his knees in front of his little boy. “Jaiden, oh,” he cries, wrapping his arms around the boy. He’s grown so much over the course of the tour. He’s a good three inches taller. His face is still chubby, but it’s almost like Cal hasn’t seen him in years.

Tears stream down his face. Calum doesn’t care; doesn’t move an inch to wipe them from his skin. Pulling back, he laughs, through watery vision and blinks to clear it. Cal runs a hand over Jaiden’s hair. “Cut your hair I see,” he laughs. “Matching me now?”

Jaiden nods, tussing Calum’s hair in return before hugging him again. Words are lost in this throat. He doesn’t know what to say now that his dad is back. Maybe words would make the moment less special. All Jaiden knows is that he’s so elated to have his Dad back. Calum stands, holding Jai in his arms. Calum signs for a couple more minutes, but says no to the pictures. He wants to get home as soon as possible and listen to all of Jaiden’s stories, catch up on all that’s he missed.

Jaiden smiles at the fans, waving, but mostly he buries himself into Calum’s neck and shoulder. He doesn’t care how long they stand in that airport. Because he’s dad is finally back, not on a screen, not a phone call away, but here in the flesh. He could stand in that airport for forever if it meant being back in Calum’s arms.

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nostalgiabones · 5 years

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could you post more fic recs?

of course!!! i’m gonna split it into categories so it makes more sense (some of these writers aren’t active on here anymore but I’ll put them in here anyway!)

dad!5sos:

• delilah by @valentinesirwins - I love this so so much it makes me want a baby with ashton 🥺

• this blurb by @sublimehood of cal with a newborn makes me so soft 🥺 (read all of her fics and blurbs though they’re all amazing)

• this blurb by @c-sainthood is so SWEET wow my baby fever is out of control

• I don’t think @themhoodgirlz is active anymore but I adore all of her writing, especially Donuts (dad!luke) Never Enough (singledad!luke & smut) and For Your Eyes Only (dad!michael & smut)

• Like you, Like me by @bringmethehorizonandpizza - I literally just read this and wow jsjsjsjs I want a baby that looks like calum 🥺

• this drabble by @defcliff0rd wow I adore it !!!! so soft singledad!michael

• Best Friend by @calumh-excess - best friend is the first part of a series that I absolutely love! H writes fics including POC and she’s amazing!

• Eggs by @cliffordchick - this is so soft honestly jsjsjsjs and check out all the other fics/blurbs from this writer !!! I love this blog so much

fluff:

• babysitting with cal by @deadmancrawling is just the SWEETEST thing it’s so soft 😭 we love uncle!calum

• milkshake by @hotmessmichael !! em is such a talented writer and it makes me want michael to take care of me (also read all of em’s other fics!)

• Hold My Hand by @morningfears - it’s a collage!calum au and it’s so sweet and soft and makes me want Calum in my life

angst:

• I’ll always protect you by @glitterprincelu - if you want your heart to break ksjsjsjs I cried the first time I read this, it’s angst and dad!calum and it’s very very sad (honestly just read all of Ida’s work, it all melts/breaks my heart but I love her anyway)

• to save a life by @irwinkitten - also very sad (my friends love to hurt people) but so soft & it’s dad!ashton!

smut:

• Floral by @softforcal - it’s tattoo artist!cal which is one of my fave au’s, it’s slow burn so you get to know the characters and there’s smut at the end! I LOVE this so much, and check out the rest of her writing too 💕 one of my amazingly talented friends!

• this blurb by @flannelpunkcalum just makes me want calum to be in love with me

• Slow by @snapbackcake - I want slow sex with Ashton I love this so much 😩

• Domestic!Michael by @michaelgclifford - this writer isn’t really active on here anymore but wow all of her fics and blurbs are so soft I just love them so much

• With you at my side by @smuttyscribbles - I adore this so so SO much I just want two babies that look like luke🥺

• Pierced by @twilightparker - I’m in love with piercer!cal wow (also read the rest of her writing it’s all so so good!)

• Soft by @morningfears - I love this so so much it’s so calming (all of this writer’s fics and blurbs are just amazing i’m in love with them)

blurbs:

• blurbs by @calpops - you get a bit of everything !!!

• @flannelpunkcalum also does amazing blurbs!!

• blurbs by @worshipkink - honestly so many kinks & amazing blurbs that she deserves more credit for! (also send her some love, people on twitter suck💕)

• blurbs by @rakkaroses are amazing too!

other:

• Gold in the Clouds by @cakesunflower - an angel!ashton au which is absolutely LOVE summer is so talented!

so there we go !!! I hope you find some stuff you like, I love all of these talented writers !!! 💕

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babe-babylon · 5 years

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BABE BABYLON’S MASTERLIST

Here is My updated masterlist! If you have any requests, asks or suggestions, I'd love to hear them all! always!!!

Here's my ask box!

C A L U M

One shots:

I am Amsterdam

Alright baby(Dad!cal)

Spilling tea

Love Sucks.

Blurbs:

Swallow the ring

Walking down the aisle

Wedding day*

Soft pillow talk

Soft pillow talk 2

Calum comes early from tour

Playing with filters

Sleepy selfies

Cal pal cuddles

Cockroach kiss*

Everything is blue*

Bffs Can never be lovers

Can I watch your dog?

Distance would end us pt 2*

Mario Cart

Biker!Calum*

A diet of marshmellows

Waste the night

Making memories

Fair Fuckers

Needy

Goodluck bra

Lookin hot

Calum x Drunk!reader

Protective Boyfriend!Calum

Sleeping with Cal

Domestic at its finest

Laughing with Calum*

Honeymoon

Honeymoon sex*

Cliche husband!Cal*

Puppy eyes can do the trick

Getting used to Duke

Cockblocked by Duke

Duke being a sweetheart uwu <3

Protective Duke over pregnant!reader

Dad!Calum with newborn

Dad!Calum meeting babygirl

Dad!Calum and babygirl

Dad!Calum and terrified baby

Dad!Calum sleepless nights

Dad!Calum finding out about baby

Dad!Calum being over protective

Dad!Calum is whipped and proud of babyboy

Dad!Calum with baby’s first vacation

Dad!Calum and babyboy who catcalls

SingleDad!Calum’s son meeting you

Uncle!Calum is hit with baby fever ft.the irwins

Squishies series

Lil squish wants a sibling

Mini Squish

Where did Lil squish go?

Lil squish’s first word

Cockblocked turned into Fairytale

Stormy nights

Squishies giving you alone time

Face timing the Squishies

Jealousy

Bananas*

A stylish Lil squish

New squish who’s this?

Not so little Lil squish

Spelling a Squish

What is a Squish

Late nights

Movies*

Tickle fight with Lil squish

Night routine

Lil squish sleeps in your bunk*

Be Home soon*

Birthday princess*

Mini squish bath time*

Mini squish doesn’t want Cal to leave

Mini squish reacts badly to Cal touring*

Babysitting adventures ft.uncle!Ashton

Lil squish is scared of Petunia ft.uncle!Luke*

Watching TEETH ft.some uncles*

A S H T O N

One shots:

All the kisses

Stress Reliver

Unpack at your own Risk

Blurbs:

Asthon x Waitress!reader

Tropical Honeymoon with Ashton

Ashton is a lovey drunk

Moving with Ashton be like

First ‘i love you’

Sweet sleepless nights

Stupid accident

Best friends to Lovers

Maybe you’re greater than Ashton imagined

Exes can be good singers too

Uncle!Ashton babysitting adventures ft.Squishies

Dad!Ashton and baby girl adopt an Almond

Dad!Ashton finally getting you pregnant

Dad!Ashton about to be a dad again

L U K E

One shots:

Who do you love?

Easier

Rose in My Hand*

Blurbs:

College!Fratboy!Luke changing for the better

College!Fratboy!Luke pt.2

College!Fratboy!Luke pt.3

Ikea trips with Bff!Luke

Dad!Luke on an easter egg haunt

Dad!Luke piano session with baby girl

Dad!Luke with sleepy baby girl

Dad!Luke on twins first day of school*

Uncle!Luke, Petunia and lil squish*

M I C H A E L

Blurbs:

Michael helps you with putting your necklace on

SingleDad!Michael with his baby girl on tour

Dad!Michael and his sleepy twins

Meeting Michael at a music store

First kiss with Michael

First time meeting Michael

Making Michael laugh

#my masterlist #masterlist #5sos #5 seconds of summer #babe babylon #babe babylons masterlist #babe-babylon #my writing

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ukulelecal · 5 years

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ok! so tumblr sucks and won’t let me post this blurb in the ask that was sent in so i’m gonna paste the ask here and reblog it with the blurb. so check the reblogs!!

Could u plz write a singledad!cal imagine where he hires the reader to take care of his 4 year old lil girl and the lil girl and Y/N bond and lil baby hood called her mommy one night and cal starts falling for her and it’s fluffy cause she becomes a mother figure for his lil girl I’m soft wow

#5 seconds of summer #5sos #text post #calum hood #5 seconds of summer blurb #5 seconds of summer imagine #5sos blurb #5sos imagine #calum hood blurb #calum hood imagine #5 seconds of summer dad au #5sos dad au #calum hood dad au #answered asks #anonymous

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rosesfromcth · 5 years

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Oof. THis hURT me. Okay. I put off studying for my huge exam tomorrow to write this. But i’m glad I did. I hope you like it and it’s what you had in mind. ;) bYE.

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“Have a good night, Mr. Hood. Bye Sweetheart.“ You say asyou lean down to give the small girl a hug.

“What did I tell you? Call me Calum.” Your boss reminds you.You give a weak chuckle in response. The truth is, you’d love to call him thatbut you don’t want to cross that line with him. You knew that if you became toofriendly with him, it wouldn’t be hard to fall for him. As evident by the latenights you spent at his house that turned into sleepovers because he didn’twant you to have to be out in the night too late and the many social gatheringyou had attended with him and his little girl. You’d been nannying for Calumfor the past six months. His young daughter, just barely four years old, adoredyou as much as you adored her.

Calum was very busy and as a result you spent a lot of yourtime at his house even if he was there because you would be on all for wheneverhe needed to leave and couldn’t bring his sweet girl with him. His daughter wasthe spitting image of her dad. Large brown eyes and curly black hair thatsoftly hit her shoulders. She had the sweetest cheeks in the world and youalways found it hard to resist reaching out to pinch one or give her a kiss.

Calum on the other hand wasalways confused by (Y/N). One second, she was fitting right into their familydynamic and the next she was holding him at arm’s length. He did know however that he was always happyto have her around. She helped make his life a bit calmer but also filled hisempty house with warmth and excitement.

He couldn’t deny that one ofthe reasons he had hired her in the first place was less than professional. Hefelt an instant spark of attraction when he met her and knew his daughter wouldget on well with her. He was soon introducing her to his bandmates and familywho all loved her as well. One night, his daughter came into his room askingwhere Miss (Y/N) was because she’d had a nightmare. Calum knew she approved ofthe newest person in her life. He explained to her that Miss (Y/N) was a veryspecial person in their lives but she couldn’t be there all the time like Daddywould always be. But the fact that his little girl was so attached to you insuch a short period of time made him realize there might be something behindthat initial attraction.

“Did you know mommy is pickingme up from your practice, Uncle Ash?” Sweetheart asked one day before bandpractice had started.

“Your mommy?” Ashton askedwith concern clouding on his face, he quickly looked for Cal. “I’ll be rightback, go see your Uncle Luke.”

“Okey dokey!”She repliedcheerfully before skipping over to wear Luke was scribbling down lyrics.

“Hey Cal. Did you know she’scalling (Y/N) her mommy now? You should probably talk to them both about that.”Ash tells Calum once he finds him.

Calum makes a mental note to talkto his girl later that night when he gets home but in the meantime decides tomention it (Y/N) when she gets there. Ashton returns to where his niece isstanding with Luke. Michael had join the pair in his absence and was now makingthe small child burst into hysterics.

Just then, (Y/N) walked intothe practice space. The other boys kept their niece occupied while Calummotioned for you to follow him back into the hallway.

“So, I have somethingimportant to talk to you about. Ashton told me that my girl was calling youmommy.” Before he even had a chance,you butt in.

“I had no idea, if I did Iwould have corrected her. I swear.” You stuttered, you didn’t want to get introuble or for him to think you were trying to replace her mom. “I’m so sorry.”

“I know you didn’t” He smiledgently at you. “I’m gonna talk to her later about it, I just wanted to give youa heads up. She really loves you, you know. It was really hard, on me more thanher I think, when her mom Passed away. It was hard knowing she would neverreally know her mom, or have that figure. Even though, we weren’t togetheranymore, we were still really good friends and she would’ve been an amazing momhad she had more time. I also want to thank you for everything you’ve done forour family and for making her so loved beyond her Uncles and I. I was reallyreluctant when I decided to hire some extra help, but as time went on and shegot older, I knew I had to. I am just really glad it was you who we chose tobring into our family.”

Your hand was resting on Calum’supper arm, your thumb stroking gentle circles on his bicep. You hadn’t realizedyou’d even reach out but you gave his arm a quick squeeze before pulling back.

“I never met her mom, but I’msure she was amazing and I am so sorry she will never get the chance to knowher daughter. She truly is amazing.” You quietly reply.

“I just worry about her, Iknow I’m not as present as I would like to be. BU tI hope she turns out okayand that I’m doing a somewhat okay job.” He leans against the wall his backslumping into the brick pattern. He slowly slides down the wall and sits on theground. After a moment of hesitation you join him.

“You’re doing great. She is somuch like you from what I can tell. Besides just her looks, the beautiful browneyes that I personally can never say no to,” At this Calum chuckles.

“Neither can anyone else.” Headds.

“But she is always smiling, sheis such a happy little girl. She is sweet and funny and so smart. You are doinggreat, she will be just fine. She’s just like you.” You tell him with all yourconfidence.

“Thank you, (Y/N).” He says ashe grabs a hold of your hand.

You knew it wasn’t meant inanyway other than a friendly Thanks-For-Comforting-Me way, but it still sentbutterflies into your stomach. Unlike other times that you felt yourself gettingclose when you would usually pull yourself away, you let him hold your handthis time. The two of you sat in silence. You took in the details in thehallway around you to distract yourself from the fact that you heart was racingand hoping that your boss couldn’t hear it. As you sat there, you began to think you weren’tthe only one feeling something and maybe it was time to let your guard down abit.

Later that night, as you weretucking the sweet girl into bed, you heard the front door open. The rest ofyour day had been uneventful. When you got home you guys had made Mac N Cheesefor dinner and then decided to watch Moana on the couch where she had promptlyfallen asleep between you and Duke. When the movie finished, you left her onthe couch to sleep while you did dishes and a quick clean up before carryingher to her bedroom upstairs. Calum got back a lot earlier than you expectedhim, too. It was only nine thirty, normally he wouldn’t get back until around11 as he and the boys would get a drink often times after practice.

You met him at the bottom of thestairs.

“I just tucked her into bed,she conked out in the middle of Moana. How was practice?” You asked.

“It was good, long butproductive. We got some new writing done.” He responded.

“Okay, well, I’m gonna takeDuke out real quick before I leave.” You told him before turning down the hallto find the old dog.

“Give me a second and I’lljoin you. We can take him for a walk.” Calum called.

You worked on getting Duke leashedup and grabbing a bag while you waited for Calum to join you. When he did, hepulled the door open and motioned for you to go first. You led duke out of thedoorway and onto the sidewalk down to the street. The night was cool but inyour sweater and jeans, you felt comfortable. It was quiet between the two ofyou, the only noise was cars in the distance and crickets chirpingsteadily. It wasn’t until about a blockfrom the house that either of you said anything.

“So, I was thinking about whatyou said today. You really think she’s just like me, even the eyes you can’tsay no to?” Calum teased as he nudged your shoulder with his.

You could feel a heat risingto your cheeks.

“Um, there’s a quality to bigbrown eyes that I’ve always had a weakness for.” You told him under your breath.“But yes, I do think she takes after you a lot.”

For the second time that, hereaches out to grab your hand. And for the second time, you let him.

“That means a lot. I’m happyto know someone thinks I’m doing okay.”

“I also wanted to apologizeagain about her calling me her mom.” A breath falls from your lips.

“It’s alright. I’m glad toknow she’s with someone every day that she cares so much for. And if she wereto call anyone her mommy again, I’m glad it’s you.” He says, but once he realizeswhat he had said, his eyes widen. “I mean not like, you’re her mom or we’retogether or anything but, you know.”

“Oh yeah. Totally. Got it. Iknow.” Stammers out of your mouth.

It’s quiet again. But not forlong.

“I mean not that that would bethe worst thing you being like her mom or anything. I mean, you are definitelyattractive and you love her, and she loves you. And you’re great, like, I dolike you, like that, I mean.”

Wait, what? Your head isspinning. Who knew a simple walk could make you this out of breath?

“You do?” You finally say inresponse.

“I do? I do what?” He asks.

“Um, like me?’”

“Oh.” Realization dawns on hisface again. “Sorry, you make me nervous and I don’t always know what I’m sayingaround you. I feel like a schoolgirl. But, yeah. I do. I like you, have for awhile. But if you don’t feel the same, I hope we can remain friends and you’llstick around. I don’t want to hurt my little girl, she would be devastated ifyou left.” Cal says, growing more confident with each word, but you can tell,behind the facade, that he’s still really nervous. So you stop and turn to lookat him.

“Maybe we could go outsometime, like on a date?” You squeak out.

“Yeah, I’d really like that.”He smiles down at you. “I know it’s kind of soon but for as logn as I’ve knownyou, I’ve always wondered what kissing you would be like.”

“Well, I can tell you. It’ssuperb, best experience you’ll ever have kissing someone.” You tease him and helaughs.

“I mean, can I kiss you?” Heasks.

“Yeah, I’d really like that.”

#CalumHood #calumhooddad #dadcalum #rosesfromcthrequests

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cakesunflower · 6 years

Note

everytime i read SingleDad!Cal his child is a girl and thats so cuTE and precious but id like to read that w a baby boy now?? Like fucking imagine a mini calum running all around the house, playing football or learning an instrument other that the bass, or even writing at such a young age a miswritten but deep story, and calum calling him "little man" omg i NEED THIS

ok lemme just ruin the moment real quick by saying when you said “miswritten but deep story” all i thought of was calum’s turtle bomb story ohmygjfonjbut honestly,,,,,you right. the idea of calum calling his son “little man” is enough for me to want to write his kid as a boy ohmopigfklfds i’m gonna die i just need a damn name for the fic itself fUCK

#anonymous

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be-ready-when-i-say-go · 4 years

Text

Silver Fox

Calum’s been a dad too long, all alone. But Anahera wants her dad to take the leap. 18+ Content, (it’s a smut fic)

Enjoy my masterlist

Support me on kofi

______________________

Anahera was not oblivious to the way people looked at her dad. She was however worried. Women had approached him, unabashedly, in front of her, about "going for coffee" or "meeting up for dinner". He always responded the same way, if she was present, with one arm slung over her shoulders, 'It's just me and my girl right now.' It's not that Anahera disliked hanging out with her dad. But she worried. Why did he always turn down these offers? She was nearly sixteen at his point. For the last sixteen years, it had just been him and his girl. He could stand to care for himself just a little.

This Saturday starts no different than the others. Calum wakes first, an hour after dawn. He starts a load of laundry, takes the dogs out for the morning. After watching the morning news, he messes around just a little with his bass and guitars and then finally decides he should cook breakfast. It's only the smell of sausage that wakes her and she shuffles down to the kitchen. She mumbles a good morning and happily accepts the plate loaded up with waffles and sausage.

Calum watches her shuffle back to the living room and plop onto the couch. One of the dogs, it's usually Tammy, the corgi mix that, climbs into her side on the couch and they watch cartoons. Calum walks in after her, settling into the cushions as well. "I gotta go to the library," Anahera mentions around a mouthful of waffle.

It's the second time this week. He knows there some sort of project for her literature class. "Should I hang out or just drop you off?"

"Just need to grab a book."

Calum nods, rubbing the top of Jake's head. He's a gentle giant and the eldest of the dogs. Anahera picked him out of the shelter. She was three, staring up at the big Great Dane with such adoration. Calum was terrified that he and Tammy wouldn't get along or Tammy would get hurt. But he was so gentle around Anahera that during the ride home with him, Calum figured he'd be the same way around other dogs.

With plates cleared, Anahera looks over to his father. His curls are now salted with some gray but are still mostly black. His smile lines have worn ever so slightly on his face. She sees her grandmother in his face. So much of her grandmother. "So, like, is dating completely off the table for you?"

Calum shakes his head, a sigh falling from his lips. "It's not your job to worry about me."

"I'm your kid. Of course, I worry about you."

"You don't have to worry."

"That doesn't answer my question, Dad."

It's not that Calum has actively given up on dating. He just hasn't actively tried to date anyone. It's hard. It's just been him and Anahera. It's just been him taking care of his kid. Her mother left. Some bullshit reason that it wasn't the baby that drove her away, she just needed time. But it's been a little over fourteen years since she's actually seen Anahera in person. So how much time she needed, Calum's not sure. "No one wants to date someone with a kid," Cal answers.

"So you've gone on dates?"

God, he really wishes she'd drop this. Dating is meaningless. No one ever sticks around. He's getting older and he's tired. His patience hardly exists for dating. He exhales, the sigh and pursed lips tell her not to push it. But she goes for it one last time. "I just want you happy. That's all."

"And do you think me unhappy right now?"

She's an idealist. She knows it. "No, but do you want to grow old with somebody?"

Calum wants to be truthful. He can see the hope burning behind her eyes, the way she consumes the rom-coms, the novels she reads. Calum wonders for a fleeting moment if she wants this. If Anahera so deeply desires him to find love, so there's not a hole missing. He knows Mali does what she can, but she's not her mother. "Do you miss your mum?" He's not really sure how to ask. He could try 'Do you wish you had your mum?' but that feels too direct and too cold-hearted.

On the one hand, how can she miss something she's never really had. But on the other, the ache, the hole left behind reminds her she can miss something she's never had. She can long for it. "I don't know if I miss her or just want someone to fill that void."

"I'm sorry," Calum whispers, pulling her into his side. Her curls tickle his nose, but he doesn't dare move as she clutches his shirt. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart." He curses his cynical heart. No matter how many times he tells her that he loves her, it's never quite the same as having a mother.

His mother urged him to find somebody, scared that without a mother Anahera would be troubled. But she too was not blind to the pain Calum had endured, so over the years, she dropped the subject. The pair was generally happy, Anahera knew her father was always there. She knew no matter what happened, Calum would never falter.

Calum didn't want to leave Anahera without a mother, but did that mean he had subjected himself to suffering? What the hell did he do here?

___

Calum doesn't push the library or schoolwork. After breakfast, she went to her room. Her music started up and not her usually pop favorites. It's heavy guitar and scornful cries and he knew not to push it. As morning rolls into early afternoon, he decides to see if she wants lunch. The music has since quieted when he reaches her door. Two soft knocks are all he dares try.

"Yeah?" Her voice floats in from the other side of the white door. Paws clicking on the hardwood floors also sound from the other side. It must be Jake. Tammy already at his feet. He hears the creak of her bed. This reminds him to look into a new bed frame for her. He waits until the door opens.

He gives a soft smile, noting her change from pjs. She's done that much, so things are looking good. "Hungry?"

"A little." A little, code for yes, she just hasn't gotten hungry enough to the point where she storms out of room to find food.

"Your favorite?"

She grins with a nod. "I can go for a Killer stromboli right now. Can I drive?"

Calum resists the urge to roll his eyes. Her permit is almost burning a hole in her wallet. "Later. In an empty parking lot."

"Pinky swear?"

Locking his pinky around her, he nods. "Pinky swear." She slides into shoes close to her door and grabs her wallet.

The car ride is almost deafening in the silence. Anahera messes with her phone, not even attempting to overtake the radio as usual. "Sorry," she whispers. "You hurt too. After all, that's happened."

"You hurt too. And I'm sorry. I didn't mean to create a situation like this for you."

"You didn't know she'd leave."

"But I never want you to think that I am purposefully putting you here. Or that I'm ignoring your concerns. It's just...difficult."

Difficult is an understatement. Calum's terrified and angry and tired. He can trust no one. No one ever. It's not lost on Calum that he could have whatever or whomever he wanted. It's not lost on him that even if he didn't want a relationship that he could have other things, but he doesn't want to set that example for Anahera. So he chooses to not deal with that part at all.

Maybe that was a mistake. Maybe he should still give it a go. But to be so vulnerable, to bear his entire soul requires too much. It will force him to deal with things rather than just burying them. Ignoring, burial, denial—it's so much easier when he's got a kid, two dogs, and a job. There's no room for dealing with the mess of his emotions.

Finding a seat at the local Italian restaurant is not difficult, however. Tucked away in a both, Calum knows Anahera will not need anytime to debate what she wants. The hostess that seats them warns that their server will be shortly. It's a couple of minutes before their waitress arrives and when she does, Anahera gaps. "Miss Bee?"

"Hey, Anahera. How are you? How's the project coming along?" Calum looks over her face and it takes a moment for it to register. It's the librarian. The one Ana always talks to her if she's at the desk.

"Good."

"A long way from those bookshelves," Calum teases. He's talked to her a couple of times. Bee is nice. He had no clue however that she worked outside the library.

"Got a kid in college. Tuition ain't cheap," she returns. "What can I get you guys?"

Anahera lists off her order. But Calum is too caught up in her previous statement. He had no clue she had a kid. Much less one in college. There's nothing to suggest it. Not wrinkle on her brown skin or a gray hair on her head. He can't even tell she's had a kid, not physically at least under the gray t-shirt and jeans. He hadn't put her anywhere near his age. He wonders if she's older.

"Dad!" Anahera's voice cuts through his thoughts. "God, hello. Earth to Dad."'

"I'm here. I promise."

"So will you be having the same as her or something different?" Bee asks with a grin tugging at her lips.

Calum rattles off his order. It's his standard order, the chicken Parmesan. She smiles with a nod. "I'll put that right in for you." When she turns, Calum watches. Anahera's talked about going to school. It's not the money that worries Calum. It's the how does she choose, how to apply, where should she be looking that worries Calum.

"God, if you were going to check out her butt at least do it discreetly."

Calum sputters, he wasn't even thinking about that. But his gaze does drop for half a second before he finally turns back to his daughter. "I wasn't even—"

"Yeah you were," she laughs. He sees so much of himself in her. The same nose, same smile. Her hair's dark too. Just a little bit straighter than his.

"Totally was not."

Bee returns with their waters and utensils, alerting them that their orders are already put in and will be done shortly. Then she's off again, tending to other tables. Anahera snaps her fingers. "Forgot to ask her if they even have that book. But I doubt that she would know right now at least." And before Calum can respond, she's back to her phone, pulling up some new video that she wants to show him.

He sits and watches, but wonders if Bee could give him any pointers. So after a moment, he excuses himself to the restroom. He finds her leaning against the bar. Maybe now's got a good time. Maybe he should wait. She turns, smiling. "Something wrong?"

"No, no." Calum shakes his head. "I just—I had a question. Anahera's a couple of years out from university. And that world is completely lost on me. I was wondering if you had any pointers."

"Uh, that really relies on what she wants to do, ya know? But there's plenty of great schools. Besides, Anahera's a bright girl. She'll get in anywhere."

Calum can't help the smile that overtakes his face. He's proud of her. He might not have enjoyed school, but he can see her passion for it. The way she lights up when he asks about what she's learned if it's anything she enjoys. Currently, she's taken a big liking to her physics class. She enjoys Literature too, mostly reading it though, not analyzing it. "Thank you," he grins.

"Of course. You're welcome. If it helps, I'll gather up some literature on overall good schools. Hand it off to her or something."

His hands shake just a little and he's glad there's tucked into the pockets of his pants. It's the way she says or something. Calum knows that small smirk, he knows the glint in her eyes. He would be all over it in his twenties. Hell in his twenties, it would've have been this sly. "How about over coffee?" He suggests.

"Sounds good to me," she pauses, here is where she would have used his name. But she doesn't know it, she realizes.

"Calum."

She grins. "Sounds good to me, Calum. I'm Bee. Really it's Brynna. But I like Bee."

They agree on a day during the week at a local shop and Calum returns to the table. Anahera wiggles her eyebrows, a teasing laugh falling from her lips. "Still got your game?"

"Never lost it," he snorts. Lunch goes by smoothly and Anahera finds her book easily in the library. Thanks to Bee making a quick call so it's already at the desk for her.

Calum pulls into the school's parking lot. It's completely empty and hands the keys over Anahera. "Ready?"

With a dazzling grin, she takes the keys. "Born ready."

___

As Calum enters the shop, he peels the shades up, into his hair. His boots make a soft click on the floor. He searches the room, waiting to spot black hair with caramel-colored highlights. She's not sitting so he finds an open table, facing the door and settles down. Calum's really not sure what happened in that restaurant, what overtook him to suggest this.

But his nerves are at a 10. What the hell is he even doing here? But as Bee walks in, eyes flickering over the shop. He remembers. It's not that he didn't think she was attractive, but he was also preoccupied. It was always about what did he have to do next, where he needed to go if Anahera was okay.

When Bee walks up to the table, Calum stands, noting the folder in her hand. "Thank you. For doing this for me."

"Never a problem." The conversation has a natural flow. As they wait in line, Calum asks about her kid to find out they're a freshman at university. A son, Terence, plays basketball. So she works two jobs to help with the commuting she does to his games when she can. She used to work the weekday dinner shifts. But started taking on the weekend shifts here and there. The father's in the picture, only for the kid. The best-case scenario for the two of them.

Bee hums, listening as Calum skirts around the fact that Anahera's mother is not in the picture. "Don't talk too much about yourself," she notes, sipping at the green tea still steaming in her cup.

"Never know what to say. And really not used to it."

"Even with all those songs, you write?" He stutters, the cup hitting the saucer with a sharp clank. Bee laughs, tucking a curl back behind her ear. "I'm a librarian. I do my research. I will say. I took a listen to some songs. Quite enjoy Talk Fast. Granted, haven't step foot into a bar in nearly twenty-some years now."

"What are you saying then? Kind of hoping forever?"

She shakes her head. "More like I'll take what I can get from you. Besides, I ruin all my relationships. The only one I didn't fuck up was the one with my kid by a fucking miracle. I'm too old to play games."

Calum can feel his cheeks lifting as he shakes his head, starting down into the coffee cup. His fingers spin it around. He's twenty again, it feels. Except instead of it being exciting, his heart feels like it's in his stomach. He recognizes the feeling of nerves. They've never gone away even in all his years of performing on stage.

It's not like she's gonna run around and destroy his name. They're in the same boat. "How far away from here are you?" Calum asks, finally lifting his gaze. His stomach guts as he asks the question.

"Literally a seven-minute walk."

He's impressed that she knows the time. "You're a librarian," he laughs. "Didn't think that included timing things."

"It's a complex job. You've got to be a person of many talents."

"So let's test those talents. If you know it's a seven-minute walk, do you happen to know how long of a drive?"

"I'd guess a minute, minute and a half."

Calum pulls his keys from his pocket, sitting them on the counter. She's grinning behind the cup of tea. "Is that including the time it takes to finish the coffee and walk to my truck?"

"It's not. But I'm in no rush if you aren't."

He doesn't want to rush this. But he's also afraid if he draws this out too much longer, he'll find some sort of reason to chicken out. He only has a few sips left. So he polishes off his drink, putting the dishes up and by the time he turns around, hanging from the tips of her fingers are his keys, holding them out to him.

"Didn't want you to forget."

Calum plucks the folder off the table as well. "Trust me, I wasn't." As they start for the door, Bee rattles off the directions and true to her calculations it only takes a minute and a half to her place. It's a small condo. "I know. What am I do lighting a check on fire by renting? I wonder the same thing," she laughs stepping out of the trunk.

"I mean it makes sense. Just you and your son."

"And the cat, Jewels."

"And the cat, Jewels," Calum corrects, standing behind her as she unlocks the door. "More of a dog person."

"I'm aware." As the lights turn up, Calum sees the dark wood and teal decorating her living room. There are some metal pieces thrown in as well, giving way to a rustic modern look.

"Anahera talks about them a lot doesn't she?"

Bee steps into him, eyeing his chest. He suddenly worries that he hasn't made it to the gym in a couple of weeks. Everything is so much harder to maintain now. It takes twice as long to lose weight, but nearly no time to gain it. She pulls at something on his shirt, holding out an orange-colored strand of fur to Calum. "That gave it away."

He laughs, looking over the gray t-shirt and seeing Tammy's fur coating him. "My corgi mix. She wasn't happy with me as I left, so I gave her extra cuddles. Guess I didn't think to double-check for fur."

"Much better than my morning routine. Jewels sat on my face and decided 5 am was a great time to screech to the cat gods."

It's only as the silence settles that they both realize just how close they are to each other. At this distance, Calum notices the moles decorating her nose and cheeks and Bee notes a small scruff on his jaw. Her eyes have a few spots around the white. It's a crazy thing to note, but he only notes it because she hasn't quite met his gaze.

Bee sees that tattoos decorating his wrist and left arm. With a soft touch, she turns it over to read the word Alive inked across the top of his wrist. His right-hand finds her cheek, fingers brushing over the skin before his palm cups it. "It's crazy to think we're still alive," she breathes. "You'd think we'd give up by now."

"Got too much to live for, more so now than ever."

"Such a poet," she teases. He's a good head taller than her, so it takes a moment as she stretches up to brush her lips over his. His lips are bitter and hers are sweet. Calum thinks for a moment he should've grabbed a mint from his car, something because he knows the taste of coffee must be strong.

He gets caught up though on the way her fingers gently trace up his arm. As she pulls back, he pulls her in. His skin feels hot, electric as she touches him. It's been so long. Too long without a touch like this for him. He finds her waist, a little doughy beneath his grip and slides his arm around her. Bee buckles, knees, and legs quaking when he squeezes her.

"Okay?" He asks with a soft smile on his face, eyes not fully opened from their kiss.

She should be embarrassed. She should be downright mortified by her own body's reaction to just being held. But she be damned if she finds any amount of shame in it. She can't remember her own name at the moment, but all she wants is to mark his skin. Rather than answers verbally, she winds her arms around his neck and kisses down his jaw, and then up and over the small moles decorating his cheek.

As she kisses down he throat, taking just a small lick at his Adam's apple, she feels the deep shake as Calum groans. It's deep from his throat. She wants to hear it again and bites down just a little, nothing crazy, just a tiny nibble at his skin and he groans again. "You like to tease I see," Calum huffs, breath coming out in tufts.

Holding her thumb and forefinger a few centimeters apart, she laughs. "Just a little bit." She takes a step backward and Calum follows closely behind.

Shoes are toed off. His shirt is shed first. She rakes his fingers down his chest, carefully tracing the tattoos on his chest. There's a tiny footprint that decorating the ends of a feather, or maybe some sort of plant. She's not sure. But she has a guess who's footprint it is. Close to his heart too.

Her kisses are light on his chest and Calum drops his head, holding himself above her. Bee knows he holds a lot inside him. A lot of love, but also a timid-ness and pain. She doesn't fault him.

Calum finally gets her shirt off, eyes dancing over the chest tattoo, reds, yellows, and purples dazzling against her skin. It's a bouquet of flowers, right in the center of her chest, some of the foliage spilling over to the swell of her breasts. He kisses over the ink, gently running his fingers over her stomach to the back of her bra. With his teeth, he pulls the straps down one at a time while his finger unlatches the clamps. "Never said you had ink too."

"Now tell me would it have made a difference?"

"Not in the slightest."

As the bra is discarded, he brings a nipple into his mouth, drinking in the sounds of her pleasure-filled whines. She hums before bringing his head up and kissing him again. They climb up higher onto the mattress. They wiggle themselves out of their jeans. Calum notices the stretch marks. More ink decorates her hip, he can see the black line work and two little footprints rest on top of right one.

"Guess I'm not the only one," Calum teases, tapping the tatted foot.

"No, it would appear not."

Bee watches him climb over her, the silver chains that tap his chest, the small streaks of gray decorating his black hair. His fingers dance over her hips before they brush over a thin tough line hidden by the band of her panties. Calum doesn't waste a moment to kiss down her stomach, over the tiny pouch left behind. As the thin cloth material is peeled away from her body, Bee wonders a moment if this is the end of the line, if the scar is too much.

Her stomach twists into knots, waiting for the pullback, the rushed and excused exit. Instead, Calum kisses over the scar and continues on fingers brushing over her core. But just a brush. "Who likes to tease now?" Bee huffs, holding herself up on her elbows.

"Still you," he laughs, squeezing at her thighs and trailing a finger up from the entrance to clit. Her head falls back and he takes his time, slipping two fingers into her heat. He kisses over her. Her fingers tangle into his hair, trying to urge him just an inch down on her.

He knows what she wants, but he takes her wrist, threading his fingers through hers and kisses down her inner thighs, slowly working her with those two fingers. She squeezes at his hand, that warmth in the pit of her stomach growing warmer. She mashes her lips together, whines falling over her throat anyway.

Finally, he brings his mouth to her core, sucking at her clit. "Fuck," she cries out. Her breathing is ragged. Calum wraps his arms around her legs, holding her still as she begins to squirm. There's a spark of pride to know he's still got it. That he hasn't lost his touch just yet.

He continues to work over her, sucking, licking, fingers a constant pull at her. She unravels rather quickly, thighs shaking just a little. But the cry of his name over her lips is more than just fuel to the fire. Calum kisses over her inner thighs, a groan falling over his lips. "God, my name sounds good from your lips."

Sitting up, Bee slides out from beneath him. Her chest falls rapidly. Her brain still feels foggy in the post-orgasm haze. But something about this—something about Calum, keeps her going. She pats the bed and Calum lays back, falling into space she once occupied. She slides a hand over his cock through the boxer briefs. "You know what will sound even better?" She quips.

"Tell me."

"My name from your lips." The end of the sentence is punctuated by her pulling down his own underwear. She wraps one hand around the base, licking a strip up to the head and sucking on it lightly.

Calum's whole body tenses, there's no hesitation on her part. Either. "Bee," he hums, reaching for her head. She moans, the vibrations shooting a tingle up his spine. She definitely knows what she's doing, working for another sound, working for another groan, another hum of her name.

She takes him as far as she can into her throat and holds it there, slowly twisting her hand that's wrapped around the rest. As she pulls back away from him there's a line of saliva from her mouth to his cock and the sight lights his gut on fire.

"Come here." His voice is low, demanding. All but a growl and Bee doesn't dare disobey. She keeps one hand on him, pumping as she stretches upwards and he cups her face. They share a searing kiss, exhales tickling over their faces, moans being swallowed.

The apartment was cool, a nice airy feel to it, but now the bedroom is thick with heat and sweat. Bee's a little shocked. She didn't think it would turn out like this. Didn't think she would be so hungry to please somebody. But even as they kiss, she wants him to be weak with pleasure. She wants him to cave to every carnal desire that plagues him.

Calum pulls her hand off him, kissing down her neck. "Thought you were too old to play games," he breathes into her ear.

"How dare?" The words fall with a tuft of laughter, but she pulls away, reaching into her bedside table. She finds a foil packet and opens it. "May I?"

"Be my guest."

Her touch is light as she rolls the latex down his length. Calum notes the snake tattoo on her left hip. The way her skin still glows and still has a rich warmth to the dark brown. The way her cheeks are still full, but the cheekbone and brow bone are strong. A small groan leaves him as she settles on his length.

They rest chest to chest as Bee rocks her hips. He kisses at her shoulder, arms wrapping around her waist. Soft sighs escape them. The room is nothing but an echo of their bodies. Her pace isn't slow, but methodical. She knows there's no rush. Calum leaves a reddening spot on her neck. He would apologize, but she works one onto his chest as well. So now they are even.

Bee feels that sting in her right hip, the pain of a tightening muscle and stills. A hiss leaving her lips. "Sorry. Just an old injury."

"No, no, don't apologize." An awkward shuffle ensues, Bee having to climb off and Calum kneeling next to her. He helps stretch out the muscle. "Our bodies aren't what they used to be. I get it," he utters in a soft tone.

"Let me guess. Football. And I'm not talking American either."

Calum nods. "Your guess would be correct."

"It's the slight accent you still have."

"Tell me more. Something else gave it away."

"Your physique. And it might've come up during my google search, but that's neither here nor there."

Calum releases a small laugh, palm still rubbing deep at her muscle. "So you're no psychic, just a good reader, huh?"

"What can I say? It's my job."

"You're very good at it from what I can see." Bee grabs his hands, mentioning for him to come down. He does so and she cups his face, kissing his soft lips. The kisses grow deeper, more desperate. Calum settles between her legs, thumbs caressing her right hip. "You okay now?"

She nods, lips brushing over his. "Yeah, I'm good." His necklaces are no longer cold, but as they brush over the valley between her breast, a shiver runs down her spine.

Calum is careful as he re-enters her, taking it slow. She holds onto his biceps and smiles, though a moan falls over her lips. Calum buries his face into her neck, hips a ready pace. "Feel like heaven," he whispers into the hickeys he's put there.

Bee can't help the giggle. "Never heard that one before." Calum huffs at her comment, the start of his own orgasm building. Grabbing the back of her thighs, he pushes her hips up just a little.

Her mouth falls open, a groan falling over her lips. "Shit, Calum."

"That's more like it." He leans back, thumb rubbing over her clit. One hand reaches out for him, holding onto his wrist, the other falls to the sheet, grabbing a tight fistful. Her second orgasm hits fast and she cries out, no real words in particular, just a deep guttural sound ripping over her throat. "Oh, what a beautiful sound," he encourages, still slowly circling her clit.

Her whole body shutters and Calum knows he's done for. He spills over into the condom. But bends over to kiss over the column of her throat. The haze is heavier this time. It takes longer to reconnect to her head but she manages to direct Calum to the bathroom before rolling over to her side.

Finished with his business, Calum opens the door and right on the other side is a black cat. Bright green eyes staring up at him. "Nice to meet you Jewels," he greets. She meows and then continues on to the bedroom. It sounds a little aggressive, but he takes it in stride.

She enters the room first and Calum finds his boxers, watching the cat jump onto the bed and then climbing onto Bee's shoulder. "Yes, Jewels?" Another meow. "Uh-huh. But you weren't rude were you? Did you at least say hi." Another meow. "Good," she coos, holding out her arms. The cat leaps back down to the bed.

Bee gapes. "I don't get a hug, nothing." She sighs as Jewels saunters out of the room. "I feed you, you know. Me."

Calum laughs as she walks to the bathroom next. "This is why I'm more a dog person."

Spinning around, she levels a finger at him. "She does love me. She's just acting out because there is a strange man in the house."

"Should've greeted her at the door, huh? How rude of me."

"Nah, she's a little skittish and probably hid. Which is why she hasn't made herself known until now." Once Bee exits, Jewels comes back standing at the door. Calum only notices after pulling the t-shirt back over his body. Nothing is said. But he does squat down, holding a hand. He wonders if she'll come closer.

She looks at his hand then back to his face before sticking her paw out. He chuckles and Bee walks up behind her. "Oh, she's sassing you. Gotta watch out."

"This is her house. So it's okay."

Bee picks her up and walks into the room kissing her head. "We talked about this. No sassing guests, Jewels. Do you need anything? Water?"

Calum stands, with a shake of his head. "Thank you though." Bee nods. He finishes getting dressed. It's not awkward when he heads out. Though something is different. She does hand him her number.

"Call me. Doesn't have to be for sex. Just whatever."

He smiles softly at her leaning forward and kissing her cheek. As he walks back to his call, stares down at the numbers. Just whatever, he thinks. Could be about anything. Inside the truck, he programs her number into his phone and sends a quick text with his name.

___

When Anahera climbs into the truck after school, she immediately launches herself into a spill about a fight that happened at school. It didn't get worse, but it did disturb the lunch schedule. Which wasn't fun and made her ten minutes late to a class. Calum listens, nodding along, paying attention to traffic. "Do you know why the fight started?" He asks.

"No, I heard it was over some girl. But then someone else said it might've been a drug thing. I'm not really sure."

"Drugs?"

"It was two seniors fighting. I figured one of them might've owed the other."

He's not too pleased to know that if it were a drug issue that she's so close to it. But Calum also knows that the in life she'll be exposed to things like that. That he can't protect her from everything. "Is there anything—," Calum starts.

Anahera rolls her eyes. "I can't. No Dad. I don't do drugs. I hate the smell of weed anyway."

He nods, it's not a pleasant smell. "I'm not asking to punish you. Just curious. Because if you did, I'd rather you be smart about where you're getting it from."

She laughs. "Making sure I do it legally."

"Well, yeah. Or at least with people you're safe around."

"I appreciate that. But sometimes I wonder why you don't freak out."

"If I panicked over everything, you'd never tell me anything. You're okay to tell me things. You should feel safe around me."

"I do. What I don't feel safe around is this Lit essay."

Calum laughs. "You've got it, sweetheart. You're smart."

"Can you read over it? I just feel like I have a bunch of word vomit on the page and it's not making any sense."

"Sure thing." As they pull into the driveway, Calum takes her backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. Anahera grabs her jacket and closes the door behind her. She watches a mark, dark on the small sliver of skin that's exposed due to the pull of her bag, but thinks nothing of it.

Calum looks over what he has in the fridge, trying to put together what to make for dinner while she prints off her essay. He knows he wasn't a good student, but he does what he can to help her out. Luke usually gets the math-related questions though those are rare. He takes the Lit stuff.

Calum lets the dogs out and Anahera comes back with her essay. It's only three pages right now and she brought the prompt along with her. He stands in the backyard, reading and pacing. Anahera watches him from the steps of the deck. She looks at that dark spot again and it's clear it's something new. Her eyes widen and she jumps up. "Is that a hickey?"

Calum looks down his heart racing. "What? No!"

Hooking her finger into the seam of the neck, she pulls it back. "That's totally a hickey and you have multiple!"

"How do you even know what a hickey is?" He counters. He feels like a teenager again, caught by their parent. This time he is the parent. "What a second? I'm the parent! Why does it matter?"

"Since when did you get a girlfriend?"

"She's—she's just a friend!"

"That's one heck of a friend, then." Truth be told, she's a little giddy. Maybe her dad's finally getting back out there into the dating world. It's one hell of a way to jump back into the pool. But who is she to judge that. "Do I know them?"

Calum turns back to the essay. He's trying not to give it away. He knows she'll figure it out. "Wait!" She exclaims. "It's not Miss Bee is it?" Calum can feel his cheeks growing hot. He stares harder at the paper in his hand. "Oh my god! Dad! I like Miss Bee! No!"

"She just helped me with some university stuff for you in the future."

"Dad, I'm not even done with my sophomore year. I still have like a year and a half left."

"I just wanted to be prepared, that's all. I didn't even graduate secondary. I have no clue what to do or where to be looking for you. I just asked her for some help."

"Oh and you got help alright, too," she mutters. When he lands a stern eyebrow raised at her she apologizes.

"Apology accepted. But no, she agreed to put together some information for me and we talked over coffee."

Anahera sees the small grin that overtakes his face. She holds her hands up in surrender. "If things go poorly, I just don't want her to hate me for it. I still need to get into university, Dad. Miss Bee is literally the only librarian that goes like out of her way to help us at the public library. She knows that place like the back of her hand and she has connections. I need her. Don't blow this, Dad."

"Oh, c'mon. Have a little faith in me."

"She's not even your girlfriend. You called her a friend. You're rusty!"

An incredulous tuft of laughter falls from him. "What do you know about being rusty? You haven't dated anyone that I'm aware of."

"Did you get her number? Please tell me you got at least that."

"As a matter of fact, she gave it to me."

"Did you text her? How long has it been?"

Okay, now he can admit he is rusty about that. After he left Bee's he went into the studio until it was time to Anahera from school. "Phone's inside," he says quietly. Ana screeches and runs inside. She finds his phone right where it usually is, right under the key rack. She looks over the notifications and sees Bee. The last message was at 10:42 AM. Oh my god, she chants to herself. They had to have met soon after she got on the bus.

She knows his passcode; he gave it in case of emergencies. He has her passcode too. Calum never goes through her phone. Doesn't even think to touch it in all honestly unless she's left it behind and only then does he grab it to pass it along. "Dad! It's nearly 4. Please text her back."

"What did she say?"

"I'm not reading your messages. What if I read something too impure for my virgin eyes? You'll have scarred your precious daughter for life."

Calum sighs, handing her the essay and taking his phone. He reads over the text message. "She just said she hoped my day goes well."

"Dude! You still have to reply. Say thanks at least."

"I know that."

"I'll leave you to that." Stepping inside, Jake right at her side. She watches through the back door as he types away at his screen.

"I can see you watching me," he calls through the glass. It's muffled, but still clear enough to make it out. Anahera bolts from the door to be room, laughing as she goes.

#calum hood #calum hood fanfic #calum hood fic #single!dadcalum #singledad!cal #calum hood 5sos #calum 5sos #calum hood smut #5sos #5sos smut #5sos fic #5 seconds of summer #5 seconds of summer smut #5 seconds of summer fic #5sos fanfic #h writes

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be-ready-when-i-say-go · 4 years

Text

In Corners

Calum never though he’d be a dad like this. But when it comes to his daughter, he’s always in her corner. Always and forever.

What happens when you put together H’s love for angst+ Single!Dad Calum+ Coming Out?

This. This is the product.

CW: Mentions of Death and health issues. Coming out. Some slight mentions of homophobia. Anxiety.

Enjoy my masterlist

Feel free to support me on Kofi.

****No one has my permission to post this fic, including translations. Copyright be-ready-when-i-say-go, 2020.******

_________________________________

Calum shouldn’t have sat down. That is his mistake. He figures he wouldn’t fall asleep. Not this fast, of course. That will always be false hope. That will always be him giving himself too much credit. If he sat down too long without anything to do, especially in the comfy single seater, it would be game over for him. He has an hour before he has to pick up Ariyana from Elizabeth’s house. He dropped her off earlier in the afternoon and said he’d be back to get her before dinner time.

And after running errands, first to get groceries, then take the dogs to the vet, and be home for the cable company, all Calum really wants is a nap. Just a quick one. That’s all it’ll be. Half an hour and then he can head out to get her. The both of them can decide what to get for dinner, if they’re going to cook or if they’ll give in and order a veggie pizza. There’s nothing like just sitting with a couple boxes of pizza and piling plates with maybe a slice too many and dancing from the counter to the kitchen table to keep any slice from sliding off.

He feels his head fall forward on his neck and he snaps up. It takes him a moment, realizing he’s slumped down in the living room. Glancing up at the clock, he’s half an hour late. “Shit,” he exclaims, bolting up from the seat, grabbing his keys and wallet. The door is a slamming thud behind him and his keys jingle as he works to get the right one in his fingers.

Inside the car, he pulls up Ari’s number and sets the phone into the hook on the air vent so he can drive and have both hands free. It rings and rings. Just as the back tires hit asphalt, she picks up. “Fell asleep again didn’t you, Dad?”

“I keep telling you that seat has some sort of magic in it. I’m on my way.”

She laughs. In the background, Calum can hear Elizabeth’s mother, her voice soft and sweet. “He’s on his way. Thanks, Mrs. Banks,” Ariyana says. “Want me to call in the veggie pizza?”

“Please. I’m sorry, baby girl. Should’ve set an alarm on my phone.”

“It’s alright, Dad. I lost track of time too. I’ll call it in.”

“Love you. Thanks.”

“Of course. Love you too.”

It still blows Calum’s mind that for the last fourteen years it’s been just Ariyana and him, and somehow he’s managed to do the whole Dad thing well. Ariyana isn’t his kid, an apparent fact when she stands next to him at the grocery stores when they go shopping together or when they go out to the movies, on the rare occasions that Ariyana doesn’t think Calum’s lame. Her much darker than his own, almost like her skin swallowed up the night sky.

But he wouldn’t trade it in for the world. Even though it meant he lost one of his best friends along the way, complications post-birth seemed to just linger and linger on until they unfortunately claimed Ariyana’s mother, Jazmyne. But both her and Calum knew things were going south fast. They both knew that one day would be her last and when Jazymyne told Calum that no matter what happened to her, she wanted him to take care of her baby, he agreed without hesitation. Ari was close to a year old when her mother died, leaving Calum to the wilds of parenthood alone.

He was there for everything before that. When Ariyana first kicked in the womb. When the doctors let visitors in, he was the first to hold her. He watched her crawl for the first time, attempting to keep up with Duke who was shockingly good with a baby. Maybe it was because they were kindred spirits. All he did was sleep and eat all day and Ariyana as a baby did the same. He has so many pictures of Ari and Duke at his place on the couch, fast asleep, when Jazmyne had doctor’s appointments or whenever she was just too physically tired to do much of anything. Calum always kept his doors opened. He loved, and still loves, Ariyana, so there was never a problem when he got to watch her for a couple hours.

Ariyana had a game she liked to play, especially when she was being put down for a nap, where when she finally could support her upper half, she would hide her face in Calum’s chest and then push up. He would kiss her forehead or cheek and she’d giggle before hiding her face again. It would go for ten minutes, a cycle of their version of peekaboo and kisses until sleep finally overtook her right there on his chest and Calum would be left, hearing the echo of her sweet giggle, the way only a baby can laugh, with one hand on her back, keeping her secure to his body.

Calum feels the tears filling his lower lashes and tries not to think too much about how much Ariyana has grown up since then. How at almost 25, he became a dad to the sweetest kid in the world. And it might not have been under circumstances that he would’ve liked, or ones that he would’ve expected, but he couldn’t deny the blessing Ariyana was in his life. So how much complaining could Calum really do?

Turning the corner onto the block, Calum can see Ariyana and Elizabeth standing on the front porch, huddled together. And almost, as the sounds of his tires rolling over of the street, are fire, they jump apart. Elizabeth falls into the swing and starts rocking as if she were doing it the entire time. Calum knows. He suspected it long before when suddenly Ari talked about Elizabeth all the time. They stayed after school a lot, on homework as the excuse. But Calum never pushed it.

Instead, Calum parks. He opens his door just as the front door opens and Elizabeth’s mom steps out waving. “Thank you again, Jodie,” Calum calls out as he stands behind the opened driver side door.

“Anytime. You know Ariyana’s welcome over literally whenever. Maybe next week, girls, we can do that candle thing I was showing you guys.”

“Mom,” Elizabeth groans.

“What? It looks fun,” Jodie defends. It’s easy to see the relation between the two of them. Elizabeth getting her mother’s dark and wild curls. “You guys said you wanted something to do the next time you hung out? I figured what’s to lose by learning how to make candles?”

“Yeah, but they’re in those elementary school milk cartons.”

Jodie shakes her head. Her gaze lands on Calum and they both share a knowing look before Jodie turns back to Elizabeth, hands up and palms out. “Well, think about it then. Maybe we can find some other craft. Doesn’t have to be candles.”

Both girls are glancing at each other, communicating something and Calum has a good idea what it is. But with a small wave and smile, Ariyana steps down from the porch and over to the passenger side of Calum’s SUV. They both climb inside, doors closing at the same time. “Pizza should be done by the time we get there,” Ari says, sliding the seatbelt across her.

“Cool. Tomorrow, I’ll cook.”

“You mean, tomorrow you’ll attempt to cook but I’ll have a take out place on standby.”

“My cooking’s gotten better over the years.”

“I’ll give you that,” she laughs. Then falls silent, mostly car rides are full of her talking about her day, asking questions, making terrible puns about the street names. But now, she fiddles with her phone, staring out of the window as the world passes by them. And she questions for a brief moment if they are passing the world by. Because it feels like it, as she sits next to her dad.

Ariyana knows about her mother dying, she knows about Calum adopting her because of her mother’s wishes. She’s grateful for it. She can’t imagine what her life would be like if it weren’t for Calum, if she wound up with someone else, if she wound up with her grandmother, who lived back in the South. Calum never kept her family out of her life, but it’s always a question that plagues her. What would her life be like if things had been different? What would she be like if her grandmother took her in? Would her grandmother dress her up every Sunday like she did to her mother? Would she be eating oatmeal in the mornings with bacon on the side and just on the other side of the kitchen table a Bible would sit?

She’s not sure why her mother didn’t leave her to her grandmother. Though she’s asked Calum several times, he never really answers it. Her grandmother never treated her badly. When she spent the summers at her house, running through the neighborhood with the other kids, and they scrambled to be inside doors or on porch steps as the streetlights came on, her grandmother would always be waiting, hands on her hips, with a shake of her head. ‘Cutting it close, like you gunnin for trouble,’ her grandmother would always say.

But on the table would be her plate for dinner. Her aunts and uncle would always hook her up with the latest sneakers. Ariyana learned how to walk not to put creases in her shoes. She spent many nights sitting in her mother’s childhood room, cleaning sneakers with toothbrushes. She stared up at peeling wallpaper, feeling the soft pressure of reassuring hands on her shoulders. No one else would be in the room with her.

And Calum never sheltered her from any of that. He took really good care of her and she never felt like she couldn’t tell him anything. She never felt like there was a disconnect. Until now. Because in her soul, deep in her gut, she knows that she wouldn’t have to worry about this with her mother. Her mother would just get her. There was nothing else in the world besides a mother’s love. Or maybe Ariyana just yearned for her mother right now that it made it seem like that. Maybe all she wants right now is that soothing touch, like when Grandma’s worn leathery palms would cup her cheeks and every ache was soothed. Every worry was squashed in just one touch.

“I’ll be right back. Don’t drive away now,” Calum teases, sliding out of the truck.

Ariyana finally notices that they’re pulled up right in front of the doors of the pizza shop. She nods, glancing over to Calum. Does he know? Is he going to flip? She hopes he wouldn’t. Ariyana hopes that the track record of telling Calum major news proves accurate for future reactions. Like shockingly, he didn’t flip a lid when she was near failing trig. Mostly because she was too busy passing notes to Elizabeth. But she covered that up by saying the teacher just taught it in a confusing manner and Calum asked her if she wanted a tutor. That was all. He encouraged her that she could always try the subject again in the summer or maybe again once school started, but he didn’t give her a spill about how failing classes would never get her into college, or never help her make a living in the world.

But almost failing trig and having to tell him this, the truth, admitting that even she’s not sure about the label--that could never compare.

The car door opens and Calum slides the pizza onto the floor to keep it safe. Just as he gets into the driver seat, Ariyana speaks. “Can we go visit Mom? Like after dinner or whenever it really works?”

Calum nods. “We can go right now if you want. I have blankets in the back. Make it a picnic.”

“Those are the dogs blankets but sure, they’ll suffice.”

“Hey, now, the dogs don’t complain about those nice soft blankets.” He says it on the shot to make her laugh. He can tell something in weighing on her mind. That’s not his Ariyana but sometimes things are just hard to express verbally. He gets that.

“They lack the ability too. So…” she laughs, watching as Calum makes a dramatic show of rolling his eyes and sighing.

The smell of cheese and marinara sauce fills the car. There’s not even the radio playing. Calum lets her have control most of the time. According to her, all he ever plays are the throwback jams. Though occasionally in her shuffle she slips in one of the songs he’s mentioned or played before. She only puts the ‘good ones’ on though, her exact phrasing when Calum brought it up once.

Upon arriving at the cemetery, Calum pauses, watching Ariyana slip out of the car. She skirts around to the trunk, pulling out the blankets. “Trunk water?” she asks, referring the case of water Calum keeps in the trunk. Mostly for emergencies and because he’s had a case always on hand.

“I got it,” Calum returns as he grabs the pizza. He wants to ask if everything is okay. If there’s anything he needs to do, or anything she wants him to do, but he’s not sure if the question warrants verbalization. Something is not okay. Something is going on. Though he doesn’t want to push her at the same time.

Walking over the grass, Calum doesn’t even take note of the headstones that lead their way. Most of the time he does. Most of the time he hates coming here. He never really thought he would’ve griefed a major loss in his twenties. He didn’t think life would be that cruel to him. Yet it had. Yet, he buried her six feet deep, let the oak be a barrier between her flesh and whatever creatures lived in the dirt. But this whole row, the plot they had to pick out together while Ariyana was still much too young, still a babbling baby on one of their hips. Calum can’t remember anymore the specifics.

This whole trek though shows him he’s not alone. Many others have had those same feelings. Many others have cried a flood of tears before him and he can only hope those that cry for him don’t feel too burdened. He hopes that they know his life began and had to end too. It’s at the plot as Ariyana starts to unfold the blanket that Calum wonders if she wants to go to stay with her grandmother. Before she spent a lot of summers there because Calum had to go for a tour, but even during her Christmas breaks, she asked to go more often. Because he has to leave during the school year too sometimes, Ariyana stays with Luke’s wife and their kids. It works out, never find the fact that they have to make it work.

“Do you want to live with your grandmother, Ari?”

Ariyana looks over to Calum, her brows pulled in together in confusion. “Did you nap so hard, Dad, that you lost your marbles? I love Grandma Gigi. But no, I don’t want to live with her.”

“I just--you’ve been quiet. Like something’s wrong. And I didn’t--I didn’t want you thinking that you couldn’t talk to me about whatever it is that’s going on. I know it’s not easy when I have to travel so many months at a time. But like, if you wanted something more stable, I don’t fault you. I wouldn’t be mad.”

Their blankets are straightened out and Ariyana places her arms under the boxes. “It’s crazy, yeah. But let’s be real. I have like four rooms at this point, one at every uncle’s house. Birthdays are like, insane when we all get together to have a party. And I like it, just us. Besides you don’t flip like Grandma Gigi about curfew. Though her cooking is better.” She sees Calum’s faux offense and quickly adds on, “But I do love you. You taught me how to ride a bike. You’re there to help me study when I can’t decode Shakespeare. You paid for me to learn how to fail at tap dancing.”

“You were getting better, sweetheart.”

“I was awful, Dad. And you taught me how to play football and helped me make junior varsity. There’s no one else that could’ve done all that.”

“You were an easy baby. A difficult teen. But an easy baby.”

“I won’t take offense at you calling me difficult. For now. It might come back up in other later arguments.”

Calum laughs, nodding his head towards the ground. “Believe me, I expect it.”

They finally sit, the pizza still warm as they take their first bites. Ariyana really asked to come out here because maybe she could tell Calum without actually having to say it. Maybe her mother would give her strength even beyond the grave. It would be like, coming out to both the people she cared about the most, at the same time. She wouldn’t have to do this over, and over, and over. Except her uncles of course.

Grandma Gigi is going to be a whole other battle. That will have to be a battle she’ll have to fight when it comes up. Right now, she has to tell Calum. With nothing but crust in her fingers, she looks over to Calum. “Dad,” she starts. She’s never called him anything other than that, though she knows he’s not her biological father. She’s never known him as anything other than that. She’s never known him as anyone that would freak, or stop loving her, or shun her for anything.

“What’s up, baby girl?” If Ariyana doesn’t want to move in with her grandmother, Calum’s at a loss. He just wants her to be happy. And healthy, of course, too. But seeing her torn up like this makes his gut constrict. He’s only been able to stomach one slice thus far.

“Have you ever known you were different? Not like you suspected or you were guessing. But you just knew.”

It clicks. Like the switch of a light being turned on, Calum gets it. He exhales, reaching for another slice of pizza. “Well,” he starts, holding the slice on his fingers as he chews over the right words. He stares down at Jazmyne’s headstone. What do I tell her? You’d be so much better at this. He doesn’t want to start out with the ‘whole everyone’s different’ thing. It feels contrived, like he’s trying to weigh his own struggles against hers. All he wants to do, at a moment like this, is let her know he’s listening. He’s picking up the clues. “There’s nothing wrong with different, ya know? Different is good.”

“You don’t think different is like, wrong? Like, there’s a ‘normal’ that everyone’s used too. And different is scary. But is it wrong, ya know?”

There’s no use in trying to beat around the bush anymore. Calum swallows down his bite of pizza resting it on the cardboard box on the side where none of the other slices rest. He looks over at her, as she picks at the dog fur coating her black jeans. “Who you love or find attractive isn’t wrong. It may be different from what others expect of you or what others deem is right. I don’t care who you love. I love different. I accept different. I respect different and that means I love you; I accept you. And it also means I respect you too.”

Almost like a popped balloon Ariyana sighs. All the tension from her shoulders drop. “Was it that obvious?”

“I know when someone’s smitten when I see it.”

There’s a moment, where they both sit, watching the setting sun. Ari’s glad that it went well. That she doesn’t have to hide or fear anything. “You didn’t even let me say it, though,” she points out. “Like, I had this whole speech prepared and everything!”

Calum laughs. “Okay, let’s redo.”

“No, it’s too late now,” she huffs, holding her arms across her chest. Her laughter is bubbling in her chest and escapes her in tufts. “But, in all honesty, thanks. For understanding. I was kinda scared.”

Calum nods. “I understand. But I don’t want you to be afraid of telling me things. I’m always in your corner, Ariyana. Always and forever.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

With empty boxes collected and the blankets folded back up, Ariyana looks down at her mother’s gravestone. “I hope you understand, Mom. Love you.” The car ride is DJ’ed, like usual, Ariyana’s playlist and things are easy again.

It’s about a week later as Ariyana gathers her books from the dining room table for school, when she notices a tiny pride flag pinned to the front pouch of her backpack. She didn’t buy that. Not even in her venture to the mall with Elizabeth last Saturday and they stopped at a small kiosk that was selling a bunch of pins. Elizabeth bought one, if she remembered correctly. But not her.

“Ready to go, Ari?”

“Dad, did I buy that pin?” she asks, pointing to her brown canvas bag.

“If it’s too much, you don’t have to leave it there. But I know you’re into pins now.” That explains it. He bought and pinned it there. And if she knows anything, inside will be a bottle of orange juice and some candy, in case she needs the sugar boost during the day. She hates that he does it, but as of late, she’s needed then more and more.

“When’s my doctor’s appointment again?”

“Tomorrow, Tuesday. 1:30. I’ll be there to get you before your lunch time.”

“I’m going to miss trig.”

“You mean you’re going to miss Elizabeth,” Calum corrects, shouldering the loaded up backpack.

“No, I’m failing trig, not failing in my relationship.”

“Smart ass,” he laughs as they shuffle out of the door. “C’mon. You’ve got a test first period and you’re not being late as an excuse.”

“Oh, c’mon, Dad. It’s World History. I can ace it in my sleep.”

It’s true, but still, he’s not going to risk it. Ariyana plays with her phone, mostly texting but Calum’s not shocked. When his stops in the parking lot, the buses are already lined up and unloading. Ariyana grabs her bag, but not before leaning across the console and kissing Calum on his cheek. “Love you.”

“Love you too. Kick ass on that test. Don’t be afraid to go to the nurse’s office or call me if you feel another dizzy spell, okay?”

“I won’t.”

“Tell Elizabeth I said hi, alright?”

Ariyana can’t stop the smile as she shuts the door. The window already rolled down. “You love having that power, don’t you?”

Calum laughs, leaning forward into the steering wheel but not pressing down on the horn. “C’mon your pops has to have a little fun, ya know.”

She rolls her eyes, wishing she could seriously be upset. But instead, all there is is elation. She calls out another ‘love you’ and then starts towards the front doors. Right on the curb is Elizabeth, waiting for her. Their embrace is quick and they shuffle inside, hand in hand. There’s a moment, where there’s a small pause, Ari showing off the pin and Calum can only grin watching them. “You’re probably already seeing this Jaz. But God, she’s growing up fast. Her first girlfriend. Like, fuck, I’m getting old. So old, but I hope you’re proud. I hope she’s everything you wanted in a daughter. I hope I’m doing you proud.”

Calum knows he’s been watching too long when the buses start to leave. But part of him is worried. Afraid that he’ll pull out of the parking lot and she’ll wind up in the nurse's office waiting for him to rush to get her. He’s worried that he’s going to pull off and when he comes back she’s going to graduate. It might be her second year in high school but it already feels like with every blink she keeps growing up. He can’t stop her. He can’t keep her as that babbling baby on his chest who’d laugh at the raspberries on her cheeks.

It’s on the drive back home, when there’s no music, no laughing from his right. When it’s just him and the road and the breeze floating in that he feels something on his cheek. It’s warm for a quick moment, even tinkles, and then gone. It’s not a bug, not some stray piece of hair. It encompassed his whole cheek and he thinks it was Jazmyne, cupping his cheek, like she always did before she’d pinched his cheeks. It never failed to annoy him.

A tear slips from his eye. At the last red light before turning into his neighborhood, he doesn’t stop the ones that overflow the waterlines of his eyes. “I know you’re there.”

Tagging: @5-secondsofcolor @pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles

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hoodharlow · 3 years

Text

One Day at a Time Masterlist

***No one has my permission to repost even with credit and including translations***

*these can be read as stand-alones, but they are technically listed in chronological order*

*bold and italicized are the most recent*

1: One Day at a Time

2: Too Young, Too Dumb

3: This is Right Where It Begins

4: Nico’s Berry First Birthday

Part 1

Part 2

Pinky

Dr. Gallardo

Daddy Old Man

106 notes · View notes

hoodharlow · 3 years

Text

Too Young, Too Dumb

AN: I present to y'all Part 2 of Cal and Nico. I got inspo from a post @talkfastromance4 made about the guys hyping Cal up but I included that baby Nico hypes him up too. Hope y'all enjoy

Requested? No

Warnings: ANGST bc Cal es un pendejo, Luke being a dumbass(but not in a good way) in the beginning but gets resolved. Baby crying. Mami Mena accidentally ignoring bby Nico. A confrontation between Cal and Mena and Aaliyah confronting her and Cal getting heartbroken when he sees Mami Mena moving on

“Why are you guys playing Ghost of You? You’re supposed to be hyping people up not making them sad.” Aaliyah commented as she saw the whiteboard of their official set list.

“We’re just playing our greatest hits.” Calum commented.

She rolled her eyes and gave him an annoyed look. She hopped up from her seat on the rug where Nico was with her too and grabbed her phone, making her way to the door. “I’ll be right back.”

“I think it’s bullshit that she’s not talking to me.” Calum said when the studio door shut.

“I mean I would be pissed if I found out that my best friend got heartbroken because the person they had feelings for slept with someone that was supposedly out of the picture.” Luke said, reaching for his coffee cup. He took a sip, gagging because it was cold. He set it back down on the coffee table and looked at Calum. “But that's just me.”

Calum furrowed his eyebrows. “You need to learn to think for yourself. You're so fucking obsessed with what Aaliyah thinks.”

“And you should have learnt to use a condom. Because now you have mistakes that you have to deal with for the rest of your life.”

“Did you just call my baby a mistake?” He angrily pushed Luke, making him stumble a few steps back. “Say that shit one more fucking time.”

"Oi!" Ashton yelled.

Him and Michael got up and separated them before things escalated.

"Why don't we take ten?" Michael suggested.

"Fuck that. Me and Nico are out of here." Calum said, shrugging Ashton off him. He looked at Luke. "I'm sorry, I meant that me and my mistake are out of here."

Calum picked Nico from the rug where she was playing with her toy piano and set her in her car seat that was attached to her stroller. He grabbed her other things and her baby backpack. With that he was on his way. He ignored Michael and Ashton as they reasoned with him to stay.

He threw Nico's things in the trunk and removed the car seat and placed her in the car before he collapsed the stroller to also shove in the back seat. He slammed the trunk door. He frustratedly balled his hands into fists and hit the front of his car. Tears spilled down his cheeks.

He was in a spiral. Was Luke right? Was taking in Nico for him to raise on his own a mistake? Sure there were days where he felt like he was in over his head, but at the end of the day it was worth it.

Nico was worth it.

"You okay?" Aaliyah asked as she approached him. "Is rehearsal over?

"Yeah and I'm not sure. Nico and I are done for the day though." He said curtly.

She nodded. A few seconds past and she spoke up, "Listen, I, uh, want to apologize." she said, getting his attention. "I'm being totally unprofessional and petty. Whatever happened between you and Alex is y'alls business and I shouldn't be letting it get in the way of your music."

"It's okay, Al. Alexis is your best friend." he shrugged. "If what I did happened to the guys, I'd feel the same way. I just wish Luke saw it that way..."

"Did Luke say something?"

"Just Luke being Luke. You know him."

"If he said something about you or Nico I'm going to uninvite him from thanksgiving and kick his ass. I took a kickboxing zumba class with Fiona and Elisa the other day. And when Alexis was preparing for her audition for Poison Ivy, she took me to a stunts boot camp. So I'm prepared to kick Luke's ass."

Calum chuckled. "Don't worry about it. We should get going, someone was supposed to get bathed this morning but swindled me by sleeping."

"Can I say bye to her?"

"Of course."

Calum opened the back seat for her.

Aaliyah popped her head in but she got out seconds later, whispering. "She's fast asleep."

"That little shit."

***

Nico was sobbing uncontrollably for the past hour. When Calum handed her a sippy cup that wasn't her usual one, she lifted it up, inspecting it. Realizing it wasn't her sippy cup, she threw it on the ground. She began crying, not wanting to be on her high chair anymore.

Wordlessly, he picked up the sippy cup and washed it. He placed it on the table attachment of the high chair. She saw that it was the same sippy cup and chucked it. But Calum caught it before it landed on the ground.

"I know you're upset that I can't find your cup. But don't throw shit on the ground. You have to drink your juice with this one."

Nico huffed and tried to pry herself from the high chair. He cursed and helped her out of her high chair. He set her down on the ground and let her crawl. Duke trotted over and sniffed Nico then went back to his bed. Calum trailed behind her, texting the guys if they saw her sippy cup in the studio. Michael and Ashton replied with a no. Luke saw the message, but didn't respond.

It's been three days since he spoke to him and three days since he rehearsed. Michael and Ashton texted him to check in on him and Nico, and if he was going to go to rehearsal. Calum reassured them that he’ll figure it out. He knew the songs by heart so there wasn't anything new to work on other than the transition of Ghost of You to Rewrite the Stars.

He glanced up from his phone. Nico hasn’t made a sound in minutes. He scanned the living room but didn’t see her in the play pen. He got up and nearly tripped over her and Duke. They were both sound asleep in Duke’s bed. He carefully lifted Nico and placed her in her bassinet. She stirred but settled with her stuffed koala.

Calum made his way back to the kitchen and got started on dinner. He wasn’t doing anything grand. It was just him boiling some tortellini and making a vodka sauce to go with it. He diced some garlic, shallots, and onion, but only added the shallots and onion. While they cooked, he grabbed a can of crushed tomatoes and the tube of tomato paste from the pantry. Once the onions were cooked down he added the garlic and used some vodka to scrape off the brown bits of the onions, shallots and garlic. Lastly, he added the other ingredients. He lowered the heat so the sauce could simmer thoroughly.

While it simmered, Calum went to go check on Nico. She was still sleeping so he grabbed one of her blankets that he kept in a basket behind the couch. When he went back to the bassinet Nico was awake. She saw him and made grabby hands at him.

“You better sleep through the night if you’re not gonna nap.” Calum said picking her up. He kissed her cheeks making her giggle. “Let’s go finish dinner.”

He sat her down on her high chair and checked on the sauce. It was almost done. He just needed to strain the pasta and add it in.

The doorbell rang. Duke’s barks were heard through the hall as the old puppy went to check who was at the door. Calum turned off the stove.

“I’ll be right back.” He told Nico.

The six month old frowned and made grabby hands at him as he walked away from her. He heard her cries from the front door. He sighed when her cries got louder. “Go check on your sister.” Calum told Duke.

The old puppy yipped and trotted over to the kitchen. Calum checked the peep hole and saw Luke. He cursed and opened the door for him.

“What do you want?” Calum said bluntly.

Luke held up Nico’s sippy cut and said, “I saw your text when I was driving over.”

“Come in. she’ll be happy to see her cup.”

Calum took a step back for him to come in, but Luke stayed at the doorway.

“I’m sorry for what I said the other day. It was beyond fucked up. There was no reason for me to say that about Nico. If I’m being honest, she’s probably the best thing that has ever happened to you. She completes you and—”

“It’s alright. Just don’t ever day it again or I’ll have Aaliyah kick your arse.”

“She’s just waiting for a chance to take me down to become your new lead singer.” Luke said jokingly.

“If it happens then we’ll have a good singer.”

“Oi!”

They went back to the kitchen and Calum found Nico giggling as Duke twirled on his hind legs, entertaining her. Nico turned and excitedly babbled when she saw Luke. She made grabby hands at her.

“What's in the bag?'' Calum found himself asking Luke when he set the shopping bag down on the island.

“Oh,” Luke giggled. “So I went to my tailor to pick up my suit for Saturday and I passed this baby store. And you won’t believe what I saw.”

He pulled out a small Doc Martens box.”

“You didn’t!” Calum gasped.

“I fucking did!” He opened the box and handed Calum the small boots. “Now Nico can be like her pops.”

“They’re so fucking tiny!” Calum gushed. He turned and showed Nico her shoes. “Do you like them?”

She took them and inspected them. She gurgled excited as her fingers played with shoe laces.

“Do you want to stay for dinner? I made pasta in vodka sauce.” He asked Luke. he walked over to the fridge and grabbed a beer for him and Luke.

“Sure, but what’s Nico gonna eat?” He asked when took the beer.

“The same thing?”

“Isn’t vodka bad for babies?”

“Fuck, I forgot.”

They both set their beers down and pulled out their phones. Calum dialed Dr. Gallardo, Nico’s pediatrician and Alexis Ximena’s dad, while Luke googled if babies can get drunk from eating vodka sauce.

“You have shit wifi mate.” Luke said.

“Shut up.” Calum said. He cursed and hung up remembering that Dr. Gallardo’s office was closed on Thursdays. And there was no way he was going to call him on his cellphone to ask him a stupid question. He pocketed his phone and turned to Luke. “Did it load?”

“Yeah,” He nodded and walked over to Calum so they both could read it. “It says that, ‘Pediatricians do not forbid the use of vodka sauce in babies' food, because the traditional vodka sauce recipe contains only a small amount of alcohol, which should evaporate out during cooking, so the alcohol does not get into a baby's system.’ I guess that means she’ll be fine? If not she can sleep it off.”

***

“What do you think of this one?” Calum asked Nico as he walked out of his closet dressed in denim jeans and his go-to Nine Inch Nails long sleeve.

The six month old stopped playing with the floating sheep in her rocker and looked at him, confused. She surveyed his look and made a face before going back to play with the sheep.

“Guess that’s a no.” He mumbled.

He went back in his closet and stripped out of his clothes. He went to the last garment bag in the clothing rack and unzipped it. It was his mesh shirt from the Wildflower music video and a kilt with a few hanging chains. He was nervous. He picked out the kilt to go on theme with the event because he was an actual global citizen. With his roots coming from New Zealand and Scotland, and him migrating from Sydney to Los Angeles, he felt like he was commemorating himself. But now that he saw the kilt, he felt slightly insecure. Not looks wise of course, he knew his calves were going to look phenomenal in it. In reality he couldn't explain why he felt insecure. He just did.

“Fuck it.” he told himself and changed into the kilt and mesh top.

He walked out and Nico instantly stopped playing with sheep. She giggled and cooed at him. She kicked her feet up excitedly.

“You like this?” He asked her.

“Ah!” She babbled in response.

“I guess this is the one then.”

Calum changed back into sweats and stored the clothes back in the garment bag. He grabbed his trusty Doc Martens along with the garment bag, placing them in an overnight duffle bag, and walked out of the closet. He set them on the bed and unhooked Nico from her rocker. He carried her and his things back to her room so he could pack her things. He grabbed her overnight bag and packed a few diapers, baby wipes, her rash cream and some pjs as well as her outfit for pictures. It was a black dress, with her koala sweater Joy got her that she finally fits into paired with the Docs Luke got her.

He took them down stairs. He took Duke outside to do his business then he filled up water and dog food bowls for him in case he got hungry. Though he doubted that the old puppy was going to be hungry any time soon since Nico fed him her scramble eggs. Lastly he went to the kitchen and grabbed Nico’s snacks and her baby bottles. He tripled checked that he had everything made rounds taking everything to his car.

Once it was all packed and ready to go, Calum and Nico were on their way to the Greek Theater. When they arrived, he showed security his artist pass, and was sent through the back where the dressing rooms were. He parked next to Micahel’s Tesla. He went around the back and opened the trunk and got Nico’s stroller out. When he was putting their things in the bottom basket, he heard a scream followed by a few colorful words. Then Michael monas.

“For fucks sake,” he muttered. He knocked the backseat of Michael's car. “Keep it down there’s a baby over here.”

“You said no one was there.” Calum heard Fiona tell Michael.

“And I told you to be quiet.” Michael said getting out of his car.

Fiona got out and fluffed her hair out. “Hi, Cal.'' she said as if she wasn’t getting her guts rearranged by his best friend not even a minute ago. She shut the door and went to the dressing room.

Calum looked at her then to Michael and raised his hands in surrender. “I’m not even going to ask.”

Michael turned to Calum and smiled at him. “Where’s your baby?”

On cue Nico loudly babbled in the car, letting herself be known.

“Right there.”

Michael opened the backseat and squealed loudly at Nico earning a few giggles and squeals from her. He helped her out and carried her in his arms while Calum pushed her stroller.

“Look who I found.” Michael announced lifting Nico up in the air.

“You’re late.” Ashton told Calum as he unbuttoned his red polka dot shirt.

“Nico and I got distracted because she was giving me fashion advice and helped me pick something to wear.” Calum said defensively.

“What are you wearing?” Aaliyah asked, taking Nico from Michael.“Because those three aren’t matching at all.”

“I’m wearing a kilt.” He mumbled quietly, almost inaudible.

“You’re what?” Ashton asked loudly.

“I’m wearing a kilt.” He repeated.

“Wait, this I got to see.” Luke said looking up from the small table he sat with Ethan, Fiona and Michael’s godson.

“Yeah,” Michael nodded in agreement. "try it on.”

“You’ll see later. Don’t we have a soundcheck?” Calum said in an attempt to change the subject.

“Demi is out there. They have a complex stage setup so we have time to kill.” Ashton said, sipping his coffee.

Calum sighed, giving in to their demands. He grabbed his garment bag and went to the changing room. He came out and the guys all cheered. Michael whistled at him as he walked over to the couch where they all sat.

“Okay, daddy!” Ashton yelled.

Luke whooped, clapping loudly. “Look at those calves!”

***

It was half an hour until show time. Calum was buttoning up Nico’s sweater when a crew member knocked on the door. He scooped her up in his arms and went to open the door.

“Hi, I have the soundproof headphones that you guys requested.” They said handing him the two boxes. “They’re adjustable so they don’t fit loose.”

“Thank you.” Calum nodded.

They jogged down the steps and hopped in their golf cart.

Calum turned back and set Nico on the couch while he went to the bathroom. He heard another knock then an all too familiar voice. Alexis Ximena.

He finished doing his business and washed his hands. He stood by the door, waiting until he didn’t hear her. But all he heard were Nico’s cries. He bolted out of the door. Aaliyah had her in her arms, swaying her.

“What happened?” He asked.

“Alex was in a rush and didn’t see Nico so now she’s crying.” she explained.

“I'll be right back.” He was livid.

“Cal—”

But before Aaliyah could finish her sentence was out of the dressing room.

“Hey!” He called after Alexis Ximena.

She stopped in her tracks and turned around. “What?”

“I know I fucked up, but don’t take that shit out on Nico. She's just a baby.”

Alexis Ximena furrowed her eyebrows. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Just now when you were at our trailer. She’s crying because you didn’t acknowledge her.”

“First of all, I didn’t see her; I literally just went and dropped off a dress for Aaliyah. And second, why the fuck are you here yelling at me instead of consoling your baby?” She snapped at him. “If you’ll excuse me I have to finish getting ready.”

Alexis Ximena turned on her head and walked away from him. Angry tears rolled down her cheeks. After everything he did, she ended up being the bad guy. She went back to her trailer and slammed the door shut. She had presented Ozuna before he went out and performed, so they gave her own dressing room. She was thankful because she still had to get ready for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala. If she had it her way, she wouldn't have flown from Milan, but she had to attend since little over a week ago she won her two Emmys, making her the youngest EGOT winner at age twenty-four.

“Everything all right?” Dylan O’Brien asked her.

“Yeah, I just tripped.” She said, giving him a toothless smile. She grabbed a makeup wipe and fixed her eyeshadow. She turned back and looked at him. “Is it okay if we stay for a bit? I wanna see Aaliyah perform. The red carpet is still going on for at least another hour and a half.”

“Of course, I’m your plus one. Wherever you need me, I’ll be there to hold your purse.” He said.

“Can you hold clutches?”

“I’ll try my best.”

Alexis Ximena giggled. She changed into her custom Yves Saint Laurent gown that Anthony Vaccarello personally designed for her. Opting to stay in her Vans, so she could jog back to the dressing room, she went backstage to see Aaliyah. She scanned the place and spotted her with Fiona and Ethan. She had Nico in her arms.

“Hey!” She said to them.

“Hi!” Fiona said, giving her a side hug. “Aren’t you supposed to be at that Academy Gala thingy? My brother and Eliza left already.”

“Yeah, but I wanted to see my favorite girl sing.” Alexis Ximena said. She went up to Aaliyah because she was holding Nico. “Hola preciosa, I’m sorry I didn't see you earlier.”

Nico gave her a once over and turned back to see Calum.

“Is she for real?” She scoffed.

“She’s petty like him, but watch this.” Aaliyah said. She passed Nico to Fiona and wrapped her arms around Alexis Ximena. “Alex!”

The girlish squeals and giggles got Nico’s attention. She turned back and saw Alexis Ximena and Aaliyah hugging. She made grabby hands at Alexis Ximena, wanting to be a part of the hug.

“Ah, ahora quiere que la abrace.” She said kissing Nico’s cheeks.

Nico motioned for her bottle. Fiona passed it to her. Out of habit, Nico held the bottle with one hand and the other went straight to her left breast.

“What is it with you and your papi and my boobs?” Alexis Ximena said, moving her hand, only for Nico to put it back on her breast.

Nico leaned her head on Alexis Ximena’s shoulder. She fixed the soundproof headphones and gently swayed her as they watched Aaliyah sing on stage with the guys.

At the end of the song Luke and Aaliyah looked at each other for a second too long, making Fiona and Alexis Ximena give each other a knowing look. She came back out on stage and they gave her the same look they shared.

“Not a word.” Aaliyah said. She tried taking Nico from Alexis Ximena, but she wouldn’t budge.

“I can stay for another song.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

The first keys of Ghost of You played. Alexis Ximena’s eyes went to the keyboard and her eyes met Calum’s. Her chest tightened when he looked away. She tightly held onto Nico as the song continued. He didn’t look at her until it was his last line that they’re eyes found each other.

“To know things like love. Too young, too dumb.” He sang.

The note change in ‘dumb’ broke Alexis Ximena’s heart. She choked back a sob and sniffled. She smoothed out Nico’s curls and kissed the top of her head.

“Hey,” Dylan O’Brien called from behind them.

“Holy shit! You’re Dylan O’Brien.” Fiona gasped.

“Shit is not nice.” Ethan said.

“It’s not nice in front of your parents.” She explained to him. She looked up at Dylan. “Sorry, I’m a big fan of the Maze Runner.”

“No worries,” he laughed. He looked at Alexis Ximena. “Your people called my people and they called me wondering why we hadn't arrived yet. We gotta get going.”

“Yeah,” She nodded. She kissed Nico’s cheeks. “I gotta go.”

She passed her back to Aaliyah. Nico pouted and made grabby hands at her.

“I’m sorry, Nico.” She kissed her once more before turning back.

Nico’s cries turned into full on sobs as the band finished their set. Calum went up to her and took her in his arms. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m here.” He said softly.

He turned to where Nico had her arm out. He saw Dylan O’Brien helping Alexis Ximena into a SUV.

Calum rubbed Nico’s back and whispered. “I know and I’m sorry.”

TAGLIST: @calumscalm @karajaynetoday @wastelandcth @cherryxwildflower @ashtonsunflower @calpops @idontneedanyone @findingliam-o @5-secondsofcolor @mulletcal @polycashton @sunshinebabycal-deactivated2021 @another-lonely-heart @fckingpernico @2fangirl4u @suchalonelysunflower @hoodhoran @aquarius-hood1996 @in-superbloom

Special guests: @twilightmomentswithyou @sensitivecth

also tagging @pixiegrl bc I sent em(ily) a teaser lmao

#calum hood angst #calum hood imagine #calum hood one shot #calum hood series #calum hood fanfic #calum hood oneshot #calum hood imagines #calum hood one shots #calum hood fic #calum hood fanfiction #dad!cal #singledad!Cal and roommate!OC #dad!sos

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hoodharlow · 3 years

Text

One Day at a Time

AN: so I was gonna post this yesterday bc it was father's day but as always I procrastinated. But it being posted today (Monday) goes with the ending lol. Anyways this is the first installment of Cal and Nico 💕💕💕 I'm v excited to share with y'all how my favorite duo came about

Requested? Kinda bc over a year ago I got a request by an anon wanting something about cal and a roomate!oc so that kinda inspired this whole series 👉👈

Warnings: brief smut in flashbacks, ANGST between Calum and his baby mama, overall angst with a fluffy ending mentions of Camila Cabello

Word count: 4.3k words

Calum paced around his living room. He had run into Loli earlier when the band went to Rose Bowl stadium for rehearsal for a festival they were headlining. He had done his best to avoid her the whole time they were there until he unfortunately bumped into her in the back parking lot. She seemed relieved when she saw him and asked if she could go over to his house. Apparently she needed to talk to him about something important.

Loli was his ex. Well legally she was his ex, and what they had behind closed doors was somewhere between friends with benefits and hate sex.

Their whole mess wouldn't have happened if Calum kept his mouth shut.

One stressful and stagnant night at the studio led to Calum and Loli arguing out in the parking lot. There was one lucky paparazzo who filmed the whole argument behind a dumpster. For damage control their teams forced them to start a PR relationship. A 'reliable' source leaked to the media that they were dating. The argument they had in the parking lot had to do with something that wasn't important, but it blew up in their face because of the stressful writing session they were having.

Lucky for them the general public and their fans ate it all up. Within weeks of their relationship becoming public, Calum and Loli were praised the same way Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were. Apparently the general public loved it when couples bullied each other in a loving manner.

Calum's fans were happy that someone was able to melt that ice cold heart of his. Loli's fans praised him because he was able to lift her up and be a supportive boyfriend unlike her ex, Shawn Mendes, who she never went public with, but people knew they were dating. With the many instances that they were seen leaving events together and an occasional fan caught them together at the airport or them openly making out at a party or club, people just knew.

That all ended for them when he supposedly began dating Camila in mid 2019. Well not entirely, Loli and Shawn became more stealthy and managed to continue dating while Camila used him in hopes that her music charted. Loli and Shawn lasted until early January when her team got her to collab with 5SOS for a song that was going to be featured in her upcoming film. Which was how Calum and Loli ended up arguing in the parking lot thus they were forced to date.

Once her and Calum reached the six months, Loli decided to end things with Calum. Just as 5SOS were finishing the North American leg tour, she wrote a heartfelt post about how her and Calum decided to end their relationship and that they wanted no drama between anyone or their fans. As usual, everyone ate it up and showed unconditional support.

Calum and Loli haven't talked in almost nine months. Around March he got an overbearing need to check in on her, as if something had happened to her that involved him, but he forgot to. The band was going through lots of internal changes with their label and management. Last thing he wanted was to bring any attention to them while they waited for all the paperwork to go through.

He was brought back from his thoughts when he heard the doorbell ring. Duke got up from his spot on the couch and ran toward the door as the doorbell rang once more. He growled and barked until he was picked up.

Calum opened the door. They were met face to face with Loli and a bassinet stroller. Wordlessly, he stepped back and let her enter the house. He led her to the living room and sat down on the couch with Duke.

"This is what— well who I wanted to talk to you about." Loli said, lifting a baby pink blanket from the top of the stroller to reveal a sleeping baby. "This is Nico… the baby we made.”

***

After an hour of them arguing, Loli and Calum calmed down.

Loli took a seat on Calum’s couch. “I’m going to give her up for adoption. I’m not apt to raise a baby. You know my whole situation with my mom.” She reached down her Birkin and pulled out a manilla folder, sliding it down to him. “You have to sign these since you’re her biological father.”

Calum took the folder and read over the papers. When he finished going over them, his gaze wandered over to Nico. She was awake, playing with the ribbon attached to her pacifier. It reminded him of a picture his mom had of Mali when she was around Nico’s age.

Without even thinking he asked her, “What if I keep her?” He looked over to Loli. “I’ve seen a few documentaries about foster care and adoption. There’s no guarantee that she would even get adopted, granted parents want babies. But we wouldn’t know for certain. With me, she’ll have everything she needs.”

“Are you sure? I’m not doubting your parenting abilities, I've seen how well you’ve taken care of Duke thus far… what’s Alexis going to say?”

“What does she have to do with any of this?”

“I just thought that after we ended our contract, you two would become a thing.”

“It got complicated.”

“I’m sorry to hear that." Loli said quietly, bringing Calum back from his thoughts. "Not that you’re asking, but shit between Shawn and I got complicated after he found out I was pregnant. Guess getting together while pregnant with someone else’s kid is not the move.” she laughed dryly.

The two stayed quiet. The only sound was Nico's cooing. Calum walked up to her stroller and carefully took her out. She wriggled at first but she relaxed in his arms. He sat down on the couch and took her in.

There was no doubt she was his daughter. She had a birthmark that was a few shades lighter than the rest of her tan skin on the side of her right thigh just above her knee. His mom and sister had the same one in the same spot.

"Hi," he told her. "My name is Calum Hood. I play bass for 5 Seconds of Summer. I'm also known as Cool Guy Cal and C-Dizzle Swizzle."

Nico cooed in response. She lifted her hand up, reaching to him. Calum gave her one of his fingers and she wrapped her tiny hand around it.

"I'm your dad. You're going to live with me and my best pal, Duke." He explained softly. Duke lifted his head off Loli and walked over to Calum when he heard his name. He glanced down at the baby and looked up at Calum.

Loli cleared her throat. "I should get going. I have an early flight to New York then I have to be back for the festival." she said.

"All see you out." Calum said as he carefully placed Nico on the stroller.

He looked back to her and saw that Duke stayed back with her while Calum walked Loli out.

"Thank you for taking her. I'll have my lawyers fill out the necessary paperwork, so you get full custody of Nico." She was out the door, but she turned back. "I know I have no right after everything, but can my dad and Amy see her sometime? They were hoping we sorted out a co-parenting situation, so they could see her."

"Of course they can."

"I'll let them know and I'll have someone drop off her things tomorrow. Thank you once again, Calum."

He nodded and waited for her to exit the gate before closing the front door. Calum walked back to the living room. Nico has fallen back to sleep.

He grabbed his phone and texted Michael if he could come over and if he could borrow some of the baby stuff he had for when Ethan, his godson, was a baby like Nico.

He set down his phone on the coffee table and noticed something under the stroller. It was a diaper bag full of baby clothes and some diapers. Remembering he's going to need more, he wrote down a list of other things Nico is going to need for when he went to Target.

While he waited for Michael, Calum took Nico upstairs to show her her room. It was just one of his spare guest rooms. It had a boring off white color and some dull shelves. He made a note of calling Tati, his interior designer who happened to be Aaliyah's older sister, in the morning to have her room set up.

He set her down on the queen size bed and placed a few pillows around her while he put her few things away. Duke jumped in the bed and sniffed her. Calum watched Nico as she lifted her small hand to the old puppy.

Duke slowly approached her hand and looked back at Calum as if asking for permission to get close to her. He looked back at Nico and headbutted her hand. She let out a few gurgles and dropped her hand.

Calum's phone buzzed. It was a message from Michael letting him know that he's outside. He replied to come in since the door was open.Duke heard the front door open and bolted out the room.

Calum gently picked up Nico and asked her, "Ready to meet your Uncle Michael?" She blinked at him. "I'll take that as a yes."

They made their way down to the living room where Michael was petting Duke. Calum cleared his throat, making them halt.

Michael's eyes widened seeing the small baby in his best friend's arm. He got up and pulled out hand sanitizer from his pocket, rubbing it all over his hands.

"Holy fuck!" the zebra haired man cursed as he approached them. "You have a kid? When did you find out about them?"

"Over an hour ago. Loli is her mom, but Nico is staying with me since she doesn't want anything to do with her. She came over because she wanted to give Nico up for adoption. But I couldn't sign. This is my fucking kid you know."

"Can I hold her?" Michael asked.

"Yeah," Calum handed her off and took mental notes of how Michael held her.

"She's got your egg head," he teased.

"Oi!" Calum protested.

"But she's cute." Michael said in a baby voice. He looked at Calum. "Have you told your parents or Mali?"

"No. You're the first person I called. I would have also called Aaliyah but she would have told Luke, who would have told Ash, who would have called me to remind me that I'm an idiot for not using a condom. So I'm trying to avoid all of that shit for a few days."

***

Michael stayed for an hour teaching Calum how to set up the carseat and other things like the crib and how to make bottles for Nico. He even showed him how to change her diaper which led to him teaching him how to bathe her since she went number two and it leaked out of her diaper. After that Calum changed Nico into some pajamas and they were on their way to Target to get some more diapers and other baby things Michael told him to get.

He placed her carseat in the cart and after making sure she was still sleeping, they made their way to the baby aisle. He triple checked Michael's list, making sure he got everything. He even picked out a few onesies and pajamas for her. Afterward he decided to get a few groceries, mostly snacks and ice cream.

Calum pushed the cart straight to the frozen treats. He grabbed a few pints of Ben and Jerry's and a box of Magnum ice cream bars. He heard a quiet yip and howl followed by shushing. He turned behind him and saw her.

Alexis Ximena was scolding a small puppy. She was in her trademark pastel yoga set. Calum loved seeing her in them because it made her tan skin glow. He felt awkward just staring at her so he turned back to check on Nico, who was still peacefully sleeping.

He'd like to think that there was something between them. Even if it was short-lived, he knew what they had was something he can never relive with anyone else.

The night they spent together in Australia will be forever engraved in his brain. If Calum was being honest with himself, it was probably the first and only time he made love to someone. He took his time memorizing everything about Alexis Ximena. The way she didn't like getting her neck kissed because it was her most ticklish spot, but when Calum was inside her and hitting just the way she liked it, all she could focus on was how good he was making her feel.

Alexis Ximena was willing to wait for his contract with Loli to end. And she did. Only to find out Calum fucked it up and slept with Loli. The last time he saw her was at the Grammys. They didn't say a word to each other the whole night even after the show when they went to Buca Di Beppo with the rest of their group. She ate and excused herself because she had to meet up with someone.

The small puppy howled once more, earning a snort from Calum as Alexis Ximena tried to quiet it down.

"Sorry, it's his first time at Target and he doesn't know how— Calum?" She asked quietly.

"Hey," He waved.

Alexis Ximena gulped. It felt like a lifetime ago since she saw him. Before their forced hangout at the Grammys, the last time they saw each other was when he showed up to New York to see her perform on Broadway.

She was in a play with Andrew Garfield. They played a married couple who were so focused on their work that they didn't realize their marriage was falling apart. They both got praises for their performances except for the day Calum showed up.

He had flown in from LA and arrived in the morning. Their reunion was supposed to be perfect. They hadn't seen each other in months. But the second their lips touched, Alexis Ximena knew something was off. Then Calum confessed what happened between him and Loli.

Alexis Ximena felt betrayed. All of her anger and frustrations were taken out on stage. To say that evening was her worst performance was an understatement. In fact, she barely made it to the first intermission when the director told her to take the night off because her understudy was taking her place for the rest of the night.

Her puppy yipped, breaking their eye contact and bringing Alexis Ximena from her thoughts.

"What's his name?" Calum asked her.

"He's a Bernese mountain dog so Bernie seemed the most fitting." she said.

Before he asked if he could pet her dog, Nico made herself known. She cooed and pulled her blanket down, revealing herself.

"Who's that?" she asked with a bright smile when she saw the car seat. She pushed her cart over to him and coated her hands with a good amount of hand sanitizer. She approached his cart and bent down to get a closer look of the baby. "Hola preciosa."

Nico gurgled exactly hearing Alexis Ximena's soft voice.

"This is Nico, my daughter…" Calum mumbled towards the end.

"Oh!" She said in a tight voice. She cleared her throat and looked at him. "I bet you and Loli are happy."

"Uh, just us two and Duke. Loli wanted to be out of the picture." He said awkwardly. He scratched the back of his neck.

Alexis Ximena didn't know how to respond, so she looked down at Nico. She reached down and playfully poked her sides. She smiled to herself seeing how the baby reacted. She spoke in Spanish to her gently, running her thumb over her soft and squishy cheeks.

She instantly fell in love with the baby. She was so precious and sweet. All Alexis Ximena wanted to do was kiss her baby cheeks and hold her in her arms.

Her phone began ringing, making all of them jump. She peeled herself away from the cart and slid the screen.

"Bueno?" She answered it.

"Donde estas?" It was her father, Dr. Manny.

"I'll be home soon, Manny."

"Stay out as late as you want, I'm just checking in."

"Noted," she giggled. "Te veo al rato. Love you."

"Yo tambien te quiero mi'ja."

Alexis Ximena hung up and placed her phone in the pocket of her leggings.

"I should get going." She told Calum. She blew Nico a few kisses, making her giggle. "Nos vemos preciosa."

"Bye Alexis." Calum said.

She gave him a small smile. "Bye, Calum."

After she paid for her things, she drove back to her dad's loft. She was staying there in between projects since it wasn't fashion month yet and she didn't start filming her upcoming mini series. So she decided that for the next few weeks she would do nothing but hang out with her dog.

She stopped by her favorite place to pick up a few pizzas for her and her dad.

When she got home, she took her pizza and ice cream that she bought and went straight to her room. She changed out of her leggings and matching sport's bra into Calum's hoodie she took when she was in Australia. Even after a year it still smelled like him. Tears pooled around her eyes as she dialed Aaliyah. She tried her best to keep her composure as the phone rang. But with every ring, more and more tears rolled down her cheeks.

She hung up and hugged herself. She couldn't get the image of Calum and Loli together in bed.

***

"He has a fucking kid." She sobbed uncontrollably. She felt her heart break into a million pieces and there was nothing she could do about it.

It was days later that she finally went out since her breakdown. She spent the better part of the week moping around in Calum's hoodie eating nothing but Maruchans and obsessively reading about Calum becoming a father. She felt bad for him. The DailyMail and TMZ wrote horrors of him implying that there were probably other children he fathered. From what Aaliyah has told her, it was the band's old team who paid the media to write all of those articles about him and Nico.

Even in her emotional state she wanted to check in on him, but she knew better. Thankfully Aaliyah has been going over with the guys to check on him and help him out or watch Nico for a bit while he rested. Her best friend reassured her that Calum was fine and that she needed to focus on herself.

After some convincing and ineffective bribing from her dad, Alexis Ximena and Bernie made their way through the dog park. For being the middle of June it was a surprisingly cool afternoon. The fresh air felt nice and it lightened her mood.

She set down her things and placed a blanket down under a shady tree. She let go of Bernie's leash and let him roam around the area. He came back seconds later and plopped next to her as she read her script. She sipped her iced coffee as she scribbled some notes for herself.

Bernie lifted his head and quickly got up. He yelped and trotted over to the other side by the gate. Alexis Ximena cursed and went after him. She reached him and saw him sniffing the butt of a familiar face. Duke. Which only meant Calum was near.

"Bernie, vente." She said sternly. He knows better than to run off.

Bernie looked at her and went back to smelling Duke's behind. Alexis Ximena called him once more, but he ignored her. She huffed and went to get him.

"Duke, let's go find a bench." She heard Calum.

Alexis Ximena scooped Bernie in her arms and turned back only to bump into a wall of muscle. Calum.

"Hey." They both said.

"So how's everything with Nico?" she asked, breaking their silence.

"Good," he shrugged, pushing the stroller in place. "She's been surprisingly easy. The guys and Aaliyah come over to check in. My mum and Mali are coming over in a few weeks to meet her."

"Well they're gonna meet the prettiest baby." she commented.

"They are." he smiled softly.

"I should go back to my things. I left my script out and the last thing I need is to get in trouble for accidentally leaking it...do you wanna sit with me while our dogs hang out? You can lay Nico down on my blanket." she offered.

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"You're good."

They made their way back to where Alexis Ximena left her things. She made room for them. Calum grabbed one of the extra blankets he packed for Nico and placed it on top of Alexis Ximena's. He then gently set Nico down. She saw Alexis Ximena and excitedly kicked her feet.

"Of course she has a bucket hat." Alexis Ximena teased as Calum pulled out baby sunscreen and a bucket that matched the navy blue pajama onesie Nico wore.

"Gotta teach them about sun safety at a young age." He said fixing his own bucket hat. He pulled out another tube of sunscreen and handed it to her. "Slip, slop, slap Alexis. And don't give me the 'Mexicans don't get sunburnt' bullshit because I'll tell your dad."

"You don't even know my dad." She giggled.

"I do, thanks to your best friend who recommended him to be Nico's pediatrician."

"I'm going to kill her but also thank her for bringing Manny more business."

"I almost didn't want to take Nico to him."

"Why? Manny is a great doctor. He fractured at the top of his class at Stanford."

"Because I thought he was your boyfriend."

Alexis Ximena gagged and grimaced. "Ew! That's my dad! How did you even come up with that?"

"Aaliyah." He said before taking a sip of his army green Hydro Flask. "After seeing you at Target I called her to tell her about Nico. I mentioned that I saw you at the store and how you were talking to someone named Manny. She was pretty vague and only said he was a hot doctor.

When she came over with some baby clothes, she recommended Dr. Manuel Gallardo because her sister and brother take their kids to him. I deduced that Manny was a nickname for Manuel. It was silly of me to overthink all of that. I know I have no right to be upset that you moved on. Especially after what I did."

"Well lucky for you, I'm not into older men."

"Then what are you into?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

***

Their little outings became their weekly thing. Every Sunday they would meet up at the park to hang out ans watch their dogs play. Alexis Ximena would bring muffins and coffee for them. They would set up a small picnic for them and just catch up with each other on their week. Sure they text nonstop, but it didn't compare to them sitting together in their own in their own little world.

This Sunday was supposed to be just like every other past one, but with it being father's day they couldn't meet up. Alexis Ximena always makes plans with her dad to meet up for brunch and eat an outrageous amount of huevos rancheros from their go-to breakfast place. Not to mention the guys planned a little surprise for Calum since it was his first father's day. So they agreed to meet that Monday.

Alexis Ximena sipped her matcha latte while she waited for the Hood Trio. She heard Duke's familiar bark and got her things ready.

"Sorry we're late. Someone thought they were being cute by not wanting to wear pants."

Nico protested after hearing Calum's comment.

Alexis Ximena took her in her arms and kissed her cheeks. Nico leaned into her and played with her necklaces.

"How was the party? Aaliyah told me what the guys had planned."

"It was good. Michael also invited Elijah and Elisa. Their kid—what is his name? Eli?—is a little shit."

"It's Ethan." Alexis Ximena corrected him. She knew his petty ass gets people's names wrong if he doesn't like them. "What did an almost two year old do to you?"

"He said Nico has a big head." Alexis Ximena coughed, in an attempt to hide her giggle. But Calum caught on. "You think she has a big head too?"

"I wouldn't say big…slightly bigger than most? Sure. I mean good thing she has all of those bucket hats."

"You're a fucking cunt." he said in a playful tone, making her giggle.

"So, speaking of father's day. I got you something." Alexis said.

She pulled out a midnight blue mug that said '#1 DILF' in white letters.

"Glad to know I'm still considered fuckable by your standards." He teased.

"You just barely made the cut." She said in the same playful tone as him. "There's something inside the mug."

Calum pulled out a small jewelry box. He bit back a remark and opened the box. It was a gold chain with a gold medallion with the letter N engraved.

"Alexis… I don't know what to say."

"Thank you?" She offered.

"I mean yeah, thank you. But I'm at a loss for words."

"I know I have that effect on people." She tossed her hair over her shoulder.

"I don't deserve this. After me and Loli…"

Alexis Ximena placed her hand on top of his. "We don't have to bring that up anymore. It happened but because of that you now have this beautiful baby. So let's just take whatever our situation is one day at a time."

TAGLIST: @calumscalm @karajaynetoday @cherryxwildflower @myloverboyash @calpops @idontneedanyone @findingliam-o @5-secondsofcolor @mulletcal @sexgodashton @sunshinebabycal-deactivated2021 @another-lonely-heart @fckingpernico @2fangirl4u @hoodhoran @aquarius-hood1996 @in-superbloom @calpops

Special guests: @twilightmomentswithyou @rebelwith0utacause

#dad!cal #calum hood smut #calum hood one shot #calum hood fluff #calum hood angst #calum hoofd imagine #calum hood fanfic #calum hood oneshot #calum hood imagines #calum hood oneshots #calum hood fanfiction #stuck with you -> one day at a time #singledad!cal and roommate!oc

131 notes · View notes

hoodharlow · 3 years

Text

Daddy Old Man

AN: This is a complementary blurb/one to @twilightmomentswithyou ‘s request, but it's in Cal's POV. As always ty to @d-oaks for beta reading and editing. Forgot to mention Alexis Ximena is a different Alexis Ximena, remember I was redoing Wildflower (pr!Cal) and yeah, it in this AU. So don't be confused :) enjoy

Requested?: by like 3 anons

Warnings: lil sad moments, angst with a happy ending?

Word Count: 4015 words

Calum rolled over on his bed and groaned into his pillow, wondering who thought it was a good idea to call him at exactly six in the morning on Christmas eve. He patted the nightstand until he found his phone. Nico's mom. He sighed and answered.

"What do you want?" Calum grunted into his phone.

"Good morning to you too," She said sarcastically.

"Well, you'd be tired if your daughter decided to get up in the middle of the night requesting you to repack her bag because she wanted to take only clothes her mum bought her."

"Actually that's what I wanted to talk about…"

"Oh for fucks sake," he began. "You promised Nico. She hasn't seen you in months."

"I know, it just got hectic here with his family, and I can't make it for Christmas. But I'll be there for New Years."

"I'm sure you are."

"Calum—"

"Goodbye."

He locked his phone and tossed it to the side. Calum wasn't surprised that she made up an excuse and called him last minute. He'd be more surprised if she didn't call to cancel.

He settled back in his sleeping position and closed his eyes. Minutes later he began dozing off, but on the other side of his door he heard Nico, Duke and Alexis Ximena's Bernese mountain dog, Bernie. He caught their shadows on the bottom of the door.

The door slowly opened, letting the trio in. After loudly shutting the door, Nico slowly made her way to his bed while Duke trotted over to the edge of his bed. He tried jumping on, but failed. Calum stifled his laugh, pretending to be asleep. He couldn't hold it in as he watched Nico struggle to get Duke in bed.

"Daddy, help please." She grunted as she held Duke in her arms.

"Of course." He giggled.

With ease, Calum picked them up and settled them on his bed. Duke made his way to the foot of the bed and curled up into a ball. Nico crawled to Calum and settled on his side. She placed her small head on his bicep.

Once everyone settled, Bernie climbed into bed. It wouldn't be the first time that he joined them in Calum's bed, which was why Calum upgraded his queen size bed to a California king.

"Blanket, please," she said through her yawn.

Calum rolled his eyes and covered them.

"Thank you."

He hummed in response.

It wasn't long until they fell back to sleep. An hour in, Calum lost feeling in his arm so he carefully placed Nico on a pillow, where she'd be more comfortable. He turned to the other side and went back to sleep.

Around nine, he woke up. Nico had her small arm tightly around Calum's side and her face smushed on his back. Her soft snores filled the room. He carefully turned her and got out of bed. He slipped on his long sleeve shirt.

Duke lifted his head and gave Calum a disinterested look before laying next to Nico. Calum watched Nico wrap her arm around Duke. With that the dog fell back into a deep slumber. Bernie was already off the bed, waiting for Calum to open the door for him.

Calum did his morning routine and put on his socks last before he made his way downstairs. He spotted Alexis Ximena in the kitchen flipping a freshly made waffle onto a plate.

“Mornin’” Calum grumbled to her, going straight to the coffee pot.

“Good morning.” She greeted him. “I thought you and Nico were going to be next door for breakfast with her mom and grandparents.”

“Nico’s mum called a few hours ago, saying some shit about not being able to make it. You know the usual.” He said. He took a long sip of his coffee, sticking out his tongue as the hot liquid scalded his tongue.

"Waffles?" She offered.

"Please." He nodded before blowing on his coffee and taking a sip.

While Alexis Ximena finished, Calum looked back to the living room. Thanks to her, the whole place looked festive. It was like walking into a Crate and Barrel ad. It wasn't too over the top and tacky, but it wasn't simple either.

The only thing that seemed out of place was the Christmas tree. It was the first tree Calum ever bought when he first moved in. He only put out to have some festive decoration since he rarely ever spent Christmas in Los Angeles. After Nico was born, he couldn't travel with her as much. She barely handled flights from Los Angeles to Toronto, so Calum didn't even think about her flying to Sydney.

"I think it's time, we get a new tree," Calum said to Alexis Ximena.

"Finally. I fucking hate that tree," she confessed.

"Why haven't you said anything? You just let me put that piece of shit up?"

"I thought it meant something to you."

"I bought that shit at Walmart for about fifteen dollars."

"And it shows," she mumbled to herself, but Calum heard her. She slid a plate to him. "Eat up."

"Thank you," He hummed. He reached for the honey and swirled it around his waffles. Then he spread a huge dollop of cream cheese on each waffle. He took another sip of his coffee then remembered something. "Weren't you supposed to be in Tijuana?"

"Yeah, but I was just dropping off my dad at the airport." Alexis Ximena said as she cut her waffles in neat bite size pieces. "His flight was at eight. We left here like at four because he had to check in at six."

"Have you slept?"

"No," she snorted. "It's fine though, the past weeks I've been doing night shoots, so my sleep is off."

It was all a lie. Since Calum couldn't go to Sydney, Alexis Ximena decided to fly Joy and David out to see them. So she made up the lie that her dad needed her to drop him off at the airport when in reality she was picking them from LAX. Her dad wasn't even going to Mexico this year. He decided to fly to New York to see Alexis Ximena's mom.

"Daddy," Nico called to him from the stairway.

"Yes?" He answered back.

"Please come here." A few seconds go by. "The bed is wet."

"A shit," he mumbled. He got up from his seat and made his way upstairs.

A few months ago Calum started potty training Nico. It went by pretty smoothly, but they have occasional accidents. Especially the night before something she's excited for, like her mom visiting.

He found her on the edge of the toilet, running her pendant over its chain. A habit her mom would do whenever she was anxious. She met his gaze, and her eyes were widened; they filled with embarrassment and guilt. Tears brimmed around her eyes.

"Daddy, I'm sorry." She blubbered.

Calum knelt down in front of her and held her small hands in his. "It's okay. It happens to the best of us." He softly said.

"But we're late for mami."

Calum stayed quiet for a bit wondering how to tell her that her mom cancelled. Then she spoke up.

"Mami not here?"

Calum shook his head. "There was too much snow and the planes had to stay." He lied.

Nico nodded. "When will she?" she asked.

"Not sure. Let's run you a shower okay?"

"Okay."

Nico hopped off the toilet and exited the bathroom. She held onto Calum's hand as they went to her room. He helped her shower and get ready.

"Do you want your hair down or braids?" He asked her when he sat her in front of her small vanity.

"Down please," she said.

Calum nodded and gently towel dried her hair as best he could before brushing it. He sprayed a generous amount of leave-in conditioner and gently combed her hair.

Nico smelled like an orange creamsicle. Calum was forever grateful for Jesssica Alba when she sent him a PR package of her baby brand. He nearly cried of pure happiness because Nico finally found a shampoo she liked. He had spent months going through baby brand after baby brand to find one she liked and didn’t hurt her scalp. Since then that's all he uses on her.

"All done." He said, setting the comb down.

Her eyes widened at the work Calum did. It was simple, but Nico loved it.

"So pretty, like you, daddy." She gushed.

"Let's go eat breakfast. Mena made some waffles."

"Waffles?" She gasped. She clapped her hands and made it out the door. She poked her head back in her room. "Let's go, old man."

"Hey, who are you calling old?" he asked.

"You," she giggled, covering her mouth.

They made their way down to the kitchen. Nico instantly wrapped her arms around Alexis Ximena.

"Hi, mami Mena," Nico said softly.

When she first started talking, Alexis Ximena or plainly just Alexis were hard for her to pronounce, so she went with mami. Around the time, Nico barely saw her mom because she was on tour and for a while she thought Alexis Ximena was her mom. Alexis Ximena explained that she wasn't her mom, but she loved Nico as if she was her daughter. Eventually Nico started to add 'Mena' whenever she'd ask for Alexis Ximena. It was her way of distinguishing Alexis Ximena and her biological mom.

"Hi, pretty lady. Want some waffles?"

"Yes, please." Nico said. She walked over to her stool. "Daddy, up please."

"Oh so now I'm daddy," he said.

"Daddy old man." Nico giggled.

***

"Are you very sure you want this one?" Calum asked Nico when she finally decided on a Christmas tree.

During breakfast Alexis Ximena convinced Nico that a natural tree is better than an artificial tree, to Calum's dismay. Now Nico and him were at a tree farm an hour or so from home. They spent over an hour going over every tree. From height, Nico wanted a big one, 'taller than daddy', and color. Calum didn't mind explaining. He knew Nico was at that age where she was practically a sponge and absorbed everything. Though it did take her a while to understand that not all trees grow avocados and lemons like the ones her uncle Ashton and her grandparents had.

"Yes. I want this one." She pointed at eight foot noble fir.

"Okay. Go with uncle Luke and wait for me okay."

Luke reached for her and led them to a bench. Calum walked over to the worker and let them know what tree he was going to buy. They told him that it would be ready in about ten minutes. They attached a ribbon with his last name to the tree and went over to help another customer. Calum went back to Luke and girls.

Ashton was going to join them, but Max had somehow locked himself in his studio. So he needed to get him out. Michael was barely landing spending a week in Palo Alto with his godson and the kid's family, so he couldn’t make it.

"Smells yummy," Calum heard Nico say out loud. He watched her spin around until her nose led her to a churro stand. A churros stand Calum had spotted the second they walked in, but did his best to steer them away from it.

"Daddy, I want one," she told Calum once he joined them at the bench.

Calum shook his head, "Not today. We're going to get lunch with Luke and Rory once we get the tree in the car."

"I don't want lunch." She huffed crossing her arms, challenging him.

Calum looked over to Luke for some help. He looked as lost as Calum. It was a side of Nico they've never seen.

"Nico," Calum warned her. He's only used that tone on her once, and she stopped acting out.

"Mami buys them for me." She tried arguing.

"Well, she's not here is she?" he said out of frustration. He quickly regretted saying that to her. When he told her that her mom wasn't coming, she didn't say much. Her outburst is a result of her not reacting to the news.

Nico began tearing up. Her small hands balled into fists as she huffed, trying her best not to fully cry. Her chest rose as her frustration took over her body.

"I want my mami not you," she repeated until she broke into full sobs. Her voice hiccuped and cracked as she begged for her mom.

Calum got down at her level and pulled her into a hug. She kept begging for her mom, mumbling how she missed her. She gave in and wrapped her arms around him. He pulled away and wiped her tears.

"I know you're upset that she's not here, but that's no way to behave Nico. You're becoming a big girl. If you feel sad or mad, you have to tell me, so I can help you feel better. Okay?"

"Yes," she nodded. She looked down at her feet and dusted off the fake snow from her Doc Martens. "I love you, daddy."

"I love you too, Nico."

"These young parents need to have a heavier hand with their kids. Hugging and consoling them is just going to enable their tantrums." Calum heard one of the older parents say to another.

He was about to say something, but Luke beat him to it.

"Maybe you should stop talking shit about someone you don’t know and pay attention to your own kid that's playing in actual shit." Luke nodded his head towards the small child jumping on the reindeers' poop.

The woman gave Luke an offended look before walking away with the other woman.

"Everything good?" Luke asked them.

"Yeah," Calum nodded. "I'll explain in a bit."

Once Calum paid for the tree, they made their way back to their cars. Luke buckled Rory back in his car seat.

"Is she okay?" Luke asked him once he popped out of the back.

"Yeah, she just upset her mum's in Toronto when she promised she was coming for Christmas. I wasn't upset because she cancelled, not the first time she's done it, but because it's starting to affect Nico more, you know."

"Yeah. I'm sorry you and Nico have to go through that." Luke said.

"But we'll get through it, she has me."

"Daddy, I want lunch." Nico yelled from inside his car.

***

When Calum entered his street, Paola, Nico's aunt passed them while jogging with her dog. One thing Calum was happy about was that most of Nico's maternal family lived next door, and she was able to spend as much time with them as she wanted. They've been very helpful when Nico first entered Calum's life. They sometimes watched her when Calum was touring and Alexis Ximena couldn't because of work.

"Daddy, there's Tía and Karma." Nico pointed out when they drove past her.

"Let's drop off the tree and we'll go over." Calum suggested.

"Yay!" Nico clapped.

Calum pulled up to the driveway and grabbed Nico. They arrived at her grandparents' just as Paola came back from her jog.

"Thought I saw you two just now." Poala said, getting down to hug Nico. "¿Cómo está mi princesa?"

"Bien." Nico answered. "My daddy got a big tree."

"Oh wow! Santa's gonna leave so many presents huh."

"He's not real. Mi mami Mena leaves presents."

Paola looked up at Calum. "She's not even three and she knows he's not real."

"Not my fault. She saw a movie about it." He said defensively.

"Wanna come in? My parents are inside." Paola asked.

"Yes!" Nico nodded.

They made their way inside. Calum still remembered the first time he actually entered the house. It was when he dropped off Nico's mom after he made her cry at the studio. Fast forward to about five years, and the place still kept its homey vibe.

Calum helped Nico take off her jacket and hang It on the coat rack. He heard her make her rounds of greeting her grandparents. Before joining them, he sent Alexis Ximena a text that they're next door and might be there for an hour.

He made his way to the kitchen where Amelia placed a bowl of pozole in front of Nico. He hugged her grandparents and sat next to Nico.

"Love, you just ate." Calum said to her. At the diner she didn't want her chicken tenders so she ended up eating most of Calum's veggie burger. If someone should be eating, it should be him.

"But… pozole." She argued, pointing to her bowl.

"Fine, but you're giving me some." He gave in.

Nico agreed. She topped their bowl by the handfuls with 're-chicken'—cabbage—, onion and radishes as Calum shredded some chicken. While they ate, Calum half listened to what everyone was saying. It was mostly their plans for tomorrow.

Nico ate about five spoonfuls of pozole, before making her ' I'm full' face. Calum finished the rest. He felt her rest her head on his side. In a matter of minutes she fell asleep.

"Guess that's our queue." Calum joked when her snores got louder. He carefully picked Nico up. "Thank you for having us and for the food. Delicious as always."

"Come by tomorrow, we got Nico some things. If you can't, we'll just drop them off." Alejandro, Nico's grandfather, said to him.

"No it's fine, we'll stop by. At ten?" Calum asked.

"That works."

"Thanks once again. We'll see you tomorrow." He waved at them.

He grabbed their coats, draping his over Nico like a blanket. When he reached his house, the tree was already off his car.

There was laughter coming from outside his door along with some chatter. Calum immediately recognized the voices. It was his parents.

He quickly entered his house. Bernie and Duke were at the front waiting for them. He made a shushing gesture to them and made his way upstairs so Nico can sleep more comfortably. Not wanting to disturb her much, he only took off her shoes and covered her in his coat again. She softly hummed and hugged her stuffed crocodile, Crow.

Calum made his way back downstairs, but went through the back stairs that lead to the kitchen, so his parents wouldn't see him. He saw Alexis Ximena mindlessly handing Joy snowflake ornaments as she ate Shapes with onion dip. His father was on the recliner with his arms crossed, nodding off.

Before Nico, this was how he imagined spending the holidays with his family once he settled down. He just wanted the most important people in his life together. And it's what he has. Sure the circumstances that brought them together weren’t how he planned, but he's grateful for them because he had Nico and Alexis Ximena.

"Are you just going to stand there and stare at Alexis or are you going to hug your mum?" Joy said playfully, bringing Calum back from his thoughts.

"Sorry," he mumbled sheepishly. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "How are you here?—Not that I mind."

"What? A mother can't come see her baby and his baby?" She asked. "Speaking of babies, where's Nico?"

"She's upstairs slee—"

"Daddy! I'm gonna poop." Nico yelled from upstairs.

"She's upstairs… using the faculties." He pulled away from Joy. "I'll be right back." Calum ran upstairs to help Nico.

Joy went back to her little makeshift station of ornaments. Alexis Ximena went a little overboard while shopping for things to put on the tree Calum was buying it. She was more than happy to help her with decorating.

"Thanks for not telling him that I flew y'all out." Alexis Ximena whispered to Joy in case Calum came in. "I know he would have made a big deal about it if he knew."

"Don't worry about dear." Joy said softly.

Joy felt indebted with Alexis Ximena. Not for the plane tickets, but for everything she's done for Calum and Nico. She brought a side of Calum that Joy never thought she was going to see. He's grown so much in almost three years.

In a blink of an eye he stopped being that brooding and almost hostile guy that claimed love was bullshit. All that nonsense he continuously talked about disappeared when he held Nico in his arms for the first time.

"Pops! Gramma JoJo!" Nico exclaimed when she ran into the living room. She hugged David and then Joy. Still in Joy's arms she asked, "Where is Tiny Teddy?"

***

"Four." Calum said as he emptied his pockets with Tiny Teddy bags. Alexis Ximena looked at him, confused to whatever he was rambling about. "That's how many she had under her fucking pillow. 'Daddy, I can sleep myself,' my arse."

"Oh, I thought she took them because she was gonna share with the other kids when we went to Luke and Aaliyah's." Alexis Ximena said as she reached for a sprinkles bag from the pile.

"You saw her grab them?"

"Yeah," she giggled.

"That fucking little shit," he mumbled.

Calum grabbed the other bags and took them to the kitchen. He grabbed the box of Tiny Teddy and put them back. He closed the cabinet, but then opened it. He knew his daughter and she would find a way to get to them. Grabbing the instant oatmeal packages, he put all of Nico's cookies in the box and tossed the Tiny Teddy box.

He came back to the living room and found Alexis Ximena placing all of the presents around the tree. She placed the bigger boxes in the back and neatly stacked the smaller boxes in the front.

"Can you help me up?" she asked him, smiling at him. Calum knew that smile. It was the same one Nico did when she needed help from him. So he effortlessly pulled her up. "While you're at it, can you help me with my boots?"

"I still don't understand why you wore these? Everyone was in their pajamas." Calum asked her. He tugged them off her and handed them to her.

"Just because I had to wear these corny ass PJs doesn't mean I had to look all fodonga." Alexis Ximena said defensively. She rubbed the soft leather against her cheek. "Plus these are Alexander McQueen."

Calum settled on the couch and turned on the TV. He cursed when the movie blasted Tyler the Creator's song as the Grinch started, and he quickly lowered the volume. Alexis Ximena crawled on the couch next to Calum and rested her head on his thigh.

They were at the part where the Grinch and Max get an obese reindeer to follow their shenanigans when they hear their dogs’ trotting and Nico trying not to giggle. Calum watched Nico stop and smile brightly at the Christmas tree.

She turned to Calum and jumped happily. “Daddy, Santa came!” She squealed.

“Yeah and took all of your Tiny Teddies since we didn’t leave him any.”

“And beer?”

Calum nodded and chuckled, remembering Ashton explaining to Ethan, Max and Nico how in Australia they leave beer for Santa with the cookies.

Alexis Ximena sat up and gave her an exaggerated confused look. “I thought you said Santa wasn’t real?”

Nico toyed with her necklace and quietly said. “Ethan said he’s real.” She sighed and smiled to herself. “And so handsome.”

“Aw you think he’s cute.” Alexis Ximena teased her. She poked her sides, earning a few giggles from her. “Cal, don’t you think that’s—]”

But Calum was too busy talking on the phone to pay attention to her. “Hey Michael! Just calling to say that all future playdates between Ethan and Nico are cancelled. Merry Christmas.” He said.

He hung up and looked at Nico. She had a deep pout and tears brimmed her eyes.

“I like playing with Ethan.”

“Cal, why are you so worked up? Nico’s two and Ethan is four. They’re just kids.” Alexis Ximena laughed.

“Yeah, then he’s going to be five and starting kindergarten soon. You can never trust those kindergarteners.”

TAGLIST: @calumscalm @karajaynetoday @cherryxwildflower @myloverboyash @calpops @idontneedanyone @findingliam-o @5-secondsofcolor @spicycal @sexgodashton @sunshinebabycal @another-lonely-heart @fckingpernico

Special guests: @lukesfuckingbeard @rebelwith0utacause @oldmes

#singledad!Cal and roommate!OC #dad!cal #calum hood imagine #calum hood one shot #calum hood fluff #calum hood oneshot

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hoodharlow · 3 years

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Thinking about fans BEGGING Cal to also make a solo project and he just posts a picture of Nico sleeping in her bassinet and caption it "this is my solo project" 😂😂😂

#y'all know his petty ass would #we love a single dad tho esp if he's cal #mena would give him side eye bc she was the one who put her to sleep lmao #one day at a time thoughts #singledad!cal and roommate!oc

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be-ready-when-i-say-go · 3 years

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Becoming

Halloween is Bee’s favorite holiday and while for most people it’s focused on becoming something new, transforming into fantasies, it is for others about becoming who they really are.

Related to Silver Fox. Can be read alone. SingleDad!Cal+ Halloween + Cuteness.

Read Silver Fox Here.

Enjoy my masterlist.

Support me on Ko-Fi.

********************

Anahera reads over the text several times, exits the text messaging app, reopens it and still shocks finds her when the text does not disappear. Halloween party on Saturday, 8pm You’re invited. Costume contest too! This isn’t a text message that she should’ve gotten--Anahera played on the school’s field hockey team but she wasn’t that popular to get a text message from Chelsea. Chelsea was on the school’s cheerleading team, up next for captain once the current senior graduated. They worked together once on a physics project and exchanged numbers only to talk about who would do what and to meet after school to run the lab. But that was pretty much the existent of their interactions, besides saying hi in passing in the hallways.

But here Chelsea was texting Anahera about a Halloween party. Looking up from her phone, Anahera risks a quick glance to her father. He stands outside the car, phone pressed to his ear. A call came in right as Anahera walked up to the car. He paused long enough to greet her and ask how she was doing but he had to return to the call pretty quickly after that. Her practice ran long--mostly because their coach was getting on their case about two girls that got into a physical fight in school and thus were benched for two games. Her dad’s not the type to be overly strict about her going out. But he was a small bit of a worrier and liked to know the parents or at least have their numbers.

Anahera turns back to her phone and pulled up Levi’s thread. Did you get an invite to a Halloween party on Saturday?

It’s only a couple of moments before Levi replies. Yeah. ‘rents already said yes. What about you?

Levi was the last child in a line of four, so it was never really a shock that their parents let them do pretty much anything as long as they could say who they were going with and what time they were going to be back home by. Anahera glances back out to the window and notices Calum nodding along to whatever is being said. When they catch eyes, Calum puffs up his cheeks and crosses his eyes just to get a laugh out of her. Anahera shakes her head with a small chuckle and sticks her tongue out in return before returning to her phone.

Haven’t asked yet. Afraid he’s going to say no.

Your dad’s not like that. Let him know you’re going with me. My curfew is midnight. Dan’s on dial too--just in case.

Dan was nice, and even though he was the oldest of their siblings, he wasn’t big on partying. He was quiet, played video games mostly and occasionally went out. But as the only one with a car, he became the go to one for rides to and from places or as a quick line of defense. Anahera normally had a curfew around eleven. However, if she led the question with Levi’s plans and Dan being their ride, then her dad might be more flexible about extending the curfew. Anahera would also have to promise that her homework would be done Friday night because if she didn’t, Calum would certainly use that as a way to be hesitant.

The only way to find out her answer is going to be just asking flat out. Leaning across the console, Anahera rolls down the window. The buzzing and whir catches Calum’s attention and he takes the phone from his ear. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’ll be off in five and get you some dinner. I know you’re probably starving after practice.”

“Thanks. Um, actually I wanted to ask you if I could go to this party on Saturday. It’s at Chelsea’s. Levi’s going and they have to be back home by 12.”

“Halloween party?” Calum asks.

Anahear nods. “I’ll have all my homework done on Friday. I’m already done with one essay and I think there’s a math set packet Mr. M is handing out on Thursday to help as extra study material for the test on Monday. And Bee’s already reading over my college essay so when I get the edits it’ll be like super quick.”

Calum sighs, hearing the voice on the line droning on. “Levi’s going? And their parents know Chelsea’s parents or have their number?”

“I-I don’t know. I just know Levi got the approval to go. Please, Dad. I can ask Chelsea tomorrow about the number thing. But please can I go? Dan’s on speed dial in case we need a ride.”

Calum holds her gaze, mouth twisting up. Bee had asked what Calum and Anahera had planned to do for Halloween. Normally, the two of them dressed up and handed out candy to the kids in the neighborhood that came by trick or treating on the day of Halloween and during the weekends, sometimes they went to haunted houses or Anahera hung out with Levi in her room, watching scary movies until ungodly hours in the morning. Anahera’s eagerness to go the party didn’t strick Calum was strange. She’s settled into her junior year, her birthday passing in September. However, Calum did start to miss things from before. Like the way Anahera always wanted to hang out with him and how they always had plans for Halloween. But things were changing. She was growing up and Calum was going to have to grow with that too.

He nods. “Yeah, you can go. But,” he starts interrupting the squeal from Anahera, “the edits your college admission essay need to be done before you leave on Saturday. You’re not struggling in math too much, and I trust you with whatever you need to make sure you get a good grade on that test on Monday.” Anahera wants to apply early decision to a couple schools and the rest are regular decisions. Bee advised that it would be easier for her to finish the essays early and that way the only thing to stress about come the summer and start of senior year were getting the letters of recommendations. Though the essays that Anahera were drafting for college apps right now were samples/examples. Anahera wanted to have a bank of a couple different kinds that wouldn’t need too much extra work to fit to the questions before being submitted.

Though Calum suggested that she not worry that not much closer until time, Anahera insisted that she wanted some practice and considering that the beginning of the semester wasn’t that congested with work, it worked out well.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Anahera exclaims crawling over the console and hugging Calum through the open window of the car.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Love you.” He knows he’s clinging a little too long but he doesn’t want to forget the way Anahera squeezed in her hugs. It was a trait she had since she was little and Calum’s not sure where she got it from. However, there was nothing like a hug from her--even when she was small and she sensed something was wrong, she would run up to him with her favorite toy at the time in her hand and squeeze him tight in a hug. She would always tell him not to be sad because she would always have hugs for him.

“Love you too!” Anahera replies easily.

Calum gets off the work call soon after that and climbs into the driver seat, or at least he attempts to. Anahera hasn’t left the driver side seat since getting the okay for her venture to the party. “Ma’am. I know you’re getting closer to that license but I think I’m still in charge of driving for just a little bit longer.”

Anahera laughs. “Oh c’mon, Pops. You know I can handle this no problem.” She over dramatizes taking a sharp turn, hands passing over each other and lightly brushing the cover of the steering wheel. She hasn’t tested yet but they get out early on the weekends for practice and Calum keeps encouraging her to test. It’s yet to happen, but he’s hopeful.

“Maybe on Sunday you go for a spin. But it ain’t Sunday yet.”

Anahera looks to Calum with her brows raised. “Promise?”

“Promise.” They hook pinkies and she climbs back into the passenger seat. “Subs?”

“Oh, you know exactly what I was thinking. But that might just be that you’re my dad.”

“Maybe,” Calum laughs, “maybe.”

Anahera relays the news to Levi about her approval to go to the party. Any costume ideas? I’m a giant nothing. Levi asks. Anahera thinks about usual superheroes, the sexy costumes. But those wouldn’t work out too well.

Couples costumes? Or too lame?

I love you, Ana. But I am not going in some dumb het. normative costume.

Anahera snickers at the text. I didn’t mean like couple couple costume. But like matching/same universe or something.

Oh, oh, hmm, that could work.

Stranger Things--Scoops Ahoy Steve and Robin? That message comes through at the same time that Levi suggest pirates. Oh, pirates could be cool? We’d have to get to the mall to shop possibly. but I promised to have homework done before Friday.

“Wanna eat inside or get it to go?”

Ana looks up and sees that the car is parked outside their favorite Italian place. Anahera shrugs and unbuckles. “It’s everyone else’s problem if I stink, not mine.”

Calum laughs. “That’s why there was the option to not kill everyone with your funk.” He locks the doors, taking a quick glance at the parking lot. He doesn’t spot Bee’s car. He know she doesn’t take too many hours at the restaurant during the week, but occasionally she takes a few or she comes in when they need more help. He wasn’t sure if she was working both jobs or not. But given the number of cars in the parking lot, he can’t really get a good look around.

Inside is crowded. Though most people seem to be getting orders to go, lined up at the counter as compared to the pretty empty dining area. Calum and Anahera stand the podium to be seated for a couple moments. Anahera is buried in her phone while Calum glances around. He spies Bee at the counter, handing over a stack of three pizza boxes to a man. The woman he’s with comes up and takes the bag Bee hands over. “Just two?” a voice close by cuts in. A younger guy who Calum hasn’t seen before stands in front of them.

Calum turns with a nod. “Yes, just two.”

“Booth or table?” the young man asks.

“Booth,” Anahera returns with a smile and follows behind as they’re escorted to the booth. Calum throws one last glance back to the counter. Bee happens to glance up and throws a small wave which Calum returns.

“Can I start you all out with something to drink?” the young man asks, pen in hand.

“Water,” Calum answers, slipping the sunglasses up into his hair and Anahera replies with the same.

The young man nods. “Lemon on the side okay?” With nods all the way around, he starts over to the drink mission.

Anahera turns directly to the sub and sandwiches section of the menu. “See your boo,” Ana teases glancing up for a moment.

Calum shakes his head, cheeks heating for a split second at the tease. He and Bee have been dating for a little seven months. Anahera wasn’t shocked after discovering the hickies that fated day but she never fails to say that she’s the thing that brought them together. “Yeah, I saw her,” Calum returns. “So about this party? You and Levi know what your costumes are going to be? Like going in something matching or separate?”

“We’re thinking about something matching. They suggested pirates or something but I don’t think I have anything in my closet that could work and I would ask to go shopping on Saturday before the party but I wasn’t sure how that was going to go over.”

“Hmm, if you needed to borrow anything from me, you could. Or if Levi wanted too, they could as well. And it comes down too, I could take y’all Friday after school.That would give you Saturday morning to work too and then get ready. Or whatever works better.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll let them know.” Anahera works her fingers over the screen, the keys highlighting for a second before dropping back down to their normal size. “And thanks. For offering to take Levi and offering your closet.”

Calum knows Levi’s parents haven’t super well to their coming out and using they/them pronouns. However, Levi’s siblings have defended them and Anahera too. He wishes he could do a lot more. He’s tried to help as much as he can, being there for Levi when they need someone but he knows it’s not always the same--it’s not like having their actual parents being supportive. “Of course. You two have been friends since elementary school. Almost feels like a second child at this point--Levi’s family at this point.”

“You’re pretty awesome, Dad.”

“I can only ever do my best, sweetheart. That’s it.”

“Yeah, but your best is still pretty great.” She’s quick to return to her phone no doubt relaying everything to Levi. The waiter returns with their waters and runs down the specials for the day. Anahera orders her turkey panini with salad and fries. Calum overs the Philly cheese steak with just fries.

“Hey guys,” Bee says as she stops by their table. The dinner rush has slowed for the time being.

Calum tugs on her wrist and she falls into the side of the booth, his bumping against his side. His arm slides around her waist in a quick hug. “Shocked to see you here. Not even a Thursday, so you can’t tell me close to the weekend.”

“Terence’s books were more expensive this semester--so I’m trying to play catch up right now.”

“More expensive?” Calum questions, twisting in the booth to look up at her. Bee gives Anahera a quick hug before turning to stand at the edge of the table. “Why don’t you sit?”

“Boss is here today. Don’t want him complaining. And Terence signed up for an extra class, said he was going to be a class short if he didn’t fully load up his schedule. And it’s cheaper to do it now than it is to take the one class during the summer. I budgeted for right around 250 for books but the extra class was in English and it ran just under an additional 200 dollars just for that class.”

“Another 200 hundred?” Calum gaps. “You’re telling me you spent over 400 dollars in textbooks?”

“Just about 400 dollars. He’s looking for scholarships to help with textbooks. But with basketball it’s not like he can pick up a job. I need him focusing on his grade to keep the scholarship that he does have. The refund should help recover costs some but most of that I’m giving right back to Terence in installments.”

Calum nods, knowing about how Bee likes to put money into Terrence’s account. She does it so that Terrence can take care of anything that comes up in case of emergency, but she know sometimes the team goes out for dinners and other things. He’s got to be a kid in college while still in college. What Calum didn’t realize is just how much Terrence didn’t know about what Bee did behind the scenes for him. Terrence came home for the summer, well before summer conditioning and they hung out, and Terrence knew Bee worked her ass off to help him but she hadn’t pulled the veil back to reveal just how much she busted ass to make his games, keep him afloat and never stressing about money.

Calum respected that and never discussed money in front of Terrence. But part of him did want Terrence to know just how much Bee was working so that textbooks were the least of his worries. “You know I’m here, for anything,” Calum offers, wrapping his fingers around hers.

Bee nods. “Thanks. I appreciate it. But get ready, you’re next,” she teases, laughing before glancing over to Anahera. “Once I get home I can send you my suggestions. They’re on my laptop and I didn’t bring it with me to this job.”

“Don’t worry, Bee. I appreciate you just taking the time to read over it.”

“Of course.” The bell above the door chimes and Bee turns, greeting the family that just entered letting them know she’ll be right over in a moment. “Alright, duty calls. Enjoy your dinner.”

Bee squeezes Calum’s hand and then turns on her heels to go to the podium. “How are we tonight? Besides just a smidge hungry?” Bee jokes, grabbing menus. The group laughs just a little bit before following Bee to a booth about three down from Calum and Anahera.

“You think Bee would take me and Levi shopping?”

Calum perks up at the question. Anahera and Bee get along well but Bee’s careful about suggesting that she and Anahera spend time together. As Calum knows and understands, Bee doesn’t want to come across as being pushing or trying too hard but she doesn’t want to seem like she doesn’t care. They’ve gotten manicures together or gone out just for ice cream--it’s always been small things. However, Anahera seems to enjoy that time together.

“Ask, can’t hurt. If her schedule allows, I think she’d be happy to take you and Levi,” Calum answers. He bites down on the corner of his lip to contain a small portion of his smile. Bee’s been the one to schedule most of their activities together or at least initiate them. But seeing Anahera take the lead on this one is a good sign.

“Oh, you’re right. She might be working. I don’t want to make her feel bad if she’s working?” Anahera enjoys the time she’s spent with Bee. When they got the gel manicures, it was fun. Bee picked out Anahera’s color and they were able to sit next to each other as they talked about watching True Crime documentaries and Ana told her all about the new music she had been listening too. Bee was cool about all the jokes Anahera made, and once their colors cured under the UV lights, Anahera spent nearly thirty minutes sitting outside the shop just showing Bee all the videos and memes that she had saved recently.

Bee felt like her dad’s girlfriend, but she also felt like someone that cared about Anahera too. It was a nice feeling to have another girl to talk about things that just got it. And whatever Anahera didn’t want to go back to Calum, didn’t get back to him. Anahera mentioned to Bee before Calum about Levi and what was happening at home for them. Anahera begged Bee not to say anything to her dad. Not that she thought Calum wouldn’t be understanding but because Anahera just didn’t want to out her best friend to someone they weren’t ready to be out too. However, when Anahera needed someone to talk to about Levi, Bee was gracious and patient and promised not to breathe a word to Calum. So when Levi came over for the first time to come out, while Bee and Calum were fixing dinner, Bee’s reaction was like she had heard the news for the first time. Calum was shocked but grateful to know and the change was immediate, though a little bumpy at first. Anahera called Bee later that night to thank her for being supportive of her best friend.

Also in terms of pirate costuming, as much as Anahera adores her dad, she knew only Bee would get her vision for her costume and be able to help her. Also Bee could also help Levi put together their costume so that the two of them matched but still kept a distinct air to the both of them.

Bee passes their table right after they get their orders with a tray full of drinks for the table that she has. However on the second pass by, Anahera manages to snag her attention. “Do you work Saturday morning?”

Bee ponders for a moment. “I work here starting at 2. What’s up?”

“I got invited to this Halloween party and Levi and I want to go as pirates. But we both need a few things to help with our outfits. Would you mind taking us and helping us out?”

The grin that breaks across Bee’s face is so big Calum’s sure her cheeks are going to split right there on the spot. “Yeah, I’d love to. Mall opens at 9. How does 10 sound? Would that time work for them as well?”

“I can ask.”

“Text me whatever works best, okay. I’ll pick you up first and then we’ll swing and get Levi.”

Anahera nods and turns back to her salad just as Bee turns back and continues down to the kitchen. “So I’m getting the boot I guess.”

“I guess you can come too. Do you and Bee have plans?”

“Bee asked if we had plans. I told her our normal plans are using dressing up and doing a little decorating to hand out candy or you watching movies with Levi but now that’s different. So I’m not even sure.”

“Just remember, I’m coming back home at midnight sharp.” Once or twice, Anahera’s caught the embarrassing glimpse of a kiss getting pretty heavy. That’s enough, she doesn’t want to see anything more than that.

Calum gapes for a moment around the sip of his water. “Missy, who’s the parent here?” Anahera goes quiet, shoveling the last bite of her salad into her mouth. “That’s what I thought.” With their dinner finish and check paid, Calum and Anahera slip out from the booth. They both say goodbye to Bee before leaving. Anahera promises to text Bee the second she gets a time that works well before 2.

It’s only later in the night, after Calum gets a text from Bee that she got home safely that he calls her. She doesn’t answer immediately. However about 20 minutes later, his phone rings from her. “Hey,” he says settling into the pillows. Tammy’s curled up on his lap. The click of paws outside the door alerts Calum that Anahera’s moving around the house and Jake’s following right behind her. “How was your day?”

“Pretty good. The restaurant was crazy when I walked in but the rest of the night calmed down. How was your day?”

“Nothing too grand until I surprisingly ran into you,” he chuckles softly into the receiver. “I just want to say thank you for agreeing to take Anahera and Levi shopping. That-that means a lot to me.”

“No need to thank you, Cal baby. But you’re so welcome. I love Ana and Levi. I’d do whatever I could for them.”

“No, I do need to thank you. I know you’re working hard to cover what you had to spend on Terrence’s books but you taking the time to spend with my daughter and her best friend--it says a lot more about your character than anything.”

“Thank you, Calum. That means a lot.”

“Of course.”

“With Anahera and Levi going to the party, are you just going to hang out on Halloween?”

“I guess. I don’t know. Unless of course you’d like to spend some time together after work if you’re not too tired of course.”

“I’m only working a 5 hours shift. I picked up part of someone else’s shift. So if you wanted to do something after 7, we can. Your neighborhood’s plenty active right? Like you hand out candy and what not?”

“Yeah, there’s enough kids that come out. Would you want to dress up? I totally get if you don’t want to, with work and everything.”

“I would love to dress up! Halloween’s my favorite. But once Terrence got too old to trick-or-treat, I kinda didn’t have much reason to do a lot. The apartment complex does like a small thing for the kids, but nothing like the neighborhood I was in before Terrence and I moved.”

“Might I crash the shopping party on Saturday? I know depending on how long it takes you might have to duck out before things finish but while they shop for their costumes you and I can plan something too.”

“Sure, you can crash the shopping party. Do you decorate?”

“Used to when Anahera was younger. Not a lot much inside. It’s more outside decoration for the kiddos as they come up to the door.”

“Well I look forward to a fairly spooped out house. Trick or treating starts around 6 so I’ll miss the first hour but after my shift ends, would it be okay if I just came directly to your place and changed? What time is the party for Anahera and Levi?”

“Yeah, sure you can come straight to my place. Their party starts at 8 and Levi’s brother Dan is dropping them off at the party and dropping them Ana back off afterwards. Or at least I need to make sure that’s the plan. Even if I have to drop her off, if you come to my place, trick or treaters can still get their candy fill while I drop her off.”

“Okay, cool. Thank you.” A yawn cuts off the last little bit of the sentence. “God, sorry.”

“It’s been a long day. I get it. Get some rest, babe.”

“Wait, I gotta email Anahera. Stay on the line with me until I finish that. Then I can go night-night.”

Calum chuckles at the repetitive phrase. It reminds of when Anahera was younger. He’t tuck her in at night with a kiss to her forehead and a sweet bid of “Night-night. Sweet dreams,” without fail. And it appears that even though children might grow out of the phrase, parents never do. “Okay, I’ll stay on until you do that. Do you have any costume ideas?”

“Something witchy. Or vampires. Or we can go with something with a bit more gore. I think I have some special effects makeup left in that kit.”

“I know you said Halloween is for favorite but for someone that doesn’t celebrate like before, I’m a little lost on why you have a kit.”

“Library holds some special readings every quarter. Theme was fairytales so we dressed up and used some special effects for some wrinkles for the old fairy godmother. And I just got the big kit because I figured it would last for more than reading. There’s some fake blood in it too. I like to have all my options.”

Calum hums, the pillows surrounding him starting to pull him into sleep as well. Just closing his eyes won’t hurt. It’s quiet for a moment, faintly he can hear the taps and clicks of Bee on her computer. “Oh, what about something with Bonnie and Clyde?”

“Like them dead? Because I think I could be down.” The sentence is a little slow to fall from Bee’s lips.

“Hmm yeah maybe.”

“Thanks for staying up with me even though we both about to pass out.”

“Anything for you.”

“Goodnight, Calum.”

“Hey, that’s a good night-night and sweet dreams to you, Bee.” She laughs softly into the receiver and it’s the only sound Calum distinctly remembers hearing too.

Friday night Anahera is sure to show Calum her changes to the essay and when he nods, kissing the top of her head, Ana tries to hold back her excitement. She and Levi have talked about their costumes. Though Levi’s unsure of if they should go with a vest or not. They don’t have one and buying one would be pointless just for the one costume. Anahera suggests if they find one cheap they could add it to the costume without fear of not necessarily wearing it out again.

Calum agrees to drive separately from Bee, Anahera, and Levi when Saturday rolls around. The second Bee showed up Anahera dove into the vision she and Levi had for the costumes and what they both already have in their closest. Calum catches wind of a skirt and he waits for a moment unsure if that’s a smart idea. However, Bee is quick to suggest fishnets in addition to the skirt. Fishnets isn’t the answer he would’ve given, but Calum knows this is not his time into the court and let’s Bee take the lead on how to best handle wearing a skirt to a party that Calum’s almost certain alcohol may sneak its way into the mix. He knows he can’t shield Anahera forever from the world but he definitely doesn’t want her introduction to be harsh. Amongst the glimpses of conversations that he catches about the skirt, he catches onto the addition of shorts underneath too and lets out a tiny sigh of relief.

Levi hangs back as Bee and Anahera enter the first store. Calum lingers back with them.“Skipping this one?” Calum asks. It’s an H&M and there’s no doubt in Calum’s mind that they can find something here. They mentioned wanting either a jacket or the vest and then needing a thick belt or fabric to help with their look. They already have the white button up, jeans and boots for the costume.

“I-It’s a lot easier to like look online at clothes.” The confession leaves Levi’s lips softly. Calum nods, understanding that online no one says anything if they switch between men or women’s. However, the physical stores has to be a whole different ballgame, the anxiety about looks that people might give tot hem.

“If you want, I’ll stick with you. Whichever section, I can be right there.”

“You-you don’t have too, Mr. Hood.”

“It’s Uncle Cal and you know that, Levi. Besides, you’re not Anahera’s best friend. You’re part of my family. So whatever you need me to do is out of love, not obligation.”

The tears collect on their lower lids. “You consider me family?”

“Always have, kid, and always will.” With an arm slung over their shoulder, Calum proposes a deal. “What if you help me with my costume and if we just happen to find something for you, then we just happen to find something for you? How does that sound?”

Levi gives Calum a quick hug before nodding. “Sounds-sounds good to me.”

“C’mon. I think I see a suit jacket that might be perfect for Clyde. But I need younger eyes because I forgot my glasses.”

As the pair walks towards the suit jackets, Bee slides over and slips a few tissues into the palm of Calum’s hand. He hands them over to Levi and there’s a silent nod of recognition between all of them. Bee zips back over to Anahera, knowing that she had to talk the young girl out of the platform boots that Anahera doesn’t need considering the pair that she just got for her birthday.

As Calum and Levi thumb through the blazers, Calum can see one particular red ornate blazer has caught their attention. So he plucks if off the rack, pulling the medium size one off the rack to start. He can’t quite gauge their size and he doesn’t want to ask someone to measure Levi. Holding the jacket open for Levi, Calum silently asks them to try it on. “I think it might look better on you than me. I think my days have passed. Besides the red blazer I have at home reads more captain than pirate. But it’s always a look you could go for.”

Levi slips their arms into the blazer. The sleeves swallow their arms and hits them too low on their legs. But the light is evident in their eyes as they look into the mirror on the wall. “Wow,” they breathe, turning to see what it looks like from the back.

“I say we try the small. This is a medium.” Levi nods, slipping out of the jacket and taking the small from Calum. “This isn’t a tailored cut. Meaning it doesn’t cut in or cinch at the waist. This is a standard fit.” He straightens the collar out for them and grins at their smile. “Arms out straight in front of you,” he directs looking to see if the sleeves come up just a little or not all. They rise just a smidge. “Okay, reach up for the ceiling.” Levi does so without seeming restricted. “Is it tight anywhere?”

“No,” they return, shrugging their shoulders. “Not tight. It’s a little loose but like a good loose.”

“Fitted jackets and blazers can be harder to get in smaller sizes sometimes. If you want this, we can get it today and then after the party to get fitted a bit better, go to a tailor.”

“My parents would not be happy though,” Levi counters.

Calum nods. “I know that’s rough. But what if for right now, we get this and if they ask, you tell your parents it’s mine and I let you borrow it for the costume. The next time you come for to visit Anahera, I can take you to get it properly fitted.”

“How would I get it back home? My parents don’t like spot check my room but they’d notice me with this kind of jacket.”

“You leave that to me. While it’s easy to say smuggle it in your backpack, they’ll wrinkle it. But trust, between Anahera and I, we’ll make sure you get it to your room undetected.”

“I don’t know Mr. Hood. Seems like a lot of trouble.”

The nerves are understandable and Calum does not want to push them to do anything they wouldn’t want to do. “Alternatively, you find a vest for the costume and Bee and I find some fabric that’s fancy and you use that to tie around your waist as as the glamour you and Ana want. The blazer’s a dream for when you feel safer.”

“Yeah, yeah I like that.” Levi slowly removes the blazer and puts it back onto the hanger. “There’s, uh, there’s this,” they state, lifting up a standard black denim like vest.

“Okay, so something along that vibe. Gotcha.” Calum thumbs through the rack and pulls out a similar vest but this one has silver buttons and embellishments that make it feel a bit more elevated, more pirate-y.

As Levi tries that one on, Calum texts Bee to grab the red blazer from off the end of the rack and add it to the pile that Anahera’s collecting. He promises to pay her back. Within a minute of the text sending, he watches Bee approach in the mirror and grab the blazer, quickly stashing it under the racks in her hand. There’s a yellow sweater on top and a few black items beneath it as well.

“Lookin’ good, Levi!” Bee calls out, leaning behind the racks to make sure the blazer is concealed.

Anahera isn’t far behind, dragging Levi over to the shoes. “You should get this vest,” she says before returning to her point about not knowing which sneakers to get.

“They didn’t go for the blazer? It looked good,” Bee ponders quietly.

“Worried about their parents blowing a fuse. But Christmas is coming up, so hopefully things are different then. If not, I think they’d still appreciate it. And I know if I wait, it’s going to be gone.”

“You’re right about that. Ana and I are done for Halloween. You might have to convince her she doesn’t need 80 pairs of the same shoe. But while you distract, I’ll check out.”

Calum nods, heading towards the clearance shoes where Anahera and Levi are huddled. “I’ll give you the money tonight.”

Bee nods and makes a straight shot for the registers. After a trip to the fabric store for Levi’s belt, and a dive into Bee’s favorite hair care store to get headwraps for the both of them, Anahera and Levi are set for their costumes. Calum knows buried in his closet is a white dress shirt that he can throw on along with a black suit jacket, so he’s not too worried that he’s walking out the store empty handed.

Bee looks down at her phone again, teeth capturing the skin of her lips--her boss at the restaurant texted if she can come in an hour earlier. She almost doesn’t take the extra hour but Calum assures that now the costumes are set, that if she needs to take the extra hour then she absolutely take it. None of them will be mad, or feeling like she’s dipping out just to get away. “You sure?” Bee asks Calum after relaying the predicament, watching as Levi and Anahera duck in line for pretzels. “Ana’s not going to feel like I’m being mean or dodgy?”

“Babe. No. I don’t think so.” He kisses her forehead. “I know things are tight after the textbook fiasco. If you need to take the extra hour, do it.”

“I’ll keep the blazer in my bag and then bring it back to your place after they leave for the party.”

“Okay.”

She gives her quick goodbyes with hugs to Anahera and Levi, before kissing Calum softly goodbye and backtracking to the opposite end of the mall, where they parked. The shopping continues for a little bit longer, but Calum doesn’t linger too much allowing them their space. They agree to reconvene outside the sporting goods store in an about hour.

It’s a dangerous game to duck into one of the jewelry stores. Calum’s not even looking for himself and it sounds crazy and too soon for thoughts of a ring cross his mind. But he tells himself he can just browse, just fantasy about what that might be like.

“Who you looking for?”

He turns to the voice and see Anahera saddled up beside him. “You two have another like half an hour to be free.”

“Not much else here,” she returns. “Looking for Bee? Is her birthday soon or something?”

“Just looking,” Calum returns with a shrug, trying not to draw too much suspicion.

“Ana, look!” Levi calls out, waving their hand to beckon her closer. “It’s an anklet like you were looking at in the other store.”

Anahera ducks over, just to look. Soon they leave the mall. Levi asks if they can just get changed at Calum’s place which is an easy yes. Calum takes Anahera and Levi for a quick lunch before Levi grabs their costume, an overnight bag and their backpack from their house. Tammy and Jake run up from the depths of the house to greet all of them. The pets and scratches are happily received. “So scary movies to pregame for the party tonight? What’s on the agenda?” Calum asks.

“I should do the World History homework before the party,” Levi starts, laughing a little.

“But we probably will watch scary movies,” Anahera finishes.

“Go figure,” Calum agrees. “So what time should I pick you both up tonight? Or is Dan still your main man?”

“Dan said he’d pick us up from the party and just drop us off here. He said he was going to be out at that time anyway,” Levi relays.

“He won’t be drinking?”

“Nah, Dan doesn’t drink. I think some friends of his are also throwing a party and he’s used to being the DD. He said it was something about a mixer? I don’t really know. But we’ll text him when we’re ready. Is midnight still okay?”

“Mixers are just different clubs, or whatever, getting together,” Anahera cuts in. “Girls field hockey has them with the guys division and other sports after school sometimes. I assume college mixers are way different than ones in the high school gym though.”

“Yeah, midnight is still fine,” Calum answers.

Once they return to the house, it’s fairly silent. Anahera and Levi go into her room and Calum takes the moment to decorate the outside of the house. He started yesterday, mostly with the hanging decorations and the lights. Today’s mostly putting on the certain yard decorations. There are some tombstones that he stakes into the ground and a few giant fake spiders that he sets out. The decor was more extravagant in years prior. But knowing Bee will be stopping by means that the lazy decorating won’t cut it.

With the outside done, Calum pulls down the bags of candy from the pantry and pour them into bowls. He’s sure to separate the chocolate from the non-chocolate stuff. He even has a separate bowl for any candies that are chocolate and have peanuts or other nuts in it knowing that some kids in the neighborhood may have allergies. A few parents put out an alert on the neighborhood watch app. There was a year, now as Calum recalls it must’ve been three years ago, where the majority of the houses had only chocolate candy making it impossible for one kid to get any candy that they could enjoy. Calum took the leftover non chocolate candy to the house after reading the heartbreaking plea from the parents.

“What’s for dinner y’all?” Calum asks after both Ana and Levi resurface in the kitchen rummaging through the snack pantry. “We got about an hour before trick-or-treaters start showing up. Pizza? There’s leftovers too, but I think I’ll be nice and order something.”

Both of them readily agree to pizza and Calum places the order without needing much more convincing. He’ll finish off the last of the spaghetti leftovers he fixed yesterday. The pizza will not last long between the two of them--never a shock anymore to Calum anymore. He changes first into his costume knowing it won’t be fully complete until Bee shows up from work however, he would rather be one half when kids start showing up.

Though Calum slips into an older black suit. It’s somewhat of a shock that it still fits. But it’s a testament to the personal trainer for sure. Calum does make sure to include the hat. The curls don’t cooperate off the bat, requiring a little bit of assistance from some hair gel Anahera suggested to him to help. Finally, he gets the curls tamed enough to slip the hat on. His dress shoes click over the hard floor and it is echoed by Tammy and Jake finding him and walking behind him.

“Uncle Cal did not come to play,” Levi jokes around a bite of pizza.

“Dad, who even are you? I don’t know this man,” Anahera laughs. Calum does a spin and laughs as the two of them whistle. Soon Thriller comes over the speakers. No doubt Anahera pairing her phone to the speakers downstairs. “Show ‘em, Dad. Show ‘em how you groove.”

“Miss Bee’s gonna faint when she sees you like this. I want a video,” Levi laughs.

“The old man’s still got it,” Calum returns and slides his fingers over the brim of the hat. The giggles are quick to subside after the song fades out. They toss out the pizza box and wash their plates before going back to Anahera’s room.

“I’m stealing your dad’s wardrobe,” Levi says as they pass through the living room. “Taking notes.”

“Oh, don’t make his ego even better.” The two of them laugh and the door closes before anything else can be said.

The first half hour of trick-or-treaters is a little slow and mostly toddlers or infants being carted around by their parents. However, Calum enjoys seeing the various pumpkin costumes on the babies as they walk up the driveway and porch. They don’t seem bothered by the night which he knows the parents are grateful for. Exactly at seven, his phone chimes and interrupts the Halloween Party playlist Calum turned on, playing on the speaker he normally uses for outdoor parties.

I’m headed out now. It’s from Bee and he replies in acknowledgement before setting the phone back down and grabbing a couple handful of candies for the group of sheet ghosts that waddle up the driveway. “Trick or treat,” they chorus.

Calum laughs. “Well, this is a predicament.” He looks over their hands. “I can hear some trick-or-treaters but I don’t see them.” He looks over his yards, hand above his brow to emphasize the point.

“Boo!” One child giggles.

Calum jumps, finally looking down at them. “Oh there they are.” The candle rustles in their bags as he drops off some for them and they reply with their thanks before going back to the parents waiting at the end of the driveway.

“I scared him, Momma!” The kid cheers and the parents laugh, with a nod. “I’m so scary!”

“Oh I know. The scariest,” the mother returns. They move down to the next house. Another fifteen minutes later, Calum notices headlights slowing down and turning into the driveway. Bee continues up and pulls right up to the garage door.

“Oh my god,” she gapes walking up on the porch. “Look at you.” Calum greets her with a hug and a kiss to her cheek. “By God, you look sharper than Sunday morning.”

The heat in his cheeks only increases. “Thanks. But I’m missing my other half.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Bee teases, kissing him softly.

“I think it’ll get me plenty-where.”

“Be back in two shakes and a twist.” Calum nods, watching as Bee walks into the house. More children come up to the house. He drops off candy to some Cookie Monsters, witches, Captain America’s, and Spiderman’s. Ten minutes later, the front door opens and there are only a couple clicks of the heels. When Calum looks up, he nearly loses his breath. The sweater and skirt are fitted to her figure, hinting to what he’s always known is there, has witnessed more than once, but she keeps it hidden under jeans or skirts at work. Not that he’s upset about that, it all makes sense. He just wishes she showed it off a little bit more. The little beret and scarf really complete the look.

It’s Calum’s turn to be gobsmacked. “Holy shit, you look great.”

“Thanks. I’ve been told to remind you that the party starts in about ten minutes. And they’ll come to the front porch once they’re ready. I got stopped in the hallway,” Bee laughs, sitting in the seat next to Calum.

“Noted.”

Another group of children approaches, this time a group dressed in various costumes from Winnie the Pooh. One girl is Eeyore, there’s a Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet. The parents are dressed as Owl and Rabbit. “Twick oh tweet,” the one dressed as Tigger says quietly a shy smile on their face.

Bee gasps, chest clenching at the matching costumes. Terrence and his friends would do something similar, group costumes. His group costumes weren’t as cute as Winnie the Pooh but still memories come flooding back of superhero costume debates. God, sometimes she wishes she could make Terrence small again, cherish the moments where all he wanted to do was be up under her as she cooked or cleaned. It all just happens too fast.

Bee drops some candy into their buckets. “It’s the whole 100 Acre Woods. I won’t tell Christopher Robin that guys you dropped by.”

The kids laugh and say their thanks. “I miss dressing babies up,” Calum confesses. “Anahera and I used to always do matching outfits and she was so happy to bounce up to houses.”

“Terrence would go as athletics or power rangers. I wish my complex did more. I miss the decorating and having to hide the candy from Terrence.”

“High up in cabinets,” Calum laugh.

“He got too tall for that and too crafty. Hide it in my drawers. He didn’t mess too much in my room.”

Calum chuckles. “Smart. Did you hide Christmas presents in there too? Because I still struggle with that.”

Bee nods, watching more kids walk up and shouts “Trick-or-Treat!” The two of them drop off candy into their buckets and bags. “I leave it in the boxes, if I order online. With Terrence in college now, it’s easier now. Get crafty and hide it in the bathrooms.”

“Now that’s a thought.”

A family comes up, dressed up in leather and bling. “Oh, we got some rockstars,” Bee teases, nudging Calum.

The little girl is dressed in her leather jacket and her brother is in a jacket that matches and it melts his heart. Calum tries not to show it, tries not to gush too much at the costumes but they are adorable. He sneaks them a few extra pieces of candy. “Keep on rockin’ out,” he grins at them.

They smile in return, “Thank you!” in their excited squeals leaving both of them.

Calum clutches his chest as they leave and Bee laughs, “Don’t die on me. You gotta survive.”

“We did that one year,” he sighs, finally sitting up in the chair. “Anahera wanted to go as me and I bought her this silver blazer. I’ll show you the pictures.”

“Oh, that’s precious. I can’t wait to see them.”

The trick-or-treaters slow down and Calum knows the end is nearing for them. Things usually end right about 8 in the neighborhood, though the general unspoken rule it so linger until about 8:30 just to catch all those that might’ve gotten a later start. But he and Bee stay out on the porch. She stacks the empty buckets and sneaks an Almond Joy for herself. “The decorations look good. And I just realized we completely forgot the fake blood.”

Calum shrugs, grabbing a small Snickers. “It’s alright. Most of the parents got it regardless.” They received a few compliments throughout the night but not too many. Most of the time the older kids walked up by themselves but when parents did shadow behind, they were quick to gush at the couple’s costumes.

Anahera and Levi pop out onto the porch a little while later and Calum excuses himself to drop them off. Though, Bee snaps some photos for them and Anahera returns the favor by taking some photos of Bee and Calum together. The teases from the two are more than enough even when they don’t attempt to pose Bee and Calum in the standard high school prom pose. Calum and Bee go along with it mostly for the laughs.

Bee starts to clean up in Calum’s absence and puts things inside the house. By the time she starts to wrestle with the speaker, Calum’s returned and helps her get it back inside. She ducks back to her car to grab the blazer for Levi and takes it from the bag so it can straighten as much as it can. Calum’s quick to hang it up to help as well. “Do you work in the morning?” Calum asks, pulling the hat from his head as he reenters the living room from the back of the house where his bedroom is located.

“At the library, yeah. But I can hang for another hour or two. Unless of course I pass the fuck out.”

“I know that feeling. You hungry?”

Bee follows behind into the kitchen, her own beret and scarf removed as well. “I ate at work, but thanks.” She leans into the counter, eying the box of popcorn that seems to have been left out. Popcorn does sound good. She knows she shouldn’t. But just a little wouldn't hurt as they watch a movie. Sneakily, she pushes the box closer to Calum.

He giggles, noticing the green box moving closer to him. “So I’m going to assume you want popcorn.”

“Please?”

Calum nods, waving for her to come closer. She steps in close, resting against his chest. The microwaves beeps before whirring. Calum kisses the top of her head, wrapping his arms around her waist. “The hottest Bonnie to walk this Earth.”

Bee laughs, kissing along his jawline. “Thank you. I think you cleaned up well as Clyde. Almost cut me looking so sharp in this suit.”

They share a kiss and the beeps of the microwave interrupts them. “What’s on the movie menu tonight?” Calum asks, bumping the bag into a bowl. Bee’s not in love with horror films but can generally stomach more gore than straight up horror. Rather than dominating the conversation with suggestions, Calum lets her take charge. However, they settle on whatever is playing on the TV, after a good twenty minutes of failed decision making. Bee snuggles into his side, a blanket wrapped about the both of them.

“Where’s the picture of Anahera dressed up as you?” Bee asks during a commercial break. “I need to see this.”

Calum stretches forward to grab his phone and scrolls for the photo. “So this is the look she wanted to recreate,” he says showing her a picture of himself from so long along Calum’s shocked that he remembers it was actually him. But the picture of him in the silver jacket on stage instills a lot of memories.

“Oh look at you! How old were you in this photo?”

“Twenty-two, twenty-three. It feels like a lifetime ago. But,” he starts swiping through the pictures again and pulls up the one of them side by side, rocking the glittery blazer and slicked back hair. “Here’s my little girl matching her old man.”

“God, she looks so much like you. It’s insane. But this is so cute.”

“Thanks. I will say if you think Anahera and I look alike, it’s a family trait.”

“So you look like your parents, huh? Like you got spit out.”

Calum nods. “Yeah. My mum’s the culprit. My sister and I look like she sculpted us personally. Also speaking of blazers, I still have to pay you back. How much was it again?”

The movie continues on around them as they settle the payment. Stories filter on about their children’s past successful or failed costumes. There are some stories about their exploits in their younger years. Kisses are shared, soft and languid. Some are sweeter due the candy they snuck during the night too. Hands slips under dress shirts or sweaters but Calum and Be don’t go too far. Just kisses and exhales and intoxicating themselves with the other. During a commercial break, Bee excuses herself to the bathroom and it’s only then that Calum realizes that it’s closing in around 11 pm.

Calum cleans up their mess of kernels and wrappers. When Bee returns she finds Calum in the kitchen, hugging him from behind. “I’m gonna head home to get some sleep.”

“No, don’t leave me,” he whines.

“I know. I don’t wanna either. But out of respect, ya know. Can’t just be randomly spending the night.”

Calum kisses across her knuckles. “I appreciate it. Let me know when you get home safely okay.”

“Will do.” Calum walks Bee to her car and kisses her goodnight before watching her pull down the driveway. Not even before he can get to the porch, another pair of headlights cuts through the night. He watches it pull up into this driveway and notices the tag--it’s Dan.

Levi and Anahera step out of the car both of them giggling incessantly. “Oh fuck,” Ana says loudly upon seeing her dad. “Shit.”

Calum can already tell alcohol’s been involved. But there’s only amusement as both of them attempt to pass off like they’re sober. He takes Anahera while Dan helps Levi up the steps. “Seems like there was definitely been some fun tonight,” he teases, fixing both of them classes of water.

“We won the costume contest!” Levi declares. “And maybe had a shot or two.”

“We got third,” Ana corrects.

“Sstill placing.”

Calum tries his best not to laugh at their not sober antics. “Drink some water. Honestly, how many drinks?”

“Only like two, two and a half,” Ana confesses hiding behind the class.

“It’s clear sweetheart, so I can still see you.”

“Damn.”

Levi laughs, slipping down into the cushions. The headscarf slips off their head with the action but they don’t seem to notice. “Are we screwed, Uncle Cal? I really really can’t afford to get into trouble.”

“We’ll wait to see if you’re screwed when you wake up tomorrow. If you feel like ass in the morning, you’ll have to deal with that and there’s no reason for me to dish out any punishments.”

“If we don’t feel like ass?”

“The fear of getting caught coming home shamby from a paper is punishment enough,” Calum chuckles.

With a glass of water down each, he helps them to the room, mostly herding them from the walls to keep anyone from knocking their head on a picture frame. “Thanks, Dad,” Anahera sighs, leaning into the wall for a little bit of support.

“There was a reason why most of your homework had to be done before the party,” he grins. “Holler if you need me, okay?”

Calum texts Bee about their return, safe but not sober. Damn, should’ve stuck around to witness that. Need an extra pair of hands? Bee replies.

Seems like we’re all good. Thanks.

Also please send me the photos of us from tonight? Whenever you can of course. I think if we had gone to a costume contest we would’ve won too.

Of course. Definitely would’ve won with a woman like you on my arm.

Calum rises first the next morning, and doesn’t disturb them immediately. However, closer to late morning, he knocks softly on Anahera’s door. “Yeah?” Ana calls out and as he peeks inside he notices they’re still up. Levi is sitting on her bed and Ana at her desk.

“Oh, thought you two might’ve died at some point in the night. Glad to see I was wrong.”

“We didn’t drink that much.”

Levi snorts. “I had to get you Advil.”

“Shut up,” Anahera huffs, dropping her head in her hands. “I’m okay, Dad. Really. I’m fine. Just like a minor headache that’s all.”

He shakes his head. “You’ll learn eventually. Pancakes on me this morning, how does that sound?”

“I’m down,” Levi answers. Their attention is locked on the screen.

“I’ll let you know when food’s ready.” Calum states to the room and begins to shut the door but still can faintly catch Anahera asking Levi about the blazer. He leaves the door slightly ajar but walks back to his room the jacket hangs right where he left it. He wanted it to be a present, wanted to get it tailored. But he knows he can’t wait. Calum pulls it off the bar and shuffles back to Anahera’s room. Slipping his arm through, he hooks onto the knob on the inside and then closes the door. He waits for a moment.

“No way! No fucking way!”

The door swings open, Levi gripping the hanger and shaking the garment. “You totally didn’t?” Their voice cracks just a little as the emotion rocks them visibly.

“Maybe I did. Maybe I didn’t. But I mean you’re holding the jacket, so I’m pretty sure I did.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” they gush, tackling Calum into a hug.

“Anytime, kid, anytime.” While Halloween’s typically celebrated and seen as a way to become and dress up like someone else, it doesn’t mean Levi doesn’t deserve the chance to dress like themself. “If you have to keep it over here, I get it. And I had anticipated waiting on giving it to you, but felt like now was a good time.”

They dance up and down the hallway with the suit jacket and Anahera laughs, recording their excitement. She’s careful not to post it on anything public. Her socks cause her to nearly slip and fall as she rounds the corner to the kitchen. Calum’s at the stove, flipping over pancakes when she hugs his side. “Thanks for being awesome. About the drinking and getting Levi that blazer. They love it.”

“The drinking’s one thing because you embarrassed yourself. The blazer--well I couldn’t not get it.”

“I know it’s because you’re amazing and awesome and like the best person to walk the planet, but it really does mean a lot.”

“Anytime, sweetheart. I’d do just about anything for you and Levi.”

“Only just about anything?”

“Hey, that’s still a long list and included on it is making the two of you pancakes so you two can study because there’s still school on Monday.”

“Oh don’t remind me,” she laughs, popping to kiss his cheek and then scurrying back around the corner of the kitchen.

“That’s my job!” Calum shouts.

“You do it well!”

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