33- The future for us

33- The future for us
“It’s also the future for me. An example that I don’t want to follow.”

“You’re nothing like William.”
“I know. But I’ll always have to be treading on my toes to make sure he never gets a whiff of that being the case.”
“You’ll do fine, Alejandro. I know you will.”

They took the baby away to do some tests, but would bring him back soon. And Julián was able to get some rest. I was touched that Esteban was proud of me. He was always on about me finding a mate. And now that I had, it would mean a change in the atmosphere back at the manor. No more hampering on to the point of suffocation.
I conversed with Damian and Drake outside and their words just made me happy. They kept telling me how he had my eyes: light grey, and Julián’s blond hair. They said he would be prettier than me and Julián by a mile. And that would please me. For the little guy to be better than us both in every aspect when it came to simple physicalities.
Ethan, holding one of his and Esteban’s babies, also offered some pleasing conversation. “What are you going to name him?”
“We haven’t thought about it.” “Something adventurous, I hope?”
“Not sure. Anything that you can offer would be appreciated.” “Very funny.”
“What? I’m serious. We could do with some suggestions.” “Yeah. And my name is Flynn.” Ethan with the sarcasm. “So, you think Flynn would be a good name?”
Drake and Damian both smile because I’m winding him up. “That’s his father’s name. I was being sarcastic.”
“No way.” I lick my lips with a playfully cheeky smile.

“Ha, ha, ha.” Ethan folds his arms, rocking his baby. “I truly am happy for you though. And whatever you’ll name the little one.”
“We could try, Ethan. What do you think of that?”
Ethan left me to take a seat next to Drake. I thought that would be a great name. Well I didn’t, but then again, I would go with something like Alejandro Jr., and that would be worse. I’d have to work on the creativity.
Damian asked to go in and see Julián. I figured why not? They were good friends and I should leave them to it. Julián needed his rest, but I was sure he would love to see Damian when we awoke from that slumberless sleep.

“DID I WAKE YOU?”
Julián awoke to see Damian sitting in the visitor’s seat. He had a glass of water in his hand and crossed his legs whilst he sipped and rested it on the side table.
“You looked like sleeping beauty. But I figured the best face to see when you awoke was my own. And you have to admit you won’t get a better gift than that.”
Julián sat up. “Yes. I solely prefer to see the face of Damian. Rather than my own mate, Alejandro. Where is he, anyways?”
“Outside talking to Drake, Ethan, and Esteban. Well, more Ethan, he’s winding him all the way around the globe. He was asking about baby names.”
“Who?”
“Ethan.”
“Heck. He’s eager.” Julián got more comfortable. “So, on a scale of one-to- ten how did I do in that department?”
“A ten, hunny. Forgive me, but, I’ve already had a look at the downstairs department.”

“Wow, Damian.”
“Well, I had to make sure. And anyways, when he was looking for you he did so in the semi-nude.”
“I meant, in the totality of it all? That question had nothing to do with Alejandro.”
“Oh.” Damian stuck his foot in it. “I couldn’t be prouder. Is that what you’re looking for me to say?”
“I’m looking for you to be you. And that’s not what you really want to say, is it?”
“No. I had a whole monologue ready to bring to you. Because in the end, our friendship has spanned so long that I actually can’t imagine that we are here now with you mated and a parent.”
“I actually can’t believe it myself. After everything I’ve been through… holding that child in my hand has just given me so much hope and vitality. It’s weird, Damian, but I feel like everything is going to be ok.”
“And that mate of yours, Julián, you couldn’t have found a better guy. You found a true soul mate. And I truly am happy for you.”Julián smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him at Damian's words. It was rare to find such genuine support, and he appreciated it more than he could express. “Thank you, Damian. It means a lot to hear that from you. I know how much you care about me.”

Damian waved a hand dismissively, but the corners of his mouth turned up in a grin. “Of course, I do. You’re like family to me. And seeing you happy makes me happy. Besides, I have a vested interest in this little one’s upbringing. He’ll need all the uncles he can get.”

“True! I can already envision all the chaos you’ll bring into his life,” Julián chuckled, imagining the mischief that Damian would inevitably introduce to their child. “Just promise me you won’t spoil him too much.”

Damian feigned shock, placing a hand over his heart. “Me? Spoil? Never! I’ll just be a fun uncle who occasionally brings him sweets and teaches him the finer points of making a grand entrance.”

“Right. I can see it now. ‘Uncle Damian’s Guide to Dramatic Exits.’” Julián rolled his eyes playfully.

“Exactly! And it will be a bestseller.” Damian leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “But really, how are you feeling about everything? Becoming a parent, the responsibility… It’s a lot.”

Julián sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It is a lot. I mean, one moment I’m just trying to figure out my own life, and the next, I’m responsible for another human being. But when I held him… it felt right. Like this is what I was meant to do.” He paused, trying to find the right words. “I just want to give him everything I didn’t have growing up.”

Damian nodded, understanding the weight of Julián’s words. “You’ll be a great dad. You’ve already got the love and the drive. Just remember, it’s okay to lean on others. You don’t have to do this alone.”

“I know,” Julián replied, a small smile creeping back onto his face. “I have Alejandro, and you, and everyone else. We’ll figure it out together.”

“Exactly. And don’t forget to have fun with it. Kids are unpredictable. One moment they’re cooing at you, and the next they’re covered in mashed peas.”

“Ugh, I can’t even imagine,” Julián laughed, shaking his head. “But I look forward to every messy moment.”

“Good! That’s the spirit!” Damian leaned back, satisfied. “Now, how about we come up with some baby names for your little one? I mean, if Ethan is going to be a part of this, we need to make sure it’s something he can’t ruin.”

“Right! Maybe we can come up with something unique. I don’t want him to be just another ‘Alejandro Jr.’” Julián mused. “How about names that mean something?”

“Absolutely! We could pick something that reflects your heritage, or perhaps something that embodies the qualities you want him to have,” Damian suggested, his excitement evident.

“What about ‘Mateo’? It means ‘gift of God’ in Spanish, and that feels fitting,” Julián said, his brow furrowing in thought.