Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gram picks up Marco from school to treat him to a nice dinner. Marco sits in the passenger’s seat while he plays video games on Gram’s phone. Along the way, Marco puts the phone down to say something.

“Did you know Pops is single?”

How could he not? Marco reminded him of this every day since he started school. Gram smiles indulgently anyway. “Can’t imagine it. He’s a good-looking man.”

“Do you like men, daddy?” Marco looks at Gram curiously. “I think I like boys too.”

“You like everyone, Marco.”

Marco grins. “But pops likes you!”

“That old man does not like me.”

“He does!”

Gram rolls his eyes. “How’d you know that?”

Marco giggles. “He told me, daddy. It’s true!”

Sensing he’s going nowhere, Gram decides to drop the topic, and Marco’s more than happy to continue playing video games.

They decide on Italian food for dinner. It’s a throwback to the good old days when Gram worked at the Italian place, except this one’s better. While there, Marco loves the spaghetti and the news Gram has to share.

Daddy has a new job, Gram said. It’s part-time, so I’ll volunteer at school until you graduate. It’s to make up for how I’m always busy last year. I’m sorry for making you worry so much.

Back then, Gram came back late, and they only spent fifteen minutes together walking to school. Gram knew Marco’s getting resentful, so he decided to fix this problem early. Good call, too. Marco looks happy with the change, even if temporary.

—

This ‘pops’ Marco keeps referring to is the principal, Edward Newgate. He’s a tall, muscular man with a white moustache. He’s not polite or very friendly, but he’s not mean, either. He has the aura of a great man, so Gram is inclined to respect him even if they’re strangers.

In no way, in any shape or form, does Gram get the impression that Newgate liked him from the few times they’ve chatted.

“This is new,” Newgate said when Gram put on the apron to help cut and peel vegetables. “I didn’t think you’d show up for your first day.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Marco said you’re not around much.”

“Not by choice,” Gram said defensively. “I had two jobs.”

“And you eked out time to come here?”

“I quit one of them. It’s better now.”

Newgate frowns. “Marco told me it’s new.”

“He doesn’t know what I do, exactly.” Gram makes a face. “I’m sure you do, though. You’ve seen the papers.”

“No, I don’t.”

Gram knows Newgate’s saying that to help him save face. “I’ll just tell you anyway. I’m a waiter. I don’t earn that much, but enough to live and send him to school.”

Newgate glances to the side. “Marco is underweight.”

“He’s always been hyperactive.”

“That too. He never shuts up once someone talks to him about birds.” Newgate gives Gram a look, as if to accuse Gram for giving Marco such a strange personality. Gram laughs. “He never says no to playtime, even when it’s time to do homework.”

“Well, that sounds like he’s having fun! I wouldn’t be so worried.”

Newgate grunts at that. “He’s a noisy boy.” Gram smiles proudly.

No, really, why does Marco like him so much? Maybe Newgate dotes on Marco as one does with children, but for Gram specifically, there’s no chemistry. Newgate looks like the stern type, the type to care about discipline and Gram, well, sort of doesn’t.

Gram sighs. “I wish I could do more. There’s plenty of things kids like nowadays.”

“You’re doing fine.”

Well, he has clothes, I guess. Gram smiles sarcastically. “Aww, aren’t you sweet?”

Newgate looks Gram in the eye as he says, “Marco’s a soft kid. He looks up to you.”

“That’s funny, because he looks up to you, too.”

Newgate shrugs. All he had to say to that is: “All a boy wants is his father’s love, and it’s your job to give him that. Anything else is irrelevant.” Newgate frowns deeper. “He loves you.”

—

It took a solid thirty minutes to make Marco come clean about what he did that made the new kid cry. He tore Izou’s coat sleeve because he wanted Izou to play with him. Gram sighs and tells him it’s not a good thing to do. Marco knows this but doesn’t want to apologise.

Gram decides to leave Marco alone in the library as he goes to find where Izou’s coat is. It’s with Newgate in the staff office. Gram bites down his smile at what he sees. Newgate, a man with thick arms and long hair, is hunched over with a needle barely half the size of his thumb.

“The needle’s too small,” Newgate grumbles. “Can’t get a damn stitch in.”

Gram gestures for the needle. Newgate passes everything to Gram without saying anything. 

“I sewed my own shirts,” Gram said. Now, before Newgate gets too impressed, he chuckles and adds, “Whenever they tear. I can’t be bothered to buy a new one.”

“Still more than what I can do.”

Gram smiles gently. “Are you insecure, big guy?”

“I can’t see a damn thing without my glasses.”

“You can see Marco, surely. Go talk to him.”

“Why do I have to talk to your kid?”

“He’s your student, and so is Izou.”

Newgate looks away. He seems very unwilling even if he too knew this is the case. This is hilarious. Newgate brushes some hair away and his ears were red from embarrassment of being unable to sew. It takes all of Gram’s energy to not laugh at his face!

Gram grins. “Look, I take care of the coat. You take care of the kids. Deal?”

Newgate rolls his eyes, complaining that no one can boss him around. Yet, he got up and left anyway. In fifteen minutes, Gram sees Marco standing across Izou with Newgate hitting Marco with a stick whenever Marco shows attitude. 

“Again!” Newgate said. “Say sorry properly!”

Marco whines, “But pops-”

Newgate bonks Marco on the head. “Again! Say it nicely!”

“I’m sorry, Izou.”

Gram could only laugh at the display, too amused to be properly angry at the principal.

So, this is the man Marco admired so much? Marco’s a shit matchmaker, that’s for sure.

—

Gram’s jaw went slack. No boss of his willingly did this! “What are you doing here?"

“This is my school. Don’t look so surprised.”

Newgate’s insistence on being involved in every little thing is impressive. Apart from the talks he’d do on Monday to welcome everyone back, he actually shows up in the mundane things. He tidies up the toys, he sweeps the leaves off the yard, and now he’s washing dishes.

Newgate rolls up his sleeves while he does so, showing defined forearms. Even his hands were muscular with thick patches of skin on his knuckles. There were some faint freckles near his wrist, and his fingernails were chipped. 

Gram grins when Marco comes to him with the plate. The other kids were still unsure of him.

“Thank you!” As Gram washes the plate in the sink, he sees Marco fidget. Gram rolls his eyes. “Okay, okay.” Gram gives Newgate the plate and quickly bends down to kiss Marco on the forehead. “Happy, now?”

Marco finally smiles. “Thanks, Daddy!”

“Go on, now.” Gram ruffles his hair for emphasis.

Marco runs off, and Izou’s behind in line. Gram takes Izou’s plate and chuckles, “Thank you.”

As Gram takes a few seconds to wash his plate, he hears Newgate clear his throat. “He’s asking you a question.”

Gram is surprised to hear this. He glances down and sees Izou fidgeting too. Oh damn, he thinks, does he want a kiss too? It’ll make Marco jealous, though. 

Gram rinses off his last plate and bends down to meet Izou at eye level. 

“Everything okay with you?”

Izou blushes a little. “Uh... yeah.”

Gram takes his handkerchief from his pocket and dabs a little sudsy water away from Izou’s hair. “Don’t stand too close. You’ll get dirty, and you’ll have to wash your hair again.”

Izou nods. “Yes, sir.”

“Go on.” Gram grins. “Go play with Marco. He’s lonely.”

“Okay.” Izou wipes the wet spot with his fingers before moving along.

Newgate grins under his thick moustache. “Careful, or you’ll have two kids to bring home.”

“Look at you joking around,” Gram said. He laughs when Newgate’s expression immediately sours. “That boy has his own thing to worry about. He ain’t getting attached.”

“Such as?”

Gram glances to the side. Newgate does the same. Marco’s clinging to Izou and pulling his sleeve. Izou yells at him to stop. Gram asks Newgate if he should step in.

Scoffing, Newgate just laughs.

—

It’s a common inside joke among the children that the canteen food is awful because Newgate secretly hates them and is torturing them with bland food. Gram thinks the jokes were a bit mean until he tried the food himself. 

“Y’know, you’re the only one who enjoys this slop, right?”

Newgate’s eyebrow twitched irritably. “It’s not slop. It’s good, honest food.”

Gram glanced at his lukewarm corn soup, barley tea and soft toast with unsalted butter and chuckled dryly. It’s the most unappetising meal he has ever seen.

“You’re like your boy,” Newgate remarks offhandedly.

“What’s wrong with Marco?”

“It’s not good for him to be so picky.” Gram laughs good-naturedly as Newgate continues, “Just wait till he’s older. He’ll get sick of franchised food. No nutrition, no substance.”

“Pizza is delicious, though.”

Newgate shakes his head. “That’s terrible,” he said decisively. “It’s all grease nowadays.”

Gram drinks some corn soup. It’s vaguely sweet, even if watery. Gram tries dipping the bread in the soup and decides it’s only marginally better. 

Gram feels the need to explain, “I worked at a pizzeria for a few years when I had Marco. When he could chew, he fell in love with Hawaiian pizza and ate nothing else until I quit.”

“What did you do after that?”

“I butchered fish.” Gram rolls his eyes when Newgate barks a laugh. “I’m sick of mackerel!”

“Give it to me, if you’re gonna complain so much.”

“Long gone, buddy. Lucky me, ‘cause the boss-lady shot her man at a hotel.”

Newgate shrugs and continues eating, clearly amused by the story. Gram didn’t think he’d have a dark sense of humour, but hey, Gram thought they wouldn’t even get along, but here they were, like chocolate and cheese.

“Well, as long as he’s here, he’ll get some real food.” Newgate gave Gram a look. “You too.”

“Glad to hear it.” And to show he means it, Gram finishes the corn soup by drinking from the bowl. It’s not delicious by any means, but heck, it’s edible and filling. It’s leagues ahead of stale pasta they had for dinner last week.

—

According to Marco, samosas were the number one thing Vista wanted for his birthday. Gram decides to get off work early to buy several boxes of them as a treat. Naturally, the kids were excited. It’s the first time they had fried food in school.

While annoyed, Newgate decides a fucked up artery is fine for one day. He turns to Gram with a gruff nod.

“How much is it?”

Gram shakes his head. “No, no. It’s alright. You don’t have to pay me back.”

“It’s pricey, isn’t it?”

Gram grins. “Not at all! The kids are happy!”

“Just tell me.”

“Eighty bucks.” 

“That’s alright,” Newgate comments. “It’s a lot of food.”

“Yeah, if there’s leftovers, Marco wouldn’t complain. I think he likes this.”

Gram sees Newgate holding his wallet, patiently flipping through cash to produce two crisp hundred-dollar bills.

“Take it,” Newgate said. “I know you’re lying about money.”

“No way! I wanted to pay for everything.”

Newgate’s face sours. “Just take it, you spoiled brat.”

“Look who’s talking!”

“Take it. Don’t spend money unnecessarily.”

Marco notices the commotion and speaks up, “Daddy, what’s wrong?”

Gram looks away sheepishly. “It’s fine, Marco. Go play with your friends.”

“You’re angry.”

“Not at you, boy.”

Marco nods. He tugs on Vista’s sleeve, and they all go outside to play, leaving the adults alone. Bless that boy’s heart for learning how to read the room.

Newgate speaks softly, “I know you have pride and so do I.”

“Uh huh.” Why are you of all people acting mature now?

“But if we’re gonna get angry, we still have to talk nicely. Don’t scare the kids.”

Why are you talking to me like I’m your wife? “Newgate, I’m not poor. I don’t need your pity.”

“Gram, I’m not a selfish son of a bitch.” Newgate tries again, but this time, it’s a fifty-dollar bill and three ten-dollar ones. “Take care of your own kid, yeah?”

Gram sighs, knowing he lost. He swallows his pride to accept the money. Newgate faintly smiles at him as the children play outside. When he tried one, Gram sees why Vista likes these so much. They were crispy and had a strong flavour.

Wait, since when did Newgate know his name?

—

Playtime’s over, which means it’s naptime! As the teachers clean up outside, Gram and Newgate shepherd the kids inside. They close the curtains and play calming music. Little by little, they get drowsy and fall asleep.

Gram wonders if he has a crush on Newgate. It’s a little silly to think of such things at his age, and maybe it’s Marco’s influence, but shit he’s gorgeous. Long, blonde hair, eyes the colour of a storm and he often wears a thick black coat for the winter. Sheesh, he’s a gift from the heavens.

“What are you looking at?” Newgate snapped. He notices Izou grumbling and his voice goes all soft and gooey, “No, no, not talking to you. You’re fine, boy. Go to sleep. Yes, g’night.”

“Good night, daddy,” Marco said. Gram kisses Marco on the forehead and tucks him in. Gram glances over and smirks, “Give me something to look at, all my customers are such eyesores yesterday.”

“You can barely see anything in this darkness.” Newgate holds Vista’s hand and listens to the boy mumble about his day. Newgate smiles a little. The way his eyes crinkle whenever he means it tugs on Gram’s heart-strings. “Yes, yes, we’ll get it next week.”

That’s what made Gram question himself. Newgate barely smiles, but when he does, it’s beautiful. He just looks so cool. He gets why Marco calls him a superhero.

“Do you want to go outside, where I can see you better?” Gram teases. 

Newgate rolls his eyes, but his smile doesn’t fade. “You’re ridiculous, saying things like that with children here.”

“Nonsense. It’s good to compliment people you like! Right, Marco?”

“I love you, daddy,” Marco mumbles. He turns to the side to hold Jozu’s hand.

“Exactly,” Gram said. Gram pinches Marco’s cheek and whispers, “Love you too.”

Gram moves to tuck in Jozu as well. Jozu yawns loudly, which makes Gram laugh. Jozu’s a quiet, chubby boy, which means he’s very cute. Sometimes, Gram wants to pick him up and squish his tummy like how one plays with a beach ball.

As Gram’s about to give Jozu his toy dinosaur, Jozu yawns and it’s so loud that it makes Izou grumble and complain. Right after Gram adjusts Jozu’s pillow, Jozu farts, which makes Marco mumble, “Ew…”

“Oh, my god!” Gram said, grinning. So cute! God, these kids are hilarious.

“What now?” Newgate said as he finally tucked Vista in. “So all that’s from your side.”

“What’s that look for? Don’t act as if they’re cursed just because they’re with me.”

Newgate raises an eyebrow. “Serves you right for staring. You get the naughty ones.”

Gram blinks. What was that? Then, he sees Newgate grinning like he thought that was witty.

Gram cringes. He tries to sober up, but he’s still grinning. No, I don’t like him. That’s not funny. That was not- Gram laughs.

—

The canteen’s quiet at this time of day, when the skies are grey, and the sunlight is pale. Having nothing better to do, Gram stays back too, if not to fill in paperwork for taxes. It seems Newgate has a similar idea, except it’s paperwork for the school. 

They do this for several hours and Gram, once he’s done, quickly grows bored because Newgate doesn’t talk. He asks, “Have you ever been married, mister principal?”

“No, I have not.”

Weird. Newgate struck Gram as the type to marry young. Gram tells Newgate this and the latter scoffs. Gram continues, “What’s your type? Or are you the ‘picky’ type?”

“Someone nice, I guess,” Newgate said, putting his pen down. “I’m not ‘picky’.”

“So, you’d date Whitey Bay. Our admin lady.”

Newgate shakes his head. “She’s like a daughter to me.”

“Wasn’t there a pretty lady recently? You showed her around. Blonde, blue eyes.”

“She’s okay. Don’t remember much.”

“You really are picky,” Gram said, amazed.

“If that’s how you feel, then you date her. I don’t care.”

Gram laughs. Newgate practically glares at him to stop, and so he does, but damn, they really have no chemistry. Newgate’s really stiff sometimes, so it’s hard to get a read on him.

“I want a family of my own some day,” Newgate said after some time. He then glances up at Gram for a brief second. “So, I’d like someone who’s good with kids.”

“You didn’t say the gender.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Newgate said. “It’ll be good if they had a cute kid to go with ‘em.”

“How are you picky, yet not at the same time?”

“You asked a question,” Newgate said irritably. “And I answered. What more do you want?”

“Alright, alright, sorry. Carry on.”

Man, really? Whatever, perhaps Gram should’ve known better. Newgate’s only ever nice to the children. That’s something Gram thinks is adorable. 

Newgate, as gruff and masculine as he is, adores children. He’d wear the frilly apron when the kids play house and let them paint on his face in art class. He’d pat children on the back whenever they cried.

It makes Gram think. If he were to marry again, he’d like someone as dependable as Newgate. Newgate frowns at Gram for still staring. Gram grins and waves it off. Maybe someone a little nicer would be good too.

—

Thank God sports day is over! 

Maybe Gram shouldn’t think that. These kids were cute, but they sure were rowdy when it came to basketball and badminton. Marco’s frisbee hit Gram in the head twice. So when one of the moms gladly took over, he went to the staff lounge to get a breather.

As Gram fights the urge to doze off, he hears a light tap on the table. Then, the smell of coffee. Gram opens his eyes and sees a whale mug next to him.

“Good work today," Newgate said.

Gram chuckles. He drinks a little and smiles contentedly. “Thanks.”

Newgate sits with him after grabbing a glass of water for himself. It’s awfully nice when it’s quiet, well, except for the children screaming behind them. The sunset was orange, and so Newgate’s hair was shining, almost melting into the sunlight.

“You’re not as bad as I thought,” was all Gram could say. He catches a bit of dust floating around. “You’re a pretty nice guy.”

Newgate grunts at the compliment and looks away.

Gram chuckles warmly, patting Newgate’s shoulder. “Be nice and say thanks!”

“You can’t take it back.” 

“I’m not that kind of petty.” Gram drinks his coffee again. “I mean it, Newgate. Thanks for taking care of Marco. He won’t shut up about you. It makes me happy that he’s with such cute kids and good teachers.”

Newgate grunts again, softly this time. He wipes sweat off his brow with his thumb. It’s a handsome face, Gram thinks, sculpted features, thick jaw and a perpetually grumpy mouth. His eyes were grey, stern, strict but not cruel. Newgate finishes his water before standing up.

“Tell me if you need anything,” Newgate said, touching Gram’s arm. “You’ll be fine, yeah?” 

“Yep. Thank you, Newgate.”

Newgate grunts and walks out of the staff office soon after. Grams half way through his coffee when Newgate comes back with little Marco in tow, showing off the flower crowns Izou made for them.

As Gram helps Marco adjust the silly flower crown on his head, he looks over and sees Newgate standing by the doorway, arms folded, just watching them. He has a silly flower crown on his head too.

—

Gram came to pick Marco up from school after a busy day at work. Seeing Marco softly snore with his friend is a much-needed serotonin boost, especially when someone yelled at him over nothing. Marco’s on the sofa, turning towards Jozu for warmth as he snores softly with a big, black coat as their blanket.

Whitey Bay glances at Gram and smiles warmly.

“I’m watching them,” she explains as Gram brushes lint off Marco’s hair. “I told them they can sleep here while waiting for you.”

Gram takes a picture of them, and grins at it. He makes a mental note to print it, if he can. 

“I’ll take Jozu home.” Gram glances back to see Newgate standing behind. Newgate reaches down and takes the coat off the children’s laps. Gram takes Marco, while Newgate holds Jozu. “He lives some ways off. Let me handle it.”

“Thank you.”

“Quit thanking me,” Newgate said. “Just doing my job.”

Newgate holds the door open for Gram. Gram thinks he’s strong for being able to hold Jozu on one arm. It makes Gram a bit bashful to see Newgate hold a child so gracefully while Marco’s this close to falling over at any moment.

“See you,” Gram said.

“Wait a minute.”

Gram thinks Newgate wanted to say something, maybe update him about some special arrangement. Newgate looked oddly serious, so that made him stick around. Nothing came of it though. Newgate’s frown softens a little before he finally says, “Forget it. Bye.” 

—

A few days ago, Newgate asked if Gram could spare a minute after school. Gram obliges, but he doesn’t know how long Newgate will need. Hence, he asked Vista’s parents to entertain Marco for a sleepover. Being simple-minded, Marco and Vista have no objections. 

As the staff go home, Gram decides he’ll wait for Newgate by the backyard. It makes him think a little. Newgate’s younger than him, yet he had everything together. It’s admirable. He has a nice car and has nice, even if few, clothes. Newgate’s really a wonderful man…

Gram laughs when he feels something cold press against his cheek. He sees it’s a bottle of expensive liquor. Oh? So even Newgate indulges in something.

“That’s not very kid-friendly. Bad boy.”

Newgate smirks. “You don’t want it?”

“I never said that.” Gram gladly takes the bottle and opens it. He helps Newgate open his bottle and they clink it. “It’s nice. It’s not every day I get to relax.”

Newgate grunts an agreement. They clink again. 

There’s something lovely about drinking at night, when it’s only the street lamps that give light and the moon is distant. The alcohol burn is pleasurable. He smiles widely at the taste. He hadn’t drank a drop of alcohol in months and he sure missed it.

Gram glances to the side. He chuckles because this time, it’s Newgate staring.

“When are you getting another job?” Newgate said.

“Eventually.” Gram smirks. “What? You miss me already?”

“In your dreams.” Newgate smirks back and drinks. “Well, all the best.”

“Ah, but it gives me a headache thinking about it. I hate restaurant work, but I didn’t go to school, and I don’t know how to do anything else.”

Newgate frowns. He got down to business and said, “How about you come work for me?” 

“No way!” Newgate laughs as Gram drinks the liquor. “I’m not anyone’s servant!”

“You’re a servant if you work at a restaurant.”

Gram nudges Newgate’s great nose with the bottle. “But I’m not your servant.”

Newgate grins at that. He lifts his bottle too and clinks together. 

“Look, in case it matters.” Newgate gulps alcohol. “There’s a locker here with your name, if you want it. Don’t do stupid shit on your own.”

“Thank you.” Gram knows Newgate gets friendlier when he’s drunk, but the offer made him happy. He smiles widely. Okay, very happy.

—

“Last day?”

Gram grins. “You know it, ma’am.”

It’s been a few months of wonderful hoo-har. It had been a wonderful year working part-time and going to school to spend time with Marco and his kid-friends. Gram waits for her to print whatever forms he needed to sign, both for him and Marco.

“You sure you don’t want a job here?” Whitey Bay said. She puts her plastic cup down and gives a half-smile. “I could use an assistant.”

Gram laughs at that. “You get going, miss. I’m all good.”

Whitey Bay doesn’t push the topic. She types a bit more into her computer and smiles accordingly. She hands Gram a form for him to sign and he does so. She takes it back.

“Newgate will miss seeing you.”

Gram grins. “He misses Marco more.”

“You too,” she said, grinning back. “There aren’t a lot of people Newgate sees as a friend. Take care, yeah?”

Gram chuckles as he goes back to his car. He unlocks it and opens the door. Just before going in, he sees Newgate walking around. Gram waves at the big guy. Newgate, to Gram's surprise, waves back.

—

To celebrate Gram’s first day at his new job in the new year, Gram treats Marco to pizza and mozzarella sticks. Marco’s picking pineapple off the pizza to eat it last as he enjoys dripping his mozzarella sticks in sour tomato sauce. 

Gram smiles when Marco says he’s enjoying himself. Maybe Newgate’s rubbing off on him, but Gram thinks the pizza’s saltier than usual and that he’s getting a headache from eating it. The bland cafeteria food’s really getting to him… Maybe Newgate had a point.

“Daddy,” Marco said. “Can we have Pops over for my birthday?”

“What do you mean? I can go over after work!”

Marco shakes his head. “But can he come have dinner with us?”

“Here?” Gram wonders if he should try decorating their apartment for this. He shrugs, “Sure, but why? Won’t it be easier to meet in school?”

“He likes you, daddy.”

“Did he tell you that?”

Marco takes his time to finish the last of the cheese sticks now that Gram doesn’t want any. He accidentally spills the sauce, which he uses tissue papers to clean up. The silence unnerved Gram.

“Marco.” Marco nods as he eats pineapple. Gram asks, “What did pops say?”

“Pops asked if it’s okay to marry you.”

“And what did you say?”

Marco smiles brightly. “I said I love daddy too!” 

Gram’s waiting for the light to turn green so he could get coffee at the bakery near his apartment. He hadn’t shaken off his routine for the past three weeks even when he’s no longer obliged to keep volunteering, which is all good because the coffee’s actually nice.

While waiting at the traffic light, he notices someone walking next to him and he feels a long shadow cast over him. Gram didn’t know Newgate tied his hair up sometimes. What was he doing here? Playing truant?

“What are you doing here?” Newgate said.

“I’m getting coffee.”

Newgate grunts accordingly. The light turned green for the cars on the other side. They zoomed past. Gram checks his phone and puts it in his pocket. Marco’s asking if he’d be cooking for dinner. He was. He’ll make cheese sandwiches later.

“Do you like coffee?”

“Not really,” Newgate answers.

“Do you prefer tea?”

“No, I don’t like either.”

Gram nods. It’s really awkward without the children running around them. What the hell do they talk about now? Newgate looks tired and antisocial, as usual, but this time Gram is also tired and antisocial. Damn, Gram thinks, we have no chemistry at all!

When they reach the bakery, Gram gets his tumbler full of black coffee with some milk mixed in. They did not say another word until Gram drank some coffee. Now, he feels better.

“You’re not getting anything for yourself?” Gram asked. “There’s other things here too.”

“I’m fine.”

Gram holds the door for Newgate as he walks out. Once they leave, Gram drinks a little coffee more and starts to walk home. He has to get changed to go to work. Before they part ways, Newgate speaks again, “You get coffee here every day?”

“Why, sure I do. Why do you wanna know?”

Newgate shrugs. “It’s so I can see you tomorrow.” 

Gram looks at his coffee and then back at Newgate. He scoffs. Newgate’s ears turn red with embarrassment as he defends himself lamely, “So what? It ain’t special. It’s not like I’m getting on one knee. Get your head out of the clouds. Don’t act like it is, you damn brat.”

Silliness aside, Gram feels his coffee somehow tastes better than usual. To his surprise, Newgate kisses him on the cheek to say goodbye.

Chapter Text

“Daddy!” 

A worn-out man with thick grey stubble with thick facial hair pulled over in a beat, black Honda. He carried three big boxes from a fancy bakery with a flowery logo. Marco ran to him and hugged him tightly.

“Hey, kid,” the man said, squatting to ruffle Marco’s hair. “How’re you doing?”

“Daddy! I made a new friend today.”

The man laughs. “Well, let me see him.”

Marco brings out the new boy, Izou. There’s an air of nervousness once Izou showed up.

Izou didn’t like being called a girl but everyone mistook him for one because of his long hair. To everyone’s surprise, the man said, “Hey there, little man. My boy giving you trouble?”

“Dad! I’m a good boy at school!” Marco protested. “I study!”

Izou nods and says softly, “No, sir. He’s been kind to me.”

The man stands up before ruffling Marco’s hair. “That’s good.”

“I got apple pie!” he said. He laughs as the children cheer. “I heard you finished your exams, right? Go to the canteen. I’ll cut it all up and you each get a piece. Run along now.”

Newgate watches all this at some distance away. This isn’t the first time he saw the boy’s father, but it’s the first seeing him get along with everyone.

He thinks it’s awfully nice that Marco’s so close to his father, even if he does feel a little protective over the young boy. What’s more surprising is that the other kids all also clamour around him, wanting attention.

Maybe it’s the apple pie he bought or the way he smiles at children who aren’t his own. That sort of cheerfulness is infectious, even for someone as anti-social as Newgate. It almost makes Newgate want to talk to him, making him no better than a hyper-enthusiastic child.

On the first day of school, Newgate made an announcement saying he looked forward to being principal and all that.

After his speech, a little boy with sprouts of hair raised his hand confidently.

“Do you have a question?” Newgate said, somewhat nervously.

“Are you married?”

Newgate scoffs as the other children giggle. “No, I am not.”

“Then you should be with my dad!”

The students all burst out laughing, but the boy grins like it’s all good. This is a naughty boy, Newgate can already tell. Newgate adds stiffly, “I’m not interested in that.”

“You’re not gay, mister principal?”

“I’m just not interested. Does anyone else have any questions for me?”

The boy laughs and sits back down. When the children go off to class, the boy runs after him and is making a ruckus about it. He’s a cute boy, skinny with big eyes and a sunny smile.

“I think my dad will like you a lot, mister principal!” The boy said. “You look like a superhero!”

The principal barks a laugh. He decides he likes this kid for his audacity alone. He bends down to look at him properly. “What’s your name?"

“Marco!” The boy smiles. “My dad named me after the famous guy. Nice to meet you, sir!”

Newgate shakes this boy’s hand. “Nice to meet you too, Marco.”

—

Honestly speaking, Newgate doesn’t remember much about his first meeting with Gram. To be fair, neither does Gram, but Gram said he had a strong first impression of him.

Sure, he has a scruffy beard and looks like a punk, and that he walks around like he’s hot shit when he’s barely average at best, but he’s fine. There’s better people, but there’s also worse out there. What the hell, right?

They speak on a Friday afternoon. Gram’s here to pick Marco up—on time, mind you—and Marco’s dilly-dallying with his friends. Gram doesn’t seem annoyed in the slightest. Instead, he decides to speak to Newgate privately. 

“Is my boy giving you trouble, mister?” Newgate shakes his head and grunts a ‘no’ accordingly. Gram laughs. “I’m glad to hear. He’s excited about starting school, though I’m scared he wants to act tough and not tell me anything.”

“He might be, but he’s not now.”

Gram laughs again. Seriously, Newgate isn’t fucking joking. Why is he like this? “I’m glad.”

“Are you worried about something?”

“I used to be, but not now.” Gram grins, and Newgate immediately understands why Marco’s so mischievous. “It’s good that he has friends to play with. I admit, I’m not the best at being consistent, so seeing this makes me happy. It’s not good for a kid to be lonely.”

“It isn’t good for anyone.”

Gram smiles sadly. “Yeah.”

Newgate didn’t think much of it at the time but that was one of the few times he saw Gram get mopey before their relationship got ‘serious’. When it did, Gram got angsty and he calmed down when Newgate reassured him enough to propose, several years later.

For now, Gram hugs Marco and laughs at Marco’s stories. Father and son had the same smile. It’s endearing. Newgate was always glad to see a happy family. It’s why he likes his job so much. He never had a family.

Gram waves. “See ‘ya around, big guy.”

Before Newgate says anything, Marco bounces around and waves back energetically. “Bye, bye, pops! See you tomorrow!”

—

What’s your type? Or are you the picky type?

Why do you care? And since when were you such a flirt!

Still, Newgate doesn’t date. 

He wakes up at four in the morning and goes on a run. He then showers, eats breakfast, and drives to school at six. Gets there by seven, works, eats lunch at one after the students, works again, maybe even plays with the kids, then leaves at six thirty. He lifts weights, eats a quick dinner and is in bed by nine thirty. As such, there is simply no time for silly things.

No, but really, when was the last time he dated? Does the one time the girl asked him out when he was ten count? No, Newgate shakes his head, children say whatever they want. Newgate, of all people, knows this. It’s best not to take things like that seriously.

How are you picky, yet not at the same time?

Does it fucking matter? 

More importantly, Why the hell do you keep staring? Newgate, embarrassed, looks away as Gram cracks some dumb joke like, “Oh, you’re handsome! That’s why!” Damn you—quit looking at me like I’m the best thing you’ve ever seen. It’s childish at our age. Stop that.

—

Fine, fine, Gram does have some good traits. Gram is easygoing and isn’t easily offended by Newgate’s antisocial nature. Gram loves Marco to bits and works hard for him. Gram smiles during tough times, and it makes Newgate want to look out for him.

So, it’s concerning that Gram’s not smiling much now. He looked tired, like someone ripped the soul out of him. Gram never looked like this with the kids, but as an adult, Newgate feels ashamed for thinking that Gram’s this amazing burst of energy that never burns out.

Newgate’s never good at conversation, so he doesn’t know what to say half the time, and he knows he’s not interesting in the way Gram wants him to be. It’s not that Newgate’s insecure, it’s just that he wished he knew what Gram actually wants from him.

“Why, sure I do. Why do you wanna know?”

“It’s so I can see you tomorrow.” 

Newgate means it too, which is why he disliked it when Gram smirked. Newgate isn’t a flirt—he’s just being honest. Even if he isn’t the most charismatic, Newgate knows he likes Gram, likes him enough to let him laugh at Newgate’s expense.

And that’s when Newgate has an idea. A kiss on the cheek. That’s what a flirt like Gram would like, right? 

And, sure, Newgate supposes Gram likes it. He got real quiet, and his face turned red.

“Uh, bye,” Newgate said. “See you.”

Gram recovers his composure and smiles. “Oh, yeah. Uh, see ‘ya later, big guy.”

—

Newgate visits Gram at work sometimes. It’s a seafood restaurant forty minutes away, and if the circumstances are agreeable, he’ll drive over and have lunch there.

Today’s a good case of this. Marco made flowers, and Newgate offered to give it to his dad, before they got crumpled. Excuses, really. Newgate just wanted to see Gram because the latter works unpredictable hours. There’s simply no time on Gram’s schedule for silly things. 

“Flowers?” Gram said, laughing heartily. “Oh, you didn’t have to.”

Newgate rolls his eyes. “Marco made them in art class.”

“And here you are, giving them to me like a teenage boy.”

Newgate groans. Gram really likes making weird comments like that, especially when it’s just them. It’s good to compliment people you like! Piss off. Gram’s just toying with him. Again.

Gram sighs. “I know it’s not the best time to ask this, but what are we?”

“Men.”

Gram smiles lopsidedly. “I’ll be direct, then. Are we dating?”

“If you want to.”

“Do you want to?” 

“It doesn’t matter,” Newgate returns. “I already know what I want.”

“What is it?”

“Marriage.” Newgate frowns. “Call it whatever you want, but I don’t like wasting time.”

“You’re really romantic,” Gram said sarcastically.

Sensing Gram’s nervousness, Newgate says, “That’s all I ask for. I think it’s reasonable.”

“Knowing you, yeah. I get it.”

Gram looks at the flowers and chuckles to himself. Smiling mysteriously, he takes a yellow one out and fits it in Newgate’s breast pocket, adjusting it so the flower petals weren’t so crumpled. No one said Marco was good at art, but it’ll do.

“What’s that for?”

“We’re dating now.” Gram smirks as he pats Newgate’s chest. “If you don’t mind, big guy.”

Newgate smiles despite himself. No, he doesn’t mind one bit.

—

Marco’s birthday was, admittedly, quite nice. Sure, they had the party where Gram brought Marco’s favourite pizza and the kids acted as if Gram came back from a war, but the real deal was when Gram invited Newgate over for dinner some days later.

With Marco grinning, they ate a simple salad with olive oil dressing and eggs. It’s the sort of food Newgate likes, and the kind Gram eats because he doesn’t have energy to do anything else. Gram lets Marco have a slice of chocolate cake after all that, and Newgate lights the candle for him.

After tucking Marco into bed, Gram holds Newgate’s hand outside his bedroom door.

“What are you waiting for?” Newgate said.

Gram smiles, almost shyly. “Do you want to stay the night?”

“What do you think I haven’t left for?”

“You can be more direct. I can’t tell what you’re thinking sometimes.”

Newgate is confused. He thought he made himself perfectly clear by not leaving. Still, he notices Gram looking at him expectantly. Gram’s the weird one. What does he want?

Newgate grunts and leans down. Hand on Gram’s hip, he kisses Gram chastely on the cheek. Gram hums, “That’s it?”

“What’s that supposed to mean? What did you expect?”

Gram grins and yanks Newgate’s collar down to kiss him on the mouth.

A man is dominant in his own home, Newgate supposes, and it catches him off guard. Gram pulls Newgate inside his bedroom and closes the door. He gets on the bed first, while nudging Newgate to go on top of him.

Gram breaks the kiss as Newgate gets breathless and uncomfortable.

Upset, Gram said, “You can do better than that, right? Well, unless you don’t want to.”

“Don’t want to… What?”

“Fuck,” Gram said mildly. “‘Go further’ is the polite way of saying it.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Then, what’s the hold up? Kiss me.” Newgate glances away, rubbing his neck. Gram makes a face when Newgate doesn’t respond. “Look, just say you don’t want to do this. I had a great time with you and Marco today, and I don’t want to ruin it.”

Pathetically, Newgate exclaims, “I never said I didn’t ‘want’ this.”

Incensed, Gram replies, “Fuck! Why are you acting so weird today?”

“Piss off,” Newgate said defensively. “I don’t do this every day. God forbid I have a life.”

“Me too, damn it! God!” Gram said. He sighs, “Fuck, I hate this. This is embarrassing.”

Why are you hurt? I like you too, isn’t that obvious? You’re a good man. Why wouldn’t I like you? Then, Gram asks offhandedly, “Newgate, are you a virgin?”

Newgate turns away. He feels insulted by the question, but has no real answer for it.

“You don’t have to be so prideful. Just tell me.”

“Yeah, and what about it? I never cared about sex, until you started wanting it.”

Gram seems surprised. Then, he asks more kindly, “Is this your first kiss?”

On the mouth, yeah. “Look, no one flirts with me like you do.”

“So it is, huh?” Gram’s face turns pink. “Hard to believe, but lucky me. You’re all mine.” 

He holds Newgate’s face and makes him look at him. “Let’s try again,” he said.

Gram leans in and kisses Newgate chastely at first, as if to gauge interest. Then, he deepens it, slowly, holding onto Newgate’s moustache to guide him into his pace. Newgate moves his mouth a bit and feels Gram smile.

“You’re a little there. Don’t be so shy, it’s not like you.”

“How does this work? I don’t get it.”

“Slowly. We have time. Relax “

Newgate kisses Gram’s nose bridge to reassure himself. Gram pulls Newgate down to kiss his lips. Newgate hesitates before doing it once more.

Gram smiles and nods, telling him to stay longer. Newgate does so and presses his lips against Gram’s firmly at an odd angle, careful not to let his moustache get in the way and make him uncomfortable. In the meantime, Gram runs his fingers through Newgate’s hair.

Gram kisses Newgate’s cheek as the latter pulls away, his face a deep shade of red.

“C’mon big guy,” Gram said tenderly.

“It’s weird, isn’t it? I really don’t know how this works.”

“No, I like it. Please keep going.”

And so Newgate tries again. Gram smiles in between awkward kisses and takes over anyway. No, seriously, taking care of rowdy children is far easier than whatever this is.

—

Newgate wakes up early and quietly, so as to not disturb Gram who’s still sleeping. As Newgate combs his hair in the mirror, he feels someone hug him from behind. He hears Gram mumble about being cold. For good measure, Gram squeezes Newgate’s ass. 

“Good morning to you, too.”

“You’re gorgeous. Has anyone ever told you that?”

“No. Just you.”

“Great.” Gram kissed the crook of his neck and his hands moved up to touch Newgate’s nipples. Gram smiles contentedly as he pinches them like clay. “Just great.”

“Sorry ‘bout last night. Didn’t go all the way like you wanted.”

“Ah, don’t worry about it.” Gram kisses Newgate’s shoulder blade. “Besides, Marco’s next door, so we shouldn’t, yeah?” Gram kisses Newgate’s nape. “But I mean, I had to try!”

“Still. Sorry.”

Gram chuckles. Then he adds softly, “Don’t look so guilty. I’m still turned on.”

“Fucking animal.”

“I’m serious!” Gram said. His hands squeeze Newgate’s chest before moving down to his abs and caressing them. “Sex should be fun, so don’t feel bad. I’ll meet you where you’re at.”

Gram’s perverted hands finally leave when he decides it’s time to make breakfast. Marco’s eating cereal when Newgate joins them after adjusting his shirt.

Marco waves at Newgate. “Pops had a sleepover with daddy? Was it fun?”

Gram chuckles sheepishly. Newgate answers on their behalf, “It’s alright.”

“Did you watch movies? Vista and I did! Vista’s mom’s curry gave me a tummy ache.”

“We have to train you to eat spicy food better,” Gram said, winking.

“It was really yummy, though.” Marco laughs. “Does this mean I get sleepovers every night?”

Newgate drinks some water from the tap and asks, “Why do you say that?”

“Because Pops will sleep with daddy every night, right?”

Gram chokes. “Woah! Slow down, kid. I never said that.”

Marco tilts his head to the side. “But why? Vista’s mommy and daddy have sleep overs every night and they love each other very much.”

Gram blushes at that. Newgate sighs and says, “Get dressed, boy. I’ll take you to school.”

“What about daddy?”

“He’s tired. Let him get his coffee and rest a bit. I’ll take him to work later.”

Marco looks at Newgate with profound wonder. God not you too, Newgate thinks. Unlike his shit dad though, Marco doesn’t flirt, so he smiles and agrees easily.

Gram glanced over once Marco ran to the bathroom to have a quick shower. “You don’t have to come over every night.”

“I know.” He kisses Gram on the cheek. “But I’ll come back later today. I want to see you.”

Gram seems pleased with that. He kisses Newgate on the corner of his lip. “Okay.”