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Chapter Text

Ronan nods his thanks as he confirms payment from his last client of the day. 

“I’ll definitely be booking with you again, man. The piece is sick!” The guy with the neon green mohawk grins as his eyes keep straying to the half arm sleeve Ronan spent six hours tattooing. 

“Thanks for trusting me with your idea.” Ronan gives him the run down of healing, then the client is on his way out the door. After locking the door, he does his nightly routine of sweeping up the shop, making sure his supplies are stocked, ready for tomorrow. He changes the music to the latest podcast he’s been listening to, then heads to his office, where he looks over his schedule, finishing some last minute details on the raccoon and florals he’s going to be working on the next morning, when his phone rings. 

“Dick,” he greets happily, his pen moving fast on his iPad. 

“Why do you never answer your texts?” His best friend sighs. 

“Because I can’t be fucked.” His eyes catch on his water, suddenly realizing he’s dying of thirst, he takes a long gulp as Gansey rambles. 

“Please check your email at your earliest convenience. Adam Parrish has been calling me since yesterday complaining about you.” Ronan scoffs, rolling his eyes. 

“Parrish is always complaining. That man’s gonna croak if he stresses over the smallest shit. Every time I see him he’s more gray, and he isn’t even thirty yet.” 

“He’s got a stressful job, then he does all the planning for our kids out of the goodness of his heart, bless that man. He wants you to help organize a field trip. Answer your email.” Then a pause. “He doesn’t have any gray hair, it's perfect the way it is.” Then he hangs up. 

He’s honestly so sick of his best friend singing the guy’s praise. Oh perfect Parrish, who’s a single father because an ex hook up didn’t want to be a mother. Oh perfect Parrish, who got through his residency with a newborn. His chest tightens in annoyance. 

Staring at his phone until the screen goes black, Ronan lets out a long breath, resigned, then goes to open his personal email to find the email Parrish sent him. One was sent last week, the latest email was written just last night.

Lynch,

I know you’re a busy man, but I have yet to see you organize any of the trips for our children’s class. I think it’s good for every parent to be present in planning some fun for the kids, it shows we care. So as the committee president, I thought I’d reach out.

Cameron tells me you have a farm, with lots of goats and cows, I was thinking it’d be a great way to save money to plan a trip for the kids to all come out to Singers Falls to see your farm. Opal is always raving about a raven you have, and now Cameron is begging for one, too. 

Please save me and let the kids see this supposed raven? 

Gansey has my number, please let me know if this sounds doable. 

Adam Parrish

The latest email sounds very impatient, and it makes Ronan smirk to cause this crazy man any ounce of annoyance.

Lynch,

Sending out another email in case the last one was missed. I need an answer by Friday so I can make other plans if you back out. 

Don’t make me sic Gansey on you.

Oh Mister Perfect Parrish. It makes Ronan scowl as he can practically hear the air of superiority as if Adam was in front of him talking to him. 

He can organize this farm trip. He’ll even make sure that Chainsaw chases Parrish off his property, that’ll show him. Smirking, Ronan opens the email thread to reply. 

Parrish,

As you said, i’m a busy guy. So very sorry to keep you waiting. 

I guess ive been lacking on my fatherly duty, and im ok with the kids coming to the farm. Although ive got a few goats that are used to feasting on children, so as a warning, no feeding them by hand. And my raven, her name’s chainsaw, btw, she likes the taste of eyeballs. She’s particular about cornflower blue, those are her favorite. 

When is this party happening? Please respond ASAP. 

Lynch

Ronan laughs, feeling very smug, and sends the email. 

....

Adam can’t stop shaking his head as his eyes fly through the email from Ronan Lynch. The audacity of this asshole. 

Never has he seen Lynch be serious. Everything out of his mouth is sarcastic and crass. Lord knows how his daughter is polite and kind. Although there was that time she exclaimed the ‘f’ word at the museum when she saw the t-rex bones. Adam’s gotta admit he had a hard time not laughing like all the other parents. 

He decides he’s not going to take the bait Ronan’s throwing, and responds in kind. 

Lynch,

That all sounds lovely. I was thinking about Friday two weeks from now, weather depending. We’re having a meeting at the Gansey-Sargents this Thursday evening at 6pm, we can discuss the plans further. 

Of course, we’re expecting you to be there so please make sure your schedule is free. 

See you then.

“Daddy,” a small voice comes from the kitchen. He hears something like chairs scraping along the wood floor.

Sending the email, he looks up. “What are you up to in there, baby?” 

“I want to wash dishes.” Cameron tells him, making Adam smile. He closes his laptop and puts it on the coffee table. 

Heading into the kitchen just as his son climbs up on the chair that he placed in front of the sink where the dinner dishes are waiting to be cleaned. He found that scheduling chores makes it easier to ask his son to help him out with them. And he oddly loves doing the dishes with his father. 

The sponge and dish soap is a little out of reach, so Adam wets and soaps it for him, handing Cameron the Sponge Daddy. He loves these moments, where is son talks about all the things he’s learned at school, asking questions he didn’t think about asking his teacher. Like how flowers can grow even though they don’t have hearts. Or what he saw when he was on the bus ride home. “I saw a cat chasing a crow, why do they hurt the birdies, Daddy?” 

Once Cam cleans the last fork and Adam dries it, Adam scoops his son into his arms. Cameron squeezes his arms around his neck and laughs. “What time is it?” His son asks with a toothy smile. Adam snorts, giving Cameron a fond eye roll. “I think it might be cookie time.” His son lets out a happy yell, and squirms in his dad’s arms. 

“Cookie and reading time, what should we read tonight, hm?” After grabbing the cookie jar, a ceramic bunny rabbit, grabbing two chocolate chips for each of them, he plates them and they head upstairs. 

Putting Cameron down once they reach his room, he ponders his small bookcase before grabbing the next book of The Magic Treehouse book, they’ve already read fifty of them. Tossing the book on his bed, he runs to grab his pjs, then runs to the bathroom. Adam laughs at his energy, knowing that once he’s got cookies in his tummy, and Adam starts to read, he’ll fall asleep in no time. 

His phone buzzes, and he grabs it from his back pocket, scowling at the gmail notification, hoping against hope it isn't who he thinks. But he’s used to having rotten luck. He reluctantly opens the email from Ronan’s response. 

Why Parrish, I see you aren’t concerned about how my animals are fond of human flesh? Do you not care? I can’t imagine having a president on the committee who doesn’t care about the lives and safety of a bunch of kindergarteners. Do I have to talk to the principal about your position??? 

I’ll gladly come to this very important meeting. I’ll bring the vodka. And the strippers. 

Adam has to relax the hard grip on his phone or he’s worried he’ll somehow crush it into pieces. “This motherfu-” Just then, his son runs back to his room in his dino onesie. 

“Daddy, I’m ready.” He jumps onto his bed, opening the covers for Adam. In seconds, he forgets his rage at Lynch and climbs in next to his son, grabbing the plate of cookies. “Look, there’s a monkey on the cover!” 

“It’s kind of creepy looking,” Adam says, making a weird face, making his son laugh. They settle under the covers, and when Cameron grabs a cookie, Adam opens the book, and begins to read.

....

“Da, Chainsaw’s crapped all over the counter again,” Opal’s voice whines out as she gives the raven a judgemental look. 

Ronan puts away a mug and turns to look and, yep. White bird shit is splattered on the granite countertop, very close to a pile of mail. Chainsaw lets out a loud, happy noise, and like clockwork after shitting, has the zoomies. She starts flying out of the kitchen, into the living room, the loud flaps of her wings, her happy cawing, sounds out throughout the house. 

“You better not break another lamp, brat!” Ronan calls out to her, grabbing a napkin and cleaner from under the sink. 

“Brat!” Opal mimics, stuffing some toast with peanut butter into her mouth.

“Kerah, ker ah! ” Ronan shakes his head at her backtalk, wiping away the mess and tossing it in the trash. 

After putting away some clean dishes, he leans over the counter and watches his daughter, who watches back, her little cheeks stuffed with toast. She crosses her green eyes, which Ronan copies, sticking his tongue out at her to make her laugh. 

He slides over a piece of paper she’s been drawing on, and observes a very large raven with what looks like pink lipstick on the beak, and purple nail polish on the talons. “Wow, very fabulous,” Ronan hums, nodding in approval.

“It’s Chainsaw if she was a model,” Opal tells him, “She’s very ugly now.” 

Ronan gaped in hurt, “How could you speak so meanly about your sister?” 

Opal giggles, and as if Chainsaw heard, an angry protest lets out from the living room, and shortly after, some sort of glass breaks. Cursing, Ronan hurries into the room just as Chainsaw flies up the stairs. 

“Yeah, you know what you did!” Ronan yells, growling as he goes to grab the broom, sweeping up the broken vase.

“Daddy, can we play Mario?”  

“No, O. It’s a school night. Either we can read or we can play legos before bed.” 

“What if we played for ten minutes?” She's such a negotiator, his daughter.

“What if we played for zero minutes?” 

Opal groans. “That’s nothing.” 

“Exactly, now head upstairs.” 

“Ughhhhhhh,” he waits for his daughter to quiet down, which she does. Waiting her out always works. Her stomps sound as she heads up to her room. Cleaning the glass, cleaning the plate, and turning off the kitchen lights, he heads up too. 

Once he gets changed in sweats and a holey shirt, Opals sat on the floor in her night dress, a small pile of legos a mess in front of her. They’re currently building an Opal plant lego set she got from Blue for Easter, and they build for twenty minutes before Ronan tucks Opal into bed, her purple comforter pulled up to her chin. Brushing the messy blond hair away from her face, they say their prayers, then Ronan turns on her nightlight and white noise machine. Kissing his daughters forehead, he says goodnight. 

“Da,” Opal calls as Ronan’s in the hallway. Stopping, he turns.

“Opal,” Ronan says. 

“Can you come in here?” 

Ronan goes, “Yes, baby.” 

“Love you,” she says, her head raised to look at him. 

“Love you more.” 

“Goodnight.” 

“Goodnight,” Ronan says. “Now go to sleep okay?” 

“Okay.” 

Ronan leaves the room again, and is heading into the bathroom before-

“Hey! Dad,” Opal calls out, louder. Not sounding sleepy at all. 

Ronan snorts. And heads back to Opal's room. “Did you pack my lunch?” 

“Of course I did.” 

“And is there a KitKat in there?” 

“Yes there is,” Ronan nods.

“Oh, okay.” 

“Will you go to sleep now?” Ronan asks.

“I dunno.” 

“Can you try?” 

“I guess.” 

After tucking her back in, after another kiss, Ronan leaves again, and this time he’s able to brush his teeth, pee, and when he checks again, Opal is fast asleep.

Shuffling into his room, he tosses some dirty laundry into the basket and gets into bed. Excitement pools in his stomach at seeing his notifications on his phone screen, he settles against the pillows, and opens his gmail.

Lynch,

Your humor is something, really. Hilarious. I am trying to be civil, which is clearly something you can’t do. I barely have enough time as it is, and I’m not going to waste it on this conversation. 

6pm this Thursday, refrain from hiring any strippers. And I may need vodka in order to deal with your company, so I guess you can bring it.

Have a pleasant evening.

Wiggling his toes in amusement, Ronan's fingers fire a quick response. 

Ouch Parrish,

I am being perfectly fucking civil! I’m sorry we can’t all be boring a-plus parents like you. Have some fun for once.

Also why are we arguing via email? 

Also, thank you for wasting your precious minutes on me, you’re too sweet. 

He stares at the email thread, about to put his phone down for the night, but he’s shocked that there’s a reply shortly after.

Well, maybe you can learn a thing or two from my a-plus parenting.

See you Thursday, Lynch. 

Ronan sighs, oddly feeling put-out that Parrish is really saying goodbye. He shakes his head. 

Sweet Dreams, Doctor Parrish. See you soon. =) 

Chapter Text

One of Adam Parrish’s absolute biggest pet peeve’s is tardiness. And, checking the time on his watch yet again, Ronan Lynch is still not here. 

He watches out of the big window at Gansey and Blue’s house, tight lipped and stressed. It’s past 6pm. Fifteen minutes past, in fact. 

The other parents are in the kitchen, laughing softly with their clinking glasses of wine, and Adam should probably check himself and go and join them. 

“Hey there, Tiger. You should really try Tad’s mocktail.” Gansey says as he enters his living room. “It’s the perfect amount of tart and sweet.” Standing next to him by the window, he knocks his shoulder with Adam’s. “Speaking of sweet, you know the guy keeps trying to ask you out.”

Adam snorts. “Oh, I know. That’s why every time he gets me alone, I make an excuse as quick as possible without sounding too much like a dick.” 

Gansey laughs, smacking him on the back. “He’s a decent guy.”

Shaking his head, Adam waves him away. “I’m too busy to consider dating.” 

Gansey hums, “I suppose. First year doctor, you’re a big deal around town.” 

Adam rubs his eyes and snorts. “Can’t believe I chose a profession where I never sleep. I told myself when I get through high school, through an Ivy League, I’ll be able to keep a steady sleep schedule.” 

“Then boom. Baby and med school.” 

“Yes, exactly. Funny, life is.” 

“But you’re happy, right?” 

Adam smiles and nods, watching Gansey finish his drink. “Pretty damn happy.” Looking back at the quiet street, Adam huffs. “I’d be happier if we can get started with this meeting.” 

Gansey winces. “He said he’s on his way.” 

”Asshole never shows up to these things, then the one time he needs to be here, he’s late.” Adam winces at the contempt in his voice. “Sorry, I know he’s your best friend.” 

“No need to apologize,” Gansey says lightly. “Asshole is his number one personality trait.”

“So, how are his animals temperaments?” Adam asks, remembering their conversation from earlier in the week. Lynch wouldn’t actually have his toddler near any aggressive animals, would he? 

“What do you mean?” Gansey asks with a raised eyebrow. 

“Like, any trouble with them biting, or pecking? The kids will be safe right?” 

Gansey nods. “Oh yes, of course. The cows are really sweet. But I should warn you he has an unpredictable raven. Although, she’s only been aggressive towards me. I really think Ronan trained her that way.” 

Adam swallows, nervous. “It won’t go near the kids?” 

“Nah,” Gansey shakes his head. “She has a good recall with Ronan and the twins have been around her a lot with no problems.” 

“Good.” He feels a bit better, now. He can’t imagine the parents will be happy if there’s a farm animal related incident with their kids. 

”Ah, here he is, now.” 

Adam watches as a sharp gray BMW smoothly parallel parks in the street. Lynch gets out and grabs something from the passenger seat. Adam’s gaze wanders from his boot clad feet, up his long legs, and is happy to see he didn’t bring any alcoholic beverages, but a plastic container of some sort. 

His head looks freshly buzzed, and he’s wearing a black shirt with some obscure band logo on front. He leisurely walks up the path as if he isn’t twenty minutes late, and Adam glares with narrowed eyes through the window.

Gansey heads to the entrance as the door opens, Adam reluctantly following. “Nice of you to join us.” 

Ronan scoffs, toeing off his worn doc martins. “Traffic happens, you know. Plus, I brought muffins, so you can’t be mad at me.” 

Gansey makes a pleased sound and takes the container, filled with a dozen of dark chocolate muffins. “And before you bitch about muffins being unhealthy or some shit, they’re zucchini muffins. Does this please you, Dr. Parrish?” 

Adam smiles, tight lipped, watching as Ronan shed out of his leather jacket, his gaze quickly darting over his dark arm sleeve and back. Ronan’s looking at him with a smirk. “If you wanted to please me, then show up to scheduled meetings on time.” 

“I’ll make sure to remember that, thanks.” Clapping Gansey on the back, he pushes past them. “Let’s get this party started.” 

Adam has half a mind to grab the nearest vase and toss it at Lynch’s bald head. Gansey smiles, somewhat apologetically, and they head into the kitchen. All the parents are drinking their wine or mocktails, snacking on chips, hummus, and veggies, and look to be happy when Adam calls them all to the living room to discuss their children’s next field trip.

Gansey’s got a mouth full of muffin, and Blue’s whispering something to Ronan, who snorts a laugh. Adam blinks, ignoring the way his eyes want to stay on Ronan’s face, the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs and-

“Geez, what an inconsiderate asshole, am I right?” Tad Carruther’s voice interrupts his thoughts, and for once, Adam’s grateful. Tad is glaring at Ronan, leaning in closer to gossip. “Your time is important, and of course he’s late.” 

Adam shrugs. “I already gave him shit, I just want to get started.” Tad gives him a serious nod and goes to sit on the loveseat. 

Adam clears his throat to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, now that everyone’s here,” here he pointedly looks at Ronan, who rolls his eyes. “We can get started. Thanks Monica and Daniel for bringing the veggie platter and hummus, and Tad, for making the delicious mocktails. Now for the-“

”And there’s zucchini muffins left if anyone wants one. Baked with love.” Ronan interrupts, smiling in a way Adam can tell is trying to be sweet, but looks maniacal instead. 

”Yes, thank you, Lyn- Ronan,” Adam says in a hiss. Ronan winks, crunching on a baby carrot. And god, the eye contact is too much. Swallowing his annoyance, he starts again at getting this meeting started. ”Now I know our kids are starting to learn all about different kinds of animals, I know Cameron has been begging me for a llama and chickens, so this is the perfect opportunity for the kids to see some farm animals in person.” The parents nod happily, and Adam smiles. ”We’re in luck, because Ronan lives on a farm, and he’s got many animals I’m sure the kids will love to see. Would you like to explain all the things the kids can do?” 

Ronan steps up, putting down one of Tad’s pink mocktails on a coaster. Adam raises an eyebrow at the man, kind of surprised he’s drinking something non-alcoholic. Definitely doesn’t seem like the type. “Thanks, Parrish. I’ve lived on the Barns, that’s what we call my homestead, all my life. Grew up milking cows and riding. I have two horses, five cows, goats, and a handful of chickens. Depending on how comfortable you guys are, the kids can learn how to milk, collect some eggs. My raven knows how to fetch, so I’m sure our little gremlins will get a kick out of her.” 

“How are the animals temperaments?” Danica asks. 

“I have some chickens that are total assholes, but they’re practically harmless. If you think your kid would be traumatized if one of my chickens chases them, I’d steer clear.” 

One of the dads laugh. “That sounds like a good way to get their energy out.” 

Ronan snorts and nods. “Yeah, Opal loves it. I don’t know if they’re more scared of her at this point.” 

“We’re thinking of getting a bus driver to drive us out to Singer’s Falls in two weeks on Friday. Now I don’t know what we can do for food. Pack food to go? Cater?” 

“I have a grill,” Ronan suggests. “We can barbecue if everyone’s okay with that.” 

”I grill a mean burger,” someone says. 

“I can take orders on what everyone wants since I have everyone’s email. Then I can go shopping.” Ronan tells everyone. 

“Then we can let everyone know the price, we’ll just split the food cost.” Adam waits for everyone’s agreement. “Okay, so we’ll meet at school at two fifteen, get there around three, leave by six thirty, how does that sound?” 

“Sounds good, Tiger!” Gansey says. 

“Okay, awesome guys. Be on the lookout for the group email, and I hope everyone has a good night.” 

Some thank him, and some go to chat amongst each other.

Ronan, still standing next to him, grabs his cup. “Thanks, Lynch.” Ronan watches him, surprised that Adam’s thanking him. “For offering to grill, you didn’t have to do that.” 

Shrugging, Ronan takes a sip. “No big deal. I don’t often grill, so it’ll be nice to cook for a bunch of people. Speaking of, did you want to meet up one day and get the food?” Adam blinks at him. Is Lynch really asking to go groceries together? “Like do you have a designated day you shop? I know you’re busy.”

”Um, well. I usually get groceries delivered.” 

“Right, well, forget it then.” Ronan mutters, not looking at him now. “I’ll do it on my own and send you the receipt.”

“Wait, I have-“ 

“How do you like the drink, Lynch?” Carruther’s voice asks, standing close to Adam so their entire arms touch. Adam shifts away, unfortunately, closer to Ronan. His cologne is dark and rich, like vanilla and musk. 

“Shockingly delightful, Taddy boy. It’s quite tart but it’s pleasant on the tongue and I love the darling little flower petals you decorated it with.” Ronan flutters his lashes and Adam has to bite his cheek so he doesn’t react. 

Tad’s tanned face reddens and he scoffs. “Sorry I asked. Can’t believe you didn’t bring a six pack. You were quite the drinker if I remember correctly.” It seems that Carruther’s was looking for a reaction, and smirks when he gets it. Ronan’s pleasant expression darkens as he watches Tad with a silent warning, and Adam wants to get out of this intense conversation now. 

Before he knows what he’s doing, Adam reaches for Ronan’s, and Lynch snaps out of it, watching where Adam’s hand is wrapped around his wrist before his icy blue eyes dart up to Adam. “Lynch, can you tell me how you made those muffins? They look amazing.” Adam starts pushing Ronan away from Carruther’s so they head towards the kitchen.

”Adam, wait, I wanted to ask you about a play date. Mal has been wanting Cameron over again.” 

“We’ll discuss later, Tad. Promise,” Adam says without looking back at the man.

There are a few parents in the kitchen who collected their kids from the playroom that’s in Gansey’s and Blue’s basement. Adam quickly takes the last of the muffins and breaks off a piece. 

“You really wanted to come in here to get a muffin recipe?” Ronan cocks his hip on the counter, breaking off a piece of his own. Adam slaps his hand away. 

”My muffin. And no, I wanted to interrupt a fight in the making. You looked like you were about to throw the drink in Tad’s face.” 

“First name basis with the guy. You two close?” 

Adam tilts his head, looking at Ronan with a curious look. “Not as close as he wants. If you want dibs, I can totally back off.” 

Ronan’s eyes widen in disgust, and Adam can’t help but laugh. Ronan snorts into his hand, muttering “asshole” quietly that the kids around them don’t hear. 

“Well, don’t you two look cozy.” Blue Sargent saunters over, quickly darting to grab at Adam’s muffin. 

“Why is everyone trying to get my muffin. I haven’t had any of the snacks.” Adam takes back the muffin, ignoring the crumbs that fall on the ground. He takes a huge bite and glares at Blue’s smug face. 

“That’s because you’re so anal about these meetings that you don’t let yourself relax.” 

Adam rolls his eyes while Ronan laughs. ”You said anal.” Blue and Ronan share an amused glance. 

“Owen wants Cam and Opal over this weekend,” Blue tells them. “Is that okay?”

”I have a shift tomorrow night, so that would work, but I want him home Saturday and Sunday,” Adam tells her.

Ronan shrugs, “That’s fine with me.” 

“Then they’ll both come home with me tomorrow.” They chat for awhile about life as more parents and kids leave. Adam starts to help putting dirty dishes in the washer, listening as Blue complains about her cousin Orla. 

Adam’s just starting the dishwasher when multiple sets of little stomps come up from the basement. “Mom, Rory keeps pulling my hair.” Owen and Rory, the twins, run up to Blue. Blue’s son, who has chin length brown hair that’s decorated with Blue’s colorful hair clips and barrettes, is frowning up at his mother. Rory gives her brother a toothy grin. “I’m gonna be a hairdresser, and you're my test subject!” 

Adam watches as Opal sprints and jumps up at her father, latching around his side. “My gremlin, did you have fun with your friends?” 

“Yeah, can we go home now? There’s too many little kids here and I’m getting tired.” Ronan snorts and rights the beanie on her head. 

And then comes his kid, walking around everyone to approach Adam. He has a serious frown on his face. Kneeling down, Cameron puts his little hands on Adam’s knees. “What’s with the sad face?” 

His son looks back toward the little girl who’s walking up from the basement, her eyes red. “I broke Brooke's heart, daddy. I was mean.” 

“Why were you mean?” Adam asks gently. 

Cameron leans closer. “She asked if I wanted to marry her.” His blue eyes wide and glistening. Adam knows he’s close to tears, himself. “I said no way, cuz we’re only five and only old people get married.” 

Adam pulls his son in his arms so he doesn’t see his amusement. Picking up Cameron, he stands up. “Oh buddy. You did the right thing.” Rubbing his back, Cameron sniffs, nose pressed against Adam’s neck. 

“No, she started crying so she hates me now.” Pulling back, Cameron watches his dad sadly. “I have to move schools.” 

Heaven knows where his son got his dramatics from. 

“How about we go see Brooke before she leaves and set things straight.” He watches his son think about that before hesitantly nodding. Setting him down, Cam grabs Adam’s hand, and they walk where the little girl is standing with her father and a different little girl. They watch as the girls discuss something with serious expressions on their little faces before they hug. 

“Hey Brooke?” Cameron approaches them, voice shy. Brooke eyes him warily, holding hands with her friend. “I’m sorry I made you sad.” 

“It’s okay. I’d rather marry Maddie, anyways. She said yes.”

“Oh,” Cameron says, surprised. “That was fast.” 

Adam has to turn around so the kids don’t see him laugh, and catches Ronan’s eye, who’s leaning against the wall next to some family photos hung up on the wall. He thinks about earlier, when they were interrupted by Tad. Walking up to him, Adam nods towards the kitchen, where Opal’s getting her shoes on. “Heading out?” 

Ronan nods. “Yep. It’s bath night and gotta make sure the animals are all set for the night.” 

Adam hums. “About the food shopping, I have Tuesday afternoons free. I guess it’d be a good idea since I know  what kid is allergic to what, so.” Adam’s stomach clenches at the thought of voluntary spending alone time with the guy, but he can deal with it for an hour. His son is friends with Ronan’s daughter. And it’s for the kids, anyways. 

“It’s a date, Parrish.” Ronan’s lips turn up slowly, and Adam huffs. 

“Definitely not a date, Lynch. Thanks so much for showing up today, by the way. Those muffins were really good. I’ll be in touch.” Adam’s about to back up when a small body attaches itself to his hip. His hand automatically cups a soft head of hair. 

“Mr. Ronan wants to date you, daddy?” 

Adam’s eyes widen and Ronan coughs to hide a laugh. Adam looks down at his son looking innocently up at him. “No, Cam. We were just talking about what date we’re going to go to the store for the field trip, that’s all.” 

“Da says you always has a stick up your butt, Mr. Parrish. Is that true?” Opal’s sweet high pitched voice surprises Adam to look down as she snuck up behind her father. It takes a second for the kindergarteners words to register, but when they do, his eyes slowly wander from Opal, to her asshole of a father. 

“Okay, it’s getting late,” Ronan says, hasty as he picks up his daughter. “Thanks for butting into the conversation, brat.” 

“See, Cam,” Adam says with a tight smile. “Mr. Ronan here wouldn’t want to date someone with a stick up their butt, now would he?” 

“What does that mean?” 

Adam’s nostrils flare as he watches as Ronan’s ears pinken. “Put your shoes on, baby, we’re leaving.” 

“Parrish, it was a joke,” Ronan tries, but Adam puts a hand up.

“With this stick so far up my as- butt, I don’t really get jokes. They go right over my head. Have a good night.” 

Turning around, ignoring the wince Ronan gives, he collects his son, and walks out of the house. 

“I’m starting the bath, Opal. Do not lock your door, I will break it open like last time.” 

Ronan ignores the loud groan his daughter gives in response as she slams her bedroom door. He busies himself with filling the tub, grabbing the bubble soap Opal likes and making sure her bath pals are floating in the water waiting for her. 

He makes a note in his head to message the client he has scheduled two Tuesdays from now. He didn’t even hesitate in deciding he’d reschedule just to go shopping with Adam Parrish. Now, he doesn’t even know if Parrish will even want to. He spent the whole drive home feeling guilty that he fucked up already. Well, technically, it was Opal, but he can’t blame his kid for repeating what Ronan’s said in the past. They had an actual conversation! They were making progress and now Adam hates him even more. 

The truth is, Adam Parrish is on his mind quite a lot, embarrassing to say when he always antagonizes the guy. But he’s never really flirted with men before. He’s only been in one relationship and to say that fucked him up majorly is an understatement and he hasn’t thought about dating in years. 

Shaking his head of thoughts of Parrish, for now, at least, he turns off the water. He’s got a gremlin to get clean and she’s not going to make it easy. 

Surprisingly, when Ronan tries the doorknob, it isn’t locked, but when he enters Opal’s room, she’s nowhere in sight. “Water is toasty and ready for you, brat. The ducks are waiting for you, and they’re lonely.” 

He looks all over her messy room, her bed with a mountain of stuffed animals leaning against the wall. He goes to check in the closet, and nothing. “Opal, let’s go. The faster you get in, the faster you get out and can have a snack.” 

He hears a shuffle and whips his head towards the bed, where his eyes narrow at the mountain of squishmallows and sock monkeys and ravens. He spots a familiar glint of black and smirks. “Opal, I think one of your toys has come to life!” Ronan says, approaching the too-real stuffed animal. 

“Hello, Chainsaw. Where’s my stinky daughter?” 

Chainsaw, who’s been trying to hide in the stacks of animals, tilts her head up at him. “I’m not stinky!” Opal’s voice is muffled as she sits up from where she was under trying to hide. Chainsaw cries out at being disturbed and flies to Ronan’s shoulder. 

Cocking his hip, Ronan looms down at Opal who’s pouting now. “Let’s go. And stop making Chainsaw an accomplice in your crimes.”

Ronan watches as she gets off the bed and stomps out of the room. She must be more tired than he thought, because normally it takes a good half hour of wrestling her into the tub.

He tries to chat, but Opal isn’t having it, she just lets Ronan shampoo her hair in silence. “What’s wrong, O?” Her shoulders are hunched and she isn’t even playing with her rubber ducks. 

“Mr. Parrish looked upset when I said that. I don’t want him to be mad at me, he’s very nice. He told me my hair looked pretty.” 

Gently rinsing her hair, making sure the shampoo doesn’t get in her eyes, Ronan sighs. “He’s not mad at you, I promise. He’s mad at me.” 

“Because I told on you?” Her wide eyes look up at him, sad. 

Ronan shrugs, not wanting her to feel guilty too. “Kinda. It’s my fault though. It isn’t nice to talk about other people behind their back like I did to Adam. I have to say I’m sorry.” 

“You should say sorry right now, Da. What if he’s crying right now?” 

“Okay, okay. As soon as we’re done here I’ll send him a message saying I’m sorry.” 

Opal gets a bit more energetic, happy she’s now guilt-free, she talks about what her and his godchildren and Cameron are going to get up to during their sleepover. They’re going to go build lego sets, watch movies, and bake. Opal’s a baker just like Ronan. He’s a bit of a stress baker, when his anxiety gets to be too much, others benefit with gifted muffins, lemon scones, and his mothers recipe of apple crumble cake. 

Hell, he’s about to start baking a fresh dozen of those muffins to give to Adam as an apology for when he sees him next. 

Once Opal’s all clean and dried off, they head downstairs for an episode of Scooby Doo with a small glass of sliced apples and some melted peanut butter and chocolate chips to dip the apples in. All cuddled up on the couch, with Chainsaw flying out of the opened window for her nightly hunt, Ronan relaxes with his arm around his daughter. 

He really savors these moments. Heaven knows how fast five years have gone by. He can’t imagine the time when Opal’s too grown to cuddle up next to her father like this, when she wants him to tell her bedtime stories before saying goodnight. She really saved his life when he adopted her and he’s never been happier. 

She’s asleep when the episode ends, and doesn’t wake up when Ronan picks her up and carries her upstairs. Tucking her in and turning on her nightlight, and watches as she sniffles in her sleep and tugs her favorite raven stuffie close. 

Keeping her door open a crack, he goes downstairs to prepare for tomorrow. Cleaning the kitchen, packing his and Opal’s lunch for tomorrow. He takes some time on the couch replying to potential clients who messaged him wanting a piece done. He does some final touches on what he’s going to be tattooing tomorrow, then heads upstairs. 

He doesn’t forget about apologizing to Parrish. Of course not. Pulling up their email thread, he freezes, not knowing what to say. He’s never been good with words. 

Hi, I’m sorry about what went down tonight. Really, Parrish I am. I don’t make it a habit to talk shit in front of my kid, especially not yours. Your kid adores you, he looks at you like the sun shines out of your ass. He talks nonstop about you, and I don’t want him to ever question you, even if your personality can seem lacking

Okay, he deletes that last bit. Let’s insult him after complimenting him, that’ll work. Pressing send, he throws his phone on the nightstand and grabs the book he’s been reading, and settles into bed. 

“You really called to ask me how often Ronan Lynch talks about you?” Blue huffs over the phone as Adam spreads some crunchy peanut butter onto wheat bread a tad too violently. 

“No,” Adam practically growls. “Well, kind of. Does he always talk shit about me?” 

“Like you do about him?” 

“That’s not the point,” Adam groans, then. “He totally deserves it. He’s an asshole, Blue.” 

“And sometimes you can be a bit too serious. You both have faults, you both have been antagonistic towards each other for too long. Just fuck and get over it.” 

“What?!” Adam chokes on his spit. “That’s disgusting.” 

Blue laughs and Adam wants to hang up on her. He can’t say why Ronan’s opinion of him bothers him so much, but he hoped Blue could answer. “Yeah, okay Adam. I distinctly remember you eye-fucking him the first day of kindergarten. You couldn’t take your eyes away from the hot guy passing out juice boxes to all the kids.” 

“That was before he opened his mouth,” Adam mutters, cutting the sandwich into four little rectangles. “Plus it was a long time since I got laid before that day, you can’t blame me.” 

Grabbing some yogurt, he puts it in Cam’s Transformers lunchbox, then two Oreos, and some chopped up baby carrots and celery for the Greek yogurt dip he made, and places it in the fridge for tomorrow. He’s got a twelve hour shift tomorrow, so he puts grilled chicken, roasted potato’s, asparagus into one container, then orange slices, blueberry, vanilla yogurt into one, and sets that in the fridge too. 

“I know it’s hard for both of you to make friends. I get Lynch can be difficult, but he means well. I have good judgement, so you need to trust me.” 

Adam grumbles and he hears her sigh. “It wasn’t cool for him to say that in front of Opal, I’ll smack him for it tomorrow, but. You’re both adults. You can get past it.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning. The twins aren't sleeping in separate rooms well, Owen snuck into her room in the middle of the night. Gans is up with Rory, now.” 

Adam hums. “‘Kay. Thanks for hearing me out.” 

“Love you, kid.” 

After making some chamomile with honey, Adam heads upstairs, pausing to check on Cam, who’s fast asleep, then heads to his room to get ready for tomorrow. Setting out clothes, making sure his Fitbit’s charging, he sips his tea and grabs the book he’s reading, reads a chapter, then heads into the shower. 

When he’s out and dressed comfy in his pajamas, he checks on Cam one more time, pulling up covers that have been pulled down, he caresses his son’s cheek, and heads to bed, chewing on two melatonin tablets. 

Checking his phone one more time, he ignores a text from a coworker, and is surprised by the email he finds. From Lynch. Wondering if Blue said something, he checks it. 

Hi, I’m sorry about what went down tonight. Really, Parrish I am. I don’t make it a habit to talk shit in front of my kid, especially not yours. Your kid adores you, he looks at you like the sun shines out of your ass. He talks nonstop about you, and I don’t want him to ever question you. He’s a good kid. And you’re a good dad, so. Sorry again. I owe you a dozen muffins, maybe two. 

Huffing a laugh, he shakes his head. 

What’s with you and your fixation on my ass?? 

I guess muffins are an apt apology. 

Goodnight, Lynch. 

Letting that be it for the night, he sets his phone down, and settles down to sleep

Chapter Text

Every Monday, Adam’s mother watches Cameron. For the stress and complications of their relationship, she’s been a big help. 

The thing about May Parrish, was that she wasn’t the loving mother Adam deserved. She had it hard, too, dealing with Adam’s father, of course. But he was just a kid getting beat while his mom went in the other room so she didn’t have to watch. And one day when Cameron was just eight months old, and Adam went days without sleep due to residency and having a newborn, Adam didn’t want to deal with the sudden constant calls from an unknown number. 

It turns out May Parrish finally got the chance to get away from her husband when, ironically enough, he got arrested for public intoxication, assaulting the police officer who had to deal with him, and had multiple priors. And it didn’t help his cause when the judge saw the court information from the time Adam pressed charges when he was beat so bad that he’s now half deaf. 

She wanted to make things right, as right as she could, and learning she was a grandmother, she practically begged to meet him. Adam stood firm, feeling bad when  he thinks bad on it, at the cruel things he said to her back then. 

She proved her worth as time went on, with first short public visits at McDonalds, or a public park or library. She was soft and kind to his son, and a bit afraid, and it broke his heart a bit, at the lone years when Adam was young and felt a semblance of affection from his mother before he turned into a burden. 

Cameron deserved to have one decent grandparent, and he did it for him. 

It’s nearing 8pm when Adam walks into the house, tired and ready for a shower and a meal. 

It’s quiet, the only light downstairs is a lamp on the side table by the couch, and the stove light in the kitchen. Adam spies a plate piled with fried pork chops, rice, and green beans waiting for him, and his stomach growls. 

But first, his head turns to the stairs, where he hears quiet laughter, and he heads up. The bathroom door is open and he hears splashing, and quiet admonishment from his mom. 

“It’s not my day for a bath, but you’re getting me soaked, naughty boy.” 

Cameron giggles and a bigger splash sounds, then his mom gasps, and Adam walks in as he sees a small tidal wave hit his moms shirt. She’s on her knees, leaning over the tub to rub suds over Cameron’s hair. 

Clearly his boy isn’t as sleepy as he should be, his crazy kid breathless with laughter, and Adam’s lips form easily into a smile as he steps into the bathroom, sitting on the toilet seat. 

His mom nods her greeting, eyes full of amusement. 

“Daddy!” His sweet voice acclaims loudly, his wet hair getting in his eye as he squirm away from May’s hands. “You’re home!” 

“Are you giving Gamma trouble?” 

He shakes his head, like a wet puppy, and water sprays everywhere. “I’m never trouble, isn’t that what you say, Gamma?” 

“Never, my boy. Now stay still and lets rinse you off.” 

Adam listens as Cam retails his entire day from the time he was dropped off at school, til the very moment Adam got home. 

“There was a bunny outside when I was in recess and I wanted to take him home. Opal said they had a bunny before, and it pooped everywhere, and she said her bird poops wherever she wants, so I don’t think I want a raven anymore, daddy.” 

And,

“Auntie Blue had to come and take Rory and Owen because they needed to see the dentist. When do I get to see the dentist?” 

And,

“I made my lunch tomorrow, daddy, so you don’t have to make it for me. I’m a good cook, I even learnt how make a peanut butter and jelly. I wanted marshmallows on it but Gamma said that’s too much sugar. I said there’s no such thing as too much of that.” 

Adam helps Cameron dry off while his mother changes into a dry shirt. Cam picks out some Pikachu pj’s, and Adam hoists him up onto his side. His heart melts when Cam hugs him tight as they go downstairs. 

Adam’s explained his job to Cam, how he helps people that don’t feel good, that he has to work long hours to make sure he can help as many as he can, and that it’s a very important job. He’s had a hard time as Cameron grew up and was upset seeing his dad work a lot that he nearly quit. He’s insanely grateful for his mom, for Blue, and the women of Fox Way, Blue’s family of psychics who helped him when he was a teen, who have given him plenty of shit for feeling guilty, that they’ll always watch Cameron any time he needs. 

Adam looks over the homework Cameron did when he got home as he ate his dinner. Homework consisting of uppercase and lowercase letters Cam had to trace, his handwriting a lot better from where he started. “Good job, baby.”

Cameron smiles, proud, as he chews a grape, his snack before bed. He shows another page where he had to write what he knew how to spell. “I can spell your name, too. A-d-a-m. I have more letters in my name than yours.”

“That’s right, Cam. Do you know how to spell Gamma?” 

Cameron shakes his head. 

“What letter does Gamma start with?” 

Cameron answers right away, “G!”

”Good! I’ll help you.” Cameron grabs a colored pencil and looks at his father expectantly. “Write the letter ‘g’.” And he does so, next to the word ‘cat’ he spelt. “Then it’s -A-m-m-a.” 

After spending some time showing Cam how to spell certain words and reading it out, May comes into the kitchen fully dried, and starts doing dishes. He tells Cam to brush his teeth and he’ll be up for story time. He quickly makes his lunch for the next day, listening to his mother hum as she tidies the kitchen. She knows she doesn’t have to, but she always says she hates a messy space. 

“Cameron was telling me about story time at the library on Saturday. I was wondering if I can take him. If it’s alright with you. I know you like to spend time with him on your days off, but-”

Adam interrupts, “Of course you can. He always loves going.” 

May gives him a close-lipped smile, small but genuine. “He loves the same book you loved as a baby, you know.” 

Adam side eyes her, curious. She usually never talks about the past, especially the happier times, as frequent as they were when Adam was really young. 

“He reads along with me, he has Goodnight Moon memorized. Just like you did. It’s crazy how similar he is to you, it’s amazing to see.” 

“He’s pretty amazing.” Adam pats his mom on the shoulder. “I’m going to head up, do you need anything?” 

She shakes her head, and pats his hand. “No, I’ll see you in the morning.” 

She grabs a glass of water before heading to the guest bedroom she uses when she stays over, and Adam fills his bottle with ice water. 

Cameron chooses a Goosebumps volume he got from the library today. Adam cocks an eyebrow at him, because a spooky book isn’t the norm for his son. Slappy the dummy is on the cover. “Why’d you get this, bud? I thought you didn’t like anything spooky.” 

He looks unsure, but he cuddles into Adam’s side when lays down next to him, but Cameron lifts his chin up high, “Well this is one of Opal’s favorite books, and she told me she wanted me to read it, so.” 

“If you don’t want me to read it, we don’t have to. Just tell Opal you don’t like it.” 

“I don’t want to seem like I’m a baby. Opal says only babies get scared.” 

Adam hums, thinking of a certain buzzed headed man probably telling his daughter all kinds of nonsense. “I don’t know about that, bud. I still get creeped out by scary stories. That’s what they’re for.” 

Cam turns his nose up at that. “People like getting scared? On purpose?” 

Adam nods. “Yes, sometimes. They think it’s fun. Plus, these books are all fake. It’s not real.” 

“Okay, I guess we can read a chapter.” 

They read one, and stop at two, Adam seeing apprehension on Cam’s face. “Daddy, my stuffies won’t come to life and hurt me, will they?” He gives his bear named Brownie a worried look. 

“Don’t worry, bud. Brownie keeps you safe, he’s protected you ever since you were a baby. He’ll always be nice.” 

Cameron lets out a breath of relief and brings the stuffed animal close to his side. “Thank God.” 

Adam laughs and closes the book, putting it on his nightstand. After tucking Cam in, he kisses his son on the forehead, pushing his hair back from his face. “Goodnight.” 

“I love you, Daddy.” 

“Love you more.” 

“More than what?” 

“More than the moon and the stars.” 

“Wow,” Cam sighs sleepily. “That’s a lot.”

Adam snorts, turning off the light. “Go to sleep.” 

Taking a long shower, he responds some texts from his coworkers who want to go out for drinks during the weekend. He texts back an excuse to get out of it, because he’s antisocial and only loves hanging out with his kid on his days off. Maybe Blue is right when she tells him he needs to get out more, but the thought isn’t all that pleasing. 

And he sends a text to someone else. Because he and Lynch have gone onto texting instead of emailing. He doesn’t know how he feels about that. 

are you telling your daughter that people who don’t like scary books are babies? 

He isn’t waiting long for a response. 

?

Adam huffs at the short response. 

Cameron came home with a goosebumps book today, that is not his usual story time choice.

Ooo. Nah idk where that brat got that from. She calls me a baby because I hate scary movies and she loves them. I’m assuming my little bro got her into it. Clowns? I’m scared shitless. We watched IT? She was laughing the entire time. I’m afraid she’s a psychopath. 

Adam laughs, shockingly loud, and it honestly makes him jump a little. 

Well, if I’m awoken in the middle of the night because of nightmares, I’m blaming you.

It takes awhile for a response, not that Adam keeps checking his phone as he gets ready to wind down for the night. He chooses a documentary on Bigfoot, something he wouldn’t choose as his nightly watch, but Gansey keeps insisting on him watching it. He wants to go camping for his thirtieth and go Bigfoot hunting, and he’s trying to convince Adam to be dragged along. 

He’s nearly twenty minutes into it, hating that it actually grabs his attention, when his phone starts buzzing from an incoming call. His stomach does a funny drop when he sees Bald-Headed Pain in the Ass Lynch on his screen. 

He waits a few rings in case Ronan is calling in case, but the call doesn’t drop, and he answers. 

“Lynch?” 

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” 

“Excuse me?” 

”I was getting Opal ready for bed.” 

“Okay? Why are you calling me?” 

“Well, I can assume that talking to me is the highlight of your night, so.” 

Adam barks a laugh, harsh and sarcastic, pausing the TV, he leans against his piles of pillows. “You’re so egotistical.” 

“Am I wrong?” Adam can practically hear his smirk. “Plus I wanted to make sure you checked under all the beds and closets.” 

“For It the Clown? I think we’re good over here, thanks.” 

”So how did Cameron like Goosebumps? And which one did you read?” 

“We read about Slappy. Terrifying by the way. Now he’s pretty untrustworthy of his stuffed animals, so thanks for that.”

Ronan chuckles, and it sounds rough and sleepy and Adam’s stomach twists again. Did he eat something funny today? “Why are you blaming me?! If it were me, I’d only read O Tinker Bell and Junie B. Jones. Like I said, I got a crazy kid.” They take some time talking about their favorite books. Yes, Adam does think it’s weird that Ronan loves the tinker bell books, and yes of course Adam does strange voices when reading to his son in funny accents.

“She’s definitely your daughter, Lynch.” Adam says, smiling. 

“Thanks. That’s the nicest thing you ever said to me, Parrish. We still on for shopping right?” 

“Yeah, I’ll meet you at the Whole Foods by two-thirty. I usually have a hard time getting out of work on time, but I’ll try.” 

“You won’t be too tired?” 

Adam snorts. “I’m always tired. It’s just shopping Lynch, although spending time with you is always exhausting.” 

“Thanks, asshole. Maybe I should call more often, you’re being so nice to me.” 

“Don’t push it.” 

“Well, I’ll let you go, I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

“Yeah, see you.” 

“Don’t let the evil clown get you.” 

“Shut the hell up, Lynch.” 

Parrish is, in fact, late. Which is funny because didn’t the man say he hates tardiness? Of course, he did warn Ronan he may be a few minutes late, and Ronan’s not going to freak out over ten minutes of waiting. 

He’s got Harry’s House blasting as he works on his iPad, messaging the guy he was supposed to see today that he’s good with the rescheduled date and he’s sorry again for the last minute emergency that has him canceling. 

Yes, spending some alone time with Parrish is definitely a reason to cancel. 

A tap on his passenger window causes him to look up, and Adam’s tired eyes are gazing at him, a small smile on his face. Putting his device in the glove box, Ronan pockets his wallet, grabs the cold brew and his latte from his cup holder, and steps out. 

“Yo.” Parrish is in some worn blue jeans, and a t-shirt that Ronan can’t help but laugh at. “The Wiggles, really? You a fan?” 

Adam looks down at his shirt with the cast of the children entertainment group, and snorts. “Oh, yeah. They’re my most listened to on Spotify. Number one on Spotify Wrapped three years in a row.” 

 “Your sons doing?” He hands Parrish the disgust cup of Black Death, something he guesses he’d like rather than Ronan’s sweet caramel latte. 

Adam looks surprised, but happily takes a sip. “Nope. I want Hot Potato to be my wedding song.” 

Ronan tilts his head back as he laughs, and they walk to the entrance of the store, talking about Old Wiggles vs New Wiggles. “It’s sad that this is practically all I talk about now,” Adam says as he grabs a cart. 

“Children ruin everything,” Ronan says with a fond sigh. “I used to be wild, y’know? Now the scariest thing in my life is bath night.” 

“Ah, Cameron loves bath time.” Adam chuckles. 

They head to the produce aisle, Ronan checking off his list as they go. Lettuce, tomatoes, some avocados, ears of corn. Burgers, hotdogs, grilled corn, and a bag of frozen fries seem easy enough. They grab veggie burgers for those few who need it. Adam grabs some prebiotic soda, of course, because he doesn’t let Cam have the real stuff. 

Things are going well, shockingly well. They stick to kid talk, Ronan genuinely curious how Adam went through med school with a newborn, and is it too early to ask where the mom is? 

“I don’t tell Cameron he was an accident, but, he was. A few hook ups with this girl. She called me up saying I got her pregnant, she doesn’t want the kid. She was too busy studying the Bar to get trapped by a kid. I’m so grateful she called. She didn’t have to do that. She could have gotten an abortion and I’d be none the wiser. I don’t want to know what my life would have been if he wasn’t in it.” 

“He doesn’t ask about her?” 

Adam nods as he grabs some Oreos. “Oh yeah. But he’s amazing, and so patient. He gets it but kinda doesn’t. I told her she loves him so much because she brought him into this world so I can take care of him and love him forever. He doesn’t really understand why she doesn’t want to be a mom. Hopefully he’ll understand when he’s older. But I’m lucky and he doesn’t bring it up much. On Mother’s Day he gave me a card saying he only needs me and it doesn’t make me so guilty.” 

“You feel guilty?” 

“I used to. It nearly killed me when I was in school. I felt like I didn’t deserve to be a father when I saw him cry to me when I had to leave. It was awful.” 

“You’re an amazing dad, Parrish.” And Ronan doesn’t even care if his voice is full of awe, because it’s true. He’s super dad.

”Yeah, thanks.” 

“No wonder everyone looks at you like you shit rainbows.” 

Adam rolls his eyes, even though his lips twitch. “And there you go ruining it.” 

“I used to hate you, you know? Gansey kept talking about how wonderful Adam Parrish is, you gotta meet him Ronan oh he’s so amazing, and so funny, and if I weren’t married to Blue, I’d marry Adam Parrish.” 

Adam laughs and smacks Ronan on the arm. “Fuck off, that’s not true.”

”Trust me, it was nauseating.” 

“Well, I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Adam side-eyes him. “You don’t hate me anymore?” 

Ronan shakes his head, taking a sip from is latte. “A lot less. But that’s all I say. I won’t be on the Adam Parrish bandwagon of obsession, okay? So don’t expect me to sing your praises constantly.” 

Adam thinks about that for a second. “Then I really don’t think we can have any sort of relationship. There’s no use in it.” As Adam walks a bit faster with the cart, he gives him a dark smirk that makes him swallow his tongue. 

Nope, if he ever jumped on the Adam Parrish fan club, he begs someone to shoot him. He doesn’t know if his heart could take it.

As Adam helps Ronan pack the groceries into his trunk, Adam can’t help but give his gray BMW a long look of appreciation. 

It isn’t rare for doctors to have multiple cars, a lot of his coworkers brag about their new ride every so often, and Adam, who grew up dirt poor trailer trash, thinks that’s a bit unnecessary, but he thinks it’d be okay to get something like this, not so flashy and in your face. 

Ronan notices his hungry eyes, and pats the top of his car lovingly. “It was my pops before I got it handed to me. Pretty unexpectaedly, might I add.” Ronan watches Parrish give him a confused look. “Oh Gansey didn’t tell you? My dad was killed when I was sixteen. Got this baby as a mourning present. Sorry, grief humor.” 

Adam clears his throat and looks away. “Right. Well. I guess it’s too late to offer an apology.”

”Yeah a bit, but thanks.” 

“He was killed?” 

“Yup, murdered. I found his body.” 

Adam’s blue eyes widen in shock. “Jesus, Ronan.” 

“We’re getting to know a lot about each other today, aren’t we Parrish?” 

“Yes, very fun topics of discussion.” 

Ronan snorts as he slams his trunk. “Anyways, I love my first baby. I should probably take her to be checked, engine is sounding too loud.” 

“Oh, I can take a look at it Friday for you.” 

“What?” 

“I used to be a mechanic all through high school and some semesters in college. I’ll make sure to bring my old overalls.” 

A slew of images flick through Ronan’s mind. A younger Adam in overalls stained with dirt and oil and sweat. Of Adam bending over the hood, his tanned fingers working at solving what’s wrong with a vehicle, and he may be drooling. 

“Lynch? How does that sound?” 

“Huh?” Ronan snaps out of his depraved thoughts. “Yeah, cool. Thanks.” 

“Alright, we gotta get the kids, but this was fun. Surprisingly.” Adam gives him a boyish grin. 

“Yeah, you weren’t a nightmare to be around.” 

This is probably one of the luckiest days of his life. And it sounds so stupid that a Whole Foods trip could bring him so much happiness in a short time, but being blessed by so many Adam Parrish smiles makes it a million times better. 

Ronan’s changing is mind. 

Not only will he happily jump on the Adam Parrish bandwagon, but he’ll fucking push everyone to the back of the line. Damn this man.

Chapter Text

Adam’s week is starting out pretty horribly, if he’s honest. 

He’s clicking away doing paperwork, is twenty minutes away from his next surgery, and he’s on his way to scrub up when his phone rings. His stomach turns as he sees Cam’s school calling. “Hello.” 

“Good afternoon, Mr. Parrish, it’s Nurse Stacy. I have Cameron here with an upset tummy. He’s being very brave about it, but he wants his dad. Are you free?” 

“Of course.” The sniff is the first thing. He hears over the line, followed by rapid breaths. “Baby try to take a big breath for me, okay.” 

Hiccuping, he can tell his son is trying to rein in his tears. “Daddy I don’t feel good.” 

“Your tummy hurts?” He pauses outside the scrub area and leans against the wall. 

“I threw up, daddy, I want you to get me.” 

“Aw buddy, can you tell me if you feel like you’re gonna be sick again?”

”I dunno,” Cam’s breath starts up again in a panic. He absolutely hates it when he throws up. “It still hurts and I need you.” 

Adam’s heart aches knowing he can’t run to his kid when he’s upset. “Cam,” he sighs, and that starts it, his son knows that tone of voice. 

“Please,” Cam sobs, and Adam closes his eyes. “I want you here now!” 

“Baby, I’m at work, right now okay?” Adam says as soothing as he can. “Listen to me, Cam. You’re being so brave, okay. Remember what daddy does for work?” 

Cam sniffles. “Yes.” 

“I have to go help a sick person right now, baby. They’re very sick and they need my help to feel better. Like nice Nurse Stacy is trying to help you, okay? Did she give you any tummy medicine?” 

“Yeah, and a sticker.” Adam slumps more against the wall, knowing his son’s crying won’t escalate. 

“A sticker, how awesome. How about you stay with the nurse, lay down, and I’ll call Auntie Percy to get you?”

”I want you, daddy.” Cameron’s sad sweet voice makes Adam want to cry.

”I want more than anything to see you buddy, and I’ll come home a little early okay? I promise.” 

“I guess that’s okay.” 

“Okay, Cam. I love you so much, I’ll see you in a little bit, okay? Try and relax.” 

“Love you daddy.” 

Hating the guilt when the call ends, he takes a deep breath. This is the worst thing about the job, about being a single parent and the crazy pressure of being a first-year doctor. He shakes off the guilt, and heads inside. He needs his head set straight for this surgery. He makes sure Persephone can get Cam, and gets scrubbed in.

Adam showers at work so he doesn’t have to at home. He knows Cameron's going to need his full attention when he gets home, and Adam doesn’t want to stink of hospital. He asked to go home two hours early, and saw an update from Persephone when he got the oppurtunity to check his phone again, that she picked Cam up, that he threw up again when they got to the house. 

He heads home before seven, and keys himself in. The tv’s on low, and his son is cuddled next to his aunt on the couch, eyes blinking slowly, a sad frown on his sweet face. 

He puts his stuff on the counter, getting their attention. Cameron wiggles out of Persephone’s hold, and Adam walks to his kid, who lifts his arms up for Adam to pick him up. “Hi sweetheart, all right?” He brushes his lips on his forehead, feeling that luckily he doesn’t have a fever. Cam hides his face on Adam’s shoulders and sighs deeply. 

“I think he won’t sick up again, it’s been awhile. He had some crackers and peanut butter,” Persephone says in her quiet voice. “We learned how to braid today, didn’t we, Cameron?” She pulls her hair to the side to show Adam her long braided hair. 

Rubbing Cam’s back gently with one arm, he smiles softly. “Thanks for watching him on short notice.” 

“I freed up my schedule, I had a feeling I would be needed today,” Persephone smiles like she’s hiding a secret. She gets up, hiking up her long flowy skirt so she doesn’t trip as she pats Cameron’s head, then Adam’s. “I’ll see you soon, yes?” 

“Mhm, cousin sleepover is happening soon. That’s exciting, right, baby?” Cameron grunts softly, rubbing his nose on Adam’s shoulder. 300 Fox Way hosts a monthly weekend for Blue’s kids and Cameron, and it’s always fun. They make homemade candles, beaded jewelry, and Cameron’s learned a lot about baking from helping Persephone with her pies. 

After one visit, Cam snuck a kitten in his backpack and brought it home. Adam swears one day they’ll have a pet, but now’s just not the time. 

After Persephone leaves, Cameron clings to Adam tightly, clearly making it known that Adam cannot let him down. He warms up some food for himself, and he adjusts Cam to sit on his lap as he sits on the couch. “Wanna watch some more of your show, Cam?” 

He nods, and turns his attention to the TV and Adam eats his baked chicken and asparagus, rubbing his son's tummy in small circles. They watch an episode of Scooby Doo, and Cam lets Adam go to the kitchen to clean up and get ready for the morning. He already texted his mom that Cam won’t be going to school tomorrow, and to come earlier as Adam has a twelve hour shift starting at seven. 

Cam’s eyes follow his movements as he sets the security alarm, turning on the porch light, just the nightly duties. Adam smiles at him as he turns the TV off, and grabs Cameron. “Tired?” He’s seen his yawn at least once a minute, and is ready to knock out. 

“Can I sleep in your bed, daddy?” 

”Of course, let’s wash up first.” He kisses Cam’s cheeks as he walks into his en-suite bathroom, sitting him on the countertop. They brush their teeth together, pee, then get comfortable in Adam’s bed. 

“Can you get Brownie?” 

“Yes, baby, I’ll be right back.” He dutifully gets his son's favorite stuffy and his water bottle. 

When he’s back in his room, he can tell Cameron’s fighting sleep, his eyes blinking sleepily. He tucks Brownie to his side, and brushes his messy hair from his face. “Feeling okay, kid?” 

“Mm. Did you save people today, daddy?” 

Adam quickly undresses and throws his messy clothes into his hamper, and slides into bed. “Yeah, I did help make people better, buddy. It was a lot of hard work.” He curls his arm around him and Cam snuggles closer. “And I’m very proud of you for being so brave.” 

“Did I bother you?” Cameron’s sad blue eyes look up at his father and Adam is startled. 

“No, Cameron, of course you didn’t. You call me anytime, baby, if I can’t get to you someone you love and trust will help out, okay? You come first, always.” 

“Okay. I know that.” 

Adam smiles, “Good. Let’s sleep now okay? Gamma will be here first thing in the morning.” 

“Her pancakes aren’t good, daddy.” Cameron says very seriously as he rests into the pillow. “I have to drown them in syrup so they taste good. I don’t wanna hurt her feelings and tell her to stop.” Adam snorts as he adjusts himself to lay comfortably. “Did you like her pancakes?” 

Adam tightens his lips. It’s always a bit tough, trying to change the subject about how his mother was during his own childhood. He isn’t really going to tell his son about the terrible things that went on. “I don’t really remember her cooking much, bud. But maybe we can ask her to make eggs and toast instead.” 

“Eggs with some cheese,” Cam says in wonder, his voice cracking with tiredness.

”That’s even better,” Adam whispers, watching as his son’s breath slow until he’s asleep. “Love you Cameron.” 

He sighs, happy that the day didn’t end in disaster, that is son is feeling better, and is safe and comfortable by his side. As routine, he checks his messages before bed. His mother confirming she’ll be there tomorrow, a group chat from work wishing someone a happy birthday, and of course, Ronan. 

Hey, heard Cameron went home sick. Everything good?

It was sent a couple hours ago, with a few pictures attached. The first one was what looked like a small stick figure, with blonde hair and blue eyes, and a vomit green was scribbled messily from the stick figures mouth. Adam guesses it’s Cameron puking. On top it says, Get Better Cam! in messy letters. 

Just so you know, opal drew this one first. I am stopping her from giving it to your son. A plus parenting type shit. Hope hes feeling better. 

The second drawing is vomit-free, with two stick figures this time, Opal and Cameron, with a big black blob with a sharp beak. In this one, Ronan clearly wrote it, saying Chainsaw and I hope you feel better! 

Adam has a hard time keeping his laughter quiet, quickly seeing if his laughter is disturbing his son. 

He’s feeling better, a stomach bug. I was at work and couldn’t step away, he called me crying and it nearly broke me. He’ll take the day tomorrow to fully rest, thanks for asking. And opal sure takes after you. Her work is truly beautiful. 

Ronan replies right away. 

Good, stomach bug is nasty business. 

No sweat, doc. You’re out there saving lives. 

You’ve seen my work? 

Adam’s followed Ronan’s Instagram page for some time now, loving his brilliant illustrative black work. He’s not one for tattoos, he grew up dirt poor, and saw something like tattoos as a waste of money. But seeing Ronan’s arm tattoos, he can understand the beauty. 

thanks, it never gets old though, I feel like I’m failing him. 

Yes, of course. Blue and Gansey always rave about you, the work you did on blue is awesome. 

She’s got a Page of Cups tarot card, and two lily flowers for the twins, as their birthday is in May. 

Thanks, I’m blushing. 

get it thru your thick smart doctor brain, and don’t make me say it again or else ill pummel you. You’re doing amazing, sweetie. 

Adam scoffs, his mouth pulling into a smile. 

Yeah yeah. You ready for Friday, lynch? Got all your animals primped and proper? 

It takes a bit longer for him to reply, and Adam quietly goes into his drawer for some Melatonin, feeling more awake than he’d like. He makes sure his alarm is set and phone plugged in when Ronan replies. 

Yes, my show ponies are groomed and ready to your satisfaction. Fuck off, I’m making brownies and watching SpongeBob now. 

Rolling his eyes, he sends his last text for the night. 

Your life is truly riveting, lynch. I’ll see you in a few days. 

Ronan spends all of Thursday getting the Barns ready for the kids to come. He puts on a podcast, and spends the next hour and a half on his mower making the grounds look neat and pretty. He cleans the shit from the barns, and collects the eggs the chickens have kindly provided.  He gives Chainsaw a bath, spending the next twenty minutes getting bit and clawed.

“For fucks sake, bird, do you know Adam’s coming over, you have to look good for him. Do not embarrass me tomorrow.” He pokes her pentulently on her beak, and gets a bratty Kerah for his troubles. 

After, he bandages his fingers, then heads to the kitchen, started there with his tidying. There’s an unfinished puzzle he leaves, knowing Opal would throw a fit if he moved it, but puts the legos in the toy drawer and places it next to the tv. 

He gets the mop bucket out after sweeping, and cackles, entertained when Chainsaw tries to attack the mop head. After all that’s cleaned, he begins to dirty it again by baking. He sees his mistake as cake batter and lemon juice gets everywhere. Cursing, he knows he’ll have to clean it again, oh well, he’ll get Opal to help when she comes home. He’ll bribe her with baked goods, it always works. 

He’s a great dad, okay.

Speaking of dads, Gansey’s been bugging him about taking the kids to the lake for a weekend for some fishing and camping. He’s been going on and on for wanting to teach Owen how, and Blue’s been wanting to have a gal’s day. To be honest, Ronan would rather go to the girls. 

He responds to his last text before dropping it on the counter, finally able to relax a bit as he puts the batter in the oven. 

He reads a few chapters of his gay romance book before the oven beeps and he checks on the cake, and puts it back in for another five minutes before he sets on making the frosting. Store bought icing would do in a pinch, but he’s hosting and he’s always wanting to put his baking skills to the test. 

He grabs more lemons and powdered sugar and gets to work. Lemon cake is one of Opal’s favorites, so it’ll be a nice treat for tomorrow, but he’ll need to hide it up high so she doesn’t see it. 

It’s nearly two when his phone rings. Expecting Gansey, or even Declan, he gapes as he sees Parrish’s name on the screen. 

“Doth mine eyes deceive me or is Adam Parrish gracing me with a phone call?” 

The line crackles before he answers. “Y’know, just a few weeks ago that greeting would piss me off.” 

“Oh? Does it make your heart flutter instead?” 

“Yes, but it’s just heart burn,” comes Adam’s dry response. Ronan laughs as he stirs his icing with one hand. “Is now a good time? I’m not interrupting anything right? I’m on my lunch break, so it’s really the only time I could talk.” 

“Nah, you’re good, I’m just getting ready for tomorrow.” 

He hears chewing then, “Oh, well. That’s why I was calling. Did you need anything? I can stop at the store later or. I kinda feel bad you’re doin’ all the work. I kinda forced this on you.” 

“Yes, you did. But as you said, oh wise organizer, I haven’t really helped out before, so I’m happy to do it. Plus, Opal’s excited. I can already see her wanting everyone to sleep over. God all those kids, I already have a headache.” 

“That’s why I only wanted one kid,” Adam chuckles. “Blue wants another one and I couldn’t imagine.” 

“Gansey always pictured having five kids.” 

“You’re kidding.” 

“Wish I was.” The oven beeps again, and he sets the spoon down, and puts on an oven mitt. 

“What’re you making?” 

“Lemon cake. Opal’s favorite.” 

“I dunno if tattooing is your actual calling,” Adam comments and Ronan stops. 

“What do ya mean?”

“I mean,” Adam says, voice tight with teasing. “You’d make the perfect farmers wife.” 

“Aw fuck off, Parrish. I can do both.” Ronan relishes in Adam’s laughter, going from loud to something quieter, like he forgot he’s in public. 

“That’s true. Anyways, did you need me to pick up anything?” 

Ronan hums. “Not anything I can think of, but I’ll let you know soon.” 

“‘Kay, I’m getting off at seven.” Ronan hums, dipping a finger into his icing and has a taste. Perfect, of course. He sets it in the fridge as the cake cools. 

“‘Kay,” Ronan says back. “Do you-“

“Well I gotta-” Adam pauses, and Ronan’s quiet. “What was that?” 

“Oh sorry. It’s just that I’m bored, and I already cleaned the house and the Barns, and when I’m bored I bake. So I was gonna ask if you have any favorite desert I can make.” 

“Oh, well. I don’t know what you have in your kitchen but. I love rice krispy treats, but not regular ones, peanut butter rice crisply treats.” 

“With chocolate on top?” 

“Hell yes,” Adam hisses excitedly. 

“Will do.” 

“Really?” Adam sounds surprised. 

“Yup, I’ll make some just for you. And Cameron.” 

“He’d love it,” Adam says. “Thanks.” 

“Yup, I’ll text you later.” 

“Alright, bye Lynch.” 

“Later.” 

He sets his phone down, and smiles stupidly at the black screen until Chainsaw comes flying into the kitchen, setting her sights for the cake on the stovetop. He runs after her, grabbing her with both hands as she squawks in anger. 

He yells curses at his dumb bird, ignoring her wings flapping at him, he opens the front door, and throws her out. 

Scowling at his feathery daughter as she flies up to a barn, he gets to work on Parrish’s treats. 

“Okay everyone, attention please!” Adam calls at the front of the bus, children and parents alike talking loudly and excited. 

Cameron sits on the seat and Adam lunges at him to grab him from the back of his shirt so he doesn’t tumble. “Quiet my daddy’s got something to say!” Cameron yells, and row by row, people quiet down. 

Adam suppresses a laugh as his son stares at his father seriously. “Thank you, Cam. Now I know we’re all excited about today’s super fun trip at Opal’s house, and I expect you all to be on your best behavior.” 

“We promise,” Katie’s father calls out jokingly. 

“Daddy, he meant the kids, not the grown ups,” his daughter says helpfully. 

Adam winks at the helpful kid. “Thank you, Katie. There will be a lot of cute animals that we need to respect and treat nicely. We’ll all listen to Mr. Lynch and what he says when it comes to his animals, okay?” 

“Yes, Mr. Parrish,” calls many little voices. 

“Very good. We’ll be there shortly, so let’s all have a lot of fun today!”

Cheers sound, and Adam sits down, pulling Cameron down with him. He’s got a book about ravens he wants to show Opal and Mr. Lynch, and Adam watches him flip through it. ”Daddy, is it true that ravens can mimic human words?” 

“Mm, yes I think so.” 

Cameron looks up in wonder, and Adam huffs, looking at his son. He looks absolutely adorable, in his stripped tee, and a snoopy bucket hat. He spots some crumbs on his cheek that he rubs off. “Daddy, do all birds do that?” 

“No, I think many can, but not every single bird.” 

They talk more about birds before some friends ask him to join in some game, then Blue takes his place. She smiles at him, bumping shoulders. “So how’s it going?” 

“Going good, how’re you?” 

Sighing, she slumps down a bit. “D’you remember senior year, when we went to the zoo?” 

Adam laughs. “When you got me into protesting the entire time, nearly getting us banned for life?” 

“Yes, that. Can you believe those kids are parents now?” 

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to make the kids do some kind of humanitarian protest at Lynch’s farm.” 

Blue snorts, then laughs full out. “Can you imagine, the little stomps as they march in circles? It’s not too early for them to be passionate about something.” 

Adam rolls his eyes, pulling out his phone. “That’s it, I’m warning him.” He goes to his messages with Ronan and starts to type until Blue snatches his phone out of his hands. 

“My, my, Parrish.” She says tantalized as she scrolls. And scrolls. “You never text me this much.” 

“This isn’t much,” Adam says weakly. 

“I thought you hated him,” Blue side eyes him with a grin. 

“Hate is a strong word. I just thought he was an obnoxious asshole.” He grabs his phone back and hides it to his chest. 

“And now?” 

Adam’s lips twitch. “I still think he’s an obnoxious asshole.” Adam then startles, realizing he’s talking full volume, but realizes the kids are much much louder. 

Blue gasps and sits up straight. “You like him.” Blue grabs Adam’s cheeks and pinches. “You have the look.” 

“You’re being ridiculous. And you’re hurting me.” She stops her pinching in favor of grabbing his shoulders and shaking. 

“You haven’t had the look in years, oh this is so great. After a year of having a stick in your ass about Lynch you finally realized!” 

“Realized what!” Adam says loudly. 

“You like like him!” Blue practically screeches. Adam laughs, because she’s being crazy. 

“Blue, don’t you get it? The whole reason I’ve been chatting back and forth is to organize this trip?” 

Quick as a whip, his phone is no longer in his grip, yet again. “Sure, sure. Let’s see this so called organizing.” She uses his passcode, and Adam tries to reach over. Blue runs down the bus aisle, and Adam gapes after her. 

“That was very dangerous,” Adam yells after her. And gets some strange looks. Being a good role model, Adam waits for the bus to stop at a red light before going after her. She’s sitting next to Owen, whose nose is glued to his book, a tale about Arthur and the Sword in the Stone. “Hey buddy,” he says sweetly. Owen glances up and back to his book. 

“Hey Uncle Adam.”

Blue is giggling unsensibly, and no, this cannot be happening. Saying a quick apology, he grabs Owen and sits him on his lap. 

“Blue Sargent,” Adam says, low and dangerous. Owen looks up in concern, and Adam fixes his face into a smile. That makes Owen even more concerned, and he slips off Adam’s lap and goes to his father. Adam looks at Blue, who’s scrolling. “You’re invading my privacy.” 

“Goodnight, Parrish. Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” she says in a husky voice, then scrolls. “Good morning, Lynch, I dreamt about your muffins last night.”

“Blue!” 

Blue sets his phone on her lap, laughing, dare Adam think it, like a braying donkey. She’s actually not, but Adam’s a bit peeved at her at the moment. ”You send each other good morning and good night texts! That’s so precious.” 

“It’s nothing.” His stomach swoops uncomfortably. “It’s nothing, right?” 

Blue must sense something in his voice. Desperation, maybe? And she cups his face. “Sweatheart, I think this could be something.” Adam swallows, and looks ahead, to Cameron’s bright smile at his friend. “Listen, Adam. I know Ronan, and do you know how much that man abhors using his phone? He needs it for his job, yeah, but do you know how often he replies to me or Gansey? Barely! And this? You call each other, you text every day…” 

”Well, maybe you two are just boring,” Adam says, managing a true smile as Blue squawks in protest. 

“All I’m saying, you jerk, is. Relax. Go with the flow for once in your life.” 

“The last time I went with the flow was about six years ago. Then I got Cameron,” Adam says blankly, and Blue snorts.

“And he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Just think about it. Maybe something else great can come of it.” 

“Whatever. Stop trying to be wise,” Adam mutters, slumping against his best friend. 

“I do not try,” Blue says sweetly, patting his knee. “I just am.” 

They’re nearly there, obvious as to the back roads, and the many trees. There are farms scattered, and as the large bus turns down a gravel road, that shortly leads to a driveway. 

The Barns is absolutely stunning. Not only the house, but the barns are big and bright red. There are two huge barns surrounded by white fencing, and three smaller buildings that are sheds surrounded by a huge forrest. There’s an area with a playground in the front of the house. The house itself has a front porch with a swing next to the front door. It’s clearly old and well-loved. There are toys on the steps and  scattered in the yard. 

The kids all let their excientment known at seeing the animals grazing serenely in their fenced in area. Even Adam’s speechless. 

Speaking of the man, he exits his house as the bus stops behind Ronan’s BMW. Adam gapes as he leans over Blue to watch him from the window. “What in the hell is he wearing?”

He can see Ronan’s taking Farmer quite literally. He’s decked out in gum boots, black denim overalls, and he's wearing a plaid shirt beneath. To put the outfit together, he’s wearing a wide brimmed straw hat. Rory pops her head over the seat ahead of them, “Mommy, Uncle Ronan looks funny.” 

Blue’s lips twitch. “Yes, he does. Be sure to tell him you think so, hon, he’ll be so happy to hear it.” 

Rory blinks her big brown eyes. “Okay.” 

Adam keeps glancing out the window as the parents guide their kids out. He looks ridiculous, surely, but he allows himself to admit it. Ronan’s absolutely attractive. Take your breath away hot, and Adam’s sweating a bit.

”Y’okay there, doc?” Blue says, voice wobbly with her containing the laughter that wants to bubble out. ”You seem feverish.” 

“I’m quite alright, thanks.” 

“Daddy, come on!” Adam’s startled when Cameron grabs his hand, tugging. “You’re dilly dallying.” 

“Sorry, sorry. No rushing, we have plenty of time.” 

Cameron grumbles as they stomp down the empty aisle. Outside, the kids are ecstatic at all the free land to run around. A few are grouping together to run to the playground, a few are pointing and yelling at the fenced in area where cows and sheep are walking lazily. 

“Hey guys!” A shriek sounds, and then Opal Lynch is scrambling from outside the house. “It’s awesome you’re here!” 

Adam’s heart melts as he watches Opal, decked out to match her father with her farmer’s outfit, with a pink cowgirl hat instead of a straw one. The adults are greeting Ronan, shaking his hand and praising his farm. 

Cameron tugs on his hand, and Adam leans down. Cameron’s eyes are alight in wonder, and he can’t seem to look at one thing for too long. “Daddy, daddy, I want to live here. When are we gonna pet the animals, where’s Chainsaw.” 

“Bud, take a breath, we’ll get to see everything there is to see, okay. Go say hi to Opal.” 

He nods, spotting his friend, he sprints over. Now that his son is perfectly distracted and having fun, he walks over to the parents, and Ronan watches him approach.

“You look,” Adam trails off, shaking his head.

“Funny?” Ronan supplies when he doesn’t finish his thought. “Thanks, my niece already let me know.” 

“Yes, funny. That’s exactly the right word,” Adam tells him, his eyes roaming from head to toe, and when he looks back up, Ronan’s got a slight pink tint to his cheeks. Adam’s lips turn up into a smirk. “D’you have sun screen, Lynch. I think you’re already burning.” 

Ronan makes a choking sound. “I’m fine, Parrish.” 

“Well, Lynch, gonna give us the grand tour?” Tad clears his throat pointedly, and Adam watches the adults nod excitedly. 

“Right, sure. Whatever.” Ronan waves his arm. “I’ll show you where the bathroom is inside first, then we can wrangle the kiddos to see the animals.” 

Everyone calls for their kids to see if they need to go use the bathroom, then they all walk in for the tour of Ronan’s bottom floor. The kitchen is huge, with oak cabinets and an old gas stove. The fridge is decorated with homemade magnets, and many a drawing from his kid. There are old ceramic mugs on the countertop, and some wildflowers decorated the dinner table. 

The living room has a big TV, and a velvet couch. There are old board games in a bookshelf with an array of books, kids and adults alike, family pictures scattered with old vintage looking paintings on the walls. 

Ronan gets praised at how beautiful his home is, and Adam can tell he’s pleased. They’re shown the bathroom, and Adam heads back to the kitchen as people start using it. He sees Gansey in there now, grabbing a soda from the fridge. “Want one?” He asks as he sees Adam enter. 

He catches the Sprite Gansey tosses his way, cracking it open gratefully. “It’s a hot one today.” 

“Gotta keep the kids hydrated,” Adam agrees. “So, you’ve been coming here since you were young?” 

Gansey smiles wistfully. “Oh yeah, broke my wrist here on the tire swing when I was twelve. Ronan’s done well here.” Gansey snorts. “It’s funny.”

“What is?” Adam asks. 

“When we were in high school, I gave him so much shit about him finishing school. Stop skipping classes, stop getting detentions. I wasted so much time and energy ignoring what he wanted. I didn’t think anything would come of his art, and his farm.” 

“Wow,” Adam contemplates this as he sips his soda. “You were an asshole.” 

Gansey guffaws, punching his shoulder. “I guess you can say that, but he was different then. Much more destructive. His older brother got in my head, I guess."

”Well, you should tell him you’re proud of him.”  

 Gansey gives him a disappointed look. “You think I haven’t?” 

Adam shrugs. “Ronan seems like the type to pretend he doesn’t want the compliments, but needs it.” 

“You’re right on that. He’s cursed me out when he got his tattoo apprenticeship, when he opened up his shop. ‘I don’t need your praise, old man’ he’d say. Then he’d hug me tight, he’s a big softy, he is.”

After everyone’s bathroom break, parents head outside with bottles of water and some snacks the kids can hang on to as Ronan and Opal lead them out to the animals. The kids are having a hard time keeping calm and collected. 

“Who wants to collect chicken eggs?” Ronan asks loud enough for everyone to hear. Cheers ring out, and Adam laughs at Cameron, who jumps up and down with his arm raised high. 

“They nip at your fingers if you try!” Opal says warningly. That makes a few kids apprehensive. 

The chicken coop is small yet cozy. And, to the kids and adults wonderment, have little chicks walking around. Coos go around as they watch the yellow fluff balls walking around. 

“Hatched not too long ago,” Ronan sounds with a touch of pride to his voice. “How about you kids name them.” 

The kids are allowed to sit and gently pick them up, careful not to step or sit on them. Ronan watches avidly, spouting facts on how chickens hatch and what the process is. Opal sprinkles feed on the ground, and some chickens cluck excitedly, and goes to peck up their food. “Here are the eggs guys!” Some of the kids stay with the baby’s, while others get up and watch Opal put some eggs in a woven basket. He can tell Opal loves getting to show her friends what to do, it’s the sweetest thing.

Cameron is first in line, and Adam gets his phone out to capture the moment, smiling proud. Ronan surprises him, when he tells them they can take some eggs home. Adam’s mystified by the man, and watches, transfixed, when he picks up a chicken that was pecking at his feet, and kisses its little head. 

“Daddy, do you want to hold a chick?” Cameron asks, approaching with one carefully in his hand. “It’s so cute.” 

“It really is, buddy. Thank you.” Adam sits down, and holds his hands out for the small baby to hop into his hand. It peeps at him as Adam pets it with a careful stroke. “Mr. Lynch, why are the chickens all yellow?” 

Ronan approaches, tossing the chicken down gently, and it goes back to eating. “Well, it’s because when the chicken is still in the egg, the yolk stains the chicks feathers. The feathers will be replaced and they’ll look like all the other adult chickens.” 

“What’s yolk?” Cameron looks between his dad and Ronan. 

“Yolk is the yellow stuff when I make you eggs.” 

“The yolk provides yummy nutrients as the chick grows in the egg,” Ronan explains.  “It helps keep them healthy before hatching.” 

The kids all gather around, starting to ask Ronan questions that he patiently answers. Cameron smiles as they both watch the chick in Adam’s hand fall asleep. Getting a bit more comfortable, he leans up against some hay and watches the kids having a good time. The day is starting out amazingly. 

It takes a while for the kids to get bored of the clucking chickens and want to move on to the bigger animals. They head out to the next barn, and the sheep are waiting by the fence, curious about the new people, and are probably hoping for food. 

There are four sheep, and three cows roaming around. The kids start making animal noises at them, and Opal cackles, letting out a loud moo! Ronan hushes her as he leads them all to the entrance of the barns. There are large stalls for the big animals, and it’s all fairly clean. A sheep runs inside when it sees them, and Ronan greets it. 

“This here is Armstrong. He’s almost six years old, and he loves ear scratches, kids, so go crazy.” The sheep doesn’t seem hesitant at all about kids surrounding him, he just stands there and basks in all the pets he gets. Once satisfied, Armstrong nudges the kids away as he turns and slowly walks back outside. 

The kids all point and exclaim at one cow, rounder than the other two, and they laugh. “She’s gonna have a baby!” Opal says excitedly. “Hera and Zeus are the mommy and daddy.” Some surround the cows close, but some hold back, apprehensive at the gentle giants, but everyone listens quietly as Opal talks. 

“I know how to milk them, and daddy is letting me name the baby once it comes.”

”Does the cow go to the hospital?” One kid asks. 

Opal cackles. “No! The baby will come in the barn, right dad?” 

“That’s right, I’ll help the animal doctor deliver it right here at the farm.” The kids ooh and aah. The kids take their time petting and feeding the animals some animal feed and many treats. Cameron’s taken to the smaller third cow, named Bucky, following as he slowly walks, scratching his flank. 

He texts some pictures to his mother, and sends the pictures he’s taken of the twins to Gansey and Blue, and does so with Opal for Ronan. He’s sure he’s got many a picture of his daughter with his animals, but it’s too heartwarming to see him with her without either of them knowing. 

He grins down at his phone at one, where Opal’s proudly talking with Ronan looking down at her with a twinkle in his eye. It’s too precious to see. 

“Hey, Adam.” A cheerful voice that he’s used to giving him headaches approaches. 

“Tad, hi.” Adam pockets his phone and nods at the man as he stops in front of him. “Having a good time?” 

“Oh, yeah,” he nods enthusiastically. “The kids love it. You did a really great job organizing this whole thing. It was such a good idea, guess that’s why you’re the president, huh.” 

Adam shrugs. “Well, it’s all thanks to Ronan, so. Without his farm, I wouldn’t have known what to do for the kids.” 

At the mention of Ronan, Tad’s mouth tightens, but he nods minutely. “Yeah, right.” 

Adam smiles, turning his body to look for the man, and blinks as their eyes meet above the heads of the kids. Ronan flicks his gaze quick to Tad and scowls. 

“Well, I was meaning to ask you,” Tad trails off when Adam doesn’t turn back after a few seconds. “That is to say, are you doing anything this weekend?” 

Adam turns, surprised at the random question, and quirks an eyebrow. “This weekend?” 

Tad nods, his quiffed hair bouncing at the movement. “You remember my son wanted a play date with yours so I was thinking we all can hang out?” 

Adam hums like he’s remembered when he totally hasn’t. To be honest, every time Tad Carruther’s tries to get them to hang out one-on-one, he’s quick to come up with an excuse. He has many in store. He’s a doctor, his schedule is always crazy. Inconveniently, this particular incoming weekend, he is indeed off work, which he spoke loudly on the bus to Gansey about, so he figures since Tad is asking, he over heard. 

Think, Adam.

As he opens his mouth, a weak excuse on his tongue, a shrill whistle sounds out, startling both him and Tad.

Adam spins around, seeing as Ronan removes fingers from his mouth, looking skyward. 

Seconds later, a loud caw sounds from the nearby trees. Everyone is quiet as they watch astounded, as a large black speck flies out of the treetops, and gets closer and closer. 

The infamous Chainsaw.

Ronan walks a little ways from the crowd of kids and raises an arm. Chainsaw’s wingspan is incredible, as she lands on Ronan with a loud squawk. Ronan grins sharkishly, and Adam can’t help but smiling at it. “Everyone, meet the star of the show.” 

“Chainsaw!” Cameron cries out in a cheer.

“That’s right,” Ronan smiles at his son. “How about we line up, my girl doesn’t like people surrounding her, so we have to be quiet and calm.” 

The kids do, and Cameron makes sure he’s first in line. Cam watches in awe as Ronan kneels down with the raven, and talks softly to him. Adam watches as his kid puts two small fingers to Chainsaws soft looking feathers. She tilts her head, watching curiously but otherwise is calm with him. Ronan looks up for Adam, and he beckons him closer with a nod.

Adam approaches carefully, and the bird’s eyes lock on him as he stands next to Cameron. “Want to hold her, Adam?” 

Cameron startles as Chainsaw flaps her wings, a quick difference from the calm from seconds ago. Cam stands behind Adam’s legs and clings to his hip. “Atom?” Adam gapes at the guttural exclamation coming from the raven. ”Atom!” Chainsaw croaks, her silky black feathers ruffle, and she flaps her wings some more as she flies up and lands on Adam’s shoulder. 

Her claws digging in shocks him, and feathers slap his cheeks and Adam freezes. Ronan looks at him in disbelief, like it’s not his raven child doing this. “Did she just say my name?” 

“Uh,” Ronan stammers. “Sure sounds like it.” 

“No way!” Opal runs to his side, tugging at Adam’s shirt. “She doesn’t even say my name.” 

“Kerah! Atom,” Chainsaw says loudly, followed by clicking sounds. Adam’s a bit scared she’ll peck his eye. 

“Kerah is daddy’s name,” Opal tells him. “She can also swear.” 

“Okay!” Ronan claps his hands. “We don’t want to hear that. Who wants to play on the playground?” 

The kids all clap and they run out and scatter. But Adam’s still frozen, as the giant bird perches herself, seemingly comfortably, on Adam.

“Jeez, Adam,” Gansey approaches. “Do you know how long it took for her to trust me?” 

“That’s because I trained her to maul the pain in my asses in my life,” Ronan mutters. 

“Do you know,” Blue says with a secretive smile as she looks Adam dead in the eyes. “Raven’s only mimic sounds and words her owner repeats time and time again?” Adam really really wants to stomp on her foot.

“Dick,” Chainsaw says, and they all burst out laughing. 

“She knows Gansey’s name, too,” Ronan says with a smirk. 

Adam braves it, and raises a hand to pet her. She watches his hand, and lowers her small head to be pet and Adam can’t believe how soft she is. “You really are beautiful,” Adam murmurs. Like she understands, she ruffles her feathers happily. Adam snorts, “you’re welcome.” 

“Come on,” Blue grabs Gansey’s hand, “Let’s let the boys have their moment with the raven.” 

Once they’re alone, Adam turns a wry eye to the man in front of him. “So, your bird daughter knows my name?” 

Ronan shrugs, all nonchalant. “Yeah, she hears me curse your name all the time. She picks up my bad habits.” 

Adam tries, and fails, not to smile. “I’ll be nice and believe you.”

“I don’t lie, Parrish,” he leans in and whispers. Chainsaw tries to nip as Ronan gets close and Ronan scowls. “Figures, she likes you more than me now.” 

“She’s got good taste,” Adam snarks, and to prove a point, he raises a hand, and Chainsaw rubs her beak all over his palm lovingly. 

“Whatever, I’ll sick my sheep on you.” 

Adam widens his eyes exaggerating. “Oh, I’m so frightened.” 

Rolling his eyes he gestures to the kids all gathered by the playset. “Cameron seems to be having a good time.” 

Smiling he squints his eyes against the sun to see his kid swinging with Rory. “Yeah, it’s been great. I don’t think he’ll want to go back to our rural suburban home after this.” 

“So very boring,” Ronan sniffs, reaching out a hand to Armstrong as he approaches. Adam’s eyes linger on his reddening skin on his inked up arm. “Attack, Armstrong. Attack the evil man.” Armstrong blinks up at him.

“Oh geez,” Adam mutters as he spots Tad a-ways, waiting by the fence, trying very hard not to look obvious as he watches him and Ronan. 

“Jesus why is he even invited anyways,” Ronan says, voice low in irritation. 

“Because his son is apart of it, Lynch. He’s being civil isn’t he?” 

“I’m being perfectly fucking civil too.” 

“You are,” Adam says, reaching out to squeeze his arm. “You’re being very good.”

Ronan makes a choked noise, and Adam smirks, enjoying the way his cheeks redden. “What’d the asshole want with you anyways.” 

“He’s been bugging me for a month now wanting to get together.” 

“Wh-what?” Ronan stutters. “He’s pushing you into dating him?” 

“Well, he plays if off as a play date for our kids, but I know he’s interested.” 

“Not very subtle about it, either.” Growling a bit, Ronan narrows his eyes at the man lingering. 

“I don’t know why he can’t take the hint that I'm not interested.” 

“In him, or?”

”Definitely not. Anyways I’m just hoping he stops after my hundredth time blowing him off.” 

“Or you can just tell him to fuck off. I’d love to watch that.” 

“I’m sure you would,” Adam says blandly. “Anyways, enough about him, I promised I’d take a look at your car.” 

“Ah, right,” holding out his arm, he clicks his teeth and Chainsaw flies over to him. “Sorry about your shirt.”

Adam looks at the small holes let behind by her claws. “No big deal, it’s an old shirt.” 

They head out of the field, and Adam smiles at Tad, who looks none too pleased that he’s following Ronan. Adam heads to the bathroom quick to change into his old overalls he’s had since his days at Boyd’s, the old blue denim faded and spotted with old oil and grease stains. 

Ronan’s outside waiting, keys in hand. His gaze wanders up and down Adam’s frame as he approaches, and if his stomach swoops in a pleasant way, no one has to know. 

“You said you hear a squeaking sound when you turn it on?” Ronan nods. “Pop the hood for me.” After getting the hood up, he takes a quick glance around. The engine looks good, and after Ronan turns on the ignition, Adam sees the problem right away when the annoying squeaking sounds. The serpentine belt is old, Adam deduces, seeing the frays. A relatively easy fix that should be done sooner than later. 

When Ronan shuts the car off, Adam bends down, feeling Ronan step up beside him. “Just needs a new belt. It runs the alternator, power steering. I can show you how to order one and I’ll come back and fix it for you.” 

“Really?” Rubbing the back of his head, he looks at his engine with a blank look. “My headlight’s out too.” 

“You never changed your lights before?” 

Ronan rolls his eyes. “I’m rich, Parrish. I just take it to a shop.” 

Scoffing, he shakes his head. “Learning how your own car works is important too, Lynch. Even my five year old knows.” 

“He does not,” Ronan scoffs. Adam gives him a smug look. “Well, I can’t have a kindergartener be smarter than me. I do have the bulbs, wanna show me?” 

“Fine,” Adam wipes his hands on his overalls, and Ronan eyes his dirty hands with interest. “You’re doing all the work, though. Incompetence is not an attractive quality.”

“I’ll be right back.” Ronan’s quick heading towards his garage.

Fixing headlights is easy enough, and Ronan takes direction well, and it was a nice sight seeing the man bending down, working on his car. Ronan looks pleased when the job is done, and Ronan tells him he’ll order the part later. 

Before he can close the hood, Ronan points at some part of the engine. “What does that thing do?” Adam looks confused at where he’s pointing. “That bolt thing.”

Adam spots the part he’s talking about and bends over to tug on it. “It’s the fuel pressure regulator, keeps the pressure consistent so your car gets the right amount of fuel.” He stands up straight and sees Ronan a step behind him, and Adam barks a laugh. “Are you actually interested in your engine or interested in watching something else.” 

Ronan makes it obvious as he checks him out, again. “I don’t know what you're talking about, Parrish. I appreciate your help.”  

Adam washes up and changes again, and goes to check on Cameron outside. It seems the kids have started a game of freeze tag, and Cameron’s standing, frozen, waiting until someone unfreezes him, then he’s off, zooming around. 

Ronan’s with Gansey now by a picnic table, sipping on a bottle of water. Sitting down on the bench beside him, he nods at Gansey, who offers him a bag of pretzels. There’s a speaker outside playing an 80s rock playlist. Adam’s pleased to see everyone’s having a great time, adults and kids alike.

”Blue’s going hard on those kids,” Gansey says fondly, and Adam spots her chasing the kids around. She looks a little crazed as she tags kid after kid.

“Blends in with them, the tiny maggot,” Ronan says with a smirk. 

It’s getting hotter as the day goes on, and as Cameron burns his energy out with the kids, Adam goes to collect him quickly to rub more sunblock on, making sure he drinks enough water before he’s back at it. 

Soon enough, it’s time to start grilling as the kids sit around snacking on veggies and ranch, and chips. Gansey helps Ronan with the grill, and he keeps Blue company, and they take the time to catch up. It’s good to talk to his best friend about something other than their kids. 

She shows him some of the clothes she’s been sewing and mending, and Adam’s always astounded that she can make something beautiful from old pieces of cloth. Adam lets her in on all the work drama between his coworkers. She always compares his worklife to Grey’s Anatomy and while that show is very dramatic, but the number of times he’s seen the work staff hooking up in the nap rooms is pretty astounding. 

“My mom mentioned that she doesn’t mind if we all bring the kids so we can have a night off, and I’m about ready to cash that opportunity for a night out, what say you Doc?” 

“I say we do it.”

She mentions a restaurant she wants to try that has amazing soup dumplings, and a new place that opened up that has retro games and a bowling alley. Adam shrugs, down for anything. 

His attention swings to the kids approaching, red faced and smiling. Cam has grass stains on his knees and dirt on his sweaty face. “Daddy, it’s really fun here,” he says, climbing up on the bench beside Adam. 

“I’m glad you’re having fun, bud.” Stroking his hand up his son's back, he offers him more water. 

“I found a stick bug, and it looked so cool, Opal says she finds all sorts of bugs.” 

“Oh wow,” Adam says. “I hope no spiders.” 

“Yes spiders! And she isn’t even afraid like you are.”

Blue snorts and Adam scoffs. “I’m not that scared buddy.” 

Cameron’s innocent blue eyes look at him imploringly. “Yes you are! Remember there was one in the bathtub and I had to take it outside because you were gonna squash it.” 

“Okay, okay. Maybe you’re right. Drink more water,” Adam tips the opening of the bottle to Cam’s mouth keep his son quiet. Blue cackles softly. He runs fingers through Cameron’s slightly tangled hair. “Hungry?” 

“Yeah,” he says, voice a bit tired, leaning into his father’s side. 

The food’s done in no time, and Ronan calls for people who want hot dogs, which Cameron doesn’t like so he waits for the burgers. Adam brings him one with American cheese and a small serving of potato salad and grapes. Blue’s already cutting her kids food into bite size pieces, and she does the same with Cam’s while Adam gets his own plate. 

Ronan stacks a dog and burger, and a large portion of salad on Adam’s. “Thanks chef.” 

Ronan nods, clicking his tongs together. “Don’t forget the rice krispy’s inside.” 

“I definitely won’t, I’ll be bringing them home.” 

“What if I want one?” 

Adam shakes his head. “No can do, you made them personally for me.” 

“So selfish Parrish,” Ronan says with a fond eye roll. 

“Hurry up so you can eat with us.” Smiling, Adam goes back to his table and starts to eat. It’s good, the burgers not dry and well seasoned. Cameron demolishes his in quick bites. Gansey brings a big bowl of watermelon as he joins, Blue wipes Owen’s face, and it’s good, peaceful fun. 

The air smells sweet, and the sound of the animals behind them make the perfect scene. Ronan joins them when Adam’s halfway through his food. “Everyone happy?” 

“Yes!” The twins exclaim, Cameron nodding as watermelon juice runs down his chin. 

“Mr. Lynch, how old is Chainsaw?” Cameron asks, and Ronan grins at him, telling the tale of how he found his raven when she was just a baby, pathetic and small. 

“Uncle Gansey here didn’t like her at first.” Cameron gasps and looks affronted at the man, looking bashful and guilty with a mouthful of burger. 

“In my defence, the evil creature didn’t like me either.” 

“She likes my daddy just fine!” Cameron says proudly. “Maybe she sensed something bad about you, Uncle Gans.” 

Gansey’s eyes widen. “Something bad?! Me?!” Everyone laughs, except Owen, who looks offended in his father's defense.

“My dad is not bad, Cameron.”

“Animals don’t like vampires, what if he’s a vampire.” He leans towards the other boy in challenge.

Blue laughs. “Well, he is awake most nights.” 

“Buddy, it’s not nice to accuse people of being vampires,” Adam gently tells him. “Gansey just has insomnia, that means he has trouble falling asleep.” 

“No, I’m actually a vampire,” Gansey says in a hissed whisper, then reaches to tickle his son’s belly, pretending to bite him as his son squeals. Aurora laughs, reaching over to her father, telling him to make her a vampire, too.

People grab seconds, then just sit around chatting and laughing, and the kids wait at least twenty minutes before they’re allowed to go back and play. 

“So,” Gansey says with a contented smile. “Today was a good success.”

Adam hums in agreement, glancing at Ronan. He gently kicks Ronan’s ankle. “Thanks for everything.”

Ronan shrugs, taking a sip of his soda. “Had to do something to take that constant disappointment on your face whenever I was in your presence.” 

Adam snorts when he gets a kick in response. Their thighs are touching, and Adam doesn’t move an inch. “Well, I have another question for you,” Adam says.

Ronan gives him a reproachful look and says nothing. Lips twitching, Adam asks, “How do you feel about helping direct a play?”