Page 65 of Baran
Baran leaned back in his chair. “So, Daniel, tell me—how’s NYU?”
Daniel smiled, wiping his hands on a napkin. “It’s good. Tough, but good. Balancing classes and dancing at the club isn’t easy, but I’m managing.”
Baran said, “What’s your major?”
“Dance. What’s yours?”
“English, but I may change to social work,” Baran replied. “Feels like the right path after everything I’ve been through.”
Daniel’s eyes lit up. “That’s amazing. You’re going to do great things, I can already tell.”
“You got that right,” Daddy Darien said as he leaned over and kissed Baran on the cheek.
“I’ve been dancing every night during the holidays,” Daniel said, leaning forward. “Which, by the way, you need to learn.”
Baran raised an eyebrow. “Dancing?”
“Yes, dancing,” Daniel said, his tone teasing but insistent. “I’ll teach you. Trust me, it’s not as hard as it looks. Silas, back me up here.”
Silas smirked. “I think Baran could use a few moves.”
“Really?” Baran said, feigning annoyance. “Both of you?”
Daniel laughed, clapping Baran on the shoulder. “You’ll thank me later. Dancing is a life skill.”
The conversation drifted between laughter and easy camaraderie as the dinner wore on. Baran felt lighter than he had in a while, the warmth of friendship and community washing over him. He glanced around the room, taking in the sight of the men sharing a meal, exchanging gifts. For a moment, they could forget their hardships. It wasn’t just a holiday dinner—it was a celebration of hope, a reminder that even in the hardest of times, they had each other.
A hush fell over the room as Daddy Darien stood at the table, his presence commanding attention. “I hope you all enjoyed Christmas Eve. We will have our new room with sixty beds open on the first. We’re just waiting for the inspection.”
After dinner, they mingled with the men, then left for home, dropping Miss Charlotte off at her sister’s on the way.
As soon as they reached home, they removed their jackets and shoes, then headed straight for the living room. Daddy Darien turned on soft Christmas music. The living room glowed softly from the lights on the massive Christmas tree, their warm hues reflecting off the ornaments. Baran settled onto the plush rug by the fireplace, the faint scent of pine mixing with the sweetness of baked cookies from this morning while Daddy Darien made hot chocolate. Shortly after, he joined Baran, carrying a steaming mug of cocoa for each of them. The pile of wrapped presents beneath the tree called to them, their vivid colors and shiny ribbons catching the light.
Baran reached for the first present, a neatly wrapped rectangle with silver paper and a navy bow. He handed it to Daddy Darien with a small eager grin. “This one first,” he said.
Daddy Darien tore into the wrapping, the paper crinkling under his hands. When he saw the sleek black skates inside, his face lit up. “Baran, these are perfect! Mine were falling apart, and I didn’t even tell you.” He held the skates up, admiring their glossy finish. “I can’t wait to break these in.”
Baran shrugged, trying to act casual, though his chest swelled with pride. “I noticed. Figured it was time.”
The next box Daddy Darien opened revealed matching navy sweats for each of them. Baran smirked as Daddy Darien laughed. “Matching, huh? You trying to make a statement?”
“Just thought we’d look good in them,” Baran replied, feigning nonchalance, though the idea of them wearing the same cozy set made him secretly happy.
Daddy Darien handed Baran a package in return, wrapped in red paper with gold stars. Baran opened it to find matching black leather jackets. He raised an eyebrow. “Now who’s making a statement?”
Daddy Darien laughed, leaning back against the couch. “We’ll look sharp. Plus, they’re practical for winter.”
Baran traced his fingers over the smooth leather and nodded. “These are nice. Thanks.”
The exchange continued, with Daddy Darien unwrapping a coffee maker for his office and holding it up like a prize. “This is going to save my mornings. You know me too well,” he said, earning a soft laugh from Baran.
Baran unwrapped matching Christmas pajamas next, a soft cotton blend with snowflakes and reindeer patterns. Daddy Darien beamed. “We’re wearing these tonight.”
“You’re really into this matching thing, aren’t you?” Baran teased, though he was already imagining how comfortable the set would feel.
When Daddy Darien opened a box containing black leather bracelets engraved with their names, his expression softened. He turned the bracelet over in his hands, the etching catching the light. “This is…really thoughtful, Baran. I love it.”
Baran looked away. “Just wanted something personal.”
