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10 Years Later

The moonlight painted a soft silver glow across the wide balcony, casting elongated shadows on the floor where two men stood quietly, their fingers interlaced. A gentle breeze whispered through the air, fluttering the white curtains behind them.

“I still can’t believe it’s been more than a decade,” Zayn murmured, his voice soft with nostalgia. “Everything we went through... and yet, here we are.”

Alex turned his head and kissed Zayn’s forehead with deep affection.

“Thank you so much for loving me like that,” Zayn whispered again.

Alex smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “You are my love, and my everything. Always.”

Zayn closed his eyes, letting the comfort of those words wash over him. The silence wasn’t empty it was full of all the things they had shared over the years: late-night talks, challenges, laughter, love, heartbreak, and healing.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening echoed from inside.

“Oh my God! You guys are always together!” a playful voice interrupted.

Both men turned toward the entrance of the balcony. Standing there with a raised brow and a cheeky grin was Ari, now 19 years old. He had grown into a strikingly confident young man tall, broad-shouldered, and clearly a dominant alpha. His presence was magnetic, and his teasing tone made Zayn chuckle instantly.

“Oh my God, my baby!” Zayn exclaimed dramatically, rushing forward with open arms.

Ari groaned in mock embarrassment. “Mommy, I’m 19!” he protested, but still walked into Zayn’s embrace.

Zayn hugged him tightly, his arms barely reaching around his now taller son. “You’ll always be my baby, no matter how tall you get,” he said, ruffling Ari’s hair.

“You do realize I’m one and a half heads taller than you now, right?” Ari smirked.

“Show off!” Zayn smacked his arm.

Ari laughed, the deep sound echoing through the balcony. “You’re so dramatic.”

Before anyone could reply, small footsteps padded into the balcony. A little boy with fluffy brown hair, wide curious eyes, and an oversized hoodie appeared, holding a half-eaten cookie.

“Papa… Ari took my blanket,” the boy complained in a soft voice, looking up at Zayn.

Zayn’s whole face lit up. “Leo! Come here, baby.”

Leo....... 10 years old and a little omega walked over and instantly got scooped into Zayn’s arms. His sweet scent was calming, and he clung to Zayn’s neck like he belonged nowhere else.

Ari rolled his eyes. “I didn’t take your blanket, I was borrowing it because you keep the heater too high in your room.”

“It’s my blanket,” Leo said seriously, glaring at his big brother.

Zayn bit back a laugh. “We’ll solve the blanket crisis later. Right now, both my boys need hugs.”

Leo’s pout melted when Alex came over and kissed his head. “Hey, champ. You staying up late again?”

Leo nodded shyly. “I Wanted to be with you.”

Ari gave his little brother a one-armed hug. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

Zayn smirked. “They both get that from me.”

Alex laughed. “Debatable.”

---

Later in the living room

The family moved inside, settling comfortably. Ari stretched out on the couch, while Leo curled up next to Zayn with his blanket safely in hand. Alex flipped open a photo album from the center table.

“Remember this?” Alex grinned, holding up a picture from Ari’s sixth birthday little Ari with frosting on his nose while Zayn tried to wipe it off, laughing.

“Oh God, yes,” Zayn said, sipping tea. “He had smushed cake all over the walls.”

“I was artistic,” Ari said, shrugging.

“You were chaotic,” Alex corrected.

“But the cutest chaos,” Zayn added fondly.

Leo giggled. “Ari was messy.”

“And you’re not?” Ari teased, tickling his little brother until Leo squealed.

When the laughter died down, Ari looked at his parents seriously. “You guys really gave me everything. Love, safety, the freedom to be myself.”

Zayn reached over, holding his older son’s hand. “You and Leo gave us purpose, sweetheart. You were our light. Both of you.”

Alex nodded. “Watching you both grow has been our biggest joy.”

Ari smiled. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ve been offered an internship in the city just a few blocks away.”

Zayn blinked. “Really? You’re staying close?”

“Of course,” Ari said, glancing at Leo. “Gotta keep an eye on the kid.”

Leo smiled sleepily. “I like when you’re home.”

Zayn kissed the top of Leo’s head. “That’s my boy.”

“Also…” Ari hesitated. “I may have like someone”

Zayn’s eyes widened. “WHAT?!”

Leo said excitedly “Can i meet them?!”

Ari laughed. “Not yet, Leo. But soon.”

Alex smirked. “Remember what we taught you respect, love, patience.”

“And snacks,” Zayn added. “Always carry snacks for emotional omegas.”

Ari saluted. “Yes, sir.”

---

By the time Leo was carried to bed still clutching his blanket the house was quiet again. Ari lingered for a moment, hugging both parents.

“I love you guys,” he said sincerely.

“We love you too,” Zayn replied, kissing his cheek.

As Ari went to bed, Zayn leaned into Alex’s side on the couch. “They turned out amazing, didn’t they?”

Alex kissed his temple. “They had the perfect parents.”

The stars outside shone quietly, almost like they were watching over the little family perfectly imperfect, but forever bound by unshakable love.

---

The End 🔚

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