cbbunny614

ONE – Camping at the Yard

“Oh the crazy things I would do just to please you,” Byun Baekhyun muttered as he stared at the so-called tent his nine-year old son had just finished setting up. 

            “Come in, Dad!” Byun Taehyung urged, shifting to make room for his father. “It’s nice and warm in here.”

            Down on all fours, a flashlight in one hand, Baekhyun struggled his way inside. Taehyung had constructed the makeshift tent using clothespins to hold up the blankets and bricks to secure the base. The space was tight but thankfully, Baekhyun managed to get inside his sleeping bag.

            “Isn’t this great?” Taehyung excitedly asked as he wormed his way closer to his Dad.

            “Well, yes, I guess.” Baekhyun replied with a smile as he playfully huffed air out at his son’s face. Taehyung laughed in response. “But what if it collapses? We just moved in to a new house, Tae. What’s the point of moving to a larger house if we’re just going to sleep outside the yard?”

            “Do you doubt my engineering skills, Dad?” Taehyung grumbled before giving his father his signature toothy grin. “Besides, what’s the point of finally having a yard if we aren’t going to use it for camping as a memento of our first night?”

            Baekhyun groaned. “Taehyung, one; Baekhyun, zero.”

            Taehyung laughed out loud to his father’s admittance of defeat and Baekhyun can’t help but join in the laughter.

            It was their first night in their new house and Baekhyun was exhausted. Both he and Taehyung woke up at 4 in the morning to move out of their apartment. It was a lot of labor, carrying boxes here and there. It was 9 in the evening before Baekhyun and his son finished unpacking all of their things. The beds were not yet delivered though and Taehyung took this as his chance to experience the joy of camping at his own backyard. They argued for a few minutes about the lack of equipment and the insanity of the idea but soon, as always, Taehyung won over his father.

            But despite the tiring day they had, his son’s enthusiasm and laughter couldn’t help but rub off on Baekhyun and some of his weariness eased away. For the next half hour, Baekhyun and his son entertained themselves with a series of riddles, knock-knock jokes, nonsense rhymes and off-key renditions of their favorite songs. Both males are singers but they find more fun in purposely singing off-tune to make their favorite songs sound more lively—perfect for ‘camping’.

            They were eating chips and some sandwiches Baekhyun made for dinner as they continued blabbering the night away. Baekhyun decided that camping was sort of fun. Taehyung has the ability to make any crazy thing they do into something fantastic, so Baekhyun shouldn’t have been surprised.

            It was when Taehyung started to open the pack of marshmallows that his son asked the question Baekhyun had been dreading to hear. “When are we going to buy me a dog?”

            Baekhyun stuffed his mouth with marshmallows and said nothing.

            “Daddy… the dog?” Taehyung repeated after a few minutes of silence. He didn’t seem to sense Baekhyun’s reluctance for he joyfully continued, “I figured that since we have finally moved in, your promise to me will be fulfilled! Don’t worry, I’ll start collecting newspapers around the subdivision tomorrow to look for the nearest pet shop here in town.”

            “I’m not sure when we’ll start the search for the right dog, Tae.” Baekhyun carefully started to say but was interrupted by his son’s enthusiastic response.

            “You won’t be going to work this week, right, Dad? That’s the perfect time to search for a dog!” Taehyung excitedly said. “I want a big one, by the way. A golden retriever would be nice, don’t you think? Or a German shepherd? A Labrador is great too!”

            “You are so much like your father. You both love dogs.” Baekhyun sighed.

            Taehyung’s father, Kim Joohyuk, had been gone for so many years but Baekhyun still remembers the most prominent traits of the man he loved. How could he forget when their son, Taehyung, is the spitting image of his other father, both in looks and personality? It was sad that Joohyuk died on a car accident when Taehyung was only a year old. Taehyung never had gotten to truly know his other father and he only knew him through the stories Baekhyun would sometimes tell.

            With Joohyuk gone, Baekhyun was the only one left to provide for Taehyung. His job as a Certified Public Accountant on a large insurance firm were thankfully enough to provide a comfortable life for him and his son. Over the years, he had dated a number of men, but none he’d seriously considered settling in. The men who courted him are willing to accept him and his son with open arms, but to be honest, the thought of falling in love once again terrifies Baekhyun. Maybe he will be single for the rest of his 29 plus years of existence.

            “What kind of dog did Jooh—I mean my other dad have when he was a kid?” Taehyung asked, lifting Baekhyun from his flashbacks.

            “Hyunnie was a pure black Labrador.” Baekhyun answered with a fond smile.

            “Hyunnie? Did he name him after you, Dad?” Taehyung wondered.

            “Yeah. His whole name was Taehyun, your father nicknamed him Hyunnie so it will be close to my name. Even as kids we always joked around saying Taehyun was our son, and eventually we did have a son named Taehyung, who is just as messy as our first son, Taehyun the dog.” Baekhyun teased as he handed his son a wet tissue for his sticky hands.

            Taehyung playfully rolled his eyes to his father’s teasing but continued to inquire more information about the other father he never had but secretly wish he had, “Did he have any other pets?”

            Baekhyun smiled at the warm memories of his late lover. He enjoyed the way Taehyung loved hearing stories about his other father. “He had two dogs and a parrot to keep me company when I was pregnant with you and he was off at work. We were planning to get married when you are already two years old so you can remember some of our happiest moments and he can save enough money for a farm as our home. Joohyuk really loved animals just as much as you love them and he loves you.”

            Taehyung beamed and planted his chin on his folded arms, “Tell me more about the farm!”

            Baekhyun smiled and continued telling his son about stories of his animal-loving father—and the dreams Joohyuk and Baekhyun once had. Hard as he tried, Baekhyun couldn’t hide the small pain in his voice. He believes he has long accepted that his lover has forever left him but that doesn’t mean his heart will stop feeling so empty. Taehyung had of course filled Baekhyun’s heart with all the love he will ever need but seeing how alike Joohyuk and Taehyung was made Baekhyun long for something he will never have once again.

            Baekhyun would give the world—or in this case a dog to Taehyung, but right now it was very hard considering their financial situation. He had to find a way to get his son a dog soon or compromise with him hoping that Taehyung will be understanding enough once he explains the whole situation and consequences of having a dog.

            Taehyung’s sudden loud yawn is what interrupted Baekhyun’s thoughts and stories. Baekhyun chuckled, it seems like Taehyung has finally reached the limit of his energy level. “Go to sleep now, Tae. You did a lot of work today, I’m so proud of you. Rest up and gain your energy back for tomorrow, okay?” He tucked his son inside his sleeping bag and gave the boy a kiss on the forehead.

            Taehyung’s eyes were already closed and he was already on the verge of falling asleep when he said, “Yes, Dad. I’ll need the energy to play with my new dog tomorrow… Thank you for everything… I love you, good night.” Within minutes, the boy was sound asleep.

            Baekhyun bit his lip and groaned softly. “A dog… How on earth can I magic out a dog by tomorrow?” He stared out in space for a few minutes and decided that getting a dog was too impossible for now. He had to break the bad news to Taehyung tomorrow. They couldn’t get a dog for many reasons. One, leaving a huge dog locked indoors while he and his son were at work and school is a huge no-no. Two, tying it up in the backyard is impossible seeing as how they haven’t paid for the construction of a fence yet. And of course there was the cost of feeding the dog and paying the many vet bills, vaccines, check-up, etc.

            He was only a single man struggling to provide all the basic necessities in his son’s life—there’s only so much he can do…

            Baekhyun fell asleep that night feeling lonely and a bit hopeless. He dreamed of dogs with Taehyung throwing tantrums at the corner.

Baekhyun woke up feeling chilled and warmed at the same time. He glanced at his watch and sure enough his body clock woke him at exactly 6:00 in the morning.

            At some point during the night, the sleeping bag he was using became ped causing the chill he was now feeling down at his legs. Yet, Baekhyun’s back feels cozy and warm. Assuming that Taehyun had snuggled closer to him during the night, Baekhyun turned around ready to give his son a kiss and if he is still deep in sleep he would get up and carry his boy inside the couch, Baekhyun didn’t know how they managed it, probably due to their fatigue, but sleeping on the ground is very, well, hard.

            Baekhyun’s eyes were half closed when he turned around, but as he leaned in ready to give his son a peck on the cheek, he smelled something… weird. His eyes shot open. Very slowly, he looked up and came face to face with a big white dog.

            Baekhyun let out a girly squeak as he struggled to sit up despite still being halfway inside the sleeping bag. He groaned and forcefully ped the bag open, then stood up, only to hit his head on one of the metal poles that was holding up the makeshift tent. “Ouch!”

            Grumpy with his series of unfortunate events, Baekhyun frowned and hissed down at the dog which is now looking up at him, head slightly tilted in wonder. “Where did you come from? What are you doing in here?”

            The Labrador had probably eased himself between Baekhyun and Taehyung a few minutes earlier and made himself right at home. Baekhyun swear the dog looked amused before he resumed to resting his head on his paws looking perfectly contented as he tried to resume his nap once more, snuggling his body close to Taehyung’s sleeping bag.

            All the commotion woke up Taehyung and the boy slowly open his eyes. “Dad, what’s the—“ he sleepily mumbled but as soon as he laid his eyes on the huge dog beside him, Taehyung bolted upright, eyes sparkling with delight. “Daddy! You got me a dog! I knew you would come through! I love you so much!”

            Surprised, Baekhyun bit his lip as he nervously watched Taehyung scoot closer to the dog which is now fully awake as well. “Oh, Taehyung—I don’t know who that dog belongs to.”

            “Me!” Taehyung’s voice was triumphant as his arms hugged the animal’s neck. “He belongs to me!”

            “Taehyung,” Baekhyun said firmly. “I’m sorry but I really don’t know where this Labrador came from, but he isn’t ours.”

            “He isn’t?” Taehyung’s voice sagged so low due to disappointment; it broke Baekhyun’s heart a little watching his son’s excitement deflate. “But who owns him, then? And how did he get inside the tent with us?”

            “Heavens, I don’t know.” Baekhyun pouted back at his son as he tried to rub his face, attempting to organize his thoughts. “He looks too well fed and groomed to be a stray. He must belong to someone in the neighborhood. Maybe he—“

            “Baek!” A crisp male boy interrupted Baekhyun’s speech and both he and his son stared at each other. “Baekie! Here, boy.”

            “Dad, is someone calling you, or…” Taehyung’s voice drifted as he looked down at the Labrador which lifted his head due to the name, but stayed where he was, right there in Taehyung’s arms. Baekhyun didn’t blame the dog. Taehyung was his back with one hand and rubbing his ears with the other, all the while crooning to him softly. The animal was probably receiving the best affection as of now.

            Frowning at the turn of events, Baekhyun crawled out of the tent bare foot and disheveled. He stood up and started walking out if his yard, he turned a corner on the hedge to following the man’s voice which was still calling out for Baek—most probably the dog.

Since Baekhyun was an idiot who didn’t bother to grab slippers he was carefully looking down at the grass he was walking on and soon bumped his head to the hard chest of another man. “Ugh. This is so not my day.” Baekhyun muttered as he stepped back looking up at the man who he collided with.

            The man was quite tall that Baekhyun really had to look up to meet his eyes. The imposing aura and the deep frown the man had on his face caused Baekhyun to quickly look away though. “I’m so sorry.”

            The man said nothing in response and simply brushed his way aside Baekhyun. Instinctively, Baekhyun stiffened at the rude behavior. He watched for a few seconds as the man looked around, still searching for the dog. Frowning, he tapped the man’s shoulder earning his attention once more. “Excuse me.”

            The man looked down at Baekhyun obviously irritated. He glanced up at Baekhyun’s meesy hair, down to his worn out clothes and bare feet. Baekhyun blushed as the man raised his brow in amusement, a small smile playing in his lips. “What?” the deep voice asked in response.

            Baekhyun’s embarrassment quickly turned to anger at the man’s tone. Baekhyun usually don’t judge people from first impressions, but towards this man, he felt an immediate antipathy. The man’s face was back to being emotionless and his intimidating air became concentrated as he stared Baekhyun down with a hard face.

            “Good morning.” Baekhyun said at an attempt to regain his temper, despite his appearance, he tried to look confident, standing as straight as he could while holding his chin up. “I believe your dog is in the tent with my son.”

            Baekhyun’s news appeared to surprise him and the man’s expression quickly softened. Baekhyun was struck by the change. Now that he is confidently meeting the man’s gaze and all frowns were erased from it, Baekhyun realized the man was very, very attractive.

            But his appreciation over the man’s handsome eyes, strong jawline and tempting lips were quickly erased when the man said, “Baek knows better than to visit other people’s yards. Baekie, come here boy!” He shouted for the Labrador again, this time including a loud whistle that made Baekhyun slightly flinch. The dog slowly emerged from the tent and approached the two, wagging his tail.

            “Is he your dog?” Taehyung asked, dashing out just behind Baekie. “He’s great! How long have you had him?”

            “For quite a while… He’s well-trained; he has never left my yard before.” The man said as he kneeled down to fasten a collar on Baekie’s neck. He looked up at Taehyung and Baekhyun noticed that for a quick moment, the man froze, a fond and longing expression quickly passed over his face, but he soon replaced it with a polite smile at the young boy. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again.”

            “Baekie wasn’t any bother.” Taehyung hurried to explain, racing forward to hug his father’s waist. Taehyung is no face to face with the dog once more and he grinned, the dog barking in response. “He crawled into the tent with us and made himself at home, which was all right with use, wasn’t it, Dad?”

            “Sure.” Baekhyun answered.

            “We’re friends now, aren’t we, Baekie?” Taehyung knelt and without hesitation the dog came to him, eagerly his face. Taehyung’s delighted laughs filled the air.

            Baekhyun smiled fondly down at his son and noticed the man doing the same, Baekhyun looked closely and he could’ve sworn there’s a mix of astonishment and pain in his eyes as well. The man had the most expressive eyes, Baekhyun has ever seen and he can’t help but feel drawn towards it.

            As soon as he realized where his thoughts were heading, he flushed and cleared his throat, earning back the man’s attention. “My son has a way with animals.”

            Taehyung beamed up at his father and asked the tall man cheerfully, “Do you live here?”

            The man gave a small smile to Taehyung and nodded his head. “I live next door.”

            “That’s great!” Taehyung stood up, one hand still patting the dog’s head but the other he used to offer to the tall man as greeting. “We’re neighbors! We moved in yesterday. I’m Byun Taehyung and that’s my father, Baekie—I mean Byun Baekhyun.” Taehyung playfully snickered as he shook the man’s large hand.

            Baekhyun groaned at his son’s teasing. Why are the huge Labradors he knew always seem to bear so semblance to his name? Baekhyun looked back at the man who was trying to bite off a small smile from forming. Baekhyun instinctively raised a brow, his diva side momentarily emerging.

            The man smirked for a quick moment and Baekhyun’s eyes widened at the sight. “I’m Park Chanyeol. Welcome to the neighborhood.”

            Although his words were cordial, his tone went back to being stiffly formal. Baekhyun had never met a man with such quick mood swings.

            “I’m getting a dog myself.” Taehyung went off to tell, “That’s why we moved out of the apartment complex—I couldn’t have a pet there except for my clown fish.”

            Chanyeol nodded without comment.

            Oh, great. After years of scrimping and saving to buy a house, they were going to be stuck with a moody neighbor. His house was bigger than the others on the block, the man was most probably very rich or is living with a large and extended family of his own. It was probably the former because Baekhyun had a feeling that this man, lives and prefers to be alone.

            “Do you have kids?” Taehyung could hardly keep the eagerness out of his voice. In the apartment complex, there had always been plenty of playmates and Taehyung was eager to make new friends, especially before he started classes in an unfamiliar school on Monday morning.

            Chanyeol’s face and aura completely hardened and Baekhyun could have sworn that the question angered him. An uncomfortable moment passed before he answered with a simple and curt, “No. I don’t.”

            Taehyung only gave a slow nod, sensing the abrupt change in the atmosphere. “I’m sorry…” he muttered but soon returned to his upbeat tone as he hopefully asked, “Would it be okay if I played with Baekie sometimes? Just until I get my own dog? Or maybe once I do, they can play together! I really love dogs.”

            Chanyeol gave a soft chuckle and hummed. “I can see that.” Baekhyun internally groaned, the man seriously have some mood swing issues or something. He looked up and quickly met Chanyeol’s gaze though and for once, his people reading skills had failed Baekhyun. There were a lot of emotions playing across Park Chanyeol’s eyes as he quickly assessed the father and son duo in front of him. Baekhyun can’t help but feel… worried.

            “So, Mr. Park, can I?” Taehyun asked breaking the silence.

            “I really don’t think it would be wise. It would probably be best if you stayed in your own yard.”

            And with that, the message was clear to Baekhyun. Mr. Park Chanyeol doesn’t want to have anything to do with him and his son. Why? Baekhyun has no idea.

            “That’s all right! I won’t trespass. But, you can send Baekie over to our yard to play with me anytime you want.” Taehyung said and flashed Chanyeol his best heart-winning smile. The one he had inherited from both Baekhyun and Joohyuk. For a random moment, Baekhyun felt so proud over the positivity of his son.

            “We’ll see.” Chanyeol simply muttered but Baekhyun could’ve sworns the man was dazzled by his son’s smile as well. “Baekie, come. It’s time for breakfast.”

            Chanyeol tugged at the dog’s collar and they started walking back towards their big house.

            “Goodbye, Mr. Park! It was nice meeting you, Baekie! Come over to play as soon as you can!” Taehyung called.

            The dog barked excitedly in reply but his owner didn’t bother to acknowledge the greeting and continued to lead his dog inside the door of their house.

            Once the pair were inside, Baekhyun turned to face his son with a smile. “Hey, I’m starving. We should probably have breakfast too.”

            Taehyung didn’t answer right away, he was still staring at the closed front door of the Park residence with a small grin. “Do you think he’ll let me hang out with Baekie, Dad?”

            Baekhyun pursed his lips. It seemed like the heaven had presented him the perfect solution to his problem. They couldn’t get a dog for now, not until Baekhyun had saved up enough money for a fence and money to provide for another living being. His conscience would probably be eased for Taehyung seems contented with Baekie as a playmate for now, maybe the Labrador’s company will give Baekhyun just enough time to save up for Taehyung’s own dog.

            But, there really was something about the dog’s owner that made Baekhyun wary for unknown reasons. Baekhyun used to be a socialite in the past and he had lots of experience reading into people’s actions, personalities, intention and many more. But with Park Chanyeol, his so-called ability was block and it made him uncomfortable and… curious, in a bad way or good way, Baekhyun doesn’t know.

            With a sigh, Baekhyun ushered his son towards their own house and finally replied, “I don’t know, Taehyung… I really don’t know.”

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. . . unbeta-ed . . .

looking for someone who could help me with my bits of grammar mistake and can arrange a proper format for this story, please pm me for more details if you are interested.