[BL] CRAVING HIM: Addicted to His Voice-Chapter 364: Little Hands, Big Joy Reunited

~Zayn’s POV~

The car pulled up in front of Meera’s house, and I found myself leaning forward, my eyes glued to the window.

"Look at you," Evric teased, his voice warm with amusement. "I think you’re more excited than he is."

I turned to him with a grin. "And you’re not? Don’t pretend you’re not excited to see this smaller version of me. It’s been a while, Evric."

"Of course I am," he admitted, his gaze softening. "I’ve missed the little guy too."

Before the driver could open the door, the front of the house came alive. Meera stepped onto the porch, Liam wriggling in her arms. The moment I stepped out of the car and walked toward them, Liam turned sharply, his face breaking into pure delight.

"DADDY! DADDY!"

His high-pitched scream echoed down the quiet street, full of the kind of pure joy only a child can manage. Meera barely had time to set him down on his feet before he was off. He scrambled down the small porch stairs, his little legs moving in a frantic, adorable blur as he raced across the grass toward me.

I barely had time to brace myself before he collided with my shins. I laughed, scooping him up into my arms and lifting him high before pulling him into a crushing hug. I buried my face in his neck, breathing in that familiar, comforting scent of baby powder that always seemed to ground me.

He was wiggling frantically in my grip, his tiny, soft hands patting my cheeks and pulling at my hair as if he had to touch every part of me to be sure I was really there.

"Daddy! Daddy!" he chirped, his chest heaving with excitement.

"I’m here, baby," I whispered, holding him tighter as the weight of the hospital tension melted away into his tiny, fierce hug. "I missed you so much."

Evric stepped out of the car and came up behind us, a broad, genuine smile lighting up his face. The moment Liam spotted him, his joy seemed to double; his little face stretched into a grin so wide it looked like he might burst.

Evric and Meera barely finished greeting each other before Liam squealed happily, throwing his arms out in eager demand.

Evric laughed, reaching over to ruffle Liam’s messy hair before leaning in to press a lingering kiss to my cheek. He wrapped a strong, protective arm around both of us, anchoring me in the warmth of our little family.

Liam didn’t waste any time. He immediately twisted in my arms, reaching his small hands toward Evric again in a clear demand to be held. Evric didn’t hesitate; he scooped the boy into his arms with effortless ease, lifting him playfully and making him giggle before settling him securely against his chest, as if holding a child came as naturally to him as breathing.

Meera watched us from the porch, her eyes soft with a knowing smile. As Evric occupied Liam with a story about the car ride, Meera turned her attention to me, her expression turning gentle. "How is he, Zayn? How is your father’s health?"

I sighed, the weight of the hospital room momentarily flickering in my mind. "We can only hope for now," I admitted quietly. "We’re just praying the surgery goes successfully tomorrow. It’s a lot for him to handle."

Meera reached out, squeezing my shoulder in a silent show of support. "It’s definitely going to be successful, Zayn. He has a reason to fight now that you’re here."

"I hope so too," I murmured, watching Evric chase Liam around the small patch of grass. "I really hope so."

After a few minutes, Evric caught my eye and gave a subtle signal, it was time to leave. I turned back to Meera. "I think we should take the little guy and head back. It’s been a long, stressful morning, and I’d like to get everyone settled at the hotel so we can finally rest."

Meera nodded in understanding. "I completely get it." She stepped inside and returned with Liam’s bags. I took them from her, and we shared a quick, grateful hug. From Evric’s arms, Liam waved frantically at his mother as we climbed back into the car.

We didn’t go straight to the hotel, though. Evric decided we needed a detour and had the driver pull over at a massive shopping mall.

"We need a few things for the little man," Evric said, his eyes glinting with that "indulgent parent" look I knew all too well.

The moment we stepped inside, I realized I had lost all control of the situation. It was as if Evric had a personal mission to buy out the entire toy and snack aisle. Everything Liam pointed at, from the flashing plastic trucks to the giant plush dinosaurs and every colorful sweet on the shelves, Evric tossed into the basket without a second thought.

"Babe, don’t you think that’s enough?" I tried to intervene, looking at the overflowing cart.

But they didn’t even notice me. Liam perched on Evric’s shoulder, pointing excitedly at a robot, while Evric bent down to grab it, chuckling at something the toddler whispered in his ear. I stood off to the side, clutching my shopping basket like a shadow, feeling like the third wheel in my own family. In their little world, it was clear: I was just the guy holding the bags while the two of them went on a private shopping adventure.

By the time we reached the hotel, the excitement had finally caught up with Liam; he was fast asleep in his car seat. Evric gathered him up with practiced gentleness, carrying him into the suite while I—with a little help from the driver, hauled in the mountain of shopping bags. Once the bags were dropped and the driver retreated to his own room, a heavy silence settled over the suite.

Evric carefully tucked Liam into the center of the plush bed. Only then did he seem to remember I existed. He turned to me with a soft smile. "So, babe... are you hungry? What would you like to eat?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

I looked at him and pointedly rolled my eyes. "Oh, so, babe... are you hungry? Blah, blah, blah," I mimicked, huffing as I walked past him to shed my outer layers.

Evric let out a low laugh, following me. "Are you actually jealous of a toddler, Zayn?"

I didn’t answer him, keeping my back turned to hide my grin. Between the long drive and the shopping chaos, we realized we couldn’t meet up with Liana that night after all. We needed the rest.

The next morning, Evric was up before the sun, as usual. By the time I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, he had already bathed Liam, dressed him in a cute little outfit, and was fully ready himself. I hurried through my own shower, dressed quickly, and after a rushed breakfast, we headed straight for the hospital.

Liana was already there alone, standing quietly outside our father’s room. She looked up as we approached. "The doctors are with him right now," she whispered before I even had a chance to greet her.

Then her gaze fell on the little boy in my arms. "Oh my God," she breathed, a bright smile spreading across her face. "He’s even cuter than his father!" She reached out to him, but before Liam could move toward her, Evric intercepted with a mock-serious look.

"My baby has the absolute best looks," Evric said, giving me a cheeky wink. "No wonder he managed to produce such a perfect little version of himself."

I glanced at Evric, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Thank you, baby."

Liana looked at the two of us, rolled her eyes affectionately, and sighed at Evric. "If you say so..."

A moment later, the doctors emerged. They were brief and professional, explaining that we could only see him for a few minutes. Once noon hit, the room would be closed off to prepare him for surgery.

"Alright," I said, my voice tight. "We understand."

I took Liam back from Liana and pushed the door open. The second my father saw me, his tired eyes brightened, but when his gaze landed on the child in my arms, he looked completely stunned.

"You’re here, Zayn," he whispered.

"I am," I nodded, walking toward the bed. "How are you feeling this morning?"

He didn’t answer; he couldn’t take his eyes off the boy. "Zayn... whose child is this?"

I didn’t go into a long explanation. I just leaned down, bringing my son closer to the man who had missed so much. "Liam," I said softly, "meet Grandpa."