Nikolai Sokolov never imagined he’d be a father, actually, that was a lie. He’d dream about having children in some alternate universe where he wasn’t who he was, and wasn’t a notorious mafia prince. After all, he isn’t exactly the sort of man children gravitate towards, he’s tall, brooding, covered in tattoos, but his husband, the love of his life, Brandon King, now Sokolov is that sort of man, sweet, an artist.

So when they met and discussed each others goals and values, Nikolai deduced that they were very different, but he couldn’t give up Brandon, so he agreed to the idea of having children in the future.

That led them here, an orphanage in Queens, five years into their marriage. They’re not sure what type of child they’re looking for, exactly, Brandon assured Nikolai that when they visited, they’d take it slow and meet some kids, see if any click with their dynamic. Brandon is over the moon to be here, and Nikolai is somewhat apprehensive, but admittedly curious, while he knows he is clueless about children, he does know that the idea of giving a child a loving home away from the orphanage does warm his stone cold heart that only his husband could ever touch.

As the adoption agent showed the couple around the orphanage, they reach the playroom where several of the younger children are playing, some in groups, some in duos, others alone.

Brandon’s head almost explodes with the sheer amount of serotonin he’s receiving from seeing all of the adorable children playing, and Nikolai had to admit, seeing his husbands expression of pure joy, it made him soften too, and he knew now was the time to meet the children.