S T E F A N

I put my baby down when we reached the door to our bedroom, a permanent smile on his face and a little bounce on his toes, his excitement over the present I'm going to give him was overflowing. My hand went to the top of his head and ran my fingers through his soft curls. "Easy, sweet doll. I don't want you hurting yourself due to overexcitement," I reminded him, a small chuckle bubbling out of my throat.

Oliver stopped bouncing and took a deep breath then glanced up at me, as he adorably nodded, his beaming face earned a rain of tiny kisses from me. God, can Ollie get more adorable than he is now?

I held his hand and we entered our room. A gleeful squeal filled the space as he stared at the pile of boxes on top of our bed; the boxes were of varying sizes. It was a blessing in disguise that the shipment of my packages was delayed.

At least, I was able to cheer up my boy. These packages were already pre-ordered two weeks ago, and it was supposed to arrive about three days ago, but some unforeseen circumstance and technical problems got in the way. Oliver bounced on his feet as he clasped both of his hands, staring at me with sparkling eyes, waiting for my permission.

When I nodded, he ran to the boxes and happily laughed. I shook my head and smiled. It seems that I'm pretty weak when it comes to my small bean. Just a smile from him weakens my resolve, and when he threw his signature 'puppy eyes', then it's already a done deal.

"Daddy! Lots of gifts! For me?" He confirmed as he kneeled in the middle of the bed as he arranged the boxes according to their sizes. Hmm... my little prince likes to have his things in proper order. I'll take note of that.

I sat on the foot of the bed and smiled at my baby. "Of course, little one. These gifts are for my baby Ollie. Where's my baby Ollie?" He raised his hand and giggled, his eyes squinting a bit as he bounced softly on the bed.

"Me! Me, Ollie! Me, daddy!" My boy answered with so much energy and giggled even more. I nodded and reached for his cheek, gently caressing it as he leaned against my touch. I thought I won't be able to see my baby happy and enjoying himself like this again, right after what happened, but I was wrong. Good thing I was wrong. He is bursting with so much happiness I can't help but get affected, the anger I felt earlier seemingly appeased by my baby's pleasant disposition. He makes everything better.

"Why don't you open your presents, baby boy?" Oliver furiously nodded and reached for a small box. He carefully unwrapped the package and his expression becomes even brighter when he saw his first present. With wide eyes, he picked up the terrarium sippy cup I have ordered abroad. I had it customized so there's a small jungle with a tiger at the bottom of his cup. The glass used was of the highest quality so it won't break easily, two handles on both side so my baby can grab it with ease, and a customized glass straw with tiger prints on it.

In the middle of the glass is his name imprinted on it with glow-in-the-dark paint and some glitters, giving it a beautiful sparkle, which Oliver absolutely loved. I'm sure my baby would love it even more when he realize that the prints on his sippy cup changes color according to the temperature of the contents.

"Daddy bear?" He called my attention in a wobbly voice and his eyes filled with unshed tears. I looked at him affectionately, not minding the nickname he gave me. It's quite cute, actually. But only if he's the one using it. Any other person will receive a smack from me. Just saying.

I inched closer to my baby, and reached for his hand, squeezing and gently massaging it to give him comfort. Oliver sniffled and gave me a shaky smile. "T-tank yew. Ollie loves. And Daddy bear too. Ollie loves," he whispered, and I can't help but pull him closer to me, enveloping him in a tight hug. My polite and sweet baby. He always made it a point to express his gratitude for every little thing he receives.

I bet he would still react like this if I gave him a flower crown. That's actually a good idea. Oliver would be so gorgeous donning it. "Daddy loves his baby Ollie too. So, so much," I replied as I kissed the top of his head. He pulled away for a bit from me and looked up.

"W-weally? Daddy... loves his Ollie?" He asked again and I nodded with a wide smile. He spread his hands and asked again. "Like this much?"

"Hmm... a million more than that baby boy." His eyes went wide as saucers and gasped.

"Too much. Daddy loves Ollie... too much," he mumbled, his tone full of amazement as he stares at me full of wonder and admiration. I chuckled and kisses the tip of his nose.

"That's what Daddy has been telling his baby all along. Daddy loves his baby so much he will do everything for him."

Oliver smiled. "Ollie loves daddy too... so, so much. A million times... more too. More. More!" He responded with a giggle, his attention back on the pile of boxes. He put his sippy cup back after hugging it, setting it on the side. He opened the next box, a bit bigger than the first one. From there, his happy squeals and excited giggles did not vanish. His second present was a customized sheep-inspired dish set, with his name on each utensil.

The third box is a care package for my baby boy. It's full of moisturizers and bath gels, shampoos and conditioners to keep his wavy hair soft and silky, and some more skincare to keep my baby clean, smooth and soft, just the way he liked it. I got rewarded by loud kisses from my sweet baby, his brown orbs full of sincere gratitude.

When we got to his fourth box, he froze as his eyes were fixed on the art materials I have bought. Most of it are imported, especially the paints and brushes. Aside from that were canvasses of varying sizes, a sketchpad, an easel, some crayons, and I also threw in a mirrorless camera. I heard that some artists love to take pictures of the sceneries they have witnessed, and use it as an inspiration for their piece. "Baby? What's wrong? Did you not like it?" I asked hesitantly, my voice laced with concern.

What if my baby did not like the brands I bought? Or that he would rather choose his own materials? My mind was swimming from so many thoughts that I did not notice Ollie straddling my lap. "Daddy?" Oliver called, his expression unreadable, which added to my nervousness.

"Y-Yes?"

"How can you be so perfect?" He questioned softly, as he slipped out of his little self. "I don't even know what to make from all of this." His hands waved to his presents. "It's too much... but I love it. I love that you love taking care of me, spoiling me, and making sure I get the best," Oliver whispered in a wobbly voice, a small smile on his lips as tears streamed on his face. I was at a loss for words as I try to sink his words in.

"Honestly, one of the reasons why I slip into my little space is because of the accumulated stress. I thought that I would be little for a bit longer because of what happened earlier, but you make me so happy. How do you do that? How can you lift me up so easily? How can you love the broken me so much? I don't understand...I..." His words were cut off by his wracking sobs, and my hands went to dry his tears, kissing some of them away.

"Because you're easy to love, Ollie, and you're not broken. You are perfect to me. Didn't I tell you this before? No matter which shape or form you came in, I would love you, all the same, my sweet boy. Nothing and no one will ever change that. Understand?" He nodded and gave me a tight hug, as he whispered how much he loves me. My heart almost exploded from too much happiness.

I won't let anyone ruin our blissful life. Come hell or high water, I would fight to death if it means I get to hold my baby for another day.

O L L I E

To say that I am so grateful and blessed for having Stefan in my life is an understatement. He makes everything better. He chases all my demons away, and he knows how to lift me up when I'm down. He knows how to take care of me and he spoils me endlessly. Just like now. I bet my eyes are so red from bawling. Who wouldn't, if Stefan gave you the things you have been dreaming of?

The art materials that he bought for me were the ones I've been dying to have. These are limited editions and only a few lucky ones can get them. I wasn't able to purchase those for myself because I don't have the luxury to go abroad, with my aunt lurking in the shadows.

Imagine having that as a present! I was so over the moon I cried so much; those were tears of joy. I was so happy that I slipped out of my little space to express a thousandfold of gratitude to my kind and sweet daddy. I traced the items with my fingers happily, still unable to believe that everything is real. That's not the end of it. I still have two huge boxes and I don't know what are those. But I am sure that it would definitely make me cry... again.

"Daddy?"

"Hmm?" Stefan hummed and wiped the tear stains on my face with a soft towel.

"Are you sure you should be doing that?" I pointed to what he was doing to my face and his hand stopped midway, a bit of confusion on his face. I smirked and pointed to the two boxes on my left. "I bet whatever is inside those boxes would reduce me into a puddle of tears," I added cheekily and Stefan guffawed.

"Ah, my baby. You and your humor." I smiled and I let him help me with the fourth box. He put it down on the floor and Stefan had to use a cutter to open it. I shuddered from the sight of the sharp tool, wincing as I imagine myself getting cut from it.

"I'm sorry, baby boy. Just close your eyes and I'll be done in an instant," Stefan assured me and I did what he asked. I counted for about five seconds and it was done. Stefan guided me towards the box and I can't help but scream and jumped onto him when the fourth present was finally revealed.

The box was an ultimate little care package. It has several sets of onesies with matching fluffy socks and binkies. There's also a customized paci for each pair of onesie and pajamas. Everything was well-thought of and I can't help but bawl my eyes out as I went back to my little space again.

Daddy just keeps on making me burst with happiness and I'm loving every single second of it.

S T E F A N

I promised myself that I won't let my baby cry again if I can help it, but tears of happiness do not count, I guess. "Daddy! Ollie...Ollie...hug...pwease?" My little bean requested so I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer, his back against my chest. Oliver giggled as he checked the collections I bought with twinkling eyes. After getting satisfied, he eyed the largest box and crinkled his nose, his lips protruded. "Daddy?"

"Yes, sweet bean?" Ollie pointed to the last box and gasped.

"Box...soooo big," he drawled, his voice full of wonder and amazement. I smiled and leaned in to whisper.

"Why don't you open it, baby boy? Daddy would be so happy if you liked it." Oliver turned his head and cheerfully nodded, and gave me a quick kiss on the lips before running towards his present. The box was easier to open this time. It was decorated with bows and wrapped in gift paper. The items inside were ordered after carefully considering what my little boy likes. I was expecting another squeal from Oliver after he opened the box but he distanced himself away from it; as if it repulsed him.

My forehead wrinkled and I felt a bit of nerve, the anxious feeling crawling inside me so slowly, the fear that I made him unhappy was tearing out my heart. Oliver walked slowly towards me as I stayed frozen, unable to think, incapable of moving.

I felt him as he reached for my hands and enclosed it with his small ones... a very sincere 'I love you' traveling to my ears. That's when I snapped out of my self-loathing. I lifted my head and was welcomed by Oliver's tearful expression, a wide smile plastered on his face. "Did...did you like it?" My words came out soft as I asked hesitantly.

"What do you think?" Oliver asked back, as he slipped out of his little space.

"Baby...you're crying and smiling. And you kind of froze there for a bit, I don't know what to think. You've got to help me out with this," I replied with an amused tone, grabbing the soft towel on my right and wiping his tears away.

Oliver laughed a little and playfully slapped my arm. "Daddy! Stop being silly. Of course, I love everything. I was just... shocked. Well, I should have expected that kind of surprise," he sniffed and gave me a hug. "Thank you for everything. I love all of it. You never fail to keep me happy."

His words melted my heart and I found myself nodding as I tightened my grip on him. From the very start, Oliver always made sure to make me feel loved, wanted, and appreciated. He was a giggling ball all throughout, as he went back to being little again, carefully taking out the stuffies I bought for him.

The reason why a big box was needed was that I bought several of them: a unicorn, a turtle, a panda, a bunny, a lion, a sheep, and a whale. I heard Ollie talking about how Tie, his tiger stuffie, feels lonely when he's not around. So, I bought him friends, and my baby appreciated all of my efforts. His thrilled grin and blissful expression was all worth the effort.

****

"Today, we are here...for a vewy impowtant meeting! Ollie will introduce new friends, Tie," my boy giggled as he hugged Tie, while all of his stuffies were in a sitting position, in a shape of an arc, with Ollie and Tie at the front.

Oliver is playing right now with his 'friends', and in order to make my baby comfortable, I laid down a fluffy sheet and some pillows on his back and sides, the wide space at the foot of our bed being Ollie's play area. I still have to finish decorating the nursery room, which is my biggest surprise for him. I think it will be fully furnished in a few days. I also slipped him a sheep-inspired white onesie with a hood with sheep ears, a thigh-high fluffy socks and a sheep-patterned binkie with a white paci clipped on. His sippy cup was also filled with his favorite strawberry smoothie, with more milk and cream.

I leaned against the headboard and opened my laptop, intent on doing some work and checking with Trevor and Devon about Peterson, but my attention keeps on getting pulled away by my adorable baby. So, I shut it down and just watch as Oliver introduced his new friends to Tie.

"This is Thorn," he happily pointed to the turtle. "And Loke," he referred to the lion. "Unique, the unicorn...gwants wishes," he nodded with a smile and patted Tie's head gently, reminding him to be a good tiger so he can get his wishes fulfilled. He then introduced Shine the sheep, Pan-Pan the panda, Benny the bunny, and Aqua the whale.

After their short ceremony, Oliver put his stuffies on a customized shelf designated for his stuffed toys. Then, he ran towards me with a wide smile, as he straddled my lap and flopped into me, his cheek resting on my shoulder while his arms slid to the sides of my torso and embraced me.

My one hand rested on the small of his back while the other is caressing his thighs. "Baby boy, you should stop running around. I don't want you to trip and fall. You will get a lot of ouchies if that happened. Would you want that?"

Oliver lifted his head and turned to me with his wide-eyed gaze, his hands cupping his cheeks, slack-jawed. "O-ouchie, daddy?"

"Yes, my baby. You'll get a lot of ouchies if you keep on running around. Do you want that?" He shook his head so fast I had to slide my hands to his nape to keep his still.

"So, what should a good boy do?"

"Stop...running so no ouchie," he answered cheerfully and I nodded, a kiss on his forehead as a reward.

"Such a good boy, my Ollie." My baby sweetly giggled and jumped into me, still giggling and being bubbly.

This is how Oliver should be. Warm and happy. Safe and protected in our bubble. Not scared and anxious. I want Oliver to live a carefree life and with little worries.

****

The next day,

8:30 am

Stefan's Manor

I didn't notice that I fell asleep until there was no Oliver on my lap. I scanned the whole room for him but not a trace was found. I looked inside the bathroom, the walk-in closet, my private office-- but no Ollie. I even went and searched downstairs but I didn't find my boy.

Panic and terror began to invade my body as a thousand scenarios flashed into my mind, the fear that someone took Oliver without my knowledge was beginning to get validated, especially with Peterson lurking around.

I pressed the emergency button in my office to alert my security and Trevor came running with Devon on his heels. "Where's Oliver? He's missing!" I screamed in panic, unable to form rational thoughts as I get overwhelmed by emotions.

No. Ollie. My baby. Where are you?

"Huh? Are you sure?" I threw a sharp glare at the carefree Trevor but he just shrugged. What the hell? He should be alarmed that Ollie is not in sight!

"Did you check the whole mansion, Boss?" Devon asked and I had to throw a magazine to his face which he easily caught, sending me a smirk.

I groaned in frustration. "Stop calling me boss! And why are you both so relaxed? If you're not going to help me, I'll ring some friends. To think you both are the head of my security," I snapped in a biting tone, feeling betrayed. Both of them opened their mouths to explain but went still and shook their heads, a knowing smile on their faces. Oh, what would I give to wipe off those annoying smirks.

I was about to call my friends for a rescue mission when the clink of a fallen silverware broke the tension in the room and the person who entered my office left me breathless.