Adopted

Sharing A Tub

The little family stayed in the same spot on the floor in the middle of the nursery for a good twenty minutes. Harry slowly slips back down to his headspace as he grasps Liam's shirt in between his knuckles. The boy nuzzles his head into the broad chest, trying to absorb as much of his scent as he possibly can. Louis on the other hand just lays in Zayn's arms, staring at the space in front of him. He doesn't feel any need to talk or move.
Liam sighs, "Well, I'd say it's time to stand up and move on."

Zayn nods and gently sets Louis on the floor in front of him. He then gets to his feet and reaches down to pick the boy up. Louis isn't a huge fan of being lugged up by his armpits, but he doesn't protest. Liam and Harry copy their actions.

"I think someone needs a change," the black haired man coos.

Zayn brings Louis over to the changing table and sets him on his feet. The man goes behind him and unzips the pajamas and helps them slide off. Louis shivers as the cool air hits his sweat covered body. He helps the boy up on to the table and turns around.

"Babe? Could you grab Louis some new clothes? Something light?"

Liam nods and Zayn returns to the task at hand. He untapes the soiled nappy and pulls it down. He takes his time cleaning Louis off, knowing that going slow and gentle is better than hurrying. He tosses the old nappy and places a new one underneath Louis.

His husband walks over with a pair of baby blue Nike short shorts that look like they were made for women and a white tee with Nemo and Crush from Finding Nemo.

Liam examines Louis without touching for a few seconds. "You should probably use a bit of rash cream," he notes, looking at the pink, irritated skin.

"Just about to," Zayn says. He bends down and pulls out the little tote of supplies stored under the table and digs through it before pulling out a bottle of rash cream. He uncaps it and squeezes a dollop into his hand. "This may be a bit cold, Dove."

Louis' heart flutters briefly. Not because he's anxious about the cold cream, but because of the nickname. No matter how bad things were only minutes ago, it's comforting to be called Dove again. The name makes him feel special.

The boy on the table flinches when he feels the icy cream touch his inner thighs. He's ready to jump off the table but Liam grabs a hold of his left shoulder and his hand and looks him directly in the eyes. The man whispers words of encouragement, about how good the boy is being for them and how soon it will all be over. Louis whimpers and hisses as his rash is touched. Within seconds though, the cream starts working and the cooling effect sinks in.

"Such a good boy," Liam says, leaning down to kiss Louis.

As far as Louis can remember, this is the first time either of the men has kissed him on the lips. Usually, they peck him on his cheek or forehead, never his lips. It's not surprising considering the fact that half of the kisses Harry receives are on the mouth. What does shock Louis is how he feels afterwards. He knows for a fact that there is absolutely nothing sexual behind it. The kiss pangs his heart because of how paternal it felt.

Zayn finishes rubbing the cream over Louis' lower half and let's it soak in and dry for half a minute. He sprinkles baby powder and gently pats it in. The diaper is brought up over his lower tummy and taped.

"Thank you for being so good, Dove," Zayn says, rubbing the boy's knee. He helps the boy off the table and dresses him. Thankfully, Louis is no longer sticky with sweat and the dry clothes feel good.

"Now, how about we go downstairs and give lunch another shot," Liam suggests.

Louis lowers his head in shame. "I'm sorry for ruining lunch," he mumbles.