Chapter Text
Screaming. Screaming is all Newt knew at work.
”Dude, are you okay?” Minho rests his hand on his shoulder.
”Yeah yeah. Thanks Minho.” Newt brushes his hand off.
It was pickup time, which meant the kids had no tasks to focus on. Which meant chaos. Thankfully once a handful of them are scooped up by guardians things die down enough for more coloring or flash cards - but there’s no telling when that time will come.
Minho stretched a little and sighed, keeping on the lookout for any children running out of property bounds or finding a new creative way to accidentally harm themselves. The daycare itself was quaint, only a few rooms on the interior and a small playground outside. The building was a burst of primary colors and murals of stars, rainbows, numbers, letters, all that fun stuff. It often felt like a small realm of joy, until you find yourself staring down the dull parking lot leading towards the road.
Minho was sort of the muscle, or security if you will. His primary tasks involved rounding up the children, staying focused on who came and went for drop-off/pickup, and playing bad cop for Newt’s sake. He was good at it, truly. It also helped that his hobbies involve running and lifting every heavy item he can possibly find.
Newt on the other hand, was good with the kids due to his patient, kind, and trusting nature. The kids felt confident in asking him questions, listening to him during readings, and always wanted to include him in play-time. Newt struggled with saying no to them.
This is why their bosses decided that Minho and Newt make the perfect team. Now every time one of them is scheduled, it’s guaranteed the other will be too.
Minho really liked it that way, he would tell Newt often that he saw him almost as a little brother, someone to protect alongside the kids. (Even though Newt had been older than him)
The sun was nearing the horizon, which meant pickup time was coming to a close. Only a few children remained, and Newt was bent down conversing with one of them - Chuck. It was unusual for Chuck to be here this late, so Newt made a point in checking on him.
”Did your mum mention picking you up late today Chuck?” Newt asked him.
”Umm.. I don’t rem’ber” Chuck fiddled with his hands.
”Hmm, maybe I’ll give her a ring then.” Newt gestured a phone up to his ear with his hand.
Just then Newt and Chuck looked up to catch a car pulling into the lot.
”That must be her!” Newt exclaimed as he stood up from where he was.
Newt began waving as Chuck’s mother and him were good pals, usually taking some extra time to talk and gossip before she packed Chuck up and left. In return Newt was met with a man in sunglasses stepping out of the driver's side. Wearing business attire - slacks, loafers and a button up, he didn’t appear the most comforting of people. Newt abruptly stopped waving and cocked his head to the side in confusion, peeking down at Chuck to find him with the same pose.
”Sorry I’m late!” The man exclaimed as he jogged up to meet Newt and Chuck.
”You are?” Newt asked, unfamiliarity in his voice.
The man chuckled lightly, “I’m Chuck’s uncle, Thomas.” He stuck his hand out for Newt to shake.
”Newt. I’m the Learning Coordinator here, one of Chuck’s teachers, simply put.”
Thomas bent down to Chuck’s level and shook his hair, “So you’re the one keeping Chucky safe and happy ey?”
Newt snickered at Chuck’s face, a look of ‘I have no idea what’s happening’ painted on it.
”Well my co-worker Minho over there does a great help as well.” Newt gestured to Minho behind them, who was busy making sure one of the kids didn’t go down the slide face first. Newt smirking out of amusement at the sight.
Thomas took that as his cue to pick up Chuck and stand, “Big guy, I bet he helps when things get rowdy here?”
Newt laughed lightly as he said “Oh yes, most definitely.”
At that moment, Minho must’ve gotten a break to notice the stranger holding Chuck.
Walking up, he said “We haven’t received a call for a separate guardian to pick up Chuck today, who are you?” A similar yet more serious unfamiliarity in his voice as Newt earlier. Staring daggers into Thomas.
Thomas met his stare with uncertainty, but quickly re-adjusted.
“I’m-“
”This is Thomas, Chuck’s uncle. You’re quite right that we haven’t received a call from his mum though, what’s that about?” Newt interrupted, giving a look to Minho that said ‘relax.’ before turning back to Thomas expectantly.
”She must’ve forgotten, my sister isn’t the best at multi-tasking you see. She’s working late today and called me last minute to pick up Chuck for her. I can try and give her a call for you right now?”
”No that’s fine, I have her number. I’ll give her a ring when I get the chance.” Newt said.
A look of confusion flashed across Minho’s face before he went back to looking at Thomas, still not a sign of trust in his eyes.
”Oh, okay sounds good.” Chuck yawned in Thomas’ arms.
”Guess he’s had enough for today, so I’ll take him home now, thank you for your work!” Thomas held Chuck a little tighter and waved goodbye to Newt and Minho.
Newt returned the gesture, “Goodnight Chuck!” Minho waved too - albeit reluctantly.
”Do you already know that guy or something?” Minho asked Newt.
”Not really, but I trust that he’s his uncle. He looks a lot like Teresa.” Newt shrugged.
Minho scoffed lightly and shook his head, then walked away to give his goodbyes to the other kids that were getting picked up.
Newt wasn’t sure how to feel about Thomas, but he imagined Chuck was in good hands in his care. Newt swiftly turned around and began heading towards the building, ready to prepare for closing up shop.
——————————————————
Riiinngg…
Riinngg…
“Newt! Hi, what’s up?”
”Hey Teresa, I wanted to ask you about pick up today-“ Newt began.
”Ohmygosh! I’m so sorry, I completely blanked on letting you know Tom would be picking Chuck up this evening. Work kept me late and I didn’t think to call it in.” Teresa sounded exasperated.
It really must’ve been a long day for her, “That’s really alright, I’m glad to know I was right to entrust Chuck in Thomas’ care.” Newt responded.
Teresa sighed in relief. “How did Chuck do today?”
”He did just fine, he seems to have a new interest in The Very Hungry Caterpillar. He started clapping every time the caterpillar ate something.” Newt chuckled down the line.
Teresa chuckled as well. “Well I’m glad to hear it, I’ll have to pick up that book from the library to experience it myself.”
”You really should, it’s a classic.” Newt responded fondly.
“Alright well I won’t keep you, thank you for your work Newt. Have a good night.” Newt could hear a children’s show on her end in the background.
He chuckled. “Thank you, good work today and goodnight.”
They hung up. Newt sighed and set his phone down next to himself on the couch. He caught a glimpse of text messages from Minho.
Minho: Did you confirm with Teresa about that guy today?
I added him to the pickup list just in case :)
Newt decided that he’d respond later. His phone flashed on again though, revealing another message.
Gally: R u coming out tonight? ;)
Newt turned his phone over, definitely not tonight. All he wanted to do tonight was relax. He got up from his couch and began running himself a bath. It’s become a ritual of his, really helps him relax after a long day of adult people and kid people.
He sighed as he got into the bath, Newt would never tell anyone but he likes to have bubbles when he bathes. It’s a child-like charm that he believes heals his inner child. He thought back to Thomas, seeing him in his business attire, it made him look quite smart. Newt wondered if he was single. And into men.
Newt sunk deeper into his tub, deciding to try and not think about that any longer. He convinced himself it was unprofessional, as he’d met the guy at work and not while at the bar or club. Not to mention he’s Teresa’s brother.
”Bloody annoying.” Newt said to himself.