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It was a quiet evening, the kind of quiet that almost felt unnatural. Outside, the autumn air carried the faint rustle of leaves, the crisp smell of the season drifting in through a slightly cracked window. Jude was sprawled on the couch, half-watching a rerun of some old football match while Trent sat at the other end, scrolling through his tablet.
The soft glow of a table lamp cast long shadows across the room, adding to the calm atmosphere. Too calm, Jude thought. He shifted restlessly, glancing at Trent, who seemed entirely too at ease.
“I feel like we’re forgetting something,” Jude muttered, his brow furrowed.
Trent didn’t look up. “You’ve been saying that for three weeks. Everything’s ready—bags packed, car seats installed, nursery set up.”
Jude wasn’t convinced. He sat up, tapping his fingers against his knee. “But what if—”
“Jude,” Trent interrupted, setting the tablet down and fixing him with a steady look. “The only thing left to do is wait.”
Jude huffed, crossing his arms. “I hate waiting.”
Just as Trent opened his mouth to respond, Jude’s phone buzzed on the coffee table. They both froze, staring at it as if it were about to explode.
Slowly, Jude reached for it, his hands already trembling. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Kate’s name on the screen. “It’s her,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
“Answer it,” Trent urged, sitting up straighter.
Jude’s thumb swiped over the screen. “Hello?” His voice cracked, betraying the calm he was trying to project.
Kate’s voice came through, calm but urgent. “Hi, Jude. I’m at the hospital. The babies decided they’re ready a little earlier than expected. The doctors are preparing for a C-section.”
Jude’s brain short-circuited. “What? But—it’s too early! We’re supposed to have three more weeks!” His voice pitched higher with every word.
Kate chuckled softly, a soothing sound. “I know, but the doctors say everything’s fine. The babies are a little eager, but they’re ready. Nothing to worry about.”
Jude wasn’t convinced. “Nothing to worry about? They’re three weeks early! ”
Trent leaned in close, speaking firmly into the phone. “Kate, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Trent. Really. The doctors are confident everything will go smoothly,” Kate reassured them. “But you should come now.”
As soon as the call ended, Jude shot up from the couch like he’d been electrocuted. “They’re coming. They’re coming now. ”
Trent was already on his feet, grabbing their hospital bag from the corner. “Breathe, Jude. Let’s go.”
But Jude was already halfway to the door, grabbing his coat with shaky hands. “Why didn’t we pack more snacks? Or a second bag? What if we need—”
“Jude,” Trent cut in, slinging the bag over his shoulder. “We have everything. Let’s move.”
They bolted out of the house, sprinting like their asses were on fire, leaving the door slightly ajar in their rush. Good thing they lived in a gated community with security intact. Neither of them cared. Their lives were about to change forever, and nothing else mattered.
The drive to the hospital was a blur of panicked instructions from Jude and tightly held composure from Trent.
“Are we going the fastest route? What if there’s traffic? Oh my God, did we remember the baby blankets? What if we didn’t pack enough—”
“Jude,” Trent cut in, his knuckles tight on the wheel, though his voice remained calm. “Everything’s in the bag. We’re fine.”
Jude wasn’t convinced. “We should’ve packed more snacks! What if we’re stuck in the waiting room for hours and starve?”
Trent shot him a side glance, lips twitching. “Pretty sure the hospital has food.”
Jude huffed, tapping nervously on the dashboard. “You’re being too calm. You’re freaking me out.”
“I’m choosing to be calm because one of us has to be,” Trent replied, his voice steady but strained. “Believe me, inside, I’m panicking.”
Jude blinked, momentarily thrown off. “You’re panicking?”
“Terrified,” Trent admitted, and for a moment, Jude felt a strange sense of solidarity.
The very private and very discreet hospital was on the outskirts of Madrid, a facility known for catering to high-profile clients and maintaining an ironclad level of confidentiality. Jude had heard stories of celebrities giving birth here, but now, walking through its private entrance, he was living it.
They parked in a secluded underground lot, where a security guard gave them a quick nod before buzzing them in. The entrance wasn’t marked, just a simple door that led to an elevator requiring a keycard. Jude clutched the hospital bag tightly, his heart racing as they ascended to the maternity floor.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, a nurse greeted them with a clipboard and a warm smile. “Welcome, Mr. Bellingham, Mr. Alexander-Arnold. Everything is ready.”
Trent signed the necessary forms without hesitation, while Jude scanned the pristine, softly lit corridor. Every corner screamed exclusivity—muted tones, plush furniture, and not a soul in sight besides hospital staff. Jude could imagine the tabloid frenzy if they ever found out where they were, but here, he felt secure. No cameras, no prying eyes.
The maternity ward was fully reserved for them. Jude had initially balked at the level of privacy—an entire wing—but now he was glad. He wasn’t in the mood for whispers or stolen glances from curious strangers.
As they walked briskly down the corridor, Jude spotted a couple of hospital staff holding NDAs, ready for anyone who might come near. He remembered Trent joking weeks ago about how surreal it was, but now, he couldn’t be more thankful.
“Private enough for you?” Trent murmured, his hand briefly brushing Jude’s as they walked.
“Yeah,” Jude admitted, voice tight. “No cameras, no leaks. I’d give anything for that right now.”
The nurse led them to Kate’s room, and the moment they stepped inside, Jude’s chest tightened. Kate was sitting up in bed, calm and collected, her hands resting lightly over her bump. She smiled as they entered.
“Hey,” she greeted warmly. “You made it.”
Jude rushed to her side, voice spilling over in a rush. “Kate, are you okay? Do you need anything? Are you sure this is fine? It’s too early—”
Kate reached out, her hand covering his. “Jude, it’s okay. The doctors are ready, and they’ve assured me everything’s perfectly fine. The babies are just a bit impatient, that’s all.”
Jude’s shoulders sagged slightly, but he still looked unconvinced. “Three weeks isn’t a little impatient. That’s, like, barely done cooking.”
Trent stepped closer, his voice steady but full of warmth. “Thank you, Kate. For everything. We know this wasn’t easy.”
Kate’s eyes softened, and she gave him a small nod. “It’s been my pleasure. You’re going to be amazing dads.”
Jude swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion. “We’ll never forget this.”
The nurse reappeared to inform them it was time to prep for surgery. Jude and Trent stood as Kate prepared to be wheeled out. Jude bent down first, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. “Thank you, Kate. Good luck. We’ll be right here.”
Trent followed, his voice low. “We’ll see you soon.”
As Kate was wheeled away, Jude and Trent stood in the quiet room for a moment, letting it sink in. The gravity of the situation, the excitement, the fear—all of it hung in the air.
Trent reached out, clasping Jude’s hand. “This is it.”
Jude squeezed back, exhaling shakily. “This is it.”
Trent and Jude sat in a quiet, comfortable room next to the operating theatre. It was a space thoughtfully prepared for their first night as a family of four—plush armchairs, soft lighting, a large bed with crisp white sheets, and two tiny bassinets waiting for their precious cargo. Everything was perfect, yet the atmosphere was thick with nervous anticipation.
Trent moved around the room silently, running his hand along the edge of the bassinets, adjusting the pillows on the bed, and opening the mini-fridge to inspect its contents. He was trying—poorly—to appear casual, but Jude saw right through him.
“You’re doing it again,” Jude said softly, breaking the silence.
Trent turned, eyebrows raised in mock innocence. “Doing what?”
“Pretending you’re not checking every little thing to make sure it’s perfect,” Jude replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Trent shrugged, glancing at the bassinets again. “Just making sure we’re ready.”
Jude stood and crossed the room, placing a hand on Trent’s shoulder. “We’re ready. They’ll be here any minute.”
As if on cue, the door swung open, and a nurse entered with a bright smile. “Good news,” she said, her voice warm and reassuring. “The first baby is here. He’s being checked now and will join you shortly. The second one is on the way.”
Jude’s heart leapt into his throat. “They’re here,” he said, his voice jittery with excitement. He turned to Trent, his eyes wide and sparkling. “Trent, they’re here.”
Trent nodded, his composure cracking just enough to reveal a flicker of pure joy. “They’re here.”
Moments later, the door opened again, and this time, the nurse entered cradling a tiny bundle in her arms. She approached them with the gentlest of smiles. “Daddies, meet your son.”
Jude’s breath caught in his throat. He stepped forward, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for the tiny baby swaddled in a soft blanket. His son’s skin was a warm brown, soft and flawless, his delicate features framed by a tuft of dark, curly hair. Jude’s heart ached in the most beautiful way.
“Oh my God,” Jude whispered, his voice breaking. “Hi, little man.”
The nurse smiled, then gave him a light tap on the arm. “Alright, Daddy Jude, off with the shirt.”
Jude blinked, confused. “What? Why?”
Trent snorted, unable to hold back a laugh. The nurse chuckled as well, clearly used to this reaction. “Skin-to-skin contact. It helps regulate the baby’s heartbeat, body temperature, and breathing. Plus, it’s great for bonding.”
“Oh! Right,” Jude stammered, quickly fumbling with his shirt. “I knew that. Totally knew that.”
Trent shook his head, grinning as Jude finally pulled his shirt off and settled into the plush chair. The nurse gently placed the baby on Jude’s chest, adjusting the blanket to cover them both.
Jude’s arms wrapped instinctively around his son, holding him close. The baby let out a soft, contented sigh, and Jude felt tears welling up in his eyes. He looked up at Trent, his voice barely above a whisper. “He’s perfect.”
Trent knelt beside them, his hand resting gently on the baby’s tiny back. “He really is.”
The peaceful moment was interrupted by another knock on the door. The same nurse returned, this time carrying a second bundle. She walked over to them, her smile warm. “And now, meet your daughter.”
Jude’s eyes widened. “Oh my God,” he half-whispered, half-shouted, looking between Trent and the nurse. “One of each!”
The nurse laughed softly, and Trent let out a shaky breath as he accepted their daughter. Her skin was a shade lighter than her brother’s, smooth and glowing, with a dusting of the same dark curls. She was smaller, her face delicate and serene, her little fists peeking out from the blanket. Trent sat down on the bed, holding her close to his chest.
“Shirt off, Trent,” Jude reminded, his grin teasing through the emotion.
Trent chuckled but complied, carefully removing his shirt before cradling his daughter against his bare chest. As soon as she was settled, his composure crumbled. Silent tears slid down his cheeks as he stared at her, overwhelmed.
Jude watched in awe, his heart swelling as he saw Trent so vulnerable, so full of love. “You’re crying,” he said softly, his own tears falling freely now.
Trent looked up, his voice thick with emotion. “I can’t help it. She’s... she’s everything.”
Jude reached over, placing his hand on Trent’s, their two babies nestled between them. “We did it,” he whispered. “They’re here.”
In that moment, the world seemed to fade away. It was just the four of them, their little family finally complete.
They didn’t know how long they sat like that, holding their babies close. Time felt meaningless in the quiet comfort of their first moments as a family. At some point, without a word, they switched babies so each could have a moment with both. Jude marveled at how small his daughter felt in his arms, her tiny fingers flexing against his skin, while Trent gazed down at their son, his face a mix of awe and tenderness.
The room was bathed in a soft glow, the silence broken only by the gentle breaths of their newborns. It was perfect—until Jude felt a little movement against his chest.
He glanced down just as his daughter let out a small, determined whimper. Her tiny mouth opened and closed as she began to root against him, her face pressing insistently into his chest.
Jude’s eyebrows shot up. “I think she’s hungry,” he murmured, his voice tinged with both wonder and amusement.
He gently smoothed his hand over her back, whispering softly, “Sorry, baby girl, there’s nothing in those for you.”
His daughter, unimpressed by his apology, let out another soft cry and started squirming more determinedly, her tiny hands pushing against his chest. Then, suddenly, she latched onto a small handful of his chest hair, gripping tightly.
Jude yelped. “Ow! Hey—okay, hang on!” He squirmed, trying to free himself without jostling her too much. “She’s got me in a death grip!”
Trent, cradling their son, looked over and burst out laughing. “She knows what she wants. You’re doomed, mate.”
Jude shot him a playful glare. “You could help, you know.”
Trent grinned but didn’t move. “Nah, I’m enjoying the show.”
Jude groaned, his daughter tugging again. “I’m calling for backup.” He reached over with one hand and pressed the call button, his face still half-contorted in pain.
Moments later, the nurse arrived, her cheerful smile quickly turning into a laugh when she saw Jude’s predicament. “Ah, looks like someone’s hungry and very determined,” she said, setting the bottles down on a nearby table.
“Tell me about it,” Jude muttered, still gently trying to loosen his daughter’s grip. “She’s strong for someone who was born, like, an hour ago.”
The nurse chuckled, carefully helping Jude untangle the tiny hand from his chest hair. Jude let out a relieved sigh, rubbing his chest. “I’m gonna need a chest protector at this rate.”
“Noted,” Trent said, still grinning. “I’ll order one when we get home.”
The nurse shook her head, amused, and retrieved a bottle. “Alright, let’s get her fed before she decides to go for round two. This little one has some serious determination.”
She handed the bottle to Jude and helped him adjust his daughter into a comfortable feeding position. “There you go. Just keep her upright, support her head, and let her take the lead.”
Jude watched in awe as his daughter latched onto the bottle, her little hands resting against him as she drank. “She’s perfect,” he whispered, more to himself than anyone else.
The nurse turned to Trent, who had been quietly watching the scene unfold, his son still resting against his chest. She handed him a second bottle. “Your turn, Dad.”
For a while, they fed their babies in companionable silence, the weight of the moment not lost on either of them. They were no longer just Jude and Trent—they were dads now, and everything about their lives had changed in the most beautiful way.
The house was pure chaos. The kind of chaos that only came with trying to leave the house with two toddlers while already running late.
“Aurora, no more toys!” Jude called out from the living room, holding a tiny glittery boot in one hand and a coat in the other. Aura was standing by the toy basket, stubbornly clutching three stuffed animals and glaring at him like he’d committed the ultimate betrayal.
“No!” she said, hugging her unicorn closer. “Unicorn conmigo !”
“Unicorn can come,” Jude said, his voice teetering on the edge of exhaustion. “But not the whole zoo.”
Meanwhile, Trent was in the kitchen, attempting to wrangle Nic into his coat. Nic had other plans, though, squirming and giggling as he tried to wiggle away. His toy truck clattered to the floor, and he immediately reached for it.
“Nicolas Arnorld-Bellingham,” Trent said, his voice firm as he caught Nic mid-squirm. “Coat. Now.”
Nic froze for a moment, blinking up at him. Then, with a tiny, dramatic sigh, he let Trent slide the coat onto his arms.
Trent couldn’t help but smile. The full-name trick worked like magic every time. It reminded him of the heated discussion he’d had with Jude over their son’s name.
“We are not naming him Antonio,” Trent had said, arms crossed.
Jude, ever loyal Toni Kroos fan, had raised a single, defiant finger and pointed at him. “We owe Toni everything.”
“Antonio Arnold-Bellingham? No, Jude. We’re not naming our kid after your favorite midfielder.”
In the end, they’d settled on Nicolas, but Jude still occasionally teased about sneaking “Antonio” in on the birth certificate.
“Trent!” Jude’s voice snapped him out of the memory. He turned to see Aura sitting on the floor, holding her boot out to Jude like a queen summoning a servant. “Daddy, ayúdame!” she said in her sweet, demanding voice. Jude sighed, crouching down to wrestle the boot onto her tiny foot.
“She’s insisting on taking this unicorn everywhere.” Jude said, placing the second boot on.
“She’s two. Pick your battles,” Trent said with a shrug, grabbing the bag from the counter. “We’re already late.”
“Don’t remind me,” Jude muttered, putting Aura’s coat on and setting her down. “Alright, team. Let’s move out.”
It took another five minutes of herding—shoes, last-minute bathroom trips, and a mild tantrum from Nic when Trent tried to buckle him into his car seat. By the time both kids were secured in the back of their car, Trent and Jude looked like they’d run a marathon.
Jude climbed into the passenger seat with a groan. “How are we this tired already? The party hasn’t even started.”
“Traveling with toddlers,” Trent replied, starting the car. “We’re lucky we made it out of the house.”
The drive through Madrid’s quiet streets was a welcome reprieve, though Trent could still feel the tension in his shoulders. Traveling back from England the day before had been a whirlwind, and now, they were diving headfirst into another holiday gathering.
From the backseat, Aura was babbling happily to her unicorn, while Nic tried to reach for his sister to cuddle. Jude leaned back, his head resting against the seat, eyes half-closed.
As they neared Vini’s house, Jude turned to him, his expression softer now.
“We made it,” he said with a small smile.
“Barely,” Trent replied, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror where their kids were now laughing together.
“Think Vini’s got food ready?” Jude asked, half-joking.
“If not, I’ll raid his fridge myself,” Trent said, pulling into the driveway.
The chaos wasn’t over, but for now, they were here, together, and ready to celebrate the holidays in the warm company of friends.
The moment they stepped into Vini’s home, Jude was hit by the familiar warmth of laughter, music, and the hum of conversations overlapping. The place was packed—extended family, kids darting around, and a good chunk of the current and former Real Madrid squad. It was chaotic and loud, but in the best way possible. This was home.
Jude glanced around, taking in the sight of people who had become family over the years. He’d spent over sixteen years in Madrid, and the city had wrapped itself around his heart. It wasn’t just where he played; it was where he forged lifelong friendships, built a home, and started his own family. Staying here after retirement had been the easiest decision they’d ever made. Why leave when everything that mattered was here?
He looked over at Trent, who was trudging into the house with Aura perched on his hip. Trent was in full dad mode, herding their little circus with ease. As they crossed the threshold, Trent was already barking something in rapid-fire Spanish at Vini, who had come to greet them at the door.
It never ceased to amaze Jude how his husband—who notoriously skipped half the syllables in English—had somehow managed to learn Spanish somewhat fluently. His Scouse accent still lingered, sure, but it worked for him—added a bit of charm, really.
Nic, who had zero interest in standing still, tugged at Jude’s hand, then broke free entirely, running straight to Vini with an excited squeal. “Tío Vini!”
Vini’s face lit up as he scooped Nic up without hesitation, lifting him high in the air before settling him on his hip like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“One kid down,” Jude muttered to himself, shaking his head fondly. The second Vini was around, he claimed at least one of their children as his own. Jude often joked that Vini acted like a single parent at every gathering, happily carting around one of their toddlers like he was auditioning for Dad of the Year.
“¡Hola, pequeño! ¿Cómo estás?” Vini asked Nic, who immediately launched into a stream of one word babble, half-English, half-Spanish.
“Looks like Nic’s been working on his Spanglish,” Jude said as he stepped forward, clapping Vini on the shoulder.
Vini grinned, shifting Nic slightly to one side so he could give Jude a quick one-armed hug. “Ya está llegando. Is Aura next?” he asked, nodding toward the little girl still clinging to Trent.
“Take her, and you’ll have the full set,” Jude quipped.
Aura, however, was perfectly content staying on her dad’s hip, her tiny hands clutching the collar of Trent’s shirt as she stared around the bustling house with wide, curious eyes.
Trent smirked. “She’s not ready to be handed off yet. Give her five minutes, and she’ll be all yours.”
Jude laughed, feeling some of the travel fatigue start to lift. They were home—surrounded by family, friends, and the unshakable sense of belonging that only Madrid could offer.
Jude stood by the massive Christmas tree in Vini’s living room, marveling at its sheer audacity. It wasn’t just big—it was massive , a glittering tower of lights, baubles, and gold garland. The topmost branches nearly brushed the ceiling, crowned with a star so bright it could probably be seen from space. Sparkling ornaments dangled between branches, and Jude swore the tree was flashing in sync with the holiday music playing in the background.
“Ridiculous,” Jude muttered, shaking his head, though his lips curled into a fond smile. “Classic Vini.”
He was still admiring the tree when he heard a familiar voice behind him. “Jude!”
He turned to see Eduardo making his way through the crowded room, a little out of breath but grinning. Strapped to his chest was his youngest, fast asleep in a baby carrier. They were even later than Jude and Trent, and Jude wasn’t surprised. Getting out of the house with one kid was hard enough. With three? Impossible.
“Edu!” Jude greeted, pulling him into a quick hug. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry,” Eduardo replied, clapping him on the back. Jude leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on the baby’s head, who stirred slightly but stayed asleep.
“How’s the little one?” Jude asked, straightening.
“Finally sleeping,” Eduardo said with a soft sigh. “The older two nearly drove me mad before we left. They’ve got this new game where they run circles around me while I’m trying to pack.”
Jude chuckled. “Sounds about right. Nic and Aura decided today was the perfect day to have a meltdown over who got to carry the unicorn.”
Eduardo shook his head, gesturing toward Vini’s absurdly glittery tree. “And here we are, standing in front of... this. Vini’s version of festive minimalism.”
Jude laughed. “You’d think he’d tone it down after last year’s tree almost set the house on fire.”
They stood there for a moment, catching up about their holidays and commiserating over the joys and exhaustion of parenting. Eduardo looked as tired as Jude felt, but the easy conversation was a welcome reprieve from the whirlwind of kids and travel.
Then Eduardo’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, and Jude watched as his friend’s face softened almost imperceptibly, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in a telltale smile.
“Aurelien?” Jude asked, raising an eyebrow.
Eduardo blinked, slightly startled. “How do you know?”
Jude smirked. “Edu, you make the same face every time his name even comes up. I’ve been watching long enough to know.”
Eduardo chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Yeah, it’s him. Just wishing us happy holidays.”
Jude nodded, pulling out his own phone. “He sent me something earlier too. Look—he got a puppy.” He scrolled through his messages, finding the photo of Aurelien with the tiny black-and-white dog curled up in his lap.
Eduardo leaned in, a smile tugging at his lips. “A puppy? That’s new. He swore up and down he wasn’t getting another dog after Ocho.”
“Looks like the dog won him over,” Jude said, handing over the phone.
But before Eduardo could comment further, a new message popped up—another photo from Aurelien. Jude caught a glimpse of it just as Eduardo did. It was Aurelien, smiling wide, his arm wrapped tightly around another man. They both looked radiant, their happiness practically leaping off the screen.
For a moment, Eduardo’s face remained neutral, but his finger hovered over Aurelien’s face in the photo, like he was resisting the urge to trace it. Jude said nothing, carefully watching as Eduardo’s expression shifted. His lips pressed together, a small, almost imperceptible downturn tugging at the corners.
“I hope this one sticks,” Eduardo said quietly, his voice carrying a weight of mixed emotions. “I worry about him sometimes, you know? What he’s all alone, you know? I just want him to be happy.”
Jude swallowed hard. “He looks happy.”
Eduardo nodded slowly, his eyes still on the photo. “Yeah. He does. This guy... he looks like a good one.”
He looks exactly like you Jude thought, but didn’t dare to say out loud, it wasn’t the first time Aurelien had dated someone who could be mistaken for a younger version of his first love. Jude had been quietly concerned about it for years, but now wasn’t the time to bring it up.
This wasn’t the place to dive into another deep conversation about Eduardo’s complicated feelings for Aurelien, or to reassure him—again—that loving Aurelien didn’t make him a bad husband or father. They’d had those conversations before, usually after a few drinks, when Eduardo’s guard was down and his thoughts more unfiltered.
Jude carefully slipped his phone back into his pocket and slung an arm around Eduardo’s shoulders. “Let’s get something to drink,” he said lightly. “What do you say?”
Eduardo glanced at him, the tension in his face easing slightly. “Sure. My wife’s driving tonight, anyway.”
Jude grinned. “Mine too.”
Eduardo rolled his eyes as they made their way to the bar. “Of course, que siempre lo es . You’re such a princess. Poor Trent, raising three children all on his own.”
Jude barked out a laugh, nudging Eduardo with his shoulder.
Later in the evening, when the kids were finally down for the count—Nic sprawled on the couch with Vini’s younger cousins and Aura curled up on Trent’s lap—the adults found themselves gathered in the quieter corner of the living room, away from the chaos.
Jude, Trent, Vini, Rodrygo, and Cama sat around a low coffee table, glasses of wine and beer scattered among them. For once, the conversation wasn’t interrupted by the sound of a toy crashing to the floor or a toddler demanding snacks. It was just them, like old times, the weight of their respective responsibilities temporarily lifted, differently accented Spanish flowing around.
Trent, leaning back against the sofa, let out a content sigh, his hand resting on the arm of Jude’s chair. His eyes flicked toward his husband, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Crazy, isn’t it? How much things have changed.”
Jude turned to him, matching his smile. “Yeah,” he said, his voice quiet but full of meaning. “But some things stay the same.”
“Like Vini cheating at poker,” Rodrygo added, breaking the calm with a cheeky grin.
This earned a chorus of laughter, and Vini groaned, holding his hands up defensively. “That was one time!”
“Three times,” Trent corrected, holding up three fingers.
“Okay, maybe three. But you all kept playing with me, so who’s the real fool here?” Vini shot back, his grin unrepentant.
Rodrygo leaned forward, his eyes sparkling. “And you getting emotional after one glass of wine,” he teased, pointing at Vini.
“Only because I have a soul, ” Vini said dramatically, placing a hand over his chest.
“Sure, sure,” Jude said, raising his glass. “To Vini’s soul and his questionable poker tactics.”
Rodrygo joined in, lifting his own glass. “To friends who know too much. Even if we don’t see each other as much as we used to, it doesn’t change anything. We pick up right where we left off.”
Cama, who had been quiet for a while, finally spoke up. “That’s what makes it special, isn’t it? We’ve all got our own lives now—families, everything—but we always find our way back to each other.” And everyone pretended not to see him looking at the space to his right, like he expected a certain someone to be here, just like he used to.
Vini added after a pregnant pause. “It’s not about how often we see each other. It’s about knowing we’re always here when it counts.”
Jude raised his glass one last time. “To family, then. The one we’re born into and the one we choose.”
They clinked their glasses together, the sound of crystal meeting crystal a quiet affirmation of their shared history and unshakable bond.
By the time they got home and managed to put their babies to bed, Jude was exhausted. He finally let himself collapse onto the sofa. The day had been long, exhausting in the best way, and now that both Aura and Nic were fast asleep in their beds, he could breathe.
He sank deeper into the cushions, his belly full of delicious food and his heart warm with joy. His mind drifted back through the highlights of the day, little moments that brought a smile to his face.
He thought of Aura perched in Trent’s lap during dinner, her little hands waving while Trent meticulously cut her food into tiny pieces and fed her between her babbles. Across the table, Nic was sitting on Vini’s lap, shoving food into his mouth with his hands while Vini encouraged him with playful enthusiasm. Rodrygo had looked on, appalled, muttering something about table manners, which only made Jude laugh.
Later, Jude had discovered bits of mashed potato in Nic’s hair.
Then there was the moment when Eduardo spun Aurelie around the room, dancing with her as she giggled uncontrollably. Jude had pulled out his phone to film it, capturing the way Eduardo’s wife stood off to the side, holding their baby and watching them with a fond smile. It had been a perfect snapshot of love and family, one that Jude knew Aurelien would appreciate.
He’d sent the video to Aurelien, along with a message: Your boy is happy. Thought you’d want to see.
Aurelien’s reply had come quickly: They are all so beautiful ❤️ Thank you .
Jude had no doubt he meant it. It was one of the things that never ceased to amaze him, Aurelien's ability to love Eduardo so unconditionally, even from a distance. For Aurelien, Eduardo’s happiness had always been enough. Jude marveled at the quiet strength of that love, even as it made his heart ache a little.
The evening had been filled with a cacophony of sounds—laughter, music, the chatter of multiple languages blending into one warm melody. Now, though, the silence was a welcome reprieve. Jude closed his eyes, basking in the stillness, until it was broken by the sound of someone flopping onto the sofa beside him.
Trent let out an exaggerated groan, rubbing his exposed belly. “I’m gonna have a food coma,” he muttered, patting his stomach a couple of times. “Say goodbye to my abs.”
Jude chuckled, turning his head to look at him. “Baby, hate to break it to you, but I already said goodbye to your abs some time ago.”
Trent gasped in mock offense, swatting at Jude. “Oy! I’m a dad. I’m allowed to have a dad bod now.”
Jude caught Trent’s wrist, pulling him closer. “Fine by me,” he murmured, leaning in for a kiss.
The kiss was soft, lazy, the kind that spoke of comfort and familiarity. When they broke apart, Jude nuzzled into Trent’s neck, breathing him in and letting the warmth of his husband’s presence wash over him. They stayed like that for a moment, content in their little bubble of quiet intimacy.
“Oh, I remembered something,” Trent said suddenly, pulling back just enough to look at Jude. “Adidas reached out—they want us for a new special collection. But here’s the twist: they want Nic and Aura to be part of it, too. Photoshoot and everything.”
Jude raised an eyebrow. “Nic and Aura? Did you say yes?”
Trent shook his head. “Told them I’d think about it. But,” he hesitated, “I was thinking... maybe if we give the public a little something, like an official photoshoot, people will stop trying to sneak photos of the kids whenever we’re out. You know, give them what they want on our terms.”
Jude considered it for a moment. “You might be right,” he admitted. “If we control the narrative a bit, it could take some of the pressure off. And at least this way, it’s in a safe, professional setting.”
Trent nodded. “Exactly.”
“Alright,” Jude said. “Let’s do it. And maybe latter, I’ll post some of the pictures as Christmas photos or something. Like that one of you lying under the tree with both kids on top of you—”
Before Jude could finish, Trent suddenly shifted, climbing onto his lap with a mischievous grin.
“And what are you doing?” Jude asked, laughing as he instinctively wrapped his arms around Trent’s waist.
“Trying to shut you up,” Trent said with a smirk, leaning down to capture Jude’s lips in a kiss.
Jude didn’t mind one bit. Making out with his husband on their sofa like a couple of teenagers sounded pretty good to him. The stress of the day melted away as their kiss deepened, Trent’s hands sliding up to cup Jude’s jaw. Jude felt the familiar warmth spreading through his chest, that same spark that had been there since the beginning.
When Trent shifted slightly, grinding down against him, Jude let out a low hum of approval. His hands moved south, gripping Trent’s ass and kneading the firm muscle beneath his palms. It was a perfect fit, like always.
“Is it normal,” Jude murmured between kisses, “to still be this in love with someone after... how many years now?”
Trent pulled back just enough to catch his breath, his lips quirking into a grin. “I think it’s 18.”
“Damn,” Jude muttered, pressing his mouth against Trent’s again. “Too long.”
Trent chuckled against his lips, his voice low and teasing. “Definitely too long. But how about we take this to the bedroom? Even if I’m full, I’m still up for dessert.”
Jude’s heart stuttered, a slow smile spreading across his face. How could he say no to that? “Dessert, huh?” he murmured, his eyes sparkling.
Trent nodded, his grin turning wicked. “Yeah. Something sweet to end the night.”
Jude let out a soft laugh, already imagining the way this would go. He was more than up for a little dessert himself. Who knew watching your husband be an incredible father all day could be such a turn-on?
Without another word, Jude tightened his grip on Trent and stood, carrying him toward their bedroom. Trent laughed, wrapping his arms and legs tighter around Jude.
“Careful, Bellingham. You’ll strain something,” Trent teased.
“Not a chance,” Jude replied, his voice full of affection. “For you? I’ll risk it.”
The door clicked shut behind them, and the rest of the world faded away.
The next morning, Jude scrolled through his camera roll, fingers hovering over the photos from the past few days. For years, they had been careful about what they shared publicly—small glimpses, never too much. But this time, Jude felt like giving the world more.
He carefully selected a series of photos and a short video, capturing the warmth, chaos, and love that defined their lives.
First up: the flight to England. Jude passed out in the recliner, Nic and Aura tucked securely under each arm, their little faces pressed against his chest. Even in sleep, his arms held them protectively.
Next: Christmas morning. The kids were a blur of excitement, tearing through wrapping paper alongside Mark and Jobe. Nic wore a Santa hat that was far too big, while Aura proudly waved a new toy in the air.
Then there was the extended family photo at Trent’s parents’ house. His entire family squeezed onto the sofa, arms around each other, beaming at the camera.
At Vini’s party, Jude had snapped a chaotic photo of Nic on Vini’s lap, face and hands absolutely covered in cake. Vini was laughing so hard he could barely hold the napkin he was attempting to clean Nic with.
Another showed Cama taking a photo of Jude and Trent in front of Vini’s absurdly gaudy Christmas tree. Jude was mid-laugh, placing reindeer antlers on a grumpy-looking Trent’s head, while Trent gave him a look of mock betrayal.
The final gem was a short video from that very morning. The four of them snuggled together on the couch, all in their pajamas, watching cartoons. Jude filmed quietly as Trent and the kids stared at the screen, all three wearing the same concentrated expression while eating pudding.
For the caption, Jude went with: “You all wanted this—I delivered. Merry Christmas from our crew.”
He hit post and braced himself for the chaos.
The internet? Predictably, it lost its collective mind.
“JUDE BELLINGHAM DIDN’T JUST DROP A FAMILY PHOTO DUMP, HE DROPPED AN EMOTIONAL NUCLEAR BOMB.”
“Jude and Trent in front of Vini’s tree is the energy I want in my life. Grumpy Trent with antlers is everything.”
“Aura watching cartoons with that serious face is the funniest thing ever. She’s like, ‘This plot better slap.’”
“The way Jude looks at Trent like he invented love? Excuse me while I sob in the corner.”
“The way Trent and the kids were all watching cartoons with the SAME EXPRESSION. Genetics is wild.”
“Who let Jude put antlers on grumpy Trent’s head? That man suffered, and we thank him for it.”
A month later, Adidas finally released their highly anticipated campaign featuring the family. The internet was already primed, but nothing could’ve prepared them for the sheer heart-melting content that followed.
The campaign’s centerpiece was a stunning shot of Trent holding Aura high in the air, her tiny arms outstretched like she could touch the sky. Jude sat on a nearby sofa, looking up at Trent with an expression that could only be described as pure adoration. Nic was curled under Jude’s chin, his small hands clutching his dad’s sweater.
Other photos included, Jude tying Nic’s shoes while Trent helped Aura adjust her tiny jacket. A candid of Jude and Trent holding hands, their kids walking ahead of them, oblivious to the quiet affection between their parents.Aura sitting on Trent’s shoulders, giggling, while Nic stood on the gro und holding his dad’s hand, looking up at her in awe.
But the true gem was the behind-the-scenes video.
The footage showed a series of sweet, chaotic, and hilarious moments. Trent playfully chasing Nic around the set, Jude adjusting Trent’s collar between takes, and Aura giggling as the stylist tried to tame her curls.
The video’s highlight, however, came at the end. Nic appeared on screen, his little face smeared with something sticky. His outfit sported several stains.
Trent looked at him, half-laughing, half-exasperated. “Who let you eat this?”
Nic, without missing a beat, pointed dramatically and said, “Daddy.”
Trent turned around, shouting, “JUDE!” Then again, louder: “JUDE!”
Aura, watching from the sidelines, giggled. “Oh, oh, oh, Daddy bad.”
The video cut off there, leaving viewers in stitches.
“The Adidas campaign is beautiful, but that BTS video? I’M WHEEZING. Nic snitching, Aura calling Jude ‘bad’??? Comedy gold.”
“The way Jude casually fixes Trent’s collar in the BTS footage, like it’s second nature? I’m not crying, YOU ARE.”
“I was FINE until that BTS clip of Jude fixing Trent’s collar. WHY DO THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER LIKE THAT?”
“Trent yelling JUDE is my new ringtone. No, I’m not okay.”