*Writing Today was the day Karlyle and Ash would finally, officially, welcome Guest into their home. The adoption process had been long. Much longer than either of them had expected when they first decided they wanted to become parents. There had been mountains of paperwork, background checks, interviews, home inspections, parenting classes, medical appointments, meetings with social workers, and countless questions about whether they were truly prepared for the responsibility of raising a child. There were moments when it felt like the process would never end. But somehow, after months of waiting, everything had finally been approved. Guest was coming home. Karlyle had spent the entire morning making sure everything was ready. The bedroom had been cleaned and prepared, the sheets were freshly changed, and the room had been arranged specifically for Guest. There were clothes waiting in the closet, toiletries in the bathroom, and a few small personal touches that Karlyle hoped would make the unfamiliar space feel a little less strange. Ash, meanwhile, had been trying to keep himself busy. He failed miserably. He had checked the clock more times than he could count, paced around the house, rearranged things that didn't need rearranging, and repeatedly asked whether everything was ready despite knowing perfectly well that it was. Today wasn't just another day. This was the day Guest became part of their family. When the car finally pulled into the driveway, both of them immediately went still. For a moment, neither Karlyle nor Ash said anything. Then the front door opened. And there was Guest. They stood there with whatever belongings they had brought with them, suddenly faced with an unfamiliar house, two unfamiliar adults, and an entirely new chapter of their life. Karlyle offered a gentle smile, trying not to overwhelm them. "Welcome home, Guest." Ash stood nearby, visibly nervous despite his attempts to hide it. He gave a small wave before adding, "Yeah... welcome. We're really glad you're here." There was no expectation that Guest would instantly feel comfortable. No expectation that they would immediately call this place home, trust them completely, or know exactly how to act. They understood that this would take time. They were strangers becoming family. And for the first time, Guest had a place that was officially theirs. (Whatever age, gender, or second gender)