The muffled sound of Kikki's cries drifted into the living room, interrupting the comfortable quiet Dean and Lucas had settled into. Dean rose immediately, his instincts kicking in. He glanced over his shoulder at Lucas, who stood as well, curiosity lighting his features as he trailed after Dean into Kikki's room.
Inside, Kikki lay in his crib, rubbing his eyes with tiny fists, his face flushed and tear-streaked. Dean scooped the toddler up, bouncing him gently and murmuring soft words until Kikki's cries faded into soft hiccups. Once the toddler settled, Dean glanced at Lucas, who was observing the scene with a warm, almost tender smile.
"Kikki, this is Uncle Lucas," Dean said softly, introducing the man to the drowsy child. Kikki blinked up at Lucas with wide, curious eyes, his thumb finding its way to his mouth as he stared. He didn't have many words yet, but he gave Lucas a tentative nod, his gaze clinging to the newcomer with the guarded interest typical of a child his age.
Lucas chuckled, reaching out to gently touch Kikki's tiny hand, which Kikki responded to with a shy grip. The moment was unexpectedly sweet, and Dean felt a surprising warmth watching Lucas interact with Kikki. For all his initial wariness, Lucas had an easy charm that made the room feel oddly complete.
But the peace was short-lived. The doorbell rang again, and Dean gave Lucas an apologetic nod, passing Kikki over with a murmured, "Hold him for a moment; I'll see who it is."
He made his way back down the hall, wondering if it could be a delivery this time. But as he pulled the door open, his eyes widened in surprise to find Alex standing there, looking uncharacteristically worn. The usual sharpness in his eyes was softened by exhaustion, and his shoulders drooped slightly, his entire frame seeming weighed down.
"Alex," Dean greeted, surprised. "You're back early. Is everything alright?"
Instead of answering, Alex stepped forward, his eyes briefly scanning the living room before they returned to Dean, a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze. Then, in a gesture that surprised Dean completely, Alex wrapped his arms around him in a tight hug. Dean's heart lurched, his breath catching as he froze for a moment. He wasn't used to Alex being so… vulnerable.
Alex's arms were warm and firm, grounding, and Dean felt an instinctual tug to comfort him. His hand rose almost on its own, gently smoothing over Alex's hair as he whispered, "What happened?"
Alex lifted his head, his gaze meeting Dean's for a split second before he buried his face against Dean's shoulder, pulling him closer. His grip was gentle but secure, and Dean found himself uncharacteristically flustered by the closeness. It wasn't the type of embrace one would expect from a boss—it was softer, more personal, like Alex needed someone to hold onto, and for whatever reason, Dean was that someone.
But just as he was beginning to register the scene unfolding, the sound of a cough reminded him they weren't alone. His eyes darted to the side, and suddenly, reality crashed back down. Lucas was still in the house, holding Kikki, watching them with an expression of polite discomfort mixed with interest.
Dean instinctively pushed Alex back, his face flushed. "Uh, Alex, Lucas is here," he managed to stammer, his voice faint with embarrassment.
Alex's eyes hardened immediately. He turned sharply, his gaze zeroing in on Lucas as he stepped forward, reaching out to take Kikki from him with a protective air. His expression was guarded, his eyes narrowing as he held his son close to his chest.
"What are you doing here?" he asked Lucas, his tone cold and firm, a complete shift from the vulnerable person who had been in Dean's arms just moments ago.
Lucas held up his hands in a show of peace, smiling slightly. "I just came to see my old friend and meet his son," he said calmly, though his gaze flickered with amusement at Alex's reaction.
"Stay away from my child," Alex replied sharply, his voice dropping to a protective edge. Dean's pulse quickened, worry flickering in his chest. Had he made a mistake letting Lucas into the house? He felt a sudden urge to explain, to somehow ease the tension that had sprung up.
But Alex wasn't done. He turned back to Dean, his gaze sharp. "Why did you let him in?"
"I...I just..." Dean didn't know what to say.
" Stop scolding that pretty body. He don't even know what's going on here." Lucas smiled as he walked towards Dean.
He turned to Alex and continued, " before I was only interested in my son, kikki, but now I want this pretty boy too." Lucas chuckled as he gently touched Dean's cheek.