The soft morning light spilled through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow across the bedroom. Asher stirred awake first. He sat up slowly, stretching his arms and shoulders with a quiet yawn.
His eyes drifted to the sight beside him.
Aiden was still sound asleep, curled gently under the covers. Lucien lay next to him, one arm protectively wrapped around the boy's waist, holding him close even in sleep.
Asher smiled at the peaceful image. Quietly, he leaned over and brushed his fingers across Aiden's soft cheek.
Asher (whispering): "You're grown up now… Aiden."
His eyes dropped, lingering on Aiden's parted pink lips. Something stirred inside him—something deep and impossible to ignore.
Before he could stop himself, Asher leaned in closer, lips barely a breath away from touching Aiden's—
A hand suddenly rose, blocking the space.
Lucien's.
Asher froze.
Lucien's eyes were open now, sharp and silent. He moved carefully so he wouldn't wake Aiden, but his stare never left Asher.
He sat up slowly.
Lucien (calm, cold): "What were you doing, Asher?"
Asher (smoothly): "I was just… checking his hair. There was something stuck."
Lucien stood without another word.
Lucien: "Come outside. I don't want to disturb his sleep."
Asher hesitated, then followed him out of the room.
---
They sat at the small round table in the garden. Morning breeze brushed gently through the trees as birds chirped in the distance.
Asher stretched again and leaned back in his chair casually.
Asher: "So? What did you want to talk about?"
Lucien turned toward him, gaze unreadable.
Lucien (flatly): "Why did you try to kiss him?"
Asher (smiling faintly): "Why can't I?"
Lucien: "It's not the right time."
Asher: "He's already nineteen, Lucien. If not now, then when?"
Lucien's jaw tensed slightly.
Lucien: "He still thinks of us as his brothers. Especially you."
Asher: "I know... but I can see it in his eyes. The way he looks at me. There's something there."
Lucien (firmly): "He loves us—yes. But like family. Not how you think."
Asher (sighing): "I can't help it anymore. Looking at him—he's so... warm. So soft. It's hard, Lucien. Waiting."
Lucien's voice dropped low.
Lucien: "And if you cross a line and break his trust? What then?"
Before Asher could answer, the sliding door creaked open behind them.
Aiden walked out, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
Aiden: "Good morning..."
Asher quickly shifted his expression, smiling like nothing had happened.
Asher: "Good morning, kid. When did you wake up?"
Aiden: "Just now."
Lucien (softly): "You should sleep more. It's still early."
Aiden shook his head and sat down at the table with them.
Aiden: "I'm okay. I just feel a little stiff... my neck's sore."
He rolled his neck gently and winced.
Asher immediately reached out and held his hand.
Asher (concerned): "Let me see. Did you cramp it?"
Aiden: "Yeah… I think I slept weird."
Asher: "Come inside. I'll get some ointment."
He stood up and gently pulled Aiden by the hand, guiding him back into the house.
Lucien stayed seated, his eyes following them quietly—expression unreadable.
Inside the bedroom, Asher sat behind Aiden, gently applying ointment to his neck with his fingers. His touch was soft, careful, lingering just a little longer than needed.
Aiden (smiling): "Thanks, Asher."
Asher (quietly): "You don't need to thank me. Just... don't sleep like that again, alright?"
Aiden (nodding): "Okay."
A little later, the three of them sat together at the breakfast table. Sunlight poured in through the windows, the air filled with the scent of toast and coffee. Aiden ate peacefully, clearly in a good mood.
Lucien: "How's your neck now?"
Aiden: "It's better."
Lucien reached out and lightly traced his fingers over the side of Aiden's neck.
Aiden (giggling): "Ah—Lucien! That tickles!"
Lucien (smiling): "Still a little kid... ticklish as ever."
Aiden grinned, cheeks slightly pink.
Just then, Aiden's phone lit up. He picked it up quickly.
Aiden: "Hello?"
Jake (playfully): "Hey, kitten. Where are you?"
Aiden (laughing softly): "I'm at home."
Jake: "It's the weekend! Let's go to the club tonight. It's my friend's birthday party—come on, let's have some fun."
Aiden (smiling): "Okay, done."
Jake: "Cool. I'll pick you up this evening, alright?"
Aiden: "Alright, see you."
He ended the call and set his phone down, still smiling.
Lucien raised an eyebrow slightly.
Lucien: "So... you have plans with your friends?"
Aiden (nodding): "Ah—yep. Jake invited me to his friend's birthday party."
There was a brief pause.
Asher (calmly, but sharply): "Who's Jake?"
Aiden: "He's a friend. He transferred from another school recently."
Asher: "Hmm. I know your usual friends."
Aiden: "Yeah... he's new. We met just a few weeks ago."
Asher: "I see."
He said nothing more, but his eyes lingered on Aiden a little too long.
Inside, Asher felt something twist.
> Why does Aiden sound so free with him? So relaxed?
It's so hard to get close to him… but with Jake, he laughs like it's nothing.
Lucien glanced at Asher but didn't say anything.
He could see it clearly: Asher was jealous.