Lucien and Aiden pulled into the driveway just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The house lights were already on, casting a warm glow through the windows.
Aiden stepped out of the car and walked up the steps, entering the familiar warmth of home. He glanced around the living room, expecting to hear Asher's voice or see him waiting by the kitchen counter.
But the house was quiet.
One of the house staff stepped forward and gave a small bow.
Servant: "Good evening, Mr. Aiden."
Aiden: "Good evening. Where's Asher?"
Servant: "Mr. Asher hasn't come home yet."
Aiden's smile faded just slightly. Behind him, Lucien stepped in and sank into the sofa, tired from the day. He loosened his tie and checked his phone with a furrowed brow. With a sigh, he tapped on Asher's contact and made a call.
Aiden, feeling sticky from the day, quietly made his way to his room. He took a quick shower, steam fogging up the mirror, and changed into clean shorts. Still drying his hair with a towel, he stood by his bed and scrolled through messages on his phone.
He hadn't even noticed the door open behind him.
Two soft hands suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind.
Aiden (startled): "Ah—!"
Asher (gently): "Hello, little Aiden."
Aiden relaxed at the familiar voice, his lips curving into a smile.
Aiden (turning around): "Asher… when did you get back?"
Asher: "Just now."
He looked at Aiden with that signature soft gaze, brushing a damp strand of Aiden's hair behind his ear.
Asher: "I'm sorry I'm late. I had to attend an urgent meeting."
Aiden: "It's okay."
Asher (smiling): "Give me five minutes to shower, then we'll eat dinner together, okay?"
Aiden (nodding): "Okay."
Asher's gaze dropped for a moment. His eyes lingered—just a second too long—on Aiden's bare chest, his smooth skin still dewy from the shower, soft pink nipples slightly visible in the dim light.
Aiden tilted his head, confused by the sudden silence.
Just then, a deeper voice cut through the room.
Lucien (from the doorway): "Put on a shirt, Aiden. You'll catch a cold."
Aiden flinched slightly and nodded.
Aiden: "Okay."
He grabbed the nearest tee and pulled it over his head.
Asher turned to see Lucien leaning against the doorframe, expression unreadable.
Asher (casually): "I'll go shower now."
Without waiting for a response, he left the room, leaving a subtle tension behind.
Lucien's eyes stayed on Aiden for a moment longer—something unreadable in his gaze—as Aiden finished pulling the hem of the shirt down.
Later that evening, the three of them sat together at the dining table, the warm glow of the chandelier casting soft shadows across their faces. The clinking of cutlery was the only sound for a while, the atmosphere calm and peaceful.
Asher (lightly teasing): "So... how was your day, little baby?"
Aiden looked up briefly, then smiled faintly.
Aiden: "It was good."
But his eyes quickly dropped to his plate.
His mind wandered.
Julie's words from earlier kept echoing in his head.
> "You're grown up now."
"They're a married couple. They need private time."
"You sleep between them, seriously?"
He pushed a small piece of chicken with his fork, lost in thought.
Lucien, who hadn't looked at him until now, spoke in his usual calm tone.
Lucien: "Aiden... did you eat all your meals today?"
Aiden (nodding quietly): "Yes. I didn't skip."
Asher (smiling proudly): "Our Aiden is all grown up now."
Aiden's lips curved upward slightly, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
Grown up.
The words hung in the air like a quiet echo.
But if he was grown up now… why did everything suddenly feel more complicated?
After dinner, Aiden and Lucien made their way to the house's private movie theater. The room was dimly lit, the large screen already glowing with the movie preview. Aiden sank into the soft leather seat beside Lucien, pulling his knees up slightly as the lights dimmed.
A few moments later, Asher entered the room, carrying a large bowl of popcorn and a tray of late-night snacks—chips, cookies, and two soda cans balanced on top.
He settled into the seat on Aiden's other side, placing everything carefully between them.
The movie began.
Aiden's eyes stayed on the screen, calm and focused, but Asher leaned toward him with a playful whisper.
Asher: "It's not a horror movie, don't worry. I know you hate those."
Aiden (smiling softly): "Thanks, brother Asher."
Asher ruffled his hair gently with a grin.
Lucien, already relaxed in his seat, reached into the bowl of popcorn without hesitation.
Asher (fake offended): "Lucien! Those are mine!"
Lucien (chewing): "Nope. Now they're mine."
Asher (laughing): "Lucien!"
Lucien simply gave him a teasing smirk, clearly enjoying the reaction.
Aiden giggled under his breath.
Aiden: "Asher, you can eat mine if you want."
Asher turned to look at him, slightly surprised by the offer.
Without a word, he reached out and gently held Aiden's hand.
Asher (softly): "You're the only one who really cares about me."
Aiden's cheeks warmed as he smiled, fingers resting lightly in Asher's.
Lucien's eyes shifted for a brief moment, watching their hands.
But he didn't say anything.
The midnight movie came to an end.
The credits rolled slowly across the screen, soft music humming in the background. Aiden's head rested gently on Lucien's shoulder, eyes half-lidded with sleep. Asher still held his hand, thumb brushing over his knuckles absentmindedly.
Aiden stretched his arms with a soft yawn.
Aiden (sleepy): "I'm sleepy..."
Lucien patted his head gently.
Lucien: "Let's go to bed."
Asher stood up, stretching his back with a grin.
Asher: "Come on, then."
Aiden got to his feet too and smiled.
Aiden: "Good night."
He turned and walked toward his own room.
Asher's eyes narrowed slightly. His smile faded. He followed after Aiden, voice low and serious.
Asher: "Aiden... where are you going?"
Aiden turned around, blinking in confusion.
Aiden: "To bed."
Asher (soft but firm): "I know... but why in here?"
Aiden hesitated, lowering his gaze.
Aiden: "I was just thinking... now that I'm grown up, I should sleep in my own room."
Asher's expression shifted—soft worry, sharp surprise.
Asher: "Who told you that?"
Aiden (quietly): "No one. I just... thought it myself."
Asher stared at him, lips parting to speak—but before he could, Lucien entered the room.
Without a word, Lucien walked straight up to Aiden and scooped him into his arms.
Aiden (startled): "Lucien?! What are you doing?"
Lucien carried him with ease, walking back to the main bedroom.
He gently laid Aiden down on the bed, tucking him in like he had done years ago.
Lucien (calmly): "You're not grown up. Not for us. You're still our little Aiden."
He lay down beside him.
A moment later, Asher came in, smiling softly. He lay down on Aiden's other side and took his hand again.
Lucien wrapped a firm arm around Aiden's waist, pulling him close.
He patted Aiden's head.
Lucien: "Don't do this again."
Aiden (hesitant): "I just... I wanted to give you both some private time. I don't want to disturb you."
Asher leaned closer, his voice gentle but firm.
Asher: "Aiden... why would you think that? We're a family."
Aiden (softly): "I just..."
Lucien (interrupting): "Don't think too much. Just sleep."
Aiden looked at both of them, eyes wide and full of warmth. He smiled, finally allowing himself to relax.
He closed his eyes, nestled safely between them.
Aiden (in his heart):
I really am lucky... to be loved like this.