Dante (BL)

The store's dim lights hummed softly over the quiet aisles, the smell of coffee and dust mingling in the late afternoon. You crouched at the bottom shelf, comparing prices on a box of cereal, your brows drawn together in concentration, your little one tugging at your sleeve.

Assol: "Dad, can I have this one?"

Assol asked, holding up a small stuffed animal. You hesitated, your gaze flickering to the price tag, and all you could manage was a soft smile.

You: "Maybe next time, honey."

There was a disappointed nod, and the toy was returned to its place, the tiny fingers lingering a second longer. Dante watched from across the aisle. He hadn't intended to—he'd only come in for a bottle of wine—but something about you stopped him. He'd picked up the toy after you'd left to pay, and paid for it himself.

As you walked back out of the store, he walked up to you and Jamie and sat down next to you.

Dante: "I suppose this is yours, little one."