That earned a bright clap and a wiggle of excitement.
Easton took his time choosing the outfit and settled on something bright and cheerful, with a white and yellow striped Henley and denim overalls, the straps snug over Darian’s chest. He added stripy socks in white with cheerful blue and yellow bands that reached to mid calves, then knelt to lace up the pair of dark brown Doc Martens, the kind with yellow stitching and sturdy soles.
One last look. Perfect.
He pressed a chaste kiss to Darian’s forehead. “Ready?”
Danny nodded, slipping his hand into Easton’s without hesitation.
Together, they left the apartment and stepped into the bright hallway beyond, their steps light as they made their way toward the tunnels.
Easton picked the booth tucked into the farthest corner of the cafeteria, away from the foot traffic and casual noise of dinnertime chaos. It was cozy and quiet, and when Danny climbed in, he let his feet dangle and swing beneath the table, his Docs thudding lightly against the vinyl seat. He didn’t even mind that he couldn’t see much of the rest of the room. Easton was across from him, and that was enough.
“Stay put, little man,” Easton said with a wink. “I’ll be right back.”
Danny nodded and watched him go, chest swelling with something warm and bubbling like soda. He liked watching Easton move. His stride was confident and purposeful, like he was always sure of himself even when he was carrying a tray of food and balancing three dipping sauces.
“Got all your favorites,” Easton said as he returned, setting the tray down with a satisfied grin. “And yeah… salad too.”
The fries were golden and crisp, still steaming from the fryer. The nuggets looked exactly how Danny liked them. He perked up immediately but paused when Easton pushed a small bowl of salad toward him, placing the fork in so it stuck out like a dare.
Danny wrinkled his nose and eyed the green stuff suspiciously.
Easton raised a brow. “Don’t even try it. You’re gonna eat at least a few bites. I know you, mister.”
Grumbling under his breath, Danny stabbed into the pile of lettuce and chewed like it was punishment. Darian liked salads, he really did, but Danny? Danny wanted chicken nuggets, fries, and maybe three scoops of ice cream. Vegetables weren’t part of the fantasy. Still, when Easton gave him a low, rumbling “Good boy,” his whole body lit up like someone had flipped a switch. His spine straightened. His chest puffed. He took another bite, not because it suddenly tasted like candy, but because the praise was worth it and did taste sweet.
Easton reached across the table and took one of Danny’s nuggets, dipping it into the ketchup before offering it back. Danny leaned in and took the bite from his Daddy’s fingers, eyes fluttering closed just a little at the sweetness from the sauce and crisp heat… and the way Easton’s touch lingered, brushing along the corner of his mouth with the pad of his thumb.
By the time Danny finished all of his dinner, his belly was pleasantly full, the plug wasn’t bugging him anymore, and his heart was happy.
When a towering swirl of vanilla soft serve topped with chocolate sauce and rainbow sprinkles arrived, Danny made a happy noise and grabbed it like it was a treasure. He licked a streak off one side, then another, the sugary cream coating his tongue. The treat was cold and rich and perfect.
“You’re getting it everywhere,” Easton muttered, swiping at his cheek.
He gave Daddy a wide smile and offered him a taste.
Easton laughed. “I’ll stick to my cappuccino.”
After Danny had finished his ice cream, Daddy rose and held out his hand. “Come on, messy pup. Let’s clean you up.”
Easton guided him inside one of the big restrooms. He wet a paper towel under the faucet and knelt, gently cleaning Danny’s hands and face, with a calm patience and a touch that made him feel precious.
Then Easton’s hand moved lower, to his backside, cupping the curve of it through his denims.
“Still okay with the plug, babyboy?”
Danny’s cheeks flared with heat, and he shifted on his feet. “It’s okay, Daddy.”
“You want me to take it out?”
“Here?” His voice jumped in pitch. “Nooo!”
Easton chuckled and kissed the tip of his nose. “Didn’t think so. You ready to go play?”
Danny’s embarrassment melted instantly. “Yes, Daddy!”
They headed toward the play area, and the moment they stepped inside, Danny was off like a shot. Blake was already in the bouncy castle, launching himself into midair like a lunatic. Danny scrambled up to join him, the springy surface catching every leap and sending it higher. He giggled, tumbled and rolled, egging his friend on.
