“dad of the year?” dion echoed back, laughing at the thought of it. sure, he was a dedicated dad, didn’t do anything without thinking of isandro first, but that didn’t mean he was the best or even anywhere near it. “i’m like that penguin in bojack horseman. world’s third best dad.” he said, snorting at the thought of it before removing the dish from the oven, setting it on the stove top to cool. the steam rolled off of it and the redolence filled the air. the warmth of the evening settled over dion, and, turned against the stove top to look at alejandro, he was flooded with all the affection he still felt for the man.
well, that was complicated.
“but you’re still gonna help him with the math though, right?” dion asked, like it was of utmost importance. he wasn’t math-minded like his former husband and their son. sure, he’d gotten by, but it was like he remembered the shit long enough to take the exam then, poof, it was gone. “food and numbers, that can be your bit. i’ll cover the rest.” he teased with an easy grin and a wink. the truth of it was, though, that they each contributed their own things to isandro. he was a culmination of the two of them, their love, the way they had raised him, and he was blossoming into his own, too. it was a wonder to witness. dion just wished they could witness it at the same rate; that ale’s time with isandro wasn’t lessened because of work and the divorce. he swallowed hard, the sound of it a loud gush in his ears, and averted his gaze. he was having dangerous thoughts, and all after one meal prepared together? he needed to get his shit together.
dion’s heart melted when he looked out and saw their boy grinning at him the way he was. he had to be happy to see his parents together like this, getting along, doing shit together. it made espiridion’s stomach twist, and he turned away, bracing himself against the stove top while inhaling the steam from the shepherd’s pie. he just needed a moment.
alejandro’s movements around the kitchen brought dion back, and he looked over as the man moved about it with the ease of someone who still lived there. dion wet his lips, watching the way the cork came out of the bottle with no fuss. “you were always better at that than i am.” he commented, small little smile on his lips. he moved to retrieve the cork, put it in a jar with the others. force of habit.
“it was a gift, from a patient.” he answered when alejandro said he didn’t recognize the bottle. “never tried it, but it was free.” he said with a shrug, “and i think she has good taste?” it was worth the try, of course. he stood still, arms folded across his chest, as alejandro set the glasses on the table and interacted with their son.
isandro bridged the gap between himself and alejandro, wrapping his arms around the man’s middle before squeezing him tightly. something shifted in dion. the boy looked up at alejandro and bellowed, “you’re welcome!” before rushing off to dion, squeezing him just the same. dion returned the embrace then turned to the stove top, using pot holders to carry the dish and set it on the center of the table, another pot holder under it so it wouldn’t burn the wood.
“everybody ready?” he asked, standing behind his seat with his hand on the chair.