Chapter Text
“Come on, Leo,” Dimitri called out, glancing at his watch, “The park closes in an hour.”
The park actually closed in an hour and a half , but it was worth fudging the time to light a fire under Leo. Dimitri could hear things being thrown around in Leo’s room and was about to see what was up when Leo finally appeared in the doorway. Everything appeared to be in order: his blue polo shirt was buttoned up, and his backpack fit snugly. Then Dimitri looked down at Leo’s feet and saw he had only one shoe—and it was untied, no less.
“Daddy, I can’t find my shoe,” Leo practically teared up. Dimitri softened at the sight of his 5-year-old in tears. He ruffled Leo’s shoulder-length hair.
“Let me see if I can find it,” Dimitri said, heading toward Leo’s room. The room had become a battleground in Leo’s search for his missing shoe: toys strewn everywhere, and other shoes that weren’t his favorites tossed aside. Immediately, Dimitri checked under Leo’s bed—a place that Leo always seemed to forget to check. Sure enough, Leo’s shoe was there, waiting. Leo beamed when Dimitri found it. He scrambled onto his bed and held his foot out.
“You’re big enough to put on your shoe,” Dimitri teased, grasping his little foot gently, already intent on putting it on.
“Yeah, but you do it better…” Leo whined, “and I still get confused about the bunny tails…”
“Bunny ears,” Dimitri corrected with a chuckle. A moment later, Leo’s shoe was tied and ready to go. “You have everything you need?”
Leo nodded and hopped off the bed, “Let’s go, Daddy!”
Dimitri held Leo’s hand as they entered the park. Leo skipped happily, and Dimitri knew that Leo was moments away from dashing off.
“Hold on, Leo. Sunblock first,” Dimitri said, reaching into Leo’s backpack. He placed a generous amount of sunblock into his hands before rubbing Leo’s small face, ensuring every inch was covered. Leo puffed his cheeks, knowing that complaining would only make it worse. As soon as Dimitri was satisfied, he kissed Leo’s forehead. “Alright. Go have fun.”
Leo beamed and handed over his backpack before running to the playground. Dimitr found a bench and watched with amusement as Leo bounced all over the place, startling the other kids who were playing. Dimitri looked around, taking note of the parents who were nearby. Mostly mothers, with the exception of a man across the playground. He was alone, and Dimitri wondered if he was a single father as well or if it was merely his turn to take his kid out. Dimitri returned his attention to Leo.
Leo was approaching a small boy who was all alone shoveling sand. Dimitri could make out unruly brown hair and a timid personality. Leo sat beside the boy and spoke for a while. Soon enough, Leo was taking the small boy’s hand and taking him to the jungle gym. Dimitri couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Leo had a kind heart—one that he inherited from his mother. Dimitri watched as Leo slowly helped the small boy come out of his shell.
“I’m guessing that’s your kid,” came a voice. Dimitri looked up and saw the man he had spotted earlier. He was practically the spitting image of the boy Leo was playing with, though his hair was a little longer, and Dimitri could finally make out their eye color: an emerald green.
“Yes. That’s Leo,” Dimitri smiled, “and I’m assuming the boy Leo is playing with is yours?”
“Yup. Henry’s a shy boy, usually takes him a while to warm up to strangers,” The man said, mirroring Dimitri’s smile, “But it looks like they’re getting along just fine. I’m Claude, by the way.”
“Dimitri,” Dimitri said, offering his hand. Claude took it, his face twitching with a slight wince.
“Firm handshake you got there.”
“Ah, my apologies,” Dimitri said, embarrassed, “Sometimes I forget my own strength…”
“Don’t worry about it. Like my father always says, the firmer the handshake the better,” Claude laughed, “Mind if I joined you?”
“Not at all,” Dimitri said, making room. Claude sat beside him and for a moment they watched their children play.
“So is there a missus around or are you a single father too?” Claude asked, and Dimitri swore he saw a hint of mischief, “I noticed a lack of ring, hope I’m not being too nosy.”
Dimitri glanced at Claude’s finger, also noticing that it was empty. He had a ring, tucked safely in a drawer next to his bed.
“Leo’s mother died during childbirth,” Dimitri said softly, glancing at Leo.
Claude’s expression faltered, “Oh…I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to be tactless.”
“Don’t worry, it’s alright,” Dimitri reassured him, “So, you’re a single father as well?”
“Yeah. I actually went the surrogacy route,” Claude said.
“Really?” Dimitri said, surprised.
“I know, a little odd for someone as young as me. But I wanted a kid and didn’t want to wait around for the perfect partner, you know? And now my parents can’t complain about wanting grandkids,” Claude chuckled.
“It’s ambitious,” Dimitri said, “But certainly impressive. Is it difficult, even though you chose it?”
“It can be, as I’m sure you’re aware. But it’s worth it, wouldn't you agree?” Claude grinned, waving at an approaching Henry and Leo.
As the two boys got closer, Dimitri noticed a clumsily made braid on Leo, an adorable attempt to match Henry’s sturdy one.
“What’s this?” Dimitri asked, touching the small braid.
“Henry braided my hair so we can match,” Leo beamed proudly.
“I’m not as good as Papa…” Henry blushed, tugging on a loose thread on his sleeve.
“What? It’s perfect, Henry. You’re practically twins,” Claude ruffled Henry’s hair, which only made Henry blush more.
“Daddy I’m hungry,” Leo said, tugging on Dimitri’s pants. Dimitri glanced at the time.
“I suppose we should probably get going. The park’s about to close anyway.”
“Can Henry have dinner with us?” Leo asked.
“Not today, sweetie. But…” Dimitri looked over at Claude, “Perhaps we can arrange a future playdate?”
“I was just about to suggest the same thing,” Claude grinned, “Would you like that, Henry?”
Henry shyly nodded, and Dimitri exchanged numbers with Claude.
“It was really nice meeting you, Claude,” Dimitri said.
“Same here. I’m glad Henry managed to make a friend,” Claude said.
The two boys waved at each other as they went their separate ways, hoping to meet again soon.