lauranceromeave

[lauranceromeave]

Limerence (a domestic danvis fanfiction)

Dante deals with the aftermath of KC’s death. Travis helps.

Words: 7222, Oneshot, Language: English

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Major Character Death (KC)

Categories: M/M, F/M

Relationships: Travis/Dante, Kawaii~Chan/Dante (past), Nicole/Dante (past), other minor ships

Additional Tags: hurt/comfort, angst, domestic

As Dante walks out of the room, Dmitri who had just been talking with Nicole immediately stands up and runs towards him, "Dad? Is- mom okay now?" Dante hears the hesitance in Dmitri's voice when he calls Kawaii~Chan mom. For a moment his gaze strays towards Nicole, he expects to find a hint of hurt in her expression, but she's only smiling as she strokes Nekoette's head to make sure that the little girl gets a good sleep for tonight. Dante knows that tonight will change his life in many ways, so he appreciates that Nicole is as kind and understanding as she always is. Still, he doesn't know how to break the news to his son, especially due to the fact that Dmtiri was finally warming up to the concept of being family. Dante knows that he sounds broken and hurt when he says it, but it's the best he's got right now, "She- she's safe Dimitri. She's not here, but she's safe." "Dad? Why are you-" Dmitri asks him with a concerned look, and it takes a while for Dante to realize that he's crying. Just as he's about to break down, as all the apologies and hurt caught up in his throat threatens to spill, Travis comes from somewhere behind him and kneels down in front of Dmitri. Travis' grip on Dmitri's shoulder is firm and reassuring, he speaks as gently as he can to the small boy, "Dmitri, your dad needs a little bit of time to himself, alright?" Dante hates that he has to see that distraught look on Dmitri's face. The boy might be young, but he is nothing short of smart, the reality of the situation might just be sinking in at that moment. Dmitri manages to nod anyway, he also lets Travis pull him into a comforting hug. Although Dmitri might not fully understand what's happening, seeing an adult cry is often unusual for children. Dante wants to be there for his children right now, but he's afraid that he can't really be much help, not when his mind is a whirlwind of pain. "Thank you Travis, Nicole," he bows his head slightly towards the two before he heads back into the room. Dante doesn't know how to deal with all of these things. After he and Nicole broke up, he found a new happiness in Kawaii~Chan and soon after, in Nekoette and the whole entirety of his perfect little family. It was all well for many years until one day he found out about Dmitri, in which he felt extremely guilty and upset that his son didn't have him while he was living happily with his new family. Everything worked out after that, Dmitri had become a new member of his lovely little family. Nicole who had always been a workaholic would visit every chance she had, Kawaii~Chan got along with her, and Dmitri had really started to look at Kawaii~Chan as his mother and Nekoette as his sister. Their family was not as common as others' but it was a happy one. It was a rainy night when he found out, Nekoette and Dmitri were fast asleep after a tiring day of school. Kawaii~Chan had asked Dante to come to the living room whenever he was done with his work. Dante did as he was told, he didn't know what to expect, but the unusually serious look on Kawaii~Chan's face was an indication that the talk was not going to be very pleasant. That night Dante found out that Kawaii~Chan was sick, she's suffering from the kind of sickness that only a miracle can heal. They tried to achieve that miracle, Kawaii~Chan stayed at the hospital for a long time and went through various medications, friends and family visited her every chance they had to support her. Alas, it was still not enough. Tonight at the hospital, after Kawaii~Chan went through a risky surgery, a risk they had no choice but to take, she passed away. Dante was beside her when she took her last breath, it was so peaceful and soft, as if she was just falling asleep. Dante has just reentered the room to see her again, the doctors and nurses who were surrounding her moments earlier no longer there. They knew to give him time to let the situation sink in, especially after he burst out of the room the moment when Kawaii~Chan was pronounced dead. Dante takes a seat beside Kawaii~Chan's lifeless form, tears streaming down his cheeks as he silently begs her to come back. Outside, Nekoette is sleeping on Nicole's lap, Dmitri safe in Travis' embrace, but in that room Dante realizes that he's all alone. # Her death hit everyone really hard, Dante more than anyone. Aphmau, Lucinda, Katelyn, Garroth, Laurance, Travis, Aaron, even Zane, they all had their own special connection with Kawaii~Chan, along with many more people who had known her. It was difficult for everyone to let her go, and not a single soul had stopped missing her presence since then. It took Dante all his might to explain to Dmitri and Nekoette about what had happened to their mother. The two were devastated, although being the children they are, they have yet to fully grasp the concept of death. Dante feels terrible that they had to experience something like this in such an early age. He can never forget how they cried for her at her funeral, how they told him that they miss her, how they still ask about her. For the following months, Nicole had decided to work from home to spend time with Dante, Dmitri, and Nekoette, to become moral support for all of them. Clearly, everyone else also helped their family to cope with the loss in their own way. Even so, eventually everyone had to go on with their life, Nicole became busy after a few months, all the work she had missed piling up on her desk. As the visits back to her office become more frequent, it becomes clearer to Dante that the presence of a mother is something truly important for children. Nicole apologized countless of times when she said that she'll be returning to her old schedule, but Dante thanked her instead, explaining how thankful he is that Nicole had been so understanding and helpful, how he can only imagine the amount of extra hours she has to spend at work now. Nicole left their house late at night, when the children were both fast asleep. After helping her move her stuff into the taxi, Dante bids her goodbye and walks back into the house. Immediately, the house feels incredibly… empty, emptier than it was already. There's a feeling tugging in his chest that he does not like, so he walks into the room Dmitri and Nekoette shares and simply basks in their presence, their innocent faces. For when he does this Dante remembers that he can't drown in sorrow forever, whether he can or can't, he has to be strong for his family, for his children. Moments later Dante goes to his room, he finds difficulty sleeping when he's so painfully aware of the empty side of the bed. As he drifts to sleep, he wonders if anyone could ever fill the emptiness. # Dante wakes up a bit too early that day, despite the lack of sleep he had the previous night. After he drinks his fix of coffee for the day, he decides to cook something for the children to bring for lunch to fill his time. He subconsciously starts preparing to make a bento, something Kawaii~Chan and him often made together for the children. He thought that after a good few months, he'd be able to do these kinds of things without being washed up by the memories of the past. Maybe it was easier because Nicole was around and she was a familiar presence. When he's alone like this, it's much more difficult to hold back the tears, after all, no-one would know if he cried alone. The ringing from his phone wakes him up from his thoughts, stunning him for a moment before he picks up his phone off the counter. There's a very particular kind of calmness that comes over Dante when he sees that Travis is the one calling. It takes him a while to figure out why in the world is Travis calling at this time of the morning, that is until he remembers that Travis has offered himself to pick up and take care of Dmitri and Nekoette today. It's no surprise that Dante is finding it difficult to balance work and taking care of children without Kawaii~Chan and Nicole around. He has to work and his friends do too, he's currently in the process of figuring out how to handle all of this but in the meantime, those who have more flexible schedules are being a ton of help for him. Dante spends a second too long to stare at his phone instead of answering the call. When he does, he hears Travis' voice fill the empty space in the kitchen, "Mornin' Dante, up already?" "Uh, yeah I guess. I'm making lunch for the kids to bring before I make breakfast, I kinda woke up too early today," Dante is kinda stunned by how… normal Travis' tone is, it gives Dante a sense of normality he misses, but he says none of this. There's a small pause where Dante thinks that Travis is nodding to himself, "Right then, I didn't call just to wake you up, I also wanted to ask you again, just to be sure. Uh, when do the kids get out of school again?" It makes Dante feel mildly amused to know that Travis has asked this question so many times ever since he offered to pick the kids up, a small smile tugs at Dante's lips, "They should be out at twelve Travis, I think you already know that." "I mean I do, but I don't want to mess up you know,” Travis speaks and Dante can feel the nervousness from the man on the other end of the line. "Look Travis, you're going to be fine, I appreciate that you're being careful, but there's no need to be so nervous," Dante can hear Travis let out a sigh after he finishes speaking. There's a brief silence where Dante can hear footsteps coming from Travis' end. He wonders who that might be, or could it be Travis' instead? It takes a while for Dante to connect the footsteps and the knocking on his door. At first he thinks that it couldn't be, but as he rushes towards the door he realizes that if it's Travis, his dumb and kind best friend who will do practically anything for those he loves, anything is possible. So when he does open the door, he's not too surprised to find Travis smiling at him with his usual sheepish smile. Dante can't help but to let out a small smile due to his best friend's ridiculous actions. Both Dante and Travis end the call and put their phones in their pockets. Dante looks at him and shakes his head in disbelief, "Why are you even here Travis?" "Ah- Breakfast?" Travis answers as he rubs the back of his neck, the sheepish smile still remaining on his face. "Well, come on in then. You better help me alright?” Dante turns around and heads back to the the kitchen. Travis nods despite the fact that Dante can't see him, he then shuts the door and trails behind him quietly. As soon as they get to the kitchen, Dante continues to make the bento he was working on. Even though Travis is just watching him cook silently, it feels much less lonely to have someone just be there. The silence becomes awkward after some time, which is very unusual for the lively pair they used to be. Dante can tell that Travis wants to start a conversation, but it seems that the latter just can't find a right topic to start on. "Hey Travis?" Travis immediately jolts up, somewhat expectant, "Yeah?" "Would you mind making some omelets for us?" Dante asks, his gaze doesn't leave the vegetables he's chopping. "Uh, no, not at all," Travis says as he scrambles towards the stove where Dante hands him four eggs and a couple of spices. The two cook peacefully, Travis' soft hums complimenting the ambience. After a while Dante is already closing the kids' lunch boxes while Travis pours milk into the kids' mugs. They both take a step back and lean on the counter, their expression content as they take a moment to admire their cooking. It has been a while since making breakfast felt this seamless for Dante. When Nicole was around, Dante wouldn't ever wake her up early as she was always tired after working late at night. Making breakfast used to be a wonderful start of day for him, but after KC's death, it feels more lonely than anything. Today the kitchen feels warmer and brighter with Travis around. Dante is more than glad that he has Travis to count on, without Travis around he'd be much more lonelier than he is now. Dante is so lost in thought that he doesn't notice Travis staring at him intently, an expression of concern and gladness apparent on his face. The kitchen is quiet for a while until the kids come out of their room, pajamas hanging off their small frames and hands rubbing their drowsy eyes. Their small feet take small steps into the kitchen and both Dmitri and Nekotte get themselves seated on the dining table. "Why is Uncle Travis here, dad?" Nekoette asks in between her yawns. "Your uncle right here decided that he wanted to have breakfast here," Dante answers calmly as he joins the children on the dining table. Travis follows his motion and as he sits down, he smiles at the children, "I wanted to help out your dad aaaand I also missed you two." Dmitri looks up right after he swallows a portion of his omelet, "Weren't you going to pick us up anyway?" "Twelve o'clock is all the way in the afternoon. I couldn't wait that long," Travis explains, the smile never leaving his face. Dmitri just nods innocently before focusing back on his omelet. All four of them eat peacefully as the kids are still too sleepy to be talkative this early in the morning. Nevertheless, Nekoette still makes cute comments about the food and Dmitri whines about drinking his milk. Dante just watches them calmly, a small relaxed smile gracing his face. Travis makes his usual silly retorts and statements, both entertaining and distracting the kids from eating breakfast. Sometimes Dante scolds them playfully, but for the most part he loves seeing his children laugh and smile too much to actually tell them to eat properly. After they finish breakfast, the day goes on as planned. Dante drives the kids to school and Travis decides that he should just hang around in a nearby cafe since his work shift doesn't start until the evening. Dante sticks around long enough to get Travis to buy him a cup of Frappuccino and he leaves as soon as Travis starts trying to make Dante buy him a breakfast pizza. He manages to escape to his car and Travis waves him goodbye shamelessly from where he sits. Dante can't help to wave back despite the fact that Travis can barely see him as he drives away. # A few months past and it's been rather bittersweet for Dante. Things haven’t exactly been great, but it’s not like it has been terrible. The kids seem to be handling things quite fine, so Dante has been willing to do everything to keep it that way. He can’t take all the credit for his family’s well-being. His friends and family has been great help to him, they all help whenever and however they can. Aphmau, despite being busy with her own children already, has often invited Dmitri and Nekoette to come over and play at hers (Aaron is busy most of the time, but he does what he can too). Katelyn takes care of them a lot, hence why the kids have been taking a liking to plays and they also seem to have acquired Katelyn’s taste in music. Garroth and Laurance help too sometimes, Dante gets worried because of how silly the two can get, but the kids seem to be happy around them, so he puts aside his worries eventually. His brother, Gene, is often busy, as is Nicole, but they both come over on the weekends a lot to talk to him and play with Nekoette and Dmitri. Their support really means a lot, especially with how his work has been recently. It wasn’t a good day in the office for him that night. Dante walks into his house, a tired expression prominent on his face and his back aching terribly. Despite how tired he is and how badly he wants to feel the softness of his bed under him, Dante wants to see his children much more. They are his motivation and inspiration to go through his often difficult days, he truly doesn’t know what to do without them. As soon as he gets to drop his bag in the living room, he walks towards his children’s room. The house is very quiet and so he tries to not make any sounds, that is until he sees a shadow in the kitchen and yelps subconsciously. He lets out a sigh of relief soon after, his relief is accompanied by sounds of laughter from the figure in the kitchen. Dante really doesn’t know how he managed to forget that Travis was the one taking care of them today and he fully regrets forgetting that fact. “You should’ve seen the look on your face Dante,” Travis is still laughing, the water from the glass he’s holding threatening to spill out. Dante rolls his eyes as he walks into the kitchen to get a glass of water for himself. He looks at Travis and shakes his head, wondering why in the world is he still laughing. One of the things he hates about Travis is the fact that he has a contagious laugh. Dante has given up and is smiling as he says, “Oh shut up Travis.” Travis looks at him, eyes bright, smile wide, and Dante is reminded just how lucky he is to have Travis as his best friend. Everyone has been helping him with his life, yes, but no one knows him the way Travis does. The past few months, he has only been thinking of his children and not of his own well-being. Everyone is more or less concerned, but no one reminds him to take care of himself as much as Travis does. He even knows when Dante is feeling weak or vulnerable, he also gives Dante a shoulder to cry on when he’s feeling like so. It also helps that the things he says are also the most heartwarming things that make Dante feel at peace with himself. “Dante? Hey Dante? What’re you looking at?” “Huh, what?” Dante asks, only just now snapping back into reality. Travis smiles at him, “You were smiling just now.” “Ah,” Dante smiles consciously this time, “I was just reminded of something nice I guess.” “You should do that more then,” Travis says cheerily, fingers tapping the edge of his glass. Dante tilts his head, confused, “What do you mean?” “Remind yourself about the nice things and all,” Travis shrugs and a part of Dante finds it funny that Travis is unconsciously reminding Dante to think of him more. Now that he thinks about it, it has been a while since he last felt the unsubtle emptiness that Kawaii~Chan left in his life, his heart. It doesn't mean that Dante doesn't feel heartbroken every time he thinks about her, it's just that he thought that his life would feel numb and senseless after her death. In reality, his children, his friends, they all bring color to his life more than he thought they would. Suddenly he's all sentimental and he just wants to tell everyone how much he appreciates and cares about them. He- He doesn't know what could've been if they hadn't been around to support him, especially Travis, his best friend, the best kind you can ask for. "I'll do that Travis, thank you," Dante places his glass on the table and pats Travis' shoulders with a smile. Travis seems to be a little shocked when he does that, but moments later he's grinning back at Dante. Moments like these are the ones that make Dante feel rejuvenated, to know that people around him are happy and so is he. He's been healing slowly but surely and Dante is glad that no one has told him that he's been healing too fast or too slow. He knows that he shouldn't make drastic changes in his life, he knows that what he needs to do is to focus on caring for his son and daughter. It really helps that everyone understands that. "The kids are sleeping already, right?" Dante says as he stands up, looking to go to his children's room. Travis nods, expression fond, "Yeah, they were extremely exhausted today." "Ah? Why is that?" Dante asks, since as far as he's aware it should've been a regular school day for the kids. "I took them swimming remember? I told you yesterday," Travis is smiling, but there's a slightly concerned look on his face. "You did?" Dante pauses, trying to remember, "Oh yeah, you did tell me, sorry." Travis looks fully concerned now, "Are you okay Dante? Haven't you been too tired recently?" "I'm fine Travis, I really am," Dante tries to give the most convincing smile he can, but Travis seems like he doesn't buy it. Dante knows that he isn't convinced. "Look Travis, it's all for the kids. All I want is for them to grow up the way they deserve to. I need to be able to fill the gap that their mother left in their life and provide for them. There's Nicole, and dont get me wrong, she loves them both, but she can't always be here and I-" Dante's voice is suddenly caught in his throat and he feels vulnerable. This time it's Travis who hold his shoulders, his grip firm and reassuring, "But Dante, you need to take care of yourself too. I'm sure Nekoette and Dmitri want you to he happy as well. Besides, we'll all be here for you. You will at least always have me." He ends his sentence with such a sincere and soft expressions that it makes Dante all teary. "I don't know what I'd do without you Travis," Dante laughs as he wipes the drop of tear from his eyes. "You'd be doing way too much, more than you can handle. It's why I'm here Dante," Travis laughs a little and his hands feel a bit warmer on Dante's shoulder. # A year has passed since then. Dante's life has been a mix of visits to KC's grave and family vacations, work and weekends, friends and family. His life isn't easy but everyone makes it seem easier. Katelyn brought up the idea of having movie nights with the kids every Saturday somewhere along the way. The kids love it, Dante thinks it helps him. That Saturday Travis joins Dante and his children, it's not nessecarily the first time it has happened. It's obvious that they'll have to watch family movies because of the kids, some of them are too childish for his liking but sometimes they're actually pretty good movies he enjoys. However, tonight's movie was not something he particularly likes, it's some dumb kids movie he doesn't even know the title of. The kids enjoy it somehow, they're pretty focused on the non-existent plot of the movie. It helps that Travis makes fun of the movie's dumbness in whispers and small chuckles that only Dante can hear. It makes the night move faster somehow, Dante just can't simply tolerate bad movies even if his children loves it. He was just starting to doze off when he hears Nekoette and Dmitri laugh so hard, it wakes him up completely. The characters are doing some random dance on the screen and he thinks it's absolutely ridiculous and cheap comedy. Still, when he hears his children laugh and Travis chuckling beside him, he just feels a burst of happiness from somewhere within him, resulting in a heartfelt laugh that took everyone's attention. Dante knows he hasn't laughed like this in a while, so freely and genuinely, hasn't felt truly happy and free. "Oh my god that's so stupid it's hilarious," he comments as soon as he gets all the laughter out of his system. "It wasn't that funny dad," Nekoette says, smiling up to Dante. Dante pretends to pout, as if he was upset that she said that. Dmitri chirps in before Dante can reply, "It was pretty funny though. Besides, I bet you're going to do that dance for the whole week." Dmitri snickers as Nekoette and him start throwing playful insults at eachother. Dante watches adoringly, at the same time making sure they don't say anything inappropriate. "I can't believe that you still have such a childish sense of humour Dante," Travis says, holding back his laughter. Dante punches Travis' shoulder playfully, "Oh shut up Travis, it's not like your sense of humour is any better." "Excuse me," Travis makes sure that he sounds extra sassy. Dante laughs again and Travis just takes time to look at him properly. Travis doesn't remember the last time Dante has laughed so freely and openly in front of him. It's something he has truly missed. He just wants to see Dante like this all the time, he just want to see Dante happy, he wants to make Dante happy. Travis doesn't know whether he can do that or not, but he has been trying and he will keep doing so. Dante finally stops laughing and the look he gives Travis is- it's tender and full of adoration, so much so that it makes Travis' heart go wild in his chest. He reminds himself to not get his hopes up. "You can make anything sound funny Travis, it's horrible," Dante shakes his head, his hands running through his already perfect hair. Travis longs to be able to touch Dante, to run his fingers through the other's hair. He doesn't, instead he retorts, "But you like it anyway, no?" "I do." # "Look, Travis you should stop sticking yourself in my business, in MY family's problem, okay?" Dante isn't playing around at all, his brows are furrowed, expression clearly displeased. Travis stands in silence near him, expression just as unpleasant. They both refuse to look at eachother, gazes always somewhere else. It started off as a small dispute about the children's schedule. Both Nekoette and Dmitri wants to get involved in more activities, in and out of school. Travis fully supports that, hence why he promised the two to talk to Dante about it. Unfortunately, Dante didn't take it too well. It's understandable, Dante doesn't see his children that much anyway due to his work. More activities in their schedule mean that they'll get more tired and in turn, less time with Dante. Dante rubs his temple, trying to calm himself down. "Just," he pauses, "Go home Travis. You're not making anything any better." "Dante, look, they-" "You're not helping anyone Travis, go," Dante says dismissively, not even sparing a glance. Travis has had enough of it, he's trying his best to help Dante, to care for his children, but this is the kind of treatment he gets? He knows that Dante must be tired from work, but he needs Dante to know that he has been sacrificing his time and energy too. As time goes by, these kinds of behaviour from Dante become increasingly worse as his work continues to pile up towards the end of the year. Travis may not understand, he has never really worked a desk job before, but it's no excuse to be dismissive of his efforts to care for Dante's family and Dante himself. For the first time in a really long time, Travis snaps. "Well, Dante, I'm sorry that I care so much about you and your children," Travis says sarcastically, his fists are clenched and shaking, "I can clearly see that I have not been helping at all, even after all this time I've been supporting you, not at all. Never in a million years have I ever made anything better, is that right?!" Dante grits his teeth when he hears what Travis has to say, "Why-why do you care so much anyway?" And with that, the last ounce of self control Travis had intact was gone, "Because I love you that's why! And I also care about the kids more than you probably realize and- " "You what?!" Dante immediately turns his head towards Travis, eyes wide, mouth hanging open. He's not even mad that Travis raised his voice when the children are asleep, he's just- bewildred, shocked. Travis looks away frantically, face reddening, "I- I what?" Dante also looks away, a blush creeping on his face, "How long?" "What?" Travis knows what Dante is asking about, but he asks again in attempt to avoid the impending question. Dante is reluctant to ask, "You… to me…?" He makes slight hand gestures when he speaks, trying his best to convey his meaning. "Why are you even asking me that? It doesn't matter, does it?" Travis says, still trying to avoid the question. "It does," Dante says in a serious but soft tone. Travis wants to know what kind of face Dante is making, but he can't bring himself to look. Travis stays silence for a while, but Dante doesn't say anything any further. He never thought that the confession he had thought of for so long would happen in the middle of a stupid fight. Travis knows that there's no getting out of this situation and so he gives in, "W-well I don't know then. Probably since highschool or maybe after Katelyn and I- you know, but I never really thought on it until much later." Dante doesn't say anything for a while and Travis becomes worried. Moments pass and he doesn't know how long it has been silent. Finally, he bring himself to look at Dante and he finds that Dante is covering his mouth with his hand, he looks devestated. Dante begins to shake his head and Travis panics internally, thinking that he has totally ruined everything that has been building up between him and Dante from all these years. Has he really ruined their friendship? Dante closes his eyes, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose, "You- you're an absolute idiot Travis, I'm telling you, an utter and absolute idiot." "What? Why am I an idiot?" Travis is now both confused and worried. "Why do you let me do this to you over and over again? Are you a masochist?" Dante asks, his voice thin. Travis shakes his head frantically, just utterly confused about what Dante is saying, "What? No! Why in the world-" "Why do you let me hurt you over and over again like this?" by now Travis realizes that Dante's half-sobbing as he speaks. "Wait, why are you the one crying?" Travis asks, puzzled. Nevertheless, he still comes closer to where Dante is sitting, worried about him, but he doesn't dare to touch the other. Dante takes a deep, shaky breath before he speaks at length, "Because I'm a shit person, that's why. First of all, I somehow never recognized how you felt about me. It has been like, what? Ten years? I was always your best friend, how the hell did I not know? Then I just get mad at you for taking care of me and the kids, instead of appreciating the help you've given us the past year. Why do you let me do this to you Travis? Why did you never tell me how much you were hurting because of me?" By the end of his long sentence, Dante's tearing up. The latter drops his head into his hands, covering the tears streaming down his face. Travis takes a step forward and spontaneously cups Dante's face, bringing it up to look at him, "No, no, Dante. It's not your fault, I never wanted you to know because I wanted you to- make your own choices, I didn't want to lose our friendship, and you were dating people most of the time anyway, so I held back. I though that- if we ever become a thing then it should be by your choice, you should choose me. Then you got married and I-I can't even feel sad when you're that happy. And I know you're tired Dante, I understand why you were mad. I should have chosen a better timing to tell you about all of that stuff with Dmitri and Nekoette. I'm sorry." "You- you're insane. Why are you the one apologizing? I'm the douchebag here, and you- you're way too kind and forgiving to me," Dante says, his expression is rather unclear, it's conflicted, somewhere between happiness and sadness. Travis is a bit taken aback, "Me? Insane? Isn't it normal for me to do so?" Dante starts to smile without meaning to, "It's not Travis," he whispers, "You should've told me." Travis is a bit dazed already, trying to comprehend what he's hearing. It's absolutely shocking when Dante pulls his collar down, levelling his face with the latter's. Travis' mind is a mess, his heart is threatening to burst out of his chest as it is too full of emotions. They just look at eachother for a brief second that feels like forever and Travis still can't comprehend what's happening. Dante flashes Travis a small smile and then it's fireworks and butterflies bursting within the two. The kiss wasn't too quick nor too slow, not too hungry nor too bland, simply put, it was perfect, it was all they could've asked for and more. They bask in eachother's need to feel and touch, the tension building between them since God knows when released in one perfect kiss. Neither wanted it to end but they ran out of breath eventually. "Wha-what was that for?" Travis asks, his breath a bit ragged, but his smile wide as he touches his lips, uncertain about what had just happened. Dante laughs, his eyes disappearing when he smiles, "Get a clue Sherlock. It matters to me that you like me." Travis didn't even know he could smile this wide. "Dante, I would've never-" he cuts his sentence short, searching for better words to say, "I thought- How?" "Look Travis, I- I have to admit that I have never really seriously considered dating you back when we were in highschool, or after that. As you said, for the most part I had other relationships and other things to worry about," Dante says and the smile on his face is a bit bittersweet now. He then takes Travis' hand, the gentle touch sending shivers down Travis' spine, "But over the last year, as you've helped me and the kids go through rough times, I've fallen in love with you. You and how caring you are. You and your silly efforts to cheer me up. You and your stupid smile that lights up the whole room. Everything about you Travis. You just- you have a place in this family, as you do in my heart. I- I can see a future where you are by my side, with the kids, us, a family." Now Travis is the one tearing up and Dante's expression is warm, "Welcome to the family Travis. I love you, and I'm sure the kids do too." Travis wipes his own tears, happiness bursting from within him and everything just seems wondrous, "I love you too Dante, I love Dmitri and Nekoette and I- I'm just- I'm just so happy to be a part of this. I- we- Oh Irene-" Travis' hand is joined by Dante's, the latter's hand gently caressing his cheeks, "You've been here all this time, for me, for the kids. Heck, now that I think about it, you were the one who got Dmitri to warm up to me. Without you, I don't know how'd things turn out. You are family." "Dante," Travis pauses and for a breathless moment the world stops moving and everything is simply perfect. He continues with a soft whisper, "I'm here and I'll always be here, that's what matters." "Dad? Uncle Travis?" Dmitri's voice startles both Travis and Dante. The two of them quickly erase the trail of tears remaining on their cheeks and try to look as calm and normal as they can. The two children come out from the shadows of the house and step into the kitchen. Nekoette blinks innocently at them when she speaks. She looks both confused and concerned, "Are you two fighting?" Dante's instincts tell him to immediately get rid of that look from Nekoette's face. Never in a million years would he want to make his daughter be so concerned. He leaves Travis' side and scoops Nekoette up into his arms, "Not anymore, no. You two don't need to worry, okay?" Nekoette looks at Travis from over Dante's shoulder, her gaze questioning. Travis is both glad and uneasy that the little girl is very observant, but he has nothing to hide, "Yes, it's fine, we promise." "Now the real question is, why are you two awake?" Dante looks at Dmitri, who looks a bit restless from where he stands. Travis notices the little boy's restlessness, "Oh Irene was it because of us?" "We've been awake for a while," Dmitri answers, his gaze trailing the floor. Nekoette continues his brother's sentence and buries her face into Dante's shoulder, "But we were too scared to come out, because you two were- you were shouting." Dante strokes Nekoette's head softly and gives Dmitri an apologetic look, "I'm so sorry you two, you dont need to be scared or worried at all. Everything is fine now, we were arguing for a bit, but we've made up. That happens sometimes, but it's fine." "Why were you fighting?" Dmitri asks, not able to hide his curiosity. Dante lets out a sigh when he answers his son, he tries to smile when he says it, "Because your dad here is an idiot." Travis notices the hint of bitternes in Dante's words and quickly chimes in, "So am I." "Why do you want to be an idiot uncle Travis?" Nekoette giggles adorably. "Because I can't possibly let your dad be an idiot alone, can I? You two are smart, so I have to accompany him," Travis joked, smiling fondly at Dante all the way through it. Both Dmitri and Nekoette giggle at his words while a light blush creeps onto Dante's face, "Okay you guys, that's enough, let's get you two back to bed." "But we can't sleep," Nekoette whines, giving Dante puppy eyes. Dmitri gives Dante an innocent smile, "Maybe if you read us a bed time story we can go to sleep?" Dante huffs as he has been outsmarted by his kids once again, "Okay, you two got me, uncle Travis and I are going to read you a quick bed time story but only one okay? You two have school tommorrow." "Dad it's Saturday tommorrow, we don't have school," Nekoette argues and pouts at Dante. It takes Dante a lot to not coo at his adorable daughter, but before he can reply, Travis speaks first, "Then how about we all go to a theme park tommorrow? It'll all be on me, but you guys have to sleep properly." Dmitri and Nekoette lock gazes and then look at Travis while nodding excitedly. "You don't have to do that Travis," Dante remarks. "It's fine, I've been wanting to go anyway. Nekoette and Dmitri clearly wants to go and you, you need to let loose Dante," Travis points out and both Nekoette and Dmitri nod at his words. Dante sighs, once again defeated, "Alright you guys, but if we're going to go, we all need some rest." "Okay, dad," Nekoette and Dmitri answer simultaneously. Dante nods approvingly and bends down to place Nekoette back on the floor. "Daaad, I wanna be carried to the bedroom," Nekoette insisted as she clings on Dante. "Okay, princess, I shall take you to your bedroom," Dante holds his daughter tightly and he zooms towards the bedroom, Nekoette giggling all the way. Before he leaves the kitchen, Dante quickly adds to Travis, "I leave Prince Dmitri to you," before disappearing around the corner. Travis and Dmitri exchange looks and they both end up laughing. The two hear Dante shout 'I heard that' in the distance. Travis looks lovingly at Dmitri, it makes him happy to see how much he has changed since the first time he saw the boy. Dmitri seems more vibrant and happier these days, as he should be. He hears Nekoette's loud laughter and he snaps back into the current time where Dmitri's still laughing at his father and sister. "So does the little prince want a ride?" Travis asks, half laughing as he says it. Dmitri doesn't answer, but Travis understands from just looking at his expression and gestures. The boy wants it but he doesn't seem to want to come across as childish. Travis worries that kids these days grow up too fast, so he gives Dmitri a reassuring smile. "You don't need to be embarrassed Dmitri, hop on," Travis says as he crouches so Dmitri can get on his back. Dmitri stays silent for a second until he just says a simple 'okay' before hopping on Travis' back. Travis then sprints towards the room while piggybacking Dmitri, they both laugh along the way and their laughter is joined by both Nekoette and Dante when they arrive at the bedroom. Dante and Travis tucks the two children in bed and started reading a children's book from their shelf with a little spin of their own (which makes the two children giggle as they read through the story). Eventually as the story comes to an end, the children yawn and rub their eyes. Not long after, they're both fast asleep and the world seems so peaceful that night. Dante and Travis however, don't go to bed after. Instead, the two watch watch some random romcom film from netflix and cuddle on the sofa. Dante is amazed by how natural it all feels, but it's the first time in a while that sleep has come so easily to him. It's the first time in a while that he has someone next to him as he slowly drifts to sleep. Dante leans closer towards Travis and the last thing he sees before he goes to dreamland is Travis' peaceful sleeping face. If anything, this is better than any dream Dante could ever have.