Closer and far apart

Alone for the first time in several days, Dorian, Shiro and Finian relaxed in the living room. Finian sat in the armchair and sipped on some hot tea. The scent of cinnamon and anise spread in the room and contributed to the calm atmosphere. It was quiet, the TV was off, and no one was talking.

After Eamon went to his room with Tem, Shiro and Dorian told Finian, Ikumi and Caoimhe everything. They had expected Caoimhe to have many questions, but the girl barely asked any. Then Dorian had told everyone about the attack on Shiro. Ikumi sat in her father's lap, and tears ran down her cheeks. She held him as if he would disappear from her. Shiro had caressed the girl's soft hair and said that everything was fine now. The stalker was gone, and no one would ever try and hurt him again. They were safe.

The girls went to bed after that and the three men relaxed in the living room. Shiro and Dorian sat on the couch. Shiro leaned against the alpha, with his head on his mate's shoulder, and Dorian had his arm around him.

"Tem's a great guy. I like him," said Dorian and Finian nodded.

"He really is. But we have to keep an eye on him. He's probably gone through a lot, given the scars on his arms and the fact that he's currently taking medication and seeing a psychologist. I told Tem that he and Eamon are dependant on each other from now, and I hope he begins to understand how serious the situation is."

"Well, you can really tell he likes Eamon already," Shiro said, and the other two men nodded in agreement.

"Yes, it's pretty obvious, considering how he looks at Eamon. Tem will fall hard for him. But I am afraid it will only become a problem."

They heard the anxiety in Finian's voice as he spoke, still holding the teacup in his hands.

"But I don't get it! How can Eamon be straight? Everyone in our family likes the same sex. I don't even think there has been a single straight person in my family for hundreds of years. It's just your parents and your brother," Dorian exclaimed and looked at Finian.

"I know, and it would have been easier if Eamon liked men, but he doesn't. We simply must give them our support and help them in any way we can."

The other two agreed, and Finian looked at his wristwatch and put the empty teacup down on the table.

"We should go to bed now. The children have school tomorrow."

"I'll go and check on the kids," Dorian said, walking away as Finian and Shiro went to their rooms to change into their nightwear and brush their teeth.

Dorian walked quickly. He had an eerie feeling. As soon as he was away from Finian and Shiro, it felt like something terrible would happen. Too much had happened in too short a time. Dorian was a prime alpha, and the feeling that he had failed to take care of his partners and his children haunted him. He had to make sure they were safe. That was the purpose of his existence. To make sure no one in his family was injured or unhappy. It was in the prime alphas nature, and nothing could be done about it. That was one of the heavy burdens of being an alpha.

After making sure that his two daughters were asleep, Dorian went to Eamon's room, but he hesitated at the door. He had no problem with Tem sleeping over, even though it was school tomorrow. Eamon and Tem needed to be together. Dorian knew that better than most.

Dorian looked inside without making a sound. The room was completely dark, and there was no other sound except the heavy breathing that told Dorian that the pair inside were sleeping. The blond man closed the door and quickly walked back to the living room. He had to talk to Finian and Shiro. He had to do something about the panic that was raging inside him. He needed them.

He could see the two men talking, and they probably said good night. Dorian approached them and grabbed their hands.

"I don't want to sleep apart anymore."

Both Shiro and Finian looked at Dorian. Their eyes showed no hint of surprise or refusal. Then they turned to each other.

"I don't mind," said Finian, his voice calm as usual.

"Me neither. And I'm tired of all this 'sleeping together every other night' - deal. I want to sleep next to Dorian every night."

"I want that as well. We have been pretty childish, haven't we? "Finian added, and Shiro nodded.

Meanwhile, Dorian stood between the two men, and he felt so loved that he could cry with happiness.

"You two are so bloody amazing!"

The happy expression and the big eyes that shone with joy made Shiro giggle and Finian smile, and quickly the two went to Shiro's room to pick up his pillow and blanket. All while, Dorian rushed to the bedroom, where he almost tore his clothes of and threw himself on the bed and waited for his two lovers to come to him. When Shiro and Finian entered the room, they stopped at the door. There were big smiles on their lips, and their eyes gleamed with affection when they saw the man they loved more than any other man in the world on the bed. Dorian was, in their eyes, the most perfect man, inside and out. He was kind, more loving than anyone else, funny, and so incredibly sexy. The visible muscles on Dorian's legs, arms and stomach, the bright smile on the beautiful, masculine face and the friendly blue eyes that always looked at them with such affection that neither Shiro nor Dorian questioned the man's devotion to them. Or the obvious desire that the hard cock under the boxer shorts revealed.

Shiro was the first to react. He just dropped the bedding he was holding and rushed to the bed, hugging his alpha tightly. Dorian kissed his forehead, inhaling the alluring scent of spring flowers on a meadow. Meanwhile, Finian walked to bed while taking off his clothes.

"I can't do much."

Dorian heard the sadness in his husband's voice. He knew that Finian hated feeling so limited because of the pregnancy, and Dorian feared he would feel left out.

Dorian carefully took Finian's hand in his and looked at his husband.

"Don't worry about it, my beloved. I will take care of you."

Finian smiled again. He knew that Dorian understood how he felt and that Dorian would take care of him. Which he did. In a way that left Finian with trembling legs, panting like he had been running and with tears in his green eyes.

On two previous occasions, the three men had shared a bed. After the interview, when Shiro had been affected by Dorian's pheromones and Finian needed comfort from his husband. And that time, that wonderful night at the spa, where the drunken Dorian had been in the middle of a wonderful sandwich.

Now Dorian did everything to satisfy his lovers. Due to Finian's condition, Dorian couldn't enter him, nor could Finian be top. But Finian didn't feel left out at all, even when he heard Shiro moan in ecstasy when the omega was under his husband. Finians loved to see his Dorian feel good, and it made him more excited than he thought possible. He had never imagined that he would like to see Dorian have sex with Shiro. But apparently, he did.

Dorian fucked Shiro so hard that Shiro cried while moaning like crazy and fell asleep in Dorian's arms, completely exhausted. And he made Finian come three times until alpha also fell asleep.

Dorian was in the middle of the bed. On each side, he had the two men he adored, and he was completely at peace. This was where he belonged.

It was after that night that all uncertainty and anxiety the three men had felt disappeared. Finian and Shiro were finally confident in their strange relationship with each other and with their Dorian. And from now on, the three men would sleep in the same bed. The children were so used to their parents' unusual relationship that they didn't even think it was strange anymore.

Shiro was the first to wake up. He was up before the kids, who would go to school in a few hours. And even before Finian, who always got up when it was still dark outside. Shiro needed to make a call, and he knew Deion was awake. He always got up, according to Shiro, way too early.

Shiro made sure no one was around when he made the call. Shiro was right, and after just a few seconds, Deion answered.

"Good morning. Already up?"

Shiro wasn't usually a morning person, and during all his years as Shiro's agent, Deion had never received a call from Shiro so early in the morning, and the omega could hear that his friend was surprised.

"Yeah. Deion, I want to ask you something, but you have to keep it a secret."

Nothing could be heard from the other side for a while.

"Shoot," Deion said in a dead-serious voice.

"Can you come with me to the perinatal clinic?"

"So you've decided?"

"Yes, I will keep the baby," Shiro answered, and in his heart, he knew it was the right thing to do.

When Tem woke up, he was at first confused.

'Where the hell am I?' He thought to himself as he stared at the white ceiling above him.

Just a second later, the door opened. His gaze turned down, and when Tem saw the boy who came in, he smiled. Eamon was wearing a school uniform, and he looked absolutely adorable. Now Eamon looked like a fourteen-year-old boy in black dress pants, white shirt, black tie and black blazer, and Tem felt a little guilty about the inappropriate things he had thought about the boy. But just a little.

"Good morning," Eamon said with a sweet smile, and Tem grinned.

Yeah, fuck that bad conscience. Eamon was yummy.

"Have you slept well?"

Tem sat up in bed.

"Yep, and you?"

Eamon nodded, and his dark green eyes sparkled.

"You have a bedhead."

Tem's hands automatically went to the top of his head, and he tried to get his wild hair under control.

"I hate my hair in the morning," he muttered, and his cheeks quickly turned red.

"I think you are cute."

Tem's mixed-coloured eyes widened, and he stared at Eamon, who was still smiling.

"Cute?"

"Yes, cute."

The two stared at each other. Eamon was just smiling, but Tem felt like his heart hammered in his chest.

It was Tem who first turned his gaze away. Otherwise, he was sure that his heart would beat out of his chest.

"Are you going to school now?"

"In thirty minutes. Dad will drive us before he goes to the office."

No one said anything after that. The room was filled with tense silence, and Tem didn't know what to say or look anywhere. But thankfully, Eamon didn't seem to care or notice anything.

"Are you going to work today?"

Tem nodded, and his gaze wandered back to the boy again.

"I have my first customer at eleven o'clock. I'm just going to go home, shower and change my clothes."

"Can we hang out later?"

"I can't today. My last client arrives at seven o'clock, and it will take several hours. But I can pick you up after school tomorrow."

At first, Eamon looked a little disappointed, but the expression on his face changed to relief, and he smiled again.

"Can I come to your place then?"

"Sure. Do you like video games?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Great, then it's a date," Tem grinned but couldn't help but to notice Eamon's startled expression. It only lasted a second, but it was enough to make Tem feel somewhat downcast.

'Okay, the word date is a no go,' he thought, but he kept on grinning.

"Alright, I need to get going," Tem said and got up from the bed.

Eamon watched as Tem changed his cloth. It was obvious that the boy didn't care that Tem was almost naked in front of him, and it hurt quite a bit, but Tem acted like he didn't care. When he was done, Tem walked past Eamon out of the room. The tall boy followed close behind him as they walked through the house. Tem was a bit nervous that he would meet any of Eamon's family. Why he didn't really know because they hadn't done anything except sleeping. But he still didn't want to meet them right now. And luckily, he got to the hallway without seeing anyone.

As they stood at the front door, they looked at each other, and both were smiling.

"Call me later," Eamon said while Tem was putting on his shoes.

"I will."

It was time for Tem to go. He turned to the door, opened it and before he left, he waved with his hand over his shoulder.

"Have a nice day at school, sweetheart." And closed the door behind him.

As he walked to his motorcycle while putting on his helmet, Tem's heart was still hammering in his chest.

'Sooner or later, that boy will give me a heart attack,' he thought to himself and smiled as he got up on his bike and drove away.

It was a sunny day. Not a single cloud could be seen in the blue sky, and it started to get warmer. Spring was turning into summer, and the trees were sprouting their green buds. It was a typical day that started well but always turned into a shitty day in the end. Unaware of this, Simon McCallister had just finished work a little earlier today and was on his way home to change his clothes. He and his beloved husband were to go to Windsor, where Simon's parents still lived, at the age of eighty-three. It had been a productive and relaxing morning. It was days like this that made Simon happy that he had chosen to continue working for a few more years. He was looking forward to retiring and just spending time with his grandchildren, especially now that a little one was coming. But Simon was not ready to stop working yet. Being a museum curator was still very satisfying, and he wanted to wait until Keith was ready to retire as well. It was not only the children he wanted to be with more but also his husband. The couple were more in love than they had ever been. It was as if their love for each other grew stronger with each passing year, and they enjoyed every second they spent together.

When Simon walked from the bus stop to his house, he had no idea what awaited him. But when he saw Lucas sitting at the door to his house, he stopped immediately and couldn't move. He was frozen, scared. Lucas leaned against the wall, and his knees were pulled up to his chest. He was pale as he was deadly sick.

This wasn't the first time Simon had seen his son like this. Several years ago, when Lucas had his heart broken and when he desperately tried to stay sober. Now he looked exactly the same.

Lucas looked up when he noticed his dad, and the tears that filled his eyes were about to overflow.

"Dad, I need help. It feels like I'm breaking apart."

Simon barely heard what Lucas was saying, his voice was so weak, but Lucas hadn't stopped talking when Simon ran up to him and fell on his knees to embrace his son. Now tears ran down the young alpha's cheeks.

"Come, let's go in," Simon said, taking his son's hands in his.

Lucas didn't stop crying, but he got up with his father and followed him. Hand in hand, the father took his son to the living room and sat down on the sofa. Lucas followed him like a puppet and slumped down beside the omega.

Simon said nothing. He simply hugged his child and let him take his time until he was ready to talk.

It took a while, but when Lucas began to calm down, Simon caressed his cheek and looked into the beautiful blue eyes that reminded him of the colour of Keith's eyes.

"Honey, what happened?"

Lucas took a deep breath as if to gather strength, and he looked at his father.

"Kenji is pregnant."

Simon stared at Lucas. It took him completely by surprise. He hadn't expected that at all. And most surprising of all was Lucas' behaviour. Sure, Lucas hadn't been with Kenji for long, just a few months, but Simon knew Lucas wanted his own family. Lucas loved children, and it was clear that Lucas loved Kenji. Simon didn't understand why his son was this upset.

Lucas saw on Simon's expression that he was surprised but also confused.

"I'm so happy about that, Dad. I don't think I have ever been so happy about anything else before."

"So why are you upset?"

"I met Isaac."

Immediately it felt like a hard knot was forming in Simon's stomach. A knot of anxiety and anger. Simon had liked Isaac so much that he had begun to see the man as a son. But after everything Lucas had been through, thanks to Isaac, Simon got a bitter taste in his mouth.

Simon looked at his son with an aching pain of tension and waited for him to continue talking.

"I was out buying a present for Kenji, and suddenly I came across Isaac."

"Oh," was all Simon said, thinking it explained Lucas' behaviour, but Lucas shook his head.

"I actually had no problem just seeing Isaac, but he talked to me. He told me he was never unfaithful, and he wasn't the one who drugged me. It was Tyler."

While Lucas told his father about Tyler's horrible deeds, Simon's face showed several expressions, but mostly anger. Simon had met Tyler several times. His father was an old classmate of Simon's, and they had grown up in the same circles. But Simon had disliked his friend's partner, Tyler's father, and they stopped meeting after their children were born.

Simon had never liked the rude young man. Tyler was a typical alpha who looked down on others, just like his father did, and Simon was familiar with that attitude, even though his parents and his own family were well-respected.

"Do you believe him?" Simon asked, and Lucas nodded.

Simon knew that Tyler was capable of everything Lucas had told him about. But that didn't excuse the way Isaac handled it. He shouldn't have lied and taken the blame. Simon told Lucas what he thought when the blonde man stopped talking but was surprised when Lucas shook his head and looked at his father with such a painful expression that it shook the omega to its core.

"Dad, Isaac was pregnant with my child, and Tyler knew this, so he threatened to tell me if Isaac didn't take the blame."

Simon stared at his son as if he didn't understand what his son was saying.

"What?"

"Yeah. I have a child. A daughter."

Simon only stared at Lucas, and it wasn't until Lucas broke down in tears again that he was pulled out of the shock. Simon pulled Lucas to him and hugged him.

"She's four years old, and her name is Lucy, and she's the most adorable little girl I've ever seen. And I've missed four years of her life. I missed her birth, I missed her first words, her first steps, her first birthday! Dad, I have a daughter, and I didn't even know she existed until today," Lucas talk quickly with tears running down his cheeks.

Simon didn't know what to say. Lucas had a four-year-old daughter, and it was such a shock that it was as if Simon had lost the ability to form words.

"Dad, what should I do? I have Kenji now, and he's pregnant. I can't tell him about this. Not now. But I want to get to know my daughter, and I don't want to lie to Kenji. What should I do, Dad? I don't know what to do."

Simon had no idea what to say. In times like these, he wished he was more like the Finian. Calm and intelligent. Finian probably had some guidance on what to do next.

"Shall we talk to Finian and ask him for advice?"

But Lucas quickly shook his head.

"No, say nothing to him and Dorian. I don't want them to know. You can tell father, but no one else. Please, Dad!"

Simon nodded. He really thought Lucas should talk to his brother and his family, but he said nothing. It was up to Lucas to decide.

Simon suddenly thought of what Lucas had said, and he looked at his son with surprise.

"Have you seen her?"

"Yes, she came with Isaac's mother when Isaac and I talked. Dad, she was absolutely amazing. She has my eyes."

Simon couldn't help but smile. Luca's eyes sparkled as he talked about the girl, and it was like all his worries were blown away for the moment.

"We will support you, whatever happens, Luv, you know that. But I think you should wait a bit to tell Kenji until you have calmed down and thought about how you want to proceed with this."

Lucas looked at his father for a long time before saying anything, but he nodded and leaned his head against his father's shoulder.

"I think you're right. Thanks, dad."

"Sweetheart, you don't have to thank me. I'm your father. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you."

Simon gently caressed Lucas' hair. He slowly pulled his fingers through his son's light hair, and he could feel Lucas relax.

"I love you, Lucas. Never forget that."

"I love you too, Dad."

"Daddy!"

Isaac hadn't even taken one step inside the apartment before he heard Lucy's voice echo throughout the apartment and his little girl came running towards him from the kitchen. Isaac bent down and caught the girl in his arms, and lifted her up. After a kiss on the cheek, Isaac grinned widely, and Lucy frowned.

"Was the chocolate ice cream good?"

"Yes. But how did you know that I'm eating ice cream?"

Still grinning, Isaac walked towards a mirror. Lucy looked at the reflection, and when she saw that her mouth, nose and chin were covered with ice cream, she got a big smile on her face and giggled, making Isaac feel all warm inside.

"Lucy, you better finish the ice cream before it melts," Natsinet said as she walked into the hallway.

The woman had a kind smile on her face, and she followed the girl with her gentle gaze until Lucy was out of reach. When she was sure that Lucy wouldn't hear them, the woman turned and looked at her son, who took off his black jacket.

"How did it go?"

"As you could expect. He was shocked."

"Angry?"

"Yeah, but not quite much as I thought. He was miserable."

Natsinet's expression turned sad. She had always thought that Isaac should have been honest with Lucas. The alpha was a kind man, and she knew that he had truly loved her son. And she had told Isaac that many times, but her son had been stubborn.

"But he said that he wants to be in Lucy's life."

"I thought so. But take it easy. All three of you need time."

Isaac nodded. He knew his mother was right. They needed time, but no matter how long it took, it meant that Lucas would be back in his life from now on. And just the thought of being able to meet Lucas again made Isaac's heart hammer like crazy in his chest.

"I have to take a shower. Then I start with dinner," Isaac said while going to the bathroom.

He hoped that his mother didn't notice that he suddenly began to blush.

Inside the bathroom, Isaac sat down wearily on the toilet, and his breathing was heavy. It felt unreal, like a dream that finally came true. He had actually talked to Lucas. He had seen his handsome face again. Lucas had become even sexier during the years they were apart. And he smelled so good. Isaac couldn't even remember that Lucas had ever emitted a special scent, except when he wore perfume, but this wasn't perfume. He was sure this was the scent of an alpha's pheromone. Isaac was with Lucas for several years, but this was the first time he had ever felt Lucas' pheromones. But there was something more. There was another scent on Lucas. The scent from an omega. The faint floral scent of some exotic plant made it feel as if there was suddenly a large weight on Isaac's chest. Of course, Lucas had someone else. He was really good looking, loyal and caring. He was the perfect partner who took care of his lover. It would have been strange if Lucas were single.

The grief that came over Isaac wasn't unexpected. After all, he had never gotten over Lucas. He hadn't even tried to meet someone new, not only because of his longing for Lucas but also because of Lucy. It didn't feel right to bring a stranger into his small family.

As Isaac remember how nice Lucas' smelled and how sexy he was, Isaac felt a familiar sensation spreading in his lower area. He hadn't had sex with anyone since Lucas, not even during his heat. And now it had become damp in his boxers, all thanks to Lucas and the memories of all their wonderful moments together. Isaac still loved Lucas, and he knew that Lucas was the love of his life. Even if he wasn't Lucas'.

Isaac didn't hesitate before taking his cock in his hand, and it didn't take long before Isaac came. He imagined the platinum blonde alpha with the beautiful blue eyes, and soon his hand was filled with cum. He looked at his hand, and Isaac's gaze was filled with anxiety. With a deep sigh, he closed his eyes and shook his head.

He held back his tears and mumbled in a guilt-ridden voice.

'I shouldn't have done that.'