At the lab, Damon stayed close the entire time, his presence steady and watchful, but overbearing, though it was clear he wasn't taking any chances, especially not when it came to Seraphine.
He made sure she ate properly, watching until she finished her meal, instead of brushing it off like she tended to do. What truly caught him off guard was Bryan because the boy didn't just sit there quietly.
He ate with them, calm and cooperative, as though he wasn't that picky boy who always preferred pancakes above all else. He was devouring the meat balls in Seraphine's plate like they were meant for him.
The hours passed almost unnoticed, swallowed by the quiet rhythm of work and conversation, until Bryan's energy began to fade, his small body struggling to keep up as sleep slowly pulled at him, his eyes growing heavier with every passing minute.
Seraphine noticed it and quickly informed Damon, "It's getting late, take Bryan to bed."
