*Runze's POV*
Bael doesn't move.
He is still leaning toward me, one hand curved around the back of my neck. But his eyes have gone very still, fixed on my face, and the careful controlled line of his mouth has come slightly apart.
I lift the book slightly, hiding half of my burning face behind the cover so only my eyes are showing. I tilt my head, looking up at him through my lashes.
"Uuh... please, Daddy?"
Bael swallows hard. His throat moves, but no sound comes out for a second.
His gaze drops to the book, comes back up to my face, and then, slowly, visibly, in a way I have never once seen happen in all the time I have known him — the line of his jaw softens. His brows lift just slightly. His lips part again, and what comes out is barely above a breath.
"C-cute..."
He catches himself immediately, but it is already too late. His mouth closes. His eyes go wide.
I stare at him. "...Uh?"
