Days passed quietly.
Oliver was calm most of the time, only crying when hungry. Charles spent nearly every moment beside him, gently stroking him, talking softly, and smiling whenever Oliver opened his eyes.
Theo watched.
Silently.
Carefully.
And increasingly… displeased.
Oliver had begun reacting more to Charles. His tiny fingers wrapped around Charles's sleeve, and he calmed faster in his arms.
Charles laughed softly. "Look, Theo… he's holding my finger."
Oliver squeezed weakly, eyes half-open.
Warm.
Comfortable.
Omega father… safe…
Theo stood beside them, arms crossed.
"He ignores me," Theo said flatly.
Charles blinked. "He's just a baby…"
Oliver made a small sound, shifting closer to Charles.
Theo's expression darkened slightly.
"…He prefers you."
Charles tried not to smile. "Maybe because I'm the one feeding him."
Theo didn't respond.
But his gaze stayed fixed on Oliver.
Oliver, unaware of the tension, moved slightly, his tiny hand brushing Charles's chest. Charles chuckled softly and adjusted him.
"He's playful today…"
Theo stepped closer, voice calm but clearly dissatisfied. "He's monopolizing you."
Charles looked up, surprised. "Theo…"
Oliver blinked at the deeper voice.
Alpha father…
He stared at Theo quietly.
Theo leaned down slightly. "So you can look at me."
Oliver didn't cry.
He simply watched.
Charles laughed gently. "He's just observing."
Theo sighed softly, then asked, "We still haven't announced his name."
Charles nodded, looking down at the baby in his arms.
"I was thinking…"
Theo waited.
Charles smiled faintly. "Oliver."
Theo repeated it quietly. "…Oliver."
Charles continued softly, "Oliver Sterling."
Theo looked at the child again.
"Oliver Sterling," he said, testing the sound.
Oliver made a small noise, almost like a response.
Charles laughed. "I think he likes it."
Theo reached out, lightly touching Oliver's tiny hand.
"…Oliver," he repeated.
But even as he said it—
He still looked slightly jealous.
Because the child in Charles's arms—
Had taken his place, if only a little.