The quiet rivalry continued.
Oliver stayed in Charles's arms most of the time, while Theo sat nearby, pretending to read documents but actually watching both of them.
Oliver yawned.
Then blinked slowly.
Charles brushed his tiny cheek. "You're calm today…"
Oliver looked at him.
Warm.
Safe.
Without thinking—
His lips curved slightly.
It was small.
Very small.
But it was there.
Charles froze. "…Theo."
Theo looked up. "What?"
"He… he smiled."
Theo stood immediately. "Impossible."
Charles adjusted Oliver carefully. "Look."
Oliver blinked again.
Then—
Another tiny smile.
Theo's eyes softened slightly.
"…He smiled at you."
Charles laughed softly. "He did."
Theo leaned closer. "Oliver."
Oliver turned his head slightly toward the deeper voice.
Theo waited.
"…Smile again."
Oliver stared.
Then made a random baby expression.
No smile.
Theo frowned.
"He refuses."
Charles tried not to laugh. "You're scaring him."
Theo leaned closer, serious. "I am your father."
Oliver blinked slowly.
Alpha father… intense…
Theo gently touched his tiny hand.
"…Smile at me."
Oliver stretched his fingers.
Then—
A tiny, accidental smile appeared again.
Theo went silent.
Charles whispered, "There…"
Theo relaxed slightly.
"…He smiled."
Charles nodded. "Of course. He's your son."
Theo looked at Oliver quietly.
"…He's small."
Charles smiled. "But he already controls you."
Theo did not deny it.
Oliver yawned again, already sleepy.
But the tiny smile remained in their minds.
The first one.
Small.
Soft.
And powerful enough—
To end all jealousy for a moment.