Morning -Lev 's apartment --------------The sunlight was soft, but Lev's heart was racing. His body ached from the night before. Dimitri's scent still clung to his skin-strong, possessive, inescapable. He could still hear Dimitri's voice. [You marked me that night. Now I'm marking you back]
Lev glanced toward the small bedroom, where Matev was skill asleep, curled with his favorite blanket and a little plush bunny. He felt sick. He wanted to cry. To scream. To hold his son and never let go. [Dimitri can't know. Not yet. Not like this]
Latter -- Dimitri's office. Dimitri sat at his desk, jaw tight, fingers drumming against the table. He started at the object in his hand a plastic cup. A used coffee cup.
He placed it in the Ziplock bag carefully. ''Send this to the lab,'' he texted his assistant. ''DNA test. Discreet.''
He had seen the truth in Lev's eyes felt it in way Matev had looked at him. But Dimitri wasn't a man who guessed. He was a man who confirmed.
Same day---Outside Matev's School-----------Lev was walking back from when he saw Dimitri. Parked across the street. Just sitting in the car. Watching. Lev froze. He rushed inside, picked up Matev early, and walked fast--- bakery breathing until they were ho Matev was confused. ''Papa/ are we in trouble?''
Lev forced a smile. ''No, sweetheart. Just...wanted more time with you.'' Matev nodded and hugged him. ''I like when we're together.'' Lev held him tight. Too tight.
Next day------------
Lev went grocery shopping. He picked the quiet store near the outside. He thought he was safe. But Dimitri was already there. leaning casually near the cereal aisle. At Lev turned the corner, their eyes met. ''Lev'' Dimitri said, voice calm, dangerous. Lev didn't respond. Just turned around- fast. But Dimitri followed. not loud. Not aggressive. Just there.
''Still running?'' he asked, catching up. Lev kept walking. ''I'm busy.''
''For two, I see,'' Dimitri said, glancing at the kid-friendly snacks. ''Your partner doesn't help?'' Lev jaw tensed. Dimitri leaned closer, voice dipped in mock - sweetness, ''Or..maybe you don't have one?''
''Not your business.''
''It is,'' Dimitri said, now serious. ''Especially when you lie to my face, let me touch you. and still act like I'm just a mistake.'' Lev turned to him-- fire in his eyes. ''That was I was. One night. A f*g mistake.''
Dmitri smirked - but his eyes darkened. ''You keep saying that. But your body always tells me something else.'' or ''Does your son know who his father is?'' Dimitri interrupted, voice fiat. Silence.
Lev started at him--pale, lips parted. Lev dropped the basket and walked away. Fast. This time, Dimitri didn't stop him. He didn't have to. Because back in his pocket? His phone buzzed. DNA test complete 99.9% match, Subject A = biological father.
Later that night-Lev's Apartment-----------------
Matev was playing with blocks on the floor. Lev sat on the couch, silent, starting at nothing. He had no more strength left to cry. He looked at his son - those dark eyes, that stubborn chin- all Dimitri. Matev looked up. ''Papa? are you okay?''
Lev forced a smile. ''Just tired.'' Matev crawled into his lap. ''I saw the tall man again,'' he whispered. ''The one with the jacket.'' Lev stiffened. ''Where?''
''Outside school. He waved'' Lev's blood turned cold. Matev leaned into him, tiny hands on his chest. ''He's nice. I like him.''
Lev hugged him tightly. He was shaking.
He knows.
He's coming.