Lucien spent the days leading up to the weekend in a state of high alert, his lips constantly moving in a silent rehearsal. He muttered under his breath until Leon leaned in close, prompting Lucien to snap his mouth shut with a wary glare.

While brushing his teeth, Lucien didn't notice Leon slip into the bathroom. "Hello, Freya, my name is Lucien, I'm twenty, a freshman at WK...". Leon caught the muffled introduction through the mirror.

Leon reached out, his large hand smoothing Lucien's soft black hair. "Don't be nervous, babe," he rumbled. Lucien startled, accidentally swallowing a mouthful of toothpaste foam with a loud gulp.

After rinsing, Lucien looked up at the "North American Gray Wolf" looming over him. "Should we buy something?" he asked. "Gift-giving is a big deal in my country for first meetings".

Leon leaned against the doorframe, looking effortless. "I told you, baby, I've handled everything".

Lucien sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Fine".

He tried to tell himself not to be nervous, but his heart was still doing parkour against his ribs.

Even though dinner wasn't until evening, Lucien was already tearing through the walk-in closet. He had grown used to Leon picking his clothes every day.

Leon didn't hesitate. "The beige set on the left, the one that arrived yesterday," he commanded. "Pair it with the Starry Sky watch".

Lucien reached for the suit, but Leon snagged his wrist, pulling him back. "Why change so early?" Leon asked, his gray-blue eyes darkening. "Relax. Let's play a few rounds of games".

Lucien pulled a stern face. "Can you ever be serious?".

"Being with you is serious," Leon countered. He hauled the "Trembling Lamb" into his arms. "You're too tight. You can be tight in bed, but you should loosen up during the day".

Lucien's face turned a violent shade of pink. "Leon!". He suspected Leon had a KPI for how much "dirty talk" he could fit into a single conversation.

"Are you bound to a system that shocks you if you don't say something perverted?" Lucien huffed.

Leon arched a brow. "You like being shocked? You cried when I used that remote-controlled device last time".

Lucien's ears burned at the memory of that night. Leon had replaced the bell clips Lucien rejected with something much more "vivid" and sinister.

"I'm playing games!" Lucien shrieked, bolting for the game room to escape Leon's predatory gaze.

They spent the day in front of the console. By afternoon, Lucien was ready to smash the controller. He lost every single round.

"Can't you just let me win once?" Lucien snapped, glaring at the undefeated golden boy.

Leon smirked, checking his expensive watch. "Next time, I promise. It's time to get ready". He didn't let Lucien walk; he carried him to the bedroom to help him change.

Leon's parents weren't staying at the Bolton manor. They had opted for a central apartment, preferring a simpler life after years of global travel.

As they parked in the garage, Lucien looked at Leon's tailored silhouette. "Your parents are so casual. How did you end up so high-maintenance?".

Leon paused, an arched brow the only sign of his amusement. "Me?".

"Your cars, your clothes, your food," Lucien listed, ticking them off on his slender fingers. "You have very high standards".

Leon leaned over, pinching Lucien's cheek. "I literally hand-wash your socks and underwear, Lucien. Don't frame me".

"I'll wash them myself tonight!" Lucien muttered, his face heating up.

"No," Leon said flatly. "I like doing it".

When they entered the apartment, the scent of spices hit them. Before Lucien could utter his practiced greeting, a woman enveloped him in a floral-scented hug.

"Oh, honey, you're even cuter than the photos," Freya exclaimed.

Lucien went stiff, unaccustomed to such loud, warm affection from elders. Leon's father emerged from the kitchen, looking like a serious, older version of Leon—except he was wearing a domestic apron.

"Hello, Lucien," the man said, his smile looking a bit rusty from disuse.

Lucien bowed repeatedly, his nerves skyrocketing. Leon supported him with a firm hand on his waist. "Sit down," Leon urged.

Lucien took a deep breath and launched into his memorized introduction. He sounded like he was reciting an English textbook in class.

The parents listened with terrifying intensity. When he finished, Leon's father began to clap solemnly. Freya joined in.

Lucien felt like a roasted lamb, heat radiating from his entire body.

Leon suppressed a smirk and took Lucien's hand. "Intro over. Go sit on the sofa. I think I smell something burning in the kitchen".

Leon's father bolted back toward the stove. Lucien jumped up, wanting to be helpful. "I can help in the kitchen!".

Leon blocked his path with a solid wall of muscle. He remembered the last time Lucien tried to help; he'd nearly lost a finger to a vegetable knife.

"No," Leon said, his tone final. "Just sit. Be a good boy and wait".