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Since he’d moved in with Remi and Dom, Lake could admit that a lot of his previous feelings also had a lot to do with the fact that he didn’t fit in with his birth family.

All of them, his father and brothers, were bigger guys like Lake. They didn’t identify as little of course, and if Lake was more like them, then he wouldn’t struggle with finding a Daddy. That was what he had believed.

It made a difference when Remi, Dom, and the others went out of their way to show that they liked Lake just the way he was. And Jesse, yes Jesse, was changing Lake’s mind about a lot of things as well.

Jesse called him beautiful. Held his hand in public. Didn’t care when other people watched them and whispered. Jesse’s nonchalant attitude was what Lake had needed all along. Well that that the support of his friends.

Because Lake couldn’t change himself.

Hadn’t he suffered for years because he was the problem? Lake hadn’t accepted himself so why should he have expected anyone else to?

Lake made his way to the little table and dropped to his knees.

The furniture in the playroom was perfect for all of them. Even Lake.

As Brandon began to pick toys from the shelves nearby, Lake could feel himself slipping into his little persona. Sipping on his juice, Lake smiled.

This was the life that he had always said he wanted.

He’d had to let go of the past and the family that he never measured up to. Lake hoped that one day, sooner rather than later, he could have some sort of relationship with his parents and brothers, but he needed to focus on himself.

Lake had tried and failed at being the perfect son and brother. Because trying to fit in with his family meant denying the basic fabric of himself.

No more living for other people.

The safe place that he’d found living with Dom and Remi gave him the confidence to go after what he wanted. And what did Lake want most of all? He wanted a Daddy all his own.

It was time to be brave.

Lake could do this!

Although it wouldn’t hurt to have backup.

Lake set his juice down hard on the table in front of him. “I’m a brave boy,” he declared loudly.

Brandon turned so fast that he nearly dropped two containers. “You are a brave boy,” Brandon said immediately. “You are brave, and kind, and pretty. You are awesome.”

Lake beamed. “I’m getting my Daddy.”

Brandon didn’t drop the toy containers as much as he threw them to race over to Lake. He dropped down and hugged Lake. “Yes, you are!”

Lake hugged Brandon back. “I’m going to be brave and make Jesse my Daddy.” It felt good to say the words out loud. To announce his intent into the universe.

“How can I help?” Brandon asked.

That was a good question. What did Lake need to do. He knew that Jesse was interested in him. Their date had gone well. Jesse had sent the flowers just so Lake didn't have to wonder or worry. Jesse was always thinking about what would make Lake happy or comfortable.

The answer hit Lake like a sledgehammer.

He sucked in a breath.

“What?” Brandon drew back from the hug to shake him. “You have an idea.”

Lake nodded. So far Jesse had made all the moves. Jesse had even gone to the Daddies for advice. While Lake had been hiding and pretending that he didn’t know about Jesse’s interest, Jesse hadn’t given up. “I want to do something special for him.”

“Oh! That’s romantic. Like what?” Brandon asked.

Well Lake hadn’t gotten that far. He slumped his shoulders. “I don’t know.”