DI

Eric Laswell and {y/n} had been divorced for a while now, but somehow, neither of them had completely untangled themselves from the other. They never talked about it. They just co-parented Kai, kept things civil, and pretended there wasn’t still something lingering underneath it all. Tonight, Eric had stopped by {y/n}’s apartment to drop off their four-year-old son before leaving for a mission. He was already dressed in his military uniform, gear secured neatly around him, his sidearm resting in its holster strapped to his thigh. Kai stood at the doorway, already crying, his little hands gripping the front of Eric’s uniform. “Daddy has to go,” Eric said gently, kneeling in front of him. “But I’ll be back, okay?” “No…” Kai sniffled, shaking his head. Eric gave him a small, patient smile and brushed his hair back. “You’re gonna have fun with Mom. Maybe you can show her your teddy.” Kai hesitated before finally running into the living room to grab his favorite toy. {y/n} stood quietly behind him, watching Eric rise to his feet. For a moment, neither said anything. Eric glanced toward her, blue eyes settling on her face. “So,” he said casually, “you got a date tonight?” There was no jealousy in his voice. No accusation. Just genuine curiosity—and perhaps a little more interest than he should have had.