Vulnerable

Beau's shoulders tensed slightly. It was clear the line of questioning made him uncomfortable.

"If you visited the area, you'd understand why," Lanet said, stepping in smoothly.

Zane turned his attention to him, his brows lifting. "So, you've been there?"

"For an entire week," Lanet confirmed.

"So that's where you disappeared to," Zane mused. His expression brightened with a sudden idea. "Can we go together next time you visit?"

Lanet looked at Beau, whose face had turned a deep shade of red. After a moment, Beau nodded, offering a small, hesitant smile.

"Are we really doing our job if there are clinics still struggling like that?" Zane asked, his voice quieter now. It was a rhetorical question that none of them answered; instead, they all nodded in solemn agreement.

Lanet listened quietly as Zane and Beau continued their conversation.His gaze lingered on Beau, admiration swelling in his chest. Beau's passion and humility never ceased to amaze him.

"Don't you think you've had a little too much to drink for someone who's about to drive home?" Zane chuckled.

"Oh yeah. I'm driving myself home... fuck." Beau's words came out slightly slurred.

Lanet's brows furrowed in concern. How had he not noticed Beau getting drunk? The nearly empty wine bottle sitting next to him told the story. Beau must have finished most of it on his own.

"Lanet will take me home, right, Lanny?" Beau said, elbowing him playfully.

"Or," Lanet suggested, taking Beau's hand into his own, "you could drive out tomorrow morning."

"Or I could drive out next week, next year, nnnever," Beau said with a laugh that quickly turned into a drunken giggle.

"Okay, no more wine for you, mister," Zane said with a mock sternness as he snatched the wine bottle and whiskey. "This conversation was so good I didn't even notice you drained the entire thing. Impressive." He shot Lanet a wink as he stood. "I like him."

Lanet rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips.

Zane carried the bottles of alcohol back to the cellar, leaving Lanet and Beau alone in the dining room.

"Come here. Let's get you to bed," Lanet said, rising from his chair and extending a hand toward Beau.

Beau wobbled as he got to his feet, steadying himself by gripping the back of the chair. "Shit, I think Zane was putting it lightly. I'm wayyyy too drunk."

He reached out a lazy hand, and Lanet took it firmly, guiding him.

"I think Zane was being sarcastic," Lanet said dryly, earning a drunken snort of laughter from Beau.

Without a word, Lanet bent down and scooped Beau into his arms, bridal style, lifting him with ease. Beau let out a surprised laugh, his arms instinctively wrapping around Lanet's neck.

"I could get used to this," Beau teased.

"You're lucky I'm in a good mood," Lanet said, a smirk tugging at his lips as he carried Beau out of the kitchen. "Otherwise, I'd have left you to stumble your way to bed on your own."

Beau leaned his head against Lanet's shoulder, his warm breath brushing against his neck. "I like this better. You're comfy and strong."

Lanet sighed but couldn't suppress the small smile forming on his face. Beau was light in his arms, and there was something endearing about seeing him this unguarded, even if it was due to the alcohol.

As they stepped into the hallway, Zane emerged from the cellar, a bottle tucked under his arm. He raised an eyebrow at the sight of Lanet carrying Beau.

"Are you guys going to sleep?" Zane asked.

"I am. Goodnight, Zane, it was a pleasure to meet you," Beau called out, his voice cheerful despite his state.

Lanet smirked. "I'll meet you in the living room in a few minutes," he said to Zane, who gave a quick wave before retreating. Beau, too drunk to notice, simply nuzzled his head against Lanet's chest.

When they reached Lanet's room, he gently set Beau down on the bed. Beau leaned back with a lazy smile, his eyes half-lidded.

"Lanet," he mumbled, "can you please call my sister and let her know I'll come home tomorrow?"

"Sure. Do you want to talk to her yourself?"

Beau nodded, and Lanet fetched his phone, scrolling through the contacts until he found Ariel's number. He hit the call button and handed the phone to Beau.

"Hey, buddy," Beau said, his voice soft. "Can you give Mommy the phone?"

Lanet sat on the edge of the bed as Beau spoke with his sister. "Hey, sis. I'm okay." A pause. "Yeah, he's here with me. We're both fine."

There was a faint chuckle from Beau before he handed the phone to Lanet. "She wants to talk to you," Beau said, his drunken grin making Lanet smile.

Lanet switched the call to speaker. "Hey, Ariel," he greeted.

"I saw the tabloids," Ariel said, concerned. "Are you guys okay?"

"We're okay now," Lanet replied. "Beau was freaking out earlier, but I think he's settled down."

"I could imagine," Ariel said with a sigh. "My dad lost his mind. He kept asking me a million questions."

"I figured something like this would happen, but I didn't expect it to blow up this much," Lanet admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah, well," Ariel said, her tone softening, "I should go. Take care of him, alright?"

"Of course. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Ariel replied, and the call ended with a faint beep.

Lanet set the phone aside and climbed into bed next to Beau. Beau turned to him, his eyes drooping with exhaustion but still glinting with affection.

"Should I help you out of your clothes?" Lanet asked gently, his voice low and warm.

Beau smirked at Lanet's question, his playful demeanor breaking through the haze of his drunkenness. "Yes, please."

Lanet rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Don't be so dirty. I just want to get you into some pajamas."

"Oh, man," Beau exaggerated, pouting dramatically as Lanet began removing his shirt.

"Maybe if you give me a smile, I can give you some kisses," Lanet's tone was affectionate as he spoke.

"You're just saying that to make me smile," Beau countered, though the corners of his lips curved upward in a small grin.

Lanet pulled the shirt over Beau's head and leaned in, pressing soft kisses across his chest. "Am I?" he murmured against Beau's skin, making Beau feel all kinds of tingly sensations.