One Last Meeting

"Master, what does public ekshaacoosion mean?" Liam asked with his ice cream spoon hanging from his mouth.

"It's execution," Aiden corrected the little boy. "It is a punishment for criminals."

"Ooooo~ I see~"

Liam forgot all about it as soon as his question was answered, but the topic continued to haunt Aiden's mind.

"Good morning," Ryan came up behind Aiden. He wrapped his arms around his lover and kissed the back of his neck lovingly.

"Good morning," Aiden turned to give Ryan a peck on the lips. "Can I not come with you today?"

Aiden had asked Ryan the same question many times, but the answer remained the same.

"No, my love."

Ryan ruffled Aiden's hair lovingly.

"I want you and Liam to stay home. I can't guarantee your safety if something happens during the execution today."

Aiden took Ryan's hand and pressed it against his cheek. Eyes full of determination, he said, "I can protect myself. You don't have to worry about me."

Ryan sighed.