It could've been an unsteady hug, but it wasn't because Xavier caught him.
The moment the little chipmunk cannonballed into his arms, the prince shifted, steadied, and let him cling tighter, face buried against his shoulder.
Luca sat on his lap, curling up like he belonged there, like they'd have to pry him away by force to make him leave.
But there was really no need to do that, as Xavier himself wrapped his arms around him.
Protective.
Reassuring.
And absolutely apologetic.
Because even now, he could feel how shaken Luca was.
Those golden eyes were shut tight in place for the ears that couldn't be blocked, as if bracing and dreading for something he didn't want to hear.
So he clung tighter, like he wanted to fuse with Xavier's chest and disappear.
But instead of starting with comforting words, the worried husband started gently patting his back.
"I'm sorry, Luca. I didn't think it through and only assumed I was doing what's best for us."
