Sam wakes up to his alarm sounding off on the bedside table, his phone vibrating along with it. Eleven thirty flashing on the screen with the buttons to dismiss or snooze. Groggily, he dismisses it and yawns, covering his mouth as he stretches out. Accidentally knocks his hand into Spencer's cheek faintly, his foot nudging another warm body that he suspects is one of the dogs. Spencer huffs at the brush of movement along his skin, yet doesn't mind it. Knowing it was an accident and even if purposeful, Sam touching him will never gain a negative reaction.

It only takes a moment for the boy to come into focus, then he's climbing out of bed, mumbling a list of to-dos. His exhausted boyfriend shakes his head, following the younger in a much lazier manner. Just eager to get coffee in his system to help him wake up. The dogs jump up as well, excited to go outside as they race towards the back door. The Youtuber unlocks and opens the door for them, watching them sniff about, and hearing Sam starting the coffee maker.

The morning is bright and sunny, the sky clear. The air is clean and has accents of grass or falling leaves. It's refreshing when just waking up. Leaving the back door open for the animals, the man walks into the kitchen where Sam has set out a fresh mug of coffee. The largest mug they have is one with a game character's head shaped like a cup, and the handle is a giant ax.

Sam knows how the older man enjoys his coffee, black with a bit of caramel creamer. He doesn't add anything else to it, the creamer doesn't even have much change in the dark, rich color of the liquid. They both use creamers, each has a favorite. The baker loves the snickers flavor while Spencer sticks with the caramel. He has been making the man more coffee when he's home, bringing it into his office while he is recording or editing.

The younger man doesn't watch Youtube, unless it's animal videos, and doesn't see what Spencer does, he assumes during editing he is taken out or cropped from the frame of the video. Being reassured by his partner that no one really sees him, perhaps a hand or a shoulder, but his face is mostly hidden. This makes him happy, not wanting his face on the internet. Spencer has confessed to posting one photo of them together, but the information doesn't make him upset. It's normal to have at least a few pictures together as a couple, the picture is cute and he likes it. He is just concerned about the various hateful people on the internet, who knows what could be said about him or groups of strangers posting nasty comments about someone they hadn't even met? Sam doesn't understand how anyone can simply ignore them, so much as once it must be horrible to read and know about.

Quickly, he distracts himself from these thoughts, moving on to his parents. Excited about them visiting, yet also incredibly eager to get their thoughts on the house and Spencer. He wonders what they'll think the first time they see his tall partner, if they'll lecture him about the move or support him fully on the decision to move in with Spencer. What if they don't like him? Will they try to take me away from Spencer? Determinedly, he shakes his head to himself. They wouldn't do that. Besides, I wouldn't let them. I like it here and being with Spencer. Even if his rules are slightly odd, I can understand the reasons behind them. I don't want to leave him. I won't allow them to try. Sam shocks himself with this last thought, the genuine determination to stay with the man despite his parents' feelings.

Safety is Taylor's and Mary's first concern, he knows this. If they ever did try to remove Sam from Spencer, he would be aware they thought he wasn't safe. However, he knows better. Sam has never been in danger with Spencer, even when the man burst into his apartment at that time he wasn't dangerous. Merely was concerned for Sam and wanted to make certain he was okay. It was a shock, sure and he was frightened for a moment, but that passed when the action was explained. The man doesn't want harm to come to Sam, and would never hurt him. If his parents worry, he'll reassure them, yet he has no clue what could cause such a concern.

The plan is to drag Spencer with him to go shopping for ingredients, his parents deserve a good meal for the trip from Colorado to Ohio and he enjoys playing host too much as Spencer tells him. Sam can tell that his partner doesn't necessarily care if his parents like him or not, it doesn't bother him. Knowing well that Spencer won't care about others' opinions of him, and the man won't purposely say or do anything to cause a bad reaction.

After feeding the dogs and allowing Spencer to have his two cups of coffee, Sam starts getting ready to go. Gathering clean clothes and showering quickly, tossing clothes at the Youtuber to get dressed in, and writing down things he'll need to cook with. Spencer humors him, occasionally whining playfully while pulling on his pants and shirt. He doesn't make his boy stop hurrying, this isn't stress rushing, just simple excitement to get cooking and he knows this will only tire the boy out later. Give him an excuse to kick the parents out much earlier than they probably want.

The man will have to set ground rules with Sam before they make another appearance, just to be sure the boy doesn't spill their private business. Such as the rules and power play parts in their relationship, his mother and father don't need to be aware of such things. It would only cause embarrassment for all parties, excluding Spencer. The man is unapologetic, he does what he does and says what he says. The only person that has gotten him to genuinely apologize was and is Sam, purely because he is the first person to activate such strong, intense emotions within him.

Spencer drives them to the store, Sam going over his little notepad in the passenger seat, the radio faintly playing a classic rock station. He can hear Sam mumbling to himself again, planning out times and which recipe to prepare. Words like ricotta, kale, skinless breast and garlic cloves fill the car. This gets Spencer curious about what his boy is planning to make for dinner because hearing him talk it out is beginning to make him hungry, even with the little fresh toast breakfast Sam had made quickly. "Baby?"

Sam hums, neck-snapping up and gray eyes flicking around as if he had forgotten his surroundings for a moment. "Yeah? Was I talking to myself again?"

He blushes, slightly embarrassed he murmurs under his breath sometimes. Yet Spencer just chuckles, a hand coming over to squeeze his thigh reassuringly. "Yea, you were. But it's adorable. I just wanted to know what you're planning over there, making me hungry."

"Oh," Sam laughs, relieved. "I'm thinking of making a four-cheese chicken lasagna. It'll have ricotta, parmesan, asiago, and fresh mozzarella, with garlic and ground pepper. We don't have skinless chicken breast, so we'll need to grab that and noodles." he pauses, looking down at his notepad. "Oh! And the kale, we don't have that either."

The man groans, patting his stomach." "Damn, Pretty Boy, you're gonna have me starving by the time we leave the store. Not gonna be able to wait til dinner!"

The student grins, happy that his choice of meal seems to please Spencer. He was worried he had picked something the man wouldn't enjoy, his parents always seem to like his food and he wasn't very worried about them. So far, the YouTuber never fails to compliment whatever he makes, always praises his cooking, and eats every last bite. Every time it makes a flush rise on his skin and the proud, ecstatic sensation floods his chest. So, this reaction does make him elated. "You'll be fine! I'll give you the biggest serving, I promise!"

Shopping with the taller man is fun, at least for Sam. The Youtuber makes comments on certain items or products he deems nasty and weird, always points out things that could be used in desserts, and gives Sam ideas. He likes to keep in contact, holding hands or resting his chin on the shorter's head during checkout. Making it his mission to have Sam giggling and laughing, also helping cross things off the little list by running back to an aisle to grab whatever they missed the first time. Having someone with him while he shops is a huge help, it also makes him feel much safer while surrounded by strangers.

The trip is fast, picking up only what Sam needs to cook with and some new toys for the dogs. They can't leave without grabbing new treats or toys, blankets, and pillows for the animals. Never fail to end up in the pet section, picking products up and talking about if the dogs will like them. Spencer picked out three giant plush turkey legs, one for each animal and while Sam is concerned they won't last very long being so soft, he agreed that his beloved dogs would love them. Stopping for a quick moment at the ice cream shop, Spencer runs in to buy three pup bowls of their favorite flavors. Giving a kind greeting to the lady behind the counter, she remembers the boy's order extremely well and had already started gathering Fenrir's favorite when she saw the man.

Returning home, it's about one thirty. Instantly, they give the dogs their new toys, and Spencer plays with them for a moment or two before helping to bring in most of the grocery bags. The baker set's out his ingredients in order of the progress the recipe states and starts pulling out whatever pans or pots he needs, then carefully using a knife on the chicken breasts. The older man knows by the time his boy's parents get here, they'll have hot and fresh meals. Sam will have this lasagna in the oven and finish quickly, as he does with anything he cooks it'll be fast and delicious.

Mary and Taylor said they'd be over by two, he is betting they get here about two thirty instead. He'll have time to talk to Sam before they get here, should probably do that now, just in case he gets overly excited and opens the door before I can stop him. He waits until he can smell the food in the oven, then walks back into the kitchen, seeing Sam washing whatever supplies he used in the sink. There is still some cheese set out, possibly to decorate with, and sauce warming on the stove with low heat. The tall man leans against the counter, watching his boy hum to himself as he washes the dishes he used.

"Sammy?" At his name, the younger turns his head to glance over his shoulder.

"Yea? Is something wrong?"

Spencer shakes his head, stealing a piece of ricotta cheese from the little bowl holding it. "Nah. Just wanted to set some ground rules for tonight, with your folks."

Eyebrow furrowing, Sam dries his hands and drains the water in the sink, putting the pans on the drying rack. "Ground rules? Didn't we already do that?"

The Youtuber chuckles, amused by the genuine confusion. "No, Babe, we didn't. Those rules are general ones, for every day no matter who comes here or where we go. The ones I wanna give you only have one purpose, to avoid you spilling about our private business to your parents. Just in case you get too excited and forget to mind your tongue, you tend to speak before fully thinking through your words when you're hyper."

"Oh, okay." The boy flushes a pink color along his cheeks at the observation. "What are they? I'll try to remember them, I promise."

Grinning, the older man pins his boy against the sink, his hands caressing his jaw and kissing his forehead. "They're very simple, Pretty Boy. Don't tell them about our rules, or the kind of relationship we're working towards. Don't let them into the guest room, or tell them about any kind of training. Understand?"

Nodding, the baker understands why it wouldn't be a good idea to tell his parents wouldn't like such news. Hearing that Sam has rules from his boyfriend and is trained would only cause them to worry, thinking Spencer is forcing him to do things. They don't want that, not at the chance his parents actually do try and separate them out of concern for his safety. "Yes, I understand. I won't tell them, it'd be kinda embarrassing anyway."

Laughing, the man agrees. "Yea, it really would be, wouldn't it? That's why I'm giving you these to remember, to avoid that awkward conversation and getting embarrassed."

"I won't tell them. Or, I'll try really hard to focus on my words and stop myself." The baker reassures, gaining another kiss on his cheek.

"Good boy! Thank you, Baby." Spencer grins, pulling back to glance over at the digital clock on the stove. "That meal almost done? Smells amazing."

Smiling, Sam shakes his head. "Not yet, it has some more time to go, I just put it in like thirty minutes ago. It should be done if they get here a bit later."

Leaving it at that, Spencer drags the boy into the living room, nodding toward the dogs on the couch snuggling with their new toys. "Alright, go cuddle up with them for now. I'll pick up the mess they made with the other toys and finish cleaning the mess you made in there, as little as it is."

Knowing it's pointless to protest, Sam simply obeys and finds a spot in the middle of the pile on the sofa. Fenrir and Orthrus shifted just enough to move the new plush turkey legs on the human, one under his head and the other over his torso. Both dogs lay back down and drag themselves closer, while Cerberus slowly works his way to stretch over the human's shoulders and head. Sam giggles at being covered nearly head to toe with the dogs, finding it comforting and the best place to lay down in the house. Watching as his partner plays a game of toy basketball, tossing the various toys on the floor towards the big container where they're stored. Cheering when one goes in and making a playful excuse on why another one didn't, purely to hear Sam laugh or giggle.

He tells the man how the lasagna should look when Spencer goes to check on it, obeying the look he receives when he tries to get up to do it himself. It does feel odd to sit and watch, thinking he was going to be rushing around to prepare for his parents, but Spencer is making sure he isn't. He is aware he will be up and working in the kitchen again, getting plates and snacks ready for them, but this is nice as well. Sam found that he had learned how to put his feet up, allow someone else to do something for him. The longer they are together, the more he is discovering he can relax and rely on Spencer. That the man does everything he does for a reason, even the tiniest of actions and he enjoys taking care of Sam and the dogs.

Eventually, he spots the man checking his phone, the oven beeping afterwards and Sam carefully wiggles his way out from under the dogs to check it. Spencer rolls his eyes as a knock on the door comes, glancing at the time again; two fifty. Sam stumbles around the kitchen wall, wide eyed then hurries to take the lasagna from the oven to go answer it. The youtuber stops him with a grasp of his hand, pulling the boy gently closer. Firming his voice into a command, "Calm down. I'll get the door, don't rush and don't burn yourself on that pan. Be careful."

Taking a slow breath, Sam nods quickly. "I will. Sorry, I got excited."

"It's okay, Pup. Go on."

Spencer watches his boy jog back into the kitchen, making certain he grabs oven mitts and doesn't burn himself before going to the door. The dogs jump up as well, hearing the second patient knock. Opening the door is the same sight as this morning, merely with the man wearing a shirt this time around. Mary grins and Taylor smiles, able to scent out whatever their son cooked. The amber eyed man plants a hospitable smile on his face, eager to this over with.

"Hello! Is Sammy okay to see us?" Mary asks to be polite, able to hear and smell that Sam is preparing for them.

Opening the door wider, Spencer steps aside reluctantly to let them inside. "Yea, he's just getting the food from the oven. You're just on time."

Taylor is the first to enter, Mary behind him to help push the wheelchair over the slight bump in the door. Instantly, they see changing lights over the living room and kitchen, rugs spread about the hardwood floors and a big sectional spreading throughout the main area. The large dogs are distracted by a wrestling match, that is until they hear Mary's short surprised gasp at how big they have grown. Excitedly, they run over to greet them, licking at wrists and hitting legs with tails or wiggling hips. The couple laugh, spending a moment to pet the animals.

Taylor grins when Cerberus licks his cheek, the tall animal able to reach the man's face without stretching or jumping up. "They got so big! I remember them being so tiny compared to this!"

Before Spencer can think up a comment, Sam comes running in, happily. "Dad! Mom! You made it!"

The baker rushes to hug them tightly, kissing each of their cheeks as he does. Being sure to hug his father extra tightly, to show he still loves and appreciates him as a Dad. Taylor returns the affection just as unyieldingly, "Sammy! We missed you! How are you, my boy?"

"You've gotten so much color to you!" Mary notices, grin widening at the sight. "Oh, my son is so handsome! Even more so now!"

She hugs her son again, laughing at the blush flaming his cheek and neck as she does. Sam whines, "Mom!"

Spencer hangs back, leaning on the wall and absently petting Orthrus's head and ear. It is amusing to see Sam interact with his parents, cute to witness him being so shy about his mother's words. Suddenly, his boy gives them a distraction, in the form of himself. "Have you guys met Spencer? I mean, I know he answered the door, but-"

Grasping the nape of his neck, then gives a light squeeze to warn Sam to slow down and breathe. It works wonders, the boy actively pausing himself and breathing to calm down. "We met at the door, Baby. Not formally, but we know names and that's just as good. Why don't we go show them what you made, smells wonderful, bet it tastes even better. Yeah?"

Sam nods, grinning as he takes his fathers chair and starts pushing without a warning. Taylor lets out a shocked laugh, "Woah! Sammy! I'm hungry, but not racing horse hungry!"