word count: 475
Dean stands outside of Sweet Treats, unable to resist a smile. It's really happened; Max's bakery has finally taken off. All of Piers' cousin-turned-guardian's hard work has paid off, and it's one of the most talked about bakeries in Surrey.
"Have you tried their scones?" a woman asks, stopping by Dean and offering him a smile. "The cherry ones are to die for!"
Dean grins, proudly beaming his delight. Max really has come so far. From a struggling single parent having to put his life on hold, to a business owner living his dream. "I'm fonder of the chocolate chip cookies," he answers. "Give them a chance, if you haven't yet."
She nods and steps inside, Dean close behind her. And there's Piers behind the counter, placing a fresh batch of cupcakes behind the glass and looking quite pleased with himself. He's come a long way too. Dean remembers the day he moved in next door to Piers on Magnolia Crescent. The other boy had been rough around the edges, as his mum had put it. Now, he's a law student who helps his cousin in his spare time. Dean knows some people had their doubts at the beginning of his relationship with Piers, and he's glad to have proven them round.
"You decorate those yourself?" Dean asks.
His boyfriend looks up, eyes brightening when he sees Dean. "As it happens, I did." He turns his attention to the woman who came in before Dean. "The usual, Martha?"
"Yes, please! And one of those chocolate chip cookies. This young man says they're quite delicious."
"Does he?" Piers snorts, grinning as he sets about preparing the woman's order.
Dean watches, a proud flutter rippling through his chest. Some called Piers a delinquent once upon a time, and they were right. But he's really turned his life around and made himself into something great. It's amazing how much can change if someone has a support system to believe in them. He doesn't want to think about what might have become of Piers if his parents hadn't died, if he'd been trapped in an endless cycle of abuse throughout his life.
"You okay, space cadet?"
Dean shakes his head, wondering how long he'd zoned out for. The woman is gone, and it's only him and Piers now. "Fine. Just thinking."
"Uh-oh. You know that's dangerous," Piers says, earning a scowl. "What are you thinking about?"
"How proud I am of you."
Piers blushes at that. It's too cute. He's spent so much time trying to act tough, but Dean knows how easy it is to make him melt, and he definitely takes advantage of it. "Yeah, well..."
Dean leans over the counter, pressing a quick kiss to Piers' cheek. "Now, I heard the cherry scones are to die for. Can I find out?"
"Only because you're so cute."
