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It was summertime in Chicago.
Nicky and Joe made their way through the streets. They were in the city after getting a tip that some of Joe’s 13th century art pieces, that had just recently been discovered, were about to be auctioned off to the wealthy and semi-famous of the American art world. Joe had been flattered to see the sketches again, mostly because they consisted of mostly Nicky.
While they weren’t looking to buy the sketches back, they had wanted to see just how much they’d be changing hands for. Well, that, and it helped that they were looking for an art thief who was rumored to be interested in another piece on display. The pair had been hired by a private individual to keep an eye for anything suspicious, so that their assets would be protected.
The auction had gone without a hitch. All the pieces were bidded on, with half the proceeds going to a children’s charity in the city. Nicky, who had placed himself out of sight, didn’t see their target throughout the whole event. Joe had bid up his sketches a little, causing their sale price to almost double (he hadn’t planned on it, but it was fun to do so).
As they were making their way out, they received a call from Booker that their thief had just struck - in Miami. He and Andy had been there for the same reason as the husbands in Chicago. Andy had already taken down the thief by the time Booker caught up with her, meaning that Joe and Nicky could have a proper vacation before they rendezvous in Los Angeles in a few days.
With their obligations done, Joe and Nicky made their way throughout the city, pointing out the various changes in the fifty or so years since they had last visited. They quietly transitioned into walking through the South Side of Chicago, taking notice of the various staples of graffiti and pausing for moments so that Joe could take pictures for reference. He was in a transition period with his art, so he needed new ideas.
They were just passing a park when the sounds of a crying child reached their ears. Both exchanged quick glances before rushing into the fenced area, immediately spotting a little girl with long beautiful braids crying, half hidden behind a tree.
Joe stepped forward, kneeling down to get to her height. She was small, perhaps six years old, wearing jeans and a light sweater with the smallest American flag design decorating around the collar. Her face was hidden in her hands, partially to mute her sobs, partially to hide her tears.
“Little one?” He asked quietly, trying not to startle her, though it did so regardless. “Are you okay? You’re crying. Do you need us to call the police? He spoke slowly, keeping his distance, but trying to also convey that he was only there to help.
She jerked up her head. “Who are you?”
The older of the two immortals gave her a soft smile. “Just passing through. Travelers. But we heard you and were worried.”
The little girl turned and saw Nicky standing off to the side, eyes trained on the park as a whole. “Is he…?”
Joe nodded. “With me. He’s making sure that whoever made you cry will not return for now, unless you want it.”
She shook her head. “No,” she whispered. “Jazmine will just tease me again.” Her words had a slight lisp, which Joe attributed to her having lost two of her front teeth. “My daddy’s in the military,” she told him, carefully sounding out the word. “Jazmine said he’s not, that he ran out on us. She got everyone laughing.”
Nicky turned slightly and spoke just loudly enough to be heard. “If he is in the military, he is honorable. Of course he will do his best to return home to you, young one.”
The girl gave them both a hesitant smile. “Okay.” Before she could speak again, they all heard the sound of a young boy calling out a name. “That’s my brother! Is it…”
“You are safe, child. Go to your brother.” Joe held his hand out to help her to her feet. She gave him a big smile and rushed off without a backwards glance, right into the arms of a boy only a year or so older.
“Always the best with children, my love,” Nicky said, giving his husband a smile rarely seen in public.
“Children are who will help shape the world. Best to inspire them to be strong now.” Joe stood from his crouch and moved to lean on the tree instead, watching the two children walk away. “I have a good feeling about that little one. She’ll surprise everyone.”
“You say that about every child we meet.”
“And I’m rarely wrong!”
Hands now clasped together, they made their way out of the park and back towards their hotel, bickering all along the way.