Chapter Text
Hob followed Simon through the park, two steps behind to the right, with his head down. They had foregone the collar and leash, since it was a public venue, but each still delighted in the roles they had given each other. Simon was in London for a conference, and he’d asked Hob if he wanted to accompany him. Hob was delighted. It had been years since he’d been in London, and the time was coming soon for his return. Only ten more years. He was using Simon’s conference time to scout out jobs and apartments and check on his arrangements. He thought stock broker might be a good choice this time around….
Simon suddenly stepped to the side of the path, gesturing at Hob to follow his example. Hob stood aside as the red-haired nanny passed by with the pram of babies. She was dressed all in black, and had at least two of them in there. Besides the ones in the pram, she had a slightly bigger one by hand, and he was bawling his eyes out.
“No! No! No goin’ home! No dinnah time! Want more sand! More sand! My castle wuzn finish! Your a meany-butt!” Hob glanced up inadvertently, just a bit, and he met the eyes of the little sandy Batman. Batman looked a little shocked at meeting his eyes, just for a moment, but then the nanny tugged his hand, and he picked up his caterwauling as he went on his way.
“Hob?” Simon asked, looking curiously at Hob.
“I’m sorry, Sir,” Hob apologized, ducking his head and taking his place at Simon’s side once more.
“Did you know that kid?”
“No. At least. I think, maybe he reminded me of someone? But no.”
“You okay, then?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Alright.” Simon, satisfied, nodded once and carried on, trusting Hob to follow him in his place. Hob turned, putting the little boy out of his mind, and took his place behind Simon.