Chapter Text
“Mr. Green, Aaron told me I can’t be a princess if I’m already a ninja” A small, sticky child whines as her face contorts into a scowl— lips trembling, cheeks slowly turning red.
Jake looks down from his 3rd cup of coffee today, takes a deep breath, sips, then puts the cup down on his desk. The corners of his mouth curl up into a tight smile.
“No, that’s not true. I know a handful of princess-ninjas. It’s actually a viable livelihood. See, my friend Dani is—”
“Did you hear that Aaron? Mr. Green says I’m a princess-ninja!” the child giggles, running along the rubber puzzle mats back to her circle at the speed of light.
Jake chuckles, picking up his coffee-filled “Best Dad” mug “gifted” to him by his daughter a few years ago. Letters slightly crooked, glitter glued on. You can tell it’s gone through a lot. Only the faint dried clear glue outlines remain with bits of sparkles in places it’s not supposed to be in. Paint chipped from dishwasher cycles he swears he’ll stop using.
Across the room, Aaron pouts and crosses his arms.
“That’s not real. You can’t be both.” he protests
“Aaron, remember that in this classroom you can be anything you want? If I remember correctly, last week you were a pirate-dinosaur-knight, right?” Jake smiles.
“But that’s different!” Aaron wails.
“Of course.. Totally different!” Jake nods solemnly.
The classroom erupts into giggles. Conflict eventually resolves itself in under five minutes, a new record for Mr. Green!
He stretches like a cat about to pounce. Glancing at his analog watch, he pouts. Only 9AM and he can already feel the space between his shoulderblades aching. Who would've known it’s hard when you’re pushing your forties?
Fortunately, despite all the stress, Jake isn’t balding just yet. In fact, he prides himself for maintaining his four-pack abs and bigger-than-average biceps at 39. His salt and pepper hair looks like it was something he was born for, settling in naturally in a way that feels earned. His dimples digging deeper into his cheeks, smile lines so pronounced you can tell he hasn't been happier since the day they tied the knot about six years ago, nor the day he became a father.
A sharp buzz in his pocket interrupts the moment.
As he does before doing all things, Jake takes a deep breath in first.
*Buzz*
*Buzz*
*Buzz*
Jake rolls his eyes. The only person who would bother triple texting during school hours.
He carefully pulls his phone out from his pocket. Shaking his head playfully before flipping the device screen side up.
Albert:
Tell your little chumps to start stretching. Ridgeview is taking the Fall Fitness Rally Trophy this year.
Jake stares at the message, not really processing it upon first glance. It’s probably the sleep deprivation.
*Buzz*
Albert:
Also, I ran 5 kilometers just this morning while you were snoozing to have something to intimidate you with.
Jake’s eyebrow now raised in amusement.
*Buzz*
Albert:
Oh and I’m about to clock out in a bit. I’m thinking hamburger helpers tonight. Will pick up groceries On My Way! There
Albert:
Stupid autocorrect. I love you. ;]
A blistering warmth spreads across Jake’s chest, stretching his smile from cheek to cheek.
The rest of the morning felt like a blur for the preschool teacher Mr. Jacob Aretz-Green. Soon it was three in the afternoon, Jake patiently herding up his class, waiting for their parents to pick them up. Cubbies overflowing a minute ago are now being ransacked by children rushing to go home.
Aside from the occasional parent forgetting to fetch their kid in favor for a nap or spending time in traffic, most school days end like this.
Once the classroom has nobody left but him, Jake checks the hallways out of habit.
And then he sees her.
Standing tall, backpack strap falling off her little shoulders. She’s trying to look older than she is. Her caramel locs were definitely in a braid before they left home, now undone from whatever nonsense happens in second grade recess.
She spots him.
“Papa! Hi!”
Just like that, all his back pain disappeared. It was almost if Jake’s white hairs turned back to black.
She runs at him full force, slamming into his legs with a hug that nearly knocks him off balance.
“Easy, tiger!” Jake laughs, wrapping his arms around her and instinctively lifting her by the waist.
She squirms immediately.
“No! Don’t carry me, Papa. I’m big now, okay?”
Jake freezes mid-hoist, eyebrows raised. “Oh, my mistake. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of a fully grown adult.”
She nods very seriously.
“Second graders walk.”
“Alright then.” Jake noted. “Lead the way, big girl.”
She marches toward the exit like she owns the building.
Jake follows, smiling to himself as the classroom lights click off behind them.
The afternoon sun glints off a familiar sedan. The trunk is slightly ajar, groceries piled high, a few stray items threatening to escape from the passenger seats. Albert steps out, one hand on the hatch, the other holding a reusable shopping bag like a seasoned general surveying the battlefield.
“Ah,” he announces dramatically, planting his foot on the asphalt. “I see I have entered enemy territory.”
Jake raises an eyebrow, hand squeezed around their daughter’s.
“Really? Enemy territory?” he asks dryly.
“Yes,” Albert replies, gesturing to the school building behind him. “Bloxy Acres. Home of the kids who will undoubtedly ruin my varsity athletes’ morale this fall.”
Their daughter giggles, tugging at Jake’s sleeve. “Papa, Daddy’s being silly.”
“Not silly,” Albert corrects with mock seriousness. “Strategic intimidation.”
Jake can’t help smiling. Even after all these years, he still wonders how someone so theatrically competitive could also be the most patient and doting dad he knows.
“Strategic intimidation,” Jake repeats, shaking his head. “Right. Well, General Aretz, your troops are already secured.”
Albert bows dramatically, holding out the shopping bag as if it were a medal of victory. He shoots a playful glance at Jake before returning to their daughter.
She squeals, reaching for it.
“Careful,” Jake warns. “Those supplies are sacred. And technically… enemy property.”
Albert winks. “That makes them more delicious.”
Jingling keys, Jake singlehandedly unlocks the door while their daughter fidgets with the tacky plastic toy that came inside the chocolate egg she devoured in the car. One hand holding the reusable shopping bag filled with goodies Albert curated, Jake twists the knob to their humble abode. Albert dramatically strides in, hoisting the last bag.
“You know, Ridgeview High practically runs itself,” Albert announces, carefully placing down each bag on the counter.
“Really?” Jake scoffs. “Let me guess, are you their secret weapon?”
Albert smirks, removing his aviator sunglasses. “Hardly. But I wish you could have seen their faces after that amazing pep talk I gave them this morning. It was a stroke of pure genius. Those teenagers seem so… motivated! Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, they’re probably just afraid of me. Hah!”
Jake raises an eyebrow, leaning against the counter. “Oh really? And here I thought wrangling preschoolers was the ultimate test of leadership. Sounds like Bloxy Acres Integrated’s athletes finally have some competition.”
Their daughter giggles, peeking at Albert like he’s a cartoon villain. “Daddy’s scary!”
Albert bows theatrically. “Thank you, child. I do my best.”
Bags unpacked, juice boxes and fruit snacks strategically distributed, Jake lovingly leans against the counter and watches Albert rearrange the groceries with exaggerated care. Their daughter sprawls on the couch, kicking off her backpack and narrating the afternoon’s adventures at full volume with a dramatic flair (we know who she got that from).
“You do realize your pep talks are only impressive because the preschoolers aren’t here to heckle you,” Jake says, smirking as he wipes his hands on a towel.
Albert straightens, planting his hands on his hips like a victorious general. “Exactly. Keep it that way, Mr. Green. One day, your princess-ninjas might challenge me in my own arena.”
Their daughter gasps in horror. “I will challenge you!”
Jake laughs, shaking his head. “Okay, team, here’s the plan. Since Mila has no homework tonight… I’m thinking of snacks, cartoons, and maybe a little indoor obstacle course… What do you think, Albert?”
Albert raises a brow, mock stern. “I’ll allow it… as long as it doesn’t ruin my victory streak.”
Mila jumps off the couch and throws herself at them both, shrieking in delight. Jake catches her mid-hug, his arms warm around her small frame, while Albert leans down to press a quick kiss to her temple.
The late afternoon sun pours through the windows, painting the living room gold. For a moment, the chaos of school, the rivalries, and the responsibilities all fade away. Only laughter, love, and the soft certainty that this little world is exactly where they belong.