Chapter Text
Nigel hoisted Poppy onto his shoulders as they walked, after she’d been asking for about ten minutes. “There. Happy now?” The giggle he got in response confirmed that she indeed was happy. He huffed out a laugh and continued walking. Sun shone down on them, casting a warm light across the pathway. Sure he drove, but it was the middle of July, and meeting at a sunny park seemed much better. As they neared the play area, Nigel’s eyes scanned the picnic benches. Then he spotted him. Harvey Dent, Gothams up and coming shiny new District Attorney. And Nigel’s boyfriend. Harvey stood as the two approached, smiling at the sight of Poppy on Nigel’s shoulders.
“Poppy? This is Harvey,” Nigel felt her lean over his head to get a good look at him, reaching out and poking at gelled back hair. Harvey looked amused at the young girls skepticism, albeit nervous. After all, he wanted her approval since she was the love of his life’s daughter.
“Why is your hair so shiny?”
“Hair gel. It keeps helps my hair stay neat.”
“Huh,” Poppy seems satisfied with the response as she looked down at Nigel. “He’s okay. Can I go play now?”
Nigel nodded and put her down, watching her run straight towards the tallest slide. She immediately started chatting to a different kid, and introducing herself. Such a social butterfly she was. He was so proud of her, and how far she’d come. Pulled from his thoughts as Harvey wrapped his arms around his waist, Nigel hummed at him.
“Stop overthinking.”
“I’m not overthinking.”
“I can practically see the wheels in your head turning at super speed. Come on, sit down,” Harvey guided Nigel to sit on the bench with him, keeping the shorter man close. “I’m glad to be ‘okay’ in her books. As long as she doesn’t hate me I think we’re good.”
Nigel melted against him, still watching Poppy from a distance as she dragged her new friend around the play park. “I’m sure she’ll warm up to you. I think she’s just wary of having a second parent again…” Nigel’s grip tightened on the sleeve of his shirt, remembering how his ex-wife had treated Poppy when she was still barely able to walk or talk. How she’d treated him.
“Hey. Hey Nigel look at me. Catherine’s not here. She’s not coming back. Look at me baby,” Harvey cupped Nigel’s face and tilted it towards him. “She can’t hurt you anymore. And I promise I’ll never hurt you,” He punctuated the sentence by leaning down to kiss him.
Nigel immediately softened into the kiss, letting out a small hum in response. He shifted and buried his face in his neck. “I know. Thank you Harvey. I love you.”
“I love you too baby.”
A tug on his sleeve pulled Nigel’s head away from Harvey’s neck, turning to the voice accompanying the tug.
“Dad! Can I have ice cream? Pleeeeeeeease?” Poppy pointed at the ice cream truck that had pulled up at the edge of the park, a queue of kids and their parents forming.
“Course we can. Let’s go get in the queue before it gets super duper long!” Nigel let Poppy drag him towards the truck, his other hand slipping into Harvey’s. In return, Harvey gave him a smile. How quickly Nigel bent to Poppy’s demands rather amused him. But he also appreciated seeing just how much Nigel cared for her.
“Did you make a friend? I saw you running around with another kid before.” Nigel asked Poppy as Harvey tuned back into their conversation.
“Yeah! His name was Arnie! He was really nice but his Nana had to take him home.”
“That’s fun. I’m glad you had a good time playing with him.”
Soon they neared the front of the ice cream truck, and were able to get a good luck at the options. Nigel frowned slightly at the prices, since when did a simple cone with a flake cost 2.50?! Outrageous.
“What ice cream do you-“
“Bubblegum!”
Nigel laughed, not even able to finish his question. He should have guessed, ever since she was able to eat ice cream she always wanted the bright blue one.
“Alright then. One bubblegum sundae for you. Harvey?”
“I think I’ll just get a simple cone.”
Nigel nodded and turned to the driver, ordering their ice creams. He paid and waited, handing an already bouncing Poppy her bright blue ice cream. Harvey took his own, and Nigel took his. He’d got himself a tub over a cone. Soggy cone was not something he really enjoyed. Sitting down on a park bench, Poppy sat between Nigel and Harvey, swinging her legs as she ate. The three sat in a content quiet, enjoying their sweet treat as the birds sang.
Once she was finished, Poppy was back up and running around the park, very hyper. Only after Nigel had cleaned her up though. Somehow she’d gotten sauce all over her face and in her hair. How she managed it, he had no idea.
Nigel leaned into Harvey’s side as they watched Poppy play. “Today’s been nice. I think she likes you. Maybe you should come around for dinner at some point.”
“I’d like that. I do love your cooking. You never fail to amaze me. I didn’t know it was possible to set milk on fire.”
“Oh shush,” Nigel swatted lightly at his arm. “It was one time! You distracted me with your handsome face.”
“It’s my fault now is it?”
“Yes. You’re too gorgeous and beautiful I can never focus!” Nigel grinned as he shifted closer, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
Their banter continued until it was time to leave. Poppy and Nigel said their goodbyes to Harvey before heading home. It was a good day. As Nigel tucked her into bed, she looked up at him.
“You really like Mr Harvey Dad. I like him because you like him okay?”
A beat. He blinked before smiling softly. “Okay. Sleep well kiddo,” Nigel bent down to kiss her forehead before retreating from the room, flicking the light off. He sat on the couch, staring at the wall as he thought. Maybe it would all work out.
They could be a family.