Chapter Text
Valentine was carrying a basket full of laundry when she heard her son's voice, talking quietly to himself.
As she approached, she could make out what he was saying through his open bedroom door.
“...and we can't forget about them, either. Right, York?” Zach asked, sitting on his bed with its group of stuffed animals.
“Which one is York?” she asked as she came in.
Zach startled, looking at her with wide eyes before smiling awkwardly. “Well, York isn't any of them. York's...in here," Zach said, pointing to his forehead with two fingers.
Oh, so an imaginary friend? Valentine had thought he was a little too old for that, but whatever made him happy.
"Oh, that's nice sweetie. And what are you and York up to?"
Odd. Zach didn't look excited like he was about to play a game-
Instead, he bounced off of his bed and threw himself at her in a hug, causing her to need to juggle both him and the laundry.
"Zach, sweetie-"
"I was just telling York how much I loved you," he said, still hugging her.
"I love you too, Zach," she said, carefully maneuvering to be able to put the basket on the ground and hug him with both arms. Clearly the laundry would have to wait.
"Do you want some hot chocolate?"
Zach beamed and opened his mouth, then paused, looking thoughtful. "Can we have coffee?"
"Oh dear, you had to inherit your father's tastebuds," Valentine sighed playfully, and ruffled his hair.
Zach giggled, raising her spirits some.
"Well, you are still a child," Valentine mused as they began moving towards the kitchen. "Too much coffee is bad for you. But I bet your father would be happy to share some with you when he returns home from his work trip, alright?"
Zach looked disappointed, but nodded understandingly. He held her hand all the way to the kitchen.