Work Text:
Vicki pulls the curtains open on the small window above the kitchen sink, sighing softly as warm light shines down on her. She's up earlier than usual today, and with all of her normal chores done she has the time to slow down and enjoy the morning a bit more.
After a moment with her eyes closed she opens them, peering out of the glass doors in the kitchen at Roger. He's working away fixing the fence around their backyard, a chore he's been putting off for weeks. It's just turned April, and they're both trying to enjoy the perfect weather as long as they can. Pierce, their young Jack Russell is running through the backyard, growling as he plays with one of his many squeaky toys.
She smiles, watching them both for a few seconds before turning away and slipping on her favorite apron over her tank top.
She has the TV playing music in the living room, and she hums along as she starts to gather everything she needs for breakfast. It's simple, pancakes with sausage and eggs, but she has to make enough to fill up Roger and herself, which makes it take much longer than she'd like with his appetite.
She can hear Roger talking to the dog outside, but can't make out what he's saying. It's a habit he's had since they got him a couple months ago, and she finds it charming.
When she finishes cooking, she groans at the large mess she's made, but decides she can worry about it later. She grabs both plates, walking them outside and setting them on the small table between their patio chairs.
“Roger!”
She calls, and he looks up from the fence.
“Breakfast is ready! I'm gonna grab our coffees, you come and sit. Make sure Pierce doesn't take my sausages again!”
He nods, and she goes back inside, grabbing both of their coffee mugs and filling them with freshly brewed coffee. She adds a bit of sugar and cream in hers, something she's only started recently, but Roger still likes it black.
He's settled in his seat when she comes back, already eating as Pierce whines by his chair.
“You coulda waited.”
She says playfully, and Roger shrugs.
“I could've.”
She giggles, settling back into her chair.
“Pierce, go play!”
She calls out, and after a moment he does as he's told, walking back into their large backyard. He's not thrilled, but he forgets quickly as he goes back to playing.
“You did a good job training him.”
He nods.
“Gotta lead them or they'll lead you.”
They're silent for a few moments as they eat, before Roger speaks up.
“Have you talked to Murray recently?”
“Mhm!”
Vicki smiles at the mention of Sam.
“He's doin’ good! He's got a part time job at an appliance store near his dorm, and his grades are good, at least from what he told me.”
They both chuckle. Sam had always been a decent student, but he had hidden bad grades from them a few times. Nothing unexpected, something most teenagers do.
“Y'know…”
She thinks for a moment.
“Never thought I'd end up having kids. With Christopher and work…even when you and I first got together I thought it'd never happen.”
She takes a large bite of her pancakes, and washes it down with a sip of her coffee.
“But I'm glad it happened with you. I don't think Christopher and I would've made a good team.”
Roger reaches out, gently rubbing her hand as he says-
“I didn't either. Always thought I was uh…too fucked up. But I think we’ve done a good job.”
She grabs his hand, lifting it to gently press a kiss to kiss to the back.
“That's my job, y'know.”
He says, and she giggles.
“I'm allowed to show a little love here and there!”
Roger chuckles himself, pulling his hand away to adjust his glasses.
“Take them off for a bit.”
“Why?”
Roger gives her a confused look, and she shrugs.
“I wanna see you. Just for a minute? For me?”
He makes a show of acting annoyed, huffing as he pulls them off, but they both know he doesn't actually mind.
“You're so handsome, y'know that?”
Before he can answer she's already moving, pressing her lips to his in a gentle kiss.
When she pulls away she smiles at him, soft and genuine, making him smile back.
“You're not bad yourself.”
She chuckles, giving him another quick peck before settling back into her chair.
It's peaceful, something she never thought she'd get after the Nightfloors. Quiet, comforting. They don't talk again, just enjoying the sound of leaves rustling and Pierce's loud playing.
It feels like paradise.