Work Text:
All you can see from your place in the kitchen is a small head of hair bobbing out from the top of the couch.
The Broadway production of Newsies has been going platinum in your home as of late and once again the cast is gracing your television screen. Your son is singing his heart out along with the opening number, out of breath as he simultaneously tries to jump your couch to death. He turns his head toward you briefly as if he is making sure you are witnessing his greatness. Once his eyes lock onto yours his smile becomes even wider. The gap in his smile from his first ever lost tooth makes the look on his face all the more charming. In return you give him a small hoot of encouragement and you can see his chest puff up a little.
The heart inside your chest twists in that wonderful way it does when you remember big he's gotten. Once his eyes are back on the screen, your attention moves back to the task at hand, whisking eggs together as you prep breakfast.
This is how this morning passes by, your son quoting the musical word for word as you quietly mill about the kitchen. Occasionally you will sing along however your son can be very touchy about his solos so you mostly keep to yourself.
Just as breakfast is finished and your son reaches the half way point in the show you can here the jingle of keys at the front door. In strolls the love of your life. John looks tired, his shoulders are slumped, there are slight dark circles under his eyes, and his hand is rubbing at his temple. His demeanor brightens when your son rushes him, barreling into his chest just as John had crouched down to take off his shoes. Tiny arms wrap around Johns shoulders as his envelopes your son's frame. Even on the weekend your son insists on waking up early so he can great his father when he comes home to do exactly this.
"Hey Bud, how're you?"
"Great, 'm watching Newsies!"
John let's out a little chuckle. "Right, well what do you say to us watching Newsies together until I gotta go to bed?" A little squeal rings out as your son hurries back to the couch.
Not long after John makes his way over to you, hands finding your hips as you finish serving up the food. Slowly he pulls you against his chest, arms wrapping around your torso and lips finding the crook of your neck. You take a moment to simply just feel him. Warm and real and pressed up against you like he had never left.
"How was work?"
"Mm." His face burrows deeper into your neck.
"That bad huh."
"Just missed you two so much," he turns his head to look up at you, "always miss you two."
The air stills. There's something more. You don't have to wait long for the rest to spill out.
"We had a little boy come in around his age. Pedestrian vs. SUV… He wasn't in good shape." All you can do is turn around in his arms and hug him properly. Your hand rubs slow circles on his back and he finally lets go of the tension, dropping his full weight onto you.
A holler comes from the living room, "Come on, your gonna miss the best part!"
Both you and John let out a sigh, soaking in the last moments of each other's touch before separating. With that you make your way to the couch with your plates in hand. You nudge one of them into your son's hands before settling onto the couch with John beside you.
The rest of the world fades away as your little family falls into routine. Your son continues to be mesmerized by the TV, you remind your son he needs to eat, and John watches on with a gentle smile etched into his face. At one point you feel Johns lips press to the side of your head.
You can't help but comment, turning your head to face him. "What was that for?"
His smile widens. "For giving me the best life I could ask for."
You shy away a little, smacking his knee gently as you turn your attention away. Johns hands find your torso and gently guides you into his embrace. Back to chest as his arms wrap around you. Both of you now face your son as he stands for the finale of the show. However annoying obsessions like this could be, you never grow tired of his little voice and the passion in his eyes. Once he finishes he takes a deep bow.
You and John clap ecstatically. Forever and always his biggest supporters.