Setting: After the series
Summary: David thinks about his father one night.

Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING.


David had always been a light sleeper, a trait which turned out to be both a blessing and a curse once the baby was born. Julia was a bit harder to wake up, though she'd quickly adapted to getting up to feed their son when he cried. However after four months caring for him, as well as working to lose her pregnancy weight and researching Diva's rambunctious twins, had left her exhausted. So it wasn't too surprising one night when they were woken by the sound of a hungry infant and she simply let out a frustrated groan. David sighed. "Go back to sleep, I'll get him," he said and slipped out of bed as she turned over to mumble some garbled words of thanks before dozing off.

He walked into the kitchen to heat up a bottle, unable to help thinking about his own father as he did so. He still remembered the day when his father had left for Vietnam, when he'd been completely unaware of Red Shield or Chiropterans. He was used to him leaving for weeks or even months at a time, so he didn't think much of it. In fact, he'd always somewhat resented his father's frequent absences when he was younger. It wasn't until years later in his military career, which was almost inevitable that he would join, that he was approached by Joel Goldschmidt V and learn the real facts about his father's death. Thinking back, he realized he was a lot like he remembered his father to be. Both men were emotionally distant and greatly dedicated to their work with Saya and Red Shield. In fact, it was a wonder to him either of them had ever gotten married and had children.

Armed with the warm bottle, David made his way into the nursery to tend to the whimpering baby. He picked the boy up and smiled, remembering how he and Julia had argued the day he was born over his name. He had been against the name David as soon as she'd suggested it. It was hard to explain, but it was almost as if the name was an automatic entrance into Red Shield and a lifetime of fighting monsters. He'd finally given in to her wish after several heated minutes in which Julia was able to convince him that Diva was no longer a threat, that their son would never have to worry about Chiropterans. Perhaps it was simply the fact that Davey resembled him so much with his blue eyes and blonde hair, but he had to admit the name suited him in a way.

Having finished the bottle, David laid the boy back in his crib and moved to return to bed when he heard small whimpers. Looking back, he saw Davey reaching up for him again. He scooped him back up and held him, saying quietly, "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. No one has to fight anymore." It only took a few minutes for the baby to fall asleep, and he finally went back to bed. He slipped his arm around Julia and drifted off.


Author's Note: Eh, I didn't really like the ending, but I couldn't think of anything better. Comments greatly appreciated.