It was a nice and beautiful day in Hawaii but that wasn't really on the forefront of Steve's mind as he stood in front of a very nice and not to mention expensive school. Summer had come to an end and today was Harry's first day of kindergarten and Steve was accompanying Emma who was the one actually taking Harry to school, over the last couple of months Emma had known this day was coming but when it came she was having a little time letting go. So Steve had offered to come with Emma in order to be supportive as she was slightly apprehensive about the whole thing. Whilst it wasn't the first time Harry had been away from her as he had been in Pre-K or with a part time nanny or relatives before, this time he was starting school. It was clear to Steve that Emma was nervous, worried and excited about the whole prospect of Harry starting to school was very overwhelming for her as she was fidgeting with her one free hand and giving off a rather tense vibe despite the bright smile on her face. Whilst Steve wasn't a parent, he had a good idea about what was going on inside Emma's head as he was well aware that his girlfriend doted on her only child. Everything Emma did and everything she had done was all for Harry and Steve was ready to be there for her when the inevitable waterworks came as she let her son go. In the last few months ever since the whole prison incident the three of them had become quiet closer and Steve found himself to be a regular fixture in not only Emma's life but Harry's too, to the point where Danny had finally but rather begrudgingly gave his blessing to Steve about dating his baby sister.
"Okay bud, have you got everything? Your backpack and lunch?" Steve asked and Harry nodded enthusiastically, it seemed like he was raring to go it was just a matter of his mother who seemed a little reluctant to let him go.
"You sure you want to do this Harry? You know that you don't have to go today if you don't want to, we can go home and hang out for a bit and come back tomorrow if your feeling a little scared. It's okay if you're feeling a bit nervous…" Emma assured her son and it was clear to Steve that Emma just wasn't ready for this day as she bent down so that she was closer to Harry's height. Steve watched the mother and son duo, everyone said that despite the fact that Emma and Harry shared the same blonde hair and dark eyes, Harry really took after his father. But Steve didn't quite believe that as Harry and Emma had similar habits like how they both scrunched up their noses when they didn't like something such as now. Harry was scrunching up his little at his mother's suggestion that he not start school today.
"I want to go to school momma! Please momma I want to go!" Harry pleaded and Steve couldn't help but notice Emma's eyes soften.
"I know you do Harry… Mommy just can't believe that this day has come, it seems like only yesterday that you were this little tiny and perfect baby that needed me for everything. But your not a baby anymore Harry, you're my beautiful big boy and I know you are going to have lots of fun and make plenty of new friends. You know that daddy would have done anything to have been here today, right?" Emma questioned and Steve couldn't help but watch the conversation in interest at the mention of her deceased husband. It had been the three year anniversary of George's death in June and Emma had gotten through it surprisingly very well. As much as the pain of losing George would always hurt Emma and Harry, they were both looking towards their future in Hawaii and Steve was fully invested in being apart of their futures.
"I know momma." Harry replied before taking a step forward and wrapping his small arms around his mother's neck for a hug.
"I love you so much Harry."
"I love you more momma."
"Not possible." Emma murmured before letting go of her son and pulling back slightly so she could look at him properly. "Okay so you have your backpack and your lunch, now I put my card in your bag and I also put Uncle Danno's card inside too along. The school also have Aunt Kimcub's number too, if there any problems, you need anything or just want me to come and pick you up then you know where my card is and just ask a teacher if they can call me and I will come straight away to pick you up–"
"–We both will." Steve corrected and it caused Emma to smile, he knew how important this day was to Emma. She had taken the day off work so she could be the one to take Harry to school and pick him. Because of her job Emma worked a lot of hours and she couldn't be there for everything like school plays and trips like she wanted to. But Emma tried and Steve could not fault her on how she much of a good mother she was as she put the needs of her son first and even they she could always be there, Emma was trying to be there for the important milestones like today. It was very important not just for Emma but also for Harry for his mother to be the one to take him to his first day of school and also pick him up.
"Will you pick me up?" Harry questioned.
"Well I've got to work bud but your mom will be here." Steve stated and Emma just nodded in agreement.
"I will be standing outside your classroom waiting for you when school ends and we will have lots of fun, I promise." Emma assured before taking a deep breath as it was time for her to say goodbye. "Okay, are you ready to go in?"
"Yes momma, bye Steve." Harry said as he moved away from his mother and moved towards Steve and motioned for him to bend down. Expecting what was coming Steve bent down and hugged the small child and there was this familiar swell in his heart as Harry showed a clear sign of affection towards him. Despite the fact that Harry was not his own son, Steve couldn't help but love him like he was and it wasn't just because of the fact that Harry was Emma's son. Harry was this genuinely sweet kid who adored his family and never failed to make him laugh, not to mention he took to Hawaii like a fish took to water. A far cry from his Uncle Danno.
"Bye champ." Steve replied as he watched Harry walk away hand in hand with Emma to his new class. Steve knew that this was an important moment for Emma and Harry so he didn't want to intrude on that moment. Especially since Emma needed to do this by herself as she needed to having to go through key moments of Harry's life without George being there. Steve stood about the fancy school that was being paid for by Harrys' grandparents until Emma came back, she wasn't crying but she certainly looked teary eye and when she was in reaching distance Steve pulled her in close to him
"Thank you I really needed that."
"You okay?"
"No. I cannot believe that my baby boy is all grown up, starting school and will be turning five next month. I remember when Harry was born and I heard him cry for the first time and something just struck a chord in my heart. I had been carrying him for nine months and I knew I was going to eventually have a baby and be a mom but when I heard him cry it changed everything. Just from that single wail I knew that he belonged to me, that he was my son and I would do anything for him. I just can't believe how fast time had flown by." Emma murmured quietly and Steve brushed the back of Emma's head, he could feel her anxiety getting less intense and she seemed to be dealing with this better than he had expected. Then again she was one of the most strongest people he knew.
"If you were like this for his first day of school I can't wait to see what your like on the day Harry graduates high school and we watch him collect his diploma." Steve couldn't help but note and Emma wearily laughed.
"I'll probably be an even bigger wreck and you'll still find this all funny."
"I can't wait." Steve replied with a huge grin, a few months ago after the whole prison situation, him and Emma had discussed their future and Steve had made it pretty clear that he was here for the long run. Steve hadn't been one to think about his future too much as just over a year ago he had be had been content with his life in the navy but things had changed. Having a future with Emma and Harry was something that he really wanted and making the occasionally comment about him and Emma in the far off future and having her respond so positively towards it was great. But he was in no rush at the moment.