Chapter 53
He shifted slightly, feeling strong arms wrap around him even as his head rested against a broad chest. His eyes opened and he looked around the room, a smile lighting his lips as he thought about the previous night and where he was. After the party he and Laurie had gone back to Laurie's dorm for a little bit of romance. Since Chris was otherwise occupied they had the room all to themselves, and they took complete advantage of it.
Lying here he realized this was his favorite place to be. When he was with Laurie everything was okay, and he knew he was good…he was content. He snuggled closer to his boyfriend as he thought about the talk they had had when they returned to the room. It had been nice to talk to Laurie about the mundane. He had missed that; sitting with him, just talking about stuff that had nothing to do with school or all the stress they were under. It had been the nicest conversation they had had in a while, and Robbie was glad that they could still do that…just talk about anything.
They shared Chinese food and watched romantic movies, and made love during the credits of one of them…he wasn't even sure which one; not that it mattered. What mattered was how it felt to be right where he was…and that was a feeling he didn't want to lose.
"What are you thinking about?" Laurie's voice drew him out of his thoughts, and he belatedly realized that there were fingers running through his hair. He smiled up at Laurie and leaned in to give him a soft good morning kiss.
"How long have you been watching me?" he asked ignoring Laurie's question for the moment.
"Long enough to know you have something on your mind?" Laurie replied, his fingers continuing to comb through the thick brown strands as he looked down at his boyfriend.
"I was thinking about our amazing night," He smiled as he started playing with the fingers on Laurie's free hand. "I love it when we talk…have I told you that before?"
"I don't think you've said it in a while."
"Well I do. I miss how close we used to be."
"We still are close, RJ. You and I are always going to be close no matter what happens."
"I like the sound of that. I love you, you know."
"I love you too," Laurie kissed him again deeply before pulling away to slip out of bed. "Come on get up," he said pulling a reluctant Robbie up from the mound of sheets. "We're going to have breakfast, and we're going to talk some more, until we both have to go study."
"Yeah I guess the weekend's over huh," Robbie sighed dramatically, his eyes gleaming with mirth.
"Welcome to college," Laurie laughed kissing him softly before grabbing a towel to head to the showers. Robbie shook his head and followed him grabbing his own towel on the way out.
February 15, 2015
It's 2-15-15 today! Yes I am a geek, and I am proud of it. It has been a great weekend and I have to admit I feel really good. I got to see my family this weekend and found out that Chris is dating Laurie's art teacher. I promised that I would keep that quiet, they don't want a lot of people to know. I think it's pretty cool though. Chris seems really happy, and I like Kraig a lot. I'm glad both of them are becoming parts of my extended family.
I miss talking to my boyfriend, so it was really nice to just catch up with him for a while. We drove back to his dorm and just sat around eating and watching movies. Come to think of it…we always spent Valentine 's Day today. This was just a little different, because it was our first valentine's day as a couple. Though I suppose actually it was our second…but it's the first that counts. Last year I think though we spent the day together neither of us were really focusing on the significance…so this was nice. Just me and him with our Chinese food talking about everything.
I feel like really connected again, and now as I sit here I know that nothing is more important then him. We spent the night and all of this morning and this afternoon…but eventually we had to part ways. I needed to get back to my dorm to study, and he has a bit test to cram for. I have no doubt he will ace it, he's that smart. We're going to go home again next week to see Reid for his birthday. He doesn't know we're coming…it's a surprise.
Speaking of Reid, Luke called us today. He wanted to check in to see how we were doing. I realized then how much I miss talking to him too. I love Luke, he's such a caring soul. He told us that Landon was going through his terrible twos prematurely. It's fun to listen to Luke talk about his son. It's obvious that no matter how frustrated he may bet he loves him. I secretly wish that my father had been like that, but I try not to dwell on that anymore. It's in the past and I have several true father figures to look up to, and that's okay with me.
Anyway, so Luke wanted to know if I was okay. He could tell I was feeling a little under the weather the other day. I told him that I was fine and he had nothing to worry about. He made me promise that I would talk to him if and when I did need to talk. I'm glad that I have Luke and Laurie in my corner, but I truly am okay. I'll just have to do my best to make sure I don't make them worry unnecessarily.
Laurie and I spoke to him for an hour before he went to tend to his son, and cook for Reid. They aren't even attempting to go to the farm because Reid has to work early in the morning, and Luke has an early class. Those two work so well together, I want to be like them when I grow up. And in order to do that I need to study so I guess that's it for this entry.
Robbie closed his journal and put it aside, picking up his phone to send a quick text Laurie's way. He was just about to open his textbook when his phone buzzed indicating he had received a text in return. He laughed at Laurie's reply and sent a text back his way. They ended up texting each other back and forth while they studied, asking and answering questions until Chris arrived back at the dorm needing to talk. Robbie told Laurie to tell Chris he said hello and put his phone down again to focus on his homework.
He was still reading through one of his homework assignments when Grant entered the room. "Hey Grant," he said without looking up, his eyes focused on his book even as he jotted down notes in his binder.
"Do you ever stop working?" Grant asked flopping down on his bed."
"Do you ever study?" Robbie countered, a smile crossing his lips as he spared a glance for his roommate. "How was your weekend?"
"It was alright," Grant shrugged. "I had three dates on Valentine's Day so I can't complain."
"Three dates?" Robbie laughed. "Did they know about each other?"
"OF course not," Grant said dismissively. "I had to make sure they felt like the only girl in the world. You know how it goes, Robert."
"Actually no I don't…but that's okay. I'm content where I am."
"And what did you and your girl do this weekend? Kidding, kidding geez," Grant said when Robbie pinned him with that glare. "You know I like Laurence, he's a cool cat."
"You're such a jackass," Robbie shook his head and went back to reading and writing in his book. He heard Grant get up and leave, only to return later with a brown bag in his hand.
"I bring a peace offering," he said placing one of the cans on Robbie's desk. Robbie looked up and noticed the can of beer even as he heard Grant popping the top on his own can.
"No thanks," He said returning his focus back to his work."
"What did I do now?" Grant let out a frustrated sigh.
"You mean besides insulting my boyfriend, who for the record isn't even a little bit girlie thank you very much."
"It was a joke, Robert."
"A bad one, Grant. And stupid," Robbie sighed and shook his head. "I know you didn't mean it, but you need to learn to think before you talk sometimes. Now if you don't mind I'm trying to study."
Grant opened his mouth to say something, but it was obvious that Robbie wasn't interested in what he had to say at the moment. He took a swig of his beer, grabbed his coat off the bed and stormed out slamming the door behind him. The noise caused Robbie to glance over his shoulder, but he sighed and focused once more on schoolwork.
The beer was sitting where Grant left it, on the edge of Robbie's dresser. He could see the beads of condensation dripping off the can; a clear indicator that the drink had once been nice and ice cold. Now as it sat there it began to lose its chill, and it made a small puddle on Robbie's desk. He couldn't help but stare at it each time he glanced up from his book.
He was having a hard time concentrating now. His last words to Grant reverberated in his mind and he wondered if perhaps he had been too harsh. He knew that Grant said things out of hand because he was trying to be funny. And he should be more than used to his roommates sense of humor by now. The comment bothered him…but his treatment of Grant upset him too, and it was making it hard to concentrate.
He wasn't sure how much time passed before he closed his book and reached for the can. The top popping was a welcome sound and he brought the can to his lips to take the first sip. The beer was still cold enough to feel good sliding down his throat and he sighed with satisfaction. He was already starting to feel a little better. He picked up his phone and sent a text to his roommate apologizing for snapping at him, and letting him know they would talk when he got back. He set his phone down on the table and took another sip of his drink before once again turning his attention to his schoolwork. By the time he set the empty can down on the desk Grant walked in with more.
"I'm sorry," Robbie said at the same moment that Grant uttered his apologies as well. Robbie smiled and stood relieving his roommate of his burden before giving him a hug. They spent the rest of the evening talking about the past weekend while drinking and munching on chips that Grant had bought from the store.
"Shhhhh we have to be quiet okay? Are you ready? Okay take this…that's it hold it steady. Go ahead I'm right here if you need me I won't let you drop it promise.
Excited blue eyes turned away from him, and he watched him walk slowly and carefully towards the bed. He was right behind him, just as he promised…he wouldn't let him fall. He couldn't help but smile as he watched, they had been planning this all week and there had been a lot of practicing.
Landon moved with careful steps towards the bed, placing the plate on the table just as he and his daddy had practiced. He walked to the edge of the bed to climb up, getting an extra boost from his father before crawling over to where his other daddy was still sleeping. Glancing over his shoulder he waited for the assertive nod before his small hands tapped his father's face.
"Da-dy," he said shaking the man as much as his small hand could. "Da-dy wake Up!" When that didn't seem to work he bent down closer into his face, pulling open his eyelids one at a time. He laughed each time it seemed his dad's eyes moved and he patted his cheek again wanting him to awaken. "Happy Birfday da-dy." He said kissing his father's lips when it seemed waking him was not an option. Just as he was about to move a pair of arms shot out and tickled him causing him to scream and squeal with delight.
Luke stood off to the side with his arms crossed smiling at the scene. "He has a surprise for you," he said once Landon had calmed down a little. His cheeks were flushed from laughing and screaming, and his blue eyes sparkled with happiness.
"A surprise?" Reid said looking at his son who was attempting to get to the table. "Where is it? Over there?" he asked as Landon pointed to the plate he had carried so carefully minutes before. "You made this for me?" Reid asked holding up the blueberry muffin to inspect it. "It's my favorite, thank you."
'You're welcome," Landon replied, though it sounded more like "ur wecum."
"Did Daddy help you with this?" Reid asked turning his gaze to Luke who walked over to join them on the bed.
"Daddy, say you wike it," Landon said looking up expectantly into Reid's eyes before glancing over at his other daddy as well.
"I love it." Reid kissed the top of Landon's head before gesturing for Luke to scoot closer. "I'm going to eat it with breakfast" Landon smiled and Luke tousled his hair, leaning in to kiss Reid on the cheek.
"Happy birthday," He said shyly. "I know you didn't want to make a big deal or anything, but I couldn't resist having Landon come in here with a present."
"it was perfect,": Reid assured him. "I don't think anyone has ever made such a fuss about my birthday. At least not in the last ten years. I usually just let it pass by, and like with Christmas lately I'm usually working."
"Well not today," Luke said getting up off the bed. He lifted Landon into his arms and gestured for Reid to follow him. "Bring your muffin with you, we've got a whole big breakfast waiting for you in the kitchen."
"But you always cook me breakfast," Reid pointed out as he followed Luke downstairs. "How is that a surprise?"
"Your son helped this time," Luke replied settling Landon into his high chair before heading to the stove to make Reid a plate. "And on top of that I made all your favorites."
"You're too good to me," Reid said pulling Luke away from the stove long enough to give him a kiss.
"Mmm, I love you too," Luke said slipping out or Reid's grasp. "Now sit."
"Your daddy's very bossy," Reid confided in Landon who just smiled, his fingers in his mouth as he looked at Reid. Luke brought Reid's breakfast over, setting it and a glass of orange juice in front of him. Next he brought over two mugs of coffee and then fixed plates for himself and Landon.
"So how is school going?" Reid asked before eating a forkful of eggs. "Did you finish that big paper you were working on?"
"Actually I did," Luke grinned as he cut up Landon's food before placing it in front of him in bite sized pieces. "I had to write a dissertation on the benefits and pitfalls of writing Fanfiction."
"Sounds like an interesting topic. What were your findings?" Reid asked as he continued to eat.
"Well you would be surprised how much fanfiction is out there. There is a site that has stories from every show you can think of. Movies and books too, it's really quite fascinating. The stories are really well written, and its obvious that a lot of the authors have some talent. Unfortunately, fanfiction writers fall into the same trap that actors on soaps do. They're scoffed at and not taken seriously and it's a real shame."
"How much research did you do?" Reid asked reaching for his coffee cup. "Did you actually talk to some of these authors."
"There are a few in my class," Luke explained. "A couple of the new friends I have made were more than willing to speak candidly with me about the subject." Luke took a sip of his own coffee and checked to make sure Landon was alright before he continued. "For instance Sierra has been writing fanfiction for years…Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek are her favorite television worlds, and She's also really big on Harry Potter."
"People are still obsessing over the boy wizard?" Reid asked incredulously. "I would have thought it would die down by now."
"There are over 500.000 fanfiction stories devoted to Harry Potter alone, Reid. And with that matter there are people who write fanfiction about The Flying Nun."
"I stand corrected then."
"Anyway, Sierra has a small following on the site where she posted her fiction, but when she consulted with someone about how to get her name out there she was told that fanfiction didn't count as writing."
"Of course it counts," Reid said through a mouthful of food. "Creativity is creativity isn't it?"
"Well yes, and besides that good fiction takes time and thought, and when it's a story based on someone else's work you are tasked at keeping the characters as true to who they are as possible. That isn't always easy and it's a testament to those who are able to do it. In my paper I argued that it's not fair to be judged for the kind of writing you do. That shouldn't matter if its quality work. I feel the same way about actors. A good actor is a good actor no matter the genre."
"Unless it's porn."
"Reid," Luke laughed, his coffee splattering on the table. Reid grabbed for a napkin to dab up the mess.
"UH-oh!" Landon said pointing at the spilled liquid.
"That's right, daddy made an uh-oh," Reid repeated. "I want to read this paper of yours. Did you talk to anyone else?"
"Luke nodded, placing his cup down on the table to eat some more of his breakfast. "It may shock you to know that just as many guys write this stuff as girls do. It's a great creative outlet, depending on what your niche is I guess. My friend Rebecca has Of Mice and Men Fanfiction."
"Is that even possible?" Reid raised an eyebrow. "One of the main characters dies at the end of the book."
"At the hands of the other character…I know, and that was my question. I honestly don't want to find out though. I like creating my own characters and worlds so I will stick to that, but it was fun to peek into the world for a minute you know? Simon does anime fanfiction and one thing they all agreed on was that they really do it for themselves. They share it with other fans and such but, the real payoff is to have the ending or the storyline they wanted to see play out but it didn't happen."
"Daddy, more pwease." Landon said reaching out his hand to grab a hold of Luke's shirt. Luke glanced down at his son's sticky fingers and sighed. "A father's job is never done."
"Wait, tell me what your conclusion was," Reid said finishing off his food. "The munchkin can wait."
"I don't think fanfiction writers should be looked down on," Luke replied standing to get his son another pancake. "I think every form of self expression deserves a chance, and every person should be able to use their work as a sample when they go for a job or attempt to get published. Not doing so could mean you're missing out on the next Dickens or James Patterson. The next Shakespeare or Jane Austen could be right under your nose, and you'd miss him or her because of your bias against the genre they chose to write. Plain and simple it's just not fair."
"I hope you get an A," Reid said proudly. "You'd deserve it."
"Thank you," Luke kissed Reid on the cheek and settled down at the table, placing Landon's cut pancake in front of him. "Are you full? I could get you another plate. Sorry I talked so long."
"I asked," Reid reminded him, "And you don't seem to get the fact that I love the sound of your voice. And that apparently that fact makes you blush."
"OH geez will you two just get a room," a new voice filled the kitchen catching everyone off guard especially Reid, who turned to see his nephew standing in the doorway with Robbie standing beside him laughing. "Surprise," Laurie smiled happily. "Happy Birthday Uncle Reid."
"Wowy" Landon exclaimed. As of yet his attempt at saying his brother's name were unsuccessful. His L's always sounded like w.
Reid looked at Luke, a true genuine smile crossing his features as he stood to give his nephew a hug. "I wasn't expecting to see you this weekend," he said pulling back to look at him. "Especially since we just saw you last week."
"Well, Luke said he wanted to surprise you, and I figured we've missed enough birthdays together...for reasons beyond our control. There would have been no excuse for me missing this one."
"You're turning my nephew into a sentimental sap aren't you?" Reid asked turning his attention to Robbie.
"I can't take credit for that," Robbie laughed Happy birthday Reid."
"You guys hungry?" Luke asked while Reid and Robbie shared a hug.
"IS there any food left?" Laurie teased coming over to hug Luke and tousle his little brother's hair.
"I was just about to help myself to a second plate," Reid replied joining the group at the table. Robbie hugged Luke and kissed Landon on the cheek before taking a seat. "I can whip you both up something if you would like."
"You don't have to do that, Uncle Reid. I can get it. Sit, enjoy your birthday, you only turn forty once."
"Haha, you're funny," Reid deadpanned. Laurie chuckled on his way over to the stove to whip up plates for the three of them. When he returned to the table Luke was wiping Landon's sticky fingers with a wet wipe while Robbie and Reid were discussing the upcoming baseball season. Spring Training would be beginning soon, and as usual Robbie was a loyal Cubs fan while Reid predicted that the Red Sox would have an impressive lineup this coming season.
They continued to talk sports as they ate, with Luke and Laurie adding their thoughts to the conversation regarding the draft and the batting records for some of the prospective players. Reid, who usually preferred not to talk so much, found he was enjoying himself. Here he was surrounded by the people who mattered to him most and he was content with that.
After breakfast they hooked up the Wii, where Reid bested them all in a game of Golf, while Luke reigned supreme in bowling, and Laurence was stellar at tennis. Robbie dominated during their attempts at playing Michael Jackson's The Experience, and they even found a game to play that Landon could participate in. It was fun to watch him get excited about the letters and the shapes that magically appeared on the screen.
For lunch Luke treated the group to an Italian feast at Maggianos. It was nothing fancy, just Luke, Reid, Laurie, Robbie and Landon spending the day out in Oak Brook. Reid tried the Lasagna and remarked belatedly that he preferred Luke's delicious concoction to what the restaurant served. Laurie and Robbie shared a pizza while Luke settled for stuffed shells which he shared with Landon. Laurie had informed the maitre d that it was Reid's birthday, much to his dismay. He was completely floored when the waiters came around to sing happy birthday to him, though the dessert they set down in front of him offered some solace.
After Reid polished off his dessert it was time for him to open his presents, though he insisted that what they had given him already was more than enough. Laurie and Robbie had gotten him a new wallet. Laurie insisted it was time for him to get rid of the one he had been carrying since Medical school. From Landon he received slippers for his feet and a bronze replica of Landon's first pair of shoes.
"You're going to be tall one day," Reid informed his son. "Already growing out of your shoes. Thank you." He kissed his son on the forehead and placed the shoes back in their box before turning to Luke.
"What are you looking at me for," Luke asked raising an eyebrow.
"I'm waiting for my present." Reid replied evenly.
"Haven't I done enough for you today," Luke feigned offence. "I cooked you breakfast, and took you out for lunch. What more do you want from me, Dr. Oliver."
"A kiss."
"I think I can spare one," Luke leaned forward to kiss Reid on the cheek. Laurie and Robbie snickered from across the table even as Reid cupped Luke's cheeks and kissed him properly. "Happy birthday, love," Luke said his voice breathless and soft after that last kiss. He handed Reid a box that was both long and flat.
"Don't tell me you got me a tie?" Reid asked rolling his eyes.
"No, not this time," Luke laughed. "Open it."
Inside the box was what looked like a golden medallion on a long chain. Reid pulled it out of the box and held it in his hands examining it. "A pocket watch," he said his voice thick with emotion. "You really do listen to me don't you?"
"I don't just listen," Luke smiled as he took the watch and slipped it into Reid's shirt pocket. "I hear everything."
"There's something else in the box, Uncle Reid," Laurie said breaking the trance that had stolen their attention for the moment.
Reid glanced down at the box again and noticed the envelope that the pocket watch had been lying on. "What are these?" he asked opening the letter. "Tickets," he exclaimed examining the tickets closely. "To a Jazz show."
"My friend Seth plays in this band," Luke explained. "They're playing tonight at this club, and since I know you have a deep appreciation for Jazz I figured we could check it out. Even if we can't stay long."
"What about Landon?"
"Don't worry about him, we have that covered," Robbie piped up. "Laurie and I are going to babysit until you get back."
"And we have extra clothes just in case you guys get back too late for us to be driving," Laurie added.
"Okay then," Reid said smiling at Luke. "I guess we're going to listen to some jazz."
It was about six o'clock when they made it to the club and there was already a line of people waiting to get in. Luke took Reid's hand and drew him through the crowd, smiling as they finally reached the doorman. "Hi 'm Luke Snyder, and this is my partner we're-"
"Oh yes, Seth told us you were coming," the guy cut him off and waved them inside. "Come in, come in. I'm glad you could make it.
"SO are we," Luke said over his shoulder as he led Reid through the crowd."
"How many people are here?" Reid asked.
"I think by the time everyone gets in here there will be about thirty or thirty-five. It's small venue so it seems like more. You'll be okay though right?"
Reid squeezed Luke's hand before letting go. "I'm going to get us something to drink, I'll be right back. He kissed Luke's cheek before slipping away. Luke watched him make his way to the bar, and turned when he heard someone he knew call his name. He was in the middle of a conversation with another friend from school when Reid found him again.
"Hey," Luke greeted accepting the glass Reid handed him. "I want you to meet my classmate, Donavan. He's in Seth's band too. Don, this is my partner, Reid."
"Nice to meet you," Reid said extending his hand as he took a sip of his warmed Sherry.
"You're a doctor right?" Donavan asked, giving his hand a shake."Luke talks about you a lot in class."
"He does, does he?" Reid raised an eyebrow as he looked at his boyfriend."
"About as much as Don here mentions his fiancée," Luke commented, taking a sip of his drink.
"Touche," Donovan laughed. "What is that," he asked nodding at Luke's drink. It looks good.
"A Tequila Sunrise," Reid replied. Before he could say more Donovan has taken the drink from Luke
"That sounds really good can I try?" he asked even as he took a sip from Luke's straw. Reid and Luke just looked at him with bemused expressions on their faces. "There's no alcohol in this," he said handing it back to Luke.
"Does your fiancée know you go around drinking out of other people's glasses?" Reid asked dryly as he took a sip of his warm Sherry. "Give that to him," he said gesturing at Luke's drink before looking at Donavan. "I'll go get you another."
"Charming fella you got there, Luke," Donavan said taking the glass Luke handed him.
"He's a teddy bear, but I think you made him grumpy," Luke replied. "He is a doctor after all. And he has this thing about germs."
"Tell him the truth, Luke. The only person you should be swapping spit with is me," Reid said walking up behind him. He handed Luke his glass and took another sip of his drink as if his comment was the most normal thing to say in the world.
"Enjoy the show, guys," Donovan chuckled as he turned to leave. "Nice meeting you, Reid. You have a wicked sense of humor. He was still laughing as he disappeared into the crowd and Luke turned to Reid and shook his head as he sipped from his new drink.
"What?" Reid asked with raised brow.
"You really don't care what you say out of your mouth do you?" he asked with a fair amount of awe apparent in his voice.
"I'm unpredictable, Mr. Snyder," Reid said wrapping a protective arm around him, "How close a friend is he?" he asked gesturing towards the direction Donovan went off in.
"He's a school friend," Luke explained. "I don't think there would be occasion for me to hang out with him outside the classroom. Why? You aren't jealous are you?"
Reid shook his head. "I don't do jealous. But you and James are super close and not even his drinks from your glass."
"I was just as shocked as you were," Luke turned to face him. "Let's forget about Donavan and just enjoy the show okay? You can grip about the drink later, I bet Robbie and Laurie would get a kick out of the story…and if I do have the occasion to be with Donovan I won't have a drink in my hand…I promise."
The soft lilting tones of the saxophone wafting through the air drew their attention, and they noticed that everyone was taking their seats. Luke grabbed a hold of Reid's hand and pulled him to a small table over in the corner where they could watch and listen to the performance. Reid wrapped an arm around Luke, who smiled up at him as they tapped their feet to the music and enjoyed their drinks.
"I'll get him," Robbie said standing even as Laurie paused the movie yet again. He glanced over his shoulder as Robbie jogged up the stairs to where Landon was supposed to be sleeping. After an hour of playing and chasing after him they had finally managed to get the little guy to lay down. Problem was he didn't want to go to sleep.
They had tried everything; playing with him, giving him water when he asked and even read him several bedtime stories. Nothing seemed to work. Landon wanted to play, but as was the case with children his attention span was short. The living room floor was littered with toys that Landon had abandoned or thrown in protest when he didn't want them anymore.
Robbie entered Landon's room and stood in front of the crib for a moment staring down into his nephew's big blue eyes. "What can I do for you little man?" he asked placing his hands on the crib.
"Wa-wa," Landon replied lifting his arms to indicate he wanted out of the crib."
"If you get water will you go to sleep?" Robbie inquired even as he lifted the tyke out the crib.
"Pway wit u an Wowy," Landon sad wrapping his arms around Robbie's neck."
"You want to play with your big brother?" Landon nodded his head, rubbing at his eyes, making Robbie smile. He was obviously tired, but had apparently inherited his father's stubbornness. "We'll let you stay up with us, but you have to be good okay?"
"Tay."
Laurie had heard the request for water threw the baby monitor, so he was waiting with a bottle when they made it down the stairs. Landon grabbed for it greedily immediately attaching it to his mouth.
"Someone was thirsty," Laurie commented as they made their way back over to the couch.
"I think greedy is more like it," Robbie smirked. He settled his nephew down on the couch. Laurie reclaimed his seat and was about to turn on a kid-friendly movie when Lucky barked, reminding them that he too was in the house.
"I better take him out for a walk," Laurie said placing the remote down once again. "Be right back."
"Okay," Robbie said accepting Laurie's kiss. Laurie tousled his little brother's hair and grabbed Lucky's leash, fastening it on him before both left the house.
It was late when Luke and Reid finally made it into the house. Reid switched on the light and caught Luke when he almost tripped over something on the floor. "What in the world," He said looking down to see what almost made Luke fall.
"Oh my god," Luke said covering his mouth as his eyes surveyed the room which at the moment seemed to be buried beneath a sea of toys.
"Looks like a tornado hit in here," Reid commented, letting Luke go for a moment to secure the house.
"A tornado named Lan," Luke agreed. "Check that out," he said nodding towards the couch where Robbie and Laurie were seated, their heads pressed together, their eyes closed. Laurie still held the remote in his hand while Robbie held an empty bottle in his. Lucky was asleep at Laurie's feet, and in the middle of it all was the baby snuggled up between the boys,, his legs spread out in front of him, a pacifier in his mouth as he too slept.
"The demon turns into an angel," Reid mused, a smile tickling at his lips. "Should we wake them?"
"Nah," Luke said pulling him further into the room and towards the stairs. "Let them sleep."
