Story Notes: Thanks for staying with me. I'm glad I managed to write so much for the first few chapters, and I'm going to try and keep that up in my future stories as it seems to work better. Thanks for reviewing. I used When We Were Young by Take That to write some of the parts in this chapter. Apologies, the chapter is shorter than the others. It is more like a short epilogue

Chapter Summary: Tintin, Antonin and Haddock return to Marlinspike, and Antonin makes a decision.

Suggested Music

1. You Carried Me - Dare

2. Amazing Grace - Andrea Bocelli and Alison Krauss

3. When We Were Young - Take That

4. White Horses (Lion Heart) - Dare

Chapter Seven

Three weeks later

The birds sang in rounds, etching their calls and music throughout Marlinspike Hall's gardens. Every flower contributed, creating a spread of gold, scarlet and cerulean as bee's danced between them. Even as Nestor and Calculus continued their jobs, a sigh in the furthest reaches of the garden could be perceived. As Tintin strolled through the trees, Snowy chased a lone butterfly. He smiled, thankful everything had worked out.

This could have ended very differently, Tintin thought as he inhaled the sweet pollen infused air. As he did, he spotted his father sitting on a beach just ahead. He stood up and walked to him.

Tintin beamed as he placed his arm around him.

I've never been so happy in my life. I don't think anything else could compare, Tintin thought.

"How did the talk with the director go?" Tintin inquired as they started to walk to the pond.

"Eventful," Antonin smiled.

Tintin's smile dropped slightly, knowing his father wouldn't be able to stay for long. That was the pattern that had begun from a young age. Three years away, with only a few weeks to enjoy time with his father. Part of him feared that he would go on an assignment and never return. That fear remained.

"Father .. I," Tintin couldn't find the words. "How long can you stay?"

Antonin turned to face him.

"I resigned," Antonin stated with a whisper.

Tintin's eyes flickered in surprise.

"What?"

Antonin held his gaze, placing both hands on his shoulders.

"Augustin, I've spent most of my life in the Secret Service. I've travelled the world, but I only came home every three years. That's not what a father should be doing,"

Tears welled in Tintin's eyes.

I savoured every day I had with you, Tintin thought. I knew you had an important job.

"I missed out on the greatest gift I ever had... you son,"

Tintin's eyes sparkled, even through the tears.

"I should have been beside you, guiding you, watching you grow into the man you are today. I will never forgive myself for that. I've missed so much, and I don't want to miss anything else,"

Tears slipped across his cheeks even as Antonin pushed them away, then placed his hands upon his cheeks.

"I'm so proud of you,"

They threw their arms around each other, embracing tightly.

"Never stop doing what you believe in but know that I'll always be there for you. That's a promise,"

A beaming smile replaced the joyous tears. The echo of the previous statement remained; I'm proud of you.

As warmth spread throughout his body, his entire self glowed in gratitude. Every single part had fallen into place.