Title: Halloween and other happy occasions
Series: Raising Travis
Rating: K
Warnings: might need a Kleenex near the end.
Summary: Travis goes trick or treating and cookie making.
Disclaimer: Still, as always, not mine.
It was almost Halloween and 'The Three Musketeers had finally decided what they wanted to go as. Annalise was going to be a princess so Jesse and Travis had to be her loyal knights. P.S. 198 had opted to host a "Safe Trick or Treat" event from 4:30 to 6:30 where the kids could go from room to room and be assured of safe candy, this allowed for regular trick or treating which would occur later in the evening. Alex had requested off early so she could get Travis ready Bobby had said he would stay and finish paperwork. Travis was upset about this wanting his Uncle Bobby to share in the fun. When Alex's cell phone rang at 5:45 it wasn't who she was expecting it to be.
"Where are you guys?" Bobby asked
"At school working over the second grade teachers. Can you believe Travis has filled two bags already? I think he's conning some of the teachers out of extra candy. What have you been teaching him? Why where are you? I thought you were going to going to finish the paperwork." Alex asked amusement clear in her tone, since he had been stuck with the paperwork.
"Turn around." Was the only answer she got just before the phone disconnected.
When she turned she didn't know what to expect, it certainly wasn't the bulk of her partner taking up the entrance of the hallway, in full police dress uniform. As he walked toward her Alex was stunned speechless. This was a man who could definitely fill out a uniform she could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as she realized that the last time she had seen him in full dress blues it had elicited a similar response which she had put off to hormones from pregnancy. Well she didn't have that to blame her reaction on this time, oh no, this time it was pure, raw need. She had to clamp her jaw shut by force of will as he sidled up to her and stood at parade rest, looking ready for inspection. 'I'll inspect you Detective' Alex thought cheekily to herself, what she said out loud came out much more relaxed and under control.
"I never really imagined you dressing up for Halloween, what gives Bobby?" Alex was so proud of her self for seeming so collected.
"I got the last of the paperwork for the Markham case done, so I cut out early and figured what the hell, I don't get to wear full dress often, and this seemed as good a chance as any." His reply was smug, he knew he had caught her off guard and he was damn proud of himself. It wasn't often his partner was taken by surprise and for him to be the one to cause it made it that much better. Alex had pulled her self back together and her next comment was directed at Travis who was coming out of one of the classrooms.
"Trav, look who showed up, your Uncle Bobby, and he even put on a costume. Wasn't that pretty cool of him?"
"Uncle Bobby, you made it, cool. This is so awesome; you're the best uncle ever. Are you gonna come Trick or Treating with us at Aunt Alex's apartment?" Travis was bouncing on his toes when he skidded to a halt in front of Bobby, he reminded the detective of a puppy who's owner had been gone all day then finally shows up.
It was the middle of December and Alex and Travis were making cookies to take to his classes Holiday Party. They had made a batch of sugar cookies with almost no mess, and were working on chocolate chip when the phone rang. Travis grabbed it first, since his hands were cleanest.
He had read the caller ID display before he picked it up and knew it was Bobby.
"Hi Uncle Bobby, me and Aunt Alex are makin' cookies, do you wanna come over and help?" He listened for a few seconds said goodbye and hung up. Alex was laughing quietly to her self when Travis walked back into the kitchen.
"Uncle Bobby's gonna come help us make cookies. He said Mr. Mike and Miss Carolyn are gonna come too. Isn't that cool?" Alex had forgotten all about her co-workers coming over for dinner. Travis had convinced her at the last minute that these cookies were absolutely necessary.
"Well then we'd better get this dough made, so they can help us put it on trays." Alex could only laugh as a puff of flour wafted up from the counter when Travis smacked his hands down on it. Forty-five minutes and a crowded apartment later the cookies were done and Chinese food had been ordered. Later that evening as Alex was tucking her nephew into bed he asked her the question she had been dreading for a few weeks now.
"Aunt Alex, do you think my mommy would be mad at me if I called you mommy sometimes?" His tone was sleepily serious Alex didn't know what to say. After several seconds of contemplation Alex answered.
"No honey, she wouldn't be mad at you. She knows you will always love her I think she would understand. So you can call me whatever you feel comfortable with." Alex kissed him quickly and left the room. Once in the living room she collapsed onto the sofa, and cried. Bobby was right there.
"What happened Alex, what's got you so upset?" He asked running a calming hand up and down her back.
"Travis just asked if he could call me mommy. He was afraid that Janie would be mad at him if he did. I reassured him, but I'm not really sure how he's doing with all of this. Should I have taken him to counseling?" She asked not sure if she was really doing right by her nephew.
"Alex you are doing the best job raising this boy that you can. Janie knew what she was doing when she made you his guardian. You are the only other woman qualified to know what he needs. You carried him for 9 months, if nothing else your instinct will tell you what's going on with him. He is lucky to have an aunt like you, and don't ever forget that." Bobby knew that was what she needed to hear. He just hoped he would be strong enough to help her through the rough patches. The realization of his love for her had come to him years ago, but he kept it quiet not wanting to ruin their partnership and friendship with unreturnable feelings. He would continue to hold it in until he felt the time was right.
Travis' first Christmas Day without his mom and dad was a day of mixed emotions for both him and Alex. She had spoiled him with toys and clothes knowing they couldn't make up for missing parents. She had also found a picture of his first Christmas wherein his parents were helping him unwrap gifts. He had placed it lovingly on his dresser so that he would see it first thing every morning and last thing at night. Bobby came over in the afternoon to give them both gifts, after dinner they watched 'The Grinch who Stole Christmas'. As had become habit Travis fell asleep on Bobby's chest was carried into his room and gently tucked into bed.
End chapter 2, reviews as always will be appreciated and cherished.
