I'm just going to say sorry for any mistakes. I wrote this pretty quick

John rolled over onto his hands and knees. His fingers flexing against the carpet. He faced his boys, who held similar stances. This was war. John smirked dangerously. They thought they had him. Thought they could wear him out. They figured that their "old man" was really an old man. And no match for their two year old bodies. He would admit, his kids had a lot of energy. Endless energy. But he was fit. Could go days without sleep. Could fight five guys at once and still come out alive. He could handle his two year old sons.

Tommy's lips lifted slightly, a mischievous smile appearing on his face, lifting his puffy cheeks. Tommy had one weakness. He couldn't hide his feelings. Not yet. He was up to something and had a plan in mind. No doubt his brother was in on it. The two had a language of their own. John slid his gaze over. His soft spoken and always calm AJ had a small barely noticeable twinkle in his eye. The only clue that gave way to his confidence. To be so young he was already getting a tight hold on his emotions.

Dad verses sons.

Without warning Tommy darted across the floor, trying to get to base, which in this case was their living room couch. John was on him in a moment, lifting his body up with one arm, while still on his knees. He twisted his son in his hold tickling him and nipping playfully at his arm.

"Dinner at last." He mumbled still nipping. Tommy giggled fighting to get free. Out of his peripheral vision he saw AJ within inches of the couch. Holding tight to Tommy he crossed the floor on his knees. "Oh no you don't." With his free arm he grabbed AJ. "You boys thought you had me." He said in victory as they pushed and kicked trying to get away while fighting their laughter.

John placed them on the floor side by side. He began tickling one, while growling and gnawing at the stomach of the other. This time they kicked and swung their arms, overwhelmed by the tickles. "Remember one thing boys, Daddy always wins."

Joss bit her lip to keep from joining their boys in laughter. Tommy's face was beat red and AJ was nearly in tears. She grinned at seeing her babies so happy. She couldn't imagine life without the two little boys. Had it only been a couple years ago that she was living without them? Being a mom a second time around was just as much fun as the first time. She grinned watching John having seemingly as much fun as the kids.

She loved this side of him. This side that she didn't get to see often. When John had moments like this where he laughed, played, or just enjoyed life it was like she was getting a small peak at the boy her husband had once been. The boy who was not touched with the cruelty of the world. The boy who had not been deceived into thinking that wrong was really right. The boy who was kind, giving, and unburdened by guilt and shame. The boy she never knew. And never had the chance to meet.

That boy however was showing up more and more each day. Somehow the man he had become was finding that boy he had forgotten.

Joss sighed, not really wanting to break up their fun. "Okay fellas, you better calm down. I don't want you to be all tired out before the b-ball game tonight."

AJ and Tommy hearing her voice, strained their necks to look in her direction. They squirmed free from their father's hold and escaped to Joss. "Mommy! Mommy!"

Reaching down she scooped up the first one to reach her, which happened to be AJ. His legs wrapped securely around her waist. Tommy remained on the ground clinging to her leg.

"We probably should get them ready." She said looking at John who was still on his knees, chest rising and falling rapidly. Face slightly flushed. He sighed pushing himself onto his feet. His eyes still carried their playful gleam. As he approached Tommy squealed.

"He goin' get 's!" He squeezed Joss leg while trying to hide behind the limb. His eyes watching his dad with suspicion and excitement. The closer John came the tighter AJ held on. His feet bit into Joss's waist as he buried his little face into her neck whispering, 'he'th comin' he'th comin'." Over and over again.

"Ok guys, Mommy's right." AJ tilted his head to look at John. Hearing the change in his tone. "We need to get ready." He managed to break Tommy away from her leg and pull him into his arms. "We don't want to keep your big brother out of the fun. Right?"

AJ relaxed realizing their game was over. John smiled at their son Tommy before giving him one final little tickle. He tried to cover his stomach with his small hands. "Let's go get ready for the basketball game. Taylor will be here soon." He turned to go but Joss fisted her fingers in his shirt stopping him. His eyes held a question, but she tugged him to her and lay a brief, but firm kiss to his lips.

AJ let out a soft laugh as they closed in forming an odd covering with he and his brother squished in the middle.

Joss broke the kiss and looked into his eyes. She could still see that boy. Still see the John that everyone thought was dead. The John that simply knew how to be happy. For a moment she was a little overwhelmed and extremely thankful to God that she played a part in bringing that boy back to life. Not just her, but all of them. All three of their boys helped and were helping to bring him back.

"What was that for?" he asked. Voice low. Centering in on her with a look that made her feel like she was his everything.

She shrugged. "Just because."

He smirked dipping his head for another kiss. Momentarily forgetting their kids he stepped closer. This time it was Tommy's light tug on his shirt that broke the moment. Pulling apart they looked down at their son.

"Daddy, we go now?"

He smiled and Joss laughed. "Yes we can go." Joss seized his hand as they walked off to their boys' room. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze and he smiled at her looking more alive than ever.