39 Dougie's POV
Buzz was incredibly happy because of Tom's new-found affection, and very clearly cheered up because of it. He seemed to smile and laugh more, and to me, seemed like he slept for longer, he wasn't up at all hours of the night. Sure, he still woke up, but that was because he was teething, but on the whole, it seemed like he slept more, which gave Tom more sleep in turn, which seemed to put him in a good mood too.
Tom was still hesitant, and was obviously thinking his actions through before he made any, but he was more relaxed the rest of the time. I may have been imagining it, probably was, but it looked like everyone was relaxing, and that was a good thing, a very, very good thing.
The next week, things seemed to move forward again too. During play time with Buzz, Tom started to join in. Not by much, and incredibly hesitantly, but he stopped sitting and watching. He started handing Buzz his toys, and tickling him more often, one day, he even sat and watched Peppa Pig too, instead of going off to do something else. It was great to see, amazing in fact, I couldn't believe I was actually seeing it. Tom had spent so much time not interacting that much with Buzz, just doing the basics of parenting and leaving us to do all the fun bits, it was amazing to see him finally allowing himself to reach out.
Though, Tom was conflicted over it. I could see how hesitant he was every time, how he was second guessing what he was doing, asking himself if it was the right thing. It was almost like he was pained to do it, that he was scared that we were going to shout at him and kick him away from his son. We wouldn't do that to him, but he thought we would, after his wife had done the same thing. I hated that woman with a passion for what she had done. No man should have to doubt whether or not he could hug his son, or whether he could simply play with them.
The whole house felt happier, now that Tom was getting better, and starting to get back to himself. There was a long way to go, but he was getting there, and even though it was taking a long time, it was still a good step. Better than wallowing like we were before.
"Buzz looks happier." I commented, sliding to sit on the sofa next to Tom, who had gone back to watching Danny and Harry playing with Buzz. Currently the toddler was playing with his toy hoover, and for some reason they were letting themselves be run over with it, with dramatic cries of 'pain' while they were at it.
"Yeah, yes, he is." Tom nodded, turning shy, fiddling with his fingers.
"Must be loving all the attention he's getting, it's like he's the centre of the universe." I wasn't going to say it was directly because of Tom's presence, didn't want to point it out too much and make it obvious, in case it put him off.
"He loves playing with the three of you." Tom answered, a flash of something... wrong, on his face.
"He loves playing with you too." I told him, needing him to know that, he had to know that much, at least.
"And you." Tom insisted, "You're... you're really good with him." the 'better than me' wasn't said, but came through loud and clear.
"It's cause I'm a child at heart, and have never grown up." I nudged him with my elbow, "But in all seriousness, he loves you, it's making him really happy to hang out with you."
"I guess." Tom sighed, watching as Buzz's laugh rang out across the garden.
"Tom, seriously, he loves being with you. Now that you're hanging with him more, he's a lot happier. He missed you." I encouraged him, because I felt that some was needed. Tom needed to know the effect he was having on his son, how much better he was making him. he had to know how happy he made his son, and how much his son loved him.