Chapter 20: Father's Day

Sorry for not updating in soooo long. Here's a cookie. (::)

Today was Father's Day, and Jayden had made James a card. He quickly gave it to him after breakfast, and he blushingly stared at his feet while his father read the card. James thought the card was sweet and picked his talented five year old up. He hugged Jayden close to his chest, and Jayden snuggled into James' warmth. James was happy that Jayden hadn't grown out of his cuddly phase yet. It made him happy knowing that Jayden was always welcome to being picked up and cuddled. Though he could cuddle Emily, but she was different. Jayden was his.

"How about we go out to eat, Jay?" asked James.

"Yeah!" shouted Jayden, and he started bouncing in James' arms," Where do you want to go?"

James chuckled at Jayden's excitement, and he asked," How about that new pizza place?"

"Okay," said Jayden, calming down a little bit.

Jayden and James quickly got on Mentor Ji's motorcycle and sped off to the new pizza place that doubled as a martial arts studio. Jayden had wanted to go for ages, but something always came up, so they never got to go. James was bound and determined to finally go today. To be honest, he was kind of interested as well.

When they got there, Jayden wouldn't stop bouncing, and it made James laugh. He grabbed Jayden's hand and walked them inside. They were welcomed by a familiar face. "JASON!" Jayden shouted, and he ran up to Jason, bouncing all over the place. Jason looked confused for a second, but recognition soon flooded his face. He bent down and hugged Jayden, while looking for his father. When he spotted James, he nodded.

"Hey, Jayden, how's it going?" asked Jason, curiously.

"It good," said Jayden," You?"

"I'm doing good too," said Jason.

"Yay!" Jayden said," I didn't know you worked here."

"Well, I do," said Jason," and so does Tommy."

"Tommy?" asked Jayden, and he started looking around for Tommy. When he couldn't find him, his lips started to quiver, and his eyes filled with tears. "Tommy?" he asked again, quieter. Jason quickly sent Tommy a text:

"There's someone here to see you, Toms. Better get out here quick."

Tommy came out quickly and found Jayden wrapped in Jason's arms looking like he was about to cry. Tommy ran over and picked Jayden up. "How's my little buddy?" asked Tommy, and Jayden giggled.

"So whatcha doing here?" asked Jason to James, as Tommy made funny faces at Jayden.

"Celebrating Father's Day," said James," He's been wanting to come here, but my job keeps getting in the way, and I honestly wanted to come too."

"Well, I hope nothing comes up," said Jason, and he walked James while Tommy carried Jayden over to a table for two," Here's your seats. I'll be right back with some menus."

"I'm sorry, Daddy," said Jayden, suddenly, as Jason and Tommy walked off.

"What are you sorry for, Jayden?" James asked curious.

"I'm supposed to be celebrating Father's Day with you, but I just spent time with Jason and Tommy and not with you," said Jayden, looking at his lap guiltily.

James smiled softly and gently lifted Jayden's chin. "It's alright, my sweet boy, they are your friends, and you weren't expecting to see them here. I will not stop you from having fun with them," James said, staring into Jayden's eyes.

"I love you, Daddy," said Jayden.

"I love you too, baby boy," said James, and the moment was broken when James' phone went off. He told the team not to call unless it was an emergency. He answered and silently cursed. There was a Nighlock in the main park. "I have to go, baby boy, I'll be right back. You stay here with Jason and Tommy, okay?" Jayden nodded his understanding, and luckily, Jason was coming back right at that moment. "Could you watch him for a few minutes? Something major came up," said James, panicking.

"Of course," said Jason, and he picked Jayden up. James rushed out the door, and Jason said a quick prayer that he would come back for Jayden.

It wasn't until eight hours later, after the pizza place's closing time, that James rushed back through the door. He apologized for it taking so long, but Jason's waved it off. "I know how it is."

"What do you mean?" asked James worriedly.

"It takes a Ranger to know a Ranger."

"You were a Ranger?"

"The first red."

"That's so cool!" Jayden interjected," I hope I become as good as you!"

"I bet you will be better than I am, little buddy," said Jason," By the way, you guys need to celebrate your Father's Day here."

"No, it's okay. It's past closing," said James, not wanting to make them stay any longer.

"Nonsense, you get to eat here," said Tommy. And they stayed, and they ate the most wonderful pizza that was ever created. It was the best Father's Day so far, at least, according to James.

Hope you liked it. Review please!