Hear You Breathing by Stuart Reid
33. Serenity
These days he tends to wake up to the darkness of civil twilight, right when the grey and blue hues begin to swirl together in the sky outside of the open French doors. Small mewling cries usually rouse him from his peaceful slumber, Red has slept lightly ever since they brought him home.
He stirs awake at dawn after a restful sleep and pads down to the nursery as if pulled by some invisible golden chain. Polished floorboards creak beneath his bare feet when he pauses at the doorway. There, inside the elaborately decorated willow crib made by his hand, lies what draws him from his dreams.
As if sensing his father's presence, a tiny fist reaches up, peeking between the bars followed by a quiet coo.
Red feels as if he would disturb the beautiful environment if he ventured further into the room. But the cooing becomes more insistent and he finally gives in, making the floor groan quietly as he approaches the crib.
Light green eyes greet him wonderingly.
"You're an early riser like your old man aren't you, son?" Red murmurs in amusement.
At the sound of the deep familiar voice a beautiful smile graces the baby's soft features. Tiny hands flutter in the air towards Red like small butterflies.
Misery is something of the past. So is loneliness. Honestly, Red can't remember what it feels like to be in pain. Lizzie managed to pull his soul out of the dark abyss he had allowed himself to sink into during his relentless pursuit of his own form of justice.
Now he feels true happiness; joy at seeing his boy reach out towards him with such trust. He's completely unaware of the storm Red went through just to get to him and his mother. This little one doesn't know how much pride he fills his father with; can't possibly begin to understand what it means to have him and Lizzie in his life.
A long slender finger reaches out and reverently caresses the soft cheek. The tiny hand grasps the finger tightly and watches the looming hand in the darkness.
The air between them is filled with a quiet chuckle. Red finally relents, despite his better judgment. He carefully picks him up from the cocoon of blankets, filling his large hands with the feather light body. His son's little pajama clad feet swing and kick at the air in delight, knowing that he's safe with his father.
Red knows he'll never bring himself to put him down after seeing that reaction.
"Now..." Red murmurs as he holds him against his chest. "Sam, what shall we do to pass the time? We can't play chess anymore. Mommy got mad the last time she found us on the couch."
Samuel gives a shriek of delight at his words.
Red nods in agreement. "Yes, I think that's a wonderful idea."
They'll probably get scolded for it in the morning. Nonetheless, Red goes to the kitchen and pulls out a carton of chocolate ice cream.
A/N: Sorry about the long wait guys! Problems with the internet...I'm now officially out of high school and waiting to go to college! You know what that means! More writing will get done during this stories hiatus! Perhaps I'll be able to get the story back up earlier than anticipated.
A/N 2: Unfortunately, the next chapter will be the last for the story hiatus, and it will be angsty... *runs away*