Chapter 5

Linda worked in her office, answering the phone, seeing caller I.D. managing certain things around the office. "Hmm". she griped, and groaned as she worked on court cases, and the officialities of making Partner. "My, this is getting exhausting". Linda didn't say this out loud. She instead did her work, and complained on the inside. When she had reached lunchtime, she got a certain ring on her cell phone. Flipping open the phone, she answered it. "Hello…?". "Who might this be?". Linda asked, as she spoke over the phone. "Hello, my darling…my lover". Strong Bad's voice said from the other end, in a sexual, brimming, alluring register that was heavily assisted by the smoker's rasp. "Honey….what is this?". "I can't right now…I'm at the office". Linda said, covering the bottom speaker of her phone with her hand.

"My Lover….I have a surprise for us…that might help us….until death do us part". "Until the world has its undoings". Strong Bad said, alluringly. "Come to the spring on the left side of the park….come find me…". Strong Bad chuckled a coy chuckle, as he made a kissing sound over the phone. "Honey, you know I can't". "I told you, I'm at the office until 8:30 tonight". Linda said, as she kept a hand over the speaker still. "Come find me, darling". "Give me some lovin…please?". "Pretty please?". Strong Bad said, alluringly. Linda rolled her eyes, as she hung up the cell phone, taking her stuff as she cleaned up her office area under the pretext of going to lunch. She went outside to her car, driving to the Spring at Westwood park, where Strong Bad was waiting for her. Linda came outside, seeing the mist as it surrounded the spring. "Wow…this looks….nice". Linda said, as she glanced past the mist curtain, seeing a naked Strong Bad laying across a rock, with everything showing. "Hello, Linda". "My, do you look beautiful". Strong Bad said, alluringly as he played with rose petals that lined a path to the rock in which he was laying. "oh….Strong Bad". Linda blushed as she glanced up at Strong Bad. "yes, my darling". "I knew you've been working hard, so I made up a lil somethin' somethin' you would like". Strong Bad said, with allure to his softened voice that remained sexual in register. "Hmm". Strong Bad hummed, as he brushed the rock with his hand.

"Oh…you know I can't say no to you". Linda said, as she giggled. Linda and Strong Bad met, as Strong Bad smiled a cunning, seductive smile to her. "Well now…will you do me a favor, darling?". "Will you take off your clothes?". Strong Bad requested, kindly as Linda did take off her clothes. She came closer, and closer to Strong Bad, as they shared a kiss. Linda pressed her lips against Strong Bad's as Strong Bad gently held Linda close. The kiss…the kiss was natural, the kiss was loving, and kind. Linda felt more of Strong Bad's kiss against her lips. Strong Bad's love….Strong Bad's hopefulness, and Strong Bad's gentleness was nurturing to Linda. Linda felt the nurturing as she felt his bare chest, felt his gloves…or his hands caressing her body, gently. She felt his fingers across her face. She felt his kiss across her lips…across her cheek. "Love you". Strong Bad whispered, kindly as he ran his gloves down Linda's waist. Linda felt nurtured, felt loved, and felt amazed at the willingness, and gentleness of Strong Bad. She knew he was in a good place, and so was she.

"Mm, you are so amazing". Strong Bad mumbled, as he kissed up and down Linda's neck. "Thank you so much, babe". "You are so amazing as well". Linda said, as she opened her mouth, feeling Strong Bad's kisses on her neck…his massages on her breasts. "Mmm, you are so amazing, darling". Strong Bad said, alluringly, as he kept kissing up and down Linda's body. "Thanks, honey". Linda replied, as she felt something….else happening between her and Strong Bad beneath them. It was Coitis that was occurring. Coitis in the sense that they were fornicating. But they felt happy. Linda felt the kisses up and down her body, as Strong Bad smiled a gentle smile. "Love you, darling". Strong Bad whispered, as he and Linda held one another close underneath the waterfall. As they held one another close, their kisses were met with love, essence, and wonder. They kissed…their lips were together for the longest time.

"Mm, you are so amazing, darling". "I have always loved you…mmm, you make me smile…now, and always". Strong Bad said, seductively as he kissed Linda. "Thanks, honey". "You've always made me smile as well". "I love you, truly". Linda said, with an equal amount of seduction as she felt Strong Bad's lips against her lips.

"Mm, You ever think about it?". Strong Bad asked, kindly as he kissed Linda's forehead. "About what?". Linda asked. "Mmm, just about having a baby". "I sometimes think about it here and there". Strong Bad said, gently as he kissed Linda on the lips again. "That's nice that you do…I can't have children anymore…I'm in my late 40's". Linda said, as she chuckled. "Right, yeah, that was weird of me to bring up…I don't know why I even said it". Strong Bad said. "No, no, it's ok". "It was actually nice that you said it…because every couple thinks about it now and again". Linda said, as she shared a kiss. "I've thought about having a baby every now and again, too…but…I don't think I can….because I was never able to have kids". "That's why I adopted Oskar".

"Right, that sounds correct". "But even so, having a baby is a lot of work". "Even though, it would be nice for you to raise someone again…it'd be nice for me to, I love kids". Strong Bad said, kindly.

"I love kids, too….and I guess…it would be nice to have that all over again". "To hold my baby, raise her, kiss her, dress her up, it'd be nice to have a baby". "Babies are amazing". Linda said, dreamily. "Babies are cute, I wouldn't mind having one either". "I love babies". Strong Bad said. "That's my philosophy in its entirety". Linda said, with dreaminess to her voice. "Mine as well". Strong Bad said, as he giggled. "But hey, how are you today, honey?". "Are you doing well?". "I know you've had to work a lot…I just wanted to make sure my darling is alright".

"Your darling is doing well". Linda said, kindly. "I slept really well last night, I had good dreams, and…I'm not sure if I was dreaming this or not, but….I saw Daniel's reflection….in a blue star". "And I heard his voice….alongside Oskar".

"Aww, that sounds amazing". "I somehow knew you would reflect on that". "I knew you'd reflect on your time with Daniel…he was an amazing man….and when I talked to him last night, he seemed proud that you made Partner". "I know you miss him…but it's always good to have an everyday connection". Strong Bad said, kindly. "He was an amazing man…and I'm always thankful to have him….I don't know….it's something that I've learned to accept….but the time we spent together is time I'll always remember". Linda said, kindly.

"I see how special it was". "Daniel was a good friend for you….and he always will be". Strong Bad said, gently. "He always will be…no matter what". Linda said, as she gulped a bit. She smiled a strong smile, looking towards the heavens. "The truth in your love". Strong Bad said, kindly as he and Linda shared a smile. They both looked towards the heavens, seeing the ray of sunshine that shone through the misty set of clouds. "Well, let's just focus on what we have now…because I guess at any point, it can all go away". Linda mentioned, as she and Strong Bad chuckled. "Yes, let's focus on what we have before us". "What we have before us, is beautiful". Strong Bad said, kindly. He and Linda smiled a kind smile, as they kissed once more. They kissed…letting their lips touch one another in propensity. Strong Bad and Linda heard something from afar as well. When they heard it, it seemed to come near them in a beautiful sense. It was music….70's music all in its fervor, and in the majestic beauty that seemed to ring throughout the land. What song was it…well, when the music played, the lyrics seeped up and down the hillside of the park, and was strewn about throughout the land. Linda and Strong Bad danced to this song….slowly, majestic, and with fervor. They danced, feeling the magic of their song.

"Sentimental gentle wind

Blowing through my life again"

"Sentimental lady, gentle wind"

"Sentimental gentle wind

Blowing through my life again"

"Sentimental lady, gentle wind".

Linda and Strong Bad danced, danced lovingly to the song. The song seemed to flow through the land, and surround them in their efficacy. It was something they loved, something they appreciated. Linda and Strong Bad were close. They were married now, and they felt the efficacy of marriage in their bond, which was a strong one. Linda knew, Strong Bad was someone she loved, in all of her aspects. He, in turn, loved her too. They kissed for the longest time, all before Linda had to go back to the office.

Oskar sat in his room, reading his book, as he felt a new sense of calm run through his body. He was calm in this sense. Nothing could bother him…and nothing did bother him. He no longer felt like crying, or screaming. It was as if all of the fear, anger, and disgust had left his body.

There was a soft knock on Oskar's door, as Strong Bad came in. "hey, mini man". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness. "Good to see you, when did you get home?".

"I got home a while back". Oskar said. "I had a lot to do today".

"That sounds like a good time". Strong Bad said, kindly. "Getting home is always an exciting thing". "Mm, I just got home a bit ago, too". "Everything's going well, I'm about to see what there's a can of, in the fridge".

"There might be something good in the fridge". Oskar said. "I don't know what my mom bought a long time ago".

"I don't know what she bought, either". "Let's have a look, shall we?". Strong Bad said, gently. He and Oskar looked in the fridge at the different foods that were kept in the fridge, including some leftover chicken. "This might be good if we're willing to try it". Strong Bad said, kindly.

"It might be….I kind of wonder if you know how to make chicken". Oskar said. "I know a bit about it". "I'm not widely familiar with it, though". Strong Bad said, kindly. "Hmm, let's see". "We can make this with chili and cheese". "Have you ever had chili and cheese chicken?". Strong Bad asked, kindly. "I haven't….wait…is this another new thing you and mom are going to have me try?". "Besides the ramen noodles?". Oskar asked. "It is indeed a new thing we're going to have you do". "I'll make the chili from this packet here, and we have some melted cheese in the fridge". Strong Bad said, kindly. "That sounds good". Oskar said. "Hmm, let's see…boil some water in a pot…throw in some of the chili….that sounds like a nice thing….mmm, nice". "That's something I like to see". Strong Bad said, gently. "Mm, k, let's do that….and we'll make some cheese in this pot here…that's cooking….okey dokey, we seem to have a good system". Strong Bad let the various items sit on the stove, cooking as he sat down at the kitchen bar, resting for a bit. "So, how was school today, champ?". "Was it a good one for you?". Strong Bad asked, kindly. "It was actually really good….I talked with my therapist today…and he had some good things to say". Oskar said. "He kind of helped me through a lot".

"That's really nice". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I knew he was a good guy to talk to". "So, how was your meeting with your Geography teacher?". Strong Bad asked, kindly. "It was nice…she gave me some extra credit to do, and some access to the Gifted programs, and honors classes for high school". Oskar said.

"That sounds good, man". "I love the advanced program for you". "You'd do so well with the advanced program". Strong Bad said, kindly. "Did you have to have a certain score on your tests to get into it?".

"I once did, but I scored higher than the minimum". "I had the highest score in the Gifted program pre qualifiers". Oskar said. "That's nice, son". "It seems you've really worked hard to get to your position". "I'm very proud of you". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I have worked hard, and I've done what I could to earn a place in the Gifted Program". "It was still a lot". Oskar said.

"Whatever it is, you earned it, and you should be proud of your positions". "You made it…I'm so proud of you". Strong Bad said, kindly. "Thanks, dad". Oskar said. "I am very proud of myself…because it was on my list of things to accomplish before I graduate". "I love earning my way through with hard work, diligence, and entropy". "The gifted program is a really nice thing".

"I'm happy for you, bud". "You did so well". Strong Bad said, kindly. He and Oskar laughed, as the chili quit cooking on the stove. "Well, son…I think we're in business here". "We've got our own fresh formula cooking, we're doing pretty well". Strong Bad said, gently. "Hmm". Strong Bad turned off the stove as he poured some chili on the breaded chicken. "There we go, kiddo". "We're all ready". "I have one, and you have one…we're ready to ship on out". Strong Bad brought Oskar, and his food out onto the porch. "Mm k, so, this looks good, huh?". Strong Bad said, kindly. "It looks really delicious". Oskar said.

"It does, I can't even believe I had the audacity to make it". Strong Bad said, gently as he chuckled. "But it still looks good, which is the important thing". "At least it doesn't look like garbage". He and Oskar shared another laugh.

Strong Bad ate some of his chili chicken, as he glanced around. "Mm, I haven't had a cigarette since this morning". "I usually have one every half hour, but the addiction must be dwindling". "Mmm, so weird, isn't it?".

"It is really weird". Oskar said. "I'd say it's really weird". Strong Bad said, kindly. "Mm, I've been smoking since I was your age". "I've been smoking for a long while now". Strong Bad ate some more bites of his chicken.

"Why do you smoke?". Oskar asked. "Mmm, I smoke commonly because it's nice". "It's a really relaxing feeling that I've taken to, and it's a very comforting feeling". "I don't want to quit anytime soon, but I do want to dwindle it down to the point where it's not too much of a thing". Strong Bad said, gently. "It is really a bad habit, but I've been doin it". "It is what it is". Strong Bad yawned a bit, as he ate some more bites of his chicken. "Mm, this is so good". "Man, is it good". "I'm a genius it seems like". Strong Bad said, as he chuckled to himself. "How did you learn to make chili cheese chicken?". Oskar asked. "My late wife had this recipe she gave me that was pretty nice to follow, and I just took it from there". "My late wife had a lot of weird recipes". Strong Bad said, kindly. "The ramen noodles in the tomato soup was one of em…that, and pickles in spaghetti". "Whatever it was, she had so much weird crap". "But it was all so delicious".

"My mom used to make puttanesca, which was pretty nice". "The Olives in the Puttanesca were pretty good". Oskar said, as he ate more of his chicken. "I loved that…that was so good…that, and Antipasto". "I loved Antipasto, and Puttanesca, Basil Pesto pasta, your mom made some excellent things". Strong Bad said, kindly as he finished his chicken. "I remember she made some brownies the one time with caramel filling, they were so good". "Have you ever tried those?". "Brownies with caramel filling?". "I think they're new, they just came out with those".

"I've tried brownies with caramel….they are nice". "But…I don't know…filling is kind of a lot because…you no longer are focusing on the brownie, itself". "You're focusing on the filling inside of it". Oskar said. "Yes, that can be distracting, perhaps". Strong Bad said, kindly. "But I love caramel flavoring". "Caramel flavoring is really good, along with white chocolate…mm, I love white chocolate". Strong Bad's kind voice had a gentle hum to it, while he licked his lips dreamily.

"I like white chocolate a lot, also". "There is such a thing as white chocolate brownies but they taste a lot like milk chocolate". Oskar said. "Yes, white chocolate brownies are delicious…but I think they do use milk chocolate when they make white chocolate". "Milk chocolate is delicious for the most part". Strong Bad said, kindly. "How about this, when I was a kid, we used to make white chocolate creme brulee". "Every holiday, or Thanksgiving…anytime around that time of year, we used to make the creme brulee with peppermint from candy cane pieces, and some cinnamon". "It was the best thing". "My mom made it every year up until she passed on".

"Does it taste like a flambe, or is it kind of…like…pudding or whatever?". Oskar asked. Strong Bad lit a cigarette. "Creme Brulee is basically a burnt pudding that's skinned at the surface…but then beneath it, there's loose pudding made with either chocolate or vanilla". "When I was growing up, we had burnt Creme Brulee on the surface, but the white chocolate wasn't necessarily as thin as it was thick". "We ate our creme brulee when we were kids, and I remember one Christmas Eve, my mom made some for my dad when he was sick for a while, and…let's see…Strong Mad and I snuck in, and ate the last piece of it, then put the bowl in Strong Sad's room, so essentially, we blamed it on him, and he got in a lot of trouble". "He got all of his gifts taken away that year, but I don't think my parents ever found out it was us that did it". Strong Bad said, gently as he chuckled. "You were mean to your younger brother?". "That's…well, hey, that sounds right". Oskar said, as he and Strong Bad shared a laugh.

"I was horrible to Strong Sad growing up". "I remember one time I taped him to the ceiling for coming into my room". "He was up there for quite a while…he didn't come down until I said so". Strong Bad said, kindly. "He was up there for 3 days straight one time". Strong Bad and Oskar laughed. "Man, I can't believe you never had a sibling…younger brothers and sisters are so much fun to mess with". Strong Bad said, gently.

"They are for the most part…but no, I never had a sibling". Oskar said. "My mom and dad I guess were too busy in their professions to adopt another child, or have any more children, so…I kind of grew up as an only child".

"Hmm, well, sometimes, moms and dads pick and choose how many kids they want based on a lot of things…be it their jobs, or what kind of children they have, maybe how it affects them". "It can be a lot of things for the most part". "I remember my parents stopped after Strong Sad was born". "They just…didn't want any more kids". "That's completely understandable…kids are a lot of work". Strong Bad said, gently. "I never had any, but I know how much work children are, understandably…and it is something my late wife and I never really got around to doing".

"What are your thoughts on kids…usually?". Oskar asked. "I believe kids should have freedoms, and fun, I like to be the fun one, generally". "Remember when you and I had that weekend together and ate all that pizza, slept overnight at the super arcade?". "I treated you and your buddies to all of the junk food you could want?". Strong Bad asked, gently. "Yes, you were the coolest dad in my friend group…and possibly in school". Oskar said. "Hey, I'm still a cool parent, and don't you forget it". Strong Bad said, kindly as he and Oskar laughed. "But in all aspects, I didn't believe in rules, or being an authoritarian". "I believe in a fun, lively environment where kids can be themselves, and anyone can do anything". "Rules are stupid, I believe, and whatever happens, kids need balance". "They need a world where they can be themselves, hang out, and not worry about school, or grades, parents, or anything like that". "I love being the fun one for kids…and I do it out of my genuine love for them…and my love for youth, and being young". Strong Bad said, kindly. "Kids mean the world to me, and I love them just as much as I love being married". "That's a lot".

"But out of all the kids I love, I love you the most, my Oskar-oni". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness. "You are so mature, so strong, you are the most intelligent person I've ever met, besides mom, and you are very sensible". "Kids usually like to land in trouble with authority, and teachers, they don't use common sense, but you are so careful, and so righteous". "Don't take that the opposite way it is, it's a good thing". "You are someone that has the highest intelligence quotient of anyone I know". "You have excellent gifts, and sensibilities, you can do anything you put your mind to". "With all of the sensibilities you have, you will change the world one day".

"Thanks dad". Oskar said. "I guess….I don't know…I've always been smart…but I don't have the natural skill of anyone though". "I just kind of…I've always tried hard at things for that reason".

"I know you have, son". Strong Bad said, kindly with a gentle, loving, nurturing softened voice. "You've always worked, but you've succeeded at a lot of things, and I couldn't be prouder". "I am always proud of my amazing boy". "You can do anything because our bond is so strong". "Because what we have is so special, and so amazing…I've always believed you were amazing". "Now, what we have is even more special because your mom and I are married". "We are bound together for life, and we will always be". "Because you and I were destined to be best friends". "I don't love you because I love your mom, and it's obligatory, my love for you is genuine, and you are someone who has taught me so many things…about putting in effort, about finding hard work, and being more aware of things". "You are someone so special, and so genuine with your efforts that it's been noticed by so many….you have touched so many lives, in so many amazing ways". "I will always be proud of that, son".

"Thanks, dad". Oskar said, as he looked up at Strong Bad. "you've always been so inspirational, in many ways". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "I love you, son".

"I love you too, dad". Oskar said. Strong Bad glanced around as he smoked his cigarette. "I saw some pictures from when you were just a 6 month old….you looked so cute". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. He tapped ash from his cigarette. "When you were young, you had trouble walking and talking….so you would communicate by doing different things with your dad". 'You were such a cute kid". "Remember when you would sit up in your crib, and smile…you would reach for your dad, or your mom". Strong Bad's voice softened. "I'm sure you miss your dad, huh?". "He would mean a lot, now".

"He would, but I accepted that he's gone now". Oskar said. "I've accepted that he's no longer with us…and I guess…I don't know". "You're a good dad, too". "I have 2 dads".

"That's a good way to put it…kind of like I'm your Earth dad, and he's your dad in heaven". Strong Bad said, kindly in a soothing, gentle voice. "But even so, both of your dads love you, and are so proud of you…because you're an amazing son". "And because you mean so much to us". Strong Bad smoked his cigarette. "That's a good way to put it, too". Oskar said. "You know, I love your dad so much, son". "He truly was an amazing man…and…you perhaps don't know this, but I talk to him every night before I go to sleep". Strong Bad said, softly with kindness. "I thank him for letting me protect you, and your mom…". "And I also thank him for allowing me to help you on your journey…wherever it may take you". "While I know we'll never have nearly what you and your father had, I'm thankful that we found each other". "I will always love you, truly". "I have loved you, and I will always appreciate the man you are becoming". "Because you truly are amazing in every way". "You are my boy, my best friend, and you will always be, son". Strong Bad said, softly with gentleness. "Thanks, dad". Oskar said, as he looked around. "Of course, son". Strong Bad said, gently.

"I love you very much, and I'm happy to be with you, son". Strong Bad said, softly with kindness. "I love you, too". Oskar said, as he felt more calm come over him. "Hmm…there are some old pictures we could take a look at". "I found your photo book on the counter, we could look at some old ones from Ukraine". Strong Bad said, softly with gentleness. "I guess…even though I didn't have a good time over there". Oskar said. "That's what I talked about in therapy today".

"Yes, you didn't have a good time over there". "You were deeply deprived of love, care, and stimulation….nurturing". Strong Bad whispered, kindly. "When you were deprived, you didn't have anyone rescuing you or saving you from the bad you experienced". "You were forgotten, essentially". Strong Bad tapped ash from his cigarette. "I was….but I don't know…it's not worth getting anxious over". Oskar said. "I understand, but sometimes, we can't help how we feel". "Our feelings mean so much to us, and we can't help what we can't control". "Trauma is trauma, and what really fixes the damage is family, love, nurturing, and stability". "What we need is love, and kindness". Strong Bad said, softly with gentleness. "It's what we benefit from in all aspects".

"We do have love, and kindness". "But I'm not sure I'm ready to let something like that upset me". Oskar said. "I know it usually doesn't…but sometimes, it can upset us in ways we don't even see". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "Sometimes, what we don't see, what we can't identify that has happened, can be the most upsetting". "But whatever happens, we'll know what we can, and can't handle". "I'm just happy that you were adopted, and that you developed so quickly enough to be the amazing man I know you could always be". "You have made the world a better place because of your tenacity". "I will always love that".

"Thank you, dad". Oskar said. Oskar glanced around…coughing a bit due to the smoke. "Oh, I'm sorry, son". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "See, I should really stop smoking…it's a lot to take in". Strong Bad chuckled a bit. "I guess". Oskar said. "Nothing to worry about". "We'll be alright". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "But hey, you were so cute as a baby". "You had short brown hair, you had a blue onesie, you were such a cute kid". "You loved being with your parents". "Your parents loved you, too". "When you were a baby, your mom held you, kissed you, and gave you love". "You deserved it….you've always deserved the love your mom and dad gave you from the beginning". Strong Bad's voice softened. "Adoption is so special because it means you were chosen by your mom and dad to fulfill their lives". "Being chosen is the best thing". "In every way". Strong Bad smiled a kind smile. "It is…and I'm always glad to be adopted because it means I'm special in the eyes of people who love me". Oskar said.

"Adoption is special, in many wonderful ways". "I'm sure your parents are so proud that you are an amazing part of their lives". "They have been, and they always will be". Strong Bad said, kindly. "I know". Oskar said. Strong Bad and Oskar smiled. "Alright, let me put this out…and we'll go in, and see those pictures". Strong Bad said, gently as he put out his cigarette stub. "Mmm, man…I need to get back into shape". "Aww man, it's late, isn't it?". Strong Bad said, as he stretched. "Alright, kiddo…let's see what we have in front of us".

Oskar went inside, as they took in their plates. Strong Bad sat, as they looked at the baby book. "Wow, look at you…that's such a cute onesie". "That looks adorable, man". "Nice". Strong Bad said, as they looked at pictures, and saw home movies. In one of them there was…

Oskar was an infant, walking around with crystal blue eyes, and small, tiny hands. He looked up at the camera, seeing his dad. He smiled and ran around as Daniel scooped him up in his arms. "Love you good boy, love you so much". Daniel said, kindly as Oskar smiled, with his baby teeth. He felt as if he was being held, as he laughed and played…with his dad, which was important.

Strong Bad smiled a kind smile at the home movies. "You were such a good boy". "I am so impressed by you". Strong Bad said, gently with softness. "Thank you". Oskar said. They talked, they laughed, as they watched home movies. "Mm, that was nice…I liked it". Strong Bad said, kindly as he drank some of his rootbeer float. "I liked that a lot". "Mm, alright, kiddo…your mom will be home soon". "Why don't you hop in the shower, and get cleaned up for bed?". "Please…?". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "If you do, I'll take you for a couple nights at the super arcade…you can invite as many friends as you want".

"Sounds like a plan". Oskar said, as he and Strong Bad shared a laugh. "Thanks, dude". "I knew you could do it". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. He kissed Oskar on the forehead. "I love you, Oskar-oni". Strong Bad said, kindly with gentleness. "I love you, too, dad". Oskar said, as he hugged Strong Bad. "Alright go on now, and I'll make you some warm milk, little man". Strong Bad said, gently with softness as Oskar went to shower. Strong Bad sat as he cleaned up the home movies, and put away the camcorder. "Mm, well, there's nothing to do…I might as well go to bed, or something". "There's nothing really to do…oh well". Strong Bad muttered, as he went to the kitchen, making Oskar some warm Almond milk with chocolate syrup on the inside.

When Oskar came out of the shower, he was wearing his pajamas, as Strong Bad gave him some milk. "Here you go, dude". "It was straight out of the fridge". Strong Bad said, gently with softness. "There you go, kiddo". "Drink up…you're working hard". Strong Bad rubbed Oskar's back as he drank his milk. "Thanks, dad". Oskar said. "Of course, bud". "Let's go in to bed, and we'll lay down for a bit, we'll read a nice story, it'll be amazing". Strong Bad said, gently with softness. "Thanks". Oskar said. Strong Bad wiped his brow. "Bud, you look tired as of now". "Long day?". Strong Bad asked, kindly with gentleness. "I did have a long day, but it's alright now". "I'm going to bed, so it's fine". Oskar said. "Right, exactly". "Let's go to bed, and we'll wake up in the morning, and see what we've got". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. Strong Bad had tiredness in his voice. "You ready, little man?". "You've got your jim jams, you're all prepared". "Let's go to bed, mini man". Strong Bad said, gently with softness. "Ok". Oskar said.

Strong Bad tucked Oskar into bed, as he kissed him on the cheek. "There you go, kiddo". "You're all ready for bed". "Would you like to hear something…or are you ok for now?". Strong Bad asked, kindly with softness. "I'm ok for right now". "I might say my nightly prayers…and do my periodicals, but everything is ok". Oskar said. "I was just about to do the same thing minus the periodicals". Strong Bad said, gently as he and Oskar laughed. "Alright, bud…I love you very much". "Goodnight now". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "Goodnight, dad". "Love you, too". Oskar said. Strong Bad kissed Oskar on the forehead. "See you tomorrow, Oskar-oni". Strong Bad said, gently. "Goodnight". Oskar said. Strong Bad turned out the light, walking out of the room. While he was sitting in the other room, Linda came through the door.

"Hey, honey…how was today?". Linda asked, kindly. "It was fine…we just made some chicken, we hung out, looked at old crap, we made out pretty well". "It was fun". Strong Bad said, as he sat on the bed. "I'll bet it was". Linda said, kindly. "That's nice…2 years, and you boys are still close". "And…he was ok, today?".

"He was ok today…he was surprisingly…calm for the most part". Strong Bad said. "He didn't have troubles at all". "I think the only thing he was really squeamish about was talking about his past…opening up about where he came from". "He's getting much better, though".

"Therapy is working, it seems". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "It really is". Linda said. "You, were right". "And in a very eloquent way".

"I'm always right". Strong Bad said, gently, as he and Linda laughed. "I can see that". Linda said, as she and Strong Bad snuggled into bed. "My day went pretty well". "I enjoy doing a lot of legal work". "But it's been kind of….exhausting". "I definitely love coming home". Linda said. "Coming home is the best part". "I enjoyed it a lot before I was widowed". Strong Bad said, kindly with softness. "I love seeing my wife, and seeing the love of my life more than anything".

"I enjoy it, too". Linda said, as she and Strong Bad chuckled, kissing. "It is…nice". "It's the nicest thing I can experience". Linda said. "Hmm…coming home for me was pretty fair". "I was able to accomplish a lot at home". Strong Bad said, as he snuggled beneath the sheets. "But then again, it's not like I did a lot". "It kind of…was what it was at that point".

"Well, you made it". "Isn't that what's most important?". Linda said, as she and Strong Bad chuckled. "I couldn't have made it without you, darling". Strong Bad said, as he and Linda chuckled, leaning over as they kissed one another on the lips. Strong Bad wrapped his hands around Linda's waist, and thighs as he kissed her lips. Linda felt the kiss as she felt her lips caress his in a gentle manner. There was love, there was a steady notion of affection, and most importantly, there was faith in an everlasting bond.