Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned here.
In The Air Tonight
authored by WingsuitFlying
Chapter 12 – Hold My Hand
A year had flown by in a whirlwind of joy and laughter, and now Phoenix and Reaper found themselves preparing for a momentous occasion—Asher's first birthday. The backyard of their Fresno home was abuzz with activity as they set up decorations, hung streamers, and arranged tables for the party.
Phoenix carefully placed a colorful banner that read "Happy 1st Birthday, Asher!" across the patio, her smile widening with each flutter of the breeze. Reaper, armed with a hammer, expertly hung strings of twinkling lights around the perimeter of the yard, casting a warm glow over the scene.
As they worked, their thoughts turned to the year that had passed—a year filled with milestones and memories that they would cherish forever. They reminisced about Asher's first smile, his first laugh, and the countless little moments that had filled their hearts with joy.
"He's growing up so fast," Phoenix remarked, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
Reaper nodded, a proud smile playing on his lips. "He's definitely keeping us on our toes. But I wouldn't have it any other way."
They paused for a moment, watching as Asher toddled across the grass, his chubby legs wobbling with each step. He was the picture of innocence and curiosity, his eyes wide with wonder as he explored the world around him.
"Do you think he'll remember any of this?" Phoenix wondered aloud, her gaze lingering on their son.
Reaper chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Asher's hair as he passed by. "Probably not. But that's okay. We'll make sure he has plenty of pictures to look back on."
With the decorations in place and the yard transformed into a festive wonderland, Phoenix and Reaper took a moment to admire their handiwork. The tables were adorned with colorful centerpieces and scattered with toys and games for the little ones to enjoy. The scent of freshly baked cupcakes filled the air, promising a sweet treat for all who attended.
As Phoenix and Reaper put the finishing touches on the decorations in the backyard of their Fresno home. They were expecting a full house today, with friends and family traveling from near and far to celebrate their son's milestone.
The first guests to arrive were Phoenix's parents, Maria and Nicholas, who had made the trip from San Francisco to be there for their grandson's special day. Maria's eyes sparkled with excitement as she embraced her daughter, her arms already outstretched to hold little Asher.
"Oh, mi niño precioso!" Maria exclaimed, her voice filled with love as she cradled Asher in her arms. "You are getting so big!"
Nicholas smiled proudly, patting Reaper on the back as he greeted him. "He's a handsome little guy, that's for sure. Looks just like his dad."
The backyard soon filled with more members of Phoenix's family, each one bringing with them a burst of energy and excitement. Diego and Santiago, Phoenix's older brothers, were the next to arrive, their booming laughter echoing through the air as they scooped Asher up into their arms, eager to shower him with affection.
Maya and Malia, Phoenix's older sisters, followed close behind, closely followed behind by Nicole and her husband Alex, who unloaded the presents from the car. Maya's daughter, Andrea, squealed with delight as she caught sight of her baby cousin, rushing over to greet him with a hug and a kiss.
As another car pulled up into their driveway, Reaper's face lit up as he saw his mom, Elaine, step out, followed closely by his older brothers, John and Mark, both having planned their leaves specifically for Asher's special day. John was accompanied by his wife, Jenna, and their two sons, Christian and Charles. Mark arrived with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter, Alice.
Elaine approached first, her arms outstretched. "Oh, my sweet boy!" she exclaimed, enveloping Reaper in a tight hug. She then turned to Phoenix, wrapping her in a warm embrace as well. "Thank you for hosting this wonderful celebration. Where's my birthday boy?"
Phoenix smiled and gestured towards the play area where Asher was busy playing with Andrea. "He's over there, having the time of his life."
John and Mark exchanged hearty handshakes and hugs with Reaper, their expressions filled with pride and excitement. "It's great to be here, little brother," John said, clapping Reaper on the back. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
John's wife, Jenna, approached with a gentle smile, holding the hands of their two boys, Christian and Charles. "We're so happy to be here, Natasha," Jenna said, her eyes scanning the beautifully decorated backyard. "You've really outdone yourself."
"Thanks, Jenna. It's wonderful to see you all," Phoenix replied, leaning down to give Christian and Charles hugs. "Why don't you boys go play with your cousin Asher?"
Mark and his wife, Stephanie, stepped up to her next, their daughter Alice already darting off to join the other kids. "This place looks amazing, Phoenix," Stephanie said, giving her a quick hug. "Alice has been looking forward to this all week."
Reaper chuckled as he watched the children run off to the bounce house. "Seems like everyone's going to have a blast today."
Elaine finally made her way over to Asher, who was giggling as he played with Andrea. "There's my handsome grandson!" she cooed, picking him up and smothering him with kisses. "You are so loved, little one."
Phoenix watched the scene with a full heart, feeling incredibly grateful for the support and love that surrounded them. "It's perfect, Don," she whispered to Reaper, leaning into his side. "Everything is perfect."
Reaper kissed her forehead. "Couldn't agree more, Phee."
The party continued in full swing, with the backyard now bustling with family and friends. The children laughed and played, bouncing around in the bounce house and chasing each other on the lawn. The adults mingled, catching up on each other's lives and sharing stories of the past year.
As the afternoon sun warmed the air, Reaper took a moment to step back and soak it all in. He found himself next to his brother John, who was watching Christian and Charles play with Asher.
"It's hard to believe how fast time flies," John said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Seems like just yesterday we were kids running around like that."
Reaper nodded, his gaze fixed on his son. "Yeah, it really does. I'm just grateful we have moments like this to bring everyone together."
John patted his shoulder. "You've done good, Don. You've got a beautiful family."
Phoenix, meanwhile, was chatting with Jenna and Stephanie, sharing the joys and challenges of the past year. "It's been an adventure," she admitted, "but seeing Asher grow and thrive makes it all worth it."
Stephanie smiled warmly. "You and Don are doing an amazing job. Asher is a lucky boy."
As the afternoon sun bathed the backyard in a warm, golden glow, Phoenix and Reaper heard the sound of another car pulling into the driveway. They exchanged a knowing glance and headed toward the front of the house to greet their next set of guests.
Maverick and Penny, along with Penny's daughter Amelia, stepped out of the car, their faces lighting up with smiles as they saw Phoenix and Reaper approaching.
"Hey there, birthday parents!" Maverick called out, pulling Reaper into a hug and clapping him on the back. "Congrats on making it through the first year."
Penny followed with a warm hug for Phoenix, her eyes twinkling with happiness. "This is such a wonderful day. We're so happy to be here."
Amelia, holding a brightly wrapped gift, bounced over to Reaper and Phoenix. "Where's the birthday boy?" she asked eagerly.
Phoenix smiled and pointed towards the backyard where Asher was being doted on by his grandparents. "He's right back there, Amelia. Go on, he'll be thrilled to see you."
As Maverick and Penny made their way into the backyard, Phoenix and Reaper heard another car pulling up. They turned to see Hangman and Rooster arriving together, already engaged in their usual banter.
"I'm telling you, Seresin, as Asher's godfather, I get to give my present first," Rooster declared, a determined look on his face.
Hangman smirked, adjusting his sunglasses as he turned to face Rooster. "Nice try, but considering his middle name is Jacob, which you know, is named after me, I think I have the right to go first."
The two tried to walk through the door simultaneously, their shoulders bumping and causing them both to stumble slightly. Phoenix and Reaper couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
"Why am I not surprised?" Phoenix said, shaking her head with a grin as she stepped aside to let them in.
Reaper chuckled, clapping both men on the back. "Alright, alright, you two. There's plenty of time for presents. Let's just get you inside and settled first."
As they moved towards the backyard, Rooster glanced back at Hangman with a playful glare. "This isn't over, Seresin."
Hangman rolled his eyes, but his smile was genuine. "Bring it on, Bradshaw."
The backyard was now filled with laughter and the sounds of children playing, a perfect backdrop for the celebration. Maverick and Penny had joined the other adults, catching up and sharing stories. Amelia had found Asher and was playing with him and his cousins, her giggles mixing with theirs.
Phoenix and Reaper watched the scene with contentment, grateful for the love and support of their extended family. They were about to join the others when Hangman and Rooster approached them, still holding their respective gifts.
"Alright, we need to settle this," Rooster said, a mock-serious expression on his face. "Who gets to give their present first?"
Phoenix looked at both of them, a playful glint in her eye. "How about you both give your gifts at the same time? That way, Asher gets double the fun."
Hangman grinned. "I can live with that."
Rooster nodded in agreement, and the two men followed Phoenix and Reaper to where Asher was playing. They crouched down, each holding out their gift.
"Asher, buddy," Rooster said, his voice soft and affectionate, "we've got some presents for you."
Asher's eyes widened with excitement, his little hands reaching out eagerly. Hangman and Rooster handed him their gifts, and with some help from Phoenix and Reaper, he began to tear into the wrapping paper.
The joy and excitement on Asher's face as he discovered the new toys inside were priceless. The sight filled Phoenix and Reaper with a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness.
Later, as the party continued, Phoenix found a quiet moment to thank Maverick and Penny for coming. "It means a lot to us that you're here," she said sincerely.
Penny squeezed her hand. "We're family, Phoenix. We wouldn't have missed it for the world."
Maverick nodded in agreement. "And Asher's got a lot of people who love him. He's a lucky kid."
Phoenix smiled, her heart full. "We're the lucky ones."
As the day wore on, the buzz of excitement continued with the arrival of more friends. The doorbell rang again, and Phoenix and Reaper headed to greet their next guests. Payback, Fanboy, and Bob stood on the porch, all smiles and holding gifts.
"Happy birthday to the little guy!" Payback exclaimed as he stepped in, giving Reaper a hearty handshake.
Fanboy followed, a broad grin on his face. "We wouldn't miss this for the world. Where's the birthday boy?"
Phoenix pointed towards the backyard where Asher was being doted on by his grandparents and playing with his cousins. "He's out there having a blast. Go on, join the fun!"
Bob, holding a brightly wrapped present, gave Phoenix and Reaper a warm hug. "Thanks for having us. This place looks amazing."
"Thanks, Bob," Phoenix replied. "It means a lot to have you all here."
As they guided their friends to the backyard, Reaper couldn't help but notice another unexpected arrival. His eyebrows shot up as he saw Halo walking in, her hand entwined with Omaha's. They seemed happy and relaxed, a picture of a couple deeply in love.
Phoenix elbowed Reaper playfully. "Don't be so surprised. We are also together."
Reaper smirked but couldn't hide his curiosity. "Yeah, but we are not flying in the same plane, Phee."
Phoenix laughed and shook her head. "They've got it figured out, just like us."
Halo and Omaha approached them, their faces beaming. "Hey guys, happy birthday to Asher!" Halo said cheerfully, giving Phoenix a hug.
Omaha extended his hand to Reaper, who shook it with a smile. "Congrats, man. You've got a beautiful family."
"Thanks, Omaha. And thanks for coming," Reaper replied, still trying to wrap his head around the new couple's dynamic.
The backyard was now buzzing with conversation and laughter as the newcomers mingled with the other guests. Payback, Fanboy, and Bob joined Maverick, Penny, and Amelia, sharing stories and enjoying the atmosphere. Meanwhile, Halo and Omaha found their way to Rooster and Hangman, who were still debating who was the most important to Asher.
"I'm the godfather!" Rooster declared again, prompting a round of laughter from everyone around.
"And I'm his middle name's namesake!" Hangman shot back, not missing a beat.
Reaper watched the interactions with a sense of contentment, feeling the warmth of camaraderie that had developed among them over the years. Despite the long hours and demanding missions, moments like these made it all worthwhile.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the gathering, Phoenix and Reaper took a moment to step back and take it all in. They stood together, arms around each other, watching as their friends and family celebrated the joy of Asher's first year.
Phoenix leaned her head against Reaper's shoulder. "We're lucky, Don. We've got an incredible support system."
Reaper nodded, his eyes fixed on Asher, who was now being lifted into the air by Maverick, eliciting peals of laughter from the little boy. "Yeah, Phee. We really are."
As the evening continued, the backyard was filled with the sounds of children playing, adults chatting, and the occasional burst of laughter. It was a celebration of life, love, and the beautiful journey that Phoenix and Reaper had embarked on together.
The evening settled into a comfortable rhythm as the party continued. Phoenix glanced across the yard and noticed Reaper and Hangman, the two naval aviators from Austin, Texas, manning the barbecue. The smoky aroma of grilled meats filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of guests.
Reaper was flipping burgers with practiced ease, a spatula in one hand and a beer in the other. Hangman, ever the showman, was regaling Phoenix's father Nicholas and Reaper's brothers John and Mark with animated stories of their exploits in the air.
"So there we were, just two boys from Texas in the big blue sky, chasing the aircraft that flew into our airspace" Hangman began, drawing out the suspense. "And this guy here"—he gestured to Reaper—"decides he's going to intimidate the Su-57 pilot by going inverted above him! You should've seen it, Mr. Trace. He had everyone back at base biting their nails."
Nicholas, clearly enjoying the tale, chuckled and shook his head. "You boys must give your mothers plenty of gray hairs."
John and Mark laughed in agreement, clinking their beers together. "You're not wrong about that," John said, grinning. "We've been worrying about Don since he was a kid, but he always finds a way to come out on top."
Reaper nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "It's all about staying calm under pressure. And having a bit of luck doesn't hurt either."
Meanwhile, across the yard, Bob had taken on the role of entertainer for the younger guests. He was down on the grass, surrounded by Asher, Amelia, Andrea, Christian, Charles, and Alice, leading them in a game of Simon Says. The children's laughter rang out as they tried to keep up with Bob's increasingly silly commands.
"Simon says, touch your nose!" Bob called out, touching his own nose. The kids eagerly mimicked him, giggling as they did.
"Simon says, hop on one foot!" Bob continued, demonstrating with exaggerated movements. The children hopped around, some more wobbly than others, but all of them having a great time.
Phoenix watched with a smile, feeling a warm sense of contentment. Nearby, Jenna and Stephanie had gathered with her, offering their seasoned advice about motherhood.
"You're doing great, Natasha," Jenna said, patting Phoenix on the back. "The first year is the hardest, but it looks like you've got it all under control."
Stephanie nodded in agreement. "And remember, don't be too hard on yourself. It's okay to ask for help when you need it. We all need a break sometimes."
Phoenix nodded, grateful for their support. "Thanks, guys. It's been a learning curve, but having all of you support us makes it so much easier."
As the night wore on, the backyard was filled with a sense of camaraderie and love. The barbecue was a hit, with everyone enjoying the food and the company. Reaper and Hangman continued their friendly banter, entertaining the adults, while Bob kept the children engaged and happy.
At one point, Nicholas approached Phoenix, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You've done well, Natasha. This is a beautiful celebration."
Phoenix hugged her father tightly. "Thanks, Papa. It means a lot to have you all here."
The night in Fresno, California, was warm and inviting, the stars twinkling brightly overhead as the party continued. The smoky aroma of Texas barbecue mingled with the sweetness of the cake that awaited its moment of glory. Reaper's drink cabinet had been raided, and glasses of fine whiskey and ice-cold beers were being enjoyed by their friends and family.
"Alright, everyone," Phoenix called out, her voice filled with joy. "Time to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Asher!"
Phoenix held Asher in her arms, the little boy reaching out curiously toward the glowing candles on his birthday cake. She smiled as Reaper stepped forward, the lighter in his hand flicking to life as he carefully lit each candle. The soft glow illuminated Asher's face, and everyone gathered around began to sing "Happy Birthday."
With the song finished, Phoenix leaned down to help Asher blow out the candles. The tiny puff of breath from their son extinguished the flames, and everyone cheered. Reaper sliced the cake, handing out pieces to eager hands while Phoenix helped Asher with his first taste, which quickly turned into a delightful mess on his face.
Laughter and conversation flowed easily as everyone enjoyed the cake. Phoenix looked around, her heart swelling with gratitude for the family and friends who had gathered to celebrate this milestone with them.
As the evening wore on, Reaper's brothers were deep in conversation with Nicholas about their latest adventures, while Hangman and Rooster were still bickering amicably about who had the better flying skills. Bob, ever the entertainer, was making the children laugh with his impersonations of various pilots and their quirks.
Phoenix was savoring a sip of whiskey when she noticed Reaper had gone quiet. Reaper caught Phoenix's eye across the table, a silent communication passing between them.
With a mischievous smile, Reaper stood up and tapped his glass to get everyone's attention. The chatter died down as all eyes turned toward him.
"Thank you all for coming and making Asher's first birthday so special," he began, his voice filled with emotion. "This has been an incredible year, and we couldn't have done it without all of you."
Phoenix smiled, thinking it was just another heartfelt speech. But then Reaper did something that caught her completely off guard. He took a deep breath, turned towards her, and dropped to one knee.
A collective gasp went through the crowd as Reaper reached into his pocket and pulled out a small red velvet box. Opening it, he revealed a stunning gold diamond ring that sparkled even in the dim light.
"Natasha Amelia Trace," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were someone special. You've been my partner, my rock, and the mother of our beautiful son. Every day with you has been a blessing, and I can't imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?"
Tears welled up in Phoenix's eyes as she looked down at Reaper, the love and sincerity in his gaze taking her breath away. The crowd watched in anticipation, holding their collective breath.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Yes, Donovan, I will marry you."
Cheers and applause erupted from their friends and family as Reaper slipped the ring onto Phoenix's finger. He stood up, pulling her into a tight embrace, their lips meeting in a kiss that sealed their promise to each other.
As they pulled back, they were met with a flurry of congratulations and well-wishes. Hangman and Rooster were the first to reach them, both grinning from ear to ear.
"About time, Reaper," Hangman teased, clapping him on the back. "We were starting to think you'd never pop the question."
Rooster nodded, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Congratulations, you two. Looks like Asher's birthday just got a whole lot more memorable."
Phoenix laughed, wiping away her tears. "Thank you, guys. This means the world to us."
Maverick and Penny were next, enveloping them in warm hugs. "You two are going to be so happy together," Maverick said, his voice filled with genuine affection.
As the night wore on, the celebration continued with renewed vigor. The cake was forgotten as everyone raised their glasses in a toast to Phoenix and Reaper's engagement. The backyard was filled with a sense of joy and hope for the future.
Later, as the guests began to trickle out and the house grew quieter, Phoenix and Reaper stood together, watching over a sleeping Asher in his crib. The events of the day replayed in their minds, each moment a cherished memory.
Phoenix looked up at Reaper, her heart full. "I can't believe you did that," she whispered. "You made today perfect."
Reaper smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You deserve nothing less, Phee. Here's to the future—ours and Asher's."
They kissed softly, their hearts intertwined as they stood together, ready to face whatever the future held. The night had been a celebration of life, love, and the promise of many more beautiful moments to come.
In the months that followed their engagement, life for Phoenix, Reaper, and Asher was a whirlwind of joyful chaos and heartfelt moments. Planning their wedding became a labor of love, involving their families and friends in every detail to ensure the day would be as memorable as their engagement.
Phoenix and Reaper decided on an outdoor wedding in a picturesque vineyard just outside Fresno, embracing the natural beauty of the landscape. They spent weekends visiting the venue, finalizing details with the event planner, and choosing flowers and decorations. Their families were heavily involved, offering advice and assistance wherever needed.
Phoenix's sisters, Maya, Malia, and Nicole, helped her choose a wedding dress. They spent an entire day at a bridal boutique, laughing and crying as Phoenix tried on gowns. She eventually chose a stunning lace dress that made her feel like a princess.
Reaper's brothers, John and Mark, along with Hangman and Rooster, helped him pick out his suit. The camaraderie was palpable as they joked and teased each other, but they also provided heartfelt support.
Phoenix's sisters, Maya, Malia, and Nicole, were her bridesmaids, along with her close friend Halo. They spent weekends shopping for dresses, brainstorming decorations, and planning bachelorette festivities. Reaper's brothers, John and Mark, along with Rooster and Hangman, stood by his side as groomsmen, their camaraderie making the preparations fun and memorable.
The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear, the vineyard bathed in golden sunlight. Phoenix's mother, Maria, and her father, Nicholas, were beaming with pride. Reaper's mother, Elaine, couldn't stop smiling, her eyes often filled with happy tears.
Phoenix and her bridesmaids got ready in a charming cottage on the vineyard grounds, laughter and excitement filling the air. Phoenix's dress was a stunning ivory gown with delicate lace details, and her bouquet was a beautiful mix of wildflowers and roses.
Reaper and his groomsmen prepared in another part of the vineyard, sharing stories and toasts to calm any pre-wedding jitters. As he adjusted his tie and looked in the mirror, Reaper felt a deep sense of happiness and anticipation. Today, he would marry the love of his life.
As the ceremony began, the guests took their seats, the vineyard's natural beauty serving as the perfect backdrop. Phoenix's father, Nicholas stood proudly beside Phoenix, offering her a reassuring smile as the music started. Phoenix took a deep breath and began her walk down the aisle, her eyes locked on Reaper's.
Reaper's breath caught as he saw Phoenix approaching. She looked radiant, her smile brighter than the sun. As she reached him, Nicholas placed her hand in Reaper's, whispering, "Take good care of her."
As they exchanged vows, there wasn't a dry eye among their guests. Reaper's voice was steady and filled with emotion as he promised to love and cherish Phoenix for the rest of his life. Phoenix's voice trembled slightly, but her words were clear and heartfelt.
"I, Donovan Brian Grimm, take you, Natasha Amelia Trace, to be my wife. From this day forward, I promise to stand by your side, through thick and thin, in good times and bad. You are my heart, my soul, and my everything."
"I, Natasha Amelia Trace, take you, Donovan Brian Grimm, to be my husband. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your dreams, and to build a life full of laughter, adventure, and love. You are my anchor, my partner, and my best friend."
As they were pronounced husband and wife, Reaper kissed Phoenix with all the love and passion he felt, sealing their commitment to each other.
The reception was a lively celebration filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt toasts. Maverick gave a touching speech, recounting his memories of Phoenix and Reaper's journey and expressing his joy at seeing them so happy. Penny, holding Amelia's hand, added her own warm wishes for their future.
Hangman and Rooster had the crowd in stitches with their good-natured banter and anecdotes about the couple. Bob, Payback, Fanboy, and Halo all shared their own stories, each one highlighting the love and strength Phoenix and Reaper had shown throughout their relationship.
Reaper and Phoenix's first dance as a married couple was to their favorite song, their movements graceful and in sync, reflecting the deep connection they shared. The night ended with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the sky as everyone raised their glasses in a final toast to the newlyweds.
As the night wore on, Phoenix and Reaper stole a quiet moment together, stepping away from the crowd to look up at the stars.
"Can you believe we're finally here?" Phoenix whispered, leaning into Reaper's embrace.
"It feels like a dream," Reaper replied, his voice filled with wonder. "But it's real, and it's perfect."
The months following the wedding were filled with the sweet routine of family life. Asher continued to grow, his personality blossoming with each passing day. He was the center of their world, bringing joy and laughter into their home.
Phoenix and Reaper balanced their military careers with their family life, supporting each other through the challenges and celebrating the triumphs. They made a point of cherishing the small moments—family dinners, bedtime stories, and weekend outings to the park.
Phoenix continued to fly, balancing her career with her responsibilities as a mother. She and Reaper coordinated their schedules, ensuring that one of them was always there for Asher. They cherished the moments they spent together, whether it was a family outing to the park or a quiet evening at home.
Reaper excelled in his role, earning the respect of his peers and superiors. His dedication to his family and his work was unwavering, and he took pride in being a supportive husband and father. The bond between him and Phoenix grew stronger with each passing day, their love deepening as they navigated the ups and downs of life together.
They also continued to find time for each other, going on date nights and spending quiet evenings together after Asher was asleep. Their love for each other deepened with each passing day, their bond strengthened by the journey they had taken together.
One quiet evening, after putting Asher to bed, Phoenix and Reaper sat together on their porch, watching the stars twinkle above.
"We've come a long way, haven't we?" Phoenix mused, her head resting on Reaper's shoulder.
Reaper smiled, kissing her forehead. "We have, Phee. And I wouldn't change a thing. Every step of this journey has brought us closer and made us stronger."
Phoenix looked up at him, her eyes shining with love. "Here's to many more adventures, together."
Reaper nodded, holding her close. "To us and our family."
As they sat together, wrapped in each other's arms, they knew that no matter what challenges the future held, they would face them together, with love, strength, and the unbreakable bond they had built.
Hold my hand, everything will be okay
I heard from the heavens that clouds have been grey
Pull me close, wrap me in your aching arms
I see that you're hurtin', why'd you take so long
To tell me you need me? I see that you're bleeding
You don't need to show me again
But if you decide to, I'll ride in this life with you
I won't let go 'til the end
So cry tonight
But don't you let go of my hand
You can cry every last tear
I won't leave 'til I understand
Promise me, just hold my hand
Raise your head, look into my wishful eyes
That fear that's inside you will lift, give it time
I can see everything you're blind to now
Your prayers will be answered, let God whisper how
To tell me you need me, I see that you're bleeding
You don't need to show me again
But if you decide to, I'll ride in this life with you
I won't let go 'til the end
So cry tonight
But don't you let go of my hand
You can cry every last tear
I won't leave 'til I understand
Promise you'll just hold my hand
Hold my hand, hold my
Hold my hand, my hand
I'll be right here, hold my hand
Hold my hand, hold my
Hold my hand, my hand
I'll be right here, hold my hand
I know you're scared and your pain is imperfect
But don't you give up on yourself
I've heard a story, a girl, she once told me
That I would be happy again
Hold my hand
Hold my hand
Hold my hand, hold my hand
Hold my hand, hold my hand
Hold my hand
I heard from the heavens
AN: The final chapter of In The Air Tonight. This was very fun to write and admittedly as I was writing the last few paragraphs I got a bit sad because it was a journey and I'll miss writing this story. I've heard from other writers that sometimes, writers can form a bond with the characters they write, especially if they spend a significant time developing their backgrounds and personalities.
This isn't the last time I'll use Reaper in my stories, as I'll be writing some one-shots based on this story, but he won't appear in every one-shot, as I want to give some focus on other characters in the story. Phoenix will pretty much still be the main character in the one-shots though. So if you have any suggestions or requests for the one shots, feel free to post them if you want to see them written. Also I've already mentioned that I have a story planned on Iceman's son, but if there's interest in a sequel to In The Air Tonight, I will write it, but if it ever gets in works, it will probably be sometime in fall 2024.
Also I want to personally thank AmberRising and Batghost for their unwavering support on the story and goddesspharo for being an inspiration for developing my writing style.
That's all and that's all folks, and remember, this isn't a goodbye - it's a I'll see you later!