The moment Teddy steps through the front door, he is a blur of motion, his small feet pounding against the wooden floors. His laughter rings through the house as he takes in everything at once—his eyes wide, full of curiosity and excitement.
"This place is huge!" he exclaims, spinning in circles before looking up at Fitz. "Can I see my room? And the snow? And Artemis?"
Fitz chuckles, scooping him up with ease. "One thing at a time, buddy. But yes—to all of it."
Olivia watches from the doorway, arms crossed, a warm smile tugging at her lips as Fitz carries Teddy through the house, showing him each room with the enthusiasm of a father sharing something sacred. Teddy presses his hands against the windowpane, mesmerized by the vast snowy landscape stretching outside.
"I wanna go out there!" he says, already bouncing on his heels.
"After dinner," Fitz tells him, ruffling his curls. "First, we get you settled in."
That night, Olivia stands just outside Teddy's bedroom, leaning against the doorframe as she watches Fitz settle in beside him, a storybook open on his lap. Teddy nestles against his father's side, his tiny fingers gripping Fitz's arm as he listens intently, his eyelids growing heavy.
Fitz's voice is soft, soothing, the deep timbre wrapping around each word like a lullaby. Olivia swallows against the lump in her throat, feeling something shift deep within her—something warm, something so achingly full.
Her heart melts completely when Fitz presses a gentle kiss to Teddy's curls, whispering, "Goodnight, buddy. Love you."
Teddy mumbles a sleepy, "Love you too, Daddy," before drifting off, his breath evening out in sleep.
Olivia stays in the doorway a moment longer, taking in the sight of Fitz—her Fitz—the man who once ruled the world, now sitting in the soft glow of a nightlight, holding their little boy like he's the most precious thing in existence.
She doesn't say a word as Fitz finally stands and meets her gaze, but when he reaches for her hand, she lets him take it, letting her fingers thread through his like second nature. They walk out together, the house quiet, full of warmth, full of love.
Home.