fic: April (Chapter 7)
Title: April
Author: Brainzz_Insanee
Pairing: David/Kelly(OC), David/Kimberly, eventual David/Michael
Status: 7 / (Thinking around 10, just an estimation)
Word Count: 5150
Rating: PG-13
Summary: David Cook has reached the feat everyone wants to achieve: He’s got a great girlfriend, a supporting and loving family, amazing friends as well as a continually booming singing career. So with all this going for him, what could jeopardize what he’s strived so hard for? And could it be something from the beginning of his journey?
Author’s Note: Skipping ahead about a few weeks.
Disclaimer: I don’t own them (but oh do I wish)
Challenge Info / Ch.1 / Ch.2 / Ch.3 / Ch.4 / Ch.5 / Ch.6
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There are things in life that push and pull you in more directions than you can possibly count. But thankfully, if lady luck is on your side than they can be dealt with before they spiral out of control and fall from your finger tips.
He’s both nervous and overjoyed that the lady has stayed by him so long.
David attempts to convince himself that he’s just paranoid but realistically, he knows that it’s simply because he’s come to expect life to throw only the worst in his face.
He’s lucky for a lot; almost too much.
His whole family, best friend and ex-girlfriend support his decision to care for a child that he didn’t know about until almost a couple weeks ago. Because of this, he has to close his eyes frequently and pinch his skin hard in order to convince himself that the events as of late have actually happened.
His mother had to go back to Blue Springs, having desperately wanted to stay with him but her work only gave her so much time off. She had kissed his cheek more than necessary and hugged him until his lungs were about to pop. It was something to be expected however, mothers always tended to leave that type of imprint.
He even told Michael that he didn’t need to stay around. The Australian had simply laughed, shaking his head in amusement and rubbing his shoulder a few times.
“You kidding? You’re not getting rid of me that easy mate.”
“Seriously, I wouldn’t take any offense if you had more important things to do.”
Michael had briefly looked down, eyes so deeply brown. David had went to walk away from the conversation, as his unrequited feelings for the other man had been driving him wild but his wrist was caught. He turned back partly, green eyes wide with confusion.
“Dave…” Michael had reached forward then, cupping both of his cheeks affectionately with a glowing smile.
“Honestly, you’re most important to me. Out of everything and everyone in my life, I‘ve never cared so much about a person as I do you. So no, I‘m not leaving you, not now or ever. Cook, you got me?”
He had looked down, all smiles and dimples. It had left him without words for minutes, resisting the urge to tear up. Michael was someone he couldn’t use words to define; none would ever come within miles to who he was.
“You all right mate?” The Australian had asked gently, lifting up his face by his jaw. David rammed his teeth together. The concern and warmth radiating in those dark brown eyes were going right through him, and he had been desperate to fight the tears wanting to fall. To have someone outside of his family actually hold him close to their heart was foreign to him; unaccustomed to the feeling of his life being so essential to another’s.
“Yeah…” He had nodded rapidly, eyes looking to the side.
Strong hands rested on the side of his face until his green eyes had faced those brown.
“You sure, Dave?”
He had nodded, more sincerely this time. “Now that you’re here… yeah. I’m good.”
David opened his green-hazel eyes, face half into the pillow and the sheets tangled all around his form. His left arm was hanging off the bed too. His hand scrambled up the end table, slamming down the end button on his cell phone to stop the alarm. Deep bags hung under his eyes as he tried to get himself to sit up but his efforts only resulted in his body’s collapse onto the sheets.
The smell of bacon shot open his half-lidded eyes.
He would’ve sprinted out of bed but one of the drooping sheets twisted around his ankle, prompting him to fall onto his face. Dave fell back instead of forward, rolling his eyes at himself and shaking his head at his bed. In saving himself, his cell phone dropped onto the floor and slid along it. Two minutes later, he was finally out of his bedroom and stuffing his surprisingly still working cell phone into his sweat pants pocket.
Michael glanced in his direction with a nod. “Morning, trouble sleeping?”
“Not at all. I slept like a rock.”
The Australian beamed from the kitchen table, sipping at his coffee with the paper by his right hand. Michael was already dressed in some Lee jeans and a Beatles tee.
“Good, you haven’t been sleeping enough.”
David rubbed the back of his neck, looking away in embarrassment.
“I know… I just-- I’ve been so caught up in getting this all in working order. I didn’t want to lose custody of her just because I didn’t… I don’t know, sign one paper or something. She’s not someone I want to lose. I’m just thankful that I had Kelly’s parents on my side, along with my whole family…if not, then… I don’t want to think about it. They could have easily told the judge that I’m not able to be a father or--”
“Dave, stop. No more thinking about it. For one, everything got done yesterday morning. You’re free of all the paperwork and stress. You did it, you got custody of her. Now, you can finally live your life with her. Plus, two, it‘s eight in the morning. Relax.”
He sat down at the table across from Michael, clutching at his coffee mug and continually searching those dark eyes. The other man smiled and clasped his hands over Dave’s.
“She’s yours, Dave.”
David mouthed the words over and over, lips moving to each syllable as to make them real in his head.
“What do I do when she doesn’t like me anymore?”
“Not going to happen.”
He rolled his eyes at the Aussie, giving him a ‘yeah, right’ face.
“Mate, April’s always going to love you and-- What I’m trying to get across here... to you is that she’s just going to show it less when she’s a teenager and all.”
“How do you have an answer for everything?”
“Sorry, can’t tell you that one.”
He shook his head with a smile, partly throwing his hands up in exasperation.
“Why?”
“Then I’d be saying why I always have a solution, and it would destroy my magic.”
“Michael, you’re ridiculous.”
“You love me for it.”
The words suspended the air in his throat for a small moment in time, forcing himself to shake his head with a grin instead.
“Right, whatever you need to hear to sleep at night.”
Michael laughed, standing up to rinse his coffee and shove a plate of eggs with bacon in front of his face. It was then that he forgot about the food, smiling sheepishly when his stomach roared in annoyance. The Aussie went off for a shower and it confused the rocker as to why the man would get dressed then wash, but shrugged. He didn’t have the energy to think about it. He simply added it to the other man’s odd personality.
He tried not to get too lost in his thoughts; a futile attempt.
Him and Mike had planned it out so after they got themselves all ready with food and the works, that they’d head over to Kelly’s parents house for April. He was secretly giddy for Michael to meet April. The Aussie had been extremely understanding through everything, even though he jokingly whined about not getting to meet her yet. Dave went through a mental checklist, knowing that he called the previous evening to inform when he’d be over to pick-up April. He even showered the night before.
David was so tired of the running around, the signing of paper… the whole deal. All he wanted to do was bring his little girl into his arms. He hadn’t seen her in days. Being separated from her was strange enough.
“Dave!”
He jumped from his thoughts from the familiar Australian accent, brows scrunched beyond belief and heading in the direction of the noise. Again he name was called, and he was about to yell back when his legs froze upon the sight before his eyes. The door was barely ajar, Michael peaking his head around it with a clear blush on his cheeks.
“Hate to be a bother mate, but I forgot my towel in the other room… you mind fetching it for me? It should be on the coat hanger by the sofa.”
Dave was having difficulty keeping his gaze up, using all the resistance and will he had remaining his head. The rest of his brain cells had instantly flat-lined upon walking near the door and catching half of Michael’s left leg open to eyes. And it’s not like the water cascading down that body and over his perfect hip bone was making things any easier. He didn’t trust his vocal chords one bit, shakily nodding and walking rather quickly out of the room. His fingers tingled in warmth, the back of his neck sweating.
Luckily the red towel was in plain sight, grasping it with an iron fist and trudging back to the bathroom door where the still naked Michael Johns would be. As much as he hated to admit it, he never loved a door more than in that moment because if it hadn’t been there then he’s not sure if anything would’ve stopped him from jumping his best friend.
The curly hair was stuck to his forehead, lips plump and pink. David wasn’t sure how he was holding himself together. Maybe, he mused, he numbed himself to emotions of lust.
His pants told him otherwise, and he swore mentally. Dave was just outside of his own bedroom which was right next to the bathroom occupying the very naked Michael. He leaned against the closed door of his bedroom, having shut it on his way out. He closed his green eyes and counted to ten, hopelessly willing his growing erection away. Taking a long breath, he created the images of anyone he’d rather not see in their birthday suit, in just that. Forcing back a gag at some of the imagery made, he was overjoyed to find his pants no longer as tented.
He strode in with a chuckle, knocking on the bathroom door and handing off the towel to the other man.
“You forget anything else, your highness?”
Michael cheekily smiled, running a hand through his brown hair and bringing the towel close to his waist
“Thanks mate, saved me some major embarrassment. I really didn’t want to run through the kitchen like this.”
“No, thank you. I would’ve been scarred.”
The Australian laughed vibrantly, shaking his head in amusement.
“Nah, you know you want to see all of this sexy body of mine. Don’t be denying it any longer. Join the legions that drool.”
David didn’t answer at first, his brain screaming at him not to show Michael how much he wanted to see that form and the desire of it against his own.
“Johns, you wish. Keep dreaming.”
Michael disappeared back into the bathroom, still laughing inside. Meanwhile, David slowly walked to the main room and plopped himself onto the couch where the other man had made a bed out of. His head fell back onto the back of the sofa, eyes fluttering shut in accomplishment. Somehow, someway, he was able to remember the English language and form words even in the challenging circumstances.
Sitting up abruptly, he jogged back to his bedroom. He had forgotten that he was still dressed in sweats and a wife beater. Keeping a listening ear on the bathroom nearby, he tugged off his sweats in record time and pulled on a pair of dark jeans. He was into a nice shirt within seconds as well. He released a sigh of relief, messing up his hair lightly and going back into the kitchen to clean up his breakfast plate. As soon as he finished drinking his coffee, Michael strode into the kitchen and sat down across from him.
“You all set to go your highness?”
The Australian scowled from this, lips in a pout. “Yes, I’m ready. Let’s go.”
David smiled, the both of them heading out with Michael carrying the younger man’s luggage. The older of the two had insisted upon holding it however. They pile in both their luggage into Mike’s car before they drive separately to the nearest car rental so Michael can bring back his borrowed car. Luckily there were no problems in checking out of the hotel.
Michael scowled when walking over to David. “Sorry it took so long, they just--”
“Don’t worry about it.”
The other seemed disbelieving at first. “You sure mate?”
“Completely” He replied with a light chuckle, him putting an arm around the taller man’s shoulders for once and urging him toward David’s vehicle. “It’s all done, so no more dwelling on it… besides, I think I remember some guy anxious to meet my daughter. I don‘t know if you know him but he‘s about your height and--”
“Dave, if you don’t start that engine by the time I stop talking then I might just--”
The rocker laughed, running ahead of the Australian and shoving open the driver seat door. Michael was in the car seconds after him. Dave was shaking his head, putting the keys in the ignition and about to put on his turn signal when a warm hand clasped his right thigh. Any thought he had going on was disabled, secretly gritting his teeth at the delirious sensation and turned his head with a curious smile.
Michael gazed down at first, rubbing David’s thigh lightly without seeming realization before he glanced back up at the younger man.
“I’m just really happy for you. You deserve this, Dave…you really do.”
David bit the inside of his mouth, close to drawing blood. His face didn’t show his turmoil but his body had tensed up the instant that hand came on this thigh. The other man was keeping it there however, seeming to study his eyes.
His legs were tight and he had managed until Michael shifted his hand on his thigh, this time unable to prevent his body’s natural flinch. His green eyes fell to the side, downcast and his hands gripped the steering wheel. David didn’t want to see the expression on the older individual’s face but his curiosity got the best of him, glancing over to find Michael openly staring at him with slightly startled eyes.
The silence that fell made him uncomfortable to say the least.
“Well, uh… I guess we better head over. Don’t want to be late, right?” His voice was noticeably shaken, reminding himself to smack his head when he’d be next available to.
“Yeah, true.” Michael quietly replied, in that tone that told him that the Australian desired to say more but wouldn’t at the moment because they had somewhere to be.
The car drive took forever, the both of them making small talk and managing to keep their very random conversations following but the confusion from earlier remained between them. David had never been so thankful for the car drive to be over.
“I’ll wait by the car, you go get her” Dave had already started to make way over to the stairs, turning around half-way to the voice and his eyes ever so tempted to openly gaze along that form leaning against his car.
The other nodded and continued. “Go on now, I want to meet her.”
He didn’t respond back to the Australian, jogging up the stairs and almost immediately being accepted into the house. David greeted both of Kelly’s parents with tight embraces, whispering his appreciation into their ears when close to them. Elizabeth was the second one he hugged, pulling away from him gradually and planting a soft kiss on his forehead.
“She’s all excited to go, her stuff packed up.” She smiled then, April coming into the main room and sliding along the floor on her light pink socks. It was lovely to see that older woman smile, her face noticeably less drawn in and more life in her eyes. April’s arms fully wrapped around his neck, practically flying across the room to greet him with her exuberant smile when he bent down for her.
His worries about the scene with Michael on the way to the house floated away, even if temporarily. Her smile was huge, dimples out in full force and her crystal eyes glittered. He had never found something, or rather someone, that had such a positive effect on his well-being. She was a gift he didn’t deserve, hopelessly wondering if he’d ever.
“Daddy! Daddy!”
His laugh was rich, silky in sound. “April, hi there! It’s been so long! Did you miss me?”
She nodded multiple times.
“How much did you miss me?” He teased lightly.
She pouted, drawing another laugh from him. Looking at her small hands briefly, she stretched out her arms and tried to create the most distance she could between them.
“Lots and lots!”
His finger tips rubbed her cheeks, her skin impossibly soft before he placed a delicate kiss to her curly hair. She parted from him and ran over by the couch where little bags sat in a pile, proudly planting her behind next to them while raising her arms in exclamation still.
Richard chuckled, going over to her whilst David followed Elizabeth into the kitchen.
“She’s a little stubborn” She started off, cleaning up a few plates. Dave joined her in washing them without hesitation. He stood next to her, continuing in his motions despite her telling him not to bother with the dishes. She turns toward him randomly, wash cloth in her grasp and continues. “I guess she gets that from you, she gets a lot from you…whether you realize that or not. David, I know you’ll see it in time. But those eyes of hers are completely unavoidable. I just-- Out of all the colors for them to be, they land up to be the exact shame shade as Kelly‘s. I can‘t get over it.”
His gaze comes down at the mention of Kelly. “Yeah…” He whispers lightly.
David washes the last plate for her, handing it over and leaning his back against the white counter. His fingers grip the edges of them. Elizabeth comes in front of him, placing both of her hands along his jaw line and forcing him to look her in the eyes.
“I was foolish to think otherwise but I--” She falters, glancing down momentarily before coming back up. Her eyes hold a strength that she can‘t express physically.
“Please believe me when I tell you that I’d want no one else but you to be April’s father.”
He bits his lip, searching her eyes for the slightest hesitation in her words but he finds nothing. He’s thrown from it. And his eyes must water up because she comes forward in that moment, embracing him tightly and whispering words of comfort by his ear.
“It’s going to be all right, I promise.”
Dave brings his arms around her small form, clutching onto her tightly and managing out his thanks over and over again. Elizabeth parted from him and smiled. She rubbed his shoulders gently, went down his arms and grasped both of his hands in her own. He finally nodded at her and smiled sheepishly.
“I’m sorry… I just-- It seems too good to be true, you know?”
It was her time to nod, placing a hand on the middle of his back and gesturing for him to walk with her.
“I’m sure you don’t want to hang around here all day, you must have plans?”
“Planned on heading back to L.A for tonight… other than that, no.”
Elizabeth and David entered the main room, just coming in as April was parting from a hug with Richard and skipping over to her bags. Clearly determined, she attempted to hold them all but landed up falling on top of the pile instead. Dave jogged over to her, patting her side and grinning when she smiled at him.
“Let me get these for you, all right?”
“Okay…” She murmured back as he got all of them into his left hand, keeping them in place with his arm as well. He was about to help his left arm but April grasped his right hand tightly. “Want walk with you.” The little girl grinned in response, jumping up and down twice. Her feet didn’t go too high off the ground. The only time she left go of his right hand was when he went to shake Richard’s hand, the older man bringing him into a half hug. Elizabeth kissed his cheek and hugged him too.
“I know nothing will cover my appreciation ever but… thank you, so much” Dave said as he stood hand in hand with April by the door.
“If there’s anything I can do for you two, let me know. You have my number.”
Richard strode over to the door, keeping the door open as David walked out of the house with April. The rocker sent one more smile there way before gradually going down the steps with his daughter, who seemed to prefer running than walking slowly. It made things interesting for him but he simply laughed at her excitement. He was barely keeping up with her so when she suddenly stopped in her pace, he couldn’t help stumble forward.
Dave glanced down at her, noticing that she stepped back some and was holding onto him by attaching herself to his leg. He raises a brow and follows her gaze, nodding when it clicks to him that obviously April doesn’t recognize Michael.
He doesn’t even have the time to blink and the Australian is already striding over to the both of them with a smile, one of those knee-melting ones. David watches entranced as Michael crouches low to the ground on the balls of his feet, and extends his hand out in any kind of normal greeting.
“Hello there lovely, I’m Michael. It’s great to meet you.”
She’s taken to him in a matter of seconds, possibly less because she’s already smiling and giggling at the goofy expressions on his face.
“Hi” She’s blushing, rosy pink accumulating on her fair cheeks. “Mister, you don’t sound like daddy… how you get to talk like that?
“I grew up in a place where people’s voices sound different.”
“Oh, okay…” April glances down at the hand still hovering in the air. Her whole hand fits into Michael’s palm when she meets his half-way. She smiles at him when he grins at her.
“You know daddy?” She whispers randomly, slowly pulling her hand back to fiddle with her slightly long brown hair.
“Yes, I do April. I’ve known him for a few years now. Him and I are best friends.”
She looks down, brows scrunched in deep thought and releases her hold on David. She glances back and forth between both men, approaching Michael but keeping herself closer to her father on instinct.
“How you get best friend?”
The Australian pauses, gazing into her inquisitive eyes before looking past her to Dave and it’s easy to see the smile that appears on Michael’s features. Those dark brown eyes work their magic and twinkle with adoration. David pauses, a usual occurrence when his best friend gives him his full attention and gathers a shaking breath. The younger of the two can’t hold his gaze, tearing his eyes away from the man who always takes his focus away without even trying. The side of his eye tells him when Michael finally looks away from him and back at April.
“April, you get a best friend by finding a person that you’re the most happy with.”
She nibbles on her bottom lip, her fingers nervously playing each other and her brown sandals kick against the stone walkway. The words sink into her well enough, eyes unblinking for a moment or two.
“Can I tell you something about your daddy?”
David raises an eyebrow, crouching on the grass nearby to April and the bags are somewhat scattered by him. His brain scratches for what Michael would say and of course, he receives no answers. He glances over to his daughter whose curiosity is undeniable.
“That guy, right there… He‘s the best daddy out there and he loves you a lot.”
A smile graces her face and she slowly draws away from Michael, returning to David in a quick jog. She comes in front of him, bringing her arms around his neck preceding her whole body falling against his. His hand raises up, threading his fingers through her hair in no distinct pattern and closing his eyes while his head rests on top of hers. The moment proves to him that silence is truly, and utterly golden. And just when he can’t imagine it getting any more perfect, his body slowly drops onto the grass below it and she laughs vivaciously on top of him. Her uneven yet full of glee sounds are more wonderful than he could have imagined. His arms wrap around her, an action that’s becoming more natural to him and joins in her laughter to the point where he’s crying because of it.
He has no idea how long he’s laying on the ground and laughing, gradually stopping when his sides beg for him to. He wipes the tears that had dried along his cheeks, picking her up off of him and placing her back on the ground when he’s standing. She giggles at him, cerulean crystal breathtaking. David playfully reaches for her sides and she catches onto this, prompting her into a run away from him and hiding behind Michael whose shaking his head in amusement.
“April, you win. I won’t tickle you.” Dave declares dramatically, beaming at her and going to pick up all of her luggage. It doesn’t take long for him to get it and place it in the trunk of his car. She walks out from her shield, Michael smiling cheekily at her when she faces him once more. The younger of the two men finishes with the trunk, closing it with a light slam and jogging back over to April.
The Australian starts to fumble for the car keys David gave him to use, wanting to be able to sit with his little girl in the back. Michael couldn’t blame him at all for his request. He’s distracted with his search that he doesn’t feel when April tugs on his pants the first time, noticing her when she trips forward and steps on his foot. He chuckles and glances over at Dave, whose leaning against the side of the car’s trunk.
Michael bends down to her height. “Yeah, sweetie?”
April stretches her arms out, fingers gripping the air and it doesn’t take long for Michael to get the hint. He envelops her into his arms. The Australian smiles, looking past the girl’s hair to a watching David. Her father is beaming so much, his eyes are squinting.
Then she’s back over to Dave and he picks her body up, right arm around her middle and the other under her legs for support. The Aussie opens the door for them, closing it once they’re in their seats and getting into the driver’s seat. When he’s stuck in the occasional traffic on the way to where the private plane will be, he peaks in the rear view mirror to watch the two in the back. April is giggling with David each time he looks.
Dave smiles, stroking her hair as he stares out the window as they get closer. The strands are soft along his finger tips. He had wanted to avoid as much press as possible. He was having an amazing day, and it wasn’t silly of him to want that to continue. It’s easy for him to cover April’s ears on the private plane, worrying about how the pressure is on her ears. He tells her to close her eyes and try to relax even though he feels like the epitome of stupid for suggesting it because obviously she’s unable to. It’s her first time on a plane so David holds her tightly, lightly rubbing her back and doing anything he can think of to soothe her.
Michael sits in seat right against the window, himself in the middle and April on the end seat. She squirms most of the flight, clutching onto his shirt as if it was the only thing she could depend on in order to keep her life. Dave’s beyond relieved when she succumbs to sleep with her head on his shoulder, wondering if she’d ever manage to. He smiles brightly at her clear innocence, lashes long on her cheeks and he brushes a loose strand behind her ear that had fallen along her face.
The young man bits his lip, closing his eyes from a crash of both emotion and lack of sleep. And the tears he’s held at bay for most of the time slip down his cheeks and he doesn’t do anything to stop them. He quietly lets them fall. He can feel his heart pound against his warmed skin and David takes a couple minutes to compile himself back together, keeping his green-hazel orbs shut.
His eyes flutter back open when there’s a pressure on his shoulder, looking to his side and seeing a half-lidded Michael Johns smiling slightly over at him. The other man squeezes his shoulder again, and it’s obvious that he was previously sleeping.
“I woke you… I’m sorry.”
“Dave, no tears. Everything’s okay.”
The moisture of his earlier tears is sticking to his lashes and blurring his vision off and on. He feels better when Michael falls back into slumber. Dave glances over at the smaller sleeping individual and once again smiles at her sleeping form. He presses his lips to her forehead with the smallest of pressure. Adjusting his arm around her, he shifts as close as he can to her seat and let his head rest on hers. Those green eyes of open and close repeatedly over the course of ten minutes until his breathing evens, finally entering the world of sleep.
Author: Brainzz_Insanee
Pairing: David/Kelly(OC), David/Kimberly, eventual David/Michael
Status: 7 / (Thinking around 10, just an estimation)
Word Count: 5150
Rating: PG-13
Summary: David Cook has reached the feat everyone wants to achieve: He’s got a great girlfriend, a supporting and loving family, amazing friends as well as a continually booming singing career. So with all this going for him, what could jeopardize what he’s strived so hard for? And could it be something from the beginning of his journey?
Author’s Note: Skipping ahead about a few weeks.
Disclaimer: I don’t own them (but oh do I wish)
Challenge Info / Ch.1 / Ch.2 / Ch.3 / Ch.4 / Ch.5 / Ch.6
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There are things in life that push and pull you in more directions than you can possibly count. But thankfully, if lady luck is on your side than they can be dealt with before they spiral out of control and fall from your finger tips.
He’s both nervous and overjoyed that the lady has stayed by him so long.
David attempts to convince himself that he’s just paranoid but realistically, he knows that it’s simply because he’s come to expect life to throw only the worst in his face.
He’s lucky for a lot; almost too much.
His whole family, best friend and ex-girlfriend support his decision to care for a child that he didn’t know about until almost a couple weeks ago. Because of this, he has to close his eyes frequently and pinch his skin hard in order to convince himself that the events as of late have actually happened.
His mother had to go back to Blue Springs, having desperately wanted to stay with him but her work only gave her so much time off. She had kissed his cheek more than necessary and hugged him until his lungs were about to pop. It was something to be expected however, mothers always tended to leave that type of imprint.
He even told Michael that he didn’t need to stay around. The Australian had simply laughed, shaking his head in amusement and rubbing his shoulder a few times.
“You kidding? You’re not getting rid of me that easy mate.”
“Seriously, I wouldn’t take any offense if you had more important things to do.”
Michael had briefly looked down, eyes so deeply brown. David had went to walk away from the conversation, as his unrequited feelings for the other man had been driving him wild but his wrist was caught. He turned back partly, green eyes wide with confusion.
“Dave…” Michael had reached forward then, cupping both of his cheeks affectionately with a glowing smile.
“Honestly, you’re most important to me. Out of everything and everyone in my life, I‘ve never cared so much about a person as I do you. So no, I‘m not leaving you, not now or ever. Cook, you got me?”
He had looked down, all smiles and dimples. It had left him without words for minutes, resisting the urge to tear up. Michael was someone he couldn’t use words to define; none would ever come within miles to who he was.
“You all right mate?” The Australian had asked gently, lifting up his face by his jaw. David rammed his teeth together. The concern and warmth radiating in those dark brown eyes were going right through him, and he had been desperate to fight the tears wanting to fall. To have someone outside of his family actually hold him close to their heart was foreign to him; unaccustomed to the feeling of his life being so essential to another’s.
“Yeah…” He had nodded rapidly, eyes looking to the side.
Strong hands rested on the side of his face until his green eyes had faced those brown.
“You sure, Dave?”
He had nodded, more sincerely this time. “Now that you’re here… yeah. I’m good.”
David opened his green-hazel eyes, face half into the pillow and the sheets tangled all around his form. His left arm was hanging off the bed too. His hand scrambled up the end table, slamming down the end button on his cell phone to stop the alarm. Deep bags hung under his eyes as he tried to get himself to sit up but his efforts only resulted in his body’s collapse onto the sheets.
The smell of bacon shot open his half-lidded eyes.
He would’ve sprinted out of bed but one of the drooping sheets twisted around his ankle, prompting him to fall onto his face. Dave fell back instead of forward, rolling his eyes at himself and shaking his head at his bed. In saving himself, his cell phone dropped onto the floor and slid along it. Two minutes later, he was finally out of his bedroom and stuffing his surprisingly still working cell phone into his sweat pants pocket.
Michael glanced in his direction with a nod. “Morning, trouble sleeping?”
“Not at all. I slept like a rock.”
The Australian beamed from the kitchen table, sipping at his coffee with the paper by his right hand. Michael was already dressed in some Lee jeans and a Beatles tee.
“Good, you haven’t been sleeping enough.”
David rubbed the back of his neck, looking away in embarrassment.
“I know… I just-- I’ve been so caught up in getting this all in working order. I didn’t want to lose custody of her just because I didn’t… I don’t know, sign one paper or something. She’s not someone I want to lose. I’m just thankful that I had Kelly’s parents on my side, along with my whole family…if not, then… I don’t want to think about it. They could have easily told the judge that I’m not able to be a father or--”
“Dave, stop. No more thinking about it. For one, everything got done yesterday morning. You’re free of all the paperwork and stress. You did it, you got custody of her. Now, you can finally live your life with her. Plus, two, it‘s eight in the morning. Relax.”
He sat down at the table across from Michael, clutching at his coffee mug and continually searching those dark eyes. The other man smiled and clasped his hands over Dave’s.
“She’s yours, Dave.”
David mouthed the words over and over, lips moving to each syllable as to make them real in his head.
“What do I do when she doesn’t like me anymore?”
“Not going to happen.”
He rolled his eyes at the Aussie, giving him a ‘yeah, right’ face.
“Mate, April’s always going to love you and-- What I’m trying to get across here... to you is that she’s just going to show it less when she’s a teenager and all.”
“How do you have an answer for everything?”
“Sorry, can’t tell you that one.”
He shook his head with a smile, partly throwing his hands up in exasperation.
“Why?”
“Then I’d be saying why I always have a solution, and it would destroy my magic.”
“Michael, you’re ridiculous.”
“You love me for it.”
The words suspended the air in his throat for a small moment in time, forcing himself to shake his head with a grin instead.
“Right, whatever you need to hear to sleep at night.”
Michael laughed, standing up to rinse his coffee and shove a plate of eggs with bacon in front of his face. It was then that he forgot about the food, smiling sheepishly when his stomach roared in annoyance. The Aussie went off for a shower and it confused the rocker as to why the man would get dressed then wash, but shrugged. He didn’t have the energy to think about it. He simply added it to the other man’s odd personality.
He tried not to get too lost in his thoughts; a futile attempt.
Him and Mike had planned it out so after they got themselves all ready with food and the works, that they’d head over to Kelly’s parents house for April. He was secretly giddy for Michael to meet April. The Aussie had been extremely understanding through everything, even though he jokingly whined about not getting to meet her yet. Dave went through a mental checklist, knowing that he called the previous evening to inform when he’d be over to pick-up April. He even showered the night before.
David was so tired of the running around, the signing of paper… the whole deal. All he wanted to do was bring his little girl into his arms. He hadn’t seen her in days. Being separated from her was strange enough.
“Dave!”
He jumped from his thoughts from the familiar Australian accent, brows scrunched beyond belief and heading in the direction of the noise. Again he name was called, and he was about to yell back when his legs froze upon the sight before his eyes. The door was barely ajar, Michael peaking his head around it with a clear blush on his cheeks.
“Hate to be a bother mate, but I forgot my towel in the other room… you mind fetching it for me? It should be on the coat hanger by the sofa.”
Dave was having difficulty keeping his gaze up, using all the resistance and will he had remaining his head. The rest of his brain cells had instantly flat-lined upon walking near the door and catching half of Michael’s left leg open to eyes. And it’s not like the water cascading down that body and over his perfect hip bone was making things any easier. He didn’t trust his vocal chords one bit, shakily nodding and walking rather quickly out of the room. His fingers tingled in warmth, the back of his neck sweating.
Luckily the red towel was in plain sight, grasping it with an iron fist and trudging back to the bathroom door where the still naked Michael Johns would be. As much as he hated to admit it, he never loved a door more than in that moment because if it hadn’t been there then he’s not sure if anything would’ve stopped him from jumping his best friend.
The curly hair was stuck to his forehead, lips plump and pink. David wasn’t sure how he was holding himself together. Maybe, he mused, he numbed himself to emotions of lust.
His pants told him otherwise, and he swore mentally. Dave was just outside of his own bedroom which was right next to the bathroom occupying the very naked Michael. He leaned against the closed door of his bedroom, having shut it on his way out. He closed his green eyes and counted to ten, hopelessly willing his growing erection away. Taking a long breath, he created the images of anyone he’d rather not see in their birthday suit, in just that. Forcing back a gag at some of the imagery made, he was overjoyed to find his pants no longer as tented.
He strode in with a chuckle, knocking on the bathroom door and handing off the towel to the other man.
“You forget anything else, your highness?”
Michael cheekily smiled, running a hand through his brown hair and bringing the towel close to his waist
“Thanks mate, saved me some major embarrassment. I really didn’t want to run through the kitchen like this.”
“No, thank you. I would’ve been scarred.”
The Australian laughed vibrantly, shaking his head in amusement.
“Nah, you know you want to see all of this sexy body of mine. Don’t be denying it any longer. Join the legions that drool.”
David didn’t answer at first, his brain screaming at him not to show Michael how much he wanted to see that form and the desire of it against his own.
“Johns, you wish. Keep dreaming.”
Michael disappeared back into the bathroom, still laughing inside. Meanwhile, David slowly walked to the main room and plopped himself onto the couch where the other man had made a bed out of. His head fell back onto the back of the sofa, eyes fluttering shut in accomplishment. Somehow, someway, he was able to remember the English language and form words even in the challenging circumstances.
Sitting up abruptly, he jogged back to his bedroom. He had forgotten that he was still dressed in sweats and a wife beater. Keeping a listening ear on the bathroom nearby, he tugged off his sweats in record time and pulled on a pair of dark jeans. He was into a nice shirt within seconds as well. He released a sigh of relief, messing up his hair lightly and going back into the kitchen to clean up his breakfast plate. As soon as he finished drinking his coffee, Michael strode into the kitchen and sat down across from him.
“You all set to go your highness?”
The Australian scowled from this, lips in a pout. “Yes, I’m ready. Let’s go.”
David smiled, the both of them heading out with Michael carrying the younger man’s luggage. The older of the two had insisted upon holding it however. They pile in both their luggage into Mike’s car before they drive separately to the nearest car rental so Michael can bring back his borrowed car. Luckily there were no problems in checking out of the hotel.
Michael scowled when walking over to David. “Sorry it took so long, they just--”
“Don’t worry about it.”
The other seemed disbelieving at first. “You sure mate?”
“Completely” He replied with a light chuckle, him putting an arm around the taller man’s shoulders for once and urging him toward David’s vehicle. “It’s all done, so no more dwelling on it… besides, I think I remember some guy anxious to meet my daughter. I don‘t know if you know him but he‘s about your height and--”
“Dave, if you don’t start that engine by the time I stop talking then I might just--”
The rocker laughed, running ahead of the Australian and shoving open the driver seat door. Michael was in the car seconds after him. Dave was shaking his head, putting the keys in the ignition and about to put on his turn signal when a warm hand clasped his right thigh. Any thought he had going on was disabled, secretly gritting his teeth at the delirious sensation and turned his head with a curious smile.
Michael gazed down at first, rubbing David’s thigh lightly without seeming realization before he glanced back up at the younger man.
“I’m just really happy for you. You deserve this, Dave…you really do.”
David bit the inside of his mouth, close to drawing blood. His face didn’t show his turmoil but his body had tensed up the instant that hand came on this thigh. The other man was keeping it there however, seeming to study his eyes.
His legs were tight and he had managed until Michael shifted his hand on his thigh, this time unable to prevent his body’s natural flinch. His green eyes fell to the side, downcast and his hands gripped the steering wheel. David didn’t want to see the expression on the older individual’s face but his curiosity got the best of him, glancing over to find Michael openly staring at him with slightly startled eyes.
The silence that fell made him uncomfortable to say the least.
“Well, uh… I guess we better head over. Don’t want to be late, right?” His voice was noticeably shaken, reminding himself to smack his head when he’d be next available to.
“Yeah, true.” Michael quietly replied, in that tone that told him that the Australian desired to say more but wouldn’t at the moment because they had somewhere to be.
The car drive took forever, the both of them making small talk and managing to keep their very random conversations following but the confusion from earlier remained between them. David had never been so thankful for the car drive to be over.
“I’ll wait by the car, you go get her” Dave had already started to make way over to the stairs, turning around half-way to the voice and his eyes ever so tempted to openly gaze along that form leaning against his car.
The other nodded and continued. “Go on now, I want to meet her.”
He didn’t respond back to the Australian, jogging up the stairs and almost immediately being accepted into the house. David greeted both of Kelly’s parents with tight embraces, whispering his appreciation into their ears when close to them. Elizabeth was the second one he hugged, pulling away from him gradually and planting a soft kiss on his forehead.
“She’s all excited to go, her stuff packed up.” She smiled then, April coming into the main room and sliding along the floor on her light pink socks. It was lovely to see that older woman smile, her face noticeably less drawn in and more life in her eyes. April’s arms fully wrapped around his neck, practically flying across the room to greet him with her exuberant smile when he bent down for her.
His worries about the scene with Michael on the way to the house floated away, even if temporarily. Her smile was huge, dimples out in full force and her crystal eyes glittered. He had never found something, or rather someone, that had such a positive effect on his well-being. She was a gift he didn’t deserve, hopelessly wondering if he’d ever.
“Daddy! Daddy!”
His laugh was rich, silky in sound. “April, hi there! It’s been so long! Did you miss me?”
She nodded multiple times.
“How much did you miss me?” He teased lightly.
She pouted, drawing another laugh from him. Looking at her small hands briefly, she stretched out her arms and tried to create the most distance she could between them.
“Lots and lots!”
His finger tips rubbed her cheeks, her skin impossibly soft before he placed a delicate kiss to her curly hair. She parted from him and ran over by the couch where little bags sat in a pile, proudly planting her behind next to them while raising her arms in exclamation still.
Richard chuckled, going over to her whilst David followed Elizabeth into the kitchen.
“She’s a little stubborn” She started off, cleaning up a few plates. Dave joined her in washing them without hesitation. He stood next to her, continuing in his motions despite her telling him not to bother with the dishes. She turns toward him randomly, wash cloth in her grasp and continues. “I guess she gets that from you, she gets a lot from you…whether you realize that or not. David, I know you’ll see it in time. But those eyes of hers are completely unavoidable. I just-- Out of all the colors for them to be, they land up to be the exact shame shade as Kelly‘s. I can‘t get over it.”
His gaze comes down at the mention of Kelly. “Yeah…” He whispers lightly.
David washes the last plate for her, handing it over and leaning his back against the white counter. His fingers grip the edges of them. Elizabeth comes in front of him, placing both of her hands along his jaw line and forcing him to look her in the eyes.
“I was foolish to think otherwise but I--” She falters, glancing down momentarily before coming back up. Her eyes hold a strength that she can‘t express physically.
“Please believe me when I tell you that I’d want no one else but you to be April’s father.”
He bits his lip, searching her eyes for the slightest hesitation in her words but he finds nothing. He’s thrown from it. And his eyes must water up because she comes forward in that moment, embracing him tightly and whispering words of comfort by his ear.
“It’s going to be all right, I promise.”
Dave brings his arms around her small form, clutching onto her tightly and managing out his thanks over and over again. Elizabeth parted from him and smiled. She rubbed his shoulders gently, went down his arms and grasped both of his hands in her own. He finally nodded at her and smiled sheepishly.
“I’m sorry… I just-- It seems too good to be true, you know?”
It was her time to nod, placing a hand on the middle of his back and gesturing for him to walk with her.
“I’m sure you don’t want to hang around here all day, you must have plans?”
“Planned on heading back to L.A for tonight… other than that, no.”
Elizabeth and David entered the main room, just coming in as April was parting from a hug with Richard and skipping over to her bags. Clearly determined, she attempted to hold them all but landed up falling on top of the pile instead. Dave jogged over to her, patting her side and grinning when she smiled at him.
“Let me get these for you, all right?”
“Okay…” She murmured back as he got all of them into his left hand, keeping them in place with his arm as well. He was about to help his left arm but April grasped his right hand tightly. “Want walk with you.” The little girl grinned in response, jumping up and down twice. Her feet didn’t go too high off the ground. The only time she left go of his right hand was when he went to shake Richard’s hand, the older man bringing him into a half hug. Elizabeth kissed his cheek and hugged him too.
“I know nothing will cover my appreciation ever but… thank you, so much” Dave said as he stood hand in hand with April by the door.
“If there’s anything I can do for you two, let me know. You have my number.”
Richard strode over to the door, keeping the door open as David walked out of the house with April. The rocker sent one more smile there way before gradually going down the steps with his daughter, who seemed to prefer running than walking slowly. It made things interesting for him but he simply laughed at her excitement. He was barely keeping up with her so when she suddenly stopped in her pace, he couldn’t help stumble forward.
Dave glanced down at her, noticing that she stepped back some and was holding onto him by attaching herself to his leg. He raises a brow and follows her gaze, nodding when it clicks to him that obviously April doesn’t recognize Michael.
He doesn’t even have the time to blink and the Australian is already striding over to the both of them with a smile, one of those knee-melting ones. David watches entranced as Michael crouches low to the ground on the balls of his feet, and extends his hand out in any kind of normal greeting.
“Hello there lovely, I’m Michael. It’s great to meet you.”
She’s taken to him in a matter of seconds, possibly less because she’s already smiling and giggling at the goofy expressions on his face.
“Hi” She’s blushing, rosy pink accumulating on her fair cheeks. “Mister, you don’t sound like daddy… how you get to talk like that?
“I grew up in a place where people’s voices sound different.”
“Oh, okay…” April glances down at the hand still hovering in the air. Her whole hand fits into Michael’s palm when she meets his half-way. She smiles at him when he grins at her.
“You know daddy?” She whispers randomly, slowly pulling her hand back to fiddle with her slightly long brown hair.
“Yes, I do April. I’ve known him for a few years now. Him and I are best friends.”
She looks down, brows scrunched in deep thought and releases her hold on David. She glances back and forth between both men, approaching Michael but keeping herself closer to her father on instinct.
“How you get best friend?”
The Australian pauses, gazing into her inquisitive eyes before looking past her to Dave and it’s easy to see the smile that appears on Michael’s features. Those dark brown eyes work their magic and twinkle with adoration. David pauses, a usual occurrence when his best friend gives him his full attention and gathers a shaking breath. The younger of the two can’t hold his gaze, tearing his eyes away from the man who always takes his focus away without even trying. The side of his eye tells him when Michael finally looks away from him and back at April.
“April, you get a best friend by finding a person that you’re the most happy with.”
She nibbles on her bottom lip, her fingers nervously playing each other and her brown sandals kick against the stone walkway. The words sink into her well enough, eyes unblinking for a moment or two.
“Can I tell you something about your daddy?”
David raises an eyebrow, crouching on the grass nearby to April and the bags are somewhat scattered by him. His brain scratches for what Michael would say and of course, he receives no answers. He glances over to his daughter whose curiosity is undeniable.
“That guy, right there… He‘s the best daddy out there and he loves you a lot.”
A smile graces her face and she slowly draws away from Michael, returning to David in a quick jog. She comes in front of him, bringing her arms around his neck preceding her whole body falling against his. His hand raises up, threading his fingers through her hair in no distinct pattern and closing his eyes while his head rests on top of hers. The moment proves to him that silence is truly, and utterly golden. And just when he can’t imagine it getting any more perfect, his body slowly drops onto the grass below it and she laughs vivaciously on top of him. Her uneven yet full of glee sounds are more wonderful than he could have imagined. His arms wrap around her, an action that’s becoming more natural to him and joins in her laughter to the point where he’s crying because of it.
He has no idea how long he’s laying on the ground and laughing, gradually stopping when his sides beg for him to. He wipes the tears that had dried along his cheeks, picking her up off of him and placing her back on the ground when he’s standing. She giggles at him, cerulean crystal breathtaking. David playfully reaches for her sides and she catches onto this, prompting her into a run away from him and hiding behind Michael whose shaking his head in amusement.
“April, you win. I won’t tickle you.” Dave declares dramatically, beaming at her and going to pick up all of her luggage. It doesn’t take long for him to get it and place it in the trunk of his car. She walks out from her shield, Michael smiling cheekily at her when she faces him once more. The younger of the two men finishes with the trunk, closing it with a light slam and jogging back over to April.
The Australian starts to fumble for the car keys David gave him to use, wanting to be able to sit with his little girl in the back. Michael couldn’t blame him at all for his request. He’s distracted with his search that he doesn’t feel when April tugs on his pants the first time, noticing her when she trips forward and steps on his foot. He chuckles and glances over at Dave, whose leaning against the side of the car’s trunk.
Michael bends down to her height. “Yeah, sweetie?”
April stretches her arms out, fingers gripping the air and it doesn’t take long for Michael to get the hint. He envelops her into his arms. The Australian smiles, looking past the girl’s hair to a watching David. Her father is beaming so much, his eyes are squinting.
Then she’s back over to Dave and he picks her body up, right arm around her middle and the other under her legs for support. The Aussie opens the door for them, closing it once they’re in their seats and getting into the driver’s seat. When he’s stuck in the occasional traffic on the way to where the private plane will be, he peaks in the rear view mirror to watch the two in the back. April is giggling with David each time he looks.
Dave smiles, stroking her hair as he stares out the window as they get closer. The strands are soft along his finger tips. He had wanted to avoid as much press as possible. He was having an amazing day, and it wasn’t silly of him to want that to continue. It’s easy for him to cover April’s ears on the private plane, worrying about how the pressure is on her ears. He tells her to close her eyes and try to relax even though he feels like the epitome of stupid for suggesting it because obviously she’s unable to. It’s her first time on a plane so David holds her tightly, lightly rubbing her back and doing anything he can think of to soothe her.
Michael sits in seat right against the window, himself in the middle and April on the end seat. She squirms most of the flight, clutching onto his shirt as if it was the only thing she could depend on in order to keep her life. Dave’s beyond relieved when she succumbs to sleep with her head on his shoulder, wondering if she’d ever manage to. He smiles brightly at her clear innocence, lashes long on her cheeks and he brushes a loose strand behind her ear that had fallen along her face.
The young man bits his lip, closing his eyes from a crash of both emotion and lack of sleep. And the tears he’s held at bay for most of the time slip down his cheeks and he doesn’t do anything to stop them. He quietly lets them fall. He can feel his heart pound against his warmed skin and David takes a couple minutes to compile himself back together, keeping his green-hazel orbs shut.
His eyes flutter back open when there’s a pressure on his shoulder, looking to his side and seeing a half-lidded Michael Johns smiling slightly over at him. The other man squeezes his shoulder again, and it’s obvious that he was previously sleeping.
“I woke you… I’m sorry.”
“Dave, no tears. Everything’s okay.”
The moisture of his earlier tears is sticking to his lashes and blurring his vision off and on. He feels better when Michael falls back into slumber. Dave glances over at the smaller sleeping individual and once again smiles at her sleeping form. He presses his lips to her forehead with the smallest of pressure. Adjusting his arm around her, he shifts as close as he can to her seat and let his head rest on hers. Those green eyes of open and close repeatedly over the course of ten minutes until his breathing evens, finally entering the world of sleep.