fic: April (Chapter 8)
All right, here we go...
Once again, I can't thank my loyal readers enough. You guys are just... I can't express myself enough! Your continued reading and reviewing of April really makes my day sometimes. I appreciate it a lot.
So I wrote this out much sooner than I predicted and since you don't want to keep reading this, I imagine... Read on <3333
(By the way, hope you like my icon!)
Title: April
Author: Brainzz_Insanee
Pairing: David/Kelly(OC), David/Kimberly, eventual David/Michael
Status: 8 / (10/11/12ish, depends. Yeah… not a big help.)
Word Count: 5613
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: I hope you’re enjoying the story.
Disclaimer: I don’t own them in any way shape or form.
Challenge Info / Ch.1 / Ch.2 / Ch.3 / Ch.4 / Ch.5 / Ch.6 / Ch.7
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The choices made in your life continually create paths for more decisions, and it’s a perpetual cycle of this or that.
Most of the time, his history has been filled with the wrong and dripping with anguish despite his attempts at the right so it’s beyond refreshing when he can actually tell himself that the recent has been good to him.
Dave’s a mess of yawns getting into the bathroom after he struggles to get out of bed, shuffling into the room and looking at himself through the reflection. His eyes were barely open, having no idea how they weren’t staying closed and he frowns when he notices just how pale his skin is.
He wasn’t stupid, he knew he wasn’t eating or sleeping as much as he should. The decrease in his eating habits was beginning to show in the fitting of his sweats, not holding onto the hip bones by much.
No matter what though, he couldn’t relax; it was either his mind or body that kept him awake at night. Cupping water in his palms, he splashed his face with cool water and shivered when it fell down his bare chest.
He glanced over at the shower for a couple minutes straight before waving it off, trudging down the hall and peeking into one of his guest bedrooms to find April completely curled up around the sheets. Her body was so small compared the bed and he’s caught up in that moment, watching her sleep and thankful for each puff of breath that he hears.
The young man closes her door silently, rubbing the side of his arms and wondering if he should get a shirt. He’s still waking up and doesn’t care. David grips the railing with a tight hold and tries not to fall asleep on the stairs, not wishing to send himself to the hospital anytime soon. It’s when he’s half-way down the stairs that the smell of food enters his nose and drives his legs to pick up the pace.
David absentmindedly ties his pants tighter, getting them secure on his waist and pauses upon the entrance of the kitchen. Michael’s actually in there making breakfast, back to him. He’s just about to greet the other man and ask him why on earth he was up so early, but the soulful voice stops him in his tracks.
“Oh lord… Somebody - somebody… Can anybody find me someone to love?”
He manages not to reveal his presence, despite his breath catching. He hasn’t heard Michael sing… in person in god knows how long. The fact that the last time they sang within each other’s presence was the last day of the Idol Concert depresses him, shaking his head at just how long they had been apart.
It’s one thing that he truly regrets most of all; not keeping up with his best friends even though he was the one that promised first to keep in touch.
“Got no feel, I got no rhythm… I just keep losing my beat…”
Dave loses himself in that voice; his skin warming by just the sound. It was the first thing that drew him to Michael. He knows for sure that the Idol experience will never leave him and his memories. It comes back to him then, first meeting the Australian and being stunned at how genuine the other man was. His heart had pounded so fiercely in Hollywood week, where Michael sang the great “Bohemian Rhapsody” and completely took control of the stage.
“I’m ok, I’m alright… Ain’t gonna face no defeat.”
Another quality about Michael was his determination, and resilience. When he had a goal in mind, he had to accomplish it or come as close to success as possible. The other man taught him things he hadn’t realized and brought out sides of himself that he believed he never even possessed in the first place.
“Michael…” He whispered under his breath.
The other man heard him and turned around, smiling brightly and staring right at him. He dove right into those chocolate eyes. Dave wondered if anyone could conquer their spell.
“Morning Dave, I know you’re not alive yet so I cooked you up some breakfast.”
He shook his head with a laugh, bringing his palms together flat and pointing them over at Michael.
“You sir, are a godsend.”
Michael grinned devilishly, “Tell me something I don’t know.”
David sat down with a smirk, fingertips rubbing the side of his head and yawning for the eightieth time in the few minutes he’d been in the kitchen. He resisted the tremor that usually ran through his nerves whenever Michael looked at him, to which he was doing just now. The feeling left the same time a plate was slid in front of him.
“You should eat something.” The Australian’s voice was soft.
The younger man glanced to his side, half-lidded green eyes as Michael leaned over right beside him. The back of his hand brushed the older man’s inner arm as he reached forward and grasped the edge of the plate. His eyes involuntarily closed at the contact.
“You all right, Dave? I can get you something to drink.”
He wonders why the other’s voice is still so quiet. Michael usually has the opposite kind, letting his words be heard loud and clear. The warm hand rubs along his wrist and he can’t help himself, his body betrays him; reacting before his mind can think. He gets away from the touch on instinct by pushing back his chair and striding over to the coffee machine within the same moment.
Those eyes are on him again; ever so watching and concerned.
He knows that he worries Michael and prays the man will never ask the reason for it.
“Coffee first…” David murmurs, taking a mug out of the cupboard and watches the hot liquid pour into the cup. He finds himself mystified by the dark, obsidian color.
“Dave, you need to eat.”
That hand is gripping his wrist now, questioning his brain when that happened.
“Stop telling me what I need to do.”
Michael’s brows shoot way up, to the highest he’d ever seen and saw the confusion flood the brown eyes. The other man was clearly startled by the response he’d been given.
“Mate, I’m just trying to look out for you” The Australian came closer, placing both of his hands on the younger man’s shoulders and rubbing there.
“You know I’m here for you.”
He flinched away from the comforting action. The storm of emotion in David’s head wasn’t clearing, the clouds grew thicker.
“What the hell makes you think I need babysitting?”
“Dave--”
“Don’t Dave me! I’m old enough to take care of myself” His face was flushed up, eyes watered and voice raised several pitches. “… I don’t need or want someone to watch every fucking thing I do.”
“Stop yelling and talk to me.”
The young man stared at the other unblinkingly, eyes half-lidded still. He began to hear each shaking breath in his head. His brain was screaming at him but he couldn’t understand its demands, taking his hand off the counter he’d been using as support and unknowingly staggering out of the kitchen.
He vaguely felt strong arms wrap around his middle, holding him up and leaning him against the hall wall. The sounds were blurring and he couldn’t focus on anything for the life of him.
“Michael…” He whispered weakly.
David’s knees gave out on him, sliding down the wall and cringing upon his fall. He heard his name being called several times before it went away, guessing the other man had ventured for his pills. He assumed the Australian had come back when he felt a hand push back his hair, urging familiar pills against his lips with a cup of water and pressing a wet cloth to the back of his neck. He couldn’t hear much, but what did come through the layer of fuzziness was the undeniable worry in Michael’s voice.
His eyes close, lashes clinging to the sweat on his pallid skin.
The man’s body loses its strength, falling forward onto the form in front of him and whose arms come around his entire middle to hold him flush. Michael’s whispering his name over and over again against the shell of his ear, he shivers at the warmth from it. He buries his face in the crook between Michael’s neck and shoulder.
He’s not sure how long he’s there; vulnerable, drained and reliant on Michael’s arms.
Dave pulls back slowly, his focus returning as the pills finally kick in. He leans his head against the wall behind him. He blinks repeatedly; vision clearing to find Michael right there. There’s such a relieved smile on his face, shoulders loosening too. The chocolate eyes are shining, warm hands cupping his cheeks.
“You all right?” The desperate, trembling words from Michael.
David looks down, realizing just how stupid he acted to his friend and bites his bottom lip nervously. He feels awful for making the other man upset. There’s a finger on his chin, lifting his face up and the small tears that gathered in his green eyes trail down his cheeks.
He’s about to speak when Michael’s fingers brush over his cheeks, taking the tears away and he’s frozen from it. His brows are scrunched and breath is beginning to level out, or come close to that. He can’t help but search into that pair of brown eyes, hoping beyond anything that there’s something in them for him to latch onto. And there always is when he gazes into them; undying support.
His voice breaks in his reply, “Michael, I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”
“Dave, it’s okay..”
David shakes his head vigorously.
“No, it’s not…” He sucks in a breath, voice catching again.
“I need help. I don’t know what’s wrong with me… I shouldn’t be like this.”
It’s Michael’s turn to disagree, hands on the side of his bare arms. He strokes along them with the lightest of touches and gazes at him with those charming, reassuring eyes.
“Dave, god no… there’s nothing wrong with you…” He whispered, pulling David’s body close to his own and resting his head against the side of the younger man’s.
“You’re going through a lot of things… you’ve-- what’s happened to you in the past few weeks is more than most people experience in a lifetime. Nothing is wrong…everything will be all right, I promise…and I never break those. Do you trust me?”
His head shakily nodded against Michael’s, “Yeah…yeah” He released a shaky, long held breath and slowly tore himself away from the other man‘s powerful presence.
“Of course I trust you… why wouldn’t I?”
Michael smiled, eyes twinkling in mystery. “Just checking, mate.”
“I shouldn’t have said those things to you… I know you’re trying to be here for me, and I really appreciate you actually staying by my side through all this… I mean, I’m so thankful for it…more than you know. I just-- Michael, I’m really sorry.”
The Australian’s arm goes around his shoulders, helping to pull him back up and standing in front of him. Those hands are on the sides of his biceps.
“Stop it. Mate, it’s really okay. I could never be angry with you.”
“You sure?” David looks down momentarily, coming back up with lips pressed together.
“Why would I lie to you? I have no reason to. I’ll always tell you the truth.”
Michael draped his arm around the top of the other man’s back, walking him back to the kitchen table and urging him back down to eat.
“Eat then coffee, deal?”
Dave smiled sheepishly, nodding to his question and working on his meal. The Australian took the seat across from him and amused himself in the comics of the newspaper. The young man takes one of the strips of bacon on the side of his plate and starts to crumble it up, letting the pieces fall onto the scrambled eggs below.
“Anything good?” He gestures to the newspaper when Michael raises a brow.
“Oh, not really. The stuff is all right but could be a lot better.”
David finished most of his food, before giving up and sliding the plate across the table to the other man.
“Can’t finish it, you can have it. I ate what I could fit.”
The Australian nodded, taking a few bites of the eggs left-over while Dave strolled over to the fridge. His eyes caught the time in the midst of opening the appliance and let it close itself with a thud. He ran a hand through his hair, releasing a breath.
“April… damn, I need to wake her up. She shouldn’t sleep all day.”
Michael sent him a small smile, “Well… I’ll likely be here when you get back.”
He felt eyes on his bare back until he was fully up the stairs, jogging over to the guest room occupying April. David smiles when he opens the door and it doesn’t creak on him for once. She’s beginning to stir anyway; body uncurling and fist opening against her little mouth. Instinctively, he slowly sits on the bed and watches as she gradually awakens. She rolls, back hitting his right thigh and that stills her. Her arms stretch in front of her face and she turns around, sitting up to face him with a sleepy smile.
“Morning angel…” He whispers. He lays himself down a portion on the bed, left arm reaching over to bring her body closer to his own as his head rests against the headboard.
She smiles again at him, eyes closing again. April sweetly snuggles her face into his chest, lazily wrapping her arm around his middle. Her brown, now frizzy hair tickles his skin and the cheek pressed against his skin is so warm. He closes his eyes from the all the sensations, the moment too much for him to keep his lids open for. His fingers previously on her middle raise and thread gently in her brown locks. They’re incredibly soft and almost weightless against his skin.
“I love you, April…” He murmurs without realization.
If possible, she finds a way to tuck herself further into his form.
“Love you, Daddy.”
He’s on the brink of tears but they somehow manage to stay at bay, instead leaning his head down and placing the lightest of kisses on the top of her head. David lets the remaining emotions from his earlier outburst at Michael drain from his skin as he soaks this in, simply resting there with his daughter. He has no idea or care how much time passes while he’s up there, all he knows is that he’s beyond content being with her. She helps to bring out the best in him.
Dave’s convinced that she’s fallen asleep again, but then her fingers play with his own.
He smiles, wide and full. The dimples on his face don’t express his joy. His head tilts and he gazes at her while she’s preoccupied. He’s glad he’s awake at the moment, so he can remember every second of this. It’s then that he hears the smallest of noises, sounding like the creaking of floor and he looks over by the door. Michael’s there, leaning against it with the brightest of grins. His hands are in his pockets casually, and those brown eyes find his green within the smallest amount of time.
His breath catches at the warm, dark chocolate. And it’s a touch of coincidence because him being startled by Michael, brings April back to focus as well. She slowly sits up, rolling to the side and her behind is staying on the edge of the bed cover. David takes a moment to roll a kink out of his shoulders before strolling over to the side of the bed where she’s waiting for help.
“Come here, you.” His left wraps around her back, the right going under her legs to hold her the best possible way. She giggles softly, leaning forward to rest herself against his chest, head in his neck. It’s when she’s in his arms like this that he notices the similarity of their skin. Her skin is a slight shade darker than his own though.
Michael makes room for them to pass, giving April a goofy face as a morning greeting.
“You funny face!” She exclaims, yawning and pressing her face into her hand.
He makes another one and she laughs again. David shakes his head at the other’s antics.
Michael walks ahead of the two of them, Dave walking slow down the stairs with April in his arms. She’s relaxing against him and obviously isn’t a morning person already. Her finger tips are lazily caressing along his collarbone, occasionally releasing puffs of yawns.
They’re on their way to the kitchen when she sits up in her father’s arms.
“Who that?” She points to a picture in the living room, right outside the kitchen.
Michael glances back at him with a smirk, mock shrugging even though he definitely knows who the person is in the photo. David rolls his eyes at his friend and brings his attention back at the picture in question. It’s one of Michael, him and Carly near the end of the Idol tour. The Australian’s got a black Scully-cap and bright red shirt while Carly’s got one of those toy crowns on her head, black tee on as well. He’s squished between them with his red superman cape and matching trucker hat. David smiles remembering it.
“April, that’s a good friend of mine. Her name is Carly.”
He adjusts her in his arms, and she’s clearly thinking about how to say it. She frowns and buries her face in his shoulder. David kisses her head, urging her on.
“You can do it.”
She frowns briefly, sighing before making an attempt.
“Cah-wee?”
David hears a barely audible cross between a giggle and snort from Michael, shaking his head at the other man while resisting a chuckle himself.
“Car-lee.” He replies back, nuzzling her head.
Her face is full of confusion, and it occurs to David that she thought she said it right.
“Cah-wee.”
Michael jumps in next. “I sense an upcoming battle to the death. April, you want me to make you up a yummy breakfast?”
She shakes her head and David laughs richly this time.
“See, I’m not the only one that’s afraid of your cooking.”
The Australian sends over a mock death glare, pulling out a full pout. David misses the expression because his focus is on the lip. It’s not his fault that it’s in his eye-line perfectly and it’s quickly becoming the definition of temptation. All that comes to mind is nibbling, sucking and biting on it.
The most wanted desires are often the worst to act upon; why so many are unsatisfied with their lives because they know that they’ll destroy someone or something if they strive for what they want more than life itself.
“Mate, you in there? Woo who!”
Dave blinked rapidly, blushing at the waving hand in his face. Strolling over to the kitchen table, he plopped April down on the chair. Her legs rocked back and forth rapidly, telling the two men that she was beginning to wake up for sure.
“Well, since she doesn’t want me to cook… you better do it.”
David nodded, looking inside the fridge for something a two year old would find both interesting and delicious. He turns around to ask Michael for assistance as the other man is pretty much a kid in an adult’s body but he pauses at the sight before him. The Australian has managed to find a coloring book and has slid it over to April, who laughs happily upon it. His friend even leaves the room for a few minutes, likely to locate her favorite crayons and return to her. The crayons are placed right next to her. She tilts her head up at Michael, smiling fully and immediately falling into the world of color.
The Australian drapes his arm behind her, on the back of the chair she’s leaning on the very edge of. Michael finds his gaze once more and gives him a relaxed smile. David abruptly turns around and bites his bottom lip, the vision being too adorable for him to continue looking at. Releasing a deep breath, he begins throwing out expired and questionable items in his fridge. And when he’s finally done that, he rummages through one of the bags that Elizabeth and Richard sent with April. They packed up a good amount of food as a precaution. After a couple minutes of deliberation, he decides to go with a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
She grins upon seeing it, making the coloring book and such take second place.
While her attention is on that, he looks again through the food package the grandparents sent for him. He’s not surprised when he doesn’t find milk, and is glad that apple juice comes into sight. Dave takes that out of the cooler and pours her a glass, placing it down next to her sandwich plate. He leans against the fridge, watching her eat and doesn’t notice when Michael gets up and goes to stand next to him.
The Australian wraps an arm around his shoulders, right hand on his corresponding shoulder and stares forward whilst his head plops down by Michael’s neck. He closes his eyes on contact with the sturdy surface and the other man’s cologne relaxes him beyond measure. What both endears and kills him however is when Michael rests his head on top of David’s and the arm previously along his shoulders is now around the middle of his back, hovering above his waist.
He can’t say anything for the longest time, and a part of him enjoys it more. He’s afraid his voice will ruin the moment but he’s a proclaimed idiot and he does so anyway.
“I’ve missed this-- I miss just having you around.”
Michael brought him closer, hand rubbing the side of his arm. David expects a joking response back, one that includes himself getting used to having him around a lot more.
“Me too…” Is the small whisper in return. “Let’s not go that long again, all right?”
David smiles widely, nodding slightly and tucking his head further into Michael without any realization of doing so. Another silence falls, this one even more soothing and his eyes wander over to the hall where he can sort of make out the forms of him, Michael and Carly in the picture that April was previously pointing to. He speaks his thoughts.
“I miss her too, Carly. It’s been centuries.”
“You could call her.” Michael replies plainly, as if it’s the easiest thing in the world to do.
“I can’t just-- I don’t want to bother her.”
The Australian parts from his side, going to stand in front of him and giving him the strangest expression ever. He looks at David as if he’s got seventy or so heads.
“Mate, come on. This is Carly we’re talking about. You’re the opposite of that to her.”
“Michael, what if she’s--”
“If you don’t call her then I will.”
David sighed in defeat, knowing that Michael would definitely take action if he didn’t so he went over to the device and began typing in a familiar number.
“Make her come over or have her meet us somewhere. I need to see her too, you know?”
“I didn’t object” He replied as the phone rang once. “That’s a good idea actually.”
“See, I’m capable of having thoughts.”
David shook his head at the other man’s geeky smile, putting a hand to his forehead.
“You’re such a tool.”
Michael mock scowled, going back over to April and pointing to where the trash was when she stood perplexed in front of the fridge. She hummed and ran over to it, dropping her paper plate into it before returning to her apple juice. She became fascinated with swirling the straw around in the liquid, mesmerized by the mini whirlpool.
The phone was finally answered on the third ring, “Hello? I’m sorry…who is this?”
“Carly, hi there. It’s David. You should know that though…you have caller id.”
“David who? I know so many.”
He pressured the bridge of his nose, knowing that she was playing with him.
“Cook, yeah… him.”
“Oh David Cook, right…him… he’s the one that hasn’t called me in about…let‘s see, give me a minute here. Does four and a half months sound accurate?”
David went silent, eyes downcast in realization of just how long it had been since he last saw everyone; not just Michael.
“I’m guessing a sorry wouldn’t cover it?”
“Begging might.”
Running out of ideas, he almost thinks of actually pleading for her forgiveness but he glances over at Michael and gets a better idea.
“I can bargain, right? I’ve got Michael here, and someone else I want you to meet.”
“Michael’s there? I need to see that guy stat…and whose this other one?”
He smirked, realizing he had the upper hand now.
“The other is a surprise. You’ll have to forgive me if you want to see either.”
“Are you for real?” She bounced back, clearly unbelieving of his proposition.
“Sorry, unfortunately for you all…I’m quite real. But Carly…”
“What is it? What are you hiding?”
“There’s something you need to know first. And please just listen first.”
Carly went quiet, agreeing about a minute later. She keeps to her word, a wonderful trait of hers and listens as he spills his heart and the events of late to her. He’s not sure if he’s scared or relieved when she doesn’t make any noises while he’s updating her on his life.
“Can you say something? I-- I can understand if you still don’t want to see me.”
“David… wow” Are her first words then she comes to. “Whoa, slow down… you think that telling me all of this would make me want to avoid your presence?”
He goes quiet because even though he knows she wouldn’t judge, he’s wracked with nerves and not thinking as clear as he should.
“No, never. Of course I want to see you. Actually, if it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle…I’d absolutely love to meet April too. She sounds like a gem.”
“You have no idea…” David manages, voice quivering unintentionally.
“I still adore you whether you believe me or not.”
“Carly, thank you. You’re amazing.”
“You’re not too bad yourself.”
His face flushed up, and asked her again if she was willing to forgive him as that would be the only way to see Michael and April. Seeming to mull over what was being offered, she finally agreed to his plan. She followed this up with giddy excitement, exclaiming how anxious she was and asking him what she looked like.
“You’ll see.”
“You’re such a tease.”
“My life’s purpose… you figured me out.”
“Let’s get back on topic here, David. Where and when do you want to meet up?”
“How about you just come over?”
“I don’t have the time available to drive over, once I’d get there… I’d have to leave. We need somewhere closer between our places. Oh, how about that nice park a little ways from your place, I can’t remember the name of it but it‘s open eleven to four.”
“I know which one you’re thinking of… yeah, that sounds good to me” He glanced over at the clock, judging when to leave the house to meet her.
“Just a second” He didn’t wait, putting his hand over the bottom of the phone and looking around for the missing in action duo. Michael and April weren’t in the kitchen anymore, though the empty glass of apple juice is by the sink. He wanders toward music drifting lightly into the kitchen, faltering when he finds the Australian sitting on the couch and watching little April attempt to dance around the room.
He sighs in relief, and Michael must hear him because he sends a smile his way. David returns it, going back on with Carly.
“Well, how about we meet there for eleven? That gives us both plenty time to get ready and make the drive there.”
“Sure, fantastic even. I miss you.”
“Miss you too, Tater.”
“Bye Sugarfoot.”
And he’s off the phone with her that minute, taking long breaths before he goes back to Michael and April. She’s mostly stretching her arms back and running, letting herself pretend that she can fly. Dave winks over at Michael before the other man can greet him as he silently sneaks up on his daughter and quickly places both hands on either side of her stomach firmly, lifting her into the air. She squirms, legs kicking back and forth on her first reaction before she recognizes his voice when he tells her it’s just him.
Michael must think it’s amusing as he starts to narrating the scene dramatically, going on about how the Cook Airline is taking off for its flight. April’s a mess of giggles, laughing on and on about it all. She even goes as far as making engine noises. Eventually she moves unsteadily around in his grasp and he puts her down this time, bending down to kiss her on the cheek. She leans into it with a smile and before he pulls away too far, she fidgets sheepishly and asks for another.
David leads her back over to the photo that she was pointing at earlier and her confusion is almost too cute. The way her brows scrunch and blue eyes widen just clench his heart.
“You remember this lady’s name?”
She ponders for a couple minutes or so, recalling it. “Cah-wee…”
“Yes, Carly. Do you want to meet her? Michael and I want to see her again.”
“Yeah!” April announces, hopping up and down. “She so pretty!”
David picks his little girl up, and she’s so light that he can hold her easily in one arm. He packs up a snack for her as well. Him and Michael check around the house before they head out to the car. The air is gentle in its breeze. The Australian settles in the back seat with April while David takes the driver’s seat and they all make their way out.
He’s beyond tempted to keep looking in the backseat while on the road, but he knows much better than that though. All he hears is giggling and toys clanging against the back of his seat. He can’t even imagine what they’re doing while he’s unavailable to watch.
“You two better be good back there.” Dave called back to the two.
“Ah, no worries mate. There’s nothing too messed up.”
“What are you guys doing?”
April started laughing hysterically at his dramatically raised voice and he bit the corner of his lip to prevent himself from pulling over and demanding the information.
“Us, doing anything? No… never. We haven‘t done a thing.”
He scoffed, “Yeah right. April’s the only one back there that’s innocent.”
Thankfully he didn’t have much longer to wait, following the directions to the park and turning right onto one of the side roads of the main street. He slowed the car down, for two reasons: first, there were hardly any buildings on the road to corrupt the view and second, he was a couple minutes early in meeting up with his favorite Irish woman.
Dave smiled at how excited and mystified April became upon seeing all of the trees glowing from the morning sun, her voice exclaiming at the shine.
“You like all the glow?” He asked from the front.
“Yes!” She replied with a giggle. He peaked in the rear view mirror, spotting her leaning against Michael’s body as she gazed to the scenery enraptured.
The park finally comes into view, place almost completely still except for the light rushing of water from the fountains residing. He finds the first parking spot he can, strolling back and opening the doors for them both. April practically jumps from Michael, the Australian quickly eases her to the ground so she can sprint over to David unsteadily. He can’t help but chuckle at her eagerness and his heart tightens when attempts to grab his hand with her own.
Michael’s on his other side so when he glances over at his best friend, the older man is giving him one of the brain-flattening smiles.
David grins at his cheesiness, hoping that all of this will actually be a walk in the park but rolls his eyes at how good that sounds; too perfect for what he’s used to. After all, he doesn’t want to get his hopes up. There’s a part of him that clings to this alluring, bright perspective especially when he looks down at a skipping and beaming April.
All he wants is to stay with the right; avoid the ever lurking wrong.
Once again, I can't thank my loyal readers enough. You guys are just... I can't express myself enough! Your continued reading and reviewing of April really makes my day sometimes. I appreciate it a lot.
So I wrote this out much sooner than I predicted and since you don't want to keep reading this, I imagine... Read on <3333
(By the way, hope you like my icon!)
Title: April
Author: Brainzz_Insanee
Pairing: David/Kelly(OC), David/Kimberly, eventual David/Michael
Status: 8 / (10/11/12ish, depends. Yeah… not a big help.)
Word Count: 5613
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: I hope you’re enjoying the story.
Disclaimer: I don’t own them in any way shape or form.
Challenge Info / Ch.1 / Ch.2 / Ch.3 / Ch.4 / Ch.5 / Ch.6 / Ch.7
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The choices made in your life continually create paths for more decisions, and it’s a perpetual cycle of this or that.
Most of the time, his history has been filled with the wrong and dripping with anguish despite his attempts at the right so it’s beyond refreshing when he can actually tell himself that the recent has been good to him.
Dave’s a mess of yawns getting into the bathroom after he struggles to get out of bed, shuffling into the room and looking at himself through the reflection. His eyes were barely open, having no idea how they weren’t staying closed and he frowns when he notices just how pale his skin is.
He wasn’t stupid, he knew he wasn’t eating or sleeping as much as he should. The decrease in his eating habits was beginning to show in the fitting of his sweats, not holding onto the hip bones by much.
No matter what though, he couldn’t relax; it was either his mind or body that kept him awake at night. Cupping water in his palms, he splashed his face with cool water and shivered when it fell down his bare chest.
He glanced over at the shower for a couple minutes straight before waving it off, trudging down the hall and peeking into one of his guest bedrooms to find April completely curled up around the sheets. Her body was so small compared the bed and he’s caught up in that moment, watching her sleep and thankful for each puff of breath that he hears.
The young man closes her door silently, rubbing the side of his arms and wondering if he should get a shirt. He’s still waking up and doesn’t care. David grips the railing with a tight hold and tries not to fall asleep on the stairs, not wishing to send himself to the hospital anytime soon. It’s when he’s half-way down the stairs that the smell of food enters his nose and drives his legs to pick up the pace.
David absentmindedly ties his pants tighter, getting them secure on his waist and pauses upon the entrance of the kitchen. Michael’s actually in there making breakfast, back to him. He’s just about to greet the other man and ask him why on earth he was up so early, but the soulful voice stops him in his tracks.
“Oh lord… Somebody - somebody… Can anybody find me someone to love?”
He manages not to reveal his presence, despite his breath catching. He hasn’t heard Michael sing… in person in god knows how long. The fact that the last time they sang within each other’s presence was the last day of the Idol Concert depresses him, shaking his head at just how long they had been apart.
It’s one thing that he truly regrets most of all; not keeping up with his best friends even though he was the one that promised first to keep in touch.
“Got no feel, I got no rhythm… I just keep losing my beat…”
Dave loses himself in that voice; his skin warming by just the sound. It was the first thing that drew him to Michael. He knows for sure that the Idol experience will never leave him and his memories. It comes back to him then, first meeting the Australian and being stunned at how genuine the other man was. His heart had pounded so fiercely in Hollywood week, where Michael sang the great “Bohemian Rhapsody” and completely took control of the stage.
“I’m ok, I’m alright… Ain’t gonna face no defeat.”
Another quality about Michael was his determination, and resilience. When he had a goal in mind, he had to accomplish it or come as close to success as possible. The other man taught him things he hadn’t realized and brought out sides of himself that he believed he never even possessed in the first place.
“Michael…” He whispered under his breath.
The other man heard him and turned around, smiling brightly and staring right at him. He dove right into those chocolate eyes. Dave wondered if anyone could conquer their spell.
“Morning Dave, I know you’re not alive yet so I cooked you up some breakfast.”
He shook his head with a laugh, bringing his palms together flat and pointing them over at Michael.
“You sir, are a godsend.”
Michael grinned devilishly, “Tell me something I don’t know.”
David sat down with a smirk, fingertips rubbing the side of his head and yawning for the eightieth time in the few minutes he’d been in the kitchen. He resisted the tremor that usually ran through his nerves whenever Michael looked at him, to which he was doing just now. The feeling left the same time a plate was slid in front of him.
“You should eat something.” The Australian’s voice was soft.
The younger man glanced to his side, half-lidded green eyes as Michael leaned over right beside him. The back of his hand brushed the older man’s inner arm as he reached forward and grasped the edge of the plate. His eyes involuntarily closed at the contact.
“You all right, Dave? I can get you something to drink.”
He wonders why the other’s voice is still so quiet. Michael usually has the opposite kind, letting his words be heard loud and clear. The warm hand rubs along his wrist and he can’t help himself, his body betrays him; reacting before his mind can think. He gets away from the touch on instinct by pushing back his chair and striding over to the coffee machine within the same moment.
Those eyes are on him again; ever so watching and concerned.
He knows that he worries Michael and prays the man will never ask the reason for it.
“Coffee first…” David murmurs, taking a mug out of the cupboard and watches the hot liquid pour into the cup. He finds himself mystified by the dark, obsidian color.
“Dave, you need to eat.”
That hand is gripping his wrist now, questioning his brain when that happened.
“Stop telling me what I need to do.”
Michael’s brows shoot way up, to the highest he’d ever seen and saw the confusion flood the brown eyes. The other man was clearly startled by the response he’d been given.
“Mate, I’m just trying to look out for you” The Australian came closer, placing both of his hands on the younger man’s shoulders and rubbing there.
“You know I’m here for you.”
He flinched away from the comforting action. The storm of emotion in David’s head wasn’t clearing, the clouds grew thicker.
“What the hell makes you think I need babysitting?”
“Dave--”
“Don’t Dave me! I’m old enough to take care of myself” His face was flushed up, eyes watered and voice raised several pitches. “… I don’t need or want someone to watch every fucking thing I do.”
“Stop yelling and talk to me.”
The young man stared at the other unblinkingly, eyes half-lidded still. He began to hear each shaking breath in his head. His brain was screaming at him but he couldn’t understand its demands, taking his hand off the counter he’d been using as support and unknowingly staggering out of the kitchen.
He vaguely felt strong arms wrap around his middle, holding him up and leaning him against the hall wall. The sounds were blurring and he couldn’t focus on anything for the life of him.
“Michael…” He whispered weakly.
David’s knees gave out on him, sliding down the wall and cringing upon his fall. He heard his name being called several times before it went away, guessing the other man had ventured for his pills. He assumed the Australian had come back when he felt a hand push back his hair, urging familiar pills against his lips with a cup of water and pressing a wet cloth to the back of his neck. He couldn’t hear much, but what did come through the layer of fuzziness was the undeniable worry in Michael’s voice.
His eyes close, lashes clinging to the sweat on his pallid skin.
The man’s body loses its strength, falling forward onto the form in front of him and whose arms come around his entire middle to hold him flush. Michael’s whispering his name over and over again against the shell of his ear, he shivers at the warmth from it. He buries his face in the crook between Michael’s neck and shoulder.
He’s not sure how long he’s there; vulnerable, drained and reliant on Michael’s arms.
Dave pulls back slowly, his focus returning as the pills finally kick in. He leans his head against the wall behind him. He blinks repeatedly; vision clearing to find Michael right there. There’s such a relieved smile on his face, shoulders loosening too. The chocolate eyes are shining, warm hands cupping his cheeks.
“You all right?” The desperate, trembling words from Michael.
David looks down, realizing just how stupid he acted to his friend and bites his bottom lip nervously. He feels awful for making the other man upset. There’s a finger on his chin, lifting his face up and the small tears that gathered in his green eyes trail down his cheeks.
He’s about to speak when Michael’s fingers brush over his cheeks, taking the tears away and he’s frozen from it. His brows are scrunched and breath is beginning to level out, or come close to that. He can’t help but search into that pair of brown eyes, hoping beyond anything that there’s something in them for him to latch onto. And there always is when he gazes into them; undying support.
His voice breaks in his reply, “Michael, I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”
“Dave, it’s okay..”
David shakes his head vigorously.
“No, it’s not…” He sucks in a breath, voice catching again.
“I need help. I don’t know what’s wrong with me… I shouldn’t be like this.”
It’s Michael’s turn to disagree, hands on the side of his bare arms. He strokes along them with the lightest of touches and gazes at him with those charming, reassuring eyes.
“Dave, god no… there’s nothing wrong with you…” He whispered, pulling David’s body close to his own and resting his head against the side of the younger man’s.
“You’re going through a lot of things… you’ve-- what’s happened to you in the past few weeks is more than most people experience in a lifetime. Nothing is wrong…everything will be all right, I promise…and I never break those. Do you trust me?”
His head shakily nodded against Michael’s, “Yeah…yeah” He released a shaky, long held breath and slowly tore himself away from the other man‘s powerful presence.
“Of course I trust you… why wouldn’t I?”
Michael smiled, eyes twinkling in mystery. “Just checking, mate.”
“I shouldn’t have said those things to you… I know you’re trying to be here for me, and I really appreciate you actually staying by my side through all this… I mean, I’m so thankful for it…more than you know. I just-- Michael, I’m really sorry.”
The Australian’s arm goes around his shoulders, helping to pull him back up and standing in front of him. Those hands are on the sides of his biceps.
“Stop it. Mate, it’s really okay. I could never be angry with you.”
“You sure?” David looks down momentarily, coming back up with lips pressed together.
“Why would I lie to you? I have no reason to. I’ll always tell you the truth.”
Michael draped his arm around the top of the other man’s back, walking him back to the kitchen table and urging him back down to eat.
“Eat then coffee, deal?”
Dave smiled sheepishly, nodding to his question and working on his meal. The Australian took the seat across from him and amused himself in the comics of the newspaper. The young man takes one of the strips of bacon on the side of his plate and starts to crumble it up, letting the pieces fall onto the scrambled eggs below.
“Anything good?” He gestures to the newspaper when Michael raises a brow.
“Oh, not really. The stuff is all right but could be a lot better.”
David finished most of his food, before giving up and sliding the plate across the table to the other man.
“Can’t finish it, you can have it. I ate what I could fit.”
The Australian nodded, taking a few bites of the eggs left-over while Dave strolled over to the fridge. His eyes caught the time in the midst of opening the appliance and let it close itself with a thud. He ran a hand through his hair, releasing a breath.
“April… damn, I need to wake her up. She shouldn’t sleep all day.”
Michael sent him a small smile, “Well… I’ll likely be here when you get back.”
He felt eyes on his bare back until he was fully up the stairs, jogging over to the guest room occupying April. David smiles when he opens the door and it doesn’t creak on him for once. She’s beginning to stir anyway; body uncurling and fist opening against her little mouth. Instinctively, he slowly sits on the bed and watches as she gradually awakens. She rolls, back hitting his right thigh and that stills her. Her arms stretch in front of her face and she turns around, sitting up to face him with a sleepy smile.
“Morning angel…” He whispers. He lays himself down a portion on the bed, left arm reaching over to bring her body closer to his own as his head rests against the headboard.
She smiles again at him, eyes closing again. April sweetly snuggles her face into his chest, lazily wrapping her arm around his middle. Her brown, now frizzy hair tickles his skin and the cheek pressed against his skin is so warm. He closes his eyes from the all the sensations, the moment too much for him to keep his lids open for. His fingers previously on her middle raise and thread gently in her brown locks. They’re incredibly soft and almost weightless against his skin.
“I love you, April…” He murmurs without realization.
If possible, she finds a way to tuck herself further into his form.
“Love you, Daddy.”
He’s on the brink of tears but they somehow manage to stay at bay, instead leaning his head down and placing the lightest of kisses on the top of her head. David lets the remaining emotions from his earlier outburst at Michael drain from his skin as he soaks this in, simply resting there with his daughter. He has no idea or care how much time passes while he’s up there, all he knows is that he’s beyond content being with her. She helps to bring out the best in him.
Dave’s convinced that she’s fallen asleep again, but then her fingers play with his own.
He smiles, wide and full. The dimples on his face don’t express his joy. His head tilts and he gazes at her while she’s preoccupied. He’s glad he’s awake at the moment, so he can remember every second of this. It’s then that he hears the smallest of noises, sounding like the creaking of floor and he looks over by the door. Michael’s there, leaning against it with the brightest of grins. His hands are in his pockets casually, and those brown eyes find his green within the smallest amount of time.
His breath catches at the warm, dark chocolate. And it’s a touch of coincidence because him being startled by Michael, brings April back to focus as well. She slowly sits up, rolling to the side and her behind is staying on the edge of the bed cover. David takes a moment to roll a kink out of his shoulders before strolling over to the side of the bed where she’s waiting for help.
“Come here, you.” His left wraps around her back, the right going under her legs to hold her the best possible way. She giggles softly, leaning forward to rest herself against his chest, head in his neck. It’s when she’s in his arms like this that he notices the similarity of their skin. Her skin is a slight shade darker than his own though.
Michael makes room for them to pass, giving April a goofy face as a morning greeting.
“You funny face!” She exclaims, yawning and pressing her face into her hand.
He makes another one and she laughs again. David shakes his head at the other’s antics.
Michael walks ahead of the two of them, Dave walking slow down the stairs with April in his arms. She’s relaxing against him and obviously isn’t a morning person already. Her finger tips are lazily caressing along his collarbone, occasionally releasing puffs of yawns.
They’re on their way to the kitchen when she sits up in her father’s arms.
“Who that?” She points to a picture in the living room, right outside the kitchen.
Michael glances back at him with a smirk, mock shrugging even though he definitely knows who the person is in the photo. David rolls his eyes at his friend and brings his attention back at the picture in question. It’s one of Michael, him and Carly near the end of the Idol tour. The Australian’s got a black Scully-cap and bright red shirt while Carly’s got one of those toy crowns on her head, black tee on as well. He’s squished between them with his red superman cape and matching trucker hat. David smiles remembering it.
“April, that’s a good friend of mine. Her name is Carly.”
He adjusts her in his arms, and she’s clearly thinking about how to say it. She frowns and buries her face in his shoulder. David kisses her head, urging her on.
“You can do it.”
She frowns briefly, sighing before making an attempt.
“Cah-wee?”
David hears a barely audible cross between a giggle and snort from Michael, shaking his head at the other man while resisting a chuckle himself.
“Car-lee.” He replies back, nuzzling her head.
Her face is full of confusion, and it occurs to David that she thought she said it right.
“Cah-wee.”
Michael jumps in next. “I sense an upcoming battle to the death. April, you want me to make you up a yummy breakfast?”
She shakes her head and David laughs richly this time.
“See, I’m not the only one that’s afraid of your cooking.”
The Australian sends over a mock death glare, pulling out a full pout. David misses the expression because his focus is on the lip. It’s not his fault that it’s in his eye-line perfectly and it’s quickly becoming the definition of temptation. All that comes to mind is nibbling, sucking and biting on it.
The most wanted desires are often the worst to act upon; why so many are unsatisfied with their lives because they know that they’ll destroy someone or something if they strive for what they want more than life itself.
“Mate, you in there? Woo who!”
Dave blinked rapidly, blushing at the waving hand in his face. Strolling over to the kitchen table, he plopped April down on the chair. Her legs rocked back and forth rapidly, telling the two men that she was beginning to wake up for sure.
“Well, since she doesn’t want me to cook… you better do it.”
David nodded, looking inside the fridge for something a two year old would find both interesting and delicious. He turns around to ask Michael for assistance as the other man is pretty much a kid in an adult’s body but he pauses at the sight before him. The Australian has managed to find a coloring book and has slid it over to April, who laughs happily upon it. His friend even leaves the room for a few minutes, likely to locate her favorite crayons and return to her. The crayons are placed right next to her. She tilts her head up at Michael, smiling fully and immediately falling into the world of color.
The Australian drapes his arm behind her, on the back of the chair she’s leaning on the very edge of. Michael finds his gaze once more and gives him a relaxed smile. David abruptly turns around and bites his bottom lip, the vision being too adorable for him to continue looking at. Releasing a deep breath, he begins throwing out expired and questionable items in his fridge. And when he’s finally done that, he rummages through one of the bags that Elizabeth and Richard sent with April. They packed up a good amount of food as a precaution. After a couple minutes of deliberation, he decides to go with a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
She grins upon seeing it, making the coloring book and such take second place.
While her attention is on that, he looks again through the food package the grandparents sent for him. He’s not surprised when he doesn’t find milk, and is glad that apple juice comes into sight. Dave takes that out of the cooler and pours her a glass, placing it down next to her sandwich plate. He leans against the fridge, watching her eat and doesn’t notice when Michael gets up and goes to stand next to him.
The Australian wraps an arm around his shoulders, right hand on his corresponding shoulder and stares forward whilst his head plops down by Michael’s neck. He closes his eyes on contact with the sturdy surface and the other man’s cologne relaxes him beyond measure. What both endears and kills him however is when Michael rests his head on top of David’s and the arm previously along his shoulders is now around the middle of his back, hovering above his waist.
He can’t say anything for the longest time, and a part of him enjoys it more. He’s afraid his voice will ruin the moment but he’s a proclaimed idiot and he does so anyway.
“I’ve missed this-- I miss just having you around.”
Michael brought him closer, hand rubbing the side of his arm. David expects a joking response back, one that includes himself getting used to having him around a lot more.
“Me too…” Is the small whisper in return. “Let’s not go that long again, all right?”
David smiles widely, nodding slightly and tucking his head further into Michael without any realization of doing so. Another silence falls, this one even more soothing and his eyes wander over to the hall where he can sort of make out the forms of him, Michael and Carly in the picture that April was previously pointing to. He speaks his thoughts.
“I miss her too, Carly. It’s been centuries.”
“You could call her.” Michael replies plainly, as if it’s the easiest thing in the world to do.
“I can’t just-- I don’t want to bother her.”
The Australian parts from his side, going to stand in front of him and giving him the strangest expression ever. He looks at David as if he’s got seventy or so heads.
“Mate, come on. This is Carly we’re talking about. You’re the opposite of that to her.”
“Michael, what if she’s--”
“If you don’t call her then I will.”
David sighed in defeat, knowing that Michael would definitely take action if he didn’t so he went over to the device and began typing in a familiar number.
“Make her come over or have her meet us somewhere. I need to see her too, you know?”
“I didn’t object” He replied as the phone rang once. “That’s a good idea actually.”
“See, I’m capable of having thoughts.”
David shook his head at the other man’s geeky smile, putting a hand to his forehead.
“You’re such a tool.”
Michael mock scowled, going back over to April and pointing to where the trash was when she stood perplexed in front of the fridge. She hummed and ran over to it, dropping her paper plate into it before returning to her apple juice. She became fascinated with swirling the straw around in the liquid, mesmerized by the mini whirlpool.
The phone was finally answered on the third ring, “Hello? I’m sorry…who is this?”
“Carly, hi there. It’s David. You should know that though…you have caller id.”
“David who? I know so many.”
He pressured the bridge of his nose, knowing that she was playing with him.
“Cook, yeah… him.”
“Oh David Cook, right…him… he’s the one that hasn’t called me in about…let‘s see, give me a minute here. Does four and a half months sound accurate?”
David went silent, eyes downcast in realization of just how long it had been since he last saw everyone; not just Michael.
“I’m guessing a sorry wouldn’t cover it?”
“Begging might.”
Running out of ideas, he almost thinks of actually pleading for her forgiveness but he glances over at Michael and gets a better idea.
“I can bargain, right? I’ve got Michael here, and someone else I want you to meet.”
“Michael’s there? I need to see that guy stat…and whose this other one?”
He smirked, realizing he had the upper hand now.
“The other is a surprise. You’ll have to forgive me if you want to see either.”
“Are you for real?” She bounced back, clearly unbelieving of his proposition.
“Sorry, unfortunately for you all…I’m quite real. But Carly…”
“What is it? What are you hiding?”
“There’s something you need to know first. And please just listen first.”
Carly went quiet, agreeing about a minute later. She keeps to her word, a wonderful trait of hers and listens as he spills his heart and the events of late to her. He’s not sure if he’s scared or relieved when she doesn’t make any noises while he’s updating her on his life.
“Can you say something? I-- I can understand if you still don’t want to see me.”
“David… wow” Are her first words then she comes to. “Whoa, slow down… you think that telling me all of this would make me want to avoid your presence?”
He goes quiet because even though he knows she wouldn’t judge, he’s wracked with nerves and not thinking as clear as he should.
“No, never. Of course I want to see you. Actually, if it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle…I’d absolutely love to meet April too. She sounds like a gem.”
“You have no idea…” David manages, voice quivering unintentionally.
“I still adore you whether you believe me or not.”
“Carly, thank you. You’re amazing.”
“You’re not too bad yourself.”
His face flushed up, and asked her again if she was willing to forgive him as that would be the only way to see Michael and April. Seeming to mull over what was being offered, she finally agreed to his plan. She followed this up with giddy excitement, exclaiming how anxious she was and asking him what she looked like.
“You’ll see.”
“You’re such a tease.”
“My life’s purpose… you figured me out.”
“Let’s get back on topic here, David. Where and when do you want to meet up?”
“How about you just come over?”
“I don’t have the time available to drive over, once I’d get there… I’d have to leave. We need somewhere closer between our places. Oh, how about that nice park a little ways from your place, I can’t remember the name of it but it‘s open eleven to four.”
“I know which one you’re thinking of… yeah, that sounds good to me” He glanced over at the clock, judging when to leave the house to meet her.
“Just a second” He didn’t wait, putting his hand over the bottom of the phone and looking around for the missing in action duo. Michael and April weren’t in the kitchen anymore, though the empty glass of apple juice is by the sink. He wanders toward music drifting lightly into the kitchen, faltering when he finds the Australian sitting on the couch and watching little April attempt to dance around the room.
He sighs in relief, and Michael must hear him because he sends a smile his way. David returns it, going back on with Carly.
“Well, how about we meet there for eleven? That gives us both plenty time to get ready and make the drive there.”
“Sure, fantastic even. I miss you.”
“Miss you too, Tater.”
“Bye Sugarfoot.”
And he’s off the phone with her that minute, taking long breaths before he goes back to Michael and April. She’s mostly stretching her arms back and running, letting herself pretend that she can fly. Dave winks over at Michael before the other man can greet him as he silently sneaks up on his daughter and quickly places both hands on either side of her stomach firmly, lifting her into the air. She squirms, legs kicking back and forth on her first reaction before she recognizes his voice when he tells her it’s just him.
Michael must think it’s amusing as he starts to narrating the scene dramatically, going on about how the Cook Airline is taking off for its flight. April’s a mess of giggles, laughing on and on about it all. She even goes as far as making engine noises. Eventually she moves unsteadily around in his grasp and he puts her down this time, bending down to kiss her on the cheek. She leans into it with a smile and before he pulls away too far, she fidgets sheepishly and asks for another.
David leads her back over to the photo that she was pointing at earlier and her confusion is almost too cute. The way her brows scrunch and blue eyes widen just clench his heart.
“You remember this lady’s name?”
She ponders for a couple minutes or so, recalling it. “Cah-wee…”
“Yes, Carly. Do you want to meet her? Michael and I want to see her again.”
“Yeah!” April announces, hopping up and down. “She so pretty!”
David picks his little girl up, and she’s so light that he can hold her easily in one arm. He packs up a snack for her as well. Him and Michael check around the house before they head out to the car. The air is gentle in its breeze. The Australian settles in the back seat with April while David takes the driver’s seat and they all make their way out.
He’s beyond tempted to keep looking in the backseat while on the road, but he knows much better than that though. All he hears is giggling and toys clanging against the back of his seat. He can’t even imagine what they’re doing while he’s unavailable to watch.
“You two better be good back there.” Dave called back to the two.
“Ah, no worries mate. There’s nothing too messed up.”
“What are you guys doing?”
April started laughing hysterically at his dramatically raised voice and he bit the corner of his lip to prevent himself from pulling over and demanding the information.
“Us, doing anything? No… never. We haven‘t done a thing.”
He scoffed, “Yeah right. April’s the only one back there that’s innocent.”
Thankfully he didn’t have much longer to wait, following the directions to the park and turning right onto one of the side roads of the main street. He slowed the car down, for two reasons: first, there were hardly any buildings on the road to corrupt the view and second, he was a couple minutes early in meeting up with his favorite Irish woman.
Dave smiled at how excited and mystified April became upon seeing all of the trees glowing from the morning sun, her voice exclaiming at the shine.
“You like all the glow?” He asked from the front.
“Yes!” She replied with a giggle. He peaked in the rear view mirror, spotting her leaning against Michael’s body as she gazed to the scenery enraptured.
The park finally comes into view, place almost completely still except for the light rushing of water from the fountains residing. He finds the first parking spot he can, strolling back and opening the doors for them both. April practically jumps from Michael, the Australian quickly eases her to the ground so she can sprint over to David unsteadily. He can’t help but chuckle at her eagerness and his heart tightens when attempts to grab his hand with her own.
Michael’s on his other side so when he glances over at his best friend, the older man is giving him one of the brain-flattening smiles.
David grins at his cheesiness, hoping that all of this will actually be a walk in the park but rolls his eyes at how good that sounds; too perfect for what he’s used to. After all, he doesn’t want to get his hopes up. There’s a part of him that clings to this alluring, bright perspective especially when he looks down at a skipping and beaming April.
All he wants is to stay with the right; avoid the ever lurking wrong.