After It All

Chapter Eleven

James

It's been two weeks since Landon was finally let out of hospital. Riley and I go with him to his appointments, Ellie has been spending time with A-Troupe while we did that and of course Zach was at school
Lately, the kids have been around our friends a lot more and it's something seeing the relationships stemming from that
Truth be told, Zach hangs with the boys but also has a soft spot for Michelle
while Landon is the ladies man but he jokes around with West like no tomorrow
Ellie is the crowd favourite but seems to be more drawn to Eldon and Giselle for some reason

"We're home!" I called coming back into the house with the boys. It was Friday meaning that neither of them had their clubs tonight. Riley and Ellie had been home all day so I wasn't surprised to see the rest of A-Troupe in the back garden with them

The boys' face instantly lit up running over to everyone before receiving a stern look from Riley. They knew exactly why too

"Uniform boys" Riley said making both boys nod their heads running back inside the change, I walked over to everyone pecking Riley's cheek before Ellie noticed me
She pulled herself up and started to stumble towards me making Riley and I widen our eyes

"No fucking way" I said earning a slap from Riley
"Riley she's walking" I said making Riley smile while A-Troupe matched the same expression

Ellie soon got over to me while I crouched down to her, she wrapped her arms around my neck falling onto my chest
"You did it's Els" I smiled picking her up throwing her in the air
She had the proudest grin on her face as she began clapping while everyone laughed 

Riley stood up from the chair coming over to the pair of us, the moment Ellie locked eyes on Riley she leant forward almost jumping out of my arms to reach Riley
"mama" She cooed squeezing Riley tightly making me smile 

--

We were all sat outside waiting for Riley and the girls to come back out. She had headed inside to cook - I had offered but Zach had something to say about that apparently 
"Daddy" Landon said using his tone which meant he wanted something. Zach picked this up off of Landon but had never managed to perfect the skill. Landon on the other hand knows it works

"What's up Land" I said as he sat down on my lap, Zach was off with the boys in their own conversation
"You know Dance?" He asked making me nod
Landon had been in love with Dance from the moment he stepped foot into The Next Step and it was honestly amazing to see
He was almost as smitten as Riley and I used to be

"There is this showcase thing where the parents can perform and I know you and mummy used to dance" He said handing me a poster
I chuckled looking down at it. I remember when Piper started at The Next Step. She would try get Mum and Dad to do this but never succeeded 

"Do you want us to buddy?" I asked and he nodded frantically
"I think I can do you one better" I smiled making him look at me confused, I chuckled turning to the boys who looked at me almost instantly 

"Yo boys" I said
"What do you think?" I said showing them the poster, they all raised their brows before looking at Landon and smile
"I think the girls will be on board too" Eldon said smiling at Landon who's face lit up
"Mummy" Landon called running inside with the poster in his hand to now attempt to sweet talk his mother 

"So one last dance then?" West smirked making me nod
"Reliving the glory days" I said 
"Dad, can you even dance anymore? You get out of breath just chasing after Ellie" Zach said making me playfully glare at him
"Yes Zee, yes I can" I said
"And don't make it sound like that. I could still catch you in a split second" I warned him earning an eyeroll

Where did our little man go and who replaced him with this sassy boy.

"Mummy said yes!" Landon said coming back outside with the girls shortly following with all the food 
Riley and the girls placed it on the table in front of us before all taking a seat
"I think it would be a good idea for all of us to do it" Riley said making the boys chuckle
"James beat you to the punch there Riles" West said making her look  over at me with narrowed eyes

"Mama" Ellie called pulling at Riley's trousers, I chuckled picking Ellie up placing her on my lap. Lately she'd become pretty attached to Riley, not that either of us are complaining but it makes it hard for Riley to be able to do anything so we are trying to nip it in the bud but it's not really working out 

"no no" Ellie said pushing my face away as she reached for Riley, Riley sighed about to take her but Zach soon intervened
"Ellie bearr" He called making Ellie's face light up while she then turned her attention to him
"Zacky" She smiled following her brother over to where Landon sat with his plate of food

 "I can't believe how cute they are" Chloe smiled making Riley and I chuckled
"There Jiley's kids. What did you expect?" Eldon teased
"What's Jiley?" Zach asked, being the observant little man he is 

"It's what we used to call your parents when we were talking about both of them" West explained
"Why were you talking about them? It's rude to do that" Landon said crossing his arms
"Lan, they don't mean like that. It's nice things, there mum and dads friends remember" Zach said calming his little brother

"Yeah it was when we would talk about things like how well they danced and things like that" Michelle said making Zach nod but Landon looked over at Riley and I 
"It's okay Lan, you're okay" Riley said but it wasn't long before he came over sitting on her lap

Riley pushing his hair out of his face hugging him softly, just like she always does when he gets slightly overwhelmed 
They're the perfect duo