Breaking Point (BWWM)

12. Coordination

"You look nice," Braxton started, looking at his wife at the bottom of the stairs. She and Aesir were waiting patiently for him. She hasn't worn her hair down in a while, it's usually in sorted, thick twists or braids, or a bun at the top of her head. He forgot how defined her curls looked.

  Lucy hummed, "Thanks," she muttered softly, avoiding his gaze. "We should hurry, it's already started. It'll only get colder." Braxton bobs his head, internally sighing at how avoidant she was of him. She really did look pretty, he wasn't saying it just to try making amends. Though he would like that, too. Aesir looks up at him from his mother's hip. He had a fistful of her grey sweater dress in hand. It was shapely, despite the loose fit. When she moved, it accentuated her curves, especially when she turned around. Braxton couldn't help glancing at her backside as she went. He feels that hot ache again, despite having taken those suppressors he asked for. Increasing the dosage was a wasteful and fruitless effort, but he was still deeply considering it with the sight of his wife before him.

  She's first to get in the car, strapping their son into a car seat. Aesir whines up at her, kicking his little feet. He had boots on, which gave Braxton more reason to steer clear of his line of fire. The bruises he had from yesterday's diaper change didn't fade until this morning. Lucinda sits on the other side of their son, she politely tells the driver they're ready. Braxton looks down at his son's cute face. "What's the matter, 'Sir? Why're you giving Mama a hard time?" He asked gently, he'd stroke his son's chocolate curls, but Lucy had spent five minutes wrestling his hat onto his head. The baby seemed fed up, and to him it was amusing.

  His wife seemed too focused to pay much attention to him. She was looking over some plans from a folder she had from her shoulder bag. Easily, Braxton could look over her shoulder and see whatever it was she was reading over, but he didn't. If it were anything she wanted to tell him he was sure she'd have found a way to let him know already. She probably wouldn't tell him herself. Outside the car, it was snowing, though thankfully it wasn't heavy snowfall. Aesir watched the snowflakes drift by, a pout on his cute face. His cheeks were flushed bright red, most likely from the cold. He was really not liking how warmly his mother dressed him, Braxton heard him giving her a hard time and it was most likely partial to why his cheeks were red, too. He seemed to be in another grumpy mood today.

  The car stopped, Braxton looked out the window at the festivities that were going on outside. There were plenty of booths lining the large perimeter, and he could smell various foods. Members of his pack were eagerly enjoying games, dancing, eating and mingling. It was a rare sight to see; everyone was smiling.

  Lucy was first to step out, "Thank you, Zeke," she granted to the driver. "Are you sure you don't want to come enjoy the festival? We'll be gone at least a few hours."

  "Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate that... maybe I'll see some things for myself. My wife seems to like it." Lucinda smiles warmly at that, Braxton noticed her hand him something for a moment, though it was discreet. He lifts Aesir out of his seat, making sure they weren't forgetting anything in the car. Lucy joins him, and they watch the car pull away.

  "What did you give him?" Braxton wondered, fixing his tone as not to sound too demanding. She shrugs her bag onto her shoulder, a small smile dressing her soft features. The tip of her nose was red, and already they could see their breaths. The snow was thick, sloshing beneath their boots as they moved further into the crowd.  Braxton could feel several pairs of eyes on them, specifically himself. He actively tunes out the whispering.

  "He went out of his way to drive us down the mountain today, everyone else has the day off. I figured he deserved the tip." She explained. Before he could speak, she was turning away when she was called by an older woman. She puts on a bright smile as she recognizes the woman.