NaNoWriMo Story Snippets

51. Excerpt from FLAMES

Set on Seth's 2022 birthday. It's been a while since I was around toddlers, so apologies if I'm getting Roux's dialogue too simplified. Subject to editing, etc.

"Happy first bus birthday." Becky's mouth was close enough to his ear that Seth felt the words as much as heard them. "Pretend to be sleeping, okay?"

Seth opened one eye and moved his head just enough to see her. Normally Becky didn't wake up before he did, so he was suspicious. "This isn't going to be one of those inedible breakfasts that's ninety percent sprinkles, is it?" He had heard horror stories from Marek about his sons' well-meaning attempts to make him breakfast on Father's Day and while he definitely looked forward to making memories with Roux, he would rather they not be ones that caused stomach aches, especially when he and Becky had to wrestle at a house show that night.

"No. Now be quiet." Becky pressed him down to the bed and kissed him hard enough that he wondered how long they could delay breakfast. Roux was finally staying in her own bed more and more, which meant he and Becky actually got to enjoy some of their nights.

They kept kissing until they heard a flurry of footsteps coming down the corridor, followed by a knock that was Roux's version of quiet, which meant not very. "Mama!"

Becky kissed Seth one last time before sliding out of bed. "Remember, you're sleeping," she whispered as she pulled her pyjamas back on and crept to the door, sneaking out to meet their daughter. "Good morning, sweetheart." Becky had lowered her voice, but Seth could still hear her through the door.

"Happy Dada!" Roux exclaimed.

"It's Dada's birthday, yes. Let's go get ready for the surprise," Becky said. Then two sets of footsteps hustled away from the door.

Seth did his best not to eavesdrop, which was difficult given how well Roux's happy chatter carried throughout the bus. He shut his eyes—Might as well at least play the part, he thought—and was surprised when he actually drifted back to sleep.

"Happy Dada, happy Dada!" Roux's voice sang out to the backdrop of footfalls, making Seth stir.

"It's 'Happy birthday', sweetheart," Becky corrected gently. She was at least trying to be quiet.

"Happy birdie Dada!" Roux amended. "BIRDIE DADA!"

Becky's laugh preceded a knock on the door. Seth took that as a cue to quickly pull on a pair of boxer shorts and sit up in bed. "Good morning," he called out, trying to make his voice slow and sleepy.

When Becky nudged the door open, Roux stepped in holding a tray over her head—largely supported by Becky. "HAPPY BIRDIE DADA!" Roux screamed, trying to hop with delight. Becky raised the tray so Roux could run over to the bed, climb up, and hug her father.