Suffering Part 6: No Longer

Chapter 46

The late afternoon sun filters in through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room. You're sprawled lazily on the carpet, toys scattered haphazardly around you, but your attention is focused entirely on Baron, who's giggling in pure delight as you hold him over your head, playfully bouncing him in the air. His little legs kick excitedly, and his laughter is contagious, filling the room with a joyful energy that's impossible to ignore.

The music playing softly from your phone adds a perfect backdrop to the moment—the unmistakable sound of "A Well Respected Man" by The Kinks drifting through the air. You hum along at first, letting the upbeat tune wash over you, before you start to sing the lyrics, your voice light and playful as you match Baron's giggles with your own.

"'Cause he gets up in the morning
And he goes to work at nine,
And he comes back home at five-thirty,
Gets the same train every time..."

Baron's wide eyes stay fixed on you, his smile growing as you continue singing, the rhythm of your voice soothing and fun for him at the same time. You hold him a little higher, making airplane sounds as you sway him gently back and forth, his small hands reaching out as if he's trying to grab the music from the air.

"And he's oh, so good,
And he's oh, so fine..."

You belt out the lyrics with exaggerated enthusiasm, making Baron squeal in delight as his tiny body wriggles in your grip. His laughter fills the room, echoing off the walls, as you sing louder, playing up the dramatic flair of the song.

As the song moves into the chorus again, you lower Baron so he's face-to-face with you, planting a playful kiss on his cheek. His giggles are infectious, his eyes bright as he squirms happily in your arms.

"And he's oh, so good,
And he's oh, so fine..." you sing, adding a little extra flair, making him laugh even harder.

Severus steps into the room, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk on his lips. "He's a bit young for The Kinks, isn't he?" he remarks, the hint of amusement clear in his voice.

You grin up at him, holding Baron securely as you meet Severus's gaze. "He's never too young for a well respected man," you counter playfully, giving Baron another gentle bounce, which earns more giggles from your little one.

Severus's smirk widens, but his eyes soften. "It's time to start getting ready," he says, his tone shifting slightly. "Nadia will be here soon."

You nod but hesitate, your playful mood momentarily faltering as the familiar worry creeps in. Severus catches the look on your face and steps closer, kneeling beside you as his hand rests on your shoulder. "It will be fine," he reassures you, his voice calm and soothing. "Nadia knows what she's doing, and he'll be perfectly safe. You need this, we need this."

He brushes his thumb gently against your shoulder. "We've already laid out your clothes," he continues with a soft smile. "You just need to go put them on, princess."

You glance up at Severus, a playful pout forming on your lips. "One more song?" you ask, holding Baron a little closer.

Severus raises an eyebrow, his mouth quirking into a half-smile. "We're going to be late," he warns, though his tone is light, clearly indulging you.

You frown dramatically, but your eyes twinkle with mischief as you start to sing again, your voice carrying the familiar lyrics with a playful edge.

"'Cause he gets up in the morning
And he goes to work at nine,
And he comes back home at five-thirty
Gets the same train every time..."

You smile softly, swaying Baron in your arms as his tiny hands pat your shoulder. Severus watches, an amused but patient look on his face. He knows how much you cherish these moments, even when time is pressing.