Deceit [h.s]

Epilogue

Harry:

I could hear his footsteps as he made his way inside the bedroom, trying to be as silent as possible. My face remained the same, although I was fighting back a smile.

Teddy's breath was loud, and I could practically imagine the chubby cheeks or the way he was most likely sucking his thumb. Once he was close enough, I opened my eyes and looked at him, surprised with his lack of adult supervision. His green eyes peered into my own with intensity, and I allowed myself to spare him a loving grin, bending down and picking him up.

"Good morning little man." I spoke, placing wet kisses across his cheeks, forehead and chin. As expected, he exploded in childish giggles, filling the room with some sort of innocent happiness, the sound of his laughter warming up my heart in the most amazing way.

"Daddy." He complained, probably irritated with the way I squeezed his body closer to mine and tickled his sides with delicacy. Once I was satisfied with our morning snuggle, I allowed him to lay down beside me, on her side of the bed.

"What are you doing here, Ted?" I asked him, adjusting his hair and running my hands down his face in a loving manner. He seemed to be the perfectly split between his mum and I.

"Happy day." He spoke, making me smile in adoration. I thought I understood what parental love was all about, but Theodore's birth changed my point of view drastically. He was the personification of sunshine and love, something so pure and amazing I could never put into words.

"Happy birthday to whom?" I asked, propping myself up and watching as he took a deep breath and looked at me with a small, toothy grin.

"Daddy." Teddy answered, touching my bare chest with his small fingers. I nodded in agreement and picked him up, placing his body atop my chest and hugging him tightly. Ted seemed unaffected by the new position, placing his hands on my chest and staying there for a while.

"You're right, Ted. It's daddy's birthday today." I ran my hands down his ribs, receiving a ticklish giggle in return as he tried to get away from my hug. I allowed it, watching as he took a seat across from me on the bed. Mimicking his action, I sat up too, admiring the way he seemed particularly absorbed while watching me as I adjusted my hair and yawned.

"Are you hungry, buddy? Maybe we should grab some breakfast and find out why you're wandering around the house alone." He nodded, plucking his thumb inside his mouth once again, big green eyes staring into my own with curiosity. Smiling down at him and ruffling his hair a little, I got up and slipped some grey sweatpants on. Teddy watched me in silence and maybe a little bit of awe as well, although I couldn't tell for sure.

Once I looked seemingly decent, I picked him up, my arms securely wrapped around his legs as we made our way down the stairs, towards the kitchen. I could hear noises and I realised my mum and Gemma were here as well. Ted played with my hair and sucked his thumb, completely oblivious to the family meeting that was about to happen.

"Good morning sweet cheeks." My mum greeted me with coolness, although I could see the hint of excitement spreading across her features. It had to do with my birthday, but Teddy was a huge part of it as well.

"Hey." I greeted, clearing my throat and watching the mess they were making. Flour was atop the counter, the smell of eggs filled my nose and I looked around trying to find her. "What's up with all this mess?" I questioned, handing teddy a strawberry and watching the way he scrunched up his nose but never disposed the fruit.

"It's your birthday, baby brother. We must celebrate." Gemma answered, placing a plate in front of me and pointing towards a stool. I assessed my options and nodded, taking a seat and finding myself a fork while my mother chopped bananas for Ted.