I Never Want to Go Home Again

R+R

Prompt 20. Henry or Roland get food poisoning on vacation and need TLC

Set in my Soldier Verse

Seagulls cried overhead as they walked along the boardwalk. Rather, Robin and Regina walked as she pushed Diana in her stroller while Henry let Roland chase him around, their flip flops thudding against the wooden planks. Henry stayed just out of his younger brother's grasp but Roland didn't seem to mind, just enjoying the chase. His brown eyes shone as did Henry's hazel ones and both boys had a healthy pink tint to their cheeks. Their smiles rivaled the sun setting on the horizon.

Robin wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "This was a great idea," he said.

"Thank you," she replied. "When they gave me some leave, I knew we needed to get away for a bit—spend time just as a family."

"And we've all enjoyed the beach," Robin said, bending down to look at Diana. He smiled at her. "Right, sweetheart? You're enjoying your time at the beach."

Regina chuckled. "She's barely a year old, Robin. She's not going to answer you yet."

"She's smiling," he said, pointing to her little face. His dimples deepened as his smile widened. "So I'm going to take that as a yes."

"You're a dork," she told him fondly.

He straightened up, smirking at her. "I'm your dork."

"Damn right," she replied, grabbing his shirt and pulling him in for a kiss.

"Ugh, Mom, Dad, stop it!" Roland declared. "That's embarrassing!"

They broke apart, looking at their two sons. Both were staring at them with scrunched up noses and disgusted looks. Henry nodded. "Please?"

"Fine," Robin replied with a sigh. "I'll just have to wait until you're all asleep and then I'll kiss your mother all I want."

"That's all we ask," Henry replied, sounding relieved.

Roland rubbed his stomach. "I'm hungry, Mom. Can we get something to eat, please?"

"I'm hungry too," Henry added.

She chuckled, nodding. "Okay, I think there are some places to eat up ahead. Why don't we go see what they have to offer?"

Both boys cheered before taking off, racing each other to the area on the pier. Robin and Regina followed behind at a more leisurely pace, keeping an eye on the children the entire time. "I wish I had their energy sometimes," Robin said.

"I know," she replied before sighing. "To be young again."

He kissed the side of her head. "You're plenty young. The kids do that for you."

"Then they do it for you too," she replied, grinning up at him.

"Mom, Dad, stop flirting! We're starving," Roland whined.

She groaned. "Of course one of the children had to inherit my sass."

"It's not just one," Robin replied. "Henry's had his moments too and I'm pretty sure Diana is going to out-sass them all."

"Wonderful," she moaned.

Henry started to hop from foot to foot as he pointed to his left. "Dad! Dad! They have fish and chips!"