Flight Of Fate

Chapter Thirteen - Deeper Bonds

"Dad, I told you, I'm more than happy to pay," Legolas insisted as he followed the couple in front of him.

Thranduil led the way from the restaurant, holding the door open for Kira who carried Eden in her new car seat, followed by his son. "And I told you – I would pay," he replied. "Take the gesture with the love it was given, and stop being so bull-headed."

"Charming," he muttered. "Well, I really enjoyed myself, and it's been great getting to know you, Kira. And of course, my little sister." A broad grin accompanied his words, reminding her of just how much like his father he was.

"I had a great time too," she answered with a smile of her own. "We should get together again sometime."

"Not this weekend though, you have an assessment paper which is due on Monday if I remember correctly," Thranduil said.

"Shit...I forgot about that. It's mostly done, to be fair...just a few bits and pieces that I need to tighten up on before submitting it."

"Good. You can do that over Saturday and Sunday," he told him. "Shall we drop you off at the campus on the way home?"

"Nah, it's only a few blocks from here," Legolas replied cheerfully. "Thanks for dinner, Dad."

"You're welcome, son." A brief hug followed, then the younger Oropherion turned to the two females.

"Thanks, Kira," he said, and impulsively kissed her cheek. "Behave for Mama and Dada," he added to Eden, and gently touched his fingertip to her cheek.

She snuffled softly to herself but didn't waken from her slumber.

"Catch you later, guys," he said as he turned and walked away.

Thranduil's steady gaze followed him. "He's a good kid," he murmered.

"I know. You've done wonders, and it shows," she answered.

His eyes met hers. "I tried so hard when he was growing up to be both mother and father to him, to make the right decisions by him, and to support him both financially and emotionally. I always wonder if there was more I could have done."

"Don't question it. He's an absolute credit to you," she told him. "You should be proud of him, Thranduil. Really proud of him."

He smiled as he strolled beside her on the way back to the car. "Nobody is perfect, but in my eyes, my son is as damned near perfect as one could be. I suppose that makes me biased."

"Very," she agreed with a laugh, changing Eden's car seat from her left hand to her right.

"Here, let me," he said, and took the reasonably heavy bundle from her. "Babies seem so small at first, but the longer you hold them, the heavier they seem to get. And the car seat isn't exactly an ounce or two in weight either." He switched the seat over to his right hand, and his left found hers.

She glanced up at him as his fingers entwined through hers in a warm, firm grip.

Questioning blue eyes met hers. "Is this ok?" he asked with an air of uncertainty.

"Yes. More than ok," she told him.

They continued towards the car in a comfortable silence, where he unlocked it and opened the passenger door for her before moving to secure Eden in the back. The car rocked slightly as he settled his weight into the driver's seat and started the engine.

"Are you warm enough?" he asked with a sideways glance as the car pulled smoothly out of the parking spot.

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied. "It's not as cold tonight as it was last night."