Ghost

First Night at Home

AN: You guys know the spiel by now. Anyway this chapter is pure parenting cuteness and awkwardness. Have fun with the new parents.

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Madison handed Ghost over to Charlie. The dog nestled his head against the crook of the man's elbow with already half lidded eyes. "Okay you take him tonight. We alternate every night. And remember to set your alarm tomorrow morning so we can get up and take Ghost for a walk before we have to leave for set."

Charlie rolled his eyes with a small lopsided grin. "I know Mads. You've drilled it into my head for the past two hours now."

Madison wrung her hands in her sleep shirt. "I'm sorry. It's just...this is the first time I am going to be away from him and I want to make sure he's going to be okay."

Charlie's eyes softened at her admission. "Don't be. He's our boy. And we are going to be a little over the top since we just got him."

Madison's head tilted a little to the side as she smiled up at him. "You're right. So...if anything just text or call."

Charlie smiled right back at her. "Will do. Bonne nuit, Mads," he said in almost a whisper.

Madison's eyes shined in the lowlight of the hallway. "Night, Charlie." She stroked Ghost's cheek, her lips turned up at seeing him knocked out in Charlie's arms.

Charlie watched Madison walk down the stairs with her father before turning to his bedroom. He could tell that Owen was asleep because there was a lack of Broadway blasting through the walls. He sighed in relief. That would make it easier on him to adjust to having Ghost with him.

He set the dog down near the end of the bed and slipped underneath the covers. If the night before was any indication, Ghost was sure to be out for a long while. He wouldn't have to worry about the dog waking him up. Before actually laying down he made sure to set the alarm on his phone. Madison would never forgive him if he messed up on their first real night as pet parents. They had something to prove after all.

Once he was all set, he actually let himself relax in the bed. He watched Ghost's chest rise and fall steadily. His eyes became unfocused as the time ticked by. He could feel the Sandman's powers slowly taking over. His near asleep state was ruined at the sound of a ding on his phone. He lazily rolled over and checked his phone to see it was a text from Madison. He didn't have enough energy to roll his eyes. Her text read: Can't wait to start our new life together with Ghost. See you in the morning.

Charlie had a sleepy smile on his face as he fired back a text to her. Me too. Now get your rest so you are extra beautiful. 😘 He clicked the side button and his phone was shut. It was time to sleep. His eyes fell shut, Sandman finally claiming him for the dream world.

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He didn't know why but he could feel the blanket on him and the slightly cool air in the room. Why? There was some rustling at the end of the bed. Did Owen sneak in to prank him while he was sleeping? He heard a pained cry. GHOST! He fought to open his eyes, the sleep trying to pull him back. With all his might he fought to keep his heavy lids up.

Ghost was thrashing around on the top of the blanket. Charlie crawled over to him to see if he was hurt. Nothing seemed wrong and what was stranger was that Ghost still had his eyes closed. He was....having a nightmare. He never knew that dogs could have nightmares. But that was here nor there. He had to wake the dog out of the horror he was experiencing in his head.

"GHOST! Wake up boy! Come on! Listen to Daddy's voice," he cried. His eyes pricked with tears as the time ticked by with no change. He checked his phone to see that it was about two in the morning. He looked at it contemplating if he should do what he was thinking of. Another howl of agony came from Ghost. Fuck it! Their dog was in pain. He speed dialed Madison.