⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⋆ the knot of his silk tie loosened beneath the pull of his fingers until it hung carelessly against the open collar of his dress shirt. laughter, hers, bright and effortless, echoed through the halls of the manor, guiding him far better than any trail ever could. he rounded the corner, and there they were. synthia.. and the little shadow half hidden behind her skirts. dark, unruly locks peeked into view before two cautious eyes met his own. the sight alone softened something deep within him. without a word, rurik crouched, extending a hand instead of reaching. after a brief hesitation, little wülfric shuffled forward and slipped his tiny fingers into his father’s palm. only then did rurik gather him into his arms, holding him securely against his chest. ⋆
⠀⠀ you’ve been eating my biscuits again. ⠀⋆ with the pad of his thumb, he brushed away the crumbs lingering at the corner of the boy’s mouth before kissing his forehead. little wülfric blinked, uncertain for a heartbeat, then glanced toward synthia for reassurance.
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ‘father found us..’⠀ he murmured, as though still trying to decide whether that meant he had won or lost. after another pause, he lifted his head. ⋆ ⠀⠀ ‘we play again?’
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀we certainly shall. ⠀⠀⋆ ⠀rurik adjusted him higher on his hip before turning his attention back to synthia. his free hand found the nape of her neck, drawing her close until only a breath separated them. amusement rested quietly in his gaze. ⋆
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀you were saying? run? ⠀⠀⋆ one brow lifted. ⋆ run where? you chose the poorest man in the kingdom to hide from. i’ve spent my life finding people who never wished to be found.
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⋆ his eyes drifted back to his son, his voice softening.⠀⋆⠀⠀ and besides.. i would always come back for the both of you.
⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀@appleseeds.