In the Line
Characters: Cleo Rosehyn and Amir Pinawal ( @snikker-doooo ‘s OC)
Type: Fluff, Drabble
Warnings: None
“What horrible level of hell spawned this torture? Are we being punished? Is this the real eternal damnation we’ve brought upon ourselves for our sins?”
“It’s a car pick-up line at an elementary school, Amir. You’ve faced harder challenges than this,” Cleo said and turned to look at the frustrated man beside her.
Amir only rolled his eyes and let his head fall back against the headrest. They’d been stuck in the line for almost 20 minutes and had once again come to a standstill. Every Friday they both endured it to pick up their kids and spend the afternoon together. Despite not being a couple they agreed that it was important for the pups to spend time with them both occasionally. That led to their Friday afternoon hang-out. All five of them did something fun, ate dinner, and put the kids to bed together.
Cleo stifled a giggle as she imagined what Amir must look like on his days to pick them up. His sensitive ears picked it up though and he looked at his companion. She was the very picture of serenity in her sunflower sundress with her curls cascading down her shoulder and back. Sometimes he wished he had her patience.
On her side, Cleo admired him. She knew he wasn’t really that frustrated. His words were sharp but his body relaxed in the driver's seat. Even with his dreads pulled back and jeans on though he looked like a man of action. Ready for anything at a moment's notice without hesitation. She loved that about him.
“Finally,” he muttered as the cars began to move again. “That last batch must have been a truckload.”
“Some parents say that about us as well.”
“Ours know how to move though. They’re efficient.”
“And excitable.”
“That too.”
They shared a smile and pulled forward. A teacher with a walkie leaned down to Cleo’s window.
“Who’re here for?”
“Tamora, Sylvia, and Neil Rosehyn-Pinawal”
“Alright,” he stood back up to speak into the walkie. “The Rosewals parents are here.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth three children burst through the doors.
“Mama!”
“Dad!”
“It’s Friday!”
“I’m hungry!”
“Me too!”
“What’s for dinner?”
“Got any snacks?”
They trampled over each other to get into the backseat, not pausing to breathe or get any answers. Amir gave them a look in the rear-view mirror and they quickly settled down into their seats with their big smiles.
“Hello, my little loves, how was school today?” Cleo asked and pulled out the little cooler she brought. The pups were usually hungry so she always came prepared. After they each had their snack they started recounting their days in the usual pattern; Tamora spoke while the others ate, then Neil took over so Tam could snack, and finally Sylvia.
“Did you catch any bad guys today, old man?” Neil piped up once he was finished.
“Of course, little pup. I am the best Detective you know.”
“Officer Scott said the same thing last time we visited your work, Dad!” Tam said.
“Scott doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’m the best and he’s just jealous.”
“Mama, is that true?”
“Oh absolutely, sweetheart, your Dad is the best.”
Amir’s proud smile shined a bit brighter. He took a lot of pride in his work. Someday he may even tell the kids it was how he met Cleo. But that was a hard story they’d need to agree to tell together many years in the future.
“Well… if Mama says…”
He scowled in the mirror.
“If Mama says? What about dear old Dads word?”
The triplets only giggled.
Amir looked back over at Cleo, she smiled and shook her head. They had gotten so good at communicating without needing words.
Co-parenting wasn’t always easy and they’d had their fair share of problems. But in moments like these they both loved every second. They shared a mutual respect and admiration that their kids thrived with. Plus the love of the three little pups in the backseat. There wasn’t anywhere they’d rather be
