smallfandomflsh | National Treasure, Ben, Patrick/Emily, Challenge #005 Rain, <user site="livejournal.com" user="jesta

Title: Rain
Author:

jestana
Fandom: National Treasure
Pairing/Characters: Patrick Henry Gates, Dr. Emily Appleton, Benjamin Franklin Gates, OFC; Patrick/Emily
Rating/Category: G/Gen
Word Count: 473
Spoilers: For the second film
Summary: Rain can be very boring
Notes/Warnings: AU! Takes place during the big jump in years in A Different Path. Beta by

unicorn_catcher.

Rain
"I'm bored." The female voice penetrated his thoughts.

He didn't look up from his book on the founding fathers. "There's plenty to do, you know."

"I want to go outside and play!" Her voice developed a distinct whine to it.

In response, he turned the page. "If you want to catch a cold, go right ahead."

"Will you play with me?" This time, slender hands caught his arm and tugged.

He offered an exasperated look. "I'm reading."

"So?" She tossed her blonde head scornfully. "You can read any time."

Tugging his arm free of her grip, he looked back at his book. "I can play with you any time, too."

"Not necessarily." A new female voice interrupted their discussion. "She won't be young forever, you know."

The first female voice piped up with a grin, "Yeah! So come play!"

"I'm reading, Mom," he protested, turning to the older female. "Can't you play with her?"

She gently extracted the book from his hands, marking his spot before closing it. "Ben, Nabby wants to play with you. I suggest you play."

"Yes, Mom." He turned to his sister and couldn't help smiling at the bright, eager smile the six-year-old offered him. "C'mon, Squirt. Let's go play."

Emily Appleton-Gates watched with a fond smile as her children wandered off to play. Once they were out of sight, she turned to look out the rain-streaked window. I miss you, Pat... Just as she thought those words, a taxi pulled up in front of the house. She watched with surprised delight as her husband emerged from the backseat and turned back to retrieve his luggage. She almost flew to the front door and dashed out into the rain to greet him. "Pat!"

"Em!" He barely had a chance to set his suitcase down before she was in his arms, kissing him warmly, unmindful of the summer rain soaking them both.

When they finally pulled apart, the taxi was gone and their children stood on the front porch, each of them holding a towel. "Welcome home, Pat."

"Thanks, Em." Patrick picked up his suitcase and they returned to the house.

Ben handed his towel to his mother while Nabby wrapped her arms--and the towel in them--around her father. "Welcome home, Daddy."

"Thanks, Sweetie." Patrick hugged her back and used the towel to dry off as much as he could.

Emily kissed her son's cheek as she accepted the towel and began to use it to get the worst of the water out of her hair and clothes. "Thank you, Ben."

"You're welcome, Mom." Ben grinned and turned to give his father a hug.

As a group, the Gates family disappeared into the house. The last to go inside, Ben mused that there was no chance Nabby would get bored again that day. Not with Dad home now...

End