Airport Entertainment.
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word count - 5.3k
in which, two days ago, you got a call in the early hours of the morning from your sister saying that you had to fly home immediately due to your aunt having taken ill during the night, so that left harry to look after your two year old son archie, he promised they would fly out to be with you as soon as possible, so now, harry has to try and keep little archie entertained…this is going to be fun.
Amidst the bustling airport, Harry Styles stood tall with his two-year-old son, Archie, by his side. Their journey had begun as they successfully checked in their luggage and emerged from the labyrinth of counters, transitioning into the next phase of their adventure.
Harry's mind, however, carried a weight beyond the mundane travel preparations. Just two nights prior, his wife, Y/N, had received a heart-wrenching call, informing her of her aunt's sudden illness. With unwavering love and determination, she swiftly arranged a flight to be by her aunt's side, leaving Harry with a newfound purpose – to join them as soon as he could.
So, he booked the first flight he could find and knew for a fact that he had to be by his wife's side in this time of need.
He had met her aunt so many times that he even called her aunt when speaking to her or about her. She thought of Harry as a son and knowing she was sick made his heart plummet straight into his stomach.
The airport teemed with life, a vibrant symphony of hurried footsteps, the rolling of suitcases, and an orchestra of conversations in diverse languages. It was a reflection of the interconnectedness of the world, a place where paths crossed and destinies intertwined. The spirit of busyness infused the air, electrifying every corner, as people scurried to their gates, their faces etched with anticipation or tinged with farewell.
Having checked in and bidding adieu to their bags, Harry and Archie passed through the gateway of security, where the atmosphere took on a different dynamic. The once expansive terminal seemed to shrink, as a throng of travellers condensed into a serpentine queue. The surrounding walls reverberated with the ceaseless hum of anticipation, the clinking of belts being unbuckled, and the soft rustle of belongings being prepared for inspection.
Forty minutes stretched before them, like an infinite corridor of time. The queue wound its way through the maze of dividers, a labyrinthine path that seemed to twist and turn, never allowing them to glimpse the destination. The air buzzed with whispered conversations, snippets of laughter, and occasional announcements echoing through the speakers, beckoning passengers towards their respective flights.
For Harry, every minute spent in the security queue was a reminder of the urgent purpose that propelled him forward. The weight of concern for Y/N and her ailing aunt pressed upon him, mingling with the impatience that built within. The minutes melted together, as if time itself had been distorted within the confines of the checkpoint, leaving him suspended in a paradoxical state of urgency and waiting.
Archie, his wide eyes filled with curiosity, observed the commotion with innocent wonder. His tiny fingers tightly clasped around the straps holding him in place in his stroller, seeking solace and familiarity amidst the sea of strangers. Harry, in turn, offered his son gentle reassurance, his smile and gentle facade conveying both love and a silent promise that they would be reunited with Y/N soon.
As the minutes gradually gave way, the queue inched forward, teasing them with glimpses of progress. The rhythmic shuffling of feet, the gentle clinks of bins being placed onto the conveyor belt, and the intermittent hum of security scanners formed a background symphony. Harry's senses absorbed the collective energy, a mosaic of emotions spanning from excitement to weariness, from joyous reunions to bittersweet farewells.
Finally, their turn arrived. Harry guided Archie through the checkpoint, his footsteps in sync with the beat of their racing hearts. As Harry and Archie passed through the scanner, the little one being told softly by the security officer that he needed to come out of the stroller, his innocence and curiosity temporarily intersected with the stringent protocols of travel. Harry followed closely behind, reclaiming his belongings, his gaze fixed on the path that lay ahead.
The arduous passage through the security queue had served as a metaphorical bridge, connecting Harry to the journey that awaited him. The airport, with all its organised chaos, had become a transient space, a conduit linking him to Y/N, her aunt, and the unknowns that lay beyond.
Having successfully navigated the security checkpoint, Harry found himself pushing Archie's stroller through the bustling airport terminal. The early morning hours had begun to awaken hunger within Archie's little belly, and he tugged at his father's sleeve, his voice filled with innocence and hunger.
"Dada, me hungry," Archie's voice chimed, drawing Harry's attention away from the flurry of activity surrounding them.
Harry's brows furrowed in gentle concern as he glanced down at his son, a mix of adoration and responsibility shining in his eyes. "Aye, little man, I reckon it's time for some breakfast,"
Archie's eyes lit up with excitement, and his tiny finger pointed towards the golden arches, a beacon of familiarity in the distance. "Look, Daddy! Mac-Donald's!"
Harry's initial inclination to steer clear of fast food wavered in the face of his son's earnest enthusiasm. He knew that a hearty breakfast would keep Archie content and energised for their journey. With a resigned smile, he relented, his voice filled with a touch of indulgence. "Alright, Arch. Just this once, we'll make an exception."
As they approached the familiar restaurant, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, mingling with the familiar sounds of sizzling patties and cheerful chatter. The breakfast menu tempted them with an array of options, from warm muffins to savoury breakfast burritos.
As the line at McDonald's slowly moved forward, Harry guided the stroller over to the counter, ensuring Archie had a clear view of the menu. The friendly McDonald's worker, caught up in the whirlwind of orders and customer requests, called out, "Next customer, please!"
Harry approached the counter, a gentle smile gracing his lips, and caught the worker's eye. Instantly, recognition flickered across her face, a mixture of surprise and excitement. Trying to compose herself, she greeted him with a blend of professionalism and admiration.
"Good morning, sir. What can I get for you today?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of awe.
Harry, ever gracious, returned her smile. "Morning! I'll 'ave the sausage and egg McMuffin with an orange juice, please," he replied, his order a familiar choice.
The worker scribbled down the order, her hands trembling slightly with excitement. The opportunity to serve someone so well-known brought a touch of nervousness, which she tried to conceal. Composing herself, she turned her attention to Archie, bending down to his level.
"And what can I get for you, young man?" she asked with a playful tone, enchanted by Archie's adorable presence.
Archie, his baby talk endearing to all around him, replied, "Pancakes, pwease!"
The worker chuckled at his delightful request, her heart warmed by his innocent charm. "Certainly, pancakes it is!" she confirmed with a smile.
She swiftly tallied up the total and informed Harry, "That'll be £6.98, please."
Harry reached for his wallet, retrieving his card with practised ease. Holding it aloft, he placed it against the contactless payment machine, effortlessly completing the transaction. The seamless act reflected the modern convenience that had become second nature in their fast-paced world.
The McDonald's worker thanked him, her professional demeanour now mixed with a hint of gratitude. "Thank you so much, sir. Your order will be ready shortly."
Harry skillfully manoeuvred the stroller to the designated waiting area, where customers eagerly anticipated their order numbers to be called. The bustling sounds of the McDonald's restaurant filled the air as conversations and the sizzle of food blended harmoniously. Archie, his curiosity piqued, observed the vibrant scene from his cozy perch.
After patiently waiting for approximately ten minutes, a different McDonald's worker, with a friendly smile, called out, "Number 149!"
Harry's eyes lit up, recognizing his order number, and he guided the stroller toward the counter to collect their tray of breakfast delights. The worker, wearing the iconic McDonald's uniform, carefully placed the tray in front of Harry, her demeanour friendly and efficient.
"Here you go, sir. Enjoy your meal!" she said warmly, her voice echoing with genuine hospitality.
"Thank you," Harry replied with a grateful smile, appreciative of the worker's attentiveness.
With the tray in hand, Harry skillfully navigated through the bustling restaurant, his gaze searching for an unoccupied table. Spotting a vacant spot near the window, he guided the stroller and tray towards it, ensuring Archie had a comfortable view of the outside world.
As they settled into their chosen spot, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast wafted through the air, tantalising their senses. The table, adorned with a vibrant red and white chequered pattern, provided the perfect setting for their morning meal. Harry carefully arranged the tray, placing the delicious assortment of food within easy reach.
Harry gently lifted Archie out of the stroller, placing him on the seat next to him. Archie, his eyes gleaming with delight, tugged at Harry's sleeve and uttered his innocent request, "Daddy, sit hewe!"
Harry paused, a wide grin spreading across his face as he realised Archie's desire for closeness. " ‘f course, little man. Right next to you," he responded, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
With a slight shift in his plans, Harry moved to the seat beside Archie, their closeness fostering an environment of joy and connection. As they settled into their seats, ready to indulge in their McDonald's breakfast, they embarked on a lively conversation, Archie's baby talk intermingling with Harry's words.
Archie, his face beaming with excitement, kicked off the conversation with an enthusiastic question. "Daddy, what we do befowe we get on the plane?"
Harry's eyes sparkled with playful anticipation, mirroring Archie's infectious enthusiasm. "Well, little mate, we could walk around and explore the airport. Maybe see some big planes taking off?" he suggested, his voice filled with a touch of adventure.
Archie's eyes widened with wonder, his voice brimming with curiosity. "Big planes! Like the one we going on?"
Harry nodded, his voice tinged with excitement. "Exactly, Arch! J’like the one we're gonna hop on. And maybe we could find a shop with some toys or books to keep us entertained on the journey," he added, envisioning the joy of discovering new treasures together.
Archie clapped his tiny hands, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Toys! Books!" he exclaimed, his words a testament to his infectious eagerness.
Their conversation flowed seamlessly, filled with laughter, shared dreams, and simple pleasures. Harry listened intently to Archie's sweet musings, cherishing every precious word that fell from his son's lips. The moments they shared were not just a series of exchanges but a celebration of the deep bond they nurtured as father and son.
As their breakfast came to a close, the remnants of their meal still scattered across the tray, Harry reached out to wipe a smudge of syrup from Archie's cheek. Their eyes met, an unspoken connection forged in that brief but tender gesture.
As Harry and Archie strolled through the bustling airport, their path meandered past various shops and bustling crowds. Archie's eyes darted around, eager to absorb every bit of excitement that surrounded them. Then, in the distance, he spotted a vibrant, soft play area adorned with colorful structures and laughing children.
"Daddy, I wanna go thewe!" Archie exclaimed, his voice filled with uncontainable excitement.
Harry's eyes crinkled with a knowing smile as he saw the play area ignite his son's enthusiasm. "Aye, Arch, let's go have some fun in there," he responded, his voice laced with anticipation.
Approaching the play area, Harry spotted a friendly lady overseeing the activities. Archie wriggled in his arms, impatient to explore the wonderland before him. Harry approached the lady, a warm grin on his face.
"Is it alright if my son plays in here?" Harry asked, his voice filled with hope.
The lady, with a kind smile, assured him, "Absolutely! It's a free play area. Feel free to let him have a blast!"
Harry's heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that this little adventure would not only entertain Archie but also help him burn off some energy before their flight. He gently set the stroller aside, securing it in the designated stroller bag with the others, ensuring its safety.
With the stroller safely stored away, Harry joined Archie within the vibrant play area. Soft structures welcomed their every step, inviting them to partake in the joyous revelry of childhood. Archie's eyes widened as he took in the sights and sounds, his tiny feet eager to explore.
"Daddy, look!" Archie called out, pointing at a colorful slide. "I wanna go down!"
Harry chuckled, his eyes twinkling with delight. "Alright, mate! Climb up and I'll catch you at the bottom!"
Archie climbed up with a determined focus, his little hands grasping the handrails. With a joyful shriek, he slid down the slide, his laughter echoing through the play area. Harry stood at the bottom, arms outstretched, ready to catch his adventurous little one.
"Good job, Arch!" Harry cheered as Archie landed safely in his waiting arms. "You're a champion slider!"
Archie beamed, his face flushed with excitement. "Again, Daddy! Again!"
Harry happily obliged, the two of them repeating the slide-and-catch routine, their laughter merging with the sounds of playful chatter and gleeful shrieks from other children.
After a few more exhilarating slides, Archie tugged at Harry's hand, his voice filled with anticipation. "Daddy, let's climb that!" he exclaimed, pointing at a colorful climbing structure nearby.
Harry chuckled, his heart swelling with pride at Archie's adventurous spirit. "Sure thing, little man! Let's conquer that climbing tower together!"
As they climbed and explored, their conversation continued, punctuated by laughter and playful banter. Harry and Archie shared their dreams and desires for their upcoming journey, their voices blending with the joyful symphony of the play area.
"Daddy, I wanna see a big, big plane!" Archie exclaimed, his eyes shining with wonder.
Harry nodded, his voice full of excitement. "We'll see one soon, Arch! And maybe w’can even sit by the window so w’can watch the clouds go by!"
Archie clapped his hands, his voice brimming with delight. "Clouds! Plane!" he squealed, his words expressing the sheer joy of the moment.
As Harry and Archie continued to enjoy their time in the play area, Harry noticed that Archie seemed slightly out of breath, his cheeks flushed with exertion. Concern etched Harry's face as he crouched down beside his son.
"Arch, do you want your juice, mate?" Harry asked, his voice filled with both worry and affection.
Archie nodded eagerly, his breath coming in short bursts. "Yes, Daddy, juice, pwease!" he replied, his voice slightly breathless.
Realizing that he had left the juice in the baby bag near the stroller, Harry quickly scanned the area. His gaze landed on a man, intently watching his own daughter play nearby. With a hopeful expression, Harry approached him.
"Excuse me, mate," Harry said politely, "could you please keep an eye on m’son for a moment? I left his juice in the stroller bag, and I don't want him to get too thirsty."
The man, sensing Harry's urgency, nodded kindly. "Of course, I'll keep an eye on him. Go get his juice, mate," he reassured.
With a grateful smile, Harry rushed over to the stroller, his mind focused on retrieving the much-needed juice. However, as he approached, the sound of a child's cries reached his ears. Concern gripping his heart, he hastened his steps.
With the juice in hand, Harry returned to the play area, only to find Archie crying, tears streaming down his face. Harry's heart sank as he noticed a small cut on Archie's knee, evidence of a fall that had transpired in his absence. Guilt washed over Harry, his mind racing with regret.
"Oh, Arch, I'm so sorry, mate," Harry murmured, his voice heavy with remorse. "I should have been here with you."
The man, looking after Archie, looked apologetic, his voice filled with regret. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see him fall. I tried my best, but..."
Harry placed a comforting hand on the man's shoulder, offering reassurance. "No need to apologize. Accidents happen, mate. Thank you for watching over him.”
Archie's cries escalated, his small voice calling out for his dad. Harry's heart ached, and he knelt down beside his son, wiping away the tears with a gentle touch.
"Hey, Arch, you've been such a brave boy," Harry whispered, his voice filled with love. "Daddy's here now."
Archie's tear-filled eyes met Harry's gaze, his bottom lip trembling. "D-Daddy, it huwts," he sobbed, pointing at the tiny cut on his knee.
Harry's heart broke at the sight of Archie's pain. He pulled out a wipe from the stroller bag and gently cleaned the wound. "I know, mate, m’sorry you got hurt. But don't worry, Daddy's going to fix it," he assured him, his voice soothing.
As Harry applied a plaster to the cut, Archie's sobs began to subside, replaced by sniffs and hiccups. Harry wrapped his arms around his son, offering comfort and security.
"You've been so brave, Arch. I'm proud of you," Harry said softly, planting a kiss on Archie's forehead. "Y’my little warrior."
Archie sniffled and looked up at Harry, his watery eyes searching for reassurance. "Daddy, make it better?" he asked in a small voice.
Harry smiled warmly, reaching into the stroller bag once again. This time, he retrieved a small toy car. "How about this, mate? We’ll go to the shop and daddy can get you a new teddy?”
As Harry gently tried to guide Archie back into the stroller, his little one clung tightly to him, refusing to let go. Archie's eyes were still watery from his recent tears, and his sniffling voice filled the air.
"Daddy, no stwoller. Want Daddy," Archie whimpered, his voice laced with a mix of vulnerability and a longing for comfort.
Harry's heart melted at the sight of his son's distress. He knelt down, embracing Archie in a warm hug. "It's alright, little man. Daddy's here. We can walk together," he assured, his voice soothing.
Archie's grip on his father's neck tightened, finding solace in his arms. "Thank you, Daddy. Love you," he whispered, his voice still carrying traces of his earlier tears.
Harry's eyes softened with tenderness. "I love you too, Arch. Always," he replied, his words a testament to the unwavering love between them.
With Archie safely in his arms, Harry adjusted his posture, making sure his little one was comfortable. As they walked towards the toy shop, Archie's sniffles gradually subsided, replaced by a sense of excitement and curiosity.
Amidst the joyful chatter and bustling atmosphere of the airport, Archie began to speak, his voice still tinged with a hint of lingering sadness. "Daddy, I want to buy a big teddy bear. A weally soft one," he shared, his words punctuated by small hiccups.
Harry smiled, grateful to see Archie's spirits lifting. "A big, soft teddy bear, huh? That sounds like a great choice, Arch. Y’can hug it tight, just like you hug Daddy," he replied, his voice filled with warmth.
Archie's eyes sparkled with anticipation, his voice growing stronger. "And maybe a shiny car too, Daddy. We can play together!" he added, his excitement building.
Harry's heart swelled with joy at his son's enthusiasm. "Absolutely, Arch! We'll have s’much fun playin’ with the shiny car and the soft teddy bear," he assured, their shared anticipation filling the air.
As Harry and Archie entered the toy shop at the airport, their eyes were greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and a world of endless possibilities. They strolled down the aisles, Archie's eyes gleaming with excitement, eager to explore the wonders that surrounded them.
"Daddy, let me down!" Archie wiggled in Harry's arms, a determined look on his face.
Harry chuckled, his grip on Archie loosening as he gently set him down on the shop floor. With an infectious grin, Archie darted towards the end of the aisle, drawn by a box filled with a delightful array of teddy bears.
Harry's eyes widened in a mix of panic and amusement as he watched his little one leap into the bear pile, disappearing amongst a sea of plush fur. Laughter bubbled from Harry's lips, a testament to the sheer joy and uninhibited spirit of his adventurous son.
Just as Harry moved closer to rescue Archie from the bear-filled frenzy, a shop worker approached, a stern expression on his face. "Is this your son?" the worker inquired, pointing at the bear-filled spectacle.
Harry's smile faltered slightly as he nodded. "Yes, he's m’son. m’sorry about that," he apologized, a mix of amusement and sheepishness coloring his voice.
The worker, rolling his eyes and clicking his tongue, sighed with exasperation. "Please, sir, could you get him out of there? It's a bit disruptive," he requested, his tone a mixture of annoyance and weariness.
Harry nodded earnestly, quickly moving to retrieve Archie from the bear pile. With gentle hands, he carefully extracted his giggling and wriggling son, who was thoroughly enjoying his plush-filled escapade.
"M’sorry about the mess," Harry apologized once more, a hint of laughter still lingering in his voice.
The worker's expression softened slightly, a trace of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Just try to keep an eye on him, sir," he advised, his voice laced with a touch of understanding.
Harry nodded gratefully, fully aware of the truth in the worker's words. As he held Archie in his arms once more, he couldn't help but marvel at his son's sense of wonder and the ability to find joy in the simplest of moments.
As the worker walked away, Harry looked down at his son who was in his arms, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. He pointed to one of the teddy bears in the pile and asked, "Is this the teddy bear y’want, Arch?"
Archie's eyes lit up as he nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Daddy, that one!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with delight.
Harry couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth and affection as he witnessed his son's excitement. He leaned closer, a playful glint in his eyes. "Alright then, Arch. What are y’going to name y’new friend?" he asked, his voice laced with anticipation.
Archie pondered for a moment, his little brow furrowed in concentration. Then, a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Harry," he declared, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his mouth forming an exaggerated gasp. "Harry? You're going to name your teddy bear after me?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with mock astonishment.
Archie giggled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, Daddy! Harry!" he confirmed, delighting in the playful banter.
Harry playfully rolled his eyes, a grin stretching across his face. "Alright then, Arch, I'm honoured," he replied, his voice laced with affection. "Harry the bear it is!"
As Harry and Archie found a cozy spot near the big window at the airport terminal, their journey seemed to pause for a moment of tranquility. The soft glow of sunlight bathed their surroundings, casting a warm hue over the area. Archie, his tiny frame seated on the floor, was engrossed in play, his small hands hugging his new teddy bear tightly.
Harry, sitting behind him, propped against the wall, watched his son with a fondness that swelled within him. His heart swelled with gratitude for the little being before him—a testament to the love he shared with his wife, a living, breathing miracle they had brought into the world.
In this serene moment, time seemed to slow down. Harry's gaze, filled with admiration, traced the contours of Archie's face—the tousled locks of hair framing his forehead, the innocence in his wide eyes, and the dimples that danced on his cheeks when he smiled.
The terminal hummed with the gentle bustle of passengers, yet all Harry could focus on was Archie—their son, their joy, their hope. His love for him overflowed, evident in the way his gaze lingered on every gesture, every giggle, every captivating moment that played out before him.
Archie's laughter filled the air, a symphony of pure delight that brought a smile to Harry's lips. His tiny hands wrapped around the teddy bear, forming a bond that mirrored the connection Harry himself had with his son. It was a reminder of the precious moments of tenderness and care that they would share, of the adventures and challenges that lay ahead, and the unwavering love that would guide them through it all.
In this quiet corner of the airport, the world around them faded into the background. Harry was entranced by the simple beauty of his son's innocence, the way he surrendered himself wholeheartedly to the realm of imagination, his laughter echoing with boundless joy.
As Harry's gaze continued to linger on Archie, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude for the privilege of being a father. The responsibility was immense, but so too was the reward—the chance to witness this little soul grow, to guide him, and to be a steadfast presence in his life.
As Harry remained captivated by the sight of Archie playing with his new teddy bear, his focus suddenly shifted as his phone began to vibrate. Glancing at the screen, he noticed a FaceTime call from his wife. His heart leapt with anticipation, knowing that this call would bridge the distance between them, even if only for a moment.
"Archie, come here, mate," Harry called out, his voice laced with excitement. "Mama's on the phone!"
Archie's head snapped up, his eyes lighting up at the mention of his beloved mother. With an infectious grin, he scrambled to his feet and eagerly climbed into Harry's lap, settling comfortably in his father's embrace.
Harry's fingers danced across the screen as he accepted the call, the familiar face of his wife appearing before them. The room seemed to come alive with the sound of her voice, filling the air with warmth and familiarity.
"Mama!" Archie exclaimed, his voice filled with delight. "Look, I have a teddy bear!"
Harry chuckled, his gaze shifting between Archie and the screen. "Say hello to Mama, Arch. Show her your new friend," he encouraged, his voice brimming with affection.
Archie held up the teddy bear, his face beaming with pride. "Look, Mama! Teddy bear!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Through the screen, Y/N's face lit up with a loving smile. "Oh, Archie, it looks wonderful! I can't wait to give you a big hug when you come back," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.
Archie beamed, his tiny hand reaching out as if trying to touch his mother's face through the screen. "I miss you, Mama," he said, his voice tinged with longing.
Y/N's voice softened, carrying a wealth of love and reassurance. "I miss you too, my sweet boy. But remember, Daddy and I will be there soon. We'll have so much fun when we're together again," she assured him.
After a few more moments of conversation, Archie's attention waned, his eyes drifting towards the floor. He wiggled out of Harry's lap and landed gracefully on the ground, his interest shifting to the toys scattered nearby.
Harry watched his son with a mixture of amusement and adoration, his eyes sparkling with paternal love. "Alright, Arch, go play for a bit," he encouraged, his voice filled with warmth. "I'll talk to Mama for a little while."
Archie's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he delved back into his world of play, his imagination taking flight once more.
With Archie happily occupied, Harry refocused his attention on the screen. He leaned in closer, a tender smile gracing his face. "Hey, love, how are you doing? How's your aunt?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Y/N's expression softened, appreciating Harry's genuine care and thoughtfulness. "I'm doing alright, Harry. It's been a challenging time, but we're taking it one day at a time. Thank you for asking. And my aunt, well, she's stable at the moment. We're hopeful for her recovery," she shared, her voice tinged with a mixture of weariness and hope.
Harry nodded, his eyes conveying a deep empathy. "M’glad to hear that she's stable. Sending our love and well wishes to her," he said sincerely.
They continued their conversation, their voices carrying the weight of their shared experiences and the warmth of their love. Harry updated Y/N on their adventures at the airport, sharing snippets of their journey and the excitement building within them as they prepared to board the plane.
"I can't wait to have you and Archie by my side again. It's been a bit challenging without you both here," (Y/N) admitted, her voice filled with longing. "But you're on your way, love. We'll be together soon."
Harry's eyes softened, his voice filled with affection. "I miss you both too, darlin’. We'll be counting down the hours.”
(Y/N)’s aunt lived in Madrid, whereas the Styles family were currently residing in London, so it wasn’t going to be a long flight that Harry had to endure with a toddler.
Harry chuckled, a warm glow emanating from his heart. "You know I will, love. He's in good hands. We'll see you soon, baby. Love you."
“I love you.” (Y/N) grinned, blowing a kiss which Harry playfully put in her a pocket.
As the video call came to an end, Archie reluctantly made his way back to his father, his tiny figure climbing onto Harry's lap. The weariness in his eyes was evident as he knuckled at them, a clear indication that he was tired.
"Y’look tired, Arch," Harry observed, his voice filled with gentle concern. "Are y’ready for a nap?"
Archie nodded, his head bobbing with a sleepy affirmation. "Yes, Daddy. Tired," he murmured, his voice tinged with drowsiness.
Harry's heart swelled with tenderness as he realized his little one needed rest. "Alright, buddy. I'll help y’fall asleep," he whispered, his voice carrying a soothing tone.
Archie, seeking comfort, looked up at his father with hopeful eyes. "Can you rub my back, Daddy?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Harry smiled, understanding his son's request. He began to gently rub Archie's back, his touch flowing with tenderness and love. The rhythmic motion brought a sense of calmness, soothing his son into a peaceful slumber.
As Harry's hand moved in gentle circles, Archie's sleepy voice filled the air. "Daddy, when will we see Mama?" he murmured, his words laced with a touch of longing.
Harry's voice, soft and reassuring, reached Archie's ears. "We'll be seeing her soon, m’love. A little while longer," he replied, his voice brimming with affection.
Archie's eyelids grew heavy, fluttering with the weight of his fatigue. He snuggled closer to his father's chest, his breaths growing slow and steady. In the midst of their tender conversation, sleep embraced Archie, gently pulling him into its warm embrace.
Harry continued to rub Archie's back, his touch a soothing lullaby. The conversation between father and son continued, their voices a gentle cadence that filled the room.
"Daddy, can we bring mama a present?" Archie asked, his words becoming softer as sleep claimed him.
Harry's voice held a loving reassurance as he replied, "Yes, Arch. We can get mama a present , we always bring the best surprises. You'll see."
As their conversation tapered off, Archie's breathing grew steady, his slumber deepening. Harry pressed a tender kiss to his son's forehead, his lips conveying a silent "I love you" that words couldn't capture.
In the peaceful serenity of that moment, Harry couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude. He marvelled at the beauty of their connection, the unconditional love that bound them, and the joy that their little family brought to his life.
With Archie now asleep, Harry held him close, cherishing the weight of his son's form in his arms. The room was filled with a quiet, gentle love that only a parent and child could share. In that embrace, Harry knew that the bond they had forged would carry them through any distance, any obstacle, and any challenge that life presented.
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God Is a Creepy-Ass Meta Mfer:
A Good Omens Essay
This essay features fan theory and speculation. DO NOT TAG NEIL GAIMAN IN ANY POST THAT INCLUDES OR REFERENCES THIS ONE.
The rest of this depends on accepting the premise that God's Plan is not always inscrutable in hindsight, i.e., that parts of that Plan can be discerned or identified as such once they have happened, even if the next moves of the Plan and its ultimate Purpose remain ineffable.
If you are willing to accept that premise, then I suggest we can conclude with reasonable certainty that Thesis Statement 1: Aziraphale's act of giving Adam the First Man the flaming sword is part of God's Plan, and so was Eve and Adam eating the Fruit.
The argument for the latter has been in circulation making even the beardiest of old Christian men scratch their heads for centuries, and in Good Omens, Crowley is the first being ever to make it:
The presence of the Tree in the Garden placed by an omnipotent being with literally infinite orchard space and security technology is a clear indication that God intends humans to interact with the Tree and sets humans up in a divine entrapment operation, giving God the opportunity to curse humanity and evict them from the Garden.
Diversion onto Thesis Statement 2 bc the Essayist Got Distracted: This establishes both the Bible and Good Omens as works of literature in the cosmic horror genre (not that Good Omens doesn't do plenty of its own work in so establishing itself).
In both these stories God is a being beyond humanity's understanding, functionally omniscient and omnipotent, who first creates and then interferes with humanity for unknown reasons and who does not necessarily have humanity's best interests in mind at any point. His/er reasoning and objectives for humanity are opaque, and S/he manipulates circumstances to create excuses to do humanity as a species and sometimes specific humans harm.
If you're not already familiar, go read all the shit God curses humans with when Eve and Adam snack on the Tree's Fruit. It's frighteningly cruel, if not outright psychopathic. So is God's behavior the Book of Job, His demand that Abraham sacrifice Isaac, Mosaic Law, and the sacrifice of His/er Son. Human lives are no more significant to God than the lives of ants are to humans. This whole history of Earth? It may not even be about us. Our entire species' history may just be part of the backdrop to something else, like two angels falling in love and reuniting Heaven and Hell, or like raccoons. It could all be about the raccoons. Who knows! All of this is absolutely 100% pure undiluted cosmic horror.
Right, okay, so back to Thesis 1: In Good Omens, Aziraphale's gift to the first man of the flaming sword is an objective God wants. Here's my chain of reasoning:
The Eating of the Fruit and God's punishment were both objectives of God. See above.
2. Once those objectives had been accomplished, humankind would not have survived outside the Garden of Eden without the sword. They literally would not exist at all.
Adam the First has to kill the lion, either to keep it from killing him and Eve or to keep him and Eve from starving. No flaming sword = no humanity.
3. We know "no humanity" is not God's Plan, because--
--God says her Plan is Armageddon and the Second Coming in 6,000 years. So humanity needs to exist for either of those to occur (or for there to be any reason for adventures about averting them to occur). And God does a whole Crucifixion and Resurrection of His/er Son. So God wants humanity around and is even prepared to welcome them back into His/er grace, providing they meet certain conditions.
4. We know God is not displeased about Aziraphale's gift of the sword to humans because God asks Aziraphale about the sword, and Aziraphale lies and says he's lost it, and God, who is omniscient and therefore knows this to be a lie and knows exactly where the sword is, lets the entire thing pass unremarked. (More on this anon.)
5. It is not a reach too far to suspect this of God. She tells us Herself that she is a trickster and that we can't trust her not to deceive us:
She also tells us
i. The universe is a game she is playing for her own amusement:
🎵cosmic horror alerrrrrrrrrt!🎵🎶
ii. No one, including angels and demons, has been told the real rules of this game:
"FOR EVERYONE ELSE." Not just humans.
That's why Crowley and Aziraphale each have to wonder if they've done the right or the wrong thing: nobody's told them what the rules are. Aziraphale even thinks that Crowley's temptation of Eve is "all part of the Plan," i.e, that Crowley did the right thing by doing the wrong one. They have no way to tell, and it may be both right and wrong at the same time. (Wrestling with impossible moral conundra raised by a brief look into a story happening on a much greater level than your own? You could be suffering from our old pal Thesis 2: Good Omens is cosmic horror!)
So Aziraphale's Promethean gift to humanity was one of God's objectives, just as cursing humans and yeeting them out of the Garden with the knowledge of Good and Evil and maybe a couple apple seeds in hand was His/er objective.
BONUS! Thesis 3: So why does God bring up Aziraphale's misappropriation of the sword at all? To show us, the audience, that Aziraphale lied to Her and that his gifting of the sword to Adam is part of Her Plan.
Remember from her whole deal with the Tree: God likes to set up situations so that She can react to them. Here she lampshades her awareness of what Aziraphale has done, listens to him lie to Her about it, and then very pointedly does nothing in response to that. She wants everyone watching--i.e., Aziraphale and us--to note that she has noticed the transfer of the sword and is not displeased by it and has noticed the lie and is not going to do anything about that either.
Remember as well, God is the one controlling the narrative we see in S1 of Good Omens. She introduces and concludes the story, and she narrates the scenes of the baby-swap. She's in control of which scenes we see and the order in which we see them. Since she is the one who asked Aziraphale the question about the sword, she's also responsible for this scene's existence.
So why do I think this scene is meant for us and not Aziraphale? Two reasons. Firstly, the conversation with God doesn't do Aziraphale any good. He worries about eventually getting in trouble about the sword until 2019, around 6,000 years later.
God is both omniscient and omnipotent, so it's not possible that She failed to communicate to Aziraphale in such a way that would ease his anxiety. Therefore the conversation was not for his benefit. Again, she's omniscient, so it wasn't for Her benefit either. That leaves the only other party to this conversation: us. The audience.
The next obvious question is, Why does God want us to know that Aziraphale's gift of the flaming sword was both of his free will and part of Her Plan?
I don't know. But I think it may become important, and here is where we delve into hypothesis territory: I think Good Omens is going metafictional. I mean this in a Doki Doki Literature Club, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch way: God, the character in Good Omens, is telling us, the audience, a story.
This metafictional aspect has been with us the whole time---more precisely since 01:13 of S1E1, when God switches from third-person to first-person and addresses us the viewers directly:
And there are several more metafictional; notes in S1 and S2 that I've found so far:
Season 1
That giant eyeball up there floating in space with a bunch of arcane shit around it is a reference to the opening credits sequence of The Twilight Zone, a metafictional show in which an omniscient narrator introduces and concludes each story by addressing the audience directly.
S1E1 27:20
Season 2
1. Maggie and Nina are fictional characters, but the characters share their names with actors Maggie Service and Nina Sosanya.
2. The final credits sequence, with the split screen showing Crowley on one side and Aziraphale on the other, references David Tennant and Michael Sheen's previous/simultaneous lockdown tv series project, Staged! which is intensely metafictional and in which Tennant and Sheen play characters based on themselves and with their names.
3. Sloppy plot synopsis or something more sinister?
4. An interviewer points out that Good Omens references Doctor Who as an extant concern in-universe, which obviously stars David Tennant in the past and currently.
If you find more, please drop them in the comments!
We the audience, are meant to understand ourselves and our reality as being indirectly involved in this story. And God wants us to know 1) that Aziraphale lied to Her about giving away the sword, knowing it was futile, and 2) that his gift of the flaming sword was part of Her Plan. The former is a major character note, and probably a foreshadowing one; but I have no guesses about God's purpose in showing us that the gift of the flaming sword was also to Plan except that whatever it is will probably make me dislike Her approach to parenting even more than I already do.
What I do love about this though is that it suggests that Crowley and Aziraphale both did the right thing by doing the wrong one, i.e. achieved a kind of Schroedinger's obedience, which is nice and disturbing and surprise! pretty cosmic horror. More sweetly, though, it suggests that the two foundational gifts to humanity from the divine were motivated by Crowley's low-effort mischief and Aziraphale's kindheartedness, which is lovely to think about.
DO NOT TAG NEIL GAIMAN IN ANY POST THAT INCLUDES OR REFERENCES THIS ESSAY.
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