Serena's POV
The Hearthstone Cottage was quiet, bathed in the soft golden glow of the late afternoon sun. As soon as Serena stepped inside with her team, she inhaled deeply, the familiar scent of home filling her lungs. It was comforting, but not enough to ease the restless energy thrumming beneath her skin. Not until she saw them.
Her children.
Without another thought, she hurried up the stairs, her footsteps light but quick. Her heart pounded in anticipation, a mix of excitement and worry. It felt like forever since she had held them in her arms.
She reached Rodan's room and pushed the door open.
And there they were.
Rodan sat on the floor with Cristina, a few toys scattered around them. The sight of them—safe, unharmed—made her breath hitch.
"Rodan! Cristina!"
Rodan's head snapped up at her voice, his eyes widening with joy. "Mommy!"
Serena didn't hesitate. She bolted across the room, dropping to her knees and sweeping both of them into her arms. She held them tightly, burying her face in their hair, breathing them in as if to reassure herself that this was real.
"Oh, my babies," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I missed you so much."
Rodan giggled, his small arms wrapping around her neck, while Cristina cooed softly, nestled securely in her embrace.
Serena pulled back just enough to cup Rodan's cheeks, scanning his face. "Are you alright? Are you hungry? Did anything happen?" Her hands fussed over them both, checking for any signs of discomfort, worry lacing her tone.
Rodan grinned, shaking his head. "We're okay, Mama. Uncle Jake took care of us."
Serena sighed in relief, resting her forehead against his for a brief moment before glancing over at Leon, who stood nearby, watching quietly. Her expression softened as she reached out, gently patting his head.
"Thank you for playing with them, sweetheart," she said sincerely.
Leon's ears turned a little pink, and he looked down, shuffling his feet. "I… I didn't really do anything," he muttered.
Serena shook her head. "That's not true. You being here means a lot."
Leon hesitated, glancing toward the door. His eyes flickered back to Serena, something unspoken in his expression.
Understanding instantly, Serena gave him a small nod. "Your mom's outside," she told him gently.
At that, Leon bolted from the room, his small feet thudding down the hall.
Serena watched him go before turning her attention back to her children, her heart finally beginning to settle.
=================================
Brianna was just making her way up the stairs when she heard hurried footsteps. She barely had time to react before Leon appeared at the top, waiting for her.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them moved.
Then, without a word, Leon rushed forward, throwing his arms around her waist, clinging tightly.
Brianna's breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she knelt down, her hands trembling slightly as she wrapped her arms around him, holding him just as tightly.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry for leaving you for so long."
Leon didn't say anything. He just pressed his face against her, gripping the fabric of her sweater.
Brianna held him close, closing her eyes as she exhaled shakily. She had missed him so much.
=================================
Downstairs, Valerie and Cecilia stood with Jake near the door.
"Thanks for watching them," Valerie said, her voice full of gratitude.
Jake shrugged. "It wasn't a big deal. They were well-behaved, so I didn't do much."
"Still," Cecilia added, crossing her arms, "it means a lot."
After seeing him off, Cecilia lingered near the staircase. She looked up, then back at Valerie.
"I think I'll stay down here," she muttered.
Valerie gave her a knowing look. "Come on. The kids missed you too."
Cecilia hesitated, shifting her weight. "I don't want to intrude."
Valerie snorted. "Intrude on what? They love you, and you love them. Just come upstairs."
Cecilia exhaled through her nose, then finally gave in. "…Fine."
Together, they climbed the stairs.
As they reached the top, they found Brianna still kneeling, her arms wrapped protectively around Leon.
Valerie smiled at the sight, stepping past them. As she did, she ruffled Leon's hair. "You did a good job, kid," she said softly.
Leon hummed in response, leaning slightly into her touch.
Cecilia was going to do the same—a simple, quick pat on the head—when suddenly, Leon turned and hugged her instead.
Cecilia stiffened. She hadn't been expecting that.
Neither had Brianna.
Leon buried his face against Cecilia's shoulder. "I missed you," he murmured.
Cecilia's lips parted slightly in surprise. Slowly, she knelt down, wrapping her arms around him.
"I missed you too, kid," she said, her voice softer than usual.
Leon turned slightly, glancing up at his mother. He gave her a small look, a silent request.
Brianna, still taken aback, hesitated for only a moment before sighing and moving closer. She wrapped her arms around both of them.
And just like that, they all embraced.
Leon squeezed his eyes shut, warmth filling his chest. This… this was what he had been missing. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt like his family was complete.
=================================
In Rodan's room, another reunion was unfolding.
Serena sat on the floor with Cristina in her lap while Rodan sat beside her, playing with one of his toys.
The door creaked open, and Valerie stepped inside. Her gaze immediately softened when she saw them.
A playful grin spread across her lips as she walked over and scooped Rodan up. "Come here, you!"
Rodan squealed with laughter, wriggling in her grasp. "Mom, put me down!"
"Never!" Valerie declared dramatically, spinning him around before finally setting him on the floor.
Rodan immediately ran behind Serena, peeking out from behind her. "Mommy, save me!"
Serena smirked, raising an eyebrow at Valerie. "Really? You're scaring the poor boy."
Valerie placed her hands on her hips. "Oh, please. He loves it."
Rodan giggled, running in circles around the room, with Valerie chasing after him.
Serena just shook her head, laughing as she bounced Cristina gently in her lap.
As she watched them play, warmth spread through her chest.
Finally, after everything…
She was home.