Hellbound Heart



As the night wore on, the cozy atmosphere in the house gradually quieted. The family sat together, their fingers intertwined, enjoying the peaceful ambiance surrounding them.

After some time, Azy, feeling a mix of contentment and a desire to give his parents space, mustered the courage to speak up. "Um, Mom, Dad, I think I'm going to head to bed now," he said softly, his voice filled with a hint of shyness.

Alicia and Zeke exchanged surprised glances, recognizing the subtle intention behind their son's words. 

"And I want to sleep in the other house tonight, with Alexis." Azy continued and he abruptly stepped back as if eager to go. "Goodnight mom, dad. See you both tomorrow." 

And he turned around and walked away, leaving Alicia and Zeke unable to speak or move for a while until Zeke whispered in Alicia's ear. "You've raised him too well, he's now way too thoughtful for his age, Alicia." 

Alicia shivered at the delicious warmth of Zeke's breath against her ear but she still managed to retort. "I don't think so, Ezekiel… I strongly believe that that very personality is something he inherited from you."

Zeke chuckled lowly, making Alicia feel both seduced and struck at the same time as the sheer sexiness and temptingness of that sound. Oh dear… 

"I'll take him there…" he then stood and Alicia immediately nod at him. 

"Go," she urged when he pressed his thumb over lips and pressed gently. 

"Don't sleep." he said and it's Alicia's turn to chuckle. 

"I won't. Never." She replied and Zeke bit his lip before finally disappearing into smoke. 

He materialized just outside the house, stopping Azy who had just taken a few steps away from the door. 

"Dad." Azy blinked, looking confused why his father was here and seemed to have stepped out the house to stop him from leaving. Did they not want him to go? But… don't they need their alone time together? Azy wondered.

Zeke extended his hand to Azy. "Come, let me walk you to Alexis'."

Azy was immediately relieved and nodded as he took his father's hand. He had wanted to spend more time with his parents but he also wanted them to spend time with each other. Besides, there's still tomorrow and he was actually already excited about spending more time with them once he wakes up.

As they walked hand in hand through the silent forest, the moonlight casting gentle shadows, Azy couldn't help the smile lingering across his face. He felt an overwhelming sense of contentment and joy, as if in that moment, everything in the world was perfect. It was a feeling of pure bliss, where he couldn't imagine asking for anything more because he was experiencing the happiest moment of his life.

Finally, they reached the other house. Azy turned to Zeke, looking a little hesitant to let go of his father's hand. However, he looked up to his father with a smile. "Goodnight, Dad." He said.

Zeke was about to reply when the door swung open. From within, two figures emerged—Alexis and Alice. 

Alexis's eyes widened with awe as he stared up at Zeke while Alice hid shyly behind her brother, peeking at Zeke with curious eyes.

"Uncle... Zeke..." Alexis stammered, his voice filled with both excitement and nervousness. His admiration for his uncle was obvious in his voice and the way his eyes sparkled.

Zeke's eyes softened as he met Alexis's gaze. Memories flooded back to him—of that day when Alex had forced him to carry the new born Alexis in his arms.

Taking hold of Azy's hand, Zeke approached the twins, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "Yes, I'm your uncle," he said, his voice warm and affectionate. "You both have grown so much, Alexis, Alice."

Alexis beamed, his confidence momentarily faltering in the presence of his revered uncle. "Uncle Zeke," he said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and shyness. "Alice and I were so eager to see you! We've heard so much about you!"

Zeke reached out to ruffle Alexis's hair. "I'm glad to see you both again," he said. "Thank you for taking care of your younger brother, Alexis, Alice."

Alexis grinned happily. As though his uncle's praise was one great honor for him. "Please rest assured we'll always be taking good care of our younger brother, Uncle! I promise we will always be by Azy's side." 

A warm gleam filled Zeke's eyes as his hand lingered in Alexis's hair. "I know I can count on you, Alexis."

Alexis beamed at his uncle's words, his chest swelling with a sense of responsibility.

"You can rest assured, Uncle," Alexis replied, his voice steady with determination.

Alice, still hiding behind Alexis, continued to steal a shy glance at Zeke. Her eyes held a mix of curiosity and timidity. Sensing her shyness, Zeke knelt down to her level, his voice gentle and reassuring.

"Alice," he called her name and then Zeke patted Alice's head gently, causing the shy girl to blush even more. Her cheeks turned a rosy hue as she shyly glanced up at Zeke. 

Just then, Abi emerged from the door, her smile radiant as she observed the interaction between Zeke and the children. "Alright, young ones," she said, her voice gentle and motherly, "your uncle really needs some rest now. Let's let him go for now, okay?"

The twins though a little reluctant went on to grab Azy's arms. "Well then, uncle. Leave Azy to us for now." Alexis said causing Zeke to smile again. 

"Right, goodnight, Azy," Zeke said, his voice tender. "And good night to you both as well, Alexis, Alice."

"Goodnight, Uncle Zeke," Alexis and Alice said in unison. Alice's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the same heartfelt sentiment. With those words, the trio finally stepped through the door.

Zeke nodded gratefully at Abi and when she responded with an understanding nod, Zeke then dissapeared. 

Once the door was closed, Azy, Alexis, and Alice linked arms and made their way upstairs. The atmosphere was filled with a bubbling excitement as the trio's voices buzzed with enthusiasm.

"Your dad is so cool, Azy!" Alexis exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. "He really feels so strong and powerful."

Azy smiled with pride. "Dad... is amazing," he replied.