a spark in the night

AND NOW, TEN YEARS LATER...

The rodeo was one of the family’s favorite events. There was always something to do, there was always something to see and more importantly, it was a great way to make new memories whether between them or with their friends and their families. Therefore, seeing the Haringtons in Green Acres for this was something quite usual.

After enjoying the very first day of festivities, they were on their way back home. They could have come in car but weather was too good to be ignored and walking seemed to be a great way to extend the fun side of their day. Archer was walking ahead, Iris was holding her father’s hand who was walking arm in arm with Emilia. They seemed to be one happy family and to be honest, that’s exactly what they were and what they’ve always been since the day Emilia and Kit decided to give their love a chance. What a great decision it was.

“I think the town is slowly making a cowboy out of him”, Kit said as he laid down his eyes on his son and smiled, “Unless that’s Richard’s fault. Do you remember that time he came back from Montana with a pair of cowboy shoes? I’m sure he has given them to Archie last time he came with Gem’ and the kids and we mentioned the rodeo happening soon.”

Laughing at this thought -- although he really thought it was a possibility --, Kit came closer to his wife shortly after Iris left his hand to run towards her brother and walk with him in front of the parents. Brushing her arm, the actor grabbed Emilia’s hand eventually, gave her a soft kiss on the palm and kept walking, his eyes focused on the two children who were making his life happier and happier every single day.

“Today was a great day”, he eventually said. “I can’t wait to see what tomorrow is going to be like.”

I’ve always thought that we would make a pretty amazing team when it comes down to us being able to get things done together, so I’m very glad to have this opportunity with you. Good point, maybe what we can do is collect money from people at the Getaway? Some of them might be drunk, too, which means they’ll give more. But aye, you’re right, and we do figure it out eventually! It just sometimes takes us a bit to get there. It went pretty well! Minus the fact that the hard ground hurt my back, but.

Right?! Whether it is to build statues or to rule over a town, we are just the perfect team. Ohh, that’s smart! See, that’s why we work together. Our ideas gathered together are unstoppable. So let’s do it. We’ll start tonight, actually, once they’re all a bit drunk. Might as well take advantage of being the two guys who don’t drink. Ugh, I get it, but at least now you’re home and you can enjoy some comfortable and lazy time.

That is honestly wild.  It seems like just yesterday these little humans came into the world and they’re already getting to be so big and have so much personality in their tiny little bodies.  It is honestly fun getting to see scenery and enjoy time with everyone especially after months of not doing that much.  I kind of believe that much. I mean, they’ll be happy to see you but they’ll pretty much take over and hold onto Archer as long as they have the time.  I’m sure they would have eventually looked up and missed you guys though. I have faith in them.

It’s both wild and extremely adorable, actually. I just love watching him grow, even though I do feel a bit older every day now that he is around. I can understand that, plus that’s what vacation is made for, right? It’s all about being with people and enjoying some time off away from our usual busy life. I hope they would find someone to look after us! But then again, I’m quite happy to see them being so excited about spending time with Archer, it’s cute.

We’d be pretty lost without each other, wouldn’t we? There really is, and you know what the worst part of that is? We’re responsible for half of them, which means there’s a good chance that we put that evil into them… sad thought, isn’t it? We might actually be evil ourselves! Honestly, I feel like Spongebob is too enthusiastic to be most people, that little sponge has a lot of energy! Not really a story, per se, but… have you ever been brooming and have a spider run out from behind the cabinets? You very quickly learn how to make that broom a weapon!

For sure. That’s... actually, that’s true. I guess it means we can’t completely blame them for being a bit of devils since we are responsible for it a little. That being said, if someone asks, we are going to pretend that we are innocent and that they got it from Jason and Emilia, deal? I know, I think Spongebob is like... a young kid. Too much energy, too much enthusiasm but it’s kinda cute. Oh, well, when something like that happens, I run away and let Emilia handle it but I know what you mean!

You’re welcome, man! It’s the least I can do, obviously. No literally, the least I could have done but I like to think sometimes that’s not a bad thing. Almost six months! Will be in a few more days which is mind blowing to think she’s already half a year old. Getting bigger every day but you know how that goes, no doubt Archer doubles in size right before your eyes. There you go, we’ll just line them all on the couch and tell them they need to stop with this growing business. Don’t worry I promise to send over all the good videos I got, you know the ones I promised to delete and then didn’t! Are you going on the camping trip this weekend? Know it kicks off tomorrow and I’m still kind of going back and forth with Willa only being six months old. 

I’ve always felt like time was flying way too fast but it’s even more brutal once kids are in the family because you literally see them grow as time goes by and there’s nothing you can do about it. I mean, we could still try to line them all on the couch and do that speech I’ve been talking about cause we have nothing left to lose, right? I hope so! I’ll be expecting a new video every single day and of course, I’ll save them all to use them later.

You’re right, if there’s anyone to blame for the cuteness of your kid it’s all on Emilia, I’ll give you that! Though pretty sure it’s normal to gush about your kid, he’s almost three months old now, right? Your new favorite game is making me lose my mind to see if my kid is cursing or not after you teach her how to swear? Cold, mate. Very, very cold. This is why her Team Kit shirt gets hidden. Feel like being judged by a wife is kind of what you sign up for when you get married. That contract that you’re okay with potentially being judged for the rest of your life. Aye, leave my cowboy boots alone, look brilliant in them. Can’t wait to wear them for the rodeo coming up, it’s perfect timing to have them! 

And me. Come on, it gets some of my cute genes, too. Three months old and ruling over his tiny kingdom! That’s exactly what my new favorite game is and something tells me that I’ll never get sick of it. Look mate, you can try as much as you can but I am going to buy her so many Team Kit shirts that you wouldn’t know where to hide them anymore. This is war. Aye, that’s true. But that’s just a small bad part of marriage, the rest is awesome so I’ll take it. Oh Lord, you’re not going to do that for real, aren’t you?

Damn! My sixth sense was working until now so maybe you’re the one that’s broken. Or perhaps it was your wife that was missing me! The doctors already cleared me, by the way. Whoa, Oxford already? I always knew that he got his smarts from his mum. Tell him to pack as much as he can and not leave anything important behind! Good, good. I’m sure he’s still the perfect little angel. We’re doing great. Just finished doing laundry from the Montana trip. Feels like it’s never-ending. 

Ah, see, you might have found the right answer. Emilia was the one missing you, you just got the wrong Harington. One chance out of three and you missed it! I can’t deny that, he did take his smarts from his mum... and the beauty from his dad, of course. He is adorable, really. I am biased because I fell in love with him on day one but he’s just a tiny little angel. Did you survive the laundry? Are you on the road with Joe or can I ask for a family day sometime next week? Or actually, whenever you’re in town.

When I was between relationships and doing the single dad thing, it was absolutely on the tough side. I had a good nanny, which helped a lot, but I’m not sure that’s quite the same. You really are, especially living in a town like this. You’ve got everything you could ever want right there with all of your friends. That’s the problem. Maybe to the author, it makes sense, but to another parent… just feels a little bit like they’re speaking another language all together, doesn’t it? Maybe he’ll surprise you and have a good sense of fashion! They’re already off to their moms, so they have to miss camping… but I, on the other hand, am looking forward to it.

It isn’t exactly the same but it doesn’t really matter who is your main support as long as you have one and as long as the kids are happy, right? I think you’ve done a great single dad job, for what it’s worth. That’s true. You know that no matter what there will always be one person to help you out in this community. That’s exactly how I felt about it, yes. It was just.. off track, you know? Perhaps! I’ll make sure to let you know how it goes once he’s big enough to choose by himself. Oh, I see! Did you have a good time there?

Well… damn. I guess we need to vote you off the island, Kit. Just kidding. I love you, brother. There was a lot to see and do, but also, we’re happy to be home. At least the camping trip in town won’t take us too far away!

How dare you! I thought you’d be fully supporting this new career of mine. Luckily you know what to say to make amends so I forgive you. How was camping? I admit that being outside with no power and running water looked too scary for me to give it a go.

Thank you, mate! This is an honor, the kind of thing that I will remember for the rest of my life, and hopefully return the favor some day if I’m ever in charge of any place. Oh, fantastic, I can start saving the rest of my money for Gaelyn’s college fund, then, that will help me a lot! It really is, it’s better than letting it go to waste, not spending it on the things that we should, so it makes sense. I’m glad that you understand me, Kit! I’m going to put my inner Viking to use this weekend and attempt to do some camping, too.

You’re very welcome, I’m glad to have you as my VP, you know. Actually we should gather new taxes at the end of the month for Gaelyn’s college fund. That way she can get one as big as Archer’s. No jealousy between them. At the end of the day I guess we just have to find a balance between the useful and the silly things we can buy with our money, right? So how did it go? Did you rock that camping weekend?

Thank you! Now I’m wondering if the T-Rexes will try and fight over territory so that might be a small problem we’ll have to deal with. As long as they don’t fall over any homes or people, then it should be fine! I don’t know if they’ll accept my snuggles. They don’t seem like the type that likes to show any affection. Guess you’ll just have to train them not to, Kit! He’s a big boy, for sure. It’d probably look like a ghost town if we were all gone for too long. And that wouldn’t be any fun. 

Possibly. We would have to be very careful and make sure they know what they can do and what is absolutely wrong. And you know, tell them they can’t eat people nor destroy their house. It might even be the rule #1. Who knows, perhaps you’ll be the exception for them. That wouldn’t have been fun at all. I mean, I love being by myself from time to time, I think it’s a good thing. But living in a ghost town? Thank you but no thank you!

Nope! Not at all, I’m saying we’re more than allowed to enjoy the period of time where he loves sleeping. Plus are you ready to say we want our little one to be so grown up he’s walking?! I love this squish phase where he just is a little squish cuddled right up to you. We might not be innocent in this, but we don’t have to take most of the heat in this! Richard does, remember, we blame things on Richie. Are you joining Team Richard or something? That’s what I figure, we have time and can get all that figured out. We’ll make sure it’s known to our agents and everything that we don’t want to be far apart from each other if possible with Archer only being 2 months old. Think there’s something about finding the balance for the two, which I’m more than happy to visit places so you can get some in person interviews done with other cast members if they want! Though it is nice when you just have to spruce up the room you’re in and make sure it’s tidy and pop on a tiny camera! Best yet you can still be in your pajamas from the waist down and who’s the wiser! Plus interviews are still…stressful in a way, I know you’re answering a lot of… hard questions right now. What better than a cute little snuggle in between to cheer up? That’s what I figured, don’t worry, I promise I won’t let that happen. For both your sakes, not just Archer. Think as long as we’re quiet and don’t cause issue they might let us get away with it! Worth it if he’ll sleep for a few hours. I hope so, and I know it’s good to be vulnerable, and I’m learning sometimes the best times come from that. But it does help having a husband as wonderful as you, and you know not bad on the eyes either, babe. See look at us, we’re practically professionals, got a couple nights away under our belt. 

Absolutely not. You know I’m not ready for it. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I know he is going to be the most adorable walker the Earth has ever seen. I’ll take way too much videos of his first steps, you know it. But am I ready for it? I don’t think so. Alright, alright -- we’ll put the blame on Richie. Always. Pfft no. I’m on my own team, or on yours. The only time I’m on Team Richard is when you team up with Sophie to try to kick our arses. That’s probably the best thing to do. I have no doubt that our teams would know exactly what to do when it’s time for us to travel with Archer. I’m not saying that’s part of their job but they’re good enough to plan an entire press trip, they can do it with one more tiny passenger. I like both, I don’t think I’ll complain about playing games and answering questions with people I enjoyed working with. But there’s something really good about being in pajamas and having those cute snuggles, indeed. You’re right. We’ll have to do it one night, take Archie’s stroller and walk to the aquarium. Always, you’ll always have me for anything you wanna do in life. Right?! I think we’re getting better and better at spending some time away from home -- even if it is just three hours. That’s improvement!

I imagine it’ll be one of those things they’re initially embarrassed about but then end up understanding later on when they’re older and potentially have their own families! It’s just one of those things. And of course, members of the club have to support each other if anything! I know, it’s just being parents that makes the time feel like it’s going so much faster, and we probably have to accept our fate on this. And not yet, though with the way she’s growing, we’re anticipating the big girl bed soon enough. Emilia told me you guys had a staycation, I hope that was a lot of fun too!

I hope so. I mean, I guess this is how it will be because I feel like we all see what our parents did in a different way once we are into parenthood, too. Phew, that’s perfect then. I am really glad we have created this club cause I think we are going to need it more than once. You’re right, we should accept it since there’s nothing we can do about it, anyway. We can’t control time. We did! It was nice to spend some time together, but it’s great to have everyone around as well.

That is very much true. It’s special when it’s your kid for sure.  He’ll be there before you know it. I mean, they grow and develop so much in the first year. It’s honestly crazy how big they get and how quickly.  There is honestly just no way to slow it down either. Montana honestly was lovely.  There was always something to do but we usually pack a few toys to keep them entertained even in those quiet moments.  I’m glad you two managed to get that one on one time. I’m sure Archer’s grandparents enjoyed their special time.

I know, I know. He is three months old today and I feel like it went by so quickly. It’s crazy indeed. But he is the most lovely human being and I just feel blessed to see him grow. That’s what I’ve heard. Everybody seems to have had a lot of fun there and enjoyed many entertaining things. They did. Emilia and I believe that Archer is now the only reason why they’re exciting about being in Bayview whenever they come over. We could have let them together for the entire week and we wouldn’t have been missed at all!

Honestly, it’s the kind of friendship connection that people go their entire lives wanting and hoping for, and that’s all the more that you can ask for, right? I bet that it is, actually. One of their earliest tricks to annoy us, and we’re just now catching on, darn it all! He is, but are you more of a Spongebob, or more of a Squidward? I’ve heard a lot of people say that the older they get, the more they relate to Squidward, which I can kind of understand! I was going to say! But you know what, as someone who frequently brooms the floor, I can confirm that they can be a good weapon when you need one!

You’re absolutely right. We are lucky we have found each other! I think so, too. They’re sneakier than we could think. There’s an evil genius behind their sweet face. A Squidward for sure. I’m a grumpy man. Spongebob is too enthusiastic to be me. Gotta say it was fun to use it, even though Archer might have wondered what was happening with his dad. Is there a story behind this statement? Have you ever used a broom as a weapon? I need to know more, Claire!