(Samuel's POV)
I stepped closer, watching her blush as her cheeks turned red from embarrassment. She looked away, in embarrassment trying her best to hide it.
"What's with the shyness all of a sudden?" I teased, reaching out to take the soap from her hand. "Come on, let me help."
(Esther's POV)
As he took the soap from me, I just sat quietly on the bathroom stool. I could feel my cheeks heating up as Samuel's voice carried that teasing tone, one I'd often used on him over the years.
But now, sitting here with him so close, I couldn't shake a strange feeling—it was as if a new awareness hung between us.
For the first time, I was fully conscious of how our usual dynamic had shifted. He wasn't that small kid I used to bathe and cuddle with anymore, and as I sat there, I realized just how much he'd grown up.
I was proud of the person he'd become, and yet, a part of me felt a hint of hesitation. His touch was now gentle, careful, and even a little comforting and reassuring as he spread the soap, tracing it across my back, and spreading the warm lather over my shoulders and down my spine.
It felt comforting and familiar, but it also reminded me of those little moments over the years when perhaps I had been too casual and unguarded in our closeness, not thinking twice about letting him see me or being close without any boundaries.
As his hands moved carefully, I found myself drifting into old memories, moments when I hadn't thought twice about walking around him without boundaries or sharing those unfiltered, clingy displays of affection.
I'd always thought it was innocent, a natural part of being open with each other, of showing love without pretense. But now, sitting here, the realization struck me—had I unknowingly crossed a line, one I hadn't even known existed?
A pang of guilt settled in my chest, a heaviness that I hadn't anticipated. Maybe I hadn't considered enough how he'd grown, how my actions, once so natural, might now affect him differently.
Yet here we were, his gentle touch bringing me back to the present, his warmth a reminder of the unbreakable bond we shared. And somehow, a new, unexpected feeling lingered—a warmth, a fluttering in my heart that felt both comforting and strange.
But Samuel didn't give me much time to dwell on these thoughts. He pulled me back with his usual playfulness, laughing softly, poking my side, teasing with that mischievous grin I'd grown to cherish.
"You're acting differently now," he chuckled, leaning close to whisper in my ear. "Where's all that confidence you used to have when you teased me?" His laugh was infectious, lightening the air between us as he splashed water on me playfully.
Despite the uncertainty lingering in me, I couldn't help but smile at his antics. He was so determined to keep things light, to brush off any awkwardness, as if he didn't want me burdened with all these complicated reflections.
And he was right—why dwell on it now? Here he was, my son, openly sharing this moment of love with me, wanting us to stay connected and close. Whatever happened in the past days wasn't something that could ruin our relationship, nor did it define us.
We were family, with a unique, close bond that others might not understand, but that didn't make it wrong.
Maybe it wasn't something most people would call "normal," but to us, it was just our way. I knew our openness was unusual, a mistake.
A mistake that our closeness had developed, blurring the lines others or should I say normal people would never cross in their lifetime. But it was all part of the life we had shared, especially since Arjun's passing.
After he died, I became clingy, and in turn, so did Samuel, filling in the spaces that loss had left behind. Our openness, our way of being there for each other—it wasn't just a habit; it was a lifeline, a comfort I'd come to rely on deeply.
He saw through me like no one else, and I realized how unfair it would be to him to keep burdening myself with guilt when he had been nothing but understanding and forgiving.
My mind wandered back to all the times we'd laughed, how natural it had felt to let him see all sides of me without a second thought.
Maybe the lines had blurred over time, but our love for each other remained pure and true. If anything, our bond had only strengthened, with Samuel being the one I could trust above all else.
Gradually, I let myself relax, my shoulders loosening as his laughter grew infectious. It started with a shy smile, then a soft chuckle, and before I knew it, I was joining in, laughing at his jokes and poking back at him in return.
The tension that had weighed on me began to lift. I realized it was unfair to him to carry on with guilt when he was here, being so forgiving and open.
For the first time, I allowed myself to let go, deciding that our bond was more important than any awkward moments or past mistakes.
Even if we had baths together, slept together or even be clingy with each other, it wasn't as important as being with my son Samuel.
Samuel is right, I needed someone to hold onto after Arjun's death, and with all those ugly bastards who just want to have sex with me, and are after my body, if I have to hold onto someone, it's best if it's Samuel my own blood, whom I love and trust the most rather than anyone else.
Samuel was giving me a chance to be present, to just enjoy this moment. And so, I did—leaning into the fun, splashing water back at him, and finally letting myself feel at ease.
(Samuel's POV)
As I lathered the soap on her back, I could tell she was loosening up. Trying to lighten things even more, I gave her a gentle poke in the side. "Where's that teasing confidence, huh? Or is it only reserved for when you're trying to make me laugh?"
She let out a soft chuckle. "Big talk coming from you," she said with a smile, still looking forward.
"Hey, don't go all quiet on me now!" I leaned in closer, my voice playful. "Remember when you used to tickle me until I was begging for mercy? Don't start getting shy now!" I said as I started tickling her waist.
She laughed, giggling from all the tickles, her voice soft and warm. "Alright, maybe I was a little mean," she admitted.
"A 'little'?" I grinned, poking her side again, watching her jump slightly. "What about the time you dumped a whole bucket of water on me because I wouldn't get in the bath?"
She covered her mouth to hide a grin, her shoulders shaking with laughter. "Alright, alright, maybe I was 'a bit' more playful than usual."
"See? It's not so hard to admit!" I laughed, rinsing the soap off her shoulders, enjoying the laughter that filled the room.
(Esther's POV)
Listening to his laughter brought back so many happy memories. Sitting there, I felt the last bit of awkwardness slip away. I couldn't stop smiling as he went on about all the silly things I used to do just to make him laugh. Even though he'd grown up, his lightheartedness reminded me he was still my boy at heart.
"Watch out," I warned, trying to sound serious. "Or I might just go back to my old pranks."
Samuel shook his head, laughing. "I'd like to see you try! I'm not the same little kid anymore, remember?"
I gave him a light poke in the side, making him snicker. "Oh really? Too grown-up for a little teasing now?"
Feigning shock, he placed a hand on his chest, acting dramatically. "Me? Never! I just think maybe you're the one trying to keep up!"
"Is that so?" I scooped a little water and splashed it at him, watching him jump back, his eyes widening. "Who's talking now, huh?"
He splashed back with a laugh. "Oh, so now you're starting it? You're in for it, Mom!"
Water flew as we splashed each other back and forth, laughing and teasing, completely relaxed. I didn't feel any of the tension I'd started with, just the joy of being here with him.
Samuel's POV
After all the splashing and laughter, we settled down, I laid in the bathtub, while I let my mother rest on my chest, as I placed one of my hands on her waist while I caressed her head with the other. The water was warm, and I could feel the calm settling between us, a cozy silence filling the air.
"Isn't it refreshing?" I said, leaning back, while making sure the grip on her waist remained strong, conveying that she is neither going anywhere nor is allowed to go anywhere, while my fingers continued to trace gentle patterns along her skin, making sure she felt comfort and love.
She nodded, closing her eyes for a moment, leaning into my touch, savoring the gentle, love-filled caresses. There was a certain tingling sensation from Samuel's firm, protective grip on her waist.
It brought her a comforting sense of security, something she hadn't felt in a long time. His touch reminded her of the safe, steady warmth she used to feel in Arjun's embrace.
"Yes, it is," she murmured, her voice soft, a hint of peace in it. "You know, I may not have been the best mother when it came to manners and etiquettes," she added with a little laugh. "But if that means I can just be here with you, play and laugh like this without worrying about a single thing… then I wouldn't change a thing."
Hearing her words, I reached over, wrapping my hand around hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "And I wouldn't change a single thing about you, Mom. There's a reason why I love you so much."
She looked at me, her gaze warm and tender, and for a moment, it was like we didn't need to say anything more. We just held onto each other, letting the comfort and closeness fill the space, feeling more connected than ever.
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! Just a quick update: my main focus is currently my MHA fic, so this new story will have slower updates. But if you're want to read ahead, I've got some special options for you on Patreon!
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