Page 12 of Sobek’s Joy

Sobek watched him with that intense focus that made Rudy’s skin prickle. “I would like to stay. If that’s acceptable.”

“Acceptable? Dude, you brought fish. You can stay forever if you want.”

The words hung in the air a beat too long. Rudy felt his cheeks heat and turned quickly toward the fridge, mentally kicking himself. Forever. Real smooth, Rudy. Why don’t you just propose while you’re at it?

“Mac and cheese,” Jack announced, apparently oblivious to Rudy’s internal crisis. “With hot dogs.”

“Hot dogs it is.” Rudy pulled out the leftover container, grateful for the distraction. “Sobek, do you want the full kid-friendly experience, or should I make you something that didn’t come from a box?”

“I’ll eat whatever you’re serving.”

Rudy glanced over his shoulder. Sobek had moved to the sink and started washing the dishes without being asked, his large hands oddly careful with the ceramic plates. Timothy dragged a chair over beside him, climbed onto it, and was haphazardly drying each piece with a dish towel that dragged on the floor.

Oh, my gods, he’s a parenting god. Rudy felt as though he wanted to swoon. He’d been raising the kids alone for so long - every meal, every bath time, every midnight crisis when one of the kids woke up crying. Having someone else just...step in, help without being asked, and exist in his space without making it feel crowded...Rudy swallowed hard and focused on the mac and cheese.

/~/~/~/~/

Lunch was its usual chaos. Rose knocked over her juice twice, Jack told an incredibly detailed story about a beetle he’d found that morning, and Timothy mostly stared at Sobek while eating exactly three bites of hot dog and nothing else.

“Tim, buddy, you gotta eat more than that.” Rudy pointed his fork at Timothy’s plate. “At least try the mac and cheese. I added extra cheese for you.”

Timothy shook his head, still watching Sobek.

Sobek studied the little boy, then pushed his own plate slightly toward him. “Try mine.”

Timothy immediately reached over and grabbed a hot dog piece from Sobek’s plate, shoving it in his mouth.

“Oh, come on.” Rudy laughed. “That’s the same thing I gave you.”

“It probably tastes better from Sobek’s plate.” Jack giggled.

“Apparently.” Rudy shook his head, although he didn’t stop smiling. “Fine. Whatever gets food in him.”

Sobek said nothing, but he kept shifting his plate closer to Timothy throughout the meal, letting the little boy steal bites while pretending not to notice. By the end, Timothy had eaten more than Rudy had seen him consume in days.

After lunch, while Rudy loaded the dishwasher, Sobek started on the fish. He worked at the kitchen counter, cleaning and filleting with movements that suggested he knew what he was doing. The kids clustered around him like ducklings, asking questions in their disjointed way.

“Why’s it so slimy?”

“Does it hurt the fish?”

“Can I touch it?”

Sobek answered each question patiently, his deep voice rumbling through the kitchen. When Rose reached for the knife, he caught her hand gently but firmly.

“This blade is sharp. You may watch, but you must stay back.”

Miracle of miracles, Rose did as she was told.

Rudy leaned against the counter, dish towel in hand, and just...watched. Sobek’s hands moved with confidence, strong and sure. His shirt stretched across his shoulders with each movement, and Rudy caught himself staring at the shift of muscle beneath the fabric before jerking his gaze away.

Get it together, Crisp. He’s just being nice. Don’t make it weird by ogling him like a teenager.

“You’re really good at that,” Rudy said, aiming for casual. “The fish thing. Do you cook a lot?”

“When I’m near water.” Sobek glanced up briefly. “I prefer fresh ingredients.”

“Must be nice. My cooking skills peak at ‘add butter and hope for the best.’” Rudy grinned. “Though I can make a mean grilled cheese. It’s my signature dish.”