DIRTY PAWS - OF MONSTERS AND MEN
(haha bc Finn is played by the banjoest of the band)

CHAPTER NINE

After the proposal things seemed to speed by, it all felt surreal. I honestly didn't mind that it all happened so fast; I wouldn't have changed a thing about the months that came after the proposal. Since I was still caught up in medical school, we had agreed to wait a little bit. I was in the 'practical' period of my studies where I had an internship at a hospital close by. Most of my hours were spent there; Rose had agreed to move in with me utilizing an empty room in the apartment as her artists place or whatever it was called, she also spent a lot of time with Drew considering he was on a break from school. I spent long hours slaving away at the hospital, scrubbing in and out, helping wherever I could. Most of my free time was spent catching up on the endless hours of sleep I'd lost, or sometimes calling Rose and just talking about life. A local art gallery had taken an interest in her work, and she was having it displayed later. She was ecstatic, I was just as happy for her. It proved hard to spend time with her and Drew, every time I wanted to spend some quality time with them, that pager rang and it was over. As an intern you were called in wherever there was a shortage, even in the slightest degree for example; someone to watch over the instrument tray or just to pass the instruments to the surgeons. I did a couple surgeries, closing up for some of the doctors, helping some of the female doctors perform a couple procedures on the male parts of some patients. It was pretty enlightening, but I agreed I would only do it for one year; my priorities were set straight when I was reminded I had an engagement to fulfil. So, after one year of throwing my personal life down the drain, I thanked everyone for the time, and quit, well technically I just said goodbye and left.

I arrived at home somewhat passed New Years Eve; eager to make up the time I had lost. My due date was slowly approaching, and as scared as I was, I needed to spend some time with Rose and Drew. I had been very neglecting for the past year, and I knew it took a toll not only on them, but on myself also. With a heavy heart, but hoping that making up for it all would be enough, I returned home.

I opened the door slowly, and Drew gazed up, I hoped this big grin would spread onto his face and he would attack me with happiness, and not just look up and look back down, "Dad!" he immediately got up from his seat, and did exactly as I hoped.

"Hi, Drew," I smiled, thankful for his embrace, he had gotten so big, he was thirteen now, and I'll admit I was scared because he'd be entering his hormonal stage soon.

"You're home," Rose came from my study, wearing my sweater of self-pity, I couldn't help but laugh.

"You look snazzy in my sweater of self-pity," I mused, and she smiled, planting a kiss on my lips. The affection was so needed; I had missed her so much.

"Yeah, mum's the bees knees in that sweater," Drew agreed, and frowned just a little at his term. Mum? Had I been gone that long that Drew had started calling Rose mum?

Rose must've noticed my confusion, "it's new to me too, don't worry."

"Well, I yield good news and bad news," I said, leading the two into the family room, Rose sat on the couch, Drew falling down next to her, "my internship has ended, rather I have ended it," both their faces lit up, "but, I only have two months to complete the real challenge, the thesis. So I'll be pretty occupied trying to finish that before the deadline." I concluded.

"Two more months," Rose smiled, "just two, then we'll have Harry back."

"Just two," I said, with the biggest of smiles, "now, who's ready for dinner?"

"Me! Can we go out to eat, dad? I've been lazing around this house for an eternity! It feels as if all the calcium has drained from my bones!" Drew dramatically exclaimed both Rose and I started laughing.

"Drew, if all the calcium went from your bones you wouldn't be able to stand," I replied, and he pouted his lips, "but, yes. We can go out, wherever you like, squirt."

"Daaaaaa-d," he groaned, face flushing a light red colour, "I'm not squirt anymore, I'm thirteen!"

"Fine, slightly larger and more hormonal-squirt," I nodded, pleased with my nickname.

"Hormonal?" he looked offended, "can we go to that place you and mum always go to?"

"Of course, honey," Rose replied, and Drew's boyish grin reprised.

"I'm just going to sanitize myself, since I'm still wearing work-attire." I responded with a smile, Rose nodded with a playful glint in her eyes.

She did end up joining me in the shower.

The dinner was more of a 'talker' than a dinner, Drew yapping on about school and all his new friends, it was his final year of secondary school and it seemed like he was enjoying it. Rose had gotten an internship at a little animatic firm - or so she calls it - and was enjoying it dearly, I told them about my time at the hospital and overall, dinner was a massive success.

After I had finally gotten past all the studies, and the stress of university I was certified, Rose definitely enjoyed referring to me as Dr Holt. Then it was all about the wedding, a wedding planner was called in, a petite, young blonde haired woman named Amy-Lee. The venue was a chapel in my hometown, and it wasn't going to be a very massive thing, Rose just wanted to get married. The colour scheme was mint and white, we both liked it. Her uncle and aunt flew in from Norway, and I had to learn a little Norwegian to just talk to them. It was absurd, but Rose insisted. Her aunt was gushing proud when she heard Rose was getting married, screaming all these Norwegian words I could barely make out.

It was all worth it though, in the end, the day was spectacular.

A/N

Finn in the media bar :)