H E A R T S T R I N G S
plural noun [hahrt-stringz]

The deepest feelings; the softest affections.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Your kids ran towards the swings and immediately captured the deserted playground as their own. You smiled softly then stepped closer to your husband's side and held his hand, fingers intertwined.

You both looked at your son and daughter, who were fighting over who would get the first turn on the spiral slide. You were about to call out to them but James looked at you with a face that said 'let them play, they'll figure it out'.

It was a slightly chilly evening in town. You were out visiting the local park, about a five minutes walk from your house. Previously, you were out with the kids attending the opening ceremony of the town's science museum.

Without fail, every weekend, while James was off from work, the McAvoy family would spend some time outdoors, visiting attractions or going fishing or camping, or just having a picnic at the park. You felt that it was a great way for your children to spend some quality time with their father before he would be away for filming.

You kids had an age gap of a year and a half, with your eldest, daughter, being seven. They have their disputes and their competition between who gets the best everything but being outside channels their outbursts of energy, and it makes your life easier.

You and James walked towards a willow tree and took a seat near it. You pulled James down next to you and he laid on the moist grass. He tugged on your arm but you grimaced.

"But the bugs! And my hair..." You pointed out, eyes darting around the blades of grass, searching for ants, small crickets and beetles. He rolled his eyes and laughed, then stretched his arm out for you to lay your head on.

You cuddled next to him, placing a hand against his chest as both of you stared at the almost starless sky above.

"I wish there were stars above," You commented, "At least stars we can see. You know the city lights drown out the view of the night sky."

James nodded his head and frowned, "We still get the moon though."

You shifted your head a little to gaze upon the glory of the moon, it's surface reflecting the sun's light down to you.

You both laid in silence for a few moments, enjoying the presence and company of the other. You kissed his cheek softly and-

You heard a child scream loudly, causing you both to sit up suddenly. You watched the playground for your children, realising that they had started to attack each other a little with rivalry.

You were going to stand up but James held you down. "Loves, what's happening there?" James questioned with furrowed eyebrows, and they both turned back to look at their father with horror, "Play nice the two of you!"

He stared at them for a few moments to make sure that they reconcile and set aside their differences. Eventually, they ran towards the child-friendly climbing wall and monkey bars.

You rested your head back on his upper-arm and shoulder then side hugged him. "Do you think they'll ever grow out of it?" You questioned and he nodded his head.

"They're still young, filled with energy and curiosity. They'll be fine, don't worry," He kissed the side of your head and you smiled softly.

You sighed, realising that even though you were feeling extremely relaxed and at peace at the moment, you won't feel the same soon. "Do you have to go?" You asked, pouting your lips, at the thought of him going to America for filming a new mini-series he's a part of on Netflix, "I know you're going early and stuff but can't you postpone your flight?"

"If I do postpone my flight, I will have to go sometime in the near future. Close to my postpone date you'd ask again if I can go later yeah?" James responded then took a deep breath, "I'm sorry love but... This is an important project for my career. And it's a mini-series, I won't be gone for long. Even if it's a long schedule for shooting, I'll have more breaks in the middle."

You sulked. You didn't want to let your husband go. Sure, he was going to come back soon but him leaving for work for prolonged lengths of time was hard for you, and especially for the kids. They love their father so much and they enjoy every moment with him.

"I promise I'll..." James paused then smirked, "Bring you back some souvenirs." You nudged him playfully then sat up a bit, looking over at him. Souvenirs were something you had asked him to get when he had gone over to your favourite country. Now, it's something he teases you with.

"The only thing that would make me happy is you not going," You said then kissed him on the lips. He pulled you closer by your neck, his fingers running through your hair. He deepened the kiss and you shifted your position, turning it into a full mini makeout session-

"MOMMY!" You heard your daughter call out and you pulled away suddenly, turning back to look at your kids. They were walking towards you and you swiftly moved off of James and fixed your hair.

James sat with his knees pulled close to his chest and his arms draped around them. You sat with your body leaning back on your stretched out arms.

"Mommy, I don't want to play on the swings anymore..." You daughter said and you smiled.

"What about your brother?" You asked and looked at him. He was busy picking at the blades of grass.

"I'm finished playing mommy," He sang. You looked at James who started to get up, "In that case, let's head home-"

"No we don't want to go home Daddy, PLEASE!" The kids pleaded in unison and he chuckled.

"I don't know sweethearts but..."

You glanced at your watch and shrugged your shoulders. "Well, it's not that late yet. I think we could get some ice cream before going home if Daddy agrees?"

You grinned at him and the kids begged with strong persuasion. "Alright FINE we'll get some ice cream," He said with hand out in defeat. They cheered and he held out his hand to help you up from your seat on the grass.

You walked out towards the street and towards the nearest ice cream parlour in the direction of your house. Suddenly your kids started to laugh.

You turned around and looked at them with confusion, your head tilted. "What's wrong?" You asked them and they pointed at their father.

"Daddy's pants are wet!" Your daughter said and you looked at the back of his jeans, spotting a large wet patch on his upper back legs and ass.

"Oh no, sitting on the grass wasn't that great of an idea," You bit your lip as he pulled his shirt down in attempts to cover the stain.

You walked a little ahead of him and he burst into laughter. "I'd say the same about you, honey," He commented and pointed at your ass. You looked back at your skirt and widened your eyes. You were thankful that it was a black skirt and the dampness wasn't that apparent.

You started to freak out but then turned your shirt until the stain was on the side rather than the back. James started at you with surprise. "Done and fixed," You dusted your hands at a job well accomplished then caught up with your children who were a little way ahead.

James wished he was wearing a skirt...

You glanced at him and giggled. He smiled back nervously the  ran a hand through his hair.

You held out your hand for him to hold then you kissed his cheek. "Be happy it's not afternoon time," You laughed and he pushed you lightly with a playful frown.