Never Without You

1

"Dezi, come on baby. We've got to get you up and ready to go to Uncle Luke's house," Michael said softly, placing his hand on his daughter's small back. She let out a soft whine as she stretched out and covered her face with her favorite blanket. Michael smiled softly and sighed, admiring his little girl. "Dez... come on baby girl. It's time to wake up. You can take a nap at Uncle Luke's. I bet he's going to make pancakes..." The young girl flipped over onto her back and opened her bright green eyes that matched her father's. "There's my sweet girl," he said, brushing hair out of her face. "Come on love. Let's get you ready for the day." He kissed her cheek, earning a soft giggle in return. Desirae sat up and held her arms out so Michael could pick her up. He smiled and lifted the young girl up, switching on the bedroom light and walking to her closet. "Alright, sweet pea. What do you want to wear?" Desirae looked at her wardrobe and put her hand to her chin.

"Hmm," she said softly, the concentration and sleep evident in her eyes. She leaned forward and grabbed a red dress with black and white embroidery. "This one?" She asked, holding it right infront of Michael's face so he couldn't actually see it. He laughed lightly and took it from her hand, holding it out.

"Good choice, bug." She smiled and squirmed her way out of his arms, walking over and sitting on the edge of her bed as Michael grabbed a pair of leggings, socks, and shoes. He pulled her wild, red curls up into a bun and put her clothes for the day into a backpack so she could change at Luke's house.

"How do I look?" She asked, jumping up and smiling as she sported her princess pajamas. There was a gleam in Michael's eye as he smiled down at his little girl.

"You look more beautiful everytime I see you, princess," he whispered.

"You always say that daddy," she giggled."

"It's true every time, baby girl. Come on. Let's not make Uncle Luke wait any longer." She smiled as her dad picked her up once again and carried her out of the room. He gathered his car keys and grabbed his lunch before carrying her out to the car. He set her in her carseat and buckled her up before driving to his best friend's house.

They pulled up to the little house on the edge of town and Desirae started pulling at the straps on her seat.

"I wanna see Uncle Luke!" She whined as Michael kneeled in the backseat to unbuckle her.

"I know princess. We're here." He picked her up and grabbed her bag before slamming the door shut. The sun was just beginning to rise as Michael carried his daughter up the front steps and knocked on the door. Luke pulled the door open, sleep evident in his crystal blue eyes as his blond curls fell down his forehead messily. He was wearing an oversized sweater that didn't belong to him and plaid pajama pants.

"Hey baby girl," he said, stifling a yawn as she crawled from her dad's arms into her uncle's.

"Thank you again for taking her. I promise this is the last 6 am shift I'll be taking in a while."

"It's fine man. I love having her over. You just do whatever you have to do... Come on. You need some coffee before you go anywhere." Michael nodded in agreement and followed Luke inside. They looked down at Desirae and saw her already fast asleep. Luke set her down on the couch as Michael tucked her in with her blanket and favorite stuffed penguin. He kissed her on the forehead before joining Luke in the kitchen.

"Did G get a new car?" Michael asked, examining the cars in the driveway through the window.

"Oh uh... no. That's not G's..." Luke said quietly, handing his friend a warm mug. "It's uh... As-" he mumbled the rest of the word into his coffee.

"I'm sorry, who's?" Michael raised his eyebrows in amusement.

"...Ashton," Luke blushed, looking at the floor.