There wasn't a complaint from Noah as he was lifted off the ground and embraced tightly. In fact, his arms managed to wrap around Gabriel's neck and he all but clung to him, legs going around the man's waist to keep him from sliding downward. His eyes closed, the smile on his face as bright as the sun as the relief he felt at being back with his father washed over him in veritable waves.
As his dad spoke again, Noah peeked his head out of the crook of the man's neck. He was still smiling, although there was worry shining within his eyes too. What if the bad people were here? What if they found them again? With a tiny shiver, he peered over Gabriel's shoulder and searched the shadows briefly. Coming up with nothing but an empty street, the boy relaxed somewhat as he turned his gaze back to the man that was holding him. The smile returned.
"Okay!" he agreed happily enough. Another quick glance behind his father and his voice dropped to a whisper as he peered back to Gabriel. "The bad people aren't here, are they Dad?" he asked, expression solemn. "I didn't like them very much. They were mean."