Chapter Text
Adam held onto Connor until his son was calm, his crying had stopped and his body no longer shook from sobbing. But the boy still clung to him with a constricter like hug. He soothed the boy further by stroking and ruffling his hair.
"Are you OK?" Asked Adam.
"I'm more than ok, Dad" replied Connor, looking his father directly in the eyes.
Adam met his gaze and said
"good, we're going to be just fine Connor. I promise."
Connor smiled and he saw in his father's eyes a reassurance that set his mind and heart at complete ease.
After a while of talking Adam told his son he was leaving. He told Connor to get some sleep and not to hesitate to call him if he needed him, no matter what time. As he tucked the boy in, it came to him that he hadn't done that in a long time. There was his son, this beautiful boy, looking at him with that look he hadn't seen in years. The look that said to Adam; you're my hero.
"I love you dad" were the words Connor spoke.
"Love you more" said Adam as he bent and kissed his forehead.
Adam left Connor's room and closed the door behind him. He walked over to seats in the small waiting area and sat. He needed a moment to collect himself. He cupped his face in his hands and breathed deep, taking long slow breaths. His mind went back to when he walked into the room and saw the boys laughing and joking on the bed. He had been standing there for a while observing, unawares to them. He noticed how his son looked at his friend without Jude knowing. He saw how Connor's eyes panned over Jude With care and affection. And then when Connor wasn't looking, Jude gave him the same loving glances. He thought about the connection he had just made with his son, that hadn't happened in, he couldn't even remember how long. He said to himself silently
"This is really happening."
Adam fished his phone from the pocket of his sweatshirt and scrolled to the familiar number and placed the call. The phone rang twice before the honey sweet voice said
"Adam?"
"Is everything OK, is Connor OK?"
"Yes, Lena, everything is fine, Connor is fine" said Adam.
"Did Jude get home OK?" He asked.
"Yes, his brother picked him up" replied Lena.
"OK, sooo what's the matter Adam?" She asked.
Adam replied
"This is all so new and strange for me Lena. But I think our boys are falling in love. I don't know what to do. I can't lose him Lena, he's all I've got. I'm afraid I won't get this right, I won't be the father I should be. I want to do right by him. Lena, I need help!"