Fandom Forbidden and Scarred Love { The Last of Us 1x1 with icedthemoon }

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

Ezekiel was not prepared for being questioned. How could Kaiden not know what he meant by that? “You have families of only men,” he began. “On the island, each family unit is comprised of a man and a woman and then their children. Is that…” he looked at Alex, a little unsure now that he started. “Is that not usual for your people? Do you… do you not have pairs of the same sex?” Theo kind of giggled at that. “we have my mom and dad. But I guess… well Kai you do have two dads and your uncles are married.” Ezekiel looked at Alex again. “We do not have married men on the island.”

Soren opened the door for his best friend and brother in law just to invite him in to talk to Jacob while he changed so that they could go looking for the boys. “It’s not going to be as intense as Hayden probably wants. So. Jacob, he’s your job.” Then he took Josh’s arm and swept them to the halls. “We really needed today to relax. I hope everything went well for you and Hayden. He seemed like he was doing better when we parted. Did it? Go better?” Soren was a little afraid. Hayden was immensely struggling.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaiden tilted his head slightly as he listened and couldn’t help the soft laugh. “We have pairs of same sex and different sex families in our group.” He said, a little confused at the fact that they weren’t like that on their island. “So.. you don’t have married men or married women?” He asked, both curious and confused. Alex shook his head as he looked at Ezekiel. “No. We don’t.” He said, turning back to look at Kaiden, eyes wide in curiosity.

Jacob greeted Josh with a smile as he asked how Hayden was doing. “He’s better now that he got some rest. Though he’d probably like a friend.” Josh said as Jacob nodded. Josh followed Soren out, feeling the hand and he felt bad at that comment. Once they were alone he sighed. “I know you did and I promise I’ll let you have the time after. But it did go well. He told me all about his demons, and I told him about my own issues. We really had a heart to heart and it’s getting better.” Josh said, as they headed outside.

Jacob watched them leave before he headed out of their room and down the hall, knocking on Hayden’s door. He wanted to check on his brother in law himself. “Hayden?” He called out quietly. “Can I come in?”​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

That was so foreign to Ezekiel that he wasn’t sure what to make of it. There were so many questions that he had. “No. We have what I thought was a typical family unit. No one on the island… I’m not sure the elders would permit…” he had never considered such a thing. He considered not being paired. He managed that. He never thought about being with another man. “How…” He had another very important question then. “Our family units are specifically for procreation. There is love and admiration sometimes but it is second to pairing for offspring. Is this not common thought amongst people?”

“His demons?” Soren was not expecting that kind of conversation to come out of this. Hayden had been dealing with demons he told no one about for many, many years. “Josh. Did he actually tell you what he sees?” They moved down the hall and to the bottom floor of the stadium as they spoke. “Because that really is a big step. And he listened to your problems too?”

Hayden was not sure he wanted to be alone, but he also did not trust anyone else to find Kai. He could have sent out hundreds of people, but none would ever be as good as his husband. He was biased. He accepted this. He was also trying to accept that this was a part of who Josh was. There was always the promise to come home, but he knew now that it was a better promise. They would be together. He opened the door and smiled. “Hey. Come in.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kai shook his head as he listened to Ezekiel. “Um. No. That’s not.. a common thought. We choose our pairs by love and love alone. And some pairs choose to not have kids even if they can. And some who want kids and can’t have them take on others. Like my dad and papa. They basically adopted me. My father was never around and when he was, he fought with my mother. So I formed a bond with Hayden and Josh. They became my dads and my family.” Kai explained as they walked. Alex had no idea that these kinds of pairs existed, and he listened closely.

Josh nodded as he heard Soren. “Yeah. He told me that one of his main demons was me. And while it hurt, he explained himself and yes. He actually listened to me.” He said, as they reached the bottom floor of the stadium. “I think.. I think we are much closer than we were before.” He added, a small smile playing at his lips as he opened the door to the outside for them.

Jacob saw that smile and smiled back as he stepped inside. “Hey. How are you feeling?” Jacob asked as he stepped inside, he looked better. The smile spoke volumes. He was nervous leaving them alone but it seemed to help them.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

This was all very different to what Ezekiel had come to expect and know. He and Alex came from a far more rigid way of life he was learning. It was nothing like the ways of life of the wolves. “That is… strange.” It did make sense for adoption to be how they solved the procreation issue. He was intrigued that this was not a job. Some people were meant to be wives. Some were meant to have children. How were the wolves so many without doing that? “It begs for much to be considered.” If he could be paired with a man, would he object as much? Theo reached over and touched Alex’s arm. “Have we blown your mind, little man? You’re awfully quiet.”

Soren was shocked but also impressed. And alarmed. He knew that Hayden struggled with a lot of things and that his relationship with Josh was not what it once was, but he didn’t expect for Josh to be the thing that he saw. He would have been concerned except for that little smile. That looked like a good smile. “You really mean that, don’t you? It really is better.” He moved outside and felt like the world was not so heavy for the first time in a long time. “Are you guys… happy? I see that little smile. That’s a smile you haven’t worn in a while.”

Hayden closed the door behind Jacob. “Good. Tired. Horrendously tired. Don’t ever let me do that again.” He looked down at him self, the embarrassment washing over him again. “I hurt. But it’s okay. It isn’t like it was before.” And? “And.” And they- “And we-“ Breathe. “We talked a lot. A whole lot. Maybe drugging myself is the way to go after all.” He looked away as he remembered. “We haven’t talked like that in a long time.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaiden looked at him, curious at that response. He had never thought about having only different sec pairs. And to be considered? What did that mean? Kai was confused, and a little unsure but mostly, he was a little happy because they were finally talking and learning about each other. Alex looked at Theo and hummed softly. “It’s.. not something I expected to hear I guess.” Alex admitted as they drew closer to the fence. It wasn’t in sight yet, but they were close.

Josh looked at Soren and for the first time in years, he had that smile on his face. “Yes. I do.” He said as they headed outside. The fresh air was welcome and not as heavy or oppressive as it sometimes used to feel. “We are happy. For the first time in a long time.” Josh added as they walked towards the fence line.

Jacob couldn’t help the soft snort and shook his head. “I told you I didn’t agree with them when you created it. And so I’m not going to.” He said at first, shaking his head. “You seem better now. I’m really glad you actually talked to him. You needed to. Although, I don’t agree with the drug use being the way it happened.”​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

Theo laughed, because this was good! This was exactly why they wanted to reach out. They wanted to talk to each other and learn about each other’s ways. This was the whole point! “We don’t sound so bad now, huh? Everything’s about love. All of it. We fight because we love so much. What about you?” Ezekiel was silent for a moment before he finally answered, “I think we fight for the same reason though… perhaps not the same way.” He had the inklings of a smile there.

Soren put a hand on Josh’s arm. “This may have started as possibly the worst it has ever been, but if it works out, I am glad for a small amount of excruciating pain for the rest of a lifetime of happiness for you.” He knew that it was bad when it was bad. That was the worst he had ever seen Hayden, and it was certainly the worst that Hayden had treated Josh even considering the fact that he was so done during FEDRA that he just left him. Soren should have known that when it blew up, it would be about Kai. Hopefully this fixed a lot of things. “And as soon as we find Kai and Theo again, how do you think it’s going to go?” Soren looked out at the fence line, hoping that the boys would be there soon.

Hayden sighed but he understood. “You were right. I shouldn’t have made it. Or used it. But…” but what else could he do? He was miserable living like this. And it wasn’t Jacob’s fault. He knew that Jacob tried his hardest to make this better. It wasn’t his fault that it didn’t heal perfectly. He wasn’t his fault that it happened. It was- well, it was Hayden’s and Josh’s. They were both to blame. “It really was not my wisest choice. I have to admit. But it did mean we finally talked. About.. everything.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaiden tilted his head as he listened and saw the inkling of a smile on Ezekiel's face. It was.. a sight he kind of wanted to see more of. He bit his lip as he sighed, the fencing was right ahead. About fifty feet away from them. He could see people patrolling near it. They were still out of sight for the moment. He turned to their friends.. "Thank you. For walking us back but we should probably part here." Kaiden said, his voice low. Alex hadn't realized that it wouldn't less time than he thought. "Of course. We'll see you soon?" Alex asked, almost hopefully.

Josh looked at Soren and smiled, really smiled. He felt the hand on his arm and sighed softly. "I hope that this is exactly what will happen, as for when Kai and Theo come back? I hope that Hayden will allow me to parent at the same time. Will listen to me as well." He said, flicking his gaze towards the same spot that Kai and Theo had gone through before.

Jacob sighed, he didn't like being right, especially on this. "Well, this is a live and learn moment, but it seems like the learning wasn't just about the use of experimental adrenaline but learning how to grow with your husband. And I hope that after this, everything will be better." He said with a smile. "And what is your plan for when Kai and Theo come back?" He asked, watching him carefully.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

Theo looked up at the fence, seeing people up there as well. They weren’t facing them yet, so the Seraphites were fine for now. But the closer they got, the more likely they were going to get caught. And that Theo absolutely didn’t want to happen. He slowed now that they were getting to the part where they had to separate. “Just as soon as his dad lets us out again.” He made sure that Kai could stand on his own for a moment, and then he hugged Alex. “And then we’re going to find each other. Supply drop notes with initials, right?” Ezekiel moved away for the hug. He nodded. “Correct.” He didn’t move. He looked at Kaiden but didn’t do anything about it. What would he do? He looked away.

This was probably the best news that they could have had today. Well, maybe the best news would be that Kai and Theo were out there. Right there maybe. They were too far out to really tell if anyone was close. “I think maybe you’ll get to be parents together now. I know that’s what he’s always wanted really.” He moved closer to that spot in the fence that he hoped the boys would go back to. “I’m so happy for you.”

Hayden grinned and raised his brows. It certainly was like that. It fell a little at the mention of Kai. What was his plan? Did he have a plan? He had thought of very many things already, but he hadn’t decided what he needed to do. “I don’t know. Josh is right. I’ve been… too much. Kai is an adult now. I can’t keep treating him like my little boy. He hasn’t been that in a long time.” He frowned. “I’m… going to follow Josh’s lead.” This was a hard decision. “Mostly. A compromise.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Alex smiled at the hug and hugged Theo back the best he possibly could. "Right! Well, we should probably get going." Alex said as he moved from theo's hug and hugged Kaiden gently. Kai smiled, and patted his shoulder gently back. "So should we." He paused and looked at Ezekiel, seeing him look away. "See you soon." Kaiden said, before wrapping an arm around Theo's shoulders. "Come on." He said, turning away from them, and they headed towards the fence. He could make out figures as they drew closer. "Is that my Papa?" Kai asked, narrowing his eyes as he tried to see.

Josh looked at Soren and smiled, nodding. "I hope so." He said as he followed him closer to the spot, a hand resting on the fence as he peered out. "Soren? Do you see something?" He asked, pointing down the alley where the two boys were walking. He could feel hope in his soul as he narrowed his eyes, trying to see.

Jacob saw his grin fall a little when Kaiden was mentioned but he heard his words. "A compromise, allow him to parent with you, and while I'm sure there are moments were Kaiden will want that kind of love still, it's keeping that in check that is the important part. And that is what my brother is for."​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

Ezekiel watched them leave, and he didn’t like it. He couldn’t explain it if anyone asked. He just didn’t. He turned away and walked with Alex. Until he remembered that he had Kaiden’s pack. He bit back the sudden frustration that mixed with the frustration of not liking what was happening. He slipped back and moved down the alley just to realize that the others patrolling were too close now. What was he going to do about that? “Kaiden!” He needed to stay directly behind them. If he moved, the rest might. But if they turned around, that would draw attention. So he timed it so that he disappeared to the side when the rest turned around. Theo narrowed his eye because what was happening? Why- Ezekiel left the pack where they could see it. Theo’s eyes were wide as he realized what happened. “Oh shoot, Kai. Let me go grab that.” He jogged back and grabbed the pack, looking to the side, but Ezekiel was gone. He jogged back to Kai with the pack in his hand. He chuckled. “I’ll tell them I’m forgetful if they ask. Because that’s for sure your Papa up there. And Soren! I knew it would be them who found us.”

Ezekiel slipped back to Alex with a groan. “That was far too close. This is why we do not carry so many extra things with us.”

Soren looked forward and nodded. “Definitely someone. Could very well be them.” He watched as one ran off and came back with a pack. By that time. They were close enough to know for sure. “They forgot his pack? Oh. Is he hurt?” Soren’s smile fell. “He’s definitely hurt. Josh. We need to get them through the fence.”

Hayden tried to smile, but he was having a hard time of it. “I just… I love him so much. He’s my sweet baby boy, and it’s hard to think of him as a grown man now. And I know he is. He’s such an amazing young man. And I…” Hayden was haunted by the words he last told to Kai. He was so harsh. He lowered himself into a chair and sank into it. “I wished I hadn’t been like that. I didn’t mean that.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kai looked back behind him when he heard his name, and he saw the pack on the ground a little ways away. He paused as Theo jogged to grab it and come back. "Right. Can't forget that." He said, before he looked up ahead, relief on his face as he saw Josh and Soren at the fence. He moved a little faster after Theo came back. Josh felt relief flood his body and his face then his heart dropped hearing that, seeing someone run off and return with the pack. He moved down the fence line to the gate a few feet away, unlocking it and yanking it open. They had gates every twenty or so feet for ease of access outside, though each one was locked. "Soren, go get Jacob! Please!" Josh said, looking at his brother in law and best friend before he waited for the two boys to make it to them.

Jacob looked at Hayden, hearing his words and sighed softly. "The best thing about love and families? Fences can be mended and he still loves you and he won't hold it against you." Jacob said, and even though he hadn't seen the moment between them, he knew Kaiden loved his father no matter what.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

“Got it.” Soren turned to leave when Theo called out to him. “Tell him it’s the back injury agitated again!” Soren nodded and ran inside as Theo helped Kai to the gate. Thank goodness for overprotective fathers. “Didya miss us?” He asked with a nervous laugh. “Boy did we miss you. Specifically the last like… twelve hours.”

Soren ran through the stadium like he wasn’t sixty and there weren’t people everywhere. He made it to Hayden and Josh’s room assuming that Jacob was there, and didn’t even knock. Hayden never locked it unless he was in a mood, and Jacob had a key. As he should. Hayden knew the moment Soren came in. “Where is he?” Soren looked straight at Jacob. “Fence where they came back after their previous run.” “Soren-“ “Josh is getting them in now-“ “Soren-“ “He’s going to need you-“ “Soren!” All that calm Hayden was trying to be was not happening. Soren looked at him, and that face was enough. “What is wrong with my son?” Soren moved to Hayden’s side and without permission shoved his arm around him as support for walking. “It’s the back injury. Theo said it’s agitated, and it looks… not so great. Jacob, go. Hayden, we’re moving now, but I need him to get there fast.” Hayden’s breath caught and he didn’t know what to do. So all he did was nod.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaiden heard Theo call to Soren but his eyes were locked on his papa. He looked at Josh and as soon as those two were close enough, Josh took over for support. "We definitely missed you two. Now come on buddy." Josh said as he brought Kai in. "Theo, close and lock that gate. And we're heading to the medical tents." He said, kissing the side of Kaiden's head. “Papa.. I’m sorry.” Kaiden whispered as they walked. “Shh. Let’s get you better first then we’ll talk.” Josh said softly. He headed towards the tents with Kaiden and Theo.

Jacob looked at the door when Soren came in, and he blinked. He was moving the moment he heard that he was needed. He heard that it was his back injury again, and he looked at Soren. "Medical tent, I'll meet you there." Jacob said, bolting out the door like he wasn't fifty-five. He made his way to the medical tent, knowing that was where Josh would be taking Kaiden. He could only imagine what was going through Hayden's mind as he made to the medical tent before the others, and he waited for his nephew and his brother.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

Theo’s job was to talk incessantly while they were moving. He closed the gate and locked it and then moved alongside them both with the packs. He talked about literally anything. Anything and everything as they moved to the medical tents. He was not sure how helpful that was, but it was Theo did best. Talk and run and pretend like he wasn’t struggling with everything that just happened and also that his best friend and brother was hurting and also that they were going to have to deal with Hayden. Hayden really scared the crap out of him. So he talked and talked the whole way to the medical tents where they met Jacob and managed to beat Hayden. Soren wasn’t there, so he was likely helping him along. He would be there soon then. “Sooooo okay we’re out and about like we do and he hits his back pretty hard and now it’s a problem so can you help him? He makes me want to cry with the miserable face.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaiden and Josh both listened quietly, hearing Theo’s words and it distracted Kaiden enough that he was able to keep his mind off his back. Josh was worried, both about his son and how his husband was handling this. He was both nervous to see if this would end up clouding what they’d managed to talk about. He looked at Jacob when they got to the tents and Jacob sighed. He took Kaiden from Josh and slipped off his shirt and had him sit down on a table. “Oh Kai..” He said softly as his hands went to the injured back. “It’s going to hurt immensely when I start. I have to get these muscles to relax. Josh! Go over to the cabinet and grab the relaxers.” Jacob said as he started working the muscles. Josh went over to the cabinet and grabbed a bottle of pills. They’d found some old world relaxers in the hospital and managed to recreate them. Josh brought them over and handed one to Kai with a bottle of water. “Take one. It’ll help.” Jacob ordered as Kaiden did, and then he gasped in pain as Jacob pressed harder into the muscles to get to the deeper muscles.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

Something was wrong with Kai. His back. How bad? How bad was it if Soren had to run in and get Jacob and send him away like that? How bad was it? He shouldn’t have stopped the search. He should have kept it going. Why did he let Josh convince him that this was a good idea? Of course it was a terrible idea. This whole thing was a terrible idea. Horrible idea. No good very bad- “Hayden. Breathe.” He looked at Soren who was moving very quickly for him. Practically doing all the moving. It was very sweet that he was trying to help him when he hurt so badly. So he breathed. And he breathed. And he ignored everything Soren tried to say. He left Soren’s grip and walked himself into the tent. There he was. His baby boy gasping. “Kai.” He gasped himself before rushing to him. His baby he let go of. His baby that he could not keep safe out there. “Oh god, Kai. What happened?” He took both of his hands, pretty much ignoring everyone else around.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaiden gritted his teeth as tears filled them when he heard his dad's voice. His eyes moved to see him coming over, taking both his hands. "I.. slipped on a piece of rock that was wet. We were near the ocean and messing around." Kai replied, as Jacob kept working and pressing into the muscles. This was not the easiest thing to do, but it was the only way to get them to realign and work like they should. "Dad.. I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry. For everything.." Kaiden whispered, his eyes brimming with tears from both the pain of Jacob working on his back and with the fear that he'd be yelled at again, that his dad was still angry with him. Josh stood beside Kai, a few inches away from the three men, unsure of just how this was going to go.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

Hayden was already shaking his head and Kai started with his apologies. The moment his eyes glistened with oncoming tears, Hayden’s matched his son’s. “No. Stop. I know. I know I know.” He pulled Kai’s hands to his chest, holding them both in one as he used his other to cup Kai’s cheek. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you want to run away. I shouldn’t have been so angry.” The tears fell as he spoke, and then he couldn’t take it anymore. He knew that Jacob was working on him, but this was his little boy even if he was all grown up. He pulled Kai to his chest, wrapping his arms around him, trying not to be in Jacob’s way, and held him there. He rested his head on top of Kai’s staring up at a world that stared back at him. Knowing. “I’ve just been so worried about you.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kai saw Hayden shaking his head. He saw the tears in his eyes, that matched his own. Kai sniffed as he felt the hand on his cheek. Leaning into the touch. Feeling his hands on his dad’s chest. “I.. I shouldn’t have said what I did.” He said quietly, and then he felt himself wrapped into arms, pulled to his dad’s chest. Jacob, having expected this, worked on his upper back first so when this occurred, he was working lower and thus able to keep going. Kai buried his face into his dad’s chest, and cried softly. “Dad.. I love you..” Kai whispered, still slightly in pain from his uncles work but mostly just sad and relieved that his dad wasn’t still mad at him.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

There was nothing in the world that could make Hayden not do this when his son was in so much pain. It didn’t matter if he’d just run away or if this were the third time in days. Where Kaiden belonged was in his arms. Grown or not. That was how they had always been. When one hurt, the other one was there for him. Always. No matter what. “Shhh it’s okay. You don’t have to apologize to me.” He pulled on his son tighter. “You were right. You were more than right. I love you so much, Kai. So so much.” Nothing could ever change that. For the first time in a very long time, he pulled one arm away and gestured for Josh to join them. A frantic wave that begged for them to be together. A trio. Two parents to their child.
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[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaiden heard his dad, felt him pull on him tighter. He did though, or he felt he did. He’d done so much wrong that sorry seemed like the only answer. He blinked away tears as he heard Hayden. He didn’t think he was right, he wasn’t trying to be. And like his father, his birth father, he’d gotten upset the other day. What he wasn’t expecting was for one arm to leave him. Josh blinked, surprise on his face before a warm smile overtook him. He moved over and wrapped one arm around Hayden’s back, and one around Kai’s neck. His head pressed down on both. “I’m so thankful that you’re back buddy. I love you too.” Josh whispered, kissing the top of Kai’s head while Jacob worked the lowest part of Kaiden’s back.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

All Hayden had ever wanted was to be a family. All those years ago, he wanted to be married to his best friend and the love that would always keep him safe. Then he found Kai, and that shifted. He wanted to be married to his best friend and have a child that they could raise. But he lost track of that. He lost it in the midst of pain and anger. In the labyrinth of fear. No more. They could do better. They would do better. “Jacob,” he breathed, a little afraid of the answer, but they all needed to know, “how bad is it?”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Kaiden Lachlan and Alexander Brennan (along with the Smith Clan)
WLF Member, Young Seraphite Warrior | 23, 16 | Current location ;; Washington

Josh had always hoped for a small family, perhaps adopting a kid or two. And have the love of his life beside him. That changed when the world did. He got lost in the idea of saving everyone, of helping and protecting his family. He was thankful that Hayden had Kai, and Jacob. As Josh hugged his husband and son, he felt like they were finally a family. Finally complete. Then his attention was pulled as both Josh and Kai listened for Jacob's response. “Well. It’s not great. But we knew that. He’ll need a week of rest, relaxers once a day, and he’ll need a back massage like this every few days to keep it from locking back up. And those will be for life.” Jacob said, which made Kai’s heart drop. “He can still run, and patrol and everything else, just take it easy as well.” Jacob added as he stepped away, done for now.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Ezekiel Finch and Theophilus Sharpe (and also the Smith Clan)
Seraphite Warrior, WLF Member | 26, 22 | Current location ;; Washington

That was not as bad as it could have been. Though, there was a selfish part of Hayden that almost wished it was bad enough to keep Kai from leaving again. No, that was the selfish part of him that they were going to work on changing. Everyone deserved to be happy, and that included Kai. Kaiden, a bright young man who was capable of so much, needed the freedom to do what he liked to do such as patrolling. As much as Hayden did not like it. He readjusted to lean his forehead against Kai’s. “It’s a good thing we can replicate those relaxers.” He smiled as he moved away and touched Kai’s nose with his finger. “Alright, little shark, we should get you back to your room to rest. And then…” He looked at Josh before taking his hand and looking back. “And then I think we need to have a conversation. A real one without judgement and jumping to conclusions.”
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