#okay maybe i should just take my ritalin and knock these out

[mariatesstruther]

okay im going through my full wip folder and i actually have a few almost-finished ones in here that i fully forgot about

[theobxhummingbird]

Unreachable (Chapter 4)

(GIF credits to owner) (A JJ Maybank and Nova Fleming love story)

                                                                   The morning, John B took the HMS Pogue and arrived at the Cameron's boat, to drop off the scuba gear. After all, the compass had reached him; it was definitely some sort of sign. His dad was alive and John B was sure of it. He parked the HMS Pogue and hopped on the Cameron's boat. The glass door opened and revealed sleeping Sarah. He looked at her and then started walking; the scuba gear making noises. -Wheezie, shut up. -she moved around and rubbed her eyes. But as John B proceeded to walk, the metal hit something, which made Sarah completely awake. -God! You're not...Wheezie. -Correct. Yeah. -he sighs, -I'm sorry. -What are you doing? -Um...I'm just dropping off some scuba gear. Sarah fixed herself and got up in a sitting position. -What-what are you doing here? -It's our boat? It's also the only place with air conditioning. -Right! -Did you, um...top up the tanks? -Uh...No, no, power's down so the compressors were off. -he cleared his throat. -So, you're sneaking onto our boat at 5:00 am with empty tanks? -she said, looking at John B's speechless face. -I'll make sure to tell Ward. -Okay...okay. -he dropped the gear on the floor. -Yeah, yup, the middle of the room is fine. -Yeah...pretty much, that's what he told me to do. Bye! He started to walk, but then took a step back, -Actually...you know what--what exactly were you going to tell your dad. -Nothing much. Just that you poached our scuba gear. -Okay...uh...I borrowed it for a few hours. Okay? And then I brought it back intact and unharmed. -Minus air. -Okay, please don't tell him. He'll fire me. -What are you going to do? Pull a gun on me? -I didn't know JJ would do that. -That's convenient to believe. Maybe you should get better friends. -Well, maybe you should get a better boyfriend. -John B mocked her moves. -Like one who doesn't poach? -Look, please just don't tell him, okay? -Relax. I'm not going to tell him anything. Your secret's safe with me, John B. -they smiled at each other, -Okay, you can leave now. -Right, uh...I'll leave that--right there. -Bye. -said Sarah, pulling the blanket over herself and going back to sleep. After John B left, Wheezie showed up; now, not only Sarah knows about John B's secret.

Nova got ready for work; getting to the Wreck five minutes earlier this time. Her things were settled in one place and she put her waitress uniform on. There weren't many people at the Wreck, so she had time to text Pope about what their plans are for the day. He texted her saying, him and Kie will be at John B's later that day, and they'll be waiting for her there. While waiting for anything to show up that'll have to do with her job, she took out the journal:

-" Being cared about. A feeling I've been unfamiliar with for a long time. Or I might even say, having people who really care about me. After everything that had happened, I'm not scared anymore; let anything rule wars with me. And that, letting people in my life fear? That's long gone as well.  Maybe this is not who I am, but who I should be. The person I was; that fearful person, transformed into a completely different body. I'm not scared of having friends anymore; knowing they'll never leave me, because they're just like me. Sometimes, I'm scared of being sure; but, what if that's the only thing I need to be? To be sure that everything's going to be good; to be sure that no matter what toughness comes my way, I'l fight through it; no matter what occurs my home life, I'll be there to fix it. I feel like I should be here; the Outer Banks. The one place I never thought of, is now the place I belong to. How weird..."

-Nova. -said Mrs. Carrera, -How are you sweetie? -I'm doing well, Mrs. Carrera, how are you? -I'm well, thank you. Can you please organize a table; we're having friends from business over? Think you can do that? -Yes, yes of course. I'll reserve it in the garden, like always. -Thank you. Have a nice day. -she said, walking away to the kitchen.

The Pogues had already gathered in the Chateau. Earlier, John B and JJ, visited Ms. Lana's house to ask her if she knows anything about the compass. And the both of them, didn't only see Ms. Lana, but the two men who were shooting at them.

-And we were outside like this. -said JJ, leaning on the fireplace-chimney. -And all we hear is just, "Bam, bam, bam!" Knocking paint off the wall, G! From the inside. All right? And I'm just looking at him like-- Wait, first off, look at this. JJ shakes his hair, as white dust comes out of his hair. -That's dandruff, disgusting. -said Kie, looking as it falls on the ground. -Okay, thank you. -said Pope, moving him away. -Look at all this, all right. That's paint. At that point, I was just like... I'm waiting for death. -Oh, okay, so you saw the guys that shot us, right? -said Pope. -Yeah. -Did you get a good description of them? What did they look like? -Yeah, anything. -added Kie. -Anything we can bring to a police report? -Yeah. -Burly. -said JJ. -...Burly? -Yeah. You know like-- -That's not very helpful. -Okay, well, no, like the type of guy at my dad's garage. I mean, you guys know he made cargo hides for drug smugglers. -Yeah, yes. No, we know. -I can tell you with full confidence,guys. These boys, these killers, -he takes a blunt, -they're square groupers. -They're square groupers, like narco square grouper? Like Pablo Escobar square grouper. -Yeah, man. -You guys, not everything is kingpin movie. -Okay so, what does this square grouper look like? Specifically. -Dude, you weren't there, bro...-JJ raised his voice. -Because apparently, you don't know what to look for! -Dude! -said JJ, -I wasn't taking little mental Polaroids the entire time, man, I was under duress, okay? But I can tell you...I can tell you by the way that Ms. Lana was screaming... that these guys are serious, serious hombres, man. It's a heavy vibe right now, okay? I'm not liking this very much. -Why do they want the compass? -said Kie. -It's a piece of shit. You couldn't pawn it off for five bucks if you wanted to. -Pope turned to John B, -No offense. I know it's in your family-- -The office. -said John B. -My dad. My dad's office. He always kept the office locked because he was worried about his competitors stealing his Royal Merchant research. We used to laugh at him like he was going to find it. But now that he's gone, I've just...I just left it as he kept it. -Yeah for when he gets back. -Kie eyes JJ and Pope not to say anything. The four of them walk into Big John's office; crowded with research and many books, as well as maps. John B takes a pinboard, to show the amount of owners that had the compass, before it was passed down to his dead. And surprisingly, everyone dies with it. -Hm. Sounds like there's a reccuring theme here. -JJ adds. -Yeah, you have a death compass. -said Pope. -No, I do not have a de- -You have a death compass. -Get rid of it. Seriously, dude? It's cursed and made its way back to you. -My dad used to talk about this compartment in here. Soldiers used to hide secret notes. -John B sat down, twisting the compass and shaking it to see if something falls off. -What's that? -Kie referred to the cap, where there was a writing. -That wasn't there before. This is my dad's handwriting. -How can you know that? -Because he does these weird Rs with the-- See it? -Can I see it? -said JJ, - "Red--Rout--" -No, I think that's an A. -It says Redfield. -said Kie. -Right. -Okay, well, what's Redfield. -Besides the most common name in the county... -Oh maybe--maybe it's a clue. Maybe it's a clue to where he's hiding. -Okay... -A clue? Come on, that's -- Kie shakes her head for Pope not to say anything, that'll bring John B down, -But if it is a clue, maybe it's an anagram? -Yes. Perfect. Anagram. You need paper. -John B reached for paper and pen and gave it to Pope. -How can you concentrate with that thing crowing at you? -said Pope, referring to the rooster in the coop that kept crowing the whole time. -JJ loves the rooster. -I love the rooster. -Okay, let me think. John B took a paper and wennt to the window, where he can easily write on the table. -Seriously, think. -said Kie. -Dedfiel. Colors--That's stupid. -What about... Ritalin? -Dreidel? Fiddler? -Let's stick with what we're...Defile. Does that mean anything to you? -Guys. -John B looks out the window; a car pulling up at his house, next to the Volkswagen, but no one's listening and they keep guessing. -Guys! Somebody's here. Everyone walks over to the window and sees the same guys that shoot them and the ones who beat up Ms. Lana. -Guys, guys, is that them? -No. -Is that them. -This is suboptimal. -Nova's here as well. Damn it! -said John B. -The girl needs to stay there, she'll get hurt. -What? -said Pope, peeking out the see his friend enter the Chateau, -Oh no! -John B, I told you. -said JJ. -Why does it always--JJ! Hey, look at me. -John B pins him to the wall. -Where's the gun? -Gun-uh-I- -Now you don't have the gun, the one time we need the gun? -Kie starts to pace around in panic. -It was in my backpack, and then I-- -Backpack-- On the porch. -It's on the porch. -JJ walks out, but slips over when they start entering the house and goes back to the office. -John Routledge! -Where's the gun? -They're on the front porch, guys. -Nova's going to come in, we're screwed bro. -said Pope, his hands finding their way on top of his head. -We need to help her and get out of here. -Oh no! Guys, window! Window! Hurry, hurry. JJ and Pope run over to the window, trying to lift it up, but it remains stuck. -Why is it taking so long? -It's painted shut, okay. -Routledge! -Guys, guys, here, I got it. -Kie brings an envelope knife and gives it to the boys. -Shh. One of the men walks over to Big John's office and smashes the door. -You better not be in there! He keeps kicking the door and it manages to crack a bit; pulling his gun out and shooting at the mechanism. Nova's eyes shot up at her friends, and JJ quickly intertwines his hand with hers and they run to the chicken coop. The men open the door and look around Big John's belongings, while the Pogues remain quiet in the chicken coop. They come out with some things from the office; loading them in their car. John B peeks to see what they're doing; Kie panicking and crying on his side. But the rooster keeps crowing. -Do something, Pope. Shut him up. -JJ says through greeted teeth, as his and Nova's hand stay intertwined. -What do you want me to do? -Pet it, or talk to it. I don't know. -Kie said. Rutter closes the back of the jeep, and looks over to the chicken coop, taking out his gun after the amounts of time the rooster flies in it and crows. John B sits down next to Kie. -He heard it. -Nova said, squeezing JJ's hand; the clucking continuing as he walks slowly. -JJ...he heard it.

-I got you, emerald girl. -he said, caressing her hair quickly.

-You do something. -Pope whispers. When the rooster flies over, JJ grabs his neck and pins it to the ground, squeezing it hard until it goes quiet. Kie sobs at the sound of it dying and John B puts his hand over hers. JJ comes and intertwines his hand with Nova's, who peeks to see if he's too close to the coop. -Ratter! What the hell are you doing? Let's go. The guy walks over to the jeep and climbs in it, shutting the door. Kie cries and they all breathe heavily, as the engine starts working; John B peeking to see when they leave. Nova sighs, as the five of them leave the coop, still holding JJ's hand. -Sorry, Novs. -Kie hugs her friend tightly; her whole body trembling. -Are you guys okay? Any of you hurt? -she asks looking at them. -Except the rooster, -said JJ, -the rest of us are fine. The three other friends scratch their head, looking at JJ and Nova, who were unaware of the tight grip of each other's hands. When JJ turns around, he sees them all staring at something. -What, bro? -he said to Pope, swinging his hand in front of his face to get him back to reality. While Kie, eyes Nova at their hands. -Uh...-she slips her hand off of JJ's, -sorry...it was in the heat of the moment. -Yeah...at least you didn't, you know, get hurt because of us. -he scratched his forehead. -Let's go guys, get in the van. -said John B, jumping in the driver's seat.

-I mean, it's obvious, right? -said John B, looking partly at the road and partly at his friends, -A family heirloom. What better place to hide a message? He had to know it was going to get back to me, right? -Yeah, it's possible. -It could also be possible, -spoke Pope, -that you're concocting wild theories to help, you know...deal with your sad feels. -Pope? -Bro, you know how I process my sad feels. Dank nugs and the stickiest of ickies, that's how I do it. -I'm not concocting, okay?- John B raised his voice, -My dad's trying to give me a message. -If it helps you believe, John B. -said Kie, licking her lips with a small frown curving them. -Look, I-I don't need a therapy session, okay? Look, I'm not tripping out. -It's okay to trip, bro, but-- -Look, my--dad is missing, okay?Missing. You know what it's like to have the person closest to you vanish and then have no idea what happened. Just wake up every morning wondering. -I understand your pain John B, -Nova added, -really, I do. Your situation is different of course, but not having your parent in your life suddenly...it's just... indescribable. -It's been almost a year. -said Kie. -Hey, he could have been kidnapped. That's definitely a possibility. -Or he's somewhere lost on a desert island; looking for help. -Yeah, he could also be in a Soviet sub, getting interrogated by the KGB somewhere. -Absolutely. -JJ agreed, -Uh...or Atlantis. -JJ. -Kie warned him, turning back to John B, -What do you think the message is? -Redfield. Redfield Lighthouse. That's my dad's favorite place. The Volkswagen parked in front of a big lighthouse; the five of them exiting it and coming in front of the Redfield Lighthouse. -Right. -John B turned to JJ, -You're going to post up and look out for bogeys, okay? -Wait..why me? -Because you're not coming. -said Pope. -Why? -There are independent and dependent variables. And you're an independent. We don't know what you're going to do. -Shut up! Shut up! -Listen to me for a second. Pope, you stand look out with JJ. Okay? Nova will be here too, we won't put her in more danger. If we get split up, we meet back at JJ's house. -Great. -said Kie, stepping away together with John B. -I'm gonna work on my merit scholarship essay and I'm trying to keep felonies to a minimum. -All right Pope, would you just shut up already. -said JJ, juggling a pinecone. -Leave the kid be, already. -said Nova, leaning against the van. She looked up at the sky, observing the blueness. -Nova. -Pope came over to her, - Can we talk about something, so JJ cannot complain, because there's the two us? -Sure. -she said, looking at Pope,  -Open a topic. -For example...um... what's the possibility, John B finds what he's looking for in that Lighthouse? -In my opinion, he's looking at the wrong place, since the easiest way you find it, is always the wrong place. Big John must've known he'll find this place easier, and left it to a more secretive place than the lighthouse. Maybe there's another place called Redfield. Or maybe I'm just making up my own theory. But something about this place, doesn't feel right to me. -What feels right to you anyways? -said JJ. -Unassuming guys? Safety? It could be. -said Nova. -Wait...what's the deal with you two anyways? -said Pope. -Ms. Nova shall explain the unwanted situation. -No, I know what happened, just why do you have to hate each other? -I don't hate JJ, he's being all presumptuous the whole time. -I don't trust you, okay? Maybe you're Rafe Cameron's secret girlfriend and spread the information all the way to him and then he tells his dad. -I have no idea what Rafe Cameron looks like in first place. I've only seen Sarah and Wheezie, but not Rafe. So stop making assumptions. -You know what, I think you love each other. -Pope, you can't love a person that you met just a few days ago, it's impossible. -Love at first sight? -Yeah bro, you believe in that shit? -Uh, yeah, since you're arguing like a married couple, a person wouldn't think other. -Let's just look out for bogeys and leave these topics for a different time. -Nova said and started looking around to see if she spots an intruder. Suddenly, she hears sirens and spots a police car. -Oh shit! -Pope and JJ start running, leaving Nova behind. -Guys! My foot. -she tries to pull it from the branches. JJ runs back to her, cleaning away the branches from her foot and running back to the van hand in hand with Nova.

After a long time of not coming, JJ, Pope and Nova looked over at the sound of a horn. John B with the van. -Let's ride! -he yelled as the three of them loaded in the van. -This better be good, bro. They drove to the Wreck, where Pope went inside to get Kie. -She said she's not coming. -What'd you do to her, John B? -Shit. Hang on, I'll deal with it. -he opened the door and stepped outside, going to Kie. Suddenly, Nova's phone buzzed and she got a text from Kie saying: "John B kissed me." -Oh! -Nova yelled at JJ's ear, making him jump. -Yo, what is wrong with you, emerald girl? -Just...sudden shock and surprise...sorry.

-You mind if I just relax on this one? -said JJ from the back of the van, -It's been a long day, and a lot of weird stuff's gone down. I'm just going to lay low. Oh, did you want a hit of this? -I keep the signal clear. -said Pope, pushing away JJ's hand. -You, emerald girl? -I keep the signal clear too. -Dude, okay. Do you understand that your problem is that you don't get creative? -said JJ, as Nova rolled her eyes, dropping her head back against the van. -If you got creative, then-- -Look, I--I know I was wrong about the lighthouse, all right? And pretty much wrong about everything else going on. But, I--I was right about one thing. Okay? My dad is trying to tell me something.

-Come on, hey. -said John B in the darkness. -Hey, come on. -I'm coming. This place is scary. -said Kie, stepping out of the van. -I feel like in a Scooby-Doo mystery hunt. -said Nova. -John B what are we doing? -Shut up. Okay. You know how you're trying to remember a song and can't remember who sings it? -Yeah? -So, Redfield. This whole time I thought it was a place, right? But it's not a place. It's a person. -he lights the lantern up to a grave stone, with the name 'Redfield'. -Voi-effing-la. -said JJ. -It's my great-great-grandmother. Olivia Redfield. That was her maiden name. -Help me with the door, come on. One...two...three. -John B and Pope push the door slightly open. -Are you pushing? -said Pope, grunting as he pushes the door. -Yeah, I'm pushing. -Come on. -Hold on. I got it. -JJ comes over for help. -Come on, this door's like 700 pounds. It's not going to budge. -We didn't come this far to get this far, all right? -Whoa! -Pope jumps back, as a snake appears from a crack. -A snake! -Whoa, whoa, whoa! -That's a moccasin, all right. Ye olde Dr. Cottonmouth. Death in tall grass. -JJ starts barking to the snake. -JJ, shut up. Shut up! -Oh my god, it's going to bite him, what is he thinking? -said Nova, trying to nudge him to move back. -You're going to freaking wake the dead, man. -They're afraid of dogs. Everyone knows that, man. Wait, hold on, hold on, hold on. -What? -John B and Kie say at the same time. -If there's one, there's probably dozens. All around. -What? -Stop. You're scaring me. -Kie said, as he continued barking. -Stop barking at the snakes. -Shut up! John, look. We're not going to get in there, all right? It's not budging. -I can get in if you want to; I'm not afraid of snakes, did a lot of lab experiments on them. -offered Nova. -No, you're not going in there, emerald girl. Not risking your life for the third time today. You’re staying here with us. -JJ was quick to react.

-Okay, mommy. -said Nova, getting a side glare from JJ.

-We should probably just go. -I can get through. -said Kie. -What?No,no,no,no. You think you're gonna fit through the hole? That hole? -said John B. -Look this is about your dad. And honestly I really don't believe in it, but you deserve to know the truth. I'll do it. Come on. -she walks closer to the grave. -Give her a boost. -I'm going to boost you, all right. -JJ kneels a bit, -I've seen it in the movies several times. Ready? -Remind me what we're looking for. -You'll know when you see it. -Hold my flashlight. -she gives it to Nova. JJ boosts her up and she goes into the grave. -Okay, flashlight? -I got it. -Nova reaches in and hands it to her. -You alive? You got like, a --a heartbeat and everything? -So far. -she looks around. -Uh I need some more light. -Yeah, yeah, here, I got you. -said John B, reaching his lantern inside. -Did you find something? Is there gold? -Oh my god. -said Kie, walking over to a place and stunningly looking at something.

[whumppile]

I’ll pray that sleep comes easy

(AN: I accidentally came up with this idea this morning when I was trying to get back to sleep and since I've finally got a day off I got to write it yay!just a little warning this does have a little bit of 'recovering alcoholic tony' so if that's going to trigger anything for you be safe and maybe skip this story? Love you all)

“Tony, you need to sleep.”

The mechanic ignored Rhodey’s very sound advice and reached for a bottle from the shelf, fingers dancing over labels until he’d found a whiskey he liked. 

“What I need is a drink and some Ritalin.”

Rhodey snatched the bottle out of Tony’s hand, anger thinning his patience out faster than usual. “You promised Pepper you’d stop this.”

Tony reached for it again, sour mood worsened by being told what to do in his own lab. “She’s used to it.”

Rhodey evaded his grasp and tried again, tone lower as he held Tony’s gaze. “Peter’s not and you promised him too.”

That was a low blow but not a word of it was a lie and that's what hurt the most. Tony blew out an irritated breath as he walked away, throwing an arm out and sweeping bits of scattered projects from his workbench.

He was throwing a tantrum and he knew it but the loud clang of metal as it crashed onto the floor was cathartic and that was enough of an excuse for his guilt to let it slide. 

Rhodey sighed. “He’s fine. We got him out.”

Tony rubbed a hand over his face, still turned away from his friend as he shook his head. “He should never have been there in the first place. That building should have never come down. He should never have been put through that again!”

His words turned into shouts by the end of it and he turned to face Rhodey, hands trembling as he crumbled just a little, voice softening. 

“I should have saved him this time. I was right there and he had the suit but it wasn’t enough.”

He was quiet, pleading with Rhodey like he could turn back time and fix it but he couldn't. 

Rhodey, having known the man long enough to know that the anger was gone and all that was left was the hurt, stepped forward and gripped Tony by his shoulders. 

“You can’t protect him from everything.” 

He knew that but it wouldn't stop him from trying.

“He wasn’t in there for long, Tones and you made Friday and Bruce do every scan and test they could. He’s okay.”

:::::::::

Peter was fine. I mean, the cast on his arm was annoying and he still had a headache from the concussion he’d gotten when the roof collapsed on him. But the deep cuts over his face had healed enough that he’d graduated from bandages to the bright teenage mutant ninja turtle bandaids Bruce got him. 

And sure, having a building collapse on him in the middle of a mission was NOT the way he’d wanted his Friday night to go but he was okay. Really. He just wished the fear and panic from it would go away.

It was bad enough that he’d been buried under rubble but when that rubble reminded him of another collapsed building it just ramped up the anxiety. And having a panic attack through coms and begging for Tony to save him while the Avengers could all hear was just embarrassing. 

Peter wasn’t sure if he was ever going to be able to look them in the eye again. And to make matters worse he’d freaked Tony out so bad the man had refused to sleep for the past three days. 

The sound of his own voice cracking as he’d sobbed for Tony rang through his head again and he shook it away. 

“Mr Stark, you gotta help me, please! I’m stuck! I can’t get out! I can’t breathe! Help me!”

God, he should have just shut up and waited quietly. 

The other Avengers hadn’t made fun of him, not even Sam and Bucky, they had all just shouted to him over the coms, telling him they were getting him out. 

Tony had sounded frantic, digging through rubble with his hands until the paint on his suit had scraped off. When he’d finally dug the teenager out he’d grabbed him in a hug and held on until Peter had finally stopped crying. 

Great work Spider-man. 

“I bet Black Widow never cries when she gets trapped.” He’d muttered it to himself, sulking in his room and unaware of the other Avenger in his doorway. 

“No, but she does insist on being knocked out for any dentist appointment longer than a cleaning.”

Peter turned around at the voice to see Clint leaning on the door frame. Peter didn’t say anything as the archer strolled into his room and took a seat on the chair next to Peters bed. 

“Look, kid, we all have trauma and shit that scares us. A kid your age shouldn’t have two building’s collapse on them in their lifetime let alone one. No one's going to look down on you because you freaked out. We would have been more worried if you hadn’t.”

Peter looked down at his sneakers and scratched idly at the bandaid on his cheek, anxiety rippling through him. “I just feel bad that I worried Mr Stark so much. I know he’s not sleeping. I heard Miss Pots talking to Dr Banner about it.”

Clint watched the droop of Peters' shoulders before nodding. There was no use lying to the kid. 

“Yeah, but we’ll get him sorted. He’ll be okay.”

Peter kicked at the carpet, annoyed at himself. “Yeah but it’s my fault. I just keep screwing things up and getting in the way and-”

Clint smacked the back of his hand against Peters' shoulder, frowning at the weight the kid was putting on himself. “Hey, you didn’t screw anything up. The building collapsed while you were evacuating people from it. You got everyone out and you got yourself to the safest place you could before it came down. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Peter sniffled, wiping a hand over his nose as his eyes stung with tears he really didn’t want to fall. 

“But Mr Stark-”

Clint leaned an elbow on his knee as he leaned forward, searching for Peters' eyes were they stayed glued to his shoelaces. “Peter, Tony has had a lot of people that he cared about, and that were supposed to care about him, let him down. You are not and could never be one of them. Do you know how many kids I have?”

Peter sniffed, not seeing the relevance. “Three?”

Clint nodded. “Now that makes me an expert Dad so let me let you in on a secret about the whole parent thing, okay?”

He'd never said it out loud, he'd been too afraid of losing it if he named it but Peter did see Tony as his dad and he wiped a hand over his eyes as he leaned forward, listening eagerly. 

Clint looked into the teenager’s eyes and wished he didn’t see so much loss in them. 

He softened his voice and let a small smile lift his features. “There is nothing in this world that we wouldn't do for our kids. Not all parents are good ones but the ones that are, like yours were, like Tony is, would give up everything just to make sure you’re okay. So, trust me when I say Tony doesn’t want you blaming yourself or feeling bad. Especially when it’s not your fault.”

Peter’s mouth tugged down at the sides and he ducked his head down like he was fighting against tears. Clint stood and took a seat next to Peter on his bed, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and letting him collect himself. 

It took a few minutes before Peter sniffed and blinked the tears away, taking a breath and evening out his voice enough to ask. “Hey, Mr Hawkeye? If Mr Starks my dad, what does that make you?”

Clint smiled and squeezed him tight. “Your crazy awesome uncle.”

Peter laughed, letting his shoulders shake with it in Clint's hold and he felt a little better.

That was until night came. 

::::::

Tony sat at his desk and stared at the shelf of liquor he’d made Rhodey leave alone. 

He should have gotten rid of them, he knew that. They were just a temptation and he wanted to stay sober for all the people that he needed to protect from his stupid drunk self but nothing else calmed his roaring anxiety like the burn of alcohol and he was weak.  

It was three AM and while it was the fourth night he hadn’t slept, he didn’t plan on changing that. 

Sleep led to nightmares which lead to panic attacks and he wasn’t signing up for his brains thrilling rerun of Peter trapped in that building, thank you very much. 

He saw it enough during the day. God, the kid's screams and sobs through the coms had almost killed him. 

But he shouldn't drink. He couldn't, he promised. 

“That building on the south side’s come down.”

Deep breaths, Stark. 

“Wait, where’s Peter?”

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.

“I don’t- I think he’s-”

He's fine. He’s fine.

“TELL ME HE'S NOT IN THAT BUILDING!”

God, someone make it stop.

“Mr Stark, help me!”

Fuck he really was sleep deprived. That one had sounded so real. 

Tony jumped up from his seat and stormed over to the line of sins on the shelf, pulling the vodka down. He hated himself the second he touched it but that didn’t stop him from reaching for the lid. 

“Please! I’m trapped!”

Tony’s head snapped up, heart thundering hard in his chest because...fuck. That wasn’t a hallucination or a flashback. That was real. 

He dropped the bottle, too panicked to even be aware of the shattering glass and spray of spirits across the floor as he ran. 

“Friday, where’s Peter?”

The AI answered as her creator sprinted from his lab, nothing else on his mind but his need to get to his kid. Right. The Fuck. Now. 

“In his bedroom, Boss.”

Shit, had someone broken in? Had something happened? Were they under attack?

Tony’s legs had never carried him faster and he barreled his way into Peter's room, ready to kill whoever he needed to keep Peter safe only to find there was no intruder. There was no alien or death squad, no dangerous threat of any kind. 

Peter was asleep and having a nightmare. 

The kid was tangled in sheets, crying out and thrashing as he struggled to free himself from his cotton prison. 

Tony was frozen in the doorway for a second, brain trying to catch up with the fact that Peter was in fact safe. He didn’t move until one of Peters screams of terror broke into a sob. 

“Da-a-ad!” 

Tony didn’t need to think about what he needed to do, that word snapped something inside of him awake and he jolted forward the few meters to Peters bed. 

“Peter, wake up.” 

He reached for him, tearing his sheets away and gripping his arms, shaking him a little, trying to rouse him from his horror-filled dreamscape. 

“Peter!”

The teenager’s sobs stuttered as his eyes snapped open and he lay frozen on the bed, hyperventilating for the second it took for his eyes to register Tony in front of him. 

“You’re okay, Pete. It was just a nightmare.”

His face crumpled once he realised who it was that was gripping him and he started crying all over again, reaching for his mentor with sleep clumsy fingers. 

“Mr Stark.” 

Tony took a seat on the bed and pulled the kid until he was sitting up, trembling beneath his hands. He wrapped his arms around him, rocking the two of them as Peter wet his shirt with huge heaving sobs. 

“I w-was back there and I couldn’t get out. I couldn’t find you.”

“You’re okay. You’re safe now, kiddo. I gotcha.”

Tony pulled in deep slow breaths as he tried to calm the residual waves of panic leftover from his scare. “Just breathe, Pete. We’re okay.”

The poor boy was shaking against his chest and while Tony felt like crying too he didn’t have time for his own meltdown. With his arms still around the sobbing teenager, because he was clever like that, he took his anxiety demon and put it in a vibranium box and sealed it. That little shit wasn't getting out until he knew Peter was okay. 

He steadied himself with another deep breath and softened his voice, forcing it to be as steady and calm as it had ever been. He held Peter close and brushed a hand over the back of his head, fingers massaging the soft curls that lay at the back of the boy's neck. 

“I’m right here, Petey. I’m not leaving you. You’re okay.”

Peter’s crying was quietening down, settling into small whimpers and sniffles against Tony’s chest but his back was still jumping up under his mentor's hands with each jerky gasp and Tony held tight. 

He kept up the steady stream of reassurances to soothe himself as much as Peter, making sure the kid knew he wasn't going to let go until he was ready. 

The room was dark and Tony found his eyes blinking slower and slower as he held the shivering boy. Peters' fingers were already curled securely into his shirt so he felt like he'd be okay to move around a bit. 

He held Peter to his chest, making it clear he didn’t have to let go as he repositioned them, swinging his legs onto the mattress and leaning back against Peters headboard. 

“We’re okay. You’re safe with me, Pete.”

He reached a hand down and pulled the comforter from where Peters thrashing had let it slip to the side, and pulled it over the both of them, tucking it around his ward. 

Although it had been his job to make Peter feel better he found that not only had he managed to lock his anxiety away but Peters weight against his chest had silenced it completely. 

The teenager was warm and safe in his arms and he let himself relax against the headboard, small puffs of air against his neck smoothing out and deepening as the kid calmed down. 

Peter lifted his good wrist to his eyes and wiped the tears away, wishing he would stop hiccuping so pathetically. He should have felt more embarrassed but Mr Stark hadn’t even blinked an eye at holding him and it was the only thing making him feel better. 

The comforting ramble of reassurances had quieted as his own crying had and although Mr Stark had made himself comfy there on his bed, Peter was worried that he’d pull away any second and leave him in the dark again. 

He really didn’t want him to leave. 

He hid his face in his mentor's shirt and scrounged up the scattered bits of courage he had left to get his voice to work. 

“M-Mr Stark?”

Tony’s arms tightened against him minutely but there was no answer and Peter closed his eyes as he pushed the small words out into the air.

“Can you stay? I don’t want to be by myself.”

The room was quiet and Peter suddenly felt as if he’d dropped every bit of bravery he’d managed to find. He pulled away, sitting up as he backtracked, wiping a hand over his face. 

“Forget about it. You don’t have to- I’m being stupid and-”

Of all the things that could have come out of Tony’s mouth to interrupt him he never thought it would be a snore. 

He sat there on Tony’s knee, the man's arms still looped around him, and stared in amazement at the sleeping face of one Tony Stark. 

He was out like a light, head leaning back, soft snores coming from his mouth and Peter smiled. 

They were okay, the both of them. 

Peter tugged the blanket back up his shoulders and laid back down on Tony’s chest, curling up in his arms as Tony instinctively wrapped his arms back around him. 

“Night, Dad.” 

And finally, for the first time in three days, the two of them slept through the night. 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20010922

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13348917/1/

let me know what you think?

[franniexfabs]

So I Might Have Had Your Baby

Who?: Frannie & @hunterclaringtonjoy

What?: Frannie visits Hunter only to reveal that... he might be a dad!

Where?: Hunter’s suite- Schuester Dorms

When?: July 13th, 2020

Frannie grabbed Ollie's bag from the doorway as she left the apartment, her son already in the stroller but squirming around. "Listen, I know you're moving more, little man... but I'm not slowly making my way over to Hunter's, okay? After we see him, we can run around in the grass in the square, yeah?" Ollie babbled away, blowing a raspberry. "...Did Uncle Sam teach you that? I'm gonna blame Uncle Sam. Yep." Leaving the apartment building, they walked over to the Schuester Dorms and got to Hunter's suite. She lifted her hand to knock on his door but froze, glancing down at Ollie. "You know what, maybe tomorrow..." She started moving away from the door when the small boy chucked one of his toys at the door. "Ollie! What the-"

Despite only being back on campus a day Hunter was already pouring over his work for orientation week and the semester to come. Today had been move in day for the freshman and he was feeling rather frazzled so in one hand was a short glass of bourbon, and the other was a pen he was chewing intently to stave off the urge to throw back a few Ritalin or Adderall as he would have done this time last year. He was happy that Frannie would be coming by soon, it would be a welcome break and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t miss her. A bang against his door had Hunter jumping from his seat ready to reprimand whatever foolishness the freshman had managed to conjure up already but his scow changed to an honest smile when he saw Frannie. “Hey beautiful,” he greatest her with his most charming smile, “come on in,” he waved in the direction of the area where he had a couch and tv. “He little dude” he smiled down at Ollie, offering his hand for a high five, “did Nate teach you how the cool kids say hi yet?” He asked the toddler.

Frannie sighed as she reached down to pick up the toy, tossing it into the pocket in the back of the stroller before the door suddenly opened. “I’m sorry. He just- Never mind. Hi.” She smiled back for a moment, looking away and back to Ollie. He blew another raspberry and giggled, reaching his small hand out to hit Hunter’s. “Not sure if that was Nate or Sam, but we’re blaming Uncle Sam for the raspberries, right?” She told her son before wheeling in the stroller to the suite. Setting the bag down, she took Ollie out and lifted him into her arms. “How.. How was Europe?” She asked as she turned around to look at Hunter again, now holding Ollie.

"Don't worry about it, I've had Freshman here for one day and they've already tried to tear the place apart so honestly he could probably lay the contents of his toybox across the hall and it wouldn't be much different to how it looks right now but I'll have them in line by the end of the week, right little dude?" Hunter laughed at Ollie blowing raspberries "Don't know if Nate is cool enough to teach raspberries so we can blame Sam for that one I think." He laughed, smirking at Frannie "Good job!" He smiled jovially at Ollie once he returned the high five. ruffling his hair. Frannie seemed a little nervous which was odd to Hunter, she'd always seemed so put together back when they were seeing each other regularly. "Europe was hot as hell, got every city checked off my list." He winked, "but we did get to see some amazing stuff, love the history of the place, and Ben got to see some real Jewish history so I know that meant a lot to him, he doesn't know enough about his Mothers heritage and I wish there was more we could do honestly." He sighed, taking a seat beside her and relaxing, arms spread across the back of the couch. "How was summer with the kiddo?"

“It feels like forever ago since freshman year... but I don’t think I was as much anywhere near as giddy as some of these girls I’ve seen wandering around are.” Frannie commented before rolling her eyes at his words. A small smile crossed her lips as she watched Hunter interact with Ollie , but it was quickly replaced by her chewing the inside of her cheek. Sitting on the couch with Ollie in her lap, she scoffed softly as she nodded. “I have no doubts that you did just that, but I’m glad you also found time to actually... see sights rather than just do them.” She quipped. “That’s really great... I’m happy Benji got to do that. He was able to enjoy stuff, right? I know he was having a... not great time before you all left...” Frannie handed Ollie his teething ring and he began biting it. “It was great- for the most part. A lot of time with just him and I since Nate was dealing with some things... But he’s changed so much in the last while and it’s been so amazing to see it happening everyday, right?” Ollie took the teething ring out of his mouth and tried to put it into Frannie’s when she looked at him. “Uh no thanks, little man. But good job trying to share.” She shook her head back and forth very fast and he laughed. She smiled big at him for a second before clearing her throat. “Uhm, but yeah... it was good. Until Ollie’s dad popped back up. Then, things got  kinda... messy.”

Hunter laughed at that. "I don't think you were ever giddy Fabray. Personally, I'd stick to lascivious personally but that's up to you my dear," he winked, not bothering to reign in his flirting since Nate wasn't around. It wasn't as if he was specifically doing it on purpose it was just his natural demeanor and especially now being in anger management this inappropriate side of his personality was definitely over compensating. "There was plenty to see and do while we were there, Europe is very beautiful and I got a chance to really appreciate the French side of my French-Canadian roots." He smirked, not really caring to censor himself too much. Frannie had probably seen every side of him by this point and she certainly hadn't complained about his active sex life before. "I am happy for him too though, we got to have some cool family time and he got to have such an important experience with a guy he'd been into since he was about 11 so it was a big deal, and it was all very sobering to see." Hunter sighed, he'd been very surprised how seeing those parts of history had effected him but in a way it was nice to be able to prove to himself he was human. Hunter made an indignant noise at the toddlers attempt to share something drool covered but he laughed all the same. "Yeah good job kid, real nice sharing with mom," he teased even though Ollie couldn't understand the sarcasm in his tone. He leaned forward and offered him one of the toys from the stroller. "How about sharing your car with mom?" "What happened with his Dad? Do I need to have someone taken care of?" Hunter raised his eyebrows, giving Frannie a look that said 'tell me the truth'. "Nobody better have hurt you, Fabray."

Frannie nodded softly with a shrug. "That's a good way to describe me since if I wasn't as such... this little man wouldn't be here, would you?" She said, kissing the top of Ollie's head gently. She let out a small laugh at Hunter's comment. "I'm glad you got that opportunity to do so. I'm sure you exceeded many expectations over there." She smiled sincerely over at Hunter for a moment. "And I bet it was also a big deal to that you were with him and there for him as well. I can only imagine how surreal those experiences were." Ollie giggled as he took the car from Hunter and shook it before moving it over Frannie's leg. He squirmed a little, wanting to walk around the suite instead of being held by his mother. "Okay, okay." She set him down and he moved closer to Hunter, wheeling the car over his leg before holding it up towards him. "Oh, well, I guess he doesn't want to share that with me." She shook her head, running her hand over her hair as she moved it to one side. "No, no... Nothing like that. He started talking about not wanting parental rights because he couldn't pay child support, but apparently the law in Ohio says that Ollie is all mine anyways since I wasn't married when he was born... and the only way for his dad to have rights would be through proof of paternity... which then he decided that he wanted... so he came back here and we went to get a test done and... it turns out that he's not... Ollie's dad." She swallowed hard and tried to keep her leg from shaking as she avoided eye contact with Hunter, staring at Ollie.

Hunter chuckled "I definitely never thought it was a bad thing, you deserve every ounce of attention and more, and you certainly captured mine." His charm was a disaster on the best days but if he had any shame he should be embarrassed by now. "This little guy was a big surprise but I bet he turned out to be the best surprise you've ever had." Hunter nodded thoughtfully. "I hope so, you know he and I have had our issues, mainly caused by me and thought I like to blame our father I also know I could have been far more gracious I just was never raised to be. Military sons are raised to be a certain way and... well anyway dads suck, it is what it is..." Hunter trailed off thoughtfully, not wanting to bring them down just because of his issues. Despite his anger management and the fact Frannie was one of the few people he trusted, he still hated sharing those feelings. It was interesting watching Ollie play, like this kid didn't have a care in the world other than having fun. The sweet smiles and playful giggles caused a pang in Hunters chest, reminding how much he'd missed out on throughout his own childhood and how much he'd screwed up Ben's youth because of his anger and indifference. "Alright how about we build you a road for that car, huh? I'm sure we could stack some books and make you a neat bridge. What do you think bud?" Hunter smiled at the boy, not using a baby-talk voice because he literally had no idea how but the honest smile on his face seemed to be enough.  "Tired of mom and want a new friend?" He teased more at Frannie than at Ollie. Hunter swore quietly under his breath listening to Frannie's story. "I- fuck, sorry- I'm sorry you had to go through that Fran, was Nate there for you at least? Sorry we were away and couldn't help you out. Do you know who his Dad is then if it's not the asshole?" He asked curiously.

"Hunt..." Frannie shook her head softly, ducking her head a bit as she smiled. "He definitely is the best surprise- that is for sure." She shifted in her spot as Ollie stood in front of the couch and looked over at him. Instinctively, her hand rested on his arm as it laid across the back of the couch. "Yeah... but... you're working to make things better. That's- I think that counts for a lot, and I think that Benji knows that it does too..." Ollie blew another raspberry and laughed as Hunter talked to him. "I think that's a yes. Too much time with me. He definitely wants some new friends." Frannie agreed. Her shoulders rose and fell gently as she let out a soft sigh. "I- Yeah... I mean, as much as he could... and as much as I would let him... I'm pretty terrible with letting people help me, so even if you all were around here, I probably still would have said that I was fine and that I could handle it. And I did, so it's fine." She lifted her eyes from Ollie and looked at Hunter for a second. "I don't know anything for sure... the only way I would know is if I got all the people I slept with around that same time that April to take paternity tests..."

"Shame you have to be all responsible and what not now, we could have picked up where we left off but you needed a respectable and responsible boyfriend yet you still couldn't resist the charm that runs through the Clarington family tree." Hunter sniggered, letting his playful side take over and enjoy the company of his friend while the hallways were as quiet as they would get until the Freshmen were settled in a few weeks. "Alright if you want to be my buddy we're going to have to get you outside, doing some archery and football, what do you think about that?" Hunter laughed, as he listed some very inappropriate activities for the toddler but still helping Ollie play with the car and creating a few obstacles for the boy to try to navigate. Hunter nodded, "I get that completely. Those Chambers boys had a much more sheltered upbringing, they got to be -happy I guess is the word." He shrugged. "We have walls they don't always understand and that okay." He pressed a chaste kiss to her temple before going back to playing with Ollie some but feeling her gaze he snapped his head up. "That April? You and I we-" Hunter stuttered, suddenly feeling sick to his stomach.

Frannie threw her hands up for a moment as she shrugged. "I guess not, apparently. I still can't believe that you two are related..." She shook her head softly. Ollie had basically tuned out the fact that Hunter was even talking to him because he was distracted by trying to wheel the car over the books back and forth. "He's still so small, he could be the friggin' football- are you kidding?" Frannie replied with a small laugh. A small sigh escaped her lips after he kissed her forehead but before he looked back at her. She kept her eyes on him as she slowly nodded. "...Yeah... we did..."

"If I wasn't so offended by it I'd have laughed at you." He chuckled, meaning over and messing with her hair. He was glad they still had the friendship side of whatever had been between them. "Alright then, Clarington v's Chambers two on two football, and Ollie is the ball." He teased, picking up Ollie and pretending to throw him up in the air but holding on tight never letting go. "So I need to-" Hunter looked away, feeling apprehensive, "We need to do a test right- see if he's- he could be-" he stumbled over the words which was so unlike him as he tried to process what Frannie was telling him- that he could possibly be Ollie's father- he could have a kid- a kid he'd gotten to know a little but as a kid of his friend and nothing more.

Frannie scoffed playfully. "You know what I mean- out of all the people I could end up having... stuff with... it's two dudes that are related? Like what the hell." She shook her head before gasping a bit at him picking Ollie up. Of course, while she was worried, Ollie started laughing wildly, not even noticing that his car had fallen to the floor in the process. "Maybe he wouldn't mind that..." She joked, letting out a small laugh herself as  the panic subsided. "Yeah, uh there's a hospital in Downtown Cleveland that I took Ollie to get the other one done... it doesn't take long and the results are back in a couple days..." Frannie over-explained, taking a breath in. "But... I don't- uh... I'm not asking you to do anything and I don't want anything from you or... it's not like that. I just..." She let out a sigh. "If you want to do the test, that's great. If you don't, I'll keep looking for the other guys I happened to sleep with around that time... Um... and even if you do the test and it comes back that you are his dad... you know, I mean, you don't have to- unless you want to... I'm not going to force you to be in his life or anything..."

"You're allowed to say the f word Frannie." Hunter teased, poking her in the side playfully. "My anger management therapist likes to tell me saying things out loud is the first step to overcoming." He laughed stoically. "Mom wants to wrap you up in bubble wrap huh little guy?" Hunter grinned at Ollie, happy the kid didn't seem scared but that he seemed to be having fun. Honestly Hunter didn't have much experience with kids but Ollie never seemed scared so he was glad his slightly boisterous play wasn't too much for the kid. "He likes it more than you I think." He teased Frannie, glad she had relaxed. Hunter plopped Ollie back on the floor and quickly recovered the dropped car so as not to give him a chance to cry. Frannie's anxiety was kicking Hunters own into overdrive. Usually he'd try and distract with lame jokes or flirting but he was trapped worrying for himself. "No I wanna know, either way I wanna know, now that it's a possibility I can't-" He sighed, fidgeting with the couch cushion in a nervous manner which was definitely not like him but he'd been completely thrown off guard. "And I know you've told me before you don't need money- like when Ben gave you all that clothes money for him but like I said then, I'd rather you and Ollie have it than our father spending it on hookers so if he is I'll help- start a college fun for him or something I don't know..." Hunter rambled on, trying to explain he'd step up to be a father but having no idea how to say it, or what being a father really meant.

Frannie shook her head again, rolling her eyes playfully. "I know I can- but I'm trying to get better about not swearing in front of Ollie... I mean, he's starting to talk. I don't need him going around swearing at people instead of saying "hi" you know?" With the car back in his hands, Ollie looked around before glancing back at Hunter and reaching up as he smiled big at him. "Maybe he likes it too much?" She snickered for a second. "You've got him wanting to do it again now..." She nodded gently, running her hand over her hair. "Yeah, okay... I can, um, I can make an appointment whenever you're free... And if you want we could just... go together instead of separately, but that's up to you..." Her hand began to reach out, wanting to calm him down but she wasn't sure if it would be a good idea. "As long as you're sure... that sounds good to me." A moment passed and there was silence other than some babbling coming from Ollie. "I'm... I'm really sorry, Hunt... whether the results say yes or not... I'm sorry."

"I was thinking of the f word that describes the eww-y goo-y stuff that happens in your blood transfer organ." Hunter laughed. "But that's a good call not encouraging F-bombs, maybe he can hang out with Sebastian and learn them in French and everyone will think he's a super sophisticated baby but really he's just being a little S-H-I-T." He responded teasingly. Hunter looked down at Ollie who was indeed trying to climb into his lap. "Alright one more time, don't want you throwing up little dude." He picked Ollie up and stood, giving him two more swings in their air before spinning on the spot once and sitting back down, but this time he didn't set the boy back on the floor, he held him gently in his lap, really taking in the boy's features, brushing his cheek with his thumb in what could really only be describes as a loving manner. "Yeah, together, let's do that, just get the next available appointment and I'll just move my schedule around to fit it or just skip class, whatever I need to do to be there, I can't wait, I need to know Fran." Hunter breathed shakily, willing away the tears that were prickling in his eyes. "It's- it's not your fault- you thought..." Hunter stuttered and trailed off, unable to express what he was feeling in any way other than holding Ollie closer than he ever had before.

"Feelings?" Frannie paused for a moment, furrowing her brow and glancing down. She gently scoffed before rolling her eyes, not saying anything more on the topic. "Oh just what I need- Ollie swearing at me in French." She shook her head slightly. Ollie giggled again wildly as Hunter swung him. Frannie watched, still cautiously, but smiled at the pair of them, her smile only growing when Ollie was back down and sitting on his lap. Her son blew another raspberry and laughed as Hunter held him. He had no idea what was happening, or why he was sitting there... he was just happy and carefree about playing with someone. Ollie squirmed slightly before reciprocating- wrapping his tiny arms around to give Hunter a hug. Frannie's eyes started to sting as she saw the sight before her. She blinked a few times as she nodded. "Yeah, okay. I'll call this week and I'll let you know when they can fit us in." She sniffled despite her efforts not to. "Either way... you definitely made a friend today, right?" She offered up hopefully.

Hunter just laughed at her. "It will sound so worldly, everyone will think you're a Grade A parent having him learning a second language already!" Hunter teased back. "Hopefully there's a few years before those enter his vocabulary." As much as Hunter was intrigued by Ollie he was also conscious of the way Frannie was watching them. He wasn't sure how too feel about all of this, was this bonding a good thing? What if Ollie wasn't his and allowing himself to be open like this was going to crush him later? Or did it not matter either way and letting the kid have some fun was more important than his own feelings? Selflessness had never been one of his strong traits, though thinking about it he had been doing better, especially when it came to looking out for someone who relied on him- he'd fought with Ben, refusing to let Ben be the one to give up everything and follow their fathers footsteps. Maybe this was a good time for a young dependent come into his life, whether or not he was a father. Though he believed he wasn't father material, it did bring up his dream of teaching that had been buried so far down for so long. Hunter let himself bask in the reciprocated hug. The warm of the tiny body clinging to him was both terrifying and comforting. "Yeah just call me, and if you two want to come by don't be a stranger okay?" He smiled softly, feeling proud of himself for keeping his emotions in check. Hunter couldn't be angry though, it wasn't like she purposely hid anything from him when they all thought he-who-shall-not-be-named was Ollie's father. It would have been different if she'd known Hunter was his father and had made a conscious decision not to disclose it but even now it was still only a possibility.

It was no secret that Frannie had become immensely attached to Ollie over the break, which had its advantages and disadvantages. An advantage: She literally couldn't wait to spend time with her young son, no matter what that meant. A disadvantage though? She didn't like the idea of leaving him with others as much as she had last semester... She had bothered Sam both times she'd let him and Nikko take care of Ollie more recently and... selfishly, watching Hunter and Ollie- while heartwarming- made her worry. Things were civil right now, much more than she thought they might be... but if Hunter did end up being Ollie's father, it was fairly clear just from this interaction that he would want to be in his life and get time with him... meaning that Frannie would have to give up some of her control... But that couldn't cloud her mind right now. They still needed to actually figure out if Hunter was his dad. "Yeah, of course." Frannie nodded, smiling back at him. Clearing her throat, she glanced at her watch before reaching over and running her hand over the top of Ollie's head as his eyes started closing. "Someone seems like they need a nap..." She glanced up at Hunter, smiling again as she reached over and scooped Ollie up, moving to the stroller to place him into it. "I'll let you know when I get an appointment for the test, okay?" She nodded, opening his door. "Thanks, Hunt..." She pushed the stroller out and closed his door behind her, letting out a sigh. Now, she just needed to face calling the clinic again to make an appointment... however long that would take.