This was an answer to a prompt made by Deanangst requesting a deaged Eliot story where Eliot needed reassurance that Nate loved him.(something like that.) It wasn't until I had posted a comment to the request that I found out that it was my sisters request. That shows how much I pay attention. So...this one was for my sissy. Enjoy.
Nate sat at his computer, so engrossed with the task at hand he didn't see the toddler standing beside him. Blue eyes took in the contents of the desk. It was the normal fare for a desk. A stapler, mouse, keyboard...but then his eyes landed on a picture of a little boy being held by Nate...his father. The little one looked down as a tear found freedom and fell to the floor.
A quiet sniffle drew the older man's attention from the monitor to the boy. "Hey slugger." He said, scooping the little one up and settling him onto his lap. He seemed heavier today, and taller...growing up way to fast. Then noticing the sadness that had taken hold of his son, he asked, "Hey, what's with the tears? Did you hurt yourself?" Nate asked, looking for a new booboo, only to find old healing bruises. The toddler was all boy to say the least.
"No boo boo." Eliot said softly.
"Then why are you so sad?" Nate asked, pulling the boy close so that the brown curls tickled his chin.
Eliot pointed at the picture. "You miss him."
Nate followed the little finger and sighed. "Yes Eliot...I do miss Sam. I'll always miss him."
"I not Sammy." Eliot hiccupped as new tears fell.
Nate wondered where this was coming from. "No baby, you're not Sam, you're Eliot."
"You luff him?" Tear filled blue eyes lifted to study older ones with the question.
Starting to understand a bit, Nate hugged the little one tightly. "I will always love him." Then looking deep into Eliot's eyes he continued, "But I love you too...I will always love you, no matter what.
Eliot seemed to think about it for a moment before asking, "Why do you need me?"
Nate searched for an answer that a three year old might understand. "Because you make my heart happy." He smiled and hugged the little one again.
Eliot wiped away his tears. "I make you'we hawt happy?" He smiled at the thought.
"Yep baby, you sure do."
Eliot wiggled out of Nates lap, looked at the older man and smiled before running off to play.
Nate watched him leave before wiping away his own tears...tears of a happy heart.
The End.