A/N: As much as I would rather wait, my computer has gotten the Blue Screen of Death two out of the last three days, so rather than wait another four days, I'm posting the first chapter up now. In this two-shot, you will notice Mr. Davenport is remarkably less self-centered. In chapter 2, he does something that shocks the entire family.
I'll try to get chapter two up either tonight or tomorrow. If two weeks have passed and chapter two isn't up, then you'll know my computer is dead. Away we go!
Disclaimer: I do not own Lab Rats.
Mr. Davenport is worried, and that does not happen often. His son, Leo, so full of life and energy yesterday, seems to be quiet and withdrawn. At first, Mr. Davenport thought Leo's quiet behavior might be due to a recent breakup, but according to Bree, Leo and Janelle are still together. Mr. Davenport wonders why his son is so quiet.
"Come on Adam, Bree. We're going out to get some food for tonight," Tasha says, throwing her husband a look.
Mr. Davenport nods, as he realizes Tasha wants to speak him to speak to Leo and find out what is wrong. Adam and Bree follow Tasha out the door and then Mr. Davenport turns to his son. "What's wrong, Leo?"
"Nothing. I'm fine."
Leo's answer lacks the conviction needed to assure Mr. Davenport. The billionaire frowns. What is his son not telling him? "Whatever you are thinking about is bothering you. Now what is it? I promise I won't judge."
Mr. Davenport waits as Leo thinks about over the decision. A smile comes to Mr. Davenport's face when Leo nods.
"Okay. I have this fear of 9/11."
"Go on," Mr. Davenport encourages.
"Whenever I see those numbers together, whether it is the time or the date or a phone number, I freeze. I always think about what happened at the Twin Towers."
Mr. Davenport thinks he understands where this worry is going, but says nothing as he waits for Leo to finish.
"I just can't stop thinking about the terrorism."
Mr. Davenport nods. This is exactly what he thought Leo's problem was about. "I understand. I think you need to focus on something else. So much more happened that day apart from the terrorism."
Chase decides to join in on the conversation. He puts his book down and adds, "Mr. Davenport is right. What happened during and after 9/11 is so much more important than the heinous act."
Mr. Davenport nods a second time. "Chase is right. When the attacks started, people inside sacrificed their lives for people they didn't even know. That type of bravery does not go unnoticed. That type of bravery is what moves a great nation like ours forward. One of my friends had an employee who worked on the upper floor of the Towers. When the place hit, that man led other people down over seventy flights of stairs to safety.
"Also, think about what happened after the Twin Towers collapsed. A natural disaster helps bring people together for the greater good; similar to how everyone is helping those whose lives Hurricane Harvey has destroyed. I had an uncle who was an EMT Trainer. When he heard about the towers, he quit his job and moved to New York where he helped clean up the debris for over a year. People help other people. 9/11 is more than a date, Leo. It's an even that helped shape our nation into what it is today. 9/11 is all about that, not the terrorism. Do you understand?"
Leo is silent as he reflects the information he has received. Finally, he nods. "Thank you, "
Mr. Davenport smiles as he and Chase hug Leo. "That's what dads are for."
