Growing Pains

by JusticeStandsTRUE

Growing Pains Prequel Story: Things are changing for the Frank Reagan family. He and his wife Mary, were more than content with their three children, until they were taken by surprise by the unexpected, in the form of a new baby. Follow the joy and heartaches, the Reagan kids endure while growing up in a loving and caring family.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Only Eight

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"Are you sure?" Frank had a blank expression cross his face. And where as Mary wasn't certain, she thought his voice held a hint of hear. "Well no, I'm not sure," Mary

admitted. "But I have had three children before, and that was the only time I ever felt like this." Frank sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He wanted to question

her further, but what was he going to say. He had never been pregnant before. "Let's not tell the kids till we're absolutely certain." Frank was hoping to avoid a waring

battle if at all possible. "How do you think they will react?" Mary was hoping for the best. "I don't know," Frank took a seat on the edge of the bed. "But I'm not

expecting a parade." "They could be excited," Mary sounded hopeful, as she placed a hand on her belly, thinking of her three elder children. "You really think so?"

Frank didn't want to ruin the moment of happiness she was feeling. But he had a feeling he knew his children better than that. Especially his eldest, who battled

almost everything. "I guess we'll see," Mary said with a smile, part of her looking forward to the following day when she could find out for sure. Frank didn't sleep that

night, he was too busy sitting up all night, trying to figure out how they were going to make ends meet, and where they would even put another child, in the already

busting at the seams home. Some would say that his concerns were a little premature, considering they weren't yet certain. But Frank knew his wife, and he had to

say, he trusted her feelings.

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The following morning, and Frank was given the task of getting his children ready for school. He had already had the breakfast cereal out on the table, and he himself

was already ready for work. The next on the list however, was the most difficult of the morning routine, getting Danny out of bed and dressed appropriately in his

uniform. "Danny," Frank placed a hand on his son's shoulder, before shaking him gently. "It's time to get up son." "Uhh," Danny moaned, but didn't show any signs of

lifting his head up off the pillow. "Come on Danny, you can't be late for school, and I can't be late for work," Frank patted him again. "I'm going to go get your brother

and sister up. You need to be up and dressed when I come back." Frank hurried out of his son's room and over to that of his daughters. Erin was normally fairly easy

to get up. More of a morning person than that of her brother, and she didn't mind going to school. "Good morning Daddy," Erin sat up and wrapped her arms around

her father's neck. "Good morning baby," Frank lifted her out of bed, her arms still wrapped around his neck. "I wish I didn't have to go to school, and could stay with

you all day," Erin said sweetly. "Me too," Frank admitted. "But Daddy has to go to work." He said handing her the uniform he hung up the night before, before moving

on to his youngest. Walking into his youngest room, Frank was surprised to find the boy already up and playing with his toys. He was still wearing his pajamas, but at

least he was awake, Frank was grateful, knowing his eldest was probably still in bed. "Hey, Little Joe," Frank hugged him. "Hi Daddy, do you want to play with me?"

"Wish I could buddy," Frank started to look through the boy's closet, so he could find him something to wear. "But I have to go to work, your brother and sister have

to go to school, and you have to go to stay with Grandma Betty while Mommy goes to the doctor." "I want to go to school," Joe pulled his shirt over his head. "I'm

sure your brother would love for you take his place," Frank muttered, helping him with his shoes. "Where's Mommy?" Joe was used to having his mother take care of

him in the mornings. "She's getting ready to go to the doctor," Frank followed him out into the hallway. "I go see her," Joe ran in the direction of his parent's room,

leaving Frank to check on the others once again. Finding Erin in the bathroom brushing her hair, he knew she was almost ready, and moved on to Danny's room.

"Daniel," Frank found his oldest still lying in bed. "What?" Danny looked up clueless. "I told you to get up," Frank finally pulled him up and out of the bed. "I'm still

tired," Danny stretched. "Do you need an earlier bedtime?" Frank knew that, that was a sure-fire way of getting the boy to start moving. "No, Dad," Danny shook his

head, pulling his uniform off its hanger. "I want you dressed and in the kitchen in ten minutes," Frank started to leave the boys room. "I hate my uniform," Danny

grumbled. "You'll live," Frank wasn't interested in listening to such a petty complaint. "I grew up wearing the same uniform as you are wearing right now," Frank

handed him his school belt, he had draped over his desk chair. "After that, I wore a marine uniform, and then an NYPD uniform until I traded it in for a suit and tie."

Frank pointed at the detective shield he had on his belt. Danny ran two fingers over his father's gold shield before looking up at him intently. "I want one." "Maybe

someday you will son," Frank smiled at him, as the two made their way down the hall. "Do you think I would make a good detective like you Daddy," Danny's mind

was still centered on the job. "Yes, son I think you would," Frank answered after thinking about it. "But the only way for you to make detective, is by going to school

and staying out of trouble. Do you understand?" "Yes Sir," Danny ran past him and into the kitchen. "He's only eight," Frank had to remind himself, with a smile.

Thinking of how much older he acted at times, yet in the exact same second, he could return to being a little boy. "Have a good day, and be good," Frank said pulling

into the drop off lane at his children's school. "We will Daddy," Erin assured him. Danny didn't say anything, and Frank turned around in his seat to look at the boy in

the backseat. "I'm serious Danny. I don't want to have to punish you as soon we get home," he warned. "I know," Danny sounded annoyed at his father's reminder.

"Then acknowledge me when I speak to you son," Frank shook his head at the boy's attitude. "Yes Sir," Danny mumbled sadly, unbuckling his seat belt. Frank reached

over into the passenger and picked up his children's backpacks before getting out of the car. Danny took his backpack from him and started to walk away, until Frank

stopped him. "Come back over here son," Frank motioned for him. "I'm going to be late Dad," Danny eyes were focused on the ground. "Do you still want to be a

detective?" Frank changed tactics. "Yes Sir," Danny trailed his eyes up high enough to make eye contact with his father. "You understand that the only reason I'm

hard on you at times is because I want you to be able to do want you want when you grow up. But you won't be able to if you act out and get in trouble at school."

Frank tried explaining as best he could. The little boy was only eight after all, but when it came to acting out in school, he was way beyond his years. "I know Dad,"

Danny nodded. "Go on to class," Frank gestured with his head. "I love you." "Love you too Dad," Danny cracked a smile, before running off to class. "Oh, that boy,"

Frank mumbled under his breath, before getting into the car and driving to work to meet up with his partner.

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Mary couldn't wait to call Frank and give him the news, so as soon as she walked out of the medical clinic, she drove straight to the precinct, hoping he wasn't out in

the field working a case. Her husband's CO noticed her when she walked into the precinct, and he approached her. "Mrs. Reagan," he greeted cheerfully. "What can I

do for you?" "Is Frank here?" Mary asked hopeful. "No," the CO replied. "He's out on a call, but I'm expecting him back any minute if you would care to wait." "I think

I will, thank you," Mary walked over and took a seat behind her husband's desk. His desk was covered with cases, pens, pencils, extra paper, a small filer in the corner

and just about everything else you would think of to find on a detective's desk. At the very back of his desk were two framed photos, one of she and him at an awards

banquet when he made detective, and the other was one of the two of them along with Danny, Erin and Joe. Frank saw his wife's car when he returned to the

precinct, and hurried inside. He had to admit that he was having a little trouble keeping his mind on his work since his wife told him what she suspected, and was

more than ready to learn the news. "What did she say?" Franks asked the second he pulled her aside, and into one of the vacant rooms. "We are about to become a

family of six. Congratulations Daddy," Mary squealed. "I love you so much," Frank wrapped his arms around her, before kissing her gently. "You can kiss me harder

than that you know," Mary giggled. "You are not going to hurt me." "I know," Frank nodded. "But I am at work, and we have a baby in the room." Mary laughed again

and Frank started to issue orders. "I'll go pick up the kids from school. You go home and rest while you can. Because it is isn't going to last long, especially when that

one comes," Frank smiled pointing at her belly. "That does sound nice," Mary was already planning on taking a nice long bath before laying down for a nap. "Enjoy

some time to yourself," Frank led her out to the car. "I'll see you in a couple hours," he said glancing at his watch. "I love you," Mary smiled once more. "I love you

too," Frank headed inside to get back to work, or at least pretend. He was too busy walking on air to pay much attention to anything else.

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"Hey, you two, how was school?" Frank asked meeting his children outside the door of the school. "Good," Erin wrapped her arms around her father happily. "And

what about you?" Frank was almost too afraid to ask, fearing the worst. "I'm glad it's Friday," Danny admitted. "No trouble?" Frank questioned him further. "How

come that's the first thing you ask when you ask me about school?" Danny wondered aloud. Appearing as if he was to start on a long configurational thought he had

been pondering on all day, when he should have been paying attention. "Just answer the question Daniel," Frank couldn't handle the suspense. "No Dad, I didn't get in

trouble," Danny shook his head annoyed as he made his way to his father's car, leaving his father and sister behind him wondering. "This isn't the way home," Erin

noticed. "We're not going home," Frank told her. "We have to go pick up Joe from Grandma Betty's." "Grandma!" Erin shouted excitedly. "Will Pop be there?" Danny

asked hoping, enjoying anytime he got to talk with his grandfather. His grandfather wouldn't talk to him like he was a four-year-old, and they spent most of the time

talking about Henry's days walking the beat as an NYPD officer. "I doubt it son," Frank let him down gently. "He's probably still at the office," Frank knew that his

father had a hard job as the man in charge of 35,000 NYPD officers. "But I want to see Grandpa!" Danny complained loudly. "I know you do Danny," Frank was glad

his son had such a great relationship with his father, but he knew that complaining wasn't going to change things. "But Grandpa has to work, and you know it. Now

lower your voice." "When can I see Grandpa?" Danny lowered his tone. "It may not be until Sunday," Frank thought. At least until he remembered the baby, and he

figured that chances were his plans would change, and Mary would be too excited to keep things quiet. "Daddy," all Danny could do was moan. Frank laughed, and the

three got out of the car. "Try to show the same exuberance when you see your grandmother," Frank lead the way up the walkway and over to his parent's door.

"Mom!" Frank called, walking through the door. "In here son," Betty called from the kitchen, where she and Joe were decorating cooking. "Grandma!" Erin ran to her

grandmother for a hug. "Cookies!" Danny started to run straight to where the cookies that were already decorated sat displayed on a platter, until his father reached

over and cuffed him in the back of the head. "Hi Grandma," Danny hugged his grandmother first. "Hi baby," Betty kissed the top of her grandson's head. "I'm not a

baby grandma," Danny corrected her. "I know Danny," Betty handed him a cookie for each hand. Danny's face brightened when he saw the cookies, and he chose to

respond by saying. "I'll always be your baby if you give me cookies." "Danny," all Frank could do was shake his head at his son's response. "Leave him be Francis, he's

only eight," Betty laughed. "Yeah Dad, leave him be, he's only eight," Danny echoed, before reaching for another cookie. "Three's enough," Frank grabbed his hand.

"We're picking up Chinese on or way home." "Moms not cooking?" Danny sounded surprised. "Moms at home resting," Frank answered him. "Is Mommy still sick?" Erin

asked taking a long drink from her glass of milk. "She's still not feeling well," was all Frank could think of to say at the current moment, not wanting to let anything

slip, knowing his mother was probably already putting two and two together. After visiting with his mother for a while Frank started to gather his children together so

they could head home, him anxious to talk with Mary again. "We need to get ready to go kids. Mom's at home waiting on us." "But we want to see Pop," Danny tried,

starting to complain once again. "We've already stayed longer than I intended to, because I wanted to give your mother a few more minutes of quiet, before I brought

her rowdy bunch of children home." Frank placed a hand on his rowdiest one of all, his eldest. "I'm not going," Danny crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I already

told you Daniel, Pops working." Frank was trying to keep control of his temper, while he talked with his eldest. All the while trying to watch his youngest, and make

sure he picked up all the toys he had sprawled out on the floor. "No," Danny refused point blank. "Let's go," Frank took him by the arm, before escorting him back into

the kitchen. "I'm tired of the disrespect and disobedience Daniel. You know better." "Francis," Mary followed her son into the kitchen. "You can't punish him for

wanting to see his grandfather," Betty tried. "Mom please," Frank was looking for the paddle his parents used on him when he was a child. "Don't spank him Francis,"

Betty already knew what her son was on the verge of doing. "He's been asking for it all day Mom," Frank gave up on the paddle, and started to take a seat in one of

the vacant kitchen chairs before pulling his son over his lap. "I don't want to tell you how to raise your children," Betty sounded as if she was about to get started on a

lecture of her own. "But I think you should give him another chance," Betty let her words sink in. Frank left his son over his lap for another minute, while he thought it

over. He didn't really want to ruin the evening by having to discipline his son, especially if Mary was planning to make it a happy evening by telling the children. "You

are treading on some mighty thin ice boy," Frank let him up. "And you better watch the attitude, because Grandma isn't going home with us. So, I suggest, that from

this moment on, you be on your best behavior." Frank held the boy's face just inches away from his own. "Now do you understand?" "Yes Sir," Danny nodded, his

head still in his father's hands. "Now go thank your grandmother for saving your butt," Frank let him go. "Thanks Grandma," Danny's voice was low, as wrapped his

arms around his grandmother for a hug. "Try to be good," Betty whispered in his ear. "Yes Mam," Danny went in the other room to find Joe. Danny was quiet the

remainder of the drive home, then again no one could get a word in edgewise with Joe talking a mile a minute. "Me and Grandma made cookies, we watched a movie,

fell asleep on the couch, and we even went to see Pop in his big office," Joe was literally beaming, but he couldn't help but glance at his brother when he said the last

part. Sure, he may have only been three, but that didn't mean he didn't know what was going on, and that his brother didn't almost get a spanking for being bad. "I'm

glad you had a good day with Grandma son," Frank was always glad when his children got to make memories with their grandparents that they could carry with them

forever. Pulling the car into the driveway, Erin and Joe flung themselves out of the car as fast as they could, excited to see their mother. Danny on the other hand,

held back, choosing to go straight to his bedroom, thinking he still may be in trouble, and wouldn't be surprised if his father came in and finished what he started.

"Time to eat Danny," Frank surprised him when that was all said. "I'm coming," Danny mumbled, putting the pencil down he was using to do his homework. "Danny,"

Frank said just before walking away. Here it comes, Danny thought to himself. "Let's try to put that behavior I saw earlier behind us," Frank offered. "Sounds good to

me," Danny grinned, realizing that everything was okay between he and his father. "Now let's get to the table, before your mother sends out a search party," Frank

smiled. "Is Mom eating with us?" Danny followed him down the hall. "She's going to try," Frank knew that was about all she could do at the time.

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As soon as dinner was over, Mary was aching to tell her children the news. Danny and Erin were about to return to their room and finish up on their homework, when

Mary stopped them. "Your father and I would like to talk to the three of you for a few minutes." "Whatever it is, Danny did it," Erin was quick to pin the blame on her

brother. "Erin," Mary started to correct. "But it was Danny," Joe pointed a finger at him. "No one is in trouble," Frank was trying to keep Mary from getting suspicious

regarding her son's behavior. "What did you want to talk to us about Mom?" Danny was catching on to what his father was trying to do. "I know you are all aware that

I haven't been feeling well lately," Mary her husband's hand. "Is everything okay?" Danny was turning concerned. "I'm fine son," Mary assured him. "At least I will be.

We're going to have another baby." "A baby!" Erin screamed excitedly, jumping up and down. Joe on the other hand started crying, not sure what everything meant,

and Danny just sat there dumbfounded staring at them. "Don't cry Joe," Mary cuddled the boy on her lap. "Mommy loves you so much, and I want you to be happy

about the new baby." "Is it a boy or a girl?" Joe looked almost too afraid to ask. "We don't know yet, it's too soon," Mary was glad her little boy was asking so many

questions, hoping it would help ease his anxiety. "I want a brother," Joe voiced his opinion. "Hey," Erin looked at her brother, surprised by his outburst. "Even a three-

year-old knows your annoying," Danny mumbled. "Daniel," Frank warned. "Danny honey," Mary spoke softly, trying to keep the event a happy one. "You haven't said

anything about the baby," she noticed. "Congratulations, can I go finish my homework now?" Danny's voice showed little to no emotion. "I'd like for you to stay and

talk with us," Mary admitted. Normally she wouldn't have allowed them out of their rooms before homework was done, but based on the circumstances with the baby,

as well as it being Friday, Mary decided to make an exception. "Yes Mam," Danny muttered. He wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea, but he figured he was in enough

trouble to argue. But even trouble, didn't keep him from feeling upset with the whole idea. "Where's the baby's room going to be?" Erin asked, knowing they didn't

have any vacant rooms. "I don't know yet," Mary admitted. "We might have to put you and Danny together for a little while." "What!" Danny jumped up. "I can't live

with her!" Danny was freaking out. "Daniel!" Frank started to correct him, until he was interrupted by his daughters own set of protests. "Danny's a slob! I can't live

with him!" Erin yelled, stamping her foot. "Erin! You are not helping!" Frank turned his attention to his middle child. "I am not!" Danny argued. "But it's true, his

rooms a mess!" Erin! Danny! That's enough!" Frank finally raised his voice, trying to silence the two children. Joe, startled by his father's voice, pressed himself

against his mother fearfully. "Frank," Mary said carefully, gesturing at the small boy. "I'm sorry Joe, Daddy's not mad at you," Frank held his hands out to the little

boy. Joe hesitated, but walked over, for his father to hold him. "As for you two," Frank pointed at the feuding siblings. "You are going to do whatever your mother and

I tell you." Neither of the siblings liked the threatening glare they were receiving, and decided to fall silent. "Maybe we should start looking for a larger home," Mary

looked at her husband, knowing they could never expect Danny and Erin to get along well enough to share a room, no matter how much they threatened them. "I

don't think so Mary," Frank said truthfully, shaking his head. "With the baby coming, we are going to have to cut back, and not have any additional expenses." "This

means no self-defense lessons, doesn't it?" Danny mumbled, looking at Frank. "Afraid so son," Frank nodded. "This sucks," Danny complained pouting. "Not now

Danny please," Frank was nearly begging, tired of having to get on to the boy so many times that day. "But it's true," Danny persisted. "The baby's going to ruin

everything. First, I might have to share a room with my stupid sister, then my only chance of being able to do something fun gets taken away because of another

stupid sibling!" Danny ran out of the room angrily. By now, Erin was crying because her brother called her a name. Joe who was getting the feeling his father was

going to start yelling, was wanting down and back with his mother. "Daniel Reagan!" Frank yelled setting his youngest down. "Get back here!" Frank started to go

after him, when Danny didn't listen. "Leave him be Frank," Mary stopped him, knowing her husband was much too angry to talk with him now. "He needs some time

to adjust. This is a big change for him." "Big change or not, he has no right to act with such disrespect. This was supposed to be something special, and he ruined it."

Frank had a point, appearing as if he was about to ignore his wife's warning. By this point, Erin and Joe were busy making themselves scarce, not wanting to be

around if someone was going to be in trouble. "Frank," Mary stood and placed a hand on his arm. "You can't punish him just for reacting in a way we don't like. He's

his own person, and has his own feelings. Just because he doesn't react the way we wanted doesn't mean he did anything wrong, worth punishing him for." Mary

walked away to her own bedroom in tears, upset with how the evening turned out. She didn't like thinking about her son being upset about something she was so

excited about. Because in all reality, her main concern would always be that of her children, before her own. Being he was alone, Frank turned the lights down, and

slumped into one of the chairs, trying to figure out what to do. He didn't know what to do for Mary to make her feel better, and he had even less of an idea with how

to deal with Danny. He had to agree with Mary, that punishing him probably wasn't the best idea based on the circumstances. Not wanting to make Danny hate the

night he heard about his new sibling all together. On the other hand, he knew he had to tell him something. But what? Frank stood, after sitting alone for several

minutes, knowing he had two other children that needed to be tucked in. Erin and Joe went down without a hassle, neither of them certain about their father's

attitude, and both were afraid they would get in trouble if they were disobedient. "Daddy," Joe said carefully, when Frank pulled the covers up to his chin. "What is it

Little Joe," Frank ran a hand through the boy's dark hair. "Is Danny in trouble?" Joe's voice was shaky. "No son," Frank shook his head. "Your brother isn't in trouble.

He just needs some time to think." "Does he know that?" Joe was showing genuine concern for his big brother. "No," Frank admitted. "But he will." Frank turned the

little boy's nightlight on before turning the main light off and walking out of the room. Frank stepped out into the hall, and leaned against the wall against his eldest

sons closed door. Frank really didn't want to have to say what he was about to say, but after a minute or two he summed up the courage and opened the door. "You

made your mother cry, boy. I hope your proud of yourself. Now go to bed," Frank ordered turning the light off, whether the boy was ready or not. He didn't feel like

leaving things like that, but to get his point across, he knew he had to get his son to think. He resisted the urge to go in, hug him and explain things the best he could,

but he closed the door behind him, and solemnly left him alone. Again, Frank leaned against the closed door, this time feeling worse than he did before. "This

parenting stuff is harder than I thought," Frank muttered under his breath while wiping a stray tear aside. Danny didn't say a word when his father walked in, but he

did feel sad. His day had been horrible, and it seemed to keep getting worse. Not only was his father angry at him, but his mom was disappointed in him, and he

wasn't going to get to do anything he wanted too because his parents decided to have another baby. He couldn't do anything right, and he figured his father had the

right idea by sending him to bed. At least he wouldn't cause any more problems that way. Part of him felt like crying, but he sucked it up, knowing he was much too

big for that, and instead crawled under the covers. Normally when his parents tried to tuck him in, he acted like he was too old and didn't want it. But in reality, he

was really missing the ritual, and wishing his father would have at least said goodnight. He knew he wouldn't sleep, but at least by being in bed, he wouldn't risk

angering his father anymore, or making his mother cry again.

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Danny laid awake for at least an hour, before he decided to make his move. He didn't really want to do it, but he didn't feel as if he had a choice. And after a few

minutes of having the angel on one shoulder, and the devil on the other, he made a decision. Danny crawled out of bed, dumped his school stuff on the floor, threw a

set of clothes in, along with his baseball glove and mitt, and slowly opened the door to his bedroom to peer out. The house was dark, showing that his parents had

already gone into their room to get ready for bed, and Danny tiptoed out the door, through the living room and out the door. Mary, who was already in bed, heard the

sound of a door closing, and looked at her husband concerned. "Frank, did you hear that?" Mary whispered. "It sounded like somebody messing with the door." "I'll go

check," Frank said whispering, before reaching into the nightstand for his off-duty weapon. Frank found the front door unlocked, and when he stepped outside, he was

surprised to find his eight-year-old son walking down the street. Frank wanted to get his attention, but he didn't want to yell and startle Mary, knowing the second she

heard her sons name, she would jump out of bed and start running down the street if she was to know her baby was trying to run away. He wasn't sure what to do,

but he knew he needed to act fast before a neighbor recognized Danny and either drug him back home or called the police. Coming up with a plan, Frank walked as

quietly as he could, and as discreetly as he could. He figured the boy was scared, knowing he had never taken off down the street by himself, and at night at that, and

he was almost certain that if the boy heard a noise, he would take off running. Frank managed to get right up behind him, and he placed a hand gently on his

shoulder. He really didn't think the boy would run away from him, but that didn't keep him from keeping a slight grip on his jacket. "What are you doing Danny?"

Frank spoke gently, not wanting to go into full blown parental mode and yell at him for leaving the house. Frank had a feeling he had already yelled at him enough for

the day, and the only reason he had run off, was because his words from before had sunk in. "Walking," Danny answered fearfully, afraid to look his father in the eye.

"Why are you running away son?" Frank knelt down on the sidewalk to look him in the eye. "I'm not running away," Danny kept his head down, as he scuffed his shoe

against the sidewalk. "Then what are you doing out here? Bedtime was over two hours ago." "I just walking," Danny shrugged, keeping with the same story as before.

"Where are you walking to?" Frank had to admit, he was curious, knowing Danny did dive into things without thinking them through, yet at the same time, he

seriously doubted the boy would just leave everything he knew for the dark streets of New York. "I'm going to stay at Grandpas," Danny started to keep walking.

"Why do you want to go stay at Grandpas?" Frank followed him. "Are you not happy with me and mom anymore?" Frank was trying to get the boy to talk about his

feelings so he would know how to handle the situation. "I wouldn't say that," Danny continued to push a small rock around with his shoe as he walked, not really

wanting to give him a straight answer. "I think me being your father warrants a truthful answer don't you think? Don't you think you owe me at least that much son?"

Frank knew that his son could be disobedient at times, and even disrespectful if he was angry. But he never did it intentionally, when he was calm, and figured that

saying something like owing him something, would be the only way to get him to answer without forcing him, and turning the situation into a battle of wills, knowing

that his son would fight over anything if he thought he was right. "There's not enough room for me here anymore. And I'm the oldest, so I think it's time I moved out,

and started looking for a place of my own. With the baby coming and all," Danny tried sounding older than he was. "Danny you're my son, there will always be room

for you at my house, no matter how old you are, and how full it is," Frank tried to put it in a way he would understand. He wasn't really prepared to deal with the fact

his eight-year-old wanted to move out, he didn't expect to encounter that for another couple years, when Danny reached his teenage years. "Thanks Dad," Danny had

yet to stop moving. "But Grandpa needs me." Frank sighed, seriously beginning to wonder how far the boy was planning on walking before he gave in and decided to

return home. "What about me?" Frank's voice sounded serious. "What about you?" Danny was confused. "If you were to move out, I wouldn't have anyone to take

with me to the sports center to ride the go-carts, or to take anyone to the gym to fight with me," Frank knew that Danny loved to go with him to the sports center, as

well as to the NYPD gym to work out on the mats with him. Sure, Frank knew the boy was only eight, but even he had to admit, that he enjoyed taking him along.

"Joe's too little, and Erin's so interested in the baby, she's going to be busy helping mom. And I'm going to need someone on my side, to help me stay in shape for

work." There was a brief sparkle in the boy's eye, and even a smile started to spread across his face. Unfortunately, just as soon as it started, it disappeared. "You

wouldn't take me anyways," Danny sounded sad. "All you did was get mad at me today." Frank took a deep breath, but as much as he hated to admit it, Danny was

right. "I know it may have seemed like that, but I only get upset with you when you do something wrong. And I only punish you, to assure that you are going to turn

into a man your mother and I can be proud of you." "You yelled at me," Danny reminded him. "Let's take a break buddy," Frank pointed to a nearby park bench. "Dad

had to work all day and is tired." Danny, at first, seemed as if he was going to resist, but after a few seconds, he decided to follow, feeling tired himself. "Your smart

Danny, you always have been." Frank said once they were seated. "But sometimes, your enthusiasm for things gets in the way." "What are you talking about?" Danny

was confused. "Whether the cause you are fighting for is right or wrong, you put everything into it. Like getting upset when we told you about the baby. That was a

wrong cause to fight for. But you got so worked up and didn't even think to calm yourself down." Danny started to interrupt him, but Frank stopped him. "But there

are other times, when that fire you got inside of you is a good thing," Frank wanted to be sure and bring out a good point, about his personality. "Like the time you

got in a fight at school, because you were trying to help Erin who was getting picked on." "That was the right thing to do," Danny ran a finger up and down the side of

the metal bench. "Exactly," Frank nodded. "And I was very proud of you for it. You are a good big brother, and will be a good big brother to your new sibling. The

same as you are to Erin and Joe." "You mean most of the time," Danny corrected him. "Yes," Frank laughed, standing. "Now are you ready to go home now?" Frank

tried again, thinking this time, he finally managed to convince him to return home. "No," Danny burst his bubble. "You are going to spank me when we get home for

running away. I know you will." One thing was for sure, Frank thought. No one could ever accuse his son of being an idiot. His boy knew the rules, and he knew the

consequences. "What if Daddy promises not to spank you this time?" Frank had to admit he wasn't even planning on punishing him. "I don't believe you," Danny was

quick to answer, shaking his head. Frank smiled and lifted the boy up high enough to look him directly in the eye. "Daddy's never lied to you before and he doesn't

plan on starting now. I'm glad you are willing to fight for what you believe in. Just promise me you will think before you do, and ask yourself if it is a cause you want

to fight for. Now do I have your promise?" Danny stayed quiet for what seemed like an eternity, at least to Frank who was still holding him up. "Yes," Danny finally

gave him a smile. "Good," Frank laughed, tossing him over his shoulder while tickling him. Danny giggled, kicking his feet ferociously. "Looks like my eight-year-old is

getting a little big for their britches," Frank swatted him playfully across the bottom. "Hey!" Danny stopped kicking. "I thought you said you weren't going to spank

me." "That's not a spanking, that a love pat," Frank set him down. "I wish you'd show me you loved me in some other way," Danny took his fathers hand, yawning.

"Are you tired?" Frank figured he already knew the answer to the question, considering it was midnight. "A little bit," Danny yawned again, rubbing his eyes. "Do you

want me to carry you for a while?" Frank offered, half expecting to get a no answer. Along with a reply of him being too big for that. Surprisingly, Danny let go of his

hand, and lifted his arms up. Frank picked him back up, and Danny laid his head on his father's shoulder. Frank was exhausted, and his muscles were tired, not only

from holding his boy up for so long earlier, but also for having to restrain a perp on the roof for as long as he had to before backup came that day. But being a father

came first, and no matter how much older Danny behaved at times. He had to remember that he was only eight, and he still needed the constant love and assurance

that his mother and father could provide.

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Hope you all enjoyed the update, I know I enjoyed writing it... Thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews, I greatly appreciate them... JusticeStandsTRUE