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Warning! Terrible cliffhanger at the end! [insert evil laughter here] :D
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Without further ado … Enjoy!
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Chapter Twenty-One
The Lodge Pt. 2
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11:30 am
May 30th
2022
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Seth and Jacob didn't waste time after making their tentative decision to reopen the Lodge under (hopefully) new management. They found themselves themselves in front of Liam Jefferson's front door, side by side and ready to talk business.
Seth was nervous; the more he thought about this idea, the stronger he felt it would work. The Lodge is as much Liam's lifestyle and career as it had been for his father. The man had made his whole living working there and like for so many others around the Rez, Seth couldn't bring himself to strip all of it away from the guy.
Seth knocked swiftly before he could chicken out like he instinctively wanted to. They waited with bated breath until Maggie opened up the door with a surprised smile. If she felt any resentment towards Jacob for attacking her eldest son, she didn't show it as she greeted them both.
"Hello, Gentlemen. What brings you by?" she asked, opening the front door wider so the pair could come inside.
Seth smiled. "We were wondering if Liam was about," he replied.
"Oh yes, he's just stepped out the bathroom. I'll go get him," she offered and ventured through the house to find her husband. "Take a seat in the lounge, you two. I won't be a moment."
They did as they were told, walking hand in hand to the modest living area. Seth took a seat on the couch with Jacob standing behind him. The older man was a little antsy being in, essentially, his ex-in-laws' home. That woman, Maggie, had been his mother-in-law for nearly ten years and neither of them had known it. Jacob felt cheated somehow because she seemed like a lovely woman, nothing like her son he thought he knew.
A few minutes later, Maggie returned with Liam in tow. Seth stood and both he and Jacob shook the man's hand before they all took a seat, the coffee table between the two couples. Seth was aware of his knee bouncing nervously, as was Jacob. The older man casually reached over and placed a loving and supporting hand on his shaking limb, smiling sideways at him.
"Seth, Son, how's your mother?" Liam asked in concern.
"She's doing alright, considering."
Liam nodded as if that's what he expected. "She's always been a strong woman. Probably had to have been to have dealt with your father for so long."
Seth chuckled and nodded, not offended in the slightest even as Maggie tapped her husband's arm in reprimand. "You'd be right there."
"So what brings you by?" he asked curiously.
"Ah, the Lodge, actually," Seth answered.
Liam cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? I assumed you'd sell it. Your disinterest in it hasn't exactly been a secret around here, nor the fact that Harry left it to you," he replied casually, his eyes kind. "If you're worried about the folks round here and what they'll say, don't worry about it."
"Actually, I was thinking about keeping it ... and opening back up for business," seth hedged.
"Really? Well that's wonderful news, isn't it, Honey?" Maggie exclaimed excitedly. "So you are moving back?"
Seth shook his head, confusing the pair opposite him. "No, I haven't any intention of coming back to live here. My home is in New York now," he replied, reaching over to clasp Jacob's hand as he did so and sending the older man a tender smile, which was returned.
"Well, then, I'm a little confused, I confess," Liam said.
"Liam, I know how much your family has depended on your job over at the Lodge over the years. It's kept you all comfortable here and I don't want to take that stability away from you, or the others devoted to it," Seth explained. "Your job is still in tact, is what I'm saying."
Maggie heaved a sigh of relief and joy, squeezing her husband's hand as he grinned at them. "Thank you. I admit, I was worried. the Lodge is all I've known. I started to work there the same time as your father did back in our teens, when we worked for your Grandfather. Man, that's almost twenty-five years ago."
"I know you aren't the only one to be concerned either. A lot of people's time, their families and their livelihoods are invested in the Lodge and the fishing. I have a lot of people to reassure and I intend to do that before I go back to New York. For you though, I have a proposition."
"A proposition, you say? Do go on," he encouraged, very much interested.
Seth glanced to Jacob, who nodded, before taking a deep breath and looking back to Liam. "Like I said, I have no intention of moving back here, but I do want the Lodge to reopen for business. That's where you come in, hopefully. I was wondering if you'd be interested in taking over management of the Lodge full time."
Silence ensued while Liam gazed at me blankly. Maggie had her hand over her mouth, eyes wide as she processed what I'd just offered her husband and family. While I had his full undivided attention, I continued.
"There'd be a considerable workload, depending on how much of the responsibility you would be willing to take over, but that also comes with a significant pay rise. If you're not up for the full gig, I'll talk to a couple others I have in mind as well, see if you can't share the load."
"Wait, wait ... You want me to take over from your father? To lead the fishing expeditions, manage the books, manage the Lodge floor, oversee food quality and stock-taking, and serve as a bartender?" Liam asked for clarification.
Seth nodded. "Pretty much. Like I said, if you're not up for all that, I can talk to other-"
"No. No, I ... That doesn't sound like too much. I watched your father do all that for years, and his father before him. It'd be strange not for me to have picked it all up over time," he replied. "He was very good at his job. It was his passion ... and I can only hope I'll measure up."
Seth gazed at the older man for a second before grinning. "So ... you'll do it? You'd be willing?"
"It'd be an experience, for sure. I've never thought about running a business myself, but ... I'm certainly willing to give it a go," Liam confirmed, grinning right back at the boy he'd watched grow.
"You're serious?" Seth chuffed happily. "You'll do it?"
Liam laughed. "Did I stutter?" he teased.
"Seth here is just excited. He wasn't sure if you'd take him up on the offer," Jacob explained as Seth rose to his feet and shook Liam's hand as enthusiastically as he was shaking the youth's.
"This is great. I'm sure you'll measure up to Dad and more," Seth said with a grin. "Like I said, everyone still has their job. If you want to hire someone to take your place now, that's up to you."
"I'll think about it. Thank you for this opportunity."
"No, thank you. The Lodge has been weighing down on me since I found out it was mine. I didn't know what I wanted to do, what my options were, but I'm glad it's all working out."
"As am I," Liam agreed, shaking his hand again. "Are you sticking around? Maggie's about to do lunch."
"Oh, no thank you. I should get back to Mom's and make sure she isn't feeding our son too much sugar," Seth replied with a wry smile at Jacob, who returned it.
"Of course, of course! Give your mother and sister my regards, would you? And again, thank you," Liam repeated, patting Seth on the back as he saw him and Jacob to the door with Maggie.
"Yes, thanks for coming. There's a little less worry all round now," Maggie seconded.
Seth grinned. "You're welcome. Liam, I'll draw up a document with all the details on it. Your salary and whatnot. Should be a couple of days," Seth told the older man before exiting the house.
"No rush. When did you want me to reopen? I mean, I'm just sitting around here doing nothing so ..." he trailed off suggestively.
Seth glanced at Jacob, who shrugged. "Well, there's no stopping it from reopening tomorrow, unless you can think-"
"Nope! No, I'm on it. I'll be there," he cut the youth off enthusiastically. "You just leave everything to me."
Seth laughed at the man's eagerness and nodded, opening the car door. "Alright then. 6:30 as always then."
"You got it."
"See you both later. Have a great day!" Jacob called before climbing into the car.
Seth jumped in not a second later and grinned over at his boyfriend. "This is happening. i haven't been this excited about anything to do with the Lodge since I was like, twelve," he added with a giggle.
"I'm just glad you don't have to worry about it as much anymore," Jacob replied. "Did you want me to produce that document or do you want to do it?"
"Well, I've never done anything like it before, but I'll give it a go and then maybe you look over it? I mean, I'll need some practice, right?"
"Okay, no problem."
Benny met the pair at the front door when they reached Sue's house, hugging them both tightly before running off to find Callum. Sue was in the kitchen preparing lunch and smiled at the pair as they entered.
"Well, how did it go?" she asked excitedly.
Seth smiled. "It went well. He accepted our offer so I guess the Lodge stays open and Liam manages the place," he told him mother, laughing as she launched herself at him happily.
He knew deep down that it would have hurt his mother to see the Lodge leave the family. Other than her jewellery, it was pretty much the only heirloom the Clearwater family had. He was just happy that he hadn't let his mother down with this decision, perhaps even made her proud to boot.
"I'm happy this is happening. The Lodge is at the center of this Reservation. A lot of people would have been lost without it. Yes, there's the smaller, quieter diner that i partly manage across the other side of the Rez, but it doesn't attract half as much loyalty as that place does. I'm so happy and proud of you, Baby boy."
"Thanks, Mom," he murmured, hugging her tightly again.
"But wait, does this mean you won't be here for much longer? Now that you have the Lodge sorted, I mean," she asked suddenly, pulling back to stare wide-eyed at her son.
Seth sighed heavily. She knew it was coming. "Mom ... you know we can't stay here. I need to go back with them. I love you, but my life is in New York now, with my family," he told her delicately, cradling her against his chest.
Jacob quietly and carefully took his leave as Sue began to weep softly against her son's chest. Seth glanced up and pleaded with his eyes for him not to go, but Jacob shook his head and whispered, "This is between the two of you. She's prepared for this, but she's entitled to this. You're her son."
Seth sighed deeply and nodded in requitance, holding his mother tighter as he led her to a kitchen chair and sat with her until her tears dried. She sat back in her chair and huffed at herself.
"I promised myself I wouldn't cry, damn it," she cursed uncharacteristically, bur Seth didn't call her out on it. "I know this is what you need, and I fully accept and support you on this, but you're my Baby Boy still and I just think about how you're over three thousand miles away and out of reach. What if you need me?"
"Mom, if I ever need you, I promise I will fly you over in the company jet. To hell if Jacob or William need it," he joked, causing sue's eyes to soft and a chuckle to leave her trembling lips.
"Oh, Baby, you're all grown up," he crooned before weeping a little more into her hands.
Seth just rubbed her back and arms soothingly, waiting her out, before smiling as she looked back at him after a few minutes.
"Look at me, I'm a mess," she tutted, wiping her eyes.
"You look beautiful as always," he contradicted softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll be okay, Mom. You'll be okay too. You have Leah, Embry and Cal. We'll visit one or the other during holidays, though it's your turn next for my birthday."
She giggled at this and nodded with a watery smile. "Okay."
"I love you. I'll always need you, whether you're right here beside me or across the entire country."
"Thanks for that reminder," She teased dryly, wiping her eyes on the piece of tissue he handed her.
"Sorry, but you know I'm right. Besides, I'm not the only one who needs you now. You're well and truly secure in my sons' hearts too."
"It still seems a little bizarre to hear you call them your sons, but it's true. Not six months ago, you were leaving here after Thanksgiving, a fully-fledged bachelor and prospective college graduate. Now look at you, you're now an official graduate, involved in a very serious relationship and ... a father."
Seth chuckled softly. "Yeah, I guess I've never thought about it like that, but yeah. So much has changed in so little time. Hardly seems real," he sighed.
"And yet, you've never been so happy. I've never seen you so happy. It looks good on you," she complimented with pride. She wiped at her eyes again, groaning in frustration. "Gah, I'm gonna cry again if we keep talking like this. Go. Go to your boys, or two of them at least, and spend some time with them. i'm fine here."
"You sure?" he asked doubtfully, halfway out his seat.
She nodded. "Go."
He nodded, getting to his feet and pecking her cheek lovingly before venturing off to find his lover and their son. They were in the back yard; Jacob was watching Callum and Benny wrestle, and refereeing, he supposed.
"Your nephew is teaching our son bad habits. He better not start fighting at school," Jacob warned, only half serious, when he sensed Seth coming up behind him.
"Benny knows better," the youth assured him.
Jacob just grunted.
Seth chuckled as he wound his arms around Jacob's waist, just barely able to peek over his shoulder if he stepped up onto his tip-toes.
"This would work better the other way," he teased, making Jacob chuckle and nod.
Before he knew it, Seth's front was pressed gently to the railing of the porch and a hot, broad chest was flush against his back, arms around his waist. He sighed contently and leaned back on his lover, watching the boys again in silence for a couple of minutes.
"Is your mother okay now?" Jacob asked softly.
"Yeah, she will be. Just typical motherly worries and all that," he quipped. "I never answered her initial question though ... the one about when we were going home. I mean, Benny has school on Wednesday. I think mom's forgot about that, to be honest."
"We'll try get the latest flight possible so you can have as much time with your Mom as possible."
"Benny will need a decent night's sleep too so ... Tuesday afternoon?" Seth asked doubtfully.
"Tuesday afternoon," Jacob confirmed decisively.
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11:30 am
May 31st
2022
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Monday came and went like a passing breeze and before anyone realised, Tuesday was upon them.
It was bittersweet for Seth, watching his mother say goodbye to her grandson for now. He was so excited to get home, to get back into some sort of normal routine, but he was sad about the fact that home was across the entire country and away from his extended family. He stood with Jacob's arm around him, the bags in the back of Jacob's rental, trying not to cry at the heartfelt scene before him.
"Now, promise me you'll be a good boy for your fathers, and that you'll work extra hard at school?" Sue said, cupping the young boy's face gently as she kissed his forehead.
"I promise, Grams. I'll make sure Demmy is a good boy too. Maybe I can ask my teacher to send you a copy of my report cards or something? So you know I'm working extra hard."
"That would be wonderful."
"We'll get it sorted for you, Sue," Jacob called, reluctantly breaking up their moment. "Benny, Son, we need to go."
Benny's shoulders slumped as he nodded. "Okay," he muttered, gently pulling Sue down once more to kiss her cheek before trudging towards the car.
Seth stepped forward to hug his mother. "Remember what I said, Mom. I'll always need you and we'll get you over our end sometime soon."
"His birthday," Jacob corrected as he too embraced the smaller woman. "Now, you take care of yourself, you hear?"
"Such a darling," Sue chuckled, patting Jacob's cheek. "I will, as long as you look after my boys."
"Deal."
They even shook on it. Seth rolled his eyes.
"Should I be worried that you're treating my well-being like a business transaction?" he teased, smirking as Jacob blushed slightly.
"Sorry," he replied sheepishly.
"No worries. You'll never change," the youth teased further before hugging Leah and Cal, and shaking Em's hand.
"We'll keep in touch. I know Cal's going to run our phone bill sky-high talking to Benny," Leah laughed, smiling down at her son.
"For us too," Jacob agreed. "Seth, Love, we really need to go if we're to get home on time."
Seth sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I know."
"Go. I'll call you in the next couple of days. Jacob, make sure he's comfortable at the firm, okay?"
"I will. We'll talk to you soon," Jacob called before climbing into the drivers' seat of the car.
Seth embraced his family once more. "Be good, Cal. Try not to drive your mother up the wall, ay Bud?" he joked.
"I will," Cal laughed. "Bye, Uncle Seth."
"See ya," he called back, slowly approaching the car and getting in.
Jacob reached over immediately and grasped the youth's hand in comfort, waving with his other briefly before pulling away from the house.
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18:12/06:12 pm
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Benny napped on the private jet back to New York after having something to eat, allowing Jacob and seth to have some much needed time for themselves. They spent it cuddled up on one of the lush, comfortable couches. Seth divulged in one of his fiction novels while Jacob got a headstart on his work load for tomorrow morning. Seth had to roll his eyes at that. The man's 'vacation' was barely over and it was right back to work.
But Seth would be going with him tomorrow. He and Emmett had organised everything and tomorrow was the official beginning of his internship at Black Law. Seth was beyond excited. Not only would he be shadowing a kickass lawyer, he could potentially get to work with Jacob as well from time to time. He and Emmett had been known to collaborate when the case called for it.
It would be weird for him, not being with Demetri in the mornings and going to class in the afternoons. Tomorrow would be an entirely new routine that everyone was going to have to get used to.
Apparently, Emmett had agreed to let Seth go every day at three-thirty so he could pick up the boys from school. That way, he could get dinner started and served up for when Jacob was due home. It wouldn't always be like that, Jacob had warned him, but it would be fine until caes began coming in and Seth was needed more at the office. In which case, he'd drive home with Jacob at six and the new nanny would to cook dinner.
Yeah, that was a change the boys did not like. With Bella having started her internship just as Seth would be, she had been forced to give up her day job. She and the boys were gutted, and Jacob for that matter. Seth knew that the older man viewed her somewhat like a little sister, especially after Seth came into his life.
Bella promised to visit as much as she possibly could though because she knew she wouldn't be able to go more than a day or so not seeing the boys. It appeased them somewhat, but they were still disgruntled that she wouldn't be there everyday. Just another change to adjust to. Seemed like there was a lot of them lately.
"What's got you thinking so hard?" Jacob murmured into the youth's neck, having put down his papers a few minutes ago and had been watching Seth's face.
"Just ... everything. Tomorrow, how things have changed so much, Bella."
Jacob hummed. "Yes, the boys are gutted she's no longer their nanny. But apparently, the new one is quite sufficient. She was interviewed by my mother herself so I'm not too worried," he assured the youth.
"Tell me about her. You never mentioned your mother was holding interviews," Seth accused, mock glaring up at the man.
Jacob chuckled sheepishly. "I suppose it slipped my mind. She, Bella and I spoke about it the morning before I flew to la Push to be with you. The new nanny's name is Claire. A freshman at the college you just graduated from, with studies in Visual Arts. She hopes to become an elementary teacher and this job would be stellar on her resume."
"I bet," Seth agreed. "She sounds lovely though. I can't wait to meet her."
"She'll no doubt be at the house when we arrive. She's taken over Demetri's care since yesterday."
"Uh oh, I wonder how that went. Monkey isn't really someone you get used to straight away. There's no telling what he's put her through, the menace," Seth tutted with good humour, making Jacob chuckle.
"Yes, he has been up to his usual self, apparently, but it's not anything she can't seem to handle. I think my mother made a good choice."
"And you haven't even met her yet," Seth chuckled. "She must be something."
"Meaning?" jacob growled playfully.
"Oh come on, we both know you're not exactly trusting of new people. The fact that you like this girl before you've even met her is something to marvel over," Seth replied.
Jacob sighed and nodded. "Yes, you have a point. Mostly because Mom chose her. Mother has never steered me wrong before."
"Well, we'll wait and see for yourselves, won't we? We're nearly home, no?"
"Should be. Another half an hour or so, I suspect."
"I'll go wake Benny so he's got his wits about him when it's time to get off," Seth suggested and Jacob let him out of his embrace, reaching out to pat the youth's bum as he walked passed.
Seth giggled and glared playfully over his shoulder before disappearing into the back bedroom. Jacob picked his paperwork back up.
The youth's heart swelled at the sight of his eldest son, his small body curled around a pillow as he snorted softly and his mouth hung open slightly. Seth sat beside him on the bed and began to stroke his hair, thinking how truly blessed he was to have him and monkey in his life. he gently traced the soft, round features of his face, committing them to memory, but the young boy stirred at the touch.
"That tickles, Papa," he mumbled groggily.
Seth smiled. "How did you know it was me?" he asked curiously.
"You smell like sandalwood all the time. Daddy smells of peppermint," he explained easily, smiling before opening his eyes. His gaze caught on Seth's and they smiled at one another. "Is it time to get up? Are we home?"
"Nearly, Buddy. I thought I'd get you up so you can wake up properly," he explained, to which Benny nodded and sat up in bed.
"Where's Daddy?"
"Working, where else?" the older man teased, enticing a giggle from the boy. "Come on, up you get. You want some hot cocoa? I think we have everything we need on here."
Benny's eyes lit up. "Yes please!"
Seth chuckled and got up, leaving the boy to wake up properly while he made his drink. He kissed the top of Jacob's head as he passed towards the small kitchenette. He smiled, feeling another tap on his bottom.
"Ew, Daddy! I saw that!" Benny protested as he stole into the main area, his face scrunching up as if he'd tasted something off.
Both Jacob and Seth laughed, though the latter was blushing slightly.
"Come over here. I want my kiss," Jacob ordered, crooking his finger at his son.
Benny smiled and rushed over to his Daddy, hopping up into his lap before planting a chaste kiss on his lips.
"You have a good nap?"
"Yeah. Did you ... get much work done?" Benny asked, rolling his eyes.
Seth smirked while Jacob chuckled. "Some."
"I can't wait to see Demmy. I bet he's been so lonely without us there," the boy sighed.
"No doubt," Seth agreed, bringing the cocoa over. "Careful, it's hot."
Benny nodded and took the handle of the cup, blowing across the top for several minutes before taking a cautious sip. he smiled. "Awesome, like always."
"Good. Don't forget there's Claire to meet," the youth reminded him.
Benny sighed. "Yeah ... Is she nice? Nice, like Bella?" he asked uncertainly.
"She's handpicked by your grandmother. Do you really think she'd let someone nasty and mean look after you every day/" Jacob asked his son, cocking an eyebrow. "But yes, to answer your question, she sounds very nice."
"Do you think she can cook as good as Bella?"
"I don't know. We'll have to wait and see. you'll have to politely tell her what you like sometime, so she'll know what to cook," Seht suggested, to which Benny nodded.
"Mr. Black. Mr. Clearwater. We're approaching the airfield. Please buckle up and you'll be off this tin can in a few minutes," their pilot, Felix, spoke through the intercom.
"Thanks, Felix," jacob replied before lifting Benny off his lap and sitting him in one of the chairs, buckling him in.
He and Seth then took their seats either side of him, each grabbing one of his small hands since they knew Benny hated the take-offs and landings. They were on the ground only minutes later and Felix stepped out the cockpit.
"I hope you enjoyed the flight, Mr. Black, Mr. Clearwater."
"As always, Felix. If you're not needed for the next few days like I suspect, go ahead and take the time off," jacob replied, shaking his large hand.
"Thank you, Sir."
"Come on, Benny. Thanks for the ride," Seth added to Felix as he stepped off the plane.
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Benny shouted when he saw who was waiting to pick them up.
Sarah and William grinned widely at him and Seth, the latter placing Benny on his feet so that he could charge at his grandparents. William swooped down and pulled him into his arms, hugging him tightly as Sarah pulled Seth into a comforting hug.
"How was your flight, Darling? How's your mother and sister?" she asked delicately.
"They're fighters. They'll be okay," he replied, kissing her cheek. "And I am too. It helped having Jacob and Benny there. It'd have been even better if Monkey was too. How is he?"
"Good and new. Giving the new nanny hell, but that's nothing out the ordinary," William answered, placing Benny on his feet. "Good to see you, Seth."
"You too, William."
"Hey, Mom. Dad," Jacob greeted, hugging his mother and shaking his father's hand. "No one mentioned you'd pick us up."
"Well, we were on the way back from lunch anyway so we were close-by," William dismissed.
"Come, get in. Let's get you home to your baby boy," Sarah ushered, helping Benny into the limousine before getting in behind him.
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18:40/06:40 pm
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Seth was attacked by Hurricane Monkey as soon as he stepped inside the front door, almost knocking him back on his ass. He laughed heartily and wrapped his arms around the toddler, who continued to chant 'Papa!' over and over again.
"Papa, I missed you!" he yelled into the youth's ear.
Seth cringed and laughed again, moving further into the house so everyone else could get in. "I missed you too, Baby Boy. So much. I hope you were a good boy for the new nanny," he replied, lifting a stern eyebrow.
Monkey blushed lightly. "Yes," he murmured, his finger in his mouth.
"Don't worry, Sir, it's nothing I can't handle," a young woman assured the youth as she stepped out the kitchen. She blushed lightly when she saw how gorgeous he was. Why were all the gorgeous ones gay? She couldn't help but ask herself. she offered him her hand. "I'm Claire Young, Sir, the new nanny."
Seth took her hand eagerly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Claire. I'm glad Monkey wasn't too wild for you."
"Well, I have four little brothers who range from two to nine, so I've seen a lot of mischief," she replied with a giggle.
Seth decided instantly that he liked her. There was something about her, a charm that kind of reminded him about his Jacob.
"That's a relief. You'll get a lot from this one," Seth told her, tickling Monkey's side. "His big brother isn't as bad. He studies a lot, so if you find him in Jacob's study, he'll no doubt be retrieving some paper or such like because he's used all his."
Claire giggled again and nodded.
Seth tutted at him. "Sorry, where are my manners. I'm Seth, Seth Clearwater. I graduated college just this month."
"Wow, really? I thought Mr. Black was middle-aged. That's what Mrs. Black said- I mean- God, I'm sorry. That was so rude. I mean, who cares how old you guys are, right?" she spluttered, flushing deeply as she dropped her gaze to the floor.
Seth wasn't offended in the slightest. She'd get to know anyhow. No harm, no foul. He laughed softly. "Claire, it's okay. No harm done. Jacob is ten years older than me. You're gonna find out anyway."
"Right. Okay. Again, so sorry."
"Don't worry about it."
"Not even in the house ten minutes and you've already flustered the girl. What've you done now?" Jacob teased as he carried Benny into the foyer, a suitcase hanging from his other fist.
Claire's eyes widened as she glanced at Seth, hoping he wouldn't tell Jacob about her discrepancy. She really needed this job.
"Just telling her a few things about us and vice versa. She's a lovely girl. benny, meet Claire. She'll be looking after you during the afternoons from now on," Seth told the younger boy, who was peering at her curiously with one eye. He had his face buried in his Daddy's neck again.
Claire stepped forward, blushing as her gaze caught Jacob's briefly before smiling at Benny. "Hello, Benjamin. It's lovely to meet you," she greeted.
Jacob chuckled as he felt benny's blush against his neck, the boy's entire face now buried in it due to his chronic shyness around new people. He smiled reassuringly at Claire when he saw she was worried about his reaction.
"Don't worry. he'll warm up to you. He's just been so close to Bella, his previous nanny, that it might take a bit of time, but he will," he told her, to which she smiled and nodded. "I'm Jacob Black."
She took his hand. "Claire Young. Thank you so much for this job. Mrs. Black was so nice when she interviewed me."
"Yes, that's my mother for you," Jacob chuckled.
Seth stood back and smiled at his boyfriend. The Jacob he used to know would have been cold and stern with the girl, business-like, but it warmed his heart to see him smiling and interacting with her kindly.
"Did she go over what is required of you, or do you need to go over it in my office with you?" Jacob asked as he placed Benny on his feet.
He and Monkey then scurried off up the stairs, no doubt to gossip about the new nanny and catch up. Seth moved to Jacob's side and grasped his hand. Claire seemed to blush at the display, making the youth smirk inwardly. He had to wonder whether she'd been exposed to many gay men or whether this was her first glimpse.
"No, thank you, Mr. Black. Mrs. Black went over everything and I have it all written in my diary so I don't forget," she reassured him.
Jacob nodded in satisfaction. "We're not really going anywhere today now so you may leave if you'd like, but feel free to stick around and get to know Benjamin and ourselves. We're hoping you'll be with us for a while."
Claire nodded. "Thanks. I could whip something up for you if you like, since you just came off a plane?"
"No, thank you, Sweetheart. But help yourself to anything. Think of this place as a home away from home, okay?" Seth told her.
"Thank you."
Jacob and Seth then retreated to their bedroom so that they could change and unpack.
"She's lovely. She kinda reminds me of you," Seth told him. "Your calmer, happier side."
"She is a nice girl," Jacob agreed. "My mother chose well, I think. I hope she sticks around."
"Me, too," Seth agreed, throwing the last of his dirty laundry in the hamper before sighing. "I have so much laundry to do. We can't expect the poor girl to wash our underwear. The boys' maybe, but not ours."
Jacob chuckled. "Nope. Come on, let's go spend some time with our boys."
"Took the words right out of my mind," Seth quipped, causing jacob to roll his eyes as he took his hand and held him out the bedroom.
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20:35/08:35 pm
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The boys had been in bed for an hour, and Claire had only returned home ten minutes before that. She seemed to take her job seriously, insisting she put the boys to bed for them. She seemed extremely eager, so Jacob and Seth allowed it. Though, Seth sat in with them after they'd brushed their teeth and whatnot and read them a story.
Seth was curled up in bed, comforter bunched snugly around him as he buried his nose in a fictional novel. Jacob smiled and shook his head from across the room; he prefered self-help books and autobiographies. He couldn't understand why people would waste their time living in a world that wasn't real. Seth loved them though, so now the bookshelves in their bedroom was half filled with the bloody things.
Seth smiled from behind his book; he could feel the older man's eyes on him.
Jacob had been sorting out the suitcases, storing them back to where they were usual kept, when something slipped out the one Seth had used. Peering down, Jacob's heart sank. It was Harry's letter. He glanced up at the seemingly oblivious Seth sat on the bed before crouching down to pick the envelope up.
Was tonight the best night to get into this? Was any night the best night to get into this? Surely, it would be better if they simply got it over with.
"Hey, baby, what you got there?" Seth called from the bed, curiously peering over his book when he heard the rustling suddenly stop.
Jacob sighed and turned to face him. "Your dad's letter. It fell out your suitcase," he replied cautiously.
He watched as the blood drained drastically from Seth's face and the book slipped from his hands to land with a muted thud into his lap. Instantly, his lip found its way between his teeth and began to gnaw on it anxiously.
Jacob cautiously approached the bed, envelope still in hand, and slid under the covers. Seth still hadn't removed his terrified gaze from the paper. Jacob lifted a hand and cupped seth's face, finally drawing his gaze up to his. The older man's heart broke a little when he saw the tears swimming in the youth's eyes.
"D-do we have to do that ... tonight?" Seth whispered, pained.
Jacob sighed. "When did you plan to?" he countered, knowing it wouldn't be any time soon if the youth had his way.
Seth just shrugged and glanced away.
"Seth, Love, it has to be read. For the boys if no one else. The sooner we know, the better," Jacob said softly. "I know you're scared to read what he has to say, but it's important."
"I ... I know, I know that. I just ..." the youth trailed off with a shaky breath. "I-I don't know if ... I don't think I can."
"You do it," he ordered.
Jacob cocked an eyebrow. "You want me to do it? I'm sure it's extremely personal, Seth. Are you sure?" he checked uncertainly. All he knew was that one of them would have to read it for the boys' sake.
"Yes. No. I don't know!" the youth yelled, yanking on his eyes in frustration.
Jacob reached over and gently pried his hand saway before he could do any more damage to himself. Then he murmured, "I'm right here, Seth. I'll be right by your side. I won't let you lose yourself."
"Promise me, please?" Seth pleaded, swallowing thickly.
His fear was stifling, more powerful than he'd ever realised himself. These were essentially the last words his father would ever address him with. They could be anything. That scared Seth shitless.
Jacob tilted Seth's chin so the youth's gaze held his own. "I promise you," he vowed with passion. "I won't let you go through this alone."
Seth believed him.
He took a deep breath and nodded, reaching out to pick up the letter that was addressed solely to him. Jacob wound his arm around the youth's shoulder in a silent show of support and to keep him grounded as he read the worst and most important letter of his life. Seth still hesitated though.
"Like a band aid," the older man whispered. "I'm right here."
Seth nodded and closed his eyes briefly before hooking his thumb under the flap and tearing. Once he'd taken the first step, he opened the rest automatically and pulled out the four-sided letter from its holding. And there it was, his father's calligraphy staring back at him. He didn't take in any of the words just yet. The pain in his heart was much too distracting for that.
"Shh, Love. You're okay," Jacob murmured as he noticed the youth was beginning to tremble hard. He kissed his forehead.
The youth hadn't even been aware of the soft tearless weeps that were escaping his throat, and blushed. "Sorry. I'm acting like such a chick," he replied.
Jacob frowned. "No, you aren't. You're facing your fear. It's admirable," he contradicted.
"Thanks," the youth replied with a soft smile. "I can't read it though."
"Yes, you can. You've gotten this far, Seth. We can read it together, just one line at a time," the older man encouraged.
Seth took a shaky breath. He could do that; take it one line at a time. Together, they looked down, seeing for the first time in God knows how long, Harry had addressed him with something other than 'Boy' or 'Kid.'
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*Hides behind Wolf Pack*
I know! I know! Such a horrible cliffhanger! The letter is pretty long though and I'm sure you'll want to see the reaction too in the same chapter. They'll both be in the next chapter! Sorry!
Please leave me some love and motivation, or if you just want to vent your frustrations at me, with a review!
Love MrsWolfPack x