-King! What are you doing here? James asked surprised seeing Pride come through the doors that led to the backyard.
-I brought Donnie home, he stated calmly.
-What happened?
-He hurt himself playing football…
-Is he okay? Katherine asked instantly.
-It's just a sprain, he told me the same happened a few days ago, Pride answered carefully.
-Yeah, he tried to jump on to my back but missed and sprained it, Nate chipped in. Pride gave him a look at that making the boy shrug his shoulders with a sheepish smile.
-The thing is, he didn't come to me, he convinced Tony to keep playing and tried to hide the injury even after I specifically asked him if something was up with his arm. He lied to me and told me it was an old injury. Chris overheard the boys talking a bit later and asked me to take a look at it. Donnie wasn't happy about it and shouted at me and kept giving me attitude, told me I didn't have any right to brush away his bangs so I could look him in the eyes. I'm sorry James, Katherine, but when he didn't comply when I asked him to sit down and instead accused me of kicking him out of my life officially if he didn't I couldn't handle it anymore. He isn't Nate and there is something eating that boy up. He's barely said a word to me since then, kept distancing himself like we never met before. He knew what he would have done if it was Nate, but this was Donnie, not Nate and Donnie was foreign territory even if he shouldn't be.
-You sit! James growled at Nate who had jumped up, ready to confront his younger brother. I'll go get him King, at least he needs to apologize no matter what is going on.
-Don't, that wouldn't do any good right now. Forcing the kid to apologize when all he wants to do is put 10 miles between us wouldn't do any of us good. Let him calm down first, I'll come over after a few days and see if I can't solve this thing with him. James nodded his understanding and Pride sighed relieved that the other man had taken his advice.
-You come over whenever you feel like it, I'm truly sorry for my son's behavior.
-The same goes for me. With that James showed him out the door, leaving Pride to wonder if he'd done the right thing or not by not treating him just like Nate.
-Bullied-
-You okay? Your dad said you were pretty shaken up.
-What happened? Tony asked instead, ignoring his uncles question.
-Sorry kid but that is between me and Donnie.
-I can't help wondering…he looked so hurt, like every word hurt him and…and he called you agent Pride like if he didn't even know you.
-He's probably angry with me kid.
-He didn't seem angry, he seemed hurt, Tony objected.
-Are you sure kid?
-Yes. I even tried to text him, but he haven't answered.
-I guess he want's to be alone.
-Dad said you would fix it but from what I can see that didn't happen, Tony said a hint of accusation in his voice.
-I tried my best Tony, but what he needs right now is time.
-What he needs is you! Just like Nate. You just can't see it. You is what he has needed everyday since you stopped coming around just because Nate left. I have kept my eyes on him. He doesn't know how to be around you and today…
-What kid?
-He told Chris he didn't grow up around you guys when Chris said he should know the rules like the alphabet. I heard the resentfulness. Was he ever around you? Because he seems to think that he wasn't, Tony stated coldly.
-I already told you Tony, the age gap was big, but yeah I kept my eye on him too.
-From the shadows?!
-Tony! You better stop pushing me and accusing me of doing things you know nothing about.
-I know the hurt I saw. His uncle just glared him down at that and Tony swallowed before mumbling: sorry.
-I get that you are worried Tony, but accusing me won't get you anywhere.
-He told Chris that Chris doesn't know him, he knew him. If that isn't a way to tell you guys you stopped coming around I don't know what is, and no, I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. I just thought you might need to know.
-Donnie said that? Like that?
-Ask Chris if you want.
-Hey! I told you to stop with the accusations.
-Sorry.
-You go to sleep Tony, you let me and Nate's family fix this, whatever it is. Tony just turned around without a word, feeling quite angry with his uncle himself, who didn't seem to understand. Donnie and Tony had gotten close during the short time they had known each other and Tony really wanted to fix this for his friend.
-Tony! His uncle closed the gap between them and drew him into a hug. I'm sorry son for how I sounded. You have to understand though that I do my best. I'll ask Nate to keep an eye on him until I go visit them in a couple of days. Okay kid?
-Okay, Tiny agreed feeling the warmth of his uncle around him.
-Goodnight son, with that his uncle released him and kissed the top of his head.
-Goodnight Uncle Pride. He still wasn't sure his uncle could fix this, but at least he would try.