Title: The Guardian
Chapter 26 – Learning to Trust

A/N: Okay….you might need a kleenex a bit later on in this update (just saying). Enjoy

Danny watches in shock as Jamie's balled fist is about to fly through the air, his friend Lucas frantically calling his name and trying to pull him back. Danny looks at the size of Carl and his two friends but knows he can't step in to fight every battle for his kid brother. Besides…Jamie's not that bad a fighter, Danny's mind muses. This was Jamie's turf and he had a right to defend his name and his property from jealous bullies. Even still, he was ready to jump in in case Carl was awarded the unfair upper hand of three versus one.

Lucas's hand grabs Jamie's fist before he can connect with Carl's jaw; Carl about to use his small pen to do harmful damage to the precious jacket. However, Lucas's actions unwittingly cause Jamie to be momentarily distracted and Carl to punch Jamie in the face, not hard enough to knock him off balance but hard enough to deal him a small black eye.

"Hey!" Anna shouts as Carl glares at her in contempt.

"Got sick of a real man and figured you'd dabble in a little nerd? Tramp," Carl sneers at Anna as Jamie's anger surges. "And I think he was more ready to save his ratty old jacket than his little girlfriend," Carl mocks Jamie next.

Jamie readies his fist once more, about to turn and strike when two teachers rush toward them ready to break up the fight; Danny's breath finally exhaling as Linda stands as his side ready to act if necessary.

"What's going on here?" The teacher looks at Carl in anger.

"He just hit my friend Jamie for no reason!" Lucas desperately exclaims, wanting to help remedy a situation he inadvertently made worse.

"Is that so Carl?" The teacher huffs as Carl sneers at Jamie.

"Whatever. As if little sissy boy here could fight his own battles. He's all talk. Get off of me," Carl snickers as he jerks his arm free of the teacher trying to get him to leave the dance so that others, who were actually obeying the rules, could get back to having a good time. Jamie watches Carl take his leave, being ushered toward the belly of the school by two of the teacher's turned monitors for the night.

Jamie looks up and catches Danny's inquiring glance but merely offers a frown and a wince as he looks at Lucas in wonder.

"Thanks…but I could have taken him," Jamie sighs as his fingers gingerly touch his right eye, his mind wondering what he'd tell Henry and Frank the following morning.

"I'm sorry I got you hurt," Lucas huffs. "I didn't want you to get into trouble."

"Want to go to the nurse?" Anna asks in concern.

"No," Jamie shakes his head in haste. "I'm sorry he called you those things."

"He's just a big jerk. I don't know what I ever saw in him," Anna replies with a small frown. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, but how about we check out the dessert table for the next dance?"

"Sounds good to me, I need a sugar rush right about now," Tiffany snickers as her and Anna turn and leave the dance floor area.

"Jamie…" Lucas starts as he looks at him in remorse.

"Hey, it's okay. I'll be okay. I just didn't want him to ruin my jacket."

"Did you really get it from Henry Reagan?"

"Yeah," Jamie nods proudly. "I just didn't want to make a big deal about it earlier but I really love it and didn't want Carl to get the ink on it. I know it was stupid to want to fight for it but um…well I don't own many things I like you know?"

"I'd be pretty protective of it also if someone that important gave it to me," Lucas admits as they finally turn to follow the girls. "Do you think Carl will try again?"

"Well I won't be wearing this on Monday. I think maybe coming here and seeing us having a good time just made him mad," Jamie shrugs. "But I don't know. I don't want to fight him but I will defend myself if I have to."

"You were ready to fight and I was ready to run," Lucas sighs as Jamie gently chuckles. "Who taught you how to fight?"

"My brother Danny. He's really good," Jamie replies with pride. "Hey you know the college Danny goes to offers a basic self defense class. Why don't we take it together?"

"Is it free?"

"I think so. I can check."

"Yeah that'd be cool," Lucas answers with a smile as they finally catch up to the girls and get their plates to get a few goodies. After that, they all head for a nearby table, sit down and then talk about what just happened.

"You wanna go after Carl don't you?" Linda asks softly as Danny turns to her with a small frown.

"Damn, how is it you know me so well?" He lightly chortles as Linda's face smiles, her hand slipping into his and squeezing it.

"Because you hate injustice and you hate to see people you care about in trouble."

"Yeah I do. But this is Jamie's battle to fight and I have confidence in him."

"Think it'll come down to a school yard fight?"

"He's had them before," Danny sighs as he watches Jamie from a distance. "Usually they don't amount to more than name calling or some pushing or shoving. But these are the higher grades and bullies get stronger as they get older. I don't know but I hope not." Stupid jacket! He inwardly curses. But his mind quickly recants as he knows he'd probably feel the same way and be just as protective if it was an item that Frank had given to him personally. Their own biological father had never given either of them anything material they could defend with pride; only the outside of his fist and inside of his vengeful heart. But the one time their father did give Jamie something and he didn't take that good of care of it, he paid the price. So he understood Jamie's desire to keep this jacket…this precious gift, safe no matter what. But he also knows anything material isn't worth his brother's precious life. He could only hope that Carl would be so embarrassed by tonight and just sleep it off that come Monday, he'd forget it. Bully's don't go away that easily, his mind correctly reminds him. They had face bullies all their life and probably would going forward in the years to come. They just adhered to the adage – what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.

"Danny? You still with me?" Linda's voice breaks into his thoughts, pulling him back toward her and offering her a smile.

"Wanna dance?" He asks as the music slows right down to a more romantic tune.

"Of course," Linda replies eagerly as they head for the dance floor, Danny's arms encircling her and holding her close.

"Damn you smell good," he whispers as his lips nuzzle her ear; her lips rewarding him with a soft giggle.

Jamie watches Danny and Linda swaying to the music for a few minutes and can't help but smile. He's sure that Danny witnessed the lame outburst on Carl's part, but didn't rush in right away and let him hold his own and retain and even build upon his self confidence in front of his friends and in his own mind. But he also knows that if things were to get out of hand, that Danny would rush in and help end the fight no questions asked.

He turns back to his friends, him and Lucas listening as Anna and Tiffany talk about a girls shoes and wonder where they got them. A few minutes later, three others sit down at the table, not interested in dancing to something romantic and the conversation gets even livelier.

Thankfully for Jamie no ones makes much fuss over the jacket, asking him of course of the growing black eye but Jamie shrugging it off as a jealous bully over his grades; which most could relate to since the bulk of them were also on the honor roll and very familiar with Carl's jealous tendencies. But they also knew that Carl was mostly talk and that he'd sulk in the corner a few days, lick his wounds and hopefully just slink back into the shadows.

The slow music finally fades in favor of some that really pumps; this time drawing Jamie and his friends back onto the floor, where they all dance in a large group, bopping to the music, laughing and just having a good time. Danny and Linda dance two fast dances, before Danny takes her by the hand and heads toward the eating area.

"A bit of excitement tonight," one of the teachers comments as they approach.

"You guys ready to rumble?" Danny gently smirks as Principal Adams approaches.

"John Adams."

"Danny Smith," Danny extends his hand to shake. "My girlfriend, Linda Brown."

"Nice to meet you both. Any relation to Jamie Smith?"

"He's my brother."

"And he's doing very well this year."

"And the bully's don't like that," Danny counters as Principal Adams shakes his head.

"Carl is just jealous as he's barely passing most of his classes and won't graduate anywhere near the grades that most universities need him to have to even get the minimum entrance requirements. Your parents did a good job with making sure Jamie kept his grades up until now. They must be so proud of him. But I'm sure you hear that a lot."

"Yeah um…mom's proud," Danny's voice tightens as his grip on Linda's hand also increases in strength. "So what happened to Carl?" Danny quickly changes the subject, Linda offering a tight smile in return. Danny listens to Principal Adams outline the punishment for Carl and nods in agreement. But as much as he wants to fully engage the older man, his mind and heart now both ache for their mother. The fact that she was missing out on so much…seeing Jamie excel in school and slowly work toward achieving the dream he told her about when a small boy.

'Jamison what do you want to do when you grow up.'

'I wanna be a lawyer mom and put away bad people. Like father.'

'That's a noble dream sweetheart. I know you'll make me proud someday. Danny will arrest them and you'll put them away. I love you both so much and can't wait until I am standing side by side at your graduation as the proudest and happiest mother in the whole world.'

Be there…at your side…proudest…happiest…be there…be there…BE THERE!

Then without warning, Danny politely excuses himself and heads for the exit doors at a brisk pace, Linda following in wonder. He busts through the two leaved doors, into a quiet hallway and up to the first locker. His fist balls and hits it, bringing Linda hurrying to his side just as his bare fist connects harshly with the side of a quiet locker.

"Danny!" She exclaims as she grabs his fist and pulls it back before he can do any more damage to his slightly scuffed knuckles. Danny pulls his hand free and then steps away a few feet, his heart racing. "Talk to me."

"It's nothing!" Danny snaps as his back remains to her.

"It's something," Linda presses back as his shoulder slightly slump and he turns to face her. "Jamie is going to be okay."

"I know he is I just…tonight he's asking me about the dance and girls and I just…it should be mom he's talking to. She should be here to see him succeeding. To see him happy and making her proud. And he just has me and I'm just…it's…"

"Let it out Danny," Linda tenderly coaxes. "Don't keep it inside."

"DAMN BASTARD KILLED HER!" Danny shouts as he pulls away, kicking the innocent locker with such gusto the bottom actually dents. "He denied her of all this and Jamie of….it's just not fair," Danny growls as he pulls back, not wanting to really do any more property damage. "It's just not fair. She deserved so much better and she wanted to be there…she promised him…and now…he'll never have that. He'll never have the proud parent standing in the crowd when he graduates telling him how…you know what…whatever."

"Hey hold on a sec," Linda takes a few steps to Danny's side as he quickly swallows back a sniffle. "He has you and he has me and he has others that will be there. I know it'll never be the same but he won't be alone. Neither of you will ever again."

Danny's arms quickly pull her into his embrace, holding her close against his body as he allows her comforting touch to help ease away his angry tension. "Sorry I yelled," he whispers as he pulls back in remorse.

"No. Don't be sorry, you needed to let it out," she quickly assures him. "The locker will survive," she gently quips as his face finally relaxes.

"Sometimes…I just gotta let it out," Danny huffs as she nods in understanding. "You know I'd never hurt you right?"

"I know you worry about that every time you get angry. Tonight you came here. You excused yourself and you found a quiet place and let it out. That was the right thing to do. I know you'd never hurt me Danny. I know that."

"You wanna go?"

"Only if you want to. Otherwise, I think I hear another slow song that has our name on it."

The two of them head back into the main auditorium, Danny's mind already feeling relief at having such an amazing woman in his life but still saddened that his beloved mother would never get to meet her, grow to love her also and then share in the joy of their family. Wow you're thinking family already? Danny's mind inquires. I love her…I do…yeah.

Danny looks at Jamie and his friends as they head off the floor for the slow; laughing and talking and just enjoying their evening, not allowing the slight but tense altercation earlier with Carl to put a damper on the evening. But as Danny glances at the clock on the wall he knows he doesn't want to stay out too late, besides…the school patrons were starting to thin out.

"I think its time to go," Danny whispers as Linda nods in agreement, not caring either way if they'd be staying longer or not.

"I'll get my coat from the chair where I left it," Linda comments as Danny nods and then looks for Jamie. Not wanting to make it too obvious he pulls his phone and sends a text.

'Hey Cinderella, your coach turns into a pumpkin in ten minutes. D'

With that he heads toward Linda and then outside into the cool night air, talking a bit more about the night as they wait for Jamie to join them and then head home. After getting the text, Jamie talks about five more minutes to his friends before he looks at his watch and tells them he has to go. Thankfully a few others, including Lucas agree with him and slowly they get up from the table and all head for the exit doors. Jamie waves bye to his friends and then slightly jogs over to the other end of the parking lot to join Danny and Linda, hopping in the back and closing the door with a smile.

"Have fun tonight kid?"

"Yes. Well, aside from the part with Carl," Jamie replies with a small huff.

"Ah yeah well at least you didn't let it ruin your whole night," Danny reminds him as they head toward Linda's home. The three of them talk about the dance as they near her home, Jamie then hopping in the front as Danny walks her to the door; lingers a bit for a goodnight kiss and then waits until she's inside before he heads back to the car and they head for the Reagan home.

"You saw the fight with Carl right?"

"One sided," Danny retorts.

"I could have taken him."

"Yeah if it was you and him one on one. Remember bullies are cowards and he had two other guys with him."

"Can you teach me a few more moves?" Jamie asks in haste as they near the Reagan home. "Lucas and I talked about taking that community basic self-defense course the college offers but I know that's just the basics and most of it is awareness and stuff like that. But he really needs the basics. I'd like a bit more."

"Yeah I can teach you a few more things. But remember…it is just a jacket."

"I know," Jamie slightly pouts as he looks down at the piece of leather that hadn't left his body all night.

"And weren't you hot dancing in it all night?" Danny parks the car out front, totally forgetting about the garage.

"I'm okay. I just didn't want Carl to get pen marks on it. It never would have come out," Jamie moans as they reach the Reagan house, neither realizing they were being watched by a tender eye; from Frank carefully concealed but now peering out through the second floor window.

"Henry will ask tomorrow but just be honest," Danny tells him as they linger on the walk, Frank watching intently.

"Think I'll be grounded?" Jamie gently retorts as Danny's face slightly softens. "What's going on Danny?"

"Mom would have been so proud of you tonight. Standing up for yourself and your friends like that and then just having a great time."

"Think she would have been happy too?"

"Yeah very," Danny replies as he gives Jamie a warm hug. "I miss her too," he whispers as they finally pull apart. "Just remember tomorrow isn't about us."

"Are we going to go to the cemetery?" Jamie asks in a soft whisper as they near the front door to go in.

"I'd kinda like to to pay our respects and all but only if they ask us. They might have some private family thing they do each year and um…well we're not family. We'll see what happens tomorrow."

"Did you have a good time with Linda tonight?" Jamie inquires as Danny tries to open the door.

"Obviously too good I forgot about the garage," he groans as they both turn and hurry back to the car and get in. Frank's heart rate starts to raise a little as he watches the car pull away, wondering if perhaps the boys got spooked tonight for some reason and were tempted to run again. But his mind instantly settles when he hears the garage starting to open and a small smile appears as he pulls away and heads into his bedroom; his father already having lost the battle about half hour earlier – just before midnight.

Danny and Jamie quietly creep inside, not wanting to wake anyone up. They each head into their own bedroom and thanks for the long day and excitement of the night, are both asleep as soon as they change into their pajamas and climb into bed.

XXXXXXXX

The next morning, Jamie awakens after a somewhat peaceful night and gingerly touches his eye. He had gone to bed happy from the excitement but then started to think a bit about his mother and how he wasn't able to go home to her and brag about the fun time…filling her in all the excitement and misery started to fill his mind. Today's not about us, Danny's voice reminds him. So as much as he knows Henry will ask about the black eye, he tells himself not to make a big deal about it and then basically let the Reagan's do their thing with Joe's death anniversary.

He gets out of bed and heads into the quiet hallway, pausing to listen to see if anyone else but him was up; Danny still asleep. He tiptoes into the bathroom to have a shower, looking at his somewhat weary reflection with a frown. His eyes of course zero in on the dark, bruised skin under his right eye and his expression droops. But he goes about having his shower, hoping that he can just say it was nothing and no one will press the issue. Why would they right? His mind tries unsuccessfully to convince himself that the guardians they were staying with didn't care as much as they actually do. His father had given him something and he learned from a very early age what was valued in his household; material things before people.

'A gift for me father? Really?'

'From someone at work. Their kid didn't want it. You treat it well or else!'

'Oh I will father, thank you. I love it so much!'

He had taken it to school the next day and one of the elementary kids at recess decided they wanted it instead. Jamie had tried to fight back but the object was broken and he got a fat lip and bloody nose. It didn't matter the other kid got in trouble at school he had to go home and face the devil. And he did. And he felt his father's wrath.

'NO GOOD LOUSY INGRATE! I GIVE YOU A GIFT AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT IT?'

'I'm…I'm sorry fa-father…' he cried. 'I tried to stop him but he was bigger.'

'I don't care! You know how important that thing was? Look at you! You make me sick! Couldn't even protect something small like that. You're never getting anything again! You deserve what's coming.'

'No father please. You can have my allowance to pay for it. I'm sorry. Please don't hurt me father. Please.'

But the pleading begs were lost on deaf ears as he learned his place and where his father ranked material items in his life. The sad thing was the object was free; his son should have been more valued but he wasn't. After that he asked for nothing and took nothing to school; nothing for show and tell; nothing to brag about; nothing to be proud of. Nothing to love, nothing to cherish. Nothing. Now he had once again failed….or so he thought…in his mind, failed someone he respected, felt he let them down by not defending the jacket more. You got a black eye for your trouble! His brain yells. It's no big deal...but he just wasn't used to being cared about so in his mind only it was no big deal; he'd soon learn how it was for someone else…someone else who actually did care.

"Morning," Danny mumbles lazily as he passes Jamie in the hallway and disappears into the bathroom, the two of them still getting used to the idea of having their own bedrooms to change in; instead of before where they'd need the bathroom for some extra privacy. Jamie quickly changes into some casual clothing, takes a deep breath and heads for the kitchen, this time hearing voices and smelling coffee.

"There he…is," Henry starts as he turns to face Jamie who enters with a somewhat sheepish frown. "Jamie?"

"Jamie, what happened?" Frank asks in concern as both older men near the young teen.

Jamie quickly feels his back stiffen and shakes his head; his heart starting to pound heavier as he feels himself now in the emotional examination chair. "Nothing…small scuffle but that was it. So pancakes for breakfast?" He rattles off in haste, displaying a tight lipped smile as he tries to move past.

"A black eye isn't nothing Jamie. You left here last night without one. What happened?" Henry wonders in a kind tone.

"A kid hit me but it really was nothing. So can I help with breakfast?"

But Henry's hand gently clasps his forearm and pulls him back. "I said I'm fine!" Jamie gently snaps as Danny and Erin appear in the entranceway in wonder.

"What's going on?" Danny asks in haste as he hurries to his brother's side.

"Nothing…I'm fine…I'm fine," Jamie insists as he looks at Danny with a flushed face. "I'm fine."

"We meant no offense Jamie," Frank tries to correct as Jamie's face warms at his own agitation and for snapping so fast.

"I'm not hungry," Jamie huffs as he turns and leaves; Danny about to follow.

"Danny?" Frank's questioning of his own name pulls the older boy back; Erin watching in silent wonder. "What's this about?"

"This jealous kid at school has been bugging Jamie about his grades and the fact Jamie's on the honor roll in the top two and he's nearly failing. Last night this kid tried to ruin his jacket with a pen and Jamie…"

"Got into a fight over it?" Henry asks weakly.

"Almost. His friend stopped him and then when Jamie turned back the other kid punched him. But just before anything could happen, a teacher stepped in and Jamie and the jacket are okay. The bully got detention."

"That's not nothing," Frank states warmly.

"He's um…he's not used to anyone…"

"Caring?" Henry interjects as Danny nods; his lips being pulled into a tight line.

"Been that way since young. Sorry."

"So you were there and saw it?"

"Just as it happened," Danny answers Frank as Henry goes in search of Jamie. "Jamie can fight his own battles but I was there. I wasn't going to interfere unless it got out of hand."

"You two have a great bond."

"We've had to since he was born. But um…he's okay. He's just not used to this…I guess it's kinda new for both of us."

"Did you at least have a good time despite that?" Erin asks softly as Danny turns and nods.

"Yeah that lasted all of about fifteen minutes and then him and his friends bounced back. He was just so afraid of ruining the jacket that I think it ate at him a bit last night."

"It's just a jacket," Erin shrugs.

But Danny can only offer her a small smile as he knows she doesn't understand. She had been raised by two amazing, loving, caring and obviously doting parents. While she wasn't selfish or spoiled, anyone could tell Erin Reagan was a content child growing up and a self-assured young adult now thanks to her parents. They never had that. Usually when given things it was with the understanding they would have to give something in return. So when Henry didn't want anything in return for the jacket, to Jamie that was the same as offering him the world. He couldn't explain it to her. So he looks at Frank, his eyes begging for a verbal reprieve before he'd have to go back on the emotional hot seat.

"Pop will fix it," Frank assures him with a tender smile. "Hungry?"

"Actually yes."

"So what did Linda wear?" Erin inquires as Danny gently chuckles; Erin taking a cue from her father to change the subject.

"Stupid…" Jamie berates himself as he hears a small knock on his bedroom door and looks up to see Henry enter with a tender gaze.

"Can I come in?" Henry asks as Jamie nods.

"Yeah. I'm sorry I snapped," Jamie huffs as Henry slowly eases himself down onto the top of the bed beside him. "It really was nothing."

"A black eye isn't nothing. Wanna tell me your side of what happened?"

"I didn't want to ruin the jacket. I knew you'd be mad at me if I did," Jamie sighs as he looks down, his heart beating madly in his chest.

Henry's heart starts to ache as he looks at Jamie's sad expression and defeated posture. "Jamie I want to tell you something and although you might find it hard to believe I want you to try," Henry starts in a kind tone, prompting Jamie's eyes to look up in wonder. "The jacket is just a piece of fabric. I care more about you than a piece of fabric."

"Okay."

"Now you answered to fast and I'm thinking you don't believe really me."

"I'm sorry," Jamie huffs as he gently sags against Henry's shoulder. "I learned from a small boy that um…that a gift was worth more than I was."

In that moment, Henry's eyes instantly water as his head shakes and his teeth grit. It's a good thing that bastard isn't here…I'd kill him without question! "Jamie…" Henry's voice dies out into a tormented whisper. "Want to tell me what happened when you were a kid?" Henry dares to ask after a few minutes of tormented silence; not really sure if even he wanted to hear all the details behind Jamie's thinking but knowing he can't have the young man just keep it all bottled up inside.

"I was given a gift…the only one my father gave me that wasn't um…his fist," Jamie's lips offer a sad chuckle; the tormented confession prompting Henry's arm to protectively encircle his tender shoulders and hold him close. "He didn't even buy it. He got it at work but…I thought the fact he gave it to me that it was the greatest gift ever. It wasn't even that special but I loved it. I played with it all night and then took it to school the next day to show it off. I was so proud of it," Jamie pauses as a small smile graces his lips. But as soon as he remembers the following events, his expression clouds and his smile fades. "A kid at school didn't like the fact I had the toy and he wanted it. It was…it was stupid."

"But it was important to you," Henry acknowledges as Jamie nods.

"I loved it. The first real gift my father had ever given me," Jamie whispers sadly. "So when he tried to take it I tried to fight to keep it. I wasn't very big or strong back then and um…he punched me a few times and…took the toy. I went to the teacher but…the kid already broke it. I went home. I was devastated. I thought my father would understand or…feel sorry for me for getting hurt…but he didn't," Jamie's voice falters as he quickly swallows. "I learned that day what he valued most. He was angry and he…he beat me. I had to miss school for a week but um…I learned my place right?"

"No…it's not right Jamie. It's never right. No material object will ever be more important or valuable than a human being. Ever. He was wrong and I'm sorry you had to go through that."

"Do you feel sorry for me?" Jamie looks up with a frown.

"I feel sorry that you had to face that kind of horror and I'm sorry I wasn't there to show him what's really valued – you. I know you love that jacket Jamie and I really do appreciate the fact that you cherish it and want to take very good care of it. But it's just a jacket. I value you more. I hope there comes a time you'll believe me."

"I just didn't want to let you down. This is the only gift I've gotten since then with nothing expected in return. He came at me with a pen and I couldn't let him damage it. I couldn't. But I didn't want to tell you because I thought you'd be mad."

"Come here my boy," Henry whispers as he wraps his arms around Jamie's slightly shaking frame, resting his cheek upon Jamie's head; not wanting to let go. "I'd never be mad at you for telling me the truth."

"Okay," Jamie whispers as he pulls back with a tense frown.

"But I'm happy you trusted me and told me all this. I know it wasn't easy," Henry tells Jamie in truth. "I want you to always remember you can tell me anything you want, no matter what and you know I won't get mad."

"So I'm not grounded?" Jamie asks lightly as Henry smiles and offers a friendly pat to his back.

"No," Henry chuckles. "Come on, let's get you some cream for that eye."

Normally, Danny would have worried that Jamie was missing for longer than a few minutes; and there was a time when he was almost terrified to know that his little brother was in Henry Reagan's company for the simple fact that Henry had the power to open a file that could allow the authorities to take his brother away. But seeing Jamie return with Henry at his side and both were smiling and Jamie looked more at ease than he did earlier, his mind settles and the earlier agitation at wondering what was going on was almost dissolved. Almost.

However, he didn't want to broach the subject of what today was – the anniversary of Joseph Reagan's death. He had instead kept the conversation focused on the dance, not wanting them to feel obligated to include them if they already had something outlined.

"So who's making the bacon?" Henry asks as Frank nears Jamie and gives him a small hug, Jamie's mind taking further delight in feeling a part of something special on such a tense day.

"You okay?" Danny whispers as he and Jamie work to set the table.

"Yeah," Jamie replies with a tender smile as Danny gives him a nod. "Did they say anything about later?" Jamie whispers as Danny looks up to see Frank watching them.

"No, but I didn't ask," Danny tells him in truth before they pull apart; the five of them sitting down to breakfast a few minutes later. Nothing is said about Jamie's altercation with the jacket; the conversation mostly focusing on the type of music played and the lack of food variety that was offered.

"They had bacon wrapped something last night."

"Dates."

"Stuffed with cream cheese…what? Dates?" Jamie looks over at Danny who grins. "Really? Dates?" Jamie asks in disbelief as the rest of the table gently snickers.

"Dates stuffed with cheese wrapped in bacon?" Erin inquires as Danny nods.

"No way."

"Yes way," Danny argues back. "Like I'd even know that to make it up."

"Good point," Jamie teases his brother. "Who told you?"

"Linda. She knows everything," he brags with a grin. "And they were grilled."

"Really? Now I really wanna try them," Erin pipes up.

"Dates and bacon?" Henry's face screws as Danny nods and smiles. "Sounds strange."

"Hey anything's good with bacon on it."

"I'll have to agree with Danny on this one pop."

"You would," Henry tosses back at his son as Frank offers him a friendly smile. "Bacon and dates," Henry mutters as Jamie looks at him in wonder. "What do you say kid? Next time we're at the grocery store we pick up some dates and bacon?"

"Sure!" Jamie replies in haste. "Last night was the first time I've had a date."

"Yeah me too," Danny counters with a snicker as Jamie rolls his eyes.

"Yeah but I didn't make out with mine."

"Good thing because that would be so wrong," Erin counters and the whole table erupts into friendly laughter. Danny still worried a bit about Jamie or himself tossing out a sad memory or reference to what a pathetic life they had before meeting the Reagan's but this time it was turned into something funny and the mood didn't dampen, if anything it lifted; somewhat comforting given the somber tone that was soon to come.

"That settles it," Henry concludes. "Where's my grocery list?"

"We can have a tapas night," Erin suggests as Henry's brows arch.

"Tapas? She goes to one food festival and suddenly she's Emeril Lagasse," Henry retorts as Erin purses her lips. "Whatever happened to good old fashioned pot roast and gravy?"

The conversation switches to food again, as Danny asks Erin about the food festival her and Jake and a few others went to; the mood still light but the emotional tension starting to brew. Finally it was time to get the rest of the day started.

"We can do the dishes," Danny volunteers him and Jamie after breakfast is all done and the conversation starts to slow.

"If we all help we can get it done faster," Erin replies with a smile as Danny shrugs in agreement.

"Should we offer to make supper for them?" Jamie whispers as Frank nears them. Jamie looks up with a small frown before his face gently creases.

"What's this?" Frank wonders.

"It's just that we want to show our appreciation for all this and…well we don't have much money to offer."

"We like being here," Jamie adds softly.

"And we'd like to do something to show that by making dinner tonight," Danny continues as both Henry and Erin stop what they're doing to observe Frank's response. But it's not until Frank's expression clouds that for the first time since they arrived does Danny feel he's maybe overstepped his boundaries. Was suggesting they – two strangers – make dinner on the eve of such an important family anniversary out of line? Would they now be told to politely leave?

Time seems to slow as he awaits his fate.

A/N: Oh lots of angsty emotion in this but I really wanted to have Jamie and Henry bond over a memory and thought the jacket was a good catalyst for that; I needed Jamie to really open up to Henry b/c he will again very soon. Plus I really want to build on the emotional bond between Henry and Frank and the boys so that when danger strikes (and its coming! Big and little hehe) their emotional attachment to the boys will be even stronger – yup all part of my master plan muwhahahaha so hope this wasn't too sappy but I thought it was another important milestone. Okay and kinda sorry to leave it here but the next convo is also important and then the cemetery visit and then….yeah so I had to cap somewhere! Lol this is already 10 pages! So please do review before you go b/c I LOVE your reviews and have picked a few ideas and used them YOU ALL ROCK! THANK YOU so much!