Later that same day, Ed was on his own with both boys in the side room while Olivia was having an MRI scan. It was just a precaution to make sure that now Olivia was awake and conscious there was no rupture to the nerves on the brain. The nurse had bought the boys some games and a packet of playing cards from the children's ward.

Lying sprawled over the floor, smiles and bright eyes they were the very image of best friends. Ed could only hope that they would be close as they grew up

'Snap! I win!' Noah was grinning mischievously as he scooped up the last of Aaron's cards.

'Hey, no fair! You didn't give me chance to say snap!'

'I did, I'm just quicker than you!'

I love you Noah"

"You love me"

'You're my brother. Brothers are supposed to love each other aren't they?'

'I don't know, I've never had one before'

'Neither had I. Just like I have never had two parents at the same time, it's always been me and mum then me and dad. But now I have a mom, a dad and a brother. I'm pretty lucky Noah'

'We both are. I love you and your dad. We are lucky to have each other and our parents who love us as much as they love us'

'And each other'

'Yes, each other. As much as they love us and as much as they love each other'

Ed had been watching the exchange between the two boys in awe. They had been subjected to more than most young boys their age ever had to. The gaining of family, the disappearance of their parents. It was as if they had grown up while he and Olivia had been held hostage because they'd had no choice.

'When did my two sons become so grown up?'

'I'm not THAT grown up dad'

'But you are Aaron- you have both been through so much'

'But dad, I didn't do anything'

'But you did Aaron. When my mum was in hospital and your das was with her and looking after her, you were with me. I had bad dreams and you gave me hugs, you asked Lucy to make my favourite dinner, you looked after me, like a big brother should I hope'

'Big brother?'

'Well you are two months older than me aren't you?'

'Yes'

'You did lots for me Aaron. Still are, you make me feel safe. My mum and me never felt safe with Brian but with you and Ed I feel safe again.'

'You see Aaron? Noah adores you and I love you more than anything'

'That makes two of us' Olivia was in the doorway having watched the exchange for quite some time, quiet and unobserved.

'Mum!' Noah ran over to his Mum and wrapped his arms around her- careful not to hurt her.

'Hey sweet boy, you behaving yourself for Ed?'

'Of course he is Olivia. How are you feeling?'

'Still sore but I'll get there. I've got something to get better for now. A family'

Ed got up out of her chair to pull Olivia's wheelchair into the room. His hands found Olivia's and they clung to each other- needing to be together in that moment.

'Ed…?'

'Yes buddy?'

'Can I ask you two questions?'

'You can ask me anything Noah, you know that?'

'You promise me that you and my mum will be together forever and you'll never leave us, ever?'

'Come here' Ed held his arm out to Noah and pulled him onto his lap for a second, watching as Aaron came over and sat on the bed next to him, holding Olivia's other hand.

'I love your mum and she loves me, but I can't promise that sweetheart.'

'Why not?'

'Because all sorts of things happen Noah and I don't make a promise unless I can keep it. I will try my best to be with your mum forever and I really think it could happen, I really want it to happen'

'Ed's right love- we love each other and I think we could be together forever but we can't promise that we won't ever split up and he will never leave us because we never know what is around the corner'

'Okay, I'm changing the question. You promise you will never hurt my mum?'

'You mean as in hit her?'

'Yes'

'Oh Noah, I promise that on my life. I love your mum more than anything in the world; I promise you that I will never lay a hand on her. Okay?'

'Okay'

Noah heaved a sigh of relief for a second and then cuddled Ed, burrowing into him chest for warmth. Aaron looked at Olivia and then back at his dad for a minute before Olivia filled in the gaps and pulled the boy onto her lap for a cuddle.

'I love you' Ed whispered to Noah, who hugged him even harder.

'I love you as well dad' Noah whispered back, causing Ed to stop and sit rigidly.

'Did you…?'

'What is it Ed?' Olivia saw Ed's eyes fill up with tears and was immediately concerned

'Noah… called me dad'

'Did I do something wrong? Do you want me to call you Ed?'

'I don't know sweetheart, what do you want to call me?'

'Aaron said we both have a mom and dad now, and I feel like he's right. I want to call you dad'

'Is that okay with you Olivia?'

'You don't even need to check- as long as you're happy with it, then I'm all for it'

'What about you Aaron?'

'I want to call Olivia Mum as well- if that's okay with you Olivia'

'Oh sweetheart, of course it is. I'd be honoured to be your Mum'

'Come here you silly boys, Ed held out an arm to Aaron who went over and had a cuddle with him and Noah. Olivia watched the three of them for a minute, tears in her eyes, before her eyes found Ed's.

'I love you' she mouthed

'I love you too' Ed mouthed back instantly.

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