A/N: Initially, I saw the splash prompt and thought I'd be doing a whole different drabble set. How different? The ocean and a rescue helicopter were involved...

Week 6 - UDC 10 - Mundane Triggers are Still Triggers

26. Splash

Nick frowned suddenly when Alan's attention settled on him, a speculative expression creasing his features. "What?"

"Two weeks," Alan said, shifting his gaze downward to Pete, who hadn't tried to get out of his arms. "And he trusts you."

"I'm fine, and you didn't need to call the Tathams. That'll just make them worry. You don't need to keep me for the night, Mr. Jenkins. I'm fine."

"You're having singing flashbacks," Alan said gently, watching as Nick looked down at the top of Pete's head thoughtfully. Clearly not fine, if the word salad was anything to go by.

"Huh?"

"The singing, Pete. I knew you did that, but I didn't realize why until now, because you weren't talking about it, about her. I suppose the next thing you're going to tell me is that you were trying to stop it by listening to Otis Redding." Pete winced. "Ah, so you were."

"Mrs. Henderson said I could use the record player in the music room when she caught me," Pete admitted, sounding miserable.

"That's not how you deal with something like this, usually."

"I hate it less now?"

27. Rumble

Nick wanted to laugh at the ridiculousness of that statement, but caught Alan's gaze and didn't dare. Was this progress? Really weird, awkward progress? "Just because you hate it less doesn't mean it wouldn't still trigger you, somehow." Alan frowned at him and Nick shrugged. "Ma and I did some volunteering at a group home for troubled men, mostly vets, before we moved. Even the most mundane things can set off trauma responses."

"Very true," Alan replied, then studied him again. "Knows a bit about psychology. Both parents at home?"

Nick stared at him, for that was a bit odd to ask. "Yes. Why?"

28. Thump

"Curiosity, Nick." His eyes flicked to Pete again, then back to him. "Do they know you're here?"

Nick shook his head. "No, but Ma wanted to meet Pete when I told her about him. She was concerned when I told her that he never seemed to have a lunch."

"Oh really?" Alan leaned back again and looked at the man who had taken Dorinda's place in the doorway. "What do you think? Home visit when I drop Nick off?"

Frank smiled. "Wouldn't hurt. They sound like good people, if their son is anything to go by. Want an application packet and a meeting schedule?"

"Yes."

Pete glanced up at him. "What just happened?"

"I think your social worker likes my Ma and he hasn't even met her yet."

29. Flutter

She was just setting the table for three and wondering where her son was when she noticed an unfamiliar car pull up out front. Helen frowned as she watched Nick get out of the back of it, followed by a really young boy. In fact, really young AND short. What was Nick doing, accepting rides from an unfamiliar man and his son in an area he was new to?

The boy looked toward the house and she stared at him, trying to figure out from a distance why he appeared upset, even if his neutral expression said otherwise.

30. Crackle

He'd been expecting a lecture upon entering the house about accepting rides from strangers, but stopped at the dumbfounded expression on his mother's face. Nick followed her gaze to Pete, then nodded. "Ma, this is Pete Mitchell. You remember? The kid I told you about?"

Helen nodded slowly. "And who is the man who gave you a ride? Is this your father, Pete?"

The man shook his head, answering instead. "No, I'm his social worker." He held out his hand. "Alan Jenkins."

Helen shook his hand, and her gaze slid back to Pete, who looked like he wanted to fall right through the floor. "Have either of you had dinner yet, Mr. Jenkins?"

"No, Ma'am."

She smiled. "Then you are welcome to join us. Nick, set two more places."