Danny sat on the floor, looking up as his Daddy and Mommy played withy the new babies, Adam and Jess. Don and Sheldon were playing cards, Aiden and Lindsay were playing house… and Danny was by himself, on the floor. He knew he shouldn't be upset… Daddy told him that he would have to give things up for the new babies… but he missed his Daddy… Daddy was looking at Adam the way he used to look at him.
Danny sighed, and got up off the floor, climbing up onto the couch.
"That's an awfully big sigh to come from a four year old, Danny." Don said.
"Sorry." He muttered.
Don looked over at Sheldon, and put his cards down.
"I fold." He said.
Danny watched Don get up and come over to him, taking his hand and leading him down the hall to their bedroom. He shut the door and walked them over to Danny's bed, sitting down. Danny climbed up beside him, crossing his legs and looking at him, confused.
"Danny, what's wrong?" He asked.
Danny sighed again.
"I miss Daddy."
"Dad's right outside… it's not like he's gone away or something." Don said.
"I know, but… he plays more with Adam and Jess and I want him to myself again."
Don took in a deep breath, before turning back to his baby brother.
"Listen, Dan-o. Dad's got his hands full. So does Mom, and they're doing the best they can. You have to understand that you're going to have to share. I had to do it every time a new sister or brother was born and you have to do the same thing." Don tried to explain.
Danny sniffed, wiping at his eyes. He wrapped his arms around Don in a hug. Don smiled gently, holding his brother close. He knew exactly what Danny was going through. It was hard making room for a new baby, but it was something that had to be done.
"Sorry Donnie… I think is got snots on your t-shirt." Danny said, blushing.
Don smiled, trying not to be grossed out. He grabbed a Kleenex from the box on the nightstand and wiped as much of Danny's snot off the front of his shirt as he could.
"It's okay, Danny. Just, try not to be such a baby about this? You'll get used to it. It's not like they love you any less." Don shrugged, leaving the room.
Danny lay down on his bed and sighed. It still hurt the same.
*
"Danny? Danny, c'mon you need a bath." Mac shook his son awake.
Danny squirmed, rubbing his nose on his hand and looking up at Mac.
"Hi Daddy." He yawned.
"Hi, baby. Now, come on. You need to have a bath then you can go back to sleep, okay?" Mac said.
Danny nodded, and held his hands out to Mac, who took him up in his arms and placed a gently kiss on his forehead. He saw his eyes were red and his cheeks were puffy.
"You okay, baby boy?"
"Yeah… Donnie and I talked for a bit and I was a little sad." He admitted.
Mac smiled. He knew why Danny was sad… who knew he would be so sensitive? But, he wouldn't want him to be any different. Mac walked them into the bathroom, and sat Danny down, turning on the bath.
"Daddy?" Danny called.
"Yes, baby?" Mac answered.
He had filled the tub for the most part, and was helping Danny out of his clothes. Danny looked up at him, biting his lip.
"Tell me a story while I'm in the tub?" He asked.
Mac smiled.
"Sure, Danny."
Mac helped him into the tub and got him settled, picking up a washcloth and rubbing the soap into it before rubbing it over Danny's shoulders and back.
"Let's see… how about the story of your name? Where you got it? I haven't told you that one before." Mac suggested.
Danny smiled up at him.
"Yes please, Daddy."
Mac smiled.
"Well… I worked with a man named Danny, a long time ago. We were really great friends, and he was a really great friend with your Mommy too.
"One day, Danny and I were working and we had to call in some more police to take care of the bad guys. They told us it was okay to go in and do our job, but they forgot one of the bad guys."
Mac took in a deep breath, washing Danny's hair now.
"We didn't know there was another bad guy there, and he… well, he shot Danny."
"Did Danny die?" Danny asked quietly.
Mac nodded, not able to find his own voice. Mac lifted Danny out of the tub now, and was drying him off.
"Before he did, he asked me to do something for him. He told me to name one of my children after him so I wouldn't forget about him… he wanted me to pick the smartest, bravest child, the one who was most like him; light spirited and loving." Mac said gently.
He looked at Danny, who was crying gently. His son walked towards him and wrapped his arms around his neck, kissing his cheek.
"I love you Daddy… thank you for giving me my name." He sniffed.
Mac smiled, holding his baby close to him. He had kindly left out the part where he had loved Danny more than anyone could ever know. But now, he had his son, Danny. His pride and joy… his golden child.
"I love you too baby boy. I always will." He whispered against his hair.
END