TBB - Clone X (CADESLIP ECHOREX GREGOROC)

by GunRoswall

Rex, Gregor and Echo are trying to figure out this new clone. Clone X. Enter Cade and Slip. And with a little help of an cloning expert they just met, Dr Dash. Soon enough the Clone called X, the former assassin of the Empire is transformed into something different. Something else, something new, something better. A blank slate of sorts. Can Cade and Slip help him?

TBB - Clone X (CADE/SLIP / ECHO/REX / GREGOR/OC)

By Gun Roswell

Preface

The clone x variant

Welcome to the club!

Some bonding time

Preface

Set somewhere in the world of Star Wars the Bad Batch galaxy of things. (Somewhere in the overlapping Multiverse of things of the Star Wars fan fiction saga by Yours Truly.)

Rex, Gregor and Echo are trying to figure out this new clone. Clone X. Enter Cade and Slip. And with a little help of an cloning expert they just met, Dr Dash.

Soon enough the Clone called X, the former assassin of the Empire is transformed into something different. Something else, something new, something better. A blank slate of sorts.

Can Cade and Slip help him to become the more?

Only to accidentally ending adopting them perhaps?

Part of CADE/SLIP + Clone X series / Echo/Rex series / Gregor/OC

The clone x variant

'We might share some of the same DNA, but we are all different. Very different from each other.' "Dr Dash! Welcome on board!" Rex offered his hand in greeting to the tall Twi'lek. The Doctor who had come highly recommended by Senator Chuchi, was a top scientist in the field of cloning and genetics. Having even gotten part of his training by the Kaminoan's. Which in itself was odd as the Kaminoans usually never shared anything with anyone. Especially not their skills or knowledge. But, Dr Dash had been revered by the Jedi Council and so getting his foot in the door so to speak having ended up working alongside the cloning experts themselves. Dash was the one whom the several Rebel fractions wanted to keep a secret from the Empire the Doctor having been working for them since the end of the war. As if the imperials got wind of him even existing…. Well, that would become an issue for sure. Dr Dash was helping the clones to find a cure for the aging acceleration, a reversal of sorts. That among other things, being a great healer for the more regular folks as well.

Gregor was gawking at Dr Dash. Holding his gaze on the good Doctor perhaps a tad too long. As it was, the commando found the man… interesting. Gregor having been the one to bring the Doctor to the clone's new base from his hide out he was working from. The two having gotten along splendidly during the trip over. Gregor and Dr Dash having kept each other company chatting about anything and everything. And the Doctor certainly did not seem to mind the gooey eyed glares the clone was giving him. Quite the contrary. The Doctor too seemed quite taken by the armoured clone commando standing by his side vigilantly or adoring, perhaps both? "Thank you Captain."

"It's Rex. We are hardly formal around here any more."

"Well, then. You may call me Ola." Dr Dash had a big smile on his face stating the fact. Only too glad he was among friends. Or so it seemed. Gregor having told a lot of stories of his vod'e to the Doctor.

"So, you think you can help us with our little dilemma here?" Rex was aware Senator Chuchi had sent all the data available of the clone assassin to Doctor Dash. The one they had named Clone X. The creation of the imperial scientists using Jango Fett DNA to create the modified clone to serve their own purpose. Which was being a highly trained assassin without much of a mind of their own. Rex and his crew having managed to subdue the clone back on Coruscant and then kept them in stasis for the time being. The clone having tried to kill themselves under orders upon capture. Luckily though Rex had been faster having stunned the clone before that had happened. "Well, I am hoping I can. I have reviewed everything sent to me. And I've also managed to tap into some… shall we say files which have revealed something of the said project the imperials are working on. Trying to create a shall we say more palatable soldier for their purposes." Dr Dash did not want to offend the clones. But he knew many of them, considered those clines his friends and saw them all as individuals. Something of a fact Doctor Dash and the Kaminoans had never been able to see eye to eye on. That being the reason for the Doctor parting ways with the Kaminoans scientists early on. Soon after the Republic had fallen and the Empire having taken over Ola Dash's decision to join the Rebels had been a no brainer. The signs having been there written on the wall pretty much since the very start, those of things being horribly wrong, not just for the clones but for the galaxy as well. Having taken an oath in saving lives and all, the clones were high priority on Dr Dash's list. "Well, we can get you more intel if you need it. We have two of our people who are, shall we say more technically inclined than most." Rex let out a small laugh thinking back of the times the hacking duo had been invaluable for Rex.

"Oh yes, Echo, the cyborg. And I believe the other one is an enhanced clone called Tech?" Ola seemed well versed with the clones working for Rex.

"You seem to know a lot about us." Rex was a bit on the defensive just then not appreciating the somewhat cold description of the other two the Doctor had.

"I am sorry Cap… Rex. I did not mean to offend you or your men. I was merely trying to, well describe how the intel I have received on you all has designated the individual clones."

Gregor gave Rex a glare to back off. He had become to know Ola Dash rather well during the three day trip over. Well, somewhat well knowing after the somewhat long talks the Doctor was on their side and that he really liked the clones. Having several friends among them. As it was now, some of the rescued clones having joined other rebel fractions, helping them out where they could. Even working with the Doctor, thus becoming friendly.

"Sorry, guess I've overreacted a little." Rex was very protective of his clones. His family. But especially of Echo and the Bad Batch.

"It's fine. I can understand you care for all of your kin. Gregor here tells me it is your mission to save as many of the troopers you can."

It was Rex's turn to glare at Gregor. As sometimes, his friend really talked too much.

"It is. And I will not rest until I have filled that obligation." Rex sounded very serious. As it was a sore point for him. Not being able to rescue them all.

The temperature of the room suddenly having gotten rather chilly. The topic of discussion taking a turn to the more serious. Dr Dash seemed to assess Rex for a moment, again not wanting to ruffle any feathers. He was there to help the clones and he really wanted to be on the good side of Rex's. As the last thing he wanted to do was to anger any of them. Especially their fearless leader.

"I for one can appreciate all that you do and the fact you take good care of your people. Do the impossible for them even." Ola then out of the blue most elegantly bowed before Rex, leaving no doubt to anyone as to whom it was in charge and to be respected. "I do solemnly swear my legions to you all." Ola added before looking up again. "I am here to help you and your cause."

Rex seemed to relax of this gesture considerably. He simply sighed in relief and nodded to the Doctor. Meanwhile, Gregor being really taken by the good Doctor's actions was becoming more and more… interested in the man. Seeing all kinds of great qualities the scientist clearly possessed. "Thank you. I do appreciate it." Rex paused seeing the Doctor straighten up to his full height once again. "I apologise for misjudging you." Rex glanced at Gregor, who was completely enthralled by Doctor Dash somewhere in his fantasy zone. "I am, as you say, very protective of my people." Rex let out a nervous laugh while stating it. "Well I am glad we got that settled." Doctor Dash harboured no ill will, only too happy the situation had resoled itself quickly enough. "And, if you don't mind. I would like to start my work as soon as possible. I am really interested in seeing my patient first and foremost." He had read and heard so much of this new clone variant he was indeed eager to see them for himself.

"We can get you settled for sure. Gregor can show you your quarters first and then we'll meet at the lab." Rex nodded to the commando seeing as how infatuated Gregor already was with the Doctor. Nothing surprising there as usually Gregor wore his heart on his sleeve and Ola Dash was nothing if not impressive as Rex had found out for himself. With a touch of theatrics there in the mix for sure! But Rex could live with that.

"Sounds like a plan Rex." Gregor was all grins now. "This way, Doctor." Gregor offered to Dr Dash, leading him out of Rex's office. "We can take a tour around the base later on if you want to." Gregor was nothing if not eager to service the Doctor.

"That sounds like a most wonderful idea Gregor and I will take you up on the offer for sure. But like I told Rex, I am eager to start the work on your latest addition as soon as possible." Doctor Dash gave Gregor the most appreciate smile he could muster only too glad to be in good and caring hands as he clearly was with Gregor.

Gregor chuckled somewhat nervously for some reason. But this wasn't his first time around the block, not even second or third and seeing as he too had made an effect on the Doctor. Only waiting to spend some alone time with the most gorgeous Twi'lek man he had seen. Finding out even more about him if possible. The three days spent together having already revealed quite a lot. For the both of them.

Echo was in the mess hall with Cade and Slip, his two new best friends. The duo having joined Rex's cause Echo was spending more and more time with other clones as the rest of the Batch were joining in on occasion only, having still their own thing to do. It was happening more often than before thankfully. Hunter still trying to figure out what their path really was going to be. But Echo was nothing if not patient. Busy working with Rex and the others saving more and more clones each and every day. Clones like Cade and Slip. And even Clone X.

"So, the new Doc is gonna check out the Clone X then?" Cade asked they all having seen and heard the news of the new arrival. Of course they had. The grapevine was always busy on the clone base.

"Yeah, that is the idea. He is top-notch in the filed and if anyone can help the poor sod, he can." Echo had heard high praise not just from Gregor who clearly was biased the commando having the biggest crush on this side of the galaxy but also those good words coming from Senator Chuchi.

"So, he will become like us? And not like this, what did the medics call him, an empty vessel?" Slip was curious too the both of them having witnessed the clone assassin in action first hand and having to admit he was good. Not as good as the seasoned troopers though, the lot of them having caught the assassin after a firefight.

"We can hope so." Echo sighed, not really liking the idea the Empire was most likely creating more of their kind. Only these modified versions and for their special sinister purposes. "Most likely the clone's recovery and training will be a long road if they manage to reverse the imperial coding in them."

Slip had an idea just then. Well, him and Cade already having kind of discussed the matter between themselves before. The two of them kind of having been the instigators for bringing Clone X into the fold in the first place. Cade and Slip exchanged glances. A knowing smile and a nod passing between them.

"I think that we two could help him in that. I mean, like you said the clone probably needs a lot of training and looking after. And so Cade and me could do it easily."

"That sounds like a good plan." Echo sounded a little surprised of the offer of Slip's. Then again, he had become to know the two former imperial clone troopers and knew they were eager to help in anyway they could after becoming part of the rebel cause. Both of them having experience of course, having served a long time. But Echo could also sense the guilt they both harboured, wanting to atone for their deeds while serving the Empire. Not that Echo was a stranger to guilt either. But that was a whole other matter.

"Yeah, well, let's see what Doctor Dash will be able to do and then we can pick up from there." Cade was quick to interject

Not really wanting to raise his partners hopes up too high, knowing Slip felt they needed to do this. For so many reasons the two had discussed late at night while feeling the remorse of… well, everything. Sometimes, despite their current status, their new purpose in life, things got dark and really really fast. Luckily for the two of them, they had each other to pick up the pieces when that happened. And now Echo too.

"I know deep down if anyone can help him it will be you two." Echo could see the looks on his friends faces. And he felt for them both. Having seen it way too often on himself when staring at a mirror during those really bad days. His own time during the Clone War while being a captive with the Techno Union and the following guilt of having become a tool in his own kin's destruction coming to haunt him during said times.

So many of the clones having been saved from the Empire having similar feelings, the guilt and remorse being the worst of them all. Echo, having the experience from his time as a captive by the Techno Union had started arranging sessions for both the new arrivals with the other troopers joining in as well. A safe space where they could talk about such things. To be able to share with others.

Cade and Slip smiled at Echo. Only too happy to hear Echo thought it was a good idea for them wanting to help, their doubts soon fading somewhat.

"I would suggest the two of you talk with Doctor Dash first though and perhaps participate in the rehabilitation process where you can."

The Doctor already having started the process. Reversing some of the things done to Clone X in his DNA by the imperial scientists. The process reverting him back to a somewhat childlike state after removing all the conditioning. Something which was inevitable to happen as the imperials really had not given the clone much except the means to become a soldier. Hardly a personality at all. Nor any other education for that matter, making the clone completed dependent on their keepers.

"Sounds like a good idea Echo!" Slip told their friend, the three of the continuing chatting while having their mid meal before heading back to their duties.

Welcome to the club!

'Helping others can be rewarding at best, even the littlest things bringing joy to those lending the helping hand.' Some time had passed since Dr Ola Dash had joined with the clone cause while agreeing to help with the one they called Clone X. Having used all his medical knowledge in addition to some more, well, experimental processes. Alas, he was the best in the field not counting the Kaminoans themselves. And none of them were present to help the clones. As far as anyone knew, part from some rumours floating around their former creators and masters were all but deceased. Wiped out by the Empire. Gone for good?

And so, with the help of his training, his wits and several well placed hacks into the imperial archives with no small thanks to Tech and Echo, Doctor Dash had done the impossible. Which was to have removed all the preconditioning of the clone. Having pretty much restored the Clone X as they still called the former assassin to the a state where they were an open minded empty vessel ready to absorb new things. To become else, to exceed their former programming. To become, more.

Cade and Slip had been playing a big part in the process even if they weren't scientifically inclined. Still, as Clone X had become more and more aware of their surroundings, realising they were able to learn new things after their past was erased. Something of a dilemma as to what to tell Clone X about it. But for now, they let that fact simmer. Having been put in the background as the more important thing was to teach the clone as many things as possible. Steer the clone to their new life. As it was Clone X was someone reminiscent of the very state when the clones had been decanted from their birthing chambers. Somewhat. He was all grown up, physically after all.

They were learning fast though and their two teachers could not have been more exhilarated of the very fact. Meanwhile, Doctor Dash had taken a step aside, having accidentally figured out something for the aging reversal project. Something he could develop to help ramp down the other clones exhilarated aging. Something which still needed a lot of work. But as he had come to understand, it was quite feasible. And so, letting Cade and Slip take a bigger part in teaching Clone X all they could. Not just information, but physical training as well. On how to become a soldier.

The three clones were together in the large training room. Which was more like a classroom specifically set up for the purpose to teach Clone X. But Rex having heard the rumours of similar clones being out there, becoming determined they needed to get to them all. Rescue the lot from their bad fate. Not to mention having found the clone cadets the Kaminoans had thankfully tried to hide from the Empire. There were plenty of pupils to train. Cade and Slip having volunteered for the task among several other clones. So basically they were running a school at this point.

"This is really easy!" Clone X, or X as they called them for short exclaimed in triumph having once again excelled in a given problem. A mathematical one this time around. X seemed to have an aptness for the sciences. Either by design or then something having happened during the reversal process. Or then it was simply their purpose. Whatever the case was, none of them questioned it rather encouraged the clone to become as good as they could with whatever they felt most comfortable with and eager to train in. Perhaps, sometime later X could help the other similar creations?That being when and if they would get them away from the Empire.

"You are so great at this." Cade told X having become very proud of the pupil as was Slip.

X went ahead then, finishing all the assignments in no time. As it was, the two mentors having promised X a reward upon completion.

And so, they did dig in deeply into the assignment. As having an adventure in the nature outside of the base sounded too good to pass for the new clone.

The planet where the base was located on being mostly unoccupied part from a few large sentient mammals roaming the free land with other animal life there as well. Luckily though, no people. Something of a choice for Rex and Echo in having established the rebel clone base on the planet in the first place.

"So, I've done good right?" X was exhilarated of the prospect of going outside. It wasn't something they did a lot, the clones trying to keep as a low profile as possible. Just in case even if the planet was in a remote area of the galaxy and having really no natural resources to interest the Empire.

"Indeed you have X." Slip checked the assignments on the data pad seeing X had indeed done great. Over exceed even!

"So we can go outside?"

"Yeah, X, we will." Cade smiled at them, patting their back. Something of a thing which had started sometime ago. The affections shared between the two teachers, X's mentors. It had happened when X had noticed Cade and Slip were quite tactile with each other. Only to have asked if he could be included in their affections as well. Having no filter like a child so naturally curious and perhaps feeling a little left out as well. Cade and Slip could not have been more happy or proud of their… pupil. And so, giving X hugs and pats had become a part of their relationship rather naturally.

X put their training stuff away while Cade and Slip were talking to each other.

X seemed to be deep in thought and then having made a decision, they stepped to where Cade and Slip were at.

"Hey, X, what's up?" Slip asked curiously seeing the clone had definitely something on their mind.

"I… well, I was wondering." X's eyes darted nervously from one to the other of their mentors.

"What is it?" Cade too got curious.

"Well, remember when I asked you if… well about my name…" X really wasn't a name after all, just a shortened version of the already made up designation for them. A rather clinical one at that perhaps.

Cade and Slip had promised that X would get a proper name. Like all the others had. Even the new cadets getting theirs soon after joining the cause.

"Of course we do!" Slip had not brought it up wanting X to figure it out for themselves.

"Yeah, so, guess I would like to have one, I mean… X is all fine and good." Which it really wasn't. Not really. "But…"

Cade could read X better than Slip did. Not that they weren't both really fond of the new clone, their protege as they liked to call X. But Cade simply was better at it than Slip was. Always had been better in reading others.

"So, you have some idea then? As to what you want to be called?" Slip was sure X had. As clearly having brought it up now was something they had already thought about it. A lot most likely.

"Kinda." X had a coy smirk on their face.

"Aha." Cade was sure X had already decided on it as well.

"So, spit it out already." Slip chuckled.

X's eyes fell on the floor before looking back up and at his two… mentors. Or as a few of the cadets had referred to Cade and Slip as his two dads. Something of a curiosity for sure, but X kind of felt the two were more to them than simply teachers or trainers to him. The three of them having been spending a lot of time together not just in the classroom but Cade and Slip sharing their personal time with X as well.

"Well I kinda did some research to the matter." Of course they had. They were pretty apt in that after all.

"I am sure you did!" Cade laughed.

"And the name?" Slip urged wanting to know already.

"So… how about Xavier? You know, like the X but well a proper name?"

Cade and Slip stared at X for a moment. Then exchanging glances with each other, wide grins forming on their faces before turning back to X.

"That sounds wonderful dear!" Cade told X or Xavier?

"Yeah, it's a great name, Kid!" Slip too was all aboard with the name.

"So, guess it is that name then. Huh." X/Xavier's hand went behind their neck, the familiar nervous tick all the clones seemed to share made of a later batch, by the Kaminoans or Imps, some things simply never changed.

"Xavier it is!" Cade hugged Xavier, Slip joining in suit. Yep, the three of them were definitely becoming a family unit for sure.

"So, let's go and celebrate this new name of yours. Get out there in the wild!" Slip then urged the other two after their long hug ended. Xavier being only happy they had these two "dads" they could rely on in everything.

"Shouldn't we tell the others?" Xavier wasn't sure of the protocol for this.

"Well, we could do it now. Or then have a proper party perhaps? To celebrate the new name?" Cade suggested, already way ahead, planning the get-together for their "kid" in hid mind.

"A party? For me?" Xavier positively beamed.

"Yeah, sound good Kid?" Slip was fully on board with his partner's train of thought.

"It does!" Xavier was all grins now.

It was sometimes odd for Cade and Slip to fathom that his grown ass man of a body was essentially a child. Having been fast tracked into the form they were in now. As they were relatively new, at least according to the data hacked from the Empire of the Clone X/assassin project. And with the reversal having pretty much wiped everything from their mind. Well, Xavier really was a child or possessed a child's mind at least for now. And so, being called dads for this, Kid? Well, guess the two had accidentally adopted the clone at some point in time. Something which they certainly did not mind nor regret either.

"So, nature first?" Slip asked.

"Yeah, nature first." Xavier laughed. "Um, can we go camping too?"

"It's just for the day." Cade tried.

"Oh, can we please please can we?" Slip joined the chorus wanting to spend some quality time with his family.

Cade glanced from one pleading puppy dog eyed clone to the other.

"Oh you two are impossible!" The thought sounded appealing for Cade too. "To resist!" Cade yielded finally. The tree of them spending some time together out there in the wild, without any hassle sounded too good to pass.

The other two glared at Cade not sure what the answer was really was.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Go! Pack up some trash! We are going camping!"

Some bonding time

'Belonging to a kindred, a group of people, even a loving couple is something everyone needs, most of the time. A family of sorts for one and all.'

Gregor was in the mess finishing off a late meal when Ola joined him at the table.

"I thought I might find you here."

"Oh, am I that obvious?" Gregor chuckled for the comment. The two of them having become… somewhat close lately.

"Well, not really. But it was already late and I know the mission ran longer than excepted." Ola would have been lying if he had said he had not been worried. Staring at the chrono when the mission parameters had been exceeded and there was no word of the team being on their way back.

"It did. But we got what we were looking for in the end." Gregor sounded solemn for a change, but it had been touch and go for a moment there. Luckily, no casualties on their side though. With no small thanks to himself and Echo.

"I heard." Ola's register was low too. "Do you wish to talk about it?"

"Not now." Gregor really did not.

Ola seemed to think about it for a moment. The two having become fast friends and well, perhaps something more? The lingering glances and soft touches exchanged between them with nothing having gone further though. So far.

"Then, perhaps you would like to join me for a drink? In my quarters?" It sounded innocent enough, Ola knowing Gregor needed something stronger than the juicy drink they served in the canteen if he was about to open up about what was troubling him still.

Gregor looked up from his food not really having an appetite at the moment either. Having pushed the food around the plate for the longest while before Ola arrived. "So, you're offering me a drink? To drown my sorrows in?" Gregor was probing for a bit, not that he minded the drink but he knew he wanted more too. From Ola. And talking wasn't part of it. Not tonight anyway. The happenings still to raw and guess what Gregor really wanted was to forget it all, preferably in the arms of someone special.

Ola looked at Gregor, their eyes locked. Reading the other man before reaching out with his hand, finding Gregor's cheek and placing his palm there ever so gently.

"I am. But there is more if you want it." The offer clear enough spoken aloud.

Gregor stared at Ola for a moment longer before his eyes closed. Leaning into the touch. Then after a moment turning his head, kissing the hand there.

"I do. Want the more."

A soft smile emerged on Ola's lips. Getting up he offered his other hand for Gregor to take. The clone commando accepting it tenderly, letting Ola guide him towards their future.

Echo and Rex were laying languidly in each others arms in their shared quarters on their bed. The two of them having spent some time with each other after so many back to back missions. Finally getting some time off and spending it behind locked doors, closed comms, naked and taking care of each other in the best possible ways.

The latest mission of Echo's and Gregor's having been a particularly tough one and so wanting to take their minds of it all, Rex and Echo were kissing each other without any hurry to move further. Not yet anyway. Wanting only to forget the outside world, the galaxy for a spell. "So, fun party huh?" Rex was still thinking to the cheerful time they had all had, mostly the cadets and Xavier but still, all of them. Their major success story for sure having been able to turn the would be assassin, the imperial creation, something of a bastardised version of their kin into a whole new person. Someone with a future and with a loving family no less.

"It was. I am so glad we managed to give those kids something great for a change." Echo agreed, not that they weren't happy now that they were saved. But still, fun was still not something they did on daily bases. Partying rather. It was mostly serious stuff, planning and going on rescue missions, training cadets and taking care of each other.

"After our last mission together it sure was. I know Gregor was pretty down in the dumpsters." Rex had read the mission brief of course. Having heard the verbal version of it too from both of them. But seeing as Gregor of all people being so heartbroken had been taken Rex aback from seeing his friend in such a state. Rex realising then it had been really, really bad. Thankfully, the end results had paid off. In the end.

"Well, he has someone there for him now." Echo already being rater privy to the goings on of Gregor and Ola. The two of them running missions together more often than they did with Rex, Rex being the leader and so being needed on the new base of theirs more these days than out on missions.

"Oh?" Rex had some inkling of what was going on with his friend, but the latest news had somehow eluded him. Or had they?

"Yeah." Echo chuckled. "Doctor Dash."

Rex still felt surprised even if he had seen the clear development there happening between the two men.

"Well, that is great for them both!" Rex was happy for Gregor. And the Doctor. They both deserved someone who cared for them. And so now, they apparently were together.

"It is." Echo drew Rex in for another kiss. "But now, my dear Captain, I would prefer less chat about the others and more kissing the Echo here." Echo chuckled softly before his lips met Rex's.

Rex gladly obliged. Devouring his partner's lips for a hungry kiss. Clearly, slow was off the table from now on. And Rex wasn't the one to complain.

"So, guess it's official now." Cade stated after their party was over and X had become Xavier. "You are Xavier and well, guess our Kid." Cade laughed. Not that it was a laughing matter, but yeah, they had totally adopted Xavier to their little family unit. "Indeed!" Slip chimed in seeing how happy Xavier had been and still was about it all.

As it was, someone had brought the family situation up after the name reveal at the party and guess I had made it official in a sense.

The three had finally gotten larger quarters as Xavier had become a permanent fixture in their living armaments as well. The three of them now together, dressed in their pyjamas ready for the night. With Xavier in the middle, the cuddle pile having become perfect for the three of them.

"So, you want me to call you dads then?" Xavier joked, having learnt some bad manners from Gregor for sure. Namely some bad joking.

"I really don't think so!" Cade objected.

"Yeah, that would make me feel so… old!" Slip quipped. But somewhere deep down guess he really did not mind if the Kid wanted to call him that?

"It sounded kinda lame, right." Xavier had though so too. They still preferred to think them as his, well adopted family than being something specified, something labeled. But dad sounded like something to be used on occasion maybe? When referring to the two.

"Good. I am glad… son." Cade just had to. The three of the laughing at the joke together.

"Thanks, dad!" Xavier chimed grinning at Cade.

"Now, it's been a long day and so, I would like to get some sleep." Slip declared knowing this poor choice of jokes would soon get off hand if he did not put his foot down.

"Sounds good sweetheart." Cade kissed him softly and giving a peck on Xavier's cheek. Slip following his partner's example, while the three of them cuddled tightly, falling into a loving and cared arms of his family for sleep. Their small family having become complete.