A/N: Thank you all so much for the reviews! See the first chapter for the disclaimer. I hope you all enjoy this one, and please review! :)
Chapter Thirty Three
Henry watched as Jamie dragged the last bag down the stairs. "You sure you're ready for this?" he asked his grandson.
Jamie nodded. "I think it's about time, don't you?" he asked.
Henry shrugged, but said nothing.
"I mean, it's not like I'm going back to work yet," Jamie continued. "I'm just going home. I'll still hang out here most of the time I'm not at appointments or anything."
"Because everyone else is working, right?" Henry said.
"Because I want to," Jamie replied.
Henry nodded.
"Same with going home. I gotta do it sometime. I'll be okay."
Henry nodded again quietly.
"I promise," Jamie assured. "My leg's getting better. I'm getting better. But as much as I love being around everyone…"
"You need some time to yourself," Henry finished. "I know."
Frank made his way into the living room doorway.
"It's been nice having you around here, though," Henry said.
Jamie smiled genuinely.
Henry stepped forward, patting his grandson on the shoulder. "I'll see you later, okay?"
"Later, Grandpa. Bye, Dad."
"Bye, Son," Frank said as Jamie grabbed his things and went out the front door.
Henry sighed as the door closed behind Jamie. "Do you really think he'll be okay on his own, Francis?" he asked.
"He's bouncing back," Frank replied. "Slowly, but he's coming around. If he thinks he can handle it…"
"What if he can't?"
Frank shrugged. "He knows the way back here."
Henry nodded. "It's odd. I guess I just got used to having him around here."
Frank sighed softly. "I know," he said.
"Didn't think about him going back home, but I guess it's time."
"He's been here for over two months, Pop," Frank reminded him.
"I know," Henry replied. "I just didn't know how long it would take him to recover. Is he going back to work too?"
Frank shook his head. "He hasn't been cleared for duty yet physically."
"Not even to be a house mouse?"
"They think it'll be another week or two before he can resume limited duties around the station."
Henry nodded. "This shook him hard. I shouldn't be surprised that he's not ready to go back just yet. What's holding him back more, though- his body, or his mind?"
Henry noticed that Frank only looked at him, rather than actually answering the question. Which said more than any answer ever could.