The next time Tom woke he cast a tempus charm which revealed it was almost dinner time. If his son had woken, Tom was confident he would have known. Although Severus had said the child needed rest, the anxious father also knew Hadrian needed sustenance. Tom sent his house elf to inform Severus he'd be waking Hadrian, and they would need dinner as well as the skelegrow. With the message sent, Tom turned his attention to his sleeping son.
"Hadrian," Tom called softly resting a hand against the peacefully sleeping child's shoulder. "My sweet child, it's time to wake up now," Tom called a bit louder giving the shoulder a firm but gentle squeeze. His other hand came up to brush some untamed curls from his son's face. "Hadrian, my love, you need to wake up, son!" Tom called when the child didn't stir. He shook the boy slightly and pulled his blankets down a bit. The cold seemed to rouse the child as he groaned, and his eyes parted ever so slightly. "Come on, Hadrian. I know you're tired, but you need to eat something and it's time to take the skelegrow. Open your eyes for me, Hadrian. I know you can," Tom instructed with his amusement carrying through his tone.
"Okay, okay, I'm awake," Hadrian mumbled as he pulled himself up until he was sitting against the headboard.
Tom almost didn't notice the grimace of pain that just barely touched his son's features. "How are you feeling, Hadrian?" Tom asked gently.
"I'm okay," Hadrian replied.
Tom scowled. He knew his child wasn't being honest. "Hadrian, do not lie to me. How are you feeling?"
The child flinched at the harsh tone and directed his gaze down at his lap. "Sorry, sir," Hadrian offered apologetically,
Tom's heart broke at the fear causing his son's voice to tremble. Slowly, his hand came up to gently lift Hadrian's chin until their eyes met. "Hadrian, I didn't mean to sound angry with you. I'm simply angry that you've been made to feel you can't honestly admit when you are in pain. I know you are in pain, son. I'd like for you to trust me with things like this. I'd like for you to be comfortable telling me anything, asking for what you need, confiding in me. Will you please tell me how you are truly feeling right now?" Tom reiterated.
Tears surfaced at the edge of the child's green eyes, but Hadrian fought against them. "My body aches. It doesn't really hurt. Not the kind of pain I've grown used to at least. I really am okay. Kind of. Everywhere is just really sore. Weak and almost...tender? I'm not sure if that's exactly the word I'm looking for, but it's the best I've got," Hadrian whispered. "I know there's nothing you can do for me. That's why I told you I'm okay. Because sure, I'm sore, but that's just a part of the whole rebreaking/skelegrow combo. I know you can't give me a pain reliever until after the skelegrow has run its course so I didn't want to worry you needlessly or make you feel bad for something I can deal with. I've dealt with a lot more painful things after all."
Tom grew sad at this revelation. His kid had suffered more than any child ever should. "Hadrian, even if you don't think there's anything I can do for you, I still want to know when you are suffering. You should not be looking to spare me worry. You are the child. It is my duty as your father to worry for you. I don't want you keeping things from me because you don't want me to feel bad. I know you hardly know me, but please believe me when I say I care for you. I WANT to know if you are suffering," Tom pleaded sincerely. When his son nodded hesitantly Tom continued, "You are correct. Unfortunately, I cannot give you a pain reliever yet. As much as I wish I could take this pain and suffering for you, I cannot; but that does not mean there is nothing I can do for you."
It was then that Severus arrived with dinner and the skelegrow potion. Once Hadrian swallowed the skelegrow, they began their meal, and both Severus and Tom engaged the young man in conversation. They exaggerated the conversation, injecting humor and enthusiasm with greater intent than they normally would. Hadrian picked up on it and was grateful for their efforts. It was distracting him from the aching that spread throughout his bones. Apparently, he had been misguided in his assumption that his father would be unable to ease the pain brought on by this situation that would help him in the long run. However, by the time the meal was finished the conversation was no longer helping.
Both Tom and Severus noticed the change in Hadrian. At the start of the meal, he had been easily distracted from the discomfort even offering a chuckle or sarcastic comment in reply to whatever ridiculous idea they had conjured. By the end of the meal, however, the child had become white as a ghost. He was visibly trembling. His eyes were devoid of life and filled with pain. The child was subconsciously curling in on himself, yet he did not offer a single verbal indication of his suffering. Severus excused himself silently letting his friend know he'd be available should they need him.
Noting the beads of sweat across his son's forehead-brought forth by the amount of energy exerted in the healing process-Tom conjured a cool cloth. He pulled the blankets down and climbed into the bed behind his son pulling the small child onto his lap. Tom hugged the shaking child with one arm and using the other to cool Hadrian's face. Hadrian leaned into the cool touch soaking in the comfort of his father's embrace.
"You were right. You can't take the pain away. It still hurts, but I didn't know you can be comforted and be in pain at the same time. The pain is a lot easier with a dad holding you. Thank you, dad. Will you stay?" Hadrian asked. His short speech started as a groan but quickly changed into pleading.
While Tom was proud he'd been able to comfort his son, yet his heart broke yet again. No child should have to wait until eleven to discover the relief of comfort, especially not during times of discomfort. And the fact that Hadrian felt the need to plead with his father-the source of his comfort-to stay with him broke the father's heart all the more. Tom had lost track of the number of times his son had managed to break his heart in the short time they'd known each other.
"I'll stay with you until you're well again. When you're well, I'll stay with you. I will ALWAYS be here for you, Hadrian," Tom stated firmly squeezing his son closer to his chest.