The Hard Part
Trent correctly predicted that Clay would act out when told that he would not be staying with Brock while Bravo was in South America. The kid had a full tantrum like he hadn't thrown in months complete with yelling, cursing, and sarcastic back talk aimed at both Jason and Trent.
"This isn't fucking fair!" Clay had shouted at his boss-dad and favorite uncle, who were both surprisingly unfazed by either the rude tone or the cursing. Clay most certainly knew the consequences for blatant disrespect of adults, and he fully expected to be facing the wall with a blazing ass and soapy bar of Irish Spring in his mouth by this point in his full meltdown. The disinterest both men he loved and depended on for consistency were showing in what the kid felt was a clear demonstration of his distress was throwing Clay off his game.
Being smart and perceptive, Clay recognized this as some kind of reverse psychology situation the adults were throwing at him. He decided to take it up a notch, knowing he was likely on his way to forcing Jason's hand and finding himself kicking and howling at the end of the much dreaded spanking spoon.
"I fucking hate you both!" their panicking kid ground out, picking up a full coffee cup from the table and smashing it against the wall. Clay had actually shocked himself with that move, not thinking it through at all before acting on impulse. He immediately looked wide-eyed back and forth between Jason and Trent who were staring back at him, Jason with his arms folded and Trent shaking his head. The kid was breathing hard and clenching his hands into fists, at a complete loss how to react to the lack of response he was getting from the adults in the room.
"Just out of curiosity, little boy," Trent said calmly. "Did that make you feel better?"
"I'm not a little boy," Clay said quietly, knowing how ridiculous that statement was considering his current behavior.
When neither grown-up responded, Clay looked up at them unsuccessfully fighting back tears of panic and regret. Both adults knew their boy was panicking at the realization that he was going to be separated from both Brock and Bravo. And they had no doubt he regretted his current behavior which confirmed that he was indeed very much a child, acting out, and likely to be getting his naughty tail scorched.
"I'm sorry," Clay whispered, wiping his eyes with his sleeve and looking pitifully over at the broken glass on the floor and the brown liquid dripping down the wall. "I'll clean it up."
Jason opened his arms, inviting his boy in for the comfort it was obvious to both men he needed more than the punishment he was expecting.
Clay walked into his protector's safe arms clutching his shirt tightly, shaking and crying exhausted tears into his strong chest.
"I don't want you to go without us," Clay cried brokenly. "Brock doesn't want you to go either."
"I know you don't want us to go," Jason said gently, rubbing his boy's head and making eye contact with Trent. Both men fully expected and were prepared for this meltdown when they had decided together to tell Clay he was not staying with Brock while they were away on Mandy's latest special mission.
"We don't want to go without you and Brock either," Trent said. "But we have to do our jobs. And we will be coming back home to you both as soon as we possibly can."
"I'm scared," Clay admitted, still wrapped around the only father he'd ever known.
"Scared of what, baby?" Jason asked, rubbing his shaking boy's back in an attempt to settle him. "You know I would never leave you alone. And Trent's right. We will be coming back to both you and Brock as soon as we can."
"I know in my head you are coming back," Clay sniffled, leaning back to look up at Jason with his worn out eyes begging for reassurance. "But I'm still scared. I don't know why."
"This has been a really hard time for both you and Brock," Trent said, making eye contact with the distraught and confused kid they all loved so much. "And it's normal for you to be scared and mixed up right now. We love you, and we're not leaving either of you, honey. Just going to work for a little while."
Peeling the kid off his chest, Jason directed him to have a seat with his best caregiver and favorite uncle on the couch. Giving his butt a light swat to get him moving in that direction, Jason turned to start picking up the broken pieces of glass from the floor.
Going to Trent and curling up against his side, Clay was quiet watching Jason clean up his mess.
"Am I getting a spanking?" he asked quietly, looking down, ashamed of his ridiculous behavior.
"Nope," Jason said, tossing the broken glass in the garbage and returning to the mess with a roll of paper towels and the mop.
Clay looked up at Trent from under his arm where he was currently hiding out, before turning to look over at Jason who was calmly wiping up the coffee still dripping down the wall. Trent was rubbing the kid's cheek with his thumb silently while Jason had finished with the paper towels and moved on to mopping.
"You're not going to ask me if I think I deserve a spanking?" Clay hesitated.
"I think we already know the answer to that one," Jason snorted. "So, nope."
"Is this one of those times that you are too mad to spank me?" Clay said softly, holding tight to Trent's shirt.
"I'm not mad at you, Sunshine," Jason said honestly, stopping to pet his boy's head on his way back to the kitchen.
"If Mikey cursed and said he hated you, and smashed a coffee mug against the wall, would he have gotten a spanking?" Clay whispered, tearing up again.
Making eye contact with his loyal medic over the kid's head, Jason shook his head before walking over to the couch and crouching down in front of his kid, lightly grabbing hold of his legs with both hands.
"Look at me, Sunshine," Jason said firmly.
When Clay looked up with his watery blue eyes, it was clear that his youngest had hit the wall both emotionally and physically. He hadn't had an uninterrupted night's sleep since returning home from the infirmary, and he had the dark circles under his eyes to prove it. He'd lost ten pounds in the ten days he was in Syria, and he was only eating when forced to by Jason or Trent since they had gotten back.
"Sweetheart," Jason said gently. "If you are asking me if I would have treated Mikey differently than I am dealing with you now, the answer is that I don't know because you are not Mikey. He never decided it was a good idea to throw anything or curse at me. If he had lost his mind and pitched a tantrum like you just did because he was mad that I wouldn't let him spend the night with a friend, I'm pretty confident that he would have gotten the spanking of a lifetime. Likely with my belt if he was your age, and after a long night alone in his room fretting about his upcoming whuppin'. Because I guarantee I would have been too pissed off to get within ten feet of him for several hours."
Clay nodded, curling closer into Trent's side seeking comfort. "That's what I thought," he whispered, sadly.
"Hey Sunshine," Jason said calmly. "Sit up and look at me."
Giving Clay a quick kiss on his head and detaching the kid from his side, Trent stood to take the cleaning supplies back to the kitchen. He decided to give Jason some alone time to talk to his boy. The medic was impressed that his brother was much calmer than he would have guessed if he'd been asked to predict Bravo One's reaction to Clay cursing and tossing glassware. Trent had no doubt that Jason's description of Mikey's fate was honest had his older son behaved like Clay. But Trent was an adult, and unlike Clay, he understood that parents never treat all of their children exactly the same, because all kids, and all situations are different.
Bravo Four searched through the cupboard for some mac and cheese, hoping to entice their worn out boy to eat something without a struggle before he was tucked in for the night. Most likely in Jason's bed if the past week since they had gotten back home was any indication of where Clay would be bunking.
"Sunshine," Jason continued calmly. "Are you thinking that I would have spanked Mikey, and I didn't spank you because he is my biological son and I chose you to be my kid?"
"I'm thinking that probably has something to do with it," Clay whispered, looking down. "I mean, he's really your son, not some brat that got dumped on you when he was sixteen. You probably expected him to be better behaved than me."
"Nope," Jason said firmly, using his finger to raise his boy's chin and make eye contact. "That has absolutely nothing to do with it. I've told you before that I love you just as I love Emma and Mikey. And if I have to keep telling you every day until you are thirty to get that through your thick skull, then I will do that. You are my kid. My real kid. And that is never going to change."
"So then, how come Mikey would get a spanking, and I didn't?" Clay asked, legitimately curious.
"Are you actually asking for a whuppin' Sunshine?" Jason laughed, already knowing the answer to that one.
"What!?" Clay said shocked, looking like maybe he should not have opened his big mouth. "You never have given me a whuppin' !"
"Are you thinking maybe you want to take my belt for a test drive?" Jason teased lightly, having absolutely no intention of ever taking his belt to Clay.
"No," Clay smirked, knowing his boss-daddy was not seriously threatening to take off his belt. "But you spanked Mikey with the belt?"
"I did," Jason said solemnly. "Twice. And both times it broke my heart to do it. But I felt it was necessary."
"You didn't spank Emma with the belt?" Clay asked, horrified at that idea.
"Nope," Jason said. "Never. I let her mother deal with Emma mostly. I only spanked her a few times the whole time she was growing up."
"Because she was a girl?" Clay asked.
"Absolutely," Jason laughed. "She was my spoiled little princess, and I don't apologize or care if that is sexist. Alana warmed her little tail whenever she needed it because my wife knew I was a complete pushover when it came to my baby girl. I made Uncle Sonny look strict, I was such a wimp."
"I'm a boy," Clay said. "And no, I'm not asking you to ever spank me with the belt. I got spanked plenty with the belt in foster care and I'm not missing it at all. But I don't understand if you whupped Mikey, and I'm your son just like him, why haven't you ever given me a whuppin'? Not even when we snuck out and were drinking and Corey almost drowned. Uncle Josh gave JJ a spanking with the belt, but I got the spoon. How come?"
"It's complicated, Sunshine," Jason sighed, moving to sit next to his kid on the couch. He smiled and kissed his boy's head when Clay snuggled under his arm.
"Is it because I'm the youngest?" Clay asked.
"JJ says Josh doesn't spank Lezlie half as much as he got it when he was her age," Clay went on. "And Lorie says Lezlie back-talks and causes more trouble than her and JJ put together."
"Lezlie is Uncle Josh's baby girl, just like Emma is mine," Jason chuckled. "And I'm pretty sure her mama doesn't put up with any back-talking or nonsense from Lezlie or anyone else."
"Nope," Clay confirmed seriously. "Aunt Melinda keeps her spanking spoon on a hook in the laundry room. And she is most definitely not shy about using it on Lezlie. JJ and Lorie don't even think about messing with Aunt Melinda."
"Being the youngest never hurts in the spoiling department," Jason smiled, rubbing Clay's back. "But I think parents need to treat their kids differently, because all kids are different. And no situation is ever exactly the same."
"So you punish me and Mikey differently because we aren't alike?" Clay asked.
"Yes," Jason said. "Just like Josh doesn't punish all of his kids exactly the same, and Ray and Naima don't treat their kids alike all the time. It just doesn't work that way."
"Do you not spank me with your belt because of what happened with Mr. Green in foster care?" Clay asked.
"Yes, honey," Jason said, pulling him close. "That's part of it. And you being my youngest baby is part of it. And me being a worn out old guy and not as strict as I was with Emma and Mikey is part of it. And you being a squirmer I need to hold over my knee is part of it. And seeing the horrible scars that were left on you in Liberia and foster care before you became my kid is a big part of it. I know the belt brings back bad memories for you, and I never want you to be scared of me - even when I decide you need to be punished."
"I'm not scared of you, Jase," Clay said, looking up at the man he adored. "And I don't hate you. And I don't hate Trent. I love you so much, and I'm sorry I said that. I don't know why I said that. But it's not true. I could never hate you."
"I know that Sunshine," Jason assured him. "And Trent knows it too. And we both know that you love us. And we all love you, and no one is leaving you. And no one is going to hurt you. Not ever. And you are my baby now, just exactly like Emma and Mikey. My real kid. And that is never going to change. No matter how old you get, you will always be my youngest baby."
As expected, Clay was a nervous wreck about Bravo leaving without him. Jason wanted nothing more than to cave and say he could stay with Brock, but he knew that Trent and Dr. Jeff were right about this one. He had stopped over to see how Brock was doing, and neither the kid or his frazzled young wife were in any shape to deal with a sixteen-year-old kid in Clay's current condition. Jason wasn't at all confident the two of them could even take care of themselves.
When Bravo One had stopped over to check on Brock while Trent and Clay were at the psychologist's office, his second youngest kid made the baby look like he was in good shape compared to his big brother. Brock was clearly getting less sleep and no more to eat than Clay. Jason had run into the Colonel and his wife in the driveway on his way into the house. They had just taken Katie and Brock out to lunch and were getting ready to head back to Norfolk.
"Colonel, Mrs. Myers," Jason said, shaking the Colonel's hand. "It's nice to see you. How have you been?"
Katie's mother looked like she might start crying. "I'm going to go wait in the car, Vern," she said to her husband before turning to face Jason. "I'm glad you made it back. And we're both so relieved Clay is okay. We all love him, and I hope you know if he needs anything, or you want to get him out of the house for a while, he is welcome at our place anytime. Just call and Vern and Corey will pick him up."
"Margo is right, Jason," The Colonel said sincerely. "Anytime. Just call. Or have Clay call Corey. He's like a lost soul when your boy is away. He likes to be with your friend Josh's boy, but we all know Corey considers Clay the closest friend he's ever had. And we appreciate Brock introducing them. Despite their sometimes questionable decision making."
Jason chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I love your kid as well," Jason said. "And believe me, Clay knows that Corey is the best thing that's happened to him in the friend department. Clay has had a very difficult childhood as I'm sure Katie has told you. He doesn't warm up to adults easily, but he truly enjoys being with your family, and he trusts you which does not come naturally for him."
Jason shook his head before continuing. "And as far as the bad decisions that have been made," he said. "I have no doubt that if my trouble magnet had just listened to your kid, who clearly has the best judgment in their little threesome, there would be a lot less lecturing, grounding and butt warming dished out all the way around."
"You may be right about that," The Colonel laughed.
"Oh, believe me, Colonel," Jason said. "I know my kid, and I know I'm right about that."
Once his wife was out of earshot, the Colonel turned back to Jason. "We are really concerned about Brock," he said solemnly. "Katie is usually pretty unshakeable, but she came over to the house yesterday, and she was a wreck. That's why we came to get them out of the house today."
"I know the kid is having a hard time," Jason said. "I don't know what Brock has told Katie, or what she has shared with you, but Brock did the best he could have possibly done in a really bad situation. He literally kept Clay alive, and he held it together and made tough decisions where men a lot older, with years more experience would have struggled. My entire team and I are so proud of him. And you can believe that we are going to get him through this. And Katie too."
Jason stopped to take a breath before continuing.
"I want you to know that like Clay, I consider Brock to be my kid," Jason said seriously. "I love him like my own. Bravo is his family, and that goes for your daughter too."
"I can see that you care deeply for all of your men, Jason," The Colonel said. "Especially Brock and Clay who we both know are very young to be on a tier one SEAL team. And I know that I scare the hell out of Brock. And I have no doubt that if your little girl decides to get married, you will know where I am coming from. I wasn't thrilled with them getting married so young, because I fully understand what it takes to make a military marriage last long term. Especially if regular deployments and children are part of the equation."
"I respect that, Colonel," Jason said. "The fact that I couldn't make my marriage work is the greatest regret of my life. When Alana was killed, it was like my son and daughter had lost their single parent because once I became Bravo One, my team had to be my first priority. That is something most people can never understand. And I share your concerns for Brock and Katie. And for the record, I have told Brock straight out that both he and Katie need to think hard, talk honestly, and be confident that they both are committed and ready to face a lot of unforeseen challenges and difficult days before they bring kids into the picture. And there is nothing wrong with deciding that they want to keep it just the two of them if that is something they both feel is the better choice."
"I appreciate that," The Colonel said. "I truly do. And I appreciate how you have taken Corey into your extended family as well. My own father was Army, and not an openly accessible or affectionate guy with me and my brother. I know Corey wishes I could be more like you and your men are with Clay, but I hope you know that I love my son as much as I do my daughters. My wife and the girls are forever on me about loosening up with Corey, but I'm a mean, old coot, and try as I might, I don't think that's likely to change with either Corey or Brock. But I do care about your boy. You obviously know him a lot better than me or Margo do, and if there is anything you think we can do to help Brock get through this hard time, please do not hesitate to call and let us know. I know that Brock is a great kid. My daughter loves him, and my entire family is in his corner."
"I appreciate that, Colonel," Jason said sincerely, shaking the older man's hand. "And he's beaten up pretty badly right now, but I can tell you on my kid's behalf that Brock appreciates your support."
While Jason was at the house visiting with Brock, Katie decided to go out to pick up groceries for the week.
"Are you staying for a while, Jason?" Katie asked nervously while Brock was using the bathroom.
"I can stay as long as you need me, sweetheart," Jason said softly, putting his arm around Katie and kissing her temple before releasing her. "Derrick told me that Brock is having a hard time being alone in the house right now, and I can clearly see that he hasn't been sleeping or eating well. Did he eat anything at lunch with your parents?"
"He tried," Katie said, tearing up but trying to control herself so Brock didn't come out and find her crying like a kid with his boss. "Mostly because he was trying to act normal with my parents. You know he's anxious with my dad. But he ended up bringing most of his lunch home. It's in the refrigerator. Maybe he'll eat something for you. He loves you so much and wants you to be proud of him. His own parents don't even know anything about what happened. His family is so far away and they don't know much about his job. I've only been with them twice since I met Brock. And we haven't seen them since the wedding. And you know he's not comfortable with my family - well, he loves Corey like a brother, and he finds my sister Jenny entertaining - but he keeps his distance from the rest of them."
"I know, honey," Jason said calmly, like he was talking to an upset Emma. The father in him could see that Katie was on shaky ground. She was rambling and needed to get away from the house and take some time for herself. "Clay is off with Trent right now. How about I give my reliable brother a call and have him keep my kid for the rest of the day? I'll spend the afternoon here with my other kid. You get out of the house and relax. Don't worry about Brock - I've got him. Maybe call your sister or a friend to hang out. See a movie. Whatever you want to do. I can stay as long as you need me."
"Really Jason?" Katie looked relieved. "Are you sure that's okay? I know Clay needs you too, and he's just a kid."
"It's absolutely okay, Katie," Jason assured her. "I'm here for Brock, and you, whenever you need me. Clay is fine with Trent. Believe me. He's a lot better at dealing with Clay when he's upset or tired or not feeling good than I am. Both Clay and Brock love their Uncle Trent."
"Trent is the best," Katie smiled. "He's so good to us."
"Well, he's an old grump like me and Sonny. But Trent loves his kids," Jason said. "And that includes you too."
"Is it okay if I call my sister to get our nails done and maybe go to the mall?" Katie asked, hesitantly.
"You do whatever you want, honey," Jason said. "Have fun. I'm going to see if I can get Brock settled enough to eat some of his lunch, and hopefully get some sleep this afternoon. Don't worry about us."
"Thanks so much, Jason," Katie said, throwing her arms around the older man's waist and giving him a hug. "I really appreciate this."
Jason kissed her head. "Go have fun, and don't worry about anything."
Brock was visibly relieved to be alone with Jason once Katie and her sister Jenny had taken off for the mall. As soon as they left the house, the kid joined his surrogate dad and trusted protector on the couch, curling into his side and grasping ahold of his shirt when the older man lifted his arm.
Brock relaxed for the first time since Trent had been there with them the previous day. Sliding down to lay on his side with his head resting on his hero's leg, Brock was well past feeling any embarrassment for acting like a needy kid. He just wanted to be able to close his eyes and feel safe again for a little while. And Jason always made him feel safe.
Jason rested one hand on Brock's head, gently stroking his forehead with his rough thumb while wrapping his other arm around the kid's middle and resting his free hand on his belly offering physical contact and comfort. Bravo One could see his boy was exhausted and needed to be settled, fed and put to bed for a good, long rest. Jason talked slowly and gently to the kid who was on the edge of falling apart in his lap.
"Try to relax, honey," Jason said softly, continuing to hold his boy tight in his lap, rubbing his head and belly. "I know it's hard to come home from the high intensity and stress of the field when it's been a shit-show. And I know you are having a really hard time right now adjusting, and that's completely normal. I wish we didn't have to go back out so soon, and I know both you and Clay are scared to be back here without your brothers to look out for you."
"I understand you have to go. That Bravo has a job to do," Brock said, trying hard but unable to keep his voice from cracking. He turned to bury his face in his surrogate dad's leg, not wanting to cry like a little kid in his boss's lap, but unable to stop the tears from coming. "I'm sorry."
"Shh, sweetheart," Jason said, sliding his hand up under the kid's t-shirt to rub his warm back. "There is nothing to be sorry for, and you never need to feel embarrassed about being upset with me or your big brothers. You and Clay are our babies whether you like it or not, so you might as well just relax and go with it. We didn't leave you in that cave, and we aren't going to leave you alone now. I know that everything seems scary and overwhelming, but I promise it's going to be okay. We love you. We are all proud of how you took care of Clay. And we are going to help you get through this hard time."
"I love you so much," Brock gave up on trying to stop the tears. "I was so scared that Clay wasn't going to make it or that you might never find us in that cave. That we would be captured before you got to us, and I wouldn't be able to stop them from doing horrible things to Clay. That they might torture or kill Cerb. Clay was sick and confused and terrified. He kept looking for you and Trent. Asking me if I was sure you were coming for us. But, when you walked into that cave, I knew everything would be okay again. That we were finally safe because you were there with us."
"Shh," Jason continued to hold and soothe his boy. "You are always safe with me. And with all your big brothers. And Clay is safe too. So how about you and I take some deep breaths and see if we can get you settled down a little bit. You're feeling a little warm to me honey, and I don't want to face the wrath of your Uncle Trent if you cook up a high fever on my watch."
"That would definitely piss him off," Brock laughed, sniffling and trying hard to pull his shit together.
"Oh, I know it surely would," Jason said. "And since in Trent's eyes, his babies never do anything wrong, your fever will somehow be on me. So how about we get you in a nice, relaxing, lukewarm bath. And while you're soaking and chilling out, I'm going to fix you something to eat before we get you tucked in for a long nap."
"A bath sounds good, Jase," Brock said, forcing himself to sit up and leaning against his babysitter's side. "But I'm really not hungry. And I'm tired, but sleep has not been my friend in a while."
"I know you're not hungry," Jason said patiently. "You went several days with no food, and that made your stomach shrink up on you, so you don't feel hungry now. And you're anxious, which also doesn't help. But eating is non-negotiable. So we're gonna start getting at least something light in your belly, just a little to start, several times a day, until you are back to eating like you have an empty leg again. Deal?"
"I'll try, Boss," Brock said wearily.
Jason kissed his head and got the kid up on his feet. "I know you will, honey," he said. "You're a good boy. And you're a great role model for your naughty little brother who I gave a free pass on the good spanking he most definitely would have earned himself today if his savior Uncle Trent hadn't already talked me down and prepared me for his little tantrum."
"I know he drives you crazy sometimes, and he's like the Energizer Bunny on crack when he gets worked up," Brock said, sitting on the closed toilet seat in just his shorts watching Jason adjust the water and fill the bath for him. "But, I'm glad you didn't spank him today. Even though I'm sure he probably earned a spanking. He's really upset about Bravo leaving and you not letting him stay here with me and Katie. I wish he could stay here too. Ever since Syria, I feel calmer when I have him in my sight. And I know Clay feels the same."
"I understand that, son," Jason said, standing up and motioning Brock to get himself in the tub. "I really do, and so does Trent. And we all love you and hate to see you upset and unsettled. But Trent knows you and Clay better than anyone, I trust him completely, and I know you and Sunshine do too."
Jason moved to take Brock's seat so he could talk to his kid while he leaned back and relaxed in the tub.
"I trust you and Trent both, Jase," Brock said. "Trent says if Clay and I don't slowly start interacting with other people like we did before Syria, and we keep needing to be together to feel calm, it's going to be harder to get past this. He says Dr. Jeff thinks it's not a good idea for Clay to stay here."
"And I agree with them," Jason said firmly. "You can do this, and so can Clay. And you never have to feel like you are alone."
Brock nodded, leaning back and enjoying the warm water.
"So on a scale of five to one, what defcon level was the runt's tantrum today?" Brock chuckled.
Jason shook his head. "He worked himself up to a steady three, which is much worse than anything we've seen in several months," Jason said. "But then your little brother decided he wasn't getting the reaction he expected, and he jumped right past two and landed himself at defcon one. But Trent had already warned me that it was coming, and it was going to be bad, so I dissociated and convinced myself that I am devoted to 'gentle parenting'."
"No way!" Brock laughed, sounding for a few minutes like his old self. "The brat went defcon one? His worst tantrum ever? And you stayed in 'gentle parenting' mode and didn't tear up his naughty little tail?"
"That is correct," Jason said. "Trent told me that he was proud of my restraint."
"So what exactly did he do to take it to 'worst tantrum ever' status?" Brock asked. "Because we both know that he had some pretty impressive fits back when he realized we knew he was only just turned sixteen and he was terrified that you were going to kick him to the curb."
"The little shit screamed to Trent and me, at full volume, and I quote, "I fucking hate you both!" Jason deadpanned. "Punctuated by flinging a full cup of coffee at the wall, shattering the mug, and sending glass and hot coffee flying."
"No!" Brock laughed, sitting up and covering his mouth. "And you didn't lose it with him? Are you sure Trent didn't somehow secretly slip you a sedative?"
"Nope," Jason said. "I was like Ghandi up in that apartment."
"Did Trouble try to make a run for Derrick's place?" Brock said. "Because he had to think he was going to get it good. He must have been off the rails. Breaking shit and cursing at both you and Trent. That's some next level crazy."
"No," Jason sighed. "Trent was right as always where Clay is concerned. He looked stunned that he had actually thrown the coffee. He was in complete panic mode. He immediately deflated and the waterworks started. The brat broke my heart, he was so exhausted and scared about us going and not being able to latch onto you the whole time we're gone. There was no way I was going to spank him as upset as he is right now. Trent took him in for an emergency visit to Dr. Jeff, and then he's going to feed and put him to bed at his place. So I'm on my own and free to hang with you tonight."
"Jase," Brock said, looking up at him with the same dark circles under his eyes that Clay was sporting. "Thanks for staying with me. I know I probably sound like a twelve year old, and I'm sorry, but I really can't be here alone right now."
"Hey," Jason said, firm but gentle, leaning forward to put his hand on the kid's wet head. "There is absolutely nothing to be sorry for, honey. And it's my responsibility to take care of you and Clay. You are my boys, and I love you both. And so does Trent. And Sonny and Ray, too. Don't ever be afraid to let any of us know when you need help. We are proud of you. And I am here for you always, son."
"You're a great dad," Brock said sincerely, standing when Jason indicated bath time was over. He took the offered towel and wrapped it around his slender waist. His stomach growled as he pulled on his sleep pants and t-shirt.
"Yeah," Jason said, turning him toward the kitchen and swatting his ass. "And this great dad means business when I say that you, kiddo, are not leaving this table until you put something solid in your clearly empty belly. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Brock said. "I feel better now that I've cooled down, and you're here with me. How long can you stay?"
The kid looked up at him from his seat at the kitchen table. With his wet head, bare feet, and oversized concert t-shirt, the anxious, worn out kid looked like he should be going to bed early so he didn't oversleep and miss the school bus in the morning. Jason thought to himself that both of these kids were killing him.
"Kiddo," Jason said, putting down a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him along with a glass of orange juice. "Clay is no doubt already tucked in Uncle Trent's bed for the night. And I am not going anywhere until you have eaten your dinner, used the bathroom, brushed your teeth, had your temp checked to see if you need meds, and I have you tucked in, warm and safe, in your own bed."
"Can you stay until Katie gets back?" Brock asked quietly.
"Honey," Jason said, joining him at the table with his own plate of eggs. "I am not only staying until your pretty wife returns with her fancy new nails, I am spending the night right out here on your comfy couch so I can make sure that you and Katie are safe and sound."
"Really?" Brock said, relieved, but trying not to sound like a little kid. "You're going to stay with us all night?"
"I already talked about it with Katie, and she's onboard with the slumber party," Jason assured him. "And tomorrow morning, when Katie goes off to work, you and I are going to get some donuts and head over to Trent's place for an Alpha-Bravo team meeting."
"What's the meeting about?" Brock asked, eating more than he had been able to swallow since returning home.
"We are going to put our heads together and come up with a plan for making sure that you and Sunshine are both covered, safe, and feeling good about the homefront situation while the grumpy old men are off running around with Delta in South America," Jason said, happy to see his kid cleaning his plate.
"Thanks Jase," Brock said, yawning. "I know you said it's your job to take care of us, but I really do appreciate you guys. And I love you all."
"Not as much as we love you, tough guy," Jason said, standing to clear the table. "And now you are going to take your exhausted little ass off to use the bathroom and get ready for bed while I clean up in here. And then we're going to do a temp check, get you some water, and head in to get you settled for the night. You are getting at least ten hours of solid sleep, because everything looks better when you aren't falling asleep on your feet. And tomorrow, I need you on your A game to show Clay that you are confident that you both will be okay while we are spun up, and fully onboard with whatever plan we make. Same page?"
"Yes, sir," Brock said, standing to head off to the bathroom. "Same page. I won't let you down with Shorty."
"Son," Jason said seriously. "You have never let me down. And you could never possibly let me down. I promise that you and Sunshine will be one hundred percent sorted, safe, and absolutely okay while Bravo is away. And I am not going anywhere until I know my boys are covered. Capice?"
"Copy that," Brock said, surprising Bravo One by throwing his arms around his neck and holding on tight.
Jason wrapped his own strong arms around the kid and held him, rubbing his back for several seconds before quickly kissing the side of his boy's head, pointing him toward the bathroom, and giving him a gentle push to get going.
A few minutes later, Jason was shaking his head at the kid and holding the phone to his ear, waiting for Trent to answer. As the master chief suspected, Brock was running a fever, just over 100, and their medic would most definitely want to know. Jason was thinking Tylenol, some juice, and a good night's sleep, but he knew better than to tick off Trent by not running this by him.
"Hey," Trent said quietly, telling Jason that the kid was likely curled up sleeping in his lap on the couch or attached to his side in the bedroom. "What's up? I just finally got this one down."
"Sorry," Jason said. "I hope I didn't wake the sleeping dragon."
"No, we're good," Trent said, rubbing the kid's back. "I finally got him in the bed. He was angling to spend the night in front of the TV, but I shut that down. Let me get disentangled from Mr. Octopus here and I'll call you from the other room in a minute. Everything is okay there?"
"Yeah," Jason said. "We're good. Call me when you've escaped."
When the phone buzzed a few minutes later, Jason answered while digging through the fridge looking for water or juice.
"Hey brother," Jason answered. "I won't keep you, but Brock's running a little bit of a fever. What's your thoughts on that?"
"How high?" Trent sighed, plopping down on the couch. It had been a long ass day.
"Not too bad," Jason reported, palming the kid's forehead. "Just over 100. He felt warm to me earlier, so I had him chill in a tepid bath which seemed to perk him up. He actually ate a good dinner - eggs and toast. But he's exhausted, and we're heading to the bedroom to get him tucked in. And I knew you'd want to know about the fever."
"Put him on the phone," Trent said.
"Hey Trent," Brock said, yawning when Jason handed him the phone.
"So you've cooked up a fever," Trent said. "How do you feel?"
"I'm okay, I guess," Brock shrugged. "I felt a lot better after the bath. But I never really felt sick. Just worn out. Like I want to sleep, but I can't keep my eyes closed. I don't know, Trent. It's hard to explain."
"I get it, honey," Trent said gently. "I do. You've been on high alert for a long time, and it's hard to come down from that. But I hear the boss is spending the night to make sure you and Katie are good. And I need you to just try to lay still, close your eyes and breath. Let Jason take care of everything. You know you're safe with him."
"I'll try," Brock said. "I promise. Is Clay okay?"
"Clay is fine," Trent assured him. "I've got him, and you are officially off babysitting duty. You're going to see him tomorrow at my place. And I don't want to see any racoon eyes on either of you. The baby is sleeping, and that's exactly what you need to be doing."
"Jason said he's gonna sit with me until I can fall asleep," Brock said, looking up at his current pitbull.
"Well then, I know you are going to be in dreamland soon," Trent said lightly. "Have you been taking your antibiotics?"
"Yes," Brock said. "I took it before I ate like you told me."
"Good boy," Trent said. "Well, if you aren't feeling sick, I'm guessing it's just you are over tired and worn out from not sleeping and fighting off this bladder infection. You need to sleep. Put the boss back on. I'll see you in the morning."
"I love you, Trent," Brock said softly.
"I love you back, honey," Trent smiled. "Everything is going to be okay. I promise."
Brock handed the phone back to Jason, resting his head on his folded arms at the table.
Taking the phone, Jason put it back to his ear, reaching out to rub his boy's head. It had been a very long ass day.
"What's the plan?" Jason asked.
"Sounds like he's just wiped out," Trent said. "But he's clearly relieved you are staying. And if he's eating and heading off to bed willingly, you must have the situation under control. Give him Tylenol and make him drink at least a half bottle of water or juice before he passes out. Then just let him sleep. That's what they both need most right now."
"Got it," Jason said. "You think Sunshine is down for the night?"
"I sure as shit hope so," Trent sighed. "He's in my bed, so hopefully he'll curl back up attached to my side and not move until morning."
"From your mouth to God's ear," Jason said. "We'll bring donuts and coffee. I told Metal to be there at 8:00. And I texted Sonny and Ray. I"ve got Tim and Jeff from support joining us as well."
"All hands on deck," Trent said.
"Copy that, brother," Bravo One responded. "See you in the morning."