The next morning Leo stirred first, blinking slowly as the world around him came into focus. He turned his head to find Sam still sound asleep, his features relaxed and peaceful in a way that made Leo's heart ache with love. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Sam's forehead, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary. Sam shifted slightly under his touch, mumbling something incoherent, and Leo chuckled quietly.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Leo whispered.
Sam slowly opened his eyes, and turned away from him.
"Sam?... Is everything okay?" Leo whispered.
"No…. just leave me be please? Will you tend to Jacks for me?"
"Did I do something?" Leo asked, hurt evident in his voice.
Sam turned toward him.
"No, honey it's… I didn't sleep well…. Bad dreams… it's the first one I've had since… everything happened and I… need some time to process on my own."
Leo's brow furrowed, concern washing over his face. He sat up and reached out, his hand resting gently on Sam's shoulder.
"Sammy, you don't have to deal with this alone. You can tell me. I'm here for you, always."
Sam closed his eyes, the weight of Leo's words both comforting and heavy.
"I know, Lee. I do. But sometimes... I don't even know where to start. I'm not trying to push you away. I just need a little time to pull myself together."
Leo nodded, his heart aching for the man he loved.
"Okay. I'll give you space, but I want you to promise me something."
Sam opened his eyes, meeting Leo's concerned gaze.
"What?"
"Promise me you'll let me in, even just a little. I know it's hard, but you don't have to carry all of this on your own," Leo said, his voice steady and full of conviction.
Sam hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"I'll try, Leo. I promise."
Leo leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Sam's temple.
"That's all I ask. I'll check on Jackson and let you have some time, okay?"
Sam managed a small smile, gratitude flickering in his tired eyes.
"Thank you. If Jackson's having a bad day he can come in here if he needs me, but otherwise, I just need a little quiet."
Leo gave Sam a reassuring smile.
"Understood. I'll keep an eye on him and let him know you're here if he needs you. You take the time you need, okay?"
Sam nodded, his expression softening as he settled back against the pillows.
"Thank you Lee. Love you."
"Love you too, just yell if you need me."
As Leo walked down to Jackson's room, he gently opened the door. Jackson was already awake, and he looked up.
"Where's daddy?"
"Daddy's resting right now. He didn't sleep well last night, but he's okay. He just needs a little time to himself."
Jackson's brow furrowed, worry creeping into his eyes.
"But I need him. I don't feel good, dad."
"What's going on buddy, are you feeling sick?"
Jackson shook his head, but his lip trembled.
"No, I just... I miss him. And I feel scared."
Leo's expression softened with understanding. He gently pulled Jackson into his arms, holding him close for a moment.
"I get it, buddy. You miss Daddy, and that's okay. But you know what? Daddy loves you so much, and he'll be here for you as soon as he's ready. How about I take you to see him? Maybe he'll feel better if he sees you, too."
Jackson's eyes lit up, a small spark of hope flickering in them.
"You think he'll want to see me?"
Leo smiled, brushing Jackson's hair back from his forehead.
"I know he will. You're his favorite person in the whole world."
Leo picked up Jackson, carrying him to the bedroom. Leo gave a soft knock before pushing the door open, peeking in. Sam was still resting, but as soon as he heard the soft footsteps, his eyes fluttered open seeing Leo gently sitting Jackson down. Jackson took a couple of steps, his little hand clutching the stuffed dog tighter.
"Daddy?" he called softly.
Sam's heart ached at the sight of his son standing there, looking so small and fragile. He motioned for Jackson to come closer.
"Hey, buddy, come here."
Jackson hesitated for a moment before rushing to his dad's side, climbing onto the bed and curling up next to him. Sam wrapped his arms around him, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head. Jackson snuggled closer, his voice small.
"I was scared…. I had bad dreams, and when dad said you didn't feel good I was scared, Daddy."
Sam swallowed the lump in his throat.
"I'm sorry for worrying you, baby. But I promise, I'm just a little tired. And when I'm tired, I need to rest so I can be the best dad for you and Blake. Can you do me a favor and let me rest just a little bit more? I'll be okay soon, I promise."
Jackson nodded, his small hand clutching Sam's tightly.
"Okay, Daddy. But I'm here."
Sam smiled, his heart swelling with love for his son.
"I know, kiddo. And that makes all the difference."
Leo stood in the doorway, watching the quiet moment between father and son. He smiled softly, knowing that despite everything, Sam was never alone with their little boy by his side. Leo left them, checking on Blake who was happily gurgling away.
"How's my baby girl?" Leo whispered, as he picked her up.
She cuddled into him, and after cleaning around the house for a while, Leo had sat down with her watching a kids' movie when he heard the bedroom door open. Looking up, he saw Sam carrying Jackson. He sat beside Leo, laying his head on his shoulder as the movie played softly in the background. Jackson wiggled around in Sam's lap, reaching out toward Blake, who was snuggled in Leo's arms. Sam chuckled, helping Jackson get closer so he could gently pat her tiny hand. Blake let out a happy squeal, her little fingers wrapping around Jackson's, and both dads exchanged a warm smile.
"She loves her big brother already," Leo murmured, his voice full of affection.
Sam leaned his head against Leo's shoulder, a rare moment of calm washing over him.
"He loves her just as much," Sam whispered back.
Jackson, beaming with pride, looked up at his dads and said,
"She's so little! I'm gonna teach her everything, Dad."
Leo chuckled, brushing a strand of hair off Jackson's face.
"You already started, buddy. She's lucky to have you."
Blake gave another happy giggle, making all three of them laugh softly. Sam reached over to ruffle Jackson's hair, his voice filled with warmth. Leo pressed a soft kiss to Sam's temple, and as the kids cuddled close, Sam shifted slightly so they could both share the weight of their little family, wrapped in love and comfort.