#riptidefluff

"You're starting school soon, ey?" Simon asked the boy, a hint of a smirk playing across his lips as the boy nodded. "Exciting stuff"

It was when his small hands stopped moving momentarily, pausing mid pencil stroke when Simon raised his eyebrows. The action was followed by another quick nod.

Eyebrow arched, and interest piqued Simon softly observed "you're nervous".

Body tensing for a moment, before relaxing and brushing the comment off. The small boy smiled and shook his head, eyes filling with unspoken fear and confusion. Everyone says starting school is such a big, exciting step….if this is the case why is he so scared?

He would be lying if he said he didn't contemplate excusing himself from the conversation; grabbing you or Price to talk to the small boy. Heart breaking and mending all at once, a small voice in the back of his head squealing his name.

Uncle Simon!!

"It's okay to be afraid. It's new, new things can be scary" there was a new softness to his tone, his body language relaxing. "We've all been afraid at one point or another" the drawing now forgotten as a deep pout took over the young boys face. Tears threatening to spill as he stared straight ahead.

Without realizing, Simon immediately placed a hand over his small back. Rubbing slow circles as the tears began to spill over and down his cheeks.

"I…" a hiccup interrupting the sentence, "I don't wanna be taken again" the boy sobbed softly. Body shaking as he tried to keep the noise to a minimum. Working hard to not alert the adults in the other room.

Looking over at the man, who was looking down at him with tears of his own building; your son continued: "don't tell my dad"

The soft plea is what broke the dam within Simon, his hand flying up to his face to wipe at the pesky tears falling. Taking a deep breath, he stood. Holding his arms out to your son, a silent offer to take this conversation to somewhere a little more private.

Wiping at his own cheeks, the small boy nodded. Allowing himself to be hoisted into his Uncle's arms and walked out to the backyard. Once he heard the backdoor softly close he let another sob escape. Face pressed into the black fabric of Simon's hoodie as he let his emotions run their course.

Outside of sitting on one of the patio chairs, holding the boy tight and rubbing his back. Simon didn't move or say anything. Silently letting his own tears fall.

"Sorry" your son hiccuped after a few minutes. Pulling away and shifting off the man's lap.

Shaking his head, Simon wiped the last of his tears and cleared his throat. Looking at the young boy, before doing the same. "You've been through too much, kid. More than anyone should'a dealt with"

The two sat outside like that, Simon allowing your son to explain anything and everything he was comfortable with. Offering small bits of guidance and reassurance until your son smiled up at him.

"I think I'm excited now. Or at least ready to be" your son nodded, attempting to hype himself up for the situation.

"You'll do fine, kid" Simon smiled, leaning back against his chair as he ignored the aching pain in his chest. Grief slowly saturating his thoughts. Emotions transporting him to the past.

"When I grow up, I wanna be just like you!" Joseph laughed, squirming in his Uncle's lap. Trying to avoid the fingers tickling his sides

"You want to be better than me, kid"

A pair of arms wrapping around his torso pulled Simon back to reality. Your son resting his head silently against the man's abdomen. Leaning his head back against the chair, Simon rested his hand ok the boys back. Figuring he needed an extra bit of comfort before going back inside with everyone.

Well, until he heard the soft "you'll be okay too, Uncle Simon"

--

The moment you and your son walked through the door -- he bolted past the excited faces and cheers straight to the quiet man in the corner.

"Guess what?! Guess what?! Guess what?!" Your son squealed, smiling up at the man who quirked an eyebrow in response. "I had so much fun, and made so many friends" your son continued, following Simon to the couch where he explained his day minute for minute.

You and Price shared a knowing look, while Johnny and Kyle whined about how we're supposed to be the cool uncles.

"And then, we went outside for the second time and we played tag" your son gushed, smiling wide enough where his cheeks began to ache. Simon sat silently, focusing on all the stories and details your son gave him about his day.

Oh, how he missed being Uncle Simon.

"Sounds like an exciting day" the man smiled, nodding toward the kitchen. "I think you best tell Uncle Kyle and Johnny before they too jealous" he whispered, watching as your son vigorously nodded. Hopping off the couch and running into the kitchen to explain his day to the others.

You quietly wandered into the livingroom, catching the eye of your superior before softly commenting. "He was petrified of today, wasn't he?" A beat of silence, before Simon nodded.

"Bug told me you two had a good talk about everything last week. The entire way home he told me about his day, and how excited he was to tell you how well it went" you lowered your head with a smile, rubbing your hands together. "So thank you. He needs people like you in his life"

Simon debated not telling you, keeping his secrets buried as they have been all these years.

"Kid reminds me a lot of Joseph. He was about the same age" He appreciated your lack of reaction, nodding as though this was known information (despite your mind buzzing with questions).

The conversation being cut short by your sons excited squeals as he ran to the backyard, Johnny and Kyle tripping over one another chasing him.

"I'm going to make sure they don't break their necks" you chuckled, giving your friend a pat on the shoulder before wandering out to the back where your son was sprinting around. Avoiding the hands trying to tag him.

"Granps! Simon! Dad! Save me!" He giggled, watching hopefully out of the corner of his eye as Simon slipped past you.

"Okay kid, I'll get Kyle if you get Johnny"