#theo ry

They’d be there for around visiting hours- in case you want to avoid us- whatever. Like that was something he wanted to do.

But see Theo was his kid too, he’d gone into that treatment on Damien’s word so- so he wasn’t about to be chased away! Certainly not by an elderly empanada-toting woman.

He had a right to be here, didn’t he?

Right.

He’s early at the center, it’s not even visiting hours yet so he’s just pacing the waiting room. Glances out the window and stills at the sight of his long haired sister climbing out of the car, walking around the side to help out—

!!!

He turned heel and headed straight for the bathroom. (No fuck you not to hide).

He clears his throat, gives his lucious curls a toss.

“Heyy, you in there? It’s me.

Can we talk?”

"—I'm temporarily relocating you. Kinga needs your skills.

Be ready to leave tomorrow."

Stopped at the comic store.

Picked up, couple of the new Iron Man trades. Didn’t know if you were up to date..”

Make it clear what to expect.

“The babies are coming, any day now.” Poor Claire was overdue as it was. “…And I’m not going to be able to come in here every day, the way I’ve been.

They’re really gonna be needing my hands, uh- right there, on deck. pretty constantly.”

Wouldn’t stop watching that chest rise and fall, those strong lungs working on their own. there you go..

“good job. good job buddy..”

His voice rough, hoarse. Intermittently he’s wiping at his own eyes, when it looks like Theo’s going to open his, wanting to be ready to greet with something.. stronger, braver.

But it’s useless.

The downpour of fear, pain, pride and relief had been enough to bring the parent to his knees. So he does all he can do, and stays.

There’s some moment in the in between, where the frantic buzz has died down, where his son seems to have stabilized enough that round-the-clock work leads to frequent checks, and they’re alone.

Tired, sitting at that bedside, Damien rested his hand on Theo’s. Was he still asleep?

“hey mi hijo,” He whispers.

“tell you a story?”

Hey Theo. Not sure if you still use this number, I dunno maybe I’m blocked so.. No estoy seguro de si escucharás este mensaje, pero..

I just wanted to say, it was good. Seeing you, uh.

At the diner. Last week.

I mean I know it went..

I know you left upset and all, but it was still nice.

Seeing you.

Yeah.

Miss you, kid. Para siempre.

alright?

Your mamá does too. So. Hope to see you again sometime soon. Love you.

claire? how’d that sound, think that was good? damn I’m really shaking. but i hope it was good. i fuckin hope he hears— Oh, it is? coño.

BEEP

End of voicemail ]