Taking Him In

• Chapter Three •

Ezra smiled back, "I do...thank you"

"No problem. Now, help me decide if I should keep these jeans or not"

• ———— •

"We're here for Winter.." Kennedy explained to the woman behind the front desk, cringing when he realised he didn't even know the boys last name. "Ah yes, names please?" She requested brightly, ready to tap her clunky keyboard. "Kennedy Prince and Sage Prince" he replied and she beamed, quickly searching on her computer before nodding.

"Yep! He'll be with you shortly, just wait over there please!" She pointed to some chairs and the two men thanked her before walking over, sinking into the plush foam fabric. "Christ, is this nerve wracking or what?" Sage muttered, crossing their arms.

"Or what" Kennedy teased, Sage scowled. "I feel exactly like I did those days in the orphanage... what if we're doing the wrong thing here? I mean the kid's parents are dead, he might have other guardians we don't know about and they're just shit- child services are more prepped to handle this..." he blurted his worries, racking a hand through his hair.

Kennedy took a small glance around before gently squeezing Sage's hand, "look. I admit CPS might do a better job overall investigating but... in the end he'll be sent away to an orphanage, then what? By that time he'll be close to eighteen, no ones adopting someone so old, especially a rude asshole. He'll be grateful for a home, and..." Kennedy hesitated, shifting closer. "Yesterday night when we were alone in the room I suggested an orphanage and he... seemed terrified. He must've escaped a pretty bad one before ending up on the streets. I don't wanna betray his trust after I agreed not to take him to one" he explained quietly, desperate for no one else to overhear.

Sage's eyebrows lifted, turning his head straight to mull over this new information. "Crap... poor guys been through hell"

"Too right. Maybe things will get better the more information we get from him. For now, stop worrying, relax, everything will be fine" Kennedy reassured, retracting his hand when someone else walked into the room. Sage smiled at him, "you're right. Thanks, Ken"

"Don't mention it, Sage"

Silence settled over them comfortably. Halfway focused on the conversation occurring across from them, other half gazing steadily at the doors, waiting for the young boy to barge his way through, probably spewing curses worse than a sailor. Sage sighed at the thought, hoping Winter would at the very least follow the basic ground rules in the house. And not try to run away either.

Five minutes passed before the two men sat up, eyes locking with Winter's who still wore that piercing glare, now well rested seemed much stronger than last night. When he saw them he groaned audibly, stomping his way over. "I didn't think you'd come" he grumbled, crossing his arms stubbornly.

Sage stood up, "you didn't think or you didn't want?"

Winter paused for a second, "...both" he eventually muttered. Kennedy smirked, rising from his seat in time for the doctor to hurriedly scamper over. When Sage caught sight he sighed irritably.

"There you are! Told you they'd come, Winter. You're lucky to not be abandoned again" he chuckled like it were a joke. Winter rolled his eyes, shooting him a hateful look. "What happened to your ring, huh doc? Wife abandon you since the last time I showed up?" He mocked, at that the doctor stilled, expression suddenly turning icy.