Old Friends

Artemis gave a small nod, still humming to try and help Jacen relax.

Alex carefully lead Dante to his and Artemis's room, he helped him on the bed and hugged him close before singing softly to his upset son.

Artemis stopped and frowned once Alex left, looking over at Frankie.

Frankie ran his fingers though Jacen's hair worriedly.

Alex smiled softly as Dante drifted off, though he was still worried.

Jacen relaxed a little as he leaned into the touch, shifting so that he was sitting with his knees to his chest.

"I'll let you two eat" Artemis said quietly, moving to get up. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Frankie nodded as he carefully hugged Jacen close. "Okay, thanks Artemis."

Alex ran his fingers through his son's hair.

"No problem." Artemis smiled before going to check on Alex and Dante.

Jacen curled close to Frankie, clinging to him as he watched Artemis leave.

Frankie rubbed his back, "Its okay Jacen, why don't you have some food?"

Alex waited quietly still humming.

Jacen went to say he wasn't hungry, then realised Artemis had made one of his favourite meals. "Alright..." He sighed, smiling a little.

"Are you alright Dante?" Artemis asked as he went over to them.

Frankie smiled and handed him a plate.

"He's asleep..." Alex said softly, "What happened Arty?"

"Thanks." Jacen said quietly as he took the plate.

"Sorry..." Artemis said quietly, not having realised. "I'm not sure exactly, I think when Dante hugged Jacen it reminded him of what happened...because probably because Dante's ours..."

Frankie smiled and waited for Jacen to start before picking up his own plate.

Alex nodded slowly, "Ohh... I see..." He ran his fingers though Dante's hair again. "He looked upset that Jacen pushed him away...."

Jacen stared down at the food for a minute before slowly starting to eat.

Artemis frowned and nodded. "I don't think Jacen meant to do it..."

Frankie started on his own, trying not too look like he was watching Jacen.

"I know and i'm sure Dante know it... But he's always been close to his uncle especially with that whole brainwashing tea thing..."

Jacen ate a few small mouthfuls before pausing and frowning instead.

"Right..." Artemis said, tensing slightly at the reminder of what had happened.

"What is it?" Frankie asked as he looked up fully to him.

Alex carefully got up and went over to his husband, "Arty..." He said softly before hugging him.

"Nothing..." Jacen mumbled, sighing quietly afterwards.

"I'm fine." Artemis said, hugging Alex anyway.

Frankie reached over to stoke his cheek.

"You sure Arty?" Alex asked softly.

Jacen gave a small smile and moved closer to lean against him.

Artemis nodded. "Yeah, we're past that now right? Mikey has his own family..."

Frankie smiled at him.

Alex nodded, "Yeah, he has Zane now and we're all happy."

Jacen frowned and wrapped his arms around himself instead of eating.

"And they have their own little one..."

"You need to eat Jacen..." Frankie said softly.

Alex nodded, "And we have ours."

Jacen frowned and slowly shook his head.

"I know we do." Artemis said, smiling.

"Please?" Frankie asked softly, pouting slightly.

Alex smiled happily at his husband.

"Not hungry..." Jacen muttered, though his stomach growled afterwards, making it obvious he was.

Artemis smiled back before kissing Alex's cheek.