Chapter 5
About 7 hours later, Leon began to awaken, though still very drowzy from the sedative he'd been given. Upon seeing this, Roger got up and went to Luke's cot to wake him as he'd been instructed.
"Hey..."
He said quietly. Luke didn't stir. Roger placed his hand on Luke's shoulder and shook him lightly.
"Leon's waking up, sir."
He informed as Luke's eyes opened to slits and he let out a soft, tired groan. Leon's eyes slowly searched the room for a few moments, glazed with grogginess, before he muttered:
"Where's Luke..?"
When the small voice reached his ears, Luke began more quickly to awaken. He struggled for a brief moment to get up and with Roger's help, he managed. Luckily his cot was placed directly next to Leon's bed so that he didn't have to stand to see him.
He reached slowly out his tiny, quivering hand to touch Luke's cheek.
"What's wrong?"
He asked, his frail sounding voice brimmed with concern. Luke took the hand and held it lovingly against his cheek, smiling at Leon.
"Nothing's wrong. I've just got myself a little flu, that's all."
Luke explained. Leon's brow furrowed.
"But... But Daddy-"
Luke hushed him.
"Don't worry about him. He didn't hurt me too badly. I'll be just fine."
He assured, squeezing Leon's hand. Leon nodded.
"I... I'm sorry I got so upset yestarday, Luke... I'm real sorry..."
He apologized. It was clear that he was still trying his very best to process all the things that had happened to him in the last week or so. Luke took up both of Leon's little hands in his and looked him in the eyes.
"Listen to me."
He began. "There's no reason for you to be sorry. It's okay for you to be afraid. You don't have to worry anymore. I'm not going to punish you. Ever. Do you want to know why?"
He asked, his eyes gazing softly into Leon's over his glasses. Leon nodded, hooked by the sense of the intense seriousness of this moment.
"It's because I love you, Leon. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone. Someday you'll understand."
He explained. Children can never understand the immensity of love they recieve from their caregivers. Not until they have children of their own can they grasp the concept. Leon hesitated, seemingly thinking.
"But... But why?"
He asked shrugging. "I'm no good, Luke..."
He said, looking down at their hands in his lap, his lip quivering a little at the thought. Luke shook his head and lifted Leon's chin.
"You're wonderful. Hell, you're the greatest little boy I've ever met."
He said, smiling. Leon stared into Luke's face, searching for that hint of doubt he was sure must be there. But... He could find no trace of it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* To be continued
