- "They really consider you part of the family, you know."
- Percy & Paul
- Platonic

////

Paul sighed, looking tired more so than fed up, the delicate lines on his face softly accentuated.

"What are you saying, then, Chiron?"

The older, wise-appearing man across from him sighed too, though his was more of a wistful breath than an exhale of fatigue.

"I am sorry, Paul, believe me. I am," the counsellor paused, looked tight for words, "I am regretful of putting you guys into this situation, but we really can't keep up with the boy over his break."

Paul sighed again, a verbal emphasis on the purple shadows beneath his eyes.

"That's..." Paul glanced to his right, through the rectangular window on the old wooden door. On the other side of it, he could see his stepson, sat slouched in one of those uncomfortable, armed chairs with little to no padding. The teen looked rather done, in his opinion, staring out into space as his leg bounced erratically. (What a familiar sight it was, to Paul, now.)

"That's fine, Chiron. I know you mean what is best for him. You just can't always act out what is best for him. He- we understand." Paul said, adding the last bit in an emotional tumble.

The aged counsellor looked - physically - pained at his words, his eyebrows pulled tight and his lips down-turned in a hurt frown.

"Yes, well. Do enjoy the break, will you? Who knows when you'll next get another one, hm?"

Paul laughed, a humourless chuckle that made his heart hurt.

"It won't be much of a break though, will it? Really."

With that, Paul stood to leave, picking his work bag up with him as he did so. He slung the satchel over his shoulder before turning around to face the door.

"Goodbye, Chiron. We'll be seeing you after break, I suppose."

Just before Paul reached the door, his hand already stretched out, Chiron spoke up for a final time. His words were odd; pleasant but desperate, almost.

"They really consider you part of the family, you know."

Paul allowed the gentle, reassuring words to sink in. He met Percy's eyes through the door window.

"I know."

--

"I hate that place."

"I know, Percy. You only tell me every time we go there. It would be a miracle if there was ever to be a time when you wouldn't complain as I drop you off or pick you up."

"That's asking for too much, Paul, you know that." Percy sassed.

When Paul glanced at the young boy, he was met with a large, radient grin of pride.

"You're lucky they won't take you back at the moment."

Percy's expression changed dramatically, bright smile dropping into a petulant pout.

"Whatever."

"Oh, don't pout, Percy. Otherwise the only thing you will find in your stocking will be coal."

"Oh, no! Not the coal." Percy mocked him.