"So you're saying this little boy was nearly killed by Uncle Lema?" Jesse asked over lunch the next day. Stephanie and Jake leaned in towards their brother, taking in the conversation and revelations with wide eyes.

Jon sighed and sipped his wine. "Lema had issues. But the short of it is, yes. The kid still has PTSD to this day over what happened. More issues than any child should have."

Looking across the table at his eldest children, his eyes silently begged to not relive the nightmares. The screaming from Raiden's bedroom. The seizures and dissociation the young boy, and in turn he and Richie, would deal with. It was exhausting but his children had a right to know some details.

Stephanie sat back in her chair and shook her head. "Do Gabby and Colton know?"

"Yeah," Jon replied. "But don't go bringing it up to them. They're both dealing with it in their own ways."

"Jesus Christ," Jake groaned. "So Uncle Richie adopted him?"

Jon drained his glass. "Natalie had it in her will that Raiden be taken care of by Richie. I think, in the end, he was the only one she truly trusted. And of course, Richie had always wanted more kids so he took Raiden without question."

"I'm sorry but this is a lot to take in," Stephanie said, picking at her salad. "How did this Natalie go from being with Uncle Lema to Uncle Mookie? Doesn't sound like someone I'd want around."

"Steph, it's--."

"Don't say it's complicated. We're all adults here. Why didn't we ever hear about it?" Stephanie asked. "If was this big...thing...involving a famous rockstar hurting his kid...why weren't we told?"

"Between the news being suppressed by Matt and lawyers, plus your mom shielding you all from band drama...I didn't want you all caught up in the shitstorm," Jon answered, accepting a refilled glass from the waiter.

"Romeo thinks it's unfair to unload all of this on us," Jake piped in. "I don't disagree but isn't a divorce from mom...sudden? I mean...Raiden is Richie's kid now...not yours. Why not let them live and come home?"

"How far back do you want me to go, Jake?" Jon said, getting frustrated with his children. He placed his knife and fork down slowly, carefully, when all he wanted to do was throw something against the wall. "You all constantly tell me that you're not kids anymore and to treat you like adults...so how in-depth, how much of the nuts and bolts of adult relationships do you want me to offload onto you? Hmm?!" He looked all three of them in the eyes as he spoke. "You want an explanation, I can give you that...but are you prepared for the reality and the consequences of it all?"

The Bongiovi children exchanged looks of hesitancy and uncertainty. Jon took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. He knew that this wasn't easy for them, but it was necessary for them to understand.

"When did you stop loving mom?" Jesse asked.

Jon turned to Jesse and met his gaze without hesitancy and said, "I love your mom...always will...but I'm not in love with her. That kind of love dissipated long ago...especially when Romy came along." Jon paused, wondering if his children even had an inkling that Romeo may not be his.

"We've both tried to make it work for you guys for years, but," This is gonna sound so fuckin' cliched, he thought, "the heart wants what the heart wants." He inhaled deeply before saying the next piece, "My heart has always wanted Richie. Raiden just happens to be part of that."

Three sets of eyes widened at the words. Jake straightened up slightly, Steph looked away with disappointment and Jesse kept his eyes focused on Jon. There was a moment of silence as the children processed what Jon had said.

"Can we meet this kid? Raiden, I mean. I think it's only fair," Jesse asked calmly.

"He's probably home from the doctor if you all want to talk to him," Jon offered. "Just...don't be harsh on him. He's only six years old."

"Hold up a second," Stephanie interrupted. "Like, Dad, are you moving to Cali with Uncle Mookie? How is this all going to work with a whole country between you and us?"

Jon shook his head. "Babygirl-."

"Don't!" Steph snapped. "Don't call me that, Dad."

"I'm sorry, Steph," he said, even though his heart broke a little. Stephanie was always his little girl, his princess. "Guys, I don't know how it's gonna pan out as yet. But you'll always be my number one priority. That will never change."

"She knows that," Jesse said, looking over at his sister briefly.

"Don't look at me like that, Jesse James," Stephanie snapped, "Unless you want me to smack that beanie off your head."

"What?! At least I'm tryin' to understand and not behaving like a spoiled brat!"

"Quit it, you two," Jon snapped, tapping his finger on the table. "You're still my children and I can still take away privileges if I have to."

"I'm done eating," Jake said, throwing his napkin on the table. "Can we go already?"

Jesse shook his head and sighed. "You two go if you want, I'm staying to talk to Dad!"

"Would you three keep your fucking voices down?" Jon demanded, low but firm. "How about I pay and we go back to my hotel room? Call Raiden and you all can talk to him. And give us privacy to continue our conversation."

Jon signaled to the waiter. Within moments Jon was signing for the bill as the table descended into an uneasy silence.

"Jake, you can ride with me," Stephanie said. "Jesse...ride with Dad."

~*~

"So shall I make the call now?" Jon asked after letting his kids settle down. It still warmed his heart that all three of them spent a few moments exploring the room as they used to when they were little.

Jesse looked from Jake to Stephanie and nodded. "Yeah...we're ready...right you two?"

"Sure," Jake said with a shrug.

"I guess," Stephanie replied and crossed her arms.

The muscle in Jon's jaw popped a little as he calculated the time difference and tried to remember what appointments Raiden might have had for the rest of day but came up blank.

Pulling up Richie's number, he pressed the green button. He raised the phone to his ear wanting to hear Richie's voice first and to give him at least some warning about what was about to happen.

"My favorite person," Richie said when he answered. "We were just talking about you."

"Hope it was all good," Jon said with a smile.

Richie chuckled. "Always, baby. Raiden drew a picture of us in therapy."

"It better be on the fridge when I get home," he said, then kicked himself when he heard the muttered curses behind him. "Shit," he swore softly.

"Everything okay?" Richie asked, concern in his voice. "You sound tense."

Jon took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself down. He knew that Richie had a way of sensing when he was stressed or upset.

"Um...could be better but it'll work out," Jon offered up a silent prayer that that was going to be true. "Listen, Mookie, I've got the oldest three with me. They're willing to talk with Raiden, if you think that's gonna go well."

"Oh...what kinda moods are they in? You know I won't have Raiden getting upset."

Jon turned and looked at his children who were watching him. "Don't worry, I'll keep 'em in line...or disconnect the call." He gave his three a pointed look.

"I'll hold you to that, babe. Raiden! Come here, please," Richie called out then said quietly, "He did have an episode this morning before we left so...please just tell them to be nice."

"Was just about to take care of that." Jon listened to the noises from the other side of the country while he hissed, "Behave yourselves and be the sweet and loving kids I know that your mom and I brought you up to be. It's...apparently it's been a rough day for him."

Stephanie rolled her eyes. "He's not the only one."

"Papa?!"

"Hey, buddy! How are you?" Jon said, smiling at Raiden's voice and throwing his famous stink eye at his daughter's comment.

"I drew you a picture!"

"So Mookie said! I told him you have to put it up on the fridge for me to see when I get home."

"When's that?"

Jon glanced at his three on the couch and said, "I've still got some work to do here but I'm tryna come back as soon as I can. Definitely before Irina's birthday."

"Whatcha doing there?"

"Er...I have a lot of stuff to pack up," Jon said. "But listen...I've got some people who want to meet you. Do you feel up to talking?"

"Yeah!" Raiden exclaimed excitedly. "Who?"

Jon sat on the coffee table in front of the couch, with his back to his children and said, "Three of my four kids."

"Okay...what do I say?"

"Hi is usually a good place to start, kiddo," Jon said. "Hold up and let me open the camera and I'll introduce you." He opened the app and held his phone out to ensure all four of them were in frame.

Raiden's face popped up on the screen and there was an audible gasp from Stephanie. Jesse looked intrigued while Jake looked a bit hesitant. All three looked at each other then back to Raiden.

"Raiden, this is Stephanie, Jake, and Jesse," Jon introduced, gesturing to each of them. "They're my kids and they've wanted to meet you for a while now."

The child's eyes darted from one to the other. He took a deep breath and said, "Hi, I'm Raiden."

Stephanie leaned over to Jesse and said, unbelieving. "My God, he looks like Uncle Lema." Jesse nodded in agreement, his eyes widening as he looked at Raiden. Jake remained silent, his eyes fixed on the screen.

"What's up, Squirt?" Jesse asked with a friendly tone.

Raiden held up a piece of paper showing his handwriting homework. "Ms Nikki told us to practice. Mookie's been teaching me guitar...like my music teacher!"

Richie smiled proudly in the background at Raiden's words, his eyes filled with love and adoration. Jon could see the emotions reflected in Richie's expression, and felt his heart swell with warmth as he watched the interaction.

"Why don't you show them your guitar," Jon suggested and Raiden nodded and raced off for his guitar then proceeded to play the scales with practiced ease.

"That's awesome, Raiden," Jesse said, his voice full of enthusiasm. "Keep up the good work. Um...you can call me Uncle Jesse...if you want."

"Yay!! I want!" Raiden exclaimed. "I want an Uncle Jesse!"

Richie chimed in, "Raiden's been doing great lately. We're so proud of him."

"He's a talented kid," Jake commented, flinching at his sister's glare. "What? He is! Younger than Dad was when he started guitar lessons."

Jon's heart swelled with pride at his children's reactions. He couldn't help but feel grateful that they were able to connect with Raiden despite their differences.

"Are you my Uncle too?" Raiden asked Jake innocently.

"Sure, bud," Jake replied. "Yeah! I'm your Uncle Jake."

"I'll draw you a picture too!"

"That would be awesome," Jesse commented. "If you give it to Mookie, he can send it. I'll put it up on the fridge too."

Jon watched the scene unfold before him, feeling a sense of contentment at his family's progress in blending together. It was a small step, but an important one nonetheless. As he sat there, he noticed Richie watching him with a small smile on his face.

Richie's eyes met Jon's and for a moment, the world seemed to slow down. There was a sense of warmth and affection in his gaze that made Jon's heart skip a beat. He smiled back at Richie, feeling grateful for his presence in his life.

"Does that mean you're my auntie?" Raiden asked Stephanie.

Her face softened a bit and she rolled her eyes and sighed. "I suppose it does."

*~*RICHIE POV*~*

Richie disconnected the call and watched as Raiden relaxed against the couch. He gave his son a few minutes to process the conversation before saying, "That was a big thing, son. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks," Raiden said simply then asked, "Can I have a snack? I wanna make a picture of Uncle Jesse!"

"I think we can do that," Richie chuckled. He reached over and ruffled Raiden's hair affectionately, feeling a sense of gratitude and relief at his son's progress. "How about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?"

Raiden nodded eagerly, his eyes lighting up at the prospect. "Yes please, Mookie!"

Richie felt a sense of nostalgia as he remembered his own childhood. "Sure thing, buddy. I'll get the sandwich ready while you work on that picture. Just don't forget it's a school night so bed in one hour."

He went into the kitchen and started gathering the ingredients while Raiden pulled out his paper and crayons. He'd call Jon back once Raiden was in bed but his lover's words resonated deeply. "I love you, baby. No matter what. I'm coming home soon to you."

Nothing had felt so right since Natalie. But this was one thing he was determined not to fuck up again.

Richie took a few moments to himself, lost in thought as he assembled the sandwich. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and couldn't help but smile. He looked older, but still youthful and vibrant. The lines on his face were evidence of a life well-lived, but they only added to his charm.

As he placed the sandwich on a plate, he heard Raiden call out to him. "Mookie, I need help!"

Richie quickly made his way to the living room where Raiden was surrounded by crayons and crumpled paper. "What's up, buddy?" he asked, noticing the furrowed brow on his son's face.

"I can't draw Uncle Jesse," Raiden explained, his voice filled with frustration. "It's too hard."

"Just draw a big round head with a beanie on top," Richie laughed.

"Stupid stupid stupid!" Raiden yelled in frustration and threw his crayons angrily.

Richie dropped the sandwich plate on the table and knelt down next to Raiden, placing a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. "It's okay, Raiden. You'll get it eventually. Just take your time."

Raiden looked up at Richie with tears in his eyes. "But I'm stupid!"

Richie's heart ached at his son's words. "You're not stupid, Raiden, just frustrated," he said, hoping to ease his son's anger at himself. "It's just a drawing. It can wait until tomorrow."

He pulled Raiden into him and the little boy buried his head in Richie's chest, screaming and crying. Richie held him close, feeling a sense of empathy and compassion for the pain his son was feeling.

"It's okay, Raiden. We'll figure it out together." He stroked Raiden's hair gently, whispering words of encouragement into his ear.

As the minutes passed, Raiden's cries began to subside. He looked up at Richie with tear-filled eyes, his expression filled with vulnerability. Richie could see the pain etched on his face and it broke his heart.

"Can I go to bed?" Raiden asked softly, his voice cracking with emotion.

"Of course, son. Go and get settled in. I'll be in soon." He watched as Raiden climbed the stairs, feeling a sense of love and protectiveness for the young boy. "And how about when Jonny gets back, we'll go get that Nintendo game you wanted?"

Raiden only nodded and slumped upstairs. Richie took the time to clean up the strewn crayons and crumpled, ripped up papers, shaken by how the night had taken a heartbreaking turn. He dropped onto the couch and exhaled sharply.

He thought over the conversation with Jon's kids. Jesse and Jake had been polite...came down to Raiden's level and attempted to talk to him. But Steph. He'd never known her to be so...cold. Especially towards a child.

That just wasn't her. She was always loving and affectionate.

Perhaps the conversation between her and Jon hadn't gone as either had hoped. Maybe she sided with Dot, like Romeo had, more than Jon had anticipated.

Did he miss any signs during the video call? Was it too soon or too much to expect they'd embrace Raiden?

He knew that Raiden would bounce back. He always did. But why had he reacted violently? He'd have to message the therapist and see if he'd fucked up somewhere.

Once he had finished cleaning up the mess, Richie wrapped up the sandwich. He knew Raiden would find it during his nightly trek through the kitchen. He placed it in the fridge and headed upstairs with a glass of water, seeing Raiden sitting in bed with his pajamas on and Murray by his side.

Richie approached his son's bed and sat beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "How are you feeling, buddy?" he asked softly.

Raiden shrugged, his eyes still red from crying. "Okay, I guess."

"I know this was tough."

"I don't think Auntie Stephie likes me," Raiden said sadly.

"That's on her, not you." Richie squeezed his son's shoulder comfortingly. "You're a smart, kind, and loving boy. Anyone who doesn't see that is missing out." He gestured to the nightstand and handed him the glass. "Let's take your medicine and get you tucked in."

Raiden swallowed the pills one by one and took several big sips of water. He laid down and Richie tucked him in, kissing his forehead.

"I love you, Mookie," Raiden whispered, his hand reaching out for Murray.

"I love you too, son. Tomorrow we'll call your Papa...without the others around."

"I'd like that."

Richie stood and dimmed the lamp. "Try and get some sleep. If you need anything, you know where to find me." He pulled the door shut and leaned against the wall, fighting tears that were welling up.

Well...that turned into a shit show, he texted Jon on the way to his bedroom.

Talked to Steph. Don't know what's gotten into her, Jon messaged back.

She won't be talking to Raiden again for a while.

What happened?

Raiden had a horrible episode. Calling himself stupid over his drawing of Jesse.

They're gone if you wanna call back.

Richie stripped off his clothing and climbed into bed, initiating a video call to Jon who picked up after only one ring. "Baby, I'm sorry...I shouldn't have had Steph meet him just yet."

"Just finish what you have to do and come home to us," Richie whispered. "In the meantime, Raiden's in bed and I feel like a fuck up."

"You're far from a fuck up, baby."

"Then what went wrong?" Richie sighed.

"Stop second guessing yourself, Mookie. I should have been more vigilant where Steph was concerned."

Richie sat in silence for a moment, still running things around in his head.

"Rich?"

"Hmm?"

"Goddamnit, I miss you, baby," Jon whispered.

"Show me..."