Raiden thought he had seen every room at Wellstone. Patient therapy rooms, quiet rooms, and doctor offices. This one, however, was equipped with a single plush sofa and a chair for the therapist. The room had no decor, though the walls were a soft blue with a tree painted on it.

"Mookie...this is different...." Raiden's tone was apprehensive. He didn't know this room.

Doctor Landry entered with a shorter, dark-haired woman. She was plump and held tight to a folder in her fat little hands. When she spoke though, her voice was kind and friendly. Almost soothing.

"Raiden?"

"Yes ma'am," he answered, sitting down on the sofa.

"My name's Jordan," the woman introduced herself. "I'm one of the hypnotherapists here. Dr. Landry asked me to assist with your therapy treatment."

"Hypno-what?" Raiden asked, the crease between his eyes forming as he scowled.

"Now, Raiden," Doctor Landry began, "I know this might seem strange, but since you were so young and traumatized by past events, we need another way of bringing those memories out. This is where Jordan comes in."

Jordan smiled warmly at Raiden, her hands resting on her folder. "We use hypnosis as a way to access repressed memories and help you deal with them. It's very safe and very effective."

Raiden looked at Doctor Landry skeptically. "How is that safe?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"We use a combination of relaxation techniques and guided imagery to help you focus on the memories we want to access," Jordan explained. "Your subconscious will let you know if something is triggering or painful. It's a very gentle process and will ensure you feel safe and protected at all times."

Raiden looked at Doctor Landry, his expression a mix of confusion and uncertainty. "Okay," he said hesitantly.

"Good," Jordan said, smiling warmly at him. "Now, let's get you comfortable. Mr Sambora, you can sit with him if you'd like. Your closeness will help keep him calm." She reached over and adjusted the pillows on the sofa, making Raiden feel more relaxed.

Richie sat down beside him and gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. He took out Raiden's favorite blanket and stuffed dog from his bag. Murray sat by Raiden's feet, head laying in the child's lap.

Jordan dimmed the lights and took the chair opposite the sofa, turning on audio from her phone. "Alright, Raiden, I want you to get cozy. Snuggle into Richie. Breathe in...and breathe out. Allow yourself to only focus on that. In...and out."

He did as he was told, nestling into Richie's embrace and letting out a slow breath. Jordan's voice grew softer as she guided him deeper into a trance. "You're safe now, Raiden. You're surrounded by people who love you. You're safe."

Raiden's eyes began to droop as he relaxed into the trance. He felt the warmth of Richie's body against his and the soft touch of Murray's fur against his leg. He felt at peace, for the first time in years.

Jordan continued to speak softly, her words a soothing balm on Raiden's soul. "You're opening up now, Raiden. You're letting the memories come. And you're okay. You're safe."

Suddenly, there was a flash of memory in Raiden's mind. He could see himself, just a little boy, curled up in a ball in the corner of a dark room. The vision dimmed and another flashed in. He twitched and Richie took his hand.

You're safe...breathe in...and breathe out....

Jordan paused for a moment, letting the memory sink in. "What do you see, Raiden?" she asked gently.

"Daddy at daycare," Raiden answered, his body relaxed and allowing the memories to take over. "Miss Michelle...time to go, Raiden. It's early. Too early." His voice was soft and faraway, his eyes still closed as he relived the memory.

"You're safe, Raiden," Jordan said again, her voice soothing. "What's your Daddy doing?"

"He's smiling with his arms out," Raiden replied in a monotone. "He tried to hurt Momma. I'm scared of him."

Richie pulled Raiden even closer, his arms a protective barrier around his son. "Raiden, it's okay. Your Daddy will never hurt you again. We will keep you safe." Jordan's voice was steady, her face calm and reassuring.

"But...."

"But you can still feel his touch, can't you?" Jordan said, urging Raiden to work through the memory. "Can you remember what it felt like when you felt unsafe?"

Raiden took a deep breath and let it out slowly, his body still trembling slightly as he ran the memory through his mind. "He was strong...so much bigger than me. I'm in his car. Too dark. I didn't want to be there."

"What's your Daddy doing now?" she asked gently.

"He's looking at me in the mirror. His eyes are scary," Raiden said, his fingers tightening on the blanket. Richie put a hand over the child's, stroking his fingers into relaxing once more. "Where are we going?"

"What do you see?"

"Trees. No houses. We're going to the airport...time for a family vacation, you little brat." Raiden's face scrunched up. "I don't wanna go to sleep! Please...."

Jordan glanced over to Richie with a worried expression, but continued on with her questioning. "What do you mean by sleeping? Are you in a bed?"

"He gave me a shot and...nothing...."

Raiden's voice was distant, his eyes still closed as he relived the memory. Richie stroked his hair softly, trying to comfort him. "He has needle marks where David was injecting him," Richie whispered. "Police said it was liquid Valium. He'd also crush up Benadryl and mix it with milk."

"No milk! Please no!" Raiden exclaimed, his voice cracking with emotion. "Where am I? I can't see anything? Daddy! Help!"

Jordan took Raiden's hand and gently pulled him out of his trance, helping him sit up. "Raiden...I need you to open your eyes. You're safe...it's okay...just open your eyes. Your Dad isn't here anymore. He's never coming back."

Raiden took a deep breath, his eyes still filled with fear. "But I can still feel him," he said, his voice trembling. "I can still feel his touch." Murray took his cue and jumped onto the sofa, laying his body across Raiden's lap.

Jordan watched the interaction between the two men with a mix of admiration and sadness. Raiden carried a lot of trauma for a child and only time would tell if he could move past it. "I need to fill in some gaps. Richie, could you help?"

"Of course," Richie replied, holding Raiden close.

"He said it was dark but he was signed out of daycare," she consulted her notes, "just after 1 pm."

Richie thought for a moment. "The only thing I can think of is the tinting David had on his car for privacy."

Jordan noted this in her folder. "Thank you, Richie. This will help us a lot." She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I want to ask you both some questions about your relationship with David. How involved was he in your lives?"

Richie took a moment to consider his answer, running his fingers through his hair. "He was a brother. I knew him from the time he was nineteen and our band first officially formed. We toured together, we recorded albums together...alongside the other three guys, we went through more together than we did apart. We shared....everything."

His voice was soft and nostalgic, his eyes distant as he reflected on the memories. Jordan listened intently, taking notes as she spoke. "It sounds like you knew a different version of David than Raiden did."

Richie's expression softened as he looked down at his son, still nestled in his arms. "I did. The David I knew was kind, generous, hilarious, and never wanted to hurt anyone."

"When do you think that changed?"

"He started using drugs to cope with marital issues. Initially, it was just weed and Xanax...then it got worse. He was abusing pain and anxiety medications. His drinking was heavy...then he found cocaine and Fentanyl. He was spiraling out of control."

"Did you all fear for his safety?"

"We feared for his and Raiden's mom, Natalie. It was...an ongoing cycle with them. He'd treat her like a Queen...then he couldn't stand being around her. Towards the end of her employment, it got bad enough where I had to intervene."

Richie's voice was firm, his eyes fixed on Jordan as he recounted the events. Jordan took notes, her expression a mixture of sympathy and concern. "What happened when you intervened? I confronted him about it. We fought, but I managed to convince Natalie to leave with me for her well-being."

"Then what?"

Richie looked at Raiden, his cheek resting on Murray's furry back. "We packed up her belongings and eventually I took her back to California with me. She found out she was pregnant." He took another deep breath, his gaze on Jordan. "We did have some...encounters, so it was unknown if Raiden was mine or David's. I just wanted to protect her from David's abusive behavior."

"And when he was born?"

"It was obvious David was the father but I signed the birth certificate. Again...just trying to protect them both," Richie said. He looked down at Raiden, his fingers gently stroking his hair. "But it wasn't enough. David kept trying to find them. And due to mistakes I made, she moved back to Jersey with Raiden, and...he found them, worming and charming his way back into their lives."

The room fell silent as Jordan took in Richie's words. She wondered how Raiden's mom could have let David back into their lives, especially after what he had done. "What happened then?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Richie's voice was heavy with emotion as he continued. "He started treating Raiden like his son, doing sweet things for him and giving him gifts. He was at her house every day." He took a deep breath, his voice cracking with sadness. "But it was never the same. I knew something was off when I came by for Christmas. There was something lingering inside."

Jordan listened intently, her pen moving quickly across the page. "What did you do?"

Richie paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on Raiden, who was now asleep in his arms. "I confronted him again. I told him to leave Natalie and Raiden alone. But he wouldn't listen. He threatened me with violence, and I knew he wouldn't back down. Natalie asked me to back off and let David get to know his son."

"Raiden? Do you remember any of this?"

"Bits. I remember Christmas a little," Raiden replied, his fingers digging into Murray's fur. "Momma was happy."

Richie looked down at his son, his heart aching as he thought of Natalie's bright smile. "Yes, she was. But David's presence changed everything. He made her feel insecure and scared." He glanced at Jordan, his eyes pleading with her to understand. "He was manipulative and possessive, and Natalie fell for it."

Jordan could see the pain in Richie's eyes as he recounted the events. She wondered how the young boy could have gotten caught up in such a traumatic situation. "What happened to Natalie?" she asked quietly.

Richie took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging. "She was killed in a car accident when Raiden was four. Police said her car had been tampered with. Brake lines cut." He looked down at Raiden again, his heart heavy with grief.

"I'm so sorry, Richie," Jordan said and watched Richie, her heart breaking for him and Raiden. "I can't imagine what you went through." She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "And what about you? How did you cope with losing Natalie?"

Richie took a deep breath, his voice soft as he recounted the days after Natalie's death. "I fell apart. I blamed myself for what happened, and I felt like I had failed to protect both of them. I couldn't focus on anything else, and my work suffered as a result." He paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on Raiden. "When we found out Raiden was alive, I can't even tell you how happy I was. But police said David had tortured him on his yacht."

"Why don't we leave off there and Raiden can pick up on those details on our next visit?" Jordan stood and brought the lights back up. "I can't even begin to tell you how brave you've been today, Raiden. This is a lot for someone of your age to process. And I'm sure Richie is very proud too."

Richie smiled down at his son, his fingers gently stroking his hair. "You know I'm proud of you, kiddo. It's taken a lot of courage to share some of these painful memories, but we're all here for you." He glanced at Jordan, his eyes soft with gratitude. "Thank you for seeing him today, Jordan. It means a lot to us."

As Jordan stood, she saw the emotion in Richie's eyes. She could feel the love he had for Raiden and the sadness he had felt after losing Natalie. It was a lot to ask of them to share, but she knew it was necessary to understand Raiden's history in order to help him move forward with his life.

"I'm glad I could help," she said softly. "And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."

"Can we still get nuggets, Mookie?"

Richie smiled at Raiden and took his hand. "Yeah, absolutely...you deserve it."

*~*~*

"Kick...kick your feet..." Ava directed, holding Raiden under his belly in the pool. "There you go! Now move your arms just how I showed you."

Raiden followed the instructions, his small hands splashing in the water as he practiced his swimming skills. Ava watched with pride, her eyes sparkling with joy as Raiden improved with each stroke.

Richie watched from his spot at the grill, his heart swelling with love as he observed Raiden and Ava together. Ava was the big sister Raiden needed, teaching him new skills and showing him endless affection.

A pair of arms wrapped around his waist, lips trailing kisses on his shoulder and neck. "He seems to be happier today," Jon commented, one hand squeezing Richie's left pec.

Richie smiled, turning to Jon with a warm gaze. "He's doing well. I'm proud of him. Ava's been a big help with his recovery." He leaned in, his lips brushing against Jon's. "And you, of course."

Jon laughed, his hand rubbing Richie's chest affectionately. "Well, you know how much I love you and the kids." He leaned in for another kiss, his warm breath mixing with Richie's. The embrace lingered for a moment, the touch of skin against skin filling Richie with a familiar sense of comfort and love.

As he pulled away, Richie noticed Raiden watching them from a few feet away. His attention shifted to his son, and he noticed that his gaze was more alert and awake than usual. Raiden's eyes locked on his father's, and Richie felt a familiar mix of pride and fear as he met his son's intense stare.

"What's wrong, kiddo?" he asked, his voice soft.

Raiden took a step towards them, resting his arms on the side of the pool, his eyes still fixed on Richie. "I was just thinking about what you said earlier," he replied, his voice soft and hesitant. "About how I'm not like other people." He paused for a moment, his gaze shifting to Jon.

"You're right, Raiden," Jon said. "We're not like other people. But that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. You're special in your own way, and we love you for that." He paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on Raiden. "And you know Mookie loves you very much too, right?"

"I think I'm seeing Momma and David," Raiden said, tugging on his arm floats. "Remember I told you they came to see me last night."

Richie glanced at Jon, feeling a sense of reassurance as his partner placed a hand on his shoulder. "Both of them?" Raiden nodded. "I believe you, kiddo. Your mom came to see me too. She was checking in on you."

"He talked to me too," the child confessed. "He's...different. Nicer."

"That's how we used to know him," Richie said with a smile. "I'm surprised Natalie brought him along for the visit."

"Great...just something else for the kids at school to tease me about," Raiden complained. "They already call me a dirty jew and an orphan!"

Richie felt a surge of anger at the thought that someone could be so cruel to his son. "Those kids don't know what they're talking about," he said firmly. "You're not weird or strange, Raiden. You're just different. And that's what makes you special." He glanced at Jon, his eyes pleading for support. "And we'll always stand up for you, no matter what."

"You know what your momma would say?" Jon piped in. "She'd say 'fuck 'em'." He laughed, his voice booming throughout the backyard and startling Ava. "And she'd probably throw in a few colorful expletives for good measure."

Raiden giggled, his shoulders shaking with laughter. "That sounds like her," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And you know what? You're right. Fuck 'em." He grinned, his small body bobbing in the water. "I'll show them that I'm different and proud of it."

"That's my son!" Richie exclaimed. "Now come get it, guys! Lunch is ready!"

"I'll go get the salad," Jon said and disappeared into the house. Richie pulled the meat and grilled veggies onto covered platters, setting it in the middle of the table.

"You two stay here. I'm gonna help Jonny." Richie slid the patio door shut and made his way to the kitchen, smirking at the vision of Jon shaking his ass and singing. "Mmm, sing it, sexy."

Jon blushed at the compliment, his free hand groping his ample chest as he danced to the music. "Shut up, Rich. You know I can't carry a tune anymore." He grinned, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "But I can still shake it for you."

Richie's smirk turned into a grin as he approached Jon, his hands sliding over his partner's waist. "I think you can," he said, his voice low and husky. He leaned in, his lips brushing against Jon's. The kiss was soft and gentle, filled with affection and care.

As they pulled away, Richie's eyes were locked on Jon's, their gaze filled with warmth and love. "I love you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

Jon's smile widened, his eyes shining with happiness. "I love you too," he replied, his voice equally tender. "More than anything." He leaned forward, his lips brushing against Richie's. The kiss was soft and slow, filled with passion and longing.

The sound of laughter drifted through the open window, drawing Richie's attention. He glanced over, his eyes landing on Raiden and Ava playing in the backyard. Their laughter echoed in the air, mixing with the warm breeze that blew through the trees.

Richie's heart swelled at the sight of them, his eyes filled with love and pride. "You know how I told you last night about the therapist getting me to talk about Lema?"

"Yeah...what about it?"

Richie took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Jon's. "Well, we've been working on some exercises and talking about how I'm feeling. Made me wish I had said something about his drug use," he replied, "Maybe things would have been different."

Jon pulled Richie closer, his fingers threading through his hair. "It's not your fault," he said softly. "David was a stubborn son of a bitch. If he wanted to do something, he was gonna do it regardless of what anyone said." He paused for a moment, his lips brushing against Richie's. "We were a band of brothers against the world, baby. And we'll always have those memories together."

The warmth of Jon's embrace filled Richie with a sense of comfort and peace. They sat there for a moment, their bodies pressed together, simply enjoying the silence. And in that moment, he felt happy and content with his life.