Page 142 of His Boys to Protect

“You could bring those with you next time you come down,” Ward suggested.

“What's this?” Skylar asked, coming out of the bathroom.

“Charlie's getting homesick.”

“Ah. Yeah.” Skylar grimaced. “This is really long for him, being away from his familiar spaces and routines.”

Charlie scowled.No bring mug.

“Why not?” Ward asked. “You bring your clothes with you, don't you?”

Charlie's eyebrows slowly went up as he processed that.

“You could wrap it up carefully and put it in your bag,” Ward said. “And then we'll find a spot for it here. Then you can take it back with you, just like your clothes, when you go home.” Ward paused. “Or we can pick out a special mug just for you, for when you're here.”

Charlie's eyebrows went even higher. Ward could practically see the idea finally clicking.

“Same with your laptop, if you want it,” Ward went on. “Pack it with your clothes so you can bring it here.”

Charlie rolled his head, thinking. His brow slowly drew down into a frown.No laptop spot, he signed.

“It needs to be on a desk,” Skylar cut in. “Computers go on desks. Even laptops.”

Charlie nodded solemnly.

“Ah,” Ward said. “I see.” Before he could say anything more, Charlie gasped.

And miss Mouse Mouse!Charlie signed emphatically.Want new Mouse Mouse!

“Your folks said they'd get you one,” Skylar said. “Didn't they?”

Charlie started to nod, then signed,But…me here…Mouse Mouse lonely. Sad.

“Could you bring the cage with you?” Ward suggested. “We could set it up somewhere here.”

Charlie rolled his head, glancing around like he was considering it. Then he sagged with disappointment.Car scary. Confusing. Mouse Mouse need home. Safe.

Ward opened his mouth, sorely tempted to ask Charlie to simply move in with them for good, but he knew the answer would beno. At least, it would be for that apartment. As for somewhere else? How long would it take to find a place where Charlie felt truly comfortable?

And would Charlie even be up for that kind of search?

Ward remembered going house-hunting with Kelly, leading up to their wedding, and the entire process had been utterly exhausting, touring place after place until they found something that worked for both of them. It could be worse for someone like Charlie. Ward could easily imagine the boy giving up with overwhelm after the first tour.

Still, the possibility was tempting. John had even brought up the rental house again, though he said it wasn't quite ready for tenants—Adam was still finishing a few projects—so there was time to think about it.

Charlie slumped down on the end of the bed, curled his arms up, and covered his eyes.

“Easy, little mouse,” Ward murmured, crouching down and rubbing Charlie's back. “You don't have to decide anything rightnow. Actually–” He gently grabbed Charlie's arms. “Would it be alright if we talked about this later? Daddy had a hard day, and I could really use some quiet time.”

Charlie lowered his hands and rolled his head, eyeing Ward warily.Mad?he signed.

“No, sweet boy. Not mad. Not at you,” Ward assured him. “I'm gonna go take a shower, and then sit down with a drink for a little bit if that's okay.”

Charlie glanced at Skylar, then nodded.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” Ward got up, pressed a kiss to the top of Charlie's head, then did the same to Skylar before he strode into the bathroom and shut the door.

He took his time in the shower, letting the hot water work its magic. Ward closed his eyes and tipped his head back under the spray. He lingered there long after he was clean and rinsed, enjoying the simple peace and warmth after a hectic day.

---