Unbreakable Bond

Thirteen year old Monte watched Sammy head upstairs to say goodbye to his much younger three year old brother Lennon. Lennon had been a surprise in the later years of Sammy and Adam's marriage, ad even though there was such a large gap between the boys' ages, Lennon meant the world to his older brother. Monte did the best he could to help his parents take care of the young toddler, who seemed to be developing a new allergy every time they went to the grocery store.

This night in particular was no different. Lennon was sick in bed, not only from the most recent cold he'd caught, but a reaction to his most recent allergy, tree nuts. Sammy headed upstairs and knocked lightly on Lennon's door. She and Adam had an evening show to do.

"Lennon sweetie," said Sammy softly, moving into the room. "Daddy and I have to go now, Monte's gonna stay here with you."

Lennon yawned as he lifted his head to look up at Sammy, sitting up and pouting when she said they were going, hoding his arms out to her. He made an upset sound before mumbling "Want mama."

Sammy moved to sit down on the edge of the bed, and pulled Lennon into her lap. "We won't be gone long sweetie, we have to go to work," said Sammy. "Monte will take care of you while we're gone," she said. "If you're good, I'll bring you back a treat for tomorrow, would you like that?"

Lennon curled up in Sammy's lap as she talked, giving a small nod afterwards. "Uh huh."

Sammy smiled. "You be good for Monte, and I'll find you something."

"Kay." Lennon mumbled, reaching with one hand to scratch.

Sammy grabbed Lennon's hand. "No sweetie."

Lennon made an upset sound, curling up more in her lap.

Sammy sighed, kissing the top of Lennon's head, and tucking him back in. "We'll be back in a few hours sweetie."

Lennon pouted again, but nodded. "Bye mama."

"Bye sweetie," Sammy smiled, blowing him a kiss like she always did when she left. "Love you."

"Love you mama." Lennon said quietly, smiling at her.

Sammy sighed, turning to leave as Monte came in to sit with Lennon.

"Monte." Lennon said, reaching a small hand out to him.

Monte moved over to the bed, to distract Lennon so Sammy could leave without him getting upset. "Here I am Len," said Monte, sitting on the bed with him.

Lennon smiled, crawling across the bed to Monte, curling up in his lap instead.

Monte wrapped his arms around Lennon. "How you feeling Len?"

Lennon made an irritated sound, pouting as he looked up at Monte.

Monte hugged Lennon close.

Lennon wrapped his arms around Monte's neck as best as he could, leaning against him.

Monte smiled. "You wanna try to eat something, or at least drink something?"

Lennon gave a small nod. "Drink." He said.

Monte nodded, standing up with Lennon in his arms. "You want a juice box?"

Lennon smiled up at Monte, nodding again. "Juice."

Monte smiled. "Okay Leno, juice it is."