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Hudson had finished another week of work and while it was rewarding to help others... He felt lonely. He wanted to have someone to look up to him... Someone to get excited when he got home... He'd yet to find anyone he cared enough for to date. Perhaps it was because he cared far more about the orphans and other kids than he did anyone else. Kids were so pure.. and the number of orphans in the world killed him. So after a year of thought and saving... He had decided to go through the hoops to adopt. Sure, imbuing was maybe a little cheaper but... He'd rather give his love to a child that needed it.

So, here he was.. about to meet his son. He was nervous of course, not that it showed. He was his usual calm demeanor as he waited in the room for his son, Zak. According to the caseworker, Zak was a problem child and often acted out. Being a child psychologist, he was certain it was from an event that happened when he was younger and now he was wounded... Wounds can be healed and scars can be lived with... So he took the boy in. He'd help him.. show him that life can be good.

Hudson took in a deep breath before exhaling as he waiting for his new addition.

Zakai had been told he needed to pack up his things. The small demon had growled at the worker and told them to go away...launching one of his school books at them for good measures. His tail twitched in agitation. Like hell, someone was going to adopt him! He didn't need anyone! He was good at school..it was easy and boring after all...so what did it matter? He didn't need some stupid adult to take him, and then get tired of him...and throw him away. No, he had himself to depend on. Frustrated he scrubbed at his red eyes as he paced back and forth. They had had him follow down the hall, despite his childish screaming.

Zakai had only relented because he wanted to prove them wrong. Nobody wanted a kid who raised hell...Zak had purposely been a brat to those around him, other than his friend Celto. Celto was the only other person he really trusted..but he hadn't seen the sickly elf boy in some time. Maybe he had abandoned him too...?

Upon being coaxed into the room with Hudson in it, Zak growled angrily. He knew his name..and what his intentions were. He had demanded information, but that didn't lessen his agitation. Kicking the door as it closed, the demon wished he knew how to control his magic better..they deserved a good blast of fire. He looked back at the door he'd just been lead into...almost tempted to run. Slowly..he turned his head, his red eyes glaring from behind messy black bangs. "What do you want..." He asked crossly, glaring at the older male, ready to pick a fight.

Hudson watched the boy emerge into the room looking like the hell for he was warned about. Such hurt behind those red eyes... "I would like to take you to our home. I have your room all set up with the basics. Tomorrow, we can shop for whatever you need to feel at home." He explained, crouching down. "Just you and me." He told him as he put his hand out for him to take. "I know you aren't sure about me. I understand. What I am sure about is how loved you will be by me...How much you will be cared for and taken care of."

He started, "Since I want you to be happy and you are old enough to make some decisions on your life, if you still don't trust me or don't want to live with me in two weeks, you may decide to come back here. Otherwise, I am your father and I will always be there for you." He kept calm yet firm as he watched the other boy. "What do you say, Zak? Give me a chance?"

Zak's heart was irregularly pounding in his chest as the other spoke to him...and looked at him like he cared. What bullshit. However, simply because there was nothing else to do other than listen, Zakai decided to at least let him speak. What harm would it do..? Chewing on his bottom lip, the demon child while glaring, gave the other his full, less than thrilled, attention. Our home...? He just met him! What crap was that?! Zak clenched his teeth but held himself in check..for now. It took a lot of effort on his part not to be openly hostile to him.

"...." He took in a deep breath, unsure of what to say. He even gave him an out...Zak wanted Hudson to explain himself before he agreed.

Exhaling slowly he rubbed his neck, reluctantly his gaze finally traveled from the other...to his hand, then immediately back to the adult. "I don't get it...my files on the table..why? You're just gonna be like my Nan...you'll drop me at the first sign of trouble." He added flatly. "So...why bother? There's plenty of snot-nosed, whiny kids who would be happy to go home with you." Zak's angry glare was back and fixated on the other. He was indeed demanding answers.

He hadn't said no...nor had he taken his hand.

Zak was mistrusting of the adult, but he was also curious...why was Hudson doing this? Why him? Zak's tail twitched, as the demon restlessly fidgeted with his sweater sleeve. Normally..he was sure of himself. The uncertainty made Zak all the more grumpy.

Hudson listened to the boy talk, "I have read your files and I am not your Nan. I am here for you and if I planned to do as you say then why am I still here after reading your file?... It's because I really do want you, Zakai." He moved to sit beside the other. He also knew about Zak's biological father, and how he had never come forward. "Take a seat, I would like to tell you a story." He looked to the younger boy.

"There was once a boy who lost his mother when he was four. His father was a bad man and wasn't fit or even around to care for the boy. At four years old, the boy would have to completely care for himself... If he was hungry, he had to make himself food. If he was dirty, he'd bathe on his own... And of course, if he was sick... He had to do his best to get better.. one day, the boy was very very sick and ended up walking to the doctor. " Hudson looked the boy over before continuing, "Luckily, the doctors were able to help him heal, however, the boy's father refused to pay for the medical bills and next thing the boy knew... He was at the orphanage. He was hurt by his father's abandoning him which made him angry. He fights others, bullied people and acted out all the time.. because he didn't believe anyone could ever love him since his father didn't." He stopped for a moment to give the boy a break from the story.

"Why do I want you rather than any other kid?... Because I understand you... I was you... That boy... Was me." Hudson explained quietly, looking to the other boy.

Zakai took a deep breath in and exhaled a few times, trying to stay calm. He kept waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under him. His father had been a very rich man, who imbued his stone purely to extend his gene pool before he passed. His Nanna had been tasked with raising Zak as his guardian. Only all she saw was dollar signs. When the paychecks stopped coming in... she decided to give away the child to free herself of him.

Zakai looked confused as the other explained he was there for him. Zak let the other sit by him. Sitting on his knees beside him..he looked up at him. The more he spoke... the more Zak realized the other was honest. Tears welled in those angry red eyes. Hearing about Hudson he felt his teeth clench as his breathing was a little to fast as he revealed to him his past.

Zakai didn't know what to say. He stared at the other like he had grown a second head. Hearing his story, Zak fiercely scrubbed his eyes as the tears began rolling down his freckled cheeks. "N..no fair...! Why!!" He sobbed softly, angry because the other understood....no one really did. His outburst was pushed aside for now.

"That is not ok...the little boy should have gotten loved." He huffed. His chin raised in an annoyed manner. Sniffing he rubbed his eyes...before gazing at the other shell-shocked at his next words.. "Y..you...? You were...who the story was about?" Zakai moved a little closer to the other... staring at Hudson as he examined him. "You... really do mean it...?" he whispered softly.. not sure what to think, but wanting somehow to believe him..it just had to be too good to be true.

Hudson slid his arm around the boy to pull him into his lap then hugging him. "Zakai.. this is all real. I understand how hard it is to believe that someone will love you... I promise... I am that someone... I need you as much as you need me... I want to give you the love and care you deserve... So let's go. Let me show you our home." He gently rubbed his back, comforting the child through his outburst. The pain in Zak's sobs made Hudson's heart clench.

Zakai felt his embrace..and for the first time, he didn't bite. He didn't kick the other. Hell, he didn't even try to turn him into a burnt crispy critter. Zak above all else didn't scream like an angry feral child. Instead, he hiccuped... sobbing as his arms shot around the other as he curled up against Hudson. He hugged him tightly as the boy cried. It took Zak a long moment to calm down. Rubbing his eyes repeatedly he sniffed softly. This was his new Dad.... someone who actually wanted... him around? His heart and mind ached from the idea this was real.

Zakai looked up at the other.

There was a tiny hint of a smile finally as he nodded slowly. "I don't know if I believe you yet...but I want to..." he sniffed softly. "Let's go..home...?" He added with a nervous frown. Uncertainty filled him as he moved back into the others embrace. Zak's small arms stayed around the other's neck. All the while his freckled face was buried into the other chest to hide his tears.

Hudson held Zak close to him, softly petting his hair. He made sure he hand a good grip, standing with the boy. He leaned over to collect his things, moving towards the portal home. He had pained the room a soft green color and had gotten the other a full sized bed, dresser, nightstand and some toys. Tomorrow, he'd shop and get anything else he needed... Like clothes and school supplies. Then a nice surprise trip to the zoo. It was going to be a fun day... Just him and his son. Just thinking of this fact, brought a smile to Hudson's face. It would take time, love and plenty of bits of patience but he was ready.

Zakai had allowed himself to cry in the safety of his new Fathers arms. He was mad he had been so easily suckered into this....but Hudson had made it clear he was who he said he was...He was a parent wanting to give their child love. He clung tightly to him...his small grip nearly death like as he held onto Hudson...afraid he would vanish otherwise. The young child rested his head against the other's shoulder. He was tired and had dark circles from not sleeping last night. After he'd gotten the news about someone coming to adopt him, he hadn't been able to sleep. It was finally taking its toll. Zak growled as he left at one of the workers. He didn't want to hear one of their smug remarks or see their smiles...even if he was secretly grateful.

He looked curious as the portal took them home.

His own room that no one else had access to other than his Dad... he hadn't had one since his time with his spiteful b***h of a Nanna. Wiggling out of his arms he looked up at the other. Tugging on his shirt he hugged the other around his middle. "Hudson...No..um... D...Dad?" The child added his pale freckled cheeks flushed. "Thanks..!" He whispered backing up with a wide smile. Darting over to the bed he climbed onto it quickly. His eyes widened as he looked back at the other. "I have a familiar named Yulie....are they going to be able to stay too?" His familiar was very derpy...but he loved the dumb Gryftoo. He had found him as a baby in the bushes on his way home from the orphanage.

Hearing he was allowed to keep Yulie, Zakai beamed at his Dad.

The reality was....even if he had said no, his bag was already rustling. Zak blushed darkly as he ran for his bag....and picked it up and darted back to his bed. Watching Hudson closely.. he unzipped the bag to reveal the Gryftoo. He plucked him out of the bag like he was a stuffed animal, wrapping his arms around Yulie nuzzling him.