Work Text:
After unlocking the door, Way held it open so Martin could get inside easily with the things he was carrying. Martin managed to get through without bumping his bow case into the doorway, and carefully set it against the wall so he could sit and pull off his backpack and shoes. As he closed the door, Way called out, “Pete, we’re back!”
Pete’s car had been in the garage when they pulled in. Both Way and Martin had been happy to see it, knowing that meant Pete was home early from work. Way had been extra glad to see it, as Martin had seemed a little down when he’d picked him up from his archery class. The pup had been moody and pouting the day before after one of his kindergarten classmates had argued with him, but Way thought that would have been resolved already. There was no way that two four year olds could stay mad at each other for more than a day. He wasn't even sure what they could possibly have argued about. They were four.
Asking about his day had gotten him nowhere. Archery had gone fine and his school day sounded normal. There was no mention of anything further happening with his friend. And worried about making Martin cry if he really was upset about something new, Way had decided not to press by straight up asking until they were home.
But with Pete home, it would be much easier.
A frustrated huff from Martin had Way fully convinced that the pup was upset about something. Glancing down he could see Martin was struggling to get one of his sneakers off. Normally something small like that wouldn’t irritate the cheerful pup and he’d just ask sweetly for help. Way crouched down to help Martin untie his shoe.
“Ah. Thank you, Mama…”
“There.” Way patted the boy’s head once the sneaker had been popped off. “Let’s go see Pete.”
“Papa!”
Pete was in the kitchen getting a fresh bowl of water for the dog. He barely managed to set it down on the counter before Martin barreled into his legs. He lifted up the pup as he greeted them both with a big smile. “Welcome home, darling. Hey, little one. Did you have fun at archery today?”
“Uh-huh. I got to shoot a lot.”
“Maybe we can go do some archery together this weekend. Does that sound fun?”
“Mhmm.”
At the lack of excitement, Pete gave Way a questioning look. Way took a seat at the counter and silently mouthed, ‘he’s upset.’ Pete nodded and adjusted Martin so he could talk to him properly. “Martin, pup, how was your day?”
“Okay.”
“Oh… do you still have any sadness today? Did you get to talk to your friend at school?”
Martin shook his head, frowning a bit. “No… Ven wasn't at school. The teacher said he was sick today.”
“Maybe your friend got mad yesterday because he wasn't feeling good. When he comes back, you two can talk to each other and be friends again.”
“I will! Cuz I still wanna be friends with Ven.”
While it was nice that Pete had so quickly figured out what was wrong with Martin and cheered the boy up, Way realized he'd just said something oddly familiar. He stood up abruptly, going, “Huh? What did you just say?”
Pete and Martin looked at him, confused. “To talk to his friend when he's back at school?”
Way shook his head, making a dismissive waving gesture with his hand. “Not that. Before. You asked him about being sad.”
“Yes. Why…?”
“What exactly did you say?”
“Uh…” Pete thought back.
Martin got it first. “Papa said, ‘do you still have any sadness today?’ to Martin!”
“Oh my god. Pete!” Way’s voice pitched up. “What the hell?”
Having no idea what was happening, Pete just went, “What?”
“You said that to me! In the bar! The same thing! Before I-” Way remembered Martin was still there and far too young to hear about everything that had happened before he came to live in Bangkok. “Before I did that to Babe.”
“Oh. That's right. I did say that.” Pete chuckled a bit. “That's pretty funny.”
“I can't believe you talked to me like I was three! I was about to ruin my life!”
“Ah.” Pete looked sheepish. “I guess I did. I must have just finished calling this one on the phone before I went to see you.” Pete ruffled Martin’s hair.
The pup ducked away. “Why’s Mama mad at Papa?” Martin asked, concerned. He looked between them with wide eyes.
Way scrubbed his face with his hands. “I'm not mad at him. I just can't believe it.”