Oneshots - Kayce Dutton Book 2

Comforting him.

Request - could you do one where you notice Kayce acting weird whenever Tate gets comfort or support from John or any of his family after Monica died, Kayce never got any of that support from his family when his mom died so he thought it just wasn't something they could do, but obviously they can and he's just wasn't worth it. He's really happy Tate gets all this support but he just keeps imagining how his life could be different if he got the same.

It had been a rough two weeks.

You heard the bedroom door open and slowly turned your head to see Tate peaking his head inside. When his teary eyes met yours he immediately hurried over to your side of the bed. Pulling back the covers, you made space for Tate to crawl in next to you. He didn't cry, but you felt his body shake against yours. You wrapped your arms around him and sighed, snuggling down with him.

A few minutes later, you heard Kayce walk out of the bathroom. Opening your eyes, you watched Kayce walk over and look at why there was a lump next to you, but he frowned when he saw Tate. The little boy had almost fallen back asleep as you moved to lean back from him. Kayce walked over to his side and sat down, leaning close to you.

Two weeks ago, Tate's mother Monica had passed away in a car accident. It was sudden and brutal, shaking everyone. You and Kayce didn't have the best relationship with Monica, but nothing prepared any of you for this. Having to work with Tate through emotions while dealing with your own was also incredibly hard. It was something you continuously watched Kayce struggle with daily.

"I gotta go down and help Dad with something this morning," Kayce murmured to you.

"Alright," You gave him a warm smile, something you found out that calmed him somewhat.

"Are you okay here with him?" Kayce nodded to Tate.

"We are just fine," You said. "No need to worry about us."

You watched Kayce's eyes dance between the two of you for a moment. Reaching out, you pulled him down by his shirt. Kayce kissed you softly before he pulled back. Tate had completely fallen asleep now and slumped against you. Kayce stood up but you caught his hand making him look back down at you.

"I love you," You told him.

"Love you too, baby," Kayce squeezed your hand before dropping it.

**

Later that morning you and Tate went for a walk around the grounds. It was getting colder now, but the sun was warm on your face as you watched Tate take in deep breaths as he explored with you. You met Tate three years ago when Kayce introduced the two of you. He figured after dating for two months, he wanted both of you to be together with him. You and Tate had hit it off right away.

"Hey, Y/N?" Tate looked back at you. "Do you think my mom died instantly?"

Tate was at the phase where he was curious about everything that happened to Monica. His filter system wasn't like an adults, so he said whatever came to mind.

"I don't think she did," You shook your head.

Tate nodded and looked forward. Kayce and John were walking up from the barn and Tate took off running toward them. You watched John lean down and pick Tate up in his arms. He was smiling at his grandson and the two of them walked off talking about something. You then looked at Kayce and saw a deep from on his lips. You had noticed it before, whenever John would be with Tate.

Taking a deep breath, you walked up to Kayce who seemed to snap out of it and look at you. You smiled up at him, your hands in your back pockets.

"Everything okay?" You asked him.

"Sure," Kayce pushed you gently on the small of your back to follow John and Tate.

You didn't believe Kayce for a second.

**

Later that night you were sitting in the living room. Tate was playing checkers with Beth on the coffee table in front of you. Beth was about three whiskeys in, probably the reason she had lasted into the second game.

"Not bad, kid," Beth said as Tate took one of her pieces.

Tate smiled up at you.

"But..." Beth picked up her piece and moved it over three of Tate's effectively ending the game. "You've got a lot of work to do."

"Come on," Tate whined but was giggling.

"Next time," Beth stood up.

"Really?" Tate looked up at her.

"Mmhmm," Beth finished her glass and tossed it to you. "You're better than your dad."

Beth walked out and passed Kayce who was coming in.

"Hear that Dad?" Tate asked. "Beth said I'm better than you!"

"What?" Kayce asked as Tate stood up and went to put the checkers board up.

"It's just a game," You said softly.

"Bedtime, Tate," Kayce snapped, making you frown.

"But Dad-"

"Upstairs," Kayce said, and Tate quickly went up the stairs.

You frowned as you watched Kayce take a deep breath and head over to pour himself a glass of whiskey. He took a long sip before walking over to you, but you didn't move your legs from the couch for him to sit down. Kayce looked at you.

"What's wrong?" You asked him.

"Nothing," Kayce said.

"So you just now snap at Tate for no reason?" You asked. "You've had a permanent frown on your face for days now, Kayce."

"Have you not been here?" Kayce asked you harshly.

"And now you're snapping at me," You said gently.

Kayce sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. You moved your legs to bend so a spot was created. Kayce sat down and looked over at you.

"I know it ain't right to compare," He said.

"Compare?" You asked.

"Me and Tate."

You frowned and tried to think about what Kayce was talking about. Your mind went one way and it made you a little weary.

"I know you and Monica had a relationship before me," You bit your lip.

"What?" Kayce blinked. "No, Y/N...that's not what I meant."

"Oh," You blushed. "Sorry."

"I meant that we've both lost our moms to horrible accidents," Kayce said.

"Oh," You blinked, suddenly hating that you hadn't even recognized that. "Oh, Kayce...I'm sorry. I didn't even think."

"I was his age, clearly it was a long time ago," Kayce shook his head. "But when I lost my mom...I didn't have this family that I've seen."

"What do you mean?" You asked, moving to hold onto Kayce's arm now.

"My Dad...was just absent," Kayce shrugged. "Beth was...well, it turned her into who she is today. I didn't have the...comfort my son is getting."

You moved closer, wrapping one of your arm around his shoulders and leaning against his side.

"Your sister was young too," You told him gently. "And your father...lost his wife. I don't think anyone knows how to act after that. I'm not giving them excuses, but it was a different time."

"Yeah, I know," Kayce took another sip.

Your frown deepened.

"Kayce?" You made him look at you. "I'm really sorry you lost your mom that way at such a young age."

You rested your chin on his shoulder.

"Thanks, baby," Kayce nodded.

You sat with him until his drink was done and then pulled him upstairs to bed. When you walked in you saw Tate already asleep on your side of the bed.

"I'll move him," Kayce moved you to the side, but you stopped him.

"He can stay," You smiled.

The two of you got ready for bed and when Kayce walked out you were waiting for him on his side. He gave you a curious look and you motioned for him to get in. Kayce climbed in, settling down close to Tate. You crawled in after him.

Kayce was on his back, Tate curled into his side and you against his other. One of your arms wrapped around his chest as you sighed, leaning your head against his. Kayce rubbed back and forth along your arm as the two of you were quiet for a few moments.

The three of you didn't move throughout the whole night. When you woke up, Kayce was curled into you more, his arms wrapped around you just like Tate's had been for the past few sleeps. You smiled, pressing a kiss to his forehead before you snuggled back, trying to get a few more minutes of sleep.