A Family

Unnecessary Risks

Ethan put his life at risk when he saved some supplies and food the group had collected before. (I'm not sure about this, so I just wrote something for now.) The group weren't sure when they'd get more, so Ethan ignored the risk and saved the food, thinking about the best for the 'group'.

The group are happy and relieved they don't need to worry about finding more food just yet. But you're not happy. Ethan takes notice of your disgruntled mood.

You nod towards the door and he follows you outside. Getting outside, you turn around to face him with your arms crossed over your chest. Ethan puts Parker down to sit on the porch.

"What's wrong with you?"

He frowns, confused. "What?"

"You could've sent someone else. Derek and Tom are more than capable."

"Yeah, but so am I, so I did it. What's the issue?"

"You weren't the one closest to get it and the others was even volunteering. You should've let them do it."

"Sure, but I thought I was the best chance for it."

"You might be, but there was a risk Ethan. A big one. The food and supplies aren't worth that kind of risk, not now. If we were in an area we wouldn't be able to find anything, it might've been worth it. But it's very likely we will find more before we could die if we had lost the food."

"But now we don't need to worry about that at all. Aren't you happy you don't have to worry about Parker being hungry?" He asks, stepping closer.

"Of course I am. But Ethan, how things are right now, it's wasn't worth risking your life for it. Maybe it is next time, but you have to stop and think before you risk yourself like that."

"I know that, but I made it. It's fine."

"Fine!?"

He frowns. "Why are you so ungrateful? Is something wrong? This isn't like you at all."

"I'm not ungrateful, Ethan. It's just.." You sigh and rub your forehead. "What would we do without you, huh? What would Parker do? What would I.."

He takes a step closer and tentatively reach for your shoulder. "Yn, I'm sorry, I didn't think about that."

"You have a family now Ethan. I'm sorry, you never asked for this. Neither did I, but here we are." You throw your hand up in frustration. Then you frown slightly and hug yourself. "I mean.. If you don't want that kind of responsibility, I.. Just tell me, okay? Because then I know and can prepare Parker for the possibility of you going your own way.."

"What? No! Yn, please, I'm sorry." He takes your upper arms and makes you sit down on the bench with him. "I don't want that. I want this. I want Parker, and you, I mean, this. I want this, all three of us together. It's too late anyway, you guys are stuck with me." He chuckles softly, trying to ease the mood.

You just look at him. "Then you need to act like it."

"I'm not sure I understand.."

"I mean.. You have to consider not just how to save someone, but also how to survive yourself if you do it. And if there's no way you can survive saving someone who's not Parker.. don't do it.. Even if it's me."

He shakes his head. "Yn, If you're in trouble, I'm not just gonna let-"

"If you have to risk your life.. You don't do it, you hear me? Unless it's Parker."

"Yn.."

"Ethan.. If you die.. I can't protect Parker on my own. But you can. Parker needs you."

He shakes his head again. "No, he needs you, Yn. He needs both of us.. I'm gonna make sure all three of us survive. I will do everything I can for the group, but you two are my priority. Even if that means leaving them, to save you two, I'll do it. I swear, Yn. You are not gonna die-"

"I'm not afraid of dying, Ethan. Parker is first priority. You hear me? Say it.. Ethan, if you have to use me as a human shield to keep our child safe, you do it! Say it. Tell me you understand."

Ethan eyes are getting wet. You reach up and caress his cheeks.

"Say it, Ethan. I need to hear it."

"I.. I understand."

"You have to mean it."

"If I have to.. I will use you to save him." He says, never breaking eye contact.

"Thank you."

Ethan takes your hands and squeezes them slightly. "But it won't happen. Because it won't get to that. I will protect Parker and you. I understand now and I promise you, I will do everything I possibly can and more to keep Parker safe.. But tell me it's not gonna get to that. I'm gonna teach you everything you need to survive and keep Parker safe when it's just the two of you. Which will be when I'm out doing something, but also for a worst case scenario. Tell me you're gonna do everything you can to keep both Parker and yourself safe. For me. Please."

You nod affirmatively. "Everything.. and more. I promise."

He reaches his hand up and caresses your head, then pulls you in to kiss your forehead. Then he feels small hands on his leg and turns to see Parker trying to get up on his lap. He lifts him up and pulls you both in for a hug.

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