Parents.. with different treatment

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Sam held Xander close, feeling the boy's small body relax a bit in his arms. The bruises and scars he'd seen painted a heartbreaking picture, one he knew he couldn't ignore. He took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination as he spoke gently to Xander.

"Listen, buddy. I know it's hard to talk about this stuff, especially when you're scared," Sam whispered, stroking his nephew's hair, "but I want you to know that none of this is your fault. You understand? You're an amazing kid, and you deserve nothing but love and kindness."

Xander nodded slightly, his grip tightening around Sam's shirt. "Uncle Sam," he whispered, his voice barely audible, "do you think... do you think Dad will ever love me like he loves Xavier and Victoria?"

Sam's chest tightened at the question. He didn't want to lie to Xander, but he knew he couldn't answer that in a way that would make any of this feel okay. "Xander, you're so loved, by your mom, by me, and by your brother and sister. Even if your dad doesn't always show it... you've got us. And I promise, I'm going to do everything I can to keep you safe. You don't have to go through this alone."

Just then, Valerie walked into the room, her expression shifting to confusion as she took in the sight of Sam holding Xander. She approached slowly, noticing Xander's tear-stained face and the way Sam's jaw was clenched, as if holding back anger.

"Sam... what's going on?" Valerie asked softly, her eyes darting between them.

Sam looked at her, hesitation flickering in his eyes. But he knew she deserved to know. "Val, I think... I think there's something going on with Colby and Xander," he began carefully, his tone both protective and concerned. "I saw... I saw some bruises on Xander. He's scared, Val. He's really scared."

Valerie's face went pale as she looked down at Xander, who clung to her, a desperate look in his eyes. Her mind raced with memories—times she'd seen Xander withdraw, flinch, or look at her with silent pleas for comfort that she hadn't fully understood.

"Oh, Xander," she whispered, kneeling down beside him. "Why didn't you tell me, baby?"

Xander lowered his head, mumbling, "Dad said not to. Said I should just... try harder to make him happy."

Valerie's heart shattered. She reached out, gently stroking his cheek. "Sweetheart, you never have to do that. None of this is your fault. You're so loved, and you're perfect just the way you are."

She glanced up at Sam, the unspoken question of what to do next hanging between them. Sam gave her a firm, reassuring nod. "Val, we have to make sure he's safe. I don't care what it takes—we can't let this go on."

Valerie looked back at Xander, a new resolve settling in her heart. "Xander," she said softly, "we're going to make sure things get better. You don't have to be scared anymore. Uncle Sam and I are here, and we're going to protect you."

Xander's eyes filled with relief, and for the first time, he allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could change.