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Chapter 20:

"We're back!". Luca called out as he and the rest of the group arrived at the cabin in Bowen Island two and a half days later.

As Miguel, Tony and Rio got their round of hugs in Cedar looked around in confusion. "W - Where's my dad?".

"He went out for a walk, he should be back soon". Miguel replied as he pulled Cedar in for a hug. "What the hell were you thinking Mijo?".

"I'm sorry". Came Cedar's muffled reply as he buried his nose into his uncle's shirt, only pulling back when his broken arm got jostled.

"W - What happened?". Miguel asked, his eyes wide with concern as he took notice of his nephew's broken arm and missing finger.

"Mel tortured him". Joel replied as he went in to hug his fiancé.

"Where's Benji? Didn't he go with you guys?". Tony suddenly piped up.

"He's dead, Manny killed him". Luca explained sadly.

Tony nodded solemnly and wrapped a comforting arm around the young man's shoulders as he gestured at Owen. "Who's that?".

"Owen Moore sir, I helped Cedar, Ellie and Lev escape Seattle". Owen explained as he stepped forward and shook Tony's hand.

Tony gave a grateful nod in Owen's direction before taking notice of Cedar quietly slipping upstairs. "Ceed, what are you doing?".

"I'm gonna wait upstairs until my dad gets back". Cedar replied as he looked back at Tony. "I'm not planning on sneaking out again if that's what you're worried about".

Tony frowned but didn't argue as he looked between Rocky and Joel. "Is Cedar gonna be okay?".

"It's gonna be a long road, but he'll get through this". Joel stated gently. "We all will".

"I can't believe Benji's gone just like that, he didn't deserve to go out like that". Tony remarked with a shake of his head.

"He died trying to protect the kids, That's exactly how he would have preferred to go out". Joel countered gently.

Tony was still saddened but nodded as he noticed Tommy slipping into one of the bedrooms. "What's up with him?".

"We talked everything out, but again, It's gonna be one hell of a long road". Joel sighed.

"I can help with all that, I - I probably won't be as good as Benji was with the whole therapy thing but I can try". Rocky offered as he picked Rio up and rocked him from side to side.

"Thanks Rock". Tony said, clapping Rocky on the shoulder as he walked over to the front door. "I'm gonna go hunt my fiancé down".

"Congratulations man, that's awesome!". Joel exclaimed, taking notice of Tony's wording.

"You're not the only one who can get engaged around here". Tony smirked before heading outside and shutting the front door behind him.

Rocky, Joel and Miguel laughed a bit before Rocky adjusted his hold on Rio and pointed towards the other downstairs bedroom. "I'm gonna put this guy to bed".

"That's probably a good idea, poor kid's barely slept for an hour since you left". Miguel replied, watching as Rocky walked into the bedroom.

Back upstairs Cedar sat down on the window seat of the first bedroom he came across, absently stroking Alice's fur as he waited for his father to come up.

Over an hour passed until Tony and Boone arrived back at the cabin, the one eyed man looking around anxiously as he walked into the living room. "W - Where is he?".

"Upstairs". Joel replied. "Just a heads up that he's hurt pretty badly".

"Yeah, Tony told me". Boone replied as he nodded towards the staircase. "C - Can I go see him?".