Brooklyn Revival (completed)

Chapter 77- Scatter

The two men and Max headed along the East River, the water calm and the environment matching as people went about their normal day. It was almost sad to Magnus in a way, that all these people were walking about without, what looked like, a care in the world. None of them knowing that he had his dead father's ashes in the bottom of the pushchair.

They walked for a little while longer before they came to a quieter section of the river. They sat down on a nearby bench and Magnus smiled at Alec as he held a pacifier gently in Max's mouth as the baby slept. Magnus was still a little shocked that Alec was playing daddy. He was so sure that he had lost him for good when he had walked out that it almost felt like a dream to see him now with their son.

"Alec... say no if you don't want to but, how would you feel about adopting Max?" Magnus asked. Instantly regretting his question when he saw Alec's frown. "You don't have to..."

"It's not that I don't want to but like, does it matter if I adopt him?" Alec asked confused.

"Of course it does. We are a family and if something happens to me, you will have no right to him," Magnus said back sadly. "I just... the thought of something happening to me, and him being sent away because you aren't his legal guardian"

"I'm sure that's not the case Magnus. I mean, we're going to get married soon. So he will be partial mine anyway. I'm happy to adopt him. I just didn't think it was really necessary" Aled said as he stroked Max's cheek as he slept.

"I want you to officially adopt him," Magnus said again. "I read online about some parents not having any rights to their children because they aren't legally their guardians. Like this one bloke, their child got taken into hospital but because he wasn't his child legally, he had to stay in the waiting while his partner stayed with their child since he was his biological dad. I don't want that for us. I don't want to risk it"

"Okay. I'll adopt him" Alec smiled and took Magnus's hand. "If you really want me to... then I'll adopt him"

"Really? You want to adopt him?" Magnus smiled back happily. "I... I mean you don't have to if you don't want to but I think it would be nice"

"Look, why don't we just see how things go?" Alec suggested. " It's just that it was only like a week ago that we broke up because I didn't want him. I know that sounds harsh but it's true. I just don't want to jump into any big commitment"

Magnus looked at him and nodded before looking away. He couldn't help but be hurt by Alec's words even though it made sense. They had only just got back together and he never thought Alec would be here with him and holding Max since how he acted before the breakup and now he was sitting here asking Alec to adopt him.

"Magnus... I'm sorry" Alec sighed, worried that he had upset Magnus too much. Their relationship wasn't perfect still and he didn't want to push Magnus away again.

"No, it's okay. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you, at least not yet. We can discuss it in the future maybe once you know if you want to be with us without any doubts" Magnus smiled sadly.

"I want to be with you without any doubts but I don't know how I will cope with being a dad. I just need more time... but that doesn't mean I don't want you or Max, its more about if I can do this, mentally" Alec explained. Trying his best to make Magnus understand.

"I get it. It's fine" Magnus said. "Let's just focus on scatter my dad's ashes and talk about this later"

"Okay," Alec nodded, not wanting to push Magnus any further on the matter. "Why don't we scatter them over there?"

Magnus looked over the bank where Alec pointed and nodded as he picked up the urn and headed over with Alec who carried Max. Alec wasn't sure what to say as he stood there holding the baby, wanting to let Magnus have his moment but watching him.

"I don't know what to do" Magnus sighed. "I... I don't know if I say something or just tip it out"

"There is no right or wrong answer to what you do. If you want to say some words, then say what your heart tells you. If you don't then just empty the urn" Alec smiled and stroked the back of Magnus's head who nodded.

"Erm, okay, well Dad... Father, you may have been the worst father ever but I still love and miss you. You were the only family member I had and despite the past years, you did give me everything I wanted. You didn't deserve to die as you did and I hope you find some peace now. Maybe..." Magnus swallowed as tears filled his eyes and dripped down his cheeks. "Maybe you and Mom will find each other again and you'll be together"

Magnus sobbed as he thought about his mom. He didn't remember her much but he knew that his dad loved her. He still had the photos of his mom and dad's wedding that his father has kept, so he knew his dad did love her. He just hoped they would find peace together and that his Dad wouldn't be so bitter in the afterlife. He leaned into Alec when he felt his arm around his back and looked at Max who was still sleeping.

"You may not have accepted me, but I know you would have been a good grandpa to Max. If only you gave Alec a chance, you would be around to meet your grandson" Magnus added before sniffing and taking the lid off the urn. "G... Goodbye Dad"

Magnus tipped the urn up and scatter the ashes into the water. He looked over the edge and watched as the ashes started to sink into the water and float down as various fish bobbed up and ate some of the ashes. He couldn't help a small chuckle as he looked up at Alec who was confused.

"Well... I guess that's kind of adapt that he's going to turn into a piece of shit" Magnus said and wiped his eyes. "I shouldn't say that but it's true"

"Unfortunately, that is true but you've got your own son now. One that you can be the father too that you wanted and needed in your life. You may love your dad, and there's nothing wrong with that, but he was a shit dad to you. He left you to be killed and, not trying to make myself look amazing, but without me, you would be dead because of him" Alec sighed. "I just want you to focus on Max and the future"

"I know" Magnus smiled and kissed his cheek. "But he's still my dad. I just wish he was different"

"I feel the same about my dad but if we spend our future wishing our dads were better, we wouldn't have the energy or time to focus on giving Max the best life" Alec smiled back.

"You may be an idiot sometimes but you really know what to say," Magnus said and stroked Max's cheek. "Can we go and get some food? Maybe get a ham and turkey subway and then we can take it back home?"

"Whatever you want to do, I'm happy to do" Alec smiled and kissed his forehead before laying Max in the pushchair and covering him with a blanket. "Let's go"

The pair smiled as the walked. Magnus feeling a little lighter then his Dad was now dealt with and Camille was definitely dead. He felt like he could now officially move on.