Grateful 🏠

12th part of Home. Kinda has to do with prompt. Enjoy!

“Oh.” Is all Daniel can think to say. He knows his dad is looking for him, but he didn’t think he’d find him that fast.

Catherine sighs. “He’s technically your legal guardian, but he did kick you out. I didn’t tell him that you’re here, but I’m not sure if it’s illegal or not.”

“I…” He doesn’t know what to say. “Do I have to leave?”

“No. Well, if he gets authorities involved, you might, but he probably won’t. I don’t think he’d risk it. But that might mean he’ll try to take matters into his own hands.”

This is bad. He thinks. I don’t want Catherine to get in trouble for me being here. 

“I’m sorry, I probably ruined your night.” Catherine says, sighing again. 

He shakes his head. “No, it’s fine. I just-I don’t know.”

“Just tell me what you want me to do, okay?” 

He nods, and they go back to the table. Angel looks at him curiously, but he just shakes his head, and mouths, “Tell you later.”

He’s quiet through the rest of dinner. Catherine looks concerned, but doesn’t say anything. 

When he goes back upstairs, he debates whether or not he should call TJ again. He decides against it, and gives Angel her phone back. I’ll tell him tomorrow. It’s not a big deal.

Daniel can’t fall asleep.

He’s worried, of course. He doesn’t want to leave, and he doesn’t want Catherine to get in trouble, either. 

“Daniel?” A quiet voice says.

It’s dark, but he can see Catherine’s silhouette at the door. “Yeah?”

“Can’t sleep?” She asks, coming in, and sitting on the edge of the bed.

He sits up, and shakes his head. “No.”

“Everything okay?”

He lifts a shoulder. “Just worried, I guess.”

“Your dad?” 

“Yeah.”

She sighs sadly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t-”

“No, it’s not your fault.” He says quickly. “It’s mine.”

“Don’t say that.” She tells him.

He picks at a piece of the blanket, not really wanting to argue. “Can you...tell me about what you were like as a kid?”

“Sure.” She smiles. 

He's grateful he got such an amazing mother.