[He doesn't answer right away. He moves across to the teenager, not sitting beside him but perching on the coffee table in front of him and fixing him with an intent look.]
Anthony, I've been thinkin' and I've got something to ask you. You can say no, I won't be offended or angry or upset, but it's something I've gotta ask.
[Phew, he relaxes a bit. Doesn't need any more stress really.
At that, however, his jaw drops. Literally and it's really not a dignified expression at all. He stammers a bit, strings of words that make no sense together even in context before he puts the breaks on his mouth.]
Wait... you- you really want to, you mean it? I mean, I'm almost 18 would that be a problem..?
[One might think he was doubtful by his questioning if he'd not lit up in the most hopeful expression he's probably ever worn.]
[It wasn't possible to articulate just how touched and delighted Tony was to have been asked this. Someone actually wanted him. Not just wanted him but cared enough to make him family. The one thing he's been missing and wanting since his parents died, honestly.
Since he was failing at finding proper words, the next best thing was lunging at Richard to give him a fierce hug. Kid's really gotta stop doing that.
[Careful, Tony. With all these hugs, Richard's going to start feeling like he's special.
He laughs and wraps an arm tight around the teenager, ruffling his free hand through his white hair then getting that one around his shoulders too, hugging him tightly.]
[It probably won't be easy and Richard knows he's cutting it fine but he wants this and as long as Tony wants it too, he'll find a way to make it happen.
This kid deserves more than the kind of life that Richard has dealt with and he's in a position to be able to offer it.]
Then.. I got some things with me that I need to start lookin' through.
[If he's dreaming please don't wake him up, that would be cruel. Tony has no idea what it would take to even accomplish, but he's willing to give it a try. He'd absolutely love to have a family, though.]
Does this mean I should start calling you 'dad', might be a little weird at this point.
[He's trying to joke to cover up just how touched he really is about this don't mind him.]
Sure I'll go over it with you, can't say I'll understand any of it. [He shot back a grin. Yes, he'd try, but they both knew he wouldn't understand legal jargon in the least.]
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Anthony, I've been thinkin' and I've got something to ask you. You can say no, I won't be offended or angry or upset, but it's something I've gotta ask.
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Yeah, sure, what's going on? Did something happen?
[Something worse than everything.]
I mean if it's about work I was just thinking I'd try going back in on Monday...
[Please don't be angry with him over that, he's not been handling people well.]
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[He'd thought this would be easier to ask. It's not as if he hasn't been pondering it for a while.]
Everythin' that's happened recently, it's got me thinking. Tony, what would you think about me adopting you?
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At that, however, his jaw drops. Literally and it's really not a dignified expression at all. He stammers a bit, strings of words that make no sense together even in context before he puts the breaks on his mouth.]
Wait... you- you really want to, you mean it? I mean, I'm almost 18 would that be a problem..?
[One might think he was doubtful by his questioning if he'd not lit up in the most hopeful expression he's probably ever worn.]
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That's why I'm askin' you now. I think I can swing it before your birthday, but only if you want me to.
[He could have waited a little longer, but who knew what might happen between now and next week with things as they were now?]
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Since he was failing at finding proper words, the next best thing was lunging at Richard to give him a fierce hug. Kid's really gotta stop doing that.
Is that a good enough answer?]
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He laughs and wraps an arm tight around the teenager, ruffling his free hand through his white hair then getting that one around his shoulders too, hugging him tightly.]
That's a go-ahead from you, then?
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Besides, hugs are nice and feel pretty awesome after all the heavy crap that's gone down of late.
He chokes a laugh that could be part sob but he'll never admit it.]
Yeah, [Sniff. Totally didn't sniff.] yeah that's a go-ahead.
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This kid deserves more than the kind of life that Richard has dealt with and he's in a position to be able to offer it.]
Then.. I got some things with me that I need to start lookin' through.
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Does this mean I should start calling you 'dad', might be a little weird at this point.
[He's trying to joke to cover up just how touched he really is about this don't mind him.]
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Heck, I wasn't even gonna suggest it, kid, but I wouldn't stop you if you wanted to.
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Heh, well I'll think on it. Let me know if I gotta do anything for it alright?
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[But he's going to do his best, because this is Tony.. and he has to.]
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[Tony has no idea what this will even take, but he's eager to try.]