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The zoo was a great idea, Nick decided a few hours later. Aaron had been happier than Nick had seen him in a long time. He felt bad for his little brother, but was at a loss as of how to help him. He couldn’t kidnap him or anything. Gavin loved his uncle greatly, and Nick was glad that Aaron was around to see him. All the guys loved Gavin dearly, giving Gavin more uncles that any other kid he knew.

Nick felt slightly weird pushing the baby stroller. He ditched it twenty minutes later opting to carry Gavin in his arms. He liked the closeness better anyway; he liked to know that nothing would happen to him.

“Wook daddy!” Gavin said his voice full of amazement.

He wrapped his arm around Nick’s neck and pointed at a display of Elephants with his other hand. Nick laughed softly and walked closer to the cages. Gavin’s eyes grew increasingly bigger as he took in just how large the elephants were. He reached his hand out to touch it. Nick moved him closer so he could move his little hand through the fence. Gavin laid his small hand on the Elephants back carefully. He looked scared. Nick kissed the top of his head and held him tighter against him.

“He’s so adorable,” Aaron said smoothing out Gavin’s jacket.

“Yea, he’s my life,” Nick commented softly.

Aaron nodded in understanding. Gavin brought his hand back and chewed on his fingers then laid them back on the Elephant’s back. He continued the pattern for a few minutes.

“I hate being at home Nick,” Aaron confessed softly. “All they do is fight anymore. Angel thinks its all dads’ fault, but she doesn’t know half of it Nick. She doesn’t know what mom said to you about Amanda; she doesn’t know why Gavin can’t come around. She thinks mom is like a saint or something. I can barely stand to be around her anymore, Nick and I know I shouldn’t feel that way because she is my twin. I just can’t handle it anymore Nick. Everyday it is a constant battle. Mom flipped when BJ moved out, now she’s like a security guard to the rest of us. Leslie is with Angel. They said that if mom and dad were to get divorced they would move in with mom. I hate mom Nick. I just want out.”

"I know buddy, I know. I just don’t know what I can do. If I knew a way to get you out, I would have you out in an instant. No one should have to live in that place. I’ll talk to dad about you coming to stay with me for a few days. I wish there was a way that I could gain custody of you, like prove that mom is unfit, but that would make the others mad.” Nick said sighing heavily.

Both guys were brought out of their conversation when they heard Gavin start giggling. Nick looked at him curiously and noticed that the elephant had decided to use the bathroom. Gavin thought it was the funniest thing in the world. Nick and Aaron moved on to another exhibit. Gavin talking a mile a minute about what he had seen.

“He was icky daddy,” Gavin said scrunching his face up.

Nick nodded and kissed his forehead. Gavin laid his head down on Nick’s shoulder and wrapped his other arm around Nick’s neck. He was starting to get sleepy. They had been at the zoo for quite some time. Nick figures it was probably time to head home. Aaron put Gavin in his car seat, while Nick started up the car.

“Do I have to go home Nick?” Aaron questioned softly.

Nick shook his head. “Not tonight you’re not. We will drop by the house and I will go in to talk to dad about you staying with me for a while until they get their problems settled. Maybe not having to take care of you will give them time to work things out. I don’t know Air,” Nick said sadly as they pulled out of the parking lot.

Nick put in a CD to ease Gavin to sleep and started the long drive home.

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