CHAPTER 72: FLASHBACK SCENE: THE BAR
Harry retrieved the medicine bag they kept in their private quarters, a silent companion for moments like these – outbursts that left their mark, or when he lost his temper on anyone, which was never.
He sat across from his friend, the worn leather satchel placed beside him.
James sat in tense silence as Harry treated his wounds, starting with the hand injuries, his touch a stark contrast to the earlier aggression.
With practiced ease, Harry treated James' hands, wrapping them nicely in clean bandages before moving to his face.
Finally, he met James' gaze. "Look, James," Harry began, his voice heavy. "I know I said you were infertile. But life throws curveballs, right?"
He paused, searching James' eyes and letting the weight of his words settle. "We're all as surprised as you are, James, the hows and whys are beyond me, but I'm learning to accept things as they are, just like you have to. And in the short time I've known Diana, I can tell you she's a woman of integrity. She will never cheat on you."
James' voice, raspy from disuse, finally broke the silence. "You think i don't know that, Harry," he admitted, surprising them all. All 5 men turned to look at him. A wry smile played on his lips.
"I didn't mean a word of anything i said earlier. It's just... a lot to process. I mean everything happened so fast. So many confusing questions everywhere that i could not answer. So much confusion, and they all came crashing down at once. And i snapped because it felt like i was drowning in it all".
"For fuck's sake guys, am a fucking science experiment." He choked back a sob. "Hell, guys, I'm scared and very concerned. I keep thinking what will my own child be or look like? What if I can't handle it?"
James wiped a stray tear from his cheek, his voice gaining strength. "Since no one can explain how or why this happened, how about all this other questions, can't i answer them too?. Don't I get a say in this?" He raised a hand, wiping away tears that blurred his vision.