TEDDY'S MOMENTS: Male bonding

Teddy Grey

"Teddy, get out of the way and let Grandpa Ray cut the fish."

"But daddy, Gramps said I could help him!" Responds the over excited five year old boy.

"Christian, he's just cleaning for me; I'm keeping an eye on him. I won't let his fingers near the knife, I promise." His father in law assures him.

"Relax bro, Ray is a fishing master, the man knows what he is doing and stop raining on Teddy's fun; he's been looking forward to this trip for weeks now."

"F…butt out Elliot, you know how accident prone he is, I don't want him anywhere near sharp objects at all." Christian glares at his brother.

"Christian, I know what I'm doing here; do you actually think I will let my grandson get hurt?" Ray Steele asks while giving him 'I dare you to' look.

"No, of course not Ray, but…"

"No buts' Christian, he's doing great, let my grandson help me out here."

Christian can only sigh, he knows better than to start an argument with Ana's father regarding his only grandson. "Ray, just make sure he does what you tell him, his mind wonders off at times."

"Dad, look, my hands are slimy and stinky, wanna smell 'em?"

"No thanks Teddy boy, but I bet Uncle Elliot will love to take a whiff."

"Hey Taylor, get off the phone and stop harassing the missus, you're just as whipped as my brother here!" Elliot hollers drawing laughs and chuckles from the rest of the guys.

"Remind me to yell in your ear next time you call Kate for the tenth time." Taylor threatens after ending his call.

"Come on guys, put the cell phones away. Lets' enjoy Gander Lake for one more night, we'll be getting back home soon enough." Carrick reminds everyone.

Jose Rodriguez approaches Christian patting him on the back. "I have to give credit where credit is due Christian, you sure know how to put comfort in camping. Never seen tents the size of my house; where in the world did you find them?"

"I had them special made after Elliot designed them. Each is big enough to house at least five people; they're fire proof and almost indestructible."

Mr. Rodriguez begins to snap away with his camera. "I got to take these for Jose; he won't believe me when I tell him we slept inside these giant tents."

"Mr. Rodriguez, don't forget to take pictures of the flat screen and inflatable beds; oh, and the satellite dish perched on top of the SUV." Claude Bastille points around the unconventional and unnecessary items that Christian had set up around the campsite.

"Edan, Edan, look, this the big fish I caught all by myself!" Teddy very proudly holds and shows a fish about a foot long.

Ethan kneels to his level and praises the proud little boy. "Wow Teddy, you caught the biggest one alright, that's amazing!"

"Yep, I fished it, just me!" He says pointing to his little chest out as he turns to look at everyone around him.

Carrick has to compliment his grandson. "Yes sir, this grandson of mine is going to be one fine fisherman someday."

"Okay boys, bring out the plates and your empty bellies, the fish is frying and I for one am starving." Ray announces as everyone begins to gather around the campfire.

"Mr. Rodriguez, it's too bad your son could not make the trip this year, maybe next time?"

"I hope so John, he was bummed out about it, but he couldn't pass that new job assignment; I mean what are the chances of National Geographic calling again?"

Elliot eyes Christian and leans to whisper in his ear. "Yeah Christian, what are the chances of Jose being called by National Geographic?"

"Don't know what you mean Elliot." Christian responds with his best poker face.

"Come on bro, look me in the eye and tell me you had nothing to do with it. I know you don't like Jose hanging around Ana at all."

"Elliot, has anyone ever told you what a big pain in the ass you are?"

Elliot laughs loudly as he pats his brother on the back. "Nope, only you bro, only you."

...

The chatter and laughter echoes across the river where other campers are settling in for the evening. Dinner at campsite includes the catch of the day, pork-n-beans, corn on the cob, beef franks, chips and fresh fruit, coffee, refreshments and plenty of beer to go around. Ray Steele and Jose Rodriguez take over the cooking and grilling, while Ethan, Claude and Elliot clean up the fishing gear, set up the tents and pick up the trash. As Taylor keeps the fire going, Christian, Carrick and John Flynn take charge of setting up the flat screen TV on the mount behind one of the SUV's parked inside the camp area.

"I never imagined camping would be so much fun, and include all the comforts of home." Praises a very impressed Dr. Flynn.

"That's Christian for you; he loves fishing but with comfort, he hates to take a piss in the woods." Carrick nods towards the giant double port-a-potties stationed between the tents.

"Look who's talking old man, who's the one that insisted on bringing his favorite recliner to a fishing trip?"

"Now Christian, you know I have a bad back and…"

"Give it a rest dad, you've been using the same excuse ever since I was ten, you don't fool anyone."

"Listen up bro; stop giving the old man a bad time. If it were up to you, we would be camping back home in your backyard, you wuss." Elliot claps his brother on the shoulder as he lets out a loud burp.

"F… off Elliot."

"WOA, daddy said a bad word, gonna tell mommy, you're bad!"

"Shit, I didn't mean it, sorry. Listen Teddy; don't tell mommy anything about bad words, okay?"

"Huh?"

"It's just guy talk Teddy, so we don't need to tell mommy anything. Remember what I told you about men secrets before?"

"Oh yeah! I remember daddy. Can I say bad words too?"

"Nice going bro." Elliot smirks at his brother.

"Well, Christian, can he?" An amused Ethan asks.

"You're on your own on this one son." Carrick pats him on the back.

"Interesting Christian, teaching your son about secrets at such a young age, why am I not surprised?" Dr. Flynn analyzes with a smile.

"Dile que no Christian." Jose Rodriguez whispers from behind him.

"Christian, I'll pretend I didn't hear that, that's my Annie you are talking about." Ray chastises him.

"How many bad words do you know Teddy?" An amused Claude Bastille asks the little boy who is pulling on his father's wool shirt.

"I know lots, from daddy."

"Oh really, how many is lots?"

"Oh for Pete's sake, of course I'm not allowing my son to curse, I'm just suggesting for him not to tell Ana everything that comes out of our mouths."

Ray laughs and gets his two cents worth. "Son, you know my Annie, she has a way of getting your boy to spill the beans no matter what."

"Damn, I forgot about that."

"Uuuh, you said another bad word daddy, I hear you!"

Everyone laughs at Christian as he glares at all of them while his son jumps up and down laughing along with them.

"Waa hah, very funny. Sorry Teddy, but no more bad words, I promise; and no, you can't say any at all."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so, and because I'm the grown up and you are not."

"Can I say them when I get big?"

"Well, uh, no. Maybe. No. I don't think so. Nope!"

"Grandpa, can I say bad words when I get big like daddy?"

"Damn it Teddy, I said no."

"OH, he said damn it!"

The laughter continues as Teddy does his happy dance while Christian tries to get his foot out of his mouth.

…

…

After a while the men disperse into groups, some watch a baseball game while the others remain around the fire pit enjoying good conversation and a cool night.

"Hey dad."

"Yes Christian?"

"Does it ever get any easier?"

"What?"

"Being a parent."

Carrick thinks for a moment before answering. "No son, it does not. But I guarantee you; it will be quite a ride for both of you. You will experience good times and you will learn how to handle the bad ones, that's just life. From those experiences you will grow and gain more insight on being a better father. Don't worry too much Christian; you are doing a great job, just look at that boy of yours to understand what I am saying."

"You got that right Carrick, I couldn't be more proud of my grandson, he's a good kid, a very good kid. You and my Annie have done a great job in raising him." Ray raises his beer can in agreement.

"Teddy is a happy child Christian, a normal kid, the only thing you have to worry about is puberty, once he reaches that stage, you'll start growing gray hairs to match the ones I have now." Mr. Rodriguez chuckles while teasing him.

"Please Jose, don't scare the poor man, let him enjoy his boy while he is still a happy, innocent little bugger. By the way Christian, you may want to keep my number on speed-dial just in case my services may be needed as soon as he turns into a rebellious teenager." Both Dr. Flynn and Mr. Rodrigues laugh at Christian's expression.

"Who knew shrinks had such a good sense of humor." Ray whispers to an amused Carrick.

"John, you are fired, and don't call my son a little bugger."

"You cannot fire me my friend, I'm no longer in your payroll."

The hoots and hollers interrupt the jabbing between the men; it seems that the Marines just hit a three run homer against the Oakland A's.

Christian turns to look at his son who is cheering, jumping up and down along with Elliot and Ethan, clearly enjoying the game along with the other men. He notices that Carrick is also starring fondly at his grandson.

"Hey dad."

"Yes Christian."

"I am really sorry."

"For what son?"

"For everything."

"For everything?"

Carrick Grey

"Yes, for everything I put you and mom through. For putting up with me and all my bullshit. Sorry for not showing you the respect you deserve, for taking you for granted. You and mom were wonderful parents, still are you know."

Before Carrick can respond, Teddy comes barreling towards them waiving his little arms in excitement.

"Daddy, gramps, did you see it" He hit the ball all the way out there!"

"Woo hoo, give your old grandpa Ray some high fives kiddo!"

"Just look at your son right now Christian; it is moments like this that you remember the most. He is a very loving and happy child, so put your mind at ease my friend, your parenting skills are quite impressive." Dr. Flynn taps his beer can against Christian's while laughter and lively conversations flow around them.

"Thank you for saying that John, it means a great deal to me. Everything I do and every decision I make revolves around my family's happiness and safety. Ana and the kids are my life; they mean the world to me John."

"I know they are, that is very obvious my friend. A toast to family then?"

"Yes, a toast, to family John." Christian responds with a sincere smile towards his friend.

"Daddy, how come mommy and me grandmas didn't wanna come?"

"Because they wanted to have a mom's weekend to themselves. Kind of like us having a boys weekend only."

"Is mommy at Grandma's house?"

"No, she's back home, your grandma Carla is staying at the house, remember?"

"Oh yeah; how come Mr. Bob didn't come too grandpa?" Teddy asks looking straight at this grandfather Ray.

"Well kiddo, um, he had to work so he stayed back home. But I bet you're glad Grandma Carla made the trip to come visit you and Phoebe all the way from Atlanta."

"Yup, I miss my grandma, are you happy to see her too grandpa?"

Christian, Carrick, Dr. Flynn and Mr. Rodriguez notice that Ray seems a bit uncomfortable with his grandson's questions since he begins to clear his throat and his face starts to show a light blush.

"Uh, sure kiddo, I'm happy to see her, just like I'm happy to see you and your mommy too. I miss you all very much you know."

Teddy hops right over to hug his grandfather. "I miss you too grandpa."

Ray hugs his grandson tightly and tenderly kisses his forehead. "Not as much as I miss my big boy."

"Do you miss Grandma Carla too?"

"Ah son, why don't you let Grandpa Ray finish his dinner first, maybe go back and finish watching the game with your uncle Elliot?"

"But dad, Grandma Carla misses grandpa much, I hear her say to mommy, and she kissed grandpa too."

Carrick tries to distract his grandson too. "Teddy, why don't you go back with Uncle Elliot and watch the game?"

"Commercials are on, what were you saying Teddy boy?" Elliot's curiosity gets the best of him.

"Grandma and grandpa were kissing, I see them." Teddy smiles pointing at his mortified grandfather.

'Oh boy, this is getting good now!" Elliot lifts his folding chair to join the group behind him.

"Elliot!" Calls out Carrick as a warning.

"Son, were you spying on Grandpa Ray? What have I told you about eves dropping on grownups?" Christian reprimands his son.

"Daddy, I'm not eves popping, I went to the kitchen and Grandpa Ray was kissing Grandma Carla on the mouth, just like you kiss mommy!"

You could hear a pin drop, hear the crickets from miles away, until…

"Hot diggidy dog, I knew it!"

"Ray Steele, you rascal you!"

"Guess the cat's out of the bag now!"

"Man, now this is what I call having fun!"

"Dios mio Ray, did you really kiss her?"

"Sweet Jesus, have you no filter boy?"

"But daddy, I just wanted a Popsicle."

"Teddy, you owe your grandfather Ray an apology. You do not say things like that in front of other people. That was very embarrassing for your grandpa. Apologize right now young man."

Teddy whispers his apology, not quite understanding why he is being scolded. "I'm sorry grandpa; I didn't mean to be bad." He kicks a few small rocks with his foot while pouting.

"Christian, he did nothing wrong, he is just a child who walked in on a private moment between Carla and me. He does not understand, he was asking questions out of curiosity. I'm to blame, not the boy."

"I know Ray; it's just that he needs to…wait, so you did kiss Carla?"

Ray sighs while rubbing his chin. "Yes, I did, so there. But if you all don't mind, it's a private matter which I do not wish to discuss tonight."

"Understood Ray, and I am sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

"We understand Ray, but you know that I'll bug the hell out of you, so plan on spilling the beans soon my friend." Jose lightly punches Ray's arm, knowing full well that his friend will confide in him sooner or later.

"Daddy, am I in trouble?"

"No, you're off the hook for now. But son, you and I are going to have a little talk later, man to man, okay?"

"Man to man, with me?"

A smiling Christian responds "Yes, man to man, with you." He is rewarded with a tight hug from his son.

"Daddy, how come you kiss mommy in the mouth?"

"What?"

"Kissing, how come you kiss mommy here." He points to Christian's lips.

"Because I like your mom very, very much; she is soft and tastes sweet."

"Does everyone like kissing moms?"

You can hear murmurs of acknowledgment from around the campfire.

An already tipsy Elliot drags his chair again towards his nephew. "Teddy my boy, kisses are the best when you kiss a soft, beautiful girl, or boy, depending on what rocks your boat." That earns him a slap behind the head, courtesy of his father Carrick.

"OUCH!"

"Elliot, you big oaf!" Christian shouts while glaring at his drunken brother who is laughing.

"Uncle Leliot is funny daddy!" Laughs the five year old.

"Kisses are the best when they taste like peaches and cream, yummy!" Declares Carrick while tickling his grandson.

"Is that what grandma Grace tastes like?" A giggling Teddy asks.

"Yes, like peaches and cream."

"I like chocolate, but I also like jellybeans. Sophie tastes like jellybeans."

All of a sudden everyone is staring at the five year old with raised eyebrows and opened mouths, especially Jason Taylor.

"Excuse me Theodore; did you just say you my Sophie tastes like jellybeans?"

"Oh my, this evening is turning out full of surprises." Quips Dr. Flynn.

"The gods are on my side tonight, best night ever!" Declares Elliot while still laughing.

"Never a dull moment with the Greys around." Smirks Ethan at an amused Claude.

"Taylor, I'm sure Teddy meant nothing by it…"

"Uhu, Sophie tastes like jellybeans, I like kissing her, she tastes yummy."

"That's my nephew, a true Grey and that's the truth; you make me so proud Teddy boy." Elliot pretends to be overwhelmed and sniffs, earning a deadly glare from Taylor.

A laughing Ethan has to ask. "Jellybeans, huh?"

"Son, what the hell?"

"Oh, oh, you said a bad word again daddy!"

"Mr. Grey, may I suggest that you have the 'man to man' talk with your son sooner rather than later?" Taylor faces Christian with his arms crossed against his chest while trying to ignore the laughs and guffaws around him.

Grinning from ear to ear, Teddy tugs at Taylor's shirt. "I like Sophie; she made me my favorite brownies for my birthday, and gave me my present."

"What kind of present did she give you Teddy?" Ethan asks.

"A kiss, she said so."

"Taylor."

"Grey?"

"Should we start planning the wedding now or wait a few more years."

Christian's humor surprises Taylor, and all he can think of doing is rubbing his temples and puff out a huge gush of breath. "I think I'll have a talk with Sophie when we get back home."

"Don't be too hard on her Jason, she cares for Teddy, and I'm sure that was just a friendly kiss. Besides, I hear she has a big crush on that beefy actor, you know, the one who played the werewolf on those teen vampire movies." Christian can't help annoying his most trustworthy head of security guy; he's enjoying himself too much.

…

…

After large amounts of food are consumed, Elliot decides to round up most everyone to continue watching the baseball game. "Teddy my man, lets' get back to the game, the Mariners are winning for a change, can't miss that now can we."

A couple of hours later everyone retires to their assigned tents, including Christian, Carrick and Teddy who are sharing the same one.

"Man I'm tired; guess the old man's bones aren't what they used to be." Yawning and stretching, Carrick decides to call it a night. "God, this inflatable mattress feels good. Well, I'm done for today; don't forget to start the grill tomorrow morning for breakfast son, it's your turn."

"I won't forget dad, sleep well."

"With this mattress I know I will; goodnight Christian, night Teddy boy."

"Night Grandpa, luv you."

"Love you too Teddy."

Christian and Teddy settle on a double wide inflatable bed, and after a long day of hiking and fishing, they are both very tired and ready for sleep.

"Daddy."

"Yes Teddy."

"I like camping and hiking."

"Yeah, so do I."

"I like fishing with my grandpas."

"I'm glad, I like fishing with them too."

"Daddy."

"Umm."

"I like kisses. I like kissing Sophie."

Christian turns over to face his son. "Hum, what, kisses?"

"I like kisses." A yawning Teddy places his hand on his father's cheek. "Do you like kisses too daddy?"

A smiling Christian places his own hand on top of his son's. "Yes, I like kisses very much, especially when I get them from you, your mom and your sister."

"Mom likes kisses too, she smiles a lot when you kiss her, I see her."

"Well that's good to know, I like kissing her a lot."

Teddy returns his father's smile but can hardly keep his eyes open.

"Son, just go to sleep. We have a long day planned tomorrow. Are you warm enough, do you need another blanket?"

"Nope, I'm okay daddy."

"Alright then, goodnight Teddy, don't let the bed bugs bite."

"Humm." Is all the sleepy little boy can answer.

After a while, as Christian is about to drift into a state of unconsciousness, he hears his little boy's soft whisper.

"I like being with you daddy, more than fishing."

Christian's reaction to his son's words is to put his arm around his little warm body and pull him closer to him, unaware that his own father is still awake.

Tears are streaming down Carrick's face, and they are not tears of sadness or grief, but of happiness. His tears are of pure joy, joy that his son Christian has finally found what he thought he was lacking, and was not worthy of; unconditional love. His son is now a happy and stronger man, a man who is capable of loving and accepting it in return; his relationship with Ana and his children is proof of that.

For many years Carrick feared that his younger son would never let go of the anger and torment that plagued him since his childhood. For a while he even thought that no one ever would be able to reach him; not him, Grace or even Dr. Flynn, that is until he met the love of his life, Anastasia Steel. But it was the birth of his first child, Theodore, that proved to him that he was more than worthy of love, loving others and even capable of nurturing another human being. Christian still had bouts of insecurity now and then, but was not afraid to meet the challenges of fatherhood head on anymore.

As Carrick wipes his tears away, he turns over to face both Christian and Teddy who are now sound asleep. He cannot take his eyes away from the sight before him, that of his son and grandson sleeping together in a loving embrace.

Soon he sub comes to a comfortable and welcomed unconsciousness.

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