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Randy approached him, pausing to watch for a few seconds. "Number Seven..." he called gently. It wasn't a talk he looked forward to having, but it needed to be done.

Seven smiled at his father and put down his model to go and see what he wanted, "Yes Dad?"

Randy's ears drooped, though he maintained his calm expression. "We need to discuss your illness and what happened today."

Seven gave his dad a smile of encouragement, "It's ok Dad, I'm feeling a lot better already, you don't have to be worried," he gave his father a pat.

Randy grabbed Seven's hand and pressed it against his cheek, an affectionate gesture burdened with the heavy message that things went much further than Seven realized... "It could and likely will happen again."

Seven's smile faded, "Well, I know that...." he said softly, "...what else is going on?" his thumb moved across his father's cheek in a gentle and affectionate, but questioning gesture.

Randy gazed at him for a few seconds which seemed to drag on for hours before answering. "Your condition is getting worse, and even with the medication, a more violent episode may kill you."

Seven went very still, "Oh..." he said softly his features clouded, despite his large frame he suddenly seemed very small.

Randy wrapped his arms around Seven and held onto him in silence, letting shared emotions do the talking. He was worried, but he expected Seven to be strong. There was little to be done but to go about their lives, and try to take whatever precautions were necessary to prevent a recurrence. No one was yet certain when or whether such a thing would happen, and while it was important to be prepared, there was no sense in dwelling on an uncertainty.

Seven gave him a nuzzle, "D..Do you think maybe we can keep this between us? I don't want my brother's to worry, especially Eight, he's going to have so much going on it would only throw him off to know all this,"

Randy nodded. "I think you are right about that. At least for now."

"I'll tell Eight someday, but I wanna tell him myself, he's my favorite..." said Seven.

Randy smiled faintly. "I know. The two of you certainly have gotten close."

Seven nodded, "I've loved 'im since you brought 'im home....and I wanna always be there when he needs me. If I do die, then how can I do that?"

Randy smiled a bit more. "He will know that you were there for him when you could be. He will remember all you've taught him and all you've helped him do. He will be alright."

Seven nodded, "And Mama will be alright too?" he asked tentatively.