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Flanders felt like he had a bond with the boy unlike that with his own kids. They were both good boys, no doubt about it, but they were easy. The challenge of taming the devil in blue shorts had made Bart hold a special place in his heart and he really wouldn’t change that for the world. Ned gave Bart his full attention Ned smiled softly as he began to speak, especially about how he had become a much different person since spending time together. “You know Bart.” He began adjusting his glasses. “I’ve felt the same way about you. You’ve changed the way I am for the better.” He commented before going back to listening to him and in listening Ned could see how he struggled to even get the words out so Ned offered another comforting pst to the boys shoulder. “You can do it. Nothing you say will ever make me think or feel any less about you.” He reassured him with a smile. When Bart finally stuttered out his request it had genuinely taken him by surprise but melted his heart all the same, the little heck raiser wanted stability, that much was clear. Ned sat back for a moment, contemplating what the boy had asked, even looking to him a few times while thinking it over.
When Ned finally did have something to say he turned back to part, turning his entire self so he was facing him fully only to crouch gently to be at eye level with him. “Bart Simpson.” He began. “I would be honored to welcome you into the Flanders clan. There’s always room for one more.” He finally told him opening his arms and offering the boy a hug. “So. Do you want to be like Rodd and Todd?” He asked with a roses brow, not that he had any problems with that but he was sure the little heck-raiser would take issue with the way Flanders micromanaged his boy lives. “Or maybe the same but different?” He questioned wanting to give him the option to decide his own place in the Flanders Family. “I’ll give you all the love and support you deserve.” He whispered to him with a genuinely loving smile.
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