Disclaimer: I don't own The Mysterious Benedict Society

Author Note: First off if you haven't read my other story "The Lemon Juice Letters" then please go check it out first since this is the sequel.

Okay so my main goal with this continuation is to explore how Kate and Reynie's relationship grows and progresses after the events of the first story. I felt like this would be a interesting time in their lives where a lot could be said. So this story sets a bit gentler tone as Kate and Reynie learn more about both each other, and themselves.

Happy reading! :)

Chapter 1 (Reynie's POV)

Standing I slowly paced toward the window that was overlooking one of Stonetown's busy streets. The fallen leaves were deepening on the sidewalks, and signs of winter were lingering in the air.

But I was thankful that at least today wasn't overcast, since there was a stream of sunlight falling onto my paper scattered desk. Closing my eyes I let myself breathe in the warmth as my mind repeated the letter that had arrived for me just this morning. It was from a client requesting my services. That was neither unusual nor troubling. However the return address was both of those things...

It was from a Mr. Remington, the newly appointed headmaster of Stonetown Orphanage...

Opening my eyes I slowly brought my hand to my chin in thought. I did my best to focus on the details of the case that he had included, but I knew perfectly well that I was running from what was really weighing on my mind. Slowly my hand slipped back down to my side as I gazed at a certain building several blocks away.

From this distance I could just make out the stone trim and steep front steps of the orphanage that had been my home for so many years. Truthfully I knew that most days I did my best not to notice it at all. I felt a frown forming as my brow furrowed slightly. It didn't make sense to still be upset by the sight of that place, after all, without it I never would have met Amma or Pati. And if my life had taken even a slightly different course then I never would have been reading the paper with Amma that day.

That day so many years ago. That day that changed my life...

I breathed out a slight sigh as I realized how foolish my feelings must have been. If my life had been different then, then my life would be different now. I felt my heart clinch inside of my chest. And more than anything, I was happy with how my life was today. Really so much more than happy...

Slowly I reached out to touch the chilled glass of my window. The past was behind me, and the future seemed brighter than ever before. Honestly I felt guilty for dwelling on those painful memories now. I felt guilty for the familiar ache that filled me at that very moment. But the feelings of loneliness from those days seemed all the more painful now that my life was so wonderful.

Now that I understood just how truly alone I was back then...

"Mr. Muldoon?" Pulling me from my thoughts a sudden voice called from my office doorway. "I'm sorry for disturbing you sir, but there's a young woman here who insists on seeing you without an appointment."

I simply stared at my secretary blankly for a few moments, as I tried to focus my attention back to the present. From the look on her face I could see she was somewhat frustrated, and seemed worried how I might take the information about the unexpected client. Doing my best to belay her fears I smiled softly. "That's alright, I'm not busy, please send her in."

My secretary, Mrs. Stevens, nodded as I noticed her expression relax somewhat. "Yes sir, it's a Miss...um Wetherall I believe it was?"

I didn't even have time to be surprised before I heard a voice more familiar to me than my own. "Yep, you got it!" Kate beamed as she edged into the cramped doorway. Patting my secretary on the back reassuringly she grinned. "See, I told you not to get so worked up. This guy is pretty easy going really."

Mrs. Stevens gave a somewhat confused and weary smile before she excused herself and pulled my office door closed as she went out. We both stood in silence for a few moments before Kate put her hands on her sides and let out a sharp whistle. "Not bad, I mean this place is pretty fancy huh Reynie?"

It had slipped my mind that she hadn't seen my office yet. Our morning commute usually ended with us saying goodbye outside of the agency, and I'd never thought to show her around inside. Or to Mrs. Stevens dismay, introduce her to the staff... After giving the room a quick scan, she walked over to my desk and started straightening the sagging and misconstrued stacks of paper.

Another so called detective might have taken offense to the sudden invasion of his working space, but I was much more in love with her than I was a so called detective... So I simply smiled as I watched her in the cheerful ritual. Finally satisfied she wiped a film of dust off of my name plate and stepped back, as if to admire her work. Then turning to look at me she smiled, half playfully, half gently.

"Detective Reynard Muldoon..." The words came from her lips with such a sense of pride in me, that it made my face suddenly grow warm.

When I was awkward or embarrassed wasn't ever lost on her, so seeming amused she wrinkled her nose in a grin. "I'm here to request your presence at an important event Detective Muldoon." She then fished around in the bucket hanging at her side until she retrieved a sealed envelope.

Then handing it to me she gave a playfully stern look. "I trust you can decode this?" "Yes ma'am, I'll do my best..." I said with a meek smile. Kate nodded. "Good, then I'll see you at the time and place indicated." With that and one last grin tossed over her shoulder, Kate opened the door and stepped out. Slowly walking behind my desk and sitting, I laid the envelope down in front of me.

I simply gazed at it for a few moments in wonder. Months ago I would have been horrified at what any unexpected letter from Kate might say. I would have been hanging on to each sentence and word, searching for some clue to her feelings for me. But now...

With a gentle twist of my letter opener I cut a clean line across the top of the envelope. Then pulling out the single seemingly blank page, I felt a smile filling each and every curve and angle of my face.

I closed my eyes as the pleasant aroma filled the room. Though I knew that painful memories might always return, in this moment all the boyhood loneliness I had once felt simply vanished.

Replacing it was the familiar, and comforting...scent of lemon juice...

Thanks for reading, feel free to review. :)