Murphy and Connor look around, they've cleaned the place top to bottom today and they glance back at their bedroom where their new bed awaits them. They restrain themselves from christening it again however.
They'd brought it home yesterday and done so immediately before they'd even put sheets on it to their own disgust. They'd moved their old double bed into Noah's room and the bunk bed out into one of the outdoor sheds. They had the thought of making a playroom of sorts out there away from Noah, but it was a vague idea at present.
Murphy is finishing dinner as Connor sets the table when they hear the vehicles pull in. Noah comes in and stops, looking around in surprise he then looks at Connor and Murphy. He can tell immediately they're fine, Murphy especially. No marks or bruises on him that Noah can see apart from a couple of bruises on his neck.
But that is par for the course. Connor is the same. Noah frowns as he looks at Connor. He's better. Better than usual he thinks. There was something different about him this time. Or maybe he was different, having the perspective he did now. Shrugging Noah takes his bag into his room and stops at the bed in there. He glances at Murphy and Connor's room. The door is shut.
Pursing his lips Noah considers opening it to check but decides against it when Michael finally comes inside too. He greets both Murphy and Connor with hugs and gives Murphy a bakery box. He always brings a decadent dessert when he comes for dinner.
The four of them sit and eat. It is a peaceful meal. Murphy and Connor can tell immediately that Noah has reached a level of understanding. They talk to each other silently and briefly and decide to say nothing to him at present. He'll keep, as will the German's bog.
Murphy stands and walks outside to feed the animals leaving the dishes to Connor and Noah. He knows they'll be okay. Michael accompanies him. They talk of silly stuff, food mostly. Michael has brought a few recipes for Murphy and Murphy has a couple for Michael.
When they're walking back to the cottage Murphy stops and stares at the setting sun. Michael sees the way it lights him from the inside and knows God has touched Murphy had his brother. The more he is in their company the more he is certain of this, they are marked for great things, if not here, then in the afterlife.
"Thank you Michael, for telling Da' things were getting bad."
"I only did what you told me to Murphy, went against my teachings and beliefs, but for you and Connor I would do anything." Michael says. He remembers the conversation he and Murphy had had when Noah had found out about them.
'When you feel he would listen, Michael you've my permission to tell him of how me an' Con came to be' the quiet way he'd said it. The way he'd looked at Michael knowing Michael would have trouble with this.
"Aye Michael, that you did. I spoke about it with you outside of the confessional as well, so it wasn't doing the wrong thing to me, and I'm the one it concerns after all."
"Yes Murphy, you are." Michael stops and draws Murphy into a hug that is returned. Before they can break away another pair of arms slide around them both.
"Thank you muchly Michael." Connor says softly in his ear. Michael smiles as he pulls away. Clearing his throat he moves inside to gather his things.
When he's on his way Murphy, Connor and Noah head back inside. Murphy checks the kitchen in clean and then heads into the bathroom. He starts the shower and silently tells Connor to hurry the fuck up.
Connor looks at Noah and Noah looks back at him. Connor answers Murphy and then closes himself off. "No fuckin' more shite on Murph, you got that Da?" Connor doesn't wait for Noah to answer, he turns and opening himself to his soul again he moves into the bathroom closing the door gently behind him.
Noah settles down in front of the fire with his pipe. It's a deal he can live with now he thinks.
A/N - Thank you to all who have read, reviewed, followed and favourited Feast On My Flesh. I hope you have enjoyed Murphy and Connor's journey.