Genre: Family

Characters: Full Cast

Mako's Message: So, obviously the only time I can write is when I'm in a state of last minute panic, as I didn't start this at least 6:30 last night. That said I'm rather pleased with it, and I hope everyone, everywhere, takes a moment to think about what they're thankful for in life and to enjoy some good food with good friends and or family.

Mindy stood surrounded by smoke and fire. Her fists clenched and unclenched. Her breathing came in quick, ragged, bursts. She gripped one of her knives and raised it above her head.

"Uh, are you sure you're okay?"

She quickly put the knife down and behind her back as she spun around to see Dave poking his head into the kitchen, his face a mix of concern and alarm, "Yes, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?

"Yes. I'm sure. I can do this."

"Alright..." he said and slowly retreated.

Then popped back, "I'm right here if you need any-"

"Dave!"

"Okay!" After he was in the other room he said, just loud enough for her to hear, "Just don't take it out on the turkey."

She whirled and threw the knife, embedding it in the door frame, "This is my first time hosting Thanksgiving and goddamnit I'm going to do it!"

The children giggled.

She turned back to take stock of everything. The green beans were fine, as was the corn. The turkey... was salvageable. She'd just have to carve it before anyone saw it. The stuffing was fine as well(It was supposed to be a little crispy, right?). The mashed potatoes were fine, if a bit salty. The cranberry sauce she'd had to scoop out of the can, so those nice little circular slices she liked so much were a a no-go. But if she mashed it up in a bowl, maybe she could pass it off as homemade...

However; the sweet potato casserole was a lost cause and the oven would need to be cleaned as well. The rolls didn't look too bad, but they were hard enough to be used as a weapon. The pumpkin pie tasted fine now, but it had yet to be baked, so hopefully she wouldn't burn that too.

Luckily Dave had bought extra food. She'd felt insulted when he'd come back with so much, but now she was glad. She'd be able to try some of this stuff again.

The door bell rang then, "Dave-"

"On my way."

When he opened the door he was greeted by three smiling faces, though one was a little nervous. The red head stepped up and hugged him, "Happy thanksgiving!"

"Happy Thanksgiving, Angela," he said and they released each other.

Then the brunette stepped up and offered her hand, "Thanks for inviting us, Dave."

"Well, it wasn't just my idea, Jessi. You should thank Mindy as well. She's been looking forward to seeing you. I wouldn't go in the kitchen just now though. I'm not sure who's cooking right now, Mindy or Hit Girl."

"I heard that!" Mindy yelled from the kitchen.

"I love you!"

"Ass."

Jessi smiled and stepped aside, so the third woman, the one with short, bleach blond hair could step forward, "This is Laura."

"It's a pleasure to meet you...Dave"

"Oh, likewise. Mindy and I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time."

Laura's smile grew a little, and some of the nervousness left it.

"So," Angela said, rubbing her hands together eagerly, "Where are the little ball busters in training?"

"They're in the living room watching.." he stopped and thought for a second, "something with Jason Statham. I can't remember which. They all look the same to me."

"That's grounds for divorce you know!"

"Sure it is, Girl."

"Awesome." Angela said, "C'mon. Let's go introduce you."

Laura laughed in a slightly overwhelmed and nervous, but excited, way as she was dragged through the door and into the living room. Dave followed and sat next to Jessi and Laura as Angela lay on the floor between Kimberly and Amanda.

Not long before the movie ended, the door bell rang again.

Dave answered it again, and greeted Marcus and Alice, "Great to see you both., come on in."

"Thanks Dave," they both said as they stepped in. Dave took Marcus's coat and hung it up as Marcus took Alice's coat from her, then hung her's up as well.

"Hi Marcus!" Mindy called.

"Hey, how're you doing sweetheart?" he asked as he headed for the kitchen.

"Don't come in here!"Mindy shouted at the same time as Dave said, "Don't go in there."

At Marcus and Alice's confused looks Dave said, "She's convinced she has to cook it all by herself, since she's hosting," He explained, "And she's reached the point where she's throwing knives."

Marcus's face took on an expression of horror which Dave couldn't figure out if it came from the knowledge that Mindy was cooking or that she was throwing knives. Alice just struggled to smother her laughter.

Dave steered them into the living room and Marcus asked, "What, no football?" as he sat down with Alice.

Dave shrugged, "What can I say? The kids take after their Mother."

When the movie ended, they started arguing over what to watch next. Amanda insisting on something from Disney, Kimberly wanted Jackie Chan, and Marcus made a valiant effort to get Lethal Weapon on the screen. Mindy sided with Dave's choice of Die Hard since she wouldn't be able to watch it anyway.

Before they decided though, the door bell rang again and Dave opened it to find Uncle John, "Thanks for coming."

"Oh, it's my pleasure. You guys are the closest thing I have to family nowadays anyway," he said as he hung up his coat. So, is Mindy cooking?"

"Yeah, but don't-"

"Go in. Yeah, I know. If there's one thing you don't do it's bug the lady cooking Thanksgiving dinner."

Dave grinned, "Come on, everybody's in the living room trying to pick our next movie."

As he walked in, John said, "Hmm... how about Goodfellas? Or maybe The Godfather?"

The room went silent as every pair of eyes in the room turned to stare at him, and even all sounds from the kitchen stopped.

He put his hands up, "I was joking."

Marcus looked up at him, "Help me out here. I'm trying to get them to watch Lethal Weapon."

"Oh, that is a good one, let's watch that one."

"Nooo!" The kids protested, "I hate movies from the 80's, they're so stupid!"

"And I'm sure your kids will love the movies that are coming out now."

"Hey, Age before Beauty, huh?" John said.

"Hey, I wanted to see Lethal Weapon too, asshole," Alice said.

"Sorry about that. But then that means we have both age AND beauty on our side. We win."

"AAAWWWWWWW!"

"No more whining you two, you picked out the last movie."

Kimberly groaned, then asked Amanda, "Wanna go up to my room and play Street Fighter 6 ULTRA?"

"Yeah!"

As they ran off, John asked, "Can she actually play it?" as he pointed at Amanda.

"You'd be surprised."

"It takes a lot to surprise me anymore."

So with the only real objectors gone, Lethal Weapon was started up. Before the movie even got started though, Dave was getting up to answer the door again.

"Hey Dad!" he said embracing his father, "Great to see you."

"Likewise my boy. How's everything going?"

"Things are good. The kitchen is off limits under penalty of death right now though. But you're just in time. We're about to watch Lethal Weapon."

"Excellent. I love that movie."

Dave followed his father in and sat down on the floor, as he exchanged greetings with Marcus and Alice.

Just as he was starting to get into the movie, the door bell rang and Dave rose to answer it.

This guest was slightly unexpected, "Riley!"

"Hey Stud," she said with a wink.

"Hey, watch what you call my husband!"

Riley rolled her eyes and Dave chuckled, "Come on in. Man, we didn't think you'd show."

"Oh, well that just makes me feel so good. Only invited because you didn't think I'd come."

"Oh you know what I mean. You're always so busy. And you usually work holidays don't you?"

"Yeah, but I was able to clear up a few cases quicker than expected. Say hello Eric, it's rude to just stand there."

"Hello Mr. Lizewski."

"Eesh. Make me feel old why don't you. The girls are upstairs if you're interested." Eric looked like the idea of hanging out with an eight and five year old girl was the absolute most thrilling thing in the world. If the world was a barren room. "They're playing Street Fighter 6."

"...ULTRA?"

"Yeah, that one."

A second later Eric had disappeared leaving only a jacket behind.

Mindy walked down the hall wiping her hands off on a towel, "You better not be after my man again."

"And what if I am?"

"Then I'll cut you, bitch."

"Bring it short stuff."

They stared each other down for a moment before breaking into broad grins and embracing in a quick hug. "How've you been?" Mindy asked.

"Eh. Busy as all hell. But I don't mind. My secretary is so damn cute I find excuses to go into the office."

"Not tonight though?"

Riley shook her head, "Not tonight. I haven't gotten to just visit with you all in far too long."

"Well it's good to see you. Where's Eric?"

"He's upstairs playing with your girls."

"Ah, well, you're just in time. I've finally finished cooking." then she put her arm around Dave and slid under his arm as she pulled him over to the living room. Riley looked at them together with a small smile on her face and sighed quietly as Mindy said, "Alright everyone. Time to feast. Everyone to the table!

The weather was still warm, so a table had been set up in the back yard. All the adults carried a dish out to the table and placed them in a row down the center, then the children were called down. After everyone was seated, but before the food was served, John spoke up, "If it's alright with everyone, I"d like to say a blessing."

"Oh please. Go ahead." Dave said, while Mindy nodded.

John held out his hands to those on either side of him, "If we could all join hands, please." There was a short time, as everyone put silverware down, tucked napkins in, or dried off hands(whether they needed it or not.) before everyone was holding their neighbors hands, "Dear Lord, today we offer you our thanks for all that you have provided. We thank you for the love you have allowed us to find, as well as the prosperity that has been bestowed upon us, and we ask that you continue to keep our own and our friends bodies safe, identities secret, and to protect the minds and souls of of those who fight to protect the weak and to keep our city safe, from the evils they face. Amen."

The seated chorused, "Amen."

Dave said, "So, if everyone could pass their plates around, I'll serve up the turkey and then you can all get whatever side dishes you'd like."

As the plates were passed around, Mindy spoke, "I was thinking it'd be nice to say what we're all thankful for." Many of them nodded and looked expectantly at her, "I guess I'll start then," she cleared her throat then spoke, "I'm thankful, above all other things, that I've had Dave in my life. Without him I don't know how I would have gotten through it all, and then I'm thankful that despite, what at the time were, obvious difficulties," soft laughter from around the table brought a slight bit of color to her cheeks, "I was able to be with a man I love more than I can explain," Eric made a gagging noise, "Shut it, you," more laughter, "and that because of those two things, I've made wonderful friends and have two beautiful girls, and finally I'm thankful that we've been able to provide such a wonderful house and life for our children." a pause and then, "And I guess that's it." more laughter as she sat down.

Dave stood, "I guess I'll go next." he paused for a moment, then said, "I"m thankful Marcus didn't press charges." All but the children, who just looked confused, burst into laughter. Dave smiled and continued, "I'm thankful that I was lucky enough to survive everything I went through long enough for Mindy to train me to the point that I didn't have to rely on hope, luck, and an inability to sense pain to get through the night. I'm thankful I didn't die the first time I went out in costume, and I'm thankful that Mindy didn't die before I realized that I wouldn't be able to get through life without her." Another gagging noise from Eric, then a yelp as someone kicked him under the table. Probably Kimberly. Then after a moment, "And everything Mindy already said about our children and what we've been able to provide for them."

John stood as Dave sat down, "For expedience's sake, I'd like to assume we can all put 'I survived this long.' on our list of things we're thankful for." The group nodded or spoke their agreement, then he continued, "I'm thankful that I was able to find people I can consider family after leaving my old life behind," he thought for a second then said, "I guess I'll leave it at that."

Marcus stood then, and stood there. He looked off into the distance, "I'm thankful that despite losing two good friends, I was able to take care of their child and help turn her into the woman she is today. I'm thankful that despite all the craziness that has gone on in our lives, I was able to find a woman I love."

Alice stood then, and she bit her lip, and she raised a finger, then said, "I think I'm gonna limit myself to saying that I'm thankful that I'm able to be a part of all this."

Casimir stoof then and said, "I'm thankful that my son is happy, that I have a hell of a daughter-in-law, that I have two beautiful grandchildren, and that my son and his wife have been successful enough in their chosen field to be able to take care of me in my old age," more laughter as he sat down.

Riley stood then, a glass of wine in her hand, and swirled the content around for a moment before saying, "I don't mean to go against the whole, 'thankful to be alive thing' but since I never put on a costume I think mine is a little more specific. I'm thankful Mindy never flew into a jealous rage and killed me. And I'm not only thankful for that, but that we were able to come good friends. I'm thankful that for my wonderful, if sometimes bratty, son, and that I've been able to care and provide for him as well as I have."

As she sat down she nudged Eric's chair and he stood up, "I'm... thankful for turkey, and video games, and... my mom...and...I don't know."

Kimberly stood then, "I'm thankful that I can kick any bullies ass. And that I have a nice house, and parents who love me and each other." She sat down to assorted, "aww"s that turned into laughter as she stuck her tongue out at Eric.

Amanda abruptly stood up on her chair, as if expecting to be skipped over, "I'm thankful for my Mommy, and my Daddy, and my Sister, and... Disney!" she sat down very pleased with herself as the adults tried very hard not to laugh.

Angela stood up then and said, "I'm thankful for a wonderful boyfriend and daughter, neither of who could be here tonight, and for seeing old friends." she said with a smile at Jessi.

Jessi stood then, "I... I am thankful for new beginnings and second chances. And for friends who were always there for me."

As Jessi sat, Laura stood, "I am... thankful as well as amazed that I get to meet two heroes of such high esteem, and in such an intimate setting no less."

Dave scratched at the back of his head and avoided looking directly at anyone as he tried to keep the smile off his face, while Mindy just grinned like a Cheshire cat.

And then it was time for everyone to dig in.

.oOo.

The Kimberly and Amanda were sleeping sprawled out on the floor, Jessi and Laura were curled and asleep on the couch, Casimir was passed out in a recliner, Marcus was awake and watching the movie that played on the television, but Alice was asleep in his lap, preventing him from doing anything else, and Eric was upstairs, presumably playing Street Fighter(VI ULTRA). This left Angela, Dave, and Mindy to finish cleaning up.

Angela looked in to the living room as she finished wrapping up a casserole, "You gotta admit, it's pretty surreal."

"Hmm?" Mindy asked.

"With everything that's gone on with all these people. Everything you do. We can still sit down and have such a freakishly normal time together."

Mindy smiled and shrugged, "That's part of keeping a secret identity, you act like you're normal."

Angela snorted, "Looking back on it, I'm surprised everyone at school didn't figure it out."

"Well, hind sight is twenty twenty and shit."

"It's a shame Marty couldn't be here."

"Yeah, what was up with that?"

"I think he's trying to impress would have his girlfriend by taking her to meet his parents."

Mindy stopped washing the dishes and sighed, "I wish Bianca would have come. I really have so little idea about what she'd doing with her life. It'd probably have been good for her to come and be surrounded by friends. Well, friends of a friend."

"Ya know, I'm trying to remember who Bianca is, because I know you've mentioned her to me before, but I can't for the life of me remember who she is."

Mindy stared hard at Angela.

Angela's eye's suddenly went wide, "Whoa, wait. Isn't she the one you were telling me about? With the whole-

"Yes."

"Wow..." Angela stared out the window, passed Dave as he put the table and chairs away. "Did she tell you she wasn't coming?"

"No. When I asked her she just said she'd think about it."

"Shame. I'd have liked to meet her."

Mindy smiled, "I think you two would have liked each other."

"Really? Wait. Why?"

Mindy turned back to the dishes, "Oh, no reason."

"You're such a bitch."

"I know."