Date: 01:48 November 9th 2013
Location: Mankato, Minnesota
It was the early hours in the morning by the time Wren and Skipper touched down, finally able to relax after their long flight over the Atlantic. A lot of it had been spent in silence, considering the heavy toll that the death had played on Skipper, though Wren knew better than to push for conversation. At the end of the runway, Wren spied a fellow ex-navy corsair, Skipper confirming her suspicions of him being a friend of her husbands when he started to head over. There was a brief moment where they both shared condolences, before Skipper announced that he would rather like to get drunk, which led to the three of them heading to a nearby bar, Wren giving Skipper cautious glances. However, as the hours ticked by, the alcohol wasn't having the desired effect that the Corsair wanted, and he ended up going quieter and quieter.
"I'm…. sorry for Skipper's behaviour… he's just not himself right now" Wren ended up apologizing to his friend, to which he waved a wing a little in her direction.
"Don't worry about it. It's a tough time he's facing here. Just make sure he doesn't mope forever, eh?" He replied, to which Wren smiled gratefully. It wasn't long after this that they decided to call it a night… the funeral was the next day, so they at least had to be awake enough to attend.
The next morning brought about it a dull and cloudy sky, the spatters of rain hitting their backs as both Corsairs made their way to where the funeral was to take was aware that Skipper hadn't slept much, if at all… and it was evident by how rough he looked and the fact he has barely said two words since waking up. She touched her wing to his side in a gentle manner of encouragement, earning her a flick of his gaze, though it was hard to say what he was thinking. There was almost an unspoken tension that seemed to crawl around his frame, though Wren knew it wasn't aimed at her, but more what was to come. The gates to the graveyard started to loom above them, Wren pausing to glance over them, the eerie atmosphere there rain and clouds added to the place seemed to make her a little uncomfortable. Skipper glanced up as she paused, immediately growing agitated at the sight he saw ahead. His father and brother seemed to be some way inside, looking to be talking with one another quietly, having not noticed Skipper or Wren as of yet. The cream SuperCorsair finally spotted them herself, and took this moment to quickly block her husband's path, giving him a reassuring gaze.
"Remember… this is your mother's funeral… not a fight. I know your childhood wasn't easy and that you father has a lot to answer for… but now is not the right time" She reminded him gently, to which he finally broke the firm gaze he had been holding with his brother, to now look at her. He found that her face was more warm and friendly than what awaited him over there…. Though it was also a reminder of the family life he had now, which caused him to smile a little, rubbing his nose against hers gratefully.
The funeral itself didn't last long… it appeared that not many others turned up, and it made the ceremony rather short. Though it was probably a good thing… the three males were all visibly tense, though Skipper remained quiet through out, clearly keeping his emotions in check as his face was blank and unfocused. He seemed determined not to show anything in front of his brother and father at least. Though once the ceremony was complete, they approached Skipper for the first time, and it was again clear that there was a lot of tension contained between the trio, control surfaces flaring and a lot of piercing stares.
"Just try to relax… we don't have to stay long, just make pleasantries… then we can leave" Wren assured her husband in a low whisper, feeling Skipper begin to lose his composure just a little. She was rather good at picking up on his moods, and knew how to quickly calm the rage. The two family members stopped a few metres away, his father giving Skipper a snort and bop of his nose in a way of a greeting, making no effort to ask after his son, or the new grandchildren that he had. Instead, he more focused on Wren, staring her down and trying to seemingly intimidate the female. Much to his annoyance, not only did she not get warned off by his cold gaze, but she returned it, giving him a stare just as hostile as his. Skippers brother, Hunter, seemed to make a little more effort, clearing his throat as a way to deviate attention onto him.
"How are things?" He began, though it was less of a genuine question, more of a forced statement, the tones of the other never rising or falling to convey emotion.
"Couldn't be better. You?" Skipper answered in a similar way, the cold atmosphere only making it more edgy in their replies. Wren had not ceased her stare, and before long, Skippers father seemed to growl and leave, annoyed at the fact she hadn't broken first. Skipper glanced over as he left, though returned his gaze to his brother as he answered in the same non-interested tone.
"Fine. Nothing much going on"
"Hm"
"Mother mentioned that you'd become a father, before she died"
"About a month ago, yes"
"Tch… she never stopped going on about you… always the favourite" Hunter seemed to snipe suddenly, before turning and leaving to follow their father.
Skipper seemed to wait for a few moments, lingering in place before rolling slowly to his mothers grave, Wren following at a slight distance to let him have space… seeing that her husband was rather cut deep over this. Wren had watched the other two males leave completely, neither seeming concerned at any point to pay more respects to their deceased family member. She turned to look back at Skipper now, another gentle smile coming to her face as she called his name softly, watching as he turned back round slowly and moved toward her.
"I'm done… I don't want to be here any more" He stated, beginning to move to the exit. She nodded and fell beside him, her eyes meeting his as he began talking again.
"I want to be back in the company of happy faces… I just want to see the kids again. Hell, i'll even be happy to see Shadow's overly smug face" He managed, a small smile finally cracking on his face. Wren returned the smile, knowing it was the first joke he'd made in days…. He'd be alright. He was more than eager to get going immediately, not even stopping for rest as they taxied down the runway at the nearest airport, on route home as fast as they could.
Shadow meanwhile had appeared to keep herself very busy up until this point, trying to surround herself with jobs to do to avoid having to have any sort of 'chat' with Finn about what position they'd found themselves in that morning. Though now, as the jobs started to wind down, and the kids settled for their mid-morning nap, Shadow found herself having plenty of time to be really rather awkward around Finn. In an attempt to keep herself distracted, she started making tea for them both, whilst Finn sat in the living room and caught up on their most recent mission notes, jumping just a little as Shadow appeared at his side, smiling gently and offering him his cup. He nodded softly and glanced to the place he wanted her to put it, before noticing the mug she'd put it in…. Having 'Best Dad' scrawled across it. He seemed to chuckle lightly, and Shadow seemed to copy, obviously thinking it was rather amusing, though now she saw his face fall again, and inside she felt terrible. Clearly something was off with how he was acting…. Though she didn't know what. This whole thing about the babies… it seemed to make him act different. She looked away, feeling bad for even having dragged him to this point… it was clear he didn't want to be here. At least that's what it seemed like to her. Despite the elephant in the room, Shadow decided to break the ice just a little, trying to prize out perhaps an explanation as to his odd behavior.
"I never knew how good you were with children…" She started, sitting near to him now. He glanced up from the notes once more at her statement, a brief smile on his face, though she could see… a struggle in his eyes. Something was definitely not right. He didn't appear to want to say anything to begin with, though she waited for the older agent to find the words, another slight smile on his face.
"You don't live to be this age and not know how to take care of children, Carlisle" He said kindly, listening as one of the babies seemed to stir, both cars falling silent as they held their breath…. Luckily the noise died down, and they resumed their conversation.
"I know but… you're naturally good. Some cars just.. Aren't" She said now, watching Finn as he glanced into his cup, seeming to hesitate again.
"Well you're good with children too, Carlisle" He said softly, before the silence fell again.
"Did you have… any of your own?" She asked gently now, watching as Finns gaze flew to her own, the struggle in his eyes once more. She held her breath, strangely, as if waiting for a big development, though slowly let go as he shook his hood lightly.
"No. I never did" He answered here, studying the cup once more.
"Did you ever want them?" She pressed a little now, wanting to know…. Though they were cut off as Valiant started to cry, causing Shadow to raise her hood. Finn was about to rise, when Shadow shot him a smile, touching his side gently.
"It's ok… I've got him" She assured the older agent, to which he smiled and nodded, letting her leave to tend to the Corsair. Finn watched her go, the gentle smile still on his face as he could hear her shushing and gently murmuring to the baby. The sounds stirred the deep longing that he had kept buried for… years. So many years… covering up his own wants and desires to focus on his career, pushing everything down and focusing at what he was good at.
Though now, as he listened to his mission partner, those same feelings were creeping back, tainting the sides of his mind… already fighting hard against his own will when it came to the Celica. He couldn't ruin her career. He couldn't take that away because of what he wanted. Besides… he'd had his chance… he wasn't meant for the life that he kept craving…. But she made it hard. She made him want it all over again.
He seemed to flinch slightly as Shadow reappeared, smiling once more to him as he reciprocated the action, motioning to her cup again.
"Best hurry before it gets cold… I'll take the next one" He said quietly, to which she chuckled.
"You're too kind sir" She smiled, relaxing near him, a replay of the morning playing in her mind, setting a soft blush to form across her hood. The same memories played through Finns mind, though he couldn't help but notice the change in colour on her hood, though busied himself with the mission notes… a feeble attempt to cover his own thoughts.
Night had finally drawn in, two large figures finally making their way up the winding path to the lit hangar, glowing gently against the dark blue backdrop. Wren sighed, glad to finally be home, almost fancying that she could hear the childrens laughter. She shot a look to Skipper, who seemed just as eager to get up the pathway, his pace speeding up the closer he got to the main door. They slid the door open, feeding through one after the other, a scene meeting them that could only prize smiles from their tires bodies. They saw both cars zipping around the front room in a particular pattern, careful to avoid one another as the babies leapt after the cars, laughing and chirping as they did so. Shadow stopped suddenly, Renee wheeling up to the car instantly, to which the Celica then blew a raspberry on the planes back, causing her to shriek out and laugh. Finn seemed to stop also, to avoid running into Shadow, pulling up next to her as the other three tackled him head on, making him laugh as he tried to gently deflect each one.
Skipper and Wren only watched in amusement at the scene, Wren making a personal note to bring this up later…. Finn and Shadow made quite the pair when it came to children…. Something to at least embarrass the Celica with later. Chance raised his nose up upon seeing his parents, shrieking and clambering over Finn to leap to the floor, rushing to the larger Corsairs, who leaned down to nuzzle at their children. Renee, Valiant and Amelia then realized their parents were home, and Shadow watched on as they rushed after Chance to greet their parents. She smiled gently, watching the scene and sighing softly, catching Finns attention. He said nothing as he watched the Celica, Wren also catching the action and eyeing the two cars for a moment, before she moved to the kitchen area, signalling for Shadow to follow.
Once out of ear shot, the SuperCorsair turned to Shadow, giving her a small smile.
"I just wanna thank you again, for doing this…"
"Don't sweat it… it wasn't THAT hard" She smirked, earning an amused huff from Wren.
"Of course it wasn't… though you and Finn didn't…."
"...Didn't what?"
"Get explicit… in my bed, right?" Wren eyed Shadow suspiciously, causing Shadow to choke on her own air.
"W-What? No!"
"That reaction isn't exactly… reassuring"
"No… no… No we didn't, I swear. I can't even admit my feelings, what makes you think that we'd just leap to that?!" Came the retort, though Wren only grinned.
"Well, you never know…. Actions speak louder than words…"
"Yeah I'm not doing that Wren."
"Well, in case for whenever you two decide to stop being morons and start getting it on, you know who to come to"
"...Why on earth would I tell you all about it?"
"...I'm your doctor, I need to make sure that you're safe and that you don't break anything"
"...Thanks"
"Welcome"
Skipper seemed to come through at this point, causing both vehicles to look round and smile slightly, to which Skipper glanced at Shadow.
"Thanks. It means a lot that you and Finn did this" He said now, to which Shadow nodded gently. "I think Finn's ready to go now, he seemed eager to be on the move... Nothing went wrong did it?"
"Oh, no, I think he just wants to get some more papers done… he attempted to with the kids about but they tried to eat the papers he was working on."
"Ah… yeah they'll do that"
Shadow found herself laughing a little, though noting how tired Wren and Skipper seemed, she bid her farewell, and met with Finn at the front door, whom was waiting rather patiently. She smiled gently, moving through the door, shooting one last look behind her as she saw Wren and Skipper seem to at last settle down with their kids, an almost longing look on her face. She almost didn't want to leave, though was spurred on when Finn nudged her gently to move. She obeyed, moving once more through the door, driving down the dirt path, a settled silence upon both cars. Shadow pulled ahead a little as they headed toward their flat, Finns gaze once more resting upon her as she did so, having caught the look she gave the family as they left. The same thoughts from earlier came back to him… about what he had wanted so long ago, and could now feel the same feelings seeping into his thoughts. He inwardly scolded himself… yes, Skipper had mentioned Shadow's wants, but right now, he knew that she was too young to be a mother… too young to be tied down… and he was… too old. He had picked wrongly in the past, and that was his own fault… he now couldn't push those same wants and desires onto Shadow… could he? He felt guilty for even thinking it, letting his gaze drop as he bit the inside of his lip. Something had to change… surely?
"It'll be late by the time we get back home, so perhaps we should go out for dinner" Finn said here, breaking the silence and watching Shadow carefully, seeing her slow down a little and pull up more to his side.
"Go out?" She asked here, to which he smiled gently.
"It's not the most odd request, is it?"
"Well…. No. Where to?"
"I know this nice little place somewhere near here" He mentioned, taking the lead now, Shadow sticking more to his side as the cold began to set in, not realizing the drop in temperature until now. They made their way round a couple of corners, before a rather grand restaurant stretched out in front of them, Shadow's eyes widening as Finn began to ascend up the large sloping ramp.
"Finn this is.. Hardly a 'little place' as you so delicately put it" She said now, her eyes wandering over the exterior, taking in the golden sign and towering hotel. It was all lit up and rather swanky looking, the Celica feeling… out of place as she saw the type or cars that swanned in and out of the doorway. Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Jaguars all seemed to float around, talking and muttering in groups, either just inside the lobby or outside smoking. Even Finn fit in rather nicely, though she, being a Toyota, was the only one she could see, stopping as Finn seemed to draw closer to the building. He caught onto her hesitation and turned a little to face her, his normal suave smile on his face.
"You look fine… Don't worry" He assured her, though she remained unconvinced. He held out a tire to her as she looked over the building once more, though she smiled gently as she saw the action, taking his tire shyly and moving forward with him. He made sure she went first through the doors, holding each one open, and making sure she was fully through before following, moving up to the front desk in the lobby, and asking for a table for two. Shadow couldn't keep her gaze away from the interior, attempting to take it all in… to savour the moment. They were then led to a rather large room, littered with a different array of tables, covered in cream table cloths and wine glasses, serviettes atop of small plates. She felt her smile grow, trying to take in the atmosphere and the sight… Finn glanced at her from his side mirror, grinning gently as he witnessed her awe. Their table was up ahead, and both were asked to pull up to the table, and to choose from the wine list. Shadow felt her blank stare must have told Finn that she wasn't even sure of the difference between white and red wine, so he chose one with a rather long and fancy French name, earning a chuckle from her in response.
He shot her another smile as they settled down after the waiter left, the Faultless launching into a conversation about their next mission coming up… it was going to be a long one, but one they could handle. Shadow found herself relaxing as he continued to talk, chipping in here and there. Though the talk turned to Wren and Skipper, and Shadow found herself thinking of the future more… one that she hadn't wanted to speak of before, for fear of jinxing it.
"I want what Wren has one day"
"An attitude problem with almost everyone?"
"No! A family. Though don't let her hear you say that" She smirked, before continuing. "I knew early on I wanted a family… so I could raise a child a different way to how I was raised… they would always be loved and… I would never do anything to harm them…" She said quietly, looking to the wine that was now being poured.
"You'll make a fantastic mother, Shadow. I don't doubt that…." Finn responded gently, giving her another smile. "Never let anyone tell you any different. You're an amazing car Shadow…."
She felt her hood perk up a little, a shy smile crossing her hood.
"You don't have to be nice to me for my sake Finn" She deflected lightly, causing him to chuckle.
"I'm not, i'm being serious. You'll make a great mother… and any man would be lucky to have you" He commented, causing Shadow to become flustered a little, wondering just where this dinner was going. He could see her reactions, and he smiled gently once more, wanting to tell her… there and then. But he held off… his morals once more pausing what he really wanted to do. He would just make sure that… she was happy. That's something he wanted after all, but it was her happiness, so something that he could make happen without feeling bad. Shadow sensed his hesitation, and smiled once more to reassure him.
"You think so?"
"I do… I hope you find him, you deserve that much. You're a good friend, you deserve all the happiness you get" He answered honestly. Despite the compliment… Shadow felt her hopes dip just a little. He didn't appear to be talking about himself like she had hoped.
