One of Three

Chapter 12 – The Green Fairy

[I'm sorry for being late updating, guys. I don't know if any of you got a taste of it, but the weather's been damn crazy where I'm at. I just got my power back after four days, not to mention all the trees that fell. I've also had trouble with this one, I wrote the chapter and three thousand words in I felt like it didn't fit, wrote it again and six pages later said nope. It felt like I was forcing something I shouldn't so I nixed it. I need a beta, but I don't know how to get a beta. So I'll leave it alone. Hope this one's good…]

She was gone again, and Murphy didn't hesitate to throw on his coat and get outside. He didn't have to go far this time, finding her sitting outside the building on the iced curb, her face buried in Shep's mane. He approached slowly, afraid of startling her.

"Sera?"

The quiet tone didn't stop her from jumping, and he could see the puffiness under her eyes, the trembling of her bottom lip – she'd been crying.

"What wrong, Sera grá?"

She shook her head, tilting so hair went into her face to hide where she could wipe any tear streaks away.

"I'm fine, Murphy, had to take Shepherd out for a bit."

He dug his hands in his coat, taking a seat beside her on the sidewalk. "Don't look fine ta me. Both know better than that, so how bout ye cut to it and tell me?"

She looked on the verge of sobbing, bringing her knees up to her chest. "I keep trying to call Sapph, tried to talk to him since the first night of Hanukah. It's the first time we've been apart during the holidays and I wanted to know how he was doing, but no one's answered. Not since the last time when we got my stuff in here…not from either of them."

He sat down and put his arm around her, making her turn into his hold to glance at him. Her eyes were round, terrified, uncertain, the glassy sheen from her earlier tears still lingering.

"Aingeal –"

"What if during this time something's happened? I mean – I think I would feel it, right? If something happened to him, I would know. But maybe that's what this is, I feel like I'm being torn inside, that could be me losing him right now."

He felt her hurt, his own insides being mangled watching those wide eyes dripping. She huddled closer to him, and he felt how cold she had become, making him wonder how long she had stayed out here.

"I can't lose him, Murph, he's all I've got left."

For a second he wanted to say she was wrong, that she had him and Connor. But he knew what she meant. It was a separate thread, though the three of them had become interlaced there were things only him and Conn would get. That went the same for her brother. There were some things in this life that could only be understood by the flesh and blood you shared with someone.

"Do you think I should go look for him? I know he's not in the same place I last saw him, he never told me where he was just in case, but it's possible there's something there to tell me."

He heard that distinct 'I' and not 'we.' She was saying she should go alone. Away from them, away from where they could keep her protected. And the thought of something happening to her had his mouth leaping to stop her.

"You're right about feeling it, love. But I think it's worry, you're scared Seraphine, completely understandable. But ye can't go out there on yer own. 'Specially with no true destination in mind. I'm not sayin' we're gonna keep our heads in da sand, but yer brother would want ye safe. And we're gonna do that. Trust us Sera, we'll do whatever we can to find yer brother."

He helped her to stand, her legs wobbling from sitting down for so long. He supported her weight until she got her footing.

"How are we supposed to find him, Murph?"

"Gonna call Roc at first light, he keeps in certain circles. He should find some sort of lead of what we can do."

Sera gave a wimpy smile, trying to take in the assurance.

"Wanna head back up, aingeal?"

She shook her head. "I don't want to sleep, can't, right now. I'll just keep you and Conn up. I might walk for a while."

"We could go somewhere?"

She looked unsure but eager. "Where?"

He shrugged, taking the leash from her hand. "I know a place that's still open."

"Not McGinty's?"

Murphy couldn't stop but smirk. "Nope, not McGinty's."

"What about Connor?"

Murphy rolled his eyes. "Fuck him, he got his day with ye. If ye want, I'd like ye ta spend da night with me."

Her smile was genial, anxiety lingering in her features. "Okay. Murph, you got me. I'm curious to see where you take me at –" she glanced at her watch, "twelve forty at night, which makes it technically Christmas. Nothing's open on Christmas."

He grinned, taking her by the hand. "Trust me, love, there's always somewhere."

It was a good distance to walk and he kept his mouth shut. He knew she was struggling inside to keep herself together, so he allowed her peace until she was ready to come out. Yet he wasn't used to so much silence, and the impulse to break it had him fumbling to stick a cigarette in his mouth to muzzle it.

"I used to get jealous when I was a kid. So many Christmas decorations everywhere, but they are beautiful."

They had been walking past, from what he could tell in the dim light was the post office, the large pine they decorated blocking out the sign of the building. It was lit up in gold: the lights, ornaments, tinsel, and star all glimmering. The scene was a good contrast to their little tree back home where they paid tribute to Ireland by using the flag's colors.

"Yeah, a lot of 'em are nice ta look at. Always liked ta see the houses all lit up. Though some crazy bastards pay a fortune ta do up their yard."

She laughed, a genuine one, and he was glad to see her tension fade. "I like to look too. I enjoy the houses that do their lights in time to the music. It's like a concert on someone's lawn."

They walked past the tree, him taking her arm as they approached an intersection to cross.

"Those people have too much time on their hands if they do all that."

Her smile stayed in place, a playfulness entering her eyes. Letting her lean into him as they trudged several more blocks in the snow. When they approached the deserted building he saw her blink, skeptical.

"It's closed, Murph."

True the lights out front were out, and there wasn't a soul in sight, but he knew better. Putting a hand on his heart he motioned for her to follow with the other.

"Trust me, aingeal, it's not. We're just not at the correct entrance."

She let him lead her around to a loading area, her eyes taking in the towering pillars as he rang the bell. It took a while and he was about to call defeat that it was closed for the holidays when a burly man came and opened the door.

"Name?"

"MacManus."

The man nodded, moving so they could get in. Sera motioned to Shep but Murphy shook his head. People brought all kinds of things in; it was part of the attraction. When he heard her laughing he turned back to her grinning as well.

"What's so funny, Sera?"

She waved her hand around them. "All of this, it's a bit bizarre. So, they what, close the museum and turn it into a nightclub after hours?"

He moved his thumb across his lips, proud of himself for providing a distraction to her. "Sort of, a few people bring in food or hire someone ta cook accordin' to da occasion. Gives people a good chance ta look at the exhibits before they pack 'em up and cart 'em fer something else."

Her face was awestruck when they made it to the main lobby. He was happy to see the woman with the birds was still attending, make it less awkward for Sera and Shep.

"How'd you discover this place?"

"Wasn't hard. Had a coworker at one time that told us about it, said there was good drinks and good food. Why not try it?"

"So you and Connor come here a lot?"

He stiffened then. "Uh, no, Conn doesn't come here."

She shook her head before taking his hand. "He doesn't know you come here, does he?"

He shook his head, not making eye contact. "No, he doesn't. I know Conn wouldn't really think anything of it, but he'd give me a ribbing about it. I don't care about that so much. Hell, we both find anything we can to poke fun at each other. I love doing things with my brother, being around him, I just…"

"Needed something that was yours?"

He shifted on his feet, nodding, before glancing up. Her face was calm, a small smile on her face.

"But you shared this with me?"

"Well, yeah, you're interested in this too. Like ta be here by myself sometimes, but it'd be nice ta have someone to talk to about it."

She went to him, squeezing into his side, and he was happy to match the hold with his own.

"Thank you for doing this. Should we look around? Though I'd be fine sitting and seeing everyone's pets…that a lizard?"

He chuckled. "Yep, a monitor lizard. Seen him before, he's harmless."

She shook her head, boggled. "Feel like I fell down a rabbit hole or something."

He led her up the stairs, reaching for her hand when they weaved past people. "Expecting us ta go to a tea party then?"

She laughed. "Wouldn't mind it, but I know you prefer coffee."

"Ye do too."

"True."

She sprinted past him then, entering the white room. "It's Elsi Giauque, this is incredible, Murph. No one's shown her work in over a decade and never in America. "

He looked at the woven boxes, glancing back to her seeing her eyes light up in overwhelmed appreciation. He saw her hand twitching, wanting so bad to touch the delicate strands.

"'Élément spatial,' Do feel like I'm in space, make ye feel like yer floating."

She spun to him, grinning. "Yes! Exactly, at the same giving the illusion that everything's being held up but you."

This is why he wanted to bring her, she got it. Understood, and thrilled to be a part in it. He let her duck and go through the maze of boxes before leading her into the next room.

"Oh, spiders."

It was a crocheted web. It had many gaps and tears, some spaces looking like woven boxes or dreamcatchers.

"Took some plannin' on my part, love, but I finally ensnared ye."

The carefree trickles of laughter hitched his stomach, she was happy in this moment with him. Forgetting her troubles for now, and it made him happy too.

"Who said you ensnared anything? Maybe I willingly fell into the trap."

He was feeling shy again, pissing himself off. "Glad ye did."

She kissed his cheek, and he wanted to pull her in. But she eluded his hands.

"I'm afraid I enjoy the chase a tiny bit more."

She took off then, and his stomach flopped with giddiness as he went to catch her. It ended when he didn't find her right off. Each room he turned over either vacant or without any sign of her or Shepherd.

"Sera!"

He was about to get someone on the intercom when he felt a pair of arms clasp around his waist.

"Caught you."

"Sera! Jesus, lass, I was gettin' worried. Couldn't find ye."

Her face went contrite. "Sorry, Murph."

"S'okay, how about we stick together from here on?"

She smiled. "Fine by me. What would you like to see now?"

He gestured behind him. "Wanna go get a drink, and sit a minute?"

"Sure."

"They got those fruity drinks if ye ain't up ta the hard stuff."

She mock glared at him. "I think I keep up pretty well for someone who doesn't drink much."

"Aye, ye do. Just don't want yer stomach feelin' it da next day s'all."

Approaching the bar, they were greeted by the bartender asking what they would like.

"Guinness is fine with me, how bout you, aingeal?"

She wasn't looking at the bar though, but a couple sitting at the fountain several feet away.

"I want what they have."

He put his arm around her. "Thought we did."

She snorted before turning her eyes to the bartender who chuckled.

"That'd be verte absinthe, a specialty tonight. One of the curators here had it bought at auction, it's sealed date was 1910."

He saw Sera's gaze wither. "Oh, that sounds expensive."

"I'll get it fer ye, love."

She shook her head, when the bartender spoke up.

"The first shot's on the house for all lovebirds tonight. If you like it we have Absente, which is Spanish absinthe. It was made more recent and easily bought so they're free."

"We'll try a shot of the fancy one first then."

It was an interesting process, watching the sugar melt into the cup, the bright green turning murky as it drizzled in. Didn't look quite appetizing, but he supposed it'd be fine for one shot.

Taking her glass, Sera sniffed the contents. "Do you think we'll see the green fairy?"

He grinned. "Never drank anything enough that I saw a Tinkerbell."

She looked to the bartender who shook his head. "Not likely, ma'am, there's no hallucinogenic properties in the contents. Mostly people who seen things are either very drunk, mentally unstable, or they took something beforehand."

She clinked her glass to his. "Or they wanted to see something so bad that they did. Bottom's up."

Her eyes were focused on the ceiling, face showing reluctance until the she got the taste.

"It tastes like licorice."

He never cared for licorice, but he raised his glass just the same and drained it. He studied the frothy remains at the bottom, unimpressed by the drink.

"Didn't taste any alcohol in there."

The bartender raised his brows up, amused. "It's sixty-eight percent alcohol, sir."

Murphy pointed to the various liquor bottles. "Is that other one stronger?"

"It's seventy-four percent."

"Give me a shot of that one then."

He glanced over at Sera. "Ye want some more?"

She shook her head. "Nope. I think it's meant to trick you, the taste, I might be falling over my feet on this one shot."

"Doubt that, I'll take a few shots and a bottle of Guinness. After that if ye want ta look around some more –"

She kissed him then, he could taste licorice from the anise on her. He couldn't help the smirk when she pulled away.

"See that fairy's workin' fer me."

"Hush, I'm having fun. Thank you for bringing me here, Murphy."

The sincerity stilled him. "S'no problem, love. Place cheers me up sometimes, hoping it'd do that fer you."

"It did. Take your shots I want a dance before we go."

He nearly choked then. There were a few people dancing nearby, an antique record player crooning off a melody. But Connor was the dancer, not him, Murphy's way of romancing played to sitting in the back booth and splitting a smoke. Yet the way Sera looked at him made him compliant. Taking one more swig he followed her, terrified he was going to make a fool of himself. She stood waiting for him, unafraid, as he put his hands on her waist, winding her arms around his neck he began to sway to the music. Being unsure of what to do with his feet.

"This is why I like to dance, makes a good excuse to be close in public."

He gave a toothy smile then. "If that's all ye wanted…"

He trailed off when she tucked her head beneath his chin, the light thud of her heart beating on his chest. He felt at ease, didn't give a damn if people looked, or if he tripped on his own feet – he had his angel in his arms.

"Tá a fhios agat Is breá liom tú, nach tú?" (You know I love you, don't you?)

She pulled away, enough so that she could see his eyes. "Is féidir liom. Agus is breá liom tú ró. An bhfuil a fhios agat go bhfuil?" (I do. And I love you too. Do you know that?)

His smile was gentle, trying not to break the moment. "Sea mo ghrá. Ach raibh a fhios agat go bhfuil tú mo chéad? Measaim go bhféadfadh tú a bheith ar mo amháin." (Yes, my love. But did you know that you're my first? I think you might be my only.)

He began to panic, waiting for her reaction. Twenty-seven and never been in love before her, saying that she may be the only one for him. He was implying so much and he was afraid that with everything happening it would put her off. But just the same with all the things that could happen he wasn't going to let the opportunity go. He wasn't going to wake up and regret tomorrow. Her forehead went to rest on his jaw, as the song ended, he could hear the inhalation of breath.

"Tá sé eagla orm go is dóigh liom an gcéanna mar gheall ort. An bheirt agaibh." (It scares me that I feel the same about you. Both of you.)

He folded himself so there wasn't any space between them, letting his hands grip her hips. He dipped down taking her lips more roughly than he intended. Murphy didn't want her to be scared, but he wanted her to know it was okay. That he was scared too, scared of screwing things up, and scared of the things that could get in the way. She kissed back with equal vigor, hands going from his neck to his hair, trying to pull him closer though there wasn't any distance left. A growl rumbled up, he could feel it playing across his ribs up to his throat and into her mouth. She groaned when it hit her, hands beginning to wander away under his shirt.

"Guys are da ones to sneak a grope, girlie."

Her teeth grazed his jaw when he pulled away, and he wanted to feel that plush, little mouth all on him.

"Didn't think I was sneaking, Mr. MacManus. Only trying to keep some composure since we're surrounded."

Fuck they were, between her and the drinks his head had swum away. "Be best if we get our way home, aye lass?"

"Sounds like a good damn idea, laddie."

He chuckled. "You just wait, aingeal. Be gettin' ye fer that."

It was more difficult than he thought, and Sera was the one having to lead the way back.

"That ain't fair."

"What's not fair?"

"Fuckin' drinks, didn't taste no alcohol in 'em. Now they're puttin' me off my ass."

She giggled, trying to keep him balanced against her. Honestly, he was exaggerating, sure he was feeling smacked harder by the shots than he thought he would but he was capable of walking fine on his own if he wanted. He enjoyed her hands on him, Connor would say she was babying him, but he didn't give a shit. He liked her taking care of him, even if he came off as a drunk.

"From how you look you may have a good chance of seeing that fairy tonight."

He stood straighter then, pulling out of her hold and taking her in his. "Don't need ta see a fuckin' fairy, grá, already caught me an angel."

She squirmed in his embrace, playful, as she snorted. "I think you're full of it."

He wiggled his eyebrows. "Could make ye full of something."

He loved watching that flush came up in her pale cheeks as she cleared her throat. "Got to say, I've wanted to bring it up so you better not be teasing me on that. I've wanted to…"

He saw that flush turn deeper, feeling his own as his neck began heating up. "Wanted what, Seraphine?"

"Both of you, I'm not sure how we could go about the first time, but I want to somehow."

God, she's thought about it. Him and Connor had shared a few girls before, but never had one like this that offer herself to them both much less at the same time.

"Need ta take that road slow, lass, want ta savor ye on my own first. Dear brother can sit there and watch me make yer insides crumble, how's that sound?"

"Da fuck you three been?"

His gaze slid to Connor, clothes thrown on haphazardly having flipped out that he was alone.

"Couldn't sleep, thought I'd take our girl ta see da sights."

"Ye could've left a fuckin' note, woke up and couldn't find either of ye."

He smirked, Sera was the mediator now, though Murphy couldn't help the twinge of guilt in worrying his brother.

"We're sorry, Conn, I was having a rough night, and Murphy was trying to cheer me up."

"Could've woke me, love, would've been glad ta put a smile on yer face."

Murphy laughed then. "That's just what we were gettin' home ta do."

His brother tilted his head in confusion, while Murphy pulled Sera behind him to their building.

"Murph said you've been waiting on the right moment. I think now is a pretty good one, and he agreed with me."

"Whole-heartedly, and ye can either sulk and watch or ye can join in or something."

Going into their room, he let Sera settle Shepherd down, taking the time to strip down to his boxers now.

"We're rushing her."

"I don't think we are, Conn. Think we all need this."

He fucking did for sure. He was so hard he thought his dick would take off like a damn rocket. He flopped down on the bed, lounging until she got back when he opened his arms.

"Take me, lass, I'm all yers. Not you."

He was pointing to Connor then who had his arms crossed.

"Conn, you okay? If you don't want to do this with us…I mean, I understand. But I don't need the bed to be covered in rose petals or champagne I just want you both."

His brother's gaze softened on her. "Just want ya ta remember it, grá milis, want ye ta know how much ye mean ta us."

Murphy watched her approach him, her knuckles gliding on his cheek. "It's not going to be the location or the stuff that does that, it's you, Conn, you and Murph."

Her words touched him, and was easily felt that it got to his brother too.

"Yer needed too, aingeal, wouldn't want Connor's naked ass near me if you weren't involved."

"Fuck off, Murph."

He grinned, happy the mood was lightened. "If it's all right with ye, Sera, you're wearing too many damn clothes fer me."

She turned back to Connor, sweet smile on her face as she tugged his sleeve towards the bed. Letting go she made her way over taking her jacket and shirt off while she did.

"Ye didn't wear a fucking bra?"

She smirked. "Thought me and Shep were only going around the block."

She shimmied on her knees towards him on the bed. "Where're yer manners at? Don't put yer shoes on da bed lass."

She grinned, rolling on her back to kick them off. "Connor?"

"He's wanting a show, aingeal."

He saw that impish look in his brother's eye, a telltale sign he was right. Whereas Murphy tended to overlook things, jumping to do them his own way – Connor was an observer. He liked to study what he was getting into, usually one of his stupid ideas popping in his head while he was doing it.

"Come on, Sera, I want ta see the angel."

She was hesitant for a second, intimidated at being watched, scrutinized, but her eyes lit back up on him. "Fairy."

"Nope, want my angel, take those pants off fer us."

She shook her head in amusement, hands going to her jeans as she chucked off her boots. Yes, where Connor thought things out, Murphy preferred his instincts to guide him. Right now, he wanted his girl bare, and from the looks of the tent in his brother's pants so did he.

"Ye gonna take those off or punch a hole in the only good pair of pants ye got?"

Connor swore at him, making him laugh, surprised when soft skin was pressed against him.

"You should be nice to your brother."

He groaned, his hands racing across Sera's flesh. The way she had positioned herself made it easy for him to lick up the middle of her sternum to her collarbone, nudging his nose as he planted kisses around her breasts.

"Will do just about anything fer ye, love, but that ain't gonna happen. 'Sides he's always mean ta me."

"Am not ye damn prick."

"See."

She snorted at them both, her mouth mimicking his as she trailed up from his navel creating a fork as she went to tweak a nipple with the tip of her tongue. She shivered as the blunt nubs of his nails trailed down her spine to grab at the globes of her backside. She was paying him back for all the times he left hickeys on her, feeling that delicious suction on his neck and chest. Those soft hands moving aimless around his skin, tugging the curls on hair that was over his heart. He felt a dip in the bed and knew it was Connor, he knew his brother was coming in for a better look so he could get comfortable. They had discussed this before, and would both take their own time with her, not wanting to scare her with too much. He knew he's brother would enjoy sitting there and watching til he got his turn.

"Flip over, Seraphine."

She off his chest, letting him guide her back to the bed. He couldn't help but ogle her – pale milky skin with a few scattered freckles from where the sun had touched. Deep burgundy lips that matched her nipples and the coloring to her labia, hazel eyes glinting as she squirmed under his hands and his scrutiny. His gaze flicked back down, he had only begun to touch her yet with her legs open to fit him in he could see how wet she was her inner folds swollen as they peeked out from her lips. Lowering himself he heard her gasp as his tongue caught her juice, wanting to lap her up like a bowl of soup, and when she started mewling her hips bucking up he knew she was almost there. He went back up, feeling her knees on his hips.

"Murph."

That low moan of desperation had him quivering, kissing her to fill her mouth with the amaroidal taste of herself. Snugging himself in, he fit himself at her entrance, the little hole pulsing for him to come in, he was going to when his brother had to ruin it.

"The fuck ye doin'?"

He knew he his eyes looked crazed, but he didn't give two shits at the moment. "The fuck's it look like?"

Connor rolled from his side. "We don't have no protection do we?"

"Fuck."

He hadn't thought of that, none of them had, and he was running his hand over his hair when he felt Sera tugging him.

"No, it's okay, it's fine –"

"Sera we can't take a chance like that right now."

"No, I take the pills, the fucking, birth control…will you just get the fuck in?"

He couldn't stop the chuckle that came. "A tad anxious, aren'tcha there?"

"Well, if you don't want to…"

He pinned her down when she started to roll towards Connor. Giving a moment to gather herself before spearing her. He caught a hold of his brother's gasp as she screamed in surprise. She was snug around him, the perfect amount of warmth and wetness. He was close to spilling ito her that he had to take a few breaths before he thought to move.

It'd been a while, the months they took to get to know one another had rendered them celibate, and though her mouth was bliss it hadn't prepared him for this. After a few practice pumps he picked up his rhythm tilting her hips to push himself in further. Her keening was throwing him off, the sound making his balls draw up tighter and quicker than he wanted. Keeping up his pace, he propped himself on one arm to reach between them and tease her clit. He had to make sure she came along with him, and the way she was driving her hips back into his, her nails digging in his forearms she was getting there.

"Murphy."

A breathless whisper, her eyes feverish as if she were in pain. His fingers gathered up the hardened nub, tips of his fingers stoking downward until her body stiffened, head thrown back as she let out a strangled yelp. He felt her walls spasm, like a vacuum, milking him so his body could let go inside her. And not long after she came apart he was able to follow, except at the last second he decided to pull out. His fluids pouring out over her stomach, he smiled tired, letting his head fall between her breasts her heartbeat erratic, both gulping air to steady their breathing.

"Since ye painted my brother, thought I'd take the chance ta paint ye, ár stór milis." (Our sweet treasure.)

He heard a winded chuckle in response, he closed his eyes, feeling her hands come around him – one rubbing his back while the other wiped the sweat from his face, smoothing back his hair. After a few minutes he heard Connor muttering, knowing his brother was checking to see if Sera was all right enough to continue. He could barely move, and he hoped the assertion didn't drain everything from her.

"Move yer ass, Murph."

He grunted in protest, but rolled over as gentle as he could. Connor shifted, regarding Sera to make sure she really was okay while he helped situate her on top of him. The way Murphy had himself, he laid side by side with his brother, able to see almost the exact same angle as him. Connor guided her hips in a much more unhurried pace, and Murphy was mesmerized watching Sera's body slowly swallow his brother's up. She seemed fine with the speed that was set, her hands skimming over his torso. She watched in concentration, awed by the way Connor's muscles would twitch and jump under her touch. As the temp picked up, Murphy saw a solitary bead of sweat making its way down her neck, past the valley of her chest, down to her stomach. He wanted to lick it up, but he knew his time had passed for right now, the teardrop trail belonging to Connor.

Connor's expression was one of pure marvel, like his eyes couldn't believe the sight in front of him. Murphy noted neither looked away from the other, the intensity of their gaze daunting as she took control rolling her hips faster, the vein in Connor's forehead was throbbing, a sign he was approaching the edge. His brother sat up, taking her waist, drawing out their strokes.

"Ye almost there, aingeal? Ye gotta come fer me too."

She nodded, their position draping her hair over them when she bent to kiss him. Connor let her decide the speed, her body hammering up and down along him when she finally pushed her hips down hard, inhaling sharply though no sound came. Murphy saw his brother's face turn a bright red, before emptying himself into her. Sliding off, Sera fit herself between them on the bed, and he reached out the tuck the hair hiding her face away.

"Ye okay?"

She didn't respond at first and he thought she had fallen asleep.

"I think I found the way to Nirvana."

Connor laughed. "So yer a Buddhist now?"

She hummed in reply, reaching out to bring him to her to kiss him. She did the same with Murphy, her arm moving behind her to find him.

"Thank you both, I think I'll be able to sleep now."

Murphy couldn't stop his hands gliding down her body, caressing her while her body sunk off to sleep.

"We love ye, girl."

"Hmmm…I love you both too….so much."

When her breathing evened out he looked at his brother. "Wanna get a smoke?"

"Aye. Sneak out on da rooftop and let her sleep."

Murphy nodded, throwing on his boxers and coat along with his brother following up the set of stairs that led to the top of the building.

"So ye gonna tell me why both of ye were out so late?"

Murphy chewed his lip, letting his cigarette bounce between his fingers. "Found her out there on the curb. She's been tryin' ta call her brother. But neither him or da other girl's been answering."

Connor's brow creased with concern. "Ye think something happened to 'em?"

"She does. Was cryin' her eyes out, she doesn't know what ta do. Hell, Conn, I don't either. But she wanted ta take off not knowin' where to go or what she was getting inta. I wasn't gonna let her take off like that."

Connor ran a hand over his face. "No, she don't need ta leave. She's panicking, probably not able ta think straight right now. We need ta set her down and talk to her about it…we took advantage of her tonight, Murph. She's out there feelin' like that and we toss her into bed with us."

"I don't think that's how it is, Conn. I think it comforted her. Showed her we're with her."

"Maybe. Can't imagine what's goin' on in her head though. Ta lose her sister and now her brother's lost out there…couldn't…it'd drive me insane if it were you."

Murphy nodded solemnly. "Aye, we'll find him, take care of whatever needs ta be done."

Connor nodded in agreement, flicking his butt into the alley. "Better get back inside, freezin' my damn nuts off out here."

Murphy waited a while more, looking out at the darkened city, it was quiet, peaceful, and he wondered if it would last. Getting back inside, Conn had already settled back in bed, arm slung over Sera to pull her against him. His mind was too awake to follow, opting instead to pull off one of the albums from the shelf. He enjoyed looking through the pictures, though it embarrassed their girl. A picture was a window, and he wanted to peer into as many as he could. Watching her grow up in each frame, sometimes pouting, but overall she smiled. Especially with her family, the one he turned to now of her and her sister. They favored each other a great deal. Twin broad smiles as they faced each other. The two untroubled without a care, laughter radiating off the page, he wanted Sera to have that look again. With his back resting on the headboard he settled in, Sera's warm body beside him as he thumbed through her past. Soon slumping over as he fell asleep.

He woke to something warm on his face, scrunching up his eyes before they opened he was graced with Connor sidled right up next to him. He was about to smack him when he heard the shower running. Sera wasn't in bed with them. With a sly grin, he took off his boxers jumping from the bed to get behind the curtain. Her chin was raised up, letting the warm spray run over her body. Turning her neck she squinted at him from the corner of her eye, a small smile on her lips.

"What're you think you're doing?"

He grinned. "Our girl never showers in here with us. Had ta take the chance."

She blushed. "I was afraid if I used the other shower I wouldn't hear the timer on the stove. I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Nope, Conn nasty breath did."

"So mean."

Moving from her spot she pulled him under the water, soaping up her loofah to help wash him.

"I could get used ta this. Ye need any help with cleaning."

She shook her head. "No, but thank you. Just want to take care of you right now."

He reached out to her, pulling her to him. His hands slipping on her from the water. "Ye do take care of us, Seraphine. Want ta take care of you. So ye miss any spots? Behind the ears? Toes? Need someone to soap yer back?"

She giggled, her eyes twinkling. Not as brightly as they were in the photos but pretty damn close.

"I'm good, I beat you to it already."

"My luck wasn't as good as I thought then."

"I can still wash you though."

He didn't want her to think she had to but with some coaxing she did. The tender touches making his body limp, he hadn't been so relaxed in a good while.

"Y'know it's Christmas morning, lass, let's go open our presents. Noticed Santa left some under da tree."

That sparkle was still there but she shook her head. "Have to wait until Conn wakes up for that."

His mouth fell open. "Fuck that, I'll wake him."

He had gotten a pillow to toss at him when Sera stopped him. "No, come on and help me cook, Murph. He should wake soon."

He let out an exasperated grunt. "Don'tcha want ta know what ye got?"

"Yeah, but I also want to finish cooking. We have to lug it down to McGinty's by six. Claudette's taking care of the ham, and everyone's supposed to bring a dish. But I'm still behind. I haven't even started on the babka yet."

He flung the pillow back down and followed her into the makeshift kitchen. Since getting the stove the apartment had usually remained fragrant with the goodies she'd make.

"What's that?"

"Babka?"

He nodded.

"It's Challah but with raisins and nuts in it, kind of like a cinnamon roll. I think you'll like it. I finished the apple cake earlier. Doc told me his mom used to make it for him, and I thought it'd be kind of neat to have since for Rosh Hashanah it's tradition to make a honey and apple cake."

"Why was it a tradition?"

"Because both things are sweet…it's the Jewish New Year so sweet things to make a sweet year."

"Sounds like a good way ta start it."

"Yeah, my Nonni could make the best kind. Oh! And her rugelach! Best thing to ever go in your mouth."

He snuck behind her hands slipping around her waist. "I could think of something sweeter in my mouth, aingeal."

Kissing her thoroughly she pulled back flushed. "Keep being naughty like that and Santa's going to take back those gifts."

"I think ye like it love."

Rubbing her lips together the red went high in her cheeks. "I do. Very much so. How about I make us some pancakes and coffee while we wait for Conn? I put the beef on when I woke up, and wet it not too long ago. I peeled the potatoes for the colcannon. But I'll wait to put those on so the cabbage isn't too soggy."

Murphy was ahead of her, coffee percolating as he gathered up the mix. "Can't wait ta tell ma we had a taste of Ireland fer Christmas."

"You're going to call her before we leave aren't you?"

"Course, as soon as sleeping beauty gets up."

She laughed, as they went on to make breakfast. They were halfway through the meal and Connor still hadn't risen. Getting agitated Murphy started flicking pieces of pancake at his brother. Hitting him in the nose a few times, one piece clung to the side of his head.

"Da fuck?"

"Merry Christmas brother, get the hell up so I can open my presents."

Connor looked at him, anger and grogginess evident. His hair flattened on one side as he blinked around him. "It's early."

"Is not, gotta eat and open presents before we call ma, then we got ta go ta Mass before we make our haul to McGinty's so get yer lazy ass up."

Connor grumbled, wiping the syrupy dough off his face.

"Nollaig Shona, Conn." (Merry Christmas)

"Nollaig Shona a thabhairt duit chomh maith, aingeal milis. Been a good girl during the year ain'tcha?" (Merry Christmas to you as well, sweet angel.)

"I'm afraid you missed the chance for me to sit on your lap and tell you. Come and sit down and I'll fix you a plate."

"He can do it himself, Sera."

"I know, but I want to. Besides you two have presents to open."

"Ye got some here too."

Sera had poured Conn some coffee and was handing it to him before he even made his brain made him move towards the table. Murphy got up, snatching her arm and pulling her to the couch.

"I really wished you guys didn't get me anything."

"Yeah, but we wanted to, so come one and open one with us."

Going through the boxes he was amazed by the thought put into the presents. Him and Conn usually tossed each other a pack of cigarettes on Christmas, but Sera tried to get them something that they'd like to do or use. Besides the clothes, though he was thankful for them wasn't going to slow him down from tearing into the other gifts, he got a book about art from ancient to modern times, a new razor kit, and odd enough a bow and quivers when he turned to her she shrugged.

"I don't know. I saw it and it made me think of you. I almost bought the crossbow, but thought better of it and decided not to."

He chuckled. "A good thing, archery's for the Scots not the Irish."

"You never know, I think you'd be good at it."

Connor chortled then. "Hell aingeal, knowing him he'd end up putting his own damn eye out with the thing."

"Stick it up yer ass, Conn. Like ta know how well off you'd be with that martial arts shit she got ye."

He was able to see the smile fade from her face. "If you guys want, I have the receipts -"

"It's not like that, love, we like our gifts very much. We haveta mess with each other though. Wish ye hadn't spent so much money on us though."

"Like you said before, I wanted to. There's still one more to you both."

"We'll open that, if you'll open this one. Murph and me have been itchin' ta give it to ye."

Murphy's eyes went to the little box Connor held out. It wasn't exactly what he had wanted to get her, but they agreed this would be a good step for them. That it'd show what she meant to them.

"Oh, my God."

They both piped in. "Lord's name."

Was that good or bad? She looked like she was going to cry. "Do ye not like it?"

Her response was to hurdle towards them, trying to capture them both in her arms. Drawing back she swallowed deeply.

"It's incredible, I love it. Thank you."

"May I put it on ye, aingeal?"

She nodded and he wanted to hit his brother for thinking to ask before him. He saw the silvers and diamond shining as it was placed around her neck.

"It's the Triquetra, the Trinity knot. In Ireland it's s'pposed ta symbolize the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but we thought that we can let it stand for, ye know, the three of us."

His thumb went to his mouth, chewing the cuticle as his eyes went away when his hand was tugged down replaced with her soft lips.

"Thank you, Murph. This means so much to me, everything."

She went to kiss Conn, getting rid of the remainder of his jitters by opening their last gift, a homebrewers kit. It made the two of them laugh, Sera's tinkling laughter chiming in with them. They had called their Ma, Murphy choking when she asked to speak to Sera. She was terrified herself shaking her head and pulling away until she was placated that their Ma couldn't come through the phone on her. She eased when they started talking, staying a tad self conscious though their Ma swore to keep it tamed. He noticed, she made no promises for the next time. Sera poured another bottle of Guinness on the spiced beef putting the meat on low to simmer while they were out at Christmas Mass. Once over gathering everything to take to McGinty's. It had been a wonderful evening. Everyone having a good time, stuffed to the brim and laughed out, the three made their way towards the door when Claudette left Rocco's side to hold out an envelope.

"I nearly forgot to give this to you."

Sera's face contorted to meek confusion. "You didn't have to do that, Claudette."

The blonde blushed, shoulders rising up to her ears. "I-I didn't. It was dropped off at the school. With you gone, we had a last second call in before break to figure out what we should do with the art program. I was shredding some papers when I saw this in your inbox. It had your name on it, thought you'd want it."

Sera thanked her, hugging her one more time before they left.

"I'm afraid to open it."

But she did, tearing into the top of the envelope revealing a card. Opening he saw her eyes soften, a small amount of surprise and fear climbing in them.

"Who's it from, Sera?"

Her hand went to her mouth, voice broken. "Lilly."

She closed her eyes and he knew she was trying to calm herself. "It's bad, whatever this is. It's got to be bad."

She let them take the card, seeing neat handwriting marking out two sentences.

I'll see you soon. Please don't do anything stupid until then.

Trying to decipher the words Murphy searched himself trying to figure out how bad this could all go.