A/N: Alright, guys, last chapter!

After this story, I'll be writing one more before I go back to school, called "A Mother's Dilemma." After the explosion in the courtroom that lands Apollo in the hospital (during Dual Destinies), Thalassa Gramarye show up. Phoenix wont let her in unless she tells Apollo and Trucy the truth about her, but she wont. Phoenix giver her two months to tell the siblings, or he will.

You all can thank WolfieRed23 for asking me about a story about the relationship between Trucy, Apollo, and Thalassa, and while I had nothing planned, plot bunnies began to be born.

But, the end of this story first. ONWARD!

Chapter Twelve – Returning Home

July 12, 1:04pm

Fey Manor

Family Room

"Trucy!" Misty said, darting over to her older sister and tugging on her cape. Trucy looked down and smiled, even if she didn't quite feel like it.

"Yeah?"

"Where's Daddy?"

Trucy bit her lip. This was the eighth time one of the twins had asked about Phoenix just today, umpteenth million time in the last week since he went away.

"He went away for work, remember?"

"Yeah…" Misty sniffled, looking down. Trucy hesitated before reaching into her back and pulling a lever. The Amazing Mr. Hat spun his way out from beneath her cape, stole her hat, and placed it on his own head.

"Don't worry, Misty! Your daddy will be home soon," Mr. Hat said. Misty squealed, distracted from her sadness. Joshua, who was playing with blocks, also squealed when seeing Mr. Hat, and shot over, jumping up and down. Trucy smiled slightly at that, letting Mr. Hat tell jokes to the twins that she read off the backs of Laffy-Taffy's.

Just then, the door opened. All four looked up. In the doorway stood Maya and Phoenix. Phoenix had a shirt with a higher collar, hiding the deep bruising around his throat.

"Daddy!" the twins squealed at the same time, darting over and launching themselves at him. He laughed, catching the two and hugging them tightly.

"I missed you two," he said softly to them both, before looking up and quirking an eyebrow at Trucy. "Too old for a hug, Truce?"

Trucy pressed her lips together, Mr. Hat going back into hiding under his cape. She was trying hard not to cry, but unlike the twins, she knew exactly what had been going on.

"D-daddy…" she sniffled, unable to hold back the tears. She ran forward and threw her arms around the man and the twins, surprising all three of them.

"Trucy?" Joshua asked in worry. Phoenix maneuvered the twins so that Maya could take them, then hugged Trucy tightly, rubbing her back, a sense of déjà vu stealing over him. Maya had the same reaction earlier this morning.

"Don't worry, sweetie. I'm okay," he said softly.

"I know," Trucy mumbled against his chest, burying her face more. Phoenix smiled, lifting up and removing her silk hat before kissing the top of her head. Maya smiled warmly at the picture.

A little later, once the twins were in bed, Phoenix sat down and pulled out his new cell phone, dialing a number and putting the phone to his ear. A few minutes later, he smiled.

"Hey, Professor. Do I have a story for you."

July 12, 10:03pm

The Drake Residence

Elena sighed, one hand buried in her hair, the other resting on the keyboard of her computer. She was supposed to be writing an article about the religious wars in the middle east, to be run tomorrow morning, but all she could think about was Nate and Sully.

"I hope you two are safe," she breathed, minimizing the word processor and studying the desktop picture. It was of her and Nate on their last anniversary, on the beach.

Just then, a pair of callused hands covered her eyes. Elena, reacting on instincts honed by years of running around with Nate and constantly being in danger, slammed her elbow back into the man's stomach.

"Oof!"

She then pushed the computer chair back, hard, into the man, stood, and turned quickly, bringing her hands up to protect herself.

Nate stood, crouched over, his arms wrapped around his stomach.

"Jesus, woman!" he wheezed, trying to catch his breath.

"Nate!" Elena said with a huge grin, darting over and throwing her arms around the man and kissing him. Nate pulled away after a moment before finally catching her breath.

"Hi. That type of foreplay was new," Nate said with a grin. Elena rolled her eyes. But grinned, kissing him again.

A/N: The end! Nate should know better then to sneak up on Elena, hehe. And oh Trucy, trying to be the strong older sister.

Well, onto planning the next story!