A/N: Thanks to Yva J. for your helpfulness. I cannot believe how many typos I have!

And special thanks to Amber-Jade, MiniLibrian, and Earth Guardian. You guys have been reading through the beginning, and have stayed on faithful – you rock!

"Meg, it don't bloody matter what you wear tonight, you'll look gorgeous just the same!" Mike told his wife.

"Hold your horses." Meg said, carefully pinning her hair out of her face. "We don't have to be there until six-thirty."

"It's six o'clock right now!" Mike exclaimed. "And remember, New York traffic is crazy."

"It is." Meg agreed, giving her husband a peck on the cheek. "I suppose it's a good thing we don't have to worry about the traffic."

It was the next day, Tuesday. Or rather, it was the next evening. It was Tuesday evening, and Mike, Meg, Bailee and Cameryn were about to go Below for the children's Halloween show and party. Things had cooled down reasonably between Mike and Meg. They had both been tired the previous day, and stressed out from traveling, which, like always, made situations seem worse then they really are. Mike had since apologized to Meg for making them look like ungrateful snobs in front of Joe, and had apologized for the rest of his behavior. Meg had accepted his apologies, but wearily. She knew all too well that tonight, after the party when Mike's stress had reached the max, he would accuse her for talking to other men. It was crazy, but she had put up with it since high school, and was used to it.

"You girls ready?" Meg walked out of Catherine's room and into the sitting area, where Bailee was helping Cameryn fasten the crown on Cameryn's head, with no success.

"Almost." Bailee grunted.

"Honey, let mommy take care of Cameryn's crown, okay?" Mike said, stepping out of Catherine's room. "You just finish putting on your costume."

"I am finished." Bailee saying, turning in a small circle, showing Mike her costume, which was complete with white slippers, her white gown, wings and a halo.

"Only you have a couple problems." Meg laughed, adjusting Bailee's wings so that they wouldn't hang lopsided. She took off Bailee's halo and handed Bailee a hairbrush. "Brush that tangled rats nest of your before you put your halo on."

She went over to Cameryn, who looked as cute as could be with her pink Glinda gown and wings, her naturally brown curly hair hanging in a mess after the failed crowning attempt. "Well, how's my little witch?" she asked Cameryn, sorting out the curls before pinning the crown into place. "There," she said, finishing, and handing Cameryn her 'magic' wand. "You're done."

She took the brush from Bailee and quickly finished brushing out Bailee's black hair before fastening the halo on her head. "And you're done too! Well, don't you two look gorgeous?"

Mike smiled at the three of them. Meg was good with kids - that was for sure. And the kids looked great. Mike was certain they'd be the belles of the ball, so to speak. But then again, there might not be a party. As much as Mike wanted to believe Meg about Below and such, was it really possible? Had they flown all the way over here for nothing? Well, he'd soon find out, right?

"Time to go!" Meg announced, grabbing the tray of cupcakes she had purchased for the party. "Come and grab my free hand, Bailee. Mike, can you take-"

"I'm on it." Mike said, scooping up Cameryn in his arms.

"Let's go." Meg said, heading out the door.

"Wait!" Mike said. "Those doors are unlocked!" He motioned to the French doors.

Meg stared at him. "So?"

"So someone could break in." He explained.

Meg sighed. "Catherine keeps them unlocked at all times for Vincent. And if anyone wanted to rob Catherine, do you really think they'd climb the entire eighteen stories – and make it without falling, especially on the way down? I don't think so."

"Right." Mike said slowly, following Meg out the door and locking the apartment door behind him. "So what you're saying is that this Vincent can climb up eighteen stories with no problem? Right. This I gotta see."

"It's true." Meg insisted. "And I never said with no problem. I don't know how he does it but he does. Once you see him, you'll believe me. He's huge!"

"Huge?" Mike looked at her with doubt.

"Taller and bigger than you." Meg led her small family into the elevator and pressed the button for the basement. "At least five inches taller than you, and at least two hundred pounds."

"Wow, big guy." Mike said.

"That's the funny thing." Meg said thoughtfully. "He's kind of slender. I guess its all muscle."

Mike looked at Meg skeptically. "You've noticed? Oh boy."

Meg sighed. "Is it a crime, noting whether one is slender or not?"

Mike realized what Meg was saying, that noticing one's weight was hardly 'checking them out'. "Sorry." He mumbled. "You're just so beautiful; hate to lose you."

That's what Meg couldn't stand about Mike. It seemed every five minutes he was making a comment about losing her. He really was rather paranoid that she'd leave him? Never! Well, she'd consider it if he didn't stop those comments soon enough!

"Uh, why are we going down to the basement?" Mike wanted to know as the elevator jerked to a stop.

"Because that's where-"Meg stopped as the elevator door opened and she saw two workmen down there, working near the Tunnel entrance. "Wrong floor." She finished her sentence lamely, pushing the UP button to go to the lobby.

"What's wrong?" Mike hissed as the elevator doors closed and the elevator began to lift.

"There are men working down there!" Meg whispered in reply. "They can't see us go Below and why are we whispering?"

"I don't know." Mike whispered back, laughing. "So now what's our plan?" he asked in normal voice as the elevator stopped with a ding! And let out its passengers.

Meg sighed. "I know there's an entrance over by Central Park, but I don't know how far away Central Park is!"

"It's not too far." A man commented, overhearing the last part of their conversation. "But you'll make it quicker by walking; the streets at this time of day are-"

"Thanks!" Meg interrupted him, taking Mike's hand and beginning to jog out the door.

"Meg, slow down!" Mike exclaimed, laughing as Bailee hurried to catch up with her parents. "We're going to lose someone!"

"Oh, Bailee, sorry." Meg apologized to her daughter, firmly re-clasping Bailee's hand. "Let's see if someone can show us the way to Central Park." She turned to a woman who was walking past them. "Excuse me, but do you know the way to Central Park?"

The woman shook her head. "No, but you can just take a cab. The streets aren't too bad this time of the day."

"Thanks." Meg said, turning back to Mike. "Now what do we do? That man just told us that the streets-"

"I know what he told us." Mike said with a sigh. "How much are cabs?"

"How much do you have?" Meg teased her husband. "Don't worry about the cost, 'kay? It won't be too bad and knowing Catherine-"

"She'd insist of reimbursing us." Mike finished, knowing his wife's cousin all too well. "Okay, let's find ourselves a cab."

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

"You will all do fine," Vincent assured the children. "You have all worked very hard and I am very proud of each and every one of you – all of us are proud of you."

He turned to go. He felt rather sorry for Catherine, who could not attend the party. Father said it would be fine if she just sat there, but Catherine declined, saying that she'd rather rest, and have Vincent tell her all about it later that evening.

That was the part Vincent was most excited about. After the children's show, Vincent was going to ease out of the party scene and into the baby's chamber. He was going to take her Above and into Central Park was all he knew, but Catherine apparently had more up her sleeve. He knew that Joe knew what her secret was, and he had a good idea that Mary knew too, and William seemed to have a good idea of what the secret was too. It puzzled him. What kind of secret would Catherine have that Joe, Mary and William knew that had to do with tonight? Well, time would tell.

He hesitated outside the baby's chamber. "Catherine?" he called through the curtain.

"Vincent, come in!" Catherine called.

Vincent took a step in. Catherine was sitting crossed-legged on the bed, lightly holding her belly and biting her lip.

"What's the matter?" Vincent asked, rushing to her side, feeling her pain for the first time. Apparently, she had blocked it from him.

"Nothing." Catherine grimaced. "My stomach is a bit upset and my back is aching, but aside from that, I'm alive." She looked up at him. "What are you doing here? Don't you have children to tend to?"

"I did." He answered. He looked at her concernedly. "Why didn't you let me feel your pain?"

"Because it's no big deal!" Catherine said. "And why would I pull you away from your work when it isn't a big deal?"

Vincent sighed. "Catherine, we have been over this. Please, do not block me out. I need to know."

"Why?" Catherine asked. "So you can come rushing to my aid when I don't need it?"

Vincent shook his head. "It would just make me feel better. Please, Catherine?"

She sighed, shaking her head. "The puppy-dog eyes."

"What?" Vincent was taken aback.

"Sometimes, when you're really pleading, your eyes get all big and round and puppy-dog like." She explained. "Everyone does it, only when you do it, it hits my weak spot." She smiled softly. "Okay, I'll let you know when I'm in pain." She grimaced as the baby moved. "I'll just let you know every inch of my life."

"Now, Catherine," Vincent protested, wanting her to have some privacy.

"It's fine." She said, leaning back into the bed. "Oh, it hurts!"

Vincent stood awkwardly. "Can I get you anything?" he asked her.

"I wish." She said with a bitter laugh, the laugh aimed towards her pain, of course. "Go tend to the kids, and let me know when Meg and Mike get here."

"I'll send them to you straightaway." He promised. He hesitated before leaving. "Are you sure you don't need anything?"

She nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. I just need you to come back when you're ready to go Above, ready to lift a five million pound woman."

Vincent shook his head. "I shall be ready to lift one perfectly reasonably weighted woman who happens to have a child inside of her." He left on those words.

Catherine laughed, but stopped immediately once she found it made her hurt worse. He made her feel so special! She couldn't wait for her surprise later that night.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

"Thank you, and happy Halloween." Mike thanked the cabbie as the cabbie prepared to drive away.

"You too!" The cabbie said as he drove away. "And careful – there are going to be a bunch of loonies out tonight!"

"Great." Mike said sarcastically. "That makes me feel great."

"Don't worry." Meg said, checking to make sure both of her children were in check. "The looniest person Below tonight will be Joe, and we don't have much to fear from him – I think." She laughed. "But then again, I have seen Vincent in a couple crazy moods, usually while playing with children or right after. It can be… interesting."

"We'll see." Was all Mike had to say. He looked around the park. "So, why are we here again?"

"There's an entrance to the Tunnels right there." Meg nodded towards a large tunnel coming up from the ground.

"Ew, we're supposed to go in there?" Mike grimaced. "Looks like sewerage."

"Its not." Meg assured her husband. "Let's go."

"Um, are we supposed to go in there?" Mike asked as they headed towards the entrance.

"Depends who you ask." Meg reasoned. "The N.Y.P.D., no, we're not. Father and the rest of the council, why not?"

Mike shook his head. "If we go to jail for this, you are being held responsible."

Meg laughed. "Scaredy-cat! Come on." Then she tried to enter the Tunnels as inconspicuously as she could. But it seemed that it wasn't going to be as easy as she wanted it to be.

"No!" Bailee tried to wriggle out of Meg's grasp.

"What's wrong?" Meg asked her daughter, well aware that several people were now looking at them.

"I don't want to go in there!" Bailee pouted, sticking her lower lip out.

Meg looked up at Mike helplessly. "Great, now what am I supposed to do?"

"Bailee, honey," Mike tried. "Its okay, I think. Why don't you want to go in there?"

"There's a Halloween party in there!" Meg told her daughter. "There are a bunch of other kids in there too, and grownups all waiting for you to come! And Aunt Catherine will be there!"

"It's scary." Bailee stated.

"How is it scary?" Mike asked.

"It just is." Bailee said, hopefully not aware that she was being rather defiant.

"It's not dark in there, if that's what you're scared of." Meg said knowingly. "It's a little darker than out here, but you can still see fine; it's lit by candlesticks."

Suddenly Mike got an idea. "I promise you, you'll love it. And if you go in with us without causing a scene, daddy has a present for you."

Hesitantly, Bailee grabbed Meg's hand and followed her Mom in. Mike followed with Cameryn in his arms. Luckily, Cameryn was half-asleep by this point; otherwise, they'd have another problem in their hands.

"What present?" Meg whispered to her husband.

Mike shrugged. "We'll figure it out."

Meg looked around carefully. She knew that if you followed this tunnel straight, eventually you would wind up at a gate, and somewhere around the gate, there would be a lever to pull or a button to press or something, and then Meg just assumed she could just follow someone's footprints to the main Tunnel community. If they got turned around, they could always turn around or bang on the pipes until someone came. How to communicate on the pipes, she wasn't sure, but she knew that Pascal would know where the banging was coming from, and Catherine would certainly be aware of her cousin not showing up, right?

"Uh, Meg?" Mike asked. "You don't look so sure about this."

"I am." Meg lied. "I'm just, er, concentrating."

"Right." Mike said sarcastically. "And there's a beast-like creature down here named Victor."

"Vincent." Meg corrected.

"Whatever." Mike said with a flip of his hand. "All I know is is that I think we're wasting our time."

Meg ignored that comment as she maneuvered around a corner, Bailee's hand still in her firm grasp, Mike and Cameryn on her heels. And there, around the corner, she saw the gate, the wall on the other side of the gate made of stone, but she knew it would move if she could just find the right lever.

"Uh, dead end?" Mike said. "Come on, Meg; let's go home."

"You wouldn't have come all the way to New York City with me if you thought I was lying." Meg reminded him, knowing he was just trying to be difficult. "Now we're looking for a lever."

"A lever?" Mike repeated.

"Yeah," Meg said. "You know, like a handle you pull down on?"

"I know what a lever is." Mike rolled his eyes. "Hurry up, before Bailee starts crying again."

Meg looked at her oldest daughter. Sure enough, the young girl was pale, and biting her lower lip, trying to keep from crying. The dim, damp tunnel was scaring her, not doubt.

"Don't worry, Bail's." She assured her older daughter. "It'll be okay; just hold on and wait." She looked around the Tunnel, trying to find the lever. And finally, she spied it, in the right hand corner, practically hidden. Anyone who wasn't looking for it would never ever find it, but then again, that was the point.

Meg reached out and pulled the lever, and to Meg's delight, the gate opened successfully, the stone behind it revealing more tunnels.

"We're home free!" Meg exclaimed. "Well, almost." She added, remembering she still had to find her way to the main community. She looked over at her husband, who stood marveling at the gate, the tunnels, and his wife.

"What is it?" Meg asked him.

"you are right…" Mike said slowly. "The city wouldn't have put this kind of gate in here…"

"I'm always-"before she could finish her sentence, she, along with Mike and the girls, were nearly knocked down by a figure running into the tunnel, coming from the park.

"Meg!" The person cried out, realizing who he almost ran into. It was Mouse. "Sorry. Trying to get something. For Vincent. For the party tonight." He winked at Meg. "For his party tonight."

"Mouse, what are you talking about?" Meg asked, giving the young man a hug. "What do you mean by 'his' party."

Mouse looked at Mike, Bailee and Cameryn, and then back at Meg. "Can they be trusted?"

"Who, them?" Meg asked. "Of course!"

Mouse leaned in as if he had a very important secret to share. "After our party, Vincent's taking Catherine Above. Catherine is bringing surprises only Vincent doesn't know." Mouse tried to hide a giggle. "Mouse go bring this to Catherine." Before he could run off into the Tunnels, Meg stopped him.

"Wait, Mouse!" she called him. "Can you lead us to the Tunnels? To the baby's chamber, perhaps? We're, um, a little lost."

Mouse thought a moment before nodding. "Must be quick. Catherine not like it if Mouse is late with Vincent's present."

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

"Are you finding this funny?" Vincent asked Catherine, eyebrow raised.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am." Catherine giggled. "You know how adorable to look when you're puzzled?"

Vincent tried not to blush at that one, but didn't know if he succeeded or not. It seemed that for the past few months, he was always blushing, so perhaps it didn't even matter whether he tried to hide it or not. Besides, few people could tell when he blushed anyways, thanks to his fur.

"Guess." Catherine suggested, her eyes twinkling. "See if you can guess what my surprise for you is?"

Vincent thought a moment. "Generally, when a woman speaks to a man about a 'surprise', it is a baby, is it not?"

"Not tonight, hopefully!" Catherine laughed. "Maybe in time for Winterfest though! Guess again."

Vincent tried to think of what Catherine had in store for him. She acted as if he'd absolutely love her surprise for him, but he couldn't guess what it was; he wanted her most of all, and any of her he was allowed, he already had – and more, only he couldn't remember it.

"A book?" he guessed lamely.

"No; you've got books." She shook her head.

"So I don't already have what you're giving me." Vincent said. "Thank you for the clue."

She playfully whacked herself in the forehead. "Oops, my mistake. Anyways, guess again; third times a charm."

"Well, if the third time is a charm, then I might want to guess something I really want." Vincent teased. "A dog."

"No!" Catherine laughed. "Try keeping Below a secret with a barking dog!" she looked at his curiously. "You want a dog."

He shrugged. "Not really, but it was worth the guess. It sounds like something you might attempt to drag down here."

"It does." Catherine couldn't help but agree. "I'll answer your yes and no questions."

"Good." Vincent said, enjoying this guessing-game play. He hadn't done this since Christmas, as a child, before Devin left. "Is it round?"

"A part of it." Catherine answered carefully.

"Is it green?" he asked next.

Oh no; he knows, Catherine thought worriedly. Nevertheless, she answered with the truth. "Parts of it."

"Can I wear it on my head?" Vincent asked next.

That sent Catherine into bursts of laughter. "You'd look funny if you did!"

Vincent chuckled, waiting for Catherine to finish laughing. "I know what it is." He said definitely.

His saying that sent shivers up Catherine's spine. She hadn't exactly planned on him figuring it out. Didn't he know that even if you know what your gift is, you're supposed to feign surprise? "What is it?" she asked him.

"A turtle." He said triumphantly, a twinkle in his azure eyes.

Catherine's mouth dropped open. "A turtle?" That was the last thing she expected him to guess. "A turtle? Dare I ask what makes you think a turtle?"

"It's simple." Vincent held up one furred finger. "Number one, it is round – isn't a turtle's shell rather round? And second of all," he held up a second finger, "Turtles are green. Well, at least they are in books. And thirdly," he held up a third finger, "I cannot imagine anyone looking good with a turtle on their head, especially me, of all."

Catherine laughed, knowing he was just joking. "Creative." She said sarcastically. "You've been showing your witty, childish side a whole lot more lately."

Vincent shrugged, not knowing what to say to that. "Maybe you have just been around more often to see it."

Catherine sighed contentedly. "Well, keep an eye on it. Having a witty childish side is good, especially when one has kids, but I don't want to have our baby rightfully blaming everything on you." She laughed. "You're going to make such a good-"

Suddenly Vincent sat up straight, hearing something. "What is it?" Catherine asked softly, aware that Vincent had either heard or smelled something that she didn't or couldn't.

"Meg's here, I think." Vincent announced. "And Mouse. Just down the corridor."

"Mouse? With you in here? Oh, shoot!" Catherine explained. "Go to your chamber, no, you'll startle Mike and the kids. Go, wait, no, that won't work. Hide under the bed!"

"The bed?" Vincent was genuinely surprised.

"Otherwise my surprise for you will be ruined." Catherine explained desperately. "Please?"

Vincent hesitated and then nodded, getting down on the floor and doing his best to slid under Catherine's bed. It was a tight fit, but it worked, so long as he didn't try to move and so long as he didn't have to stay down there very long.

"Catherine?" Meg called through the curtain, laughing at something Mouse had apparently said. "Are you in there?"

"Yep, come in." Catherine answered.

Meg hesitated. "Um, are you sure? you are, um, the only one in there, right?"

Catherine tried not to giggle as she lied. "Yes, you could say that. Um, yes, I'm alone. Come on in!"

Meg, again, hesitated. Obviously, something was up.

Mike tapped his wife on the shoulder. "Um, can we go in?" he asked, glancing around at the damp stone walls. He didn't like it in the Tunnels one bit, and neither did the kids.

Meg nodded. "I, um, think so." She poked her head in the baby's chamber. Only Catherine was in sight, on the bed. No one else was apparently in the room. "Yes, lets go." They stepped inside. "Catherine!" Meg enveloped her cousin in a huge, but very gentle hug. "How are you?"

"Not bad for being stuck in bed for weeks on end." Catherine shifted uncomfortably, returning the hug. She gasped at Bailee and Cameryn in surprise. "Oh my word, you two has gotten so big!" she laughed.

Meg chuckled. "They sure have. Bailee, do you remember Aunt Catherine?"

Bailee had her finger in her mouth and shook her head 'no', to which made the women laugh more. Catherine nodded to Mike, who was standing a bit away from the rest of his family, still a bit shocked from finding out the Below was obviously real.

Mouse pushed through the family, a broad smile on his face. "Look, Catherine! Look what Mouse found!" he proudly handed her something wrapped up in brown cloth to conceal it.

"What is it?" Meg asked Catherine, sitting on the bed next to Catherine, Cameryn now on Meg's lap.

"A surprise." Catherine chose her words carefully, knowing Vincent was under the bed. "Um, Mouse? Why don't you, um, show them your chamber?"

Mouse looked from Meg's family to Catherine and then shook his head. "We passed Mouse's chamber already."

Catherine sighed. "Well, why don't you introduce them to William? I'm sure he'll be glad to meet them."

Mouse shook his head. "William is angry at Mouse."

"So what else is new?" Catherine muttered sarcastically. It seemed William was always after Mouse for one thing or another. 'Mouse traps' was no longer a way to describe a rodent catcher.

"Let's go see Mary." Meg said suddenly, getting the idea that Catherine wanted her family absent from the chamber for some reason. She took Meg's hand. "I guess I'll see you, um, later?"

Catherine nodded. "After you spend some time with Mary and the children, see if you can come to Father's chamber – with Mike."

Mike cleared his throat. "Am I the only one that has no idea what's going on?"

"You will." Catherine told him. She reached out and gave Bailee and Cameryn each a small hug. "You two look so nice!" she said. "I've never met an angel or a good witch before!"

The girls giggled, still shy, as they were led away by their parents, Mouse following aimlessly behind.

Once they were out of earshot, Catherine smiled. "The coast is clear, Vincent!"

Vincent scooted out from under the bed on his chest, his nose wriggling as if he were about to sneeze, but luckily he contained it. "Why, thank you Catherine, for sticking me under your bed so-"he lightly sat on the bed.

"Oh, hush up you big baby." She hugged him. "Mission accomplished – so far."

"I still have yet to meet Mike." Vincent said. "I am not sure about it – he seems very apprehensive and distant."

Catherine shrugged. "He'll get over it. And if he doesn't," she laid a hand on his shoulder. "He still won't blow your secret – I know it."

"And if he does?" Vincent looked at Catherine, his blue eyes serious. "If somehow word gets out?"

"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Catherine said decidedly. "Come on, help me."

"Help you do what?" Vincent asked, standing up off the bed, preparing to help Catherine with whatever she needed help with.

She suddenly noticed she was still holding the bungle Mouse had given her, so she stuck it under her pillow, and then held her arms up. "Do you think you could take me to Father's chamber – and stay there with me?"

"Of course." Vincent said, lifting her as if she weighed no more than a feather. "There is no better time to meet Mike than now."

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

"I hope you two know how reckless you two are being about letting the entire world know of our existence." Father grumbled as the three waited for Mike and Meg to arrive at Father's chamber.

"Father, it was the best thing we could do to let Joe know about our world." Vincent reminded Father. "He has been helpful in so many ways, especially with Catherine's work. And you agreed yourself that Meg and Mike should know."

"Three people are the entire world?" Catherine shrugged, knowing she was back-talking in a sense. "News on me."

Father looked at the woman seriously. "Well, you must admit Catherine that since you have come to know of our world, more and more people have learned about our world – and my son – which puts us all in danger."

"And she has also rescued our word – and your son – more than once." Vincent intervened before Catherine could reply. "Please, Father; now is not the time to accuse anyone, or turn back on our plans. Although…" he thought a moment.

"Although what?" Catherine pressed him.

He shook his head. "Never mind. It is nothing." The truth was that he did feel a bit uneasy about Mike. He had to agree with Catherine, that Mike seemed like he would certainly keep their secret. But would Mike happy about it, not really. Was he actually be able to honestly called a Helper? Vincent doubted that. He didn't know; he could just sense some people better than he could just sense others. Father called it a special gift that Vincent possessed. Was it true? Now that, Vincent didn't know. But he had never been one to doubt his father's word on anything.

"It's something." Father persisted. "Otherwise you would not have said anything."

"Tell us." Catherine urged him.

Vincent shook his head. "No, please, it is all right. It is nothing."

"Well, if it is all right and meaningless, there's no harm in sharing it." Father pointed out, knowing Vincent felt one way or another about Mike or someone else's knowledge of Below. And though Father was used to practically having to drag the subject out of Vincent, while talking to him, he still hated it. It was like pulling teeth to get him to open up, to even the people he trusted most!

Vincent sighed. "Well, there would be harm if certain people overheard." He said, leaning into so that Father and Catherine could hear him, but the risk of being overheard was lower. "I do not feel that Meg's husband, Mike, is very happy with the situation, what with being involved with us. I think he will keep our secret, but…"

Father looked a bit angry. "Why didn't you tell me that before, Vincent? We could have-"

"Don't be too hard on him, Father!" Catherine intervened. "You would have thrown a fit no matter what Vincent said!"

Suddenly Vincent's ears perked up. "They're coming!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening with a bit of worry.

"It will be all right, Vincent." Father attempted to calm the worry his son felt. "He can be trusted, remember that. What is the worse that could happen?"

"Must we think about that?" Vincent said dryly as Meg and Mike approached Father's chamber.

"Now this is Father's chamber." Meg said, she and Mike standing outside Father's chamber. "Um, Mike? I, um, think that Vincent and Catherine will be in there too, so don't um, scream or anything when you see Vincent, 'kay?"

"This 'Father' – he isn't like how to describe Vincent, is he?" Mike asked. "You know, big, furry, mean and ugly?"

Catherine took in a breath, turning to look at Vincent's face to see what his reaction was to that. He just shook his head. It didn't seem to bother him all that much, since he was rather used to it. But then Catherine saw the look in Father's eyes, the hurt, and the sheer pain. She knew Father loved Vincent, and had worked hard to raise him, and was so proud of him, regardless of what his son looked like.

"I didn't say that!" Meg protested. "Well, I did say he was tall and furry, but he's not mean or ugly! He seems very gentle and kind and-"

"And let's get on with it!" Mike urged his wife. "I can't wait to get back to Catherine's apartment and numb all of this overwhelming nonsense."

Catherine could hear the anger in Meg's voice. "Well, if she has any alcohol there, it's off-limits. The only way your going to be numbing any pains is some pain reliever with some sleep aid in it, because you know I wall not tolerate any drinking in front of-"

"Big whoop." Mike said. "Come on; let's get meeting this 'scary beastie' over with."

Meg sighed. She didn't know if Mike believed her or not, or what his reaction would be, or what he was going to do about it. She also didn't know why he was acting the way he was. It seemed that sometimes, especially lately, he just seemed so… thoughtless and cruel. She only hoped he wouldn't do or say anything stupid in front of Vincent – or Catherine, because Catherine was known for her fiery tongue in the Chandler family, and she wouldn't hesitate to defend Vincent, or any of the other Tunnel Dwellers, for that matter. Meg knew that as a fact, though luckily not from experience.

"Well, here goes." Meg said, taking a deep breath. "Um, anyone in there?" she called through the chamber door.

"Meg? Is that you?" Father said, knowing full well it was.

"Yes." Meg answered, grasping Mike's hand tightly so he wouldn't run away or chicken out or something stupid. "It's me and my husband, Mike. Can we, um, come in, please?"

"Come on, come on." Father told them.

Meg looked back at Mike. "Ready?"

Mike mumbled something unintelligible, but Meg supposed it was for the best; she probably didn't want to know what he said anyways.

"Well, here goes nothing." Meg said, pushing open the curtain and walking into Father's chamber, taking Mike with her.

The first thing Mike noticed was a little old man sitting at a desk, dressed in brown rags it looked like. He couldn't help but wonder how broke those people were. One could get decent clothes at a thrift store for a couple bucks – they didn't need to wear homespun rags.

The old man stood in greeting, using his cane to support himself as he extended one hand for Mike to shake. "You must be Mike." Father said. "And welcome, welcome to our world. I am sure I speak for everyone that we're glad to have you as our friend, and our confidante. And this," he motioned to Vincent sitting in Vincent's special chair off in the corner, though Vincent was rising to properly meet Mike, "Is my son, Vincent."

Vincent reached his hand out in greeting, immediately regretting the fact that he hadn't worn at least his gloves. He hadn't needed to – he hadn't gone Above or had done heavy work, but he found that one generally preferred shaking a gloved hand than a fur one. "Hello, Mike." Vincent said in his naturally gravelly voice. "I have heard much about you. Welcome."

Acting on impulse, Mike shook Vincent's hand, as he did everyday when he met someone, whether they were an old friend, or a complete stranger.

The furs on Vincent's hand caused his to immediately jerk back. But Vincent didn't bat an eye. He just nodded his 'nice to meet you' again, and motioned to a chair across from Father's desk. "Please, sit." He said, acting as if Mike hadn't just acted as if Vincent had leprosy or something.

Meg's face turned red hot in anger when Mike pulled away at Vincent's touch. What was wrong with him? Not Vincent, but Mike? He knew better than that! How much ruder could he get?

Catherine gave Mike a weak smile and a nod. His reaction to Vincent was, well, somewhat expected. Not a big deal, really. And she wasn't like Vincent at all, where she could sense things or pick up little things here and there, but she couldn't help but notice that Mike seemed a bit… distant? Cold? She felt as if she needed to talk to Meg alone. Maybe they were having problems. And if Catherine couldn't help, well, she always had two shoulders for people to cry on.

Father cleared his throat to clear up the awkward silence that followed Mike's sitting down. "Well, um, Mike, I presume you already know Catherine," he motioned to Catherine who was carefully perched upon Vincent's lap, "so tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living? What do you enjoy?"

Mike squirmed uncomfortably. Great, now they are going to interrogate me to death, he thought, stealing a glance at Vincent. And man, is that guy, I guess he is, isn't he ugly? Worse than I thought. I was expecting some Bert Lahr Cowardly Lion type thing, but this? And they say it's not makeup or anything – I can't see them joking about this, but yet, it can't be true, can it? If I found out its not, well, I'll be mad as hell. And if it is true, well, I'll be dammed.

"Well, um," Meg nudged her husband, trying to get him to speak. "We met in high school, when I was about fifteen or sixteen… you tell the rest, Mike."

Mike snapped back to reality. "Huh? What'd you say?"

"He asked what you did for a living." Meg said to him, faking a smile through gritted teeth. "And what you enjoy doing. Be polite, make conversation and answer him." She said it lowly and quietly, as for everyone in the chamber not to hear, but alas, Vincent could hear every word anyone said, even when they whispered, in her words bounced off the chamber walls, so Catherine and Father could both get a good idea of what she had said to him.

"Why? Are they questioning me for something?" Mike asked his wife quietly, irritated, also gritting his teeth.

"Just be polite." She hissed.

"Well, I'm, um, in the medical field-"Mike began.

"The medical field." Father leaned forward with interest, having long ago taken back his seat behind his desk. "How interesting. I am in the medical field as well. What do you do?"

"Um, I'm a psychiatrist." Mike said nervously. "That's where you, um, it's kind of like psychology, which is, well... You talk to people, listen to their problems, and try to help them. It's all a matter of mental disorders, and mental health." He said each word clearly, saying the big words extra slow and enunciating them carefully. Mike felt the need to explain the field of psychology to Vincent. After all, hadn't Meg mentioned he had lived beneath the ground his entire life? That had to stink. The guy couldn't be that intelligent, for sure. One needed to be out in the world to really know things. He glanced nervously at Vincent, wondering if he had understood a word that Mike had just said.

But Vincent nodded as if he understood all that Mike had just said. And he did. He knew perfectly well, what a psychiatrist was, what they did, and all those sorts. Father had books; of course, some of those books dated back to the early 1900's, but Vincent had devoured them, as he did with every book in Father's 'library', not once, not twice, or even thrice, but countless upon countless times. "What made you want to become a psychiatrist?" Vincent tried to encourage conversation, since it seemed directed at him.

"I don't know." Mike faltered. "I suppose it was just intriguing at the time. What made you want to become, um, whatever-you-do?" He suddenly realized as soon as it was too late, that Vincent didn't have a job. He was probably the loneliest guy on the planet. He probably spent all day lying in bed, wishing he was different, or whining and complaining to himself, or worse, to someone, about how life was so unfair. Because he certainly couldn't get and didn't have a job.

Father chuckled. "Vincent does quite a bit of everything." He looked fondly at his son. "From boulders, to the children's lessons, to fixing water leaks-"

A giggle escaped from Catherine's throat. "Or trying too." She added, which made Vincent, Father and Meg laugh, remembering what the children referred to as 'the great mud catastrophe'.

Mike shifted uncomfortably. "Well, um, it was good meeting you. I have to, well; I have to check on the kids." He looked over at his wife. "Meg?" he made it abundantly clear that he wanted to get away from Father, Vincent and Catherine, clearly uncomfortable and overwhelmed by their company.

Meg nodded. "Just a moment. Um, Bailee and Cameryn are just down the corridor – go left and it's the first chamber on your right. They're with Mary – you can't miss it."

Mike nodded, stood, turned, and left. Meg sank down wearily in his chair after he left.

Father cleared his throat a bit awkwardly. "It is good to see you again, Meg." He told the woman. "How have you been?"

"You don't want to know." Meg said. "He's been nothing more than an absolute pain and hindrance since we boarded the plane in Indiana."

Father didn't know what to say to that, and neither did Vincent. Those things weren't exactly announced Below. Sure, if one had problems, seeking someone out, venting, and getting good advice was one thing, but just openly announcing it? No, it wasn't the way things were done.

"Um, Vincent?" Catherine said. She jerked her head to the door. "How do I say this nicely; get out." She said the last part nearly flat, a bit of humor in her voice. But of course, Vincent knew that Catherine just wanted to talk to Meg alone. "And Father, doesn't Mouse want to show you something?"

"Very subtle, Catherine." Meg couldn't help but laugh, despite the circumstances. "Let's just go to the baby's chamber and talk – alone." She stood to leave, but Father stopped her.

"Meg, are you sure you are all right?" he asked her concernedly, knowing that Meg was very dear to Vincent's Catherine. The last thing he wanted for Meg was sadness or anger, because not only is that never good for anyone, but then it would probably spread to Catherine, and then, thanks to the bond, Vincent. And that was the last thing anyone needed.

She nodded. "Fine. I'd just like to talk to Catherine."

"The guest chamber has been empty since you left us last." Vincent told Meg, carefully standing up with Catherine in his arms. "You could stay there the night, if you need to, if it would help any."

Vincent!" Father scolded his son.

Meg shook her head. "Thanks, but no thanks, Vincent."

Vincent walked out of Father's chamber, Catherine in his arms, Meg following behind listlessly, ready to vent to Catherine.

Father shook his head, sand then put his face in his hands. What was their world coming to? It seemed that every time things were settled down, or just settling down, something else happened, as if someone didn't want their world to be peaceful. Well, their world had been absolutely peaceful until the arrival of Catherine in Vincent's life, but Father couldn't blame her for the chaos. She had pulled them out of many situations, selflessly, she was kind and generous, and he had noticed the look in his son's face ever since Catherine came. The happiness, and since the pregnancy, Vincent had been smiling more, laughing more, joking around more, for which Father was grateful for. Vincent wasn't so lonely anymore, and perhaps for the first time in his life, he felt like a real person.