I know, it's been months since I updated this story and I'm so sorry but…you know, things. I've been more into Immortality to be honest and my original fiction. I had to force this chapter out of the muses, so I'm not sure I'm feeling it. I mean I had the plot line in mind for some time but I'm not sure about how I set it up.
But I wanted to get something posted so you know I'm still thinking about this story. So please let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: Hermes said I could.
Rating: M for mature content.
Chapter title: The Alley
Gavin slammed the book shut with a frustrated sigh "There is absolutely nothing wrong with that fucking house other than the fact nobody wants it."
"Nothing official anyway" Ianto said "and will you be quiet, we're in a library."
Gavin rubbed his temples "Sorry, I'm just going crazy Ianto. I guess everything's getting to me."
"You have a lot of your plate. We all do. You've got ceremony plans and we're all working on saving Tad."
"And I don't have a job. Probably won't have till next term and that's if anyone hires me which I doubt because they'll all know I was drinking."
"Don't be such a pessimist, Gav. Someone will hire you. Maybe even your old job if you show them you're better. Though why they sacked you in the middle of term I don't get."
"Apparently I was a bad example. That's the other thing, I can't even be left alone or else I'll drink."
"That's why you need to do rehab. Look, come to the meeting with me today, the major won't mind. At least do the outpatient program."
"Maybe" he grumbled "I need a fag. We done here?"
…
Ianto joined his brother outside for a cigarette—he didn't allow it in his car. "We shouldn't be smoking either" Ianto said "Tad-cu Ifan died of lung cancer."
"Well you should quit anyway. You're technically in remission. I don't see why you tell people 'Oh I'm perfectly fine 'cos I had a bone marrow transplant'. It could still come back, Ianto."
Ianto sighed and put out his cigarette "You're right but you should quit too and you know it. Come on, let's get to the meeting. Major Jackson doesn't like tardiness."
…
After the meeting Ianto always stayed to chat with the major for a bit.
"So" the Major sat on his desk (so that's where Jack got it) "I'm glad you came today Gavin. Will you be starting the program?"
"I'm thinking about it. After the ceremony when things calm down a bit though. I'll talk to Christopher."
"See that you do. It's a good thing to admit you need help. Now, tell me how are you boys doing today?"
"All right," Ianto said.
"Now, now, don't lie to me sonny. You both look like you haven't been sleeping well. And I bet that whatever's bothering you is bothering your brother, Drystan too. Saw him the other day when he took Nina out on a date. Movie stars shouldn't have dark circles under their eyes, tabloid fodder."
Ianto stared at him "Are all Jacksons this perceptive?"
The Major grinned "You bet."
"Then again, now that I think about it Jack can be rather obtuse sometimes."
"Well that boy's got issues, I'll tell you that for nothing."
"I would hope so, I would hate to pay for something I already know."
Gavin choked back laughter.
The Major rolled his eyes "Now what's bothering you boys?"
"You wouldn't believe us if we told you."
"Sonny, my son and grandsons catch aliens for a living. You've introduced to me a grounded god and a character from another reality, I think I'll believe anything these days."
Ianto sighed and shared a look with Gavin. "All right" and they told the Major everything.
Major Jackson was silent for a long moment afterwards "That sure is amazing boys, I'll say that. Anything's possible I guess. Is there anything I can do?"
"Just pray, Major, that's about all anyone can do."
…
Methos was helping Hermes find his own flat because he didn't want to keep imposing on Jack and Ianto. Both men said it was no problem but Methos could tell Jack was lying through his teeth and would be happy to have Hermes out of the house.
Methos himself would stay with Hermes till his holiday was over. It was easier on everyone that way. Jack and Ianto didn't have any beer and Methos needed his beer.
However flat hunting with Hermes was bloody tiresome. The boy insisted on checking every nook and cranny and testing how easy it would be to break in. By doing this, Methos was sure rents would be raised for security improvements.
Methos sighed heavily in the fifth flat of the day "Hermes, you are aware that you cannot currently afford something like what Owen has. So why bother looking at the swankier places?"
"Comparison shopping Papa, it's what I do. I think I'll go with that first one we looked at."
"But you picked that lock easily."
"Yes, but it does have a buzzing system and I could always add another lock—I asked the landlord."
"Wouldn't you rather a nicer neighbourhood?"
"There's nothing wrong with that one."
"But it's like a Welsh Compton."
Hermes waved a hand "Ah, how can you compare Splott to Compton?"
"I call 'em like I see 'em."
"When was the last time you got to know Splott?"
Methos scratched the back of his head and didn't answer.
"I didn't think so, I'll be fine Papa. Let's go back and tell the landlord."
The flat was empty so Hermes was able to move in two days later. He didn't have any furniture though. So in an effort to save money and avoid borrowing from Ianto and Jack he bought a couple of bean bag chairs and futon mattresses.
It was a good thing Methos could sleep anywhere. But could Hermes? The boy was used to feather beds and 5,000 thread count Egyptian cotton. And clouds, he sometimes slept on clouds.
…
Fathers' Day was coming up in two weeks. They didn't have Fathers' Day the last time Hermes lived with his father. What did one get one's father for Fathers' Day? Hermes's sons didn't honour the day, the little brats, so Hermes couldn't use that as an example. He just had to get his father something. What would Methos like?
A sampler box of various beers perhaps?
Mind this was assuming Methos would still be here on Fathers' Day. Hermes hoped so, he wanted more time with his dad.
Hermes poked his head in the kitchen where Methos was making dinner "What do you want for Fathers' Day?"
Methos smiled at him "If I'm still here to celebrate it with you, that'll be enough. What would you like?"
"I'm not your father."
"No but you are the father of my grandsons. I think that warrants a present."
"But they're all idiots and I'm a terrible father."
"I'm sure that's not true. You must have learned something from me."
"Do you know how busy I was? I couldn't be the father they needed. That's why I avoided sleeping with women as much as possible, I didn't want any more children to worry about."
"Yes I've heard of those all male sex parties you threw in your back garden."
"How'd you hear about that?"
"You started them before I was banished."
"Yeah but how'd you hear about them?"
"Do you really think your mother and I were exclusive? I was…"
"Wait but you got all huffy when you found out she was with the Dagda after you were banished."
Methos sighed "Before that we had a deal, I could be with other men and she could be with other women."
"Oh." Hermes shuddered and shoved the unwanted images out of his head.
"Anyway, I was chatting up a potential bed mate who was a talker. And he told me about these wild parties he'd been to and when he told me he was with you I had to turn him away. I was not about to have someone my son had first."
Hermes decided he didn't like this conversation "How's dinner coming? Do you want me to get anything at the market?"
Methos smiled and rolled his eyes "We could use some more beer."
"Are you out already?"
"I like beer."
"Are you sure you're not an alcoholic? On the show every time Methos is drinking something it's always alcohol."
"Oh come on."
"You wanna watch all 21 episodes with you in it and prove it?"
"21 episodes out of six seasons, I think I'm offended."
Hermes sighed "How long till dinner's ready?"
"Fifteen minutes or so."
"Okay, I'll go get your beer" Hermes grabbed his wallet.
"All right but be careful, okay? I don't want you taking that shortcut."
"Why not?"
"Have you not read the paper? There's a serial rapist targeting young Caucasian men with dark hair. He attacks after sunset in dark places. I want you staying in well-lit populated areas."
Hermes rolled his eyes "I'll be fine, don't worry" he left. There was a small market about five minutes down the street. If he took the shortcut through the alley anyway, the slightly creepy alley.
Hermes was halfway down the alley when he felt someone came up behind him and press something hard into the small of his back. What the fuck?
"Don't say anything or your dead" the voice was male, rough and obviously fake-British.
Hermes put his hands up to indicate that he was unarmed as the man rifled through his pockets with his free hand. This wasn't happening, Hermes was the god of thieves, he wasn't supposed to be robbed. If this was one of his "friends" idea of a joke, they were going to pay for it.
The assailant shoved Hermes towards the wall, "On your knees."
"On my what?"
"What'd I say?" he hit Hermes hard in the side of his head, so hard he fell to the ground.
Hermes looked up at his attacker, of course he was wearing a ski mask. This was unacceptable. Hermes kicked the gun out of his hand "Do you have any idea who I am?" he leapt to his feet, intending to fight back but this mortal body wasn't fast enough.
The bad guy grabbed him and hit him against the wall. He was taller and bigger than Hermes "I said on your knees" he growled.
"Why?"
The guy held him with one hand and began to undo his belt with the other. "Scream and I'll kill you."
Oh. Oh crap. So not exactly being robbed then.
"No way" Hermes tried to struggle but this dude was too strong for him and he threw Hermes to the ground on his stomach.
…
Methos was worried. Hermes had left forty-five minutes ago, he should be back by now. It was quite feasible he got distracted but he knew when dinner was going to be ready.
He'd waited long enough, Methos called Hermes's mobile, "Zorba the Greek" came from the living room. Great, that meant Hermes didn't have his phone with him. Methos called Ianto next.
"Hello" Ianto answered.
"Ianto, it's Methos, is Hermes with you?"
"No, why? Is everything okay?"
"I don't know. He left about 45 minutes ago to run down to the market. He should be back by now. Have you seen the news about the serial rapist?"
"Yes, Jack doesn't want me out by myself after dark. He seems to think a criminal wouldn't be able to spot the difference between Celtic and Caucasian."
For crying out loud "That is exactly what Ifan would say, I don't need that. This is no time for jokes."
"I'm sorry. I'm sure Hermes is fine, you know him, he's like a racoon."
"I know but I just have a bad feeling. I'm going to look for him."
"All right, keep me posted."
…
Methos got to the alley quickly where he saw a huddled form on the ground against the wall. He ran to it, "Hermes!"
Methos kneeled and felt for a pulse, there was one "Hermes? Can you hear me?" Hermes was beaten pretty badly and his trousers had been pulled down. "Dear Goddess." He shakily pulled out his phone and dialled emergency services, at least he meant to, his fingers felt numb.
"Methos!" Jack came skidding into the alley "I heard you shouting" had he been shouting? "Oh god" he knelt by him and pulled his own mobile, he said words into it, Methos couldn't quite hear. "Methos?" Jack shook his shoulder "Methos snap out of it!"
…
Jack had been in Splott hunting a weevil when Ianto called him. He told him Hermes had been late getting home and asked him to check the area around the market near his flat.
Jack neared the alley when he heard Methos screaming. He ran to it and saw Methos kneeling by Hermes who was seemingly unconscious. He called an ambulance and Owen. Methos was apparently in shock.
"Methos?" Jack shook him "Methos, snap out of it!"
Methos blinked "Jack? Oh goddess. Why is it so cold?"
"It's gonna be okay, the ambulance is on its way."
Owen arrived exactly when the ambulance did. "What happened?" he hopped out of his car.
"Hermes was attacked" Jack explained as he was loaded into the ambulance. Jack held Methos steady "ride with him. Methos and I will follow."
"Take my car, I don't want to leave it in this place."
"Just go."
"I should go with Hermes" Methos's voice was hollow.
"Let Owen look after him, the police will take your statement at the hospital."
…
As soon as Jack called and reported what happened, Ianto took the kids to Anwen and rushed to the hospital.
He got to the waiting room and went straight for Jack "How is he?"
"Still in surgery."
"Surgery?"
"Broken ribs, concussion, some internal bleeding," Jack was using the tone of voice he used when he didn't want to deal with emotions. He thought it made him sound strong but it really made him sound cold.
"Will he be all right?"
"Don't know yet but probably. I doubt the gods will take him back yet. He," Jack indicated Methos "hasn't stopped pacing since we got here." They had been there half an hour before Jack called.
"Methos?" Ianto approached him.
Methos stopped pacing and wrapped his arms around Ianto.
"Uh, okay" Ianto tentatively patted his back.
"I know you're not him, but could you pretend for just a minute?"
Ianto relaxed and hugged Methos, rubbing his back soothingly. He glanced briefly at Jack who looked a bit uncomfortable. He gave Jack a look that said, 'what else am I supposed to do?'
Methos sniffed "Do you have any idea what it's like to know that your child was violated and you couldn't do anything about it?"
"Yes" Ianto answered.
Methos pulled back and looked at him "What?"
"Cory's mother's boyfriend, it's how I got custody."
"I'm sorry, I had no idea."
"Didn't think you did."
Owen came into the room and they all looked at him expectantly. He took a breath "They stopped the internal bleeding, there wasn't much. They've wrapped up his ribs and they're gonna keep in the ICU over night for observations. If all goes well, he'll be in recovery tomorrow."
"Is he awake?" Methos asked.
"He's sleeping. But you can go back and see him since you're family. I've got a question, Methos. In the ambulance, he woke up and repeated something in Greek a few times before he passed out again. He said," and Owen said something in Greek "what does that mean?"
Methos actually laughed. "That's what he's concerned about?"
Owen gaped at him "Why are you laughing? Your son was just raped."
Methos caught his breath "And I will kill the bastard responsible" his eyes were cold and Ianto had no doubt he meant it.
"But what did Hermes say?" Owen asked.
Methos smiled "He said 'I'm the god of thieves, nobody steals from the god of thieves'."
"Llewellyn?" said a woman's voice from behind Ianto.
Methos looked and his eyes widened in recognition.
Ianto turned and saw a tall and curvy woman with long black curls and bright green eyes. She wore a simple green dress. Ianto knew her as Maia, Hermes's mother.
"Maia" Methos ran to her and took her in his arms.
…
Methos couldn't believe his eyes when he saw his wife walk into the waiting room. It had been so long since he'd seen her last but he'd know her anywhere.
"Maia" he ran to her and wrapped his arms around her "oh goddess, Maia" he spoke in Greek.
She was in tears "I heard what happened and they said I could come and be with you and Hermes."
Methos held her "Oh my love" he found he couldn't say anything else.
…
The two of them went to the ICU to sit with Hermes.
"Do you know why this happened?" Methos asked his wife.
"No" she said "it shouldn't have."
Methos rubbed his temples "It's my fault, I shouldn't have had him go to the market."
Maia put a hand on his shoulder "It's not your fault, Methos."
He put his hand over hers "I told him to stay out of that alley."
"You know he likes to do things his own way."
"I know, he gets that from your father."
She shoved him "He gets it from you and you know it."
"How is Atlas by the way?"
"He's well. He sends his love."
Methos scoffed "That'll be the day." Atlas had never really liked Methos.
"Mama?" Hermes had woken up.
Maia held his hand "I'm here baby."
"Why are you here?"
"Zeus said I could stay with you and your father for awhile."
Methos moved to the other side of the bed "Maybe he's not such a jerk after all. How are you feeling, son?"
"Like I've been hit by a Mac truck. Did that guy take my wallet? Because I am not happy about that."
Methos sighed "You are honestly more concerned that you were robbed?"
"It's the principal of the thing."
Methos rubbed his temples and shared a look with Maia then he said "They found your wallet in the alley, it was just the money that was in it that was missing."
"Bastard" Hermes grumbled.
"Hermes," Maia said "the money isn't important."
"Oh I'm upset about the other thing too. I'm out of shape, I should have been able to defend myself better. It's not fair. This isn't supposed to happen to me. And what is all this stuff attached to me?"
…
Hermes had to stay in the hospital and worse than that (for him, and possibly the nurses) he had to stay in bed.
Methos brought Maia back to the flat "There's pretty much nothing in here. Hermes wants to save money. When he told me that I had to check his temperature."
Maia smiled "I would too. Were you making dinner?"
"Yeah, I imagine it's gone cold now. It's moussaka or at least it was, probably ruined."
Maia looked around the flat's front room and she waved a hand. In an instant the room was completely furnished in Hermes's preferred style of 'modern'. The sofa was brown leather and overstuffed and it had a matching recliner. The other recliner was Greek blue and embossed with Hermes's caduceus. The coffee table was low with white legs and a glass top—the legs resembled snakes. The television was the newest Sanyo and mounted on the wall. There was an array of plants and knick-knacks, mostly centred around Hermes's tastes—which made sense as it was his flat—but there was some Methos and Maia influences as well. Methos especially liked the family portrait on the wall—they'd had it painted when Hermes was five.
Methos looked at Maia "No fair, you get to keep your powers. You gonna do the bedrooms too?"
"I already have. Would you like to see our room or would you like some dinner?"
Methos wrapped an arm around her waist "Do you really think I'm hungry for food, woman?" he pulled her to him and kissed her lips.
She moaned and parted her lips, allowing Methos to snake in his tongue, reacquainting himself with the taste of her. He moved his mouth to her neck
Maia ran her hands down Methos's back "Methos, don't you… think we should talk about…about what's happened all these years?"
"Hmm, can't it wait?" he inched his way down to her chest. "It's been…so long" he cupped one of her breasts and kissed the other through the fabric of her dress.
"Mmm, ohh, I suppose so. Can we at least take this to the bedroom?"
Methos grinned and picked her up.
…
Methos hadn't felt such ecstasy in…in a very long time. He fit nowhere more perfectly than with his wife. There was nothing better than Maia's delicious quim tightening around Methos's pulsating member. Mind, her mouth around his pulsating member was right up there with it and he also greatly enjoyed pleasuring her as well. It was only fair after all.
Once they were both satiated, Methos noticed their bedroom. It was very much like their old one but with a few modern touches. It was a lot smaller for one and where there should be a hearth across from their bed there was a TV. The bed was also smaller and the mattress felt like memory foam instead of feather and the bedclothes were certainly newer—still dark blue though.
Maia snuggled up against Methos and draped an arm over his chest "You're an idiot," she said suddenly.
"Yes. Why am I an idiot?"
"All those terrible things you did…"
Methos sighed heavily "Do we have to do this now? I don't need a speech from you too."
"I shouldn't forgive you."
"No you shouldn't."
"But I do because I can't stop loving you."
He kissed her forehead "I can't stop loving you either."
"You've learned your lesson. We'll speak no more about it."
"Thank you."
…
Ares appeared by Hermes's bedside "How are you?"
Hermes glared at him "How do you think?"
Ares sat on the chair "I'm sorry this happened to you. If I had any idea you were in trouble…"
Hermes sighed "I know. Thank you, it's the thought that counts. I think I have some of idea of how you must have felt when those giants kidnapped you that one time?"
Ares arched an eyebrow "You think so? They held me prisoner for thirteen months."
"Well maybe an itty bitty fraction of an idea."
"Did I ever thank you for saving me?"
"Yes."
"I only said thank you. Did I ever do anything for you in return?"
"Not necessary, it's what friends are for."
"Are they moving you to a room today?"
"They haven't said yet. It's still early. Should you even be talking to me?"
"Technically I am not supposed actual contact with you, part of your punishment but I think they'll allow me this. Besides, it's not like anybody pays attention to me."
"I appreciate you coming to see me. It really means a lot Ares."
…
Methos entered the kitchen to find Ares leaning against the counter.
Ares smiled at him "Morning cousin, long time."
"Indeed, Ares" Methos gave him a smile "What do I owe the pleasure?"
"I was in the neighbourhood, thought I'd drop by and see you."
"That was nice of you" Methos went over to the coffee machine "Want some coffee?"
"No thank you, I can't stay. I think you'll be here a couple months at least."
"That's good to know."
"I'll ask again before you go but when you next see Darius will you say hi for me?" his blue eyes shone brightly.
"I take it he really was a favourite of yours."
"He still is. Even though he hasn't prayed to me in quite some time. I'm also going to ask you to return something of his."
"I can do that."
"Thank you, Methos. I really appreciate it."
…
At lunch time, Ianto went to the hospital to visit Hermes. He was directed to a private room. The door was opened "Knock, knock" he said as he went inside.
Hermes smiled when he saw him "Hey."
"Hey, I brought you grapes" he held up a bag of red grapes.
"You know the Americans give flowers to sick people."
"So I hear" Ianto sat in the chair by the bed.
"Have the police found any clues?"
Ianto nodded "While he wore a condom, they retrieved usable DND from under your finger nails. You were the first one to fight back."
"I know. He wore gloves too. I don't think he was a national because he was faking the accent."
"And because of that information, it narrows down the DNA banks they have to run it through."
"Good."
"Are you going to be all right?"
Hermes shrugged "I'll live. I might be released tomorrow, if the doctors are satisfied with my progress."
"That's good."
"How's the research going?"
Ianto sighed heavily "Not how we'd like. We haven't any idea as to what's haunting that house exactly. We think it's some sort of demonic entity but we don't know why the house is haunted in the first place. Caddy and Gwill are handling the magick side of things."
"But you all have to work together, don't you?"
"Yes, we're all helping where we can. We plan to fight whatever's in that house the night before Father's Day."
…
There was just something about her brother-in-law Edie didn't like. She especially didn't like him in the house but Jean-Maurice was JP's twin brother and family was just as important to JP as it was to her.
"How long is he staying here?" she whispered to JP.
He looked at her "He's not even here right now, why are you whispering?"
"It's just…why is he here again?"
"Business in London but he made extra time to see us. What's your problem?"
"It's just, with all that's going on I don't need a house guest right now."
"Is it that or is it because you think he's my evil twin?"
"He is your evil twin."
"Edythe."
"I call 'em like I see 'em. Jean-Paul, can't you feel there's something off about him?"
"Edythe, I admit my brother's got issues but that doesn't make him evil."
…
Two days later…
Jack hadn't told Ianto that he had Owen collect a DNA sample from under Hermes's nails as well because he wasn't prepared to let him or the police know that Torchwood was taking over the investigation.
He had no problem with letting Methos kill the perpetrator.
With Torchwood's equipment Owen was able to get a result much faster than the police would have. He showed Jack what he found without Methos present. Good thing too.
"No fucking way," Jack said as he stared at the screen "that can't be right."
"That's why I called you in privately. I ran it three times, Jack."
"Why is his DNA even in the system?"
"It's not really in ours because they haven't decided to make immigrants give samples. But the State's had it, he gave a sample to identify his father's remains after Katrina."
"All right, listen don't tell anyone yet, especially Methos. I'll talk to him."
…
Jack went to the university where JP taught a few classes and knocked on his office door.
"Come in" called his Cajun twang.
Jack went in and shut the door behind him "JP, we have a problem."
"Nice to see you too, Jack. What's going on?"
…
UH OH. But I'm sure you've all guessed what's going on, at least when it comes to that. As for the haunted house, I haven't even guessed what's going on yet. I have a vague idea but I'm not sure how to go about it.
As it stands, I don't know if I'll have it up by Father's Day even though I know I said I would a while ago. We'll see what the muses say.
Also I don't know if the ICU is called the ICU in the UK but whatever. We all speak the same language…more or less.
Reviews feed the muses.
TTFN
