Title: Averting More Crises.
Rating: M (Language & Situations)
A/N: Dick Wolf Owns LOCI Characters, all others are mine. NO LINKS BETWEEN THIS CHAPTER AND REALITY ARE INTENDED.
Awakened the next morning by his phone ringing, Bobby jolts to answer it, finding Teri on the other end. "Sorry for waking you, Bobby. I'm calling to see, if we can postpone our meeting until Tuesday. Neil called Justin a bit ago, saying his assistant Dayna intercepted death threats on Kurt, Russel, Justin and Karrigan's lives. Justin's sister's boyfriend, DJ, made the threats, because he doesn't believe the family was "anywhere near forceful enough" about getting rid of him. Dayna swore to Neil, DJ bragged about them loving him, and saving their hate for people who are gay or consort with them. She's filed a police report, but Neil doubts it'll be enough, which is why he called Justin. Mom wants them to move in here, ASAP, because of it." Teri recaps. "I don't blame Neil or Sam, in the least. My family's past with the NYPD is so bad, we have lifelong federal judge's orders, on how we encounter them. You'll get to see my copies of those another day, because I'm about to wake Tynie, and tell her you need us at your house." Bobby admonishes. Sitting up in bed, Tynie grumbles "He just did, without knowing it." "OK guys. We'll see you soon." Teri surrenders. Ending the call on that note, Bobby and Tynie hustle through their day-starting routine.
As they get in the living room, she directs "Sis, I need you to bill me for a fifth of Johnnie Walker Black, and tell the family Bobby and I are unavailable. We just learned yesterday's shit went live enough, to justify us helping on several urgent moves; and to show Sam's household our copies of Her Honor Halvorsen's orders another day. If they ask, that's all you know, but I'll explain the rest at our next family meeting." "I'd prefer we have the Johnnie Walker Black, while you're explaining, sis. You didn't know yet, so it's alright." Frank balks. "Ok. I have no idea when we'll be home, or when we'll be able to set that meeting." Tynie cautions. "Text me, on your way home. I'll cover the last line, and let you take it from there." Anita counters. "OK." Bobby confirms. Rushing outside, they don't see Frank scurry to secure the house, yet Anita does, and it makes her rush to his side. "They've never…" Anita starts. "I know, but I stand by Tynie's plan for how our family's updated. Beyond it, and I hate saying this, all we can do is: hope they'll be safe, and use our plans as a distraction until you're texted." Frank abhors.
Embracing her, he feels his wife nod against his chest, and leads her back to their seats. Taking them, and shortly kissing, he turns on the TV, which broadcasts a newsbrief. Watching it, they learn the FBI found out, in unrelated interrogations, the Religious Warriors and X-Hustlas groups believe the only way to deal with gays and people who consort with gays is to graphically murder them. As a result, the FBI got an order from Her Honor Byersworth, mandating all gun dealers treat their advice for everyone who can legally carry guns to get lined up with the required items for a blended carry permit, as a dire emergency. Due to it, Channel 9 alleges, there's a non-urgent travel ban in effect until tomorrow afternoon. Grabbing his phone, Frank aims to warn his family, only to learn Davin has an offer on their fax machine replacement deal. By it, if they'll set all their home office electronics as if they're up for replacement, and text him: He'll cover Bill's end of it, and let the rest stand. "Just so I'm clear. When you say, you want us to text you, do you mean so you can reset the timeline on that deal? If so, do you realize, you're owed quite a bit, for essentially sparing our homes?" Frank interrogates. "Brother, on your first one, yes. We can make a deal on the second, at a family meeting." Davin replies. "OK. I'll have my end done, soon." Frank impedes. "OK." Davin accepts. Closing the chat out by kin custom, Frank leads his wife across the house, so they can fulfil his latest promise. Retreating to their couch, she joins him in taking seats, then nestles up to him.
Unaware of it, Bobby and Tynie arrive at Sam's, only to be met by her at the front door. Allowing them in, Sam sees Tynie lock up, grab her phone, and hand it over. "On our way here, my aunt, Liza Strickland, told me to let you see the latest text conversation, and find out if you'll let me do what they said, around here. Should you, everything's delayed until I'm back in in this area." Tynie instills. Obeying Liza's directive, Sam panics "I didn't expect the news we got, to go this far!" "Tynie and I didn't, either. I'll need you guys to follow our lead because of it, though." Bobby interjects. "OK." Sam stammers. "Where's you guys's home office?" Tynie asks. "Down the hall, third room on the left." Teri replies. Racing that way, Tynie doesn't see her spouse let Kurt, Justin, Karrigan and Russel in. Derek does, and it inspires him to rush holding his girlfriend, who's shaking from shock. Approaching Teri just as quickly, Justin opens his arms, and feels her accept his quiet invitation. Trailing him, Russel detours to make the same silent offer to Kendra, who reacts the same way. "I didn't expect any of this…" Kendra mopes. "None of us did, but you ladies can leave the rest, to us men. Yeah, I know it'll upset Tynie, because she's a take charge kind of woman in these situations, yet it's for your safety." Justin insists. "Is that why she just crossed our house like a bat out of hell?" Teri probes. Ensuring the house is locked, Bobby clarifies "Partly. We learned our family's delaying major electronics replacements, because of the news we got. She was also advised to treat your home office like ours, as soon as possible. Now, everything in that room is being shut off, and unplugged. It's justified, because one of the last things we need to risk today is, an electronics related fire." "That's true." Teri murmurs. "I hope she doesn't get hurt." Kendra prays. "If I can find out where she is, I'll check on her and help her out." Kurt offers. "My home office, down the hall, third room on the left." Sam restates.
Hustling that way, Kurt keeps his promise, and brings Tynie back to their group. "Guys, I just realized some things. We'll have to go to George's to get your residency affidavits done, but we shouldn't leave this land unmonitored. If we do, it could be considered an easy target, by people affilated with that shitwart DJ or others the FBI's investigating." Tynie depicts. "Tynie, that's why I'm staying here. You didn't know yet, so it's OK." Derek amends. "Not entirely, man. Sam needs to realize, you just gave me perfect grounds to have her return my phone, and stick to Bobby like fuckin' glue, until all our asses are back here." Tynie rescinds. "How's that not cheating?" Sam frets. "It's not, because we'd never debase ourselves by being anywhere near as petty as that worthless asshole Jeff. I know, you're still adapting, and you don't like it when he's brought up. Sorry, but I wanted you to get an example, of what I meant when I said no one who matters will disrespect you like that. You'll get others, in the right times. Now, I need to get you calmed, and see if Bobby's OK with me returning the favor Tynie set up, to him." Derek explains. "Another time, man." Bobby goads. "Guys, while he's working on that, you should go empty Kurt's house." Kendra encourages. "Good calls!" Teri howls.
Recognizing she's right, the men in charge of that task, exit Sam's house to resolve it. Hurrying up to the door, Tynie locks it, and assumes an unguarded post. "Don't mind me, guys. My bouncer's instinct is going off like a Terry Spanglert guest, but I'm pretty sure I can get Bobby to translate that." Tynie discourages. Glancing around the room, Bobby intends "She'll step back to let those guys in, but she's not standing down, until then. Like Justin, I want her to, but her instinct's telling her no, because of the news from Neil. Sorry, but all we can do is, find out if any more problems will arise, and go from there." "I wish you weren't right. Since you are, I'm going to keep Tynie by me, while you guys handle the difference. If we need you for anything, we'll have you called." Derek decries. "Ok." Bobby permits. Allowing that to stall the conversation, everyone on Sam's couches sees Tynie begin proving her husband right. Waiting until the last tub's brought in, she locks up, heads to get her phone back from Sam, and takes a seat by Bobby. Claiming the remaining ones, all the other people involved in this move, are updated by Teri. "Tynie, I know, you want to do more, but I'd rather you not. You were part of the team, who made most of our life changes, possible. I'm honored, but I'm also scared, you'll work so hard you'll get seriously hurt. That's why, I'm not having you get drinks, when it's time for them." Sam disapproves.
Nodding understandably, Tynie runs her left hand through her hair, creating a chain reaction amongst the ladies by her. "Sam, I should have copies of the affidavits she mentioned in my Padarean. If you'll let me check; we can pick who else goes with you, and meet back here for the drinks." Kendra expounds. "Go ahead, Kendra." Sam accedes. Abiding by her consent, Kendra hands the Padarean to the lady of this house, whom smirks. "She's right, by having us keep those private, until they're signed at George's. I believe it'd be even better if Mom puts the Padarean in her purse, and has Kendra vouch it was Ok." Teri indemnifies. "She's right. If it fucks up the Padarean or Sam's purse, I'll text them a referral to where I go for those, when I need them." Tynie adds. "I'm good with it, if Kendra is, ladies." Sam falters. "I am." Kendra reclaims.
Rising to meet her, and help Kendra prove it, Sam lays her purse aside. "I know why she did that, guys. If you'll all follow me, you'll learn why, too." Derek defends. Obeying, most of the people in Sam's house are shown to it's restrooms, only to alternate using them. Regrouping in the living room, Tynie surprises the others, by picking up and examining Sam's purse. Setting it to her right, she asks "Kendra, will you give me your number later?" "Yeah." Kendra affirms. "Cool. Sorry, but I needed to know, to back my claim, the referral came out before you had a chance. Sam may hate it; but I have really shitty luck with Kaitana purses basically shredding on me, and I'm afraid it'll happen to her." Tynie self-exonerates. "In that case, I'll move all her stuff to my Markana, and have her reverse the verification." Kendra precludes. Nodding to accept that, Sam gets the texted referral, as the latest plan change is honored. Moments later, Bobby's phone goes off, with a new text from Liza. She found out Channel 9 grossly misrepresented Her Honor Byersworth's orders, because they didn't inflict a full on travel ban, just an advisory on shopping at gun stores. She suggested people brace themselves for abnormally large crowds at them, due to the sheer number of people who need blended carry permits. Needless to say, Her Honor Byersworth's pissed, and plans on making Channel 9 pay for what they did. Liza admits she'd do the same, and to having Markus check on George's being open. It isn't, because of how Her Honor Byersworth's orders were broadcast, but there's an online alternative, named PostOptions. All Kurt's household would have to do is, go to their site, click on "Move/update address," fill out the form, and have Sam e-sign as the property owner. They'll get confirmation numbers, which can be used to update major accounts, like bank ones. Markus advised they get screencaps of those numbers; and save then against Sam's computer, because of the fax machine situation. "Guys, Bobby must've nudged his text to speech feature "on." I heard all that, and will help you on it, if we can take a drink break after it." Tynie intercedes. "I'd feel better, if we had a meal with that drink, Tynie. We don't know when you guys last ate, so it's a respect of fairness thing. Hell, I'll even cook for it." Justin contests. "I'd prefer we split that, Justin. You didn't know I would, but I'm not sure how familiar you are with Sam's kitchen, or how intensive the cooking will be. On the same side of it, I'd rather not have you go from moving here as an emergency, straight into needing that kind of medical care." Kendra overrules. "I have nothing but respect for that, Kendra. We'll need to find out people's food allergies, before we work on this deal, though." Justin obstructs.
Stashing his phone, Bobby elicits "If you guys are OK with making it a three way split; I'll teach you some of my and Tynie's food allergies. We don't believe in cramming that kind of learning all into one day, so you'll get it on a case by case basis." "Speaking of respectable decisions." Teri praises. "Tynie, if Justin goes for that, we'll have a new deal." Sam interprets. "Sounds like it's settled then, Sam." Justin refers. Catching the latest hint, Tynie, Sam, and Kurt head for the home office, leaving the others to await them. Demonstrating how she planned to work with Markus's advice, Tynie winds up putting Sam's computer through master software updates and maintenance. "Sorry, the second part of that was out of habit. I've never used PostOption's site before, and I didn't feel right risking your computer being hit by anything that could fuck it up." Tynie regrets. "It's alright. I just, wonder if there are better programs, to keep my computer safe, out there." Sam ripostes. "I'll set you up with the same ones I use at home, if you tell Bobby it means we'll need his trio to work on our meal while you wait." Tynie negotiates. "Sam, you can leave that to me. She needs you present, as the property owner, so it's fairest." Kurt redetermines. "Ok." Sam restates. Exiting the room, Kurt keeps his most recent word, and learns it left Teri feeling indebted. "I know how she'd answer that, Teri. She'd tell you, it can be cleared with a Kirin Ichiban or Heineken, given today's circumstances. Then, she'd tell you not to get it for her, until she's been back in here, for at least an hour." Bobby extolls. "Do you think we can time the meal, the same way?" Teri ponders. "It depends, on if you guys have a grill I can use." Bobby stalls. "We do, on the back deck. I'll help you with it, so Kendra and Justin can get our tableware and coffee table ready." Derek declares. "Teri, do you mind me helping you on drinks?" Russel inquires. "I'd like it, actually." Teri prefers. "Kurt will you and Bobby help me on cleanup?" Karrigan asks. "Sure." Bobby quips. "You were right to make it so Sam and Tynie got breaks, guys. Karrigan didn't know, it's pretty much all you have to say, if you need my help on things like meal cleanup. We'll discuss how else I contribute, after everything we moved from my house, is situated." Kurt rejoinders. "I'd rather help you guys make that a blanket thing, man. You didn't know yet, but as it stands, we can use your timeline. If anything changes it, I'll tell you how we can work around that, and when it'd be best." Bobby protests.
Consenting with nods, everyone by Bobby helps him with their meal plan. Across the house, Sam's getting quite an education on reliable anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware programs. "Sam, I hate to say it. You're blessed, by the fact the bullshit Jeff trusted didn't leave you too open to hackers, because it could've very easily cost you your identity. My best advice is, for you to get and check your credit report, to rule out shit that isn't supposed to be on there. If you'll let me use my phone in here, I'll call my uncle Jeremiah, to see if we can make a deal so he helps you on that. Worst case scenario, he says no." Tynie grouses. "Tynie, the only rooms I don't want phones used in; are my kitchen, and the bathrooms. My agent Gareth Singelton told me, damages from phones falling into toilets, sinks, or garbage disposals aren't covered by any insurance policies Kellener Wireless works with, which is what drove that rule." Sam informs. "We share a carrier, nice!" Tynie gleams. "I didn't know that, until now." Sam reckons. "It's cool, but I've got a call to make. You'll be updated on it, when it's done, unless my speaker button acts up. I have really bad luck with that, which is why I wanted to warn you about it." Tynie forestalls. "I appreciate it, Tynie." Sam honors. Curtly nodding, she retrieves her phone, using it to make the cited call. Fifteen minutes later, she advises "I have good news, Sam. He said he'd do it, but he's getting my cousin Dean Strickland, to help. Dean's an ex-bank President, so he knows a lot more about what to watch out for than me or my uncle, but there's a hitch. I'm supposed to make sure they have your number and get them a couple fifths of Jack Daniels. You heard right, my uncle Jeremiah doesn't want you worried about anything that's not linked to our deals, unless another emergency justifies it. Considering who's technically linked to this one, and his reputation, I'm not disputing that." "Can you text them the first part, and set the second for another day?" Sam asks. "That's my plan. You don't have to worry about either of them giving your number out, though. No one in my family believes in doing that, unless we're served with a material evidence warrant, for it." Tynie assents. "Same rule as me, nice." Sam praises. "Good to know." Tynie murmurs.
Diverting her attention, Tynie fulfils half the plan she just explained, and learns Dean will text her to set a timeline on the rest. Accepting it, she ends the chat by family norms. "Speaking of Jack Daniels again Tynie, I'm curious. Is a double a good enough way to pay you, for what you just did?" Sam worries. "If it's not your last, yeah. I don't believe in taking that, when I don't know when someone will be able to get it replaced. My family has an absolutely horrendous past with packaging conditions issues, which is what drove that ethic." Tynie interferes. "I'll double check my fridge, when we get to that area. Worst case scenario, I ask you to take a glass of wine instead." Sam accommodates. "That'll be fine." Tynie condones.
Smiling as she watches Tynie shut her computer down, Sam sees her out to the others. Arising to greet them, Kurt debriefs those ladies on what they missed. Soon after he's done, Sam returns the favor, and learns Karrigan's willing to pay for their next restock. "You'd be better off, covering one after you get updated cards." Tynie discredits. "She's right. Don't get us wrong, it's wonderful you want to show us you'll contribute to our house. You don't need to risk account issues over it, when we can just as easily make other plans for it, for the meantime." Kendra attests. "Alright." Karrigan concedes. "Ladies, once you sit back, I'll see about getting you both some Jack Daniels. You've done, and endured enough today, to deserve it." Kurt redirects. Grinning through a nod, Sam grants his wish, moments ahead of Tynie. Retaining his word, Kurt's met by Karrigan, whom asks for help getting drinks for everyone else by them. "Sure thing, man." Kurt assures. "We still have so much to do. Accounts need canceled and updated, tubs need moved, and Kurt may need to sell his house." Teri delineates. "He should delay it, until shit dies down. We learned why, when Liza last texted me." Bobby reprimands. "We'll need the confirmation numbers, to do the rest." Russel discerns. "I wrote them down, before I did Sam's computer maintenance. She may not like the fact; I left that on, but I did it, in case you guys need to use it to cancel or update accounts. You'll get my notes, after meal cleanup's done, so we don't risk grease fucking them up." Tynie signifies. "Sam, in her defense; we did move on a Sunday. Most banks and credit card companies are closed, so she was justified in finding us an alternative, that streamlines one of the most important parts." Russel alludes. "I wasn't upset with her decision, Russel. You just explained why, but I'd prefer you have us as your witnesses, in case Tynie has to fix more issues with my computer around the same time." Sam recants. "Hell, that's reasonable." Justin deems. Vouching it with another round of nods, everybody in Sam's house goes from ending that conversation, to enjoying the meal. As good luck would have it, cleanup's done without intrusion, and so is their new method of updating cards from the moves.
Gathering as they'd been since Kurt's house was cleared, Justin testifies "I found out how Dayna intercepted the threats. She was at a Kaleran's Gas N Go, tanking up before church. DJ was at the pump right across from her, loudly running his mouth. She called to update me, a few minutes ago, and was justifiably perturbed. Now, Neil has to redo my orders on them not bothering me, so significant others; and anyone who makes threats on my family's behalf are specified. If they didn't live within a couple blocks of each other, I'd have had to wait until tomorrow for all that. I feel bad, she had to miss church for this, and told her. She said, it was a lot better than letting what she heard fester, given the nature of the situation. Unfortunately, it means my courier's meeting got moved to Tuesday at ten." "Justin, no offense. It sounds like your genepool's full of discriminatory dumbasses, with less common sense than my bad hair day." Tynie derides. "None taken, because I agree, with your sentiment. May Bobby forgive me for this, but I think your hair looks too good, to deserve being compared to them." Justin rebukes. "You don't need forgiven, for speaking my mind. I know you weren't sure, this time, so it's OK." Bobby declines. "Please tell me, you moved that meeting, here." Kendra hopes. "I did, but I'll need one of you as a witness. Neil's courier requires it, to keep their risks of being accused of not doing their jobs down." Justin interferes. "I'll do it, man. My baby may not like why, but it's to keep her and the other ladies who live here, safe. We've discussed, and done an urgent move, based on why." Derek hedges. "Sam, I know this isn't my house. If it were, I'd use his decision as grounds, to be the armed guard for that meeting; and have you ladies holed up in the back areas, until it's been over for at least half an hour." Russel renounces. "You don't need forgiven, for making a reasonable plan, Russel. I know you weren't sure, but as long as you guys explain your reasons for handling situations in a certain way: I'll go along with it, from now on." Sam disclaims. "Sounds good, Sam." Karrigan assents. "Guys, he inspired some advice. Since we had to deal with a lawyer, his agent, and emergency moves on a Sunday, because of death threats: you'd be safer adapting to calling each other "sis" and "man," unless you're dealing with cops, judges, anything linked to your cars, accounts, medical, or this house's upkeep. I'd keep it down to when you're in total privacy whenever it's possible, if I were you, too. Obviously, urgent shit's an exemption, but it should be the only one." Bobby counsels. "We've ridden in this rodeo before. Can you tell?" Tynie snarks. "Yeah." Karrigan verifies. "What do we owe you two for all you've done today?" Sam wonders. "If you'll promise to use his advice starting now, and stay in touch beyond my deal with Jeremiah being settled: I'll call it cleared." Tynie imposes. "So will I. I know she didn't put it that way, because of the surrounding circumstances, so it's fine." Bobby amends. "Guys, that's not good enough. You and your family, made a lot possible for us. Hell, Tynie even made a last minute deal, to keep our identities cleared. I believe, you're entitled to a lot more, so I'm about to ask everyone else who lives here to agree to make your wishes the starter." Kurt refutes. "Count me in, man." Sam confirms.
Alternating who repeats her, the others Kurt referred to, make his request a reality. "As long as you're safe about it, we won't argue." Bobby cedes. "We will be, man." Karrigan avows. "Kendra, on a halfway related note, I'm curious. How would you and Teri react if, I swore you looked cute coupled up with Russel and Justin?" Tynie queries. "That's easy, Tynie. I'd start off by asking if you asked that, in hopes of lightening today's tone. Should your answer be yes, I'd ask Justin what his views are, on us getting closer, so soon after the news on his family. Either way, I'd keep you in the loop, because you're involved in how he came into my life." Kendra depicts. "Sis, to me; everything except the death threats, was a liberation. If you really think about it, you got a similar one. So, why shouldn't we make enhancing our relationship part of it?" Justin requests. "I'm with him on that, Teri. You didn't know, but it's because I believe how my family treated me, justifies my living my best life in spite of them. If you'd like to give his idea a try, we can do it, at your pace." Russel adheres. "Has Tynie played matchmaker before?" Sam goads. "Yes, and it's lead to five of our family's couples being happily married." Bobby confirms. "I've never had a chance, to do that for a gay couple, though." Tynie admits. "I can see it in your eyes, Tynie. You feel horrible, about the discrepancy in your track record. Don't, because there might be an easy fix. If Kurt's up for this, he and I can use the ideas we just heard you inspired." Karrigan deters. "Sounds good to me." Kurt vouches. "Is there anything Tynie can't do?" Teri dares. "I'll give you that list, and explain its reasons, another day. We still have to figure out who's taking what areas, and if they'll need my help. Should they, I'll need Derek to watch over Tynie." Bobby restricts. "No problem, man. I know my baby picked those areas for the stash spots, as a time saving tactic, too. You may not have, but I say we leave how the tubs are moved, and the guideline for enhancing relationships, up to the ladies who live here." Derek renders. "I know why he wants it that way, guys. On one side, it's a respect of Sam's authority as homeowner. On the other, he wants them to pace out the tub moves, so no one here risks injuries or ER visits. What he didn't know was; it gave me perfect grounds to take his place on making meals. It's fine, because now I can owe him a fifth of whatever the fuck he wants, in exchange for his using my phone to ask my family to set a meeting so we can discuss the latest. If they ask, he's to tell them I gave the consent, after learning we share a carrier, that doesn't have a phone insurer who'll cover damages that stem from my phone falling into a sink or toilet." Tynie deems. "I won't bill her for that, guys. It doesn't feel right, because of everything she's done or been part of, up until now. We have a deal on the difference, though." Derek disagrees. "What does she mean by the pace out?" Kendra inquires. "She's advising we keep it down to ones with clothes, hygiene items, or major papers for today, and move the others, over the next few days. I agree, but I don't want you ladies lifting the tubs, because it could very easily spike your injury risks. You may not like my decision, yet it's how I can base asking her to teach you her massage tactics. She's trained in it enough to get a license, but I won't let her, because it took an executive order to get our state to stop being regulation change happy." Bobby interprets. "I haven't blamed him for that, and I'm not starting now. He just didn't know, his idea will run him a Jack Daniels double when we get home, yet. It's cool, because you're learning now, I'll do what he wants before our next meal." Tynie signifies. "You guys are amazingly reasonable." Sam swears. "We try, because we know, it's not thriving in our society. I know it may sound spiteful, but I believe the free world deserves it, for letting our reason, exist." Tynie demurs. "That was the politest way, I've ever heard someone say our society's gone to hell." Teri revels. "You haven't heard her speak to a judge, sis. Trust me, how she worded that, was the low bar." Bobby rededicates. "Wow." Kendra slurs. "No offense, but I hope what drove today's events, doesn't lead to us getting that education. We still have to sell Kurt's house, and plan a retirement party. God only knows how a new court case would affect that, and I'd prefer it be kept that way." Teri ruminates. "None taken, but if your wish doesn't come true: you'll be told how I can work around it, so Kurt and Sam know how to answer it. I mean, in case they have to deal with insurers, the cops, or reschedule with a realtor. " Tynie debunks. "I'm good with that. How about you, Sam?" Kurt compels. "Definitely." Sam accedes.
Arising from his seat, Justin starts a chain of men heading to move totes, Bobby ending it. Moments later, Teri fawns "Justin is such a stud." "I feel the same way about Russel, sis. How Tynie picked up on it, is a mystery to me, though." Kendra rambles. "It's been in your eyes, ladies. I'll bet she didn't want to embarrass you, or she'd have mentioned it sooner." Derek guesses. "He didn't lie on my name, ladies. If anything, your confessions, inspired a slight change in my plan for the massages. I'll have to see if Sam will take an IOU on a few six packs of beer, to pull it off, though." Tynie intends. "I'd rather not have IOU's brought into our agenda, sis. We've been lucky, not to have a lot of problems, and I don't want debts we can avoid, changing it." Derek rebukes. "I'm with him on that, sis. Besides, our next restock is supposed to be on me. You didn't know, but the list is under a rose magnet, on the fridge. We keep a pen clipped in a pen holding magnet, so you can use that to update the list instead." Kendra educates. "You got it." Tynie resigns.
Reclining in their seats, everyone in Sam's living room, overhears the tub moving group's newest chat. Kurt and Karrigan are taking the room right by Sam's home office, Teri and Justin get the basement, leaving the room across from Sam's home office for Kendra and Russel. Waiting until they're all seated by each other, Bobby regales "Sam, I need to explain why Kurt, Karrigan, and I basically overtook control of your house. Kurt told me, he fears Justin's family will target him, or have him targeted; any day. Unfortunately, I can see it happening, too. It's why I got them to agree, to make it so Justin and Teri live away from windows. Sadly, the only area that fit is the basement. You may have heard, how we arranged the other moves, because of it. If not, Russel said he'd show you, before me and Tynie go home." "We heard, man. I just feel bad, about Justin and Teri having to live right by our laundry room." Sam pines. "Don't, because that makes monitoring for issues in that area, really easy on me. I'm pretty sure, I can get Kurt, Russel and Derek to do the same thing, with the other major parts of the house. We could make a deal on how repairs are handled then, too." Justin rebuts. "I'll cover the furnace, if Derek does the plumbing, and Kurt keeps eyes on the electrical." Russel offers. "I'll do it, on one condition. You guys have to understand, my baby needs this handled like we did our client's, for the insurance." Derek quantifies. "No problem." Kurt claims.
Nodding to support that, Justin and Russel quietly seal the latest arrangement. "Did you guys hear our chat?" Kendra prods. "Yeah. I'm flattered you feel that way, but I feel bad. Usually, when I start a relationship, I get the lady roses." Russel debates. "I'm fine with them being delayed, babe. You can call me that, whenever you want, as long as we're together, too." Kendra assures. "Justin, if you share that concern: I'm good with us clearing it the same way." Teri pre-empts. "Sounds good, babe." Justin approves. "Ladies, on that note, I need you to follow me into the kitchen. You'll learn why, when you do." Tynie instructs. Curiously smiling, Kendra, Sam and Teri grant that request, and find out it's the start of Tynie's massage plan. Enjoying it, the men in Sam's house are delayed in returning the favors, by Tynie's text alert going off. Obtaining her phone, she's informed Frank has a family meeting set for Wednesday at one, at Burt's. "Thanks brother. I'll text you, before Bobby and I head home. We'll be safe in the meantime, before you worry." Tynie replies. "Alright." Frank sends back. Utilizing family norms to end the discussion, Tynie feels her spouse guide her to his seat, then sees him leave the room.
Following him, Derek, Justin, Kurt and Karrigan extend that, to bringing their agenda back to massages. As those end, Derek confesses "Tynie, I don't know if we were meant to hear what came across your phone or not. If we weren't, I'm sorry, but I've reconsidered. You're not in charge of our next meal anymore, because you did a lot of work for us already. We lived some of the proof today, so I'm about to ask Bobby and my baby to help me in the kitchen." "I'd feel better if we cleared from the drinks, and had it lead into that. As far as what happened with my baby's phone goes, you now know why, we're so strict about when we take or make non-emergency calls." Bobby resists. "I'm the same way, man. You didn't know yet, but I'll be glad to help you guys, because my honey was right. Tynie's done enough, especially since last minute deals were part of it." Sam reiterates.
Surprising them, Bobby's text alert sounds, due to a message from Annalise. Reading it, he learns she's willing to order them HiroHama's. Lifting his gaze, he asks "I know some of our food allergies. Are there any more?" "Anchovies give me hives, and Cayenne pepper makes me sneeze like crazy." Kendra depicts. "Teri and I get hives from eating jalapenos." Sam opines. "Eating shellfish does the same to me." Russel names. "Same here." Karrigan dubs. "It sounds like my reaction to tapioca, is part of a common theme." Kurt supposes. "Same with mine, to Habaneros." Derek presumes. "Ok. I'll tell my cousin Annalise, so she knows what foods to avoid, when she orders our next meal from HiroHama's. She volunteered, to cut us a break, because of what most of today represented." Bobby explicates. "Sam, before you worry; she's Dean's wife, which is how she got your contact information. What he's doing is covered by my family's rule on that, too." Tynie predicts. "Thanks for clearing that up, sis. I hope he'll tell her, I'll return the favor sometime." Sam falters. "Sure thing." Bobby promises. Honoring his word, he's told to expect the family's usual wait time. "Planned on it, sis." Bobby retorts, adding well wishes. Receiving them in kind, he puts his phone up, and provides an update. "An hour and a half wait on a platter, big enough for all of us, is a lot better than I usually get for takeout orders." Sam reviews. "I'll tell you what, Sam. If you'll bring me your phone, I'll program in every number my family uses for takeout. Then, I'll ask where you usually order from, so I can remove the numbers and your risk of continuing to get shitty delivery timeframes." Tynie plots. Obliging her requests, Sam witnesses Tynie let proving her word lead into checking for, and authorizing software updates.
Gazing up from the device, Tynie says "If any of you want me to make sure your phones get the same update Sam's did, lay them on the endtable by me. You'll get them back when I'm done, but I'm leaving how you get the numbers I just gave her, up to her." A bit stunned by her offer, Russel asks "Don't you want paid for that?" "Considering what today's been centered on: A glass of White Zin will cover it for all of you, man." Tynie reveals. "Tynie, you do realize you're getting more, next time you do tech work in our house.. Right?" Teri dares. "If you're safe about it, I won't argue." Tynie recoils. "We will be." Sam lulls. "Ok." Tynie surrenders. Leaving their seats, in a chain reaction, everybody by Sam acts on Tynie's offer. Resuming her work, she periodically checks the phones, Kurt asking "How'd she get it all running at the same time?" "I've had lots practice, man. Here's the thing, our only way to avoid phone insurance policy issues over it, is a two parter. One side, you guys must be ready to swear to any Kellener Wireless staffer, I had your consent. The other, you must pick up your phones, after it's done." Tynie replies. "No problem, sis." Derek obliges. Twenty minutes pass, before everybody from Kurt to Derek, takes turns retrieving their phones.
Stashing them in another chain reaction, Russel wraps his left arm around Kendra. Hesitantly cuddling up, she worries "I don't want to do anything, that may scare you off." "There's another way, babe. All we'd have to do is, agree to speak privately, to set parameters for our relationship, or settle issues between us. Until then, we assume everything's fine, and go about our day." Russel refuses. "I'd like to carry that over to us, Teri." Justin requests. "Same with me, and us, Karrigan." Kurt shortens. "Sounds fair to me. How about you, sis?" Karrigan enquires. "Absolutely." Teri dubs. Mimicking Russel's pose with Tynie, her husband crafts a new chain, that Derek ends. "Babe, there is another thing, we haven't resolved. How do we, truly make up, for Tynie and Bobby's day being fucked up?" Sam reviles. "You're not at fault, sis. Last I heard, the FBI's on who is, like a bad case of hemorrhoids. Hell, for all we know, they could nail the bastards who disavowed Kurt, Karrigan, Russel and Justin, as co-conspirators. Even if I'm wrong, Russel was right, in a couple respects he wasn't entirely clear on. One, the shitwads you were disowned by or divorced, don't deserve the backdoor honor risk; of you guys letting their tactics impact your lives anymore. The other, we can always call private meetings, to settle any real issues between us. Just so you're clear, when I said "We" and "Us," I meant it on behalf of my entire family. I'll update them at our next meeting, because we hate risking private details leaking to the public. If you're OK with that, everything will be good between us." Tynie rebels. "OK." Sam accepts. "Tynie, I hope you can forgive me. I just don't feel right having you or Bobby do any more work today, unless an emergency forces it." Teri wishes. "I see it differently, sis. You didn't know I would, but you just made it very easy, for the guys that just moved in, to learn your preferences for delivery orders. As a bonus, you spared me the trouble of explaining how easy it is, to call me off." Tynie discredits. "Sis, she's right. We're good." Bobby sustains.
Delicately tucking her hair from her eyes, Russel desires "Relax, baby. You've earned it, given what most of today's surrounded. If any issues arise, you can leave how they're fixed to us men. Excluding Bobby, because you were right, he and Tynie really have done enough." "Ok." Teri slurs. "Babe, don't ask me how he does it. Russel just read my mind, but it means I'm to take Bobby's place, on our meal duties." Justin relinquishes. "Be safe, honey. I really don't want any of us risking an ER visit today." Kendra desires. "We will be, ladies. After Derek teaches us how Sam wants us dealing with delivery people, he can join Bobby. I know it may seem unfair, but Tynie was right. Sam showed a lot of heart by opening her house to us, so we should make living in it, as easy on her as possible. Worst I can see happen is, Derek or Sam decides to make how we learn their preferences, another case by case basis." Russel dedicates. "I just did, guys. Bobby was right, it wouldn't be fair to handle that, any other way." Sam notifies. Effectively continuing today's trend of settling topics with nods, all the people in Sam's house, relax for a bit. Deftly lifting her lips to Russel's cheek, Kendra kisses it, and murmurs "Hopefully, that wasn't too fast for you." Bringing his gaze her way, Russel nullifies "I liked it, but it made me realize, I owe you one. If you'll let me fix that, we can discuss the rest of our relationship's limits, as I said." "Go ahead, babe." Kendra allows. Obeying her, Russel sits back, as all the other couples, take turns reusing his moves. A few minutes go by, before Derek liberates his woman of his embrace, and heads for the front door. Following him, Kurt and Karrigan get the first lesson, on how Sam prefers to deal with delivery orders. While that happens, Teri and Justin prepare the coffee table, leaving Russel and Kendra to get drinks.
Reconvening in Sam's living room, all the people in her house, enjoy the meal and drinks. As it comes time to clean up, Kurt waves Derek and Sam back, and receives Karrigan's help. Joining that effort, Russel makes sure, the restock log is updated. Waiting on their return, everyone from Bobby to Kendra, feels a rush of peace envelop them. Stealthily recreating their prior embraces, Kurt, Russel and Karrigan feel the same thing. Quietly basking in it, the entire group smiles, until Tynie leaves the room. Unwittingly restarting today's restroom use trend by doing so, she sees Sam end it. Gently wrapping Derek's arm around herself, Sam frets "Tynie, why haven't you and Bobby been very affectionate today?" "We didn't want to break your house rules on that, sis." Tynie absolves. "Mom, this is their first time here; and our first chance to discuss it. You know why, too." Teri defends. "Yeah. There's another way we can clear it, though. All we'd have to do is, agree to keep our affections down to hugs, embraces like these, or short kisses when we're grouped up. We'd need Bobby or Tynie to let their family know, so it can be settled, pretty much all at once." Derek conjures. "I'll be glad to, man." Bobby reclaims. "Aside from that, we're in." Tynie resounds.
Gazing around herself, she sees all the other adults nod, again. Sitting in a blend of peace and fairly brief silence, every new couple shares their first kisses. Humming elated breaths, the ladies and Kurt mile, seconds ahead of Justin, Russel and Karrigan. Trailing them, Sam gazes to Tynie, who asks "What's up, sis?" "How do we repay you, for making all our chances at romantic happiness, possible?" "I'm more comfortable asking you guys to enjoy being together, as much as you can. You couldn't have known, because this is the first time Bobby and I have worked around your house. It's fine, and as I said earlier, so is everything between us. Ok?" Tynie discourages. "Yeah." Sam rasps. "Sweetheart, there's another first involved. We've helped avert crises like the ones Dayna heard about before. Today, it lead to a change in your matchmaking track record, that like you, I want Kurt and Karrigan to enjoy. They deserve it, just as much as all the other new couples, including Derek and Sam. I know, they started out earlier than everyone else, but their relationship's still young." Bobby testifies. "Yeah. You were absolutely right to let them know, you back my blessing in private, too. They may disagree, but considering how today started, and our luck with speaker buttons, it was safest." Tynie surmises. "That's true." Derek murmurs.
Deeming it a cue, all the other newly coupled up people, alternate promising they'll do as Tynie wishes. Smiling, she sees Teri disband her embrace, and head for the restroom. Effectively restarting that trend as well, Teri soon watches it lead into Russel proving his promise on showing Sam the move results. Twenty minutes pass, before they rejoin the others, and see Tynie on her phone. "Honey, she told me, there are some stores her family avoids. Apparently, they're notorious for allowing shitty packaging conditions, and she doesn't want us risking sickness or injury over it. So, she's texting me that list, and their family's preferred store one. All she wants in return is, one of us to let her know if any store on the second list, starts allowing the shit from the first." Derek expounds. "She didn't know that was my turf, yet. It's OK, because now I can tell her, it's my way of thanking Derek for becoming my new landlord. You know why I needed it, too." Kendra interjects. "I don't believe Tynie does, sis. If it's OK with you, I'll tell her." Sam hinders. "Let me guess. Kendra's old landlord was known for not fixing shit, and he lost his professional ass. I've dealt with urgent moves because of that before, which is why I was so fast to assume it." Tynie presumes. "You're half right, sis. The other half, surrounds her family disowning her over representing a gun store owner, who served the general public. In their minds, only cops and the military should be armed, because of mass-shootings. What made it worse is, Karrigan found out, and couldn't move her into his house. State regulations forbade it, because of their connection, but he could help her find a place. Of course, he had to swear it was to preserve her welfare. When my baby got word, he insisted on her moving here, and joining her. He feared, her not being in a safe location, with a man to act as security, would give her bloodline too much room to retaliate. They may not believe in our Second Amendment as it's intended, but I learned two days ago, they love to get violent. If it weren't for us both being freshly retired from professions that required state licensing, I would've been able to become her landlord." Sam recollects. "Damn." Tynie curses. "Sam, there's another way. All you have to do is, call us back out here, so we can help you consolidate accounts. We'll show you, how to tie in who's responsible for what bills, and how to secure the proof. I'd have other relatives do it, but I can't, because of Tynie's deal with Jeremiah on your identities." Bobby instills. "I was wondering how deep that ran. Now I know, I want you to know, it means she's getting the last of my Jack Daniels. You'll get one of my last Sapporos, but I'll need updated on if new shit changes the plan." Derek renders. "We'll call, or have you called, man." Bobby obliges. "Babe, Liza just changed that deal. She believes it'd be best if Jeremiah and Dean took over what you just said, and let it lead into the rest. All I'm supposed to do now is: ask if this household's free tomorrow at ten, and let Jeremiah know, so he can arrange to pick Dean up on their way over here." Tynie paraphrases.
Glancing around the room, Sam receives several nods, leading her to ask "Let Liza know the answer's yes, sis?" "On it now." Tynie evades. Proving herself, Tynie exchanges good night messages with the bulk of her family, and stores her phone. Lifting her gaze, Tynie reports "Sam, Liza swore she'd call you or have you called if shit arises on their end. Other than that, my debt to Jeremiah and Dean got cancelled, by Tianna. She's my cousin, and she based the decision on the fact the FBI's technically linked to today's urgent moves. We've already discussed how she could base it, but she's asked Bobby to show y'all how we end a meeting, so you can use it for future ones." "Babe, did you tell her that wouldn't be a problem?" Bobby enquires. "Yep." Tynie cites. Kissing her cheek, Bobby gets the gesture back, before lining his gaze with Sam's. "I believe we've covered all we can for today. We owe you for giving your day up for it, so now, I need to ask. Do you mind if I take over the cancelled debt?" Sam proposes. "Yes, almost every card in this house, is technically in limbo right now. So, I'd feel much better having you act on the Jack Daniels end of Derek's idea today, and save the Sapporo one, for the next time we're here." Tynie declines. "I'm driving, so I'll need a coffee with a brandy creamer, if you have any. We won't be able to leave for an hour after it, because of our family's anti-DWI rules." Bobby discloses. "I'll get those, Sam." Kendra elicits. "I'll help, but we'll need more, to get everyone drinks." Russel continues. "I'm pretty sure I can get Karrigan to back me on that." Kurt hinders. "He just did, so most of you can relax." Karrigan overrules.
Shrugging, Teri sees her mom retake her seat, moments before that plan turns real. Distributing the proof, all the people let sipping it, lead into their deal on adjourning the meeting. Seeing Tynie and Bobby out, Derek locks up, and rejoins his household. Noticing relieved smiles on everyone's faces, he lets one cross his, as they wait on word Tynie and Bobby got home safe. Nearly an hour later, Sam gets it, in a text that explains traffic caused the delay. Sending well wishes and understanding back, she puts her phone away. Raising her stare, Sam updates all the people by her, then lives out a repeat of how Bobby and Tynie ended their gathering. Clasping hands, every couple in that house heads to their areas, most of them aiming to have the private discussions they'd mentioned earlier. Secluded, no one from Sam to Karrigan knows, Bobby's debriefing his in laws. By Anita's advice, Sam's household won't find out, until they meet up in person again.
Aware of why, Tynie goes from hearing frustrated breaths, to quietly praying today ends peaceably. Discovering the concern in her eyes, her spouse lets her know, it's true for everyone by her. "Sis, you know what? Since you two devoted your day to helping them, on last minute notice, I'll get my baby to help me cover their next call out. We'd need you to cover our family's, though." Anita reconsiders. "No problem, sis." Tynie decrees. Taking his wife's phone off her side, Bobby uses it to let Sam know about the plan change, and give her Frank's number. "Thank them for me, will ya?" Sam replies. "You just did, Sam. Bobby nudged the text to speech feature on, but you didn't know, so it's fine." Frank explains. Craftily blending accepting that and wishing them a good night into the same reply, Sam gets the sentiment back.
Returning Tynie's phone to it's holster, Bobby escorts her through a reuse of their meeting-ending regimen. Closing themselves off, Bobby's guided through most of their usual day ending activities. Facing each other, they decide against being intimate, because of today's exhaustive pace. As for Frank and Anita, they let today wind down like normal. Cuddling up as they await slumber, Tynie, Bobby, Frank, and Anita join her kin, and Sam's household, in secretly discovering their night's been calm. However, the nature of today's events for most of them, leave a question nagging their minds. Namely:
Will we have to avert more crises, stemming from today's, anytime soon?